Unlocking the West - 13/05/20

So we set out to unlock the west I had this idea that became much more solidified after hearing about the gatekeeper of the east – the dragon from the returning group. The idea of 'gatekeepers' that hold the keys to operating relatively safely in the east and in the west. We set out to find the western gatekeeper. And find them we did. We made a quick pace to the west / northwest along the drylands from the step, making it quickly through a tiny portion of the swampy westy swamps, making it to the tall grasslands, A pair of goblins and a pair of wolves met with us at a small ravine, and we ambushed each other. They went down quickly and one ran away into the grass, providing a delay and a small arrangement of goblin trinkets, knives, arrows . . . One of the knives became animated at some point and began to carve a symbol into the downed goblin, that of a broken greatsword . . . was pretty odd. We made it to the beast cave, which we've described earlier. Lauthok had quite a good idea, we ended up using the corpse of a wolf to lure out 'the beast' . . . .and we were met with surprise when a so-called skellysnail exited the cave . . . and fell to a single volley of our bolts and arrows. . . It emitted its trademark scream . . . and others followed from inside the cave. So we did the only reasonable thing and delved into the cave.

Inside we were met with creatures that were indistinguishable from stalagmites and stalagtites, White Alesects on the floor, and Floppy Dropping Fleshies that make kamikaze-like dive attacks from the ceiling. . . With regards to the White Alesects, at one point Lucy was turned into a potted plant by one of them, but it only appears to have the power to do this once, instead relying on its web-like-human-grapple-hook-esque-filament-launcher. There blood seems thick and smells like a sweet Cognac or other Strong Liquor . . . Will try and flog it to the Barkeep or other desperate patrons later and see what happens. Moving deeper into the cave in search of a true gatekeeper. .. . we were ambushed by a creature of pure darkness. Apparrently there was a lot of flailing around in darkness with the so-called Ceiling Squad, but all I saw was black and heard a light scuffle in the darkness . .. . to be robbed of sight is kind of disturbing . . .I hope it doesn't happen again. Regardless, we eventually found what we thought we would, a lord so to speak, of the region. We came across a mighty Bearowl, lost in its slumber. Surrounded by the bones of what is likely to be hundreds of creatures, humanoid, reptillian, amphibian, This was truly the lair of an advanced predator. We pelted it with arrows, bolts, the sun, and magic, ending its reign on the region in a matter of seconds . . . and it was only after we started to pat ourselves on the back that we noticed our folly.

A second Bearowl, larger in size, brighter in sheen, and . . . and. . . It poked its head through a wall of ivy, and all but killed me. Were it not for the help of Lucy, I would surely be dead, telling you naught but the silence you would surely feel in the air of the Grim Pig when four of us don't show up. . . At any rate, It almost took me down in a mere moment. It then made good on its intent and DID put Lauthrok face up in a pile of bones. Only Torteleeni's swift and insightful skill as a renowned physician which he can be relied on for, got Lauthrok through the ordeal when all was said and done. It took us a fair while of dancing with the Bigger Bearowl. . . Piercing crossbow bolts through its thick hide, thick scale on fur blows that radiate like the sun, and daggers in the right places. . . and the throne was usurped. The Bearowl and its cohorts are not longer the rulers of the western grasslands. We gathered what we could from the cave and fled, nursing Lauthrok's severe wounds on the way back . . . so we've done it. We've effectively done a favour to anyone wishing to travel in the west. We've unlocked the 'gate' so to speak, that would prevent anyone from freely exploring.

*[*2:20 AM*]*

Some other things on the back of my mind are . . . . We left a small chamber of the monster cave un-explored due to Lauthrok's (and others, myself included)'s wounds. In General – The Monster Cave Is dangerous. Creatures within have evolved perfect camouflage and abilities to be effective predators. Treat this cave, and likely all other caves with extreme caution.

We have unseated the Apex Predator of the western grasslands. . . . What changes will we see in the ecosystem because of this?

Lucy is blue now . . . . . huh. . . . Thats weird.

A small metallic, almost 404-like Eye monster appeared next to us while fighting the Bearowl, asked Lucy a few short questions, started counting and then . . . killed itself by stabbing itself with a sword. . . . .

Regarding 'skellysnails' . . . They seem numerous in the west, but are easily dispatched at range, regardless of intent. At any rate, we set out with a goal, and made it happen. The gate is open . . .