> [!NOTE] Summary We find out about [[Duergar]] who are behind [[Crystal Thefts]] and introduced to more about [[Illithids]] who could be linked to [[Meteor]]. [[Session 9]] ended in [[Caer-Konig]] with a rest week after [[Rescue Garret]]. We get upgraded armour for [[Rintario]], [[Phenrere]] and [[Freida]]. ##### [[Mind Flayer Crystal]] Repeating Message First heard through the night. Comes through the [[Mind Flayer Crystal]], [[Rintario]] hears a repeating message. Feels it is more an alien mind. "Ship crashed we require help" Is it linked to [[Meteor]]? ##### In [[The Northern Lights]] It is run by two sisters [[Allie Shorard]] and [[Cori Shorard]]. [[Leliana]] is another worker (maybe the grumpy one from [[Session 9]] reported by children). Outside the inn is a magical light in a globe. One of the owner's come in to say their magical globe light has been stolen. [[Pleic Holdir]] spots some recent dwarven footprints. [[Trovus]] thinks it is linked to stealing of glass and crystals. [[Crystal Thefts]] The footprints lead north out of town. Crystal can be powerful to store or enhance magic. Crystal that is useful in magic can be excavated from special ore but normally it is created. [[Trovus]] offers a sword from elven ruins and 50gp. ##### Following The Thieves We follow the tracks outside, there are two dwarfs and they are joined by an ogre with a sled out of town. The tracks lead to the eastern side of [[Kelvin's Cairn]]. We previously climbed the western side during [[Rescue Garret]]. We lose track of them in the foothills but then pick them up again as the sled enters a valley. ##### [[Duergar Outpost]] [[Duergar]] We see a main gate, a defensive building with arrow slits and fortifications is outside of the main gates/doors that lead into the mountain. It is probably a smaller structure as typically would be well hidden if a permanent structure. They kill Dragon familiar when he scouts. We aren't sure how to proceed to the fortress. We hear movement, we only see footprints but no person. [[Pleic Holdir]] tries to detect evil and a crossbow bolt strikes him - roll initiative. Two Duergars appear as they attack. He shouts "all of icewind dale will be ours" We kill one and capture the other. They have been searching for [[Chardilin crystals]] for their [[King Xardorok]] They want to rule IWD. When questioned the prisoner says [[Deep Duerra]] will curse us and our souls if I help you. She saved us from [[Illithids]]. We find dwarven chainmail and pickaxe, 17sp. Heavy crossbow with 24 bolts. We secure the crossbow female [[Duergar]]. They can turn invisible and some can grow. The cold and dark helps them, they don't like the light and sun. We can't find out the size of the encampment but we do get "we are not many". ##### Back in Town [[Leliana]] notices the [[Duergar]] and seems pleased and not surprised. We go to [[Trovus]] home. We tell him of our findings, and rewards us with 50gp. We try questioning her but don't get more information. Even with [[Rintario]] mental torture. We rest for the night. We wake 25-Ches-1498 ##### Questioning [[Leliana]] Using Subtle spell and Suggestion. Her master is [[Auril]]. The [[Duergar]] are interfering, they bring fire and industry and [[Auril]] wants cold. ##### Dealing with [[Duergar]] [[Trovus]] wants help dealing with [[Duergar]]. We agree to release the prisoner so we can negotiate with her leader, we show an illusion of a crystal. Date: 25-Ches-1498 End of session