First Five Written Out

Chance stares at the High Cleric, she does not look well from what he can see in the shadows and his own light reflecting off her armor and eyes. Everlee’s face is flushed, tears streaming down her cheek and her eyes white as a shelled chicken’s egg. Chance goes to put a hand on her and Finster stops him.

“Ahhh not the best Idea, the mortal form is not doing well right up against our door, your touch would only add to it” he says looking back at Everlee, or what should of been her, “let’s walk this way to the cavern openings” he finishes guiding them down the left passageway leading to some natural light.

Rohlia now getting more worried, “Chance?! Where did you go?” she yells down the ravine, “chance? Goddammit!” she paces, not knowing what to do next.

The three of them come out into a gorgeous oasis. Beautiful palm-like trees, sandy grassy mix on the ground, a small lake in the middle with some rocks, bushes and some small wildlife running around. The sun is breaking across the ridges and the temperature could not be better. A certain type of flower is abundant here, and it is Midnight Jade.

Chance walks by a patch of flowers, bends down and picks one of them. “Beautiful flowers” he says to himself, taking a deep smell only to have someone reflect the same thoughts just 20 yards away.

A man stands there, almost difficult to see, he also is lit up, eyes are pure light, “yes these are wonderful flowers” he says with a reverb style voice. He is dressed in a white like cloth with golden accents. Has short dark blonde hair and seems pretty well built.

“Must you!” Finster exclaims to the woman, or whoever might be in there. “Edwin does not need to be here, it is only going to cause problems…” he stops and heads for Chance at once.

Chance has already gone full blown frenzy, heading towards the angelic creature. Finster stops him and looks his champion in his eye. “Chance, CHANCE, I know, I know, you want to rip his head off” he says holding the man by the arm trying to get him under control.

Finster glances over to the High Cleric shaking his head with a slight chuckle “That wasn’t a great idea huh?”

Finally Everlee speaks and it is an odd voice, almost of a nervous man sitting in a small cavern with shallow echoes. “You wanted it in your Champion’s blood, Edwin has lived with the thought for a thousand years, so he can control it” the voice says coming out of Everlee’s mouth.

Chance is screaming with fury, power surging through him. In the dark the Champion gets thrown into, Khamyra appears in front of him, and he starts to calm down, they embrace and he snaps back to reality. The quarter elf looks around and sees Finster hugging him. The Demi-God pulls back. “Sorry you are getting no tongue, you’re not my type Chance.”

Everlee lets out a skittery type bellowed laugh tilting her head back. “You always made things so complicated,” she says, shaking her head.

With a bit of snark, “Some of us did not have the ability to snap our fingers to make things happen… so I had to be creative” Finster responds, then looks back at the Champion “Chance, I know you want to rip this guy’s head off, but dig deep, know that is not you. Stay true to yourself, and you will stay true to me…”

Those words hit home for Chance, ones that swirled around his brain for weeks after the death of Shanna. The words that haunted him until Khamyra’s insight brought him out of the depression. He looks down, emotions getting to him.

“What is it my Champion” Finster says softly, hands still on his shoulders, “something bothers you.”

Edwin makes his way over to Everlee who has a soft smile on her face, “M’Lord, that is Finsters Champion?” the angelic creature says inquisitively. “I half expected a bloodthirsty warlord or a dark foreboding assassin.”

The angelic figure walks to get a better look at him and tilts his head, “He has good in him and love,” he hisses quietly very perplexed “and great compassion for other people… even ones passed on.”

“Yeah surprised the hell out of me too” Everlee says with that odd voice, looking at Finster and Chance confused at the closeness and the connection they seem to have with each other.

Chance glances up to his lord, trying not to make a scene, trying to hold it all in, “Just those words, it brings me back to a time that I wish to forget” he says putting his head down again.

“No, no, Chance, you never forget that, as painful as it might be” he says with a thoughtful tone, “You must accept it, know that it was meant to be and know that it was done with others in mind.”

Chance takes a few deep breaths, glances over to this Edwin and his blood begins to boil. “M’Lord, what the hell, why do I want to make this guy a blade sharpener?”

Finster looks at him, “I will explain later, for now just try and keep it under control.”

Chance continues to look at Edwin, even though he wants to rip his throat out “I apologize Edwin, I am not myself right now” Chance says putting his head down hoping that will help his anger.

That sediment makes the glowing man wheel to Everlee, giving her an amazed look, eyes wide and completely confused. Edwin walks a bit away giving his lord and Finster some privacy.

Meanwhile Rohlia has left the tunnels, Killian and Cassie look over and start to walk towards her. She waves them off as she sprints for another cavern tunnel and dips down it. Killian looks confused as he glances at Cassie who seems just as confused. “Did you get anything from her as she sprinted by?” he asks with a sigh, wondering what the hell is going on.

Cassie shakes her head a bit “not really, she just wanted to get a better vantage point?” she says with some uncertainty.

Finster walks over to Everlee, “So now I know what the rising power is, that bitch you couldn’t put down a century ago” he says with some frustration and an antagonizing tone.

“Yes, yes, Imryllion (EM-RILL-YUN) is back and gaining power faster than I ever thought she could ” Everlee retorts, in obvious deep thought and a bit of worry in the voice.

Finsters eyes grow to slits and stand in front of the High Cleric, “You want my help don’t you?” he says with some resoluteness.

After a few moments, Everlee nods her head “Instead of another knock down, drag out battle that destroys half the world, I was hoping to bring in the best, and put this annoying little mare down for good.”

Finster lets out a laugh, “Are you really trying to win me over with flattery?” he says, with a smile across his face and crossing his arms.

“Yes, and allowing you to ascend” Everlee says matter of fact like.

Edwins head snaps to the cleric, Chance’s jaw drops and Finster is just staring at the God with an open mouth, eyes wide.

“M’Lord, are you sure about this?” Edwin says in some protest, then glancing over to Finster who is like a statue staring at the Cleric. “Allow him to ascend, and what of the god-plane, what of the mass of followers and the great battle? Is that not going to take place now?” he says wide eyed, shaking his head.

Everlee chuckles, “The eve of ascension… yes. That will still take place” she says putting her hands behind her back looking over the now shimmering water.

Finster shakes himself out of his shock, “honestly I was looking forward to the eve, but if you are willingly allowing me to ascend, I do not want to lose half my follower base on the ideals of some words written on an old parchment” he says looking at Edwin nodding his head in agreement.

“It talks of a great battle, for the rights of the god-plane” the High Cleric starts and gets interrupted.

“M’LORD!” Edwin shouts at him, “are you sure this is information you should be unveiling, to, well, anyone” he says with worry across his face, “you are speaking of things even I do not know about.”

“Yes,” Everlee says, looking down, “you are right, I will keep it to simple facts only” she finishes nodding her head.

“They speak of the Eve of Ascension, but they do not speak of who is trying to ascend” he says looking at the Demi-God and his Champion.

Finster completely beside himself, eyes still wide, “It’s not. ME. is it? The god trying to ascend is…”

“The Iron Wench” Chance says, finishing his sentence.

The open cavern grows quiet except for a few birds chirping and the occasional cricket. Edwin is slowly nodding his head in deep thought. Finster is still wide eyed, hands on hips, thinking of something witty to say but nothing coming to him. Chance is just thinking how much time, effort and anxiety has been put into this eve of ascension.

“Eve of Ascension has changed, it was to come, but even I can not control the future, destiny, actors or what changes from that time until now and into the future” She says in a poetic fashion.

Rohlia has found some ledges, jumps from one to another, has made it to the top of the plateau of sorts and is getting her bearings. Looking at the sun, thinking that the area Chance was in is about 300 yards south and starts to run that way pulling out her bow in the process.

