Kazko can see movement in the darkness. Something wriggling on the floor.
Davod does not see any traps.
Davod's face is one of disgust, but nods in agreement with the cave troll.
He responds with a chill, "Davod you watch for traps. We got your back... I fear none of us have an area of effect spell to deal with a swarm!"
Moving down the tunnel you realize that there are green glowing crystals in this cave tunnel. They continue to get more numerous as you see signs of vegetation. Vines, shrubs, and a lot of weeds. After 10 minutes you see a diverting tunnel, it is bare and is devoid of crystals.
"You think any of these glowing crystal are worth anything?" Davod ponders aloud.
You believe you could get a few gold pieces for a handful.
If they stay glowing much more.
He pulls his warhammer and asks, "Shall I smash some free?"
Continuing down the Verdant tunnel you come to a slightly larger part as it widens to 40 feet slowly.
Eight massive insects with long mandibles and sullenly glowing eyes, these creatures have a heavy, bulbous thorax. They are Medium sized.
They notice you as well!
Great Assassin Bug CR 5
Source Bestiary 5 pg. 36
XP 1,600
N Medium vermin
Init +2; Senses darkvision 60 ft.; Perception +5
Defense
AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14 (+4 Dex, +4 natural)
hp 52 (7d8+21)
Fort +8, Ref +6, Will +3
Immune mind-affecting effects
Offense
Speed 40 ft., fly 40 ft. (clumsy)
Melee bite +10 (1d6+5 plus poison), 2 claws +10 (1d4+5)
Special Attacks poison, poison stream
Statistics
Str 21, Dex 19, Con 17, Int —, Wis 12, Cha 2
Base Atk +5; CMB +10; CMD 24 (32 vs. trip)
Skills Fly -4, Perception +5, Stealth +8; Racial Modifiers +4 Perception, +4 Stealth
Ecology
Environment any warm
Organization solitary or nest (2-12)
Treasure none
Special Abilities
Poison (Ex) Bite—injury; save Fort DC 16; frequency 1/round for 4 rounds; effect 1d4 Dex; cure 2 consecutive saves. The save DC is Constitution-based.
Poison Stream (Ex) As a standard action usable every 1d4 rounds, an assassin bug can spray poison from its mouthin a 15-foot line. Any creature caught in this area must succeed at a DC 17 Reflex save or be exposed to the assassin bug’s poison. The save DC is Dexterity-based.
Giant assassin bugs are an example of a large and varied class of hunting insects that live throughout Golarion. Assassin bugs partially bury themselves in the sand or hide among clusters of thorny bushes found near oases, waiting for the next palatable creature to approach. When prey arrives, the insects burst out of hiding and pierce their prey with their elongated mouthparts, injecting a potent toxin that paralyzes victims. Once prey is safely paralyzed, assassin bugs feed by siphoning the victim’s fluids. Even if these bites don’t kill their prey, they are extremely painful and cause swelling in the area. Giant assassin bugs lay eggs in places shaded from the sun at all times, such as shallow caves or the crevices between rocks, preferably in a place where food is readily available for the hatching young. The soft-bodied young that hatch resemble their mature counterparts in all ways but size, and are fully ready to hunt the moment they emerge, though they typically seek much smaller prey. An adult assassin bug is typically 4 feet long, and weighs 65 pounds.
Davod
Kazko
Aukan
bugs
5 Davod
17 Kazko
19 Aukan
22 bugs
Surprise Round
Davod gets shot at by three streams of poison! As the others move forward.
He pulls his warhammer and asks, "Shall I smash some free?"
Davod gives a little shrug. "Yes! Please?"
The suli lets out a shout of surprise as he's assaulted by fluids.
Surprise Round
5 Davod
17 Kazko
19 Aukan
22 bugs
The bugs already acted... Kazko charges to the left finding a squad of three bugs over here going to flank. He takes a large bite out of the nearest, blood and guts fall from the greivous wound.
Round 1
The two next to Kazko take a 5 foot step back and try to spew poison on him. As the wounded one tries to bite and claw Kazko.
plus poison
♤♡◇♧
The front six act almost in coordination, the three from behind scuttle up and try to spew more poison on Davod. Then the other three move into melee to bite him.
plus poison
plus poison
plus poison
♤♡◇♧
The last three flank Aukan and try drenching him in poison.
With the warhammer in one hand he gently taps the crystal finding more force is necessary. With a swing the crystal shatters. The next chunk he taps and breaks off some. It quickly loses its glow. He shakes his head, then looks up with a greedy smile, "Maybe there is a core?"
☆☆☆
He does not act in surprise round. Flatfooted!
Round 1
He rushes over to Davod past the one biting into him. 30 feet of movement last 5 feet tumbling.
Nope, a whole lot of AoO...
All miss
Then he cleaves....
2nd and more strikes in cleave:
Miss!
+14, don't roll 2!
Round 1
The suli rushes forward to attack the nearest bug.
Round 1
Kazko rages and slaughters the bug he already bit as he bites, gores, and rends it with his claws.
Davod flicks his blade at the bug but the exoskeleton diverts the knife.
Round 2
The bugs bite and claw at Aukan:
The other three that were flanking move in and bite at Davod:
Bite: + 10 + 2
+7 plus poison
As the other two bugs converge upon Kazok:
+12
As only one of the attacks gets through, hitting Kazok for 12 damage and possible poison.
Round 2
He continues to cleave!!! *Roaring* as he does it.
2nd and more strikes in cleave:
Three bugs remain around Aukan, two at the front and the last one that just got hit.
Round 3
He waits for Davod to get his sneak attack in first before moving. Then he cleaves the three on his side before getting those on the other side of Davod with a sweeping of his greatsword.
dead, dead, dead, half, half, half
Round 2
Davod cries out in pain at the bug's bite. Determined, the suli thief focuses on the one attacking him.
