It is evening at Trollskull manor, and a happy one. Raucous, happy singing slings out of the warm and well-lit interior windows (freshly painted), along with a bit of fine ale. People are happy, and the nighttime city is warm and rejoicing after the long rain. With a smile, Mal slips out a new side entrance, and walks across the street. He hums to himself as he takes in the night air. As he strides into the streets of Waterdeep, he takes a little used alley, slowing his pace as he passes by dark doors and dusty steps. After a while, he dodges down another alley, glancing over his shoulder as he does so. He isn't being followed, but meeting with certain people, well, you never can tell. After another few minutes, he picks a door, seemingly at random, and taps the sooty wood a few times. A grimy hand slips out the suddenly opened door and yanks him inside, revealing a dirty room full of chairs - a backroom or cellar for another tavern. An half elf in styled leather armor sits across a table set with a few plates, some dark bread, and poor wine. Mal steps forward and takes a seat.
"Gently, Bruno. Wouldn't do to hurt another agent, now would it?"
Bruno glowers, and takes his leave, clumping up a few steps towards the back.
The half elf remains quiet, studying Mal with intense green eyes. Mal, never one to turn down a meal, grabs a piece of bread and pretends to savor the wine. After about a minute of silence, broken only by chewing, Mal begins. "So. You're my replacement, then?" The half elf nods. Mal nods back. "I wasn't sure who they would send, but I must say, you look the part. Do you need any information from me, or have you already been briefed?"
The Half elf considers taking a sip from his goblet, but puts it down instead. "Briefed. Your friends need help making it through the Undermountain alive, and there's plenty of gold in it."
"But what about you? Why did you take the offer?"
"I owe the Harpers. If I do this right, perhaps I won't anymore. In an odd turn of events, I'd rather be out of mischief for a little while." Both Mal and the half elf share grins.
"I'm Atuan. I'll keep your friends safe."
"I believe you. Shall we? The food's much better back at my place."
"Trollskull? I've heard of it. New place."
...
Across the bar, with an easy smile, Mal indicates the table where the rest of the party gathers. Atuan, with a nod, gets up and moves over. Mal joins him, but can't stay long for keeping the customers happy.
"Friends, this is Atuan. He'll be extremely useful to you all on your future endeavors, in my absence. We can't afford to close up while you all are gone, now can we. Oh - look at that. Got to go. Have fun, chaps!"
The door swings open and Mirt, the hefty retired thief who met them at the opera so many weeks before, enters.
"Thank the gods the heatwave has broken," he says with a wheeze. He joins Jaelester and Vajra at the table, not even noticing the chair slide out in anticipation of him sitting down. "Can we meet at a more...southerly location next time?"
He pulls out a flask a draws a long drink from it, gasping with satisfaction at the end. "I'll take a house ale," he says to whomever is listening. "Oh, Mal! Quench my thirst would you?"
He looks around at the renovated tavern, nodding his head. "I like it," he says. Then he turns to Jaelester and Vajra. "Who are we waiting on?"
"Two more of the team," Vajra says. "Did you bring it?"
Mirt smirks with a twinkle in his eye. "Aye. And I've tried it too."
"And?" says Jaelester.
"Oh, it works. It is a bizarre piece of magic, I'll give you that," Mirt says.
"We've yet to see if it will work in Undermountain, though," says Vajra.
Mirt nods. "It is not especially convenient," he says. "I cannot imagine anywhere else it would be of much use."
Vajra holds up her hands. "It will be game-changing if it works in Undermountain. We might be able to..."
"I know, I know," says Mirt. He pauses as the next member arrives.
Rethan peers back and forth between Varja and Mirt during their conversation, but keeps his mouth shut for now, assuming things will be explained once everyone has arrived.
Titus walks into the front door and sees his companions seated at the table.
