Thread 6310391

Since the arrival of the Eilistraeans, the entire Tenpenny estate has been refurbished, many of its rooms converted to dormitories and facilities all funded by Emitia. The girl spared no expense in providing for your people, ensuring that the building is staffed and adequately supplied, insisting that Sune will provide for them until the children are grown enough to provide for themselves. While you've not acquired the artisanal techniques of your people, there are many skills that you can impart besides fighting - the survival techniques from your ranger training and affinity for dance chief among them.

But you've a more immediate concern that demands your attention - impressing upon these children the culture of the Ilythiiri that was lost with their elders. They speak the local surfacer language, are ignorant to their illustrious history, and have no understanding of who they truly are, something that you have been working diligently to remedy as of late.

The old gallery, once filled with Tenpenny's vulgar paintings, has been completely redone into a library filled with fiction and realmslore. Rows upon rows of dark wood shelves sitting on white tile, surrounding a common area, the chairs arranged in a semicircle around yourself. In attendance are the children, who sit in anticipation of your lecture, their benefactor Emitia Rouzet, High Sorcerer Lael Lathalas, and his apprentices.

What, you wonder, will be the topic of today's lesson?
>Today I will tell them the storied history of Menzoberra the Kinless, one of Lolth's most powerful priestesses and the founder of the city Menzoberranzan itself.
>It is time for a lesson on Ilythiirra. They are learning the basics of our language well enough, but it is important to review regularly..
>I will tell them more of our homeland, the Underdark, Of its many cities and peoples that inhabit it.
>[Write-in.]

>>6310391 (OP)
Previous Adventures:
https://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive.html?searchall=Forgotten+Realms+Adventures

The Rules™:
https://pastebin.com/VRQHDHSr

Abilities:
https://pastebin.com/FaJABuJs

Looks like the network in had maintenance right before I could post the update. QM Curse confirmed?

>>6310391 (OP)
>Today I will tell them the storied history of Menzoberra the Kinless, one of Lolth's most powerful priestesses and the founder of the city Menzoberranzan itself.
Welcome back Greenwood!

>>6310391 (OP)
>>Today I will tell them the storied history of Menzoberra the Kinless, one of Lolth's most powerful priestesses and the founder of the city Menzoberranzan itself.

>>6310391 (OP)
>I will tell them more of our homeland, the Underdark, Of its many cities and peoples that inhabit it.
The horrors and strife, but also the beauty and wonder. They'll hear enough of the former, but only one who lived it from birth can recognize the latter. They should not be ashamed of their origins, or their kin.

>>6310391 (OP)
>>I will tell them more of our homeland, the Underdark, Of its many cities and peoples that inhabit it.

Hmm, vote closed.

>>6311133
...QM?

>>6316102
The update will be out later today.

>>6316251
Get hype!

"Not long after the war with our surfacer cousins sent us into exile, we were at war once more. For in those days, many of our people worshipped not only the Spider Queen, but also Ghaunadaur, god of exiles and That Which Lurks in the dark. Older than even Lolth and all of the darthiiri gods themselves, Ghaunadaur commanded many of our people, making him the enemy of the Weaver of Webs. For many decades, the Ilythiiri were divided, our new city in the Underdark already a ruin."

You pause briefly, allowing the children a moment to digest the information that you've provided before proceeding. "With no end to the fighting, Lolth commanded her favorite priestess, Menzoberra the Kinless. to lead the most worthy of our people far to the north of Ilythiir, away from the long war that had broken us a second time."

Leaning against a nearby table, you draw a heavy sigh, recalling the story as you've heard it so many times. "All throughout the the Underdark they fought, defeating every foe they faced during their travels. For years, they wandered in search of the promised land of our goddess, losing half their number along the way. Yet the goddess is cruel, for once the Ilythiiri led by Menzoberra arrived at their destination, tired and wounded, their final test awaited them."

>>6316457
"In a great cavern with a bounty of fresh air and clean water dwelled an army of spiders large enough to eat a person whole, servants of the legendary Mzil Solen, 'Many Eyes' in the surface tongue. A powerful b'ahlach, or a creature that the humans call 'beholder.' It is an ugly thing that floats in the air, with one large eye and many smaller ones, each shooting wicked magic in all directions," you explain, attempting to describe the creature as best you can with the crude surfacer lexicon.

