First Five Minutes
They both look at you after that comment and laugh. Affinity leans in hugs you and whispers “congratulations.” She pulls back, looks into your eyes and smiles. The Queen puts her hand on her mothers arm, gives her a look and heads out the door.
“Apparently I am going to be on the quest, or trip or journey…” she says a bit confused what to call it.
Chance brings himself back from the thoughts of his kids and looks at her “Oh that’s… great.” He remembers what Khamyra said, a fools errand and that it would be useless with out the gem. Then it hits him, “goddammit” he says out loud.
Cassies shoulders sink and she gives Chance a disapproving look. “Why is this a fools errand Chance? What is… the gem? It’s quiet?” she says in a soft scolding manner.
Chance lets out a huge sigh and looks down. He shakes his head, “well you can read me, you tell me” he says somewhat annoyed at what happened.
The Baroness also sighs, “Chance I am sorry I can’t change who I am” she grabs his hand again and makes him look her in the eyes, “We need this gem for us to find what…?”
“The Hall of Whispers” he says in a matter of fact tone.
She lets go of his hand, steps back, eyes wide, mouth a little open, “you have to be kidding me!” she says. Looking at Chance and seeing him shake his head she knows it’s true. “Why would you agree to go there if you knew? I mean myth and legend is just that, myth and legend, but it is a place where you can get your soul… well… sucked.”
Thinking for a moment he then responds “I didn’t want to go to the Dungeons, I have kids and an entire religion to take care of.” Sighing again he looks over to the beautiful blonde woman who is looking disappointed, “Anyways, maybe its NOT there, and either way it would be a great place to scout out and verify everything that has been written.”
She is shaking her head, “chance, you were never in danger of going to the dungeons, but we have to keep you honest and the public thinking you are not getting special treatment.” She sighs “Of course its complicated, it couldn’t be simple. Hell this was going to be a little fun vacation for me, I have been going bonkers in the castle… been couped up in here for the entire war and then some” she says in a one breath rant.
The two of them stand there thinking quietly.
“I have to tell the King, wait here a moment” she says turning and walking for the double doors.
Chance shakes his head and mumbles “I just wanted to find a babysitter…”
The King comes out, somewhat dressed down too being a Sunday. “Chance? You and Cassie wanted to see me?” He is putting on an overcoat walking over to you. Cassie following close behind.
“well…M’Lord” Chance starts but gets interrupted.
“Oh no, we are not going to do the M’Lord thing again are we?” he says looking at the Champion saying this in a scolding manner.
Cassie smiles and chuckles, “No, let me explain…” she goes on to explain what she found out, and Chance fills in any blanks.
The trio eventually make your way to the staircase to the thrones, sitting and conversing. The doors open and Jeramiah walks out and sees the three of them. “Oh, sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
King Bozutto waves him over, “No, never M’Lord, we are just at an impasse and maybe you can help us figure it out.”
Jerry nods, raises his eyebrow, puts his hands behind his back and walks over, “Of course.”
The three of them explain and he takes a moment thinking.
“Sending people to what could be the Hall of Whispers, is extremely dangerous” he starts, but then turns the idea around “It also could be very beneficial to know exactly where it is, what it takes to open and the military landscape and location.”
The King furries his brow and looks over to Jeramiah, “Why would there be a military advantage to this?” asking confused.
“The Eve of Ascension” Chance says coldly.
The room is quiet for a few moments, “Is this some Prophecy bullshit that we shouldn’t know about?” he says glancing at Cassie to gauge her level of anger, only to find there is none.
She looks at the King, “No, armies will form, they will meet for battle at the doorstep of the Hall of Whispers. There they will determine the fate of the god plane and Finsters ascension. It will not be a battle of nations, but a battle of the stars above.” She pauses a moment, getting chills, “It will be the greatest battle ever fought on Legon in this Era or the last really,” she finishes with.
Chance rubs his temple, breathing a bit heavier knowing he will be leading one side.
A long quiet moment, Bozutto is stunned, just staring out across the throne room. “I will have no control over this army, will I? It will be people of free will forming it” he asks.
She nods her head, “It will effect every living thing on Legon, the battle, the ascension, the return of Magic.”
“Leave tomorrow, I want every square inch of that area mapped and notated. I pray that this will not turn into the ‘red death’ like it did beyond the Ever Shimmer.” he says blurting out orders. “Chance you deal with the door, apparently you can be close to it with no repercussions?” he finishes.
“Yeah, I don’t have a soul” he says matter of fact like, looking down in deep thought.
They all look at him and in unison yell; “What?!?”
The Champions eyes widen, snaps his head up and looking at them all “Uhhh a discussion for another time ok?” he says.
After a few minutes of awkward silence at that statement, the King continues “I want to know everything about that area, everything. If this battle is to take place then it would be wise for us to be as prepared as we can be.”
Jeramiah smiles at the new King, nods his head. Bozutto catches that in the corner of his eye and he smiles as well.
The four of you talk for a few more minutes then disperse. Chance heads back home on Toby grumbling a bit but feeling better about the trip. No secrets, everything out in the open. He gets to the Homestead and heads in.
He is hit with the smell of Novalee’s stew, some herbs and tea. Most of the group is at the table talking quietly, enjoying a lazy Starday. They all greet the Champion and looks up to the Loft. Khamyra walks out of the Bathroom and gives you a death stare.
“Shhhh they are asleep…” she hisses and then getting a smile.
The Champion plops down in the only open chair and looks around the room. Khamyra sits on his lap and he welcomes the closeness he misses so much when he travels. He explained what happened and why he is still going on this trip. They all seem to think its a great idea, even without the gem. Cullun perks up a bit “With the Gem though, there would of been an opportunity to open the door, even I don’t know what is beyond that and if anything… escapes. I think it would be much safer.”
The day moves on, much too fast for the Champion who plays with his beautiful children, loving moments with Khamyra, a meal with his new family and a relaxing evening with laughs, drinks and amazing people. To end the day, Khamyra and Trinity help Chance pack for the trip. Afterwards the main house grows quiet…
Khamyra looks into Chances eyes, “I can’t believe you are leaving again, and I am so close to de-boobing the kids” she says, then stopping a moment, “I couldn’t imagine leaving them alone with a nanny for weeks though.”
Chance caresses the beautiful dark elfs cheek, smiling at her knowing she is as conflicted as he is.”We should only travel together if it is a couple days, not weeks” he says giving her a sweet kiss on the cheek. She melts a little feeling the energy pass and the warmth of his lips.
She smiles and nods, “I agree, I wouldn’t want them to be without one of us for too long, not until they are old enough to understand” Khamyra adds. “I am going to miss you terribly” she says starting to maneuver onto the large man.
They begin to kiss, Khamyra draws the sheet over their head to muffle the lights and they make love as quietly as they could.
Mondalay (Monday) 7:00 AM
Chance is ready to go and heads out after a long goodbye from Khamyra and the kids. He looks at the paper, it says to meet them at the southern gate of Camerondale. He nods to himself and rides off with Toby. Chance looks around, what a beautiful day; a mix of sun and clouds, light breeze and the air feels good on his skin.
The Champion reaches the South gates to find everyone is on the horses and just staring at him.
“Said to be here by 8:00 AM Chance” Killian booms out, “It’s 8:30, come on” giving him a sharp glance.
Everlee is on her horse giving the Champion a smirk and a huff. Rohlia has a smile on her face and shrugs her shoulders to the quarter elf. Cassie trots her horse up next to Toby “Hard to leave the kids huh?” she says with a warm tone.
He nods and glances over to her, “And Khamyra. They are my life…” he starts to say, pauses “They are my everything.”
She gets this big smile on her face, “Just wait when Krishana goes to the Summer Isles and meets a cabana boy…” she trails off starting to move out with the rest of the party.
A huge smile washes over his face and he shakes his head. Looking around he sees a large wagon pulled by two large horses, four more men / women on horseback fully armed, and on the wagon seems to be a few people, one of them just happens to be Sakine. The sister of Birgetta.
He shakes his head worried about what might transpire.
The group moves off, at a decent clip. After a few stops along the way, evening was setting in and they arrived at Del Rosa, once fishing village decades ago now a thriving port city. They were alerted of your arrival so you are being escorted to the stronghold.
