>>4975653
>>Void - The origin of your kind, you have a natural tolerance of the realm beyond time and space, and can safely dabble with its influence. Gifts of the Void are yours to share with the world, and as a bonus you are resistant to magic.

>>4975653
>Void - The origin of your kind, you have a natural tolerance of the realm beyond time and space, and can safely dabble with its influence. Gifts of the Void are yours to share with the world, and as a bonus you are resistant to magic.

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>>4975653
>Body - The physical form cannot be denied or neglected, and you benefit through balance with the mental. Unlike other illithids, your body is robust and healthy, and as a bonus you can survive bodily strain better including the need to feed on brains.
We shall be the buffest of the space nerds.

>>4975730
Support
Just... because...

And with enough effort we can improve our mental power, and with a strong body we have a better chance at surviving the path towards it along with the void stuff

>>4975653
>Void

>>4975730
+1

>>4975653
>Mind - The true power of your race is the mind, and yours is beyond compare! Your mental abilities are greater, and as a bonus you can manage your senses better, such as sensitivity to light.

It is best to specialize and take advantage of our already high base intelligence

>>4975653
>Body

>>4975653
>Body

Void or Body both are good
I like Body for the lols
so pody +1

>>4975653
>>Body -

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Looks like Body has the majority vote!

>>4976055
>>4975971
>>4975885
>>4975840
>>4975809
>>4975800
>>4975788
>>4975776
>>4975730
>>4975705
>>4975674
>Body

Let there be no illusions that the power of the mind is what exalts your race above all others. But among your fellow illithid peers, you rise above due to your powerful body... relatively speaking. Though other mindflayers may look down upon physicality, considering it beneath your race and the domain of savages, you know that balance is important. For all the lofty goals of illithid-kind and the obsessive focus on mentality, none can deny you the results of a strong hand where psychic power isn't enough. You are equally able to match wits with your tentacled brethren but more than one argument or dispute with a peer has been settled with a fist.

Perhaps this is why you have a bit of a bad reputation in Yphor, your home city in the Underdark; that vast and cavernous expanse in the darkness beneath the world. But your results speak for themselves as do your successes, warranting you something of a unique role among your kind. A taskmaster, an able-bodied agent of the Elder Brain for when personal involvement of an actual mindflayer (rather than lesser thralls) is called for. And you better than any other of your kin are capable of surviving the harsh world beyond the city. Probably thanks to your host, the formerly living person whose body is now your own. An "adventurer" among their kind, humans, as much as you are among your own kind, illithids.

And thus, why you now find yourself farther from home than you have ever been. Farther than any mindflayer you know of in fact, traversing caverns beneath the world into drow territory. Those dark elves, traditional rivals of your kind in the Underdark, and no better than tasty morsels as far as you're concerned. But for reasons unknown to you, the drow reached out in a rare diplomatic gesture. The promise of ceded territory, an entire underground river in exchange for a task completed, without the cost of thrall (much less illithid) lives? This, the Elder Brain could not ignore.

Of course it could just be a trap, another ruse by those fickle drow. But you're prepared for it, as you trespass into their territory now as evidenced by navigation markers in the darkness. It's not long after that you pick up on light sources and soon reach the meeting place; a damp chasm split by a waterfall. The faint whisper of thoughts, audible to you past the cascade of water... the dark elves are nearby, by all indications waiting for you.

>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.
>No point wasting your precious time, approach and introduce yourself. Suss out if this is a genuine opportunity.
>They might have a trap for you, but you certainly have a trap for them! A little hostility ought to set the playing field.
>[Write-in.]

File: strong body mindflayer.png (126 KB, 214x558)

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Rolled 2 (1d2)

Also, as a bit of curiosity and to establish the rolling system, make a roll (1d100) to determine how much an effect that your host's body had upon your own.

As well, though Body is your unique trait, that doesn't mean you can't pursue the other options down the road.

Rolled 58 (1d100)

>>4976085
>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.
>>4976087

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4976085
>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.

>>4976087
/dice 1d100

>>4976125
how do i roll srry for askin?

>>4976126
In this case dice+1d100 in the options field above where you type

Rolled 68 (1d100)

>>4976085
oh and thanks to
>>4976129

>>4976085
>>4976087
>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.

Rolled 16 (1d100)

>>4976085
>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.

Rolled 89 (1d100)

>>4976164
Ooops, fucked up my roll.

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>>4976087
>2, 89

For the roll results, it pertained to your host body; the person who had been before transforming into the illithid you are today. Between male and female, and likeness, because of your Body trait you bear much stronger physical vestiges of the person before, than other mindflayers.

>>4976582
>>4976164
>>4976158
>>4976123
>>4976121
>>4976608
>Observe them, see what you can learn before interacting. Knowledge is power.

As capable as you are to get involved physically with these lesser beings, you are wise enough not to eschew the core methods of your kind. Knowing is what matters, to understand this situation as much as possible before acting.

And so you make use of the environment to leverage yourself the upper hand. Creeping closer in low light, using ambient noise to cover sounds, relying on terrain for cover. This under-world is as much your environment as theirs, and you know how to use it.

"-really necessary for one of... those things?"

"The matron believes normal interrogation won't be enough."

"...so who's not surviving this with their brain intact? Ha!"

Typical lesser beings, always needing to occupy their time with verbal noise. An appropriate topic of conversation it sounds like though, and how close you've managed to sneak up to them enough to hear their words alongside their thoughts.

At this distance, if you could just... one mind blast to the lot of them and-

"-SKREE!"

The sharp pain of a bite causes you to shriek, as you notice too late an oversized centipede by your leg. Of course, those tricksy dark elves would bring such things, creatures you can't notice mentally. No wonder they didn't post lookouts as such. Well you can crush the insect easily enough but your presence is given away regardless.

---

"Hands... Hands where we can see them!"

"-you idiot! It's not the hands to worry about!"

Something of a standoff follows your run-in with the centipede, and soon enough you stand opposed to the group of drow among the stony darkness, as the waterfall crashes beside and lightly drizzles the lot of you. Weapons raised, ranged and melee (yet no sign of magic), from their flurry of thoughts you get the sense that they hesitate to attack because of their purpose here yet the fear you stir in them may end up overcoming their sense of duty.

Though you have tangled with dark elves before, the group of six before you shouldn't be taken lightly... then again, after that centipede how many more tricks can they have up their collective sleeves?

>Act in a civil manner, as civil as you can be. Show you're here in good faith and not a threat.
>Leave nothing to chance. Mentally subdue these drow first, and interact with them after.
>This situation is too precarious for you! Escape to cover first, using your powers if you can, before further interaction.
>[Write-in.]

>>4976639
>Leave nothing to chance. Mentally subdue these drow first, and interact with them after.

>>4976639
>Act in a civil manner, as civil as you can be. Show you're here in good faith and not a threat.

>>4976639
>Act in a civil manner, as civil as you can be. Show you're here in good faith and not a threat.

>>4976639
>Act in a civil manner, as civil as you can be. Show you're here in good faith and not a threat.

I'm assuming the interrogation they mention is regarding getting us to mind read some sort of prisoner and not them discussing using so esoteric method of capture or interrogation on us.

Just wondering QM, if we had chosen Mind and thus had better control of our senses, would we have detected the centipede before it had bitten us?

>>4976683
Mentally it would not have helped detect the centipede, but sensory-wise you would have heard or smelled it before anything.

But then again, with Body you're able to shrug off the bite whereas if you'd chosen Mind and gotten bitten, it would be worse.

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>>4976683
>>4976674
>>4976648
>>4976643
>Act in a civil manner, as civil as you can be. Show you're here in good faith and not a threat.

Your time is too precious to waste on these inferior beings! Best to avoid hostility if you can, and just get to the point. You understand their Under-common language to take a non-threatening stance, but your response isn't spoken. Your pale eyes focus on their red ones, as your mind projects your intentions.

Enough of this nonsense. A meeting was requested, and we come in peace. Let us not bloody the waters before we begin.

"-ugh, I can hear it in my head..."

"Why are you sneaking haszak?!"

As soon as your thoughts enter theirs, you can see the effect as the lot of them flinch and become uneasy. Pathetic things that they are, unused to telepathic communication. It doesn't do much to settle their fear of you, but at least they don't attack.

You cannot be unaware of your own reputation. We were merely observing you, testing for a trap. That is behind us now, let us look forward... together.

"...I told you it was a good idea to bring the centipedes."

"Very well haszak, I believe... we can settle this? But first, a show."

Typical of lesser beings, the particular drow speaking for all of them cautiously approaches to enact some sort of ritual with you. Using a small blade she cuts her hand for a display of blood and expects you to do the same. As if you ever would do such a petty thing, easy enough to just mentally project the illusion that you do so to them. Trust, you know, isn't worth much in these caverns.

---

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---

"Careful with it, careful! You know how much the venom hurts!"

While a few of the other drow labor to recollect the centipedes they clearly let loose earlier upon their arrival, the "matron" in charge of the group has had set up a little meeting spot of sorts. A cloth blanket unfurled on the stony floor, a bright crystal lantern, and a portable table set up upon which sits some refreshments and a drow game of chance she invites you to play while the negotiation takes place.

A... civil gesture as far as these dark elves go, but you know the unease they have towards you as much as they try to feign politeness. For them to go such lengths to put on an act like this for you, they must be genuine in their need of Yphor's resources. That said, your lack of trust is mutual and so you don't accept their hospitality as much as they'd like.

The surface you say? You waste our time with such a ruse?!

"I don't know how, but I was told the threat is genuine. Some among their number are... aware of our existence, and have been exploring the way between, from the surface."

As you get to "talking" with the matron, it seems the whole point of this diplomacy is the rumor of interference from the world above. The surface, it might as well be another planet as far as you're concerned. Some do not even believe it exists, and certainly it doesn't affect Yphor in anyway... at least that's what your kind tends to believe. Even if there was some threat however, why would the drow seek cooperation with the Elder Brain?

Why then our involvement? Is your kind not famed for assassination?"

"...normally we would just see those responsible dealt with, but the threat here is knowledge. To know the source and cut it off, may require more than just interrogation. Surely the haszakkin recognize the mutual danger this places us both in?"

Well, you suppose there is at least some partial merit in her spoken words. Even if the surface is not considered a danger to your home, there is a common understanding through the Underdark that secrecy is a mutual benefit. It may well be that the surface is no danger to your subterranean world, simply because it is not aware of your existence. This matter then, you can understand as one of the... very few which would warrant cooperation between the various races of the Underdark.

In any case, you can understand why you were tasked with this. A potential journey to the surface? No sensible illithid would attempt it, and only in amusing stories do such things occur. If it were even possible, surely it would require one such as yourself; resilient in body as much as mind? And all this in exchange for ceded territory, a small price to pay. Though the drow seem to have orders to escort you back to their holdings, some outlying settlement where this endeavor can be planned better than over a makeshift gaming table.

>As much a trap as this seems, you recognize the danger at hand. Accept the drow terms and accompany them... for now.
>There's no need to accompany them. What you have here among you all, should be enough for the journey.
>There must be more than she's letting on. With your psychic powers, try to glean what you can from her mind. {1d100}
>[Write-in.]

>>4976765
>>As much a trap as this seems, you recognize the danger at hand. Accept the drow terms and accompany them... for now.

>Write in
Observe their surface thoughts

>>4976765
Supporting >>4976767

If they wanted to capture or kill us, they could. Not because of any sort of superiority on their part, but simply because with preparation they could mass the necessary assets and spells to overwhelm ANY individual illithid. The price they'd pay for their treachery and loss of ability to engage in any further negotiations in the near future is more than enough of a deterrent, it is the illithid, not the drow that are the true scourge of the Underdark.

>>4976767
Support

>>4976767
Supportong this.

>>4976765
Also supporting >>4976765

>>4976851
He can probably tell what you mean, but you just quoted the QM post twice.

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>>4976847
>>4976841
>>4976790
>>4976767
>As much a trap as this seems, you recognize the danger at hand. Accept the drow terms and accompany them... for now.

You suppose if there is a threat upon this subterranean world you all share, then dealing with these drow is tolerable. Better the enemy you know than the one you don't, and besides, you can always kill them later.

So then you accept the initial terms of cooperation, keeping pace with the dark elves after departing from the meeting place and navigating through rocky tunnels and jagged chasms. Deeper into their realm, back from whence they came. And what an odd group it is, a drow scouting party traveling alongside a mindflayer.

"H-Hey, Rylx... how you think they'll react when we return with..."

"I'm worried more about the others, along the way you know?"

A current of nervousness runs among your traveling "companions", which you can sense is a mix between your presence and their usual alertness which is warranted whenever traversing the Underdark. A great benefit to you though, their efforts to distract from their worries with pointless chatter. Leaving you the opportunity to observe their surface thoughts without much risk. Actually delving into their minds may cause problems, but simply picking up on their thoughts in the moment is relatively "safe", little different than eavesdropping on someone whispering.

Of course as you suspected, unease towards you is pretty consistent as they all keep trying to subtly check on you, concerned that you may turn on them at any moment. Past the fear however, overtime you can sense a bigger and better picture. For example you are able to learn the way and what lies ahead from their navigating, and now have a pretty good forewarning of any traps they may try on you. Furthermore you get a good sense of these drow themselves, their dissatisfaction at being sent on a task like this and being considered expendable. Seems they hadn't expected this meeting to actually go successfully, with prayers to their gods fresh in their minds.

Though perhaps most noticeably of all, the lack of understanding of the greater situation at hand. They have about as much info as you do towards the situation, and this was likely intentional. The risk of a mindflayer means the drow superiors chose to not send anyone with a juicy brain full of valuable secrets...

---

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---

"...you wouldn't happen to have a better disguise?"

"Maybe we just leave... it? Here, and come back later-"

Worry not, I can manage any risks of being seen.

What time later did you spend traveling with these dark elves, through the twisting darkness as to finally reach the outskirts of their settlement. A collection of buildings at a junction of tunnels, really it's little more than an outpost on the border of their domain, but a bustling place as far as the Underdark goes. As they hadn't expected to return with you however, the group try to figure out what to do about bringing you into the settlement.

Easy enough for you to put their concerns to rest however, when you demonstrate your psychic ability to appear as something else or even obscured entirely. In an inky haze you soon appear, to them, as just another drow. Which expectedly makes them all uncomfortable, but at least makes the job easier.

