Session 22: The Elder of the Vale Report

The Menagerie enjoy their time at Yawning Portal.

The Menagerie enjoy their time at Yawning Portal and learn of how they are being spied upon.

General Summary

11/20/2021

The Mighty Menagerie (3)

Leafall 15, 2020KC

The Yawning Portal, Wide Berth Castle Ward, Wide Berth, Kampos. The party was at the The Yawning Portal after helping Eldertwig with some Rot Grubs, getting some Troll heads & rewards, and helping the Druid Caireall Donoghuei get to town. They are still waiting for Reginald Ivoryclaw to get here so they can find about the Skola Vale situation. The Skola Vale is missing it seems and has returned to the Feywild after an attack by Goblinoids. Caireall Donoghuei was heading that way to determine what effects this might have on the Material Plane.

The Yawning Portal

Based on some of the gossip and tales overheard, you all have all picked up that the owner is Durnan. He has a wife, Mhaere Dryndilstann, and they have a daughter who also works here - Tamsil Dryndilstann. There are other waitresses, maids, cooks, a stablemaster, some hostlers & chambermaids. Perception check -- notice a few guests are not really drinking, seems to be undercover "security." Durnan is well respected even if not always the most amicable of people. He has owned this bar for a very long time and went off adventuring for almost a century, whereas the management then was passed to his descendants. However, he came back as mysterious as he left and reclaimed ownership of the establishment buying it from his family. It is his greatsword among the racks of beer - at hand if he needs it. Also, it seems that the local church of Tymora has a deal with Durnan, and they have a cleric on "staff" here at all times who will help the injured for a donation.

They are currently enjoying a cold Shadowdark Ale and seeing others enjoy their Quipper & Chips as they pick up a bit of rumor. You saw a lone adventurer go up to the rope, he had paid his Gold to Durnan, and with much trepidation, he went into the hole. You saw many go to Durnan and start making bets on his chances, whereas Durnan took the coins and wrote some notes in a book. There was a Human Bard that conversed with Caireall Donoghuei and then took over the music from the half long which is at the bar. Bastion got curious about how Durnan was so old and without looking that old -- so he went to Durnan and talked to him -- figuring either the source would be a good place to start, or he could check out the library for local history.

"How do you look so young, being so old," Bastion asks. Durnan: "Oh, so you've heard of my ol' adventuring days. Let's just say there are many ways to extend one's lifespan. Wizards have plenty of such Potions, for example. I'm not going to say that's how I did it, but it is one way." Bastion: "How about Troll Heart Amulet? Do you know how to get those crafted?" Durnan: "I'm not a crafter, not much of an adventurer these days either. However, there are those who you can seek to do such crafting -- I am sure for a price I could find someone."

This isn't a bribe, just the cost to find someone helpful or the recipe. It is pretty standard when seeking out such things, and it gets expensive. The rarer the item type, the more expensive it can get to find such recipes. The price from Durnan to investigate the Troll Heart Amulet was 500gp. There was an internal discussion on possibly hiring Durnan on retainer to find such things… They realized that Lars Heyton is not on retainer, but he is still researching the Arcane Forge and recipes that Jacoby Drexelhand might have had for his crafting purposes. These forges were used by cultures over time to help speed up such magic item crafting -- but they have not been spoken about in generations, it seems. They also thought about how Outding Refuge is a hot spot for adventurers passing through as they go to explore the mostly unexplored southern hemispheres. It is also one of the few places with obvious magic shops since people will sell their spoils or need new supplies.

Durnan: "I don't know much about this amulet, but I am sure I have a connection somewhere." Bastion: "Sounds too expensive for something not guaranteed." Durnan: "It is an investment, but if I do learn of any crafters, I will send them your way. What is your name?" Bastion: "Bastion Bladesing" Durnan: "are you staying somewhere or here?" Bastion: "I don't think we're…." Shadow: "we're at The Silken Line." Bastion: "can we stay here?" Shadow: "Reggie is supposed to find us there." Durnan: "I will be sure to send anyone I find your way." Bastion tips him five GP Durnan returns the favor with free ale. Bastion: "Guys, what do you wanna do? Go rest? Go in the hole?" Barlo: "We can send a Message to The Silken Line to forward our address."

