"Please, I just want to live. Ilvara is dead, so I have no clout with the rest of my house. Nothing of substance to offer. But no one else knows of your departure. I will tell no one, and you can put the memory of Velkynvelve and the whole damn Underdark behind you. I hope you understand when I say I hope I never see you again..." he coughs, and you all see a dark viscous liquid cover his lips and dribble down his chin. He continues, "Besides, from the look of things, we're all dead anyway. Surely you've seen the same things we have? Demogorgon killing Kua-toa, The Derro in Gracklstugh gone mad. The Demon Queen of Fungi's grip of the Neverlight grove. And the whole of Blingdenstone covered in oozes. You only helped to delay the inevitable."
Oorr wonders whether the drow warrior is telling the truth or... Insight: 20
Shoor is hurt, in pain, and desperate. But more than anything, you get the sense that he is genuinely scared. The Underdark is in chaos. Former prisoners have killed his mistress, and brought him to his knees. You won't go as far to say you trust him, but you believe he will do as he says, if only to save his own hide.
Oorr and Zippy let up, and Grimnir pulls his sword away, but not before telling the drow to empty his pockets of any gold. Shoor grunts, but complies, taking out a small coin purse and throwing it at the dwarf's feet. He turns, and heads back into the tunnel without saying a word, and is swallowed by darkness of the tunnel.
Treasure: The bodies of the drow and the pouch from Shoor yield 200 gold pieces in total. Not a lot, but they weren't traveling on commercial business. Most of the weapons and armor of the drow aren't made for sunlight, and you can already see the sun causing the metal and leather to peel and chip. However, Ilvara's Tentacle Rod is intact, its magical properties offering it some protection from the sunlight.
With the retreat of Shoor, you realize you are finally free of the Underdark for the first time in months. You aren't even exactly sure of the days and hours you spent wandering the underground caverns, the dark lake, and various denizens. Still unsettled by the activity of the demon lords, you find yourself free to go anywhere you please. Provided you can figure out where exactly you are....
So, Furious Fighting Fools... what do you want to do next?
Grimnir split the money then looks around. Still lost, but at least they finally reached the surface. The sun shining on his bald head was such a good feeling.
« Well, this freaking underdark is finally behind us. Any idea where we are? Oorr, do you recognise this place?ill try to connect with Nature as well »
Grimnir sits on a dry patch and starts his communion with the mycelium. Closing his eyes, opening his mind, he can see the roots of fungus all over the world. The hardest part was to try to focus on where he was in this network.
Grimnir split the money then looks around. Still lost, but at least they finally reached the surface. The sun shining on his bald head was such a good feeling.
« Well, this freaking underdark is finally behind us. Any idea where we are? Oorr, do you recognise this place?ill try to connect with Nature as well »
Grimnir sits on a dry patch and starts his communion with the mycelium. Closing his eyes, opening his mind, he can see the roots of fungus all over the world. The hardest part was to try to focus on where he was in this network.
using guidance: Nature= 4 + 1 Survival= 7 + 3
You can sense the network of fungus that infuses the ground, especially in this swamp. However, your druid powers are still new to you, and you're not sure how to interpret the information you're reading. You know you're somewhere on the Sword Coast, but you can't be sure which direction to head to get to civilization.
While you're communing with the network, Eldeth is taking care of Topsy, mending her wounds. Topsy, now out of wererat form seems a little sullen. "Oi dear, it's okay. We're safe now! And those terrible people will nae hurt ye again," comforts Eldeth.
Topsy sighs, and nods,"But it won't bring back my brother... I tracked them as they followed you, all through the Underdark. While you were in Blingdenstone, I ran into a group of deep gnomes leaving town. They were wererats, like me. They tried to get me to join them, but I couldn't let Ilvara go. I think I'll go back there now. It was real nice seeing you all again. Good luck up here... it's way too bright."
Before anyone can object, she transforms into a rat again, and scurries into the dark. She pauses just a moment to look back at you, before disappearing.
Oorr takes the weird Rod. Not that he is attracted by it, but he is searching for the Rod, so...
"Let's find our way out of this swamp first."
Survival: 9
Oorr, you are thrilled to be in a place with open sky again, but you've wandered so long in cold, cramped tunnels, that your usual tracking sensibilities need time to adjust to this environment. Like Grimnir, you're pretty certain you're somewhere in the Sword Coast, and you have a general sense of direction, using the angle of the sun to judge which way is North. Speaking of the sun, it appears it will be setting soon. With no other real idea of where you are, you can pick a direction and start walking, or perhaps find a suitable place to camp for the night.
Getting above the trees provides a grand view of the surrounding area. The sun is setting towards the West, and you can see that you are in the center of this swampy area. It stretches about 50 miles in every direction.
To the Northwest you make out a small village on the edge of the swamp. North of the village is the beginnings of a mountain range, but it fades behind clouds and haze.
To the East you make out the beginnings of another mountain range, and below it, at the edge of your vision is a shining spot along a river. It could be another city, but it's hard to make to make out from this far away.
