Haldak's Notes

Personal journal of Haldak Tencloak, Netherese wizard displaced through time. Entries written in character.

"Time itself is a silent song."

"Nothing lasts forever."

"Sometimes the things we receive for free can end up costing us the most."

Goals and reminders to myself:
I need to find out more about the world. I need to find a way home — do I even want to return given what's happened? I need to build a new home and make new friends, or protect my new home and friends. I need to develop my skills; I'm much weaker than I used to be. I need to find books to read.

Obelisks???
There was a rumbling — side comments from my patron and friend, Orin Stonecarver, that the artifact I stole and returned was being used to develop magical artifacts of great power and significance. He referred to them on occasion as "those damned obelisks" but I never got much more out of him.

Day One — Marpenoth 29, 1507 DR

The city started falling, the building crumbling. In a desperate move to escape I threw every inch of power I could give to teleport away. Met the party — Roland Riel, Kelvin, Othorion, and Kavu Flameseeker. We are near the star metal hills enclave of Xinlenal, but this map looks funky — there are many new settlements I've never heard of.

Visited an elven banshee, Agatha, searching for a mage book. We traded for its location by giving her a comb. We ran out after hearing wolf noises (it was probably a trick now that I think about it). We got stopped by one of Othorion's cousins, Xilnath — they killed him but I sacrificed my Erase spell to revive him. Xilnath says there is a bigger enemy to fight in the future.

Following this I had nightmares and saw our fates converged. We need to press Othorion for more information. I also need to ask them about the map — maybe it's ancient?

Day Two — Marpenoth 30, 1507 DR

Othorion looked shameful but grateful. Kelvin Fairlight carved a spear and gave it to Pip later. I told the party about my origins. We were using Gundren Rockseeker's cart. An old man NPC inquiring about an excavation — Lord's Alliance? Cragmaw Castle and a goblin hideout mentioned.

Met Pipathril Stonehill, a little girl in the tavern. The party split up after meeting Pip and telling her of the adventures they had the past 26 days. Othorion and I sat in the tavern and read some books. Kavu was invited to join the Order of the Gauntlet.

After finding Boulders-For-Muscles serenading an old lady (Linene Graywind), we visited the blacksmith — run by Alger Frakk and his apprentice Maza Fieldsalder — where Othorion got his crossbow fixed. Alger gave Othorion a razor-sharp dagger. We decided to find a druid from Thundertree to go to a castle, but not yet. I put in an order from Elmar for a healer's kit; it will take 3 weeks or 30 days.

The party except for me did a rain dance to stop the rain, with a few NPCs included.

Day Three — Uktar 01, 1507 DR

I went to visit Elmar while the party encountered the head of the Miners Guild. Met Sister Garaele, standing at the shrine at the center of town. We tried to find a diamond for the Revivify spell — directed to Elmar Barthen. She ships them off to Saltmarsh but isn't expecting another shipment for 18 days.

We left town with Kavu's squire, Boulders-For-Muscles, who gave me a song about all of the new gods — I should practice it before returning to Phandalin. Drizzle, Kavu's squire, had caused chaos while waking up to resume our journey.

While making lunch on the first day we saw a huge column of mercenaries of the Flaming Fist from Baldur's Gate passing by. Lord Daegul's of Neverwinter is calling for help with cult activity. They mentioned triangles with death-head skulls and a raised fist. Roland had a letter from Neverwinter — it said there was an emergency and now a succession crisis happening, but it was 30 days old.

We reached Saltmarsh and entered, went to the Salty Mimic (a tavern run by Anders Salmoor). Drizzle got drunk with Kavu and told a funny story; the actual tavern laughed along with us. Met Xendro of Xendro's Curios. We pooled our money and bought a diamond worth 300gp for Revivify.

We reached Thundertree and met the druid Reidoth — who knew Kelvin's parents, a member of the Emerald Enclave. Kelvin has been suppressing his powers because he is afraid of fire, but no more. Need to find Cragmaw Castle because Gundren is held captive; he knows where Wave Echo Cave is.

Day Four — Uktar 03, 1507 DR

Reidoth knows where Cragmaw Castle and Wave Echo Cave are but requires us to clear out the town of Thundertree, including the green dragon Venomfang. He would give us some Dwarven Moss for Elmar Barthen.

The Phandelver Pact used to rule Phandalin over a century ago — a group of townships under the Tresendar family. They gained power from Wave Echo Cave, which contained Netherese Ruins where the Forge of Creation could create the most powerful magical items — until Orcs overran the town and the secret of the forge was lost.

While clearing the town, Kavu blew up a building with Fireball, killing the ash zombies within, but the explosion attracted giant spiders — we killed two and harvested the venom. Found a large leather satchel full of copper dragon scales. Found an adventurer's corpse wrapped in webs; Roland found a heirloom necklace with a dragon on it. A herbalist shop: Dendrar Herbal-.

We scouted further east and found a relatively better-kept building with what sounded like 4 people inside — the black-cloaked individuals. Kavu and Roland figured out they were from the Cult of the Dragon. Othorion blocked the stove exhaust and we waited for one to leave. We ambushed them and they gave up after seeing a supersonic, flaming Kavu. They were a contingent from Boreska to the southeast. They wanted to ally with the green dragon but didn't know it was a youngling. The leader was named Favric; Kavu convinced them to leave.

Day Five — Uktar 04, 1507 DR

We talked about how to get rid of the dragon. We convinced it that we could clear out Cragmaw Castle — it agreed after we solved a puzzle by opening a locked box. Inside were some spell scrolls and an axe with HEW written on its side. The dragon gave us 10 days to return. We met Favric after our encounter and she left the cult and walked away.

We talked to Reidoth about the plan and he marked Cragmaw Castle on the map. We decided to leave now. Reidoth bid farewell to Kelvin as we departed west on the high road.

We found some loot on the road — clothes, a necklace, lobster wine, a rapier. A Tiefling woman walking past turned into smoke and blew into the woods. Kelvin was turned into mist and dispelled by Kavu.

Kelvin and I were adamant about going east to find out where people are being transported. We camped at the edge of the forest and argued about it. We decided to follow the mist because of Roland's Oath — Roland ended up volunteering to turn into mist. We used magic to keep up with him and found the Hag's lair. We traded the hag for Roland — my amulet of health and Kavu's hat of Vermin. We left and came back to fight her properly. We won but lost the amulet and hat. We did end up getting the soul gem with the Tiefling inside of it; her name is Igwine. Othorion attuned to the soul gem and increased his skills and abilities. His soul is being increased and decreased over time.

Day Six — Uktar 05, 1507 DR

We left the cave but noticed green mushrooms near the entrance — unusual. Kelvin picked up four of them and they stopped glowing. We moved toward Cragmaw Castle and ran into a trail with magic stones that told us secrets about our past. My father wanted to destroy the artifact, not trade it to Orin Stonecarver.

We tried to take a rock; we broke one and then followed the trail. The rocks changed from black to grey. We reached Cragmaw Castle, turned back, and camped for the night. I tried to talk to Sylphrena but it was too awkward — she was scribing when the disaster hit and I was buying groceries: salted pork, green peas, and water.

Othorion asked for Igwine's necklace from Roland. Roland was unsettled by the voices from the rocks. Kavu was too tired to do anything.

We were found out, so I cast Darkness on the approaching goblins and bugbears. After killing them we decided to move toward the castle, but the weather became an extreme storm with hurricane force winds. We approached the castle. Kelvin smelled the following: 17-20 goblins, 8-10 hobgoblins, 2 humanoids, 3 creatures (one was Grikk), 1 bugbear, 1 dwarf, 1 wet dog.

Othorion drank an illusion potion and scouted the castle. The main door at the north leads to where we need to get. He blocked off a door in front of some goblins. We can sneak through a crack in the wall and get to Gundren, but he's with a bugbear, a direwolf, and a drow woman.

Day Seven — Uktar 06, 1507 DR

We entered the castle while using Kavu's Silence spell as cover and got into a huge fight. We slew Grikk. After the fighting we encountered King Grol, but he died when he left the castle. We found Gundren but didn't find much else. We talked to Venomfang and informed Reidoth.

We headed south to Saltmarsh to get our wagon, where Drizzle was drunk and surrounded by wenches. We couldn't find dwarven moss before returning to Phandalin. When we returned, the town was being destroyed by giants.

Day Eight — Uktar 12, 1507 DR

We spotted two giants guarding the path to Phandalin and decided to climb a large rock to ambush them. We killed the giants and approached the town to see it under attack. Pip was under attack from a giant and was rescued by Alger Frakk, his assistant Maza Fieldsalder, Halia Thornton, and Toblin Stonehill — Pip's father.

We headed to the middle of town, made it past a wall of fire to help Boulders-For-Muscles and Linene Graywind fighting a frost giant. We fought it with the help of most people. We approached the manor where a giant was walking up to Sildar Hallwinter and Daran Edermath.

Day Nine — Uktar 12, 1507 DR

We began the fight with frost giants. We captured the main frost giant, Queen Gerti Orelsdottir. I made a deal with Gerti: find the Codicil of White and give it to her in Icewind Dale.

We then tried to make peace with Sylphrena by mourning the dead. We hosted a wake for those who died. Othorion talked to Pip about protecting yourself. Roland contacted Force Grey but was talked down to. Haldak, Kavu, and Kelvin helped rebuild the town. We saw Gundren preparing to move on to Wave Echo Cave. We spotted Linene in the backpack of Boulders-For-Muscles leaving to Neverwinter to get her legs fixed.

We did some shopping to refill supplies. Kelvin tried to talk to Pip but didn't find her. Othorion tried to get supplies but didn't have the carrying capacity. Othorion gave Pip a practice sword and she swore her allegiance as a knight. I tried to give her a dagger but Frakk took it. Gundren joined us as we headed out toward Wave Echo Cave.

Day Ten — Uktar 13, 1507 DR

Darren gave Roland a new sword, Winters Fury. I sold the hand axe HEW. We got on the road and Gundren told Kavu a story about a huge gem he found — "that was the coolest fucking thing I ever found." Kavu was mad at Roland and the rest of us for letting Gerti go home.

We reached the entrance and Kelvin talked to some plants. Two of Gundren's siblings entered and were followed by two shadowy figures. Othorion got blasted off his horse trying to attune to a magic item. Othorion asked if we could cast Speak to Plants and Speak to Dead to speak to furniture.

We found Gundren's dead brother Tharden inside the cave — his throat was slit. We delved deeper and got into a fight with a giant snake. We found a wand in the water and used it on Othorion to see what it does — it cast Magic Missile. We walked up the stairs and entered a room with 6 bugbears. Kelvin was injured in the battle.