Shadow suggests she can go, and the ladies offer to go with her. Tabletalk about The HOLE

Tabletalk: If they go down into The Underdark, it will be an old-school dungeon crawl.

The ladies walked through the cool night and noticed as they got closer to The Silken Line the lights were "knocked" out a bit more as they progressed, and more "shady" Characters tended to be spotted in the alleys. At the The Silken Line, they see Cune, and he says he has a few things for them. One was a Letter, and the other was a small package with a Letter. They also request anyone looking for them to seek them at the The Yawning Portal. On the way back, Shadow keeps her eyes out for an apothecary, and she spots - about halfway between the spots -- "Wild Mother's Grace." The solo Letter says "To the Heroes." The letter with the package says "To the Heroic Menagerie of Outding, from Lars Heyton & Ursa.

They first opened the Letter: Dear Heroes, I am aware you have come to town to help one Leonin named Reginald. He is currently calling himself the King Regent and I fear he has plans to use you all and your loyalties to help him steal the throne from those for whom it is actually supposed to belong to. I only ask you meet me at The Yawning Portal tonight and hear what I have to say. I will be wearing a red tricorn with a long black feather and in a Green and Black coat. Signed, A Friend

They look around and don't see such a person - nor do they recall seeing him.

To the Heroes of Outding, This is Ursa, Lars' assistant, and he asked that I send this letter to you. We heard you got to Wide Berth safely, and we were so glad to hear of it. We have been dutifully applying the Transportation Circle in your basement, and even though it gets expensive, we want you to know we are happy to do it. We have also gotten the Forge working and have been experimenting with all types of magical devices, which brings us to the main point of this correspondence. Attached with this letter are two things. A blank scroll and a little box. These are both magical and unique items. The box can be stretched out by grabbing two opposing sides and pulling. It goes from 1" to 1' in each direction. This Enderbox, that's what we are calling it, is actually synced to another Enderbox. Anything placed in one can be retrieved by another -- like a Bag of Holding but with a twist. We wanted to give this set to you so that we could work out a business arrangement with your party. We figured that since you were out doing some adventuring, you might come across some items and regents we could use for our magical crafting. We would be willing to pay for items you retrieve -- especially those we are in need of. Those we can tell you either with a note in the box or using the scrolls. The scrolls are similarly synced. It is called a Scroll of Telescription and allows short messages to be sent back and forth 1x a day. This is fine since we can use the boxes to then pass any other correspondence. The other box is in your basement; it is yours -- but we have access, so that can be helpful for this arrangement if you are willing to proceed. We have the other scroll so that you can reach us for anything. We can work out the full arrangements on this in an Enderbox correspondence -- but we thought we could also get you your reward for killing Jacoby, and we could get any notes or correspondence you found on him for our intel purposes. Let me know when you get this, and we can work out the details via letters in the box. -Ursa P.s. We weren't sure if we'd have this ready in time -- but since we need you to get regents for us, most come from various Beasts and monsters, and they are organic in nature. To accommodate this, we have created a "Bag of Colding" for you, which can come in handy for such expeditions.

When they first use the Enderbox they find the Bag of Colding is inside, and Shadow takes it. As they discuss selling the Headband of Intellect -- they are interrupted by a person named Obaya Uday; she purchases magic items (pays based on their rarity) and spellbooks. She is a priestess of Waukeen, the god of trade. She seemed trustworthy and honest. She is very interested in spellbooks and seems to purchase items that adventurers find in the caverns. Bastion asked about the purpose of the spellbooks, and she says she works for a Wizard seeking to purchase items and Books out of Wide Berth. Shadow asked for the name of the boss, but she wasn't very comfortable with sharing that knowledge a secret. She pays in Platinum and doesn't carry the money on her, usually. Bastion thinks about trying to make copies of his spellbook just to get some money but is reminded how very costly and time-consuming it is to make copies of his spellbook. Reminder on Spellbooks in D&D

