Session 45 - The Mind Gobbler - Revision history

Wvaske: Correct twin dragon's name: WaveRender → Waervaerendor (2 occurrences)

2026-06-27T15:28:04Z

Correct twin dragon's name: WaveRender → Waervaerendor (2 occurrences)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:28, 27 June 2026
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	[[Ilyra]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."		[[Ilyra]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."

	At the party's request, [[Ilyra]] scried after the vanished dragon and delivered an unwelcome answer: [[Voaraghamanthar]] is dead, but he has an '''identical twin, [[~~WaveRender~~]]''', who had recovered the corpse and is likely working to revive him — the two black dragons being obsessive seekers of immortality who keep several distant lairs. She also examined and '''upgraded [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]]''', linking it to her ward to add ''Reincarnate'' and ''Resurrection''.		At the party's request, [[Ilyra]] scried after the vanished dragon and delivered an unwelcome answer: [[Voaraghamanthar]] is dead, but he has an '''identical twin, [[Waervaerendor]]''', who had recovered the corpse and is likely working to revive him — the two black dragons being obsessive seekers of immortality who keep several distant lairs. She also examined and '''upgraded [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]]''', linking it to her ward to add ''Reincarnate'' and ''Resurrection''.

	Most importantly, [[Ilyra]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[Ilyra]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.		Most importantly, [[Ilyra]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[Ilyra]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.
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	* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony		* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony
	* [[Ilyra]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations (revealed to be observing party's battle as experiment with Illithid observer)		* [[Ilyra]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations (revealed to be observing party's battle as experiment with Illithid observer)
	* [[~~WaveRender~~]] - Voaraghamanthar's twin black dragon (revealed via Ilyra's scrying to have taken the corpse)		* [[Waervaerendor]] - Voaraghamanthar's twin black dragon (revealed via Ilyra's scrying to have taken the corpse)
	* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes		* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes
	* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths, learned from party's tactics)		* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths, learned from party's tactics)

Wvaske: Completeness pass: capture the Eye of Gilbraxis recoiling in terror and warning Shade to flee during the Mind Gobbler's mythic phase (the first time the Eye made its will felt); added to the Mythic Transformation narrative and the Items list

2026-06-18T01:21:35Z

Completeness pass: capture the Eye of Gilbraxis recoiling in terror and warning Shade to flee during the Mind Gobbler's mythic phase (the first time the Eye made its will felt); added to the Mythic Transformation narrative and the Items list

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:21, 18 June 2026
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	[[Gootcha]] managed to lodge a crossbow bolt deep in the creature's skull, causing it to stumble. But even this grievous wound began to regenerate before their eyes, flesh knitting back together with disturbing speed. The Mind Gobbler's connection to this cavern seemed to sustain it—the very walls pulsed with aberrant energy, feeding power to their monstrous foe. [[Keyleth]] fell unconscious a second time despite [[Karma]]'s healing, the repeated psychic assaults proving too much for the ranger's mind to withstand.		[[Gootcha]] managed to lodge a crossbow bolt deep in the creature's skull, causing it to stumble. But even this grievous wound began to regenerate before their eyes, flesh knitting back together with disturbing speed. The Mind Gobbler's connection to this cavern seemed to sustain it—the very walls pulsed with aberrant energy, feeding power to their monstrous foe. [[Keyleth]] fell unconscious a second time despite [[Karma]]'s healing, the repeated psychic assaults proving too much for the ranger's mind to withstand.

			Through it all, the [[Eye of Gilbraxis]] lodged in [[Shade]]'s skull recoiled in open terror. Taking its own place in the initiative order, the infernal artifact pressed an insistent, wordless warning onto her again and again — a visceral ''get out of here… you don't know what you're doing, that thing is terrifying'' — the first time the Eye had ever made its own will so plainly felt to its bearer. Its dread helped harden the party's resolve to flee. (See [[Eye of Gilbraxis]].)

	'''Xanphina Dominated'''		'''Xanphina Dominated'''
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	* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[Ilyra]], used but retrieved during retreat)		* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[Ilyra]], used but retrieved during retreat)
	* Upgrade to [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]] (Ilyra added Reincarnate & Resurrection)		* Upgrade to [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]] (Ilyra added Reincarnate & Resurrection)
			* [[Eye of Gilbraxis]] (Shade's implanted artifact) — began making its own will and warnings felt this session, recoiling from the Mind Gobbler
	* Infernal-dialect ritual book (taken from the Cult temple of Tiamat)		* Infernal-dialect ritual book (taken from the Cult temple of Tiamat)
	* Bead of Force (from [[Garmok's Hoard]]) - Used to trap dominated [[Xanphina]] in force sphere during retreat		* Bead of Force (from [[Garmok's Hoard]]) - Used to trap dominated [[Xanphina]] in force sphere during retreat

Wvaske: Session 45 backfill: enrich session page — add opening Garmok's-charge scene (Ash-Tongue quest), Cult temple/vanished-corpse, hook horrors fight, and the WaveRender twin-dragon reveal + gauntlet upgrade in Ilyra's scene; update trailer lists. Existing narrative preserved.

2026-06-18T00:39:37Z

Session 45 backfill: enrich session page — add opening Garmok's-charge scene (Ash-Tongue quest), Cult temple/vanished-corpse, hook horrors fight, and the WaveRender twin-dragon reveal + gauntlet upgrade in Ilyra's scene; update trailer lists. Existing narrative preserved.

