Quietly infiltrating the crowd, the freetime-laden Myn asks around about the speaker and his aims.

Streetwise:http://orokos.com/roll/309694

This isn't the first time Myn has seen this man--this is Renaer Neverember, the son of Dagult Neverember, the Open Lord of Waterdeep. The two are known to have tenuous relationship, though currently Lord Dagult Neverember resides in Neverwinter and has not appeared in Waterdeep for some time.

Renear, on the other hand, has lately become something of a political mover-and-shaker within the community of Waterdeep as of late. Notably, he seems very against holding up adventurers (including the six who defeated the Fell King) as heroes to the city, and instead tells the populace that Waterdeep should become more isolationist and look to the needs of their own people first, and to oppose the political urgings from some of the other politicians to re-establish the old Lords' Alliance.

When Myn begins questioning the crowd, it isn't long before he feels a hand on his shoulder, and turns to find a peculiar figure attempting to get his attention. It is a humanoid woman with reddish-pink skin and fiendish features that are mostly hidden behind behind a hooded brown cloak. She smiles at the warlock and asks, "The lord's son is an... interesting man, yes?" She seems to be making it rather obvious to the half-elf that she's not quite saying what she means here.

>>77143

"If he should incite the city into casting out the adventurers amidst a hail of stones, perhaps at that point I might consider him 'interesting'."

With a slight gesture, Myn deploys his invisible minion to stealthily blow air into the noble's ear.

"I don't suppose you sought me out to discuss the lord's son, however. Miss...?"

The tiefling woman addresses Myn with a slight smirk as she replies, "Vanafer. Call me Vanafer." She casts a casual look at the crowd, then says, "Actually what I have to discuss with you... is better suited to a secluded locale. Perhaps we should relocate, yes?" Without waiting for a reply, she begins to steadily walk towards a nearby alleyway.

Not particularly concerned with the possibility of foul play, Myn nonetheless recalls his imp and sends it to scout the other end of the alley as he follows the woman. The owlbear runs ahead of its own volition, sniffing the tiefling curiously.

The tiefling woman doesn't seem particularly bothered by the owlbear's curiosity, and the imp flies ahead of Myn to scout the end of the alleyway. However, he only has to follow her a short distance away from the crowd and into the alley before she turns and begins speaking again, "I know you are one of the six adventurers who confronted and defeated the Fell King. Let me get straight to the point, yes? There is an opening on the council of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. I represent an interested party on the council.... whose identity cannot be made known. However, there are many who believe having someone of... power and status on the council would be beneficial."

At this, the woman folds her arms and lets he gaze drift back towards the outspoken, garish noble in the street beyond the alley. "The Masked Lords are very unhappy with Lord Neverember, the frequently absent open lord of the city--his negligence has caused the city all sorts of problems. The party I represent believes he shall be unseated soon... but before that, there are those among the Masked Lords who wish to, how shall I say, express our displeasure with the absent Lord Neverember. If, for example, a powerful individual could send a powerful message to the Open Lord of the city, I am certain that their appointment as one of the Masked Lords would be assured." Her eyes drift back to fixate on Myn, and she adds, "If you are interested, that is."

"Council systems are wastefully inefficient, but this one's offer deserves a minimal degree of praise, I suppose. That is, if it's legitimate."

Myn's demeanor becomes somewhat more affable.

"I cannot say my interest hasn't been piqued, Miss Vanafer. However, by what reasoning did you choose to contact me, rather than my companion the shaman who remained in the city as well?"

Tiefling insight lore:http://orokos.com/roll/310040

Insight: Myn does not detect any outright deception on the part of the tiefling, though the obvious impression he receives from her is that she is attempting to say as little as possible while still being persuasive.

