First Five Minutes Written Out

The High Priestess of Finster smells the flower in her hand which is most likely Midnight Jade. The group piles into the clearing where they see at least 20-25 tents, a good 50-60 people in robes, armor and such. The party’s eyes get big realizing they just stepped into a lion’s den.

“Welcome to my little camp site” she says looking around. She spots Everlee and she gets an angry look on her face. “Everbitch, why are you here with these fools?” the dark priestess says, scowling a bit.

The Cleric puts her large mace into its holder. “We are…” glances over to Griffin, “working together.” She then looks down and back to the Priestess.

“Oh, that was real convincing” Velencia says with raised eyebrows and a laugh. “You are here for the stronghold, you think I am going to raze the town I imagine” she says placing the flower down on a table walking to a tent. She beckons someone inside to come outside.

Griffin looks around and sighs “I guess we did, so are you?” he says then opens his mouth to say something else only to have it stay open with nothing coming out.

Out walks the half bird, Rawek, with his staff and fluffy and spot follow him yapping away. The bird looks and from what they can tell, surprised seeing the group in front of him. He looks around somewhat frantically, “Where is Simone” he asks, trying to suppress a squawk.

Velencia looks at Everlee, “I think she will be right here in a moment” and right on cue there is a sound of scuffling behind the party and they move out of the way. One of the cultist flies out of the forest landing on his back, weapon skitters across the floor of the clearing. The large red headed woman bursts into the clearing and stops looking around.

Everlee and Griffin both chuckle a bit watching the large woman barge onto the scene commanding attention. 3-4 more men start to go for her and Velencia stops them. “No, no, it’s alright, Simone here is usually like this” she says smirking “Just keep an extra eye on her.”

Simones eyes smoke and her voice growls seeing the High Dark Priestess. Everlee walks over to her and gets her calmed down. Chance notices Simone’s weapon just vibrating and making a weird humming noise. It is a pure metal club, with a dark leather wrapping for a handle. The end curves a bit to a large hard edged ball with some small spikes extruding. Not exactly something you want coming down on your head.

Velencia also notices and lets out a laugh. “You have that damn club don’t you!” she says almost excited, “We buried that motherfucker years ago, most annoying thing ever.” She is giggling and looks over to Griffin who looks at her and smirks.

“I guess you should still be mad at me for that” the dwarf says, also chuckling a little “In our presence it doesn’t shut up.”

Simone looks around the group, “Oh?” and the club slowly starts to stop and go quiet. She puts it on her belt and looks at Everlee. They exchange glances and then back to the High Priestess and Rawek.

“So are you going to invade? I mean you have a decent size group here and with Rawek… sky’s the limit” Everlee says, stepping forward, with Simone having her back.

The Dark Priestess shakes her head, “to answer your question, no, I am not going to raze the town, with Rawek at my side we have other options that are much better” she smiles at the birdman.

The party lets out a collective sigh of relief. Velencia chuckles, Rawek squawks a bit. The two of them glance at each other and they chuckle. “doesn’t mean I am going to let you roam free” she says. Rawek taps the ground. Noise comes from all four corners and out comes humanoid creatures wiping off dirt and debris from them. Oddly enough in hooded outfits and dangerous looking blades dripping with some moisture.

Velencia waves over about 8 more men, 4 more come from out of the forest.

Chance steps forward and Griffin’s eyes grow big, afraid of what he might do. “Rawek, come on now, you know what happened last time” he says, eyeing the bird up.

From what they could tell Rawek smiles “I know young Champion, (chirp) that is why I am here and why it is important you do not interfere. I received visions from our *squawk* Lord, when we spoke last year, made me see clearly again for the first time in a decade.”

Chance looks perplexed, “wait, did you..” Griffin interrupts immediately, “M’Lord, we have more pressing concerns,” as he looks around being surrounded by Rawek’s and Velencia’s goons.

Velencia is intrigued. Walks over to Chance, who glares at her, eyes turning to slits. “Oh he is still bent out of shape, I have an ace in the hole with blondie girl, she hates you more than I do.” she laughs, thinking she would get under his skin and she was right. “Maybe we can invite her here and she can take care of you.”

Chance, with precision and speed grabs the priestess and slams her against the nearest tree. She lets out a large “oooff.” Everyone’s eyes bulge and weapons are drawn. Everyone is eyeing each other up, waiting for the next move.

Griffin steps forward as people look anxious “Easy now!!” he yells, “they have history, it’s not a good one. there is bound to be a little tension. Chance enough, do not make this worse than it already is.” he says, almost commanding you.

The Priestess gets a big smile across her face, just letting him make it worse.

Chance swallows hard, still painful to him. “She won’t be coming…” He says seething, gripping tighter, pushing harder, “She is… dead… I killed her.”

The smile quickly fades from the Priestesses’ face realizing he was not joking and she struggles a bit to get free. By then Griffin has walked over and takes the big man’s arm, pulls him away from her. She glances at Griffin who all but confirms his statement, Chance killed the girl in cold blood. Chance’s face flushes and he looks down, too many emotions right now.

“Put them in that hole over in the ruins” she says looking around, not wanting to prolong this any further. She is waiting for the resistance. She even drew her dual long Kukri’s that looked horrific, in that if they entered anything, it would be worse having them leave.

The culmination of the group’s maturity and experience overtook them. There was no resistance. The group looked at the 40-50 people, and the 6 creatures that just came with Rawek. Plus the birdman would have unlimited creatures from the underearth and realized it made no sense to resist, they would most likely fail and who knows what else would spawn from that. Their weapons were taken from them and they were led to a large trap door inside some ruins.

They had to jump down, so each went into the hole. The trap door is shut on top about 10 feet above them. The group was really quiet for a few minutes. “Well… fuck” Griffin says shattering the quiet, “smells like ass, like someone ripped ass for a month.”

Chances and Dhinoco’s eyes adjust and they both start to look around. The Champion walks along a wall checking for anything. The Onyx Elf follows suit on the opposite wall. The rest of them sit in almost complete darkness, only a shard of light comes through the trap door.

“So what now?” Griffin says, just standing still not knowing what to do. He looks around just barely able to see a few of the people. “Chance, what are you doing?”

“Looking around, dark vision, elf, remember? I think Dhinoco is doing the same” he says, stopping and then walking towards the Dwarf, “Did you need me for something?”

“I don’t see anything, dust, stone wall, stone floor and nothing else, damn” Dhinoco says. But as he finishes that he lets out a scared yelp and he back pedals so fast he runs into Simone making her almost fall over.

Everyone starts to freak, and then they can see it. Two eyes, red staring at them from the corner of the room. “She sent us down here with a beast, awesome, why am I not surprised” Griffin says with some disgust. “Probably something from the underearth.”

Both Chance and Dhinoco are trying to see it. The Onyx Elf starts to say “I can see the eyes and maybe a rough outline but nothing more, wow, it’s hard to see.”

Chance steps forward, “Hello” he says not knowing what else to say. He has his hand on his necklace just in case.

Whatever it is, it starts to make noise, audible, like it was trying to talk. But it was incomprehensible. Then it starts to light up a little, a red aura of sorts, and they can all see it better. The mouth is moving, sound is coming out but it’s just rubbish.

