We had a look around in some nearby caves, trying to keep off the main routes and away from any guard patrols. Sure enough we started to notice some small insects and then some bigger insects. Then suddenly we noticed a loud fossicking and we were soon surrounded by a swarm of huge centipedes. We all got into defensible positions to avoid getting overrun as the fight started. I used the newest addition to my arsenal and created a wall of fire across one end of the tunnel to stop the creatures from flanking us. As Wredell smashed one of the brutes to pieces, thousands of smaller bugs spewed out from inside and were burned in the flames. Another of the creatures moved in to attack Eldon and almost swallowed him but he nimbly evaded the grapple. We had almost destroyed another of the giant sectoid when a strange vibration swept through them and as suddenly as they attacked, they settled into a submissive stance and then, remarkably, began to speak. In a strange buzzing and scraping voice the creature says, "Please stop. We are only trying to protect our nest. This altercation has quickly escalated beyond our expectations." We all took a step back and waited to see what would happen. The Megapede went on to ask why we had invaded its home and after we explained about our search for the Cult of the Withered Hand and the Lost King we reached an understanding. It slowly became clear that these insects were under the control of a higher mind -- maybe the Lost King himself or a proxy at least. It suggested that we travel further along the tunnels back where we had come from and directed us to the location of the Cult of the Withered Hand in a Derro enclave. Wrendell suggested that if we were to carry some small insects on our bodies they would be able to communicate anything important. After resting in a quiet corner we set off through the cold and lifeless tunnels. Following the passage told to us we eventually found ourselves in another area with signs of life. A sign literally painted in humanoid bodily waste. "Welcome to the House of Fun. Find the prizes to gain an audience with Orda." The next caverns were lined with large clumps of toadstools and mushrooms. I think the sign may have meant "House of Fungi". As we crept in we soon noticed several Derro hiding amongst the fungus. They jumped out, yelping, "Let's 'ave some Fuuuuuun!" The Derro were wearing decorated hats and shoes that sparkled with a sequined trim. Ducking and and diving around us they attacked with a ferocity and chaos that left us bemused. We had them defeated in short order though and collected their fancy clothes -- suspecting them to be prizes, then made our way through to the larger cavern beyond. Two more serious looking Derro stood nearby manning what looked like a fishing game. "Oi, you lot can bugger right off. We's fishin 'ere and don't need any trouble from a pack o' filfy ghoulies." The disguises we assumed were very effective. "Ah don't mind us." said Wrendell, "we only come to see Mistress Orda. We have an important job to do." "Our Lady don't want ta see the likes a you. Now like I jus sez, Bugger off!" It didn't take much longer before this conversation descended into a combat as well. "I'm gonna like this. Been too long since we 'ad a proper bit a biffo. Come 'ere ya little c***!" During the fight I bashed one of the Derro, pushing him backwards into the fishing pool. As he fell backwards the surface of the pool began to bubble in anticipation then surged to life with savage fury when he splashed into the water. The Derro let out a scream as hundreds of Quippers tore his body to shreds. This looked like a good strategy. "Try and get more of them into the pool before these fish lose their appetites."
