Combatting the Long Dark: II - Slimes

[Sham404 518]

Combatting the Long Dark: II - Slimes

The following text is both an informative piece, and an advisory guide, on the nature of Slimes and how to fight them. It is no doubt incomplete, as it is based on the experiences of one man against this enemy.

 

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Contents

1. Prelude

2. Environment

3. Creature

4. Abilities

5. Conclusion

 

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SECTION I - Prelude

The slime is not an overtly threatening enemy to a warrior, however it is one that can cause difficulty if you are not prepared. Given their nature, they can quickly overwhelm an unwary warrior. While I have personally encountered a Slime in one such unprepared situation, I know that others have been fought to great success by properly prepared warriors.

 

SECTION II - Environment

The exact preferred environment of a slime is unclear, though it is likely they prefer warm and damp places such as caves and sewers, which are welcoming to their makeup and lifestyle. Both of these environments present little threat to a slime - as we will go on to discuss - while also providing sustenance and opportunity for growth. In the case of a cave, there are varieties of small wildlife that may roam through unaware. In the case of a sewer, we have the ever-present rat.

 

SECTION III - Creature

The slime is, quite simply, a disgusting creature. While other monsters may be offensive in a variety of ways, the slime is just upsetting to the senses. They smell, sound and appear unnatural and unpleasant, and it can be assumed that if one were so foolish as to consume part of a slime it would be equally bad, however the most disgusting part of the Slime is when they are touched. Wet and gelatinous, and sucking, so that if you linger you shall find yourself sinking in and eventually becoming trapped. This makeup lines up with the agenda of the slime, which appears to be consumption of living creatures by absorbing them into itself. It remains unclear if the slime has any organs as I have not had a chance to dissect one, however if they do have hearts or something similar, it is likely located in the centre of the creature, where it is safest.

 

SECTION IV - Abilities

As mentioned, the slime is a dangerous creature primarily for the unaware and unprepared. The slime will attempt to suck it’s prey inside its body, trapping them there without air until they perish. Given what we know about them, it is likely that the entire slime body contributes to a digestive process to consume the flesh from their victims. It is also likely that this process is ineffective against bones, given their toughness, so looking for unnaturally clean bones may be an indicator of the presence of slimes. Also, it is encouraged not to fight slimes alone, as once trapped within it will be exceedingly difficult to escape.

 

The nature of the slime suggests a reliance on mass, built up by converting the flesh of prey into more ‘slime’. This slime is rubbery, though not overly resistant to cutting weapons. If a warrior has no other options, they ought to focus on cutting away slices of the slime, which seem to become inert and lifeless. This technique relies on not embedding the weapon within the slime, as I personally experienced the creature trying to absorb my sword when I stabbed it. Rather, slice at the edges and slowly deprive the slime of its mass and shape, and therefore also it’s weapon.

 

The previously mentioned slime does seem to have a reaction to one commonly available substance - salt. My own encounter with the slime took place in a dinner hall, and throwing salt upon the creature seemed to cause it great pain, causing a bubbling on the surface of the slime. The amount used was minor, so further usage of large amounts of salt may in fact be dangerous or even deadly to a slime. Further research is needed into this, however if anticipating combat with one of these creatures, the ready availability of salt means that a prepared warrior should carry it just in case.

 

The most effective weapon against the slime seems to be the cold. My encounter was ended by use of Athin, an alchemical ingredient with a great cooling effect. In this case, I believe it had been prepared into a freezing potion which was thrown at the slime and immediately crippled the creature and allowed us to push it out of the window to fall and shatter upon the ground. From this we can identify that freezing a slime is perhaps the most effective method of combating one, especially if a warrior can enlist the assistance of an alchemist to prepare the suitable potion or reagent. Aside from Athin, it is possible that Frost Vine has a similar effect, though this is currently unconfirmed.

 

When the slime is defeated, make sure that the entirety of the creature is inert. Whether you have frozen and shattered the creature or cut off slices or pursued some other method, it is vital that the creature is entirely dead, else it may find sustenance and regrow to a threatening size again. To make sure, burn upon the pyre any and all remains of the slime.

 

SECTION V - Conclusion

In closing, when fighting a slime try to avoid doing so alone, so that you can rescue each other from it’s grip if necessary. Further, try to cut slices off the slime rather than stabbing it, as this puts your weapon at risk and has uncertain effectiveness. Finally, if you have an alchemist to assist you have them prepare a freezing potion or a tool of similar function from the Athin plant, as this is highly effective against the slime - it can then be finished off with blunt force. Whatever method is used, ensure that the creature is entirely destroyed to stop it from slipping away into a sewer or cave and recovering its mass.

 

Written by Edric Vildr, Warden of the Northguard

[King_Kunuk 3022]

Almost soon after, Maehrir Dovian raises a brow at this scroll as well.

"Yet another amount of vital information.... a treasure trove of wisdom to be had this series is... I must send for this 'Edric Vildr' at once. I fear his knowldege my forever rot away in the halls of the human libraries if not saved by a scholar of true nature"

Muttering this to himself. the elf as well, stows this bit of lore away to later be transcribed into a text for all in his library