Silent Slough

[Drathiranon]

As an experienced hunter and former guerrilla fighter, Slog’s keen senses and eye for detail will help guide him in assessing the environment to determine any danger or opportunity lurking about as he explores the mysterious, abandoned city he had only heard in tales passed down in his tribe.
Slog steps inside the cavern to have a good look around, staying alert for any key signs or details that can shed light on what has previously transpired there and what dangers or opportunities might await.

Leader Tarvis, don't see arrow slits,
scorch marks, or place for ambush. We tread careful.

He raises his pike as looks down at the floor of the cave, his red eyes searching for trip wires, disturbed dust, or foot prints.

Bludgeon gingerly steps inside the cave beside Slog. She looks at the walls, making sure there is no sign of crumbling or any danger from the ceiling. Using her pitchfork like a walking stick, she lightly taps at the ground, searching for hidden pitfalls or hollow sounds.

Bludgeon hear water drip, see no moss or mushrooms, and no animal tracks yet. Will keep looking.

Llelanni observes the mouth of the cave for any signs of magic or runes that might trigger a trap of assault. She continues to look for symbols or inscriptions that might reveal cultural or historical context along the walls. She wonders if she might find any roots or litchen growing through the stone. Perhaps she might find evidence left behind from the orc shaman practices.

Sir Tarvis, did you notice any areas where natural growth is twisted or diseased, possibly due to lingering dark magic or unnatural influences when you and Mouxsie were here?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah approaches the new environment with a sense of duty, righteousness, and desire to uncover justice or protect the innocent. She takes a torch from her belt, lights it, and follows behind Llelanni.
Her plan is to search for residual evil auras, dark magic, or corrupting influences lingering in the ruins. Maybe she might find symbols or markings associated with malevolent forces or fallen factions that she may be familiar with from her past experiences.
She draws her focus on identifying any sources of evil, offering aid or purification, and standing as a beacon of hope amid the ruins to any that might need assistance.

Sir Tarvis, Y’ reckon we might come across any high ground or sturdy spots 'round here that’d do for keepin’ watch or layin’ low if need be?

[Ssin'urn Streea]

Across the jagged walls of the cavern, Daleah's dim, flickering torchlight casts long, shifting shadows As the party cautiously advances, the air is thick with dampness with the scent of moss and mineral. As they navigate the entrance passage, the faint squelch of movement echoes ahead. Its a strange, muffled sound that doesn’t quite resemble the usual drip of water that Bludgeon hears, or the shuffle of footsteps Slog is searching for.

Suddenly, with eyes possibly narrowing as they notice a subtle change in the ground beneath their feet. What at first seemed like uneven cobblestone now reveals itself as a slick, translucent film like the trail left behind from a massive snail, stretching across the floor, glistening faintly in the torchlight. The surface feels strangely sticky and resistant under their boots.

Further ahead, they spot a faint, almost ghostly shimmer with an enormous, amorphous shape nestled among the shadows. Its form is indistinct, shifting subtly as if alive, and the faint glow of the cavern’s mineral deposits reflects off its translucent surface.

The adventurers might exchange wary glances, realizing that this creature’s presence is a silent, lurking threat. The air grows heavier with anticipation, each member aware that any misstep could result in a dangerous encounter with the oozing, amorphous horror concealed within the shadows.

The party’s light flickers over a massive, gelatinous mass, an enormous gelatinous cube, swallowing part of the cavern floor, its semi-transparent body pulsating with an unsettling rhythm. The squeel of rats can be heard as the rodents try to escape its path.

[Bhaern Quel]

Walking forward replies to the comments directed at him.

Slog I did not see any guard posts or defensive works the last time. With the city under ground there would be little need for surface defenses. There also are not guard post that I have seen. It may be the city did patrol out here and had a check point at the first portal as their outer defenses. That or maybe all the defensive are magical. Until we find some we will not know what are here now. It is much harder to know what they did years ago. We will find some answers.

Lady Lielanni we did not see any growth in the city or signs of any magic. The growth of the trees here was the last I saw going in. The only magic we saw was the fireballs when we were leaving.

