Aneeria

After a restful night at the Helping Hand Kosef was the first to wake. After preparing his equipment for the day he removed a small piece of paper from his belt and held it over the candle at the side burns letter he found with the name of Daria Wynn.

At breakfast the party discussed what to do next and decided Grisha would speak with animals to try and help in the search for Erika Brandwell.

After leaving the Helping Hand the party made their way to the Temple of Elil. Kosef entered and explained he would like to see his friend Grisha, a priestess dressed all in black led him below the chamber Talia has seen the bodies in to a lower chamber, a room with 3 small benches overlooking a floor covered in small white pebbles. The walls were covered in strange murals of wavelike patterns. After saying a few words Kosef left a gold coin and returned to the surface.

While Kosef was in the Temple of Elil, Grisha stepped off the street into an abandoned building and meditation for a few minutes began listening to the birds around him. Soon he held out some hard bread from his rations and spoke to a bird nearby. He asked if it had seen a human woman leaving the city to the northwest and offered it bread, the bird flew off to the northwest and was not seen again.

After Kosef emerged the Temple of Elil the group headed west across the city to the Weaving River. There they followed the a train along the river northwest. As they did Grisha turned into a Wolf and began searching for the scent of Erika while Adda and Kosef searched for tracks on the trail. Eventually Grisha was able to detect Erika’s sent along with very a very faint scent of blood on the trail. Grisha again spoke with animals and several birds responded to his questions of finding buildings, however there were many old buildings along the trail and the one the bird lead them to didn’t contain anything more than the remains of a campfire from many months ago. However Adda noticed several tracks on the trail, eventually determining that most of the tracks were their own from several days ago but she found an older bare-food track as well. Eventually Adda noticed the bare-food track turned off the trail into a small abandoned town. Turning off the trail the party made there way onto a cobblestone road which lead into a the central plaza of a long abandoned town. Grisha spoke with some Reavets near by and they led him to one of the more together buildings near the square. Kosef and Adda had found the building as well, the entrance was blocked by a bush which had grown out of the cobblestone. The bushed had some limbs broken and inside the building were the signs of recently used small camp with a single makeshift bed made of leaves. However it looked like it had not been used in a few days. The Reavet told Grisha that the human had left the same way she had come and motioned back towards the train.

The small dragon in Talia’s cloak had awoken from a nap and became more curious about what everyone was doing. It began flying to and fro smelling the air and the trail. In the building it smelled the camp area and decided it didn’t want to continue looking for the trail. Talia sensed fear from the small beast but she convinced it to continue to help search for the scent.

After returning to the main trail and turning right the party found the scent and tracks were more fresh and easier to follow. Eventually they lead to the gravel shore of the lake, there it appeared a small rowboat had been dragged up onto the shore. However the boat was no longer there and could be seen on the shore of the island. Adda and Kosef decided to scout the lake shore and continued around the lake. As they moved around the lake staying out of view from the island they noticed several creatures flying above the island. They seemed to be similar but one was larger than the other two. They seemed to randomly patrol above the ruined keep on the island and around the lake shore.

After about an hour they found themselves on the edge of a small swamp. They had taken a few steps to many and were already up to their knees in mud and water. Sudden movement caught their attention as a large creature was moving under the water towards them. Kosef quickly grabbed Adda and tried to pull her away from the water but the effort just caused his feet to push farther into the muck. A huge crocodile burst from the water biting Kosef around the waste and pulling him deeper into the water. Adda raged after the beast and slashed it with her great ax as Kosef jabbed it with his two swords. As the beast trashed from the pain its thick tail, covered in spine like scales gashed across Adda. She ignored the pain and continued her attack as Kosef managed to pry himself free of the crocodiles maw with his blade. Badly hurt and without a tasty meal in its mouth the huge reptile turned and fled back into the water. Adda and Kosef quickly moved out of the swamp and made their way back to camp. Adda channeled healing energy to cure her wounds and the wounds of Kosef. Back at camp Grisha produced more good berries to feed and heal the rest of Adda’s injuries.

