The First Five Written Out

Chances eyes turn to slits and he walks over to this, creature, without hesitation. Khamyra noticed too late, being distracted by the majestic creature hidden in the bush, that her fiance was heading for the woman.

The Champion almost over-walks this creature, running into her, even a little shove. It skitters a bit, then plants her feet down to ground herself. They square up, eye to eye, nose to nose.

The Odius snarls, and a soft ticking is starting to be heard. With a smooth but gruff voice, Shemrata spoke, not even blinking, “Velencia told me about you,” with her own eyes narrowing down to slits.

Khamyra rolls her eyes, looks at Velencia as to say, can you please stop this?

The High Priestess glances over and smirks, shrugs her shoulders and shakes her head. “It has to happen Warlock, let them work it out now,” she retorts going back to her saddle and horse. Double takes a bit surprised and somewhat impressed that Chance just went nose to nose with a Legion Odius and didn’t blink an eye.

“Told you how many of you I’ve killed perhaps?” he says, not moving a muscle, staring her down, practically nose to nose, as though this was a fight for dominance, and Chance felt like it was.

She slowly shakes her head, not backing down either and keeping eye contact. “I will not be so easy, what do you call him my Priestess? Chump?”

The Champion looks to Velencia in the corner of his eye, turns and starts to walk away, “You? I would not be bothered,” he says a matter of fact like, “you would not be worth my time.”

The creatures already red face turns even more red, as Velencia’s hand goes to Shemrata’s arm and she shakes her head at the creature. The Odius, pulls the hood over her head angrily and walks over to her mount everyone seems to call Darkwing.

Khamyra wanders over to her Fiance, “What, the fuck, was that?” she says bluntly, wondering why he would start something with this creature at the beginning of the trip.

“I needed it to know that I am not taking shit from her, or it, or whatever, Velencia needs to know that too. Dominance is an important factor with Odius’s. They know where, I, stand and I know where, they, stand,” he says quietly, “But, yes, I know I need to calm down, maybe toss a few more cookies and focus on the task at hand.” The Champions stomach churns from the added stress and anxiety.

Still looking at him with concern, the Onyx Elf nods her head, glad he is at least being reasonable now. “Please, we barely slept last night, I am sure you are on your last nerve too. Oh, and thanks for throwing me in the middle of all this, I feel like I will be the ref in this cock match all trip.”

Khamyra looks over and marvels at the Crowbear. Native to the Onyx Elf lands, she has heard stories and seen drawings, but to see one up close? The Warlock walks over close to the beast, and nods her head at Shemrata. In a quiet tone, Chance could not hear, “I am sorry for my Fiance, we had a terrible night, so his mood is wretched and you and your race are not exactly his favorite thing.”

Under the hood, Shemrata looks at her and softly smiles, “It’s ok, it is what I get every single time I unveil myself, so I am used to it,” she says.

Seeing Khamyra is interested in her mount, “come come, Tamsus is a wonderful friend, and will not attack anything that is friendly. Everyone seems to call him darkwing.” She smirks from under her hood, “dark-wing. He is very very fast, but he can not fly. Not sure why that name stuck.”

The Warlock walks up, the monster that is half made of Crow and half made of Bear spans a good 10 feet in length, is roughly 4 feet in height and it’s paws are big and dangerous. Tamsus looks at the elf, recognizes her as a friend and gives her a friendly nudge. The Onyx elf chuckles and pets it on the head. She is surprised, it’s coat of feathers is soft, but underneath is a rough leather like skin, it is perfectly clean and even smells good. This creature, this mount, is well taken care of.

“OK, if we are all done seeing who can piss further, let’s get going,” Velencia says getting up on her horse. She glances back at Arlo, and he gives her a dopey grin and waves at her. The Priestess smiles softly, turns and starts to ride.

The five of them ride at a pretty good pace. On the edge of the towns of Camerondale they stop quickly for a drink, pee and snack. Then they head into the Eastern Brushlands, of soft rolling hills, few trees and lush grass.

Khamyra and Chance are looking around, eyes kind of big, seeing the usual dark green landscape with spots of golden wheat; now a dark tan, brown and looking like death. They know the other two are not seeing this.

The Warlock yells, “drought!” to Velencia who is dizzy for a moment, grabs onto the saddle then looks back at Khamyra with a sharp look. “You crazy? I could have fallen off!?”

The Onyx elf cringes, “Sorry! Forgot it did that! Me and Chance are no longer under the spell, so I wanted you to see it for yourself!” she finishes yelling, pointing out at the surrounding land.

She looks out and sighs, seeing the vast Brushlands just dulled with brown and tans, trees half fallen off their leaves, and the hot dry air hitting her face.

The Crowbear, or Tamsus as Shemrata called it, runs at a near whisper, only the passing of the agile creature over grass and dirt makes any sound; and that is barely anything. The Odius rides low on it, almost laying down and from time to time they even seem to converse with each other. It seems like it takes more effort to ride at this speed, then it would be at a full sprint.

Morning turns to afternoon and after another short rest, it turns to evening. Everyone was getting tired, especially Khamyra and Chance who had a wretched time the night before.

They could tell they were aiming more South East than south, and they made it to the coastline. Shemrata, Arlo and Velencia all look around at beautiful ranging grass lands, lush trees and puffy white clouds. Chance and Khamyra know better. The sky is a washed out blue, sun just beating down on them, the grass is all but Brown and the trees look worse than after the freeze of Autumn.

An hour later they avoid a few towns, and find a path that is a bit more secluded. Shemrata, stopped at a nice area of bushes, a few trees. She is getting Darkwing comfortable for the night.

Chance and Khamyra look and for the most part, it is the best they can do. The bush is half empty and the oak tree looks like a weeping willow right now.

Velencia waves them in further, “Shemrata will walk in from here, we will go to the stables.”

The Champion looks as they un-mount outside the giant stable compound off Del Rosa. Chance is already looking around somewhat frantically. “I know people here, people who will report back to Camerondale, Cassie more exact.”

The Priestess gives him a look, “really? We are still doing that?” she scoffs loudly, and is guiding her horse, “you don’t listen to anything, anyone has to say, it…”

“My Priestess,” Khamyra says interrupting, giving the disguised woman a start and a slight smile, “there are things as deep as the love and loyalty of our lord, I ask you respect that fact. We owe them a lot, and yes, they owe us too. It is not a bridge we wish to burn, ever.”

“Great, just great,” Chance mumbles to himself, “Clara, no matter what happens, keep your damn disguise on.”

Velencia shakes her head, “No, you empty-head, I am going to be the headline for a clothes for money show at the local tavern, featuring the gorgeous, sexy, sultry, well… me,” she says sarcastically, putting her horse in a stall.

“Don’t forget to add, a bit tacky, loose and oh yeah, your best trait; modesty,” Chance retorts, getting Toby in a stall too. “Maybe with your earnings you can pay the temple for all the people you give a venereal disease too?”

She just grunts, shakes her head, sighs, pays the stable hand a few coppers and you all head in. Shemrata follows up close behind. The City guard stops them for a second but allows them to continue with Charisma rolls.

Shemrata’s hood and cloak disguise her pretty well, she watches as the four of them walk in front. This is going to be a long trip I fear, she thinks to herself, after listening to them barb back and forth.

Clay’s disguise for Velencia seemed to have been upgraded and improved, so the Priestess was walking with more confidence, looking forward to some good food and a cold brew.

They arrive at a real nice Inn, “The Fortunes Silver” reads on the sign walking into the establishment. Velencia walks over to the Inn owner and gets some rooms. On the way she pushes up her boobs, the Inn keep seems nervous trying to look at this vibrant gorgeous woman. After a minute she walks over with a smirk. “Still got it,” she muses, “here are your room keys.”

Once the keys were distributed, Shemrata went up to hers, disappearing for the night. Velencia looking forward to talking with the Warlock, only finds that Khamyra and Chance are not in the best of health. They are still pale and look like they could fall asleep at a moment’s notice. The long ride taking it’s toll.

The couple splits a small plate of unspiced taters between them with barely a word said. After forcing it down and guzzling a few mugs of water, they head upstairs.

Velencia looks over to Arlo, food across the front of him, on his cheek, still shoveling it in; she sighs and chuckles. This is going to get old, real quick, she tells herself.

The Champion and Onyx Elf make it to their room, undress and collapse into bed; fall instantly asleep.

---

Wedmak (Wednesday) 7:00 AM

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Even though Velencia wanted to get going early, she allowed the couple to sleep in, knowing of their ordeal the night before.

Shemrata was given some food and she headed out, back to her mount down the road.

Velencia and Arlo are at a table when the couple comes down. They look much better, color in their cheeks and a bounce in their steps.

Arlo is only getting about half of his food into his mouth. The Priestess glances over and sighs.

“Glad you could make it,” Velencia says, with a bit of whip in her voice. “Sit, eat, the cinnamon porridge is to die for here.”

They sit looking over to Arlo, the couple is reminded of home and the kids, who end up missing half the food they are fed.

As the Onyx Elf grabs a bowl, and starts eating, “So Arlo, what is your story?” she says with a soft smile.

The man, porridge dripping off his chin, smiles, waves and gives you all a dopey grin.

“He can’t talk, he is a mute,” Velencia says giving him another look, then doing some sort of sign language that Chance recognized as thieves cant. The man gets up, wipes his face, and joyfully walks up the stairs.