“I’ll be right with you gentlemen.”
he swiftly marches upstairs to his quarters. Though his new armor has been painstakingly maintained, he had managed to get covered in blood while working at the clinic. He wanted to make sure he looked his best when meeting with some of the most powerful people in the city. Besides that, a blood covered Dragonborn probably wasn’t the best sight in the newly renovated tavern downstairs. After a few minutes cleaning up he descends the stairs again, grabs a beer from Mal and joins his friends at the table. He gives a respectful bow to both Jaelester and Varja and thanks them for joining them this evening.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
"Thank you for agreeing to this, gentlemen," says Jaelester. "Those of us who love Waterdeep have been discussing our unprotected border for a long time. The City Guard does a wonderful job of protecting us above ground. But Undermountain is another matter."
"And we are worried that we have waited too long to address this problem," Vajra says. "My agents are reasonably certain that Martus Krennic hired a team of adventurers, we don't know who, to enter Undermountain about a month ago. We have no idea why, but the word is that he has taken a large, heavy package with him."
"The clockwork dragon," Laniel says in almost a gasp.
Vajra purses her lips and nods. "The first and most important mission is to enter Undermountain and seek out clues that Krennic did indeed enter the dungeon below Waterdeep. If you encounter him, come back. Force Grey will take care of him once we have confirmation."
"He's probably a few levels deep by now," Mirt says
"If he is in there," says Jaelester.
Vajra continues, saying, "Your second mission is something of an experiment. The Mad Mage who constructed the dungeon has a powerful magic field that suppresses most forms of teleportation magic. Planar shifts, teleportation circles, you name it. They simply do not work in Undermountain."
Mirt sits up, realizing the conversation is shifting to him. "We may have a work around," he says. "It is not terribly convenient to implement, but it will help the city send protectors into Undermountain to keep at least the highest levels clear of threats and secure the border. This is for the future security of the city."
Mirt hefts a sealed bucket the size of a mop bucket on the table. "This is a magical paint. It is extremely experimental, although I have tried it. The mages of Waterdeep," he says with a nod to Vajra, "think it might offer a small loophole in the antimagic field that suppresses teleportation within the dungeon. It allows the user to travel through the paint from one end to another. If you can create a single, unbroken line of paint along walls, floors, or ceilings, then it should be possible to travel from one end of the line to the other. It requires no attunement; just touch the paint and speak the command word, reysdeur. It will transport you to the farthest point on the painted surface from you. I recommend beginning and ending the line on the floor."
"So your secondary mission," says Vajra, "is to test this paint inside Undermountain to see that it works. If it does, paint an unbroken line from the bottom of the Yawning Portal to the second level of the dungeon."
"This should hopefully be enough paint for a line through two levels of the dungeon," says Mirt. "Make sure you paint it at least 1 inch wide or else it will be considered broken."
Jaelester looks around the room. "You should be prepared to leave tomorrow. We have word there has been a power struggle shifting the threats on level 1. Be prepared to face resistance. Would anyone care to summarize your missions?"
Morphholds his hand up and counts off items using his fingers.
"First, search for and find Martus Krennic, if he has entered Undermountain."
"Do not engage him if found, but return to report his location within Undermountain."
"He is likely to be accompanied by an unknown group of adventures, and they are all likely to be hostile to us."
"He is also transporting some unknown cargo, suspected to be the clockwork dragon."
Morphmoves to the second finger.
"Secondly, test out this experimental magic paint."
"If it works, a line painted with it, should allow rapid travel from one end to the other."
"The line should be at least 1 inch thick to guaranty functionality, and should start and end on level ground."
"We are to test that it functions within Undermountain's magical suppression fields. And if it does work, to attempt to create an unbroken line from the Yawning entrance, to the beginning of level 2."
Jaelester nods. "Very good," he says. "Prepare yourselves. You depart before Durnan opens his doors in the morning. Try to arrive early to avoid as many eyes as possible."
Titus nods, “Track Marcus Krennic and his crew, but do not engage. And use the magic paint so we can travel across it instantly, and come and go from the Undermountain.
But why would Krennic take the Clockwork Dragon away from the city? Wouldn’t it be more effective, and more dangerous where there are the most people?
