Session 46: The Underdark Expedition

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Session 46: Diggy Diggy Hole was the forty-sixth session of the Deez Nuts' Sword Coast Campaign, which took place on January 18, 2026.

Summary

The party continued their mission to create an alternate route through Garmok's Mine to avoid the hostile Myconid territory. After receiving a Scroll of Feather Fall from Ilyra Voss, they set out to find the Svirfneblin (deep gnomes) rumored to inhabit the lower tunnels. Their journey led them into combat with a Drow raiding party led by Commander Vyran T'sarran, followed by a tense encounter with an Aboleth lurking in an underground lake. After negotiating with the Svirfneblin Foreman, the party worked to repair a broken winch system—battling a Rust Monster and a Mimic in the process—before receiving the legendary Mattock of the Titan. Alexios proved worthy of wielding the Mattock through Heroic Inspiration, and the divine artifact empowered him with supernatural strength to carve through solid rock. During their tunneling work, they battled two Umber Hulks named Hugh M. Berr and Crush Limbough. Using this magical mining tool while singing "Diggy Diggy Hole" as their work song, they successfully carved a new tunnel through solid rock, creating a safe passage. When the worthy task was complete, the Mattock's magic faded, returning to its true weight. The session concluded with the party meeting Derro traders and experiencing hallucinogenic effects from Myconid rapport spores before retiring to the barracks for a long rest.

Detailed Chronology

Morning at Ilyra's Study

The party awakened in Ilyra Voss's study after a long rest. Ilyra presented them with the promised Scroll of Feather Fall to aid in their descent into the deeper sections of the Underdark if needed. The party discussed their plan to find the Svirfneblin and create an alternate route through the mine. Shade attempted to be sarcastic about Ilyra's "least you could do" hospitality, given their unwilling participation in her Mind Flayer experiment during the previous session.

Journey to the Gnome Territory

The party headed toward the lower-left section of the mine where Ilyra believed the Svirfneblin resided. Karma summoned her bat familiar to scout ahead, which discovered gnome guards posted on high ledges approximately 40 feet up. Shade called out to the gnomes with a pun: "Gnomes! We gnome you're out there!" expressing their peaceful intentions and need for assistance (Persuasion check of 23).

Drow Ambush

The gnomes did not respond, but the party's call attracted unwanted attention. A Drow raiding party, led by Commander Vyran T'sarran, had been lying in wait and interpreted the party's friendly overture to the gnomes as an act of alliance with their hated enemies. The drow attacked with surprise:

Combat Summary:

  • Commander Vyran T'sarran cast Faerie Fire, illuminating Alexios, Karma, and Xanphina (only Shade saved)
  • A Drow Priestess cast Darkness to obscure the party and flew across the chasm using magical flight
  • Xanphina threw her Javelin of Lightning at the drow forces, killing one drow warrior instantly and damaging Viren
  • Xanphina's second attack with her returning trident knocked the flying Drow Priestess prone, causing her to plummet into the endless chasm to her death
  • Karma devastated the drow forces with Moonbeam, moving it strategically to damage multiple enemies
  • Alexios struck Viren with Guiding Bolt for 21 radiant damage
  • Shade cast Erupting Earth, creating difficult terrain and damaging Viren and another drow
  • The Svirfneblin guards joined the battle from their high positions, using darts to attack the drow
  • Karma's Moonbeam ultimately killed multiple drow warriors
  • Xanphina dealt the final blow to Commander Vyran T'sarran with her trident

The party looted the drow bodies, finding:

Meeting the Svirfneblin

After the chaos, the Svirfneblin finally engaged with the party. The Foreman appeared and explained their situation: the gnomes controlled a network of tunnels but needed help creating a new passage to bypass the Myconid territory. The existing winch and lift system in the northwest area of the tunnels was broken and needed repair before they could proceed.

The Foreman explained that the winch system had been mysteriously rusting and breaking down repeatedly, even after repairs—suggesting magical interference. He offered to provide the party with mining equipment if they could fix the winch system.

Aboleth Encounter

Following the battle, Shade jokingly suggested throwing a drow corpse into the nearby underground lake. Alexios decided to actually do this, which awakened an enormous Aboleth lurking in the depths. The creature's massive tentacles erupted from the water, grabbing at the drow corpse. The party wisely chose not to engage the undying Eldritch Horror and instead threw a second drow corpse into the water as an offering/distraction, then quickly retreated. The Aboleth accepted this "tribute" and left them alone.

Winch System Investigation

As the party navigated the winding tunnels toward the winch system, Alexios paused at a fork where the passage split around a large cave formation. "Which way around the cave are we going?" he asked.

Xanphina, never one to miss an opportunity, immediately dubbed the formation a "cave-ussy" and Shade declared they would take the "left labia" route. The party traveled to the winch location and encountered Derro (dark dwarves/duergar) traders who were willing to provide the necessary gears, lubricants, and mechanical parts needed for the repair—for a price.