“Did you know about this?” Finster says looking to Edwin after a short silence; their eyes meet.

Edwin shakes his head “No Dark Cleric, I know of the past and present, but nothing of the future, at least not more than any one of you” he says.

Chance, swallowing his rage, “then what are you?” he says genuinely curious.

Edwin lets out a laugh and shakes his head again, “Call me Legons infamous historian” he says with a smirk, “I know the present, like there will be a visitor here in moments *pauses* and I know the past, I know it with excruciating detail, it was the gift bestowed upon me by my Lord Animax” glancing over at Everlee who is still staring out over the waters. “I live in the god-plane with him, and, well, take notes, so to speak” He finishes.

Chance, in some disbelief, “Really? Every… detail?” with a bit of sarcasm.

The historian feeling the jab turns and raises an eyebrow “Yes Chance Axion, I even know of the first time you made love with Britney… it was your first, was it not?”

Chance, shocked, pulls back a bit. Looks around a bit worried. Finster glances up with a smirk, knowing full well he is going to reveal something Chance doesn’t want revealed.

Edwin walks towards the Champion, leans in “You cried like a baby afterwards? Remember?” he says softly so no one else can hear and just about ready to bust out laughing.

The Champion jumps back, half to stop himself from the frenzy, the other half to quiet the man down. “Yes, perfect detail, wow, got you on that, I believe, I understand, perfectly.” The tall man retorts, turning away slightly embarrassed.

Edwin has a playful smile from his interaction with the Champion, and he walks over to Animax in Everlee’s body.

After a moment of quiet, the cleric breaks the silence by clearing her throat. “I do not want to overstay my welcome in this shell” she says looking down at the body, “So I must say, this information is not to be repeated to ANYONE, and I mean… anyone. As far as you all know, the ascension is what it is supposed to be. This knowledge in the public could be absolutely devastating.”

“I forgot how beautiful this world could be…” the possessed cleric mumbles, a small smile washing across her face. “So are you in?” The high cleric says, still staring out.

Finster, without much hesitation, “you allow me to ascend, and we will bury that bitch for good.” he says with confidence and authority, “I am not going to be picking out dishes or curtains with you Animax, but I am true to my word and I will be by your side for this fight.”

Everlee glances back finally and nods in understanding and respect.

Edwin is looking around, “I think our little party needs to come to a close soon” he says, stopping and scanning the top of the ridge line.

“Yes, we will have eyes on us within a few moments, that pesky Elf” Everlee says with a Chuckle. She turns to Finster and their eyes meet. “Once an enemy is now my ally. I know we will never agree on many things, but keeping Imryllion (EM-RILL-YUN) down is something I think we will both be most agreeable about. Get your door in order, get into your hall. I will be in touch with further details.”

The cleric walks over to Chance. Look up to him. “It was nice meeting you Champion” she says, still with that weird voice shaking her head a bit. She pauses and continues to stare into the vibrating blue eyes of Chance. “Your prayer touched me. I was completely thrown by it…” she says softly.

Chance furries his brow but then suddenly remembers. His shoulders slump and he takes a deep breath feeling everything rush into him again; remembering what Shanna said and how she said it. How the dagger felt buried in her and the way she looked in the moonlight, slumped over against the well. His thoughts then go to his prayer and that necklace, one half in Ferellus’s coffin, the other in Shanna’s grave.

The possessed Cleric pauses a moment, feeling Chance’s pain. “Let’s just say the necklace is complete once again” she says quietly and a soft smile washing over her face.

The Champions eyes snap to Everlee’s eyes welling up, emotions overwhelming the big glowing man. All he could do is nod to Animax in thanks and respect.

“Never lose that light Chance, it will be your guide with your Lord… and hell maybe even straighten him out a bit” she finishes much louder than before and with as much whip as she could muster.

Finster rolls his eyes and snorts, “I’ll straighten you…” he starts to say.

Everlee turns to the Dark Cleric making eye contact stopping him in mid sentence. She awkwardly backs into Chance who looks a little surprised at the actions of the cleric. “Hold me up, I am sure she is going to faint when I leave her.”

Chance puts his hands around her shoulders, on the ready.

Edwin is looking at the Quarter Elf, “I truly hope that your bloodline will not keep us from being friends, you are in a unique situation with the best of heart.” He looks at Finster, nodding his head who looks back at him “this choice is an odd one (referring to Chance) but one I approve of. Well done.”

A bright flash of light bursts in front of them, both of them shield their eyes. A quick and fast stream of light races to the sky and disappears. Everlee falls into the Champions arms.

“So glad he approved of the choice, I was getting worried” Finster mumbles with complete sarcasm after they left.

Rohlia, wanting to run faster, cannot, with the dusty surface and sun’s reflection. It is hard for her to gauge where edges are so she is moving with precaution and as quickly as she safely can. The Ranger is almost upon them when she is forced to jump back, seeing the light beam into the sky. Her eyes wide, now more worried than ever.

Killian’s eyes bulge a little seeing the light phenomena and grabs Cassie’s arm who missed the event. “Yeah, let’s go find out what the hell is going on…” he says, starting to walk for the ravine. Cassie looks around and follows as the big man fills her in on what he just saw.

The Dark Cleric walks to Chance “Well, there is one person you will have to tell about this” he says looking at the slumped over blonde woman, “Cassandra, she will read you like a book, might as well tell her everything and let her know how important it is to keep quiet.”

Finster wants to say something else but is interrupted by the waking Everlee.

“Wha… what happened, where am I?” she says trying to stand up grabbing for her head, “Oh, my head, what is that buzzing sound.”

Chance walks over to Finster after he knows Everlee can stand on her own. They exchange glances, then they both look back over to the Cleric who finally has her vision back.

Her eyes, back to her beautiful blue ones, bulge and she steps back realizing who is standing in front of her.

“Mornin’ Sunshine” Finster says with a smirk and his usual whip.

Turn Based Begins Here

Chance: Turn, look at Finster and start to chuckle a bit

DMaster: From your left you hear noise

Chance: turn knowing from what just Happened with Edwin and Animax, that it is probably Rohlia

DMaster: Rohlia jumping from branch to branch, just making enough noise but still pretty quiet. She lands 10 feet from you in a small cloud of dust, bow fully drawn aimed at Finster
ROH: I don’t know who… you…

Chance: Chan: easy, easy, Rohlia put that bow away
putting my hands up giving her a look.

DMaster: Her eyes bulge, unwinds the bow, drops it to the ground.
Finster, big smirk, glances over to the elf.
FIN: Rohlia, that is quite an entrance.
She instantly drops to one knee. Everlee’s eyes bulge watching this unfold.
EVE: Rohlia, get off that knee!
Finster chuckles and gives Everlee a look.

Chance: start smirking as well covering my mouth to not bust out laughing

DMaster: He turns and walks to the elf

Chance: looking over at Everlee, smirk and shrug my shoulders
Chan: Everlee, do you even know how close you are to his door? I mean what were you thinking?

DMaster: She looks at you stunned and confused. Holding her head a bit.
EVE: I… I… blacked out. I don’t know. What the hell happened?
Finster walks to Rohlia, puts his hand out, he is talking to her, soft enough for everyone not to hear

Chance: Chan: I think we need to get you out of here, it is really affecting you
thinking to myself I better play this up really good

DMaster: The cleric wobbles a little and looks over to Rohlia and Finster
EVE: Is that really… who I think it is?

Chance: Nod my head with a smile.
Chan: Well it isn’t Plugr with a receding hairline. Yes, it is my lord Finster. This is his turf.