"Ah, yes," Vanafer replies, nodding thoughtfully. "Perhaps this would be of interest to you as well... Waterdeep's city watch recently apprehended some disreputable folk that, after some questioning, were found to be connected to the Red Wizards of Thay." She adopts a wicked grin as she continues, "They revealed much to... the party I represent... through a rather thorough and intense interrogation. This is how it was judged that you among the party possessed the... unique qualifications we felt would benefit the council the most, yes?" He expression slips slightly as she elaborates, "Recent events have shown that the Sword Coast has grown too complacent and comfortable in recent times. We feel a shake-up would be very beneficial to Waterdeep... and provide opportunities for profit and power to all involved."

>>77150

"So that's what happened to those gnats."

"Understandable logic, I suppose. In that case, let's say that you have my cooperation, Miss Vanafer. Of course, I will need to hear the details when possible."

"Of course," Vanafer says, nodding and smiling once more. She keeps her voice so low that it is almost a whisper as she explains, "We can provide you with access to Renaer's residence tonight... and it will be arranged so that security is minimal. The rest is in your hands, my capable friend. Someone will contact you soon, yes?" With that much said, she moves to walk past Myn back into the city proper.

Myn returns to his room at the inn, musing over the implications of the recent encounter.

"It seems to be prudent to assume one of three possibilities. The plot may be as it appears, which would be most convenient. There's the chance that the Open Lord Dagult has set this up to remove his son, whom he doesn't have good relations with, while removing himself completely from suspicion. The most sinister circumstance would have Renear arranging his own assassination, leading me into a trap and using the incident to further his nonsensical tirade against adventurers. If the target weren't a detestable noble, I might consider exercising more caution, but the opportunity is rather rare."

Myn resolves to kill the rest of the lords as well should the situation go south, and reads a book as he waits for the contact.

Last edited at 15/07/20(Mon)14:04:56

The female tiefling departs, seeming to disappear almost instantly upon entering the crowd still gathered around Neverember's son. Shortly thereafter, Myn's imp lazily flies back into view and reports, "Nothin' unusual ta report, boss. The coast was clear."

As the half-elf rests at the inn while reading, he finds himself a few hours into the book before a tapping is heard on the window outside. As Myn looks towards the window, he sees a raven perched in the windowsill.

>>77154

Myn trades the imp for the raven, tossing the former out the window and examining the latter for a note.

When Myn opens the window in order to toss the hapless imp outside, a whisper emanates from the raven's moving beak, "Outside the inn. Follow the black cat. The guards have been bribed and will allow you inside. All that is left is to head out."

It did not seem as if the bird itself spoke, it is as though the words were transmitted through the animal to Myn. The warlock easily recognizes this magical effect as an animal messenger--the product of ritual magic. Upon dispensing the message, the raven flies away, cawing as it does so.

Myn frowns, expecting a proper humanoid informant to question. He nonetheless follows the instructions, leaving the inn and searching for a cat. He has the imp circle overhead invisibly to check for followers.

When Myn exits the inn, he spots a black cat waiting patiently by the door. When it spots the warlock, it regards him with an intelligence not found in any animal, leading the half-elf to believe it is perhaps an arcane familiar. As the black cat heads north towards the North Ward, the home of the nobility, Myn's imp rejoins him, muttering various curses and blasphemies as it does so.

Myn follows, yet doubly displeased that 'black cat' wasn't a metaphor for some costumed informer to question.

The North Ward is a significant change in scenery from the south--the roads here are paved with cobblestone, for one. The buildings also tend to be wider rather than tall, and of good craftsmanship. The black cat appears to avoid roadways that appear to be still populated by people, though it is now dusk and most are indoors by this hour.

Eventually, the cat and the warlock come to one of the smaller residences--though still quite large compared to what passed for a home in the South Ward. It is quite far on the north side of the city, and Castle Waterdeep is visible on the horizon here. The mansion looks to be only one story, and is made of white stone with blueish-purple accents, which is also the coloring of the roof. There are quite a few windows, and only one guard can be seen--a member of the City Watch, by his look. He seems to be ignoring Myn, though there is little doubt that he should have seen the half-elf's approach if he had been paying attention at all.

The cat stops moving outside the stone wall. There is an arch leading through the wall to the residence proper, which the guard stands beside. There is a metal gate that would normally block entry, but it appears to be open. The wall is sheer and would be difficult (though not impossible) to scale.