Chance is starting to eat, thoroughly confused. The last time they had a Hannah look alike, Clay and Nicola. This time, an Odius; a beast of evil and a man who can’t talk or think very well? “Thieves cant really? Interesting choice…” he says, still thinking and eating.

The disguised woman looks at the Champion surprised he knew what that sign language was.

“Velencia?” Khamyra says, almost in a scolding manner, “he has a lot more issues than being a mute. Why is he here?”

She scoffs a bit at the tone, “we needed a servant, he is pretty strong for his size and takes orders very well,” she says, starting to rant, but not being too successful with convincing either one of them.

“I know you well enough, this is someone you would never fuck,” Chance says in between spoonfuls, “so what gives? Turning over a new leaf?”

Khamyra stumbles a bit on that comment, but continues to eat looking at the Priestess, waiting for the answer, knowing Chance was right.

“I found him on the streets of Clovendale, wandering around and only living off of rats and peoples kindness,” she starts, “So I took him in, gave him a job and,” she pauses, “a purpose.”

“Bullshit,” Chance retorts, barely letting the Priestess finish.

“Fine,” the disguised woman says frustrated, throwing her spoon into the empty bowl. “He is a seer, ok?”

Chance is still gobbling the food up, it was so warm and delicious. Almost ignoring the disguised woman.

Khamyra on the other hand stops in mid bite, looks at Velencia. The two of them exchange looks.

“We need him,” she says, shrugging her shoulder, but not wanting to get any static from the Champion. The Priestess feels that Khamyra will understand, I mean she has too, but Chance… does that dull-wit ever understand anything?

The Champion, pushes the empty bowl away, and he sighs, “I know, Legon is going to divide in two, but I have to agree with you Velencia, that was amazing porridge.”

He then glances at the both of them, who are in a weird stare with each other, “uh, what’s going on?”

Khamyra puts her spoon in her half eaten bowl and pushes it out of her way. “I know, I know. I was hoping there was a way around it, but I know we do.”

The Priestess smirks a little, “I am pretty damn sure Arlo has never been, well, bedded,” she says taking a sip of her bean water. “So I am not lying, saying his life does have purpose.”

The Onyx Elf sighs, looks down at her mug of Bean Water, “more like; his death will have purpose…” she says softly already feeling for this poor man who has been dealt a terrible hand in life, only to get a knife in the gullet for his troubles.

“How did you find him?” The Onyx Elf asks, still staring at her mug, a wave of anxiety washing over her, knowing that this has to happen.

The Priestess thinks for a moment, “Rawek, he is uncanny with finding them,” she says, “he found Novalee too.”

Khamyra’s eyes bulge and her head snaps to the Priestess, face starting to flush.

“Easy, easy,” Velencia says holding up her hands, “she is far from pure, probably been boned more than Chump over here.”

“Can you two let me in on this?” the Champion says with a bit of annoyance, after hearing Novalee’s name, he is getting worried.

Velencia shakes her head, sighs. “At least you are consistent, consistently a dumb ass…”

Khamyra turns to her fiance, “the door to the hall of whispers, it requires something more than just a gem to open it,” she starts giving the man a look. “It requires a sacrifice, a blood sacrifice.”

Chance furrows his brow, “yeah I know, but I thought I had to use my blood to open the door?” he responds confused.

The Priestess’s eyes are big wondering where the hell he gets his information from. She makes it a note to talk to Cullun and try to inform this dingbat about the in’s and out’s of Finster next time.

“No, hun, it requires the blood of a seer, who is pure,” she says patting the man’s hand, letting a few sparks fly, “Arlo is a seer, and has not been in sexual relations with anyone.”

Chances eyes get a bit big, leans back and sighs. He is thinking about the times he has done things that has haunted his dreams, like Shanna, the man in Malik’s house… and now murdering an innocent man at the doorstep of the Hall of Whispers? It will have to be him, he is the only one that can handle getting close.

Remembering what Velencia said, he shakes his head, “a life of eating rats, or sacrificing yourself for our lord to… well, you know,” looking around making sure no one is in earshot. “I think we need to honor him in some way. Remember his name for the sacrifice he will make. I will talk with Fin, err, I will talk with him, about that,” chance finishes, already starting to get anxiety about this whole ordeal.

Khamyra bows her head, eyes welling up a little, knowing just how sweet her fiance is. She leans over and kisses him on the cheek. Whispers in his ear, “I love you so damn much.”

He leans into her, they have a small hug and a loving moment together.

“Whatever helps you sleep at night,” Velencia says frowning at the two, then looks up to Arlo stumbling down the stairs with all her bags and gear. “Let’s ride bitches.”

The group makes their way to the stables, gears up and heads out. Shortly after The Legion Odius and Darkwing join them.

Velencia heads the party out and it is a beautiful day again. The Priestess, Shemrata and Arlo see a deep blue sky with clouds, slight breeze. Chance and Khamyra see a receding shoreline, brown dry grass and half dead trees.

They pass some deer in the distance that get spooked and run off. After a short stop, they pick back up. A few travelers off the path trot on by that seem to be moving faster than they normally should, but the party shrugs their shoulders and moves on. A half hour later, in the distance they can see some people with a very large covered wagon. Tamsus is starting to act weird and Velencia’s gut is telling them that something isn’t right…

As they get closer, they can tell there are 6 humanoids with their hoods drawn, one skinny male on the wagon, two malnourished warhorses pulling this very large wagon. The wagon has a giant cloth, hastily stitched together, draped over the bulk of the wagon.

After some prodding, the skinny male jumps off the wagon and approaches the party. He looks like he hasn’t eaten in days, bathed in weeks and honestly, about to shit himself.

Tamsus is very low to the ground and if it could growl, it would. Shemrata already has her hand on her whip, they both know this is not good.

Battle Written Out

An old skinny, beat up man walks to the group. Glancing back now and again until he is standing in front of the four of them.

Velencia glances over to the party and back to the man. She gives him a look, “well? We are not waiting here to smell you.”

He takes a deep breath, “My, uh, masters want a tribute, to let you pass safely.” He fidgets a bit looking at the party, and in some way trying to give them warning.

Velencia jumps off her horse, and she looks at the rest of the party as to say, get off your mounts. Then turns her attention back to the man.

“Odd, because we also demand tribute to allow anyone to pass us, with their heads,” she says with some whip, and loud enough for all to hear.

The Priestess snaps her finger and Arlo trots over, grabs the reins, She looks at her mute & too-happy companion, gives him a quick thieves can’t and he is off grabbing reins and leading the horses away.

The man, smelling as ripe as ever turns to the hooded people, shrugs his shoulders, “they want tribute from YOU! And you can leave with your… or our heads…” he says loudly.

Incomprehensible babble comes from the first hooded person, and even a chuckle.

The party glances over each other and Khamyra has a smirk on her face understanding the language, “oh, yeah, I can speak goblin, he said he really likes this one,” pointing at Velencia, “he wants her alive.”

Velencia smiles real wide, “Oh, I’ll be alive alright, you just won’t be,” she says in a guttural mumble.

On cue, the figures pull their hoods back unveiling that they are a band of Hobgoblins. There are four of them at each point of the huge wagon. Their is another one, the largest one, very well built, is on one side, while the best equipped and armed is in front. Everyone associates him as their leader.

The Hobgoblin captain glances to the large one, and he rips off the hastily sewed blanket covering. Inside is this creature that resembles a dragon. The large hobgoblin stabs the creature with something, and it starts to get crazy.

The captain moves to one side along with another Hobbie. The creature is released and is looking around frantically, it lets out a cry that makes everyone wince a bit. It looks like it has “blinders” on its head. It can see straight ahead, where the party is, but it does not take notice of the Hobgoblins. It also looks like the wings are pinned to it’s front limbs with strong rope, as to keep it from flying away. It still has a good range to move, just can’t spread its wings.

Velencia is in the middle of the party, about 30 feet from the creature. To her right is Khamyra glancing over a small makeshift book, repeating something to herself. Chance is to her left and has unleashed his Champion side, starting to glow. Shemrata has her whip in hand, and a whoosh sound is heard as her tail is let free of it’s constraints. Tamsus wanted to be up front, but the Odius makes a few noises and the Crowbear backs up 10 feet behind the party.

In it’s frenzy the creature with surprising speed rips forward with dust following it. With the blinders, Chance’s glowing body is what it sees and heads straight for it. It grabs onto Chance with it’s jaws, and snaps its head around, it let’s go and chance falls to the ground, blood pouring out of his wound (9hp). As the Champion tries to rise, the Wyvern swings its tail and sticks the quarter elf into the side of his stomach. This makes Chance exhale and yell a bit (24hp w/poison – reduced piercing damage with evasion). The creature went to fling the glowing man in front, but Chance felt it happening and ripped out the stinger tail. He again falls to the ground, to one knee just glowering at the creature.

“Well, I didn’t really like this armor anyways,” Chance says chuckling a little through the pain, “doubt it will make it through this battle looking like an overgrown lantern!”

Khamyra’s eyes wide, heart sinking, thinking, ‘here we go again,’ but then shakes her head at his comment. She turns her attention back to preparing for her attack.

The far hobgoblin, draws back his bow and aims at Chance too, but the Wyvern got in the way and as he was releasing the arrow, he pulled back and the projectile just launched harmlessly into the air.

