Howls in the Dark

**Howls in the Dark** is the fourth episode of *Another Bad Side Quest*. The Nameless Protagonists trek through the Underdark and make a new friend along the way.

## Howls in the Dark

### **Synopsis**

**Pre-Show Shenanigans**

* Catch that new intro! Music written and performed by Darrin, ABSQ's main character art is done by @laniekun and the world map of Palamoa by @TheBrassBailey
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### **Part One**

Upon waking the next morning, the party found Aarcanii already awake and moving about her home to make breakfast. Tabernacle, having not slept well the night before was still asleep, while Seren prayed and Yashani meditated. Killian suggested waking him gently, but at Quincy's suggestion, Seren decided to wake him by poking him with a stick. Realizing he was covered in a spider-silk blanket, Tabernacle was startled at first, but found it to be a very nice material, and stows it in his coat as a replacement for his destroyed net, which Aarcanii did not protest to. Aarcanii then asked why the party is there, and RX explained how 'we came to save people, stole books and were trapped down here, and met her'. Aarcanii admitted it was unusual for people to be sent down the hatch in groups, or as well armed as they are. Tabernacle continued their tale of the fight with the ghasts, and mid conversation Seren pulled out the *Large Book* he had taken from the desk exclaiming that it may be able to tell what it was. Finding that he couldn't read the jagged elvish script, showed it to the group with Quincy mentioning her book was in the same language, and RX saying the same about the book he had taken, but neither were able to read it. After examining the language, Aarcanii revealed that the language was Undercommon. After being asked if she could translate it, Aarcanii has a little glimpse into the book, and identified as 'something they should keep safe and hidden'. Tabernacle took the *Large Book* from her and mentioned that he couldn't read it himself, but did say that knowledge from his old crewmates were coming back to them, and if he communed with them, they could tell him what it means.

Aarcanii offered to tell the group what it meant, and explained that it was written a couple centuries ago by the remnants of her people. Inside were spells to bring people back from the dead, but not in a good way. Seren replied that it made sense considering the creature it was taken from. Alaerith spoke up, having not said anything or made a sound since he returned from beyond the hatch, and asked where he got the book, and Seren mentioned getting it coming from the desk in the cavern, before they were sent down the shoot by Nomzyo. Alaerith hearing this pulled out the *Five Notes* he had found, and mentioned they were from the same place and offered them to Aarcanii to translate as well. She looked over the notes and explains that they were incomplete notes on how to adjust the spells into a proper resurrection, and that whoever had this was were trying to properly resurrect someone. She handed them back to Alaerith as Killian asked if there was a mark of ownership on the book or notes, and Aarcanii replied that the book belonged to her great-grandmother. Tabernacle attempted to offer the book to Aarcanii, but she turned it down, saying she never agreed with how her people acted in the past, referencing her spider abdomen, even saying to burn it. Aarcanii quickly moved on to the topic of Nomzyo, asking if it was Nomzyo Gilbrianto they spoke of, which Quincy confirmed. Aarcanii expressed surprise at the name, explaining that Nomzyo was "a bit of a sociopath" and was also an exile from *The Underdark*, from *Still Geyser* specifically, but had used it to his advantage. Yashani asked if she knew of Nomzyo's father, and replied his name was Terrik, and was a slave to a beholder. Nomzyo escaped this fate at the cost of his father's life, which Yashani replied would explain why the books taken by RX were important to him. Aarcanii suggested either they belonged to his father or the Beholder itself. Seren asked if this beholder was still active, but Aarcanii stated she was unaware, as she has been exiled for over 60 years. When Alaerith asked what beholders were, she described them abominations, large intelligent creatures, eyes on stalks on their head, that she wouldn't want to run into them if she had a choice and were dangerous. Tabernacle added on saying he heard a tale of them from legend, and asked Aarcanii even if she wasn't aware if it was there, if there was a chance. She replied it was possible, but noted *Still Geyser* was very far from there, and had no idea on what was happening with the Sogo family there, as she was originally from *Quarry Hold.*

Seren commented on her saying she was exiled, and asked if there was a specific reason she was exiled. She replied that she disagreed with her sisters and how they acted, and paused, before saying that she would need to explain more. Aarcanii spoke how her species were not normal; and how they were referred to as Erevantu, which was Undercommon for 'Abomination'. In the age of Varimathias they became greedy for power, and used ruins, past the rope bridge, that were from a summoning area, used to try and summon demons, and took their power to use for their own. But one demon didn't agree, and rushed it's power into the underdark, affecting some of them and turning them into their half spider forms. Many of her people were hunted, seen as abominations, but this form gave them a stronger connection and more control over the Æther. Eventually they started to convince people they weren't harmful, and many of her people started to use some of their powers for good. When Aarcanii's mother died, it was her and her two sisters. But sometimes the connection was not always a good thing, and dark things took hold of her siblings. They used a scenario in *Quarry Hold* to blame her for killing people, and got her exiled. If she wasn't then, she would have brought light to their actions.

