vtstmrs lo the ttttetgat C|[yUfCnrLICk1<\'\Jgl1 arr, grctiled by IIS hot and act-td ait-. ft»thtwt»tt hythr {mgr} mt glare ofthe entrnally httmtttg Smétlltrs Illchllg tht t tttk tttctat works. its clanging heart. and the Iorges kt:[tla11\.'e*, by the flames 0fThemherChLtuc1. (hr: red dragon that holds thv tit1t- of \vyttnsmtth. Gracklslugh (U115 Cnlllfssl}. tts slnflhs churning out the but atmttt and \\.‘ea[mI‘t5 among the Lnnlerdark1', , 5. Thus: who do bustness we refer (U Cvl’aC\\lsI\Igh as he <, ily ot‘B1-aura." As tttet-mt as it can he, otackhtugtt Is a majm hisstion of Iviltzation II\ the Undcrtlarkwtth arlivc tradf routes, For the rharartrrs. (him |1](‘ us {I putemial Charter: lo and a wzty hack in the S\H'[aCP world— and just :tsimp0ru|nl1y.Iu shake uffthr dmw that ]JL1l‘SuP thmtt. Howmer. tht= ad\Pnturrrs wt}! quickly rralizc that (he: powcr of (hr denwn hirlls is L| thrt~-at ex hem netting .tt Fhlser glimpse ofthr Undvrdarks dc 'a3 the madness of tht: Ab x contmues I0 spt-cutl. Butlt wtthin the “( 115 of A deep vatcrn SOulh\\'C:l of [hr Dat-ktatte Gracklsltlgh is [hr t‘,0|11n|eI'L‘1aI. pohtttat and =ptt'tlua1 r tter of thc tluergur. ah of whmn 100k [0 the Dcrpking with rfispt‘ t. Tht‘ City has an open .~|10I‘C an t~ CHAPTER 4: GRACKLSTUGH along the Darkhlke. while xv, erzfl (‘,£\\‘lLrns and paaaagrfi contmct Grzltklslufih In othrr1)2trls or the Ullflerdiirk to facihlzuc rra\'C1uttdtrude. The churat'tr‘rsl12tw a chzmrc m \.\’iIl'I€:S and shape cvrnls in the ~ ‘that potnt ttwtard (hr danger C1‘&!('k1§[ug1)[aLiEs~t(Id hnv». \1nprE1))are‘,d (hr: (‘.1()‘LS[0r tt. But With each monwnt the C112IrRC(L‘!'sspt-nd in the CH}. 0! Blades‘ they run (ht: risk UH\a\'In;1 't\|)C(‘1lhE‘ ctmw only 10 hr en<ILt\ed 1:3 (ht thtetgat. GOING TO GRACKLSTUGH Despite HS (lL\ngL‘r>, Gmcklslugh tunes hate a few thtttgs to offer . or at [mast that": what some of the characters’ fellcm escapees mu them. Bttpptdn (sec L’1I:\pU‘r 1) and Hclneth (~56 r‘hL\pU':V‘ 3) art: tht ml 'NPCs who arlively suggtésl gotttg [0 ' - 1stttgtt.‘1‘het know that ttttt-tgat hm. J10 tow rat lhr‘ drowx tttttt their d\‘2|L‘0]1i:Jl\ lzms k(‘CpL\1l(U\'€l,Ql'|t‘I'S in (‘]\FCk, which >1l0\Ih1DrUHd€' ettme rueeasure of Saflflllélry ttom ttt-ow pursuit. Crzifklstugh is as gond a place as any Ill tht- Und(‘r(!Zu"k lo sch slohill gear and 3 i
for crs ad and buy more useful equipment. Additionally. the iluergar trade actively with other subterrancan and surl'art>— dwelling races. Gracklstuglfs Blaclc Bazaar might be the ideal place to find traders in explorers heading in the surface world. If Buopido or l-lemeth isn‘t with the party. others can provide thtt £1l)U\/E information. Sarith resists plans to travel tn the city at first, conscious of the low regard the oluergar have for drow. He changes his mind quickly. however, as Zuggtmoy'sspores drive him to seek a densely populated area where he can Spl‘(‘£l(i his contagion. it's also possible the party arrives at Gracklstugh involuntarily. Duergar slaw; . . ur the Llnderrlark ttl search of new "merchandl . and they might deceive or outright capture the chara . ers and bring them to their c’ ‘s slave markets. The random encounters in chapters 2 and 3 can easily set up this scenario. gnécxcsruqn AND DROW Pultsuir Taking refugc in Gracklstugh has its advantages. Each day they spend in the duergar capital. the characters cart attempt a DC l6 group Dexterity (Stealth) check to move around cautiously, with success indicating that they avoid drawing attention to themselves. The characters can also attempt a DC 13 group wisdom (insight) check to assess the mood in the city. with success allowing them to avoid trouble before it starts. Characters who he low for thu tlzty have advantage 0!! this Wisdom check. Success with either check reduces the party's pursuit level by 1 (see "Draw Pursuit" in chapter 2). _iRR7IVlNG” I N GRAcl<LsTtJGH The Darklake Distrit is a likely entry point [D the city iorthe charactcrs. whether they arrive via the water or travel one of thc many tunnels lcading to the districts gates. Non—duCrgar arriving from tuttnels that lead to other districts are stopped and escorted to the Darklakc District under he’ vy guard. as every other district is normally offlimils to outsiders. and trespassersrisk being confronted by an invisible patrol or four duergar. The party's fellow escapees know that trying to enter through the main entrances is a sure way to get enslaved, unless one of the characters is an epic liar who can convince the guards the party is a legitimate diplomaticor trade delegation Anyonewith a merchant or Criminal hackgrclundhas heard rumors that the Zhentarin-i trade in thc Unrlerdarlt. hut ptlslhg as Zhentarim has its own risks. as such claims are bound an be t:1uesti<tued.Acharztrter who is actually a member oithc Zl-tcntarim can buy the adventurers a couple of dots inside the city before the dttcrg.-trslavers start taking their measttrc. Arriving by way of the Dztrklakc Dorks is easier and more discreet. If the characters are traveling by boat. Buppido can guide them to a deserted pier where they can dock quietly. He warns them that they have to lteep a low profile and head tlir ty to the only inn in {hi city devoted ti) outsiders. The Gholllbrorns Lair is frequented by merchants, mercenaries. and other roretgners who can offer information about traveling 4 Gtuctttsruc Gsnztut FEAYURES Sweltering heat and eloying smoke cling to every corner ofthe duergar city, spewing from smeltets housed irlslde massive stalagmites and stalactites.These protrude from the caverns floor and ceiling like the teeth of some great maw. Light. GraCltlstl.tg|'l'sglowing rcrges and srvllthles operate continuously. Most etthe city IS dimly lit by a hellish red glow, with patches etdaitness here and there. Noise. The clarlglrlg and (lacking ofhammets and machinery echoes constantlythroughout the city. Wisdom (Perception) checks made to listen in Gracltlstugh have disadvantage. Smnk: and Haze. Despite vents dug into the walls and ceiling prthe city‘; great cavern, tuines treni srnsltets and Forges linger Zl ground level (as does the gas lapped in Laduguer's Furrow). Visitors might contract the illness lmawrl as gr.-tetitelung (see the Grackle-Iurlg sidebar). elsewhere in the Urtderd:lrk—or perhaps cvcn to the surface wtlrld. RANDOM ENCOQNTERS with routine patrols of heavi armed gray rlwarves who can turn invisible. Gracklstugh is a relatively safe place for those who know where they belong and stay there. However. tensions are rising because of the influence of Demogorgoni and tlte characters have many opportunities to participate in events unfolding in the city. .-\t the end of each long rest. roll a C1202 on a roll of 17—20. an encounter takes pla . Roll another t.l20 and consult the Random Encounte ti Grncklstugh table: it the characters are outside the Darklalte District. treat any entry marked with an - risk as a "nilfirgar Patrol" cncountcr instead. RANDOM ENCOUNTERS IN CRACKLSTUGH dzo Encounter l—Z Abusive duergar guards 34 Deep gnome merchants s—7 Derro timers’ H Drow errllSSary* 1042 Duergar patrol l3—l4 Mad duergar ‘lS—l6 Ore rnercenariess 'l7—l8 Slave caravan 19 Steeder handlers 20 Thembetcllaud ABUSIVE DUERGARGUARDS The tzltaractcrscome upon two duergar guards bcating a duergar merchant and shouting accusations of heresy. Any Llnderdarlt native accompanying the party urges the characters nnt to intervene (tn the merchant's llehalf. telling therri this isn't their busl and warning them that any inrcrterenee might get them arrested or killed. Bystandcrs limit a little surprised or concerned but don't intcrvcne, nul even to aid the unconscious merchant once the guards leave. if the characters invcsttgute the circ*mstances leading to the assault. bystanders tell them that one of the guards noticed El golden pin the merrhanl was l lli:—~ll I». 4 lvlifi lt\LS‘l'\lK}H
cn .o wearing inside his collar. Though adornment for adornment’s sake is something duergar society frowns upon, the guards’ violent response was unnatural a hint of the growing madness festering inside the City of Blades. DEEP GNOME MERCHANT A female deep gnome named Ariana and her earth elemental bodyguard approach the party. Ariana aims to deliver a cargo of gemstones, but she cairt find the duergar merchant she's supposed to meet. she assumes the characters are smugglers and tries to unload her goods: ten sparkly garnets worth lD0 gp each. Ariana keeps the gems in a bag onrolding, which isn't lor sale. The merchant whom Ariana is looking for was recently arrested and executed for selling stolen jewelry. You can decide whether Ariana's interest in the characters attracts the attention of a duergar patrol. Subsequent occurrences of this encounter are with other dcep gnome merchants who ignore the characters unless approached. They carry nothing of value. DERRO RIOTERS A mob ofderro (see appendix c) rampages through the streets. Five of them detach from the mob to attack the characters. Four duergar patrols (see “Duergar Patrol") arrive when the characters kill the last derro. but they simply nod at the Characters before repressing the rest of the mob. Word quicklyspreads that the characters helped the city guard control the iinruly derro scum. At your discretion, give the characters advantage on checks 4 ROLEPLAVINC THE Duzlrclut AND DERRO The gray dwarves are dour. joyless. and all business. They live by a simple but exacting code oflaw. honor, hard work. and seeing all nonducrgar as lesser creatures. Duergar are ruthless but not unnecessarilycruel. and pragmatlsm drives their every decision. Though they treat the adventurers with contempt, their first thought is to enslave them or use them rather than kill them. The ducrgar orcraclrlstugh are beginningto stirrer the effects ofthe arrival oithe demon lords—arid specifically the influenceof Dsmogorgon. Many are developingtics, habits. and behaviorsthat fly against their core beliefs. includingguards flauntingtheir corrupt behavior. the use ofadornrnerit for adornment‘: sake. and disloyalty to their clans. Oflate, the folk ofmacklstugh have become increasingly more violent, abandoning their characterrstic cunning and stoic pragmatism tor wanton malice and petty displays otselrcntitlemcnt. Unlike the discrplined duergar. the derro are sloppy. erratic, and utterly insane.Thelrtemperament is fickle. and their speech hard to follow, The one guaranteed emotion they have when interactingwith others is seething hatred, and they make no short to hide it. Their eyes are shifty. their teeth grind. and they look as though they would rather be somewhere else. They hate everyone and everything. but surfacedwellers are particulartargets of their loathing. Their inherent insanity means that the dcrro suffer no ill enact from the demon lords‘ presence. their minds already too volatile and mercurial. r t.llAPl'L|l >1 ‘ GRACRLh‘lU(.rll made to interact with any duergar in the city until such time as the benefit no longerseems appropriate. DROW EMISSARY A drowproudly wearing the insignia ofa drow house travels with an entourage of M4 + l quaggoth slaves. The tlrow is in Gracklstugh to retrieve a cargo of duergar metalwork and knows nothing about the recent events in Velkynvelve. Roll 3 d6 and consult the Draw House Loy.-illy table to tleteriniiie the house to which the draw is affiliated. DROVI Hous: LOVALTV 416 House 1-2 House Baenre 3-4 House Faen Tlabbar S-6 House Xorlarrirl House Farm Tlabbar and House Mizzrym are bitter rivals. ll the drow emissary belongs to House Fael] Tlabbar and the characters divulge that they are enemies or former prisoners of House Mizzrym, the drow warns the party about xalith (see “Signs or Pursuit" later in the chapter). House Baenre and House Xorlarrin are current allies of House Mizzrym. A drow emissary allied with House Mizzrymwho knows that the characters are escaped prisoners from Velkynvelve seeks out Xalith and warns her that the characters are in Gracklstugh. DUERGAR PATROL A patrol consists of 1d4 + 2 duergar, all but two of whom are invisible. Invisible duergar can sneak up on a character by making a Dexterity (Stealth) check with advantage, contested by the characters passive wisdom (Perception) score. M A D Du ERGAR The characters encounter a duergar afiflicred with a form of indefinite madness. Roll a d10 and consult the Mad Duergar table to determine what the party encounters. MAD DUERGAII d1o NPC 1—z A merchant desperate to sell his wares, convinced that his lite depends on it. 34 A street sweeper who hounds the characters while accusing them ofbeirlg spies working for the drow. so A cloaked guard who thinks he's Deepking i-lergar Steelshadow v drafts the party to help him slay Themberchaud. convincedthat the dragon is possessed by a demon lord. 74 A merchant who accuses the characters oftheft and calls out for a duergar patrol to arrest them. 940 Aweaponsmith convinced that one ofthe characters is a long-lost member of herclan and who insists on giving the party food and shelter.
lCh llies on with sdom cad ll'l lle Irow. rgar i‘: and ORC MERCENARIES These ld-4 + 1 ores have come to Gl'a('rki$lL|gh as caravan guards. nil see the characters as a chance to bully some surf’ c dwellers. The orcs try to goad the characters into striking tirst, then quickly stand down. knowing that a patrol (see "Ducrgar Patrol") will al‘T|V( ld6 rounds after combat starts. SLAVE CARAVAN The characters come across a group of ldzs + 1 duergar slavers herding unarmed slaves (rtill a rm and consult the Slaves table). The slaves wear iron collars and inanacles similar to the ones worn by the characters in Vclltynvelvc ts : "Restraints" in chapter 1). SLAVES d11 Slaves l~2 2:14 human commoners 34 N4 shield dwsrtcommoners 5—6 2d4 strongheart hzlllirig commoners 7-3 we goblins 9-10 2d6 gvimlnclts ll—'l2 ads kobulds STEEDER HANDLERS A group of1d4 + 1 duergar teamsters herd a clutch of M6 male steeders (see appendix C). There is 50 percent chance that M4 at the stc ile s attack nearby characters or bystanders. The duergar keep the rest of the clutch in check. but they clamor tor the chara , ' arrest lleven one or the arachnid_ killed. A ncnrhy patrol (see “Duergar Patrol") hears the teamstcrs' clamor and arrives ldo rounds later. as SECRETS or Gtuclttsrucrt wary outsiders visiting Cracklstugh quickly learn the most important details oilite in the city. Unsun srntiries. The duergar power otinvisibilityplays a significantrole in their society. The potential presence of unseen spies everywhere enforces honesty among duergar. Slaves rarely, ifever, talk or act against their masters, never lmowlrlg who might be watching. A City Divided. Not only is the layout ofcracklstugh divided, so are its people. Nearly five hundred years ago, the derro launched a Uniting war against the Deepklngdum, but were swiftly rrushed, arid the survivors brought boot to Cracklstugliin chains Though their status as slaves was eventually set aside, the derro have always been secorldcclass citizens, living in squalor and scvounging food and resources, even as their leaders on the Council ofsavarits live in secret opulence. Frugal and Monolithic. The gray dwatves value eificlerlcy, stoicism, and hard work, and these values are exemplified in their capital, Everything the duergar make or build has a purpose and function:the only aesthetic they value in architecture is imposing vastness, and even that is secondary to 3 building‘: structural function,The only ornarrieritatioris found in Gracklstugh are iconic representations otrank and function within duergar society. and the only music is the ceaseless rhythmic hammering lrl the torges The duergar consider art a frivolous pursuit, and only rarely appreciate or {mate it. r THEMBERCHAUD The adultred dragon is out on his regular rounrls. lteeping the city's forges atldine. Themberchaud has long been keeping his cye out for merccnar _ in the city that could be bent to his service. lf he spots the characters. he might take an interest in them. See “Thr:ml.iercllaud's Lair for information on the Wyrmsmllh's motivatio ' and possible setups for an additional encounter with the red dragon. IMPORTANT NPCS The characters might encounter one cir more of the tollowing NPCs during their stay in Graclilstugh. GiuclttsrucH NPCs Ccrglak Corrupt male duergar on duty at the gate where the characters lirst arrive in Gracklstugh Xalith Female diow scout charged with recapturing the characters For llvara End: Blackskull Female duergzr captain orthe Stone Guard with a side quest tortlie party Themberchaud The city's wyrrnsrnith, an adult red dragon with a possible mission tor the party GzrtnkkavXundnm Male duergar Keeper ctthc Flame with a side questforthe party Vlsa Henstak Female duergzr merchant with a side quest forthe party Drolti Male derro courier in the einotoy of both the Gray Ghosts and the Council oisavarits, and the subiect ofdifferent possible side quests Male dueirgar merchant with a mission forthe party stanespeaker Hgraam Male stone giant leader with a side questforthe party Nanak Male derro Savant, iunior member oftlie Council ofsavartts and leader ofa cult dedicated to Demogorgnn Wen Saltbaron FACTIONS or GRAC_I_(LSTUGI_jI The Deeiiltingdoniis a feudal slate wiih the Deeplting as the absolute monarv . who passesl mwn to deer endants or relatives in his Steclshztdow clan. Each clan is led by a laird, who rules over his or her own holdings and directs the clan in dedicating its cfftzrts toward a particular trade or craft. A caste of priests called rhuldar olliciate all rituals and record the Deepltingdonrs lore. However. ultimate political and religious power is held by the Deepking and the lairds. DEEPKING HORGAR STEELSHADOW V Dccpking Horgar V ascended to the throne in 1372 DR. He is a ruthless and canny ruler who engages in secret meetings with all the city's councils anti clans to keep their members guessing what he's up to. hands iiut lavors out of the blue. and lets it be known that t:ii,ii-rsir l l‘.R\FKLSTUGll
he‘ll use any trick to maintain his hold on power. This includes hiring assassins through third parties to take care of potential troublemakers (sec “Empty—Scahbard Killers," below). This strategy ltecps all the ci gs factions at cl.l(*l'l other‘s throats and out or Horgar‘s way, COUNCIL or LAIRDS This advisory body represents the interests otthe different claiis that have pledged allegiance to the Deepking. The lairds hold Council to Ft‘, nlve disputes and di future plans. Each clan has its own holdings in Cvracklstugh and spccialires in a certain cratt DI‘ service. DLIERGAR CLANS srnithing clan Steelshadow (weaponsmitlls),Clan Irorlhead (weaponsmtths), Clan Thrazgad (armorsrnitlis),Clan Firehand (smelters), Clan Anvilthew (tpolrnakers) Clan Thuldarlt (metalivorksand lewels), Clan Henstak (food), Clan Muzgardt (brewers) Mining Clarl Cozlhewer(coal miners), clan Xzrdelvar Mercantile (gas miners), clan Saltbaron (salt miners) other Clan Parlynsurk (clothing manufacturers), Clan Hamnnercane (construction engineers). Clan Xurldom (steeder breeders), clan Burzkrlnwuln (dock operators), clan Xornbane (scouts and prospectors), clan Elackskull (stanernasons), Clan Bukbukken (tanning), Clan Thorderlsorlrl (lewelers) Ducosna (l-lr\FTTR| ulut tsl~l‘ui,H CoUNclL or SAVANTS The Council of Sav-ants IS a circlc of dr‘,r‘l'() savants who enjoy all the privileges and trappings of a governing body while the rest otiheir people live In squalor. Only the best thir IX savants arc aclniitted into the council. and SIICC inn almost always includes an incumbent membc ‘s demise. The savants nrintrol members or some tluergar clans through magic and guile. and are always looking for ways to expaiitl their influellcr‘. MERCHANT COUNCIL The lzltrtls and merchants who sit at this council make sure that trade and commerce flow smoothly.They employ slave labor to niatntain trade routes in the dangerous Underdark, and are always open to hiring txxplorers to check out leads on potential new routes, Expenrlalileoutsiders hired Caravan guards always take point and receive littlt: iiitl or support from the caravan masters. Despite these unfair assignments, the duergar always live up to their bargains. paying survivors as promised. GRACKLSTUGH MXLITARY In atlditioii to the clans‘ regiilar armies. Gracklsttigh tr ‘ specialized warriors whose oaths of service always supersede their original loyalties. see appendix C for more information, Stone Guard. This Torre of five hundred veteran warriors serves the Deepking as bodyguards. elite troops, and secret pollt‘ _ Darkhafts. Mcrnlieistil the Deepkintfs secret corps of psioiiic agents, the tlarkhatts often travel with duergar merchants as overseers and spies. Kavalrachni. The vicious kavalrachni ride giant tarantttlas known as eeders (see appendix C). Most kavalracllni come front Clan Xundom. Xanorn. The A speria s train with deadly llama lanees forgttcl in Gmoklstugh. Most xnrmrn come lrom Clan Xardelvar. 4 GIIACKLE-LUNG The constant smog in Gracklstugh causes graclttelung in living, breathing creatures, resulting in persistent, wracklng coughs and the spewing otthict, hlact phlegm. whenever a ll)/mg, breathing creature finishes a long rest in Cracklstuglri, it must make a DC ll Constitution saving throw. Ort each failed save, the creature gains one level of exllaustlavl as its airways tieeorne increasingly clogged A creature that reaches level 6 exhaustiondies, as normal. A creature with one or more levels ofexhaustion brought on by graetlelung must succeed on a constitution check to take the Dash action. Ifthe check falls, the action cannot be attempted. lithe creature attempts to cast a spell with a verbal component, it must succeed on a Constitution check or be unable to complete the spell, causlng the spell to tail wlth no eiteot. Tlte DC for each check is l0 + the creature's current exhaustion level. lfz creature's exhaustion level draps below 1, it no longer sufi"ers the eileets otgiactlelung and becomes immune to it for the next week Duergar and derro are lnured to grackle-lung, making Constitution checks against it with advantage.Any spell or efiecl that cures disease also cures gracl<le—lung, effectively removing all levels of exhaustion brought on hytlie afflictlori. w
Nhcl nly ucil. n\ il(E 'ldlX rps ergar )>g‘“-‘:54? ght .K Despite reports that the darlthafts and the Stone Guards have received about the growing crisis outside the city‘s walls, hubris and the onset of madness prevents them front mounting any sort of response or campaign, blind to the corruption that testers around them. CLAN CAIRNGORM The stone giants orclan Cairngorni load quiet lives of art and contemplation in Gracklstugh. Although reclusiveand averse to eonllict. the giants have worn an ancient oath of loyalty to the Deeplting, and have been serving his line tor as long as any can remember. This oath, however. was given only to the Steelshadow clan. If the throne passes to another dynasty, the stone giants will cease to be the city's allies. The leader of the stone giants is Stonespeaker llgraam. a priest of Skoraeus Stonebones. the god of his people. Hgmatn is wise and knowledgeable.lie has sensed that some great evil has broken into the Unilerdark. but isn‘t aware ofthc threat's danger or extent. The giants will rise to defend Gracklstugh if any demons dare to invade, but they are unaware of the danger creeping into the city from within. KEEPERS or THE FLAME This order of psiotlic clerics tcnds to Tllelnbercllauds needs. enjoying great influence and helpingllorgar \' stay ahead of the machinations of the Council ofSavnnts. The Keepers olthe Flame are currently distracted by their ongoing vendetta against the Gray Ghosts. who re ently stole a valuable dragon egg that would have hat hed Themberchauds eventual successor. Complicatingmatters, Thernberchaud himself is growingstronger and more resistant to the clerics’ coaxing. appeasem*nt, and psiotiic manipulation. Tl-IEMBERCHAU D THE WYRMSMITH This adult red dragon keeps the city'ssmelters and forges ablaze, receiving treasure. tree meals, and constant pampering in exchange. Themberchaud doesn't know that, like other Wyrmsiniths before him. he is doomed to be slain before he grows too strong, replaced by a new red hatchling. However. the line of succession was interrupted when the Gray Ghosts stole a red dragon egg troni tlle Keepers oftlie Flame. The Wyrmsmith is beginning [0 chafc under the Keepers’ control. He now wonders why he is content with a mere trickle orgold and a paltry handtul or slaves. when he CUul(l simplyforce the entire city to bend knee to him and give him everything he desires. For now, his actions are limited by how little he cares about the duergar and how much the Keepers speak ‘on his behalf." But he has begun taking an interest in the affairs of Gracklstugli and the opportunity to recruit new servants from outside the Keepers of the Flame. using his outings to rekindle fnrges and srnelters as a means to keep an eye out for promising subjects. 4_ a. Tl-la DOWNVIAND Smut The madness ofthe demon lords has not reached Crzcklstugh in Full, but it already has a foothold through the work ofthe derro and their savznts, A splinter group otthe Council ofsavarits began worshipingDemogorgon even before the current crisis, and thelrfoul rituals accelerated the spread of madness in the city. To make things worse, the divided nature ofthe city, both geographically and socially, resonates strongly with the dual aspect of Demogorgorr. The derro cultists plan to offer the entire city to their newly arrlved master. Many duergar Nl=cs the characters interact with are showing the nrst signs ofirlfectiotl.Thol.lghtheir madness has not yet overwhelmed them, It manifests in behavior such as Errde Blacl<sltull's conspiracytheories, Gorglaks corruption, and Gartol<l<ar Xurldom's paranoia. wee GRAY GHOSTS The Gray Ghosts are the only true thieves’ guild in C-racklstugh and the Deepkingdam. Its members are duergar and derro outcasts. plus the odd escaped slave. The Keepers of the Flame caught and executed the Gray Ghosts‘ previous leader.who stole their red dragon egg but never revealed its whereabouts. The relentless vendctttt forced the thieves into hiding and restricted their activities. but they persevere thanks to the three renegade derro savants who are their current leaders: Uskvil and the twin sisters Aliinka and Zubriska. EMPTY-SCABBARDKILLERS The Furalt-EracIl—Naek("Enlpty—St‘.al’1hartl Killers" in Common) are a lolktale irl Gracklstugli. their name derived from an ancient. obscure Dwztrvish dialect. They are all order of psionic EISSASSI s practicing ill ciplines unknown to even the savviest derro or the st priest. More than rl myth, these killers have been plying their trade for centuries, their motives unknown and their methods inscrutable. The Ernptysrahbard Killers are ttuergarsoulblades (see appendix C) who roztln tlle streets of Gracklstugh searching for psionically giiierl children to abduct anti train. They also kccp an eye out for worthy calassabrak (see below), offeringthem a cllztnce to join a new community from which they can strike back at those who cast them otit. l._1l7E IN THE CITY 05 BLl§.DEs The tluergar are called gray (lwarves not only because of the color of their skin. but also because of their drab and yoyless lifestyle,whilr tht-.y make no time for rnerrinieni, the duergar have a Culture as rich and complex as any other. and nowhere is this so evident as in Gracltlstugh. Worlt never stops in the t ty of Blades. and the gray dwarves take pridl: in efficiency and perfrt-titineven as they ahhor waste and carelessness. they are merciless masters to the derro aiitl slaves who toil anti suffer under them. STRICT HIERARCHY By appearance and hearing, all ducrgar know their place and where they belong. whether as individuals. families, or entire clans. duergar below other duergar in the social order don't seek to bring their rivals down tll\i‘lElZ l lt.1K-\Ll~.l>tt\l(‘.H
through intrigue and deceit. Rather, they roll up their sleeves and work harder to increase their prestige through the fruits of their labor. All the honor and honesty the duergar apply among themselves doesn't apply to outsiders. The gray dwarves constantly try to manipulate contracts to take advantage of foreign merchants, looking for any excuse to enslave random visitors who appear weak or vulnerahle— including adventurers. Though they aren't moved by vanity duergar are extremely proud of their work. and praising the quality of duergar crafting can sometimes help outsiders in their dealings with the gray rlwarvcs. SUBSISTENCE Duergar clans use caverns under Gracklstuglt and choice outlying cavesto farm a Variety of plants and rungi. These crops are complemented by meat from Underdark beasts and fish from the Darklake. Not even the duergar risk drinking water from the Darklakc, however. and with clean streamsin short supply. the people of Gracklstugh cover this scarcity with Darklake Stout. the signature ale brewed by the Muzgardt clan. OUTCASTS The bottom rung in Grzicklstugh society is mostly occupied by the underclass of the derro. Enslaved by the duergar centuries ago. then freed, the derro aren't allowed to hold honest jobs, and their rights are hardly ever recognized by the duergar. Even slaves are held in higher regard. Derro scuttle about like vermin and are mostly confined to hovels built along the walls of Laduguer’sFurrow in the West Cleft District and East Cleft District. Another kind of outcasts are those duergar who dishonor their clans so grievously they are stripped of all but their lives: the calassabrak. meaning "the flawed who aren't to be trusted“ ill Dwzlrvish. They are shunned by other ducrgar, many eventuallytaking their lives rather than face an existence apart from family and clan. Those who live on become bitter and tough, with many leaving Gracklstugh as hermits or adventurers. or turning to crime and 2| life in the shadows. Members of both the Gray Ghosts and the Empty—Scabbarri Killers include a significant number of calassahrak. no longer bound hy oath. honor. and duty. R E LIGION ouergar don't pray, but their religion is tightly woven into their everyday lite. Deities worshiped in Gracklstugh include the following. Laduguer. The patron of the duergar is a god of selfreliance. defense. and survival. His clerics have access to the War domain. Deep Duerra. Laduguer‘s mortal daughter who then ascended. Deep Duerra is the goddess of Cctclueration and dominance. War is her domain as well. Diir-inks. The patron of the tlerro betrayed his twin brother Diinkarazan to escape with the secrets of magic. He embodies cruelty. insanity. and cleverness. His clerics have access to the Trickery domain. skm-aeusStonebones.Stone giants revcrc the King ct the Rock, god of buried things, whose clerics can (‘ll AFTER 4 CR,tCKLS'l'l‘(‘ll access the Knowledgeand Life domains. Stnnespeaker Hgraarn. a powerful spellcaster, ls sttoraeus-'s only priest in Gracklstugh. LAW AND ORDER Minor crime is relativelyrare in Grucklstugh. The rlnergar live by a strict code othnnor, and their laws are few, simple, and practical. Both guards and regular citizen. n ht 'nvisible and watching, which keeps any potenti , minals and dissenters uncertain and fearful. A laird may punish any member othis or her clan who commits a crime, but ofienses helween clans are immediately brought before the Council nf Lairtls, which resolves matters swiftlyand harshly. The code otpunishment is simple. Because dishonor, mutilation and impr‘ onme t are (I waste of resources and create , a duergar who intentionally commits any crime receives a death sentence. Accidental crime by a rluergar is compensated by goods or work equivalent to the damages. Derro, slaves or outsiders caught committing any crime can be executed on the spot by any duergar present. GRACKLSTUGH Population: l0,000 duergar. 2,000 tlerro. 50 stone giants, and an unknown number of slaves (quaggoths, grimlocks, ortzs.shield dwarves, svirfneblin, and a few kobolds anti gohlinoids) Government: Absolute monarchy Defense: Larg standing army with specialized corps; every duergar is trained for battle, and the citizens of the city create a formidable militia commerce: weapons and armor ofhigh quality: various fungi. molds. and exotic creatures for food: trade from across the Ulldertlark {Anti the surface world Organizations:The C()|lI’IL‘Jl of Lairds. the Council of Savants, the Merchant Council. the Keepers of the Flame. Clan Cairngonn, the Gray Ghosts. and others The cavern housing Gracklstugh is split in two by a ritt called Laduguers Furrow, after the duergar patron god. The north half comprises Nnrthfurrow District, where ommon workers and the clans devoted to minor crafts make their home, and Dztrklaktfi District. open to lcreigners and where the cit_v's merchants engage in trade with visitors, As befits a mayor settlement in a dangerous realm, Gracklstugh places no restrictions on the weapons or gear characters can carry or trade. Twelve stone bridges lead to Soutllfurrow District. and then farther south to Flowstone District. These boroughs are reserved for the more prestigious clans and the largest smelters and forges Themb rchautl ignites during hi. nights. The wyrntstnitlr lair and the cavern complex the stone giants otcairngorrn clan call home both connect to these districts.
