G and Bitsy fell for a few seconds before landing on a metal-plated chute that gradually decreased its incline until they were both sliding almost horizontally. G clutched onto Bitsy, positioning himself behind her. The last thing he needed was to be crushed under her weight wherever this chute led. The creature didn't seem to mind, although it looked far from pleased, its massive paws stretched out in front as it slid on its stomach. The smooth metal reflected nothing, leaving them enveloped in utter darkness as they continued their descent. The cool, bracing rush of air and the increasingly loud echoes of their own sliding seemed to bounce endlessly off the tight metal walls. Bitsy's claws occasionally scraped against the metal, trying futilely to gain some semblance of control. G braced himself, feeling these vibrations through his body, unsure of how deep or where this chute would take them.
After a few seconds of sliding horizontally and gradually decelerating, to their shock, the wall flipped up, acting as a catapult and propelling them into a vast stone room. They fell several feet to the cold, hard floor, the sound of the metal chute clanging shut echoing ominously behind them.
Having Bitsy in front of him proved advantageous, as she absorbed most of the impact from the fall. Though G landed on her rump and then bounced onto the stone pavers, she didn't seem too hurt by the ordeal. He quickly jumped to his feet, surveying the enormous room they now found themselves in.
The octagonal chamber was an awe-inspiring chamber of dwarven craftsmanship, radiating an aura of ancient power and strength. Rough-hewn stone walls were adorned with intricate bas-relief carvings of metal spiders and other arachnids, their sharp and angular legs depicted with stunning detail. Low glowing spheres mounted high on the walls provided dim illumination, casting flickering shadows that seemed to dance and writhe across the carvings.
Ledges around the room were lined with several dozen small metal statues, each representing a different type of metal spider or spider-like creature. Some had long, spindly legs, while others had short, stubby ones. Some featured bulbous abdomens, and others were thin and sleek. Despite their differences, all of the statues shared an uncanny level of detail, their every contour and texture rendered with remarkable precision.
Opposite G, a massive metal sphinx towered over the room like a silent statue. Its upper half resembled a proud and fearsome lion, its fanged maw open in a silent roar. In contrast, its lower half took the form of a colossal scorpion, its segmented tail arched high overhead like a stinger ready to strike. Two short metallic wings protruded from its sides, their razor-sharp edges glinting in the flickering light. The sphinx was an imposing sight, its metallic body adorned with ornate etchings and intricate designs. Its eyes, set deep within their sockets, glowed with a fierce light, seeming to gaze upon the room with predatory intensity. This was no ordinary piece of artwork that was immediately obvious to G. None of the statues were at all ordinary.
As G's eyes returned to the chamber walls, his disdain for the spider-like figures etched there intensified. Tocia examined one of the statues without receiving any response, indicating that they were not alive.
G examined the sphinx and then surveyed the room. His gaze then swept over the room more thoroughly. Dozens of skeletons lay scattered across the floor, many shattered into fragments. Among the debris, humanoid skeletons were mixed with others G could not identify, along with a massive skull from an unrecognizable giant creature. Despite their mysterious origins, there was no hint of magic about them, only the cold echo of ancient calamities. The room, with its remnants of armor and skeletal remains, mirrored the aftermath of a desert windstorm sweeping through a long-forgotten shipwreck. The bones and gear were scattered like driftwood across the broken mosaic of paver stones, each piece a relic caught among the cracks and uneven surfaces.
As G approached the colossal metal sphinx, he couldn't shake the growing sense of dread. Resting on its stomach, paws outstretched, the unmoving sphinx stood over three meters high and spanned nearly seven meters. It was an imposing figure with a shimmering silver body adorned with intricate patterns that gleamed in the dim light. The creature's head bore the visage of a manticore, an unsettling blend of human and lion features, with sharp fangs and yellow eyes that seemed to follow their every move. Two short metallic wings protruded from its shoulders while a long scorpion tail whipped behind it, its stinger dripping with a green ichor that G assumed to be poison or acid.
They drew close to the steps leading up to it. The sphinx's head turned to regard them, and it emitted a low, menacing growl.
Tocai Analyzed the sphinx.
