6th of Eleint: Evening
Chapter 1: Leaving The City of the Dead
We stand silently as the ghosts of Sarah and the murdered family of Lord Viallis fade away. Dusk has turned to dark as we shake off the feeling of solemnity and head once again towards the gatehouse where we had entered the City of the Dead. The gatekeeper nods as we walk past him.
Outside the gates and walls of the large cemetery the sounds of the living city begin to penetrate our awareness and we begin talking amongst ourselves. Hearing her stomach rumble, Atalaya is ready to return to the Yawning portal for a meal and a relaxing evening before heading back to Candlekeep. We talk amongst ourselves and take note of the buildings and shops we pass on our way north.
Nevil doesn’t really enter the discussion and after a bit she makes her way to Sorrow and pulls him back a bit from the rest of us. She enters into a conversation thick with hidden meanings and convinces him to go with her as she looks for a place to get a tattoo. She thinks that he will surely know where to go to get a well done tasteful tattoo. Sorrow says that he really doesn’t know that. Ivar would more likely have knowledge of that type of establishment. But since Ivar isn’t here Nevil convinces him to help her find an appropriate establishment. They discuss what tattoo Nevil is going to get and she begins taunting him about getting one for himself. Sorrow is not so sure about that.
Andrea: I could swear he just declared he was getting one too. but either way.
Kathy: From what I could tell it seemed that he waffled back and forth until you either got to the tattoo place or got near to it.
However, he suggests that the best place to look for a good (safe) tattoo shop will probably be in the dock yard in the Sea Ward. Nevil says that “they” won’t be willing to let her go alone, so Sorrow needs to be her partner in this deception.
Nevil: “They won’t let me go alone.”
Sorrow: “I can go with you.”
Nevil thanks him.
Sorrow: “It’s a date.” And then, “There’s a gambling house, feast hall, substances, not far from here. Not in a great section…
Nevil: “Well, I’m tapped out on healing. So this is going to be old school.”
Sorrow: “Like I said, substances…”
Nevil: “Look, I just need a quality piece.”
Sorrow looks pleased. “Baby, that can be arranged.”
Once she is sure of Sorrow’s assistance, she announces to the others that she needs to do some shopping since we are in a large city and it will have things that we can’t get in during our trip back to Salt Marsh from Candlekeep. Atalaya questions her wanting to leave the group. “It’s late and don’t you want some supper?”
Nevil sputters and rants about the availability of street venders and local foods; all the shopping she needs to do. Inman asks her if she is sure about this. He says that he will go with her. Sorrow explains that he has already agreed to show Nevil where she needs to go. He offers Inman first chance at reading the new books that we acquired from Lord Viallis.
Inman eyes the two suspiciously, but he can’t deny his desire to dive into the new books, and agrees. Atalaya finally agrees and says something about spending some time with Vaz, as she gives him a wink. Inman still feels like Nevil is not telling him everything, but he knows her well enough to let it be, and he trusts Sorrow.
Chapter 2: In Search of Tattoos
Nevil and Sorrow continue to banter about getting tattoos as they head off in search of a reputable tattoo shop. Along the way they find a rickshaw to take them to the dock area of the city. They “discuss” what type of tattoo he should get.
Sorrow: “I’ve got to get one too.” … “Got to do this. This is a pact.” After a pause, “What should I get?”
Nevil: “This is personal, and permanent, well mostly… short of skinning and healing. Look, I can’t tell you what to put on your body.”
Sorrow: “I’ll think about it. What are you getting?”
Nevil somewhat sheepishly, “I fucked up with Eldeth. I want a permanent reminder. A waterfall on my left shoulder, angry falling down a series of boulders to stillness at my elbow. symbolic of the struggle to stillness, the path of peace.”
Sorrow nods, “That’s a big piece. It’s going to hurt.”
Nevil, “Yep.”
Nevil: “Where are you going to put it?”
They continue to chat back and forth on the topic of getting a tattoo onto Sorrow’s body.
Sorrow: “It’s got to be small though.” Sorrow thinks for a bit. I’m going to get fire. You are getting water, I’m going to get fire.
Nevil: “Maybe you should get one like a bad pun or something to use as a pick up line.”
Sorrow can only shortly consider the possibilities before Nevil explodes with laughter, “You should get a well endowed lady tiefling in a cheesecake pose.”
More bad ideas flow from Sorrow, “Oh no, I’ll get fire on my shoulder we can be twins.” Nevil can only laugh.
