Shifting Paradigm is a real, live D&D campaign, recorded at the table by Ben and rendered by Threadfall into a chronicle you can read like a book. The chapters, cast, and lore below are drawn entirely from how the game was actually played.
The party learned that Skadraschan commands a second vessel crewed and ready at Rumblecusp, and that Jack—revealed to be a sapphire dragon—has allied with them against their enemies. They discovered Cassara, an ancient white dragon of thousands of years, likely leads the House of Five, and received a divine warning from the Moonweaver of chaos looming with support promised from other patrons. The party embarked on a covert underwater approach to Rumblecusp under cover of darkness, positioning themselves to strike Skadraschan's forces before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive.
The party committed to a three-day sea voyage to Rumblecusp, where Captain Forrest's ship and crew awaited orders from Skadraschan, choosing to strike before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive.
Marnok communed with Tho'Maeus, who finally spoke telepathically in Draconic and delivered three cryptic concepts: "3 questions," "commune," and a warning to be extremely careful [1]. Viktorin recognized the pattern immediately — Tho'Maeus was operating under the constraints of a divine Commune spell, limiting his answers to three per session. The blade's caution hung heavy as the party began planning their next moves.
Mervyn speed-read through a Book of Dragons, searching for weaknesses in purple dragons and uncovering references to gemstone dragons, particularly amethyst varieties, though detailed information remained scarce. Kithri received a scroll from Perisire via her glowing chest, confirming supplies had been received and that Perisire and Dudger were still watching for Archie. The party debated recruiting allies — Niren, Faden Ilmaris, Meereen, Yusra — and whether to warn them about Cyndradell's approaching land army.
Jaxxeth Fire arrived at the Withered Bird Inn and proposed his usual game of traded drinks and information. The party accepted, and Jack revealed critical intelligence: Skadraschan remained in Nicodranas with his ship, but another vessel under his control sat docked at Rumblecusp in the Mervyn Archipelago, crewed and awaiting orders [2]. Jack then abandoned his drunken persona entirely, revealing himself to be a sapphire dragon operating undercover, and proposed a stealth mission to thin Skadraschan's forces before a direct confrontation. The party shared their own intelligence in return — they had killed the Dark Sun, met Rathacris, and learned that Cassara, an ancient white dragon of thousands of years, likely led the House of Five [3].
The party recruited Phaedra via Sending spell, purchased healing potions from Delilah's shop, and set sail that evening from Nicodranas aboard Jack's vessel. The journey to Rumblecusp would take three days. During the voyage, Viktorin entered a meditative void and encountered the Moonweaver, who warned of chaos looming and promised that other divine patrons stood ready to support Viktorin beyond their previous one [4]. Kithri brought Dook aboard, and Phaedra — initially wary of the white wolf — gradually accepted his presence.
As darkness fell on the third day, Jack doused the ship's lamps and positioned the vessel offshore. The party ritually cast water breathing and dove into the shallow waters, swimming toward Rumblecusp. A massive skull-shaped lair loomed ahead, its glowing eye sockets illuminating the approach, with Captain Forrest's double-masted ship docked nearby alongside a small dinghy [5]. The party began their underwater advance toward the island as moonlight glinted off the waves above.
The party infiltrated Rumblecusp's skull lair and defeated the dockside guards, then ascended to confront Captain Vodea Phorus and Seamus Grond in a fortified tavern where combat erupted after Phaedra revealed their mission to eliminate those working for Scarbosa. During the engagement, a mysterious stone-footed assassin named Vodea Phorus appeared and engaged the party directly, poisoning Viktorin and restraining Kithri with stone magic before the battle continued into its fifth round with no resolution.
The party descended beneath the waves and infiltrated Rumblecusp's skull-shaped lair, ambushing the dockside guards and blasting their way upward—only to find Captain Vodea Phorus and Seamus Grond waiting for them in a fortified tavern. When Phaedra revealed the party's true mission, Grond reached for his warhammer, and the second battle erupted with walls of fire and a mysterious stone-footed assassin named Vodea Phorus.
The party cast Water Breathing aboard Jack Sapphire's ship and plunged into the ocean, descending gradually through darkness toward Rumblecusp [1]. Those with darkvision navigated through shades of gray while others moved blind. Marnok and Kithri led successful survival checks with Mervyn's Flash of Genius, guiding the group toward the island as the seafloor rose and dock posts emerged from the seabed ahead.
Litton surfaced like a crocodile to scout the shore and spotted a massive skull-shaped cave carved into the rock face, its eye sockets glowing like windows and its mouth opening over the docks below. Marnok used his superior vision to identify the two-masted ship moored on the left as the Stormsurger, Captain Vodea Phorus's vessel, and detected humanoid movement within the skull cave itself [2]. Phaedra confirmed Phorus worked for Ska'Dreshan. The party debated stealing the ship but decided against it, opting instead to split into aquatic and land teams for a coordinated assault. Kithri prepared to cast Water Walk to allow the land team to approach across the surface while positioning herself inside the cave mouth for support.
The party surfaced onto the water via Water Walk and gained surprise against the guards stationed at the docks—two on the left and one on the right manning a mounted heavy crossbow. Marnok fired an arrow that struck the guard atop the crossbow. Mervyn cast Reduce on the heavy crossbow itself, shrinking it and causing the guard to fall from his perch. Kithri used Thorn Whip to drag the prone guard into the water, where he began struggling to swim. Litton attempted to grapple and throw a second guard but the enemy hooked his leg around Litton's to resist. Phaedra drew a rifle and fired, her shot improved by Kithri's reaction. Viktorin cast Toll the Dead in the surprise round.
Four additional enemies arrived as combat proper began. The enemies engaged with rapiers and pistols, striking Litton, Marnok, and Phaedra multiple times. Viktorin cast a protective sphere that granted temporary hit points to allies, then cast Shield of Faith on Litton to bolster his armor class. Phaedra cast Scorching Ray, striking two enemies with fire damage. Mervyn cast Ray of Sickness, dealing poison damage, then used finger guns against another enemy. Kithri cast Erupting Earth, killing one enemy combatant and wounding several others with a fountain of churned stone [3]. Litton retrieved his Comet Ballista and fired, triggering Heilig Comets and killing two enemies with the blast. Marnok engaged with Hail of Thorns, killing his initial target and damaging an adjacent enemy through the spell's spreading effect.
Kithri cast Hold Person, paralyzing two enemies, and dragged one paralyzed foe into the water with Thorn Whip. Litton attacked with his runic battle axe, dealing damage across multiple strikes. Marnok fired arrows at paralyzed opponents, gaining advantage from their incapacitated state. Viktorin cast Guiding Bolt. Mervyn cast Ray of Sickness at paralyzed enemies with advantage. Marnok fired the final arrow, striking the last enemy in the eye socket and watching it dissolve into nothing as the enemy fell. An eerie silence settled over the docks. The party searched the area and collected approximately ten gold, nine pistols with black powder ammunition, and multiple rapiers from the bodies.
Marnok disabled the large crossbow by cutting its bowstring while the party explored the cleared structure. Kithri sampled beer from storage barrels and found basic ale. Marnok investigated a curtained doorway and discovered a room with two empty cages, a grate leading to an undercarriage section, tables holding assorted bones and weaponry, a broken humanoid statue, and the full bone remains of an aquatic creature. The party encountered a locked door, which Mervyn blew open with a makeshift gunpowder charge. Beyond lay quarters with a bed, table, bookshelf, dresser, storage chest, and a ladder leading upward through a locked latch. Mervyn discovered eight platinum hidden beneath the mattress and a map depicting the Menagerie Coast. As they prepared to ascend, a voice called down from above, claiming to represent survivors and inviting them up for conversation.
The party ascended the stairs to find a dwarven bartender with a serving tray of drinks—and approximately six to seven pistols locking onto them with audible clicks. They had entered a tavern with a large pipe organ. Four armed individuals sat at tables near the stairs with pistols trained on the party. Two barmen stood behind a bar. A large, muscular human with ginger hair and pale skin stood in a far corner near the window, holding a warhammer and a drink, wearing a pelt across his shoulders [4]. Litton challenged the occupants to a drinking game. The large man set down his drink and turned to look at Litton directly, introducing himself as Seamus Grond, captain of the Storm Surges. He demanded to know why the party had killed his men and infiltrated the location. Phaedra revealed the truth: they had come to kill those working for Scarbosa. Seamus laughed and revealed there were seven armed combatants in the bar plus a boss man, in addition to the nine already defeated downstairs. Seamus reached for his warhammer, and combat erupted.
Litton moved into melee and struck Seamus multiple times with his axe, then grew to a larger size. Marnok ascended the stairs wielding the Blade of Tho'Maeus and engaged enemies, landing multiple strikes and gaining temporary hit points from the weapon. Mervyn moved cautiously up the stairs to scout, fired at an opponent, then retreated to cover. Kithri cast Wall of Fire at fourth level, trapping several enemies within the flames and dealing significant damage [5]. Viktorin cast a Channel Divinity that granted temporary hit points to nearby allies, then cast Spirit Guardians at fourth level, creating a glowing circle of protective energy centered on his position. Captain Vodea Phorus emerged from behind the bar onto an elevated deck above, introducing himself to the party and announcing his intention to join the fray. Seamus wielded a warhammer that crackled with electricity and engaged Litton, landing strikes that dealt both bludgeoning and lightning damage.
Marnok struck down an enemy in melee and positioned himself upon its corpse. Mervyn used Lightning Arrow to drag an enemy into the firewall trap, followed by a bonus action attack. Litton engaged Grond while attempting fire shackles against Seamus, but Seamus made a successful saving throw to resist the restraint. Kithri attempted to parkour toward Captain Vodea Phorus but became restrained mid-movement by stone covering her ankles, unable to complete the ascent. Phaedra engaged in combat against the pirate boss, dealing damage across multiple strikes. Captain Vodea Phorus appeared suddenly in Viktorin's pathway through teleportation or rapid movement, then struck Viktorin with a blade attack, dealing severe slashing damage that ended Viktorin's Spirit Guardians spell [6].
Kithri, restrained by stone covering her ankles, noticed Vodea Phorus's feet appeared to be made of stone. She cast Contagion at fifth level, hitting with a melee spell attack, and the target was poisoned, gaining disadvantage on actions. Pirates attacked Marnok and others, with one pirate landing a critical hit. Phaedra shot at a pirate, hitting with her second attack. Mervyn cast Lightning Lure on Captain Vodea Phorus, who failed the save, then attacked with finger cannons. Litton attempted a shove action but missed with a natural one. Seamus attacked Marnok and Litton but both strikes missed. Viktorin cast Spirit Guardians at fourth level again, requiring wisdom saves from multiple enemies—two failed and took full damage, while Vodea Phorus succeeded and took half. Marnok cast Ensnaring Strike at second level, hitting for damage, but the target resisted the restraint. Vodea Phorus made two blade attacks, missing Kithri but hitting Viktorin. Kithri cast Catha at fourth level against Vodea Phorus, who failed a Constitution saving throw and took double damage. Combat continued into round five with the party still engaged.
The party slew Vodea Phorus, Seamus Grond, and two Stone Cold creatures in the skull tavern, but Phaedra was petrified by proximity to Vodea Phorus and remains a stone statue awaiting restoration magic. Marnok discovered that Addison can see and hear through Mervyn's senses, forcing the party into a night of whispered planning while keeping their compromised companion unaware of the revelation. The group acquired a +1 longsword with Steel Wind Strike and the Hammer of the Tempest, recovered significant gold and gems, and learned from Captain Jack Sapphire that magic exists to cure Phaedra's petrification, though the means remain uncertain.
The party finished their brutal fight in the skull tavern, killing Vodea Phorus with a critical instant-death strike and dropping Seamus Grond moments later—but Phaedra was turned entirely to stone. Marnok discovered a private message revealing that Addison can see and hear through Mervyn's senses, forcing the group into a tense night of whispered planning while their compromised companion slept below.
Viktorin opened the round with a fourth-level Guiding Bolt that dealt twenty points of radiant damage and bathed the target in bright yellow light, granting advantage to all subsequent attacks [1]. Marnok moved into flanking position and landed two strikes in quick succession, dealing blade and cold damage. Vodea Phorus retaliated against Kithri, landing one strike before missing the second. Kithri responded by casting Hold Person at fourth level, paralyzing Stone Cold 1, Stone Cold 2, and Phaedra herself—only Seamus resisted the spell. Phaedra attempted to run forward but failed a Constitution save triggered by proximity to Vodea Phorus and was instantly petrified, her body transforming completely to stone.
Mervyn moved into position and struck Seamus twice, dealing seven points of damage and following up with finger-gun blasts. Litton attacked the paralyzed Seamus with advantage, landing heavy blows, and Seamus counterattacked for a combined seventeen damage. Viktorin cast Sacred Flame on the immobilized Stone Cold 1, then used Channel Divinity to regain a spell slot. Kithri attacked the paralyzed Vodea Phorus with her flame blade and scored a critical hit; her follow-up scimitar strike rolled a natural twenty, then a d100 result of one hundred, triggering an instant-death effect. Vodea Phorus failed his Constitution save against the instant kill and was graphically eviscerated on the spot [2].
Mervyn continued his assault on Seamus, dealing fourteen points of damage with a ranged attack that caved in the back of his head and killed him outright. He then turned his finger guns on Stone Cold 1, dealing ten points of force damage and dropping the paralyzed creature where it stood. Litton retrieved the Comet Ballista and fired at Stone Cold 2, dealing five damage and killing the last enemy. The combat ended with all four foes—Vodea Phorus, Seamus, Stone Cold 1, and Stone Cold 2—dead, and Phaedra standing frozen as a statue. Kithri backflipped off the bar and landed behind it, offering drinks to the party.
The party intimidated the two bartenders—a dwarf and another figure—into cooperation and learned that a crew of twenty had been needed to man the ship below; the party had killed approximately eighteen. Litton searched Seamus Grond's body and recovered fifty gold and a small warhammer crackling with electricity. Viktorin examined Vodea Phorus's corpse and found two hundred gold, a scroll, and a longsword of elven craftsmanship. Marnok explored an upstairs room and discovered a map of the Menagerie Coast, figurines, a pistol, a green heart necklace, and roughly one hundred gold worth of gems in a locked drawer. The scroll contained a letter from Scarbosa instructing the recipient to wait at the Skullport until further notice [3].
Mervyn completed a ritual identification of the longsword, revealing it to be a +1 blade with finesse properties and the ability to cast Steel Wind Strike once per long rest; Viktorin sensed there was more to the weapon than the spell revealed. Kithri agreed to store the blade in the bag of holding. The warhammer was identified as the Hammer of the Tempest, dealing lightning damage in addition to normal damage, with the thrown property and the ability to return to its attuned wielder's hand. The party decided to rest overnight rather than attempt a nighttime departure, and Litton paid the two barkeeps—offering them passage back to Nikodranas or the mainland—and had the bodies of their former captors thrown into the water below.
Viktorin cast Sending to Captain Jack Sapphire, confirming the area was clear and that Sapphire would join them at the dock in the morning. The party examined Phaedra's petrified form and discovered through testing with a shoelace that the petrification extended completely through her body—stone all the way through, not just a surface layer. Captain Jack Sapphire arrived an hour later and confirmed that magic existed to restore her, though he could not cast the necessary spell himself. Kithri stated she could not change her prepared spells until morning but would attempt to help Phaedra then. Litton took first watch, sitting at a window overlooking the docks and examining the warhammer, determining he could transfer runes from another weapon onto it with delicate work.
Marnok and Kithri took the secondary watch and passed an uneventful night. During the evening, Litton and Marnok retreated to private quarters for a confidential conversation. Marnok revealed that he had created a small ball inscribed with magical writing and given it to Viktorin before the recent battle; the item's message disclosed that Addison could see through Mervyn's eyes and hear what Mervyn heard, meaning Addison had been monitoring the party's activities and conversations since Mervyn's death and resurrection [4]. Litton initially misunderstood and thought the threat involved Viktorin, but Viktorin had told Litton about Mervyn being compromised while they were at Seamus's body. The party debated how to handle Mervyn's presence—options included blindfolding him, placing him in the bag of holding with periodic air breaks, or sending him away on mundane tasks—but recognized that any overt action would alert Addison that they knew about her surveillance.
The group realized that Addison now possessed intelligence on all party activities and conversations since Mervyn's resurrection, including their plans to acquire the orb from Master Yussa Errenis, conversations with Bra'Thocrys and the City Watch, discussions about Targanas and Scarbosa, and mentions of the House of Five and dragon-related activities. Mervyn had deliberately left the room and drunk heavily during the City Watch conversation, and had been intoxicated in the corner when Kristoff knocked on the door, leaving at that point. The party debated whether to feed false information to Mervyn so that misinformation would spread to Addison—suggesting destinations like Port Damali or Whitestone as misdirection—but others opposed the strategy, concerned it could backfire and lead Addison to their actual location. Mervyn remained asleep downstairs in a hammock throughout the night.
Viktorin maintained watch through the night as the sea remained calm and the moon hung visible overhead. At dawn, he perceived a turtle-headed creature peering into the skull's eye socket and greeting him with a simple "Hello." The party remained inside the skull tavern with their petrified companion and their compromised artificer, uncertain what the new day would bring.
Master Yugi revealed that Addison the vampire was using Mervyn as a spy, compromising the party's operational security regarding their plans against the House of Five and their discussions with Master Yussa Errenis. Kithri successfully learned the Spirit Ball technique from Yugi, gaining access to a powerful daily ability that could be amplified by allies at the cost of exhaustion. Viktorin attained a second divine vestige through the combined patronage of the Moonweaver and the Archheart, unlocking new powers through her Moonblade, and discovered through Legend Lore that Lady Kisara is actually Ki'Saraia, a major survivor of the Calamity who fought against dragons named Salethar and Tho'Maeus.
# Session Recap: The Spirit and the Sword
Master Yugi, an ancient turtle who claimed the island as his own, arrived at dawn and offered to train Kithri in a dangerous technique—one that carried a slim chance of death but promised formidable power if her spirit proved strong enough.
Viktorin's dawn watch ended when a humanoid turtle peered upside-down through the skull's eye socket and asked permission to enter. Master Yugi introduced himself as the island's centuries-old inhabitant, drawn by the previous night's battle. He questioned Viktorin about the party's purpose, speaking in riddles and garden metaphors while assessing whether they walked a righteous path. When Marnok joined the conversation, Yugi pressed for details about the creatures threatening the world, eventually learning the party sought to dismantle the House of Five—ancient dragons whose combined power could rival the Calamity itself. Jack Sapphire emerged from his hammock to confirm Yugi's reputation as a capable if cryptic former adventurer, revealing the turtle had found them before Jack brought the party to the island.
Yugi sensed something wrong with Mervyn, warning Viktorin that the artificer's ears and eyes were not his own—a weed strangling the plant that needed pulling at the root. The revelation sparked urgent whispered planning among the conscious party members, with Viktorin clarifying to Kithri and Marnok that Addison could see and hear through Mervyn, not through Viktorin as Litton still believed. The group realized Addison now possessed intelligence on their plans regarding Master Yussa Errenis's orb, conversations with the City Watch, and discussions about the House of Five. Sapphire absorbed the news grimly, relieved only that they likely hadn't revealed his true draconic form to the vampire's surveillance, preserving one element of surprise for the eventual confrontation with Yinra and Addison.
Yugi offered to teach Kithri a gift from the Wild Mother, warning it would take days and test her spirit to its limits. Kithri accepted, leaving Dook as her only companion while the rest of the party occupied themselves on the island. Mervyn attempted to fabricate diamonds from a massive quantity of charcoal but failed when casting the spell scroll, though he successfully created liquid incense oil for Viktorin's spellwork. Litton explored the island's perimeter and attuned his newly acquired Hammer of the Tempest, while Marnok helped Sapphire repair and rename Vodea Phorus's captured ship to the Second Wave, a name chosen by Phaedra who would inherit the vessel once Sapphire reclaimed his own from Ska'Dreshan. Litton confronted Marnok about his suspicions regarding Viktorin, only to learn the truth about Mervyn's affliction and the need to avoid discussing sensitive matters in the artificer's presence.