Iker flths. a few rps: ns of ariuus from E of he thers .1 men rt. minor WELCOME TO THE CITY or BLADES V -erang the my L he rtrst major hurtne the characters tsurrnuunl In (xrackistugh. Unicss they head ~ pit:1u's athtt-e to arrive by way orthe Darklake (or .= up \’H(i1 the idea on their on fl)‘ the t|mmctet's n one of [he gates. (SCC "A rm lug In (}rack1stugh" er In this chapter.) TY GATES — pragmattr nature at the dllcrgar n1t‘,;In.~. that all tstughx entrance gatcs art‘ lT1|iJ1l'llIli€‘,§igfl.i0I' or maintenance and the training ofguards. 2 ground at yourfeet has been gettmg smootherarid r. a wetcorrre resprte from the uneven passages to ch you have grown weaniy accustomed, Eventuaiiy, awe tiies become more nottceabie, turrung the path .3 a proper road. You can see Spots afhght rrt the : stance, b|ue~wh'tte and too regulariy pieced to be : csphorescent mushrooms The hghts are proper lamps flankmgtwo massive stone biockmgthe tunnel Before you get a thence to me the mtncate tarvings an the gates‘ surface, a 'a*sh V0159 hrsses from a siiton the cavern waii that was - : there before “State your names and businessi" the verse orders In Dwarvtsh. other stmtiar slrts open, reveahrrg the Ups or"a dozen crossbow bolts. Behind you. a metaihc am armountes a group oisxx heavtiy armored dwarves appearmg outarthrr. arr, therr swords ieveied at you from behind sturdy metal shteids. “hi the characters firs! rravhvd Ihe road. six ducrgar wu|t'hing invisibly started ftulttwurg them at a sat: (i|>td\'|\‘E. Twelve more duergar soldiers are statinned In gunrdhoustrs won’ iett wnhm the rocky V\'£I|i.~ ur the - vem, all ofthcm turning heavy crossbows at the party. The dnergar arr has-ttIe,tmr1 the guard who spoke follows up on cvvry uns\\.er the characters ghe. One charactcr ran Iukr‘ the lead in the inrcrrngzmun by speaking for th:- [)url_\ and maktng 21 DL‘. 15 Charisma t‘heck(1)crcptinn and Pet-suastouapply: Intimidation or i"Crfnrmt)nt'<' are met with scorn). Derteuthng on how bcllc able the part) ‘s Stu’ .s and how the uther advCnrurr,r.~heh-the during the qticaliulling.you might allow the (‘i\£I(‘tICl€5I' [O makc thc thettk with advantage or impose Llisadvantatzc‘ The guard £{I'\1dgll1gi_Vi(‘lSti1r,‘ characters pass ifthe chuck SuCL‘,E‘CdS. and refusrsthem entrance if il fails. if tht‘ rheck fails by 5 or morn‘. the guard gives (hr rtrder to arrest the C|1ara<‘1t‘r<r announcing that they are now slaves of the dlI(‘l‘gt’Ir (s retting Captured‘ i)(‘iUvv). ~H“i'tlt'4 xrtit‘ tstsn uh
Hll 51 l»\TTl R[h—,, l*ll<r - The firs!lune(l’\L1(‘ll2li'{\C[&TSHl‘L‘£Ill(‘I\rVEdinSiElE:IhC city or turned away tnnn a gate. a st-t:rel door on the wall opens. t-twculirtgCvorglak. ti duergar Stone Guard (sric appendix C). ‘‘Well.'' The duergav removes his helmet, veveallng the gray Skm onus kind He rnusses his white beard as he walks closer. switching to Ccmmon as he lowers his voice. There is a dlscomfitmg glint in his eyes and his smile. “You ave clearly lying. I oughttoiust send you to the slave pens, but . . you amuse me. What do you have that is wovth your Freedom?" The duergar waits tor your answer, his gaze touching on each ntynu in turn as he smiles m anticipation. If they are with the party. Topsy and Turvy. Sztrith Kueltnrit. Jimjar. and Bu[)pI(lt) can whisper to the characters that tew ducrgar are so blatantly Corrupt as Ctorglak seems to lit. sucressfttl DC l2 VVisdom (Insight) Check lets a eltttrncter n0tit‘(‘ that Gorglak is eying the ndrentttrcrs-' neapons (espcriully any drow tlzwitst l ‘IE«\_l»l\l' DARKL \K| mu \\ t in pmxl -Md not-ks . ntstiisishs RA‘ AR . weapons or rnagit weapons they might have). anti that there} something odd about l’H5 behavior. The madness ere ling into Cn‘at‘klslugh has made Gorglak obsessed with rare weapons. He's willing it: go to great extents to ut-quire new Wt-‘,upm\S otexqtiisite design for his growing Collection. Offering Gorglak a worthyweapon tor his tztlllecticln gets the chrclructers through the gate. Any other bribe requires one of the t‘l1ai'actt'rstn succeed on 3 DC 13 Charisma (Pcrsu 101]) chcrk. or Gorglzlk is insulted and has the party arrested. if the cltarztctersare [00 Open about the negotiation. Gurglak has them arrested and prctentls he tiitin't say anything. it‘ Corglzik rtnds the characters‘ ht-the appealing. he refuses tn areept it then and there. insteatl directing them to find one Wer7 Sztltbaron in the Darklakt; Docks and hand the bribe to him. Gorglak tells the characters that he will check with VVerz at [l1(‘ cnd of his shift. and will find the cllaractcrs and arrest them If they have not paid by then. ClI2Il'iiI'lfil’S ailowctl through the guts are escorted to tht: Dzlrklake District tn four duergar guards, two nr whom are invisib Once the purty reaches the t-tige of the district. [l](‘ guards leave and return to the pusl.-.
hat lltess ssed ‘us to owing DARKLAKEDocxs Arrivingat the Darklake Dorks requires a cclmblnalicm als ill, ingcnuity,and luck. Vigilanceis a little more relaxed hurt: because the guards at Overlake Hold can spot any obviousthreat coming from the waters. After hours oftense navigation, you glimpse an orange glow in the distance. Soon you hear faint metallic echoes, growing louder as you come closer. Fllelight lllumlnates masslve columns with slmcmres built around their bases. The cold air ofthe Urlderdarkis becoming warmer even atthis distance. and you can now see a variety or ptevs made from zurkhwood, stone, and plain rock pitting out along the edge ofn huge cavern. As the characters draw closer, they can see: that the caslern docks are the least crowded. ll Buppitln is with them, he guides them to a natutnl rock pier on the eastern edge ofthe cavcrn. Olherwise, the characters must make a successful DC 14 group Dexterity (Stealth) check or a DC 15 group Wisdom (Su|‘Vi\’3l) t‘,l\eCk to guide their boat safely nntl inmnt.picuously to an empty dock. lfthc group check rails, nearby guards notice the characters but don't immediately identitythem as El threat. However. you can choose to impose disadvantage on any checks the vhziractersmake to remain inconspictlous during their lirst day in cracltlstugh. GETTING CAPTURED Even after making it inside the city. the characters must tread carefully, as the duergar use the slightest pretext in arrest them. Even trying to liaggle with a duergar merchant might inspire a call lot the guards to take the characters away. Getting caught stealing is punishable b_\ death on the spot. but guards or the offended party might see some value in enslaving the culprits instead. so the characters can be shackled and shipped beyond me Darklakt‘District. Resisting arrest is a truly bad idea: every duergar around is reinforcement. lfthc characters get arrested. you can interrupt their transfer with a random encounter or l(‘éld them in other planned encounters. The "RampagingGiant" encounter ivrhirh takes place in the Darklake District)is the most likely event to interrupt a prisoner transfer. Alternatively. an agent at the Keepers ofthcFlame can stop the guards before they take the characlers to Overlake Hold (see 'Themberchaucl's Lai for informationregarding the keepers’ interest in foreign merretiaries). Possible offers ofernployrnetitin the Blade Bazaar can also be turned into timcly rescues for the adventurers. Otherwise. they end up in overtake llold. interrogated by Errtle Blackskull. DARKLAKE DISTRICT The Dzirklake District gives an illusion of openness. The streets are relativelywide to allow for merchant carts and wagons to pass. and the hulltlings aren't as Crowded around stalagmitrs as in the southern districts. Openness doesn‘t mean welcoming. however. The duergar who ply their trades here are Wary of all the foreigners ctiiifiiicd by law to this part of the city. A wave of heat slams against you as an acnd smog rises to choke the air out afyour lungs. The Darklake spreads out beyond a jumble nfhuildlngs and streets, reflecting the lights oitountles; fires burning across the city within hollowed—out columns and stalagrnrtes. Though the streets are crowded, you move easlly within the surglng throng of buyers, merchants, and slaves. You aren't the only outsiders here. as you spy drow, svirfneblin, derro, ores, and other races in the crowds. The shouting of people blends with the sound of distant ilzmmerlng to create a constant, dlstractirig dln. Behind the forbiddingwalls scparzlltng lhe Darklake District from the rest of the city stand the docks, markets. and shops where Gracklstugl-rscommerce and trade are conducted. The many duergar merchants— along with drow. svirinelilln. arc and othere—paylittle attention to the characters uI1l< they are looking to do business. Guards posted at the gates make it clear to the characters that non-duergar are restricted to the Darklake District. and the characters have better luck asking other outsiders for directions rather than trying to cng-age the duergar locals. They are directed to the Blade Bazaar if they wish to sell anything they might be carrying with them. For gossip and a mo.-il. the Shattered Spire tavern is recoinmcndcd, while lodging for nonrduergar can be had at the Ghohlbrurns Lair inn. At any point during which the characters move from point to point in the Darklake District. they ran Witness one or more of the followingevents. lgtMl>AG1N_G GIANT This encounter triggers possible side quests through which the characters can learn about the influence of Demogorgon in Gracklstugli. You can use this cvcnt any time during the party's stay in the city. Holding it for later use gives characters a chance to notice the little things wrong among the duergar. while u. ig it right away can help characters avoid being enslaved if they are arrested at any point during their Vlsll. The rhythmic hernrnerlng otthe city's forges is drowned for a secund by e thunderlng roar and the sound of crurnbllng vock. Duergar and visitors alike turn to look as a twdheaded, gray-skinnedgiant bursts through a gate. howling madly arid lashing out left and right. littering the plaza with rock and stone debris. As he bellows, one ofhis swings connects with a duergar soldier, whose broken body the: through the air and crashes near you with a sickening crunch. tHAi"lElQ 4 bl{\( i\lSl‘Ll(.H
A stone giant from Cairngorm Cavern has succumbed to a demonic curse that has caused him to grow a disfigured second head. A successful DC 12 Wisdom (insight) check reveals that the giant is crazed and terrified. Use the stone giant stat blockwith the followingmodifications: The giant has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks and on saving throws against being blinded. charmed, deafened, frightened, stunned, or knocked unconscious. The giant is unarmed. As an action. it can make two unarmed strikes (+9 to hit, reach 10 ft.. one target). On a hit, the giant deals 13 (2d6 + 6) blude geoning damage. The rampage happens in a broad plaza, so there is plenty of space for the different combatants to maneuver. The giant moves in the characters‘ direction and lashes out. Two duergar guards and two duergar xarrorn (see appendix C) respond to the giantsroaring. racing in to join the fight in the second round. They are well trained and do their best to help, but to avoid additional complexityduring the encounter, assume that the duergar act at the end of the initiative order and deal a flat total of lo damage to the giant each round. Bystanders take cover at once. but duergar citizens are ready tojump in ifthe guards fail to contain the threat. The giant ignores characters attacking from range and attacks opponents in melee at random, including the duergar. Both the giant and the guards fight until they drop to 0 hit points. DEVELOPMENT Without the characters‘ help, the guards and assisting citizens bring down the stone giant with few casualties. If the characters are prisoners under escort when the giant attacks, the guards who engage the giant are their escort. The characters can use this chance to escape, or they can help, albeit with disadvantage on attack rolls it they are shackled. The duergar arc pragmatists and release characters who help them deal with the giants threat, but they attempt to arrest them again after the combat is over. Once the crazed giant is put down. another stone giant comes through the shattered gate, but this one looks perfectly sane. Hc reaches the fallen giant at the same time as a squad of three duergar StoneGuards(see appendix C). The guards who fought alongside the characters explain the situation, neither downplayingnor exalting the characters’ actions. The characters can speak to the newly arrived giant while the duergar confer. The giant introduces himselt as Dorhun, apprentice to Stonespeaker l-lgraam.He reveals that the fallen giant's name is Rihuud, and that he was another of lhe Stonespcakefsapprentices. Rihuud was “communing with the stone" in Cairngorm Cavern when he went mad, sprouted a second head, and stormed out. If the party was not previously arreslecl and didn't participate in the fight, the Stone Guards start questioning bystanders, who eventuallypoint out the characters as new arrivals to the city. CHAPTER 4 extcklxrucn ll the characters knocked Rilmud unconscious instead of dealing a lethal blow, a grateful Dorhun asks them to visit Cairngorm Cavern before they leave the city. informing the Stone Guards of this. The importance of thc Stonespeaker means that the Stone Guards will escort the party across the city to meet with him, though they don't hide their displeasure at doing so. XP AWARDS Divide 1,740 XP equally among the characters if they cooperate with the guards to defeat the two-headed stone giant. GUESTS or THE STONE GUARD Whenever circ*mstances sce the Stone Guards develop an interest in the party (includingbeing arrested or witnessing the giantsrampage without taking part), the characters are ordered to follow a squad of duergar to Overlake Hold for further questioning. From this point. the adventure can take different paths depending on how you want to proceed. Talk to the players about their preference, or decide on your own what happens next: CrartokkarXundorn intervenes on behalf of the Keepers of the Flame, which can lead to a meeting with Themberchaud (see "Themberchaud's Lair"). The characters can continue to Overlake Hold and meet with Captain Errde Blackskull(see “OverlakeHold"). The drow scout Xalith approaches the Stone Guards, claiming the characters as escaped property ofher mistress, llvara (see “Signs of Pursuit" in the “Blade Bazaar" section). The Stone Guards arrest the characters and take them to Overlake Hold, pending negotiations with the drow. At this point, they also meet Captain Errde Blackskull. Drnki(see “Droki" in the "Blade Bazaar" section) accidentally bumps into the patrol, creating a distraction that allowsthe characters to escape. A successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check cone vinces the Stone Guards not to arrest the characters, provided the characters agree to visit Overlake Hold once their business in Gracklstugh is concluded. The party remains under watch al all times by an invisible duergar StoneGuard (sec appendix C). If it seems like the characters have done what they came to do, the invisible ducrgar reminds them to make good on their promise to visit Overlake Hold. BLADE BAZAAR __:?_______._ This marketplace is named after the most abundant goods the duergar offer, but the shops here sell almost everything available in the city, along with stalls set up by visiting mcrcliants. The din otpeople arguing, mostly in Dwarvish, nearly drowns out the hammering coming from the city’s forges, and the crowds here offer a good chance to Slip away from pursuers. Characters can unload some of the treasures they might be carrying. Nonmagical weapons, armor, and shields can be purchased in the Blade Bazaar,
s‘. ards. ter llade ’l\ar— so n) acciC[it)I‘l ck t:t)n— .ctcts, Hold :1. The \‘lill.)lC ems D do. ad on ant lmos-t setup mostly ranting \[ERCHANT MADNESS haracters who look around the hazzmr notice a number tat" odd things: . A duergat merchant cant stop insulting cttstomers whert they are trying to sell something. but becotnes a picture of politeness when they want to buy. -\ number of duergar merchants give tlttierettt prices to huy or sell every time they are asked ahout the same items, and insist that the characters dealing \\lIl1 them are the ones changing their terms. A rluergarmerchant surldettly turns invts hie in the mttlttle ofa transaction. but keeps -peakittg as it noth— trig has happened. A duergar merchant il1l'li3|BlI§ to kill the characters as a haggling teehntttue. then denies ever saying so. A duergar mcrchanl constantly asks the opinion of a nonexistent twin hrothe mlaiming that he is invisible. Yrs.-x's DEAL \ lE£| Henstak is a tcmalc ducrgar lllFlIll)E:\' of the ,\lerl'hant Council. shes .1 canny raravan master and gentle-s herself on always at-riving at tter destination ahead of schedule. If the characters ask around for exert-hants who know how to reach the surlace, they are itrected to Ylsa. Though she has no caravans scheduled an_\ time soon. she doe make the characters an oficr. \'lsa invitesthe (‘l'l£|l'}.lt:lcfS into her well—guarclEcl cfice. when e shows them a pile of coins and t wclry from all over the ' lriuce world. The hoard consists of 50 Up in mixed oinage three gold rings worth 25 gp each. and two gettnittlatri necklaces worth 250 go each. She has trat:ke.tl the pieces to derro. whn use them to as tor food. It tlte characters can figure out how the alarm arr: getttng surl-ace currency and jewelry. Vlsu will pr-)\‘|Clr‘ the adventurers with directions for ill least the rest stage or theirjourney. including valuable -.ttlvir,e :-u routes to Blingdenstonc ‘cc chapter 6) and the \\ ormwtithings (see chapter 12). for more information on what Urokl i. tzharaclerscatch him. .,trrying ifrhe SIGNS or PURSUIT ll the characters arrive in Gracklstugh with at tlrow pursuit level of 3 or higher (see "Drow Pursuit" in t'l’t2|[)t(:r 2), llvara has already sent a party ahead of them. guessing correctly that the cs apetl prisoners might seek refuge with the illlfirgilr. Characters with a passive VVlsdr>m (Perception) score of 15 or higher spot six drow watching them in the Blade Bazaar. One of them is Xalltll Masq ‘yr. a female drow allied with House Mlzzrym.Any oi the party's NFC companions Vtltt) know the duergar well can guess that these drow won't want to attract the ducrgars “lost propert Doing so would likely involve having to pay the gray dwarves a reward for the adventure s‘ rapture. This gives the characters zt chance to evatle their pursuers. but they need to slay nut of sight. xahth speaks to the duergar only iftht: characters are arrested. Othcrvttsc. shc sends a tnessenger to llvara and makes sure the charzltitrrs don't go anywhere without her knowing. If the characters fail to lose themselves in the city (see “Grur.ktstughand Drow DROKI ~‘.rtentiv<- charat-to can spot a curious figure darting ween the alls and shops of the Blade Bazaar. E\'r‘, ,_mc they roam the market. they havt‘ a 20 pt-.t-rettt ncc tn see a dorm dressed in rags tylt-tl a ztn mitattnn of a fancyjacket. wearing -.t wttlehrimmerl hat ‘nth two tentacles from a (llsplzlrer beta. t . wn into the ’:at's crown. A large satchrl hangs from ht shoulder. and he's always muttering to hitnsetf. Dttergarmerchants glare t-ornlully at this rlerro. and :=>nt* will discuss him with the t: aractet . Ila character gas about him in the Cthohlbrorn'sLair. a successful harisma (Per ztsioll) check _tieltJs up the name hr: wtly rlerrn as a courier and s—..-ppher or goods who works rnr disreputable employers. catrltingDroki (s A 2l[)p€nLll>. C) is the objective or qgrsls from Errrle Bla ’l»(SkLlll (sec "OvcrlakcHold") and Crartokkar Xuntlorn K . ' rte characters pursue the courier openly he fir: west Cleft Dtstrtet. Pursuing Charactersttutckly lnse sgnt Dfthe ttem: as he vanishes into the rrowtl. See riding Drokt" in the "Vl/horlstonc Tunnels SE‘Cl|0l'l iFl\l‘lLl<l «,x.tt'ktstt-all ht
_ BUPP|D0'S ESCAPE Euppldc has a secret agenda in Cracklstugh. line is still with the party, the derro looks for the fivst opportunityto slip away and return to his hidden lair and “shvine" in the Wharlstone tunnels (see “WhorlstoneTunnels"). w Pursuit" earlier in this chapter). their pursuit level increases by 1 every 1d4 days until llvara arrives. Alternatively. the adventurers might decide to turn the tables on the draw. Characters mirzht Figure out a way to quietlyneutralize xalith and her squad. perhaps tricking them into damaging a dticrgar merchant's property or forcing them outside Darklake District, where even drow are forbidden to go. Doing so decreases the pursuit level by 2. However. if combat evcr breaks out between the characters and the drow. a squad of five duel-gar Stone Guards(see appendix C) and five duergar warriors arrive within lcl4 rounds and arrest the lot of them (see “Getting Czlpturt-‘(l"). DARKLAKE BREWERY This huge. ramshackle brewery is built of stone blocks stacked to make walls between the petrified stems of a small forest of gigantic mushrooms. Big copper vats stealn within. filling the air with a heavy. yeasty stink. Dozens of copper kegs stand nearby. and burly gray dwarves swarm over the place. mashing fungus. mixing fermenting masses. and filling casks with freshly brewed ale. This complex is the workplace and home of Clan Muzgardt.the duergar clan in charge of brewing Darklake Stout and in control of the brewing and importation of other spirits. Nonrduergar aren't welcome in. e the brewery. DARKLAKE DOCKS These busy docks are used primarily by l'lat—hottomed rafts made of zurkhwood and lacquered puffloall floats. Some of these ramshackle barges come with oars or paddle wheels. The rafts look ungainly. but each can carry tons of trade goods. The characters land at the easternmost inlct if they arrive at Gracklstugh by way of the Darklake. near the Ghohlbrorn's Lair inn. if they instead arrived through a gate and suncessfiillybribed Gorglak. they might come here looking for his contact. Werz Saltbaron. ASSASSINS INTERRUPTED The characters spot a male dtlcrgar merchant at the end oia pier. Slldrlenly. two invisible durrgar appear next to him and stab hirn viciously with glowing swords. The assassins‘ faces are masked and hooded. The characters have 2 rounds to distract the two duergar saulhladcs(see appendix C) before they finish on the men ant. The merrzhant is WerzSaltbarorl. if the characters save him. he is grurlgingly grateful and says he has no idea why the assassinstargeted him. A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check suggests he's lying. He sees the scene. but not before telling the characters to meet him at the Shattered Spire the following day so he can reward them properly. l,ZHAPTEP. t l t.iut.i<l_sriic.H The characters have 1 minute to search the assassins before a patrol of four duergar arrives. The glowing weapons wielded by the assassins are nowhere to he found. but one of the assassinshas a piece of fish-skin parchment bearing Werz's likeness drawn in charcoal. ACCESS TO THEWHORLSTONE TUNNELS Hidden next to the easternmost pier. a disabled drainage pipe is the Gray Ghosts‘ access point to 2! secret cavern system beneath Gracklstugll (sec “Whorlslone Tunnels"). It takes a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Perception) check to notice the pipe beneath piles of refuse. within. loose bars block the 5-foot-wide passage, but removing them activates an alarm that warns the Gray Ghosts inside the ems. A chzlractercan notice the alarms trigger—a thin wire connected to the top of one of the bars with 2| su ssful DC 14 Wisdom (Perception) check. and can disable it with a successful DC 12 Dexterity check using thieves‘ tools. Nearly 100 feet into the pipe. a hatch on the floor opens into a roughrhewn well. A ladder extends down 80 feet to another hatch on the floor. which leads to area 8 in the Whorlstone Tunnels. OVERLAKE HOLD Dunglorrin Torune. which translates as Overlake Hold. is a fortress and temple dedicated to Ladtlguer carved into the heart oia massive stalaginlte an the shore (tithe Darklake. it is also the home of the Deepkillg and the center of government. Dunglnrrin Torune bristles with iorge chimneys from which smoke billows and ledges from which catapults can hurl stones at waterborne invaders. (If necessary. use the mallgonelstatistics in chapter 8 of the Dungeon Masters Guide.) CONSCRIPTED BY THE STONE GUARD If the rharaitters are arrested. th v are taken to the hold's dungeons, where they r eive a chance to earn their treedrnn by serving the _ tone Guard. Afterwaiting a long while in a dungeon cell carved out ofimpressively thick stone. you are taken to a dark office and met by an ‘imposing reinale gray dwarr. She is iuily armored and bears an insignia you have not seen on any otherduergar. She is flanked by two stone Guards who remain by the door. “I am Captain Errde Blaclrskull, commander ofthe Stone cuard," she says. giving each otyou a calculating look. “Let me start by saying you are worth nothing here in Gracklstugh. Most ofthase in my command would sell you offtn a heartbeat as the cheapest manual labor. However. I've learned to make much better use of adventurers like you."
