Deliberations

**Deliberations** is the ninth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest.* The Nameless Protagonists look over their options and decide on a plan of action.

## Deliberations

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

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### **Part One**

We returned to the party in Masq's shop, as they still thought on a way to get close to the King of *Quarry Hold,* to rid him of the memory modification Kelaa had put him under. Masq said he had an idea that would get everyone in the palace, without anyone having to go through the sewers or be at death's door. Masq noted that the suit, that some of the party saw on their first meeting, was homemade, as his work was dangerous and had mentioned that he needed to retire, and that anyone who was not gifted with the ability to lie, could wear one of his three available suits and the others could come along as various associates, but he would still need a week to attune the gem from Aarcanii's staff to Seren.

Tabernacle suggested, as a way to get more information on the situation, as they still weren't sure who might be speaking the truth, that they find the resting place of the dead sister, and ask her, as Tabernacle knew that the veil between life and death could be thinned by using magic, although he admitted he had no idea how to communicate with a spirit unrelated to his life. Masq piped in to tell them that he had no idea if Nolania, the 3rd of the sisters, was dead or not, just that she simply disappeared, with no body, and Kelaa had no idea of her fate, or at least claimed that. When asked where, Masq told the party that Nolania travelled to and from *Quarry Hold* and *Still Geyser*, working as a relations keeper. He noted that the two cities had a strong economy together with the forges the four Kings held, noting further that people from the surface come down due to the skills of the forgemasters there, which was something they needed to keep alive, but one day she went into the tunnels and never came back.

When asked on current relations with Still Geyser, Masq mentioned that King had appointed a council member, Tophate, to fill the position, but there hasn't been any new growth since then Nolania was gone. Tabernacle asked how someone so important, and was cared by the people, could go missing without any real investigation, Masq admitted that one of the hard facts of living in *The Underdark* is that a lot of people went missing fairly often, such as being picked off by tunnel spider and never seen again. Seren thought this was odd that Aarcanii could survive so well on her own, for so long, against such forces, but Masq clarified that Nolania was the least gifted, and weakest of the three sisters. He continued further that there was varying levels of devil or demonic presence through the Varimathias's actions, and caused minimalistic mutations of all degrees, like Spider Dragon, who wandered the fallen gem tunnels.

Yashani wondered if their time would be best spent searching for someone who might be dead, or risk getting off on the wrong foot by introducing themselves to someone powerful like the King. She suggested being helpful to the people, to integrate themselves as helpers in the community, and earn their way into the King's good graces. Killian liked the idea, but was worried that Kelaa make it more difficult, as she might not like outsiders, and to gain audience with the King would be through her. Tabernacle also added that if she could erase memories, she might have a way to see them, and would notice their motives. Yashani did not see how helping people could anger Kelaa, and pointed out that strangers to the King were not likely to get the opportunity to be close enough to touch him. Seren noted that if he was asking as Masq's apprentice, that it should be reason enough to get close, but Yashani countered would only work if he was being fitted for something. Killian asked if Masq needed to keep Seren close for the gem's attunement, but Masq replied that he just needed something from him to keep while he worked. Tabernacle brought up the idea something was happening with *Still Geyser*, and that they had they have several reasons to go there. Masq replied reminding them they could speak with Dobril Sogo, who was the illegitimate child of Aarcanii and the King

Seren surmised that attuning the gem was a given no matter what else they planned to do in the week. When asked by Seren what she hoped to do to help, Yashani said that Masq might know more, but she was a healer. Masq stated that Kilick healing basically handled, although they could ask Cobbeel who runs the *Miner's Guild*. Quincy mentioned her worry that by making themselves more known, even as helpers, they would draw Kelaa's attention. Killian said that blending in would be is important to their plan, which made Yashani laugh as it was obvious that wouldn't work based on their looks. Masq stated that the King did talk outsiders, and there was one he consistently saw. When asked who it was, Masq said it was the Merchant King Wish, and noted that he was responsible for the gems, and had his own way of coming and going through the tunnels. He used to associate himself with the King, but now it's been business ever since he became a Merchant King. Killian asked if there was a schedule to Wish's visits and Masq told him that Wish came down every three - four weeks, but it had slowed down a bit while they tried to find new places to mine. He continued further that the tunnel spiders were causing a decent amount of issue in their progress, and that dealing with the spiders might gain them favor with the King.

