| All entrances lead here to the edge of
an underground pool. The depth varies from 7 to 15 feet. If a light source is in use, it is possible to look right through the still, crystal-clear waters. The bottom of the pool is covered by clumps of white shellfish. Occasionally, observers will see blind white fish and crayfish. A small stream trickles into the pool from the mouth of one of the tunnels (the passageway that leads to area 15, from whence the stream comes). |
This is where the kobolds
(from area 6)
obtain their shellfish. The shells of these
creatures are long and oval, like mussels,
and sharpened, they will make serviceable
daggers
or tools. As daggers they can be
used to strike at -2 to hit, and they will
inflict 1-4 points of damage.
However, they
will have a 35% (non-cumulative) chance
of
breaking on each successful hit.
Section 12A on the
map is the visible part <map>
of the pool,
that occupies the northern portion
of this cavern.
Actually, the pool
extends much further (Section
12B), under
the rocks where there are no air pockets.
Deep in 12B is its secret
source and exit,
both too small for a person to pass through.
Characters may wish to investigate
12B.
The DM is referred to area
10 for rules on
swimming
underwater.
Section 12B is also
the home of a giant
crayfish
which will attack anyone who
intrudes into that section, surprising
on a
1-3 (d6). This 9-foot horror is truly the
king
of the pool, having eaten all of its competition.
Unlike its tiny blind cousins,
it has full
vision. The ancient crustacean is used
to
creatures passing through 12A.
but any who
trespass into 12B will be savagely attacked.
It will even pursue the intruder into the
outer cavern
(12A), halting only if its prey
should somehow escape into the dry
tunnels.
It will then retire to its' own section.
Giant
crayfish: AC 4; MV 6"/12";
HD 4 +4; hp 20; #AT 2; D 2-12/2-12
THACO 15
XP 190
>>13.