Varis looked at the adventurers in front of him that he was about to trust with his life. Well they certainly look capable He thought to himself. "Before we plunge into the dark unknown, A drink!" Slapping a gold piece on the bar Varis shouted "Volo, a round of Shadowdark Ale for me and me new friends!"
After the last bitter swig of his ale went down, Varis excused himself "Just one more thing I need to take care of."
Searching the crowd for Threestrings Varis found him, greeting him with a large smile and extending his hand he said "Well it appears I will be descending into the depths after all. I can take those stones for you if you would like?"
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"Ah, of course." He hands you a small leather pouch. "Please be sure that they get to a woman by the name of Cal'al Claddani. She runs a tavern called the Flagon and the Dragon in Skullport. If you find yourself in need of a safe place to stay while in Skullport, or if you just need to lay low for a little while, inquire at Dalagor's Fortress, located on the uppermost level of Skullport. It is guarded by a dragonborn mage named Felrax. Tell him that Threestrings sent you. May the gods be with you, my friend."
Grabbing the small pouch Varis couldn't help but shake it to feel it's light weight. "Well thank you Threestrings that is very good information. How long will it take to get to Skullport? And is there any particular path I should take..." He pauses hesitantly "...or avoid for that matter?"
"So a cat is what you pick..eh it'll do" he says coming back with another ale in hand. As for hearing the utterance of another round he smiles and raises his glass.
"Til ljónanna í Fortune má leiðin okkar vera frjósöm og heilsa!" Ulgat says raising his Dwarven Stout before uttering the Dwarven word for cheers.
"SKUL" he says downing the thick black liquid before pulling it away and wiping his chin, despite the gross liquid running down his beard slightly staining it.
As the chorus of cheers goes up from around the bar, Elise sighs somewhat reluctantly. Well, guess we're committed now. How did that happen so fast?
Glancing over at Ulgat as Varis departs momentarily, Elise shrugs with a light grin "Eh, it's a pretty good name if you ask me." Raising her mug of ale as Ulgat toasted in his native tongue, Elise motioned the mug forward at the appropriate moment "Skul."
I hope that meant 'cheers'.
Looking in Fortinado and Kertak's direction, Elise sets her mug down "So, how are you too in a fight? Something tells me they'll be a fair bit of that down there."
"Well, I prefer patching up wounds to dealing them out," confesses Kertak. "But I hold no illusions as to the violence we will face. We live in a dangerous world and when it comes time to fight back, you can rely on me to stand my ground."
"Don't hesitate to ask me if you need any healing," he continues, turning to address the group as a whole. "Ilmater has blessed me by his touch and I have pledged myself to him in tending to the world's suffering."
"Well I'll be honest. I'm a bit frail, and not a great melee fighter, and can't really take much damage, but I blow up crap and I know things. Seriously, I've got a few tricks up my sleeve if the going gets tough".
Looking over at the hole in the ground Varis suddenly had an idea. He looked around for the adventurers that had emerged earlier in the evening. He wanted to find the blue skinned elf, who’s beauty had captured his attention earlier. Easily spotting her amongst the much less attractive patrons of the bar Varis approached putting on his best smile. ”Well hello there. You look way too good to have been stuck under ground for anything more than a day.”
“So... I was wondering. We are heading down to level three ourselves. I was curious how long it took the three of you to get there? What did you encounter along the way that we should watch out for? I would love to stay alive just to make sure I see you again” He said with a sly grin.
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"Jalithe," the elf offers a slender hand, "And you flatter me, good sir. Mister...? Strangely enough, we saw very little on the first level, aside from a few bugbears and goblins, and the second level is contested ground. There is a gang war going on down there. But on the third level, we encountered drow elves." Her face darkens and her eyes narrow. "They ambushed us before we could even reach Skullport. We ran for the surface and didn't look back."
