5/23
Teleported to edge of dense cave forest
Athredon summoned spider familiar
Jericho is on the reins and is directing the cart at a moderate speed
Jericho spots movement ahead
Athredon sends a spider familiar out and has an intense experience viewing things through its eyes. Can’t really judge what the Large plant monster is.
We’re following the path. A pitbull sized scorpion covered in / made of fungus runs across the path.
A plant with translucent leaves is in the path holding one of these fungus scorpions. They are rare and tend to be found deep underground where the sun doesn’t reach. Contains a sweet substance.
Athredon frees the scorpion sprout with a single strike and harvests the sweet sap. He fills a pot from his cooking utensil kit, loads and watches over it in the back of the wagon. The wagon proceeds.
Khione takes charge of the cart
The shadows are following the cart again. Athredon spots weaker shadows in the area behind the cart and calls them out to the rest of the party.
Something falls from the ceiling in front of and behind the cart, jostling some members of the party. They are Hook Horrors.
A hook horror almost kills Athredon, but Bertram saves him. Both hook horrors die.
Khione heals Athredon as Bertram drops him.
“A word of the wise. If you traverse with prey animals, you will be preyed upon.” Bertram says.
Jericho asks, “What do you mean, prey animals?”
“The scorpions.”
Athredon realizes the sweet sap lured the hook horrors. “There’s only one thing to do at this point.” He licks the pot clean.
Bertram says, “It is in my best interest for you lot to stay alive.” The wagon is transported via shadow and set in a grove with the party teleported outside of the wagon. In the grove is a campfire ring with a seating arrangement surrounding it.
Bertram lights a match with his fingers and throws it into the campfire, producing a bright blue flame despite lacking fuel.
Although there are many sounds surrounding the grove, mandibats are in buzzing in the distance. We have the sense we are safe here as if this is holy ground.
Athredon bows to Bertram and thanks him for saving his life.
Betram states there are many rest sites like this one along the way, each of which are these natural flames. All it takes is a spark to light them. “They look quite reminiscent of a fairy ring.”
The only foilage is around the roots of trees that weave and bend overhead. There is a dome where nothing but moss remains.
Bertram looks at Athredon. “Do remember to extinguish it before you leave. It is no normal flame. Water will not smother it.”
“By starlight, it shall be done.”
The party levels up.