Gond’s Smelter

Gond’s Smelter (also referred to as the Smelter of Gond) is an ancient and powerful mechanical forge located deep within the subterranean depths of Wave Echo Cave. According to historical records and ancient lore, the legendary Spell Forge (also known as the Forge of Spells) cannot be accessed or activated without first igniting and operationalizing this crucial smelter.

The Trial of Three Races

Activating the Smelter requires a harmonized tribute representing the ancient Pact of Phandelver. Ancient texts and inscriptions carved into the device in both Elvish and Dwarvish detail these requirements as:

• The Mettle of the Dwarves: Associated with “The Heart of the Stone” and specific ores found within the cave system.
• The Grace of the Elves: Originally mistranslated in old texts as “Elvish Tears,” this requirement actually refers to the moon goddess Selûne and requires the casting of a Moonbeam spell.
• The Ingenuity of the Humans: Representing the human contribution to the Pact.

Practical Operation

According to the ancient dwarf Gotrek, who lived during the Pact’s era, the Smelter requires specific fuel to function: a hard, dark wood found naturally in the Wave Echo Cave system that burns hot and blue. Once fueled by this blue-burning wood and local cave ore, an elven spell must be channeled to ignite the forge’s true power.

Modern Discovery and Conflict

In recent times, the Smelter was discovered by the Drider mastermind known as The Spider (Nezznar, a fallen Drow serving Lolth). Unable to decipher the dual Dwarvish and Elvish inscriptions, the Spider held the gnome scholar Dusty captive near the device, torturing him in a futile effort to force the secrets of the Smelter’s activation. Meanwhile, oblivious goblin forces in the cave’s kitchens used the rare, blue-burning wood as simple firewood to cook over its blue flames.

The Spider’s plans were cut short when he was ambushed and slain by the adventuring group known as The Magnificent Five, with the final killing blow delivered by the undercover Zhentarim spy Erevyn.

Successful Activation

Following the defeat of the Spider, the Magnificent Five successfully activated Gond’s Smelter using a combination of brains, brawn, and talent. As the ancient mechanism roared to life, molten metal began creeping forward through a designated groove in the floor, successfully opening the door to the legendary Forge of Spells.

The Soulstone of Elire

Beyond its role in activating the Spell Forge, Gond’s Smelter held profound personal significance for the paladin Gilmore. Gilmore carried a pendant housing the soulstone of his deceased sister, Elire, who was rumored to have been killed by dragon-mask wearing cultists. His original quest, dictated by his parents and the ancient rites of his family, was to put her soul to rest by permanently encasing her soulstone within the molten metals of Gond’s Smelter. However, when faced with the activated forge, Gilmore ultimately chose not to follow through with this task, leaving his sister’s soulstone un-encased.