"Well I don't think we normally go through that scary temple... it was just because of the tunnel collapse." Stool looks uncomfortably at Glabagool. "I'm sorry... it's just so hard for me to think of something as strange as an ooze being... alive..."
"I was thinking the same thing... about both of us!"
The tunnel opens up into a strange place, subtly illuminated in different colors. It is oddly alien but serenely beautiful. Your tunnel exits out of the wall above the floor of Neverlight Grove providing you with a panoramic view of everything, ceiling and floor included. Mushroom forest covers every surface including the ceiling — and illuminates the darkness with brilliantly colorful bioluminescent patterns.
On the other side of this exotic forest, the cavern narrows into a ravine. In a cavern beyond the ravine, a glimpse of a majestic mushroom tower can be seen, although the poor light and a rising mist makes it impossible to discern its details.
"We should probably climb down to the floor..."
Which won't be exactly easy. It's a rough wall that descends 80 feet down to the floor of the massive cavern.
When it is her turn she tries to climb down to the floor.
As a bonus action she will provide Bardic Inspiration to one of the more frail looking teammates..
"Well let's get down there then.."
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After they get out of the waters, Galenus takes an inventory of his equipment.
Soggy papers, a wet violin that could easily be damaged - he'd have to work on that - a wet spellbook (that might be a problem). His chainmail would get rusted if he didn't do anything about it.
But worst of all was the soggy cigars. He stared down at them with a growing depression.
His racoons cuddles up in his lap, trying to comfort him. It works. A little bit.
After a deep sigh, he looked up at everyone else. Well, we best get to work repairing all our equipment. Anyone got anything that's broken? I can Mend it. Idril; you've got some tricks to help clean things, right? We'll need to get everyone's armor clean and polished to be in good working shape.
My own armor is severely damaged, almost to the point of breaking; I hope my own repairs will work. Then oozes were a right hazard for my stuff, not to mention my life!
As they travel, Galenus works on trying to repair his violin. Sure, the mend spell fixed the crack from when he slammed against the wall trying to swim up as a giant, and sure, Idril's prestidigitation helped re-wax the bow - but there was just something about the personal touch that made him feel like he was accomplishing something.
When they came to a rest, he gave it a try, drawing out slow, sad melodies that echoed down the caves. The effect created a haunting sound that contrasted perfectly to Idril's voice.
Galenus watches Idril free climb down in a mix of amazement and horror. When she reaches the bottom, he says, Alright. Let's set up some rope and get down safely, shall we? We've got plenty of it.
I can brew up something that'll help; will take me about twenty minutes.
There's fifteen of us that need to get down. Idril can be our ground crew down below. We've got plenty of rope, so we can tie up a repelling system. Cyrus, can you work on that? It'll likely take you about as much time as my brewing.
With the brew, that will cover three people - my two and Cyrus, since he somehow literally sticks to walls - how do you do that, anyways?
We'll need someone to carry Stool. That's five people down.
Everyone else can take the ropes down, and the last one down can free climb and carry the rope. I can also carve out some handholds, if you think that will help.
Glabagool will be our biggest challenge. Anyone have any ideas?
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In answer, Glabbagool slides off the edge of the tunnel and falls, slamming into the ground in a puddle of ooze. But the puddle reforms itself and you hear "Well that hurt but wasn't so bad."
"I will wait for the ropes, but cover with a bow until then."
"I can jus' carry the lot of ya a few at a time wit me lizard." Cyrus suggests.
Indeed it doesn't take long for Cyrus to ferry everyone down on his lizard. You walk around a large lake deeper into the cavern and find a strange mushroom forest. Pale cream and beige stalks grow thick and tall, resembling a surface world forest. Fungi grow in profusion everywhere, and it’s hard to find anything resembling a path between them. The giant caps of zurkhwood mushrooms obscure your view of the cavern’s ceiling, but luminescent fungi there give off a shimmering aura. With each step taken on the soggy ground, a rank scent of decay rises around you.
A circular mound stands on the edge of this fungal forest. You see something moving and notice a tall myconid. Stool rushes forward "I'm home, I'm home!" There's a burst of spores in the air and soon you can hear the conversation. "Welcome home, Stool" a slow, cautious voice replies. The myconid turns to you. "And welcome, visitors."
Woah. Now this is a beautiful place. Galenus says, aloud.
Welcome home, Stool. Galenus thinks to the little guy with genuine happiness for him. And thank you, he thinks towards whichever one it was that welcomed them here.
The tall myconid bends its arm-like appendages forward and backward.
This gesture is equivalent to a bow. You've seen Stool do something like this from time to time and you're able to piece together the meaning.
"I am pleased to see that you have helped Stool return. Do you wish to be friends to the myconids? There are some troubling creatures nearby that should be hastened along in their cycle. We would appreciate any help with them and would be able to repay you in some fashion."
"I think I speak for the rest of us in saying that we would love to have some friends! There are very few friendly creatures in the Underdark.. My name is Irdril, what's yours? And what other information do you have about these troubling creatures?"