Everlee gingerly walks over to it, she places her hand on her necklace of Animax, she whispers something. She looks up to this red glowing creature and starts to produce the same type of babble back. Its eyes got big, excited and spoke back. For a few minutes the sound of them going back and forth is all that could be heard.

“Sounds like they are having a stroke, anyone smelling toast?” Griffin muses and gets a chuckle out of Simone.

Simone quietly says “she can speak all languages for a short time with the help of Animax, so I am guessing that is what she is doing.”

Everlee walks over to the group and what you can tell her eyes are huge and her demeanor is different. “Her name is Kylaris, she was captured by Velencia, but since they couldn’t understand each other, she just through her in here.”

She glances back and then back to the group “she claims to be from the other side” she says, “I wasn’t sure what she meant but after further discussion I figured out… she is from across the ever-shimmer.”

Everyone looks at each other, Griffin mumbles “rubbish, she is playing you.”

She shakes her head, “No reason to be untruthful and I even asked Animax for the truth. She was true.” She sighs a bit “she said she was from the Far Brizicraks Region, not from around here obviously, never heard of that before. She also spoke of a portal and an underground labyrinth, and I am guessing that is the stronghold and Finsters abode.”

The group is quiet, thinking over what they heard. “So there is a portal to the other side of… this world?” Chance says with as much a statement as it was a question, “does that mean the Hall of Whispers also has this same portal?”

“That could very well be” Everlee says quietly, still thinking, “the flowers might grow around this phenomena, maybe it does something to the soil.”

Almost at the same time Dash and Dhinoco blurted out “We noticed the trees getting smaller, less healthy as we rode, but did not think of it at the time, a side effect maybe?”

Everlee sighs, “I can only talk for so long, I let her know that we don’t speak her language and that we can try and communicate differently once my spell wears off” she touches her necklace, “I think she has been here for a few days…”

Then the door opens, light beams down and a head pops in “Chance?” a voice comes in, “Velencia only wants that… umm… I think she said dill-hole?”

Chance shakes his head and sighs.

Then a rope ladder drops in.

Turn Based Starts Here

Chance: look back at the rest of the group, give a bit a look with some apprehension
and then grab the rope ladder.

DMaster: VOICE: Come on, come on, we don’t have all day.

Chance: Chan: I am coming give me a minute would you.
Look over to griffin.
Chan: and before you say it Griffin I will try to not lose my cool.
I start climbing up the rope ladder.

DMaster: Griffin has his eyes real big.
GRI: It’s not like we are going to know…
DAS: We might, dead bodies getting thrown in the hole (giggles).
you get to the top and the light is blinding, but you stumble along and back into the camp.

Chance: holding my hand to my eyes so that my eyes can readjust to the light as I walk back into the camp. keeping myself as calm as possible thinking it would be for the best right now, as I am looking around as I am being guided

DMaster: There are two Finsters goons and two of Raweks creatures guiding you along into the camp and into the largest tent.

Chance: Looking around as I enter the tent with no expression on my face and hands by my side.

DMaster: Velencia is at a table, leaning back, with a knife, whittling an apple and eating some of the slices. She is in a long flowing robe, her boobs pushed up and some fur around the collars. Her eyes go big.
VEL: Ahhhh the Chump.

Chance: Sigh.
Chan: Must we always be like this Priestess? Are you still mad that you devoted your life to Finster and he picked some do-gooder as his Champion.

DMaster: She smirks
VEL: Mad? No… confused as fuck, yes. Though killing your best friends sister now… that is not doing good.
You hear noise come from a sectioned off area, out walks a shorter man, or bird with what appears to be armor on with a metal beak protector.
RAW: Its… heavy.
Velencia looks back and smiles.
VEL: You’d get used to it, actually it looks pretty bad ass.

Chance: eyes get big seeing him in armor.

DMaster: RAW: Ahhhh Champion…
VEL: He looks good doesn’t he?
She looks back at you.

Chance: Chan: I am not here to judge how he looks in the armor…
Look at the two.
Chan: Am I?

DMaster: He sits and slowly takes off the mask.
RAW: Hmmm, I can breathe good too.
He looks at the Priestess.
RAW: Thank you my Priestess.
She smiles and nods.

Chance: Chan: so why am I here, as if my opinion really matters?

DMaster: She then turns her attention back to you.
VEL: Sit already, you whine like a mule.
She tosses you an apple.

Chance: Catch the apple and grab a chair. just looking at them both.

DMaster: VEL: I didn’t think you had it in you.
She is staring at you slowly shaking her head.

Chance: Chan: it’s not something I care to relive.
looking down feeling my face flush.

DMaster: She smiles and shakes her head.
VEL: Oh… I meant, twins, really? It is bad enough there was going to be one spawn running around, now there are two?

Chance: Eyes getting bigger, feeling frantic.
Chan: How do you know that?
Feel a little anger build.

DMaster: She has this shit eating grin on her face and Shrugs her shoulders. A woman comes from the back, and stands by the Priestess. Blonde hair, expressionless face. Pretty girl that is wearing some dark plain clothes.

Chance: Chan: my family is none of your concern and I swear by Finsters fire if you think of harming them.
look back up tightening my fists.

DMaster: She glances over to Rawek and back to you.
RAW: When I was a little less…
VEL: Brain functioning.
He squawks a bit in a chuckle.
RAW: I did things that were less than pleasant. Finster was quite clear about when Children were involved.
The Priestess gives you an uncanny warm smile.
VEL: They are the children of Finster, I mean you are an absolute douche bag, but I hold Khamyra in the highest regards, and you are unfortunately the champion. We wouldn’t harm a hair on their head, they are under our protection.

Chance: Look at them not believing them.
Chan: okay, now I am confused as all hell.

DMaster: They look at you. Eyebrows raised

Chance: Chan: I mean don’t get me wrong, I would be happy to know they have added protection but at the same time our mutual dislike of each other…
look at her, eyebrow raised

DMaster: RAW: (chirp) I know you think of Velencia as an enemy, we can’t change that, but when the chips are down, we are going to be fighting on the same side. Squawk, after that glorious day, you two can go at it.
He glances over to you and starts pecking at a pear. Velencia looks at the girl next to her.
VEL: Well don’t be a slag, get our guest a drink.

Chance: Chan: I mean if it had not been for our Priestess here you may not still have a Champion, some of what happened is because of her.

DMaster: The blonde girl jumps to, pours a mug of ale and puts it in front of you. Velencia scoffs.
VEL: Don’t remind me of that disastrous day.

Chance: take a small sip of ale and then look back at the Priestess.
Chan: oh I plan on reminding you of it Priestess, I am still trying to figure out why he chose me. although I do enjoy my conversations with our lord.

DMaster: VEL: Ate sour meat or bad gas…
Rawek squawks in a laugh.
RAW: Now priestess…
VEL: So what are we going to do? I really don’t want to hold you guys down there. One half I want to hold down there in that cesspool of stink for their stunt last year, the other half I want to kill but won’t. If I did we would have the hammer of Animax on our doorstep.

Chance: Taking another swig of Ale and leaning forward.
Chan: I can’t beleive that a woman as powerful as you could be stuck in a basement for a week with only some little handcuffs holding her down.
Starign her down.

DMaster: She wriggles her mouth a little, a smirk forming.
VEL: I had a bad week ok?
Giving you a look as to say, shut up and move on.