A forest rises at the edge of the swamp to the Southeast. And then further South and to the West appear to be open plains and rivers.
Edit for Perception: The shiny spot near the river to the East is definitely a city. A large one. You get the feeling you're somewhere Northern Sword Coast.
The shining city seems your best bet at civilization. You gather your party and strike out through the swamp, Oorr occasionally flying high to make sure you stay on the correct path. Within a few hours, the sun is now below the horizon, and it's getting dark. You decide to make camp. You need your rest after the battle. It's a strange feeling, making a camp under the stars. It feels good to have the fresh air on your body, and in your lungs, but something about the openness of it all makes you feel exposed.
Anyone who would like to keep watch, please roll a perception check.
Brox is taking second watch. She will have Dawnbringer out, and asks politely for the sword to alert her if any noises are heard. Brox will dim Dawnbringer down as much as possible.
Oorr and Zippy on the third watch. Oorr is slightly concerned for Zippy. This is a new world for Zippy as much the Underdark was for him. But Zippy is intelligent, in time, Oorr will explain Zippy about the day and night, the sun and clouds, the rain and winds...
Grimnir falls asleep during his watch, the stress of the final battle with Ilvara having weighed down on him more than he realized. Thankfully nothing occurs as he snoozes, before Brox wakes him up, and chastises him lightly. Brox, along with Dawnbringer, keeps a better watch, but the night is silent save for the chirruping of insects and frogs. As Oorr and Zippy settle in for their watch, Zippy picks up on something. A noise of crashing branches and water coming from the Northwest, a little behind where you just came from. As Oorr speaks to Zippy you sense 8 large creatures, Ogres, traveling through the swamp. Their current course seems to be sending them not towards you, but within about 100 feet of where you are sleeping. The sun is just starting to rise over the Eastern mountains.
The herd of Ogres seems occupied with other things, and either doesn't notice you, or doesn't bother with such a small distraction. They crash through the swamp, and away from your camp. Once everyone is awake, you pack up your things and continue on your journey through the swamp. The way is difficult, but you've already done difficult in the Underdark, so it doesn't feel as daunting. Oorr continues to guide the way, periodically flying above the trees. You spend another night in the swamp, before finally reaching the edge of it on the eve of the third day of your emergence from underground.
At the edge of the swamp you fine a river, flowing East to West, and the barest hint of the shining city you saw from the swamp further to the East along the river.
(OOG Everyone roll a survival check. Oorr and Grimnir have advantage.)
"Please, I just want to live. Ilvara is dead, so I have no clout with the rest of my house. Nothing of substance to offer. But no one else knows of your departure. I will tell no one, and you can put the memory of Velkynvelve and the whole damn Underdark behind you. I hope you understand when I say I hope I never see you again..." he coughs, and you all see a dark viscous liquid cover his lips and dribble down his chin. He continues, "Besides, from the look of things, we're all dead anyway. Surely you've seen the same things we have? Demogorgon killing Kua-toa, The Derro in Gracklstugh gone mad. The Demon Queen of Fungi's grip of the Neverlight grove. And the whole of Blingdenstone covered in oozes. You only helped to delay the inevitable."
Oorr wonders whether the drow warrior is telling the truth or...
Insight: 20
Shoor is hurt, in pain, and desperate. But more than anything, you get the sense that he is genuinely scared. The Underdark is in chaos. Former prisoners have killed his mistress, and brought him to his knees. You won't go as far to say you trust him, but you believe he will do as he says, if only to save his own hide.
"Let him go. He is not a threat to us, or anyone else."
"You, dark elf. You may go, and you'll remember us and what we did. I won't rest until the Chaos threat is out of this plane."
"All right," I sigh, "you can live, I suppose. Now go, and I hope we never meet again, too."
"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)
Oorr and Zippy let up, and Grimnir pulls his sword away, but not before telling the drow to empty his pockets of any gold. Shoor grunts, but complies, taking out a small coin purse and throwing it at the dwarf's feet. He turns, and heads back into the tunnel without saying a word, and is swallowed by darkness of the tunnel.
Treasure:
The bodies of the drow and the pouch from Shoor yield 200 gold pieces in total. Not a lot, but they weren't traveling on commercial business. Most of the weapons and armor of the drow aren't made for sunlight, and you can already see the sun causing the metal and leather to peel and chip. However, Ilvara's Tentacle Rod is intact, its magical properties offering it some protection from the sunlight.
With the retreat of Shoor, you realize you are finally free of the Underdark for the first time in months. You aren't even exactly sure of the days and hours you spent wandering the underground caverns, the dark lake, and various denizens. Still unsettled by the activity of the demon lords, you find yourself free to go anywhere you please. Provided you can figure out where exactly you are....
So, Furious Fighting Fools... what do you want to do next?
Grimnir split the money then looks around. Still lost, but at least they finally reached the surface. The sun shining on his bald head was such a good feeling.