Turned Base Starts Here
DMaster: You are escorted into the stronghold. Two giant wooden doors open to a well lit light grey walled room. Elegant rugs and furnishings as well as tapestries and candelabras. It is a 40×50 foot room with no real ceiling until it gets past the 3rd floor. You can see the staircase leading up.
Chance: I am not saying much as we are being escorted into the stronghold thinking of everything that I revealed to Cassie and the Royals before we left.
DMaster: An older man walks up to the group, pepper hair, some lines on his face. He is dressed in a royal blue outfit and has a big smile on his face.
MAN: Welcome!
Cassie strides over to him and they embrace. After, she turns.
CAS: This is Baron Ventura, the master of these lands and this great city.
Everyone exchanges pleasantries. Cassie talks about making sure the squires, guards and scribe is taken care of.
Chance: nod my head at the Baron and smile.
DMaster: A few servants show up, grab your bags and they start to take you to your rooms. You go up a few flights of stairs and end up into a 20×30 room, big bed, dresser, wash basin, etc. with one HUGE window.
Chance: thank the servant for showing me to my room, and start taking my gear off to get comfortable. Neatly set my gear to a corner of the room and then go to the window and look out it for a bit.
DMaster: He leaves, closes the door. The stronghold is on the edge of the shoreline and you are looking out over the shimmering orange and red waters, the sun is setting.
Chance: marveling at the sunset and just get lost in my thoughts of home, Finster and the eve of ascension.
DMaster: Knock on the door.
Chance: walk over to the door and open it.
DMaster: CAS: Hey Chance, guess we are…
she glances inside.
CAS: What the hell?
She pushes you aside and walks to the window.
Chance: Chan: Sure come on in! sorry I was just marveling at the view.
DMaster: CAS: I guess I see where you rank? I just have a shadowy view of the gardens.
She is standing there marveling herself.
Chance: Chan: well if you want I will gladly switch you rooms Cassie.
closing the door and give her a small smile.
DMaster: She shakes her head.
CAS: No, its ok, I am sure I will be asleep most of the time.
Knock on the door.
Chance: walk over to the door and answer it again shaking my head.
DMaster: ROH: Hey, do you know what we are going to do…
she looks in.
ROH: Oh! Nice!
Chance: Chan: just come in and enjoy the view.
starting to chuckle.
DMaster: Cassie glances back playfully.
CAS: Don’t stare at my ass either elf.
She laughs and that makes Rohlia laugh too.
Chance: Chan: I swear if I get another knock at my door.
DMaster: knock on the door before you even close it.
Chance: Chan: sure let’s make this a party why don’t we.
shooting Killian a big grin.
DMaster: He has a sidewards smirk on his face
KIL: Party, OK!
He walks in and sees the women looking out over the water.
KIL: Whoa… what a view.
Both of the girls look back, giving him an accusing look.
KIL: Wat?!?
Chance: Chan: I couldn’t agree more.
bust out laughing.
Chan: think I will just leave the door open just in case anyone else wants to come in.
leaning against the wall.
DMaster: After a few moments,
CAS: We can head down, he has a feast prepared for us. I’m kind of his direct boss, Baroness… Baron… so he is making sure we are taken care of.
ROH: Perks of the job.
Chance: Chan: well better enjoy this before we get to wishbone way.
looking down a bit deep in thought and then look back up.
DMaster: Killian starts to walk towards the door.
KIL: Heh heh… bone. (scoffs a little) Lets go Kid, I could eat the rear end off a goat right now.
Cassie scrunches her nose.
CAS: Yuck…
Rohlia just kind of shrugs her shoulders.
ROH: Well, it isn’t as bad as you would think.
Chance: Shake head.
Chan: come on before Killian comes up with something even worse to say.
DMaster: They laugh at your response and the two head past you, Cassie asking about cooking Goat ass.
Chance: shaking my head again, grinning as I follow them.
DMaster: You make it to the bottom floor and a servant guides you to the dining hall. Its about 35 x 70 well lit and ornate. Mostly round tables but there is a longer table with dishes and such at the far end. The Baron is there, a boy, girl and two smaller children. Then what looks like a nanny of sorts getting them ready.
Chance: smile seeing the children as my thoughts drift to Krishana and Cralen.
DMaster: the boy looks to be around 15, the girl 13, and the other two are boys, about the same age and you might even think they were twins. You are seated.
VEN: I hope your rooms are ok?
CAS: Yes… (ahem) even some got better views.
She gives you a sharp eye.
Chance: Shrug my shoulders.
Chan: hey I offered to switch rooms.
chuckling at her giving me the eye.
DMaster: The boy is about to burst, he is staring at Cassie. The Baroness looks over and smiles.
VEN: Let me introduce you at least.
He chuckles.
VEN: This is my oldest Jaymes, My daughter Charlotte, and my twins Cooper and Carlton.
Chance: as he is introducing them I will look over and smile at them.
DMaster: They all wave, before Ventura could start on the other side of the table;
JAY: You are Cassandra Hero of the realm!
He blurts out and is all wide eyed. Cassie chuckles and nods.
VEN: Well, there you go. That is Killian, he is a leader in the Black Ward.
All of the ooohhhhh, he smiles and blushes a little.
VEN: This is High Cleric Everlee from Camerondale, Rohlia, Master Ranger.
They nod.
VEN: And… forgive me, I did not catch your name.
looking at you.
JAY: Thats Chance Axion, Hero of the Isles and Harlow Hill.
They are all OOHHH ooohhhh. The group all leans over and looks at you wide eyed and smiling.
Chance: getting a big smile on my face and nod my head.
DMaster: The Baron pats his son on the back, big smile on his face.
VEN: He loves his history and this war, he has been glued to all the correspondence that has come in.
He then jokes with his son.
VEN: Remind em to hire you to be my concierge.
Chance: put my head down so I can’t be seen chuckling at that comment.
DMaster: You get served a wonderful meal of venison and all the fixins, Ale is strong, but good. It seemed everyone enjoyed the meal.
Chance: sip the ale and just relax a bit.
DMaster: Charlotte looks at Killian.
CHA: Why are you so big?
His eyes light up. The Baron looks over to his daughter.
VEN: Honey…
KIL: It’s ok. You see growing up I was hard of hearing…. (he picks his ear) When Animax said, hey Killian stop growing, I didn’t hear him so I just kept on going!
They all chuckle a bit from the story. The girl smiles real big and giggles.
VEN: I have some refreshments in the back hall, why don’t we make our way there.
The kids stand up looking disappointed, the boy and girl whine a little.
VEN: Now, its getting late you should be getting to bed anyways.
They all head up the giant staircases to presumably their chambers, you get to the back room, have glasses of Augustian Sour Whiskeys.
Chance: eyes light up having the Augustian Sour Whiskeys.
DMaster: VEN: So, if I may, what is this incursion about? I mean I have to worry seeing the Baroness, escorted by a high end Black Ward member. No offense, but where there’s Black Ward, there’s usually…
Killian nods his head and interrupts.
KIL: Trouble, no offense taken. It’s what we do.
He takes a glug of the whiskey.
CAS: We are heading into the Weston Gate region and making a patrol, scouting a few places there still might be trouble.
VEN: Oh, that makes sense, but for a royal to go on the trip too?
CAS: Before all this royal stuff, I used to wander the lands (she sighs) I miss it and I was just getting ansy.
Chance: sipping on my whiskey and letting Killian and Cassie do the talking.
DMaster: Rohlia is sitting in a comfy chair, looking around, sipping her whiskey, Everlee is just standing a bit aways, no drink looking awkward.
VEN: I see you put the name back to Weston Gate, I like that.
Cassie nods and smiles a little.
CAS: For now, the new Baron of the land is a bit… of a jerk, if you don’t mind me saying. But he is extremely ambitious and will get the land back up and running. SO it’s Weston Gate for now.
For another ten minutes it was idle chit chat, but it was nice and relaxing.
Chance: I will make some small talk with Rohlia.
DMaster: ROH: Oh the HERO of Summer Isles, talking to MOI?
She bats her eyes playfully and nudges you.
Chance: nudge her back.
Chan: must I always get shit?
face turning a bit red, giggling.