Over three days of grueling training, Kithri struggled to harness her spirit energy, suffering exhaustion and disappointment before finally manifesting a glowing orb in her palm. Yugi struck her head with his cane to test her concentration, and when she maintained focus despite the blow, he declared her successful. He explained the Spirit Ball could be used once per day and would cause exhaustion, but allies could lend their energy to increase its power—though they too would suffer exhaustion from contributing. Kithri marked her path back to the skull cave with golden spiderwebs of druidcraft, a precaution in case she failed to return.
Viktorin meditated and found herself transported to the familiar dark space where the Moonweaver's voice greeted her. The deity explained that scrying failures stemmed from targets' willpower, not Viktorin's inadequacy, then revealed a second divine presence—the Archheart, whose masculine voice joined the Moonweaver's in granting new boons. Together they promised Viktorin the ability to attune to the Moonblade she had carried since the Hofstetter Ranch, powers she would access through their combined patronage. When Viktorin opened her eyes, she discovered her necklace had transformed, three blue lapis gems now sprouting beneath the golden disc as physical proof of her awakened vestige.
Using Mervyn's liquid incense, Viktorin cast Legend Lore on Lady Kisara and found herself standing on an ancient battlefield during the Calamity. She witnessed Kisara—whose true name was Ki'Saraia, the Dark Frozen Winter—leading an army against forces supported by two younger dragons, one brass and one silver. The white dragon proved terrifyingly powerful, laying waste to everything before her while the names Salethar and Tho'Maeus echoed across the carnage. By battle's end, the two younger dragons lay injured while Ki'Saraia flew away from the blood-soaked field, a survivor of the Calamity and one of its most formidable combatants. Viktorin sent messages to Kithri's mother Vira Stoutbridge, learning business was slowly recovering in Nikodranas, and to Master Yussa Errenis, warning him about Mervyn's condition and receiving a promise to research vampirism for a cure.
Yugi returned Kithri to the skull cave as dusk approached, gathering the party to acknowledge the growth he sensed in all of them over the past three days. He urged them to take what they had learned, blossom it into the world, and get to the root of their problems—fixing his stern gaze on Viktorin and Marnok as he spoke of pulling weeds. After bidding farewell and exchanging knowing words with Sapphire, the ancient turtle departed, leaving the party with a ship renamed and attuned, supplies restocked, and new powers awakened as they prepared for the journey back to Nikodranas.
The party received Yussa's Ball of Return, a single-use teleportation device to his tower in dire circumstances, after learning that Addison's vampiric surveillance of Mervyn cannot be safely blocked without risking immediate betrayal. Four reinforcements sent by Kristoff—Nova, Kaelan, Qah'arl, and Gris—arrived in Nikodranas and joined the party to form the Parallel Tales of Wildemount, uniting nine adventurers against the House of Five with plans to separate Scarbosa from his dragonborn bodyguards.
**TL;DR:** The party sailed back to Nikodranas with their newly renamed ship, consulted Yussa about Mervyn's vampiric surveillance problem, and met their reinforcements—four adventurers sent by Kristoff to help dismantle the House of Five.
After three days of training and preparation on Skull Island, the party reconvened in the skull cave as Master Yugi confirmed his work was complete. Jack Sapphire announced the ship was ready to sail, prompting negotiations over command: Sapphire would captain the Second Wave until they reclaimed his original vessel from Scarbosa, at which point Phaedra would take command—though she warned him any damage to the ship would mean he owed her a replacement. Before departing, Kithri presented Master Yugi with a Druidcraft flower and carved "Shifting Paradigm was here" into the bar, leaving her mark on the island. The party boarded the Second Wave for the three-and-a-half-day voyage back to Nikodranas.
During the voyage, Viktorin planted disinformation with Mervyn about checking job boards and visiting the alchemist, keeping him in the loop without revealing actual plans. Mervyn spent his days crafting potions and designing blueprints for gorgon gas ammunition, while Marnok studied his Marquesian phrasebook and practiced target shooting. On the second night, Viktorin prayed for guidance about Mervyn's condition and received a vision from the Moonweaver and the Arch Heart: "Get to the root of the problem. Eliminate the roots, eliminate the problem." The message was clear—to free Mervyn from Addison's surveillance, they would need to destroy the vampire herself. Kithri sent a message to Perry via her sending stone, and the party continued their careful dance of appearing normal while keeping critical information away from Mervyn's compromised senses.
The party arrived in Nikodranas on the nineteenth, greeted by the wharf master who asked after Kithri's father and the culprits who had threatened the Stoutbridge family. After selling nine pistols for fourteen hundred gold at the marketplace, the group split: Mervyn visited the alchemist Delilah while Marnok, Litton, Kithri, and Viktorin traveled to Yussa's tower. The archmage listened to their concerns about Mervyn's vampiric connection and confirmed his suspicions—Addison must be exceedingly powerful for her influence to persist after resurrection. Yussa explained that a Ring of Mind Shielding might block her surveillance but could also trigger her to turn Mervyn immediately, making it too dangerous to attempt. His advice was stark: focus on the House of Five threat first, as the orb remained safe in his possession and he could plane-shift away if necessary. Before they left, Yussa presented them with a magical ball—Yussa's Ball of Return—that would instantly teleport all five party members to his tower if thrown while they maintained contact, a single-use escape from dire straits. The party also warned the Targanas about potential compromise from the warehouse incident.
On the twentieth, Mervyn returned to Delilah's shop with his gorgon gas vial and detailed blueprints. She directed him to Dook's workshop, where the dwarf grudgingly admitted he didn't like Mervyn but respected the design and would help for the sake of Kithri's party. Working together with Dook's superior tools and supplies, Mervyn successfully crafted six pieces of specialized ammunition—gorgon bullets that would petrify targets on impact, each one a perfect marriage of alchemical component and mechanical casing designed to survive firing from his pepper box.
That evening at the Withered Bird Inn, four strangers entered and made immediate eye contact with Viktorin, Marnok, and Litton: a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi, a dark-complexioned half-elf, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut. Qah'arl headed to the bar for drinks while Nova and Kaelan approached the table, Nova introducing herself as a cleric sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge to seek allies. Kithri warned them immediately that Mervyn's eyes and ears were not his own, prompting whispered warnings through Kaelan's message earrings. The nine adventurers retreated to Kithri's room, where Viktorin studied the others carefully and settled in to observe while the parties exchanged descriptions and began comparing notes.
Marnok opened by asking what Gris's party knew about the House of Five. They had encountered Scarbosa outside the Stoutbridge fishery, met Kristoff aboard his airship, and been sent to Nikodranas as reinforcements—though they admitted Kithri's party had learned far more through their infiltration of the Lavish Chateau, their alliance with Yussa and the Targanas, and their recent destruction of Scarbosa's backup ship. When Mervyn asked about magical orbs, Gris's party confirmed they had none. To demonstrate trust, Mervyn distributed healing elixirs to each of the newcomers—potions that healed and granted temporary vitality. Litton handed Mervyn a random set of keys in return, which turned out to be from the pirate island. Then Gris drank a Potion of Countless Possibilities and grew a prehensile tail, prompting Litton to drink one as well—his produced only beautiful illusory butterflies that filled the room for a minute before dissipating. The conversation turned to strategy: Kristoff had instructed them to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards, but the combined party debated whether to attack the Poison Jewel, lure targets from the Lavish Chateau, or strike the bodyguards individually. As midnight approached and the planning grew more detailed, the nine adventurers—now calling themselves the Parallel Tales of Wildemount—agreed to reconvene in the morning to finalize their assault on the House of Five.
Kristoff revealed the House of Five's plot to distribute an ale from Cyndradell's distillery that would make people forget their problems and crave more, and he proposed a two-stage plan to eliminate Scarbosa's crew and guards before assaulting the distillery near Feolinn. The party agreed to coordinate with their Nikodranas contacts to clear the western docks and execute an ambush on Scarbosa's ship by the following night. Novriel received divine confirmation from the Platinum Dragon that it would aid them when the time came.
# Session Recap: The Parallel Tales Convene
**TL;DR:** The nine adventurers gathered aboard the Tide Skimmer to receive a furious briefing from Kristoff, who revealed the House of Five's plans and urged them to strike Scarbosa's crew before sailing north to destroy Cyndradell's ale distillery near Feolinn.
The party debated their next move at the Withered Bird Inn, weighing whether to infiltrate the Lavish Chateau, ambush Scarbosa's ship, or lure the dragonborn bodyguards into a trap. Kithri transformed into an owl and flew to the chateau, perching on the opposite building to scout the entrance. She spotted only the doorman standing outside while flickering lights and shadows moved within the stained glass windows. Meanwhile, Grisyl headed downstairs to the inn's bar and asked the young blonde barkeep about the chateau's schedule. The woman confirmed a show was already underway and would run for about an hour. Kithri returned through the inn window mid-flight, transforming back into herself and colliding with Mervyn. She reported no one outside the chateau, prompting the group to decide on a split approach: some would enter for intelligence, others would stake out the area.
Grisyl and Kaelan approached the chateau's doorman, who initially refused them entry since the show had already started. Kaelan slipped him ten gold, and the doorman quietly ushered them inside. The Ruby of the Sea performed on stage, her ribbon dancing mesmerizing Kaelan while Grisyl scanned the room. She spotted Kristoff seated at the front left table, flanked by Scarbosa, a red-haired dwarven woman, and an angelic dark-skinned woman in silvery robes—Lady Kisara and Cyndradell. Behind them stood the four dragonborn bodyguards. An empty chair sat between Kristoff and Scarbosa. Grisyl touched her earring and relayed the information to the others waiting outside. Kaelan sent his pseudo-dragon Jaxxeth scurrying along the floor toward the table, where it picked up fragments of conversation: Kisara demanding urgency, Scarbosa vowing to find and kill whoever sabotaged him, Cyndradell boasting about her new ale, and Kristoff reporting clear skies.
Behind the Stoutbridge fishery, Kithri cast Scry on Kristoff's earring. The spell lifted her incorporeally through the chateau roof, and she heard the full conversation. Lady Kisara snapped that the three dragons needed to hurry and carry their weight—Scarbosa maintaining the ocean, Cyndradell the land, Kristoff the air. Scarbosa admitted losing his base and another ship but vowed to find the culprits. Cyndradell claimed everything ran smoothly on her end, promising the world would soon be introduced to a new ale that would wash away concerns. Kristoff confirmed no aircraft threatened the skies. Kisara ordered Scarbosa to fix his failures. The scry ended after ten minutes. Meanwhile, Novriel sat with Litton and Mervyn outside the fishery, quietly praying with his hand on his sword hilt. He invoked the Platinum Dragon with a formal prayer, asking not for the deity to fight in his place but to stand beside him against the four evil dragons. He rolled for divine intervention and succeeded. Warmth pulsed from his pendant and breastplate, emanating outward. Litton and Mervyn felt the overwhelming heat encompass their area, and a wordless feeling reached Novriel: *I hear you, my child. When the time comes, I will aid thee.*
As the Ruby of the Sea's performance concluded, the audience applauded and began filing out. The House of Five remained seated, waiting for the crowd to clear. Scarbosa and the four dragonborn rose first and headed for the exit, walking past Grisyl and Kaelan at the bar. Kristoff slowed his pace, glancing back to ensure the others were out of sight, then stopped beside the two adventurers. He told them sternly they needed to talk somewhere safe, instructing them to meet at their ship with the dome ready, then continued out the door. Outside, the party at the fishery watched Scarbosa and his guards walk south toward the docks. Viktorin cast Scry on one of the red dragonborn, following the group as they cut through the southern district into the Open Key. The two reds bickered and bet on who would score the next kill fastest until Scarbosa turned and ordered them in Draconic to shut their mouths. The scry ended as they reached the docks.
The nine adventurers reconvened aboard the Tide Skimmer. Captain Cotton and his crew—including the red-skinned tiefling BoJack, who exchanged a secret handshake with Kaelan—retreated below deck. Kaelan set up the hourglass dome, and Kristoff snapped his fingers, transforming the interior into a campfire surrounded by stump seating. He began by furiously rebuking Grisyl and Kaelan for entering the chateau after he explicitly told them not to. He warned they could have exposed the entire alliance and ruined everything, though he admitted they got lucky because the House of Five had been distracted. Mervyn, frustrated by the bickering, fired his pistol into the air to silence everyone. Kristoff whirled on him, half his face covered in blue scales, and snarled that the gnome was fortunate the dome muffled sound or the shot would have alerted the entire dock. Mervyn stood his ground, demanding Kristoff speak to them as allies rather than scolding them like students. The tension simmered as Kristoff grudgingly acknowledged nothing had gone wrong—this time.
Grisyl demanded information about the House of Five's plans. Kristoff explained that Cyndradell operated a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn, where she brewed an ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more. Kobolds would deliver the first shipment to Feolinn within the week as a test run. He revealed the four dragonborn bodyguards were contracted by the House of Five—the gold one raised by Cyndradell, the two reds hired muscle, and the violet one belonging to Kisara. They currently guarded Scarbosa because he was failing and needed protection. Kristoff proposed a two-stage plan: first, the party should coordinate with their city contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while Kristoff lured Scarbosa away. If they eliminated his crew and the dragonborn, Scarbosa would flee, scattering the other dragons and forcing Cyndradell back to her lair. The party could then sail to Feolinn, intercept the ale shipment, and assault the distillery. Kristoff warned that if Scarbosa transformed into his true dragon form within the city, he could devastate Nikodranas, though doing so would ostracize him from the House of Five. He instructed the party to contact their allies tomorrow, then reach him via earring once the docks could be cleared.
Kristoff stood and told the group to avoid doing anything else stupid tonight. He departed the ship, leaving the nine adventurers sitting in the dome as it reverted to tents and bedrolls. The party now faced a narrow window: speak with their Nikodranas contacts in the morning, coordinate the dock evacuation, and strike Scarbosa's crew by tomorrow night—all before sailing north to stop Cyndradell's ale from reaching Feolinn.
The party discovered Marnok's pseudo-dragon companion Tamias and learned through a shared vision with Gris that ancient dragons Thallethar and Tamieth confirm greater potential yet to unlock, while Gris revealed herself as an Eladrin whose appearance shifts with her emotions. They identified Scarbosa and his ship the Poison Jewel as the sea-based threat from the House of Five, secured support from the Targanas garrison to clear the western docks, and arranged an urgent audience with Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower.
The nine adventurers settled into the ship's dome for the night, still reeling from Kristoff's tirade, and began piecing together a plan to strike Scarbosa's crew while keeping the House of Five's dragons from ever suspecting a thing — a night that would end with Gris literally exploding, a spider confession, and Marnok discovering he'd been carrying a pseudo-dragon companion all along.
With Kristoff gone and the tension of the chateau confrontation still lingering, the party regrouped in the dome to digest what they'd learned: Kasara's fury at Scarbosa's failures, Cyndradell's readying army, and the fragile promise that Kristoff would distract Scarbosa if the crew and dragonborn could be dealt with first. Marnok noted grimly that at least they now had a plan to work from, even if their patron dragon remained old and grumpy.
Mervyn slipped away to brew potions belowdecks and, on a whim, downed one of his own concoctions — losing every hair on his body in the process, to Marnok's baffled amusement. Meanwhile Litton and Karl settled by the dome's fire with drinks in hand, and the group debated how to clear the western docks without tipping off Scarbosa. Ideas ranged from bribing guards to staging a fake plague, with Viktorin dryly shutting down any talk of raising zombies to scare off civilians. The night ended with watches assigned and the party bedding down in the dome.
While testing the dome's strange properties, Marnok grew increasingly aware of a warmth pulsing from his bracer. Following Kithri's suggestion, he drew out his glowing blade and summoned Tamias, his pseudo-dragon, learning through halting yes-or-no exchanges that the glow meant "friend." Bringing Tamias before Gris triggered an immediate, startled standoff as her own pseudo-dragon, Ringworm, locked eyes with Tamias and the two tiny dragons scuffled before settling. Later, Marnok and Gris performed a joint commune ritual, incense and dragon statue in hand, and found themselves transported to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons — Thallethar and Tamieth — confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock before returning them to the deck.
Watches passed with banter and budding camaraderie, first between Litton and Karl, then Marnok and Mervyn. During the final watch, Kithri and Kaelan discovered an uninvited house spider had crept into the supposedly sealed dome. Kithri, ever curious, spoke with it directly and learned its name was Spindle, who was fascinated by Kaelan's dark elf heritage and evasiveness about his past. Kaelan, unnerved, later used illusion magic to make Kithri feel phantom legs crawling up her back in retaliation — while Kithri idly decorated Mervyn's bald head with flowers and leaves as the sun rose.
Morning brought Nova's magical berries to stave off hunger, and a stranger revelation: Gris's hair and eyes had shifted to vivid green, her freckles following suit, marking her as an Eladrin whose appearance shifted with her emotions. Mervyn, eager to test another Potion of Invisibility, drank one and lost strength outright. Gris followed suit — and erupted violently, showering the entire dome in blood and bone that pelted everyone with bruising force, only to reform completely unharmed moments later as her body knit itself back together like nothing had happened. The stunned party cleaned themselves off, Nova quietly grateful he hadn't needed to attempt anything drastic, before the dome dissipated with the coming day.
The party split to tackle the day's errands. Mervyn led Gris and Nova to the apothecary of Delilah, who greeted him warmly and revealed she was cousin to Qimella from Port Damali. She sold Mervyn a bug repellent for his spider troubles and a fresh Potion of Invisibility, listening with amusement as he recounted the explosion and his own hair loss. Nova inquired about anything to bolster his divine magic, but Delilah had nothing to offer beyond her usual wares, and the group departed after pleasantries.
Marnok, Viktorin, Litton, and Kaelan sought out Nyriss and Thedan at the barracks, laying out the danger posed by the House of Five and naming Scarbosa and his ship, the Poison Jewel, as the sea-based threat. Both men balked at the idea of guards fighting dragons but agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and alert the Targanas to the situation. Thedan urged the party to seek out the reclusive Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower for further aid, prompting Viktorin to send word ahead — Yussa agreed to receive them urgently.
Kithri and Karl found the boisterous wharf master Ignis and asked him to seal off the western docks by dusk under the guise of safety hazards; he agreed readily, already having guessed their target was the Poison Jewel. Disguised as a dock worker with Kithri perched as a parrot on his shoulder, Karl scouted the ship's approach, noting its single gangplank, a young man barking orders with a trident, and a fleeting glimpse of Scarbosa himself stepping out from his quarters before withdrawing. With the layout mapped and allies quietly falling into place, the party stood poised for the night's coming confrontation.
A creature with vampiric characteristics who attacked Marnok with fangs and boots, nearly killing him. Addison can see and hear through Mervyn's eyes and senses, having gained this ability after Mervyn's death and resurrection, allowing Addison to monitor the party's activities and conversations. Addison was present with Yinra during a warehouse fight where the party was heavily dominated and nearly killed, with Addison wielding petrifying gaze abilities similar to a Medusa. Addison is paired with Yinra and potentially other allies including Twin Peaks, and may be aware of the party's plans regarding the orb from Master Yussa Errenis, conversations with Bra'Thocrys and the City Watch, discussions of Targanas and Scarbosa, and mentions of the House of Five and dragon-related activities. Addison was also referred to as "the woman from the temple" and is a vampire who led psycho wolves during the warehouse incident. Master Yugi sensed Addison's surveillance through Mervyn and warned that the connection needed to be severed at its root. The party became aware that Addison now possesses intelligence on their discussions about the House of Five and their plans, though they believed Addison had not yet learned of Sapphire's true draconic form. During the voyage back to Nikodranas, Viktorin received a divine vision from the Moonweaver and the Arch Heart stating "Get to the root of the problem. Eliminate the roots, eliminate the problem," indicating that freeing Mervyn from Addison's surveillance would require destroying Addison herself. Master Yussa Errenis confirmed that Addison must be exceedingly powerful for her surveillance influence to persist after Mervyn's resurrection, and warned that attempting to block her surveillance with a Ring of Mind Shielding could trigger Addison to turn Mervyn immediately, making such an attempt too dangerous.
An allied group coming from Port Damali that may assist in missions; at least a week away. Adjacency is one of two ragtag groups that have come together with the party's group of nine adventurers. They took out the port and now have possession of one of Scarbosa's ships. Kristoff noted that Adjacency, as a group, is capable. Kristoff instructed the nine adventurers to coordinate with their city contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew in a two-stage plan to strike at the House of Five. Adjacency consists of Gris, Kithri, and others. The group lacks connections in the current town compared to the Shifting Paradigm and agreed to scout Scarbosa's ship, the Poison Jewel, while the other adventurers pursued their own contacts and errands. Gris possesses a breastplate that produces electricity and has revealed herself to be an Eladrin whose appearance shifts with her emotions, her hair, eyes, and freckles turning vivid green. Gris drank a Potion of Invisibility and subsequently erupted violently before reforming completely unharmed.
