Chapters 1, 2, and 3

Ploopploopeen looks surprised at the thanks (or as surprised as a Kuo Toa can look), "It came in with a drow patrol that arrived and caused trouble just a couple of days before you arrived," he explains, "A minotaur slave was wielding it, I hear. And you owe me no debt if you can help restore unity to my people."

The archpriest leads you on to the city, leaving you armed and unbound. As they get close to the city he and his guards begin to stand up straighter, almost strutting. As you round a bend in the cavern you see the Darklake spread out in front of you, as far as you're able to see.

Situated between the lake and the cavern wall is Sloobludop. From here it looks like a massive tangle of reeds stretching up in the darkness, lit by glowing spots of phosphorescence. As you get closer you see that the "reeds" are actually a series of rickety towers, lashed together with rope and plank bridges set in haphazard patterns. It seems that the kuo-toa build in acord with their aquatic sensibilities, with no regard for the laws of gravity.

As you approach you see that the city is enclosed by "walls" of heavy netting, with heavy hooks woven into them to catch on anyone who tries to sneak through. In the middle of each wall is a gate through which travelers can safely pass. Four kuo-toa slightly incline their heads to the archpriest as he leads you through. He leads you down the winding ways of the town to his residence.

"We'll wait here until the time is right to put our plan into action," he explains to you as you walk in.

You see a kuo-toa waiting in the room as you enter. As you step foot in he stands up and glares at you before turning to Ploopploopeen, speaking in Undercommon (which Shuushar quietly translates for you) "Father! Who are these outsiders? These are sacred matters and should be left for us to resolve," he speaks quickly, flailing his arms wildly and pacing back and forth.

Ploopploopeen waves the boys' concerns away, "Glooglugogg, you must flow with the currents of the Goddess' visions. She has led these outsiders here for a reason, we need their help to pu an end to your sister's madness."

Glooglugogg growls, a strange gurgling sound, and shakes his head fiercely. He glares at you one last time before stomping out of the home.

Ploopploopeen doesn't say anything to you about the exchange, merely saying something about the folly of youth under his breath before turning back to you, "Now, it shouldn't take more than an hour for preparations to be made. We should make our final plans before we proceed.

"No, Glooglugogg is a loyal and devout follower of the Sea Mother, he just doesn't understand the nuances of rulership yet."

Not much is known about the Sea Mother, other than its the strange deity that the kuo-toa worship.

"Not far from here is a shrine to the Deep Father. That is where I will make my offering to my daughter. And you should await my signal to start. If I can get close enough, this should be rather quick, or so I hope."

About an hour later, a dozen or more kuo-toa arrive at Ploopploopeen's residence where he speaks to them briefly, "My assistant and the prisoners will accompany me to see the archpriest of the Deep Father."

You are led a short distance away, toward the dock, where you are brought to the altar of the Deep Father, on which stands the strangest idol you've ever seen. The idol to Leemooggoogoon the Deep Father consists of a large hide cut roughly in the shape of a manta ray and stretched out on cords between two support poles. A dead, splayed-out manta ray is pinned to the center of the hide. Two dead octopuses are draped across the top, their tentacles pinned and artfully arrayed, their heads tied together and painted with red and blue pigments. The idol reeks of decay, and the broad stone altar below the idol is stained dark with blood.



Waiting for you at the altar is Bloppblippodd, Ploopploopeen's daughter and Archpriest of the Deep Father. The archpriest of the Sea Mother steps forward across the span of the altar toward the kuo-toa waiting for him there. "The time has come," he says, "for us to acknowledge your divine vision and welcome it. I have brought these as offerings." He gestures toward all of you, standing within a circle of guards behind him. "Will you not accept them?"

"You are wise, father," the younger archpriest replies. "I accept your offering in the name of the Deep Father. May their blood nourish and strengthen him!" A burbling cheer goes up from the surrounding kuo-toa, their fists raised in the air. At the altar is another person, apparently brought for sacrifice. An armed Duergar male who is looking at you pleadingly.

The duergar looks a bit confused for a moment, but then nods his acceptance of the plan. Mai'ngor and Elfog are positioned at the front of the group, a mere 25 feet from Bloppblippodd.

Soliin and Xeliss watch from nearby rooftops, staying hidden until they find a good opportunity to strike.

The kuo-toa begin a chant and begin dancing around the altar. They move so quickly that you can't tell who's on the side of Ploopploopeen and who's not. After a couple minutes of dancing and chanting some guards step forth with spears and herd you toward the altar. As you get closer you can see a grate in the ground and the noise of the splashing Darklake coming from within. You can surmise that the spilled blood drains directly into the lake. The stone around the grate is stained a deep red.

As Bloppblippodd directs the guards to herd you over to the grate Ploopploopeen leaps forward and bashes her in the face with his scepter. Suddenly there is chaos as all of the kuo-toa on Ploopploopeen's side begin cutting the others down. The followers of the Deep Father are helpless against the sudden assault and take a moment to recover.