In reply to Myll (msg # 10):

As you look towards the crowd with an inviting expression, you notice 4 fellow young pixies approaching with great interest:

Bram, a pixie with missing teeth, he employs the use of a tiny Bang Nakh

Oski, a pixie half the height of others, she uses a tiny kukri and a shield fashioned from a dried scarab beetle's shell

Runa, a tanned very healthy strong looking pixie, she uses a large pixie's dagger as a large sword.

Dridi, a very thin pixie, he uses a pixie's dagger.


Looking at the gear of these pixies, it is likely that two of them spent their idle time wandering or sneaking outside the treehomes to explore, as much of their equipment does not seem to be common in Yitri.

"If you're looking to navigate the Rocky parts down south, count on us, me and Oski found these in the ruins there, very neat, right?" the toothless pixie named Bram boasts with a proud expression while pointing at his chest with his right thumb.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:44, Fri 07 May 2021.

Myll is delighted these four have come forward to help locate Master Tyfli. before heading out I suggest we learn what we can from Stablemaster Tylfi about, Care, Tracking, Capture, Feeding and Handling of Bombadear Beetles. she prompts eagerly waiting for Tyfli's assistance.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:56, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 12):

"Uh, you mean the Rhino Beetles right? Oh no I seem to be hearing things now..." Tylfi hiccups as he scratches his head.

"I am glad that you want to aid me... and it does seem that Bram here knows the way mre or less... Alright, I'll tell you some things about my Rhino beetles..."

You learn that Rhino beetles often prefer to stay in shaded areas such as inside logs, under trees or sometimes in caves, and are more active at night. They make hiss-like squeaks when in distress, which might help track them.

They usually feed on rotting wood, fruits and nectar, but Tylfi usually feeds them crushed fruits and berries.

Normally males Rhino beetles are attracted by the bug musk of the female beetles - Tylfi hands you a bottle of this. Just removing the crystal stopper is enough to draw the attention of male Rhino beetles. They are also attracted by the hissing squeaks of female beetles.

As for the female beetles, they are more attracted by food - in particular fragrant wood. Tylfi hands you a small bag containing piece of sandalwood that creates a very distinctive and strong scent.


As for the handling of the beetles, it is the easiest to tie two cords of rope on their horns to steer them while flying by using the rope as reins, or just use one rope to lead them. It is advised not to use the reins if they are agitated which can be discerned from their hiss-like squeaks. Otherwise, especially during the day, they are quite obedient.

"I hope you succeed... but don't force yourself to confront great danger for my sake!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Sun 09 May 2021.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 13):

Myll reddened in embarrassment at calling Rhino Beetles, Bombadear ones. She thought bombadear sounded much friendlier, being as dear as they are. Sheepishly taking the handed items Myll passed them to allow the other four to sniff and examine the beetle musk and sandalwood. I'm very sorry for my mistake about calling the Rhino Beetles, Bombadear Beetles Myll apologied. Affording the Stablemaster an embarrassed smile.  Would we be able to mimick the hissing squeeks.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 14):

"I can," the healthy pixie Runa interjects. She bares her tiny pixie teeth and blows air through them making a slightly snake-like "Chih!" hissing sound that sound somewhat similar to the squeaks of the Rhino Beetles.

The other young pixies willing to join you try to do so, and all make reasonably similar sounds with the exception of Bram due to him missing a large number of teeth - the rest of the pixies laugh at this as does Bram himself. The hissing squeaks of a Rhino beetle seems reasonably easy to imitate.

"Yes... that's certainly the sound the Rhino Beetle makes when they are disturbed, often to tell others to keep their distance. I'm not sure if it will be of much help to you though... The females' mating call is quite similar though it is at intervals and is quite different from the hisses of the males, though the nuance is very subtle and I am not sure if I can even explain the difference to you..." Tylfi follows up.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 15):

Mayhap a few demonstration's wouldst assist us
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 16):

Tylfi blows a few puffs of hair throw his teeth every 1 second, making the hissing "Chih!" sound. It sounds almost as similar to the rest of the young pixies' imitations, and you can hardly tell the difference.

Tylfi explains that the hisses have to be slightly shorter in duration, though despite many attempts by the other pixies to imitate, they can't seem to get it right.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 17):

Myll tries to replicate the Stablemaster's sound at least eight times then quirks her lips to one side of her face. Mayhap Thee hath positioned Thy tongue a specific way. she enquires hoping this may be the trick to the sound.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:52, Wed 23 June 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 18):

"You have to put your tongue on the roof of your mouth, and then flick it down the the bottom quickly while blowing air out of your teeth, I think..." Tylfi tries to explain, "It is quite nuanced, and it took me a few months to get right..."

The pixies try to imitate the sound again with this new advice, and Tylfi nods at some sounds. It seems that you and the pixies will be able to get it right once every 3 hisses, according to Tylfi's judgement, and to go any further would require length experience working with Rhino Beetles. (When any of the pixies willing to join your or you yourself try imitate a mating call, you will succeed on a 5-6 on a roll of 1d6)

"Need any DRINKS on your journey, Myll? I imagine it will be a LONG one... I will FILL your WINESKINS..." Klusklus suddenly interrupts with a loud voice while making slightly annoyed expression, likely because his tavern suddenly appears to be becoming a makeshift seminar about Rhino Beetles, as more and more pixies begin to surround Tylfi and your party, trying to imitate the sound of Rhino Beetles.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:09, Tue 11 May 2021.

ooc The mental image of a room filled with younglings trying to replicate the female Rhino Beetles mating sound, is humorous.

Myll gratefully accepts the offer of filled wineskins. She'll suggest the five of them move outside to discuss arrangements for this expedition, ooc what to take with them etc.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Tue 11 May 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 20):

With your wineskins filled with fresh water, you head out of the tavern to make arrangements for your adventure.