A spell whose effects can be replicated by the Potion of Transformation. The spell's effects last for a specific time period. An alchemist's name for a potion replicating this spell's effects, the Elixir of Transformation also provides a minor healing effect in addition to the transformation ability.
A potion with a mundane spell effect, valued at 60 gold. During negotiations at Delilah's alchemist shop in Nikodranas, the potion was offered as part of a trade agreement but was not accepted by the party.
A dark olive-skinned, pale white-haired female with silvery layered robes seated at Kristoff's table at the Lavish Chateau.
A deity or divine entity that appeared alongside the Moonweaver in a vision sent to Viktorin regarding Mervyn's condition. The Arch Heart has a neutral but slightly male-sounding voice and spoke in unison with the Moonweaver, delivering the message: "Get to the root of the problem. Eliminate the roots, eliminate the problem." The vision occurred on the second night of the party's voyage back to Nikodranas aboard the Second Wave.
A bag that holds far more than its size suggests; an adventurer's essential. The party uses it to store valuable items including a +1 finesse longsword capable of casting Steel Wind Strike once per long rest, multiple pistols taken from pirates, residuum (approximately 200 gold's worth remaining after 300 gold's worth was used for a revivify spell), and other equipment. Kithri returned to Skull Cove with the bag of holding before dusk on the third day of training with Master Yugi. During the voyage back to Nikodranas, the bag of holding contained a gas sack from a mechanical beast, which was kept inside due to its volatile nature. Viktorin carried the bag of holding when separating from the party at Nikodranas to visit the marketplace and alchemist, intending to sell pistols and items retrieved from the ship. Qah'arl carried an hourglass in the bag of holding.
A plant that grows hops and was planted outside; produces withered black hops sufficient to make one barrel of beer.
A weapon wielded by a character who struck down crew members with solid blows during the upstairs combat.
Channels necromantic energy that withers and damages a creature.
A crew member of the Tide Skimmer who wears a green uniform and successfully executes a secret handshake with Grisyl Gwynedd. A short, stout, fat man with a grayish beard and long matted hair. Friendly in demeanor. He reciprocates the attempted secret handshake with Kaelan (referred to as Cal in the transcript), and the two nail the handshake for the first time together, ending with a kiss. He chuckles at the successful exchange and continues below deck with the rest of the crew.
A member of the House of Five, an adult dragon working within the House who serves as a double agent aligned against Skadra Shan and others. Bra'Thocrys is also known by the alias Kristoff. He is bound to House of Five against his will and brought the party together to stop what united dragons could become. He does not want to be part of overtaking the realm but is forced to participate. He flies an airship and continues his own activities while fulfilling his obligations to the House. He instructed Gris's party to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards as part of efforts to dismantle the House of Five.
## What it is A bracer worn by Marnok since the start of the campaign. Each bracer has a picture on it depicting what weapon is stored within. ## Powers and properties The bracer glows blue when someone is not in their right form. It glows yellow and grows warm when a friend is near. The bracer stores weapons—Marnok carries a sword in one bracer and a shortbow in the other, and can change which weapons are stored within them. The sword itself is the object that glows, not the bracer. ## Provenance and bearer Marnok has carried the braces since the start of the campaign. The sword stored within is newer, acquired during the campaign.
## Who they are A vampire who can see and hear through Marvin. ## Where they stand Briarwood now knows about the party members through her connection to Marvin. ## History with the party None directly recorded. ## Where things stand now Briarwood is aware of the party's existence and identities via Marvin's eyes and ears. The party has discussed whether she might interfere in their plans against Scarbosa and his crew, and debated whether to remove or fix Marvin to sever her surveillance.
An official D&D published adventure or source material from which the Jewel of 3 Prayers originates. The Hammer of the Tempest is an official D&D item from Call of the Netherdeep.
Captain of a ship belonging to Skardashan, described by multiple sources as a stone-cold killer. Full name is Vodea Phorus Phorus. Wears a captain's cloak, a tricorn hat, and has very shiny, glistening black long hair. Commands the Stormsurger, a two-masted ship. Emerged from behind a bar onto an elevated deck during combat in a tavern at Rumblecusp, announcing his intention to join the fray against the party. Possesses the ability to move with supernatural speed or teleport. Feet appear to be made of stone. Attacks with blade weapons and deals severe slashing damage. Resists magical restraint effects. Failed a Constitution saving throw against Catha cast at fourth level, taking double damage.
The white moon that appears in Mervyn's meditative void visions and illuminates a path forward. Catha appears in the dark space where Viktorin communes with the Moonweaver, visible above her as she stands on a white circle surrounded by black skylines and endless black void.
A 4th level spell cast by Kithri on Vodea Phorus that required a Constitution saving throw.
## Who they are An old man who distributes potions of countless possibilities, described as a weird dude. He pushes a cart. ## Where they stand Charlie operates as a potion merchant, selling his wares to adventurers and others who seek him out. ## History with the party Mervyn purchased a bug repellent potion and a Potion of Invisibility from Charlie. The repellent costs 5 gold and requires only a single dab on the body to create a protective covering across the entire body with no side effects. Charlie also had a Potion of Possibility in his inventory that he offered to sell for 50 gold, which Mervyn accepted. Charlie warned that the Potion of Possibility carries a serious risk: if procured with wrong magics in the wrong place, it will cause the person who takes it to explode violently. He mentioned that earlier that day he had experienced a case of this, cleaning what he referred to as "bits of grizz" from an explosion. ## Where things stand now Charlie remains at his cart selling potions. Mervyn and his companions have concluded their business with him for now.
A spell known by one of the party members.
A group of legendary ancient dragons that attempted to overtake Tal'Dorei some years ago. They were stopped by Vox Machina. The party fears a similar incursion of legendary dragons may be rising again, potentially representing a resurrection of the Chroma Conclave threat. Remnants of the Chroma Conclave persist in Nikodranas, with dragons operating in humanoid form rather than their true shapes. The House of Five serves as a front for this resurgent threat, with Captain Scarbosa commanding the Poison Jewel from the West Quay and leading a sea-based army with dragon backing.
## Who they are A member of the House of Five involved in military operations. ## Where they stand Cindy answers to Kasara within the House of Five hierarchy and is responsible for deploying something called an Red Ale. She has no issues with Aeren Browned movements. ## History with the party The party learned of Cindy only through a scried conversation on Kristoff's earring, in which she reported that her Red Ale was ready for deployment. She has had no direct dealings with the player characters. ## Where things stand now Cindy was last seen heading upstairs in the Lavish Chateau with Kisara after the party's reconnaissance mission. The party's stated intention is to end her as part of their plan to dismantle Scarbosa's operation and the House of Five's activities.
A weapon with a feature called Heilig Comets that hits multiple targets in an area, requiring a DC 13 Dexterity save, dealing full or half damage based on the result.
A 5th level spell allowing the caster to ask a deity three yes or no questions; Tho'Maeus's communication with Marnok appears to follow rules similar to this spell. Gris has performed a commune ritual involving incense, a dragon statue, and a meditative state shared with another person, through which she and Marnok were transported to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons, Thallethar and Tamieth, confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock.
Magical earrings that allow multiple wearers to communicate with each other; the wearer can touch the earring and speak to allies remotely at no cost. Kristoff obtained a set from an underground casino and distributed them to the party to enable communication during their reconnaissance mission, with Viktorin designated as the primary wearer for relaying messages to the rest of the team. The party has given one to Kristoff and has 6 spares.
A 5th level spell cast by Kithri that requires a melee spell attack and forces a Constitution save, inflicting poison on a hit.
A spell that allows the caster to control freestanding water in a cube up to 100 feet on each side, including raising water levels by up to 20 feet.
A red dragon associated with the House of Five. One of three dragons serving Lady Kisara alongside Scarbosa and Kristoff, with dominion over the land. She has turned a mountain into a distillery and brews an ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more. Kobold servants will deliver the first shipment to Feolinn within the week as a test run. She has chosen Phelan as her first target, planning to strike it within the week using Vizenzavik and her kobold horde. At the Lavish Chateau, she appeared as an angelic dark-skinned woman in silvery robes with red hair, claiming everything ran smoothly on her end and promising the world would soon be introduced to her new ale. At a front table in the Lavish Chateau, she boasted about her new ale to her companions Kristoff, Scarbosa, and Lady Kisara while guarded by four dragonborn bodyguards. Kristoff has promised the party that he will distract Scarbosa if they can deal with Scarbosa's crew and dragonborn first. She commands Red Ale, a figure connected to Lady Cassara's operations within the House of Five hierarchy, and has readied it for deployment as part of the House of Five's broader plans.
An alchemist who runs a potion shop in Nicodranas and sells healing potions; she does not keep alchemist fire components on hand due to fire safety concerns. She has elongated fingers and an elvish, dark appearance. She wears glasses. She is willing to buy healing elixirs from adventurers. She directs clients to other craftspeople for specialized work, such as referring Mervyn to Dook's workshop for assistance with gorgon gas ammunition crafting. She is cousin to Qimella from Port Damali. She greeted Mervyn warmly when he visited with Gris and Nova. She sold Mervyn a bug repellent and a fresh Potion of Invisibility. She listened with amusement as Mervyn recounted an explosion and his own hair loss. When Nova inquired about anything to bolster divine magic, she had nothing to offer beyond her usual wares.
A location or concept about which information was previously obtained; associated with the Nine Hells.
A material component used in restoration spells, worth 100 gold or requiring an alchemist half a day to a day to produce from diamonds. The party has 200 gold worth of Powder Residuum available as an alternative material component for spellwork. A character (Kieran) previously traded 100 gold worth of diamond for 100 gold of diamond dust and used it for a Greater Restoration spell. Diamond dust can be produced by crushing diamonds using jewel crafting tools such as a mortar and pestle.
An alchemist in Nikodranas with a workshop and facilities for crafting; has a good standing with Kithri's party. Despite initially claiming he didn't like Mervyn, Doki respected the design of Mervyn's gorgon gas ammunition blueprints and agreed to help for the sake of Kithri's party. Working together with Mervyn at his workshop using superior tools and supplies, Doki assisted in successfully crafting six pieces of specialized ammunition—gorgon bullets designed to petrify targets on impact, each one perfectly crafted to survive firing from Mervyn's pepper box.
Kithri's companion during her three-day training with Master Yugi. Dook is capable of speech. Sapphire has seen Dook on the ship. Dook will be unhappy about Kithri being hurt during her training with the master turtle. Dook is a dwarf with a workshop in Nikodranas. He dislikes Mervyn but respects skilled design and agreed to help Mervyn craft gorgon bullets using his superior tools and supplies. Dook is a green dragon.
A staff member at the Lavish Chateau who was encountered during the party's previous visit and was observed standing outside the chateau doors during a show. He initially refused entry to Grisyl and Kaelan when they arrived, citing that the show had already started. After Kaelan slipped him ten gold, the doorman quietly ushered them inside.
A location or organization with multiple members, including Skabossa and entities with potential weaknesses.
A red-haired, gold-speckled faced elven female with a greataxe, played by Jess. She is part of a group of four adventurers sent by Kristoff to assist the party in dismantling the House of Five. She entered the Withered Bird Inn and made eye contact with Viktorin, Marnok, and Litton before heading to the bar for drinks with her companion Qah'arl, a black-furred Tabaxi. She is brawny looking and strapped her greataxe to her back.
A spell Kithri considers using to leave a golden silk trail as a marker. During her training with Master Yugi, Kithri used Druidcraft to mark her path back to the skull cave with golden spiderwebs as a precaution in case she failed to return within two days. Before departing Skull Island, Kithri used Druidcraft to craft a flower, which she gave to Master Yugi as a parting gift. Later, Kithri used Druidcraft to create a small breeze carrying the scent of rotten eggs, which she directed at four strangers who had entered the Withered Bird Inn and were staring at her party. Kaelan used Druidcraft to create the sensation of small legs crawling up Kithri's back and over her shoulder as a prank in retaliation for her earlier behavior. Kithri used Druidcraft to create leaves and flower petals on Mervyn's bald head as a decoration during the final watch before dawn.
An empire with naval vessels stationed in Nikodranas. The Dwendalian Empire does not permit aircraft; no aircraft operate on their side of Port Damali, so nothing gets in or out of there by air.
A spell used by Mervyn to shrink trees down to twig-size for transport and restore them to full size. Mervyn planned to use the spell to reduce large trees, drag them across the island, and then allow them to return to full size as part of his strategy to gather timber for supplies.
A 2nd level spell cast by Marnok that creates thorny vines and requires a strength saving throw to avoid restraint.
A 3rd level spell that causes a fountain of churned earth and stone to erupt in a 20-foot cube, dealing 3d12 bludgeoning damage on a failed Dexterity save or half on a success, and makes the ground difficult terrain.
A spell that grants 300 feet of darkvision for one hour.
A 5th-level spell that allows transformation of materials; Mervyn attempts to use a scroll to condense charcoal into diamonds but fails the casting check. When casting a spell above one's accessible spell level, a spellcasting check is required with a DC of 10 plus the spell's level. Mervyn pulled a spell scroll of Fabricate and attempted to condense a 10-by-10 cube of charcoal (reducing 8 squares to 1 square, making a 5-foot cube of diamonds) but failed the required spellcasting check; the spell scroll did not work.
A spell scroll that failed when Mervyn attempted to use it to transmute charcoal into diamonds.
A town to the south of which, on the other side of plum groves and to the north or northeast, lies a mountain where Cyndradell has established a distillery for producing ale. Cyndradell's kobold servants will deliver the ale to Faerûn within a week. Cyndradell has chosen Feolinn as her first target for the ale's delivery, and Feolinn will burn within the week, struck by Vizenzavik and her kobold horde. A shipment of ale bound for Faerûn is planned to have psychological effects on the population if consumed.
Feolinn is a coastal city on the Menagerie Coast, north of Faerûn, located approximately 2-3 days travel from Nikodranas by ship via Port Zoon. It serves as a test location for Cindradel and Vizenzavik's scheme to flood Faerûn with ale, targeted for destruction within the week as part of their ale distribution plan—kobolds are set to deliver the first shipment of ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more, with Cindradel's team striking the city first. Cindradel's distillery is situated in a mountain northeast of Feolinn, on the other side of the Plum Groves, approximately 2 and a half days travel from Feolinn by land. The mountain is smaller and lacks snow on its peak, located near but closer than the main stretch of the Sirius Mountains, just beyond the Plum Groves.
A cantrip from the Baldur's Spire of Secrets that mimics a gun, dealing 2d6 force damage with 60 to 240-foot range. During the fight in the skull tavern, Mervyn used finger guns as a follow-up attack after striking Seamus, dealing seven points of damage. Later, Mervyn fired finger guns at Stone Cold 1 after a ranged attack, dealing ten points of force damage and killing the paralyzed creature. Mervyn also used finger guns against Stone Cold 2 as a finishing attack.
A spell cast by Mervyn as an attack against enemies.
A creature serving in Cyndradell's lair as part of her army, mentioned as having been heard of but not yet encountered.
A melee weapon spell used by Kithri that deals damage on a hit and benefits from critical strikes.
An entity with a personal guard; mentioned in connection with the Dragonhold.
Three blue lapis gems that sprouted beneath the golden disc of Viktorin's necklace after her long rest. They appeared as flower petal-like protrusions around the bottom of the disc and served as physical manifestation of her awakened vestige, granted by the Moonweaver and the Archheart. The gems are part of the Jewel of 3 Prayers, which Viktorin can change between Dormant and Awakened states.
A figure at the Withered Bird Inn who stirred with a faint yellow glow as a signal. A sentient sword kept at Kithri's hip that emits a faint yellow glow. When held, it produces an uneasy feeling.
Six pieces of alchemical ammunition crafted by Mervyn to fire from a Pepper Box pistol with the same effect as Gorgon breath. Crafted on the twentieth with the assistance of Dook at his workshop using superior tools and supplies, achieving a perfect DC 23 result with no potential faults. Each bullet is a marriage of alchemical component and mechanical casing designed to survive firing from the pepper box. The gorgon gas vial and blueprints used in their creation came from materials Mervyn had been developing during the voyage back to Nikodranas. The sack of materials used is now expired and cannot be used to recreate the bullets.
A spell that Litton discussed as potentially capable of reversing petrification, but he is uncertain of its effects. During the party's time on the island, Viktorin and Viktorin cast Greater Restoration on Phaedra, who had been turned to stone. The spell consumed 100 gold worth of powder residuum and caused the petrification to slowly dissipate, restoring the blue color to Phaedra's skin as she returned to her normal form. Kieran used diamond dust worth 100 gold in place of powder residuum to cast Greater Restoration.
A necklace found in a locked drawer aboard the ship.
A black dragon from whose body Marnok Konram grew hops through gardening skills.
A party member who drank the Potion of Countless Possibility and began a transformation, tearing a tail free from his body. One of four adventurers sent by Kristoff to reinforce Kithri's party against the House of Five, arriving at the Withered Bird Inn on the evening of the twentieth. Gris has a +1 history modifier and minimal knowledge of vampires, though through travels between the Fey Realm and the Material Plane has heard glimpses of stories about them without understanding much. Distributed a healing elixir to demonstrate trust to Kithri's party. Arrived in town on the morning of the session. Volunteered to scout the Lavish Chateau and participated in discussions about how to lure out Scarbosa and his bodyguards. Entered the Lavish Chateau with Kaylin after bribing the doorman. Spotted the House of Five seated at the front left table during the Ruby of the Sea's performance and relayed intelligence to the party via earring. Suggested causing a bar fight as a distraction tactic. After Kristoff's briefing aboard the Tide Skimmer, Gris was part of the group that received the plan to ambush Scarbosa's crew and assault Cyndradell's distillery. Decided to go downstairs at the Withered Bird to buy a round of drinks and asked the barmaid about shows at the chateau. Made his way to the Lavish Chateau with Kaylin for the recon mission while others waited at the Stoutbridge Fishery. Was spotted by Kristoff upon entering the chateau and received a stern look from him. Is an Eladrin whose appearance shifts with emotions; during the morning after the dome gathering, Gris's hair, eyes, and freckles turned vivid green. Tested a Potion of Invisibility and erupted violently, showering the dome in blood and bone that struck everyone with bruising force before reforming completely unharmed moments later as her body knit itself back together. Visited the apothecary of Delilah with Mervyn and Nova, where she listened as Mervyn recounted the explosion and his own hair loss. Possesses a pseudo-dragon companion named Ringworm who locked eyes and scuffled with Marnok's pseudo-dragon Tamias before settling. Performed a joint commune ritual with Marnok using incense and a dragon statue, during which both were transported to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons—Thallethar and Tamieth—confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock.
## The Ruby's Performance Grisyl descended to the bar of the Withered Bird Inn and questioned the young blonde barkeep about the Lavish Chateau's schedule. The woman confirmed a show was already underway and would run for about an hour. When the party split to approach the chateau, Grisyl walked alongside Kaelan to the entrance. The doorman initially refused them entry since the performance had begun, but Kaelan's ten gold pieces persuaded him to usher them quietly inside. The Ruby of the Sea commanded the stage, her ribbon dancing mesmerizing Kaelan while Grisyl scanned the audience. She spotted Kristoff seated at the front left table with three others: Scarbosa the dragonborn, a red-haired dwarven woman, and an angelic dark-skinned woman in silvery robes—Lady Kisara and Cyndradell. The four dragonborn bodyguards stood behind them. An empty chair sat between Kristoff and Scarbosa. Grisyl touched her earring and relayed the information to the others waiting outside. She remained at the bar as Kaelan's pseudo-dragon scurried along the floor to eavesdrop, catching fragments of the House of Five's conversation. ## Kristoff's Wrath As the performance ended and the audience filed out, the House of Five remained seated. Scarbosa and the four dragonborn departed first, walking past Grisyl and Kaelan at the bar. Kristoff paused beside them and instructed them sternly to meet at their ship with the dome ready, then left. The nine adventurers gathered aboard the Tide Skimmer. Captain Cotton and his crew retreated below deck while Kaelan raised the hourglass dome. Kristoff immediately lashed out at Grisyl and Kaelan for entering the chateau after he had explicitly forbidden it. He warned they could have exposed the entire alliance and ruined everything, though he conceded they had gotten lucky because the House of Five had been distracted. When Mervyn fired his pistol to silence the arguing, Kristoff whirled on him with half his face covered in blue scales, but Mervyn demanded they be treated as allies rather than scolded students. Grisyl demanded information about the House of Five's plans. Kristoff explained that Cyndradell operated a distillery northeast of Feolinn where she brewed an addictive ale, that the four dragonborn bodyguards were contracted muscle currently protecting the failing Scarbosa, and that Lady Kisara had ordered the three dragons to accelerate their efforts. He proposed the party coordinate with their Nikodranas contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's crew and the dragonborn while Kristoff lured Scarbosa away. With Scarbosa's forces eliminated, the party could sail north to Feolinn, intercept the kobold ale shipment, and assault Cyndradell's distillery. Kristoff warned that Scarbosa transforming into his true dragon form within the city would devastate Nikodranas. He instructed the group to contact their allies in the morning, then reach him via earring once the docks could be cleared. He departed, leaving the party to prepare for the next day's strike.
