Underdark Expeditionary Force

The Underdark Expeditionary Force has been commissioned by Bruenor Battlehammer, with the support of the various factions of the Sword Coast, to head into the demon-infested Underdark and combat the darkness rising in the depths.

On your journey back into the Underdark, your Expeditionary Force may gain or lose members.

## **Expeditionary Force Management**

* Marching Orders: You must decide how the Expeditionary Force is to be arrayed while keeping several variables in mind:
	+ The terrain of the Underdark is strange and varied. You must account for a marching order that accommodates three variations: single file, two abreast, and open formation.
	+ You may split the Expedition Force into multiple parts. This can include a forward scouting party, rear guard, or any other detachment. You will have to account for the marching order of each separate group. You may even send a detachment on a mission, such as to bring a message to an ally in a distant city.
	+ You can change the marching order at any time for any part of the Expeditionary Force you can directly give orders to. If you have sent out a detachment, you will have to send a messenger (or use some other method) to give the change in orders.
* Faction Management: It is important to keep in mind that the five Factions will interact with each other in the Expeditionary Force, and some have very strong opinions of others. Keeping the factions placated will minimize the chance of infighting between the members of the Force. The following information is common knowledge about the Factions:
	+ The Harpers and the Zhentarim are old, bitter enemies and still bear a strong grudge. While the Zhents appear to be taking their new direction quite seriously, the Harpers aren't yet on board and remember their tyranny too well.
	+ The Emerald Enclave doesn't usually see eye to eye with either the Zhentarim or the Lords' Alliance. While both the Lords' Alliance and the Zhentarim have aided the Enclave indirectly in the past, they usually put financial gains far before the balance of nature.
	+ While the Order of the Gauntlet has idealogical difference with most of the other Factions, they can be counted on to be steadfast and cordial in their dealings. It is the Order's ultimate goal to promote justice and order, as long as none of the other Factions step out of line.
	+ Although the Emerald Enclave isn't fond of their clandestine tactics, the Harpers and the Enclave often find themselves on the same side. Both Factions are well known for placing the needs of the Realms above their own.
* Travel Pace: The size of the Expeditionary Force does not change the rate of movement the group can travel in a day. Each detachment you send out moves at its own travel pace. For example, if you send out a scouting group riding giant lizards ahead of the Expeditionary Force, you can declare that they move at a normal pace while the rest of the Force moves at a slow pace to forage and search.
* Navigating: You can use your Expeditionary Force members to navigate the Underdark. Each detachment must have its own navigator.
* Scouting: Sending a scouting party ahead increases the chances of discovering random encounters. If the scouting party notices an encounter without being seen themselves, they can retreat back to the main Expedition Force to warn the others. A rear guard functions in a similar way, informing the main Expedition Force if it is being followed.
* Provisions: The entire Expeditionary Force must be accounted for when determining provisions, including beasts of burden and pets. This is offset by several benefits:
	+ Members of the Expeditionary Force can contribute to foraging attempts.
	+ The entire Expeditionary Force can resupply at any Outpost it has established (see below).
* Treasure: While the Expeditionary Force has been assembled out of loyalty to the Factions and surmounting a common goal, each Faction has its own agenda. The Expeditionary Force does not need to receive a cut of every coin, but certain donations may increase favor. Some Factions care more about riches than others, but each Faction has a weakness for certain treasures.
* Chain of Command: Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind is chain of command. Without a clear chain of command, the right information might not get to the right people. You can certainly take direct command of the Force, but you must take into consideration the opinions of the Factions involved. Chain of command is as much of a political decision as it is a practical one. If you have detachments, you must also consider who is in command of each group.

## **Downtime Activity: Establish an Outpost**

You can clear out Underdark areas and create defensible Outposts where you and your followers can store supplies and take refuge. Outposts not only allow scouts to easily backtrack through the Underdark, carrying messages and information to your allies, but also allow additional supplies to reach the Expeditionary Force with relative ease.

Establishing an Underdark Outpost is a new downtime activity available to characters in Out of the Abyss. An Outpost requires a total of 150 hours of work to build, assuming its location is clear of creatures and hazards. Multiple characters can combine their efforts to reduce the completion time.

