Chapter 4 : The City of Splendours
General Summary
In Which We Arrive in Waterdeep
Day 41: Kythorn 28, morning
We arranged to be caravan guards for the next caravan to Waterdeep. Mir'ek & I spent the intervening days studying some of our items while Mordecai picked on me. I thought friends were people you could tell your secrets and they would understand, or at least not be nasty. So I think Mordecai is not my friend. Mir'ek is okay and I'll stay with them until Waterdeep. I'm not telling him any secrets EVER AGAIN.
Day 43: Kythorn 30, afternoon
Mir'ek and I couldn't work out anything about the Shackles.
I went to Tundrik to say goodbye. We talked about Floon. Tundrik suggested looking for him in cheap taverns. He is youngish, tall and good-looking, with a ruddy face.
Day 44: Flamerule 1, morning
We joined the caravan and departed for Waterdeep.
Day 52: Flamerule 9, morning
We see Waterdeep! We are paid off (400gp each) and head towards the city gate.
At the gate we saw an argument between a guard and a young woman. The guard wouldn't let her in. We pulled her aside and Mordy pretended to berate her while he quietly told her to play along and he would try to get her into the city. Mordecai made up this marvelous story about guards having performance reviews, whatever that means. Anyway, we were all allowed into the city. He can be nice to some people.
In Which We Enter The Yawning Portal
I got out my map of Waterdeep. The area we were in looked very poor and stunk. It was The Field Ward. South of the gate was another wall. There was a big road running through a gate in the second wall.While we discussed our options, we introduced ourselves to the lady. Her name was Aeliana and she was looking for her father in prison. She didn't know where the prison was so now we had to look for the prison, Floon and find somewhere to stay.
Things smelled and looked much better through the second wall. The North Ward was to the east and the Sea Ward to the west. There was a mountain to the SW and the city gradually rose towards it. We found the Market on my map but it was just closing as we arrived. Aeliana asked a merchant about the prison but he was unhelpful.
We thought we should look for a place to stay and the Yawning Portal Inn was on my map so we headed there. The Yawning Portal is very famous as it has an entrance to Undermountain inside it! On the way we saw a big castle. We went to the inn. It was three stories high! I have never seen such a large inn! In the middle of the ground floor was a huge hole with a cage that looked like it could be wound down to take people into the Undermountain. Patrons were gallivanting around the top of the entrance but nobody took any notice. The clientele here are a real mixture. Mordy threatened to tell his Yartar story so I decided to make my own friends. They went upstairs while I got a cider and went to chat to some dwarves. I asked them about Floon. They seemed to know of him, and also a Floon Twin. It was a bit confusing but I think one of them was the Floon I was looking for. They hadn't seen him recently. I bought a round for the dwarves but then there was a lot of noise and shrieking. The swinging cage had hit a wall and plummeted down, along with some people! It didn't bother the dwarves so I followed their lead. Anyway, Mordecai must've heard the ruckus because he came down and the other two followed him. There was a brawl starting on the far side of the pit. Mir'ek called me so I joined them. Mordecai and Aeliana went over to the brawl while Mir'ek started winding up the cage. I gave her encouragement. She said it was very difficult and she is really strong! Then a troll appeared on the top of the cage! It climbed up the rope and started attacking people! Mir'ek and I fought it. Meanwhile, Mordy & Aeliana killed someone in the brawl and then came to help us with the troll. Mordy was Catapulting things at the troll but one thing missed and killed an old lady. I finished off the troll!
In Which We Complete a Job
The bar staff and dwarves cleaned up the mess, The troll was thrown back into the pit. There were a couple of women crying about the drunks who fell in. My new dwarf friends bought me an ale. They said that sometimes adventurers go down the pit but not many come back. They said it was a long way down. They were more talkative and told me that Floon often drinks at The Skewered Bear in the Docks Ward, off Fillet Lane. Mordy & Aeliana went upstairs to play cards.The ale was pretty strong and it was a large tankard. I may have been a little tipsy. Mir'ek called me over. She wanted to talk about trying to save the drunks who fell in. She wound the cage up. There were human bits on it and it was broken. I think she decided the drunks were probably dead.
We went upstairs, found the others and got rooms.
Day 53: Flamerule 10, morning
Mir'ek woke me up really early and my head hurt. I didn't want breakfast but she carried me downstairs. I told them what I found out about Floon and we found out that Aeliana's Dad is in the City Watch Lockup in the SW corner of Castle Ward.
We went there first. She said her father's name was Sneaky Pete. The others seemed horrified at that. I didn't think it was a big deal. Anyway, it turned out that he wasn't her Father but just a job she got. She had to get him out of the lockup and deliver him to this other guy called Phineas Jones Junior. Mordecai talked his way in, paid some money and brought Sneaky Pete out. He was a bit upset that we weren't freeing him so we had to shackle him. We took him to the guy who then shafted Aeliana (and us) by only giving her 25gp instead of 100gp. We would've argued longer but he had big, mean looking friends. Mordecai said that Aeliana needed to learn about contract law, or something like that.
Day 53: Flamerule 10, mid-afternoon
So then we went to look for Floon. The Skewered Bear was in very poor condition but there were a few patron inside. I chatted with a dwarf who told me that Floon was red-headed but not a Dwarf. That was very confusing. He said Floon had a friend called Renaer. They were last seen 2 nights ago, drinking with some other people who may or may not have been friends. They then headed to Black Wagon Alley. Apparently Renaer owned some property around town that he was trying to sell.
In Wagon Alley, I asked a woman if she knew Floon. She had seen him 2 nights ago and sounded like with the same people, in Candle Lane.
I was getting worried that something had befallen Floon. We all started looking in the alleys around Candle Lane. Mordy & Mir'ek found a warehouse with a winged creature painted on the door. Aeliana and I found dead rats.
In Which We Rescue Floon's Friend
Shortly after, Aeliana heard Mir'ek shout and found her way to the warehouse. I looked around a corner of the warehouse and saw a sewer grate askew. I then went to find the others. Inside the warehouse were lots of bodies along one side, boxes and crates scattered about and strange, bird-like creatures shooting arrows at us. A tough battle followed. Mir'ek had no luck placating the birds or Mordecai. Some of the birds spoke to us with Mir'ek's voice, which was very bizarre. Mordecai nearly died from a nasty slash across the back. The last bird tried to run away down the sewer grate but I stopped him. Mir'ek and I went down. There are pathways to explore in the sewer. There was a N-S sewer and a branch off to the E. Mordecai investigated the non-bird bodies. They had been killed recently by swords and arrows (the weapons the birds had) and had been moved to the side. I wondered why? A lot of the bodies had the z-dragon tattoo like the marking on the door. I wondered if it was something to do with the Zhentarim? I looked after the belongings of the 8 dead bird people. They only had a few coins.Aeliana found a man locked away in an upstairs room. He was in poor condition but rather good-looking. His name was Renaer, Floon's friend (and possibly Floon Twin?). He was asking where Floon was. He said he and Floon were captured on the street, brought here and asked questions about where something was. He couldn't remember what the something was. The people argued - they were trying to find someone. They took Floon away and Renaer hadn't seen him since. The people who captured and beat him were among the people killed by the birds. He knew of the bird people, they are called kenku. They often work as henchmen or mercenaries for various factions. He said they weren't around when he was captured or beaten. We decided to escort Renaer home. I took a small box. *** LOOT ***
In Which We Go into the Sewers
Renaer's home was in the Trade Ward, quite nice. He was met by a butler. We went back to our rooms at the Yawning Portal.
Day 54: Flamerule 11, midday
After brunch, we went back to Renaer's to see if he remembered anything more. On the way we encountered a mob with guards. Turned out there had been a battle there in the streets. There were about 6 bodies and the guards had a few suspects tied up. We all investigated in our own way: - Mordy annoyed the guards until he got taken to the lock-up.
- I pretended to be a guard and got a good look at some of the bodies. I saw one with the "z" tattoo and one was a dark elf, another was a dwarf. The suspects were an orc, an elf and three humans.
- Aeliana heard that there was some sort of trouble between three groups of troublemakers: Zhentarim, Bregan something and Xanathar? There had been a number of incidents, and it was concerning that there was now open fighting between them on the streets.
- Mi'rek gave us leg-ups when we needed them.
Aeliana had found another room but there wasn't much there except very old stuff. I went up some stairs and found a passage with a plank over the sewer.
In Which We Explore the Sewers
I went back top see if the hobgoblins had any identifying tattoos or similar. None. While there I looted the shackled one.We questioned him:
- His name is Ogol
- His boss is Nee-or, who is scary and uses magic
- There may be a lieutenant called Grum'shar, who may be angry
- He mentioned something about a bird person and prison.
I had been all for exploring further until that. I left them arguing while I followed Ogol out. He didn't notice me and soon changed direction to go further into the sewers. Along the east sewer was another plank over the sewer. He climbed up that and went N. I went back to warn the others.
Just as well, they were at a door just over the first sewer plank that we found. I told them about Ogol and suggested we try to approach from the way Ogol had gone.
We went back to the door out into the sewer and there I saw someone moving towards us. We waited in the doorway for a bit as they/it had disappeared from my sight. I went to the back so Mir'ek could get to the doorway. I then thought I should keep an eye on the rear. Eventually Mordecai stepped out into the sewer and Mir'ek followed. Arrows were shot at them. Meanwhile, I was attacked by two hobgoblins at the rear. I killed one but was getting hurt. I tactically retreated for help but Mordy & Mir'ek had their own problems. Aeliana helped me to get a nice sneak attack in and I killed it. Meanwhile, Mir'ek grappled one, of course. Hers was not a hobgoblin but some weird, dark dwarf. I got a few coins from my two hobgoblins.
Aeliana and I caught up to Mir'ek and Mordy in a room through the door over the first plank. It was a rough bedroom. I looted the dwarf but he wouldn't or couldn't communicate.
In the next room was an open door to a passage and a barricaded door. Mordy was obsessed with the barricaded door. I couldn't hear anything behind it so I went to check out the passage - which led to the second plank. Unfortunately there were hobgoblins there and I copped an arrow to the stomach. I rushed back into the room to tell the others and hide. Unfortunately I tripped over the corner of the bed and noisily fell into a heap near the bed. Mordy somehow ignored me and continued clearing the barricades from the door.
