Just east of Trollskull Manor on Saerdoun Street sits a small somewhat shabby two-story town home
The Barksdale residence is one of several homes located in
TROLLSKULL ALLEY in the North Ward of Waterdeep.
Home to Erwin Barksdale (Tashlan human
THUG) and his two adult sons (Hans and Frans, also Tashlan human thugs), the building has fallen into disrepair.
Erwin is a drunkard and a lay about. He is also a distant cousin of House Phylund. House Phylund owns the building and has been letting Erwin stay there for several years, occasionally finding work for him on one of their expeditions.
Characters may initially encounter Erwin or the boys at Frewn’s Brews. If not, they are sure to meet him as soon as they open
TROLLSKULL MANOR as a tavern. He, one or both of the boys, or all three will likely be in the tavern from open until close. Erwin often tells outrageous stories about monster hunts conducted by House Phylund.
Erwin has few scruples when it comes to finding ways to make coin. It may be that on one week he has been contracted by
THE ZHENTARIM to spy on the characters comings and goings and learn whatever he can. On an alternative week, Erwin might be commissioned by
THE XANATHAR GUILD. Whilst it's all just a way of making money to him, he might unwittingly be playing a dangerous game.
If the characters begin to suspect Erwin, they may discover his duplicity on a DC15 Insight check. Once discovered, Erwin can be
Persuaded or Intimidated into revealing his employer on a with a DC15 Charisma check. He doesn’t know much and his contact is a low level cutout that will run for cover if he suspects Erwin has been compromised.
ADVENTURE HOOKS:
1. The boys claim Erwin has been kidnapped and solicit help to recover him. Here are 3 possibilities: (a) He really has been kidnapped by an opposing faction. The quest to find him begins. (b) The boys attempt to lead the party into an ambush by their employer. If the party is suspicious they can discover the deception with a DC13 Insight check. (c) Erwin ran afoul of Vincent Trench (see W6). He was killed and eaten.
2. Post Heist completion, Erwin approaches the characters about joining one of House Phylund’s monster hunts. Either into Undermountain or another area. He’s trying to earn a fee for recruiting them and may or may not join the hunt.
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