Session 27 - Post Session Report

16th Uktar, 1371 DR
Moondark
Sodden Hold Level 2
Dark, cold wet, gloomy underground locale



Deep below the streets of Waterdeep the Heroes battled more of the devious Doppelgangers and finally found their leader, a Greater Doppelganger named Telakin. After a fierce battle in which Telakin utilized supernatural abilities to transform into a Wizard and then into a Barbarian, the Heroes finally defeated the fiend and looted his secret sanctum and liberated gold, treasure, and magical items alike.

Also among Telakin's belongings the Heroes find a note, which says,

Telakin,

I have a task for you thrall. Meet me at the sewer junction beneath Grocer's Lane where it meets below Snake Alley. Here I will give you the details. Security is high due to some new bothersome threats. There are some troublesome small mind that must be removed.

(signed with an alien symbol similar to that which glows from Telakin's head)

Drunk with exhilaration after the pitched battle the Heroes moved toward the exit only to encounter an even greater foe and his Drow Thralls. As Tyree uses a rope to lower himself down from the pillar you all discover new danger. Before you stands a large group of drow killers and what appears to be a Wizard with the head of an Octopus...

Roll Initiative.

Elves

Session 26 Post Session Report

16th Uktar 1371 DR
Midnight
Sodden Hold
Cold, dark, damp, storm approaching

The Heroes of the Three Hills Adventuring Company battled deeper into the Doppelganger Stronghold known as the Sodden Hold. After defeating a large octopus they discovered the secret mechanical mechanism which lowered and raised the water level. Further on they fought 6 battle hardened Doppelgangers within a hallway filled with traps. Then they discovered an octagonal room filled with Doppelgangers waiting in disguise, but Kamist's detect magic betrayed their devious plot so they leaped in and attacked in true form utilizing flanking and sneak attcaks somewhat effectively but to match of the Heroes. After the fight Olaf and Dolgun were discovered amongst the doppelgangers. The Heroes tied them and did something with them (insert details here).

Now pressing on, the Heroes have found a secret chamber that leads down a curious passage to another iron door.

Will the Heroes ever discover the source of this vile doppelganger deception? Will Quarvo learn to disable devices? Will Tyree ever learn to read and write? And will Kamist ever bring order and discipline to this unruly bunch? For these answers and more, tune in next Session to the Age of Worms.

Storn Offline Downtime Action

Storn
Actions: While working at the The Halls of Hilmer Master Armorer (C23). Storn, as he had always intended, sends for his family and has them relocated to Waterdeep.
Summary: Storn sends a well crafted message to his family and invites them to join him in the City of Splendors. Since the family debt is paid off coupled with all the zombie troubles, this is a easy decision for Armand and Mara. The travel to Waterdeep, which takes 5 days due to the transportation problem caused by refugees and a lack of coach space, is uneventful. Since Storn's father Armand is a WeaponSmith already previously employed at the Captain's Blade, Storn has no problem getting him a job at The Halls of Hilmer. In fact, Himer himself knows Armand already and knows of his workmanship. Storn also arranges for the twins, Cron and Fran to get hired on there as well. Finding a suitable residence is another story as most of Waterdeep is over flowing with refugees and harried merchants seeking shelter for the winter. In any event, Tarquin arranges for the Stoneshield Family to stay on at the Crooked House until a more suitable residence can be obtained in the spring. Tarquin also agrees to hire Mara and two of Storn's sisters as Inn Staff. All is well.
Contact(s): Hilmer (human male Chondathan master armorer)-Friendly, Tarquin (gnome male Owner Crooked House Inn)-Friendly, Tyrol Eberly (human male Owner the Captain's Blade Diamond Lake)-Annoyed (Storn just put him out of business until he can find replacements)
Time Expended: NA
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: -50 gp (movement costs)
XP Gained: +350 XP (rescue family) +350 XP (offline XP) = +700 XP

Session 25 - Post Session Report

15th Uktar 1371 DR
Night
Sodden Hold
Cold, dark, damp, storm approaching



Additional Downtime Actions: Kamist reported to Castle Waterdeep and advised Senior Agent Fenten of the activities of Mascar EagleWinter as they pertained to the Giants. Fenten advised that he would assign other Agents to deal with Mascar and asked the Heroes to take no additional action regarding this matter. Additionally, Kamist learned that the Lieutenant that investigated the Sodden Hold was the same Lieutenant who was later discovered to be a Doppelganger.