Each Outpost is basically a fortified encampment. It can take one of the following forms:

* A small cave, roughly 20 feet square, with one or more gates or barricaded exits
* A walled compound, up to 20 feet square, within a much larger cavern
* An island with boats or rafts
* A hard-to-reach ledge, pinnacle or promontory accessed by ladders and/or ropes

In order for the Outpost to remain secure, you must leave a small detachment behind to defend it.

* If you do not post at least three defenders, the risk of losing your Outpost grows. You may post up to five defenders at each Outpost.
* One of the defenders you post at each Outpost must be a Commander. You may select any member of your Expeditionary Force to fulfill this role, but more experienced and accomplished characters will increase the defense and productivity of the Outpost.

Your Outposts can be reviewed and managed on the **Underdark Outpost Roster**.

## **Force Roster**

The following section details the units which comprise the Expeditionary Force, organized by faction. Statistics for all of the units mentioned can be found here in addition to any sources noted:

**http://homebrewery.naturalcrit.com/share/SkbS9XNTI-**

### **Independent**

The following forces do not owe allegiance to any faction or organization.

* **Zilch**, an eccentric drow mage encountered at the trade outpost of Mantol-Derith. Zilch and his **quasit** familiar, Blotto, eagerly joined the Expeditionary Force asking very few questions.
* Glabbagool, a sentient **gelatinous cube** that joined the characters on their adventures in the Underdark. It helped turn the tide of the Battle of Blingdenstone, and wishes to help the characters continue the fight against the demon lords.
* **Jimjar**, one of Khuuhrukehul, Mauser Crystalfist, and Tik-Tik's adventuring companions who originally aided their escape from Velkynvelve. He was found along with another previous companion, Prince Derendil, as slaves of the beholder, Karazikar. After Karazikar was defeated and his slaves liberated, Jimjar rejoined the adventurers.
* Lug'nad (garrisoned at Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus), an **orc hand of Yurtrus** who was sent to accompany the Expeditionary Force by Thar'drek, shaman and patron of the Iceshield Clan, as a gift of honor for delivering the last remaining Iceshield survivors from the blight of demonic corruption.
* **Deadeye Kurr**, a gnoll fang of Yeenoghu who the Expeditionary Force encountered in the Labyrinth. He is suffering from a form of demonic madness, which calms his feral demeanor and instills him with an abhorrence for violence. In his madness, he seeks to end the unbridled rage of Yeenoghu.

### **Gauntlgrym**

The forces from Gauntlgrym have been provided by King Bruenor Battlehammer, along with his blessing.

* **Eldeth Feldrun**, a shield dwarf scout who has accompanied the characters since their incarceration at Velkynvelve. She has trained a great deal since her return to Gauntlgrym and is proud and eager to join the characters on their expedition back into the dark.
* 4 shield dwarf soldiers of Gauntlgrym's royal guard. The soldiers use the **Gauntlgrym Guard** statistics.
	+ Gul Gallowglar
	+ Burd Rockfist
	+ Randa Stoneshaft
	+ Derra Stoneshaft

### **The Harpers**

The Harpers have eagerly pledged their support to King Bruenor's Expeditionary Force. True to style, their early contributions have been very discreet. The Harpers pride themselves on being trusted to deliver when it counts. Harper representatives report to Lord Zelraun Roaringhorn, a noble of Waterdeep who has devoted his efforts and means to the Harpers' cause.

* A Harper **shield guardian** (found in the *Monster Manual*), donated to the Expeditionary Force by Lord Roaringhorn after losing to Mauser Crystalfist in a match of dragon chess.
* **Rystia Zav**, a Harper spy who was recovered in the region around Mantol-Derith. She had succumbed to the madness of the demon lords, but when cured she gratefully joined the Expeditionary Force.

### **The** **Order of the Gauntlet**

The Order of the Gauntlet needed little convincing to lend its aid to Gauntlgrym's cause. The Order's infallible sense of duty and righteousness leaves little latitude when there is a threat of a demonic incursion on the rise. The Order's presence is vigilantly watched by Sir Lanniver Strayl, who looks out for the well-being of both the Order and his men.