Khamyra already had dust in the air, writes a symbol and says “Tordent.” The Onyx Elf’s eyes bulge as this violently powerful bolt of lightning erupts from her hands. She starts to fall back but she leans in and fights the recoil. Accompanying this sound was a clap of thunder so loud it echoes in everyone’s head. Dust follows the bolt as it hits the Captain of the Hobgoblins. It hits with such force, he is thrown against the wagon with a thud (12hp) the energy then unexpectedly hops to the hobgoblin to his left. It makes the creature shutter, and it goes to one knee (8hp).

“Fuck yeah girl!” Velencia yells getting herself ready for what’s to come.

Another hobgoblin draws its long bow and fires at Velencia. She caught a glimpse and she nonchalantly leaned one way and the arrow sailed by her. The Hobbie archer’s eyes get big and looks at his bow in bewilderment.

The Hobgoblin berserker races for the High Priestess and takes one hell of a swing. Velencia is deceptively quick and agile, and she slides one way. The Axe drops into the ground; a good foot buried into the dirt. Instead of trying to pull out the axe, it grabs a dagger off its belt and throws it at the blonde woman dressed all in black. Velencia catches the dagger in her hand (1hp) , gives it a look, throws it to the ground and her eyes start to flicker with light.

She grabs the berserker’s throat and lifts it the best she could. A transfer of power starts, the Hobbie is getting drawn into Velencia (He missed his wisdom throw) and he goes limp. She drops him to the ground (she gained 12 temporary hit points, +1 to her strength with the soul suck)

The Champion looks over the dragon like creature quickly, somewhat distracted by the loud noise from Khamyra’s spell, he races to its left side, and what seems to be too close, but drives his sword into the Wyvern (14hp) and it’s attention is no longer at the Onyx elf, it is at the pain it feels on it’s right leg. It takes a quick snap at Chance, but he has already switched legs, pretty much making camp under it crouching, way too close to the Wyvern in hopes to avoid other attacks. It was risky but he felt it’s his only option right now.

He smirks thinking, good news bud, only one of the opponents can attack me; bad news is though, it’s a goddamn Wyvern.

By this time the captain had recovered, drew his sword and with uncanny speed raced at the Onyx Elf in retaliation. Khamyra was still concentrating, because she read that she can reignite on the target if she stays focused. That didn’t happen, the Bastard Sword of the Hobgoblin slashes down into the Onyx elf, left shoulder to right hip (Natty 17hp). Khamyra jumped back in surprise and pain, she grabs for her chest and yells a little.

The closest Hobgoblin runs to Shemrata who was still a little taken back by the huge dragon-like creature. She glances too late and the hobbie drives a rusty longsword into her side (10hp).

The Legion odious, glowers at her attacker. His eyes bulged and realized much too late this was a mistake. With one hand she grabs a dagger and jams it into the Hobgoblins gut (3hp), and as the creature was trying to attempt any kind of parry, a tail climbs up and grabs hold of him around the neck. He was completely surprised by that. His eyes bulge and you can hear bones cracking as her tailcrushes, Shemrata’s eyes were slits, scowl across her face (10hp). The Hobbie goes limp and she tosses it to the side with a flick of her tail.

Velencia can feel the extra power from the suckidge, jumps over the fallen hobby and lunges at the Wyvern driving her daggers into the side of the Creature (11hp piercing, 8 poison; Wyvern made savings throw), now the huge creature unsure where to look being confused with the blinders on.

With all the action going on, the one hobgoblin, long bow drawn aims at Shemrata hoping she does not see him. He fires, and no such luck for the creature. The Odius’s eyes glanced over and as the arrow got close her tail swatted it out of the air. Shemrata’s eyes meet the hobgoblin and the creature backs up a bit and takes a hard swallow.

The Wyvern decides to attack what it can see, looking down only to find the once glowing man, covered in this dark texture with only his eyes showing and glowing sword. It whirls around to get a better vantage point of the opponent underfoot. Everyone had to move a little to not get hit by the flailing tail. By the time it moved Chance had a good idea where it was to attack next, he rolled to the other side allowing the massive jaws of the creature to clamp on air. As the Champion goes to stand, the tail jams into the man. It pushes him a bit one way but he glances up almost annoyed, and pulls it out doing no damage with the extra protection.

Khamyra has eyes in the back of her head. The one Hobgoblin, watching two of his companions fall so quickly, getting a jolt of some kind of energy, drops it’s bow and turns. With a quick motion, a dagger flies out of her hand, sailing a good 15 feet and lodging into the back of the neck. It screeches, gurgles, reaches behind him only finding himself falling face down into the dirt (13hp backstab).

Then turns her attention back to Captain and reaches for her pouch and throws dust, writes a symbol and says “eldritch!” It took too long really, the Captain had a chance to dodge, gets hit with about half of the crackling light beam (7hp). She then brings her sword down and again he gets out of the way, almost; he gets sliced a bit (6hp). You can see it in Khamyra’s eyes how frustrated she is getting. “You just need to die!” she screams at him, getting more worked up.

The far Hobgoblin, strings it’s bow back and aims at the most occupied opponent, and that was the Warlock. He fires and the aim was true hitting the Onyx Elf in the shoulder right after she screamed at the Captain (8hp). “Ooff!” she lets out backing up a bit grabbing at it.

Chance twirls with his sword and drives his blade into the creature’s other leg. He can hear it rip through some tendons, and it skittering off the skin (12hp), it screams in frustration and flails around just barely missing Shemrata who ducked the tail. With uncanny speed, his sword flashes a quick bit of extra light he then turns and drives his sword into the creature’s thigh making it again yelp a bit and flail (10hp).

Dust is flying all over, as it is randomly, frustratingly snapping at anything around him. This made Velencia’s daggers to slip out and sent her flying a good 10 feet away on her back.

As Khamyra pulls back from her attack, dust flying everywhere, through the debris the Captain drives his bastard sword into her gut sending her back 5-7 feet and he pulls it out, glowering at her. Blood spurts out and she gasps, but gets dust in her lungs instead and she starts to gag (20hp uses his martial advantage).

After all the dodging and looking, Shemrata had enough. Belts her whip, rips out her double edged Scimitar and races for the Hobgoblin who fired an arrow at her last turn. The blade twirling, the hobgoblins eyes getting wider and wider, it took just a moment for both ends to slice through the neck of the hobbie, like a meat slicer (4hp + 8hp). He gurgles, reaching for his neck and falls back. His head almost rolled away, just attached by a few tendons and some skin.

In an extra, fast move, she grabs her hand crossbow off her belt and fires at the Captain, who had his back towards her. The shot was with advantage and hits him square in the back (5hp), he gasps and reaches behind him surprised.

Velencia wipes herself off a bit from getting thrown. She then fixes her hair a bit, sheathes one of her daggers. Turns and looks at the hobbie in front of her. With a quick toss of powder and writing, she says “enfuego.” Fire shoots off her hand and lands on the hobgoblin (he makes the saving throw 6hp). Then slashes with her dagger and misses because it is flailing around half on fire. “Bullocks!” she says, knowing she was a bit too cocky on that one.

The hobbie she attacked, turns and runs the opposite direction. (Rolls a 2) Velencia’s eyes light up, unsheathes her other dagger and launches herself on the back of the half burnt Hobgoblin. It makes the creature fall to its knees and then face plant to the ground. Velencia proceeds to stab it in the back of the skull, many times, violently (20hp). Blood spurting all over. She only stops when it starts to get on her outfit.

Chance gets knocked back and he tumbles backward, but lands on a knee and foot. Trying to see past the dirt and dust flying. From what he can see the Wyverns attention is to the west. With the blinders it is frantically scanning the sky. Once the dust settled, the creature was heading west.

As cocky as ever Velencia turns only to see a 15 foot tall, half ton creature running into her. She goes flying and bounces off the wagon (8hp). The Wyvern then moves quickly, 45 feet away and it is crying out. It is rubbing its head against the ground, creating a dust pile but you see the blinders fly off after a few seconds.

All she can feel is pain, she is sucking in dust and her eyes are watering. She can see the Captain standing trying to grab the bolt in his back. Her eyes flicker with pure anger, she walks over to the Captain, who at the last second looks to her, eyes bulge. She takes her dagger and sword, scissor it across his neck, literally popping his head off, blood spurting. She kicks the body so hard it goes sailing 4-5 feet back, sliding to a stop, blood pouring out. “Take a nap you fucker!” she yells still glowering at the body, pure frustration overwhelming her.

Velencia’s eyes get wide, looking at Khamyra “someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” she says muse-fully, then back to the Wyvern who seems to be moving even farther away.

The group closes in on each other, “should we go after it?” Chance says looking out, seeing the creature moving even farther away, “I think I can chase it down in my Champion mode.”

Shemrata is squinting, “No, I think we need to hunker down, let’s get low to the ground, stay still, stay quiet,” she hisses pointing to the western sky. She looks back to Temsus and makes a motion. The Crowbear drops to the ground, almost looking like a mound of dirt.

In the distance, they can see two flying creatures. They swoop down to the injured Wyvern now a good 300-350 feet away. Everyone squats and stays quiet.

On the ground they are circling the smaller, hurt Wyvern, dust flying around. They are picking at it and they are yelping and screeching a little. After a few minutes with picking and pulling, the rope holding the wings in, pop off and it spans its wings wide.