The rickshaw enters into a shady part of the city. A couple of people eye them as they pass by. They ask around for a reputable tattoo saloon, avoiding the seedy looking people loitering in the alleys. Sorrow and Nevil look too imposing for the lowlifes to attempt anything. Sailors at the docks are able to give directions to a nearby parlor that is well thought of. Nevil asks Sorrow to lead the way. He replied that he didn’t hang around the docks.
Vasilya, walking with Atalaya and Inman starts to get a bad feeling about what Nevil and Sorrow may be up to.
Nevil: “Where do you want to put it?”
Sorrow: I haven’t decided where, only that it needs to be something that will make Joan laugh.”
Soon enough the pair arrive outside their destination, Sorrow leads them past several unsavory alley dwellers and into a small well worn tattoo parlor or maybe a bar with a tattoo parlor attached to it. The door jingles as they open it to walk into the establishment. A heavily tatted woman, eyes the two, “Welcome. What can I do for you?” Her tattoos are well done. She also has several piercings.
Nevil glares at Sorrow, “Don’t laugh.” Then she looks at the woman. “I am looking for a good piece, a half sleeve… I’m a follower of Eldath and…”
[She describes the design concept as the woman sizes up Nevil's anatomy.]
The woman: “That's going to take a while…”
Nevil: “We’ll get as far as we can.”
The woman looks at Sorrow, “And you?”
Sorrow looking over the place, “I still haven’t decided.”
The tattoo artist gives Sorrow a knowing look. “Well you’ve got some time,” she said as she then pointed to Nevil, “while I work on this one.”
The pair begin to drink while the sketching begins. “This is going to take a long time,” the tattooist says. Nevil agrees. About halfway into Nevil’s tattoo, she goads Sorrow, “And what have you decided? Because I have yet to see inky bloody rags at your feet.” The woman grins wiping fluid from Nevil’s arm.
“How bad is it?" he asks.
“I’ve given birth to two children, so pain is relative. Find a nice detachment and you might enjoy it.”
The woman raises a brow and sizes up Sorrow again. Nevil leans in, “I’ll throw in 10 more gold if you talk dirty to him while you work.” After a bit the artist gives Nevil a bit of a break while she works on Sorrow’s tattoo and piercing. Then she returns to Nevil’s design. She works for about 3 hours on Nevil in total.
A bit later, Nevil’s arm is wrapped, and Sorrow’s new ear piercing and bard themed shoulder tattoo is in its final phase. Nevil walks from the bar, to examine the work. An inkwell, parchment, and an intricate writing quill over the symbol of the writer's collage. Sorrow says that it tells what kind of a bard he is.
It’s really late when they finally leave the tattoo parlor. “We are going to be in so much trouble,” they tell each other. (Cost ~150 gp for the two of them? Gina, did you determine a final charge?)
As they leave, the artist says, “Good choice for the two of you.”
Nevil: “We are not together.”
The tattooist doesn’t look like she believes that.
Chapter 3: The Yawning Portal
Boz, Atalaya and Inman continue on to The Yawning Portal. We enter the tavern room, and look around to find an open table. Inman asks Atalaya for the books we liberated from Lord Viallis. He says that he wants to get a head start of reading them while Sorrow is occupied in whatever devilment he and Nevil are getting into. Atalaya looks around, pulls him into the shadows and retrieves 2 books for him. He takes them and heads off to a single table in a back corner of the room. He signals to Bonnie who comes and takes his order. After she brings his ale, he uses his light cantrip to make his mug a light source and settles down to read while he waits for his dinner. (5 silver pieces? +8 sp for lodging)
Atalaya and Vaz watch Inman disappear into the back of the tavern and shrug. Then finding a table somewhat away from the large yawning hole and the block and tackle rigging they sit down ready to enjoy a tasty meal. (5 silver pieces each? +8sp for lodging) Atalaya watches as people who are obviously adventurers come in, have a good time and frequently many drinks, and then get lowered into the large hole via the block and tackle. Rarely, someone returns from below. Finally Atalaya asks Vaz what is going on with the hole. He explains that it goes to a vast network of tunnels and catacombs and sewers under the city. And that you can get to the Underdark from here. He says that lots of adventures like to go down there to make their fortune. As she watches a small group get lowered into the yawning pit Atalaya shakes her head and says, “I’m glad Id on’t have to go down there. I’m ready for a rest.”