* 3 human knights who are veterans with the Order and use the **Veteran of the Gauntlet** statistic block (found in the *Out of the Abyss* sourcebook). They are devout members of the Order who believe strongly in its ideals and hail from Neverwinter.
	+ Thora Nabal
	+ Sylrien Havennor (commander of Outpost 1: Fort Midsummer)
	+ Olaf Renghyi (garrisoned at Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus)
* 1 human knight from a smaller order of paladins, known as the Order of Samular, sworn to help protect the Dessarin Valley. They also use the **Veteran of the Gauntlet** statistic block.
	+ Tamryn Tharke (garrisoned at Outpost 3: Outpost 33)

### **The Emerald Enclave**

The Emerald Enclave sees the truth of the demon incursion as a blight on the natural balance. In addition to taking a great interest in the ideals of King Bruenor's quest, the Enclave has pledged both loyalty and support to the Expeditionary Force. The shield dwarf druid, Morista Malkin, leads the Emerald Enclave in Gauntlgrym and serves as the Expeditionary Force's representative.

* **Sladis Vadir**, a high elf druid tasked by the Enclave to investigate corruption of the Darklake near Mantol-Derith. He appears to have a strong affinity for swarms of vermin.
* **Amarith Coppervein**, a shield dwarf who became lost in the Underdark and decided to settle down and begin running a zoo. She joined the Expeditionary Force as a favor to the Enclave and to be reunited with her cousin, Brim.
* 2 dwarven pathfinders who serve the Emerald Enclave in Gauntlgrym, under the direct supervision of Morista Malkin. They use the **Emerald Enclave Scout** statistic block (found in *Out of the Abyss*).
	+ Brim Coppervein
	+ Griswalla Stonehammer
* 6 **giant riding lizards** (found in *Out of the Abyss*) to use as mounts. By Morista Malkin's decree, three of the lizards are to be used by the Enclave scouts. The other three were gifts to Khuuhrukehul, Mauser Crystalfist, and Tik-Tik, and can be used and they see fit.

### **The Lords' Alliance**

When the Lords' Alliance makes an agreement, it makes sure to put all of its means into giving a good impression. Alliance soldiers are polite, well-trained, and well-supplied. The Alliance can be very generous with its resources, but it is equally discerning when it comes time to tally up the spoils of war. After the assassination of Lord Eravien Haund, Lord Nathaniel Strayl has stepped in to serve as the Alliance's representative to the Expeditionary Force.

* **Deneb**, a githyanki warrior that was found imprisoned in stasis within a buried ancient vessel. She claims to have come from the stars above, and has no idea as to how long she was in stasis.
* 2 dwarf guards from the Alliance city of Mirabar. The dwarves use the **Lords' Alliance Guard** statistic block (found in *Out of the Abyss*).
	+ Nazrok Blueaxe (garrisoned at Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus)
	+ Gargathine Truesilver (garrisoned at Outpost 1: Fort Midsummer)
* 3 human agents from the Alliance city of Yartar. The agents use the **Lords' Alliance Spy** statistic block (found in *Out of the Abyss*).
	+ Farryl Kilmander (commander of Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus)
	+ Zilna Oakshadow (garrisoned at Outpost 3: Outpost 33)
	+ Hilvius Haever

### **The Zhentarim**

The participation of the Black Network was pivotal for the first part of the Expeditionary Force's mission, reaching the Underdark trading post of Mantol-Derith. For that, the characters promised the Zhentarim regular and accurate reports on the actions of the Expeditionary Force. The Zhentarim representative to the Expeditionary Force is an exotic and mysterious woman named Davra Jassur.

* 7 human mercenaries from the Darkhold. They are adept spies and scouts, and each one knows the secret Zhentarim roads from the surface to Mantol-Derith. The mercenaries use the **Zhentarim Thug** statistic block (found in *Out of the Abyss*).
	+ Nero Kelvane (garrisoned at Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus)
	+ Aligor Moonwhisper (garrisoned at Outpost 1: Fort Midsummer)
	+ Gorath Torn (garrisoned at Outpost 1: Fort Midsummer)
	+ Saliyra Dalnor (commander of Outpost 3: Outpost 33)
	+ Primwin Halk (long-term madness, believes himself to be Primalon Perrinal of Nelrindenvane; garrisoned at Outpost 3: Outpost 33)
	+ Lhytris Ilgarn (garrisoned at Outpost 2: Fort Nautilus)

### **Blingdenstone**

The deep gnome city of Blingdenstone owes its ultimate reclamation and prosperity to the heroes who lead the Expeditionary Force. Each of the factions of Blingdenstone received aid from the heroes, and Blingdenstone does not forget its allies. The forces of Blingenstone report to Dorbo Diggermattock.

