I'll post narrative after action reports in this thread. Please forgive inaccuracies, I'm taking notes mid-action!

In reply to RedBeard (msg # 1):
Action Report - 7 February 2019

The door to Trollskull Manor opened slowly, creaking just slightly on its hinges. Standing before the party was Saradas Boulderhill, a small, patrician looking Halfling clad in finely made but dated clothing. His silvery hair was combed back from his face and his lively eyes were flecked with silver.

“Gentlemen! Thank you so much for visiting me and….is that my journal? Splendid,” exclaimed the Halfling as his eyes flashed with curiosity, “What did you think of the contents? Interesting stuff right?”

“We wouldn’t know, Master Halfling, we did not open the journal,” said Rolf as he passed the small book to Saradas, “Didn’t seem proper.”

Boulderhill accepted the book from Rolf and regarded the party for a moment, his fingers drumming slowly on the spine of the book.

“Interesting…” the small man muttered to himself. “Oh! My goodness, I forget my manners! Please gentlemen, do come in!”

Boulderhill stepped back from the door and lead the party through several rooms of his home. The rooms they passed through looked more like museum galleries than one would have expected for a house, even in this part of Waterdeep. The Halfling gazed at his collection as he walked through the rooms but said nothing. Eventually the grouped was ushered into a small, comfortably appointed sitting room that was chillier than it should be for the fire crackling in the large fireplace.

“Please sit,” the Halfling motioned to several chairs and couches arrayed around the room. “Thank you again for returning journal…”

“Unopened” came a voice from one of the party members.

“Unopened indeed,” replied Saradas. “And that fact is key in the discussion we’re now having. You have proven yourselves to be honorable and capable men. I hadn’t expected to see this again so quickly,” he tapped the journal on his side table.

“I am a collector of all things arcane. Fortunately, we live above one of the largest nodes of arcane energy in all of Faerun - the dungeon of Undermountain. Undermountain is the creation of a wizard named Hallaster Blackcloak and it has existed beneath this city for as long as this city has itself existed and perhaps even longer. Hallaster’s motives are obscure and most think him insane but I am not entirely convinced of this,” the Halfling paused, eyeing the group.

“I cannot be certain but I think that flatly arguing Halaster is insane is missing some greater point.” Boulderhill regarded the group, his eyes flickering in the firelight.

“Regardless, the men who stole this journal from me are almost certainly in the employ of the Beholder crime lord Xanathar,” Boulderhill’s voice grew somehow heavier as he mentioned Xanathar. “The foul creature probably means to seize Undermountain and plunder it for himself!”

“Fortunately or unfortunately, Xanathar has met resistance from members of the Black Network, who have recently arrived in Waterdeep,” said the Halfling. “They seem to be locked in a struggle for control of criminal enterprise within the city. Something, frankly, I care little about - we have a very capable and competent City Watch and Guard and they will handle this matter.” Ham nodded in appreciation at this comment.

“But I digress. I would like very much for your assistance in exploring and reclaiming the treasures locked away below our feet. It would be criminal were we to stand by and allow the likes of Xanathar to spirit them away.”

The party looked at one another, relieved to be finally coming to the heart of the matter.

“So it’s a treasure delve then?” Said Finn.

“Well that’s a rather base description of what I’m proposing,” said Saradas with a chuckle, “but yes. I would like you to go into Undermountain and recover what you can, either items or information - both are of equal value to me. I am willing to sponsor such an effort.”

“Sponsorship…” said Ham. “What does that entail?”

“Arms, armor, equipment and supplies,” said Boulderhill, warming to the negotiation.

“That’s it?” Said Alihazar.

“What else do you gentlemen require,” asked the Halfling.

A look passed amongst the party and Dan Golf spoke up, “If you’d give a moment to discuss, Master Halfling?”

“Oh my certainly,” said Saradas. “Discuss amongst yourselves. I will see to some refreshments.”

With the Halfling gone, the party put their heads together and reached agreement. When Saradas came back, Rolf spoke.

“Master Halfling, we will accept your offer with the following conditions. We are each to be paid a retainer of 100 gold up front, we have right of first refusal on magical items discovered in the dungeon, we will need to be paid a commission for each returned item, and we require a base of operations here in Waterdeep.”

“Not a small list of additional conditions, good sir,” remarked Saradas as he set a large platter with drinks and small snacks in front of the party. “I will need to make some arrangements but I think we have terms.”

Placing out his small hand, the Halfling asked “Are we agreed?”

“We are agreed,” replied Rolf, returning the handshake.

————————

Their preparations complete, the party assembled at The Yawning Portal. Wagers were placed on their success and a final round of drinks was purchased.

Finally, it was time to descend. Durnan, the proprietor, ordered the chain hoist unslung and the platform attached. Before long, the lift swung gently in the open air of the pit, waiting for its occupants.

Durnan, who never used two words when one would do, grasped each man’s hand in turn and said “Luck.”

The party climbed into the lift and Durnan gave the signal to release the winch. As the lift dropped below the lip of the shaft, Durnan caught Finn’s eye and winked.

————————

As the party descended, the light and warmth from the the main room of the Yawning Portal faded. Walls of the shaft were crafted of old stone, worn with time and covered with moss. There were clear hand-holds used by adventurers unwilling to pay to use the chain hoist or in a hurry to get away from something down below.

After several minutes the hoist clunked down in a dimly lit room with a sand-covered floor and battered shields hanging from the walls. The party quickly scouted the room but found nothing of interest except for an exit in the southwest corner.

“Tactical column gents, noise discipline. Ham, you want rear guard?” Asked Rolf.

The burly former Guardsman nodded and trotted to the back of the group.

“Everyone ready?” asked Finn. The cleric and then pointed at the Half-Elf rogue “Alright Ali, take us out.”

The group moved out of the shaft room quietly, the light of the tavern fading quickly as they rounded a corner. Dangolf whispered quietly and suddenly warm light spread from the end of his staff, lighting the party’s way.

Around several corners and down a short hallway the group emerged into a wide corridor whose far end disappeared into the gloom ahead of them. Ali motioned for the party to hold position and scouted ahead, a quiet shadow moving quickly along the wall.

Ali paused several paces into the hall, unnerved by the grotesque carvings that lined the walls. Imagines of beings so foul they tugged at the threads of one’s sanity were set in bas relief along the corridor. Hideous creatures, some of which Ali had heard of as boogey men in tales meant to frighten children, but none which he had ever encountered in his travels. Pausing to examine one of the carvings he noticed nothing out of the ordinary about the stonework.

Ali motioned to Rolf, indicating the party could move up to his location.

“What the fuck are these things,” Ham cursed softly as he moved up.

“Demons,” Zumfir replied simply. Knowledge acquired during his pursuit of all things monstrous fueling his conviction.

Ali motioned for silence and pointed to the floor several paces ahead of the group. Just visible in the light from Dangolf’s staff was the skeleton of a Kenku, arrayed almost intentionally. One of its little bird-like arms pointed at a carving several down from where the party stood.

Ali again moved forward and examine the carving, quickly determining that it was a door. He discovered a latch concealed as one of the demon’s claws. He detected no traps and signaled the group regarding his discovery.

After a quick discussion, the party moved back and Ali triggered the latch with his Mage Hand. The door swung inwards to reveal a small alcove with a rough hewn passage leading down from the room. The stench of sewage spilled from the room, gagging the party.

“Nope, that looks like a place where oozes and other shit lives. Plus is stinks,” said Ham. Ali backed a little further from the door, hoping nobody would notice.

“Yeah, fuck that. Let’s close it up and spike the door,” said Rolf, the mercenary’s nose wrinkling in disgust.

As the group worked on the door, the sound of foot steps came from the large open space in front of them, heading south down a corridor. Falling quickly into formation, the group moved rapidly into a large room filled with columns. The room was empty, except for a large snake skeleton wrapped around one of the columns. The room had three exits in addition to one they had just come through.

The entrance to the south, where the foot steps had gone, opened to a large square hallway. The floor appeared well travelled. Next to the entrance, written in paint on the wall in Common were the words “Certain death this way!”

Following a brief discussion, the party formed up and moved down the long hallway, chasing after the mysterious footfalls. The hallway was pitch black and extended more than 100 feet before taking a series of sharp turns that ended in a collapsed rock face.

At the base of the cave-in a small tunnel, perhaps 5 feet wide, had been excavated from the fallen stone. Lying discarded on the stone were three rusty pick axes. In the corner, a dead goblin was slumped against the wall, its head caved in by a single blow from a large, blunt object.