Chance: Nod head, lean back.
Chan: So where do we find common ground?

DMaster: VEL: I figured you would be useful…
She looks to Rawek and nods.
RAW: We are proposing an exchange of information.
VEL: It’s why we chose you to come up the hole, we can bypass the politics.

Chance: Chan: of course I am not big on Politics.

DMaster: RAW: We will take the first step.
VEL: Wait, we will?
She shoots the bird a look. He nods.
VEL: Fine, I am tired of being out here anyways. Conditions apply though, we will need you to go somewhere for us.

Chance: Chan: ahhh and here we go, and just where would I be going?

DMaster: She smiles.
VEL: What I believe will be the entrance or gateway to the Hall of Whispers. We want you to go, I am not sure any of us could make it… alive.

Chance: Chan: and you think I can because I am Finster’s Champion?

DMaster: She nods and Raweks also nods

Chance: Chan: well as much as we agree to disagree, I will share something with you. I had a vision, which has never happened to me before. (DM: Not true but continue) I saw what I think was the Hall of Whispers but the big gem stone on the door looked broken.

DMaster: Their eye brows raise.
RAW: A door?
Velencia looks at the bird and then back to you, scowling a bit.
VEL: No you daft twit, not a door or a window. Hall of Whispers is not some building to just stroll into.

Chance: Chan: well, I am not sure if its a Portal I mean all this is new to me.

DMaster: RAW: No Chance, what we mean is a portal under Finsters stronghold, it should lead us to the Hall of Whispers.
RAW: That is the vision I got from him.
Velencia interrupting him.
VEL: Well not exactly.
He shrugs his feathers.

Chance: Chan: It’s all a bit much for me, I might need your help understanding most of this.

DMaster: RAW: OK. Apart from that, I am not sure we will fully understand. I am even more curious, why the hell are you and your group here at Knightsmoor?
VEL: And… and! Why you working with Everbitch and her red headed beast!
Chance (Todd) goes on to explain, but does not give a straight answer. The two questioning Chance are getting frustrated and confused. We pick up after jumping over 15 minutes of rhetoric in which he blurts out things about a map, working together and the Iron Wench. None of it making much sense.

DMaster: They glance at each other.
VEL: No you pea brain, why are you HERE. In Knightsmoor?

Chance: Chan: must you always be insulting Priestess, I am actually trying to be civil.

DMaster: VEL: When brains were being handed out you ran right into the dumb tree.
Velencia is giggling and she smacks the girl, the girl fake laughs. She throws her knife on the table frustrated with the Champion who just didn’t seem to want to answer the question.
RAW: !Squawk! Chance, I apologize for our host here, but I am dumb founded, the question we are asking you is why is your group HERE?
His feathery hands pointing down to the ground.

Chance: Chan: thank you Master Invoker, we thought maybe Knightsmoor had something to do with this Iron Wench, hell maybe we are grasping at straws.
I explain what all transpired with the map and Saundra.

DMaster: DM: I take liberties in the information that was given to move this along. Chance explains about the meeting with Saundra, the map, the puff of smoke. How they figured out about midnight jade and why they are essentially here.
RAW: Whoa…(squawk).
Velencia is staring at you, she looks upset, face is growing red. Her eyes turn to slits and slowly looks at the bird who is tapping his beak in deep thought.
VEL: Goddamit Rawek!!
He almost falls off the chair completely scared by her response to him.
VEL: You plan, prepare and drag us all out here for “the gateway to the Hall of Whispers” and now we are finding out there is an entirely different location that probably IS the Hall. FUCK! I think I have more bug bites on my fucking ass than I have had on my entire body in a year!
She stands up and throws her apple out the tent in disgust. Rawek looked as worried as a bird can look.
RAW: The vision Priestess, The flower, the portal, connection to Knightsmoor…

Chance: Chan: what if maybe there is a portal here? I think we have a connection to it, kind of. The thing in the hole you threw us in, we found a way to talk with her.

DMaster: They both stop instantly and look at you.
VEL: You can speak to that smelly thing?!

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Everlee can, something that Animax gave her the ability to do. It seems that creature is from the other side of Legon

DMaster: They glance at each other, Velencia’s shoulders sink.
VEL: I am fucking losing it. When Everbitch is ahead of the game… wow.
RAW: It’s a “she,” Chance, and she looks, acts…
VEL: Smells…
Rawek squawks.
RAW: She acts like a creature from the underearth, but she is not?

Chance: Chan: According to Everbitch, er I mean Everlee she is not from the underearth, she thinks she is from the portal, from the other side of Legon, across the ever shimmer. Everlee also said something about Animax knowing if she wasn’t truthful and she was true.

DMaster: Velencia looks like her mind is blown, She sits heavily back into her chair.
VEL: Girl, fetch me my spirits.
The blonde girl runs out of the tent. She looks over to Rawek who is trying to look innocent as a bird can look.

Chance: Chan: So there still could be a portal down there, we just don’t know exactly where.

DMaster: VEL: So where the fuck does this portal lead to? Hall of Whispers? Across the ever-shimmer? The VIP at Fycons?
The girls comes back in with a fancy bottle of what you think is Iraxacan whiskey.
VEL: We know, without contestation, that this is Finster’s abode at one time.
She pours her a small glass.
VEL: Care for some?

Chance: Eyes perk up, nod my head.

DMaster: She looks over to Rawek.
VEL: Care for some too?
He shakes his head. The girl puts down a small glass and pours you one. Velencia raises her glass.
VEL: To wasting a week for a fucking big ass slug to make it here, only to find out this is probably not going to lead us to the Hall of Whispers….
She downs it. Rawek looks down.
VEL: By the way, any word?
Rawek chirps, The girl looks at Rawek, then walks over to him, shaking a little. He cuts her palm, drains some blood on the staff, he stands, rubs it on, tapping the ground he bows his head. The bird glows a little, and the wind picks up a little. Odd scene.
VEL: So dramatic.
Rawek finishes his thing, he looks at her.
RAW: My Priestess, ummm no word.
She sighs, tilts her head back.
VEL: A great devouring worm that has no sense of direction, fucking great.

Chance: Chan: So then what is wishbone way?

DMaster: Velencia looks at you.
VEL: You said you had a vision that Wishbone Way was the “door” to the Hall of Whispers?! My God, you can’t focus for a half minute can you.

Chance: Sigh a bit and take sip of the whiskey realizing she is right, I blurt things out and I don’t pay attention.
Chan: I know someone who would really like this a lot.
get a small smile on my face as I think of Khamyra.

DMaster: Like all of a sudden it clicks to the Priestess.
VEL: and, and… AND. Midnight Jade grows there!
Rawek nods his head, waiting to get yelled at again.

Chance: Chan: yes it does.

DMaster: Her face turning red looking at the bird from the corner of her eye.
RAW: How the “squawk” would I know there was another place that had Midnight Jade?!?
She is taking deep breaths. Shaking her head she blurts out.
VEL: Do you think you can keep your group under control as we figure this shit out?

Chance: Chan: Griffin and Dash I am sure I can, Everlee, Simone and Dino I am not so sure. I can certainly try to but it’s not like they are followers of Finster and there is already tension in my group.
lean back in my chair.