Quincy wondered if it would be enough to come back from killing the spiders, but Tabernacle noted it likely wouldn't be enough to earn them a close enough proximity to touch him. Seren asked about the Spider Dragon, to several mixed and concerned reactions, believing with Masq's help in equipment or knowledge they could take it down, would certainly get them recognized and earn an audience. Masq stated it would be enough, especially because the Spider Dragon was part of what was stopping the mining expansion. When Yashani voiced concern for Kelaa's presence in that meeting, Masq explained that Kelaa only came to *Quarry Hold* when called for. Masq also stated that his magic is what protected the castle, not Kelaa's, and is the reason why he went there every now and then to maintain it. Tabernacle asks for and receives direction to the tunnel that led to the Spider Dragon, then asked the same for *Still Geyser*, and was told that it would be a few days journey to get there, and another few days to get back. Seren asked Masq is he thought the group was capable of taking down the Spider Dragon, and Masq was unsure what the party's abilities were, but did mention that he could probably assist, though it would set him back. The rest of the party started to express concerns over fighting a dragon, while they brought up their close calls with the howler in the chasm, and the prismatic beetles on the way in to *Quarry Hold*, the latter which Masq explained, was a security system, and they need to look at the ground when they come and go, which was written on the sign they saw, but presumed none of them could read Undercommon.

Seren brought the conversation back to the Spider Dragon, insisting that killing it would help the people of *Quarry Hold* and gain favor with the King. RX suggested poisoning the Spider Dragon, but Masq said the people used the dragon's poison to poison other things. Yashani pulled out one of the *Three Vials of Dragon Poison* she had taken from the Kolbold Chieftain, and when asked explained how she got them, which Quincy filled in how they had helped Ob with Masq exploding kobolds. Masq stated the kobolds explode because of the poison, like the one she was holding, and reiterated the details of how kobolds worship the Cave Dragon, drink it's poison and explode under the right circumstances, as they were told by Bolton earlier. Yashani asked if they could poison the Spider Dragon with it, as it was not it's poison, but Masq says it wouldn't work. He did note that the vials are used by getting the poison into the blood stream, making them weak enough and they then explode, like the kobolds. RX asked if the cave where the Spider Dragon lived was important, putting out the idea of causing a cave in, but that a lot of money and livelihoods would be lost. With this, Seren got upset, getting to his feet and insisting it was taking too long, dropped his staff and shield before leaving the shop. Worried that Seren might be impulsively headed toward the Spider Dragon or *Still Geyser* by himself, the party hurried out of the shop. Quincy took up Seren's staff, as Masq took his shield, stating it would be enough for the attunement process, and they promised they would be back soon.

Outside, Yashani hurried after Seren, and using *Ob's Charm*, and asked him to at least say where he was going. Seren slowed and stated he was headed to introduce himself to the King. Yashani having none of it, picked up speed and put herself in his path to stop him, and told him rashness leads to bad decisions. Seren insisted that the plan was to introduce themselves, and to clear out the monsters in the tunnels. Tabernacle said there was a strange pattern of spiders, spider witch and a Spider Dragon, and what ever way they picked they would have consequences to deal with. Seren asked what the plan was, and RX stated his believes the first plan from Masq, to infiltrate in disguise, was the best plan of them all. Quincy stated she liked the idea of helping rid the area of danger, like smaller creatures and not the dragon per say, and Killian in response that regardless, they need to wait for the attunement to be continued. Seren seemed agitated by the idea of wasting an entire week waiting. Tabernacle stepped in close to Seren, noting he was a friend and trusted him, that the group needed leadership, and that he understood something has been on his mind, but he couldn't let it control him as the others need him. Seren stated that if he couldn't help who he was looking for, then he wanted to help someone, and Taberncale reminded him he had six people right here. Seren agreed to wait and the party continued to discuss.