“That little crawl space looks like a good place to get killed,” said the big mercenary. “Maybe we go back and check the other exits?”

“Sounds like a good plan to me,” said Zumfir, the Ranger’s fingers drumming on his sword hilt as he contemplated the little tunnel.

Agreed, the group retraced their steps to the room of columns and explored the exit on the western wall. The hallway here was of equal size to the other but thick dust covered the floor, undisturbed by any recent footfalls. The walls were set with mirrors placed in alcoves.

“Trap,” Said Finn.

“Yup,” nodded Rolf in agreement. “Creepy, untravelled hallway lined with mirrors in a dungeon. Fucking trap.”

“North then?” Dangolf asked, shrugging his shoulders.

“North,” nodded Zumfir and Ham.

Up a flight stairs, a hallway jutted off to the east, ending in a closed doorway. The door itself was made of heavy wood, banded with iron, and set expertly into the doorframe. A quick check from Ali revealed the door to be unlocked and untrapped.

The group stacked up on the door and Ali opened it with his Mage Hand. The room beyond was large and rectangular. In the center, lit by dimly glowing purple light was a sword that had been rammed into an armor stand. Beneath the sword lay a skeletal hand, surrounded by a pool of what appeared to be dried blood.

As the party looked at the sword, Dangolf motioned everyone away.

“Don’t touch that thing,” said the wizard seriously, “it might be cursed.”

“I bet our sponsor would pay for it though,” said Ham.

The party put their heads together and decided to have Ali Mage Hand the sword out of the stand. The Rogue stood, holding the glowing sword in front of him.

“I have an idea…” said the Rogue as he carefully maneuvered the sword out of the room and down the hall back towards the mirrored hall.

The rest of the party followed, curious to see what would happen. As they watched the Rogue float the sword down the mirrored hallway, they unconsciously got ready for whatever might happen. Nothing did. The Rogue seemed a little disappointed but kept the sword floating in front of them as they moved back up the hallway to the north.

Taking a right at a T-intersection, the group came to a set of double doors. Faint light glowed from under the doors and the sounds of hushed voices could just be heard. Ali listened at the door and motioned back to the party that he thought there were at least several beings in the room beyond.

The party set themselves for a rapid assault, stacking up the two Fighters and the Cleric at the front, with the Hunter, Wizard, and Rogue coming in behind the heavily armored members of the party.

“Alright, let’s hit these fuckers hard and fast,” said Rolf.

With that, the party kicked in the door and rushed into the room beyond. They found themselves in a richly appointed space, rug on floors, torches in sconces along the wall. Arrayed around room were 9 pale humans, all dressed in robes. At the center of the room, a tall gaunt man, his face drawn and pale almost to the point of death, smiled broadly at the group as they came through the door.

“Gentlemen, I’m so glad that you could join us for dinner…” the gaunt man said as he spread his arms wide. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

As the gaunt man spoke, the other 9 creatures fanned out, slowly moving to surround the party.

“Vampires!” Shouted the mercenary. “Defensive line.”

“I count 9 thralls,” Dangolf called out.

As the front line of the group dropped and set a defensive line, Zumfir notched an arrow and watched the gaunt creature at the center of the room. With their defensive position set, Zumfir nodded to the rest of the party, quickly popped up from behind the fighters and the cleric, and loosed his arrow.

Chaos erupted in the room as the arrow thudded home.

“What the fuck?!” Shouted the gaunt man. “You shot me with an arrow you dick! Seriously? Who does that?”

The group looked at each other in confusion as the man continued to shout.

“This really hurts, I think it’s in the bone,” the man cried, pain in his voice. His companions began to crowd around him, checking to see if he was alright.

Rolf, rage in his eyes, rose from the group’s defensive line and stalked towards the man with the arrow in his shoulder.

“Start talking,” growled the angry mercenary. “Who the fuck are you and what are you doing down here.”

“We’re actors man,” the man said. “We have a side hustle down here rolling drunks and wannabe adventures who come down from The Yawning Portal.”

“Actors?” Said Ham as he walked up. “Dude, you realize this is dungeon right?”

“Um, duh,” quipped the man. “Why do you think we’re down here dressed like vampires?”

“Hey,” growled Rolf, “don’t get cheeky you little shit. We could have killed all of you and we still might.”

Finn, with a resigned look on his face, shouldered his way past the angry Fighters and unceremoniously yanked the arrow out of the actor’s shoulder.

“Oww!!” The man howled.

“Can it,” replied the Cleric as he wove magical energy to heal the wound, “you’ll live.”

The man nodded in gratitude to the Cleric and rolled his shoulder to test the joint.

“That’s gonna smart when it gets cold,” he said sullenly, eyeing the Ranger with resentment.

“Shut up and hand over all your treasure. Now,” said Rolf. “And this, whatever the fuck this is, is done. Pack up your shit and get out of here.”

“Just a second,” said the lead actor, “you can have our money, no problem. But this is actually pretty profitable for us. Maybe we can reach a deal?”

The group left the actors to themselves and walked a short distance away. After some discussion, they agreed to let the actors continue their operation under their patronage.

“Alright,” said Rolf. “Here’s how this works. 75% of your take is ours, to be delivered weekly to Trollskull Manor. If we think you’re cheating us, we come back here and finish the job.”

“Jeez man, that’s pretty steep,” replied the lead actor. “We have a deal but you need to do something for us. The rest of our group is just up beyond those doors but they’ve all gone a little too far with the vampire thing. They have some sort of monster that wandered up from the dungeon below and I think they’re actually drinking people’s blood. It’s full on whacko. Take care of them for us and we’re agreed.”

“What does this monster look like,” asked the Ranger.

“Fucked up. Like a bunch of corpses stuck together but walking,” the lead actor shuddered as he spoke.

“Flesh golem,” nodded Zumfir. “Those things can be nasty.”

“Now we’re talking,” said Rolf as he rolled his shoulders. “Fine, we’ll take care of this thing but you better not be lying or we’re coming back here. Now, tell us what you know about this part of the dungeon…”

The actor raised his hands in surrender.

——————————

Leaving the acting troupe behind, the group made their way north through another hallway. Again, it ended at a set of double doors with light glowing faintly beneath them. The party get into formation and barged into the room.

The large space was empty, save for a throne built from bleached bones. Several doorways led from the room, including one at the north end that had been barricaded with a pile of furniture and other items.

The party cautiously approached a door on the far wall, and Ali could hear voices on the other side when he placed his ear to it. He motioned to the group that the room beyond was occupied.

Moving quickly and quietly the group prepared to rush the room. As the door was kicked in, the room beyond was revealed to be a small room, furnished with chairs, a small table, and bedrolls. The men in the room were caught completely off guard, some half in vampire costume, others playing cards at the small table.

One fainted as the heavily armed party came crashing into the room.

“You guys don’t look like death cultists,” said Finn.

“What? We’re actors! Who told you we were death cultists? I bet it was that dick in the other group,” said one of the men, his face half covered in white makeup.

“Listen up creampuff,” shouted Rolf with barely contained rage, his swords in hand, “sit down, shut up, and tell us what the hell is going on around here.”

The men, sufficiently cowed, explained the rift between the two groups of actors and the arrival of the Flesh Golem, which had seemed to accept their mistress as its master.

“That thing is so gross,” one of the other actors said. “She keeps its in her room next to the throne.”

Leaving the actors behind, the group made their way to the door beside the throne. As they approached the door, the Flesh Golem burst out and began to attack the party. But the party had been expecting to encounter exactly such a creature and they were ready.

Savage blows rained down on the Golem, quickly grinding it down.

With the Golem dead, the party arrayed themselves around the now open door.
“Alright, first thing first - throw out your treasure,” called Ham.

A bag of coins landed on the ground several feet from the door.

“Good,” called the Guardsman in a voice used to be obeyed, “now step out here where we can see you. Hands out. If you make a move, you die.”

A young woman in a vampire costume stepped from the darkened room and stood before the group. She looked around for the Golem and her relief at seeing it dead on the ground was clearly visible.

“Thank you! That thing wandered up here some days ago and started following me around. Seemed to think I was it’s master. It wouldn’t leave me alone!”

The party said nothing, but traded glances.

The woman recovered her composure and looked at the men in front of her with a haughty glance.

“And who might you gentlemen be?” She inquired, looking from face to face.

“Nope, not how this plays out lady,” said Ham. “You’ve got some explaining to do.”

