THE BURNING SANDS--A Mutant Future Scenario Part 2

THE BURNING SANDS
A Mutant Future scenario
(c) Jerry Harris, 2013

Index

THE ORGANS
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Organ_Mountains.jpg

The Setup

The mountains to the east of Crossroads that needs to be crossed to get to the Burning Sands. It is a shunned and wild area. The one pass over the mountains is ruled by a clan of Hawkmen (Accipitoids).

As soon as the group starts up the rough, unmaintained road to the pass, a squadron of Hawkmen descend upon them. This is not unexpected. The Hawkmen challenge anyone enter the mountain range.

They inform the group that the pass is closed. The reason is that a giant mutant has taken it over. He is apparently a new ally of the Feeders who dwell under the mountain and whom contest with the Hawkmen for the caves. After several skirmishes, the Hawkmen have been forced to withdraw. With their more technologically advanced weapons, the rangers might have a better chance. Would the rangers be willing to drive out the giant in exchange for the right of free passage in the mountains for the group and an artifact from the Hawkmen? The group is given a Hawkman guide, Bill.


Squiggy’s Grove:

The trail leads straight up to bent gnarled grove of trees and the maw of a large, dark cave. The bodies of several Hawkmen are hung up in the trees by their wings. A cougar is immediately noticeable on the scene dragging a corpse off into the bushes. The cougar watches the party for a moment before continuing on.

A little voice suddenly chirps up, “Hey, look out!” An acorn flies out of a tree and into the bushes behind the party. Immediately, a Giant Rattler snake rears up and hisses. The group will have a free round to act on it. Any hit will drive it off. A little humanoid squirrel (Scuirinoid) will then leap out into the clearing. “Well, this group looks a little more promising. I’m Squiggy. “After I drew the little acorn, my clan (spits) has volunteered my services for this exciting suicide mission. I was bored living anyway.” Bill, somewhat apprehensively, will vouch for the Scuirinoids. Squiggy will tell what he knows, “Okay, bruiser’s in the cave with his little toadies. Alright geniuses, what’s the plan?”

The Bat Cave:

Guano fills the cave floor in a sticky, smelly, disgusting ooze. Four Feeders attack from shadows. First, they stir up the Bats on the ceiling. They are just a nuisance (successful attack only stuns for a round). They only stay for a round. Next, a Giant Bat drops and attacks. At the same time, the Feeder will start sniping with bows and arrows, fleeing if two are killed.

David and Goliath:

Goliath (mutant with blinding eye blast ability) comes out after the Feeders are dealt with. The party will smell him well before he’s visible. The party has woken him up from his nap and he’s grumpy, and hungry. “Somebody a comin’ for dinner?”

Their camp is a nasty collection of bones, bodies, and animal skins with nothing of value. Bill suggests burning it.

Party Down:

Hawkmen throw a party that night. The group is given a laser rifle. All it needs a new battery. The Hawkmen saw the UFO go over the mountains. The group can continue on safely in the morning.