Encounter Seventeen
Day 5 Week 5 Month 2 Year 1
Day
Giant Stag Beetles
# Appearing: 21
AC: 3
Movement: 6
HP: 47
THAC0: 0.
# of Attacks: 3
Damage/Attack: 4d4/1d10/1d10
Special Attacks: None
Special Defense: None
Magic Resistance: None
Size: L 10’ long
Morale: Elite 13
XP: 975 (20,475)
Split 24 ways: 853
Treasure: 65 copper chunks, 37 silver chunks, 21 gold chunks, 4 platinum chunks
By the stream's edge, you come across a gathering of twenty-one aggressive giant stag beetles. These colossal insects, with their menacing presence, dominate the area with their sheer size and power. The rushing sound of the nearby stream seems to amplify their aggression, blending with the low vibrations of their legs scraping against the earth.
The giant stag beetles stand tall, their dark exoskeletons reflecting the dappled sunlight filtering through the surrounding foliage. The musty odor of decaying leaves mixes with the pungent scent emanating from their formidable mandibles. It's a smell that warns of imminent danger and triggers an instinctual fight-or-flight response.
Their six legs dig into the moist soil as they move with surprising speed along the water's edge. The rhythmic clicking of their mandibles creates an eerie soundscape, reverberating through the tranquil forest. The beetles jostle for territory, their massive forms colliding and clashing, echoing with the resounding thuds of their armored bodies.
When provoked, these aggressive creatures unleash a flurry of attacks. Their mandibles, sharp and powerful, can tear through flesh and bone alike. With a swift snap, they rend their prey, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. Each beetle's movements contribute to a synchronized assault, an orchestrated display of relentless force.
Approaching the beetles now means entering a battleground of epic proportions. The air crackles with tension as they survey their surroundings, ready to defend their territory at any cost. Engaging them requires unwavering bravery and strategic maneuvering, as their collective might can quickly overwhelm the unprepared. The prospect of victory is enticing, but the risks are equally high.
As you prepare to face these aggressive giant stag beetles, the sound of rushing water serves as a constant reminder of the stream's ever-present presence, symbolizing both life and the potential for renewal amid the impending clash.
The party decided to send their leopards into bait one of the groups of beetles and caught the attention of one. The leopards headed towards the forest edge with the beetle following. The leopards attacked and caused the beetle to bleed which in turn got the attention of the other 3 in their group. They charged and killed the first beetle. The party then decided to aim for the alpha beetle in the center of a group of 5 with their slings and bows to shoot chunks of meat at it. Only Ulgar hit which in turn caused the remaining 16 beetles to charge the alpha and kill it. The group waited until the beetles had finished eating and moved up the stream.
Encounter Eighteen
Day 6 Week 5 Month 2 Year 1
Day
Corrupted Giant Toad
# Appearing: 36
AC: 6
Movement: 6, Hop 6
HP: 17
THAC0: 17
# of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 2d4
Special Attacks: Surprise Attack -3 to rolls
Special Defense: None
Magic Resistance: None
Size: M 5’ long
Morale: Unsteady 7
XP: 120 (4,320)
Split 24 ways: 180
Treasure: None
As you continue following the meandering stream, you encounter a disconcerting sight—a horde of thirty-six corrupted giant toads. These amphibians, once gentle creatures of the forest, now exude an aura of malevolence and decay. Their slimy, mottled skin has turned a sickly shade of green, and a foul stench wafts from their bodies, blending with the earthy scent of the surrounding dampness.
The corrupted giant toads hop with an unnatural grace, their webbed feet propelling them through the murky waters at the stream's edge. Their eyes, once bright and lively, now gleam with a sinister light, reflecting a twisted hunger that seems to emanate from within. With each hop, a wet squelching sound echoes through the air, reminiscent of a morbid dance.
Among the shadows cast by the dense foliage, the toads lie in wait, their bodies partially submerged in the stream. Their deceptive stillness disguises their true intentions—a surprise attack. Their mastery of camouflage and patience make them formidable foes. As you approach, their mucus-covered skin glistens, revealing their grotesque forms. The sensation of the slimy residue on your skin is both repulsive and unnerving.
When the corrupted giant toads strike, their attacks are swift and merciless. With a sudden lunge, their elongated tongues shoot out, striking with venomous accuracy. The element of surprise, coupled with their toxic saliva, leaves victims disoriented and vulnerable. Their powerful jaws clamp down, crushing bones and rendering their prey incapacitated. The grim croaking that accompanies their assaults forms a haunting chorus, reminiscent of a macabre symphony.
Though individually they may appear unsteady, their collective numbers create a sense of unity and purpose. They move with a strange coordination, as if driven by a malevolent hive mind. Overcoming this horde of corrupted giant toads requires not only physical prowess but also a keen eye for deception and the ability to anticipate their surprise attacks.
