Russ and Dodger have no clue about Travis’s owl following them, but thanks to it, everyone knows what’s going on…at least until it flies out of range.

The wererats lead Andromeda and Jhank to 1a, which is where all the goblins bring their trash before hauling it elsewhere. Trash and debris litter the floor. The walls are adorned with bas-reliefs that once depicted dwarves carrying supplies. The dwarves’ faces have been chipped away and replaced with cartoonish goblin heads drawn in charcoal. Banging noises can be heard to the north coming from 1b.

Then they continue to 2a. In the center of this room is a rusted iron hand pump and a deep stone basin. “That pump draws fresh spring water from somewhere underneath. We bathe often, even on days we don’t need to. Just saying. Don’t explore any of the other areas around here though, there’s this insane wizard in there.” Dodger explains, and motions to continue on to area 3.

''That's why you smell so good,'' she carefully sniffed Dodger, ''And you have such nice fur.'' ''That guy sounds annoying. What's his deal?'' Jhank asked, referring to the wizard and kept close to Dodger, having chosen him to work on.

Andromeda grew increasingly uneasy as this pair of swarthy scoundrels led herself and Jhank away alone through dismal and cramped chambers.  As they walked she got a better look at the wererats themselves, searching in particular for insignia to identify them as members of the Zhentarim.  These boors might well interpret her glances otherwise, but that didn't occur to her!

By the second chamber Andromeda asked, "How much further is this... party, precisely?"  She ventured an insincere smile at Russ, since Jhank seemed to be working on Dodger.  She hoped they could get to the ambush part soon, because this ruse was growing difficult to maintain!

---

Perception to look for Zhentarim tattoos or other insignia on the wererats:

• 22:24, Today: Andromeda rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  Perception.

No obvious markings on their armor. Of course it would be stupid for a black market thieves guild to advertise themselves as a gang. They weren’t idiots like the Xanathar Guild, after all. They were Zhentarim!!!!

“There are a few more rooms to skedaddle past, then there’s a short cut to get back to the Yawning Portal, which is the nearest and best bar in all of Undermountain. You don’t mind going topside, right????” Speaking of topside, the wererats begin shape shifting into normal men. They grow taller and less hairy, but their odor doesn’t change.

Russ curls his mustache into handlebars. “If you don’t wanna go that far, I could rustle up a few ales if you wanna just relax and get to know each other.” Russ scowled that there weren’t comfy couches everywhere in this dungeon. Why weren’t there comfy couches everywhere????
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:51, Thu 09 Dec 2021.

''That sounds really nice, your plenty good company. Don't need a whole crowd,'' Jhank agreed with the suggestion, she interlaced her arm with Dodger's, ''what 'bout here?'' Jhank points at some random, unoccupied side room that has a couple of rags on the ground, comfortable enough.

Andromeda glanced sidelong at Jhank, wondering exactly how committed she was to this ruse.  Was it a ruse, or did Jhank have a particular fondness for anthropomorphic rats?!  Perhaps she just wanted to eat them?  Definitely.  That was one theory Andromeda could feel confident was correct.

The druidess agreed, "The Yawning Portal is lovely, but these chambers have a certain rustic charm... and privacy."  She checked behind to see if anyone was around, and took inventory of the tools at her disposal...

---

Perception check to see if anyone is nearby, within hearing?:

• 23:18, Today: Andromeda rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  Perception.

“Ehhh, not much privacy here in this hall. Come in here.” Dodger opened the door to area 3.

Good news: There are couches!!!!

Bad news: An animated, life-size puppet of Halaster Blackcloak is hard at work on an experiment. The puppet is made primarily of wood and canvas, with a shoddy gray cloak draped over its shoulders. Dozens of cloth eyes have been sewn into the cloak. The puppet looms over a stone table covered with dusty alchemical equipment and vials of various solid and liquid substances.

“Ahh! Sorry Lord Blackcloak! Your highness!” Russ shouts and motions for you all to bow.

The puppet whirls around at you and shouts, “Terrible firebolts and lightning bolts how dare you enter my laboratory!!!!”

Dodger bows and apologizes, “Sorry Lord Blackcloak, you weren’t here yesterday.”

“Shut up!” The puppet says and goes back to work on it’s…whatever the thingy is, “I’m busy.”

Russ and Dodger look at the two of you. There’s another door. “The portal is just a lil’ farther.” Russ whispers, trying not to bother Halaster Puppet.

''We could go back to the room I saw. Knick a few cushions from here. But if the Portal suits you better I'm fine with it,'' Jhank whispered back, keen on having no witnesses, blinking slowly to show off her yellow eyes.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:02, Thu 09 Dec 2021.

Russ nods, “You guys go hang out there, ill grab a jug for us.”

dodger nods and Russ continues north, you return to area 2 with Dodger….

Andromeda froze momentarily at the sight of the figure of the legendary Halaster Blackcloak... in puppet form.  The wererats bowed obsequiously and the druidess hesitantly followed suit.  Didn't these fools know it was a puppet show?  She asked in a small whisper to Russ, who knelt next to her, "Why do we bow to a puppet wizard?"

OOC: Insight to ascertain wtf is going on w/ this puppet show, and Perception to look for signs of a puppeteer:

• 09:22, Today: Andromeda rolled 26 using 1d20+7.  Perception.
• 09:22, Today: Andromeda rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Insight.

That bizarre altercation was over soon enough, however, and Jhank had managed to separate the wererats.  Andromeda waved at Russ as he departed north, smiling.  Now she and Jhank were all alone with Dodger... an opportunity, but no plan.  Andromeda had an idea, but would wait on a sign from the lizardwoman that the time was right.  Once Dodger was out of sight and hearing Andromeda shared a look with Jhank, one eyebrow raised in question.