Metal Slimes.

Our Hero finds himself walking along a riverbank in a valley. The sun is shining, there's not a cloud in the sky. The weight of his new sword feels good across his back. With companions at his back, he is ready to tackle any challenge that comes his way.

From his right shoulder, a muscular arm points a sausage of a finger. "There! Wot's that, guv?"

The others can see it, too. As our Hero shades his eyes and squints into the distance he can see something shining on the ground in the distance. As he makes his approach, a metallic teardrop shape smiles at him.

Fwoosh! The tiny droplet puckers its lips and spits a ball of searing flame at our Hero's head. He draws his sword and returns the favor, chopping downwards and landing a solid blow.

The little drop rolls backwards and hops back to its normal position.

Our Hero's allies draw weapons and take their best shot at the little monster. It dodges, rolls, or takes the blows without care. Perhaps the burly one manages to land a hit. The refined one finds his arrow striking true.

Still, the little drop stands. Smiling.

At last able to take no more, our Hero leaps high into the air, putting every ounce of his weight and muscle behind his steel. The little creature rolls back with a small ting, and lies still.

Weapons are sheathed. Sweat beads on foreheads.

Suddenly small glimmers appear all around.

Swords drawn once more, our Hero stands back to back with his allies.

"Guv, I'm sorry I bothered to point that first one out."

inspired by the video game Dragonquest VII.