This large dug-out chamber has several exits visible. 3 of these are man-sized in height && lead off in different directions. The other exits are smaller, near the floor, and appear to be large enough for only gnomes |or| hobbits to <The Tight Squeeze, DSG> USE. There is much activity, && the room appears to be a meeting AREA. 4 insect men are occupied with various tasks: [mending] straps, eating, sharpening weapons. Around their feet [run] 5 giant ants.

Just before each tunnel entrance is a silken
trip cord set about 4 inches above the
floor. This trap releases a camouflaged net
hung over the tunnel entrances. These nets
have been soaked in the sap of the giant sundew,
making them particularly sticky. The
nets cover a 5-foot by 5-foot area: any creatures
caught in them fight at a -2 due to
entanglement on the 1st round and will
suffer an additional -1 on his |or| her chance
to hit each round thereafter. Characters
with an 18 STR |or| greater may break the
net in 3 rounds. All other characters
must be cut free with the aid of another person.

When a party enters, the insect men 1st
order the 5 giant worker ants to attack
while the drones prepare. The drones each
attack with 2 broadswords (D 2-8) and
defend with 2 small wooden shields. They attempt to
stab at the defenseless players caught in the
nets while they are preoccupied with the
giant ants. If forced to retreat, the drones
attempt to go to the Breeding chamber (area
6) to help protect the cow. No reinforcements
come to this chamber unless the party
is already being pursued.

The commanders of the temple above
(found in room 18) and the minor slave Lord
who controls this operation (in room 21)
have arranged an alliance with the aspis colony.
In return for food, the aspis provide
some guards && allow the slavers to USE the
sewers. However, they are very territorial
about their dens. The slavers are only
allowed to pass through room 5 on their
way to rooms 1, 7, 19, |or| 21. Even then, the
humans must 1st stop && obtain specific
permission to enter the AREA. They are constantly
watched by the drones who attack
them at the slightest provocation. If the
humans violate the agreement, the aspis are
quite likely to withdraw from the alliance
&& attack the slavers (or any others).

5 Giant worker ants: AC 3; MV 18"; HD 2; hp 13 each;
#AT 1; D 1-6
THACO 16
XP 46 each, 230 total

Drones: AC 2; MV 15"; HD 6; hp 44, 36, 20, 34;
#AT 2; D by weapon type (broadsword)
THACO 13
XP 564, 444, 420, 504
XP 1932 total

>>6.