The party just looks at each other figuring, they are either going to fly away, or come after them.

Khamyra winces and coughs a bit, pain searing through her.

The Wyverns circle around a bit, they all spread their wings and start to fly. Much to the parties’ relief they head west, flying at a pretty good clip. Eventually they fly out of sight.

The group stands and look over the battlefield, the only one left standing is an older dirty man crouched down, about 100 feet away, wide eyes looking over to the group. Two skinny war horses, now calming down, ripping out dead grass eating it, thinking it was lush green.

“Well, he has got to go,” Velencia says eyes a bit wide, still juiced from the battle, talking about ending the smelly man’s life.

Chance looks over to Khamyra as she collapses a bit starting to spit blood.

“Khamyra!” he yells, taken back a bit by seeing his fiance in pain, spitting blood. He quickly gets to the Onyx Elf, and starts to heal her. She looks up to her love, and smiles, “Thank you, this hurts like a bitch.” she rips out the arrow from her shoulder.

Shemrata starts to bind her wound, and walks to her mount. They exchange looks and nudges.

Velencia walks up to the Champion and puts out her hand, “Heal me dumbass,” she says matter of fact like.

He shakes his head, “just handle your shit Priestess,” grabs her hand and the two light up like a bonfire, crackles of energy and Velencia gasping like she just orgasmed.

Khamyra chuckles a bit, looking over her armor and frowning. It is in bad shape.

Shemrata a little startled at the reaction of the two.

Chance goes to offer to heal the Odius and he is rewarded with a dirty look, “I can make due on my own.”

Afterwards Shemrata has grabbed an armor plate off the berserker, and throws it to the ground. “Looks like history still requires a squelching,” pointing at the armor piece.

Everyone glances down and sees the Thorn Gate crest on the armor. For some reason after almost a year after the war, these bands of creatures and enemies still roam free. The High Priestess shakes her head and says, “Your beloved Camerondale has abandoned this area after the war. Such great people leaving them to fend for themselves, huh?”

Khamyra and Chance glance at each other, knowing there is a bit of truth to that sarcasm Velencia just spilled.

After the looting of the bodies, Temsus rounded up the old man who is standing at nose distance from Velencia, on her command. “Those were Ecru Wyverns, from the Plains,” Shemrata states, furrying her brow, thinking.

Velencia shakes her head, “no, doubt it, they love the arid climate, one that matches their color too, keeps them hidden,” she finishes.

Khamyra and Chance glance at each other, then they both look at Velencia and say in unison, “drought!”

Both Shemrata and Velencia look around, shaking their heads. “Goddammit, this is maddening!” The odius yells in frustration.

For a few minutes they are gathering things, looting bodies and getting Arlo back with the horses. Khamyra is stitching up her armor the best she can on short notice so it doesn’t fall off. Chance is packing away the money they found (38 gold, 12 silver, 55 copper, *but gives some away) and a Battle Axe, Long sword and he kept the best longbow he could find with 48 arrows. The rest the old man grabs, eyes wide hoping he can keep them.

After some small talk, Velencia mentions to the group; “Sorry, we are just going to have to kill him,” she says, waiting for the backlash.

Khamyra gets the Priestess’s attention and shakes her head in disagreement. She walks over to the man trying to juggle the loot he has, “You can accompany us to the next town, we can get you some food and be on your way,” she says softly at the man.

The disguised woman went to disagree but Khamyra gives her a look, a wink, pats her small spell book and walks to her horse.

Meanwhile Chance walks to the man and hands him a bag of coins (55 copper 12 silver and 8 gold). “I think you could use this more than us, you were brave with those hobgoblins, and I appreciate you trying to warn us” he says giving the man a smile.

He smiles and thanks the tall man, in the background is Velencia is sighing loudly and rolling her eyes so far back in her head it almost hurt.

It took about 4 hours but the group makes it to a town called Alvechurch that seems to be in a slight uproar. They stable the horses and head in reluctantly. From the chit chat of the town and guards, they can tell the group of Hobgoblins must’ve passed through with the Wyvern. Many upset, others mad and blaming Camerondale for their lack of protection.

They found a nice Inn called the Muddy Minstrel, that was a bit deserted due to the event that happened that morning. It was empty except for the Inn Keep, a cook and a waitress. The Onyx elf walks to the Inn Keep and gets a room. Not before she has the Waitress get some bread, cheese and some fruits for the old man. Chance hands the man a large sack of his loot, 3 longbows, a few daggers, and a longsword. Khamyra takes the man up to a room. Velencia is annoyed but she knows the Warlock has a plan.

Shemrata is handed some nice cheeses, bread and a skin from Velencia, and she disappears back to the stables.

The party orders and starts to eat. Then Khamyra comes down, smiling and looking content with herself. She sits and starts eating quietly with a smirk on her face.

Arlo jamming in some bread in his mouth, and then eating a handful of butter. Chance and Khamyra watch on with soft smiles.

After a minute or two, the impatient Priestess blurts out, “OK, warlock, why so smitten?” giving the Onyx Elf an amused look.

She looks up from her food, “The old man is full, he is clean, has a bag full of weapons and some loot, sleeping peacefully…” Khamyra continues in between bites, “and no memory of today at all.”

The Priestess just stares at her, a smile washing over her face. They exchange glances and a chuckle.

“That is a powerful spell, you going to be alright?” the disguised woman asks, finishing up her food.

“Yeah, it is, and it does take a bit out of you,” Khamyra responds, “that is why I had to wait to cast it, I am getting better feeling my level of…” she pauses and looks around seeing no one in earshot, “…mana. Let’s just avoid any wandering band of monsters for the rest of the day, OK?”

Turn Base Starts Here

DMaster: the group leaves the Inn

Chance: Walk out, head towards the stable giving Khamyra the occasional glance to make sure she is okay

DMaster: She seems fine, her armor is in shambles, but she seems to be good. You exchange glances and smile at each other. Velencia catches that and rolls her eyes. You get to the stables, hop on and start to ride. Its 1PM. You see some animals in the distance, a traveler far to one side, but other than that nothing much for 4 hours. You stop, pee, drink, snack. Velencia is looking over a map, frowning.
VEL: I don’t know if any of these places still exist, many battles were fought out here early in the war. With Camerondales track record, they are probably all wiped out, still.

Chance: Frown a bit, think to myself of all the battles and lives lost. Also thinking she is kind of right.

DMaster: VEL: Ok, group, its a 50/50 shot… do we head towards; Hutton or Spriggin. They were towns, and both are about the same distance away.

Chance: Chan: well either one we are taking a chance, no pun intended, on still being there.
glance over and give a chuckle.
Chan: I say we try and hope Spriggen is still there. The name Hutton just doesn’t appeal to me.

DMaster: They all look at each other, shrug their shoulders, mount up and head for Spriggen. You found the town fairly quickly, only about 2 hours in. Looks deserted, burnt to the ground. The sun is all but set. Not much of a sunset for the drought filled landscape.
VEL: Knew we should of went to Hutton. Figures the Chump would choose the wrong one.
She shakes her head and jumps off her horse.

Chance: just give Velencia a quick glare and shrug my shoulders.
Chan: It’s unlike you to not speak up, like you usually do a lot and over talk people. Guess I was just thrown you kept your mouth shut for that long.

DMaster: Velencia hears it, for sure. She just shakes her head forcefully and gets Arlo over to her. The town is burnt pretty good, not many buildings are standing. Been looted, no bodies that you can see either.

Chance: Chan: well regardless, we are here now. Suppose we should set up camp and keep watch through the night.

DMaster: You find a building that is somewhat still standing, has a roof and it is good size. Shemrata gets a fire going, you grab some kindling, plenty around, half the buildings that wasn’t burnt, is good firewood. Arlo, puts the horses close by another building, he is feeding and watering them. Temsus, stays at the edge of town, in the shadows, hunkers down, tries to get comfortable. Odd scene with Velencia cooking dinner. She seemed to be enjoying it a bit. It is some stew. It wasn’t bad, kind of tasteless but decent.

Chance: I will grab my stew and sit.

DMaster: it’s night now, the glow of the fire is the only light. The moons are starting to rise though. Khamyra is working on her armor again after she scarfs down the food

Chance: look over at Khamyra and sigh a bit.
Chan: I am sorry I was not closer to you in that fight, I was a bit preoccupied.

DMaster: She smirks, still working on the armor..
KHA: You kept that thing busy, let us wipe out the rest. If it stayed any longer, you would of slain it, I am sure of it. Believe me, we are grateful for what you did there.
She grimaces a bit.
KHA: Goddam captain hobbie though, fucker… he had my number for some reason.
Velencia smirks a bit hearing the warlock rant,

Chance: Chan: well not like that Wyvern gave me a chance. Blinders and me lighting up like a bonfire, or an overgrown lantern and all; I was its target. I knew I really couldn’t go toe to toe with it so I used its size to my advantage.
and give her a small smile.

DMaster: She smiles, leans in a bit to you and she continues on her armor. The night moves on, you combine your bedrolls and get snuggled in. Tamsus has the first watch. You have the last.

Chance: cuddle with Khamyra and try to get some sleep not letting my thoughts drift too much.

