First Five Starts Here

Chance stands up, sword still in hand and looks toward this man. His face is unnerving; half human, half of another world it seems. As far as the Champion can tell, this man knows it disturbs people and uses it to his advantage.

The quarter elf notices Faelyn, arrow still trained on the man. “Just say the word…”

Chance lifts his hand up, puts it on the bow & arrow, and brings it down. “There may be a time for that, but right now, we talk,” he says with a soft smile.

The Champion stands straight, sheaths his sword.

The Renrazzi elf takes out the arrow and puts it back in her quiver, looking at the quarter elf with a bit of worry.

The man nods in respect, “thank you, you must be with the beautiful dark one that can create magic from air,” he says with a soft smile. He beckons them to come in further.

Chance glances back fully expecting to see Velencia or Khamyra at the portcullis grate, but there is nothing there but a wall with blood dripping down it. The Champion turns and looks at the man. “Where did the door go?” he asks, watching the mysterious person slowly walking further into the room.

“I thought we should have a private conversation, there are a few people in your party that are a bit, well,” he pauses, smirks a bit, “unstable, for lack of better words. This language is still new to me.”

Meanwhile; Khamyra is sprinting up the stairs just in time to watch the portcullis sitting in the doorway completely disappear into a wall. She slams up on the fake wall, her eyes turn black and she jumps back. “Dammit! Why does he always get caught in a trap!” The Onyx elf says in a panic.

The Priestess fast on her heels, squinting to see. Khamyra throws some dust, traces a symbol and goes to say a word but Velencia grabs her.

“STOP!” she yells, with her eyes as wide as she has ever seen them. “You try and cast a spell close to this active blood magic, and I am guessing you have some of the blood on you and it could turn on you with devastating results.”

Khamyra’s eyes are frantic, looking back at Velencia and the Priestess sees her eyes as black as night. She nods, “you are being affected right now, let’s back up a bit. See if and where you have blood on you.”

The Onyx Elf is taken back about Velencia of all people being cautious. I guess that stint in the isles really did a number on her, she thinks.

The three of them back up down the stairs a few steps.

Back in the room, Chance and Faelyn step into the main chamber. The Champion is thinking, this guy appreciates good manners; so I will treat him as I do royalty.

The room is huge, a good 60 feet wide, 100 feet deep and the ceiling is towering. This looks like a room that has been around for quite some time. A bed, some tables, shelves, chests all around the room, it looks well lived in.

“Care for a drink?” the man says walking by a table with a pitcher and some mugs on it.

Chance smiles, “no thank you, but I appreciate the offer,” he says calmly.

The man turns, “How rude of me, we have not been introduced, my name is Drozcon, High Carmelite of our Lady Imryllion.” He thinks for a second, “I am what you would call a High Priest, I suppose.”

The Champion looks at Drozcon, “Iron Wench, I guess I already knew that.”

Faelyn is completely confused, just looking on. “Iron Wench” she thinks to herself, what the hell is going on? Another god, another deity?

“Watch your tongue,” the man says with a growl, his eyes growing to slits, “she is a god and you will show respect, her name is Imryllion.”

Chance nods his head in respect, “my apologies, we know very little of this Imryllion, so I am sorry for my ignorance.”

Drozcon leans back a bit and then softly smiles, enjoying the polite exchange. “Understood, but now you know.”

The three stuck on the staircase wait a few moments until Khamyra can shake the magic that was imbued to her.

The high Priestess sighs, looks back at Shemrata, “can you catch me again,” she says in more a statement than a request. “I fucking hate this, hurts and makes you feel like shit.”

Back in the room, “I am Chance, a…” he pauses a moment, “patron of Lord Finster.” He looks at him and all he does is nod a bit, so the quarter elf continues, “This is Faelyn.”

She stops looking around and her eyes zero in on him, “Faelyn, Faelyn Hilorcan, Lead Hunter Elite, Augustian Realm.” The beautiful Elf responds, trying to keep herself in control; looking at the somewhat horrific face.

He nods to both of you, and smirks a bit, “wave after wave of you people, I would have hoped by now you would know this is futile,” he says fidgeting with something in his pocket.

Chance and Faelyn exchange glances, then back to Drozcon. “Waves, and, waves?” the quarter elf responds.

The man gives them a curious look, “Yes, earlier this week the small group with the blonde religious woman and a towering red head. They come barging into another one of my residences.”

The Champions eyes open, “Everlee and Simone…” he mumbles, shaking his head.

“Even earlier, a hap hazard group with pointed ears much like yourself. The poor souls did not know what they were getting into…” he says with a bit of amusement.

Faelyn finally speaks up, steps forward, “what did you expect? You would do the same if someone was attacking your realm, creating a drought and casting spells upon your people…”

The man smiles softly, and sees that Chance is looking down with a frown on his face.

“My dear, Faelyn, that has already happened, centuries ago. We are just now, how can I word this, returning the favor,” he replies.

Chance shakes his head slowly, “yes, but that has nothing to do with us now, we are talking centuries ago. Exacting revenge on people that have no idea you and your lady exist, doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

The smelly man scoffs a bit, puts a hand in his pocket. “You know nothing of our plight, we have…”

Chance interrupts, “no, we know, it was the great battle between the Iron…” he pauses, sighs, nods his head, “Imryllion and Animax. It raged on for years, if not a decade. It spilled onto the lands of Legon and when it was all said and done; Animax was victorious, Imryllion was cast out of the godplane and the land was devastated. Animax took his followers, went across the evershimmer and started a new life, so to speak, in a paradise.”

A large smile is upon the man’s face, “yes, yes. You are the first that knows the history, and you know it well apparently.” He chuckles a bit, “yet you people still follow this god after knowing this.”

Faelyn’s eyes as wide as saucers are looking at them both, not believing what she hears.

“No,” Chance says, this time he snarls a bit back, “ I am a patron of our Lord Finster, in fact…”

He decides it’s time to really introduce himself. The Champion takes off his necklace, and the power surges through him.

Drozcon’s eyes bulge and he even steps back a bit. “Oh, I see I have a bit more than even I bargained for this day,” he says, with an expression you haven’t seen him make yet.

He continues to fidget with something and then he yelps, looking down in his pocket. Something seems to be almost burning a hole in his dark robes.

Drozcon grabs what appears to be a necklace and throws it out of his pocket frantically, and across the floor, about 10 feet in front of the Quarter Augustian Elf. It is the quiet gem, glowing and throbbing with the Champions power in full bloom.

Chance’s power surges and the gem crackles with power, “you sit there and speak with elegance, look down your nose to others and here, here, you are nothing more than a common thief!”

Knowing Chance could go into a dream like state by touching it, he puts his foot on it and kicks it back. “Faelyn, please, it is very important, put that necklace in your pocket,” he says quietly.

“I don’t want to, it might…” she starts to respond, but the glowing and now very angry man glances back. She gets a shiver down her back, reaches down, grabs it, makes sure it is not going to burn her and drops it into her pocket.

Drozcon steps back, glaring at the now fully charged Champion, “Watch your tongue again, Champion. I assure you, I did not steal this trinket, I made arrangements to acquire it.”

“Whether it is you who has plucked it out of my saddle bag or you paid someone, still renders you a thief in the end. But, whatever makes you sleep at night I suppose,” The Champion growls, continuing to walk slowly, anger and power growing. It is as though the man with the distorted face could feel it.

In the staircase, Velencia dispels the blood magic and is thrown back into Shemrata’s arms. The wall may be gone but the portcullis still remains. A slight boom sound is heard and a breeze cuts the room.

In the room; “So you are the one,” he now says, shaking his hand from pain, “the one who supposedly will lead them all.” His eyes now, in slits. “Maybe I can end this little feud, before it even starts…”

“Chance! Chance!” can be heard from the portcullis, it is Khamyra yelling. But she is now in the blood again, her eyes turning black, “goddamn this blood magic!”

Chance has not taken his eyes off Drozcon, and he has not taken it off of Chance. “Faelyn, go to them, find a way to get that portcullis up, now,” Chance says with authority.

The Augustian elf, used to giving orders and not taking them, does not question or hesitate. She feels like she is completely lost right now, out of her element and needs a little direction and Chance is provided that for her. She first situates her bow, notches an arrow as she is running for Khamyra, Velencia and Shemrata.

The Champion slowly starts to walk towards the man, he unsheathes his sword that is crackling and vibrating an orange glow. For the first time, he can see the man crack a little, unsure of himself.

As quick as Chance could see, the man from the Evershimmer that is about 30 feet from him, raises his arm, pulls his sleeve down. The quarter elf could see multiple scar-like wounds all over him, at least all the way up his arm. He cuts himself, grabs the blood and slaps it on the ground in a crouch. He mutters a word that Chance could not understand.

Chance debating as to rush this guy or not, just decides to egg him on. The Champion shakes his head, “Face me coward,” he says in his patented guttural growl, creeping closer, “or am I to assume you are not only a thief, but a coward to boot?”

Drozcon pauses a moment, as to ponder the challenge. Then like someone hit him in the side of the head, he snaps back too. Then he slowly shakes his head, stands up, “Enjoy the company,” and in a whisk of his cloak, the High Carmelite walks briskly through a doorway that is to Drozcon’s right. He quickly disappears into the corridor.