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:39, 18 June 2026
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	=== Summary ===		=== Summary ===

			'''Garmok's Final Charge'''

			The party woke from a long rest in the dwarven barracks of [[Garmok's Mine]], the black dragon [[Voaraghamanthar]] slain the day before and the [[Bronze Blades]] departing to report to Baldur's Gate. Before they left the mine, the spirit of [[Garmok the Chainbearer]] appeared one last time to [[Xanphina]]. He confessed he had failed his vigil — the infernal rift he died to seal remains open, "a wound carved not by steel, but by hungers older than breath" — and charged her to seek the '''[[The Ashtongue\|Ash-Tongue]]''', the last shaman of the old clans, exiled from the Firepeaks, who keeps the '''Rite of Sundering''' that could finally close it. Then he faded into motes of jade light. (See [[Garmok the Chainbearer]] and [[The Ashtongue]] for the full message.)

			'''The Cult Temple and the Vanished Corpse'''

			Finishing their exploration, the party found a [[Cult of the Dragon\|Cult]] temple of [[Tiamat]] within the mine — two obsidian black-dragon statues over an altar strewn with sacrificial dead — and took an Infernal-dialect ritual book (read via the [[Eye of Gilbraxis]]'s ''Comprehend Languages''). At the water's edge they discovered that [[Voaraghamanthar]]'s corpse had '''vanished''' overnight. Beyond the worked dwarven passages they found older natural caves leading down into the [[Underdark]].

	'''The Myconid Grove'''		'''The Myconid Grove'''
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	The battle was brief but tense, and the encounter served as an ominous warning of what lurked in these depths. The deeper they went, the more aberrations they would face—creatures that didn't belong in the natural world, twisted by dark magic or ancient experiments.		The battle was brief but tense, and the encounter served as an ominous warning of what lurked in these depths. The deeper they went, the more aberrations they would face—creatures that didn't belong in the natural world, twisted by dark magic or ancient experiments.

			'''Hook Horrors in the Dark'''

			Pressing on through the natural caverns, the party was set upon by three [[Hook Horror\|hook horrors]] — big armored brutes with beaks and hooks for hands, navigating the black tunnels by echolocation. The company cut all three down without serious loss and continued toward the deep rumble echoing up from below.

	'''The Mind Gobbler Appears'''		'''The Mind Gobbler Appears'''
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	'''Ilyra the Drow Researcher'''		'''Ilyra the Drow Researcher'''

	Before confronting the Mind Gobbler directly, the party discovered a side passage that led to a magically warded chamber. Here they met [[Ilyra]], a drow woman who had been studying the aberrations in these tunnels for ~~decades~~. She had sensed their presence through her magical wards and came to investigate, quickly realizing they were not hostile.		Before confronting the Mind Gobbler directly, the party discovered a side passage that led to a magically warded chamber. Here they met [[Ilyra]], a drow woman who had been studying the aberrations in these tunnels for roughly four and a half centuries. She had sensed their presence through her magical wards and came to investigate, quickly realizing they were not hostile.

	[[Ilyra]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."		[[Ilyra]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."

	[[Ilyra]] ~~had been studying~~ the ~~Mind Gobbler for years, carefully observing its behavior~~ and ~~capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation. She shared what she knew~~: ~~the creature had existed in these tunnels for years~~, ~~possibly decades~~, ~~growing stronger over time. It seemed bound~~ to ~~its cavern—she had never seen it venture far from its lair~~. She ~~mentioned that an aboleth might~~ also ~~lurk somewhere deeper in the mine~~, and ~~there could be a connection between aboleths and mind flayer activity in this region~~.		At the party's request, [[Ilyra]] scried after the vanished dragon and delivered an unwelcome answer: [[Voaraghamanthar]] is dead, but he has an '''identical twin, [[WaveRender]]''', who had recovered the corpse and is likely working to revive him — the two black dragons being obsessive seekers of immortality who keep several distant lairs. She also examined and '''upgraded [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]]''', linking it to her ward to add ''Reincarnate'' and ''Resurrection''.

	Most importantly, [[Ilyra]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[Ilyra]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.		Most importantly, [[Ilyra]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[Ilyra]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.
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	* [[Gootcha]] - Half-Elf Rogue, blessed by the [[Raven Queen]]		* [[Gootcha]] - Half-Elf Rogue, blessed by the [[Raven Queen]]
	* [[Xanphina]] - Half-Orc Barbarian, Path of the Ancestral Guardian (dominated by Mind Gobbler, trapped in force sphere)		* [[Xanphina]] - Half-Orc Barbarian, Path of the Ancestral Guardian (dominated by Mind Gobbler, trapped in force sphere)
			* [[Garmok the Chainbearer]] - Ancestral spirit; delivered his final charge to Xanphina (the [[The Ashtongue\|Ash-Tongue]] quest)
			* [[The Ashtongue]] - Exiled orc shaman the party must seek to seal the rift (named, not yet met)
	* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony		* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony
	* [[Ilyra]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations (revealed to be observing party's battle as experiment with Illithid observer)		* [[Ilyra]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations (revealed to be observing party's battle as experiment with Illithid observer)
			* [[WaveRender]] - Voaraghamanthar's twin black dragon (revealed via Ilyra's scrying to have taken the corpse)
	* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes		* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes
	* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths, learned from party's tactics)		* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths, learned from party's tactics)
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	=== Locations ===		=== Locations ===
	* [[Garmok's Mine]] - Dwarven barracks and upper corridors		* [[Garmok's Mine]] - Dwarven barracks, the Cult temple of Tiamat, and upper corridors
	* [[Myconid Grove]] - Bioluminescent fungal cavern in the [[Underdark]]		* [[Myconid Grove]] - Bioluminescent fungal cavern in the [[Underdark]]
	* [[Underdark]] - Deep natural caves beneath [[Garmok's Mine]]		* [[Underdark]] - Deep natural caves beneath [[Garmok's Mine]]
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	* [[Derro]] - Dark dwarf merchants seeking surface trade routes		* [[Derro]] - Dark dwarf merchants seeking surface trade routes
	* [[Illithids]] - Mind flayers who created the Mind Gobbler (one observed the battle alongside [[Ilyra]])		* [[Illithids]] - Mind flayers who created the Mind Gobbler (one observed the battle alongside [[Ilyra]])
			* [[Cult of the Dragon]] - Maintained a temple of Tiamat within the mine