Round 2
Kazko rages and tears into the next bug... the third one scampers away. Davod's attacks are again deflected by the hard exoskeletons.
Round 3
22 bugs
19 Aukan
17 Kazko
5 Davod
The bugs bite and claw at Aukan:
The other three that were flanking move in and bite at Davod:
Bite: + 10 + 2
+7 plus poison
Only the first claw gets through Davod's defenses, 11 damage and poison.
As the last bug 10 feet from Kazok retreats.
Round 3
Davod continues to try and break the giant insect's exoskeleton.
Round 3
Kazok rages right into one of the bugs biting it in half. Aukan slices and cleaves through those bugs around him. Davod had such luck earlier, He stabs and slashes to no avail.
Round 4
Only two bugs remain and they are hurt, they focus on Aukan as he continues to dodge their attacks. Then the bugs just sit down, lowering their claws to the ground.
A smaller like bug comes forward and has a glowing green crystal chunk on its head.
He states interested, "A hive mind for sure. A higher intelligence for sure. Oh and look they bring gifts!" He picks up the glowing green chunk of crystal and offers it to the others when they are done getting their rage out. He laughs and states, "And I thought I had temper issues!"
He looks down at the small insect and states, "Come on out leader, or we will rip you out down to the roots."
"I think those crystals may be controling anyone who comes in to contact with them", Davod supposes. "Perhaps I am glad Kazko did not break me off one." Out of spite, the suli kills one of the dead bugs, and sighs. "Let us continue."
He shrugs and states, "Well I gave it a try. Onwards!"
If neither of them take the crystal chunk he begins to analyze it, using his different skills.
K (dung/eng) +12, Use magic device +18
He walks forward letting Favod take point again.
The thief takes point, keeping his eyes on the floors, walls, and ceiling. Davod get the feeling the group is inside a ceature.
Davod notices a few things change to agree you are inside of a creature. The crystals and vegetation slowly decreas. It also becomes more humid and the cave walls become spongy.
The UMD check activates the crystal chunk and everyone's fast healing is doubled for two rounds before the crystal loses its glow.
After another hour of walking you come to a bigger cave. It has massive stalagmites and stalagtites but only in a row. There might be more further along. The floor is wet and sticky. Drops of water can be heard and felt as they drop from the ceiling.
Looking at Kazok, he replies with, "It's a dog eats dog world. I wonder where my new dog is right now. Ohh lookie it helps... for a few rounds... I wonder if it will recharge like a magic item?"
"Aukan, my friend", Davod states. "You are a strong fighter. We may need you to hack our way out of this creature, if we can't escape before his 'mouth' closes."
He replies to Davod, "Well we will see what needs to be done. Hacking I can do! Kazko, yes indeed. Yes our friends likely would be able to help with that."
Davod slips between the pillars and finds a ridge. Looking over you see nothing but void. It must be at least a 60 foot drop. Beyond the ridge you could climb down the rough mountainous walls.
You all hear the three voices coming from the void, "Come on out to play, only one way out. Yes and we are soo hungry. We haven't had a decent meal in months. Hopefully you got stronger."
"I am willing to entertain options", Davod spoke to his two companions. "I wish has some alchemical bombs or could cast fire spells."
He slams his greatsword into the ground and then pulls off his HHH and begins looking through it.
Davod walks back to Aukan to investigate.
He begins pulling out lengths of silk rope and the last 40 foot length with a grapple. He states, "Also there are 6 rations, 31 wandermeal rations, and firewood."
The suli gazes at Aukan, stunned. "Surely Desna favors you, my friend!"
"Maybe... but I come prepared. The rope won't come loose unless something really strong pulls on it or the command word is said, Ibrix Nautsr. It is infernal for be strong. I found it don't ask why. Okay I will climb down first if I fall its better if I drop first. I would be fine with just jumping over the ledge. Kazok do you have regeneration?" Either way he continues to tie the ropes together, say the command word, "Ibrix Nautsr," securing the grapple and then tossing the rope over and begins to climb down with his greatsword secured on his back.
Davod double checks the rope, then follows down after the goliath.
Down the rope he climbs, after about 200 feet you find the rope coiled there on rough terrain. Large cobblestones or flag stones make up the floor. They are all uneven to each other.
---
Davod is about 50 feet from Aukan. His light giving his position away as is yours. You notice a head of a large beast rise from the void. Then there are three.
Aukan
Kazko
Davod
Hydra
13 Kazko
10 Hydra
9 Aukan
6 Davod
The three heads pounce forward to strike at Aukan. These heads are large enough to swallow you whole with a mere bite. The hydra must be colossal or gargantuan.
Vs. Aukan
plus poison
plus poison
plus poison
Poison (Ex) Bite—injury; save Fort DC 25; frequency 1/round for 6 rounds; effect 1d3 Str damage and sickened for 1 minute; cure 2 consecutive saves. (If another fail after being sickened you are also nauseated for 1 round.)
Aukan gets to the bottom and draws his greatsword. He takes a few steps forward looking around but waiting for the others to arrive too.
Surprise Round!
He readies a strike at the first head that descends on him with vital strike. (From above)
As the Hydra comes in to bite him, he is ready and not flat footed. He dodges all three bites. His strike is deflected by the strong scales on the hydra's head.
Round 1
Davod quickly climbs down the rest of the rope, then draws the Shooting Starknife.
Round 1
He readies a strike to sunder the first head that descends on him with vital strike. (From above)
As the Hydra comes in to bite him, he strikes the hydra's neck, cutting the head off.
Round 2
The suli thief tries to flank the gargantuan hydra.