Game Summary #4 (10/27/715) Our tale continues deep within the shadowy heart of the Underdark, where four young drow males, each from a different noble house of Menzoberranzan, have been bound together by the iron will of their Matron Mothers. It is a rare and uneasy alliance. From House Srune’lett, the silver-tongued bard Nin’Tzar. From House Faen Tlabbar, the razor-sharp wizard Jevan. From House Fey-Branche, the shadowy rogue Vesz’zt. And from House Mizzrym, the cunning and elusive Xar’Zin. Their mission is as strange as their union: retrieve an item known only as the Tempest, rumored to lie aboard a derelict ship adrift in the pitch-black waters of the Black Lake, a vessel known as the Grendel. But questions gnaw at them. Why unite Drow from different houses of such uneven standing; two from the mighty Ruling Eight and the other two from lower houses, for what? For a single item? What item could possibly be worth this risk, especially for something that cannot be shared? Their journey brings them to the Dark Lake’s eerie edge, where two fishing boats rock gently beside the slime-covered hull of the Grendel. There are no ladders, no gangplank, only slick and rotting timbers daring them to climb aboard. Xar’Zin rises to the challenge, calling upon his innate Drow Noble powers to silently levitate onto the deck. With precise movements, he secures a rope for the others but the moment his boots touch wood, danger emerges. Two duergar zombies stagger from the shadows their intent deadly. Xar’Zin finds high ground and fires the first shot, his arrow flying true. Jevan scrambles up the rope to aid him, slashing with his dagger. Below, Nin’Tzar and Vesz’zt struggle to climb, falling hard and bloodied. Nin’Tzar quickly switches tactics. He moves to the second skiff and begins an inspiring bardic performance, lifting the spirits of his allies. On deck, the undead turn their fury on Jevan, landing brutal blows. But Xar’Zin and the wizard fight in tandem, bringing down one zombie. Together, they cut down the second. Vesz’zt finally climbs aboard, just in time to see the last zombie fall. Moments later, scratching and scraping sounds echo from within the Grendel’s hull. Nin’Tzar, altered the others to the scratching sounds and was finally helped aboard.  As the group started to investigate the deck, and knocking and banging from below deck was heard. A high-pitched voice calls out in a language none of them understood. They try tongue after tongue until Xar’Zin speaks in Goblin, and the voice responds. The voice belongs to Lin’li, a surface gnome druid who claims ownership of the Grendel. She’s cautious of the drow males on her ship, understandably so, but agrees to speak with them.   After some back and forth, Lin'li cast a spell for communication and comprehension, for all followed. Lin'li learned that the drow intent was to retrieve a staff, and that other drow would keep coming until the matron mothers got their prize.  A bargain was proposed of completing a task for Lin'li in exchange for searching the Grendel for the staff they seek.   Lin’li stated she wanted a mate for her basalisk companion, Bilsbi. She knows of another basilisk no more than a day's journey from here. Capture it, or bring back eggs, and she’ll grant them access. An agreement was struck. Grateful for their cooperation, Lin’li armed the group with valuable information. Basilisks have a deadly petrifying gaze, are tough and strong-willed, and surprisingly stealthy. Lin’li and Bilsbi lead the way but remain behind as the drow move ahead, heads lowered, eyes averted. The group enters a dark tunnel, guided by Lin’li. From within the shadows, the basilisk roars. The drow press forward. It lunges at Jevan but misses. Nin’Tzar’s voice rises in song, his performance echoing through the caverns. Xar’Zin shot an arrow, striking true. Jevan casts a protective spell as Vesz’zt slips behind the beast to flank. It retaliates, gashing Vesz’zt, but the drow doesn't falter. Nin’Tzar lands a glancing, non-lethal blow, and Vesz’zt follows up with a devastating critical strike, also non-lethal. Xar'Zin moves into position, striking the Basillisk from behind and landing a damaging sneak attack from his shortbow.  With Jevan unleashing his magic to lull the basilisk into a deep magical sleep ending the battle.  The group, along with Lin’li, quickly covered the Basilisk's head with a sack, and tied the beast up with rope that Lin’li had. The group also searched and found treasure, and three unhatched Basilisk eggs. Lin’li acknowledges the success of the group and the finding of the three unhatched Basilisk eggs. After some discussion Lin’li took only one of the unhatched eggs.The group agreed to meet up with her back on the Grendel.  The journey back was easier; however, the climb aboard, as always, was not. Though they had the rope from before, The Grendel remained as unforgiving as ever. Xar’Zin levitated once more with style and grace. Jevan struggled but eventually climbed aboard. Vesz’zt, again plagued by bad luck and bruises, stumbled up after much effort. Nin’Tzar, worst of all, required the help of his allies, who did so only after some light-hearted jests at his expense.  With the full party aboard, bruised but triumphant, the session ended as they prepared to speak with Lin’li once more and begin their search for The Tempest on the Grendel.

