Descent into the Underdark

The party briefly checks in on the progress of the construction. Ishzu makes sure everyone is healed up (especially Brewner, who took the bulk of the damage with the centipedes). They then proceed on up to the base.

"Friends should we go talk to Fiznik see what he can do about the crystal, can be worth a fortune!" Brewner says while checking his wounds recovery "Don't worry, Grinfletch, I know I still owe you gold for this beauty" And he shows off his Savage Warhammer

Grinders puts a hand on the hilt of Brewner’s warhammer. Aye, well, you’ve done some great things with that weapon, Hopper! It was gold worth spending. Let’s see what we can do with these crystals.

"You know... Do you think a crystal of this kind can eventually evolve into a sentience like Ishzu? I would really like to spend a few days researching this. I am not yet sure how to, however, but I might need to run a few experiments and not lose my mind in the process. Fiznik might be able to make a charm for a few days. After that, we could arrange to split the crystal if you're still interested in that. I heard Grin say 'walkie-talkie' in his sleep the other night. Sounded like he had a very concrete idea for the crystal."

As soon as they get to Fiznik, Oliver asks about the charm hold the crystal powers under control for a few days, so Ishzu does not need to exert himself constantly.

Adventure has move up to The Base for the next steps ...

Just Passing Through ...
Once everyone has gathered their supplies and prepared themselves, they head down to the caverns. The hour long trip to the Matrix Node is uneventful, and it is impressive how pedestrian the walk is now. It is well-marked, nicely lit, and all the points that were narrow, difficult, or annoying have been widened and smoothed out. (Mostly likely through a combination of hard work and Valpip's inventions.)

Reaching the Matrix Node, they see that construction is still happening, though much progress has been made since they were last down here. All of the entrances and egresses have been barred and gated, with the gates at an angle that prevents anyone from remotely attacking the encampment, making it much more protected. There is still work to be done, and magic wards to be added, but it should prevent another surprise goblin attack. (Though they can be sneaky, and given enough time, any barriers can be defeated or avoided.) While moving past the Matrix Node, Ealdwid pats the gem he has hidden in his belongings.

After some pleasantries with the guards present, the group continues on. They backtrack a bit, and pass the elemental pool that Grin had a drink from. Smiling at the memory, Grin restrains himself this time (not being in mortal danger and not wishing to be at the moment), and they continue on. Continuing on west, and south of the entrance to the cavern with the pink slime, they find the entrance to the deeper underdark.

The entrance is basically a very wide pit that is roughly 20 feet in diameter, with no bottom in sight. To progress, they will need to start climbing their way down.

This thread stays locked and I created a new thread to continue the actual adventure in ...