As you stand before the corrupted giant toads, the stream's gentle flow serves as a constant reminder of nature's delicate balance. The once-clear waters now ripple with the taint of corruption, mirroring the toads' twisted transformation. Engaging in battle with these aberrant creatures carries an eerie weight, as if the fate of the surrounding ecosystem hangs in the balance.
Prepare yourself for the imminent confrontation, for the corrupted giant toads lie in ambush, their presence a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in even the most serene corners of the wilderness.
The party just decided to run past the toads and avoided combat.
Encounter Nineteen
Day 7 Week 5 Month 2 Year 1
Day
Corrupted Cattle
# Appearing: 110
AC: 7
Movement: 15
HP: 9
THAC0: 17
# of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1d4
Special Attacks: Stampede
Special Defense: None
Magic Resistance: None
Size: Large 8’ long
Morale: Unreliable 4
XP: 50 (5,500)
Split 24 ways: 229
Treasure: None
As you continue your journey along the stream, you stumble upon a disturbing sight. A massive herd of corrupted cattle roams the nearby meadow, their once-docile nature twisted into something far more sinister. The air is heavy with the stench of decay and an undercurrent of unease.
The corrupted cattle, once symbols of domestic tranquility, now bear signs of their corruption. Their once-healthy coats are matted and disheveled, with patches of sickly gray and mottled black. Malevolent red eyes glimmer amidst their sunken sockets, radiating an unsettling aura. The sound of their labored breaths echoes through the air, creating an eerie symphony of suffocating whispers.
As they move with an unsteady gait, their hooves trample the ground, causing the earth to tremble beneath their weight. The corrupted cattle exhibit a sense of restlessness, their movements unpredictable and erratic. The mere sight of their hulking forms is enough to unsettle even the bravest of souls.
While individually they may appear frail, their true strength lies in their sheer numbers. The herd consists of a staggering one hundred and ten corrupted cattle, their collective presence casting a foreboding shadow across the landscape. Their shared corruption seems to amplify their agitation, as if the negative energy pulsates through their veins like a contagious disease.
Beware the stampede, for it is their most fearsome weapon. When provoked or threatened, the corrupted cattle will charge forward in a chaotic frenzy, their massive bodies trampling everything in their path. The ground shakes as they thunder toward their target, a chilling cacophony of hooves pounding against the earth. Those caught in the stampede risk being trampled underfoot, bones crushed beneath the weight of the corrupted herd.
The corrupted cattle, though lacking in special abilities or defenses, possess an uncanny sense of unpredictability. Their unreliable morale reflects their corrupted state, as their actions and reactions become increasingly erratic. One moment they may appear docile and disinterested, and the next they could charge without warning, driven by an unseen force.
Engaging in combat with the corrupted cattle requires both caution and swift reflexes. Each swing of their mighty horns carries the potential for injury, while the overwhelming numbers of the herd can quickly overwhelm the unprepared. As you face the corrupted cattle, you can't help but feel a sense of sorrow for these once-gentle creatures, now twisted by an unknown malevolence.
Proceed with care, for the corrupted cattle are a formidable force that embodies the dark consequences of the world's corruption. The stream, once a symbol of life and purity, now flows as a somber witness to the desolation that has befallen these lands.
The clerics and druids spent several hours praying to summon Malignost for guidance. Malignost appeared in a blinding ray of light and asked them what they needed. The party asked for help in purifying the stream and Malignost taught them a spell that would remove the corruption in the area. This reverted it all back to the way it was at creation.
Encounter Twenty
Day 8 Week 6 Month 2 Year 1
Day
Corrupted Cattle Bull
# Appearing: 4
AC: 7
Movement: 15
HP: 23
THAC0: 17
# of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-4
Special Attacks: Stampede
Special Defense: None
Magic Resistance: None
Size: Large 8’ long
Morale: Average 8
XP: 120 (480)
Split 24 ways: 20
Treasure: None
As you follow the meandering path of the stream, your eyes are drawn to a small group of corrupted cattle bulls grazing in a nearby field. These once-majestic creatures now bear the twisted marks of corruption, their imposing figures exuding an air of primal aggression.
The corrupted cattle bulls stand tall and proud, their muscular forms marred by patches of sickly gray and mottled black. The corruption has intensified their gaze, as malevolent red eyes glare fiercely from within their broad skulls. Their powerful hooves dig into the earth, stirring up a cloud of dust that hangs heavy in the air.
Each corrupted cattle bull possesses an aura of unpredictable hostility. Their thick hides ripple with tension, and the sound of their snorts reverberates through the surrounding silence. The scent of their decayed breath lingers, mingling with the earthy fragrance of the meadow.