Guardian Sphinx
Level 25
Mana 1330
Hit points 930
Description:
Metal sphinxes are constructs and do not require food, water, or rest. They are powered by powerful magical energy that is stored within their bodies. They are immune to most forms of magic and are highly resistant to physical damage.
Their metallic bodies make them highly resistant to heat and cold and unaffected by poison or disease. However, they are vulnerable to acid and electricity and will take extra damage from attacks that use these elements.
Metal sphinxes are fearsome creatures that guard treasure, secret places, and powerful magic items. They are constructed from rare metals by skilled dwarven craftsmen and imbued with powerful enchantments that grant them incredible strength, speed, and intelligence. Dwarves and Gnomes both highly value these guardians.
Combat: Metal sphinxes are fearsome opponents in battle. They are highly intelligent and use their cunning to outmaneuver and outthink their opponents. Their sharp fangs and powerful claws make them formidable in close combat, and their wings allow them to swoop down on enemies from above.
Special attack: In addition to their physical attacks, some construct sphinxes can also cast various spells. They often use illusions and mind control to confuse and manipulate their foes and can summon other creatures to aid them in battle.
Then the sphinx spoke with a deep voice that carried the rumble of a lion's roar, "Who are you who comes to the Dwarven Kingdom of Mirbor? Are you friend or foe?"
G hesitated, unsure of how to respond. Neither answer seemed appropriate. "Hello, my name is G. This is my friend Bitsy. We are not foes and hope to become friends if possible. We bear the Kingdom of Mirbor no ill will." G realized that the sphinx still believed the Dwarven Kingdom of Mirbor existed. It was either woefully out of touch or operating on an outdated directive. G knew little about magic or constructs, but he suspected they functioned on a set of instructions similar to a computer. He had basically built Tocai, and perhaps that past skill could help him deal with this creature.
The creature studied G and then Bitsy. "You speak honest words, but that creature is familiar to me. It is a companion of the great ones in the forest. They are no friends of Mirbor, and its name is not Bitsy. It is called Zalindra the Forgotten." Its voice boomed, "You have failed your first question, and you will suffer the wrath of Mirbor."
The sphinx's eyes glowed briefly before its face returned to a forward-facing, statuesque pose.
What? Then G heard them. He looked behind, and six of the metallic spider things stood up, their lower bodies glowing with runes of fire as they, one after the other, lightly jumped down from their resting paces to the floor amidst the bones. Oh man, that question was solved.
Tocia analyzed them.
Metallic Fire Spider
Level: 6
Hitpoints 64
Mana 30
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Description: Metallic Fire Spiders are constructs created by master artificers to guard secret places or important treasures. They have a body made of a rare and valuable metal alloy that makes them both strong and resilient. Their eight legs allow them to move with great speed and agility, and they can easily climb on almost any surface. Their bodies are adorned with glowing runes of fire that they can channel to create powerful flames. When defeated, Metallic Fire Spiders may drop valuable pieces of their metal alloy bodies, which can be used to create weapons or armor. They may also contain magical runes that can be used to enhance other items or create new magical artifacts.
Combat: Metallic Fire Spiders use their sharp metal legs to slash and pierce their enemies in combat. They can also channel the runes on their bodies to create powerful flames that they can use to set their enemies ablaze. They are immune to fire damage and can resist most types of physical damage due to their metallic bodies. They are weak against lightning damage.
Special attack:
Flame Breath: The Metallic Fire Spider can exhale a cone of fire that deals fire damage to all creatures in its area of effect.
Metallic Body: The Metallic Fire Spider is immune to fire damage and resistant to most types of physical damage.
Metallic Fire Spiders are often found guarding hidden places or treasures in ruins, tombs, and other ancient sites. They do not require food, water, or sleep, and can remain dormant for centuries until their creators activate them. They have no natural enemies, as they are constructs, and do not have any social behavior.
"Bitsy, stay close to me," G urged, glancing at her to ensure she grasped the urgency, if not the specifics of his words. He then quickly cast Briar Patch, aiming to replicate the success he'd had days earlier against the skeletons. Instantly, gnarled briars sprouted with a crackling sound from the crevices in the stone floor, rapidly encircling five of the six spiders. Caught off-guard, the ensnared creatures struggled futilely against the tough, thorny vines that halted their advance.