Lady Daleah, we did not go far into the city. We did not see any high point to use as a base to operate from. This time we will look for a place to use as a base If it looks like we will need one. A place to rest and heal if we need it, that can be defended.

As Tarvis steps on the cube's trail and sees it lurking ahead, draws his sword as the staff would not be too effective.

Well housekeeping. Things will be moved about a bit. It is not much a danger unless it come on you when sleeping. Sword or other blade will cut it with little problem. In some ways they can be useful. They clean up tunnels of debris, including dead bodies. They pick up weapons dropped but do not eat them. They killed can provided needed weapons. I think we might have to kill this one. If it moves to us we have to kill it. If it goes away from us, it will serve as a guard until it gets far away from us or something else kills it.

Steps closer to see what direction it might be moving in. It will become harder to decide what to do if it is resting and they would have to walk by it. Not wanting to kill for no reason, expects that the thing will be killed before they leave, just a question of when and why.

[Drathiranon]

Sir Tarvis, I think gelatinous cubes are acidic. Does anyone by chance have some of the baking soda from Daleah's cart?

Llelanni sighs as she looks at the sticky, gelatinous trail and the dimensions of the cube.

It doesn't have a autonomous brain, but it does serve a purpose, as you say, Sir Tarvis, especially in the Underdark. If we can create enough space between it an the wall, I could use Pass Without Trace to help us get beyond it or shape-shift into a small creature to draw it away. Anyone else have any ideas?

Slog thinks for a moment, scratching his head. He remembers his iron ball bearings and pulls a handful from his sack.

Bearings might keep cube busy. Hit and run, Slog think. Poke and hack cube, back away, repeate. Will take long time to shred cube.

Bludgeon's green eyes narrow as she too ponders the dilimma.

Group melee attack dangerous. Leader Tarvis, cube in the way. Can we lure it outside?

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah's voice is steady but tinged with caution as she shares her thoughts with the party.

Well, Friends, looks like we’ve run into somethin’ that’s as slick as a greased pig at a county fair. That thing’s a real hot mess, ain’t it? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s a big ol’ blob of trouble waitin’ to swallow us whole like a possum gobblin' a sweet tater.

She thoughtfully squints at the cube then looks back to Tarvis.

Now, I reckon you're 100% Sir Tarvis, this here’s one of them creatures what’s got a mind of its own. Might be just a natural hazard, or it might be a cursed piece of trouble sent to test our mettle. I ain’t got much in the way of spells today, but I’ve got my noggin and a heap of good sense. We gotta figure out what’s what before we go makin’ any moves.

Tapping her chin with her gloved finger, she continues with her accessment.

So, here’s what I’m thinkin’. If we can’t tell its true nature outright, maybe we can bait it. So we can see if it’s just sittin’ there like a lazy hound or if it’s got a mean streak a mile wide. Could try tossin’ somethin’ shiny or smellin’ somethin’ sweet nearby—see if it’s just a big ol’ hungry mess or somethin’ more sinister. Sometimes, a creature’s true colors show when it’s got somethin’ to lure ‘em in or scare ‘em off.

Daleah steps back slightly, eyes the cube with a mixture of resolve and caution.

Now, if'n we got us a creature that’s as friendly as a rattlesnake in a sleeping bag and ain’t got no manners we best don’t go pokin’ the hornets nest, or in this case, the big sticky mess. We can tiptoe around it, try to keep our feet on the solid ground, and maybe find ourselves a way to turn this troublemaker into a cautionary tale instead of a sob story.

Looking to each member of the group, she gives her last two cents worth.

But, if we’re fixin’ to tangle with it, no quick moves, now, just a steady hand and a prayer to keep our hides intact. We’ll give it a good ol’ fashioned whack from a safe distance, and if that don’t do the trick, we’ll find another way out of this sticky situation.

Daleah quickley shifts her attention to Elron.

Ya reckon you could serenade this here gooey glob with one of your sweet tunes, Elron?

