Enc.1: Beetle Swarm
As the PCs drop down into the large chamber and enter the area marked “1” on the map, they hear a disturbing sound.
Plot points/Scenes
A constant background noise rises from walls and ruins around you. It takes a moment to recognize, but eventually the sounds of chittering and buzzing can be picked out from among the cacophony. It’s not unlike the sound of insects in the King’s Forest or the Dagger Wood, except that the chamber seems to amplify and echo the noise in disturbing ways.
Notice check: Have the PCs make Notice checks. Anyone who succeeds hears the angry chittering and clacking of carapaces suddenly grow louder as a swarm of black beetles rushes toward them. Anyone who fails the check is surprised.
A dark carpet slides across the dusty floor and moves toward you. No, not a carpet, but a mass of squirming, chittering, shiny black beetles that swarm toward you with hungry purpose.
Structure
Conflict
The beetle swarm consists of a mass of famished, flesh-eating, fist-sized black beetles that, in great numbers, can devour a human in a matter of minutes. Even a Warforged character, with his organic components, provides a source of food for the swarm. The beetle swarm is a Medium Blast Template for up to 4 characters or a Large Blast Template for up to 6.
Resolution
If the PCs can avoid the beetle swarm for 3 consecutive rounds, the swarm breaks up and the beetles go off to do beetle things. (Of course, if the heroes run into another encounter area, they may have to deal with that threat at the same time as the swarm.)
Athletics check: If a PC wants to retreat back into the tunnel by which he or she arrived, he or she must succeed on a Athletics check (-1) or a Jump that places the PC at least 1" off the ground.
Backdrops
Encounters
Combat / Engagement
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