DMaster: VEL: Hannah get the guards to release Griffin, bring him here.
She nods and runs out holding her palm. Rawek almost in a trance, as far as you can tell speaks:
RAW: Wishbone way… a door with a broken gem. Midnight Jade, and a Champions vision. We found it Priestess!
Her eyes big, in shock that he said this.
VEL: You’re as quick as a whip, aren’t you bird!
He recoils a bit, squawks at her.

Chance: shaking my head wondering what he just yelled at her in bird.

DMaster: Griffin comes in and looks around.
GRI: M’Lord, I was half expecting to find the Priestess in parts.
VEL: Ahhhh, ha…. No.
She leans forward, eyes turn to slits.
VEL: Sit dwarf.

Chance: Chan: I told you I would keep myself in check Griffin.

DMaster: He sits and nods.
GRI: What is it Priestess?
She glances over to Rawek, the bird reacts.
RAW: No, it was insurance, you don’t need it anymore.
She smiles.
VEL: So how is Reneta?
Griffin slowly looks back to Velencia, baffled.
GRI: I don’t know really, why?
Shrugging his shoulders.
RAW: My Priestess… now is not the time (squawk).
She stands up, annoyed by Rawek.
VEL: Yes, it is always time.
She nods at Hannah and the blonde girl walks over grabs this ornate metal container.
VEL: Want to say Hi to her Dwarf?
You see Griffin’s eyes get real big, face getting flush.

Chance: looking over as I see Griffin’s reaction.
Chan: Priestess you said you wanted me to keep my group under control this isn’t helping now is it?

DMaster: He looks like he is ready to pounce.

Chance: Lean over, put my hand on his arm to make sure he isn’t going to try and strangle the Priestess.
Chan: (quietly) calm down and don’t even think about it.

DMaster: VEL: See what happens when you cross me, or kidnap me for a week? Your soul gets jammed into a jar!
Griffin, now looks confused,
GRI: Wait what? This isn’t her ashes?
Velencia gives him a sincere hurt look.
VEL: No! She is my best… strike that, WAS my best friend, but after I found out she has been feeding you information behind my back, I took her soul. Her body is in a safe cold place.
Rawek looks down then kind of glances as you as far as you can tell.

Chance: glance back at Rawek and then to Griffin.

DMaster: She thumbs the girl to put it back.
VEL: Leave you two.
Pointing at you and Rawek.
VEL: Me and Griffin have to talk.

Chance: Chan: You better not hurt him or so help me Priestess.
Gripping my fists tighter, lean in a little.

DMaster: Rawek grab your arm, power transfers back and forth and you both gasp a little but he drags you out.

Chance: Trying to calm myself down as he drags me out.
Chan: she wants me to keep my group under control then she does something like that.
cursing under my breath.

DMaster: He chirps and shakes his head.
RAW: Chance, your group forcibly kidnapped her last time. Held her against her will for a week. What exactly did you think she was going to do, she came prepared. CHIRP Griffin won’t dare do anything, and will protect her, because she has his… girlfriend I am guessing, by her soul.
He guides you farther away from the tent and away from other people. He talks in a hushed tone.

Chance: Scoff.
Chan: There is no way those little bracelets held her for so long. She is a turd-stain but she is powerful.

DMaster: Rawek looks to the Champion with a smile.
RAW: I agree. But she has been hush hush about it since, so I am not sure what to think.
Sighs and taps his beak.
RAW: Velencia is extremely ambitious and motivated, and Finster sees a lot of himself in Velencia, and he loves that. “squawk” She has been given the ability to extract souls. I only found out when she helped get my half assed brain back to normal after the visit with you and Finster in the Teeter Wind Plains. Took the soul right out of me, it was odd, I was like in a void, then I was jammed back into my body and each time she did that I seemed better. Completely (chirp) fucked in the head, but better.

Chance: Chan: wait, how would that even work? How is it just sitting in that container?

DMaster: RAW: Chance.
he pauses.
RAW: She can eat the soul too, for lack of better terms, she gets power and from what I gather if it is not permanent then she has it for a while.
He looks at you with big bird eyes and lets out a chirp or two.
RAW: She is the most dangerous thing on Legon right now. (shudders) Surpasses me. There is no end in sight for her ambition. Finster will continue to fuel this, it is what he did when he was on Legon. I fear that it might end badly. For well… everyone… all of Legon.

Chance: Chan: hmmm maybe that’s why Finster made me his Champion.

DMaster: He grabs your arm again and leans in.
RAW: DO not repeat this to anyone.

Chance: nod my head.

DMaster: RAW: She tried to “eat” your soul last year. Couldn’t do it. I don’t know if she was just learning the power or what but she couldn’t do it. Also she did not want to eat the souls of her “allies” that had her captured, even though she was pissed.
Pauses a moment and smiles.
RAW: I am with you, I think she was playing along with them for some reason.

Chance: Chan: what do you mean she couldn’t do it?(quietly)

DMaster: He shakes his head.
RAW: Are you not paying attention Champion?
Just then Griffin comes out of the Tent.
GRI: Velencia, I swear to Finster.
Velencia waltz out.
VEL: Oh stop. She is good and chilly, staying fresh for another week or so, give or take.
He looks defeated, Velencia waves some guards to go get the rest of the group.

Chance: Look to Rawek and nod my head and then look to Griffin.

DMaster: The group is heading over.
DASH: Ohhh fresh air, oh my god, it was like walking into the bathroom after Griffin took a hot one.

Chance: shake my head.

DMaster: They walk over. There is a huge fire in the middle of the camp, roasting some deer, a pig and some other things. A table sits there with a few people preparing food. Almost everyone is looking at it drooling.
VEL: Welcome again, why don’t you pathetic sad sacks go to the far corner and figure out what you are going to do.
She scoffs and waves Rawek into the tent.

Chance: Chan: come everyone we need to talk.
lead everyone to the far corner and start talking.

DMaster: The Champion discusses what happened and what to do. Not much was accomplished, so we picked up at the tail end of the conversation.
EVE: Yes yes… but where does that leave us. We still need to see what the hell is in the bowels of that stronghold. I am sure Magus Orion has a small army heading this way by now if they are not here already. I can’t even imagine that Camerondale is going to sit idly by either, we are only a stone’s throw from them and on their allies land.

Chance: Chan: just grand if that is the case we don’t need an all out war right now, we are stuck in the middle of this you do realize that.
Realizing that Magus Orion is Azatina’s Kingdom, hmmmmm.
Chan: Well then, Everlee, what do you suggest? I know of someone in Magnus Orion but what are the chances she is in the Town? Damn, if this even gets back to Camerondale…
tightening my fists.
Chan: this could turn into a war really quick which I don’t want, opinions everyone please.
looking over at Griffin.

DMaster: Griffin is not paying attention.
EVE: I might have some influence but I am also not stupid, I don’t have the best reputation. With the Temple, yes, but not with town folk.

Chance: Chan: well not like I can just waltz in to town.
shooting Everlee a look.

DMaster: She shakes her head slightly confused.
EVE: Why not? You, Dash and Dino and probably Griffin can.
SIM: They don’t know who you are or where you came from.
EVE: Hmmmm not a bad idea.

Chance: Chan: okay and just what am I gonna say.