	=== Items Found/Used ===		=== Items Found/Used ===
	* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[Ilyra]], used but retrieved during retreat)		* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[Ilyra]], used but retrieved during retreat)
			* Upgrade to [[Alexios]]'s [[Gauntlet of Gem Forged Will]] (Ilyra added Reincarnate & Resurrection)
			* Infernal-dialect ritual book (taken from the Cult temple of Tiamat)
	* Bead of Force (from [[Garmok's Hoard]]) - Used to trap dominated [[Xanphina]] in force sphere during retreat		* Bead of Force (from [[Garmok's Hoard]]) - Used to trap dominated [[Xanphina]] in force sphere during retreat
	* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by [[Ilyra]], to be created during long rest)		* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by [[Ilyra]], to be created during long rest)
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	=== Creatures Encountered ===		=== Creatures Encountered ===
	* [[Cloaker]] - Aberration defeated in tunnels		* [[Cloaker]] - Aberration defeated in tunnels
			* [[Hook Horror]] - Three slain in the natural caverns
	* Mind Gobbler - Psionic turkey aberration, mythic creature (dominated [[Xanphina]], party retreated, creature survived and learned from encounter)		* Mind Gobbler - Psionic turkey aberration, mythic creature (dominated [[Xanphina]], party retreated, creature survived and learned from encounter)
	* Gobble Thralls - Psionic servants		* Gobble Thralls - Psionic servants

Wvaske: Updated with accurate details from transcript: Mind Gobbler dominated Xanphina, party used bead of force hamster ball, retreated to Ilyra's study, revealed experiment with Illithid observer

2026-01-15T00:30:09Z

Updated with accurate details from transcript: Mind Gobbler dominated Xanphina, party used bead of force hamster ball, retreated to Ilyra's study, revealed experiment with Illithid observer

Show changes

Wvaske: Updated all references from Ilra to Ilyra (correct spelling)

2026-01-15T00:18:09Z

Updated all references from Ilra to Ilyra (correct spelling)

Wvaske: CRITICAL: Corrected chronological sequence - Ilra encounter before Mind Gobbler combat, Myconids single encounter only

2026-01-12T03:56:10Z

CRITICAL: Corrected chronological sequence - Ilra encounter before Mind Gobbler combat, Myconids single encounter only

Show changes

Wvaske: Complete rewrite: Added missing Derro encounter, corrected Mind Gobbler outcome to RETREAT (not defeat), enhanced battle descriptions with back-and-forth action, added full chronological narrative flow

2026-01-12T02:49:11Z

Complete rewrite: Added missing Derro encounter, corrected Mind Gobbler outcome to RETREAT (not defeat), enhanced battle descriptions with back-and-forth action, added full chronological narrative flow

Show changes

Wvaske: Added missing Myconid encounter at beginning of session, corrected timeline and narrative flow

2026-01-12T02:25:53Z

Added missing Myconid encounter at beginning of session, corrected timeline and narrative flow

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:25, 12 January 2026
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	=== Summary ===		=== Summary ===
	'''~~Waking in the Barracks~~'''		'''Rested and Ready'''

	~~After defeating Voaraghamanthar and clearing~~ Garmok's Mine of devils and cultists, the party takes ~~a long rest in the ancient dwarven barracks~~. Most party members wake well-rested, though [[Karma]] finds the stone beds uncomfortably hard despite the party's familiarity with dwarven accommodations.		The session begins with the party waking in the ancient dwarven barracks deep within Garmok's Mine. Having defeated Voaraghamanthar, the black dragon, and cleared the mine of devils and cultists in the previous session, the party takes stock of their situation. Most party members wake well-rested, though [[Karma]] finds the stone beds uncomfortably hard despite the party's familiarity with dwarven accommodations.

	The party reviews their treasure haul from the previous session, including the Tome of Leadership and Influence, which allows attribute increases beyond the normal maximum of 20.		The party reviews their treasure haul from the previous session, including the Tome of Leadership and Influence, which allows attribute increases beyond the normal maximum of 20.