Chan: I just did my little part in all of that.
DMaster: You two chit chat but once everyone starts to disperse you high tail it out of there. You go in your room, watch the waters crash on the shoreline… one of the moons are almost full. After a little bit you can hear a faint knock on the door.
Chance: walk over to the door and answer it shaking my head.
DMaster: Its the Baron’s oldest son Jaymes.
JAY: Master Chance, I hope I am not interrupting.
he is looking around nervously.
Chance: Chan: no no was just looking out my window, come in please before you are seen.
DMaster: he scoots in and you close the door.
JAY: I have spent the last few months reading everything I could about the war.
Chance: Chan: I see now why wouldn’t you find something more interesting to read about.
DMaster: He shakes his head.
JAY: I don’t think there is anything more interesting. I read all about the wars before… But… I had some questions that the reports were very vague with.
Chance: sit on the bed as he is talking.
Chan: well what were the questions that were so vague to you?
eyebrow raised.
DMaster: JAY: When the Summer Isles were invaded, it states everywhere that there were FOUR that sailed to the Isles… I know of you, the Baroness and the Duke. But who was the fourth? Only one report said it was an elf?
Chance: look down and then get a big smile on my face.
Chan: well that is kind of a hard one she doesn’t like to be revealed to many.
DMaster: his eyes light up.
JAY: I knew it was a SHE… can you at least tell me ONE thing about her?
Chance: Nod my head, look over to him.
DMaster: JAY: Is she an Onyx Elf?
Chance: Give him a curious look. Nod my head at him and smile even bigger.
DMaster: JAY: I knew it, Thomas can eat my ass, thinks he knows more than me…
he looks at you, eyes wide.
JAY: Oops that was loud, sorry for my language.
Chance: Laugh a little.
Chan: don’t be sorry Killian has said much worse than that.
DMaster: He giggles.
JAY: I bet he has, Just a few more questions if that is ok.
Chance: Chan: of course sleep doesn’t come to me easy.
DMaster: JAY: Many of the battles are detailed, maybe a bit too detailed, but the two involving you were frustratingly… well vague
He looks at you a little nervously.
JAY: Can you turn into an animal?
Chance: Chuckle.
Chan: no I can’t turn into an animal.
Shake my head.
Chan: it’s a bit more complex than that.
DMaster: His eyes get real big.
JAY: But you can turn into SOMETHING… oh my god… I was right again!
he dances around a little.
Chance: Put out my hands like “whoa”
Chan: That is not exactly public information, I am allowing you to know, but it has to be kept quiet.
DMaster: he nods all smiles.
JAY: Last question, what does Animax look like?
Chance: Snap my head to him.
Chan: What?!
DMaster: Your reaction startled him a little.
JAY: I am sorry, it was just you were reported dead for 3 minutes, I was curious what he looks like and did you meet him?
Chance: Stare at him for a moment, think of something nice to say.
Chan: Jaymes that I honestly couldn’t tell you, I wasn’t really dead.
Thinking, I will use the same line I used on Khamyra. Looking down a bit
DMaster: JAY: Oh… ok. Well I took up enough of your time.
He grabs your hand and shakes it.
JAY: It was amazing to meet you Master Axion
Chance: Chan: never change Jaymes you are very special.
DMaster: He is all giddy, walks to the door, listens… slowly opens, looks both ways. Gives you the thumbs up and leaves, closing the door behind him.
Chance: smile a bit and lay back on my bed.
7:00 AM Tuskalay (Tuesday)
DMaster: you sleep pretty well, wake up, knock on the door. Muffled:
CAS: Get up you sack of potatoes, breakfast in the dining hall
Chance: Grumble a bit and change my clothes, rinse my face off and head down to the dining hall
DMaster: You have a fabulous breakfast with the Baron and his kids, then you head back up, clean up a bit more, pack up and you head down the stairs. Ventura is in the entryway.
VEN: Your guards and squire were well taken care of at a very nice Inn.
She smiles, thought for a second to ask about Sakine but she probably is pickled. He bids you farewell and Jaymes is all smiles waving at you.
CAS: We thank you for your wonderful hospitality. If you need anything Ventura, just send a messenger or sparrow!
He nods his head and smiles.
Chance: wave back at Jaymes and smile real big at him.
DMaster: you leave, meet up with the others who has the caravan of sorts ready to go.
Sakine looks like she drank a barrel of beer. Hair is kind of a wreck, her sack-like outfit is crooked.
Chance: shaking my head and bust out laughing seeing Sakine and the shape she is in
DMaster: Bright blue skies, the clouds are on the horizon but they look friendly enough, light breeze and about 80 degrees.
Chance: as we are riding along I will take the shield off my back and put it on my arm, just to be prepared for anything.
DMaster: It is brushlands, weeds, subtle hills a few trees here and there. You stop for a quick bite, pee and then move back on. You ride for another 3-4 hours. Sun is nice, breeze is still steady. You stop at a small rickety village.
CAS: I don’t know where this is?
KIL: I don’t either, it’s like Bobs village
They all chuckle, the less than upkept Inn has decent enough stew. You eat and then head back out. You ride for an hour, it is getting to be about 5:00 PM.
Chance: Keep alert, eyes peeled across the horizon.
DMaster: You can see something on the horizon.
Chance: Chan: Uh guys I can see something in the distance, not sure what the hell it is.
DMaster: CAS: Hold up…
KIL: Yeah, I can see it too now.
Everlee and Rohlia trot up close, Rohlia is squinting. The wagon stops, the guards get in the four formation protecting the group.
ROH: Good eyes Chance. Looks like a bunch of creatures that have…
KIL: Is that a fucking Cyclops?
Cassie laughs as they look longer the better they can see. Killian is surprised at Cassie laughing and he smirks.
CAS: Sure, why not.
Killian looks around.
KIL: I for one would love to take on a Cyclops, but I am open to suggestions. Do we run these fuckers through or talk our way out or what? I vote we kill the one eyed shit bag and roast him on a fire, I’m hungry.
Chance: Chan: you are always hungry Killian just wish we were talking about goats and asses instead.
DMaster: He shakes his head
CAS: They aren’t moving, so we could ride around them, but that would take hours.
Everlee speaks, the first time in forever.
EVE: Lets kill them. I am sure they are not hanging around helping the hungry or saving babies.
Rohlia chuckles and nods her head.
ROH: Thats a good point, a very good point.
Cassie gets this long, thin smile, eyes turn to slits and jumps off her horse.
Chance: nod my head as well.
Chan: well I guess it’s settled then.
DMaster: You get the squires, they take the horses, you get prepared for battle.
THE LINEUP
Chance: (c) Bluesteel Long Sword, (p) daggers and hard leather armor.
Killian: (p) Great Sword (+1 to hit) a (c) half sword and leather armor.
Cassie: (p) 2 – Sais (with twisted ridged shafts) (+1 to hit), a kukri, dagger and leather, plate mixed armor.
Rohlia: (p) Short Compound Bow (+2 to hit), Bowkin arrow heads, 4 (p) Daggers, hard leather armor.
Everlee: (p) Full Bluesteel Morning Star (+1 to hit), (c) Short mace, half plate armor.
Guards (all 4): (c) Long Sword, (c) Dagger, shield with half plate armor.
DMaster: KIL: We will make it look like we want to talk, then on my mark rush them.
The group heads in, they see you and they are all getting psyched up, the cyclops is all roaring. You count 12 gnolls, 1 bigger meaner gnoll and of course a 12 foot Cyclop, its eye has to be 3 feet wide, his mouth has spit and gunk flying from it. Cassie scoffs a bit and wrinkles her nose.
CAS: Killian, was that you?
Killian’s eyes grow big, smile washes over his face. In a laugh he tries to respond.
KIL: No, not yet anyways…
ROH: Its the Cyclops I could smell him when Chance first saw him.
Chance: Wipe my brow.
Chan: Phew, Thank god, I am downwind you know!
Eyes get big seeing the cyclops. hand is close to my sword as my other hand is taking off my necklace.
DMaster: Your guards are shitting their pants. The mean gnoll looks back to his group. Killian sees this and that was his cue.
KIL: BRING ‘EM HELL! Spread out! I don’t want a swipe of that one eyed fucker to take more than one person out!
