Dodge Caravan

Continuing on deeper into the darkness our fearless group of heroes finds themselves upon a structure which can only be justified as a “tube” crossing through the passageway. It was different from all of the other passages and tunnels that they had crossed through, this tube appeared to be manmade. It’s shape and dimensions were much more symmetrical and thought-out.

“We are now in an ancient worm tube,” chimed Victran, the group’s Drow guide. “It is now used by merchants as a trade route.” Victran’s formal knowledge of the Underdark had so far proven helpful to the group along with his blades. Victran was quickly earning over the group’s trust. “It is now safe to use a light source.”

Deeper down the tube flickers of torchlight danced. For the first time they felt mildly at ease in the depths of the Underdark. 

“We are going to an area where merchants barter.” Said Victran in a calm tone.

A mile down, the torch-ensconced tube opened into a massive cavern large enough to hold Lord Tindross’ grounds twice over. The cavern was bowl shaped with a road traversing the rim. On the inside of the road a forest of stalagmites crept in all directions. Another road led down to the center of the cavern which was flat and well lit. Two dozen caravans had been set up in the center of the cavern. On the far side caravans were coming and going, being pulled by sturdy lizard-like creatures. From the distance it looked as if the population consisted of gnome-like creatures. Victran studied the scene intensely.

“I see Daro, Drugar, deep gnomes and two ogres.” Victran relayed.

Looking around Fox could sense figures in the stalagmites. Perhaps it was still not safe to speak out in the open.

“We should make our way down to the market,” Victran suggested, “our informant will be waiting.”
Fox disguised himself as a dark elf, knowing that most underground races, especially dark elves, do not like surface elves.

Approaching the market it was agreed that Dahktor Yang would wear the Helm of comprehension. 

“Game of chance?” a small disfigured gnome had popped out from behind a wagon wheel. “Perhaps a game of chance?” The limping creature smiled.

“No, we are not here for chance.” Dahktor replied.

The gnome’s smile faded into a sneer, it growled and returned to it’s spot behind the wheel.
Fox noticed a female between two wagons. She was short with large blue eyes the size of his fist. She was transfixed on the newcomers as they passed by.

“She is not here, we must go,” Victran led them through the market and up the opposite side of the cavern where they set up camp at the rim amid the stalagmites.

“I must go check the drop point,” informed Victran, “If a drow female comes to our camp you must leave!” His eyes narrowed. “If that happens we will meet up in 1 day.”

Still in Drow disguise, Fox left with Victran. The group waited and wondered, who is this Drow female?

To the ANUS!

Once outside of the astral plane the group found themselves in a massive underground chamber.  Their feet rested on a crudely drawn five point star covered in runes similar to those in Tear's inner sanctum.  Their senses became dulled and real life had never looked so bland.  The vibrations of the plane had turned into the echoes of dripping water pulsing through the cavern.  A stale wet odor permeated the air around them.
     "Where are we?"  Fox asked as he surveyed the dark expanse surrounding him.  As his eyes slowly adjusted he could see a rock face beyond with intricate lines flowing in all directions. 
     "This is what remains of a great dwarven kingdom."  Tear announced.
     The outlines on the wall became clearer and they could see an entire city carved into the wall of rock.  Houses with windows opened up to meandering walkways that etched their way up and down the wall.  It was the ghostly remains of a vast city that stretched beyond their view. 
     "How can this be?" Raddick pondered.  "Where have they gone?"
     "It has been abandoned for over one thousand years.  The sea came to reclaim it and no one returned."  Tear spoke with excitement.
     "There must still be riches if they ran from a flood." Raddick replied.
     "Yes indeed.  I have explored somewhat, but not extensively."
     "Which way?" Fox interjected.
     "Towards the anus." said a voice from behind the group, with disdain.  Victran the Drow stepped forward to collect their puzzled looks.
     "When mapped out the chamber which we are now in takes on the appearance of the a stomach.  Our best chance at moving deeper underground is to head for the anus."  Victran extended his arm and pointed to a gentle flow of water which had carved itself into a small valley, cutting through the chamber.  The stream led to a  hole in the wall big enough for them to fit through one at a time. 
     Dahktor kept quiet and moved on the outskirts of the group.  He had thanked them profusely for rescuing him from the hunting party on the astral plane.  He had remained aloof and did not speak much of himself.  They knew that he had been some sort of slave or prisoner however there was no weird funny stuff going on.  He had agreed to take up arms in the underdark and join in their cause.
     Showing trepidation, Groth complained about going deeper underground.  He stated that he was very accustomed to fitting into small holes above ground but did not like being stuck in small holes underground.  It was agreed that he would wait here at base camp and guard the portal so that they may return.

Next up EVERDRENCH

Through the Looking Glass

Tear did his best to coach the group on the intricacies of movement through the astral plane.  Once complete, bypassing the formalities of getting to know the strange (non-sexual) ex-slave who now graced their presence, they made their way for the portal which led to the dwarven ruins.
     They came upon a large swirling vortex which extended high above and deep below.  The swirling visual created a sensation of being pulled closer.  However this was not the case.  Since the mind felt it was being pulled, it was in fact thinking about moving closer, which caused the physical self to move closer to the vortex in the astral plane.
     Victran the drow lead the charge and moved steadily towards the swirling mass followed closely behind by Tear, Fox and Auren.  A haze swelled up between them and the portal, as they moved closer it began to take the form of a voluptuous female drow.  She hovered with a sensual glow, her gray skin hinted through her silken covering as she narrowed her eyes.
     "Danger!" Victran's thoughts ripped through their minds with searing exactness.
     "Oh," she turned her gaze towards Victran, "Victran the traitor."  The drow lowered her head and smiled.
     "Gladly." he replied smugly.
     "The lady is aware of your coming," her body rippled under the silk as she shifted her weight, "she has plans for you."  She lifted her head, smiled and blinked out of sight.  For a brief moment her real form was visible as she faded out of view.  A momentary glimpse revealed a large molten mound of a creature swirling with tentacles.
     "Yochlol, a handmaiden of Lolth."  Phae answered the question that all were thinking.
     After lots of thinking, the group travelled through the portal and gave up the astral high.

Off to the Underdark!