Chasm of Evil

 A Tweedle & Dunh Adventure - Part 1

After their victory over the undead, Tweedle and his new friend Dunh returned to Tweedle's village. They were feted as conquering heroes, but when the novelty wore off Tweedle's life settled back into the monotonous routine of a healer's apprentice.

The duo tried to spice things up by wandering the region, providing adventuring services to the locals. But aside from defeating a "dragon," which turned out to be a rather ornery giant turkey, adventure remained elusive. At least until the day the stumbled upon a hidden cavern deep in the woods.

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As they entered the cavern (1), they were greeted by the grotesque and malevolent-looking statue of some unknown deity. They felt a chill run down their spine, but they were determined to press forward.

They passed down a short corridor to another cavern (2). A fountain of black liquid was set in the middle of the room. When they approached to investigate, a huge boulder fell from the ceiling.

"Watch it!" yelled Tweedle as he pushed Dunh out of the way then leaped clear himself.

"Let's stay away from that." Dunh concluded as he skirted the fountain.

They passed through a corridor (3) filled with scrolls stuffed into alcoves carved into the rock.

Continuing along, the corridor abruptly ended, but a large pit (4) was set in the floor. A sinister glow emanated from the pit. Tweedle approached the edge and peered over. Deep in the pit a flame burned, providing a wan light to the corridor.

"Look!" Tweedle cried, pointing to the walls of the pit. About 30' down was a cave entrance (5). They decided to investigate. Tying a rope to a convenient rock outcropping, they lowered themselves down.

They entered a short corridor that ended in a cavern (6). Suddenly a flaming reptilian creature attacked.

"A fire demon!" exclaimed Tweedle.

As they fought, the intense heat from the demon burned their skin. Fortunately, they quickly cut down their enemy.

Next, they walked down a winding passage (7) and encountered two humans. Or so they thought.

Dunh called out to them. They turned and advanced. Their eyes were dead black and they moaned with an inhuman tone. 

They tried to grapple our heroes who struck and cut the foes down. The bodies then seemed to dissolve into nothingness. while a shrill shriek echoed through the caves.

"What were they?" asked Dunh.

"I don't know. Lost souls, perhaps? They sold their soul to the demon, leaving only a husk of a body."

Continuing down the passage, they came to a dead end (8). A form emerged from the blackness. It was some kind of monster that resembled a mantis but it was as big as a horse. Several tentacles extended from its gaping, tooth-filled maw.

They tried to fight it, but its tentacles and claws kept landing painful blows while their weapons seemed to glance harmlessly off its side.

"We can't beat it!" Tweedle cried out. "Run!"

The duo bolted, with the thing in close pursuit. As they ran through the passage, they saw 4 figures ahead. More lost souls! 

They barreled through, taking wounds as they passed. The thing then set upon the souls, devouring them with gusto. This gave our heroes time to escape!

They climbed up the rope to the first level. Dunh made a beeline for the exit, but Tweedle stopped him.

"Wait, we can't leave here empty handed. Help me carry some of these scrolls."

"Why? Its just paper."

"It may give some clue about the nature of this place."

So they duo gathered some of the scrolls and then returned home, perhaps not wealthier but a little wiser.