"Need a timekeeper? No days or nights down here, of course you know!"

"Wood! Genuine wood from the surface! Easy to shape however you need, better than stone!"

The nearer you draw to the outpost, the more persons of all sorts you encounter. Relatively speaking there's not that many folks here, only a few dozens on the "streets" between the collection of stone buildings, but compared with the typical emptiness of the rest of the Underdark it's a bit of a sudden shock to you. So many more bustling minds, and not just drow either, all of them you have to assault so that a mindflayer isn't noticed just walking into the settlement.

"One side, or I'll have you whipped! Official business!"

Fortunately the matron of the group turns aside various merchants, mostly dwarves, in order to most quickly reach the actual drow quarter of the outpost. A testament to their proud and excessive nature, even in a minor outlying settlement as this the place is walled in fine black stone with an elegant manor rising above and overlooking the entire outpost. A few guards try to keep order, as a trickle of couriers and servants travel to and from the grounds. Perhaps a better reminder of the rules around these parts however, are the various unfortunates on display for public humiliation, torture, or execution.

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"You want to practice? That failed assassin up against the wall there still has his eyes."

"Eh... I'd rather get a drink..."

By the sound of things, and sensing their thoughts, it seems that you may be waiting here awhile before the group is received. In fact based on their disbelief over the situation, the scouts seem convinced that their superiors will think this is all some prank, that they returned with a cooperative mindflayer. In trying to find ways to occupy their time then while the embarassed matron argues with the guards, you consider finding something to do as well. Partly because you know the reputation of these dark elf nobles, and how unpleasant they can be, but mostly because it's been quite some time since you ventured into a settlement that wasn't dominated by your own kind.

>Assert yourself. Your presence here demands a response! If only, so that you can be on your way for the task at hand.
>Actually, while here you could do to acquire supplies. Normally you carry enough with you to survive on, but you hadn't planned on a journey to the surface!
>It couldn't hurt to wander around, enjoy yourself a little. See what this settlement has to offer, what's the worst that could happen!
>[Write-in.]

>>4976964
>Try and gather information on who we are meeting or other relevant political figures. Also try and gather rumours about the surface, perhaps browse the wares (live or otherwise) that are supposedly from the surface and gain a sense of their economic value and how that may affect the underdark. Try and read the thoughts of some captured intelligent creature from the surface or just read the minds of knowledgeable people who have knowledge of the surface.

Rolled 99, 32 = 131 (2d100)

>>4976964
>>4977011
Here's some rolls if you need them for the info gathering and mind reading. I won't be here for the next few hours 'cause I gotta sleep.

>>4977011
+1

Rolled 32, 86 = 118 (2d100)

>>4977012
>>4977011

>>4976964
>>4977011+ 1

>>4977011
This seems productive. Supporting!

Rolled 57, 73 = 130 (2d100)

>>4977011
Support

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>99, 32

>>4977011
>>4977012
>>4977016
>>4977019
>>4977052
>>4977165
>>4977172
>Try and gather information on who we are meeting or other relevant political figures. Also try and gather rumours about the surface, perhaps browse the wares (live or otherwise) that are supposedly from the surface and gain a sense of their economic value and how that may affect the underdark. Try and read the thoughts of some captured intelligent creature from the surface or just read the minds of knowledgeable people who have knowledge of the surface.

Rather than waste your precious time on these perfidious elves, you recognize the unique opportunity you have here, in this settlement. Although it sickens you to see inferior beings wandering about ungoverned by superior illithid rule, the chaotic nature of this place may suit your designs. To learn more, to know as much as your rivals before even meeting them.

And so you take to wandering about the settlement, leaving your traveling companions to sort their own business out... why, they'll hardly notice you're gone at all! It's not like you could get lost anyway, this place is little more than a cluster of buildings with a few rocky streets between, all within a single cavern. In short order you would be able to see all this place has to order, and not much longer you could meet everyone here. At least, everyone who doesn't dwell within the walled drow quarter.

"You say this is from the surface?"

"That it be, but a beauty of a drow lassie such as you are would fancy these of dwarven make!"

What passes for a market here, little more than a portion of the main street which borders the caravansary. Not all travelers through these parts are merchants, but anyone with a brain has the sense to travel in groups through the Underdark. Considering this place is merely a stopping junction however, most of the peddlers are actually the closest thing to "locals" who obtain goods from the proper merchants only passing through.

Mostly either drow themselves or dwarves, you maintain the illusion of a drow yourself and "converse" with a few of the peddlers. Those that at least have a stall set up rather than just hucksters with arms full of goods. And while there is certainly an exotic array of goods from all over (as far as you can tell), you encounter some problems in trying to learn information. Mostly because it's difficult to read minds while also maintaining an illusory appearance, but also because the peddlers actually expect you to buy or trade for things. In this regard you must admit you're at a disadvantage, because before long you end up with some various junk that you got talked into... well, gifts for the diplomatic effort you are here on, you suppose!

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"Gods what is that hideous thing?"

"Worry not mistress, they call it a... fee-line! Good for vermin and plenty soft, feel for yourself!"

One of the drow peddlers at his table has some sort of furred creature, which he entices you to touch, after initial trepidation to take your hand as these dark elf males have towards the females. Probably expecting to be whipped, arrested for breaking some gender norm. The fellow is right however, the animal is soft and while it unfortunately doesn't have much a mind to read, the peddler himself seems knowledgeable about the surface.

"Oh yes mistress, been there myself. Went on my share of raids before the sun took its toll on my eyes. Don't believe half of what these fools tell you, they'll sell you a rock and say it was from up above!"

The more you interact with him, the less it seems you'd need to read his mind. A talkative sort, it's simple enough for you to simply exploit the drow gender customs so that he has to talk up to you respectfully. So you spend awhile with him and his "fee-line" listening to all he has to say, and he certainly has a lot. The particular interest to you however is the relationship the drow have with the surface. Indeed they do maintain connection with the world above but always at their own discretion and always maintaining the secrecy as best they can, but it seems a somewhat common practice for them to stage raids on the surface for goods or captives.

In this respect you eventually come to the crux of the matter, and the apparent urgency behind the actions of these drow; economic threat. The outpost here is the closest to the surface and so relies on the benefits of that position. Aware of the Underdark or not, the encroachment of the surface world is the greatest risk to these dark elves and their stranglehold on travel and trade between. The substance known as "wood" alone is a severe threat to the economy in this subterranean domain, a risk enough for them to consider even illithid support.

And while you cannot say you disagree with the concord of secrecy you all share in the Underdark, it's a bitter truth to learn that likely the primary reason for your presence here is to help line the pockets of the drow... for what it's worth however, it seems that if you did not want to cooperate with the ones in power here you wouldn't have to. At least a few folks around these parts could lead you to the surface instead.

---

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---

The bustle of the tavern within the caravansary is too much for you, such that you keep to an exterior serving window for customers on the go. But even here, the gossip is easy to pick up on and more than what you'd hoped for. The effort in the market proved difficult but with some success, though here you find yourself able to learn everything you wanted without even needing to read minds! Ah, the wonders of drink and the effect it has on these feeble minds.

"House Xiltyn?"

"Yes mistress, you know the family? Who all the tolls and taxes go to, I'm surprised you haven't heard of the- ah forgive me, I would never question your knowledge mistress!"

The young drow barman working the serving window flinches from you, expecting an attack or something. But between conversing with him and listening to those that come and go, you quickly construct a bigger picture of the situation. You learn of the drow family who governs this outpost and oversees travel in this region of the Underdark, and you learn of the matron Umrae that you expect to be meeting, by suggestion a thoroughly unpleasant female.

There's also information about some other political powers in the area, namely the local temple and clergy of the drow spider goddess, and a guild of explorers or some similar profession. But you don't expect to deal with them, and soon it enough it seems you won't have the chance anyway, when a couple of the drow scouts you're familiar with find you.

"Ha, you were right! I never would have thought a haszak to frequent a tavern, I owe you two silvers Vielyn!"

"Come with us, if you're not busy? The ruling matron has granted audience and I suspect Drana will try to negotiate without you."

Though it's only a suggestion, or request, the scouts took the effort to seek you out. By the sound of things, although illithid support is desired in this challenge, the leader of the scout group prefers to speak for you. Exactly why you can't be sure, but you imagine something to do with not wanting the ruling nobles to have direct interaction with a mindflayer... or perhaps risk you communicating any shortcomings of the scouts, which could incur punishment.

You suppose you could go, but dealing with inferior creatures is bad enough, to say nothing of nobles that believe themselves above everyone else including you. If this Drana, the matron of the scouts wants to handle all the messy details of the mission, then let her have that burden. Such trifling information is a worthless drain on your glorious mind. On the other hand though... adequately representing Yphor is important, especially when you could potentially sway negotiations in your favor.

>Don't bother going, let the peons handle the details. All that matters to you is when it's time to leave this wretched place.
>You suppose you ought to attend. If only to get a better sense of things... not as though you don't already know all the relevant information, of course.
>As long as your presence and cooperation is noted, what's the point of a meeting? Request the scouts assemble for departure, without tying yourselves up in politics.
>Why even bother with these drow in the first place? If a journey to the surface is required you can find your own way, with recruited help from among the denizens of this settlement. One of the trade caravans, perhaps...
>[Write-in.]

>>4977370
>>As long as your presence and cooperation is noted, what's the point of a meeting? Request the scouts assemble for departure, without tying yourselves up in politics.

>>4977415
+1

>>4977370
>>You suppose you ought to attend. If only to get a better sense of things... not as though you don't already know all the relevant information, of course.
Best not tip our hand. Let them feel in control.

>>4977368
>You suppose you ought to attend. If only to get a better sense of things... not as though you don't already know all the relevant information, of course.

We can push for a better deal, they are not doing this for our mutual benefit as they described, they are at risked of being displaced by their surface dwellers and losing their monopoly on access to goods from the surface. If we refused to cooperate or worse attacked them while the surface-dwellers pressured them from the other side we could obtain the caverns nearest the surface, thus granting us control of the trade networks. We can play hardball and demand more ceded territory.

QM, what was our directive given to us by the Elder Brain? Was it to simply assist the drow to get our river? Or were to to just test if this was a trap? How much freedom were we granted to pursue Yphor's interests at our own discretion?

>>4977415
>>4977488
>>4977503
Seems a tie at the moment.

>>4977600
Your task by the Elder Brain was to determine if the offer was genuine, and if so then to do what was necessary to ensure the negotiation was carried out. Since diplomacy (rather than hostility) is so rare between most races of the Underdark, the initial offer itself was seen as a rare enough thing to have you sent to investigate.

Although you are expected to pursue the interests of Yphor under the guidance of the Elder Brain, the farther away from it you travel the weaker its control over you is. Supposing that you accomplish the task and return to the fold, then ultimate freedom in pursuit of the task is yours.

Rolled 1 (1d2)

>>4977607
Maybe roll a tiebreaker? Or you could wait for another voter if you don't mind the wait.

1 is request the scouts get ready to leave and ignore politicks, 2 is go to the meeting.

>female

>>4977676
wut?

>>4977681
he's annoyed our illusory disguise is a girl because we're in drow territory and taking advantage of it.

>>4977370
>You suppose you ought to attend. If only to get a better sense of things... not as though you don't already know all the relevant information, of course.

Back again, writing now.

>>4977611
Normally I prefer for enough players to break any tie, but if need be I can roll for it. Seems we have enough now though.

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>>4977415
>>4977488
>>4977503
>>4977600
>>4977805
>>4977503
>You suppose you ought to attend. If only to get a better sense of things... not as though you don't already know all the relevant information, of course.

Well you didn't travel all this way for nothing, and were sent here to represent your home. You might as well at least try to make an effort of things, even if you'd rather continue probing minds and gathering information... a nice juicy brain would have been wonderful, to really get a sense of things down here.

So you depart the caravansary with the scouts, trekking the rocky uneven path back towards the drow quarter, and who knows what within...

---

"What comedy is this?! How dare they waste my time, I was told there was a brain-eater! Guards! I want their skins, hang their bodies from the gate!"

So this is Umrae, matron of House Xiltyn. From what you'd learned you expected an unpleasant sort but she still manages to surprise you. It's one thing for a sadistic and vindictive, domineering female as seems custom for these female dark elves, at least that you could somewhat respect. But this one... she's just an arrogant spoiled princess type, relying on others to do everything for her pampered lifestyle.

No doubt that the drow do appreciate their luxuries, as you and the scouts were permitted into the manor, a finely built home of pleasures and riches. High ceilings and detailed walls, smooth floors with fancy furniture and many pillows strewn about, all of it surely made on the backs of countless lives of suffering. Again, something you potentially could admire but all this for... her? Such strange creatures, these drow. How they ever manage an empire you will never know.

In any case, to avoid the trouble and settle the fears and protests of your traveling companions, you let go of your illusory disguise. The female drow who had been standing among the others, changes in an inky haze to a robust illithid.

"-ooh how delightful! Wonderful trick, wonderful! And it really is all in the mind? The magic defenses would have reacted otherwise!"

A change in demeanor to say the least, as Umrae perks up from her cushioned throne, shoving off some male plaything now that you have her attention. Delightedly clapping her hands at the sight of you, this is mistaken for an order for the guards to cease hostilities, as your scout companions are unhanded.

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"Mistress please, you really should not-"

"-ahem! Are you telling me you cannot do your job of keeping me safe? Let me be, to greet our guest!"

A chief bodyguard tries to prevent her from approaching, and indeed you notice many arrows nervously trained on you from all around the audience hall, but Umrae waves off hostilities as she sashays towards you on bare feet. For a meeting like this you figure she could have at least dressed appropriately, but that seems to be the fashion of these drow nobles from their lives of excess. Though you relish the chance to read her mind, you are surprised twice over; first when you find yourself blocked from perceiving her mind (probably the tiara she's wearing), and second when she impetuously makes bodily contact with you. Taking your arm against her body, you smell perfumes as she looks upon you like some exotic champion... well you suppose you are, but that doesn't excuse her behavior. Even the other drow, the professional ones at least, appear exasperated by her behavior yet for a noble she can probably get away with whatever she wants.

Certainly you can see, some of the other nobles spectating in the audience hall, similarly look to you with curiosity rather than fear.

"Is it true what they say?" she asks as she prances around you in observation, "What you get up to with those... tentacles? On your head?"

