Session 1: Into the Underdark Report

General Summary

The party took a long journey, three days into the Underdark's province known as Kéntro and they began site selection. The party was led by Reinys (Elf Paladin), Tarr (Dwarf Cleric), and Smaug (Dragonborn Barbarian). They had specific criteria in mind as they went through the twists and turns of various tunnels, often having to backtrack so that the caravan of supplies could follow them properly. Reinys examined each area for overall usability, Tarr for natural resources to start up the crafting aspect of the trade outpost, and Smaug looked after the defensiblity as a seasoned soldier that had served in Drow cities previously he had expert insight into cave fighting.   The cavern that the party settled on was large, with a low hanging ceiling at 40 feet but it also had a natural water source with a river skirting the western edge of the dome. The ground was uneven and full of large rocks and there were many stalactites overhead along with 5 passages leading out of the cavern to include the small passageways that the river had naturally cut into the earth. The other three passages, one that was their entrance into the cavern while another tunnel pointed north and led down in elevation and the last was a very wide tunnel that appeared to have been cut by a large species of some time ago. After instructing the caravan to hold their position the three leaders decided to do some scouting to see where these tunnels led, they started with the large one that could easily provide space for two wagons to travel side by side.   They traveled for almost 45 minutes and they found an incredibly large cavern with a natural land bridge over an endless abyss. They were unable to judge the side and true shape of the room because it extended far beyond their vision in the darkness. However, they were able to discover that enormous claw markings scarred the side of the bridge as if a giant creature or fiend had been pushed from the bridge into the abyss. The paladin confirmed that this creature was likely a demon of some kind but the episode had likely taken place more than seven days ago and they were in no immediate danger. On their way back to the caravan they saw signs that pointed towards ideal conditions for mining Zap Steel and they also discovered there were numerous hidden passages that appeared to be too small for even Dwarves to navigate.   The northern passageway led down in a spiraling pattern and the ground was much rougher, after only about 20 minutes of travel time they encountered a sharp offshoot that appeared to be an animal den. The Barbarian silently moved inside and found it was a small cave, only large enough to stow a wagon but the floor was incredibly smooth. It was at this moment that the Cleric realized Smaug was standing on the head of a large Bulette, a Land Shark, they tried to move away quietly but it woke up and the group had to fight. It was a fierce victory for them however and they made a job of dragging the carcass back to their caravan who was eager to be on their way. The three leaders gave them permission to unload and began making preparations for base camp. Over the course of the next two days the group, consisting of 12 adventurers began work on their home base with a sense of urgency. Despite making noise and shedding light they were able to start leveling the ground, make a start on cultivating an area for the growing of luminous fungus and began work on a forge.   Throughout the night watches one of the adventurers, a Gensai Red Mage, encountered a wandering Xorn who he was only able to communicate with in broken primordial. The other watches have been peaceful and the group has yet to encounter enemies beyond that of a scouting goblin that fled upon discovery. At the end of the session, the party received a letter transported by a bat that welcomed them to the Underdark and offered them animal taming and selling services if they wished to travel and meet at a remote location.