in 80 as lual sot’ Sarah forDroki. Errdc explains that her guards have been tracking the movements of a dcrru narncd Drolti. Despite his presence in the Darklzlke District, the derro has managed to avoid capture, as if he somehow knowsin advance where the (luergar patrols will be invisible or otherwise. All the Stone Guards know is Lbat Drcki lives in the West Cleft District. a place the rluergar enter only in force and where their presence would likely provoke a ollaotic uprising. Errde wants the characters to follow Drnki. see what he does and where he goes. and report hack. Or iithey see an opportunity, seize him and either bring him in for questioning, or kill him and bring back evidence of his activities. Errde's tone turns dark as she voices her suspicions that Droki is linked to a conspiracy involving the Council of Savants. and maybe even elements among the clan lairds. She describes in detail how discovering the conspiracy and purging the corrupt will earn hcr g-eat favor with the Deepking. Errdc swears (truthfully) that she will arrange for the characters to get safe gnssage out of Gracklstugh if they do as she asks. Search for Corruption. Errdc's suspicions of conspiracy have her looking for signs of corruption creeping among the people of Gracklstugh. She rewards she characters if they bring her evidence of such ct:-rruption that has escaped the eyes of her warriors. The characters can build ti case if they witness odd zwents throughout Granklsttigh, ut:li as some oi the random encounters and the hehavior of merchants in the Blade Bazaar. For every three such events they report, the charactcrs can attempt a DC 15 group Charisma (Pcrsuasion) check. but they only need to succeed once to convince Errde and complete this giest. Errde then prom s to outfit the characters with stpplies and gear when they lenve Gracklstugh, from we Stone Guards" own armory. Each character can claim a total of 350 gp worth of equipment. including -moons, armor, and common potions and scrolls. DevaLOPMENT Edie characters refuse Err<le's nffer after being at-rested, they spend a few days imprisoned and then at sold back to the (lrow. Xalith and her squad meet q: with Ilvara and then return to Velkynvelve. if the characters can't manage to escape from their captors. lithe characters acceptErrde's offer. she gives flan ipsigni-as allowing them to move as farsouth as ladugucrs Fu rrow without being accostcd by guards. The atttenturers need only to show the insignias discreetly I1-men confronted, and should keep them htddcn otherwise. ‘hey are then releasedwithoutfanfare. Errdc knows about in Stone giants’ invitation it‘ the characters spared the twoIaded giant'slife. and advisesthe characters to heed it lane looking for Droki. ‘me characters’ pursuit level is rcduced to 0 and luzuainsso while they are in Errdes employ inside Cuacklstugh. if they end their employment. the Stone Guards stop covering for them anti their pursuit level ‘-3-eases as normal if Xalith is in town (see "Signs of Pursuit" in the “BladcBazaar" section). Otherwise, it Imtains at 0 until some other action raises it again. 4 Fusntm: BADGES Working for elther the Stone Guard or the Keepers of the Flame grants characters a degree offreedom in Cracklstugh, as they ran show the insignia given to them by each faction itthey are detained. At least one rharacter in the party must succeed on a DC l4 Charisma (Persuasion) check to convince duergar not to detain the party any longer, but characters who show the insignia have advantage on the cheek. THE SHATTERED SP1lz_E A broken stalagmitejuts out from the Darklaltc about forty feet from the shore. forming the foundation of a tavern built with fungi stalks in a manner similar to a log cabin. A bridge woven of rothé wool allows patrons to cross the water to visit. M EETI NG WE RZ lithe characters rescued Werz Saltharon from tho assassins(see “Darltlake Docks"). he meets them at the Shattered Spire at the designated date and time. As modest thanks for saving him. he gives each character an obsidian gemstone worth 10 go. He then offers them a job. delivering a sack full of raw gemstones (worth 100 gp total) to a svirfneblin namcd KazookPickshine in Blingdenstone, no questions asked. jimjar. Topsy, and Turvy know of Kazook Fickshine and can provide basic information about the gnome alchemist (see chapter 6). The deep gnomes also recognize that Wcrz's gems resemble empty spell gems. similar to those u *d in the defense of Elingclenstone. The gems, mundzine in their current form. are actually raw stones used in the crafting of speu gems. Werz mct Kazook in Mantol—Derith(see chapter 9), and the two have been trading recently behind their supcriors‘ backs. He declines to mention this. though, deflecting any questions by mentioning that Blingdenstono is a good place to find a way out of the Undcrdark. BAR FIGHT W'hilE:thct:l1£trac[(:rs are in the tavern. two duergar who had been just talking business suddenly fly into a rage and start brawling. It the characters don't intervene to stop the right. other patrons do. No guards appear unless weapons or spells come out. and the fightstops soon as any or the brawlers is restrained or knocked unconscious. Neither otthe ducrgar remember why they started fighting. THE G1-toHLBiz0RN‘s LAIR Thi nn is the only establishment in Gracklstugh that accepts nonaduergar guests. "Ghchlbrorn" means “bt.tlette" ll'| Dwarvish. and the inn is built inside 3 small cavern complex beneath the Blade Bazaar at the northern end of the Darklake District. Its halls are cold and damp. A central chamber serves as a dining room, branching out into dirterent small, twisting halls along which the rooms arc cxcavated. it's dark. cramped, and uncomfortable. but safe and defensible. t!i\[’t'ER t l GRACKISLCLII
RUMOR MILL The inn’s dining hall gives characters a chance to mingle with norrduergar who are visiting Gracklstugh. Characters seeking information can, with a successful DC 10 Charisma (Persuasion) or Intelligence (Investigation) check, find out the iollowinginiormation, or you can simplyroleplay their interactions with random patrons. The general gist of the information is that trade routes out of Ctracklstughhave become more dangerous recently.The fauna and more primitive denizens of the Underdark are all riled up about something. Among the tales told by the travelers. second-hand stories about demons attacking isolated settlements are common. LADUGUER’s FURROW Long ago, an earthquake split the cavern tltat houses Gracklstugb, leaving a rift nearly two hundred feet deep and five hundred feet wide. Laclugucr'sFurrow has a packed—gravelfloor and extends roughly a quarter mile beyond the natural walls of the city in both directions. Each end of the rift has a steeply sloping floor. carved with a set of stairs and awide ramp for both pedestrians and wagons. Vents along the walls release potent gases that sappers o[Clan xartlelvar tap for industrial applications. including the crafting oithe magical [lame lances used by xarmrn warriors. The ehasm is Gracklstugh's main residential zone. with homes built on the top part ofits north anti south sides. Outsiders are normally forbidden from this area. ABANDONED GUARDHOUSES Near the western gate of Ladugtier Furrow, the dttergar built a series of guardhouses to keep an eye on derro slaves living in the West Cleft. These were abandoned when Deepking Tarngartlt, grandfather of the current monarch, liberated the derro, allowing them to spread from the West Cleft District into the East Cleft District. The guardhouses now stand empty. providing an ideal place to lie low and keep an eye on trartic in and out of the eastern derro boroughs. GREAT GATES H The openings that Laduguer’sFtirrow creates in the walls of Gracklstughs cavern are blocked by massive structures of bars and scaffolding,each set with several gates. Gates are guarded by two visible duergar soldiers and 1d4 + 3 invisible ones. mm Cmtsmc DROKI lfthe characters decide to wait (or Droki to enter the west CieFt or somehow follow him here, use the chase rules in chapter 3 ofthe Dungeon Ml15t2r'§ Guidz, adapting the results for urban complicationsto a cave full ofhateful derro. If Droki loses them, the characters must resort to less convenientmeans offindirlg the Whorlstorletunnels Ifthe characters do manage to catch Drcki in the West Cleft, he drops limp and babbles, but is suspiciously amenable and shows the charactersthe entrance to the tunnels. See the “WhorlstoneTunnels" section for how to roleplay Drokl. , ('ilt.AP‘l'FR i l URALKLETLVGH WEST CLEFT AND EAST CLEFT DISTRICTS East and west of Laduguer's Furrow gates are areas that serve as home to Graeklstughs unwanted derro population, The West Cleft District was the original abode for the city's derro slaves and remains a dark and dangerous ghetto. The East Cleft District was more recently settled after the derro earned their freedom. though it is only slightlyless rough than West Cleft. The homes of the derro are mostly burrows carved into the walls and simple structures piled atop one another. The dirty and cluttered streetsof both districts formed as tlvvellings spread and came together, and not as a product of planning. The derro population is much greater and their tunnels extend much farther than the duergar believe. The derro are close to mounting an insurrection, hold back only by their own lack of organization and by their leaders in the Council of Savants having grown too used to their privilegesto foment rebellion. ENTERING DERRO TERRITORY The derro are automatically hostile toward anyone entering their warrens, cspecially surfacers. As you pass through the gates, the stench in the air changes rrorn acrid and metallic to retid and repugnant. the fires ofindustry replaced by squalor. The homes in this part oftiracltlstugh are crudely carved from the rock or are iust holes in the walls, arranged in no apparent order. The chatter ‘in the air is unnerving, with hundreds of derro muttering. screaming at each other, and otherwise reveling in their Insanity. Those who spot you look at you with a burning hatred. At the end of each hour the adventurers stay inside either derro area, there is a 25 percent chance that 2214 derro (see appendix C) attack without warning. It the characters kill any derro, the chance of another attack hecnmes 50 percent every halt hour. Sneaking through the senseless arrangement of the burrows is relatively easy. as the tlerm are normally too preoecupictl with their own ma heming to notice a group trying not to attract attention. The charat ers can attempt a DC 10 group Dexterity (Stealth) check, with success negating the need to roll for a possible attack at the end of each hour or half hour. Other means ofsubterfuge such as illusions, climbing along the walls, or using flying or levttation magic automatically avoid detection. hut invisibility olany kind activates magical wards placed by derro savants to guard against duergar intrusion. When a ward activates in response to the presence of an invisible creature, nearby derro fly into a frenzy, creating a chaotic mob mcttnt to drive away invisible duergar patrols. Derro make active Wisdom (Perception) checks contested by the characters‘ Dexterity (Stealth) checks ila ward is
tricts d not melt nt, D(l( !dS cu e it 2d4 the tack if the lly too ice a trs can with tack at mbing xv ams to tivates re. nob rro ed by rd is activated. Characters using detect magic actively can spot the invisible sensor of a ward before it activates. Otherwise, invisible characters encounter a ward every 15 minutes they move through derro territory. ACCESS TO THE WHORLSTDN E To N NELS Between a clttster of hovelsin West Cleft lies the most is-ell—uscd entrance to the Whorlstone Tunnels(see ‘Whorlstone Tunnels"). A narrow fissure in the chasm rnsll is hidden by scraps of cloth. gray sheets of canvas, and moldy boxes. The fissure is tall and wide enough for 1 Medium creature to squeeze through the first 10 feet, and then continues for 50 feet at an average 5 feet in width. with 2: gentle downward slope. Ever since the foul irruption of the demon lords into thtt Underdarlt. the Ft sure casier to find. as it sometimes leaks wisps of c ric fog created by faerzress. Otherwise. finding it rrquircs careful scarching and a successful DC 15 Wisdom (Peru ption) check. Each character can make this check at the end of each hour the party spends in the West Cleft warrens looking for the Vihorlstone Tunnels’ entrance. .-\ny attempt to question the locals without an effective means nftlisguise or rrnrnipnlation, such as encllantment or illusion magic. is doomed to fail. as the derro are more likely to attack the characters than answer their questions. Even then. the derro are often incoherent. and a successful DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check is needed to obtain useful information. A successful DC 15 Charisma ttnrintirlation)cheek also works. but has a 50 percent dianee otinspiringthe derro to flee or attack. HALLS OF SACRED SPELLS The Halls of Sat‘ at] Spells ttomprisc a temple of Diirinlta carved into a stzllagmite in Northfurrow fistrict. Here, the derro Council of Savants meets and plots, living in luxurious quarters and hiding such qmlence from their fellow tlerro. All areas ofthe Halls ufsacrerl spells except the central worship chamber 3-: forbidden to derm who aren‘t savants. Duergar don't mter this place, whose main doors are false and carved no the rock. The savants enter and leave using spells sch as dimension door and passwall. while lesser derro access the worship chamber through secret tunnels him the West Cleft. CAIRNGORM CAVERN Along tunnel opens in Southfurrow Distrirt, extending xreral hundred feet and into the home of the stone jnts of Clan Cairngorm. The tribe is named after &ancient oath of fealty their ancestors swore to in bearers olthe Cairngorm Crown, the traditional ngalin of Deepkingtloln tnonnrchs. The giants lead ample. uncomplicated lives. and their dwellings Ieflect this. The stone giants value their privacy. and ducrgar are nrmally not allowed inside Cairngorm Cavern. An aseptionis made for the Decpking.who holds meetings be with the giants’lcadcr. Stoncspcaker Hgrnam, Iben necessary. Aofllgncla WITH '_l'E'E>_SrTC)rNESP1j2VAI‘("l‘1R lf the adventurt-rs holpcd stop the rampaging giant in the Darklake District (and especially ifthey didn't kill him), Hgraam is expecting them by the entrance to the Cairngorm Caverns. Though the stone giant is short on pleasantries, he gives the char’ ters what information he can in response to their que. ions, includingways to return to the “dreamland. ‘as the stone giants call the surface World. Because he has never left the Underdark. the paths he knows have come to him only as whispers through the stone. As such, you can easily shape his advice to your playe plans. Additionally. Hgraam gives the characters a warning: “Something evil stirs in the Underdarlt.The rock itself cries in pain and horror, and a madness Creeps from the blackest depths. Pay heed to the signs surrounding you. A cave with two faces. Rock devoured, and the land overgrown.The pebble belleves itselmesh. The earth rejects its wards, and the tunnels shake in fury. By these portents, you shall know ofevil's presence and ofevil's face. This is what the stones tell me." Tins cryptic rnessnge refers to the demon lords and the inadnes their presence is spreading. but Hgraam has not de Jpliererl it yet. TREASURE A ‘ the characters prepare to leave. Hgraam calls for his apprentice Dorhun, who arrives hearing a polished crystal the length ofa human forearm. l-igraatn offers the crystal to the charac rs as a token of his gratitude, telling them it might he helpful in the future. The stonespeaker crystal (see appendix B) resonates strongly with conjuration and divination magic. it the characters keep the crystal after escaping the Underdark, it will be of use if they return to deal with the demonic incursion. as it is linked to the mysterious lihrary of Crravenhollow and has additional properties when used there (see chapter 11). THEMBERCHAUD’s LAIR At the far southeast corner of Grat:ltlstugh's cavern, the entrance to Tlielnberehauds lair is guarded by the Keepers of the Flame. Not that rttlyone would be foolish enough to trespassinto the Wyrtnstnitlfs home. but ever since the Gray Ghosts stole a red dragon egg meant to hatch Thernherchaurls successor. the Keepers aren't taking any chances. For some time now. the Keepers have been actively seeking capable mercenaries in Gracl-tlstngh and taking any opportunity to pre - - thcm into servi If an agent ofthe order intervened in thc eharnctc rrcst (see "Getting Captured"). the leaner ofthe Keepers otthe Flame—Gartoltkar Xundtirn s notified by magical messaging. He waits for the uraeters as they are brought to the dragons c,avern—but Themherchautl is watching too. iH\l'lt|< l t:.l:tr.hls'ler.H
Twwstaemiuti The tlragon speaks Dwarvisll to its servants as the characters approach. Rtatl the following: As the duevgar pvlests lead you to a building earved from the stone lust outstde a huge (ave e(ttr2rl(E, the gvourld trembies slightly, and a thunderous voice echoes against every wall. “Cartokkar,"the voice calls as a reptlllan behemoth comes into view, it seales the color orlava, its bright yellow eyes glowing in the shadows oithe cave hetore coming into the light. "You dtdrrt say l was having surt.-ieeis (or dinner today“ The dragon chuckles at his own wit, His massive body gives the distinct impression that he lS overweight, indicating eating hahits that don't bode well “Foretghers," the duergar priest says with great reverence, “meet the F2therat'Flame. the tyerhuming, and the Found!‘/S i-te.-irt—Themlierchaud, the wyimsmlth ofcracklstugl-l." AGEI:ITS or THE WYRMSMI1Ii_ Like most of his kind, Thembercllaud is vain and proud. He's pampered. but also restless. The adult red dragon has been aware for several years that his handlers are withholding things from him. but rather than demand disclosure. he has waited and observed, He wants agents of his own. and s es the intcrcst oithe Keepers in (l'lC adventurers as an opporltlrlity. The dragon demands to speak will! the characters in private, with his nervous duergar ltaiidlers having no choice but to acquiesce. When they , COT! the t'harat'iers into the dragons lair. ‘l hemberchaud is resting on a mountain of gold Ht‘ tellsthe keepers to leave him alone \\'l(l’\ the advcnttlrcrs. hissing that ally invisible lurkers wlll be turned to ash, Oncc alone. he asks the characters their numrs. backgrounds. how they found themselves in the Underdark. and the eventsthat led them to Gracklslugh. Tltembercltautl makes the tharactcrs an ofler: become his agents in Graeltlstugli, and gain his protection. Their first missiun is to tlti whatever the Keepers ofthe Flame ask them to—hut to report to Thembt-rchattdbefore reporting to them. The dragon tltit-,sn't wall for the characters to respond, since his ego can't accept the notion that anyone would refuse him. ll: 3 glls Gartokkar to be their liaison, orders badges or gold be given to them. and sends them otf. TREASURE The characters might be leltlptfll In in -pr Themberchautfs heard from where they *iand. as the dragon doesn't allow them I0 get closer than 60 it-ct in front othim. The hoard culls . ts of 3,000 pp. 20.000 gp. 45.000 sp. 150.000 cp, six 1,000 gp fir:-. opals, ten 500 go pcridots. thirty 100 go garnets, a gtiurtl containing oil of sharpness, a potion 01' fig/mg. a politirl aflongevily, and a potion ofsitpre-nie1iea1i‘ng. The magic items are liurirtl undt-.r COlI1S and not visible at ct glance. one must dig tlirtiugh the coins to find them. A r,harat'ter who tries to get closer receives .3 friendly warning in the form of a growl. a stare. and claws clicking tln the floor. Thcmbcrchaud uses his breath weapon on any character who tries again, or who attempts to sneak past him and tails. Then he calmly carries on as iinothing happened. A TASK FOR THE KEEPERS When the t'haractt'rs are done with Thembertthautl. they exit the lair to where Cvartokkar waits to take them to the guard house where the Keepers or the Flame keep Watch. He (larkly asks \vhat business the dragon had with them. hut what the characters choose ta tell him (and wlietlier tlie_v intend to follow up on the dragon's orders) is up to them. The power of the Keepers of the Flame derives in equal measure from their psionic abilities. the leadership Ofthr: Deepking. and their inl-ltieiiee over ’l'hembercllautl.They lost face when the Gray Gho. stole the valuable red dragon egg that would hatch Thcmbcrchaucfs replattelnent, and they have been waging war on the thieves‘ gulltl ever since. But with the egg still lost and their control over Thembcrchaud waning. the Keepers are explorlng all options in their war against the Gray GhostsThe psiornc Keepers have ensetl a great thsltirbancc in the Undt'rdark—aphenomenon that Garttlkkar mrnpart-s to El hole having been torn through tht: world. The Keepers have no idea about the tlettlontu incursion. however. and t-Vt if the characters tell Gztrtukkarwhat they know he is fixated on the idea that the Gray Ghosts s
cters tlone zrs C|9rs res the it in )0 gp. 500 mg oil buried iig zndly th nly d, they a to keep lad lim in's laud heir bzlnce world. irsion. r what Ghosts are behind [he disturbance, dismissing anything else as dtlusions, ignorance, or outright lies. In his paranoia. Gartoltltar wants the characters to confirm the Gray Ghosts‘involvementand to bring back whatever powerful magic the thieves used to cause the disturbance. The Keepers have identified a Gray Ghost zgenl—a derro called nrolu. who carrieslTl ages and supplies for the thieves‘ guild (see "Dtoki" in the "Blade Bazaar" section). Droki uses the West Cleft to contact his employers. and Gurtoltl-tar wants the party to follow this derro and locate the Gray Ghosts. If the characters accept his offer, G-artoltltar gives them a holy symbol of Lacluguer after an acolyte arrives with gold pins featuring Tl'lcmberchaud's profile. The sjlnhol and the hatlgrs grunt aractcrs the right to navel beyond the Darltlulte Distric . though they are still limited from moving freely in the city (sec thc ‘Flashing Badges" sidebar). lfthey rcfusc. they are In-ncd over to the Stone Guards for arrest and delivery n Overlalte Hold. WHORLSTONE TUNNELS The Whorlstone Tunnels are a cavern system extending panially underneath Gracklstugh. away from the mines and passages the city’s inhabitants use regularly. The krm savants who first found the tunnels didn't reveal icir discovery to anyone. zlnd to this day only a handful among the Council of Sav-ants and the Gray Ghosts how about them. The long. gcntly curving tunnels have relatively regular dimensions. They are known for their unusual trek formations anti abundant patches of fungi. and for king suffused with faerzress (see chapter 2). There are currently two factions using the tunnels for fiir own ends. The Gray Ghosts have an alchemical 'H)oratoryand a fungal garden supplying them with pisons. and the leaders of the guild conc .al a secret ilhe form of a mysterious black obelisk in the farthest use (see area 16). The other group is a budding cult of germdeincn worshipers led by n renegade rnernberof he Council ofSavants. Sensing thal the demon lords an somehow using Iaerzress to spread chaos and mdiiess. the demon worshipers have begun conducting {goals to infect Gracklstugh. lntent on weakening he city and breaking the power of King Horgar Sn-elshadowV. the cultists plan to inflict a curse on instant: giants of Clan Cairngorm that causes them to yaw second heads. driving them insanc. l‘-AERZRESS*SUFFUSEDFUNGI bewhorlstorie Tunnels are home lo two unique 5 of raerzresssurtusedmushrooms: bigwigs pygmyworts.Any character who studies these rooms can identify their magical ellects with snccessful DC 15 intelligence (Nature) checlt. an ‘fvspell, or by trial and error. A single nibble ola room alters a character's size by a few inches (or 5 -‘routes. so characters foraging for food might discover mushrooms‘ magic by accident. The sizealtcring uiects of eating multiple bigwigs or pygmyworts ‘i cumulative, although thcir durations arc. Thesc mushrooms lose their properties iftllcy are taken outside the Whorlstone Tunnels for I hour or more. BIGWIG A bigwlg is a four-inch-tallmushroom with a thin . and a wide purple Cup. A creature that eats one can choose to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw to not be artected by the musht'clom'smagic. Iflht: creature fails or forgoes the saving throw, it grows in size as though under the enlarge etlect of an enlarge/reduce spell. The effect lasts for 1 hour. Ten minutes before the effect ends, the creature feels a tingling sensation. at which point it can sustain its current size by eating another wurple. The effect ends it the creature eats a pygrnywort mushroom or is magically reduced to its normal size (using the reduce effect of an enlarge/rt-ducc spell, for example). rm PYGMYWORT A pygrnywort is a mushroom with a one—inch—long stem and u stubby blue cap with white dots. A creature that eats one can choose to make a DC 12 Constitution saving throw to not be affected by the mushroom‘: magic. If the creature Fails or forgocstht‘ saving throw. it shrinks in size as though undcr the reduce effect or an enlarge/reduce spell. The circct lasts for 1 hour. Ten minules before the efierl tends. the t ' a tingling sensation. at which point it can current size by eating another pygmywort.The elleci ends iithe creature eats a bigwigmushroom or is magically enlarged to its normal size (using the enlarge efiect ct an enlarge/reduce spell, for exntnple). RANl3glLE3Iootg_N'rt-:R_s As the characters explore the Whorlstonc Tunnels. they can run into various rreatures or hazards. Check for an encounter whenever the characters are moving along it stretch of tunnel or at the and old long rest. Roll u d20 and consult the Wltorlstone Tunnels Encounters table to detennine what. it anything, they encounter. WHORLSTONE TUNNELS EMt:ouM1'Elts d20 Encounter l—lO No enmuntev ll—l2 l carrian crawler 1: Demon pzzk l4 1 flumph 15 l gray ooze is 1414 moldy quaggoth spore servants 17 M4 two-headed grirrllocks ls l swarm ofinsects (ceritlpedes) 19 1 xorn 20 Yellow mold CARRION CRAWLER There’ ' a 50 ])E|'(1t"Ill Chance that the Carrion orawlnr is teasiing un the putrid flesh of a dead grimlock and ignores the party unless tlisturbetl. otherwise. it is scouring tunnels for food and attacks the party on sight. it preters to attack while clinging to the ceiling. l‘H-\l‘TFR i i(rR'\t xls'rtir.l-i