Faelyn runs over to the portcullis and is looking around for anything that could power the damn thing up.

Velencia is yelling at Khamyra, “calm the fuck down Warlock, you are going to slip up here and this kind of error is irreversible! We are vagina deep in blood magic here!” she is grabbing her and trying to bring her back, “between you and the Chump, you guys really have to learn to calm down!”

Chance stops, smiles for a second hearing the bickering, knowing the nasty, but powerful Priestess is there and his fiance. Then he takes a deep breath. He coughs a bit, sucking in the terrible smell. He then stops, dead in his tracks as he hears a noise, and he can’t believe what he just heard.

“We got company, doesn’t sound like whores and ale either,” the Champion says loud enough for everyone to hear.

Battle Written Out

The slim Augustian elf races for the corner and the portcullis, she frantically looks around for anything to get this gate up. She hears this echoing hiss like sound, looks into the room and sees a huge 20 foot snake slither in, and locks its eyes on Chance.

“By Animax, oh my…” she says eyes as big as they can go, and that does not help the situation behind the portcullis. Khamyra is even more frantic to get out, and Velencia now very curious about what the Augustian elf is looking at.

“Elf! mechanism! has to be somewhere!” Velencia says jarring the Renrazzi elf back from staring at the huge snake.

The silver haired woman looks, kicks away some debris (rolls an 18 investigation check) and finds the chained mechanism that is holding the gate in place. She kicks what looks like a lock and a loud “shing” rings through the room as the portcullis disappears back into the doorway.

In the room, and behind the snake creature darts this humanoid, flowing robes, some leather, a drawn hood with a solid mask on its face. It holds a shiny spear like weapon that resembles a glaive.

Once the lock is kicked, Faelyn whirls around, notches an arrow and fires it at the huge snake-like creature. A sound that almost resembles like singing emanates from the bow. The arrow is true to its mark, lodging into the side of the snake’s head (14hp of damage), but it does not appear the snake even noticed.

This snake golem swings its tail around attempting to grapple Chance, only to have it get tangled up with the bed in the room (rolled a 1). The construct of sorts, gets as frustrated as a golem can. Grabs the bed and flings it across the room, smashing it against the wall 20-25 feet away. Blankets, feathers and splinters explode all over. With all that, the snake just hunkers down, staring at Chance.

The Champion already transformed, feels Silent Fate throb in his hand, he slashes at the Snake across its chest. Sinking into the half mud half blood construct (8hp of damage). It rips into it, like a knife through cake. An odd sensation.

As Chance pulls out the sword, he feels the hair on the back of his neck start to stand up. He looks around only to find lightning jump from the ground, under him and giving him one hell of a shock. He loses his sight for a second as the bolts streaked through him (17hp of damage, Chance fails dex throw). “Didn’t see that coming, dammit, that hurt,” the Champion mutters.

As he finishes saying that, a dark bark suddenly starts to form across his body. Smirking to himself, “there, that is better.”

Faelyn runs about 15 feet to where the bed used to be, strings up an arrow that is a bit bigger, has things wrapped around the shaft, and she fires. But the Augustian elf wasn’t settled and the snake is making erratic unnatural movements. The arrow zings by the snake, lands a good 20-30 feet farther into the room. “Damn, damn!” she yells knowing that was a special arrow she was saving for a moment like this.

Face flushes, Faelyn notches another arrow and fires, her aim true this time. The arrow lodges itself in the chest of the snake (6hp damage). Between the odd unnatural movements and the lack of response to getting hit she wonders if this creature takes any damage at all.

Velencia and Khamyra look at each other and see both their eyes are still black as night. They both curse as they run out of the entrance and they skitter to a halt seeing a huge snake sitting 20-25 feet in front of them. “what the fuck…” Velencia says.

The Priestess is the first to rush the giant snake construct. But she misjudged everything, (rolled a 1) slamming into the chest of the snake. One of her daggers flies across the room and it takes everything for her not to fall back on her ass. “Whoa, I need to calm down,” she says quietly to herself.

Shemrata brings up the rear, grabbing her crossbow. Her eyes bulge a little seeing a giant snake in front of her. She fires her crossbow twice, the first one bounces off the skin of the snake, the other lodges in the side of it’s chest (6hp of damage).

The snake, still trained on the now barked Champion, opens its mouth and out shoots this yellow-green fluid in a stream. It slams into Chance for a moment and he yells a little. That allows him to tumble to one side, missing the rest of the damage (14hp of poison damage).

With a quick snap, it clamps down on the Champion. Khamyra’s eyes bulge watching this standoff happening with her love, her fiance. But the bark did it’s job, Chance pulled himself out and even gave the snake a left hook for good measure as he dropped to the ground in front of it. “Why is it that Chance is the one who takes on the big guys, head on, every battle?!?” she thinks to herself.

Chance puts his hand on his arm, a soft flash of light across his body (12hp restored). He then swings his sword at the head, misses but with the movement of the snake, he still sinks Silent Fate into the creature (10hp of damage).

With her eyes still muddy with blood magic, Khamyra runs for the snake, lunges forward with her assassin blade. It sinks deep into the construct, it doesn’t even flinch and she pulls it out, mud and blood stuck to her blade now (6hp of damage). “Fuck this blood magic!” She yells in frustration.

The Acolyte behind the snake, is having a hard time zeroing in on anyone. It clenches his fist, nods and suddenly there is a bark like skin engulfing his body, much like Chance. It finally picks the pretty silver haired pointy eared woman to attack. It races, lunges for the elf. With grace and speed, Faelyn swats the spear away with her bow.

Before the barkskin completes, the Augustian elf stabs at the smelly Acolyte and drives her blade into the shoulder making it wince in pain (10hp of damage).

Knowing the Acolyte is too close, with her bow still in the other hand, finagles with purpose, like she has done this many times before, strings her bow up and fires, hitting the Snake in the head again (8hp of damage).

“I have had better luck getting rid of Diarrhea, than this shit!” Velencia yells in frustration, the blood magic still hanging in there. The Priestess rushes for the Acolyte but that opens up the snake, to snap at her. She does a tumble dodge move with uncanny dexterity. Lands by her dagger she lost, grabs it, takes a step forward and lodges both of her Kukris into the now barkskinned enemy. As she pulls them out of the back, she realizes they did no damage, it could not penetrate the bark.

Shemrata, who has been creepin up on the snake, grabs her whip, snaps it. It makes a metallic snapping sound. In a large arcing motion she whips it to the snake and wraps around the body, grabbing tight (8hp, rolled a 20). Then working with the snake’s movement, she pulls herself closer, taking her off the ground. She slams into it. She untriggers her hidden dagger, and goes to stab it once, and it glances off the skin. A little frustrated she jams one more time, sinking into the side of the snake (4hp of damage).

Ignoring everyone but Chance, it tries to wrap the Champion up again with its tail. Chance squirms out of the grasp, but as he did, he got turned around. The Golem Snake snaps down and lands one hell of a powerful attack on the unsuspecting quarter elf (10hp piercing, failed CON save, 10 hp of poison). “Arg!” is all he could get out as two giant teeth pierced his armor and into his mid region. Then with all his strength he grabs the mouth and just in time, he drops to the ground instead of getting thrown across the room.

Chance as frustrated as anyone, getting the brunt of the attacks, slashes from top to bottom, then slashes again left to right. Slicing the golem like it was a birthday cake (7+13hp of damage). A few large pieces of mud and blood fall and make a splat noise hitting the ground.

Khamyra feeling helpless with this blood magic over spill still affecting her. She slashes at the huge snake with her blade, cutting deep, but the huge golem does not seem to flinch (5hp damage). The Onyx Elf shakes her head, snapping her sword a little allowing the blood and mud to fly off it.

The masked and now barkskinned Acolyte turns 180 degrees and attacks Velencia. With the twirl, it loses its footing and takes a second to catch itself. That is all that the Priestess needed. She grabs the glaive, rips it out of it’s hand and jams her kukri into it’s stomach (5hp of damage). It yelps a bit, feeling the blade go in further than the bark.

By now the bark that covered Chance’s skin dissipates and a wave of worry washes over him as he still stands in front of the giant snake.

Faelyn slashes at the Acolyte, back now turned to her, but no dice. The blade skims off the bark doing no damage, it barely even takes notice. More anger rising in her, she strings her bow and fires a perfect shot at the Snake. Thud, right in the side of it’s head (9hp). the Augustian elf looks at the multitude of arrows and bolts just sticking out of it like a pin cushion.

Velencia and Khamyra breathe a sigh of relief seeing and feeling the blood magic gone. The Priestess thinks, sees the Champion, or the chump as she likes to call him, red faced and grabbing at his gut. “He has taken the brunt of this attack, I better save the day, again,” she mutters to herself. She races for him, grabs her necklace, says a quick prayer and the power snaps and surges between the both of them (healed 17hp). It was quick, but it still gave a euphoria type feeling and even a little shock to the downstairs area for both of them.

The group is now watching Shemrata ride this construct. The golem has erratic movements, but does not seem to know or care it is semi-grappled by the Odius. She plunges the dagger deep into the snake’s skull area (8hp of damage), and for the first time you can see it start to stutter a bit, sway a little to one side. Some of the seams holding it together are starting to split. Feeling it, the killing blow, Shemrata takes out the hidden dagger from the creature and then with all her strength plunges it again, even deeper (10hp). It rips into the mud and the blood and the group hears the golem crack a few times. One of the black eyeballs pops out, starts to roll away. It shutters, stops and falls quickly to the ground in a loud, wet, splat.