>>77160

Myn has the imp scout the windows for sign of his designated target as he walks up to speak to the guard.

"Good evening. Is the master of the house in?"

"Lord Renaer is at home. He is likely reading in his study. He does so love his books," comes the guard's reply. Judging by his posture, his ears, and his build, you would believe he is an elf, and he carries a sword and shield. Neither weapon nor shield are drawn, and he remains standing by the ten-foot high stone arch, standing with his arms crossed and not facing Myn.

A few moments later, Myn's imp returns, reporting that the only humanoid in the household visible from the window is indeed the same Renaer Neverember he saw earlier, sitting at a desk and surrounded by books in a cozy-looking library-like area.

>>77162

"Good. Please call him to the door, if it wouldn't be any trouble. I have an important matter to discuss with him."

The guard nods in reply, then walks up the path towards the manor gate. He knocks on the door, then says something to Renaer when the lord opens the door. A moment later, Lord Renaer Neverember walks up the path towards the stone arch to meet with Myn.

He stops about six feet short of the half elf, and looks at the half-elf thoughtfully. "You. Haven't I seen you somewhere before?"

It is at this point that the lord's thoughtful gaze gives way to wariness and nervousness, as if he's noticing that the guard did not follow him up the path to the stone arch, and that there are less guards around than there probably should be.

>>77164

"Good evening, Mister Renaer. My name is Myn Nthelsyr, one of the adventurers you may be familiar with. Your recent activities in mind, you may find that somewhat concerning, but I can assure you that I have no interest in the opinion the city holds of us, and my visit today is of a different, pressing nature."

Myn maintains a polite, calming tone, smiling reassuringly.

"You may have noticed a certain tension in the surroundings, and in order to make you aware of this I called for you rather than come to the door myself. That being said, it would be prudent to discuss this matter behind securely closed doors, I believe."

Diplomacy:http://orokos.com/roll/310272

"Pressing matter? Behind closed doors? What is the nature of what you wish to discuss?" Renaer replies, somewhat relaxed by Myn's seemingly amicable nature yet still a bit wary. "It seems unlikely that I would have pressing business to discuss with a mercenary such as yourself, but I am willing to hear you out..."

>>77166

"I feel it unwise to discuss the details until we have made our way into the manor, but..."

Myn makes a show of slowly surveying the surroundings as he talks.

"...in short, the matter concerns your personal safety, Mister Renaer, hence my urgency. I did not wish to alarm you, but your cooperation would be very beneficial at this point."

Myn gestures to the house.

Bluff to convince of pure intentions:http://orokos.com/roll/310390

Renaer seems convinced by Myn, though he wears a troubled expression as he walks back towards his residence, his hand on one chin and his face down in thought. He gestures for the half-elf to follow.

>>77168

Myn follows, leaving his imp to stealthily stand watch outside and signal him in the event of new arrivals. He stops briefly near the guard.

"Thank you for summoning Mister Renaer and allowing us our private conversation. It is unlikely that more assistance will be required, and unsightly should I keep you from your post any longer."

Myn beckons the guard away and waits for the noble to enter the building.

The guard gives Myn a little faux-salute, then heads back to his post. Renaer stands in the foyer of his manor home, which is somewhat quaint and sparsely decorated, with doors leading into the living area and study. Renaer makes no move to close the door, and simply stands about six feet inside, looking Myn over. He finally says, "So? What is it you wanted to discuss?"

Myn enters, closing the door behind him. He suppresses his disdain for the poor display of hospitality and addresses the noble in a similar manner as prior, waiting until the guard's footsteps become inaudible to begin.

"You may not be aware of this, Mister Renaer, but adventurers such as my companions and I are often exposed, by nature of our status as outsiders or our exceptional detective abilities, to knowledge of political ploys that may not be apparent to those within the system. While I cannot reveal my sources, I have uncovered one such machination: a plot to end the life of Renaer Neverember in order to send a poignant message to his father."

Myn pauses, to give his message a moment to sink in, and to observe the reaction.