Is there anything you can tell us more about the Undermountain and how the anti-magic field works? Any other spells we’ll need to go without? Do we know if any other groups have been down there”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Vajra says, "That is mainly it. Spells do not seem to be able to harm the dungeon. An earthquake spell will not bring the roof crashing down. You can summon creatures still, even though that magic is very closely aligned to transportation magic. So the anti magic field seems to be very specific to transportation spells. We are hopeful that the paint will not be recognized as such. Rather, it relies on a convoluted form or transmutation magic."
"Perhaps we could go tonight and ask Durnan if we could 'drop-in' tomorrow morning before opening. I wouldn't want to be caught 'breaking-in'. Besides we are going to need someone to lower us into Undermountain, and even more importantly, to bring us back out later."
"Perhaps we should just stay the night. The Yawning Portal is an inn, after all." Atuandoesn't bother summarizing the mission, having heard it three times already. Besides that, his mind is spinning with creative applications for the magic paint.
(Staying the night is probably less risky than the teleportation. High chance of success with the helm,b ut there IS still the chance of failure. Potentially really bad failure)
As the group leaves, Jalester Silvermane deposites 10 gold into Titus' hands. "This is for the trip down the well...and for the trip back up. Be safe."
At the Yawning Portal, Durnan greets the party with a "Ho there!" from behind the counter. One of his employees checks them into 3 rooms for 4 gold for the group. "Meals will 5 silber each," she says. (subtract 1 gold to purchase dinner and breakfast. Lanielremoves 2 fold for room and meals)
Come morning, the group rises earlier, Lanielhaving to bang on Morphand Rethan'sdoor to hurray them along. They descend to the common room, where Durnan is sitting with a steaming cup of tear, looking a little bleary eyed. "I prefer a little fanfare to these things. Usually I can make a little extra money on the side that way."
He stands with a grunt and leads them to the well in the center of the roomm where he takes 5 gold. "Climb in the basket. I'll lower you down myself," he says. As he pulls the lever, he says, "Good luck." and gives a half-hearted salute.
The basket descends into the dank well, rocking as everyone tries to keep their balance. It touch belowes down with a moderate bump, wafting a small cloud of dust below the lighted basket. Lighting their magic and torches, the group sees a large room with dented and graffitied shields on the wall. Unrecognizable footprints crisscross the sandy floor, obscuring any attempt to identify what made them. The only exit appears to be a tunnel that leads south before bending west.
Rethancasts his own Light spell on his quarterstaff as they peer down the dark hallway, figuring it's better to have extra light sources in case something happens to any one person or object. "That's what it sounded like," he responds to Morph's question. While they work on getting the paint open and the line started, he sends Midnight off to explore down the tunnel, with a focus on watching for traps. Worst case, he figures it's cheaper and easier to re-summon the familiar (if still not ideal) than it is to fix a dead ally from an accidentally triggered trap.
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It is evening at Trollskull manor, and a happy one. Raucous, happy singing slings out of the warm and well-lit interior windows (freshly painted), along with a bit of fine ale. People are happy, and the nighttime city is warm and rejoicing after the long rain. With a smile, Mal slips out a new side entrance, and walks across the street. He hums to himself as he takes in the night air. As he strides into the streets of Waterdeep, he takes a little used alley, slowing his pace as he passes by dark doors and dusty steps. After a while, he dodges down another alley, glancing over his shoulder as he does so. He isn't being followed, but meeting with certain people, well, you never can tell. After another few minutes, he picks a door, seemingly at random, and taps the sooty wood a few times. A grimy hand slips out the suddenly opened door and yanks him inside, revealing a dirty room full of chairs - a backroom or cellar for another tavern. An half elf in styled leather armor sits across a table set with a few plates, some dark bread, and poor wine. Mal steps forward and takes a seat.
"Gently, Bruno. Wouldn't do to hurt another agent, now would it?"
