AD&D Session 37 - Lurkers and Lethal Blooms

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Adventurers carefully approaching a gigantic underground plant

16th Sydenstar 835 PD

The party pressed onward through the tunnels beneath Bladegarden, carefully navigating around the lichen and mushroom filled room. Their route led to two tunnel exits, and, lacking any clear guidance, the group essentially chose their path by chance. Shortly after, they encountered yet another fork. Reeves' patience wore thin as uncertainty and dead ends eroded his resolve. Meanwhile, Koro sensed something—or someone—following them again, hearing footsteps more distinctly this time.

Reeves, ever eager for answers, signaled to Whisper to confront the suspected pursuer. However, despite their efforts, no follower emerged. Koro speculated on potential motives, suggesting their follower might be a cautious scout or a creature observing them from a distance, neither of which reassured Reeves. Moving forward, they soon stumbled into an area resembling an abandoned mine.

Though tempted to rest, Reeves insisted they first clear the area of any lurking threats. Within the mine, they discovered a cavern dominated by a strange, bulbous plant with spiky vines and roots sprawling across the chamber. Its airborne spores burned in Reeves’ lungs, making him wary of staying near it. He advised moving further down the tunnels for safety, though not before Whisper began showing signs of hallucination from inhaling the spores.

Acting quickly, Reeves grabbed Whisper and pushed through the room, inadvertently stepping on one of the plant’s roots. This triggered the plant’s defensive response, with roots and vines reaching up to ensnare him. The party engaged in a tense fight as the aggressive plant ensnared them, and Whisper, in her disoriented state, approached dangerously close to the creature as if entranced.