The group spreads out and collapses in on the gnoll group. They surprisingly stay in formation.
Battle Written Out
TOP OF ROUND ONE
DM NOTE: This was be the biggest battle I ever did. 23 PCS/NPCS, multiple rounds, NUTS!
With Killian yelling out, Rohlia was already stringing arrows in her custom compound short bow and letting them fly. The first one sailed true hitting a gnoll in the head with a poisoned arrow (8hp+3poison), but was just off the mark on her second one missing the same gnoll. She was hoping to take one out right away, “Bullocks!” she yells keeping her eyes peeled for any aerial attacks as she stays a step back from the main line.
The first guard fires his crossbow and his aim was good as well, hitting another gnoll in the chest / shoulder area (7hp). The gnoll shrieks a bit, eyes big and bloodshot.
Chance was already in Champion mode and his speed was noticeably faster, he slashed at the closest gnoll and rips through the beasts poor makeshift armor and almost knocking his spear out of his hand (11hp). In another swing, it was to wild and it glances off the gnolls bracer doing no harm.
A gnoll moves forward and stabs at one of the guards, hitting him in the stomach, the guard was not even looking at him, he was mesmerized by the Cyclops towering over them. The guard jumps back looking down at the blood coming out (9hp).
As the gnolls start to move forward they attack the closest, and Everlee was next on the list. A violent jab with a boar spear to the Cleric brought her glowing metal morning star across wacking the spear away with a clank, the gnoll almost loses control.
The Champion keeping his senses open, felt an attack to his left, he raises his shield, deflecting the Cleaver and smacking the gnoll in its head. He then proceeds to shove the beast back making it tumble a bit.
On the outskirts a gnoll swipes at a guard with it’s sickle like weapon and slashes him across his chest making him bend down and grabbing his shoulder, looks back up to make sure he isnt getting attacked again (7hp). Right next to them another gnoll successfully stabs another guard right in their arm (5hp).
After a gnoll tries to fire an arrow at Rohlia, missing wide right because Rohlia dodged it, Cassie walking forward slowly with both Sai’s in her hand. One of the weapons she slides into a quick access wrist holder, sticks her right hand out, concentrating with slitted eyes. A hooded gnoll grabs his head in pain and she stabs it with her Sai in the left hand deep through it’s neck (7hp). She accesses the right Sai, it falls into her hand and stabs again only to get the thrust batted away by the creature freaking out a little.
With precision, speed and strength Killian slashes through a gnoll with his evil looking greatsword and the surprise look on it’s face was the last thing it could do. It didn’t even let out a sound, with a 360 move he slices through the creatures neck popping it off, blood spurts everywhere and across the barbarians face, the body crumples to the ground.
The gnoll group opens a bit and the Cyclops moves in. It grabs a rock from its belt in the back and throws it down at Everlee. She had her sights on him and rolls out of the way, somewhat clunky with her plate armor. But the plan for this idiot cyclops was half hit her, half make her dedicate herself to a move. BOOM! Before she realizes it the club falls hard down on Everlee when he sees where she went, and it was like a spring. The ground rumbles from his foot coming down with the strike and the club hitting the ground with Everlee under it. The High Cleric was hit so hard when the club came back up she popped off the ground, he armor now crushed, piercing into her from the monstrous strength (35hp). Cassie goes to yell her name, but thinks twice wincing thinking, that’s got to hurt.
After a few parries and attacks by gnolls, Everlee touches her necklace and heals herself (3hp) ‘Thanks Animax, buddy, 3hp really?’ she thinks to herself. She then tries to strike the closest gnoll and loses her footing still seeing stars (rolled a ‘1’). The gnoll she attacked hits her square with the spear horizontal pushing her back(1hp).
Between a few guards and gnolls, attacks and parries, clash of steel and armor. A gnoll farther back fires an arrow at Rohlia, only to have her wack it away with her bow. She shakes her head, eyes getting thinner.
The leader of this rag tag group swings a fancy silver glaive skillfully and slices through the lower face of a guard, he staggers back, blood splattering (6hp) allowing the gnoll leader to growl and stab him deep into his leg (4hp). The guard yells a bit in pain.
Everlee takes on two more attacks, they must of thought she would be a prime target after getting pummeled by the Cyclops. But it was to their disadvantage, she is well armored despite some of it now digging into her. The first attack was with a hand axe and it reflects off her armor and the other she swats a club away and on a upswing catches the gnoll on a reaction bonus (3hp).
Then some poor gnoll tries to throw a net over Killian, slides in some blood from the beheaded gnoll and tries to regain his footing. Only to have Killian upper cut slash through his arm, shoulder and the net. The creature growls in pain and frustration (7hp).
Footing was at a premium for some reason, a guard attacks on an unsuspecting gnoll in thick clothing and a hood resulted in him stumbling and running into the creature, He gets the butt end of the spear square in the face and the shaft slammed down on his head (7hp).
More fighting between guards and gnolls, parries, slashes but no real contact.
TOP OF ROUND TWO
Rohlia frustrated that she missed the gnoll last time, strings up an arrow and fires; THOCK. Entered in his left eye, went out the back of its head 11hp). It stops suddenly, drops its make shift spear and falls lifeless to the grass. She fires again, one near Everlee who was getting a lot of static, and PING, right in an open spot of the armor of another gnoll (10hp).
Cassie in a stance, waves her hand closes her eyes for a second. The closest gnoll’s eyes get real big and he swings his Sickle at the gnoll next to him, hitting him but barely making it through the padded armor but not doing any further damage (1hp). She then slices with her left Sai ripping through it’s arm, knocking it out of its charmed state (7hp) and tries another slash with her right but his realization he falls back avoiding the attack. “Sneaky little fuck!” she yells in frustration.
Chance sees an opportunity to hit the same gnoll as before but trips over a rock. He takes a second and catches himself and jumps back to keep out of range as the gnolls swipes (rolled a 1, took his 2nd attack to avoid free attack from gnoll). Good job Champ.
The guard next to Chance puts its shield up and slashes at the Gnoll leader. With its action it saw the attack a mile away, stepped aside and the sword swishes past him.
A gnoll rushes out of formation at Rohlia. It almost gets gutted by Cassie but she was still in her attack. Rohlia waits until the last moment, then side steps the beast kicking it in the ass making it tumble forward.
Gnolls attack some guards, they block with their shield or parry with their swords. Clashing and rustling heard with growls and grunts. The ground trembles a little as the cyclops is shifting from his last attack. That distracted a guard and she paid for it, getting a spear in her side, she yelps a little with pain(10hp).
Two gnolls go after Everlee and that was fruitless. One attack glances off her armor the other gets their dagger swatted and then finished with a boot to the chest by the skillful Cleric.
Killian steps over to help Everlee, swings his heavy monster sword, but misses completely (rolled a 1). The gnoll that got the boot then lunges forward and stabs the surprised barbarian in the chest with the raw dagger, piercing the armor and into his skin (6hp). Furious he counter attacks bringing his sword down through the gnoll. Literally through the creature, split in two, its innards gushing out blood splattering everywhere (17hp).
Getting into the heat of the battle, two guards are face to face with 3 gnolls. Each one of the gnoll attacks are dodged or parried. After the first miss by the one guard, the second one took advantage of the distraction and cuts the gnoll bad making it shriek in pain, blood pours out of the armor (11hp).
The Cyclops sees that and takes a hard swing at that guard. With eyes in the back of his head he tumbles to the ground, the large club doing nothing but giving the enemy a nice breeze. Angry it brings it straight down on the guard only to have the guard leap for his life away. The club hammers the ground making everything shake. Everyone loses their footing a little.
Everlee oddly was one that kept her footing, she touches her necklace, whispers a short prayer and a gnoll hunter is frozen. She winds up her morning star and slams it hard into the shoulder (9hp) and then with all the frustration she has she winds up again, like a railroad nail getting the end of a sledgehammer, the gnolls heads explodes with blood and brains.
Meanwhile, guards are still squaring off with the gnolls, some get hit (2hp) others dodge and parry. The gnoll leader rushes one and drives his glaive into the females guard legs, she cries in pain and goes to one knee (9hp). He sees an opportunity and pulls out the weapon and then goes to swing and try and decapitate her, but she tumbles to the side out of range. The glaive just wizzes on by.
