The Black Tower

Year: 1491, Month: Tarsakh, Date: 26th

The Black Tower

While we make our way through the city to the Black Tower, Leo tells us Blackstaff is the nickname of Khelben "Blackstaff" Arunson.  He relates some of Blackstaff's history although I must admit I switched off fairly quickly, and instead spent the time looking at the splendours of Waterdeep.  Its my natural reaction since my days as a student - there was always something better to do than listen to scholar's drone on about unimportant stuff. 

On the outisde, the Tower appears to be made of stone and extends three levels. There's no door, but there is a metal gate flush with the wall.  There seems no way in - why do wizards always think they need these clever entrances?  Whats wrong with a good old plain door?  

Celery uses her palm and pushes the gate open and we all follow her through.  Alright, maybe I was being a bit hasty with my judgements of the wizarding community. We come into the base of the tower.  There is a large spiral staircase in the centre, with three spurs coming off above us.  Although on the outside the tower only looked as though it was three stories high, inside the staircase must lead to at least 25 floors.

Enya points out there's someone up about 20 floors, who appears to be walking down.  Leo and Enya walk off, going up, and the rest of us follow.  Leo pauses for a few moments, then continues on, stops again, then continues on past the 6th floor.  There's no sound in the tower.  Leo is perspiring a lot, he must be unfit.  These scholars need to get out in the world more.  We reach the first spur which leads off and just goes into a wall, but Leo keeps on going, past the 12th floor. 

Then we meet an extremely tall human woman with shiny silver hair, parted in the middle, with braids.  She's wearing an ornate white and gold robe.  "Leosin, we have been expecting you", and she extends her hand to him.  "Who are you?" he stutters.  "My name is Laeral."  Leo reaches out and takes her hand and instantly as their fingers touch they both vanish.  For Tyr's sake!  Where have they gone!  Enya is groping around, I have no idea why she would do that, he's clearly gone!

Suddenly Laeral reappears in front of Enya and puts her hand out to Enya this time.  Enya takes her hand and she disappears too.  Sigh! A little later she reappears again.  this time she holds out both her hands to to me and Celery.  I see no point in not following the others, so I take the hand offered.  I reappear in a round room, coloured in white, with a portal in the middle.  Leo and Enya are both here.  "Is this is Harshnag's portal?"  "Yes, child, it is"  

"Why did you bring us here?"  "Because you wanted to use the portal."  Before I can find anything else from Laeral, Leo enquires, "If you don't mind, is there anything you can you tell us anything about the Kraken Society"? "I know no more than you."  "Whats happening up North with Harshnag?"  "I find it hard to believe, but I think there's a power manipulating the Kraken."  "Whats that got to do with the Giants?"  "I believe that there is something happening within their court."  "If we take the portal, do you know how we may find Harshnag."  "I don't know, but he's fighting the Giants."  "Do you know where the teleporter takes us?" "That would be to Harshnag's cave on the top of Mount Sar."  "Do you know where the Queen of the Giants was killed?" "That I don't."  Then Leo kneels and bows to Laeral, "Thank you very much M'Lady".  She puts her hand under his chin and bids him get up.  He then walks onto the portal.  I say "Thankyou", and walk on through too.  

I believe Tyr will protect me from whatever I find on the other side.