Finally with the damn snake off his back, Chance turns to the Acolyte. Fresh off the healing and mini-boner, he goes to race for the masked thing. He hits the cusp of the rug that was under the bed the snake threw, it was balled up and he loses his footing. He tries to catch himself, but the foot goes out from under him and he face plants right into the floor. Silent fate goes skittering across the room, and Chance utters a loud, “ooff!”

Velencia now looking his way, her eyes grow big then with disgust, “you have to be kidding me Chump, I healed you for that?”

Khamyra, power building up in her frustration hitting a peak, throws some dust in the air, traces a symbol and says “turdent!” The Onyx elf prepares herself for the kick back. Power, crackling energy streaks from her hands, rushing for the Acolyte, hitting it with such force (22hp of damage) that it sends him 7-10 feet back slamming against the wall (2hp of damage). It causes it to lose its breath.

Velencia smiles and says “dammit, I love that spell.”

Knowing he is way outmatched, his barkskin now dissipating, the Acolyte sprints for the entrance way that Drozcon went through. It was about 30 feet away and he was just getting there when he felt pain in his thigh, then in his shoulder. Faelyn stands there, fresh off two shots that hit the thing (7hp and 6hp of damage).

Chance yells, “Quick he is getting away!”

The Priestess looks his way and rolls her eyes, “You think? Astute as ever.” She jumps on the mushy snake’s head and she yells, “By Finsters Fire!” Without a second’s time, fire shoots from underneath the Acolyte engulfing him. He was in mid stride, and ended up slamming into the entrance’s doorway. With some shrieks and a howl, it falls backwards, motionless to the floor.

As his lifeless body lies there, smoldering, Velencia looks over the group. “Why was he running? I mean you think he was late for…” she pauses a moment, shit eating grin across her face, then finishes “… a hot date?”

Khamyra snaps her head to the Priestess with a scolding look. The entire room echoed with the groans from the occupants. “I should cast silence on you just for that,” the beautiful Warlock muses a bit, feeling much better since she unleashed a little fury.

Shemrata, eyes a bit wider, “You are always in a better mood when you burn someone to death,” she says with a chuckle.

After a second of thinking about it, the Priestess nods and smiles.

Meanwhile, Faelyn has walked to her specialized arrow hoping it is still intact and it was. She smiles, and places it back into her quiver.

Chance has wandered over to Silent Fate, picks it up. Gives a good look, shakes his head and sheaths the sword. He turns around, walks to the rug and smooths it out. So no one else will trip over it.

That gave Velencia another opportunity, “careful Chump, that rug might jump up and bite your little toe, send you sprawling all over the floor again,” she finishes with a sarcastic tone and a chuckle.

He nods his head, playfully scoffs, still looking down at the rug. “I guess your full sprint into the snakes belly was oh, so much more effective. I’m sure your hard head did a ton of damage…” he retorts with a smirk.

Khamyra can feel the tension a bit between Priestess and Champion. In many ways she is getting tired of the banter, the digs and the dislike.

She walks to her fiance. The Onyx Elf leans and gives him a warm hug. “I swear you are going to give me a goddam stroke one of these days,” she says smiling feeling the Champion wrap his big arms around her. It is even better as Chance begins to heal himself too.

Faelyn is walking over to the smoldering corpse, wrinkling her nose, “as if they couldn’t smell any worse.”

Shemrata is trying to unlatch her thorned whip from the mushy, smelly snake like construct. The Odius is getting frustrated and has brought out her dagger to start cutting through it.

Chance then turns to the group. “Yeah, interesting conversation. He pretends behind a stoic elegant voice, but he is no better than a common thief. Not that they are truly bad persay, but…” he starts to ramble on.

The Onyx Elf knows he can start talking about random things, so she nudges him and gives him a “get to the point,” look.

“That bastard said he had an arrangement to get the quiet gem, that he did not steal it,” he says looking over to Faelyn hoping she did grab the jewelry, he could not remember with so much going on.

Everyone turns to the Champion in surprise and yells, “the quiet gem?!?”

Turn Base Starts Here

DMaster: The party has looted the room, but besides some components and the like, there really was nothing. Just a commoners wardrobe for the most part, lots of books that are written in a weird language no one can read and not much else. Khamyra is fidgeting with her top, boobs popping all over.

Chance: Chan: Fae do you still have that necklace I told you to put in your pocket?
looking over in Fae’s direction not sure if she did or not, with everything that was going on

DMaster: She reaches in grabs it, puts out her hand. Khamyra and Velencia’s eyes wide.
KHA: What the hell… how did he…
She shakes her head.

Chance: Chan: as I said, the bastard said he made arrangements to acquire the gem, much to my shock. Knew I couldn’t touch it so I sent it back to Faelyn.

DMaster: KHA: but how, unless… Never even thought about our horses, they were just at the top of that pathway leading down into Breakwater. I hope they are OK, I mean we didn’t tie them up, so they…
Shemrata interrupts.
SHEM: It is possible Tamsus is protecting them, then again, he is not exactly sociable.

Chance: Chan: yeah but who would known to grab it? I mean no one but us knew we had it with us unless…
Chan: I may be grasping at straws, but perhaps Wilder’s people found our horses

DMaster: VEL: Found the gem, know exactly what to do with it? You think he went straight to the weirdo guy? It is quite the stretch.
Khamyra shaking her head a bit.
KHA: I think you may think too highly of your friend Wilder, Priestess
She frowns a bit and shrugs her shoulders.

Chance: Chan: well who else could it be? If not him, then who? I know you don’t want to think he may have a hand in this but, think about everything we have seen or found so far.

DMaster: VEL: None of you know him like I do, OK? It is not impossible, but highly improbable. If he does have some part, I will be having a private conversation with him.
Faelyn wiping down her outfit, securing her bow.
FAE: His name is Drozcon, if I heard him right. He says he is some caramel or weird sounding thing
Everyone glances at each other.
SHEM: He’s a sweet chewy candy?
Khamyra walks up close to you.

Chance: Chan: no, he just tries to sweet talk everyone. But he is no better than a common thief. He is a Head Carmelite?

DMaster: Khamyra eyes you up, almost a scolding look, leans over
KHA: Hun, you are a thief too. What does that say about you? (quietly)

Chance: Sigh and shrug my shoulders.
Chan: Everything was almost put into jeopardy with our Lord

DMaster: FAE: Nothing really in this room, what next?

Chance: Chan: well first find something to wrap the gem up would you please Fae? Hand it to one of us. Then we decide if we want to go through that doorway or maybe go back and see what we can pry out of Wilder.

DMaster: Shemrata walks over and grabs the necklace, it gives her a little pulse, but nothing too bad. She puts it in her deep pocket.
SHEM: Only way anyone will get this is looting my dead corpse

Chance: look over at her and nod my head
Chan: well as much as I want to just go take some anger out on Wilder, I think we should go through the doorway after Drozcon. We need to put an end to this damn drought.

DMaster: They all nod, gear themselves up and gather at the entryway, the smoldering corpse still there. Everyone including yourself plugging your nose

Chance: Plug my nose as I step over the corpse and through the entryway, I unsheath Silent fate and lead the group as we continue through.

DMaster: VEL: We sure we want Chump leading us here?
Khamyra gives her a strong scolding look. Within the first 20 feet, it opens up a bit and there is an iron brazier, with burnt wood in it, looks like it hasn’t been lit for a few days. That leads to an octagonal room, roughly 60 x 60 feet.

Chance: Chan: Everyone keep your eyes peeled, we don’t need to run into anymore golem creatures or blood magic.

DMaster: in the middle of the octagonal room is a large round step, a pedestal of sorts. You can see some traces of mud and slithering, that leads to the room you came from. You can tell that is where the snake was before he was, activated for lack of better terms. Not much else in the room. Two torchs, barely lit on either side, a small table with nothing on it against the pedestal. There is a doorway on the opposite side of the room.

Chance: Give the room a good look over, then walk over, keeping a bit of a distance to the entryway I found.
Chan: well we know that ugly snake came from here, let’s see where this leads to now.

DMaster: The party is looking around, the rooms seem to be older. Stone work, some designs here and there. Not exactly sure how or why they even exist. The group finds their way to you. Peering through the doorway, it looks to lead straight forward, can’t see much past 20-30 feet.

Chance: Chan: Shemrata, keep that whip of yours at the ready to wrap him up if we find him.

DMaster: She frowns, not really wanting to take orders from you, but nods. She frowns a little again knowing her whip has all that gunk on it still.

Chance: Chan: Khamyra and Velencia I want you to keep your eyes open for any signs of blood magic. Fae make sure you have that special arrow of yours ready.

DMaster: Velencia shakes her head. She is not looking the best, so she is in no mood to argue.
VEL: I got a bad feeling about this
She mumbles and Khamyra looks over to her with a bit of concern. You move on.

Chance: I will keep moving down the hall trying to move as quietly as possible.