[Ssin'urn Streea]

At first, within the shadowed depths of the cavern, the gelatinous mass remains a motionless silent watcher in the darkness. Its surface, a shimmering translucent sheen, subtly rippling with each breath of damp air. The ever-present sticky tendrils extend and retract, probing the surroundings with patient curiosity. It appears to be an unassuming but formidable barrier.

As it moves closer into the torch light, the group can see inside its viscous core, remnants of countless encounters are somewhat preserved skeletal bones long stripped of colour, tangled and pressed against the acidic gelatinous confinment. Weapons, armor, and debris appear frozen in the sticky embrace. Each absorbed fragment adds another layer of interest to its inner mass.

The approach of the adventuring party stirs no hostility but an awareness. The faint flickering of torchlight reflects off its slick surface, casting a glare across the cavern walls. Rats scurry nearby, their frantic movements caught momentarily in the slime’s periphery. The cube’s surface glistens, observing their desperate attempts to escape, yet it remains still, waiting for them to surrender to their fate.

It perceives the air thick with curiosity, determination, or perhaps perplexity, yet holds itself in perfect neutrality. To the cube, they are all simply part of the unending cycle of existence within these tunnels. Its purpose is to remain a constant, unyielding presence, absorbing, observing, never acting unless compelled by inevitable necessity.

In this silent vigil, the gelatinous guardian continues to watch, a living obstacle closely blocking the entrance to the Corridors of Power, a series of winding tunnels of the cavern city.

Flickering warm torch glow reflects through the massive, translucent mass, the gelatinous predator. Its surface quivers with an unsettling, gooey sheen.

Will the adventurers confront this strange, neutral guardian, or find some other way to bypass its presence?

[Bhaern Quel]

Tarvis sighs as the cube is not moving away, reducing options to two.

I do not want the risk of trying to walk beside our friend up there. It is also true it will take time to kill it. There is only out of the tunnel we could lead it, so asking it to move out of our way can not be done, they need to stay underground.

Lady Lielanni, I know you can speak with animals, do you think your ability will let you talk to cube? It might be able to lead us in far enough that we can take different tunnels after reaching a junction. I am not sure it has much of a mind, that music would work. I think we will need to get it out of our way by force, but willing to ask. We did not let other things stop us, this cube must only be another delay not stop.

Slog Bludgeon we likely will need to cut it up. I did take some baking soda and if the little I have appears to work, we can get more. Talk first, soda next, battle last.

While Lielanni tries to speak to cube, Tarvis takes the baking soda from his backpack and rounds some into the ball the size of a sling stone.

Elron considers what lore he recalls

What I have heard of these things indicate they can be difficult to beat. Cold can slow them, they are not known to react to music, lighting does not effect them. They can attack with punches of their body, their touch can paralyze you and they can surround you in their body which will kill you by acid in minutes. Attacks of most weapons will cause normal types of damage. I do not know any songs of power for them.

[Drathiranon]

Well, Sir Tarvis, it is a living being, after all. Perhaps there is enough intelligence to form some kind of dialog with it.

The dark elven woman's red eyes look to Elron. and Daleah.

What about fire, Elron? Please be at the ready, Daleah, with your torch, just in case it attempts to advance upon me. We don't know if the cube will incorporate animalistic tendencies by simple stimulations in its environment.

Slog narrows his eyelid to mere slits and cups his nose with a large green hand.

Smell bad.

Also taking notice of the offensive oder, Bludgeon raises her bushy black eyebrows and pulls the collar of her tunic over her nose. With a grunt in agreement, her large emerald green eyes also narrowing to mere slits.

Llelanni, not wishing to offend the gelatinous cube, must endure the stench, if only for awhile.
The dark elf steps forward, about 10 ft from the cube and prepares herself to engage telpayhicly with the oozing creature.

Greetings, Friend. We come in peace. We seek answers to the mysterious happenings here and perhaps strike up a mutually advantageous exchange. Are you able you understand my thoughts? Please respond kindly.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Standing behind Llelanni and squinting at the scene, Daleah holds her torch gripped tightly in her hand.

What in tarnation?!

