Shadow spends some time hanging around Pencheska. Some how an ale has appeared in his hands, and then another. Not being used to alcohol, these two drinks make him quite tipsy. Pencheska starts a new song at Shadow's request.
The time to party is here and now
When you hear their tale, you will want to bow
Listen closely as I tell of there prowess
A tale to tell that they are the strongest
Behold, adventurers so brave
Exploring countrysides and caves
Fighting beasts so powerful and strong
Slaying them quickly, it won't take long...
Shadow is getting a little carried away, having not been outside of a monastery for the majority of his life, he his enjoying all that life has to offer. The song comes to an end and he tosses a gold in the bowl for Pencheska. He then walks over to his brother. "He' Fleme, I thin' she's *hiccup* into ya." Shadow plops down on the stool next to Flame.
"Shadow, control yourself. It's only breakfast, sober up." Flame takes Shadow's drink and asks for some water and bread for his uncharacteristically careless brother. As he tries to be an adult for Shadow, he is blushing at his words about Pencheska. "Did he really mean that or is the drink just getting to him?"
Pencheska looks over at Flame as Shadow is speaking and blushes profusely after catching his gaze, only to immediately stare at the floor in embarrassment. "Oh, why... that's very nice of him." She half-mumbles to the ground. "And yes, I perform here day and night, it's my job and my home after all. I hope maybe you all will come again sometime... I really should get back to that though, Durnan expects performances regularly." At that she immediately leaves the conversation, still staring at the ground as she begins to play a melodic tavern tune on her lute. As she finishes Shadow's request she laughs as she watches Flame deal with her inebriated brother. To Flame at least, they sound like droplets of nectar falling from the sky like rain on a bright sunny day. Upon realizing that she laughed she immediately clamps her hands over her mouth and catches Flame's gaze a moment before staring at the ground once more. The bell begins to toll as you then realize that you all should probably be heading out as the time for the meeting is nearing.
You walk across ruined streets, rubble has been strewn about in all places and several houses have been either smashed in, burned, or melted entirely. Commoners wander the ruins of buildings, looking through what they've lost and picking up what they can. The closer and closer to the center of the city, the more evident the destruction. Though even with all of this ruin, there is hope. People work together to help to rebuild the city. The stores are being rebuilt, for Waterdeep is recovering. And yet, even though Waterdeep shall eventually return to its bright past, it will take time, and the dark force still rests deep below...
Finally you make it to what would have been an elegant and beautiful palace, the Lord's Palace. You see several other clearly adventuring-type people walk in to the palace. They are of all shapes and sizes, and almost all (with the exception of you and a couple other individuals) have shiny gear, wondrous items, and/or strange mystical runes etched into their skin. Clearly all of Waterdeep's best and brightest adventurers have gathered here to hear to what Lady Lareal Silverhand has to say. You all file into the grand hall, the passageway leading to the central chamber contains shattered pictures, ripped carpets, and other trinkets that simply lie about... most likely the result of how the destruction was mostly focussed on the center of Waterdeep, and the Lord's Palace is smack dab in the middle of the City of Splendors. As your eyes touch upon the great hall you cannot help but imagine what awesome (as in full of awe) gatherings must have taken place here, the Council of Waterdeep, one of the most prestigious gatherings of nobles and officials takes place in this exact same hall, and now you're here as well. You cannot help but feel both amazed and a bit out-of-place, for almost everyone else seems to have clear adventuring experience, but your reverie is interrupted by the beginning of Lady Lareal Silverhand. Her voice as it wanders to your ears is melodic, like a sliver of a feather floating daintily on the wind. And yet, it has a tone of purpose, of assertiveness when it is needed.
<<EXPOSITION THAT'S IN THE FORMAT OF A STORY AND HOW I THINK BATTLES WOULD WORK IN A FANTASY SETTING. FEEL FREE TO READ OR COMPLETELY IGNORE AT YOUR DESIRE>>
"Welcome adventurers, one and all, to the Lord's Palace. I wish that you could be here in less tumultuous circumstances, but nevertheless, here we are. Our city was attacked last night, and though Waterdeep held up a brave defense, in no small part because of all of you..." She pauses as cheers and hurrahs erupt from the crowd, but right as she continues speaking they simply stop immediately. "However, we still suffered grievous injuries to both our walls and our city within. That is why I will work with all of you to ensure that nothing on this scale happens again. Because even though you may defend us, it is quite clear that this enemy is an intelligent one, and for that... we must go on the offensive. I have worked with some of my most trusted advisors on this and we have all agreed that it is imperative that we strike back. The giant advance forces simply retreated, and the main force still lies only a teleportation and tenday's march away. Therefore we shall have heroes go after the respective armies. They seemed to have at first attacked us on all sides, that is because our divinations have found that they've separated themselves into no less than six different camps. We shall send two separate groups to each camp in order to take them down successfully. It seems that whoever is leading the attack has had some time to plan this for we cannot tell exactly where the armies originated from but hopefully taking down the armies themselves should lead us to their lairs. It is also of great importance to note that it seems that the giants appear to be working together. You shall hear a mental ping along with the instructions of who you are going to be divided up in now if you are to go after the giants." At that several people begin to walk off to different locations in the hall. These people seem to be the most well-equipped, with several floating stones above their heads, humongous belts, and very sharp swords. As they look at the groups they clap each-other on the shoulders, begin to unfurl maps, and talk strategy, with several divinations and communions aiding in their decisions. The area begins to fill with the sound of deliberation and the smell of incense burning. You look around at the crowd and it has slightly thinned, maybe around one-quarter of all of the adventurers have gone off. Lady Lareal Silverhand notices this and snaps her fingers, as suddenly you can see the people's mouths moving, and notice them burning spell foci, but you cannot hear or smell anything from them. Lady Lareal continues.
