DnD:AnimalPlanet:Sadian Day2

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After dispatching the Great Bear, we traveled into a lower tunnel, seeking the source of salt water smell. As we were on the top of the hill, it was quite the puzzle. The rubble provided a moment of stumbling, but as a group we moved forward and entered deeper into the darkness. Kohana brought for his magic to illuminate the way, allowing the hunter Lucan to range forward to scout for danger. Something moved in the darkness, just beyond the light amidst the strange metal dens that the ancient humans used. Although Lucan hailed it, the creature eluded us and entered a side passage out of sight.

Kohana's impulsive obsession with the metal carriages turned up a journal written in the ancient tongue. One of the humans kept notes of their fall to a great plague. They built a lair in the cave, but turned on one another in the end. Perhaps it is just as well that they are no longer around. The smell of salt water becomes apparent from leaking water from the ceiling. It appears to be filtering out the salt, leaving great crystals on the rocks. While I respect Kohana for his intellect, I feel that he is not as wise as one might think. Heedless that the salt might be contaminated, he grabbed a piece to lick. It was only after admonishing him, that he stopped. And they accuse my Race of being impulsive and reckless.

The hunter Lucan tracks to the door, which leads to partially collapsed tunnels. His keen sight notes that the prints are odd and not made by any of the People, being wet and irregular in shape. A foul odor wafts from further down the tunnel, leading use to proceed with a greater caution. Our fox companions were left behind to guard our backs as a precaution.

We soon catch sight of the creatures that are dwelling in this dark, damp place. They are People-like, yet pale, naked, and with bulging foreheads. A grotesque mockery that should not exist. Perhaps they are humans or descendants of those that wrote in the journal? If so, they are now closer to our Little Brothers than the People. Too have fallen so far again shows the lesson that the People must make their own way and not rely on the things of the ancient humans.

Our presence is unwelcome to these creatures, which number nearly a dozen. I shall name them Deep Ones, in reference to their habit and look. They are foul creatures, full of corruption. Each appears to have a role in the tribe, making them cunning beasts. There is a Packmaster to direct them, with Spitters and Chillers that use a foul goo to poison. A fourth type that looks mostly Drowned appears to be rabble and barely able to fight. I shall present this news to the Council of Elders to allow us to seek guidance.

Lucan is the first to be hurt as one of the Chillers bites him. This leaves him unable to move, but not helpless. The mighty Inyan suffers the same fate and is burned by the goo of a Spitter. Kohana masterful use of fire thins their ranks, buying time for the Paladin Maya to assist Inyan and Lucan. I sang the Song of Ut'ima to bolster our courage and provided aid with the Healing Word. Even in death, the creatures are foul, as Maya strikes one down and it sprays goo in a violent manner. The fight takes it toll on the valiant Maya, as the onslaught nearly brings him down, but the Word sustains him.

It is at this time that the Packmaster joins the battle for earnest, sending waves of corruption that force us back. Our position is poor, being trapped in the bottleneck of the tunnel. Fire and Cold and a Stirring Word all take their toll on the Deep Ones, but it seems that we are too evenly matched. Lucan uses his bow to great effect, pinning down and slaying the creatures at range. I use the Command Word to draw the Packmaster to Inyan, who strikes him down a single blow. Maya slays the last two Spitters, finally bringing a victorious end to our battle. Wounds are tended and after a quick cleaning, we are ready to continue. The cleaning was necessary so we do not fall to their corruption and poison of these Deep Ones. Could they have been Human once? Their lair was foul and signs of cannibalism are evident. Any settlement on this island will need to keep watch for these creatures. Fire is the great cleanser in these cases.

Upon our return to the tunnel, we make a more through check of the area. Kohana is fascinated by some odd blocks that he pulls from the rusting mobile dens. To what end eludes me, as the failure of the Humans to survive and degeneration of survivors into those disgusting Deep Ones should be self-evident that we cannot rely on things they crafted. Better to make our own. Learn from their mistakes but do not mimic them. In searching one of the dens, I did manage to find one of their maps, in poor but serviceable shape. A fine learning tool. The salt and water appear to be free of contamination, so our impulsive wizard will not have to under go a cleansing ritual.

We make our final ascent to the island top and to search on the ruined buildings. Another danger lurks in the manner of giant beetles that spit fire and a stick goo. The mighty Inyan and valiant Maya engage our foes, taking wounds to ward the rest of us from harm. The fiery beetles are immune to Kohana's attacks, depriving us of much needed support. Lucan shows his marksmen skills by providing the killing power needed. My task was to use the Word to heal, bolster my companions, and hinder our opponents. Our warriors trade blows with the creatures, thinning their numbers and finally smiting the last of them. We are exhausted but triumphant. I am not sure what the next day will bring, but we shall meet it full on with a renewed strength.

Day Two [Last Entry]

The fire is dying down and the ward have been set. My companions sleep safely in this wild area. I have given thought to the Elders plan to settle this island and have come an unsettling conclusion. I believe this island is too small and that within a generation it will suffer the safe problems as our Home. There is a great span that runs to the mainland and looks to be intact. We will need to explore it and ensure that it is safe. And look to see if the settlement can be founded on the other end. This island would be good for the raising of animals for food, but not a populous settlement like our Home.