1.0 Introduction

Waterdeep is divided into many wards, with Castle Ward being centrally located. The ward is the location of Waterdeep's castle, and many retired adventurers. Maybe out of place in the affluent surroundings is Roland's Orphanage, a well run facility that cares for children and young adults who are homeless and without parents. Roland's adventuring days are over now, but he continues his good deeds by investing his wealth by looking after those less fortunate than himself.

You are an orphan in Roland's care, and you know yourself to be fortunate. After all, Roland is a paladin, and you could not hope for a fairer and more noble patron. Today is another day, a bright sunny morning, and the aromatic lure of bacon beckons from the kitchen downstairs. Your stomach rumbles, because you know Erika is a splendid cook, and you quickly dress and descend to the dining room. Tables are set for eight, and you take your normal seat with seven of your friends.

You may introduce yourselves...

Erika pauses to acknowledge Szent as she busies herself around the room, greeting the early arrivals. "Good morning Szent" she announces boisterously, slapping him on the back slightly harder than he likes. "You are always famished, lad." She shakes her head in friendly admonishment. "Go ahead and ring the bell. You won't be eating until everyone is seated."

Erika is a human female, and both her frame and personality are larger than life. She is perhaps 30 years old, slightly overweight, but her features are beautiful and her green eyes shine with humor and enthusiasm. Her clothes are matronly and grey, but even they don't prevent her personality from shining through and somehow illuminating the room. If the canteen was the whole of Waterdeep, she would be the sun. Her red hair is tied back in a bun, and she is wearing large white apron, stained with an assortment of foods clearly identifying her as the orphanage's cook.

A tall female strides authoritively into the canteen and nonchalantly says to Seneia, "All four legs on the floor, girl. How many times have I told you?" She doesn't wait for a response and rings the bell to alert the rest of the orphanage that it is breakfast time. She then makes her way to the head table. You all know her, of course, as she has been running the school in the orphanage for years. This is Ms Matilda, a woman respected by most, but feared by others, because she takes "no shit from no one" as some kids have been heard to say within these walls (much to the disgust of Roland, as he likes to discourage foul language).

Matilda is a female elf, and she bears the posture of arrogance and power, much like many elves. She is dressed in a black gown, and her eyes dance around the room, alertly watching the arriving orphans, seeking any hints of misbehavior. You know her to be a spell caster, but she maintains an air of mystery by not revealing much about herself.

"Bacon!!" I run down the stairs and give Erika a quick hug before I seat myself next to Szent. "Good morning Ms Matilda!" I nod to the others at the table while eagerly awaiting the arrival of breakfast.

Hearing the bell, Weylan drops the bit of boot leather he was working on, hurriedly dons his own shoes (Actual shoes!), and runs down to the dining room, eager for Erika's cooking. He's relieved to not be the last one to the table this time, and he grins at Alanya, Seneia, and Szent as he joins them. The halfling then tries to adopt a serious demeanor for "Miz Matilda's" haughty eyes, which is difficult. Meal times are his favorite times of day - not because of the food (although it's good), but because of the fellowship in a group.

More children arrive in the room, and the place is becoming fairly noisy now. Your table is close to the head table because you are amongst the eldest in the orphanage. The head table seats 4, and Ms Matilda is already seated. The other chairs are for Roland and Travis, you know that much, and they usually arrive earlier than this. The fourth always remains vacant, reserved for Erika, who is always too busy to sit. The orphanage cares for about fifty children, and is renowned for being the most caring Waterdeep has to offer.

Your group is now seating four, namely Szent, Seneia, Alanya and Weylan, but you expect more will arrive. No food will be served until all are seated. You might as well chat until all seats are occupied.

The bell rung for a while, but she had to put all the reagents back in the case and even if she knew the other would blame her to be late she had to do it. It couldn't help, that was her way and the art needed respect. Once done Feylinde run toward the common room, stopping just a moment to check her dress and set her long red hair behind her right ear, then the half-elf went inside.

"Sorry to be late guys" she said slowly moving to her sit at the table. "Happy not to be the last one" added with a smile, her green eyes pointed at the empty sits.

Six are now seated at the table of eight. Seniors are expected to set the example of punctuality at meal times, so the delay is surprising to some. The canteen is full now, and the younger kids chatter excitedly. With only 50 people in a room it is surprising how noisy it can be.

Ms Matilda rings the bell again, and some areas of the room quieten somewhat. There are hatches along the wall adjacent to the kitchen, but they remain firmly closed. Everyone knows that when everyone is seated and quiet the hatches will open and food will be served. Some glance over expectantly, others keep talking, a couple of toddlers run around regardless.

You know the bell ring is a warning because Roland hasn't arrived yet, so you continue talking.

Taking a sip of water, he clears his throat. In a whisper, "Sorry, I stopped by the kitchen first, brought them a few bits of... meat to cook."

Ms Matilda gives the stink eye to the late and scruffy Rufio and Samej. Although avoiding her eye, they can sort of sense the burning gaze. She starts to open her mouth to say something when an imposing figure enters the canteen. The figure appears to tower as high as the ceiling, and his broad shoulders almost fill the doorway. The noise in the room immediately dies to silence, and even the toddlers sidle back to their seats. The tall human male is well dressed in colorful high quality fabrics of red and yellow. On the chest of his tunic is the symbol of an open gauntleted hand. There is not a soul in this room that doesn't recognize Roland.

Instinctively you stand as he enters, a routine you are accustomed to, and the rest of the occupants follow suit, even Matilda. As Roland strides into the room it is noted he with another leader of the orphanage. This is Travis, leader of religious studies and manager of the infirmary. Travis is dressed in yellow and beige, and his tunic adornes a bejeweled rising sun.

