# Summary ## [[The Failed Assassination of Nhilmar Adin]] Big Inky, the large [[Oxali Grippli]] [[Blood Hunter]], finds himself in an [[Jin's Manor|inconspicuous golden building]] in the [[Sun District]] of the ancient [[Grippli]] city of [[Gullsrog]] where he receives a new job from his employer, the [[Half-Devil]] [[Jin]]: the assassination of [[Nhilmar Adin]] in [[Malladrana]], who recently betrayed the [[The Chelicerae Family]] in favor of [[The Scatatress Family]]. The Job pays handsomely, totaling 1600 [[Gold]] split four ways, assuming that Big Inky hires a crew for the job. Big Inky accepts the job, asking in exchange for information about his sister, [[B'Inky]]. Jin tells Big Inky that his sister has been amassing power in [[Inkmire]], replacing people in positions of power with those loyal to her. Jin suggests poisoning B'Inky, but Big Inky affirms that he wants to deal with her more directly. Big Inky heads to [[Fruit Flys]] and discusses his need for a crew with [[Croago]], the bartender there. Ultimately, Big Inky recruits: - [[Pauma]], an [[Oxali Grippli]] [[Rogue]], who he finds mid heist at the [[Museum of Ancient Artifacts]]. - [[Lua'lie Vamis]], a charismatic [[Drow]] [[Sorcerer]] and voracious sex worker from [[The Silent Song]]. - [[Rilker Gelesar]], a [[Cleric]] of [[Umbra]] undercover at [[The Lunara Temple of Gullsrog]]. The crew, assembled again at Fruit Flys, discusses the plan based on information gathered from Jin: They will traverse [[The Fissure]], into [[The Xoctl Underdark]], until they reach the city of [[Malladrana]]. During an upcoming [[Rush]] game, Nhilmar will be present in [[The Malladrana Mayhem Stadium Penthouse|A Penthouse]] above the stadium. The crew will disguise themselves as [[Ranawahr Scorpions]] fans in order to blend in, approach the penthouse via one of two entry points, and kill Nhilmar. The next day, the crew sets out for Malladrana, traversing the jungles of [[The Fissure]] with relative ease save for a run in with a [[Roc]] and later a [[Tarrasque]], both of which the group narrowly avoids. After a few days of travel the group arrives at an [[Underdark Entrance|Underdark Entrance]] and begins delving into [[The Xoctl Underdark]]. They eventually run across a group of [[Kuo-toa]] guarding a [[Skiff]]. Deciding the Skiff will give them an expedient path to Malladrana, the group attacks the Kuo-Toa, leading to a bloody battle where Big Inky, Rilker, and Lua'lie are all nearly killed before Pauma frees the Skiff, which they all rush aboard and set sail down river to safety. On the skiff they find a [[Potion of Healing]] and a strange [[Glob of Goo]]. After a day of sailing, the group arrives in Malladrana to find the city eerily empty save for [[Major Image|Illusions]] depicting the ongoing Rush game being played throughout the city. The crew proceeds to the stadium, eventually approaching the penthouse as seemingly the entire city cheers on in the stands. Big Inky creates and fires a makeshift harpoon into the fire escape giving Pauma access to the penthouse. Pauma sneaks ahead, attempting to cut a hole into the glass of the penthouse, but is discovered and shot in the head with a [[Crossbow]], sending her tumbling down into the crowd, save only by Lua'lie's [[Feather Fall]]. Nhilmar's guards rush out of the penthouse, taking shots at the crew as they flee into the crowd. As the crew rushes through the crowd, Lua'lie notices that the Ranawahr Scorpions fans in the crowd are all [[Orc|Orcs]], 10,000 or more in total, which she finds unusual and unsettling given that [[Ranawahr]] is a Drow city. Acting on her feeling of dread, Lua'lie casts [[Feather Fall]] again to allow the group to float down onto the stadium below, far away from Nhilmar's guards and the horde of Orcs in the stands. As they descend, chaos suddenly breaks out in the stands as the Orcs suddenly begin butchering the Drow [[Malladrana Mayhem]] fans in the crowd. The combat spreads onto the court as even the Rush teams do battle, with a [[Amalie Adin|Mysterious Drow Woman in a Coat]] coming to the aid of the Malladrana team, eventually being wounded herself and fleeing. Shocked by what has suddenly unfolded in front of them, the crew follows the mysterious Drow Woman in