* 6 **deep gnome** burrow wardens. The burrow wardens fought side by side with the heroes in the siege of the Royal Quarter during the Battle for Blingdenstone. The burrow wardens are led by Warryn Jadger, a descendant of Burrow Warden Jadger.
	+ Warryn Jadger (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
	+ Frug Gimbleglib (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
	+ Lobelia Sackbag (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
	+ Erky Filchbatter (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
	+ Jeb Oneshot (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
	+ Dimble Waywocket (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
* 4 deep gnome wererats from the Goldwhisker Clan. Chipgrin Goldwhisker is thankful to the heroes for their role in uniting the people of Blingdenstone, wererat or not. The wererats use the **Goldwhisker wererat** statistc block. Lahri speaks for the Goldwhisker Clan.
	+ Lahri Goldwhisker
	+ Dhaerel Goldwhisker
	+ Darryl Goldwhisker
	+ Ruby Goldwhisker
* Roxy Slateshard, a deep gnome wizard of the Stoneheart Enclave. The Enclave is thankful to the heroes for helping to cleanse the Temple of Steadfast Stone. Roxy uses the **Stoneheart Enclave conjurer** statistic block. (commander of Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)
* 1 **earth elemental** (found in the *Monster Manual*), a permanent minion of Roxy Slateshard who she calls "Slater", summoned from the great circle found at Entemoch's Boon. (garrisoned at Outpost 4: Fort Smoothhands)

### **Nelrindenvane**

The forces of Nelrindenvane owe their undying allegiance to their lord and savior, Prince Derendil. Even though the great elven kingdom is purely imaginary, it does not seem to dissuade those loyal to its banner. Those who believe in Nelrindenvane are clearly mad, but their fervent and detailed hallucinations share too much coincidence to be purely random.

* **Prince Derendil**, the sovereign ruler of Nelrindenvane whose throne has been usurped by the dark wizard, Terestor. Derendil aided the adventurers in their escape from Velkynvelve and accompanied them throughout the Underdark, eventually agreeing to remain in Blingdenstone. Unable to wait any longer, Derendil decided to set out into the Underdark searching for a way to save his kingdom. Instead he and Jimjar were captured by a neogi slave caravan and sold to the beholder, Karazikar.
* 4 **quaggoth** disciples of Prince Derendil, who were formerly slaves of the beholder, Karazikar. Until their experience at the Vast Oblivium, they were merely quaggoths with no higher purpose. Prince Derendil has shown them enlightenment, and they fight with fierce loyalty to defend him and aid his quest.

## **Suggested unit structure:**

Dots mean unit rank. Asterisks denote unit commander.

### **Central Command Unit ••• x1:**

We're the leaders and combat badasses.

* **General Crystalfist\***, Expeditionary Force Commander (accompanied by her ragtag elite fighting force)
* **Tik-Tik**
* **Kruul**
* **Puffantarax**
* **Drik-Chikt** (Tik-Tik's Basilisk)
* **Shield Guardian**

### **Secondary Command Unit •• x1:**

Our trusted companion, Major Eldeth Feldrun, will be in charge when we're away, so we need her well protected and well-informed. Since she's so quick to sacrifice herself before others I think if we force her to stay back and be a leader this instinct can translate to well-considered caution when issuing orders to others. It will be made clear to her that she risks the lives of all her subordinates if she acts recklessly with her own life. Additionally, by making her, an unaffiliated party, field commander, it avoids a lot of political problems.

* **Major Eldeth Feldrun\***, field commander *(✧)*
* **Gauntlgrym guards x4** - Tasked with protecting the Major and keeping order in base camp as needed *(G)*
* **Lord's Alliance spy x1** - This spy will act as chief adviser and bodyguard to Major Feldrun (because she has shitty social skills & insight), and will assist with advice, intelligence gathering, and subterfuge as needed. They can also shank a bitch if anyone attacks her. *(S)*

Marching orders (right is forward):

```
Open Formation:
G   G
  ✧
  S
G   G

```

```
2 Abreast:
G ✧ G
G S G

```

```
Narrow:
GG S✧ GG

```

### **Heavy Assault Unit • x4:**

These units are built for head-on assaults and defense, they're made to take hits and deal damage. They are intended to be a smaller sized group so that when not in combat the Zhent Thugs can be better supervised. During combat, these units will frequently fight together. They are also the perfect size to leave behind to form an outpost.