Reminder: The spells that you add to your spellbook as you gain levels reflect the arcane research you conduct on your own, as well as intellectual breakthroughs you have had about the nature of the multiverse. You might find other spells during your adventures. You could discover a spell recorded on a scroll in an evil Wizard's chest, for example, or in a dusty tome in an ancient library. Copying a Spell into the Book. When you find a Wizard spell of 1st level or higher, you can add it to your spellbook if it is of a level for which you have spell slots and if you can spare the time to decipher and copy it. Copying a spell into your spellbook involves reproducing the basic form of the spell then deciphering the unique system of notation used by the Wizard who wrote it. You must practice the spell until you understand the sounds or gestures required, then transcribe it into your spellbook using your own notation. For each level of the spell, the process takes 2 hours and costs 50 gp. The cost represents material components you expend as you experiment with the spell to master it, as well as the fine inks you need to record it. Once you have spent this time and money, you can prepare the spell just like your other spells. This base cost can be lowered depending on your arcane tradition and the spell's type. Replacing the Book. You can copy a spell from your own spellbook into another book—for example, if you want to make a backup copy of your spellbook. This is just like copying a new spell into your spellbook, but faster and easier since you understand your own notation and already know how to cast the spell. You need to spend only 1 hour and ten gp for each level of the copied spell. If you lose your spellbook, you can use the same procedure to transcribe the spells that you have prepared into a new spellbook. Filling out the remainder of your spellbook requires you to find new spells to do so, as normal. For this reason, many wizards keep backup spellbooks in a safe place. The Book's Appearance. Your spellbook is a unique compilation of spells, with its own decorative flourishes and margin notes. It might be a plain, functional Leather volume that you received as a gift from your master, a finely bound gilt-edged tome you found in an ancient library, or even a loose collection of notes scrounged together after you lost your previous spellbook in a mishap. Also, a reminder about transcribing scrolls into the spellbook AND the importance of a backup spellbook: also, the party does have a scroll of teleportation Spell Scroll. It can be used 1x (with a DC due to Bastion's Level), or it can be transcribed into his spellbook for use when he levels up. There was also a table talk discussion on how Wizard spell ability works. You have a spellbook of spells you have learned. You can only remember a few a day, and those can be switched out only after a long rest (and some time to do so). The only spells he can switch out, really, though, is the cantrips due to the 3rd level feature.

Thinking of the Spell Scrolls, Bastion then pulled off the scrolls from his Robe of Useful Items - Misty Step & Magic Circle Shadow asked about how long she would be here; she said she would be in town as long as she had budgeted Platinum and she had plenty. Also, not a lot of adventurers are coming out now. As they begin to go upstairs, all the noise is eclipsed by a shout: "Ya pig! Like killin' me mates, does ya?" Then a seven-foot-tall Half-Orc is hit by a wild, swinging punch from a male Human whose shaved head is covered with eye-shaped tattoos. Four other Humans stand behind him, ready to jump into the fray. The Half-Orc cracks her knuckles, roars, and leaps at the tattooed figure-but before you can see if blood is drawn, a crowd of spectators clusters around the brawl. What do you do? A large crowd of spectators begins to circle the brawl, and the party watches with Barlo trying to get a better view. Durnan grabs his greatsword, and the guards begin to stand and move in slowly. The bald guy gets hit, and the other four are about to attack the Half-Orc. She headbutts him, and you see Durnan hit the bar top and yell "out," so the humans take their knocked-out compatriot out. Durnan speaks to the Half-Orc, and she seems apologetic. Things calm down. "a friend" still never showed up. Shadow casts "See invisibility" from her ring. After the spell takes effect, she sees a little fist-sized luminous orb in the air about 10 feet above her to the side. She tells her compatriots. And then she spots another one about 40 feet away at an angle from her position. She picks up a piece of bread and throws it at the orb. It goes right through the orb.

Barlo goes to the bar to speak with Durnan, and Shadow sees the one 40 feet away blinks out, yet another one seems to be off to the right. Barlo: "Not sure if any cause of alarm, but my friend can see things most cannot. She says you have some strange Invisible eye things floating about." Durnan: "I don't have anything going on, but I've been in this bar long enough to know that magic-types use such Scrying spells to spy on their mates, possibly cheating on them." Barlo: "So it shouldn't be a problem then?" Durnan: "The only problems we usually have are those that might come out of the pit or, like you saw tonight, with problems from the Zhentarim or Xanathar's Thieves' Guild. We've had Trolls and other Beasts come out of the hole."