DMaster: Her eyes bulge a little, face flushed. You see Finster slowly lay Rohlia on the ground
EVE: Rohlia!
Finster turns around, eyes wide
FIN: No worries Cleric, I just gave her… a gift
He smiles. walks back over. Everlee runs to the Elf. The Demi-God looks down the ravine leading to this little oasis.
FIN: I can’t hang around for your other friends, so I must leave you

Chance: Smile at him.
Chan: I will see you soon. I am sure we still have much to talk about; like fixing that door and getting you into the Hall.
Saying it so Everlee can’t hear

DMaster: He nods, gives you a look.
FIN: The battles that lie ahead, I want to be there, in part, helping you… Before rushing in I want you to think about… bark from a tree.
He looks around and peels a little off the tree next to him. Then he hands you a piece of bark.

Chance: Looking at the bark and look down thinking
Chan: Just what does that mean…

DMaster: Once you touch it, everything starts to go dark, but it was just in time to see him turn into a wisp of dark smoke and disappear. You fall down to the ground.

Chance: looking around when I come to

DMaster: Killian is leaning over you
KIL: Kid, you ok?
His face is flushed too, veins popping out of his head

Chance: Chan: I am fine. I think we all need to get out of here
looking around knowing that the rest of the group has shown up

DMaster: Rohlia is standing, wobbly a bit, Everlee is helping. Cassie is rubbing the ground.
CAS: I swear I saw someone right here…

Chance: Chan: just help me up, you big lug
let out a small chuckle

DMaster: Killian lifts you up. Rohlia has huge eyes, staring at you, but she is also in some pain. Cassie is the only one not too affected by it, though she keeps touching her head

Chance: Chan: okay if I haven’t said it enough, let’s get out of here. Some of us are really getting affected by being here
walk over towards Rohlia while trying to get the group to move with me

DMaster: Killian nods in full agreement with your assessment. Glances where they came,
KIL: I really don’t want to run through that again.
Everlee suddenly jumps back
EVE: Rohlia, what in Animax’s broom closet!

Chance: Looking more at Rohlia as I walk closer to her
Chan: Rohlia are you going to be okay?

DMaster: She is shaking her head, she is giggling a little
ROH: Wow, that makes me dizzy…
Killian starts to walk the opposite direction of the cavern entrance. He stops and looks around.
KIL: Dammit, no exit here…
Stops a moment then you hear him talk again
KIL: oh wait, what is this?

Chance: Chan: Let’s see if there is another way out
Glancing back at the ravine that holds the door.

DMaster: You hear rocks being moved / thrown and through the brush he looks to be uncovering something
KIL: It is a bit better this end, and get over here

Chance: walk over to him see what he found
Chan: damn it, you all took a big chance, no pun intended, coming. I mean just why?

DMaster: Looks to be a door, it was buried in a small landslide
KIL: Sorry, when a bright streak of light beams up to the sky, where you are generally located, we tend to take action.
glancing back to you
KIL: You know what I am talking about
He says throwing stones over his shoulder

Chance: Chan: a light beam? Have no idea what you are talking about
shrugging shoulders, looking back at the rest of the group
Chan: Do you want some help with that? Or are you going to do it all by yourself?

DMaster: Everlee walks past helping dig it out.
EVE: You are not good at a lot of things Champion, and lying is close to the top of the list.
Rohlia goes to protest but figures that is probably a noble trait to have, and ends up giggling at the comment. The door is mostly uncovered now, Killian goes to open it but its locked

Chance: walk over to the door and look it over
Chan: let me take a crack at opening it

DMaster: Looking it over, it doesn’t look difficult. He backs up, wiping his brow,
You can hear Cassie laugh a little
CAS: Ok, that’s pretty freaky, you can see… far with that?
She is talking with Rohlia.

Chance: looking back Cassie shaking my head, grabbing my thieves picks for the door. Crack my knuckles before I try to pick the door

DMaster: KIL: Are you going to kiss and marry it, or pick it?
Killian says running out of patience with his head throbbing, Everlee snorting.
KIL: This isn’t exactly a vacation for us mere mortals.
Cassie giggles again, she looks around.
CAS:Though, it’s gorgeous here

Chance: Chan: okay fine fine give me a second.

DMaster: KIL: Good, that’s all you are getting, I am going to kick it in within 2 seconds otherwise.
You grab the ones you need and it takes you 5 seconds, PING!

Chance: Chan: There… open.

DMaster: The barbarian moves past you, opening the door and heading in
KIL: Interesting…

Chance: Chan: so much for proceeding with caution?
As I smirk

DMaster: KIL: I am heading up one of the most powerful groups in all Legon, we don’t need to be cautious right now.
You look in, and it’s a long, wide high corridor, roughly 40ft wide, at least 30ft high, made of shiny white marble. To the right it is smooth and straight, to the left it looks like there are alcoves of sorts every 50ft. There is very little light, but from the open door and some down at the end of the hall.

Chance: Chan: come on everyone, let’s go see if we can find a way out for you mere mortals.
chuckling at that comment Killian made. Go in as well waiting for the rest of the group to follow suit

DMaster: The group walks in, they all seem to feel a little bit of relief. Cassie ponders a moment, looks around and then closes the door behind them. Everyone, almost instantaneously breathes a sigh of relief
KIL: Oh, that’s much better.
The group is slowly walking down the corridor. You can hear what seems to be sobbing, softly coming from behind you. It is Rohlia, who is leaning against the wall, tears falling, shaking a little.

Chance: walk over to her and touch her shoulder
Chan: are you gonna be alright?

DMaster: Without hesitation she stands up and gives you a fierce hug. She starts to ball.
ROH: Yeah (sob) It is just so overwhelming
she says in between breaths.

Chance: hug her back and just let her cry
Chan: You know I will always be here for you, and now I believe HE will too.

DMaster: She hugs a bit tighter and sobs a little harder. Everlee glances back, a bit concerned.
EVE: Is she going to be OK?

Chance: Chan: she will be just fine, better than fine. It is just a lot to take in.

DMaster: She starts to ease up a bit, lets you go and then walks back a bit, tries to get her bearings. Killian is walking farther down the hall, voices and walking echoes a bit.
KIL: Nice place, white marble floors and walls. Doesn’t look like it has been used in… decades.
EVE: Probably a century or two.
Killian nods his head, still looking around, still proceeding down the hall.

Chance: Go back to Rohlia,
Chan: So he gave you a gift?

DMaster: She has a big smile on her face
ROH: I can see far, he said just think of an ‘eagle’
she is giddy, wiping her tears away, pauses, and looks down the corridor, then looks directly at you. Her eyes enlarge a bit and they turn to slits.

Chance: Chan: Whoa, nice eyes
Smiles and nods.
Chan: quite the gift I would say
Still talking quietly

DMaster: Her eyes then pop back to her normal ones
ROH: It’s still a bit disorientating, if I am moving it is tough to stand.

Chance: Chan: Whitlock, an assbag ranger I know, has a very similar ability. He was never moving when he used it, probably because it’s disorientating. It’s something I am sure you will get use to the more you use it
Smile at her.

DMaster: ROH: Assbag Ranger? Never heard of that class
She says in a serious tone, then stops, looks at you, smirks and giggles. She finishes wiping tears away, blowing noses.
KIL: Big… big staircase down here, leading up… I can see light coming down.

Chance: Chan: come on let’s go before Killian just bull rushes everything. I wouldn’t want to miss the action.
Giving Rohlia another pat on the shoulder and a big smile, then straighten up and start moving towards the staircase.

DMaster: You two head down following Cassie and Everlee who are looking around. It looks like the alcoves have braziers in them, if they were lit, it would be damn bright in the corridor. It has to be 200 feet long from door to staircase.

Chance: Chan: should we light some of these Braziers to see? For some of you that can’t see in the dark I mean.