Varis feels his mouth drop a litte, "Oh my... I seem to have forgotten my manners. Varis, Varis Martel. A pleasure to meet you my lady." Varis extended his hand gently to greet the exotic elf. Sounds like a typical dirty Drow Elf like tactic; to not face your opponent head on." Varis thinks to himself however that he would do the exact same thing. "I am just glad you survived. Do you mind me asking if you remember anything about the spot they ambushed you? Any identifying mark may help us survive such an encounter and turn things to our favour. I was also curious if you had any business in Skullport that you were trying to achieve that we could assist with? The bard over there has already contracted out our services to head to Skullport. Besides if might also be an excuse to see you again when we surface."
“Ruins is it? Well I wont keep you any longer. I am sure after your travels you deserve some well needed rest. I appreciate all that you have shared with me and I certainly hope to see you again some day.”. Varis bowed gracefully and returned to his new formed party. ”Everyone set? I managed to find out the first two levels of this place aren’t too much trouble. The Drow of which they spoke ambushed them in some ruins on the third level so we should be cautious.”. Varis paused as if in thought and then continued ” I also procured some stones the local bard wanted delivered to a friend. However now that I think of it he had agreed to pay me with information that I never got. Be right back.”
"Should've brought my wife she'd make yer bard friend t' talk. Shes' got a way with words and a head for business, me I got the strong arm and back with some talent to swing a hammer and brew a beer!" he says chuckling as he drinks a bit more.
Nodding at Varis as he explains what he learned of the dungeon, Elise appears resolved "Well then, I guess no time like the present. When you return Varis, we'll be on our way." Looking over towards Durnan, Elise makes a short nod indicating we're ready.
Glancing back at the others, Elise smiles and adds "Last chance to back out, otherwise, down we go..." pausing a moment, Elise rolls her eyes and lets out a short terse laugh "heh, maybe not the best choice of words. Nevermind, let's have it then." Turning on her heels, Elise grabs her pack and makes her way towards the yawning portal.
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Threestrings smiles at your return. "Back for what I promised are you? Very well. I have three bits of information to share. First, the Undermount is full of magical gateways. Each goes to a different place and each is activated by a different means. Most lead to other levels, but some will take you to other places in the Realms, or even to other planes! Many may not be entered by those not prepared for where they lead, though I know not how this is determined.
"Second is the rumor that the master of Undermountain, the mad mage Halaster, yet lives, along with many of his apprentices. If this is true, he would be hundreds of years old!
"Finally, a bit of fact for you. If you find yourself in need of a friend or safe harbor, seek out Dalagor's Fortress on the middle level of Skullport and tell the dragonborn Felrax that I sent you. He will provide a welcome respite for you. The conditions are not luxurious, but you will be safe with him.
"May the gods go with you, my friend."
Fornitado is not anxious to be one of the first down, and makes an effort to look busy doing something else until a couple of others have made the trip down. After three others have went down, however he's eager to be next. He waves his hat at the patrons of the bar as he descends.
"Tally HO!".
Kertak presents himself at the entrance to the dungeon. It's been a while since he last ventured forth into true danger and although he feels the rush of adrenaline and excitement of joining a new group he can't ignore the tales he's heard of similar parties disappearing without a trace.
"We need to work together," he says to Varis, intinctively thinking of the half-elf as the leader of the group. "Might I suggest Ulgat and Elise take the lead? With you and Fornitado next? I'm happy to bring up the rear and keep an eye behind us. Make sure nothing surprises us from there."
Shaking Threefingers hand Varis said "Thank you Threefingers, much appreciated. May the gods be with us indeed, especially if the mad mage does indeed still live."
Returning to the newly formed group of adventurers Varis began "Well, I believe we are ready at last. Three fingers mentioned the Undermountain is filled with Portals leading both deeper into the dungeon as well as other planes and locations. So we should be prepared to be anywhere at any time. Rumor also has it that the Mad Mage that created this place also still lives. Seems a little far fetched to me, perhaps it's just a rumor started to inspire fear. Never the less, we should be prepared for the worst." Varis began securing his gear, prepping for the descent into the dark. Looking at Kertak, Varis said "Agreed, formation would be important on such an endeavor, and Myself and Fornitado are the most vulnerable. It would make the most sense to arrange ourselves in such an order. I can remain well hidden though, so I will most likely be scouting ahead to ensure we are not caught unaware." Taking a deep breath Varis continued, "Alright Lions.. let's find our fortunes!"