"It was a battle for the ages. Most of the Ilythiiri people fell during the struggle, yet we were victorious in the end. For Menzoberra dealt the final blow to Mzil Solen, scattering the army of the b'ahlach and winning the cavern and the favor of Lolth for our people. It is here that Menzoberranzan was built, named in honor of the Kinless priestess herself, making her name immortal. Remember this story well - for all of our people in this part of the Realms, even those who follow Eilistraee, descend from those brave warriors who traveled here with Menzoberra and survived."

A murmured discussion breaks out amongst the Eilistraeans as your tale concludes, Emitia herself joining enthusiastically. As if on cue, the obnoxious red-haired girl - Lael's apprentice Mytyl - raises her hand, submitting her query before you can even acknowledge it. "Are you from Menzoberraban?" She asks sweetly.

>>6316458
You cackle, shaking your head. "Menzoberranzan. And no. I am from Ched Nasad," you correct gently. Once called the Che'el de'Sril've Cressen. It was a great city, larger than this city of Everlund, held above a large cavern by giant webs. But the webs were burned by mercenaries during a great war, and the city fell, destroying it all." Mytyl shifts in her seat, clearly uncomfortable with the implications, but you smirk reassuringly. "But all of the treasure is still there, waiting for those brave enough to find it one day."

"Have you ever been to Menzoberranzan?" Asks Emitia, who leans forward, anticipating your answer. "Yes," you reply coolly. "It is one of the most rich cities of our people, full of our wonders and history. It is the best place to travel. But it is not the place to live," you assert, tapping the palm of your hand with your finger for emphasis as you continue. "For the Ilythiiri of Menzoberranzan are hated even by our own kind, They attack without reason and treat those from other cities almost as bad as their slaves."

"Where else have you been?" Asks an older boy. You give the question more consideration than it merits, reflecting on the countless locations that you've visited in your centuries. "Many, many places. To the south, there is a great city called Sshamath. It is not the priestesses, but the mages that rule here. So strong are they that Lolth has no say, and everything that can be made with magic and more can be bought from its markets. Non-lythiiri looking to adventure are welcome to visit, for wizards always want for something rare."

>>6316459
"It is not only we who live in the Underdark. Just as the darthiiri drove us into darkness, so too did the harglukkin - dwarves - do the same to their own. Dark like us, they are known as duergar, and perhaps the only people who are our equal. Their greatest city is Gracklstugh, City of Blades, where their forges burn red at all hours, bright enough to match the surface sun. They make the best weapons," you affirm.

"Humans live in the Underdark, too. Human followers of the Night Goddess had a great temple far to the east of here. Many years ago, my army fought a long war against them for the treasure of their goddess. Rivvil though they were, they fought almost as well as our own. It was a difficult war," you add.

The mention of an army at your command provokes a new round of questions from your audience, who are eager to hear the storied history of your military career, from your very first skirmish to the most bitter wars. It seems that you'll be here for quite some time...

Meanwhile, elsewhere...

>>6316462
Sequestered away in the depths of the Delyl Estate, situated at the very edge of Menzoberranzan, sat Vierna Delyl in the lotus position in a stony room housing only a humble shrine venerating the Weaver of Chaos. A powerful arch-priestess of Lolth and now matron of the house following the... untimely demise of her mother, she meditated on the precepts of her goddess, staring into the singular candle which burned with black flame before her, and only source of light in the otherwise lightless room.

A weak rap against the carved granite door behind her heralds the expected arrival of a visitor. Nevertheless, she gripped her iron scepter in anticipation, the best practice. With a labored heave, the visitor forced the door open, her footsteps silent as she struggled again to close it behind her. "Phaere," said Vierna to her sister, her tone seated firmly at the intersection of condescending and instructive. "Do you understand why I have summoned you here?"

Her sister inhaled sharply, ready to present an excuse meticulously prepared in advance. Vierna cut her off decisively before the first word could exit her sibling's mouth. "You do," answered the elder sister in Phaere's stead. "I gave you a simple task, and everything you could have needed to carry it out. And yet the traitor that we call blood-kin still has her head attached to her shoulders. Why?"