Hurls a bolt of radiant energy that marks the target with glowing light. Targets hit by Guiding Bolt gain advantage on melee attack rolls against them until the end of the attacker's next turn. When cast at fourth level, Guiding Bolt deals twenty points of radiant damage and bathes the target in bright yellow light.
A spell cast on a ranged weapon attack that creates a rain of thorns dealing 1d10 piercing damage on a failed Dexterity save, with the effect spreading to creatures within 5 feet of the target.
A warhammer with the thrown property that deals an additional 2d6 lightning damage, has versatile damage (1d8 or 1d10 bludgeoning), and returns to the wielder's hand when thrown; requires attunement. It is versatile, usable with one hand (1d8) or two hands (1d10). The hammer is very intricately made and a gorgeous piece of weaponry. When inspected closely, small sparks of electricity are visible around the hammer end.
A spell cast by party members.
## Who they are A person one of the party members plans to find in the city. ## History with the party Chris indicated she would go and find this guy named Herc.
A location where Viktorin picked up the dormant Jewel of 3 Prayers. The Moonblade that Viktorin carried since the Hofstetter Ranch was attuned during the three-day training period on the island, with the Moonweaver and the Archheart granting her powers to access it through their combined patronage.
A spell that paralyzes humanoid targets who fail a Wisdom save, granting advantage on attack rolls against them and allowing them to attempt another save at the end of each turn. When cast at 3rd level or higher, the caster can target one additional humanoid for each slot level above 3rd. Targets must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be paralyzed for the duration. At the end of each of the target's turns, the target can make another Wisdom saving throw; on success, the spell ends. The spell requires the caster to see the target before casting. Casting Hold Person again while concentration is maintained on a previous casting of the spell causes concentration on the previous spell to drop, allowing retargeting but preventing the previous target from having a chance to succeed on additional saves.
A group or organization that Scarbosa is a member of; the full membership is unknown to the party. Originally consisted of five members, but the party has dispatched one of them some months ago, reducing it to four. Their primary goal is world domination. Master Yugi has heard of them. The creatures that the party encountered mentioned the House of Five. The party believes the House of Five are quite powerful creatures that, if brought together, would bring devastation to the world on a scale comparable to the Calamity. Lady Kisara (true name Ki'Saraia, the Dark Frozen Winter) is one of the surviving members—a dragon who participated in the Calamity and proved to be one of its most formidable combatants. The party's current path involves dismantling the House of Five piece by piece. Tho'Maeus has knowledge of the House of Five and was summoned by Marnok during session 87 to answer questions about them. Scarbosa has four dragonborn bodyguards, not three as previously recorded—these bodyguards are contracted by the House of Five rather than employed by Scarbosa personally. The four dragonborn consist of a gold one raised by Cyndradell, two reds hired as muscle, and a violet one belonging to Kisara. Scarbosa's ex-mate is Tarsaloni, an ancient green dragon known as the Poison Storm. The party encountered a younger, unrelated green dragon that they killed. The House of Five has taken over a fort not far outside Port Damali as part of plans to control the coast and establish a port to help dominate the region. Kristoff instructed his reinforcements to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards as part of the strategy to dismantle the organization. The party has infiltrated the Lavish Chateau and discovered some members are planning activities described as "really bad shit." Cyndradell operates a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn where she brews an ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more; kobolds will deliver the first shipment to Feolinn within the week as a test run. The surviving four members include Scarbosa (who maintains the ocean), Cyndradell (who maintains the land), Kristoff (who maintains the air), and Lady Kisara, who holds authority over the others and has demanded urgency in their operations. Lady Kisara was present at the Lavish Chateau with Scarbosa, Cyndradell, and Kristoff, where she demanded urgency in their operations while Scarbosa vowed to find and kill whoever had sabotaged him. Tarsilone, an adult green dragon known as the Emerald Queen, is associated with the House of Five. The House of Five has a new plan to take over the continent to start with, and move on from there. A shipment of ale is being sent to Phalen that will cause psychological effects on the population if consumed. Kasara (also called Kisara) expressed anger at Scarbosa's recent failings, while Cindy (Cyndradell) and Kristoff reported no issues with their respective operations. Cindy stated that her army is just about ready for deployment. Kasara demanded that Scarbosa fix whatever issues his crew is having and resolve the situation promptly. Cyndradell has readied a figure called Red Ale for deployment as part of the House of Five's broader plans.
A ritual spell that Litton cast on the longsword to determine its properties. When used on a Potion of Countless Possibilities, Identify reveals that the potion has 50 different options determined by a d100 roll, functions similarly to a Wild Surge/Wild Table mechanic, does not break down specific effects due to the nature of the Identify spell itself, and provides information about the potion being hard to make and its componentry—most of which may be foreign knowledge even to skilled practitioners. Gris's party knows at least 8 of the potion's possible effects, and Kithri's party knows at least 3 or 4 from memory. Mervyn Bottletop used Identify on an hourglass-shaped device created by Kristoff; the GM stated details would be provided later as they were not relevant at the moment of identification. During the session, a character cast Identify on a dome and determined it functioned like Leomund's Tiny Hut but modified.
A wharfmaster whom the party considers contacting via sending spell. Ignus is acquainted with Kithri. When contacted via sending spell, he expressed unfamiliarity with being reached out to via this method. He reported that the ship Poison Jewel could be found on the western side of the dock near the repair shop, and stated that he does not go near it.
A spell that deals necrotic damage, mentioned in discussion as a lower-level alternative to Harm.
A sapphire dragon who operates undercover, frequenting the Withered Bird Inn where he sits down with the party and proposes games to exchange information over drinks while maintaining a drunken persona. He revealed his true nature to the party at the inn, abandoning his act entirely. Jack possesses a vessel capable of ocean travel and serves as its captain, controlling the vessel through telepathic commands. He sailed the party to Rumblecusp in the Mervyn Archipelago over three days. He provided critical intelligence that Skadraschan remained in Nicodranas with his ship, but another vessel under Skadraschan's control sat docked at Rumblecusp, crewed and awaiting orders. Jack proposed a stealth mission to thin Skadraschan's forces before direct confrontation. Jack had previously found Master Yugi and brought the party to the island of Rumblecusp, where the ancient turtle awaited them. Jack absorbed news grimly that Addison possessed intelligence through Mervyn regarding the party's plans about Master Yussa Errenis's orb, conversations with the City Watch, and discussions about the House of Five, but expressed relief that they had not revealed his true draconic form to the vampire's surveillance, preserving an element of surprise for the eventual confrontation with Yinra and Addison. He exchanged knowing words with Master Yugi before the ancient turtle departed. Ska'Dreshan currently possesses a ship that Jack intends to reclaim. After three days of training and preparation on Skull Island, Jack Sapphire announced the ship was ready to sail. He agreed to captain the Second Wave until the party reclaimed his original vessel from Scarbosa, at which point Phaedra would take command. He is a dragony dude and does not like Scarbosa. He hired the party to kill Scarbosa, though not for direct monetary compensation but rather as a moral alliance.
A necklace with a golden disc and three blue lapis stone gem petals that can transition from Dormant to Awakened state; Viktorin's vestige item from Call of the Netherdeep. During a long rest after three days on Master Yugi's island, the necklace warmed against Viktorin's chest and transformed, revealing three blue lapis gems sprouting like flower petals from beneath the golden disc. The awakening occurred following Viktorin's meditation with the Moonweaver and the Archheart, who granted her new boons and the ability to attune to the Moonblade. The physical manifestation of the three gems served as proof of her awakened vestige.
Kaelan Veyrith is a dark-complexioned half-elf character with no weapon sheathed, played by Ben. He arrived at the Withered Bird Inn as part of a group of four adventurers sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge (referred to elsewhere as Kristoff) to reinforce the party against the House of Five, and is one of the nine adventurers now calling themselves the Parallel Tales of Wildemount. He is equipped with message earrings, has a pseudo-dragon familiar named Jaxxeth, and shares a secret handshake with the red-skinned tiefling BoJack, a member of Captain Cotton's crew aboard the Tide Skimmer. During the planning meeting at the Withered Bird Inn on the evening of the twentieth, Kaelan Veyrith warned Kithri's party that Mervyn's eyes and ears were not his own, relaying this information through the message earrings to Karl and Chris at the bar. He received two Mervyn healing potions (2d4 plus 5 healing, plus 2d6 plus 5 temporary hit points each) during this meeting. Kaelan Veyrith accompanied Grisyl to the entrance of the Lavish Chateau, where the doorman initially refused them entry because the show had already begun. Kaelan Veyrith slipped the doorman ten gold pieces, securing entry for both of them. Inside, the Ruby of the Sea, a red-skinned tiefling, performed on stage, her ribbon dancing mesmerizing Kaelan Veyrith while Grisyl scanned the audience and spotted Kristoff seated at a front table with Scarbosa, Lady Kisara, and Cyndradell, guarded by four dragonborn bodyguards. Kaelan Veyrith sent Jaxxeth scurrying toward the table, where the familiar overheard Kisara demanding urgency, Scarbosa vowing to find and kill whoever had sabotaged him, Cyndradell boasting about her new ale, and Kristoff reporting clear skies. As the performance ended, Scarbosa and the dragonborn departed, and Kristoff paused beside Kaelan Veyrith and Grisyl at the bar, telling them sternly they needed to talk somewhere safe before instructing them to meet at their ship with the dome ready. The nine adventurers later reconvened aboard the Tide Skimmer, where Kaelan Veyrith set up the hourglass dome that Kristoff used to transform the ship's interior into a campfire scene with stump seating. Kristoff furiously rebuked Grisyl and Kaelan Veyrith for entering the chateau against his explicit instructions, warning that they could have exposed the entire alliance, though he acknowledged they had been lucky since the House of Five had been distracted. During the ensuing tension, Mervyn fired his pistol into the air to silence the bickering, prompting Kristoff—his face half-covered in blue scales—to snarl that the dome had muffled the sound, sparing them from alerting the entire dock. Kristoff then explained that Cyndradell operated a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn producing an addictive ale, and proposed a plan to clear the western docks, ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while Kristoff lured Scarbosa away, then sail north to Feolinn to intercept the ale shipment and assault the distillery. He instructed the party to contact their allies in the morning and reach him via earring once the docks were cleared, then departed the ship after warning the group to avoid further trouble that night.
## Who they are A member of the House of Five, Kasara holds authority over others within the organization. ## Where they stand Kasara commands members of the House of Five including Scarbosa, Cindy, and Kristoff. She expressed anger at Scarbosa's recent failings and ordered him to fix issues with his crew and resolve the situation promptly. Cindy and Kristoff reported no issues with their respective operations to her. ## History with the party The party learned of Kasara's existence and her displeasure with Scarbosa through a scrying ritual performed by Kithri on Kristoff's earring, during which they overheard her conversation with other House of Five members at the Lavish Chateau. ## Where things stand now Kasara remains unaware of the party's knowledge of her or her organization's operations. Her last known location was the Lavish Chateau, where she was heard directing Scarbosa to address his crew's failures.
Kessaria the Dark Frozen Winter, also known as Ki'Saraia and Lady Kisara, is an ancient white dragon with piercing blue eyes, thousands of years old, and inherently draconic in nature. She disguises herself as an unnamed red-haired dwarven woman, in which form she was seated at Kristoff's table at the Lavish Chateau in Nikodranas, alongside Scarbosa and an angelic-looking figure. She appears to be the leader of the House of Five, a group that maintains control over the land, alongside Scarbosa, who oversees the ocean, Cyndradell, who oversees the land, and Kristoff, who oversees the air. A violet dragonborn bodyguard belongs to her. During a scrying conversation at the Lavish Chateau, she demanded urgency from the other dragons, insisting they carry their weight, and ordered Scarbosa to fix his failures after he admitted losing his base and another ship. Her true name was revealed during the Calamity, when she led an army against forces supported by two younger dragons, one brass and one silver, named Salethar and Tho'Maeus, whose names were heard echoing across the battlefield during the conflict. She was one of the most ferocious and deadly dragons that fought during the Calamity War, known for being conniving and laying wise to enemy forces. She proved terrifyingly powerful, laying waste to everything before her, and by battle's end the two younger dragons lay injured while she flew away from the blood-soaked field, surviving the Calamity as one of its most formidable combatants.
## The Fisher's Question Kithri Stoutbridge is a Level 10 Stout Halfling Druid of Fisher background, marked by exceptional dexterity (18) and wisdom (17), with moderate strength (16) and the feat Bountiful Luck. They carry 80 hit points and maintain AC 15. Little is recorded of their entry into the campaign or their early history beyond their profession as a fisher. ## Intelligence Gathering at Rumblecusp In the most recent session, the party learned of imminent conflict at Rumblecusp—Skadraschan commands a second vessel crewed and ready to move, and the sapphire dragon Jack has allied with them. Cassara, an ancient white dragon of thousands of years, likely leads the House of Five. The Moonweaver delivered a divine warning of chaos to come with promised support from other patrons. The party undertook a covert underwater approach to Rumblecusp under cover of darkness to strike before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive. During the session, Kithri raised a practical question: "Who's that guy who works for the Pontos?" This inquiry was part of broader party deliberation about which allies to recruit for the coming confrontation. The discussion revealed that Faden Ilmaris works for the Targaryens while maintaining ties with Meereen, a senior Zalazan guard, and the two are friends. The party debated whether to involve them and noted they would need a code word to signal readiness. There was discussion of whether Garvo might assist, though his prior help had been limited by what he actually knew. Kithri also asked "How to get to System Street?"—seeking logistical information about reaching allies. The party considered recruiting Phaedra to aid in the fight, noting she might be motivated by connection to Scarbossa. They reflected on other contacts, including Nirn at the barracks, whom they had spoken with not long prior. ## Threads to Pull Kithri's campaign so far has centered on reconnaissance and alliance-building ahead of direct conflict. Their questions suggest a practical focus on logistics and personnel—who can help, where to find them, how to coordinate. The covert approach to Rumblecusp positions them for imminent action against Skadraschan's forces, with the divine warning of chaos as a backdrop to the stakes involved. ## The Spirit and the Sword Master Yugi sensed something wrong with Mervyn during his dawn arrival, warning Viktorin that the artificer's ears and eyes were not his own—a weed strangling the plant that needed pulling at the root. The ancient turtle offered to teach Kithri a gift from the Wild Mother, though he cautioned it would take days and test her spirit to its limits, carrying even a slim chance of death if her spirit proved insufficiently strong. Kithri accepted the offer, leaving Dook as her only companion while the rest of the party occupied themselves elsewhere on the island. ## Three Days of Growth Over three days of grueling training, Kithri struggled to harness her spirit energy, suffering exhaustion and disappointment before finally manifesting a glowing orb in her palm. Yugi struck her head with his cane to test her concentration, and when she maintained focus despite the blow, he declared her successful. He explained the Spirit Ball could be used once per day and would cause exhaustion, but allies could lend their energy to increase its power—though they too would suffer exhaustion from contributing. As a precaution in case she failed to return, Kithri marked her path back to the skull cave with golden spiderwebs of druidcraft. ## Ready to Sail Yugi returned Kithri to the skull cave as dusk approached, gathering the party to acknowledge the growth he sensed in all of them over the past three days. He urged them to take what they had learned, blossom it into the world, and get to the root of their problems—fixing his stern gaze on Viktorin and Marnok as he spoke of pulling weeds. After bidding farewell and exchanging knowing words with Sapphire, the ancient turtle departed, leaving the party with a ship renamed and attuned, supplies restocked, and new powers awakened as they prepared for the journey back to Nikodranas. ## Owl Over the Chateau While the party debated their next move at the Withered Bird Inn, Kithri transformed into an owl and flew to the Lavish Chateau. She perched on the opposite building to scout the entrance, spotting only the doorman standing outside while flickering lights and shadows moved within the stained glass windows. She returned through the inn window mid-flight, transforming back into herself and colliding with Mervyn. She reported no one outside the chateau, prompting the group to decide on a split approach: some would enter for intelligence, others would stake out the area. ## Scrying from the Fishery Behind the Stoutbridge fishery, Kithri cast Scry on Kristoff's earring. The spell lifted her incorporeally through the chateau roof, and she heard the full conversation. Lady Kisara snapped that the three dragons needed to hurry and carry their weight—Scarbosa maintaining the ocean, Cyndradell the land, Kristoff the air. Scarbosa admitted losing his base and another ship but vowed to find the culprits. Cyndradell claimed everything ran smoothly on her end, promising the world would soon be introduced to a new ale that would wash away concerns. Kristoff confirmed no aircraft threatened the skies. Kisara ordered Scarbosa to fix his failures. The scry ended after ten minutes. ## The Dome and the Plan Kithri reconvened with the other eight adventurers aboard the Tide Skimmer. Captain Cotton and his crew retreated below deck. Kaelan set up the hourglass dome, and Kristoff snapped his fingers, transforming the interior into a campfire surrounded by stump seating. After furiously rebuking Grisyl and Kaelan for entering the chateau and Mervyn firing his pistol into the air to silence the bickering, Kristoff explained the House of Five's plans. Cyndradell operated a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn, brewing an ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more. The four dragonborn bodyguards were contracted by the House of Five and currently guarded Scarbosa. Kristoff proposed the party coordinate with their city contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while Kristoff lured Scarbosa away. After eliminating his crew and the dragonborn, the party could sail to Feolinn, intercept the ale shipment, and assault the distillery. Kristoff instructed them to contact their allies tomorrow, then reach him via earring once the docks could be cleared. He departed, leaving the nine adventurers sitting in the dome as it reverted to tents and bedrolls. ## A Blade Wakes to Friendship Curious as ever about the dome's strange properties, Kithri encouraged Marnok to investigate the warmth pulsing from his bracer, suggesting he draw out the glowing blade. When Tamias the pseudo-dragon emerged, Kithri watched the halting yes-or-no exchange unfold, helping puzzle out that the glow meant "friend." She was present when Tamias was brought before Gris, triggering the startled standoff with Ringworm before the two tiny dragons settled into an uneasy truce. ## Spindle and Stolen Sleep Taking the final watch alongside Kaelan, Kithri discovered an uninvited house spider had crept into the supposedly sealed dome. Ever curious, she spoke with it directly and learned its name was Spindle, who proved fascinated by Kaelan's dark elf heritage and his evasiveness about his past. Kaelan, unnerved by the encounter, later retaliated with illusion magic, making Kithri feel phantom legs crawling up her back. Undeterred, Kithri spent the moments before sunrise idly decorating Mervyn's newly bald head with flowers and leaves. ## Feathers Over the Poison Jewel As the party split to scout the coming confrontation, Kithri and Karl sought out the boisterous wharf master Ignis, persuading him to seal off the western docks by dusk under the guise of safety hazards — a request he agreed to readily, having already guessed their target was the Poison Jewel. Kithri then joined Karl's reconnaissance in disguise, perching as a parrot on his shoulder while he posed as a dock worker. Together they observed the ship's single gangplank, a young man barking orders with a trident, and a fleeting glimpse of Scarbosa himself before he withdrew into his quarters, helping map the layout for the night ahead.