fleeing, eventually following her trail to a [[Web Station (Stadium)|Web Station]] where they board a [[Giant Centipede]] and flee the city as the violence spreads into the streets. The group rides the Web for days, taking it as far as they can away from the city. Big Inky begins to wonder if Jin knew what would happen, and what his motive for sending Big Inky into a massacre blind could be. Along the way, Lua'lie chooses to leave the group, getting off in [[Another Drow City]]. Eventually, Big Inky, Pauma, and Rilker reach the end of the line at the south end of [[Axol Chuli Peaks]], where they pick up the Mysterious Drow's trail, leading out of the Underdark. The group eventually finds their way out of the caves and back into the light, in an unfamiliar jungle, with the smoke of a campfire lingering nearby. --- # Adventure Log ## [[3 Marpenoth 1488]], [[Gullsrog]] In an [[Jin's Manor|inconspicuous golden building]] in the [[Sun District]] of the ancient [[Grippli]] city of [[Gullsrog]], [[Big Inky]] finds himself speaking with the [[Half-Devil]] [[Jin]], who sits behind a veil. Big Inky has been working for for a few months, hoping to eventually glean some information that would help him take his rightful place as the [[Chief]] of [[Big Inky's Tribe|His Tribe]] after being [[Big Inky's Curse|Cursed]] by his [[B'Inky|Sister]]. Jin explains Big Inky's next job, a hit. [[Jin's Assistant]], a [[Black Dragonborn]], hands Big Inky the dossier. The target is [[Nhilmar Adin]], who recently defected from [[The Chelicerae Family]] to join [[The Scatatress Family]] in [[Malladrana]]. Jin is displeased with the work that Nhilmar has been doing. Jin orders Big Inky to travel to Malladrana and kill him. Before Big Inky leaves, he asks Jin of news of [[Jin's Informant|His Informant]] in [[Inkmire]], who has been spying on Big Inky's sister, [[B'Inky]]. By chance, Jin received a report two days ago containing the names of her closest allies. Jin suggests a strategy of turning one of B'Inky's own against her, potentially poisoning her. He muses that it would take a strong poison to kill a Grippli. Big Inky would prefer to fight himself. Jin returns to the job at hand, and suggests that Big Inky hire a crew for this job, paying 400 [[Gold]] each. Big Inky suggests he go with a smaller group for more Gold, but Jin discourages him, emphasizing that this job will require skill and finesse, not just violence. Jin points out [[The Malladrana Mayhem Stadium]] in Big Inky's files, a place where Nhilmar will be vulnerable. Jin has his assistant bring out disguises for the [[Rush]] team the [[Ranawahr Scorpions]], which will allow Big Inky to get close. From there, with some stealth or charisma, Big Inky should be able to get in [[The Malladrana Mayhem Stadium Penthouse|The Penthouse]]. Big Inky studies the scroll, trying to find a way to do the job solo, and eventually accepts he will need a crew. Big Inky accepts the job, and Jin gives him his advance. Big Inky warns Jin against poisoning his sister, and Jin agrees it is a poor course of action and promises to have a better course of action planned when Big Inky returns. Big Inky warns Jin not to be sloppy. Jin leans forwards from behind his veil and reveals his horribly burnt, disfigured face, insisting he is never sloppy. Big Inky admits a feeling of being a kindred spirit with Jin. Jin laughs as Big Inky departs. Big Inky heads to [[Fruit Flys]] in the [[Canopy District]], looking for a [[Drow]] who would be familiar with Malladrana and someone who is good with disguises to infiltrate the arena. Inside Fruit Flys the bartender [[Croago]], who is ripped, is surrounded my female patrons who are enjoying his physique. Croago greets Big Inky. Croago pours a bucket of Ale for Big Inky, his usual. Croago and Big Inky discuss Big Inky's new job and what he needs for it. Big Inky asks for a Drow, and Croago suggests [[Lua'lie Vamis|Lua'lie]], a Drow that Big has worked with before. She can be found at [[The Silent Song]] in the [[Lily District]]. Big Inky reacts in disgust with mention of the pleasure house. Big Inky asks about a good fighter and someone sneaky. For stealth, Croago recommends [[Pauma]], currently doing a job at the [[Museum of Ancient Artifacts]]. Croago