DMaster: Cassie glances back with a smirk
CAS: Well it’s nice to see that some things don’t change… you still come up with the weirdest things to do.
You reach the end of the hallway and you all walk up the staircase, it leads outside, to a huge porch like area, great columns line the east and south area, holding up the roof. Railing all along, stone floor, some more braziers. The view is breathtaking, a nice breeze runs through.

Chance: taking in the view

DMaster: Cassie gets to the top, grabs her head and looks your way
CAS: If it isn’t that door, it’s your chance, can you put on your necklace?

Chance: Chan: yes yes I suppose I should do that, sorry I tend to forget the affect me being the champion has on some people
Taking out the necklace and putting it back on. Rohlia is looking around, all along the railings.
ROH: How did we not see this before? I think our camp is down over there.
She is pointing out south. Killian with an eye raised is thinking the same thing.

Chance: Chan: Wow, even better than the view I got in Del Rosa
chuckling glancing at Cassie.

DMaster: CAS: Yeah… it is, huh?
She snickers, walks over to you, and nudges you playfully. After a few minutes people are settling down. Killian leans against the railing, crosses his arms.
KIL: OK, anyone want to tell me what the hell just happened down there?

Chance: look over at Killian and shrug my shoulders

DMaster: Rohlia hops on the railing, squats. she starts excitedly.
ROH: I couldn’t go in any further, I think I saw someone with Chance, and could hear some talking and I looked behind me
She looks at Everlee who is also looking out over the railing, then turns to meet the elf’s eyes
ROH: This woman, eyes as white as my ass in winter, walking on past
Everlee scrunches her brow
EVE: What? I blacked out. I don’t remember anything
Killian stops leaning and waves his hands.
KIL: Wait, wait… Is your ass still really white, can we see?
Everyone slowly gets a smile, then a chuckle then a laugh.

Chance: look over at Killian and bust out laughing

DMaster: Even Everlee cracks a smile.
ROH: That’s when you saw me go to the ravine next to the one we went in. I was hoping to find a way up, which I did. I got close to where Chance is, and this burst of… light, no energy, it knocked me off my feet, just streaked into the sky.
KIL: Yes I saw that.

Chance: shrugging shoulders

DMaster: Everyone looks at you
ROH: Well?

Chance: Chan: I don’t know what to say, I didn’t see the burst of light you speak of… might I suggest we just get back to camp?

DMaster: Cassie is giving you the eye, looks oddly at you
EVE: You are a horrible liar, wow. I hope the fate of your religion does not depend on your lying ability.
ROH: Chance, it was right in the little oasis area, there is no way…

Chance: Give her a sharp glance.

DMaster: She stops, frowns.
ROH: I mean… Well anyways, I jumped down worried and strung my bow, pulled it back and…
she just stares out, in a daze now
ROH: There he was, my lord, Finster. The bringer of Magic.
Killians eyes bulge
KIL: Wait, what? He was here? just hanging out?
EVE: (mumbles) Bringer of magic, my ass…

Chance: Chan: Well, Cassie can we talk alone? Before you go reading me…

DMaster: CAS: too late (she says softly)
KIL: Why, what are you hiding? or… Wait, wait… let Rohlia finish her story.
The big man is eyeing Cassie now, then looks back to Rohlia. Cassie eyes huge, takes a deep breath and shudders.

Chance: shaking head and lean on the rail

DMaster: ROH: He just walked towards me, told me how much he appreciated my love and loyalty. Then… he said the oddest thing, when you can’t focus, you must think of the eagle. He put his hand to my cheek, and I blanked out. Then I woke up to Everlee shaking me, telling me to wake up
She has the smile on her face, still staring out…
ROH: It… was… amazing.

Chance: smile a bit and then look over to Cassie with pleading eyes

DMaster: Her face is flushed and she is shaking a bit
KIL: Cass, you don’t look so good
She looks at you, eyes wide
CAS: Chance is right, we need to talk alone
EVE: I would like to know what I did, why I did it?
she says pleadingly, looking at you.

Chance: Chan: enough! Me and Cassie need to talk alone now!!
holding out my hand to Cassie

DMaster: She takes it and you walk to the other side of the platform, it’s huge, 100 x 120.
KIL: Who pissed in Chances porridge, damn
He looks around for anything to eat, settles on taking a swig of his skin

Chance: once we are away from the group I will look in Cassie’s eyes for a minute
Chan: the knowledge I have right now could be very very dangerous to know in the wrong hands it affects everything
start to explain to Cassie everything that happened

DMaster: DM: Cut out a good 30 minutes of indecision
She listens intently, the both of you digest it. After some time of debating, you figure to tell them that it was only Edwin there, that Everlee was drawn to him and that the flash of like was the angelic creature. The Baroness looks over to the other 3 in the group; Everlee is talking with Rohlia, who is shaking her head, disagreeing with what she is saying. Killian is trying to look at Rohlia’s butt, still wondering how white it must be. Cassie smirks.
CAS: Ok, lets go talk to them

Chance: Chan: I’m sorry I tried to keep things from you, and yes, let’s get this over with
straighten up a bit and give her a smile

DMaster: She gives you a sharp glance as she started for the other side,
CAS: Don’t keep things from me Chance, you know I will always keep my word…

Chance: Nod my head. Follow her back to the group

DMaster: KIL: Well, have you figured out how to cover up whatever it is you are trying to cover up?

Chance: Frown, looking the group over

DMaster: Rohlia chuckles, and Everlee stands there, resting bitch face, arms crossed

Chance: give him a look and start explain some details as me and Cassie discussed

DMaster: After you are done, they are all looking at you, eyes wide
EVE: So what the hell was I doing?

Chance: Look at Cassie for a minute, and then look back at Everlee

DMaster: CAS: Best I could describe it would be that you were drawn to Edwin. when you are near or around him you are just drawn to him.
Everlee looks around, not believing a word.
EVE: Drawn to Edwin… I was drawn to this historian, for what? To say hi? Perform a task? Wipe his butt?

Chance: Chan: well hard to say he is a part of Animax after all. I mean this is a lot for us all to take in, me especially
shaking my head

DMaster: Killian scrunches his brow
KIL: Do people on the god-plane need to wipe ass (he mumbles to himself)
Everlee seems very unsatisfied with the answer
CAS: There is a staircase over where me and Chance were talking, not sure where it leads to
Killain a bit pissed at this cover up , stands up.
KIL: I don’t like the answers either, Everlee, but I have been in the Black Ward far too long to know, some things are better left unsaid. Now, hopefully this staircase will lead to the best roast boar this side of the ever shimmer
He walks to the staircase and heads down, you hear banging and then some grating sounds

Chance: following close behind

DMaster: He pretty much rips some iron barred gate off its hinges, throws it to the side, takes out his sword and starts slashing at the overgrowth. After a few minutes, you end up in a grassy landing, and you can see your camp about 300 feet away. One of the guards is heading your way, others following not knowing what the noise was about. Killian waves at them, they stop and smile.

Chance: waiting for the rest of the group, as I slump my shoulders having to keep this meeting a secret

DMaster: you all reach the camp, It is almost a high sun.
KIL: Oh nice, stew almost ready, I’m so hungry I could eat dirty monkey balls.
SAK: Not very filling, I’ve eaten my share of balls…
she gives a playful smirk. The group just all burst out laughing, loud

Chance: smirk to myself as it brings me out of my thoughts, hearing that

DMaster: KIL: I don’t even know what to say to that
the big man says in between laughs. She shrugs her shoulders and looks out over the lake and cliff face
SAK: Should we start to canvas this place?

