Tell me, what is the purpose of youth? Is it to spend our strength and beauty cooped up in a household, working in a field or a shop for someone else's profit and then retire after a few decades, free to enjoy the world but deprived of the youth that makes the world worth enjoying?
I, Petra, say no to this. I was given strength by the gods, so I will use it. I will find the tallest mountains there are and I will climb them. I will find the strongest monsters and the fiercest warriors and defeat them in battle. I will find the most inhospitable regions on this world, where civilization is no more than an idea, and I will survive. And while I still have the beauty of youth, I will use that too. I will f*ck queens and goddesses. I will give them all of my love and all of my passion to the point where they will wish that one night could last for a lifetime.
And when I have done all this, when all of my youth is spent, I will be content to grow old. I will be content, knowing that I found glory in my youth and that I will be hailed as a champion, both in this life and in the next.
More than one thousand years ago, the wizard Halaster Blackcloak journeyed from a distant land to the base of Mount Waterdeep, perhaps acceding to the whispered summons of providence. Some believe he hailed from the nearly forgotten empire known as the Cradlelands. In ages past, humanity spread from the Cradlelands across Faerûn, originating from what is now the Plains of Purple Dust, a wasteland birthed out of a conflict with the gods. Others give Halaster less ancient origins, placing him among the early wizards of Netheril, or asserting that he came from a southern nation long since buried by sand and time. Whatever his origin, scholars have recorded that Halaster brought with him seven apprentices to Mount Waterdeep and made Undermountain his home - filling it with trap and monsters to torment intruders.
THE WEAVE
Where Waterdeep stands today, there once stood Aelinthaldaar, the capital city of the ancient elven kingdom of Illefarn. When the elves left, they used a powerful spell to erase all traces of their capital. This spell had the unintended side effect of creating a permanent knot in the Weave, the fabric through which all magic is channeled. This knot lies deep underground and isn’t something that can be seen, felt, or undone, but it can cause madness to bloom in the minds of mortal beings who dwell near it for too long. The knot permeates Undermountain, and the madness it causes typically manifests as an obsession with the dungeon itself. Those affected by the knot in the Weave exhibit a subconscious desire to remain in or near the dungeon. Halaster and several of his apprentices fell prey to this obsession, as did many Melairkyn dwarves and Durnan, the proprietor of the Yawning Portal. Not all creatures that dwell in Undermountain succumb to its madness, and those who do aren’t even aware that the dungeon has them in its clutches.
Welcome to Undermountain. Can you survive dungeon level 19?
AREA 1a - THE RESPLENDENT GROTTO OF ICHTHYGLUG THE VOLUMINOUS
This 50-foot-high cavern contains the wreck of a once mighty spelljamming sailing vessle. The wreck’s features are as follows:
Hull. The ship has broken in half, the shattered bow aiming northward and the aft section leaning against the east wall. The oak hull is soft and waterlogged, as though the vessel has been underwater for years, and both halves are encrusted with barnacles.
Mast and Anchor. The mast and anchor have broken off and lie in the middle of the cave, with the mast pointing toward a shimmering curtain of water to the west.
No Sails, No Rigging, No Crew. The ship’s square sail, rigging, and crew are all missing. (The sail and the rigging disintegrated long ago.)
It is easy to see on the side of the ship that it's name is the "The Belle Of The Sea" on it's barnacle-encrusted rudder.
DC 20 Intelligence (History) check: ?????
AREA 1b - CURTAINS OF WATER
This passage has a 20-foot-high, arched ceiling and contains three 1-foot-thick, magic curtains of translucent, shimmering green seawater. Each watery curtain stretches from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
Petra stands inside the cave, taking a good look at her surroundings. Her hair is black and her skin is a bronzed tan. Her armor greatly resembles that of a Spartan's and from what you can see of her arms and legs, she is fairly muscular and bears a few scars which, while they do not detract from her beauty, definitely show that she has gotten into a few battles during her time. She is extremely confident, although she doesn't come across as arrogant or boisterous, just unafraid of whatever lies before the group. I will conquer this dungeon.