DEMON PACK This pack consists of a quasi: leading 1d4 + 2 dretchcs. The quasit turns invisible and tries to escape when only two dretches remain: it it siieeeeds. the. cultists in area 14 are alerted. Replace any siitisequent demon pack random encounter with 1d4 dcrro (see appendix C). FLU M P n This Creature tcleptitliieallyasks the characters to rid the cave complex of the rlt-rm cultists (see area 14) because it knows what they're trying to do and wants to stop them. lithe cliaracters agree and seem friendly, the tlumph offers to al7(‘.(lmpany them indefinitely. it will not willinglyleave the Underdark. however. GRAY Ooza There's a 50 percent cllantte that this ooze has psionic abilities (ust: the psychicvariant of the gray ooze, as described in the MnnslerManual). MOLDY QUAGGOTH SPORE SERVANTS A patch ofyellow moltl (see "Dungeon Hazards" in chapter 5 titthe Dungeon Master's Guide) COVCFS each spore servant. Each time a spore servant is touched or takes damage. it releases a cloud of yellowmold spores until the mold patch is destroyed. TWO-HEADED GRIMLOCKS The grimlocks living in the Wliorlstone Tunnels keep to themselves, feetling on fungi and vermin. Th derro have tried to e slave them, without much siit a weird example of détente. members at the two races have learned to avoid one another. Each grimlock has sprouted a screaming second head. which has no effect on its statistics. 4 WHORLSTONETUNNELS1 CENEIIAL FEATURES The rollowing reatures are prevalentthroughoutths whorlstorie Tunnels. Ceilings and Floors. The average ceiling height is 50 feet, dropping to 25 feet in narrow tunnels. Nnrmw Turrnzls.The narrowest tunnels are barely 2 feet wide at their widest points. A Tiny creature can move through these tunnels unimpeded. while a Small creature must squeeze to pass through them. Medium and larger creatures can't fit through these narrow passageways. Fnzrzress. The Whorlstorla Tunnels are suffused with fazrzress (see “Facrzr:ss" in chapter 2 (or effects). rizerzrcss has also altered the physical appearance oithe complex, creating spiral patterns on the walls and ceilings. These spirals are what give the complex its name. Because at’ these weird spiraling patterns, saving throws to resist faerzrzss-Induced madness are made with disadvantage Foul Water. Water from the Darklake drips from staiactites and trickles through cracks in the walls, torming narrow streams and shallow poolsthroughout the WhorlstoneTunnels Any creature that drinks the foul water must succeed on a DC 12 constitution saving throw or become poisoned. The poisoned creature can repeat the savirigthrow at the end ofeach hour to end the eilect. Edible Fungi. Edible tungi (including pygrnywort and bigwig) are abundant in the WhorlstoneTunnels. characters can attempt DC lo wisdom (Survival) checks to forage here. y ll-l.\PTl>'lt I GR-\l i;t.~T\:t.ti XORN This creature has been woritiiig its way through the rock of the Whorlstonr Tunnels. consuming Vast amounts oflae-rzress»inl'ust-rd stone. The change in the Iaerzress brought on by the arrival of the demon lnrtls has left the xorn confilsetl and easily angered. It tries to bargain for metal or gems to eat. and attacks ii rrfiised. If the adventurers feed the xorn and can communicate with it, the creature (‘an tell them that it sensed a great planar upht-,ziv-at recently,though it knows nothing about the demons ur their spreading madness. YELLOW Mom The characters notice 3 patch or yellow mold (see "Dungeon Hazards" in chapter 5 oithe Dungeon Master's Giride) growing on something of interest. determined hy rolling a d4 and consulting the Beneath the Yellow Mold table. Tampering with the mold encrusted object causing the yellowmold to release its deadly spores. BENEATH THE YELLOW MOLD dd Encounter 1 A humanoid skeleton wearing a ring ofwutrrwullring on one bony finger (no ring is found on subsequent occurrences oithis encounter) 2 A closed zurkhwood chest containing ‘ldé X 100 gp and H6 so go gems 3 A humanoid skeleton in tattered leather armor carryinga rusted shortsword and one oflhe tollowing: a rotted quiver holding ld2O +1 arrows, a leather pouch containing idlo +2:/irlg stones. or a zurkhwood case containing ld4 +3 crossbow bolts 4 A +7 shield (on subsequent occurrences otthis encounter, the shield is rustcd and nonrrlagical) FINDINQ DRpKI If the characters are on a quest to find Droki. read the following boxed text when his path ems .s with theirs. The dirty derro is easy to recognize: a pale rscc under 2 floppy hat fitted with two tentacle-like things that bob up and down in time with his brisk pace. He keeps muttering a repetitive series of phrases to himself at diitsrciit volumes, tailingto notice you. “Drokl is late! They will be so angry! Stupid,stupid, stupid! Delays, blocks, procrastination, opstructions, pfah! No time, no rhyme, not mine! No! Time!" Droki (see appendix C) has errands to pertorm. The characters can atlow him or chase him down. but both the Dnrklake District and the derro territories provide him with abundant places to hide and paths down which he can lose pursuers, and he knows them all Inside the Whorlstone Tunnels, however. the dcrro is th. ever—present threats. giving the party the he. . to catch him. The characters can tight Droki by the
:-ath 3 its ‘alkivlg quent )0 KP was, a or a our all | the heirs. T he but both *ovide n which side the tcted by ance he tunnels‘ entrance or follow him farther in, depending on their end goals. It they follow Droki, he goes to area 11 eats a pygmywortmushroom. and disappears into a narrow tunnel (see the "Whurlstone Tunnels: General Features" sidebar), Droki’s route takes him all around the Whorlstone Tunnels, and hes too scatterbrained to notice anyone fillowing him. Droki's route is marked with red arrows an the map of the Whorlstone Tunnels. He cats A pggmywnrtmushroom whenever he needs to navigate a narrow tunnel, As he approaches ar as 7 and 8. he eats ahigwig mushroom. reverts to normal size, delivers the Gray Ghost parcel (see "Tre-asure"), and collects his payment from Lorthio the duergar alchemist (see area 31. Droid then heads north to area 9, where he sneaks miietly around ihe central pool so as not to disturb its occupant. Upon reaching area 11. he greets the derro there before eating another pygmywortmushroom and rmvelirlg through the narrow tunnel leading to area 12. He eats another bigwig and reverts to normal size before making his delivery to the cultisrs in that area. After visiting the cultists, Droki makes his way out of $2 Whorlstone Tunnels. If the characters hinder or attack Droki, he screams in night and knock hi. feet together, ' tivating his boots dspeed. If a chase suns, rrrsnlvt: the outcome using the chase rules in chapter 8 ofthe Dungeon Master's Guide. Droki has advantage in his Dexterity (Stealth) fit-cks. as he knows the Whorlstone Tunnels well. If &losesthe characters. he resumes his errands as if tithing had happened. l.fDroki manages to escape, characters can pick ..phis trail by sear ring any area through which the «taro pa ed and su sun-ival)i eck. IOLEPLAYINC. DROKI Duki hates everyone in general and surfacers in 'ctrlar. He gnashes his teeth if he has to address the &meters, taking every opportunity to be insulting and '-isleading. Ifthe characters look through his satchel jhile he's still con ious. he throws an epic tantrum i becomes intractable until knocked unconscious. Droki is also ohsessed with things happening where i when they should. Ifhe is captured before he runs :5 errands in the Whorlstone Tunnels. he constantly lains about the characters altering fate hy delaying . and a good tactic to pressure him is to threaten to him indetinitely. lie prefers to escape than to fight. t if the characters take his satchel. eding on a DC 15 Wisdom ASURE 'ng or incapacitating Droki gives the characters the e In rummage through his belongings. He wears ofspeedand a hat that is one ofa kind. He sewed stuffed displacer beast tentacles to the hat in the of them attacking his enemies on their own, a ion he volunteers it‘ the characters question him. hat might be worth something to a collector of ' es. but is otherwise worthless. Droki'ssatchel is made of stitched darkmantle hide contains the followingitems: - l gp and 10 sp . Aspell srrnll ofs invisibility Two potions o/he ling A worthless collection ofdead vermin (spiders, eenti— pedes. and the like) in various states of decomposition Pages oflizard—skin parchment held together between two leather covers from two different books. The pages are full of mad scribbles and arcane formulas, hut a oharaoter proficient irt Intelligence (Arcana) can study them for 1 hour to discover that they constitute a spellbook containing the Tense-,r’s floating disk and feign death spells. A strange lump of black metal, which Droki intends to deliver to the Gray Ghosts (see below) A scroll in a copper tube and foursmall pouches containing stone giant toenail clippings and skin flecks, which Droki intends to deliver to lhe cultists (see below). Each pouch is tagged with a different name, and the scroll contains.a list of names matching those on the tags. together with descriptions. One of the names is “Dnrhun." with a description corresponding to Stonespeaker Hgraam's apprentice. The rest of the names belong to other stone giants of Clan cairngorrn. The derro might have other item. depending on whether he is allowed to make his deliveries and collect his payments. as follows. Delivery to the Gray Ghosts. Droki intends to deliver the strange lump of blackmetal to the Gray Ghosts, receiving payment from Lorthio the alchemist (see area 8) in the form ofa mithral medallion worth 125 gp. The medallion is a holy symbol of Laduguer.set with a carving depicting an arrow breaking on a shield. Characters not sanctioned by the Keepers of the Flame to carry the symbol will be arrested by the guards (see “Getting Captured") ifthcy are caught with it in Gracklstugh. Delivery to the Cultists. Droki intends to deliverthe scroll and the pouches of stone giant toenail clippings and skin flecks (ritual components) to the derro cultists (s . . area 12). Droki is paid for this deliverywith a potion ofinvisibility and an hourglass worth 50 gp. XP AWARDS Capturing the dcrro and taking him to Errde Blaekskull earns the characters 150 XF each. 1. ENTRANCE The narrow corridor from the West Cleft opens into a long cavern lined with stalactiles and stalagmites. Whatcr drips from the stalacrites, tor-mlng small pools on the Hour. The glow offamress casts an eerie soft light across this cavern. swirling into spiral patterns and casting dancing shadows from the jagged pillars lining the walls. The air smells and tastesslightly metallic, and the sound around you is strangely muted. The dripping ofwater makes no echo, as ifyou stood in open air. iuirwt .I l !‘r|>.~\(‘KLSTLlGH 59
This place oficrs many hiding places for characters to lay in ambush. Faerz1t:s.s prevents sounds oicomhat from being heard outside in the West Cleft or further into the tunnels. If the characters wait here tor Drtlki, he appears after 2dl2 hours. In the middle oltliat wait. each character must make 3 DC 14 Wisdom saving throw On a success, the chareititer feels only 2: mild disromlort. /\ character who rolls a natural 20 on the save recei flashes or the future gaining the benefit of the Lucky teat (see chapter o. Customization Options," in the l"l:lycr's Handbook) until the start of his or her next lung rest. If the charat-ter already has the Liicky lent, he or she gains an extra 3 luck points to spenri. On a iaiieri save, a character sees disturbing images within the shimmering [aerzress light and has disadvantage on ahiiity cheeks and saving throws until he or she finishes 2| short rest outside this area. If the characters caught Droki in Gracklsttigh and brought him here, they must make the saving throw at some point during their interrogation. Knowing the power or the cavern, Droki hides his rime. giving nonsensical answers and hissing at the characters. He makes his move to escape after the characters make their saving throws, fleeing by the route clesrribed in the ‘ ‘inding Drolzi" cction. DEVELOPMENT If Buppidu is with the party, he takes advantage of any distraction to slip away, raking reluge in area lb. 1.». PooL BYPASS A relatively small cave branches off the main tunnel. if the characters are sharlowlngDruki. read the following boxed text aloud to thLplayers. Dmki stands before a tall yet narrow crack in the wall. He stares at the crack for a moment, then leans down arid rummages among the fungi. cackiingwith glee as he plucks a short mushroom and eats it whole. As he finishes the last bite, you see him shrink down to a doll’s size, then run into the crack. The far side til the small cavern has it narrow crark in the wall surrounded by patches of pygmywortand bigwig rnushroonis (1dl0 + 10 of each). The crack forms the entrance of a narrow. natItrally—i<)rmed tunnel. la. BUl>1=1Do‘s LAIR The derro Buppido discovered the whorlstone Tunnels months ago but never dared to explore beyond the first couple DfCl1al't|l)€I’S.l‘l(’ settled in this area and cretttetl a grisly altar to himself. to Support the delusion that he is a god. it Buppitlo returnsto Gracklstugh. he abandons the characters at the tirsi opportunity and makes his way to this place. ll he is here when the characters arrive, read the following boxed text aloud to the players. Modify the text as appropriate if Buppirlo isn't present. Cit-\WTl i< + . tiitat i\iiT"i‘ill As you venture trite the cavern. a stench oiictting meat rises. The floor is carpeted with humanoid remains tn varying stages oirierernpesitren. arranged in a spiral pattern around the cave's center An eintey humming comes rrorn a hunched figure working husiiy at something on the floor. “oh. there you are!" The figure is auppido. He wipes his hands on his vest and smiles viciously. “I didn't expect you to find me here, with my shrine nearly finishedl And power! My taithtui are finally honoring nrel Are you ...?Yes ves, t sense that you are ready to receive my truth into your hearts!" The humanoid remains on the floor make the entire tzavern ditfitxult terrain. Characters can identifythe remains as helonging In several derm, deep gnomes. and goblins, as well as a couple gritnlocks. Buppido is a typical den-o and attacks the characters regardle of their intentions. On his first turn, he uses a bonus action to rhaniiel the power of this "shrine," raising six skeletonsin aid him. The undead assemble from the remains on the floor to form shambling, mismatched bodi Each skeleton has two skulls. although this has no effect on its abilities. Buppitlo lights with insane continence and seems surprised ifthe parry defeats him. serc ming incoherent last words about the end of the world. The skeletons tight until destroyed even if Buppidois rletearecl first. If Buppido was killed in Velkynvclvc or at some point in the characters’ travels through the Undcrdark. replace him with a Carrion crawlerfeeding on the dead remains. DEVELOPMENT When the monsters are rlcteaie the ghost of a deep gnome named Peiek polres its head up out ofthc ground, blinks, and then emerges tuily. The ghost is friendly and tells the zitlventurcrsthat Buppidokilled him not too long ago, then chopped him into pieces to join the other body parts in the shrine. Pelck explains how he was traveling troni Blingdenstonc when he fell in with Buppido, He knows little about the Whorlstont:Tunnels. hut he has observed a shrunken dcrro with a funny hat (Droki) entering and leaving the narrow tunnels. Pelek doesn't know about the pygmywortrnushrooms. Felek asks the characters to take one or more parts ofhim to Blinlzdcnsmne and bury his remains there, so that his spirit can rest. its impossible to tell which body parts are his, and looking around is a gruesome task that speaks leurily to Bttppitlns madness. Pelek recalls that the strange magic that pervades the tunncls animated one ofhissevered hariils. and it scuttled away through one of the narrow tunnels. (Characters might encounter it in area 13.) Pelek points out that characters can recognize the hand because it was wearing an obsidian ring. if the characters need more reasons to gt: to Blingdenstone, Pelek adds that the svirtneblin who live there know many ways to the surface.
< fiAI'1 f R I GRACKLSTUGH ,,
_ TREASURE Scattered around the floor are 10 gp, 11 sp. and a damp piece of lizard—skinparchment with the words “ Worship Buppido"written in shaky Dwarvish. 2. D1s3s.sED_PooL This pool is led by a river that flowsfrom the Darklake. The river carries many things from the subterranean lake. including the carcasses of countless creatures. touling the pool (see the "Whorlstone Tunnels: General Features" sidebar). The tunnel slopes down to the edge ota large pool that fills the cavern ahead. The opposite shore is nearly one hundred feet away, but nothing can be seen beneath the surface of the black water. The water is heated by a thermal spring and pleasantly warm. However. the pool is discaseriddcxn. Any creature that starts its turn in the water must make a DC 13 Con. itution saving throw. On (I failed ve. the creature is infected with cacklr: lever(sec: “Disc . s" in chapter 8 of the Dungeuxl Master's Guide). Gnomes are immune. The characters can try to get around the pool without swimming it, by using magic or climbing along the walls. Climbingthe slippery walls ofthe cavcrn requires a successful DC 13 Athlctics check. On a failed check. at character falls into the water. 3 PARADE or FooLs Myconidsiourneying through the Undertlark wcre attracted to the enriched fungal life in the Whorlstone Tunnels and made a stop here. They are friendly. but there is something seriously wrong with them. The tunnel opens into a natural cave. wherein you see several fungal creatures dancing to a silent tune. Three ofthem stand five feet tall, while the others are half as tall. one ofthe small ones stands apart from the rest, its movements not nearly as frantic. Hunched nearby are two larger creatures that resemble apes covered with mushroom growths and yellow mold. Characters who know anything ahout myoonids know that inyconids don’t dance. IfStool is with the party. it points this out. This group is composed of three myconid adults and live myconid sprouts. Stool recognizes one of the sprouts the one not clancing— as his buddy, Rumpadump (see ‘'Development’'). The ape—like creatures are two quaggoth spore servants. and each one is covered with a patch or yellowmold (see "Dungeon Hazards" in chapter 5 or the Dungeon Masters Guide). Whenever a quaggoth spore servant is touched or takes damage, it releases a cloud otycllow mold spores until its mold patch is destroyed. The myconids are too swept up in their silent revelry to notice the characters. 1f the adventurers attack, the t-li write 4 l t,r<it.msTtlt~.ll rnyconid adults fight fiercely while the sprouts run and hide. The spore servanrsyoin the tray ireithcr they or the rnyconids are threatened. Otherwise, they remain motionless. if the characters try to communicate with the myconids, they release rapport spores so that everyone can speak telepathically.The leader ot the rnyconids is an adult named Voosbur. who speaks on behalf of the others. Sharing thoughts with thes . ntient mushrooms is an odd and strangely intoxicating experience (and feels quite different than the rapport the characters might have shared with Stool). Vooshur happily tells the party how its "troupe"was attracted by the special mushrooms in these tunnels. and it tells the characters about the magical properties of tilt) pygmywortantl higwig mushrooms. Voosburfurther explains that the myconids didn't wander into this area, hut arrived here hy traveling “through the Lady's dream.“ voosbur dc ibes "the Lady" as a powerlul heing that loves and guides all myconids. He otlers to share "the Lady’: gilt" with tile characters, allowing them to travel "through the Lady's dream" as the myconids do. Characters who accept the offer gain Zuggtmoy’s gift (see. the sidehar). ll present, Stool tells the characters it has no idea what Vooshuris talking about. Additionally. Sarith Kzekarit starts to act erratically. trying to warn the characters away from the inyconids, but unable to shake otfthc influence of Zuggtmoy‘s spores. The myconid sprout standing by itselfis named Rurnpatlump.lt sends a suhtle warning as a feelingof distressthrough its own rapport spores in response to voosours otter, saying that the other myoonids aren't behaving right. ROLEPLAYING RUMPADUMP Rumpadump is as introverted as Stool is outgoing. preferring to hang hack and not ust: its rapport spores unless ahsolutolynecessary. Whether stool is present or not. Ruinpadump can guide the characters to Neverlight Grove (see chapter 5). where the sovereigns might know of a way out of the Undcril-ark. However. the mycunid sprout is worried that Vooshiir's “strange spores" might have infected the rest of the myctmids back home. DEVELOPMENT Voosbur takes no offense if the characters refuse his offer to teach them how to travel "the Lady's drearn," simply bidding them tarowell as the rnyconirls resume their dancing. lf the characters have shown Rumpadump any kindness. it asks their permission tojoin the party. especially it Stool is present. At the same time. Sarith breaks away front the party to join the myconids.The drow turns one last time to give the characters a look of terror and despair before his face loses all expression. He and the dancing myconidsthen enter a mushroom patch and ii. the tree stride ahiliiy granted by Zuggtmoy's blessing to vanish from sight. XP AWARDS Award 50 XP to each character if the party parlaycd with the myconids.
tie ‘L' s 'l I ght : now itl i iglit tin the Live thcii -_§._FI[NGI THIgKgT This tunnel juncture is blocked by a thicket of fungi. The thicket is an ecosystem unto itself. with its own rhalieiiges inr those who wish to cross it. A dense tungi torest blocks your way, its tallest specimens growing sorne five teet high. Even as you assess the best way to pass through it, a hissing sound starts to rise—lilte uncourited tiny voices whispering in tongues you dori‘t understand. -Uthough creepy. tiie hissing sound is harmless, caused 3 air whisllmg through pcrioratcd nitishroorns in the ._fi|(‘k{‘| Ol iungi. The characters can cross this aroti by forcing their way through it, oi- by eating pygrnywuri ruushrtititnsi‘trst to move through without disturbing the wzhr-r iuiigi present. If the characters are chasing Dmki. , uses the thicitet to his advantage. cnttng il pygrrlywtirt enk his way across. Al rcdticcd size. he ienv no mil that iiormal—sized pursuttrs can i't;llriw. Tiny creatures can mtivc through the thicker at In’) penalty. For Small and Mcrlium ~ tures. the thicket 5 diffitult terrain, While in Iliee lli ,kc Tiny and Small :cc:iiures have half:-tnt,-r iigzitiist Metliuiii creatures and can hide. Creatures can ncgait: ilie, tiiovenietit penalty by troying [l'If’ fungi before crossing the thicket. Each :~iDot—sqt|rirc £ll'E‘&l tif fungi has AF 10 and 10 hit points. A.-ii attack that dctils fire damage has a 50 percent chance or igniting u mrchslalk tnushrooni (see "Fungi of =9 tndt-rtii.irk" in chapter 2). The first lime a Small or larger character rczichcs lhc t;:].nE:l inters On. tvio swarms ofinsects (ccntlpcdcs) ea-nergc from nests under the thicket and attack, Twri 3 rt‘ swarms ofinsecks(spiders) c'1l'l'l\'C tin (ht: sccoiitl .-mind of combat, plus another swarm uf insects '3,‘n(l[)<‘(il€§) on the third round. g TREASURE Tine abundant’:-‘ iii tungi in the thicket makes it easy _ zuragc here. Aiiiting the COn'llT1Dn.il1€Clll)lf.‘f\1l'lgl£ll'l3 lie ioiiriwiiig edible and exotic fungi, most or which are :.es.-riiieti in chapter 2: M6 bar , talks M6 bluci: [is idt} patch:-‘.:sof fire lichen Ida nigiiilights ld6 Niihnggts noses I-16 shecis of ripplebark M6 limmasks Edf; larrlistalks Idfi tongues oi madness 'id6 trillimacs 2d6 bigwigs(sac "/-at-rzrr-ss 2d6 pygiiiyviiorts (SCC "Fc'ierzress— uiiuseri Fungi") utiused Fungi") 4 Zucnmoifls GIFT A rriyconid with zuggtnioys gift can. as an action once per day, release a 20-Foowadtus cloud oldemorvtainted spores. Any other creature within the area that isn't already "blessed" with Zuggtmoys gift must make a Constitution saving throw, with a save DC ofs + the niyconids constitution modifier + the mycuriid'5 proficiency bonus. A creature that fclgoes or tails the saving throw becomes infected. while infected with Zuggtrnoys gift, the creature gainsthe ability to cast a special version ofthe tree stride spell that has no components. This spell allows the infected creature to move through patches ornnotd and fungi instead ottrees Once it casts this spell, the infected creature can‘t cast the spell again until it finishes a long rest. Any creature infected with Zuggirnoy'sgift has disadvantage on attack rolls against plant creatures. In addition, whenever an infected creature finishes a short or long rest, it must make a DC is wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, the creature lapses into a state of euphoric tiliss. While in this state, the creature can't take actions, bonus actions, or reactions, and must use all 0! its movement to dance and twirl about. Al. the end ofits turn. the creature can repeat the saving throw, ending the euphoric hliss ertect on a success, A remove Ewsz orgreutzr rzstamtlzm spell rtds a creature of zuggtrrioys gift Rt/Mr!/tnum:= il|\l’ll vi 4.l(\i'kl~'1l‘4,ll
5. RAUCOUS MESA This chamlter was sculpted by Iacrzress with the side effect oilrtipping sound. The glow offzerzressshifts across this zhambev as if pushed by an unseen Wmd. lt flows toward and around a large mesa and continues to spiral upward, but the ceiling of the cavern IS too dark and high to see You hear murmurs and whispers coming from atop the mesa, which grow louder as you approach. lts stacked levels resernlile steps ln a staircase, but a ramp running from top to bottom provides an easy way up. Climbing the mesa reveals that its steps art:n'l C0fl(‘€l1[l‘l(7l‘iI'(‘l(*r5 but the bands of a spiral. rising from the cavern floor to thv tnesa's top. The west wall has a notlreablc crack le-ading (0 a narrow tunnel. which can be used as a shortcut to arezl 7 if the rharacters are small enough [0 fit through it (see the "Whtlrlstone Tunnels: General Features“ sidebar). Droki uses this narrow tunnel on his travels. Characters at the top of the mcsa hear the murlntlr K)fll]E't"l’Ial"l1l}P,l'IT|OI'F, clearly. and can rttttngnlzr‘ it as disparate sound They hear the rhytlnnir: tlank and roar of Gracklstugfis forges, the low rurnllle of Themberchzluds displeasure. the mad screaming of tlerro. and even hints and snatt-hes of ronvorsations. The faerzrcss in this place echoes Illt‘ sotintls produced in Gracklstugh above. t-rearing a storm of noise. A L‘haractt‘r can use art action to fonts on specific sounds but must makc 2! DC l2 Wisdom saving thruwi taking 7 ads) psyrhtc tlttntage on a tailed save. or half as rnnclt dantage on a snretsatnl one. A charactcr who [ails the saving throw by 5 or more gains one lrvnl of rnndness (see "Madncs. n rhztptcr 2) as his or her mind is overwhelmed lly what is heard. A cltnrtteter who Cxtzeerls the saving throw DC by 5 or more can ask one qiiestion about Gracklstugh that ctin he answered by ovcrhearing any sound nr cunversatlt)n curring witllin (l’|l’, previous tcntlay in the city above. or in the VVhorlstt)neTunnels. This can include tllscovcrillg Druki current location by tollowtnghis insane muttorings. A charactt. can focus on the sound in the chamber a number of times equal in his or hel'Wlsdun1 modifier trnininrntn l). Aftcr that. the character no longer has the ahility to tell sounds apart. 6. DIRE DEN Tllis small network or tiny grottos leads into one of the dens of the Gray Ghosts. but it is the current residence of n warped crcature called the spider King. The characters must travel through narrow tunnels in reach this Elrtfia (sec lhe "Wliorlstnne Tunnels: General Features" sidebar). The glow orfrermsr in these tunnels reveals sticky white strands (linglrlgto tnevralls The strands become more dense as you move farther lrl. The northczislern cave is the lair oi‘ the Spi .t- King —a lw0—hé:aclccl giant spider warned by dcrnonic inhucnces into rt vagnt-ly htirnanotd shaprt. This horrint» rreature uses the giant spiderstat block with the following morlificatlttnsz . Tht-, . pider King has 44 hit points, a passive wisdom (Pcrreption) score of 14. a Wisdom (Perception) mod— ificr of +4. and the following saving throw bonuses: Constitutlml +3. \Visdorn +2. BCCEUSC oiits two heads. ll1L‘ Spidrr King has advan— tage on wtsdont (Per ,eptton) , erks and on saving throws against being hltndcd, charmed. d tenetl. friglttenerl. stunned. and knocked nrtcons us. The Spider King senses when lnlrudt-rs enter its domain and cant he surprised by them. Along with two normal giantspiders(its attendants). ll'I<: Spldcl’ King waits in amliush. It moves to the entrance of its chamber in an attempt to keep the characters bottled up. while the [W0 giant spiders approach along the walls and ceiling. getting into position above creatures on the floor. The Spider King and the giant spiders right to the death. but they don't follow prey that flees. DEVELOPMENT sounds of t-oitrbtit he-re alert the‘ rluergarin area 7.
