Prologue: The Yawning Portal
Nov 11, 2019 16:19:56 GMT
Post by DotMM Dungeon Master on Nov 11, 2019 16:19:56 GMT
Dungeon Master
The group, having had adventures together before, find themselves in the city of Waterdeep. They are guided here by the tales and stories of a dungeon so large that runs under the mountain, where adventurers have come back with gold and magical items and profited from their own luck in the dungeon.
They come to the Yawning Portal, a tavern located in Waterdeep. The name of the tavern is earned through a large gaping hole that sits in the middle of the tavern. A hoist system is located next to the hole and a turnwheel located next to it, to lower, and sometimes, raise adventurers in and out of the dungeon. The group are sat at a table in the tavern, having shown interest in going down the mouth of the dungeon.
Osira
Osira rotates around the table at which the rest of the party sits, twirling to emphasize her words.
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Remember when I found that family of cats?! And the two little kittens were trapped in an inferno?! I ran to get you and you were so brave and saved all the cats!”
“Umpen.” twirl
“And Yebe.” twirl
“And Alston.” twirl
“And little Buvvie.” twirl
Osira giggles. “Such silly names for cats but it’s nice that they still share milk with us.”
Vorin
Vorin sits at the table sitting low due to stature as Osira twirls he places his cup of ale back on the table and places the sprig of mistletoe back in his mouth. "Yes Osira, I remember you dragging me into that house of Tabaxi, I still get occasional stiffness in my shoulder to this day." he rotates his shoulder. "They say drobo by any time but they seemed to remember your name better than mine own."
Osira
Osira bobs oddly up and down and says seriously, “Yes. It’s because your name is so difficult to say.”
Vorin
"Well it is actually relatively short for a gnomes." Vorin grumbles to himself a bit before peering back at Osira. "Remind me again what you were doing there again, like before you happened upon the fire."
Osira
“I was following a line of ants.”
Osira begins exaggeratedly miming out her story.
“They were going to show me a portal to the Feywild but we were attacked by a were-cabbage. The battle was hard fought but the ants and I were victorious. As we were celebrating with a bottle of whiskey, I saw the burning house and the yowling cats. That’s when I remembered you like cats so I had to go find and tell you.”
Vorin
"You mean find and drag, I also remember you being intoxicated with bits of greenery splayed accross your maw." Vorin maneuvers the sprig from one corner of his mouth to the other. "Also your right I do love cats, but that doesn't mean I am fond of tabaxi."
Osira
Osira merely nods and continues to bob around the table. “Were-cabbage...”
Vorin
"I am also confused who you would bite into the were-cabbage, what do we do if you turn yourself?"
Osira
Lifting her arms, Osira inspects one and then the other before turning back to Vorin.
“Make soup!”
After the proclamation, she continues her bouncing.
Vorin
Vorin stares blankly at Osira for a moment before pulling the cup of ale to his mouth. "Not a bad idea." He begins to gulp down the rest of its contents.
Ezra
Ezra takes a sip of a dark red wine. "I think a nice slaw would be better. We would have already shredded you." Swirlling the wine, he takes another sip. "Either way, you havent turned yet. So I think we're in the clear."
He laughs then adds, "Do you ever think about what came first? I mean, did someone curse a cabbage with life and then it bit someone or did some guy with an infection take a bite of cabbage and tose the rest?"
Vorin
Placing the empty cup down Vorin glances over to Ezra, "Well if it's the latter, Osira is eventual soup, tell us Osira did the cabbage get any licks in on you or just your ant allies"
Osira
“Oh no, I didn’t lick the cabbage so it didn’t lick me.”
Dungeon Master
The adventurers all regail stories of their past adventures together and enjoy ale in the Yawning Portal, not realising the time that has passed. Listening in to any conversation around the tap room makes them realise that most people are here for one thing; To talk about the Undermountain dungeon.
Vorin
While you enjoy drinks and stories with your party, a few words catch your ears. You lean back in your chair slightly and focus in on the conversation.
"Yeah, well supposedly, one of his apprentices, called Arcturia, actually created monsters for Halaster."
"Yeah, but they also say that she made herself the subject of those transformations. One of the levels down there, she has called it for her own. Supposedly, she used polymorph on any prisoners and now use them to guard the level. I reckon she's still down there, in one form or another."
Everyone
A man from behind the bar walks over to your table where you all sit. His hair is short and slightly curly and a black handlebar moustache adorns his lips.
"Evening all. Name's Durnan. I'm led to believe you lot are planning on going down there, eh?" He nods his head towards the large well, located in the centre of the taproom.
"Well, it'll cost ye all a gold piece. Each." He grins devilishly and looks to you all, awaiting a response.
Osira
“”Do we want to go in?! Do we want to go in?!”
Osira hops up and down then digs through a pouch at her side. Pulling out a gold coin, she twirls and then hands it to Durnan.
Dungeon Master
Durnan takes the coin from Osira and pockets it before looking to the rest of the group.
Vorin
"Well now a gold a piece seems a little steep, I think 2 gold for the 4 of us should more than suffice, no?" Vorin pulls a gold out and holds in it Durnan's view.
Dungeon Master
Durnan laughs out loud before retaining a serious face.
"No negotiation. 1 gold. Each. You'll find your money back when you go down there." He winks before reaching out for the gold piece.
Vorin
Vorin pulls the gold back out of his reach for a moment before relenting and allowing the gold to be taken.
Dungeon Master
"Thank you friend. I promise you'll earn the riches needed to fund this journey tenfold. Any other takers?" He asks looking to both Ezra and Xiari.
