Dungeon Level 1
Two days ago, on the 10th day of Blossomtide, something unexpected happened at the Yawning Portal, and the famous well that serves as the entry point to the even more famous dungeon is now only working in one direction -- out.
For the last couple days, the only way to gain access to Undermountain is via a haphazardly installed teleportation portal. Something previously not possible.
Two small groups of intrepid individuals have tested this teleportation portal so far, and only (part of) one of them has managed to return to the surface. Via the well, confirming it is still operational as an exit. The returning group did report the entry via teleportation was unreliable. Yes, they all ended up on the first level of the famed dungeon, but the group, upon being teleported, was split into two with half the party ending up in one area and the other someplace else (thankfully nearby).
There's risk.
The six of you arrive at the Yawning Portal at roughly the same time, and are assigned to the same group.
And you're up!
Stepping onto the arcane teleportation circle with a roughly 10-foot diameter, the half dozen of you squeeze into the area. A few moments later, the portal circle illuminates with a flash. The light pulses.
Sleeping in light armor has no adverse effect on the wearer, but sleeping in medium or heavy armor makes it difficult to recover fully during a long rest.
When you finish a long rest during which you slept in medium or heavy armor, you regain only one quarter of your spent Hit Dice (minimum of one die). If you have any levels of exhaustion, the rest doesn’t reduce your exhaustion level.
If it wasn't for the tight positioning everyone was standing in when the teleportation process began, Lika and Nella probably couldn't tell whether their eyes had recovered from the intense flash of light moments earlier, or whether they're not standing in near total darkness.
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Only the faintest hints of shadows outlining those standing next to you answer that question.
Everything is dark.
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Actions?
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Date: 12 Blossomtide 584 Time: 15:00
Light Sources: None Spells in Effect: None Known Conditions: None
Sleeping in light armor has no adverse effect on the wearer, but sleeping in medium or heavy armor makes it difficult to recover fully during a long rest.
When you finish a long rest during which you slept in medium or heavy armor, you regain only one quarter of your spent Hit Dice (minimum of one die). If you have any levels of exhaustion, the rest doesn’t reduce your exhaustion level.
It takes a moment, but your eyes do begin to gradually recover from intense flash.
As you struggle to find your orientation, you realize that all six of you find yourselves standing in the corner of a 10-foot wide, L-shaped hallway with its branches extending south and east.
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It is dark.
The passage east appears to open into an open chamber in roughly 60-feet.
The passage south continues beyond the range of even Jacxor's enhanced darkvision. Two side branches, both turning back east, can be seen; the first of the two is almost immediately upon you, and Xanlanan backs up a step to avoid being at its entrance. An alcove is seen on the right hand side of this first side passage. No details can be seen about the second passage which opens up after maybe 50-feet.
You can see Lika and Nella begin to reach out tentatively with their arms, looking to make contact... with anything. The pair are clearly struggling to see in the darkness.
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Actions?
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Date: 12 Blossomtide 584 Time: 15:00
Light Sources: None Spells in Effect: None Known Conditions: None
Sleeping in light armor has no adverse effect on the wearer, but sleeping in medium or heavy armor makes it difficult to recover fully during a long rest.
When you finish a long rest during which you slept in medium or heavy armor, you regain only one quarter of your spent Hit Dice (minimum of one die). If you have any levels of exhaustion, the rest doesn’t reduce your exhaustion level.
"Just like them, activating a portal before one is ready," says The Baronness Nella in a droll tone. She takes a moment to spark and ignite the bullseye lantern she was holding in her hand, prepared to go underground. Growing into illumination, the finely-crafted polished mirrors of the lantern cast their glow quite far - it is a fine piece of equipment. 60ft full light, 60 more feet dim light, lasts six hours.
"Yes, that is better," she states primly, quickly counting the others to confirm all six are present, then looks over her outfit. She straightens the collar on her blouse and the lay of her embroidered capelet and skirts. She tugs the fabric of her bodice, then nods, satisfied. She wears a sheathed ornate longsword, longbow, and a pack which oddly enough has a wooden easel tied upon its side, but with her amount of visible skin has nothing approximating armor in any way. "Now then, as our lives are in each other's hands... who are you all?" She quirks one eyebrow and looks around expectantly.
