Episode 1: Of awkward introductions

Editors note: Some of these characters may sound familiar. As part of my break from blogging I am unable to catch up the older established storylines. However, my character in this game was killed and I'm using the introduction of the new character to resume the story in "present day". I'll attempt to clarify when/where needed. And on that note ... on to the story!

The woman wove her way gracefully through the market crowds, careful to not draw attention to herself or bump into anyone. The market items she is looking for is not in the public, respectable, areas of town anyway. But if you know what signs to look for, what clientele, you can find items of the less socially acceptable variety. After exploring the city of Waterdeep for a few days she's fairly certain she's found the right connection to find the right market, so today she's heading to that location to make that connection.

After making several turns she found herself further away from the city's bustling market zone and in more of a warehouse district. The building she's targeting is at the end of this avenue. They have a front of house manager and guards in uniforms. And some of their goods are a little more questionable than normal.

Arriving at the warehouse she finds the lackey in charge as ingratiating as ever. But after some back and forth with the toady and applying a little charm, she secured the invite she needed and took her leave.

Shortly after turning back onto a more major thoroughfare a human in the uniform of the guard from the establishment she just left. He attempts to get her to stop, but she dismisses him and continues on her way.

The next thing she knows there was a loud explosion from one of the alleyways apparently injuring the guard, and that same guard shoots her with a crossbow.

After a quick assessment of the situation - and the eyes on them - the human guard and the woman pop into a handy alleyway to get out of the public view. As they duck into the alleyway she overheard a couple of people watching the commotion go "see, told you it was a lover's quarrel" with a knowing nod to his companion.

Staring at each other for a moment, trying to decide enemy or not, they mutually agree that it's time to get out of this area. They needed disguises and a place to go to. So the guard offers to heal her and make her invisible while he put on a Kenku disguise. She tells him she's staying at the inn with the bull sign and they make their way to the inn uneventfully.

There they make their way to the corner booth with a good view of the door and have a seat across from each other eyeing each other. See, the Kenku is convinced she's part of something and she's rather irritated he shot her. She's also still of the belief that he works for the toady she just left's organization.

"And why do you think I'm part of some deception or plot that I'm unaware of? And does your master know you're going against his wishes?"

Very bluntly the Kenku responds with "It's important for you to know that he is not my master. I have reason to believe he is not to be trusted and I am hoping you will help me unravel this. Until you revealed your willingness to work with me, I had to assume the worst. If you can assure me that you will be cooperative, we can continue. I will give you one opportunity to leave now, no questions asked."

Condescendingly responding to him "You came up on me after a loud explosion of some kind dressed in the manner that states you are in the employ of that snake of a human, why would I not think he was your master? And why do you disguise yourself as a Kenku of all creatures? We are definitely not willing to work with you as yet, but do want to know your concern, and as such I will not harm you for now."

He responds with "I assume you are not his ally then? I will reveal more of my purpose if we can continue as allies. We appear to at least be aligned to some level." And he holds out his hand for a handshake.

With a soft chuckle she responds "When dealing with black market sorts ally is a, what is the word, relative term. He is a tool to be used, as he would use me if the roles were reversed. We've conducted our business, and now I have other business to attend to. Perhaps this is one of those 'enemy of my enemy' moments?" At this point she kind of stares at the Kenku for a moment, head tilted, then reaches out her hand to shake.

After the shake he continues the questioning "Before I continue, I must ask. What is the intent of the letter you received? I am not here to judge, just hoping to understand your relationship with him."

"It is something I require to do my task at hand. My relationship with that toad should be fairly obvious by now - he was a tool I did business with to continue my task. Why does this concern you?"

Lowering his head, not getting the information he was hoping for. "Fine. I'll go first. My goal is to learn more about an underground slave trading system believed to be related to this individual. Does this relate to your 'task'?"

"Fascinating. And what business do you have with a slave trader? Planning on shooting them as well? Or are you looking for staff for wherever you call home? But yes, this does relate to my current task."

"Shooting might be the outcome. But now is the time to learn the in's and out's of their operation. I, and my allies, desire to take it down." responds the Kenku.

With a wry grin she responds "Information is good, this is true. I do not care one way or the other if it continues to operate. You squash one bug another appears. But -- she pauses here and head tilts for a moment -- I too am interested in their operation at this point. Which is why I procured an invitation to tonight's festivities."

"Well. I have been as transparent with you as I can be. What is your intention tonight?"

"To gather information on the slave operation, much like you are. Perhaps find out the bigger, hhmm, bug in this operation and go from there. Things like this always have a being in charge."

"Sounds like we could benefit in joining forces. Would you be willing to meet with my comrades and discuss this further in a more private location?"

With this her eyebrows shoot straight up ".Comrades? Maybe. I will warn you, I may have refrained from retaliation out on the street as it would have drawn even more unwelcome attention. But I am not defenseless and I will not hesitate to defend myself if you and your comrades prove to be of ill-intent. If that is an acceptable condition I will meet."

A few moments later the rest of his comrades arrive and realize quickly they were once again drawing a lot of attention. See, one of his comrades is a large gregarious humanoid hippo. Tis hard to hide. But apparently gregarious knows the proprietor, flags him down, requests food and a private meeting room. The proprietor quickly sets us up with a private dining room, food, and drink.

And they got to the business of introducing themselves.

The gregarious humanoid hippo is Quinn, and his species is called a Gif. He carries a large hollow stick that somehow is a weapon.

The Kenku introduces himself as Luthis, and he is clearly sporting the holy symbol of Mystra.

There is also a blue tabbymese Tabaxi who appears to be a sorcerer. Quite the chatty catty that one. His name is Dancing Wind.

Rounding out the original party is a human, clearly a druid of some variety, and he introduces himself as Morlech.

The woman introduces herself as Luna, she appears to be unarmed but hints that she has magical capabilities.

And that was the end of 3 or so sessions worth of information. More shortly!