In Which Everything turns to S#*T in the Sewers
Aeliana also ignored me and spoke to our captive. No response. Good old Mir'ek came and patted me and I felt a lot better. I then found a better hiding spot behind the beds. Mir'ek listened to me and guarded the door. I worried that the hobbies would attack us from behind so I went to guard the rear door. Mordecai & Aeliana cleared the rubble from the blocked door. Mordecai went in. It was very sludgy with lots of rubbish. Tentacles arose from the sludge and threw sludge at Mordy! He started to sizzle and yell! Aeliana did a Radiant Sunburst!. We hadn't seen anything like it. She did it again and Mordecai got out of the room before finishing off the sludge monster. The door was shut. Mir'ek opened her door and there was a hobgoblin right there. She shut the door. My door was still clear so we decided to exit that way. Three of us (plus the shackled dark dwarf) exited but Mordy decided to try and stall the hobbies - without telling us. We were well on our way through the first tunnels when we realised Mordy was not following. I went back to look for him. I saw him being chased by hobbies and jump into the sewer at the plank bridge. I shot at the hobbies in an attempt to distract them and then went to catch up with the others. Meanwhile, Mir'ek had encountered some hobbies at the door to main the sewer. She accidentally killed one. I thought Mir'ek was handling the situation there so I went back to guard the rear. On my way back I was shot by an arrow from the arrow slit. At the door was a tough hobgoblin. We fought and both took damage. The shooter joined him but I thought I could take the big one down before retreating. I was wrong.... Aeliana and Mir'ek discussed from somewhere in the sewer where their friends were. Mir'ek set off to look for Mordecai while Aeliana went in search of Frikki. Aeliana found Frikki, accompanied by a hobgoblin and the hobgoblin lieutenant, Grum'shar . They were going through her gear. Aeliana did a hit and run attack on the shooter. Mir'ek was also successful in her search for Mordecai. She found him with his head in a tentacled embrace from Nihiloor, the leader of the sewer band and an illithid. Mir'ek cast "Sanctuary" on Mordecai and then healed herself a little.In Which We Surprisingly Survive
Aeliana told me that she continued her hit and run attacks and killed one hobgoblin. I saw a light. I was going towards the light. It was a warm and welcoming light... but at the last moment I turned towards a voice. Aeliana was calling to me. She dragged me around the corner as I took a breath. I came around and then panicked because I had no backpack and no weapons. Aeliana said she had seen the hobgoblins looting me! How dare they! I gathered my thoughts and my strength and went back to loot Ogol, the hobgoblin that Aeliana had finished off. I took his longbow, long sword and some gold. I started towards the door to the main sewer. I wanted to get out of there! Mordecai & Mir'ek met us. Aeliana wanted to leave, I did too but I also wanted my stuff back. Mir'ek and Mordecai said we should try to get my stuff back because the boss was away. Apparently they had seen him and hurt him and he had vanished or something. Anyway, Mordy lent me a dagger and we set off back through the hobgoblin tunnels. In the second barracks room, I found some of my stuff, but not all of it. We went out the E door and there was another plank over the sewer. Inside a room on the far side was Grum'shar , the escaped prisoner dwarf and a prisoner. Tactically, it was very difficult and Aeliana and I wanted to close the door and leave but Mir'ek had seen a prisoner and was determined to save him. It was very tough and Mir'ek took a lot of damage but eventually Grum'shar offered to parlay. Mordecai gave them 100gp for Mir'ek, the prisoner and my special bag. We gathered that Grum'shar doesn't like his boss, Nihiloor. He is probably scared of him.In Which We Find Floon
The hobgoblins left before us so we had a quick look around the room. There wasn't much except a stone throne at the end and a few doors. Mordy went into one room but we eventually persuaded him to leave as Mir'ek and I were not very well. Our prisoner is a human, he is Floon! I don't really understand because he is not a Dwarf. He said Tundrik is his uncle. He was tortured for information about a key, a cave and treasure. I went through my returned stuff. All my valuables and gold have gone, except the magical bag and the planar map. That made me a bit sad. We headed back out of the sewers. It was the middle of the night when we got out.
Day 55: Flamerule 12, very, very early
Floon told us his story: He & Renaer were captured, then there was a fight. He was tortured. Mordy was having one of his grumpy nights. Perhaps he was tired. He didn't believe anything that Floon said. Eventually Floon left us. Aeliana and I followed him to see where he was living. It was in a rundown place in the Dock Ward, off Presper St. We joined the others at the Inn for a good sleep.
Day 55: Flamerule 12, noon
I felt a bit better after a good sleep and some food that Mordy bought. I still felt really tired though.
We went back to Floon's place. He didn't answer the door so we broke the latch. Turns out he was just really tired, like me. Mordy still didn't believe much so Mir'ek and Aeliana went to get Renaer while I stayed to stop Mordy being too mean to Floon.
When the girls came back, they said that Renaer had left the city but he had left a reward for us! He has given us a house! It's called Trollskull Manor.
Mordecai questioned Floon. He knew a little bit about Leilon and Tundrik but didn't know that he was supposed to be going to help Tundrik. He did tell us about Renaer's family and it tied in a lot with what we found on Sadiq's contract.
- Renaer's father is Dagult Nirembor, who was once the Lord of Waterdeep.
- Dagult was rumoured to have embezzled a lot of money from the city council.
- There were rumours that the money was hidden in a secret vault; that a wizard had been hired to help erase all memory of where it was hidden; that a key might somehow involved; and that the wizard vanished
- Dagult may be in Neverwinter
- Renaer doesn't have anything to do with his father now
In Which We Explore Trollskull Manor
Mir'ek and I told Aeliana about the things that happened in Leilon.
We went inside and had a good look around. The ground floor has been used as a tavern in the past. There is a cellar. The upper floors are only accessible from the outside stairs. There are several rooms and a couple of balconies. There is a ladder to get to the top floor of the tower. It will take some money to renovate but I was very excited. We discussed whether we should remake the ground floor as a tavern to earn some money.
- About 100 years ago the city was attacked by trolls. The troll skull is from a troll that was killed by the people in the street. It watches the street and keeps it safe. It is not for sale :(
- Our Manor is haunted by Lief, a barkeeper who built the ground floor tavern into a thriving business. He couldn't abandon it. He doesn't welcome new guests.
- The tavern has been abandoned for over 10 years. We don't know why it was abandoned.
- The pulsing light is generated by an Orb of Something
- What it is and that it is bad.
- It is used by powerful wizards to imprison the souls of devils or demons.
- It is a Planar Map
- He is very interested and said it is very valuable.
- It can be used to navigate the planes.
Day 55: Flamerule 12, 8:00 pm
We went back to the Yawning Portal for a good sleep. In Which We Get a Job
Day 56: Flamerule 13, morning
Mir'ek, Aeliana and I had breakfast together at the YP. Mordecai wasn't there. Surely he didn't sleep at the Manor? We went to look for him but he wasn't there although he may have been. We headed to the docks and luckily we spotted him on the way. He rushed us to the Magistrate to sign this thing so we were all owners of Trollskull Manor. It is very pretty.
We continued to the docks where Aeliana told us there was a jobs board. On it we found an interesting poster that looks and sounds a lot like Mir'ek. She denied it and dobbed herself in at the same time and then ate the poster. 
In Which We Search for Mir'ek
Day 56: Flamerule 13, late night
I saw a very drunk man in plate mail leave, accompanied by a halfling. Shortly after, I saw Mordecai & Aeliana come from the same direction. We went outside to talk. Turns out Mordecai & Aeliana had found Sinclair and his squire. They told me what they had found out - interesting stuff but nothing about the key or the artefact.
When I told Mordy that Mir'ek had left with a friend, he got really mad with me. He said I was stupid because there was a Wanted poster for Mir'ek. We split up to look for her. Mordecai headed S while Aeliana and I went to the Market and then to Trollskull Manor, where we reunited with Mordecai. He was still very angry and I got very upset and went to sleep under the bar.
Day 57: Flamerule 14, morning
The next morning I suggested that we visit Xoblob as he may have something to help find Mir'ek. Mordecai gave me 50gp. I knew it wouldn't be enough for anything in Xoblob's Shoppe. Aeliana came with me. Xoblob had a Globe of Scrying but it was amazingly expensive. He wouldn't let me use it for 51gp, or even 90 gp. He was very politely rude.
On our way S we found a wizard, Onan, in the market who said he could locate Mir'ek. We gave him her description and 10gp. He was very good and said she was on the escarpment. We quickly went up there, although Aeliana was a little reluctant for some reason. I saw the big ocean, it was pretty. We then found an area with a statue of a very tall lady resting among the houses. She was even taller than Mir'ek and probably had a chain mail bikini under her robe. Onan must've got mixed up with her. Aeliana and I then headed to the YP.
On arrival, we asked the barman if he had seen Mir'ek and she had just left, with a man! We hoped to find them at the Manor, and there we all were! It was Mordecai with Mir'ek. She didn't seem any the worse for her night out, in fact she seemed quite happy. I was very happy to see her.
In Which I get the Artefact but...
Mordecai suggested competing in the Blue Alley to Brekka but she said that was a fool's game. He then convinced her to run away with him. After she had gone, he found Mir'ek's friend, gave him a pouch of coins and said that Mir'ek would meet him outside the city gate later. Mordecai came back to the manor and woke me up. He said Brekka was out the way so Aeliana and I went to the Sinclair house. Sinclair was asleep in bed. I got the key from a chain around his neck but it wouldn't go in the lock. Aeliana suggested I get him to unlock it. I put the key back on the chain, disguised myself as Brekka and woke him. I said that someone had been in the house and that he should check his treasure. It worked! He unlocked the ornate box and I got the contents - which was a shimmering piece of parchment with fancy writing. I put him back to bed, closed the box and we left. The parchment is about the binding of a halfling clan to the Sinclair family. When we were all back at the manor, Mir'ek had a look at it and said it is magical. We finally went to bed.
Day 58: Flamerule 15, late morning
We went to Xoblob because Mordy wanted to ask him about MY parchment. Xoblob said it was an enchantment binding a family into servitude. It is powerful magic. The power is in the words of the scroll and it is difficult to break the enchantment. The others all want to 'find out more' and 'free Brekka'. I want to finish my job and get some respect from the local guild! We have a big argument. I grab the scroll as Mordy went to hand it to Mir'ek but Aeliana was very fast and ran me down. I shoved it up my jerkin and came back meekly.
We went to a furniture store and Mordy ordered 3 beds. Apparently I don't get one.
Mir'ek said that she feels like she was being watched. After a while I noticed that she was. We went back to the manor to try and disguise her. We got her to wear Mordecai's good shirt and her robe (Mordecai was out). As I was colouring her hair with charcoal, 4 guards barged in and attempted to arrest her! Someone had dobbed her in! I hid behind the chimney to see what Mir'ek would do as I know she doesn't like hurting people and city guards are bad people to kill. Mir'ek tried resisting gently, using Sleep and Command but there were too many. Aeliana got involved and I tried to scare them off with spooky noises and pretending to be Leif the ghostly bartender.
In Which Mir'ek is on the Run
My techniques weren't working and the guards headed towards Aeliana and I so I Disguised myself and tried to hide. Mir'ek ran for the back of the building while Aeliana and I fled out the front windows. Mir'ek got out and ran away with several guards chasing her. I managed to distract one guard. Now apparently Mir'ek encountered Mordecai while she was running away and he made her Invisible. She vanished but the guards took Mordy away. Aeliana and I followed to the City Guard Gaol. We thought we wouldn't be able to do anything for him for a while so we went back to that manor.
Day 58: Flamerule 15, mid afternoon
Mir'ek came back to the manor. We were very pleased to see her. She gave me some money to bail out Mordecai. Aeliana tried to get him out without success.
Day 58: Flamerule 15, night
We went to bed (I got to sleep on Mordecai's new bed ;) ). On Aeliana's guard, lots of city guards came. I got Mir'ek out of an upper window and then we pretended that we hadn't seen her.
Day 59: Flamerule 16, morning
I went for a stroll along the rooftops and found Mir'ek. Aeliana and I then went back to attempt to free Mordy. I Disguised myself as a city guard and Aeliana was my prisoner. We got in and I looked in all the cells but couldn't see Mordy. Unfortunately Aeliana got locked in a cell. I then heard that Mordy had been released!
I went back to the manor. Mordecai told us that Mir'ek's friend, Emyrson, is Lord's Council Attorney Principal, some big nob in the City Guard. He was trying to protect her! Mir'ek and I went back to the gaol and eventually got Aeliana out. In Which Mir'ek has a Date
Day 59: Flamerule 16, midday
I got Mordecai to write a letter to Tundrik, saying that we had found Floon. Aeliana & I took it to the Field Ward and found a caravan to take it to Leilon.
A guy came with a quote to repair our manor:
- 5000gp for core structure - urgent!
- 6000gp for refurbishment of lower level
- 2500 - 4000gp for upper levels
Day 59: Flamerule 16, late afternoon
We all arrived back at Troll Skull Manor (TSM). Mordecai seems to have reluctantly made a deal with Emyrson to get Mir'ek to go on a date with him. Mir'ek put on the dress that Mordy bought for her in Saltmarsh and she looked fabulous! We all went to the YP. Mordecai delivered Mir'ek to Emyrson, who was in the sitting room with Sire Sinclair. They are friends and Emyrson needs to sort out 'a situation' for Sinclair - something important has been stolen from him (hmm!). Emyrson was very pleased to see Mir'ek. Mir'ek attempted to get some information from him, and found out a little more about the Zhentarim: They are a dark and dangerous organisation, but have little political influence in Waterdeep, although multiple brazen incidents suggest they are trying to establish a more substantial foothold. The Lords' Council is actively attempting to repress this intrusion, with evidence suggesting the Thieves Guild might be surreptitiously supporting them. Emyrson reports to the Lord's Council Attorney General.