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Nella politely holds the lantern lower, aiding Unari with its light as she lights a candle. "Thank you. It is good to have another swordswoman on this venture," she smiles to the halfling.
Her eyes regard each of the other four waiting upon introductions -- an elf, half-elf, birdman, and bugbear -- betraying no prejudice or disrespect. All men otherwise, she thinks, though she lingers uncertainly upon the birdman.
A flash and then nothing. Wait. People nearby, I can feel them. Breathing, shifting. Why don't they speak? And why did my patron insist that I venture underground!?
Lika reaches all around, touches wall, and orients himself. Just then, a woman speaks just next to him and he turns to face her in the dark. Oh. The voice is familiar, one of the group he went into the portal with.
He's about to pull out his lantern when the nearby woman ignites hers in a painful flash of light. "Thank you."
As the lantern light passes over his body, his green face and chest feathers sparkle with a jewel-like radiance. His wings cast a monstrous shadow upon the wall. "I am Pilikia liʻiliʻi." The name comes out as a song, punctuated with slight chirps. "But mammals may call me Lika, most don't have the linguistic capabilities to pronounce it properly." He cocks his head to to the side, appraising the well-dressed lady. "And who do I have the pleasure of walking around in the dark with?"
She nods politely to the bird at the appropriate introduction, judging gender incorrectly from the linguistic cues. Lika. A female bird, then. It is something, she thinks.
"It is a pleasure, Lika. With a bit of luck we shall all survive our acquaintance to return up the well with newfound knowledge of the mysteries found here, yes?" she asks with an encouraging smile. Holding the lantern a smidge higher, she responds as prompted. "I am the Baronness Nella, or the Honorable Lady Ghent, should you prefer. At least that is the styling of such things in Tashluta; it is intriguing to find here the Lords being masked and other nonesuch." She looks around at the others. "I am here to map and record the mysteries of this place, which have remained shrouded for a conspicuously long time. Though I expect an artist's eye will be of greatest use in this, you will also find me well schooled both as swordswoman and physician. To harm and also to heal, as it were, being the true provenance of title."
With a finger rooting around in a nostril, the bugbear grunts as he inspects whatever is on it when removed. Wiping his finger on his armor, he speaks in a deep, gravelly voice. Gruuthuk. He eyes the drow and the halfling suspiciously, as he was unable to see them until the light came on, even though he could see the other three. I'm here to find treasure and get rich. He holds his hand out for anyone to shake should they wish.
Sometimes this summer I will most likely be participating in another 24 hour game of Dungeons & Dragons as part of Extra Life. This organization uses gaming to help raise money to donate to children's hospitals. I'm raising money for Marshfield Children's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, and all money I raise will go to that hospital. All donations are tax-deductible. Please take a moment to check out my donation page below. Thank you.
Xanlanan seems to have little difficulty in the initial darkness as he examines the walls of their initial landing area. "Fascinating!" He remains focused as he runs his fingers over the cuts and corners of the stonework. He finally takes notice that some of the group struggle in the darkness. He prepares to lend magical aide to the group to see but others prepare mechanical means to shed light upon their situation. He smiles and returns to his examination of the construction and makes mental notes to compare to as they progress in their journey into the darkness....
"Baroness Nella" Lika nods in greeting to the obviously well-cultured lady. She turns to Unari and extends a greeting to her. "Lika. I'm on a mission from God."
He continues the introductions to the bugbear, wordlessly acknowledging the shared predatory nature of each other. She accepts the offered hand and repeats his name. "Gruuthuk. Pleasure."
"Might I suggest that larger room in that direction." He points with a taloned hand to the east. "It is a bit cramped in the corner here for my tastes." He addresses the two that she hasn't met yet. "We can introduce more later. Let's get moving before something wanders this way."