Barlo knows about the Zhentarim, aka the Black Network. He has had some dealings with them. Shadow asked about rooms -- 1gp/night for a room. They got two rooms for two nights - 4gp. 2 keys. On the second floor are the rooms. The orbs do begin to follow them, but the first blink out as they get to the second floor, and then the other one disappears when they get to their room door. Shadow feels they were centered on her. Shadow took the first guard shift to take advantage of the spell... Bastion had some strange Dreams... Barlo does the second shift. The tavern begins to close up drinks/food services, and Bastion takes the next shift.

Leafall 16, 2020KC

As they awake, Calliope is able to get rid of her Exhaustion. Inspiration rules

TABLETALK: the inspiration they were given is not regular inspiration, and I do allow for them to be used after a roll, and they can be used for other people's rolls.

In the morning they write a letter and put it in the box. 1 Displacer Beast Tentacle Jacoby's Head (gentle repose) 3 Displacer Beast hides 1 Troll Heart Amulet

Letter: In the box, you'll find Jacoby's Head so that we can get the reward. Also, Displacer Beast hides -- with the Forge we would like some items made -- whip Cloak. Also if you can craft regeneration Amulet with the heart. Thanks a lot.

Bastion asks the Basalt's Magic Ball about the "friend"

Basalt's Magic Ball

Question: "Did our visitor come last night." Answer: "better not tell you now."

As they go downstairs, Sas hears Ursa's voice: "Was in the basement working on the circle. Saw stuff. Letter in box."

Sas tells the others.

The Letter says: Got the stuff. Will look into crafting those for you. Did Jacoby have any intel or things of value -- that would be appreciated. Looking forward to working with you on this.

Also, the 10,000 gp was in a sack in the box. Everyone took 100 gp. They also send back the Journal and Notes; they do not recall seeing anything about the Ring in the journal. Shadow sees the same wanted/missing posters they saw at the Silk Line. Many reference Zhentarim and Xanathar's Guild. Shadow asked someone working there if they saw the "friend." No. The party is having breakfast and Barlo notices a young guy at the mouth of the portal. He talks about a girl he likes and is thinking of going in to impress her. Barlo tries to persuade him to enter, even giving him the Gold. The guy goes down. Shadow asks the group if they know about these two groups. Zhentarim

Zhentarim:

The Zhentarim, or Black Network, is an organization of well-trained mercenaries, savvy rogues, and crafty warlocks who seek to expand their influence and power throughout Dierde. Agents of the Zhentarim feel that if they play by the rules, nothing gets done. Ultimately, they want to make the rules—and, in some cases, they already do. They walk a fine line when it comes to the letter of the law and don't shy away from the occasional shady deal or illicit activity to get what they want. To the Zhentarim, wealth is power. Its agents know that nothing else inspires such confidence and dispels doubt so well. In an instant, wealth speaks louder than a thousand bards. Zhentarim agents routinely carry the finest weapons and Armor, with no expense spared. When a merchant needs an escort for a caravan, when a noble family requires bodyguards to protect its holdings, or when a city is desperate for trained soldiers to defend its walls, the Zhentarim provides the best warriors money can buy. The organization encourages individual ambition and rewards innovators who take matters into their own hands. Results are all that matter. Those who come into the Black Network with nothing can become major players within the organization through their own moxie and hard work. Xanathar's Thieves' Guild is a local thieves guild, one that the local law would know more about.

There were discussions of going with Caireall or waiting for Reggie. They discussed how Reggie may or may not be trustworthy, but how he had some issues in this kingdom. They do realize that they had spent some time with Reggie, and so there is some trust. Caireall is trusted due to her connection to Abbot Grok .