	'''~~Deeper Into~~ the ~~Mine~~'''		'''Scouting with the Warlock's Eye'''

	~~Continuing~~ their ~~exploration~~ of the ~~mine~~, the party ~~discovers additional tunnels~~ and ~~chambers~~. The ~~mine proves~~ to be ~~far~~ more ~~extensive than initially thought~~, ~~with passages leading~~ deeper into the ~~Underdark~~. As they ~~venture further~~, ~~they~~ encounter ~~strange aberrations—creatures~~ that ~~seem~~ to be the ~~result of illithid (mind flayer) experimentation~~.		Before venturing deeper into the mine, [[Shade]] uses her Warlock Eye ability to scout ahead. The disembodied eye travels through dark passages until it discovers a vast cavern filled with bioluminescent fungi and strange mushroom-like creatures. The party is initially wary, unsure if these fungal beings are hostile.

			'''The Myconid Colony'''

			The party decides to proceed cautiously into the fungal cavern. They discover it is home to a colony of [[Myconid\|Myconids]]—intelligent, peaceful fungal creatures who tend to their mushroom groves in the deep places of the world. The chamber is filled with large fungi of various types, including shriekers (alarm fungi) and violet fungus, all bathed in the gentle, colorful glow of bioluminescent mushrooms.

			The Myconid Sovereign, the leader of the colony, approaches the party. Rather than speaking with words, the Sovereign releases a cloud of rapport spores that settle over the party, granting them all temporary telepathy. Through this telepathic link, the party can sense the Myconid's thoughts, feelings, and intentions as intuitive concepts rather than language.

			The Sovereign asks who they are and why they have come. [[Karma]] explains that they are Deez Nuts, on a quest to stop the dragon cult from raising [[Tiamat]]. When the party mentions the black dragon Voaraghamanthar, the Sovereign shudders visibly. Through the telepathic link, the party experiences the Myconid's traumatic memory of the dragon's previous attack—Voaraghamanthar had come through their grove, destroying much of it and killing many Myconid adults and children.

			'''Friends of the Myconids'''

			The party shares the good news: they have slain Voaraghamanthar. The Sovereign is overcome with joy and relief, and the party can feel his happiness through the spore link. He releases more spores throughout the cavern to share the news with his colony, then proudly presents his young sprouts (Myconid children) to the party. The Sovereign warns the party about the shrieker fungi, explaining that they serve as an alarm system when hostile creatures enter their domain.

			The Myconids share their problem with the party: their cavern serves as a major thoroughfare between the surface and the deeper Underdark. Creatures from below—raiders, traders, and worse—constantly pass through their peaceful grove, forcing the Myconids to defend themselves. They wish for a way to be left alone but don't know how to reroute traffic or close off their cave. The party promises to investigate and see if they can help.

			The Myconids mention that there are others deeper in the tunnels who may know more about the dragon and have helped repel it in the past, though the Myconids themselves don't know what lies beyond their cave system.

			'''Into the Underdark'''

			Bidding farewell to the Sovereign and his colony, the party ventures deeper into the tunnels. A young Myconid sprout excitedly follows them to the edge of the grove, but the Sovereign keeps the child from going further into danger. As the party leaves the glowing fungal cavern, the tunnels grow darker, colder, and more oppressive. The carved dwarven passages give way to natural caves—ancient formations untouched by tools, existing since time immemorial. The party can feel the weight of mountains above them as they descend.

			The passages lead them to a chamber with crates and a sharp drop-off. As they cautiously explore, a creature drops from the ceiling to attack [[Keyleth]]—the encounter that will lead them to face the Mind Gobbler.

	'''The Mind Gobbler Appears'''		'''The Mind Gobbler Appears'''

	In a vast chamber, the party encounters a truly bizarre creature: a massive, dragon-sized turkey with tentacles—the Mind Gobbler. This abomination appears to be the result of mind flayer experiments, combining the physical form of a giant turkey with the psionic abilities and tentacled features of illithids.		In a vast chamber deeper in the Underdark, the party encounters a truly bizarre creature: a massive, dragon-sized turkey with tentacles—the Mind Gobbler. This abomination appears to be the result of mind flayer experiments, combining the physical form of a giant turkey with the psionic abilities and tentacled features of illithids.

	The creature is accompanied by thralls—lesser creatures under its mental domination. The Mind Gobbler demonstrates terrifying psionic abilities, including:		The creature is accompanied by thralls—lesser creatures under its mental domination. The Mind Gobbler demonstrates terrifying psionic abilities, including:
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	The party discusses their options:		The party discusses their options:
	* Finding the deep gnomes to potentially create a safe exit from the Underdark		* Finding the deep gnomes to potentially create a safe exit from the Underdark (which could also help the Myconids by creating an alternate route)
	* Exploring the southern tunnels that may be closer to the surface		* Exploring the southern tunnels that may be closer to the surface
	* Investigating the waterfall area where the gnomes might be located		* Investigating the waterfall area where the gnomes might be located
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	* [[Shade]]		* [[Shade]]
	* [[Xanphina]]		* [[Xanphina]]
			* Myconid Sovereign (leader of the Myconid colony)
			* Myconid Colony (peaceful fungal creatures)
	* Drow Researcher (studying aberrations in the Underdark)		* Drow Researcher (studying aberrations in the Underdark)
	* Mind Gobbler (aberration, slain)		* Mind Gobbler (aberration, slain)
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	=== Locations ===		=== Locations ===
	* Garmok's Mine (dwarven barracks, deeper passages)		* Garmok's Mine (dwarven barracks, deeper passages)
	* Underdark (beneath the mine)		* Myconid Grove (bioluminescent fungal cavern)
			* Underdark (natural caves beneath the mine)
	* Drow Researcher's Study (warded safe room)		* Drow Researcher's Study (warded safe room)