Bruno glowers, and takes his leave, clumping up a few steps towards the back.
The half elf remains quiet, studying Mal with intense green eyes. Mal, never one to turn down a meal, grabs a piece of bread and pretends to savor the wine. After about a minute of silence, broken only by chewing, Mal begins. "So. You're my replacement, then?" The half elf nods. Mal nods back. "I wasn't sure who they would send, but I must say, you look the part. Do you need any information from me, or have you already been briefed?"
The Half elf considers taking a sip from his goblet, but puts it down instead. "Briefed. Your friends need help making it through the Undermountain alive, and there's plenty of gold in it."
"But what about you? Why did you take the offer?"
"I owe the Harpers. If I do this right, perhaps I won't anymore. In an odd turn of events, I'd rather be out of mischief for a little while." Both Mal and the half elf share grins.
"I'm Atuan. I'll keep your friends safe."
"I believe you. Shall we? The food's much better back at my place."
"Trollskull? I've heard of it. New place."
...
Across the bar, with an easy smile, Mal indicates the table where the rest of the party gathers. Atuan, with a nod, gets up and moves over. Mal joins him, but can't stay long for keeping the customers happy.
"Friends, this is Atuan. He'll be extremely useful to you all on your future endeavors, in my absence. We can't afford to close up while you all are gone, now can we. Oh - look at that. Got to go. Have fun, chaps!"
The door swings open and Mirt, the hefty retired thief who met them at the opera so many weeks before, enters.
"Thank the gods the heatwave has broken," he says with a wheeze. He joins Jaelester and Vajra at the table, not even noticing the chair slide out in anticipation of him sitting down. "Can we meet at a more...southerly location next time?"
He pulls out a flask a draws a long drink from it, gasping with satisfaction at the end. "I'll take a house ale," he says to whomever is listening. "Oh, Mal! Quench my thirst would you?"
He looks around at the renovated tavern, nodding his head. "I like it," he says. Then he turns to Jaelester and Vajra. "Who are we waiting on?"
"Two more of the team," Vajra says. "Did you bring it?"
Mirt smirks with a twinkle in his eye. "Aye. And I've tried it too."
"And?" says Jaelester.
"Oh, it works. It is a bizarre piece of magic, I'll give you that," Mirt says.
"We've yet to see if it will work in Undermountain, though," says Vajra.
Mirt nods. "It is not especially convenient," he says. "I cannot imagine anywhere else it would be of much use."
Vajra holds up her hands. "It will be game-changing if it works in Undermountain. We might be able to..."
"I know, I know," says Mirt. He pauses as the next member arrives.
Rethan peers back and forth between Varja and Mirt during their conversation, but keeps his mouth shut for now, assuming things will be explained once everyone has arrived.
Titus walks into the front door and sees his companions seated at the table.
“I’ll be right with you gentlemen.”
he swiftly marches upstairs to his quarters. Though his new armor has been painstakingly maintained, he had managed to get covered in blood while working at the clinic. He wanted to make sure he looked his best when meeting with some of the most powerful people in the city. Besides that, a blood covered Dragonborn probably wasn’t the best sight in the newly renovated tavern downstairs. After a few minutes cleaning up he descends the stairs again, grabs a beer from Mal and joins his friends at the table. He gives a respectful bow to both Jaelester and Varja and thanks them for joining them this evening.
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Morph is sitting in the clinic office deep in thought after a long days work, when Titus passes the open door, on his way to get cleaned up.
"Oh right, the meeting, that's now isn't it?"
Morph stands and look himself over.
"Looks like I'm going to need a clean myself."
Morph begins casting Prestidigitation, over and over, starting from his head and working his way down, cleaning a foot of clothing each time.
Once Morph is finished, he follows Titus down to the taproom, also collecting a drink from Mal before taking his seat with everyone else.
"Sorry I'm late."
-----
As Mal introduces Atuan to the gathered group, Morph speaks,
"So you are definitely not coming then? Well, look after the place while we are gone. I will fill you in on the stories, when we return."
