Contents
- 1Introduction: Answering the Call
- 2Chapter 1: A Fateful Competition
- 3Chapter 2: The Leave-Taking
- 4Chapter 3: Bazzoxan
- 5Chapter 4: The Jewel of Hope
- 6Chapter 5: The Drowned City
- 7Chapter 6: The Netherdeep
- 8Chapter 7: The Heart of Despair
- 9Appendix A: Creatures
- 10Appendix B: Magic Items
- 11Appendix C: Medals of Merit
- 12Appendix D: Fragments of Suffering
- 13Appendix E: Story Concept Art
- 14Appendix F: Poster Map
- 15Credits
Chapter 5: The Drowned City
Cael Morrow lies in a flooded cavern deep beneath the foundations of Ank'Harel. Only ruins of the place remain, but even so there is no doubt that Cael Morrow was one of the most magnificent cities in the world before the Calamity. (The city's original name is unknown; "Cael Morrow" is the name given to the place by the archaeologists of the Allegiance of Allsight.) In those days, it was home to elves of all kinds—including those who were transformed into Exandria's first orcs by the blood of Gruumsh the Ruiner after Corellon pierced his eye on the field of battle. The city was a bastion of hope, its magical wards blessed by the Arch Heart.
Infuriated by his loss to Corellon, Gruumsh swore to annihilate Cael Morrow. The Betrayer stood more than a hundred feet tall, looming over a temple to Corellon in the center of the city. There, he raised his terrible spear, intending to strike the earth with such force that all of Marquet would be reduced to ash—only to have his blow parried by Alyxian the Apotheon at the last second.
Cael Morrow, the Drowned City, is the grave of thousands of Gruumsh's victims. Even Alyxian's sacrifice, which protected much of the land of Marquet at the cost of his freedom, could not save the city. Now, the center of Cael Morrow is a planar rift born from the place where Gruumsh's spear struck the earth. This rift is the gateway to the Netherdeep, the fountainhead of the corrupting element ruidium, and an object of fascination to Ank'Harel's factions. The rift will draw the characters and their rivals into conflict once more—with the chance to become heroes.
[image: An aboleth mutated by ruidium haunts the dark waters of Cael Morrow]
Running This Chapter
This chapter contains a description of the ruins of Cael Morrow, which the characters explore over the course of the various faction missions detailed in the previous chapter. These missions, which differ depending on which faction the characters have allied themselves with, form the story of this chapter. The missions aren't necessary for advancing the adventure plot; if the characters want to save Alyxian and enter the Netherdeep, they can do so without the prompting of their faction. But if they need a push to enter the Netherdeep, the missions in chapter 4 can help motivate them.
Rival Developments
Like the characters, the rivals entered Cael Morrow on behalf of their faction. But the treacherous ruins and horrific creatures have taken their toll on the group.
When the characters encounter their rivals in Cael Morrow, it might be the first time they've met since Bazzoxan. In the meantime, the rivals have been working with an opposing faction, exploring Cael Morrow and the Netherdeep in their own way—and facing the eerie beings within.
By the time the characters meet them again in Cael Morrow, the rivals have changed dramatically. They now use their tier 3 stat blocks (see appendix A). The changes the rivals have undergone are as follows:
Ayo Jabe. Ayo's drive to prove herself a hero, and to prove herself superior to the characters, has brought her to this place. She is aware of the trauma that her quest has put her friends through. This feeling has led her to doubt her leadership abilities. Ayo is filled with cold fury toward anything that stands in her way, including her own insecurities.
Dermot Wurder. Dermot's desire to protect his friends is still at the core of his being. But dozens of battles and near-death experiences have turned his uncertainty into steely confidence.
Galsariad Ardyth. Galsariad's haughtiness has drained from his heart—as have all his other emotions. He has witnessed unspeakable horrors in the name of gaining greater magical power and has protected himself from being overcome by fear and self-loathing by suppressing all his feelings.
Irvan Wastewalker. Irvan's cavalier demeanor disappeared when he lost his arm in a battle with a slithering bloodfin in Cael Morrow. His faction allies fitted him with a stylish and functional arcane prosthetic, but this brush with death has made him short-tempered, cautious, and mistrustful. Irvan fears that any further mistake could cost him his life—permanently.
Maggie Keeneyes. A deep melancholy has taken root in Maggie's heart. She continues the mission out of love for Ayo, but she fears that her leader's determination might not be enough to achieve victory. Maggie doesn't trust the Allegiance of Allsight agents in Cael Morrow (even if the rivals have allied with that faction), believing them to be influenced by a malevolent force. She has shared her misgivings about this organization with Ayo on several occasions.
Encountering the Rivals
The rivals have become affiliated with a faction of your choice, most likely the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream. Their reason for joining their faction and coming into conflict with the characters depends on how the characters have interacted with them so far:
- Friendly Rivals.. Rivals who are friendly toward the characters are happy for the groups to work together.
- Indifferent Rivals.. If the rivals are indifferent to the characters, then this competition is nothing personal—it's just business, and they happen to be on different sides. If they are working for the same faction, the rivals are willing to cooperate, but they make it clear they intend to come out on top and be considered the real heroes.
- Hostile Rivals.. Rivals who are hostile toward the characters hold a grudge against them and aim to prove their superiority.
A good time for the characters to encounter the rivals is when the characters try to leave Cael Morrow with something valuable in their possession, such as the Key to the Netherdeep (see the faction story tracks in chapter 4) or the Jewel of Three Prayers in its Exalted State (see x).
