Terrors of the Caves (Survival 2)

by Lothering Garand

The deep caves of the realm are home to many creatures, yet none so horrifying as the dreaded Minecrawlers. These creatures generally look similar to an enlarged species of insects that are similar to ants or perhaps termites, though this appearance can be deceitful, as Minecrawlers going through later stages of its life undergo a transformation that turn them into a killing machine.

Their name comes from he fact that they often breach into mine tunnels, whether accidentally or on purpose, and then proceed to wreak havoc among the miners. As such, most abandoned mines have become home to Minecrawlers.

They live deep underground, carving nests into solid stone by virtue of their magickal saliva, which they use to turn rock into slush. I have heard someone tell of a Water Mage claiming that this even makes the slush edible, although this could be nothing but hearsay. Alchemists pay well for samples of the saliva, and their mandibles can even be collected as a trophy.

Their saliva, besides being able to break down material as strong as stone, is also known to help harden it if needed, creating a strange, reddish material out of which they create ramps and tubes when necessary.

The warrior caste of the hive is larger and has scythe-like claws, like a Field Raider's but serrated, with which it tears its prey in half. It is also able to grab things with these claws as well, having been known to disarm adventurers who mistakenly thought these creatures are less than intelligent.

All Minecrawlers are born from a queen, yet information about the mothers of these overgrown insects is sparse. They are known to be extraordinarily large and bloated to the point of being immobilized, constantly giving birth to sacs of future Minecrawlers.

Vengard's caverns are dangerous, yet they are also bountiful for those who dare to venture so far in the Dark God's domain. Towards the surface you will find lodes of Sky Iron, while deep underground lies the fabled magickal ore with which the finest of warriors craft Red Steel.

Some of the mushrooms within can also be used to your benefit, to nourish or to bolster your capabilities. It is only a matter of education and experience than can put you well on your way to finding your fortune in the worst corners of the world.