Chance: from where I am sitting look over at the rest of the group
Chan: I think maybe after we eat. Don’t want Killian talking about dirty monkey balls all day, I mean just when I thought it couldn’t get worse; we went from goat asses to monkey balls
shaking my head and chuckling

DMaster: ROH: Doesn’t sound terrible…
everyone laughs a bit
KIL: After we eat, we head down, get measurements of the area, I want it mapped, and mapped well. Then anything that grows to be cataloged and samples taken
DM: Going to move this part along
You eat, then head down to the basin, take measurements. You see doors in some of the caverns and it is where they seem to be burying the dead bodies. They wrap it in some cloth and lay them in the rooms. It looks like they just got a fresh delivery… maybe 10 bodies or so.

Chance: looking as I move along

DMaster: A few men have a wagon, dead bodies on it, the bodies look fairly new. The group is eyeing them up but continues on working as Killian is barking orders. You and a squire go into the rooms they are burying the dead in to quickly get measurements, 4 cadavers leaned up against the west wall… in all 5 you went into. The rooms are also the same shiny expensive marble as the hallway you found earlier. They have some braziers, but very little else.

Chance: hand near my sword as we are doing the measurements
Chan: let’s make this quick as we can
as I look at the squire, take a quick measurement and get out each room

DMaster: The squire gets a little nervous as he sees you hovering around your sword. You get the measurements, note the number of bodies and get out. You do a bunch more things, everyone works hard. It is getting later, about 6:00-6:30PM. The squires left a half hour ago to camp to start dinner. Sakine, surprisingly, is busting ass, notating everything she can, having one of the guards draw pictures (one of the reasons they were asked to go) of fauna and flowers, etc. Taking samples, putting them in pouches, etc.
KIL: Alright, we got most of it, let’s head back, we will re-evaluate tomorrow morning. I’m so hungry I could…

Chance: Chan: Wait! Don’t say it Killian
bust out laughing
Chan: okay go ahead and say it, I am interested to hear what’s next on your exotic menu
shooting him a grin

DMaster: But Rohlia butts in.
ROH: Eat the hair off an ogres ass!
She says walking past everyone, towards the camp. Killian scrunches his nose
KIL: No… no… that would not be on my menu, exotic or not!
He says playfully and he follows her to the camp

Chance: following them back to camp, giggling a bit

DMaster: The squires are making some food. Meanwhile, Killian walks over to the wagon, pulls off a few bags that was covering something and reveals a keg sitting there. Sakine’s eyes bulge, then she seems to get angry.
SAK: Dammit! I could of used that last night, listening to Chance talk about his boner didn’t help me sleep at all

Chance: Snap my neck up, look at her, then everyone else.
Chan: Wait, what? Huh?
shooting her a look, as my face starts to flush a bit

DMaster: Everyone’s eyes bulge, slowly glance over to you and they smile
CAS: Chance? Problems controlling your… ummm… I mean, no surprise really
she says musing, shrugging her shoulders, fun look on her face. Killian cuts Sakine off at the pass, so to speak, giving her a stern look.

Chance: Hoping no one thought I nailed the crazy redhead.

DMaster: KIL: Sakine, this is not a race to finish off a keg, we are just going to all have a few and that’s it
She is giving Killian a look, crosses her arms. Rohlia is giggling, knowing full well that won’t go over well. Sakine glances over and sees the symbol “D & D” on it.
SAK: Oh my god, and you brought THAT brew? You are fucking kidding me!
KIL: Hey, if I travel, I travel right… no swill for this man.
CAS: What? Is it the Dukes brew? I thought it was.
Sakine’s head snaps to Cassie,
SAK: You knew? There was this delicious golden frothy brew here and didn’t do anything about it?
The redhead tries to get around Killian, but with no luck.
KIL: I will take you out ginger face!
SAK: Ginger face?! Bring it you overgrown monkey-butt!
The group erupts in laughter watching them spar.

Chance: Chan: you better be sharing that. I haven’t had the duke’s brew in awhile… you big, what did she call him… Monkey Butt?

DMaster: Rohlia looks over to you in a laugh and shrugs her shoulders. He is playfully bear hugging Sakine. The guards and squires are laughing at the spectacle. Sakine, big smile, is protesting playfully. Cassie has snuck past both of them, and tapped it already.

Chance: looking over and bust out laughing

DMaster: Rohlia is helping with the cooking, smiling and chuckling. Everlee… well she is Everlee. Killian glances back to see the Baroness already tapping the keg.
KIL: Baroness… I swear, I will kick your butt so hard you will end up a brunette!
Cassies eyes perk up and smiles, as she is pouring herself one, and another one. She laughs.
CAS: Ok, just one… or two.
She walks over to you with both mugs, hands you one.
CAS: Of anyone here, except maybe Sakine, you need it most

Chance: Chan: thank you, I do need it
looking into her beautiful eyes
Chan: I hate keeping things from them…

DMaster: She looks down to you.
CAS: Let it go, it is going to eat at you and they are going to realize it, they are well seasoned people, they will pick up on it and keep on you.
She leans into you playfully
CAS: Anyways, that whole ordeal is not to happen for some time, let’s try and relax, ok?

Chance: Chan: as you say, Baroness
chuckling as I say that
Chan: I will relax if Sakine got the hint and not try to hit on me again
still chuckling

DMaster: CAS: Never too late to say,no, huh?
She smiles then looks down.
CAS: Sorry, I have been bagging on you all trip.
she chuckles. By now Sakine is racing around the wagon and Killian is going back and forth to cut her off. Cassie smirks and giggles at the scene.

Chance: Chan: Not like I don’t deserve it.
Lean into her a bit, wrap one of my arms around her and smile

DMaster: She leans in a bit, takes a gulp. Squire stands up
SQU: Ok, dinner is…
He didn’t even finish, Killian stops chasing Sakine, pushes the poor squire a bit out of the way
KIL: Sorry, I’m really hungry
Rohlia is wiping her hands off on a towel of sorts. Looks back at the big man diving in.
ROH: So if we are facing overwhelming odds, we need to lock up Killian for a day, with no food. Then tell him there is a roasting boar on the other side of the enemy… it will be a rout!
Everyone chuckles, nods and agrees.

Chance: Chan: I am glad you are here Cassie
As I take a swig of my ale
Chan: I suppose before I get all emotional, we better go grab some food, before Killian eats it all

DMaster: She smiles, finishes her mug and heads for the fire and the food. Killian stops eating, looks up and at you, raises an eyebrow, as something clicks with him.
KIL: Wait, you had a boner?
Everyone laughs. Sakine shakes her head, grabbing her food, mug in hand.

Chance: Chan: well if someone hadn’t decided to climb on top of me…
looking over at Sakine

DMaster: Killian’s eyes grow big, slowly chews, looks over to Sakine
SAK: Sorry if I wanted to get a piece of ass, I wasn’t tired.
Rohlia is giggling, the squires eyes big. One squire is eying Sakine who is in a more subtle outfit but still shows her curves, then without looking Killian speaks.
KIL: Don’t even think of it boy, you couldn’t handle her…
Everyone laughs and the squire blushes a little. The night moves on, more fun, some drinks and you take the last watch again. Since you slept like shit the night before, you conk out almost immediately.

---

FRIDAY 3:00 AM

---

Chance: sleep until my shift.

DMaster: Rohlia wakes you
ROH: Your shift, Champ
She walks to her bedroll and falls in.