If the characters get the better of the rivals in this chapter, you can use the rivals' defeat to change the pace of the exploration of the Netherdeep in the next chapter. The rivals could take a few days to lick their wounds and prepare for the next encounter with the characters. Or the rivals' defeat could reenergize them, prompting them to try to get a head start on exploring the Netherdeep.
Cael Morrow Overview
Rare are the things that remain beautiful after their deaths—Cael Morrow is one of them. Through the efforts of the Allegiance of Allsight, portions of the sunken city have been reclaimed and magically warded against the pervasive deluge. In the last few months, the faction has done its best to reinforce the city's eroding architecture, securing the place for the sake of the faction's archaeological pursuits.
Despite these efforts, though, Cael Morrow remains a largely inhospitable place. Otherworldly aquatic creatures thrive in the ruins, some adapted to and warped by the impenetrable darkness and others aberrant growths spawned in the Netherdeep. To make matters worse, the spirits of the dead and the damned from the Calamity long ago still haunt the wreckage of the city.
Features of Cael Morrow
The areas of the Drowned City, depicted on the map of Cael Morrow, have the features described below.
Architecture
Unless otherwise noted, the areas in Cael Morrow have 30-foot-high ceilings, and the ceilings in the connecting hallways are 20 feet high. Doorways are 8 feet high and 3 feet wide.
Flooded Cavern
The cavern that contains the sunken city is 500 feet below ground and filled with fresh water that flows out of the Netherdeep rift (x). The water bubbles up to Ank'Harel through a narrow, natural channel in the roof of the cavern (not shown on the map).
The characters first enter the flooded cavern by descending the hollow interior of a natural stone column (x) that stretches from the top of the cavern to the bottom.
Light
Unless otherwise noted, all keyed locations on the map are lit by continual flame spells. The only areas not illuminated in this way are places where the Allegiance of Allsight hasn't yet erected protective wards (described below).
Magical Barriers and Keystones
The Allegiance of Allsight has constructed 1-inch-thick magical barriers of shimmering, light blue force around certain areas of Cael Morrow, as indicated on the map. These wards have forced the water out of those areas, leaving behind dry, air-filled chambers and hallways. The rest of the Drowned City is underwater.
The barriers are soundproof, and their edges overlap with walls, doors, ceilings, and floors without harming those features. In places where a barrier overlaps with a stone wall, door, ceiling, or floor, it is invisible and untouchable.
Any ward that encloses an area also creates a barrier across the doorways leading to and from that area. These barriers function as airlocks.
A barrier is immune to all damage, is impermeable to liquids, and can't be dispelled. A creature can pass through a barrier, in either direction, by spending 5 feet of movement, but no creature can be pushed or pulled through by another one. As a creature passes through a barrier, it experiences a harmless tingling sensation.
Each warded area has a keystone located somewhere in it. For example, a keystone might be inserted into the top of a door frame or set into the floor. A keystone is a cube of solid gray stone measuring 6 inches on a side, each side inscribed with arcane runes that emit the same blue light as the barriers. A keystone has AC 17, 50 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage. Destroying an area's keystone, removing a keystone from the area it affects, or targeting a keystone with a dispel magic spell causes the barrier around that area to dissipate. If that happens, each creature in the area must make a DC 20 Dexterity saving throw, taking 21 (6d6) bludgeoning damage on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one, as the area fills with water.
The Alyxian Aboleth
Lurking in the waters of Cael Morrow is an aboleth that believes it is the physical embodiment of the Apotheon. It uses the Alyxian Aboleth stat block in appendix A.
Where Is the Aboleth?
The aboleth's lair is in Cael Morrow's kelp forest (x). The creature routinely swims about in the ruins, striking fear into those who are delving into the remains of the city. If the Alyxian Aboleth is reduced to half its hit points or fewer, it retreats to its lair and tries to take an uninterrupted short rest, regaining 9d10 + 36 hit points at the end of it.
To determine the aboleth's whereabouts while the characters explore Cael Morrow, roll a d20 and consult the Aboleth's Location table, or choose one of the suggested locations. The aboleth has free access to all the submerged map locations. It's recommended that you determine a new location for the aboleth whenever the characters move from one area to another, though the creature can move less frequently if you see fit.
Aboleth's Location
| d20 | Location |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | Brooding in its lair in x |
| 11–15 | Searching x for archaeologists to devour |
| 16–20 | Patrolling the rift in x |
Poisoned Emotions
The aboleth's psychic powers have been amplified by the ruidium that pervades its flesh.
The first time the characters enter each of several keyed locations (areas x, x, x, x, x, x, and x), the aboleth transmits a telepathic message to one randomly determined character, who hears the aboleth's voice—a distorted version of the true voice of Alyxian that they've heard in their visions—echo in their mind. Roll on the Poisoned Emotions table to determine the aboleth's message. After receiving the message, the character must succeed on a DC 10 Wisdom saving throw or suffer the message's corresponding effect, as noted in the table. A character can repeat the saving throw after finishing a short or long rest, ending the effect on themself on a success. The effect can also be removed from a character by any magic that ends a curse.
The aboleth loses this ability when the consciousness of the Apotheon manifests in the Temple of Corellon (see "Second Vision" in x), and any creatures currently affected by it feel its effects end immediately.
