This installment of the My First Monster Manual blog series is “OSICWITT” the Cave Guardian.
Environment: Mountain Caves
Monster Type: Dangerous Cave Guardian
Color: Brown and Grey Skin
Large Fangs, Huge Claws, Magical Flaming Eyes
Abilities: Supernatural Presence and Camouflage
Recommended Equipment: None
Introduction:
When documenting monsters, direct contact and observation is the best practice. Some monsters are so rare or dangerous that direct contact and observations are too risky or near impossible to achieve. In these situations, we transcribe the accounts of people or individuals who did have direct contact. These second hand accounts aren’t as detailed or accurate as our own scientific observations. The individuals are usually experiencing a great deal of stress or trauma and can have difficulty remembering specific details.
Investigation:
The plateaus and peaks of the Northern Augurim Mountains have a vast cave system. The cave system connects to a labyrinth built long ago by a mad wizard. Adventurers and explorers have been using those tunnels to quickly move through the mountains. Although it isn’t without risk or danger. Some caves are guarded by dangerous monsters and will need to be avoided. This was the next step in our journey. My assistant and I made our way hiking across the top of the mountains searching for a safe cave to start our passage. One evening we crossed paths with a group of four adventurers. An ominous turn of the weather led us all to camp together for the evening under a large overhang. As we sat around the fire, the leader of the adventuring party, Feldorg the Fighter, shared with us their recent encounter with a fierce cave guardian, the OSICWITT.
Observations:
In person recording of Feldorg the Fighter’s account of the OSICWITT:
“Naturally I’m the leader and the toughest in the party.” Grellen, the dwarf in the party, grumbled in the background. “So I marched in the lead, prepared to warn my fellow adventurers of any ambush from man or beast. We entered into a narrow passage, one clearly used recently, big clue for potential adventuring or at least a safe cave to rest for the night. The sun had slipped behind the peaks; the moon danced behind the clouds. The path opened into a clearing and everything went pitch black. Suddenly, one of the peaks moved! The moon danced back out and glistened off teeth and talons larger than a man. I wasn’t sure it even breathed. It seemed frozen until its massive jaw dropped open and magical fire erupted from its eyes!”
Finkle, the gnome wizard of the party, interrupted, and Feldorg shouted, “Oh Sherbet Ice-cream What Is That Thing!”
Conclusion:
With the ominous weather as a back drop to Feldorg’s story, I became a little frightened. I started when all the companions erupted in laughter at Finkle’s panicked warning which ended Feldorg’s account. As much as I’d like to make my own observation of this novel monster it was too risky and we needed to continue our journey. Roseilin, the ranger of the adventuring group, gave us directions to the safe cave they had traveled from. It connected directly into the mad wizard’s labyrinth.
About:
The Cave Guardian, “OSICWITT”, is part of our “My First Monster Manual” blog series where we will feature each of the monsters we are considering for inclusion in our new children’s book. Click here to learn more info on My First Monster Manual.
Artist: Joshua Johnson – joshings.com
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