TricksterArcane

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

Consulting the various notes, records, scrolls and books from the Rockseekers, Gwyn and the Townmaster, you are able to discover the purported location of the old duergar mining outpost Zorzula's Rest. The meaning of its name has been lost to time, though some history books mention a powerful duergar leader named Zorzula, who commanded mining operations throughout the Sword Mountains. The trek east to the Sword Mountains takes a day. Slowly, the mountainous terrain begins to change. Gray gravel darkens to ash-black, and shrubbery becomes dry and sparse. Instead of the brisk cold of most mountain peaks, the air starts to warm. Ahead of you rises a tall cliff face, in which is set a pair of forbidding obsidian doors: the entrance to Zorzula's Rest. However, before you have a chance to discuss what to do next, you are interrupted by a stranger. OOC Would you please take this moment to introduce Everan?

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.

Markax, AC 16 HP 38/38 As soon as Johnny's spell illuminated the enlarged duergar, Markax targeted it with one of his spells as well. He twirls his hand quickly in the air and a tiny beam of light strikes the ground beneath the duergar's feet. Suddenly, a large bonfire erupts from the spot to burn the dark dwarf. OOC Casting Bonfire in the square where Urthhild's shield is. DEX DC16 fire damage Statblock () Male Dragonborn, Neutral Good, Level 5 Circle of Stars Druid Armor Class 16 | Hit Points 38/38 | Speed 30 ft. STR 12 (+1) DEX 14 (+2) CON 14 (+2) INT 10 () WIS 18 (+4) CHA 8 (-1) Saving Throws INT +3, WIS +7 Skills Arcana +3, Nature +3, Perception +7, Survival +7 Senses Passive Perception 17 Spell Casting Wisdom, Save DC 15, Spell Attack +7, +1 Moon Sickle (DC 16, Spell Attack +8)

I was considering doing the same thing. I figured the weapon smacking on something sound was "the signal" so was going to fling the door open and drop faerie fire into the space, but you can do that instead since Johnny's initiative is higher :)

gonna wait and see if anyone rolls higher init than Markax before posting an action.

Markax, AC 16 HP 38/38 OOC Initiative Statblock () Male Dragonborn, Neutral Good, Level 5 Circle of Stars Druid Armor Class 16 | Hit Points 38/38 | Speed 30 ft. STR 12 (+1) DEX 14 (+2) CON 14 (+2) INT 10 () WIS 18 (+4) CHA 8 (-1) Saving Throws INT +3, WIS +7 Skills Arcana +3, Nature +3, Perception +7, Survival +7 Senses Passive Perception 17 Spell Casting Wisdom, Save DC 15, Spell Attack +7, +1 Moon Sickle (DC 16, Spell Attack +8)

🫗 for weasel

Well, now that you found a lead, you've got a choice. Do you all want to investigate the other crime scenes or follow the lead to the duergar mining outpost? I'll let you hash it out for a bit before I update again.

dang, those were good rolls I'm thinking we could have Everan join at the duergar mining outpost. what do you think ?

:) that's neat.

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.

As the magic of Lotham's spell takes effect, the runes suddenly become clear to him. "Grant us clarity, grant us dominion, O Queen of the Invisible Art" DC15 Religion check Queen of the Invisible Art is a title given to Deep Duerra, the duergar goddess of conquest and psionics. This prayer would only be used by the duergar or a follower of Duerra. DC20 History check Through your studies or maybe a conversation with the Rockseeker brothers, you recall that there used to be an ancient duergar mining outpost located in one of the Sword Mountains east of Phandalin. However, duergar control of the outpost ceased centuries ago when it was overtaken by mind flayers.

👍 Everyone, please welcome omegoku to the table who will be playing an elven bladesinger, Everan Meliamne