Poisoned Emotions
| d10 | Message | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | "Ungrateful wretches—they have forgotten all I have done!" | The character has disadvantage on Intelligence checks and Intelligence saving throws. |
| 3–4 | "My power was not enough. It never will be." | The character has disadvantage on attack rolls. |
| 5–6 | "Why have the gods forsaken me?" | The character has disadvantage on Wisdom checks and Wisdom saving throws. |
| 7–8 | "They were right. I bring nothing but despair." | The character has disadvantage on Charisma checks and Charisma saving throws. |
| 9–10 | "If I can't live, I will burn this world with me." | Whenever the character hits a creature with a weapon attack, the target takes an extra 1d6 psychic damage, and the character also takes 1d6 psychic damage. |
Uncharted Waters
Many areas of Cael Morrow have yet to be secured by the Allegiance of Allsight. Exploring areas unprotected by magical wards is a dangerous proposition, with hungry sea creatures liable to be lurking around any corner. When the characters enter an area of Cael Morrow not protected by a ward, roll on the Cael Morrow Encounters table to determine what they face. Don't roll on this table if hostile creatures are already in the area.
Cael Morrow includes many other areas beyond what this book describes. You can use the encounters from this table to populate other parts of the sunken city for the party to explore.
Cael Morrow Encounters
| d12 | Encounter |
|---|---|
| 1 | A swarm of sorrowfish (see appendix A) flocks around the detritus of a shark's corpse, ravenous for more prey. |
| 2 | Three scuttling serpentmaws (see appendix A) search for food. |
| 3 | A giant octopus wrestles with a locked chest. The chest contains 1,000 ep in coins minted long ago in Cael Morrow. |
| 4 | Tentacles burst from the darkness as a death embrace (see appendix A) notices the characters. |
| 5 | Two slithering bloodfins (see appendix A) streak through the water, eager for a meal. |
| 6 | Two aboleth spawn (see their stat block later in the chapter) spot the characters and flee to alert the Alyxian Aboleth, which appears 1 minute later. |
| 7–12 | No encounter occurs. |
Cael Morrow Locations (M1-M8)
The locations described below are keyed to the Cael Morrow map. This map doesn't show the sunken city in its entirety, just the areas important to the adventure. You can expand Cael Morrow by adding locations and encounters of your own design.
M1: Stone Column
A 10-foot-wide spiral staircase descends along the interior of a hollow stone column that extends down from the Maw of Cael Morrow in Ank'Harel's Sigil District (described in x).
Read or paraphrase the following when the characters reach the bottom of the column for the first time:
The person near the door is a sullen, lawful neutral orc named Gortag Inkdrinker (use the scholarly agent stat block in appendix A). The characters can surprise him if they act quickly. If the characters are members of the Allegiance of Allsight or the Library of the Cobalt Soul, Gortag treats them as allies and invites them to meet with his superior, Professor Insight Acuere, in the Allegiance base camp (x). If the characters accept the invitation, he escorts them there.
If one or more characters aren't wearing Allegiance badges or claim to be in league with the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream, Gortag tells them to halt and return up the stairs and does his best to hinder their progress without provoking conflict. If combat breaks out, he opens the door he's guarding, pushes himself through the magical barrier that extends across the doorway (see "x" earlier in the chapter), and alerts the guards in area M2. If he's successful, he runs to area M3 to warn Insight that enemies have entered the Drowned City. If Gortag is unable to flee, he throws himself on the characters' mercy and can be persuaded to lead the party past the guards in area M2, if only to avoid harm.
Crates
The crates contain recovered relics and specimens in glass jars, all packed for transport.
M2: Warded Entrance Hall
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
This hall is composed entirely of magical barriers created by the keystone placed above the doorway to area M3. See the "x" section for more information.
Two scholarly agents (see appendix A) stand outside the door to area M3. One is a lawful neutral human named Kal, and the other is a lawful good halfling named Nadiya.
These guards have dealt with raiders and infiltrators before. They are hostile to anyone who tries to get past them without a badge. If the characters are members of the Allegiance of Allsight or are accompanied by Gortag, the two guards let the group through with minimal questioning. If they believe the characters to be lying, the guards turn hostile and attack.
Keystone
The stone cube above the door to area M3 is a keystone (see "Features of Cael Morrow" earlier in the chapter). Destroying the keystone or removing it from this area causes the magical barriers that enclose area M2 to disappear. When that happens, all creatures in the corridor are engulfed by water. The barriers around area M3 remain intact.
[image: The Allegiance of Allsight maintains an underwater base camp, from where it coordinates archaeological excavations]
M3: Allegiance Base Camp
The Allegiance's base of operations in the ruins is maintained by an adjunct professor of archaeology named Insight Acuere, a lawful good tiefling. Most of her team has been recalled to the Crystal Chateau, but she still has two research technicians helping her: the laconic Scribble, a chaotic neutral kenku, and the rambunctious Xot, a neutral good goliath (see the "x" sidebar in chapter 4). See below for their statistics and roleplaying information.
Nearly inseparable, Scribble and Xot have been working together at the camp for months. They complement each other as friends and scholars. Xot tends to talk ceaselessly about her latest discoveries, and Scribble patiently listens, absorbing many of Xot's excited ramblings into his own speech.
If Insight, Scribble, and Xot become hostile toward intruders, they fight to kill. On the first turn of combat, Insight uses a sending stone to contact Headmaster Cryon in the Crystal Chateau and request aid. Twenty minutes later, ten scholarly agents and five scholarly excavators (see appendix A for both stat blocks) arrive by way of area M1 to secure the base camp.
[image: Professor Insight Acuere]
Insight Acuere
The tiefling professor uses the scholarly mastermind stat block (see appendix A), with these changes:
- The professor speaks Aquan, Common, Infernal, and Orc.