Ling. s to era] tg—a >nccs ure S(iDfl’I l mod— ses: rlvan— mg >t‘l. tder ills (led c walls on the to the 7. GRAY GHOST GARDEN The Gray Ghosts use this chambcr to grow a variety nf tungi for use in alchemical experiments. Double doors blocks thc western tunnel. The doors are made of thick zurkhwood and rcinlurcetl witlt erurlely lorged steel. The sturdy lock can he opened with a successful DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves‘ mols. A successful DC 20 Strength check will break the doors down. The smell of rot {S strong in this room, eorningtrorn a large depression at the center, where dazerls ottungt of many spades grow. A barre|—shaped Copper tank sits at the edge oftlle pit. Attached to the tank is a tall coppev pipe that arcs ovev the pit. Crates line one wall. Three due;-gar work here. They are members of the Gray Ghosts who have been assigned gardening duty. They attack as soon as they e intruders. If the characters arrive through the crack in the east wall (see ‘Fungi Pit"). they can hid mnng the fungi and try to catch the rluergar by surprise. It the characters make a lnt ofnoise in area 6 or torce their way through thc doors to the west. the rluergar turn invisible and attack as soon as llll: churztctersarrive. At the start nfeombat. two duergar use their Enlarge action while the third npens the valve on the copper unit and aims its nozzle at the characters. During the second round nf combat on the same initiative count as the dtiergar. the duergar alchemist from area Sjoins the fight. lfthe other duergar fall‘ the alchemist turns ln\‘isiblI: and tries to escape. Ftxct PIT The pit is 5 feet deep and filled with various kintls iifungi. It is difficult terrain for Small and Medium creatures. and Tiny creatures have l1alf(‘0\'cr while amid the fungi. Attack in the east wall forms the mouth uf a narrow munel that leads from the l'loor ofthc pix to area 6: see the "whorlstonc Tunnels: Ctcncrnl Feature sidebar for Imre information on narrow tunnels. The abundance of fungi in the thicket makes it easy 17 forage here. Among tht t,tintrn0n. inedible fungi art‘ the following edible and exotic fungi. most of which arc éescrtbed in chapter 2: - ld6 barrelslalks - 3:16 blllecaps - [d6 Nilhugg‘s noses 2:16 sheets of ripplebark [d6 timmasks [db mrchstalks 2d6 trillimacs 2d6 bigwigs (soc "Faerzres Suffused Fungi") - Zd6 pygmyworts(sec "FaerzresssuffusedFungi") Acharacterprortciertt and equipped with a poisoners Ix can also collect 1d6 doscs oras. in's blood poison such the fungi pit (sec "Poisons In chapter 8 of the Dctngeon Masters Gttidc). SPRINKLER TANK The copper tank ts El sprinkler used by the cluergttr to fertilize the fungi in the pit. The copper pipe that extends from the tank is 10 feet long and can be turned so that its nwzlr: points in any direction. The nozzle is pointcd toward the pit by default. Any creature can use an action to open or close a valve an the tank, releasing a cloud of pungent fertilizer that fills 3 304001 rube. The cloud grows l0 {eel per side each round the valve remains open. The cloud has the same. etffetit as a stirtktng cloud spcll (suvc DC 12). but thr‘ (‘,iT€‘(1I&l!(.lS 1d4 +1 rounds after the: valve is closed or the tank runs out of fertilizer. The tank contains enough fertilizer to spray for 10 rounds. As an action or a bonus action. a creature can turn the pipe 90 degrees in any dirt lion.
CRATES The cratcs along the north wall are made of zurkhwnod and stacked 5 reet high, and climbing on top of them costs 5 feet of movement. Most of the crates are empty. bttt fclttr of them contain harvested. cdiblt: fungi. Each crate of fungi weighs 50 pounds. contains the equivalent of 20 days of rations, and can be sold in Gratzklstugh or another Underdark settlement for 25 gp. DEVELOPMENT lithe characters keep any dIltTg'sIr alive tor questioning. it takes a successful DC 16 Charisma (Intimidation) check to gain an answer to a single question. The characters can ask only three questions total before the surviving duergar become incoherent and start lrothing at the mouthwa form otinadness brought on by demontaintetl faerzress. Any spell or effect that curcs indefinite madness also restores a duergai-‘s sanity (soc “Madness" in rhapter8 of the Dungeon Masters Guide). The tluergar stationed here are tasked with pr0tr:<'ting the fungi garden and helping the alchemist in his work. They use a trapdoor in area 8 to move between the Whorlstnne Tunnels and ll1(‘ Darklakc Docks in Gracklstugh. They have been ordered not to explore the rest of the Whclrlstonc Tunnclss though their leaders sometimes go farther into the tunnels on unknown business. 8. GRAYA HEMIST Tho Gray Ghosts have claimed this cave as both E! ale‘ house tinrl a laboratory. where their alehomists can work in relative peace and isolation. This area is surprisinglyclean and orderly, split into two levels connected by: ramp rnaderrorn zurlthwuod planks. The upper level contains a fully furnished laboratory. while the lower level has two bunk beds. The wall ofthe lower level is set with a closed door. Unless he is drawn [0 sounds of combat in area 7‘ a due-rgar alchemist (see the sidebar) named Lorthio Bukbukken works on the upper level of this area. Lorthlos laboratory contains a work table. 21 cl case of shelves lined with vials. and a dam . taped oven. All furnishings are made of zurkhwoocl except the oven. which is made ofstone. 4 DUERGAR Al.cl-lzwllsr A duergar alchemist carries two vials of acid and two flasks ofalchemlsfs fire. lt uses the normal duergav stat block but replaces the lavelin attack option with the following attack options: Acid Vial. Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit. range 20 ft, one target Hit: 7 (zdol acid damage. Alchemist’: Fire. Ranged Weapon Attack" +4 to hit, range 20 ft., one target. H :2 (M4) fire damage at the start of each otthe target’s turns A creature can end this damage by using its action to make a successful DC 10 Dexterity check to extinguishthe flames. _ rllitritlz >1 lal(i\Ci\i§lL‘tiH The lower level is 10 feet bclow the laboratory and contains two bunk beds and two small chests. all made of zttrkhwoud (See "Trcastlre" below for information on the rtmtents ol the chests). The door is barred on this side and has closed pcopholes at tlwarrseye height. Opening the peepholes allows one to see into the room beyond. The bar is casily lifted from this side. but breaking down the door requires a successful DC 20 Strength check. The room east of the door is empty except for an iron ladder that climbs 60 let-t to a stone trapdoor enibedtled in the ceiling. The trapdoor is unlocked, and above it él narrow. spiraling tunnel leads to the Darklake Dot. DEVELOPMENT Sounds of combat here alert the duergar in arc’ 7, They use their Enlarge actions before heading this way. TREASURE If the characters spend 1 hour ransacking the lab, they can assemble t\vo herhalism kits. one p0isont:r'okit, and ten healcr’s kits. In the (unlocked) Z1Irl(llW00d ch srs, they find l(l6 via ‘of acid. 1d6 flasks of alchcm s fire, two potions ofhealtng, one potion ofgrcatcr hea/trig, one potion offire breath, and one patron ofpsychic resistant Depending on whether or not Droki delivered his parcel and ttiolt his payment. the desk contains either a lump of black metal or a holy symbol of Laduguer made of mithral (see "Finging Droki"). The tleslt also holds alchemical recipes scrawlcd in Dwarv _ on torn strips of parchment. A character who studies these scraps for an hour and succeeds on a DC 15 intelligence (Arcana) check can piece together the formulas tor cralting vials of acid and flasks of alt~hi:mist’s lire. The character can gather enough ingredients in the laboratory to craft ldzl of each. The Charactcr who knows the recipe and has the proper ingrcclicnts can craft a vial of acid or flask ct alchemisfs fire in l hour. A character who searches the desk and succeeds on a DC 12 Intrlligenre (Investigation) check also finds a letter hidden in a. cret compartment. The letter is written in Dwztrvish on a patch oflizard hidc: I don't need your poison anymore. I'll deal with Werz Saltbzrorl tnyseli. Bring me an elfblade. one with tho swirlies carved on the steel, and VI! Forget you failed me. And I don't want to see any ofyour goons near my post. The captain is poking around, and I could use a scapegoat. —Gcvg|alr If the characters capture Lortllio and question hitn about the letter. he reveals one or the following bits of information each timr Ll rllzlra er Su(‘.F<’€!(lS on a DC 13 Charisma (Intimidation) clieck. - Gorglaltis a warrior of the Stone Guard stationed at one of the outer gates near the Darltlnke District. . Gcrglak is an avid collector olweirtl weaiioiis. - Gorglak is easily bribed.
acle I on om ron ldetl t 2: hey icy re, )0‘ 313 XP AWARDS Presenting Gorglak's letter to Captain Errtle Blackskull cams each nharnctor 50 XP for retrieving evidence or corruption within the ranks oi the Stone Guard. 1 FQUNTAIN or Evil. Foul water from the Darklakc spills into this ave. forming a pool. See (ht: “Whorlslonc Tunnels: General Features" sidebar for the cffccts of drinking loul water. The ceiling in this care is 80 feet high. The chamber splits into two paths surrounding a large pool, filled by water trickling from stalactites along the ceiling. The western path torriis ti ramp above the pool’; surface, while the eastern path runs level with the water and continues ‘into a tunnel opening. The watertums darker toward the center ofthe pool, where it transforms from a gentle swirl into a churning vortex. Awaterweird bound to the pool years has bccn corrupted by the demonic influence infecting thcse rttnnels. turning it evil and giving it a dark hunger. The western path slopes upward to a maximum ht-ighl c:l60 {col above the poolssurface. If the characters take this upper path. the water weird attacks them when they are 30 feet above the surfact: of the pool. as it was bound here to protect the path leading to area 15. The water weird can command the pool's water to erupt like a geyser. effectively lifting the water weird up to iherharncters‘ level and putting them within its reach. character the water wcird succes-stuliy grapples Sdropped in the pool. taking no damage from the fall. The pool is 30 teet deep in the iriirltlle and 5 teet deep near the shore. Ifthe characters follow Dmki into this chamber. they see hitn sneaking carefully along the eastern path. They can attempt to follow him with a group Dexterity (Stealth) check contested hy the water weird's passive Wisdom(Perception) score. it more than halt the characters fail the check. the water weird notices them and attacks, if the haracters are attacked by the water Itird while following Droki. the wily derro realizes h<:'s tietng shadowed and makes a run for it. l2._9ULT1_ST PENS The insane dermcultists have been buying cave bears from Unrlerdark hunters and snittggling them through Grat-klstugh.For what purpose is anyune's guess. A large gate made of iron bars blocks the northwest entrance and is usually locked. One‘ of the derro cultists carries the key. The lock can be opened with a successful DC 15 Dexterity check using thieves’ tools. A creature with a Strength uf 20 or higher can force the gate open with a successful DC 25 strength check. The firstthirig you notice as you enterthe room is a heavy, unpleasant musk tn the air, coming from cages assembled from scrap iron on both sides ofthe chamber. A spiral path circles into the center oithe room, marked off by small stone pylons. Two derro stand by a large cauldron ‘in front ofa tent near the caves center. Both are talking while apparently ignoring each other. In the Cages, three hulking brown bears appear to be resting. The two derro (see appendix C) are cultists. one of them is complaining about “the maswr" while the other talks about something he once fished out of thr: Darklake. The three cave bears (use the polar bear statistics) are alert, despite appearances to the contrary. Characters hoping to sneak past them must succeed on Dexterity (Stealth) checks contcstntl hy the bears' passive wisdom (Perception) score or 13. on their first turn. the cultists move to free the bears. Each cage is closed with a simple bolt that can be unlatched with an action. Once the first two bears are set free. the third hear breaks out of its cage on its own. A crack in the south wall leads to a narrow tunnel that wands toward area 12. Medium and larger crtzaturcs are too big to ht through this narrow ttinnel (see the "Whorlstonc Tunnels: General Features" sidebar). SPIRAL PATH This path helps to channel the ritual magic the ctiltists use to tame the nave bears. Though the ritual is currcntly inactive, the area radiates a faint aura of cnchantmcnt under the scrutiny of a dcrcct magic spell. TREASURE Inside the tent art’, two fit-,;i-riddenbedrcills. a zurkhwootl buckct containing etlihle tungi (the equivalent oftwn days of rations). and a wiiieskin tull of Darklaltc Stout. ll. UASIT PLAVGROU go Some of the cult's morc powcrful derro savants keep quasits as familiars. and the wee demons discovered this tunnel network. They use the tunnels as shortcuts to delivcrmessages ucmss the areas of the Whorlstone Tunnels controlled by the cultists. or simply to hidr: from their duties. Shrinking down allows the characters to more easily navigate this area. l.l-i arrest 4 i cit/u'i<l STUGH
The narrow tunnel IS lit by the same dim, ambient light found throughout this complex. Ahead, you hear the high-pitched tackling orseveral creatures. Four quasits are wrestling each other rartlier along in the tunnel. ll’ they notice the character they attatzk. When two qiiasits are reduced to 0 hit points, the two remaining 0I1E‘Sl\lr‘l’Il|'IVlSll)l(‘and flee. However. they make cnoutzh noise in doing so for the characters to follow them by sound. If any quasit escapes. the cultists in area 12 t:;in'r he stlrprlsnd and prepare an ambush. DEVELOPMENT If the characters manage to capture and interrogate n quasit. the or dluri‘ readily surrenders the name of N.’ll‘l‘r’ll(—ll‘lI‘, rlt-rro savrini leading the ctiltists in the Wl'lt)rlStnnt‘Tunnels (. nrczl lz). In exchange t'or its life. the quasit reveal. tliattlie cult plans to curse Cirat‘klstugh' stone giants with rl'lHLlII(‘SS as ti means to sowing chaos in the city. XP AWARDS Each chitrzlcler earns a special award of 50 XF‘ if the party learns olNarrak'splans from a qttasit. 12. CULTIST HIDEOUT Droki enters this cavern from the east. via a narrow tunnel that comes up through a crack in the cavern floor (see the "Narrow Tunnels" section olthe "Whorlstone Tunnels: General Features" sidebar). West of the cavern is a shrickcr that serves as an alarm §y~:tt'rn (sre “FungiPatches") and a pit trap (see --Trap"). " l HRIKER V The smell of brlmstone and foul chemicals emanates from this large chamber. The light orearnphres shows a natural plarfurm where five rierro are droning a caccphonous tharit. A twarheaded dog stirs lnside a cage, while another derro nearby plays with a crossbow and watches the dog nervously. A green glow rises suddenly from a magic orcle at the (enter ofthe platform. where a small humanoid statue )5 the focus oitlie chanting rttual. As you watch, a lump sprouts from the stitue's neck, erllargmg and reshapmg ttselfwith each unholy verse to take the farm ofa second head. Narrrztk. a derro Savant. belongs to a iringe group within the Council of Savants using dcmonologyas a path to power. Sinrt: the arrival eithe dernon lords. he has gathered anrl hullieri several apprenriees to parrieipate in rituals aimed to snwt zit) in Grzlcklsttlgh. Nzlrrak knows the stone giants are a pillar ofthv Dt-cpking's power, and that eureing thorn Wllll Dernogorgons madness will he an appropriate tirs - Up toward delivering the entire rity to the rlernen lord. The cage by the tunnel llultls a death dog, warehetl over by a nervous den-n cultist. Atop the platform. Narrak and tour more derro cult" is are performing a ritual around the statue at its .iiter. (Statisl ,s for Narrak and the derm can he round in oppenrlixC.) The eultists' chanting is punctuated with Narrak calling out the name “Demogorgon!“ Also atop the platform, resting cornfortablyin an t'ungi—filled alcove (and initiallyout of the party's view). is Narrak's bod_vguard—a leinale etttri named Gl"ularMunga.
Whcn intruders appear the cultis. ,.ase lhrlr chanting and take up positions along the edge ofthe platform as Grula-Munga ris s to her feet and picks up her weapons. At the same titne. the culiist standing next to the cage releases the death dog. Nanak continues his part in the ritual until the characters kill the death dog or one of the cullisls, at which point he joins the battle. The door to the death dog‘s cage is held shot with a simple clasp and requires an action to open. If any of the quasits escaped from area 11, they warn the cultists that intruders are near. Otherwise, the characters might catch the cultists by surprise. The quasits remain invisible and stay closc to Narrak. FUNoi PATCHES Fungi is rampant throughout this area. growing in large patches on the floors and walls. Two thick fungi patches grow by each wall in the western tunnel. Clinging to thc north wall is a shrieker that party members can recognize with a sitcccssful DC 12 Intelligence (Nature) check. The shrickcr starts screaming as soon as anyonc comcs within 30 feet oftt. The crack in the floor by thr‘ cast wall is surroilnrletl by a thick fungus patch that is difficult terrain for Small and Medium characters. and provides halftxover for Tiny creature Growing among the com mon lungi are ztlc bigwigs and Zdfi pygmywcrls. PLATFORM The cavern floor rises to form a natural 5»i'oot-high platform. A glowing ritual circlc dominat - the top of the platform. Any non—dcrrti that cn or touches the circle must succeed on a DC 13 Wistlom saving throw or gain one level of madnc_ (sec "Madness" in chapter 2). Whether the s e or fails, the creature can't be atiecterl by the ttirclc in this way again. In addition. non—evil crcaturcs within the circle have disadvantage an attack rolls and saving throws. The statue within the ritual circle is 2 feet tall. weighs 100 pounds. and looks vaguely like a crouching stone giant with a lump on its neck where a second hcad is beginning to form. The statue is engraved with profane sv mbols, with the name "Dorhuii" scribed in Dwarvish into its hack. A successful DC l6 Intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check allows a character to recognize the profane symbols as being related to Dcrnugorgon. A search of the platform uncovers a similar but broken statue near a locked iron (‘host and r’! pile ntliooiis (see “Treasure" for more information on the chest and books). The broken statue is similar to tile statue in the circle. except it has thc name “Rihuutl" carved iiilo its back and its second hciid is fully formed. If Rihuud is dead, the broken statitc turnsto dust when the characters touch it. ll" the charatztersspared Rihuucl‘s life. a successful DC 12 intelligence (Arcana or Religion) check reveals that the secmitl head is a conduit for the curse's magic. and that relnoving it and returning it to Stonespeaker Hgraam in Cairngorm Cavern will allow Lhe elder giant mend Rihuutfs curse. TRAP The tunnel west of this caverii contains a hidden pit (see "Sample Traps in chapter 5 ofthe Dungeon Masters Guide‘). Debris conceals the lid. which is made of thin zurkhwtmd that breaks when a creature weighing 50 pnuntls or more steps on it. (A character of reduced size might not weigh enough to break the lid.) The pit is 10 rest tleep. and its floor is covcrett by a patch or green slime (see “Dungeon Hazards" in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master's Ctuidc). Any creature that talls into the pit takes ldb bludgconing damage and automatically fails its Dexterity saving throw to avoid the slime. TREASURE lfthe characters return thc brokcn statue (or, at the very least. its second head) to Stunespeaker Hgraam, he gives thcm an cmcrald worth 500 gp as a reward, as well as his promise to vouch for them in anything they seek to accomplish in Gracklstugh. Narrak has ti kcy around his neck that opens the lock on the iron chcst. which can also be picketl with thieves‘ tools and ii SUCC ssfill DC 17 D xlerily check. The chest contains a _|aI' or Keoghtoms uimnlelll and a small lcathrr bag containing 45 gp and 15 sp. The books have pages made from lrillimac caps (sec “Fungi of the Underdark" in chapter 2). They Contain the mad scribbliiigs of Narrak and his fellow dcrro savanls. A character proficient in Arcana. Investigation, or Religion can spend 8 hours poring through them: suhtracl 1d4 hours if the character reads Tlwarvlsh. At the end oithis time. the character knows that thc hooks outline two rituals: one that causes a one-headed creature to sprout a second head. and another that allows the grafting ofa severed hcad onto a living creature. The notes tail to mctttion that the rituals caster must be suffering from some form citnadttessto perform either ritual suct -fully. Tuckcd in one book are two scrolls: one that bears a list of 51X stone giant names (including Rihuul:l's and l)orhun's) and another that is actually a letter written in broken Dwarvlsh: Narrak— Need more scrolls! Storiespeaker Hgvaam has traps traps traps. But Dtolti is wily too and very small} I (an hearlallr, and in talk they say names, and I hear names and write names and give you names so you give me time. But you have to give me more scrolls. Maglcky spslly scrolls! —Drokl XP AWARDS Award 100 XP to each character for tliscovering l)emogorgon's intlticnce on the tzultisls. Thc characters can complete a quest by turning over the books, scrolls, and letter to Errde Blackskull.Award l50 XP to each character when they deliverthc itnms. H" the characters ask Errde about Narrak. she tells them that he was ajunior member olthe Council ofSavanis. t liirlilt 4 lift \(‘Kl srisnii
13 DUMPING PIT victims omarru experiments are dumped hero. Exposure to the /aerzrcss has begun to animate: the corpses. This cavern is one enormous pit that reeks of death and decomposed flesh. The glow nffazrzless is everywhere, seeming to flaw like log around dark shapes shambling across the pit door. A single derro watches from atop il l5—fcotrhigl'l ledge. A crack in the southeast wall ofthe pit leads to a narrow tunnel and is flanked by mounds of fungi and orral. The pit is 15 feet tlcep. and the ledge that overlooks it is lined with pointy bits of scrap metal to make any climbing attctnpt perilous. A crealtire trying to reach the top ofthe ledge must succeed on a DC 12 Strength (Athletic check. On a failed check. in creature takes (lilo) slashing damage and rcmains in the pit. The pit s floor is tlifficult terrain title to the maity corpses and body parts strcwn around. A single derro stands on the ledge overlookingthe pit, which contains seven shambling zomhies—three duct-gar and tour grirnlock. The griinltick zombies are drawn to nois while the duergar zombies attack any living creattircs they se in the pit. Meanwhile. the derto us its crossbow to take shots at any living creaturesit se A .. crawling claw wearing an obsidian ring on one stubbyfinger (see “Trcasure“) lurks amid the olT;ll mounds. These mounds are dilfitzult terrain to Small and Medium creatures, and the tungi growing atop them provide cover to Tiny creatures. The shrivelcd gray hand once belonged to Pelek rhc svirfnt-hlin (see “Di-lvt-‘.lnpment"). The track in the scluthrtast wall between the mounds leads to a narrow, meandering tunnel, the floor orwhich is sunk below a foot of foul water. See the “Whorlstone Tunnels: General Features" sidebar for rules on narrow tunnels and foul water. TREASURE Faerzresshas translnrltlcd Felek's obsidian ring into a single use magic item. when a living creature puts it on. the ring disappears, and the creature's skin becomes as hard as obsidian for the next hour. For as long as the effect lasts. the creaturl: gains the benefit of a stoneskin spell. DEVELOPMENT If the characters capture and interrogate the derro, he talks willingly iithey agree to spare him. He knows as much as the quasits in area 11. Killing the crawling claw and burying its remai Blingdenstone lays Pelek's spirit to rest (sec area lb). sin 1.4‘ -(3_5E£K.. The Gray Ghosts believe that the mysterious obelisk in this cavern is an important source ofmagical power, (If-lll‘lLR 4 l GR'\L'rKl )lLtl!l and they are intent on rebuilding il. The obelisk was broken long ago. However. shards at the obelisk that appear throughout the Undcrdark are magically absorbed into it as soon as they touch its metal surface. The leaders of the Gray Ghosts are obs cd with rinding missing shards and completing th s monolith. but not even they know what will happen when the obelisk s made whole again. After a steady upward climb, the tunnel opens into a huge, welllit chamber The glow offazrzressand biolurrilrieseerit fungi compete with shafts ofwhite light that fall upon naturally lorri-ted shelves alorigthe walls as well as a rocky mesa at the center ofthe cavern. crudely formed ramps connect the different levels ofthe mesa up to the height otit* two topmost tiers, which are linked by a sturdy bridge. Atop one ofthose tiers sits a large red egg. Atop the other stands a 50—foot—tall obelisk made of smooth black metal with a few noticeable imperfections. as though small parts oflt were somehow chipped away. A female derro stands close to the obelisk, gently pitting and stroking its siirlace. The obelisk flashes once. the glow offizerzress around the cavern flaring in response. The derro squeals with glee as she snatches an object up from the ground, then writes something down in a small notebook. The chamber is brightly lit, as ilby sunlight. The sunlight isjust a natural trick caused by crystal growths rcltccting and amplifying the liglii otthe bioluiiiinesccnt hingi growing on thc walls. The characters realize this if they climb near the ceiling of the cavern, where the optical trick i sy to discern. The different levels ofthe me art -cparated by 10—lot)t—high cliffs. Climbing a cliff requires at succ DC lZ Strength (Athletics) check. Pliinkii a mad derro savaut (see appendix C), stands atop of the mesa. Hidden on a shelf above the cnvcrn’s entrance. a spectator tasked wilh guarding this area SCC5 the characters as soon as they walk 15 feet into the cavern. The spectator st-reeche an alarm aittl attacks. killing non—derro with glee. As it fights. it projects telepathic ramblings into the cliarat:ters' minds, mostlydealing with how exciting it is to have iriirtidcrsto kill and how even more exciting things will be when the obelisk is complete. Pliinki shouts rass obscenitics at the chztrnctcrs in a ruspy voice while commanding thc spectator to dispose of them. Both she and the spectator light to the death. OEELISK Made from .1 black metal of alien origin, this monolith is perfectly smooth except for the cracks and chippedorr edges where it was splintered by some unknown lorce. The obelisk is 15 feet per side at its base, stands 50 feet tall, and tapers slowly to a pyramidal cap. Any character proficient in Arcana can tell that the t>l)elisk‘s fractures are leaking quasvmagical energy. The character lurthcr understands that feedingmagical
trths xccnl this ic ful energy into the obeliskmight activate its latentmagic. Spending a spell slot of any level while touching [l’lC obelisk activatesit and releports everyone on the mesa to a location in the Undcrdnrkjust outside the northwest gate of Gracklstugh. Tht: rhnracterwho expended the spell slot knows the teleport effect can be repeated. but that this power is only temporary a fluke due to the rerent disruption of Iaerzress throughout the Underdark. Both the potency and the nature of the effect could change within a week or two. and this teleport effect likely hears rm relation to Llzle ohetislts actual purpose. If the characters took the lump of metal from Droki or the Gray Ghosts. they llutice the tlllelisk is made from Lhe same material. If the lump is touched tn the obelisk. it is instantly ahsorht-ti.repairing a crack on its surface. Rm DRAGON EGG The egg atop the northeast tnesa is an unhatrhed dragon cgg that the Gray Ghosts stole frnm the Keepers of the Flame. The 4—foot—tall, 3—foot—dl2tmEter egg weighs 150 pounds. and without lire to keep it warm. the egg cant hatch. If and when the egg does hatch. a red dragon wyrmling emerges and builds with the first Gcalure it 5665. TREASURE The tlerro savant carries a single gold coin. a stick of charcoal. and a battered notebook with pages made fmm trillim; (see “Fungi of the Underdark" in chapter 2). The com a shilmaer. an antilrclllgold coin traded among surfa e elves. The notebook contains Dwarvish writing.specificallyit long list of random items. mostly coins and Jewelry. There are no dates. but some entries appear in tlillerent handwriting. The last entry Elcsrribes the “mirat:ulous"appearance or the gold coin. DEVELOPMENT Ifthe characters capture and interrogate Pliinki. she laughs at their fully as she tells them that the \N'h<)rlstont: Tunnels are nowhere near the surface. She believesthe obelisk was hidden here by Diirinka, the derft’) god, and that it contains "unimaginable power." Fliinki and her fellow savants hope to harnessthe obr,lisk's power and use it to conquer Cvracklstugh. If the characters take the dragon egg to Thembcrchaud, he destroys it and rewards the party with a magical potion or tlil plucked irom his hoard. If the (ihaI’aCtCr.~‘ return the egg to the Keepers of the Flame, Gartokkar Xundurn promises them sale passage through Gracklstugh if they mention nothing about the egg to Themberchnud. KP AWARDS Taking the coin and the notebook to Ylsa Hcnstak in the Blade Bazaar fulfills her quest and earns the Characters 100 XP each. lithe characters desrrihe the uhelisk to Gartokkar xundnrn, he assumes that is what the Gray Ghost. are using ln wreak havoc in Gauntlgrym and dispatches a force to study it. Each character earns 100 XP for completing the task set for them by the Keepers. Award each character an additional 150 XP if the party delivers the red dragon egg to either the Keepers or to Th:-tnberchaud. 14-A. FUNG1~CovERED DOORS A set nl double tlrlors art hidden by a patrh tlf fungi that includes ztls higwitzs and tile pygmyworts. characters west nfthe donrs must succeed on a DC I5 Wisdom (Perception) check in nnlice the doors b(‘lIll\(l the fungi. The doors are lnshlnnted [rom planks of zurkhwood and t barred from the east side. A surressiul DC 20 Strength t-heck allows a charnrler to brrttk through the doors, but ‘ this alerts the derro snvant and the spectator in area 14. LEAVING GRACKLSTUGH The cltarat-.tt-rs can gain the means to leave the city— and ihtot-matinn tcl gttttte them on their j0ttrne_v—fr0m a number of differentsources. depending on the NPCS they interact with and the quests they undertake. Errdc Blnrkskttll is true to her word. and she lets the characters leave the rity freely ifthey fulfilled the tasks she set for them. Working for Tllemberchuutl or the Keepers of the Flame leavesthe rharactersin a position where they can at least avoid arrest in th city. Deciding the next step for the t-haracte s depends on what information nr quests the characters picked up in . Gracklstngh. Heading for merlight Grove (see chapter 5) or Blingdenstune (see (‘hunter 6) are the obviousnext steps s both places hold the promise of a route to the surface world. Alternativt-,ly. the characters can try their luck in the Labyrinth or thr wormwrithings. Some of the quests the rhararters t-mnpletc have tht: potential to change the powerstructure of Crracltlstugh. For example, attling Errtlr Blackskull and the Stone Guards might grant thr‘ t-haractt-rsthe privilege of an audience with King HorgnrStet-lshadowv at some later time. If the characters press Errde. Gartokkar, or stnttespealter llgranm tor a rncrting with the Deepkit-lg, use the followingsection to run an encounter in the Deepkings palace.