An individual the party met who has allies. His actual name is Bra'Thokrys. He instructed four adventurers—a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi, a dark-complexioned half-elf, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut—to travel to Nikodranas as reinforcements to help dismantle the House of Five. He met with Gris's party aboard his airship and instructed them to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards. He provided the four adventurers with descriptive identities of Viktorin, Marnok, and Litton, having seen them inside the Lavish Chateau before. He told the party not to enter the Lavish Chateau and to stay away from it. He caught Viktorin using the Sending spell in the middle of a room, which prompted him to approach the party to begin with. He has maintained constant communication with the party via earring, at times instructing them to stop talking because he could not talk. He was present inside the Lavish Chateau seated at the front left table, flanked by Scarbosa, Lady Kisara, and Cindradel, with four dragonborn bodyguards standing behind them. He slowed his pace as the show ended and stopped beside Grisyl and Kaelan at the bar to instruct them to meet at their ship with the dome ready and to talk somewhere safe. He later boarded the Tide Skimmer and transformed its interior into a campfire surrounded by stump seating using the hourglass dome. He furiously rebuked Grisyl and Kaelan for entering the Lavish Chateau after he explicitly told them not to, warning they could have exposed the entire alliance and ruined everything. He acknowledged they got lucky because the House of Five had been distracted. He confronted Mervyn when the gnome fired his pistol into the air, revealing half his face covered in blue scales and snarling that the shot could have alerted the entire dock. He acknowledged nothing had gone wrong this time. He revealed that Cindradel operates a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn where she brews an ale designed to make people forget their problems and crave more, with the first shipment to be delivered to Feolinn within the week by Kobolds as a test run. He identified the four dragonborn bodyguards as contracted by the House of Five—the gold one raised by Cindradel, the two reds hired muscle, and the violet one belonging to Kisara—currently guarding Scarbosa because he was failing and needed protection. He proposed a two-stage plan: first, the party should coordinate with their city contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while he lured Scarbosa away; if they eliminated his crew and the dragonborn, Scarbosa would flee, scattering the other dragons and forcing Cindradel back to her lair. The party could then sail to Feolinn, intercept the ale shipment, and assault the distillery. He warned that if Scarbosa transformed into his true dragon form within the city, he could devastate Nikodranas, though doing so would ostracize him from the House of Five. He instructed the party to contact their allies the following day and reach him via earring once the docks could be cleared. He told the group to avoid doing anything else stupid that night before departing the ship. The four adventurers he sent—including Qah'arl—joined Gris's party at the Withered Bird Inn on the evening of the twentieth to participate in strategy discussions and reconnaissance for the operation. He offered to assist by distracting Scarbosa, hopefully long enough for the party to take down his crew and the Dragonborn. Kristoff wears an earring through which the party has scried and learned of Red Ale, a figure connected to Lady Cassara's operations within the House of Five hierarchy.
## Who they are A figure whose name is known to silver and brass pseudo-dragons, drawing immediate attention and defensive reactions from them. ## History with the party Marnok was told to keep his flashlight hidden from Lady Kithara. When he mentioned her name twice during an encounter with the pseudo-dragons, both creatures reacted with visible defensiveness, narrowing their eyes at the name.
A location where Scarbosa meets with Kristoff and maintains a base of operations with henchmen. Scarbosa has 3 or 4 henchmen at the Lavish Chateau. The party considered attempting to lure Scarbosa or his dragonborn bodyguards out of the Lavish Chateau as part of their strategy to separate them from their allies before engaging in combat. The chateau hosts performances, including a show by the Ruby of the Sea that runs approximately one hour. Entry requires payment to the doorman. Inside, the main performance stage is visible from the bar area. The House of Five—including Lady Kisara, Scarbosa, Cyndradell, and Kristoff—met at a front left table during the Ruby of the Sea's performance, with four dragonborn bodyguards standing behind them. An empty chair sat between Kristoff and Scarbosa. The party can inquire about the chateau's show schedule at the location itself. The doorman may refuse entry if a performance has already begun, though payment can secure admittance. During a stakeout at the Lavish Chateau, Qah'arl separated from the group and achieved a stealth check result of 31, disappearing entirely from view in the darkness. A barmaid at an associated establishment confirmed there should be a show on a particular evening. During reconnaissance, Kristoff was present at the chateau and monitored communications via earrings, looking at Gris sternly upon spotting her and Kaylin inside.
A spell cast by Viktorin to learn about Lady Kisara, which transports the caster to a vision of a Calamity War battlefield. When cast using liquid incense, the caster is transported to a vision where they witness the subject's role during the Calamity. In Viktorin's casting, she observed Kisara—whose true name is Ki'Saraia, the Dark Frozen Winter—as a white dragon leading forces during the Calamity War. The vision showed Ki'Saraia as one of the most ferocious and deadly dragons of that conflict, laying waste to armies supported by two younger dragons (one brass, one silver). The names Salethar and Tho'Maeus were heard called out during the battle. Ki'Saraia proved a survivor of the Calamity War and demonstrated terrifying power, with the two younger dragons left injured as she flew away from the blood-soaked battlefield. When cast jointly by Marnok and Gris using incense and a dragon statue, the spell transported both casters to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons—Thallethar and Tamieth—appeared and confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock before returning them to the deck.
## What it does A spell that creates a protective dome; Kristoff used it to establish a meeting space on the Tide Skimmer. The dome's interior can be customized—Kristoff snapped his fingers to transform it into a campfire surrounded by stump seating, with enough space for ten people. The dome muffles sound from outside; a pistol fired inside was not heard by anyone on the docks beyond the dome. The spell can be modified from its standard form, as evidenced by the party's dome which bore similarities to Leomund's Tiny Hut but with alterations. The dome's properties include the ability to contain the party safely while sealed, and it dissipates with the coming day. ## Notable uses The nine adventurers sheltered in the modified dome aboard the Tide Skimmer for the night, where they regrouped after confronting Kristoff, debated plans to clear the western docks, assigned watches, and performed rituals including a joint commune between Marnok and Gris. When Gris drank a Potion of Invisibility inside the dome, she erupted violently, showering everyone with blood and bone before reforming completely unharmed moments later, demonstrating the dome's ability to contain even catastrophic magical reactions.
A spell in Litton's spellbook.
A spell cast by Mervyn that required a Constitution saving throw. Cast on Captain Vodea Phorus, who failed the save. Used as a melee range ability.
A liquid form of incense purchased for 250 gold that releases aroma slowly and can be used as a component for spellcasting. Mervyn created it over the course of a day by combining acid, charcoal, and alchemical knowledge, rolling a natural 20 on the crafting check. Through this successful creation, Mervyn learned how to permanently craft infused incense oil. Viktorin used the liquid incense as a material component to cast Legend Lore.
## Mountain Dwarf at the Table Litton Cloudstone is a Level 10 Mountain Dwarf Fighter with 148 hit points and AC 20, wielding the considerable physical resilience of his heritage. With Strength 18 and Constitution 20, he embodies the martial archetype of his kind. His background as a Clan Crafter roots him in practical, methodical values. By Session 86, he operates as a tactical voice within the party, conscious of planning and sequence—the kind of fighter who thinks before the charge. ## Counsel and Conspiracy In Session 86, as the party gathered in stunned silence following a conversation that left them reeling, Litton moved quickly toward pragmatism. While Mervyn Bottletop sought greasy food and drink, Litton called for a formal chat, recognizing the moment demanded coordinated strategy. He anchored the group's thinking on two pressing matters: the order of engagement with their enemies, and the imminent arrival of the Adjacency—allies whose timeline remained uncertain but whose presence would reshape the battlefield. Litton demonstrated particular interest in Christoph (also known by his true dragon name, Brathachris), the Arc Bolt or Arcane Bolt, seeking clarity on whether the Adjacency had a confirmed date of arrival. Learning that these allies had roughly a week to reach Nicodranas, he engaged the practical calculus of preparation. His questions were direct and focused: not on the why, but on the when and how of coordination. ## The Chromatic Reckoning The party has been tasked with meeting allies heading to Nicodranas to "build a decent enough home to deal the chromatic solution"—a phrase heavy with implication of conflict against chromatic dragons or their forces. Litton, as the disciplined tactician, understands the stakes are existential. He knows the party recently learned that Skadraschan commands a second vessel at Rumblecusp, crewed and ready, and that Jack—revealed to be a sapphire dragon—has allied with Skadraschan's enemies. More gravely, Cassara, an ancient white dragon of thousands of years, likely leads the House of Five. The party received divine warning from the Moonweaver of chaos looming, with support promised from other patrons. Under cover of darkness, they undertook a covert underwater approach to Rumblecusp to strike before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive—a timeline that has now shifted, with the focus turning to Nicodranas and alliance-building in the week ahead. Litton sees the shape of the threat clearly: chromatic power arrayed against them, time compressed, and victory contingent on coordination with forces he has not yet met. He is ready to plan.
A cantrip selected by a party member.
## Level 10 Wood Elf Ranger Marnok Konram is a Wood Elf Ranger of the 10th level, bearing the background of a Mercenary Veteran. He operates with exceptional dexterity (19) and wisdom (18), supporting his role as a skilled tracker and archer. His armor class stands at 17, and he maintains 85 hit points. His other attributes are: Strength 9, Constitution 13, Intelligence 14, Charisma 11. ## Against Skadraschan's Tide The party learned of a second vessel under Skadraschan's command stationed at Rumblecusp, crewed and combat-ready. They discovered that Jack, initially unknown, is a sapphire dragon who has allied with Skadraschan's forces against the party's interests. Intelligence also revealed Cassara—an ancient white dragon of thousands of years—likely commands the House of Five. A divine warning from the Moonweaver foretold chaos looming, with support promised from other patrons. In response, the party undertook a covert underwater approach to Rumblecusp under cover of darkness, positioning themselves to strike before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive. ## Gathering Allies During recent deliberations, Marnok helped navigate questions of recruitment and intelligence. The party discussed whether to inform Yusra about the House of Five; prior contact with Yusra occurred near the Lowry Chateau, where he indicated he was unable to help (though not unwilling). Marnok inquired about practical logistics—how to get in touch with contacts, whether they could find Yusra back at the Targanas, and how to reach System Street. The party also identified Phaedra as a potential recruit for the coming conflict, particularly because she may respond to threats involving Scarbossa. They noted the existence of a barracks in town that they had visited before, where they might contact Nirn or gather further support. ## A Bracer's Warmth As the party regrouped in the dome, Marnok found himself dwelling on the fragile plan taking shape against Scarbosa and the House of Five, and noted grimly that at least there was now a plan to work from, however grumpy their patron dragon remained. Later, testing the dome's strange properties, he grew aware of a warmth pulsing from his bracer. On Kithri's suggestion, he drew his glowing blade and summoned Tamias, learning through halting yes-or-no exchanges that the glow meant "friend." Bringing Tamias before Gris triggered a startled standoff as her own pseudo-dragon, Ringworm, locked eyes with Tamias, the two tiny dragons scuffling before settling. ## A Vision on the Cliffs Marnok and Gris performed a joint commune ritual together, incense and dragon statue in hand, and were transported to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons, Thallethar and Tamieth, confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock before returning them to the deck. During the watches that followed, Marnok shared banter with Mervyn as the night wore on, part of the crew's growing camaraderie. ## Naming the Threat By day, Marnok joined Viktorin, Litton, and Kaelan in seeking out Nyriss and Thedan at the barracks, laying out the danger posed by the House of Five and naming Scarbosa and his ship, the Poison Jewel, as the sea-based threat. Both men balked at the notion of guards fighting dragons but agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and alert the Targanas. Thedan urged the group to seek out the reclusive Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower for further aid.
## Who they are A potion-maker and member of the party who speaks rapidly and constantly, fueled by coffee. He is bald after consuming one of his own Potions of Countless Possibilities. ## Where they stand Marvin brews potions for the party and is considered handy by his companions, though Marnok notes he occasionally comes up with good results. His senses are compromised—the vampire Briarwood can see and hear through his eyes and ears, making him an unwitting spy for her. ## History with the party The party debated whether to harm or remove Marvin upon learning of Briarwood's connection to him, but ultimately decided to keep him alive and as part of the team. Marnok made note that Marvin had been warned about already. While belowdecks making potions, Marvin downed a Potion of Countless Possibilities on a whim, resulting in complete hair loss. Kithri decorated his bald head with flowers and leaves the following morning. ## Where things stand now Marvin remains with the party aboard the Withered Bird. The party is aware that Briarwood knows about all of them through Marvin's compromised senses but has chosen not to act against him, hoping to keep her from suspecting they know of her surveillance.
An ancient turtle-like humanoid who has lived on his island for centuries, arrived at the skull cave by flipping down through the eye socket, carries a wooden cane, dwells in an abode near a waterfall, and teaches techniques passed down by the Wild Mother. Master Yugi has inhabited the island for centuries and permits visitors to moor their ships without question if they bring no harm. He is one with the land and was drawn to the skull cave by the cacophonous noise of battle. He speaks in riddles and garden metaphors while assessing whether those he meets walk a righteous path. He sensed something wrong with Mervyn, warning that the artificer's ears and eyes were not his own—a weed strangling the plant. Master Yugi offered to train Kithri in a gift from the Wild Mother, a technique that tests the spirit to its limits and carries a slim chance of death but promises formidable power if the spirit proves strong enough. The training took three days. He struck Kithri's head with his cane during training to test her concentration. He explained the Spirit Ball technique could be used once per day and would cause exhaustion, but allies could lend their energy to increase its power at the cost of their own exhaustion. Jack Sapphire confirmed Yugi's reputation as a capable if cryptic former adventurer. Master Yugi urged the party to take what they had learned, blossom it into the world, and get to the root of their problems, speaking of pulling weeds. He exchanged knowing words with Sapphire before departing as dusk approached. Before departing Skull Island, Master Yugi received a Druidcraft flower crafted by Kithri, which he accepted while remarking "Well, that's very fitting. Blossoming like the flower you are," and wishing her well in the wars to come, saying "It has been my pleasure, Miss Kithri. I wish you all the best in the wars to come, because I have a feeling there's going to be wars to come. Probably. Good luck, young lady."
A contact the party plans to visit first. An elf who sits in a tower in the middle of Nikodranas. When Viktorin sent him a Sending spell about a party member being bitten by a vampire, dying, and being resurrected, with the vampire able to see and hear through them, Master Yussa Errenis responded that the situation was problematic and that he was not well-versed in vampirism but would research it and figure out what he could, then get back to them. He advised them to be careful what is said and seen, as the vampire could hear and see through the afflicted party member.
A sentient magical construct no larger than a baby doll that squeaks and communicates. It popped itself up onto the bar counter at the Withered Bird Inn during the party's meeting with their reinforcements.
A spell that allows a caster to commit a page of written text to memory for one year with perfect recall.
A coastal region where the party operates. Contains the city of Nikodranas and the town of Feolinn. The Sirius Mountains lie to the northeast. Cyndradell operates a distillery in a mountain northeast of Feolinn, approximately 2 and a half days' travel from Feolinn, located on the other side of the Plum Grove and close to but not quite as far as the main stretch of the Sirius Mountains. The distillery is situated in a small mountain without snow on top. Cyndradell brews an ale at this distillery designed to make people forget their problems and crave more; kobolds are scheduled to deliver the first shipment to Feolinn within a week as a test run.
An archipelago off the coast of Nicodranas.
## Forest Gnome Artificer of Rumblecusp Mervyn Bottletop is a level 10 Forest Gnome, split between Artificer (9 levels) and Wizard (1 level). He operates with exceptional dexterity (DEX 18) and intellect (INT 20), carrying 88 hit points and maintaining AC 16. His background as a Failed Merchant shapes his practical approach to problems. He is currently semi-drunk as of Session 86's start, the morning of the 9th day of Brashenda. ## The Covert War Against the House of Five Mervyn is entangled in a high-stakes conflict against an ancient conspiracy. The party learned that **Skadraschan** commands a second vessel crewed and ready at Rumblecusp, and that **Jack**—revealed to be a sapphire dragon—has allied against their shared enemies. **Cassara**, an ancient white dragon of thousands of years, likely leads the House of Five. The party received a divine warning from the **Moonweaver** of chaos looming with support promised from other patrons. They executed a covert underwater approach to Rumblecusp under cover of darkness, positioning themselves to strike Skadraschan's forces before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive. Most recently, an ally (referred to as **Christoph** or by his true dragon name **Brathachris**, who goes by Arc Bolt or Arcane Bolt) met with the party and suggested flushing the House out of the city of **Nicodranas**, starting with Skadraschan's personal guard. Christoph mentioned he already had other allies heading toward Nicodranas and urged the party to meet with them to build strength against the chromatic solution. This revelation left the entire party stunned and silent. ## Gathering Intelligence and Allies Mervyn's immediate focus centers on recruitment and coordination. The party discussed contacting **Yusra** (someone associated with a tower and previously encountered near the Lowry Chateau), though there is uncertainty about what Yusra already knows regarding the House of Five; Yusra was previously unable to offer direct help, though he has been helpful to the party in other contexts. The party also seeks to recruit **Phaedra**, who may be motivated to help if the conflict involves **Scarbossa**. The party noted the existence of barracks in town they have visited before, where additional allies or information might be found. Mervyn discussed getting food downstairs and participated in conversations about next steps—whether to approach System Street, contact allies at the Targanas, or visit known locations. His role in these strategic discussions reflects his position as an active member of the party's planning. ## Dragon Lore and Research During this session, Mervyn undertook research on **adult green dragons**, specifically studying **Tarsilone** (an apparent green dragon threat). He learned that green dragons possess a poisonous nature as a core physical ability, with poison breath that is quite toxic. He took detailed notes on these findings, which were copied so he would retain the information for future reference. This research suggests the party anticipates or has already encountered a green dragon threat and is preparing countermeasures. ## Reconnaissance and Debate Mervyn joined the party's deliberations at the Withered Bird Inn as they weighed their options for confronting the House of Five. While Kithri transformed into an owl to scout the Lavish Chateau and Grisyl questioned the barkeep downstairs, Mervyn remained with the group strategizing their approach. When Kithri returned through the window mid-flight, she collided with Mervyn as she transformed back into her humanoid form. The party decided on a split approach: some would enter the chateau for intelligence while others staked out the surrounding area. ## The Shot That Silenced the Room Mervyn waited with the group outside while Grisyl and Kaelan entered the chateau, receiving relayed information through the earrings about the House of Five's seating arrangement and the presence of the four dragonborn bodyguards. After the performance ended and Kristoff instructed the party to meet at the Tide Skimmer, Mervyn reconvened with the others aboard the ship. Once Captain Cotton and his crew retreated below deck and Kaelan activated the hourglass dome, Kristoff began furiously rebuking Grisyl and Kaelan for entering the chateau against his explicit instructions. Frustrated by the escalating argument, Mervyn fired his pistol into the air to silence everyone. Kristoff whirled on him, half his face covered in blue scales, and snarled that the gnome was fortunate the dome muffled sound or the shot would have alerted the entire dock. Mervyn stood his ground, demanding Kristoff speak to them as allies rather than scolding them like students. The tension simmered as Kristoff grudgingly acknowledged nothing had gone wrong. ## Tomorrow's Ambush Mervyn listened as Kristoff detailed the House of Five's operations and outlined his two-stage plan. The party would coordinate with their Nikodranas contacts to clear the western docks, then ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while Kristoff lured Scarbosa himself away. If successful, they would eliminate the dragonborn bodyguards and scatter the remaining dragons, forcing Cyndradell back to her mountain distillery. The party could then sail north to Feolinn to intercept the kobold-delivered ale shipment and assault the brewery. Kristoff instructed them to contact their allies in the morning and reach him via earring once the docks could be cleared. After Kristoff departed, Mervyn sat with the others in the dome as it reverted to tents and bedrolls, facing the narrow window to strike Scarbosa's forces by tomorrow night. ## Bald and Reckless Belowdecks in the ship's dome, Mervyn slipped away to brew potions and, on a whim, downed one of his own concoctions. The result stripped every hair from his body, leaving Marnok baffled and amused at the sight. Undeterred, Mervyn later joined the group by the fire debating how best to clear the western docks without alerting Scarbosa, though the matter of a fake plague and other schemes was left to the wider group's back-and-forth. ## The Night Gris Exploded Morning brought Nova's magical berries to fend off hunger, alongside the discovery that Gris's hair and eyes had shifted vivid green as an Eladrin trait tied to her emotions. Eager to test another Potion of Invisibility, Mervyn drank one and lost his strength outright. Gris followed his lead and erupted violently, drenching the dome in blood and bone before knitting herself back together unharmed. Mervyn, freshly bald and now weakened, was among those left stunned and splattered as the dome dissipated with the dawn. ## Cousins and Chemicals Mervyn led Gris and Nova to the apothecary of Delilah, who greeted him warmly and revealed herself to be cousin to Qimella of Port Damali. She sold him a bug repellent for spider troubles and a fresh Potion of Invisibility, listening with amusement as he recounted the dome's explosion and his own sudden hairlessness. Nova asked after anything to bolster his divine magic, but Delilah had nothing more to offer, and the group departed on friendly terms.
