Looking upwards they realise that they are at the bottom of a vertical shaft at the top of which a faint light is visible. Candle-light. And echoing down are the sounds of laughter and merriment. Of course, They're under The Yawning Portal. It brings back memories of their first night in Waterdeep and their first taste of Icewind Dale Ale.
They head into the dungeon and explore the first few areas eventually arriving in a hall of pillars with three other exits. As instructed, they head north. There's a curious sight in one of the rooms - A glowing sword on a weapon stand in the centre of the room. On the floor near the sword, is a decomposed hand on the floor. No one feels like taking the sword. Continuing north, there's a foul-smelling room which is never a good sign. Sure enough, there's something lurking in the shadows. Two revolting looking creatures. After they are defeated, Beef is keen to identify them having never seen such a thing. He's fairly certain that it's known as a Tentacle Brain. Byron concurs.
Heading back the only other way out of here, the group comes to a door which is unlocked. Farraine leads the way in and none of them are prepared for the large group of bandits standing before them armed and ready, bows drawn. Both sides stand down after a tense few moments. Nobody needs to die. Except Noska.
After a discussion with the bandits, it becomes apparent that Noska has played them. This was a one-way mission. If they succeeded, Noska and the Xanathar wins. If they died, Noska wins. The no-good Dwarf said what he had to say to get out of a rather grim situation, saving his miserable hide and turning it to his advantage in the process. Cursing Noska, they head back to the well under the Portal and make the arduous climb to the top. A least there's some ale up there.
After some much needed refreshments of the Elminster's Choice variety due to the apparent shortage of Icewind Dale Ale, the group returns to Trollskull Manor where they find Renaer Neverember
Renaer asks for their help as the mining village of Phandalin is under threat - Goblinoids and a winged beast. The Harpers have an agent in Phandalin (Sister Garaele, priestess of Tymora) And worse yet, shipments of their favourite tipple appear to be getting waylaid.
On the tenth day of the journey, they notice a raven following them and after an unnerving but uneventful night, they arrive in Leilon, a welcome stop on the High Road from Waterdeep to Phandalin which is a mere two days away.
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