Session 03: This is Knot Tinder

Having recently arrived in the grand city of Waterdeep, the eclectic band of adventurers found themselves at the start of a new opportunity. Their potential patron, a mysterious Mr. Sterling, had left instructions for them to visit a shop called The Knotted Rope and spend freely; he would cover the tab.

Eager to equip themselves for whatever task lay ahead, the group made their way through the winding streets, whistling to attract the attention of a helpful urchin guide. Soon they arrived at the intriguing rope shop, marveling at the intricate system of knots and pulleys adorning every surface. They were warmly welcomed by the proprietress, Miss Bess, who gleefully confirmed their line of credit from Mr. Sterling.

As they perused the wares, conversations sprang up between the unlikely companions. The elderly dwarf Thalmiir tried to engage the firbolg Pebblesong about her dwarven ancestry, but she had little interest or knowledge of her origins, having been raised by firbolgs. Meanwhile, Bartholemeow the bard and Hat the goblin, both originally from the feywild, bonded over their shared homeland and powers.

While the shopping continued, Miss Bess asked, with increasing boldness, for the party to help set up a date between her and the mysterious Mr. Sterling, with whom she had been unsuccessfully flirting for years. Flustered but willing, the group agreed to pass along her request.

The drow Waer’dara was enthralled by the web-like arrangement of ropes covering the shop. Before departing, she could not resist scuttling up and down them before the group left, imagining herself a spider, while Miss Bess politely looked the other way.

Once their shopping was complete, Bartholemeow set out to earn some coin with his new instruments, bringing Thalmiir and others along to a nearby inn. There he regaled the afternoon patrons with songs and tales, earning a pittance in tips. The spritely goblin Hat couldn’t resist continuing to surreptitiously torment the poor dwarf, using magic to make his ale mysteriously reek of fish. Stern dwarven expressions finally convinced the prankster to stop.

As evening approached, the adventurers made their way to the appointed meeting place, The Cracked Crate. Excitement grew when a handsome tiefling emerged to usher them inside, for they knew Mr. Sterling awaited them within. What mysterious proposal would he offer? The course of their destinies was about to shift, leading to fortune or folly. Their grand adventure in Waterdeep was truly underway.