Morph turns to Atuan,
"A pleasure to meet you Atuan. Please join us."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"Thank you for agreeing to this, gentlemen," says Jaelester. "Those of us who love Waterdeep have been discussing our unprotected border for a long time. The City Guard does a wonderful job of protecting us above ground. But Undermountain is another matter."
"And we are worried that we have waited too long to address this problem," Vajra says. "My agents are reasonably certain that Martus Krennic hired a team of adventurers, we don't know who, to enter Undermountain about a month ago. We have no idea why, but the word is that he has taken a large, heavy package with him."
"The clockwork dragon," Laniel says in almost a gasp.
Vajra purses her lips and nods. "The first and most important mission is to enter Undermountain and seek out clues that Krennic did indeed enter the dungeon below Waterdeep. If you encounter him, come back. Force Grey will take care of him once we have confirmation."
"He's probably a few levels deep by now," Mirt says
"If he is in there," says Jaelester.
Vajra continues, saying, "Your second mission is something of an experiment. The Mad Mage who constructed the dungeon has a powerful magic field that suppresses most forms of teleportation magic. Planar shifts, teleportation circles, you name it. They simply do not work in Undermountain."
Mirt sits up, realizing the conversation is shifting to him. "We may have a work around," he says. "It is not terribly convenient to implement, but it will help the city send protectors into Undermountain to keep at least the highest levels clear of threats and secure the border. This is for the future security of the city."
Mirt hefts a sealed bucket the size of a mop bucket on the table. "This is a magical paint. It is extremely experimental, although I have tried it. The mages of Waterdeep," he says with a nod to Vajra, "think it might offer a small loophole in the antimagic field that suppresses teleportation within the dungeon. It allows the user to travel through the paint from one end to another. If you can create a single, unbroken line of paint along walls, floors, or ceilings, then it should be possible to travel from one end of the line to the other. It requires no attunement; just touch the paint and speak the command word, reysdeur. It will transport you to the farthest point on the painted surface from you. I recommend beginning and ending the line on the floor."
"So your secondary mission," says Vajra, "is to test this paint inside Undermountain to see that it works. If it does, paint an unbroken line from the bottom of the Yawning Portal to the second level of the dungeon."
"This should hopefully be enough paint for a line through two levels of the dungeon," says Mirt. "Make sure you paint it at least 1 inch wide or else it will be considered broken."
Jaelester looks around the room. "You should be prepared to leave tomorrow. We have word there has been a power struggle shifting the threats on level 1. Be prepared to face resistance. Would anyone care to summarize your missions?"
Morph holds his hand up and counts off items using his fingers.
"First, search for and find Martus Krennic, if he has entered Undermountain."
"Do not engage him if found, but return to report his location within Undermountain."
"He is likely to be accompanied by an unknown group of adventures, and they are all likely to be hostile to us."
"He is also transporting some unknown cargo, suspected to be the clockwork dragon."
Morph moves to the second finger.
"Secondly, test out this experimental magic paint."
"If it works, a line painted with it, should allow rapid travel from one end to the other."
"The line should be at least 1 inch thick to guaranty functionality, and should start and end on level ground."
"We are to test that it functions within Undermountain's magical suppression fields. And if it does work, to attempt to create an unbroken line from the Yawning entrance, to the beginning of level 2."
"Does that about cover it?"
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Jaelester nods. "Very good," he says. "Prepare yourselves. You depart before Durnan opens his doors in the morning. Try to arrive early to avoid as many eyes as possible."
Titus nods, “Track Marcus Krennic and his crew, but do not engage. And use the magic paint so we can travel across it instantly, and come and go from the Undermountain.
But why would Krennic take the Clockwork Dragon away from the city? Wouldn’t it be more effective, and more dangerous where there are the most people?