	=== Factions Involved ===		=== Factions Involved ===
			* [[Myconid\|Myconids]] (peaceful colony seeking to be left alone)
	* Illithids / Mind Flayers (creators of aberrations)		* Illithids / Mind Flayers (creators of aberrations)

	=== Items Found ===		=== Items Found ===
	* Tome of Leadership and Influence (from previous session)		* Tome of Leadership and Influence (from previous session)
	* Magical knife (offered by researcher~~, for Mind Gobbler~~)		* Magical knife (offered by researcher)
	* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by researcher)		* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by researcher)

	[[Category:Sessions]] [[Category:Rise of Tiamat]]		[[Category:Sessions]] [[Category:Rise of Tiamat]]

Wvaske: Wvaske moved page Session 45 - Untitled to Session 45 - The Mind Gobbler: Updating session title to match content

2026-01-12T02:03:31Z

Wvaske moved page Session 45 - Untitled to Session 45 - The Mind Gobbler: Updating session title to match content

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:03, 12 January 2026
(No difference)

Wvaske: Added proper title 'The Mind Gobbler' and comprehensive entity wikilinks

2026-01-12T01:43:58Z

Added proper title 'The Mind Gobbler' and comprehensive entity wikilinks

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:43, 12 January 2026
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	== Session 45 - ~~Untitled~~ ==		== Session 45 - The Mind Gobbler ==
	'''Date:''' 11/30/~~2025~~		'''Date:''' 11/30/25

	'''DM:''' Wes		'''DM:''' Wes

	'''~~Note:~~''' ~~Title to be determined after content review~~.		=== Summary ===
			'''Waking in the Barracks'''

			After defeating Voaraghamanthar and clearing Garmok's Mine of devils and cultists, the party takes a long rest in the ancient dwarven barracks. Most party members wake well-rested, though [[Karma]] finds the stone beds uncomfortably hard despite the party's familiarity with dwarven accommodations.

			The party reviews their treasure haul from the previous session, including the Tome of Leadership and Influence, which allows attribute increases beyond the normal maximum of 20.

			'''Deeper Into the Mine'''

	~~=== Summary ===~~		Continuing their exploration of the mine, the party discovers additional tunnels and chambers. The mine proves to be far more extensive than initially thought, with passages leading deeper into the Underdark. As they venture further, they encounter strange aberrations—creatures that seem to be the result of illithid (mind flayer) experimentation.
	~~Date~~: ~~11/30/2025~~
	DM: ~~Wes~~		'''The Mind Gobbler Appears'''

			In a vast chamber, the party encounters a truly bizarre creature: a massive, dragon-sized turkey with tentacles—the Mind Gobbler. This abomination appears to be the result of mind flayer experiments, combining the physical form of a giant turkey with the psionic abilities and tentacled features of illithids.

			The creature is accompanied by thralls—lesser creatures under its mental domination. The Mind Gobbler demonstrates terrifying psionic abilities, including:
			* Psychic Gobble Burst - A devastating area-of-effect psychic attack
			* Mind control and thrall creation
			* Teleportation
			* Enhanced physical attacks with tentacles

			'''Battle with the Mind Gobbler'''

			The party engages in an epic battle against the Mind Gobbler. The creature proves to be one of their most challenging foes, with multiple phases of combat:

			[[Alexios]] channels [[Athena]]'s power and uses his Vow of Enmity, focusing all his attacks on the aberration. [[Xanphina]] rages and wields Garmok's flail recovered from the previous session, her ancestral spirits protecting her from the creature's psychic assaults.

	~~Title:~~ [~~To be determined~~ from ~~transcript~~]		[[Shade]] unleashes powerful spells with her Bagpipes of Zariel's Lament, the infernal music disrupting the Mind Gobbler's concentration. [[Keyleth]]'s arrows and [[Karma]]'s druidic magic strike from range, while [[Gootch\|Gootcha]] uses her [[Raven Queen]]-blessed crossbow to devastating effect.
	~~Summary:~~
	~~Opening~~

			The battle reaches a climax when the Mind Gobbler reveals a second phase—a mythic transformation that restores its health and enhances its abilities. The party perseveres, combining their attacks and abilities to finally bring down the aberration.

	~~Combat~~		'''The Drow Researcher'''
	~~Wes Vaske: Uh, so this was a large devil that could attack with his, uh, little tendril-y beard.~~

	~~Wes Vaske: And it basically gives you~~, uh, ~~3 spells~~.		During or after the battle, the party encounters a drow woman who has been studying the aberrations in these tunnels for decades. She explains that the Mind Gobbler is the result of illithid experiments, though she's unsure what creature served as its original form—certainly not a common turkey.

