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My party is currently trapped underground after a collapse. They’re about 3000 feet below the surface, and while they’ve taken precautions—breathing and food aren't an issue—there are some challenges:

They're split into three small groups: one group is about 80–90 feet away from another, and around 50 feet from the third.

Most or all party members have supernatural strength.

The weight and density of the rock is a concern.

There’s a real risk of further collapses as they dig.

I’m trying to estimate how long it might realistically take them to dig themselves free and possibly reconnect with each other. Any thoughts or advice?

Here's my smartass answer: It takes however long you as GM want it to take for the purpose of your story. It doesn't need a mechanical answer you can just narrate that they have taken X amount of time to dig their way out. Unless you want to make them do varying skill rolls. If a player has a mining related skill I would reduce the time it took and that player's character would have the knowledge if they succeed their skill roll to know the best way and place to do the digging.

Marcethus wrote: Fri May 30, 2025 12:34 pm Here's my smartass answer: It takes however long you as GM want it to take for the purpose of your story. It doesn't need a mechanical answer you can just narrate that they have taken X amount of time to dig their way out. Unless you want to make them do varying skill rolls. If a player has a mining related skill I would reduce the time it took and that player's character would have the knowledge if they succeed their skill roll to know the best way and place to do the digging.

I'd agree with this, makes sense.

I'd also add that, were it to take X hrs, that amount of time is relative to whether:
- air is running out,
- tunnels are flooding,
- the medium they are digging thru,
- etc.... all things the GM can throw in to ramp up tension