---

Thuralay (Thursday) 3:00 AM

---

DMaster: Not a great sleep, toss and turn. Eventually Khamyra wakes you for your turn and she plops into the bedroll. Nothing happens, it gets to be about 6-7ish. Velencia wakes everyone up, throws some breakfast style rations at everyone to eat.

Chance: eat my rations not talking much from the night of restless sleep, pretty sure it will give me a foul mood. Deciding its best I distanced myself from the group.

DMaster: Everyone gets ready and they head out. From the mumbling and snarkiness of the morning, apparently no one really slept well.
DM Note: Todd rolled four “4’s” in a row.
It’s hot and annoying riding, it gets to be around highsun.
KHA: We should be roughly 8 hours from Thorn Gate, or I mean Weston Gate.
The party pee’s, drinks and snacks. You are just outside a small town, it seems to be in the process of rebuilding. But you guys decided a Crowbear, Odius and a band of adventures could raise suspicions you don’t need right now. You head back out.
KHA: We should get to the city before nightfall.
You ride for almost another 4 hours. The sun is setting, but you are getting close. Town after town is popping up, most of them burnt to the ground, destroyed. Some people trying to live out of some decent stabilized houses. The closer you get, the more campfires you see, and tents. Lots and lots of tents, refugees still barely making it. You are riding through, a mix of makeshift guards. You see a few Camerondale guards but few and far between. You get to the stable, pay a copper and head inside. The guards stops you at the entrance.
GUA: Your business here? This city is under martial law. This is not a resort or vacation spot.

Chance: look over at Velencia for a moment.
Chan: we are just passing through and decide to give our mounts a bit of a rest.
Going to try and persuade him.

DMaster: Velencia is dealing with Arlo and was distracted.DM: Todd rolls a 20 total. Easily charms him. He looks you over and the party. The Priestess turns thinking you were going to screw it up
GAU: Find an Inn or Pub, stay put. Leave at first cry.
Khamyra puts her arm around your waist and leans in, smiling.

Chance: nod at the guard and wrap an arm around Khamyra. Lean into her a bit, thinking Velencia can suck it, she can keep her bangers in her shirt tonight.

DMaster: You make it into the city. Half of it is boarded up. Doesn’t look like much has been done with it. Makeshift guards pushing people around, people eyeing you up.

Chance: keep looking around as we keep moving through the city with one hand near my sword.

DMaster: You stop and head into an Inn; “The Metal Tusk Inn” When you get in, on the far wall is… well a metal tusk.

Chance: Chan: well isn’t this where you do your thing Clara?
looking over at Velencia and give her a smirk.

DMaster: She scoffs and walks over a fairly empty place. The Inn Keep is a woman and you can visually see Valencia’s shoulder slump seeing that. The keep’s eyes lights up seeing patrons.

Chance: seeing Velencia’s reaction I will walk over to the Inn Keep with a smile on my face.

DMaster: The Priestess just gives you a look, crosses her arms
KEEP: Can I help you? Food, a place to sleep?
DM: Condensing interaction. Todd decided not to try and persuade the Inn keep for a better price.
She swindles him to about 5 GP for the night for the entire party. She says under Martial Law they have to leave at Cry time.

Chance: reaching into my pouch I will pull out 5gp and give the Inn Keep a small smile. Take the keys from the Innkeeper not saying anything to Velencia and hand everyone their keys except for Arlo. Give it to Velencia

DMaster: you use the looted money. You turn and Velencia and Shemrata are glaring at you, half smile, half smirk.
VEL: Arlo could have got a better deal, did you want to kiss her before she sticks it farther up your ass?
Khamyra stops herself from laughing. The Inn keep’s eyes bulge a little at the comment and is trying to walk away quickly. You take your things to the room, make it back down.

Chance: grab a table and sit down waiting for the rest of the group.

DMaster: DM: Condensing.
Velencia makes a bunch of comments how this area is in shambles. Nothing has really been done with anything. After Arlo went up to Shemrata’s room to give her food, he is jamming food in his mouth. oddly enough, he is very careful drinking; takes two hands, drinks and puts it down softly. It was an excellent meal, and everyone heads to their room after. Chance and Khamyra get frisky and rattle the headboard for a bit before passing out.

---

Freya (Friday) 7:00AM

---

DMaster: The cryer wakes you up, you head down and the Keep is there waving you out of the Inn.
KEEP: Thank you very much, head to the Cities exits before the guard gets here.

Chance: nod my head at the Inn Keep. Leave the Inn and make our way back to the stables

DMaster: you get ready and head out with no issues. The ride is awesome, make better than normal time. You stop for a drink, pee and a snack. But in the distance, on the horizon you can see what looks like weird looking clouds. It looks weird.

Chance: pointing the clouds out to the rest of the group.
Chan: that can’t be normal right?

DMaster: Khamyra nudges you, to pay attention.
KHA: Vel, do you see that?
She points at the odd clouds sitting in an empty sky. Velencia nods her head.
VEL: Looks like a storm is brewing
She sighs
VEL: We will probably have to ride through that.

Chance: Chan: well it’s not natural, I am sure of it. Since we are still in a… “drought.”

DMaster: She glances at you for a moment ready to insult you, then she shakes her head and looks around. Shemrata is cursing again, furious at the spell and what it does to you.
VEL: Whoa… well, I guess I know why they think this drought is coming from there.
Trying to save face a bit.
All eyes big looking at the towering massive cloud formation. It almost seems as though it is rotating too.

Chance: Chan: I am going to keep reminding you until we get there. So get used to it. I guess there is no guessing where we ride too now.

DMaster: You are close to the shoreline too, after a pee, drink and snack, you head back out. After about 3 hours you are getting real close to the cloud formation. At a small seaside town, you can see something docked, that is taller than any building in the town. it’s a huge warship, you recognize it. Velencia mentions this town is called Cowling.

Chance: eyes get big recognizing it instantly. A bit of anxiety kicks in at that moment, looking over at Khamyra.

DMaster: You all get off your horses, mounts. Shemrata stays a bit back, Khamyra reminds Velencia about the drought. She shakes her head and curses. Then looks
VEL: That’s a Camerondale tub

Chance: Chan: You think?

DMaster: VEL: Get bent Chump. Great, have to deal with those idiots too

Chance: gaze instantly goes to Velencia and I frown
Chan: Just stay in character OK? Last thing we need is Cassie figuring out you are… well, who you are.
straighten myself up and knowing Camerondale is around, bury everything deep.
Chan: I suppose we should have a look around and see what we can find out, if anything.

DMaster: Velencia gives you an amused look. After a few moments.
VEL: Well let’s go, are you waiting for me to grant you permission?
She laughs and so does Shemrata. Khamyra gives them dirty looks, knowing you are stuck inbetween right now.

Chance: walking closer to Khamyra as we walk around this small town.

DMaster: She takes your hand, you head in. It is a small town, so much so that the main road leads to the docks and you can see the ship already. People seem weird, caught inbetween going about their business and being terrified at the peaking super clouds. Not to mention the huge boat on the docks from a Kingdom they do not like. Arlo stays behind with the mounts.

Chance: looking around seeing if there is an Inn in the town. Thinking before Camerondale did anything they would stop here before going any further.

DMaster: You can see what seems to be some tents outside of the dock area. A heavy Camerondale guard presence and they have already spotted you. Pointing you out, they are keeping an eye on you as you are looking around

Chance: Walk to the tents, get this over with.
Chan: well no hiding the fact they have already noticed us I think the Baroness was going to be here.

DMaster: Velencia rolls her eyes.
VEL: Oh great, and you were going to tell us this when? I have to remember what thoughts I was fucking with her with.

Chance: Chan: well that hadn’t crossed my mind until you showed up and said we had to come here. I was just happy I wouldn’t have to be on another damn boat.

DMaster: coming out of one of the tents you see a thin woman, long brown hair, eyes that you could see miles away. Makeshift black armor and a thin long sword. Papers in her hand, talking with a guard.

Chance: eyes light up a bit seeing Mckenna but still feeling a bit of anxiety.
Chan: well here goes nothing.

DMaster: McKenna glances over and double takes, as you are slowly walking towards them. She recognizes you and heads over.
MCK: Chance?
She looks at your companions, and back to you.
MCK: We weren’t expecting you. What are you doing here?

Chance: Chan: well sure the same thing as you, just for our own purposes.
pointing towards the clouds

DMaster: You two shake hands, she waves you on and takes you onto the boat.
MCK: Bastian would love to see you. Come on.
The party moves on, Velencia looks at Shemrata.
VEL: This is going to end well, isn’t it?
Velencia mumbles.

Chance: eyes turn to slits as I glare back and Velencia.

DMaster: Shemrata is keeping her hood on the best she can. The wind has picked up considerably getting this close to the weather phenomena. You go into a very large room that is on the deck of the ship, 30 x 40 at least. A few guards, at ease, looking over parchments and such. A man looks up from a desk with guards and such around him. It’s Bastian, dressed in his usual drab brown outfit, but is armed to the teeth.
BAS: Chance!
He gets this big smile.

Chance: Chan: of all people I didn’t expect to see it was you, Bastian
as a big smile goes across my face.

DMaster: He comes around and you two warrior handshake, then looks at your party.

Chance: Chan: you remember Khamyra. well, I should say my bride to be.
smirking a bit just saying that.
Chan: this here is Clara and that is Shemrata.