DMaster: The group is trying to see if there is any sign of anything along this crudely made corridor. The walls are cave like, the floor is half stone, half dirt and rock. You get about 30 feet when you hear Velencia
VEL: FUCK, FUCK, FUCK! I knew this was a bad idea. Chump was moving too fast.
As she says that, the corridor got much darker, your sword now the only light.

Chance: Turn and look.
Chan: Is it blood magic Velencia?

DMaster: You all turn around and see, there is no doorway anymore, its solid rock.
VEL: No it’s a pint of Dukes finest you twit, of course it is.
Now you can see blood dripping down it.
KHA: Shit, are we trapped now?
She looks around waiting for her darkvision to kick in.
VEL: yeah, great. You all enjoy the vision, I don’t have fancy eyes to aid me
She says in a jealous kind of tone.

Chance: Chan: Guess we are knee deep in shit again. What is our status on magic use? No looking back now we need to end him or this

DMaster: Khamyra walks to Velencia. Both of their eyes seems clear.
KHA: Clear, we can cast… but Vel, are you…
She gets interrupted by the Priestess giving her a look and moving past her. Moving forward you reach a dead end. It appears to be an entrance that has been filled with a large rock, best way to describe it; like a cork in a wine bottle
SHEM: I hope this is not anymore blood magic, Velencia can’t take anymore right now.
Velencia scolds the Odius who shrugs her shoulders.

Chance: look the rock over

DMaster: You do not see any blood. It looks like, well, a boulder, a rock. Made of the same material as the corridor. As a door, or to seal it shut.

Chance: Chan: we don’t dare try to use magic? To see if we can get through it?

DMaster: Velencia leans up against the wall, ignoring you. Khamyra starts to think. Shemrata walks up, past you to the obstacle. Runs her hand across it.
SHEM: Confirmed, no blood here, none that I can see. Lets see if we can push it
She gets her beast like feet planted, and both her hands against it. She glances at you nods to the stone.

Chance: I will help her, plant my feet and hands against it as well and help push

DMaster: DM: Rolls a 15. Shemrata a 19.
You push it about 2 feet outwards, but it just stops. Can’t be budged. Some bright light shines in from atop. A rush of fresh but hot air rushes in. Shemrata is looking and then grabs one end and rolls the round stone about 3-4 feet to the left. Bright light pours into the corridor, more fresh hot air.

Chance: covering my eyes with one hand. Give my eyes a chance to refocus to the light before moving forward.

DMaster: eventually your eyes adjust. First thing you see is bright blue skies and some puffy clouds. As your eyes focus, you see a pathway, lined by some bushes and flowers leading about 15-20 feet out. Either side of the path has well crafted wood fences leading the pathway out. Farther out, like 30-40 feet you can see a few people walking, some with a basket in hand, others in conversation. But only 20-25 feet in front is a woman, her daughter, just staring at you and your group. You notice they are elf, and have characteristics of the Augustian heritage, but they seems, short. A few other people have stopped and have also started to stare at you.

Chance: Eyes getting big seeing them, I look back at the rest of the group. Make sure I will sheath my sword so I don’t scare the woman and her child. Smile at them.

DMaster: Velencia leans back up and peers out.
VEL: Great, just fucking great
Then she is digging through her bag looking for her hair. She rubs a component on her face and her eyes change, and the symbol disappears.

Chance: looking around at the trees, grass and my eyes get even bigger

DMaster: It is gorgeous, it reminds you of a combination of your backyard during summer combined with a Summer Isle feel. It is definitely very warm here.
KHA: Wait, there is still a drought right?
Saying that, half as a question, half to see if she is under the spell. She braces herself fully expecting to get dizzy, but nothing.

Chance: Chan: wherever we are I don’t think they are experiencing it.
looking back to see if the woman and her child are still there

DMaster: Yes. A man is walking to them, turns to see and his eyes get big. Just staring at you all, he puts his hand to her back.

Chance: if they are, I will slowly walk up to them with a smile on my face

DMaster: Velencia struggling with her hair, she sighs. They step back at bit and then you hear, softly;
VEL: Are we sure we want Chump talking? Oh there he goes, great, just fucking great.

Chance: Chan: I mean you no harm, can you please tell me where we are?
holding my hands up in a sign of peace.

DMaster: They look at you strange, having to look up, you are almost a foot taller than them. Well dressed, for common folk, bigger ears, beautiful long hair, piercing eyes.

Chance: still smiling, I will repeat the question I asked them in Elvish to see if I get a response

DM NOTE: Italics and a (e) means it is in elf dialect.

DMaster: At that point they seem to understand.
MAN: Um, stranger, if you are here to harm us, I am afraid that is what they would probably say to lower our guard. (e)
He looks back and sees a few more people stopping.
MAN: First before we answer anything, I need to ask you how you got into there? Those are old mines that were sealed up decades ago. (e)
Every single one of the people that stopped are elves, similar build and look.

Chance: Chan: it would be a very long tale to tell you, my good man

DMaster: You can hear movement behind you, seems the party has ventured out, looking around. The three in front of you, are looking just past you, eyes as wide as can be.

Chance: Chan: We did not mean to startle you. We were just following someone and this is where it led us. (e)
still talking in elvish

DMaster: He is shaking his head
MAN: I highly doubt that, believe me, no one has come out of those tunnels for, decades (e)
As you glance back you see, you drudged up some dirt and grass, kind of rolled over some flowers as well. You might have ruined someones flower garden. Shemrata has her hood on pretty tightly, Velencia’s hair is a mess but at least her eyes are changed and the symbol is off her face. It seems the one they are most interested in right now is Khamyra. Her dark skin, dark complexion is a stark contrast to their own.

Chance: Chan: perhaps there is somewhere we can go, talk and you can tell us where we are.

DMaster: He gives you an odd look.
MAN:How do you not know where you are at? This is the Village of Fiddlegreen? Did you come from High Hills perhaps? (e)
The mother leans down to her daughter, both eyes on Khamyra. Who has now noticed almost everyone staring at her.
MOM: That is an Onyx Elf my dear. (e)
The daughters eyes big and she smiles softly.

Chance: Chan: love, please come here.
looking back to Khamyra, holding out my hand.

DMaster: She hesitates to grab it, but does and there is a spark of electricity that the stunned elves are startled a little by. She walks up, almost embarrassed at them staring at her.

Chance: Then look at the child
Chan: yes she is an Onyx Elf, her name is Khamyra. (e)
Smile at the young girl.

DMaster: Khamyra waves a little with her other hand, feeling and looking awkward. It is a bit much, you are armored up, armed to the teeth and trying to be friendly. Eventually Velencia walks up.

Chance: Give her a look like, ‘don’t start anything, ok?’

DMaster: She scoffs at you, but you notice she doesn’t look great. Whiter than normal skin, a slight gaunt look with her eyes darkening a bit.
VEL: Where are we? Like where the hell are we?
She says looking around the village. Then from the back they catch sight of Faelyn.

Chance: Shake my head, look back.

DMaster: They all get stiff, eyes huge. They all nod their head, not so much as a bow, but an acknowledgement of respect.
MAN: Oh we are honored Huntress. It has been a LONG time since one of your rank and stature has visited us. (e)
Faelyn was looking around, and it is like something just clicks, like she understands. She walks in front almost knocking you and Khamyra out of the way.
FAE: Thank you, you honor me. So this is the village of Fiddlegreen in the realm of, Keyrune? (e)
WOM: No disrespect Huntress, but what else would it be? Are you, lost? (e)
The man leans over and says something about “Hunters Elite never get lost.”

Chance: Back up, getting out of her way. Watching this transpire.

DMaster: The Huntress chuckles a bit,
FAE: Inside caves, it can get tricky and we had some cave ins. So… (e)
She blushes
FAE: I am a bit turned around without being able to smell the fresh air, look to the sky and hear the land beneath me. (e)
They all smile wide and nod their head, obviously taken with the Augustian elf who is a good 6″ taller than them. Only to be ruined by Velencia,
VEL: Keyrune, you mean the shitty little settlement… oh wait…
Her eyes grow, she leans her head back and sighs
VEL: …Below the sands of Zhor? Oh my god.
The Priestess throws her hands in the air and turns around.

Chance: Look around, lean into Khamyra, in common.
Chan: Okay, just how the heck did we end up here?

DMaster: She shrugs, nudges you to keep quiet, afraid to do anything as eyes are still on her. Faelyn nods her head in respect to the handful of villagers now looking on.
FAE: I am Faelyn, Hunter Elite of the Augustian Realm. (e)
The little girl, eyes of wonder.
GIRL: You are the Kappa too, correct? (e)
Faelyn looks at her with a big warm smile, squats down to her level. Kappa meaning in the ancient Augustian language as Captain.
FAE: Yes, you are correct little one. (e)
The little girl is all giddy and hugs her mom a little, half proud, half a little spooked. in the distance, two guards have spotted the spectacle and is walking over. The man notices as well.
MAN: Well, lets get to a more private spot, we were just about to make lunch, care to join us? (e)

Chance: looking the man over that was asking the question. Try to take my focus away from all the people looking me over. nod in agreement.

