Peek: Ranger's Notes

These are the notes of Ranger Ternly on my attempts to study and eventually tame a tunnel horror. Should something happen to me, may these notes guide those who follow to not make the same mistakes I did. And if I actually do it, these are my proof that I did it, as if me having a tunnel horror following me around weren't proof enough.

Entry 1

Base established at Fourdock Ranger's outpost. Local delvers have identified a tunnel horror migration, with one of the local Rangers revealing the tunnel horrors are at least semi-aquatic. I had long suspected such, but never was able to confirm, until now. Will be gearing up to investigate, may need to buy dungeon packet to be safe. The local dungeon apparently has a direct route to one of the territories, and a more indirect route to the other.

Entry 2

After talking with the other Rangers, I purchased the packet from the Dungeoneers on the "Thedeim" dungeon. If an adventurer were to tell me this stuff, I'd never believe them, but the Dungeoneers pride themselves in accuracy. My route doesn't pass through many dangerous areas, though the caverns may be tricky. However, the dungeon seems to encourage traffic to the enclave at its border. If I follow that, I can get to what the adventurers call the underswamps with little trouble.

Entry 5

The name "Underswamps" grows more and more accurate the longer I stay here. Life is abundant, and that includes insects. I'm glad the spiderkin had some repellent to trade me, or else the bugs may have eaten me before a tunnel horror would even get a chance. No spotting of a tunnel horror yet, but after being shown the slashes they like to use to mark their territories, I believe I'm getting close.

Entry 9

First tunnel horror observed. I'd be happier if I didn't first see it when it stole my dinner. Luckily for me, it struck while I was still reeling the fish in. Rations for dinner is worth confirming I'm in the right area.

Entry 13

Staying on what passes as ground here is not going to be viable. I think the horrors are growing interested in me, and not to make it simpler for me to tame one. The local enclave supposedly survived the migration, I should ask them for advice before I get eaten.

Entry 17

My new gear makes things safer, but I haven't seen a horror in several days. The spiderkin advised I stay off the ground and stick to the walls and ceiling. Easy for them to say. Still, my proof of concept hide is working rather well. Even the bugs seem to be fewer just halfway up the cavern wall. Unfortunately, the tunnel horrors don't seem to like the edges of the Underswamps. But I have an idea how to proceed, at least.

Entry 29

It wasn't easy, but my new basecamp is finally established. I had to hire out a party with an earth mage to set it up, after my previous attempt with pitons simply fell while I was out hunting. But with the new base situated in the ceiling, I'm confident I'll be able to rest easy, well above the Underswamp.

Entry 37

I found a dead tunnel horror while out hunting. A juvenile, judging by the size. Judging by the wounds on it, the horrors are not above getting lethal with territorial disputes. Cannibalism doesn't seem to be a motivator, as the corpse was mostly intact, rather than torn apart and consumed. I managed to bring it back to my base, and am currently dissecting it to try to gain more understanding of the beasts.

Entry 45

I believe I've found the horror that owns the territory I'm set up in. Luckily, it doesn't seem to be an adult, so I may have some luck in taming it. For now, I'm observing what I can from the base.

Entry 48

That's the third live horror I've spotted in the area, making seven in total. I think this might be the one that's causing the corpses, too, as it's easily the largest of the bunch. Horror territory follows simple rules: they claim whatever space they need to be able to hunt enough to sustain themselves. Ones that can claim a larger territory can eat more, and so grow stronger faster, and claim more territory, or better territory. I think the large one won't abide the smaller ones for much longer. Do I try to tame it? Or do I try to get one of the weaker ones?

Entry 55

I believe the territory dispute is now down to Dagger and Greatsword, as I've come to call the two frontrunner horrors in the area. Greatsword is the large one, while Dagger is a smaller one. Despite its small size, Dagger has been very tenacious and clever, knowing when Greatsword is away and thus able to snag a good meal while it's occupied. I'm going to try to tame Dagger. Hopefully it will be smart enough to understand a mutually beneficial arrangement, and understand that, should it come to blows with Greatsword, the victor is clear. Better to come with me than try to face the large horror.

Entry 63

Dagger understands that I can give it food, but I suspect it still sees me as potential food, too. I need to prove to it that we can work together, but I'm not sure how.

Entry 67

Dagger is wounded. I think it got into a fight with Greatsword. If that's the case, I'm surprised it managed to get away. I'll need to keep an eye on Dagger to make sure it doesn't die before I can tame it, and to make sure Greatsword doesn't finish the job while I'm busy.

Entry 70

Dagger is sticking close to my base now. I don't think it wants to eat me, but rather it feels it's safe here. I'm still not convinced it won't take a nibble if I give it a chance, but Dagger seems to accept my presence without complaint.

Entry 73

I had to scare off Greatsword today. I wonder if Dagger is smart enough to have expected something like this? I've fed it, but today is the first time I've protected it. I don't think Greatsword is going to take this laying down, however. This territory is teeming with cave lobsters. A big horror like Greatsword won't let a trove like that go.

Entry 77

Greatsword is dead, and Dagger is very pleased with himself. I'm still considering what to do next. I can feel a burgeoning bond with Dagger, but that closeness is revealing to me why I haven't seen evidence of anyone else taming a horror. He doesn't mind working together, but he has no interest in going very far. If I do end up fully taming him, the Underswamps will be my station for the rest of my life.

Do I want that? While I do want a horror as my companion, am I willing to spend my days here? I'm sure I could convince him to wander into the tunnels around, eventually. They eventually get large enough to need to stalk the deep passages to sustain themselves. Am I willing to put down roots here?

Entry 80

I'm staying. Dagger and I work too well together for me to throw this away, and many Rangers specialize anyway. I can continue the Ranger mandate to seek out the monsters of stagnation, even deep under the surface. I'll also be able to easily resupply with the spiderkin, and possibly even delve once I can convince Dagger to leave the water for any period of time.

I'm going to be making my home proper underneath my basecamp in the ceiling, so I will be returning to Fourdock to get supplies, inform the Rangers, and leave them my notes. To anyone looking to follow in my steps: If you wish to tame a tunnel horror, patience and compromise are key. And look for fresh migrations. I suspect older horrors are less willing to work together. Even a young one doesn't want to go far from what it considers its territory.

But they are smart and powerful. If you can dedicate yourself to an area with tunnel horrors, I am certain they will be an excellent companion for any Ranger.

Elven Ranger Ternly

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Inspired by Laetitia, who wanted to know if anyone had ever tamed a scythemaw.