Usually Roland would wave everyone to sit with a humble gesture, but today he seems preoccupied, and he simply makes his way to the head table. He faces his audience and says, "Remain standing, we shall say grace". Travis then leads a short prayer, thanking the gods for the foods they are about to eat. They then sit, and everyone stands nervously. "Sorry, please sit", Roland says when Travis nudges him.

The hatches open and the younger kids are signaled to line up for food. The noise again increases, and everything seems normal.

Breakfast continues and as you are deeply engrossed in conversation you notice Roland is standing by your table. "Sorry to interrupt your chat, but we have a matter to attend to. When you've eaten please see me in my study. And don't dally."

He then leaves the dining area.

When you arrive at Roland's study he is staring out of the window. Two rows of four chairs sit in front of his desk. It's not normally that formal in here, but he obviously prepared for all of you. The study is frugally decorated. Plain walls, basic furniture, and no carpet. There is a symbol of Torm on one wall (the open gauntlet), and there is a small altar in front of it, including prayer beads, candles and incense. A prayer mat is on the floor.

He turns and smiles as you enter. "Thanks for arriving promptly! Please sit down. I need your help."

(Ooc: it is assumed everyone sits)

Roland shuts the door after everyone has selected their seats, and perches on the edge of his desk Ina casual manner. He looks at the faces before him, and sees general concern and expectancy. He understands how strange this must be for his protégés.

"Since arriving at my orphanage you have all done me proud, and I feel pleased that this place is turning out fine young folk like yourselves. You are still young, and you still have some growing up to do, but at this moment in time you are my best hope."

Roland often preaches the importance of honesty, and to own up when matters, whether good or bad need addressing. "A wound will fester, so treat it and all will be well", he'd often advise. Today he didn't seem to be heeding that advice.

With a deep sigh he continues. "I've tried all my contacts, but I fear this issue needs more street smarts than I'm used to." He smiles awkwardly, "For all I need to resolve this, my methods are unlikely to succeed. This matter needs subtlety, a skill I er, am told I don't excel in."

(Ooc: you may all roll insight, include your modifier if any)

(Ooc: now to try the note feature. Those who rolled should receive a private note...)

Roland looks at the faces before him, and tries to determine how well his ill prepared speech is going.

Roland seems to relax with the encouraging support received by his protégés. He smiles a genuine smile and says, "Thank you. You never cease to amaze me." He glances over at Rufio. "Rufio, please sit down. Actually please all sit down."

"I am reassured you accept this task willingly, even not knowing what it is. I sincerely hope this is a simple task, and I am not putting you in danger." Roland stands, and he bonds his hands behind his bank. His tall imposing frame appears to look bigger with you all seated. "Two evenings ago Milly went missing. You know her don't you?"

The question is rhetorical, because you all do know Milly. She is an out going blonde girl of 14 years old. Although not part of your peer group, everyone knows Milly. She is training to be a bard, and her skill set is very much comedic performance. She really has talent, and regularly entertains the orphanage with her quick wit and off the wall antics. Something of an extrovert, she oozes charisma, and everyone enjoys spending time with her. Now Roland mentions it, you don't recall exactly when you last saw her.

"Well, you may not be aware of this", (he glances at Rufio and Samej), "but we do have a head count every night, and we knew she wasn't here two nights ago. I spent the whole day yesterday looking for her, and I drew on favors and contacts around town to seek rumors about where she might be." He rubs his brow and frowns. "It seems a missing 14 year old orphan is nowhere near the top of people's priorities in a city like this." His tone of voice sounds incredulous. "So, if there is one thing I've learned from years of adventuring, it's we must look after our own!"

"My sources tell me she was kidnapped." His eyes bulge in astonishment as if saying it aloud made the truth real. "Who would do such a thing?... So, we must find her. I mean, you must find her."

"Yes! Let's not dally! Milly was last seen in The Market. A young rogue saw three cloaked men grab her. The action was swift, and she barely managed to scream, I am told. I was told this by a friend, but he advised I should not talk to the rogue because the kid is skittish." Roland takes a deep breath. "I don't know why Milly was taken. I can tell you the young rogue is called Slink, and he frequents a tavern called the Singing Sword, which is located at the edge of The Market. You need to find out what he knows."

Roland listens to Szent's comment and says, "You may be right, but I think the bigger concern was the age difference. I think you all will have greater success connecting with him than me, as he is a similar age to you all."

OK, a little DM intervention here just for fun. With both Slink and yourselves being children of the streets there's a chance you might know him. Three factors are in play here:
1. Background
2. Class
3. Happenstance

You may roll Perception (adjusted) to see if you know Slink using the following guideline:
1. If your background justifies a seedier lifestyle take advantage
2. If you class is covert take +3
3. All other classes make standard roll

Higher than 20 you know him well
Higher than 15 you've spoken to him before
Higher than 10 and you know him by sight

I want you to make the roll decision without any repercussions from me.

You may make the roll private (I think you can do that as an option)

One other thing... I will be starting a new thread shortly. If you subscribe to threads be on alert (I'll let you know).

"Oh I bet he likes apples well enough." Oddly enough, though Rufio was practically raised in this city's underworld, he had never spoken to this Slink. He had seen him around though, a fact that worried him but he tried not to show it.

Ooc: wow these rolls are shocking, haha

After listening to Roland a number of you realize you have heard of Slink before. Rufio and Feylinde would recognize him by sight, whereas Weylan thinks he's actually chatted with him a couple of times. However, Seneia is convinced she has hung around with him before she was accepted into the orphanage.

I am closing this thread... See you on 1.1 The Singing Sword... Coming soon.

"OOC: I think my rolls said I don't know him.