Qwinsea Windjammer | CG Tethyrian Human "Sailor" Fighter 1 HP 12 | AC 16 | Init +3 | Perception 12 | Investigation 10 Qwinsea nods to Aldara and says, "Thanks for reminding me." He whistles and waves down a bird from the sky. He smiles when an owl lands on his hand and he gentle transfers him to his shoulder. "This is Sojourn" as he introduces his companions to his pet. OoC already made the post in the Adventure Log for the spell components. Misc Game Notes [1] Mint is looking for the Celestite Unicorn and offering 250 dragons for all

Aldara Figments the Minor Trickster Aldara grumbles at the sight of the lines. "I don't like the look of those lines... I bet if I were to analyze this for magic, it'd have something to say to me." Nonetheless, she signs the book. Aldara Figments & Highborn Whitefoot "Circling sounds good. I feel it important to let you two know that I specialize in illusion magics. However, I do know how to create lights -- and, how to allow us to see in the dark." The latter remark is directed at Qwinsea. Aldara Figments Human Wizard (Illusionist)

Will do.

I'm ok with you having a familiar summoned, but yeah you do have to mark the gold expenditure on your adventure log.

AC: 16 | Hp: 8 | Init: +3 Per: +0 | Ins: +0 | Inv: +0 Roach's antennae twitched with interest as he observed the list of names - some crossed out, others not. "Sign name, should talk to those whose names not struck through," he conveyed telepathically, sending images of if these individuals were still lurking within the mysterious confines of Blue Alley or if they had long since departed with whatever treasures or knowledge they had gleaned. he signed a series of glyphs across the parchment, presumably his name. His wings quivered slightly, a sign of his readiness, as he swiftly manoeuvred his smaller arms underneath them to retrieve an assortment of tools—picks, rods, and other necessities for the task at hand. With everything in place, Roach moved stealthily to the edge of the alleyway, his presence nearly imperceptible in the shadows. "We go now?" his thoughts reached out, questioning yet decisive, prepared to delve into the depths of the alley and uncover its secrets, with or without the aid of those who had ventured there before.

Qwinsea Windjammer | CG Tethyrian Human "Sailor" Fighter 1 HP 12 | AC 16 | Init +3 | Perception 12 | Investigation 10 Qwinsea signs his name in the book and says, "Maybe we start right them work our way back left." He was a creature of habit so starting on his right was something that seemed natural to him. OoC I forgot I have the Find Familiar spell, can I already have my familiar with me or do I need to summon it now. Also, I have never played with a familiar in Adventure League, do we have to mark off the 10gp to get it? Most games it never comes up as it is always assumed you begin play with a familiar if you have the spell. Misc Game Notes [1] Mint is looking for the Celestite Unicorn and offering 250 dragons for all

Jin Lin Thi - Half Elf Bard/Sorcerer Divine Soul 3 | | AC 14 | HP 19/19 | Spell Slots: 4/2 | Passive Perception: 13 | Passive Investigation: 13 | Passive Insight: 13 | Condition: Now Approaching... Blue Alley Jin hummed as he looked over the names, "looks like a lot of people have signed this book and only about a quarter of them have their names marked off..." He stated evenly summarizing what he saw. "Well, might as well add our names to the list." He took the quill and wrote his name in as neatly as possible. He then looked down the path "Gold to the Left, Silver to the right..."

Waterdeep, 20th of Ches Qwinsea's sharp eyes look around for anything that would cause the group harm, but does not see anything. As you examine the book, you discover that it is filled with hundreds of names. About a quarter of the names have a neat line drawn through them. You also notice that the quill has a tiny glyph stamped on it and a larger, matching glyph is stamped on the base of the podium. Looking down the alley, you can see it splits left (west) and right (east). A brightly colored mural is painted on the northern wall of the intersection. It depicts numerous adventurers falling victim to every conceivable form of trap. Scything blades, spiked pits, collapsing roofs, jets of fire, poison gas and more are all featured. At the top of the mural, the word “SILVER” is painted above an arrow pointing east, while the word “GOLD” is painted above an arrow pointing west.

AC: 16 | Hp: 8 | Init: +3 Per: +0 | Ins: +0 | Inv: +0 Roach's antennae twitched subtly as he responded to the inquiring figure beside him. "Yes, telepathy we all have," his thoughts transmitted clearly, the preferred silent speech among his kind. His mandibles clicked in affirmation, "Yes." "What does the book say? Who else has tried this?" the inquiry floated into Roach’s mind. He quickly sifted through the mental archives he had accessed from others' thoughts, searching for any reference to Blue Alley or its enigmatic treasure. His communication remained concise, ensuring no unnecessary detail clouded the crucial information he sought.