	~~Wes Vaske~~: ~~So, gaseous form basically turns you into~~ a ~~cloud,~~ and ~~you can, like, sneak through small~~		The researcher warns the party about other dangers in the tunnels:
			* An aboleth lurks somewhere deeper in the mine
			* Mind flayers (illithids) have been conducting experiments here
			* There may be a causal relationship between aboleths and mind flayer activity
			* She has been trying to study these creatures while avoiding direct confrontation

	~~Items Found~~		She offers the party sanctuary in her warded study, a magically protected chamber where she conducts her research. The wards she's placed are strong enough to keep out the dangers of the Underdark, providing a safe place to rest.
	~~Richard Cooper: Uh~~, ~~and we found… no~~, ~~I'm not gonna remember his name…~~

	~~Wes Vaske~~: Uh, ~~but otherwise, that is, uh, stuff~~ that ~~you~~ found.		The drow researcher provides valuable information:
			* The Mind Gobbler has acquired many traits of mind flayers
			* If a mind flayer manages to get close to someone, the results are catastrophic
			* She has a magical knife that might provide an advantage against the Mind Gobbler if successfully lodged in it
			* The tunnels to the south are closest to the surface
			* Deep gnomes (svirfneblin) live somewhere in these tunnels and are masters of stonework—they could help create a new exit if found

	~~Wes Vaske: We~~'~~ll tell them that we came,~~ and ~~we, uh, we found the dragon, we found some cultists, mo~~		'''Plans and Next Steps'''

	~~Closing~~		The party discusses their options:
	~~[Session conclusion]~~		* Finding the deep gnomes to potentially create a safe exit from the Underdark
			* Exploring the southern tunnels that may be closer to the surface
			* Investigating the waterfall area where the gnomes might be located
			* Resting in the researcher's warded study before continuing

	~~Related Plots~~		The researcher offers to create a scroll of Featherfall for the party if they stay the night, anticipating they might need it for exploring vertical passages.
	~~[To be determined]~~
	~~Related Characters~~
	~~[To be determined]~~

			The session ends with the party accepting the researcher's hospitality and preparing to rest in her study before continuing their exploration of the Underdark passages beneath Garmok's Mine.

	=== XP Awards ===		=== XP Awards ===
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	=== Notable Characters ===		=== Notable Characters ===
	~~To be added~~		* [[Alexios]]
			* [[Athena]]
			* [[Gootch]]
			* [[Karma]]
			* [[Keyleth]]
			* [[Raven Queen]]
			* [[Shade]]
			* [[Xanphina]]
			* Drow Researcher (studying aberrations in the Underdark)
			* Mind Gobbler (aberration, slain)
			* Gobble Thralls (mind-controlled servants)

	=== Locations ===		=== Locations ===
	~~To be added~~		* Garmok's Mine (dwarven barracks, deeper passages)
			* Underdark (beneath the mine)
			* Drow Researcher's Study (warded safe room)

	=== Factions Involved ===		=== Factions Involved ===
	~~To be added~~		* Illithids / Mind Flayers (creators of aberrations)

	=== Items Found ===		=== Items Found ===
	~~To be added~~		* Tome of Leadership and Influence (from previous session)
			* Magical knife (offered by researcher, for Mind Gobbler)
			* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by researcher)

	[[Category:Sessions]] [[Category:Rise of Tiamat]]		[[Category:Sessions]] [[Category:Rise of Tiamat]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:18, 15 January 2026
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	The party observed from a distance, taking in the full scope of the threat. The creature's tentacles twitched and coiled, its eyes glowed with unnatural light, and even from this range they could feel a faint pressure against their minds—the creature's passive psionic aura. They didn't engage yet, instead withdrawing quietly to gather more information and search for any advantage they could find before confronting such a formidable foe.		The party observed from a distance, taking in the full scope of the threat. The creature's tentacles twitched and coiled, its eyes glowed with unnatural light, and even from this range they could feel a faint pressure against their minds—the creature's passive psionic aura. They didn't engage yet, instead withdrawing quietly to gather more information and search for any advantage they could find before confronting such a formidable foe.

	'''~~Ilra~~ the Drow Researcher'''		'''Ilyra the Drow Researcher'''

	Before confronting the Mind Gobbler directly, the party discovered a side passage that led to a magically warded chamber. Here they met [[~~Ilra~~]], a drow woman who had been studying the aberrations in these tunnels for decades. She had sensed their presence through her magical wards and came to investigate, quickly realizing they were not hostile.		Before confronting the Mind Gobbler directly, the party discovered a side passage that led to a magically warded chamber. Here they met [[Ilyra]], a drow woman who had been studying the aberrations in these tunnels for decades. She had sensed their presence through her magical wards and came to investigate, quickly realizing they were not hostile.

	[[~~Ilra~~]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."		[[Ilyra]]'s study was filled with books, scrolls, and arcane equipment, the walls humming with protective magic that kept out even the Mind Gobbler's psychic intrusions. She invited the party inside and offered them sanctuary, recognizing that they intended to face the creature she had been studying from a safe distance. The drow researcher explained that the Mind Gobbler was the result of [[Illithids\|mind flayer]] experiments—an ordinary creature transformed into a psionic aberration. She was unsure what the original creature had been, though she noted it was "certainly not a common turkey."

	[[~~Ilra~~]] had been studying the Mind Gobbler for years, carefully observing its behavior and capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation. She shared what she knew: the creature had existed in these tunnels for years, possibly decades, growing stronger over time. It seemed bound to its cavern—she had never seen it venture far from its lair. She mentioned that an aboleth might also lurk somewhere deeper in the mine, and there could be a connection between aboleths and mind flayer activity in this region.		[[Ilyra]] had been studying the Mind Gobbler for years, carefully observing its behavior and capabilities while avoiding direct confrontation. She shared what she knew: the creature had existed in these tunnels for years, possibly decades, growing stronger over time. It seemed bound to its cavern—she had never seen it venture far from its lair. She mentioned that an aboleth might also lurk somewhere deeper in the mine, and there could be a connection between aboleths and mind flayer activity in this region.

