Operation Parameters
| Date |
1492 DR, 7 Eleasis
|
| Soldiers |
- Arden
- Szeth
- Waldo
- Private Fuckup
|
| Status |
|
| Casualties / MIA |
Waldo
|
Operation Details
We were send into the Underdark to travel to an underground waterway and then travel down it to scout ahead. After a briefing from CPT Tel, we moved into the under Jim and then into the Underdark led by Waldo who had travelled there before. We passed by underground passageways that were filled with crystals embedded in the walls that seemed to react to magic by glowing. Hearing rumbling from underfoot we attempted to stay silent for awhile before moving forward again, but as we did we were ambushed by a burrowing large monster that looked kind of like a scaled shark with four legs. It was able to leap into the air and land heavily in an area, punishing us for grouping up. After a few lightning bolts and weapon blows we were able to defeat it before moving on. Try to keep moving in the Underdark. Staying in one place for too long can attract too much attention and there are monsters who can burrow down here.
We snuck by what Waldo described as a shit monster in the next area before rushing towards the scent of fire. We had been told there was a dwarven tavern underground on our way to the waterway and that smell came from the burning tavern. All the dwarves we found outside were dead Covering our faces with wet clothes, we moved closer to investigate. Waldo spotted a dwarf lying unconscious within the tavern. I couldn't just watch a fellow dwarf die so I entered through a window in an attempt to save him, joined soon after by Waldo, but unfortunately the fire proved to be too much for us and the dwarf died before we could get him out. The dwarves seemed to be wearing full plate armor though and Private Fuckup carried a functional set to bring back to camp. Moving on through a section of what looked like old abandoned machinery and stored goods the waterway was just ahead. Waldo went forward to scout and discovered two mind flayers subjugating a young dragon. The party couldn't decide how to proceed and we lost the best chance to engage them or sneak past them. We were too indecisive here and Waldo was discovered while he was watching them from the shadows ahead of the group. We immediately moved to support him. He seemed to be communicating with them (we could only hear his side of the conversation through message). The conversation seemed to take a turn for the worse when the mind flayers asked Waldo if he was the one who had attacked them before. I asked if we should run and Waldo decided to run. Maybe we could have still talked with them, but things were not looking good at that point. The battle began.
They were strong and we had instantly been put on the defensive from the very beginning with Waldo being stunned. The mind flayers seemed to prefer to move by levitating. Szeth bravely stepped up to the front line and did his best to pour on the hurt while I supported from behind. We tried our best to help Waldo, Szeth casting a powerful shield spell on him. Private Fuckup bravely fought for us to the end. He was grappled by a mind flayer before I fell to the combined psychic blasts from the mind flayers and a sonic roar from the dragon. The psychic blasts seemed to even pass through walls as I had attempted to engage from full cover. I miraculously awoke moments later to see Private Fuckups body, Szeth no where in sight, and Waldo retreating. I ran. Waldo was downed by another psychic blast and I paused to bring him back up with a quick heal. The mind flayers were too close to him though and he was downed again... I hated leaving him but there was nothing I could do. The mind flayers were now close enough that I'd be caught too if I healed him again. I... left him lying on the floor with the mind flayers. As I retreated I met up with Szeth. He had dimension doored back the way we had come after seeing Waldo run and not knowing I had been downed behind cover. With heavy hearts we managed to return to camp safely and reported to CPT Tel. We had lost half the party and failed to actually scout the waterway. The mind flayers have already occupied the area where the boats are located and have subjugated a young dragon.
Back in camp I learned that Waldo had actually already encountered the mind flayers before and had attacked them. If I had known I would have recommended against taking him on this mission... but it's too late for that now. I can only hope that we manage to somehow strike a deal with the mind flayers or are able to focus them on our enemies without them knowing. There are no eternal enemies after all, only eternal interests. They are strong and would make a troubling enemy.