Day Eleven — Uktar 14, 1507 DR

We started by taking a long rest in the room. I tried to make a map and failed. Roland received a magic flying paper crane as a response to a letter from Vajra. The letter said to take the drow "Black Spider" alive — it was from the Black Staff of Waterdeep. Gerti responded to Kavu's request for reparations, saying she will consider it.

We decided to press ahead with stealth and heard bugbears around the first corner. One shouted the name "Nezznar." Othorion went full stealth and ambushed two bugbears, then tackled the drow. Nezznar is the Spider — it turns out the drow Othorion tackled is a Doppleganger. We pressed ahead and found Nezznar, getting into combat right away. We killed the giant spider immediately but got fireballed right after. The combat got crazy and Nezznar is on the run.

Day Twelve — Uktar 14, 1507 DR

Continuing the combat from last session. Nezznar summoned another spider and Othorion killed the spider and knocked out Nezznar in one turn. We tied Nezznar up, took his staff, found some loot and a chunk of Chardalyn — a mineral that can hold magic spells; it has a spell in it.

The room had a statue of the dwarven god of mining, Dumathoin. I erred on the side of caution and didn't use the Chardalyn.

After looking at my cartography book, I found out that the map was of Icewind Dale. Othorion used a key to enter a nearby room where Nundro Rockseeker was — beaten up but alive and extremely suspicious of us. Kavu and Roland freed the two bugbears in the pit. Roland killed the Doppleganger. We long rested in the room with Gundren and Nundro.

We delved deeper into the cave and ran into a Kraken. We continued and ran into a group of Zombies. After taking them out we approached a door that had magical power behind it.

Day Thirteen — Uktar 15, 1507 DR

We started by covering the flameskull that knows Fireball and resurrects every hour with a mine cart. We continued into the room emanating magic — the doors were locked. We opened the door and found something like a beholder (named Calypso) inside. We tried to figure out what it was but couldn't. Kavu cast a spell while the beholder was looking at him and Kavu saw a memory from his past.

We figured out how to use the forge — toss in some Chardalyn and a mundane object. Othorion became the master of the forge for being the first to use it. A lot of chaos happened with the beholder, lots of wild magic. I learned how to speak Yeti and some new spells from a nearby book. We explored further and found a room with a wraith — Roland absolutely deleted it. Othorion investigated and found some loot.

After this we decided to leave the cave and go back to Phandalin. Before we left Kavu enchanted his magical whip. We conclude an arc of our adventure with a long break and we all get an ability score improvement. We bought a 2-acre gold mine and struck mithral, making almost 6700 gold.

Day Fourteen — Nightal 15, 1507 DR

I gave out the gifts I commissioned to the others but forgot Drizzle! Kelvin made us a pine needle and acorn soup. Othorion talked to Pip's parents about her joining us to go to Neverwinter — her mother didn't agree but her father Toblin said yes. Toblin gave Pip a crossbow and she ran out and made a few shots. We bid farewell to Sildar Hallwinter.

It's a 6-day cart ride. We left town and ran into Venomfang after a few hours. We met Brother Akra — silver/blue dragonborne cleric of Tymora — who wanted to build a settlement between Luskan and Neverwinter. He cast a spell that prevented exhaustion and we travelled to Saltmarsh in 1.5 days.

We passed Saltmarsh and kept going north. Roland explained what Force Grey was and we explained what adventurers were to Pip. We decided to think about a name for ourselves.

We ran into a group of bandits attacking guards and an armored wagon. We killed the bandits but the Black Knight leading them jumped off the cliff with one of the horses. We are tasked with taking Nezznar to Revel's End in Icewind Dale.

Day Fifteen — Nightal 16, 1507 DR

We met Kefkas Artoriel — a half-elf bard and arena fighter from Waterdeep — in the wagon. The nobles' names were Therin and Thessaly Veilance. Kefkas convinced the nobles to wait four hours while we mourned the horse who died. We told our stories to Kefkas while on our way to Helm's Hold. It started to snow.

Helm's Hold is home to the Order of the Gilded Eye, an offshoot of the Order of Helm. Othorion, Roland, and Kefkas joined the escort to the castle to keep Nezznar. The rest of us stopped at Ventur's Rest Inn for the night. The fee for Nezznar's stay was 150gp for 12 hours and 300 for another 24.

Kefkas cast Identify on the ice sword we got earlier — its name was Emberwake. Emberwake had the words "Deathcloak Lank" on the side. We visited a few shops: The Vigilant Eye Armory (run by Haldor Stonefist), The Mystic Quill (run by Brother Ferris — I inquired about the Codicil of White; he would send me a message for 10gp), and the Silver Serpent Apothecary (run by Mira Windrider, who said we could inquire about the 20-sided gem on our return).

We left town with Nezznar after Thessely paid us for saving her and her brother Therin.

Day Sixteen — Nightal 22, 1507 DR

We ran into two dead bodies on the road and Roland, Kavu, and I investigated.

• South body: male, 20–30 years, brown hair, brown eyes, large bulbous nose, puffy lips, birthmark above right eye, small socks. Tag reads JON. Peasant clothes.
• North body: hood, tag — tufts of red hair, 40–50 years, balding and turning grey. Tag reads RYAN. Blue eyes, no tattoos.

Kelvin suddenly disappeared and came back moments later describing a vision of a man telling him to attack his enemies. We reached the gates of Neverwinter and were faced with extreme debt. We need to report to Dock 23, the Ice Serpent — liaison Captain General Gregorovich, not a member of Force Grey. The Ice Serpent will take responsibility over our prisoner Nezznar until we're ready to leave.

Haldak and some of the others decided to stay at the Iron Flagon Inn, market district, southeast of the Hall of Justice. The Moonstone Mask — high accommodation. We met Lorana Delmont. Cot room with the Ice Serpent, 50gp for 4 nights, general breakfast and lunch. The Blackwake district is rebuilding. Take Kelvin to the Department of Magic Vulnerability to meet his kids and pay debts. 620 platinum owed.

Day Seventeen — Nightal 22, 1507 DR

I was absent!

We found out about Roland's background — he's the son of a redeemed and now-Archangel Zariel. Blackwolf found out Kelvin has horns. Roland and Kelvin went to the DMV while Kefkas, Othorion, and Pip went to the Ice Serpent. R and Kel had to wait 80 spots in line. Kavu and Drizzle went shopping at the Tarmalune Trade House looking for someone to make a platinum band ring — it was super expensive because the shopkeeper held kobold prejudice.

Upon the Ice Serpent, Othorion and Kefkas dropped off Nezznar and tried to meet the captain but were too late — they need to meet at 21:00. Kefkas asked for an arena to fight in and was given several answers.

Day Eighteen — Nightal 23, 1507 DR

At Habib's Ringworks, Kavu tried to haggle but was lambasted. After turning away from the shop he went to the House of Knowledge to meet up with Roland and Kelvin (the line was at 12). Kavu sought someone to ask about his amulet and bought a book.

Othorion inquired about an illegal item and was given a location. Kefkas, Othorion, Pip, and Drizzle went to the Guild Bank. Pip withdrew 1200 gold while Kefkas tried to set up an account — the teller, Sally, was excited to meet him. Kefkas went to the Beach Leviathan but was surrounded by fans; Othorion and Pip ran away.

Othorion and Pip were ambushed by three drow and two driders in an empty square — Pip was incapacitated. I arrived at 8pm. At 8:45 after Othorion and Kefkas met Drizzt Do'Urden. Kavu met Brother Marklin in the House of Knowledge — Marklin took notes on the party and asked for details.

Kelvin and Roland wanted to clear his name from the kids he sired from his encounter in the Feywild. We found out Kelvin has 32 children. Two are at the prison we're headed to. He fainted. His debts are 1200 platinum plus interest to multiple nobles, a mansion of House Turrel in Luskan, a ship in the Sea of Moving Ice Admiralty, multiple knick-knacks in a commander's tent somewhere east. The location of the fae that Kelvin made contact with — Titania, Queen of the Summer Court (and another from the Winter Court) — was found in contempt.

Day Nineteen — Nightal 23, 1507 DR

Roland and Kelvin at the DMV. Kavu with Brother Marklin getting help with a compass from Habib. Kefkas and Othorion in the square with the dead drow. Kefkas and Othorion decided to meet up at the Inn. Pip was brought to the House of Knowledge by Guenhwyvar. Kavu, Roland, and Kelvin scrambled to help. Kelvin talked to Guenhwyvar while Roland and Kavu healed Pip. Pip and Kelvin got excited to find out Guenhwyvar's identity. After Pip explained what happened up until she was knocked unconscious.

I was eating roast boar with root vegetables when everyone walked in to eat. Quenthel Baenre — Matron of House Baenre in Menzoberranzan. We learned the reason Othorion is on the run: he killed an agent of Quenthel, a noblewoman from Luskan — the daughter of High Captain Throa Taerl of Ship Taerl, one of the most powerful pirate lords in Luskan. He doesn't remember what happened that night.

While discussing Kelvin's fey problem, an envelope came in under the door — finely decorated and perfumed. "Kelvin Fairlight, Keeper of Wildfire's Grace." A notice from the Summerfey Court, Titania. We tried to ignore it but the letter came back. Kelvin opened it — he was ordered to repair relations with the Summer Court of Aloria.

I talked about the artifact to the party.

We set off with Othorion and Kefkas to meet Captain Gregorovich at 21:00. Roland, Kavu, Pip, and Drizzle stayed. Kelvin and I waited outside at the foot of the dock while Kefkas and Othorion made the meeting. We saw two taverns while waiting: the Driftwood Tavern, the Beached Leviathan built from a pirate ship, and the Moonstone Mask — an opulent castle. We met a homeless man named Ottoman Seafoam looking for his nephew Ranfrir.

That night we were visited by Flaming Fist Johnathon — he gave us a message. We're being summoned by Lord Daegult Neverember to go to the Hall of Justice to join a club that protects the city.

Day Twenty — Nightal 24, 1507 DR

We heeded Lord Protector Daegult Neverember's call to the Hall of Justice. We decided to have breakfast first — Thaum Drannik with a gentle demeanor served us. On the way we met a group of monsters (draconic and zombies?). We finished them off and found out they were created from the Spellplague and occasionally spill out.

We continued to meet Lord Neverember. He tasked us with retrieving the Crown of Neverwinter below the ruins of Castle Never. He says there is a "Pretender" — the Cloaked Descendant, a former noble — who he's worried about. The crown is in a vault. Our reward: Phandalin becomes a vassal of Neverwinter. There's a festival soon — the Festival of Resilience.

