The Underneath

Arnor had been concerned for some time about sounds coming from the barred door in his bedroom that led down to the caverns below the Fort. When they had a moment, the group gathered there to investigate, Nathia somewhat distracted by her worries over Arnor's imminent departure. Would this be their last adventure together or would she be able to talk the others into accompanying him at least part of the way down the shadowy path he must walk?

They discover creepy derro attempting to break in via the door and follow them down into the darkness, their insane-sounding ramblings promising trouble to come unless they were all taken care of. The invaders were swiftly dispatched, and the party were happy to see that the drakelings were still alive and well -- and friendly. 

Determined to root out the rest of the derro infestation, they press on until they found what appeared to be their main encampment. But it wasn't just derro that they found; no, there were giant bats, cockatrice, and vicious undead as well! Gorlock cast Hunger of Hadar for the first time to give them a bit of breathing room, accompanied by Moonbeam from Blurb and they took stock. Some thought a retreat was in order, some thought it best to let the fight play out. 

The leader of the derro, mumbling madness, called more ghasts to the attack, but things began to turn when Gorlock pinned down much of the derro forces with another casting of Hunger of Hadar. Nathia eyed the tentacle-ish darkness warily; it looked a terrifying thing and she was determined to never find herself in the midst of such a spell. 

Blurb, to combat the bats and hopefully pin down the leader, called forth giant owls. The cave seemed jam packed with wings, both leathery and feathery. Arnor used misty step to evade the minions and concentrated his attacks upon the mad leader, Nathia joining him as soon as she could. Tiffany, an ever-vigilant flying powder puff, warns of more derro approaching to the north via a mushroom-filled cave.

Nathia managed to take out the leader with one mighty blow, but it wasn't enough to intimidate the remaining derro and they continued their attacks, so, as one, everyone turned to meet the last vestiges of the gibbering grey-skinned derro. They were little match, though there was a moment when Blurb ventured in amongst the mushrooms and they feared for his sanity.

Greeba, the battle over, quickly moved on to examine Graknir (the leader's) chambers, as well as the other rooms. In all, they discovered a small sum of coin (enough for each to come away with 32gp, 4sp, and 5cp each), a supply of bat leather clothing (which Nathia and Wisteria hoped to make into a Cloak of the Bat -- later, they would write to Fraener for help in determining how), 3 slightly dodgy looking jars of stone to flesh balm (1D6: 1 = barkskin for an hour, 2-3 = look like a statue 4-5 = strangely malleable skin or 6 = fully restored), a larder full of supplies (that Nathia ultimately delivered to the kitchens at the Fort), and enough cockatrice and mushroom extract for Blurb to make 4 potions worth of Stone to Flesh.

Upon return to the Fort, they rested for over a ten day, each working on what needed to be done and planning their next foray into what lay underneath the Fort, as it seemed there were miles of tunnels left to explore. Blurb worked on maintaining a relationship with the remaining giant bats. Nathia completed two pairs of special dragonhide boots, as she had received this letter:

A letter to Nathia from Fraener.

Dear Madam Nathia, 

Firstly let me thank you again for the most excellent footwear you made for me. They have proved beyond useful. Indeed I’d go so far as to describe them as life saving.

If it is at all possible I should very much like to engage your services again?

My brother, Gruffyd, is currently involved in perilous work on the Glacier of the White Worm. Gathering intelligence on the fierce Frost Giants that roam that desolate realm intent on mischief against the lowlands. 

It is a terribly inhospitable place and of course very dangerous. With this in mind my vizier, the wizard Vylfa, informs me that certain magical boots of an uncommon nature, known as the Boots of the Winterland would aid him greatly at his perilous task. 

If it is within your power I should like to commission you to prepare said items at your leisure. Please submit an invoice along with an estimate of delivery to the Throne of Khundrakar and it will be settled by return.

Also, and if you don’t think it an imposition, we would be delighted to welcome you here in our halls if you have the time to visit.

I remain at your service.

Fraener ap Durgeddin 

King at Khundrakar

On the second pair, Nathia took particular care. As it seemed the others were unsure about the safety of accompanying Arnor on his journey and going by herself wasn't feasible, she thought Arnor might be able to use the boots as a bribe to the Lunar Knight for safe passage. She spent hours tooling intricate snowflake designs with curious objects and words hidden amongst them (having heard that the King liked puzzles) and trimmed the boots with rabbit fur dyed blue with woad (a rabbit she herself had caught under a full moon). She hoped that Arnor would not run into the Lunar Knight at all, in which case he could keep them as a gift from his beloved and perhaps think of her sometimes. Strangely, while working on the bottom of the sole of the left boot, her eyes a bit teary, she pricked her finger and left behind a spot of blood, which strangely dried in the shape of a heart.

Apes, Mushrooms, Spiders, Oh My!

Once they had all rested sufficiently, they once again ventured down into the caverns below. They soon came across some strange ape-like tracks, which they followed and met some myconids. At first wary, they figured out a way to communicate with the mushroom people and found out that whatever the ape-creatures were, they were not any immediate danger. In fact, the myconids feared a giant spider. 

The group pledged to take care of it and, after a very cobwebb-y battle, successfully killed J'ba Fofi. Blurb was even able to harvest some venom and spider silk. They had a short rest while they debated what to do next...