Taking in every detail of you, it's frustrating to say the least, because she treats you as entertainment rather than a serious envoy. Now you really wish you had just stayed back outside rather than deal with all this nonsense... though it would be a lie to say that you don't find her at least intriguing, or rather her reaction to you. Never in your life has anyone or anything shown such intrusive curiosity for you, normally just the fear and scorn universally afforded to your entire race. You suppose it comes from her life of frivolity, the lack of self-preservation to say the least. Still, it's most definitely a different experience than you're used to, and potentially one to your advantage.

Depending on how taken she is by you, could make negotiating all the easier.

"Tell me your name haszak..." she whispers, reaching up to touch one of your tentacles and giggling when you instinctively recoil. "...and I'll let you have mine."

At this she places a hand on her tiara with indication to remove it, but her guards can only tolerate so much foolishness from their matron. A harsh hiss from her bodyguard and a rude approach, is enough to get her to leave the tiara in place, though she does move behind you to take cover and prevent her minion from grabbing her away from you.

Ugh... elves... you think to yourself, dearly hoping this isn't how all drow negotiations go. You strongly considering grabbing Umrae just to keep her in place, and damn the consequences should the guards be stupid enough to fire upon you.

>Introduce yourself, properly, to demonstrate clearly to all your intent for being here. They sought cooperation against a mutual threat, and Yphor has answered.
>Indeed you are here, but your scout companions deserve the credit... and the attention! Try to shift focus away from yourself and let others do the negotiating.
>Enough of this nonsense! Hand the elf over to her guards, and try to negotiate with someone who has a good head on their shoulders.
>As uncouth as it all is, this foolish drow matron could prove to be their own undoing. Play along with her little games, and see if you can gain an upper hand.
>[Write-in.]

>>4977920
>As uncouth as it all is, this foolish drow matron could prove to be their own undoing. Play along with her little games, and see if you can gain an upper hand.

Lets see if we can get more concessions out of her. We should also try to judge whether her behavior is just a ruse to make us underestimate her.

>>4977920
>As uncouth as it all is, this foolish drow matron could prove to be their own undoing. Play along with her little games, and see if you can gain an upper hand.

My my, what an intriguing prospect we have here. This should prove very interesting, or at least entertaining.

>>4977920
>>As uncouth as it all is, this foolish drow matron could prove to be their own undoing. Play along with her little games, and see if you can gain an upper hand.
>>[Write-in.]

>encourage her to remove the tiara. We can have a more productive conversation, besides, we want a closer look at what’s blocking our abilities.

>>4977945
Support.

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>>4977922
>>4977923
>>4977945
>>4978052
>As uncouth as it all is, this foolish drow matron could prove to be their own undoing. Play along with her little games, and see if you can gain an upper hand.

This is really all... far beyond your experience, having to draw on memories or rather just emotions of your host body, since that's the extent of personal interaction you're familiar with. However even if you are out of your element like this, you're still smart enough to recognize an opportunity when you see one.

"Hhhhssssshhh..." your tentacles tense and untense, as you try your best to indicate that you cannot communicate anyway even if you wanted. Not verbally at least, illithids are not well adapted for that.

"Ah... enough for now then! I tire of these proceedings! We have received our guests and can properly handle matters later, for now... guards! See them to their quarters!"

At first you don't know if your gesture is understood, since Umrae just calls an end to the meeting. Your impression is that she sobered up in wisdom a little, finally realizing the position of her guards and respecting their duty. Enough at least to not just foolishly trifle with a mindflayer and make an embarrassment of the nobles in front of everyone else.

"...come to my chambers in a rotation, use that wonderful trick of yours."

Before she returns to her throne however and the lot of your are escorted out, Umrae whispers something to you alone. It seems she may not be a complete idiot, and simply had to get creative in order to circumvent her guards, and prying eyes.

With that then, you leave the audience hall under close watch, along with the scouts to the sound of echoing gossip and laughter of the nobles about you. Chances are, your appearance was the highlight of interest for their cycle.

---

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---

Esteemed guest indeed, as you find yourself separated from the scouts while being escorted through the manor. Your traveling companions are bound for servant quarters (though in a noble estate these would still be quite pleasant), but you are led to your own room. It's not especially big, but comfortable as far as lesser races are concerned with such matters; elegant yet hostile architecture like the rest of the drow quarter, plenty of fancy furnishings of exotic materials, and even a balcony and magical fireplace. Also oddly a large humanoid-sized cage in a corner, but whatever that is for you can only guess.

The object of your focus though you soon find, to be a dwarven mechanism above the fireplace. Like many ways in which the drow rely on trade with the stunted race, it seems their method of keeping time is based on mechanical devices which spin away. One rotation later, a fair amount of time during which you get accustomed to your room, and you make your departure. As suggested, you maintain an illusory drow form, and use mental suggestion where you need to. Both in order to gain relatively free movement through the manor, and to find your way to the matriarch's personal chambers... not the easiest to reach either, intentionally difficultly located beyond several corridors and various other rooms. Better defense against assassins you suppose.

"You here? I thought they led you awa-"

"The Matriarch sent for me, separate from the rest. You know, to plan things better... no point in involving males."

The same bodyguard from before at the doors, naturally she's cautious of you but you can play up to social customs to lower her guard somewhat. Enough for her to magically unseal the doors and show you in.

"Ah... Matriarch, did you reque-"

"Indeed I did! Thank you Cazna, I will call if I need you."

Some bitter little exchange takes place between Umrae and her bodyguard, who takes her leave in frustration and seals the doors behind. You hadn't much chance to pay attention to that though, caught off guard instead by the splendor of the matriarch's chambers. Orders of magnitude more luxurious than any other room of the manor, including the entrance hall or the audience chamber, even a superior being such as yourself is at first disarmed by the lavishness of it all. A ceiling high enough to allow for a second floor and balcony, great draperies of silk and even arrays of magically fostered plantlife to give the impression of a subterranean conservatory. Many artifacts of magical or historical importance are also on display, and the entire room is awash with a whitish-purple light from a liquid fountain that runs down from the second floor... and the air heavy with rich incense.

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Normally such extravagance is beneath your kind, it hardly interests you beyond appreciation for craftsmanship and design. But even the likes of you can be caught off guard when assaulted by so much luxury at once. If you didn't know better, you'd think this another weapon up the sleeve of the matriarch. An unquestionable display that House Xiltyn makes up in wealth, what it lacks in power.

"There you are haszak, I knew you would be able to find me." Umrae addresses you without looking, instead facing the pool of softly luminous liquid on the first floor as fed by the fountain from the second. By now you're used to being surprised so it isn't much more confusion when she disrobes and lowers into the waters with a contented sigh.

This seems as good a chance as any to drop your illusory disguise, yet humorously enough the thought crosses your mind of how easy it would be for you to just approach and kill her, that she lowered her guard as much and even turned her back to you. Of course you're smart enough to know it would spell your own demise shortly after by the myriad of guards within the manor, but this level of... foolishness, or is it trust, or something else? You wonder if she behaves this way to all her guests.

"...so where were we? Ah yes, names. Well now that none will bother us, will you not join me so that we can get to know one another? I am sure our races have so much to share..."

From the pool she finally turns to look at you over her shoulder, beckoning at first before she indicates to the tiara. The only item left on her person, it seems she wants you to remove it. You stifle a laugh at the absurdity of the situation as it seems to you, but consider if the inferior creatures don't naturally just behave these ways. Again you wonder how the drow manage an empire if their rulers are like this... but then, you have noticed a change in Umrae's demeanor. Not as trifling, silly in her words or manner of speaking. More like how you'd expect a drow matriarch to sound, if not behave.

It seems this is exactly what you bargained for. An entire host of illithids with a thrall army couldn't seize upon a Matriarch like this by force, yet here you are with free access to her. The only question is, how much do you want to play her little game...

>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.
>A measured response is best. You can play along to an extent but only for what you know you can maintain dominance... even if it could weaken your position to bargain.
>Keep your cards to your chest, so to speak. You're fine with pleasantries, but you remain suspicious of her and don't want to get led astray. You can't expect much negotiation this way however.
>[Write-in.]

>>4978068
>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.

Now I'm fully amused. Let's see where exactly this rabbit hole goes then.

>>4978068
>A measured response is best. You can play along to an extent but only for what you know you can maintain dominance... even if it could weaken your position to bargain.

This ain't The Shape of Water, lady.

"Before we speak... Surely you realize the deadly predicament you've placed yourself in. What are you playing at?"

IF she can't hear us, communicate our misgivings by approaching the edge of the pool but hover back from entering. See if she'll meet us first, to remove her tiara without entering the water. Wait for an explanation before entering.

>>4978068
>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.

>>4978093
You mean signaling weakness. You may not like it, but this is a confidence game more than anything. If we flinch now, we will weaken our negotiating position, and it's clear she knows exactly what she's getting herself into.

>>4978068
>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.

>Quickly analyze the room and the situation. Is the incense dulling our mind or senses? Are any of the objects in the room obviously affecting us magickly?

She's probably a formidable person, though perhaps genuinely curious and flippant, lets see where this leads.

>>4978068
>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.
I suggest we stay as dominating as possible to prevent any unintended mishaps that could weaken ourselves either physically or mentally

>>4978106
What does she have that we want, though?

>>4978158
Yes, but would that even matter? This is a diplomatic mission, however treacherous our neighbors are. The terms of the deal are too great to ignore meeting with the drow leadership at the very least.

>>4978158
Further territory concessions, perhaps a lump sum of valuable surface goods, allowing us to place observers (of course they would not strictly be working for the good of the underdark but to observe the drow and flow of goods) in her territory to monitor and respond to any further incursions by surface dwellers, I dunno, lots of stuff, what would any diplomat want out of another polity in real life that could apply here?

>>4978162
There's being a polite diplomat, and there's letting her lead us around by our host body's withered dick to satisfy her need for control and her tentacle-lust.

>>4978198
You feel showing caution and hesitance to indilge her every whim would make these fiture negotiations less fruitful than showing ourselves to be readily biddable?

>>4978489
>You feel showing caution and hesitance to indilge her every whim would make these fiture negotiations less fruitful than showing ourselves to be readily biddable?

Given that the prompt you've voted for literally says 'even if it could weaken your position to bargain' in it's prompt, yes. We're not going to get the drow on board by being polite and diplomatic, it's just not the way of the Underdark.

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Oh dear, a contentious decision it seems!

>>4978153
>>4978122
>>4978105
>>4978093
>>4978078
>Play up to her fully, give her what she wants so you can get what you want. She has no idea who, or what she's dealing with.

What absurd situation is this?! Although you certainly would prefer a measured response, you recognize a rare opportunity when you see one. However much struggle and strife it would have taken otherwise and through other means, to reach the kind of terms with the drow that you could deal like this, yet here the matriarch is inviting you freely. So if she wants to play her little games with you, then you'll try to rise to her expectations or even exceed them.

After all, if you're going to play then you may as well win.

So you make a cursory observation of the chamber as you approach the small pool in the center, always suspicious and always looking for the trap. Although you do not possess magic so attempting to detect it doesn't accomplish much, but you at least can know for sure there are no other minds present in the room. No assassins waiting for you in the rafters. And while the fragrant air does have a strange effect on you it doesn't seem dangerous, merely piques your senses so that everything feels... heightened, sensual.

"You are not getting in like that! Come, what could I possibly hide from you now?"

Umrae remarks of your rugged cloak and clothes, ideal for travel in the Underdark but not so much for "high society" as these lesser creatures deem it. Not that you planned on just jumping into the water fully dressed, but you suppose she has a point, as far as being able to hide threats from you on her person.

And now, as you kneel beside the pool to remove the tiara from her head, there's nothing she can hide from you anymore.

Before we speak... surely you realize the deadly predicament you've placed yourself in. What are you playing at?

You try not to come off as paranoid, but you know you'd kick yourself later if you didn't at least ask what she was up to. After an initial wonderment at your mental communication she scoffs at the question however, taking the tiara from you to set upon her clothes beside the pool.

"By the Eight, I really can hear you in my mind.... ahem, and what of the deadly predicament you have placed yourself in? You did not come this far just to kill me haszak."

Resting her chin upon her folded arms on the edge of the pool, she stares up at you intently, practically inviting you to read her mind and answer your questions yourself. And while you get a flush of thoughts looking into her eyes, some ranging from the sensible to the obscene, you sense no hidden dagger behind her back so to speak. Whether or not you can trust her, she at least seems honest... that, or she's very good at focusing and directing her own mind.

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With the illithid-equivalent of a sigh then, you also begin to disrobe and fold your clothes beside the pool... eagerly watched over by Umrae, with the same kind of curious hunger that you'd feel towards a fresh brain.

"Female? That's not as fun... so the haszakkin have genders too?"

Not usually... my ceremorphosis- my creation, was... unique, special among my kind. Some have greater minds, some have a connection to the Void. I take after my host more than other illithid, a human she was.

With nothing to conceal it now, Umrae inspects your body though with noticeably less curiosity than before, and even a little disappointment you sense. Probably she was expecting or hoping for something as exotic and alien beneath your cloak as much as what was clearly visible, your tentacled head. Either way, she makes space for you in the gleaming pool and is delighted to see the... admittedly very pleasant sensation the fragrant hot water has for you, as you tenderly lower yourself in.

You don't bother stifling a long sigh, feeling the fatigue of travel on your bones and in your flesh. Although your body is robust and can handle it better than other illithid, what's the point of mental and physical balance if you don't take care of your body... at least once in awhile. So certain in your mental superiority like the rest of your kind, that it's easy to forget you have muscles that still get sore at the end of a cycle.

"Better for us then, we have something in common now!" Umrae remarks with enthusiasm, and it seems just as quickly as she'd been disappointed by you at first, those feelings have all left her and she's delighted with you once again... such fickle creatures. "It seems almost fated this way, does it not? Politics, negotiations, deals, best to leave males out of it!"

Although you would call this experience intimate, it's probably a different sense of the word than how she uses it. You certainly never imagined in your life you'd be interacting with anyone this way, but the pool is small enough that the two are poised for a close conversation. Like an oversized bathtub really, you're almost forced to lower your guard with her as much as she has with you, at least physically.

"Now then," she runs her hands and water through her white hair, before holding them out expectedly for yours, "Umrae of Xiltyn. You have mine, and I want yours." her red eyes look to you, an eager smile she doesn't bother to hide.