A healing potion that grants d4+5 and 2d6+5 hit points. Mervyn crafted and distributed these elixirs to the four reinforcements sent by Kristoff—a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi, a dark-complexioned half-elf, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut—as a gesture of trust and alliance. Each recipient drank their elixir, which healed them and granted temporary vitality.
A spell used via Kaelan's message earrings to communicate whispered warnings among the party. During the voyage back to Nikodranas, Kithri sent a message to Perry via her sending stone. Viktorin used message earrings to communicate with the party when warning the reinforcements sent by Kristoff that Mervyn's eyes and ears were not his own. The spell has a cooldown—a message sent on the 9th of Kushenda could be responded to, with the sender able to use it again after a 5-day interval. Grisyl used a sending spell (not message) to contact Ignus the wharfmaster regarding the ship Poison Jewel at the docks; Ignus responded that the ship could be found on the western side of the dock near the repair shop and that he does not go near it. An Earring of Whisper allows the wearer to touch it and communicate with others wearing paired earrings for free; the party obtained six of these earrings from Kristoff, who acquired them from an underground casino, and distributed them among themselves, with one given to Kristoff and one remaining to distribute to allies like Viktorin.
A cantrip used by Mervyn to create illusory effects such as a black cloud for concealment. Mervyn experimented with Minor Illusion to create a black cloud in the middle of a room that blocks vision, allowing people hidden behind it to remain unseen to those unaware the cloud is an illusion. Once someone knows it is an illusion, they can see through it. Mervyn also used the spell to play catch with himself.
Close friend of Thedan Ilnaris; referenced in connection with the Zalezo Guard. One of the heads of the Zalezo Guard in Nikodranas.
A mirror with the ability to trap creatures inside its extradimensional cells. Those trapped can only escape if they have the ability to Plane Shift. People can be released from the mirror.
A +1 finesse longsword of elven make with the ability to cast Steel Wing Blade once per long rest; requires attunement. Viktorin carries this blade and attuned to it through patronage granted by the Moonweaver and the Archheart during meditation, accessing powers of the weapon through their combined boons.
An underground dungeon location from which the Potion of Immortality was obtained.
A city where the party is currently located and where Ska'Dreshan's ship is docked. Ska'Dreshan remains in Nikodranas with his ship. Another vessel under Ska'Dreshan's control is docked at Rumblecusp in the Mervyn Archipelago, several days travel by boat from Nikodranas, positioned on an island in the archipelago off the coast of Nikodranas. The party set sail from Nikodranas aboard Jack's vessel on an evening journey to Rumblecusp that would take three days. The barman at the warehouse on Rumblecusp has been promised by the party that he will be returned to Nikodranas after the party finishes their current business. Phaedra plans to find a crew in Nikodranas for the Second Wave, a ship she will inherit once Sapphire reclaims his own vessel from Ska'Dreshan. Addison and Yinra are not welcome in Nikodranas; people in the city are on watch for them, and they are aware that the party is coming for them. Business in Nikodranas has been slowly recovering. The party arrived in Nikodranas on the nineteenth of Brishenda after a three-and-a-half-day voyage from Skull Island aboard the Second Wave. The wharf master greeted them upon arrival. The party sold nine pistols for fourteen hundred gold at the marketplace. Yussa's tower is located in Nikodranas. Delilah the alchemist operates a shop in Nikodranas. Dook's workshop is in Nikodranas. Four reinforcements sent by Kristoff Stoutbridge arrived at the Withered Bird Inn on the evening of the twentieth: a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi named Nova, a dark-complexioned half-elf named Kaelan, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut named Qah'arl. These four are assisting Kithri's party against the House of Five. The combined party of nine adventurers is calling themselves the Parallel Tales of Wildemount. Nikodranas has an open cave and quay where normal public traffic can enter and exit the wharfs freely. The other side of the city's docks is mainly for members of the Zalezo army and contains navy ships from the Dwendalian Empire; these docks are heavily guarded. The city has a strong combination of Zalezo Guard and other guards who do not dress as Zalezo. The Withered Bird Inn is located in Nikodranas and has a bar. The Lavish Chateau is located in Nikodranas and hosts performances, including by the Ruby of the Sea. The Stoutbridge fishery is located in Nikodranas. Scarbosa's ship is docked at Nikodranas. Scarbosa is currently in Nikodranas and knows he is down a ship and has lost a port; he is not expected to leave port anytime soon. The House of Five has established a rule that they are under no circumstances to reveal their true forms in the public eye. If attacked in Nikodranas, Scarbosa will flee if most of his men are taken down. It takes approximately two extra days by ship to travel from Port Zoon to Feolinn. The Opal Archway is a district within Nikodranas where the Stoutbridge family fishery is located. Scarbosa's vessel is the Poison Jewel. Ignis is the wharf master in Nikodranas. Nyriss and Thedan are guards in Nikodranas who agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and alert the Targanas to the House of Five threat. Master Yussa operates Tide Peak Tower in Nikodranas and agreed to receive the party urgently. Delilah the alchemist is cousin to Qimella from Port Damali. The party has acquaintances among the dock workers and within the Zalezo Guard in Nikodranas. Phaedra, who was restored from petrification by the party, wants death to rain down on Scarbosa. A vampire woman named Briarwood knows about the party members. Ynra and the Briarwoods are rivals of the party who have fought them multiple times and possess knowledge of them.
A location or concept about which information was previously obtained in connection with Deserat.
Novriel Buvar, also known as Nova, is a cleric of the Platinum Dragon Temple sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge to seek allies for a quest. He is one of four adventurers who arrived at the Withered Bird Inn in Nikodranas on the evening of the twentieth, along with Gris, Kaelan, and Qah'arl. He introduced himself to Kithri's party as having been sent by Vinrin to seek out his daughter and allies for a common goal. Novriel is part of the combined party now calling themselves the Parallel Tales of Wildemount, formed to oppose the House of Five. He received a healing elixir from Mervyn as a gesture of trust during the late-night planning session in Kithri's room. Novriel spoke with Kithri's father Vinrin, who revealed he had gotten into trouble with some people recently related to the location of his fishery. During the reconnaissance at the Withered Bird Inn, Novriel was among those waiting at the fishery with Litton and Mervyn while others scouted the Lavish Chateau. While seated there, he invoked the Platinum Dragon with a formal prayer, asking not for the deity to fight in his place but to stand beside him against the four evil dragons. He succeeded on a roll for divine intervention, and warmth pulsed from his pendant and breastplate, emanating outward as Litton and Mervyn felt the overwhelming heat encompass their area and experienced a wordless feeling: *I hear you, my child. When the time comes, I will aid thee.*
A district or area where Kithri Stoutbridge's family fishery is located, situated near the Lavish Chateau on the opposite side. The fishery has tables that sit out front. From the fishery, one can see the chateau at a distance across the Opal Archway. The Opal Archway is in the same vicinity as the chateau and is part of the southern district. It connects to the Open Key, into which travelers can take shortcuts from the Opal Archway. During the party's operation against the House of Five, Qah'arl used a "hide in plain sight" technique at the side wall of Kithri's family fishery, spending ten minutes creating camouflage using city filth to blend into the surroundings. The Opal Archway contains the apothecary of Delilah. Markets are located mainly in the archway, consisting primarily of food stalls, restaurants, and establishments offering odds and ends and unusual merchandise from recent travelers.
## What it is The Open Key is a location in Nikodranas at the dock area, owned by Master Yussa Errenis. It comprises a marketplace, streets, and docking facilities along the western docks. ## Who rules it Master Yussa Errenis owns and runs the Open Key, though he is described as a recluse who keeps to himself. The Targanas hold authority over the city's broader governance and pay informants like Viktorin to maintain order. ## Notable places The Open Key contains the western docks where ships are moored, a boardwalk above the dock level, a northern stairwell providing access from the main streets, a single-level warehouse, markets mainly featuring food stalls and restaurants, and the chateau. The docks serve as a place where freshly traveled odds and ends can be found. ## Residents and factions Master Yussa resides at Tide Peak Tower and owns the Open Key. Ignis works as the wharf master at the docks. The Poison Jewel, a ship captained by Scarbosa, was docked in the western section during the party's visit. ## The party's history here The party scouted the western docks and the Poison Jewel to plan a confrontation with Scarbosa and his crew. Marnok, Viktorin, Litton, and Kaelan met with Nyriss and Thedan at the barracks to alert them to the threat and arrange for civilian evacuation. Kithri and Karl secured the wharf master Ignis's agreement to seal off the western docks by dusk. Karl disguised himself as a dock worker and scouted the Poison Jewel's layout and crew from the boardwalk.
The combined adventuring party of nine members formed when Kristoff's four reinforcements joined Shifting Paradigm at the Withered Bird Inn. The party consists of Kithri, Marnok, Litton, Viktorin, and Mervyn from Shifting Paradigm, joined by Gris, Qah'arl, Kaelan, and Nova sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge as reinforcements. They gathered on the evening of the twentieth in Kithri's room at the Withered Bird to exchange information about the House of Five, with Gris's party having encountered Scarbosa outside the Stoutbridge fishery and been instructed by Kristoff to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards. The combined party debated strategy including whether to attack the Poison Jewel, lure targets from the Lavish Chateau, or strike the bodyguards individually, and agreed to reconvene in the morning to finalize their assault on the House of Five.
A spell that grants each creature chosen within 30 feet a +10 bonus to Stealth checks.
A multi-barreled firearm weapon with an 80-foot minimum range. The pepper box has a barrel that spins. Towards the back end of the gun, above the handle, where the typical firing mechanism is located, springing from the outside are 2 potion vial holders with potion vials locked into them. It is custom-made and pre-loaded with one potion vial or solution inside the actual back end of the gun. Mervyn successfully crafted six pieces of specialized ammunition—gorgon bullets—that are designed to petrify targets on impact and are engineered to survive firing from the pepper box.
A character who received a letter from Kithri and tends to a Black Dragonflower plant with assistance from others. Perry is a member of the party's adventuring group who participated in combat during the infiltration of Rumblecusp's docks, firing an arrow at a pirate manning a swivel crossbow and dealing 7 points of damage with a successful attack roll of 25. During the voyage back to Nikodranas, Kithri sent Perry a message via sending stone to give him a heads up about their seeing friend.
A character expected to be at the bar later in the evening; someone the party plans to update on current information. A sea elf who agreed to join the party's mission to take down Ska'Dreshan's men after receiving their message on Rumblecusp. She met the party at a tavern to discuss the plan before traveling with them to Jack Sapphire's ship. During the underwater descent to the skull-shaped lair, she was cast Water Breathing alongside the party and descended with them towards the island. She surfaced with the party and participated in the dockside ambush, drawing a rifle and firing at enemies with shots improved by Kithri's reaction. During the subsequent combat in the tavern, she revealed to Seamus Grond and Captain Vodea Phorus that the party had come to kill those working for Scarbosa. She engaged in melee combat against pirates, dealing damage across multiple strikes and shooting at enemies with her rifle. Her class type remains unknown to the party. During the party's time on the island, Phaedra was turned to stone. She was later restored to her normal state when Marnok and Viktorin cast Greater Restoration on her, using 100 gold worth of residuum in the process. Upon being restored, she readied her rifle and demanded to know what had happened to her. She will inherit the ship the Second Wave once Jack Sapphire reclaims his own vessel from Ska'Dreshan. Phaedra has lost a ship to Ska'Dreshan. After the party's departure from Skull Island, Phaedra agreed to Captain Sapphire's proposal that he would maintain command of the Second Wave until they returned to Nikodranas, at which point the ship would become hers. She expressed no problem with this arrangement so long as Sapphire did not damage the ship, warning him that any harm to the Second Wave would mean he owed her a replacement vessel. She confirmed that her goal aligned with the party's: to kill Scarbosa, also called Ska'Dreshan. Phaedra acknowledged it would take her time to organize a crew, and stated she was satisfied with having the well-maintained ship under either her command or Sapphire's for the voyage back to Nikodranas. She mentioned to the party that the dragonborn guards do not belong to Scarbosa and are bodyguards, possibly working for the House of Five separately. In Nikodranas, the party discussed recruiting her to assist in taking down Scarbosa's crew, the Poison Jewel, noting that she wants death to rain down on Scarbosa and could help them eliminate his boat's crew. Kithri was tasked with going to speak with Phaedra at the docks to bring her in on the plan as an extra blade.
Basic pirate pistols. A party of adventurers obtained 9 of these weapons from a ship. The pistols were in okay but not excellent condition, requiring some work. They were sold to a marketplace stall vendor for 1,400 gold total, approximately 155 gold per pistol. Mervyn Bottletop carried one of these pistols aboard the Tide Skimmer and fired it into the air from inside Leomund's tiny hut to silence the group during Kristoff's briefing. The sound was muffled by the dome's interior, preventing those outside from hearing the shot.
Nine pirate pistols, basic condition, acquired from a ship. Sold to a marketplace weapons dealer in Nikodranas for 1,400 gold total (approximately 150 gold per pistol).
A spell that allows escape from the Mirror of Life Trapping.
Groves located between the town of Faerûn and a mountain to its north where Cyndradell operates a distillery. The Plum Groves lie northeast of Feolinn, approximately 2 and a half days travel from Feolinn by land, on the other side of the groves from both Feolinn and the Sirius Mountains. The distillery mountain is situated just beyond the Plum Groves, near the Sirius Mountains, identifiable on maps as a smaller mountain without snow on its peak.
A three-masted ship belonging to Captain Jack Sapphire, larger than the Second Wave with a higher crew complement than 20 members. The ship is captained by Scarbosa and is being compared as a potential target in the party's plans against the House of Five. Located on the western side of the dock near the repair shop Ship Happens. One of two ships that Scarbosa covets; the other is the Stormsurger, which the party previously stole and renamed the Second Wave. The ship has a single gangplank and is crewed by multiple members including a young man who gives orders and carries a trident. Scarbosa maintains quarters aboard the vessel. The party has coordinated with local guards and the wharf master Ignis to clear civilians from the western docks by dusk on the night of their planned assault.
A port from which the Adjacency operates. The House of Five sought to establish a fort not too far outside of Port Damali to help control the coast. No aircraft are permitted to enter or leave Port Damali by order of the Dwendalian Empire. An airship belonging to one of the conspirators remains docked there. Travel from Port Damali to Feolinn takes approximately 6 and a half days by boat, or 5 to 6 days by land even with expedited movement. Qimella, a person with elongated fingers, resides in Port Damali and has been visited by members of the party.
A potion that lasts forever; obtained from a Mummy Lord's casket in an underground dungeon. A crimson liquid pulsing with a dull light, it resembles a heartbeat when observed. Removes exhaustion and poison conditions. When consumed, grants maximum hit die recovery for any hit die spent during the following day. Also grants 2d6 plus 5 temporary hit points. Sells for approximately 200 gold at retail.
A cantrip selected by a party member.
A spell referenced as requiring a melee spell attack roll. During the three-day stay on the island, a character confirmed they could cast Produce Flame and discussed using it to ignite liquid incense oil.
A black-furred Tabaxi with gold or yellow spots, played by Josh. Qah'arl joined Gris's party as one of four adventurers sent by Kristoff to Nikodranas to help dismantle the House of Five. Upon entering the Withered Bird Inn on the evening of the twentieth, Qah'arl immediately made eye contact with Viktorin, Marnok, and Litton, then headed to the bar to purchase drinks, returning with a tray of nine mugs of ale for the combined party. Qah'arl introduced himself to the other adventurers and participated in the evening's strategy discussions at Kithri's room. Qah'arl used a shapeshifting ability to transform into the appearance of one of the dragonborn bodyguards, specifically one of the ones the party had seen during reconnaissance. During the stakeout at the Lavish Chateau, Qah'arl separated from the group and hid in the darkness with a stealth check result of 31, disappearing entirely from view. Later, Qah'arl used a "hide in plain sight" technique, spending ten minutes creating camouflage using city filth against the side wall of Kithri's family fishery in the Opal Archway to blend into the surroundings.
## Who they are A woman with long spindly fingers who runs an apothecary in Port Damali. She is Delilah's cousin. ## Where they stand Qimella operates an apothecary business in Port Damali and has family ties to Delilah, an apothecary in the party's current location. ## History with the party The party has had no direct dealings with Qimella. Mervyn learned of her existence when visiting Delilah's apothecary; Delilah mentioned Qimella by name and asked Mervyn to tell her that Delilah says hi when he sees her.
A powerful and clever spellcaster on Ska'Dreshan's ship capable of telepathic communication.
A transmutation spell that forms a new adult body and calls the soul to enter it. The spell requires rare oils and unguents worth 1,000 gold as a material component. It can restore a creature that has been dead no longer than 10 days. If the target's soul isn't free or willing to enter the new body, the spell fails.
A spell with 60-foot range cast by Viktorin against enemy number 8, dealing poison damage.
Red Claw Ale is an ale produced by Cyndradell in her mountain distillery, located in a mountain northeast of Feolinn, as part of the House of Five's plan. Cyndradell commands Red Claw Ale and answers to Lady Cassara, serving her agenda within the House of Five hierarchy. Cyndradell designed the ale to make people forget their problems and crave more, and drinking it causes harm. Kobolds will deliver the first shipment to Feolinn within the week as a test run. The party has had no direct dealings with Red Claw Ale. They learned of its existence only through Kithri's successful scry on Kristoff's earring, during which Cyndradell stated that her Red Claw Ale was just about ready for deployment.
A spell that causes a creature or object to shrink to half its size in all dimensions and reduce its weight to 1/8 normal. During the party's stay on the island, Mervyn cast Reduce on large trees to shrink them down to twig-size for easier transport, then allowed the spell to expire to return them to full size. This application was used as part of the party's efforts to gather timber and resources.
## What it does A spell prepared by Nova that can be cast to address curses. Nova has prepared it multiple times using 3-level spell slots. ## Notable uses When Gris drank a potion and exploded violently, showering the dome in blood and bone, Marnok noted that Remove Curse would likely not be sufficient to fix what had happened to her, suggesting the party suspected her condition might not be a curse at all despite keeping the spell ready as a precaution.
## What it does A spell prepared to restore life to destroyed creatures, capable of reassembling a body from scattered remains. ## Notable uses When Gris erupted violently in the dome, Nova stood ready to attempt Revivify on whatever pieces could be found, though the spell proved unnecessary as Gris's body knit itself back together completely unharmed moments after the explosion.
A distant location accessible via teleportation circle in a tower; contains resources for learning about dragons and draconic lore.
An item that Marnok suggested finding to potentially help with Addison's supernatural influence. According to Yussa, a Ring of Mind Shielding might block her surveillance but could also trigger her to turn Mervyn immediately, making it too dangerous to attempt. Yussa indicated he possessed one such ring but chose not to loan it to the party due to this risk.
## Who they are A small bronze pseudo-dragon familiar to Grisyl Gwynedd, housed within her breastplate. Originally a red dragon worm that was part of a ring before joining the breastplate and never receiving a new name. ## History with the party Ringworm locked eyes with Tamias, Marnok's pseudo-dragon, in a tense standoff within the dome before the two tiny dragons scuffled and settled. During a joint commune ritual performed by Marnok and Gris with incense and a dragon statue, both dragons were present as their wielders were transported to a cliffside vision where two ancient dragons, Thallethar and Tamieth, appeared to them. ## Where things stand now Ringworm remains bonded to Grisyl Gwynedd and housed within her breastplate as her familiar companion.
## Who they are A red-skinned tiefling performer at the Lavish Chateau who sings and performs ribbon dancing as part of the venue's main act. Her performance includes a ribbon that dances mesmerizingly. ## Where they stand Ruby of the Sea performs at the Lavish Chateau in Nikodranas, a venue frequented regularly by members of the House of Five.