“Certainly,” replied the woman, “now if you’re here you’ve certainly met my former compatriots. I assure you, I can cut a better deal than they did…”

Following some negotiations and an uncomfortable meeting to reunite the two groups of actors, the party surveyed their new domain. A small troupe of fairly talented actors, a profitable side hustle paying them 90%, and a lair with secret access to Waterdeep. Not bad for a couple hours work.

————————

The party resolved to continue their explorations. Removing the barricade from the north end of the throne room they found themselves in a large hallway filled with statues. The statues were covered in webbing.

Fearing giant spiders, the party confirmed and agreed that Dangolf should light the web on fire to chase out any spiders that might be lurking near the ceiling.

The wizard whispered a word and flame streaked towards the ceiling, setting the giant webs ablaze. They party waited anxiously as the flames rolled along, incinerating all the web in the hallway. No spiders emerged.

As the party crept down the hallway they came upon giant spider corpses, all peppered with arrows and long dead.

A side hallway led to a small room which contained a weathered copper throne, green with age. In the corner, a similarly aged copper helm lay discarded, covered in dust. Ali cautiously picked up the helm, and after some discussion, moved it over the throne. This triggered a hidden mechanism in the ceiling which opened and dropped a tube onto the seat of the throne. After inspecting it for traps and magical energy, Dangolf opened the tube to discover a Wand of Secrets.

In reply to RedBeard (msg # 2):

Narrative?!?! THIS IS ART!!!

Thanks, Redbeard!

In reply to RedBeard (msg # 2):

This is great! Well done.

“Gods above and below…” mutters the usually calm Ham as he casts an eye to the ceiling, which boils with acid suspended by obvious magic.

“Gents, look to the floor,” says the Wizard, “it’s slopes downwards. We’re in very dangerous territory here.”

The party looks at the statue of the Saughin Baron, standing frozen in the center of the room, a small box grasped in its hands.

A quick conference confirms that nobody is leaving without the box, regardless of the risk.

“I have rope,” says Alihazar, “let’s make several lengths fast, tie the end around the box, and yank it clear.”

A plan in hand, the party proceeds. The rope is made fast and the group retreats around the corner and up the gentle incline that leads in to the room. Nodding their heads as they count, they pull hard on the rope.

In the room, the small box pops free of the statue and flies forward. As it does, the spell holding the acid is broken and gallons of searing liquid inundate the floor to a depth sufficient to cover the head of a Halfling.

As the party hauls in the box the wet rope burns their hands and raises wisps of smoke from their gloves. The caustic smell of the liquid sloshing just inches from their feet sears their noses and each says a silent prayer for the quick-thinking Rogue.

Box in hand the party crowds around. A quick ‘Detect Magic’ incantation reveals nothing which is alarming by itself. Using ‘Mage Hand’ the Rogue and the Wizard carefully open the box to reveal a lead-lined interior. Curious but increasingly cautious, the inner layer is peeled back to reveal a shrunken, shriveled heart.

“I don’t know what that it is but it has Necromancy written all over it,” says Dangolf as he recoils from the box. “Best seal that up right now.”

Sufficiently deterred from messing with the box any further, the lead lining is replaced and the lid closed.

“Wrap that up,” says Finn, trying hard not to obviously get as far away from it as possible, “we’ll send that topside to our benefactor.”

The little box safely stowed, the party retraces its’ steps to the statue-filled hall and proceeds further from their little stronghold. As they reach the end of the hall, they find themselves standing in front of closed double doors. Using ‘Mage Hand’ the party cautiously opens the doors. In the distant darkness of the large room beyond something stirs and the party hears the sounds of claws on stone, moving faster and closer with each passing second.

“Defensive positions!” says Rolf, the group already reflexively moving into place.

As the group sets itself, three Manticores boil through the now open doors and make straight for the party. The beasts are starving and their rage and hunger is evident on their cruel, almost human faces.

The fighting is savage but quick. The Manticores, driven mad with hunger, attack wildly and without reason. Teeth, claws, and tails land hits but the party makes short work of their task and soon the hall is silent except for the sound of ragged breathing.

As the party cautiously enters the large room, they hear the sound of another set of claws but this creature stays in the shadows and does not attack the group. As the creature circles to stay out of the group’s range Dangolf hatches a plan.

“I’ll cast ‘Light’ on a ball bearing and use ‘Mage Hand’ to move the light ahead of us,” says the Wizard as he fishes around in his pouch for a ball bearing. Ball bearing located, Dangolf casts ‘Light’ and the little glowing orb drifts off into the room.

“I see something trying to stay in the shadows,” whispers Finn, point into the gloom. “Bring the light around and let’s see if we can herd it into the far corner.”

The Cleric points off into the distance, where another door is just barely visible.

“Let’s get it up against that, if possible,” the Cleric says in a low voice. “I think it’s another Manticore…”

After several tense moments, the beast is backed into the corner near the door. The group quickly confers and decides to force the issue with the Manticore and the door simultaneously. Dangolf uses the ‘Mage Hand’ to knock solidly on the door.

Several seconds pass before the group hears the thunder of footsteps from beyond the doors. The doors explode outward into the room followed closely by two Trolls, mindless rage and the thrill of the hunt driving them onwards.

Almost detached from the horrific image the Trolls present the small band of adventurers goes to work, steel flashing as arrows fly and words of power are shouted into the cacophony of battle. These men, these brothers in arms, live for the thrill of battle but do not lose themselves in it.

They survive as soldiers of fortune, their skills for sale to the highest bidder. They are the A-Team.

Seconds pass like minutes as the battle grinds on. The Manticore goes down followed by one Troll, then the next. The small band leans on their weapons in the once more silent gloom, chests heaving as they draw ragged breath. As they regain their composure, they look around and discover the room extends off to their right.

As the party explores the large room more completely they discover a cluster of statues, all frozen in various states of panic and distress. One statue, furthest from the group, glistens with an oily black sheen. The statue appears to hold a crown, also covered in glistening black goo, in its outstretched hand.

“I got this…” mumbles Dangolf to himself, his hands slowly being covered in frost. As the Wizard speaks softly and gestures towards the statue a bolt of frosty blue light streaks from his hand and splashes against his target. The statue disappears under a thick coating of ice as the now animated Black Pudding tries to surge from its resting place.

Frozen in place, the Black Pudding is vulnerable to attack and quickly succumbs to the group’s assault. Alihazar deftly plucks the copper crown from the now bare hand of the statue and examines it.

“Looks clear,” he says as he examines the stones set in the crown. “It looks to be finely made though, I bet it’ll fetch a pretty penny.”

A quick scout of the room reveals that, aside from the foul room in which the Trolls bunked, the party has reached the furtherest ends of this portion of the dungeon. They begin to retrace their steps, heading quickly to the small “vampire” holdfast they now control and the prospect of a decent rest.

After catching their breath the party decides to send Zumfir topside with some of the items they’ve recovered. They agree that he should finalize the arrangements with Harria, the leader of the Vampire Collective. Gingerly stowing items in his bag Zumfir promises to return from the surface as quickly as possible.

Once again in the central column-filled room, the party debates their path forward. Deciding they don’t want to risk the passage leading from the southern end of the room marked “Sudden Death this Way” they begin to examine the seemingly forgotten hallway filled with mirrors.

“Dungeon, mirrors, no obvious footsteps,” says Finn as he examines the hallway. Nodding his head he looks to the others in the party, “Trap.”

“Trap,” nod the rest of the group in agreement.

Working systematically through their options the party quickly discovers by using a ‘Minor Illusion’ spell that the mirrors create shadowy versions of humanoids. The shadows quickly attempt to attack the illusionary people created by the spell and dissipate when the spell is dropped.

“Trap,” concludes the group with certainty.

“We have blankets,” says Rolf as he rifles through his pack. “We could string them to cover each mirror in turn as we walk down the hallway.”

“Timing will be tricky but key,” says Ham, “but this should work…”

Moving carefully, the small party makes their way through the mirrored hallway. Focused on keeping the blankets in position, the going is slow but uneventful. Once on the other side, the party finds themselves at a T intersection in the hallway.

A quick scout to the right reveals a short, rarely-used passage that ends in a small, empty room. The floor is covered with trash and litter, the cast off supplies of adventurers long passed through this place.

Retracing their steps to the T intersection, the party hears voices from ahead. Listening carefully, it is evident the voices are speaking Goblin but the words are not clear. Rolf begins to roll his shoulders, itching for a fight.

Alihazar looks at the faces around him as he pulls his lucky dice from their small leather pouch.

