Pax stands silently, like a statue, her red hair trailing down over her face, her arms crossed, her expression blank as she simply stares at the talisman for several long seconds. Then her eyes slowly lift up to the Drow wizard. Her focus fades away as she looks thoughful for a few moments. Then she glances up sharply at him and reaches out, grabbing the thing from him in her gauntlets hands.
"I didn't realize it was going to be so conspicuous. I can sense the things power just by being near it. How can we expect to evade detection or go unnoticed. We'll never make it into Menzoberranzan if we can't do something to conceal its power. Any ideas?" She directs the question aimlessly out to the room.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Vizeran ponders this observation for a moment, apparently caught off guard. I hadn't considered... quite a valid point however... I know several spells that might... or even better...
The drow wizard then summons a spectral hand that floats over to a shelf on the tower wall and retrieves a small ornate box, opening it invitingly as it floats toward Pax. This box, intones Vizeran, is lined with lead and will suppress the magical aura. Will that allay thy fears?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax nods. She puts the magical heart rock on the ground and grabs the box, putting it on the floor next to the rock. Then she lifts the rock into the box and shuts the lid.
She glances at Vizeran, "Do we need to remove it from the box before you cast your spell, or can the talisman remain in it? And any risks if we tuck this in a bag of holding or extra-dimensional space?"
She pulls some gut rope out of her bag and begins binding the box so that the lid will stay shut...in case of an emergency.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before Pax takes the heart. “Most interesting.” Rhayna fixes her spectacles to take a closer look. She casts Detect Magic, then leans over slightly to study it closer, but she won’t touch it.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The talisman may remain in the box, replies Vizeran. It will not interrupt the casting of the final spell. Thou may carry it in extra-dimensional space for now, but it must be removed from such ere the spell is cast. Rhayna sees the same as Kaylyn - a strong aura of conjuration. The black surface of the stone at close inspection reveals subtle striations of an even darker black, which seems to move and shift, and somehow give Rhayna mental images of the demon lords that she has studied for so long. Surely this unique item is designed to do exactly as Vizeran has promised.
As Pax binds the box shut, Vizeran draws a scroll tube from the folds of his robe and reveals its contents before the group. The first scroll contains a rather detailed map. I deduce that thou has not yet set foot in Menzoberranzan. Take this to guide thee. Chaos persists in the wake of Demogorgon's rampage through the city, and no place is safe, but the Clawrift is avoided as that is where Demogorgon emerged from. Alternatively, the Dark Dominion, the region underneath the city, may be suitable for keeping out of sight. Thy goal is Tier Breche in the north. If perchance thou cannot infiltrate the tower of Sorcere to place the talisman, then the high point of the plateau of Qu’ellarz’orl will also suffice.
Three more scrolls are also included, each of which contains a copy of the Disguise Self spell. Kaylyn, Kirin, Pax and Sekkar are all able to read the scrolls, but to her frustration Rhayna can not. This spell will last only an hour, so use it wisely, Vizeran warns. It may aid thee in infiltrating the city.
Map included below, and also added to the campaign page
"You still did not say how far can you teleport us there?"Sekkar took the scroll but mostly out of ... let's say acquisitiveness - free useful stuff. He personally did not need it but someone might. "You also talk as if we will be unable to teleport out of there once the chaos begins," (actually, Sekkar would not mind seeing it but preferably from a safe spot). "Any problems with teleportation around the city?"
Pax glances to Sekkar, “We must remain in the city and destroy any remaining demon lords once they have battled each other. We’ll need to find a safe place to hunker down until they’re done getting at each other’s throats. But. After, yes, the question remains. Any issues with teleportation?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
When Rhayna wears the Robe of Eyes, it takes some time for her to get used to the expanded senses. She has to remind herself that she no longer has to turn in order to see other sides. She doesn’t have a blind spot!! She tentatively removes her spectacles, but once she does so, everything is completely out of focus. “Ugh!!” The Cleric puts them back on. She also has to get used to the fact that even when she closes her eyes, she still see everything. “I am ready to go friends.” (We resting b4 leaving?)