suggests Big Inky helps Pauma finish her job, but Big Inky is disinterested. Big Inky asks if Croago is a good fighter, and he admits his muscles are just for show. The two have an arm wrestling match which Big Inky handily wins. Big Inky settles his tab. Big Inky heads to the [[Museum of Ancient Artifacts]], where the guard informs him they will be closing soon. Inside, Big Inky seeks out gemstones and jewelry that Pauma would be trying to steal. Big Inky spots Pauma perched in the corner of the ceiling, camouflaged. Pauma notices Big Inky, winks, and begins crawling towards the jewelry she is planning to heist. Big Inky simply observes as Pauma drops down, slices a hole in the glass case containing the jewelry. Pauma sprints to the next box, but trips, alerting the guards. To distract the guards, Big Inky approaches the guard and asks what time the museum closes. The guards are not fooled and ask Big Inky to step back. Just after, a smoke bomb goes off. The guards rush into the smoke and moments later Pauma emerges from the smoke. Pauma plays it cool about tripping and the two leave together with Pauma hanging on to Big Inky and crawling around him to avoid line of sight of the guards. A guard notices them and approaches and Pauma throws a sleep dart at them. Big Inky calls Pauma sloppy, but Pauma insists this is more fun. The two escape and catch up. Big Inky fills Pauma in on the job he needs her for. Big Inky asks who Pauma who she was doing the heist for. They discuss traversing the [[The Xoctl Underdark|Underdark]] and upon hearing of the reward, Pauma agrees to join Big Inky's team. Big Inky mentions recruiting Lua'lie next, and Pauma acts nervous and Big Inky tells Pauma to be careful. Pauma scoffs at taking love advice from Big Inky and Big Inky laughs. Big Inky gives Pauma 25 [[Gold]] as an advance on the reward and they leave to go towards [[Lily District]]. The duo eventually arrives at [[The Silent Song]]. Big Inky is greeted by [[Silent Song Mistress|the mistress]]. Big Inky refuses service and demands to see Lua'lie immediately, but the receptionist adamantly refuses to give any information. Pauma intervenes and offers Gold to the mistress, insisting they are friends of Lua'lie. The mistress takes them up to see Lua'lie. Big Inky, impatient, barges into Lua'lie's room despite being able to hear that she is clearly working. Big Inky observe Lua'lie mid-orgy. Lua'lie is pissed. Big Inky points out that waiting would have taken hours, and Lua'lie asks why he couldn't wait three days. Big Inky explains he has a job and pays her 25 Gold to compensate her for her time. As Lua'lie bids goodbye to her lovers, Big Inky waits outside. Big Inky explains the job to Lua'lie. Lua'lie shrugs at the mention of [[Nhilmar Adin]], unsurprised that a Drow is the target of a murder plot. Lua'lie suggests picking up a healer in case things go wrong: the [[Cleric]], [[Rilker Gelesar|Rilker]]. Big Inky is displeased: he and Rilker do not like each other. Big Inky eventually relents and the group heads to [[The Lunara Temple of Gullsrog]] in the [[Avu Avu District]]. Big Inky barges into the temple and after a few minutes of searching finds Rilker, who has just finished speaking with a patron. Rilker is incensed that Big Inky would approach him while he was acting as a priest of [[Lunara]], worried that he will blow his cover as a worshipper of [[Umbra]] instead. Big Inky demands Rilker meet him at [[Fruit Flys]] later and departs. The group returns to Fruit Flys and drinks as they wait. Pauma gets a [[Electric-Green Drink]], Lua'lie gets a deep red [[Wine]], and Big Inky another bucket of [[Beer|Ale]]. Lua'lie flirts with Croago the whole time and calls him "Daddy" the whole time. An hour later, Rilker arrives in his casualwear. He orders [[What Kyle Would Get in a Cocktail]]. With the crew assembled, Big Inky explains the job, relying on Pauma and Lua'lie to help plan the Underdark segment of the adventure. The plan: - It will take 7 days of travel to reach the entrance to the Underdark. - At Underdark, some guesswork on getting to Malladrana. A Skiff may be an option. - [[Drow]], [[Duergar]], [[Deep Gnome|Deep Gnomes]] and monsters may be a concern. - [[The Web]], a centipede-based form