Mordecai found out that the YP barkeep runs the betting for the Blue Alley. Mordy placed a 200gp bet on his team! The barkeep hadn't seen Brekka for a couple of nights.
After dinner, Emyrson and Mir'ek went for a walk and ended up at his house in Virgin's Square. Mordecai followed them and tried to interrupt things but Emyrson stood his ground so all Mordecai could do was shout: "Blue Alley in the morning!"
Meanwhile, I successfully visited the Florist, and was advised to come back the next night. Aeliana, Mordecai and I all separately made our way back to TSM. Mordecai was very catty. Aeliana and I thought that he was jealous!
Day 60: Flamerule 17, morning
We set off for the Blue Alley, after I've hidden the Planar map and some other stuff at the manor. We met Mir'ek at the alley. She said that Emyrson had warned her not to go. He said it was very dangerous - a Wizard's death trap! Some of us were reluctant but Mordy gave us a pep talk. We bought 10 Healing Potions. We approached the lectern, scrawled our names in the book and went through the portal...
In Which We Enter The Blue Alley
As we headed down the Blue Alley, I suggested we could sell the Planar Map to get money but they didn't want to do that.Ahead of us was an animated mural showing 40 to 50 adventurers dying by various means - loudly! Aeliana tried to take note of the traps shown on the mural. Down in the RH corner were a group that could have been us - a large green one, a small orange one, a grey one and a coloured one. I had a quick look right - there looked like a skull at the end. The left looked more inviting so we went that way. The first door was solid, with iron bindings and ivory inset ferocious animals. We decided not to open it yet. The door further ahead was open. Mir'ek went in - it looked like a grassy floor with open sky above - but it wasn't. There was a trough of water that looked nice but tasted stale. There were two doors, Mir'ek opened one. There was a very large bull's head on a pole. Mir'ek and Mordecai were in the room when Mir'ek touched one of the large horns. A Minotaur appeared in the grassy room where Aeliana and I were! It attacked Aeliana and nearly chopped her in half. We screamed for help and I ran around and poked it a couple of times, and it disappeared. We patched Aeliana up a bit. There was another bull's skull through the other door. We tried shutting ourselves in the two rooms, in pairs and pulling the horns, then waiting a while. We couldn't tell if anything happened. We continued down the LHS and came to a large room with smoke or clouds in the bottom and 7 large discs swinging from chains. Mir'ek went in and seemed to get lost very easily - even for her. Aeliana did a very big leap to the first disc and started to make her way along the discs. She fell off and Mordecai went down and found her. The next time she used a rope and eventually made it to the last disc where she picked up a scroll. Mir'ek eventually found her way back to us and we all got out. Unfortunately, no one can read the arcane scroll.
In Which We Don't Open Chests
We headed for the carpeted stairs. I was first there but got stuck on the first step. The carpet had a glossy look. As I stepped on it there was a voice. I couldn't get unstuck so I untied my boots and got Mir'ek to lift me out. Mordy threw all sort of things onto the stairs, which got stuck but also triggered the voice but we couldn't work out what it said. Us girls went to the ferocious animal room while Mordecai stayed and threw gold pieces at the carpet. There were 2 chests, one at each end of the ferocious animal room. The walls were covered in poor paintings of chests. Aeliana and I wanted to open them but Mir'ek wasn't keen. Eventually we went back to see why Mordy was taking so long. He was performing The Succubus of Yartar as he walked up the steps. The voice was laughing. Mir'ek told a bad joke and went up. I tried juggling coins but that didn't work. Aeliana and I tried limericks but we couldn't work out a good last line. Eventually we got there with some jokes. Mordy says the word we couldn't understand was 'Entertain'. Further along the passage we found a room with a round dais with a large emerald in the top and a long-sword rotating protectively above it. Mir'ek tried to grab the sword but it pulled away from her. She then grabbed the gem and the sword attacked her. She grappled the sword and held it. She put the gem back in its hole but I popped it in my backpack. When Mir'ek let go of the sword, it started attacking me so I had to roll the emerald away :(. The sword followed it. Meanwhile Mordecai had gone through another door. He was locked in there. I unlocked the door and Mordy was looking a bit dazed. I couldn't get him out but Mir'ek did. Eventually he came good. The room was completely bare and featureless. Very boring. As we were about to leave I noticed a secret door. I opened it and there was a very cosy room with a fire and couch. There was a bowl of red berries that Mir'ek took and gave some to Aeliana. Mordecai picked up a wooden box that had runes on the inside. Weird. He said they were runes of binding. We headed back to the chest room but the boring people wouldn't stand guard while Aeliana and I opened even one chest, so we will have to come back later. We went up the RHS of the noisy death mural. There were 2 fake doors along the passage before the brass skull, which was attached to a bench. There was another passage down and to the left so we followed that to a door at the end.In Which We Riddle with Kealiar
I opened the door to a musty room containing a thick green carpet, two large sofas, a couple of empty cupboards and 2 other doors. The first door contained a statue with shimmering light around it. When Mordy threw a coin at it, the coin bounced back at him before it got to the statue. There was some sort of force field around it. We couldn't touch the statue but it looked like a wizard. His glowing blue eyes looked straight at us. Eventually I noticed that there was a word on the base of the statue: Kealiar. When I said it, he answered! We asked him lots of questions. Most he didn't really answer but we did get:- The unicorn is where we must go.
- The sentinel protects the gem.
- The unicorn defies those who are not capable of receiving it.
- Kealiar made the statue and the blue maze.
- We don't need the green gem.
- He didn't seem to know about the box with runes.
E: Are blessed or may go afore
N: They whom avarice abhor
W: Thy holding tithe shall be restore
S: Take but a century no more
I can't be sure what order they should be read. Anyway, it seemed that taking coins wasn't a good idea so I put the coins back. There were double doors in the S wall. We tried lots of things to get them open, but couldn't. After we left the room I felt good, like I'd done something right, and all I did was not take any coins! Hmm.
- The missing key: The key to the door is with the holder of the key.
- The fire: Below the fire are those who tend the fire.
What might and strength cannot get through, this with soft touch can do.
Mir'ek answered 'Key' and the force field disappeared and there was a wand on the pedestal. Meanwhile, Aeliana and I gave up waiting and opened the S chest.
In Which Some Things Didn't Happen
Aeliana attempted to open the chest - it didn't open but it moved and attacked her with a tentacle! The tentacle stuck to her. I cut off the tentacle with my sword and my dagger and we both ran out of the room. Unfortunately my sword stuck to the thing. I stopped at the doorway to shoot at the thing but it had disappeared. We went to find the others. When we got to the sofa room, there was a strange little creature sitting on a sofa. It was about 4' tall, and had large hands. I saw Mir'ek just leaving the room so I followed her while Aeliana talked to the creature. I don't quite know what happened but I think Mir'ek was chasing another of the creatures up the hallway. In the fire pit room, Mordecai was having an altercation with yet another one. He cast a spell and it collapsed. Mir'ek went to help it but it was dead. Another one attacked Mordecai and there was a fight in the firepit room. A couple of the things started dragging Mir'ek to the fire pit! Even though she was much bigger than them, she couldn't escape. Then there was a big explosion in the fire pit. Aeliana was seriously hurt. She took a potion and dragged herself out. Mordecai then Thunderwaved. It killed the creatures but also pushed Mir'ek into the pit - well, I thought that happened and I have horrid thoughts of being in the pit but then Mir'ek was on the other side of the pit in one corner, and I was in another corner. Mir'ek was unconscious and near the pit so Mordy and I tried to drag her away. Mordy seemed really weak, so Aeliana came in and helped. We went up the hallway and Mir'ek came around. She then healed us all a bit. We went back to the Gold Room to have another try understanding the lines of verse. We tried taking 100gp each. The doors didn't open. Mir'ek and Mordecai eventually told us the Kealiar had given them a Wand. I experimented with it in front of the doors in both the Gold Room and the Gold Path Room. Nothing happened. Mordecai stepped off the golden path.In Which a Terrible Thing Happens
I went into the Path Room and saw a ghostly figure lurch at Mordecai. Mordy attempted toShocking Grasped it but missed. Aeliana joined us. I shot an arrow at it but it seemed to pass straight through. Mir'ek came in and Smote the thing. That worked better, but she stepped off the path and another of the ghosts appeared! A tough battle followed. I made one disappear but then Mordecai went down! Mir'ek killed the second Spectre and Aeliana went to check on Mordecai - he was dead! We couldn't believe it, especially Mir'ek. As we were taking him out, Aeliana noticed that two of the people from the wall procession were missing. I went to Kealiar but he wasn't talking anymore. We headed back to the green gem and sentinel sword room. I studied the entrance mural. I saw many of the things we had encountered and also:- People buried alive
- People falling
- People shimmering/vibrating
- People exploding from the inside
In Which We Find the Unicorn
Aeliana went through the doors and the green gem vanished. I went to look for Mir'ek. The room had a carpet down the middle and black gates at the end. We could see only darkness beyond them. We couldn't open them and there was no lock. We went back to the chest room. I broke my pick in the lock so I asked Mir'ek to smash the lock. There was a silver key inside. We then went back to the minotaur room. Once again we tried to get them to fight eacj other but they kept attacking our doors. Mir'ek was badly slashed. Eventually Aeliana noticed that there was something around its neck. Mir'ek tried to grab it but missed. I ran through, leapt up and grabbed it. It was a half a key! Aelina than dismissed the minotaur by letting go of the horns. We summoned the other minotaur and I managed to repeat the trick. I put the key together and it looks like it will fit the lock at the end of the golden path. We went and picked up poor Mordecai and brought him back to the two-couch room. As we passed, Kealiar was sparkling again. We went into talk to him and he spoke in Mordecai's voice, but was unhelpful like Kealiar. I found it quite upsetting because Kealiar/Mordecai was being very mean. Mir'ek stayed for a long time. After I left he mentioned something about an angry sailor guy. I went to the door and unlocked it. The room was very, very shiny, with mirrors everywhere. Near the far end was a splendid silver unicorn statue. It was quite heavy so I put it in my special bag. When I left the room, I found I was stark naked! Everything was back in the room! I went back in and tried a few things. Eventually, when the door was shut, I noticed some words on the wall: Everything you see is mine. I blindfolded myself and got out with my stuff - and the unicorn. I went back to the gate room. Aeliana was still there. Maybe Mir'ek was still talking to Keliar/Mordecai. I reached out to try and open the gates but as I touched them something strange happened and then I was in The Yawning Portal! I didn't know what to do about my friends! I waited and paced and asked for help. After quite a while, Aeliana and Mir'ek, carrying Mordecai, arrived! We made it out - except poor Mordecai! Lots of people cheered. I asked if anyone could help with Mordecai.In Which We Raise Mordecai
Everyone cheered when we first arrived but they soon lost interest in us. The dwarves advised looking for a temple to save Mordecai. I went to the barkeep, who gave us some winnings and suggested the Monastery of the Sun. We went straight there. Aeliana recognised it as a temple to Lathander. We put our winnings together with almost all of our gold and my gems to make up the 1500gp to get Mordecai back. We left him with the priests and went to our manor for a good rest.
Day 61: Flamerule 18, morning
We went straight to the temple to watch them work on Mordecai. The Holy Water was not behaving properly on him. The priests were suspicious that Mordecai was evil. Mir'ek whispered to us that she thinks he is haunted, like our manor.
Mordecai eventually came to life, screaming and writhing. The priestess cast another spell and Mir'ek had to hold him down. She said his skin was deathly cold even though it was a bit pink and his eyes were open. Eventually he calmed down.
We took him back to the manor and put him to bed. Aeliana and I left him and Mir'ek sat with him. I think they talked a bit and then he rested.
Aeliana & I went to visit Flavian at the Florist. We got a job to pickup a package from Weirdbottle’s after sunset, then take it to a corner in Dock Ward at 2am. I have to say "Purple" and the response should be "Viper". We will be paid 200gp on delivery.
Back at the manor we spent some time studying our magic items.