Sergeant Alara Thorn escorted us out. We went to the House of Knowledge. Kelvin took off his collar and we forgot his name. He tried to read the letter from last night and couldn't — it disintegrated in flame. Kavu identified his Compass of Flame. Kelvin and Roland went to the Fae section and met Spriggle Spindlefizz, who informed Kelvin that it was Roland the Fox who took his name.

Kelvin lined up in the DMV to learn more. The rest of us went to the River's Heart — owned by Childar Brinwinkle in the Blackwake District. We talked to the Stone of Galor (an aboleth). We purchased a hat of disguise, a bloodwell vial, orb of direction, and clay pot of awakening. We need to find a temple to help Othorion's memory.

Day Twenty One — Nightal 24, 1507 DR

Kelvin found out more information about his new past: Debt 800 and 500 platinum, a seraph ship, Fairlight Manor in Luskan, 5 magical items, and crimes in many areas — Waterdeep x4, Baldur's Gate x4, Port Last, Daggerfoot x2, Athkatla x2, Beregost x2, Skornabell x3, Alms, Elturel, Eriabor, Ten Towns. Known affiliates — 4, one each in Waterdeep and Luskan. Many more children. He was instructed to present a receipt to Roland the Fox for all of the child support he owes.

Kelvin left the DMV and got lost immediately. After talking to some trees he wildshaped into a dog and was ridden by a fairy. The fairy gave Kelvin a paper instructing her to watch Kelvin to see if he betrays his contract with Queen Titania. Roland, Othorion, and I split up to look for Kelvin. Kelvin ran into someone with some beef jerky and was enticed; after questioning the fairy, the person put a collar on Kelvin and Kelvin transformed back into a Firbolg.

We decided to return to the Inn to query the Innkeeper. Pip and Drizzle met Blazethorn Shadowdancer. Roland gave Blazethorn the book about Drizzt. We went to see Thaum Drannik and asked about the Crown — he directed us to the Moonstone Mask, the Driftwood Tavern, or the Fallen Tower.

At the Fallen Tower (owned by an Orc), ghosts appear at midnight. After much banter we went to Shining Knight's Arms and Armor to get Pip some new gear. Owned by Caladorn — tried to make a deal but didn't come to an understanding. I told him my name and he told me he knows a Tencloak. He has designs on Phandalin.

We went to the Driftwood Tavern — a good place to make connections. We asked about the Cloaked Descendant. A cloaked woman appeared and told us he believes himself to be the rightful heir. She revealed that Lord Neverember was run out of Waterdeep for embezzlement in the benefit for Neverwinter. We might find a graffiti mark — a cloaked figure holding a crown — where we can meet connected people. Start east in the northern districts, the Fallen Tower, where Half-Ear gets up to a lot of roughhousing. Run by Madam Rosine Dupont. She warned us against letting people know who we work for. She was not a fan of Dagult Neverember.

After leaving the Driftwood Tavern we saw the graffiti but continued to the Fallen Tower. Vagdru Vanir — we asked him about healing Othorion and found out he knew Boulders-For-Muscles. He was solidly in the Dagult camp. We saw a 300-foot wizard tower being built; many mages fell through the sky to a grim fate. Vagdru Vanir revealed he was a fence and would buy stolen goods. We returned to the Iron Flagon Inn.

Kefkas and Kavu made money by fighting while they were away. They got nicknames: Hotshot and Little Spark.

Day Twenty Two — Nightal 25, 1507 DR

We introduced Kelvin and Kavu to Blazethorn. We talked about Kefkas' sword that had my name on it. We told Pip we were going to be gone for a long time. We ate breakfast — Kefkas and Kavu each ate one of everything, at once.

We visited Shining Knight's Arms and Armor where Caladorn met Kavu. Kavu went into a backroom with Caladorn alone and came out taller than me — I thought he was an imposter.

We went to the Castle Ruins after, following the graffiti signs. We ran into a group of Phase Spiders.

Day Twenty Three — Nightal 25, 1507 DR

We finished the fight with the spiders. I tried to get a seed from the cherry blossom tree but failed. We turned back and went the other way. We found a small magically trapped chest — I picked it up with Mage Hand and the trap went off with Fireball, destroying the chest. A magical pendant, book, and dagger were inside. Before we could identify them we were chased off by more phase spiders.

We fought them off. Kefkas identified the book: it had a sentient being in it — the Tome of Forgotten Flame. Kavu opened the book (written in Primordial), read the last passage aloud, and a fire elemental named Emberion was summoned and the pages burned. Kefkas gave me the Everrain Pendant — resistance to lightning, once a day create or destroy water. Every time he levels up Kavu will get a new fire spell.

Roland told us the statues around us were the Shards, followers of Selûne — last he heard of them they were in Cormyr. We decided to continue down the path, ignoring the graffiti, into a path with a metallic smell. We entered a ruined courtyard that had rushed, panicked graffiti. Another shattered statue of a Shard. Othorion investigated. Kelvin found Glyphs — arcane markings warding against something.

We found a ghost named Anetta — dressed in servant garb, part of a baker family. She was happy working in the castle until ships in the harbour destroyed it. We told her about the Seafang Siege and Kefkas convinced her to help us — he lied to her to give her absolution. She drew us a set of instructions showing traps and where the cloaked men might be.

Day Twenty Four — Nightal 25, 1507 DR

We took a long rest. Kelvin talked to Blazethorn about the fight and his magical problems — turning into a monster teleports him away, and sometimes he makes a tree.

We were snuck up on by cloaked figures. We used magic to light the darkness, revealing most of them. They revealed themselves as the Cloaked Descendants — their leader Lord Renaer, the heir to Neverwinter. He wasn't opposed to dropping the crown into the ocean. He revealed that he knows Caladorn and knew Kavu's homeland, which is under strife led by Volcathar the red dragon. He said Caladorn is equal to Elminster. We agreed to leave each other alone and look for the Crown of Neverwinter.

In the morning Kefkas had turned into a goblin.

We moved to the path not marked by the Cloaked Descendants, past destroyed animated armor. We got into a room with a trapped ceiling — we flew past the rigged floor. In a 5-foot hallway we heard armor and talking; we decided to get Othorion to scout. He intimidated the leader and snuck back. Kavu and goblin-Kefkas tried to talk to the hobgoblins but they used a rope and escaped through the ceiling.

The next room had a huge staircase descending into an arched doorway. Roland detected multiple undead nearby. Kavu continued to investigate the door but found out that Kefkas and some others were infected with aethereal worms that radiate transmutation. We cured everyone — except when I tried to cure Kelvin with the Purge spell, he turned into a goblin.

I lowered myself on a rope, rotated the magic button to face north for "the jewel of the north," and the door opened. Everyone followed me into the vault below — and we entered where the Crown of Neverwinter is.

Day Twenty Five — Nightal 26, 1507 DR

We arrived on the 18th in Neverwinter; it was the 22nd. The ship leaves tomorrow for Luskan.

We entered the door into descending stairs and a hallway leading into a large room with a chasm radiating spectral energy — a bridge across, and a mausoleum on the other side. A booming voice as we approached. We crossed the bridge — Blazethorn flew, Othorion and Kelvin crossed by the giant chain. Othorion took an attack from something but it missed. We walked up steps to a door where an armor-wearing, red-glowing boss opened it and combat started.

In the battle, I went down and lost my right arm below the elbow. In the end I exploded him with a Starry Wisp critical. Kelvin took the crown and Kefkas took the armor and "Harvester" weapon.

Day Twenty Six — Nightal 27, 1507 DR

Voyage begins — Nightal 27, 1507. Aboard the Ice Serpent.

We set sail on the Ice Serpent with crew: Shanty O'Brian (crow's nest), Captain Gregorovich, Sienna Blount (helm), Dolwar Brinebone.

We encountered Ice Dolphins famous for mimicry. Othorion was visited by Lolth in his dreams. We heard distant Harpy song — too far to affect us. Kavu's compass underwent changes — it can move now but the needle doesn't while the directions do.

We passed the Luskan book to Othorion, who recognized Jarlaxle and The Black Viper.

We encountered a giant building-sized crab that created a tidal wave nearly capsizing the ship. We fought and killed Mimics disguised as barnacles. Kefkas revealed an unknown crew member on ship. Kelvin accidentally wildshaped into a giant lava tentacle while attempting spider form.

We rescued Robert Hidswell from the sea — his ship (Winking Barnacle) was hit by a rogue wave from a large creature. A northern guide from Icewind Dale, near Luskan. Seeking work north of Luskan. I made Olisuba Leaf tea for Roland, Robert, and myself before bed.

Day Twenty Seven — Nightal 29, 1507 DR

Aboard the Ice Serpent.

I wrote a letter to Elara. Roland drank the tea. Kefkas slept on a table. Kelvin attempted repairs on damage he caused.

Othorion and Kelvin discussed their complicated relationship with House Taerl. Othorion is accused of crimes against the house and suggested using the manor as a base beneath the Tayrells' noses. Othorion noted Roland smelled of burnt ham.

Kossuth called to Kavu in dreams: must find his wife in a fire dimension; will become Chosen of Kossuth in exchange; unusual signs of fire will guide him. Kefkas went to train Othorion's blindsight but discovered Kavu's room on fire.

Roland spotted a lone barnacle on the ceiling. Kavu shared his dream about finding "somebody" — his wife, name unknown. Kavu showed the charter for the Forge Wardens — will visit a Luskan temple to make it binding.

Robert Hidswell and Othorion talked — Robert overheard Othorion say his true name: Baenre. Robert offered services as guide near Ten Towns. Discussed the wereguild demand from Gerti Orelsdottir enforced by Kavu for Phandalin. Robert warned: showing up unannounced with extra people would be a personal insult. Must tell Gerti group size one tenday before arrival.

The Codicil of White — Robert's description: tall white volume covered in white fur, tarnished silver, cold to touch, 27 vellum pages painted around the edges, a primer on the worship of Auril (formerly Orel).

The ceiling barnacle ran to Kelvin — Kelvin fed it and named it Barnaby.

Water elementals attacked the ship, claiming orders to board. Controlled by wizard Ringlerun — they wanted help escaping his control. Kavu cast Dispel Magic, freeing them. Before leaving they revealed Kossuth's wife is in the Aetherial Expanse.

A bronze dragon named Karakatha appeared — large with a snaggle tooth and pictographs. Demanded all gold. Kavu showed his snaggle tooth. Karakatha returned to normal, apologized. The tooth was from Chult. Karakatha let Kavu keep the tooth and flew away. The tooth emanated magical energy urging touch. We gave it to Gregorovich — a third hand emerged from his jacket and used it, revealing Captain Gumgum the goblin.