Killian pointed out that they could take care of the spiders would be fine, but if they wanted to keep with Masq's plan of infiltration that they cannot be made known so early. He continued stating that only so many people would be able to wear the suits, and others might be able to disguise themselves, but there would be some people who would need to go as they were and if the party made themselves known the plan would fall apart. Seren understood this and apologized. Killian then explained that they had options - either go to *Still Geyser* and talk to Aarcanii and the King's son for information, or stay and try to help people quietly in *Quarry Hold*, even just resting and training while they waited for Masq. Seren asked what good injecting the bastard son into the situation would do, and Killian replied he might have information on Kelaa through his relationship with Aarcanii. When Seren still does not see the benefit, Quincy explained that bastard children are a secret, raised in the shadows and therefore know a bit about shadows. This plan also has the added benefit of keeping them out of sight in *Quarry Hold*. Alaerith did not have much to offer to the discussion, but he admitted that challenging the Spider Dragon would be a wise for them to do, and that going to the King about the Spider Dragon seems odd, if it were a real problem he assumed they would have seen it posted as a job, or heard about it around town. When asked, RX again stated the first plan was the most strategic, and outside influences being brought had a history of not improving their chance of positive success.

The party decided in the end to put the ideas to a vote. Quincy, Tabernacle and Killian voted to go to *Still Geyser* while Seren, Yashani, Alaerith and RX vote to stay in *Quarry Hold*. Yashani put a last note that to keep a low profile, traipsing around the dark wouldn't satisfy that goal. Seren noted if they needed information he could contact Aarcanii, but would need a rest first. Yashani suggested that as Tabernacle was good with people, and liked alcohol, did suggest the *Miner's Guild* would be an idea for him. Seren offered to walk back to the temple with anyone who would like to go with him, which Quincy and Killian decided to do. While they walked, Quincy hands back Seren's staff, explained that Masq was using his shield, and that she only imagined how it must be to be looking for someone for so long, as she had only looked for her crew for a few months. They eventually arrived and Seren started to have his long rest, while Killian knelt before Avranti and tried his hand at praying and Quincy just hung out on the grounds. RX decided to head back to Masq's shop, while Yashani tailed behind him for her own purposes.

Tabernacle decided to take Yashani's suggestion and headed to the *Miner's Guild*, cast *Minor Illusion* on himself to make himself a little dirtier like a miner would and eventually noticed Alaerith in the distance behind. He stopped and asked if he had a reason to follow him, and was a little surprised when Alaerith said he just wanted to find a place that had a drink, and welcomed the company. As they continued, noting what Tabernacle had done, Alaerith copied and cast *Prestidigitation* to the same effect. Tabernacle also brought up the idea of any plan, and they settled on keeping an ear out within, while also mentioning that they didn't quite take kindly to newcomers. Beyond the castle was a large, black stone building full of light and life as the two drew near. They saw it was the *Miner's Guild*, and saw there were tables out front where people sat and ate, and while they were covered in some sort of dirt, the dirt shimmered like rainbow coloured dust, as the two remembered they mined gems, and it is not how the two had assumed their disguises should be like. They corrected their disguises before they stepped in, and saw a large gymnasium like room with a long bar across the back wall, six hogshead kegs on the counter, and bottles lining the wall behind it. Tabernacle and Alaerith moved towards it, smelling something good, spot a goblin hurrying past with a platter of meat pies to another table. They managed to get the last two seats at the bar, where they couldn't seem to find the barkeep, but while Alaerith was distracted Tabernacle cast *Mage Hand* to grab two tankards and filled them without being caught.