“We’re gonna kill these guys but it sounds like they’re playing dice,” says the Rogue with mischief in his voice, “any objections if I try to talk my way into the game for a little bit?”

The party stares at him for a moment but no-one denies his request. The Rogue turns and heads toward the voices.

“I guess I’ll be his translator then,” grumbles Finn from the piece of wall he’s leaning against.

The pair disappear around the corner and the Goblin voices fall suddenly quiet.

“Hey guys,” says the Cleric in horrible but understandable Goblin, “we heard you playing dice and thought maybe we could join?”

Alihazar holds up his dice and motions rolling them.

“We don’t want any trouble,” says Finn as he tries to read the room. He reaches into his pouch and pulls out a flask, offering it to the nearest Goblin.

Startled, the Goblin reaches for the flask, his hand clearly missing a thumb. He twists off the top and holds it to his nose, smelling the contents. A smile spreads across his face and he takes a quick pull before handing it back to Finn. The Cleric, sensing a breakthrough, motions for him to pass it to his friends and the Goblin does so gladly.

Soon, the Goblins are chatting again and extra buckets are pulled into the circle for the Rogue and the Cleric.

Alihazar notices the easing tension in the room and proceeds to be begin losing money to the Goblins. They begin to mock his dice skills but gladly take his money as the flask continues to pass around the room.

As the Goblins relax, Finn introduces himself to the maimed Goblin and asks his name.

“I am One-Thumb,” the little Goblin says in a somewhat confused tone, holding up his thumbless hand as though the name should be obvious. “I’m the leader of this group of stalwart fighters!”

He motions to the other 5 Goblins seated around the little table, several of them now quite drunk.

“Wow,” Finn says with a low whistle, “this is an impressive squad! What are you guys doing down here?”

“Here?” Parrots One-Thumb, again looking confused. “Why we’re the advance scouts for the Worg’s Eye outpost of Xanathar’s operation on this level.”

“Are there more of you guys down here?” asks the Cleric, looking over his shoulder.

“There’s maybe 5 more Goblins in the next room and the Bugbear assholes who are supposedly in charge down here,” grumbles One-Thumb.

“Are there problems with the Bugbears?” Asks Finn. “Is there something we can maybe do about that for you?”

“They’re so mean to us!” Squeaks the now slightly tipsy Goblin. “They’re always bossing us around, beating us, and stealing our stuff.”

Nodding his head in sympathy as One-thumb bemoans the plight of his fellows, Finn leans in and says in a low, conspiratorial voice, “What if we could do something about that problem?”

“They’re pretty big and it’s just the two of you….” Says One-thumb, eyeing Finn and Alihazar.

Finn winks at the little Goblin.

“Well, we have some friends. Is it ok if they join us?”

One-thumb nods and waves his hand as he looks around for the flask. Finn pats him on the shoulder and motions to the shadow that fills the door to the room. Dangolf, Rolf, and Hamm emerged silently from the shadows, taking the Goblins by surprise and drawing squawks of alarm.

Reading the room, Rolf reaches for his flask, takes a drink, and passes it to the nearest Goblin. Hamm and Dangolf raise their hands and try to look as non-threatening as possible.

Turning to the Goblin nearest him, Alihazar, in a friendly tone of voice asks, “Where can a man find some…uh, you know…companionship down here?”

The Goblin gives Alihazar a long sidelong stare and slowly moves away from the Rogue, obviously uncomfortable. “Grglk, proprietor of the ‘Swamp Hare’ down in the Faire is the Goblin to talk to. Tell him I sent you…”

One-thumb looks at the newly arrived party members and points to another Goblin.

“Squish, go tell the bugbears we’ve got a problem and need their help. Everyone else, get out of the way - our new friends are going to free us!”

The party sets a quick ambush as the Goblins move to the back of the room. Just as the party sets itself Squish tears back into the room, shouting over his shoulder.

“Come quick, come quick!! They’re everywhere…”

Close on Squish’s heels, two Bugbears burst into the room with their spiked clubs raised. Despite their readiness, they were expecting something other than seasoned adventures and the fighting is quick.

As the party cleans their weapons, Finn turns to One-thumb. “How many more Bugbears are there down here?”

“Oh, maybe 5 I think?” Replies One-thumb. He points to Squish again, “Go get ‘em!”

Casting sidelong glances at each other, the party begins to set an ambush, intending to funnel the Bugbears into the room so that Dangolf can hit them with ‘Lightening Bolt.’

Long minutes pass and the group begins to fidget. Eventually the sound of heavy footfalls, moving fast, can be heard getting closer. Squish again emerges from the gloom, running full tilt. He hurdles the trip wire and dives to the side of the room as nine Bugbears and two Ettins round the corner and begin to trip over the low wire.

“Oh crap,” says Finn to no-one in particular as Dangolf cooks off a ‘Lightening Bolt’ into the pile of Bugbears, “I forgot that Goblins can’t count….”

A second ‘Lightning Bolt’ fills the room with the smell of ozone as electricity crackles from the Wizard’s fingers. The Bugbears, caught completely off guard, die in pain and confusion as the lightening arcs through their bodies.

One of the Ettins catches the blast, unintentionally shielding the other. As he staggers, the party falls in to finish the job. Alihazar summons a baboon, for reasons unclear to everyone present, including (probably) himself.

Chaos ensues. The Goblins pile against the Ettin’s legs, trying to trip him. Eventually his wounds overcome him and he collapses to the floor. His companion, furious and confused, strikes out in a rage. The combined might of the adventurers, the Goblins, and the confused but very angry Baboon leave him battered and down on one knee.

The Ettin raises his eyes to survey the mob that surrounds him. The Goblins, assured of their victory, raise their fists in celebration and begin to chant “Worg’s Eye! Worg’s Eye! Worg’s Eye!!”

Slowly, almost hopefully, the Ettin straightens his back, lifts his fists, and says in a voice that could easily be rocks sliding down a mountain “Worg’s Eye.”

The Goblins go mad. They surround the Ettin, patting him on the back as they push the adventures out of the way.

The party looks scene in front of them and then at at each other, confusion mixed with surprise. The realization that they’ve just liberated a small host of Goblins dawns slowly on them…

Five days into our adventure, and I've already seen more here in this strange land than I had hoped. Traveling with this strong group of locals has let me explore my natural curiosity without fear. And then last night...

Where do I begin? With the shapeshifting goblin king? With the undead half-elf Halath Garke who is quickly becoming a trusted ally?   Our newfound riches? Or maybe the sense that I now understand this land and can use my skills of persuasion learned from growing up in the souk to even greater effect? Maybe even this feeling that I have a castle yet to be discovered in a future adventure? It's all so exciting!

The night started auspiciously when we met my half-elf cousin Halath in the pit. I was proud of my brothers that we chose to rescue him, a decision that later proved very prescient at the fighting pits. But more on that later. Once Halath showed us the way to the next level, a strange but powerful feeling washed over me. I now feel wiser and stronger. We were taken to Yek the Tall, who turned out to have a shapeshifting crown. I hadn't seen one of those in ages! We hatched a plan with him to help him rid himself of his Xanathar-aligned overlords, which we are all anticipating carrying out shortly. But first, Halath was able to sense that two of his erstwhile companions from the Fine Fellows of Daggerford were close, and as he has proven to be a useful traveling partner, we wanted to give him a chance at his revenge (though enriching ourselves was equally as interesting). Rolf and Ham warmed up the pit with a decisive victory over an owlbear and then Halath took his turn. Since he was taking on two of his foes, we were able to get 5 to 1 odds, with Yek throwing in a hefty sum as well that he agreed to share with us, 60-40. I've never seen such a bloodbath. It must have been Halath's desire for revenge, but the dwarf and the priest had no chance. After all the counting was done, each of us walked away with 2680 gold pieces! I've never seen such a fortune.

Since we now found ourselves men of great fortune, we decided to peruse the wares in the stalls around Yek's chamber. We were able to pick up some useful gear (I found a scimitar that seems both familiar and lethal in my hand), but then we found the fortune teller. As a man from the land of jinns and spirits, her tent felt welcoming to me, though much of the party seemed apprehensive. Halath went first and drew the Throne. I couldn't wait to go next, and I too drew the Throne. Though outwardly I looked the same, I suddenly felt as though I finally understand the ways of men and creatures in this formerly strange place. Ham and Rolf also took turns drawing cards, with mixed success. Rolf left much richer, but without his magical gear, while Ham seemed to grow bigger in front of our eyes, but also had to fight off some sort of demon. Dan and Finn both saw discretion as the better part of valor, and refused to play this arcane game.