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In response you reach to take her hands at least in gesture, try to keep at the forefront of your mind the need and effort to rise to her expectations... even if it's unpleasant to deal with a lesser being as such, behavior you consider so much beneath you. As for names, you mentally project to her what your "name" is as far as illithid customs go. Rather than a definite name, mindflayers go by a summation of thoughts. In your case the thoughts of a cave, thoughts of still water flooding the lower half of the cave, thoughts of many embedded gemstones across the upper half of the cave, thoughts of the cave in darkness, thoughts of the gemstones twinkling in that darkness, and thoughts of them reflected on the water below; a worldly impression of the endless starry Void.

"M-My, that is... quite something..." Umrae withdraws one of her hands to press against her head and rub her eyes, trying to process the mental display you imposed on her. "Is there a way to... speak that?"

...Qhadryssa

Yes, you suppose that ought to do. A name you haven't properly used in some time... yet still preferable to your host's name, as would be the "proper" name to use in this case but not something you want Umrae to know.

>Without the tiara you have more control, more sway over the interaction. Try to steer things to negotiation, and the challenge at hand {1d100 for the effort.}
>All things considered, this is... pleasant. You can afford to enjoy yourself a little, as long as you don't get carried away.
>Before anything else, you have questions, desire for understanding. Such as her motives for this liaison, among others...
>[Write-in.]

>>4978574
>All things considered, this is... pleasant. You can afford to enjoy yourself a little, as long as you don't get carried away.

With any luck, we may be able to nibble a bit at her brain, subtly changing it to our liking (more open and willing to give concessions, and a curious desire for a better, deeper relationship). With any luck, she may be a very useful ally (and given long enough, puppet) to us if we play our cards right.

Also, >>4976087 is a body of a female?

Rolled 85 (1d100)

>>4978574
>Without the tiara you have more control, more sway over the interaction. Try to steer things to negotiation, and the challenge at hand {1d100 for the effort.}

>>4978574
>>All things considered, this is... pleasant. You can afford to enjoy yourself a little, as long as you don't get carried away.
>>
The upper world is not running away

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>>4978625
No, that pic is merely meant to represent a strong-bodied illithid in general. Notice that post was the d2 roll so gender wasn't yet determined, and could just as easily resulted male.

Not that it especially matters, it's merely a drawback of the Body trait chosen, like your robust build and formidable health. And as much as either Mind or Void traits would also have a drawback. At the end of the day you're still primarily a mindflayer, a biologically genderless aberration. You're just not, skinny featureless mannequin-bodied like most of your kind. Not that it ever matters anyway, when you're either always ruggedly clothed or mentally appearing as some other illusion.

>>4978574
>Without the tiara you have more control, more sway over the interaction. Try to steer things to negotiation, and the challenge at hand {1d100 for the effort.}

We aren't here to make friends but to improve our deal.

>>4978903
You can roll for the effort.

Also seems like a tie, I'll leave a chance for it to change, otherwise can flip a coin to determine the winner.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>4978574
>>Without the tiara you have more control, more sway over the interaction. Try to steer things to negotiation, and the challenge at hand {1d100 for the effort.}

Rolled 55 (1d100)

>>4978912

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>85

>>4978927
>>4978903
>>4978665
>>4978629
>>4978625
>>4979012
>Without the tiara you have more control, more sway over the interaction. Try to steer things to negotiation, and the challenge at hand {1d100 for the effort.}

You're not so high and mighty as to not be able to enjoy the simpler things in life. By reputation these dark elves can get up to some scandalous things so you know Umrae could show you a good time. And a lesser mindflayer might just fall for it, and be led astray.

But you are tasked with glorious purpose, by the Elder Brain itself, for the good of Yphor. Business first, pleasure later. Besides, already too much of this interaction has been dominated by the matriarch, now it's your turn.

All that effort just to bring me here, I hope your offer of cooperation wasn't merely a ruse to share a bath?

"Do you not prefer it this way?" she asks plainly, while running some sudsy bar over her dark skin, "No prying eyes, no one to tell us what we cannot do, and more pleasant than the audience hall. When my guards tried to control our interaction," she nods towards the tiara, "I knew we had to seek other accommodation if we wanted to properly discuss terms."

Well as much as you'd rather have just settled matters in the audience hall, you suppose she has a point. Obviously you're not enjoying this as much as she is, but there's definitely merit to the privacy if nothing else. No guards to stop you, no advisors to stop her. Indeed it is a golden opportunity to bargain for things to go your way, as long as you're skilled enough to seize it.

Curiously you notice, as she speaks of her motives, how much plainer and more serious she seems. Nothing like that trifling elf before, and more like a proper ruler. That experience and willpower, beneath the veneer of frivolity.

"Besides, think of this as a gesture of trust. We both know our races are opposed at the best of times, I doubt we ever could truly trust one another. But together like this, is a long way towards that. After all, what dangers or secrets could we hide from each other like this?"

No secrets at all, not anymore Matriarch.

Your words echo in her mind with disarming intent, and if you could smile you would. You're not so bold as to just try and control her mind, for the dire risk of failure, but you can subtly try to steer things to your liking. It's a delicate dance you have to engage her in, but at the very least she seems unaware of what you're doing, which is a good first step.

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The trick to it all is, to make things seem like it is what she wants. To make her want to be dominated by you even if she doesn't realize it.

"That is right! You still have not answered my curiosity, of what you are capable of with... those." for just a moment between washing her skin of suds, her red eyes dart between each of your tentacles.

You'd like to see, wouldn't you? Better than just being told.

Now you're getting somewhere, as you subtly press more suggestion in her mind. Her eyes focus to yours now as she gives a sly smile, and gracefully moves in the pool to be closer to you. Closer than you're prepared for, full body contact on her part, but you can tell she's been wanting and waiting for this chance to physically appreciate your body more.

What can you say? The matriarch recognizes quality when she sees it, and you are quite the physical specimen, as her hands wander from your legs and arms to your head.

"...more than words?" she whispers, "Like you showed me those... images before, of your name."

More than that. Whatever I want... or whatever you want.

Just for a taste, for the both of you, you reach out with one of your tentacles to touch her head. In doing so you project the same physical sensation she gave by touching across your body, back to her. Similar to sharing a memory you just experienced, but feeling very real and enveloping.

Her gasping at the experience, and hugging you closely in response, is all the indication you need that your ploy is working. Of course you could reinforce the experience by actually caressing her body with your own hands in the same way, but that would just be cruel to her.

The important thing is, you've managed to dominate her, at least the initial mental handshake. The question is, how far do you want to go? There are of course kinder options you could take, but you aren't a kind being...

>Maintain a subtle dominance over her, only so much as she believes she's still in control. The least risky, though the least able to sway negotiations.
>Establish a significant domination, so that you're in control. More risky, but able to steer negotiations.
>Utterly dominate her, so much so that you could alter her mind and personality, her very being. Quite risky, but you could end up making her your mental slave.
>...eat her brains. The temptation is too great!
>[Write-in.]

>>4979018
And for whatever choice you make, feel free to specify what negotiations you want to make, what terms or benefits you seek to gain. Both from the drow and Umrae herself, and both for Yphor and you personally.

And of course, make a roll for the effort.

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>4979018
>Maintain a subtle dominance over her, only so much as she believes she's still in control. The least risky, though the least able to sway negotiations.

The promise of ceded territory, an entire underground river, a sizable and steady supply of thralls, throw in a juicy brain here or there of your rivals, and we'll find the leak of knowledge and maintain the security of the Underdark, as well as engage in more pleasurable mind telekinetic and other pleasurable actions (make this her suggestion). With any luck, we'll turn her into our puppet in a couple of other 'meetings'.

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4979018
>Maintain a subtle dominance over her, only so much as she believes she's still in control. The least risky, though the least able to sway negotiations.

I support >>4979041. I'd also like to ensure we are given great autonomy in our mission here, and authority if we come into conflict over small details with drow agents.

Rolled 94 (1d100)

>>4979018
Supporting >>4979051

>>4979018
>Maintain a subtle dominance over her, only so much as she believes she's still in control. The least risky, though the least able to sway negotiations.

I'll support the other anons suggestions above. ( >>4979041 >>4979051 ) I would normally want more out of this meeting, but as long as we get the agreed upon territory that is good enough for now. We don't have to force this all at once, we'll both be around for a long time and in a few more meetings we can influence her more.

Rolled 45 (1d100)

>>4979041
Support

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>>4979149
>>4979094
>>4979057
>>4979051
>>4979041
>94
>Maintain a subtle dominance over her, only so much as she believes she's still in control. The least risky, though the least able to sway negotiations.

Although you are poised to dominate her completely, you resist the temptation and decide to take the safer method with Umrae. It's not often that an illithid would get a chance like this with a drow matriarch, but you're here on a specific mission rather than just an opportunity to gain power.

What follows then is a complicated exchange between you two, as you try to reach an end goal together while making it seem like she is always in control and leading where she wants to go.

The best mental domination after all, is the kind where it never seems to have taken place.

"Oh, show me more won't you? I want to know... I want to know everything we can do together."

Of course Matriarch, the possibilities are limitless...

Taking ahold of her smaller form then, you pull Umrae so that she's laying atop you in the silky waters of the pool. Though she might mistake your effort for something else, the real reason is to have full access to her mind as your four face tentacles lengthen to wrap around her, and her head is enveloped by your effective "mouth". The customary position to consume a victim's brain, and indeed with that fanged maw of yours normally nestled away beneath your tentacles, now pressed against her hair you easily could feed on her. But it is also the best position for mental exchange, and you resist the temptation to get at her juicy brain. An effective effort as well, you know it is working because to her perception the two of you are still merely sitting in the pool together conversing, rather than how she's actually within your clutches.

And so as suggestive as your entwined bodies may appear to an observer, holding the dark elf close with arms and tentacles while she clings to you, the truth is much more than it appears. A bond greater than any lovers is formed, a union of the minds as you penetrate into Umrae's very being. A delicate dance of give and take, as you insert yourself into her mind while maintaining the illusion that she consented to your presence there. The utmost care is required, a delicacy beyond the physical to ensure that neither of you are harmed in this mental tryst.

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Your husband?

My daughter. She stole him away, and together they fled to the surface. Whether they are acting in malice... does not matter, they are compromising our shared secrecy.

At this point the communication is entirely in your minds, and to Umrae's perception the two of you are enjoying a lovely crystal-lit dinner. Time means nothing in the mindscape so she believes hours have passed as the two of you retired from the intimate bath experience and moved on to pleasant conversation over food and drinks. In this illusion a friendly rapport has been established over hours, enough that she mirthfully discusses personal and private matters with you. Not yet with the negotiations, you want to learn who Umrae is and what you're dealing with. Careful, give it time, this is a delicate matter. You can't be too hasty to the goal, when already much of your focus is spent trying to make the illusion feel real and keep it clear, rather than seem like the haze of a dream.

And what juicy secrets are revealed to you in this trip down memory lane with her, hand in hand. Between her admission and glimpses of memories, you learn a bit about Umrae's life and quite a good picture of what is truly going on. As it turns out, she is only nobility by marriage, that strange custom the lesser creatures have. In her life before all this luxury and control, Umrae was nothing more than a captain of this border fort of drow territory, before it was even an outpost let alone a "settlement". Things changed when a connection to the surface world was discovered however, and this place became important overnight and soon flourished from the opportunities with the world above. As a reward for her... mostly just luck, for being in the right place at the right time, she was given a noble male to marry and so ascended in status to matriarch of a newly formed noble house. Created in order to better govern this important hub of travel and trade, and to her credit things have gone marvelously here for the drow.

It speaks volumes to who she is as a person, especially in regards to you. The fact that she's nothing but a warrior cleaned up and sat on a throne, along with her relatively young age for a drow, explains her lack of experience and why she would make such a mistake as dealing with a mindflayer so carelessly. The reason she invited you to her chambers and now lies naked in body and mind within your grasp, is simply because she never encountered your kind before personally, and only knew rumors. A proper matriarch or even just any experienced drow, would know better than to lower their guard as much on a first meeting with an illithid.

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...ah, but... I need him back, alive. I would like to deal with her myself as well, but he is all that matters.[/i]

Certainly Umrae, you can count on me. No telling how the situation might be taken advantage of by those other drow... no offense.

Then again, her carelessness might simply be a testament to how desperate she is. You sense the fear in her that without her husband, she has no claim to power and indeed may find herself replaced eventually by a more esteemed noble House. You try to delve into the reason for this breakdown within her family, but the topic is painful and upsetting for her, so you can't glean much without risk of compromising the illusion. What you can learn, is that there was some long-running discord between Umrae and her daughter, something about the position of power in the area... inheritance, heir? Something like that? Whatever the case, her daughter kidnapped her father and escaped to the surface where it is now believed they are, in some way or other endangering the secrecy of the Underdark.

Either way the situation a lot of trouble for Umrae and her noble House, that they've done their best till now to manage and keep secret, but as the threats build for them so does their desperation. Enough even to seek the cooperation of a mindflayer and cede territory to Yphor. Enough that she'd more or less throw herself at your mercy, to invite you to her bedroom and offer you her body and mind, if it meant solving the problem.

I can promise the support of Yphor, and that I will meet this challenge personally... but knowing the situation, the risks involved, I believe more concessions are due. Namely... a supply of captives for Yphor, perhaps your criminals that would be executed? And more autonomy for myself, in the mission to come.

Sure, sure! That's fair. I don't expect less, if it matters to you. Make it back in one piece and you'll get even more...

The passage of another couple hours, as in your minds you sit among her collection of exotic plants by the exterior balcony of her chambers, looking out over the settlement and trading turns in partaking of fine smokable drugs these dark elves favor. This, is the time to negotiate, after the perception of a lovely evening (by her standards) together and in such a relaxed state. The illusion taking its toll on her mind, her guard lowered so much, she's even starting to sound like a soldier again instead of a noble with her pretense of fanciness discarded. Indeed, she's giving you what you want (within reason) and believes herself to be offering it willingly, and think you humble in your requests. And more than that, some notion you sense in her, of desires towards you unrelated to the dealings. Such pleasant company you've been, that you've touched upon some manner of satisfaction she's been lacking and desires to be fulfilled.

