The Ugly Harpy (GB000)

1st Midsummer, 1492 - Waterdeep
''High summer bakes the cobbled streets of the grand city of Waterdeep, while thunderclouds gather for an afternoon storm. Weary from travel and the overwhelming bustle of The City of Splendours, three dusty adventurers find themselves in the main bar of the Ugly Harpy Inn, on the border of the Castle and Trade districts.''

It would be hard to imagine more diverse accidental drinking companions: a quietly spoken and gangly Firbolg; a Kobold glancing about nervously as if she might be arrested just for existing; and an almost implausibly muscular Orc dressed in slightly too-tight black pirate casual.

''As the afternoon wears on, torrential rain sets in and the beverages loosen their tongues, Waterdeep's newest arrivals turn their conversation from pleasantries and deciphering their complimentary City Laws pamphlets to... introductions.''

Sack & Moloch meet the nameless Firbolg in Waterdeep at the Ugly Harpy Inn, and inadvertently name him "Thing" but he's cool with it.

Sewer squids in leather onesies attack from the basement, where the Innkeeper Kay Tiperry keeps her Ugly Harpy Gourmet Pickles. Sack squishes one squid with another squid and throwing axes a third with pretty impressive fluidity and hollywood camera moves.

Sergeant Piff and his squad of trusty privates take control of the situation and hold an impromptu Judge Judy style trial with the aid of Velma the Black Robe who emerged mysteriously from a back room after the ruckus. The party are cleared of all charges (including littering) but are convicted of Disturbing the Peace, with punishment overturned due to public service. They are of mixed minds at the justice of this, but accept the verdict.

Kay gifts them a jar of Ugly Harpy Gourmet Pickles and they head to sleep. Sack and Moloch take the beds, with Thing curling up in the cellar.

1st Eleasis, 1492 - Waterdeep
Waking late, the party emerge into the Ugly Harpy well into the Ahghairon's Day festival. The Inn is heaving, and food, ale and pickles are flowing freely, paid for by the nobles and lords for one day of the year.

As the rain subsides, they take a stroll outside and encounter Simple Dan, who enlists their help to move the Night Knight inside the gallery of Madame Wickles, the curator.

Thing finds a jeweller's loupe inscribed with the crest of Hidewight Jameson, the wealthy collector who donated the armour, and appears to have been waylaid during the night storm, possibly by the Night Knight.

Madame Wickles loses it, snatches the loupe and kicks the party out. Simple Dan scarpers, and the party investigate the alleys beside the gallery for an alternative route. Sack ascends to the roof and patiently observes through the skylight until nightfall, observing no movement within.

As the evening darkens, two cutpurses enter the alley, seemingly surprised at the presence of the party but opting to chance it. They throw daggers, injuring Thing, but a dash and a parkour off the roof by Sack and an unexpectedly ferocious attack from Thing make them think better of it, and they book it in opposite directions.