Moth Queen Cavern

Type: Cavern/Dungeon Region: Central Odessia, near Crossroads Inn Status: Cleared (Session 34) Tags: #location/cavern #location/dungeon

Description

Cavern near Crossroads Inn known as "The Cavern of the Fluttering Menace" with "Glory to the Moth Queen" etched above entrance. Former lair of Moth Queen (transformed Oswick Porridgepot) responsible for potato field raids. Explored and cleared Session 34 by Riders of the Storm. Narrow single-file passages filled with itchy dust, flesh-like cocoons, pit trap, and main cavern containing mounds of half-eaten vegetables and rotting animal carcasses.

Geography

Location:

• Near Crossroads Inn
• Central Odessia

Structure:

• Entrance: Inscription "Glory to the Moth Queen" above opening
• Initial passage: Narrow (single-file only), covered in itchy dust (walls, ceiling, floor)
• Fork: Left or right paths
• Right path: Pit trap (floor disappears, deep hole)
• Passages: Winding, not wide enough for two people side-by-side
• Main cavern: Large chamber with mounds of half-eaten potatoes/vegetables
• Flesh-like cocoons: 1ft tall, wobbling throughout cavern

Explored: Session 34 (cleared)

Key Features

• Inscription: "Glory to the Moth Queen" above entrance
• Itchy Dust: Covers walls, ceiling, floor throughout passages (Constitution save DC required)
• Narrow Passages: Single-file only, winding paths
• Pit Trap: Right-hand hole where floor disappears (Dexterity save to avoid falling)
• Flesh-like Cocoons: 1ft tall, wobbling, scattered throughout
• Main Cavern: Large chamber with:
  • Mounds of half-eaten root vegetables and potatoes
  • Rotting animal carcasses
  • Fluttering and whispering sounds
  • 1ft wide moths flying past
• Oil Lamp: Found in potato pile with "Oswick Porridgepot" engraved (kept by Elik'r Stormswallow)

Population

Former Inhabitants (Defeated Session 34):

• Moth Queen - Transformed Oswick Porridgepot (killed by Elvva Beltavar)
• Six moth minions - 1ft wide (defeated by party)

Current: Empty (cleared Session 34)

Leadership

• Former Leader: Moth Queen (transformed Oswick Porridgepot) - Defeated Session 34

History

Unknown how long cavern was occupied. Oswick Porridgepot disappeared 3 months prior to Session 34 searching for "mythical Garlic Patch." Transformation into Moth Queen occurred at unknown point (Bane influence suspected, similar to Earthbound Dire Wolf Session 31). Potato raids escalated in recent weeks before party investigation.

Current Situation

Cleared (Session 34):

• Moth Queen defeated by Riders of the Storm
• Six moth minions eliminated
• Threat to Crossroads Inn potato fields neutralized
• Oswick Porridgepot's fate revealed (family not informed of transformation)
• Oil lamp with Oswick's name found and kept by Elik'r Stormswallow

Discovery Timeline:

• Session 32: Party investigated failing potato crops, followed trail to entrance, found inscription, accepted quest
• Session 33: Quest interrupted by Fizwidget Spindleflash teleportation
• Session 34: Party returned, explored interior, defeated Moth Queen, quest completed

Resolved Questions:

• Moth Queen identity: Transformed Oswick Porridgepot
• Cavern extent: Narrow passages leading to main chamber
• Interior defenses: Pit trap, itchy dust, moth minions

Remaining Mystery:

• How was Oswick Porridgepot transformed into Moth Queen? (Bane corruption suspected)

Connections

Part of:

• Odessia (kingdom)

Threatens:

• Crossroads Inn (nearby)
• Dodo Porridgepot's potato fields

Inhabitants

Former (Defeated Session 34):

• Moth Queen (transformed Oswick Porridgepot)
• Six moth minions (1ft wide)
• Flesh-like cocoons (1ft tall, purpose unknown)

Current: None (cavern cleared)

Related Quests

• Quests - Active#Spud Quest - COMPLETED Session 34 (Moth Queen defeated, potato theft resolved)
• Quests - Mysteries#Oswick's Transformation - How was Oswick Porridgepot transformed into Moth Queen?

Threat Level

• Neutralized (Session 34)
• Moth Queen defeated
• Moth minions eliminated
• No ongoing threat to Crossroads Inn

Notes

• "The Cavern of the Fluttering Menace" - full name
• "Glory to the Moth Queen" inscription suggests either cult worship or self-aggrandisement
• Oswick Porridgepot transformation timeline: disappeared 3 months before S34, transformation date unknown
• Similar pattern to Earthbound Dire Wolf (S31) - both corrupted creatures attacking settlements
• Possible Bane corruption connection (The Bane released Session 18)
• Family not informed of Oswick's true fate (told only "moths are dead")
• Oil lamp evidence kept by Elik'r Stormswallow (name rubbed out)
• Transformation mechanism remains mystery
• Cavern layout: narrow passages → fork → pit trap → main chamber
• Itchy dust throughout (Constitution saves required)
• Flesh-like cocoons purpose unknown