Tabernacle told Aarcanii that he felts like he could understand where she is coming from, that he knew what it felt to be stuck between two worlds, and apologized for judging her. Aarcanii replied that she was used to the loneliness, that nobody came past the lake, and that she herself wasn't allowed past the lake. She also remarked on knowing, from speaking with people, how magic wasn't used much on the surface, and almost seen as a crime, differing to the Underdark. Tabernacle admitted to previously hating anyone who used magic, but since his own fate, and discovery of his magic, he wasn't sure how to feel about it, but admitted it had it's benefits. Aarcanii agreed before turning to the group as a whole and assuming the party wanted to get out of the *Underdark*, which the party agreed. She said there were a few ways, far from here. Tabernacle brought up Nomzyo and the idea of finding the exit he used, before enquiring about *Quarry Hold*, which saddened Aarcanii before she spoke about it in loving detail. Tabernacle proposed the idea of having a guide to aid us, and to disguise Aarcanii's spider abdomen by casting *Minor Illusion*. She appreciates the gesture, but replied that she had her own tricks, and *Wild Shaped* into a normal spider which impressed and startled most of the group, with Seren as an exception who gave a blessing to Kenala. When Aarcanii returned to her original form, it is decided that Aarcanii would come along to lead them through the dark and to help them, and in return they might be able to help her as well. When the topic of light, for those who can't see in the dark naturally, is brought up, Aarcanii headed to her desk and pulled out two items she believed might be needed, a cracked glass orb, and a black gemstone with fine silver silk wrapping around it, and inside a swirl of the darkest smoke anyone had ever seen. Alaerith asked what it was, and she replied it was a *Driftglobe,* now broken, but still worked, just not as bright as before. Alaerith came forward and asked to look at it, and after examining the cracks, cast *Mending* in an attempt to repair it by*,* seemingly with success returning it's full abilities to Aarcanii's surprise. She then turned to Seren, and holding the black gem, said it would be more beneficial to him specifically, that it was given to her by her teacher, but that it would do more good for him, and gave Seren the black gem.

Tabernacle worries these are parting gifts, but Aarcanii reassures him that she will be coming along for as far as her exile will allow, specifically a chasm just beyond the lake, she no longer crosses, due to her sister's magics. At this, Killian told Aarcanii that he was a man of his word, and that he would make sure she could go past the lake into freedom, swearing on his life. Aarcanii appreciated this gesture greatly. Seren asked if there was any magic they could find that might, that might counteract her sister's magic. Aarcanii said, if they made it to *Quarry Hold*, to look for *Cutter's Shop* and find Masq, saying he might know of something. Tabernacle brashly offered to instead put her sisters' heads on pikes, which Yashani quickly disagreed with. Killian clarified his intention was to get her there as opposed to intruding with her family. After a small back and forth about the merits of killing people the party didn't even know the names of, Aarcanii stated there was little else to do and that she would take them as far as she could. Seren reiterated the plan of leaving with Aarcanii's assistance, to get to *Quarry Hold*, to find Masq and ask for his assistance or bring him back to Aarcanii. When everyone agreed to the plan, Aarcanii moved about her home to gather her things and before heading out, spat a special fluid on the party's feet which would allow them to cross her webbing without trouble. Yashani, unwilling to leave food uneaten, took as much of the breakfast with her as she can.

Once out in the tunnels, the trek was difficult but not impossible. With Aarcanii's help, Seren's wisdom, Killian's *Bardic Inspiration*, plus the light from Seren, Killian and the *Driftglobe*, the party managed to make their way through the steep inclines and confusing tunnels underground, and found themselves eventually at the end of the tunnel, that opened up into a cavern too wide for them to see the edges of, lit up by more of the glowing mushrooms and the sound of water from the lake. Aarcanii recommended to the group that this would be a good place to rest, while she went around the lake and checked for dangers such as oozes and howlers, while also letting Tabernacle know there were fish to catch as well. Aarcanii handed her staff to Seren and then *Wild Shaped* into a spider once more and scurried away.