Xiari
After deciding that Durnan seems trustworthy Xiari puts a big smile on his face and gets a gold piece out of his bag "here you go friend, a single gold piece seems more than worth the experience. Now how about some entertainment for the night?" he gets his lute out of his bag
Ezra
“Agreed.” Ezra says coldly. He produces a gold piece and as he hands it over says “Either we die, in which case it wont be needed or we find and bring back a hundred times that and more.”
Dungeon Master
Durnan takes the coin from both Xiari and Ezra and pockets it.
"Well, may the gods be with you all when down there. If you wanna come back up, it'll be another gold piece on return. Whenever you're ready, just come let me know." He bows slightly to you all before turning and walking back towards the bar.
Eyes in the tavern seem to be on your group now as it has been made clear that you all plan on heading into Undermountain. A few people seem to be pulling out their coin pouches and whispering amongst themselves as they look from their coin, to other people, and back to you.
"A round of drinks for the new adventurers seeking gold and fortune!" A voice calls out. You all turn and can see a rather poshly dressed man approaching your table. He takes an empty seat at your table and smiles at you all.
"Good morning friends. My name is Volothamp Geddarm, but you can just call me Volo. So, what lures you all to Undermountain? Treasure? Fortune? Fame?" He asks with an eager smile on his face.
Xiari
"I think it's a combination of fortune and a lust for adventure" Xiari says while tuning his instrument
Vorin
"Some form of treasure would be nice, but also hides.from some of the creatures would be an excellent acquisition for myself."
Dungeon Master
Volo laughs out loud.
"Aha, so you like adventure eh? Well, do I have a story for you all." he smiles as a round of ales is brought over to the table. He hands them out to each of you as he starts to tell his story.
"This story dates to the fall of Illefarn, an elven kingdom of the North. An alabaster throne belonging to Syglaeth Audark, the last coronal of Illefarn, disappeared from the capital city of Aelinthaldaar, where the Mad Mage built his tower and today stands Waterdeep. It's said that a group of dwarves feared the destruction of such a miraculous work of stonecraft and stole the throne right out from under the elves' slender noses. Where the dwarves hid it for so long, who knows? But should you find it in Undermountain, it would please the elves of the North to know it survives." He trails off at the end, staring into his own tankard briefly. He then snaps out of it, before smiling and taking a sip of his ale.
Vorin
"This is quite the tale, an alabaster throne you say? Any other stories that of the under mountain that you would care to share with us over drinks?"
Dungeon Master
"Ah, I've heard many a tale of Undermountain. The one that has always mystified me is the one of a river that connects two of the levels down there. It has been told that the river skirts the edges of vast caverns that are filled with trees, shrubs, birds, and other animals. Apparently sunlight too!" He laughs out loud as he takes another swig from his tankard.
"The ones who spin this tale say that an archdruid protects the level and also claim to have laid eyes upon a green dragon that perches on tower near a bridge that spans the river. Could just be tall tales, or it could be the truth. I do hope you all find out." He smiles as he continues to drink.
Vorin
Vorin eyes his compatriots, a smirk crosses his face. He lifts his hand to get the attention of the Barmaid. "Another round for my friends and I at the table." Vorin indicates his party and Volo to be served. "Do go on Volo, tales of green dragons and arch druids are hard to come by."
Xiari
Xiari's eyes shoot up as he hears about the dragon, he listens to Volo with a bit more interest than before
Dungeon Master
"I'd love to stop off and tell you all that I know, however, I am meeting a man in half hour on the other side of Waterdeep. You all caught my attention as I was about to head out." He swigs down the last of his ale and slams the tankard onto the table.
Osira
“Wait!”
Osira flips Volvo a gold coin.
“Is it heads?”
Dungeon Master
He catches the coin in the air and takes a look at it in his palm and lightly frowns.
"Afraid not." He flips it back towards you and nods his head politely at you all and walks away from the table and towards the main door, his story of a dragon and a throne lingering in your heads.
As you all drink and think about the story, a woman dressed in white who is on the table next to you, moves her chair next to your table.
"So, you plan to delve into the mad mages dungeon? Many people have delved and few have returned. Or so they say." She frowns slightly.
"I wouldn't dare go in there myself, but if treasure is to be found, I'm sure this group will find it. And I assure you may have unwanted items, or upgrade some of your stuff." She waffles slightly.
"What I'm trying to say is that I'd be willing to pay you for any items you would be looking to sell. I have funds that are to be used for this." She smiles at you all, hoping for a positive response.
Osira
Osira stares sadly at the coin in her hands, but looks up as the woman finishes speaking.
“My name is Osira. What’s yours?”
Dungeon Master
"Obaya Uday. It is a pleasure to meet you Osira. Waukeen's blessing on you." She politely smiles.
Osira
“Maybe we’ll find blue frogs for you...”
Osira sits straddling a chair and hugging its back. She stares at the pit in the center of the room.
Dungeon Master
She laughs at the comment and rubs the back of her neck.
"If it is magical, I may buy it." She pulls her chair closer to the table, which scrapes across the floor. She leans in closer to you all and talks in a hushed tone.
"I am able to pay in platinum for the items. Depending on the item's rarity, I can offer more. Also, any spell books you come across. I have heard of many wizards who go down. It is called the Mad Mage's dungeon after all." She leans back now and resumes normal projection.
"Would you consider this?"
Vorin
"Well there would have to be room for negotiating of course?" Vorin gives a wry smile.
Dungeon Master
"Unfortunately, I am under strict instructions to pay a certain price for items. I hope you understand." She smiles weakly.
Vorin
Vorin frowns a bit "If the coin is honest.." Vorin looks with curiosity to Xiari and Ezra.