As Rolf was now in need of new gear, we returned to the stalls, which gave me a chance to try out my new persuasion skills. Using my bargaining prowess, Rolf got a new longsword and scimitar at a steep discount, while Ham obtained the finest shield I've ever seen. I guess it pays to be champions of the fighting pit.

Well-equipped and much richer, we are now ready to take on the hobgoblins and drow...

In reply to Alihazar (msg # 6):

Five days into our adventure, and I'm no closer to the knowledge I seek...

However, the fortuitous arrival of Halath Garke in our midst has made me optimistic that I might learn something.  Whatever he is now, he was once a cleric, and he may have some insight into my particular quandary.

As strange as it might be to say this about a Revenant, I felt an immediate bond, a kinship with this unfortunate half-elf.  Having only recently gained contact with my deity, I cannot imagine being cut off the way Haleth seems to be.  I fervently hope that we can take some time in our travels to seek knowledge to help him.  Either to bring him back to the living and reconnect him with his god, or to free him from the bounds of this plane to allow his spirit to travel to his Otherworld.

Before we do, however, I hope to discuss with him all the aspects he can share about being a cleric.  As I mentioned, I have only come to this calling recently.  Before, I was a soldier, a small unit leader serving whichever lord paid my salary.  I learned combat and tactics and field medical care.

It was not until my last major battle before joining this party that I gained the ability to heal using divine power. One of my soldiers, a pikeman named Uthred, had received a severe blow to the head.  I immediately knew the blow was fatal, but I reached for him and felt...something.  Something previously unknown to me flowed through my hands.  Then Uthred's wounds closed and he recovered his senses.

I was no stranger to clerics and their healing powers of course, having been patched up myself on a number of occasions, but this was the first time I'd been able to draw on a holy power.  Other abilities came to me over the next few days.  I can bless my colleagues, draw upon divine powers to strengthen our defenses, and summon a spirit weapon that can strike my foes.  I haven't tested it yet, but I'm quite certain I can turn undead with the best of them.

My only question, and the reason I hope to talk with Haleth at some length, is that I do not know what, or more precisely who, has caused this.  My deity has given me powers beyond my imagination, but has yet to make him or herself known to me.  The few temples at which I inquired turned me away.  The kindest of them felt uncomfortable to be near a cleric who did not know his deity.  The cruelest accused me of being the thrall of some demon or other planer creature.  I fervently hope that Halath might be able to share some bit of information that might point me in the right direction.

I suppose that it why I was so defensive when the Goblin King's messenger tried to exclude Haleth from our meeting.

Now, as to why I tossed the Goblin spice merchant through the back of his stall?

He was just being a little shit.

Still, his bravery earned him the coin I left him to pay for damages.  It only seemed right.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:07, Thu 09 May 2019.

The Revenant made Hamm uneasy. Something that could crush a dwarf’s head that easily and who’s wounds seal up before their eyes was useful. However, they simply didn’t know enough about the thing for his liking.  Their cleric was only recently touch by his god and not entirely sure the true nature of the golem like thing. There was no guarantee that it would not kill them all in their sleep.  “I think I will be sleeping with one eye open and sword in hand” thought Hamm.

He pulled out his flask determined to take the edge off the day, accidently tearing a hunk of metal off the top rendering it unusable. “Well, shit” He thought to himself making a mental note to purchase another flask before they executed the new plan to gain the trust of goblins on this level. He had always been strong; on the field, in the Watch, cracking heads that needed cracking but this was different.

Before they had descended into the market, he had felt his old strength returning and it felt good to be back in the game. He was glad that he had picked up this job; it had kept him from the drink and maybe, with this kind of intel on the Underdark criminal enterprises, he could work his way back into the Watch. After the fight with the Owlbear he had felt near his prime but the card he drew from the magician had made his strength beyond that of a normal human. Outwardly he didn’t look different but the flask, nearly torn in two, proved otherwise.

It didn’t help his mental state that he had gotten greedy. He had watched as Rolf’s gear had disintegrated before his eyes and he felt that he could outsmart the deck and possibly gain another boon. He knew he had pushed it too far when a pale version of himself materialized in front of him grinning wickedly and coming to claim his life.  He was sure that the rest of the party would talk about his nude duel for weeks to come.

He shook himself out of his thoughts and went looking for new flask and something strong to go in it.

“By rights its mine! I found it”

“Aye, you found it but it’s a spell book ye’ idiot. Ye’ canna use it.”

———

Blackness.

No pain.

Silence.

“Where the fuck am I…”

Halleth can feel the jagged stones pressing into his back but feels no discomfort.

“Shit, I’m blind…why can’t I see anything,” the Cleric rubs a hand across his face. As his eyes adjust he can just see the outline of his fingers in the inky gloom.

“Not blind then, just in the dark.”

The Half-Elf drags himself into a sitting position and begins to feel around him. He quickly finds the limits of the space he’s in - maybe 10 feet square, with walls that extend beyond his reach.

“I’m in the pit…” he says as he slumps against the wall, hands on his knees.

“Those motherfuckers, they killed me! Over a spell book….”

Halleth feels a coal of white hot anger flame in his chest as though stoked by a blacksmith. Rage fills him, his hands tingle and his breathing is ragged. Red tinges the blackness and his mind whites out. In the clarity of his rage, four nodes materialize in his mind’s eye and he suddenly realizes that he knows where his former erstwhile companions are.

 “I will kill you all, just as you killed me. I swear this on my life.”

———

“Use it? You moron, I’m going to sell it! It’s probably worth a fortune.”

“Our wizard could use those spells, you selfish lout.”

———

One of the nodes winked out while he slept. Well, not exactly slept. Drifted? Meditated? Halleth wasn’t sure. He was sure, though, that the node representing Kelim was gone.

The rage remained.

Trying to center himself, Halleth reached again for his God. Nothing. It had been nothing since he woke up. No sensation, no warmth, no sense of purpose or belonging.

Just emptiness. Like snuffing out a lantern.

Depression washes over him again and threatens to drown him. He isn’t sure he could die, even if he wanted to.

He’d heard stories while in the Abbey. Horrible things, animated by rage, wandering the world…

Was that light? Voices? His companions come back to finish him off?

“Holy shit, there’s a huge pit over here guys!”

Not a voice he recognizes. A new adventuring party maybe?

A torch appears over the edge, silhouetting a head.

“Hey, there’s a dude at the bottom of this pit. No, he looks like shit. I don’t know, hold on.”

The head again.

“Hey, what are you doing down there?”

Halleth’s voice rasps in his throat, his mouth is paper dry.

“I’m Halleth Garthe, can you help me?”

The head disappears. Voices. He’d be suspicious too.

“Ok, Halleth Garthe, what are you doing in that pit? How did you get there?”

How did I get here? I was murdered! I was betrayed! I was left to die like a dog…

“I think my former partners threw me down here.”

“Threw you down there? How long have you been there?”

Days, weeks, who knows? I’m not hungry and that’s not right, Halleth thinks to himself. Honesty, his mother’s voice in his mind, always there.

“I don’t know,” he says with resignation. “I don’t know, and I’m not sure what happened to me. I…I’m not hungry or thirsty. I don’t sleep.”

“You don’t sleep…” the voice at the top of the pit says. “Hey guys…”

Voices again. Two heads this time.

“Are you a zombie Halleth Garthe?”

“I don’t think so. I was a Cleric but I can’t feel my God. I feel only rage.” Halleth begins to shake, certain his honesty will damn him to darkness again.

A rope unspools as it falls, a small pile landing on his feet. Halleth looks up and sees 5 heads now, all staring at him.

“Rig yourself up, we’ll pull you up. Don’t fucking eat us.”

At the top of the pit a hand extends and Halleth grabs it naturally, almost out of habit.

He finds himself standing in a loose half circle of hard looking men. His back is to the pit, it’s depths an easy shield push or kick away. Smart…he’d do the same.

“Start talking” says one of the men, swords in his hands. The ease with which he held them told Halleth everything he needed to know.

A quick glance around revealed similar tells in the remaining men. Another heavy man, shield in hand. A third, bearing a hammer - this one eyeing him with a mixture of curiosity and pity. A man in robes with a loose posture. And a dark skinned Southerner, leather armor obviously well cared for.

“As I said, I am Halleth Garthe. Late of the adventuring party ‘The Fine Fellows of Daggerford.’ I am…well, I was, a Cleric of Waukeen. I think my party attacked me. I awoke in the pit behind me, my connection to my god is gone. I haven’t eaten and I’m not hungry or thirsty. I don’t sleep.”