DM Speaks:I'm always excited to see what you get, but probably more for this one as it is so open ended. What do you think would be a great underdark race mini? It cannot be a creature, so you are somewhat limited. Of course, your typical races come to mind such as drow, duergar and derro, but there are many more such as illithids, aboleth, gloomwing and much more. I'll be open to the type but it cannot be a solitary creature type at all. It has to be somewhat sentient. Do you vote more for the originality or a great core underdark creature? Hmm? Fun thoughts and let's get our minds working.

Just a reminder. Is still almost 3 months away but just a reminder. Keep in mind NO MONSTERS-. Looking for a race (male or female) of the Underdark. I have a preference but a great mini not of my preference could certainly win. I only get 1 vote.

Game Summary #3 (10/26/715) The young Drow adventurers pressed on with grim determination. Their mission was clear: retrieve the artifact known as the Tempest from the derelict vessel Grendel, now half-sunken in the shadowy waters of the Dark Lake. Aboard two rickety fishing boats borrowed from the lizard folk, they glided silently across the black surface, having promised Sisz’zar they would return the boats—assuming they lived long enough to do so. As the mist thickened, the outline of the Grendel emerged from the gloom like the carcass of some ancient, long-dead beast. But something stirred beneath the surface. Massive tentacles broke the water for just a moment, slick and glistening. The group exchanged nervous glances, doing their best to avoid drawing the creature's attention. Every oar stroke was careful and silent, the kind of stealth that only came with years of Drow training. Then, without warning, darts whistled from the shadows. The group ducked, with only the flimsy sides of their boats for cover. Thinking fast, they turned toward the Grendel, hoping its decaying structure would offer better protection than open water. Boarding the wreck, however, was no easy task. The ship’s hull was coated in wet moss, slick and treacherous, with no ropes or ladders in sight. Xar’Zin, the group’s nimble Rogue, whispered a phrase of noble Drow magic. Slowly, he began to rise, levitating toward the deck with a rope in hand. He was moments from securing it when fate intervened. With a groan of ancient wood, three undead Duergar emerged from the shadows above, drawn by the scent of living flesh. And in the water below, the source of the dart attacks revealed themselves—four Kobolds, biding their time and now ready to strike. Nin’Tzar, the group's charismatic Bard, raised his voice in a haunting melody, rallying his companions as the battle erupted. One of the zombies lurched forward without hesitation and hurled itself over the rail, crashing into Jevan’s boat. The young Wizard reacted instinctively, unleashing bolts of fire and energy. The other two zombies dropped into the second boat, where Nin’Tzar and Vesz’zt braced themselves for the fight of their lives. Steel clashed. Magic roared. Xar’Zin struck true, taking down one of the undead with precision. Jevan, channeling every ounce of his arcane power, scorched a Kobold and blasted a zombie into ash. But the fight was brutal. Nin’Tzar and Vesz’zt were overwhelmed, suffering grievous wounds and collapsing under the weight of the attack. Jevan and Xar’Zin fought back-to-back, finishing off the remaining undead and slaying the Kobolds. Bloodied but breathing, they pulled their fallen companions into the boats and began paddling toward the shore. Then disaster struck. A strong current seized Jevan’s boat and pulled it toward the dark waters where the massive tentacled creature had last been seen. Thinking quickly, Xar’Zin tied a rope to an arrow and fired it into the boat’s hull. The shot hit. With practiced hands and deep knowledge of leverage, he wrapped the rope and began to pull. Inch by inch, he hauled the drifting boat back to safety. They made it to land, but there was no relief. Exhausted, the group collapsed into a fitful rest. That night, a massive Fire Snake slithered near their camp. Xar’Zin, still on edge, kept watch and ensured the creature passed without incident. When dawn came, the group decided it was too dangerous to remain on land. They used pitons to secure the boats and slept aboard them instead, hoping to avoid further encounters. For six long days, they rested and recovered, regaining their strength, their spells, and their resolve. Finally, fully restored, they returned to the lake. Silent as shadows, they approached the Grendel once more. Just as they prepared to board, another ambush struck. A larger force of Kobolds surged from the darkness, attacking without mercy. Nin’Tzar’s voice rang out again, weaving magic into inspiration. Xar’Zin and Vesz’zt let their short bows sing, picking off two attackers. Jevan and Nin’Tzar combined their arcane powers to blast through another. Xar’Zin’s next shot was a lucky one, taking down a fourth. But the Kobolds fought fiercely. Vesz’zt and Nin’Tzar were struck again, both of them badly wounded. Xar’Zin shot another arrow, but his arm gave out. The muscle tore under the strain, and he staggered, suddenly overwhelmed by fatigue. Still, the group held their ground. Jevan, Vesz’zt, and Nin’Tzar fought together, striking down another Kobold. They were all bleeding, worn thin, but they refused to fall. In desperation, Xar’Zin called out to Eilistraee, the Lady of Redemption. He begged for the strength to keep fighting. His plea was answered. The fatigue lifted from his limbs, his pain subsiding as divine energy surged through him. With renewed clarity, he struck down another attacker. Jevan ended the battle with a final burst of raw magic, dropping the last Kobold where it stood. Breathing hard and covered in blood, the Drow stared once again at the looming silhouette of the Grendel. They were hurt, and they were tired—but they were alive. The Tempest was still out there, waiting once the group is rested.  