DMaster: EVE: My god, Finster is not much for brains huh? NOTHING. Just find out the situation, see if there is an army there.
Everlee glances over to Griffin who is in deep thought.

Chance: Chan: okay, I suppose that could work but maybe just me Dash and Dino go.

DMaster: Everlee shakes her head.
EVE: Two should be fine, three… Nothing to garner attention. You and Dash…
Everlee looks annoyed.
EVE: Griffin, what is up your ass?
Griffin looks up.
GRI: Yes, Chance and Dash.

Chance: Chan: I think for now me and Dash should go.

DMaster: EVE: Brilliant deduction!
She gives you a look like WTF, Simone giggles.
GRI: Enough Cleric.
He looks up puts hand on weapon.

Chance: Put my hand on the dwarfs arm.
Chan: I am big enough to take all the jabs they dish out, just let people hear what they are like, it’s not hard to figure them out.

DMaster: He doesn’t back down, except to take his hand away from his weapon.
EVE: Well go Champion, before the snow flies.

Chance: Chan: let’s go Dash before I say something I might regret later.
look over at the group one last time and shake my head.
Chan: Dash I hope your eyes are almost as good as Whitlock’s.

DMaster: Dash frowns at you, and he shrugs his shoulders. Chance and Dash visit the Priestess and tell her what they want to do. She seemed to not give a shit, so she gives them their weapons and off they go towards the town.

Chance: Gear up. Tell Dash to do the same.

DMaster: He gears up as well.You head towards the road, when you get there, all your horses are still there. Some roaming around eating grass. Does not seem like a lot of traffic has passed. Its partly cloudy a bit chilly and a slight breeze.

Chance: Chan: as if the tensions wasn’t enough between our group then I have to deal with that nasty bitch.

DMaster: you guys get on the horses and head in. You can see people in the distance after riding for a minute, you two slow down. Dash is squinting and then looks back at you

Chance: Chan: can you tell from this distance Dash?
I will squint and see if I can see

DMaster: DAS: I am not Whitlock M’Lord.
saying it somewhat annoyed.

Chance: Chan: well guess we are just gonna have to get closer then.

DMaster: you get a bit closer and you notice what seems to be puddles, scorch marks on the ground and trees, burned limbs,trees are broken down, a few weapons scattered.
DAS: Uhhh I think a battle took place here.

Chance: Chan: well I think we are getting confirmation on that but we need to be sure.
look to see how close we are to Knightsmoor.

DMaster: You see them eyeing you up.
DAS: They spotted us.

Chance: Chan: well they don’t know us so that’s to our advantage, at least I hope it is anyways.

DMaster: Some guards of Magus Orion approach cautiously.
GUA: Who goes there?

Chance: Chan: My name is Chance Axion this is my traveling Companion Dash.

DMaster: noise is heard around you.
DAS: Uhhh M’Lord… he looks around. Incoming!
Creatures pop up out of the earth, those hooded figures. The guards jump back, look and their eyes bulge. Three of them look humanoid size while the fourth seems bigger, nastier.

Chance: Chan: damn it.

DMaster: Toby spooks but you are ready for it this time, jumping off landing on your feet.

Battle Written Out

The first creature, known as a Darkling, throws one of his many daggers at the first unsuspecting guard. “Thud,” hits him right in the chest making him stagger back (9hp).

The second creature seeing the success of the first lunges at that same guard stabbing him in the gut. The guard winces and is losing control of his weapon and footing. Blood comes out of the wound (11hp), he falls to one knee.

The third darkling slashes at the Champion who was not ready for it. Because these creatures had the advantage their success and damage was greater. Chance was looking at the ones in front, but did not take notice of the one in back. Pain sears through the Champion’s body as a dagger is drug down it halfway gouging it open, blood flying, armor ripping (19hp).

DM: The Darkling rolled a 20. Giggling ensued.

What seemed to be the leader of the group, the fourth elder darkling attacks Chance. As Chance is getting jacked from the back, this one jams its short sword right into the side of the quarter elf making him gasp (15hp). Digs deep and the poison takes hold (2hp per round 3 rounds)

With that, Chance takes off his necklace, and starts to transform. He then decides he is going to situate himself with his sword and shield. That took his first round.

Dash jumps off the back of his horse, in mid air he grabs his bow and by the time he lands he already has an arrow strung, he fires at the first Darkling, hitting him square in the neck. What you think would be blood is not, just a dark like liquid splattered (4hp). Because of his uncanny speed he fires again but he was too quick, the arrow sails past the 3rd ones head. “Bullocks!” he yells.

The first guard that was hit twice immediately makes a valiant effort to stand, but stumbles and falls flat on the ground, unconscious.

Out of his element, the 2nd guard swings his halberd wildly hoping to hit anything and does exactly the opposite. A loud SWOOSH sound is all it did.

The first Darkling with an arrow in him, angers and just plunges a dagger down into the unconscious gaurd’s skull killing him (dead).

Chance is recovering from his first gutting as the 2nd Darkling attacks him. He blocks it with his shield, his reactionary response puts the hidden dagger out and slashes but misses by only an inch or two.

DM: out of 8 rolls for the enemies so far, Chance drew 5 attacks. LOLing.

The third Darkling, still somewhat behind him stabs him in the side making him wince with pain, blood spurts out. “Dammit man, attack someone else!” He yells (6hp).

With the yell kept the Darkling – big guys’ attention on him and he swings wildly at Chance who parries the attack skillfully.

Chance is now in full blown Champion mode and he heals himself (8hp). Then he swings his sword at the 3rd Darkling who keeps stabbing him and it slices the creature down the side of his arm. Black gooey stuff flies out (4hp)

DM: Second time they have rolled a “1” for damage.

Dash is looking around and sees that this big guy is having free reign. He notches an arrow and lets it fly. THOCK, right in the side of its head, it flinches, grabs the arrow, rips it out and throws it to the ground (8hp). “damn, he didn’t even hesitate.”

The last guard looks like he shat himself, glances back and sees that the help he thought would be coming is not. He turns and runs back to the town. A darkling flings a dagger but misses, sailing right over his head.

Readjusting the miss, the first Darkling jumps towards Dash and lunges its dagger. Dash oddly enough, was not fast enough and it got him in the shoulder. Dash winces a bit then throws the creature away as its force was bringing him too close (6hp).

As he was dealing with the first one, the second Darkling stabs him right in the back making him yelp a bit. Blood is pouring out both wounds (6hp).

DM: Last three attacks have rolled with max damage on both Dash and Chance, dice are HATING him right now

Chances nemesis the third Darkling strikes again and connects with a dagger across his arm, of course the wrong side of the shield. Blood sprays across the road and hits a tree (4hp).

The big Darkling grabs Dash by the armor, as Dash was trying to free himself the creature slashes him across chest sending the Ranger back a bit (7hp) but the poison does not make it in for this one.

Chance heals himself (11hp) giving himself a little relief despite getting (2+2hp) poison damage that gives him a headache. He then turns quickly to slash at the third Darkling and misses completely.

Dash wipes blood off his hands, and grabs an arrow lines up the first Darkling, “thock” and before the creature could react, Dash strung another arrow and “thock.” THe creature crumples a bit, then it just falls into a pile of armor and daggers, smoldering, sparking. “M’Lord, I do not like this!!”