Mordy had said something about that shield that he carries around being worth a bit. We were very, very short of money so I decided to sell it. I took it to Xoblob and bartered hard and got 1600gp for it. I thought I did quite well but Mordecai was FURIOUS! He said it was worth a lot more than that. Mir'ek took me back to try and get some more but Xoblob wasn't very nice and made us choke and called the city guard.
I went to Mordecai and said I was sorry that I hadn't known the value of the shield but he was still angry and nasty so I left. I went to the market to buy a shortsword.
In Which I am Captured!
I bought a shortsword in the market and then Aeliana and I went to scout Weirdbottles, in Trade Ward. We all spent a while studying our items. Later on, Aeliana, Mir'ek & I went to Weirdbottle’s. The guy was a funny little gnome but we got the package and took it home. We didn't tell Mordy because he would've wanted to open it. Late in the night we set off for Dock Ward. We arrived in plenty of time and waited. I left the package with Mir'ek and Aeliana was watching from down the road. Around 2 I went looking and saw some movement down an alley. I went to see if it was our customer but then a net was dropped over me! Several bird people appeared and started chirping. I escaped the net but then they shot me and grappled me. I screamed for Aeliana and Mir'ek but they hit me really hard. Who would've thought birds could hit so hard? I pretended to be unconscious and they carried me a little way. They accused me of working for the Zhent. I denied it. They searched me and didn't find the package. I mentioned to them about the kenku bodies we had found in the warehouse and the sewers. They blindfolded me and carried me off. We went down some stairs. There was a faint odour like the sewers? Meanwhile, I don't know what happened to the transaction. I hope Aeliana remembered the words if the person did come.Dear Frikki Diary
Frikki ik missing. Mir’ek found this book shal’lav her things. Ayh many blank pages katu I write what happened. Went docks. Mordecai still cryin’ na home. Frikki agh Aeliana told me needed change crate? Have to meet some person. Give crate. Don’t open crate. Get ??? Den go dark alley (narg confused with Blue Alley). I’m holding box. Frikki go. Aeliana goes. Ar woman comes tog. Aeliana says some words ka I think they’re zut?? Argh woman runs away. Stuck ar this crate. I argh Aeliana very tired bug Frikki STILL GONE. Aeliana agh I look around argh find a NET. Probably don have anything ve dargh with Frikki but leave to tell Mordecai. We go agh talk to Mordecai (nart cryin’ na) with crate. The najork’s playin’ with some candle angh I’m surprised he hasn’t burnt this place down like the tavvn before. Mordecai makes us ork the box. Inside ayh 4 bottles full ro some kind of gas na vapour. They slosh around tek bottled clouds?? Mordecai takes it outside on balcony agh tells Mir’ek to think of something. I think about dragons because dragons are malkalesh-ra!! Mordecai tells me I am thinking about dragons. I tell him I am. Aeliana ark suuuuu impressed but I don’t know why??? Mordecai tells Mir’ek agh Aeliana about bird people. He wants to visit Emmyrson. Jiak!! I haven’t seen him since the Blue Alley. Plus najor don’t know nothin’ about bird people except ork shouldn’t talk to dem. Beside, we should go back to the sewers kuk that’s where we saw them last. We all go back ot warehouse.In Which I Meet Squidface
The kenku kept asking why I was working for the Zhent and I kept denying that I was. They took my equipment away and threw me into a cell. A really tall creature with a bulbous head and facial tentacles came and some how talked to me without talking. The creature was truly terrifying! A kenku with better armour and gear came with it. Luckily they didn't stay long. As they left, they locked my cell. I got some food a bit later. I peeked through the lock. I saw a glowing light outside the room. The big creature was moving about, sometimes carefully holding something. It looked like a glowing ball but it was treated more like a pet? There was a pulsating light. In the distance I occasionally heard distant screams, like someone being tortured! Oh, I don't like being here all alone. I went through the pile of rubbish that was probably my bedding and found some slivers of wood. I had a go at unpicking the lock but the wood broke. Sometimes I heard bird sounds but noone speaking common. Sometime later, the big tentacled creature came back into my cell. He squid-faced me in the head. I don't know what he did and it didn't last long but afterwards I had a headache and felt sick.In Which Aeliana has a Dream
by Sophie-Alice
Dear Frikki Diary 2
Nat ul warehouse the symbol dar has been scratched out. There’s also ag large padlock there. Mordecai sets FIRE TOK MORE RUBBISH. Aeliana goes onto roof agh daggog hear her on other side ro ul door. But she can’t let us in because dar door is locked agh padlock is on our side of the door. I break the lock agh we go in der. Warehouse pretty empty norg. No papers nart bodies nart nothin’. I tell tak ‘em we should go down so we all go down. We all wander tog through the sewers, through a door and gimb into some bird people. Ork I think maybe I do because I suddenly have a big arrow shaugit sticking out of me. I like birds but I don’t like the way they talk because it’s always sulj SULJ painful. I can hear them whistling ve each other. Aeliana starts shoting agh can’t seem to breath. She runs. Mordecai uses his love ro FIRE shoots a bolt of FIRE on the bird. Poor bird. I try to VERY gently rraf hit the bird to make it stop shooting but there are MANY birds agh I feel like agh cactus. Still ‘avent found Frikki! Nagh at a door to a HUGE zaggran chamber, there’s a bird with armour surrounded by more birds and arrows. Aeliana falls down but I give her a rraf pat and she is okay again. Then we see the squidface! The squidface puts something on the ground agh it comes towards us. It’s a brain with feet. It’s nart very nice. The brain-leg tries to knock Mir’ek down ka since it’s just a brain nart really a person, I don’t feel zut bad hitting it so I squash it. Mordecai wants to squash Squidface but he’s gone. Squidface is gone kanalk, but when we go into the room we gimb find Frikki! Frikki is nice (USUALLY) agh we all glad to see her agh nart another BIRD. Now she is here I give lav-li her book back.
In Which I am Rescued
A little later, I thought I heard Mordecai's voice. I looked through the keyhole but the room outside was now dark. Soon after Mordy opened my door! I was so pleased to see him! I saw Mir'ek and Aeliana too. There were several kenku bodies whose possessions needed rehoming. I helped by taking some weapons and a little gold. One of them had a key and a nice breastplate. They key opened a locked door and in that was a chest. I opened it and there was my gear, from this time and last time! I grabbed it, and some other things that had been put aside for me: 240gp, spectacles, a set of 6 nice dice (5gp each), a set of silk kerchiefs (20gp), gold inlaid grooming set (30gp). As we closed the chest, Aeliana got nicked by a dart. The dart had a bulb on it and some gooey substance. I was worried she may have been poisoned. She had a blue spot on her arm. On our way out, I went to see the Orc that the others had found. He was badly beaten. He was Grum'shar, who we had seen on our earlier foray. Apparently he had failed in his task for Nihiloor (aka Squidface) and had been beaten as punishment. His task had been to kill some Bregan D'aerthe and frame them for something but it hadn't worked. (Did we have something to do with that?) "Nihoor" (Nihiloor?) was very angry but Grum'shar didn't think it was his fault and Nihoor was always angry. Mordecai had saved his life so got Grum'shar to agree to serve him but Mir'ek (who Grum'shar had been extremely rude to) healed him and then freed him. Grum'shar also said something about Mir'ek being 'of the bear' and not 'bastard-born' even though he had called her bastard-blood earlier. Perhaps he lost some of his senses in the beating. We eventually got out. It was night time but I thought we should see about Aeliana's poison. We went to the temple of Lathander. I took Aeliana in and eventually we found a priest who said it wasn't poison. By that time her arm was all all blue, like the sky. It was a magical dye. We all went back to the manor. I asked what happened to the potion transaction and Mordecai told me that Nihiloor had the potions. That is no good at all. My attempt to get in with the Thieves Guild has failed and I'll be in trouble with them.
Day 63: Flamerule 20, morning
Aeliana said she had a very strange dream last night. She said we were in a house like Sire Engelbrecht's. Mordecai set fire to lots of things. Sire Engelbrecht was there with a woman but it wasn't his house. Emyrson was there and killed himself when Mir'ek rejected him.
Maybe the dye caused it because in the morning most of her upper body was blue.
I went to the market to sell the extra weapons and breastplate I had picked up. The others went to Xoblob to see if he could help with Aeliana's problem. He said he had seen it before and it was a marking of the Xanathar Guild. So Nihiloor must be working for them. Xoblob said it may only last a few days.
Mordecai brought home a nice orange dress for Aeliana. She was very happy with it. Sometimes he is really nice.
Mordecai noted that we were in trouble with the Xanathar Guild, and we'd stolen Raneir from the Zhent, so perhaps Bregan D'aerthe was our best chance. We don't know much about them though. In Which an Explosion Occurs
We spent the rest of the day discussing what was happening in Waterdeep and up and down the Sword Coast. We couldn't work much out. There is a nasty gang war, a Valkamec stone possibly with a bound demon, a planar map and a book about demons and such. Maybe there's a demon at the heart of all this? There's also this missing Wizard and possibly a gnomish offsider. And does any of it have anything to do with the sea devils around Saltmarsh?
Day 63: Flamerule 20, evening
Early evening there was a large noise, like an explosion, not far from our house. We went to have a look. There was a black mark, like a Fireballed area, in the street with 5 bodies. There were several onlookers. Aeliana and I observed from the rooftop while Mordecai and Mir'ek investigated.
The 5 bodies were 1 gnome, 2 humans and another 2 humans. The gnome had a cloak wrapped around him but it was pulled aside as if something had been removed from him. 2 of the humans had Zhentarim tattoos, but they were more ornate than others we had seen (more important?). The other 2 were probably just unlucky.
Mordecai put out some minor fires and was praised. He and Mir'ek asked what happened. They were told that a puppet-like creature (kenku?) waved its arms around and threw something down to the street, which exploded. A cloaked and injured person took something from the gnome's body and ran away to the E.
The City Guard turned up. Aeliana and I joined the others and we searched E for a while. There were too many directions. Aeliana and I went back up to the rooftop to where the creature may have been. It is v ery easy to go a long way via the roof, and have a good view.
We think maybe a kenku caused the explosion to kill some Zhent. One of them wasn't killed but took something from the gnome and escaped. The kenku may have seen where he went?
A little kid came up to Mordecai offering to sell him 'magics'. Mordecai scared and threatened him but bought the red beads. Mir'ek tells us they are magic. Could something like this have caused the explosion? Interestingly, the spectacles from the sewer chest were also magical I put them in my special bag. In Which We are Questioned by the Guard
Day 64: Flamerule 21, very, very early
Mordecai, Mir'ek and I went searching in different areas. Aeliana stayed home as she was still blue. Our searching was unsuccessful.
Day 64: Flamerule 21, morning
I decided to try searching in the daylight. I didn't find anything useful but I did try on the spectacles. They made everything blurry until I put my hand up close and wow! I could see so much detail! They were amazing when looking at close things.
Mordecai & Mir'ek went to try to upgrade Mir'ek's chain mail bikini to a scale mail bikini. Then they visited Xoblob. Mordy showed him the beads. Xoblob warned him to be careful to avoid impacts. Mordecai mentioned the Valkamec Stone. Xoblob said: - He hopes we don't have one
- It is used to contain 'things', like powerful creatures
- These creatures may have powers that seep through the stone.
- In relation to Leilon, Waterdeep supplied troops and magic to contain powerful creature(s). If a bound creature were released, very bad things would happen.
Day 64: Flamerule 21, 7:00PM
The guards left and we discussed the day. Mordy wanted to open an outdoor Chain Mail Bikini bar to make money to renovate the building. Sounds fun.
I wondered if and and why Dalakhar was coming here. We need to find out more about him.
M&M filled Aeliana & I in on the Valkamec stone discussion with Xoblob and we discussed if we should sell it to him. Aeliana touched the stone. It was warm but didn't hurt her.
Mir'ek cast Detect Undead. She noticed something else aside from Mordy. The manor ghost! We tried to track him down and talk to him. We heard a thump at one stage but couldn't corner him. Mir'ek and I went to a local pub, The Bent Nail to see if we could find out anything about Dalakhar. Aeliana started setting up to brew ale for our bar.
