"Eldeth fell... into the Abyss. I... she... is gone." Oorr's voice breaks under the emotion in acknowledging the fall of a friend.
"King Bruenor, let me talk to Maegera. She is an ancient being, very much so. She might have the insight we need."
"The abyss!? This is bad. It would seem things are getting worse, and the demons are making their way to us. If you really think you can commune with the titan, then yes, you may speak with Maegera. I will gather the faction leaders. When you are done, come meet me in my chambers, and we will see if we can finally convince them of the urgency of this mission."
Bruenor signals some elementalists who take Oorr (and anyone who goes with him) down to the Great Forge. In the center is a large pit roiling with flame and magma. It bubbles and churns, but does not create any rumbling like you felt earlier. You notice ruins carved into the stones around the pit that flash orange now and again, keeping Maegera trapped within the forge. The dwarves who bring you down indicate the pit, and let Oorr move forward.
Hearing stories about gargantuan and mighty elementals was fascinating enough when Oorr was just a baby bird. But nothing can be compared to the real experience of seeing one this close. Too close. Seeing this being of pure elements, Oorr comes to know what fire means.
(Primordial) "Oh mighty Maegera, I greet you. I am Oorr of the Star Mounts. Names and places of this world might be meaningless to you, but you do know of my people. We served the Wind Dukes against the agents of Chaos, eons ago. You were there, you remember those times. Please, if you can provide any help and insight I would be forever grateful as those Chaos beings are back. I am your humble servant."
Brox just sits down for a moment after the fight. It was her fault. She closed the portal after Eldeth fell in. She trapped her inside the abyss. Eldeth was probably dead by now. And it was her fault.
She looks at king Bruenor and speaks softly: "Can we get her back? Is there a way to get to the abyss?"
When the others go to talk to Maegera, she follows slowly almost automatically, deeply in thought, not paying much attention on what is actually going on.
Bruenor shakes his head. "I do not know, friend Brox. Eldeth has trained hard since returning from the Underdark. She's not the lowly scout she once was, so it's possible she will survive. I feel the best thing we can do for her is end this madness that is spilling forth. We have a plan to send you and whoever will join our cause to the Underdark. The Zhentarim have contacts there who can help us get to the bottom of this. Once Oorr has communed with Maegera, and provided he does not burn down the whole of Gauntlgrym in the process, we will convene and send forth a group to end this once and for all."
Hearing stories about gargantuan and mighty elementals was fascinating enough when Oorr was just a baby bird. But nothing can be compared to the real experience of seeing one this close. Too close. Seeing this being of pure elements, Oorr comes to know what fire means.
(Primordial) "Oh mighty Maegera, I greet you. I am Oorr of the Star Mounts. Names and places of this world might be meaningless to you, but you do know of my people. We served the Wind Dukes against the agents of Chaos, eons ago. You were there, you remember those times. Please, if you can provide any help and insight I would be forever grateful as those Chaos beings are back. I am your humble servant."
Nothing happens at first. You wait, not sure if the primordial heard your request. When you are are ready to give up, the roiling mass of elemental fire flares forth. The heat in the room, which was already making everyone sweat, seems to grow even hotter. When it at last dies down, you hear a rumbling voice throughout the walls in Ignan.
"The Demon Lords... walk beneath us... they torment my children... Oorr of the Star Mounts..."There is a long pause before it continues. "You must fight the Chaos... like before... but it is not Chaos... it is madness." Upon uttering the word "madness" the great forge shakes, and the flames flicker an eerie yellow green, then return to their original orange red. "Beware the black gem... it is tainted by the deceiver... must be destroyed... send it back to the abyss."
The flames flicker and die down again, then the primordial Maegera rolls over in the great forge, and the words are left hanging in the air.
Eventually you all gather again with Bruenor. He has called the faction leaders together to meet with you.
"These brave heroes have saved Gauntlgrym, but we lost one of our own in the process. There is naught we can do for Eldeth at this moment, but we can fight back against the demonic hordes that are loose in the Underdark, and even finding their way to the surface.