According to Bram and Oski, who are familiar with the regions to the south more untraveled by the pixies of the treehomes of Yitri, it would take around 3 days to fly to the Dwarven ruin where they found some old treasures.

Normally with the help of Rhino beetles it would take half the time, but seeing how they are all gone, it would mean they would have to haul all their supplies instead. The young pixies agree to pay for their own food supplies.

Pertaining to the dangers south of the Treehomes, Oski says that there are some lost, solitary Aphid-men who do make it there, but most will be almost half-dead as there are not many flowers there to feed from.

Bram mentions that travelling at night in the south is probably not a good idea because he's seen groups of dark creatures with eight red eyes wandering the area at night, similarly he has heard creepy voices which he thinks are the ghosts of ancient dwarves inhabiting the ruins, though Oski says that its just his imagination.

Myll thanks the others for their comments  and suggests it may be hard to spot Rhino Beetles at night.

In reply to Myll (msg # 22):

The thin pixie Dridi reminds the rest that, though the night might be scary and the Rhino beetles might be harder to spot at night, they are according to Tylfi, nocturnal, and can be more easily heard at night.

After being more sure about the behaviour of Rhino beetles and the possible dangers of their adventure, the party asks if Myll is ready to set off immediately.

Inub-itably so Myll replies eager to start. Quickly adjusting her carryall, wineskin, quiver and bow. Lead on fellow we entrepid Beetle trackers. taking a flanking position she parallels the direction the others take.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 24):

Making a jolly cheer together, the pixies take their positions too in the marching order suggested, and Bram takes the lead in pointing towards the south following the edge of the Yitri grove woods.

You spend much of the day flying from tree to tree, enjoying the sight of the vast fields of chrysanthemum beside the trees you skirt in your travel. Eventually as the sun begins to set, your party discovers at the base of the tree you are on, a nest of many small centipedes feeding on numerous worms burrowing near the edge of the chrysanthemum fields. There appears to be a strange get of moist vapour coming out from this nest at regular intervals.

Further towards the south-west, you catch sight of the distant lights of what you know as the Thekchen Plantation where humans growing large fields of opium live.

"Should we rest for today, or press on?" Bram asks.

"I don't know about that, those centipedes down there, you sure they won't climb up and eat us while we're asleep?" Dridi mutters.

"Don't worry Dridi, you don't have much meat on you, they'll just think you're a twig!" Oski teases as Dridi pinches her playfully causig her to laugh

"Or perhaps we should go on further to the humans' plantation? No doubt it will be safer there. They cannot see us," Runa remarks.

That sounds truly yucky... If you agree I'll try casting a spell to incapacitate them; so they can be exterminated and we can investigate the cause of the moist vapour. Myll suggests readying her spell. If her companions agree she'll swoop down and cast sleep on the centipedes.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:59, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 26):

"I think we should vanquish them while we can. I don't like the thought of centipedes crawling up while we are sleeping..." Dridi agrees to your suggestion.

The rest of the pixies nod in agreement.

"Well... if you say so," Oski shrugs. "Anytime you're ready Myll!"

The pixies draw their weapons and prepare for Myll to cast the spell.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 27):

We should all target one centipede have time while they are incapacitated. suggests Myll then glides forward and casts her sleep spell

ooc affecting 4 creatures oh my al least not wasn't 2 or 3
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 28):

Four of the Five small centipedes seem to stop moving and cease their feasting on the worms crawling about in the soil. The last remaining one does not seem to notice that the rest have suddenly dozed off and continues feasting.

The four young pixies all swoop down on one centipede and strike it with their weapons!

Their combined attacks literally shatter the yucky looking centipede into four pieces!!

"Huh... that was easier than I thought..." Dridi whispers with a surprised expression.

"I told you they're no big deal...!" Oski whispers back, rolling her eyes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:56, Sun 16 May 2021.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 29):

Bram you try and kill another of the sleeping pests while the four of us deal with activate one before it realises it's in danger. Try and keep haway from its from. Myll suggests hoping they can dispatch it in the first attack, and Bram is able to kill the one he picks out without waking it up.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:01, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 30):

Bram nods at your order, and he zips to the nearest centipede and strikes its head with his Bang Nakh, but it doesn't get through all of the Centipede's carapace and it awakens and thrashes, sending its bug fluids splashing all over Bram!

The other 3 pixies zip towards the eating centipede and their combined attacks decimates it, slaying it before it realises it is under attack!

One angry centipede is awake and about to attack Bram.
Two other centipedes are still sleeping quite soundly.

OOC: It is your turn, you may make your attack and damage rolls together and post them if you wish to attack. Otherwise you can specify any other action.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 31):

Quickly Bram fly away from the beast. Bellows Myll as she takes a bead on the beasty loosing an arrow at it. Everyone pair up to grab big rocks to drop on the Centipede
This message was last edited by the player at 15:02, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 32):

Your arrow strikes the centipede, but it is unhindered and lashes at Bram, who just barely dodges!

Bram follows your order, and retreats, while the rest drop rocks at the same centipede!

Dridi and Runa's rock drops meet their mark, and decimate angry centipede, causing it to drop motionless!

There are 2 centipedes remaining, still sound asleep.

Phew that was close. Great dodge Bram Myll comments with relief and awe. Eyeing the remaining beasts Should we gang up on them one at a time?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Thu 29 July 2021.

In reply to Myll (msg # 34):

"We had better! Their carapaces are quite tough!" Bram says as he rallies the rest to strike another centipede.

This time Bram manages to get in a clean hit, alongside Runa. Oski and Dridi's weapons however bounce off the black carapace. But fortunately, Bram and Runa's attacks are sufficient to subdue the centipede!

One Centipede remains!