She takes a brief moment to survey the party: the Minotaur, the Elven huntress, the handsome Tiefling that appeared to be some form of showman, the beautiful half-elf that obviously had draconic lineage. And perhaps some of our number will join me in celebrating afterwards.
"I am Petra." She says because I have no idea if we climbed down 19 levels without getting to know each other in what would be equivalent to a Greek accent. She looks at the name of the broken ship. "The Belle of the Sea. Was your Captain a Belle too?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Li'riya looks over the ship thoughtfully. "My name is Li'riya," she introduces herself quietly.
Li'riya is a unique sight, with a bow and two halves of a double scimitar across her back. The white-haired elf observes her surroundings with quiet intensity, head constantly on a swivel, including looking above.
The Minotaur huffs a nostril heavy breath, and stamps a hoof.
Before you is a thick 8 foot tall beast, covered in thick black fur in resemblance to a Yak, that belay any definable musculature. On him he wears simple leathers and bolsters many weapons on his back.
Ay, whut ye lookin at?
He gives a head shake flopping his bit of head hair back and forth along with his long rounded cow like ears, fanning off dust from the hair
Just another job. Eris had reminded herself as she made the trek with these people for 19 levels without really having introduced herself. Her tail slowly sways to-and-fro behind her as they finally make it to where they were headed. Without second thought, she takes out her foldable fan and begins to fan herself.
Eris is an older half-elven woman with fair skin and black hair pulled back into a bun, her lips were stained black and her light green eyes flickered over those who spoke. She gives a light scoff at the large minotaurs words. "You, sweetheart." Came a simply reply prior to her introducing herself. "I'm Eris. A pleasure."Mostly."Shall take a look in the ship? Maybe it'll have some treasure in it for us~" She tries to make the offer tempting by lightening up her tone.
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"I have to agree with Eris. I was indeed looking at you, but you are all a group of individuals that would have no trouble catching someone's eye." Petra says as she looks over the ship and makes a knowledge check she'll most certainly fail:10
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
You've heard of this vessel before. Over a hundred years ago, the Belle was once a sea faring ship that saved the Sword Coast from a great Thazdunian threat in a great Saltmarshian adventure. Among many other tales, it was later outfitted with Spelljamming engines, traveled the cosmos, and saved the planet from a great ancient Beholder threat from the stars. It's had multiple crew, a few captains, and one terrible ending. What you see now are it's remains.
You can clearly see a large square, smooth-cut hole in the aft section below what would have been the water line - one that would have been made by a disintegration spell. There is, however, no way to know who cast the spell or why the ship was sunk.
Regulus cracks his neck and smiles a toothy grin. His rather large purple tiefling frame is covered in several ornately decorated armor plates, with scarified skin peeking from between them. Long, straight black hair is pulled back tightly behind his back and a well trimmed beard hangs of his chin. Two large horns swoop up and back from his head like a crown. Resting on his shoulders, a long black iron flamberge (sword with a wavy blade) seems to pulsate with magic.
”But of course we will conquer this dungeon” his words seem to swirl on the wind in a warm baritone tone, dripping with honey and flame. “Just look at us, we’re an absolutely delicious group of warriors.” His crimson eyes seem to drink up each member. “Regulus Orphan is my name, but my fans call me the Purple Devil. And this here is the Devil’s middle finger.” He flourishes his blade.
“No, I don’t believe any of us are gorgons, and I am distinctly acquainted with the attention you mention, Baird.”
Regulus will approach the hole in the hull, “Shall we?”
Yea. Gotta keep an eye out on them pretty ones. Not much of em talk ta the likes of me. You either Horned one. But for you, seems like they wanna take more than jus' ye monies.
Baird give a smile as the tensions subside a bit more
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Light green eyes lock onto Baird, a thin brow arching as a smirk creeped its way upon her lips as she realizes he won’t give her the eye contact. “Would you like to find out, my dear?” After a minute, she chuckles. “No, I am not.” Her tail flicks behind her as she brings her attention to Regulus.