As the party moved towards the chasm which Murf had fallen in Grisha heard the sound of movement from the ceiling. In the shadows at the edge of the torch light a strange insect like creature appeared to be moving above the party. Kosef, Rakham and Talia began climbing down the steep chasm wall. As they did the creature ejected a stream of filament from its trunk which splatted against Talia’s shoulder and chest and pulled her up from the ravine and across the floor directly underneath the creature. The small draconian creature hiding in Talia’s cloak hood flew upward following the strand and began stinging the creature.  Adda rushed to Talia grabbing a hold of her while Kosef attempted to cut the strand which was attached to her but both his weapons became stuck to it. Adda tried to pull Talia’s cloak off and free her from this web like strand but it tore Talia’s skin as she did. Talia lit a torch and began to burn the strand while the rest of the party attacked with crossbow bolts, daggers and Lief burned it with rays of fire. A sting from the small dragon seemed to freeze the creature and after a few more injuries it fell from the ceiling bouncing once and falling into the ravine. Using fire Kosef was able to free his weapons from what was left of the strand.

By examining the fallen body in the ravine Grisha noticed that as he cut the creatures trunk like appendage its blood seemed to dissolve the web like substance. He took the blood and used to to dissolve the web from Talia. He also took three vials of the blood.

The party then left Lief guarding the body of Elfhildr and followed the trail of blood, sound of water and the dragon through a passageway that lead to the river, passing two other branches of the cavern along the way. Talia recognized the area from her vision as they party turned left and walked downstream along the river. Soon the river broadened and the current slowed and three dockers were visible, two on same bank as the party. A single wooden rowboat was tied to the first dock. A passageway lead away from the river and dock on the opposite bank. The trail continued down the river and turned to the left and stairs led away from the river near the first dock. Grisha examined the boat and it appeared to be made out of normal wood.

The party then made their way up the stairs and saw the passage opened into a huge cavern with many faint blue light lights scattered around it. The sounds of gruff voices and movement could be heard echoing throughout the cavern and a foul smell permeated the space. Kosef also noticed a bright torch light far across the open cave. As the group debated what to do Grisha heard a sound from behind them and saw there were now two boats tied up to the dock. As he moved back to the group two creatures followed. They looked similar to the creature Talia had seen in her vision carrying Murf. The creatures were carrying fishing poles and fish which they set aside as they drew there weapons. One of them was wearing the hat that Grisha has lost in the river. She carried a war pick. After some gesturing by Grisha that they didn’t want to fight the female creature with a war pick raised motioned for the group to move forward. The party continued with these two creatures following behind them. As they entered the enormous cavern they saw scattered simple stone buildings among rocks and rough ground. There seemed to be several levels the were above the ground floor on the left side and back of the cavern. At the edge of the torch light more of the same creatures gathered and surrounded the party but let them continue forward. Among the sounds of their deep voices Kosef heard the sound of a whimper which sounded human from near one of the closer buildings. Kosef again noticed the torch light which he had seen earlier but it was much closer this time. In the light he could make out a human male dressed in a cloak walking along the upper level with two of creatures from this town. When the man noticed Kosef looking at him he turned away quickly and continued walking

After a few minutes the party approached a set of wide rough steps that lead between an embankment to a higher level. About halfway up the steeps stood a muscular creature standing full head higher then the rest with chain armor and a great sword across his back. He spoke rough common and halted the group asking why they should be allowed to pass. After explaining that they were looking for a smaller companion he said they must speak with The Underlord but he did not agree to let them pass without a “Kotul”.

The crowd grunted in approval and formed a ring as one of the creatures stepped forward holding a great ax. After a brief debate Kosef stepped into the center of the circle and the crowd went silent. More creatures had gathered now and watched in excitement. Kosef crouched waiting for the muscular creature to make the first move. It came forward half cautiously but then raised its ax for a mighty swing, as it did Kosef darted to the side slashing both of his blades deep into the creatures leg.  As it stumbled to keep its balance its ax swung harmlessly past Kosef. The two opponents turned and faced each other again, one grimacing and favoring one leg as the crowd let out what sounded like a deep groan.  Kosef rushed forward again slashing at the creature’s other leg driving his blade to the bone, the creature realizing it could not stop the blow brought its ax in a wide swing slashing deep into Kosef’s back as he tried to spin away. The crowd gasped and roared as Kosef turned to face the creature again, his grimacing in pain. The creature stared back, both legs weakened and bleeding badly.  With a burst of speed Kosef leapt backward away from the creature, taking both swords in one head he brought a dagger from his belt and flung it toward the creature sinking it into his chest. The creature clutched the dagger and pulled it from his body not realizing he was already dead…