Is there anything you can tell us more about the Undermountain and how the anti-magic field works? Any other spells we’ll need to go without? Do we know if any other groups have been down there”
Vercinius Thrax: Lizardfolk Cleric - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
L’Ouverture Zinn: Kobold Sorcerer - Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
Titus Vorenus: Dragonborn Paladin - Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
Nemean Goldenmane: Tabaxi Fighter - Lost Mine of Phandelver (Retired)
Vajra says, "That is mainly it. Spells do not seem to be able to harm the dungeon. An earthquake spell will not bring the roof crashing down. You can summon creatures still, even though that magic is very closely aligned to transportation magic. So the anti magic field seems to be very specific to transportation spells. We are hopeful that the paint will not be recognized as such. Rather, it relies on a convoluted form or transmutation magic."
“If we wish to avoid being seen entering,” Rethan says, “we could use my helm to teleport directly into the Yawning Portal shortly before it opens.”
"Perhaps we could go tonight and ask Durnan if we could 'drop-in' tomorrow morning before opening. I wouldn't want to be caught 'breaking-in'. Besides we are going to need someone to lower us into Undermountain, and even more importantly, to bring us back out later."
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
"Perhaps we should just stay the night. The Yawning Portal is an inn, after all." Atuan doesn't bother summarizing the mission, having heard it three times already. Besides that, his mind is spinning with creative applications for the magic paint.
(Either of those plans will work. Just let me know the way you go.)
(Staying the night is probably less risky than the teleportation. High chance of success with the helm,b ut there IS still the chance of failure. Potentially really bad failure)
"Oh, so your the voice of reason in our group now, Atuan?"
Morph give the new team member a wink and grin.
"He makes a very good point, we should gather our things and head there now."
Morph makes for the stairs to go up and collect all of his equipment.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Rethan follows, grabbing all the gear he might need for such a trip.
As the group leaves, Jalester Silvermane deposites 10 gold into Titus' hands. "This is for the trip down the well...and for the trip back up. Be safe."
At the Yawning Portal, Durnan greets the party with a "Ho there!" from behind the counter. One of his employees checks them into 3 rooms for 4 gold for the group. "Meals will 5 silber each," she says. (subtract 1 gold to purchase dinner and breakfast. Laniel removes 2 fold for room and meals)
Come morning, the group rises earlier, Laniel having to bang on Morph and Rethan's door to hurray them along. They descend to the common room, where Durnan is sitting with a steaming cup of tear, looking a little bleary eyed. "I prefer a little fanfare to these things. Usually I can make a little extra money on the side that way."
He stands with a grunt and leads them to the well in the center of the roomm where he takes 5 gold. "Climb in the basket. I'll lower you down myself," he says. As he pulls the lever, he says, "Good luck." and gives a half-hearted salute.
The basket descends into the dank well, rocking as everyone tries to keep their balance. It touch belowes down with a moderate bump, wafting a small cloud of dust below the lighted basket. Lighting their magic and torches, the group sees a large room with dented and graffitied shields on the wall. Unrecognizable footprints crisscross the sandy floor, obscuring any attempt to identify what made them. The only exit appears to be a tunnel that leads south before bending west.
Morph pulls a rod from his belt, holding it in front of him.
The rod is dark red almost black, with inlaid gold patterns and pathways etched into its length. The whole rod is polished to a glossy shine.
Holding his free hand over the rod, Morph cast Light, causing the rod to light up the room and the way ahead.
"Right, so do we start painting the line from here?"
Morph looks back up the long well, at the light coming down from the Yawning Portal far above.
David Gearlock | Human | Artificer | Revenge Heist
Knox | Warforged | Cleric | Shadowthorn's Out of the Abyss
Rethan casts his own Light spell on his quarterstaff as they peer down the dark hallway, figuring it's better to have extra light sources in case something happens to any one person or object. "That's what it sounded like," he responds to Morph's question. While they work on getting the paint open and the line started, he sends Midnight off to explore down the tunnel, with a focus on watching for traps. Worst case, he figures it's cheaper and easier to re-summon the familiar (if still not ideal) than it is to fix a dead ally from an accidentally triggered trap.