After some minor preparation the Heroes traveled to the Dock Ward and investigated the Sodden Hold. Here they found a homeless semi retarded stuttering bum named Bartholomew. Before Bartholomew could provide any information to the Heroes he was knocked unconscious and later smashed into oblivion by Alobron for 42 points of subdual damage putting him at a definite “0” unconscious and most likely permanently damaged even worse than he was before. In fact when he comes to, he no longer stutters…hurray…but nor can he speak at all.

Within the Sodden Hold the Heroes were ambushed by a group of hungry mimics disguised as crates…All they wanted (“gimmee…gimmee…gimmee”) was some gold. The battle was one sided except for Tyree who as usual took the brunt of damage…again. Later after avoiding a pit trap set off by a false door trap, the Heroes discovered a secret entrance and found cells with Dolgun, Olaf, a snippy elven noblewoman, a nearly dead human male, and three warriors of the City Watch. The Warriors ended up being Doppelgangers. Battle ensued and again Tyree and this time the new rogue Quarvo took the damage.

Through two huge iron double doors the Heroes found themselves balancing on moss covered and slippery catwalks fighting Invisible Stalkers (bad combination). Eventually the casters won the day with area and line effect spells. Again Tyree took a bunch of damage. Tyree’s Armor is looking ratty and his leather arm raps were torn off one of the pseudo-pods of the mimics’.

Finally, a room with a watery shaft was discovered that lead down 35’ where it descended into relatively clear water shaft heading straight and deeper down. A rope ladder led down to the water level where the floating bucket was.

Will the Heroes ever discover the source of these evil Doppelgangers? What will Storn decided to do with the recent political upheaval in the Mithril Halls? Could the death of Azoun IV be linked to the troubles going on in the Cairn Hills as it also involved a Dragon? Will Tyree ever learn to read and write? Will Valcrist ever wake from his drunken stupor, or will his antics and carousing continue to rob him of valuable adventuring experience? For the answers to these and more, tune in next Session to the Age of Worms.

Session 25 Downtime, Waterdeep

10 Days Downtime
Location: Waterdeep
Season: Late Autum, Winter nearing

Events within Waterdeep

5th Uktar
With the discovery of Doppelgangers at the Crooked House Inn, the City Watch has initiated a thorough investigation. As part of this, the Heroes have been summoned to the Hall of Justice within Castle Waterdeep. Here, the Heroes, now “Agents of the Alliance” have been summoned by Master Agent Fenten (human male Damaran, fighter/bard/cleric, high level). Fenten and his aide-de-camp Oliver Westar (human male Damaran, fighter/cleric, also high level) address the Heroes in a large office with no chairs. An extra tall desk stands in the center of the room covered with maps, books, and scrolls. After an admonishment about not checking in, “typical rookies” Fenten sets the Heroes on a task of getting to the bottom of this Doppelganger conspiracy. Fenten is deeply concerned regarding reports from Diamond Lake and advises that Allustan is a fitting mentor for the “Agents”.

6th Uktar
City ‘shoutmen’ announce the coming Champions’ Belt Games to be held at the Fields of Triumph Arena (Castle Ward) beginning on the evening of the 25th of Uktar with the Champions Dinner followed by a 5 day gladiatorial tournament. The entire City is invited to attend the event for a small daily fee (5cp ‘the high stands’, 1sp ‘middle stands’, 5sp ‘low stands’, 2gp ‘lodge box’, 5gp ‘luxury box’, and 25gp ‘noble box’) with seating limited to the first 20,000 daily. Licensed managers may submit entrance applications on the 20th of Uktar but no later than highsun on the 25th.

Posters announcing restitution payments being offered to the victims of the rampaging Chimera are discovered. Citizens of Waterdeep may report to Castle Waterdeep for restitution payments on the morning of the 10th of Uktar, Citizens are warned that the events were scryed by the Watchful Order and that frauds will be prosecuted and taken directly before the Black Robes.

7th Uktar
Another Doppelganger was discovered within the City Watch impersonating a Watch Lieutenant. Unfortunately the Doppelganger was slain but not before causing enough trouble within the watch to put many within the city on edge and mistrust is rising. There are reports of a woman beating her husband to death with a frying pan after he acted strangely.

More refugees from Diamond Lake and the surrounding farms near Golden Fields stream into Waterdeep. Rumors of death, disease, and worm infested zombies is spreading fear. The Inns and Tavern Rooms, often plentiful this time of year with many vacancies are filling up with an unusually high number of refugee occupants.

