First Five Starts Here

“Are you lost?” A voice echoes through the balcony chamber making everyone jump.

Chance jumps to one side, rips out Silent Fate. Everyone else is turning in some state of readiness. The balcony area echoes with the sound of this.

A stout dwarf standing to the right of the party, about 40 feet away, where there was no exit or entrance. He raises an eyebrow, but oddly not moving a muscle. He is about 5 foot tall, greyish hair is pulled back, seems to be knotted and a well maintained beard. It is hard to see his eyes from his stoic structure of his face and the idea he is curious who you are. He is wearing a somewhat colorful robe-like outfit, with a peak or two of armor underneath and two axes connected to either side of his belt.

“I didn’t mean to startle you, but the question still remains,” he says, eyeing each and everyone of you, with a slight bob of his head, as though he is sniffing, “are you lost?”

The Champion sheaths his sword, and starts to walk forward, hands raising up. He gets yanked back suddenly, and he turns to meet Velencia eye to eye. Skin connects and sparks fly. The Priestess even lets out a groan.

“Not this time chatty Cathy, let the ones born to yap, do their work,” she says quietly to the disgruntled quarter elf.

Faelyn looks back to Velencia with almost a smile and a “thank you,” look.

Chance yanks himself away from the disguised Priestess, face flushed, somewhat embarrassed. He walks a good 15 feet away and tries to calm himself down.

The Huntress walks up in front of the party. “Master Dwarf,” she starts but gets interrupted by the now perplexed and surprised dwarf.

“Oh. I apologize, Huntress, and a Kappa of the Hunters Elite as well,” he says with a slight bow, then looks back up and smiles, “we have not seen the elite here for quite some time, but a Renrazzi? I am honored to greet you and welcome you to the Kingdom of Thoraxe.”

She bows as well, “no, it is you that honors me, thank you,” she says in this wonderful smooth voice, “I am Faelyn, Hunters Elite Kappa.“

The well dressed dwarf nods his head, “Dhommoth Hillchest, Court Herald for King Brightbane.”

Faelyn nods in respect, then looks around, then back at him, “I must confess, we are a bit lost.”

He nods appreciating the honesty.

“I would say so. In a cave system that has no exit or entrance, here you are standing in front of me,” he says with a bit of muse, “I can only guess you are part of those intruders, or more likely in pursuit of them?”

Faelyn knows she will not be able to talk her way out of this one, like the naive elves a day ago. But she knows she holds some reign with this kingdom. The dwarf seems to be well mannered, well versed and knows what is going on. “This is either going to get real sticky, if they find out who this ‘Clara’ is, or it will work out in our favor, being able to access all the information they have,” she thinks to herself.

She tilts her head, pushes some hair out of her face, “but I must say, if this cave system has no exit or entrance…“ she trails off, giving him a playful look.

He chuckles and then bursts out in a hearty laugh. “Yes, yes, there are actually two exits. But I think we would have noticed you all if you came from the exit I walked through, and the other one…” he pauses and nods his head towards the portcullis where the monstrous golem stands. “I don’t think you came that way either.”

She steps forward a bit, and the dwarf reciprocates.

“I would like to speak with you, but I would like to do it in a more private area,” she glances back at the group after saying that.

The group standing behind her just looked at each other, eyebrow raising. A look of frustration washes over the Priestesses face.

“Of course, follow me,” the well dressed dwarf says, taking a step back and motioning for her to walk his way.

As she looks back, she catches Khamyra’s eyes, and nods, “I will be back shortly, don’t get into any trouble while I am gone.”

“Oh yeah, sure thing, whatever you say,” Velencia spits back, getting more angry having this situation again out of her control. But she can still feel the blood magic doing a number on her, so she has been trying to reel herself in, for the time being.

Faelyn disappears around a small corner, not a sound is heard as they disappear.

Chance walks to the balcony, leans on it. Still mad and upset at how everyone has been acting towards him. “I can stab and kill things of people’s nightmares, but dammit, if I can string a few sentences together and get my point across, it is a miracle…” he thinks to himself.

The tall man is interrupted and most of his anxiety gets washed away when his love, his fiance, wraps her arms around him, avoiding skin contact. She leans into him.

The view is spectacular; a bright blue sky with some puffy clouds. They are looking down to a large cavernous area, a wide stone walkway leading into this ornately carved entrance way that has to be 40-50 feet in height. A few dwarves pass through, some well dressed, others pushing a cart with produce on it. A group of guards march through now and again too. Cooler air rushes in, though it is most likely 70 degrees, it is a wonderful reprieve from the 90-95 degrees they were just in.

Khamyra takes a deep breath. “Oh this is wonderful, fresh air, cool temperatures and…” she glances over to the portcullis and the monster, “a wonderful guest, who just won’t shut up.”

She was trying to lighten the mood and expected a few chuckles, maybe even a giggle, but gets none. She sighs.

Realizing that Faelyn specifically looked at Khamyra, “What was that look for, brown eyes?” Velencia says, turning to the Onyx Elf. “When stick figure turned she specifically looked at you and no one else.”

Khamyra turns, pulls up her top for the hundredth time, trying to contain her bulging titties and leans up on the railing. “I think she wanted to know we can trust her,” she says crossing her arms and continues, “I mean, come on people, we have not been exactly mature and stable really. I am the only one she can really, well, trust right now.”

“Yeah, can’t trust me, I apparently went on this quest to just egg this idiot on,” the Priestess thumbs in the direction of Chance, “but, it’s the other way really, he does everything he can do to infuriate me all the goddamn time,” the priestess retorts walking around, almost pacing.

Shemrata nods, “I am reckless, despite taking down the snake and one of the trolls, I am more an issue for the party than a productive member. Can’t trust me.” She shakes her head under the hood.

Khamyra waits for the Champion to respond, but he does not. He is just fiddling with a tab from his beat up armor, ignoring everyone, in a somewhat trance, staring down at the huge entrance to the Kingdom Of Thoraxe.

“Case in point. You all seem to be more concerned about what a ‘stick figure,’ thinks of you, than staying focused on the quest at hand, or coming up with ideas and solutions,” the Onyx elf says with a bit of frustration.

She then walks a few steps away from the railing. “Vel, hun, are you doing ok?” Khamyra says with sincerity, giving the disgruntled Priestess a look.

Velencia stops for a moment, looks around. “I think I can still feel it. If I tried to cast a spell like you right now, it could be devastating, to me, possibly others, so be glad I gave that up.” She turns to the elf, “I am still a bit unsure if it does anything with my god-given abilities though.”

Khamyra nods, walks close to her and offers a skin of water, but the Priestess politely refuses. They exchange warm smiles.

“I have to disagree with the Huntress,” Khamyra says suddenly, turning and walking to Shemrata, their eyes meeting “we need an element of aggression, of unpredictability. Your style for us is important, keeps the enemy off their game, guessing at us. You are formidable and intimidating. Not to mention, your attacks are devastating.”

The Odius nods her head in respect, knowing she is only trying to smooth the rough waters. But Shemrata smiles a little appreciating the respect and effort.

The Onyx Elf turns to the Champion. “And you!” she says walking towards him, “taking on the big bad, every battle? It’s going to get you killed,” she finishes up standing next to Chance.

He sighs, “someone has to do it, might as well be me,” he starts, lets out a little sigh, “I have to get primed for a much bigger battle, that’s not going to happen with me attacking a small goblin or, a balled up rug, for that matter.”

Khamyra puts her hand on his back and rubs it. Velencia chuckles a little.

“That is the first thing you have said in, forever, that reminds me that you are indeed the Champion of our Lord,” she says with an odd sincerity. She walks closer to the golem, who is not even looking at anyone, just a dead 50 yard stare, from what she can tell. “He is fucking creepy.”

After a good hour, the group was getting antsy. Faelyn appears, pretty much out of nowhere and walks to the group. Her superior crafted armor glinting a bit in the light, her hair flowing as the breeze hits it and her piercing green eyes looking down. She looks to be in deep thought.

Velencia turns, “Where the hell have you been? What are you scheming, what is…” she starts in, but Khamyra grabs her arm, gives her a look. The Priestess shakes her head and turns.

“The Dwarves know a lot. They know of the drought, the weird spell that has been cast over the East, the intruders, as they like to call them and their little hidey holes throughout this mountain range, among others. With my status in the Augustian Realm and the treaties we have between us, I have the authority to get information most can’t. It is because of my…” the Huntress continues but gets interrupted, by who else.

Velencia turns to her, eyes wide and getting angry, “yes, yes, you are some uppity stick up the ass, we got that. We want to know if they are willing to help us or if we need to just move on!”

The two stare at each other for a short moment. The Huntress sighs.

“The King, of all people, wants a meeting with us. He wants to talk with us directly and make sure we mean Thoraxe no harm,” she says with a bit of trepidation, turning to her side somewhat beckoning them to walk with her. “I think with my stature, and the recent issues with intruders, it has the King a little worried.”

Chance finally stands up straight, “good, I haven’t talked to ol’ Grim-eye in at least a year,” he says, boasting the comment to get reactions. “I wonder how Viola is doing as well,” he adds knowing full well he is going to get backlash.

Faelyn stops, turns, eyes bulging, “oh my god Chance, no, you do not address him as Grim-eye,” she faces the Champion, her eyes flaring at him, “you will address them as King and Queen Brightbane. In fact, you know what? Don’t say anything, OK?”

Still a bit downtrodden, he just smirks, shakes his head and walks to the Augustian elf. The party is all looking at Chance, eyebrows raised, wondering what the hell he meant by that.

“Well..” the Onyx elf starts, “He has met the King and Queen before, and he is the Champion of the Court for Camerondale,” Khamyra finishes, puffing out her chest a bit with pride.

“I think maybe he has a little ‘stature’ with the Royalty around here too, Miss Renrazzi Kappa Hunter Elite,” Khamyra finishes with a noticeable bit of sarcasm.