(Question. I kinda get the see invisible creature and objects. How does permanently be able to see the Ethereal Plane works?)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
Pax, “We should stay here for an hour and do some planning. The spellcasters among us may also want to adjust our arsenal depending on our plans. Plus we should discuss each of the demon lords so we know how best to fight whichever ones are left over.” To vizeran, “This entire plan relies on the demons fighting to near death. If they just decide to depart we’re hooped.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
The city has been in lockdown since the demon lords' arrival, explains Vizeran. There are wards against teleporting into or out of the city. However I can teleport thee to a safe location within a few miles, close to the entry to Narbondellyn. Thou should suffer no impediment to teleporting within the city itself.
I will also be unable to scry on thee once thou are within the city, hence the need for thee to message me when the talisman is placed. If I have not heard from thee in three days, and cannot detect the talisman through scrying, I will perform the ritual anyway.
---------------------
Dawnbringer's light, or any sunlight for that matter, won't affect the Robe of Eyes. Only the specific spells mentioned.
It can be assumed that all these conversations are completed prior to the end of the long rest, so strategy planning and spell loadouts can be adjusted without any extra time investment.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax casts Rarys telepathic bond so the group can speak privately. “The wizard may still be able to read our surface thoughts with a magical item, or through a spell. Do not consider this conversation entirely private. So, what is our plan then? Teleport to near the city. I have a spell that can make us all look like drow for several hours. Are we going to try and rely on any of our drow contacts to move about in the city? The scarred one from the trade hub? His trust isn’t what it may have been in an alternate timeline, but it’s an option. Assuming we think we need one.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
(Good to know, I was about to include a search for cloak. Though, interesting in theory if one can wear the robe with the cloak and move around safely)
"Your spell might be better, let's go with it. And honestly don't know if I would trust anyone in that place. Would just go to the place we need. Though... I wonder if Zeno is still there... Or he probably did not exist here?"Time travel was confusing. Sekkar unrolled the map, found the entry to Narbondellyn and tried to memorize the path to Tier Breche. "Yes, definitely your spell, that's some walk we will have to do. And all on the open... Still don't like it - we can look like drow, but act as one is another matter. We can try to wait for the darkness? If there is any in there." Once the sword knot was ready, he spent the rest of the break trying to remember every detail he could about the behaviour of their slavers. Never knows what can get handy!
Kaylyn takes an odd break for reading the book. She declines any of the treasures found and hopes those who claimed them use them well.
"Would we be able to delay for 48 hours? A couple days to rest and to prepare? We have worked very hard and are clearly way ahead of time schedule now. A day and a half won't matter will it?"
"As for getting into the city. We could say we seek Jarlaxle in the House Do'Urden. Additionally Sarith said he was returning to the city. Though which timeline that was in I am not so sure."
Pax nods, "Yes, it's certainly the right time to take a couple of days. This planning should be done carefully. With a map, and all of the information we have, we should be able to come up with some solid ways to get the job done properly."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
Vizeran is clearly agitated by the lack of urgency shown by the group, having expected them to depart without delay. But after several bouts of impatient urging, he finally he admits that time spent in preparation might compensate for delays caused by lack of relevant knowledge. And so he attempts to impart as much useful information as he can about Menzoberranzan...
Regarding the disguise idea:
Impersonating a drow is punishable by death, but if thou can mimic their mannerisms thou should be able to avoid detection. Remember that the greeting Lolth tlu malla (“Lolth be praised”)should be answered similarly, and with equal sincerity to the one giving it.
Each house knows its ranking compared to other houses, and drow display subservience to members of higher-ranking houses. Therefore thou can better avoid suspicion and attention if thou simply impersonate members of a low-ranking house, and act in submission to everyone.