In Which Mir'ek Visits Emmryson
Day 64, very, very early
I spoke to the barkeep, who said there were more gnomes in Trades Ward. So we went to a pub there but no one we spoke to knew of Dalakhar.
We were near Emmyrson's house so I persuaded Mir'ek to visit him. We asked about the Bregan D'Aerthe. He said they are swords-for-hire and run by Drow! He then insinuated that I was half drow and kicked me out. I hope he didn't set the City Guard onto me!
I went to the Yawning Portal and chatted to my dwarf friends, They knew of the Zhentarim (political) and Xanathar (dark underworld, focussed in Waterdeep, usually involved in serious crime). They didn't know much of Bregan D'Aerthe.
By midnight, we were both back. Mir'ek and I updated the others on what we had learned. Mir'ek had got Emmyrson very drunk. He said the Zhentarim wear identification tattoos and various organisational sections have differing tattoos. He pretty much proposed to Mir'ek. Aeliana and Mordecai had discussed bar and beer names.
Day 65: Flamerule 22, morning
The guards knew Dalakhar's name. Perhaps we should start with them?
I went back onto the roof with my spectacles on and found metallic scuff marks - so maybe the puppet-like creature wasn't Kenku?
Mordecai followed up the guard lead but didn't really get anywhere. He then went to get permits for the bar. He met the Fellowship of Innkeepers, who we'll have to pay guild fees to; and the Brewers & Vintners Guild, who can recommend wholesalers. He then went to the Docks looking for Z tattoos but didn't spot any.
Meanwhile, Mir'ek wanted to know Aeliana's experiences with the Zhentarim. She said she had worked for someone who had Zhent connections and it had turned really, really sour.
Later on, Mordy & I went to Xoblob. Mordy bought a potion and I (reluctantly) bought some information. The metal puppet thing could be an automaton. They are made for the Day of Wonders parade. Priests from the Temple of Gond make them.
Discussion turned to the Valkemec stone. He still wants it and said he would pass it onto someone who would know what to do with it. Mordy told Xoblob that Mir'ek thinks he is undead. Xoblob advised seeing a priest.
Since Xoblob is a gnome, I asked if he knew Dalakhar. He denied it.
As we left, I noticed a crow fly from a little window at the top of Xoblob's, heading WSW.
I think we need to check with someone really trustworthy about the Valkemec stone.
In Which We Visit the House of Inspired Hands
Day 65: Flamerule 22, late morning
Mordecai wanted to visit the temple where we had him resurrected. So I took him to the Monastery of the Morning Sun. He asked one of the priests why the never wanted to see him again. They said it was because he 'Dead but not dead'. I asked if that meant he was Undead, but they said, no, that wasn't it. He said he had been feeling cantankerous since being Raised. They said they didn't know anything about that and they don't work with illnesses of the mind.
I asked where the temple of Gond was. It's called the House of Inspired Hands and it's in Sea Ward. Mordecai asked about a god called Mask but they'd never heard of it.
Mordecai then told me an amazing story of how he got to be with us. He comes from a land across the sea. He was at a fancy party in a castle with Lady Darkmoor. Apparently they went onto a balcony and had a big smooch. Next thing, Mordecai is in a cabin (maybe his cabin?) in the woods but when he goes outside, it's in a different place! He had come from over the sea without going in a boat. He was now in a forest just outside of Triboar, which is not that far from Yartar. He said that when he looked in the mirror, he was looking rather fine but then he sneezed and turned into a sheep! He hadn't done any magic until then and now he can do magic almost whenever he wants! He doesn't know what happened between the kiss and ending up on the other side of the world.
Anyway, we went back home and picked up Mir'ek. Aeliana was still blue so she stayed with her beer. We then went to the Gond place. It's really big. There were some flowers nearby so I stopped to pick some and then this mechanical bird thing nearly hit Mordecai so I had to put the flowers down??? The bird thing had a really sharp beak and could be dangerous. It came from the top of a tower connected to the House of Inspired Hands so Mordy picked it up.
We went inside and this place was massive and very interesting! There were statues of Gond who look a bit gnomish, but much bigger. There were also lots of really interesting contraptions. The priests were quite nice and gently told me not to touch the things. We spoke to a priest called Valattha. Gond is the god of Crafting and he likes knowledge.
Mordecai told him about the mechanical bird and Valattha was very concerned. We all went up the tower and at the top was a nimblewright . It's a man made of metal and gears. His name was Nim. He made the bird and was testing it when it nearly hit us. He got into trouble from Valattha. Around the room was lots of junk and some other metal man bits. We asked some questions and it turns out that Nim made another nimblewright that ran away. Valattha wants it brought back and we think maybe it was involved in the explosion.
Valattha gave us a special box that will help us to find Nim's friend.
On our way home we went up through the Sea Ward and then all through Field Ward. No signal, so we went home as it was getting late.
While catching Aeliana up and showing her the box, I turned it on to show her and there was a weak signal. We all went out and went E. We soon narrowed our search down to a mansion on Saerdoun Street. The letterbox said Gralhund. We walked around it and Mordecai knocked on the door. There was no answer.
In Which We Visit Mrs Gralhund
Day 65: Flamerule 22, mid-evening
Mordecai made me Invisible! No one could see me, including me! I unlocked the front gate and went into the garden. Mordecai started saying strange things about losing something but I ignored him. I went to an open door and saw bodies, and a couple of armoured men. What has been going on here?
Meanwhile, the others came into the garden and upset some strange dogs and another dark creature. They eventually killed them and I told them what I had seen.
Aeliana climbed onto the house roof and then onto a balcony. We all went onto the balcony. There was a door into the house but it was the only lock I haven't been able to unlock in forever. So I asked Mir'ek to gently shoulder it. That worked. I went in and then Aeliana, who was attacked by a large Orc. We knocked him out. On the other side of the bedroom was a crying woman, calling for guards. I went to the W door and heard fighting sounds behind it.
The woman said she was Yalah Gralhund, mistress of the house. The orc was her bodyguard. She didn't want us to hurt her children.
There were other people invading her house and she thought we were with them.
Mir'ek barricaded the W door and we went to the S door. Mrs Gralhund went a bit nuts then and it turned out that's where her children were. We took her and the kids onto the balcony. Mrs Gralhund said that her husband was still inside. I think she was still very unsure about us. It looked like the City Guard had arrived at the gate.
In Which We Find the nimblewright
Mer'ek and I thought we should try to save the husband. I got a description from Yalah: portly, 6', balding, robes. Yalah started yelling to the City Watch as Aeliana and I removed the door barricade. All had gone quiet in the next room. Then someone started banging on the door. I hid. Two City Guards entered. They manacled Mordecai and Aeliana. Meanwhile Mir'ek was still out on the balcony or the roof with the children and Yalah was still saying that Mir'ek had kidnapped the kids. When the guard was distracted, I snuck out the W door. There had been a bloodbath in the next room, bodies everywhere. I went S into a bathroom and then a locked door S of there. I couldn't pick it! So I went downstairs, had a bit of a look in a couple of rooms and eventually escaped out of a window. I walked S near the house and found glass from a broken window. Someone had come out of a window. I went in through the broken window. There were a couple of chairs and a desk with household paperwork. I went into the next room where there were 2 sets of gleaming armour and a hooded bird in a cage. I went out the window again and then the family entered, with the husband. I ducked down to listen. I heard some things:Yalah: This didn't go at all well.I went back to the manor. The others were all there. Mir'ek had been manacled too but they had all been released. Aeliana had heard Yalah say she'd been held captive by the Zhentarim for days. At first she said her husband had escaped but then he had appeared, although he didn't look too good.
Husband: Not here, later.
Husband (about broken window): They seem to have gotten out without the guard seeing them. I wonder if this is where. First thing tomorrow, we will get bars on them.
Yalah: Are all the servants dead? Hrabbiz is still alive but we need to reinforce.
Husband: Not all. They can be taken care of, but Urstul will be a problem until we find him again. Anyway, be silent now... the guards are suspicious enough. And they have set those nuisance adventurers free. Why were they here anyway?
We got the automaton tracker out to check if the nimblewright was still at the Gralhund mansion, and it wasn't. We went back to the manor for some sleep.
Day 66: Flamerule 23, morning
Next morning there was a thump at the door. It was Hrabbiz, the Gralhund's orc bodyguard. He said that Mistress Gralhund had a job for us. He put down a bag with about 200gp and said we could have 2000gp if we did the job. The job was to find Urstul Floxin and make him permanently go away. He gave us a sketch but there wasn't much detail. Human, with some elven features, skinny, seedy looking. He works for the Black Network. Aeliana told us that is another name for the Zhentarim. We headed back to the Gralhund mansion to start our search but there were lots of City Watch so we came back a couple of streets and then headed S. We first picked up a signal near the City of the Dead. The signal was very strong near a guard tower in the wall at the SE corner of the City of the Dead. Mordecai managed to talk us in and we walked around but the signal didn't get stronger inside. We went back out and went into the cemetery near the tower but it still wasn't better.
We decided to head out the River Gate and check on the outside of the wall. On our way, we noticed quite a bit of rubbish against the outer wall of the City of the Dead. Mir'ek and I started to look through it because you never know what you'll find. Next thing, I was struck with a sword! I hit back and broke the thing completely. It was the missing nimblewright . He wasn't in very good condition. We picked up his bits.
In Which We are Followed
Day 66: Flamerule 23, midday
We took the nimblewright bits back to Valattha at The Temple of Inspired Hands. He gave us a small reward of 100gp. He was interested in more information on the nimblewright 's path upon leaving the temple.
Our next job is to find Urstul Floxin. We discovered that Aeliana has an upside down Zhent tattoo on her upper arm. She said she has been branded an enemy of the Zhent. She says she can't help us find the Zhent here in Waterdeep. We discuss options: - Emmyrson
- Thieves Guild
- Ser Sinclair
In Which We are Given a Map
Mordecai heard thumping, doors opening, footsteps but he said it wan't a ghost but an intruder or large rat! He didn't find anyone/anything. During his watch he saw something happening on the street. The City Huard had caught two people skulking around our manor. One was a fair-skinned human male, the other man was a darker skinned half human of some sort. The City Guard took them away. I had the last watch but nothing happened.
Day 67: Flamerule 24, morning
The others all went to the City Guard while I stayed to guard the Manor. They found out that the two men were Zhentarim.
Back home again, we decided to try Emmyrson. Mir'ek, Aeliana and I went but he wasn't home. We thought he worked at the City Watch so we went there and left a message for him but the guard got really suspicious and wanted to check our hands and necks. This made Aeliana very nervous as she was still a little bit blue but he didn't make too much of it. After that, Mir'ek dictated a note to Emmyrson and Aeliana wrote it out.
Dear EmyrsonWe slipped the note under his door and went back home. Meanwhile Mordy had gone to Xoblob's. I mentioned to Mordecai that the City Guard had checked our hands and necks. He thinks that they were checking for Zhentarim tattoos! They possibly think that we are Zhentarim and want to assassinate Emyrson!
Came by to see you but you weren't there. Very sad :-(
Want to see you ;-3
Forgot where you work :-(
The man at the City Guard a bit rude >-{
All the best,
Thinking about you sometimes
Mir'ek
Meet you at Troll Skull Manor tonight o-{-<
All the best
Mir'ek ;-3
Day 67: Flamerule 24, evening
We went to look for Grinda in Fishgut Alley. It was dark and there were some not very nice people around. No one wanted to help us.