DMaster: Velencia is mumbling to herself, as Shemrata is trying to get her to shut up seeing the guards.
VEL: Great, we get stuck in some back ass little village called dick fiddle or fiddle wank. In some crappy little settlement…
Shemrata nudges her to her displeasure. The Elf man smiles, shakes his head. He beckons you, and guides you to a path with an incline to it. Craftily avoiding the incoming guards for a short time. As you get closer to the fence, you see an ocean, you see boats, ships, and by the time you get to the fence, there is miles and miles of villages, towns, and about a 5 minute walk; Huge walls, and a giant city. You imagine this is what Camerondale would look if you were a couple hundred feet in the air. He brings his arm around, as to present the fantastical sight.
MAN: The realm of Keyrune. (e)

Chance: my eyes get big seeing all of this.
Chan: whoa. This is amazing. I was hoping I could have your name? (e)

DMaster: he shrugs his shoulders, now seeing the guard heading up the path.
MAN: Only if you agree to have lunch with us, we just picked some carrots and cabbage. (e)
Everyone smiles a bit and nods their heads, feeling hungry. Faelyn nods, smiles.
FAE: We would love to. (e)

Chance: Chan: who am I to say no to such a generous offer?

DMaster: He beckons you on
MAN: Well then, my name is Elion, Elion Oloysis (e)
Velencia rolls her eyes, obviously annoyed at you and the situation.

Chance: Chan: and where are my manners, my name is Chance Axion (e)

DMaster: He nods and guides you farther down the path, along the fence over looking a plateau of sorts. Its stunning, miles of trees, gardens, elves, huts, houses all leading to the great walled city in the distance. As you walk you realize you tower over most of the people, they are 5’3″ to 5’6″ generally. Khamyra is the only one the same height, or close, but her dark skin draws attention. Some people, eyes wide see you walk by.

Chance: I just smile as people look at me, I am still holding Khamyra’s hand.

DMaster: She has released your hand, its too much to touch most of the time, for that long… without fucking. You continue along the fence, everything pretty clean, lush green, flowers, bushes, trees.

Chance: Chan: this place is amazing. I have seen a few places that were beautiful, hell I grew up in one, but this is just, wow.

DMaster: Velencia sighs, shakes her head. Coughs a few times. You reach a smaller pathway, cobblestones leading to a fairly large house, surrounded by trees, bushes and flowers. You walk down it, and he opens the door for every one. You have to duck to get in.
ELI: I must speak with our, guards, and let them know it is ok. (e)
After you all pile in, the woman and girl scoot in behind you and they start in on lunch. Elion closes the door and you can see him confronting the guards outside the windows. After a few minutes he comes in, closes the door. It is a bit cooler in here, but you are starting to feel the heat a little, the whole party is.

Chance: Chan: So Elion what is it that you do for Fiddlegreen exactly? (e)

DMaster: ELI: I am the deacon for the village. I report back to the great city of Keyrune once a week or so, I also.. (e)
His wife gives him a look, he stops, chuckles
ELI: Yes my dear, I do have a tendency to drone on. Please sit, sit (e)
VEL: Something you have in common with our chump here.
The Priestess says mumbling a bit. Her face flushed, sweat beading down her face, her eyes getting droopier.

Chance: Chan: I thank you for the hospitality.

DMaster: He nods, smiles and gets out a cauldron, puts it over a small fire across the room. The daughter runs to the cupboard, grabs a knife, twirls it like a 20 year veteran, grabs the carrots and starts slicing and dicing.

Chance: smile and chuckle a little thinking how that makes me think of Novalee. I will watch the daughter slicing and dicing.

DMaster: now that you are in the house, you notice Velencia is fading, and fading fast.

Chance: Chan: Clara, are you feeling okay?

DMaster: She gives you a dirty look. After some simple small talk, you get served some wonderful mint water, and get a stew that was absolutely delish. Took them no time to whip it up. Thinking of the heat, from your geologic knowledge, Sands of Zhor are even farther south than Breakwater, and this place is even further south from that.

Chance: Chan: how do your people stand this heat Elion? (e)
I say as I fan my hand in front of me while sipping on my mint water

DMaster: He shrugs his shoulders
ELI: Don’t even notice it really. Some days can get a little warm, but it is what we are used to. (e)

Chance: knowing by now Khamyra has to be miserable from the heat

DMaster: She seems to be handling it ok. She is exchanging glances with the little girl, who is fascinated with her. Khamyra is embarassed with her top showing so much, well, boob. They clean up the table, and then he shoos the wife and kid outside. Elion sits and looks at all you, surprisingly starts to talk in common.
ELI: I am delighted to have visitors, but it would be wrong of me to not warn you.
Everyone’s eyebrows raise and look at him
ELI: Keyrune does not like visitors of any kind, except of course you, Huntress.
Nodding at Faelyn, who smiles and nods back.

Chance: Chan: It’s not like we planned on coming here, as the huntress said we were chasing an outlaw.

DMaster: During the meal, and after Elion has been eyeing Shemrata. He seems a bit annoyed that she still has her hood up. Finally Elion gathers enough courage.
ELI: Hooded one, Please, you are among friends, no need to hide here.
She glances around to the group.

Chance: let out a sigh and glance over at Shemrata
Chan: I know you don’t take orders from me Shemrata, but please do as he asked

DMaster: SHEM: Alright…
She pulls her hood, her eyes beam, her horns a stark contrast to the warm surroundings and the evil smile that washes across her face. He is so shocked he tumbles backwards off the bench.
ELI: By Animax on high, what… what are… you?
She looks at him with a bit of contempt.
SHEM: I am an Odius. A legion Odius, a leader of my kind.
Velencia smiles for the first time in forever, watching this man shit himself.

Chance: chuckle a bit as I hear him say Animax’s name

DMaster: He stands up, trying to collect himself.
ELI: Yes, my travelers, if you venture any further into this land, you will surely come up against opposition and tribulations.

Chance: Chan: Well, is there anything we can do to make it a bit easier then?

DMaster: He chuckles
ELI: Turn and head the other way. I am in no way being rude, just being truthful. By the look on your faces since you showed up, you need it. Is there a way you can return through the mines?

Chance: Chan: I don’t know. I understand what your saying but its not easy to just turn back around now, I mean how would we even go about getting back home?

DMaster: The group looks around, seeing the man furry his brow wondering what you meant. Khamyra stands for a moment
KHA: Elion, we are very grateful for your help and kindness, if it is not a bother, we need a few minutes alone to talk things over.
He kind of looks at her, frowns, glances to Faelyn who warmly smiles and nods. Elion agrees and walks out.

Chance: looking at the group now that Elion has left

DMaster: The Onyx elf turns, looks at Velencia.
KHA: Velencia, I have been watching you get worse and worse, just sitting here for the short time we came in. What the hell is going on?
VEL: What else brown eyes, blood magic. It is taking it’s toll on me.
Now that Shemrata has unhooded, she walks over to the pot with some stew left. The Odius piles it in her bowl, sits back down and digs in.
VEL: We can head back in, but I can’t dispel another door today, no way.
Faelyn jumps into the conversation.
FAE: I can try and sweet talk some place to stay.

Chance: Nod my head.
Chan: I don’t think you would have to do much sweet talking Fae. Not with how much pull you seem to have with our host.
giving her a smile

DMaster: She nods
VEL: Give me a bed to sleep the day away and early morning we can head back in. I just hope this is not accumulative. It took me a month to get over that Isle stint.
Khamyra is tapping her finger on her chin, thinking.

Chance: Chan: but I do think Clara here needs to get some sleep and recover a bit before we try going back

DMaster: She looks at you, in a semi-rage.
VEL: Yes, Chump, Yes, that is just what I fucking said. Goddammit.
Khamyra’s eyes bulge a little, giving a look to Velencia and her deteriorating patience.
KHA: Our arrival is not going to be isolated, too many have seen us, guards know and the deacon? He can’t keep this quiet either. I mean it’s his job, right?
FAE: I was afraid of that too, honestly, you guys would of been arrested on the spot if I was not here. You’d be heading to the city, in shackles.
She stands up and heads for the door
FAE: I am going to try and get a few answers and maybe a few options.

Chance: Frown a little at Velencia.
Chan: please see what you can do Fae and thank you for being here.

DMaster: she walks out, closes the door. You can already hear her talking with Elion.

Chance: Chan: I think we just need to regroup get some rest and hopefully try to leave in the morning. Then see if we can get back and if we can go have a little talk with Wilder. For his sake I hope Arlo is okay and safe.

DMaster: Velencia lays her head on the table
KHA: I hope we do not have to deal with anything more than what is in front of us. We are running out of time, who knows where this Zorcon is and how the fuck are we getting back to our side of Legon?
She looks worried

Chance: Chan: I am sure if it did they will be sending out guards to intercept us, hopefully we can come up with a plan before the shit hits the horsetail.

DMaster: After a minute or two, Faelyn comes back in. Closes the door.
FAE: We have limited time. I know, uh duh, but it is his job and duty to report these things.
Almost chuckling to herself.

Chance: Chan: just grand, I am sure they will be sending people now

DMaster: FAE: I was trying to remember what we called these people. A long time ago, a small group of Augustian elves left our land. They were shunned because they were not…
She pauses a moment, stands in front of the table where you are sitting at.
FAE:… perfect.
She looks down a bit ashamed.
FAE: We heard they settled somewhere beyond the Sands of Zhor, probably because they were afraid we would hunt them down. It was forbidden to search or visit them. They were called the Verodden. That’s ‘betrayers’ in the ancient elf language. Elion just mentioned that as their “race” and he accidentally called me that. I had to stop myself from sticking a dagger across his neck.
She flushes a bit, her superiority shining through. Shemrata’s eyes light up hearing about the violence.
FAE: They named their “race” a derogatory term used by ancients to point out betrayal. But whatever.
She shakes her head.

