Nightal 13

Nightal 13, 1369: (half moon, waning)
    High = 35, Low = 15
    Light precipitation (up to 1/2" rain or 1" snow) starting @ 9:40pm
    Wind gusting to 28 mph from the prevailing direction.
    Cloudy.

    Darius announces that he is off to the Watchful Order library to
    copy and learn Dispel Magic "to deal with these monster
    footprints".  He headed out early in the morning.

    Cassie successfully charmed Henkles, Moogh, and Steve.  Narthan
    attempted to dispel the charms on Jan and Dexter, but failed.

    Since Jan continued to insist, Cassie, Narthan, Henkles, Jan, and
    Dexter went to the Blue Dolphin Tavern in South Ward at noon to
    follow up on Staros's recommendation that they talk with the
    proprietor, "Lin" Rineireirael.  The Blue Dolphin was unusual for
    a tavern in South Ward, as it had large south-facing windows and a
    large mirror behind the bar.  Linlenasni turned out to be a rather
    strikingly handsome, 5'10" gold elf with a ruddy complexion,
    shoulder-length silver hair and piercing violet eyes who dressed
    entirely in white.  Since he cast a reflection in the mirror and
    was wandering in and out of the direct sunlight in the front of
    the tavern, Cassie was reassured enough to give him the note from
    Staros.

    Linlenasli read the note and became rather annoyed, but
    fortunately not with the party.  He confirmed for the party that
    Staros is a powerful vampire in Waterdeep and explained that he is
    a member of the "The Council of Four", an organization of the four
    most powerful vampires in the City.  The Council exists to help
    them stay that way, both by controlling lesser vampires and
    dealing with threats from other powerful vampires and by keeping
    overall vampire activity in the City down below the level at which
    the Lords would be prompted to take a hand.  Lin, as a known local
    expert in dealing with vampire problems, has necessarilly crossed
    paths with the Council in the past and they are in a state of
    uneasy truce, as neither seems able to eliminate the other.
    Staros apparently enjoys taking advantage of Lin's good nature to
    point him at troublesome outside vampires.

    Lin listened to the party's story and asked some questions about
    Arcturagana's characteristics, explaining that there are many
    different types of vampires, each with different powers and
    weaknesses.  Some are even able to walk in daylight for brief
    periods.  Lin was unable to determine what type of vampire
    Arcturagana was, but gave the party some general advice on the
    efficacy of different mundane anti-vampire measures, including
    reaffirming their belief that staying inside at night was a good
    thing.  He strongly recommended that Denyae be kept away from
    Staros, as Staros was not above giving her to Dread William if
    that became the most convenient solution, although he would be
    unlikely to do so for now, as that would be a show of weakness.
    He said that he would look into things and see what he could do to
    help.  He also took Cassie aside and mentioned that Jan and
    possibly some of the others seemed charmed.  He offered to get
    someone to help with that if she needed it, she said she would
    contact him if she couldn't resolve the problem within a few days.

    After the party returned home, a continual light spell was cast on
    the front porch to backlight guests at the door so they could be
    checked for a shadow.  The party also ordered one 5' and two 3'
    wall mirrors from Aurora's from party treasure.  Darius purchased
    a hand mirror and a holy symbol of Ilmater, a lawful good diety.
    Several other party members did the same.  Dexter redid the
    Glyph of Warding on the front doorway.

    Darius went to the Tower Library and copied the spell Dispell
    Magic into the party spell books.  Darius attempted to learn
    the spell and failed, but Cassie was successful.