In Which We are Meet Grinda
Aeliana and Mordecai encountered some thugs while looking for Grinda. It ended badly for the thugs but not before one had whistled for reinforcements. Mir'ek and I found each other on the dark dock and eventually got directions from a couple of courtesans and headed that way. We met up with Aeliana and Mordecai and some thugs. Mir'ek accidentally scared the thugs off. We found Grinda. She seemed to be expecting a delivery. She was very strange, not quite human, with a pale, slightly greenish, bronze complexion. She seemed to know lots of things she shouldn't know. She said she is a collector. I think she likes interesting magical items. She didn't know about the nimblewright but maybe it was on its way to deliver something to her. She said she can make dreams come true. She talked to Mordecai about what he wanted. He said he wanted to know where Lady Darkmoor was. Grinda, Aeliana and I know that's not what he really wants but Grinda went along with it. He paid a lucky amulet and Grinda gave him a scroll. She also talked to the rest of us about our wants and dreams. I got a bit sad thinking about Nola. She wasn't interested in mundane items or things like where to find the Zhentarim. Maybe we should've asked more about the delivery she was expecting? When we left her it was very late. We talked for a while and Mir'ek said she was probably Fey. I don't think I've met a Fey before. We went home to bed.In Which We Try to Put the Pieces Together
Day 68: Flamerule 25, morning
Mordecai went to City Hall to try and find any record of Urstul Floxin. Nothing.
I suggested going back to the sewers to try talking to Squidface. We went down and found only 1 hobgoblin and Grum'shar the orc, now self-installed as King of the Underdark Waters (we think that means sewers).
Grum'shar was very respectful to Mordecai. We found out: - There are no kenku there as Nihoor killed them because they did something wrong
- He doesn't know of Urstul Floxin or any other Zhent hideouts (aside from the now-deserted warehouse)
- Nihoor commanded the kenku to raid the warehouse when he found out the Zhentarim were using it
- Nihoor resides in his master’s lair, but Grum'shar doesn't know where that is
- Nihoor was trying to cause trouble for the Zhentarim. Nihoor’s master is very angry with the Zhents
- Nihoor works for Xanathar
Why does our VS burn Mordecai? Because a wizard trapped the demon?
Why did Dagult Nirembor employ a wizard?
Enverharad was in Waterdeep and is now being sought by bounty hunters and factions?
Dagult Nirembor was dumped from Waterdeep Council on embezzlement charges but they were never proven - because the money was never found? When did this happen? A: About 2 years ago.
Renaer gave us the Manor, it was Nirembor property. Perhaps the Fireballed gnome was coming to the Manor, not to us? Working for Nirembor?
We got the following information from Floon:
There were rumours that the money was hidden in a secret vault; that all memory of where it was hidden had been erased; that a wizard had been hired to help and that perhaps a key or stone was somehow involved; that the wizard vanishedSo, why would DN employ a wizard? To hide and/or recover the treasure.
What kind of stone could be involved? Another Valkemec stone that holds memories and/or knowledge?
What could cause a faction war? The possibility of finding a LOT OF MONEY. More recent events:
- The gnome (maybe even the gnome Sadiq was after) was killed heading to the Manor.
- Something was stolen from him.
- The nimblewright was involved - threw the Fireball gem.
- The nimblewright was most likely working for the Gralhunds.
- The Gralhunds were somehow involved with/attacked by the Zhent.
- We and the City Guard interrupted and Urstul Floxin escaped
- The nimblewright was sent to Grinda to deliver something - the item stolen from the gnome?
- The nimblewright was attacked on the way - Urstul Floxin? The item was taken.
- The Gralhunds have political aspirations - was sending the item to Grinda to make their dreams come true?
In Which Mordecai Calls a Wizard by Name
We learnt about the Lords of Waterdeep. DN was the Open Lord. Other Lords are Masked - Lords. Their identity is unknown by most people. The current Open lord Is Laerel Silverhand. The Open Lord is the public face and has some executive powers. This system was set up about 200 years ago to reduce corruption. When DN was toppled, he was exiled. It is unlikely he is in Waterdeep but he had lots of influence and was extremely wealthy so probably has people working for him. There are lots of stories about him. We went to The Bent Nail for dinner and a drink. We talked to another group of adventurers but didn't learn much except to try the Bailiff for Bounties. Aeliana suggested the wizard in Saltmarsh - Keledek. Mordecai remembered that wizards can hear their name. We went back home and Mordecai tried calling Keledek. The rest of us gave up and went to bed. Later on, Mordecai woke up and thought the street and neighbourhood were burning down. He was panicking but noticed that Keledek was in the room with him. He had a conversation with Keledek:- Why does the Valkemec stone hurt Mordecai - It's not the stone but what's in it.
- The stone is beyond our power
- Why was Enverharad hired by DN - to perform a service.
- Where is Enverharad - his location is hidden
- Is there anyone close to him (Enverharad?) - No
- Is there any unknown magic in Trollskull Manor - the ghost
- TSM previously belonged to DN's wife, Lady Dionna Brandarth, and was bequeathed directly to Renaer.
- Three factions seek DN.
- Mask is a tedious god
- Enverharad is being looked for but doesn't want to be found
- Valkemek stone can be accessed by the person who created it
Day 69: Flamerule 26, morning
Aeliana suggested that we try FJJ for information on Enverharad's bounty. Mordecai still had no voice. I wonder if he upset Keledek???
Girl trip to FJJ's. We asked about good bounties. We got offered one for The Caitiff of Yartar. We also got one for a local wizard, Cadebrast Vistal. Bounty 1000gp and he is wanted for fraud. Rough sketch, race unknown, last seen Dock Ward.
We went back home to find Mordecai still speechless. He decided to grab the Valkemec stone. It hurt him a lot. Mir'ek pulled it from him. Is it trying to feed on his magicness?
Thoughts:
Question Yalah Gralhund for more info about Floxin and perhaps the stolen item. Question Grinda about the delivery she was expecting.
Nihiloor - perhaps we should search his old sewer lair.
Thieves Guild - could try offering compensation to get back in there.
Could look for Cadebrast Vistal.
Ask Xoblob if he knows of any other Valkemec stones.
In Which Mir'ek goes Swimming
Day 69: Flamerule 26, early afternoon
We went to the docks area to look for Cadebrast and to question Grinda.
I spoke to a beggar girl who told me that the Wizard might be on 'the boat'. She also said that Grinda had been in Waterdeep a long time. We went into Gillet's Tavern to see if we could find more information. Mir'ek and I left Mordecai and Aeliana drinking while we explored further. I met a bard called Elinoll who was from the Moonshae Islands. I invited him to our Bikini Bar opening. He sang a song about the Mountains of Moonshae which was much better than Mordecai's tales of Yartar.
I found the half sunken boat. I climbed up to have a peek. There were 5 armed men doing various things. I went to tell Mir'ek but I couldn't find her. I got Mordecai & Aeliana and we searched for Mir'ek. Eventually she came from an unexpected direction. She was wet and glowing even greener than usual. She had gone swimming and had found some goods but didn't take them. They were near 'the boat' so maybe belonged to the ruffians.
We found Grinda's house but she wasn't answering. I tried to pick the lock but it was a tough one. Mir'ek wouldn't break down the door. We looked around and eventually saw that there were sea doors to Grinda's. Mir'ek went swimming again. She went in and looked around but couldn't open the door from the inside so I had to go swimming as well. I don't think I like swimming much. Grinda has a large back room with a large tarp that Mir'ek said had been covering something magic. We couldn't work out how the doors were used. The bottom was at sea level, too high for a boat. The floor of the room was flat but gently sloping to the doors. We looked through her other room but I didn't like to open her fancy chest. We left.
In Which Mir'ek is Taken!
Day 69: Flamerule 26, late afternoon
Back at the Manor, we intended on having a peaceful evening studying our magic items. Mordecai worked on Daresz's spellbook. Parts are written in common but large chunks in another language. He asked if any of us recognised it. Nobody else did but I could almost understand some parts, if that makes sense? Mordecai copied out some parts and he and Mir'ek went to see Xoblob. I grabbed the book to study it further. ***Frikki doesn't yet know what transpired at Xoblob's***
On the way back, Mordecai noticed a tall figure watching him. Mordecai approached. It was an orc with a large sword. He had been sent by Grum'shar to say that Floxin had been captured. Mordy sent Mir'ek back to get Aeliana and I and we set off for the sewers. The orc took us down an entrance to the N of our usual entry. When we got to Grum'shar's throne room, there were many more orcs and a prisoner. The prisoner said he was Urstul. He didn't look the same as the sketch, but beard and hair can be changed and he was fair and skinny. He didn't have any tattoos. Mordecai paid Grum'shar 100gp and we left with the prisoner. We went straight to the warehouse where we healed him, knocked him out, healed him some more and talked to him. He was not Urstul Floxin, his name was Zern. He was captured by the Orcs, beaten and told to say he was Urstul. Mordecai was furious that the orcs had done this. Mir'ek took Zern home while Aeliana and I tried to calm Mordy down as he set off for the sewers again. He was really mad! When we got there, the sewers were empty. This gave us a chance to look around. The skulls near the throne were not very old. In Nihiloor's room, the carving in the floor (bit like a sun) was still glowing. I asked Mordecai if he could tell what sort of magic it was but he couldn't. We should get Mir'ek to Detect Magic there. We left the sewers but just N was a crowd of people and City Guard. Aeliana and I went into the crowd to find out what was going on. There were 2 male orc bodies. I overheard a guard talking to a witness who said a bunch of orcs had been fighting and a female had been taken S down the Way of the Dragon. Was it Mir'ek??? I waited until the guard left and asked the witness if the female orc was wearing bikini mail. He said yes! Oh no! I tried to find tracks or blood but it was night on a busy street. We went to the S sewer entrance and looked there but couldn't find any blood. We continued further S. Mordeca and Aeliana went to the Skewered Boar while I went searching the docks for boats being loaded or similar activity. People in the Boar remembered Mir'ek from last night but hadn't seen her tonight. After they left, Aeliana noticed a raven watching them. They approached it and Mordy took a scroll from a tube it was carrying. The raven flew off N.
In Which We Rescue Mir'ek
Day 69: Flamerule 26, morning
Icontinued my search along the docks. I was very careful to hide when close to The FLorist. I was very near the last of the docks when Mordecai & Aeliana found me. They showed me the note that was in the scroll but it was indecipherable scribbles.
After some discussion, Mordecai set off at a pace to visit Xobolob to ask about ravens. Aeliana and I went to the S gate to ask if any orcs had passed through. No luck.
We headed N through the city, looking for any sign of Mir'ek or orcs and asking beggars. Aeliana found someone who had seen a group of orcs go down Telshambra St. I thought they may have been going to Caravan Court but when we got there, that seemed unlikely. Mordy had no luck with Xoblob and rejoined us. He then dashed off to leave a note at Emyrson's house. We then went to the River Gate and asked the guards there. They said No but Aeliana thought they were lying so we offered them some gold and they were more forthcoming about a group that had gone through the gate a couple of hours before.
We stopped at the nearest village and managed to hire a horse. We set off NE with Mordy & I on the horse and Aeliana jogging.
After about 2 hours, we met a man who was wounded. He said his caravan had been attacked by lots of orcs. We patched him up and carried on. Soon after we saw a campfire. We approached carefully and there were orcs. We heard some strange bird sounds that may have been signals. Perhaps they saw us? They doused the fires so it was very dark. We killed off a few orcs. My little crossbow worked very well. Aeliana and Mordecai got injured. I had a glimpse of Mir'ek at the far side of the camp. There were still quite a few orcs. I kept sneaking and shooting. I made my way to Aeliana and gave her my last Healing Potion. Mordecai went down and managed to get back up twice.
Eventually Grum'shar appeared from his tent and pushed Mir'ek forward. Mordecai was fairly close. He cast a spell on Grum'shar but somehow also turned himself into a sheep! Aeliana stepped up and finished Grum'shar off. We finished off the last orc and freed Mir'ek.
In Which We Chase Urstul Floxin
Although Mir'ek was pleased to have been rescued, she complained that we had killed all the orcs. there is no pleasing some people! I looted all the orcs *** Treasure to be determined. ***. Eventually Mordecai stopped being a sheep. Aeliana and I hitched the horses to the wagon and we set off back to Waterdeep.
Day 70: Flamerule 27, morning
We stopped at the farm to give the farmer back his horse. We also met the caravaneer again so we gave him a lift back and gave him what we had salvaged . We got a small reward.