The great ruling houses and their matron mothers are as follows:
1. House Baenre (Quenthel Baenre) Controls all three branches of the Academy 2. Barrison Del’Armgo (Mez’Barris Armgo) Has the largest number of trained wizards and mercenaries-for-hire 3. Faen Tlabbar (Vadalma Tlabbar) Fanatically devoted to Lolth 4. Mizzrym (Miz’ri Mizzrym) Dominates Menzoberranzan’s slave trade 5. Fey-Branche (Byrtyn Fey) Skilled at forging alliances 6. Melarn (Zhindia Melarn) Devoted to rooting out drow apostates, particularly within the nobility 7. Vandree (Fiirnel’ther Vandree) Vicious and vindictive house determined to rise to the top
Regarding areas of Menzoberranzan
The Bazaar is the main market area, worst hit by Demogorgon, so little business is happening there at the moment. Theft and looting is brutally clamped down upon.
The Braeryn or "Stenchstreets” as they are known, is the shantytown that houses the dregs of society: fallen priestesses, bankrupt merchants, escaped slaves, the homeless, the maimed. The populations has swelled in Demogorgon’s wake, by those who have lost homes or businesses, making it a little more difficult to hide.
Donigarten is the farmland that dominates the eastern part of the city. Herds of rothé cattle graze the island at the center of the lake, while the northern and western house the fungi fields. It is quite vital to the city's survival, and thus drow patrols are common.
Duthcloim, also known as “Manyfolk” is where most of the city's merchants, tradesfolk and crafters are homed. The numerous small inns, taprooms, and pleasure houses catering to locals, visitors, and high-status drow seeking distraction. Parts of Duthcloim were damaged or destroyed by Demogorgon yet business has been booming as drow celebrate the deaths of their rivals.
Eastmyr is a social bridge between Duthcloim and Braeryn, home to more common merchants, tradesfolk, mercenaries, etc. It has also seen a sudden growth in population.
Kyorbblivvin is a spider-haunted forest of giant mushrooms that spreads across the northern portion of the Qu’ellarz’orl plateau. Members of the great houses use Kyorbblivvin as a private hunting domain, and drow warriors patrol the forest, alert for poachers and intruders.
Narbondel is the most dominant feature within the city, a 1,000-foot-tall column of rock that helps support the cavern ceiling. At the same time each day, the city’s Archmage magically heats Narbondel’s base, causing the stone to glow. The band of warm light rises slowly up the column to mark the passage of time, taking twenty-four hours to reach the top. Gromph Baenre would normally assume this task, but seems to be missing.
Narbondellyn is the region where the estates of the various lesser drow houses are clustered. Largely untouched during Demogorgon’s rampage, the so-called “Broad Streets” district remains the bright center of Menzoberranzan, as the lesser houses vie to outdo each other in shows of wealth, power, and influence. Soaring stalagmite towers and great manors rise across the area, which is also home to luxury shops, pleasure houses, and discriminating merchants.
Qu’ellarz’orl is the high southern plateau of Menzoberranzan, untouched by Demogorgon’s rampage, and home to many of the oldest and greatest noble houses, with House Baenre situated at the plateau’s highest point, to the east. At the west end of Qu’ellarz’orl is a small cavern containing a sculpted stalagmite tower, within which rests the Chamber of the Ruling Council, where the matron mothers of the eight great drow houses gather and meet.
Clawrift is where Demogorgon emerged from, obliterating the rope bridges that once extended across it, as well as cementing the superstition that the Clawrift extends into the Abyss.
Mistrift, at the city’s center is so named for the rolling clouds of steam that forever billow up from below. A number of subterranean streams flow out of the Mistrift’s vertical walls, their icy waters cascading down into the city's main cistern.
Westrift is the newest of the city’s large clefts, having appeared only three centuries ago when it swallowed up three drow houses and a score of lesser dwellings. Now it is home to hundreds of giant arachnids, which have filled much of the cleft with their webs and nests.
The Great Stair of Tier Breche rises from the floor of Menzoberranzan to the cavern housing the three branches of the Academy: Melee-Magthere, a pyramid-shaped edifice where drow warriors are trained; Arach-Tinilith, a spider-shaped cathedral where drow priestesses worship their demon goddess; and Sorcere, the tower where drow mages learn to master the magical arts. Non-drow are forbidden from entering this part of the city.
