Into the Gray

Session Summary

After incredulous judgement from Wash, we decide to meet Hedvika at his mansion, which Star wishes to do because he wants to save Valdethirsk. Wash advises us to dress nicely and we decide to go to the mansion that evening together. Star stealthily follows Wash and Kai, who proceed to try obtaining blueprints and receipts about Hedvika's mansion and business operations, but do not get a specific blueprint they were after. Pharèl picks up work at the Flank n Shank. Twinkletoes hangs out at the Gendry Theater and offers to volunteer there. That evening we meet Hedvika at his mansion, where he asks for our help to help him convince the authorities in Gendry to keep Valdethirsk running, because he earns a good profit from the mining operations. He asks us to guard the town, but we decline. Wash talks Hedvika into giving us each 100gp for our efforts defending it already. We all leave, except for Star, who chats with Hedvika about Kai. Star then lays the groundwork for building a work relationship with Hedvika here in town.

Log

We meet Arachne at the inn and head to go be social at the mansion. First we go to Kai’s house to find Wash and let him know we’re headed out.

Wash hears our plan and stares at us very blankly for a long time. “If that’s what you want to do, go ahead.”

Elzira asks what our goal is on this trip. Me and Twinkletoes shrug and say we were just tagging along.

Star explains he wants help saving Valdethirsk and this was the man who founded it.

Wash suggests waiting until dinner so he has time to get his act together. He recommends we get dressed nicely for this visit. We decide to meet at the house around 6pm. Wash and Kai head off to the Gendry Town Hall. Star waits for a minute and jumps into stealth to follow them.

I head over to the restaurant, walking with them.

Elzira continues looking for people who practice magic and then to the inn to get into fancy clothes.

Arachne goes back to the inn for more meditation.

I’m able to use my wit and charm to smooth-talk my way into a job at the kitchen in Flank n Shank. They’re excited to have someone who’s excited for work. They’ll be pretty flexible on hours. I say that I’ll be available starting the next day. Breakfast shift starts at 5:30am. The Chef’s name is Chef Linguine. 

Elzara also goes back to the in for a short baby nap. 

Twinkletoes goes to the Gendry Theater. There is a large crowd of people gathered around tables. It looks like an event. Many different games are being played. The most popular is a card game (like the Magic Gathering), along with board games like chess. People are placing small, casual bets. It appears to be a fun gathering rather than a tournament. 

She looks for someone who looks like they have authority. There seem to be a few people standing at vantage points, generally keeping an eye out on things. Her intuition says that they’re mostly making sure things run smoothly.

She approaches them and tells them she’s new in town but will be around for a bit, and ask what’s going on.

“Oh! This is just, well most places don’t use theater spaces like this. But we use this space for general get togethers and public meetups. If nothing is scheduled, it’s open to the public. It’s the most popular place for people to meet, play games, and have fun. Sometimes if there’s a tournament it happens here. Usually if people have meetings they come here. We do indeed have shows, but it’s used for a lot more than just standard theater.” 

“How often do you have shows? Is it music? Stage?” 

“Usually stage shows, though music performances do happen here. Performances happen about once every two or three months, each time a new show that runs for about a month.” 

She volunteers her services to help around the theater. They take down her information. They tell her about the board with the information about when the theater is available. 

Stealth-boi is following Wash and Kai. He sees that Wash does go to the town hall with Kai. They walk in. They approach the town hall clerk, Tasha. Kai asks about blueprints to the mansion and whether he could borrow those because they want to contact the owner and it has the correct information. Kai heads back into the building after getting nods from Tasha.

Kai comes back about five minutes later. Wash asks Tasha if there’s any known groups associated with the mansion. She says the man associated is very interested in keeping Valdethirsk going. She’s saying he wasn’t interested in anything shady. He asks whether the high security over there is usual. 

Wash says they should go back. He asks Kai if he got the financials, and receives an affirmative.

Back at the house they’re going over blueprints, receipts, etc. so what Star hears is the rustling of paper, and discussing boring details of the paperwork. They are disappointed they didn’t get specific blueprints they wanted. ^4347e8

They begin to move to get ready to go somewhere else to find the missing blueprints. Wash follows Kai to the secondary location. It is behind the Kokorun Smithy, called Anastasia Housing. Wash doesn’t go inside.

After about 5 minutes, Kai pops out and says something in a low voice to Wash. Star is able to read lips. Kai says they can’t hold onto the blueprints and he doesn’t have paper to copy to. He goes back in for another few minutes and comes back out. He and Wash head back towards Kai’s house.

