DM Speaks: A greatly successful night with Linli's Minions defeating the Matron Mother Srune Lyriss Lett! She ruled the 18th House in Menzoberranzan and now the group along with Linli and Zilvaren have conquered it. A greatly successful and eventful night! This was a worrisome mission and something I did not know if you'd be successful in doing. Strangely, the Matron Mother Srune Lyriss Lett has been left alive due to negotiation, offering and pleading. Her plea is that she will aid the group in taking control of more houses! Is she to be trusted? Should she be allowed to live? Many, many questions with this and it is great we held this thought and an outcome for next week as this is all a HUGE DECISION! Let's start it on the boards! On a very positive note, the group acquired a tremendous amount of treasure by Matron Mother Srune Lyriss Lett giving you the way to it offering its location. CONGRATULATIONS ON A TOP TIER DANGEROUS FIGHT!

DM Speaks: The group has done well making their way up the stalactite of Nintr' Zar's House of Srune' Lett. You were able to kill a Draegloth guardian as well as drow priests of the house. However, on floor 5, supposedly 1 floor before Matron Mother Srune' Lyris Lett you encountered 3 Shield Golems which seemed way beyond your capacity. You start next week in battle with these significant guardians of the house. On another note, Nint' zar took direction of the Black Dragon Zilvaran to strike each of his party members in the face! Shocking to say he followed the dragon's direction without question. Irony or not Nint' Zar was killed by the steel guardians and had to be raised by Linli using a personal scroll. Many bad actions by one member but who cares - HE IS DROW! We start next week with some knowledge on these Shield Golems. • Immune to any spell or spell-like ability that allows spell resistance. • They have a shield block ability which has a 25% chance per attack by an enemy to cause an electrical charge to strike back at the attacker. • Powerful Blows - Adds 1 1/2 times its strength bonus to damage rolls.

DM Speaks: The group, along with Linli and Zilvaran entered the House of Srune' Lett (Nint' Zar's house) to destroy the Matron Mother. Before heading to the house, the group stopped by the pub of Taras Y' Nor to have a few drinks and speak with him. Relationship with him is still strong upon leaving. Entering the stalactite (which hangs from the ceiling) the group were able to enter the first floor and eliminate some male drow guards. It seems no stairs lead from floor to floor but the group was able to find out that in order to move to the next level they needed to find the floor portals which allow this. With resources being eliminated the group was in the process of discussing whether to sleep or move on? Some magic items were recovered tonight as well. So, next week you continue your trek up the levels of House of Srune' Lett to eliminate the matron mother! Does she know you are coming or is she unaware? Quite the endeavor!

DM Speaks: I've always been uncomfortable with allowing you as male players being a female PC. However, I have moved past this and am open to the idea in the future. WHY? Well, you would think it should have been Mianna that brought me open to the idea, but it wasn't, and she actually emphasized my point in not wanting it. I didn't want female/female conflict with Mianna as she would have wiped that PC out of existence. She was much better with male's and having another female in the party would not have gone well with her being in the group. So, as we moved on in game my comfort with all males was still the standard. Until Linli! In my mind the difference between Linli and Mianna is how they present. Mianna presented as a power female that presented in a male dominant manner. She was always in control in a dominating manner which displayed superiority. Now, please do not misunderstand my point. I've played many woman NPC's in this powerful manner but her being in the group just led me to feeling that another female would not fare well with her. Even after her character moved to Gateway, I still felt none could live up to her dominance and powerful, so I'd probably short-change them in comparing them to her in game. None could ever live up to who and what Mianna Fisk was so it's best not to bring any female PC in. However, with Linli in the group and her mannerism I've felt that maybe allowing others to play females would be OK. Evern if you played a bitchy female, it would be OK as Linli would be there to try and calm you and if not kick you out of the group re maybe, if necessary, take you down and out. Another thing is I see the fun in dealing with female PC's with regards to enemies. I believe interactions would be different. No better or worse but certainly different and I know you are all grown men and can accept the things that may play out on rare occasions that wouldn't with a male-to-male interaction. So, for any that may be interested in playing a female PC the future I am open and welcoming to it. If any I think Mike and Dan would be most interested, but I may be wrong 😁.