Day Twenty Eight — Hammer 01, 1508 DR

Luskan — Nightal 27 continued to Hammer 1. Aboard Ice Serpent then ashore.

Gumgum couldn't remember why she kept her identity secret from Othorion. Othorion will contact the Golden Trident (southwest, mercantile shop) upon entering the city.

An ancient white dragon flew over the ship — lives in Ice Peaks or Sea of Moving Ice. Has a friend in Waterdeep: Iceclaws, the White Wyrm. A goblin followed Kefkas closely saying creepy things like "I'll eat you."

Retrieved "Rogue's Guide to the Luskan Underworld" from Othorion.

Paid 300gp to Gumgum's crew — Gobbo the Goblin attempted surgery to reattach my arm, threw the arm into an oven and ate it, and then my arm regrew from the stump.

Othorion gave a sword to Kefkas. Asked about Vyra from the Golden Trident, requested inquiry about River Styx water. Needs to speak with someone at The One-Eyed Jacks (Othorion's uncle's bar, HQ of House Birgan de Arth). Gave a hat feather and message in thieves' cant. Contact: Jazara — drow, black cloak with silver inlay, open v-chest, black leather bracers, silver embroidered half-cloak at waist, leather and gold buckles, silver shoulder-length hair.

Arrival at Luskan. Drizzt secretly boarded and began training Othorion. Status: considered honorary member of Luskan. Can find work and hiding place. Given 100gp and a bag of green stuff.

Kelvin revealed as one of the High Captains (House of Taerl). Access to Fairlight Manor. Given 1000gp. Instructed to visit other High Captains. Kefkas tried to remain incognito but failed.

At the One-Eyed Jacks — Jazara gave two letters: purple and spiced (from her), and one clasped with a realistic spider broach. Fighting rings information: near The Dragon's Teeth, left right across Blood Island. Needs a pass (don't reveal source). Skirt west past Temple of Umberlee on Dragon's Beach. Met the cast from a D&D movie at One-Eyed Jack, along with Jazara and Xilnath (the cousin who ambushed us on the road).

At the Black Pearl Mercantile, met Yagra Stonefist. Purchased 1 lb. Dwarven Moss for 6400 gold. Asked to return at 10pm to smoke. Pet mouse named Squiggles. Kefkas bought a Bag of Holding. Kavu bought a goblet that maintains liquid temperature.

Kefkas and Kavu went to the Golden Trident — Vera was working there. Kefkas asked about Othorion "Trip." Vera will contact the Arcane Brotherhood. Offered to trade Dwarven Moss for all sale items. Roland, Kelvin, and I went to the Red Dragon Trading Post (all trade goods). Next stop: Mirabar Shield.

Group reconvened at the Golden Trident — Vera sold items. Proceeded to Fairlight Manor. Met Kelvin's family: his wife, daughter Olga, and a younger daughter (who ran away after he couldn't remember her name). Supposed to meet High Captain Tora Toril.

Day Twenty Nine — Hammer 03, 1508 DR

Fairlight Manor — Luskan.

High Admiral Taerl appeared — mother of Othorion's assassination target. Kelvin's situation: missing 10 years, goal to expand family influence (failed). Family will be told he's on another mission. 6-month deadline: bring something of value or execution.

Othorion continued sparring with Drizzt. Drizzt left when I approached to deliver letters.

• Spiced letter: expressed doubt over past actions, will be watching.
• Spider letter: not yet opened.

Decisions for departure: send tithe to High Captain Taerl, Robert Hidswell preparing dog sleds, livestock and wagon left at Ten Towns. Robert will send me a bill for gear. Othorion asked help with a spider scroll. Kefkas and Kavu went to the fighting rings to earn money. Roland went to Black Pearl Mercantile with me. Kelvin stayed with Othorion.

Spider Letter contents: summoned by House Baenre to forge a new future in Menzoberranzan as equal.

Fighting Ring victories — Kefkas:
Match 1 vs Kashti (dragonborn) — Won. Match 2 vs Marcel Stormwhisper (lanky human) — Won. Match 3 Bilgewater Barge vs Nissa Blackwater — Won (close). Match 4 vs Serraf (frost magic user) — Won, became champion of Storm's Eye. Xilnath informed: next fight potentially to death, 2v1, against undefeated fighter.

Othorion's adventure: left boat for One-Eyed Jack via sewers; got lost immediately; found his way again; attempted second-floor window entry. Saw Valera Vandree climbing up. Made it into the next window. Conversation with cousin Daubney — discussed Lolth dream promising power, prophecy involving sacrifice. Uncle could have more information (Jarlaxle?). Jarlaxle told her and three lieutenants he was leaving (Xilnath among them). Jarlaxle's office: found naked Yala Growlhunt in bed. Grabbed letter with his name. Time stopped briefly. Read letter — Jarlaxle called him predictable, gave warning. Jumped out window, back through sewers. Got lost again. Encountered and killed slime. Escaped, swam back to ship.

Roland and I got high with Yagra. Received a letter while high, left immediately to watch the fight.

Epic Final Match — Kefkas and Kavu vs Borgast Starfang. Hour-long fight of epic proportions. Kefkas and Kavu won. Borgast gave Kefkas his axe-guitar in good sportsmanship. Post-fight: ship Kurth Fighting Arena. Othorion talked to Velera. Roland and I ate with Kelvin. Kelvin seeking a weapons master — can't continue without Drizzt.

Day Thirty — Hammer 03, 1508 DR

Near Revel's End.

Cured injuries. Gerald Pennyweather arrived offering bank services. High Captain Throa Taerl of Taerl Fleet mentioned.

Kefkas and Kavu went to the Gilded Trident — Vera present, purchasing potions. Roland and I went to High Captain Taerl — Roland used Force Grey orders for entry. Sold 6 oz. Dwarven Moss to the guard (have 2 lb. 10 oz remaining). 16 ounces to a pound.

Kelvin's daughters picked up — Olga, and Kethra with pet ferret Slinky. Brought back to the boat. Kelvin talked to daughters alone: explained situation, life taken by fae, lived a different life. Slinky was very angry with him.

Morning preparations to leave — Robert gathered supplies for Revel's End. Kelvin threw drugs overboard (I couldn't take them outside the city). Kavu and Kefkas searching for scrolls, visited Xilnath at One-Eyed Jack. Kelvin's daughters boarded the Silver Stallion, sailing to Saltmarsh, then carriage to Phandalin.

Sailed north aboard the Sea Serpent.

Roland's true mission revealed — new orders received at sea: extract Prisoner 13, a dwarf named Korda Glintstone from Clan Axebreaker, who holds a key to treasure in Gauntlgrym. Stole from the clan. Varen Axebreaker will meet in Ten Towns. Objectives: establish communication with outside, offer gift, break out prisoner. Gumgum's assistance: send guards inside, identifiable by small red sash on right arm. Disguises assigned: Othorion — Doctor, Haldak — Chef.

Inside contact: Haily the tabaxi. Needs equipment inside, can help if we assist.

Day Thirty One — Hammer 03, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Key information: Gumgum and 2 crewmates entering with us. Guards inside know the mission but won't help actively. Wear red ribbons for identification. Prisoner 41 — Hayle (female tabaxi) needs equipment, will help. Selene (formerly Prisoner 35) — blue tiefling, released early, in mess hall. Roland has a map: unlocks doors, operates elevator.

Kavu called for help bringing Kelvin back to Phandalin to help Pip. A white ancient dragon and a man appeared in the sky — dragon transformed to human: Caladorn's Simulacrum, Avaiarterus (Icy Claws). Will return to Phandalin with Kelvin to assist.

Alter egos: Haldak — Horton Gamsey. Othorion — Dr. Goldfeather.

Entry and assignments: Haldak escorted to kitchen, Othorion to doctor's office, others to meeting room.

Doctor's Office — Othorion: Prisoner 218, Lireal Silverbranch — knew Othorion in disguise, helped maintain cover while flirting. Found checkup notes, Prisoner 41 noted as "Narua" in notes. Note and healing potions left by Hedley (dock worker).

Meeting Room: Roland, Kavu, Kefkas, Robert, Nezznar. Kavu cast Detect Magic — flames in prison are magical.

Kitchen — Haldak: Met staff: Leon Goldman (Sous Chef), Quinton (Fish), Theodore and Valen (Bakers), Verel and Darien (Helpers). I let Leon Goldmane prepare next lunch for Warden and prisoners. Room check with Rafael Redblade (no red ribbon) — found a green rainbow metallic shiny herb.

Mess Hall Meeting: Group met Selene, revealed plans. Announcement: Prisoner 41 (Hayle) to meet Warden. I went to deliver food. Second announcement: others to meet in Warden's office.

Warden's Office: Warden Marta commanded weapon release (not Haldak). Othorion still in doctor's office.

Day Thirty Two — Hammer 03, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Selene revealed: Warden possessed by a lawful good dwarven fighter. Herb identified: Shimmerleaf — a helpful drug causing hallucinations at high doses.

Othorion identified most items in the cabinet, took a walk, returned, ordered food delivery from me. I shared news about Hayle and Selene. Othorion shared info about 218.

I met others in the mess hall and shared info about 218. Kavu scouted rooms, others followed. Plan developed: Haldak poisons Prisoner 13 → forced infirmary visit → Othorion talks to them. I revisited Othorion for poisoning items, then returned to the mess hall to wait for supper.

Kavu met Prisoner 218 — Lireal — who wanted to ensure aquatic elves in Neverwinter were okay.

Day Thirty Three — Hammer 03, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Kavu sent a message to Kelvin and Caladorn — Kelvin is in a mist barrier.

Strategy meeting (Kavu, I, Selene, Roland): discussed Kavu's scouting findings. Kriv Norixius (Dragonborn Councillor of Absolution) was outside the room — I spoke with him. Robert gave Selene new woodworking tools. Selene mentioned Lucas and Tobias — kind, lenient guards.

Group moved to infirmary while I stayed in mess hall. Kavu informed Lireal about aquatic elves: scattered, hungry, but alive. Othorion ordered 218 delivered to infirmary. Kavu and Roland left.

Lireal ensured doctor's notes were in order for Warden regarding Selene, Kefkas, and herself. Warden burst in shouting in Dwarvish. Igwine (tiefling in Othorion's mind) revealed: Vlax Brawnanvil (shield dwarf) is possessing the Warden. He knew Igwine from an old adventuring party. Vlax recognized Igwine and smiled, then let the Warden take over. Warden introduced herself to Dr. Goldfeather, requested headache medicine, and left.

Day Thirty Four — Hammer 04, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Kavu visited Othorion before bed — suggested foodborne illness as reason for Prisoner 13's infirmary visit. Othorion reviewed the plan. Kavu informed me about the food poisoning plan. I cast Chronoturgy to expire the eggs for breakfast. Morning discovery: a chicken in the kitchen, and the coffee filters are prison socks.