She casts a wary glance at the others who also are awaiting their move, then back at the cube, her eyes narrowing like a hawk. It isn't long before she grimaces again, gagging slightly without actually retching, eyes watering from the foulness. Her stance is still defensive, but her nose is clearly offended.

That smell alone could peel paint right off a barn. Somethin' dont seem to right. Whatever dark magic’s at play, it’s got more tricks up its sleeve than a backwoods scorpion a hidin' in a woodpile.

She edges back a step, still holding her torch high to shed some light on the slimy creature. Daleah's face shows suspicion and concern, but keeps her stance firm with her other hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to jump into action as she follows Llelanni closer to the cube.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

Squelching and slurping, the gelatinous cube shifts in search of the disturbance in its micro sphere. It makes a moist, sucking sound, like thick slime being pulled or compressed.

A faint ripple of magical energy emanates from Llelanni the druid as she attempts to establish the telepathic link. Once establishing contact, the cube seems interested, even pleased someone has taken notice of it.

When the cube communicates or reacts, it produces a low frequency of guttural sounds that resemble muffled, wet murmurs or frog-like croaks. The cube’s surface ripples as deep, gurgling echoes within the thick liquid, slowly bubble up. The others nearby can hear the soft, moist squelching sounds as the cube shifts position.

Greetings, wanderer. I am the silent guardian watcher....(slurp, slosh)... why do you disturb... my... slumber? (slop, squoosh) Do you seek .....power? (pop) Wisdom? (sloop) Or....something else?

The gelatinous cube remains fixed in its position, wafting side to side. Occasionally gases or fluids produce bubbling sounds within its mass shifting with subtle movements.

A faint, unpleasant stench like that of rotten eggs mixed with spoiled meat wafts through the air, perhaps making some of the observers grimace in disgust.

[Bhaern Quel]

While waiting for Lielanni to report, readies his sling, the sword sheathed and staff set near for the moment, the made powder ball fitted to it.

If it moves toward us I will believe it is attacking. So then we will defend. Then try to kill. Lady Daleah, Elron make sure nothing comes from behind to trap us.

Elron looks at Lady Daleah and her comment.

Yes many surprises to be expected. You watch over Lady Lielanni I will watch our rear.

Elron takes time to look at their back trail. While in theory there is no known any in the city could be behind them, Tarvis said the same thing about his first visit. Secret tunnels or teleportation are possible reasons. So not impossible. He will also check the front as well and help if battle is needed.

[Drathiranon]

Guardian, we seek safe passage within this cave. Will you lead us to the next junction so that we might explore these ancient ruins?

Llelanni hopes Tarvis or Elron can read Drow Hand Sign language as she quickly relays her conversation with the cube back to the others.

Slog looks to Bludgeon. The orc woman shakes her head.

Not orc signs.

The two orcs look over to Tarvis and Elron with expectant gazes.

Still using Drow Sign, Llelanni then also conveys her answer to the cube back to the others.

[Lianaila of the Wood]

Daleah was raised by Drow and can read Drow Sign language. She figures even if Tarvis or Elron know what is being said, Daleah's reiterating of Llelanni's messages to the group will keep the orcs in the loop so they too will know what is happening.

She's asking the cube if it can understand her. Now she's asking it to give us passage.

Daleah tries to keep her tongue respectful but her next thoughts are loud enough for others to hear.

Now, I don’t aim to get no closer to that cube than I absolutely hafta, but may the Devine bless my soul, that smell alone’s enough to knock a buzzard off a manure wagon.

[Ssin'urn Streea]

The cube seems intrigued and extends the conversation.

I...(sloop, sloop) am but a silent ....(bloop) guardian.. of these depths. Your ...(squee) presence stirs my consciousness. (blurp) I ...sense your purpose....(slosh) The junction is near, yes. (croak) Many paths converge there. But, beware....danger (blop, blip) lurks beyond. The way you seek is guarded by ancient wards.... Still...(bloop, bloop) I can guide you....if ....you wish.

The oddly helpful and eager gelatinous cube shifts and sloshes in its place like someone nervously unable to keep still.