The tone did not escape the Renrazzi elf, but that bit of information not only confuses but surprises her as well.

Velencia shakes her head, almost wanting to burst out laughing. Shemrata was more curious than anything.

Faelyn’s head snaps to the tall quarter elf, her eyes are just wide staring at him. “You,” the Huntress says pointing at Chance, “are the Champion of the court for, wait, what?”

Velencia turns, getting more frustrated by the minute, “yes. Champion of the court, Champion of Finster, Champion of my dear Khamyra’s heart, but this is not slitting the throat of that ass-faced smelly fuck, and it also is not getting us home any faster!”

Faelyn stands there, thinking, and thoroughly annoyed by Velencia’s impatience. I would love to take the backside of my hilt across that nasty woman’s skull, but she would take me out in a blink of an eye, she ponders for a moment.

“Ok, well let’s go, they are waiting. Hope you’re hungry, they are serving lunch,” the elegant Huntress says, getting a bad feeling about all this.

Everyone nods hearing their stomachs growl, realizing its been rations and some cabbage stew the past few days. She walks to the corner of the balcony, and waits. Almost like magic, a doorway swings open. The same dwarf as before is standing there, welcoming the party in.

They walk down a somewhat dim hallway, but it is a rich and well maintained corridor. It eventually opens up into a room that is 40ft x 40ft with multiple doors, looks to be a central hub for this part of the Castle. There is a table in the middle, smaller tables and benches all about. There are a few guards sitting, eating and drinking; probably on break. They all stare at you as you pass by.

They lead on through the largest double doors in the room. Walking the hallway the party can see some paintings on the wall, a few tapestries, and ornate lanterns that light the way. Your walking and movement echoing throughout.

After a turn or two, it ends at another set of double doors, very ornate, and they look heavy.

The dwarf opens them up into this grand hall. The room has to be 200ft X 300ft. The ceilings are a good 100ft high. The hall is lined, almost perfectly separated by three, of huge pillars spanning up to the ceiling, holding the roof in place. The ceiling seems to be letting in some natural light, but there are still huge hanging candelabra’s lit, fancy lanterns on the walls, massive tapestries, paintings and tables with flowers and fruits on it. The floors are shiny marble, look to be slippery, but the walkways and heavily trafficked area’s have luxurious rugs. Stairs lead down a good 30 feet, all marble and have soft, well maintained red rugs covering them.

The sounds of voices, and servants moving here and there echo throughout the great room. They are carrying food, plates, mugs, etc, quickly moving along placing things on the table. It looks amazing, smells even better.

The party arrives at the table, and the leading dwarf excuses himself for a moment. Chance glances over and sees Grim-eye walking in, but without his usual smile on his face. He looks a little stressed. The Champion can’t miss Viola trailing behind him speaking with a servant or two, barking out orders. Her radiant white skin, blonde hair and beautiful face is impossible to overlook. Not to mention her over the top royal attire of purple, trimmed with gold and a crown on top of her head.

Chance smirks, and thinks to himself after seeing Viola’s cleavage hanging out, “looks like Khamyra has some competition.”

A few dwarves walk over, point in the direction of the table and where to sit. The group goes to sit down at their seats when Chance’s shoulder gets swung back.

“Son of a bitch, Chance, what in Jeramiah’s beard are you doing here?” Grim-eye says with a big smile on his face, “Huntress, you did not tell me the Champion of Camerondale was here!”

The Huntress blushes a little, giving the Champion a quick look, “It is because I did not know, M’Lord,” she responds with a slight nod in the two men’s direction.

Everyone is just staring at the two of them. They both exchange a warrior handshake, big smiles and chuckles.

He looks back at Chance with a smile, “I just got a letter from Jerry last month and he still talks about you,” the King says in a chuckle, “it almost sounds like he is more busy retired than when he was King!”

“I am not sure if he will ever truly retire, but I hope he does, M’Lord,” Chance responds, nodding his head, “so he can come visit you and drink some of your wonderful brew.”

The King, slaps Chance on the back with a chuckle, is now in higher spirits, walks to the front of the table.

Faelyn gives you a look, smiles and shakes her head. She then stands and addresses the royal court who has sat at the front of the table. The King, Queen, what appears to be two other royal members.

“I beg for one more favor if you will,” she says looking down to Grim-eye who nods his head.

She looks over to Shemrata, “We have an unusual traveling companion, her name is Shemrata. I want you to understand she is with us, and has proved herself to the party and to myself already. We trust her completely. I am just warning…”

The King smirks, “Huntress, it’s fine, please introduce yourself, Shemrata, is it?” The entire room glances over.

Shemrata stands, sighs and pulls back her hood. Her eyes again beam, the horns exposed as the cloth of the hood uncovers. The Odius looks around as guards rush to her without hesitation to the table. Her tail then lashes out keeping them at bay and everyone’s eyes, that were not the party, bulge and they are taken aback.

“Oh,” Grim-eye says, eyes bulging from his head, then chuckles, “well, If she is with the Champion, then I will trust her. Sit, sit, master Shemrata and enjoy the meal.”

The Odius gives Chance a quick glance, a little appreciative smirk almost. The guards all look around to each other as she sits down, puts her tail away and dives into the roasted boar in front of her. The King looks over his guards and they back off to where they were before. There is one that seems to be shadowing her as the meal continues.

It was delicious, everyone digs into the meal. Servants at your beckon call, full cups of water and wine at all times. The party seems to enjoy the meal, including Velencia.

As the meal winds down, the King leans back, burps and pats his belly. “So I hear you have a drought problem back in Camerondale?” he says outwards, not really aimed at anyone.

It is quiet for a moment, looks are exchanged, “yes, M’lord, there is. But it seems to be only affecting the eastern portion of Legon,” Khamyra jumped in to ease the awkward silence.

He gives Khamyra a long look, doing everything in his power not to look at the bursting bosom, “I did not catch your name dark one?”

The Warlock, stands and bows a bit, looks back at the King, “Khamyra, M’lord, my name is Khamyra.”

The King nods, then looks back, “Is it true that most Onyx Elves do not take last names?”

She nods, smiles a bit, “’tis true, you must be of noble birth or of a noble house to acquire one.” Looking down, not expecting to talk about Onyx lore and surnames. Kind of embarrassed in a royal hall of a royal king talking about how, “not-royal” she is.

He looks around the room, then stands up. As the King stands, everyone else does. The group follows suit.

“Chance, my boy, come, let’s talk,” King Brightbane says, waving him over. “Time to catch up a little and talk about the issues at hand.”

The group all looks over to each other, very worried, and Faelyn begins to say something, but thinks twice and backs down.

“Great, just fucking great,” mumbles Velencia under her breath, shaking her head.

Chance walks to the King and they start to wander off in the opposite direction.

Khamyra says a little prayer to Finster, in hopes everything will go well and her fiance can keep his wits about him.

During that time, Queen Viola gathers the party and they walk to a section of the hall that has drinks, desserts and such.

“So how have you been, M’Lord?” Chance starts walking next to the King who is dressed in a simple but royal looking outfit, no crown and some comfortable footing. Still as bald as a crystal ball, but his demeanor has definitely changed since he saw the Champion in his dining hall.

“All things considered, not bad really,” he says, eyes still forward, “we do not have the same amount of trials and tribulations that you have to deal with, we are stuck in between large mountain ranges away from society really. No one wants to bother us here.”

Eventually they make their way up a long winding staircase, and it leads to what reminds the Champion of the balcony where they first arrived.

Looking out, Chance’s breath is taken away, seeing a vast valley where towns, cities and people are. It stretches for as far as the eye can see, all snuggled in between massive mountain ranges.

“Yes, it is my favorite place to think,” the King says, chuckling a little.

A servant shows up with two very large mugs of brew, puts them on the railings. He bows and excuses himself.

Chance’s eyes light up and smiles, “is this…?”

He nods, smiles “yes, my own secret stash.”

Chance grabs the mug and takes a long drink. He puts the mug down, a satisfied dreamy look, even burps a little under his breath. “oh my…that’s so good…” the Champion says, looking back down at the giant mug of ale.

After a few minutes, allowing the quarter elf to adjust, “Odd companions you keep,” the King starts off attempting to get more information from Chance.

The Champion pry’s his eyes away from the magnificent view, the delicious brew and back to Grim-eye. “Yes, you can say that, but so far they have been proven most effective.”

The King chuckles, “I don’t think they are a remedy for ass worts my boy, but I understand what you are saying,” he says, then looking back at the quarter elf, “you are chasing down the culprits of this drought and spell that plague your realm though, right? I want to make sure we are on the same page.”

He nods, smiles a bit, “Yes, M’Lord, it is. We found what we think is one of the ring leaders, but he eluded us by sending… Well, he just eluded us,” Chance finishes knowing this is going to be difficult to talk to him without spilling too many beans.

The King grabs the quarter elf’s arm and looks at him, “Chance, I need to know everything. I swear by my crown, our conversation will not leave this space. Too many times I have been excluded and almost every time it has backfired on people. I am a man of my word and I want to help.”

Chance looks at him with a bit of worry, but nods, and then smiles, “I have no doubt in my mind about your honor, I will tell you all I know.”

The two of them clink mugs and take another drink together. Grim-eye smiles a little, even chuckles. “Then please, let’s talk, I mean, really talk.”

The Champion talks to him about the drought, how it works. He then continues on Breakwater, the massive cloud, the multitude of factions trying to stop this thing from happening. The portals, the visit to Fiddlegreen and Keyrune. Then through another sigil / portal to the caves and balcony where that dwarf found them.

He listens intently, nodding and oddly enough, doesn’t seem surprised.

“The Odius, how do you explain a companion of such… reputation?” he says looking at Chance from the corner of his eye.

He shrugs his shoulders, “package deal really, vel… or I mean Clara brought her to help with any opposition that we may face.”