Osira
Osira looks back over her shoulder.
“Instructions from whom?”
Dungeon Master
"I have come from Port Nyanzaru, on behalf of Wakanga O'tamu to procure magical items from Waterdeep. I have found and purchased a few from the city, but from what I hear, there are far greater treasures in Undermountain." She looks at the gaping hole in the center of the room.
Ezra
“I am sure the coin is honest and it sounds like you have a wonderfully interesting job, however, you could not blame us if we were to... shop our wares out. Find the best prices. If that is you, I know we can work something out.”
Vorin
"For that Ezra and I can agree," Vorin shifts his gaze back to Obaya. "How should we contact you when we make our return from the Undermountain?"
Dungeon Master
"I understand. Just know that I will be willing to take them off of your hands if need be. I have taken a room here at the Yawning Portal, should you need to find me. Just ask the proprietor for me." She smiles at you all before pushing her chair back and standing.
"Thank you for at least considering what I ask of you. I hope we meet again. Waukeen's blessing on all of you. And good luck." She smiles and bows deeply before walking away from the table and towards the stairs at the side of the taproom.
A light chorus of chords fills the room as a male human with shoulder length brown hair and bright clothes approaches the table. He carries a three stringed lute in his hand and plucks them delicately, filling the vicinity with a light tune.
"Good evening adventurers!" His accent thick and lush. He finishes the chords to the tune and a few people nearby clap as he bows. He then turns his attention back to the group.
"So, how are we feeling about our upcoming adventure?" He smiles a handsome smile.
Osira
Still staring morosely at the pit in the center of the room, Osira rocks back and forth on her chair.
“We’re all going to die down there.”
Vorin
Vorin stares at Osira mouth agape for a moment before a smile starts to spread accross his face and he begins to laugh aloud.
Xiari
Xiari looks fascinated at the man while he's playing. As the man stops Xiari tries his best to imitate the tune. While playing he looks at Osira "if that is what fate has in store for us then so be it, but personally I wasn't planning on dying"
Osira
Osira looks back to the other lutenist.
“Do you know what’s down there?”
Ezra
Ezra gives a sly smile to Osira. “I knew I liked you for a reason. If we meet our end down there, I will introduce you all to the Raven Queen. Hopefully that is not in the Undermountain though.”
Ezra joins Vorin in laughter.
Dungeon Master
The man laughs at Osira's bleak response, along with Vorin and Ezra.
"You are a pessimistic one, I will give you that. Treasure, monsters, magic, and like you say, death." He winks>
"But you all look like you can handle yourselves, surely?" He smiles at you all and watches as Xiari imitates his song.
"Very good, no? Maybe if you live to tell your tales of Undermountain, you could come back here and lute with me?
Forgive me to be so forward, but I have a small favour to ask of you?" He smiles sheepishly.
Osira
“Fortune favors the bold.”
Osira gestures for the man to continue.
Dungeon Master
He nods.
"I owe a debt to someone in Undermountain. A small price to pay as a thank you. She resides in Skullport. Where it is, I know not. A friend of mine was offered shelter by a half-drow lady, named Cal'al Claddani." He reaches behind himself and retrieves a pouch.
"This pouch is the payment for such a debt. If you do find Skullport, I believe the name of the tavern was called the Flagon and the Dragon. She has offered refuge once, why wouldn't she do it again?" He smiles still holding the pouch.
Osira
Osira doesn’t move except to continue rocking her chair — front legs, back legs, front, back.
“Who do we say it’s from?”
Dungeon Master
He smiles at the seeming acceptance of the favour.
"Ah, my name is Mattrim Mereg. My friends know me as three strings, as exampled here." He gestures to his lute that only has three strings.
"So you may call me Threestrings. Either name will be familiar to Cal'al." He holds out the pouch to Osira.
Osira
“Can your friend tell us where Skullport is?”
Dungeon Master
"I can ask him. You just may have to wait for an answer, as he currently resided in Neverwinter. May be a tenday before I can get a response, but I will ask." He smiles, still holding the pouch.
Osira
“Skullport is probably just around the corner.”
Osira will take the bag and give it a shake, trying to guess what is inside.
Dungeon Master
"It could be." He smiles as he let's Osira take the pouch.
Osira
Shaking the pouch, you feel objects inside clink with each other. Its definitely not coin in this pouch.
Ezra
Ezra swirls his wine in its glass hoping to better aerate it. He then slowly peers up to Mattrim Mereg with one eyebrow raised. “Mr. Threestrings, it is great you repay your friends debts for them. Perhaps if we make if back, you will repay some of ours? We can talk about that later though, right now, I would like to know why you owe the debt? Would not it make more sense that your friend pay it? Also would you not pay for a room in coin?”
Vorin
Vorin leans over towards Xiari, "Seems many require favours and are willing to offer coin to those who can procure things from the undermountain" Vorin gives Xiari a wry smile. "I must say this is definately one of your best ideas thus far my friend."
Dungeon Master
Mattrim looks at Ezra curiously.
I owe the debt because Cal'al saved my friend from the perils that lie in Undermountain. I am choosing to pay what he owes for his life and he has gone half on the debt with me.
The generosity she showed is worth more than just coin. How much would you put on your own life eh?" He asks with a wry smile of his own.
Xiari
Xiari gives Vorin a big grin "I don't recall you being quite as excited when I first mentioned it"
Vorin
Vorin clears his throat as if he choked on something g for a moment. "Well one might say...I was wrong to have disagreed with you." Vorin clears throat once more.
Xiari
Xiari's grin gets even bigger "I guess dungeons could be quite scary to some people" he shakes his head "yet I'm sure the payoff will be more than worth it"
Osira
Osira looks between Three-Strings and Ezra. She stands up from her chair and starts twirling in time to the shake of the bag.
