Druid, Fighter, Ranger, you have all been captured by Drow Slavers in separate surface ambushes a week ago. Since then, you’ve been held captive dressed only in plain clothes, in a 5×5 black metal barred cage that hovers just off the ground and is self-propelled.
While captive you’ve determined that there’s nearly 60 Drow in the raiding party. There are several more cages similar to the one you’re in, all separated and protected by groups of Drow. Every day the cages are rotated between the groups. Currently you’re in the back of the line, surrounded by 10 Drow. If you’ve understood your captives correctly, in another hour you’ll enter the outskirts of Drow territory. Based on stories you’ve heard, once that happens there is no hope of escape or even survival.
All through the day one of the Drow, the guide who leads the group through difficult areas, continues to look at you as if they’re evaluating and determining your worth.
Near the end of the day your cage stops in a small chamber, a common occurrence throughout the week. These breaks usually last only ten minutes or so.
Unlike previous breaks, the lead Drow takes out a piece of gently glowing yellow chalk and draws a 5’ tall oval shape on the cave’s stone wall, then draws a star shape in the center and knocks on it five times, once at each point of the star. When they finish knocking, a portal appears within the outline of the chalk. The portal provides just enough light for the Fighter to see the within the chamber. And although difficult to see through, the portal appears to lead to the interior of a wooden room with candle or firelight present. The scent of woodsmoke and herbs can be detected.
The lead Drow says something to the rest of the guards, then enters the portal and is followed by 3 others. Judging by their smirks and behaviour, they’re doing something they shouldn’t be.
Moments after the 4 Drow enter the portal, dim flickering lights appear from the untravelled tunnel that will lead to the Drow territory. All the remaining Drow turn towards the light and draw their weapons, immediately suspicious. As the flickering light draws closer, the 5 remaining Drow silently stalk down the tunnel, telling the remaining Drow guide to keep an eye on the slaves.
When the last Drow guard disappears from sight, the Drow guide drops the act of being defensive and glances back at the party with a sly wink. They mouth a silent word, then a quake can be felt, followed by the sounds of the tunnel collapsing on the Drow guards. Dust, bits of rock and dirt enter your chamber.
The Drow guide now turns to you all and says in Common…