of transportation used in [[The Xoctl Underdark|The Underdark]]. - Once in [[Malladrana]], finding [[The Malladrana Mayhem Stadium]] will be effortless. - The group will take on disguises as the [[Ranawahr Scorpions]]. - [[Ranawahr]] is to the north of Malladrana, so the group should approach from the north to give credibility to their disguise. - Lua'lie has [[Illusion Magic]] that will aid in their disguise. Big Inky asks for proof, and Lua'lie casts [[Silent Image]] on Pauma, disguising her as a Drow, as well as [[Charm Person]] on Big Inky to make him believe the disguise more easily. - Once in the stadium, the group will need to get into [[The Malladrana Mayhem Stadium Penthouse|The Penthouse]]. There are a few options: - Interior staircase, guarded by [[Scrying Eye|Scrying Eyes]] and a locked door. Lua'lie and Pauma are convinced they can get past each. - Alternatively, a fire exit, though the ladder is not easily accessible. - Once in the Penthouse, they need only kill [[Nhilmar Adin|Nhilmar]]. The group disperses to pick up various supplies before the adventure. Big Inky is feeling perhaps overconfident, and does not feel the need to pick up healing supplies. ## [[4 Marpenoth 1488]], [[Gullsrog]] The group departs from Gullsrog, heading west through [[The Fissure]] towards an [[Underdark Entrance]] leading beneath [[Axol Chuli Peaks]]. Travel proceeds uneventfully as Big Inky leads the group through the jungle ([[Survival]]). ## [[5 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] The group comes into a clearing where they run into a [[Roc]], which they flee. Lua'lie is almost carried away by the monstrosity, but is saved by Big Inky. Travel otherwise proceeds uneventfully. ## [[6 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] Travel proceeds uneventfully. ## [[7 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] Travel proceeds uneventfully. ## [[8 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] The group runs into a [[Tarrasque]] but manages to lay low and avoid it's ire. Travel otherwise proceeds uneventfully. ## [[9 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] Travel proceeds uneventfully. ## [[10 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Fissure]] Travel proceeds uneventfully. The group finally arrives at the [[Underdark Entrance]] and enters, traversing the caverns with no light. Lua'lie taking the lead with her [[Darkvision]]. ## [[11 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Xoctl Underdark]] The group enters a [[Large Cavern]] with a large lake and gurgling sounds. The group peeks around the corner and sees a group of 7 [[Kuo-toa]] gathered around small huts. Lua'lie points out a [[Skiff]] behind the Kuo-Toa that would provide them easy travel down [[Underdark River|River]] to [[Malladrana]]. Nearby, Big Inky notices a [[Flashbug]], some [[Pop Quartz]], and some [[Blitzshroom|Blitzshrooms]] nearby. Big Inky decides to take on the Kuo-toa and claim the Skiff for themselves, as it is the most expedient option available. Big Inky asks Pauma to sneak onto the skiff and get it free and ready while the rest fight the Kuo-toa and make a dash for the skiff. Pauma climbs along the ceiling of the cavern towards the boat, but isn't very careful as rocks begin to fall and bring the Kuo-toa's attention towards her. Big Inky is disappointed in Pauma and signals Lua'lie to distract their enemies. Lua'lie casts [[Fog Cloud]] on the Kuo-toa to distract them. Combat begins! - Rilker moves close to the edge of the fog cloud. He prepares to dodge any incoming enemy attacks. - Pauma continues her climb along the ceiling and fires a poison arrow at one of the Kuo-Toa, nearly killing it. - Two Kuo-toa rush out of the Fog Cloud and throw a sticky [[Net]] at Rilker, but he dodges it. The other stabs at Rilker with his [[Spear]] and misses. - Lua'lie moves closer to the skiff, keeping her distance from the fog cloud. She casts [[Sorcerous Burst]] at one of the Kuo-toa, killing it. - Two more Kuo-toa rush out towards Lua'lie. They throw another sticky net, which Lua'lie dodges. The second Kuo-toa stabs Lua'lie with a spear in her leg. - Big Inky picks up a [[Blitzshroom]] and throws it into the center of the Fog Cloud. It explodes, damaging