As they finish their dinner and enjoy the chance to be (almost) alone, they talk about the future. Vaz asks her what she would like to do. Atalaya replies that she wants to go back to the Hidden Forest. In fact she needs to take Cirilli there for some training. She also tells him that she would really like to go with Nevil on her pilgrimage to give the broken weapons to Eldath when Nevil is ready to do that. Vaz doesn’t offer any specific plans other than to be with her. He isn’t attached to any particular place.
As Inman pours over notes and journals, Boz and Atalaya have an odd but enjoyable date. Eventually the tavern’s patrons thin. Boz and Atalaya retire to their room for some quiet time, leaving Inman with a sparse mix of adventurers watching the goings and comings of those that brave the hole. Inman moves closer to t he hearth as the light fades. Atalaya contacts Ivar via the Sending Stones. (Task successfully completed. We are all safely back in Waterdeep. Returning to Candlekeep tomorrow. Lots of news when we see you. How is the ship?”)
After several rounds of logs, Nevil and Sorrow slink into the tavern. Inman looks up, closes his workings, and walks to the pair making their way towards the rooms. Inman looks concerned, “I didn’t believe you were going shopping, but it’s really late, what…? Before Sorrow could respond otherwise, Nevil blurted “Sorrow wanted a tattoo.” Sorrow looks at Nevil surprised. Nevil sheepishly grins, knowing that she is transparent and Inman will see right through the lie. Inman looks at the wrappings on both their shoulders and Sorrow's new piercing, he looks both relieved and annoyed. “A tattoo? Why?” Nevil looks ashamed, “I needed a reminder, I failed Eldeth and I knew Sorrow wouldn’t try to talk me out of it.”
Inman: “I want to see.”
Nevil: “No. And you have to sleep ‘over there’ until ____________.”
Inman: “What am I going to do with you?”
Nevil eventually admits that the tat hurts a lot.
Inman: “You can probably do something about it.”
Sorrow: “You can do something?”
Nevil heals Sorrow but not herself.
They head to their room and to bed. Sorrow pauses at the door of Boz and Atalaya, and thinks better of entering. Nevil holds their door open and beckons Sorrow. 8 sp for lodging each
7th of Elient
Chapter 4: Morning
In the morning, the five join for breakfast before heading back to Candlekeep. (5 sp each) Nevil and Sorrow both still look a little worse for wear.
Atalaya: “Did you find everything you needed last night?”
Nevil: “Yes, but we didn’t bring back supplies. We got tattoos.”
Boz and Atalaya seem only half surprised. Before Atalaya can protest, Nevil add, “I fucked up with Eldeth and needed a permament reminder; its a waterfall.”
Atalaya, noting the pain around Nevil’s eyes, is concerned. “Are you in pain? Why haven’t you healed yourself? Can you heal yourself?”
Nevil “I haven’t tried.”
Nevil explains that she healed Sorrow last night.
“It still itches,” he tells us.
Nevil tries to heal herself, it works. “It appears so.”
Nevil asks Inman about his investigations into the books last night. Inman tells us that Lord Viallis was using his family’s bodies as a focus. I’ve never seen…”
He also says that Lord Viallis did seem to be connected to a group in Parabor.
Atalaya asks how Lord Viallis was related to that group.
Inman says that he started the group. His goal was to get the group started as a Vecna cult. “I took some notes. They were fighting with the Thyains over the Eye. The Eye was an artifact created by _____________ in ___________ to help start an undead panic. But they thought it was the Eye of Vecna. They lost it, the other group. I think he thought that he was allied to the Thyians, a favored ally of theirs.” Looking at Atalaya and Nevil he added, “I think your Master didn’t know what she had. I think she didn’t know how dangerous it was.”
Nevil: ___________________________?
Inman: “I think they didn't know what they had.”
Nevil: “The dark g________________”
Inman: “Take it to Candlekeep. They might be interested. And we have the spell book. It has a lot of necromancy spells in it.
We talk about what we are going to do. Nevil says that they never did get the supplies last night.
Primed by the previous night’s reminder that grabbing a few extra supplies would be a good idea. Atalaya spearheads a quick supply gathering. The market is on the way back to the Waterdeep library. We spend about 30 gp from the group funds for extras like Inman’s tea, needed herbs for birth control and other remedies that Atalaya can make, some “treats” to add to the meals, and the herbs Nevil needs to make her Nightcap.
The group returns to The Fount of Knowledge to use the portal to return to Candlekeep. We are greeted there by the librarian in charge. “I trust you finished your business.”