Kaboom!

The creature explodes. Chance rolls away from it but still takes a little damage (1hp – used his evasion). Dash in time covers his wounded face and the fire burns just a little (3hp). The two underlings both knew enough to get out of the way, but the big guy gets a face full of explosive Darkling (7hp).

The second creature attacks Dash but in a deliberate fashion, not really looking to land, but to draw his attention. The 3rd Darkling stabs Dash in the side of his stomach making him jump back (7hp) and that leads to the big guy slashes so hard and fast Dash had no chance. The Ranger stumbles so hard back he lands square on his back (Crit – 24hp) half his face open to wounds, blood gushing out. Dash is stunned, eyes huge, never has he been hit so hard or so bad before. Blood just poured off him, with poison seeping in.

By then, the Champion had enough. He starts to pulsate, eyes flickering from blue to black to red back to blue. Dash is wiping his face of blood and sees this, and he knows what is about to happen. He runs and jumps behind a tree.

The Champion turns to that goddamn 3rd Darkling. Grabs it by its throat and rips its head clean off. The Champion throws the body across the road, oddly enough helps with the explosion as Chance takes little but the 2nd gets it full on. The big guy squares up to the Champion who is so fast, like a machine. He slashes once with his sword, pretty much cutting the Darkling Elder in half, with the dagger already out of his shield he drives it into the Creature so hard he runs him to a tree. It was an instantaneous explosion, the Champion did not even flinch. He turns and the 2nd Darklin stabs the crazy eyed enemy in the stomach only to have him rip his arm out of socket. The stab mark healed itself. He grabs it by the head and hip and crashes it down hard on his knee causing it to instantly die and before he could throw the dead creature it explodes.

Back To Turn Based

DMaster: Everything turns to a blur, it gets dark. Your eyes snap open, you are holding a handkerchief. You have burn marks all over you. The armor is singed, burnt and full of holes and gashes. Some of the trees still have a little flame on them, some are still glowing

Chance: looking around, as I snap out of it

DMaster: GRI: M’Lord? Are you there?
DAS: I don’t know man, he just went ballistic, I dove out of the way and watched explosions…
GRI: I could feel him, my necklace let me know, so I knew enough to find him. You ok, thats a nasty wound on your face.
DAS: I’ll live, they were coordinated and those fucking guards.

Chance: Cough and look back at Dash.
Chan: Damn it are you okay Dash.

DMaster: You are on your side, elbow holding you up barely. You look further back. Velencia, Rawek, Everlee, Simone, Griffin, Dash and Dhinoco are just standing there staring at you.
VEL: How the hell is THAT going to protect our Lord.
She lets out a scoff and then a laugh.

Chance: Shake my head.
Chan: not what I really intended to do but…

DMaster: DAS: Oh shit, we got company.
Velencia smirks.
VEL: Well I guess now is as good as anytime to talk with them.
After a few minutes you can hear the army moving closer.

Chance: hand goes to the necklace immediately, reach in my pants and put the necklace on.

DMaster: Once the necklace is on, everything goes blurry. Griffin is there with his hand on your shoulder. The pain shoots through you, the burns, stabs, slashes even the poison. You start to cough and you spit blood out.
GRI: M’Lord, maybe you should keep the necklace on…

Chance: Chan: I forget the after effects of my frenzy and no, we can’t risk them knowing.

DMaster: A huge massive army lined up is marching towards you.

Chance: Chan: just grand I am in no shape for this Griffin.

DMaster: At the front is men with large shields, behind them men with pole-arms, then behind them dozens of archers.
GRI: Just stay down. I can only hope Velencia doesn’t have them unleash hell, they look serious.

Chance: Chan: like I could do anything but stay down right now.
Cough more blood.

DMaster: Velencia is talking with Rawek, she nods. The army gets close.
VEL: Who leads this rabble?
MAN: Not how this works! WE ask the questions on OUR land. Who do I speak with?
She frowns.
VEL: Fine, Velencia, High Priestess of Finster.
Gasps, whats erupt. They start talking behind the shield wall, “She was right, it is her…” was heard. Vel smiles.
MAN: What is your business on Magus Orion land?
VEL: I came to relax a bit, you know. But I am staying for this warm and… inviting hospitality.
She says with sharp wit and sarcasm.

Chance: looking over as best I can.

DMaster: After a minute, what sounds like some arguing. You hear, “you should not be here, with all due respect…”
MAN: We need to know who else accompanies you!
After a few moments of silence.
VEL: Well, don’t let the poor man just sit there shitting his trousers.
GRI: Griffin Onyxcloak.
DAS: Diirk Kuligall.
DHI: Dhinoco.
RAW: Rawek (Squawk) Sorry…
MAN: The poor sod on the ground.
Velencia giggles and smiles wide, she shoots you a look.

Chance: Chan: Chance Axion…
as I muster what energy I can.

DMaster: You can now audibly hear arguing, a man and woman. “Princess! Not now, dammit!” After a minute you hear the man say again.
MAN: M’Lady, NO, NO!
Out bursts someone from the shields. Walking bold and striding for you.
AZA:Chance?!?
You see Azatina walking for you, concern in her eyes.

Chance: Chan: Azatina!!!
Cough cough.

DMaster: She runs for you followed by what seems to be very powerful guards. Griffin is taken aback, steps away as the guards tentatively cover her, weapons drawn, shields at the ready. she has her crown on, she kneels into the dirt looking at you.
AZA: what the hell are you doing here? Are you ok?
Her radiant blue eyes beaming back at you.

Chance: Smile and cough again, shake my head.
Chan: I forgot how beautiful you were. Damn.
Look at myself.
Chan: I would bow but I am in no shape to M’lady as you can see.

DMaster: She blushes and puts her hand on your shoulder.
AZA: I am thoroughly offended Chance Axion.
she starts to laugh.
AZA: Get this man some help, NOW!
The two guards are armed up, shields, long swords eyeing up the group. Griffin is just looking at you two amazed, as is most of the group. Azatina stops mid sentence, stands up and sees Velencia. Her face scowls, eyes turn to slits… her face and neck start to steam a little.
AZA: You!
Velencia is looking at her oddly. Waves her off, then gives her a double take.
VEL: Wait… You look familiar.

Chance: Chan: M’lady she is umm with me as much as I don’t like it.

DMaster: You can barely talk. Azatina is walking straight up to her. The guards are freaking, Another man, dressed in plate, looks to be leading this group comes rushing out.
MAN: Princess! I must contest!!!
Velencia suddenly recognizes her.
VEL: It’s you. You little fucking bitch, I didn’t recognize you with your clothes on!
her eyes grow to slits.
VEL: Oh, oh, I owe you…
RAW: Priestess NO!
Rawek physically grabs the Priestess who glowers at him in return.

Chance: Chan: Velencia not now!!!!

DMaster: It came out half cough, half spit. No one understood you.
AZA: I’ll finish the job this time you nasty piece of garbage.
Everlee steps in between them, waves her hand.
EVE: M’Lady, let’s not start a war here. They have at least a hundred troops and an unlimited supply of underearth to pick from….
Azatina stops, looks annoyed, but is thinking. Velencia is furious, red faced but Rawek is semi-controlling her. Rawek is doing everything in his power to calm her down. Everlee turns to Velencia,
EVE: We have much more important things to do than take on an army.
Giving her a “really” look.
VEL: Fuck the army I want to chop off the head of this fucking Firebrand!
Raweks head snaps to her, and his interest in Velencia wains. He is trying to look at the princess.
RAW: A… fire… brand?