Between wild slashes that Killian dodges, stabs that Chance swats, rushes that Cassie lets sail on by to poorly shot arrows at Rohlia, the gnolls are starting to fear that they bit off a bit more than they could chew. The female guard from one knee is swinging her sword to keep some of the beasts at bay, praying the Cyclops doesn’t see her immobile. The pain in her leg is making it difficult to stand again.
TOP OF ROUND THREE
Rohlia had enough, her adrenaline kicks into high gear and finds Chance in front of her. She drops her bow, she pulls out both her ridged assassin daggers, races to Chance & leaps off him going a good 10 feet in the air taking a gnoll completely by surprise. Killian stops a moment, smiles washes across his face, “these broads are AWESOME!” he mumbles. She lands straddling a gnoll and she drives both daggers (9hp+11hp) through its eyes, killing it instantly. It falls and she lands on her feet pulling out her daggers, dripping with blood. Chance glances at her, not surprised and smirks.
That startled a few gnolls and it allowed a guard to slice through one of them, pretty much taking their head off, it falls to the side, blood spurting everywhere and it crumples to the ground (11hp).
Chance also takes advantage, pulls out the old morty move. Surprising the shit out of a gnoll hunter, his cleaver goes flying up and out of his hands, all the Champion could see is huge wide eyes under the hood. Chance then lunges forward, driving his long sword deep into the gnoll and out the other side (13hp). The Champion puts his face right up to the creature, growls, twists the sword and pulls it out, kicking the dead gnoll back, landing with a thud. He then slashes at the next Gnoll ripping into its arm (11hp), completely surprised because it was paying attention to Everlee after she brained its partner.
The gnolls are losing morale and their attacks are becoming erratic and even timid almost, missing twice on guards, and having the glowing Champion smash one of their faces(1hp). But one of them slices through a guard pretty good sending him to his knee, grabbing his chest, looking at the blood pouring out(7hp).
In the meantime, Rohlia, a little to full of herself and deep in the trenches, turns to find a gnoll hunter driving a boar spear into her side (7hp). She steps back, adrenaline still pumping, in pain but is fast enough to punch the gnoll in the face as it started to smile, it recoiled, pulling the weapon out(1hp).
Cassie has been waiting for the group to open up, eyeing the Cyclops and now she has a straight run for it, she mentally prepares, twirls both her Sai’s as she sprints for the huge creature. Her psi power allows her to get a boast in jumping (she rolls a 8ft+3ft) and lunges for the eye of the one eyed creature. She misses her mark of his eye as it turned suddenly, but it still dug deep into it’s shoulder (11hp) and she slams her other Sai into the side of its skull (6hp). It starts to thrash a bit, and Cassie is hanging on for dear life, using her weapons as handles.
As a barbarian he can rage, and it was building from the first slice. He knows that he is close to useless afterwards and the recovery (loses 2 turns in recovery), so he has to pick the right time… After seeing Cassie throwing caution to the wind, he gets this warm, powerful feeling, blood just pumps and pumps, he flushes, smiles slowly and sets his sites on the cyclops closest leg. Killian rushes the Cyclops, the massive creature unprepared (missed DEX saving throw, 4x damage) watches as Killian strikes his leg so hard, practically severing it from his body (45hp). He screams out in pain, hurting everyones ears. His leg buckles, and as he does, Killian 360, with enough force to move a mountain, (Missed DEX saving throw again) slices 10 feet into the side of the cyclops (44hp). The leg’s bone is snapping and collapsing under the weight, blood pouring out of its side and leg like a waterfall. It is howling in pain. Everyone jumps back, avoiding the gushing blood.
The creature frenzies and finally grabs hold of Cassie, rips her off of him and throws her 15 feet. She lands hard, rolling in a cloud of dust and she loses her breath (18hp). The Cyclops one hand free is holding the club, it swings wildly and clobbers Killian. The group can hear “OOOFFFF” as he goes sailing almost 20 feet, also landing hard and rolling. He is spent, from the rage and that hammer of a hit (27hp).
Skirmishes abound, guard attacks gnoll, deflected. Female guard sips some clear liquid and falls back farther, half bleeding out. Gnoll swiping wildly at a guard who gets a shield in the face in return.
A guard musters enough courage, screams and rushes the now injured Cyclops. Chance glances over inbetween dodges and slashes, “brave soul” he mutters. Driving its sword deep into its arm with the Club (11hp). Surprising the hell out of it.
TOP OF ROUND FOUR
Rohlia, looks down at her assassin daggers, still wet with Gnoll blood, she can hear her heartbeat. The little bit of Wild Elf just wreaking havoc with her adrenaline… and her decision making skills. She starts to chuckle, and rushes the Cyclops. Her small frame and her 20 DEX kick in, she jumps up to bloody tore up knee, then off of it, she grabs one of Cassie Sai’s, still stuck fast, propelling her faster and harder like a slingshot, and she lands the first dagger hard in the middle of the eye(10hp) and trailing is the other dagger slamming into it’s eye as well(9hp), but also slamming her body into its shoulder blade (2hp to Rohlia). She holds on for her life as it starts to frantically flail about but shudders and it lets out a groan. The gnolls below stop what they were doing, glance up and watch as the creature falls over dead. It lands on 5 of the gnolls left fighting. (5 gnolls took 7hp bludgeon damage)
Killian lets out one hell of a yell “FUCCKKKK YEAAHHHHH!” Cassie wobbles a bit standing up, straightens her armor. “Yeah” she looks around, “fuck yeah” she says quietly, smiling to herself.
Rohlia is standing on the side of the Cyclops head, breathing heavy, removing her daggers. Killian runs over eyes wide huge smile. “You crazy son of a bitch!” he yells in excitement. She looks over to him and jumps. He catches her and swings her around. “That was fucking amazing!!!” he yells. She has this big smile on her face.
“I just finished it off, you and Cassie did the hard work!” Rohlia says glances over to see Cassie running over and the three of them embrace, laughing doing a little dance.
The last few gnolls are either killed or found a way to run away. The leader is pulling himself out and Chance walks slowly up to him waiting for the right moment. The gnoll looks up only to see a bluesteel sword ripping through his neck, killing him instantly. The head pops off, blood splatters across the quarter elf and the body of the Cyclops. He then grabs for his boot dagger flings it at a fleeing gnoll and it finds the back of the skull. The gnoll face plants, dies instantly.
Killian is all smiles, “That-a-boy!” he yells. The big man is trying to wipe off the smelly Cyclops blood that poured on him from his attack. “This smells horrible” looks at Cassie “not a word Baroness!”
Everlee finally has an opportunity, and rips off her armor, cutting her even deeper. She throws it across the grass, frustrated and annoyed by the others. She is picking brains out of her hair.
Everyone lets out a laugh. They all start to pick up their weapons and looting bodies.
“I won’t say anything” Rohlia said walking up to Chance as she finishes cleaning off her daggers, “you got good range with that sword” she chuckles giving him a side-wards hug.
He shakes his head thinking how he once again lost hold of his sword but he welcomes the hug and chuckles too, “damn was hoping no one saw that.” (rolled a “1” for the last attack on a gnoll).
Turn Based Starts Back Up Again
DMaster: The creatures did not have much. Their weapons were makeshift for the most part. Each party member gets 440xp. 18 gp, 5 pp, 20 sp, 40 cp, (1) Boar Spear, (1) Silver Glaive, (4) Long bows, (72) arrows, (1) Bloodstone Gem (50).
Rohlia, Killian, Cassie and Everlee do not want any of the loot, except Rohlia took the Bloodstone gem. Wanted it for her love. So the loot gets split between you and the 4 guards.
Chance: okay well saving face and grabbing my sword, even after Rohlia saw it. Pull out my dagger as well.
DMaster: you get 4gp, 1pp, 5sp, 8cp and you got the silver glaive, not sure what it is worth. Cassie is coughing a little, her throw from the Cyclops took a little out of her. You see her heal herself a little.
CAS: Man I needed that.
Killian walks over and gives Cassie a big hug she wasn’t expecting and it makes her laugh.
