Follow closely lad!

elmo says to Glabbagool

I grab the treasure and call over my shoulder as I make for the exit, "If anybody can carry that chest then do so and let's get moving!  Shroom, Glabb, Grem; we'll divide up the loot later on, but for now, let's boogey!!" I then fly out the door.

Hemeth is at the mouth of the room i assume:

"Hemeth, lead the way lad! up and avoid the floor traps we so expertly avoided coming in and head to the tunnel across the way! "

    All of you manage to make it back to the room of hallways and swim across the now flooded trap doors safely.  Taking the cavern exit you arrive a rough-walled cave opening.  You look up and see the source of all this water flooding the temple.  It's a large crack in the 10-foot high ceiling.  The crack is beginning to break apart and you can safely assume that it's been getting worse since the tremors began.

    You hear a deafening *CRACK* and before you can react, the ceiling is coming down on you along with a large rush of water now pouring through the ceiling.  As the water level rises very fast, you all tread carefully, avoiding falling rock and soon reach an opening in the cave that you swim to.  Gathering your footing and making your way through the new tunnel, you once again reach the Darklake.  You're surrounded by many different types of fungi, some of which resemble trees because of their size.

    All of you are now together, and this looks like a good a place as any to take a long rest to regroup and figure out how to traverse the Darklake to reach Neverlight Grove and return Stool to his home.

“Moradins legs!! Me bones are tired , might be we take a rest here.. I’ve be wanting to look at this weapon and feel it’s magic..”

I would like for Elmo to talk with stool before we all bunk for the night.

Stool, my mushroom friend, I have been feeling sorry for ye the last few days.  I see how frightened ye get when metal be drawn.  I used to feel that way too.  You know what I did little buddy? I learned to hide.  To become a like a shadow.  Saved me skin more than once it has!   If ye like, Id like to help teach ye to hide from danger.  What do ye say me wee pal?

Elmo also volunteers for watch.  During his shift he would like to keep an eye on Hemeth. I want to see how he is sleeping tonight.  

Perception check: 20

As we sit around, I would like to talk to Hemeth: 

"That temple back there... was old, beyond even my reckoning. Might be we can learn more about it in your city? Speaking of Grucklstugh, how do they take to non duergar.. specifically Dwarven paladins that have an affinity to slaying evil if ye catch my meaning? "

to moragana: 

"Lass, outstanding work ye did back there. Ye be having a knack for puzzles and such.. us dwarfs tend to try to bust through rather than use thee old helmet holder.. Your are one smart Lass!"

Ok.  I've got lots of actions to catch up on.  Here they come:

1.  I'm gonna roll an investigation check on this new dagger to try to discern its nature, what it does, etc. 20

2.  I'll address Elmo:  "Now that we are not being actively hunted, it's time for you and I to square up, small fry.  You accuse me of blasphemous acts and then steal from me; a member of your own party!  Have you no honor?!  How could we ever trust a backstabbing ***** like you?!  I won't tolerate this kind of mistreatment of my friends and I.  For the last time: you are going to pay me 10 gold for the items that you stole and apologize for your behavior.  I then may allow you to continue to travel with us instead of killing you, thereby ensuring the security of this party in the days to come.  Last chance.  What say you?"

3.  I'll address Grem: "Thanks, buddy.  Being brilliant sure has its advantages.  But I would be lost without a burly protector such as yourself to keep the bad guys at bay while I cogitate.  For your valiant efforts, please accept your share of the loot (hands over the gold bracelets and one third of the coinage gained from the temple).  Maybe you could weave the bracelets into your beard or something.  Make yourself even more handsome!"

4.  To the ooze:  "We are indebted to you for the aid that you rendered back there and consequently my party and I intend to honor our deal; you are welcome to accompany us in order to learn what you can about the humanoid condition.  So welcome aboard and we are honored to have a wonderous and wide eyed waif such as yourself along (feeds the ooze a ration)!  But perhaps you can tell us a little bit more about yourself now that we are at our leisure.  How is it that you became sentient while the other oozes that we encountered were mindless monsters?  You can take many shapes and forms, as we have already seen.  What other talents and abilities do you posses?  Do you intend to help us fight our enemies if the need should arise?"   

5.  To Stool:  "I am SSSSOOOOOOOOO proud of you, little guy!! (Hugs stool)  You found a way to be extremely useful back there!  I want you to keep that sort of thing up!  You should always be trying to expand your mind and test new abilities as you grow!  Let me know if you need any help training!  In fact, lets start now!!"  Morgana will attempt to show stool a bit about the arcane arts in the hopes that imbuing him with control of magic might hasten/augment his development.  I'll assume that would be an arcana check and roll one, but let me know if you want me to do something else, Bob.  15

I'll hold all further actions until these interactions play out, and I'll go from there.   

Stool to Elmo - "Oh yes!  Teach me!  I don't know how good I'll be at hiding...I'm not quite built for that, but I'm also not fully developed yet, so maybe there's a chance I'll grow into that skillset?"