”Bet you’ve approached many different holes before,” She murmurs under her breath, hiding her smirk behind her fan now. The sorceress clears her throat and begins to make way to and inside the hole in the hull. “This’ll be fun~”
Perceppy: 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Eris chuckles at the look, her smirk remaining wide on her face. “Shame I’m not a gorgon. You’d make quite the lovely statue~”She shoots the Minotaur a cheeky wink then heads on inside cuz mama didn’t raise no *****.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The hole in the aft section is neatly cut, despite the shabby outward appearance of the spelljamming vessel. As you climb inside, you enter a hallway that served once as the crew quarters section. The ship has a strange smell, and you can't tell if it's because of where it's been, or where it is now. As you peer into the cabins walking down the hall, they have been completely emptied and ransacked - any furniture that has been too big to carry has been water warped and ruined. Such a terrible fate for a once famous ship. There is no evidence, even, of who served this ship, or anything personalizing it to the tastes of those who were aboard it. You wonder, if the walls could speak, would they would entertain you all with tales of bravery, love, hope, adventure, and more?
Suddenly, the partial hull shifts under your added weight, and begins to creak and moan - toppling to one side, and in a few terrible heartbeats of panic, collapses in on itself with a thunderous racket.
Everyone make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 bludgeoning damage from falling debris on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.
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DUNGEON OF THE MAD MAGE ONE SHOT
-
PETRA
Tell me, what is the purpose of youth? Is it to spend our strength and beauty cooped up in a household, working in a field or a shop for someone else's profit and then retire after a few decades, free to enjoy the world but deprived of the youth that makes the world worth enjoying?
I, Petra, say no to this. I was given strength by the gods, so I will use it. I will find the tallest mountains there are and I will climb them. I will find the strongest monsters and the fiercest warriors and defeat them in battle. I will find the most inhospitable regions on this world, where civilization is no more than an idea, and I will survive. And while I still have the beauty of youth, I will use that too. I will f*ck queens and goddesses. I will give them all of my love and all of my passion to the point where they will wish that one night could last for a lifetime.
And when I have done all this, when all of my youth is spent, I will be content to grow old. I will be content, knowing that I found glory in my youth and that I will be hailed as a champion, both in this life and in the next.
CRISPY PRESENTS
DUNGEON OF THE MAD MAGE LEVEL 19
THE CAVERNS OF OOZE
According to arcane texts and history:
HALASTER BLACKCLOAK
More than one thousand years ago, the wizard Halaster Blackcloak journeyed from a distant land to the base of Mount Waterdeep, perhaps acceding to the whispered summons of providence. Some believe he hailed from the nearly forgotten empire known as the Cradlelands. In ages past, humanity spread from the Cradlelands across Faerûn, originating from what is now the Plains of Purple Dust, a wasteland birthed out of a conflict with the gods. Others give Halaster less ancient origins, placing him among the early wizards of Netheril, or asserting that he came from a southern nation long since buried by sand and time. Whatever his origin, scholars have recorded that Halaster brought with him seven apprentices to Mount Waterdeep and made Undermountain his home - filling it with trap and monsters to torment intruders.
THE WEAVE
Where Waterdeep stands today, there once stood Aelinthaldaar, the capital city of the ancient elven kingdom of Illefarn. When the elves left, they used a powerful spell to erase all traces of their capital. This spell had the unintended side effect of creating a permanent knot in the Weave, the fabric through which all magic is channeled. This knot lies deep underground and isn’t something that can be seen, felt, or undone, but it can cause madness to bloom in the minds of mortal beings who dwell near it for too long. The knot permeates Undermountain, and the madness it causes typically manifests as an obsession with the dungeon itself. Those affected by the knot in the Weave exhibit a subconscious desire to remain in or near the dungeon. Halaster and several of his apprentices fell prey to this obsession, as did many Melairkyn dwarves and Durnan, the proprietor of the Yawning Portal. Not all creatures that dwell in Undermountain succumb to its madness, and those who do aren’t even aware that the dungeon has them in its clutches.