When we got back home we went straight to bed. In the evening we spent some time studying our items. We also showed Mir'ek the raven scroll, and she said it was a Locate Creature spell. We can use it to find Urstul Floxin!
Day 71: Flamerule 28, morning
We went to the middle of Waterdeep and Mir'ek used the scroll. It led us to a mausoleum in the City of the Dead. It was the Gralhund Crypt. The lock on the door was broken. I opened it and went inside. There were 4 coffins, stairs down, and a makeshift camp. Somehow he managed to sneak past us and escape. He was very hard to see! He headed to the S gate of the City of the Dead. Aeliana got to the gate and was closing it. He brushed against her and she grabbed his clothes but he tore away. We followed Mir'ek instructions into the city. Aeliana and I were faster and I followed him up an alley, shot him and called for him to stop. Mordecai Firebolted him, which made him easier to see. Aeliana ran off to the S. I went down an alley and tripped an acid trap, which hurt. Then I climbed a roof to try to find him. I was too far away to hear Mir'ek's instructions.
In Which We Talk with Urstul Floxin
I caught sight of Floxin again and followed him S. I found a charred cloak that he had dropped. He tried to grab me but I avoided him. He went over a wall into a garded and I saw Mir'ek go over it too. A lady came out of the house shouting at her and waving a frypan. Mir'ek nearly caught him. He and Mir'ek were close. I jumped at him but he stabbed me twice badly. Mordecai and Aeliana showed up and he wanted to talk. We went back to the Gralhund crypt. Mir'ek healed me a bit. What we found out:- Urstul was hired by the Gralhunds to obtain the Stone of Golorr.
- Nirembor had some influential families involved in the embezzlement. Probably including the Gralhunds. He suspects they betrayed Nirembor, causing his expulsionfrom the council and banishment from Waterdeep
- He thinks Xanathar was in collusion with Nirembor back in the day. Probably also after Stone.
- The Stone is the missing key to Nirembor's embezzled fortune.
- Mrs Gralhund betrayed him by sending the nimblewright to throw the Fireball outside our house that killed some of his team and injured Floxin.
- Floxin did get the stone from the dead gnome.
- Floxin returned to the Gralhund mansion but was imprisoned.
- He doesn't know who attacked the Gralhund mansion the night we were there but he took the oportunity to escape.
- While escaping, he saw the Nimblewright leaving and thought it may have been sent away with the Stone.
- By the time he found the Nimblewright, it didn't have the Stone.
- He thought the Stone may have been hidden in the crypt but hasn't found it.
- Floxin now want to get Stone for his 'Master'.
- He thinks Gralhunds were responsible for the City Guard clampdown on the Zhentarim
In Which We Discover a Portal
We met up near the villa and discussed a plan. There were a lot more guards around than when we came the first time. We got inside and had to give our weapons to Hrabbiz. Mordecai & I told the Gralhunds how we had burnt Floxin and only his cloak was left. They gave us 2000gp reward, I asked about the nimblewright. Their story was that Floxin took it when he imprisoned them, the night he escaped. Mordy suggested to Hrabbiz that he visit us at the manor. We got our weapons back and left. Aeliana sid that the Gralhunds acted suspiciously when we said that we had been to the crypt. Perhaps they HAVE hidden the stone there! We decided we should go at once in case they move it. At the crypt, Aeliana and I started searching the upper section while M&M argued. We went downstairs to a much older section. Some of the coffins were up to 1000 years old - back to the founding of Waterdeep. We looked around. The oldest one was made from stone, wood and metal but was very well sealed. There were a huge set of horns at the end of the crypt. Aeliana broke off a candelabra from the top of it. I climbed up to have a look up there and from there I could see a pattern in the stony floor in the NE section. We had a closer look and eventually I realised it was like the one in Nihiloor's lair - a circle with lines coming out of it, like spokes. But it was not moving or glowing like Nihiloor's. We checked the wall nearby. It was smoother than the other walls but we couldn't find any cracks or opening mechanisms. Eventually we tried putting the candelabra, which was a similar shape, in the pattern and the pattern started glowing and moving! The wall next to it went black - a portal? After much discussion, Mordy went through. I waited. Then a hand came back through with a rude gesture - it looked like Mordy's hand. I went through and was hit by something. I rolled out the way and I saw something/someone/Mordy? leave the way I had just come. I had a look around: I had stepped out of a square pillar into a big chamber that seemed to have been carved to be part of the stone wall. The walls at the far left and right were rough-hewn, as if I was in a cavern, but those behind me were smooth, carved to leave decorative round pillars and arched doorways. Just in front of me were two very large square pillars with ornately moulded footings, and even the floor appeared to have been etched into the stone to resemble pavers in some places and slabs in others. I could hear a low rumbling and moaning sound that might have been wind except the air was absolutely still, musty and cloying, but the area was well lit by several glowing lamps that sizzled very faintly. Moving forward, to the left a passage of stairs going up looked as though it had collapsed but, ahead of me, a set of smooth stairs led a short way down to a large round stone door with that same circle-with-spokes symbol embossed into it (is it the sun? a flower?). There is also a doorknob (I think) in the same shape, but the door looks very heavy and I don’t think it’s a good idea to go too far without knowing where I am or what might be here. Since these shapes are similar to Nihiloor's pattern on the floor in the sewers, I want to check if there is a portal near there. Nihiloor was associated with Xananthar and Gralhunds/Nirembor/Xanathar may have all been associated back in the day, so maybe these portals go somewhere high up in Xanathar's faction. In that case, we probably need to be better prepared. It was quite late so we went home to rest. Mordecai sent a message to Keledek saying the spell had worked and we could pay him. Mordecai was still bickering with Mir'ek. He got quite upset and left so I went to discreetly keep an eye on him. He went to a park a few streets away. Next thing I was caught in a net. It was the same 3 guys who had nearly got me yesterday! I yelled and screamed and Mordecai heard. He Scorching Rayed 2 of them.In Which I Face the Thieves Guild
I started slashing at the net while Mordecai killed one thug and Scorching Rayed the other 2. They turned on him and badly wounded him. I cut through the net. Mordecai told me to run. I ran back to the manor, got Aeliana and Mir'ek and ran back. The City Guard were approaching so I hid while Mir'ek tended to Mordecai. The thugs had retreated. We went back to the manor and to bed.
Day 72: Flamerule 29, morning
After reading his letter from the Fey lady, Mordecai went to buy a map to find Hluthvar. He told Mir'ek and I that we died in the Blue Alley and he used a Wish scroll to bring us back. Mir'ek and I don't remember anything but Aeliana said it was true.
Aeliana finished studying the shackles but she won't tell us what they are.
I found out that 2 of the potions from the failed delivery job are still around. I looked around and asked Mir'ek to cast Detect Magic to help. We found one stashed under Mordecai's bar-bed.
The door opened and closed. I went to see what was going on. There was a folded parchment on the floor. I went outside to see who left it. It looked like Mordecai walking away so I caught up. He gave me another of the potions.
Back at the manor, it turns out the parchment was for me. It was from Flavian. *** INSERT FAVIAN's LETTER ***
Aeliana and I went to the guild. We spoke to Flavian and returned two of the potion bottles. He said I owed money for the missing goods and compensation. He also wanted money for the thug that Mordy killed and he wanted to find him. He doesn't know it was Mordy, I said it was a civilian who helped me.
We went back to the manor to warn Mordecai that the guild is after him. I tried to get him to disguise himself. Mordy said that Aeliana had one of the potion bottles. She said she had forgotten she had it but I think she wanted to keep it. Anyway, I got it back.
Later on, the bill from the Flavian was delivered:- 2 x potions: -3,000
- 2x compensation -1000
- Were guild for dead thug: -10,000!!!
- Bounty if we hand Mordy in: +2500
In Which Ser Bearington Makes a Deal
I suggested buying a potion to replace the used one. Mordecai got a quote from Xoblob for 1600gp. I got a quote from Weirdbottle for 1550 gp and he still wanted to get it from Xoblob because he was a neighbour! Anyway, the girls agreed with me. Mordecai wanted to approach the Thieves Guild alone. I helped disguise him as Ser Bearington. They all set off for the Florist while I went to order the potion from Weirdbottle. I managed to talk him down a smidge to 1500 and paid 100gp deposit. I then bought a couple of Healing Potions at Lathander's Temple. Meanwhile, Mordecai went into the Florist and ordered some flowers but he couldn't get into the guild. Mordecai then decided to 'get into trouble'. He tried to start a fight and Aeliana broke his nose. Mir'ek and Aeliana tied him up. I met Aeliana outside the Bent Nail. We went inside. The new plan was for me to take Mordy to the Thieves Guild as my prisoner. I really wasn't sure about this but Mordy wanted to do it. We blindfolded him and I took him in. I reluctantly left him there when they dismissed me. I sent Aeliana to get Mir'ek in case we need to rescue him via the sewers.
Day 72: Flamerule 29, late afternoon
Aeliana told us about the magical shackles. Apparently they can stop the shackled person from escaping magically, via teleportation or similar.
We waited and went to eat at a nearby bar. Eventually a teenager came with a message for me from Mordecai. It was a rude message but it meant he was okay! We went back to the manor.
We read Mordecai's letter from the Fey lady. *** Insert letter ***
Day 73: Flamerule 30, morning
Mordecai turned up! He has negotiated new terms for our/my debt. He has to do some 'wetwork' as Ser Bearington and we have to give 10% of the bar profits to 5000gp. If that doesn't give 5000gp then the balance is due at the end of 12 months.
We prepared for the Bikini Bar opening tomorrow. We decided on a name and prices for Aeliana's brew (which they tell me is exceptionally good). We think maybe Leif the ghost has helped with it. Mir'ek goes out to get a beast to cook on a spit. I bought lots of potatoes and then Mordy sent me for butter. Aeliana went for bread. It's getting exciting! I hope it's successful!
Mir'ek came home very late with a boar.
In Which The Bikini Bar Opens!
Day 74: Flamerule 31, morning
The boar was prepared, the Manor was decorated and tidied, the tables and chairs were set up. I went to the market to spruke and post more leaflets. The 'Bikini Bar at the Adverturers Lounge' would open that night!
Once we felt we were ready, we went out to enjoy the Mid-Summer Festival. There were lots of people about and lots of City Guard keeping an eye on things. We wanted to see the Automotons from the House of Inspired Hands in the big parade. They were amazing! One was as big as a three storey house!
Then it was back to outfit the staff and open the Bar. Elinoll the Bard from Moonshae Islands turned up and sang. We had lots of customers, and it went really well. Mordecai went to talk to one guy, who turned out to be the owner or manager of The Bent Nail. We think he was worried about the competition but in the end Mordy almost hired him to look after the place when we are out of town. He's a bit sleazy though. Anyway, Mordy told me to follow him so I know where he lives.
Otherwise, aside from a few mutterings about the state of the building, most people seem to like it and have a good time. Some were skeptical about Aeliana's blue brew, but enjoyed it once they tasted it.
Anyway, we made 1680gp profit. That's 168gp for the Thieves Guild, 1000 for the building works (+500gp deposit already paid), 500gp to go towards the Mind Reading Potion and 12gp for Mordecai since he paid for most of the Bikini Bar set up. Mir'ek and I both put in 450gp each to pay the balnce for the potion from Weirdbottles.
Day 75: Eleasis 1, morning
We slept in until lunch time. I went to Weirdbottles but he doesn't have the potion yet and says he has no idea how long it will be. And I thought he made them himself!
That afternoon, Urstal Floxin let himself in. I asked if the Stone of Golorr glowed. He said it did a little, a ruby red colour. He has learnt that the Xanathar Guild was also involved in the Gralhund's getting the City Guard to clamp down on the Zhentarim. It makes sense that the Gralhunds and Xanathar are working together.
Urstal believes that Xanathar was holding the stone for Nirembor, and that it was stolen from him. Possibly the Gnome who Urstal took the stone from was the thief, and an agent of the Zhentarim.
Xanathar wants the stone back and may already have it. The Zhent want to take out Xanathar, the leader of Xanathar's Guild.
