The rest of the month flies by like a blur... or at least it seems that way. The management of the tavern takes priority, with no other pressing matters at the moment and the Stone of Golorr's whereabouts unknown even to the highest powers of Waterdeep. Over the month of Flamerule, the team encounters several situations and puts their best foot forward (or tries to, in the case of Sigurd, who apparently has two left feet), including drinking contests and shenanigans involving the tavern's performing minstrels. The tavern turns an excellent profit of 400 gp at the end of the month while also maintaining its own costs. Also, Enigma receives a special request from the Order of the Even Handed and Patayan, his trainer, to visit the leader of the guild named Hlam up on Mount Waterdeep. What he learns or finds there is as of yet unknown... Additionally, Sigurd, through some lucky breaks, is able to find some incredible information about the mysterious Gai, whose real name is Supamu Gai Supamu, a wizard who had connections to the previous Blackstaff and also made it into the court of Dagult Neverember. Gai made the Stone of Golorr and also at one point handled the Dragonstaff of Ahghairon and was in contact with someone named "Aurinax" over it, but he went insane after prolonged contact with the stone, possibly having assassins sent by Dagult after him in the aftermath while being ousted from the Palace of Waterdeep, but obviously managed to escape and has been hiding in the city for unknown reasons since then. Perhaps he's trying to reconnect with his past creation... Elsewhere in Trollskull Alley, the following happens... Frewn's Brews hasn't been doing too well. Apparently, Istrid Horn (Yuan's Zhentarim money contact) and her thugs paid Emmek Frewn a visit and sacked the place when he was unable to pay some of his debts. Apparently, Istrid got personally involved after learning of Frewn's attempted sabotage toward her associate Yuan and took personal offense, making sure that the point was made not to make the mistake of crossing Davil's Zhentarim ever again. While Frewn's Brews somehow still remains running, it doesn't appear to be drawing in enough business to stay that way at the rate things are going. Tally's carpentry shop, The Bent Nail, has been the target of attempted vandalism and thefts during the last tenday of Flamerule. While nothing important was stolen or damaged, it was quite scary as some threatening letters were left informing Tally to pay 'a debt', but suddenly the threats and attacked stopped mysteriously toward the end of the month. The neighbors aren't sure what happened, but Tally ensured everyone that everything was fine and that the problem was 'dealt with'. It's unclear who Tally's mysterious benefactor was, and he isn't talking, but whoever it is, it's a good thing that they are watching out for everybody's favorite woodcarver. Fala also seems to be in on it, but they aren't saying much either. Preparations are underway for the Midsummer festival. Midsummer was a festival that celebrated love and music through feast. According to Sigurd, i t was a time when love advanced, and it was said the deities themselves took a hand to ensure good weather. If bad weather was experienced on this night it was considered an extremely bad omen. It also happens to be Ray's birthday, which might explain a lot about his general disposition and personality. What might be in store for our waterborne bard's special day? Additionally, the year 1492 is a leap year, which means the special extra day of Shieldmeet occurs right after Midsummer. Traditionally, according to Sigurd, the day was used for fairs, bazaars, musical and theatrical performances, and tournaments of skill and magical ability. Nobles usually held court to hear the petitions of their people and to make or renew trade pacts, alliances, and agreements, all across the continent. Following Shieldmeet is the month of Eleasis, or Highsun, and the first day of that month is the holiday called Ahghairon's Day, to honor the city's first Lord, Ahghairon. While the city maintained its civic operations, the Lord's Court would close and the Open Lord would visit local taverns and greet the city's citizens. They were greeted by toasts to the City's Lords and bards singing ballads to honor the "Old Mage" Ahghairon. Waterdhavians would leave violets at Ahghairon's Tower, the Plinth or at the various altars within the House of Wonder. While some unresolved issues linger in the background, as the war between the Xanathar's Guild and the Zhentarim continues and the Stone of Golorr and the Dragonstaff of Ahghairon remain unaccounted for, it seems everybody is in high spirits and doing well. Unless you're Emmek Frewn, at least. We return to Waterdeep to celebrate the Midsummer festival and Ray's birthday. Tune in next time to find out what happens, in Waterdeep: Dragon Heist!!