>>6316464
You are Phaere Delyl, and this was not your first plan. It was, however, your third plan, for your mighty intellect has devised several contingencies for this exact occasion. "My plan was flawless, sister. The hunter from the plane of Acheron whom I hired from Mechanus was the perfect match against Jezyrene... yet a powerful mage numbers amongst her allies, for it was banished!" You exclaim, raising your index finger in the air for emphasis, despite the fact that your elder sister has her back turned away from you.

"Allies?" Asks the arch-priestess, unable to suppress the genuine surprise in her voice despite her usually severe manner. "Indeed, Matron Mother!" You state, placing your hands at your hips. "Why, my incredibly reputable sources have recently informed me that she is the city's new favorite, a hero amongst humans and halflings and dwarves. They have named her their champion, and they say she even has a true warrior of Eilistraee in her retinue. How are we to gain the upper hand when she has a city at her back and a warrior of the Dark Dancer at her side?" You ask quizzically, intent on provoking her to action.

Vierna takes the bait, standing upright as her hands wring her scepter in repressed anger. Steadying her breathing, the arch-priestess answers. "I will prepare our army for a campaign," she responds sternly. "And you, sister, my trusted lieutenant, will explain how you intend to contribute to this endeavor to make up for your recent failure, lest I end you here and now."

You wring your hands and smile sheepishly, minimizing your profile in spite of the fact that your sister cannot see your anxiety and submissive posture. "I- I assure, sister, I have many reliable allies to call upon for this very occasion! Allies not of our people, whose trustworthiness is without question, S-so long as we reward them generously..." you state confidently.

"Tell me - who are these allies?" She asks directly. You have a few in mind - but who should you contact first?
>I speak of my contacts in the Zhentarim, a human mercenary company who can field the finest soldiers that money can purchase outside of the Underdark.
>I refer of course to a powerful orcish warlord. He has offered me many favors in exchange for obscure lore, and will gladly do so again.

>>6316467
>I speak of my contacts in the Zhentarim, a human mercenary company who can field the finest soldiers that money can purchase outside of the Underdark.
Better for us if the army of dark elves also has evil humans among them, so that people of Everlund can't make it a race thing afterwards and begrudge our people.

>>6316459
I wonder if Chessayne was a prisoner of a Menzoberranzan house that was made an example of, or vice versa...

Also, how's she doing? Any chance she's interested in teaching for a living? And her opinion on us effectively adopting Ilanis and Luaue and dating Amaranth?

>>6316467
>I speak of my contacts in the Zhentarim, a human mercenary company who can field the finest soldiers that money can purchase outside of the Underdark.

So did Vierna have her kid yet? Or is she going to fight us in specially made armor?

Also, Phaere dealing with Lael quest when?

>>6316503
>So did Vierna have her kid yet?
Of course. That infant has been sent to the nursery, where they will fight the other infants for survival. As soon as that baby comes out, it's the junior priestess' problem until they're old enough to have a job. The good ol' Lolthite way.

We'll see more of Chessayne soon.

Now, here's a fun question for readers to ponder. We saw in a previous flashback that Phaere derisively called Lolth's teachings "amorphous gray slop" with little hesitation, and she's always done very un-Lolthite things like reading surface books even as a girl. So, which god or goddess of the Realms does she favor? It doesn't necessarily have to be a drow or even Underdark deity, though it might be.

>>6316467
>>I refer of course to a powerful orcish warlord. He has offered me many favors in exchange for obscure lore, and will gladly do so again.
OrcxElf is my fetish

>>6316524
Zinzerena, the self-serving trickster who was born a dark elf.mage and stole divinity from a consort of Lolth?

>>6316524
I'd guess Oghma or Mystra, if Phaere's alignment is closer to Neutral than Evil and she's scheming in order to further her magical knowledge rather than to become Matron Mother.

Jez should ask a favor of Willow, see if she has any orphaned rabbit kits that we could give Phaere as a test of character.

>>6316467
>I refer of course to a powerful orcish warlord. He has offered me many favors in exchange for obscure lore, and will gladly do so again.

>>6316467
>I refer of course to a powerful orcish warlord. He has offered me many favors in exchange for obscure lore, and will gladly do so again.

Vote closed.

>>6316753
>>6316887
Excellent guesses. We'll be controlling Phaere for a little while, so we'll see more of where her loyalties (or lack thereof) lie.