“Ye all know the dangers and threats of the world below, and have bought that knowledge with bravery and guile. Even more, in diplomacy have ye forged the first of the connections that will see the North prepared for what might come. If we survive the coming onslaught, we’ll have ye to thank, and no dwarf of Gauntlgrym will soon forget it. Ye all have the courage and conviction of heroes. Aye, I’ll even say ye remind me of other heroes I’ve known. From a previous life.…”
Bruenor nods as you declare your intent. He then looks to the faction leaders. "And who will accompany these heroes? This is a time for all of us to join together, put aside our differences, and seek to drive back the darkness?"
The faction leaders murmur among themselves. You hear some of the crowd gather urge them on, and discussions between the leaders and their members. Finally one of the faction leaders steps forward. It is Morista Malkin, of the Emerald Enclave. "The Emerald Enclave will go! Brox is already a valued member of our ranks, and we support her bringing the light of this world against the darkness of the Abyss. We also have an agent in the Underdark, a wood elf named Sladis Vadir. They disappeared not too long ago while on a mission, and may have intel should you find them."She turns and ushers forward several scouts. They are leading giant lizards behind them. "These are my three most capable scouts and their mounts. We'll provide mounts for the Furious Fighting Fools as well." A cheer from the other members of the Emerald Enclave goes up. Bruenor nods at Morista, smiling.
Only a moment later, Lord Eravien Haund of the Lord's Alliance, also steps forward. "We have been sent by the Lord Marshal of Silverymoon. He too has ordered these heroes be assisted, as he met with them personally when they escaped. We have brought our finest guards and spies to go with them." Five dwarves in guard's dress , and three humans wearing black garb, step forward. "We too have a missing agent, who went undercover in the city of the drow over a year ago. Her name is Khaleesa and often disguises herself as a dark elf. You would do well to question any drow you encounter, lest it be her in disguise. She could be of great assistance." Another nod from Bruenor and more cheers from the crowd and members of the Lord's Alliance.
In similar fashion both Lord Zelraun Roaringhorn of the Harpers and Sir Lanniver Strayl of the Order of the Gauntlet offer soldiers and equipment. After much celebration all eyes turn last on the Zhentarim, and Davra Jassur. "Yes, yes," she exclaims, "Of course we'll accompany them. How else do you expect this mission to succeed? My spies know a secret path to Mantol-Dereth. We will guide you there." Eight Zhentarim mercenaries, proudly displaying the mark of the black company step forward.
"It is done then. Prepare your parties, for tomorrow you will venture to the Underdark, and put a stop to this madness once and for all. May any gods you worship bless you, and have mercy on your lives."After this final proclamation, the crowd disperses. Several of the leaders approach to confirm their commitment and organize their troops. You find your way at long last back to your beds, and rest before your return commences.
(OOG Everyone gets a long rest, and you can Level up to Level 8!)
Summary of companions: You are about to head back to the Underdark accompanied by quite the company. Here is a list of who is accompanying you: The Harpers: A Shield Guardian with a lightning bolt stored in it. One of you has the control amulet for the guardian. The Order of the Gauntlet: 5 Veteran of the Gauntlet, Thora Nabal, Sylrien Havennor, Olaf Renghyi, Elias Drako, and Tamryn Tharke. The order is also willing to enchant a weapon of your choice. Pick one non magical weapon, and you may exchange it for a +1 magic weapon of the same type. The Emerald Enclave:3 Emerald Enclave Scout, Brim Coppervein, Thargus Forkbeard, and Griswalla Stonehammer. Each of them has a Giant Riding Lizard. In addition, each of you has one as well. (OOG I have added this to Creatures on your character sheets. Feel free to name yours.) The Lords' Alliance: 5 dwarf Lords' Alliance Guards from the alliance city of Mirabar. Their names are Nazrok Blueaxe, Kirsil Mantlehorn, Anzar the Brazen, Gargathine Truesilver, and Splinter Darkmorn. 3 human Lords' Alliance Spies from the alliance city of Yartar. Their names are Farryl Kilmander, Zilna Oakshadow, and Hilvius Haever. The Zhentarim: 8 Zhentarim Thugs, Nero Kelvane, Lenora Haskur, Aligor Moonwhisper, Gorath Torn, Saliyra Dalnor, Primwin Halk, Iandro Alathar, and Lhytris Ilgarn.