Chance: get up, get my gear on and then start my watch

DMaster: You stand watch with a few others, absolutely nothing happens. But as it gets lighter fog rolls in. There is warm and humid air. The camp wakes up and breakfast is started, Killian is looking over the area completely covered by fog. Then looks at Cassie who is looking through the work they did yesterday hoping it doesn’t rain on it.
CAS: It’s pretty good, not sure we could get much more
Cassie is rifling through papers, Killian as well.
KIL: Damn Sakine, you drunk tart, you do good work
The red head’s hair is a mess, she gives a half-assed smile
SAK: Hell yeah I do (pauses) I could go for a swim right now though.
Glances down and sees the fog covering the lake, Rohlia in one motion, obviously liking the idea, grabs her hand and beckons the female guard. They all head down the side towards the water, Cassie shrugs her shoulders and starts to walk past the Cleric, goes to say something… Everlee is shaking her head. Cassie follows the other girls, shrugging her shoulders.

Chance: Then thinking; Rohlia you little devil, she likes to munch on carpet, she probably wants to see that spicy red head naked.
Chan: and no peeking Killian!
Bust out laughing.

DMaster: Killian looks playfully offended, but he is zeroing in on the cinnamon porridge with gooseberries. The girls return, Sakine shows off a wet shirt to the squires and Killian before covering up. After breakfast, Killian makes the call with the fog still hovering and no sun in sight.

Chance: glancing to Killian from my food

DMaster: KIL: I am making the call, lets move out. We found what we wanted, we have mapped the area well and this fog is not moving with the cloudy weather.

Chance: nod my head
Chan: No arguments here.

DMaster: Everyone is packing up

Chance: Get Toby ready to ride, pack what needs to be packed.

DMaster: Everything is loaded, people jumping on horses, fire out, and they start to move.

Chance: look back one last time as we are headed out, with a small smile on my face

DMaster: DM: Of course, Todd rolls a “2”
As you are riding, to the left is a pretty thick forest. But about 500-600 feet into the woods pops out a tower of sorts from the blanket of trees.

Chance: Chan: uhh, guys do you see what I see?

DMaster: As everyone gets closer, they slow down. Cassie stops all together, jumps off her horse, rummages through her saddle bags. Killian trots up next to her
KIL: What are you thinking Baroness?
CAS: I know this is still Weston Gate, but I don’t recall seeing this on any map… A tower. They would have surely put it on, right?
She pulls out a large parchment and is looking it over

Chance: riding over to Cassie and Killian as well

DMaster: CAS: I should really have a look… I mean it is my job after all
she smirks, rolls her map back up and puts it in the bag
CAS: You guys can ride on, I will just go have a look and catch up with you

Chance: Chan: No, I will go with you

DMaster: Killian shakes his head.
KIL: No, we will all go
He glances over to the tower.
KIL: Hell, I am curious myself

Chance: Chan: well I am a bit curious too, but we go nowhere alone. Oh and Affinity would have our asses if something happened to you, Mom!
giving Cassie a smirk

DMaster: She nods her head in full agreement with your comment. Everyone dismounts, the guards go to formation to protect the wagon. Sakine is eyeing up that keg that still has some brew in it.

Chance: pull out my sword and put my shield on my arm

DMaster: KIL: Guards, stay here by the wagon, keep it safe. We are just going to have a quick look around.
The group gears up and heads in, there is a path, somewhat overgrown now.
CAS: I can’t believe the cartographer missed this, I mean we seen it a half mile away in cloudy, foggy weather
EVE: You’ll be amazed at what people miss…
eventually the path ends at a entrance, made of wood and some stone base, Looks pretty beat up and worn

Chance: Chan: Well still, its kind of hard to miss

DMaster: A tower reaches about 40 feet in the air, the base looks to be a house built of wood and stone, the inside perimeter is large, about 5-6 sizes of your lawn back in Grayshale. It is littered with what looks like small houses or sheds. Rohlia stops everyone with a big smile, squints a second.
ROH: Let me scan the area
she says giddy like, then starts to slowly scan her head.

Chance: smile, remembering the little gift Finster gave her

DMaster: She shakes her head
ROH: Nothing, but looks like… bones to the north
The group heads that way. On the ground looks like a larger group of bones, Rohlia looks them over
ROH: Horse. Looks like its been dead for some time,
KIL: You think?
Rohlia gives him a look, smirks
EVE: It’s awful quiet here
ROH: Yup, noticed that too, seems darker as well.

Chance: Chan: a little too quiet for my liking

DMaster: they nod in agreement.
KIL: Well let’s split up. Me, Rohlia and Everlee we’ll head south, Cass you and chance head north.

Chance: nod my head

DMaster: you two walk around the tower, the grounds are pretty big, with some huts / houses / shed along the border. The border is trees with a makeshift fence

Chance: keeping my senses sharp as me and Cassie move along

DMaster: She waves you over to the first hut, listens and then slowly opens the door. It creeks open. Its about 15×25, a window with some light shining through, a broken table on the far wall, some debris on the floor and what appears to be bodies.

Chance: Chan: grand, more bodies (quietly)

DMaster: She walks over, covers her nose, it smells
CAS: They don’t look like they have been dead for long, maybe a week?

Chance: Chan: I don’t like this Cassie, its way to quiet

DMaster: CAS: I agree, but this is a remote tower sitting in a deserted area of land just taken over by Camerondale. I doubt there would be a festival down the way…
She is looking around the room, runs her hand on the ground
CAS: Ok, this is very weird, dead bodies, dead for a week, but the place doesn’t look to have been used or walked through in a month… How is that possible?

Chance: Chan: I don’t know, I am just hoping I packed extra underwear.
looking around, my hand moving closer to my necklace

DMaster: She snickers and moves you out
CAS: Let’s go to the next hut, shed thingy.
You go to the next hut, its thinner but longer. that’s what she said. Opens the door, 6-7 bodies strewn about the floor. She slowly looks to you
CAS: What is this place?

Chance: looking around the place as she asks me that
Chan: I am asking myself the same thing, but my gut is telling me to get out

DMaster: She nods, closes the door to that shed and heads toward the middle where the tower is, the other three are walking towards you. You meet up in the shadow of the tower.
CAS: Ummm…
ROH: Yeah, did you find dead bodies too?
Killian wrinkles his nose
KIL: Fresh ones too…

Chance: Chan: yes we did
pointing at the buildings

DMaster: CAS: Everlee, you look pained
EVE: I am getting a bad vibe. Not to be captain obvious but something is really wrong here… its beyond my …
She is interrupted with a stuttering sound that emanates from the tower. Everyone’s eyes turn to the base.

Chance: look towards the tower, hand getting closer to the necklace

DMaster: Cassie nods her head
CAS: Ok, Everyone heard that right?
They nod their head. Cassie and Everlee are exchanging glances, probably the cleric knows the Baroness can read minds and are conversing…
CAS: I agree with Everlee, it’s like a depot for… (sighs) A Necromancer or… a Lich
Killians eyes bulge.

Chance: eyes get wide

DMaster: EVE: Necromancy has not been successful for quite some time… Even some of your goons (glancing at you) tried and it just doesn’t work. Not without certain things. So I am…
She is interrupted again by movement again, some voices on the other side of the tower.
KIL: (quiet) Chance, Rohlia go around the north side, be stealthy. We will walk around the other way drawing the attention

Chance: nod my head and look at Rohlia

DMaster: She nods and you two race off quietly, keeping close to the bottom portion of the towers wall

Chance: follow Rohlia being as quiet as I can, getting a worried look on my face

DMaster: You come up, and there are two, what you think women are talking softly, their back to you. One seems to be in a red outfit, another a purple and some odd things hanging out of her hair, they look familiar.

Chance: glance over to Rohlia
Chan: Oh Great (mumbling)

DMaster: She stops you, gets low and in the edge of the shadow of the tower

Chance: follow suit and listen

DMaster: The two women are alerted to people approaching them and they spread out a little. You see Cassie, Killian and Everlee, weapons drawn
KIL: So this is where you have been hiding?
NER: Hiding no, just moved to a more agreeable location, better scenery and neighbors.
VES: I thought we moved because we lost the…
NER: VESTA!
The red witch pops a fireball making the three of them back up a bit. Rohlia’s eyes widen. She nods at you, looking at your necklace.