« Well, this freaking underdark is finally behind us. Any idea where we are? Oorr, do you recognise this place?ill try to connect with Nature as well »
Grimnir sits on a dry patch and starts his communion with the mycelium. Closing his eyes, opening his mind, he can see the roots of fungus all over the world. The hardest part was to try to focus on where he was in this network.
using guidance:
Nature= 4 + 1Survival= 7 + 3
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
You can sense the network of fungus that infuses the ground, especially in this swamp. However, your druid powers are still new to you, and you're not sure how to interpret the information you're reading. You know you're somewhere on the Sword Coast, but you can't be sure which direction to head to get to civilization.
While you're communing with the network, Eldeth is taking care of Topsy, mending her wounds. Topsy, now out of wererat form seems a little sullen. "Oi dear, it's okay. We're safe now! And those terrible people will nae hurt ye again," comforts Eldeth.
Topsy sighs, and nods, "But it won't bring back my brother... I tracked them as they followed you, all through the Underdark. While you were in Blingdenstone, I ran into a group of deep gnomes leaving town. They were wererats, like me. They tried to get me to join them, but I couldn't let Ilvara go. I think I'll go back there now. It was real nice seeing you all again. Good luck up here... it's way too bright."
Before anyone can object, she transforms into a rat again, and scurries into the dark. She pauses just a moment to look back at you, before disappearing.
Oorr takes the weird Rod. Not that he is attracted by it, but he is searching for the Rod, so...
"Let's find our way out of this swamp first."
Survival: 9
Oorr, you are thrilled to be in a place with open sky again, but you've wandered so long in cold, cramped tunnels, that your usual tracking sensibilities need time to adjust to this environment. Like Grimnir, you're pretty certain you're somewhere in the Sword Coast, and you have a general sense of direction, using the angle of the sun to judge which way is North. Speaking of the sun, it appears it will be setting soon. With no other real idea of where you are, you can pick a direction and start walking, or perhaps find a suitable place to camp for the night.
What do you want to do?
"Wait here."
Oorr flies 300 feet up toward the sky and tries to recognize natural landmarks. If nothing comes to mind, Oorr will guide the party eastward.
Perception: 17
Getting above the trees provides a grand view of the surrounding area. The sun is setting towards the West, and you can see that you are in the center of this swampy area. It stretches about 50 miles in every direction.
To the Northwest you make out a small village on the edge of the swamp. North of the village is the beginnings of a mountain range, but it fades behind clouds and haze.
To the East you make out the beginnings of another mountain range, and below it, at the edge of your vision is a shining spot along a river. It could be another city, but it's hard to make to make out from this far away.
A forest rises at the edge of the swamp to the Southeast. And then further South and to the West appear to be open plains and rivers.
Edit for Perception: The shiny spot near the river to the East is definitely a city. A large one. You get the feeling you're somewhere Northern Sword Coast.
The shining city seems your best bet at civilization. You gather your party and strike out through the swamp, Oorr occasionally flying high to make sure you stay on the correct path. Within a few hours, the sun is now below the horizon, and it's getting dark. You decide to make camp. You need your rest after the battle. It's a strange feeling, making a camp under the stars. It feels good to have the fresh air on your body, and in your lungs, but something about the openness of it all makes you feel exposed.
Anyone who would like to keep watch, please roll a perception check.
Grimnir is taking first watch: Perception 3
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 is taking second watch. She will have Dawnbringer out, and asks politely for the sword to alert her if any noises are heard. Brox will dim Dawnbringer down as much as possible.
Perception check: 18
Oorr and Zippy on the third watch. Oorr is slightly concerned for Zippy. This is a new world for Zippy as much the Underdark was for him. But Zippy is intelligent, in time, Oorr will explain Zippy about the day and night, the sun and clouds, the rain and winds...
Oorr Perception: 12
Zippy Perception: 19
Grimnir falls asleep during his watch, the stress of the final battle with Ilvara having weighed down on him more than he realized. Thankfully nothing occurs as he snoozes, before Brox wakes him up, and chastises him lightly. Brox, along with Dawnbringer, keeps a better watch, but the night is silent save for the chirruping of insects and frogs. As Oorr and Zippy settle in for their watch, Zippy picks up on something. A noise of crashing branches and water coming from the Northwest, a little behind where you just came from. As Oorr speaks to Zippy you sense 8 large creatures, Ogres, traveling through the swamp. Their current course seems to be sending them not towards you, but within about 100 feet of where you are sleeping. The sun is just starting to rise over the Eastern mountains.
What do you do?
Oorr and Zippy remain still, waiting for the Ogres to pass.
The herd of Ogres seems occupied with other things, and either doesn't notice you, or doesn't bother with such a small distraction. They crash through the swamp, and away from your camp. Once everyone is awake, you pack up your things and continue on your journey through the swamp. The way is difficult, but you've already done difficult in the Underdark, so it doesn't feel as daunting. Oorr continues to guide the way, periodically flying above the trees. You spend another night in the swamp, before finally reaching the edge of it on the eve of the third day of your emergence from underground.
At the edge of the swamp you fine a river, flowing East to West, and the barest hint of the shining city you saw from the swamp further to the East along the river.
(OOG Everyone roll a survival check. Oorr and Grimnir have advantage.)
Oorr Survival check: 22