HOLD or THE DEEPKING A DE.E_Ii.K_IN£;,__ The Hold oi the Deepklllg stands south oiLaLlugut>r's Characters who befrlrml Smnrsprakcr Hizraam or Furrow and north at Themiterchamis lair. When the conwlete quests fur Errde Blaclwkull or Garwkkar characters first lay eyes on it, rcurl the following boxed Xnndorn can use their newiuuntl influence to gain an text nloutl to the players. illldicnce with the Deepking. Charzirtcri escorted to the palace by Hgraam. Errtle. or Cw rtokkar are admitted insidti and led past rows or mttsthia <ill(‘l'gar guards to The Hold ofthe Deepking is a dark and foreboding me Dfl_,p,mg-S throne edifice lodged between two great columns that rise mm "9 ‘"‘° '""“ °‘°”d‘°(‘’"°’‘’“““‘°°"‘e“‘ ‘"5 “"""" Lava pours ~ down troughs cut lntothe hlatt basalt walls - fill it b h “‘''"g “'a”‘b““”"“'e" edw“ '“°"”"” 3‘ “ ofthls vasthall The heat iscppressti/e,andthe air reeks the palace facade in 2 hellish glow. and the thirk stone oisnlrttr. Thick black columns support the heavy ceiling, walls bristle with iron turrets and battlements. and at the tar end otthe hail stands an iron throne atop a polished obsidian dais A crowned duergar encased There appears I0 he no um‘ guarding the palate. hut in armor sits on the throne. Next to him stands a royal this is an illusion. All of tht' palttcn guards are invisible‘. and cl'iar;ictCl's who observe the pzilzict‘ for some time can liezir clticrgar guards in l1?2l\4_V£Il'l'l'l0l'marching consort wearing a gown made ofgold cams. to and fm. /\n invisible walIul'fun:rrstands bctween the Deepkings Two hundred invisible duergar Stone Guards(see dais and the character. Whether the Deepking is of a appendix C) protect the palace and its king, Fifty stand mind to fight the (lemon lords is up to you. rilllinugli like at attention in [)t'i‘fCct rows heinre the p;tlat~o. rcacly many other Lluergar In the ty. Horgar Steelsliadnw V to Cut down anyone who approzirliestht' [,\Ell£‘l(‘E gates has been touched hy the demon lords" madness. Roll . unescorted. Annthcr fifty watch [mm the turrcts and on th(‘ Indefinite Mzizlness triblc in Chapter 8 ofthe ‘ battleinents. Onr: hundred more stand guard in the Dirngtton Master’: Guide to li(*N‘,I‘lTlil'IC Horgar's flaw. 4 palace and comprise the L)cepking's honor gtmrci. lithe characters attack the Dccpkiiig. use the knight statistics in the ll/lunszer Manual to rcprcscnt him, with the: following modificatiniis: Horgar is lawful evil. Ho speaks Drnt;nnn-,.Ginnt. and Dwarvish. He has AC 20 and wears tlwarvcnplate. Hr has advantage on saving throws against poi ion. spells. and illusions, its wcll as to resist being charmed or paralyml. VVhllC in sunlight. he has rllsadvantage on attack rolls. as well as on Wistlmn (Pt-rroption) checks that rely on sight. He has the Enlarge and liivisihilixy iiction options oi a duet-gar (arc the Monster Manual). He wears gatmrlcts ofogre power, giving him ;i Strength score of 19 (+4). lie wieltls 2| +2 vmrhanlmerinsteatl oia grcatsword: '8 to hit. reach 5 ft.. one target. Hit: 10 (ld8 l 6) bludgeoning damage, or 11 (M10 + 6) bludgconing damage iiliscd with two hands. While Hurgar is enlarged, the tinmage increases to 15 tztis 1' 5) or 17 (2d10 + 5) blurlgconingdamage. respectively. The Deepkings royal consort is a succubusin the guise nishai, a female dtiergar. The sutztiubus is a loyal servant ufilie demon lord Ctrazit (see appttrltlix D>4 Her only task’ to make sure no one tric to rid Horgar oi’ his niadn The gown she wears vi. . (1 gift from Hurgzir. It weighs 75 pounds anti is worth 750 gp. DEVELOPMENT DEW ~’- “Prim it the rhzlrartcrs expose the suttizubus as It iiendish spy 5’“~W“"* V nnti help restore liorgars sanity. the Dctipliirig becomes friendly toward them and tries to set them against the draw. whom he blames for the spreading madness. ill\l'Tlli1 i.lZ\t.E\l~ll lihg 82
he ht til vfa lal gar mes lr CHAPTER 5: NEVERLIGHT GROVE Cornmunitles of lI1_V(‘UnldS can bl“ found lhroughollrrmL ndeenlark Those lnlel1i,<1el1t.Vrlgm'|y humanoid lungl luzlll Ilves of vlork and isharfd conlenlplzuiou. providing Shvller and =al‘.- passage [0 any who approach llu-m - full)‘ The l'Cl?L(iH‘ lmlauon of Nrwrllgllt Curovc. i(S Jblllldancc of {null and walcrl and the \ve1con'llrlg lmlure Of|t>in11abiliInl\ nlight brlng the clmracmrs hrné lo rm‘ recupcrzlutl Jud resupply. Will]? in the grow. Hwy am consul! wllll me colon}. mgronid sovcrelgns about nosaiblc 5 hack [0 {hr Sllrl-LN‘? world, whlln mlaymg .1 much—nfilled respite rmm llle brutal .-lml harrowlng lmdltions of the Undcrllllrk. Howvwrl lhl: p:lr(i('u].lr myccmid hawn lalfl as sail‘ _|>l(l11lghlzlppeal‘. om» <ll'lhc:ir sovcrr‘ign.~; has tallen undcr (hr sway of [\|ggYl'I1()_V. the Demon Queen of Fungi. wlm wasted no Ilme llulllllllfl herself a monglmld in a call sal n1usI'll'rmrnl'a]Ied yggnmrgus. The-rc. .5116 works lm a nlalmollull <<‘hl=n1Cmclaim all (I'll? Llndrrzlzlrk as hC'l'd(7Fl'|2l|l’L Nlure and more ln_\'Conld~' llrr <lm.v1_y becomlng llnu llllng thralls |l|1(l('Y her conlml. and l:hau’aC(el‘5 who lmger m Ncvnrllghl Grow‘ mlgm find lhenlsclvcs In great pm-ll. GOING TO NEVERLIGHT GROVE Btffiluafi‘ so few Ullllrtfilflfk ll':l\'r:Ic‘r~ haw PVFI‘ slumbled llpnn Neverliglll Gm\l=. it rarr'l_\' appears on £lll_\ umpa. N(’.lF1_\’111lI11!‘l‘O|llP§lPZldinQ[0HzH’F‘dangrrollx mm dllficull (O navlgalr. although man) ~:lreams flow inln and through lhr grow. Ifthc rhzlrllrlers clllrrthv grnera] an-,a nflhe grove and <l l (|O.sL‘ m ul'lr.i\/6'1 :l1ung—rhcsc vmlerwa_x 5, (hey emually Hm! lhfll‘ way
here. Alternatively, three of the party's companions can guide them to Nevcrlight Grove. Stool, the characters’ fellow prisoner front chapter 1, is a myconitl sprout from the grove. captured by the draw before zuggtmdy began exerting her influence over the flI_yC(llIl(lS here. Althoughnot ktlowletlgenlile about the Underdark, Stool has an innate sense of where its home lies and can guide the party toward it. Upon its return, Stool is greatly disturbed by the changes it encounters in the grove. lt isn't well acquainted with either sovereign, but finds itself drawn toward Basidia. The former drow prisoner sarith Kzckarit might also hecnrne the party's guide, owing to his extensive knowledge of the Underdark. Though the party doesn‘t realize it, Sarith is infected with Zuggllnoys spores. which now control his mind. He tries to steer the party toward Neverlight Grove. citing it as a place of safety in which the adventurers can decide their next move. In reality. he unknowingly leads the characters to l)€Cm'I'l(: slaves of the Demon Queen ofFungi. If the characters already v itcd Gracklstugh, Saritln might have gone with the infected myeonidsin the whoristone Tunnels. leaving Rumpaduntp with the party. A myconid sprout traveling with a troupe of infected rnyccnids, Rumpisclump has avoided infection and can also lead characters to the grove. He also expresses concern that the corrupted spores of its previous traveling companions might have also infected its home. EAF , Characters . . traveling to and from NeverlightGrove encounter evidence of zuggtmoys growing itttluencc in the region. whenever the party is within four days of NeverlightGrove, use the Encounters around Ncverlight Grove table instead of the random encounter tables in chapter 2 to determine wltat. if anything, they erteounter. ENCOUNTERS AROUND NEVERLICHT GROVE dzo Encounter l—8 No encounter 945 Fungi patch (see helcwl 17-la ld4 nothics l9—2D lchasme demon crawling on the celllng or 1 vrock dernon perched on a ledge (your choice) FUNGI PATCH If the characters are camped or resting. treat this encounter as “no encounter." Otherwise, the characters stumble upon a large fungi patch growing in a damp cave or tunnel. The fungi patch is diflicult terrain and c nsists of many comn-lr>n but inedible species of giant fungi. Roll a all!) and consult the Fungi Patch Discoveriestable to determine what else the char find here. See "Fungi of the Underdark" in ehapter 2 for more information an edible and exotic species of fungi. Entries marked with an asterisk are further described after the table. <.li.\l='ll.it s NE\ERl.ltrHT f;R0\ t FUNGI PATCH DISCOVERIES dzo Fungi or creatures ldé barrelstalks zda hluecaps lds carvinn crawlers A>U-79-4 ldzt drow spore servants* (see appendix cl and M4 quaggnlll spore servantse Fire lichen gmwing near a thermal vent 3d6 giant tire heetlcs ld4 rnveottid adu|ts* ld6 mghtlights l otyugh hidden under a mound ofofial Patch othrown rnold (see “Dungeon Hazards" lrl E;\nD0\A¢tv! chapter 5 oftlle Durlgzarl Mastzfls Guide) ‘ll lda awakened xurlthwuods‘ (see apperldlx C) 12 zdt sheets ofripplebark growing on the walls 13 1414 sllrie|ters“~“ 16 2d4ttmmasks 15 his tongues of madness l6 2d5 torchstalks 17 Zdé trillimacs l8 ld4 violet fungi 19 M4 watererbs growing near a freshwater spring 20 ldd zuvkhwoodsi Drawand Quaggatll Spore Servants. These spore: servants tend the fungi patch on behalf of the myeonids and ignore the party uttle. s attacked or interfered with, in which case they defend themselves. MyconidAduIrs. Tltese gentle creaturestend to the fungi patch and mind their own business, attacking only in selfidefense. Ifthe characters establish communication with the fungus folk and ask for directions to Neverlight Grove, the myeonidsoffer to es ort them to the grove and irttrodttec them to their exalted leader. Sovereign Phyln. SentinelMushrooms.These giant animated mushrooms guard the fungi patch, attacking lfthey are harmed or ifthc characters try to harvest any of the tungi. Shriekers. The shrieking of these fungi has a 50 percent otattractinga nearby ehusme or vi-eck demon (your choice), which arrives ld6 + 4 rounrls later and fights until killed. Zurkhwnods.There is a 50 percent chance that one of the zurkhwaods has ld4 + 4 stirges nesting in its cap. The stirges are drawn to light sources. ARRIVING AT THE GROVE While many passages lead to NeverlightGrove, most are little more than narrow fissures riven by trickles of water. Only one natural tunttel is lit for relatively easy travel by Mcdiutn creatures, formed by a drying underground stream and dimly lit by glowing lichen. Upon entering the cavern of the grove, characters leave the horrors of the Underdark behind. They find themselves in -.t hidden enchanted place, strangely alien but serenely beautiful. The access tunnel opens above the groves main floor. providing the
not-t me 5 cap. characters a panoramic view ora mushroom forest that covers every surface— including the ceiling and illuminates the darkn so with brilliantly colorful bioluminescent patterns. On the other side of this exotic forest. the l‘,3\i'El‘n narrttws into a ravine. lit a cavern heyontl the ravine. a glimpse of a rnai r mushroom ttiwer can be seen. altlluugh the poor light and a rising mist makes it impossible to dtscerti its details. DROW PURSUIT IN Nrv ERLIGHT GROV E Though the cliaractcrs don't know it yot, a tltow scout patrol arrived in Ncycrliglit Grove alk” tl Ul tliem. anticipating that the e tzaped adventurers might sock slit-lter among tht: |y(‘ClnlElS. Unfortunatelyfor the tlruw scouts, an encounter with one of Zuggtnioy'sservants led them to a grisly late. See area "The Garden of welr,onie." for more information. while the characters remain in NeverlightGrnie. their pursuit level remains lIl’It'l1Z|llgFd. as llvara waits to hear from the iriissiiig patrol. The rlrow pursuit resumes itheii the party leavesthe grove. . ee chapter 2 lot more iniormation. I_l_vIiO_RTANT NPCs_ Th adventurers rniglit interact Will’! the rollowing chzlrztclers and Creatures in NcvcrltghlGrove. NEVERLIGHTGROVE NPCs one orthe two rulers of Neverlight Grove, in thrall to Zuggtmoy Sovereign Basidia The other ruler orhleirerhght Grove, tree oFZuggtmoy‘sintluenre and Sovereign Fhylo susoitious oi Phylo Loabamuh Leader oftrle Circle ofHurtters, loyal to aasidta, with tasks tor the party Rashama Leader oflhe Ctrcle of Explorers arid loyal to Basidia: knows of routes to the surface world Yestabrod Mutated leader ofthe Circle otrvtasters and Zugg!moy'S monstrous servant Xinaya orow sroot trapped in a horrihle fate Afilgfiv IN N1:VE_RLtGH'r Gltoyla The myconirt way otlire is simplu. eoiiteniplaiire. and ; cal. Myrtrnids woi-it tor right hours tarming their fungi fields. stzttutitig for rt ntlrces, and rnainmitiing their defon. es. Aftertheir labors-. they spentl eight hours in telepathic Cllllllllllnlon with each other in what they roll "molding." They then rest for eight hours herore starting the le anew. Many of the niyconidsin the grove are more t=\u'0VCri<'(l than might bl) expected tirtheir iiorinalty sl '<pr‘t'iE‘S characters who conirniinit-ate with flu‘, l'nyCOI1lClS by way of their rapport spores note that the creatures seem to he preparing for a celebration of sortie sort, ptoelainiing "The day ofjoy is nigh!" and exhuttiiig others In "Rejoice in the true union that will meld us all!" These are the rriyeoiiids after-ted by zuggtmtiy. and their hehaiiinr is rnuse tor conrern among the untirrected. irlcltltling sniereign Basitlia and its allies. "_[‘wo S0VEru2tGNs Myconld ttnmmttn‘ ' ~: normally haw‘ ttnly II single sovr-,rt:igii—the largest EIIHOIIE them. who stands alone and outside oran_i circle (see below). Two years agn. siwereign Basittia arrived in the gtoie with its two circles. and Sovereign F'h_Vl() welrnmed the nt-wvv ttlds t_1,ladly.gr:itelulIot' Basitlii < offer to share the burdens ot leatiirig all the cirt"lt':. iii the grove. The two sovereigns have. been (‘low fl‘|(‘,l'lKlS ever since. sharing authority and resnnnsihilities with no conflict. Each ltntwis that an iiidirittiial myroiiid has only so much time in the cycle oiliie. and that when both have passed. ingle 50Vl=l‘P,lL{nwill talte their tilare at'ter their l)0tl , are returned to nourish the soil. 50vERE|fiN aritieri l‘.\‘t‘l.)< l ‘[\ll4ll ,lti titzirii
QIRCLES The circles in Neverlight Grove are divided by specialized function, with each circle performing a specilic role in the colony. seven circles are present in the grove, each containing an average of twenty lnyconids—tlle Circle of Hunters, the Circle of Explorers, the Circle of Sewers, the Circle of Buildcrs. the Circle of Growers, plus the recently formed Inner Circle and Circle of Masters. Each circle gathers around a circle mound—a pile oironks and soil upon which mold, lichen. and mushrooms are encouraged to grow. The myeonids oia rircle gather around their own mound to meld and sleep. Alter becoming enthralled by zuggtinoy. Phylo decided the myconids would meld exclusively withirl their own circle. and only the circle leaders would meld with thn other circle leaders and the sovereigns. Phylo asserted that this would make all the circles' meldings iar more eflicient,thereby making the tending oi the grove that much easier. Most of the groves myeonids have gone along with this new and unusual cclnltcpt, swayed byPhylos claims that a higher level of communal harmony will he achieved. Basidia believesthat Phylo's separation of the circles is contrary to the unity and harmony of the myconid way oflifc, and that this segregation isolates individuals from the experiences of others outside their circle. Basidia has likewise expressed concern about the unnaturalness of the lnller Circle and the Circle of Masters. However, B ia's views are either dismissed or ignored by Phyln and its allies, who zealously claim that exciting changes are coming for the grove. A more recent development has Basiclia even more disturbed when the adventurers arrive in Ncverlight Grove. Yestabrod, the leader oi the Circle of Masters, has not attended an inner Circle molding for several 4? ROLEPLAVINC YHE MVCONIDS Myroriids lead llves completely unlike the experlerlces or any surraee dweller. The only things they have in common with humanoid: are the need for sustenance, the desire to live, and the loy ofsocialization, although they practice each ofthese things in different ways than hurnanoids. Truly alien creatures, myronids have diliiculty telling fleshand-blood hurnanoids apart. Myconlds are innocent about matters ofethics and morality, their lives centered on llving tully each day and worrying little about the future and nothing at all about the past Despite the communal nature ofthelr existence, they are individuals with their own unique interests and distinct personalities. They gravitate toward simple,shared ioys, living oy the wisdom and Irlslgllt thelr melding provldes. Becauseortheir naive and sharlrlg ways, as well as their fungal nature, they are extremely vulnerableto the corrupting influenceofzuggtrnoy. The mycorllds otlileverlight Grove are beglrlnlng to reel from the Lady of oeoays influence, with many ollssrully welcomingher madness. while others bravely try to resist it. Myconids affected by Zuggtrrioy abandon the growth of life as the core cfthelr being in favor ofdecay and death, More horrirying 15 that they do so with chlldllke innocence, reveling ln the corruptlon ofall llfe wlth a sense ofwonder and joy, unable to grasp the evil they have embraced. v <.l+tl>'rl.h >7 l .\t'lrlitlt;lll mtiiil days now. instead sending a repre. ritative (see “The circle otMasters" in area 5). Times In Neverliglit Grove are strange and worrisome indeed. MELDII:IG Myconid. share everything through melding. Rapport spores carry a tiny bit of all mycanirls to the other myconidsin their circle. to bc absorbed and resltle within them. and creating a telepathic. familial bond. When the myconids oia circle gather to meld. they share their individual insights. fears, hopes, and dreams. Through the melding. all myconidsjoin together to form the heart and soul of a colony. ZUGcrMov's INFLUENCE Initiallyweakened by the summoning ritual that wrenehecl her from the Abyss, Zuggtmoy fuunrl her way to Neverlight Grove. drawn by the strength of its fungal vitality. Upon her arrival. she quickly asses ,(l the situation, realizing the shortest path to gain control of the grove would be to sway and corrupt its original sovereign to serve her until she recovered her strength. Aiter being welcomed to the grove by Phylo. zuggtmoy melded with the sovereign in secret. seducing it with the promise ofa paradise ior the mushroom folk ii Phylo would lead them to become her followers on the Material Plane. Its mind completelylost inside the demon queensinsidiously marl vision. Phylo became enthralled by the promise of plentifulsoil and moisture, perpetual rot, and beautiful transcendent dreams to be shared in a neverending communal melding—all offered to the grove‘s folk as generous and wondrous giftsfrom the Lady of Decay. Evoryday melding has now become a subtle ideologicalwar between supporters of the two myconid sovereigns. Phylo is slowly convincing the mushroom folk to follow the new path. Basirlia and its dwindling supporters argue against the new way. even as they lose ground (and allies) each time the circles of the grove share consciousness. As more and more mycnnitls unwittingly become vessels for Zugglrnoys spares. Neverligllt Grove becomes a more extravagantly festive place. The quiet. contemplativejoy of the mushroom Iolk’s way ollire is being inexorablyreplaced by decadent, enraptured euphoria and the madness that euphoria hides. NEVERLIGHT GROVE Population: 150 myconids and spore servants Government: Organized rircles ruled by larger specimens called circle leaders: even larger specimens called sovereigns rule the entire colony Defense: Spore servants and awakened zurkhwoods Commerce: None Organizations:Seven myconid circles; Zuggtmoy‘s servants Myronids have lived in Neverlight Grove ior untold generations, experiencing little or no change in their lives until recently. Now theirworld is being altered taster than many oftlle rungus folk can keep up
hare criu witl'l—as is their world ViCW. twisted by the chaotic and corrupting influcncc of the Demon Queen atFungi. Upon her arrival in the Underdarlt. zuggtnioy found Nevetlight Grove and I()(!k up residence there. The myeonidswt-lcumetl her. sealing their fate. Through telepathically shared rlreatns, corruption has taltcn root deep within the colony, warping the rnyconlds ritlrmally placid and peaceful nature into something r lVl‘. and rapturous. A few realize what is happening and try to resist, but internal strife is alien to tho inyconitls they will not prcviiil without outside aid to save them. l_._Ft]NcAL Wiuzg The myconlds cultivate this stretch of wildcriinss as their tirst lino oidcicuse, creating a living palisadc. Fungal creatures and wild Underdark beasts form :1 l‘ICl'I erosystem hcrc. Pale cream and beige stalks grow thick and tall, resembling a suriaco world rarest. Fungi grow in profusion everywhere. and it's hard to lind anything resembling a path between them. The giant caps of zurkhwocd mushrooms obscure your VlEW ofthe (averrfs ceiling, but luminescent fungi there give otia shimmering aura. With each step taken on the soggy ground, a rank scent nfdecay rises around you. Cilzcu. or HUNTERS A circle mound sits at the edge of the wilds but still inside them. It belongs to the Circle of Huuters— myconldsthat pursue creatures in the wilds. ln spite of their name. the hunters don't kill their prey, but merely track down creatures that have died tiear the grove. The hunters bring the remains of surh creatures back to be reanimated by their sovereigns. until they are eventually allowed to rot andjuin the t:avern's detritus bed. Ltmbamub. The nircle leader of the hunters. this tall and lean myconid shares Basidia's concerns about Phylrfs new way, though it is still capable of resisting Phylo's corrupted rneldings when itjoinswith the inner Circle. Loobamub keeps its opinions to itself. but its waririess spreads to the other hunters when they meld, cementing their loyalty to Basidia. Loohamuh redirects the spore servants and awakened zurkhwoods Phylo creates away from its citcle's territory. Loohnrnuli |S happy to enlist the party's aid in dealing with a few LllIWF.lC0n)E monsters that have found their way Into the fungal wilds. In particular. the circle leader asks the adventurers to kill a grick alpha and then take its carcass to Basiclia for reanimation. A sharnbling mound is also exhausting Iht‘. soil in the grove and needs to be put down for the good of the colony. Thcst: encounters can occur wherever you wish. 2. NORTHERN Tggnnccs The terraces lining the northern walls are suliused with berzress, and the inycotiidsreserve these areas for cultivating certain fungi. watertricklingfrom the walls ofthis vast cavern are channeled into a crude but effective terraced irrigation system. A thick, sweet smell fills the an item the thousands ottungi otrll colors and sizes, many glowing with a strange, irlvitlng light. CIRCLE or BUILDERS This circle is found in the middle terrace. but its members travel to the top and the edges nf tht‘ cave to harvest the r nt fungi used in their craft. Gasbide. The builders circle leader is a pioneeriiig WOul(l—l')l: architect and a supporter of Soverei 7 n Phylo. Already driven mad by zuggtmoy's spores. Gasbirle dreams of bizarre, elaborate strurtiires no inyconicls would ever need, inspired by visions of Abyssal palaces. a_ NEVERLIGHT GROVE: GENEIAL Fsnulzzs Visitors encounter the following ieztutes throughout Neverlight Grove. uriduground Marsh. water trickles into the large cavern irom many places. tarming terraces, pools. and streams. Thts creates an underground marsh Ideal it)! the growth of fungi and the myconlds, Abundant Fungi. Mushrooms, molds, and fungi grow in abundance in Neverlight crove, creating a bizarre yet beautiful tapestry of color Quiet Cnmphany. Myconlds dont speak They communicate telepathlcally by emitting their rapport spores. As a result, they live quiet lives strange music and singing echoes tram the large cavern behind the grove, just loud enough to be noticeable Otherworldly Light. Luminescentlichen grows across the cavern and spreads to the larger mushrooms, bathing the grave in soft hues of yellow, blue, and violet. Dim light sutfuses the entire grove and lends the grove a dreamlikequality. Sentinel Mushrooms. To defend themselves, myconlds have cultivated and guided the growth afawakerled zurihweods (see appendixC) to serve as a kind or pallsade around the grove. Zuggtmoyls Spares. This malevolentdisease is spread uy mycanidstranstormed by zuggtmoys demonic influence (see “My(onlds“ in appendixC). A transtormed myeonid can release the spores in a cloud that fills a l0—t'cot—radlus sphere centered on it. and the cloud lingers iorl mlrlute. Arty flesharldrbload creature in the cloud when it appears, or that enters it later, must make a Constitution saving throw. The save DC IS 8 + the myconids Constitution modifier + the rnyconid‘s proficiency bonus. on a successfulsave. the creature can't be infected by these spores for 24 hours. on a tailed save, the creature is infected with a disease called the spores otzuggtmey and also gains a random term orindennite madness (determined by rolling on the Madness or Zuggtrnoy table in appendix D) that lasts until the creature is cured oithe disease or dies, While infected in this way, the creature can't be reiriiected, and it must repeat the saving throw at the end ofevery 24 hours, ending the infection on a success. on a Failure, the infected creatures body l5 slowly taken over hy fungal growth. and after three such Failed saves, the creature dies and is reariimatedas a spare servant it it's a type ofcreature that can be (see the “My(0rIlds" entry in the Monster Manual). ~ ..it \t'li~( 5 .\tirt:t_i.,.il'r LiRll\k m at