* **Order of the Gauntlet Veteran\* x1** - Heavily armored tanks with lots of HP, they will be on the front line. *(V for Veteran)*
* **Lord's Alliance Guard x1** - These halberd (polearm) fighters have reach, so they will serve well attacking from fortified positions just behind the tank. *(P for Pikeman)*
* **Zhentarim Thug x2** - Once enemies are tanked, they can be flanked and swarmed on by thugs, who each attack with advantage *(Z is for Zent)*

Marching orders (right is forward):

```
Open Formation:
Z
P V
Z

```

```
2 Abreast (if with a second unit, otherwise same as Narrow):
Z Z P  V
Z Z P  V

```

```
Narrow:
Z Z P  V

```

### **Mounted Forward** **Scout Unit • x1:**

During travel, they will ride ahead and check for threats, during combat they will use mobility to harass enemies with ranged attacks and flanking, while staying out of range.

* **Emerald Enclave Scout\* x3** - They are trained for mounted scouting, and are kept in a group by themselves because they don't get along with Lord's Alliance or Zhents. We will interview them to determine who is most capable for leadership *(E)*

Marching orders (right is forward):

```
Open Formation:
E
  E
E

```

```
2 Abreast:
  E
E E

```

```
Narrow:
E E E

```

### **Elite** **Rear Guard • x1:**

This unit will guard our rear during travel and is our elite high-dps strike team when in battle. We may want to get them all mounts so they are more mobile (or if we can't find more, at least the Spies.) They also can assist in intelligence gathering as needed.

* **Lord's Alliance spy\* x2** - They will be moving stealthfully behind the group to act as rear scouts. If they are not fast enough to sneak while moving, mounts can be provided. If capable enough, one of them should be made a unit commander for political reasons since so many other units are headed by Gauntlet Veterans. *(S is for Spy)*
* **Order of the Gauntlet Veteran x1** - To take those hits and defend *(V is for Veteran)*
* **Lord's Alliance Guard x1** - to safely attack with reach those who the veteran tanks. *(P for Pikeman)*

Rear Guard formation:

```
Open Formation (rear guard):
   S
V  P
   S

```

```
2 Abreast (rear guard):
V  P
   S S

```

```
2 Abreast (rear guard, when working with heavy assault unit):
V  P S S
V  P Z Z

```

```
Narrow (rear guard):
V  P S S

```

 Attack formation:

```
Open Formation (assault):
 S
 P  V
 S

```

```
2 Abreast (assault):
  P  V
S S

```

```
Narrow (assault):
S S P  V

```

## **In Memoriam**

The following units perished in the service to the Expeditionary Force and their Factions.

### **The** **Lords' Alliance**

* Kirsil Mantlehorn, a dwarf guard from Mirabar. He was slain by rampaging hook horrors in Kythorn, 1375. May he rest with Moradin.
* Anzar the Brazen, a dwarf guard from Mirabar. He was trampled by a roving purple worm in Flamerule, 1375. May he rest with Clangeddin.
* Splinter Darkmorn, a dwarf guard from Mirabar. He was slain by an intellect devourer that had infiltrated the Expeditionary Force in Eleint, 1375. May he rest with Moradin.

### **The Order of the Gauntlet**

* Elias Drako, a human knight of the Order of Samular. He was slain by minotaurs in service to Baphomet in Eleasias, 1375. May he rest with Tyr.

### **The Zhentarim**

* Lenora Haskur, a human agent from the Darkhold. She was slain by minotaurs in service to Baphomet in Eleasias, 1375. May she rest with Bane.
* Iandro Alathar, a human agent from the Darkhold. He was slain by an intellect devourer that had infiltrated the Expeditionary Force in Eleint, 1375. May he rest with Bane.

### **The Emerald Enclave**

* Thargus Forkbeard, a dwarf loyal to both the Emerald Enclave and to Gauntlgrym. He was slain by an intellect devourer that had infiltrated the Expeditionary Force in Eleint, 1375. May he rest with the First Circle.