"There is also the issue of the initial attackers, for those wizards were not your standard mages. They looked to be Thayans, and yet when I went to discuss this with the Thayan ambassadors situated here in Waterdeep I found the houses burned and the bodies scorched. Through several speak with dead spells conducted by Kelemvorites it was discovered that the Thayans had no idea such an attack was happening. This bodes ill, for if there is a cell of Thayans who do not fall under Szass Tam's influence, then they act in a way that we have no way or knowing. We have also tried to scry on them, but it appears like they have been intelligent about blocking themselves from such magics. This means that we shall have to do this the old fashioned way. Ten groups shall be sent to Thay as representatives of Waterdeep. You have full legal rights as if you were ambassadors, but be wary... Though the Thayans are law-abiding they also like to twist it to whatever way it can best suit them. You shall hear a similar mental ping." At that multiple other groups of adventurers branch of to discuss tactics similarly. These still look like very powerful adventuring groups, but not to the point of the giant-hunting groups. They still have several magical robes and staves and whatnot, but nothing that screams: "I WAS IN AN ADULT DRAGON'S LAIR." Lady Lareal Silverhand then continues.
"However, with all of these brave heroes gone our city will be left with only a guard system in place, that while equipped to deal with standard criminal troubles... Is not equipped to deal with all of the chaos that we've had yesterday. Therefore, I am asking some of you to stay behind, and guard this brave city. Make sure that civilians are safe in the case of another terrible attack like this. You shall hear a mental ping if you are in this group." Several other people leave the Lord's Palace, content to begin to help out with the city guard, and with that, you're now left with around seven to eight groups standing. Each of them looking around at each other seeing that they are all the last ones left. Lareal then concludes her speech.
"Finally, I know the rest of you do not have to much experience, yesterday might have been the first time that you have faced monsters for some of you. Nevertheless, I still would appreciate your aid. We shall have all of you on call in the case that an attack comes, a... backup force if you would. This way you can do your duty to protect Waterdeep while training your skills so that you can become stronger, at which point you may be upgraded to a full-time Waterdeep guard leader position. I thank you very much for coming today and hope that the next time I see all of you will be under better circumstances." With that, she begins to descend the steps and investigate the other groups, offering advice, suggestions, and guidance.
"Well great job realizing tha' real danger Silver. Didn' even stop ta' ask me. Ya' know wha'... I'm gonna go n' have a talk wit' 'er, n' y'all are comin' 'long." A half mumble-half grumble escapes from the lips of a man behind you, as you wheel around and see... Durnan? The old tavern keeper looks at you and says. "Well, what are ya' waitin' fer. C'mon." He grumbles as he goes off towards Lady Lareal Silverhand. As you follow (I assume), confused with all of the going-ons, and how Durnan even got behind you in the first place without you noticing. He eventually stands in front of Lady Lareal Silverhand (Open Lord of Waterdeep mind you) as she asks: "Durnan! Why hello there, it's been so-" "Ya' know where tha' problem is. Ya' know where he is. Ya' know tha' ya' could've sent one group down there n' had this be... ya' shoulda' asked me!" He says angrily, clearly he knows something about this whole assault. She then takes on a concerned look as her face grows darker with a bit of a shadow. "Durnan! You know how dangerous it could be. Plus the amount of time it could take to go through all of them. Along with the fact that with Halaster's creation being perverted by him we have no idea what the result could be now that he's taken full control! There was no way that I could spare a single group from my giant squad or my Thayan squad, by mother I do not think I could have even spared anyone from my guard squad. Who would you suggest to-" As soon as she says that Durnan wheels around and gestures to you all. "Them!" "Durnan!" She chides as if he were a child who just made an obscene remark. "Do you not remember the last group who went into the citadel?" (Elemoth's brain flashes to the cryptic riddle given to him by Lathander). Durnan looks down for a moment as if grieving something. "I didn' 'pect it ta' be so dif'rent from wha' Halaster had created... He ha' turned it into its own monster. Nevertheless, it's tha' mos' assured way ta' him n' you know it. You don' even know if those gen'rals'll be givin' up the locations!" At this, it is Lady Lareal Silverhand's turn to look down. "Well... It's their life. We should at least ask them how they would like to live it." She then looks up and towards you all. She seems to be putting on a brave face as the open lord of Waterdeep, but it is clear that this question pains her: "Hello heroes. I am Lady Lareal Silverhand, one of the Seven Sisters, chosen and daughter of Mystra herself, and Open Lord of the greatest city in Abeir-Toril: Waterdeep. It is not my place, but we are in a place of desperation, and therefore I must ask you a terrible request. Are you willing to be the bravest Waterdeep has to offer? A terrible evil has been released, we know not how, but it lies in the ruins of the mad mage Halaster Blackcloak's megadungeon: The Undermountain. Durnan can fill you in on the details of where you shall be going, but what you should know is that the world is in the balance... Are you willing to stand up and fight for it? I understand if you don't want to, it is a terrible burden to bear, but I have a feeling that there's something inside each of you that will answer to call to adventure..." (heh) She then looks at you, seeming to expect an answer. Meanwhile, Durnan gives a simple nod, the presentations of emotion from earlier have vanished from his now-stoic face.
