The ragtag band of adventurers arrived at the designated meeting spot - an establishment in the dock ward called the Cracked Crate - at the appointed time. Though an unassuming building from the outside, its interior contained both tavern and warehouse elements. The group was greeted by a handsome tiefling named Gene who welcomed them inside, informing them that their patron Mr. Sterling was expecting their arrival.
Sterling, a middle-aged human with dark hair just starting to grey at the temples, welcomed the crew and bade them sit and enjoy a drink as he explained their quest. It seemed their original plan for passage out of Waterdeep had fallen through, with the ship’s captain letting Sterling know the tickets had been outbid at the last moment. Not to worry however, as Sterling had a new opportunity lined up that would more than cover their increased transportation costs.
A few days prior, a sinkhole had opened up beneath a dockside warehouse, revealing a network of tunnels and chambers underground. The city watch had sent two guards, among their finest, to scout out the area and ensure it was safe for engineers to enter and repair any damage. But the guards did not return. Now the city was putting out a call for private contractors to deal with any “hazards” down below before the real work could begin.
But Sterling suspected there was more opportunity in those darkened tunnels than a simple extermination job. Rumor had it that one of the chambers near the sinkhole contained a powerful device built to destroy magical objects. And whispers said a previous band of adventures had been sent to use the device against something called the Orbum Vitalis - an artifact that was supposedly protecting the hiding place of the mythical Urn of Chauntea. This Orbum had to be destroyed in order to continue the Urn hunt, but that previous adventuring party also disappeared without a trace. If Sterling’s crew could find proof the Orbum was destroyed, they could earn favors from influential people. And if it still existed, destroying it themselves could bring even greater reward…
After some confusion navigating the winding streets of the dock ward, the group eventually found themselves in a darkened square across from the sinkhole location - an establishment aptly called Jolly’s Lamp Emporium. Three city watchmen stood sentinel nearby, though they seemed bored and dismissive. The shapeshifting bard Bartholemeow transformed himself into the form of the expected contractor “Ugly Theron” and approached the guards. A few white lies, funny false names, and tall tales later, the group had secured permission to enter the sinkhole and clear out any dangers below.
One by one they descended by rope into the sinkhole, a fissure in worked stone opening into a passageway. Boot prints headed northward into the gloom. But before they could proceed, the sound of scraping and scratching echoed from small gaps in the walls. Three enormous rats emerged, driven by hunger toward fresh meat. Weapons were drawn, and the clash began…
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