The King nods his head, “The Onyx elf, Khamyra is it? Interesting attire for her…” he says, apparently going to go down a list of people Chance is with.

A smile washes over the Champion’s face, “My love. My fiance. The mother of my children and the beat in my heart.”

The King leans back and laughs a little, a smile on his face. He turns and leans against the railing.

“Clara? We know she is not who she says she is, but that is as far as we know,” he says, also letting the quarter elf know, they have their wiles about them too.

Chance looks down, then looks at the King, “As you have asked me to trust you, I am asking you the same in return, sire, it is better that you do not know.”

He sighs a bit, his curiosity peaked, but nods in acknowledgement of the request.

“Finally, how in Animax’s name did a Renrazzi, Kappa, Hunter’s Elite join the frey?” He says with almost a chuckle, “That is the one component to your little party that vexes me the most. She seems to have the lead of the group despite you being Champion.”

Chance sighs a bit, drinks more ale. “She is well seasoned, tripled in age, was literally born for this,” the champion continues, chuckling a little, “as she likes to remind us all the goddamn time. She has been to the summer festival, has seen all the shows, so to speak,” Chance says, remembering his mother used to say that all the time. “I am not good with words, with communication. Just put me in front of a big bad and I will stab it.”

Grim-eye lets out a hearty laugh, “oh, I can see why Jerry likes you so much, brave, full of heart and likes to stab things.” He takes another glug of ale. Yells out down the stairs, “refill!”

Chance finishes off his mug that is about the size of 2-3 normal ones. A servant comes with 2 more mugs, and he takes the others from them. The servants leave the balcony. Both of them take another drink, the brew is almost addictive.

“Quite the adventure you are on,” Grim-eye says after a short silence passes them by. “We have known for quite some time about hidden places within the mountains. Honestly, there could be one, there could be a thousand, I don’t think anyone knows. Our scholars say they are from times long gone, like possibly beyond the first Era.”

Chance takes another drink, then his eyes get big, “if each era is one thousand years, then, holy shit…” he says quietly. He then cups his mouth, “my apologies M’Lord, I…”

The King is looking at him with a smile and a chuckle, “nothing to apologize for Chance, we are just talking as friends.”

Grim-eye continues, “the thing is, we never thought these hidden rooms, caves, whatever, would ever be used or even accessed for that matter,” he says looking out over the landscape, “but when we discovered a room just off our North outlook being used, we took notice. That is where you appeared a few days later.”

He chuckles a bit, glancing back at Chance, “they smell something fierce, I have been part of a siege where no one bathed for months, and those hearty dwarven warriors did not touch the smell that these people or things give off.”

“Sulfur and ass,” Chance says with a chuckle, “it’s our keyword, meaning, we are in the right place.”

The King goes on to explain capturing the monster who suddenly lost it’s aggression when they killed the intruders, apparently another hag and some acolytes were there. The dwarves just put the golem in an unused hallway for the time being, since the portcullis should hold it if anything were to happen to its “personality.”

“I am afraid the room that had the sigil was destroyed and buried,” he says, giving the Champion a look, “we did not want to have anyone else coming through.”

For a second Chance gets worried, but then realizes, “well, then how did we get here?” the Champion responds, then starting to feel the brew, “I don’t know many dragons to ride, to get us here, M’Lord…” he finishes with a museful tone.

The King perks up and puts down his mug, “son of a bitch, there is another one isn’t there?” A look of slight frustration on his face.

Chance nods and looks at the King, “It has not been easy, Clara can dispel this ‘blood magic’ but it takes a lot out of her, and no one else in the party can do it. So we have already run into trouble trying to navigate this… well… maze, portal doors, umm, I am not even sure what this is. If it’s thousands of years old, then…” he finishes shrugging his shoulders.

Grim-Eye smiles and nods, “we have a way of dispelling the blood magic, an old dwarven recipe so to speak, I will send it along with you when you leave.”

Chance smiles large, takes another gulp of the brew, “Thank you M’Lord, we really, (burp!)”

The Champion clasps his hand over his mouth as the King lets out a booming laugh and slaps Chances back.

The two of them talk for a good 15 minutes more, then they come back into the large hall. The King beckoned for one of his lead guards. Chance walks over to the group, glossy eyes and rosy cheeks.

Shemrata sniffs, “uh Chance, sampling the dwarven brew perhaps?” she says, giving him a look.

“Yes, the best ale in all of Legon, and maybe even the godplane,” he says with a smile and giggle.

“Great, just fucking great,” Velencia says quietly, shaking her head, then continuing louder, “A drunk Champion.”

Faelyn looks at the group, and makes a decision without asking them, “M’Lord, if I may?” she says walking to the King.

He looks up from talking with his lead guard, “Yes Renrazzi?”

“We don’t mean to inconvenience you, but could we bother you for a place to stay tonight? I think we need to recoup, and our, um, Champion…” she says looking at him, smirk forming.

The King chuckles, and nods his head, “of course, you are welcome anytime, my servants will show you to quarters. We will eat dinner at 6.”

Grim-eye beckons for his people, who guide the party down some corridors and into separate rooms.

Velencia complains, but does not fight it too much, thinking a good night’s rest would clear her up for what’s to come.

Shemrata inquired about more roast boar and they nod in compliance.

Faelyn quietly goes to her room, deep in thought.

The happy couple makes it to their room. It is easily 80 x 60 feet, with a huge bed in the center of the room, on each wall there are tapestries, ornate lanterns, and paintings. One has a table with food and flowers on it, the other a bath tub with luxurious looking barrels next to it. The floor has a purple rug that almost spans the entire room.

Chance walks to the bed, a bit dizzy from the brew, and sits on the edge of it. He looks to Khamyra who watches the door close behind her. She turns, starts to strip out of her outfit and walks to the Champion. “I think I might take advantage of my drunk Fiance. It’s been far too long.”

The two attack each other, making love for a good hour. When they are done, their hair is all over the place, clothes thrown about and the bed looks like a lion was captured in it.

Each room has a bath, so they take a bath together, get dressed again and snack on some fruit in their room, chit chatting and making googly eyes.

The night goes by, with a great dinner, good company and another roll in the hay for the engaged couple.

---

MONDALAY (Monday) 7:00 AM

---

A knock on the door of the adventurers gets them up and out of bed. After about 30 minutes, they all congregate in the huge dining hall. After a hearty breakfast, they are looking to set back out. Though the stay has been exemplary.

The King and Queen bids them good luck and a farewell. The party all thanks them for their hospitality.

They head down the hallways, back into the balcony. They go down the cave like entrance and there is no mistake, they are where the other sigil is. The smell is putrid. There sit 3 dwarf guards with makeshift masks guarding the area. Not looking too happy at their assignment.

Dhommoth Hillchest is standing a bit away, wrinkling his nose, in another fancy outfit, the hair looks the exact same. “We will keep this sigil in place for one hour. If you do not return , we will destroy it and bury it.”

The dwarf then pulls out a rod that is about 2 feet in length, and has an odd shaped crystal at the end of it. “A gift from the King to the Champion,” he says handing it to Chance, “make sure you are wearing gloves, or that you do not have any portion of your skin touching this when you dispel the magic, Champion, it has quite a kick.”

Chance takes the rod and smiles, nods his head. “Thank you Dhommoth, and please thank the King for me again.”

Faelyn turns back to him, and nods in respect, “Thank you Herald, you and your people have been most kind. This will not go unnoticed.”

He nods to her then as though he was going to throw up, he backs away quickly and walks the other way.

Turn Base Starts Here

DMaster: You are looking at the sigil, the two guards are backing off a bit, relieved they don’t have to be so close. All 5 of you have your nose and mouth covered. The sigil is backed up against a corner of sorts, parts of the wall of this cave seem to be smoothed out. The open entranceway about 10 feet away, seems to be the main source of this smell. They did not dare try to cover the frame entrance in fear it would trigger a collapse of sorts. This is not the most sturdy place you have ever been.

Chance: look at the rest of the group and walk towards the sigil after putting the rod on my belt.

DMaster: Khamyra grabs your arm
KHA: Hold up hun, Velencia do you see that?
Velencia is looking around, a look of disgust on her face.
VEL: Not through the tears in my eyes. I think I am going to be sick

Chance: Chan: What is it?

DMaster: She squats and is looking at the farther wall.
KHA: Has all the sigils been situated against walls?
SHE: Yes. I believe they have been
FAE: (cough) Is this really the time to be asking this question?

Chance: As you recall, they have almost all been against a wall, in a corner, etc
Chan: I think they have. Why does something feel different about this one?
I am trying to still keep my nose and mouth covered

DMaster: She points at 3 symbols on the wall where it has been smoothed out. At first they are hard to see, but focusing past the smell, you see weird symbols carved out. Though there are symbols all about the sigil, the three on the wall are more separated than the ones on the floor. She leans in, looks.
KHA: One has dried blood on it.
Velencia is looking and her eyes get a bit bigger
VEL: Is this like… a directory or something?
Khamyra quickly grabs her notebook and grabs her mini quill and vial. Jots the symbols down.
FAE: Make haste, because my breakfast is making haste in a return visit

Chance: Chan: So maybe by using one of those symbols we could find him? I mean I don’t know about magic like you two.

DMaster: Velencia gives you an annoyed look.
KHA: No, I think they will tell us where the sigil will transport us, if we knew what the hell they meant.
VEL: We done Warlock?
She nods her head, stands up and before she could say ‘go ahead,’ Velencia jumps in, poof, gone.

Chance: Chan: I so hate this mode of transportation
look at Khamyra, smile and walk towards the sigil. Jump in.

DMaster: Like the others, it was dark with some flashes of light. Then you appear, take a second to focus but you step out into a vast darkness. The rest of the group pops in. You look, its pitch dark, but oddly your vision is not kicking on very fast.
VEL: Goddammit I cant see a thing.