DMaster: Shemrata takes off her hood. As she does your fiance sees this and knows the shit will hit the horsetail. Khamyra steps in front.
KHA: She is a friend.
The room erupted in sword unsheathing and gasps. Shemrata for dramatic flair unleashes her tail. Bastian’s eyes huge, smiling.

Chance: Chan: easy, easy, we are both here for the same reason. We just travel with different people is all.

DMaster: Bastian twitchs, then snaps out of his amazement.
BAS: STAND DOWN, NOW!
Mckenna is eyeing it up, Bastian takes notice.
BAS: No, McKenna, that would be the last thing you would ever do, this is not only an Odius, but a Legion. That tail… could crush your neck in an instant.
He smiles looking at it.
BAS: Awesome.

Chance: Chan: you never cease to amaze me Bastian, with what gets you excited.
chuckling, still feeling a bit of anxiety as I look around.

DMaster: Velencia is laughing, big smile loving the chaos brewing.
VEL: This is going swimmingly
After a few tense moments, everyone sheaths weapons. Odd, only Camerondale drew weapons, your party did not even flinch.
BAS: Did you travel south? Did you see Cassie heading north?
The master witch asks getting everyone to calm down, he walks behind his desk looking at some papers

Chance: Chan: no we didn’t run into Cassie. Why you ask?

DMaster: BAS: Yeah, she is disgusted with the state of things here, like nothing has been done.
VEL: Yeah, not surprised.
she grumbles. Everyone glances over.

Chance: Chan: Clara, not now please.
look over and glare at Velencia.

DMaster: VEL: Oh yes, master, yes.
She playfully nods her head and then giggles. Bastian looks at her, eyebrow raised. He is not totally thrown because he has witnessed many people call you M’lord before. He turns his attention back to you.
BAS: She went to the Capitol, to meet up with the Baron who took this region over.

Chance: Chan: it is a bit disturbing to me as well. Nothing seems to have been done, towns still empty and destroyed and Monsters wandering without restrain.

DMaster: The door opens behind you. A man, very well dressed walks in
MAN: Oh, I must be interrupting something.
BAS: No, M’Lord come on in.

DMaster: BAS: M’Lord, this is Chance, Khamyra, Clara and Shemrata was it?
The big creature nods. His eyes grow looking at the Odius.

Chance: give him a look seeing his reaction at Shemrata
Chan: so they brought you out into the field. I am surprised.

DMaster: BAS: Well, look at it out there, between me and McKenna we are the best ones to figure this out.
Kellen is walking to Bastian slowly looking you over, Velencia makes eye contact with Kellen and she bows
VEL: Kellen Laurier, Son of Regiment, Vermeer, M’Lord.
He smiles at her and nods
KEL: Nice to meet you, uh, Clara.
She looks up at him, gives him some fuck me eyes and smiles. He gets flustered.

Chance: Chan: couldn’t think of anyone better for the job then you and the Witchblade over there.
Bow a little to Kellen.
Chan: yes sorry, where are my manners, Chance Axion, this is Khamyra.
She bows too, a little.

DMaster: He nods as well, after some pleasantries, you all leave the room it was getting stuffy. Out on the deck, you are looking at the towering clouds. Bastian hands McKenna a vial, she sips, then hands it to Kellen and he sips.
BAS: A concoction I brewed up to stifle the spell on us, only lasts for a few hours though.

Chance: Chan: well the spell doesn’t affect me and Khamyra anymore

DMaster: They all look at you.
VEL: Oh really? How is that? Master?
She is giving you an antagonizing look

Chance: sigh, give Velencia a quick sharp look. Then looking over and giving Bastian a small smile.
Chan: Our Lord granted us the favor. We are not affected by it at all.

DMaster: McKenna offers it to Clara, and she sips and Shemrata as well. Then hands it back to Bastian.

Chance: Chan: so, any idea of what is going on?
looking towards the clouds.

DMaster: He is looking it over walks a bit forward.
BAS: So far, nothing. We have met resistance from the git go. Every town, every person seems to hate Camerondale.
He sighs, looks blankly into the cloud. Twitchs, mumbles something. Then continues.
BAS: They are not allowing anyone into the city, no way in except through the entrance. Since Camerondale has no pull, especially the Black Ward, we can’t even get in. Of all the things I thought would be a obstacle, this was not one of them.
Everyone is just looking at the cloud formation.
MCK: It turns very slow, and if you watch it long enough; like it is pulling all the moisture down into Breakwater

Chance: as she is saying that I am watching the clouds.
Chan: well you know I will help anyway I can. I want to get to the bottom of what’s going on here.

DMaster: Bastian smiles, but then looks at your party just staring at you shaking their head.
VEL: No, Master, you will be with us doing the will of your Lord.

Chance: Sigh, shrug shoulders.
Chan: We will catch up later, we have to get closer while it’s still daylight. Good seeing you.

DMaster: He smiles. Everyone else on the deck are taken back a bit by the quick exit.
BAS: You as well Chance.
Velencia shook her head and her and Shemrata start off the boat. The creature pulls its hood over its head and they go down the ramp. Khamyra gives Bastian a nod and grabs your hand after you said goodbye. Sparks fly a little, walks you off the boat. She then nudges you a bit.
KHA: We are not here for Camerondale hun, we are hear for our Lord. Let’s not give them any ideas about using you. Your plate is full.

Chance: slump my shoulders knowing she is right.
Chan: I know, sometimes the “court champion” in me just gets the better.
still holding her hand.

DMaster: you make it out to the outskirts where Arlo is eating an apple meant for a horse. The horse seems annoyed.
VEL: Well that was useless, thanks for wasting our time Chump. It’s getting dinner time, we can stay here or hope to find another town closer or try Breakwater, though the Camerondale dolts said it was impassable.

Chance: Chan: I say we get as close as we can. Unless your stomach’s are more important.

DMaster: They look at you weird, get on the horses and mounts and ride. You find a small town, looks to be bustling. Sun is going down. The party seems to want to stay here.

Chance: No, I want to push on to Breakwater.

DMaster: They seem unsure, but you pass the town on bye. It’s night and you are riding on an incline a bit. The horses seem to loose their footing some. It’s slippery. Finally hit a pathway and it leads down into the city. You can’t get in 200 feet of the gates, there is a mob of people, looking to be standing guard. Shemrata and Temsus stop and back up and stay in the shadows.

Chance: Chan: well any thoughts on how we get in with that mob of people? Short of sneaking around, seeing if there is another way in unguarded.

DMaster: Velencia is staring at you, blankly, shaking her head slowly.
KHA: I have been here once, and there are two ways of getting in, the entrance or the port and docks.
She is looking straight up in the sky, the cloud barely visible in the darkness.
KHA: Yeah, the port is out.
It is suppressive, the moisture in the air. Fog is rolling in but its moving odd, like it is getting sucked to the city.

Chance: Chan: well I am sure they aren’t just gonna let us walk right in either, unless one of you two got something fancy up your sleeve.

DMaster: DM: Rolls a 27 on his stealth check to see if the mob sees them. They do not.
You guys seem to be out of the eye sight of the mob right now. Velencia rolls her eyes and has had enough.
VEL: You never listen, you heard Bastian say no one can get into the city, yet here we are. Why do I even consider your choices anymore. Fuck.
She waves you all back with great frustration.
VEL: let’s go back to that small town, what was it called; Penarloog? hope they have a room or two available. It’s only a half hour ride.

Chance: not saying much just nod my head.

DMaster: you guys head back, hit the small town, get two rooms. Shemrata will sleep with Temsus on the outskirts. Velencia and Arlo and you and Khamyra get rooms. Have a decent dinner and head up to sleep.

---

Saturlay (Saturday) 6:30 AM

---

Chance: waking up look over to Khamyra see if she is still sleeping.

DMaster: she is looking at you, seems to be in deep thought.
KHA: well, here we are. We have to find a peaceful way into the city and investigate. Otherwise Velencia will start cracking skulls and killing anything that moves. Shemrata would delight in it. That mob did not look like it was filled with warriors either.

Chance: Chan: and you know I am going to have a hard time preventing that. I just want to get in and out so to speak and get to the hall. I don’t know how much I have in me to deal with her.
let’s out a small sigh.

DMaster: KHA: Get in and out, like your sex life huh?
She giggles at her own joke, caresses your hand.
KHA: I like your optimism, but I really don’t think this is going to be a half hour sit down with a glass of wine.
She kisses you and you two get ready even get a quick bath. Meet in the lobby, grab some breakfast. Velencia lays out the plan.
VEL: I am going to go first, try and get through. Then Khamyra, then you Chance. Do it in 15 minute intervals. Shemrata might have to wait this one out, unless we can find a way for her to get in too. Then there is Arlo.
She looks at all of you, gets annoyed.
VEL: Glad everyone is coming up with plans and such, how the hell do you even live day to day.
She was interrupted by Arlo licking his bowl.

Chance: Chan: why do I just feel this isn’t going to end well.

DMaster: She looks at you, eyes a bit on fire.
VEL: Then what chump? We have to get in there and they are blocking our way. I would be more than happy to take blade to throat, and Shemrata would love it too. Want to do it that way? Or, do you have a master plan you are hiding from us.
Khamyra is giving her a “come on” look.

Chance: Chan: I don’t want no bloodshed. I am just saying, you and Khamyra, boobs and all; have a good chance. But I don’t think I should be pulling out my wank in hopes it helps me through.
just glaring at her, smirk.

