Finding Zelifarn:
CHES 24th (THE CLAW OF SUNSETS)
22:30 pm
Zarek and Alley head off to the Tower of Luck, before they eventually encounter Zelifarn the Young Bronze Dragon, and the Rogue and Bard are both blessed.
Zarek and Alley then make their way back to the Sea Maidens Faire to find the Urchins. The idea is to pay them for their service and gather any information that they had gather which watching the Hellraiser, Heartbreaker and the Sea Maidens Faire.
Once the Rogue and Bard arrive at the Sea Maidens Faire, they discover that the Faire had been taken down and the stalls, creatures and Carnies were mostly back on the ships. As Alley and Zarek drew closer they both took the time to look over the Hellraiser and Heartbreaker. The first can hear the noise of construction and banging.
Zarek: “They must be preparing the Floats for Ches 25th, tomorrows parade to Shipwrights’ House.”
Alley: “Yes, that is where they will set up local attractions for the evening as part of the Shipwrights’ Ball.”
They can also see that most, if not all the Sailors, First Mates and even the captains were out on deck.
Zarek moves ahead silently, ahead of Alley, as he beings to look for the Urchins, who he knows are very skilled in hiding. The Rogue eventually find the trio, Nat, Jenks and Squiddly, hiding among some creates and barrels near to the Sea Maidens Fair.
The Rogue admires the ingenuity of the and aims to encourage and praise their work. Zarek makes sure he does not disclose their hiding spot and casts his Spell ‘Message’, to communicate with his favourite of the group, Squiddly. Zarek wishes to connect with the lost soul as he himself has missed out on his Fiendish History.
Zarek and Squiddly silently communicate, and there is some push back from Zarek as The Mermaid’s Arms, which is too rich for the Tieflings Blood, is not a suitable place to talk and they agree to meet at The Blue Mermaid on Keel Alley.
22:50 pm
The Blue Mermaid Tavern on Keel Alley is a respectable establishment with decent food at a good price whose clientele is normally Sailors and Dockworkers looking for a quiet place to eat. The manager is a man named Stevian.
Once again, the Rogue and Bard enter the establishment separately and the communicate with the Urchins with the use of Zarek’s Spell ‘Message’.
Squiddly goes on the divulge the following key moments of interest from the observation of the Sea Maidens Faire and the Hellraiser and Heartbreaker once the Fair Closed down.
- They noticed that none of the Sailor left the ships. Apart from one Jolly Boats (Rowboats) that went to pick-up another Cloaked and hooded person from the Eyecatcher. Then a second Jolly Boats, came from the Eyecatcher and dropped someone off. As it had become dark it was hard to make out who people were.
- The Carnie folk where friendly if engaged, and or paid, which may be a source of information.
- The creatures had two main handlers and the other Carnies helped with the heavy lifting.
- When they first arrived, the sailors were constantly looking up and down the Sea Maidens Faire at all the customers and small groups searched the ships themselves.
- No one else of importance visited the ships.
As the Rogue goes to pay the Urchins, by slipping money to them with a slight of hand manoeuvre, Zarek finds a note in his coin pouch from someone calling themselves the Black Viper.
Zarek Brightlamp,
I am under an obligation to continue your training due to the untimely death of Iomhar ‘Bodee’ Rackham, once of Baldur’s Gate and recently of the Field Ward.
Our business will remain between Iomhar and myself and I will thank you never to ask of it.
As you did not find this note until now, I can see we have much work to do. Do keep in mind that my obligation is nor indefinite and once complete we will part company. I am sure you have many innate and pointless questions to ask, so keep them to yourself.
I will be in contact soon.
The Black Viper
Zarek: “We will need to sort the Books in the Library Alley, so that we have more space for all the names we are being sent communications from.”
Alley: “Don’t forget the Cassalanters, we have an appointment with them tomorrow and we have done any research on the at all.”
Zarek: “Don’t forget Urstul Floxin and Yellow Spire.”
24:00 pm
Having had something to eat and drink, paid the Urchins and told them to get a warm room for the night, the Rogue and Bard decide to look for the Young Bronze Dragon First and they begin their search some 400’-500’ feet from the Sea Maidens Faire.
Zarek has the bright idea to use his Spell ‘Dancing Lights’ in an attempt to draw the Young Bronze Dragon out so they can talk to them.
The Spell, ‘Dancing Lights’, only had a short range compared to the vast area of the Harbour and they both concluded that they would need to range further out than the dock side to find the Young Bronze Dragon.
Alley: “I am guessing now they have found the Sea Maidens Faire; they would want to keep a low profile and out of the sight of prying eyes.”
Zarek: “We need to hire or borrow a boat and try out there.”
Zarek points out to the harbour which is a dark and unforgiving sight. Alley has turned a light shade of grey, possibly knowing all the tales of the creature that stalk and hunt their food under the water. Their element where those that are not adapted do not last long.
