I heard rumblings of a planned monster hunt in the sewers today, and thought I’d best go along. It was quite the group that went down the hole by City Hall – urchins, newcomers, experienced residents, most of them armed to the teeth. We split up into a couple of groups; the one I was with went east at first, but didn’t see anything. So we backtracked to the Square area… and that’s where all hell broke loose.
I don’t know where the thing came from. All I know is that it knocked me down and winded me for a few moments. Then all was confusion – shouting, running, shooting, and none of it seeming to do any good. I was separated from the main group, and by the time I found them again, they’d lost the creature, and were tending to various injuries.
A few of the urchins weren’t with that group, so I backtracked to find them. And find them, I did… staring down the tunnel to where the monster was visible.
It’s a rather horrid-looking thing. Somewhat like a slug, but huge, with a single large horn on the front, as well as many spike-like things on its sides… which must be the “toenails” we were finding before. It has no eyes, but it does have a mouth… a large one… with rather human-like teeth in it. There were, I think, some spears studding its sides, probably from previous attacks.
I got between it and the kids, but then stayed still, keeping my lantern high so I could study the creature in the edge of its light. And… it didn’t attack. It came forward several feet, but I held my ground, and it stopped. After a moment, it began backing up. I paced it, keeping it just within sight, until it suddenly turned and quickly disappeared down another tunnel.
Not that I’m complaining, of course, but I’m still wondering why it didn’t attack. Was it because I didn’t draw my gun? Because I held still? Because I had a lantern? Some combination thereof? I’ll definitely have to think this over…
As I’m doing now. In the tub. Where I will stay for several rinsings, until I can finally get the odor down.
I have found a good combination of soaps that cleans the smell of the sewers out of skin (and fur), also found a decent combo for clothing too. If you want I can stop by sometime with them.
Also I had a long look around the other day but saw nothing except the extra holes, did get a good description from Mr. Melnik.
I might take you up on that, Cyan. I have the feeling I’ll have to go down there again. Probably several times.
(Added to above entry)
I forgot to mention the man who met us when we gathered again at City Hall after the hunt. Sir Alan Beowald, he said his name was. Typical “great white hunter” here to save the benighted peasantry. (Really – he actually called us peasants.) Sheesh. I’m very much hoping his sojourn here doesn’t last long.
((Photographs of the hunt and the Absinthe party a few weeks ago))
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beryl_strifeclaw/albums/72157678841704853
Yay! Pictures!