the Kuo-Toa inside. Big Inky moves closer to the skiff along with his allies. - One more Kuo-toa makes it out of the Fog Cloud and throws a sticky net at Rilker, restraining him. A second Kuo-toa throws his spear at Rilker from inside the fog cloud but misses. - Rilker frees himself from the net and runs towards the skiff. One of the Kuo-toa lands an Opportunity Attack on Rilker as he runs. - Pauma dashes to the skiff. Lua'lie casts [[Feather Fall]] on Pauma, letting Pauma fall to the skiff safely. - A Kuo-toa throws a net at Big Inky, but it melts away from the acid Big Inky is excreting. Another Kuo-toa attacks Lua'lie with it's spear and hits. - Big Inky secretly becomes concerned with the gravity of the situation as his allies become more and more wounded. - Lua'lie casts [[Color Spray]] at the nearby Kuo-toa, blinding the ones closest to her. She runs and catches up with Rilker. - Two Kuo-toa approach and attack Big Inky with spears but fail to hit him. - Big Inky swings at the Kuo-toa next to him with his [[Maul]] and misses. He runs ahead and takes two opportunity attacks, knocking him unconscious. Big Inky falls to the ground with a thud. - Two Kuo-toa attack Rilker, one hits and another misses. - Pauma calls out for Rilker and Lua'lie to close their eyes and fires an arrow at the [[Flashbug]] nearby, blinding the Kuo-toa. - Rilker runs towards Big Inky, avoiding opportunity attacks, and casts [[Cure Wounds]] on Big Inky, returning him to consciousness. He tells Big Inky that they need to get out of here. - The blinded Kuo-toa attack at Rilker and Big Inky and miss. - Lua'lie runs for the boat, dodging incoming opportunity attacks. - Kuo-toa attack Big Inky and Pauma, hitting Big Inky and missing Pauma. - Big Inky runs towards the boat, dodging the opportunity attacks. - Blinded Kuo-toa attack Rilker and miss. - Rilker casts [[Cure Wounds]] on himself and runs towards the boat, dodging opportunity attacks. - Pauma cuts the rope on the skiff. She applies poison to her [[Dagger]], preparing to fight. - Kuo-toa attack Big Inky and Rilker. Big Inky is hit and Rilker dodges. - Lua'lie casts a [[Silent Image]] of the scariest thing to a Kua-toa. - Kua-toa attack the silent image, it dissipates. - Big Inky grabs Rilker and makes a huge frog hop onto the boat, but can't keep a hold of Rilker and drops him part way through the jump. Big Inky turns around and shoots [[Big Inky's Hand Ballista|His Hand Ballista]] at the Kua-toa next to Rilker, sending it flying backwards. - Kua-toa stab Rilker again. - Rilker runs, jumps and grabs onto Big Inky's ballista as the group sails away. Combat ends. The group collapses in exhaustion, terrified by what they just encountered. The group sails downstream towards [[Malladrana]] and takes a [[Short Rest]]. On the skiff they find a [[Potion of Healing]] and a [[Glob of Goo]]. ## [[12 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Xoctl Underdark]] The group continues travel on the skiff uneventfully. ## [[13 Marpenoth 1488]], [[Malladrana]] The group finally arrives in [[Malladrana]]. As they dock they hear and see announcements and replays about the ongoing [[Rush]] game through the magical billboards and sound tubes throughout the city. One of the announcers is singing the praises of [[Rhyldris Adin|Rhyldris]], the captain of the [[Malladrana Mayhem]] team. The team puts on their [[Ranawahr Scorpions]] disguises, aided by Lua'lie's illusion magic. The streets are relatively empty, and the group assumes that everyone is at the stadium at first, but Lua'lie becomes concerned as they approach the stadium and still aren't seeing people, not even ticket gatherers. The group eventually makes their way into the stadium. Pauma inspects the map and determines their path to the Penthouse. As they approach the Penthouse everything is still empty. No guards, nobody manning the concession stands. Big Inky tries to figure out why there is nobody around ([[Investigation]]) but fails. In a nearby doorway, he spots several hulking figures in [[Ranawahr Scorpions]] attire: clearly not Drow. Lua'lie is concerned by the lack of Drow anywhere. Pauma scouts ahead of the group, knocking out the few people they run into as they stealthily proceed. They near the penthouse