Your mission: Your goal is to head to the Underdark city of Mantol-Derith, which is a trading hub for races of the Underdark, as well as some surface dwellers. The Zhentarim have established a trading outpost there. You are to meet with the Zhentarim contact Ghazrim DuLoc, who is to provide you the means to access the Stone Giant Library of Gravenhollow. This library is said to contain vast knowledge of the Underdark, and it is hoped that you will find information that can help you put a stop to the Demon Lords' invasion once and for all. Your Zhentarim allies will lead the expedition to Mantol-Derith, but you are in charge of the operation. You command all of your companions as you see fit.
Once all this army is ready to take the dangerous path leading to the Underdark, Oorr addresses each captain with a speech:
"Very well, my friends. This is it. We are about to descend into a dark place where demons and madness are all over by now. You must be steadfast. A hesitation means the fall. We must work together to succeed and this is how it is going to happen:
My dark-dressed friends and I are going to lead the way. The bulk of our forced can't stay together too close, as we will be slow and an easy target. We form three groups. Each group should name one person which should act as the liaison between the groups and that person should ride the lizards. They are quick and see in the dark. As I said, my friends and I will be the first group.
The second group should be our green friends of the Emerald Enclave as they can safely gather food and supplies between the two groups. In support of them, Belwar the Bald with his construct goes along.
The last, but not least, group will be composed of the Lords' Alliance and the Order of the Gauntlet. They are strong and have people with good ears, perfect to cover our backs.
It is paramount that every problem or danger will be swiftly reported to all the leaders. I will use the sound of my shawm for three signals: enemy, gather, forward. As you hear these signals act accordingly to your leader's instructions. Aera will also be my eyes and ears.
All that said... May the winds be in our favor."
Oorr will name Aligor Moonwhisper as the giant lizard rider and liaison with the second group. Also, he will instruct the Zhentarim to use ranged weapons first and engage in melee only when strictly needed.
With your marching order set, and your army eager to move, you strike East from Gauntlgrym following the Zhentarim agents as they lead you to their secret entrance to the Underdark. Bruenor graciously provided everyone with enough supplies and rations for the journey. Together with what you can forage from the Underdark, you should no trouble keeping a steady pace as you travel once more beneath the earth, into madness.
The first leg of your journey, however, is above ground, as you cross the grasslands to the Surbrin Hills. This journey alone is 30 days of hard travel as you cover about 180 miles. When you approach the hills, the Zhentarim lead you through rocky paths to a hidden alcove, where you find 6 other Zhentarim agents waiting. There is a cave entrance here, that delves deep into the ground. Oorr, you are told by your agents that this is the entrance to the Underdark that the Zhentarim maintain in secret. From here, it's another 200 miles of travel to Mantol-Derith.
After resting for the night, you gather your forces and delve into the caverns.
Conferring with the Zhentarim agents, you know the journey to Mantol-Derith from this cave will take around 33-34 days at a standard pace. Oorr scouts the way with agents assisting him. Brox commands the Emerald Enclave, with Belwar and the Shield Guardian. Behind them is Grimnir with the Lords' Alliance and Order of the Gauntlet bringing up the rear. You use the Giant Lizards given to your by the enclave to run messengers between the groups.
When you are only a couple days into your journey, Oorr and the Zhentarim scout a large cavern with a peculiar inhabitant. A deep gnome woman, dressed in dark rags, seems to be howling with laughter in the center of the empty room. As the scouts examine the room, Steam Vents erupt around them shooting hot water vapor into the air, which quickly cools and turns to mist in the cavern ceiling. The woman continues laughing, rolling along the floor, narrowly being missed by various jets of steam.