Just as he did, the two saw in the corner of the bar, coming around a pillar at the end, two minotaurs dressed prim and proper in nicely fitted suits. After one of the minotaurs said that Dezo must have had them, Tabernacle requested to open a tab. The minotaur asked who they are, having worked there 15 years knew every miner here. Alaerith admitted they were newcomers looking for a place food and company, and the minotaur piped in and a place to drink, which the two agreed with. The minotaur told them they didn't see outsiders often, just a couple, with Wish one of them, but they hadn't been seen six - seven weeks. Tabernacle asked about Wish's business with the King, and was told that the trade between them was a dominant part of *Quarry Hold's* economy. Tabernacle requested for he and Alaerith whatever the regulars got, and the Minotaur called for a goblin named Tony, who appeared, and told him to get two "Mine Specials". The minotaur left them to there night, and the both of them thought it a little strange to find a minotaur in *The Underdark*, but Alaerith noted that the minotaur they spoke with were oddly intelligent from what Alaerith had known about the species in the past. While Tabernacle made mention on the idea of getting to know people that this was the right place, a ding ding sound was heard as two plates were placed in front of them with steaming meat pies, mashed potatoes, and the two dug into their meals while they drank.

Back with RX, he continued on his way to Masq's shop, unaware of Yashani nearby behind him. RX walked in and told Masq he had a more personal matter to discuss, that he assumed based on the contents of the shop that Masq might known what to do with the diamond beetle carapice RX collected when they first entered the city. Masq said that it was unfortunately not full, that he would need four of them to use it, and couldn't do much with it, but if RX came back with a bigger one, Masq could put it in something that would increase his intelligence. RX asked if there was a place where he could make use of his wealth, and Masq replied that it depended what he was looking for. RX responded back that he wasn't quite to sure, and asked what Masq knew of magic. Masq replied that he knew quite a lot, that he learned in the Academy in *Still Geyser*, came to *Quarry Hold* and learned from Aarcanii's mother and grandmother, and stated he could give a lot of information, but it depended on what he wanted to know, and was more of an enchanter. Yashani soon arrived outside his shop, looked for a discreet place to sit down and not be seen, pulled out the *The Book of Sanguis* she had received from Chuluu, examined the seal on the front and attempted to unlock more of it. Back in the shop, RX asked for something magic that he could purchase, that he could hold and use, was open to many suggestions, and had 65 gold. Masq slid 60 gold to himself and asked what he wanted to do, from burning, electrocuting or freeze stuff. When RX replied he was interested in electrocuting, Masq pulled out a tiny piece of finely cut amber, and explained that typically he would place it in RX's sword, RX was himself made of metal, with eyes widened, and RX soon having the same response, soon followed the enchanter to the back of his shop.

Back with Yashani, she attempted to unlock another section of her book by focusing on making her Ki into a physical orb in her hand and pressed it into the tome as before. None of the chains unlocked, but she didn't seem too upset by it, willing to be patient. Yashani soon heard the sound of clanging and an oddly metallic scream. As RX was taking damage and screamed multiple times, Yashani put her book away and followed the sound of the screams into the shop, toward the back room and came in to find Masq in his protective suit, with a hammer in hand, hovering over RX who was laid out on a table, with his hand out and new piece of amber now imbedded into his hand, as Masq had just finished and checked if RX was still alive. Yashani asked what was going on, RX and Masq explained the purchase and the experiment. When Yashani and RX asked what it would do, Masq asked RX to punch him, which he did with, and on impact, RX's knuckled and the amber sparked up as sparks ran across Masq's suit, but didn't seem to take hold of Masq. Masq excitedly celebrated his success, before asking RX to come back when he had more gold to spend. Yashani asked if RX was conscious for Ob's explaining that lightning could cause RX to 'detonate', and RX stated he was aware and already experimented with it and figured out how to control it. Yashani, understanding that RX was hurt, but had never healed someone like him, activated her *Hand of Healing* to heal the damage he had taken in the process, and after RX who was now refreshed and unsure why, asked Yashani to repeat what she did, which Yashani did, happy that he was happy. Afterwards, the both of them left Masq to work, left his store, and as Yashani headed to the *Shadow Monastery* to see Chuluu, RX followed behind her.