(Let me know if you have other questions for Vizeran...)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(By the way, the light-fingered drow Zilchyn Q'Leptin in Mantol-Derith said he would remain there and watch for the arrival of Krimgol and the black gem, so probably won't be found in Menzoberranzan.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rhayna did not mind spending more time in the library. She was surprised that Vizeran started to give them more information regarding the Drow city. She promptly took her Journal, and started taking notes as the Drow Mage was sharing his knowledge. She has read about the great city-state of Menzoberranzan, also known as The City of Spiders. It was interesting to her because reading about something from books is one thing, actually getting the knowledge from someone that knows about it, felt quite different. She knew most of the geographical information given by Vizeran, but there was many things that only a "local" would be able to share.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
During the day, while they're all doing various activities, hopefully they get together to talk a bit. Pax will cast telepathic bond with the group once again. When Vizeran seems suitably distracted she'll start a conversation.
"Guard your thinking, the wizard could be listening to surface thoughts. Grin insinuated that the artifact doesn't need to be placed in Menzoberranzan to function, and that Vizeran wants it there to take revenge on the city. I am not sure what is true, but...the fact that Vizeran wants it placed in one of two places where it will do the most damage to the city is suspicious. Wherever it summons the demons, will get pretty wiped out in their battle. I think we should discuss where we actually should put it and how far we go deceiving Vizeran. He said if he doesn't hear from us in 3 days, he'll just cast the spell. I believe we should put the box either here....such as literally on his towers roof, or some other more neutral location that will suitably contain the demons and enable us to battle the survivors more effectively. Thoughts?"
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What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer? Class.
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Pax stands silently, like a statue, her red hair trailing down over her face, her arms crossed, her expression blank as she simply stares at the talisman for several long seconds. Then her eyes slowly lift up to the Drow wizard. Her focus fades away as she looks thoughful for a few moments. Then she glances up sharply at him and reaches out, grabbing the thing from him in her gauntlets hands.
"I didn't realize it was going to be so conspicuous. I can sense the things power just by being near it. How can we expect to evade detection or go unnoticed. We'll never make it into Menzoberranzan if we can't do something to conceal its power. Any ideas?" She directs the question aimlessly out to the room.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
"Can't you teleport us to that tower at least? Walking all the way, we sure get drow attention even without that thing."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Vizeran ponders this observation for a moment, apparently caught off guard. I hadn't considered... quite a valid point however... I know several spells that might... or even better...
The drow wizard then summons a spectral hand that floats over to a shelf on the tower wall and retrieves a small ornate box, opening it invitingly as it floats toward Pax. This box, intones Vizeran, is lined with lead and will suppress the magical aura. Will that allay thy fears?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax nods. She puts the magical heart rock on the ground and grabs the box, putting it on the floor next to the rock. Then she lifts the rock into the box and shuts the lid.
She glances at Vizeran, "Do we need to remove it from the box before you cast your spell, or can the talisman remain in it? And any risks if we tuck this in a bag of holding or extra-dimensional space?"
She pulls some gut rope out of her bag and begins binding the box so that the lid will stay shut...in case of an emergency.
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Before Pax takes the heart. “Most interesting.” Rhayna fixes her spectacles to take a closer look. She casts Detect Magic, then leans over slightly to study it closer, but she won’t touch it.
Rhayna Arcana: 35
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
The talisman may remain in the box, replies Vizeran. It will not interrupt the casting of the final spell. Thou may carry it in extra-dimensional space for now, but it must be removed from such ere the spell is cast. Rhayna sees the same as Kaylyn - a strong aura of conjuration. The black surface of the stone at close inspection reveals subtle striations of an even darker black, which seems to move and shift, and somehow give Rhayna mental images of the demon lords that she has studied for so long. Surely this unique item is designed to do exactly as Vizeran has promised.