	Most importantly, [[~~Ilra~~]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[~~Ilra~~]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.		Most importantly, [[Ilyra]] offered the party a weapon specifically designed to combat psionic creatures: a magical knife that disrupts psionic connections. If they could lodge the blade in the Mind Gobbler during combat, it would disrupt the creature's psychic abilities and potentially prevent its regeneration. The knife had been forged specifically for this purpose, though [[Ilyra]] herself had never dared to use it. She explained its mechanism in detail—the blade would sever the psionic threads the creature used to control its thralls and sustain itself, giving the party a critical advantage in battle.

	[[~~Ilra~~]] also shared information about the tunnel network. The passages to the south were closest to the surface, and deep gnomes (svirfneblin) were rumored to live in this network. The gnomes were masters of stonework and could potentially create a new exit—which would help the party escape and solve the [[Myconid\|Myconids]]' problem by creating an alternate route through the [[Underdark]]. She offered to create a Scroll of Featherfall for them, anticipating they would need to navigate vertical passages like the great chasm with the broken winch they had passed earlier.		[[Ilyra]] also shared information about the tunnel network. The passages to the south were closest to the surface, and deep gnomes (svirfneblin) were rumored to live in this network. The gnomes were masters of stonework and could potentially create a new exit—which would help the party escape and solve the [[Myconid\|Myconids]]' problem by creating an alternate route through the [[Underdark]]. She offered to create a Scroll of Featherfall for them, anticipating they would need to navigate vertical passages like the great chasm with the broken winch they had passed earlier.

	'''Encounter with the Derro'''		'''Encounter with the Derro'''

	Continuing their exploration with [[~~Ilra~~]]'s knife safely secured and armed with new intelligence about their foe, the party navigated deeper into the tunnel system. The passages led them to a chamber with a sharp drop-off—an enormous chasm descending into darkness. Even with darkvision, the party could not see the bottom. Along the wall, they discovered the remains of an old winch system, broken down and abandoned long ago.		Continuing their exploration with [[Ilyra]]'s knife safely secured and armed with new intelligence about their foe, the party navigated deeper into the tunnel system. The passages led them to a chamber with a sharp drop-off—an enormous chasm descending into darkness. Even with darkvision, the party could not see the bottom. Along the wall, they discovered the remains of an old winch system, broken down and abandoned long ago.

	As the party examined the chasm and the broken winch, they heard footsteps echoing through the tunnel. Rounding a corner on their phantom steeds, the party nearly collided with a group of [[Derro]]—dark dwarves native to the deep [[Underdark]]. The Derro merchants halted and turned to face the party warily.		As the party examined the chasm and the broken winch, they heard footsteps echoing through the tunnel. Rounding a corner on their phantom steeds, the party nearly collided with a group of [[Derro]]—dark dwarves native to the deep [[Underdark]]. The Derro merchants halted and turned to face the party warily.
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	'''The Mind Gobbler - Combat Begins'''		'''The Mind Gobbler - Combat Begins'''

	Armed with [[~~Ilra~~]]'s psionic disruption knife and prepared with intelligence about their foe, the party approached the Mind Gobbler's lair. The vast cavern opened before them, and in the center waited the massive aberration, surrounded by its gobble thralls. The party attempted to use [[Shade]]'s Pass Without Trace spell to sneak closer, but the Mind Gobbler had heard the echoes of their conversation with the Derro or perhaps sensed their minds approaching. It turned to face them, tentacles writhing, and combat began.		Armed with [[Ilyra]]'s psionic disruption knife and prepared with intelligence about their foe, the party approached the Mind Gobbler's lair. The vast cavern opened before them, and in the center waited the massive aberration, surrounded by its gobble thralls. The party attempted to use [[Shade]]'s Pass Without Trace spell to sneak closer, but the Mind Gobbler had heard the echoes of their conversation with the Derro or perhaps sensed their minds approaching. It turned to face them, tentacles writhing, and combat began.

	[[Alexios]] charged forward, channeling [[Athena]]'s divine fury and swearing his Vow of Enmity against the aberration. His flaming sword struck true, cutting deep into the creature's flank. [[Xanphina]] raged and followed, her ancestral spirits manifesting around her to protect her from psychic assault. She swung [[Garmok's Flail]] in devastating arcs, each hit reverberating through the cavern.		[[Alexios]] charged forward, channeling [[Athena]]'s divine fury and swearing his Vow of Enmity against the aberration. His flaming sword struck true, cutting deep into the creature's flank. [[Xanphina]] raged and followed, her ancestral spirits manifesting around her to protect her from psychic assault. She swung [[Garmok's Flail]] in devastating arcs, each hit reverberating through the cavern.
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	As the situation grew dire, the party realized they could not win this battle. [[Alexios]] was grappled by three thralls simultaneously, unable to break free despite his considerable strength. [[Xanphina]] was bloodied and burning through her rage, her ancestral spirits flickering as her stamina waned. [[Karma]] had exhausted most of her spell slots keeping people alive, and [[Keyleth]] lay unconscious once more, unable to continue fighting.		As the situation grew dire, the party realized they could not win this battle. [[Alexios]] was grappled by three thralls simultaneously, unable to break free despite his considerable strength. [[Xanphina]] was bloodied and burning through her rage, her ancestral spirits flickering as her stamina waned. [[Karma]] had exhausted most of her spell slots keeping people alive, and [[Keyleth]] lay unconscious once more, unable to continue fighting.