Hemeth to Gremryl - "Aye.  I know of someone that might have knowledge of the ancient Duerger temples.  He be an old family friend.  As for the city's...uhh...disposition towards non-Duerger Dwarves...Well, if you're with me, you'll be fine.  So it'll be fine!  You do know the history of our kind, eh?  There's bad blood to be sure.  My father has dedicated his life to reconciliation...it's not the most popular of philosophies in the city of Gracklstugh.  Best that he's amassed wealth beyond a normal Dwarf's blessing.  What would you like to know about the city?"

I am going to cast suggestion on Elmo.  He'll need to roll a wisdom 14 saving throw.

Before Elmo can respond and Morgana casts her spell he steps between them: 

and quietly says between the two

"enough the both of ye, we are traveling the under dark now for weeks, we've escaped a drow camp, battled drow, saved other who couldn't be saving themselves, battled orcs, evil priestess fishes, oozes, and one of my most prized possessions has been damaged. We've done all this, learned about each other, fought side by side with each other and this?? (he holds up a delicious meat snack) this will be our downfall? Elmo, ye need to be respecting our meats and items, personally if you keep making the meats from our rations this delicious, than ye can continue to do so lad. But, there must be honor amongst us because we aren't all thieves ye see. Morgana, aye, Elmo took some meats you may or may not have been saving, he's a sneaky lad. But He's been here every step of the way, he slayed the arch priestess with a prim shot from his cross bow. He's had tiffs with you aye, but only to show you there's a wider scope to the world lass. Everything isn't life or death sometimes. Ye play the situations as it comes, and act accordingly.. Death or meat? that seems to be excessive..words can hurt I know lass... But words don't kill. (he tosses her 10 GP) I owed these to Elmo from a bet we made back in the village so they are his anyways... that makes ye whole. Let us be done with this and move along. Look at Ooze, is this what we should be teaching him about the ways of the our world? Come now you two, by moradins heart, no blood shed need happen here. WE have come along way, and I believe Moradin put us together to continue on this path.. together.. not apart."

With that he looks at both of them, takes a step back and with a pleading look at both of you walks away to speak with Hemeth, the Ooze and Stool. 

    Morgana inspects the Drow dagger carefully.  She notices a spider design on the hilt that reminds her of the Velkynvelve prison camp that she escaped from...seemingly ages ago now.  The Drow presence here seems to pervade everything.  The blade of the dagger is ornate in design and seems to be deadlier than average.  (+1 to damage).

    Turning to Glabbagool and asking her questions, the gelatinous cube replies, "I don't know how I became self-aware and with no concept of what I think you refer to as 'time', I don't know how long I've been this way.  You and your friends are fascinating to me.  I would like to learn as much as I can about this 'human condition' of yours.  I would also like to taste different things and see different things!  As for talents...well...I've been practicing something.  Watch this!"

    Morgana watches Glabbagool as he disappears from sight.  Shocked, she reaches out for the space where Glabbagool once was.  Before her hand reaches that space, Glabbagool reappears and says, "Wait!  It's probably best that you don't touch me.  I tend to...dissolve things that I engulf."

    Morgana grins as she's somewhat impressed with Glabbagool's invisibility trick.  That may come in handy, she thinks to herself.  Then she turns to Stool and bestows praise upon it for stepping up in combat to lend aid in a most useful way.  Stool replies, "Oh thank you, Ms. Morgana!  I've learned how to be brave from you!"  Morgana then attempts to show Stool how to shape the magical forces of the universe.  Stool attempts to do the same with...less than stellar results.  Stool does, however, learn to better control its spores, and for a moment, Morgana senses a magical energy being emitted from the spores that may have combat potential.  More training would be necessary, although there is hope for this fungal ally, she thinks to herself.

Thank Ishtus for being a second voice of reason my dwarven friend.  I owe ye a debt.  She's a right menace.  If she cant learn and grow in even the smallest way then I fear that lass will pose the greatest obstacle to us getting out of this shite hole alive. If ye dont have the possibility of growth in ye lass then please let Ol' Elmo know so he can leave this place on his own.  Elmo doesn't kill children, but if I stick around, I fear that this child will leave me no choice.  

While never letting his glance leave the foolish child, Elmo shakes his head and moves to a safe distance away from Morgana and sets up his watch position for the night.

Ill take first watch on account of Ill be unlikely to sleep with two eyes closed knowing that there is viper in our nest.  

    The adventurers discuss differences of opinion and the controversial meat heist rears its ugly head again as Morgana demands reparations.  Gremryl attempts to keep the peace with words of balance and tempered fairness.  Elmo acknowledges Grem's efforts and cautiously settles in for the first watch, fearing Morgana's unbridled wrath.  After having each said their peace, an uneasy truce is agreed upon.  Neither side quite reaching satisfaction in their own mind, however, such is the expected result of a hard-fought compromise between diametrically opposing sides.