- She has resistance to fire damage and darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.
Insight won't cooperate with the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream unless she is tricked or magically compelled into doing so. If the characters are members of the Allegiance of Allsight, Insight informs them that they have arrived earlier than she expected, but she's nonetheless happy to see them. If they're allied with the Cobalt Soul, she requires them to prove their usefulness before she reveals any information (see "x" in x of the Cobalt Soul Story Track in chapter 4).
Insight is the primary archivist for the Cael Morrow archaeological project and would put her life on the line to ensure its success. She is willing to share the results of her research with fellow Allegiance members. Insight can offer the following information in response to the characters' questions:
- The wards keeping the water at bay are magically generated by keystones in each warded location. These keystones look like small stone cubes with glowing runes carved into their sides. Removing a keystone from the area it protects causes the barriers around that location to vanish, allowing the water in.
- The wards that have been erected end at an ancient temple to Corellon the Arch Heart, which seems to have its own magical way of holding back the water. Allegiance members have yet to breach the temple's ward.
- A fourth member of the expedition, Insight's friend Galeokaerda, a high elf professor of ancient literature, hasn't been seen in three days. Insight is concerned but hasn't yet considered raising a search party because Galeokaerda has a shield guardian to protect her.
Scribble
Scribble uses the scholarly agent stat block (see appendix A), with this change:
- Scribble understands Auran and Common but speaks only through mimicry. He can imitate any sounds he has heard, including voices.
Scribble seems pleasant enough, but a character who spends more than 10 minutes with him can tell that the kenku is haunted. While scouring Cael Morrow for relics, he received telepathic threats from the Alyxian Aboleth but lacks the vocabulary to convey the horror of that experience; however, he can repeat any of the phrases listed on the Poisoned Emotions table.
Xot
This goliath uses the scholarly excavator stat block (see appendix A), with these changes:
- Xot speaks Common and Giant.
- She has resistance to cold damage and counts as one size larger when determining her carrying capacity and the weight she can push, drag, or lift.
If the characters are members of the Allegiance of Allsight or if they succeed on a DC 14 Charisma (Deception or Persuasion) check, Xot shows them the items she and Scribble have stored on the second floor of the building. She explains that these objects were deemed too damaged or insignificant to warrant their transport topside, but she found them too charming to discard entirely.
Xot's collection consists of ancient baubles, rusted spear heads, and worthless bits of jewelry—but a character who makes a successful DC 12 Intelligence (Investigation) check finds a ring of the ram and a sludgy but still potent potion of healing (superior). Xot can be convinced to give up these two items from her collection by a character who makes a successful DC 18 Charisma (Persuasion) check.
Double Agent
Characters who are following the x might come to Cael Morrow hoping to expose a double agent in the expedition. A character who speaks with Insight Acuere, Scribble, or Xot can make a DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) check to get a sense of that person's loyalty. On a successful check, it's apparent to the character that the individual is fully dedicated to the expedition and doesn't have any intention of betraying their faction.
Exploring the Building
The map of Cael Morrow shows only the first floor of area M3, but the upper two floors have a similar floor plan. The floors are described below.
- First and Second Floors.. These floors have shelves holding organic and mineral specimens taken from Cael Morrow. Characters interested in Exandrian history might find several clay tablets, sound-storing magic crystals, and water-damaged vellum manuscripts containing accounts and images of daily life in the city before the events of the Calamity that brought it to ruin. Tucked among the specimens is a selection of baubles that Xot has hoarded.
- Third Floor.. Allegiance members come up here to rest. Large holes in the roof are covered by magical barriers of blue force, thanks to a keystone hidden on this floor (see "Keystone" below). This former attic holds six small crates of preserved food, a dozen casks of fresh water, six cots with soft pillows and blankets, and an unlocked wooden case containing two breathing bubbles (see appendix B) with full air supplies and three potions of water breathing. Insight and her companions won't permit the theft of these items, but Insight is willing to share them with the characters if they request her aid and their goals align with hers.
Keystone
The keystone that keeps the water out of this building and the L-shaped corridor linking it to area M4 (see "x" earlier in the chapter) is hidden in a wall on the building's third floor behind a loose stone. Insight, Scribble, and Xot know where the keystone is, but they won't divulge its location to others if doing so might endanger them or any other Allegiance members.
It takes 10 minutes for a character to thoroughly search the third floor. At the end of that time, the character can make a DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check, finding the keystone on a successful check. If the keystone is destroyed or removed from this area, water comes gushing in through the rooftop. In addition, the barriers that form the corridor to M4 disappear, engulfing the corridor's occupants in water.
M4: Royal Guest House
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
Long ago this building was a guest house for royal visitors to Cael Morrow. Now it is an empty husk, mostly picked clean of valuables by the researchers of the Allegiance of Allsight. The keystone for the wards in this location (see "x" earlier in the chapter) is above the north door.
M4a: Parlor
This roofless chamber is filled with rubble from the collapsed upper floors and the staircase that once led up to them.
M4b: Private Study
This ruined study is filled with enormous chunks of fallen masonry.
Treasure
Any character who spends 10 minutes searching through the rubble can make a DC 20 Intelligence (Investigation) check. On a successful check, the character finds a spell scroll of teleport. Only one such scroll can be found here.
M5: Access Corridor
This corridor of shimmering blue barriers intersects with the remains of a guard tower (area M5a), which is enclosed by barriers as well. The keystone that maintains the barriers is set into the floor of the tower. See the "x" section for more information on the magical barriers and keystones.