KIL: You just lost your mind for a minute didn’t you? Running at it and that jump, you have some hops, and…
She places her hand on the barbarians arm and smiles.
CAS: Let’s just say, I’ve fought worse than a Cyclops.
His eyes get big and he points at her, looking at everyone.
Chance: Look over to the guards.
DMaster: Two guards are on one knee, the female guard is sitting down holding her leg in a lot of pain. The last one standing was the one who sliced open a gnoll, dodged two attacks by the Cyclops and then caved its arm up allowing Rohlia to make her attack.
Chance: Head over to the guards and heal them.
DMaster: Everlee is trying to piece her armor back together it got crushed in the Cyclops hit. It appears she can’t heal herself for some reason. She is in visible pain. You finish healing them, they all thank you.
Chance: Nod my head. I would offer to heal Everlee but we all know how that would end. Put on my necklace.
DMaster: CAS: Everlee you ok?
She looks up from kneeling down with her armor.
EVE: Yeah, whatever.
She storms past everyone and heads for the caravan. Cassie has a dead pan look, glances over to you.
CAS: Chance lets go to the guards heal them up.
Chance: Nod my head.
Chan: That would of been a good idea 5 minutes ago, but it’s the thought that counts…
DMaster: She glances over to them and they are active, carrying some loot. Cassie looks at you smiles with a little bit of pride. SHe grabs your arm and you escort her back to the caravan, the squires are cheering.
SQU: WOW… I dont think I will ever see anything like that again, awesome. Wish I could of seen it closer.
Sakine is leaning against the wagon, sipping from a flask.
SAK: Took you long enough, I am getting thirsty.
She says with a joking tone.
Chance: looking over at Sakine just shaking my head.
DMaster: Killian lets out a big laugh, he is all jacked up on adrenaline. Sakine stands up and as Killian walks by he gives her a big hug. Her eyes real big she chuckles.
SAK: Oh, Killian I didnt think you cared.
KIL: Oh tonight we drink!
Smacks his lips, eyes a bit wild.
Chance: bust out laughing seeing that.
DMaster: SAK: I won’t argue that point, what are we waiting for? Lets ride!
Rohlia makes it back with you with a few guards and the last loot, throws a breast plate on the ground in front of everyone. Clank!
ROH: Ghosts of the past my friends.
Chance: Chan: ummm what do you mean?
DMaster: Looking down at the breast plate, it has a thorn gate symbol on it.
CAS: Left over from the war they probably didnt know what to do with themselves.
Chance: eyes getting big.
Chan: well I am sure the ones that got away will go crawl in a hole now, that really was something to see if I hadn’t witnessed it I wouldn’t believe it.
DMaster: Cassie looks back over to the mound of dead bodies.
CAS: We need to dispatch someone to get this, or bury it… that is not a heaping pile of Potpourri. In a day or two this is not going to smell very good, probably attract some possible predators.
ROH: Smell worse than the bathroom after Killian uses it.
KIL: Aye! Hey wait what?
They all laugh.
ROH: I went in after you this morning, my god…
Everlee is already on her horse, her armor hanging off the saddle, it is bent real bad. Her body is bruising up. Everyone has blood and dirt on them and honestly I think they all love it.
Chance: shaking my head walking over towards Toby.
DMaster: Everyone gears back up and you finally make it to the town you were heading for. You enter in the town of Woodstock, Sun is down, its nice out, roughly 65 degrees, its getting dark.
Chance: I will go back to just being rather less talkative as we ride into the town, as I look the group over still in a bit of awe of what just happened.
DMaster: Killian is just now starting to come down from his high.
ROH: Ahh here we are.
Its an open style town, horses can go in and out.
Chance: patting Toby on the back of the head as we ride in and look for hay and a trough.
DMaster: You are in front of an inn, “Cool Cat Inn”.
ROH: Me and the owner go way back.
she chuckles. You tie your horse at the side, it has water trough and some hay.
Chance: shaking head at the name of the Inn.
Chan: seriously the Cool Cat?
chuckling a bit, walk in, looking around when I go in.
DMaster: A man next to Rohlia is pointing over at a large table, Rohlia waves you over and you sit down. A few patrons are looking wide eyed at you, blood and dirt all over. Rohlia is looking about the room.
ROH: I’m gonna hit the bath, they will be by with a few pitchers of ale and then some spice tatos and some beef strips.
Killian smacks his lips, Sakine takes off her robed thing and she has a thin top with skin tight pants underneath. The big man perks up and Cassie smacks his arm. The red head wanders over to the bar, and heads back with a small mug.
sits down starts drinking.
Chance: just lean back and relax waiting for the ale to get to the table and thinking about Khamyra and what she would say right about now. Start smirking as my thoughts drift.
DMaster: KIL: You were aiming for the eyeball huh?
Killian says taking a deep drink of a mug that was just placed in front of him.
CAS: Yeah, I think it saw me at the last second. I just kept driving the Sai’s home, eye, shoulder… didn’t matter.
SAK: Does a Cyclops have nuts?
They all stop and look at her and shrug their shoulders.
SAK: You should of just grabbed Everlee’s morning star, cracked its nuts in two and called it a day.
CAS: That actually… is not the worst idea I have ever heard.
KIL: But Everlee…
The Cleric glances over to the barbarian.
KIL: How could she ever use that weapon again with nut bits all over it.
Sakine and Cassie let out a big laugh. Everlee just sighs and rolls her eyes. You get your food, Cassie eats a bit, once Rohlia heads down, the Baroness heads up to the bath. Killian is diving in. Plowing through the food. Everlee is quiet eating and drinking water. Rohlia comes down and dives into the Tatos and some ale.
Chance: Take my time and enjoy my food and then slug back some of my ale.
DMaster: slugging back a bit of ale. Cassie heads back down. Everlee gets up gingerly, she is in some pain, and starts up the stairs. Cassie stops her and says something, she jerks away and heads up the stairs.
KIL: That is a big bag of buzzkill.
SAK: Tell me about it, but at least she doesn’t hoard the ale.
She shoves Killian with some force he wasn’t expecting and leans way over laughing. She grabs the pitcher.
KIL: Easy! Im thirsty too!
He grabs her by the waist and she ends up on his lap. Her boobs pressed up against him. His eyes bulge and gently picks her up and places her in the chair next to him. Cassie is giggling, loving every minute of this, sits and grabs a mug. Rohlia looks at Killian disapproving.
ROH: There is like 75 kegs in the back you big lug, you don’t have to get a cheap feel from Sakine for the sake of a sip of beer!
He gets a big smile on his face, blushing. Sakine pats him on the back.
SAK: That wasn’t a cheap feel.
She then giggles.
Chance: take another swig of my ale and just marvel at the change in Cassie.
DMaster: A man walks over.
MAN: I don’t mean to interrupt but you look so familiar.
He is looking at Cassie, She smiles.
CAS: I am Cassandra, the Baroness of Camerondale.
MAN: Oh… oh. M’Lady, I am very thankful for you and Camerondale.
He bows a bit, smiles.
CAS: What is your name?
MAN: Fulkner M’Lady, Fulkner Distreet.
CAS: Well Master Fulkner, what can I do for you?
She looks at him directly, slight smile.
MAN: We… ummm… we have a… cyclops problem. I know, a tall order. A raggedy band of Gnolls must of tricked a cyclops or something…
Killian lets out a laugh almost sending his Tatos in his mouth flying across the room.
Chance: chuckle a bit hearing that and spit my drink out.
DMaster: Sakine looks at him and you.
SAK: Handle your shit you two, it’s getting embarrassing.
She smirks.
SAK: So just shove your mugs over here and I will take care of them.
The man looks surprised at Killians reaction. Cassie glances over to Sakine and smirks, then puts her attention back to the man.
CAS: You do not have to worry any longer we tracked them down and well, we disposed of them. Their corpses are an hour ride northeast of here. If I might ask a favor, if you see the magistrate of this fine town, maybe you can have someone dispatch and clean that up.
His eyes real big big smile on his face.
MAN: Really? It’s dead?
Rohlia reaches in her pocket pulls out an odd looking whitish yellow thing.
ROH: It’s a tooth, its something I picked up when I was hunting monsters. Needed proof. A tooth of a Ogre, Giant or Cyclops.