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At the bottom of the Yawning Portal entry well is a dark, 40-foot-square room with a layer of sand covering the floor. The graffiti-covered walls are adorned with dented, rusty shields, also covered with graffiti. The only exit appears to be a tunnel that leads south before bending west. No sounds come from the passage.
"Just remember no flinging artillery at me back or I'll have to return the favor later. I hope ye' know what t' do when an enemy throws a spell our way in formation and any of ye good at spottn' traps?" He says generally, seeming comfortable underground.
Moving to the rear of the group, Kertak murmurs a soft prayer to Ilmater and his shield begins to glow. The sandy chamber filling with a cool, slightly bluish light.
”No fear, Ulgat. I’ll be sure to choose my targets carefully when things get crowded.”
“Looks like there’s not much choice,” he continues to the rest of the group, indicating the passage to the Southwest. “Unless anyone wants to dig around here for a bit? I can’t imagine there’s anything of interest in such a busy thoroughfare.”
Although not expecting much, Kertak looks around idly at the graffiti on the walls, in case anything leaps out at him.
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The graffiti is in a variety of languages. Most appear to be names and dates, though there are several messages as well. On the lower west section of the north wall is etched:
On the western wall:
with a second piece of writing below it:
Another note:
In big bold letters someone has written in blood:
In the northeastern corner someone has scratched:
On the western side you find another:
On the eastern wall, near the floor:
On the eastern side of the room, near the floor someone has written:
Below it, in a different hand:
On the western wall someone has painted:
Someone has carved:
Across the archway leading to the south someone has burned a message with a torch that reads:
Someone has painted over two of the words in blood in Common, replacing them with 'ruin' and 'horrors'.
There must be at least a hundred shields here, of a mix of sizes, from little bucklers, to tower shields. Most look to have been made of wood, and most of them are in poor condition as a result. A few are made of metal, but they appear to be rusting heavily for the most part.
The symbols on the shields vary dramatically. With a quick glance around the room, you see shields depicting a number of holy symbols, such as an upward facing silver gauntlet with an eye in the center on a tower shield that looks like it's been here for ages.
A large wooden shield that has been painted gold, although the paint is fading and peeling now, which looks to depicting a sunrise.
Below it is a smaller wooden shield, in fair condition, depicting a green leaf.
On the north wall is an oval-shaped rusting metal shield where someone has painted red with a flaming sword in the center.
It looks to have been hacked at by axes and slashed with swords many times, and someone has written a message on it.
Another shield, a beat up, square, bronze one, has a similar symbol, only it depicts a double-headed ax instead.
On the north wall, you see a riven brass shield, pitted here and there with weak, crumbling areas, which looks worthless. Someone has written 'Nimraith' across it in cold Common letters.
Moving about the room, Elise read the messages that she could understand that were written in Chondathan. Stopping before the southern archway, Elise crossed her arms and read the final message out loud "This way to ruins and horror." Folding her arms across her chest, Elise let out a short terse laugh "Hah! Well, rather ominous and cryptic, aren't they?"
Making another sweep, Elise stops and crouches down in front of the tower shield with the gauntlet painted on it. Making a quick sign, Elise whispers a quick blessing "May you rest peacefully brothers, having died in protection of others." Glancing over her shoulder, Elise adds "This one is from my sect, followers of Helm. Looks like it's been here for ages though."
Varis sprung off the rope his companions used to get below and his Elven eyes quickly adjusted to the dim lighting. The graffiti on the walls was unusual but the weapons and armor strewn on the floor was disheartening. Looking at the shields and recognizing the religious symbols Varis said "Well... that makes me hopeful. I don't see any shields bearing the symbol of Oghma. Perhaps he protects his followers who venture into the depths, which is more than I can say the rest of these poor souls." Varis looked sheepishly at Elise "Sorry, just calling it as I see it."