TLDR; You guys have been asked to take on a mission that is very dangerous while the other adventurers defend the city and fight against other threats. Lady Lareal now expects your answer (and I'm going to allow for inner thoughts and for IRL people to contemplate what exactly is going on).
Marion adjusts her glasses and cleares her throat. "I have some questions before I agree to anything."She looks from Lady Silverhand to Durnan and back to the woman.
"First, who is "he", you're referring to? And second," she pauses for a second before continuing: "do you honestly think we're up for the task?"
Insight Checking the answer to the second question: 7
Durnan and Lady Lareal Silverhand exchange a quick glance as Lady Lareal Silverhand relates gravely: "He is an ancient entity, incredibly powerful, and very dangerous. I dare not speak his name, lest he notice, and tries to scry on thisconversation. However, you will most likely be operating under his radar for at least a short period of time so you shall not have to worry about him. As for your survival... Indeed, I believe in you, for there is no other group we can spare, but in the end, it is your choice."
Elemoth politely waits as everything happens, using the time to inspect all the other adventurers and their doings, and mentally going over the plans of action proposed. He seems much recovered since the morning at the tavern, and his bedecked in full Chainmail again, and has all of his adventuring gear neatly arranged on both his pack and his body. At the end of the speech, he takes a few steps forward to face Lady Silverhand and Durnan and gives a short bow.
"My Lady, for the sake of my beloved Waterdeep and all the fair citizens and friends that live in it, and by the will of Lathander the Morninglord, it would be my pleasure to do do everything I can to relieve the great burdens of this city in this dark hour." he begins courteously, with the practice he has from a lifetime of being around and serving nobility. Elemoth pauses then, and raises a hand before continuing. "However, if this task that you present to us is as great of a risk as you have said, I would have your word that should anything happen to me, that the compensation due to me will be passed on to my surviving kith and kin should I not live to return." he states, with surprising calmness given the subject he's speaking of.
"I would ask that 2 parts of that go to my still quite young parents, Elessa and Halathar, 1 part to the recently impoverished Devaux family here in Waterdeep, and the last part to the Temple of Lathander in the same." he concludes, keeping eye contact with Lareal without blinking. "If you can assure me of this, I will be more than happy to risk my life in the service of this great land and it's people."
Flame listens to all of this intensely. When the time comes, he speaks up. "Our home and family were destroyed by some unknown force. I know the pain and suffering that stems from that. If I can help prevent even a sliver of that pain, I will do it. This group has already shown that we can handle far more than, I think, any of us would have expected. We faced zombies, living plants, and even a demon man with a sword that devoured flesh like a living creature. An angel appeared from the heavens to help us fight. I suspect that the gods have a place for us in this mission. Yes, you have my word. We will do our best in Undermountain."
Shadow looks down shamefully as his brother brings up his dark past. "I'll do it, I'll do whatever it takes to save this city and it's inhabitants!" Shadow shouts this a little too loudly, and brings his hand to his chest in salute.
Elemoth nods in response to Laeral as she acknowledges his request. "In that case, consider my aid yours." he replies, before pausing for a while to think. "Master Durnan and Mistress Silverhand," he continues after a moment, "Are either of you familiar with six locations that might be underground or otherwise in areas away from the sun? Namely a Citadel, Forge, Shrine, Mountain, Vault, and a Cave?"
Lady Lareal Silverhand nods at all of your affirmations and pauses to think for a moment, before taking a glance at Durnan as Elemoth begins to speak of his riddle. She hesitates before saying: "There is one thing... the first dungeon in the Undermountain is an ancient fortress that descended into the ground. It has earned the name The Sunless Citadel as the ground has partially reformed over it, both hiding it from the artificial dungeon sunlight and the actual sunlight here on the surface. The other names seem... familiar to me, I believe they also might be locales in the Undermountain but Halaster's megadungeon had far too many levels... at least... it used to, and it has been protected by several extraordinary nondetection spells. Feel free to ask me any other questions, or if you have none I'm sure that you should head down to the Downshadow. Durnan should be able to help you with that." At that, Durnan grumbles and rolls his eyes.