While waiting, Tabernacle took the time to start fishing along the shore and also pulled Alaerith over to hold the *Driftglobe* light so he could attempt to translate and understand more of the book and notes they had found. Seren meanwhile kept an eye out with his enhanced darkvision, and saw across the lake, noting that the cavern was an oval shape with a sort of coast, that they would probably need to travel around to get across. Afterwards he also took a moment to examine Aarcanii's staff, and found it was made of beautiful black wood, with little gems embedded in it, and at the very top a black gem, similar to the one Aarcanii gave to Seren. While he looked the staff over, Quincy approached and said she had a friend like Seren. Seren perked up, giving his full attention to Quincy before she clarified she means his cleric abilities. Seren seemed disappointed, before shaking it off and asking about them. Quincy explained that their friend, Kerrack, was one of her crew, but they had been separated for some time now. Seren sympathized, but Quincy assured him that she would find them, and that for now, having Seren around was comforting.

Aarcanii soon popped into existence in front of them, startling them, which she apologized for as she can't communicate as a spider. She told them that the area was clear, and they should start moving. Seren commented on Aarcanii's staff, and she told him it was her mother's. Seren replied that his staff was also from his mother, and likewise was a druid like her. Aarcanii was happy to hear that druids still existed on the surface. Quincy ask what a druid was, and Aarcanii explained someone whose life and magic was tied to the land.

At the same time, Tabernacle had ritual cast *Comprehend Languages* as a ritual and read the spellbook. He explained to Alaerith, who slightly puzzled watched Tabernacle pull out a lure from his fishing kit as he casts, that there was a boy on his crew that was especially smart, a scholar, but who's intelligence will never go to good use. When the spell is completed and he can understand the words, he thanked Oliver, and proceeded to read through the books and the notes. Tabernacle found the spell *Animate Dead,* with attempted alterations to make it more like a true resurrection, but very crudely. He also found the spell *Hypnotic Pattern,* before being called by Aarcanii to keep moving. As he packed his fishing supplies, Tabernacle admitted to Alaerith that he really did not trust him when they met, which he was aware he probably knew, but also felt that he had has proven himself to be good a lad.

Alaerith started to leave when Tabernacle held him back, telling him he had an idea that would make it easier for the others, and feeling that Alaerith could do the same, cast *Shape Water* on the lake water, to freeze what he hoped to be the first section of a bridge. Alaerith copied him in his casting, and after Tabernacle called the others and received Aarcanii's blessing on the idea, Seren likewise cast *Shape Water* as well till a 15 foot wide bridge that everyone could walk across was made. Some time and careful footsteps were taken to cross, but still saved time for the party without the detour around the lake and everyone made it to the other side. Continuing on their path the cavern led into a much larger tunnel, now 30 foot in diameter, and found the trek less difficult than before. They eventually come upon an intersection, and Aarcanii informed the party, that down one way was a way out by crossing the gorge which was extremely dangerous and beyond led to caverns of goo and ooze. The other, bigger tunnel they would head for the chasm, which would take the rest of the day, past that to Ob's in two more days, and *Quarry Hold* in another three days. While continuing their trek, Tabernacle continued reading the book while using a dagger from Killian with *Light* cast on it as a light source.

As they went on, the party grew tired and the wear and tear of a long day travelling before Aarcanii stopped at a thinner point of the tunnel. Aarcanii informed them that the chasm was close, and confirmed though she could go no further, but could help them one last time. She turned to the tunnel's stone wall, and cast *Mold Earth* causing the wall to shift, revealing a tunnel that she led them down. The tunnel led to another home-like space, but disheveled and abandoned. She explained this was the first home she made when she was exiled, wanting to be closer to home, but eventually her efforts becoming futile, and she moved further on to find a safer place to stay on the other side of the lake. She told them if they were to find Masq, he could find her here and that she would stay there for a week. Seren wondered if that would be enough time since as it would take several days just to get to *Quarry Hold*, not leaving enough time for Masq to get to this place, but Aarcanii assured him Masq was skilled and could find a way. As the party prepared for a long rest, Alaerith, with Tabernacle's conversation, and Aarcanii's mention of the word 'abomination' in mind, finally realized that his right arm was still out in the open since their battle with the ghasts, and hid it under his cloak as they all rested.

(Tabernacle also did some thing in secret unknown to the party before going for his long rest.)

