Episode 3: Into the deep

Let's see, when last we left this dysfunctional band of heros in the private study of the Blackstaff, the wizard guardian of Waterdeep. The Open Lord of Waterdeep had just arrived and introduced herself, then asked our names. We, of course, introduced ourselves though I think Unit 2408 didn't quite get our deference towards her. For perspective, the Open Lord of Waterdeep is essentially the noble in charge of a major metropolis. Her word is law in the town.

After introductions she nods and then lays out what is going on. She believes a wizard known as Halaster the mad mage has "somehow" broken the weave of magic, which is why no wizard magic is working. She asks our band of misfits to go under Waterdeep to find Halaster and find out what's going on. She has also promised a glorious reward if we're successful.

To get to the underground lair of Halaster, one has to go to the Yawning Portal tavern, presumably to a portal there. Anyway, Rubis the mage then escorts us the basement of this tavern, gives us explicit instructions to not tell Durnan who hired us. Then he left. And that's when Durnan showed up. We're pretty sure he knows what's up but let us keep up the "nah we just wandering adventurers wanting to go down in the dungeon" act. Durnan then said "Well if you're going to be in my store room at least be helpful and bring up this keg of ale. " Unit 2408 promptly shoulders it, and after admonishment to not jostle the ale, brings it upstairs to the tavern floor.

The Yawning Portal tavern is a large single floor structure with a rowdy patronage of working class denizens of Waterdeep. In the center of the floor is a very large well like opening. The patrons start cheering at the new keg of ale being delivered. They were apparently quite chuffed with themselves for aiding in the defense of this area against the undead, and Durnan was pleased as well as he offered the next round on the house.

The party at this point decided it was best to go ahead and have an ale and a meal to "stock up" for the adventure ahead. Game-mechanics wise we did a short rest to heal up and chat a bit. While we were resting up a little, a couple of party members had interactions with a couple of the more unusual patrons.

Melchizedor had noticed another dwarf, so after eating he grabs a couple of ales from the bar and goes over to introduce himself. This dwarf is Joroth and after some chatting it turns out Joroth is a member of an organization called "Lord's Alliance". He asks us, since we're going down there anyway, to keep an eye out for a thief. This thief has stolen an item called the "Spider's Eye Gem" and it was stolen by Falkyr Gavelfist and 3 other dwarves.

Talon had noticed a lady sitting off to the side so he introduced himself. She is looking for her missing brother, and since we're going down there anyway, could we look out for him. There may be mercenary and/or goblin involvement in this as well.

When we were ready to enter the dungeon, Durnan announced to the room for the "odds that this group will return". Yep, he opened a betting book on the party. There were various derisive shouts by the patronage, they do not believe we will do well. One that stood out to Evangeline was someone shouting that we'd come back with our "tail between our legs".

After that ruckus calmed down a bit, and a couple of party members bet on us, Durnan asks who is first. Eva strides right up, hands over the 1 gold piece transportation fee ... as Talon walks up to the well and dives right in. Darn birds and their ability to fly. Eva then gets in the bucket (it's a well after all), swishes her tail and says "I plan on coming back, with my tail ladies and gentlemen". And with that, nods at Durnan to lower her down.

The bottom of the well is a sandy bottomed dungeon room with little of note and only one exit. But everyone makes it down there in one piece and that's when this session ended.