8th Uktar
A group of Hill Giants on a diplomatic Mission from Mount Helimbrar were attacked by a large group of Calishite rogues and assassins. One of the Hill Giants was slain in the failed attack, but not before squashing at least 16 Calashite thugs. The City Watch raided a number of Calashite slum areas in the Dock Ward and made a number of arrests. Interrogations continue and more arrests are expected in the near future.

Rumors from refugees report a very large Black Dragon sighting along the Amphail Trail in the vicinity of Golden Fields.

9th Uktar
Kamist hears a crazy rumor. Allegedly a titanic red dragon lead an army of orcs and goblins and despoils much of Cormyr. The dragon and King Azoun IV slay each other in battle and the orc army is beaten back into the Stonelands. The infant Azoun V, son of Princess Tanalasta, becomes King of Cormyr, with his aunt Alusair acting as Regent. This can’t be true, but important people are saying that it is so.

Storn hears that the great father Gandalug is dead and Bruenor Battlehammer is informed of the death and has begun the long trek to Mithral Hall to reclaim his throne. Storn is torn as to his loyalties and struggles with abandoning his comrades to return home in this terrible time of tragedy and dwarven political change. Apparently many great changes are afoot in the Realms and fear spreads as many interpret these events as evil omens foreshadowing terrible times ahead. The rumors of worm spawn and the troubles in Diamond Lake make this even worse.

10th Uktar
More refuges from Diamond Lake and the Golden Fields are flooding into Waterdeep. Some report a Large Black Dragon making strafing runs on helpless refuges caravans. Reports of Worm Zombie attacks are increasing and appear to be getting closer to Waterdeep.

11th Uktar
Alobron receives a mysterious note at the Crooked House Inn:

Dear Gladiator Alobron,

Of course you probably don’t remember me, but I watched you in the games the year before last and was wondering if you might be willing to participate once again. You see my charge, a licensed manager, has asked me to approach you and see if you might form a team. Of course my charge will pay the hefty entrance fee and sponsor you. We will be in town on the 18th of Uktar. We are traveling up from Amn and are trying to beat the coming storm. If this is something you might be interested in, we would like to meet with you and any other Champions you can muster at the Crooked House Inn on the evening of the 18th.

To refresh your memory I was the water girl. The one who used to work for the cruel Loris Raknian, the one who you helped. Of course you will probably not remember me, but I remember you and will forever be in your debt. As it turns out my new charge is trying to put together a team for the upcoming games and I heard of your exploits and how you saved hundreds of children from a rampaging Chimera, word spreads fast. I knew you were the one so I sang of your past exploits and convinced my charge to meet with you and see if you might consider putting a team together for the Champions’ Belt Tournament. Please consider meeting with us.

Sincerely,

Celeste

12th Uktar
Tyree is convinced he sees that same old women in the crowd following him. When he tracks her down she seems to disappear into the crowd.

13th Uktar
While in training at the Eltorchul Academy Kamist observes a disgruntled Wizard show up and begin making outrageous allegations against Thesp Eltorchul (Chief Instructor, human male Tethyrian, wizard 14). The exchange ends in a challenge and Mage Duel ensues. The Duel is very formal and conforms to all the protocol and is sanctioned by the ‘Order’ who promptly show up to officiate. The Duel is quite spectacular and in the end Thesp is victorious. The challenger limps away and is seen entering the Thayan Embassy. Thesp speaks no more of the interruption and all classes are dismissed for the day.

14th Uktar
City Officials warn of a coming large storm that Sages at the Blackstaff Tower say is heading directly toward Waterdeep. Residents with sea facing windows are encouraged to board their windows and sand bag their low areas to block any water that might pool or flood. The storm is expected to arrive on the evening of the 18th Uktar. Really ‘hot’ Priestesses of Umberlee are seen out in public warning of certain doom and preaching of homage to be paid to the ‘Queen of the Deeps’. With all the bad news brewing in Waterdeep many of the citizens, especially those residents of the Dock Ward seem to be heeding their warnings and are seen down at the docks performing rituals to the ‘Bitch Queen’. The Watch stands by helplessly as they are not breaking any laws.

15th Uktar
Preparations continue in the wake of the looming storm. Shopkeeps and merchants are boarding up their shops and warehouses. Residents move about the streets infrequently, Watch patrols are increased, and an unusual number of Umberlee priestesses remain in plain sight, inciting fear and using it to gain followers.