He could see the various looks of confusion, mild disgust, and in the case of the Cleric…pity.

“I think I’m dead and I fear what I have become. If I were you, I would chain me up immediately. I don’t know what I’m capable of.”

A tall, handsome Human woman with grey hair paced in front of stone hearth, allowing herself to enjoy the warmth of the fire even as the early summer sun faded outside, draping the gardens of the Palace of Waterdeep in velvet shadow. As the woman idly turned the small figurine of a frog in her hand a soft knock came from the door of her study.

“My lady,” came the voice of her assistant. “The Lord of Whispers is here and he bears a message.”

Laeral Silverhand gently pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose and sighed, the small sound her only expression of regret for the loss of even a minutes peace. The would be no rest, not while she drew breath as the Open Lord.

“Send him in,” she said as she moved to her desk.

Not more than a moment later her visitor appeared at the door, knocked gently, and entered. He moved swiftly to the center of the room and gave her a short bow, which she returned with a nod of her head.

“My Lady, I apologize for disturbing you on such a pleasant evening but I’ve received worrisome news and I felt it prudent to bring it to your immediate attention. If you would read this…”

Lady Silverhand accepted the small note, noticing the densely scribbled and cribbed writing. Written in the dark and quickly, she thought, as her interest grew.

20 Kythorn, 1492 DR
My Lord,
Chaos in Undermountain. Yek slain, new Goblin named ‘One Thumb’ leads Goblintown. Goblin insurrection called ‘Warg’s Eye.’ Instigated by small adventuring party called “A Team” down from the Yawning Portal approximately a fortnight ago. Suspect outside assistance. Xanathar in a panic, retaliation likely. Situation unstable. Request guidance.

Laeral reread the message several times. She didn’t understand all of the references and didn’t need to. The problem was finally clear, though the fog had been lifting for some time. Though she detested Undermountain, Skullport, and the lunatic Beholder Xanathar, Lady Silverhand well understood the role of such places and their importance in the broader ecosystem of a city like Waterdeep.

But, everything and everyone had a place. Xanathar had been testing the bounds of his place for some time and his gang war with the Zhentarim had already spilled onto Waterdeep’s streets. That was unacceptable.

“My Lord,” she said with a slim smile, “I trust you can manage this?”

The masked man shifted his shoulders, almost in anticipation.

“We have options My Lady,” he said perhaps a little more enthusiastically than necessary.

“Clean this up,” she nodded. “All of it.”

“My Lady.” The man bowed curtly and left.

Laeral turned back to the fire, her mind already shifting to other things.

———————

Saradas Boulderhill disliked complications, which was odd because life was complicated and he greatly enjoyed life.

The patrician Halfling poured himself another small glass of brandy and idly brushed a stray lock of silver hair back over his head. As his mind ground away on the news he’d only just received, his guest coughed gently from a chair beside the fire.

“I have to admit I didn’t see this potential outcome,” the Halfing chuckled as he swirled the brandy in his glass. “They’ve been rather industrious, the little scoundrels.”

“Industrious?!” Scoffed the man in the chair. “My good Master Halfling, they poured pitch in a hay barn and took turns throwing in torches! There will be hell to pay for this, mark my words.”

“Oh do calm down you old blowhard,” Saradas said with ice in voice. “They’ve done nothing but accelerate events already in motion. Events we have been planning to deal with for quite some time. Or have you lost your nerve?”

The last comment cracked in the air like shifting sea ice.

“Spare me the theatrics Saradas, you know where I stand. Are we prepared for this?” The older man brushed crumbs from the richly embroidered jacket covering his wide belly.

“We shall see,” smirked the Halfing with a silvery twinkle in his eye. “We shall see.”

—————————

“Filthy treasonous Goblin scum! What is the meaning of this? Was I not just?”

An old Dwarf covers under a table, his eyes squeezed tightly shut, as the slightly insane voice shouting profanities seems to float around the room.

Ott opens his eyes just in time to see a Drow turn to stone not more than three feet from his hiding place. He shuts his eyes again.

“I am betrayed! I knew this would happen. Did I not plan for this very thing?” The mania in the voice is clear now.

“We did plan for this, we did…” the same voice, now softer and closer to the Dwarf’s hiding place.

“Ahmeargo, get in here!” Yells the voice, now with a measure of control. “Ahmeargo!”

“Yeah Boss, I’m here. What are your orders?” Ott knows this voice. Always calm and controlled. Always scheming.

“Wildfire protocol. Task a crew, deal with this. No exceptions, no mistakes. Burn this down, am I clear?” There’s the Boss, he’s back…maybe this time it’ll last longer.

“Yes Boss, clear as Elvish crystal. What about the adventurers?”

The voice is further away now, close to the ceiling.

“Right, them. Send Nihiloor in on your way out. You’re dismissed.”

Ott shivers at that name and wishes he was anywhere else. Several minutes pass and the old Dwarf decides it’s best to stay hidden. No need to risk surprising the Boss when he’s upset.

The sound of robes on the floor stirs Ott from his thoughts. Robes….and a wet gurgling that sends chills down Ott’s spine.

“Ah Nihiloor, thank you for joining me. It seems we have a problem that you may be able to solve,” the voice is near now, only feet above Ott’s table.

“Yes Lord Xanathar, I am aware of the problem,” the voice sounds wet and muffled, as though the mouth speaking is full of food. “What do you propose?”

“These adventures, they call themselves the A-Team. Stupid name. Anyway, they’ve ruined everything. Ahmeargo will handle the Goblins. I want you to do something with the others. I don’t care what.”

“A pleasure,” the voice gurgles. “A pleasure.”

The room is silent for a while, and Ott begins to relax.

“Oh gods!! Sylgar?? Where are you? Sylgar? Have the gotten to you? Sylgar?” The floating voice shrieks now, hysterical and filled with grief. Ott rubs his hand across his face, the other still wrapped tightly around the little fish bowl he’s been guarding with his body this whole time. Inside, oblivious to all that’s gone on, a small goldfish swims lazily.

“Boss,” the old Dwarf says timidly. “It’s ok, Sylgar is here with me.”

The table under which Ott has been hiding is flung away in a single motion, landing in the dust left behind by the other Drow scout. Above him floats The Boss, Xanathar the Beholder, his central eye wild with manic energy. Around him, his smaller eyes dart and stare.

“Ott!!! Oh thank the Gods, you’re a resourceful little Dwarf. You’ve protected Sylgar once again!” Mania in the voice again.

Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:00, Thu 13 June 2019.

