A Friend in Need Report

General Summary

Cliff, Aneesa, Trix, and Zanpukto begin their adventure in The Yawning Portal, Waterdeep's most notorious tavern. They witness a fistfight break out between Yagra Stonefist and some thugs from the Xanathar Guild, which ends with Yagra almost getting knocked out after knocking out a member of the Guild. Volothamp Geddarm approaches them and offers 10 gp now and 100 gp later for the safe return of his friend, Floon Blagmaar. The protagonists follow Volo's suggestion to investigate The Skewered Dragon, but run into a crime scene. Zanpukto convinces the City Watch to explain that this was the aftermath of a fight between the Zhentarim and the Xanathar Guild. The protagonists them stumble upon the Old Xoblob Shop, inside which Trix trades his blanket for a purple quilt. Aneesa then convinces Xoblob to tell them about Floon and another person in fine clothing getting jumped outside his shop the night before. She then investigated the surrounding area and found light blood splatters and slash marks from swords. They then go to The Skewered Dragon and walk up to the bartender, who pours some disgusting ale and water. Trix attempts to fake drinking but instead splashes the floor, and Zanpukto attempts to intimidate the bartender but fails. Aneesa then convinces the bartender to tell them about Floon and Renaer Neverember, who says that they drank until late that night and left, followed by five thugs who frequent a warehouse on Candle Lane. He advises them to look for the snake symbol on the door.