Escape from Greatchasm

In the depths of the Underdark lies an unexplored region, plunging far deeper than any explorer has dared to venture. The Duergar, deep-dwelling dwarves known for their cruelty, have long observed a mysterious glow emanating from these abyssal depths during what they call “spore season.”

Your Role

You play as prisoners of the Duergar. Unwilling to risk their own lives, your Duergar captors have devised a plan to uncover the secrets of this treacherous realm by forcing you and your fellow captives to explore the source of the enigmatic glow.

The Challenge

As these unwilling explorers, you face a dual challenge:

1. Surviving the deadly perils of the deepest Underdark
2. Finding a way to escape your Duergar overlords

It’s a mission from which you’re not expected to return alive, but perhaps, against all odds, you can defy your seemingly inevitable fate.

The Adventure

This setup combines elements of survival, exploration, and escape, all set against the backdrop of the Underdark’s most forbidding depths. You have the opportunity to uncover ancient secrets while navigating both natural dangers and the schemes of your cruel overseers.

Character Creation Guidelines

This adventure is designed for level 5 characters. Players should bring their own dice and create characters that fit the theme of the Underdark. Here are some guidelines to help create suitable characters:

1. Background: Consider backgrounds that explain why your character might have been captured by the Duergar. Examples include Criminal, Outlander, or Urchin.
2. Race: While any race can work, some that fit particularly well as prisoners of the Duergar include:
   • Human
   • Duergar (perhaps a rebel or outcast)
   • Deep Gnome
   • Half-Orc
   • Goblin
3. Class: All classes can work, but some may have particular advantages:
   • Rogues for stealth and trap detection
   • Rangers with Underdark as their favored terrain
   • Druids for their ability to wildshape into Underdark creatures
   • Warlocks with patrons tied to the depths
   • Wizards who may have wished to study Underdark species and flora
4. Skills: Prioritize skills like Perception, Survival, Stealth, and Athletics.
5. Equipment: Remember, you start as prisoners. Your initial equipment will be limited, so be prepared to scavenge and improvise.
6. Character Traits: Consider personality traits, ideals, bonds, or flaws that relate to survival, adaptability, or a desire for freedom.
7. Backstory: Develop a brief backstory that explains how your character ended up as a prisoner of the Duergar.

What You Should Bring

To ensure you’re fully prepared for this Underdark expedition, please bring the following items to the game session:

1. Dice Set: A complete set of polyhedral dice (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and percentile).
2. Character Sheet: Your completed character sheet for your level 5 character, created according to the guidelines above.
3. Writing Utensils: Pencils, erasers, and maybe some colored pens for note-taking or marking changes on your character sheet.
4. Notebook (or digital note taking device): For taking notes about the adventure, tracking inventory, or jotting down important information.

Price: $10 per person