Chance: Chan: So did you at least see if we could get somewhere to sleep?

DMaster: She shakes her head. Velencia pulls her head up just high enough.
VEL: Thanks for the history lesson that helped us, with absolutely nothing. We need to find shelter of any kind… do I have to figure this out?
Her head drops to the table again.
FAE: He is allowing our “stay” here to be untold until this evening, then he has to dispatch a courier. So we have until then, hopefully.

Chance: Chan: well we need to at least give Clara here a chance to get some rest and then come up with a game plan since we can’t stay here.

DMaster: Velencia raises her head to just blast you, but Khamyra points at her with an evil eye, as to say, just let it be.

Chance: Chan: hun, is it beyond your abilities to try to get us back?

DMaster: Her eyes bulge a little, shakes her head.
KHA: I read in the book Wazzy gave me, something similar to the sigil and portal. But it was a ritual with complicated components and more mana than I have.
Shemrata burps and pushes the bowl forward.
SHEM: didn’t think I could like a meatless lunch so much

Chance: Chan: Glad to hear that Odius. I am sure we all are.
Shake my head.
Chan: could you draw power from me or maybe from the necklace to use?

DMaster: Again Velencia raises her head, but before Khamyra could stop her…
VEL: You are as smart as the shit I am going to take in a few minutes. MANA, you dolt, MANA. It is why I stopped, and reverted back to just Cleric work. I didn’t want to be restricted like that.
Shemrata chuckles, picking her teeth.

Chance: Face flushes
Chan: Get bent you sweaty useless hag. Magic is your guys department, I just prefer to stab things

DMaster: Khamyra slams her hands on the table.
KHA: Stop will you two! Goddammit, I am tired of it, we, are all tired of it!
Faelyn rolls her eyes, turns heal and walks out the door again. Shemrata nods her head in full agreement.

Chance: look over at Khamyra and nod my head
Chan: your right hun, this bickering isn’t getting us anywhere, except at each other’s throats

DMaster: Velencia shakes her head the best she can on the table. She mumbles, oh brother. After some time in quiet, Faelyn walks back in, closes the door
FAE: I looked over a map that he had, we can head north for a short time, find a place in the brushland to camp out, or try to anyways. Not like we are going to freeze or anything. At this point…

Chance: Chan: no pun intended, but I don’t think there is a chance of us freezing anytime soon.

DMaster: Khamyra looks at you, like, “quit repeating people please” you know that look, and you stop talking for a moment.

Chance: Chan: I think the best course of action is head north and find a place to camp out and then try to come back and see if we can get home

DMaster: Elion pokes his head in
ELI: I am sorry to rush this, but I think you have already been discovered, there is a group of guards heading up from the queen city.
FAE: Ok, plan “A” it is.
Everyone gets up.

Chance: Chan: can you at least stall them for us Elion to give us a head start?

DMaster: He walked back into his house, grabbed a bag and handed it to Faelyn. They touch foreheads in respect.
ELI: I’ll do my best, You have 3-4 minutes, get going! I do not know if they will pursue you if you look like you are leaving this area. But make haste.
You all head out and start up the path, Faelyn is leading you now

Chance: let her take the lead since she has her bearings better than I do
Chan: we better move faster before those guards get here. I don’t wanna be sitting in a dungeon or worse

DMaster: The group heads out, down a side passage in the village and out to a main road leading north. You walk through a couple open cave systems out into a wider area.

Chance: keep moving forward hoping the guards aren’t behind us as I give a quick look back

DMaster: The road and paths have been pretty winding, not a straight line. After about ten minutes, you break out to rolling fields, and you can see a river of sorts in the distance to your right. To your left is rolling hills that leads into Mountains.
KHA: Curses, doesn’t seem to be too much cover out in the fields.
You all look to your left for any hope of cover and shelter. Almost like you read each others minds, you and Faelyn look at each other. You see a rough but somewhat noticeable path that leads into the hills. Does not look like anyone has been through there in a while though.

Chance: Point the path out to Fae
Chan: there, there take that path into the hills

DMaster: She nods her head
FAE: Group? Its into the hills or keep going hoping in the next few miles we will find a cluster of trees.
Shemrata has her hood back up and she nods her head towards the hills.
SHEM: I don’t see cover for at least a mile or further.
VEL: I don’t give… a… FUCK. Just find me a tree to lean up against, or a pile of hay to sleep.

Chance: Chan: well we have no choice, I don’t think.

DMaster: The group turns in, and down the pathway. Faelyn allows you all to pass. She then starts working on the trail you came from
DM: A non magical version of pass without a trace.
You walk a valley like area for a while. It is winding, and somewhat treacherous footing.

Chance: looking around the to see how much cover the valley area gives us

DMaster: FAE: I do not know if they will pursue us past the village, but let’s not take any chances
She gets past all of you and now leads the group.

Chance: Chan: I agree but we can only hope they don’t come past the village

DMaster: Khamyra gives you a look of frustration at your comment and adds in a jab to your side. After a few more minutes, you end up walking through this tight fit; the valley tightens up. But it clears out wide into a clearing of lush grass, bushes, flowers and trees. Where you came in there are tons of rocks and stones, then it gradually turns to beautiful fauna and such. Looks to start to dip down a good 100-150 feet out.

Chance: Chan: I say this looks like a good spot to set up camp and try to get some rest, what do you think Fae?

DMaster: You guys are about 20 feet in. She nods slowly, brow is furrowed. Then it hits you, something doesn’t seem right. You don’t hear any wildlife, it is far to still in here. Khamyra can feel it too, she is frozen slowly looking around.
FAE: I am not so sure… this place…
is all she got out

Chance: looking around as she is saying that

Battle Written Out

Two creatures pull themselves out of the rock side, you did not see them before. Small stones and rocks fall down, dust is getting kicked up. They let out a growl and a small roar. It seems like you almost woke them up.

Velencia turns and sees them, “oh great, dickless wonder and toilet eyes led us into a Cobble Troll lair!” She throws her hands up in the air.

The two Cobble Trolls surprised the party. The first one bullrushes Khamyra, only to miss her. The Onyx elf dodges the large creature who all but showed her where he was going to run. It tumbles but jumps back to it’s feet, turns back to the party, letting out a growl.

The second Troll does the same to Shemrata. The Legion Odius all but kicks the troll in the ass as it passes by. Her look is that of surprise, that it would do something so predictable.

Shemrata, smiling wide, throws off her cloak. The Troll closest eyes widen seeing this creature before it, red eyes, red skin and a tail slashing around. She pulls out her whip, it snaps and pieces of the golem snake goes flying. She whips it and it wraps around the neck of the Troll (14hp of damage). The creature, wider eyes than before, is looking around surprised by this. She used this to run for it and jumps on it, much like she did with the snake. The difference is the troll knows she is there.

The first troll that missed Khamyra, grabs for a rock. It had to be 2-3 feet in circumference. The underside is wet and mossy, and the Troll did not take that in account (rolls a “1”). As it goes to throw it at Velencia, it slips and lands square on the creatures foot. It howls a bit, brings it’s foot up for a second, it even whines a little.

Velencia, looking like she did earlier in the day, knows she can not be a big part of this battle, grabs her necklace, utters a one sentence prayer, and wipes her eyes. A flash of light emanates from her and at the same time, the Trolls shriek and grab for their eyes. They were blinded by the Priestess (Cast blindness, both Trolls missed their savings throw, and even one rolled a “1”). The Priestess looks extremely pale. She walks to a few trees about 15 feet away and throws up.

Chance rips off his necklace, screams and races to the Troll Shemrata as riding. He drives the magical sword deep into the creature’s leg making it howl (11hp of damage). It stutters a little but Shemrata is holding on tight. You can see the thorns digging deep into the Trolls skin.

“Quiet down Chump, I’m trying to blow chunks here,” Velencia says with a bit of sarcasm.

Faelyn in a fluid motion, grabs her bow, notches an arrow, with grace and precision fires at the second troll. A magical sound emanates from her bow as the arrow flies and finds it’s mark. Thud! Hits it in the side of the neck making it reach for the arrow (11hp of damage). Before anyone even knew, she had another arrow lined up and fired. It hits the Troll in the side of the head, thock (13hp of damage). The silver haired elf, bows her head, clenches her fist and a little light pops from her hand. The Troll shudders a little (3hp of necrotic damage, troll made savings throw)

The troll grabs dirt and starts to rub it in it’s eyes, trying to clear up this issue. Stumbles and falls backwards (rolls another “1”) making it now, prone and blind. It is like they want to die.

Khamyra licking her lips. She has a new spell up her sleeve. “Sorry you ugly troll, why don’t you just… cool off!” She grinds something in her hand, traces a symbol and says “brina!” Ice forms for a split second on her hands and she braces. A powerful, fast line of frost and ice shoots out in a straight line for the Troll rolling around on the ground. It hits it with a slamming sound, engulfing the poor creature in a shell of ice (21hp of damage). The Troll flexes and it shatters the ice, sending shards everywhere.

