FRIDAY NIGHT 5E! - MAY 30th, 2025
It's been some time since our last update on our Friday night paid D&D 5E game. Unfortunately school is out and four of my six players have school age children who are getting out of school, have summer activities and family vacations. As we all know these things take a toll on game night attendance so when we gathered this past Friday night it has been three weeks since our last session. Equally unfortunate it will be another three weeks before we can get together again. *Sighs* What is a Master of the Maze to do?
If you recall, our ardent band of adventurers had decided to delve into Undermountain to see treasure and magic items. They had fought through part of the first level before making their way into level two and then finally into the third level. They had more than a handful of tough fights that had them utilizing spell slots and resources to a point where they were concerned that further exploration might mean one or more of them would meet their mortal end. They had used their last components for a Revivify spell so the potential for death was there, hanging over them like the dark hand of the Reaper himself. A spirited debate was held after a short rest and despite half of the party being of the mind to turn back, the promise of treasure swayed them to explore a bit more.
Making their way south they had found the passage that led them to the cavern entrance to Skullport. Intrigued they decided to make their way down the dark port to see what was there, perhaps rest and resupply, and then decide what their next move would be. Not being ones for subtlety, they decided to summon their small air ship, and sail down into the port. The sudden appearance of a flying vessel in so close proximity raised some alarm and the party was intercepted by riders on giant cave bats. After quick assurances that they meant no mischief the party was escorted to a dock where they could put in their ship, pay the dock fees and then disembark.
It did not take the group, with their two Rogues, to realize that this dark, subterranean town was not the sort of place for their usual shenanigans. They made their way into the Lower Heart, drawn into The Deadman's Corner by the three animated corpses flailing about in chains out front. The macabre nature of the establishment set the Stormsong, the cleric and Polaris the Paladin of Tyr ill at ease and they soon left. They next discovered the Tawdry Nymph in the Lower Trades area and could not resist going in. Several of the party decided to avail themselves of the trade being plied while Witt, the Arcane Trickster decided to speak with the Madame and see what he could do to discover more about this new location and perhaps establish his own brothel in the town. The paladin and cleric decided that the brothel may not be the environment for them so they made their way to The Boneyard where they perused the wares and made a few purchases for later.
The next morning the party wandered into the Central Trade Lanes and discovered The Posioned Quill. They met the elderly archmage, Tasselgryn Velldarn. They sold her the gems and magic items they had collected in Undermountain, purchased a few items they found interesting, and then questioned the shop owner about Skullport and what they may expect if they decided to establish a business of their own in the town. Tass advised them of the laws engraved on the Monolith that the inhabitants of the port adhere to upon pain of retribution from The Skulls, the demi liches in charge of the town, and warned them to avoid the factions housed on the upper level. The party, being who they are, were even more intrigued by this strange place and determined to explore more.
That's where we called the game for the night. More of a "shopping episode" than anything, but when a party picks up loot from Undermountain they are eager to sell the items they have found and spend some of their coin. The next session on June 20th promises to be more eventful as this group cannot seem to avoid trouble.
Stay tuned and we will see you next time, in The Maze.