As Pax binds the box shut, Vizeran draws a scroll tube from the folds of his robe and reveals its contents before the group. The first scroll contains a rather detailed map. I deduce that thou has not yet set foot in Menzoberranzan. Take this to guide thee. Chaos persists in the wake of Demogorgon's rampage through the city, and no place is safe, but the Clawrift is avoided as that is where Demogorgon emerged from. Alternatively, the Dark Dominion, the region underneath the city, may be suitable for keeping out of sight. Thy goal is Tier Breche in the north. If perchance thou cannot infiltrate the tower of Sorcere to place the talisman, then the high point of the plateau of Qu’ellarz’orl will also suffice.
Three more scrolls are also included, each of which contains a copy of the Disguise Self spell. Kaylyn, Kirin, Pax and Sekkar are all able to read the scrolls, but to her frustration Rhayna can not. This spell will last only an hour, so use it wisely, Vizeran warns. It may aid thee in infiltrating the city.
Map included below, and also added to the campaign page
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"You still did not say how far can you teleport us there?" Sekkar took the scroll but mostly out of ... let's say acquisitiveness - free useful stuff. He personally did not need it but someone might. "You also talk as if we will be unable to teleport out of there once the chaos begins," (actually, Sekkar would not mind seeing it but preferably from a safe spot). "Any problems with teleportation around the city?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Pax glances to Sekkar, “We must remain in the city and destroy any remaining demon lords once they have battled each other. We’ll need to find a safe place to hunker down until they’re done getting at each other’s throats. But. After, yes, the question remains. Any issues with teleportation?”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
When Rhayna wears the Robe of Eyes, it takes some time for her to get used to the expanded senses. She has to remind herself that she no longer has to turn in order to see other sides. She doesn’t have a blind spot!! She tentatively removes her spectacles, but once she does so, everything is completely out of focus. “Ugh!!” The Cleric puts them back on. She also has to get used to the fact that even when she closes her eyes, she still see everything. “I am ready to go friends.” (We resting b4 leaving?)
(Question. I kinda get the see invisible creature and objects. How does permanently be able to see the Ethereal Plane works?)
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
(Also, consider that Sekkar is still using Dawnbringer. Sunlight at its best!)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Pax, “We should stay here for an hour and do some planning. The spellcasters among us may also want to adjust our arsenal depending on our plans. Plus we should discuss each of the demon lords so we know how best to fight whichever ones are left over.” To vizeran, “This entire plan relies on the demons fighting to near death. If they just decide to depart we’re hooped.”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
The city has been in lockdown since the demon lords' arrival, explains Vizeran. There are wards against teleporting into or out of the city. However I can teleport thee to a safe location within a few miles, close to the entry to Narbondellyn. Thou should suffer no impediment to teleporting within the city itself.
I will also be unable to scry on thee once thou are within the city, hence the need for thee to message me when the talisman is placed. If I have not heard from thee in three days, and cannot detect the talisman through scrying, I will perform the ritual anyway.
---------------------
Dawnbringer's light, or any sunlight for that matter, won't affect the Robe of Eyes. Only the specific spells mentioned.
It can be assumed that all these conversations are completed prior to the end of the long rest, so strategy planning and spell loadouts can be adjusted without any extra time investment.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Pax casts Rarys telepathic bond so the group can speak privately. “The wizard may still be able to read our surface thoughts with a magical item, or through a spell. Do not consider this conversation entirely private. So, what is our plan then? Teleport to near the city. I have a spell that can make us all look like drow for several hours. Are we going to try and rely on any of our drow contacts to move about in the city? The scarred one from the trade hub? His trust isn’t what it may have been in an alternate timeline, but it’s an option. Assuming we think we need one.”
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
(Good to know, I was about to include a search for cloak. Though, interesting in theory if one can wear the robe with the cloak and move around safely)
"Your spell might be better, let's go with it. And honestly don't know if I would trust anyone in that place. Would just go to the place we need. Though... I wonder if Zeno is still there... Or he probably did not exist here?" Time travel was confusing. Sekkar unrolled the map, found the entry to Narbondellyn and tried to memorize the path to Tier Breche. "Yes, definitely your spell, that's some walk we will have to do. And all on the open... Still don't like it - we can look like drow, but act as one is another matter. We can try to wait for the darkness? If there is any in there." Once the sword knot was ready, he spent the rest of the break trying to remember every detail he could about the behaviour of their slavers. Never knows what can get handy!