Then the door opens, two Leonins and an older Fey Elf enter—the Elder of the Skola Vale who left with Calliope enter. Calliope runs and gives her a hug. She says they should talk—the Leonin sits behind her. Barlo asks if she wants a drink, and she takes a wine. The guards decline the large steins of ale he gets them due to their duty. Apologies for the time. Much to still figure out. Reginald Ivoryclaw has been very helpful. The Vale is back in the Feywild; the Elder was unaware that this could happen.

Calliope: "is there a way back?" Elder of the Dawngreets: "There are always ways. The problem here is the 'why.' There was a large Goblinoid mercenary group paid to attack our homes. Not sure why. Did they know it would do this, or are they looking for something? Reginald's intel suggests they are looking for something that is on the Material Plane in that area." Shadow asked about the Zhentarim. The Elder doesn't believe so; they tend to stick to more "civilized" areas. The Elder also brings up how she is part of The Wild Court, and they are also looking into this situation.

The Wild Court Different Fey Courts in the Feywild are the rulers of a sort. They are run by Archfey -- a type of demigod. A quick overview of the courts took place (tabletalk)

"goblinoids paid, and they might have known it would do that. They might have just wanted access w/o any of us there." Shadow asks about Reginald. "they have a diplomatic relationship, and we help each other out." Shadow: "What about his succession?" "There have been complications." She has the guards get some distance. "It's complicated, and I don't want to talk ill. Reginald has been great. He is dealing with the kind of family situations that arise in times like this. He was raised poor, but his father often spoke of how they were supposed to be in charge of his kingdom -- a smaller kingdom within a large empire. His Uncle had forged some papers and stolen them from them. There was a fight between his father, Dolne Ivoryclaw, and Uncle, Zirin Shadowtooth, where the father died, and so now they are having a little civil war about who is in charge. The Uncle has used nefarious means to try and take control, with Reginald using what he has, but he is new to this position." "The Kingdom of Lights was a reward for something, and the uncle lied that he was rewarded it -- not the father." Barlo asks about how Reggie's situation might be connected to the Vale situation. They don't seem to be, but the Uncle might be willing to lie and use subterfuge to use the instability of the Vale to help in his fight for power. Shadow asks about the "reward" of the lands. They were a reward for some past deed done for the greater king. She then asks about the Elder's goals. The Elder would like Reginald to win and stabilize his kingdom, but none of that matters right now with the Vale in the Feywild. She fears there is a grand purpose for Vale's unique position between the two and believes it is best for it to return. She also wants to know who set this into motion and why. She asks them to investigate the Goblinoids, why they were hired to attack, and by who. It seems, to Barlo, that the attack took place with the timing too coincidental to the actions in Reggie's courts. Reggie is not asking for anything. He is just helping the Elder. She offers a REWARD and also tells Calliope that she might be given some "freedom" for some time as a reward, but she would still have to return after she spends some time seeing the world. She also looks at Bastion and says, "we will need to talk at some point soon. I do have something to talk to you about, it seems." He says 'okay'

She saw Reginald before she left, but not in the week it took to get here. They bring up the note, and she looks at it. She gets a weird look and says that she thinks this is the Uncle trying to get them to question Reggie and possibly throw some shade. She then banishes the Scrying orbs. Shadow casts See Invisibility and see them as they are being destroyed. She admits she did the "dispel magic' of sorts. This is why there has been so much secrecy to keep the Uncle away. *This group is who Reginald sent to meet them* Then it seems the Uncle wrote the "a friend" letter to mess with the group… She says she is going back to the Feywild. The guards will take them back, and she hopes they can figure out what is going on in the Skola Vale. They said they wanted to shop and get some Magic Tattoos; then, they could leave at dawn. Shadow got some experience watching the process. (7 hours) Bastion got one (somewhere on the head) Behind Sas's left ear, she got a little Magic Tattoo so she can cast Darkvision 1x day.