Food Poisoning Scheme: I discarded expired eggs. Kitchen crew remade food. Breakfast served late. About half the population affected. Roland and Selene got food poisoning, rushed to toilets. Othorion inundated with sick guards. Guard Hugo (office guard) affected.

Warden arrived at infirmary, ordered halt to all food service until resolved. Roland and Selene refreshed the food.

Strategic Opportunity: Robert Hidswell led Othorion and Kavu outside. Warden stuck in infirmary. Office unoccupied. Othorion can now make house calls as doctor. Robert will check courtyard every 30 minutes.

Warden instructed Othorion and Kavu to fetch tea and dwarven scotch from office. We snooped through the ledger: Korda Glintstone (Prisoner 13) — convicted of betrayal and theft; embezzled from Clan Axebreaker; killed many during arrest attempts. Found Kelvin's children: prisoners 272 and 278. Lireal (218): treason against Neverwinter for helping sea elf invasion. Haily: killed many, burned corpses.

Commutations review: found familiar faces from a D&D film — Holga and Edgar. Selene's commutation paperwork is missing. Council members: Voss Anderton (votes with head), Jil Torbo (votes yes because "she says so"), Kriv Narixis (often votes no for unrepentant criminals).

Document tampering: Kavu switched someone's parole status — Lireal's "Without Parole" became "With Parole." Lireal now on parole. Never had a meeting — can attempt commutation.

Day Thirty Five — Hammer 04, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Courtyard: Selene revealed to Robert she was an elf before becoming a tiefling, banished from Lonelywood. Robert's advice: Lonelywood is the first destination in Icewind Dale, full of criminals — prepare a cover story. In Ten Towns, refer to Selene as Aurora.

Kavu and I made tea for the Warden — botched first attempt; Kavu succeeded alone and delivered it.

Plan developed: get ledger, deliver to Korda, return to Warden's office. Othorion searched courtyard and found a moveable brick.

Grazzt Encounter: Othorion was last to leave the courtyard. Spotted Jazara/Valera Vandree hiding at the opposite end. Snow kicked up into a storm — revealed to be a devil: Grazzt. Grazzt's offer: help find Othorion's past, cleanse River Styx effects, protect a priestess enacting a ritual in the Underdark (entrance 2 hours south). 4 days protection needed. 24 hours to answer. Say Grazzt's name to summon. Othorion's knowledge: Grazzt is the Demon Prince of Indulgence, acts like a devil, ruled Hell levels 46 and 47. Iggwylv might be his rival.

Kavu delivered tea to the Warden — informed that cooking wasn't the problem. Warden asked him to watch for suspicious activity.

Othorion got the ledger and delivered it to the courtyard hiding spot. Kavu entered courtyard with Sienna Blount (disguised as guard). Prisoner 48 (fire genasi with rash) approached wanting a doctor. Kavu told Lireal about orphans headed to Ten Towns. Messaged Brother Marklin.

Party met Jil Torbo (Council on Absolution member) in the cafeteria. Medical duties: treated fire genasi. Prisoner needing therapy — scheduled evening session.

Key acquisition: Othorion used thieves' cant to inform Korda about the ledger. Used a nearby guard for an impromptu cell checkup. Gave her the ledger, received a key — a tattoo on her right arm: chest reads "ENDLESS DREAM ENTOMBED IN STONE," left leg "POWER," right leg "PLUNDER," arms smoke leading to fingertips, left hand runes. Guard fetched Roland. Sylphrena helped Roland copy the key perfectly onto paper.

Kavu shared in the cafeteria: sea elves and children going to Bryn Shander, Lireal arrested as a terrorist, Renaer Neverember now leads Neverwinter.

Day Thirty Six — Hammer 05, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Morning: kitchen bird is an Axebeak. Group agreement: Kavu will call in a favor from Renaer to free Lireal.

Othorion revealed Grazzt's offer and the letter from Menzoberranzan. Roland used the map — a message appeared about helping Othorion and I escape.

Office Infiltration: Othorion snuck into the Warden's office and found lettered staff contracts. I delivered tea to Kefkas and found Sienna Blount on him, hissing like a vampire. I quickly left and delivered tea to Othorion.

Contract Discoveries: Doctoral Contract — Dr. Goldfeather imprisoned for malpractice (1 year). Culinary Contract — Chef imprisoned for cannibalism. Problem: neither Othorion nor I can simply quit and leave.

Othorion fed sick guards and the Warden water for mild dehydration. Kavu used Message to help Lireal — using a favor from Renaer, attempting her release. Warden's office wand identified: Wand of Binding (Hold Person, Hold Monster). Othorion had a therapy session with a prisoner.

Selene recalled the Warden's contract and looked for exit strategies. Roland and Kavu combined powers to create a Sending spell, contacted the Blackstaff (Force Grey leader), requested help escaping the prison. Roland and Selene played card games with Jil Torbo in the mess hall.

Day Thirty Seven — Hammer 06, 1508 DR

Inside Revel's End.

Kefkas took a bath and encountered a wizard outside the prison. After gathering most everyone and the Warden, we met the wizard outside. The wizard delivered a letter to the Warden: release Lireal (Prisoner 218). Told Kavu the orphans are well — heading to Bryn Shander with the Order of the Gauntlet.

Othorion told Kefkas about the Grazzt deal. Everyone ate in the mess hall with the Warden. After she left, all except me met in a room.

Kavu's plan — 3 options. Chosen: murder Nezznar, fake our deaths with Feign Death, cover tracks. This was kept secret from me.

Grazzt summoned to accept the offer: contract given through a portal to sign. Two tendays (20 days) to complete. 7 days to the Underdark entrance, 13 days remaining to reach the destination.

I gave 1000 gold each to Roland and Othorion. I gave Coco the axebeak chick to Kefkas.

Kavu informed me about the plan. I gave Coco to Kefkas until the plan was enacted. Important note: 1450 Red Dragon Crush — best wine.

Plan executed: Haldak and Othorion "killed." Nezznar killed for real. My observation: Nezznar seemed genuine about reforming before death.

Day Thirty Eight — Hammer 06, 1508 DR

Departing Revel's End.

Robert informed: 2 months to reach Bryn Shander. Kefkas informed the Warden about our trip. Returns: weapons returned, 4000 gold given (Roland took in platinum). Othorion's disguise name: Velvetina. Warden asked to keep events secret. Attempted to get more rations — unsuccessful.

Selene trained the group on dog sled commands. Selene found a letter from Elminster to Othorion: must earn memories back.

We set out on dog sleds — shenanigans ensued. Stopped to make camp. Decided on a steady pace toward the Underdark.

Camp Revelations: Robert got everyone to share their goals. Robert revealed himself as Jarlaxle. Kefkas started drinking heavily from Jarlaxle's flask — Selene stopped him. Jarlaxle announced his separation from the party. Loot given: cursed heavy armor (Kefkas took it while drunk).

Encountered a column of Auril followers on the plains. Request: track living creatures responding to an ancestral hunting trap (mammoths or yeti). Parted amicably — they will follow and study the party on the journey. Gave Selene a totem for tracking. Jarlaxle's chest armor confirmed cursed.

Day Thirty Nine — Hammer 06, 1508 DR

Icewind Dale — Tundra.

Kavu received a Sending after the Auril scout meeting. Pace: can reach the Underdark entrance before nightfall.

Othorion's knowledge of Menzoberranzan Houses:
House Baenre (political power, follows Lolth), House Barrison Del'Armgo (loyal, assassins, military), House Faen Tlabbar (poison and fungal cultivation), House Xorlarrin (industry, once masters of Gauntlgrym), House Agrach Dyrr (forbidden magic), House Mizzrym (espionage, trade, many spies), House Fey-B— (Inquisition), House Malarn (new house on Council of Eight, merged with lesser houses), House Duskryn (military and mercenaries), House Hunzrin (logistics and civil engineering), House Vandree (many specialties, ambitious).

Lireal tried learning my past and failed. Caught by a blizzard — Selene instructed us to stop and set up camp. She found charcoal coke for fuel. Kefkas took some.

Jarlaxle arrangements: will take key to Bryn Shander, will take the dogs when group reaches the Underdark, will help with Gerti, taking a finder's fee. Kavu used Control Flame and made dancing kobolds in the fire. Lireal flirted with Othorion.

I gave my Ring of Warmth to Kefkas. I took Jarlaxle's booze, got drunk. Told Lireal about my origins: Netheril. Looking for a relic.

Selene entered Roland's tent — discussed Lireal. Suspicious of her past and motivations. She knows more than she reveals.

Lake Crossing: Encountered an abyssal creature under the ice — Tharazgaw the Mirror Maw, a creature that devours light and memory, worshipped by cultists and ice druids. I sensed temporal energy far south near Neverwinter. Crossed the lake to the Underdark entrance. Contact for return: ask for Zordot Zod in Bryn Shander.

Jarlaxle briefed us: we will pass Velkynvelve (a drow prison) at the entrance where prisoners are executed by exposure. Must pass by sneaking, fighting, or subterfuge. Othorion could wear a Baenre piwafwi. We put on Underdark outfits.

Bodies at the entrance emanated corrupt magical energy from Lolth — two corpses embracing. Likely Tiago Baenre and Saribel Xorlarrin.

Combat: encountered a Chasme that one-shot Othorion. Killed by Selene. Lireal will train Othorion.

Suspicions about Lireal: claims innocent surface dweller, but knows more about the drow than she admits. Gathers everyone's secrets. What is she after? Temporal anomaly question: I sensed something far away near Neverwinter — related to Tharazgaw?

Day Forty — Hammer 08, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Discussed passage through Velkynvelve. Kefkas revealed familiarity with the slave trade. Othorion revealed he is a member of mercenary group Bregan D'aerthe — "A Light in Darkness." Pendant activation: when Othorion said his true name, the pendant warmed and he heard a woman's voice. Roland cast Light cantrip on it — made of Chardalyn. Cover identity: Othorion as Xundryl Baenre of Bregan D'aerthe. Will get a guide at Velkynvelve. Protocol: if meeting a high-ranking female drow, count heads on the snake whip.

Combat: Huge Grey Ooze startled nearby bats. Kefkas finished it off. Othorion took heavy acid damage retrieving his sword. Chasm crossing — giant bat flew out. Killed bat, moved across.

Day Forty One — Hammer 08, 1508 DR

Underdark — extended rest.

Spider battle: swarm of spiders, large spiders, and a Drider (which fled). Lake incident: Lireal fell down a pit and the party jumped after her. Fell into a huge underwater lake. Lireal struck Hayle (tabaxi) during the fall. A Neolethid in the lake — Roland banished it to its home dimension.