A small island in the Mervyn Archipelago to the south, where Ska'Dreshan's ship and crew are fortified; takes at least 3 days to reach by steady pace. The island features a massive skull-shaped lair with glowing eye sockets. Captain Forrest's double-masted ship is docked at the island alongside a small dinghy. The surrounding waters are shallow enough for underwater approach. Rumblecusp is the main island with a couple of small islands off of it. The skull-shaped building on the island was formerly a bar; there was a literal bar in the eye sockets.
A melee weapon wielded by Litton with runic inscriptions. Used in combat against dockside guards and enemies at the tavern, dealing damage across multiple strikes. Litton also wielded it against Seamus Grond during the second battle in the fortified tavern.
A spell cast by Viktorin against a held target that automatically succeeds.
A dragon whose name is heard cried out during a Calamity War battle witnessed through Legend Lore; fights alongside a brass and silver dragon against Kessaria.
Scarbosa, also known as Ska'Dreshan, is a dragon and captain with a sea army, and a member of the House of Five, serving under Lady Cassara. He maintains the ocean as his domain within the House of Five's hierarchy, while Cyndradell controls the land and Kristoff the air. Scarbosa sent a letter to Skullport instructing the recipient to wait there until further notice, signed with his name. He has placed ships and subordinates on an island several days' travel from Nikodranas in the archipelago, and the party has planned an infiltration mission against his forces there. He owns two ships, the Poison Jewel (docked in Nikodranas) and the Stormsurger. Phaedra, a sea elf, has been wronged by Scarbosa and lost a ship to him; Jack Sapphire also has a ship in Scarbosa's possession that he intends to reclaim. The party acquired a ship belonging to Scarbosa's people and plans to modify and rename it to avoid recognition when sailing back to Nikodranas, since Scarbosa or his crew recognizing the original vessel could pose a significant threat. The party has dealt a significant blow against Scarbosa, destroying a port and seizing one of his ships, halting his operations. He currently has no extra ships and no ports at his disposal, making him appear to be failing. During a meeting at the Lavish Chateau, Scarbosa admitted to losing his base and another ship but vowed to find those responsible. Due to his weakened position, Scarbosa has contracted four dragonborn bodyguards for protection: a gold dragonborn raised by Cyndradell, two red dragonborn hired as muscle, and a violet dragonborn belonging to Lady Kisara. He was observed outside the Stoutbridge fishery with three bodyguards, heading into the Lavish Chateau; Kristoff instructed Kithri's party not to enter the Lavish Chateau and to stay away from it. Scarbosa meets regularly with other members of the House of Five at the Lavish Chateau every couple of nights and on weekends, and attended a performance by the Ruby of the Sea there, seated with Lady Kisara and Cyndradell. Addison has the capability to inform Scarbosa of the party's activities and intentions, including their plans to acquire an orb from Master Yussa Errenis, conversations with Bra'Thocrys and the City Watch, discussions about Targanas, and mentions of the House of Five and dragon-related activities. Scarbosa has associates and backup plans. The party, along with reinforcements, plans to overthrow Scarbosa, kill him, and take back a ship from him, as part of a broader assault on the House of Five. Kristoff sent four adventurers to Nikodranas as reinforcements to help dismantle the House of Five, instructing them to separate Scarbosa from his four dragonborn bodyguards. Phaedra wants to help kill Scarbosa. Kristoff has proposed that if the party eliminates Scarbosa's crew and dragonborn guards, Scarbosa will flee, causing the other dragons in the House of Five to scatter. The party intends to ambush Scarbosa's ship and crew while Kristoff lures Scarbosa away. Scarbosa can transform into his true dragon form; Kristoff warned that doing so within Nikodranas could devastate the city, though it would also ostracize him from the House of Five. Lady Kasara expressed anger at Scarbosa regarding his recent failings and instructed him to fix whatever issues his crew was having and to address the situation promptly.
A spell cast by Phaedra that deals 2d6 fire damage, targeting multiple enemies.
A divination spell cast by Kithri to observe a distant location and conversation, cast with focus on Kristoff's earring. When cast on the earring during the party's surveillance of the Lavish Chateau, the spell lifted Kithri incorporeally through the chateau roof, allowing her to hear the full conversation between the House of Five members seated at the table. Through the scry, she overheard Lady Kisara ordering Scarbosa, Cyndradell, and Kristoff to hurry and carry their weight—with Scarbosa maintaining the ocean, Cyndradell the land, and Kristoff the air. Scarbosa admitted losing his base and another ship but vowed to find those responsible for sabotaging him. Cyndradell claimed everything ran smoothly on her end and promised the world would soon be introduced to a new ale that would wash away concerns. Kristoff confirmed no aircraft threatened the skies. Kisara ordered Scarbosa to fix his failures. The scry lasted approximately ten minutes before ending. During this conversation, Cyndradell referenced Red Ale as a figure nearing deployment that she had readied as part of the House of Five's broader plans.
A spell that Viktorin has attempted to cast but which fails when the target has sufficient willpower to resist. The spell's failure is not due to the caster's capabilities but rather the willpower of the target being scred upon. Some figures are impossible to trace, while others are even harder still. Viktorin sought the Moonweaver's guidance and approval before casting the spell to ensure it would benefit both herself and her party's progress. A vampire's surveillance ability functions similarly to scrying but with greater power—it does not require saves from the target, can be activated at any time without the target's knowledge or ability to resist, and represents a more potent form of magical observation than standard scrying magic. Kithri can cast Scry using a crystal ball and has used it to observe distant locations and objects, including a focus on Kristoff's earring to hear conversations at the Lavish Chateau. The spell can target a specific creature, a location, or an object associated with a target. Scrying through an object requires knowledge of what the target looks like. The spell's duration is approximately ten minutes. Viktorin and Kithri conducted scrying rituals at the back side of the Stoutbridge Fishery during a reconnaissance mission around the Lavish Chateau. Kithri successfully scried on Kristoff's earring and overheard conversations from the House of Five, including Kasara expressing anger at Scarbosa's failings, discussion of Cyndradell's Red Ale being ready for deployment, and Kasara instructing Scarbosa to fix issues with his crew and the situation promptly, before the scry ended.
A large, muscular human with ginger hair and pale skin wearing a pelt over his shoulders who wields a warhammer and serves as a lieutenant or enforcer for Scarbosa, commanding pirates in a fortress bar.
A two-masted caravel-style ship previously used by the party with a crew of 20 that were killed. The ship was renamed the Second Wave per Phaedra's request. Jack Sapphire captains the Second Wave until the party reclaims his original vessel from Scarbosa, at which point Phaedra will take command of it. Phaedra warned Sapphire that any damage to the Second Wave would mean he owed her a ship. The party sailed the Second Wave back to Nikodranas, arriving on the nineteenth around lunchtime. The Stormsurger was stolen by the party, rode in on, and renamed the Second Wave.
A spell cast by a party member to send a message to Phaedra; limited to 25 words or less. Viktorin cast Sending to Captain Jack Sapphire with the message "Hi Jack, it's Viktorin. Under control here. Okay to sleep the night? Thoughts? Are you in a position to see if someone is coming?" and received the response "Nothing spotted out this way. We'll make my way to the dock. Join you for a rest. We'll discuss things in the morning." Viktorin cast Sending to Kithri's mother Vira Stoutbridge with the message "Hi Vira Stoutbridge, it's Viktorin, just checking in. How's the family and business? Anything happening in town? Kithra is learning new things. So proud." and received the response "Hi, Viktorin. Nice to hear from you. Business is back up. We're getting back to it slowly. Still a bit nervous. We're proud of our Kithri too. Take care of her." Viktorin cast Sending to Master Yussa Errenis with the message "Master Yussa Errenis, have a situation. One of party a vampire's bitten, died, but resurrected. Vampire can see and hear through them. Be reversed. Help. Advice, Viktorin." and received the response "This is problematic. I'm not well-versed in vampirism, but I will research it. Figure out what I can. And get back to you. If one can hear and see through him. Be careful what is said and seen." Kithri sent a message to Perry via her sending stone regarding Mervyn's compromised condition. Grisyl cast Sending to Ignus the wharfmaster with the message "Hey Ignus, Kithri's friend. A bit worried about the boat in the docks named Poison Jewel. Can you keep an eye, help us out with what's going on?" and received the response "You— if you're looking for the ship, you'll find it on the western side of the dock near the repair shop. Uh, I don't go near it." Kithri cast Sending to Master Yussa with the message "We need to chat urgently. Things need to happen tonight. Need your help. Can we chat now?" and received the response "Urgent, you say? Sounds important. Please come to Tide Peak. We will talk soon."
Wife of Dook, a dwarf craftsman in Nikodranas. She was present at Dook's workshop when Mervyn arrived on the twentieth to work on gorgon gas ammunition; she gave Mervyn an odd nod, apparently wondering why he was there.
A spell cast by Viktorin on Litton that grants +2 to AC.
## What they want The Shifting Paradigm works to counter threats posed by the House of Five and its agents, including the dragon Scarbosa and his crew aboard the Poison Jewel. They coordinate with local authorities and allies to neutralize these dangers while keeping their activities hidden from House of Five suspicion. ## Who leads them Marnok Konram directs the group's operations and strategy. ## Members and reach The Shifting Paradigm includes Marnok Konram, Kithri, Viktorin, Litton, Kaelan, Mervyn, and Nova. They operate in coastal cities and have established contacts with local guards, merchants, and masters of significant locations. The adjacency, a separate group led by Grisyl Gwynedd, lacks the local connections the Shifting Paradigm possesses and sometimes tags along with them. ## Standing with the party The Shifting Paradigm is the party itself. They work with the city guard captain Nyriss and the commander Thedan to clear civilians from the western docks, and have sent word to Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower requesting urgent aid against the House of Five threat.
## What it is A shipyard building at the western end of the Nikodranas docks where ships can be brought for repairs, upgrades, things of that nature. It is marked by a giant billboard on top bearing its name. ## Notable places The building houses a warehouse with closed doors for the fixing of ships. There is a small dock nearby with some small ships, and a large ship docked at the main section with its back sitting flush against the docks and a single gangplank providing access. ## Residents and factions Ignis, a wharf master, oversees the docks and has authority to seal off sections as needed. ## The party's history here The party identified the Poison Jewel, a ship docked at Ship Happens, as a threat to the city and persuaded Ignis to seal off the western docks by dusk under the guise of safety hazards. Karl scouted the ship while disguised as a dock worker, observing a young man in his early twenties with a trident barking orders on deck and confirming Scarbosa's presence aboard.
A mountain range northeast of Feolinn visible on the Map of the Menagerie Coast. Cyndradell operates a distillery in a mountain within or near the Sirius Mountains, approximately 2 and a half days travel from Feolinn on the other side of the Plum Grove. The distillery location is described as a little mountain that sticks out toward the Plum Groves and does not have snow on top of it. Cyndradell brews an ale at this distillery designed to make people forget their problems and crave more, with the first shipment scheduled to be delivered to Feolinn within a week via kobold carriers as a test run. The distillery is situated on a smaller mountain without snow on its peak, located near but not as far as the main stretch of the Sirius Mountains.
A rock formation on an island with a summit that offers views of the island's landscape, featuring trees and open fields.
A location where Scarbosa left instructions for the party to wait until further notice.
A spell cast using a Ring of Animal Friendship to communicate with creatures. Grants the ability to communicate with beasts. When cast, the caster can have a conversation with an animal and understand it perfectly, though typically only the caster can hear the animal's responses—however, other creatures nearby may be able to hear the caster speaking aloud to the animal. During the party's final watch aboard the ship's dome, Kithri cast Speak with Animals on a house spider named Spindle, learning that the spider had been curious about Kaelan's dark elf heritage and was fascinated by the party's presence.
A scroll containing a single spell, usable once. When a character without access to a spell's level attempts to cast it from a scroll, the DC is 10 plus the spell level, and the scroll is consumed as part of the casting attempt regardless of success. A failed casting results in the spell not taking effect.
A potion vial that requires only a dab on the skin to cover the entire body as a spider repellent for one night, completely harmless with no side effects, sold by Delilah for 5 gold.
## Who they are A large common house spider capable of speech through magic, encountered uninvited in the party's sealed dome during the final watch. Spindle is curious and talkative, particularly fascinated by dark elves and their reluctance to discuss their past. ## History with the party Kithri discovered Spindle in the dome and spoke with it directly, learning its name and engaging it in conversation about Kaelan's dark elf heritage. Kaelan, unnerved by the spider's questions, later retaliated by using illusion magic to make Kithri feel phantom legs crawling up her back. As Spindle finished its conversation, it gave a small tap on Kithri's hand and scurried away across the ship's deck, disappearing from sight with no further response. ## Where things stand now Spindle departed the dome at dawn and has not been seen since, leaving its intentions and allegiances unknown to the party.
Conjures spirits that orbit you and damage nearby enemies. When cast at fourth level, it creates a glowy circle requiring wisdom saves from enemies within it who are not allies; those who fail take full damage, those who succeed take half damage. Enemies within the circle's area cannot easily leave—attempting to exit requires a wisdom save, and failure results in remaining trapped. The spell requires a Constitution saving throw to maintain concentration when the caster takes damage; the DC equals half the damage taken (rounded up). If the caster fails this save, the spell ends immediately. Viktorin cast Spirit Guardians during combat and took 37 points of force damage, forcing a Constitution save with DC 18 to maintain the spell; he failed the save and the spell ended.
A spell used by Seamus that allows him to flourish his weapon and strike up to 5 chosen creatures with melee spell attacks.
An enemy combatant who fired two shots at Kithri during battle, the first striking for 12 points of damage and the second narrowly missing. Stone Cold 1 was later paralyzed by Kithri's Hold Person spell cast at fourth level. Viktorin cast Sacred Flame on the paralyzed Stone Cold 1, dealing 7 points of damage. Mervyn then attacked Stone Cold 1 with finger guns, dealing 10 points of force damage and killing the paralyzed creature where it stood.
A large two-masted pirate ship moored on the left-hand side of the dock, nearly double the size of Jack Sapphire's ship, belonging to Captain Vodea Phorus. The party stole the Stormsurger and renamed it the Second Wave.
A distant shore visible in Mervyn's meditative void visions. A location that experienced a calamitous incursion by the Chroma Conclave, a group of legendary ancient dragons that attempted to overtake Tal'Dorei by force some years ago before being stopped by Vox Machina. Every character in the current party knows about Vox Machina and what happened in Tal'Dorei several years prior. The Chroma Conclave attempted to destroy and overtake Emon and the rest of Tal'Dorei. There are concerns among some people in Nikodranas about a second coming of the Conclave, with individuals attempting to make such a thing happen in the city.
## The gist Tamieth is an ancient dragon who fought together with Thallethar the Stormshield in a tale known to the party. ## Details During a joint commune ritual performed by Marnok and Gris with incense and a dragon statue, the pair were transported to a cliffside vision where Tamieth and Thallethar appeared and confirmed there was more potential for the pseudo-dragons yet to unlock. ## How the party learned it Viktorin recalled a story from a friend about two ancient dragons who fought together. During the night in the dome, Marnok and Gris performed a commune ritual and encountered the vision directly, where both ancient dragons themselves spoke to them before returning them to the deck.
## Who they are A pseudo-dragon familiar housed within Marnok Konram's sword, Tamiyas manifests with a yellow glow and possesses small claws and the ability to perch on a shoulder. ## Where they stand Tamiyas answers to Marnok Konram and communicates through yes-or-no exchanges, with a limit of questions the user may ask before Tamiyas departs. ## History with the party Marnok summoned Tamiyas from his glowing blade while belowdecks, and Tamiyas appeared on his shoulder to greet him. When brought before Gris and her own pseudo-dragon Ringworm, the two tiny dragons locked eyes and scuffled before settling. Tamiyas participated in a joint commune ritual with Marnok and Gris, during which ancient dragons Thallethar and Tamieth confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock. ## Where things stand now Tamiyas remains bonded to Marnok's sword and has demonstrated willingness to appear and communicate when summoned, though questions to the familiar are limited and deplete with each exchange.
An NPC or group typically available for quests or jobs. A representative works with the city guard. The party had a meeting with the Targanas' representative and the city guard captain, where the representative left the room after becoming upset. The party later warned the Targanas that people they had fought in a warehouse incident were aware of the Targanas helping the party. The Targanas showed concern upon receiving this warning, thanked the party for their diligence in letting them know, and stated they would increase security around their house and throughout the city, as well as increase contact with their contacts to ensure everyone remains safe. Before the party visited the Lavish Chateau, they went to the Targanas, who provided them with robes and other clothing for the infiltration. The party considered reaching out to the Targanas to determine if they would want to take part in the upcoming operation against the House of Five, and discussed whether the Targanas might be able to help get word to Feolinn or assist with controlling a shipment of ale before it could be distributed. The Targanas were informed by their representative Thedan of the party's plan to confront Scarbosa and his crew at the western docks. Thedan indicated the Targanas would inform their contacts in the city and work to keep innocents away from the conflict area, while alerting the Zalezo in the city to remain absent from any disturbance at the docks that night.
Tarsilone is an adult green dragon known as the Emerald Queen, associated with the House of Five. Rather than killing her, the party did work for her.
A spell that allows travel to and from Master Yussa Errenis's tower; Mervyn Bottletop is believed to be the only party member who could learn it. Yussa has a teleportation circle in his tower that can be accessed via the Teleportation Circle spell. The spell creates a lasting portal, unlike the instant teleportation of Yussa's Ball of Return, which is a magical item that instantly teleports all five party members to Yussa's teleportation circle if thrown while they maintain physical contact with each other.
## Who they are Thalithar is a dragon spirit that communicates with Marnok through limited questions. Once able to chat freely in dreams, the spirit is now restricted to only three questions per exchange and has grown tight-lipped. ## Where they stand Thalithar appears bound or cursed, possibly trapped within Marnok's bracer or related to his equipment in a way that constrains communication and agency. ## History with the party Marnok summoned Thalithar during a joint commune ritual with Gris, using incense and a dragon statue. In that vision at a cliffside, Thalithar (alongside another ancient dragon) confirmed there was more potential for Marnok and Gris yet to unlock before returning them to the deck. Marnok has learned to communicate with Thalithar only through yes-or-no exchanges limited to three questions. ## Where things stand now Thalithar remains bound and silent, restricted to minimal communication. The nature of the curse or binding is unknown, though Gris suspects the dragons may be dying.
## The gist Thallethar the Stormshield is an ancient dragon who fought together with another ancient dragon named Tamieth in a story known to the party. ## Details During a joint commune ritual performed by Marnok and Gris with incense and a dragon statue, the two adventurers were transported to a cliffside vision where Thallethar and Tamieth appeared and confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock. ## How the party learned it Viktorin learned about the two ancient dragons during a legend lore check and had a story from a friend about them. Marnok and Gris performed the commune ritual together, which resulted in the vision where Thallethar and Tamieth themselves confirmed this information before returning the adventurers to the deck.
A historical event referenced in relation to dragon activity and capabilities. During the Calamity, Ki'Saraia (also known as Lady Kisara and the Dark Frozen Winter) led an army against forces supported by two younger dragons, one brass and one silver. A white dragon of terrifying power participated in the conflict, laying waste to forces across an ancient battlefield. The dragons Salethar and Tho'Maeus were also present during the Calamity. By the battle's end, two of the younger dragons lay injured while Ki'Saraia survived and flew away from the blood-soaked field. The combined power of the House of Five—ancient dragons currently separated but capable of catastrophic destruction if united—could potentially rival the scale of destruction wrought during the Calamity. Tho'Maeus fought alongside the brass dragon and silver dragon against Kessaria, the white dragon also known as Lady Kisara, and was injured during the battle.
A titled official of Nikodranas with whom the party may coordinate regarding street conflicts. The party has a contact in the Nikodranas guard who can help them if needed, though he is a very angry man and requires advance warning to avoid becoming enraged.
A feminine divine entity who communicates with Viktorin in the black void, offering guidance and mentioning other patrons; associated with the white moon Catha. She has been watching Viktorin's growth and, alongside the Archheart, granted Viktorin new boons including the ability to attune to the Moonblade. She explained that scrying failures stem from the target's willpower rather than the caster's capabilities, and noted that some figures are impossible to trace while others are harder to scry upon. When speaking with Viktorin, she and the Archheart spoke in unison, addressing Viktorin as "Verdea, Brighid" and instructing her to spend time with the Moonblade to learn it and attain new powers upon awakening. She urged Viktorin to continue growing and forging her own path, stating "You are not controlled anymore" and that they are "here to guide you. To give you the power that you desire. To help those around you." She also speaks in unison with the Arch Heart in the black void between worlds, offering cryptic guidance on supernatural matters. When consulted about Mervyn's vampiric condition and connection to Addison, the Moonweaver and Arch Heart instructed: "Get to the root of the problem. Eliminate the roots. Eliminate the problem."