The two heroes wander about the edge of the harbour for a while then Lady Luck smiles on them as a group of inebriated friends leave a boat tied-up and make their way away into the centre of Waterdeep.
Alley explains the rituals of the festival of Fleetswake.
CHES 21–30: FLEETSWAKE:
This festival celebrates the sea, maritime trade, and the gods of the sea, navigation, and weather. It spans the last tenday of Ches, and includes a series of boat races, the Shipwrights’ Ball at the Shipwrights’ House, and guild-sponsored galas at the Copper Cup festhall. According to custom, the winners of the various competitions don’t keep their trophies and earnings, but deliver them to the priests of Umberlee at the Queenspire, her temple on the beach by the east entrance to the Great Harbor, at the conclusion of the festival.
The last two days of Fleetswake are the occasion of the Fair Seas Festival. During this time, there is much feasting on seafood, the harbour is strewn with flower petals, and City Guards go from tavern to tavern collecting offerings for Umberlee. Collection boxes also appear at large festival gatherings. Upon sunset of the final day, the collected coin is placed in chests and dumped into the deepest part of the harbor.
This festival has existed in a number of forms since the first trade-meets occurred here more than two millennia ago, and an uncountable amount of wealth remains sunken in what has long been known as Umberlee’s Cache. The area is closely watched by Merfolk Guardians, whose standing orders are to kill anyone attempting to disturb it. Rumours abound that the Chests have Magical Protections; one story tells of thieves who stole some of the collection years ago and tried to leave the city under false pretences, only to see a squall spring up as soon as their ship left the harbour. A huge wave shaped like a hand swept the thieves overboard, but spared the ship and its crew.
Zarek casts his Spell ‘Dancing Lights’, once more, and attempt to grab the attention of the Young Bronze Dragon. Once again, the 120’ foot range of the lights makes the work time consuming and at first, they just attract the fish, Invertebrates and Mammals living in the Waterdeep harbour.
Then near the end of the Spell, the Rogue spots a large shadow moving close to the ‘Dancing Lights’, but not close enough to actually see the creature itself. Thinking fast, the Rouge attempts to cast his other useful Spell, ‘Message’, in order to communicate with the creature and hoping it is the Young Bronze Dragon that they have come to find.
Zarek sends his message and requests to speak with the Young Bronze Dragon as they too are investigating the Sea Maidens Faire and they could work together.
Zarek hears the response but he cannot make out the language in any way of form, then he uses one of his three inspirations to try once more and discerns that it is not language he has ever heard and the clicks, whistles, moans, roars, and pulsed calls lead him to think it must be an underwater language.
Zarek: “I will summon another Familiar, equipped for being underwater, and send it down so I may see through its eyes.”
Zarek summons an Octopus, while Alley begins to cast the Spell ‘Water Breathing’ from one of the Scrolls provided by the Gray Hands.
The Octopus appears and the Rogue decides to name it Hank.
Zarek also casts the Spell ‘Water Breathing’ from one of the Scrolls and is adept enough to be successful in casting a higher level of Spell.
After some persuasion, Zarek sends Hank the Octopus down into the dark, silty murky waters of the Waterdeep Harbour.
24:30 pm
Once again, the pair of Heroes spend some time moving about the area close to the Sea Maidens Faire looking for the Young Bronze Dragon. Eventually, the Rogue, looking through the eyes of Hank, manages to spot something large at the edge of Zarek’s vision under the water. Zarek sends Hank forward to the shape, thinking it to be the Young Bronze Dragon, but it turns out to be a Shark that is heading straight for its dinner.
Zarek: “A reef shark if I am not mistaken. More than capable of swallowing Hank whole.”
Then the Rogue sees a metal blur speeding towards the Shark and Hank, a Metallic Bronze Figure dashing towards them with determined ferocity. This causes the Shark to flick its tail and swims off.
Once again, the Rogue then reaches out with his Spell ‘Message’ to request a parlay with the Young Bronze Dragon.
Zarek: “Wait I am here to help you, I too am watching the Sea Maidens Faire, we can help each other.”
Then Zarek is surprised to be answered in Common, not the Underwater language that he was spoken to earlier.
Young Bronze Dragon: “If this is so, come below and we can covers, I will be happy to talk if you are in fact against those on the ships.”
Zarek: “We will row back to the dockside and you can join us there.”
Young Bronze Dragon: “I would not wish to show myself to all the surface dwellers of Waterdeep.”
After some deliberations with Alley, Zarek decided to be brave and plunging into the dark waters, sitting facing the inside of the boat and flipping backwards into the darkness.
Alley: “I think he was telling the truth Zarek, ah too late.”