We made camp on a tiny island in the middle of the lake, next to a statue of Bruenor Battlehammer. Rested 3 days while Roland recovered from using the Sword of Zariel.

Date after rest: Hammer 12, 1508.

Kefkas showed a map of Velkynvelve. Lireal revelation: reincarnated after the explosion that destroyed Neverwinter.

Day Forty Two — Hammer 12, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Othorion entering as Xarvon of House Baenre, member of Bregan D'aerthe mercenaries.

Tunnel encounter: Met Caspian Falk in the tunnel. Kavu flashed a giant brooch — blinding light. Alert: guards are looking for Caspian.

Prison guards met: Ilvara Mizzrym (Warden), Sklesh Oveanre, Shin Symariven. Othorion requested to see Ilvara. Search found a letter revealing the Goldfeather role at Revel's End. A letter from Quenthel Baenre was nearly found. Asha present (think Jazara Vandree's sister) — priestess of the prison. Cover maintained.

Internal contacts: Rez — elite guard, member of a named house. Othorion visited prisoners. Met a drow man who tested him. Informed Caspian about the plan. Returned to break room with party.

Prison break: Prisoners recruited — Quaggoth Shuushar, a Dwarf, Mushroom. Combat initiated — a swarm of Chasmes attacked. Escape: prisoners and party dove into the river below.

Day Forty Three — Hammer 12, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Asha Vandree followed us into the river. Swore vengeance against Xarvon.

Escaped prisoners: Stool (from Neverlight Grove), Eldeth Feldrun (from Gauntlgrym — will return home, will help if we go there), Shuushar (lived in Sloobludop — close to home), Prince Dendril (elf from a fiefdom in Cormyr), Caspian Falk, Hayle Clawshine (from Theros).

Eldeth suggested going south to the Duergar city Gracklstugh. 5 hours swimming — finally reached shore.

Arrived at a Kua'toa settlement. Spied a group saying Othorion's name. Blopblippod: the priestess to contact. Rested. Blopblippod shaming Shuushar for not believing in Blibdoolpoolp. Problem: her father thinks Othorion is marrying her. Must provide reason if declining. Stool used spores for translation (mind reading). Kavu discussed faiths with the priestess.

Sloobludop journey: 7 hours to reach the lake. Brief combat. Traveled to the settlement of Sloobludop. Mission: protect the priestess, prevent political uprisings. Town features: two statues facing each other — one Blibdoolpoolp, one Illithid-like with tentacles.

Memory vision: Othorion had visions — Ceravel Xorlarrin and Tiago Baenre were his parents. They gave him to Jarlaxle to raise.

Demogorgon rose from the water with creatures, said "Orcus has arrived!" and began destroying the town.

Day Forty Four — Hammer 12, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Under effect of psychic fog created by Stool's spores. We ran into a cavern with many living mushrooms — attacked a few. Made camp.

Kavu scanned for tracking: Caspian willingly gave gear and is fascinated by bullets blessed by the Plane of Fire. Othorion's hat feather emanates magical energy.

Took a long rest. Morning: Othorion's little sister appeared as a forward scout and demanded we hand over Othorion.

End date: Hammer 13, 1508.

Day Forty Five — Hammer 13, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Kefkas's backstory: his town was destroyed by drow raiders, his parents killed. He was captured and enslaved, held initially at Velkynvelve then sold and moved to Menzoberranzan. Served a master from House Oblodra. Several years in training. Released when House Oblodra was attacked and destroyed. Current age: 34 years old.

House Oblodra — historical context: once one of the great houses of Menzoberranzan, possessing hereditary psionic powers allegedly from an elder brain. Rose to prominence approximately 200 years ago. Already wiped out — Lolth used House Baenre to eliminate them. Assumed a few members still survive in hiding.

Drow Pursuit & Flight: Failed negotiation — we attempted to parley with a drow scout, but it failed completely. Scout fled, warning us of "impending deaths." We broke camp immediately and fled at maximum speed. Entered an enormous cavern containing a massive chasm.

The Chasm of the Abyss: Magical forces prevent flight — all flying creatures and effects are forced to crash down. Walking along the edge was the only option. The drow raiding party followed — Asha was leading the pursuit. The party attempted to cross via a bridge. After three hours of crossing, the entire party fell. The pit connects directly to the Abyss. As we fell deeper, corruption set in — madness and demonic magic affected the group. We fell through several dozen layers of the Abyss and eventually landed in massive webs.

Encounter with Araushnee: The web bindings suddenly disintegrated, freeing the party. A mysterious woman appeared — revealed herself as Araushnee (likely the fallen goddess, also known as Lolth before her transformation). Primary mission given: Othorion will find a blade — the party must keep this blade from him (or ensure he hides it if he gets it).

The party stayed with Araushnee for a long rest. She questioned each party member individually.

Individual revelations:

• Roland — his father Edgard Bladewood was a fighter against evil, currently trapped in the Feywild.
• Kavu — there is a false god among the Kossuth followers.
• Kefkas — Araushnee knew his former master. The master still lives, somewhere in the Underdark.
• Haldak (me) — she lectured about my drinking habits, commented on my choice of romantic partners, encouraged me not to lose hope. Referenced my continued purpose after Netheril's fall. I asked if she had any regrets. Her answer: she regrets her downfall and the loss of power to protect her people.
• Selene — the children will be returned safely and protected.
• Caspian — urged to return home. His brother lives.

Return: party reappeared on the opposite side of the bridge, bypassing the drow pursuit. Contradictory instructions created chaos — party initially attacked each other. Circular logic about the blade created confusion.

Found a hat feather among Othorion's items — identified as belonging to one of the drow houses hunting us, likely a tracking device. Selene shot it back toward the Abyss entrance to mislead pursuers.

Othorion received a Sending from Valera — asking if he was alright.

Day Forty Six — Hammer 14, 1508 DR

Underdark.

Othorion chose not to respond to Valera when she sent the Sending to Xarvon. A giant lizard was plodding toward us from the bridge. Kavu and I moved forward — Kavu cast Daylight to blind it while I dropped 1000 metal ball bearings on the bridge to slow it. It ran past and revealed that Xynia was riding it, unconscious. Othorion commanded it to stop and checked her condition (Nat 20 roll) — she was alright.

After much arguing, we cut her loose, hog-tied her, disarmed her, and brought her with us. She still had an exquisitely made magical rapier that couldn't be taken from her. Prince Dendril gave me relationship advice and I repaired the leather straps on her giant lizard mount named Codzilla.

After more arguing she woke up and we argued more. I wanted to wake her and let her go; Kavu wanted to kill her or restrain her as much as possible. She found out where we were going — to Neverlight Grove to bring Stool home. After Kavu and her argued, she got out and Kavu tackled her. Combat ensued and I Counterspelled Kavu's Fireball twice. In the end she escaped and ran away — knowing our destination.

End, Hammer 14, 1508.

Day Forty Seven — Hammer 14, 1508 DR

Underdark.

We started with Kavu scolding all of us — "you are all cowards" — approaching us one by one to explain his thinking. Kavu took point and continued to walk, away from everyone. Selene later caught up to him.

After some talking we continued and ran into a huge chasm with a light trail that looked so distant it was a filament in the darkness. Some monsters in the chasm — Selene and Kavu hid and waited for the rest of the party. They identified them as myconid travellers.

The myconids approached Selene — two elderly ones on a pilgrimage to sacrifice themselves to the greater myconid, so they wouldn't become a burden. They knew a shortcut to Neverlight Grove and Selene revealed we were bringing Stool home. Their names were Moosh and Spore — after introductions they were ecstatic to meet Stool.

We took the shortcut. We took stock of our supplies — 3 to 5 days to reach Neverlight Grove this way. There was a fallen tower on the route, clearly a research outpost. A symbol surrounded by rays of light — this place was created by the Society of Brilliance. Suddenly an enormous resonant groan and the tower began to shift — walls and floor tilting to 45 degrees. Some of us fell. The tower moved. The cave walls are made of flesh — we are inside a giant monster. Graffiti on the wall written by someone named Skris, who must have moved further inside, appearing to worship the monster's organs.

We exited through a break in the wall and entered a chamber that appeared to be a giant lung. Caspian dashed ahead into a chamber containing the heart. The heart inhaled — Selene was knocked off her feet. Two Dire Roundworms appeared and attacked us. Session ended mid-combat.

End, Hammer 14, 1508, Evening.

Day Forty Eight — Hammer 14, 1508 DR (Evening — Inside a Tarrasque)

We finished off the dire roundworms. Most of us retreated back into the tower. Kavu almost got sucked into the wall by one of them. Othorion and Kefkas were sucked through the hole poked into the lungs earlier.

The three of them ended up in the mouth — beaten up by the tongue — but made their way back. Othorion fell back into the esophagus while Kefkas and I met an injured dwarf from the Society (his robe matched their icon).

The rest of the party tied themselves together with rope and went after us — immediately got lost and ended up in what looked like a giant heart. They met another dwarf there — Brother Copper Singing-Stone, a monk hired by the Society for protection. He said they'd been in the body for four days. They were looking for Blightspore, a kind of fungus. He mentioned another person — an Underdark drow scribe — that we should look for. He mentioned someone named Ilsa who might be able to help.

The rest of the party made their way up and met Kefkas and me. Stool let out her spores and now everyone except Othorion can hear the Tarrasque's thoughts.

We woke the man in the throat — Healer Brunsfeet. He walked away and came back with a huge chest of treasure. He used my rope to secure it. If I ask for it later I can get it back, unless he dissolves in acid first. One of the dwarves mentioned quite a few other people: twins, Ilsa, Skris, and someone who likely perished.

Eventually we tied ourselves together. Roland and I jumped down toward Othorion and the stomach. We entered combat with three oozes and began suffering acid damage in the air — everyone scrambled for the exit. Healer Brunsfeet was killed by the oozes and dropped the treasure chest. I managed to pick up a handful using Mage Hand. Kavu managed to pick up a shiny monocle object on the way out.

End, Hammer 15, 1508, Midnight.

Day Forty Nine — Hammer 15, 1508 DR (Evening — Inside a Tarrasque)

A few ways to move: west to a chamber or south into a tunnel. Kavu, Selene, Roland, and I entered the room and a swarm of giant white blood cells appeared. We ran south — the white blood cells stopped chasing.

We entered another area with three directions. To the south: a horrid vortex of air, acid, and fire. To the east: a large chamber with a singing Kua'toa named Blubblup — one of the Society members, cousin to Skris. He said there was treasure of a flame bag further in, blocked by a giant tapeworm. The room was acidic. Othorion approached and Blubblup warned him of the worm — doesn't know how to get out, wants help.