Welcome to Undermountain. Can you survive dungeon level 19?
AREA 1a - THE RESPLENDENT GROTTO OF ICHTHYGLUG THE VOLUMINOUS
This 50-foot-high cavern contains the wreck of a once mighty spelljamming sailing vessle. The wreck’s features are as follows:
Hull. The ship has broken in half, the shattered bow aiming northward and the aft section leaning against the east wall. The oak hull is soft and waterlogged, as though the vessel has been underwater for years, and both halves are encrusted with barnacles.
Mast and Anchor. The mast and anchor have broken off and lie in the middle of the cave, with the mast pointing toward a shimmering curtain of water to the west.
No Sails, No Rigging, No Crew. The ship’s square sail, rigging, and crew are all missing. (The sail and the rigging disintegrated long ago.)
It is easy to see on the side of the ship that it's name is the "The Belle Of The Sea" on it's barnacle-encrusted rudder.
DC 20 Intelligence (History) check: ?????
AREA 1b - CURTAINS OF WATER
This passage has a 20-foot-high, arched ceiling and contains three 1-foot-thick, magic curtains of translucent, shimmering green seawater. Each watery curtain stretches from floor to ceiling and wall to wall.
Petra stands inside the cave, taking a good look at her surroundings. Her hair is black and her skin is a bronzed tan. Her armor greatly resembles that of a Spartan's and from what you can see of her arms and legs, she is fairly muscular and bears a few scars which, while they do not detract from her beauty, definitely show that she has gotten into a few battles during her time. She is extremely confident, although she doesn't come across as arrogant or boisterous, just unafraid of whatever lies before the group. I will conquer this dungeon.
She takes a brief moment to survey the party: the Minotaur, the Elven huntress, the handsome Tiefling that appeared to be some form of showman, the beautiful half-elf that obviously had draconic lineage. And perhaps some of our number will join me in celebrating afterwards.
"I am Petra." She says
because I have no idea if we climbed down 19 levels without getting to know each otherin what would be equivalent to a Greek accent. She looks at the name of the broken ship. "The Belle of the Sea. Was your Captain a Belle too?"Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Li'riya looks over the ship thoughtfully. "My name is Li'riya," she introduces herself quietly.
Li'riya is a unique sight, with a bow and two halves of a double scimitar across her back. The white-haired elf observes her surroundings with quiet intensity, head constantly on a swivel, including looking above.
History: 19
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
The Minotaur huffs a nostril heavy breath, and stamps a hoof.
Before you is a thick 8 foot tall beast, covered in thick black fur in resemblance to a Yak, that belay any definable musculature. On him he wears simple leathers and bolsters many weapons on his back.
Ay, whut ye lookin at?
He gives a head shake flopping his bit of head hair back and forth along with his long rounded cow like ears, fanning off dust from the hair
Just another job. Eris had reminded herself as she made the trek with these people for 19 levels without really having introduced herself. Her tail slowly sways to-and-fro behind her as they finally make it to where they were headed. Without second thought, she takes out her foldable fan and begins to fan herself.
Eris is an older half-elven woman with fair skin and black hair pulled back into a bun, her lips were stained black and her light green eyes flickered over those who spoke. She gives a light scoff at the large minotaurs words. "You, sweetheart." Came a simply reply prior to her introducing herself. "I'm Eris. A pleasure." Mostly. "Shall take a look in the ship? Maybe it'll have some treasure in it for us~" She tries to make the offer tempting by lightening up her tone.
I have no mods in History but **** it: 13
Ho mama:
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
"I have to agree with Eris. I was indeed looking at you, but you are all a group of individuals that would have no trouble catching someone's eye." Petra says as she looks over the ship and makes a knowledge check she'll most certainly fail:10
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Seems fair. Im used ta gettin the eye. Tend ta be chased outta places by torch-fire. Takin a look at all a ye, i fink i may be safe. Fer now.
