281

Suddenly the gentle buzzing becomes an angry drone. Then from out of the lowest nest comes a swarm of wasp-like insects, each as large as a clenched fist. Alerted by your body warmth, they hurtle down the shaft and gather in a menacing cloud around the opening. For a few moments they hover there, virtually motionless; then they begin to circle the ceiling, led by an insect whose vivid scarlet markings stand out in stark contrast to the black and yellow striped torsos of the others.

As the encircling swarm gathers speed, the lower section of their bodies begins to glow, illuminating needle-like stingers in their tails. You draw your weapon and get ready to defend yourself lest they should attack, but you are caught off-guard when suddenly the leading insects fire their stingers at you. Diving aside, you avoid being hit by this volley of venom-tipped needles, but as you scramble to your feet the remainder of the swarm break away and dive down to attack your unprotected back.

Antah Wasps: COMBAT SKILL 40   ENDURANCE 30

These insects are immune to all psychic attacks.

If you win the combat, turn to 120.