He nods at the Ranger, looks over at the bar keep.
MAN: A round for the group here, on me!
SAK: Oh yeah!
she thinks about flirting with the man then thinks twice after seeing his teeth and taking a whiff of him. She drinks more to forget. The man walks off, he is talking with other people and they cheer a little.
Chance: Head up and see if the bathroom door is open. Since it is I will take a bath. Clean up and head to my room, put my gear near the bed and plop into it. Trying to relax after that battle.
Wedmak (wednesday) 6:00 AM
DMaster: you sleep as you would normally away from home, You wake up & hear snoring. You look and it appears Sakine didn’t make it to her room. She is face down on your throw rug in your room. You get up, get ready, get dressed and make sure she is living.
SAK: The grass is soft, where’s my face? Huh?
She sits up, hair everywhere smelling like a bar room floor. Knock on the door.
CAS: (muffled) Breakfast downstairs!
Chance: open the door with a silly grin on my face.
Chan: already awake Cassie.
DMaster: she looks in, surprised.
CAS: Sakine? Really?
She stops and looks at you confused. The red head is moaning on the ground leaning up.
SAK: Yeah I’ll be down, what is my room number?
CAS: 207 you drunk bitch!
The red head stumbles a bit getting up.
SAK: Heh heh.
Chance: Chan: hey she passed out in here last night I didn’t know till I woke up.
DMaster: CAS: I hope so.
she looks at you, stops… and smiles, pats your arm.
CAS: Good boy. You, women and Inns… yeah not exactly my things I look back on fondly.
she chuckles walking down the stairs.
Chance: Sigh and smile.
Chan: hey I am learning! give me a break!
chuckling as I follow her down.
DMaster: CAS: You are.
The group is down there already Killian eating everything in site. Everlee is at a table by herself working on her armor, Rohlia is laughing at Killian watching him plow through food.
KIL: That Sakine, she can put it away. I had to stop after like 10 mugs. I was feeling it and she was still going strong, she was charming some farmers boy and he kept buying her drinks.
He laughs, wipes his mouth and downs a half a mug of tea. The guards and squires are at their own table.
Chance: Chan: Killian you big lug save some for the rest of us.
DMaster: KIL: You snooze you lose.
ROH: Oh that’s real original there.
DM: that was a todd reference BTW.
Chance: Chan: I will give you snooze you loose.
DMaster: He tosses a piece of toast her way she grabs it and eats it.
Chance: Chan: remind me Cassie to put something against my door the next time, so I don’t have a, what did you call her, drunk bitch, sleeping on my floor.
bust out laughing.
DMaster: Killian eyes perk up?
KIL: OH? Was she with clothing?
Chance: Shake my head.
Chan: Yes Killian, just keep eating.
giving him a big silly grin.
Chan: hey before you ask me about her ass, pass me a piece of toast.
DMaster: he throws you one. Everyone laughs. You finish eating. Everyone is ready to go.
KIL: We have about a 6-7 hour ride ahead of us. We will stop in 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Chance: Chan: I am sure we need to by then all this riding but of course will take this over a boat any day.
DMaster: Cassie shoots you a smirk. Everyone heads out, Sakine makes it, toast in mouth running for the wagon. Looks like she cleaned up good. You ride for a few hours, and you are in Thorn Gates old land. Pass a couple abandoned towns and some torn up shit, burnt, falling down. Crops ruined.
CAS: It’s sad, we assigned a new land baron, I hope he can get this land back up and running soon.
Chance: Chan: I am sure with time they will Cassie.
shaking my head and sigh as we are riding along.
DMaster: you stop grab a bite, tinkle, head back out. After 3 more hours, you get to an almost cliff, you see a large lake, and rocky walls in the distance, looks like canyons of sorts, with a few water falls. Rohlia and Killian both jump off their horses, looking at a map together. Cassie is just day dreaming looking out over the gorgeous landscape. its about 2-2:30 PM.
Chance: hop off Toby and walk over to Cassie.
DMaster: ROH: I think this is it, but the map didn’t say anything about a lake.
CAS: Yeah and we got company.
pointing at the camp fires on the other side.
Chance: Chan: just grand why can’t it be simple for once.
DMaster: Cassie looks down at you.
CAS: We just killed a two ton one eyed smelly giant, we survived the bathroom in the morning with Killian and we are a stones throw from a legendary door or portal to a place so evil it extracts and eats your soul. What part of this was going to be simple?
She jumps off the horse. The squires grab the horse and gets them organized.
KIL: Is my ass really that evil? Comparing it to a soul sucking portal?
Rohlia walking past.
ROH: Have you smelled your ass, my god.
Everyone chuckles. After sometime passes, things are getting organized. Cassie breaks from talks with Rohlia, Killian and Everlee.
CAS: Hey walk to the edge, take off your necklace see if you feel anything.
The group looks your way.
Chance: Walk to the edge, far enough away from Cassie. Take off the necklace.
DMaster: The power rushes in. You can hear the wind, then realize it is not wind… its like people whispering, lots of them.
Chance: keep listening, looking around and then look back at Cassie.
Chan: I can hear what sounds like people whispering
DMaster: You have an urge to go down the side of the cliff like area and walk to the waterfalls. They all look at you
KIL: Shit.
Sakine walks up to everyone carrying some supplies.
SAK: What we are looking for the hall of whispers right? (she rolls her eyes) Whispers… hello its in the title?
Its faint but you can hear it, Killian walks over to Everlee and Cassie. Rohlia walks up to you.
Chance: Chan: I can hear the whispers but its very faint, can’t make out a thing though.
DMaster: KIL: Lets set up camp over against that hill
he points about 200 feet away.
KIL: Rohlia, if you wouldnt mind, trying to see who our squatters are?
She nods and off she goes, down the side of the cliff, sliding and then into a tree.
Chance: trying to keep my eyes on Rohlia knowing she is good at hiding I shake my head, and take the necklace out and put it back on.
DMaster: The group is setting up camp, a few tents with the wagon in the middle.
Chance: go help the group knowing sitting here doing nothing isn’t gonna help.
DMaster: its around 4:00 PM and Rohlia returns.
ROH: It’s weird I guess. They look like… every day people, they have tables out, possible bodies wrapped. Some are walking into the cavern parts, possible entrances to rooms/ If I didn’t know any better they were burying dead people.
She shrugs her shoulders fiddling with an arrow.
ROH: There is only a handful, maybe 6 or 7.
Chance: Chan: worshipers of Finster maybe?
DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders.
ROH: If they are, I didn’t see anything that told me…
She smirks.
Chance: Chan: well best they not know we are here…
Think for a moment.
Chan: until they see our fire of course.
DMaster: Killian nods,
KIL: No need to be hiding. I don’t want to advertise we are here, but I am not going to hide in a bush…
He pauses, looks around
KIL: Well…
CAS: Killian (laughing).
He lets out a laugh. everyone chuckles a little. a big fire starts, and the squires are cooking food. Sakine actually looks like she is doing something, getting her quills set up, ink, parchments, books maps, etc.
Chance: go back over and sit by the edge just looking out and watching.
DMaster: you can see them moving around, cant tell what they are doing its just out of sight enough. The sun is heading down.
CAS: Chance, come get your food before Killian eats it.
Chance: Chan; yeah he keeps going at this rate he is gonna get Fat.
chuckling, making a beeline to grab my dinner.
DMaster: everyone is around the fire eating, drinking. Everlee is still working on her armor.
KIL: Everlee, I can try and get that armor straightened out.
She shakes her head. Takes a bite of food while working on it.
Chance: take a bite of my food and a sip of my drink and then look around at everyone.
DMaster: everyone finishes their meal, squires help clean up.
KIL: We have a 3 team rotation, 4 teams 3 hours tonight.
We need elves on the last two, Chance, Rohlia, your dark vision.
ROH: Ill take high moon.
Chance: nod my head hearing my name.
DMaster: KIL: Chance you get daybreak.
He assigns everyone to guard, Rohlia sets a trap up on the hill, four guards post around the camp.
Chance: not really, just settle in and find my sleeping spot.
DMaster: You toss and turn, uncomfortable. Sakine throws her shoe at you.
