Deep Mushroom Cave & Grotto terrain
Further from the surface, the fungal growth thickens and pools of still water gather in hollowed grottoes. The dark here is heavier, and the air carries a faint mineral tang. The party is traversing this deeper layer of the Underdark.
The location’s inhabitants
Creatures adapted to the deeper dark — and a few touched by the mineral seeping through the stone — dwell here. Entering their territory uninvited may provoke them to attack, otherwise they’ll flee or investigate players that seem non-threatening.
- Common: Spiders, Basilisks, Cave Fishers, Gelatinous Cubes
- Uncommon: Shadows, Gray Ooze
- Dangerous: Trolls (some showing signs of oripathy — crystal growth, failed regeneration), Chuul, Black Pudding, Water Weird
The Location’s possible encounters
The deep caves and grottoes are often traversable, though standing water and fungal overgrowth can slow the party down.
Roll a 1d4 to determine which encounter that follows:
- 1 - E1
- 2 - E2
- 3 - E3
- 4 - E4
E1. Difficult Terrain
Difficult terrain hinders the party, one may traverse it by overcoming a skill check. Simply going around is also an option by spending more time.
| Obstacle | Skill check |
|---|---|
| Standing grotto water | DC 10 Strength Check |
| Thick fungal growth | DC 12 Strength Check |
| Uneven, slick stone | DC 12 Dexterity Check |
E2. Common Encounter
Creatures suited to the deeper dark and standing water inhabit this stretch of cave and grotto.
Roll a 1d4 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Common Creature | Number of creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Spiders | 1d4+1 (2–5) |
| 2. Basilisks | 1d2 (1–2) |
| 3. Cave Fishers | 1d3 (1–3) |
| 4. Gelatinous Cube | 1d2 (1-2) |
E3. Uncommon Encounter
Stranger things gather in the deeper hollows, drawn by seclusion or the mineral in the stone. They pose a bigger challenge.
Roll a 1d2 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Uncommon creature | Number of creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Shadow | 1d4+1 (2–5) |
| 2. Gray Ooze | 1d2 (1–2) |
E4. Dangerous Encounter
These creatures lurk in the deeper water and shadow, some touched by the mineral seeping through the stone.
Roll a 1d4 to determine the creature encountered and a 1d4 to determine what the creatures are currently doing:
- 1 - on alert
- 2 - wandering
- 3 - working
- 4 - resting
| Dangerous creature | Number of Creatures |
|---|---|
| 1. Troll (oripathy-afflicted) | 1 |
| 2. Chuul | 1 |
| 3. Black Pudding | 1 |
| 4. Water Weird | 1 |
Aftermath
The party may loot the creature’s belongings if they have any. Parts of the creatures may be claimed as a trophy or collected as material for artisans. Oripathy-afflicted remains may be of particular interest to Rhine Labs or similar factions.
After overcoming the encounter the party may continue on deciding their next move.