These four corrupted cattle bulls are larger and more robust than their docile counterparts. Their once-peaceful disposition has been replaced by an average morale, indicative of their growing aggression. The corrupted cattle bulls maintain an awareness of their surroundings, their ears twitching and heads turning, as if constantly on guard against unseen threats.
Beneath the weight of their imposing horns, they possess a singular focus: to protect their territory and assert their dominance. With each powerful charge, their hooves strike the ground with a force that echoes through the air, serving as a warning to all who would challenge them.
The corrupted cattle bulls' attacks are swift and relentless. A single strike from their sharpened horns can cause deep wounds, their strength amplified by the corruption that courses through their veins. Although they lack any special defenses or magic resistance, their sheer size and raw power make them formidable adversaries.
Beware their ability to summon a stampede. When provoked or cornered, the corrupted cattle bulls emit a deep, resonating bellow that reverberates through the land. In response, the rest of the corrupted cattle in the area may join the fray, charging alongside their corrupted brethren. The ground trembles as the stampede gains momentum, threatening to trample anything in its path.
Engaging in combat with the corrupted cattle bulls requires strategic thinking and a steady hand. Their average morale suggests that they can be swayed by clever tactics or a display of superior strength. But make no mistake, these corrupted creatures are a formidable challenge, their corrupted presence a testament to the pervasive darkness that seeps into the world.
As you observe the corrupted cattle bulls, your heart aches for their twisted fate. They were once noble creatures, now lost to the corruption that plagues this land. The stream continues to flow nearby, its gentle babbling providing a stark contrast to the tension that hangs in the air.
The group cast the purification spell then moved on.
Encounter Twenty-one
Day 9 Week 6 Month 2 Year 1
Day
Corrupted Cattle Bull
# Appearing: 4
AC: 7
Movement: 15
HP: 23
THAC0: 17
# of Attacks: 1
Damage/Attack: 1-4
Special Attacks: Stampede
Special Defense: None
Magic Resistance: None
Size: Large 8’ long
Morale: Average 8
XP: 120 (480)
Split 24 ways: 20
Treasure: None
As you continue following the stream, your attention is drawn to a small group of corrupted cattle bulls standing defiantly in the distance. These immense creatures, once symbols of strength and fertility, now embody the corruption that plagues this land.
The corrupted cattle bulls stand tall and imposing, their once-lustrous hides now marred by dark blotches and sickly patches. Their muscular bodies ripple with tension, showcasing the raw power they possess. Their eyes, once gentle and serene, now burn with a fierce intensity, reflecting the malevolence that courses through their veins.
You catch a whiff of the pungent odor that emanates from their decaying flesh, mingling with the natural scents of the surrounding meadow. The rustling of grass beneath their hooves creates a cacophony of sound, amplified by their heavy breaths and occasional snorts.
Despite their corrupted state, the corrupted cattle bulls retain a semblance of their former temperament. Their average morale suggests a mix of confusion and aggression, as if they are struggling to reconcile their innate nature with the corruption that has tainted them.
With a calculated stride, the corrupted cattle bulls move purposefully, their gaze fixated on any potential threats. Their horns, once symbols of their majestic presence, now serve as deadly weapons. They lower their heads and paw at the ground, ready to charge at a moment's notice.
Each corrupted cattle bull possesses a battle-hardened resilience, with their thick hides serving as a meager defense against attacks. Their muscular bodies allow for swift and powerful strikes, their hooves capable of delivering devastating blows. Their attacks are precise, aimed to cripple and overpower their adversaries.
Beware their ability to initiate a stampede, a chaotic and terrifying display of dominance. When provoked or sensing danger, the corrupted cattle bulls emit a guttural bellow that echoes across the landscape. It acts as a signal to the other corrupted cattle nearby, who swiftly converge, forming a raging tide of charging beasts. The ground quakes beneath their collective weight, threatening to trample anything unfortunate enough to be caught in their path.
Facing off against the corrupted cattle bulls requires both courage and caution. Their average morale leaves room for negotiation and alternative strategies. Perhaps a display of dominance or a strategic diversion could sway their temperament, offering a chance to avoid bloodshed.
Yet, as you observe these corrupted creatures, a twinge of sorrow tugs at your heart. They were once symbols of abundance and vitality, now transformed into instruments of chaos and destruction. The sound of the nearby stream serves as a stark reminder of the corruption's encroachment on the once-pristine wilderness.
The group cast the purification spell then moved on.
It's hilarious that they still avoided large encounters simply by running past them or just flat out purifying the corrupted creatures. I believe they fought maybe half of the encounters they faced so far.