Qwinsea Windjammer | CG Tethyrian Human "Sailor" Fighter 1 HP 12 | AC 16 | Init +3 | Perception 12 | Investigation 10 Qwinsea was a little taken aback by one of the attendance and telepathy. "Wow ... I have never meet one of you before. At least a large one. I am familiar with the small ones. Do you all have telepathy?" He was address the Thri-Kreen and making an assumption that all insects are related somehow and have the same communication patterns. His curiosity is genuine. Giving the area a good look around (nat 20 on Perception looking for traps) he motions to the podium and the book on it. "What do you all make with the podium and book and quill? Are we to sign in first before exploring?" OoC Is Mirt famous? Do we need to roll for knowledge and rumors about the guy? Misc Game Notes [1] Mint is looking for the Celestite Unicorn and offering 250 dragons for all

Aldara Figments the Minor Trickster "Yeah..." Aldara furrows her brow at Jin's words. When she is mentioned, she nods at the sailor and Thri-Kreen in greeting. "He seemed an honest enough sort, but again, with something to hide. Maybe it wasn't malicehiding, but he did seem... odd? And, theatrical, and I know all about that." The first thing one might notice about Aldara, is that she might indeed know about theatrics: her attire, while no doubt that of a mage, is over-the-top, consisting of a colorful travelling robe and tunic... as well as much cheap jewellery. But, the spell book at her hip, and the wand attached to it, paint her as a mage nonetheless. She, herself, has hazel eyes, loose chestnut curls, and pale skin. Poking out from the hood of her robe can be seen an orange cat with amber eyes. Aldara Figments Human Wizard (Illusionist)

AC: 16 | Hp: 8 | Init: +3 Per: +0 | Ins: +0 | Inv: +0 A small-sized Thri-Kreen, standing at just over four feet tall. His chitinous exterior is a kaleidoscope of stone grey and dirty browns, seamlessly blending into the city's shadows and alleyways steps into the light. Four arms, each ending in dexterous, clawed fingers, two hold a light crossbow, one holds a dagger, and the forth is held in an arcane gesture. His faceted eyes, large and unblinking, shimmer with a hint of otherworldly energy. Despite his rugged, somewhat ragged appearance, his movements have an unmistakable sharpness, a predator's grace. His clothing is a patchwork of scavenged materials, tailored to his unique form, allowing him to move silently and efficiently through the urban landscape. "You seek the Blue... it is unsafe, happy to guide you, for cut of the spoils" his voice enters your mind, soft and gentle so as not to startle you. His mandibles click out "blue, unsafe, guide" in rough common.

Jin Lin Thi - Half Elf Bard/Sorcerer Divine Soul 3 | | AC 14 | HP 19/19 | Spell Slots: 4/2 | Passive Perception: 13 | Passive Investigation: 13 | Passive Insight: 13 | Condition: Now Approaching... Blue Alley Mirt's request and final words bounced around in Jin's blue hair covered noggin like a small rattle ball in a container that children play with, just annoying enough to make him think about it on the way towards his group's destination but not annoying enough to warrant any serious concern although Mirt's last bit about two others made Jin wonder just what Mirt knew that he wasn't telling, I mean how could he know there was going to be 5 members in this adventuring party. The 5 and half foot lean built cream skinned 19-year-old half elf took in the area marked Blue Alley with his golden brown eyes and was going to comment about it when a 20 something bearded sailor came up and greeted them and asked them about what they had heard about Blue Alley and stated that no one who goes in comes out alive with only fools entering the place Jin hummed as he looked at the sailorman noting the man was built more agile than strength but definitely had seen some sun unlike Jin who liked being indoors especially during the last couple of winter months where he preferred to chill in a tavern playing music and practicing his new magic, the winter months had recently inspired Jin and he had been able to create a rather potent ice spell attack that after creating and throwing a dagger of ice, the dagger would explode into a shower of chilling ice shards perfect to put the chill on any critics not that Jin really had any at the moment but one should never be unprepared. "Can't say I heard or know much really," Jin stated "the guy who approached us," He pointed at himself, Aldara and Maltrise "said it was a dungeon made by a reclusive mage filled with tricks, traps and strange monsters and supposedly plenty of treasure." He turned towards the Blue Alley Entrance and gave it a once over glance, "the way he described it kinda bugged me on how accurate he was... almost as if he had been there himself... and his last statement about others joining us... kinda makes me wonder just who Mirt is and what isn't he telling. You know the saying 'He knows more then he lets on.' I got the feeling Mirt is that kind of man."

Qwinsea Windjammer | CG Tethyrian Human "Sailor" Fighter 1 HP 12 | AC 16 | Init +3 | Perception 12 | Investigation 10 Qwinsea is a charming sailor in his early twenties that stands proud at just over six feet tall. He appears to have spent a considerable amount at sea with his tawny suntanned skin, wavy bleached brown hair, and hazel sea green eyes; a full goatee bread completes his appearance. He has an athletic and agile build; a product of his many years of living and working aboard ships. As he arrives at the "Blue Alley" he address those in attendance; "Have you all come for the treasure as well? What have you all heard? I hear that only fools enter this place and that one ever comes out alive. Well, I mean to prove those rumors wrong. What say you all?" OoC Give the Blue Alley a good once over with his Perception skill to see if any slightly obvious traps may exist. Misc Game Notes [1] Mint is looking for the Celestite Unicorn and offering 250 dragons for all

Ok, let's continue on then. Please take a moment to describe what your characters look like to each other and what they are doing when they meet up for the first time in front of the alley. Also, I assume you'd be going to the alley the same day, but if that's not the case I'm happy to advance time forward.