- Just finished interrogation from the last game, and one of our NPCs, One Thumb, comes in and declares, "We're betrayed!"
- We get attacked by a leader drow, plus 14 drow soldiers. They were sent by Xanathar.
   * Rolf takes out the leader.
   * Dan Golf take out 7 with a lightning bolt.
   * John takes out a drow with a thrown hand axe.
   * Halath takes out one with sheer strength by smashing his head between his hands.
   * Jeff takes out another drow with a bow shot.
   * Tony / Rolf splits another drow in half with his sword.
   * The last drow tried to run, but Dan Golf takes him out as he was running down a hall using a lightning bolt. He was a pile of ash.
- One Thumb brings in three of his soldiers, and we heal both One Thumb and his crew.
- We take a long rest.
- Maloon Wardragon shows up during our long rest. He says they've found a stairwell that has a door with eyes all over it. Everyone is scared to go down it.
   * This stairwell seems to line up with a map that we received earlier.
- We decide to finish our long rest, then we decide to visit Troll Skull manor.
   * We bring our "halfling" silver dragon benefactor, Saradis, up to speed.
   * We let me him know that we've found the stairwell that might lead to Xanathar.
   * We inform him that our goblins are being attacked by Xanathar soldiers (mainly drow).
   * Our plan is to steal Xanathar's dream machine so that he dreams and creates his evil twin that will kill him.
   * We also inform him that our "secret lair" has been discovered and it seems everyone knows about it.
   * We decide to send Halath in to fight in the Xanathar arena, which will draw Xanathar out of his bed and audience chambers. When Halath has started fighting, he'll blow on his horn to let us know that the fight has started. This will give us the opportunity for me (Dan Golf) to go invisible with the cloak and use my winged boots to get into his bed chamber and steal his dream machine.
- We go down the stair case.
- As we reach the bottom of the stair case, we hear the blow of the horn. We run down the stairs, across a room, down a hall, and wind up in a balcony of the arena.
   * Dan Golf gets sent off invisible with the winged boots to destroy (not steal) the machine.
   * The rest of the team drops into the arena and a young (possibly wyrmling) blue dragon comes into the arena.
   * The team rolls very low initiative.
   * The first attacks do little damage (but do get in some damage).
   * The dragon's first attack goes after Halath.
   * Jeff attacks 2nd with his longbow, and fails. He also adds a "thorn".
   * In the end, the team manages to defeat the dragon.
- Dan Golf's actions are in a separate report (see "Dan Golf side mission")
- After defeating the dragon, Xanathar the Beholder points to another door in the arena and a stone golem comes out.
   * Jeff's first attack does some damage.
   * Rob also does some damage.
   * John then tries to jump on him.
   * After all of the team's first attacks, he's taken 176 points of damage, but is still alive.
   * The stone golem's first attack goes after John (Ham), and he fails miserably.
   * Maloon goes in and kills the creature.
- Xanathar comes down and talks to the group. To buy Dan Golf some time, they ask to fight another creature.
   * Xanathar sends out a troll.
   * The creature takes some damage, then lays into Sean's character (the goliath).
   * Rob's character then attacks and does a fair amount of damage.
   * John's character (Ham) then attacks.
   * In the end, the troll is defeated.
- About this time, Xanathar realizes that his machine has been destroyed. He takes off for his chamber.
- In the meantime, Dan Golf meets back up with the team holding the fishbowl.
- We meet up with the silver dragon "halfling", and wind up fighting Manchune, a super mage wizard (28th level?), along with the silver dragon, Saradis. In the end, we manage to do just over 100 hp of damage, Saradis manages to get him in a "Paralyzed" spell, then gets him to submit.
   * For extra good measure, Ham (John) asks to whip him with his "Chains of Fire". Saradis says, "Sure. Why not? I'm curious." Ham winds up doing a HUUUUGE amount of damage.
   * A group of wizards show up and take Manchune away.
   * We go to get a drink with Saradis.
- At this point, we realize that there's a vacuum in the dungeon. The drow need to be dealt with. The orcs need to be dealt with. The goblins need to be dealt with.
- As far as loot is concerned, we wound up with:
   * 12000 GP
   * 2400 Platinum
   * A potion of invulnerability.
   * 2x an elixir of health.
   * 2x a potion of dimunition
   * Manchune's spell book (20 lbs wrapped in beholder hide, and is given to Saradis)
   * a robe of the arch magi - gray in color
   * staff of power -
   * irritable bowel syndrome
   * sword of azeredge (goes to Rolf)
- We take the hide of Xanathar and give it to Durnan so that he can mount it on the wall of the Yawning Portal. We carry the beholder hide, walk into the Yawning Portal and drop it on the bar. Durnan looks at Sean and says, "You with these guys?" Sean responds that he "talks to bears". Durnan gives him a huge flask of ale, then asks "This for me?", pointing towards Xanathar's corpse. We push the corpse toward him and say, "Yes. Courtesy of the A-Team".

On 9/7/19 8:28 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You're on track, you've made it through the room you started in and you're moving through to the audience chamber. You're hearing huge noise from the fighting pit. Things seem to be going ok. Do you continue on your mission?

Gary wrote: Yes, I will continue.

On 9/7/19 8:30 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You've hit a locked door

Gary wrote: I'm going to use my "Wand of Secrets" to look for a secret door or some way to go around the locked door.

On 9/7/19 8:34 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You're successful, the door pops open

Gary wrote: On I go...

On 9/7/19 8:39 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You make it to the bed chamber, and beyond you can see a glow coming from an antechamber.

Gary wrote: I'll slowly approach the antechamber and look in.

On 9/7/19 8:44 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You see the floating disk thing. and a Ott, sleeping on a straw pallet under it

Gary wrote: What's an "Ott"? An otyugh?

On 9/7/19 8:46 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: He's that shit bag dwarf fish watcher you guys captured and Halleth let go. He came back to his master. There's also a fish bowl, with a goldfish in it

Gary wrote: Ah! Okay. How easy does it appear to be to destroy the floating disk?

On 9/7/19 8:50 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You can do it but it'll wake the dwarf

Gary wrote: Would just taking it awake the dwarf

On 9/7/19 8:53 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: it's just the dwarf right now...

Gary wrote: Rule #1 of Covert Ops: The less attention you attract, the less attention you attract. I'm going to grab the floating disk and take it out without awaking the dwarf.

On 9/7/19 8:56 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: it's 6ft in diameter, you can't move it

Gary wrote: Well, then, I'm going to smash it to the best of my ability.

On 9/7/19 9:04 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: You're able to smash it with a spell but the shards land on Ott and wake him. The fishbowl begins to teeter and looks like it will fall.

Gary wrote: I'll try and catch the fishbowl.

On 9/7/19 9:10 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: The machine shatters and you catch the fishbowl. Ott starts freaking out.

Gary wrote: I'm running out as fast as the winged boots will carry me. If there is some way I can see down a long hall, I will invoke "Dimension Door" to instantly teleport that distance in order to increase my overall speed.

On 9/7/19 9:12 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: Are you taking the fishbowl?

Gary wrote: Oh, sorry! Yes, assuming it is not that large. If it's too large, I'm putting it down and running as fast as I can.

On 9/7/19 9:14 PM, Paul Anderson wrote: It's very easy to carry.

Gary wrote: Then the fishbowl and I are running back towards the arena as fast as I can. CORRECTION: I'm running to the stairwell that we came down. I'm going to run to the top of the stairwell, put the fishbowl down, and head towards the arena.

DM: Paul
Players: John, Kurt, Tony, Rob, Gary

Beginning: We're inside of Skullport, having just finished a battle with Drow and their thrall spiders. The head of the Drow is still alive. The team attempted to go down river to escape, but came upon some hobgoblins. They come back, and find a place to rest up. After a long rest, we begin...

They first decide to send Dan (the wizard) up the river invisibly while flying. Being human, Dan cannot see in the dark. He returns to obtain the goggles of dark sight. He goes back upstream. In that time, the team gets antsy and starts to go upstream as well. A group of minotaur skeletons come up out of the water and attack. They are able to fight them off while blowing the horn for Dan Golf to return, then row back downstream. Dan Golf tells them that there are four Drow (one on each side), and they decide to attack. Coming up in the row boat, they decide to use ranged weapons to attack the Drow.

John goes first. He uses his turn to row as fast and hard as possible. One of the Drow shoots at Tony, and hits him, but the poisoned arrow does not infect him. Haleth goes next. He uses his heavy crossbow. All of the Drow shoot at John next, but miss. Kurt goes next. He shoots twice, but misses with both shots. Kurt is shot for 3 pts of damage, and he is also infected with some poison that makes him disadvantaged. Dan Golf decides to not do anything, and remains invisible.

The team finally lands. John (Ham) takes out one of the Drow. The other Drow throws a "Dark" spell, then runs down the hall. Tony and Ham give chase. They take him down readily.

A Drow on the other side of the river takes a shot at Haleth. He hits Haleth for a few points of damage. Haleth is immune to poison, so he takes no further damage. Dan Golf drops a rock with a "Light" spell behind the two, remaining Drow so that they are backlight. Rob takes a shot, but misses.

The rest of the team starts shooting back. John hits one of them for 6 pts of damage, and then on a second shot for 5 pts of damage. Tony runs back to the boat, jumps in and starts to row. The Drow takes a shot at Tony, and misses. Haleth shoots with his heavy crossbow, and misses. Kurt shoots two shots, and hits with one, killing the Drow. The remaining Drow shoots back at Kurt, and misses. Rob takes two shots and misses. Dan Golf finally enters the fray and hits him with a "Ray of Frost", giving him 7 pts of damage. John shoots with his bow, missing with both. Tony keeps rowing, but Haleth shoots and hits him with the heavy crossbow. The remaining Drow is badly hurt. He shoots back at Haleth, missing him. Kurt swings his scimitars, but misses. Dan Golf summons another "Ray of Frost", finally killing the last Drow.

John loots the bodies. They each have the basic stuff, swords and short bows. The team drops the bodies into the river, hops into the boat, and rows up to the third landing. Dan Golf continues on up and comes to an opening on both sides of the river. To the right is a wet, dripping-water cave opening that looks gross. To the left is a web-filled cave opening. A wailing sound of wind comes from the web-filled cave opening. He reports back to the team, who come up. Dan Golf proceeds up the tunnel, and hears a voice saying "Make it stop" over and over again. I find a half-elf / half-spider, uh, *thing*. It has its hands on its ears, "Make it stop!"