That was when G experienced the first in a series of unfortunate surprises. The spiders glowed brighter almost simultaneously, and fan-like flames erupted from their mouths, passing through their metal teeth and setting the briars ablaze. Unharmed and seemingly unfazed, the spiders began to walk slowly through the flaming barrier.
As the spiders advanced, Bitsy let out a defiant roar that shook dust from the walls. When they closed to within ten meters, G knew it was time to test his powerful new spell. He began the two-second casting just as one spider crouched low, coiling for a leap. As it sprang into a high arc towards him, G unleashed Tidal Wave. Water surged from his outstretched hands, fingers splayed forward, eager to see the spell's impact.
The water shimmered and pulsed with a blue-green light as it hurtled toward the metallic spiders. Colliding with them, the wave transformed into a cloud of steam, sending droplets flying in all directions. The impact's force caused the spider creatures to reel, their metal frames shaking and rattling as they struggled to regain their footing amidst the spray and foam. The air filled with the sounds of rushing water, the ping and hiss of hot metal cooling rapidly, and clanging as the spiders skittered and scraped across the ground.
Bitsy leaped forward to intercept the airborne spider, batting it across the room with a massive paw. G surveyed the aftermath of his spell, noticing that the spiders he had struck with the water wave had thin cracks across their bodies.
"Tocai, analyze the damage from that spell," G instructed as he turned to assess the spider recovering from Bitsy's powerful blow. The creature appeared to have sustained minimal damage. He turned back to the five steaming spiders, their fire runes flickering across their bodies.
Tocai responded, "The Tidal Wave spell caused significant damage due to the temperature difference between the water and their heated metal bodies. The cracks indicate structural weakness, which should make them more susceptible to further damage. The spiders hit by the Tidal Wave spell took between 15 and 25 damage, more than the spell's description. The sixth creature took minimal damage from the claw attack. " said Tocai in a calm voice, almost too calm.
G checked his mana reserves, finding that he had already dipped below half, with only 230 out of 480 remaining. He glanced at the five spiders, now back on their legs and advancing across the room. Taking a deep breath, G cast Tidal Wave a second time. He managed to catch four of the spiders, while the fifth evaded the spell by skittering to the side. The sound of hot metal pinging filled the air as the reheated surfaces rapidly cooled a second time.
G recalled a welding class he had taken in high school where he had witnessed the dramatic effects of cooling red-hot metal rapidly by dropping a welded piece into a bucket of water. The resulting explosion cracked the plastic bucket and broke the metal in half along the recent weld. He knew that the water was not being kind to the metal that housed the spiders' runes.
Meanwhile, Bitsy had charged and bitten down on the construct she had initially knocked down. G could hear the metal grinding against her teeth as she shook it side to side like a ragdoll before releasing it. The construct soared through the air, landing near its drenched comrades. Bitsy turned toward G, revealing two slender puncture wounds in her fur that oozed blood. The spider had managed to retaliate, but Bitsy still had plenty of health left out of her 240 hit points.
G had 85 mana, with 5 points having just ticked back into his pool. He turned to face the spider that had managed to resist being washed away and readied himself by casting Whip of Thorns in his left hand and willing his mace into his right. The spider still had 40 hit points left and was crouched down, ready to pounce. As the creature sprang towards him, G lashed out with his magical whip, successfully hitting it and removing a fair amount of hit points. However, the strike didn't work quite as well as it had with the Enhanced Black Widows - he had been hoping to sever one or two of its legs. Instead, the strike threw the spider off balance, causing it to spring off at an angle towards the wall, away from G.
G quickly moved, placing his companion, Bitsy, between himself and the approaching group of spiders. The grurenderer rose up on her hind legs and let out a fierce roar as the spiders, weakened by the Tidal Wave, stumbled forward, their movements far less agile than before. Bitsy smashed down onto two of them with such force that G could feel the impact through the paver flooring, and he heard the crunching of metal as their health bars disappeared.
