C2 E16: Manshoon's Sanctum

The PCs have broken in to the inner sanctum of Kholat Towers under the disguise of Manshoon's lieutenant, Agorn Fuoco, and are attempting to steal the second Eye of Golorr.

This episode begins the afternoon of Ches 28th, as the PCs are entering the extradimensional sanctum of Kholat Towers.

* Current Secrets

## Last Time

Last time, the PCs sent one of Manshoon's Zhentarim lieutenants off to live in the UFFR in exchange for their life and a pass-amulet.

The PCs briefly checked in with the Cassalanters, who are busy preparing for the Highcoin Ball on the 30th. Lady Cassalanter blamed Xanathar for the demon worship accusations and said the Zhents were blackmailing several noble families. She requested updates on the PCs' progress to her butler, Williford.

Tom informed Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff, that they were responsible for destroying the ship while investigating the nimblewrights. She said she would likely bury this information at the upcoming emergency meeting.

They then acquired some tattoo and disguise kits in order to investigate Kholat Towers, where the Zhentarim are headquartered. They eventually find their way in under the guise of "new recruits", some of whom were "fire inspectors". Along the way, they met a few of Manshoon's henchies and discovered some lingering traps in the old wizard towers. Finally, they stepped through a teleportation circle at the top of one of the towers...

## Offscreen Events

*Did anything happen offscreen before this episode? Will anything happen offscreen during this episode?*

* Fearless Frank visits the inn, hoping the catch the PCs before his evening games begin. He's been asked to send his top three fighters to a Waukeentide celebratory tournament hosted by Xanathar himself. The prize is a lot of money. He wants one of the PCs to fight.
* Harpers agents investigate the inn, looking for connections to the drow incursion or evidence of who burned down the ship
* The City Watch has stationed people around the area of A Nu Start Inn, tracking the PCs as soon as they next return
* Cassalanters are preparing for the Highcoin Ball on Ches 30th

### The Extradimensional Sanctum

#### Notes about Agorn

* Agorn Fuoco was a well-known coward who would sell his own mother if threatened
* He was on a mission to investigate/bully the Orb Confectioners shop, which is a Xanathar front
* He previously dreamed of becoming a famous bard but was unsuccessful

Kaevja Cynavern (in E3) will greet Ladro as if he were Agorn and allow the PCs into the sanctum.

#### Talking to Manshoon

Manshoon, being a very powerful wizard, will see through the disguise fairly quickly. He considers all his minions replaceable so does not worry about Agorn's death/departure. He will shortly work out why the PCs are in his sanctum.

* Offers the PCs a "deal" for their lives: 30% of the Enigma treasure
	+ He also requires the PCs to kill Xanathar and disrupt his organization
		- Gang war is an unnecessary distraction
		- "It should be no secret what my ultimate goal is: restoring the city of Waterdeep to its former glory as Mage-king!"
		- "You shall have positions as my lieutenants if you are able to do this"
	+ "The alternative is, of course, eliminating you. But you are so resourceful, it would be a shame."
	+ "Do not try to double-cross me. You will bring me all the other pieces before I will give you my eye."
	+ If the PCs attempt to negotiate: "I'm not sure what leverage you think you are negotiating with here. I cannot risk exposure at this point. You will simply be put to waste if you do not accept my terms."
	+ On acceptance: "Good. I will make sure the Zhentarim know that your Inn is a safe spot for their business."

#### Urstul Floxin

Urstul may recognize Petunia from the Gralhund Villa fracas. Will try to lure the PCs to Manshoon as described in DH.

### The Emergency Hearing (Ches 29th)

* Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff, meets the PCs at the A Nu Start Inn mid-morning
	+ She is worried that she doesn't know what to expect at the hearing
	+ Laeral Silverhand, the Open Lord, informed her she expects to unveil new evidence in the case
* At the hearing
	+ Laeral Silverhand stands at a podium at a dais
		- Big audience chamber, crowded galleries
		- Echoing halls in the center of government
		- The Masked Lords stand behind her impassively, identically robed
	+ Announces "new evidence has come to light after investigating the Drow incursion"
		- Believe they have identified the last person heading to the ship before the fire. **END HERE**
		- They understand the Drow were attempting to destabilize the city by working with the Zhentarim, which she plans to declare a rogue extrajudicial organization
			* **NOTE: this does not make sense!!**
		- Have conclusive evidence this was planned by the Drow agent Jarlaxle Baenre, now dead
	+ Also announces increased security in coordination with the Cassalanters at the Highcoin Ball on Ches 30th

## Todo / Happenings

*What did those fools get up to this time?*

* PCs are greeted by Kaevja Cynavern and Manshoon's simulacrum
	+ Led to the foyer, told that the master expects their report shortly, and left to their own devices
	+ Ladro is on the lookout for other reports, open books, etc
		- Finds Agorn Fuoco's love letters to Tamzyn and necklace as well
	+ Tom becomes invisible and drops off the back of the "tour group" that Ladro has formed for the "new recruits"
	+ Ladro tells Vevette that the Xanathar have a second stone and that there is a mole in the top level of the Zhentarim org
		- The mole was 100% Agorn Fuoco for the Xanathar
	+ Urstul Floxin did not recognize Petunia
* Eventually Ladro and PCs have audience with Manshoon
	+ Ladro as Agorn says that the Xanathar Guild killed all of his party
	+ Also reports that Xanathar has a second Eye of Golorr
	+ Manshoon instructs Ladro to get the Stone of Golorr, and the new recruits to report to Vevette
* PCs storm out of the HQ area and return separately to the A Nu Start Inn
	+ Gnome engineers have installed conveyance device to
* Fearless Frank asks the PCs to be his champion in the upcoming Xanathar Prize fight
	+ Tournament is on Tarsakh 5th, Goldenight
* PCs attend the start of the hearing, Ladro puts a disguise on as soon as he hears that someone has identified him
* TODO
	+ Ralston Highpike a low-level in the Zhentarim? In the City Guard?
	+ Ghaveith Wandersmasher in Xanathar's fight ring
	+ PCs planning elaborate series of fake heists against their own fake bank deposit box
		- Bank heist (2nd Waterdeep Bank)
			* Pretend to steal Stone of Golorr as the Xanathar
			* Leave behind body of Xanathar thug to be identified
			* Incite the Zhentarim to action
		- Push Zhentarim to move the Eye of Golorr
			* Steal the Eye of Golorr as it is in transit
		- Then push the Zhentarim to action at the fight
	+ What happens at the Highcoin Ball without the PCs there?
	+ Plan roster of other tournament fighters
	+ What are the other things in the vaults in the bank?