"Stay away from me." Cade brandishes the dagger in his hand but cowers.Gale was surprised by Cade's reaction and feared the worst.
He quickly turned around and raised his hands to ward off another vrock from chomping on his head but he saw... nothing.
Much relieved, he went towards Cade, "What's the matter? What did you see?"
"Who? Me? No, I got no issues with you.My magic i reserved for the drow and their ilk."
He extended his hand, "C'mon, let me help you. I assure you that you can trust me. We need to stick together if we're going to get out of this place."
-----------
DEMON
Gael could not believe their luck; they had brought down a powerful demon. No one was going to believe him...
-------------
The dwarf chuckled. ”Such a fine mess. I never forget a cavern. Jimjar be right. The svirfneblin be to the north. So be Menzoberranzan.” He spat as he said the name. ”Salvation and death be in the same direction.”
Nodding his head appreciatively, Kriv gingerly gets to his feet again.
"Thank you little one, your work has reduced my pain greatly, enough at least for me to not slow everyone down, and no thanks are needed, we all must look out for each other in these times if any of us hope to survive this hell we have been dropped into."
"Who? Me? No, I got no issues with you.My magic i reserved for the drow and their ilk."
He extended his hand, "C'mon, let me help you. I assure you that you can trust me. We need to stick together if we're going to get out of this place."
Cade backs all the way to the cave wall. Moving the dagger from hand to hand. "Keep Back!" Cade shivers and blinks. A bit of color returns to his face. "Huh? Oh . . . ah yeah of course we should stick together." Cade steps forward and pats Gael on the arm as if nothing happened.
Eldeth is impressed "Now, you lot are strong. I nay moved an inch and already you were upon it."
Ront grumbles "Eh...Ront strong too. Not scared of demon..." he says, obviously lying.
Topsy and Turvy seem to be practice sparring with each other as the group decides where to go.
Shuushar offers "You think Darklake near? We'sh go Sloobludop...rest easy on the shore. Drow not come there."
Jimjar juggles his dagger "How about a toss? Hilt first north, blade bites the dust...west."
”No. We do not trust luck because luck is not trustworthy. We go north unless someone can give us a good reason not to.”
Topsy pauses, his brother head locked above his elbow "Well, you know...I think that stinks. I'm not going to the...what??" Turvy squeezes out a mumbled comment "...yeah...I was just about to say that. Not going to the drow city...at least not now. Maybe we can find a way around, scouts are heavy in the mushroom forests near there. Good trade though." Turvy falls unconscious and Topsy drops him to the floor, brushing himself off.
"I agree with them, it is probably best for us to keep as wide berth as we can of that cursed city, but we must also rest, we have expanded alot of ourselves already so if anyone knows of anywere near the mushroom Forrest we could be safe maby that should be our first option?"
After delivering the killing blow, Vic saunters back towards Ed.
Well, that was fun.
He then addresses the group.
We need to be more decisive and move quickly. I understand the need for rest, but staying in one place too long will get us killed right after we have found our freedom. I agree we should steer clear of settlements. Let us find a resting spot nearby. Khaz, Topsy, Ed, can you get us moving?
"Can we try to stop by the village? I would very much like to not be walking around in this rag for much longer. Hopefully we can trade some of the equipment we aren't using for some supplies as well."
"Moving is wise. Its not hard for our captors to figure where we landed."
There are plenty of little nooks and crannies in the caverns where you might take a short rest. Those with survival proficiency might advise against resting near the water however, as they are typically high traffic areas.
"By the way, have any of you ever heard of 'The Faceless Lord'? When I landed in the water I thought I heard something saying we were food for it or something. Very discomforting..."
"If we go north, will we get to Blingdenstone before the drow city? I would very much like to not be captured again. If anyone wants to cary the light source they can, otherwise I'll hold it. I can only keep one going at once you see."
Before setting off, Froog finds a longer piece of the glowing moss and drapes it around his neck.
After filing a mental note that Cade may be losing it, Gael moved up and started scanning the area with the dwarf, "I also prefer to stay away from the drow city."
He tried to get his bearings, "How about we head to the gnome village first, recover fully, and then make a choice?"
--------------
Shuushar offers "Both are on the shore of Darklake. If we could get some boats...and find the lake..."
Gael, you trust the kuo-toa because of your past experiences down here and would likely support Shuushar's option. You recognize this area being near Darklake, where you were once lost. Sloobludop is somewhere very close to the west.
Khaz, the raids you've executed in the past were based out of Gauntlgrym far to the west, nearly 400 miles. If you are correct, you are below the east coast of the Evermoors (up on the surface). This region is known as the Middledark, and nearly all dwarves are at least partially aware of Gracklstugh...one of the main derro enclaves. It is on the west coast of Darklake...Buppido might know more, but he is unconscious. There's no such thing as a well-known route in the Underdark, even for an experienced delver...but you are sure you could navigate to Gracklstugh from here, having done so before.