### **Break!**

Another giveaway! This time a candle themed after *Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy* from GMDice! Enjoy the art and sponsor information until we come back.

* Giveaway winner is kroberts7!

### **Part Two**

Needing less rest then the others of the party, Alaerith learned from Aarcanii how to use the *Driftglobe* and later on wrote down the commands for using it. The remaining party having, finished their long rest, are woken by RX, who informed them it was the 13th hour of the morning. Aarcanii was in the process of making breakfast and encouraged everyone to eat before the day really began. While they started to eat, RX asked for more information on the chasm they would cross. Aarcanii told them that a millenia ago, there was an incident the residents of *The Underdark* call 'The Collapse'. The cave walls in several areas shook, and caved in many places that people called home. The length of tunnel around the chasm were once an important passage way. It had a bridge, but due to Aarcanii's exile had seen little use and was in in disrepair. Aarcanii admit she lost several friends who tried crossing the chasm to come see her. When RX asked if the bridge was the only way across, she replied only if they could climb walls, unabated by effort of strength.

When everyone started to eat, Quincy approached Aarcanii quietly and asked if she might be able to translate the book she had taken from Nomzyo's library and she agreed. Aarcanii looked them over and noted that Nomzyo likely stole them, and explained they were journals and stories from the Obsidian King, Alis Venscar, king of *Quarry Hold*, and that Quincy might want to return them to him. Quincy asked what the Obsidian King was like. Aarcanii replied that he was kind as best as he could be, that his ancestors rid the tunnels of the cave dragon that plagued them and brought prosperity to *Quarry Hold* and that he listened to the people. Aarcanii also said he never did anything to harm his people, but recalled speaking with him, just before her exile, and that he had a blank stare that seemed to go through you. Aarcanii then wrote a note in Undercommon, and requested Quincy take it to the Queen of Quarry Hold, Venterri Venscar, remembering that the Queen did not agree with the exile and could be an ally. Quincy agreed and promised to see it done. As their conversation ended, Killian, having overheard, cast *Message* and telepathically asked Quincy,

"*Do we have a date to see a king now?"*

with Quincy responding in the same way

"*It would seem I am quite the mail service around here.*"

While everyone gathered their things and finished breakfast, Tabernacle approached Aarcanii, and explained he had the ability to commune with spirits, before asking if she had any spell components, like incense, that she could spare, believing it might be useful in the coming days. Aarcanii believing she would be unlikely to need them going on, offers a small sack with a variety of spell components. Tabernacle thanked her for it, and said he would love to come back to talk to her about the arcane since he knows so little. Aarcanii finished by telling Tabernacle, that she guaranteed he had something to find in *The Underdark*, and whispered to him for Vaust to guide him.

The party left Aarcanii's old home, watched her cast *Mold Earth* to cover it up again, and ventured out through the tunnel until it widened much like it did at the lake, leading to an 20 foot x 20 foot platform. They found a rope bridge that stretched across the chasm, a chasm that even Seren's 300 feet darkvision couldn't see an end to to. With an investigation check, Seren determined that the bridge may not sound enough to carry his weight or even RX's, and recalling Aarcanii telling them the distance was about 600 feet across, Seren saw that the distance reached farther then his vision could see. Seren asked if maybe Alaerith could cast *Mending* across the bridge in small sections to maintain its integrity, but on the realization that Alaerith might have to make several trips back and forth to do so, to Alaerith's very obvious discomfort, it's decided that it likely might not help as much as they might hope. Seren then suggested that maybe people could be held in the *Bag of Holding,* which Quincy reminded everyone involved a risk of suffocation if they remain too long. Aarcanii cut in, noting that Seren might have the most trouble, cast *Spider Climb* on Seren, enabling him to walk on walls and ceilings as if they were regular ground. Seren pondered on the idea of being able to carry another person with him across the side, but Aarcanii did note that she could only maintain the spell for a certain amount of time if he was thinking of going back and forth carrying people.

Tabernacle stepped in, and claimed he had an idea to fly us over, using a new trick he learned, but that it would be a shaky ride. He explained that he could call on the spirits of his dead crew and the *Bag of Holding* to get across. Yashani asked if he planned to disturb the dead, and Tabernacle replied "I am the dead!" as he cast *Flock of Familiars* and summoned spirits, that had humanoid form for a moment, before they coalesced into three seagulls. Tabernacle offered to 'gondola' people across the chasm, which was met by concern by several party members, but Tabernacle offered to go first. Seren then popped in and asked if anyone would like to be carried across which Quincy accepts. Tabernacle started to climb in the *Bag of Holding*, and apologized to his birds 'for having to ask for their help one more time', and then instructed them to carry the bag to the other side and pass it to the 'turtle fella'. At the same time Seren picked up Quincy, carried her on his shoulder, and started their trek across the chasm, walking along the walls, with Seren having fun, but Quincy much less so. At the same time, Tabernacle's seagulls started their flight across the chasm.