“Sounds good to me! Let’s go, go go!”
Vorin
Vorin gives a slight chuckle as his cheeks flush, "agreed." Vorin gaze shifts to Osira he simply stands, and stretches looking as to where he put his belongings so as to gather them.
Ezra
Ezra eyes Mattrim while getting out of his seat. “I suppose we can help. But nothing is free. How about we start with some music? I would love to dance. Osira, would you like join me?”
Osira
Osira happily ties the bag to her belt, grabs Ezra, and starts swinging him around.
Ezra
Ezra let’s himself be swept away before catching his feet and settling into a rhythm. After a time he waves over to get Xiari and Vorin to join.
Vorin
Vorin who has takes a second look at his things, and leaves them where they are. "Why not." Corin looks throughout the room to see if there seems to be any other individuals in the room interested in a dance.
Dungeon Master
Mattrim smiles as Osira shakes and twirls with the beat of whatever is inside the pouch.
"I would be happy to play for you all!" He starts to pluck the strings which adds to the beat of the pouch.
Vorin
You take a look around the room for someone who may want to join in with the dancing. A few people seem to be watching and enjoying the show. One woman catches your attention though. For the while she has been here, she has just been openly staring at the well that sits in the taproom. While you look at her and wonder why she is staring, only her eyes move to you and then back to the well. She sighs and stands, making her way over to you.
"Excuse me, may I have a word?" She asks with a quiet voice.
Xiari
Xiari sighs with a smile as he gets up and asks the closest person who seems like they might want to dance to join him
Vorin
With a smile, "no better a place for a quiet word then here,"Vorin gestures to the dance floor.
Dungeon Master
She shakes her head.
"I'd rather talk where it is not so loud." She gestures to the table she was sat at.
Vorin
Vorin sighs, "The most boring transactions occur at tables but buisness is buisness." Vorin gestures her to lead the way and follows her to the table.
Dungeon Master
"You can spend your time dancing if you so wish. I do not mean to interrupt your fun." She says blankly as she walks back towards the table.
Vorin
Vorin sighs deeply then follows her takes the seat accross from her.
Dungeon Master
You follow the female to the table and sit with her. You can see she is dressed in fine clothing and is adorned with jewellery.
"My brother is down there. Skullport apparently. Would you mind keeping an eye out for him? I just want to know he is safe." Her eyes share a glare of sadness.
"And if not, I'd like to at least know that too." She looks at you with a hopeful glance.
Vorin
"Have a name, description or a sketch, maybe even a contact in skullport who would know where to find him?" Vorin asks
Dungeon Master
"His name is Kressando Rosznar. He is twenty two years of age, fair skin, and dark curly hair. He likes to boast about his general sneakiness and also versed well in the art of the dagger. I do not know who he has gone to see, all I know is that he has gone to Skullport. He may be wearing one of these." She lifts up her hand and shows you a platinum signet ring that bears a crest of a diving white falcon on a field of blue. You can also read an inscription underneath it too.
'Fly high and stoop swift'
"If you see his safe return, or news of his untimely demise, I can owe a favour. You can trust in house Rosznar." She smiles slightly, before her gaze is once again turned to the well.
Vorin
Vorin commits the description to memory. "Well my party and I shall inquire about your brother in skullport. We shall also keep an eye for him him as we venture forth." Vorin pushes his chair back and rises and moves towards his compatriots. "We should get our own suggestion box the next time we return here." He says with a laugh.
"You all about ready to go or should we make a night of it here?"
Dungeon Master
The lady does not smile in response to you. She just continues to watch the well, expecting something to happen.
Vorin returns to the party, at roughly the same time Durnan does.
"Ah, so you all ready to go then?" He asks while looking to Osira, who seemed to shout out the parties readiness.
Osira
Osira looks to Ezra questioningly.
Ezra
Ezra catches Osira's look. "I mean, I can and will dance all night. But I suppose we should go sooner or later. Xiari seems convinced we'll all come back with gold coming out of our ears!" He turns to Xiari and Vorin, "Fine, fine, let us be off then."
As he walks back to his glass of wine, Ezra looks to Osira once more. "You know the one up shot to being in the Undermountain?"
Xiari
Xiari gives Ezra a big smile "oh I'm not leaving this dungeon until I can swim in treasure"
He turns to the group "I'm ready to go when you all are"
Osira
In response to Ezra, Osira shakes her head.
To Xiari she says, “There’s a pond in the Southern Ward where you can do that.”
Ezra
“Being underground like that, hopefully we will not see anymore flying ‘Baba Yaga’ houses. I do not understand why they laugh at us for that. It was a creepy looking flying house!”
Osira
“I hear tiny ones like to live in caves and other dark places. Maybe we’ll see more flying houses in here.”
Osira runs over to the pit.
“Can we go down here now?”
Ezra
"I hope not." Ezra mumbles to himself.
"I am ready. Let us be off!"
Dungeon Master
Durnan accompanies you all to the well, where the winch is located. The rope of the winch system is stained with dried blood.
"Alright, someone hop on and we can lower you down." he gestures to the rope that has a small noose in the bottom, preferably for a foot.
All eyes in the tap room have now turned to the group that are lowering themselves into Undermountain.
"Ten gold says they never come back!"
"I'll wager that!"
"Have faith, they look prepared!"
The first of the group hops onto the rope and holds on as Durnan gives them one nod and lowers the winch down, lowering the party member down into the deep, dark, unknown.
It takes a minute for the rope to go to the bottom of the pit, and a minute to come back up.