Chance: Since my vision is not kicking on very fast, I will pull out Silent Fate hoping it will give off a little light
Chan: This will shed a little light for now.

DMaster: As things come into vision quicker now, it is an enormous “hall.” Looks to be made of stone and brick. Ceilings reach so high you can barely see them, a few pillars in the middle, that have to be 30 feet in diameter. You are guessing it is 400 feet wide, and you can’t see the other side. All of the party is now here.
VEL: My voice echoes, place must be pretty big
She says softly, realizing she must be in a big room.
FAE: Where the hell are we now?
You five huddle up.

Chance: as we huddle up I am looking the group over to see who has gloves on their hands. Seeing Faelyn is the only one, I turn and hand the rod to the Huntress.
Chan: Faelyn I want you to use this if we need to dispel any of this nasty magic, ok?

DMaster: She looks at you, not really wanting to take it.
FAE: Ok.
With a look of worry she grabs the rod
VEL: Think it is safe enough to cast light?
SHE: I haven’t heard anything and I don’t see anything in this room, or hall or whatever this is

Chance: After I hand Fae the rod I will listen as well, seeing if I hear anything.

DMaster: The group is making noise, but even with that, it seems to be dead silent. Velencia pulls out a dagger from her belt. Whispers a word, wipes her finger on the blade and the dagger lights up. Everyone covers their eyes for a second and then eventually their eyes adjust.

Chance: Chan: guess there is only one way to find out where we are

DMaster: DM: Condensing.
The party looks around for a bit, Faelyn figures out that no one has been in the room for a long time judging by the dust and lack of anything disturbed. Khamyra cast dancing lights a few times to get more of this enormous chamber lit. After moving a good 400 feet, they find two doors on opposite sides of the room. Both look to be heavy metal reinforced doors, they are closed, locked and sealed tight. After that, they move another 400 feet until they come across the end of the room, with a single door on the wall that looks like the other ones.
KHA: We can mark off the possibility of this being a dining hall

Chance: I will head towards it as well with the rest of the group
Chan: Well, if it is anything like those other doors we aren’t getting through.

DMaster: Shemrata walks to it, is looking it over, presses on it and it creaks open. Instinctively she jumps back
SHEM: Oh shit…
Velencia raises her dagger higher to shine the light a little better. Faelyn approaches it, looks it over, shrugs her shoulders.
FAE: No traps that I can see, just a corridor.
She pauses, looks at the group
FAE: So we have roughly 1,000 feet long, 400 feet wide room with ceilings that are at least 200 feet. It only has three doors that are all the same. Just this one is open. What in hell is this place?

Chance: As she is saying this I walk closer to the door and take a peek in

DMaster: Velencia is looking back, then to the door and shrugs her shoulders (rolls a 6 for history).
VEL: I have no clue what this hall could be.
Chance rolls a 6 as well. He doesn’t know either. You guys look the door over and decide to move forward. Faelyn leads
FAE: No one has been through here in a long time either, it’s dusty and stale.

Chance: Chan: well at least it doesn’t smell bad.

DMaster: They all nod their head. You reach a doorway, Faelyn peeks in and then looks back
FAE: A room looks to be caved in. Give me a second
She walks in and you can hear some stones fall a bit, dust flies but you can hear her slide down. Then you hear;
FAE: Corridor leads further this way. Seems pretty safe to cross.
You guys make it across the rubble. The corridor leads another 50 feet and it ends with another huge metal door. This time the locking mechanism is on the side you are on. There is a circle gear contraption in the middle, two huge metal bars attached on either side spanning the length of the door and going into the corridors walls.

Chance: Go to the mechanism, give it a good look over and take out my picks, if they are needed.

DMaster: Looking it over, you see there is no “lock” to pick. It looks as though if you turn the middle portion, it will make the two metal bars disengage with the wall and contract in, allowing the door to then open.

Chance: Chan: Shall I do the honors?
Pointing at the door.

DMaster: They debate for a minute then all agree
KHA: Go for it
They all get in some kind of ready state

Chance: I will slowly reach for the handle and start turning it

DMaster: It seems to be stuck at first, but then gives way. “skweee, skweee, skwee, chunk.” the door opens a little, giving it a push, it opens more. Soft light comes in. Peering out you see what looks to be a cave. It is roughly 30ft to 35ft wide, about 15 feet in height. The floor is half dirt, half cobblestone. The walls look like they are half natural half man made. There are barrels, crates, boxes neatly organized against the walls. Close by is a well used brazier, even a slight smell of burning wood. A slight breeze of fresh air hits the party as 80 feet straight ahead of them looks to be the entrance to this cave. A short light shines in from there, giving the cave good lighting for everyone to see.

Chance: I will listen to see if I hear any noises before heading in

DMaster: They are all looking over or around you.
DM:Todd rolls a 7 for perception.
You can hear the breeze from the entrance, but that is about it. Nothing seems “off” so to speak.

Chance: Chan: shall we? I don’t hear anything but I do see what appears to be an exit.

DMaster: They all nod in agreement
FAE: Yes, let’s move out then.
Walking to the entrance, you do so with a bit of caution and every one is as quiet as they can be. You can see lots of barrels, crates, boxes, this is definitely a storage area. It seems very organized, clean for the most part. Closing in to the entrance Shemrata gets everyone to stop a moment. She spotted some barrels set up differently. The Odius walks over, grabs a mug sitting on a crate and puts it under a barrel with a spigot. Pours herself what appears to be an ale, glugs it down. Puts the mug back, turns back and smiles.
SHEM: Delicious, a little sharp but good.

Chance: Shaking my head, giving her a look
Chan: Really?

DMaster: Velencia has a dopey smirk on her face, shaking her head somewhat playfully. You all reach the entrance, it is about 20 feet wide and about 15 feet high. Looks like a typical cave entrance. You can see what appears to be mountains a good 750 feet away. The ledge from the entrance goes out about 20 feet and it looks to drop off sharply. As the group peaks out, to the right is a 20 foot wide pathway carved out of the side of the giant mountains you seem to be in. It is partly cloudy, about 70 degrees. The sun is just reaching a point where it is now hitting this valley floor.

Chance: looking to see how far the pathway goes

DMaster: It goes about 200 feet, slow decline and there seems to be a small village at the base of it. It looks like the cave entrance is about 100 feet off the ground, and the stone pathway slants downward from the entrance to the valley floor. You can see huts, some smoke rising from a chimney or two. In the center of the village are two very large awkward pedestals. Similar to the Bluesteel mountains and Thoraxe, this appears to be in a valley of sorts in between mountain ranges. Everyone’s attention turns to Khamyra as she sighs, loudly. Velencia has a smirk on her face, looking over to the Warlock.
VEL: Khamyra babe, tell me I am wrong
KHA: You ain’t
VEL: Please. Tell me I am wrong.
KHA: Nope, you know it, you know where this is, roughly.
Faelyn and Shemrata are looking at the two exchanging barbs, then exchange looks themselves.

Chance: walking over to Khamyra and put my hand to her back, rub it a little.
Chan: Hun, what is it? Just where are we?

DMaster: Khamyra smiles at you, then looks over to Velencia.
KHA: Vel? Want to tell them?
VEL: Nope, all you
Shemrata, pulling her head back in frustration.
SHEM: Fuck. Just tell us!
KHA: Thundrad Mountains.
Faelyn snaps her head to the Onyx elf.
FAE: We are where now? Thundrad?!?
Shemrata starts to laugh
SHEM: Why not? Why the hell not.

Chance: Chan: I did want to see the world, but this is a bit ridiculous.

DMaster: Todd rolled a 5 in History and he has heard of the Mountains but he doesn’t really know where they are.
KHA: Unmistakable, grew up in the shadow of these mountains

Chance: Chan: So you are saying we are close to where you grew up? Want to visit?

DMaster: She chuckles as does the rest of the party.
KHA: Maybe, maybe not today though, these mountains range from the lands of white death to Iraxacan to the Zhors sands.

Chance: Keep rubbing her back as I look at her lovingly

DMaster: DM: Todd rolls 28 on stealth, I use it for a bit of perception too.
You put out your arm and drag everyone back into the cave. You spotted two people starting to head up the pathway, looks to have baskets in their hands.

Chance: as I pull everyone back into the cave, I will try to get us positioned against walls.

DMaster: The party did not see them. They are looking at you perplexed.
VEL: What are you doing chump?

Chance: Chan: we have two people, carrying baskets, heading up the path

DMaster: KHA: Oh great, this should go well.
SHEM: Let’s kill them
The Odius’s eyes are wide open, a smile across her face.

Chance: my head shoots to her instantly
Chan: no, we do not kill them. Every life is precious unless they are a threat or smell like my bathroom after eating some bad stew.

DMaster: Khamyra giggles a little. Faelyn looks around somewhat frantically, then to each one of you.
FAE: Ok. unfortunately Velencia, or Clara, you look the least intimidating…
The Priestess glares at her. Points to where they would see her only when they get into the cave.
FAE: Stand here, Everyone else to the barrels by the entrance way, so they can’t escape.
VEL: I really hate this, taking orders from a stick figure. You know what I hate even more? Taking shitty orders.

Chance: cover my mouth trying not to laugh, knowing very well Velencia hates taking orders. This is going to explode soon. I take up a position by the barrels at the entrance

DMaster: Faelyn gives her the death stare as they get into place. Two people walk in relaxed, in conversation. Their shadow forms in the light shining through the entrance. The language is not exactly elvish, or common… best to describe it – broken elvish?
WOM: We need some flour and…
Both of them skitter to a halt seeing Velencia leaning up against a crate.
VEL: Good Morning. Didn’t mean to bother you, seems I have taken a wrong turn.
The Priestess says with an absolutely ridiculous accent. She is picking her teeth with her dagger, giving them a weird look. The two of them are standing roughly 15 feet inside the cave, Velencia is about 25 feet in. They are facing away from you guys, facing the Priestess. They seem to be both wearing similar clothing, off white cloth with some trimming of Blue.