Shadow then went to the Wild Mother's Grace apothecary. Halfling Holli Skiprock talks fast and a bit nervously, "hi hi, can I help you." Shadow asks about Potions, possibly something to help Arktos grow faster or give him strength. Nothing for Arktos, but two Healing Potions.




two Healing Potions




t Encounter Experience: 250 Each | Total: 9800 (Next Goal: 14,000 t

**Left at The Yawning Portal and getting ready to travel to Forlione **

Rewards Granted

The Silk Line Letter from "A Friend", 2020 11 15
Letter from Ursa to Party, 2020 11 15
Scroll of Telescription
Enderbox
Bag of Colding
10,000 gp
Spell Scroll of Misty Step
Spell Scroll of Magic Circle
Letter Ursa's Response to party, 2020 11 16
2 Healing Potions

sent off:

1 Displacer Beast Tentacle
Jacoby's Head (gentle repose)
3 Displacer Beast hides
1 Troll Heart Amulet
Journal of Jacoby CODED
Magic Tattoos for Sas W.T. Rayce & Bastion Bladesinger

Experience

t Encounter Experience: 250 Each | Total: 9800 (Next Goal: 14,000) t

Missions/Quests Completed

Town stuff, learned some lore. Got some cool items.
Given quest to save the Vale for a reward.

Character(s) interacted with

Characters

Abbot Grok
Caireall Donoghuei
Cune
Dolne Ivoryclaw
Durnan
Elder of the Dawngreets
Eldertwig
Holli Skiprock
Jacoby Drexelhand
Lars Heyton
Mhaere Dryndilstann
Obaya Uday
Reginald Ivoryclaw
Tamsil Dryndilstann
Tymora
Ursa
Waukeen
Xanathar
Zirin Shadowtooth
Althalos Stonesworn went into the portal, the party does not know who he is or his name

Creatures

Deities

Created Content

11 (Leafall)

Leafall 15, 2020 KC - Leafall 16, 2020 KC, Morning

Bastion & Sas gets their Darkvision Tattoo

— Timeline of The Mighty Menagerie

Misc

Notes

Learned about Durnan’s past, family, and long life.
Spotted security in The Yawning Portal
Tymora Church deal and the Portal
Who was that went in the hole?
Caireall was hanging out here.
Durnan wouldn’t say much about his long life, just hinted that wizards have ways with potions.
Still need formula for Troll Heart Amulet, Durnan could use 500 gp to “seed” his contacts for assistance.

- Made a deal with Durnan that if hears word on crafters, he will let the party know.

Ladies go to The Silken Line and receive mail, telling Cune they will be at The Yawning Portal.

- One letter was from “a friend” and about Reginald Ivoryclaw
- The other was from Ursa and had two objects: The Scroll of Telescription and the Enderbox as well as notification that a Bag of Colding is in the box at the Manor, accessible with the Enderbox
- Also speaks of progress with the Arcane Forge and a request for materials

No sight of this “friend”
Bastion takes of the spell scroll of Misty step and Magic Circle from his Robe of Useful Items
Met Obay Uday

- She is looking to buy magic items or spellbooks, she has platinum.
- She is purchasing them for a wizard
- She is a priestess of Waukeen
- She plans to be in Wide Berth for a few months.

Fight: Half-orc and shaved-head humans covered in tattoos, something about “killin’ me mates”.
Shadow’s “see invisiblity” shows some invisible orbs in The Yawning Portal.
Durnan says many magic-users use scrying on others, especially cheating mates at bars
Durnan brings up the dangers of the pit, and that the fight was due to the Zhentarim vs. Xanathar’s Thieves’ Guild. There have been Trolls and others from the hole.
Got a room, and saw some scrying following them
Sent a letter, and some items to Ursa

She responded and gave them the 10,000 gp reward

Saw a guy go in hole hoping to impress girlfriend
The Elder of the Vale and two Leonin guards arrive
Skola Vale is in the Feywild and this is new
Reginald has learned that a goblinoid mercenary group was paid to attack the Village because they are looking for something.
The Elder is part of the Wild Court, who are looking into the situation
Reginald’s kingdom is a bit in distress with his uncle trying to wrest control from Reginald, there is a bit of controversy in the past
The elder offers a REWARD and also tells Calliope that she might be given some "freedom" for some time as a reward, but she would still have to return after she spends some time seeing the world.
She also speaks about wanting to talk to Bastion
The Elder is able to dispel the scrying orbs.
The “friend” might be the Uncle, or one of his agents.
What is going in the Vale?
2 potions of healing
Bastion & Sas gets their darkvision tattoos

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