A Slezo guard associated with Targanas, mentioned as a potential contact alongside Phaedra, whom the party plans to visit for information. Thedan was sought out at the barracks by Marnok, Viktorin, Litton, and Kaelan, to whom he and Nyriss agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and alert the Targanas to the situation regarding the House of Five threat. Thedan urged the party to seek out Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower for further aid.
A small dragon with blue eyes capable of telepathic communication in Draconic; communicates primarily through yes/no responses and has knowledge of entities called the Dragonhold and their members. When summoned by Marnok during session 87, Tho'Maeus answered three questions about the House of Five with two yeses and one no, responding to Marnok's questions about Tho'Maeus's knowledge of them and whether he could hear conversations being had. When Marnok attempted further questions, Tho'Maeus was seemingly unresponsive and did not provide additional answers. Upon hearing Marnok speak Draconic, Tho'Maeus looked at Marnok and responded with a cryptic message referencing three questions, commune, and a feeling of caution. During the Calamity War, Tho'Maeus fought alongside a brass dragon and a silver dragon against Kessaria, the white dragon also known as Lady Kisara. Tho'Maeus was injured during this battle.
A spell cast by Kithri that allows dragging a target up to 5 feet closer to the caster.
A landmark that Ki'Saraia and Kristoff were observed passing on their way out after a previous visit to the Lavish Chateau. Tide Peak Tower is home to Master Yussa, a reclusive occupant whom the party has been in communication with. When informed of a potential dragon threat to Nikodranas, Thedan recommended seeking Master Yussa's aid, noting his knowledge of the city and its denizens. Viktorin sent word ahead requesting an urgent audience, and Yussa agreed to receive the party.
A ship docked in Nikodranas captained by Captain Cotton; the party's vessel where they gather to discuss their situation with Kristoff. The ship's interior can be configured with an hourglass dome spell; when activated, the space transforms into a campfire surrounded by stump seating. Captain Cotton and his crew, including the red-skinned tiefling BoJack, retreat below deck when the party requires privacy. The ship is positioned toward the middle to eastern end of the Open Key docks. The nine adventurers reconvened aboard the Tide Skimmer, where Kristoff used the hourglass dome to transform the ship's interior into a campfire scene with stump seating before rebuking Grisyl and Kaelan Veyrith for entering the Lavish Chateau against his explicit instructions.
A spell cast by Viktorin against enemy number 6 during combat.
A humanoid-sized turtle head that peered through the eye socket of a skull at dawn, making direct eye contact with Viktorin and greeting her with Hello.
The father of the Dark Sun, a member of the House of Five who is deceased.
## The Moonweaver's Warning and the Divine Lifeline Viktorin stood as one of the founding members when the party committed to a three-day sea voyage to Rumblecusp, choosing to strike before reinforcements from the Adjacency could arrive. When Marnok communed with Tho'Maeus and the blade delivered its warning to be extremely careful, Viktorin recognized the pattern immediately—Tho'Maeus was operating under the constraints of a divine Commune spell, limiting his answers to three per session. During the voyage to Rumblecusp aboard Jack Sapphire's vessel, Viktorin entered a meditative void and encountered the Moonweaver, who warned of chaos looming and promised that other divine patrons stood ready to support Viktorin beyond their previous one. The party ritually cast water breathing before diving into the shallow waters, swimming toward the massive skull-shaped lair that loomed ahead with glowing eye sockets. ## Beneath the Waves and Into the Skull Viktorin descended with the party through darkness beneath the ocean, those without darkvision moving blind as the seafloor rose and dock posts emerged ahead. When the party gained surprise against the guards stationed at the docks, Viktorin cast Toll the Dead in the surprise round. As four additional enemies arrived and combat proper began, Viktorin cast a protective sphere that granted temporary hit points to allies, then cast Shield of Faith on Litton to bolster his armor class. Later in the fight, Viktorin cast Guiding Bolt to strike an enemy combatant. The party collected pistols, rapiers, and gold from the fallen guards and explored the cleared structure. Mervyn discovered a map depicting the Menagerie Coast in an upstairs room. When the party ascended a ladder through a locked latch, they entered a tavern where seven pistols locked onto them with audible clicks. A large, muscular human with ginger hair introduced himself as Seamus Grond, and when Phaedra revealed the party had come to kill those working for Scarbosa, Seamus reached for his warhammer and combat erupted. ## Spirit Guardians and the Stone-Footed Assassin Viktorin cast a Channel Divinity that granted temporary hit points to nearby allies, then cast Spirit Guardians at fourth level, creating a glowing circle of protective energy centered on his position. Captain Vodea Phorus emerged from behind the bar onto an elevated deck above, announcing his intention to join the fray. Seamus wielded a warhammer that crackled with electricity and engaged Litton with strikes dealing both bludgeoning and lightning damage. As combat intensified, Captain Vodea Phorus appeared suddenly in Viktorin's pathway through teleportation or rapid movement, then struck Viktorin with a blade attack, dealing severe slashing damage that ended Viktorin's Spirit Guardians spell. Viktorin cast Spirit Guardians at fourth level again, requiring wisdom saves from multiple enemies—two failed and took full damage, while Vodea Phorus succeeded and took half. Vodea Phorus made two blade attacks against Viktorin, missing once but landing another strike. Combat continued into round five with the party still engaged. ## Radiant Light and Instant Death Kithri cast Hold Person at fourth level, paralyzing three enemies, though Seamus resisted. Phaedra attempted to run forward but failed a Constitution save triggered by proximity to Vodea Phorus and was instantly petrified, her body transforming completely to stone. Viktorin cast Sacred Flame on the immobilized Stone Cold enemy, then used Channel Divinity to regain a spell slot. Kithri scored a critical hit followed by a natural twenty against Vodea Phorus, triggering an instant-death effect that graphically eviscerated him on the spot. The combat ended with all four foes dead and Phaedra standing frozen as a statue. Viktorin examined Vodea Phorus's corpse and found two hundred gold, a scroll, and a longsword of elven craftsmanship. The scroll contained a letter from Scarbosa instructing the recipient to wait at the Skullport until further notice. When Mervyn completed a ritual identification of the longsword, Viktorin sensed there was more to the weapon than the revealed Steel Wind Strike ability. ## What Addison Sees Through Mervyn's Eyes The party examined Phaedra's petrified form and discovered through testing with a shoelace that the petrification extended completely through her body—stone all the way through. Viktorin cast Sending to Captain Jack Sapphire, confirming the area was clear and that Sapphire would join them at the dock in the morning. Captain Jack Sapphire arrived an hour later and confirmed that magic existed to restore Phaedra, though he could not cast the necessary spell himself. During the evening, Marnok revealed that he had created a small ball inscribed with magical writing and given it to Viktorin before the recent battle. The item's message disclosed that Addison could see through Mervyn's eyes and hear what Mervyn heard, meaning Addison had been monitoring the party's activities and conversations since Mervyn's death and resurrection. Litton initially misunderstood and thought the threat involved Viktorin, but Viktorin had told Litton about Mervyn being compromised while they were at Seamus's body. The group realized that Addison now possessed intelligence on all party activities and conversations since Mervyn's resurrection, including their plans to acquire the orb from Master Yussa Errenis, conversations with Bra'Thocrys and the City Watch, discussions about Targanas and Scarbosa, and mentions of the House of Five and dragon-related activities. Mervyn remained asleep downstairs in a hammock throughout the night. ## Dawn at the Skull's Eye Viktorin maintained watch through the night as the sea remained calm and the moon hung visible overhead. At dawn, he perceived a turtle-headed creature peering into the skull's eye socket and greeting him with a simple "Hello." The party remained inside the skull tavern with their petrified companion and their compromised artificer, the Moonweaver's warning of chaos looming now fully realized in the twin threats of a stone-frozen ally and an enemy scrying through their own teammate's senses. ## The Weed Among Flowers Master Yugi arrived at dawn, peering through the skull's eye socket to ask permission to enter. The ancient turtle introduced himself to Viktorin as the island's centuries-old inhabitant, drawn by the previous night's battle. He questioned Viktorin about the party's purpose, speaking in riddles and garden metaphors while assessing whether they walked a righteous path. When Marnok joined the conversation, Yugi pressed for details about the creatures threatening the world, eventually learning the party sought to dismantle the House of Five—ancient dragons whose combined power could rival the Calamity itself. Yugi sensed something wrong with Mervyn, warning Viktorin that the artificer's ears and eyes were not his own—a weed strangling the plant that needed pulling at the root. The revelation sparked urgent whispered planning, with Viktorin clarifying to Kithri and Marnok that Addison could see and hear through Mervyn, not through Viktorin as Litton still believed. The group realized Addison now possessed intelligence on their plans regarding Master Yussa Errenis's orb, conversations with the City Watch, and discussions about the House of Five. While Kithri trained with Yugi over three days, Viktorin occupied herself with other tasks. Mervyn successfully created liquid incense oil for Viktorin's spellwork after his attempt to fabricate diamonds failed. ## Moonlight and the Battlefield Viktorin meditated and found herself transported to the familiar dark space where the Moonweaver's voice greeted her. The deity explained that scrying failures stemmed from targets' willpower, not Viktorin's inadequacy, then revealed a second divine presence—the Archheart, whose masculine voice joined the Moonweaver's in granting new boons. Together they promised Viktorin the ability to attune to the Moonblade she had carried since the Hofstetter Ranch, powers she would access through their combined patronage. When Viktorin opened her eyes, she discovered her necklace had transformed, three blue lapis gems now sprouting beneath the golden disc as physical proof of her awakened vestige. Using Mervyn's liquid incense, Viktorin cast Legend Lore on Lady Kisara and found herself standing on ## No Zombies, No Panic As the party debated how to clear the western docks without alerting Scarbosa's crew, ideas ranged from bribery to a staged plague. Viktorin dryly shut down any talk of raising zombies to scare off civilians, keeping the plan grounded before watches were assigned and the group bedded down in the dome. ## Barracks and the Tower The next day, Viktorin joined Marnok, Litton, and Kaelan in seeking out Nyriss and Thedan at the barracks, laying out the danger posed by the House of Five and naming Scarbosa and his ship, the Poison Jewel, as the sea-based threat. Both men balked at the notion of guards fighting dragons but agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and alert the Targanas. When Thedan urged the party to seek aid from the reclusive Master Yussa at Tide Peak Tower, Viktorin sent word ahead, and Yussa agreed to receive them urgently.
Kithri's father, also called Vinn. Sent four adventurers (a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi, a dark-complexioned half-elf, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut) to Nikodranas as reinforcements to help dismantle the House of Five, instructing them to seek allies and work with Kithri's party.
Kithri's mother living in Nikodranas, also called Nevira, Vera, or Yinra. She received a Sending spell from Viktorin asking how the family and business were doing and if anything was happening in town. She responded that business was back up and they were getting back to it slowly, though still a bit nervous, and expressed pride in Kithri's learning.
Captain Vodea Phorus led a crew of Stone Cold Pirates and commanded a ship that was captured by the party during battle in session 89. He was killed during a tavern engagement, dying at the hands of Kithri as the most injured of four combatants. He possessed a longsword, a coin purse with 200 gold, and a scroll. After his death, his ship was repaired and renamed the Second Wave by Sapphire with assistance from Marnok, then prepared to sail back to Nikodranas, where it would be inherited by Phaedra.
Historical group whose actions during the times of the Chroma Conclave and its aftermath in Tal'Dorei are known to all characters at the table. Kristoff, who is part of the House of Five against his own will, knows what happens when dragons band together and try to take over the realm because of what happened during the times of Vox Machina. The Earring of Whisper, a magical item that allows the wearer to communicate with others at no cost by touching it, is modeled after earrings that Vox Machina possessed.
A 4th-level spell cast by Kithri that creates a line of fire causing damage to creatures that fail a Dexterity saving throw of 15. During combat in the skull tavern, Marnok was told he would need to step into the wall of fire to gain advantage on an attack against an enemy at close range.
A ritual spell cast on the party and Phaedra to enable underwater breathing during their approach to Rumblecusp. The spell was cast aboard Jack Sapphire's ship before the party plunged into the ocean and descended toward the island. While there was some uncertainty during the casting about the spell's duration—with discussion of both 8 hours and 24 hours—the spell granted Water Breathing to the group. Those with the spell were able to speak to each other underwater without sounding like murlocs, maintaining normal communication while submerged. During the voyage back to Nikodranas aboard the Second Wave, the party noted they had Water Breathing available as a resource they could use to protect party members who were not strong swimmers.
A boat with a large poop deck used by the party. The ship is officially named the Second Wave. Jack Sapphire captained it during the three-and-a-half-day voyage from Skull Island back to Nikodranas, with an agreement that he would command the vessel until reclaiming his original ship from Scarbosa, at which point Phaedra would assume command. Phaedra warned Sapphire that any damage to the ship would result in him owing her a replacement.
A servant or attendant at Master Yussa Errenis's tower who greets visitors and fetches the master. Wensforth greeted the party upon their arrival at the tower, showed them to the waiting room, and was later sent by Yussa to retrieve a small jewelry case containing Yussa's Ball of Return.
## What it is The western docks of Nikodranas, where ships are moored and dock work takes place. ## Residents and factions Captain Scarbosa commands the Poison Jewel from the West Quay as part of the House of Five's sea-based army. Ignis, the wharf master, oversees dock operations. ## The party's history here The party identified the Poison Jewel as the vessel through which the House of Five conducts its sea-based operations and Scarbosa leads forces backed by dragons. Karl scouted the ship's single gangplank, crew, and Scarbosa himself in disguise as a dock worker. Ignis agreed to seal off the western docks by dusk under the guise of safety hazards to clear civilians before the party's planned confrontation with Scarbosa's crew.
A location considered by the party as a potential misdirection destination to feed false information to Addison through Mervyn.
An inn in Nikodranas where the party meets Jaxxeth Fire and Phaedra. Jack Sapphire, a sapphire dragon operating undercover, frequents this location where he sits down with the party and proposes games to exchange information over drinks while maintaining a drunken persona. On the evening of the twentieth, four strangers sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge as reinforcements against the House of Five entered the inn and made immediate eye contact with Viktorin, Marnok, and Litton: a red-haired elven woman with a greataxe, a black-furred Tabaxi, a dark-complexioned half-elf, and a platinum-armored young man bearing the symbol of Bahamut. The party retreated to Kithri's room at the inn to speak privately, away from Mervyn's compromised senses, about the House of Five and to exchange information and discuss strategy, where they distributed healing elixirs and drank from a Potion of Countless Possibilities. The party debated their next move, weighing whether to infiltrate the Lavish Chateau, ambush Scarbosa's ship, or lure the dragonborn bodyguards into a trap. The inn contains rooms with windows that open to the city. Grisyl visited the inn's bar and spoke with a young blonde barkeep, asking about the Lavish Chateau's schedule; she confirmed a show was currently underway that would run for about an hour. Qah'arl, one of the four reinforcements, headed to the bar and purchased a tray of nine mugs of ale for the combined party upon arrival, distributing them before joining the strategy discussion in Kithri's room.
Jet black hops harvested from the Black Dragonflower; enough to make one barrel of beer.
A character whose current location is unknown; has been missing or absent from recent party activities. Yinra has teamed up with Addison, a vampire from the temple. Yinra leads a group that includes companions and psycho wolves. Addison can see and hear through Mervyn, giving Yinra and Addison intelligence on the party's plans regarding Master Yussa Errenis's orb, conversations with the City Watch, and discussions about the House of Five. Yinra and Addison are not welcome in Nikodranas, where people are on watch for them. The party plans a final confrontation with Yinra and Addison once their current tasks are complete.
A magic ball that instantly teleports all party members in contact with the person who throws it to Master Yussa Errenis's teleportation circle; can only be used once before observers will attempt to follow. It functions as a teleportation circle spell that is instant. All party members must maintain contact with the person launching it, forming a chain—no one can follow by holding hands in the chain. It has limitations but provides an emergency escape for the five party members to get out of somewhere urgently. The ball is stored in a bag of holding.
## Who they are An ancient dragon whom Marnok and Gris sought to commune with through ritual. ## History with the party Marnok and Gris performed a joint commune ritual with incense and a dragon statue, during which they were transported to a cliffside vision where Zalepha and another ancient dragon named Thallethar confirmed there was more potential for the pair yet to unlock before returning them to the deck.
## What they want The Zalezo Guard maintains order in Nikodranas and stations forces at the docks alongside Dwendalian Empire navy vessels. They work to keep the city's civilian population calm and away from dangerous situations, using quiet methods to prevent public panic over threats to the city. ## Who leads them Nyriss serves as one of the heads of the Zalezo Guard in Nikodranas. Thedan, an elven figure, works within the city's guard structure as well, though not specifically with the Zalezo, and maintains a close friendship with Nyriss. ## Members and reach The Zalezo Guard has a strong presence throughout Nikodranas itself and at the docks. Other guards who do not dress like or resemble the Zalezo also operate within the city, though they are described as occasional and heavily armored. ## Standing with the party Nyriss and Thedan agreed to quietly clear civilians from the western docks and keep the situation covert to avoid spoking nobility, the public, or other members of the House of Five. Both men showed visible stress during the meeting, perspiring heavily as they departed back into the barracks.
A group of four armored combatants consisting of one purple magic-user and three fighters; includes one gold-colored and two red-colored members. They serve as bodyguards for Skadrisan and hunt as a pack in combat. They were seen by Gris's party in the afternoon outside the Lavish Chateau in Nikodranas. Viktorin advised that the party needs to separate Scarbosa from these four dragonborn bodyguards and take them down to get Scarbosa's attention. The party discussed whether the dragonborn were on Scarbosa's ship or nearby him at the Lavish Chateau, with uncertainty about their exact location when Scarbosa was inside in a meeting. The dragonborn are contracted by the House of Five rather than employed by Scarbosa personally. The gold one was raised by Cyndradell, the two reds are hired muscle, and the violet one belongs to Kisara. They currently guard Scarbosa because he is failing and needs protection. Kristoff confirmed the dragonborn will come to protect or find Kristoff if he is kidnapped or in danger. The four dragonborn were present at the Lavish Chateau seated at a front table with Kristoff, Scarbosa, Lady Kisara, and Cyndradell during a performance by the Ruby of the Sea, and they departed alongside Scarbosa when the show ended. Qah'arl used a shapeshifting ability to transform into the appearance of one of the dragonborn bodyguards during the party's operations against the House of Five. Kristoff stated that the dragonborn are under strict instructions not to reveal their dragon form; if they do so, they will be shunned.
A species of elves from the Faerûn Realms whose appearance, including hair color, skin tone, and body details, changes based on their emotional state. One known member of the party, Gris, underwent a visible transformation during the campaign, with her fiery red hair shifting to a bright green wild mane, her eyes changing to green, her golden freckles becoming a shade of green, and her skin appearing more tanned — changes attributed to shifts in her emotional state rather than magic.
A rare dragon type; very few have seen one and fewer have lived to tell the tale.
Creatures employed by Cyndradell to deliver ale from her mountain distillery to the town of Faerûn. Dozens upon dozens of kobolds work for her in the mountain lair. Though kobolds are generally weak, these particular kobolds are quite capable, as Cyndradell has taught them well. Their lair is fortified.
Fierce, tribal humanoids known for strength and aggression.
A temple organization to which Nova serves as a cleric. Nova was sent by Vinrin Stoutbridge to seek allies for a quest.
## What it is A potion whose effects are unpredictable and variable. ## Powers and properties When consumed, the drinker's body undergoes a dramatic transformation determined by chance. Mervyn lost every hair on his body after drinking one of his own concoctions. Gris drank a Potion of Countless Possibilities and erupted violently, her body showering the dome in blood and bone with bruising force before reforming completely unharmed moments later. The potion carries significant risk—a roll of 1 results in permanent death, giving the drinker roughly a 5% chance of dying. ## Provenance and bearer Mervyn brewed potions of countless possibilities belowdecks and consumed at least one himself during the night in the dome.