(OOG I need Oorr, and his Zhentarim to all make DEX DC 12 Saving Throws. On a failure, take 8 Fire damage.)
A few of the Zhentarim suffer burns as they are caught off guard by steam vents, but most of them are skilled enough to avoid the danger. You are able to warn the rest of the party as it catches up to you, so no one else ventures into steam vents. You gather and make a quick camp at the front of the cavern. The deep gnome woman continues cackling. She catches sight of your large party, which causes her to laugh some more. She narrowly misses a steam vent as it shoots up right in front of her. You lose sight of her for a moment, but then see her again a second later, laughing at the vent that nearly killed her.
You begin to hear grumblings from some of your party members. Some are of a mind to just ignore the deep gnome and get on your way, while others, notable of the Lords' Alliance, seem intent on doing something to help her. They await your orders.
Navigating the cavern itself will be difficult, but not impossible. Slowing your pace for a few hours to cross the cavern should provide a path that you can take to continue on to Mantol-Derith.
I have my shield guardian fetch the gnome. "It regenerates."
The construct has no issue navigating the steam jets, brushing off the damage, as it approaches the laughing gnome. It struggles a bit trying to grab her as she rolls around and runs laughing and cackling. It does eventually nab her, and carefully holds her close as it returns across the steam vents to the group. When it arrives, it holds out the gnome, gently, but firmly, as she continues laughing, awaiting new orders.
The gnome, to her credit, laughs the entire way, oblivious of her surroundings. It seems the laughter may be a bit infectious as some of the Lords' Alliance and Gauntlet members begin to laugh as well. Softly at first, then a little louder.
Brox looks at Oorr, then pulls out Dawnbringer. She steps close to the laughing gnome and touches her slightly with the sword. Then Brox and Dawnbringer cast lesser restoration on her.
"The abyss!? This is bad. It would seem things are getting worse, and the demons are making their way to us. If you really think you can commune with the titan, then yes, you may speak with Maegera. I will gather the faction leaders. When you are done, come meet me in my chambers, and we will see if we can finally convince them of the urgency of this mission."
Bruenor signals some elementalists who take Oorr (and anyone who goes with him) down to the Great Forge. In the center is a large pit roiling with flame and magma. It bubbles and churns, but does not create any rumbling like you felt earlier. You notice ruins carved into the stones around the pit that flash orange now and again, keeping Maegera trapped within the forge. The dwarves who bring you down indicate the pit, and let Oorr move forward.
Hearing stories about gargantuan and mighty elementals was fascinating enough when Oorr was just a baby bird. But nothing can be compared to the real experience of seeing one this close. Too close. Seeing this being of pure elements, Oorr comes to know what fire means.
(Primordial) "Oh mighty Maegera, I greet you. I am Oorr of the Star Mounts. Names and places of this world might be meaningless to you, but you do know of my people. We served the Wind Dukes against the agents of Chaos, eons ago. You were there, you remember those times. Please, if you can provide any help and insight I would be forever grateful as those Chaos beings are back. I am your humble servant."
Grimnir never saw a titan "What could possibly go wrong, this is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
He then follows his friends, but leaving a bit of distance
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Brox just sits down for a moment after the fight. It was her fault. She closed the portal after Eldeth fell in. She trapped her inside the abyss. Eldeth was probably dead by now. And it was her fault.
She looks at king Bruenor and speaks softly: "Can we get her back? Is there a way to get to the abyss?"
When the others go to talk to Maegera, she follows slowly almost automatically, deeply in thought, not paying much attention on what is actually going on.
Bruenor shakes his head. "I do not know, friend Brox. Eldeth has trained hard since returning from the Underdark. She's not the lowly scout she once was, so it's possible she will survive. I feel the best thing we can do for her is end this madness that is spilling forth. We have a plan to send you and whoever will join our cause to the Underdark. The Zhentarim have contacts there who can help us get to the bottom of this. Once Oorr has communed with Maegera, and provided he does not burn down the whole of Gauntlgrym in the process, we will convene and send forth a group to end this once and for all."
