Session 10 - Sloop Group - Grub's Up!

General Summary

Cassandra and Malcer now found themselves alone in the dark. They realised there was nothing they could do for their petrified companions and considered their options.   Meanwhile, Dinglepop Fizzlewop has set off in search of his companions, along the way he met a couple of wandering adventurers looking for employment and they agreed to join him in finding his friends as long as they got a share of the spoils. They made their way through the salt mines, following the trail of bodies down and into the lower mine, they were untroubled as they headed throuhg the dark, dusty rooms below. One of Dinglepop's new companions Nokwast, a Gnome Ranger, could clearly see footprints in the dust running to and fro and there seemed to be evidence of fighting in several areas. As they headed up towards the room where Cassandra and Malcer pondered they heard whispered voices but being unaware it was the other party members Nokwast kicked the door open violently surprising Cassandra and knocking Malcer flying. Fortunately it became clear quickly that these were friends and combat was avoided and apologies issued, Dinglepop greeting Cassandra warmly and as he looked around the room he saw the golden, petrified forms of his former companions with the gently bubbling golden fountain behind them.   A quick search of a side room revealed nothing but after a more thorough survey of a writing table an ornately carved dagger was discovered hidden in a drawer along with some gold and a healing potion. Luirlen, an elf warlock who had also taken up with Dinglepop, was graciously offered the dagger and discovered it to be magical. From a metal scroll found on the table it became clear that the room was the private bedroom of 'Avernus', a Priest of Graar - a dwarven god of Mining, Greed and Misery. It described his findings in the mine known as 'The Knuckle'. he was clearly insane and it tells of the discovery of the gold vein, the descent into 'aurhreck' by the miners, and his calling down the 'glitterdoom' to possess the gold. Averes finishes his tale by declaring his intent to move down into the mine and transform it into a cathedral worthy of his new god.   The party pushed onwards finding a room with a large well and winch:  

  With no obvious safe way down and wary of what lay below, Dinglepop proposed to summon a familiar to explore below. While he prepared for the summoning the rest of the party continued to explore the mine....   Knowing that they missed some areas on the way through, the party retraced their steps and came across a closed door just north of the dwarven barrack room. Quietly opening the door it seemed to be some kind of kitchen area, as the party members moved into the room a large, nightmarish creature slithered across the floor towards them. As it hauled it's hideous bulk through the room on small, sturdy arms it smashed broken items of furniture at the party and spat acid at Malcer causing his armour to melt.The party worked together along with their new companions and managed to defeat the creature.   Okkar stood over the foul creature with a sad expression on his face.  

"Another victim of their own greed, many dwarves died here".....

  Okkar's sympathetic feelings towards the creature faded quickly however as he spotted golden nuggets embedded under it's slimy, translucent skin and cut them out.   The party made their way back towards Dinglepop to see how the summoning was coming on.....