The rest of the creatures groaned, while a few grunted. Kosef picked his dagger up from the ground and handed the creatures great ax to Adda. Grisha rushed forward and packed Kosef’s wound with healing paste as Kosef coughed up a little blood. Then Grisha boldly approached the creature who wore his hat and tried to take it. As he did she drew her war pick but he managed to retreat quickly.

The party was then lead up the stairs and across another area scattered with larger buildings and up a ramp into a chamber partially built into the back of the cavern. There another of these creatures with protruding teeth in his lower and upper jaws sat on a large chair made of broken wooden parts. It easily stood over 6′ tall and its broad muscled body was covered in a thick layer of fat. The Underlord as he called himself asked what price they would pay for Murf in broken common. Another of the creatures, dressed in a cloak watched the party and seemed to advise The Underlord. The party placed a vial of blood, several giant lizard scales and some gold and silver on the table and the Underlord agreed on the price and told them to leave and not return unless they brought slaves.

The party lifted the unconscious Murf and hurried out of the cavern followed by the first two creatures who they had encountered. They seemed to be upset and arguing with the larger creature with the great sword. Grisha managed to speak with female creature and offer silver for his cap which she took and then left. As they reached the river they heard splashing of oars in the water and saw the faint light of a torch moving away from them down the river.

The party backtracked and retrieved the bodies and found Lief and Elfhildr waiting for them at the first river. Kosef returned the mushroom Grisha had taken to Lief and negotiated for Lief to try and arrange a meeting with Deline Darr. Together they managed to make their way across the rivers and back out of The Underfarms. There they brought the bodies to the temple and made their way to The Helping Hand to rest for the night. Lief said he would try and contact Kosef at The Helping Hand in a few days.

Continued deeper into the tunnels, passing through several caverns. Saw a dead familiar squid like creature with five eyes and long tentacles which was being eaten by beetles. Killed one of the beetles and they fled. Investigated corpse and saw it was slashed to and pierced by an arrow, not killed by the beetles. Continuing they came to a river with a rope tied across it. Grisha fell while crossing the rope and almost drowned. The party was able to pull him out of the water but he lost his hat.

The party rested on the other side of the river and were attacked by a stalactite, several others moved so the party moved into the cover of the passage way.

As the party continued they came to a junction in the passageway which split in four directions.  Kosef lead the party straight following his vision to a solid stone door which seemed to be barred from the other side. With a handle but no visible lock or later Adda and Rakham tried to force the door open but were unsuccessful. The party backtracked and went to the left at the junction. As they moved through the irregular passageway Kosef noticed a small opening  on the right near the ceiling. This vision now showed this as the path he should take. However it was a small opening so they hoisted Murf up to it. As he crawled forward the sounds of metal hitting stone grew louder until the rock opened up above a huge natural cavern bigger than his vision could see.

Murf could make out six humanoid creatures smaller than a dwarf but bigger than a halfling They were stocky with huge eyes, dressed only in shorts and small tops as they mined ore from various parts of the cave and loading it into carts. Several other taller elf like creatures with huge eyes, long straight hair and sagging skin watched over the carts which were attached to six-legged beasts which pulled the carts away when they were filled.  However the way forward was blocked by metal bars so Murf climbed back to the party and told them what he had seen. The group continued forward through the tunnel and shortly came to stairs the lead down and to the left. Again Kosef’s sight showed him that this was now the shortest path. At the bottom of the stairs the corridor continued forward but was blocked by a portcullis. A smaller tunnel lead off  this one and climbed to a small opening about 20 feet above the cavern farther left. From there another door was visible which lead out of the cavern and in the direction which Kosef could see the group needed to go.

The party discussed what to do next and decided to return to the portcullis and try and talk to the strange creatures of this hidden world.