Chance: Chan: Velencia enough already!!!!!

DMaster: You fully collapse. The exertion of the event took its toll. Two men walk over and help you on to a stretcher type thing. It’s a bit chaotic. Everlee playing referee, Velencia seething, Azatina worked up. A man in plate mail armor is trying to get Azatina to walk away and Rawek who is slowly walking towards Azatina. You can’t really talk, they are carrying you away
Griffin was looking back to the scene behind him, not paying attention to you.

Chance: shaking head as I am getting carried away

DMaster: Everlee bravely takes Velencia by the arm after Rawek puts his sights to Azatina.
EVE: We need to leave. Have your vengeance later,
You are going through the army that is standing on the road, there were 30 rows of men. You feel so tired. You hear Velencia yell something and Azatina barb back.

Chance: looking at everyone since that’s about all I can do, and close my eyes slightly. Great, all this land is going to war…

DMaster: just guards and troops, armed to the teeth. You actually pass out.

---

Next Day

---

DMaster: You wake up in a gorgeous room, lavish furnishings, drapes, tapestries. There is a lady in the corner of the room wringing out a cloth.

Chance: and try to prop myself up if I can.
Chan: oh Hello there

DMaster: The lady turns around, an older one, She smiles.
LADY: Oh you are awake.
She walks over and is taking a look at you. You are still in some pain, more numbing pain than anything, probably something they gave you.

Chance: Chan: if you can call it that.
Give her a small smile.
Chan: How long have I been out if I may ask?

DMaster: LADY: Evening, through the night, it is early morn, pre-cry.
Time passes for a while, you are just laying there and she leaves, walks out the door. The door closes and you can hear her walk down a hallway.

Chance: keep my ears perked as my hand goes to the necklace and take it off. Heal and then quickly put it back on and sit at the edge of the bed.

DMaster: You are completely healed. after five or so minutes, the door opens up.
AZA: Chance, you are awake.
She walks over and sits in a chair next to the bed.

Chance: Chan: M’lady not how I wanted to see you again.
giving her a small smile.

DMaster: Her eyebrow raises and she nods.
AZA: Feeling ok?

Chance: Chan: as good as I can be which always happens to me after I ummmm….
looking down at myself fully healed, just waiting for the questions to start.

DMaster: Her eyes grow big.
AZA: Your burn marks are gone, so are the wounds.
she opens your shirt.
AZA: Black Ward from Summer Isle, you are full of surprises.

Chance: Chan: no longer of the Black Ward M’lady. seems that fate set me on a different Path.
looking down.

DMaster: She looks perplexed.
AZA: Azatina, Chance, Azatina… you have seen me naked and on fire, no more M’Lady.
she smirks then stands up, walks over grabs a drink and comes back, hands it to you.

Chance: Chan: thank you. Ummm if I can ask, why are you here? It’s kind of dangerous.

DMaster: AZA: My father has been ill, our Duke is off in the Thoraxian Mountains doing god knows what, my brother is off wooing his new whore. Reports were coming in left and right and we had to send help. I fought tooth and nail to get to Knightsmoor, they did not want me to come. But as you know I can take care of myself.
She was pacing a bit then sits.
AZA: So, now questions for you, I have tons of questions about why you are wound free but there are others that need answering more.
She leans forward looking at you intently.
AZA: Why are you with the horde of Finster? They have been on our doorstep for over a week and we have had skirmishes with them the entire time. We have lost a dozen men. After seeing that nasty bitch, I am more worried than ever. She is extremely dangerous.

Chance: Chan: That answer is not easy, as you once showed me and everyone else what you were perhaps it is best I show you what I am

DMaster: she squints her eyes.
AZA: What are you talking about?

Chance: taking a deep breath and take off the necklace.

DMaster: You start to change, her eyes grow bigger and she stands up.
AZA: Uhhhh what is happening?

Chance: Chan: you see Azatina I have been chosen to be Finsters Champion.

DMaster: She then puts her hand on yours and looks at you.
AZA: Put it back on please, you have proved your point.
She glances back to the door, then back to you.
AZA: Just in case.

Chance: nod my head and put the necklace back on. I tell her about myself and everything I have done with Camerondale, in short form.

DMaster: she nods and listens, she smirks at the champion of the court.
AZA: So I get everything now, Velencia is a means to an end I am gathering, you don’t like her at all… but why are any of you camped out on the doorstep of Knightsmoor? Is there an invasion of our Kingdom, In a day or two I am sure Camerondale will be showing up full tilt. This could go full scale if this “rawek” can do what they say he can…
She looks worried and stressed.

Chance: Chan: Not an invasion and knowing you are here I would never allow that.

DMaster: She shakes her head.
AZA: Then Why?

Chance: I explain everything that has been going on short of what me and Rawek talked about. A portal in the bowels of the stronghold that was once inhabited by Finster.

DMaster: DM: Removed 15 minutes of banter, misinformation and weird anecdotes
AZA: Wait, what you are telling me, there is a portal under us? Like a portal?
Her eyes huge and looks to be having a hard time believing you.
AZA: I had to fight my father for 3 days straight to make it here, I had an inkling that disgusting woman was at the heart of this, and its all because of some fucking flowers and a legend of a portal?

Chance: Chan: that and the Priestess has a person who is from the other side of Legon.

DMaster: AZA: I am so glad I am here, no one would even start to understand any of this.
She looks at you with a sharp glance.
AZA: Other side of Legon?

Chance: explain to her about Kylaris and what was said.

DMaster: She looks furious.
AZA: This is absolute horseshit. Flowers, portals, stinky women… get your ass up NOW.
She walks back over.
AZA: Let me show you there is nothing under here and you can get the army out there up and out of here. Maybe we can save some lives today.

Chance: Chan: Yes, M’Lady… errr Azatina.

DMaster: She hands you your sword, your armor has been repaired so you get that on. You are fully geared up. She gets two guards.
AZA: Let the Captain know we are heading into the lower regions of the keep, I have to show our guest a few things, it’s very important.
They nod their head and head off down the hallway.

Chance: put my shield on my arm and look over at Azatina.
Chan: I am sorry this is happening, I know it is a lot to take in.
looking flustered.

DMaster: she smiles and you two walk down a hallway into a front entrance area. Then to the back of it, down some stairs into what looks to be a storage facility. She gets to two large double doors.
AZA: I am guessing this is where it heads down.
SHe pulls on them and they are locked.
AZA: Guards?
Even before she could finish the Captain shows up.
CAP: M’Lady, that is a restricted area.
Her eyes grow big and she twirls around looking at the guy.
AZA: Excuse me?
He looks around, puppy dog eyes.
CAP: I… I… can’t unlock those doors.
AZA: Why not?
He shrugs his shoulders.
CAP: I do not know, honestly I don’t. But I am not permitted to open them for anyone.

Chance: Raise my eyebrows, look over at Azatina.

