Chapter 6: Calamity Caves

With a shriek the creature falls down, the carcass deflating in a horrible sound. Then a silence comes over the cave for a moment, only the panting of Artesia and Koram filling the air. Then you can hear whimpers from a raised ledge from the southwest. You also have your fallen companion to deal with.

It don't take Koram much time to get their companions back on their feets. You all survived somehow.

Missed the level bonus, actually, but thank you. Still getting used to 2e.

Once she has time to think, Artesia recognizes the creature as a Roru. Rorus, sometimes called hunter demons, are brutal fiends that arise from the souls of mortals who mutilated animal corpses. As demons, these individuals don animal pelts, then infiltrate packs or herds to corrupt entire swaths of animals, turning their victims bloodthirsty and feral.

You realize that it was good that you didn't have any animals with you. They have an aura that can turn animals feral. But aside from the usual demonic weaknesses like cold iron and holy damage, they have a weakness to disobedience. It's so hard that if an attempt to command an animal near them fail, they take physical harm.

The ledge is a foot taller than Koram, so he has to climb a little to look at it. Though halfway up he can tell what the source of the sound is. Three young smilodon cubs is "growling" at him.

They sniff the meat carefully, then darts back as they see a movement. One is braver than the rest though, and rushes forward to drag the meat back to their siblings. They hungrily eats, but still hisses at you when you get near.