Renaer twists his face into something between confusion and disgust. "Kill me? To get at my father? That's absurd. It probably would hurt him, yes, but my father and I are hardly very amicable these days. He isn't even here." He begins to pace, and wonders aloud, "Tell me more. I do not know who could possibly benefit from such an arrangement."

>>77172

"Given what I heard, your reaction mirrors my thoughts exactly, but I can nonetheless assure you that the plot is very real. As it is, I'd like to ask you the names of any enemies you may be aware of, political or personal, as well as any your father may have. Ah, and while the implications may be yet darker, the names of any allies of yours that might advance their positions in the event of your death could be beneficial."

"This reaction does seem unlikely for one who engineered his own assassination, although it would be wasteful to assume on that matter quite yet."

The rather blatant attempt by Myn to interrogate the noble puts Renaer briefly on guard, and he stops pacing to regard Myn with a level stare. However, the warlock's earlier bluff still seems to have him in the noble's good graces, so he replies, "That is a difficult set of questions. While my father and I have had our disagreements, there is no power struggle between us, and he would have little reason to kill me. The only real obvious enemy I can remember making would be Khondar Naomal, but he was killed. As for allies... I have recently refounded the Moonstars along with Laraelra Harsard, Meloon Wardragon, Vajra Safahr, and Eiruk Weskur, but I do not believe any of them would benefit from my death--it is not as though I hold power over them. If it's really just a way to get at my father... well, he has countless enemies." He looks down slightly as he continues, "Lord Dagult Neverember is not a popular man in these parts of the Sword Coast, though he is well-regarded further north. Still, to be honest, I have little information on his recent activities, except for the fact that he is not here."

>>77174

Myn engineers a troubled facade as he makes a mental note of the names.

"I wonder if perhaps your father's enemies may be overestimating your closeness, then... I have not heard the name Khondar Naomal before. Under what circumstances was he killed?"

The warlock ensures that his tone carries no hint of an accusatory hidden meaning to the question.

"It's a long story. To make it short, I helped to rescue Vajra from him, and afterwards, he entered the sealed tower of Ahghairon. While he was inside, Vajra summoned spectral hounds, which tore the rings that he used to disable the tower's wards from his hands, trapping him inside the tower. As I understand it, he was eventually chased down and killed by the spectral hounds, and to this day, the hounds chase his animated skeleton around the tower. ...While his remains became animated, I do not believe they possess any actual intelligence," the noble explains, looking a bit weirded out by his own explanation of events.

>>77176

"What."

"...I suppose that would eliminate him as a suspect."

Myn appears pensive for a moment.

"It seems I have little choice but to investigate further on my own. There may be some ramification to your demise not immediately apparent to either of us. If possible, I would like to return here in two days time to discuss my findings, should there be any."

Last edited at 15/07/22(Wed)22:55:56

"I can have some friends look into this as well..." Renaer replies, crossing his arms. "Perhaps we could meet in a different locale however. Say, the Thirsty Sailor's Tavern in the Dock Ward, in two days at dawn?"

>>77178

"Avoiding being alone with me, is he."

"The location is acceptable, but while the culprit is unknown, it may be safer to limit the number of people aware that you know of the plot. If the perpetrator were to hear of it, perhaps they may panic and take drastic action."

Bluff:http://orokos.com/roll/310943

Renaer face scrunches up, and he doesn't look quite convinced by the half-elf's attempt to do so. However, he is still willing to make some concessions, it seems, "I do not have any intention of advertizing the fact that I am in danger--I need to confirm the details of that at any rate. I do, however, have some friends that can help me... I did have allies in rescuing Vajra from Khondar, as I am little more than a scholar. An small retinue of bodyguards should suffice to keep me safe. It is merely strange that very few are around tonight... I'm going to have some stern words with the captain of the Watch after this."

>>77180

Myn smiles reassuringly.

"Understood. Then, I shall take my leave. I wish you luck in remaining safe until our next meeting, Mister Renaer."

Myn moves to exit the mansion.