In the left chamber: the liver with a fungal infection and two deep gnomes — Gnida and Gnarl Stoneheart. Brother Copper Singing-Stone knew them. Roland walked in and immediately got high from the fungal spores. Selene made a lasso and got him back. Kavu said some words and the two deep gnomes approached and snapped out of their high. They said they were from the Society of Brilliance and explained a lot about the anatomy. Ilsa is in the appendix, on the other side of the acid-fire vortex. They said we should visit Blingdenstone, a deep gnome settlement.

We settled on having Blubblup run and attract the giant tapeworm. Everyone readied themselves in the main hallway. I blasted the tapeworm away with my Wand of Magic Missile. Blubblup went and got the draconic bag of holding. Inside: 10 gold, 3 ornate silver bars, a potion of fire resistance, and a wood IOU note. The bag warms up if it's within 100 feet of a dragon — 240 feet if it's a red dragon.

After crossing the swirling tempest of acid air and fire (I went down but was okay), we ran into a new room with a hydra the twins named the Oxyhydra — a symbiotic relationship with the Tarrasque. Kavu cast Hold Monster on the hydra and we scrambled out but were bogged down by acid water. Brother Copper Singing-Stone nearly dissolved in the acid.

As we reached down the tunnel, Kavu's compass heated up and lit up with glyphs — pointed east, opened with a button and compelled him to push it. He pushed it.

Half the party ended up in Flamemeet — Roland, Haldak, Kefkas, Caspian, and Selene in Kavu's hometown. I began to tick down like a clock at 72 hours.

End, Unknown Time, Evening.

Fifty — Hammer 13, 1508 DR (⟲ Time Displaced — Flamemeet)

The compass that Kavu has is ticking down at 72 hours. He knows where we are — Flamemeet, a village near his home. Caladorn appeared in a rift above him and asked "what have you done?!" — informed us we were in two places at once.

After that we met Kavu's old friend Killzara. She informed us that at night, without a trace, kobold villages have been going missing. Fanatics worshipping Volcathar are the prime suspects. While this exposition was going on I snuck to the back and cast Chronoturgy to see the real time: It is Hammer 13, 1508, 23:00.

Killzara says adventurers are not so welcome here — if any disturbances happen the town council would lock the town down.

We approached Killzara's shop stall and perused her wares. Kefkas got: Smouldering Plate Armour, 3 Potions of Healing, Potion of Hill Giant Strength, Potion of Speed, Potion of Watchful Rest, Potion of Invulnerability, and Soothsalts. Roland got an Amulet of the Devout. Kavu got a Dragon Vessel and Amulet of Proof against Detection and Location. I picked up a Black Pearl, Zircon, Blue Quartz, and Potion of Climbing.

Killzara told me there was someone named Bindi at the tavern who collected old books. Kavu revealed the draconic bag of holding — Killzara lectured him about blasphemy. Creating trinkets out of dragon remains is sacrilege. Kavu told her he knew Fireball and she was jealous — he said he spent 30 years studying, which was news to us.

We moved to a house to clean up and talk. Kavu said Caladorn would be with us when the timer runs out. We decided not to tell anyone until the last minute before Kavu pushes the button.

We entered the tavern where Kavu knew the innkeeper, Larkin Landon. The town is close to losing its trade status. Nettles-Stinging-in-the-Valley asked me for dwarven moss but I didn't have any. I tried to wake Bindi who was drowning in soup and completely passed out drunk at a table — unable to wake her. I wrote her a note and gave it to Larkin to pass on when she wakes.

Kavu went to visit Killzara while Selene tried to spy on him but was caught immediately. The conversation continued — Killzara said she regrets staying in town running a shop. He tried to console her but Selene interrupted by saying "tell her how you feel." Kavu turned around and pushed Selene into the river.

While in bed we debated what to do about the demon army and what to do about the sky. Roland secretly contacted Zariel — she appeared in the room and informed us she knows, and that taking actions to sever the flow of time would break laws of reality older than gods.

In the morning on our walk to the tavern we heard a cacophony of destruction from the tavern and a voice saying: "The flameborn hungers — Volcathar's ascension is at hand." We approached and saw cultists binding people up with rope, including everyone we saw last night.

End, Hammer 14, 1508, Morning.

Fifty One — Hammer 14, 1508 DR (⟲ Flamemeet — Morning)

We started in combat, intervening while cultists were tying people up and putting bags on their heads. We killed the cultists and got one to surrender. The cart tried to get away but was stopped by Kavu's old friend Ivor, a member of the Purple Dragon Knights. The dead cultists turned to ash — they are bound to their bracers and masks, which turn to ash when they die.

Killzara reappeared and we went into the tavern to catch up. Ivor — Ivor Blackwell — says the cultists worship Volcathar. They have a site at Toothmaw Cliffs where Volcathar stirs. Ivor is trained to fight dragons — his knightly vows urge him to protect people from the dragon. Bindi was horrified by my footwear and gagged repeatedly.

There is a warren 6 hours north. 1500 years ago men began to trade with halflings, but they are suspicious of us — it was agreed we would not wear boots. Bindi only had three books, all of which I've already collected. An argument ensued as I wouldn't buy them. She stormed out.

We moved to a municipal building where the captured cultist was being interrogated. Leader of the cultists is Father Corven — believes he has bound Volcathar to his will. His bracers are key; he can take them off while the rest cannot. Abductions are for the "great transformation." Dragon's lair is in a cave. They have been taking prisoners along the River Tesh. The cultists are forced to join. No other outsiders have entered their camps.

The cultist's name was Merrick Ashvale — I wished him the best, that his bracers could be removed safely. Ivor informed me about some laws and officially deputized me (with a ton of paperwork ahead). Merrick informed us there would be dead drops in one of the cells. The ritual sacrifices would be completed by tomorrow evening.

Our plan: leave town and talk to Elder Drakkor. He revealed the ritual site — 3 hours from the warren. Ivor said we could handle the main assault while they rescue the prisoners. We would take the cart used by the cultists.

Session End, Hammer 14, 1508, Morning.

Fifty Two — Hammer 14, 1508 DR (⟲ Flamemeet — 11 AM)

We determined our time will be up at Hammer 16, 23:00. We set off and acquired a male ox named Ribald to pull the cultists' cart. On the road, traders informed us of a rockslide and some kobold patrols ahead. When I said Kavu's name aloud they were excited — they knew him when he was little, apparently by another name.

Next we ran into four kobolds in mining gear — one had a spear, another had Kavu's clan symbol. They argued with Kavu about whether Kossuth had a beard or not (a schism in their religion). One of them, Strix Emberscale, informed us that Chief Drakkor put the warren on lockdown because "something bad is coming."

Next we ran into a clearing with a shrine to Kossuth with a small altar — rather new, Kavu said. Two kobolds appeared: a big one who looked like a priestess and a small hyperventilating one. Big one is Vessa Coldclaw, her daughter is Pip Coldclaw. The little one couldn't stop asking questions, so we promised to answer three per visit.

Next: a rockslide. We worked together to clear it — I cast Haste on Roland while Kefkas cast Enhance Ability. Kavu, Kefkas, and Roland cleared the rocks but stopped near the end because they were radiating heat. Moving the last rocks revealed a magma flow — three Magma Mephits appeared. We talked after the fight about how to battle a dragon. Kefkas gave me a Potion of Fire Resistance.

We ran into more kobolds — two adults, two children, and an elderly one. The elderly one, Nessa Ashkeeper, asked Kavu to prove his identity. They were evacuating because of the dragon. Nessa says she sees visions that when dragons wake, kobolds die. In secret Kavu asked her which faction had more members — bearded or non-bearded Kossuth followers. She said the majority is bearded by about 80%.

Sylphrena was asked about a memory spell. She said there was something called the Fog of Fate — journal, 1000gp diamond. It lets the caster perceive what they need to achieve a goal; they will achieve it as long as they follow through and don't tell others about the spell.

Next patrol: Kavu gave a sermon, inspiring courage. He cast Motivational Speech. Behind them was the entrance to the Warren where Chief Drakkor is.

We entered and saw many statues of Kossuth with various types of beards. We met Chief Drakkor — he saw that Kavu was in two places at once and said he was needed. He told us Volcathar is a young dragon using the cult to accelerate his age to adulthood. They have already sacrificed hundreds of people. Drakkor saw all of us in his visions — and in particular he saw me all over the place through time.

In private Kavu asked Drakkor about an ancient forge. Drakkor mentioned another one in his visions and thought they might be the same — but said Kavu might be misinterpreting. Kavu told Drakkor that Kossuth doesn't have a beard and Drakkor told him metaphorically not to tell anyone. Kavu mentioned that Kossuth was looking for Ashteth, his missing wife, and that he was tasked to find her.

We left to eat at the food court and met two silver kobolds — Trazmere and Vasmere, who echoed each other. As per kobold custom, Kavu ordered food for everyone. It was terrible for everyone but Kavu. Roland and I were given medium-rare steak — great, but unbeknownst to us it was an insult to be served that food. I said "Maybe Kossuth's beard bless you" and the server took the food and stomped on it.

Session End, Hammer 14, 1508, Evening.

Fifty Three — Hammer 14–15, 1508 DR (⟲ The Kobold Warren — Evening)

As we headed to sleep in a communal room, a kobold named Veznik entered and poured water into a brazier, shooting steam into the air. He asked us to get undressed so that we wouldn't wake up freezing. In the end: Kavu had his own room, Roland stayed in the sauna room, and Haldak, Selene, and Kefkas slept on the cool street.

Kavu left his room and visited the blacksmith Grezkor — he was surprised and threw something into the wall. Kavu commissioned some work.

In the morning, the three of us woke up to Roland washing himself in the river. Kefkas threw one of my sling bullets but was stopped by Selene who slammed his hand in the doorway. Kavu woke up and left to show Grezkor his chain weapon (recently enhanced). We left the forge while Kavu stayed.

Selene stole my boots and was caught by Haldak trying to hand them off to Kefkas.

Reviewing the plan: confront the cultists while the Purple Dragon Knights rescue hostages at their lair in Toothmaw Cliffs.

We ran into a camp that looked like it had been ambushed — signs of struggle, many people dragged off, char marks on the ground, 5 or 6 attackers, and a journal. Determined it was cultists — the scorch marks resemble those from their knuckled gauntlets.

We next ran into an area where the ground was blackened and devastated by fire — clearly dragonfire. I tripped over a dying cultist badly burned and on their last legs. Kavu asked them a question; they could only answer to him because they were so weak. They said Volcathar tricked them and they were doing this out of cruelty.

