Menace Under Otari IC

The small seaside town of Otari is known for its fresh fish and skilled sailors, but above all, it’s a big logging town, providing valuable wood to the nearby metropolis of Absalom.

Word has begun to spread around Otari that there’s a problem down at the Otari Fishery. Some are saying that some sort of beast is lurking in the basement, feeding on the stores of salted fish. Folks are worried that whatever is eating the fish might get hungry enough to eat the fishers next!

You’ve received a letter from Tamily Tanderveil, the owner of the Fishery. Inside is a desperate plea for help. With the town guard busy protecting the loggers, she needs a few brave souls to venture down into the basement of her warehouse and put an end to the beast that’s feasting on her fish.

Most of you already know each other as you gather at the top of the stairs of the basement a grateful looking Tamily watching on.

'Thank you all for this. Here's to hoping its just a couple of rats. You know how rumours spin.

Drakor straightens his gear and hefts his longspear. The dwarven druid sighs. "Rat hunting is hardly high adventure, but we all have to earn a living."

"Mhm, I love fish. This is a treat for me to have ocean fish, if we survive the dungeon that is."

The handsome ranger adjusts his tunic, a nervous tic he has had all his young life. Examining his bowstring first, he then checks the fletching on his arrows. The feathers are a bright yellow color for easy tracking and he is particularly proud that he made them himself from woad. Looking at his fellow compatriots he addresses them.

"Are we ready then? No one knows what is really down there. I wouldn't be so cocky just yet Drakor. I'd be willing to bet they aren't rats."

The stairs leading into the basement of the Otari Fishery creak with age as you make your way downstairs to find the beast that has been eating all the fish. In the center of the room, between stone pillars holding up the fishery overhead, are barrels filled with salted fish. Two of these barrels have been smashed open, spilling their contents on the floor. In the east wall is a large hole, opening into darkness.Map

Zorra is going to try to sneak to the northern barrels and investigate them.

Drakor moves around the barrels to the south, to the rough terrain (and that is as far as he can move).

Logrith nocks an arrow and heads toward the hole in the wall. He figures that whoever knocked over the barrels escaped through there.

"I wonder if the thief made that hole in the wall or it was already there?" He looks at the stone to see if it is dust-covered to provide clues for his theory.

Zorra sneaks to looks at the barrels. Some of the fish have bites marks and signs of being chewed on but, but she also spots so prints in the dust, while there are many, there are two distinct shapes she can discern. Some similar paws and other larger ones that seem reminiscent of a reptilian foot.

Drakkor moves around investigating the area. The shelves are piled high with various supplies for the fishery. These appear untouched by whatever has been getting at the fish.

Logrith studies the hole. Its wide but low, even the dwarvern members of the party will have to slightly lower their heads to get through. Theresa re piles of rubble and dirt of these side and it becomes clear the wholes was made by something breaking through from the other side.

Barin goes to crouch and though through the hole. While their is light in the basement, none comes throiugh from the otehrside of the wall and it is hard to see what is beyond. A strange chittering starts coming from the other side as something is disturbed. Suddenly, a
massive rat the size of a dog emerges from the darkness—and it isn’t alone! The giant rats rush toward you, their huge teeth snapping.

Map

Zorra switches to his rapier and prepares for battle.

Drakor hefts his spear, "This is what we signed on for, boys and girls!"

"Oh, hello." Logrith is more curious than frightened as he points his crossbow at the creature.

Zorra will take stride for first action, move 15 feet to beside barin. Attack northern most Rat twice.