Renaer watches Myn go, and says one last thing as the warlock moves to exit, "If this turns out to be true... you have my thanks, adventurer."

Myn faces no obstacles or opposition in departing, though the sole guard on the premises seems a bit surprised when he moves to leave.

Myn nods pleasantly to the noble, and feigns obliviousness to the guard's reaction as he leaves, leisurely walking back to his room at the inn. He opens a window, pulling a chair next to it as he reads his book and waits for contact.

Hours pass, and Myn goes the entire night without any contact coming in the inn. In the morning, he finds a unmarked, unaddressed letter sitting in the windowsill when he goes to close it. The envelope seems to contain something large and round, as there is a prominent bulge in the center, and it lies there in the windowsill face-up.

>>77184

"Is it possible that they still don't understand?"

Myn lethargically opens the envelope and examines the contents.

The envelope contains two things: a short letter, and an unremarkable, shaped rock that seems to serve only as a paperweight. The letter is written in a rather plain and simple style, though the script speaks to one with a noble education:

It would seem you have either failed the task assigned to you or have decided not to accept our offer. Very well. In either case, should you still wish to pursue this opportunity, one of our agents will be waiting at the City Watch headquarters from this morning until mid-afternoon. Hopefully this informant will provide whatever information you need. This will be our last contact, until such a time that the objective is accomplished. The magical ink on this parchment will fade when you finish reading.

Sure enough, as Myn reads the message, the enchanted ink fades from the paper it is written upon.

>>77186

"I suppose that's a passing grade, although it's questionable whether this is the extent of their information-gathering capabilities."

Tossing the rock out the window, Myn heads to the described meeting point.

The headquarters of the City Watch is not difficult to find, it is clearly marked by street signs nearby once Myn enters the Trades Ward. The building seems largely deserted, and the few guards that are milling about outside the building don't so much as give Myn a glance as he heads inside.

Once in the foyer, the set of double doors shuts behind the warlock, and he finds himself alone in the small, windowless room with a short figure wearing a black cloak. The figure stands only about three and a half feet tall, and when Myn notices the creature's face, the fey features indicate that it is a gnomish male. He has a curly black mustache and dark glasses covering his eyes. "Greetings on behalf of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep. I am called Sifodyus, and I am here to answer any questions you might have." Without waiting for a reply, the gnome nods, then continues, "We are given to understand that your earlier meeting with lord Renaer did not bear fruit. Later this afternoon, we expect him to arrive at this very building in order to discuss something with the captain of the City Watch, before he heads to the locale Arcanimus branch in order to contact his allies. Once his allies arrive, success for our task will become all but impossible. Did you have any concerns?"

>>77188

"Better."

"One might say as much, Mister Sifodyus. To start, although a minor issue, I would like to be informed of the precise intent behind targeting Renaer. I was told that the goal was to send a message to his father, but I've gathered that his demise would be a rather inefficient way to accomplish that."

"Ah, that," Sifodyus replies, turning away from Myn. "Walk with me." As the two pass through a doorless passage into a circular hall that extends around the headquarters, the gnome begins to provide quite a bit of exposition for Myn, "It is true that the Lord Neverember and his son are somewhat estranged. However, they are still family." Shaking his head slightly, the gnome adds, "It is likely that soon Dagult Neverember will be ousted as the Open Lord of the city. By having his son removed at the same time, the Masked Lords hope to discourage any thoughts he might have of returning to contest this decision. But as you have surmised, this is not the only reason we wish for Renear to be removed with such expedience." Sifodyus looks up, and a thoughtful expression crosses his face. He elaborates, "I'm sure you were made aware of the capture of several Thayan assassins and their subsequent interrogation. We learned many things from them... the most alarming of wish is an unprecedented alliance between the Cult of the Dragon and the Red Wizards of Thay."

