Sarith shakes his head. Just saying we need to be prepared. There is no other way out of here.

Don nods, thinking, "Do you know anything of these oozes or how to fight them? I encountered none on afloat, though I've heard they can be quite nasty."

It will destroy any metal you have on you...weapons, armor, whatever. Best to avoid it if possible...but if not, best to kill it with something you're not going to miss. Sarith says. And where are we going once we get down to the floor? Have you even discussed that?

What does Tempest know about oozes in general?

Nature check:  5

(is Zhor still here as NPC? He was underdark ranger)

Responding to Sarith, but broadcasting to all Where to next is still an open question. Buppido and  Suushar have made suggestions of their own homes. I would want to wait until we know where to go, but this chance cannot be missed

(He is still here, yes)

Sarith thinks for a moment. I would sooner go to Darklake than Gracklstugh. Neverlight Grove could offer us some sanctuary as well. Stool perks up at the mention of Neverlight Grove. I could lead you there. That is my home, and I am sure you would be offered help there.

One of the twin gnomes crawls forward. Blingdenstone has pathways that could lead you surface-dwellers out of the underdark, as well...

Tempest sighs. "I don't like to give lectures, but here goes..." She puts on a stern look and takes on a mental tone of a boring instructor.

She relates the following...

Oozes thrive in the dark, shunning areas of bright light and extreme temperatures. They flow through the damp underground, feeding on any creature or object that can be dissolved, slinking along the ground, dripping from walls and ceilings, spreading across the edges of underground pools, and squeezing through cracks. The first warning an adventurer receives of an ooze’s presence is often the searing pain of its acidic touch.

Oozes are drawn to movement and warmth. Organic material nourishes them, and when prey is scarce they feed on grime, fungus, and offal. Veteran explorers know that an immaculately clean passageway is a likely sign that an ooze lairs nearby.

Slow Death. An ooze kills its prey slowly. Some varieties, such as black puddings and gelatinous cubes, engulf creatures to prevent escape. The only upside of this torturous death is that a victim’s comrades can come to the rescue before it is too late.

Since not every ooze digests every type of substance, some have coins, metal gear, bones, and other debris suspended within their quivering bodies. A slain ooze can be a rich source of treasure for its killers.

Unwitting Servants. Although an ooze lacks the intelligence to ally itself with other creatures, others that understand an ooze’s need to feed might lure it into a location where it can be of use to them. Clever monsters keep oozes around to defend passageways or consume refuse. Likewise, an ooze can be enticed into a pit trap, where its captors feed it often enough to prevent it from coming after them. Crafty creatures place torches and flaming braziers in strategic areas to dissuade an ooze from leaving a particular tunnel or room.

Spawn of Juiblex. According to the Demonomicon of Iggwilv and other sources, oozes are scattered fragments or offspring of the demon lord Juiblex. Whether this is true or not, the Faceless Lord is one of the few beings that can control oozes and imbue them with a modicum of intelligence. Most of the time, oozes have no sense of tactics or self-preservation. They are direct and predictable, attacking and eating without cunning. Under the control of Juiblex, they exhibit glimmers of sentience and malevolent intent.

Ooze Nature. An ooze doesn’t require sleep.

About gray oozes in particular:

Amorphous. The ooze can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Corrode Metal. Any nonmagical weapon made of metal that hits the ooze corrodes. After dealing damage, the weapon takes a permanent and cumulative −1 penalty to damage rolls. If its penalty drops to −5, the weapon is destroyed. Nonmagical ammunition made of metal that hits the ooze is destroyed after dealing

Amorphous. The ooze can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch wide without squeezing.

Corrode Metal. Any nonmagical weapon made of metal that hits the ooze corrodes. After dealing damage, the weapon takes a permanent and cumulative −1 penalty to damage rolls. If its penalty drops to −5, the weapon is destroyed. Nonmagical ammunition made of metal that hits the ooze is destroyed after dealing damage.

The ooze can eat through 2-inch-thick, nonmagical metal in 1 round.

False Appearance. While the ooze remains motionless, it is indistinguishable from an oily pool or wet rock.

Damage Resistances Acid, Cold, Fire

"No questions now..." She said in that same teacher mental tone. "Do your homework and report back to me at tomorrow's class..."

Stool looks at her, his eyes shining. Wow....you sure know a lot about oozes.

Too much Derendil thinks, looking a little cross eyed.

Manju - Muttering to himself in Orcish "Manju already knew that... pffft."

"The power I was able to impart to that pipe should protect it for a time. Anyone who needs to fight in melee could use that when the time comes. I know Tempest and I are capable of magic, anyone else?"

Jimjar, hearing his home mentioned chimes in, "Yes, Blingdenstone! That's our best bet."

Don pulls a small pebble from behind Tempest's ear (Sleight of Hand: 13) and says silently, "All my magic is of the mundane variety. I have a sharp shard of flint. It should work well enough in a fight, and as it is made of stone it shouldn't corrode. Tempest, if you still have yours you could give it to someone who might have to fight the ooze, once we're out of this cell and you can cast again."

"Fine..."  Tempest says with a sigh.  To the others, but still not the Drow, she continues mentally.  "I managed to find this flint shaped like a dagger." She explains.  "If someone can use it, I will let you have it.  I should be able to use some of my spells once we are free, though I won't get them all until I get to my component pouch."

Darklake, Neverlight, Blingdenstone, Gracklstugh, Sloobludop Gadvelt repeats We don't know their locations enough to judge. I think we will part ways before too long, each to their own home, but a common place to start would help. And, we could find one path or another blocked, so best to have options. What two are closest and safest?

Privately to Tempest 

I believe Sloobludop is the closest...but even that is days away. I hope all of you are prepared for the journey...it will not be easy, and we're likely to be pursued by Ilvara relentlessly. Neverlight is probably safest, but I think it is also the farthest away. Could take us weeks to get there.

"Oh, yes, I'll make sure to pack everything I need for an extended trip..."  Tempest says sarcasticly.  "Best make sure I get my teddy bear, my next best dress, and cannot forget a couple extra pairs of shoes..." She glances around the place.  "Mmm, now where did the servants hide those things again..."  She huffsin annoyance.  Then, in a little less grouchy of a tone.  "I think we are as good as we are likely to get as far as being prepared, it isn't like we have any options do we?"

The drow scowls at her. Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation, human. Especially to those not used to traveling in the underdark. We will see how long your good humor lasts you when an umber hulk is running you down.

Now Gadvelt uses a parental tone - from where he's not sure, but patience is his thing Do I have to stand between you two? Sarith, you should know that some people use humor to keep going when it seems hopeless. Tempest, sarcasm in this moment will not help. Is the dorf barbarian really the voice of reason here?

"Let us go over our options again, I am not totally clear on them. We have Blingdenstone, the home of the Deep Gnomes. Neverlight Grove, home of young stool. Sloobludop, the home of the kua-toa, Suushar, and near by. Gracklstugh, Darklake, I don't recall hearing who hails from these?" Don interjects, trying to deflect tensions. "Close sanctuary is a priority, but only if it is actual sanctuary for us all."