Velencia is wiping her mouth, glances back, “Really, did you just really say that Kha?” The Priestess looks at the Onyx elf with disappointment.

“Bite me Priestess, best I could come up with on short notice,” the Warlock retorts playfully.

Meanwhile Shemrata, in heaven right now, getting thrown around a bit (2hp of damage to the odius) She pops out her retractable dagger. She plunges it three times deep into the Troll (4hp, 7hp, 4hp of damage). Each time making the Troll yelp as it is trying to reach for the Odius, but can’t find her.

In a fit of anger it starts to hit its eyes, not knowing what else to do. It is scared and confused. Shemrata just pulls the whip tighter, causing it to wince even more (4hp of damage).

Velencia walks to another tree that doesn’t have her puke at it’s base. Leans against it, yawns a little and crosses her arms, watching.

Chance, who is now encapsulated with bark, races for the troll with Shemrata as a necklace. His sword rips through the top of its right knee (8hp of damage). It is so confused, hurt and scared it doesn’t seem to even notice. The sword flares a little, the Champions eyes surge and strikes at the left leg, slicing through it (9hp of damage). He jumps back watching the troll start to lose it’s balance.

Across the battlefield, Faelyn races for the prone Troll fresh off its ice bath. The graceful Augustian elf leaps up, brings her sword out, aims it downward. She lands, driving her sword deep into the skull of the Troll (13hp of damage). She ducks a wild flail by the creature. The Huntress pulls the sword out, turns, and swings hard down at the creatures neck. It slices through skin, muscle and even bone (12hp of damage). With one last gurgling yelp, the troll twitches a few times and goes limp. Blood just pouring out of the neck.

The one troll left is still struggling. Blood pouring down its neck from the ever tightening thorned whip. Khamyra looks to the Odius who for a brief second looks at the Onyx elf. Khamyra snorts a little, and nods. Walks over to Velencia taking out her water skin, offering it to the Priestess. Velencia smirks, accepts and takes a glug of water.

Faelyn, pulls her sword up, blood dripping off it, looks around frantically for the other Troll. Then notices the Warlock and Priestess under a tree, now starting to chat. She burns a hole through them with a look of contempt. Chance also glances over, dumbfounded as to what is going on. A huge troll thrashing about and these two are having a chat?

Seeing Khamyra give her the green light, her blood starts to heat up. Shemrata’s tail drives into the side of the Troll making it scream in pain (4hp of damage). She then grabs her twin bladed sword and slices through the neck of the beast (11hp of damage). The Odius was going to try another slice when the creature suddenly started jerking about trying to reach for Shemrata. It was not successful, but it made the creature fall on its back, crushing the Odius (12hp of bludgeoning damage to Shemrata).

Racing back to the Creature, Chance finds a spot to drive Silent Fate into the Troll. It drives deep (11hp of damage) and he pulls it out, blood spurting from the belly. It cries out, still thrashing around.

Velencia reachs for the Warlocks hand, and is looking at the engagement ring, muttering something about the Champion finally doing something right. They both giggle a little.

Shemrata is finally pulling herself out from underneath. Faelyn is watching this spectacle, and shakes her head. She strings up her bow, fires and it rips through the creatures eye socket. It has one last gasp of air, and it rolls over, motionless.

The Odius’s eyes get big, and she turns and rushes the Huntress. “How dare you take my kill, you…” is all she gets out before the Augustian elf’s blade is at the long tailed woman’s throat. They glare at each other.

“Your kill?” Faelyn says, not blinking an eye or moving a muscle.

Shemrata’s anger starts to die down, realizing, this elf was born to end lives like hers. She quickly swats the sword away, turns and walks to the Troll and her whip.

Back To Turn Base

Chance: shaking my head and walk over to Khamyra and Velencia as I put Silent Fate away.
Chan: and just what in blazes was that? Just decided to have some girl time while we were fighting the trolls?
Smirking a bit as I say that

DMaster: You walk over and end up interrupting her story.
KHA: Yeah, I walked out the back door, candles lit to the well, Chance is on his knee and…
They both look back to you
VEL: Yeah, might as well. Shemrata was having fun at least.
KHA: They were nothing more than attack dummies
Shrugging their shoulders.

Chance: Chan: oh if I wasn’t so in love with you hun
giving her a whack on her ass, staring down her shirt.

DMaster: Velencia looks at you.
VEL: What, what would you have done? trip over a rug?
KHA: STOP! Velencia, just go sleep, your cranky… or more cranky than usual anyways.
The Priestess gives her a “bitch” look and walks for a few trees away.

Chance: Chan: no she just needs Clay to give it to her good

DMaster: She shakes her head. Speaking of shaking heads, Faelyn is just wide eyes, in a bit of disbelief. She looks over all of you, stops at the Priestess who doesn’t look so hot.
FAE: I don’t even know what to say anymore about you all. We have this High Priestess with power that might be unreveiling in all of the realm, but is obsessed with egging this guy on, over here, for whatever reason. Obviously a long history here, and it is not a good one.
Faelyn then turns to you.
FAE: Speaking of that, you let her gode you almost everytime. She would probably stop if you just ignored her. and I am not even going to talk about you repeating what everyone says, can we real that in a bit?
She shakes her head, turns to Shemrata.
FAE: I don’t pretend to know your true tendensies but you can be a bit much in battle, your recklessness is a concern for us all.
She stops looks at Khamyra who is kind of kicking dirt. The Onyx elf looks up, eyes a bit wider now.
FAE: Besides showing off your breasts to everyone, you seem to be the referee here. Trying to hold this together without stepping on too many toes. Girl, let it out, they deserve every angry word you can sling out.
She shakes her head again, looking everyone over with a scolding look. She sighs, turns an starts to walk.
FAE: I’ll scout the area for any further enemies, wouldn’t want to interrupt any further barbs or party talk.
As she walks off, Velencia mumbles, “what a bitch.”

Chance: Frown a bit.
Chan: be careful Fae, we will get camp set up as good as we can while your gone

DMaster: Khamyra looks at you oddly,
KHA: Camp? We don’t have anything to, well, camp with. I guess we can find a place to snuggle in case it does get cold
Khamyra was interrupted by the Odius struggling with the Troll.
SHEM: Chance, get over here

Chance: Chan: hold that thought hun, please, but snuggling does sound good right about now.
Shaking head as I walk over to Shemrata

DMaster: Shemrata is trying to drag the troll to the entrance of this little clearing.
SHEM: Grab its other arm. We can set it up in front of the entrance, who in their right mind would venture forward seeing that.

Chance: Chan: I couldn’t agree more, lets set it so they don’t see all the blood coming out of it

DMaster: She nods
SHEM: I don’t think we have to be too creative, It’ll be dark
You two drag it to the entrance, and lean it up. She stakes one of its huge paws to one side to keep it up.

Chance: Chan: let’s hope this does the trick and keeps people away so Velencia can get some sleep and then just maybe in the morning we will be able to get back and…

DMaster: Shemrata’s eyes get big
SHEM: Got it, don’t need a play by play.
you two return to the trees you have decided to use. Khamyra is looking through the bag, it has rations in it.
KHA: That Elion was a sweetheart.
Faelyn returns, bow around her back, smile on her face.

Chance: sit down next to Khamyra and smile

DMaster: She walks over to you three.
FAE: Past this grove of trees is rolling plains of bushes, trees and flowers. Its gorgeous. I think there is another village of sorts a mile or so off, I can see some chimney smoke and I think some wooden walls. Makes sense if there are Trolls living around here.

Chance: Chan: well at least we have food and a place to sleep for the night

DMaster: She nods, looks at all of you.
FAE: Four of us, two hour watches each, so we can get some good sleep. It’s been a long day. The entrance…
she glances over and cringes
FAE: Jebus, I think is covered for the night, we just have to keep an eye to the west.
She points to where she came from.

Chance: Chan: I can take more than one watch with the necklace off, I won’t need to sleep much. I would prefer our spellcasters get as much sleep as needed

DMaster: The Huntress looks at you and for the first time, she seems to be in command right now.
FAE: I said, four watches, 2 hours a piece. Not repeating myself again.
Khamyra notices it, and tugs on your arm to distract what could of been a power struggle.
KHA: Hun, it doesn’t matter if I get an hour or twenty. My mana returns at the same speed.
Shemrata sits down , starts eating some of the rations. Velencia is asleep already, leaning against a tree. It is about 5:00 PM now. Sun is heading down the sky, hitting the top of the trees. You two eat and then walk west to see what she was talking about. With the sun getting close to setting it was an unbelievable site, gorgeous

Chance: marvel at the sight and look at Khamyra.
Chan: you know this almost feels like paradise and under most circumstances I wouldn’t want to leave. There are more important things to think of now I guess. Such as getting the drought taken care of, seeing to the door for our Lord and getting home to Krishana and Cralen. I miss the kids so much right now

DMaster: She nods, looking at you rambling on.
KHA: Don’t forget the wedding too, it’s only a few months off.
She hugs you, and you both look out. There is a village or town of sorts, it is a ways off, but you can see some smoke chimneys, and what looks like high wooden walls. A mountain range starts just beyond that, pretty big, and the sun is now playing hide and seek with it.