Waterdeep, 20th of Ches There is a momentary look of surprise on Mirt's face when no one seems to react to his name. "Hrrm, well. Years ago, a secretive and reclusive mage constructed Blue Alley, a dungeon full of tricks, traps, and strange monsters. It is very dangerous but also full of fabulous treasure." "One particular treasure that I am interested in is a small sculpture called the Celestite Unicorn. If you were to secure this treasure for me, I will reward you handsomely, 250 dragons for you all to spend as you see fit." When you accept his offer, Mirt twirls his mustache with glee. "Excellent friends! The entrance to Blue Alley is off Ivory Street in the Sea Ward. It is easy to locate as the cobblestones in the alley are made from glittering blue stone. I'll contact you again once you have the item." He gives you a quick bow with a flourish and turns to head out the door. Before he departs, he pauses and looks back at you. "You'll have two more friends to help you on this adventure." Then with a wink, he ducks out the door. * * * * Roach and Qwinsea also eventually learn of the entrance to Blue Alley, but additionally pick up different pieces of information. Roach overhears a dwarf with a wire-brush beard claim that a powerful magical shield is hidden within Blue Alley. Qwinsea is given more cautionary information from a grim looking, bald-headed human woman in well-worn armor, no one who has entered Blue Alley has ever come out. Only fools would enter such a dangerous place. * * * * Following the directions given to you, you find yourselves standing before a 10-foot wide alley with cobblestones of blue sodalite. 20-foot tall sandstone walls enclose the alley on both sides and a tin sign on the western wall has the words “BLUE ALLEY” painted on it. A podium of gleaming sodalite stands a few feet inside Blue Alley. Atop the podium lies a quill beside a heavy book bound in blue leather.

Aww, COOL, Aldara gets talked to by Ed Greenwood's self-insert guy! I think he said that Mirt was him, once. I sometimes go to book signings with Jeff Grubb -- he left space in my AD&D2E copy of the Forgotten Realms campaign book. I wonder who his self-insert guy is?

Aldara Figments the Minor Trickster Aldara ponders Mirt's question, mouthing the location's name over and over again... As she does this, Highborn, seated on her lap, rests his chin on the table in a comical display and eyes the food before settling on some bits of meat Aldara had cut for him. "Hmm... Blue Alley..." She hesitates, inhales, and then shakes her head before pondering once again. Aldara Figments Human Wizard (Illusionist) Out of Character: Actions History Check.

I'll get something going, too, within the day, I had a pile-up of my own...

Sorry, had to move a bunch of stuff into storeage last two days, Ill hop in in the morning after a nap

That is good because I have been rolling crappy these past couple of weeks.

Looks like we've started the rolls off in spectacular fashion lol. Don't worry about checks, this first part is really to just establish the hook and your characters.

Jin Lin Thi - Half Elf Bard/Sorcerer Divine Soul 3 | | AC 14 | HP 19/19 | Spell Slots: 4/2 | Passive Perception: 13 | Passive Investigation: 13 | Passive Insight: 13 | Condition: Mirt? Blue Alley? Jin was lightly eating his fried fish when a man calling himself Mirt came over and identified the group as the heroes of midwinter and asked them if they knew about Blue Alley. Jin smiled slightly at being called a hero and decided to engage with Mirt with some causal conversation. He swallowed his mouthful and wiped his fingers on his shirt at the same time of using his Prestidigitation magic to clean something getting both clean. He hummed in thought at Mirt's set of questions. "I'm afraid I have not heard of either of you Mr. Mirt nor of this Blue Alley, I don't think... give me a second." He whistled a light tune and moved his fingers like he was playing an invisible flute then tapped his head causing a surge of magic to go through his mind "Blue Alley..." Jin's face moved with different expressions as if his mind was trying to search through different moods to get an idea however Jin really didn't have much on Blue Alley he could recall. He never really was a history buff, "I think I might have heard of the name once, can't say I know much about it." He looked at his two compatriots, "Aldara? Maltrise? You ever heard of it?"

Jin Lin Thi - Half Elf Bard/Sorcerer Divine Soul 3 | | AC 14 | HP 19/19 | Spell Slots: 4/2 | Passive Perception: 13 | Passive Investigation: 13 | Passive Insight: 13 | Condition: Playing some music on my header Talk Text Data

Qwinsea Windjammer | CG Tethyrian Human "Sailor" Fighter 1 HP 12 | AC 16 | Init +3 | Perception 12 | Investigation 10 Qwinsea smiles at the mention of treasure just within reach. He goes over to the young woman with the empty mug talking about it and says to her, "I'll keep that mug of yours filled if you tell me everything about that treasure." OoC Offer to pay her drinks if she keeps talking about everything she knows about that treasure. I will included a Persuasion roll if necessary. That was a terrible roll. Could I do it with advantage if I offer to buy her drinks? Misc Notes