DM Speaks: I'm always thinking of ways to have you involved in the behind-the-scenes things I do for the game. A fun thing I thought was to post a picture of a Mage Knight Mini which I would usually repaint. I would have 4 of the same mini. What I'd ask you is what specific paint steps you think I should do on the mini to improve it. You will offer 1 suggestion and then I'd do it and send you an updated picture. I'd then ask for your nest suggestion on painting it with colors and areas. This would go on for maybe 1-2 weeks and when done I would place all of the repainted minis on the table. You then look at each and vote which color variation you think is best without voting for yourself. The mini voted the best gains 500 xp's with each place lower losing 100 xp's. This would be fun for me, and I find it great to get your creative ideas painted down on a mini to be used in the game. Something new which I thought could be fun and creative for both. I'd love to hear thoughts.

DM Speaks: Tonight, we ended talking with Zilvaran the Old Black Dragon now supposedly controlling the Abbey of the Reflecting Mind. The group killed Lysanthir, but found it was all an illusion created by Zilvaran. What a good illusion it was! It seems Zilvaran was using the illusion of Lysanthir to gain a continuous supply of human/humanoid food. If continued it will allow the Abbey of the Reflecting Mind to operate unabated while it is fed deep below in its dark basement caves. However, the group proposed a crazy idea to Zilvaran which was to pose as a Matron Mother of a house in Menzoberranzan in disguise as a female drow. In this way it could still easily gain all the "food" it wanted while also working with the group to gain control of the Houses within their city.  Zilvaran the Old Black Dragon was intrigued by the situation, and we start next week speaking about the possible details. How crazy is this storyline and a picture of Zilvaran the Old Black Dragon has been posted under pictures!

DM Speaks: We start next week a couple of rounds into battle with Lysanthir the one you gather has taken control of the Abbey of the Reflecting Mind. Lysanthir is some sort of non-material form of black mist. Checks have not been made to determine what Lysanthir is or to figure out strengths or weaknesses. Maybe next week, maybe not. Let us not forget about the Duergar that is also within the battle on the side of Lysanthir! The duergar is in bad shape and unable to do anything for a couple of rounds so maybe he is of no concern. Xar' Zin will be back next week to assist the group in battle after 1D3 rounds. The battle will start at the top of initiative! The continuation of this battle shall be fun!

DM Speaks: Tonight, we played out a very lengthy battle against 2 stone giants which were situated on the opposite side of a large underground lake. This battle was long but fun with group members flying across, with some having better skill than others. You also had to get Bilsbi across which Jevon did his best. Ultimately the group was successful in defeating these two stone giant guards of the Abbey. After defeating them, the group identified wide stone stairs leading deeper below. As you contemplated the interest a dark silhouette of two male drow walked stoically up from the stairs and invited the group to accompany them into the Abbey below to meet their leader. Do you accompany these drow, attack them or do something different? Next week shall decide. Remember your goal on this mission is to determine why the slave trade with Menzoberranzan (particularly Jevon's House Faen Tlabbar most notably) has stopped with the Abbey. Why are no more slaves being sent by the Abbey? UPDATE: Also, sorry for my low monotone voice tonight 😉. I was able to pull through mostly with only a couple of coughing breaks.

DM Speaks: WOW, what a surprise as Xar' Zin says he's leaving the group. A much needed and trusted ally has decided he is heading back to Menzoberranzan? Is this worrisome? Why is he heading back? Should he be allowed? Many worries arise from this. The group still needs to head forward to the Abbey of the Reflecting Mind to see why there have no longer been slaves delivered to Menzoberranzan. There has been an understanding and agreement with the Abbey for these ongoing slaves but of late none have come! The group has started their journey to the Abbey but on their way encountered a Green Skinned creature called a Jackal. The group was able to defeat this creature. Afterwards the group needed to defend themselves against a Young Minotaur. He was only medium sized but was still a challenge. We start next week making our way to the Abbey of the Reflecting Mind.

DM Speaks: I've asked this many times and have always used your suggestions. Not all suggestions of course as I usually pull one, see if I can incorporate others into it and work with that. The one thing I have on my mind which was suggested is playing out an old school module. I'm very open and interested in that and it should happen soon if circumstances allow. However, being drow from Menzoberranzan and connected to each individual house I wonder what work you'd find interesting if a house presented it to you (or really demanded it). What type of work or mission if demanded by your house would you say "OK, I like that and can get on board and behind it". Any suggestions or even modules/adventures you'd like. Keep in mind a module/adventure would need to somehow fit in, but I can always make most work some way or another.