(Under his breath: "Why'sit always me...")
OOC: Giving a decent amount of time for other people to ask questions, otherwise we'll be heading back to The Yawning Portal
Flame shifts uncomfortably as she speaks, become more and more aware of how big a task they may have gotten themselves into. "Any idea about what we might encounter in this Citadel?"
Flame shifts uncomfortably as she speaks, become more and more aware of how big a task they may have gotten themselves into. "Any idea about what we might encounter in this Citadel?"
Lady Lareal Silverhand thinks for a minute before Durnan uncharacteristically begins to speak: "I'm warnin' ya' I tol' tha' other group n' tha' man n' his pet, but they havenae' returned since. I'm thinkin' tha' the dungeon's changed sin' from what I've heard. N' not only tha' but them divinations'll be worthless too... so I'ma 'fraid yer goin' in blind." Durnan responds with an almost undetectable tiny hint of sadness in his voice.
Marion tries to recall anything useful about the Sunless Citadel.
The Sunless Citadel was known to be an ancient fortress used by a long-dead city, however, it soon became the lair of an ancient vampire when it fell deep beneath the earth. This creature was then defeated by adventurers of old and the citadel was subsequently abandoned. What creatures could lair You strangely don't recall this ever being in the Undermountain though...
Lady Lareal Silverhand thinks for a minute before Durnan uncharacteristically begins to speak: "I'm warnin' ya' I tol' tha' other group n' tha' man n' his pet, but they havenae' returned since. I'm thinkin' tha' the dungeon's changed sin' from what I've heard. N' not only tha' but them divinations'll be worthless too... so I'ma 'fraid yer goin' in blind." Durnan responds with an almost undetectable tiny hint of sadness in his voice.
Flame listens closely but isn't very satisfied with the answer he gets.
"Well, I know with the way things are looking in the city right now this may be a bit of a stretch, but do you have any supplies we could have for this trip? Healing potions or even just rations, anything would help."
At that Lady Silverhand speaks up: "Sadly our potion coffers were destroyed in the attack... While the remaining potions have been sent to the groups facing the giants. Hopefully, after your first foray, we may be able to grant you some potions." She says sadly.
So minimal knowledge, and minimal aid... the best way to begin an adventure XD
With no more questions, you head back with Durnan. You pass through the once-shining palace and enter the streets of the almost ruined city. As you walk along the rough roads Durnan walks along with you, keeping his head down and his pace direct. Eventually, after he has been walking in silence for a couple minutes he speaks up: "My mos' recent info's tha' sev'ral 'venturers wen' in thar only a coupl' tenday ago. Thar were for o' them, archer, brother n' sister pair, and a merc o' some kind. I don' remember too much 'cept tha' the sis was a wizard, n' the brother was a warrior. Now, I'm not gettin' tha' emotional bu' they were young 'uns, n' seein' them back'd be... nice. Other'n tha' there was a druid tha' wen' in there's well. Remember 'e ha' some sort o' frog companion or somethin'. Anyway, Pencheska'll be able ta' strap ya' in." He finishes as you find that as you find yourself back at the inn.
As you open the door you see that the scene of chaos is completely gone, whatever remnants that might have remained during breakfast are gone. You notice mostly a fresh set of patrons, but a couple still stand out as ones who were present at breakfast, a city watch member sits in the back of the room, wearing a ponderous expression on his face. An elderly elven woman wearing plain white robes flits between tables mouthing the words "It's too late... The foreigner has already returned..." over and over again, although nobody seems to pay her much mind. An elderly halfling, who has been sitting in the center gambling table on the far side of the portal since the morning laughs as he rakes in a pile of gold pieces from some clearly angry bar patrons. Lastly Pencheska is playing a melodic tune on her lute (as she does have to rest her voice from time to time). As she sees all of you enter she glances over to Flame but then quickly blushes and looks away. Durnan then leads you all to the humongous hole right in the middle of the tavern, as he begins informing you: "You be 'eadin down into tha' downshadow. From there you'd best meet wit' Izzy tha' 'Praiser down there. She'll be able ta' tell ya' how ta' use this." Durnan then hands Marion a shining crystal pendant on a bronze chain. As she touches it she can't help but feel a strange sense of disgust, as if she was handed a pile of squiggling worms. Noticing a group beginning to enter the portal, two people approach. One of them is Pencheska who goes and grabs a harness from the side of the "well" that lies on what seems to be a very large winch. She then hands it over to Elemoth and begins to show you all how to put it on (if you've ever been on a zip line or a high ropes course it looks like that). While Elemoth is putting on the harness you can see that it's strapped to a great beam that goes over the hole in the tavern via a long hemp rope. Meanwhile, another person steps up. He has a grim visage and wears the garbs of Kelemvor. He then says in a very drab voice: "Names and those who should inherit your worldly belongings after your inevitable demise..."
