QUICK RECAP

The group explored various dungeon levels, encountering and defeating creatures like Gray Slods, umber hulks, and a disguised sludge creature while discovering portals, magical items, and hidden chambers. They encountered multiple challenges including traps, combat encounters with Helmed Horrors and Zorn creatures, and navigated complex rooms with frescoes and valuable gems. The group discussed their findings, trade goods, and strategies for future encounters, with plans to continue their exploration in the next session scheduled for the 18th.

NEXT STEPS

SUMMARY

Dungeon Exploration and Monster Battles

The group discussed their exploration of a dungeon level, encountering and defeating Gray Slods near a portal that led back to the 5th level. They discovered a floating stone eyeball creature that Arin successfully evaded by casting fog cloud. The party then heard strange noises ahead, including the sound of a desk breaking into splinters, suggesting they were approaching an encounter with an "angry accountant" or other unknown entity.

Dungeon Battle With UMBER HULKS

The group encountered and fought two umber hulks in a dungeon with an Ikea-like layout. Gimbal successfully attacked one umber hulk with a sneak attack, while Jitters cast a fireball spell that hit and damaged the second umber hulk. The party discussed their strategy, with Ceol and Arin planning to attack from different angles, and they agreed to be cautious of the umber hulks' mind-altering abilities.

Umbrella Hulks Battle Update

The group continued their battle against umber hulks, with Helper and Arin successfully taking down the first one. They then encountered two more umber hulks, with Gimbal and Ceol managing to defeat one of them. The remaining umber hulk was restrained by Arin's web, but the party had to deal with its ability to take cold damage and make strength saves to break free. The session ended with the party discussing their next steps around the remaining umber hulks and Jitters questioning if he was still hypnotized by the dead umber hulk.

Portal Discovery and Key Exploration

The group explored a room with a stone arch containing a carved image of a hand pouring ale, discovering that water from a nearby pump could activate a portal to level 12. They found 3 copper pieces in umber hulk dung and discussed various portal keys, including Valdemar's key which didn't fit the portal. The group also noted that the room's ghostly gatekeepers seemed to regulate access, with female dwarves preventing unauthorized entry.

Sludge Creature Battle Discovery

The group encountered a disguised sludge creature impersonating Hallister, which attacked them after being discovered. They fought and defeated the creature, with various party members using spells and attacks including fireball, magic missile, and necrotic damage. After the battle, they found a note left for Gimbal from the sludge creature, which mentioned Dwaymer Core. The group discussed the possibility of a connection between the sludge creature and Alistair, and Jitters remembered receiving a similar invitation to Dwaymer Core from a previous encounter.

Dwarven Tomb Exploration Adventure

The group explored a dwarven tomb, discovering multiple secret doors and traps. They found a sarcophagus with a magical trap that animates axes, but decided to investigate other areas instead. Arin fell 30 feet down a shaft and was rescued by the group. They agreed to return after a longer rest to further explore the tomb, as they suspected it might contain valuable treasures protected by elaborate traps.

Discovered Dwarven Chamber Secrets

The group discovered a hidden chamber containing four statues of dwarves, one of which was inhabited by a trapped soul named Van Daxion who claimed to be a former hero offering to reveal secrets in exchange for release. After detecting magic emanating from all the statues and an illusion behind the tapestry, they decided to investigate further, finding a sarcophagus containing the mummified remains of a dwarf king with magical items including an adamantine war pick and a shield bearing the symbol of Dumathuan.

Magical Items and Entity Encounter

The group discussed two magical items: a war pick that guarantees critical hits and a sentinel shield that provides advantage on initiative, rolls, and perception checks. They debated whether these items could be used by anyone or if they were specifically designed for certain characters. The conversation then shifted to interacting with a trapped entity named Mark, who offered information about a portal and a biscuit recipe in exchange for release. The group decided to keep Mark imprisoned for now, promising to investigate his claims further before considering his release.

Level 7 Portal Exploration Discovery

The group explored a complex of rooms and portals in Level 7, discovering various doors, frescoes, and valuable gems. Gimbal found a key and tossed it to Kale, who noted it down. They encountered a room with quartz pillars and discussed the possibility of encountering rival groups. The team also found a fresco depicting dwarves tossing gems into the mouth of a giant zorn, with several precious stones available for trade.

Exploration and Survival Challenges

The group discussed their current situation, including their trade goods and the potential to sell them, but decided not to do so immediately. They explored a new area, encountering various challenges and creatures along the way. Gimbal found some jeweler's tools, which he decided to keep for now. The group also encountered a group of Zorn creatures, which they managed to escape from. They continued to map out their surroundings and discuss potential strategies for future encounters.

Dwarven Deeds and Helmed Horrors

The group successfully defeated a pair of Helmed Horrors in a combat encounter, with Arin and Ceol dealing significant damage to the constructs. After the battle, they examined four statues representing dwarven deeds, finding a brass mouthpiece at the feet of one statue. The group discussed their progress through Level 7 and agreed to schedule their next session for the 18th, with Mark noting he would be in Palm Springs but could still participate.