DMaster: Khamyra’s eyes big.
KHA: I’d let you through…
Winks at you. Velencia almost throws up. You all get up and head out.

Chance: Looking over at Velencia and sigh a bit.
Chan: well the gates is the best way. I could always take a look at the cliffs and see if I could climb down into the city without being noticed.

DMaster: She looks frustrated with you.
VEL: If you slip and fall you would… ummm, well no that’s a great idea, get climbing!
Khamyra nudges her as they continue walking.

Chance: Chan: just remember as much as it pains you, I am the champion. You’re going to need me in the time to come.
looking over towards Arlo.

DMaster: She shakes her head.
VEL: If you die, we can get another one… my pet turtle would do better than you, I’ll sign it up.
Khamyra walks inbetween you two, getting frustrated herself.
KHA: OK, enough, let’s go.

Chance: feeling my anger start to build I turn away from Velencia and try to calm down.

DMaster: You head back and get to the same spot you were in last night.
DM: Rolled a d20 – rolled a 3. So I went with it. Rolled to see age and sex too.
There is only 3 at the gates. Everyone in the party exchange glances.

Chance: Chan: well it beats having a mob of people here this might go better.

DMaster: VEL: You think?
She unmounts and motions all of you to do the same. Shemrata is a ways back, in a patch of bushes. She makes sure Temsus is ok, then joins the party. Then in a surprise move, Velencia walks over to Khamyra and takes her dagger and cuts down the front of her armor, that is a mess anyways.
KHA: Velen… err Clara, what the hell?
Velencia is grabbing your fiance’s boobs and pushing them up, her eyes get big. Khamyra looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
VEL: Damn girl, these are heavy.
Khamyra sighs.
KHA: yes… kids, don’t use them much anymore.

Chance: as do mine, seeing that, then give an evil grin. Then straighten back up trying to keep my flopper under control.

DMaster: Khamyra glances at you and then gives you a scolding look. Velencia waves you all on.
VEL: 3 guys, one geezer looks to be hungover and two young ones.
You approach, they scatter a bit and look at the party, then look at the Priestesses and Khamyra’s boobs popping out.
VEL: We are a bit lost, but we followed this weird cloud. Just looking for a bite to eat, and a soft bed and maybe a bath, get clean because we are… dirty, so dirty. Isn’t that right?
She caresses Khamyra’s arm. The Onyx elf tries her best to stay in character.
KHA: Uh, yes… just don’t lose the soap in the bubbles.
Velencia, gives her a look, as though to say “WTF?”

Chance: Look down, keep looking down.

DMaster: DM: Velencia’s persuasion check, she rolls a 20+7. Needless to say, it went well, very well.
One of the young ones practically busts a nut. The old guy is matting his hair down, and beckoning you in. All 5 of you get in. They are watching you walking in. Velencia turns and winks, waves. They all smile back. Then surprisingly Khamyra turns gives them a deep nod, making her boobs almost pop out. Their eyes bulge and they wave.

Chance: not knowing what to say at what I just witnessed I will just walk with the group.

DMaster: Arlo is smiling and he is rubbing his chest, big dopey smile walking along. Must of been looking too. Velencia glances over, laughs and gives him a smile. The streets of the city seem pretty empty. It is Saturlay, but it seems a bit empty. It’s half fog that is moving through the streets. Everything is just wet and dim, like someone put a lampshade on the sky. Looking up to the towering clouds, you notice a soft roar too.

Chance: Refocus my attention to how empty the streets are.
Chan: well we better at least find an Inn. A homebase so to speak, not that would anyone would notice us walking around.
Look around again. I am looking at the street and glancing around at the buildings.
Chan: I say we at least get some rooms, if we can, before we scout out the city.

DMaster: You walk past an Inn / Pub called the “Waterlogged Dolphin.”

Chance: Chan: I think this is as good as any, a place to stay.

DMaster: Even though the door was open, you know that the place is closed, it does not appear to do much “morning” business. There is no one in the main room which is 30 x 40, bar on the far wall. Some chairs on the tables. One table in the middle has garbage, scraps and mugs on it. You hear a door open from back. A woman is walking out, dressed like Velencia looks.
WOM: Oh, You got customers…
She says walking past you and out of the Inn. A man walks out, looks and smiles real big. You’d recognize that smile anywhere.
WILD: Hey! Come to visit I see!

Chance: Eyes bulge. Start walking for him, growling.

DMaster: Velencia grabs your arm, a spark flies a surge of power distracts you. Khamyra’s eyes bulge too.
VEL: Wilder you old scab, I forgot you had a place in Breakwater.
She walks past you, to him, they hug. Took a second for him to recognize her.
WILD: Whoa, I could barely tell, except,
He is looking at her titties.
WILD: They give you away every time.
She laughs and shakes her head.

Chance: my eyes turn to slits as I feel my anger start building up.

DMaster: She turns to see both you and Khamyra staring the man down.
VEL: Easy, I have known this douche for years, he is harmless.
Khamyra is slowly shaking her head, face getting flush.
KHA: Get out of our way Priestess.
Velencia’s eyes bulge, even more surprised.

Chance: Chan: no, if anyone is getting first crack at him, it’s me.

DMaster: WILD: Hey hey, just settle down.
Shemrata, leans against the wall chuckles. Arlo has made his way over to the table of scraps and is eating garbage essentially.

Chance: Chan: Settle down… SETTLE DOWN? Really? What the fuck! Thanks for selling me off to the Witches you cock pimple.

DMaster: Velencia turns to him, then back to you guys. A small smile growing.
VEL: What the hell? What’s up your asses?
Velencia raises an eyebrow, she glances back.
VEL: You did what now?
WILD: I was paid a lot of money to get a message to this guy here.
Points to you.
WILD: It just happened he stumbled upon my trap, instead of one of his goons. So I took them to the people who paid me, got some good money for it too.
Velencia is giggling, she looks back at you two. Khamyra has her eyes burning through not only Wilder but now the High Priestess.

Chance: Chan: Not funny. You are next if you don’t get out of the way.
Eyes still slits walking closer to Wilder.

DMaster: Velencia nods to Shemrata and before you know it, the Odius is holding you back. Khamyra is walking close to him too.
VEL: Warlock, this is a godsend, if anyone knows what’s going on in this city its this guy here.
thumbing to Wilder. He is looking over your fiancé and sees her bulging bussom.
WILD: Nice top, I approve.
He gives two thumbs up. With precision, Khamyra’s does her thing, says “eldritch” and her hands turn into crackling balls of electricity. Velencia jumps into action.
VEL: Whoa, whoa, stop, stop!

Chance: Chan: Shemrata, out of my way I owe him one, you know, nothing personal, right?
Glaring at wilder.
Chan: because of you a lot of people could of been hurt or killed thanks to those witches, not to mention I have to wear this ugly ass armor!

DMaster: He looks at you funny and then realizes.
WILD: Yeah, the armor is a bit out of season perhaps. Clashes with your complexion.
Shrugs his shoulder, smirk.
VEL: Sit, all of you NOW.
She pushes Wilder back out of your visual range. Khamyra’s hands stop crackling. she grunts in frustration. Shemrata lets go and leans back up.

Chance: trying to calm down before I tear the necklace off. Glare at Shemrata.
Chan: Don’t. Get in my way.

DMaster: Khamyra is looking at you like, I am going to kill that guy. Arlo looks around, spice taters across the front of him. Khamyra, to distract herself, her motherly instincts kick in. She walks over and cleans him up. He looks at her and starts rubbing his chest area, smiles. Even Shemrata couldn’t hold it in and she laughs. Khamyra in a half chuckle, giggle not sure she wants to cry in frustration of just laugh for an hour.

Chance: seeing this takes some of the anger away and I can’t help but laugh a little.
Chan: I might have to kill that guy. Watch him suffer, watch him…

DMaster: Khamyra is messing with her top but Velencia did a number on it. She sighs looking down at her big boobs. Velencia comes back out, giggling with the old vet.
VEL: Ok, I got what happened to you two, he had no idea it was witches… but yeah. He has agreed to help us, he does know things. and If he doesn’t and he’s fucking with us, I’ll unleash the dynamic duo on his ass.
Pointing at you two.

Chance: Chan: well he better prove to be valuable or I’m going to strangle him with his own entrails.
giving her a look.

DMaster: He peeks out.
WILD: OK, now that we are all settled.
He goes behind the bar, pours some ale into a pitcher. walks over and puts some mugs down.
WILD: Come, sit sit. I am sure you are here about that cloud thing that formed at the end of Winter.

Chance: Sit and glare at him.
Chan: No. We were here because we missed your dashing good looks and witty charm.

DMaster: WILD: I can’t say I blame you!
he winks at you. Khamyra looks like she is going to leap across the table and tear out his throat. You all sit, gingerly. Velencia is looking at the Warlock, a bit surprised, but it makes her smile.

Chance: Chan: so why don’t you tell us what you know because I am not sure I can keep her calm.
pointing at Khamyra.

DMaster: He swallows hard, glances at Khamyra. Then he walks in back and comes back out. Drops a bag of coins on the table. You and Velencia look at each other instantly.

At the same time you both say, “Sulfur and Ass!”