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Kaylyn takes an odd break for reading the book. She declines any of the treasures found and hopes those who claimed them use them well.
"Would we be able to delay for 48 hours? A couple days to rest and to prepare? We have worked very hard and are clearly way ahead of time schedule now. A day and a half won't matter will it?"
"As for getting into the city. We could say we seek Jarlaxle in the House Do'Urden. Additionally Sarith said he was returning to the city. Though which timeline that was in I am not so sure."
Pax nods, "Yes, it's certainly the right time to take a couple of days. This planning should be done carefully. With a map, and all of the information we have, we should be able to come up with some solid ways to get the job done properly."
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.
Vizeran is clearly agitated by the lack of urgency shown by the group, having expected them to depart without delay. But after several bouts of impatient urging, he finally he admits that time spent in preparation might compensate for delays caused by lack of relevant knowledge. And so he attempts to impart as much useful information as he can about Menzoberranzan...
Regarding the disguise idea:
Impersonating a drow is punishable by death, but if thou can mimic their mannerisms thou should be able to avoid detection. Remember that the greeting Lolth tlu malla (“Lolth be praised”) should be answered similarly, and with equal sincerity to the one giving it.
Each house knows its ranking compared to other houses, and drow display subservience to members of higher-ranking houses. Therefore thou can better avoid suspicion and attention if thou simply impersonate members of a low-ranking house, and act in submission to everyone.
The great ruling houses and their matron mothers are as follows:
1. House Baenre (Quenthel Baenre) Controls all three branches of the Academy
2. Barrison Del’Armgo (Mez’Barris Armgo) Has the largest number of trained wizards and mercenaries-for-hire
3. Faen Tlabbar (Vadalma Tlabbar) Fanatically devoted to Lolth
4. Mizzrym (Miz’ri Mizzrym) Dominates Menzoberranzan’s slave trade
5. Fey-Branche (Byrtyn Fey) Skilled at forging alliances
6. Melarn (Zhindia Melarn) Devoted to rooting out drow apostates, particularly within the nobility
7. Vandree (Fiirnel’ther Vandree) Vicious and vindictive house determined to rise to the top
Regarding areas of Menzoberranzan
The Bazaar is the main market area, worst hit by Demogorgon, so little business is happening there at the moment. Theft and looting is brutally clamped down upon.
The Braeryn or "Stenchstreets” as they are known, is the shantytown that houses the dregs of society: fallen priestesses, bankrupt merchants, escaped slaves, the homeless, the maimed. The populations has swelled in Demogorgon’s wake, by those who have lost homes or businesses, making it a little more difficult to hide.
Donigarten is the farmland that dominates the eastern part of the city. Herds of rothé cattle graze the island at the center of the lake, while the northern and western house the fungi fields. It is quite vital to the city's survival, and thus drow patrols are common.
Duthcloim, also known as “Manyfolk” is where most of the city's merchants, tradesfolk and crafters are homed. The numerous small inns, taprooms, and pleasure houses catering to locals, visitors, and high-status drow seeking distraction. Parts of Duthcloim were damaged or destroyed by Demogorgon yet business has been booming as drow celebrate the deaths of their rivals.
Eastmyr is a social bridge between Duthcloim and Braeryn, home to more common merchants, tradesfolk, mercenaries, etc. It has also seen a sudden growth in population.
Kyorbblivvin is a spider-haunted forest of giant mushrooms that spreads across the northern portion of the Qu’ellarz’orl plateau. Members of the great houses use Kyorbblivvin as a private hunting domain, and drow warriors patrol the forest, alert for poachers and intruders.
Narbondel is the most dominant feature within the city, a 1,000-foot-tall column of rock that helps support the cavern ceiling. At the same time each day, the city’s Archmage magically heats Narbondel’s base, causing the stone to glow. The band of warm light rises slowly up the column to mark the passage of time, taking twenty-four hours to reach the top. Gromph Baenre would normally assume this task, but seems to be missing.