Chance: I will watch the way they move when they see Velencia

DMaster: They are still, just staring at her. It is one woman and one man, that you can tell.
WOM: Who are you and how did you get here?
VEL: Took a wrong turn at… ummm. Iraxacan, and I ended up here.
She finishes up with a less than convincing shrug of her shoulders and a whisp of her terrible accent. The two people exchange glances.

Chance: Keep still, see what goes down from here.

DMaster: Everyone seems to be hiding well
MAN: Iraxacan? Really? That is one heck of a wrong turn.
WOM: …and, no one just passes through here
She says with a bit more force, seeming that she is not buying the bullshit.

Chance: hearing that tone of voice, I quietly step out a bit and get ready in case they turn and run.

DMaster: VEL: Oh, and where is here?
Clara, Velencia stands straight, and it startles the two a little. They take a step back. After an awkward few moments of silence; the Priestess shakes her head and sighs.
VEL: You know… fuck this.
They exchange looks again, she grabs her necklace and says a few words. Her eyes flicker in light. She holds out her hand and both of them drop their baskets.
FAE: Dammit!
The Huntress comes storming out.
FAE: What are you doing?

Chance: Chan: I swear ‘Clara” if you hurt them…
Giving her a hard look.

DMaster: The two of them drop to their knees and start to bow to her. Velencia has a playful look on her face, smirking.
VEL: Nothing a little command can’t help us with.

Chance: Sigh a bit in relief.
Chan: Well, OK.
Look at the Huntress.
Chan: It could have been a lot worse, Fae. Believe me.

DMaster: the rest of the party walks out. Shemrata goes to the entrance for a look out, to make sure no other surprises show up.
DM: Condensing a bit
Velencia has full command (both failed their saving throw miserably). She interrogates them. When asked what village is below, the reply, “Shadowgale.” Chance notices that the female is a half-orc, the man is possibly a quarter-half Augustian elf. Khamyra asks why their is a village in the depths of Thundrad Mountains and they reply, “It is where our Lords and Masters can protect us.” Chance asks, and who are these Lords and Masters? They reply, “Ekunai and Ziemmolth.” That gets a chuckle out of Velencia, realizing that is not telling them anything. But Faelyn realizes something. The area, the clothes they wear and those names…

Chance: Keep an eye on Velencia, make sure she doesn’t try anything.

DMaster: FAE: The Lord’s you speak of, are they Dragons?
Velencia’s head snaps to the elf with a wild eyed look, it interrupts the spell for a moment, but she regains the concentration
SHEM: What kind of question is that?
The Odius says with an annoyed look back. Velencia nods her head to the two commanded people to get them to respond.

Chance: My head snaps to Fae the moment I hear the word, Dragons.

DMaster: They both nod their head, confirming the Huntress suspicions. The party goes quiet. Real quiet.
KHA: Great, Dragons. Throw in a Split Jaw, Mountain Giants and a purple devouring worm and it’s a goddamn party.

Chance: Chan: Naw, the worms aren’t much for party’s, unless Rawek is involved.
Say this with a museful tone.

DMaster: Khamyra smirks at you, then sighs, puts her hand to her head. Velencia’s eyes are lit up now, a smile across her face. With a little more interrogation she finds out they visit a few times a day, that they do their bidding in return for protection and many times food. But the one thing that was the most interesting, they were Air Dragons and there were two of them.
VEL: Air Dragons? No one has seen one of these in like, hundreds of years.
Faelyn shakes her head.
FAE: No, you are wrong, it has been much more recent than that. Believe me, you do not want to make it any sooner. It is in our best interest to head back to the sigil.
You get a bad feeling with Velencia right now, she looks way too interested.

Chance: Chan: If they are Air Dragons, what are they made of? Air?
Saying this playfully.
Chan: I really don’t think we want to meet two of them, do we really?

DMaster: Velencia shakes her head at you. As on cue, a weird piercing whistle sound is heard
SHEM: Shit, we have… company. Oh my, wow… just… wow.
The Odius looks out with wide eyes, marveling at what she sees.

Chance: I turn around, walk quietly to the entrance.

DMaster: you take a few steps and look. This massive white dragon sits, back to you, on one of the odd pedestals in the village. From what you can tell it is a good 35 feet long, white reflective scales, but when it breathes, under the scales is some pulsating blue skin. Its massive wings are now retracting back to the body, and it appears to have a smaller set of wings branching off the big ones too. It seems to be getting comfy on its perch. The tail sways, carefully, and the end of it seems to be like a torn bola whip.

Chance: Chan: Ok. Mark seeing Dragons off my bucket list.

DMaster: Velencia walks over to the two people she has in her command.
VEL: You two walked in here, stumbled and fell. Bumped your head and can’t remember anything for the past ten minutes, understand?
They nod their head, blank stares. The Priestess takes out her daggers and hits them both on the head. They crumple to the ground. Faelynn takes her eyes off the Dragon for a moment and turns to the Priestess.
FAE: Did you have to?
VEL: Yup, I have to see this.

Chance: Shaking my head a bit seeing what happened in the corner of my eye.
Chan: Fae, trust me she could have done a lot worse than that
Still in awe of the dragon

DMaster: Velencia walks over, eyes bulge, seeing the giant beast.
VEL: That is, magnificent
Faelyn looks at the Disguised woman annoyed.
FAE: That? No, this dragon is a male, and what they can do to you is not magnificent.
Velencia gives her an annoyed look back.

Chance: Chan: well I for one would prefer not to end up in a fight with, “him,” or Him’s or him and her or…
Trail off, saying it somewhat quietly. Giving Velencia a small smile as to say thank you for not doing worse to those people.

DMaster: She notices the look, shakes her head and scoffs at you
FAE: Well this is a dead end, let’s head back to the sigil before we are discovered.
Khamyra is in awe.
KHA: Wow… a friggin dragon

Chance: Chan: Yes. Pretty amazing. I’d rather not wait around for the second one though.

DMaster: Todd rolls a 29 on stealth, he is hidden and he is also making sure no one else is getting too far out or too loud. Even with that, the dragon suddenly turns its head to the cave entrance. You catch a look at his eyes, they are pulsating blue, doesn’t look like they even have pupils or anything.
DM: Dragon rolled a 25 in passive perception
DRAG: Intruders, I sense them. Where is Gritchon and Sumuel?
You hear a few other voices come from the village, but can’t understand what they said. The Dragon’s voice was powerful, smooth and made you shiver a little.

Chance: Chan: I think we better get out of here now, unless we want to a fight on our hands

DMaster: DM: Chance, Velencia and Faelyn(immune) make their wisdom savings throw for Dragon Fear, Shemrata and Khamyra do not. Then I rolled a “1” in regards to what the party does.
You get a little wave of worry, but shake it off. But in the corner of your eye you see Shemrata back away and walk farther into the cave. Khamyra’s eyes bulge a little and she backs up as well, and puts herself in the shadows of the biggest crate she can find.
FAE: OK. Times up. Let’s head back, now!
Then without warning, Velencia looks at the Huntress, smirks and walks out of the cave and down the pathway. The Huntress frantically tries to grab the Priestess but to no avail. She jumps back in the cave entrance.
FAE: What just happened… What is she doing?
The Huntress grabs you and pulls you farther back into the cave.

Chance: Eyes bulge.
Chan: just what the hell is she doing?

DMaster: Faelyns face is flushed, she looks mortified.
FAE: This is bad, this is really really bad.
From outside of the cave,
VEL: Greetings M’Lord, I wanted to talk with you if you had a moment

Chance: I creep to the entrance and watch

DMaster: You peek your head back out, being stealthy. From what you can tell the dragon is a bit surprised and is looking at her with an eyebrow raised. He turns his entire body to face her. You can now see the pulsating blue skin under some parts, it is beautiful.
DRAG: Who are, You?
VEL: I am, umm, Clara
She says half heartedly.
VEL: I seem to have made a wrong turn somewhere, and require your assistance.
It lifts its head a bit.
DRAG: Bold little creature I see.

Chance: keep watching and listening to this exchange, trying not to move

DMaster: Velencia makes it about halfway down the pathway. They stare at each other for a moment. Velencia has wonder in her eyes, marveling at the magnificent beast.
DRAG: Well, it did take… courage, to approach me.
It brings its head down to Velencia’s level.
DM: Dragon rolls a natural 20 on insight.
DRAG: But first, let us be truthful. It is the least we can do before I make you an appetizer…
It pauses and tilts its head a bit, curious. Then a look of realization hits him. Leans its head back a bit.
DRAG: Could it be? Deep in the Thundrad Mountains, far far from home?
Velencia is just looking up at him. It backs off, lifts its head, and lets out a weird whistling shriek noise. You all instinctively cover your ears.
VEL: Rude, If you didn’t want to help, you could just have said so. No need for whatever that was.
The Priestess shrugs her shoulders, turns and starts to walk back up to the cave
DRAG: High Priestess of Finster, you do not turn your back on me.
Fae is just shaking a little, looking down and getting really worried.
FAE: That shriek, He just called it’s mate to join…

Chance: thinking to myself she is going to get herself killed, or us, for that matter

DMaster: Velencia twirls around, surprised.
VEL: That obvious? Yeah, I am forced into this…
Looking at her outfit, as she then takes off the wig.
VEL: …due to my reputation. Oh, and you would never make me an appetizer. I would be your whole goddam meal.
She says with conviction and a somewhat playful tone.
VEL: So I offer up my apologies for this ruse.
The Dragon nods its head.
DRAG: Noted. And quite the reputation you have, Priestess
She puts her wig in the sack she has, and wipes something across her face. The symbol of Finster pops up on her cheek, her eyes turn to blue.
FAE: What is she doing?!?!
Faelyn says with a hiss, eyes huge and shaking her head.