DMaster: Khamyra looks at both of you and crinkles her nose.
SHEM: Arlo, did you drop something in your drawers?
He turns and smiles, waves.
WILD: Yeah I know, smells terrible.
He opens the pouch and takes out crude coins that kind of look like gold.
WILD: a few months ago, like the end of winter, a woman came in, smelling like.
he looks at you.
WILD: Sulfur and ass. I don’t discriminate, you know.
Velencia gingerly picks one up and is looking at the odd shaped metal.

Chance: Chan: and you didn’t find it odd how she smelled it didn’t cause any alarms to go off in your head?

DMaster: He gives you a look.
WILD: What alarms puke boy?
smirks and laughs.
WILD: Some of the people here are a bit down on their luck, can’t bathe, etc. I smelt worse.
Khamyra glares at him.
WILD: They wanted supplies. They didn’t have a lot to offer; but some weird sword thingy that I already sold, it was like a rock… and these coins.
VEL: What did you give them?
WILD: A barrel of my finest, (laughs) no the swill I make in the basement.
He chuckles.
WILD: More rations than anything.

Chance: Chan: what did this woman look like?

DMaster: WILD: The woman, she had a hood over her head. Same with that guy. But he weirded me out. It’s why I let the deal slide, I got some bad vibes from him.
KHA: Men with hoods drawn, that’s where you get bad vibes? Dead people, body parts and zombies are what, a walk in the park then? Hooded men is where you draw the line?
She says with sarcasm dripping off it. He shakes his head and smiles.
WILD: Oh that place? Yikes, that was not mine. Just a place to use for my sting operation.

Chance: Chan: so besides not knowing what they look like, did they tell you anything else? maybe where they were going?

DMaster: He gives you a look of amazement.
WILD: Yes, they forwarded their complete itinerary to me, then headed for grandma’s house to eat some pie.
He shakes his head.

Chance: Get up out of my chair and growl.
Chan: Watch your mouth dick bag.

DMaster: His eyes grow wide and he jumped a bit. Shakes his head.
WILD: They don’t tell, I don’t ask. I had Lyric deliver it to the docks.

Chance: Chan: I suppose we could go check out the docks unless we got anything more to go on.

DMaster: Wilder laughs.
WILD: Good luck Slick.

Chance: feeling a bit of frustration build up I look back over to wilder.

DMaster: Velencia sighs.
VEL: Why do you say good luck?
WILD: I don’t even know if there are docks left. The closer you get to them, the more the, cloud, water, misty thing gets stronger. It has been that way for a month or more now. The city was in a panic, now half the people left. So I had to fill the void as the leader of this fine city.
Coughs and laughs,
WILD: No, not really, just don’t want uninvited guests here, so I have my boys at the entrance, keeping people out
He chuckles, then stops and looks up.
WILD: Wait, how the hell did you make it in here?
Velencia rubs her left breast and tweeks her nipple. The old man just looks, stares and almost drools on himself. He looks up at her, she tilts her head, smirks. He smiles, laughs.
WILD: Ahhh, ok. Can’t say I blame them.

Chance: Chan: well we need to at least try and get a look.

DMaster: WILD: Go for it, but use “Lost Oar road,” the few city guards left don’t patrol that road usually, otherwise, if they catch you poking around, they will kick you out of the city.

Chance: I am gonna try to read wilder to see if he is holding back any information from us. DM: Todd rolls a 12 for perception.

DMaster: You can’t tell much, he looks as dopey as ever, plus you know he is a vet with these kinds of things.

Chance: Chan: This helps us to figure out what’s going on and where they went, right?

DMaster: Everyone looks at you, shrugs their shoulders.
WILD: Sure, sure thing.
He nods his head sarcastically, he takes a glug from his mug

Chance: feeling anger build up I can’t take it anymore I get up and my chair goes flying.
Chan: Just 1 minute with him, 1 fucking minute.

DMaster: His eyes get big and smiles. Shemrata makes her way to his side glaring at you, on Velencia’s command.
VEL: Easy easy, that is just Wild, he’s a sarcastic old coot.

Chance: Chan: You didn’t go through with what I did with him.

DMaster: VEL: Boo fucking hoo chump, sit down.
She turns her attention back to Wilder who is looking the Odius over, impressed.
VEL: Any idea what is happening here, like really is happening?
He downs the rest of his mug.

Chance: still glaring at Wilder, standing.

DMaster: WILD: Well, it was the first warm day of the year, a few months ago, I was a little, well, hung over and mid day this roaring sound shook the city. I went running out and you can see what shot up into the sky. It was pretty amazing, well, still is. No one has tried to go into it at all, that I know of. Last week I heard people thought there was a drought going on, all along the eastern realm.
He shrugs his shoulders drinks from the pitcher.
WILD: there is some deep elemental bullshit happening here.

Chance: Chan: well the further you go away from here, the more of a drought becomes apparent. Well if you remember that is. Well is there anyway we can trace exactly where the elemental “bullshit” is coming from?

DMaster: Wilder shrugs his shoulders. The Priestess sighs.
VEL: I think Chump is right, we have to head into it… unless someone has any better ideas?

Chance: look over at Velencia eyes get a bit big
Chan: I can change over, head in. Might help me stay grounded…

DMaster: Velencia and Wilder are eyeing each other up
VEL: Wild… you best not be playing us.
She gets up and he stands up. Khamyra at the ready. Arlo is drawing on the wall with some food, Shemrata has been laughing at him for some time now. She is a bit more relaxed, still close to the ol’ thief.

Chance: cracking my knuckles and glare at Wilder.

DMaster: WILD: How much is it worth to you guys?
smiles wide.
WILD: I mean, I am a businessman

Chance: Start walking around the table.
Chan: and of course, there it is. Had a gut feeling you were holding something back from us.

DMaster: Velencia waves you off. Then she pulls out a platinum piece. Gives him a look, walks over pulls at the top of his pants and drops it in. His eyes go wide.
WILD: Ohhh that’s cold!
VEL: Talk.
WILD: ohh, hehe, ohh, shrinkage.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: you had better not be leading us into a trap. So help me, you’ll need a hell of alot more holding me back than these two.

DMaster: He squirms a bit.
WILD: I know that they visited the Alchemist also. Seems like they are their pretty often, from what I hear. Since this seems to be some elemental bullshit, she might know more about what’s going on.
He reaches in and grabs his platinum, pulls it out.

Chance: Chan: so we go see what the Alchemist has to say and then make our way to the docks.
straighten up a bit giving Wilder one more look.

DMaster: he looks odd. You double take, Velencia is looking around because he hasn’t moved a muscle in like 20 – 30 seconds. Then the Priestess wheels around, laughing looking at your fiance.
VEL: Khamyra!

Chance: looking over at Khamyra.

DMaster: Her eyes are flickering with power, her one hand out, palm up. Just staring at him. She walks over and by the Priestess. Velencia still giggling, Shemrata goes to move but the Priestess stops her.
KHA: If you are lying to us old man, I will rip you inside out, and take a day to do it…
she growls.

Chance: walk over to her, stand behind her.

DMaster: She grabs the platinum piece, wipes it off on his shirt, and she puts it in her pouch.
KHA: The least you can do.
She turns, lets her hand go limp and then he gasps. He drops to one knee.
WILD: Whoa, what the hell was that?

Chance: Looking over Khamyra’s shoulder, then walk a bit past.

DMaster: Velencia points to the door.
VEL: let’s get over to the alchemist.

Chance: Chan: oh one more thing before we leave.
giving wilder a look.

DMaster: He glances up.

Chance: Walk real quick to him and punch him as hard as I can in the face.

DMaster: He goes flying back, makes a yelp like sound, flips over his chair, landing ass over tea kettle. He stumbles back, getting up holding his bloody nose. He looks at you wide eyes. Velencia smirks, looking you over then back to Wilder. Shemrata started to move towards the two of you and stops, then grabs Arlo and heads for the door.

Chance: Chan: Hey, nothing personal, right?
Walk out the door.

DMaster: Khamyra, smiling as wide as can be, proud of her fiance and satisfied seeing the douchebag tumble back like that, grabs your hand and you head out the door. A blast of just, wet, hits the party.
VEL: It’s off to broken mast avenue.
You walk along, turn down a road then stop at a merchants front door. Head inside, through double doors. Its bigger than you thought it would be, 30×30. Some tables of herbs, vials, and such. A counter on the wall to your left, shelves of books and components. The alchemist is talking with someone, looks like they are finishing their transaction. The person is in a cloak with their hood up.

Chance: looking at the rest of the group seeing the figure with the hood up. My hand is near the necklace.

DMaster: The person walks past you and it hits you. Velencia looks at you eyes wide.
You both mouth “Sulfur and Ass” to each other.
VEL: Hey you, smelly hooded person, wait!
she turns and follows them out the door.

Chance: tearing the necklace off running after Velencia, and the figure.

DMaster: The group turns, walks back out the door after the figure. It turns, sees you changing over and the look on Velencia’s face. Then you see a little blood spurt, the thing writes something and you barely hear him say a word.
KHA: SPELL! Hit the dirt!
Too late, a powerful gust of wind hits all of you sending you flying back with great force. You hit the wall of the alchemists, Velencia flies back into the Store through the double doors, taking out Shemrata in the process. Arlo gets thrown, hits the wall and tumbles farther down the cobblestone road. Khamyra was fast enough to duck behind the wall of the merchants place. You look and you see under the hood before he disappears down an alleyway.