Nevil agrees, “Our business is complete.”
Librarian: “I hope you enjoyed your stay here. That it was good.”
Nevil agrees that it was.
We take the portal back to Candlekeep.
Chapter 5: Candlekeep
As soon as they arrive the group asks the Avowed who was tending the portal to arrange a meeting with Bookworm. They gather in a pocket office of Bookworm.
Bookworm: “How was your journey?”
“It was far more involved than we expected but very successful.”
Bookworm: “You asked to see me, what can I do for you?”
Inman (?) explains, “We have acquired a very rare, and very dangerous tome. Can you keep it safe? If not, we will have to destroy it.”
Bookworm explains the security and that other such texts are protected in Candlekeep. He asks, “What book is it?”
“The Retribution of the Ancients. A book of unholy spells and rites.”
The Atalaya unpacks the book and gives it to Bookworm who takes it immediately into protection.
Bookworm asks is there is anything else he can do for us. We ask that Sprig be notified that we have returned and that we have more for him to research for us. Bookworm says that he will notify the appropriate people to our return and asks when we want to meet with Sprig. Atalaya suggests that dinner at the Hearth would be an appropriate time.
The party is lead to the Emerald Gate and allowed to pass into the public areas of Candlekeep. We check for Cirilli and others, finding them in the tavern. After making some quick plans we send a note with an approximate time to meet with Sprig at dinner.
Cirilli appears with a mix of relief and excitement. “You're back! It took longer than we thought. Was everything ok? What happened?”
“We were able to put Sarah to rest and found some cult activity while we were there. But no more questions now, we will explain tonight when we get a private room.”
Cirilli scans over everyone. “Boz! Your hair, and skin! What happened? Are you ok?”
“I feel fine, but after a battle with some kind of specter, I just didn’t go back to normal.”
“You look older! Is this permanent?”
“We are going to check with the temple in a bit. But again I feel fine.”
Cirilli scanning over the rest, she runs over to Sorrow, “A new ring! What else happened while you were away? Did it hurt?”
“Not as much as this” he said raising a sleeve” Cirilli ogled his new tattoo. It itches like mad.”
“A tattoo too! It looks nice!”
Nevil added, “Yes, tattoos for some of us. But don’t get any ideas. They are permanent and you are too young.”
Cirilli inspects Nevil’s arm. “Why? I mean they look nice, but why?”
Seeing Nevil’s look of shame, Sorrow spoke, “We have our reasons, and this is not the place or time.”
Atalaya redirected. “And what have you been up to?”
Cirilli immediately gets lost in the telling of her adventures. “We had a great time! Irony is lots of fun, and kind of cute. We got to see the book binder, and ______. There is so much to see here.” She tells us that she has been playing chess with Still. She says that she has gotten better, but is still not as good as he is.
We talk about what we want to do. Atalaya admits to wanting to spend some time in the bathhouse, stating that they really didn’t get to enjoy it the last time they tried to. The group agrees and plans to head there.
Inman looks at Boz and says that they should talk to one of the clerics at the temple here in Candlekeep to see if they can tell what exactly happened to Boz and if there is a way to reverse it. Boz and Inman agree to meet the rest in the bathhouse after visiting the temple.
All enjoy the bath house. Cirilli further inspects the new tattoos. “Does it hurt?” she asks Nevil.
Nevil: “Yeah. … Sorrow cried.”
Cirilli looks between the two of them, not sure if she should believe what Nevil just said.
Sorrow gets to spend some time with his siblings. They are enjoying Candlekeep and are eager to stay here while things “cool off” in Baldur’s Gate. Cirilli is worried about what her family had been up to in Waterdeep, but holds on to her questions until later when the group is away from Sorrow’s siblings and in a place that others can’t overhear what is being talked about.
Nevil does tell Cirilli that we got to take a long ride with Shep. This perks Cirilli’s interest and helps to distract her from asking other more awkward questions. She is a bit envious of Sorrow for getting to ride Shep and wonders aloud if maybe she should have gone with us.
Cirilli tells us a bit about what she had been doing. She says that Irony took them all over the library again and that they got to see the dragon again. She talks some more about going to the book binders. She tells us that Irony is about her age and wants to become one of the Avowed, so he has to keep his nose clean.
Boz returns with Inman and explains he was aged by the specter, about ten years. It’s not permanent. A greater restoration spell can heal it, but finding a qualified cleric or bard to perform it will be difficult and expensive.