OOC: Sorry for the slight delay, it's been very busy.
Shadow spends some time hanging around Pencheska. Some how an ale has appeared in his hands, and then another. Not being used to alcohol, these two drinks make him quite tipsy. Pencheska starts a new song at Shadow's request.
The time to party is here and now
When you hear their tale, you will want to bow
Listen closely as I tell of there prowess
A tale to tell that they are the strongest
Behold, adventurers so brave
Exploring countrysides and caves
Fighting beasts so powerful and strong
Slaying them quickly, it won't take long...
Shadow is getting a little carried away, having not been outside of a monastery for the majority of his life, he his enjoying all that life has to offer. The song comes to an end and he tosses a gold in the bowl for Pencheska. He then walks over to his brother. "He' Fleme, I thin' she's *hiccup* into ya." Shadow plops down on the stool next to Flame.
"Shadow, control yourself. It's only breakfast, sober up." Flame takes Shadow's drink and asks for some water and bread for his uncharacteristically careless brother. As he tries to be an adult for Shadow, he is blushing at his words about Pencheska. "Did he really mean that or is the drink just getting to him?"
"Whet do you mean Fleme? I am sober." Shadow reaches for his drink and tries to take it from his brother.
Pencheska looks over at Flame as Shadow is speaking and blushes profusely after catching his gaze, only to immediately stare at the floor in embarrassment. "Oh, why... that's very nice of him." She half-mumbles to the ground. "And yes, I perform here day and night, it's my job and my home after all. I hope maybe you all will come again sometime... I really should get back to that though, Durnan expects performances regularly." At that she immediately leaves the conversation, still staring at the ground as she begins to play a melodic tavern tune on her lute. As she finishes Shadow's request she laughs as she watches Flame deal with her inebriated brother. To Flame at least, they sound like droplets of nectar falling from the sky like rain on a bright sunny day. Upon realizing that she laughed she immediately clamps her hands over her mouth and catches Flame's gaze a moment before staring at the ground once more. The bell begins to toll as you then realize that you all should probably be heading out as the time for the meeting is nearing.
You walk across ruined streets, rubble has been strewn about in all places and several houses have been either smashed in, burned, or melted entirely. Commoners wander the ruins of buildings, looking through what they've lost and picking up what they can. The closer and closer to the center of the city, the more evident the destruction. Though even with all of this ruin, there is hope. People work together to help to rebuild the city. The stores are being rebuilt, for Waterdeep is recovering. And yet, even though Waterdeep shall eventually return to its bright past, it will take time, and the dark force still rests deep below...
Finally you make it to what would have been an elegant and beautiful palace, the Lord's Palace. You see several other clearly adventuring-type people walk in to the palace. They are of all shapes and sizes, and almost all (with the exception of you and a couple other individuals) have shiny gear, wondrous items, and/or strange mystical runes etched into their skin. Clearly all of Waterdeep's best and brightest adventurers have gathered here to hear to what Lady Lareal Silverhand has to say. You all file into the grand hall, the passageway leading to the central chamber contains shattered pictures, ripped carpets, and other trinkets that simply lie about... most likely the result of how the destruction was mostly focussed on the center of Waterdeep, and the Lord's Palace is smack dab in the middle of the City of Splendors. As your eyes touch upon the great hall you cannot help but imagine what awesome (as in full of awe) gatherings must have taken place here, the Council of Waterdeep, one of the most prestigious gatherings of nobles and officials takes place in this exact same hall, and now you're here as well. You cannot help but feel both amazed and a bit out-of-place, for almost everyone else seems to have clear adventuring experience, but your reverie is interrupted by the beginning of Lady Lareal Silverhand. Her voice as it wanders to your ears is melodic, like a sliver of a feather floating daintily on the wind. And yet, it has a tone of purpose, of assertiveness when it is needed.
