Greyhawk 19: A Rough Week for Gnomes

From the scribblings of Skarrt Skizzert:
The party—Skarrt, Willow, Findere, and Caramir— planned to clear out the vermin in the basement of the Chateau. As they reunited, they took time to catch up and share stories about what had changed since their last gathering. During this time, Willow introduced the group to her impressive new companion, a massive serpent named Jetstream.

After their reunion, the group decided to venture into the basement to clear it of the lurking threats within. As they descended, they encountered a swarm of giant centipedes, including a particularly menacing black king centipede. Willow bravely led the charge with her flaming blade, but the swarm was overwhelming. Despite the group's efforts to push back the attackers, Willow was ultimately overrun, killed, and devoured by the creatures. Jetstream fought valiantly by her side, slaying several of the swarm before also being consumed. Skarrt and Caramir managed to escape unscathed, while Findere escaped with serious injuries.

While Findere recovered, Skarrt traveled to Greyhawk to gather supplies—flammable oil and a shovel—and visited the mercenaries' guild, where he hired a strong but simple fighter named Dwayne. Upon returning to the Chateau, the group reunited with their old ally Garbles, forming a reinforced party prepared for another attempt at the basement.

With Garbles' strategic thinking, the team laid a trap using the oil. Findere and Garbles lured the centipedes with ranged attacks, and when the swarm advanced, Garbles ignited the oil, engulfing the creatures in flames. The plan worked beautifully—many of the monsters were incinerated, and the survivors were quickly dispatched. Among the remnants, Findere discovered a kite shield etched with lightning bolts, which seemed to possess magical qualities.

Encouraged by their victory, the group pressed deeper and discovered a nest of giant spiders. Findere and Garbles launched a stealthy surprise attack on two visible spiders. Caramir illuminated the area with his bullseye lantern, revealing a third spider. Skarrt commanded Dwayne to engage, and the mercenary nearly took one down before being knocked unconscious by a brutal bite. Skarrt and Caramir rushed to his aid, slaying the spider and stabilizing Dwayne. Meanwhile, Garbles was bitten by a venomous spider, and a fourth arachnid appeared near Findere. The team coordinated their attacks, and after a hard-fought battle, all four spiders were killed.

As the dust settled, Garbles drank a healing potion but suddenly collapsed. Skarrt managed to stabilize him, though Garbles was left with a lingering injury to his left hand. During the cleanup, Findere climbed a nearby wall and discovered a dagger that appeared to be magical.

Exhausted and bloodied, the party retreated to the upper floors of the Chateau to recover. They helped Dwayne regain his strength, offering him some heartfelt advice and a generous bonus to keep him on board for future ventures. Though battered, the group emerged from the basement with hard-earned victories—and a few painful losses—ready to rest and prepare for whatever came next.