What Lies Beneath 0.5 - Down River Violet Lake

 

Objective

Explore Down river of the Underdark River
 
 

Observations

Discovered a coral cave 2.5 hours SSW of the Waystation
  Discovered Violet Lake 3 hours " "
  -successful trade at Sunken Bazaar, in Violet Lake
 

Follow up

Erik recommends addition of proper anchor for the Underdark boat.
  Center isle of Violet Lake has a GIANT pillar of purple fire. Called the Lord's Fire.
 

Preparation Details

Lightening Room Coffee: Be advised, between this mission and prior Erik can confirm the charm of the coffee is random. It blessed him a few weeks back. It made Ayula appear younger this time. No instructions, no further guidance. Drink at ye own risk.
  -
  Additionally, for time planning remember to budget upstream travel 2x as long as downstream travel.
 
 
 

Operation Details

Left the Waystation beach. UD River flows mostly SSW.
  (All times measured in rate of downriver speed.)
 
 
  Coral Cave - 2 1/2 hrs SSW
  Discovered a large cave lit with bioluminescent coral.
  Cave is roughly circular, waterflow essentially a donut with center landmass.
  That center isle seems to be free-floating stone?
  Does have a marker plaque, Berroven translated as "Claims by Violet Lake"
  (Was written in Undercommon.)
  The waters in the cave rival ocean depths. Tide reports on the return he 'something' was in the depths which scared the shite out of him. Erik believes him as Tide was "highly motivated" on the return row back to the Waystation beach.
 
 
  *CAUTION* Waterfall! - 15 minutes SSW of Coral Cave.
  After turn Water flow increases dramatically. Recommend drop anchor ASAP with full crew rowing in reverse to slow. Destination Docks are next to waterfall.
  There are metal rings next to dock. Secure the boat when docking. This is why we have ropes attached to the boat.
 
 
  On our encounter row boat did take some damage with hitting a stalagmite.
 
 
  Violet Lake - 3 hrs SSW of Waystation beach.
  From the Waterfall there is a hand operated elevator, approx 100 feet from top of fall to the bottom which pours in to what we learned is Violet Lake. The elevator accommodates 2 people at a time and takes a few minutes for movement.
  (This would be an opportunity for any of those 10 minute prep spells, etc.)
 
  Violet Lake's most impressive feature is a center island from which erupts a gigantic pillar of purple fire.
 
 
  The lower level of the elevator seems to be a docking area for Violet Lake proper. There seems to be a collection of boats available for use. Signage there indicated (in Undercommon) to pay the toll before sailing, but from the lack of a toll box and the evidence of coins in the water, the toll is paid like a wishing well; Throwing coins into the water.
  Specific minimum is unknown, Erik threw $1G, Berroven = $5G, Ayula = $1P.
 
 
  Sunken Bazzar
  Besides the purple fire the only other area of difference was an alcove with blue light.
  We rowed to it and found it to be what they call the Sunken Bazaar. Bazaar seems to be a general trade spot for the locals of the Underdark. Undercommon seems to be primary language, but seems like multiple languages spoken from variety of species.
  Area is well guarded but be honest and level headed we were able to dock, enter, and trade without trouble. Trade seems to be acceptable reason to enter.
  Erik was able to purchase supplies to repair the boat.
  Tide made some personal trades with a hag
 
 
  Currency
  Be aware. Some vendors yes accept gold.
  However, some want blood, some want stories and memories.
  Erik is certain other... fees are acceptable.
  Trade with caution.
 
 
  In conversation with the locals were were able discern the area belongs to the Lord of the Violet Flame. Couldn't get much deeper as what question we asked with met with "The Lord" as the answer, and further probing Erik felt could trigger combat.
 
 
  Of special note, a significant denizen is known as the Master of the Tower. We met them and found them to be an Illithid. We acted as ambassadors and maintained respect and to their credit he seemed to be an even handed businessman. His preferred currency seemed to be memories. Ayula traded a copy of her memories for some arcane books including "The First Evil"? Ayula retained her memories and only reported a mild psychic pain from the process.
 
 
  Having made successful discovery and trade with the locals, we returned back to the Waystation the way we came and back to camp.