and visually confirm Nhilmar's presence. Big Inky ties a rope to a ballista bolt and fires it up to the fire escape, creating a makeshift grappling hook. The rest of the group is impressed with Big Inky's cleverness. Big Inky sends Pauma up to try to assassinate Nhilmar. She attempts to cut a hole in the window of the penthouse but is noticed and shot with a crossbow in the head, tumbling into the crowd below. Lua'lie casts [[Feather Fall]] to ease Pauma's descent. Rilker throws his rope as a lasso to try and catch Pauma but fails. Rilker asks Big Inky the plan. Big Inky responds they need to get to safety. Rilker runs over and picks up Pauma. Big Inky gives his [[Potion of Healing]] to Pauma. One of Nhilmar's guards comes out of the side door, takes aim at Lua'lie with their crossbow and misses. Lua'lie runs into the crowd. Nhilmar and his other five guards run out onto the staircase. Nhilmar notices ([[Perception]]) the group and sends his guards after them. As the group moves through the crowd, Big Inky notices that all of the Ranawahr Scorpions fans are [[Orc|Orcs]]: at least 10,000 in the arena. Lua'lie is terrified of the Orcs and uses her last spell slot to [[Feather Fall]] the group onto the field, getting as far away from the horde of orcs and Nhilmar's guards as they can. The stadium erupts as the crew lands on the field. The thousands of Orcs in the crowd pull out their weapons and begin butchering the Drow. The announcers are confused as the massacre continues. The Malladrana Mayhem Captain, [[Rhyldris Adin|Rhyldris]] gets her team off the field. As [[Amalie Adin|Another Drow]] in a long coat pulls out a [[Hand Crossbow]] and shoots one of the Ranawahr Scorpion players in the head, killing them. It appears that the Drow players on the Ranawahr team are fighting alongside the Orcs. The [[Ranawahr Scorpions]] recognize that Big Inky and his crew are not one of them-despite being dressed similarly. Big Inky pulls out his Maul and begins following the fleeing [[Malladrana Mayhem]] players out of the stadium, but ultimately loses him when they come to a fork in the hallway. Big Inky rushes left, passing corpses of Orcs, smaller foot prints, and a blood trail. The blood eventually leads out of the arena into the city, and the crew takes the opportunity to get as far away from the massacre as possible, following the blood trail. The group eventually arrives at a [[Web Station (Other City)|Web Station]] where the trail runs cold. The bleeding Drow must have fled aboard a [[Giant Centipede]]. After a minute or two, another centipede arrives. The team is shocked and feels in over their heads. Big Inky wants answers and assumes Jin must have known something about what was going to happen. The group is split on how to proceed, to lay low, to seek out revenge against Jin, or whether to get on the centipede at all. The centipede can take them to the far south end of the mountain range. Lua'lie says she will stop at a safer Drow city along the way and live to fight another day. Rilker and Pauma aren't so sure. Behind them, Big Inky observes Orcs going from building to building. They're going to massacre the whole city given the chance. Big Inky tells his allies if they stay, they will die ([[Persuasion]]). Everyone gets onto the centipede and are whisked away. At each stop the group looks for signs of a continued blood trail but finds nothing and assumes the fleeing Drow have not gotten off yet. ## [[14 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Web]] They eventually come to a [[Web Station (Other City)|Web Station]] in [[Another Drow City]] where Lua'lie apologizes to the group and departs. ## [[15 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Web]] The group continues riding on the Web. ## [[16 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Web]] Big Inky, Rilker and Pauma keep riding until they eventually get to [[The Southmost Web Station]] where they see the blood trail continue. ## [[17 Marpenoth 1488]], [[The Web]] The group follows the blood trail for a day until they eventually emerge out of [[Underdark Entrance (South)|An Exit]] into the jungles. To the left, they see the smoke of a campfire. The adventure continues in [[Prologue of Amalie and Big Inky]].