The Nightwell

### **History**

The Nightwell Fortress is one of the oldest structures in Tulmon. Its existence predates any historical records and has long been considered the central hub of power for the City. It is often where the Court of Nine Lords is held. It is also used as the main garrison for Tulmon's army. Overseen by Lord Commander Duncan Howler under the supervision of Highlord Balor Silverstrong, the army gained its reputation for its strict doctrine, and fearsome fighting prowess under the command of Lord Nathaniel Glaindree. Ten years ago in 1532 however, the mantle was passed to Duncan Howler after the fall of House Raven. The army's reputation has faltered ever since.

### **The Nightwell Fortress**

The fortress sits atop a cliff on the south-eastern coast of Tulmon. Its ramparts and turrets tower menacingly over the rest of the city. Deep beneath the fort lies the Nightwell Meteorite and the Labour camps.

### **The Nightwell Meteorite**

In 1485, Gnugnut Silverstrong predicted the impact of a celestial object with Tulmon. Enlisting the help of Highlord Balor Silverstrong, the Guild of Iron and the men of House Vidrom, they set about digging a hole one mile deep to capture the object and prevent the destruction of Tulmon. Fortuitously, the location of the impact was centralized in the courtyard of the Nightwell Fortress. With the capture successful, and Tulmon saved, House Silverstrong and the Guild of Iron began studying and mining the incredible Meteor. With unique magical resistance properties, the steel forged from the Meteor quickly became one of Tulmon's most profitable exports. Some credit it with single handedly reshaping Tulmon's standing on the world stage as one of the largest trading and most profitable cities in southern Faerun.

In 1532 the trading and distribution of the Meteoric Steel was outlawed by Highlord Balor Silverstrong. Weapons are still being manufactured from the steel and used to equip Tulmon's forces however.

### **The Labour Camps**

Carved out of the ancient catacombs and structures buried beneath the Nightwell Fortress, the labour camps were created to house the ever expanding workforce required to mine the Meteorite. This slave city has never been openly acknowledge, and so its populace are treated as nothing but shadows for the people above.

## **The Prison**

As a direct result of the Casino Event, the Chums were imprisoned inside the Nightwell Meteor.

### **Interrogation and Escape**

Dragged unconscious through the bowels of the Nightwell, the Chums were accosted by Arno Deepmantle and his men who proceeded to steal their valuables. Afterwards, they were brought to the Meteorite and locked up inside its inner chambers. As they awoke and found themselves in a jail which suppressed their magical abilities, the Chums were interrogated by Duncan Howler. He questioned them on the disappearance of the patrons of the Casino, notably Dharros Vidrom, Yacob Deepmantle, Nathaniel and Cyril Glaindree, Mara Mason, and Nina Bettencourt. The Chums explained their version of events to Duncan, but changed the details surrounding Vidrom's death and blamed it on Cyril. Unfortunately, with no proof to back up their claims, Duncan Howler was unmoved by their story and sentenced them to death for the murder of the three lords, and for the conspiracy and murder of Highlord Balor Silverstrong. With the sham trial ended, Duncan left the six prisoners to their fates.

The sixth prisoner in the cell next to them was revealed to be Le Lievre. He had also been arrested in the Vault, and in fact had been possessed by the Shadow King the entire time. Thanks to Aria's incredible tumbling skills, she proceeded to free the Chums from their cells. However, upon reaching Frederico's cell, she discovered that the glamour bard had been lying to the group and was actually a fat Tiefling named Frank all along. After a tense debate, the group decided to trust him. Presented with the opportunity to free Le Lievre however, they were not as welcoming. They released him, but under the condition that he be tied up with a noose around his neck. Begrudgingly he agreed, and after fashioning some excellent ghost costumes out of their bed sheets, the Chums began their daring escape.

With luck and ingenuity, the Chums managed to fight off and trap the guards inside a cell, and kill the prison's Executioner. Upon inspecting the execution room, they discovered coffins filled with bodies that had been stuffed with meteoric crystals. And with the crystals somehow linked to the Monstrosity transformations, Tulmon's fate began to look grim.

As they continued to explore the chambers inside the Meteor, the Chums freed three prisoners: a goblin named Seedbags "Birdeye" Flint, a quiet female halfling, and the famed wizard Herble Seamseeker. His cell was no longer locked, it seemed that Herble had been a prisoner inside the meteor for quite some time. Presented with the name Kosto Muninn, he deduced that he might be related to House Raven somehow, but no definitive proof was made. Eager to take back their gear, and get revenge on those responsible, the nine prisoners readied themselves to leave the Meteor and face the dangers awaiting them at the bottom of the Nightwell.