Nothing happens at first. You wait, not sure if the primordial heard your request. When you are are ready to give up, the roiling mass of elemental fire flares forth. The heat in the room, which was already making everyone sweat, seems to grow even hotter. When it at last dies down, you hear a rumbling voice throughout the walls in Ignan.
"The Demon Lords... walk beneath us... they torment my children... Oorr of the Star Mounts..." There is a long pause before it continues. "You must fight the Chaos... like before... but it is not Chaos... it is madness." Upon uttering the word "madness" the great forge shakes, and the flames flicker an eerie yellow green, then return to their original orange red. "Beware the black gem... it is tainted by the deceiver... must be destroyed... send it back to the abyss."
The flames flicker and die down again, then the primordial Maegera rolls over in the great forge, and the words are left hanging in the air.
Eventually you all gather again with Bruenor. He has called the faction leaders together to meet with you.
"These brave heroes have saved Gauntlgrym, but we lost one of our own in the process. There is naught we can do for Eldeth at this moment, but we can fight back against the demonic hordes that are loose in the Underdark, and even finding their way to the surface.
“Ye all know the dangers and threats of the world below, and have bought that knowledge with bravery and guile. Even more, in diplomacy have ye forged the first of the connections that will see the North prepared for what might come. If we survive the coming onslaught, we’ll have ye to thank, and no dwarf of Gauntlgrym will soon forget it. Ye all have the courage and conviction of heroes. Aye, I’ll even say ye remind me of other heroes I’ve known. From a previous life.…”
"King Bruenor, I am ready to lead the way through the Underdark once more. With me, we will not get lost and find a way to stop this madness."
"I am ready as well"
Grimnir takes a sip of his whiskey and place his bag, containing Rocky, on his back.
Currently Playing: Regdus Ironfist (Greyhawk) Lvl 1 Storm Sorcerer ; Goraseth Drerjoxian (Icespeak) Lvl 3 Paladin Oath of Glory; Lerak (The Wild Beyond the Witchlight) Lvl 3 Barbarian Wild Magic
In Pause: Grimnir " Shadow-Feet", Lv 11 Owner of "The Basilisk & the Monk" (OotA) - Kurma Kappa, Lv 8 Priest of Oghma (ToA)
Currently DM'ing: Princes of Apocalypse >> Tomb of Annihilation
Bruenor nods as you declare your intent. He then looks to the faction leaders. "And who will accompany these heroes? This is a time for all of us to join together, put aside our differences, and seek to drive back the darkness?"
The faction leaders murmur among themselves. You hear some of the crowd gather urge them on, and discussions between the leaders and their members. Finally one of the faction leaders steps forward. It is Morista Malkin, of the Emerald Enclave.
"The Emerald Enclave will go! Brox is already a valued member of our ranks, and we support her bringing the light of this world against the darkness of the Abyss. We also have an agent in the Underdark, a wood elf named Sladis Vadir. They disappeared not too long ago while on a mission, and may have intel should you find them." She turns and ushers forward several scouts. They are leading giant lizards behind them. "These are my three most capable scouts and their mounts. We'll provide mounts for the Furious Fighting Fools as well." A cheer from the other members of the Emerald Enclave goes up. Bruenor nods at Morista, smiling.
Only a moment later, Lord Eravien Haund of the Lord's Alliance, also steps forward. "We have been sent by the Lord Marshal of Silverymoon. He too has ordered these heroes be assisted, as he met with them personally when they escaped. We have brought our finest guards and spies to go with them." Five dwarves in guard's dress , and three humans wearing black garb, step forward. "We too have a missing agent, who went undercover in the city of the drow over a year ago. Her name is Khaleesa and often disguises herself as a dark elf. You would do well to question any drow you encounter, lest it be her in disguise. She could be of great assistance." Another nod from Bruenor and more cheers from the crowd and members of the Lord's Alliance.