Holding his hands open, the gnome goes on, "Renear is a reactionary element in the city, perhaps as a result of his difficulties with adventurers in the past. He wishes for Waterdeep to remain isolationist, as it has so profited by doing so in the decades since the onset of the Spellplague. But the winds of change are blowing, and we seek to remove any trees that might attempt to block them. The alliance of the Cult of the Dragon and Thay's Red Wizards coincides with reports of increased activity by the Cult of the Dragon in areas all over the Sword Coast--including a recent delve of yours back in Baldur's Gate, I am given to understand. Were the cult acting alone, we would have no more reason to fear than we always have, but Thayan intervention complicates matters. We wish for all of the Sword Coast to stand together, and reestablish the Lords' Alliance in order to better oppose this rising threat." The gnome gives another sad shake of his head, then says, "The truth of the matter is, very few of the Masked Lords have dealings with Thay due to its infamy. It is these more... subversive Lords that truly understand the threat that the Red Wizards pose to all of us, and it is they who stand ready to act now." At this, Sifodyus looks directly at Myn and says, "Indeed, when they learn their assassins have failed, perhaps they shall opt for a more direct approach. Or they shall invest in more skilled assassins. Either way, the presence of a powerful political figure such as Renear slows down Waterdeep's ability to adapt. For both of these reasons, we wish him to be removed."

>>77190

"Is that the case. Well, I do empathize with those thinking Thay a threat, but this was merely a small detail to clarify, as I mentioned."

Despite his words, Myn's demeanor becomes increasingly positive as the gnome's explanation progresses.

"I can assure you that neither did I fail yesterday, nor was my skill lacking. One cannot fail what they do not attempt, and he would have posed no issue should I have been deprived of one hand and both eyes. Thus, I would like to entreat you, Mister Sifodyus, to give me your thoughts as to why Renaer did not pass away yesterday."

Sifodyus pauses to consider Myn's words, then concludes, "If it is as you say, I posit that you either intended to gather more information before seeing to the task, or it was a matter of trust, or unwillingness."

>>77192

"Valid answers, if slightly off the mark. The reason was 'respect', Mister Sifodyus. After the initial contact, I was directed to the task as if I were a common hired thug, not one undertaking such a risky and significant favor, or one who would be granted lordship afterwards. I was contacted by someone with no proof of identity in an alleyway, and then led to the target by birds and cats. Only a great fool would murder strangers at the behest of strangers, and yet I was expected to do so without so much as a proper briefing."

Myn ensures that his tone remains cheerfully businesslike.

"Just to be clear, I am not adverse to the idea of removing Renaer. I merely wish that the Masked Lords be reminded not to take me lightly, but rather act as they would toward one of their own."

"I understand," the gnome replies easily, seemingly not missing a beat in reply to Myn's words. "Your concerns are likewise valid. The Masked Lords of Waterdeep take great pains to mask their identities, even amongst themselves, and most have undergone trials like yours through remote agents. Generally, a given Masked Lord knows the identity of one or two others at most, in a council of roughly two dozen. There is also the matter of the task itself--your sponsor wishes for no trail that could lead back to them. However, this does not make your objections any less understandable."

Sifodyus stops walking and turns to face Myn. "I suppose, then, that I should ask you: will you undertake the task, and what else do you require of the Masked Lords? It would be difficult for me to guarantee anything in a provable manner, but the offer to appoint you as a Masked Lord is legitimate. You have been sought for your talents, which do command a great deal of respect in the eyes of the Masked Lord who is seeking you out, though I understand that did not come across due to their distant manner."

>>77194

"A very practical system. This gnome is rather competent as well."

"My concerns have for the most part been allayed by your words. For now, I will only require the details of the plan to kill Renaer before his allies are contacted. I suppose it will be done in this building?"

The gnome seems pleased by the warlock's response, and his reply is in a tone of controlled enthusiasm. "We leave the details of the assassination to you, though we have made certain that no guards will be present in the building, and none shall discover the evidence until later. Arrangements have also been made to misplace the body before it can be resurrected, though there is also talk of holding it for ransom in case Lord Neverember needs to be coerced into cooperation later, so you needn't concern yourself with those details." Giving a single nod, he adds, "I believe it would be most convenient to eliminate the target here, but we understand you might have your own plans."