Official word comes into Waterdeep of the death of King Azoun IV of Cormyr. Nobles of all factions and families begin a period of morning. Memorial services are scheduled throughout the North Ward and the Sea Ward. Castle Waterdeep lowers their standards and flags to half mast and Piergeron himself along with many nobles are said to be on the move to Cormyr. The Open Lord orders a 30-day period of mourning to end on the 15th of Nightal. All City Watch and City Guard personnel, as well as soldiers in service to the Alliance either wear black armbands or black tabs on their badges of authority. All official business is postponed for 30 days. The ‘Champions Belt’ games will go on as scheduled but a portion of the proceeds are being sent to Cormyr to help with their recovery.

Storn
Actions: Storn spends his time wandering around Waterdeep seeking apprenticeship and new techniques of smithing.
Summary: Storn finds his way to The Halls of Hilmer Master Armorer (C23). Here he hires on for a tenday and helps work on a masterworked suit of plate armor for a noble complete with details of inlaid gold and gems. The work is rewarding and Storn learns that Hilmer has been commissioned to make this suit of armor for a member of the Eagleshield family and they are paying 6,000 gp for the masterworked item.
Contact(s): Hilmer (human male Chondathan master armorer)-Friendly.
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: +50gp pay
XP Gained: +100 XP

Kamist
Actions: 1. Enroll at the Eltorchul Academy to learn Argent Savant prestige class. 2. Locate a suitable place to purchase a number of small trinkets and badges.
Summary: Prestige class Argent Savant unlocked. Badges ordered and purchased from Balthorr’s Rare and Wondrous Treasures. Turns out Balthorr himself is a bit of an expert on various military badges, pins, awards, and medals. Perfect location.
Contact(s): Thesp Eltorchul (Chief Instructor, human male Tethyrian, wizard 14)-Friendly. Balthorr ‘The Bold’ Olaskos (Human-Chondathan, male Expert 9)-Friendly
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: -520 gp (400 Academy, 120 pins and badges-20 sets)
XP Gained: +80 XP

Alobron
Actions: 1. Enroll at the Eltorchul Academy to learn prestige class Eldritch Knight. 2. Scribe scrolls x2 into spell book. 3. Purchase new spells Displacement and Greater Mage Armor
Summary: Prestige class Eldritch Knight unlocked. Scrolls scribed. New spells purchased displacement and greater mage armor.
Contact(s): Thesp Eltorchul (Chief Instructor, human male Tethyrian, wizard 14)-Friendly
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: -1000 gp (400 training, 300 x2 spells)
XP Gained: +75 XP

Egwaine
Actions: 1. Spend time at Temple of Kelemvor at the City of the Dead. 2. Having discovered that the curious symbol on the key found on one of the Doppelgangers matches an inscription on a warehouse in the Dock Ward called Sodden Hold, passively research the warehouse and determine its ownership and history.
Summary: 1. At the temple, Egwaine attends sacred ceremonies and rituals and seems to gain valuable experience in the worship of Kelemvor unlocking new divine powers and even some skills. Matriarch Maryam discusses the impending doom of the this so called 'Age of Worms' with Egwaine at length and reiterates the importance of her work with the Three Hills Adventuring Company. She also tells Egwaine of a peculiar relationship that is rumored between Loris Ranknian, the proprietor of the Fields of Triumph, and mysterious foreign cultists. Reports say that dangerous Teiflings have been sighted in his presence. 2. Research into the ‘Sodden Hold’ discovers that the warehouse has been inactive for over a year and has fallen into disrepair since the Fishmen War of 1370 DR. The stone warehouse has a heavy moss-covered tile roof and is painted in faded green paint. On the side of the warehouse is the same symbol as on the Doppelganger key. After some research at the Hall of Records at Castle Waterdeep, Egwaine discovers that the warehouse is owned by the Kathalta Family a small lower noble house originally from Amn. However the only Kathalta family representative in Waterdeep was imprisoned a few years ago after being charged with sedition. He died in prison and his property including the warehouse has been boarded up until last year when a Kathalta family representative took custody of the villa and the warehouse. This representative then promptly sold off the villa and has allowed the warehouse to fall into ill repair. This Kathalta family representative has reportedly left Waterdeep for distant Amn after efforts to sell off the warehouse proved hopeless. After some surveillance of the area and questioning of local fishmongers and dockworkers, Egwaine learns that muffled sounds of arguments, yelling, and occasional screams have been heard from the warehouse. The Watch had previously been contacted but the Lieutenant who responded reported that there was nothing to worry about and that he checked out the warehouse personally.
Contact(s): Gerald (elderly human male Damaran, clerk Hall of Records, Castle Waterdeep) -Friendly
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: none
XP Gained: +150 XP