Shade attempted to investigate the winch mechanism, but triggered a surprise attack:

Rust Monster Combat:

  • A Rust Monster emerged from the machinery, attracted by the party's metal equipment
  • Shade successfully identified it with a Nature check (22), warning the party about its metal-destroying antennae
  • The Rust Monster attacked Shade's crossbow, reducing it to a "Crossbow -1" (penalty item)
  • Alexios used his Battlefield Command ability to force the Rust Monster to walk off the cliff edge, killing it instantly with fall damage

Immediately after, Shade continued investigating and was grabbed by a Mimic disguised as part of the winch equipment:

Mimic Combat:

Repairing the Winch

With the threats eliminated, Shade successfully investigated the winch system (Investigation 20), determining exactly what parts were needed. The party negotiated with the Derro traders, offering the Moonstone Chalice in exchange for the necessary mechanical components. Alexios negotiated for a bonus lever to be included in the deal.

Xanphina (Athletics 15) and Shade (Sleight of Hand) successfully repaired the winch system, which now functioned properly for transporting materials and personnel between levels.

Acquiring the Mattock

On their return journey to the Svirfneblin settlement to claim their reward, the party retraced their steps through the tunnel system. When they reached the same anatomically-nicknamed cave formation, Shade cheerfully announced they would take the "other lip" this time, navigating via the right passage back to the gnome settlement.

With the winch repaired, the Foreman honored his promise and led the party to the Svirfneblin vault where the legendary Mattock of the Titan rested. The weapon was enormous—designed for the hands of giants, its massive head gleaming with enchantments that had endured for millennia.

The Foreman explained that the Mattock was so heavy that it normally required two svirfneblin working together just to move it. When Xanphina first attempted to lift the legendary tool, she strained with all her considerable barbarian strength but could barely budge the enormous implement. Even her impressive might wasn't enough to wield a weapon forged for creatures three times her size.

Alexios stepped forward next, gripping the Mattock's handle. His initial attempts also failed—the weight was simply too immense for even a powerful warrior to manage. But then, drawing upon his Heroic Inspiration, Alexios channeled every ounce of strength and determination into one final effort.

As his hands closed around the Mattock and he lifted, something miraculous happened. The ancient enchantments recognized the worthiness of his cause—to create a passage that would bring peace to the Myconids, provide safe routes for the Derro and Svirfneblin, and end the conflict in these tunnels. Golden light flared along the Mattock's surface as divine power surged through Alexios's body.

The crushing weight vanished. What moments before had required two gnomes to merely shift now felt perfectly balanced in his hands, as if the Mattock itself had awakened and chosen him as its wielder. Alexios could feel the ancient magic flowing through his arms, empowering him with the strength of the titans who had first commissioned this legendary tool.

For the next several hours, Alexios wielded the Mattock with supernatural ease, carving through solid rock as if it were soft clay. Each swing created perfectly smooth stone surfaces, each strike shaped the tunnel with geometric precision. The magic sustained him completely—he felt no fatigue, no strain, only the pure joy of working in harmony with an artifact of immense power directed toward a worthy purpose.

The Foreman directed the party to a specific location in the southern tunnels where they should dig a new passage that would bypass the Myconid caves entirely.

Digging the Tunnel

The party traveled to the designated dig site and began their mining operation. As they worked with the Mattock of the Titan, someone started singing "Diggy Diggy Hole," and the entire party joined in the work song. The magical mattock made the work surprisingly easy, and Alexios carved through the stone with divine empowerment.

The party's progress didn't go unnoticed. As Alexios carved deeper into the stone, two Umber Hulks burst through a side passage, drawn by the vibrations of the mining. These massive beetle-like monstrosities introduced themselves with grinding mandibles and unsettling clicking sounds.

"I am Hugh M. Berr!" bellowed the first creature in broken Common, its four eyes swirling with confusing patterns.

"And I... Crush Limbough!" roared the second, its massive claws scraping against stone.

The creatures proved formidable opponents, their confusing gazes disorienting party members and their powerful attacks threatening to derail the tunnel project. However, Deez Nuts had faced worse, and they coordinated their attacks with practiced efficiency. The party emerged victorious, and after defeating the Umber Hulks, they resumed their work with Alexios continuing to wield the Mattock while the others kept watch for further interruptions.

They successfully carved out a complete tunnel passage that would allow safe travel through this section of Garmok's Mine without encountering the hostile Myconids.

As Alexios struck the final blow, breaking through into the familiar dwarven-hewn corridors of Garmok's Mine, the golden light along the Mattock's surface began to fade. The divine power that had sustained him for hours slowly ebbed away like a retreating tide.

When Alexios lowered the tool, he immediately felt its true weight return—the crushing heaviness that had required Heroic Inspiration to overcome. The Mattock was once again an implement meant for giants, far too massive for a human to wield casually. It was as if the ancient artifact had revealed its true power only for this worthy cause—the creation of a tunnel that would bring peace and end suffering.