Neither of you are aware of a way to get to Blingdenstone without passing through Menzoberranzan.
Froog, you think it might refer to the Demon Lord Juiblex, who purveys over oozes and all shapeless things...
"Look I have been in caves before but surely never this deep. If we stand here the drow will likely come because gravity took us in a predictable direction. Resting might help. But we should get some distance and hide. We can figure best courses of action from there." Cade iterates the point in Common and Undercommon.
There are plenty of little nooks and crannies in the caverns where you might take a short rest.
Cade leads the party down from the water hole a ways before ducking into a small collapsed crystal mass. With voices drawn and threats out of sight, you gather your thoughts over the next hour.
”Well. We’re well and truly screwed. The path I know best, it be dangerous. It takes us towards Gracklstugh. That be bad. Deurgar an’ drow territory. I know it ‘cause I raided there before. The good news be that those buggers hate the drow too, so if we get there we’ll be somewhat safe from drow pursuers. An’ the locals will hopefully not know o’ our trespass. An’ if we can sneak by there, we can make the routes I know back towards friendly lines, or the surface....
...or we can strike blindly somewhere else. Probably end up eaten by an umber hulk or somesuch. Or get lost, there be few exits an’ most be guarded well. But I know that me route nay be the most pleasurable jaunt.”
"If the Kao Toa city will trade with us and not kill us. That seems a good place to recoup and resupply."
Shuushar offers "Both are on the shore of Darklake. If we could get some boats...and find the lake..."
Gael bowed his head, "I think you are correct wise-one."
He turned to his companions, "We could do a lot worse than to trust the kuo-toa. I think his advice is sound. We are near Darklake and Sloobludop is very close."
His voice lowered, "I know because I was once lost in this area."
Cade chuckles, "I'm still lost in this area."
"seems to be the general consensus is for us to go to this dark lake place, personally I can not really put much say into this discussion, I do not know this area well enough, but were ever yous go I will follow.... better then being lost alone down here" .
In the interest of needing to stick together, the lake sounds fine to me.
Day 1:
Full of anxiety and uncertainty, the latter days journey after your short rest in the alien and inhospitable world is tiring mentally. Every drip and howl in the darkness brings the specter of demons back to your mind. Rocky passages are sometimes covered in a slick mud, and at times crawling on your belly is required. Some may doubt the correct direction, but Gael and Khaz are confident in their memories, recognizing small details in the mineral stratigraphy others would never notice.
The natural caverns are not completely devoid of civilization. At times there are rotted barrels along the path, even the tracks of small vehicles. Still, you end the first day without encountering any others.
Taking turns at watch through the long rest, you are not yet free of the constant nightmares, now falling into a sea of putrid rotting octopi...and combined with the lack of any proper bedding its hard to feel refreshed.
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Khaz felt ill at ease. He didn’t like traveling with light. It felt like a beacon advertising their location to everyone and everything. He didn’t like the lack of discipline. In the Dwarven raids, everyone knew their place and what to do. These were strangers, both to him and the underdark. He didn’t like the lack of strong alcohol. He didn’t like the lack of a bed. He didn’t like fighting with some elven short sword, which felt like a child’s toy. Where was his axe? His hammer? Where was his warrior’s weapon?! He sighed to himself as he foraged for edible mushrooms. At least he wasn’t alone. Or being eaten by spiders. Or, gods help him, having to seduce his way out of a drow city. He had heard tales of drow women and their appetites. Just thinking about their long legs and smooth skin made him want to gag. The idea of what they would certainly want to do to him once they saw his majestic beard...he shuddered at the though, and felt renewed determination to make his way ha k to civilization. Or at the very least to die in heroic battle first!
Khaz felt ill at ease. He didn’t like traveling with light. It felt like a beacon advertising their location to everyone and everything. He didn’t like the lack of discipline. In the Dwarven raids, everyone knew their place and what to do. These were strangers, both to him and the underdark. He didn’t like the lack of strong alcohol. He didn’t like the lack of a bed. He didn’t like fighting with some elven short sword, which felt like a child’s toy. Where was his axe? His hammer? Where was his warrior’s weapon?! He sighed to himself as he foraged for edible mushrooms. At least he wasn’t alone. Or being eaten by spiders. Or, gods help him, having to seduce his way out of a drow city. He had heard tales of drow women and their appetites. Just thinking about their long legs and smooth skin made him want to gag. The idea of what they would certainly want to do to him once they saw his majestic beard...he shuddered at the though, and felt renewed determination to make his way ha k to civilization. Or at the very least to die in heroic battle first!
Cade is pleased to be with others and as uncomfortable as others are with the light it brings an obvious comfort to Cade. Each time his elbow or shin scrape stone he misses his clothes. Though he misses the clothes of the others all the more.
Wanting to pinch in and familiar with foraging in caves Cade helps with finding food and water.