<<EXPOSITION THAT'S IN THE FORMAT OF A STORY AND HOW I THINK BATTLES WOULD WORK IN A FANTASY SETTING. FEEL FREE TO READ OR COMPLETELY IGNORE AT YOUR DESIRE>>
"Welcome adventurers, one and all, to the Lord's Palace. I wish that you could be here in less tumultuous circumstances, but nevertheless, here we are. Our city was attacked last night, and though Waterdeep held up a brave defense, in no small part because of all of you..." She pauses as cheers and hurrahs erupt from the crowd, but right as she continues speaking they simply stop immediately. "However, we still suffered grievous injuries to both our walls and our city within. That is why I will work with all of you to ensure that nothing on this scale happens again. Because even though you may defend us, it is quite clear that this enemy is an intelligent one, and for that... we must go on the offensive. I have worked with some of my most trusted advisors on this and we have all agreed that it is imperative that we strike back. The giant advance forces simply retreated, and the main force still lies only a teleportation and tenday's march away. Therefore we shall have heroes go after the respective armies. They seemed to have at first attacked us on all sides, that is because our divinations have found that they've separated themselves into no less than six different camps. We shall send two separate groups to each camp in order to take them down successfully. It seems that whoever is leading the attack has had some time to plan this for we cannot tell exactly where the armies originated from but hopefully taking down the armies themselves should lead us to their lairs. It is also of great importance to note that it seems that the giants appear to be working together. You shall hear a mental ping along with the instructions of who you are going to be divided up in now if you are to go after the giants." At that several people begin to walk off to different locations in the hall. These people seem to be the most well-equipped, with several floating stones above their heads, humongous belts, and very sharp swords. As they look at the groups they clap each-other on the shoulders, begin to unfurl maps, and talk strategy, with several divinations and communions aiding in their decisions. The area begins to fill with the sound of deliberation and the smell of incense burning. You look around at the crowd and it has slightly thinned, maybe around one-quarter of all of the adventurers have gone off. Lady Lareal Silverhand notices this and snaps her fingers, as suddenly you can see the people's mouths moving, and notice them burning spell foci, but you cannot hear or smell anything from them. Lady Lareal continues.
"There is also the issue of the initial attackers, for those wizards were not your standard mages. They looked to be Thayans, and yet when I went to discuss this with the Thayan ambassadors situated here in Waterdeep I found the houses burned and the bodies scorched. Through several speak with dead spells conducted by Kelemvorites it was discovered that the Thayans had no idea such an attack was happening. This bodes ill, for if there is a cell of Thayans who do not fall under Szass Tam's influence, then they act in a way that we have no way or knowing. We have also tried to scry on them, but it appears like they have been intelligent about blocking themselves from such magics. This means that we shall have to do this the old fashioned way. Ten groups shall be sent to Thay as representatives of Waterdeep. You have full legal rights as if you were ambassadors, but be wary... Though the Thayans are law-abiding they also like to twist it to whatever way it can best suit them. You shall hear a similar mental ping." At that multiple other groups of adventurers branch of to discuss tactics similarly. These still look like very powerful adventuring groups, but not to the point of the giant-hunting groups. They still have several magical robes and staves and whatnot, but nothing that screams: "I WAS IN AN ADULT DRAGON'S LAIR." Lady Lareal Silverhand then continues.
"However, with all of these brave heroes gone our city will be left with only a guard system in place, that while equipped to deal with standard criminal troubles... Is not equipped to deal with all of the chaos that we've had yesterday. Therefore, I am asking some of you to stay behind, and guard this brave city. Make sure that civilians are safe in the case of another terrible attack like this. You shall hear a mental ping if you are in this group." Several other people leave the Lord's Palace, content to begin to help out with the city guard, and with that, you're now left with around seven to eight groups standing. Each of them looking around at each other seeing that they are all the last ones left. Lareal then concludes her speech.
"Finally, I know the rest of you do not have to much experience, yesterday might have been the first time that you have faced monsters for some of you. Nevertheless, I still would appreciate your aid. We shall have all of you on call in the case that an attack comes, a... backup force if you would. This way you can do your duty to protect Waterdeep while training your skills so that you can become stronger, at which point you may be upgraded to a full-time Waterdeep guard leader position. I thank you very much for coming today and hope that the next time I see all of you will be under better circumstances." With that, she begins to descend the steps and investigate the other groups, offering advice, suggestions, and guidance.
"Well great job realizing tha' real danger Silver. Didn' even stop ta' ask me. Ya' know wha'... I'm gonna go n' have a talk wit' 'er, n' y'all are comin' 'long." A half mumble-half grumble escapes from the lips of a man behind you, as you wheel around and see... Durnan? The old tavern keeper looks at you and says. "Well, what are ya' waitin' fer. C'mon." He grumbles as he goes off towards Lady Lareal Silverhand. As you follow (I assume), confused with all of the going-ons, and how Durnan even got behind you in the first place without you noticing. He eventually stands in front of Lady Lareal Silverhand (Open Lord of Waterdeep mind you) as she asks: "Durnan! Why hello there, it's been so-"
"Ya' know where tha' problem is. Ya' know where he is. Ya' know tha' ya' could've sent one group down there n' had this be... ya' shoulda' asked me!" He says angrily, clearly he knows something about this whole assault. She then takes on a concerned look as her face grows darker with a bit of a shadow.
"Durnan! You know how dangerous it could be. Plus the amount of time it could take to go through all of them. Along with the fact that with Halaster's creation being perverted by him we have no idea what the result could be now that he's taken full control! There was no way that I could spare a single group from my giant squad or my Thayan squad, by mother I do not think I could have even spared anyone from my guard squad. Who would you suggest to-" As soon as she says that Durnan wheels around and gestures to you all.
"Them!"