>>6317498
Looking forward to it!

>>6321072
Any day now

>>6321159
Maybe if a post a Drow everyday

>>6321668
With art like that, there's really no downside.

>nobody puts up a drow babe today

I guess it’s my turn, then.

You guys think Jez can pull off a goth style dress?

>>6323862
I'm sure she's rather Amaranth pull it off, kek

I commend the enthusiasm! Every time I thought I was almost done with this update, there was more that I wanted to write, so I'm filing this down. Update in a few hours when I can get back to post it.

"I refer of course to a powerful orcish warlord. He has offered me many favors in exchange for obscure lore, and will gladly do so again," you explain, hoping to placate your elder sister. This is in fact mostly true. While 'many' favors is a liberal interpretation of the facts, it is at least true that you were able to leverage a tidy sum of treasure from him in exchange for some old dwarven charts of the local Underdark and a history lesson. Cajoling him into going along with your scheme would be no easy feat, although-

"Summon him," demands Vierna incisively. You shake your head. "He is no simple mercenary captain, Matron Mother. The warlord to whom I refer is mighty indeed, commanding a full army and burdened with all of the duties that come with it. If he is to be useful to our cause, then we will need to bargain with him," you explain. A quietude settles between the two of you as Vierna considers the situation, her pride at war with her pragmatism. Could it be that she still hasn't gotten over that one time when you sabotaged her duel with Jezyrene and embarrassed her?

"Then send word ahead of us that we will be having an audience with him," she states. "I will gather my retinue, and we depart before the next hour." Pragmatism is the victor - however much she pretends otherwise, you intuit that Vierna is very aware that House Delyl's present forces cannot defeat an entire fortified trade city unassisted, not even with the advantage of stealth. 'Phase Zero' of your next scheme in motion and advancing on schedule. Mwa ha ha ha ha!

"I will send my familiar out ahead to notify him of our arrival, sister. The journey to his new stronghold is a little under a half tenday if we're mounted, and I do believe that he will be receptive to our visit if we make the right offer."

>>6324675
Navigation of the Underdark is a tricky affair. Truthfully, only a seasoned ranger can find their way through the endlessly sprawling network of tunnels, caverns, subterranean lakes and rivers with anything approaching ease or accuracy. House Delyl's rangers are good - you believe. Though you've studied nature extensively in books, the thought of surviving on cave moss and maggots appalls you. The reason why so many people choose such a lifestyle enthusiastically evades you.

Then again, who wouldn't want to get away from a hole like Menzoberranzan? It's a well-known fact amongst Underdark denizens that the inhabitants of the so-called 'Jewel of the Underdark' are insufferable. Gods, you should have left for Sshamath decades ago. If you have to suffer through just one more tired sermon on 'the Will of the Goddess,' you swear that you're liable to-

"Phaere," your sister calls out to you, pulling you away from your thoughts back into the affairs of the moment. "Are we moving in the right direction?" Aside from yourselves, you are accompanied by the select few whom Vierna relies on regularly:

>>6324676
Sszindra Vexryl, House Delyl's weaponmaster and formerly Jezyrene's top student. With a smile like a razor and long ink-dark hair tied into a single loose braid, she is a braggart and casual flirt, as well as commander of House Delyl's forces. A bold tactician, she enjoys grand set-piece battles and theatrical duels. Unable to resist a challenge, she is a reckless instigator and basks in vainglory, her most glaring weaknesses. Szzindra favors the Draa Velve, or 'Two Sword' style. She has challenged Jezyrene thrice and has been soundly defeated each time, a sore spot for her.

Daereth Vorn, House Delyl's best ranger. A young man, in his early hundreds with pale gray skin and white hair grown long and wild, his loyalty to Lolth is suspect at best. A sullen loner, he is peerless at navigating the Underdark and surface world both, and seems to harbor a deep and perhaps religious affinity for nature. Rumors abound of him feeding surface creatures and playing games with them in secret - you intuit that Vierna is merely a convenient patron to him and that he'll vanish the moment she falls out of favor with him.

Vaelith Delyl, Vierna's eldest and most prized daughter, your niece. A formidable priestess of Lolth, she is the very image of her mother a century younger. Wielding the favor of the goddess like a weapon, Vaelith is devastating in melee and has all of your sister's worst qualities magnified a thousand times over. Fortunately for Vierna and yourself, her daughter is a hopeless imbecile - to Vaelith, applause is power, victory is leverage, and flattery is admiration. She is hungry for the praise of her mother and will do most anything to secure it.