At intersections Froog pauses to ask Lathander for guidance for him and the people more familiar to the caves and caverns. Every once in a while he talks to the others about faith before he gets shushed by Khaz. As they travel he attends to the wounded trying to make sure he is useful. Glad to finally find a place to rest, he tries to make a workable bed.
Edlethron was content. After decades of preparation, he was right where he wanted to be, in the Underdark. His maniacal smile had mellowed to a satiated grin. He knew the gods favored him. First, he discovers his cousin on day one. Then, the drow guard betrayed his kin within a few hours enabling escape. Then, a demon fight prevented pursuit. It was amazing luck... or destiny.
The wood elf randomly stopped and listened for the drow who he expected to be following the troop.
Gael took it in stride or so he thought. Having his magic back was comforting and he relished the opportunity to be the kuo-toa. he spent half his time peppering him with questions and the other half trying to make sure they remained in the correct path.
Not his first time in these environs, he liked to travel alone or at least with people used to the setting. Still, he slowed down his pace and made sure everyone was keeping up.
He turned to the halfling, "So where's your faith from? Do you formal training?"
------------------
Tired and sore from previous endeavours Kriv walks alongside Khaz.
"So friend, were did you learn to fight and how did the cursed drow managed to capture you?"
Khaz scratched at his beard at the question. ”Me pa taught me. ‘It’s a thing, bein’ born to a wanderin’ lay about whose only skills were swingin’ an axe an’ drainin’ a mug. Makes ye learn. As for how I got here. I was with the lads who took back Gauntlgrym. Found me a home. Was part o’ a scoutin’ party to get the lay o’ the land. Cant defend territory iffin’ ye don’t know it. I walked off to take a piss. Had me trousers down when there was this odd smell. Next thing I know, I see knife ears laughin’ at me. The buggers didnae e’en give me a chance for a fight. Nay idea how long I was out of how far they took me.” He sighed.
”How bout ye? What fool quest brought ye to the underdark?”
"I was tracking a bounty in the area and must of set camp near one of the entrances to this cursed place, I was setting my tent up for the night and next thing I know I am being pepper'd by bolts from all directions, never even saw the damned bastards."
The party does not lose its way (using Gael's roll)
Food and water are abundant, DC 10.
The party requires 15 lbs of food, 15 gallons of water.
Khaz gathers 6 lbs, 6 gallons.
Cade finds 5 lbs, 6 gallons.
Edlethron fails to find food/water.
Gael finds 4 lbs, 4 gallons.
Kriv finds 5 lbs, 4 gallons.
Surplus of 5 lbs, 5 gallons.
During the first day your main score is an outcropping of Barrelstalks. These are large cask shaped fungi that can be tapped like a barrel for the water within. Then, the flesh of the container can actually be eaten as well. You also come across a few Zurkhwood, a massive mushroom reaching 30 or 40 ft. It's fist-sized spores are edible yet tasteless, but it is also the primary source of timber in the Underdark. It might be worth it to gather some of its hard and woody stalks for crafting.
While listening for the former drow prisoner, Edlethron enjoys listening to his companions' stories. Since he does not want to offer his own story, he waits for others to volunteer.
Besides the Kuo-toan who is free and on his way home, the wood elf appears to be the happiest of the ragtag troop.
Along the way, Edlethron sidles up next to the Quaggoth and asks in Undercommon, "You’re a quoggoth, right? You behave very differently compared to those three beasts that initially pursued us? How are they so uncivilized, and you act quite noble?"
The quaggoth looks surprised someone talked to him. He is silent for a moment as he trudges along but finally laughs and responds, in elvish "I see your instincts can recognize one of your own. Indeed, I am Prince Derendil of the Elven Kingdom of Rucien-Xan."
Hearing this Khaz laughed. ”Think we be stupid? Yer a quaggoth! Ye’ll need to wake up earlier than that to fool this dwarf.”
Edlethron cocks his head wondering if he heard the Quaggoth correctly. It takes him a minute to decide how to react, the wood elf calmly replies in Elven, "Mae'n ddrwg gennyf. Dim ond y geiriau a ddywedais yr wyf yn eu deall, ac nid eu hystyr. Dywedasoch eich bod yn Dywysog tylwyth teg o wlad Rucien-Xan. Ble mae Rucien-Xan? A ydych chi mewn cuddio fel Quaggoth?"
He continues in the language of the elves "Though it pains me to speak of it, Rucien-Xan is within the Chondalwood...skirting the perimeter of ancient Nikerymath. I wish I were in disguise, but no...I have been cursed with this form by powerful polymorphing magics. I must return to the surface at all costs, my people need to know I'm safe."
Edlethron politely replies in Elven, "Well met, Prince Derendil. Several of our companions wish to return to the surface, so you can accompany them. Now, that I'm down here, I need to find my family who were abducted by the drow, too."
"How long have you been cursed and down here? How did you arrive in that slave pen with my cousin?"