DM Speaks: The group has eliminated Inendeeth Shimyra the drow female wanted by Menzoberranzan, Linli and in a way the group! Treasure was acquired and victory celebrated. After your success and expressing your victory you headed to the pub where Jevan was approached by a member of House Faen Tlabbar which is the 13th House. They said they had important business to discuss! This will be played out in more detail next week. Additionally the group were selected to engage in a competition of the best male drow individuals within in the city. Some individuals fared better than others with treasure being acquired. Where is the group being sent to next and what am I missing?

DM Speaks: On February 4, 2026, we shall display our chosen and agreed upon REPTILE LOOKING CREATURE MINI. This is the classification that has been chosen by the majority. Although I didn't vote for this, I like the idea! When thinking about this creature classification there is room to think outside the box. Sure, an alligator or turtle mini can win, but one with a little distinction as to the norm would go much farther. Reptile is the general need but use your imagination on what diverse or monstrous reptiles are available to present. There are no real set rules for this mini as long as it looks like some sort of reptile creature. In the end the vote of all will determine whether they feel the mini meets the standard or not. All I can says is the mini must be a REPTILE LOOKING CREATURE MINI. I'm thinking more of an animal type reptile creature, but if you'd like to introduce something else, that's fine, but it will depend on the group vote in the end to see if they feel the mini meets the outline. 1. The definition of creature to me is the following: • an animal, distinct from a human being • a fictional or imaginary being, typically a frightening one $20 MAXIMUM

DM Speaks: Next week you must have an absolute answer to the question of how you are dealing with Inendeeth Shimyra. I guess the answer could be that you're not, but instead of next week let's get an answer on the boards now to help me prep. The group discussed so many ideas but in the end 2 stood out as possibilities. #1) Talk to the leaders of Sshamath and inform them that Inendeeth Shimyra is someone wanted in Menzoberranzan and to avoid a war handing her over would be critical. #2) Play the long game and get work in Sshamath as you attempt to gain allies and acquaintances and ultimately get the opportunity to eliminate her. Of course, you could always just disobey your Matron Mothers and decide not to do the job, however, that sounds to be off the table from group discussions.

DM Speaks: We start next week with the group outside Sshamath about 300 feet from the city after browsing the shops. There were many items of interest in the city, but unfortunately most were out of the groups price range. However, some were not, and purchases were made. The group visited Inendeeth Shimyra's shop and she was not at all friendly. This maybe inspires the groups elimination of her more greatly. The group identified that she does not leave the city. When she takes breaks from her shop, she enters the caves leading into the depths of Sshamath. Not good for the group, however, there is nothing saying the group could not gain entrance. That has yet to be tested. Currently, the group's plan is to lead Inendeeth Shimyra outside by persuasion of some kind. When this is done others will be waiting outside to ambush her. Will this work? We shall see and next week will determine this!

DM Speaks: After going through a major ant swarm the group feels, they are about ready to enter the surface. The last surface arrival ended with disallowance by 2 fierce guards. What will this arrival have in store. The group's goal is to get to Sshamath and eliminate a shop-keep advisory to Menzoberranzan. Let's see how easy this goes! Easy? Difficult? Impossible? We shall see! How invested are each of you in this completion? ALMOST THERE!

DM Speaks: The group continues to work their way to the surface to get the City of Sshamath. Once there you are to assassinate one of the female merchants. OK, simple. However, there are so many more questions I have. • Is the group still considering joining Sshamath? • Is the group leaving Menzoberranzan for good? • Is the group returning to Menzoberranzan and their matron Mothers with a JOB WELL DONE? You still have a long way to go but once there you need to make certain you know what you are doing. Let's keep in mind this drow shop-keep is also one Linli wants to eliminate due to their underlying and cheating deals with her. I guess what is most important is what is the group doing if they are able to eliminate this female drow shop-keep? What's next? I in no way are saying this elimination is definite. I'd say it is at best a 50/50 for the group!

DM Speaks: We start next week rolling initiative against 3 skeletons which the group encountered on their leave from Menzoberranzan. The group left the city on orders to travel to the surface city of Sshamath and destroy a drow at the Bazaar. How powerful or dangerous is this drow shall be seen but they can't be a nobody as why is their elimination so important. The group just started their journey to the surface which is expected to be close to two weeks. Once on the surface, for the first time. you must travel to the surface city of Sshamath and eliminate the drow merchant Inendeeth Shimyra! Let us see how this plays out!