With two down, four spiders remained. One of them rushed forward and slashed at Bitsy's front paw, leaving a red line across her fur and slicing through the thick skin beneath. While the creatures didn't seem interested in biting or spinning webs, G suspected that their metal skin and razor-sharp legs made up for it.
"The whips are doing 5-9 damage; it will take several strikes each, " said Tocai.
G quickly scanned the health bars of the remaining four spiders and picked out the one with the lowest health, which was close enough. He flicked his whip forward, drawing it back sharply, and the creature's health bar was reduced to just a bare hint of red. The spider spun sideways and then righted itself, moving slower than before. G had broken something inside its body.
Bitsy slammed down onto another spider, but this one still had almost half of its health remaining. Her attacks were powerful, but its metal skin absorbed the damage better than the hobgoblins in the city.
G moved behind Bitsy again as another spider pounced where he had just been standing. He flicked his whip out at the spider, yanked it back, and the thorns dug into the leg joints, pulling the spinning creature towards him. G stepped forward and brought his magical mace down upon the spinning metal spider's face, crushing most of its crystalline eyes and halting its movement.
As G smashed down with his mace again, he felt a sharp pain across his lower shin where one of the spider's legs grazed him, cutting through his robe like paper. He knew Tocai could heal either of them if they fell below half-health, but he warned the familiar not to use any damage spells. With Bitsy absorbing damage, they needed support spells that G couldn't cast due to his low mana.
He glanced at Bitsy, noting that she still had three-quarters of her health remaining. Though unfamiliar with this particular creature's behavior, G worried it might flee if it became too injured. The absence of Crewton weighed on him briefly, but he had no time to dwell on this as he evaded another strike from a construct spider flanking Bitsy's other side. She was fiercely pouncing on one beneath her, while another spider repeatedly attacked her paws every time she struck down.
Just then, G's whip spell faded as its duration expired. He stepped back from the spider he was engaging, observing its extinguished flame runes and the damage on one side from previous Tidal Wave attacks. Quickly checking his mana levels, he retreated further, then launched a mana bolt directly into the creature's weakened side. It recoiled, shuddered, and collapsed to the floor. Unlike real spiders, which twitch in their death throes, these constructs simply ceased all movement.
G then turned his attention back to Bitsy. One spider was clawing at her paws, drawing blood, while another was faltering under her forceful strikes, its legs bent awkwardly and its body crushed. G cast his whip spell again, depleting his mana to a mere five points, which left him with a burgeoning headache from the mana drain.
"Tocai, heal her," G commanded urgently.
Although Bitsy's health hadn't dipped below half, he wasn't willing to risk further injury amid such peril. A brilliant ray of magic erupted from his hood, its intensity nearly blinding his mana sense, as it flowed over Bitsy, slowly mending some of her wounds and stemming the bleeding.
G shifted his position and focused on the spider attacking Bitsy's paws. He flicked his whip once more, this time leaving it coiled around the legs of the spider. Advancing, G raised his mace and delivered an overhead strike. The spider managed to lift two of its legs defensively while jabbing two forward in a counterattack. Though the vine whip restricted its movements, it wasn't completely immobilized. G felt the sharp pain of two puncture wounds—one in his thigh and another on his side—as the creature prepared for another assault."
Tocai cast Lesser Heal again, this time on G as he stumbled back a few paces, catching himself in a crouch with one hand—a feat his former human body could never have managed. He pushed himself back to his feet and yanked on the whip, causing the pursuing spider to falter in its advance. G danced backward, maintaining distance as the spider rapidly pistoned its legs to pivot and charge at him once more. He struck with his whip, swiftly pulling it tight as soon as it coiled around the spider. G resolved not to risk another close attack—too many sharp legs, and with both he and Tocai drained of mana.
He heard a crunching sound as Bitsy clamped down on the face of the metal spider beneath her, yanking upward with the screech of metal tearing. The spider's head popped free, and she tossed it aside before charging at the spider pursuing G. He continued to back up, lashing out again. The spider's health bar was nearly depleted, a mere sliver of red remaining. Bitsy slowed as she approached, delivering a powerful swat with her massive paw. The spider was sent flying several meters, crashing into the steps below the sphinx, and lay motionless.
G stood panting, his gaze fixed on the sphinx that watched him intently.