"Good luck down there! Bring back some wealth!" A laugh is heard from Durnan.
The group, having had adventures together before, find themselves in the city of Waterdeep. They are guided here by the tales and stories of a dungeon so large that runs under the mountain, where adventurers have come back with gold and magical items and profited from their own luck in the dungeon.
They come to the Yawning Portal, a tavern located in Waterdeep. The name of the tavern is earned through a large gaping hole that sits in the middle of the tavern. A hoist system is located next to the hole and a turnwheel located next to it, to lower, and sometimes, raise adventurers in and out of the dungeon. The group are sat at a table in the tavern, having shown interest in going down the mouth of the dungeon.
Osira
Osira rotates around the table at which the rest of the party sits, twirling to emphasize her words.
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Vorin!” twirl
“Remember when I found that family of cats?! And the two little kittens were trapped in an inferno?! I ran to get you and you were so brave and saved all the cats!”
“Umpen.” twirl
“And Yebe.” twirl
“And Alston.” twirl
“And little Buvvie.” twirl
Osira giggles. “Such silly names for cats but it’s nice that they still share milk with us.”
Vorin
Vorin sits at the table sitting low due to stature as Osira twirls he places his cup of ale back on the table and places the sprig of mistletoe back in his mouth. "Yes Osira, I remember you dragging me into that house of Tabaxi, I still get occasional stiffness in my shoulder to this day." he rotates his shoulder. "They say drobo by any time but they seemed to remember your name better than mine own."
Osira
Osira bobs oddly up and down and says seriously, “Yes. It’s because your name is so difficult to say.”
Vorin
"Well it is actually relatively short for a gnomes." Vorin grumbles to himself a bit before peering back at Osira. "Remind me again what you were doing there again, like before you happened upon the fire."
Osira
“I was following a line of ants.”
Osira begins exaggeratedly miming out her story.
“They were going to show me a portal to the Feywild but we were attacked by a were-cabbage. The battle was hard fought but the ants and I were victorious. As we were celebrating with a bottle of whiskey, I saw the burning house and the yowling cats. That’s when I remembered you like cats so I had to go find and tell you.”
Vorin
"You mean find and drag, I also remember you being intoxicated with bits of greenery splayed accross your maw." Vorin maneuvers the sprig from one corner of his mouth to the other. "Also your right I do love cats, but that doesn't mean I am fond of tabaxi."
Osira
Osira merely nods and continues to bob around the table. “Were-cabbage...”
Vorin
"I am also confused who you would bite into the were-cabbage, what do we do if you turn yourself?"
Osira
Lifting her arms, Osira inspects one and then the other before turning back to Vorin.
“Make soup!”
After the proclamation, she continues her bouncing.
Vorin
Vorin stares blankly at Osira for a moment before pulling the cup of ale to his mouth. "Not a bad idea." He begins to gulp down the rest of its contents.
Ezra
Ezra takes a sip of a dark red wine. "I think a nice slaw would be better. We would have already shredded you." Swirlling the wine, he takes another sip. "Either way, you havent turned yet. So I think we're in the clear."
He laughs then adds, "Do you ever think about what came first? I mean, did someone curse a cabbage with life and then it bit someone or did some guy with an infection take a bite of cabbage and tose the rest?"
Vorin
Placing the empty cup down Vorin glances over to Ezra, "Well if it's the latter, Osira is eventual soup, tell us Osira did the cabbage get any licks in on you or just your ant allies"
Osira
“Oh no, I didn’t lick the cabbage so it didn’t lick me.”
Dungeon Master
The adventurers all regail stories of their past adventures together and enjoy ale in the Yawning Portal, not realising the time that has passed. Listening in to any conversation around the tap room makes them realise that most people are here for one thing; To talk about the Undermountain dungeon.
Vorin
While you enjoy drinks and stories with your party, a few words catch your ears. You lean back in your chair slightly and focus in on the conversation.
"Yeah, well supposedly, one of his apprentices, called Arcturia, actually created monsters for Halaster."
"Yeah, but they also say that she made herself the subject of those transformations. One of the levels down there, she has called it for her own. Supposedly, she used polymorph on any prisoners and now use them to guard the level. I reckon she's still down there, in one form or another."
Everyone
A man from behind the bar walks over to your table where you all sit. His hair is short and slightly curly and a black handlebar moustache adorns his lips.
"Evening all. Name's Durnan. I'm led to believe you lot are planning on going down there, eh?" He nods his head towards the large well, located in the centre of the taproom.
"Well, it'll cost ye all a gold piece. Each." He grins devilishly and looks to you all, awaiting a response.
Osira
“”Do we want to go in?! Do we want to go in?!”
Osira hops up and down then digs through a pouch at her side. Pulling out a gold coin, she twirls and then hands it to Durnan.
Dungeon Master
Durnan takes the coin from Osira and pockets it before looking to the rest of the group.
Vorin
"Well now a gold a piece seems a little steep, I think 2 gold for the 4 of us should more than suffice, no?" Vorin pulls a gold out and holds in it Durnan's view.
Dungeon Master
Durnan laughs out loud before retaining a serious face.
"No negotiation. 1 gold. Each. You'll find your money back when you go down there." He winks before reaching out for the gold piece.
Vorin
Vorin pulls the gold back out of his reach for a moment before relenting and allowing the gold to be taken.
Dungeon Master
"Thank you friend. I promise you'll earn the riches needed to fund this journey tenfold. Any other takers?" He asks looking to both Ezra and Xiari.
