The group embarked on a journey toward Waterdeep, each member carrying their own purpose and quests. Glittr and Caulkin, relying on faint recollections, guided the party through the unfamiliar terrain. Their destination? Thornhold, a dwarven stronghold cloaked in mystery since its takeover within the past century. The party's route skirted the Mere of Deadmen, a repugnant swamp with a winding road and bordered to the north by the Carnath Roadhouse and Leilon.
Amidst the complexities of navigation, the adventurers encountered Leilon on the second day of their ten-day journey. A small town reminiscent of Phandalin, Leilon welcomed them with abandoned circular ruins at its outskirts. In the town's inn, conversations with a peculiar half-ling, Paul, set an amusing tone. The locals directed them to the innkeeper, a dwarf, who unveiled Leilon's recent history.
Caulkin learned that the Lord of Neverwinter had cleared the town five decades ago. Thalibar, a once-sane wizard, had cursed a tower that previously stood there. As the party indulged in food and drinks, a special concoction, "The Deadmen," piqued their interest.
The following day, a visit to the town hall brought them face-to-face with Adhelri, the elven mayor. She proposed a quest to explore the Mere of Deadmen in search of magic items, promising gold for their recovery and a bonus if completed within a moon's turn. In a private conversation, Ari and Adhelri discovered a shared affiliation with the Zhentarim. Ari learned that the Mere housed an old black dragon, Voaraghamanthar, guarding its secrets.
Choosing caution over recklessness, the party opted to inspect the Tower Ruins instead of venturing into the ominous Mere. The ruins revealed remnants of a once-thriving town. Moving forward, they reached the Carnath Roadhouse on the fourth day of their journey.
By the fifth day, with Waterdeep drawing closer, the party witnessed the Mere to the west. A peculiar encounter unfolded as two floating orbs, identified as Will-o'-wisps, enticed them. A skirmish ensued, revealing the orbs' sinister nature as they absorbed life and souls. In the aftermath, the party faced new adversaries emerging from the bog, their journey taking an unexpected turn.
Journey to Waterdeep: The party, each with distinct goals, travels toward Waterdeep led by Glittr and Caulkin. They navigate Thornhold and the Mere of Deadmen, encountering Leilon, a town with a curious history, and an elven mayor named Adhelri.
Cursed Town and Special Brew: Caulkin discovers that Leilon was cleared by the Lord of Neverwinter due to a curse by the wizard Thalibar. The party enjoys "The Deadmen," a unique concoction, as they delve into Leilon's past and present.
Zhentarim Affiliation: A visit to the town hall reveals Adhelri's quest: exploring the Mere for magic items. Ari and Adhelri, both Zhentarim members, share insights. The party learns of an ancient black dragon, Voaraghamanthar, guarding the Mere's secrets.
Tower Ruins and Carnath Roadhouse: Opting for caution, the party inspects Tower Ruins instead of venturing into the Mere. They uncover evidence of a past town and reach the Carnath Roadhouse on the fourth day, marking their progress toward Waterdeep.
Will-o'-Wisps and Unforeseen Challenges: As Waterdeep nears, the party encounters Will-o'-wisps over the Mere. A fight ensues, revealing the orbs' dark nature. Post-battle, new adversaries emerge from the bog, signaling an unexpected twist in their journey.