Reading the Dwarves and Elves arguing back and forth with their comments Varis couldn't help but let out a chuckle.
Barely paying any attention to the holy symbols, Kertak frowns slightly as he struggles to read those fragments of graffiti written in common. Having learned to read only recently, his fingers trace the letters, his lips silently moving as he recalls the words. After a few minutes, he forms up ready to follow the party into the dungeon.
“Ominous and cryptic. Yes. Still...we knew there was ruin and horror before we came down. With luck we’ll have more helpful warnings to leave on the way back out.”
"So people have entered and not left, not all battles you walk away from and those you do you never walk away without some form of wound. I say we press on, gots money to collect and a wife and daughter to waiting for me."Ulgat says pointing to the acid pocked scars on his face.
"So who is good with traps again, cause I don't feel like being crushed, impaled or poisoned do to a trap"
Religion
"Most of these are from common religions, thought this one is a bit weird, like it's from somewhere else. And what I can read of these scrawl seem to be warnings, observations, and graffiti".
Fornitado walks about the room seeing if anything else stands out.
"From the tales I've heard of this place, I'm not sure how much of these scrawlings are applicable now".
Investigation
"Well, I can often spot traps well enough," he says to Ulgat as Fornitado completes his search. "But there isn't a whole lot I can actually do about them once I see them. I think it's best I remain back here. Especially if there's secret passages about, who knows when we may be jumped from behind."
"Varis? Do your scouting skills include the ability to deal with any traps we might run across?"
Running his hands along the smooth wall with the graffiti scribed on it. "Well these words do not lie, there is a secret door here, however there appears to be no way to open it that I can see."
Turning to Kertak Varis added "I do posses a delicate touch that may indeed allow me to disable the most difficult of traps."
"Now allow me to look ahead and ensure we are not taken unaware." Before anyone can object Varis slips into the shadows and proceeds down the hall.
Ulgat moves forward his shield out and his other hand holding his axe.
"I wonder how far udder fools made it?"
Once the others make their way forward, Fornitado follows trying to stay in the middle of the group... as he's the most squishy.
Perception
Drawing forward her shield and sword, Elise looks over her shoulder and nods at the others as she moves to the edge of the light. "Guess we're going to find out Ulgat. Alright, let's catch up with Varis then."
Kertak falls into place at the rear of the group. Trusting his companions to alert him to any danger before them, he devotes a lot of effort to watching back the way they've come.
We couldn't open that passage from this side. Who's to say what might be lurking behind it, waiting to stalk us until an opportune time.
Seeing that the hall is clear Varis turns back towards the party and points in the general direction of Ulgat.
"Coast is clear in this first hallway. Oh... ya... Sorry Ulgat. You are the only one that can hear this but I am inside your head. Get used to it! Feel free to whisper back I'll be able to hear you."
Ulgat can hear Varis clearly whispering inside his head as though Varis was standing next to him.
Varis continues down the hall to the next room.
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Every 10-foot section of wall in this 20-foot wide corridor has a 9-foot-high, 4-foot-wide, 3-inch-deep door-shaped recess containing a bas-relief carving of a hideous monster, each different from the last. The skeleton of a humanoid with the head of a bird lies on the floor, one of its thin arms pointing toward a bas-relief on the south wall.
The carvings are, from nearest to farthest on the north wall:
A great winged humanoid with demonic features that wields a whip and a sword.
A hulking, 8-foot tall orangutan with drooping features and tusks jutting from its jaw.
An unholy blending of humanoid and fly, this creature stands on four spindly legs and leers out from an all-too-human face.
A gorilla-like form with elongated ears and a vaguely canine face.
A monstrous four-armed humanoid with canine features. It's upper pair of arms end in great lobster claws.
This creature resembles a disfigured minotaur.
A beast that looks like a humanoid frog with demonic features.
On the south wall:
Nearest you is a formless being that seems to be little more than a column with tentacles and a single eye.