Back at the platform, the rest of the party remained behind, when Aarcanii suggested the party needed to move faster, just as a sound in the distance was heard that she identified as a howler. Yashani immediately stepped out onto the bridge hearing Aarcanii's words. Meanwhile Tabernacle's seagulls dropped the *Bag of Holding* for a moment, but managed to catch him before he fell too far and fly within sight of Seren and Quincy who made it to the other side of the chasm. Back at the start of the bridge, Yashani led a careful walk onto the bridge, with Killian close behind and RX waiting as not to put too much weight on the bridge all at once, all while Aarcanii yelled they had to leave now. Alaerith asked what she would do, but she responded she could get through them. Not trusting the bridge, Alaerith instead ran to the wall, cast *Spider Climb* on himself, started to run across the wall as Seren did, and no longer needing to wait for him, RX started go across the bridge.

Yashani, Killian and RX continue their way across the bridge when they feel it shift beneath them and the sound of the howl gets loud, loud enough for Tabernacle, who was out of the bag now, Seren and Quincy to hear it softly across the wind. The three on the bridge felt it start to shake and shift more, with Yashani deciding it was time to dash across, while RX looked behind to see a hulking, quadrupedal creature with spikes along its spine. Tabernacle, from the other end of the bridge sent one seagull back with the *Bag of Holding* and instructed them to give it to one of three crossing the bridge as well as to aid them, while he also used his ability to see through his seagull's eyes and reported it back to Seren and Quincy. RX shouted to the others to hold onto the bridge in, case it becomes a ladder, and the three dashed across, while Killian gave encouragement and *Bardic Inspiration* to RX

*"Whatever you're gonna do bud, i am hoping that it's the right decision!"*

Yashani and Killian dashed with no issue, but RX struggled and fell *Prone* on the swaying bridge. At the same time, Seren shook Tabernacle out of his seagull's senses, and cast *Shape Water* in an attempt to help stabilize the bridge with ice.

RX stood up, with the help of Tabernacle's seagull, and moved a little more, and with the howler only a little behind him, shouted "Grab!" before he brought his long sword down against the bridge. The sword impacted and managed to slice through the rope causing himself, Yashani and Killian to smack against the chasm wall as the rope bridge dropped, with RX plummeting and barely managing to grab hold to one of the boards, with some help from Killian's *Bardic Inspiration*. Tabernacle and Seren started to pull the bridge-turned-ladder, as Alaerith arrived from his run across the wall and headed down to the three on the ladder, while Quincy attempted to keep watch. Alaerith seeing Yashani and Killian, as both insisted Alaerith to help the other, decided to aid Killian first, as he looked the most hurt by the impact and helped him up the impromptu ladder, with aid of Tabernacle and Seren's pulling and Tabernacle's seagulls, while Yashani and RX continued to climb. Once Killian was safe on the ledge, Alaerith headed back down and helped Yashani, while RX climbed, but started to tire quickly. Tabernacle sent down all his seagulls to try and help by having the birds tug on RX's clothes as he climbs, along with Alaerith pushing RX from beneath, while Yashani and Killian aided in pulling the ladder.

At the same time, Quincy realized while she tried to keep watch, that since she couldn't see in the dark naturally, she therefore couldn't see beyond the faint glow of the moss on Seren's shell. Once everyone was safely over the ledge and out of the chasm, the party took stock of their surroundings. Seren, Tabernacle, Yashani and Killian, heard down the tunnel they would take a metallic click. In response, Tabernacle sent his seagulls into the dark tunnel in hopes of seeing something, but one of them was soon gone as the party heard a thunderous boom from down the tunnel, and a voice saying

*"I don't know about the rest of you, but what are you doing here?"*

All as Seren and Tabernacle, using the remaining seagulls, saw down the tunnel, a long coated figure, with cracked skin and red hair, slowly making their way up the tunnel.

1. ↑ As seen in "Fishing and Feather Beards" at 2:04:39.
2. ↑ See *Spider Druid's Gemstone*
3. ↑ Component Pouch