Last, but certainly not least, Xelthryn. Never providing his family name, he is an open and unapologetic follower of Ghaunadaur. Small for even a male and bald with beady yellow eyes, Xelthryn is House Delyl's spymaster and Vierna's personal headsman. A thoroughly despicable little man, he gleefully boasts that he's untrustworthy and does ugly work with jagged knives in close quarters. Courteous and paranoid, he has an encyclopedic knowledge of poisons and has contingencies for his contingencies. His betrayal of Vierna is a question of 'when,' not 'if,' though at the moment he is far too valuable to your sister to be rid of.

>>6324677
"This is the correct path, Matron Mother," you assure, guiding your party of six through the expansive mushroom forest. Mounted atop riding lizards, the reptiles navigate the difficult terrain below with ease, which alters between rocky and muddy, a result of the underground lake enriching this region with its bounty. "We'll be arriving shortly. And please allow me to do the speaking - I am quite familiar with the orcish culture and manners," you insist.

"Culture? Manners? The lesser races hardly possess such things, and the orcs possess less than even that," says Vaelith, adjusting her weight on her lizard as she attempts to rebut you. "The only merit of their kind is their bulk, making them suitable for war and enslavement."

"How amusing! Not only was your opinion completely unsolicited, but also absolutely worthless!" You exclaim. "Would it kill you to read a book sometime this century? Mmh, then again, Lolth may indeed smite you if you suddenly start using that inert gelatin swimming around inside of your skull." Unable to think of a clever retort, Vaelith reaches for her weapon, her default instinct when she cannot get her way. A pointed look from her mother compels her to obedience despite your repeated blasphemies. The privileges of being an indispensable archmage.

>>6324678
Following the cavern wall around a bend, you are greeted by the entrance to an old structure undeniably of dwarven construction. Two massive doors of immaculately hewn stone, at least thrice your height and half as thick, invite you inwards. A steady flow of warm, dry air invites you, promising respite from the ordinarily damp and cool Underdark atmosphere. Positioned in front of them is a squad of orcs, a half dozen or so, clad in crude heavy iron armor sporting axes and broadswords. It is ugly work, although it will take a hit well and kill all the same. Orcish metallurgy is fascinating - the unlearned would mistakenly call it crude or primitive. And while there is some truth to this, their technique is pragmatic. It is rough, affordable, durable product that serves war exclusively.

"Greetings, warriors! We are the emissaries of the drow noble house of Delyl, come seeking alliance with your general, Wurgoth Twice-Scarred," you explain in the local human language, bringing your lizard to a halt. "Is he available?" The orcs do not raise their weapons, instead standing at attention, an unusual display of discipline for their ilk. One amongst their number steps forward to address you, his baritone voice speaking at you with a slow, measured cadence.

"We've been waiting, drow," he says, gesturing for you to follow. "But now, you're gonna have to wait. The chief is busy all day today. Luckily, we got a place for guests - this way." Vierna gives you a skeptical side-eye. Evidently, she has yet to be convinced of the merits of your plan thus far. She will learn.

>>6324682
Accompanied by your orcish escort, your party is led into the depths of an old dwarven fortress. Along the lovingly chiseled walls are rows upon rows upon rows upon rows of inscriptions in the dwarven Dethek alphabet, detailing the names and deeds of every citizen who has ever inhabited these walls... a historical treasure trove. You smack your lips, waggling your tongue in the air. The ambient magics of this place taste most unnatural. There is some ancient sorcery suffused within these stones...

Pushing deeper into the ruin, you reach the beating heart of this place. You navigate over a bridge a bridge, carved from a single stone and wide enough for several lizards and more, stretching over a chasm descending down into a healthy magma flow. From this vantage, a splendid view of the lower levels is available - adjacent to the magma flow is a sprawling manufactory. Hundreds of orcs work tirelessly, operating rows upon rows of forges powered by the flow. A cacophony of hammers resounds throughout the fortress depths, the reek of raw iron being processed into the implements of war invading your nostrils. Those orcs who cannot craft ceaselessly haul product off to some stockpile unseen.