"Durnan!" She chides as if he were a child who just made an obscene remark. "Do you not remember the last group who went into the citadel?" (Elemoth's brain flashes to the cryptic riddle given to him by Lathander). Durnan looks down for a moment as if grieving something. "I didn' 'pect it ta' be so dif'rent from wha' Halaster had created... He ha' turned it into its own monster. Nevertheless, it's tha' mos' assured way ta' him n' you know it. You don' even know if those gen'rals'll be givin' up the locations!" At this, it is Lady Lareal Silverhand's turn to look down. "Well... It's their life. We should at least ask them how they would like to live it." She then looks up and towards you all. She seems to be putting on a brave face as the open lord of Waterdeep, but it is clear that this question pains her: "Hello heroes. I am Lady Lareal Silverhand, one of the Seven Sisters, chosen and daughter of Mystra herself, and Open Lord of the greatest city in Abeir-Toril: Waterdeep. It is not my place, but we are in a place of desperation, and therefore I must ask you a terrible request. Are you willing to be the bravest Waterdeep has to offer? A terrible evil has been released, we know not how, but it lies in the ruins of the mad mage Halaster Blackcloak's megadungeon: The Undermountain. Durnan can fill you in on the details of where you shall be going, but what you should know is that the world is in the balance... Are you willing to stand up and fight for it? I understand if you don't want to, it is a terrible burden to bear, but I have a feeling that there's something inside each of you that will answer to call to adventure..." (heh) She then looks at you, seeming to expect an answer. Meanwhile, Durnan gives a simple nod, the presentations of emotion from earlier have vanished from his now-stoic face.
TLDR; You guys have been asked to take on a mission that is very dangerous while the other adventurers defend the city and fight against other threats. Lady Lareal now expects your answer (and I'm going to allow for inner thoughts and for IRL people to contemplate what exactly is going on).
OOC: Argh... my brain hurts XD.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Marion adjusts her glasses and cleares her throat. "I have some questions before I agree to anything." She looks from Lady Silverhand to Durnan and back to the woman.
"First, who is "he", you're referring to? And second," she pauses for a second before continuing: "do you honestly think we're up for the task?"
Insight Checking the answer to the second question: 7
Durnan and Lady Lareal Silverhand exchange a quick glance as Lady Lareal Silverhand relates gravely: "He is an ancient entity, incredibly powerful, and very dangerous. I dare not speak his name, lest he notice, and tries to scry on this conversation. However, you will most likely be operating under his radar for at least a short period of time so you shall not have to worry about him. As for your survival... Indeed, I believe in you, for there is no other group we can spare, but in the end, it is your choice."
OOC: You cannot tell.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Elemoth politely waits as everything happens, using the time to inspect all the other adventurers and their doings, and mentally going over the plans of action proposed. He seems much recovered since the morning at the tavern, and his bedecked in full Chainmail again, and has all of his adventuring gear neatly arranged on both his pack and his body. At the end of the speech, he takes a few steps forward to face Lady Silverhand and Durnan and gives a short bow.
"My Lady, for the sake of my beloved Waterdeep and all the fair citizens and friends that live in it, and by the will of Lathander the Morninglord, it would be my pleasure to do do everything I can to relieve the great burdens of this city in this dark hour." he begins courteously, with the practice he has from a lifetime of being around and serving nobility. Elemoth pauses then, and raises a hand before continuing. "However, if this task that you present to us is as great of a risk as you have said, I would have your word that should anything happen to me, that the compensation due to me will be passed on to my surviving kith and kin should I not live to return." he states, with surprising calmness given the subject he's speaking of.
"I would ask that 2 parts of that go to my still quite young parents, Elessa and Halathar, 1 part to the recently impoverished Devaux family here in Waterdeep, and the last part to the Temple of Lathander in the same." he concludes, keeping eye contact with Lareal without blinking. "If you can assure me of this, I will be more than happy to risk my life in the service of this great land and it's people."
Lady Lareal Silverhand nods. "In the case that your body is unable to be retrieved, we shall, of course, divide up your estates as you have stated."
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Flame listens to all of this intensely. When the time comes, he speaks up. "Our home and family were destroyed by some unknown force. I know the pain and suffering that stems from that. If I can help prevent even a sliver of that pain, I will do it. This group has already shown that we can handle far more than, I think, any of us would have expected. We faced zombies, living plants, and even a demon man with a sword that devoured flesh like a living creature. An angel appeared from the heavens to help us fight. I suspect that the gods have a place for us in this mission. Yes, you have my word. We will do our best in Undermountain."
Torment shrugs, then grins, "Why not? Sounds like fun. I've been looking for an excuse to get my hands dirty."
"Fine, I'm in," says Marion and sighs. "Let's see if I can salvage anything from my past."
Shadow looks down shamefully as his brother brings up his dark past. "I'll do it, I'll do whatever it takes to save this city and it's inhabitants!" Shadow shouts this a little too loudly, and brings his hand to his chest in salute.