In similar fashion both Lord Zelraun Roaringhorn of the Harpers and Sir Lanniver Strayl of the Order of the Gauntlet offer soldiers and equipment. After much celebration all eyes turn last on the Zhentarim, and Davra Jassur. "Yes, yes," she exclaims, "Of course we'll accompany them. How else do you expect this mission to succeed? My spies know a secret path to Mantol-Dereth. We will guide you there." Eight Zhentarim mercenaries, proudly displaying the mark of the black company step forward.
"It is done then. Prepare your parties, for tomorrow you will venture to the Underdark, and put a stop to this madness once and for all. May any gods you worship bless you, and have mercy on your lives." After this final proclamation, the crowd disperses. Several of the leaders approach to confirm their commitment and organize their troops. You find your way at long last back to your beds, and rest before your return commences.
(OOG Everyone gets a long rest, and you can Level up to Level 8!)
Summary of companions:
You are about to head back to the Underdark accompanied by quite the company. Here is a list of who is accompanying you:
The Harpers: A Shield Guardian with a lightning bolt stored in it. One of you has the control amulet for the guardian.
The Order of the Gauntlet: 5 Veteran of the Gauntlet, Thora Nabal, Sylrien Havennor, Olaf Renghyi, Elias Drako, and Tamryn Tharke. The order is also willing to enchant a weapon of your choice. Pick one non magical weapon, and you may exchange it for a +1 magic weapon of the same type.
The Emerald Enclave: 3 Emerald Enclave Scout, Brim Coppervein, Thargus Forkbeard, and Griswalla Stonehammer. Each of them has a Giant Riding Lizard. In addition, each of you has one as well. (OOG I have added this to Creatures on your character sheets. Feel free to name yours.)
The Lords' Alliance: 5 dwarf Lords' Alliance Guards from the alliance city of Mirabar. Their names are Nazrok Blueaxe, Kirsil Mantlehorn, Anzar the Brazen, Gargathine Truesilver, and Splinter Darkmorn. 3 human Lords' Alliance Spies from the alliance city of Yartar. Their names are Farryl Kilmander, Zilna Oakshadow, and Hilvius Haever.
The Zhentarim: 8 Zhentarim Thugs, Nero Kelvane, Lenora Haskur, Aligor Moonwhisper, Gorath Torn, Saliyra Dalnor, Primwin Halk, Iandro Alathar, and Lhytris Ilgarn.
Your mission:
Your goal is to head to the Underdark city of Mantol-Derith, which is a trading hub for races of the Underdark, as well as some surface dwellers. The Zhentarim have established a trading outpost there. You are to meet with the Zhentarim contact Ghazrim DuLoc, who is to provide you the means to access the Stone Giant Library of Gravenhollow. This library is said to contain vast knowledge of the Underdark, and it is hoped that you will find information that can help you put a stop to the Demon Lords' invasion once and for all. Your Zhentarim allies will lead the expedition to Mantol-Derith, but you are in charge of the operation. You command all of your companions as you see fit.
Once all this army is ready to take the dangerous path leading to the Underdark, Oorr addresses each captain with a speech:
"Very well, my friends. This is it. We are about to descend into a dark place where demons and madness are all over by now. You must be steadfast. A hesitation means the fall. We must work together to succeed and this is how it is going to happen:
My dark-dressed friends and I are going to lead the way. The bulk of our forced can't stay together too close, as we will be slow and an easy target. We form three groups. Each group should name one person which should act as the liaison between the groups and that person should ride the lizards. They are quick and see in the dark. As I said, my friends and I will be the first group.
The second group should be our green friends of the Emerald Enclave as they can safely gather food and supplies between the two groups. In support of them, Belwar the Bald with his construct goes along.
The last, but not least, group will be composed of the Lords' Alliance and the Order of the Gauntlet. They are strong and have people with good ears, perfect to cover our backs.
It is paramount that every problem or danger will be swiftly reported to all the leaders. I will use the sound of my shawm for three signals: enemy, gather, forward. As you hear these signals act accordingly to your leader's instructions. Aera will also be my eyes and ears.
All that said... May the winds be in our favor."