The minotaur takes a side look at Eris but no direct eye contact
Names Baird. Yeh'r not a Gorgon.. Right?
You've heard of this vessel before. Over a hundred years ago, the Belle was once a sea faring ship that saved the Sword Coast from a great Thazdunian threat in a great Saltmarshian adventure. Among many other tales, it was later outfitted with Spelljamming engines, traveled the cosmos, and saved the planet from a great ancient Beholder threat from the stars. It's had multiple crew, a few captains, and one terrible ending. What you see now are it's remains.
You can clearly see a large square, smooth-cut hole in the aft section below what would have been the water line - one that would have been made by a disintegration spell. There is, however, no way to know who cast the spell or why the ship was sunk.
Regulus cracks his neck and smiles a toothy grin. His rather large purple tiefling frame is covered in several ornately decorated armor plates, with scarified skin peeking from between them. Long, straight black hair is pulled back tightly behind his back and a well trimmed beard hangs of his chin. Two large horns swoop up and back from his head like a crown. Resting on his shoulders, a long black iron flamberge (sword with a wavy blade) seems to pulsate with magic.
”But of course we will conquer this dungeon” his words seem to swirl on the wind in a warm baritone tone, dripping with honey and flame. “Just look at us, we’re an absolutely delicious group of warriors.” His crimson eyes seem to drink up each member. “Regulus Orphan is my name, but my fans call me the Purple Devil. And this here is the Devil’s middle finger.” He flourishes his blade.
“No, I don’t believe any of us are gorgons, and I am distinctly acquainted with the attention you mention, Baird.”
Regulus will approach the hole in the hull, “Shall we?”
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Yea. Gotta keep an eye out on them pretty ones. Not much of em talk ta the likes of me. You either Horned one. But for you, seems like they wanna take more than jus' ye monies.
Baird give a smile as the tensions subside a bit more
Petra follows Regulus into the hole. "I do not know how this ship came to be here, but a long time ago it carried a crew of heroes."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Light green eyes lock onto Baird, a thin brow arching as a smirk creeped its way upon her lips as she realizes he won’t give her the eye contact. “Would you like to find out, my dear?” After a minute, she chuckles. “No, I am not.” Her tail flicks behind her as she brings her attention to Regulus.
”Bet you’ve approached many different holes before,” She murmurs under her breath, hiding her smirk behind her fan now. The sorceress clears her throat and begins to make way to and inside the hole in the hull. “This’ll be fun~”
Perceppy: 12
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Baird resists the eye till she cracks the joke, then dead-pans to look her in the face, with a look that says "Wow. You went there."
Li'riya swallows hard and just slips into the hole in the hull, murmuring a soft prayer in Elvish for the souls of the crew.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Eris chuckles at the look, her smirk remaining wide on her face. “Shame I’m not a gorgon. You’d make quite the lovely statue~”She shoots the Minotaur a cheeky wink then heads on inside
cuz mama didn’t raise no *****.Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
The hole in the aft section is neatly cut, despite the shabby outward appearance of the spelljamming vessel. As you climb inside, you enter a hallway that served once as the crew quarters section. The ship has a strange smell, and you can't tell if it's because of where it's been, or where it is now. As you peer into the cabins walking down the hall, they have been completely emptied and ransacked - any furniture that has been too big to carry has been water warped and ruined. Such a terrible fate for a once famous ship. There is no evidence, even, of who served this ship, or anything personalizing it to the tastes of those who were aboard it. You wonder, if the walls could speak, would they would entertain you all with tales of bravery, love, hope, adventure, and more?
Suddenly, the partial hull shifts under your added weight, and begins to creak and moan - toppling to one side, and in a few terrible heartbeats of panic, collapses in on itself with a thunderous racket.
Everyone make a DC 15 Dexterity saving throw, taking 18 bludgeoning damage from falling debris on a failed save, or half as much damage on a successful one.