Elemoth nods in response to Laeral as she acknowledges his request. "In that case, consider my aid yours." he replies, before pausing for a while to think. "Master Durnan and Mistress Silverhand," he continues after a moment, "Are either of you familiar with six locations that might be underground or otherwise in areas away from the sun? Namely a Citadel, Forge, Shrine, Mountain, Vault, and a Cave?"
Lady Lareal Silverhand nods at all of your affirmations and pauses to think for a moment, before taking a glance at Durnan as Elemoth begins to speak of his riddle. She hesitates before saying: "There is one thing... the first dungeon in the Undermountain is an ancient fortress that descended into the ground. It has earned the name The Sunless Citadel as the ground has partially reformed over it, both hiding it from the artificial dungeon sunlight and the actual sunlight here on the surface. The other names seem... familiar to me, I believe they also might be locales in the Undermountain but Halaster's megadungeon had far too many levels... at least... it used to, and it has been protected by several extraordinary nondetection spells. Feel free to ask me any other questions, or if you have none I'm sure that you should head down to the Downshadow. Durnan should be able to help you with that." At that, Durnan grumbles and rolls his eyes.
(Under his breath: "Why'sit always me...")
OOC: Giving a decent amount of time for other people to ask questions, otherwise we'll be heading back to The Yawning Portal
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
Flame shifts uncomfortably as she speaks, become more and more aware of how big a task they may have gotten themselves into. "Any idea about what we might encounter in this Citadel?"
History check: 18 )
Marion tries to recall anything useful about the Sunless Citadel.
Lady Lareal Silverhand thinks for a minute before Durnan uncharacteristically begins to speak: "I'm warnin' ya' I tol' tha' other group n' tha' man n' his pet, but they havenae' returned since. I'm thinkin' tha' the dungeon's changed sin' from what I've heard. N' not only tha' but them divinations'll be worthless too... so I'ma 'fraid yer goin' in blind." Durnan responds with an almost undetectable tiny hint of sadness in his voice.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
At that Lady Silverhand speaks up: "Sadly our potion coffers were destroyed in the attack... While the remaining potions have been sent to the groups facing the giants. Hopefully, after your first foray, we may be able to grant you some potions." She says sadly.
So minimal knowledge, and minimal aid... the best way to begin an adventure XD
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3
With no more questions, you head back with Durnan. You pass through the once-shining palace and enter the streets of the almost ruined city. As you walk along the rough roads Durnan walks along with you, keeping his head down and his pace direct. Eventually, after he has been walking in silence for a couple minutes he speaks up: "My mos' recent info's tha' sev'ral 'venturers wen' in thar only a coupl' tenday ago. Thar were for o' them, archer, brother n' sister pair, and a merc o' some kind. I don' remember too much 'cept tha' the sis was a wizard, n' the brother was a warrior. Now, I'm not gettin' tha' emotional bu' they were young 'uns, n' seein' them back'd be... nice. Other'n tha' there was a druid tha' wen' in there's well. Remember 'e ha' some sort o' frog companion or somethin'. Anyway, Pencheska'll be able ta' strap ya' in." He finishes as you find that as you find yourself back at the inn.
As you open the door you see that the scene of chaos is completely gone, whatever remnants that might have remained during breakfast are gone. You notice mostly a fresh set of patrons, but a couple still stand out as ones who were present at breakfast, a city watch member sits in the back of the room, wearing a ponderous expression on his face. An elderly elven woman wearing plain white robes flits between tables mouthing the words "It's too late... The foreigner has already returned..." over and over again, although nobody seems to pay her much mind. An elderly halfling, who has been sitting in the center gambling table on the far side of the portal since the morning laughs as he rakes in a pile of gold pieces from some clearly angry bar patrons. Lastly Pencheska is playing a melodic tune on her lute (as she does have to rest her voice from time to time). As she sees all of you enter she glances over to Flame but then quickly blushes and looks away. Durnan then leads you all to the humongous hole right in the middle of the tavern, as he begins informing you: "You be 'eadin down into tha' downshadow. From there you'd best meet wit' Izzy tha' 'Praiser down there. She'll be able ta' tell ya' how ta' use this." Durnan then hands Marion a shining crystal pendant on a bronze chain. As she touches it she can't help but feel a strange sense of disgust, as if she was handed a pile of squiggling worms. Noticing a group beginning to enter the portal, two people approach. One of them is Pencheska who goes and grabs a harness from the side of the "well" that lies on what seems to be a very large winch. She then hands it over to Elemoth and begins to show you all how to put it on (if you've ever been on a zip line or a high ropes course it looks like that). While Elemoth is putting on the harness you can see that it's strapped to a great beam that goes over the hole in the tavern via a long hemp rope. Meanwhile, another person steps up. He has a grim visage and wears the garbs of Kelemvor. He then says in a very drab voice: "Names and those who should inherit your worldly belongings after your inevitable demise..."
OOC: Sorry for the slight delay, it's been very busy.
DM of Tomb of Annihilation (and more) Group 2 and Group 3