    With everyone asleep, except for the roguish Halfling, Elmo who carefully watches over the group, he notices that while Hemeth appears to be sleeping soundly, it's Morgana now, who restlessly tosses and turns.  Fearing the painful singe of a half-unconscious, fully still angry, teenage sorcerer, Elmo decides to continue watching closely instead of rouse his companion.  Yes, I used the word companion even in the tumultuous relationship between Morgana and Elmo at the moment.

    Once his time has ended, he wakes Gremryl to continue the watch as Elmo finds a comfortable enough spot on the ground to sleep.  With Gremryl keeping watch, he too notices that Morgana is visibly struggling in her sleep.  Thinking little of it at this point, Gremryl continues to watch for enemies who might approach from the Darklake, or from the tunnel they just came from.  Fortunately, he sees nothing of concern on his watch and it comes time for Morgana's turn.

    Gremryl moves to wake Morgana and she abruptly sits up before being touched with a look of panic and sweat beading down her forehead.  Startled, Gremryl asks if she's ok.  Morgana, not understanding herself the dreams she's awoken from, simply waves him off and replies that she's fine and to get some rest while he can.

    During Morgana's watch, she reflects on her dreams...it isn't very long before she realizes that Glabbagool returns from wherever it was previously.  Curious as to where its been and more importantly what its seen, they engage in dialogue until Morgana's watch is over and Hemeth's begins.

    When all of you wake, you notice a euphoric feeling overcome each of you.

    Telepathically, Stool speaks to each of you and says, "I've learned a new trick!  I really want everyone to be happy and that strong desire created a new skill!  I can make everyone feel very happy now!  But it won't last long I fear." 

    Looking around, you all realize that while very much enjoying the 'morning' reprieve from danger, you now need to figure out how to get across the Darklake.  Your attention is drawn to the various fungi around the area for components...

Gremryl stands up and yawns stretching.. 

"Stool! you little bugger, get ye over here! I feel mightly refreshed and must say thank ye! The lavender scent is so relaxing!! Morgana, you look radiant! Elmo, you handsome scoundrel! Hemeth.. me brother from another dwarven mother! Ooze! well you look ..Oozy! By Moradins blessing tis a great day to be alive. And look! (He hold up the wicked looking mace ) look at me mace! (he commands it to flame up with its green flames), Moradin came to me in my dream and told me its name Moradin's Benevolence be its name, and holy smiting is its game! I'm glad we were able to sleep through the night, oh, Elmo! you left me a tasty meat treat! Thank ye!"

Gremryl noms down on a meat snack. He reads the note, but doesn't say mention it... just smiles. then he walks off to make water and investigate the fungi in the area. 

investigation check 15

    Looking around the area, you see a few species of fungi in particular.  Stool comes over and assists with explaining what they can be useful for.

Stool - "Around here I see Barrelstalk, Trillimac, and Zurkhwood!  Here's what I know them to be good for!"

BARRELSTALK

    A barrelstalk is a large, cask-shaped fungas that can be tapped and drained of the fresh water stored within it.  A single barrelstalk contains 1d4+4 gallons of water and yields 1d6+4 pounds of food.

TRILLIMAC

    A trillimac is a mushroom that grows to a height of four to five feet, and has a broad gray-green cap and a light gray stalk.  The cap's leathery surface can be cut and cleaned for use in making maps, hats, and scrolls (it's surface takes on dyes and inks well).  The stalk can be cleaned, soaked in water for an hour, then dried to make a palatable food akin to bread.  Each trillimac stalk provides 1d6+4 pounds of food.

ZURKHWOOD

    Zurkhwood is a massive mushroom that can reach a height of thirty to forty feet.  Its large grain-like spores are edible and nutritionally equivalent to 1d4+4 pounds of food, but zurkhwood is more important for its hard and woody stalks.  Zurkhwood is one of the few sources of timber in the Underdark, used to make furniture, containers, bridges, and rafts, among other things.  Skilled crafters can use stains, sanding and polishing to bring out different patterns in zurkhwood.

Elmo wakes up refreshed and feeling them sweet spores.  

Why hello... Is it just me mates, or are things not right terrible right now?

Elmo walks up to Morg.  He tries to ruffle her hair but realizes that he'd have to jump an embarrassing distance in the air to do it.  

(he says over his shoulder to stool) These spores are amazing stool! I think I forgot that I was short for a moment lad! I think im getting inebriated on these lovely spores mate...

Elmo looks up at morg while still awkwardly reaching for her head.  

 

Ahhhh ye lovable scamp! 

he walks away from Morgana with out the fear he felt last night

After elmo recovers from his spore euphoria he approaches Stool and says 

Ye still interested in learning to be a bit of a sneak?  If so here is ye first lesson.  

He starts stepping quietly around stool.  Walking in a slow deliberate circle.

Your first lesson is to learn to step softer than a wee mouse's back end.  Watch how Elmo be stepping.  See how I keep me legs bent.  See how gingerly me feet be landing.  See how I be avoiding gravel and lose rocks?  

As we travel today, try to apply what Im teaching ye now lad.  Ill be watching ye and giving ye feed back.  When ye learn to walk like a whisper then Ill teach ye more.  Fair enough mate?