As they traverse this hall, the characters can see a deep reddish glow to the east (emanating from the ruidium spines in x).
M5a: Crumbling Guard Tower
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
Characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 15 or higher notice the silhouette of a giant shark circling the tower. As long as the barriers remain in place, the shark doesn't pose a threat.
Malfunctioning Keystone
Any character who examines the keystone closely and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Arcana) check determines that its magic is weakening, but there's no way to tell when it will cease to function. The Allegiance of Allsight explorers in Cael Morrow are unaware of the problem, since the keystone began to malfunction only recently.
It's only a matter of time before the faulty keystone fails, causing the barriers around the tower and the barriers that protect the adjoining hallways to disappear. Removing the keystone from the floor also causes this to happen. In its defective state, this cube has 25 hit points instead of the normal 50.
If the characters leave the keystone undisturbed, they can pass through the tower safely and continue onward. If any of them return to the tower a second time, the keystone makes a loud popping noise in their presence and cracks in half, bringing down the magical barriers. The shark, which is a corrupted giant shark (see appendix A), attacks characters who now find themselves underwater.
M6: Sunken Tavern
This stone-walled tavern is underwater. Sections of its exterior walls have collapsed, leaving openings through which the interior can be seen:
Continual flame spells illuminate the interior of this underwater tavern, which is strewn with detritus. A neutral good sea elf named Olara floats behind a granite countertop. If approached, the barkeep cheerfully introduces herself and welcomes the characters to what she calls the Last Willow Tavern. Olara uses the scout stat block, with these changes:
- She has a swimming speed equal to her walking speed, and she can breathe air and water.
- She has darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.
- She has resistance to cold damage and advantage on saving throws to end the charmed condition on herself. Magic can't put her to sleep.
Olara speaks an ancient dialect that formed the basis for both Elvish and Orc, and any character who speaks and understands either of those languages can converse with her. This is a trait she shares with some of the ghosts of her kinfolk that still haunt the ruins of Cael Morrow, but Olara is no ghost; she is one of the few mortals who survived Gruumsh's attack centuries ago. She subsists on the kelp growing throughout the Drowned City.
Decades spent near the Netherdeep and the Alyxian Aboleth have damaged Olara's memories. A few of the Allegiance of Allsight archaeologists have interacted with Olara, to no avail, and since she shows no sign of hostility toward their efforts, they have decided to leave her alone.
Buying Goods from Olara
Olara treats the characters as she would patrons of her tavern in any normal setting, commenting on the fact that, though the tavern is out of food and spirits, she can still offer some special brews. If the characters humor her, Olara shows off her collection of mundane wines and magic potions—their containers all tightly sealed. Characters can purchase any of these items:
- Magically Preserved Wine.. Olara has three bottles of this delicious, pre-Divergence vintage in stock and asks 50 gp per bottle. An Ank'Hareli sommelier will pay up to 1,000 gp for a bottle of this rare vintage.
- Potions of Healing.. Olara has five of potions of healing in stock and sells them for 50 gp each.
- Potions of Heroism.. Olara has two potions of heroism in stock and sells them for 300 gp each.
Clearing Olara's Mind
The haze that clouds Olara's mind is magically induced, a result of many years spent near the Alyxian Aboleth and the Netherdeep. Any magic that ends a curse cures Olara's affliction. Killing the aboleth also ends the effect.
If the characters ask Olara about Alyxian after clearing her mind, she fondly recalls serving wine to him on one occasion. She remembers Alyxian as a haunted and tragic figure, but beautiful in a way.
M7: Hall of the Royal Library
A dry, air-filled hallway enclosed by magical barriers and illuminated by continual flame spells runs along the south side of a crumbling stone building. The keystone that maintains the hallway's barriers is set above the western door. See the "Features of Cael Morrow" section for more information on the magical barriers and keystones.
A door in the north wall of the corridor leads to a dry, air-filled library (area M7a). A door in the south wall has a flooded chamber (x) beyond it, with a protective barrier across the doorway that holds back the water. A door at the east end of the hallway has a similar barrier, through which characters can see the Temple of the Arch Heart (x).
M7a: Royal Reading Room
Magical barriers enclose this room, keeping the water out. The room's keystone is set above the south door. If the keystone is destroyed or taken from this area, the barriers around the room disappear, causing water to burst in through the north doors and seep through cracks in the walls and roof. It takes 1 minute for the room to become entirely flooded. See the "x" section for more information on the magical barriers and keystones.
The first time the characters enter this area, read or paraphrase the following:
A neutral evil, high elf occult extollant (see appendix A) named Galeokaerda has set up camp in this room along with Crescent, her shield guardian. Galeokaerda wears the shield guardian's amulet around her neck but hides it under her shirt.
Modify Galeokaerda's stat block as follows:
- Galeokaerda speaks Celestial, Common, and Elvish.
- She has darkvision out to a range of 60 feet.
- She has advantage on saving throws against being charmed, and magic can't put her to sleep.
As described in the faction story tracks in chapter 4, Galeokaerda has long posed as a professor of the Allegiance of Allsight and has become Insight's friend. Now she regrets betraying her friend and secretly hopes that she can convince Insight to turn against the Allegiance of Allsight when Galeokaerda and the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream take over Cael Morrow.
[image: Galeokaerda]
If the characters are on a mission that doesn't involve Galeokaerda, she tells them to get lost while claiming that she's doing research for the Allegiance of Allsight. If the characters refuse to leave, she threatens to unleash her shield guardian. But if the characters call her bluff, she doesn't follow through on her threat, afraid that doing so will lead to her defeat. If the characters attack Galeokaerda or Crescent, however, the two of them react in kind.
