Below the Undercroft (Solo)
Below the Undercroft, Delve 12 - by Lilliaquil Dec. 3
I was nervous about returning to the undercroft given how many large groups were traipsing about. And Dargo decided he was still not well enough to join us. Gabriel and Rockmound needed to recuperate from the battle with the orcs so Denby recruited Breccia and Caedwilla again. I've grown fond of young Caedwilla and she of me. She calls me Lilly and insists that I call her Willa. Her father, Breccia, is more standoffish. If I had to guess, I would say that he has seen many more winters than I have. Odd for him to have such a young daughter.
For the first time since my brother Dalieliquin and Rockmound descended below the undercroft together, we all gathered together to discuss the next steps. It's obvious that we have different motivations for exploring the complex: Gabriel and Denby want to get to the bottom of the threats to the village and fulfill their oaths, while the dwarves and myself are interested in pulling the wealth out. My priority is getting my brother home and it's a long, expensive journey. I must admit that I too am intrigued by the events unfolding below, though I have no particular allegiance to the village folk. Best to fill my purse and be on my way with Dalieliquin.
We agreed that completing the map of the main level of the undercroft complex would give us insights into the warren of complicated corridors and oddly placed chambers. We also made another copy of the map in the event that we were separated while exploring, agreeing to meet in the massive triangular shaped chamber; the one with the concealed one-way door so we could make a quick escape if discovered.
A section of the complex near where Rockmound and his comrades had first encountered a group of bandits was still unmapped. That would be our next goal.
So once more into the depths with Barris at our side. I asked him to serve me on a more regular basis and he agreed so long as he continued to receive the hefty price of 2 gold coins per delve. Though he did chafe at the word 'serve.' Humans can be quite sensitive.
I can't imagine navigating these halls and corridors without a map. We made our way to the area as yet unmapped and listened for anything beyond the door but it was silent. Rockmound told us while we were planning that they heard giant ants beyond the door the last time they were here so we should be prepared. Sure enough a giant beetle charged us from the shadows and was quickly crushed by Breccia's morning star. The room was small and, as I was mapping it, I felt a cool breeze wafting from behind me. There was another hidden door. It took a while but we eventually opened it. Beyond the door was a corridor and about 15 feet down the hall, a small wooden chest lay on its side. We were wary; searching as best we could for any traps around the chest. If we were going to explore the hall beyond, we would have to pass the chest. Breccia took the lantern from Barris and moved closer, peering at the chest, careful not to touch it. Then he recoiled sharply... "Something coats the chest. It's got an acrid scent and wee grubs crawlin' tae and fro on it. I'll nae be fiddlin' with this yin." We gave it a wide berth and continued down the corridor until it split into two halls. One led to a dead end. We searched for more hidden doors but couldn't find any. When we went down the other hall, it too ended in a dead end. Breccia triggered something and the floor beneath him gave way. Traveling three abreast, Denby also tumbled in, losing his balance. Barris was beside them and almost tumbled in with the lantern but Willa caught him by the wrist. Both Breccia and Denby fell what must have been about 20 feet. Good fortune watched over them and they weren't seriously hurt. Though bumped and bruised, the fall mostly just knocked the wind from them. Breccia cursed saying that his vial of blessed water had smashed.
Luckily Denby brought another length of rope with him after having cut his other rope to bind the orcs we took into custody two days before. Neither could climb the rope with their armour and gear on so we hoisted their equipment up first. Despite feeling very exposed without their armour they took a moment to look around before ascending. They couldn't see much, being at the edge of the lantern light but discovered, through touch, that there were two halls that each led to a stuck door. Willa told her father to return to the light. I agreed. It was too dangerous for them to split from the rest of us. As they climbed up Breccia thought that, about halfway up, there might have been another level. My arms were fatiguing and we told him to hurry. Breccia weighed more than Willa and I put together and our strength, even with Denby and Barris helping, was failing.
While Breccia and Denby re-equipped, which took several minutes, I reviewed the map. We had accomplished our objective. Unless there were other hidden doors, we had explored the section that we had agreed upon with the others. It was time to return to the village. Breccia and Denby were still shaken from their fall and didn't argue. Despite frequent groans from the two males, we made the exit quickly and uninterrupted, though I am very curious about the mystery chest we left behind.
| 
