Xulgath Caverns

Location overview

Xulgath Caverns lie beneath the Tronglodite The Caverns and contain a buried Small Underground Chamber under rubble that housed a Damaged Smithy with worked walls, forge fixtures, and an anvil. Nearby was a space where a Gelatinous Cube had been, and Iomedae-Marked Items were recovered. The forge area accumulated flammable natural gas that ignited, revealing and scorching hidden undead. Searching the cleared smithy produced good-quality tools and an Unusual Steel Shield with minor reinforcing properties. After the blast and battle, the caverns were used as a base, with bulky gear left behind. Refugees, including wounded individuals, moved into the Upper Caverns, cleaned them, placed torches on the walls, and gathered provisions. The Caverns held enough provisions that hunting was unnecessary. Aubrin the Green reported on the refugees’ roles: Edran fished at the pool, Jed ran a kitchen to the north, the Aiuvarin Siblings alternated watch, and Oreld the Alchemist and Kining Blondebeard worked near the smithy. Norvi later arrived by the Underground River, noted the caverns’ smell, sold goods, and began regular trade with the occupants. After a five-day return journey, Fangwood Six arrived one day before Norvi’s expected arrival. Scouts reported a mobile cherry tree nearby, which seemed to have frightened away threatening creatures. Wren checked on Mira upon returning. Norvi arrived with Bruneg’s ordered bastard sword and offered to buy and sell goods.
A tunnel entrance led from the caverns into the dark ways, where two wolf puppies lived. Crawling grayish humanoids attacked the defenders; Lirosa reported no casualties. The defenders disposed of the attackers’ bodies but retained one corpse. Some refugees left, believing the caverns unsafe. Upon the party’s return, Lirosa presented the corpse, which Gundugar identified as a Morlock. Gundugar Herdtender instructed everyone to pack, search for the missing refugees, and collapse the tunnel entrance. Mira told Wren that the puppies had escaped, dug up buried corpses, and eaten from them. Wren gave Mira a fang necklace and showed her a dragon scale she had kept. After several days of packing, the refugees were ready to leave for the fort. A representative from Chernasardo and a militia man arrived at the caverns to discuss plans in the capital.
The Caverns sheltered the refugees while they prepared to move to Fort Trevely. After returning, the party spent a couple of days there checking conditions and helping prepare for the departure. The party then offered the soon-to-be-empty caverns to four dwarves seeking somewhere safe to stay. After receiving directions, the dwarves agreed to visit the caverns before continuing onward.