The Long Caverns: Xolome Lair (19)

Six xolome, led by a chieftain and two guards, have been driven to this section of the caves. These xolome are from Haikiutl. They call themselves the Moldwater Tribe. They all wear the equivalent of cloth armor, except for the guards and chieftain, who wear the equivalent of leather. Their chief is also called Moldwater.

Moldwater (Fantastic: 1-1, Fighter: 2; Ordered Evil; Survival: 10;Movement: 8; Attack: spear; Damage: 1d4; Defense: 4)

Guards (Fantastic: 1-1, Fighter: 1; Ordered Evil; Survival: 5, 7; Movement: 8; Attack: spear; Damage: 1d4; Defense: 4)

Xolome (Fantastic: 1-1; Ordered Evil; Survival: 1, 6, 4, 1, 3, 3;Movement: 8; Attack: spear; Damage: 1d4; Defense: 3)

These xolome can be very conciliatory given the chance. Their tactics against stronger opponents are to toss spears and then run through the small holes in the caverns. These will allow them to hide until it is safe to return.

Their holes go deep but do not (yet) connect with the holes that the crazy crabs use.

The Moldwater Tribe carry the story of how Xolome learned to settle in caves and water was forced to flow.

When we were new to the world, when Moon was still whole, Water knew neither purpose nor direction.

We moved from cave to cave searching for water free from mold. From the center of the world we moved upwards, for water knew nothing except to grow moldy in the presence of the people. From cave to cave we moved, whenever water changed from dark and cold to moldy and warm. Throughout our travels we met many stories, and these you may meet also.

Finally, we began to run out of places to go. At the edges of our caves, Sun began to heat and dry the world. So Tel-a-mec went to Moon Still Whole to ask advice.

“We are at the edge of the world,” said Tel-a-mec. “Water grows moldy and warm once again. Where shall we go?”

“Water is lazy,” said Moon. “Water should go from cave to cave, not you. I shall give you dark spears to beat Water.”

“Water is strong,” said Tel-a-mec. “It strangles us and cannot itself be hit. How can we fight it?”

“Water is lazy,” said Moon. “In Mud River you will find fish. Spear the first fish that you see. When you go to water, eat the fish raw. As fish are immune to Water’s stranglehold, so shall you be, and you will defeat water. Water is lazy.”

Tel-a-mec took the dark spears of Moon and left. At Mud River he saw a line of silvery fish swimming from Moon to Sun. With Moon’s dark spear he took the first of the fish.

“We return to Deep Cave,” said Tel-a-mec to the people. “But you must do as I say. First we will talk. Then we will fight.”

Tel-a-mec had the people eat the silvery fish, then he handed them Moon’s dark spears. They marched upon Moldy Water in Deep Cave.

“Why do you come to me armed, hero of the people?” asked Moldy Water. “May we not sit peacefully, you and I, and talk? Come, sit by my banks, and air your grievances.”

So Tel-a-mec signed to his warriors to wait, and he sat beside Moldy Water.

“We have moved from cave to cave,” said Tel-a-mec. “But it is water’s job to move from cave to cave. You are lazy. You sit here and grow fat and warm, while we grow sick, and see the burning Sun.”

“I, lazy?” cried Moldy Water. “Here is how lazy I am.”

And Moldy Water covered Tel-a-mec, and tried to strangle him, but Tel-a-mec had eaten first of the silvery fish, and was safe.

Tel-a-mec took his dark spear and thrust it into Moldy Water. Water fled back into its bed. Tel-a-mec’s warriors sprang from the shadows and with Moon’s dark spears beat Moldy Water back. Moldy Water screamed and swirled, and finally ran from cave to cave through the secret passages only Water knows.

And because of that fight, Water moves from cave to cave while the People choose the best cave they can and remain until they feel like leaving.