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A shame really, it was admittedly a lovely "evening" you shared with Umrae, even if it was all just within your minds while you still lay in embrace in the gleaming waters of the pool. Not that she's aware of course, as within the illusion you caress one another in the pale light and the fragrant smoke, till she drifts off to sleep in your arms on the balcony. Same as in real life, as the mental union finally exhausts her and she falls asleep on you in the pool. Quite a skillful and effective end to your meeting of the minds, if you do say so yourself. Rising from the waters and holding her in your arms, you carry the matriarch to bed so she can sleep off the mental toll of your journey through memory, thoughts, and time. And what fading consciousness she may have left, wouldn't be able to tell the difference between illusion and reality.

You ought to be thanking her really, as you sit on the edge of the silken bed beside her sleeping figure; none of this would have been possible without her.

---

You don't care to keep track of the time, as you sit on the balcony for real and appreciate the fleeting serenity of the plants and the view over the settlement. A location and experience which you only were able to reconstruct in the illusion because of Umrae's memories of sitting here. It could be a hundred cycles to pass for all you care, so long as the effort with the matriarch was handled properly. The Elder Brain chose you for a reason, after all, and so far everything has been a success.

Incidentally though, it's Umrae herself that draws your attention back to the moment. Awake from her slumber, she approaches you from behind in a silken gown to drape her arms around you with a content sigh. After all, as far as she knows you spent the night together until she dozed off.

"Qhadryssa... why don't you stay? I feel... better with you, and think of what we could achieve together? Imagine you as my noble advisor..."

And what of the issue at hand? The danger with the surface world?

"Agh, I could... we could find another way. Pay for the best assassins the Underdark has to offer. Adventurers even, lot of fools that they are. Better that and keep you by my side, than for you to..."

Oh dear, what a number you've done on this drow it seems. Whether it be a passing fancy or something more, it seems you made an impression on her. And though you dare not admit it, for just a moment... you consider accepting her offer. What a life of luxury could be yours, and the power to govern things behind the scenes. An asset to Yphor certainly, but a benefit to yourself all the same.

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A selfish benefit, you recognize. Such traitorous thoughts, you know them to be the product of your time and distance away from the Elder Brain. As its control over you weakens, so may these... errant thoughts and emotions strengthen. But it's all nonsense really, the frivolity of lesser beings. Better that you see this task completed and return home, the sooner you return to the Elder Brain the sooner your mind will fall under control again. Pure, clean, just. Order, as it should be.

>What do you do?

>>4979354
>What a tempting offer. I'll keep an open mind to it... after I proved my worth that is.

We should either report back to the Eldar Brain of this development, or complete the task set for us. We should as for some drow soldiers to help us capture her husband and daughter as well.

Unless we get our deal with the position of advisor. That's the only reason we'd be able to stick around longer that the Elder Brain may recognize as a boon.

>>4979354
I assume most anons will want to rejoin the collective and be reassured of their merging with the Elder Brain, so I'll offer the maverick option.

>She's right. We can do so much more for Yphor as the shadow ruler of this valuable settlement. Adventurers are better suited to wandering the rumoured surface with its alleged burning lights and strange foreign customs and unknown powers.

>>4979379
Support

>>4979388
I'm down with the Maverick option, I just want to make sure we get our deal with it though.

>>4979401
Yeah, I agree.

>>4979379
+1

>>4979388
Also supporting. For reference, I am >>4978093

It seems like a more useful application of our skills and our unique diplomatic advantage.

(Shit, I guess it IS The Shape of Water)

>>4979388
This is a possible option, but either way you'll have to be going to the surface simply because they cannot expect to complete the mission without help of a mindflayer. That, and you don't place much faith in these drow at completing the mission, and if Umrae gets ousted then there goes your chance at a position.

Afterward though if you want to go into business for yourself, that's entirely possible.

>>4979556
Sure, that's fine.

>>4979388
>>4979556
Support, finish job, then make a harem of taste brainfood to munch on.

Will be posting in a bit, but today and tomorrow I've been busy with surgery so just a heads up on delays.

>>4979723
>then make a harem of taste brainfood to munch on

+1, lets start with our drow party that'll help us capture the husband/daughter duo.

>>4979962
Not sure if you can have kids missing half your head.

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>>4979723
>>4979631
>>4979520
>>4979444
>>4979400
>>4979401
>>4979379
>>4979388
>>4979962

Although her motivation isn't coming from a genuine place, Umrae surprisingly raises a good point. You know she just wants you as her confidant and potentially even companion, but the logic of her offer is admirable. Indeed it could prove to be quite a benefit to Yphor if you were acting as the shadow ruler over this hub of travel and trade between the surface. And it's not even that out of the ordinary, from here to Menzoberranzan for a powerful drow House to have a mindflayer retainer for obvious tasks.

First thing's first though, before you can accept anything you have to ensure security in the position. Unless this problem with the surface is dealt with, Umrae could very well get replaced, in which case you can't expect the same opportunity.

What a tempting offer. I'll keep an open mind to it... after I proved my worth that is.

"Hsss... well fine, if you must go. At least I can rest assured that you will see this through."

She makes her disappointment known, but Umrae knows its probably for the best. What good you could do to her remaining here, in the long run wouldn't be as good to have you out there. Still, if only you could stay but a full rotation longer... or several, but you must be insistent lest you get carried away.

I should return, before any should notice my absence...

"If they haven't already... I suppose you are right, like always. Go then, and when we reconvene in the audience hall we can make all of this official..."

In truth she wouldn't let you go if she had her way, but a little mental persuasion convinces her to see your logic. Though... you wouldn't have minded if she took awhile to let you go, her body against yours as she performs an admittedly very pleasing head massage on your big tentacled noggin. But unhand you she does, and with a one-sided hug she finally lets you go, lingering thoughts for all sorts of desires towards you that are most unbecoming of a proper drow lady.

Of course the thoughts repulse you, but you do your best to stomach them because it suits your plans well. The more essential to Umrae you can make yourself, the greater your potential power here.

"Hah... you know it is funny..." she calls after you as you leave, having sat at the table herself, "Even after that splendid meal, I still feel so hungry..."

---

Over the coming cycles then and after having returned to your room, you have the chance to unwind and adjust. Mental domination and joining of minds is always a difficult process, and taxing upon a mindflayer as much as their victim. Of course your nature, your physiology leaves you better adapted to deal with it and more experienced illithid hardly have any problems, but matters of the mind aren't your inherent specialty so you need to take a breather so to speak.

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Such emotions... such violence, such lust...

Indeed, it's never easy with dark elves and Umrae is no exception, particularly with her transition of one lifestyle to a radically different other. Setting aside that drow have such long lives and thus more experienced, but their long lives are filled with such a complicated array of emotions and memories. Bloodshed and intrigue, excess and desire, centuries of violence and indulgence. Such alien concepts to your kind, the frivolous concerns of lesser beings, so naturally it's a lot for you to deal with and unpack.

Doubly so because of your personal, bodily involvement with the matriarch. Would that you simply had eaten her brain, it would be a mental hysteria to have to process. But in your short time together she assaulted your physical being and senses with pleasures, stimulation. When normally something as simple as holding hands is an unfamiliar sensation, full body contact in an inherently intimate way is... overwhelming, to say the least. To say nothing of her bath or incense saturated with drow stimulants. Illithid are not indulgent or sensational creatures, and indeed such things are looked down upon with scorn, pathetic comparisons to the mind at best and distractions at worst. Weakness, which is intolerable.

But you were all once lesser beings yourselves, your host bodies. You still are able to feel, still able to experience, still able to enjoy, no matter how much your kind tries to suppress it. Who knows, behind closed doors and in hidden places, what secret comforts are indulged? Whether it be music or art, hobbies or leisure, things which greater illithid society shun in favor of the uniform collective. You yourself for example have a weakness for sweet things, a holdover from your host and her personality. And all of this is doubly difficult for you, since your heightened physical body means you feel things even more than the rest of your kind.

Calm... still... clear the mind... control yourself Dryssa...

Meditation... helps, as you sit on the floor of your room away from the luxuries surrounding you. Though you were aware of it before, it's really starting to seem that you've strayed too far from the Elder Brain for too long. Individuality, the dreadful concept, is starting to creep in. And you can only imagine it will worsen, especially if you venture to the surface. Though you must do it, for Yphor and yourself, but you fear losing your identity of conformity to... uniqueness, choice, freedom! Just the thought of it makes your stomach turn as you try not to puke...

...best not to dwell on it now. If you can get these sensations and emotions under control and stamp them out, and instead focus on the challenge at hand.

>This is worse than you thought! Spend the time to make sure these personal issues are dealt with.
>No time for feelings, you need to prepare! See what supplies or accommodations you can secure for your journey. {Specify.}
>Supplies are a trivial matter, compared to who you will travel with and may have to rely on. See if you can have some input into the team that is assembled for the journey. {Specify.}
>[Write-in.]

>>4980030
>This is worse than you thought! Spend the time to make sure these personal issues are dealt with.

>>4980030
>This is worse than you thought! Spend the time to make sure these personal issues are dealt with.

It'll get worse, but we can take some time to deal with it.

>See what supplies or accommodations you can secure for your journey. {Tralls4Brains}

>Supplies are a trivial matter, compared to who you will travel with and may have to rely on. See if you can have some input into the team that is assembled for the journey. {Drow with an open mind}

The curious, non-cautious, even foolhardy, but if we can get those willing to try illithid mental massages like Umrae, it'll ease our task considerably(if we can make Umrae think it's her idea, all the better).

>>4980030
>Supplies are a trivial matter, compared to who you will travel with and may have to rely on. See if you can have some input into the team that is assembled for the journey. {Specify.}

Bring some slaves for feeding!

>>4980030
>See what supplies or accommodations you can secure for your journey.

We need a way to secure and drag back the two fugitives.
If the bonds are magical in nature better, we should not conform ourselfs with binding them with our mind since it would be to straining in the long run.

>>4980030
>>This is worse than you thought! Spend the time to make sure these personal issues are dealt with.

>>4980049
Supporting this one.

>>4980030
>No time for feelings, you need to prepare! See what supplies or accommodations you can secure for your journey. {Specify.}

See to it we have an adequate supply of ̶b̶r̶a̶i̶n̶s̶ slaves for our journey. Crucially we need information, information on the surface inhabitants, their language, armament, skill with magic, culture, the terrain up above, how far to the nearest surface dweller settlement, etc, etc. We could also do with a timekeeper, and either a strip of black cloth that can be seen through to reduce the strain the light has on our eyes or some sort of black face paint to put in a strip across our eyes to reduce glare, or both. Other necessary thing are basic logistical stuff like food and water for our companions and if we are traveling far then we could use some pack animals, oh, and rope, that is always useful. Maybe some trade goods to feign a cover as merchants or to take some samples of valuable surface goods.

>Supplies are a trivial matter, compared to who you will travel with and may have to rely on. See if you can have some input into the team that is assembled for the journey. {Specify.}

This >>4980049 plus maybe some mercenaries or 'adventurers' familiar with the surface, even better if they are FROM the surface or speak surface languages.

Pretty good quest you've got going QM, never really seen much content of mindflayers and the like myself so this is quite nice. Solid writing too, always a ++.
>This is worse than you thought! Spend the time to make sure these personal issues are dealt with.

Hey guys I got out of surgery today, so probably no posts today or at least not until later tonight. Just a heads up.

>>4980619
Thanks for the heads up QM, take care of yourself.

>>4980619
Stay healthy QM, and thanks for telling us.

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Hey all, seems the thread is in autosage, so figure this is a good chance for an activity check. Curious who's active playing, if you're enjoying the quest, want to keep going, etc...?

As said in the beginning, I'll continue to QM as much as I'm able, provided people are having fun and want to continue, and that there's a worthwhile amount of players participating.

As for the current situation, I hope to be able to continue running tonight, if I've recovered enough for it. In the meantime, it seems like assembling a good group to travel with is just barely more important to you than the other options, so I'll leave you with this choice for when we resume;

>A bunch of criminals. Surely the least reliable option, but the most expendable, and you would be given command of them all to do as you please with.
>A group of scouts. Same as you've traveled with thus far, a small but capable group of drow with Underdark experience... but little surface knowledge.
>A collection of irregulars. Umrae will put out a summons and reward for any bold enough to reach the surface. Sure to be the most varied group, who knows what you might end up with?
>A professional or two. You will be partnered with the best the drow have to offer, along with a surface guide. Good for keeping a low profile, but a limited pool of experience and skills to draw from.
>A trading caravan. The safest option for sure, but one you will have the least control over, and have to travel incognito. It will however provide an inroad to the surface, as they deal with dwellers above.
>[Write-in.]

>>4981616
And per usual, whatever your choice go ahead and make a roll, which will affect the quality or quantity of your group depending on the choice.

>>4981616
>A collection of irregulars. Umrae will put out a summons and reward for any bold enough to reach the surface. Sure to be the most varied group, who knows what you might end up with?

Sort of curious about the mystery box option, but if anons have a different play in mind I'm all ears.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

>>4981617
>>4981643
Sorry about that. I've been enjoying this quest immensely so far though, glad to see it continue.

>>4981616
>>A bunch of criminals. Surely the least reliable option, but the most expendable, and you would be given command of them all to do as you please with.

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>4981616
>A professional or two. You will be partnered with the best the drow have to offer, along with a surface guide. Good for keeping a low profile, but a limited pool of experience and skills to draw from.

pog quest OP

>>4981616
>A professional or two. You will be partnered with the best the drow have to offer, along with a surface guide. Good for keeping a low profile, but a limited pool of experience and skills to draw from.

>>4981616
>A group of scouts. Same as you've traveled with thus far, a small but capable group of drow with Underdark experience... but little surface knowledge.

Good quest, Not enough like these from alternate sides.

bit disappointed we aren't a crossdressing mindflayer tho.

>>4981616
>>A collection of irregulars. Umrae will put out a summons and reward for any bold enough to reach the surface. Sure to be the most varied group, who knows what you might end up with?

>>4981616
>A trading caravan. The safest option for sure, but one you will have the least control over, and have to travel incognito. It will however provide an inroad to the surface, as they deal with dwellers above.

>>4981743
>crossdressing

lol what?

>>4981616
>A collection of irregulars. Umrae will put out a summons and reward for any bold enough to reach the surface. Sure to be the most varied group, who knows what you might end up with?