Chance: nod back and take off the necklace

DMaster: She runs out with you and sets up behind them, they twirl and look

Chance: giving them a look as I move forward going Champion

DMaster: VES: Hey, Nerine, its Charlie, that Champion guy!
Rohlia looks confused, glances over to the group and shrugs her shoulder

Chance: Chan: Vesta, for once get my name right, it’s Chance
as my eyes turn to slits

DMaster: She looks down, frowns, shakes her head
VES: Who names their kid Chance, I mean really.
Nerine rolls her eyes and shakes her head.
NER: Not exactly the best time for you guys to be here. Or maybe it is…
She chuckles, Vesta looks confused, as usual.

Chance: trying to stay calm, looking at them shaking my head

DMaster: CAS: I am almost afraid to ask, but whats with the dead bodies?
VES: AHhhh hahahahah they are…
NER: VESTA! Shut it…
You notice E verlee’s face is beat red, she is looking nervously into the tower.
EVE: There is something, not right…

Chance: looking towards the tower
Chan: well, we are missing one sister

DMaster: VES: Wrong Chuck!
NER: No we are… (pauses) It’s Chance, Vesta goddammit, we are not missing anyone.
You can faintly see light from inside the basement area.

Chance: Keeping an eye on them, glancing down into the basement

DMaster: Everlee also notices the glow from the basement. Another shudder.
EVE: What’s going on down there?
Everlee looks back at the 2 witches.
KIL: Oh shit, what’s in their hand?

Chance: Chan: ummm, her hand, everyone.
eyes narrowed to slits

DMaster: Nervine pulls out a stone, it lights up. Everlee recognizes the stone, eyes get wide
EVE: OH MY GOD, a necromancer stone, what the…
CAS: What?
Rohlia grabs you
ROH: Look out! all the dead are going to rise!

Chance: Chan: damn it, we dont need this now!!!!

DMaster: ROH: We never need this Chance!
all the huts start to shake and tussle, the doors open; zombies and ghouls come out, much like the compound.
KIL: I got the fucking Witches!
He goes to rush the witches but gets pushed back by a great wind.

Chance: swallowing my fear looking at the rest of the group

DMaster: Wind starts to pick up, Something came from the basement very fast but no one could really see, the ground rumbled a bit. Everyone is trying to gain their footing, then an explosion like it was from underneath the ground, dirt, grass, stone and debris fly in the sky. A fireball pops out and in the midst of the chaos you hear Vesta say “oops, hehehehe” then in a pop, it ends, grass and some debris floating down, the witches are gone. Nothing left but a dug up area, big enough to bring the witches underground.

Chance: Chan: damn them witches

DMaster: KIL: Attack at will, we got ghouls and zombies!
You see 4 ghouls and 4 zombies behind you

Chance: start to feel my anxiety and fear turn into anger, looking back at the ghouls and zombies

THE SOUTH LINEUP
Chance: (c) Bluesteel LongSword, (p) daggers and hard leather armor.
Rohlia: (p) Short Compound Bow (+2 to hit), Bowkin arrow heads, 4 (p) Daggers, (p) Short Sword +1 , hard leather armor.
OPPONENTS: (4) Ghouls 22hp, (4) Zombies 20hp

THE NORTH LINEUP
Everlee: (p) Full Bluesteel Morning Star (+1 to hit), (c) Short mace, half plate 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.
OPPONENTS: (1) Ghast 36hp, (4) Ghouls 22hp & (9) Zombies 20hp

Battle Written Out

Rohlia whips out her two professional grade ridged daggers, twirls them in her hands, staring down at the ghouls and zombies heading their way. “I count 8 Chance, 4 closing in, 4 from that far hut. Let’s dispatch them as quickly as we can, shall we?” Rohlia says, taking a quick glance over to the Champion, glowing and his eyes turning to slits.

“My pleasure really” he says in his guttural voice.

His speed still takes Rohlia by surprise watching him lunge forward and skewering a ghoul. The creature is sent back a bit, but doesn’t seem to hurt it in any way which surprises Rohlia (4hp). Then with his dagger thrusts it deep into its chest, ripping him half open (10hp). Instead of blood gushing out, there is just a thick dark red goo. Chance jumps back looking at his dagger that barely has any blood on it.

Rohlia, readying for her attack, glances over and looks perplexed, she also was expecting blood but she has no idea what is there instead. Her distraction caused her to have a ghoul slash its now clawed hand out ripping through her shoulder and down her arm. “Arrrgghhh!” she yells, “Dammit, I wanted to get through this without getting hurt!” she complains.

Chance sidesteps a ghouls attack, then he really tries to avoid the second ghoul coming at him but he wasn’t fast enough and the ghouls rips into his legs. Chance hops to the side and the claws did not dig in all that far (6hp – evasion reduces: 3hp). With uncanny precision the final ghoul clamps onto Chance’s bicep (4hp) but he just shrugs him off. “Dammit dead fuckers, go to bed, don’t you just want to go to bed??” He yells in as much pain as a Champion can be.

A second wave so to speak is heading towards you, they came from a farther hut. Rohlia jumps at one, slashing both daggers, connecting on both. Rips through the zombie like paper, but again, no blood, just this ooze (17hp). Her eyes bulge a bit seeing this. She then drives home her right dagger deep into the creature and it slumps over lifeless.

The 2nd zombie is heading towards Chance, looking to just bull rush him but ends up tripping over the zombie underfoot from Rohlia’s kill. It stumbles and tries to regain it’s balance. Chance’s eyes grow to slits, smirks “smooth move ass scratcher” he says, bringing up his bluesteel longsword ripping his front practically in two (10hp). Rohlia, dodging an attack yells “ass scratcher, what?!”

That comment unfortunately distracted her enough to have the 3rd Zombie punch her one in the face. She stumbles back, grumbling (4hp). But her instincts told her to dodge and she quickly rolls to one side and the final Zombie swings for her and hits nothing but air.

DM: Todd forgets that Finster gave him a gift. I removed 5 minutes of letting him try to remember, but I had to tell him. *sigh*

Suddenly, like a boot to the jigglers, Chance remembers. “When rushing into battle think of Bark from a tree.” The ditzy Champ thinks of Bark and as he is gearing for his next attack, his glowing skin is no longer glowing, it is covered in this odd looking dark brown… well… bark (+5 to AC for 2 rounds). He decides he wants to finish out the one he attacked earlier, and he goes to swing for it and realizes it isn’t even paying attention to him. His blade rips through the neck, and again, where blood was to spurt out, only ooze comes out (12hp). The creature launches a bit forward from the brutal attack and lands like a rock on the ground.

The Champion, all pumped up from that kill, strikes at a lumbering Zombie (rolls a crit) slashing through him… (Crit = 2x damage. Rolls his 1d10 and gets… a 1. We paused for a minute, giggling too much, ice cream almost made it out onto the table) he could have swore he landed it better but evidently he did not (8hp).

Meanwhile, Rohlia is dealing with a few smelly creatures of her own. One of the ghouls swipes and she skillfully dodges it, but that gets in the way of the other ghoul who stumbles a bit, looking confused. The master ranger did not hesitate and drove both daggers into the ghouls chest. It just stares at the elf, unflinching as she does (13hp).

Chance is dealing with a zombie when a ghoul turns from Rohlia suddenly and attacks him, slashing with its claw. Because of his bark skin (AC21) the ghoul (rolls a 19, would have hit him otherwise) hits directly and pretty much glances off him, barely noticeable by the Champion. He swings his shield at it, smashing it in the face (1hp).