After a bit of discussion, Kurt and Dan Golf go back to the team. They tell the team that they've found this weird creature, but don't know anything else. The team tries to communicate with the creature. Rob casts a "Silence" spell. The creature shakes his head and says, "Thank you." We ask him what happened, and he just walks off. We ask what happened again, and he said, "I failed my goddess's test, and I was banished." He says he is not allowed to speak her name when asked who his goddess is. He also says he's not allowed to go down the hall. John suggests going to the cave on the other side of the river and killing everything there in order to get back into the "good graces" of his goddess.

While waiting, the rest of the team finds writing that says "Skullport / If booty is what you crave / Fight the surge to the captain's grave".

As we continue on down the tunnel, the webs get thicker. We now come up to some rooms. The main room is about 30' square. In it are chaise lounges with nice, spider silk cushions. There is a hole in the center with entrails and blood. We find some abyssal language. Dan Golf uses the "Comprehend Languages" spell and reads the inscription. The group decides to open one of the doors. After checking for sounds, we open the door. We find what appears to be a dungeon / torture chamber. There is blood everywhere, and manacles on the wall.

We come back out to the main room and open another door. We find an empty room with a table for chaining people down.

We come back out and open a third door. That opens to another room with racks and other torture tools.

A fourth door leads to a hallway. John jams the main door behind us so that someone coming from behind will be slowed or stopped. We walk down the hallway and come to another door. We hear from that door what sounds like faint yelling. The door is locked. Kurt succeeds in opening the lock. The door opens into the space. Tony fires up his axe (literally sets it on fire), and Tony and John head into the room prepared for battle. The room is lit by torches.

We discover that the room is filled with a group of grimlocks. We decide to attack. We surprise them, giving us one attack round with no possibility of hitting back.

John, with a nat 20, starts and hits one with his two handaxes. He kills it. Kurt shoots his crossbow at another one, and hits another one. Dan Golf uses the "Ray of Frost" on another, killing him. Tony (Rolf) uses his axe, and kills another. Haleth fires his heavy crossbow, hitting another one. Rob decides to guard the hall to ensure none escape.

John fires up his axes on the second round, killing the last one.

We find that the room has cells. One cell contains a very tired and bedraggled half-elf. The next cell has a very angry hobgoblin. The rest of the cells are empty. There's another cell just out of sight, and a weak female voice says, "Hello?" We ask who she is and she says that she's an elf and she is studying the Drow. She's also a prisoner of the Drow. The half-elf was kidnapped from above ground and brought down here. The hobgoblin says that he fought hard, but not "hard enough". The hobgoblin says his name is Lavosh and that he is part of a group that is also fighting the Drow.

Kurt talks to "the woman". She says that the Drow are "misunderstood". We decide to leave her in place, but ask the hobgoblin to fight with us. We tell him that if he will fight with us, we will get him back to his people. Before leaving, we ask the woman if she knows anything. When Tony (Rolf) gets into her line of sight, she casts a "Ray of Frost", which misses him. John (Ham) kicks in the door and hits her with both axes. She survives. Kurt shoots both crossbows, hitting with both. She dies. Turns out she was a ninth level spellcaster.

We head down a hall and come to another door. Kurt sticks his head in the door. He finds a room with a 12' ceiling, but the ceiling is heavily webbed. We do not see any spiders.

We come to another door, and a giant spider drops in on us unannounced. John, with initiative, attacks with his axes. He hits with both, killing the spider.

We come across two more doors. One door has a lot of voices behind it; the other door has a little bit of sounds. We decide to place a rod of immovability plus a "Silence" spell on the loud door. The "Silence" spell ensures no sound gets past the door, so we can attack the quieter door. We yank open the quiet door, and find (and surprise) five quaggoths, including a boss quaggoth. John attacks first. He hits with his two handaxes. The creature survives.

The boss quaggoth attacks John with a "Heat Metal" spell. His armor starts to glow and smoke. Tony attacks the first quaggoth again, killing him. He attacks another quaggoth, missing with one attack but hitting with the other. Rob shoots a "Guiding Bolt". He hits the boss quaggoth. John, who is now on fire, decides to just grapple with the boss quaggoth. He pulls the quaggoth into his burning armor, and tries to do a pile driver on him. He does a fair amount of damage to the quaggoth. Tony hits him, doing some more damage. A quaggoth attacks John with a slashing attack, missing with both. Haleth next attacks, killing the boss quaggoth. John's armor stops burning, but is still hot. Kurt attacks with a sneak attack on the injured quaggoth, killing him. Dan Golf attacks with a magic missile, wounding another quaggoth. That same quaggoth attacks Dan Golf, missing with two claw attacks.

The last remaining quaggoth attacks Kurt (Alihazar), wounding him. Tony hits with his axes, wounding him badly. Tony hits with another attack, killing him. Rob hits with his hammer, wounding the last quaggoth. John stands up and rushes the last quaggoth. They start to wrestle. Haleth rushes this last quaggoth that John is wrestling. He attempts to smash his head, wounding him badly. Dan Golf finishes him off with a "Magic Missile".

We move on down the cave hallway, finding more webs. We come back, move the immovable rod onto the quiet door, and prepare to storm on the loud door.

We open the door. Dan Golf lets loose a fireball from his Staff of Power. It takes out two Drow, and wounds the head mistress. The Drow get initiative, and charge Dan Golf. They're only able to close the distance and not attack. Rob attacks one of these Drow, missing. John attacks one of the Drow, killing him. He then attacks the other Drow, killing him also. Dan Golf launches another fireball, wounding the mistress and a chimera. Another chimera attacks John, wounding him with flame damage. A Drow warrior near the mistress sounds a horn. Tony comes into the room and charges the chimera attacking John. He wounds, but does not kill, the chimera. Kurt also attacks the chimera, wounding it further. It survives. Haleth jumps into the fray, shooting a crossbow at the chimera attacking John. The chimera is still alive. Two Drow sprint towards us. The Drow priestess casts a "Locust Plague" spell. I take some damage (10 pts), and Rob also take damage. A Drow mage casts a "Cloud Kill", wounding Dan Golf badly.

Rob heals Dan Golf, then moves into the room. John attacks the chimera again, hitting him with two hits. The chimera is still alive, so John uses his surge. The chimera dies. Dan Golf moves out of the cloud, then launches another fireball, killing the warrior, and wounding the priestess again. Tony uses his action surge to sprint towards the Drow mage. He attacks twice, wounding the mage. Tony also does a "trip" attack, knocking the mage down (prone). Kurt attacks a Drow with his crossbow, wounding (but not killing) of the Drow that charged towards Dan Golf. The other Drow charges Dan Golf, and misses with a sword strike. The priestess launches another locust strike, killing one of her own Drow. Dan Golf and Finn are both killed. The Drow mage uses his turn to stand up and let off a lightning bolt. Tony takes damage.

Dan Golf makes his saving throw with a nat 20, and is back to life, but with one hit point. Dan is still in the locust cloud. Tony attacks the Drow mage again, killing him. The Drow priestess drops her concentration and goes after John. She attacks with a web spell, but John is able to dodge it and it misses. She then pulls out a cat-o-nine-tails and prepares to melee with Tony and John. John makes a diving attack on the priestess, wounding her. Dan Golf does a "Magic Missile" on the priestess, wounding her further. Kurt uses a healing potion on Rob, bringing him back to life. Tony charges the priestess and attacks. He finally kills her.

As we know that they called for reinforcements, we loot everything we can as fast as we can. The chimera: 2000 silver, 10000 copper, and a sack full of 600 electrum. John grabs the priestess's flail. She also had a spell book.

We grab everything we can and bolt out. We head back to the river. Lavosh the hobgoblin offers sanctuary. We get back to our canoe / boat. We come to a dock on which 10 Drow (nine normal and one elite) stand. Dan Golf hits them with a fireball (the last one). He kills all of the normal Drow, and the elite Drow is now pissed. We continue on and find another landing with nine Drow and the "Fop" (the brother of the priestess). A lightning bolt takes out five Drow, then launches another lightning bolt at the "Fop", wounding him. The "Fop" casts a darkness spell and runs off. We tear through the other, four Drow, running after the "Fop". We follow Lavosh to a heavily armed guardpost with a hobgoblin guard captain, nine hobgoblin guards, and bugbears. Lavash speaks for us and authenticates us to the hobgoblin guardpost. We pass through the guard post to a well-deserved long rest.