Sometimes this summer I will most likely be participating in another 24 hour game of Dungeons & Dragons as part of Extra Life. This organization uses gaming to help raise money to donate to children's hospitals. I'm raising money for Marshfield Children's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, and all money I raise will go to that hospital. All donations are tax-deductible. Please take a moment to check out my donation page below. Thank you.
Baroness Nella acknowledges Lika again, and then smiles at Unari's introduction, replying in Undercommon.
"Then we are indeed in good hands, huntress. I am glad to be with you."
As Gruuthuk responds, she nods seriously, her free hand producing a small purse of maroon silk, clinking as she holds it out to him, placing it in his extended hand. "I respect your simple directness, Gruuthuk, and you shan't go disappointed. My mother is of House Phylund - ensure I return to them here in the North Ward of the city and your pockets shan't be empty, no matter what we find."
Gifting him 15 gp.
As Lika chooses the Eastern direction and asks to curtail remaining introductions, Nella concurs. She raises her lantern to cast the light further ahead, peering that direction to discern what she can of where they've landed - including indicators of architecture, purpose, and recent occupancy.
Jacxor takes his time answering Nella to learn about the others. He walks over to Unari and offers his hand to her. I am Jacxor, welcome fellow Gloom Stalker. It shall be a honor to hunt along side of you. He will then shake the hands of the others.
Current Characters/Games
Grakluse Longleaf-A Candle in the Darkness
Jacxor Ironforge-Dungeon of the Mad Mage (5e)
Kreed Oaken-Chaos halls
Xlore Strongoak-B11 King's Festival & B12 Queen's Harvest - AD&D 2e
The bugbear cocks his head in confusion as the Baroness hands him a purse. Upon hearing the clinking of coin and feeling its weight, a toothsome smile cracks his face as he stuffs it into his pack. Thank you, Your Highness, I hope every one is able to make it home. There should be plenty of riches down here for us all, if the rumors are true.
Sometimes this summer I will most likely be participating in another 24 hour game of Dungeons & Dragons as part of Extra Life. This organization uses gaming to help raise money to donate to children's hospitals. I'm raising money for Marshfield Children's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, and all money I raise will go to that hospital. All donations are tax-deductible. Please take a moment to check out my donation page below. Thank you.
Dungeon Level 1
Light from Nella's lantern spill into the area and the group of strangers find themselves in, and extend the range of visibility with dim light, but the only additional detail revealed is a third side passage, also turning east like the other two before it.
"Might I suggest that larger room in that direction,"Lika chirps, pointing with a taloned hand to the east. "It is a bit cramped in the corner here for my tastes." After brief introductions are made, and no objections presented, the group cautiously begins to proceed down the eastern passage.
Xanlanan lingers a bit, falling near the rear rank of the progression, and runs his fingers over the cuts and corners of the stonework with are rough-hewn, but very solid.
Jacxor eagerly advances down the passage first, his elven steps barely making a sound. The ranger distances himself from the rest by twenty feet or so and, stopping ten feet from the open chamber, is able to easily peer inside to reveal it is largely empty and unoccupied.
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A closer inspection reveals a few burnt out torches and empty potion bottles suggesting that the area may be relatively safe and very well might have been used as a rest area by previous adventurers.
Sleeping in light armor has no adverse effect on the wearer, but sleeping in medium or heavy armor makes it difficult to recover fully during a long rest.
When you finish a long rest during which you slept in medium or heavy armor, you regain only one quarter of your spent Hit Dice (minimum of one die). If you have any levels of exhaustion, the rest doesn’t reduce your exhaustion level.
Bah! There's nothing here except the junk others left behind. At least it looks like a place to rest if we need one later. I hope it's not all going to be like this. We'll never make our fortunes if someone else already got the treasure. Unless...maybe we find their bodies and gear after something killed them. Kicking through the detritus, the bugbear is ready to head back the other direction.
Sometimes this summer I will most likely be participating in another 24 hour game of Dungeons & Dragons as part of Extra Life. This organization uses gaming to help raise money to donate to children's hospitals. I'm raising money for Marshfield Children's Hospital in Marshfield, WI, and all money I raise will go to that hospital. All donations are tax-deductible. Please take a moment to check out my donation page below. Thank you.