We ran into a group of cultists taking prisoners. We ambushed them. One prisoner was killed but revived — an elderly lady. The other survivor was a kobold child. We reviewed the plan — Kavu was supposed to send a Sending to confirm the plan with the Purple Dragon Knights before we started.

Later, due to confusion, we got to the ritual site where Drakkor was trying to sacrifice prisoners to Volcathar. We decided to plan before the session ended.

Session End, Hammer 15, 1508, 2:35PM.

Fifty Four — Hammer 15, 1508 DR (⟲ Ritual Site — Afternoon)

We started at the ritual site, readying ourselves to fight Volcathar and his cultists. The fight began — Kefkas and Kavu went south while Haldak, Roland, and Selene went north. Kavu Fireballed a large group twice and killed 4 of them quickly. I gave Selene Haste and Dimension Doored Roland next to Father Corven. Kefkas fought multiple cultists on his own.

We failed to save enough cultists — Volcathar ascended to an adult dragon, then chose to take off with Kavu to his lair. There was a lot of struggle from Kavu and we all made attacks against the dragon. Roland used Smite. I used all charges on my Wand of Magic Missile. When it looked hopeless I gave up Haste on Selene and surrounded Kefkas in Darkness to help him fight off the remaining cultists. Volcathar got away with Kavu to his lair. A realization: Kavu still has the compass and the time-travelling bag with the button. He chose not to push it.

Session End, Hammer 15, 1508, Afternoon.

Fifty Five — Hammer 15–16, 1508 DR (⟲ Ritual Site — Aftermath)

We decided to pursue the dragon without resting to give us the most time. We saw a light emerge from the sky above the lair and a new world was open before us — then fire destroyed the side of the mountain with white, red, gold, bronze, and one other color. The fires retreated back into their world, leaving a ripple effect of colored flames. A magical shockwave hit, burning and regenerating the landscape quickly. The volcano became a crater.

When we arrived, Kavu was sitting there next to the dragon's corpse, missing an arm.

In the area, many crystal chunks with magical energy. A Balor named Errtu emerged from the ground. He rambled before Aviartarus and Caladorn appeared with more reinforcements: Zariel (Archduchess of Avernus), Karlach, and Wulfgar Reincarnated wielding Aegis-Fang. The fires of Kossuth and his wife Ashteth appeared in the air around the crater — and they watched us as the battle began. We banished Errtu.

In the aftermath: Caladorn informed us we had created a weakened area of this plane that other planes could exploit. He also gave me the Soul Gaze ability. When I Soul Gazed Caladorn I saw him standing in front of three shattered mirrors — white, black, and fiery — then he moved toward two paths, one with many branching pathways. He appears to be a protector of our plane and time.

We waited and collected some dragonshards. Looked onward at Volcathar's body, which was transformed into a statue of obsidian. The plane gates lead to 3 other planes, and Errtu comes back every 100 years.

We returned to Flamemeet, shopped for supplies. I wrote my report for Ivor. Kavu invited Killzara to join us for one last meal before teleporting back to where Kavu first pushed the button.

Session End, Inside the Tarrasque, Hammer 16, 1508.

Fifty Six — Hammer 16, 1508 DR (Inside the Tarrasque — Midnight)

After getting reacquainted and realizing Caspian was no longer with us, we immediately entered another room — it appeared to be a duodenum. The walls and floor began to close. As we scrambled to escape, Othorion pulled a sword out of the fleshy floor: Blackrazor — a cursed sentient sword. Kavu and Kefkas took some damage. After we got out, Kavu sent a Sending to Caladorn. I cast Aid on Othorion, Kefkas, and Kavu.

The next room had a dead body next to a huge battle axe. Gnida and Gnarl knew him — the scribe Erbo. Roland picked up the Greataxe and used Sylphrena's knowledge to identify it: War's Wager — a much higher chance of scoring a critical hit, but can also damage the user.

We moved through a narrow tunnel into a chamber with clusters of eggs — they burst into worms. We dealt with them easily; Selene recognized them as Rot Grubs. We pressed on through another long narrow tunnel into a fork — what appeared to be a fecal room and the other the appendix. We entered the appendix where a myconid named Rumpadump was camping with another Society of Brilliance member: Mistress Ilsa Hayes. She said they were investigating seismic activity when the tower fell.

Ilsa revealed a sword made of a Tarrasque tooth named Blightspore — it can control the Tarrasque. She needs someone to escape and activate it. It deals extra damage to inanimate objects. Originally in a vault in the tower, it can only be controlled with its command word. In Primordial on two sides: "Be still, Titan, by my command, Titan." The words are Zumgaloth and Beckonaloth.

We short rested for an hour. During the rest, Othorion and Lireal tranced. Othorion had a nightmare of himself in Luskan — in the Prisoners' Circus, chained but still able to escape, faced with an old man and a young boy. The ringmaster wanted them to fight. His worst fear: to be caught, tortured, and murdered for amusement. Throa Taerl walks into the scene, stepping over dead bodies — "See? Everyone plays their part." She begins to torture him. Othorion tries to escape his chains and disarm Taerl. He wakes with his hands on Lireal. She questions him; he explains the dream. The party was alerted to the ruckus — Lireal played it off as one of the worms. I gave a potion to Ilsa and she drank it immediately.

We went toward the colon and met 4 Stool Elementals. Kavu shot a Firebolt and caused a methane explosion, knocking us all prone. After killing the first 4, another 8 popped out of the walls. Selene was hit by thrown material and became diseased with sewer-eye — cured by Roland's Lay on Hands. We made it through. A few of us got poisoned in the next room.

Session End, Inside the Tarrasque, Hammer 16, 1508.

Fifty Seven — Hammer 16, 1508 DR (Inside the Tarrasque — Midnight)

We moved into the upper colon and decided we would try to escape by getting expelled. On the way we found a few magical items: a quiver, a shield, and an astral shard (a sorcerer casting focus). We also found a Hellfire Hammer with infernal markings that only Selene could read — it told the story of Zariel, created in Avernus. Lines from Bell of Avernus, then Asmodeus, then Bell again.

As Selene was investigating the hammer, Othorion pulled out Blackrazor. Within seconds combat started between Othorion and Kefkas. We all joined in after our initial shock. After the fight Othorion was restrained; we weren't able to remove the sword from his person. Kavu convinced everyone to be more careful and we gathered all items into his bag of holding.

The next area was a large, extremely dry room — we had to make CON saves; those who failed lost max HP temporarily. At the end was a thin membrane next to a smaller tunnel. We decided to try route number two — expelled from the other end. As we discussed, a wall of Stool blocked us. Kavu asked Stool to take over the poop wall and we got through easily.

The next area was infected by a disease but we moved through easily. We got into another tunnel and room. Finally: the rectum. An anchor with a chain leading outside. When we entered the last chamber a massive Stool Elemental appeared — combat began. Roland finished it off. We got Stool to take over the elemental's body and forced our way out.

We were immediately noticed by the Tarrasque. We reminded Roland of the tooth sword and asked him to say the words. He failed an Arcana check on the first command and the second — too exhausted to wield it. New plan: Haldak uses it, as I have the highest Arcana. Kefkas gave me a Potion of Hill Giant Strength, Bardic Inspiration, and Enhance Ability for advantage. It worked — the giant monster passed out. We ran for hours to get as far away as possible. Roland was carried by Stool, still possessing the dead elemental.

Command words learned:

• Zumgaloth — makes any Tarrasque pass out.
• Beckonaloth — makes them obey commands for 5 minutes.
• Range: 100 miles.

We set up camp and began identifying the magic items. We untied Othorion. The Hellfire Hammer: any humanoid killed by it has its soul funneled into the River Styx and reborn as a Lemure (a devil). The Astral Shard identified. The shield looks like a turtle shell — cursed: move slower, and in combat your initiative becomes 1. The Quiver of Ehlonna — 3 extradimensional spaces, holds many arrows, javelins, and long objects. The Heart Shard pendant — advantage on Persuasion while wearing it; once enchant someone as if charmed by love. The Dragon Shard — used to create legendary items and run some magical items; from Eberron, making it special.

When Kefkas identified the Dragon Shard he heard a voice in his head — excited, told him to keep it and hide it from Roland. The voice doesn't feel evil, but not safe either. Mischievous. Entertaining watching him interact with it.

Session End, Hammer 16, 1508, Morning.

Fifty Eight — Hammer 16–18, 1508 DR (The Underdark — Rest Camp)

We started by taking a long rest after spending most of the day running from the Tarrasque. Decided to rest one more time to give Roland more time to recover.

The voice in Kefkas' head revealed himself to be "the Traveller." He was very interested in the Dragon Shards — revealed he was from the other plane Eberron. While Kefkas talked to Selene about it he accidentally spilled about the Forge of Spells to the Traveller. Kavu got involved and soon called the rest of us over, except for Roland. The Traveller knows about Blackrazor — it's also from another plane of existence. The Dragonshards are the remnants of a dead god. Selene gave her bundle of 25 Dragon Shards to Kefkas. Before the Traveller could tell us about Blackrazor he was called away by his wife.

Selene and Kavu went back to Roland to talk about the Traveller.

I Soul Gazed Othorion. This is what I saw:

A vast dark sky — but not empty. Threaded through it are silver filaments, the web of fate and time coiling around a single point. At the center, a figure who doesn't know he's standing at the axis of something enormous. He sees the framing — not as guilt but as a wound, a deliberate cut made by careful hands to redirect destiny. He sees Blackrazor not as a possession but as a negotiation — two wills grinding against each other constantly. And underneath all of it, buried so deep Othorion himself can't see it — something the Drow wove into his bloodline generations ago. A crown with no king yet.

Selene gathered some mushrooms and when she touched them a large cloud of spores erupted. Selene directed everyone to the opposite side of camp and ran into the water. Kavu set the spores on fire — half our tents burned down. Half of us lost bed rolls and tents. Kavu, Selene, and Kefkas went to collect materials to make new ones. While searching they found some spider silk and discovered a giant spider person nearby that had been stalking us. Selene examined the wound Othorion gave her using Blackrazor — it looked infected. Kavu healed it with magic.

We told Blubblup about Sloobludop — he took it rather well, even though we didn't tell him everything. I started a new downtime to gain expertise in Arcana. We each took watch tonight to fend off the spider lady who was stalking us. On Kefkas' watch, 4 Gricks and an Alpha slithered out of the water and attacked us. Fortunately, Selene's Bow of Warning woke all of us in time — we were not ambushed.

Session End, Hammer 18, 1508, Dusk.

Haldak Tencloak — Netherese wizard, displaced, still finding his way.