Galeokaerda is suspicious of anyone she doesn't recognize, even someone affiliated with the Consortium. If the characters are on a mission that involves Galeokaerda and portray themselves as fellow explorers, she demands that they prove their worth by retrieving a clay tablet, which she describes as having a "sigil sequence" inscribed on it, from area M7b. If they do so, she tells them that she has identified the location of the Key to the Netherdeep: a ruined villa on the southern cliffs (x).
Double Agent
At the end of any conversation with Galeokaerda, a character can discern her true intentions and affiliation by making a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Insight) check. Any character who observes Galeokaerda closely can, with a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check, spot the telltale markings of ruidium corruption on her arms. If a character calls attention to the marks, Galeokaerda hastily tries to explain how she got them in the line of duty; then she realizes that any explanation is fruitless and attacks.
M7b: Royal Study Chamber
This damaged, water-filled chamber contains a hungry swarm of sorrowfish (see appendix A).
Treasure
Lying on the floor in the middle of the room is a teleportation tablet (see appendix B) that was left behind by a member of the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream. This individual was searching the area for relics when a giant shark entered through a hole in the roof. The agent panicked and fled, dropping the tablet on their way back to area M7a. Galeokaerda wants to acquire the tablet, which connects to a teleportation circle on the roof of First Eclipse in Ank'Harel's Suncut Bazaar (see x).
M7c: Royal Ritual Chamber
This flooded chamber has been stripped bare by water and time.
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
A character who spends at least 1 minute searching the area can make a DC 14 Intelligence (Investigation) check, uncovering a permanent teleportation circle on a success. A character who knows this circle's sigil sequence (which can be learned by studying the circle for 1 minute) can teleport to it using the teleportation circle spell.
M8: Submerged Library
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
The writing on the tablets is in a script that has elements familiar to anyone who understands Elvish or Orc. Any character who spends at least 10 minutes searching through the detritus can make a DC 13 Intelligence (Investigation) check, finding three unbroken tablets amid the rubble on a success.
When placed side by side in the proper order, the three tablets tell the story of the gathering of elves across Exandria; the blessing of Corellon upon their settlement, Cael Morrow; and the birth of the first orcs. Before the tablets can be manipulated in this way, however, the characters must deal with the ancient ghosts that haunt them.
Haunted Tablets
Each of the three unbroken tablets is inhabited by a lawful neutral ghost, desperate for a peaceful end to its suffering. When a Humanoid first touches a tablet, the ghost inside tries to possess the creature using its Possession action. If the creature resists that attempt, the ghost appears in an unoccupied space within 5 feet of the tablet. After one ghost has emerged from its tablet, whether by possessing a creature or otherwise, the other two ghosts appear alongside it.
Two of the ghosts look like male elves, and the third looks like a female orc. All three are dressed in elegant robes trimmed with fine embroidery. The ghosts are not hostile; they try to possess creatures only so they can share their stories and thus find peace after death, but they defend themselves if attacked. While possessing a creature, a ghost moves the creature's body as far from combat as possible and doesn't force the creature to attack.
Any character who is possessed by one of the ghosts experiences a vision of the ghost's past life: their families and friends, the shining alabaster spires of their city in its prime, and the frantic attempts at evacuation as Gruumsh began his assault. The vision ends with a scene showing the two elves and the orc in a splendid library, about to sacrifice their lives in a futile attempt to preserve their history so that those they loved would not be forgotten. They look out from a library window and behold a nearby temple. A lone warrior with a spear and shield—Alyxian—stands atop the building. He is cast in shadow while the hundred-foot-tall figure of Gruumsh looms over him and laughs. As Gruumsh's spear descends on the temple, the vision goes dark. The vision takes 1 minute to play out in full. When it is over, the ghost ends the possession.
Speaking with the Ghosts
Characters who speak Elvish or Orc can converse with the ghosts, who speak an ancient dialect that forms the basis for both modern languages. The ghosts respect Alyxian the Apotheon, who they believe died in a vain attempt to defy Gruumsh. They know little about Alyxian beyond his divine connection to Sehanine, Avandra, and Corellon, and they are unaware of the Netherdeep and the existence of ruidium.
Laying the Dead to Rest
The ghosts find peace if they are reassured that they and their city will be remembered. A character can try to bring peace to the ghosts by offering reassuring words and then making a DC 12 Charisma (Persuasion) check. A character who was possessed by one of the ghosts has advantage on the check. On a successful check, the ghosts thank the character before disappearing in a shimmer of light. As a token of the ghosts' gratitude, the character gains inspiration (see the Player's Handbook). On a failed check, the ghosts are not laid to rest, and further attempts by that character to reassure the ghosts fail automatically.
Cael Morrow Locations (M9-M17)
[image: Divine magic keeps water from flooding the temple of Corellon in the sunken heart of Cael Morrow]
M9: Temple of the Arch Heart
Characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 15 or higher notice a distortion in the light filtering through the water between the alabaster pillars and the center of the temple. The pillars project an invisible protective dome of divine magic around the temple. Only characters who are accompanied by a devout worshiper of Corellon can pass through this dome; otherwise, the dome can't be penetrated, is immune to all damage, and can't be dispelled in any way. If no characters in the party meet this requirement, the ghost of one of Corellon's priests can be found in x.
