Moving In

“Hiya! The name’s Tore.” The goblin gestured at Crystalweb Cavern with undisguised ambition. “I head up the mining operation here at K3… or I will shortly anyway! This here cave is full of creepy-crawlies. I think we could do with a few less spiders before we move in. What’d you think?”

The cavern breathed cold air that smelled of venom and old death. Webs hung from the ceiling in pale curtains, catching what little light dared enter. Bones near the entrance told the story of previous visitors.

The first Crystalweb Spitter descended on silk, legs already reaching. I caught its lunge on the Titansteel, felt the impact shudder through my arm, and answered with the mace. Chitin cracked. The spider crumpled.

More came. They always come.

Shield Slam drove one into the wall. Revenge caught another as it overextended, mandibles snapping at empty air where I’d been a heartbeat before. The mace found each one in turn, precise and final. Ichor painted the stone in patterns I didn’t care to study.

The deeper spiders were larger. Weavers that moved with terrible patience. One dropped behind me, and I pivoted, letting instinct guide the shield rim into its face. The mace finished what the stun began.

When I emerged, Tore was waiting at a careful distance from the entrance.

“Ha ha! Good to see you’re up for some dirty work. Much appreciated there, pal!”

The cave would be safe enough for goblin miners now. Whatever they pulled from those walls, at least the spiders wouldn’t be pulling it from them.