Chance: Shaking my head as well, not totally surprised at this. I saw it coming. I know the Priestess too well, she is getting more frustrated and disgusted by the situation. As well as not wanting to take orders from, the stick figure and this is a the biggest “fuck you,” she could give the huntress.

DMaster: Another shrill whistling sound is heard, a rushing sound and as if from nowhere, another dragon drops onto the other pedestal. With a thud sound, dust and some debris flying. It is another dragon, a bit smaller, has smaller scales and you can see the blue underneath much better. This one’s eyes are bigger.

Chance: Slap forehead. Looking over to see how Fae is reacting seeing the second dragon show up.
Chan: I hope this doesn’t go south in a hurry (whispering)

DMaster: The Huntress backs up, and is starting to gear up. Checking her arrows, her blade, her bow, etc. She is getting her gear ready for battle.
FAE: This is absolutely unacceptable, unbelievable
She says under her breath.
FAE: If we have to fight, only do so for a quick retreat, understand?
She then looks around the cave and see’s Shemrata and Khamyra cowering.
FAE: Goddammit, Dragon fear. That is perfect, just perfect.
DRAG2: Ziemmolt, what in Animax is this woman with a wretched symbol on her face, doing in our village?
Velencia walks farther down the pathway, to the edge, sits and dangles her legs off the side
VEL: Oh, it’s a long story

Chance: shaking my head. I decide to make my way to Khamyra and Shemrata, but doing so quietly.

DMaster: ZIE: My dear Ekunai, meet the esteemed High Priestess of Finster.
He says, having his neck and head turn back to his mate.
FAE: I hope they don’t see me, the Hunter Elite and Dragons do not have a palatable relationship.
You get to Khamyra, her eyes are big, sweat beading on her forehead. Shaking a bit too.
KHA: Whoa, Chance, I don’t know, I am just not feeling good about this…

Chance: Remembering about what Fae said; Dragon Fear.
Chan: Hun, it’s just Dragon Fear, or some shit. Nothing to worry about…
Pause thinking, that, was a big fucking lie.

DMaster: She is shaking her head. Shemrata is next to her, in the same state.
FAE: Don’t bother with Dragon Fear. They have to work it out on their own.

Chance: Chan: Faelyn, how do you deal with it?

DMaster: FAE: Don’t know, never got it.
VEL: Welcome M’Lord.
She says with sincerity, looking over to the other Dragon.
EKU: It’s M’lady if you must.
Velencia stops, nods.
VEL: My Apologies, m’lady. Well, if you did not know, there seems to be an invasion of sorts into our lands of Legon.
EKU: Invasion? Into our lands?
Velencia nods her head.
VEL: Some real smelly people from across the Evershimmer have made their way to this side, causing a drought and casting wide ranging spells from the Temple of Animax all the way down to Zdrok’s way.

Chance: Give Khamyra a kiss on the forehead, head back to the entrance with Fae.
Chan: We could always see if my champion form breaks the fear but then the dragons would for sure know we are here.

DMaster: Faelyn shakes her head at that thought. The dragons look at each other, say something in a guttural type language and then look back to her.
ZIE: That is the East. Far far away. And, I am sorry, did you say, smelly?
The Priestess, looking like she is at a relaxing picnic, nods her head.
VEL: Yeah. Brings tears to my eyes.
The second dragon named Ekunai, brings her head down to Velencia’s level.
EKU: They wouldn’t smell like the edge of a volcano, would they?
The Priestess lets out a little laugh.
VEL: Yup. Sulfur. And a whole lot of ass.
The two creatures bring themselves more in an upright position. They exchange glances. Then, in something you never thought you would see a creature of such a size do. They both jump up suddenly a good 20 feet, flap their wings and there is some weird distortion form around them. It kicks up some dust and debris. Then as if they were frozen for a second, they shoot upwards so fast you could barely see them, accompanied by this crazy whistle sound.
VEL: Whoa, that was awesome…
Her head goes straight up, she squints from the sun. Waving her hand a bit from the dust.
VEL: but hey, I wasn’t done talking!

Chance: I creep back to where Fae is and just keep watching to see what happened. Look the sky over to see if there is any sign of them.

DMaster: Looking across the sky, they all but disappeared. Velencia looks around, there is an entire village staring at her from below, hard to make out how they look. She just sarcastically waves at them.
VEL: Howdy!

Chance: Chan: Did you understand what they said Fae before they flew up?

DMaster: She shakes her head. The Huntress looks around, draws her hood and runs down to Velencia, anger washing over her face.
FAE: Are you mad woman? What is your malfunction?!?
Velencia glances up, smiles
VEL: Come join us, they are actually nice.

Chance: I will see if I can get Shemrata and Khamyra to snap out of it, now that the dragons have left.

DMaster: More people are gathering around, you can’t imagine the village has more than say 35-40 people. You hear the two people on the cave floor groaning a little, grabbing their head and sitting up. Khamyra and Shemrata both walk out of their hidden place, wiping sweat off them, still a little shaken.

Chance: Hand on Khamyra’s shoulder.
Chan: love, are you going to be okay?
More concerned about Khamyra right now, let Fae deal with Velencia

DMaster: She nods her head
KHA: That was weird, like…I…
Shemrata looks at the Onyx Elf.
SHEM: … I wanted to just go, hide and be quiet
Both of them nod their heads.

Chance: Chan: Fae said it was called Dragon Fear, I guess

DMaster: After a muffled argument with Velencia, Faelyn is bee-lining it back to the cave, but it was too late. Two whistle sounds, and two thud sound. Both Dragons look over to Faelyn halfway up the pathway.
ZIE: And who is this now?
VEL: Some annoying stick figure of an elf.
The Priestess says without hesitation. The second dragon had something in its mouth, drops it next to the Priestess. It spits a little to the side afterwards. She jumps a little, double takes and nods her head seeing a lifeless sentinel golem.
VEL: Phew. Not so close. Yes, that… that, would be a good example of what is coming over.
ZIE: We found a bunch of them poking around our mountain range, a couple even made their way into our lair.
The Dragon’s eyes squint a bit, angry, remembering the story.
EKU: The smell is, well, worse than an ancient red dragons bellow. We assumed they got here through some portal. There are a few portals around Legon, none around here that we know of.
The larger dragon looks at the dead golem, then back to Velencia.
VEL: Portals? You would be right, that is how we got here. But it is sigil based and they use blood magic.

Chance: Making sure Shemrata and Khamyra are okay and then creeping back to the entrance.

DMaster: The one dragon grabs the sentinel and flings it the other direction to an open portion of the valley floor. It lands with a splat. It then puts its head right up to Velencia, her body is about the size of the dragon’s head. For the first time, Velencia leans back a bit, eyes wide.
ZIE: Hmm, you do not smell like them, you smell like… Lavender.
With eyes of wonder, Velencia nods.
VEL: Yes, quite correct, Lavender and soap, took a bath at the Thoraxian Castle this morning
The one dragon brings it’s head back and then looks over to the other.
EKU: Blood magic, hmmm. These people must not be too smart. It could backfire even worse than mana.
The Dragon says, almost not caring if anyone is listening or not.
DM: Shemrata made her save, but Khamyra did not.

Chance: I am watching to see what the dragons reactions are to Faelyn

DMaster: Her hood is drawn. Khamyra backs up again, and sits behind a barrel.
ZIE: Hooded one, what did the Priestess call you, stick figure?
Velencia, still dangling her legs off the edge, looks back and laughs
FAE: Faelyn, is my name, Faelyn, M’lord and M’lady.
The two dragons look at each other again and back up to the cave. Just then the two knocked out people ran past you and down the pathway.

Chance: Seeing the two run by, slap my forehead and sigh.
Chan: well, guess no sense in hiding now

DMaster: Shemrata grabs your arm, hard.
SHEM: Chance, you weren’t watching them?!?
Faelyn looks behind, watches as the two run past her. Her eyes get big, a bit of anger in them and sighs loudly.
EKU: Ahhh, Gritchon and Sumuel, there you are, are you ok? Did they harm you?
They nod their head a bit, rubbing their noggins. Both of them explain that they were not harmed, they fell, hit their heads, but they are not sure what happened back there, exactly.

Chance: looking back I walk over to Khamyra and grab her hand
Chan: come on hun, I need you to snap out of this

DMaster: She quickly recoils
KHA: No, just go. I will start to head back to the sigil

Chance: throwing my hands up at how frustrating this is, and sigh as she says that

DMaster: After a few words are exchanged between Dragons,
ZIE: We are not going to be deceptive. You would have been nothing more than indigestion by now, if it wasn’t for your reputation. And now you have peaked our curiosity with this information about, what is that, smelly people? But, truthfully, we care not for what happens in the eastern realm, and you are a long way from home.

Chance: I walk towards the entrance of the cave

DMaster: VEL: It would be in your best interest to take notice and pay attention. Once they are done across the east, do you think they will close their saddlebags up and head back home? No. They will move to the next area to attack, doing who knows what.
Again the dragon’s exchange glances
ZIE: Then besides an aggressive invitation to turn around and leave, what do you need from us?
VEL: Well, you two have to be like 3 or 400 years old, am I right? You have to know something about what lies across the Evershimmer, maybe more about the smelly people, any unusual activities, or maybe know something about sigil symbols perhaps?
EKU: Oh. Is that all?
Velencia nods and chuckles

Chance: making the decision to walk out of the cave, since there is no point in hiding now, and come down the path

DMaster: They both glance up and see you. A snort from Ekunai as she sees this.
ZIE: Who else squats in our peoples storage cave?
Faelyn shakes her head, figuring this can’t get any worse. The one dragon brings its neck out, looks you over. It squints its eyes a bit. Both of the Dragons seem to shutter a little.
ZIE: Who are you?