It takes the Rogue several minutes to accustom himself to being able to breath underwater and then heads down into the darkness. Movement is slower than he is use to and hope the presence of the Young Bronze Dragon will keep him safe, at least for now.
After 100’ feet or so the Rogue spots Hank floating in the water waiting for his next command. Then Zarek sees a thing of great magic and absolute wonder, a real-life Dragon.
The Rogue uses his spell ‘Message’ again hoping to converse with the mighty Dragon and hopefully ally themselves with a valuable companion.
Zarek: “I am here to find a mechanical creature that killed my mentor and we think it’s on one of the ships.”
Zelifarn: “Good evening my name is Zelifarn, what is your name if I may ask?”
Zarek: “My name is Zarek Brightlamp and Zardoz Zord of the Eyecatcher know the automaton that killed my friend.”
Zelifarn: “…”
Zarek: “I know you seek information too and we can work together, we have spied upon the ships and hope to search the Eyecatcher.”
Zelifarn: “I seek that which was taken from my mother by the brigand Jarlaxle Baenre.”
Zarek thinks and knows he remembers hearing that name. On the Hellraiser, by the Smokepowder Cabin, one of the sailors said that they needed to be alert as Jarlaxle could be testing then.
Zarek realises who he is speaking to and reins in his over enthusiasm and allows Zelifarn to explain its reason for interest in the Sea Maidens Faire.
Zelifarn’s mother Asphosis was, in addition to being a Bronze Dragon, a Master Crystalmancer. Jarlaxle Baenre and his agents killed his mother, Asphosis, and stole from her the special ‘Crystal Ball’.
Zelifarn wants the special ‘Crystal Ball’ back so that he can restore his mother’s horde. Zelifarn knows that Jarlaxle Baenre keeps it in the Scarlet Marpenoth, but hasn’t been able to figure out a way to get it by himself.
Zarek again hear a name that he remembers from somewhere. We visited the House of Inspired Hands, where Nim the Nimblewright lived and there was a model of A Miniature Model of a Red Submarine Shaped like a manta ray has a brass plate affixed to its pedestal that reads, “The Scarlet Marpenoth. Lantanese submersible. Launched in 1489 DR”, if I remember correctly.
Zelifarn goes on to explain that the craft is attached under the Eyecatcher.
If you and your fellow adventurers, who I assume will be willing to aid too, help him, Zelifarn will let them keep all the treasure they find on a ship wreck, it has found, while he keeps anything from the dark void away from them.
Zelifarn: “I came swimming by and saw a shipwrecks, the Neverluster it is called. I feel you may find useful items in it and I will tell you where it is, in exchange for your aid!”.
Zelifarn: “It reeks of Treasure and Magic!”.
Zelifarn: “Even though I am only a Young Dragon, I am still too large to get below deck and an old ‘Magical Enchantment’ protects the hull, preventing me from smashing through and creating my own entrance.”
Zelifarn asks how many more of his team are there and can they join them below the water now so that Zelifarn can take then to the Neverluster.
Zarek explains that he is in a tam of 2, but that they are very skilled in what they did. Zelifarn appears to agree and ask Zarek to invite his comrade down, if possible, and he would take them to the Neverluster shipwreck.
Zarek is able to use his spell ‘Message’ again, after a few corrections on Alley’s location, and explains to the Bard who he had found and the offer that Zelifarn has for them both.
Alley slowly swims down towards Zarek, who had cast ‘Dancing Lights’, to illuminate the way down. He felt safer with the presence of the Young Bronze Dragon Zelifarn and did not fear the other large creature who the Rogue spoke to.
Alley finds the Rogue, with Hank attached to his shoulder and changing colour to match the cloak worn by Zarek. Also, she is left speechless when she sees the Young Bronze Dragon Zelifarn. Just like Zarek, Alley too could sense the majestic, magical nature of the magnificent Dragon.
Zarek: “Just imaging if this was a Young Red Dragon, we would be not be so relaxed.” The Rogue thinks to himself.
Alley speaks a Draconic welcome to Zelifarn and the Young Bronze Dragon appears amused and smiles.
The Young Bronze Dragon, Zelifarn, tells Zarek to hold on and to advise Alley does the same and he swiftly swims off deeper into the gloom of Waterdeep harbour.
Eventually, Zelifarn slows down and the two Field Ward Heroes slowly make out the shipwreck of the Neverluster. Clarity prevents them both for seeing much past 30’ or so, if they are not using any light form. However, the Rogue if fearful that they would become a clearer target if they did so.
Zelifarn drops the pair off, thanks them again for their aim in recovering his dead mother’s, Asphosis, stolen Crystal Ball’.
Zelifarn: “I will return to the Eyecatcher and maintain a close watch on Jarlaxle Baenre.”
Once Zelifarn has swam away, Zarek retells his conversation and how Zelifarn is looking for a Jarlaxle Baenre.