It's 6pm and everyone is coming back to the house.

Twinkletoes and Elzira come back looking a bit nicer. I look a mess. I ask if I can borrow anything, and use the wash basin. 

Elzara and Arachne look about the same, perhaps better rested.

Star does a funny loop around to suddenly appear. “What a good practice session in the woods!”

Kai wishes us luck as we head out. It’s about 7pm when we arrive at the mansion. 

We arrived at the front gate situation. We can see that there are guards on duty. The one next to the gate takes note of the people standing in front of it. He heads up to the gate and asks “Did you have business with Hedvika?”

“Why yes my good fella,” Wash says. “We just came from Valdethirsk and are aware of the problems, we wanted to see what we could do to help.”

Star is quietly telling Elzara about what he witnessed during his stealth mission.

“I do believe I heard Hedvika wanted to talk to you all if you are who you claim you are.” the guard muses and goes to see whether Hedvika is available.

The guard leaves and comes back, telling us that we have a few minutes to wait to find out. 

I mention that the food was alright. 

“Not burnt down,” says Wash.

“I understand that there are problems with goblins.”

Star interjects, “No problems with goblins, but owlbears.”

The guard is surprised and impressed, and expresses concern.

Suddenly someone comes out and says he’ll have us in. 

The guard opens the gate and lets us in. He wishes us luck and warns us that usually Hedvik wants something in return.

As we enter, there are ornate decorations. 

It’s all very rich and fancy looking. There is a massive entrance area. The person leads us to a side room. Inside, we see a man introduced as Hedvika. We are introduced as the adventurers he wants to see. There is a small round table with a goblet, he is sitting down in a big comfy chair sipping from it. 

RETCON: Arachne instantly is not digging Hedvika upon seeing he is a High Elf.

“I’m so happy you came to look for me! I was actually hoping you could help me out. I was about to look for you soon.”

Wash says something witty. 

Hedvika says he is personally invested in Valdethirsk’s continued operation and success. He wants our help convincing the town it should continue running. 

Star offers his help and asks what Hedvik’s interest is. 

“I get the profit from the mines happening there, because I founded it. It is quite profitable for me indeed. It would be quite unfortunate if the town gets shut down.” 

Star says, “Well I’m okay with the town folk, the biggest issue you might run into is the issues with owlbears.” 

Wash says it’s weird that there’s practically no defense down in Valdethirsk despite there being an army here in a relatively peaceful town. 

Hedvika offers us to go be guards stationed there.

Wash personally declines, saying that he’d be open to short-term deals but not long-term contracts. We are adventurers after all. I am nodding in agreement. 

Star suggests to get some more permanent minded people out there.

Hedvika is disappointed and jokes about not being able to force us to go. He asks us why we came.

Star says something about this being Wash’s idea. Wash stares hard at him. 

Wash speaks up and says we mostly wanted to help out, and even suggests a back pay for the heroes of Valdethirsk. 

Hedvika chuckles, “I see how it is. Would 100gp each make you feel rewarded?”

Wash says, “Gauging by the room, I’d say that feels mighty fine.” 

Hedvika snaps his fingers, juicely. Somebody runs into the room. He tells them to get 100gp for each fine guest. #income

The person returns with a small bag for each of us, containing 100gp.

Wash thanks him for his generosity and asks whether we could take a tour of the mansion. Hedvika declines and says maybe after the fate of Valdethirsk has been decided.

 Star goes to Hedvika. He says, “I have information that might be very useful for helping convince the villagers to keep open.” 

“Oh, and what would that be?”

Star says he wants to speak privately.

Hedvika invites us to leave so that he can speak to Star privately. As we head out, his workers ask for our names and where to find us. 

I am not suspicious and give my name and that I’m staying at the Lazy Bear. So does Elzira.

Wash gives his name and lies to say he’s staying at the Lazy Bear. 

They write the information down, seemingly for reference in case they need us later.

Wash tries to detect monstrosities. He does not sense anything.

Star stays to talk. The rest of us go back to finish out the night and rest. Before we head back, Wash tells us that a rich man who doesn’t want to show his acquired wealth is highly suspicious. We loiter around the outside waiting for Star. The guards do not seem concerned with us doing this.

In private. Star says he wanted to share things that are more personal to himself.

“What do you know about Kai? I haven’t seen any dark elves in this area and I’ve been around here for a few weeks.”

“Kai? A dark elf? Do you know what he does for a living?”

