Wave Echo Cave

Wave Echo Cave was a great cavern complex within the northern Sword Mountains and the location of the Forge of Spells. It was located 15 miles east of Phandalin, within the range's deep vales.

The cavern was known for its mineral wealth, notably mithril and platinum, as well as its magical properties. Wave Echo Cave was connected to an underground hot spring that continuously boiled near the cavern. The cavern got its name from the booming sounds created every time these waves crashed against the walls deep inside the cavern.

In the 10th century DR, clans of Dwarves and Gnomes made a pact that would later be known as Phandelver's Pact. The pact allowed both of the races to share the riches within the mine of Wave Echo Cave. Many gained from this agreement, including the nearby human settlement of Phandalin. When it was discovered that the cavern had wondrous magical properties, spellcasters from Phandalin allied themselves with the dwarves and gnomes to harness this magical power and use it to its fullest potential. They bound the magic into a forge they called the Forge of Spells, where they crafted magical weapons and other items. One spellcaster who affiliated with these crafters was Lethchauntos the Black.

However, in 951 DR, the Orcs of Uruth Ukrypt came from the north and laid waste to the region. The Orcs were aided by mercenary wizards when they attacked Wave Echo Cave, adamant in seizing its riches. The human spellcasters of Phandalin fought alongside the Gnomes and Dwarves to defend the cave. However, the battle of magic destroyed much of Wave Echo Cave. Few survived the battle and so the location of the cave was lost to history.

For hundreds of years, opportunists were attracted to the area in hopes of seeking lost treasure, including a dark elf named Nezznar. Around the Year of the Scarlet Witch, 1491 DR, following the resettlement of Phandalin, the location of the cave was at last rediscovered by a trio of Dwarves named Gundren, Nundro, and Tharden Rockseeker. Tharden would lose his life in the conflict with Nezznar that followed, but ultimately the Dwarves would claim Wave Echo Cave for themselves. Gundren and Nundro assumed administration of the mine, making promises to share 10% of profits with the allies who had helped them. Unfortunately, between the mines being unfruitful and the Forge of Spells having grown weak over the centuries, the Rockseekers had abandoned Wave Echo Cave and departed from Phandalin by 1496 DR.

In the Year of the Shining Mythal, 1501 DR, two aspiring mages named Myrna Nor and Powell Niccam discovered records in Wave Echo Cave relating to Lethchauntos the Black and his book of poisons, The Nathlum.

At the time of the pact, Wave Echo Cave was home to Dwarves and Gnomes alike, and they worked tirelessly in the Forge of Spells. However, after the attack in 951 DR, the caverns housed monstrous creatures such as Stirges, Ghouls, Gricks, Bugbears, Skeletons, Zombies, Ochre Jellies, a Flameskull, and a Spectator.

The most notable creature that inhabited the caverns was a restless spirit, a Wraith named Mormesk. In life, Mormesk was the last wizard to die in the attack by the Orcs of Uruth Ukrypt. He had been poisoned with anger, transforming him into a vengeful apparition.