They enjoy the hot tub until they just stand the heat any longer. (Although for Sorrow, it was getting cold. “That was refreshing. I feel slightly human again,” he tells us.)
Nevil says something about Sorrow’s tattoo. He responds, “It does suit me. It’s something I’m very passionate about. (The tattoo is on his shoulder. His piercing is on the top of his ear and still hurts. The piercing is a silver ring, like Joan has.)
We return to our room (under the guest house) and get ready for dinner.
The group with Cirilli meet Sprig at the Hearth. “I’ve been busy while you were away.”
Atalaya asks that we meet in a private planer room to hear what Sprig’s research has uncovered and to discuss what we did and found on our Waterdeep trip. We order food making small talk until it arrives and the waitress leaves.
Once the door closes on Leaf, Cirilli turns to Atalaya and Boz. “What happened in Waterdeep. And what happened to Vaz? I’m scared now.
Nevil: “One question at a time.”
Inman: “What happened to Boz was an effect of a ghost we encountered. It frightens you to the point of aging you.”
Boz takes Cirilli’s hand in his. “It can be reversed by a high level caster of Greater Restoration.”
Atalaya: _________________________
Nevil: “He’s going to be alright, Cirilli.”
Once Cirilli is reassured about Boz’s fate and we have given her a brief overview of our escapades in Waterdeep and Greenfast, still minding our tongues as Sprig is in the room, we turn to him and ask about what he has found out while we were away.
Sprig: “So, your research; as near as I can tell, to get rid of an artifact of this kind one needs elemental magic.
Nevil: __________________________
Inman: “places were energy lines interact. Not easy to get there, but they do exist.
Sprig explains to us: To destroy a strong artifact, you must find a natural nexus of power, where energy lines intersect. These areas are often selected as sites for wizards or cultists. The group speculates that Parabor may be such a site because the cultists keep returning. They ask if other sites are known. One is southeast of Waterdeep?
A sufficient quantity of elemental power must then be placed with the artifact in the nexus.
Sprig explains that elemental power is contained in magic items, like each of the weapons he has also researched for the group.
Nevil asks “Will the power of those weapons be enough?”
Sprig says that he can’t determine that because he doesn't know what the group is trying to destroy.
Nevil and Atalaya exchange glances. In asking Atalaya’s permission Nevil says, “I don't want to get there and find out we are missing the power to perform the spell or ritual.”
Atalaya adds “It’s the lesser eye, sought by the Thayians.”
Sprig pales, “And you have it?”
Nevil corrects, “We didn’t say that. We know where it is.”
Atalaya, “The less you know of that, the better.”
Sprig does not contest. “I will have to research…”
Nevil “So the weapons must be wielded? Or placed in the nexus?"
Sprig, “Placed, like components. You use them to feed the nexus. …. Like fire, air, water, land… sometimes it takes extra elements. … You have earth, air and water. Those are the big three.“
Inman “Like balancing an alchemical reaction. The power for the elemental offering has to balance the power of the destruction. ” Will need to have something from each of the elements (Fire, Earth, Wind and Water). Maybe able to do it with just 3. But will need power sufficient to destroy the artifact. JWe may need to find one more artifact? We talk about what we have, looking back over the information that Sprig found for us. Wave’s energy comes from the element of water. Whelm’s energy comes from the element of earth. Sprig’s research does not state which element Black Razor is associated with. (Kathy’s guess is air. Sprig said we had air even if his notes we have seen don’t reflect that. That leaves fire to be accounted for?)
Atalaya asks about where the nexus lines are.
Sprig: “I understand that there are energy fields around Waterdeep, south of Waterdeep. You know, a lot of these cults gravitate to
Inman?:
Sprig: “Perhaps a fire spell, or a light spell?”
Inman: Need to neutralize it. Need Balance. …. Put into energy nexus.
Sprig. “Exactly.”
We discuss the possible needs of the ritual and wonder what such a ritual would look like.
Sprig is sent to refine the group’s understanding of the needed elemental powers and the ritual for the destruction of the lesser eye.
Once he leaves, Nevil asks about where the weapons actually are. Atalaya tells her that they are in the Master’s Vault, being guarded by Avalon, the Spectator. Nevil pales at the mention of Avalon
As the needed weapons are in the crypt in Parabor, and it seems likely a nexus of power is nearby, the group decides to head there after Candlekeep. A friendly healer for Boz (Mother Bettewhyte or Father Brinehanded in Salt Marsh) can be sought along the way.
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