Chance: Chan: my name is Chance Axion, Champion of the Court of Camerondale.
looking up at the dragon and smiling

DMaster: Both dragons snort a bit and get a bit riled up
ZIE: Oh, really. Even if that was true, that is not all, is it? Not even close…
VEL: He is Finster’s Champion. Yeah…
Both dragons look at each other then back to Velencia
VEL: We travel together, we fight together and we will finish these smelly fuckers together. You two have been open with us, I, in turn, am being open with you.

Chance: Chan: The nasty woman over there is correct.
Nod my head, pointing at the Priestess

DMaster: Velencia looks back at you with a surprised disgusted look. She then goes on to explain more as to what happened. By now the entire village is out there looking on. You notice something. There does not appear to be too many of one race, most of the people seem to have some kind of scar, disfigurement. Misfits of sorts.

Chance: Chan: well these sigil portals have us bouncing all over. There does not appear to be any rhyme or reason to them. If they did, we would not be bothering you two fine Lords.

DMaster: EKU: Lords? Apparently I am now a man.

Chance: Chan: Sorry, not everyday I meet such marvelous beings. M’lady.
Bow a bit to the female dragon.

DMaster: Shemrata waltzes out of the cave and heads down, she takes down her hood. The Dragons rear back a little
EKU: Bullocks! An Odius? This is getting ridiculous!
Both Dragons get riled up again, seeing the sharp creature.
ZIE: Is this everyone now? Should we be expecting Queen Hylora or perhaps High regent of Iraxacan?
Velencia chuckles a bit
VEL: Yeah there is one other, but I think your aura has her off her game.

Chance: looking down and sigh a bit

DMaster: DM: Condensing.
The Dragons converse with each other and agree to have an older lady, who seems to dabble in a few arcane arts, talk to Velencia. It doesn’t go well as the woman is deathly afraid of the symbol on the Priestesses cheek. But the party does acquire some information on sigils and some blood magic.

Chance: I have walked a bit further down the path so I can see the dragons closer

DMaster: One is looking back for the old woman, the other Dragon is keeping an eye on Faelyn.
ZIE: You must have gone through the hold, they have set up a sigil in there.
The other dragon’s eyes get bigger, and looks over the group,
EKU: Must have, but how would they have known it even existed to set one up?
Velencia nods then shrugs her shoulders.
VEL: Yeah, what was that place? It was huge and completely empty.
ZIE: It is a chamber in which our ancestors were imprisoned for centuries.

Chance: Chan: By who, if I may ask, imprisoned you there?

DMaster: They spin their neck around, glance at you with the pulsating blue eyes.
ZIE: You would not know of this person, Champion, they are nothing more than dust and old scratchings

Chance: Working on a hunch here.
Chan: Perhaps, but still I would like to know who could imprison powerful beings like yourself?

DMaster: ZIE: Fair question
Puffs his chest out a little.
EKU: Immiryllion, but that scourge has been long banished from this plane.

Chance: My eyes get big as I hear the name
Chan: Oh, I see, as some like to call her, the Iron Wench.

DMaster: Both dragons turn to you quickly, and stare, eyes wide, again their eyes just this gorgeous blue pulse.
ZIE: I have not heard that name in centuries. How did you, how would you…
In its own Dragons way, it shakes its head.
EKU: That is what you people would call a nick-name our kind gave her. After her sweeping, massive campaign against dragons to extract our souls, our essence, our magic.
Everyone is looking at you now, wide eyes.
ZIE: How would someone so young know of such an old ghost?

Chance: Chan: yes, I know more than you think, in fact I just recently met her high Priest Drozcon. Who I believe is the cause of our drought

DMaster: VEL: Yeah, he knows a few things… usually it has to do with wiping his butt, but whatever.
The two Dragons stop, and if you did not know any better, they seemed shocked. Both of them are in deep thought. They turn to each other and start to talk in their language.
ZIE: What you are telling us, Imyrillian has Priests, followers still? Why would people follow a long forgotten goddess? Unless…
Everyone is looking at you now.

Chance: Give them a look, tilt my head.
Chan: Actually I don’t think she is as “forgotten” as you think.
Raising my eyebrows.

DMaster: Velencia is looking at you, gets up from her ledge. A look of realization washes over her face.
VEL: Wait, these smelly fucks are the followers of this Wench lady?
She storms up to you, eyes a bit enraged. The Huntress eyeing up an opportunity.
FAE: Yeah, of course they are, get with the program, even I knew that
Valencia is looking at you with disbelief. She glances up to the Elf, wanting to smack her upside the head. The two dragons converse more.
EKU: Well, this changes everything, it seems.
Meanwhile something catches your eye up the path, it’s Khamyra. She is gingerly walking down
ZIE: For the love of Xiranarden, I hope this is the end of your little entourage!

Chance: Chan: Yes, that would finish off our little party. Come my love, meet our hosts.
looking at her, then the dragons

DMaster: They are still a bit shocked at what you unveiled to them.
ZIE: So she lives, in some form or another. Probably much like Finster does.
EKU: She is in waiting, waiting for the right time. She is scheming my mate, she is scheming.
They seem to be in deep thought

Chance: Nod my head.
Chan: That she is. I fear this is only the first of many trials and attacks she has planned for this side of Legon.

DMaster: After a few more minutes
ZIE: We have given you all we know, as of now. We have much to do. Wandering around Shadowgale is not an option. This place must be kept secret, for their protection and others.
Velencia bows a bit, in respect
VEL: Of course, even if we wanted to unveil it, we have no idea where this is, in the Thundrad Mountains.
Ekunai gives the Priestess a look, as far as you can tell, her being a Dragon and all.
EKU: The High Priestess of Finster, bowing to us?
The Priestess smiles and nods.
VEL: Beings of such power, known Lord and Lady’s of this land, it is only right to show a little respect.
The female dragon slowly nods.

Chance: I bow as well and nod then look at the dragons
Chan: Your secret is safe with us. I am sure I have already said way too much, as it is about the Iron Wench, but I felt you should know

DMaster: They both look at you, from what you can tell they nod their heads as well. The one that has been watching Faelyn finally beckons for her.
EKU: Hooded one, Faelyn is your name. That is an Augustian name, is it not? Reminds me of some we have known to be of, pure blood. May we have the privilege of a full introduction?
The other one glances at his mate, then back up the path. Faelyn stops, ponders a moment. She looks and sees she is about 40 feet from the entrance. These Dragons are fast, but not that fast. In a surprise move she then turns, drops her hood. Like a scene from a movie, it is as though time slowed a bit.
FAE: My name is Faeylin, Faeylin Hilorcan, I am a Renrazzi, and the Kappa for the Hunters Elite.
Both their heads dip a little, eyes get narrow.
ZIE: (hissing) Hunters Elite… Scourge!
EKU: How dare you come here. Your presence offends us. It has been a long time since our kind have battled with yours…
The Huntress interrupts.
FAE: And it will be longer still…
She says giving them a respectful bow
ZIE: Leave! Now! Before our appetites arise!
The huntress turns and walks to the cave entrance.

Chance: Chan: I thank you for all the help you have given us, but may I ask that if we need your help one day, you might…

DMaster: You are interrupted with a growl and piercing blue eyes.

Chance: Chan: Oh… Hunters Elite, got you. Not a fan…
I bow and look at the dragons and smile

DMaster: As Velencia walks by you, stumbling around trying to be all formal, she grabs you by the armor’s collar.
VEL: Thanks to uppity stick up the ass, we have worn out our welcome Chump, time to go.

Chance: Catch my balance.
Chan: For once, I couldn’t agree with you more.

DMaster: You turn one last time to see the female dragon jump, flap its wings a few times, this odd distortion form, then like it was frozen for a half second with a piercing whistling sound, a blast of dust, and a streak straight up into the sky, it is gone. The party returns to the cave entrance, Shemrata stops for a second, grabs another mug of ale, downs it and then catches back up to you guys. You go through the doors, seal them, head back, over the rubble, down the corridor and into the huge chamber.

Chance: heading back the way we came carefully

DMaster: SHEM: These Dragons were awfully chatty and nice, I thought they would be evil and more, bitey and breathy.
Faelyn shakes her head.
FAE: Believe it or not, most Dragons are good in nature. The Hunter’s Elite would hunt dragons from time to time, but only ones that were causing trouble or evil in nature. As I am sure you know, Dragons are a very remote race of creatures, they do not like to interact with others. In fact, apart from the Elite, there has only been a handful of reported sightings over the course of the past few decades.
The group continues to walk through the huge chamber.
FAE: Their huge ego, pride and vanity is almost always the stumbling block for communication.
Velencia chuckles
VEL: Sounds like someone we know.
Faelyn ignores the comment and continues.
FAE: There are some that we used to hunt, that were quite evil and dastardly. The Air Dragons were one of the breeds that were wild and impulsive. They liked to destroy villages and eat people. Thankfully, these two were much more lawful, and were very protective of this village. And, what a village it was (giggles) a bunch of little misfit freaks.
Khamyra grabs the Renrazzi’s arm and violently whips it around. Khamyra gets in her face the best she can. Her eyes pulse a little with power. The Huntress’s eyes open wide, backs up.
KHA: I have had enough of you talking down to everyone. Those were people, people who probably don’t have any choice or freedoms in life like we do. Just because they don’t fit into your little mold of perfection, does not diminish their importance… and, dammit, it doesn’t give you the right to talk about them like that!
Everyone stopped, and looked back at the two, eyes wide. Faelyn does not say a word, just looks down, face flushing.

Chance: Walk over to Khamyra and put my hand on her back again, to show support for what she just said.
Chan: You were worried about a Dragon? (snort) You should be more worried about pissing off a Warlock.
Keep walking.