“No, I was hoping you’d tell me. I know he’s a sort of archaeologist.”

“Archaeology. Hm. How do you know this Kai?”

“Just from a job, I just want to know more about him and where he’s from.” 

“I might be able to look into him for you. If you want to come back in a few days, I’ll have somebody get you more information. What was your name again?”

“You can just call me Star.”

“You’re a dark elf yourself, no?”

“I’m partially dark elf, but that’s a long story.”

“Fair enough, don’t gotta tell me. See if I can’t dig up some resources on this Kai. Let your friends know you’re all welcome here. I wanna keep you all happy.” 

“Well, thank you. It’s a really nice place you have. Did you buy it, or did you build it yourself?”

“Hah! I didn’t build it myself but I did have it built from scratch.”

“Did you move in with the town? Or the town with you?”

“I moved into this town. I particularly like the arts they have here. It’s nice to be able to go to the theater.”

Star suggests that he has a friend who is a performer, and it might be possible to do these arts for him in his home.

Hedvika is interested to see more of our skills.

Star takes his leave. 

“Thanks for waiting, guys! Wash, are you heading back to the house with Kai or going for drinks tonight?”

Wash says he’ll pop back to the house but wouldn’t mind a drink or two.

Star asks to meet for drinks later that night.

Wash says “That man is very obviously a northern noble, not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s obviously something he’s looking for. Again, nothing I can prove, just food for thought for y’all.”  ^d3b987

Star mentions that’s what he wants to talk about later that night. He waits for Wash to walk away.

Star says to us: “It’s very obvious that I don’t trust Kai. He’s a dark elf. I know I’m also half dark elf. My kind is not always easy to trust. I’m glad you guys trust me. I’m sure some of you don’t even know I’m half Drow. I think I’ve found a way to get us in good with Hedvika. Twinkletoes, you like performing?”

“Yeah?”

“How would you like to perform for Mr. Hedvika. It might give you good pay for your performance and keep getting us in good for more information. Does anyone else have cool skills?”

I joke about pan flute. Then suggest cooking.

Star says he wants to talk with Wash about it. He tells us about having followed Kai and Wash before and what he saw. “I don’t know if we’re working for the good guys or the bad guys yet, but it’s good to stay safe and find more information about the people we’re working for and what they’re really looking for.” 

It’s around 9 or 10pm. Elzira is disappointed he can’t buy a book. 

Before heading to bed at the inn, I head up to the clerk and tell them not to expect this always and slide over 1gp as a tip to thank her for all her help while we’ve been staying here. She is extremely grateful. #relationships #costs

Session Summary

• Collect Arachne, head to Kai’s house.

• After determining our goal to visit Hedvika is to save Valdethirsk, all agree to head to the mansion together at 6pm.

• 2 hours of downtime

  • I get a flexible job at the Flank n Shank under Chef Linguine
  • Elzira changes clothes
  • Arachne meditates at inn, Elzara naps at inn
  • Twinkletoes visits the theater and gets connected there
  • Star follows Kai and Wash
  • Kai and Wash acquire blueprints and financial records about Hedvika at Anastasia Housing

• Everyone but Kai goes to visit Hedvika.

• Guards greet us and arrange for us to go inside

• The mansion is giant and lavish. We meet Hedvika in a side room. We learn:

  • Hedvika is a high elf.
  • Hedvika makes a huge profit off of Valdethirsk.
  • We are offered a job as permanent guards in Valdethirsk. (Declined.)
  • Wash suggests he sends some of his existing army to guard Valdethirsk.
  • Wash reminds him of the heroic services we’ve already provided.
  • Hedvika pays us each 100gp in a silk bag with a silk bow.
  • Hedvika declines to give us a tour.
  • Star stays behind for a private chat; asks Hedvika to research Kai.

• Wash points out how suspicious Hedvika is.

• Outside again, Star tells everyone but Wash that he does not trust Kai.

• Star lays the groundwork for us to do in-town activities for Hedvika.

• Elzira is sad the General Store is closed because he wants to buy books.

• I tip the Lazy Bear innkeeper 1gp.

Meta Information

Side note: Whenever I get the chance, I get into the habit of refilling my flask when I find unwatched casks of alcohol. 

• Ask Hedvika about throwing a festival with food, wine, entertainment ✅ 2022-08-17
• Buy Fine Clothes, Chefs Uniform, maybe Ink ✅ 2022-08-17
• Convince Hedvika to give me wine (cheap barrel is worth 15gp) ✅ 2022-08-17