Session 28: Smelly creatures and short fights

General Summary

So, yet another day underground. I must say, my enthusiasm is starting to wear off a bit. I do hope not all adventures are going to be like this.
After our last trip to the south of the cave, we decided to go north this time. Upon entering the space behind the tunnel there, the first thing we noticed was an overwhelming smell, almost like wild animal, but more... pungent. As we looked around, Voron and Skrik noticed some strange creatures on the other side of the cave. Not sure of their intentions, we (uncharacteristically, might I add) waited to see what they would do.
Well, one of them ran for a door, an action Skrik saw as hostile, and a fight ensued. Well, I say ‘fight’ but it was over in seconds. Despite all their... minor flaws, our little group is very skilled at combat.
We had a little discussion about whether or not to eat the vile reeking monsters (Valstrax was all in favour, of course), and I discovered that Skrik has never had a birthday party. This wrong must be righted as soon as we get back to civilisation!
The door turned out to hide a bear, which was quickly subdued. We decided to leave the bear unconscious but alive for now, hoping that later we’d be able to get it out of here, maybe with a bit of persuasion from Voron. I’m very glad we don’t go hurting innocent, imprisoned animals unnecessarily (although I have the sneaking suspicion that some of our party might want to keep the bear as their pet).
As this cave didn’t seem to hide any more interesting things, we went back to the main cavern, and took a path more to the south. All to be found here were some skeletons and some dusty mold and fungi–although when we tried examining the skeleton,the fungi let out some spores that I can only assume were not good for anyone’s health–as Skrik started coughing violently.
But we did find, alongside the skeletons, a very shiny helmet and a slightly glowing sword.
Using my powers of deduction and my vast knowledge of magic–and perhaps just a liiiiitle help from an identify spell–I quickly figured out that the help was pretty, but not magical, but the sword was both pretty and magical. Some weaponry was exchanged, but I have to admit, I lost interest at that point. Weaponry was never quite ‘my thing’.
A final entryway leading away from the main cavern was opened using a combination of conjuring a shovel and pure muscle, and we found the stream we were struggling with not too long ago. Not wanting to risk anything this time, I quickly teleported over there and switched places with Valstrax, who could then secure a rope for all of us to get across. Well, except for me. I just teleported again.
Upon venturing further, we encountered yet more of the unpleasant smelling creatures. As they attacked, we retaliated. The fight was once again quite short, even though their numbers kept getting replenished. This was in no small part because of a cleverly placed moonbeam spell from Voron. We continued and found yet another door. Not taking risks, Valstrax was in front as I opened the door with my mage hand.
And again we found a large animal–although now, it’s a giant lizard. It was kind of cute, actually. All seemed to go well, with Valstrax calming the creature, until a smelly creature–hidden by some magic, no doubt–attacked all of us. Well, another fight ensues, of course.
As this guy was a magic caster, I finally got to use that spell I had learned not too long ago to counter his spells. Valstrax and Skrik defeated the creature with ease. Unfortunately, the lizard had also fallen in the chaos of the fight, much to Valstrax’s annoyance. Some comfort was found, however, when we discovered a bit of riches within the trash of the room.
As we explored the last bit of this tunnel, we encountered yet more smelly creatures–but at this point–we knew how to handle them. As Duldar and I observed, the rest made short work of them.
I did feel a bit bad when after this, all the babies the creatures had been guarding fled past us in terror, as this room had been hiding a nest.
Well, at this point, we were all but done exploring this section of the caves, and we decided to call it a day. I set up Leomund’s Tiny Hut as Skrik did some last-minute exploring.
And now everyone’s resting as I write this. Although Valstrax is tossing a bit in his sleep–perhaps another dream? How interesting...

Rewards Granted

20355 xp total