Alley: “Then he must be one of the captains possibly, the one on the Eyecatcher that carried out Captain Zardoz Zord’s orders to steel the Crystal Ball from Asphosis?”
Zarek: “Another Drow working for Zardoz Zord. Why Drow?”
The Rogue suggests that they make their way to the Neverluster shipwreck and do an initial search of the main deck and the outside of the ship itself.
Zarek: “We don’t want any surprises when we swim inside the Neverluster as we are not as fast as the locals are.”
Hank clings onto the Rogue camouflaged against his cloak.
All three masts are down but there is no obvious side of damage to the hull of the Neverluster on the Port side.
The Rogue and Bard slowly swim over to the Port Side of the Neverluster and land down onto the Main Deck. A cloud of silt and organic material billows up as the disturb it. The Rogue casts his ‘Message’ spell and directs the Bard to follow him across the Main Deck, moving slowly so as to disturb as little silt as possible.
Zarek: “Follow me and we will check the Main Deck and move over to see the state of the Starboard side of the Neverluster.”
Alley: “What about some light it would help us see better?”
Zarek offers Alley his Purple Magic Candle but she shakes her head and pulls out her Dagger instead and holds it in her left hand.
Zarek, followed by Alley walk across the Main Deck and can see it is very similar in design to the Hellraiser and Heartbreaker, if not smaller and sleeker than them. There is a door and cabin to the Aft section, a door and cabin to the Fore, two stairs descending at the Fore, one blocked.
Just as Zarek reaches the rail on the Starboard side he notices that the detritus that he had stepped on, unlike the others he had so far, seemed to move.
Suddenly, the object rises from the deck and a humanoid figure stands before the Rogue. Then another by the Bard standing behind, then another and another one appears.
Zarek: “By her Lady, these are Zombies.” Zarek thinks to himself as he draws forth his Rapier.
A fight ensues and luckily, both the Rogue and Bard are fastest off the mark and strike first. The Rogue has poor luck initially and once again need to call upon the Luck of Tymora and his aim becomes true and he dispatches one of the Zombies as it burst into fish food.
The Rogue has both the proximity of Alley, for now, and Hank too which allow him to use the skill taught to him by Iomhar to cause greater damage. Zarek too pulls out his Dagger and attacks with is full fury and blade skills.
The Bard is able to destroy her attacker and then swims over towards the Rogue. Several of the Zombies have reached Zarek and they attack but with no luck. Zarek retreats up the stairs to the Fore Deck, followed by the more Zombies, which are in turn followed by Alley.
2 more Zombies move to the Fore Deck via the Port Stairs and the Rogue appears to be trapped.
The Rogue slashes out again and more Zombies fall, with the aid of Hank the Octopus, and The Bard is also able to join and the pair stand together on the Fore Deck.
Then, due to the sheer number of Zombies, the Rogue is hit by one and he bangs his head against the timber of the ship. A trickle of blood floats into the water of the harbour and the dark shadows swimming around the Neverluster get closer.
Alley is then hit by one of the Zombies as Zarek dispatches of another. However, that same Zombie then rises from the deck and is able to advance again.
The Rogue is attacked again and the nails of the Zombie scratch Zarek drawing more blood.
Zarek manages to destroy another of the Zombies, while Alley appears to be having problem with the biggest of the Zombies.
The Rogue, is eventually able to finish off the last of the Zombies that he was fighting and Alley drops the largest of the Zombies and Zarek can see that she makes a grab for something that the Zombie had attached to his rotten belt.
Alley holds up a pouch which looks to be full of spherical objects the size of a child’s eyeball.
Then they have no further time to reflect on their success as the Sharks that were circling have enough courage, the smell of blood in their nostrils, to attack. From the murky darkness 3 Sharks approach and one attack, one goes for the Bard and the other goes for the Rogue.
Zarek is first to react and believes, from his knowledge of Reef Sharks, that if hurt they may prefer not to be damaged and or crippled in any way. The Rogue attacks with his Rapier and Dagger and misses the fast-moving Shark. However, Zarek is able to strike out again with his Dagger and barely cuts through the Sharks tough skin.
Zarek: “Curse you fish, no way to alert Alley.”
The Reef Shark swims towards the Bard who is more than ready to defend herself as the Sharks attack is unsuccessful. This then allows Alley to trust out at the Reef Shark and piercing the beast skin and causing it damage and a trail of blood follows it as it swims away.
The furry of the attack panics the remaining 2 Reef Sharks and they too swim off into the darkness.
Alley turns to Zarek and can see that he is in a bad way.
Zarek: “We need to get out of the open water and check the Neverluster.”
Alley: “We need to get you better armour or you need to move faster Rogue, keep out of their reach next time.” Alley looks angry and pleased at the same time.