Aedrinar
Actions: 1. Visit the Tower of Order (Watchful Order of Magists and Protectors). Report information to date regarding the Age of Worms to include the worms aversion to silver. 2. Seek guidance from the Order as to continued instructions and seek a stipend.
Summary: 1. Meeting with Mhair Szeltune (human female Illuskan, wizard 5/guild wizard 10/ archmage 4). 2. Aedrinar is granted a stipend of 1200 gp to reflect the importance of his mission. Mhair asks Aedrinar to stay on with the Three Hills Adventuring Company and to continue sending reports on this so called ‘Age of Worms’. Mhair advises Aedrinar that all worm infested creatures should be terminated with extreme prejudice.
Contact(s): Mhair Szeltune (human female Illuskan, wizard 5/guild wizard 10/ archmage 4)-Mentor,Friendly, Previous Contact.
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt: +1200 gp
XP Gained: +350 XP (Quest completed)

Tyree
Actions:
Summary:
Contact(s):
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt:
XP Gained:

Valcrist
Actions:
Summary:
Contact(s):
Time Expended: 10 days
Injury/Death: none
Pay/Treasure/Debt:
XP Gained:

Session 24 - Post Session Report

15th Uktar 1371 DR (10 Days Downtime)
Evening
Waterdeep, Trades Ward, Crooked House Inn
Cold foggy night

4th Uktar
The Hereos traveled to the City of the Dead (huge cemetery) within Waterdeep so that they could visit the Temple of Kelemvor so that Egwain could check in with her Matriarch Mother Maryam Doost. Along the way Tyree is accosted in the street by a friendly and crazy old woman who thinks he is her long lost son. She feels his face and caresses him lovingly. Tyree abruptly corrects her and moves on. Later, at the Temple, the Heroes are introduced to Matriarch Doost (human female Calashite, cleric 14). Here Egwain is given instructions to Consult with Eligos to discuss the worms and obtain a copy of Allustan's notes.

Later the Heroes went to the address of 106 Sulmore Street in the North Ward where they found Suzanna's Mother, Marilee Yuravich (human female Damaran older woman) and advised her of the untimely and terrible death of her daughter.

From here the Heroes traveled to 405 Beaconmarch Street also in the North Ward and found a beautiful woman named Joanne (human female Chondathan). This was Elgan's fiance and Tyree and Storn used no tact whatsoever in telling her love was dead.

In the Sea Ward the Heroes also encountered a noble by the name of Mascar WinterEagle (human male Tethyrian, fighter/rogue/ sorcerer). Mascar offered to pay the Heroes a hefty sum of gold to kill, capture, or at least embarrass a group of Hill Giants visiting Waterdeep on a diplomatic Mission. The short meeting went terribly and by the end, Mascar is now considered an enemy.

From here in the late afternoon the Heroes proceeded to the Jhansczil Estate in the Sea Ward where they met with Eligos Jhansczil (human male Damaran, fighter/wizard/loremaster) a noble and Master sage, in the Sea Ward. Eligos, a noble by birth lived in a huge estate made of four Class A and Class B buildings. He is protected by a walled villa and a deadly looking man servant named Pollard (elven male fighter/wizard). During the meeting, the Heroes learned of Eligos' past with Allustan and how they shared the same master by the name of Manzorian some years ago.

The meeting with Eligos went as well as expected. Eligos agreed to work on Allustan's research and the few items brought to him including a live worm in a vial of green liquid, Allustan's notes and drawings, and the strange metal tongs with a circular ending. Eligos told the Heroes he would send for them when his research was complete and that it could take some time 10 to 15 days.

The Heroes then returned to the Crooked House Inn. Upon returning, Tarquin asked Kamist to perform. Kamist's performance was an hit and drew a big crowd of loyal customers. That is when disaster struck and what was believed to be Olaf, publicly slit Tarquin's throat and yelled out, "FOR THE THREE HILLS ADVENTURING COMPANY". The bar erupted into a huge brawl and had it not been for Egwain's quick action Tarquin would have died.

It was then that a sinister plot was uncovered whereas Doppelgangers masquerading as Dolgun and Olaf tried to kill Tarquin. The Heroes were initially blamed and attacked by an angry mob but managed to diffuse the situation after the deception was uncovered. After killing the Doppelgangers impersonating Dolgun and Olaf, the Heroes uncovered peculiar holes almost drilled into each of the creatures skulls. Odd.

On one of the Doppelgangers was found a strange key with a curious inscription of a huge kraken pulling down a ship below the sea. It will take the Heroes 10 days (15th of Uktar) to discover that the curious inscription is also on a warehouse in the Dock Ward near the water's edge down an alley off Dock Street.

It is now evening 15th Uktar 1371.