Chance: I hug her tightly and tilt her head up
Chan: I love you with everything I have. What we do here is to make the world better for not just our children but everyone else’s children.

DMaster: she leans up and gives you a deep kiss, grabbing your face

Chance: gently touch the back of her hair and pull her closer, and then give her a small wack on her butt

DMaster: KHA: Hey now, let’s get back and get this night over with

Chance: Chan: I agree but wait till I get you all alone, oh boy.
giving her a big grin

DMaster: She shakes her head a bit, and you two head back. Shemrata is cleaning her whip. Fae is cleaning her arrows and wiping off things. Velencia is snoring.

Chance: I find a spot to sit down and pat it for Khamyra as I pull silent fate out and wipe it down

DMaster: You do a few prep chores, then you guys snuggle a bit. The night goes by with little to no action.

---

STARLAY (Sunday) 5:00 AM

---

Shemrata wakes you both up. The sky is still pretty dark, stars twinkling. It is a nice temperature, not a cloud in the sky that you can see. Velencia is standing looking at the entrance, raised eyebrow.
VEL: Interesting decor here
Shemrata giggles, Faelyn is ready to go. The east is just now getting a kiss of color.
FAE: Let’s go. Leave the troll here as a warning to others

Chance: Chan: yes, let’s get back to the village.

DMaster: VEL: Wait, who put stick figure in charge.
The Huntress turns and gets up in Velencia’s face, much to her surprise.
FAE: Because I am tired of listening to everyone’s adolescent bullshit and the lack of leadership has led us here. Looking at a dead troll spiked to a cavern wall, hundreds of miles away from home and no closer to stopping this drought. Any questions?
She says with a growl. Velencia has a half frown, half smirk.
VEL: Nope.
FAE: Plus I was born for this. Literally, I am from a long lineage of people who lead.
The Huntress said as she turns and climbs over the Troll.
VEL: Damn, fine bitch.
She looks around, then mumbles, nodding slowly.
VEL: I can respect that though.
You five go down thee winding road, the sun not quite rising yet. You hit the main road, and make your way south back to the village. You get to an area you know is close. Plenty of bushes and trees to hide in.

Chance: Chan: we might want to scout it to see if they posted guards from where we came out. We can only hope that they did not

DMaster: Khamyra grabs some goop, traces a symbol and says “Nividin” an she disappears. It’s quiet for a moment. Then a slapping sound and you feel pain in your backside

Chance: Chan: damn you woman wait till we get back home just like when we met

DMaster: KHA: I’ll be back
She giggles. Faelyn is wide eyes, looking around.
FAE: This is sometimes a bit much, ass slapping while an invisible woman goes to look for guards
She shakes her head. After a few minutes, she appears. Faelyn jumps a little.
KHA: A guard at the entrance, he is asleep

Chance: Can’t help but chuckle a bit seeing her reappear

DMaster: KHA: If you can believe it, they have not shut the mine entrance.
VEL: Probably our host yesterday is to thank for that.

Chance: Chan: well we got one guard, any suggestions group?

DMaster: They look at you, sigh, they shake their heads.
FAE: Lets go
The group moves on, all being quiet. The guard snorts a little, rubs his nose, leans to another side. Shemrata almost woke him up but you all get back in the tunnel. You reach the dead end. Blood still staining the wall. Velencia walks up and breaks the spell, gets shot back into Shemrata’s arms. By that time, it woke the guard.
GUA: eh? Who goes there?
His voice echoing through the corridor. You guys run through and into the octagonal room.

Chance: I motion for everyone to start running toward the room

DMaster: they all get inside the room, you make it past the pedestal. Faelyn stops, looks back and shakes her head.
FAE: We can’t have any one with access to these rooms, they could find themselves in deep shit if they investigated.
She grabs her arrow with the contraption on it, strings it up. Fires at the entrance, it explodes and it collapses the tunnel leading in. It rumbles, and debris flies around. Most of the group just looks back for a moment but keeps moving forward.

Chance: Keep moving.
Chan: let’s get the hell out of here. I have my eyes set on someone else now. We will just have to regroup and figure out where our friend went and more questions to have answered

DMaster: You run through the big chamber, down the stairs and into the half circle room. The portal is there.

Chance: keep running to catch up to the rest of the group, as we hit the half circle room.

DMaster: KHA: Lets go, I’ll see you on the other side
She jumps in, poof she is gone. Velencia jumps in, poof she is gone.

Chance: I look and jump in next but not before giving Shemrata a look

DMaster: she is not paying attention just looking back at the stairs, making sure no one is following.

Chance: jump in as well

DMaster: It goes dark for a few seconds, then light rushes back in.
Khamyra grabs your hand.
KHA: Quiet, quiet, get down.

Chance: get out of the portal and get down next to her

DMaster: You are in a cave, a place you have never seen before. Fae and Shemrata come in too.
VEL: (quietly) now where the fuck are we?
She is looking around, a scowl on her face.

Chance: Shrug shoulders and look around
Chan: well hopefully we are at least back home (quietly)

DMaster: The Augustian elf shakes her head.
FAE: I don’t recognize this place (quietly)

Chance: Chan: well we better check it out and at least get our bearings in order.

DMaster: The walls are cave like, the ground looks like it is tiles and dirt. A bit different from the last few places.

Chance: looking around see if I see any doorways or openings

DMaster: There is an entranceway to the east or the west, possibly a crude opening behind you. There is a lantern, just barely lighting the room. It smells extra bad, like a bathroom.

Chance: Put my hand close to my nose, looking over at Velencia

DMaster: Her eyes are watering.
VEL: There is a cave entrance behind us, I think it might be a toilet of sorts, that is where the smell is coming from.
She gags a little.
VEL: Well this is not a perfume shop, let’s get going

Chance: I will look at both the entrances and see if either show signs of being more traveled

DMaster: The west it seems to be much more travelled.

Chance: Chan: this way looks more traveled then the other one I say we go this way.

DMaster: Faelyn nods her head, agrees with you, takes the lead.
FAE: Lets go
All of you head down the corridor.

Chance: I pull out silent fate as we move along

DMaster: You are a bit more cautious, since you got burned last time. Everyone checking for blood, traps, etc. It turns north after a while, it opens up.
FAE: Hold up
She walks up, looks closely
FAE: Ok, no blood, lets go

Chance: take a deep breath and keep moving cautiously

DMaster: as you are walking in the opening, a cooler wind rushes in, it’s fresh air. Then the corridor opens up, huge stairs come into view. Fancy stone stairs, well decorated.

Chance: Chan: make sure there is no blood magic around before we get to the stairs(quietly)

DMaster: You check the one side, Faelyn checks the other. There is nothing. The stairs lead up to what looks like a balcony of sorts, a large platform, at least 60 feet deep, cut in half with the stairs. It has to be 120 plus feet wide. You get to the stairs, keeping a sharp eye, head up the stairs. About 30 feet in front is a long line of windows and it appears you can see out, you can just see some rocks and what appears to be buildings in the rock? To the right is just a wall, to the left looks to be a portcullis, down. A slight noise can be heard.
SHEM: Hear that?

Chance: tilt my head and listen to see what Shemrata heard

DMaster: FAE: Yeah, it is coming from the portcullis.
A nice breeze is flowing in, feels great after being in the heat. Khamyra smiles takes a deep breath.

Chance: before we keep moving along
Chan: everyone be ready no telling what we are going to find next, I mean we have been to one place had trolls surprise us
saying all this in almost a whisper

DMaster: They nod. Faelyn sneaks over to the large portcullis, trying to get a good look in it. Suddenly, she backs up quickly, almost stumbling backwards. Something appears at the grates on the other side. It does not seem aggressive, just stands at the grates of the portcullis.

Chance: hand tightens around Silent Fate as I see this

DMaster: It looks to be about 9 feet tall. It is armored from head to toe. Eyes a beady red, glowing a bit. It looks to be built, like a huge muscular warrior. Then you see it, a long blade attached to his left arm.
FAE: What in Animax is that?

Chance: eyes get big seeing this creature

DMaster: Velencia is walking towards it, being careful where she steps. Looking on in fascination.
VEL: Yup, It’s a construct, another golem, but this one looks like it doesn’t have a purpose yet. Is just staring at us.

Chance: hand goes to the necklace and takes it off

DMaster: Velencia shrugs her shoulders, turns and looks back.
VEL: He’s caged for now…
Stops and sees you.
VEL: Why are you glowboy right now?
She is shaking her head. Khamyra looks at you too, shrugging shoulders

Chance: shrug my shoulders and just give them a look
Chan: could have at least said it was caged and not have me shitting bricks!

DMaster: VEL: You can clearly see that, plus I would not of walked up to it non-chalantly.
She sighs, shakes her head. Faelyn walks to the open windows, a stiff breeze, fresh cooler air.

Chance: walk over next to Fae at the open window after putting the necklace back on

DMaster: you can see a man made valley of sorts, looking up you see giant mountains. There is an elaborate stone archway, with what appears Dwarfs patrolling the area. A few standing around guarding the area. A few common looking dwarves walking through. You are all looking out the window

Chance: Chan: just now where the hell are we? First we get elves and now we get dwarves?
looking around to see if there is a way to get out of where we are

DMaster: Velencia finally glances over, throws her hands in the air.
VEL: Son of a bitch! I think we are in the Bluesteel Mountains!