If Gasbide interacts with the characters using rapport spores. it demands descriptions of surl'ace—world structures, bristling with an excitement seldom seen in myoonirls. It asks ior exasperatingly minor details such as the precise dimensions of bricks or the density of lumber. Gasbide reveals through the rapport that it dreams of building a fungal tower "even greater than Yggmorgus." lt hopes to break through the Underrlark to the surface world. possibly “with the aid of Araumy<'.os." Ctasbide has no conscious knowledge of what Araumyeosis onsing only that it . part or the great celebration to come. See “Yggmorgus (at the end of this chapter) and chapter 16. "The Fetitl Wedding," ior more information. CIRCLE OF GROWERS The circle mound of the growers is on the top terrace. near the cavern wall. The growers are the colony's farmers. ensuring lh . soil beneath the poolsremains fertile and tending the fungi there. Hebnpbe. The leader ofthe growers doesn't care much for Phyllis new ideas. But though it misses mass moldings, l-lehopbe doesnt see Basidia’: protests as worthy of concern. Hebopbe is infected by Zuggtmoys spores, but isn‘l yet under her control. 3. CE_NTRAL BASIN This depression in the cavern floor is the main part of the mycoilid colony. The central circle mound was only recently created. and is now a kind of"town square" where all the groves myconids gather ior mass meldings. These have become rare, however. reserved for when Phylo wants to stoke the myconids‘ Cnthusiasm for the celebration that only those infected by Zttggrmoy know about. This leaves the uninfected confused but happy that somethingjoyous is about to happen. Beyond the mud and mushroomsthat spread across the cavern, a large, clearpool sits in the midst ofthe fungal grove. A central mound seems to be the only dry spot in sight, though a small cl*trrlsesabove the cavern flourfar across the clearing, with giant mushrooms visible in the distance. Blolurriinescent fungi trace strange constellations along the caverri’s ceiling and walls, showing the darknessof the ravine and a rnlstshrouocd smaller cavern beyond. I NN ER C1 RC LE The central mound is the base of the eol0ny'stwo myeonid sovereigns. Phylo and Basidia. They hold court together with three myeonid adult couneilors named Brelup. Fosbara. and Breheril. Ten awakened zurkhwoods(see appendix C) protect the mound and obey either of the sovereigns. Sovereign Phylo. The sovereign towers above the other myconids. its multiple caps swaying with the sinuous shifting of its thick stalk as it moves. Onet‘ it spreads its rapport spores. Phylo welcomes the characters with honest enlliusiasiri doubly so if they have returned stool and Rumpadump to their home. .\Pl‘l-.\l 5 ’~«‘i\Eltl l(rlll oitritt “You are safe. friendly softers. You arrive at a wondrous time, for NeverlrghtGrove is on the verge ofsotnething great, something marvelous!Celebrate, as the day of toy IS rnghl Phylo invitesthe eharactcrs to stay long as they wish, inviting them to explore and enjoy the tnany delights of NcvcrlightGrove. He politely asks that they avoid the eastern plateau b ise the Circle of Masters is preparing "a wondrous and glorioussurprise" in the Garden ofwelcome. Phylo offers to give them a peek the next day tfthey want. If Sarith is with the characters. he suggests they accept this offer. saying that keeping on the sovereigns good side will help the party in the long term. in truth, he is attempting to deliverthe adventurers to Zuggtmoy. Phylo goes on about how "the Great Seeder" who lives heymirl the garden can answer any questions they have. The sovereign describes this entity in favorable terms, using "she" and "her" as it does 50. Because Yl'ly(‘.()l'll(ls have no concept oi gender. this unusual speech is further indication of Phylcfs madness. However, the sovereign dodges any question about who the Great Seeder actually is, saying it is important fnr the characters to experience her first hand. Sovereign Basidia. A SIICL . ful DC 12 Wisdom (insight) cheek reveals that sovereign Basidia is uncomfortable with Phylo’s behavior. Stool and Rumpadttmp can easily discern that the harmony between Phylo and Basidia is off. At the earliest opportunity, Basidia volunteers to show the characters around. or finds another opportunity to rapport with them privately. When alone with the characters, Basidia Warns them about staying in Neverliglit Grove too long. It tells them another group or --soiters" (the name myeonids use for fleshy creatures) arrived not too many cycles ago and a - ytetl Phylo‘s offer. They were taken to the Garden of Welcomeand Basidia hasn't seen them since, nor has Phylo made any further mention of them (see "Questions for the Sovereigns"). Basidia also tells the characters that the Circle of Masters is taking most of the carcassesthe Circle of Hunters bring in. and are sending groups of myeenids outside the grove without telling anybody. liBasidia rapportswith Sarith or any other non» myconid infected with Zitggtmoys spores, it senses the alien nature ofthc demon lorrl's corruption. It can't identify Zuggtmuvs spores, but knows only that it has not encountered them before. This ’s unusual. Basidia tells the party. since most tnyeonid sovereigns recognize all spores pmtlucerl by myeouids throughout the Underdark. Questionsfor the sovereigns. If the characters ask the sovereigns to help them return to the surface world. both are apologetic that they know of no route However, Basidia notes that during its colony‘s migration. the many travelers from the surface world they encountered were mostly merchants on
o their way to or from Biitigdetistuno.Grzirklstugh,or \’ieflZ0bCYT?.\l'IZ€Ill. lithe tidvcriturers ask the sovereigns about any drew in the area. Busitha tells them about a draw patrol that just rcttcnlly arrived. However. Pinto immediately iitternipts, telling the characters that the draw were here a few (lays ago. hut icit shortly arier Pliylo shciwixl them the Garden oi Wslcomc‘. A successful DC 12 Wisdom (Insight) check reveals that Basidia sccms puzzled by Piiylds answer, it pressed. Basidia sirnph says it didn't know tht‘ drow had already left. Quest: Into the Garden. Basidia offers to give the party a guided tour oruii the circles in ar 7 l through 4. where it introdiircsthem to the respccti tzircle leaders. pointing out which leaders support it. and which ones support sovereign Phylo. Busitiia uses this time away from Phyio to express its fear that Pltylct has trtmlracted some‘ sort of "diseascd spore." Basidia thinks that a clue to the spores nature might be found in the Garden ()l\V€:lC(1l]]C. B£lSidlEi asks the characters It.) itivestigtitc the garden. tearing it) do so itself in Cast‘ it also falls v - ‘iii to Pliylo's dis e As a Sign oiirieiitiship. Basitllzl gives the Chartirtcrs a moldy scrull case containing 2: scrull ofprurcction against fiends. Basidia promises ziri additional reward isee "Tretisure") it the charar . investigate the Garden of Welcome un ils lmlialf. Basidia can also brew potions out ofthn tliiferent molds and fungi in the gr0ve.sloi'iiig1; tlicrn II1 l‘it>l1uwgourd—like mushrooms. Basidia can craft a cnrnmtin nr uncommon potion in eight hours. or a ralrr‘ pniimt in two days. TREASURE ll the charactersrornpit-reBasitiias quest. the myronid sntet-sign digs up a small box buried in thc czirth and gives it to thuni, The box cniitains (‘U\"lO5l|ir‘,S Basidia has collrictccl from (lead travelers ovcr lhe years. The lmx is unlocked. mzitle of line wood inlttiti vtilli silver. and Worth 25 git h_i itself. It contains three atiiethysts (100 gp oat-iii. rnur small diamonds (50 gp each). and one lzirgv diurlimid (500 ED). lfthc chiirat-lets kill the grick alpha. the |.lI‘l]lJE‘T hulk. or the shuriililiiigmound in thc Fungal V\"ilds and bring thc cart sses to Basitlla. the sovereign rewards ttnrh character with 3 potion ot'gre.-tier healing stored in a hollow gourcl—likc mtishrootn. CIRCLE or SPQRERS Thi :ircle mound is citwntoti to sparing new myeonitis. Freshly spared myt-unids are only a few inches tall and have no awareness. but they grow quickly into myccinid sprouts. 4l!\l'll)7 s l ‘Hi! ttiit Hi’-;l’U\l~
Yrberop. The circle lszldel‘ is infected by 7,uggltn0y'5 rnacln: 5. tt i. always swaying in music only it can heat-. lnit those in rapport with Yrberop ran hear {I fzilnt echo of its interiitil campliony. Yrbt-rop is CI‘ltlluSlzl5llC about Phylde plan to Spread the iittppiiiess brought by the Crrettt Seederto CVefy(lnC in the Undertlztrk and beyond. For that to ltappfll, thc calmly needs many niortz sprouts If the Cliaractens confer with Basltlla.Stool, or Ru mpadump. these niyconids tell them this pueh to expand the populalloll is unusilal. given the balance llllll thc inytwuriids hate CI‘ld€;|\’0f9d L0 maintain in l\'evt-rlight Grove for so long. Yrlmrop lU>(’.S track of any l',t)llV(‘l"S£|llUl'I after 2| ‘hurl while and hegins talking to the newly sporecl myvonids instead. Cl"lZll’£lL‘lCl”S who conllilunicate with Yrberupin rapport and suit ced on a DC 13 Wisdom (Insight) check can nnilte out stilllc oi‘ the words and inipr ‘ thc clrt, t: lcacleris lullaby. It 'ings of the Cirtztlt Seeder and --he vcdding to the Great Body, and how every lnyconitl IS inritetl. brlngitlgjoy in all in the world below and allmtt. cniiiilSpore Servants. Bch ind the myconltl hreetl i ng gruunds El narrow path leading up to a plzitttau (Ind the (int-rlen of welctnne (area 5). Two chuul spore servants (. e appentlix cl guard this path. they don't allow eiiiyinie to pan without Vrberolfs per-in on. Wlllfh the cl . [cadet tloCsn'l grant. even at Basitlitrs t-eqiiest. ‘}l\l‘ll1" \ltlltl"‘iil«: 4. SOUTHERN Tl-ZRRACES The terrarcs along the SOL|[l‘lFl’ll rim nftht‘ cavern are narrower and not as fertile as the northern ones. These terrates are quiet and calm. The only sounds here are soft, “plaopy" splashes as water drips from stalactlles above onto the caps oraversizetl mushrooms Sprouting from mushy earth. CIRCLE or EXPLORERS This rircle ls |ht‘.smtt1|r:stl'n N:‘verligl1tGl't:\*e.slnc merely the temporary homc for restless in onidsthat brave the Llndertltirk as scouts. patrols, and pE|[hl‘lnd(’t‘§. Rasharoo. This circle litnder is loyal to Bnsldla. Frequent trips l)|lISldE the grove have allow tt Raslitiroo to notice the chailgrs in Phylo and the entire tolony more shtirply. and it now trusts nothing anti no one except Basldia. lts paranoia isnt the product of Ziiggtinoys corruption. however, but of the r i rig lrlzldness gripping the uiidertlarlt lrnin the lnlrilsion of the demon lords. ll" the clttlrncters IlEl'llOl]Sll'£l(C Sympathy with Basltlla or it the sovereign is with them. Rasharotl disclos it has a few escape plans I’r‘Eldy. and has nutrient czich ‘ hidden nltlng exit tunnels in case Bzisldia decide: it wttcr to tihandoii the grave and return to a nomadir lifestyle. Cltztracters can Cllllll) the ea rn corner of the top terrace to rrzicli area 5, and Rt-isharoo gladly helps them if they head to the Garden of Welcomeat Basldizfls request. DEVELOPMENTS Among the niyconkls.Rzisllaruo and its eirele arc the .'hcst llnpt‘ othiirling a way back in thc t1.Rztx'haroo knows in-at ‘promising paths. but since myccinl 4 have no intere. I in the sunlit world. it has never followed them all the way tltere. The (‘,lI’l‘ll’ leader helps the chararters only after they complete Basith quest, 2 'gnirig one of its eXpl(lI’l'l‘S to guide the Cllflracters ln their destination. 5. GARDEN or WELCOME Pltylo has mnverteri this unu. Cl terrat for the exciting new ideas that Zuggtmoyha insplretl in il—ldea5 that are "too lnt‘.rt'clib1e" for the rt‘ ‘t ofthfi colony lti absorb at tlncc. Thie so—Callr,L| garden ‘just a ~‘r|n]pl€ nrthe horrors that Zuggtmuy, the Demon Quet-n of Fungi. intends to bring to the Underdztrk. This plateau rises higher than the other terraces. screened by a natural tenee ofsoatirig zuvkliwood stalks. Mufned muvrnuririg can be heard from atop the plateau.
ift‘ CIRCLE or MASTERS The newest circle in the colony, the Circle of Masters is formed exclusively by mycotiidstouched by Zuggtmoy. These myctinidsshare Phylo’s vision oihappiness spread through Zuggtmoy's spores, experimenting on the carcass s brought to them by the liunters—or on live prlsone s they hunt in their own expeditions outside the grove. Their mound lies at the center otan obscene garden. Yestabmd. Mutated by Zuggttnoy'sspores, the circle lender has become an abomination. No longer recognizable as a myconid. it lookslike a fungal larva slirhcring along the ground. Mold and lichen grow in hypnotic patterns along its ringed Stalk. and it puffs clouds of spores from a slit resembling a mouth. It can use this orifice to actually speak, rather than depending on rapport spores. it no longer attends mcltls with the other leaders. instead sending its reproseitiative. GARDEN or HORROR As the characters enter the garden, they make a frightening discovery. The low muttering grows louder as you reach the top, turning into a symphony of rnoaris, cries, and hisses. The only light comes from a raw glowing mushrooms alongthe edge, but even in the gloom, you can't miss the source ofthe sounds. The heads ofcreatures ofz dozen humanoid Underdark races peek from the ground, mold and tungi growing around them. one volce calls out loudly in Undercommon—a iamale drow fightirlgto speak. “Please for your gods orlight ,l<l|| me!" She manages to stir within her living grave, raising a spider medallion half-embedded in the bloated growth that was once her hand. Hall her face Is rotten and pustulate, a bed for the sprouting ofscores of tiny mushrooms. “The Great Seeder .. trap she's here .,.tha Lady omecay . . zuggtmoy The drow is Xinaya. a young acolyte or Lolth. she vias leading a routine scouting patrol out oi velkynvelve before llvara contacted her with at sending spell. The patrol was ordered to search near the grove, for the charac rs. anticipating that the escapees might seek shelter among the peaceful mushroom rolk. Upon her arrival, xlnaya made the mistake or accepting Fhylo's invitation to visit the Garden of welcome, where she and her patrol quickly liecatne victims of the myconids’ madness, She begs the adventurers to end her suffering and warn her people about the presence ottlte Demon Queen orrungi in the Underdark, unaware otthc madness that has already erupted in Menzobetranzan and throughout the Underdark (see: chapter 15). Xinaya ‘ too far gone to he saved. and any amount ofdamage kills her. After the characters speak with Xinztyti. Yestabrod appears (see appendix C). The master of the foul garden takes delight in toying with trespassers. The means ofthe gardens victims suddenlytake on at new tone oitear as something moves acrossthe foul ground. A disgusting larval creature rises up before you, showing only vestigial fungal growthsthat hint that it might once have been a myeontd. “Welcome, travelers." The aberrant myconid's voice gurgles and spits as it speaks both aloud and in your minds at once. “Are you here for the wedding rehearsal? Friends ctthe bride or her intended? No matter! Let the love ofthe Great Seeder embrace you as you become one with her chosen. the Great Bodyl" As the garden comes ' 've with screams from its buried victims, Yestabrod raises two d.I'0W spore servants (see appendix C). At the same time. two myeonid adults from the Circle of Masters emerge from the surrounding growth. all of the creatures following the circle leader as he attacks. It Sarith Kzekarit (see chapter 1) is still with the party, he screams in agony as Yestzlbrutl attacks. The characters can only watch as the drow’s head splits open. releasing a cloud of infecting spores and turning him into another drowspore servant that joins the tight. lfYest-abrod is slain and there are still drow spore servants active, they go limp and stop attacking, at which point the myconidsfrom the Circle of Masters attempt to flee. TREASURE xinaytrs equipment is pllcd in a heap not far from where she was buried. Characters searching the pile find a suit of +2 studded leather armor, a +2 sltortsword, and a bag oniolding containing two speuserolls(remove curse and spider climb), 40 days or rations. and 320 sp. The draw spore servants wear chain shirts and carry sltortswords.Al1 ofthe armor and weapons found here are of dt-ow construction (see the "Drowcrait Items" sidebar in appendix B). XP AWARDS in addition to the normal creature XP for this encounter, the characters earn a special award of L000 XP (divided equally among all party members) for defeating Yestabrodand its minions. WEDplNG REHEARSAL _ After the confrontation with Yestabrod. the characters can hear sound and movement from ll1C cavern to the northeast. Read thv fulluwing boxed text if the characters investigate, vllwlta =~ : \[\l.Rl l4_.lll t.|?\l\'[ in
Echoes spill from the rnisty cavern beyond, a cacophony ofwheezirig voices that wrap together like some kind of discordant music. The remaining heads planted in the Garden ofwelcome begin to rraak and groan, joining the horrible song. Through the mist that shrouds the smaller cavern, you see the parade oiereaturesresponsible (or the melody. Their bodies are only vaguely humanoid, with ehisters oflumlrlescent lichen and tumescent growths forming chaotic patterns on their decayingflesh, their voices stabbing into your minds, bozh insane and gleeful in equal parts: From rocky ind the toizdstool rose, Fmm chaas dark, her love Sh: shows. Wish! Yum’ Laugh! The lady will be wed! Cltzl/e'Hl1vlg:r’Dlzrl:t! Herjoyous spores will spreiiiil Youth is gone, lieauty rats, Araumyeos and Ziiggzmoyl joined together, heart to heart, Becoming one ‘til death do part! HlziI'Hl1lIlHmll The entouragc is composed of twelve, bridesmaids ofZuggtmoy and si x chamberlains of Zuggtmoy (see appendix c for both). all oiwhicli are lost in their own reverie. They are in the midst ntoonilueting an obscene ritual of some sort—like a parody of a wedding eereninny. Zuggtmoy'sthi-alls make their way to vestabrods garden, attacking only it‘ the cliaractet-sstand in their way. Any charartet rcduced to 0 hit points in this encounter is knocked unconscious l‘LIll1€l" than killed. if all the charactt-:rs are knocked utlcimscious. the party wakes up in a fungi—till<:tl eavo lt:l6 is 4 ntilczi away from NevcrlightGrove. vtith or vltthoul their NPC companions (at your Clifittrtttioll). Thoir rlrow pursuit level decreases by 1. and each t‘,l1al'aC\t‘.l’ is infested with Zuggtlnov's spores (soc the "Nttverlighl Cvruvc: General Features’ idebar). DEVELOPMENT Iflofl alone. the thttxlls rnlnct ti mockwedding, with a Chamberlainand a l)|'|Llt5lT\2llLl standing in for Arauinyoos and zuggrriioy. ltestabrotl. if alive, assumes the role of priest to prcsitle ovrtr the vows. IfYestalirot:l is dead. three spore 5 , vants rise frorn the garden and carry its corpse. nioting it likr ai puppet to play out the part otpriest. At this point of the ceremony. any onlookers experience -a vision. (‘ll-\FfFRS \‘l\lRlllilll lil7.Lv\l The tableau orthe muck wedding is replaced by a vision ofthe inside ofa great tower. spiraling stairs and balconies are carved into its walls, with the interior lit by phosphorescent patrhes ofmold growing in whorls. In the center ofthe open space floats a humanoid figure, womanllke in ioirn, but rnade entirely orrungi and mold. she is easily three times the height ofthe fungal bridesmaids that move up and down the spiraling stairs, tending to their giant mistress. They Cloon a strange, soothing song as they weave the substance ofthe giant figure into delicate lichen veils and a long, myeeliiirn train like a bridal gown. The vision ends when the ceremony dnesi after which the. creatures file solemnly hack to Yggmorgus. Characters witnessing the wedding rehearsal and the acculllpanyingvisionmust surceed on n l)C 10 wisdom s ing throw or gain one level oiinatlness(see --Maurie ii chaptcr 2). If the rharactersshare their exprrienrr: with Basidia. the sovereign leads the two circles loyal to it out of Neverliglil Grove before it is [00 late. Alternatively. the characters can follow the wedding procession into Yggmurgus and witness the further horrors waiting for the Underdark it ziiggtrnoy rises in power. XP AWARDS In addition to the XP gained for defeating Zuggunciy's bridesmaids ur chatnberlalns. such characters gains 100 XP tor witnessing the wedding rehearsal. YGGMORGUS When Zuggtmoy arrived in the Underdark, she was irnriiediarely drawn to Neverliglit Grove and its fungal rii-hes. she cultivated Yggrnorgus. a mushroom oi titanic proportions, from the rich, rotting soil. Convetiiemlysecluded from the rest of the Undertlnrlt. Yggntorgusis a perfect base of operations for the Demon Queen otriiiig she has rninpletely enthralled Phylo. and the hapless sovereign is growing a myconid and spiire servant army for her. Zuggtmay has also become aware of Araumyttos. the largest fungal life fririn— and possiblythe largest oreature or any kind— in the world. Araumycosis a vast fungus colony with a single mind, which fills the caverns and tunnels of the Underdztrk in an area the size of the lligll Forest. Arautnycosis so interwovenwith (ht) fabric of the world that t:ontrt>l of it would grant Zuggtmtiy nearly unlimited power in her new home. Though Yggmorguscan't be seen clearly from the main cavern of Neverligltt Cirtwe, the unholy lights and sounds there can be dlstternetl and sometimes even felt. Characters who ask the mycunids about it receive mixed rcspmtses. Sovereign Phylo and those loyal to it enter a state of near blis when they speak about Yggmtirgus, as if it was it paradi e. Sovereign Basltlia and its followers give wary answers. Phylds secret-y means that they aren't sure what lies beyond the ravine.
nrt llanic dark. lied tnld .lrlt| i frlt. nlxetl ter a ts. as wrs GIANT MUSHROOM Town The eavrrn r'.lrnIinL| vgurnorgus is hugr. and the giant I‘fll1Si'IY‘UUII'|IIt‘,ZAI’iy fills it ti-om floor re t;t-thug. You have no dear reterertee to judge the lowering mushroomssize at this d>S(aVlCl5 Thousands ofsmaiier fungi cling to the mam staik, wlneh itselfspllts into several lesser stalks, each iong enough with a cap big enough to be the top ofa great tower. The cavern floor surrounding the stalk is covered by a carpet errungr. An eerie luminescence pours through sltued WlndOwS carved into the trunk, with the same cacophonyafatortal music heard eariler echoing within. A stench ohm and decay wraps around you. seemingly chreatentng to penetrate your flesh and pervade your soul. \'estabrod'sGzlrtiell of Welcomr is zl pair reflection of the true horror. surrounding Yggrnnrgus. A ZU—It)otr high ort-set-nt haped ledge hugs tht: tatern vial] and Qradu:i1iVs1tl[)E‘,< tlnwn [0 the i0V\JL‘I' hosnt. The ledge is cov red with Li carpet of mo ant] fungi,scores of sly sized lumps. and pnt, tuarlts where pools or suppumte and unz tune ti ginp out and , zlbhlng tlver. The (‘I1Iil‘t"i(‘(‘ig(‘ is diflicult terrain. L httrttt-lrrsventuring th . lose to Yggmorgtts must stlccerltl ml at DC 11 Wisdom 'illg throw or gain om‘ ielr l or madness (see --Mrttiness in chapter 2). (‘haraoters can disccrn the shapes otwrithing cnlaturesinside each lump. Vitlst of 11165!‘ art: htlmalioids. though él ten of the lumps art‘ I’lt",('l1[li(*(iil_\.' nhot appear to he grtoits. llothics. anti giant spulers. This is the Gl‘(‘£t\' Gzlrrieen tlfRot. I]Oul‘iSi’ICd both i) ihr creatures SUi)\|Hllr‘(i within it and the filer/rr. .5 pervading this rziwrll. —\s it" on CUC. one tafthe lumps ciosttst tn the: characters huhhles up and bursts. A (‘it‘n>€ citlud of spores and dark, recckillg fluid cxplrld ulltward. even as the CiL1i‘Zl'I<*l',~‘i)r‘2I|' a piercing S('r‘< Am of agony and . rror. [nsid ,thcp0Ckll1ai‘k1(‘f[bvhintiin the burst 2 one of Xlnayas clrow scouts or at least What's 3 it of him. Other than a factx long white hair. and 3 hrctlstplate. it is lfl]DOS5ibi(‘ to distinguish whrrr C tlrtm ends. and the mt illlil fungi consuming him Jfigins. The (lrow fet>b|_l' throsltes. his screams rtstrtg r higher in pitch. until he ltyttks eyes wtrh tlnt‘ or the (’hZIrat‘lEl‘5 and ahrtunt stuns screaming. ’\ hrtet moment otluctdityrt-pl. s hi. terror even as his eye 'oli hack into his i'I(‘£I(i lrl line kind of bi7£tH't‘ t‘H])hf)I’la as he goes limp and Sin“ iy sinks back dovlrl min the fungal muck. Ci'lfll'7lt‘,H‘l"s witnessing (i’IiS must sllrt-t=t=,d (4 DC 13 \'Vi'sd0m silvlllg tllrow or gain one Ieml .tt lnudness. Throughout the entire cavern. loud lmlalls and cries rt agony answer the tlrovl/'s screams in n terrifying jiid dezlfcrllng nhnrus. drowning mil zt1luLhel'soiind.< until eventually wintltng down into .. iUV\ susttrt-anon ’ll groans anti hnrhles. The entire stnllt til the [giant mushroom st-mils to shudder. rtirrltl~t ‘AS ifin delight.
