Dungeon Rats: Crystal Caves, Ismail, Elder Worm, Carnivorous Plants (Part VII)

Crystal Caves

The Crystal Caves is a cRPG dungeon in Iron Tower's cRPG of 2016, Dungeon Rats. In this post, we take out scorpions, scolopendra, carnivorous plants and giant worms. This is one of the most difficult segments of the game, though its toughest battles are optional. We also upgrade our alchemist-crafter: Ismail replaces Cyrus. In addition, we break into steel crafting and acquire our third armor schematic: Worm Armor. 

Elder Scorpions x3

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (4), Roxana (3), Ardomir (4), Cyrus (3)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (5)

I hope you have crafted iron weapons and ammo...

THC from the sharpest shooter in the party:

Closer range:

◦ Scorpion Carapace x120

◦ Scorpion's Claw x6

◦ Scorpion's Stinger x3

◦ Alchemy: Harvest Plant: Quicksilver Roots x2

◦ Dead Prisoner: Gladius (sword, one-handed, iron), Manica (iron, net)

◦ Schematics: Gladius

Ismail

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (5), Roxana (6), Ardomir (7), Cyrus (6)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (10)

You're probably going to have to break out the bombs and vials for this encounter.

◦ Scorpion Carapace x120

◦ Scorpion's Claw x8

◦ Scorpion's Stinger x2

◦ Armory Crate: Scimitar (sword, two-handed, steel), Plumbata (iron, throwing), Whetstone 

◦ Hammer & Anvil: Steel

◦ Schematics: Scimitar

◦ Ismail is a good upgrade on Cyrus because he is not just an alchemist and crafter, but also a capable swordsman and bowman.

Ismail vs. Hieron. 

Assuming we optimized Hieron for Alchemy & Crafting up to this point, he is going to enjoy a 2-point lead over Ismail in terms of those two utility skills. However, Ismail doubles as a better fighter than Hieron, overall (it depends what we're specifically going for, though). Both can max both A & C if they focus hard (sacrificing their martial prowess in the process). 

I'd equip Roxana (and Hieron) with standard or heavy crossbows and two hand crossbows each. This allows them both to have four opening attacks.

Scolopendra & Plant

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (6), Roxana (4), Ardomir (5), Ismail (5)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (10)

Tear through plants with barbed ammo.

◦ Stinger, Cassava Root

◦ Boulder: Auxilary Armor (iron, masterwork), Handar (sword, one-handed, steel). Impossible Str check in solo. 

◦ Schematics: Handar

Scolopendra Nesting Grounds

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (5), Roxana (6), Ardomir (7), Ismail (7)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (10)

◦ Stinger x3

◦ Extract Ore: Iron Ore x6

◦ Alchemy: Harvest Plant: Blood Mushroom x3

Carnivorous Plants x3

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (5), Roxana (6), Ardomir (7), Ismail (7)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (10)

◦ Stinger x3, Cassava Root x3

◦ Alchemy: Harvest Plant: Avatera Sprouts x5

Carnivorous Plants x4

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (5), Roxana (6), Marcus (6), Ismail (7)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (10)

◦ Cassava Root x4

◦ Fennah Berries x2

Giant Young Worm

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (6), Roxana (4), Marcus (4), Ismail (5)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (8)

Note that no worms are immune to poison. 10 DR:

◦ Schematics: Worm Exoskeleton x75

◦ Alchemy: Harvest Plant: Emoryl x3, Goldenberry x3

◦ Alchemy: Extract Mineral: Fool's Gold x4, Sulphur x4

◦ Extract Rock Oil x2

Elder Worm + 2 Young Worms

• Skillpoints (SPs): Lilura (7), Roxana (7), Marcus (7), Ismail (8)

• Solo: Murderous Psychopath (13)

It depends on equipment, party composition and player skill, but I would suggest not taking on three worms at this point.

Each worms has 3 attacks per round. They can tunnel under us in order to flank. They often inflict critical strikes upwards of 20 dmg.

◦ Elder Worm: Exoskeleton x100

◦ Young Worm x2: Exoskeleton x150

◦ Extract Rock Oil x2

◦ Extract Ore x4

◦ Alchemy: Harvest Plant: Quicksilver Roots x2

Crafting (>=6): Pick the container. Note that  the crafter must be party leader (selected):

Mysterious Contraption (throwing, one-handed, ancient explosive device), A strange softy-glowing jar. It is possible to get Strength +1, Dexterity +1 and Constitution +1 by inserting the three jars into the machine in the Ancient Facility. One jar is found in Part III, one in Part VII and one in Part XII.

Next up, Part VIII.

cRPG Blog	4. Barca	9. Scaurus	14. Praefectus
Dungeon Rats Walkthrough	5. Old Town	10. Enforcer	15. Centurion
1. Rock Bottom	6. Roxana	11. Construct	16. Alchemy Dungeon Rats
2. Bug Hunt	7. Elder Worm	12. Guardian Demon	17. Companions Dungeon Rats
3. Fire Ant Queen	8. Democritus	13. Emperor	18. Arms & Armor Dungeon Rats