Session A05 – Old Owl Well
Summary
The party investigated the ruined Netherese watchtower called Old Owl Well northeast of Phandalin.
The Red Wizard Hamun Kost
A large tent occupied the courtyard of the collapsed tower. Inside: Hamun Kost, a Red Wizard of Thay who commands an army of zombies. He is using the undead to chase off visitors while he excavates the site for artifacts. He claims to have grown weary of Thay and simply wants to retire.
Kavu and Othorion were bitten by zombies during initial contact; Hamun treated them.
Deal struck: Hamun will pay 50gp each if the party explores the underground compound for him. He will share profit from any large finds.
The Sylphrena Lantern
In a hidden chamber inside the underground complex:
- A chest with celestial runes spelling "Sylphrena" (meaning "Air Spirit / Airy Woman")
- Guarded by a spectre that flinched when the name was spoken
- Inside: a magical lantern housing the soul of Sylphrena, an archivist of the Netherese Empire from the Enclave Ythryn
- Her master was Sandor, who captured her soul in the lantern as their enclave fell to prevent her death
Roland attuned to the lantern — permanently. He can see the room as it was thousands of years ago through her eyes. Benefits: Advantage on 3 Arcana checks per day, which can be extended to party members within earshot.
Haldak Found
On the road, the party came across a halfling passed out:
- Haldak Tencloak — an arcanist from the Netherese Enclave of Rizalith
- The last thing he remembers: the city falling, buildings collapsing around him
- He traveled forward in time when his enclave fell — and emerged in the present
- His knowledge of ancient Netherese magic makes him invaluable but also a target
Sylphrena is from Ythryn; Haldak is from Rizalith — both Netherese enclaves. Haldak may be the only living person who knew Sylphrena's world personally.