Part 22 - Shadowbeasts are NOT in any way related to Man's Best Friend
Why am I getting a 'save the game' danger tingle?
Digging One Realization: Shadowbeasts are MUCH harder than trolls.

Wow... was this guy annoying! Even with a 147 strength, he wouldn't take damage.  Mostly because he uses the annoying dog-lizard AI autoparry.   Whack.  Jump back.  Whack.  Jump back.

He chowed down on my 15 armor no problem.  Once again, I knew I had to out-tactic the AI.  After pondering during a reload time (and getting a drink during said reload time) I had it.
And the Darwin award goes to...
Water is a diggers most potent ally.  I led the Shadowbeast to the goblin bridge and dove on in.  The Shadowbeast took the plunge without pause... and began doggie paddling.  Which puts it significantly up the AI food chain than wolves, who do their best fountain impression.

I wasn't dismayed in the slightest.  I swam away, and it lost interest... heading for the edge to get out.  Of course, Shadowbeasts can't climb... If this was Archer's Quest, the battle would be over right about now.  Like shooting Shadowbeasts in an Enclosed Riverbank could be a phrase.

Well, I swam back over as it clawed at the ledge... and laid the smack down with Orechipper.  It turned only to see me giving it the finger as I backstroked away.  Frustrated it resumed clawing at the bank.  Well... in I came.  This time, however, it wasn't QUITE on the bank.  It had slipped underwater and made the bubbling animation.  It surfaced quick... but then did it again.  This time I swam overtop of it.  Unable to reach the surface with me over it, it gurgled and drowned.  I guess I owe the Razors at Xardas' a thanks for teaching me a lesson in being a bastard after all. :)
Part 23 - Ulu-Mulu time