That sounds good to me! Maybe we can take a few days to rest up, too! It'd be nice to finally have a spot where we can't be followed!
The Goblin sighs and mutters. "We jus' got here an already we be put to work."
"I am Loobamub. You are well-met as well. The creatures which trouble us are two separate. One is a mound, as of earth, but it saps the nutrients from our soil. The other is a worm-like monster with tentacles around its beak-like mouth. It has grown stronger than the others of its kind and too dominant."
The first creature sounds like a shambling mound.
The second creature sounds like a grick alpha.
That first one sounds like a shambling mound. Tough little buggers. Don't use lightning on them,but fire works wonders. Ain't never heard of that second one, though.
Do you know where these creatures are located? It's better we get rid of them now while we still can. And then perhaps a rest afterwards. Do you have cooked and hot meals here? I could certainly use something hot in my belly. What about cigars? Do you have hose or any fine smokables?
Loobamub points in toward a hill some distance away in the mushroom forest. "The mound is generally found in that direction. The other is found near the north end of the lake. I am unsure of what things you speak of. What is 'cooked', 'cigars', 'hose', and 'smokables'? And though I do not know why our food would be hot, fear not. It is not. You will not be burned."
at +3..
Could you provide us with some sort of guide so we don't get lost? I think we should be able to help you out with your problem, but would you mind if we get some rest first?
Loobamub twists his whole body back and forth.
This seems equivalent to a nod.
"I will accompany you and show you where the creatures are, if you wish."
Thank you. We will take you on your offer to accompany us. However, as some of my companions wish to rest, I think we should do that first. Unless the elimination of these creatures extremely urgent and will save lives.
Galinndan bows as a return gesture.
"Stool has been a stalwart ally and a friend. I am glad that we could help him return home."
"I know nothing of these creatures, bar what I have just heard. I would rest first, then challenge them regardless."
Gallindrin, if you're still feeling some lingering pain, I've got some healing potions you can use. Here's two of them.
"Which one be closer to us now?" Cyrus asks mentally.
"I'm ready whenever.."
"Cheers Galenus. Those will help."
Galinndan wastes no time in downing one potion...
...and then the other.
"I am ready to face what awaits."
Loobamub nods to Cyrus, hearing the question through the goblin's mind "The one he calls a 'mound' is closer right now. Shall I lead you to it now?"
"Let us hunt this mound."
I'm good to go!
Loobamub emotes agreement "Indeed. I will lead you to the area it often resides in." He leads you over the soft ground of the fungal forest until you reach an area with a small pool of water set in the ground surrounded by odd hills. "The mound has been seen in this area. I must return to my labors."
Galinndan keeps his blades in hand, makes a motion to the north and then moving anti-clockwise.
He then begins to quietly move north, seeking cover and concealment. His plan is to circle around the chamber anti-clockwise. Slowly and carefully, while seeking tracks or signs of movement.
You are also adept at evading creatures that
rely on darkvision. Such creatures gain no
benefit when attempting to detect you in dark
and dim conditions. Additionally, when the DM
determines if you can hide from a creature, that
creature gains no benefit from its darkvision.
Knowing he's not stealthy, Galenus decides to go straight down the middle, hopefully drawing the attention of the mound while his allies sneak around the sides.
Still, he tries not to be overly loud.
As he walks, he keeps an eye out for the thing.
Galinndan moves quietly through the fungal glade while Galenus isn't too loud either. Then the elf notices strange furrows that lead to an usual-looking mass of plants that seems to be moving slightly. He recognizes it as the dangerous creature they came to find!
Galinndan focuses on tracking the movements of the creature, now that he can see it.
Galinndan draws his bow and looses an arrow from his current position.
Cyrus takes aim at the shambling mound from a safe distance.
Irdril blasts at it from a distance as well..
Galenus scrambles to pull out one of his bottles, and quickly mixes a concoction to throw - the contents igniting upon exposure to atmosphere.
Remember, fire hurts it!
Galinndan and Cyrus land nice shots while Irdril misses. Galenus hits the creature with fire but the great quantities of earth mixed throughout its body seem to reduce the effectiveness of his flames.
Kanzen skirts out to his left, drawing his bow and nocking an arrow as he does. He lets loose the missile, aiming for the centre of the creature's bulk.
Galinndan fires into the mound as does Cyrus. Their shots seem fairly effective. Irdril and Kanzen miss the creature while Eddrikk moves into position to be useful. Galenus hits the shambling mound with fire but it doesn't seem very effective.
Like a well-oiled machine of teamwork, everyone surges to continue seizing their advantage, attacking the enemy again quickly. Everyone, that is, except Galenus, who is no doubt thinking about how to make a solvent that dissolves locks.
Galinndan takes heart from his companion's effectiveness, and continue launching arrows at the mass of pugilistic earth.
Cyrus fires again as the group continues their ambush.
Irdril moves up a bit into range and fires a pair of spells at the creature.
But is apparently rusty from a few days without battle..
Kanzen closes slowly, cautiously, taking up a position at Galinndan's elbow and calling out for Eilistraee's aid.