Xiari
After deciding that Durnan seems trustworthy Xiari puts a big smile on his face and gets a gold piece out of his bag "here you go friend, a single gold piece seems more than worth the experience. Now how about some entertainment for the night?" he gets his lute out of his bag
Ezra
“Agreed.” Ezra says coldly. He produces a gold piece and as he hands it over says “Either we die, in which case it wont be needed or we find and bring back a hundred times that and more.”
Dungeon Master
Durnan takes the coin from both Xiari and Ezra and pockets it.
"Well, may the gods be with you all when down there. If you wanna come back up, it'll be another gold piece on return. Whenever you're ready, just come let me know." He bows slightly to you all before turning and walking back towards the bar.
Eyes in the tavern seem to be on your group now as it has been made clear that you all plan on heading into Undermountain. A few people seem to be pulling out their coin pouches and whispering amongst themselves as they look from their coin, to other people, and back to you.
"A round of drinks for the new adventurers seeking gold and fortune!" A voice calls out. You all turn and can see a rather poshly dressed man approaching your table. He takes an empty seat at your table and smiles at you all.
"Good morning friends. My name is Volothamp Geddarm, but you can just call me Volo. So, what lures you all to Undermountain? Treasure? Fortune? Fame?" He asks with an eager smile on his face.
Xiari
"I think it's a combination of fortune and a lust for adventure" Xiari says while tuning his instrument
Vorin
"Some form of treasure would be nice, but also hides.from some of the creatures would be an excellent acquisition for myself."
Dungeon Master
Volo laughs out loud.
"Aha, so you like adventure eh? Well, do I have a story for you all." he smiles as a round of ales is brought over to the table. He hands them out to each of you as he starts to tell his story.
"This story dates to the fall of Illefarn, an elven kingdom of the North. An alabaster throne belonging to Syglaeth Audark, the last coronal of Illefarn, disappeared from the capital city of Aelinthaldaar, where the Mad Mage built his tower and today stands Waterdeep. It's said that a group of dwarves feared the destruction of such a miraculous work of stonecraft and stole the throne right out from under the elves' slender noses. Where the dwarves hid it for so long, who knows? But should you find it in Undermountain, it would please the elves of the North to know it survives." He trails off at the end, staring into his own tankard briefly. He then snaps out of it, before smiling and taking a sip of his ale.
Vorin
"This is quite the tale, an alabaster throne you say? Any other stories that of the under mountain that you would care to share with us over drinks?"
Dungeon Master
"Ah, I've heard many a tale of Undermountain. The one that has always mystified me is the one of a river that connects two of the levels down there. It has been told that the river skirts the edges of vast caverns that are filled with trees, shrubs, birds, and other animals. Apparently sunlight too!" He laughs out loud as he takes another swig from his tankard.
"The ones who spin this tale say that an archdruid protects the level and also claim to have laid eyes upon a green dragon that perches on tower near a bridge that spans the river. Could just be tall tales, or it could be the truth. I do hope you all find out." He smiles as he continues to drink.
Vorin
Vorin eyes his compatriots, a smirk crosses his face. He lifts his hand to get the attention of the Barmaid. "Another round for my friends and I at the table." Vorin indicates his party and Volo to be served. "Do go on Volo, tales of green dragons and arch druids are hard to come by."
Xiari
Xiari's eyes shoot up as he hears about the dragon, he listens to Volo with a bit more interest than before
Dungeon Master
"I'd love to stop off and tell you all that I know, however, I am meeting a man in half hour on the other side of Waterdeep. You all caught my attention as I was about to head out." He swigs down the last of his ale and slams the tankard onto the table.
Osira
“Wait!”
Osira flips Volvo a gold coin.
“Is it heads?”
Dungeon Master
He catches the coin in the air and takes a look at it in his palm and lightly frowns.
"Afraid not." He flips it back towards you and nods his head politely at you all and walks away from the table and towards the main door, his story of a dragon and a throne lingering in your heads.
As you all drink and think about the story, a woman dressed in white who is on the table next to you, moves her chair next to your table.
"So, you plan to delve into the mad mages dungeon? Many people have delved and few have returned. Or so they say." She frowns slightly.
"I wouldn't dare go in there myself, but if treasure is to be found, I'm sure this group will find it. And I assure you may have unwanted items, or upgrade some of your stuff." She waffles slightly.
"What I'm trying to say is that I'd be willing to pay you for any items you would be looking to sell. I have funds that are to be used for this." She smiles at you all, hoping for a positive response.
Osira
Osira stares sadly at the coin in her hands, but looks up as the woman finishes speaking.
“My name is Osira. What’s yours?”
Dungeon Master
"Obaya Uday. It is a pleasure to meet you Osira. Waukeen's blessing on you." She politely smiles.
Osira
“Maybe we’ll find blue frogs for you...”
Osira sits straddling a chair and hugging its back. She stares at the pit in the center of the room.
Dungeon Master
She laughs at the comment and rubs the back of her neck.
"If it is magical, I may buy it." She pulls her chair closer to the table, which scrapes across the floor. She leans in closer to you all and talks in a hushed tone.
"I am able to pay in platinum for the items. Depending on the item's rarity, I can offer more. Also, any spell books you come across. I have heard of many wizards who go down. It is called the Mad Mage's dungeon after all." She leans back now and resumes normal projection.
"Would you consider this?"
Vorin
"Well there would have to be room for negotiating of course?" Vorin gives a wry smile.
Dungeon Master
"Unfortunately, I am under strict instructions to pay a certain price for items. I hope you understand." She smiles weakly.
Vorin
Vorin frowns a bit "If the coin is honest.." Vorin looks with curiosity to Xiari and Ezra.
Osira
Osira looks back over her shoulder.
“Instructions from whom?”