Temple Interior
If the characters move to a position where they can see through the archway in the temple's south wall, read:
The air in the temple is fresh and smells faintly of incense, although the source of the odor is not apparent. Corellon's divine magic hedges out the water, and the barrier stays in place as long as the statue of Corellon remains intact. The statue has AC 20; 80 hit points; and immunity to poison, psychic, and radiant damage. If the statue is destroyed, the divine ward around the temple ends, allowing water to pour in through the entrance and enabling creatures to enter the temple without being accompanied by a priest or cleric of Corellon.
First Vision
When the characters enter the temple for the first time, a sense of peace descends upon them, and a vision fills their minds:
Any creature that comes within 10 feet of the pulsating red crystal at the center of the temple must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or become frightened of it. This effect lasts until the creature leaves the temple. A creature that succeeds on the saving throw becomes immune to the crystal's fear-inducing effect.
Second Vision
The ruidium shard protruding from the mosaic is clearly out of place in the temple. The character who first makes physical contact with the crystal experiences a second vision:
The vision ends, and the red crystal lets out a loud hiss just before it cracks and explodes. Creatures in the temple who did not experience the second vision see the red crystal flare with light as it shatters. For a moment, a translucent image of Alyxian, his face stern and impatient, appears in the center of the temple. It then disappears, and all is quiet once more.
When the crystal shatters, the character who touched it must make a DC 16 Charisma saving throw. On a failed save, the character takes 33 (6d10) psychic damage and gains 1 level of exhaustion. If the character isn't already suffering from ruidium corruption, the character becomes corrupted when they fail the save. On a successful save, the character takes half as much damage and suffers no other effects.
When a character experiences the second vision, the Alyxian Aboleth loses its ability to poison the emotions of nearby creatures, and the Jewel of Three Prayers (see appendix B) transforms into its Exalted State—both consequences of gaining the blessing of Corellon the Arch Heart.
M10: Crumbling Building
This structure appears to be on the verge of collapse. Small, harmless fish dart in and out of the many cracks in the walls.
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
If the characters explore the interior of the building, read:
Four scuttling serpentmaws (see appendix A) lurk amid the rubble and scuttle across the floor to attack characters who investigate the room. Characters who have a passive Wisdom (Perception) score of 18 or higher notice the serpentmaws and aren't surprised when they attack.
Clay Tablets
Characters who spend 10 minutes searching the floor of the building find, among other clay tablets that describe ancient prayers and catechisms of the monks of the temple of Corellon, the particular tablet that Insight has been seeking (see "x" in x of the Cobalt Soul Story Track in chapter 4). This tablet is written in Celestial script. It reads:
M11: Kelp Forest
[image: Two aboleth spawn guard the lair of the Alyxian Aboleth]
Two aboleth spawn (see the accompanying stat block) guard the kelp forest. These tentacled creatures are bound to the Alyxian Aboleth and do its bidding. Their task is to guard the aboleth's treasure (see "Treasure" below).
The kelp forest is the lair of the Alyxian Aboleth (see appendix A). If the aboleth retreated here to take a short rest, it tries to hide from interlopers until its rest is finished before attacking them. If the aboleth is not present but returns to find any of its treasure missing (see below), it scours Cael Morrow in search of the thieves, determined to destroy them.
Treasure
Any character who spends at least 5 minutes searching the kelp forest can make a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check, finding the aboleth's accumulated treasure on a success. This hoard consists of a pouch that holds 156 gp, a ruidium shield (see appendix B), a ruidium shortsword (see appendix B), and a brooch of shielding still pinned to the garments of a water-bloated human corpse (the remains of an Allegiance of Allsight explorer).
[image: Aboleth Spawn]
M12: Cliffside Path
Closer examination reveals that the chunks of stone are shaped like the dismembered hands, arms, legs, heads, and torsos of Humanoids. The head-shaped chunks all have screaming faces. These are the petrified remains of the victims of the creature that has taken up residence in the villa (see area M13). A character who succeeds on a DC 12 Intelligence (Arcana) check recognizes the signs of petrification and knows that the bodies are too broken to be restored to life.
M13: Villa
The characters might run into their rivals in this location. The rivals, if present, are gathered in front of the villa and debating whether to enter through the door or by way of the open roof. Use the following text to describe what's inside:
A death embrace (see appendix A) has made its lair in the ruins of this once magnificent location and attacks anyone who comes within reach of its tentacles. A swarm of sorrowfish (see appendix A) lurks among the tendrils of the death embrace, gaining half cover. When the death embrace grapples a creature, the swarm loses its cover and the sorrowfish emerge to feed on the grappled creature.
Treasure
Embedded in the death embrace's bell is a ruidium greataxe (see appendix B), the so-called Key to the Netherdeep that the Allegiance of Allsight and the Consortium of the Vermilion Dream are after (see chapter 4). The axe can be removed from the death embrace only after the creature is dead.
A character who spends 10 minutes searching the villa and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check finds a locked jewelry box. The jewelry box can be opened by a character who makes either a successful DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves' tools or a successful DC 15 Strength (Athletics) check. Inside are two emerald rings (1,500 gp each), a string of pearls (750 gp), and a ring of shooting stars.
M14: Watchtower
Characters who peer into the tower, either through the open door or by swimming up to the roof and looking down, view the following scene:
The tower is haunted by eight sword wraith warriors under the command of Beltreath, a lawful neutral sword wraith commander. See appendix A for these creatures' stat blocks.
The sword wraiths are former defenders of Cael Morrow who fell during the battle against Gruumsh. They are protecting the ghost of Hadarai, a neutral good, orc priest of Corellon. Hadarai is soft-spoken and kindhearted. He swore a vow of pacifism centuries ago that he has never broken; even after being stripped of his mortal form, he won't fight or use Possession.
