You successfully returned Varram to Waterdeep and despite problems presented him to the Council. After some discussion you have been tasked with a further mission – find the sorceress Maccath the Crimson, an expert in dragon lore, last heard of deep in the Sea of Moving Ice searching for the dragon Arauthator “Old White Death”. It is hoped that she can put the pieces together from Varram’s divination attempts and locate the white dragon mask or at least point you to its location. You prepare to leave Waterdeep, headed for distant Luskan to meet up with Captain Lerustah Half-face, master of the longship Frostskimmer and his crew. A brave exploerer and skilled sailor of some renown, Lerustah will lead you in your search for Maccath among the icebergs and drifts of the Sea of Moving Ice. Book Two, Chapter 1.1 (session 31, 16 th November 2017) You flew back to Waterdeep, across a land starting to show the signs of war and destruction, villages and towns beneath you were burning or abandoned, smoke often filled the horizon. On arrival in Waterdeep the scene was not so different, there was clear evidence that parts of the city had been burning and a faint smell of ash and smoke hung in the air. You were met at the Griffon Gate by a squad of guards sent to escort you through the troubled streets, Sergeant Fedrain greeted you with the words “Thankfully the Dragon Ward still protects us but there has been much trouble in the City in the last tenday or so, riots and attacks, looting and burning of property. The Council has sent me to escort you to the Lord’s Chambers, I doubt such rabble as the Cult can rouse will attack such as yourselves but you have a valuable asset I hear. Please follow me, quickly.” Halfway to the Lord’s Chambers you were assailed by a small mob of cultists, who were of little direct threat but seemed to be acting as a distraction for an attack by at least one mage of power who attempted to grab Varram. Fortunately quick thinking and concerted action by Naergon, Franz and Carharvilios prevented that although several guards were killed and much damage done by assorted fireballs and suchlike. On inspection it was apparent that the cult regalia worn by these thugs was of very inferior quality compared to those seen (and obtained) previously – either fake or mass produced, it’s hard to tell. However the archers that swarmed the rooftops were not in cult regalia and rather seemed to be members of one of the know street gangs of Waterdeep – fairly ordinary low-life thugs for hire. The mage, when Franz got a good sighting of him was not a Red Wizard as initially assumed, but a rather non-descript robed and bearded human, typical of any number of mercenary spell throwers. Discussion with the Council was mostly positive, although some members did seem distracted by events elsewhere. Remalia, was very happy that Varram was returned and considered it a mission well handled Ontharr, was pleased but heavily disappointed that the mask had not been recovered and concerned over the news of Yuan-ti in the area Delaan, saw this a progress and was encouraged by the methods used to reduce needless slaughter, also worried by news of Yuan-ti Neverember, seemed less than wholly happy but grudgingly accepted the mission as a success, if limited Ambassador Brawnanvil, hardly seemed interested, demanding significant military action in the north against cult and dragon raids Ambassador Melandrach, also seemed only passingly interested and was clearly significantly distracted, his thoughts elsewhere most of the time Lord Ulder, was pleased that a strike had been made but was also concerned more with defensive action against the raids now taking place Taern Hornblade, was extremely pleased but was mostly interested in details of the Tomb of Diderius than the actual outcome of the mission Sir Istavel, wanted to know what this meant and how this success was to be used to undermine the cult After a couple of days discussion and interviewing of Varram (who was most keen to be as helpful as possible – he seems convinced that the Cult will now focus on his elimination not rescue). The Council has asked the party to head north in search of the white dragon mask, the suggestion is that you find Maccath the Crimson, a dragon expert and very knowledgeable in terms of the frozen wasteland beyond the Spine of the World, if anyone can piece together the evidence presented, she can. You are encouraged to procure (at Waterdeep’s expense) all the cold weather gear you think you’ll need before departing at first light. XP earnt is now irrelevant as the rest of ToD is based on milestone XP. No levels were gained this session. Naergon: 9 th level Carharvilios: 8 th level Mads: 8 th level Franz: 8 th level Jamna 8 th level Dilon 7 th level In-Game the session ended at 04:00 on 18 th Nightal 1484 DR as you prepare to mount your hippogriffs for the journey to Luskan