Dungeon Master
"I have come from Port Nyanzaru, on behalf of Wakanga O'tamu to procure magical items from Waterdeep. I have found and purchased a few from the city, but from what I hear, there are far greater treasures in Undermountain." She looks at the gaping hole in the center of the room.
Ezra
“I am sure the coin is honest and it sounds like you have a wonderfully interesting job, however, you could not blame us if we were to... shop our wares out. Find the best prices. If that is you, I know we can work something out.”
Vorin
"For that Ezra and I can agree," Vorin shifts his gaze back to Obaya. "How should we contact you when we make our return from the Undermountain?"
Dungeon Master
"I understand. Just know that I will be willing to take them off of your hands if need be. I have taken a room here at the Yawning Portal, should you need to find me. Just ask the proprietor for me." She smiles at you all before pushing her chair back and standing.
"Thank you for at least considering what I ask of you. I hope we meet again. Waukeen's blessing on all of you. And good luck." She smiles and bows deeply before walking away from the table and towards the stairs at the side of the taproom.
A light chorus of chords fills the room as a male human with shoulder length brown hair and bright clothes approaches the table. He carries a three stringed lute in his hand and plucks them delicately, filling the vicinity with a light tune.
"Good evening adventurers!" His accent thick and lush. He finishes the chords to the tune and a few people nearby clap as he bows. He then turns his attention back to the group.
"So, how are we feeling about our upcoming adventure?" He smiles a handsome smile.
Osira
Still staring morosely at the pit in the center of the room, Osira rocks back and forth on her chair.
“We’re all going to die down there.”
Vorin
Vorin stares at Osira mouth agape for a moment before a smile starts to spread accross his face and he begins to laugh aloud.
Xiari
Xiari looks fascinated at the man while he's playing. As the man stops Xiari tries his best to imitate the tune. While playing he looks at Osira "if that is what fate has in store for us then so be it, but personally I wasn't planning on dying"
Osira
Osira looks back to the other lutenist.
“Do you know what’s down there?”
Ezra
Ezra gives a sly smile to Osira. “I knew I liked you for a reason. If we meet our end down there, I will introduce you all to the Raven Queen. Hopefully that is not in the Undermountain though.”
Ezra joins Vorin in laughter.
Dungeon Master
The man laughs at Osira's bleak response, along with Vorin and Ezra.
"You are a pessimistic one, I will give you that. Treasure, monsters, magic, and like you say, death." He winks>
"But you all look like you can handle yourselves, surely?" He smiles at you all and watches as Xiari imitates his song.
"Very good, no? Maybe if you live to tell your tales of Undermountain, you could come back here and lute with me?
Forgive me to be so forward, but I have a small favour to ask of you?" He smiles sheepishly.
Osira
“Fortune favors the bold.”
Osira gestures for the man to continue.
Dungeon Master
He nods.
"I owe a debt to someone in Undermountain. A small price to pay as a thank you. She resides in Skullport. Where it is, I know not. A friend of mine was offered shelter by a half-drow lady, named Cal'al Claddani." He reaches behind himself and retrieves a pouch.
"This pouch is the payment for such a debt. If you do find Skullport, I believe the name of the tavern was called the Flagon and the Dragon. She has offered refuge once, why wouldn't she do it again?" He smiles still holding the pouch.
Osira
Osira doesn’t move except to continue rocking her chair — front legs, back legs, front, back.
“Who do we say it’s from?”
Dungeon Master
He smiles at the seeming acceptance of the favour.
"Ah, my name is Mattrim Mereg. My friends know me as three strings, as exampled here." He gestures to his lute that only has three strings.
"So you may call me Threestrings. Either name will be familiar to Cal'al." He holds out the pouch to Osira.
Osira
“Can your friend tell us where Skullport is?”
Dungeon Master
"I can ask him. You just may have to wait for an answer, as he currently resided in Neverwinter. May be a tenday before I can get a response, but I will ask." He smiles, still holding the pouch.
Osira
“Skullport is probably just around the corner.”
Osira will take the bag and give it a shake, trying to guess what is inside.
Dungeon Master
"It could be." He smiles as he let's Osira take the pouch.
Osira
Shaking the pouch, you feel objects inside clink with each other. Its definitely not coin in this pouch.
Ezra
Ezra swirls his wine in its glass hoping to better aerate it. He then slowly peers up to Mattrim Mereg with one eyebrow raised. “Mr. Threestrings, it is great you repay your friends debts for them. Perhaps if we make if back, you will repay some of ours? We can talk about that later though, right now, I would like to know why you owe the debt? Would not it make more sense that your friend pay it? Also would you not pay for a room in coin?”
Vorin
Vorin leans over towards Xiari, "Seems many require favours and are willing to offer coin to those who can procure things from the undermountain" Vorin gives Xiari a wry smile. "I must say this is definately one of your best ideas thus far my friend."
Dungeon Master
Mattrim looks at Ezra curiously.
I owe the debt because Cal'al saved my friend from the perils that lie in Undermountain. I am choosing to pay what he owes for his life and he has gone half on the debt with me.
The generosity she showed is worth more than just coin. How much would you put on your own life eh?" He asks with a wry smile of his own.
Xiari
Xiari gives Vorin a big grin "I don't recall you being quite as excited when I first mentioned it"
Vorin
Vorin clears his throat as if he choked on something g for a moment. "Well one might say...I was wrong to have disagreed with you." Vorin clears throat once more.
Xiari
Xiari's grin gets even bigger "I guess dungeons could be quite scary to some people" he shakes his head "yet I'm sure the payoff will be more than worth it"
Osira
Osira looks between Three-Strings and Ezra. She stands up from her chair and starts twirling in time to the shake of the bag.
