Descent into the Underdark

You make your way back up with Sawen flyig when possible in the narrow passages and dropping a rope to make certain climbs easier. Getting back to the first lage cavern you retrace your steps, glad you stayed close to a wall as directions have proven challenging deep underground. Finding the scene of your fight with the lizard make you confident of your second assent and after another exhausting climb you find yourselves back inthe cavern system beneath the expedition. Making your way back to where you had talked with the gnimish artificer you report all that happened and you saw to Fiznik the huan wizard as Valpip is buisy again with something over by the tiles.

Nodding as he listens and making a few notes on a scroll the wizard looks up as you finish It sounds interesting but it is not of great importance to us. We will of course want to keep a watch on the passage between the lower caverns and these but other than an alarm and powsible a diversion ward I dont think we will need to bother with it much. We can let the other adventurers know about this and post it on the notice board but II believe that will be the end of it as far as officail buisness goes. Why dont you go see Valpip while I go report this to the administrator.

You find Valpip working hunched over a small table hammering a tiny chissel on a small round metal disk inset with 6 stones or jems. The gnome does not react for several minutes other than to hold up a hand for you to wait. After finishing carving the rune he was working on the gnome sits strait and stretches. Ah, you're back and in one piece. Good, glad to see it.. He asks a few questions and you explain that Fiznik is already reporting the details and he seems satisfied. Well you can go back with Fiznik and check in with the clerk above but if you do not mind I would like some help here. Have you ever used magic to travel? he asks. You see we have been trying to manage these tiles, a bit of a lost art it seems as their usefullness was greatly diminished due to the Shattering. We Recently came into contact with a party that has some knowledge on how they were and I have been working on devices that can tap into their matrix to simplify certain other magics. If you are not opposed to a short teleportation to pass on an object I would be most obbliged.

Valpip explains he need you to deliver the device he just finished to Danoll, a vetran scout working with others who are working to restore a manor house with magical stores and staff that hase survived the shattering mostly intact. Ocne the device is delivered you are free to stay and help out, he understands there is still a bit to secure there, or return and get a job from the clerc in the base above.

With a sigh the gnome hands you a gold coin. 1 gold a day is the usual rate. Here is double for your trouble and he adds a second coin. Following Valpips instructions you take a large wooden box and stand on the checkered tiles. The gnome fiddles with an instrument next to him and the tile pattern changes before a slight hum and nimbus of light surrounds you. With a brief flare of the light and sound the world changes and you find yourself in a small room but standing on similar tiles.

A voice calls out of thin air. Everyone is busy. Head out to the corridor down the hall then up the stairs.
Someone will be with you in a minute You look around as you follow the instructions, bringing the box with you. You are in a cellar by the looks of it and the stair lead up to a hallway that is paneled in polished wood and furnished nicely. Paintings hang on the wall, flowers in a pot set nearby gently scent the air.

After a moment you hear footsteps then see an older man round the corner. Ah welcome. We weren't expecting the delivery until latter. Sorry about that. Things are a bit hectic here, what with cleaning out the enchanted garden and what not. Is that the delivery he asks pointing to the box. It should make this much more convenient though we are still short handed.

The man introduces himself as Danoll, a former adventurer who first signed on to guid the expedition to the city of Paphos but now is helping to clear the manor and make it livable. As you talk he is joined by a younger half elf maiden, he introduces as Sylfir. She turns to you Are you also an adventurer? We have several helping us but if you are not otherwise employed by the expedition we can match their pay, and the meals and lodging are much nicer and she flashes you a winning smile.

The descent of a knight into darkness.
Ander and Garic are escorted to a small guard station with stairs that lead down into cellars and passageways below the base. A short trib through lamp lit rooms and corridors then past a guard station with a new iron gate, and into a rough passageway.

This leads straight to the caverns but takes a bit to actually get to where the wizard and that gnomish artificer are studying that old bit of magic. Here's a map of the area. As best I understand it they want you to clear the caves first but you can also try out the passage to the underdark. If you do head to the underdark see Valpip at the research station for supplies.

He hands you a map before wishing you luck and safe travels. Off we go then the goblin says with a grin. With a wave of his wand and a quick word both his shields begin to glow. The face of the shields are covered in small flames that do not harm the shield. Moving with the light proves easy enough but it takes you almost an hour to reach the caverns themselves. The passage opens up into much larger caves that Garic has trouble illuminating entirely.

In shock and embarrassment Valpip coughs Um... sorry but, you only get to borrow one each and he looks pointedly and the small locker, your pouch and Garic. But when you head down to the under dark be sure to take the scroll case as well.

Chuckling Garic asks about each item and says Do you have a preference? I can use my magic for light so don't really need the hat but the other three look useful.

Ander quickly masters controlling the light from the helm and learns it actually can have it's brightness reduces. Together he and Garic make their way to the are the Fish is known to frequent. The roof of the cavern ranges from 40 to over 100 feet up according to the guards reports. By all accounts the Fisher can see without light and the one time it was fought, and escaped, it did not like the light but was not adversely affected by it.