The Thieves Guild is NOT related to Xanathar's Guild.
Bregan D'aerthe is a group run by Jarlaxle from Menzoberranzan, a Drow city in the underdark. Back in the day, Nirembor was trying to made trade inroads into Menzoberranzan via Jarlaxle. Now Nirembor is more out of the picture, Jarlaxle may be taking matters into his own hands.
Later in the afternoon we went down the sewers to Nihiloor's lair. The pattern on the floor was the same shape and more pronounced than the one in the crypt. It was engraved into the floor. It was no longer glowing. There was an area in the S wall that could have been a portal but we couldn't activate it. We tried water and a little blood. I tried to remember what I had seen when I was a prisoner but couldn't think of anything to help.
We gave up on that and went to the crypt. We activated the portal and went through...
In Which We go through the Portal
We entered a large, lit area with one round door, two normal doors and stairs going down. I opened the NW door and had a peek through. There were several frog or fish-like creatures sitting around eating something - or somebody. It was a large, foggy area. I went back, quietly closed the door and reported. Mordy made me Invisible and I thought that would be a good way to check out the place. I snuck through the SW door, which was a part of the same cavern as the NW door. Then Mordecai gwent through the NW door. He Scorching Rayed the fish-things and they then came and surrounded him. I shot one but then I lost my Invisibility. Mir'ek and Aeliana came to help, which was good because Mordy was in a net and pretty useless. The fish-things called out 'oop oop'. They were probably caling their mates. Mordecai went down, I was caught with a weird pincer staff. Things were grim but we managed to kill them all, bring Mordy around and go back through the portal. In the crypt, Mir'ek gave us one of her special group hugs and then we went home for a rest.However, Moredecai wanted to go back! He said he didn't remember going into the foggy room. He sometimes has blackouts?? He apologised but if he can't control it, then he may do it again! We all had a short rest and Mordy went to buy some healing potions.
In Which We Encounter Nihiloor
Day 75: Eleasis 1, evening
We returned to the crypt. We went through the portal and I went to check the status of things in the foggy room. Some of the bodies were there and some had gone. There was nothing worth looting. I went to see what the fish-people had been eating. It looked like a human from the town. I saw a tall, stange figure on the other side of the room so I left and told the others what I had seen. The others were talking about some sort of eye but I didn't see anything.
We then went down the stairs in the NE. At the bottom was a wide passage with violet lights and 3 doors. I went to check the E door. There were voices, laughter, misic and clattering quite close behind it.
Aeliana saw a weird eyeball on a stalk attached to the ceiling. Mordecai Firebolted it. It sorta reacted and them looked straight at Mordy. Meanwhile, Mir'ek and I were checking out the W doors. The NW one was very quiet but there was a very strange sound coming from the SW, round door.
Then we heard a yell from Aeliana that something was happening to Mordy. We went back and squidface had a hold of Mordecai and he seemed out of it. We all attacked it. We were starting to make some progress when it Mind Blasted me and I loss consciousness. Later, the girls told me that it lifted into the air, dragging Mordy, and then vanished! Mir'ek came and helped me. We were very concerned about Mordecai. I said that I was imprisoned by Nihiloor and it hadn't killed me so maybe it wouldn't kill Mordecai.
In Which We Rescue Serafina
We needed somewhere to regroup and plan Mordecai's rescue so we went to the NW door but I couldn't get it open. We opened the SW door. Wow! The room was very large with 4 large floor to ceiling cylindrical crystal containers. They held translucent, light emitting fluid moving around. Inside each container was a spherical creature with one latge eye and mouth on the body and 10 eyes on stalks. All the eyes were closed. We don't know if they were dead or asleep. Along the long wall of the rectangular room were alcoves containing large urns and murals. The urns had eyes embossed on the body and eye stalks on the cone-shaped lids. The murals were all different but featured the big eye creatures like in the cylinders. The W wall was natural stone while the E was had a large, very life-like carving of one of the big eye creatures. Just to the S were double doors that opened to a 20x20 room with a sarcophagus. The sracophogus had a golden sheen but was not made of gold or brass. On the lid was the likeness of a wizard, holding a staff and orb (or stone??). The lid was very well fitted and we couldn't get a dagger in to get leverage. Aeliana and Mir'ek tried pushing but that didn't work either. Back to the main room, I found adoor to the N of the carving. It was the same size but empty. Mir'ek opened one of the urns. there was a silty substance inside. Ash? Aeliana took a sample. We then exited and headed for the stairway. I shot the eye stalk. Back in the portal room, the SW door was now locked but the NW door was open. We crept into the foggy room stealthily and made our way around. There were faint sounds behind the SW door. Mir'ek saw a floating eye so I shot it. We found a large portcullis with a big room behind it. We couldn;t see an opening mechanism. We could see a man possibly shackled to a slab and table of equipment. We went back to the W door, where I could hear sizzling and bubling. I couldn't get that door unlocked. I had more luck with the N door, past the portcullis. This room stank really badly! There were a couple of people sitting and lots of dead bodies. There was a pool of water in the SW and another portcillis in the NW. We tried to speak to the people but they were alive with nobody home. Mir'ek tried to heal the first one but it made no difference. There was a woman laying on the floor with a head wound and no brain! The portcullis led to the same room as the previous portcullis. Again, we couldn't see a winding mechanism. We went to the NE door; all quiet there. Back to the SW door. We opened it and there were more fish people. It was another tough battle but we killed them all except one which cowered in a corner. We then noticed that there were cells in the room and some contained people. I took the keys from the head fishman and unlocked the first cell. He was a local man who had been kidnapped coming out of a tavern. The next cell had two city guard, a captain and a sargeant. They were rude and ungrateful. Should have left them there. The third cell conatined a lady half elf. She was pretty, annoying, and ungrateful. She said she was a bard and a bounty hunter. Her story about how she was imprisoned was unconvincing. She said she could help with the locked W door. We asked all of them what/who else they had seen down here and they only knew of the fish people (Kua Toa) and a 'security' dwarf. I looted the fish people and the other three were escorted to the portal. We then headed back to the W door but somewhow ended up going back to the portcullis instead. Aeliana managed to climb over the portcullis but she still couldn't find a mechanism. She said the body on the slab was barely alive.In Which We are Locked In
Serafina found her way to the stinky room while Aeliana was behind the portcullis. She then got herself into the room with Aeliana. She healed the body on the slab, who turned out to be a dark elf that no one but Serafina could talk to. Aeliana continued looking around the room and eventually found some levers behind a banner. They controlled the portculli so we were all able to come in. Mir'ek and I explored the SW corner, where there was a bright pool behind another portcullis. We opened the portcullis. It was a rock pool, glowing green, swirling and with bubbles. There were little brain-like creatures with small tails. There were old manacles on the far wall. The pool was quite deep. When Aeliana went to scoop some liquid out, the little brains all rushed towards her. There was another door back to the foggy room. It was probably around that door that I saw Nihiloor before. The Drow is called Zaibon. He is looking for his squad leader. We went to leave via the portal but it was no longer active! Uh oh! We went to the Fish room for a short rest. We then went the the NE door in the foggy room which led to a fancy passage with purple lights, smooth stonework and golden or brass mouldings. This led to an even grander promenade that looks like it may encircle a large room. It had engravings on the floor and carvings on the wall. All very ornate and good quality - except that the subject matter was all eyes again. We found some stairs going up. I saw a creature ahead and tried to back away to the stairs but then Serafina cast Shatter so it was all on. One of them was a very tough dwarf - the Security dwarf? We brought down one but the dwarf had really good armour and chopped up Mir'ek easy as. We started to retreat.In Which We Blend In
Serafina tried to inlfluence the dwarf but said "Surrender won't work!", We then ran back to the foggy room the way that we had come. Someone (Zaibon?) made it dark around our pursuers, which slowed them down. I got to the round door first then headed S to check the other doors. The others came out. Aeliana headed off to the slab room so I went half way to get them all to come with me. We went to the fish room. I snuck out and hid in the fog while the others closed the door and waited. I saw our searchers go toward the slab room. We all quietly went to the portal room and the round door to the E. That led back to the fancy promenade. The dead thug was there so I looted him. This time we went up the stairs, which opened to a very large room with fancy marble floors and columns. There were more stairs and shouting coming from that way. We went up. There was a crowd watching a fight in an arena below. There was a Minotaur with a huge axe fighting a halfling. It was very unfair. We blended in with the crowd and made our way along. At the other end were rough stairs and probably an entrance to the arena and blood stains. There was a fancy balcony opposite the general spectators. there was a big, swirly sphere in the centre. Off to one side was a dwarf. Once the halfling was dead, the people started to walk off. Aeliana, Serafina and I went with the crowd. We lost Mir'ek. We went quite a way and ended up in a mess. There were tables and food and a bar. I was hungry so I ate some food but Serafina said you wasn't dressed right and wanted to leave so we went out again. We stopped to talk to a weird jester (dark gnome?) with evil eyes but he was quite friendly. He said he had been down here too long. His name was Flatterfoot Zipswiggle or something. He entertains people. Xanathar likes entertainment but gets bored quickly. I think we should go and look for Mir'ek but we have to be careful to avoid the nasty dwarf.Session Index
Chapter 1: The Haunted HouseChapter 2: The Secrets of Saltmarsh
Chapter 3: The Lees of Leilon
Chapter 4: The City of Splendours
118: In Which We Arrive in Waterdeep
119: In Which We Enter The Yawning Portal
120: In Which We Complete a Job
121: In Which We Rescue Floon's Friend
122: In Which We Go into the Sewers
123: In Which We Explore the Sewers
124: In Which Everything turns to S#*T in the Sewers
125: In Which We Surprisingly Survive
126: In Which We Find Floon
127: In Which We Explore Trollskull Manor
128: In Which We Get a Job
129: In Which We Search for Mir'ek
130: In Which I get the Artefact but...
131: In Which Mir'ek is on the Run
132: In Which Mir'ek has a Date
133: In Which We Enter The Blue Alley
134: In Which We Don't Open Chests
135: In Which We Riddle with Kealiar
136: In Which Some Things Didn't Happen
137: In Which A Terrible Thing Happens
138: In Which We Find the Unicorn
139: In Which We Raise Mordecai
140: In Which I am Captured!
141-1: Dear Frikki Diary
141-2: In Which I Meet Squidface
142 & 143: In Which Aeliana Has a Dream
144-1: Dear Frikki Diary 2
144-2: In Which I am Rescued
145: In Which an Explosion Occurs
146: In Which We Are Questioned by the Guard
147: In Which Mir'ek Visits Emmyrson
148: In Which We Go to the House of Inspired Hands
149: In Which We Visit Mrs Gralhund
150: In Which We Find the Nimblewright
151: In Which We Are Followed
152: In Which We Are Given a Map
153: In Which We Meet Grinda
154: In Which We Try to Put the Pieces Together
155: In Which Mordecai Calls a Wizard by Name
156: In Which Mir'ek Goes Swimming
157: In Which Mir'ek is Taken!
158: In Which We Rescue Mir'ek
159: In Which We Chase Urstal Floxin
160: In Which We Talk with Urstal Floxin
161: In Which We Find a Portal
162: In Which I Face the Thieves Guild
163: In Which Ser Bearington Makes a Deal
164: In Which The Bikini Bar Opens!l
165: In Which We Go Through the Portal
166: In Which We Encounter Nihiloor
167: In Which We Rescue Serafina
168: In Which We are Locked In
169: In Which We Blend In
Notable Contacts
Brekka FairfootDalakhar
Elinoll the Bard
Emmyrson Trubudu
Flatterfoot Zipswiggle
Flavian
Floon Blagmaar
Grinda Garloth
Grum'shar
Hrabbiz
Kealiar's statue
Napari, Acolyte of Gond?
Nihiloor
Renaer Nirembor
Sire Engelbrecht Sinclair
Nihiloor (aka Squidface)
Valattha, Priest of Gond
Xoblob
Urstal Floxin
Yalah Gralhund
Zaibon
Report Date
08 Apr 2024
Primary Location
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