“Sounds good to me! Let’s go, go go!”
Vorin
Vorin gives a slight chuckle as his cheeks flush, "agreed." Vorin gaze shifts to Osira he simply stands, and stretches looking as to where he put his belongings so as to gather them.
Ezra
Ezra eyes Mattrim while getting out of his seat. “I suppose we can help. But nothing is free. How about we start with some music? I would love to dance. Osira, would you like join me?”
Osira
Osira happily ties the bag to her belt, grabs Ezra, and starts swinging him around.
Ezra
Ezra let’s himself be swept away before catching his feet and settling into a rhythm. After a time he waves over to get Xiari and Vorin to join.
Vorin
Vorin who has takes a second look at his things, and leaves them where they are. "Why not." Corin looks throughout the room to see if there seems to be any other individuals in the room interested in a dance.
Dungeon Master
Mattrim smiles as Osira shakes and twirls with the beat of whatever is inside the pouch.
"I would be happy to play for you all!" He starts to pluck the strings which adds to the beat of the pouch.
Vorin
You take a look around the room for someone who may want to join in with the dancing. A few people seem to be watching and enjoying the show. One woman catches your attention though. For the while she has been here, she has just been openly staring at the well that sits in the taproom. While you look at her and wonder why she is staring, only her eyes move to you and then back to the well. She sighs and stands, making her way over to you.
"Excuse me, may I have a word?" She asks with a quiet voice.
Xiari
Xiari sighs with a smile as he gets up and asks the closest person who seems like they might want to dance to join him
Vorin
With a smile, "no better a place for a quiet word then here,"Vorin gestures to the dance floor.
Dungeon Master
She shakes her head.
"I'd rather talk where it is not so loud." She gestures to the table she was sat at.
Vorin
Vorin sighs, "The most boring transactions occur at tables but buisness is buisness." Vorin gestures her to lead the way and follows her to the table.
Dungeon Master
"You can spend your time dancing if you so wish. I do not mean to interrupt your fun." She says blankly as she walks back towards the table.
Vorin
Vorin sighs deeply then follows her takes the seat accross from her.
Dungeon Master
You follow the female to the table and sit with her. You can see she is dressed in fine clothing and is adorned with jewellery.
"My brother is down there. Skullport apparently. Would you mind keeping an eye out for him? I just want to know he is safe." Her eyes share a glare of sadness.
"And if not, I'd like to at least know that too." She looks at you with a hopeful glance.
Vorin
"Have a name, description or a sketch, maybe even a contact in skullport who would know where to find him?" Vorin asks
Dungeon Master
"His name is Kressando Rosznar. He is twenty two years of age, fair skin, and dark curly hair. He likes to boast about his general sneakiness and also versed well in the art of the dagger. I do not know who he has gone to see, all I know is that he has gone to Skullport. He may be wearing one of these." She lifts up her hand and shows you a platinum signet ring that bears a crest of a diving white falcon on a field of blue. You can also read an inscription underneath it too.
'Fly high and stoop swift'
"If you see his safe return, or news of his untimely demise, I can owe a favour. You can trust in house Rosznar." She smiles slightly, before her gaze is once again turned to the well.
Vorin
Vorin commits the description to memory. "Well my party and I shall inquire about your brother in skullport. We shall also keep an eye for him him as we venture forth." Vorin pushes his chair back and rises and moves towards his compatriots. "We should get our own suggestion box the next time we return here." He says with a laugh.
"You all about ready to go or should we make a night of it here?"
Dungeon Master
The lady does not smile in response to you. She just continues to watch the well, expecting something to happen.
Vorin returns to the party, at roughly the same time Durnan does.
"Ah, so you all ready to go then?" He asks while looking to Osira, who seemed to shout out the parties readiness.
Osira
Osira looks to Ezra questioningly.
Ezra
Ezra catches Osira's look. "I mean, I can and will dance all night. But I suppose we should go sooner or later. Xiari seems convinced we'll all come back with gold coming out of our ears!" He turns to Xiari and Vorin, "Fine, fine, let us be off then."
As he walks back to his glass of wine, Ezra looks to Osira once more. "You know the one up shot to being in the Undermountain?"
Xiari
Xiari gives Ezra a big smile "oh I'm not leaving this dungeon until I can swim in treasure"
He turns to the group "I'm ready to go when you all are"
Osira
In response to Ezra, Osira shakes her head.
To Xiari she says, “There’s a pond in the Southern Ward where you can do that.”
Ezra
“Being underground like that, hopefully we will not see anymore flying ‘Baba Yaga’ houses. I do not understand why they laugh at us for that. It was a creepy looking flying house!”
Osira
“I hear tiny ones like to live in caves and other dark places. Maybe we’ll see more flying houses in here.”
Osira runs over to the pit.
“Can we go down here now?”
Ezra
"I hope not." Ezra mumbles to himself.
"I am ready. Let us be off!"
Dungeon Master
Durnan accompanies you all to the well, where the winch is located. The rope of the winch system is stained with dried blood.
"Alright, someone hop on and we can lower you down." he gestures to the rope that has a small noose in the bottom, preferably for a foot.
All eyes in the tap room have now turned to the group that are lowering themselves into Undermountain.
"Ten gold says they never come back!"
"I'll wager that!"
"Have faith, they look prepared!"
The first of the group hops onto the rope and holds on as Durnan gives them one nod and lowers the winch down, lowering the party member down into the deep, dark, unknown.
It takes a minute for the rope to go to the bottom of the pit, and a minute to come back up.
"Good luck down there! Bring back some wealth!" A laugh is heard from Durnan.