DM Speaks Again:It is crazy how opponents which could be destroyed simply by a wave of your hand and sword in our previous campaign are now significant threats. I also love how you have memories of "kobolds before". It made me smile and chuckle when I heard you sharing the memories of these fiendish dragon-dogs. Well, keeping with tradition these underwater kobolds did it again to you players. I have to come up with some mega-mission involving kobolds. Nah, that would be an automatic TPK. It's best I steer you away from these devious multi-colored dog-fiends.

DM Post #194:As I paint your PC minis I wanted to offer some expectations. DO NOT expect flashy colors as the drow wear purples, deep reds, dark blues, dark greens and black. They are not flashy with colors and are more drab than most other races. However, their white hair makes an impression upon their dark skin color and garb. NONE are done, but I've gotten much further tonight. When will they be done? I'm not sure as when done I want you to enjoy the paint scheme and if not, happy I can change it. You all have somewhat similar paint schemes all coming from Menzoberranzan and being drow. Part of MY problem is identifying each mini to their character on the battlefield as they're all DROW with dark skin and white hair 🤣 And for 50 extra xp's text, email or somehow send me the message "Let's Get this Campaign Going".

Game Summary #2 (10/19/715) The expedition began in uneasy stillness. The group had taken shelter in a small outcropping off a major tunnel in the Underdark that led back to their home, the City Mezzobrazzen.  The outcropping is a rare reprieve in the unforgiving UnderDark. Vesz’zt, ever vigilant, stood watch while the others rested. His blade was first drawn when a massive centipede crept near the group, as it searched for food, possibly drawn by the scent of flesh. With swift precision, Vesz’zt dispatched the predator before it could pose a threat. However, the corpse of the centipede quickly became a beacon in the dark for the hungry. Not long after, two large rats emerged from the black, lured by the scent of the centipede’s remains. Once again, Vesz’zt acted with brutal efficiency, cutting down both vermin before they could reach the sleeping party. Thanks to his unwavering guard, the group was able to rest undisturbed. Pressing deeper into the Underdark’s endless tunnels, the adventurers encountered something concealed. As they marched forward, the arms of the earth reached out—something was grabbing at their feet. Xar’Zin, sharp-eyed and cautious, recognized the danger and used his drow racial ability to levitate off the ground, but not before their attacker made its initial strike. This was no ordinary creature—it was an elemental, born of stone and fury.   Even hovering above the ground, Xar’Zin was not safe. The elemental surged upward and struck him, encasing him in a prison of solid rock. With great effort, Xar’Zin shattered his bonds and withdrew to attack from a distance. Nin’Tzar and Vesz’zt rushed forward to engage, their weapons drawn.   Jevan, ever the tactician, fell back and quickly cast Mage Armor upon himself, preparing for the worst. Xar’Zin drew his shortbow and loosed a shot, unfortunately, it missed. The elemental lashed out, its mighty blows hammering into Nin’Tzar and Vesz’zt. Despite their efforts, the creature seemed to shrug off their attacks. Jevan unleashed Magic Missile, his arcane bolts striking true. But the fight turned grim as the elemental delivered a punishing blow to Nin’Tzar, knocking him unconscious and out of the battle. Surrounded and outnumbered, the elemental finally began to falter as the group focused their attacks. Blow after blow chipped away at its stone form until, with one final flurry of strikes, the creature collapsed in a shower of dust and rubble. Bloodied and exhausted, the party retreated to their familiar resting cove to recover. For several days, they remained there, tending to Nin’Tzar’s wounds. Xar’Zin and Vesz’zt took turns on watch, their vigilance ensuring an uneventful recovery period. Once Nin’Tzar was back on his feet, the group pressed onward. Their goal is The Dark Lake. The tunnels grew damp, the air thick with moisture and humidity. Walls were covered with strange, spongy moss. A distant sound began to echo through the caverns—gentle but persistent, the unmistakable crashing of water. A sound unfamiliar to the group of young drow males.   