A hideous winged monstrosity that looks like a long-necked raven gone mad.
A horned, winged, long-armed figure whose lower body fades into nothingness.
A tiny, fiendish-looking humanoid with a horned head and wide-staring eyes.
A creature that resembles nothing so much as a great humanoid warthog. It has tiny wings that seem too frail to carry its great bulk.
A six-armed being, decidedly female, each arm holding a scimitar, with a snake-like lower body.
Varis notices his mouth is agape and the saliva in his mouth dry up. He can hear his heartbeat in his ears as the uncertainty of this place begins to make him nervous. The sculptures put him even more on edge in the darkness.
First Varis looks about the room for any signs of life or movement.
If he feels confident there is nothing nearby he will start to look around for traps and begin to investigate the statues. Paying particular attention to the sculpture in the bas-relief that the skeleton is pointing to.
Varis again pointed towards the party knowing Ulgat was in that direction. “You can lead everyone in, no hostiles or traps that I can see. Just a bunch of creepy statues and I believe I have just found a hidden passage. This place is full of surprises.”
Before opening the secret door Varis waited for the others.
Kertak follows at the rear of the group, continually checking behind them to be sure they're not being followed.
"It seems too me if you've found a concealed passage, we should go that way. One can only surmise that this entrance is well known and well travelled. I'll feel safer once we get free of the major thoroughfares." Smiling almost apologetically, he immediately corrects himself.
"Well, safe isn't the right word. A little better defended, maybe."
"Hidden Passage you say" he says coming over to look in that direction."Let's open it, you ne'r know could be a hidd'n place for gold!"
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The secret door opens to reveal an empty 10-foot-square cubicle with a 5-foot-wide tunnel of rough-hewn stone leading away from it. The tunnel descends slightly until it reaches a room that smells like a sewer. The room contains the following features. The floor of the room tilts--its west end is 6 feet lower than its east end. Foul sewer water covers the floor, barely reaching the east wall but deepening by 1 foot for every 10 feet of travel westward. A wide alcove in the north wall contains a life-size statue of a nightmarish creature, submerged up to its chest in sewer water. The statue emits a dim purple radiance, its head is completely turned around, and one of its arms has broken off and is nowhere to be seen. The creature appears to be some sort of fish-humanoid fusion, with wide, staring eyes, webbed and clawed hands, and scaly skin.
The pungent smell of the room assaults Varis' nostril's immediately. "Oh dear" He mumbled under his breath as he covers his nose and mouth with his hand. Trying not to gag Varis focused his attention on the Statue and the purple hue surrounding it.
"Well, does anyone that doesn't care what their clothes smell like want to get closer to that statue and inspect it? A word of caution though, Threefingers mentioned that this place is full of magical gateways which all lead to different places. Could be further inside this dungeon or it could be another plane completely. This has the potential to be something of that nature. So if anyone doesn't like the look of that thing, speak now and we can just leave." Varis said pointing to the statue.
"Stop yer whining, get yerself a bread, and put oils in yer mustache forever pleasant smells!"he chuckles as he looks to the others.
"Yer call I be muscle, just point and I'll bury me axe in it"
Wrinkling his nose, Kertak makes his way to the front of the group before giving them a rueful smile.
"Well, if smelling bad is the worst thing I take away from Undermountain, I'll consider myself lucky. I'll see if I can see anything odd about the statue. Keep an eye out for anything moving under the water!"
Keeping close to the north wall, Kertak pushes forward into the mucky water to get a close look at the statue and around the corner.
Elise makes an exaggerated look of disgust as they enter the passageway. Glancing over at Kertak with a rueful grin, she adds "Of course you're right, but be that as it may, I'd rather not come back smelling of an open sewer if it can be avoided." Nodding as he explains his plan, Elise draws her sword "In the event that something is lurking in there, I'll charge in after you to help... smell or no smell."
Almost reflexively Fornitado call forth a magic bolt of force, and sends it at the threatening appendage.
Magic Missile
"Ah! Beware! What is that thing.
Knowledge: Just about anything.