SAK: Quit rustling around over there, its bad enough I am trying to get to sleep sober (whispering)
Chance: Chan: Sorry. Just not feeling it. (quietly)
DMaster: You then feel Sakine crawl on top of you.
SAK: I know a way we cn get to sleep… with you it could take maybe what 30 seconds.
Chance: Chan: Sakine, off. I have a girlfriend, and you could never handle me.
DMaster: She puts her arms close, her boobs practically pop out of her top.
SAK: Oh please…
Chance: Chan: Hello Champion, you think that stops with my sword arm?
DMaster: She gets this evil smile and tilts her head, thinking about what you could do in bed. She smells great, her gorgeous eyes reflecting the little light around and is very warm.
Chance: Give her a look and smile. Put my hand to her cheek.
Chan: You are… gorgeous. But I really do not want to be with anyone but my girl.
DMaster: She sighs, leans in, gives you a kiss on your cheek.
SAK: Fine… that’s really sweet though.
The red head rolls over to her bedroll.
Chance: Sigh loudly.
DMaster: SAK: What now?
Chance: Chan: Now I have to fall asleep with a boner.
DMaster: You hear muffled laughs coming from her pillow as she buried it trying not to be too loud. You maybe get 30 minutes of sleep. Rohlia wakes you for your shift. Fog again rolls in, its a bit chilly, 55-60 moist, cloudy, no moon. Nothing happens, the sun starts to rise, the camp starts to wake up.
Chance: at least some people got some sleep grumbling to myself.
DMaster: A quick meal is eaten and then a gathering of the five heroes.
KIL: From Rohlia’s report they do not look like hostile people, so we approach them cautiously. Then make sure they don’t have any objections to us looking around. Anyone have any objections?
Chance: Chan: won’t get any from me.
DMaster: everyone is armed to the teeth.
Cassie looks at everyone.
CAS: I am in no way saying we go without weapons, but man we look pretty intimidating.
You head down, Rohlia showing the best way to get down, you slide a bit here and there but get to the bottom. The shore line is about 10-15 feet wide, meaning the water to the edge of the canyon-caverns.
Chance: take the shield off my back and put it on my arm to be prepared, as we walk along hand is near my sword
DMaster: the people watch you walking to them.
KIL: We will stay here, Cassie said she wanted to talk with them.
Killian glances back at you.
KIL: We can be a little…. intimidating.
Chance: Chan: well some of us can Killian.
shooting him a smirk.
DMaster: Cassie is talking with them.
she comes back to you four.
CAS: They are good people, they are finding the dead from the war and burying them. I want to talk to them more, but I want you four with me. I let them know you are harmless, so lets go chat.
Chance: look down and take a deep breath.
DMaster: The five of you walk over. Everyone gets introduced and they all smile, until Everlee is introduced. The man who seems to be the leader walks to the High Cleric and kisses her hand. She puts her hand on his head and he glows for a second.
EVE: Thank you friend.
She smiles for like the first time in the whole trip.
MAN: We found empty corridors and rooms, I think from an old castle or stronghold? We are burying them in there, wrapping them up, putting names to the ones we know and sending them to Animax.
The party all looks at each other.
Chance: Chan: Uhhh what? I don’t think that is going to work here.
Giving them a look.
DMaster: Cassie nudges you.
CAS: No, CHANCE, you don’t have to bury the dead on sacred land CHANCE… ok CHANCE.
Chance: Chan: ok. CASSIE, you know my name CASSIE.
DMaster: Cassie gives you a scolding look. Everlee giving the man speaking a look, glances over to you and frowns, knowing you are probably right. He is pointing at a canyon opening.
MAN: Down that cavern, but we can only go so far before a buzzing sound and the air makes us dizzy, gives us a headache.
They all pear down the one corridor, adjacent to a waterfall that is rushing next to them. All five of them look around, all with different reactions.
MAN: I feel like there is friction among you, a disagreement? Is this not sacred enough land?
He looks at Everlee worried, if anyone would know, it would be her.
EVE: We are here to research this area. I wouldn’t want to report to you with anything but some solid facts and information.
She softly smiles. He smiles and nods and seems satisfied with that answer. He is beckoned away, and he excuses himself.
Chance: Chan: Nicely done.
DMaster: She is shaking her head.
EVE: How do I tell good people that they are burying people in what could be the catacombs leading to the Hall of Whispers?
Killian steps forward.
KIL: We need to verify this first, then we cn discuss things further. Chance, you are up.
Rohlia walks up next to you.
ROH: I’ll head in with him, if it gets bad Ill head back.
Killian pauses and nods.
KIL: I like people to be backed up, so yeah if your noggin gets bad, head out.
Chance: Chan: I will report anything, (look at Rohlia) just like old times isn’t it?
DMaster: ROH: If I come out spitting blood half dead I am kicking your ass!
she says with a laugh, everyone looks at each other oddly though you two knew what that means.
Chance: chuckle a bit.
Chan: come on Rohlia let’s see what we find.
DMaster: you two head in, the shadows fall, the sun is not high enough to make it down into the canyon area
ROH: Ok, were far enough in, whoa, yeah I can feel something. Take off your necklace please.
She is walking along to the walls tracing her hand, looking up.
Chance: nod my head and take off the necklace.
DMaster: instantly you hear hundreds of voices whispering.
not super loud. It feels awesome you feel power, Suddenly Rohlia grabs your hand.
Chance: Shocked a little, look at Rohlia.
DMaster: ROH: Just between us Chance.
She lifts her armor to one side, you rub an area, and a symbol of Finster lights up on her.
Chance: Chan: You have got to be fucking yanking my peen.
my eyes get big.
DMaster: She gets this big grin on her face.
ROH: Lifelong follower, it’s probably why me and my family never got along.
Chance: Chan: you mean all this time and I never knew, why the hell didn’t you tell me.
still in a bit of shock
DMaster: ROH: I didn’t know you were the Champion, when I did we just never had the time.
Chance: Chan: well if anything I feel a bit better knowing you will have my back Rohlia.
DMaster: She fires you a look.
ROH: I would of anyways.
Squeezes your hand.
Chance: Chan: I am just umm… wow.
squeeze her hand back.
Chan: well you know I won’t say anything to anyone else Rohlia.
giving her a big smile.
Chan: well except maybe with your permission of course.
DMaster: ROH: I hear a buzzing sound, some faint whispers.
You two make it in further, your elf eyes don’t see anything. She winces a bit.
ROH: Yeah, wow… its getting crazy, I have to stop here.
She is holding her head and she backs up a bit.
ROH: Any sign of trouble get the hell out ok?
Chance: Chan: of course I am not taking any Chance’s no pun intended.
DMaster: she nods, grabs her bow, notches an arrow, just in case.
Chance: Chan: if you see me running you’ll know.
look at her and then start moving forward.
DMaster: ok, the passage canyon widens a bit, the whispering is loud, you feel power rushing through you. it feels great. You reach a fork in the road, so to speak. The whispering is very loud. Your power is surging.
From a distance you can hear Rohlia.
ROH: Chance I think you stopped, whats wrong?
Chance: Chan: Fork in the passage, whispering really loud.
looking around.
DMaster: when you think of the door, you can see a faint light shining through the edge of the fork in the canyon, through dirt and rock. You go and start to remove some of it. The whispering is really loud. You see a green gem, slightly cracked, a dark metal double doors inset in what seems to be ornate stone fittings.
Chance: carefully reach out to touch the gem.
DMaster: You get a flash of a huge entryway, blue & smoky, then you come back. You think you hear noise to your left.
Chance: turn my eyes to the left, hand tightens around the sword.
DMaster: A creature, dark red and black climbs out of the cavern wall, dust and debris all over.
ROH: Whats happening Chance?!?
In a deep guttural growling voice, the creature says…
CREATURE: Who dares approach the… Ahhh hell Chance, it’s just you.
It transforms into who you recognize as Finster. He walks to you, but you now hear movement behind you.
ROH: Everlee, what the fuck?
You hear the elf down the cavern. The High Cleric is walking up to you and Finster.
Chance: Chan: Uhhh Everlee, maybe not the best place for a High Cleric of Animax to be.
DMaster: Finster smirks, looks at you then back at her.
Fin: That ain’t Everlee…