Before long, they emerged into a vast cavern containing a dark, still lake. A giant dragonfly buzzed overhead, attacking anything it could, while four lizardfolk nearby, fishing.  They eventually took out the giant dragonfly with their crossbows. The group approached cautiously, learning through gestures and fragments of conversation that these lizardfolk were part of a larger tribe. The fishermen knew of a derelict vessel said to be nearby—an abandoned boat that might just be the Grendel, the ship the party had been sent to find. The staff known as The Tempest was rumored to lie within its hold. Sensing a tactical opportunity, Xar’Zin attempted to use Dancing Lights to distract the lizardfolk, hoping to give the group a chance to ambush them. However, the lights betrayed their presence instead. Alerted, the lizardmen dove into the water and vanished beneath the surface. Knowing they were at a severe disadvantage in aquatic combat, the group wisely withdrew once more to the all too familiar cove. Knowing that the Lizardmen would be traveling down this tunnel. This time, Xar’Zin prepared for retaliation. Using handfuls of gravel and small stones, he set up a crude but effective alarm system to alert the group to any approach. The preparations paid off. When the lizardmen returned, the party was ready. The ambush began with deadly precision. The group focused their attacks, quickly eliminating one of the lizardfolk. In the chaos, Vesz’zt suffered a critical mishap—his weapon caught awkwardly, leaving him open. One of the lizardmen seized the opportunity and struck him down with a brutal blow, knocking him unconscious. Xar’Zin responded with precision and fury, firing a deadly shot with his shortbow and taking down another foe. Nin’Tzar and Jevan pressed the attack, bringing down a third. The last surviving lizardman, seeing no hope, dropped his weapon and begged for his life. Jevan, the only one among them who spoke Draconic, stepped forward to negotiate. Through tense conversation, they learned the lizardman’s name was Sisz’zar. In exchange for his life, Sisz’zar offered them use of the boats and revealed the location of the Grendel. Sisz’zar knows that he narrowly avoided losing his life and appreciative seeing something different in Jevan, also providing a wild potion of healing to help revive Vesz’zt. The lizardman Sisz’zar moved off, happy to still be alive after encountering the four male drow. But the conversation turned deeper. During the negotiation, Jevan revealed something unexpected—he did not serve Lolth, the Spider Queen. Xar’Zin, intrigued, asked whom he followed instead. The two soon realized they shared a worldview: rejection of Lolth’s tyranny and matriarchal dogma, as well as Eilistrae, the god of beauty, sword work, moonlight, and the redemption of drow. Vesz’zt added his voice to the revelation, admitting his hatred for Lolth and her priestesses. He declared his allegiance to Vhaeraun, God of stealth, rebellion, and male drow. Even Nin’Tzar, though he was cryptic, hinted that he, too, did not follow Lolth nor share the traditional evil outlook of drow society. This shared ideology could not be a coincidence. The group began to suspect that their mission and their gathering were part of something larger. Something intentional. They speculated quietly on what the future might hold, even daring to dream of what they could do with their newfound bond and shared purpose. The group boarded two small boats: Xar’Zin and Jevan in one, Nin’Tzar and the injured Vesz’zt in the other. They paddled silently across the cold, black waters of the Dark Lake. Guided by Nin’Tzar’s magic that provides a sense of direction, they moved without error. And soon, looming out of the gloom, the broken hull of the Grendel appeared. They had arrived at their destination. 