	[[Shade]] made the critical call: "We need to go! Now!"		[[Shade]] made the critical call: "We need to go\! Now\!"

	She cast Fog Cloud, filling the cavern with thick, obscuring mist that broke line of sight with the Mind Gobbler. [[Xanphina]] broke the grapples on [[Alexios]] with a mighty blow of her flail, shattering thrall limbs and freeing the paladin. [[Karma]] grabbed the unconscious [[Keyleth]] and wild shaped into a giant spider, her eight legs carrying her up the cavern wall with the ranger secured on her back.		She cast Fog Cloud, filling the cavern with thick, obscuring mist that broke line of sight with the Mind Gobbler. [[Xanphina]] broke the grapples on [[Alexios]] with a mighty blow of her flail, shattering thrall limbs and freeing the paladin. [[Karma]] grabbed the unconscious [[Keyleth]] and wild shaped into a giant spider, her eight legs carrying her up the cavern wall with the ranger secured on her back.
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	Behind them, they heard the Mind Gobbler shrieking in fury, its gobbles mixing with psionic screams that echoed through the cavern. Its psychic presence hammered at their minds even as they fled, but the fog cloud broke line of sight long enough for them to reach the tunnel. The gobble thralls pursued, tentacles scraping against stone as they gave chase, but the party's speed advantage let them pull ahead. They raced through the darkness, [[Alexios]] now carrying the still-unconscious [[Keyleth]], [[Xanphina]] guarding the rear with [[Garmok's Flail]] ready to strike any thrall that got too close. The Mind Gobbler's psychic gobbles echoed through the tunnels behind them, growing fainter as they put distance between themselves and the creature. It was not dead—merely left behind in its lair, victorious in driving off the intruders.		Behind them, they heard the Mind Gobbler shrieking in fury, its gobbles mixing with psionic screams that echoed through the cavern. Its psychic presence hammered at their minds even as they fled, but the fog cloud broke line of sight long enough for them to reach the tunnel. The gobble thralls pursued, tentacles scraping against stone as they gave chase, but the party's speed advantage let them pull ahead. They raced through the darkness, [[Alexios]] now carrying the still-unconscious [[Keyleth]], [[Xanphina]] guarding the rear with [[Garmok's Flail]] ready to strike any thrall that got too close. The Mind Gobbler's psychic gobbles echoed through the tunnels behind them, growing fainter as they put distance between themselves and the creature. It was not dead—merely left behind in its lair, victorious in driving off the intruders.

	The party didn't stop running until they reached the relative safety of the upper levels of [[Garmok's Mine]], finally collapsing in the dwarven corridors where worked stone replaced natural cave. [[Keyleth]] regained consciousness, stabilized by [[Karma]]'s healing magic. They took stock of their situation: battered, exhausted, spell slots depleted, but alive. The Mind Gobbler had survived their assault and remained in the depths, a threat yet to be overcome. The session ended with the party recovering from their harrowing encounter, knowing they would need better preparation, new tactics, and perhaps the courage to use [[~~Ilra~~]]'s knife more effectively if they were to have any chance of defeating the aberration in a future confrontation.		The party didn't stop running until they reached the relative safety of the upper levels of [[Garmok's Mine]], finally collapsing in the dwarven corridors where worked stone replaced natural cave. [[Keyleth]] regained consciousness, stabilized by [[Karma]]'s healing magic. They took stock of their situation: battered, exhausted, spell slots depleted, but alive. The Mind Gobbler had survived their assault and remained in the depths, a threat yet to be overcome. The session ended with the party recovering from their harrowing encounter, knowing they would need better preparation, new tactics, and perhaps the courage to use [[Ilyra]]'s knife more effectively if they were to have any chance of defeating the aberration in a future confrontation.

	=== XP Awards ===		=== XP Awards ===
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	* [[Xanphina]] - Half-Orc Barbarian, Path of the Ancestral Guardian		* [[Xanphina]] - Half-Orc Barbarian, Path of the Ancestral Guardian
	* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony		* [[Myconid Sovereign]] - Leader of the peaceful Myconid colony
	* [[~~Ilra~~]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations		* [[Ilyra]] - Drow researcher studying Underdark aberrations
	* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes		* [[Derro]] Leader - Dark dwarf merchant seeking surface trade routes
	* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths)		* Mind Gobbler - Psionic aberration created by [[Illithids]] (survived encounter, remains in the depths)
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	* [[Underdark]] - Deep natural caves beneath [[Garmok's Mine]]		* [[Underdark]] - Deep natural caves beneath [[Garmok's Mine]]
	* Mind Gobbler's Lair - Vast cavern deep in the [[Underdark]]		* Mind Gobbler's Lair - Vast cavern deep in the [[Underdark]]
	* [[~~Ilra~~]]'s Study - Magically warded research chamber		* [[Ilyra]]'s Study - Magically warded research chamber
	* The Great Chasm - Deep vertical shaft with broken winch system		* The Great Chasm - Deep vertical shaft with broken winch system

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	=== Items Found ===		=== Items Found ===
	* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[~~Ilra~~]], not effectively used in combat)		* Psionic Disruption Knife (given by [[Ilyra]], not effectively used in combat)
	* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by [[~~Ilra~~]])		* Scroll of Featherfall (promised by [[Ilyra]])

	=== Creatures Encountered ===		=== Creatures Encountered ===