DMaster: AZA: oh?
She smirks, pulls her sleeve up, her hand gets red symbols glowing, it starts to light up.
AZA: Step back Chance.
CAP: M’Lady!
AZA: The faster we can prove there is nothing down there, the faster the horde can leave.

Chance: I take a step back and just start smirking.

DMaster: She grabs the handles, they turn red hot and screws bolts bust out of it. She pulls and the door handle just falls out.
AZA: I wouldn’t touch that if I were you.
The captain rushes back into the entrance and is yelling for guards.

Chance: Chan well guess now it’s not locked.

DMaster: Azatina laughs.
AZA: Yup.
She opens the door and it’s a short hallway 20×40 that leads to more stairs, you two walk them, she is walking with purpose. More doors stand in front of you.

Chance: Chan: so don’t you find it odd that the Captain couldn’t answer why it was restricted

DMaster: AZA: Yeah, couldn’t…. or wouldn’t..?
She yanks on them.
AZA: Goddammit.
She sighs and looks at you.

Chance: Chan: Azatina if I may try.
grab my picks and look at the locks, study it for a second. Try it.

DMaster: ping! unlocked.

Chance: put my picks away and draw my sword.

DMaster: she pushes through. By now in the distance you can hear some movement, like armors, swords and scabbards banging etc coming from behind. It leads to a mostly vacant room, some shelves with some books, tables, a chair or two, looks like what an abandoned room would look like. Spiral staircase down and she starts down them.

Chance: follow behind her.

DMaster: AZA: How many levels does this have, you say this was Finsters place at one time? Odd

Chance: Chan: don’t you think I should take the lead since I am the one with the sword?

DMaster: She laughs.
AZA: Appreciate the thought but I doubt anything would last my initial onslaught.
you get to another level. It leads down a few hallways, you take a wrong turn, back up and then find the right way. Through another set of double doors that were not locked. A large deep spiral staircase leads down and both of you descend. It leads into a large antichamber, two huge double doors, two monster fire basins. She jumps up on the ledge to one of the basins, puts her hand in. WHOOSH It lights the room. By now you are getting a tingly sensation. You feel power flowing.

Chance: looking around.

DMaster: Her eyes bulge. Tapestries, carvings, all representing Finster. It is pretty dusty but from what you can see it’s very ornate. Even your necklace can’t stop your reaction.
your eyes are glowing, the power you feel is strong.

Chance: Chan: so much for keeping it hid.
looking at Azatina.

DMaster: its more subtle than when you take off the necklace. but its there, she is looking around the room but ends up looking into your eyes.
AZA: Amazing
She looks around the room again.
AZA: Well I guess Finster did live here huh?

Chance: Chan: Yup, my eyes are proof.

DMaster: AZA: I am sure these doors are locked too.
She walks over and stops dead. Her shoulders drop a little.
AZA: Great, doors without handles now. How are we going to open them?

Chance: walk over to the door and look at it.

DMaster: You look for traps, as usual. But there is no.
AZA: Chance, what did you just do there?

Chance: Chan: ran my hand across the door frame.

DMaster: AZA: Do it again please?
she backs up, you can hear people coming down the stairs now.

Chance: put my hand on the door.

DMaster: You see the doors light up, a huge symbol of FInster, its glowing, throbbing. The doors pop open.

Chance: give Azatina a silly smile.
Chan: it has its perks sometimes.
Shrug my shoulders.

DMaster: AZA: Oh no…
She sees a faint blue glow from inside. Just then Azatina whirls around to meet the captain and two guards. The captain’s eyes are huge.
CAP: How did you get those open?
AZA: Oh? You didn’t know what was down here huh?
CAP: M’Lady, I did not, we could not open these doors, no matter what we tried.

Chance: Chan: well you said it was restricted and didn’t know what was down here so then you have been down here to this point.
turn my head back around and look at the Captain.

DMaster: He nods, the two guards with him are looking around then squinting their eyes at you and your glowing.
AZA: You three stay here… Goddammit, if there is some dumb ass portal down here I am going to have some heads!

Chance: Chan: Azatina is that anyway for a Princess to talk.

DMaster: She shakes her head, then it hits you, the smell wafting out. She wrinkles her nose
AZA: Oh… oh my… That doesn’t smell healthy at all.

Chance: Chan: nothing good ever comes from that smell.
holding my hand near my nose, grip my sword tighter.

DMaster: You enter, It’s a huge chamber 60 feet by 80 feet. The ceiling is a good 30ft from what you can see. Debris on the ground, some odd mounds too. The walls are smooth and look to be ornate apart from the few cracks and chips. THe same smell as that woman had, sulfur and body odor. You see many things but the one thing you notice most.

Chance: Chan: Azatina do you see what I see?

DMaster: She is already just staring at it. In a far corner, a subtle pulsating blue light.
AZA: Fuck.

Chance: Chan: I would say that is a portal.

DMaster: Her shoulders fall. Then she looks around and you see bodies laying around you.
AZA: Are these bodies? Dead bodies?
Her eyes are getting big. She kneels down and looks at one.
AZA: Oh, it smells… worse than charred death. Skin is scaly, reddish tone.

Chance: look at the body she is looking at.

DMaster: You can hear a faint rushing sound and like some stones falling. You both look around and stand up. You two exchange glances. Then a slight rumble, a bit of debris falls.

Chance: Chan: might I suggest we back up Azatina. I got a bad feeling about this.
Remembering about what Vel told me and the Worm.
Chan: It couldn’t be could it?

DMaster: You both do… More rumbles. It calms down a bit.
AZA: We took over a stronghold that was built and lived in by the Dark Cleric, that’s peaches, that’s just…

Chance: Chan: Azatina might I suggest we get out of here now. I am getting a bad feeling.
start backing up.

DMaster: the ground shifts, The west wall suddenly bursts open, debris flies everywhere, you both lose your footing. You can hear the captain.
CAP: M’Lady!
they are heading in and skitter to a halt. Dust billowing out. Everyone coughs a bit.

Chance: look over to the wall

DMaster: A huge worm-like creature has its head sticking out of the wall. A loud screeching noise, this beast’s head just slowly looking around, from what you can tell. It then ducks back into the hole causing the ground to shake more.
CAP: What in Animax’s holy name is THAT!!?

Chance: Chan: God-dam. Rawek did it finally.

DMaster: Azatina is getting up, wiping off her clothes
AZA: Were all ears Chance! What did this Raw-wick do?

Chance: Shake my head and look back.

DMaster: AZA: Just think you might get to see my bare ass again. Her face flushing, eyes turning to slits.
The worm skillfully and with speed you did not think it could muster slithers back into the hole.
CAP: Where did it go?
AZA: I don’t know but if it comes back, we are having roast slug for dinner!

Chance: Chan: Son of a bitch… and here it comes.

DMaster: You can hear someone talking, kind of echoing through the hole into the Chamber. The first to jump out of the hole was Kylaris from across Legon, then Rawek flaps his way down and then Velencia with a look of disgust on her face.
VEL: Uggg, couldn’t you of done something with this slime?
Rawek squawks at her. Velencia is wiping her hands off on her leather pants. They stand there looking at the portal, then the Priestess notices you all standing there.

Chance: Chan: I should have guessed you wouldn’t be far behind.

DMaster: She gets this big smile on her face.
VEL: Honey were home!