Roleplaying the Spirits
If the characters enter the tower or otherwise make their presence known, the discordant sound of a bugle pierces the water, and the warriors gather immediately to defend Hadarai and the tower.
Before raising his weapon, Beltreath explains that his warriors are the last wardens of the Drowned City and informs the characters that any invasion is unwelcome. If the characters explain their reason for being in Cael Morrow, Hadarai and Beltreath listen closely. If the characters' stated purpose involves helping the Apotheon, which Hadarai and Beltreath both regard as a worthy goal, the spirits become friendly toward the characters.
Hadarai met Alyxian once long ago, while the warrior was praying to Corellon for aid in the hours before Cael Morrow was destroyed. Hadarai is slow to accept that the Apotheon yet lives and can be saved, but a character can convince him of the truth of this claim with a successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check. If a character shows Hadarai the Jewel of Three Prayers, the check is made with advantage, since the ghost recognizes the jewel and knows its properties.
If combat breaks out and Beltreath is reduced to 50 hit points or fewer, he surrenders and begs the characters not to destroy him, for Hadarai's sake. If the characters show mercy, Hadarai is grateful and offers to assist them in any way he can. For example, the ghost, as a priest of Corellon, can help the characters bypass the magic ward around the temple (x) or can warn the characters about the aboleth that haunts the city.
Wherever Hadarai goes, Beltreath and his sword wraiths follow. None of these spirits can leave Cael Morrow, nor would they want to.
M15: Collapsed Guard Tower
The first time the characters enter this area, one among them (determined randomly) receives a telepathic message from the Alyxian Aboleth (see "x" earlier in the chapter).
Hidden Symbol and Trapdoor
A character who searches the tower ruins and succeeds on a DC 15 Intelligence (Investigation) check discovers a large symbol of Corellon inscribed on the floor, mostly hidden under sand and debris. Closer examination discloses a 5-foot-diameter, circular stone trapdoor disguised as part of the symbol. The trapdoor is closed and stuck. A character can use an action to try to pry it up by using a crowbar or similar tool, doing so with a successful DC 17 Strength (Athletics) check. A knock spell or similar magic can also open it. If all else fails, the trapdoor (which has AC 17, 60 hit points, and immunity to poison and psychic damage) can be destroyed.
Secret Armory
Below the trapdoor is a 10-foot-high, 20-foot-diameter circular armory. A corroded iron ladder descends into the chamber.
A character who searches the opening for traps and succeeds on a DC 17 Intelligence (Investigation) check spots a tiny glyph inscribed along the edge of the opening, in a location that's not visible while the trapdoor is closed. If this glyph is dispelled with a successful casting of dispel magic (DC 17) or defaced using mason's tools or similar equipment, the following trap ceases to function.
Trap
If a creature enters the armory without first saying a prayer to Corellon, a burst of radiance flares from the chamber. Each creature in the armory and within 15 feet of the trapdoor must make a DC 18 Constitution saving throw, taking 33 (6d10) radiant damage on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one. This trap can be triggered only once.
The burst of light from this trap attracts the slithering bloodfins in area M16 and possibly the Alyxian Aboleth (see appendix A for their stat blocks). If the aboleth is in the nearby kelp forest (x) when the trap is sprung, it sees the light and immediately moves to investigate it.
Treasure
The walls of the armory are festooned with longswords, shortswords, spears, longbows, shortbows, arrows in leather quivers, and steel shields—all corroded or rotted beyond usefulness. Among these objects are two magic items, both of which can be located quickly by using a detect magic spell: a sentinel shield and a frost brand longsword. A character must otherwise spend at least 1 minute searching the armory to find these magic items.
M16: Collapsed Ruins
Unless the characters killed them in area M15, three slithering bloodfins (see appendix A) prowl this area in search of prey. The characters spot them—three streaks of crimson darting through the ruins. Unless the characters move away from the ruins immediately, the bloodfins swim toward the intruders and attack.
M17: Rift to the Netherdeep
If the characters have yet to defeat the Alyxian Aboleth (see appendix A), it senses their intrusion into this area and arrives 1 minute later, attacking the characters in a rage.
The rift to the Netherdeep is covered with, and protected by, a film of black energy streaked with all the colors of the spectrum, appearing much like an oil slick. Water, liquids, and creatures native to the Netherdeep can pass through this barrier in either direction, but no other creatures or objects can do so unless the barrier is pierced by a ruidium weapon (see below).
Opening the Rift
To enter the rift, the characters must force it open using one of the following items:
- A ruidium weapon, like the one in x. Touching the weapon's edge to the barrier opens the rift.
- The Jewel of Three Prayers in its Exalted State. When a creature brings the amulet within 10 feet of the rift, it glows with holy light that pierces the barrier protecting the rift.
Each creature within 60 feet of the rift when it comes open must make a DC 18 Charisma saving throw, taking 33 (6d10) psychic damage on a failed saving throw, or half as much damage on a successful one.
When the rift is opened, the characters can use this route to enter the Netherdeep. The rift closes after 1 hour but can be forced open again.
Into the Netherdeep
The rift to the Netherdeep opens directly into x in chapter 6. The first time they reach this area, the characters might not carry out a full exploration. It's likely that they'll return to Cael Morrow and then to the surface, especially if anyone in the party is susceptible to the effects of water pressure, as described in x. If they are slow to reenter the Netherdeep, a directive from their faction might be necessary to encourage them to follow their mission to its completion.