by snails77
The players appear at the base of a massive mountain, with paths that ebb and flow in all directions. Their current location includes desert sands and windstorms that are whipping them in different directions. To try and walk forward, they feel a constant pressure preventing them from progress. The sand is being whipped up by three gigantic sentient dust devils that are attempting to clean the sand of impurities. They have no desire to fight, and will ignore the party, but they will also defend themselves if they feel the need.
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Three, gigantic dust devils are spreading sand into the air and tossing boulders in their path. They are the cleaners of the area. Because of this, the longer the players are in the area, the harsher the sands and wind. The devils will continue to whip up sand until everything is buried in the sand. The devils won't attack unless provoked, but their smaller counterparts will attack to grow in size.
Econ is a small man who wants nothing more than to get out of the Delve. He is opportunistic and will easily do anything in his power to get out of danger. This means backstabbing and manipulating. He'll lie and warn players about things that aren't there so he can escape first, or he'll say there's nothing there when there's actually a huge beast. He'll wait and pick their bones clean for loot.
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There are two blocked paths at the end of the mountain base. One lays to the north, while the other is to the south. Several Delvers are trying to find a way around the blockade, but it appears as though no one has managed to break down the boulders that block the paths.
While not required, the party can find some blasting powder hidden in a shed to the north of the mountain base. There is only enough blasting powder for one of the blockades.
The can also invoke the wrath of the dust devils, but this could result in being overwhelmed by them. The juveniles will attack on sight, and pack a mean punch.
The northern path looks bare, but frost has begun to build up around the rocks that block the path.
The rocks give off an aura of chill through the blockade. It's as if the heat from the desert is being sucked away from the air around it. Creaking of snow and ice can be heard the closer you stand to it.
The southern path blockade has vines and plants thriving, breaking through the rock. This leads to a more lush and toxic environment that is covered in jungle like plants.
Old vines and plants grow between the rocks of the blockade. An ancient looking moss covers many of the boulders, which are beginning to crumble under the biomass.
The players can make an Instinct roll to see if they notice anything in the area. If they roll higher than a 15 in any area, they will find a pendant made of Mithril hidden under the sand. The pendant appears to have belonged to someone. It has a shiny rune on it. The rune depicts a swirl around a mountain.
This rune depicts the worship of the mountain god, Uudther. Uudther decides who gets to pass through his stairwell to the next level. The decision is made by those who worship him.