Session 16 – The Secret Tunnel and the Storm

Session 16 – The Secret Tunnel and the Storm

Date: 5/28/2023 DM: Lauren

Summary

The siege of Greenest continued, with the heroes taking a short rest inside **The Keep**, now serving as the last bastion of safety for the town's survivors. Among the chaos, Shade was abruptly whisked away by **Nundro's Warp Whistle of Questionable Efficacy** — destination unknown. (Nundro's Note: "It was free!")

Governor **Nighthill**'s right-hand man, **Escobert the Red**, urgently informed the party that the sally port — the main gate — had been breached. The group sprang into action, clearing the invaders and reinforcing the defenses with the help of a mender villager who proudly declared, "Come visit *Menders R Us: All Mending, All the Time!*" (He's probably homeless now, but spirits remain high.)

After sealing the gate, Escobert revealed a secret passage beneath the Keep, leading outside the walls. The party also ascended the watchtower, where they spotted a **woman in ornate purple robes**, flanked by guards and wearing a **blue dragon mask** — clearly the cult's commander. Overhead, a **blue dragon** circled the skies, unleashing lightning breath before retreating to recover. Keyleth Siannodel noted that such behavior was uncharacteristic; dragons rarely obey orders unless bound by powerful promises — or darker bargains.

Governor Nighthill requested that the party capture one of the raiders for interrogation, but before that, they noticed the **town's mill ablaze** — the settlement's only winter grain supply. Without hesitation, they slipped out through the **Secret Tunnel** (🎵 *Secret Tunneellll! Secret Tunnellll! Secret secret secret...* 🎵) and stealthily made their way toward the burning mill, where the session ended in a cliffhanger as the flames reflected in their eyes.

Notable Characters

• Nighthill – Governor of Greenest requesting aid and interrogation of raiders.
• Escobert the Red – Nighthill's right-hand man who revealed the secret passage.
• Woman in ornate purple robes – Cult commander wearing a blue dragon mask (later revealed to be Frulam Mondath).
• Blue dragon – Dragon circling overhead, unleashing lightning breath attacks.

Factions Involved

• Cult of the Dragon – Forces besieging Greenest under the purple-robed commander.

Loot & Rewards

• **Immovable Rod** – A 5-foot steel rod that can lock in space when its button is pressed, holding up to 8,000 pounds. Not loyal; anyone may toggle it.
• **Pipes of the Sewers** – A pungent pan flute that summons a small swarm of rats (see stats below). Gains XP alongside the player and can level up over time.

• • Sewer Pipe Rats (Summon)**
• AC 10 | HP 12 | Speed 6
• Bite +2 to hit (1d8 piercing, or 1d4 at half HP)
• Resistances: Bludgeoning, Piercing, Slashing
• Immunities: Charmed, Frightened, Grappled, Paralyzed, Petrified, Prone, Restrained, Stunned
• Weakness: Cannot be healed or gain temporary HP
• Special: Swarm (can move through small spaces, share space with creatures); Keen Smell (Advantage on Perception checks relying on smell)
• Bonus: Summoner with +Animal Handling grants Advantage on attack rolls; –Animal Handling grants Disadvantage.

Experience

• **Bechamel** – 7,280 XP (Level 5)
• **Bruder the Brash** – 7,280 XP (Level 5)
• **Xanphina** – 7,280 XP (Level 5)
• **Cosima** – 7,190 XP (Level 5)
• **Shade** – 7,110 XP (Level 5)
• **Keyleth Siannodel** – 1,680 XP (Level 3, next at 2,700)
• **Gootcha Zinnoa** – 1,080 XP (Level 2 → may advance to 3)

Foreshadowing

• The **woman in purple** is Frulam Mondath, a high-ranking cultist and fanatic of Tiamat.
• The dragon, Lennithon, serves the cult reluctantly — his strange obedience hints at deeper enchantment or debt.
• The party's stealth mission at the **mill** will soon uncover the cult's true intent in Greenest.
• The disappearance of Shade will have consequences that ripple through the next few sessions.

Next Session

The heroes stand before the burning mill. Inside may lie a trap, survivors, or clues to the Cult of the Dragon's plans. Whatever they find will set the tone for the battles to come.

<details><summary>🧩 DM Notes (Spoilers)</summary>

Truth: Frulam Mondath and Lennithon are testing the heroes and gathering offerings for the cult's growing hoard. Lennithon is magically bound through an ancient relic tied to the Forge of Spells, connecting this raid back to Phandelver.

Foreshadowing:

• The Immovable Rod and Pipes of the Sewers will both resurface in later major battles.
• Nundren Rockseeker's inventions and reckless magical tinkering will continue to cause unexpected effects.
• The fate of Shade will tie into Zhentarim operations and their infiltration of cult activities.

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