I wouldn't worry about the permasage, threads stay up all month before a new one is made.

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>4981616
>>4981909
Forgot my roll. Here's hoping I save us assuming bo3.

I'm enjoying the quest, good writing.

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>>4981616
still here though was a lurker vary sick with a bad fever and more myself so wont be able to contribute much to the quest but i appreciate it and like it

fantasy imag i didnt look at Go!

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4981616
Praying to RNJesus.
>A collection of irregulars. Umrae will put out a summons and reward for any bold enough to reach the surface. Sure to be the most varied group, who knows what you might end up with?

>>4981830
I thought we were male but used a female disguise, which struck me as intriguing for our mindflayer character.

Alright, going to try to resume now in a bit.

>>4982110
Now you can be female in male disguise.

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>>4981643
>>4981796
>>4981909
>>4982103
>Irregulars

>>4981684
>>4981677
>Professionals

>>4981651
>>4981743
>>4981804
>Criminals, Scouts, Caravan

>46

The thought of being overcome by freedom and free will is a terrifying one, but it's just something you'll have to deal with as you go. After all, the Elder Brain chose you for a reason, else a lesser mindflayer would have sufficed for this task. So you can settle for the rest of the cycle-set on calming your heart and stilling your mind, but after that you have to focus on the mission.

As it goes, come next cycle-set Umrae reconvenes everyone relevant in the audience hall again, where she can make official the backroom deal you made together. Really it's just for show, but better that it seems she came up with the plan rather than the truth being known... both sides of the truth that is, the deal itself and that you "convinced" her to believe it was her idea.

"Let it be known then, this historic accord between the Children of Lolth and the haszakkin, in unity against the world above! Our ultimate foe, let the iblith learn their place once more!"

All the assorted decorum and show that these dark elves obsess over, such a trivial waste of time that it makes them seem like animals to you, as they offer applause and praise in support of the agreement. But then, you suppose these lesser beings have to have their ways of governing and keeping things together among themselves, when they aren't able to just mentally dominate. What a burden that must be...

Not to mention the farce of it all, this "alliance". In no way a cessation of hostilities and your respective races will be at each other's throats the moment these dealings are concluded, success or fail. But once in a rare while, you can all at least see eye to eye; if trust cannot bind you then at least mutual self-interest will suffice.

---

Within another three cycle-sets, the journey ahead is paved for you. After the little ceremony solidifying the agreement, Umrae made a summons for any and all persons interested in a quest to the surface. Complete with criers to announce it and notices placed around the settlement, the offer of reward and privilege serves to motivate some folks brave or crazy enough to risk the journey.

You wind up with a group of five, plus a dwarven guide who knows the route to the surface. Apart from most (but not all) of them being drow, there's almost no commonality between any of you, but motivation at least is not in question. You won't have to try to play leader or wrangle troublemakers, when everyone here willingly volunteered for the mission.

And so you will make your departure from the outpost with a little ceremony to be expected, but after that it's the familiar venture of traversing the Underdark. Hopefully you can at least reach the surface, as daunting a task as that seems, but dangers en route are beyond your control. What you can control is your relation to the group of travelers.

>Remain aloof, and in disguise. The closer you get to any of these lesser beings, the riskier it is. Plus, you need to keep your attention on the dangerous route ahead.
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...
>Get to know your traveling companions. They are all you will have from here to the surface, as well as while you are in the world above, and finally back below again. To that end, you can be honest with them about what you are.
>[Write-in.]

>>4982209
As well, whichever your choice go ahead and make a roll for the travel, to see how your journey goes.

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>4982209
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...

Rolled 53 (1d100)

>>4982209
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...

we do noooot

Rolled 75 (1d100)

>>4982223
Support

Rolled 40 (1d100)

>>4982120
Eh, its lost its luster now.

>>4982208
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...
Let us massage your weary skulls for you.. FrEnDS!

Rolled 73 (1d100)

>>4982209
>>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...

Rolled 4 (1d100)

>>4982209
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4982209
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...

Any potential thralls among this group?

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>>4982336
>>4982284
>>4982268
>>4982246
>>4982223
>>4982219
>>4982398
>A little familiarity is tolerable, at least so you know what the group is capable of. Though, whether you reveal your true self to them...
>75

Of course your preference would be to not associate with these others at all, apart from their brains. But between the travel to the surface and then the world above itself, you figure you ought to know what your group is capable of should danger arise.

Knowledge of all things, as you know. Yourself however, you decide not to reveal the truth and maintain the same illusory form of a drow before, as you try to become familiar with your fellow travelers over the coming cycle-sets of travel through the long and perilous dark.

"Long way? Aye lass, nine full rotations... but I knows it like me wife's beard, ha!"

The most important of course is your dwarf guide Corley, a former miner of some dwarf clan who tunneled his way down and quite literally fell into the Underdark, and never found a way home. So instead he makes trips to and from the surface in the meantime, is as tough as any dwarf and has some expertise with explosives.

"Where did you say you were from again?"

"I didn't, but Eryndlyn... "

"My sister lives in Eryndlyn jabbress! At least, I think it was my sister... I think it was Eryndlyn..."

Next are the two drow who naturally associate with you, a cause for annoyance. The female, Laele is a pilgrim to some shrine on the surface and seems harmless enough, benevolent in a religious way. She asks too many questions for your liking however, especially since you can't get a read of her mind which makes you wary. The male on the other hand, Nym is a young lad (by elven standards) with a giant beetle for a mount. Naive and distracted, easy prey for you, he is a strange sort of bard who records sound with crystals and seeks sounds of the surface. He couldn't fight his way out of a wet bag, but his huge insect is formidable.

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"Argh, careful! You almost brought those rocks down!"

There's also the myconid, a towering mushroom-man with uncertain purpose, you doubt it even has a brain since there's nothing mentally you can pick up from it... in fact you wonder if there's any point to projecting your illusory form or "words" to it. Though the creature is somehow sapient and communication is possible, considering it volunteered for the journey and lumbers along with the group, it's main benefit is probably in a fight rather than as any sort of companion.

"We all go, yes?"

Lastly is the human traveler, Mann. You're not sure what he's doing in the Underdark but apparently he just wants to return to his farm on the surface, eat vegetables, brush his hair, and go outside in cold temperature. Clumsy no thanks to his thick bundled clothes, but he keeps to himself so you can appreciate that. His constant barrage of thoughts however is a little overwhelming to you, and you question the sanity of a single mind that can think so much so quickly.

---

"Here we are lads, like I told ye! We ken camp here, on past the lake, then it's up and up all the way!"

"Past it, you mean down around it? Why not cross by the fall?"

"This en't drow territory no more lass, there be gogglers about. Quicker yer way true, but I wouldn't chance it."

A little under halfway of the journey and things have been more or less fine, so far. A close call here, getting lost for awhile there, some group tension mixed between, but nothing serious thankfully. Corley takes it as a good sign, though having reached the familiar landmark of a crystalline lake he wants to stop for some time before taking a long detour. Apparently you're trespassing into the territory of kuo-toa, a nasty race of subterranean fish people.

Though you're not particularly worried from what you know of them, and would rather not suffer the delay. But the dwarf hasn't steered you wrong yet, and perhaps he's right, that you could take the chance to rest.

>Getting side-tracked so much is unacceptable. So long as you're all quick about it, you should be able to cross the waterfall above the lake and put distance between you and the fishmen, enough to rest later.
>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.
>You'd like to know what your group is capable of... maybe not engage them entirely, but a raid against the locals could be beneficial. For supplies, if nothing else.
>[Write-in.]

>>4982451
>>You'd like to know what your group is capable of... maybe not engage them entirely, but a raid against the locals could be beneficial. For supplies, if nothing else.

>>4982454
>You'd like to know what your group is capable of... maybe not engage them entirely, but a raid against the locals could be beneficial. For supplies, if nothing else.

May as well know if we can rely on this group.

>>4982454
>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.

>>4982454
>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.

If I learned anything from lovecraft it's not to mess with fish people

>>4982454
>You'd like to know what your group is capable of... maybe not engage them entirely, but a raid against the locals could be beneficial. For supplies, if nothing else.

>>4982661
We're Starspawn, bruh. Dagonspawn are nothing to us.

>>4982454
>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.
No need to get sidetracked and cossing needless harm to our party when we are making good time

>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.

The human knows of the surface. we can aford to make an effort to talk to him and learn more

>>4982454
>You'd like to know what your group is capable of... maybe not engage them entirely, but a raid against the locals could be beneficial. For supplies, if nothing else.

Fish are food, not friends.

Hey all apologies for the delay, having a tough time with recovery but will try to be doing some more tonite.

>>4982973
>>4982762
>>4982470
>>4982455
>Raid

>>4982541
>>4982661
>>4982919
>>4982962
>Rest

Seems like an even split. I'll give it a little while (as I prepare to post as normal) for anyone else to weigh in or possibly change their vote, otherwise I can make a roll to determine the tie.

>>4983159
If it remains a tie, just switch this vote here >>4982973 to the other side.

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>>4983172
A noble sacrifice!

>>4982973
>>4983159
>The guide knows best, take the chance to rest and recuperate. Besides, it's a good chance for you to target any of the group if you so desire.

Why create problems when there aren't any? Or something like that. You've been making a good pace through the Underdark and for as dangerous as it is, things have fortunately been... mostly safe. You would like to know what this group of yours is capable of, but if you can reach the surface without trouble then you think you'd prefer that more.

Besides, you can always figure out what the others are capable of later, on the surface itself against the dwellers above.

"Careful with the fire, you know the walking mushroom won't stay close by."

"Food time? We eat! Food time!"

"Hey has anyone seen a pair of dark lens? I think I lost mine..."

Finding a good, tucked away location by the lake is Corley's job and he manages well enough that the lot of you shouldn't have to worry about getting ambushed by patrolling fishmen. And if you do, then you'll get your wish to see what everyone can do. In the meantime though the group settles in for the full-rotation in their own ways, the first real chance for a proper rest since you left. Otherwise it's just been short sleeping in shifts and eating on the go, rather than the chance to sit down and enjoy a proper meal.

Sadly in your case, you've no brains to enjoy apart from those around you. Like most illithid you can still eat other food to stave off starvation, but it's only a temporary fix when you really need a nice juicy brain once in awhile. Fortunately for you, since your body is formidable you can go for longer than other illithid without consuming brains, and you had your fill of your former thrall before you departed Yphor to travel alone.

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So you can can play along with the others, maintain the illusion that you're just another lesser creature among them. The drow in particular have their shared food, among which you can find... something you can stomach at least. As much an act as it is though, it's a good opportunity to get to know the group better. At least, one of the group.

"It's true what the dwarf says, you're from the surface? So... what's it like?"

"Yes yes, up above! Big cave with no roof! Big dragon king, good king, fly high!"

As you know, trying to read Mann's mind is pointless at best and aggravating at worst, though trying to talk with him and "focus" his mind does much to help. Picking up on surface thoughts is much easier that way as you try and steer the conversation while he tears into a chunk of meat. Glimpses of what he speaks about, impressions of this surface... though perhaps a little disappointing.

...doesn't seem all that different from below.

"You come with, share home and food!"

Images, memories of a cave with treasure, a dragon, but only a faint glimpse of something beyond the cave. This roof-less place you hear tell about. And certainly no impressions of farming or other humans above. But you have no reason to doubt Mann, so you'll just have to take him at his word. Probably just an eccentric human by their standards, of course you'd end up with the crazy one to travel with... but then, what sane human would be in the Underdark in the first place?

Your host sure knew that much! In any case though, you must admit the chance to properly rest is a welcome one, if only so that at some point or other you can withdraw from the group and let go of the illusion for a time. Having to focus on that constantly is quite mentally taxing!

>Make the most of the rest and then be on your way with the group. The world above you awaits!
>In the time that remains between here and the surface, you figure you could probably target another of the group to suit your needs. {Specify.}
>The group served their purpose so far, but the moment you get the chance and can make the rest of the way... separate from them. Your mission after all is a secret to them.
>[Write-in.]

>>4983297
And whatever your choice, go ahead and make a roll for this final leg of the journey from here to the surface.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>4983297
>Make the most of the rest and then be on your way with the group. The world above you awaits!

We got a job to do.

>>4983297
>In the time that remains between here and the surface, you figure you could probably target another of the group to suit your needs. {Laele.}

She asks too many questions after all, that and she may not be much use in retrieving our target.

Rolled 65 (1d100)

>>4983300
Forgot my roll.

>>4983367
>In the time that remains between here and the surface, you figure you could probably target another of the group to suit your needs. {Mann}
There is something about him just not shure what...

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>>4983396
Why are you linking to me?

He's probably just got ADHD or something. There's no way he could really be 3 kobolds stacked on top of one another, that'd be insane!

>>4983478
Oops.. was supposed to go to the QM
hehe

Rolled 59 (1d100)

>>4983297
>>In the time that remains between here and the surface, you figure you could probably target another of the group to suit your needs. {Specify.}
{Laele.}

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>>4983544
>>4983396
>>4983368
>>4983316
>In the time that remains between here and the surface, you figure you could probably target another of the group to suit your needs. {Laele.}
>65

The sheer distance to travel is daunting no doubt, but you've already made it most of the way, and importantly if you needed to you could probably retrace your steps. If this was the definite way between the surface and the Underdark, then maybe once more the travel and you'd have no need for a guide any more.

Because of this, paying attention all the while and remembering is important, but your mind is formidable enough that you can multitask a little. Particularly in your focus towards the group; having lost your previous thrall, a new servant would be handy to have. There's no telling what things could be like once you reach the surface, so a backup plan is logical.

"So, Laele, you say you're on a pilgrimage but have you ever been to the surface before?"

"What's this interest all of a sudden? I'm making this journey for a reason, so I'm not going to hold your hand."

The female drow seems like a good target for you, at least to suss out her intentions. So over the coming rotations as the group continues to navigate through winding cave networks and across perilous chasms, you try to make yourself friendly with her. However you run up against an obstacle you should have expected, the inherent hostility between female drow, as threats or competition. You know of the dark elves to be a fickle and traitorous lot so among their same-genders, at least for individuals (especially strangers), there's not much more than formalities to be found.