>>77196

"Here will be fine. Please inform me when he arrives, and, if possible, have him situated in a small room with no windows, although it will likely make little difference if not."

Myn pulls out his book and leans against the wall to wait.

The gnome bows deeply, and explains, "He will enter into the foyer, which matches your description well. I will see to it that the doors lock behind him, if that will work."

>>77198

"That should suffice. Thank you."

Myn turns a page.

The gnome leaves the area, and Myn hears the door close softly as the gnome exits through the foyer. Myn waits just on the other side of the foyer so he that was not immediately visible upon entering, and he does not have to wait long--less than an hour passes before the door opens again, and Myn hears a familiar voice--Renear's--shout, "What the...? Is there nobody here?"

Myn runs out into Renaer's view, feigning panic that shifts into surprise upon seeing him.

"Mister Renaer? Look out, above you!"

Not particularly worried about his lazy acting, Myn calls forth a pair of deadly tentacle buddies to menace the noble.

Bluff:http://orokos.com/roll/311525

Standard action: Tentacles of Cryonax adjacent to Renaer, one directly above him and one between him and Myn.

Renear seems surprised by the sudden appearance of tentacles around him. He looks above, around, and in front of him before fixing a panicked gaze on Myn. "You...! What is the meaning of this!"

>>77202

"Their machinations were more complex than I thought! Get down, Mister Renaer! I will ward them off!"

Myn wards off his own tentacles with a deadly zone of noblekilling.


Bluff:http://orokos.com/roll/311542

Minor action: Curse Renaer.
Standard action: Cast Hunger of Hadar centered on Renaer. (if he's adjacent to door, then centered one square into the room from the door).
Minor action:Sustain tentacles.
Roll:http://orokos.com/roll/311543

Renear has little time for screaming before the zone of darkness envelops him and he starts to bang on the door after unsuccessfully trying to open it, despite the nearby tentacle wearing him down. It's only a few brief moments before the noise stops, and there's a thud of a body hitting the ground.

"I was expecting little, but that was a rather weak showing."

Just to be certain, Myn waits a full minute before dispelling his magic.

Once Myn dismisses his magic zone, he can confirm the semi-mangled body of Renear Neverember before him. There is no evidence of disguise or other deception.

>>77206

Myn steps over the corpse and knocks softly on the door to inform the gnome of his success.

After a few moments to confirm the silence, the door opens, and the gnome looks inside. He looks to Myn, then down to the body, then nods. "You have upheld your end, and now the Masked Lords shall uphold ours. Though there are formalities to attend to, your sponsor has arranged for a package to be delivered to your inn room tonight should the task be complete." The gnome bows deeply, then turns to leave, saying, "We should depart before the City Watch shows up. Agents are in place to cover this up, but still, we shouldn't be seen with them."

>>77208

"Understood. You have my gratitude for your assistance today, Mister Sifodyus."

Myn bids the gnome farewell and returns to his room, remembering to feed his owlbear for the first time in recent history.

When Myn arrives at his inn room after feeding his owlbear, he finds a package waiting for him there. His thorough search and magic detection on it determine that there is nothing suspicious about it. Opening, he finds a set of black robes designed to hide his physical build quite well, in addition to a black, smooth mask. The package also contains a magical staff, and a short note. The note reads, You have upheld your end of the bargain, so I uphold mine. Included in this package is everything you need as one of the new Masked Lords of Waterdeep. Soon, you will receive a missive when a meeting of the Council of Lords is scheduled, at which point you may head to Castle Waterdeep wearing the garb of a Masked Lord. A guard will direct you to the meeting hall. A meeting will be held soon, so expect a missive shortly. Do take care to guard your identity, as secrecy is necessary to prevent the forming of factions and other corrupt movements within the Council of Lords.

Myn determines that the magical staff only has a +1 enhancement bonus, but also possess a magical property which allows its wielder to alter his or her voice, even if the wielder is not proficient with magical implements. He is now one of the Masked Lords of Waterdeep, with all of the power and responsibility that entails.