### **Break!**

Words of Wisdom giveaway from Mak!

* Winner is amarasun! Congrats on receiving these inspiring words from our very own Mak -
	+ "*I don't know you personally, but everyone in life goes through their struggles and I just want to let you know that if you are going through a struggle, um - am I legally allowed to like recommend marijuana to help or not? (Haelley : no, absolutely not! / Zac : yes, you absolutely are if it is legal in your state / Haelley : Zac! Put it away! ) If it is legal for you in your state to consume, (Ian : what the fuck?) weed always relieves stress, it is scientifically proven, so, that is my advice to you (Darrin : it's legal in my country)*
	+ It was super chaotic and Mak is never allowed to give advice again!

### **Part Two**

As Yashani and RX entered the *Shadow Monastery* together, RX noted how dark it was, as he did not have darkvision. Yashani told RX he didn't have to come in if he wished as she had a question or two to ask, but RX replied he didn't mind. When they found Chuluu, Yashani asked him about the monk who came before her, Poackel, admitting the name rang a bell for her, but was still confused that they came to learn the ways of the shadow monks, despite being the monks of Sanguis, and wondered if it was possible for her as well. Chuluu explained it was doable, and through conversations learned that Poackel believed Sanguis was not just the God of people, but the God of all connection. Poackel also trained across the continents, with different masters, who helped him open different sections of the book, and that when he came the book was open, but closed it before he left. On the topic of different masters, Chuluu also mentioned that he had gone to the surface only once, and finding it was too bright, hadn't gone again. Yashani admitted she missed the light and the surface, but thanked him again for being pointed in the right direction. Chuluu said that he wished he could help more, but that the only way out he knew out was blocked by a blockage and the Spider Dragon. When Yashani mentioned hearing of it and that no one had been able to take care of it, he replied that a whole lot hadn't been thrown at it, though people had gone in small groups and died, and people didn't feel it was worth risking their lives for. Yashani mentioned that she was travelling with a skilled group, as RX spoke up and introduced himself as one of them, and asked if killing the Spider Dragon would help the people here. Chuluu said it would help, and that he could show her the way out then if she wanted. Yashani thanked Chuluu for his help, then started to leave the *Shadow Monastery*. Before leaving, RX waved his hand around for a handshake, and at the last moment felt it make contact, which allowing him to just faintly see the shadow of Chuluu, who thanked him back and disappeared as RX left to reunite with Yashani and started to head back to the *Church of Demigods*.

Back with Alaerith and Tabernacle, Tabernacle had taken to swiping scraps off of passing plates and tossed it down to Hobble at his feet. Tabernacle asked Alaerith how he felt about the Spider Dragon, and Alaerith replied him that he doesn't like spiders or Spider Dragons and putting them together was his worst nightmare. Tabernacle agreed, and was surprised how ambitious Seren was about going after it, but couldn't find it in him to go to *Still Geyser* when it was only a few days travel. Alaerith explained that the way he saw it, that if they went to *Still Geyser,* they would have to take the time to get there, then gather enough influence to warrant meeting the King there, and then make their way back. Tabernacle seemed to agree and Alaerith finished that there was no bad ideas, just the circumstance that decide it. The conversation went a bit to the wayside as the two became less sober, before they noticed the minotaur who pointed out the bar was mostly empty and was closing up. As they received their bill, Tabernacle admitted he didn't have enough to pay their tab, but Alaerith happily paid the 16 gold for their stay. They learned the minotaur's name was Pile, and thanked him before leaving. Midway Tabernacle passed out in mid-conversation with Alaerith, and Alaerith drunkenly hobbled him back to the church, with Hobble beside.