Efforts greater than this are suspicious, so friendships form very slowly. Even Laele herself, agreeable by drow standards, takes time and effort just to make it past feigned politeness... for her to feel less like you're going to stab her in the back any moment. So while it is a bothersome effort for you to keep up, and it takes most of the remainder of the journey to the surface, finally you are able to interact with her relatively "normally".

"-so I do believe the shrine exists, but that's why I'm going alone first... speaking of alone, what do you think of Nym? A poorly male unspoken for, out here alone and helpless? Just asking for trouble, I think he's up to something..."

"I guess... you're right, I hadn't noticed before- I mean, I was more focused on the travel, the dangers so far to notice."

Familiarity with lesser beings is repulsive to you and illithid in general, so acting out this acquaintance with Laele is mentally exhausting to you. However, it has paid off at least to where she will associate with you even if she's not an actual thrall. What you can't force her to do mentally, you could at least talk to and ask her for, and she's likely to agree. Not trust of course, but like what you had with Umrae, mutual self-interest.

File: the old mine.png (820 KB, 853x528)

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In tough times and places drow ought to stick together, something like that right?

Interesting to hear her own opinions and suspicions of the group though, a perspective you hadn't considered. You'd love to learn more from her, but the big moment you've all been waiting for dawns upon you all, and sooner than expected.

"-ay, shh shhh! This be it lads, we found it. Beyond here, is the old mine that connects to the surface. Look for yourself if ye like, but keep it quiet... seems the monlegr are more interested in what's beneath than last I was here."

You thought you'd noticed a change in the air for awhile now, and the rocks around the cave here more... disturbed, until finally you start to notice artificial signs. Construction. A mine if Corley is to be believed, old abandoned dwarven but appropriated by local humans. Probably after this information leak of the Underdark started to spread.

This particular portion remains recently undisturbed behind a "wooden" barricade, but as Corley suggests you can peer through to observe beyond. Indeed the place is occupied, with echoing sounds of activity and you think you even catch a glimpse of some humans through the artificially opened cavern. It's hard to tell however, since there's some sort of... light? The source is unseen, somewhere out beyond the cave, yet it floods into the mine freely.

"So what do we do?" you're half a mind to just proceed on yourself, but figure to check if there's any benefit to the group.

"Are humans normally friendly, like Mann? Maybe they'll welcome us!" Nym gives his input, but unfortunately for him this is the real world and not his ideal friendship fantasy land.

"I'm sure we can deal with them. Besides, gathering a bunch of slaves is a good first step to make into this... new world." Laele makes her remark, focused more on the opportunity available. Religious or not, no female drow would miss out on a chance to make her life easier.

"Not sure what kind of reputation ye ulvunr want for yourselves, but these monlegr are here for wealth. Trade with them is easy enough."

Of course Corley is the mediating voice, but at the same time he isn't bidden to the same secrecy that you and the drow are. Although he is aware of the secrecy, he isn't above risking it since a breach in the truth doesn't affect him really. He just as easily will accept a request for stealth so he's not dead set on any plan yet, though you can tell he wouldn't support hostility against the humans like Laele wants... but not like you need the guide anymore.

As a last consideration you look to the remaining members of your group, but aren't reassured by their input; the myconid can barely move as contorted as it is to fit into these tunnels (Nym's beetle can barely move either), and Mann seems to have tripped and fallen over his own clothes and now is arguing with himself.

>Maintain the secrecy. Wait until Corley thinks it is safe to sneak past the humans to the surface.
>Laele has the right idea, taking captives will be a valuable resource for any challenges ahead. If only for the information in their heads.
>Best not to take risks... if Nym thinks that acting friendly and open to trade will grant you passage out, then once again you'll avoid conflict where possible. It's not like you have to tell them upfront you are from the Underdark anyway.
>You won't leave things to chance with an unknown element; the humans. Supposing any should be able to see past your "disguise"? Leave the group on their own, and take it from here yourself... potentially bringing either of the drow with you, if you can convince them.
>[Write-in.]

>>4983824
>Laele has the right idea, taking captives will be a valuable resource for any challenges ahead. If only for the information in their heads.

We have too many awkwardly large or bumbling members of our party to sneak past, lets just mug these fools and grab some brains for the road.

>>4983826
>Laele has the right idea, taking captives will be a valuable resource for any challenges ahead. If only for the information in their heads.

>>4983826
>Laele has the right idea, taking captives will be a valuable resource for any challenges ahead. If only for the information in their heads.

plunder!

>>4983826
>Maintain the secrecy. Wait until Corley thinks it is safe to sneak past the humans to the surface.
if were found out then we go with laele plan.

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>>4984329
>>4983871
>>4983842
>>4984510
>Laele has the right idea, taking captives will be a valuable resource for any challenges ahead. If only for the information in their heads.

For as suspicious as she is, you like the way Laele thinks. No wonder the drow mindset in certain circumstances can be compatible with illithid methods. Regardless of the symbolic first gesture you'll have towards the surface, the simple value potential here cannot be ignored.

So you conspire with the drow towards this end, Laele already in agreement and Nym susceptible to female pressure, and really that's all you need.

"What? Ye're going to attack them? Ye'll make a bad name for ulvunr everywhere, and I won't help ye with the consequences..."

As expected Corley won't have anything to do with this, and you're not sure what to expect from the mushroom man either... it might help, it might now. Oddly enough however, you expected trouble from Mann in this matter but when he understands your hostile intent he wields a club and seems eager to help.

So then, from darkest depths rises a hostility unknown to these unsuspecting humans. They delved too greedily and too deep, and now the Underdark strikes back!

~~~

The clinks of pickaxes and shovels against stone, and the trundle of mine carts along rickety old tracks. Before anything else the humans want to see the mine restored in condition to at least what it was before being abandoned, and then after that they can start to search for this rumored passage to a strange world beneath.

"How would we know what to look for even? I mean, what do you think it looks like?"

"No clue. Maybe the foreman knows, but that's the business of the guild. Maybe if... wait, did you hear that?"

A pair of human laborers lean against some wooden support pillars against the cave, waiting for others to wheel back another mine cart. What a simple and easy life they have, never might they expect an interruption as this... a giant beetle rampaging down one of the tunnels towards, and trampling over them.

And before they have much chance to recover, a pair of elves with skin black as night and exotically armed and armored, pinning them down and yelling in a language unknown.

"-what's that?! Avery! Something's going on down there, call for help! Gaurds!! Gua- doh!"

The echoes of combat aren't mistaken for long, and attention begins to gather. An overseer gives the call for backup, but doesn't last long before three kobolds in a trench-coat batter him over the head. His partner tries to help, but the pesky pests avoid attacks by jumping off each others' shoulders.

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Fortunately for those waylaid, a small group of hired guards hurries down from above to investigate the trouble. Whether or not they would be able to fight off a pair of drow remains to be seen however, since no sooner do they sight the enemies, that the group of them are mentally assaulted from a distance.

"-agh what is that?!"

"It's in my head! It's in my heeeaaad!!"

"Wh-Where are they?! Wh-What's happening!"

Clutching their heads wracked in pain and confusion, the group of guards are stunned by what appears to be another drow, but in truth is something much more sinister... by the time they even have the chance to recover, the other drow have caught up and similarly subdued them.

So unsuspecting, this unfortunate lot of humans. But then, what chance did they have against the horrors from beneath?

~~~

"Nine of them, now that's impressive!"

"Maybe these humans aren't as dangerous as they say?"

"Fools, the lot of ye. If the monlegr ever find out..."

Having secured the lower portion of the mine, your group takes account of things, particularly the captured humans. It may have been a bloodbath otherwise, but you're all on the same page about potential slaves, and so less-lethal methods were employed. To be fair though, the much stronger factor in your favor was the element of surprise. Some lowly laborers didn't stand much chance against the surprise attack from seasoned Underdark travelers.

With the myconid's surprising help then, putting the humans to sleep with a cloud of spores, the situation becomes that much more manageable for your group despite being outnumbered. Corley remains unwilling to help of course, which gives you consideration of turning against him, but he still serves to act as your guide. As was the promise, not to just take you all to the surface but to the nearest significant surface settlement.

Naturally though your collection of captives will complicate things, and there's still the upper portion of the mine to secure, the entrance. By the sound of things, there's still to be expected some humans waiting outside. Laele and Nym try to figure out how to proceed considering this, and would have your input but you're... distracted.

"What... what is that?" you "speak" aloud to anyone who cares to listen, standing in bewilderment at the light trickling down from above, with no apparent direct source.

"Daylight! From sun! Big fire in big sky!"

Fortunately you have Mann to answer your confusion, about this substance you've never encountered before. Despite the answer, you're not sure your concern is any lessened.

>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.
>Your stay here is only temporary. Take whatever you want from the captives, and then deal with them, however you see fit. {Specify.}
>Corley doesn't have to get his beard in a twist, no one's dead yet. Just clear a path from the mine, and then continue on to civilization.
>[Write-in.]

>>4984517
>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.

>>4984518
>>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.

>>4984517
>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.

>>4984518
>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.

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>>4984958
>>4984687
>>4984552
>>4984536
>Secure the mine first and foremost. Once the place is yours, you can then start evaluating your position in regards to this new world.

Though you don't plan on staying in this mine forever, you want to determine what lies ahead of you before you continue the journey. Now on the surface, you're operating as in enemy territory so you don't want to wander out like a fool and get cut off from possible retreat. After all, if this passage is the only known connection to the Underdark in this region, then you have no way of returning home if you lose control of this place.

So together with those of the group that will help, you make your way up through the old mine. The upper portions where equipment was stored and ore examined, some habitation areas converted by the humans for use, and finally the entrance itself. Beyond it, the outside and the rest of the surfa-

"-agh!"

"Too bright!"

From a strong drive to hurry onward, you admittedly are a little careless in how you all emerge from the mine, obviously unprepared. The light from the exterior source was getting brighter the farther up you traveled, but you foolishly assumed it couldn't get much brighter than that, right?

Experiencing direct daylight then, for the first time in your life is... overwhelming, to say the least. You had emerged together from the mine entryway so triumphantly, but now stagger about utterly stunned, in a state of shock. Blinding spells and devices, traps are not rare in the Underdark but this light is a constant one that completely envelops you. Like a fire even, you quickly feel the heat of it on your skin. You had bits and pieces of vague memories of the surface, from your host, but you couldn't have imagined how intense reality could be.

"The humans, watch out!"

"They'll get away if we don't stop them!"

Your two drow companions at the forefront with you suffer the same shock against the sunlight, while the myconid won't even leave the mine into direct light and Mann is the odd one out who can at least tolerate the light. But on his own he can't handle the remaining group of humans waiting outside the mine for any idea on what had happened below.

When they see the cause of trouble, some strange beings who can't handle being out in the day, the humans are emboldened... most of them at least. A few charge to attack, while one is alarmed at the appearance of you all and attempts to mount some creature and escape.

"...Mann, don't let that one escape! Laele, Nym, we have to give him a path past!"

The simplest thing to do, would be to just withdraw into the mine again, and fight in what is at least not direct sunlight. But doing so will isolate Mann to be attacked by the humans and allow for the errant one to escape with news of what happened. So you take the risk and do your best to remain outside in order to draw the remaining humans to you.

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And what a mess it ends up being. Really only thanks to your mental powers are the lot of you able to eventually triumph after a long and bloody struggle, no one making it through unscathed. At first you and the others are completely outmatched and suffer wounds from a one-sided fight. Eventually though, at risk of suspicion you mentally rely on the perception of the two drow to get a better combined sense of the situation. Perceiving a shared view of the scene rather than just your own eyes or mind, you are better able to direct your companions to fight better and more importantly, mentally attack your enemies.

"Wh-Who's hurt? Anyone need..."

"For Llolth's sake c-can we do this inside? A-Anything to get out of... out of THIS!"

Battered and bloody, the three of you limp back inside the mine to collapse in an exhausted mess out of direct light, while Mann struggles to drag the defeated humans inside as well one by one. The myconid can put the to sleep to be shoved with the rest of the captives, but before all that medical attention is needed.

"I-I packed some healing s-supplies on Rissa..." Nym indicates to his beetle, "...I'll have to r-rummage through the bags though."

"...maybe these humans brought something useful with their equipment? Ah, but it's surface substances..."

The myconid wasn't involved, and Mann avoided most of the trouble. But you and the drow have your share of injuries while trying to defend yourselves. Nym got bashed over the head, Laele was stabbed and got some other cuts, and you took a few arrows. In a mess of blood and pain you all try to salvage the situation, as Corley looks on with disapproval.

"H-Hold still Dryssa, I have to check how bad it is!"

"-no! I'm fine, just find those healing goods... potions, wraps, whatever!"

While Nym tries to gather what he can of use, Laele attempts to help you. Your condition isn't good either, but the worse prospect is that in your injured state you can't maintain your illusory disguise well. Already she probably noticed your blood is different from theirs, and if she makes contact with you the disguise will become obvious to her.

And yet, while the injuries aren't lethal, with your strength fading you may not be able to maintain your mental state anyway. At the very least though, the mine is secured... for all the trouble it was worth. Another six captives as well, but you're feeling a lot less merciful towards them than you were before.

>No point hiding it any longer, let the others help you and hope that they can accept your true nature.
>Try to hold out enough that you can find what you all need, and tend to your own injuries personally.
>The the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.
>[Write-in.]

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>4985133
>>The the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.

We are strong, we can tolerate it.

Rolled 74 (1d100)

>>4985173
>support
Not shure if we need to roll for anything but hey...

Rolled 25 (1d100)

>>4985133
>The the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.

>>4985133
>Take the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.

Rolled 31 (1d100)

>>4985133
>Try to hold out enough that you can find what you all need, and tend to your own injuries personally.
>The the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.

We need to retain control of the situation, I don't care how.

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>>4985173
>>4985349
>>4985371
>>4985384
>>4985385
>The the risk of relying on whatever supplies these humans have. Surface substances or not, you need to get things under control.
>74

You've been injured worse before, really what makes it so bad is simply because you're in unfamiliar territory, effectively a brand new world really. Without a safe place you know you can return to, naturally you're on edge and so it makes things worse.

But not so bad that you can't get a grip of yourself, and try to maintain control, especially mentally.

"...my host body- I mean, Mann is human. If he was wandering around the Underdark then his physiology can't be that different from our own. Check... look and see if these humans have anything, which could help."

"...y-yes jabbress!"