Oorr will name Aligor Moonwhisper as the giant lizard rider and liaison with the second group. Also, he will instruct the Zhentarim to use ranged weapons first and engage in melee only when strictly needed.
Chapter 9: Mantol-Derith
With your marching order set, and your army eager to move, you strike East from Gauntlgrym following the Zhentarim agents as they lead you to their secret entrance to the Underdark. Bruenor graciously provided everyone with enough supplies and rations for the journey. Together with what you can forage from the Underdark, you should no trouble keeping a steady pace as you travel once more beneath the earth, into madness.
The first leg of your journey, however, is above ground, as you cross the grasslands to the Surbrin Hills. This journey alone is 30 days of hard travel as you cover about 180 miles. When you approach the hills, the Zhentarim lead you through rocky paths to a hidden alcove, where you find 6 other Zhentarim agents waiting. There is a cave entrance here, that delves deep into the ground. Oorr, you are told by your agents that this is the entrance to the Underdark that the Zhentarim maintain in secret. From here, it's another 200 miles of travel to Mantol-Derith.
After resting for the night, you gather your forces and delve into the caverns.
Conferring with the Zhentarim agents, you know the journey to Mantol-Derith from this cave will take around 33-34 days at a standard pace. Oorr scouts the way with agents assisting him. Brox commands the Emerald Enclave, with Belwar and the Shield Guardian. Behind them is Grimnir with the Lords' Alliance and Order of the Gauntlet bringing up the rear. You use the Giant Lizards given to your by the enclave to run messengers between the groups.
When you are only a couple days into your journey, Oorr and the Zhentarim scout a large cavern with a peculiar inhabitant. A deep gnome woman, dressed in dark rags, seems to be howling with laughter in the center of the empty room. As the scouts examine the room, Steam Vents erupt around them shooting hot water vapor into the air, which quickly cools and turns to mist in the cavern ceiling. The woman continues laughing, rolling along the floor, narrowly being missed by various jets of steam.
(OOG I need Oorr, and his Zhentarim to all make DEX DC 12 Saving Throws. On a failure, take 8 Fire damage.)
Oorr DEX save: 26
Zhentarim saves (in order): 8, 19, 18, 16, 17, 1, 13, 16
"Stay back! Aligor gather the party!"
A few of the Zhentarim suffer burns as they are caught off guard by steam vents, but most of them are skilled enough to avoid the danger. You are able to warn the rest of the party as it catches up to you, so no one else ventures into steam vents. You gather and make a quick camp at the front of the cavern. The deep gnome woman continues cackling. She catches sight of your large party, which causes her to laugh some more. She narrowly misses a steam vent as it shoots up right in front of her. You lose sight of her for a moment, but then see her again a second later, laughing at the vent that nearly killed her.
You begin to hear grumblings from some of your party members. Some are of a mind to just ignore the deep gnome and get on your way, while others, notable of the Lords' Alliance, seem intent on doing something to help her. They await your orders.
Navigating the cavern itself will be difficult, but not impossible. Slowing your pace for a few hours to cross the cavern should provide a path that you can take to continue on to Mantol-Derith.
I have my shield guardian fetch the gnome. "It regenerates."
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
The construct has no issue navigating the steam jets, brushing off the damage, as it approaches the laughing gnome. It struggles a bit trying to grab her as she rolls around and runs laughing and cackling. It does eventually nab her, and carefully holds her close as it returns across the steam vents to the group. When it arrives, it holds out the gnome, gently, but firmly, as she continues laughing, awaiting new orders.
The gnome, to her credit, laughs the entire way, oblivious of her surroundings. It seems the laughter may be a bit infectious as some of the Lords' Alliance and Gauntlet members begin to laugh as well. Softly at first, then a little louder.
"Brox, before we the laughter becomes more epidemic than it already is, could cast a Restoration on the lady gnome?"
Brox looks at Oorr, then pulls out Dawnbringer. She steps close to the laughing gnome and touches her slightly with the sword. Then Brox and Dawnbringer cast lesser restoration on her.