But you have to remember this is not the forgotten realms, this is Krinthius 😉

DM Post #194:I must give credit where credit is due. I mentioned I was going to need to buy a bunch of drow minis for this campaign. Issue was that there weren't that many and many are quite expensive. If I wanted 20 drow warriors that could cost $100+ which I was not about to do. However, Sean mentioned why not just buy elf minis and use them as drow with a repaint. Well, I did just that and bought 18 of one elf mini (which I already have) and started painting them black. They look great and this is the path I will go for more drow in mass. I also am modifying the entire mini paint scheme as elves tend to always have the green and bright blue colors which don't work for my drow. This will be a fun project moving forward. I'll share some picture when done.

DM Speaks:Just an FYI, but a picture of each of your Matron Mothers has been posted under the Pictures Section. Your matron mother would be very happy if you gave an honest opinion on your feelings about her picture (well the DM would, so give it for a double xp bonus)!

Matron Mother Miz'ri' Mizzrym - She is the Matron Mother of House Mizzrym which is the 5th House in Menzoberranzan as of October 16, 715. Xar'Zin (Sean's Character) is from this house.

Matron Mother Vadalma Tlabbar - She is the Matron Mother of House Faen Tlabbar which is the 13th House in Menzoberranzan as of October 16, 715. Jevon (Mike's Character) is from this house.

Matron Mother Bryartryn Fey - She is the Matron Mother of House Fey' Branche which is the 6th House in Menzoberranzan as of October 16, 715. S'zordin (John's Character) is from this house.

Creative Post #71I'm not sure if you recall but I bought about 500 Mage Knight minis about 3 months ago. Considering our current campaign, I took a huge number of elf minis and started to paint them black. It was a great suggestion at the table by one or two of you geniuses. I had never considered this, but it is a fantastic idea, and I have now started to do this. Who suggested this? Here are some photos. Keep in mind these are Mage Knight minis which are very basic and not great with detail being one of the first prepainted minis ever made. Focus on the skin color change from white to black. Pretty cool I think, and I have now more drow! Details will be added to the paint but that will take time, and I was too excited by this revelation to wait.

DM Post #194:I want to thank you for your understanding with any delayed responses. I've been super busy with the campaign, and it's been tuff getting all done. This will not be the case for long as once it's done it's done and there will only be needed adaptations and modifications as the campaign moves forward. However, staring is a different animal. Certainly FUN, but it takes time. If I fail to answer within a couple of days, please resend as I take no insult and it reminds me to get to it.

DM Speaks: For easy and quick reference, I've created a post under the DM section for you to list the house you belong to. I's like if you post" YOUR NAME/YOUR HOUSE

Thanks for posting your name alongside your post. I need this in the beginning to know which character/player is posting. I'll grant you double XP for doing this during the first month of our game. OH, THIS IS THE DM POSTING 🤣

DM Speaks: And who wants to go with the big 25xp bonus for texting or emailing me the word "NEW CAMPAIGN"! WOW, 25 xp's! Yep, that's where we are right now.

DM Post #193: I appreciate the patience of everyone tonight as we prepared for the new campaign and characters. It took some time, but we finally did it! This campaign should be a blast and a change from your previous one. Yes, both Captain Bluebeard and the drow are inherently chaotic, but they are much different in the way they portray that alignment. I want to be clear that my hopeful goal for this campaign is that you eventually become "good" crusaders of the Underdark. That would be such a unique and original story. The "Robin Hood" of the Underdark. However, if you veer in a different direction then so be it and we go where you choose. However, if you were to be evil then more than likely you'd simply stay with your house and move up the ladder killing ones above you. Why abandon your house? Now, I shouldn't say "abandon your house" as you may well come back after this mission and continue to work for them. However, if that's the case then how will each of you still be connected. I can think of an idea BUT IS IT ON ME TO THINK OF THAT RATIONALE? Either way be prepared to take on this first mission only. All the other crap I bring up should bear no pressure on you at this point and I apologize if it did. As DM my goal is to look far ahead and prepare so I am speaking out loud for you to hear.

DM Post #192:Of real fun was repainting both Sindrax and Quavol into drow minis. What fun when encountered unless they want to use them as their current PC's? Bothg look quite cool and different. Not sure you'd recognize them as the former characters. I'll post pics at some point but tight now they are in process. OK, you pressured me.....