Vierna gulps, her expression turning severe as she beholds the sight. Whatever doubts she had about the capabilities of this army have been dispelled. Whether you can win them to your side, however, is another matter entirely. Passing through a circular common area filled with the rubble of what must have been a sizeable statue before its demolition, you are led into a dormitory with enough rooms for the six of you and more, and instructed to wait.

>>6324684
Vierna and her daughter shut themselves away in the room they'll be sharing, immersing themselves in prayer. Daereth attends to the riding lizards - he has a passion for the creatures - and Sszindra impatiently maintains her equipment. Xelthryn... best not ask what a follower of That Which Lurks does when not preoccupied.

That leaves you to your own devices.

Intuitively drawn to the peculiar taste of this place, you run your tongue along the walls, the tissue tracing the texture of the Dethek runes. It is a fiery taste, potent like a soup of spicy lichen. You wander, trying to trace the magic to its source, eliciting strange looks from your orcish hosts who patrol - they could never understand, none of them could. Only one particularly gifted in the Art could fully comprehend, one as brilliant and dangerously good-looking as yourself.

Your reward is a vault, the entrance flanked by twin statues of dwarven warriors. More specifically, they depict Clangeddin Silverbeard, the dwarven war god, described as a dauntless fellow that will never negotiate, never compromise, and above all, never surrender. A cursory examination of your surroundings informs that this is a burial chamber - what could be nearly a thousand stone caskets are slotted into columns along the walls, each engraved with the name and deeds of the dusty cadavers contained within. This is a vault for fallen soldiers, you deduce.

But the real prize is an obelisk, a masterfully cut monument in the room's center, its text engraved red to commemorate the fallen. Approaching gingerly, you read the text, translating as you go...

>>6324686
'We accept this mythal of the (elven) People. With our hands, the Demon's Ingle was made, our last bulwark against the scourge of the One-Eye's (Gruumsh's) filth. With our oath, we lend our strength to the (elven) People, for just as they have honored the accord between our peoples made countless centuries ago, we too have chosen to honor our oath in war..."

Mythal, mythal, mythal. The elder magic from the age when Ilythiiri and Tel'quessir were one people united. That is the strange taste about this place - power unfathomable, a spell that is a living being in and of itself. Alas, it is dormant, having not been maintained in gods-know-how-long. That said, a seasoned magician can still harness its power. How auspicious that you are the only one within these halls with the appropriate qualifications.

A complete repair is out of the question. But given a few months, you could mend the worst of the damage, or make some light modifications. The spell is one of powerful transmutation and abjuration. Being an illusionist, working with this is not your forte, although it is within your means to work this ancient magic.

What sort of mischief will you get up to?
>I should repair the mythal as best I am able. It will help negotiations... and it will allow me to implant a geas into any equipment they make, forcing those wearing it to obey me!
>I will retool the mythal, converting it into a colossal primal fire elemental subservient to my commands, ready to summon. The mayhem will be glorious!
>I could tap into the mythal, siphoning off its energies to draw upon for myself. It would be inefficient, but my reserves of magic would be bolstered substantially, if temporarily.

Now you can choose what you will be up against in the final battle.

>>6324687
>I should repair the mythal as best I am able. It will help negotiations... and it will allow me to implant a geas into any equipment they make, forcing those wearing it to obey me!
I feel like this is the best option for an illusionist.

Also, can’t wait to have Jez scare her family with how enthusiastically she loves surface living.
>”Oh sweet Lolth, she’s reading a book WITHOUT HER BACK TO A WALL!”
>”NO, YOU CAN’T MAKE ME EAT YOUR FOOD! You’re obviously trying to poison me!”

>>6324687
>I should repair the mythal as best I am able. It will help negotiations... and it will allow me to implant a geas into any equipment they make, forcing those wearing it to obey me!
It creates a single point of failure: a mage who, by besting her, will free and maybe even earn favor with the orcs.

Welcome back, QM!

>>6324687
>>I will retool the mythal, converting it into a colossal primal fire elemental subservient to my commands, ready to summon. The mayhem will be glorious!

>>6324687
>>I should repair the mythal as best I am able. It will help negotiations... and it will allow me to implant a geas into any equipment they make, forcing those wearing it to obey me!

Vote closed.