Rohlia gets out of the way of a few attacks stealthily. In a backwards roll, she stops one knee down on the ground, flings both her daggers at a ghoul. Thud, Thud, both hitting with uncanny precision. The ghoul starts to slump still moving a bit, then falls to its knees and faceplants into the dirt making the daggers go farther in. In that same motion she unsheathes her short sword and rips through one of the remaining ghouls practically taking its arm off (8hp). It couldn’t sustain with it’s previous wounds and it tilted back and forth, wobbling and falling back hard to the ground.

If Rohlia has a flaw in battle it is that she gets a little too full of herself. She stands up smiling at her kill when a zombie kicks her square in the stomach, taking the breath out of her. ‘That hurt’ she says to herself, knowing damn well this could have been avoided (4hp). Then she thinks, where did that other… Zombie? Yeah, next to her and delivers an uppercut making her jaw rattle. She goes flying back 4 feet, landing hard on her back on the ground (6hp).

“Quit farting around!” Chance yells seeing the elf flat on her back. He then proceeds to stick a sword through a ghoul, then jam his shield into its neck, *ping* out goes the dagger piercing the undead. It was none too satisfying, they didn’t flinch or show any real reaction (10hp + 7hp). That same ghoul goes to slash at him but glances off the shield, wobbles a bit (rolled a 1) giving the Champion plenty of time. Chance smiles, twirls to try and decapitate him only to have stumbled in the turn (he in turn rolled a 1). He grabs for the ground, holding himself up, leaning back glaring at the Ghoul who lunges for him. In a break dancing style move he tumbles to one side allowing the ghoul to stumble forward missing and Chance regaining his balance.

Rohlia, tumbles backwards, some dust kicking up, and boy is she pissed. She rushes a ghoul slashes with all her strength and literally rips the ghoul in half. Goo drips out, one half flops to one side, the other half, the other side (12hp). With her inertia of that attack she whirls around and slashes down at the closest Zombie. She gets caught up in the falling ghoul and stumbles into a split, one leg back, the other forward (rolled a 1, but her +10 = 11 and Zombie is a 8AC). Her mark was still true slices through the creature (11hp) but opened herself up for it to attack back. She scissors with uncanny dexterity, drops her head, and the Zombie swings and misses. “I should have stretched beforehand, I think I pulled my groin!” she muses.

From what the Champion can tell it is a few zombies and a ghoul. His skin has changed back to its normal state now. He has his eyes on the two just south of him, but the one he wasn’t bull rushes him. At the last minute he glances over to watch the creature bounce off him and fall back on it’s butt (Zombie rolled a 20, bark saved him again). Rohlia looks over and nods in approval. Then the other closest one swings its arms around like a club and they also bounce right off the quarter elf (It rolled a 19, again, saved him from damage).

Chance then plunges his sword deep into the Zombie who was sitting on it’s ass, then finishes it off with the dagger in the shield (11hp + 5hp). It goes so far in, all Chance can feel is brains, the skull cracked. The corpse is in shambles and falls back, motionless.

While Rohlia was eyeing up the one Zombie that bounced off you, the final one clubs her good in the side of the head (6hp) making her jerk back and yell “Ow, you… fucker!” In one fluid motion, reaction and instinct she slices through the air, right through the neck of the Zombie. The head falls backwards, the body falls forward (11hp). She then lunges forward sticking her sword right in the side of the other Zombie (6hp).

The final ghoul slashes at Chance and misses, terribly (rolled a 1) and he slices back, practically taking its arm off. Chance gets cocky and tries to skewer the creature but misses on his lunge. In a precarious position he jumps back, slashing a bit fending off the creature’s reactionary assault, only to have his sword get caught on straps and in his haste to free it, it goes flying, over 20 feet from him. His eyes bulge, face flushes, as much as it can in Champion form.

Rohlia, one eyebrow raised looking at Chance, she has grown tired of the battle. She runs and with her patented move, jumps on the ghoul, straddling it, drives home the sword. As the ghoul falls, she lands on her feet, leans down, grabs her boot dagger, flings it in one fluid motion and it lands right between the eyes of the final zombie. The Zombie wobbles, it takes a step, then wobbles again… Chance walks over, kicks it hard and it falls like a rock to the ground in a cloud of dust.

Chance turns to Rohlia who turns to look at him, she opens her mouth. “Shut it Elf. I know… I know” he says in pure frustration.

Back To Turn Based

DMaster: You two glance over to see how the battle goes with the other three. It went well, a few bumps and scrapes but Killian is finishing up the final kill… 14 dead bodies on their end, 8 on yours. They then turn to run over and see you are finished as well. Smiles on their faces. Rohlia is grabbing her daggers, sheathing her sword after cleaning it.

Chance: walking for my sword, shaking my head. feeling frustrated that I threw my sword again

DMaster: Rohlia is giggling as she watches you walk far for your sword, despite you being salty. Killian, Cassie and Everlee walks over.
Killian has some scrapes and bruises… but has a smile on his face,
Cassie has a few minor wounds, she is healing herself
Everlee was barely touched, just a lot of zombie guts on her

Chance: Grabbing my sword, look over at Rohlia, since she took the brunt of most of the fight, walk over to her

DMaster: She is wiping her daggers off, putting them back. The elf glances up to you in front of her.

Chance: Chan: not a word about the sword
Quietly, smirking, hold out my hand to her

DMaster: She takes it, smirks and giggles a little, Brings you in and gives you a hug.
ROH: Good job, Chance.

Chance: hug her back, while that is happening I will focus on healing her

DMaster: She chuckles, feeling it work. She leans her head on your chest.
ROH: Oh its warm
KIL: Are we interrupting anything?
He has a smirk on his face, sheathing his weapon, eyebrow raised.
ROH: Oh I’m giving him a reach around
Cassie spits a little and laughs
CAS: Highly doubt that…
ROH: Naw, he is healing me and it feels all warm and fuzzy

Chance: face turns red, but smiling. Feels nice.

DMaster: KIL: Dammit, I never get one
CAS: You’re too big…
She closes her eyes realizing what she just said in haste, she meant his 6’7″ 280lbs frame was too big… but…his eyebrow raises and looks kind of proud. She couldn’t even get the words out fast enough, to tell him not to say it.
KIL: Hehe, yeah… yeah I am
EVE: Oh my god, are you guys always like this after a battle? Can you be serious for one damn minute?
She says stopping, crossing her arms, angry.
EVE: These were people once, now… mounds of goo.
CAS: Yeah, what was that… blood?
Cassie looks over to you, still embraced, nodding her head.
CAS: Yeah, he’s very huggable.

Chance: Look over at the group, smirking at Cassie as I am still hugging Rohlia
Chan: there, all better now.

DMaster: Rohlia is all healed up. Your ears perk up a little, so does everyone else. That same shuttering sound as before, in the back of everyone’s mind they thought it was just some undead, but no dice.

Chance: looking around, as my ears perk up

DMaster: CAS: I thought this was too easy, those goddamn bitches probably have something in store for us.
Everyone seems to hear it too, coming from the tower. The area starts to dim a bit, like someone putting a light shade on the sun.

Chance: looking at everyone, eyes getting bigger.

DMaster: The sound gets louder, the ground shakes a bit, the area grows darker, foreboding.
CAS: Uhhh, what is happening?
Suddenly the basement doors fly off the tower, a dark foreboding creature crawls out, barely making it through the opening, making a purring ticking sound. It’s movement is fragmented, hard to focus on the massive creature. It gets to its feet, it has to be 20-25 feet tall!
EVE: For the love of Animax, how did they get a Giant Viel Fiend!
KIL: Giant? You think?!