Tabernacle and Alaerith met with Yashani and RX outside the *Church of Demigods*, where seeing their drunken states they help two get inside. Deciding with RX being incapable of smell, and therefore wouldn't be bothered by Tabernacle's odor, RX carried Tabernacle over his shoulder, while Yashani helped Alaerith inside. The rest, minus Seren who was still taking his rest, were sitting around the church, and saw the others enter. Yashani and RX took Alaerith and Tabernacle to free rooms, as neither of them had actually had used a room. RX all but dumped Tabernacle onto a bed, with a little drunken resistance from the old man as he resisted going into the room. In comparison, Yashani more gently led Alaerith into a room, helped him sit down in bed, took off his sandals and got him comfortable, and Alaerith in his drunken, sleepy stupor said *"Thank you Xipha"* before passing out, leaving Yashani a little confused.

When RX and Yashani returned to the main area of the church, Quincy asked where they were. RX answered that they went to Masq's shop and Yashani went with him, though not for the shop specifically. Quincy and Killian soon both notice the scratches and the new amber imbedded RX's hand. Killian, seeing the gem immediately cast *Message* telepathically telling her "Alright, leave it be for now-", but Quincy ignored it and demanded to know from RX what it was, to which RX simply replied "amber". Quincy asked why he had amber in his hand, and he simply replied "science". She then turned on Yashani, who explained she was not there for the amber being put in, that didn't go to his shop to shop like RX did, and that he was fine and that she healed him, which alarmed Quincy a bit more, before she then told Quincy that she should look at Masq if anyone, as he seemed interesting in trying the process again in the future. Yashani also told Quincy that the amber did something "quite shocking" and laughed at her own joke. RX offered to demonstrate, and Hobble in response did try to makes himself a good target, but Yashani convinced him not to. Yashani was about to tell Quincy more, but Killian suggested not giving her anymore information that might get her to kill a new ally.

Yashani instead suggested putting Quincy's anger to good use, told them that she went to talk to Chuluu again, and explains what she learned, noting that taking care of the Spider Dragon would help the people, and additionally help them find their way out of *The Underdark*. Killian admitted he was worried they were planning to abandon their promise to Aarcanii, but Yashani stated she had no plan to leave right away, just stating that it would be an option. Yashani believed that killing the Spider Dragon could help them fill time, and believed that their numbers would make them capable of winning that fight. Killian admitted he was optimistic, and Quincy in response that she was pessimistic, but she didn't want to spoil the idea of doing something good for the people of *Quarry Hold*. With that, knowing they weren't taking on the Spider Dragon tonight, those who were still awake took a long rest.

As he slept, which Alaerith didn't often do, he started to dream of his home, when it was still intact, people running around, his friends in sight. Then the feeling and pressure in the water shifted, and where the light of the two suns would usually shine down through the water, the world went dark with blackness consuming his vision, and screams rotted his ears, as something very large started to loom over *Alaskari.* When they faded, and his vision returned slightly, the city was destroyed and a long, spined tail whipped past his vision in the water. He fell back into a restless sleep.

The next morning, for however morning was like in *The Underdark*, Seren woke before everyone else, having started his long rest much earlier, and went to each room to check on the party, making sure everyone was accounted for. He soon found Alaerith sweating in his bed, and Seren cast *Shape Water* as did his best to clean and dry him while he slept, understanding he was distressed in his own mind, then Seren sung a lullabye for a bit before he left the room and slowly woke everyone up. Quincy soon woke up, adjusted her hair to cover her ears, took the time to pull a page from her half-used journal and wrote a letter before leaving her room to find Kilick. She asks, knowing it was a long shot, if there was anyway to mail something out of *The Underdark* and to the surface. Kilick replied there wasn't a formal way of doing so, but she could ask some of the miner's to send it out with the gems, as it's the only time things move in and out of the city with "the cat fella", the Merchant King Wish that Masq had mentioned to them before. Quincy didn't seem pleased by this, but thanked Kilick, turned around, noticed Seren who had been listening, and looked like they were about to say something, but was by the sound of Alaerith yelling from his room.

