Session 8-C: Party Crashers

Key Plot Developments
Yuk Yuk, Pyrite, and Glyn emerge, badly wounded and frenzied, from the Silken Paths into a new, crystal-filled Underdark chamber. Yuk Yuk, saddened by Spiderbait's death, exclaims that he kept his end of the bargain in leading the group to a safe space where he last remembered seeing the older Cragmaw (presumably Rotgut). He then castigates Pyrite for her thoughtlessness in provoking and magically attacking a many-tentacled aberration that could redirect magic and distances himself from the party.

Glyn, frustrated at Pyrite's thoughtlessness and complicity in Spiderbait's death, instigates a verbal confrontation with Pyrite. Pyrite expresses her worldview: she saw her father's life stripped from him by hobgoblin invaders, she saw her clan needlessly routed by negligent adventurers, she saw the clan rent asunder by the Demogorgon, and she knows that nothing is more important than getting the power necessary to keep her loved ones safe. If others are harmed in the process, it's unfortunate, but they are just collateral damage. Glyn asks her, if she cares more about the clan than her own power, why she keeps putting him in harm's way. She dismisses his concern, but ultimately expresses some remorse. Glyn is unconvinced.

As they wander through an interconnected series of rocky and crystalline tunnels, they follow the now-departed Yuk Yuk's directions into a massive gallery. There are dozens of fire beetles on the rocks and ceiling, reflecting upon large crystal structures of white, green, red, blue, and purple. The crystals themselves are infused with their own internal lights. There are gentle streams fed from a cascading waterfall.

The goblins notice how ecletic the occupants of the cave are. Duergar, deep gnomes, drow, and even a huge ogre with broken chains around its wrists meander, lean on crystals, and gaze up at the wondrous lights. They're greeted by an impossibly beautiful elvish woman with a glimmering onyx pendant. She's escorted by a nine-foot tall, armor-plated biped with four eyes arrayed above its massive mandibles.

The maiden, who introduces herself as Annarei (Miss Anna for short), welcomes them to her garden. The insect-man, she says, is a peaceful Umber Hulk named Suortin. She claims that her garden is an oasis for all weary travelers tired of the Underdark's violence. She offers them food, drink, and respite (as long as they don't cause any trouble).

Pyrite is suspicious, but Glyn is smitten by her and grateful for her kindness. She reciprocates his affections. Suortin, the Umber Hulk, is a terrific cook, and prepares mushrooms for their guests. Anna intermittently asks him to "hit her," dazzling her with a temporarily euphoria-inducing Confusing Gaze.

When questioned about the goblin in her garden, Anna confirms that, while plenty of goblins have wandered in and out over the years, she hasn't specifically seen Trix, though she does remember an older goblin who matches Rotgut's description. Glyn asks Anna if she's safe out here, and she confirms that she's watched over by a caring patron called the Dark Prince.

After greeting the heroes, Anna invites them to a nice dinner. The group travels to the center of the cavern, which houses an ancient, crumbling ruin of black granite and what looks to be an altar of obsidian. Though Pyrite fears they will be sacrificed, Anna explains that they'll eat Suortin's meal on a table, but he's fixing him a new one; the previous table makes her sad. When asked why, she says that it's too big; they used to entertain more guests, but a number of them have disappeared with no explanation. Suortin has recently finished constructing a new Zurkhwood dinner table, which he transports and deposits atop the altar. The group sits down to eat. Anna gives a toast to the Dark Prince and offers wine to the goblins, who politely decline it. She respects their wishes and introduces them to the other guests; she's notably taken with the giggling ogre (who she affectionally calls "Giggles").

As the revelers enjoy their drinks, Glyn and Pyrite notice a series of pale, gaunt creatures emerging from the back of the garden. They soon realize that they're under attack by the undead! Anna recognizes some of the shambling corpses as the disappeared guests, addressing them by name, but Suortin prevents her from showing them any affection and begins to fight. The undead tear through the garden, killing some members, but are subdued by the combined efforts of Suortin, Glyn, and Pyrite. Anna, instructed to refrain from battling until sober, absent-mindedly reveals a huge pair of leathery wings on her back and floats above the fray.

After the fight, the party tracks the undead to a nearby tomb connected to the ruined obelisk. Anna asks for Glyn's help with killing these wicked party crashers. He, enamored with her kindness and unbothered by her wings, agrees without hestitation.

New NPCs

 * 1) Miss Annarei, bat-winged elf maiden
 * 2) Suortin, Umber Hulk bodyguard
 * 3) Giggles, eternally laughing ogre

Memorable Quotations
Miss Anna: Suortin, hit me!

"Glyn: Miss Anna, are you safe here? Do you need any protection?" "Miss Anna: Oh, Glyn! Aren't you sweet? No, I'm fine, love. The Dark Prince watches over me." "Glyn: The Dark Prince? He sounds nice."