Characters who descend to the caVCrn's lowcr basin witness the next spectacle of unspeakable horror spawned by the Lady of Decay. MAD DANCE Scnr s of deformed creatures dance around the base of the giant tiingal tower. The revelers are a motley collection of humanoids and various other creatures. all sporting tun10rS,(‘.Einl(( s. and putrid patches oftlesh allover their hntlie . They arejtwined by dancing fungi vaguely shzlped and twisted into forms resembling humanoi .Some of these creatures are ' thralletl to the Demon Que n of Fiing . Other. Lire my. inltis and other fungal life fnrtns infested with Zuggtnmj spores. The dancing creatures pay no attention in lit -ers unle. s they are all‘ . etl. In that event. ltl6 clrpw spore servants and M6 hook horror spore servants (see appendix c tor both)stop dancing and turn on their attackers. Voices can be heard cackling and chatting amiably about Sovereign Phylds success at "bringing so many new guests to attend the part_ he characters sec drow dancing as itthcir boncs wcrc niclting. diici-gar roaring with mock merriment and vomiting shrne. and even nothics laughing madly as they leap and capci: lfthc charac ' 5 observe the mad dance for a few rotlnds. th .y. form rising up out ofthe fungal mitelt. It is the drow scout whoso tCI'rll’JlC end thcyjust witnessed, wading nut mjnin tlte other revelers itt their marl danttr‘. A i-tiarai-ter who witne this grotesque moment must succeed on a DC 15 VVis(lnn\ saving throw or gain one level at iiintliiess. GREAT PALACE Yggmorgus is the home that Zllggimo) he Demon Queen of Fungi, ht rvcd for in If IflSl(i(‘ the great mushroom. The general layout is simple enough. with the hallnwt-,rl Stalk of the mushroom making a towering t:e.ntr2tl hall in which zuggirnny floats surrounded b pirating balttnlll — where her growing riunihcr at hrittesiitaids attend he inging as they weave lter hridal gown to prepare for the fateful wedding day. lithe adventurers enter Yggniorgus. they come face to face with Zuggtmoy (see appendix D). attended by twelve bridesmaids orzuggtrnuy(see appendix c). Fortunately for them. Zuggtmoyis deep in meditation as her gown and yell are being prepared. She doesn't move. although she can speak and use her other abilities. Her bridesmaids attempt to Chase offintruders. wailing and scolding them about how it is unlucky for them to see the bride before it is time. lfthe characters don't withdrawitnn1r‘d' in y. Zitggtmoyawakt-ns and uses her Mind Control Spo - ability to send them away. using her Infestation Spores only if the characters insist on engaging the demon lord her and now. Dozens of spore servants and mytionicls rt-sptmd to Zuggtmoys telepallllt‘ tall if their ml. rc in danger. attat-ltingthe cliar-.it-ters lleedie of their own safety. Atly r'.lltat'k that spot essfully dens tlarttzige to zuggtinny damages her gown. driving the demon queen into a rage to attack the intruders. tittttt:n~ lLrHit\[<t. LEAVING NEVERLIGHT GROVE Leaving the mycnnid enclave is easier than tinding i Wllether they pnlitely avoid l=hylo's invitation or flee tor their liv and sanity iron! the Demon Queen of Fungi. the adventurers can easily receive the aid otsovereign Basidia and the circles still loyal to it. Where tht‘ characters go next is up to thcl'n—a decision dependent upon where they have been. the pursuing drow. and whatever they have acquired (food. potions. treasure trom the doomed drow patrol. and so on) during their visit to the grovc. Depending on how the characters interacted with the myeonids and what tasks they z compltshecl for their hosts. they might depart in th ompany ofzt myconicl guide. or even two whole c roles of myconids fleeing the grove before Zuggtttloys madness takes them. Sovereign Phylo doesn't stop the characters or Sovereign Basitlia from leaving. still convinced the cause it enil)t'aCeS is one ofjoy and prosperity tor its people. In all probability.the characters leave the tungal grove with dire and horrilic news. They have witnessed the effect a single demon lord can have on the Material F'lane—and they realize far more and worse things are coming. Regardless of how many battles the characters might have had inside lveverlightGrove. discovering that a demon lord is on the loose on the Material Plant: is a major revelation. Moreover. if they were in Sloobludop to witness the rise of Demogorgon. they now know that more than one demon lortl is at large. hinting at the magnitude of the threat. If the adventurers imply passed through the grow: and enjoyed the hospt ality of the doomed myconttls. thcy Icavc with only suspitions about their orld behavior. whitcan help them later in piecing together the greater mystery in the Urirlt-rdarlt. lithe adventurers leartletl nothing about the presen * of Zuggtnttiyor her plat - on might pa - the intnrmatinii an to them hy having a friendly ntycmiitl such as Stool or Rumpatlump come to them just as they are leaving. The inycbnid enters rapport and shows them a vision of the Garden of Welcomeand Yggmorgus. saying these images come from the minds of other myconidsin the grove. and asking what these "strange dreams" mean.
CHAPTER 6 BLINGDENSTONE Siingdrnsmnz-.un:'«- vuIlr«llh«:L1t_\ u1E-pr: mm; ,1 dccp gr\0lII<'\<=Il1r1nrn1fnululrnlnurrr‘lhanl\\«: 'm1I¢'nniu ngn Tn» (1:-1-}. glmxnes. in.\uL«r and smeuve nature, I are liule about In-:~lDrie anrJ1e,_1 :i(-5 and s\nm.~tu1t|1: r V ‘ past [0 mm . Furrenlurn Blmgd Ont r mam d hidd n and '~-vluledlnom [l1r:‘rt’>lA:>flhEUnd:’:rd:«xrk,(h.1nk>' Io’ '»rn11»in_«Liv,u1 ufmi, ,clmn; Ld I’ aglc. |t\V.1Sn'!unri1 3 pru\ 11‘ m a draw m nnrnmi Urwrr :‘ul11’de:~nthai th d §111Dfl1I,> hr gm tn kw :5 mnrv 4 me ll][€F€SI in (ha: vurld on 51:14‘ Ihmr : .1\¢-rn,~. 1.: rm thrvat «hr drmv |‘rpr«‘s\'nn‘d m (111 aw mm L»n,xcrdar .m.- r‘1r:[1gnnm<-s ;.r...nm.m| _ amv u. Lhv L1('l'(-ns:- ..r 111: arve ota\1i(hraI Hmtdm-.n.ng 1n1n\.;u1|ng(1ru\\ A,'t‘1ll:I1“ 1\1-*n7nhnrrnnz.:n. Tlni alliance. 1Iu\vr\e=r, \\uu1:l .~pe1| Bliugxlenzton m, Th:-\ ngr~m1zlruw1»u'l ’11hHrun rs uiltlheu‘ :1nd.~.:-nl xhmr rmirs Jul 10 SU'l1\& 1ZYAC1(11al‘C1 Jmst «hr <\'\r1m'h1nI.mummg in great 11.1- 5.» n. B1...ga»;.,~unm‘. The (1991) 1 —hr mm ulnm arxu}. nu, ught Muhral 11.11 Clmxns [D \1lZnZD1JV:H"8flZ£\l1 A: slam: \\l[11inlhI? pas! dru‘3dror in. Y1]! dv: p fl1'I\I)TVl‘< mm1‘ ’ and r<‘hmlr1th:‘|r<'iA_ Thrulnn ‘Hr ~;Ul‘Lr‘\\ nfrh-=xrr~(1'urr, In-\w\<— ham 1 S14‘I'V(1l‘l'l1¥|'('11(1.114105!01.1119rum:-(1 ml) 1,~ 14 L .mm'-mus plunnand r:n1.'J{nsz'1u\v(I:> .\.\Ir1I(uIuwl.~ and rh ml»--r,~1mrr' ;n1r‘d\\'nh 5 lr‘>!)r(1P‘1I1\r‘rulE1_\ r,1«u~ d r vr |n~. The ~\'1rfnr~|:1in mu.~l wunlrnd xulh imur iun. |)_\. \\rrrI’.1[>qu2|llP ms_me elrmental :1plngurufil1\:1(1ix|gnuzr'>:InLr:'>|1rdl'_ I11el’udding Kmg .Hl1aL1(1r‘r'p,_;‘xI<'IxnP umlrrllxrmlluen ofth 11 m:,vI1'1'111e:—parr a Imp. Ln» (1 ep gm,vx1’Ie§111v= v ner:(_1 soxne m.:m~: -lvcs. <1:-mun Iurdjuibl \. Br: GOING TO BLINGDENSTONE B1u.gue.mm.»..~ 1... U1V\iU|.I\L1(‘>.1iIlL|114,II] 11 seeking rrfugr mm mm druw pur~ue 5 and a \u Inflhr17l1L1r‘rL1.|r1\.-1.11:‘ my gI|UIllP‘>L()XL11HlXl:'KL)1IJ\L 1aI'dealn1g, mm me ,
Among the party's fellow escapees, the deep gnumejimjar is the most enthusiastic about visiting Bllngdenstonez, and he can lead the adventurers there. Topsy and Turvy also ltriow the way, but they are noticeably less willing to go lo the settlcmeut because oftht‘. tear and shame they reel rcgrirrliitg their l lycallthropir affliction. Tl1f‘ shield dwarf scout Eldeth Feldrun i n't sure how to reach the gnome settlement, ‘ l but is in favor otgoing there iiit offers a route to the surface or to Ciauntlgryni. If the characters allow Glabbaguol(the sentient gelatinous cube from "The OozingTemple“ in chapter 2) to accurripzuly them. it feels 2| Certain pull toward Bllngdensttlne, and is curious enough to guide the characters tht-re. DROW PURSUERS The svirfneblirisettlcment is a haven for the tillaracters. For good reason. the deep grininesrarely allow tlruw into Blirigtlenstone.and only then with a heavily i. armed escort. A tlrow character rnust succeed on a DC 15 Charisma (Persuasion) check to enter escorted. However, it any deep gnomes are traveling with the party, having them vouch for thc drow allows the CSCOFI to be waived at your discretion. The party's drow pursuers won't attempt to follow the . characters into Blingrlenstonc.The party‘s pursuit level l (see "Drow Piirsui " in chapter 2) rloesnt change while i they are in the svirineblln settlentent. l lithe party's pursuit level is 3 or higher when they l arrive at Blingdeiistone, llvara and her party are watching the tulinels leaving the settlement. The pursuit level increases to 5 when the characters leave l Blingdcnstone. possibly I atling to a chase or straight into chapter 7, "Escap ruin the Underdark." ARRIVIN_('}_AT BLII~_I_>GVDENSTONE Blingdenstonc ha. a reputation for being a dangerous i ruin inhahitcd only by monsters and other undesirnbles. Others think olit as a budding settlement well on S way to recovery. Once the Charldvttersreach the gates, they can sce that the truth lies somewhere in between. ‘seed ROLEPLAYING THE SVIRFNEBLIN Deep gnomes are a dour lot, reserved and careful in their dealings with outsiders They mate the assumption that every nonsvlrfneblin means to do them liarm—wliich is understandable given their history. They speak sottly in caves and tunnels where sound carries, eyes darting riirtively, looking for signs ordanger. Despite their harsh outlook, sirirtnetilin are still gnomes. and many are as benevolent arid ioyiul as their surface (0LlSlnS. Tl-iey reveal these aspects most easily among their own kind, and to those they come to trust. The svirrneolin assign defined roles to each gender but hold ismales and males in equal standing. it is ancient custom forthere to be both a king and a queen with equal responsibilities.Svlvfneblin males are hunters, explorers, l laborers, and warriors, while Females are managers, judges, politicians, and caretakers Deep gnomes sometimes forget this is not the (ass with other races, arid that males are capable orcarsiul thought )ust as much as females can fight. —?r ‘ fH>\Pl'ht(l>lllllNtiflL\5lUN\ The characters must prove their goodwill to the deep gnornes lieiore they are allowed inside. Once the characters win the gnomes‘ trust, they are welcomed into Inner Blingdenstone, and to what food and comfort the locals can readily provide. CHANGING SVIRFNEBLINATTITUDES The general attitude of deep gnomes toward strangersis l|ostile—notnecessarily opposed. but decply suspicious. This attitude can be shifted to indifferent and then triendly as the characters help the svirfnoblin openly (see "Social Interaction" in chapter 8 ofthe Dungeon Masters Guide). some deeds in Blingdenstone reward the characters with an automatic attitude shift, while others require at DC 15 group Charisma (Persuasion) checlt. If the group check sut eeds. the attitude of the svirfnehlin shifts by one. lfttharacters are rude or act in a way to matte the deep gnomes more suspicious toward them, they must also make another group check. If this group chetik rails, the deep gnomes‘ attitude worsens by one. RANDOM ENCOUNTERS IN ]_3LtNGDEl~_IsToNla once per day while the characters are exploring the deep gnornc settlement, roll a d2D and consult the BlingderistoneEncounters table to determine what, if anything, they encounter. BLINCDENSTONE ENCOUNTERS d1o Encounter H0 No encounter ll ld4 + l animated drpw statues \2 M4 + 1 cave badgers 13 Dungeon hazard l4 Elementalvagahonds 15 M14 + 2 fiendish giantspiders ‘I6 l ghost i7 Mephit gang 18 Roamingooze 19 ldil +l svirrnebliri wererats 20 1 xorn ANIMATED DROW STATU ES Once part of a expedition from Metuoberranzan, these dtow were petrified by a mcdusa and later animated by 0gre’moch'sBane (sec “Settlers, squatters, and lnvaders" later in this chapter). They have the of animated armor. except they are elemental. of constructs. CAVE BADGERS The svirfncblin use these beasts as part oftheir digging workforce. Cave badgcrs are giant badgers with AC 12 (natural arlnnr), tremorsense out to a range of 60 feet, and a burrowing speed of 15 feet. When they burrow, they leave tunnels behind them. DUNGEON HAZARD The chtlrziclers approach a section of Blingdenstmie in horrible disrepair. Ifthey explore the area, roll a do
nlurt f€l’s is ‘i0|lS. ll‘ an rt-rs re a group 5 by the rust t fails. llese stics .tead and consult the Dungeon Hazards table to determine what the characters encounter. See "Dungeon Hazards" in chapter 5 of the Dungeon Master's Guide for more information on each hazard. DUNCEON HAZARDS d6 Hazard 14 Patch prhrown mold 4—5 Patch otgreen slime is Patch oryellow inpid ELEMENTA1. VAGABONDS A dust rriephit guiili-s tin earthelementalthrough the taverns and passages of Blingdettstone.lf approached peacefully, they can point the way to Enténiocl-l's Boon tsee "Blingdensioiie Outsltirts" later in this chapter). Flt~:NDtsH GIANT SPIDERS Former servants of the tlrow, these spiders burn with haleful energy. Treat them as giant wolfspiders with a challenge rating or 1,1 (100 XP). resistance to cold. tire. and lightning damage, and immunity to poison damage. They are also immune to the poisoned condition. GHOST Some ofthe svirfnehlin who perished during the drow invasion didn't go easily. and their ghosts linger. when the characters encounter one of these ghosts. roll a d20 and consult the Ghosts Attitude table to determine the attitude ofthe ghost. CHOST’S ATTITUDE dzo Attitude 1—6 indifferentand unawareofthe characters until it is attacked by them 742 lndifierent but aware ofthe characters 1347 Friendly l$—Z0 Hostile MEFHIT GANG A mcphit gang consists ol1d4 dust mephits and l(l4 mud iinephits. ll encountered in Inner Blingdenstone or Rtlckbliglll. they are insane and alt-.it:lt immediately. Otherwise. they mock the party but don't fight except in selfrdelellse. ROAMING Ooze The presence ofthc Pudding King (see “The Pudding Court" later in this chapter) is drawing oozes to Blingdenstone. Roll a d4 and consult the Roaming Ooze table to determine what appears. Roawllm: ooze d4 Encounter l 1 black pudding 2 l gelatinous cube 3 ld-i +1 gray oozes, one ntwhich is a psychic gray ooze valiant (as described in the Monster Miiniiali 4 ldz ochrciellies SVIRFNEBLIN WERERATS These wererats belong to Clan Goldwhisker and are searching for new places to settle within the ruins ot the former city. They're always hostile and attack the party if they can't flee. Use the weret-at stat block in the Monster Manualwith a few tnodllications: svlrfneblirl wcrcrats are Small and have the following additional features. ciiiimc cunning. The werevat has advantage on intelligence. Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic. liiiiutt Spflllcailing. The wererat's innate spcllcasting ability is intelligence (spell save DC ll) it can innately cast the (allowing spells, requiring no material components At will: ntindcimiiin iseltpniy) ‘l/day each; bilndnzss/deafness. lilur, disguise say Stlme Camouflage.The wererat has advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks made to hide in rocky terrain XORN This creature leavesthe characters alone it they feed it as least 50 gp worth of gems clr precious metals. Otherwise. it follows them around Blingdenstone, hoping that they leave behind something it can eat. The xorn is antisocial and doesn't help the party in anyway. IMl>olm§_N_'r_NPCs When the characters visit Blingdcnstonc. they can meet one or more of the fullowingsvirfnehlin. BLINGDENSTONE NPCs Dorbd Diggermattoclt Leader ofthe mining expeditions senni Diggermattack Leader otthe settlers Nomi Pzthshuttier Earth elemental wrangler with a task for the party Priest oicallarduran srnoothhands with a task for the party cunilk Tapfingev Kazook Plckshine Aichernistand are specialist who receives and gives quests cliipgrsnGaldwhisker Leader erthc wererat colony Burrow Warden ladgci Undead leader orthe burraw wardens The Pudding King Insane deep gnome enthralled liy the demon lord lulblex 4 CORNERED RAYS lFtliey are with the party, Topsy and Turvy do their best to conceal and resist their lycanthropic curse ilthe adventurers have not already learned etit, in the time since they were imprisoned in velkyrivelve, the two have likely undergone their wererat transiormatinn at least once. when the decision is made to go to l-zllingdenstone, the twins might tome (lean about leaving home because oftllell curse, or they could abandon the adventurers and strike out on their own in any event, they might (all in with the Coldwhlskerclan ofwelerats. either on their own or with the adventurers help, y l‘ll tiiirii ll htt~ii,lit.\:ittixt
SETTLERS, SQUATTERS, gun INVADERS The current citizens of Blingdenstone are a different breed than their forebears. They aren't simplyhard workers and resourceful miners. but also settlers, explorers, and—above all—survivors. LEADERS or BLINGDENSTONE By deep gnome tradition, Blingdenstone is governed jointly by a king and queen, but the svirfneblin have had no true sovereigns while living as refugees tor the good part bra century. Dorbo and Senni Diggermattock are talented miners, but they have become even more capable as community leaders. They spent years planning an expedition to Blingdenstonc. paying adventurers to scout and keep an eye on the territory while they organized their people across the dwarven holds and surfaceaworldcities that had received them. After a decade of careful and determined planning, the Diggermattocks led a toree back to Blingdenstone to reclaim it. While they have not yet been crowned, svnrmsstm GHCISVS (‘i-I.-\l’I'l‘ti a i HI l\u.tlr\<mw. everybodytreats them as the de facto rulers ofthe Selllemenxl ChieiDorbo oversees rebuilding industry. opening mines. and organizing patrols to explore parts of the ruined city that remain uninhabited by the svirfneblin. He is also responsible for rebuilding and commanding the new settlements defenses. Like most svirfneblin. Dorbo is serious and aggressive when dealing with outsiders: for all of that, however, he is also a loving and caring husband and a thoughtful leader oihis people, devoted to the vision that he and his wife share oia Blingdenstone rebuilt and reborn. Quartermaster Senni takes the count and lneasure of everything. ensuring her husbands efforts are well supported and efiicient. She oversees the trade efforts and caravans to Mithral Hall, Gauntlgrym, and Mantol-Derith.She manages and helps to maintain l3lingdenstone’smagical infrastructure, and is intimately familiar with security conditions across the settlement. As quartermaster, she assigns homes to the everincreasing numbers of svirfneblin returning to Blingdenstone. MINERS’ GUILD The svirfnehlin base most of their economic subsistence on their ability to mine ores and gems. The settlement is largely self—su('ficient, but it still relies on the duergar of Mantol—Derithfor tools, weapons. and supplies. Because the Blingdenstone economy depends on mining, the Miners‘ Guild holds a lot of power in Blingdenstone. Led by the Pickshine lamily. the Miners‘ Guild oversees all of Bllngdenstones mines, as well as the mining, cutting, and enchanting ofspell gems (see appendix E), both for the settlement‘: defense and for trade export. STON EHEART ENCLAV s This group of svirfnehlin spellcasters once trained under the Emerald Enclave but eventually splintered off, choosing to focussolely on earth elemental magic. After doing so, they absorbed the surviving priesthood serving the deep gnome deities Segojan Earthoaller (the god of deep earth and nature) and Callarduran Srnoothhands (the god of stone and mining). The Stoneheart Enclave is in charge of summoning earth elemenlals to help defend Blingdcnstone, They also use their magic to aid in various engineering tasks, such as widening burrows, closing otrtunnels, or cstablishing spell gem emplacements and delensive measures. When needed, the spellcasters of the Stoneheart Enclave serve as extraplanar diplomats, forging occasional agreements with item and galeh duhr to aid Blingdenstone. The ellclave'sleader is Yantha Coaxrock, a young female mage who splits her time and energy between conducting magical researchin Blingdenstone, aiding the svirfneblin enclave in Manlol—Dcrith(see chapter 9), and working with the rest of the Stoneheart Enclave. BURROW WA RDENS Most of the honored protectors of tho svirfneblin died during the drow invasion. and the rest perished while protecting their people during their flightfrom
Blingdanstone to Mithral Hall. Only the memory of their valiant ctfort remains tuday—and even that is fading due to the deep gnomes‘ penchant for forgetting their own history. in the last year. a handful of svirfneblin youths have been training in secret under the rather terrifying rare of the veteran Burrow Warden jadger. who lingers on as a ghost. ln lile,_ladger was an expert in the Undertlark and its many denizens. as well as how to light theln. lie is grooming his brightest student, Trisk Adamantelpiece. to command the new burrow wardens. who are preparing to announce their existence to the Diggermattocks and demand recognition as the new Burrow Wardens of Blingdcnstone. Gl-tosTs or BLINGDENSTONE Although not truly organized, the ghosts of the svirfncblin killed during the drow attack are an undeniable presence. The settlershave been wise enough to mark haunted burrows off from their reclamation plans. But as new svirlneblin arrive and need accommodation. space is starting to become a problem. There are far more ghosts in the ruined settlement than anyone expected. and each ghost is ditrercnt.Some are harmless, appearing only as echoes ofthe event that led to their deaths. Others are fully aware—andoften hostile and dangerous. Oclzlélvlool-t's BANE ugremochsBane is a drifting cloud ottransparcnt. magical dust that first appeared in Blingdenstone over a century ago. Believed to be sentient. it is found roaming the Rockblightsection of the settlement. Elemental creatures touched by the cloud fall under its control. The cloud's origin remains a mystery. but it is known to have something to do with Ogrémoch,Prince of Evil Earth. A medusa named Neheedra serves Ogrémochs Bane and leads some of the elemental creatures that have become enslaved by the evil cloud (set: the ‘Ro<:kl:llight"section and urea 19 in particular), CLAN GOLDWHISKER AfterElingdenstones fall. a gang of wererats tried to make a home in the ruined cl _ . Thc last handful of svirlneblin hiding in Bllngtlenstonc after the draw armies abandoned the city managed to kill or drive oil the wererats, but many of the deep gnomes became infectedwith lycanthropy. Today. deep gnome wererats claims a large chunk of the ruins under the name of Clan Goldwhisker.holding territory against new settlers and gaging in urban warfare against them. The pack leader is the cunning and charismatic Chipgrin, whose concern for his packs saiety has him hoping to negotiate a truce with the Diggermattocks and stop his svirfneblin cousins from seeing his people as dangerous monsters fit only for extermination. Chipgrin is all too aware of the threat posed by 0gre'mor,h'sBane and the oozes plaguing the settlement, and he hopes that making common cause against those threats will force the other svirineblin to recognize Clan Goldwhisker's right to remain in Blingdenstone. THE PUDDING KING'S “CotlttT" The so—called Pudding King holds court In the deepest sections of Blingdenstone. He was part oi the first settler mi sion led by the Diggerniattoeks, but the other svirfneblin soon shunned him for his many disturbing habits. among them his preoccupation with capturing and stutlying oozes, and his penchant for stealing and hoarding food until it rotted and then talking to it. The shunned deep gnome eventually struck out on his own. He spent years living among the oozes of the region, eventually suhjugaring a black pudding he calls “Princess Ebonmire" and a gray ooze he calls “Prince Livi . When the demon lords arrived in the Underdark, he followed the oozes drawn by]uil:lex's presence, immediately throwing himself down before the Faceless Lord and pledging his ctcrnal loyalty, His previous name and existence ended in that moment. and now there is only the Pudding King. juiblex granted the Pudding King the power to summon and command oozes, then ordered him to return to Blingdenstone and claim it as part of thc Faceless Lord's new domain. The Pudding King slipped back into the closed—ofi areas of Blingdenstone and set up court, summoning all manner of oozes along the way and rendering portions ul the ruined city uninhabitable and dangerous to outsiders. Utterly insane and channeling a terrible power, the Pudding King sits upon his throne with his “ehildren" at his side. summoning ever more loyal subjects with each passing day. When he is ready, he will send them forth to cover and devour everything, transforming Blingdenstonc and its people into one giant mound of slime and goo formed in the image of his master. the Faceless Lord, BLINGDENSTONE OUTSKIRTS The quarries. mines, mushroom fields. and forges of Blingdenstone are located outside the settlement, accessible by tunnels and passages beyond the main gate. Trade caravans headed toward Blingdenstone are either rerouted to the outlying mines, farms. and forges, or they are stopped at the city gate. where their cargo is searched. unloaded. and distributed by agents of Quartermaster Senni. This keeps unwanted riffraff out of the city proper and protects Blingdenstones security. The dccp gnomes working in the mines, larnis, and (urges outside the settlement spend less time enjoying the leisure and company nithcir kin and tricnds back home. The rising madness of the demon lords affects these brave pioneers more than thosc who live within the rclativc security of the reclaimed parts of Blingdenstone. Svlrrneblin in the outskirts are more curt with strangers. and a few might even try to steal from them. Taskmasters at each location are now feeling themselves driven to the point of neartyranny. demanding that their workers toil ever harder. Some miners pockct gemstones they dig out. while others are drawn to possess things the adventurers are carrying. VHAP1 I it rt EU.\ll.l)(-\'STONl'