Narbondellyn is the region where the estates of the various lesser drow houses are clustered. Largely untouched during Demogorgon’s rampage, the so-called “Broad Streets” district remains the bright center of Menzoberranzan, as the lesser houses vie to outdo each other in shows of wealth, power, and influence. Soaring stalagmite towers and great manors rise across the area, which is also home to luxury shops, pleasure houses, and discriminating merchants.
Qu’ellarz’orl is the high southern plateau of Menzoberranzan, untouched by Demogorgon’s rampage, and home to many of the oldest and greatest noble houses, with House Baenre situated at the plateau’s highest point, to the east. At the west end of Qu’ellarz’orl is a small cavern containing a sculpted stalagmite tower, within which rests the Chamber of the Ruling Council, where the matron mothers of the eight great drow houses gather and meet.
Clawrift is where Demogorgon emerged from, obliterating the rope bridges that once extended across it, as well as cementing the superstition that the Clawrift extends into the Abyss.
Mistrift, at the city’s center is so named for the rolling clouds of steam that forever billow up from below. A number of subterranean streams flow out of the Mistrift’s vertical walls, their icy waters cascading down into the city's main cistern.
Westrift is the newest of the city’s large clefts, having appeared only three centuries ago when it swallowed up three drow houses and a score of lesser dwellings. Now it is home to hundreds of giant arachnids, which have filled much of the cleft with their webs and nests.
The Great Stair of Tier Breche rises from the floor of Menzoberranzan to the cavern housing the three branches of the Academy: Melee-Magthere, a pyramid-shaped edifice where drow warriors are trained; Arach-Tinilith, a spider-shaped cathedral where drow priestesses worship their demon goddess; and Sorcere, the tower where drow mages learn to master the magical arts. Non-drow are forbidden from entering this part of the city.
(Let me know if you have other questions for Vizeran...)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(By the way, the light-fingered drow Zilchyn Q'Leptin in Mantol-Derith said he would remain there and watch for the arrival of Krimgol and the black gem, so probably won't be found in Menzoberranzan.)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Rhayna did not mind spending more time in the library. She was surprised that Vizeran started to give them more information regarding the Drow city. She promptly took her Journal, and started taking notes as the Drow Mage was sharing his knowledge. She has read about the great city-state of Menzoberranzan, also known as The City of Spiders. It was interesting to her because reading about something from books is one thing, actually getting the knowledge from someone that knows about it, felt quite different. She knew most of the geographical information given by Vizeran, but there was many things that only a "local" would be able to share.
Kazri - Level 10 Human Paladin (Oath of the Ancients) - The Tales of the Fellowship of the White Cloaks
Droknin Palemane - Level 4 Leonin Barbarian (Path of the Beast) - Where the Cold Winds Blow... A Lost Mines of Phandelver Story
Faelan (Cottontail) Whisperwind - Level 3 Ranger (Fey Wanderer) - Zorg's Lost Souls II
"Science is organized knowledge. Wisdom is organized life."
During the day, while they're all doing various activities, hopefully they get together to talk a bit. Pax will cast telepathic bond with the group once again. When Vizeran seems suitably distracted she'll start a conversation.
"Guard your thinking, the wizard could be listening to surface thoughts. Grin insinuated that the artifact doesn't need to be placed in Menzoberranzan to function, and that Vizeran wants it there to take revenge on the city. I am not sure what is true, but...the fact that Vizeran wants it placed in one of two places where it will do the most damage to the city is suspicious. Wherever it summons the demons, will get pretty wiped out in their battle. I think we should discuss where we actually should put it and how far we go deceiving Vizeran. He said if he doesn't hear from us in 3 days, he'll just cast the spell. I believe we should put the box either here....such as literally on his towers roof, or some other more neutral location that will suitably contain the demons and enable us to battle the survivors more effectively. Thoughts?"
What's the difference between a Wizard and a Sorcerer?
Class.