The Foreman watched with knowing eyes. "The Mattock chooses when to grant its strength," he said quietly. "It has deemed your purpose worthy. Remember this when you face the challenges ahead."

Derro Traders

After completing the tunnel, the party encountered Derro traders again (or possibly the same ones from before). These merchants were interested in the new tunnel route and requested to be notified when it was fully operational. The party also acquired an Ever-smoking Bottle from these traders, though the exact terms of this transaction were unclear.

Myconid Rapport Spores

As the party prepared to rest, they were exposed to Myconid rapport spores that had drifted into the area. Shade experienced vivid hallucinations, describing disturbing visions and sensations. The party decided it was best to retreat to a safer location.

Rest in the Barracks

The exhausted party made their way to the barracks area of Garmok's Mine and settled in for a long rest. The session concluded with plans to continue their mission next game on February 1st.

Notable NPCs

  • Ilyra Voss - Wizard researcher who provided the party with a Scroll of Feather Fall
  • Foreman - Svirfneblin (deep gnome) leader who requested help with the winch and provided the Mattock of the Titan
  • Vyran T'sarran - Drow commander who led a raiding party against the party (defeated)
  • Drow Priestess - Unnamed drow priestess who cast Darkness and flew before being knocked into the chasm (deceased)
  • Derro Traders - Dark dwarf merchants who traded mechanical parts for the Moonstone Chalice
  • Hugh M. Berr - Umber Hulk who attacked during the tunnel excavation (defeated)
  • Crush Limbough - Umber Hulk who attacked during the tunnel excavation (defeated)

Locations Visited

  • Ilyra Voss's Study - Starting location
  • Garmok's Mine - Lower tunnels and caverns
    • Underground Cavern with Waterfall - Site of the drow ambush and Aboleth encounter
    • Svirfneblin Territory - High ledges with gnome guards
    • Winch System Location - Where the party fought the Rust Monster and Mimic
    • Southern Tunnel Dig Site - Where the new passage was created
    • Barracks - Where the party rested

Factions Involved

  • Svirfneblin - Deep gnomes seeking to create a safe route through the mine
  • Drow - Raiding party hostile to the gnomes and party
  • Derro - Underdark traders dealing in mechanical components
  • Myconids - Fungus creatures whose territory the party is avoiding (not directly encountered but their spores affected the party)

Items Acquired

Items Lost/Traded

  • Moonstone Chalice - Traded to Derro for winch repair components
  • Crossbow (damaged to -1) - Rusted by Rust Monster

XP and Rewards

XP awards to be determined by DM

Character Moments

  • Shade made an excellent pun when greeting the gnomes: "Gnomes! We gnome you're out there!"
  • Shade's Cave Navigation System: Created an anatomically creative navigation system by dubbing a cave formation a "cave-ussy" and naming the routes "left labia" and "other lip," demonstrating that even in the dangerous Underdark, Shade's sense of humor remains completely inappropriate
  • Alexios inadvertently awakened an Aboleth by throwing a drow corpse into the lake
  • Xanphina's precision strike knocked a flying drow priestess out of the air, sending her to her doom
  • Xanphina attempted but failed to lift the Mattock of the Titan, demonstrating its immense weight
  • Alexios proved worthy of the Mattock of the Titan through Heroic Inspiration and was empowered with divine strength
  • Karma's strategic use of Moonbeam devastated the drow forces
  • Alexios creatively used Battlefield Command to make a Rust Monster walk off a cliff
  • The entire party sang "Diggy Diggy Hole" as their mining work song
  • Shade experienced disturbing hallucinations from Myconid rapport spores

Notable Quotes

  • "Gnomes! We gnome you're out there!" - Shade
  • "Cave-ussy! Left labia!" - Shade, providing anatomical names for cave navigation routes
  • "Diggy Diggy Hole!" - The entire party during the mining sequence
  • "I think we just do a gracious bow and dip the fuck out." - Shade, after the Aboleth encounter
  • "I am Hugh M. Berr!" - Hugh M. Berr
  • "And I... Crush Limbough!" - Crush Limbough
  • "The Mattock chooses when to grant its strength. It has deemed your purpose worthy. Remember this when you face the challenges ahead." - Foreman

Trivia

  • This session featured only 4 party members, with Gootcha and Keyleth absent
  • The party successfully avoided combat with the Aboleth through clever distraction
  • Shade discovered that the Eye of Gilbraxia cannot be unattuned—it is permanently bonded to her
  • The Rust Monster combat was resolved in a single action thanks to Alexios's clever use of Battlefield Command
  • The Mattock of the Titan recognized Alexios's worthy cause and granted him supernatural strength for the duration of the tunnel excavation
  • The Mattock's magic faded once the worthy task was complete, returning to its normal immense weight
  • This was the second time the party encountered a Mimic in Garmok's Mine
  • Hugh M. Berr and Crush Limbough are named after conservative talk radio hosts Hugh Hewitt and Rush Limbaugh

See Also

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