Have you heard of Blue Alley?

TricksterArcane · April 1

Waterdeep, 20th of Ches

With the frigid winds of winter retreating, the streets of Waterdeep once again become a bustle of activity. Merchants, sailors, pilgrims, and travelers of all sorts fill the taverns of the Southern and Dock wards regularly every night in anticipation of Fleetswake. While the official start of the events is still a day away, in many places, it seems the celebrations have already started.

At The Sleeping Snake, people have already started dancing on top of the tables by mid-day. A raucous crowd is singing, shouting, and draining pitcher after pitcher. Thankfully, none of the furniture have been broken yet. Despite the noise, a conversation in the next table catches Qwinsea's attention. A human woman with straight black hair and sharp features is happily sharing a story to her companions while casually waving her empty mug around.

"Well MY brother, Tadberrow, he's an adventurer, says that Blue Alley hides a great treasure behind a small, golden door."

* * * *

In a secluded alley in the Docks Ward, Roach comes across a peculiar letter while foraging for supplies.

All our troubles will be gone Squirt.

Imagine, a diamond the size of a grapefruit! We'll be living like lords for months!

I overheard from a drunk wizard that the secret to the enchantment and taking the gem from Blue Alley is to just dance around the room wildly. Ha!

You know there's no one better for that than me. Just you wait, within the tenday we'll be filthy rich!

-Gilbert

* * * *

At The Friendly Flounder, Aldara, Jin and Maltrise gather for a meal away from the noise and crowd. While the fried fish is excellent, the tavern's modest structure keep it unknown to most visitors of Waterdeep. Still, there are more people here than usual and they notice that a man at the bar is looking at them. He is rather rotund, has a walrus moustache, and wears an amber cape. When he sees that the group has noticed him, he smiles and walks over to speak to them.

"Good day, friends! I hope you are having a pleasant time in this fine establishment. It is not to everyone’s taste, but I find I like it very much."

"I should introduce myself. My name is Mirt. Perhaps you’ve heard of me? Hmmm. It is a pleasure to finally meet the famed Heroes of Midwinter. So, I’m guessing a group such as yourselves are looking for some excitement and danger, and the chance of a little treasure. Is that right?"

"Tell me, have you heard of Blue Alley?"

Edited April 1 by TricksterArcane (see edit history)

8w_gremlin · April 1

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H'vek'ek
AC: 16 | Hp: 8 | Init: +3
Per: +0 | Ins: +0 | Inv: +0

Roach's multifaceted eyes scan the letter, a flicker of interest crossing his insectoid features. In the undercurrents of Waterdeep's Dock Ward, whispers of Blue Alley and its treasures are not uncommon, yet they always seemed like distant fairy tales, not the sort of thing a streetwise Thri-Kreen like him would chase. But a diamond the size of a grapefruit? That's a different story. With his survival often hanging by a thread, the lure of such wealth is too tempting to ignore, not just for the luxury it promises, but for the security it could bring to his precarious existence.

Tucking the letter into a worn satchel, Roach contemplates his next move. His life on the streets has taught him the value of caution and stealth over brash action. The idea of dancing wildly to lift an enchantment sounds like the kind of foolishness that gets one killed or, at best, laughed at, but he knows the city's legends often have kernels of truth. Roach decides to observe Blue Alley from the shadows, but first, he must find it. He isn't one to leap without looking, especially when magic is involved. As night falls, Roach slips through the city's veins, a silent shadow among the revelry of Fleetswake, driven by the shimmering vision of a life-changing gemstone.

rauhric · April 3

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

Edited April 12 by rauhric (see edit history)

SMARTAgentKC · April 3

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?"

SCARY WIZARD · April 5

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)

Myth-Weavers Character Sheet

Out of Character: Actions

History Check.

TricksterArcane · April 11

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.

rauhric · April 12

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

Edited April 20 by rauhric (see edit history)

SMARTAgentKC · April 12

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."

8w_gremlin · April 12

H'vek'ek
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.

SCARY WIZARD · April 20

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)

Myth-Weavers Character Sheet

rauhric · April 20

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

Edited April 24 by rauhric (see edit history)

8w_gremlin · April 20

H'vek'ek
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.

TricksterArcane · April 23

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.

Edited April 23 by TricksterArcane (see edit history)

SMARTAgentKC · April 24

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..."

rauhric · April 24

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

@TricksterArcane 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

Edited April 28 by rauhric (see edit history)

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Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Have you heard of Blue Alley?

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