Seren rushed to Alaerith's room to check on him, and when he had no response knocking the door, opened his room up and saw him holding his head, muttering in horror why he saw them, and feeling the remnant of the hangover, realized that he had slept and held his head. Seren kneeled beside his bed, asked if he was alright only to hear sobbing in response, and immediately held him, as he thought to himself understandingly that this had been him just yesterday. Meanwhile Tabernacle, woken up by the noise cast *Invisibility* and went to Alaerith's room, but found the door was closed so he listened from the outside. Killian using *Ob's Charm*, asked for everyone to meet in the common area as Yashani had information, but Seren responded not to wait for him and Alaerith. Tabernacle absconded from the church, still invisible, and nearly ran into a woman at the door. The woman looked to be a dark elf, but not as dark as most drow tend to be, with short white hair, surprisingly green eyes and wearing very nice looking lightly plated, leather armor that was very ornate and well taken care of. More curiously she looked at Tabernacle as he noted that her eyes followed him, somehow able to see through his invisibility, but made no comment as she entered the *Church of Demigods*. She saw the group gathering in the center of the church, and apologized if it wasn't a good time, but she was there to see Kilick, who soon appeared, addressed her as Esmeria, and hurried her to a back room.

Yashani came out of the kitchen with breakfast for everyone as Esmeria and Kilick disappeared and Killian noted that this was everyone who already knows the plan. RX attempted to contact Tabernacle over *Ob's Charm* but found no response as he was out of range and told the others. As Seren and Alaerith came out from Alaerith's room to join for breakfast, Seren assured Alaerith that he didn't have to tell Seren anything right now, but that he was always happy to listen. Killian gave Yashani the floor to explain what was said while the others were sleeping the night before. Yashani, while eating, had moved her mask on top of her head, and Quincy stared none too subtly, and explained that she had spoken to Chuluu, as she had questions, and learned that it would appear killing the Spider Dragon, as daunting as it would be, would not only help people, but would allow them a possible way out of *The Underdark* that it was blocking. Seren, who made a rather sad joke that he might have slept too long again, said it was only yesterday that it was considered a bad idea, but Yashani insisted that was before knowing that killing it also provided a way out, that was known. Killian also added that not only was Chuluu someone who had knowledge on the Spider Dragon and the area, but that he had noted the belief Yashani's skills, and recommendation meant it was not impossible for them to do, and Yashani finished by adding she had talented individuals with her, which was more then the numbers of the past.

The conversation turned to Tabernacle not being there, with RX noting that he was unable to contact him, Killian who added he was either ignoring them or out of range and Alaerith who noted that if he was feeling like he was, he probably hadn't gone too far. Seren went to check the room he had been in, and found a perfectly remade bed, but no Tabernacle. Seren then cast *Sending* to Tabernacle, and asked him to return to the church. While they waited, they continued the conversation, noting that the group's numbers were appreciated and that finding Tabernacle was their priority before doing what they needed to do. Seren having Tabernacle's response noted that he didn't wished to be found at the moment, but soon after at that moment, a sound was heard outside the church, as Tabernacle's voice called for them. Quincy handed Alaerith her coffee hoping to help his hangover and Seren cast *Lesser Restoration* to remove it completely, as everyone started to shuffle outside and found Tabernacle with a rickety looking cart attached to a half-dead looking donkey. Tabernacle, seeing several party member's expressed confusion, explains that he was thinking of naming the donkey Chum Bucket, though that could be a group decision, and that this was a vessel as they are a crew together. Tabernacle explains that the group had a tendency to disagree, but that they had come from across the map, and with different backgrounds all had skills that the others don't.