At your command, Nym focuses his attention instead on searching the incapacitated humans for anything of use, while Mann continues to drag in the defeated ones from outside so that the myconid can put them to sleep. Even Corley finally makes an effort to help, opting to search the administrative and equipment rooms of the upper mine.

In the meantime Laele is able to locate where all she is wounded and try to stop the bleeding, while you with the use of a dagger (and biting down as to not give an illithid shriek) try and remove the arrows piercing your body. Damned humans didn't make it easy, but it's a good start for when the dwarf finally returns.

"...here lads. Found a bags worth of them, suppose the monlegr brought them in case of an emergency."

Some satchels slung over his shoulder, Corley paces between those of you injured with bottles of opaque glass which you're inclined to just throw away at first, until you recognize the familiar glow from within. A healing draught, the magical nature is unmistakable in the liquid, even if the color and scent is strange to you. Must be just how the humans do things on the surface.

Quick as you can then, after the agony of ripping out the arrows you down the bottle in periodic swigs, stopping each time to yelp and wince as the gleaming red brew causes your wounds to mend. The sensation is almost as bad as receiving the harm in the first place, but since you at least know the beneficial result you can suck it up and bear it. You'll still be feeling the effects for some time still, of course, but any permanent damage is remedied.

"-o-oh oh! Bandages, tonic... I-I think. This one is a surgeon!"

Nym finds something you set him to look for, and between the healing potions Corley found and now the bandages and other medical supplies, you can all adequately patch yourselves up. No small effort for sure, and what a mess it all was, as you glance over the humans and dearly would love to just kill them all for the trouble.

But in the end, after a share of pain and suffering, the lot of you are more or less ready to continue as you were.

---

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---

Talk about a rough first day, as you made a misstep into the surface world. Corley talks at length about his services as a guide and refusal to escort slaves to any settlement, while Mann continues to scuttle about emptying the pockets of captives kept asleep by the myconid.

The three of you however, illithid and two drow, just sit in the shade of the mine entrance. Not paying much attention to anything, just feeling pretty miserable and starting wearily at the outside, the surface world as you try to give yourselves time to adjust to the light. However long it will take for your eyes to be able to handle sunlight. Nym at least has some dark glasses which can help, having spent your lives underground you know it will take some getting used to for sure, and until you can handle daylight better you'll be at a serious disadvantage.

"What even is it?"

"I heard stories... The Son? Like a son of the gods or something, always burning up in the sky?"

"Damn iblith, they couldn't just settle for torches or lamps could they?"

At least though, you personally have a special benefit neither of the drow have; you can technically close your eyes, navigate and "see" entirely with your mind. Using psychic sense you can get a mental impression of the world around you up to about thirty feet away, give or take. It's not much, but enough to move about without terrain risk to yourself. If need be you could just blindfold yourself for double-certainty and navigate your way around entirely by the mind.

That may come into play later though. For now, after much difficulty you've managed to secure the mine with your companions, and properly taken all the known humans captive, to do with as you see fit. This place isn't about to become your surface stronghold or anything, but it's a secure location from which you can plan and foray out into the surface world. A place for you to have the chance to try and adjust to this world above, and learn what you can in order to make proper plans before you set out.

>Take the humans for all they're worth, but otherwise continue on the journey with Corley to civilization. That's where your mission will start, not here.
>Do what you can, to learn what you can, and determine what lies ahead of you in this surface world. Only then, can you properly act, after scouting. {Specify.}
>This seems as good a chance you're going to get, to separate the group. Maybe not the drow, but the others there's not much need for them to stick around here with you... besides, it will give you the chance to do whatever you want to the humans without protest.
>[Write-in.]

>>4985661
>Take the humans for all they're worth, but otherwise continue on the journey with Corley to civilization. That's where your mission will start, not here.

Don't wanna get sidetracked

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>4985709
This plus have a human snack to keep up strength. Pretty sure they won't mind 1 missing.

>>4985661
>[Write-in.]
Jedi mind trick them into thinking the mines too dangerous and unstable with little ore left to reopen.
Claim a collapse killed some of the humans and cut the others loose.
Have snack.....

>>4986077
Changing the minds of victims like that, altering memories, is possible but difficult and time-consuming. Probably more risky and longer than you care to take, so at best you could try and just blank their mind, so that their memories go hazy whenever they try to recall anything that happened.

You can roll for the effort if you want to try that. Also, separate of that, make a roll if you want to eat some brains. You'll always have to make a roll for this, since there's a chance/risk that you could take on characteristics/qualities of the victim when you consume their mind.

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>4985661
>Take the humans for all they're worth, but otherwise continue on the journey with Corley to civilization. That's where your mission will start, not here.

Does this assume we'll take the humans with us (besides based Mann of course).

>>4986365
Want me to roll for both right now QM?

>>4986408
Corley refuses to guide you all if you take unwilling human captives, since he's not going to suffer the consequences of being seen as a slave trader or something like that. But of course you could always just separate from him and try your own way.

Supposing you do go with him though, the insinuation is that you'll loot what the humans have to offer, maybe eat a brain or two, and then either leave them to free themselves or dispose of them. But definitely not bring them, unwillingly at least.

And yes, you can roll if you want to take those actions. If you do want to munch someone's head, as a bonus if there's any interest, you could also specify what sort of person you'd prefer to feed on.

>>4985661
>Do what you can, to learn what you can, and determine what lies ahead of you in this surface world. Only then, can you properly act, after scouting.
Interrogate or scan the minds of the captives for useful insights about allied and enemy settlements nearby, and what race sand cultures we can expect to encounter in each direction.

Rolled 11 (1d100)

>>4986440
Dice roll if required.

Rolled 27, 96 = 123 (2d100)

>>4986438
>rolling for mind blanking and brain eating

The Foreman and the Head Guard, and maybe a smart brain if we can find one among the laborers. I do assume the brain eating will be kept secret from the group btw.

Otherwise, make this mess look like an accidental cave in, especially with the eaten brains.

Rolled 40, 84 = 124 (2d100)

>>4986365
>>4986438
Okay, omonomnom and mind trick them/blank they out, maybe make it so a few of them think they struck some poison gas or something.

Rolled 28, 4, 19 = 51 (3d100)

>>4985661
>Take the humans for all they're worth, but otherwise continue on the journey with Corley to civilization. That's where your mission will start, not here.

>Also Interrogate the humans, mind blank em, and eat some.

I told you we should've brought some black cloth that we could see through or black face paint to dull the glare of the light. Our poor underground eyes, we'll be blind in no time.

Hey all I've got a followup appointment at the hospital today. It shouldn't affect things too much, but I just wanted to give the heads up in case it does.

In the meantime you can figure out what sort of goals or plans you may have on the surface, apart from the mission itself of course.

>>4986719
Take care.

>>4985661
Lets take a human and make him a thrall.
The we can see the world through him.
We can dress him as a lepper so no one can recognice him.

>>4986719
Get well OP

>>4986719
Stay frosty QM!

>>4986719
Alright, back now and plan to post in awhile now.

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Sorry for the long wait, but this was a long post to make!

>>4985709
>>4985996
>>4986077
>>4986408
>>4986440
>>4986441
>>4986457
>>4986558
>>4986717
>>4987145
>Take the humans for all they're worth, but otherwise continue on the journey with Corley to civilization. That's where your mission will start, not here.
>40, 84

Normally you would err on the side of caution, preferring to remain in the mine as something of a base camp before setting out into this new world. However it is because of the fact that it's a brand new world to you, that you prefer to seek out civilization as a means of getting the best impression of the surface world the fastest.

And so while you can't just set out on your own, your dwarven guide will not help you any longer if you take unwilling captives... willing though, he said nothing about.

"You sure of this? I can make them cooperative my own way, a bit messy but I'd like to return the favor to these iblith." Laele offers.

"I can... speak their language, same as Mann. I'll learn what we need, and have them just as willing."

The only issue is time, you'll need a fair amount of it in order to adequately deal with all the prisoners. The others of the group don't mind too much waiting at least another full-rotation, which is more than you need, as they make temporary camp again at the entrance of the mine to keep a lookout and guard.

As well as of course, to continue gradually adjusting to the sunlight.

---

With fifteen captives to choose from, you've got a pretty good selection. Of course you could be here for ages trying to understand them all, but you're somewhat on a schedule here so you opt to keep it simple. Rattling the mind and freezing the memories, so that the humans will have little to no true recollection of what happened here in the mine.

And in that process you can parse through the captives to determine who have the best brains for what you need, both information and sustenance.

Now then, let's learn what you know...

The foreman of the workers and the head guard are your prime targets for knowledge, as you leave them for last in order to properly probe and study their minds. It's more difficult that they're in an unnatural slumber thanks to the myconid, but nothing you can't handle. Two very different humans themselves, but you start to form a general mental impression of the surface from them.

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Primarily is the focus on the mine here, by the humans. Indeed it seems to stem from recent rumors about some subterranean world, and the mine being the supposed access point. Interestingly however, rumors are all the humans have to go on it seems, and the beliefs vary radically between each human as to what the Underdark actually is. For some it's a path which goes right on through the center of the world and pops out on the other side, while for others it's just a chasm full of treasure. Little to no thoughts seem to regard an actual entire world beneath with terrain and ecology and inhabitants, so that's some relief about the secrecy at least. Someone is driving these humans onward though, prompting them to seek out the Underdark and you feel quite certain that Umrae's daughter is responsible.

Looking at the bigger scope of the surface world, you also start to understand the landscape a little, both literal and political. From the memories you can glimpse, it appears that things on the surface are not so... organized, controlled. In the Underdark things are extremely rigid in control and governance because scarcity is the way of life. The world above is one of abundance however, and so the grip of power is not so tight. Certainly there are governing entities, but they are much more numerous and weaker. Even the region you have emerged into, there is a "kingdom" which everything falls under, but it seems for the most part that even individual settlements are self-governing. The example of this being the guards brought here for protection.

Interestingly though, at least from the memories you glimpse, there also doesn't seem to be as much population diversity up here. In the Underdark settlements are like beacons against the harsh underworld dangers, so while there are obviously specific races in control here and there, under their rule most anyone can find their welcome as long as they support the common good as dictated by the controlling race. Of course there's still predominately illithid, drow, dwarven and other cities, but there's always bound to be some intermixing and cohabitation. On the surface though, while there appears to be plenty of races, because space and resources are plenty these races tend to cluster together and keep to themselves apart from travelers and odd individuals.

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Ahh, now this one has a delectable mind!

Besides the general impressions you can glean, you also get more specific information like nearby settlements and locations of interest, as well as inhabitants and groups around this region. Such that you don't think you'd need Corley any longer in fact, if you didn't want him around. But all of that is just minor concerns to your greater focus, of finding suitable thralls and a suitable meal. To your surprise it's not the foreman or lead guard, the humans in control who have the best mind, but one of the labor overseers... a specialist in construction planning, knowing how to carefully and safely restore and expand the mine. A human of learning and planning, even before you taste his brain, his mind is quite pleasing to delve.

So what a delight it is, when you wrap your tentacles around his head and bore into his skull with your fanged maw. Like an animal cracking into a tasty nut or a juicy mollusk, your long tongue writhes past the cracks and breaks your teeth make, wriggling across the surface of the human's brain in preparation for devouring it. Half chomping half slurping, you gorge yourself on the contents of your victim's skull in what are moments of ecstasy for you. Not just the pleasant taste of proper sustenance, but also the delectable nature of the mind within which you also consume. Satiated in both body and mind, you feel everything that makes the human who he was overtake you. A euphoric experience of personality and memories washing over you and being absorbed into your own being... potentially a dangerous experience for young or inexperienced illithid, running the risk of taking on traits of the victim. But you are seasoned enough to consume safely, at least this time.

After that wholesome snack then and coming down from the feeding "high", the last order of business are some thralls. You suspect one would be useful to have, and Laele expects one. You already set aside the perfect candidates when mentally wiping the captives earlier, so you have a pair of them. Some young human laborers, strong in body and weak in mind, easy to manipulate and perhaps most importantly lacking loved ones who would notice and miss their absence. It takes longer than the feeding to do it properly, but through your tentacles from your mind to theirs, you can impose the basic framework of a mental yoke. Basically so that they will make for good and "willing" servants to you and Laele.

After that, all that remains is to dispose of the captives, in the sense of leaving them to eventually regain their senses and come to grips with what happened... without any knowledge or memory of you or your group.

---

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---

Whether it be illusory drow female, or just an illithid, this is a familiar sight from home; thralls being led by a master, as you return to your companions at the entrance.

"Here you are then Laele, one new able servant!"

"Oh wonderful! He seems capable, though I had my eye on one of the others... attractive, for a human."

"Yes well, these two won't be missed like the others... and notice Corley, they are able and willing, not slaves!"

Laele is pleased enough with your work, as she has her new servant to pick up and carry her belongings. The one who needs convincing though is the dwarf, as you push for your thrall to speak and answer any questions about his "willing" servitude. Stubborn as the rest of his kind, Corley grumbles about all this but can't find fault with your actions, mainly because he's simply not aware of the truth behind you and what you did.

"...and the others? How did you manage all this?"

"I... I have some skill in magic. The rest will wake when the mushroom spores wear off, none of them able to remember what happened here. As far as they know, it will probably seem like a gas leak from the mine."

Answering his concerns... adequately then, Corley eventually accepts your efforts made. He's not happy about any of it, but so long as it doesn't wind him up in trouble then he can at least look the other way on what you've all done. So then to the praise of Nym and the agreement of the others, you see no reason to linger here any longer.

The surface world awaits!

>Thank you, dwarf, but your services are no longer required! From the information you gained off the captives, you should be able to navigate yourself.
>Keep to the bargain, let Corley lead you to the nearest settlement and then you can handle things from there.
>Actually, now that you know more of the surface and this region specifically, you'd like a little detour... if there's someplace you were hoping to find or to go. {Specify.}
>[Write-in.]

>>4987679
>Keep to the bargain, let Corley lead you to the nearest settlement and then you can handle things from there.

Better more meat-shields than less.

>>4987679
>Keep to the bargain, let Corley lead you to the nearest settlement and then you can handle things from there.

Lovely meal description QM, I could go for a brain myself after reading that.

>>4987679
>Keep to the bargain, let Corley lead you to the nearest settlement and then you can handle things from there.

Don't need a angry disgruntled dwarf getting all talky and drunk.