Tabernacle then began the process of passing out titles and small gem encrusted pins for each of the group that correspond with a ship's crew. This goes as listed -

* Surgeon, someone who helps fix them whether the wound be mental or physical - Seren, given a white & purple pin
* Boatswain, someone that gives the crew a sturdy foundation - Yashani, given a white & green pin
* Quartermaster, lays the course and knows what needs to be know and shares that with the group - RX, given a white & orange pin
* Cabin Boy, someone who hasn't filled his shoes yet and looks forward to what's to come - Alaerith, given a white & turquoise pin
* Captain, the leader and keeps the heart of the crew and makes the final decision - Killian, given a pure white pin and hat
* First Mate, stand behind the captain and help him along the way - shared between Tabernacle and Quincy, given a double white pins

At the end of it all, Yashani smiled and was happy to tell Tabernacle that the group had made a decision to kill the Spider Dragon, and hopefully find a way out of *The Underdark*, if Tabernacle would agree as well. Hearing this Tabernacle sat on the cart, looks to Killian asking for his first order. Killian, looking a bit sheepish, stepped onto the cart and pointed randomly to say

*"Onward, and well met. I suppose this Motley Crew is on it's way to fight a Spider Dragon."*

Everyone got in the cart, except for Seren and RX who decided to walk alongside the cart, and Yashani directed them where Chuluu explained the tunnels leading, away from Quarry Hold and saw more signs with Undercommon*.* While on the move, Quincy stealthily dropped five gold in Tabernacle's pocket as he steers the cart, which went unnoticed. They eventually found one tunnel along the edge of town, that was boarded up and blocked off, and they assumed they found the right place. They steered the donkey and cart into the tunnel and out of sight, but decided it would be better to not risk it getting caught in a fight with the Spider Dragon.

After they left the cart and donkey to traverse the tunnel, maybe 15 feet wide and dimly lit by the speckling of gems that were too small to mine. They found off shoots that go off to either side, noting they didn't go very far and came across empty barrels and abandoned supplies. After an hour had gone by, the tunnel started to grow darker as they reached areas that were more heavily mined, the tunnel shrinking down to only about 10 feet wide and they were forced to walk single file. In the distance most of the party soon heard a skittering of too many legs against stone, and in response Seren activated his *Eyes of Night* to grant 300 feet darkvision to those who need it namely Tabernacle, Quincy and RX, and Killian as a bonus. Tabernacle asked for Quincy's opinion on whether they would value more 'something flying or something that could deal a bit of damage', before pulling out his book of lures. He pulled one of the lures out, called out for "Hugo" to help before he cast *Summon Undead*, as the undead spirit of a goliath man appeared at the front of the line, who Tabernacle spoke to like an old friend.

The tunnel eventually begins to open up ahead of them, widening from 10, to 15, to 20, to 30 feet, then opened up to a chamber. As they drew closer, Tabernacle had Hugo move to the back, while same time, the people with the extended dark vision could start to see all the way through the chamber, seeing web-like sacs that hung from the ceiling and dripped with clear liquid, as well as more sacs on the ground. They soon heard the sound of flapping from above, and as they looked, the party met the gaze of the 15 foot long creature, upside down, with eight eyes and spider legs attached to a dragon-like body.

1. ↑ Note From the Cast : in the previous episode, there was a technical issue where we could no longer stream and record at the same time. The plan offered previously was to have people going through the sewers, into the castle, or hiding in the *Bag of Holding* and hoping they were let out before they suffocated.
2. ↑ Note From the Cast : another detail from lost footage - Seren must be attuned to the gem from Aarcanii's staff for Masq's plan to disrupt Kela's modification magic. Seren, once attuned, must touch the King.
3. ↑ See "A Few Things for the Road" at 25:52.
4. ↑ The new enhancement resulted in RX's unarmed strikes dealing 1d4 lightning damage, on top of the normal bludgeoning damage he would deal
5. ↑ See "A Few Things for the Road" at 1:33:48.
6. ↑ See "Memories" at 1:26:38.