DMaster: Eventually you reach the sigil. Khamyra is writing down the symbols and the one that has blood on it. The party is now pretty quiet.
FAE: If this sigil directional thing is aiming us back to the Dwarven kingdom, and they destroyed the sigil, will we just transport into the void or something, or into a ton of rock?
The party all exchange glances in the dimly lit corner of this vast room. Velencia shakes her head.
VEL: From what I know, it takes both sigils active to work. If one is not powered, or has been correctly disabled, then jumping into the circle, nothing will happen. But…
Everyone then looks at the Priestess when she says that.

Chance: Chan: Dammit, more butts.

DMaster: VEL: If they did not destroy or disable the sigil correctly, then yeah, we might end up crushed under a mountain of rock.

Chance: Chan: Oh, great.
Nod my head sarcastically.

DMaster: After a few awkward moments.
KHA: Figures, but if the Dwarves knew enough how to dispel blood magic, I am sure they know enough to destroy or disable the sigil correctly.
She looks around.
KHA: Ok, who is first?
Shemrata burps.
SHEM: I’ll go, I am sure most of you are shitting yourself now. But I have to piss something fierce, so wherever we are, void or not, I’m squatting.
She jumps in, poof gone. Velencia is chuckling.

Chance: Chan: well what is it Cassie said when I wanted to propose to you?
looking at Khamyra and I jump in as well, not before I say:
Chan: YOLO!

DMaster: It goes dark for a second, then light rushes in. You look around. You see a curtain in front of you half drawn. You can see Shemrata looking around the room for a place to squat.

Chance: I immediately step out of the sigil and draw Silent Fate

DMaster: It looks familiar. You see an overturned table, a dead hag, a deflated sentinel. All you hear is an Odius sighing relief in the other room. Khamyra walks out.
KHA: Oh thank Finster, we are back
Velencia struts out
VEL: Oh hey, good. I’m hungry and thirsty.
Faelyn walks past the group somewhat disgusted with everyone
VEL: Hey, hey, stick figure, I want that damn rod back.
Faelyn stops for a moment, back turned. She then looks at the priestess and rushes her. They are about the same height, they are all but touching noses. At first Velencia was surprised, but it quickly turned to an annoyed frown.
FAE: What you did back there was one of the dumbest things I have ever witnessed. You put us all at risk for what? A few sheets of symbols, a story you can tell all your drunk friends at the bar? I don’t care how powerful you are, or how many “souls” you can eat. Your shitty discipline will be the end of you and more tragically, this little group here…
The red faced Huntress backs up a bit, still seething, staring at Velencia. The Priestess gives her a small smile, lifts her right hand up, and slowly unveils her middle finger. Faelyn is just staring at the finger, not 2 inches from her face. Eyes getting wider, anger filling them. Shaking a bit, the elf is contemplating, plotting. Khamyra, wiping her clothes down a little, pulling up her shirt a bit to cover her titties; without even a look her way:
KHA: Don’t do it Huntress, you wouldn’t last a second…
The Renrazzi, in more anger than it seems she can handle, turns, hands you the stick defiantly (because it was not to Velencia) and walks out the room.

Chance: Chan: Well I for one am not going to be waiting for a thank you card from her.
shaking my head and looking at Velencia for a minute

DMaster: Shemrata looks at her Priestess with a bit of Pride. She chuckles a bit.
VEL: Shem, did you cop a squat yet?
Shemrata laughs, nods her head.
VEL: First order of business, get to Wilder’s, get some food and make sure Arlo is ok. Second, we need to get to our horses, and Crowbears. Third, I need to have a long talk with our host, and feel him out
KHA: Oh, Vel, no, he is old enough to be your grand-dad
She just shakes her head, smirks at the Warlock.
VEL: How do you know he isn’t my grand-pa?
Velencia giggles as they move on.

Chance: Chan: well, what about this sigil? Shouldn’t we take care of it?

DMaster: Khamyra stops and realizes she forgot to write down the three symbols on the wall.
KHA: Oh yeah, let me write this down.
She gets out her paper and ink, writes it down
VEL: Take care of it?

Chance: Chan: I mean now that we are back shouldn’t we close it or what not so it cant be used again

DMaster: Velencia rolls her eyes.
VEL: Well then, genius, how are we tracking this Drozcon guy down? Think he will magically appear in front of you again? Maybe we can send a messenger out to him, ask him to join us for some morning tea and biscuits, or…
KHA: Enough Vel, enough

Chance: Walk up to her, be like an inch from her face. Shake my head, frowning. Then just keep walking.

DMaster: Khamyra Puts her arm around your waist and you two leave

Chance: as we are leaving I will put my arm around my fiance, and pull her close as we are walking

DMaster: you leave the place, end up out on the back alley of Breakwater. and head back to the Waterlogged Dolphin
VEL: I would of liked to take on those dragons… it would of been fun
SHEM: Yeah, even you might of had issues with them
VEL: Maybe. But to see them fly, to take off and fly, wow. That was awesome.
SHEM: Their pulsated blue undercoat… that was, almost beautiful.

Chance: Chan: and to think there forefathers were imprisoned at one time by the Iron Wench.

DMaster: Velencia wheels around to meet your eyes
VEL: So you thought it was not important to tell us these stink bombs are the minions of that wench? That there is a, I don’t know, a fucking “cast out goddess” behind all that ails this side of the world?

Chance: look her dead in the eyes
Chan: Well, you never asked me, did you? But as I recall, I am just an idiot that knows a few things, like how to wipe my ass.
Still just staring.

DMaster: She smirks a bit, contemplating the fact her own words got thrown back in her face. She nods and walks into the tavern.

Chance: calm myself down and follow her into the “dolphin.”

DMaster: First thing you see is Arlo, with a bunch of papers in front of him, looks to be scribbling things down. The tavern is otherwise empty except for someone behind the bar

Chance: looking to see the person behind the counter, taking a deep breath seeing that Arlo is okay and just smile

DMaster: It is an elf, long straight dark hair, big eyes and a dopey look on her face. Arlo sees Velencia, gets up, almost falls and runs to her and hugs her. Surprisingly, Velencia smiles, hugs him back. He sees the rest of you, gives his usual goofy wave and smiles.

Chance: Give him a small smile and wave back. Look to the stairs.

DMaster: The girl from behind the bar looks at the Priestess
LYR: Velencia, door closed, not open bar
She says in broken common.
VEL: Lyric, you empty headed slut, we are staying here
She smiles and giggles, obviously missing the fact that Velencia said was an insult.
VEL: where is your boss? I could go for some of his spiced taters right now
Khamyra slumps into a chair, looking a bit winded from the last few days’ events. Shemrata pulls her hood, leans up against the wall. Velencia heads behind the bar looking for some mugs, and maybe some jerky.

Chance: Make my way to where our rooms are. Go check on what we left behind.

DMaster: Things are scattered all over, some puke in the corner of one of the rooms, spilled beer and some old food in another. They are all the same, looks like a party was held in them.

Chance: shaking my head and coming back down the stairs, walking over and plop down in a chair next to Khamyra.

DMaster: Khamyra is in some deep thought.
KHA: I think I might have been a bit rash with our Huntress. I think we are going to need Faelyn when it comes down to it. She was instrumental in all our battles and she keeps a level head when we don’t.

Chance: Chan: well I agree, but her and Velencia are just going to keep butting heads until it comes to blows.

DMaster: KHA: Oh, like two people we know, huh?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: I am learning to take the jabs, and that there are bigger things at stake right now than her foul mouth. As much as I don’t like her, we are doing the bidding of our Lord.
looking at her smiling

DMaster: She nods, Khamyra stands
KHA: I am going to go find Faelyn, talk to her. Apologize for my outburst and, well, Velencia’s middle finger. Keep an eye out for our buddy Wilder, see if he can get us outside the City to look for the horses.

Chance: Chan: I will try and keep a level head while you are gone. Will do, my love, be careful

DMaster: As she turns the doors open. Bastian walks in his leather gear, his battle staff across his back. Mckenna by his side, geared up too, her long thin sword on her belt.

Chance: my head snaps as I see Bastian and McKenna and a smile goes to my face

DMaster: Following them in is four camerondale guards. The master Witch double takes seeing you.
BAS: Chance?
He looks at you surprised.
LYR: Hey, hey, goofy goof, not open, go away

Chance: I get up, walk to him and hold my hand out to shake his hand

DMaster: BAS: Goofy goof?
You exchange handshakes, he nods to Khamyra who reciprocates, then he glances over to Lyric.
BAS: Well, girly girl, you’re open for us now.
He turns his attention back to you, the mysterious person against the wall and the odd man just laying ruin to charcoal and papers.
BAS: I think we just arrested half of Breakwater. It was our only way in. We have possession of the city now, the goddam red tape and then waiting for more guards… Speaking of that, how did you guys get in?
He says in a bastian type fashion.

Chance: my head turns towards Khamyra and the state of her shirt,
as a big grin forms across my face. Then it hits me, Velencia isn’t disguised anymore. Worry washes over me, knowing how well this is going to go over.

DMaster: The two Black Ward members, squint, then eyes get big. Meanwhile Khamyra, a bit annoyed, pulls up her shirt.
MCK: Oh.. OH!
Bastian smirks, chuckles, looks back to Mckenna
MCK: Yeah, I don’t think so, plus I don’t have anything that size on me to get that kind of attention.
KHA: I’ll be back, I’ll try and find Faelyn.
Bastian gets the Warlocks attention.
BAS: Oh the Huntress? Yes we just ran into her, she was storming down the main road. Spoke with her for a minute, though she was not very happy.
KHA: Where did she go?
BAS: Her people headed back home, so I offered her a place to stay at our makeshift HQ just outside of the city.

Chance: Chan: I hope she took you up on that offer.

DMaster: He nods his head. You notice Khamyra eyeing up the bar, then looks back at you.

Chance: Looking for Velencia, wondering where she wandered off.
Chan: Let Faelyn know she can have my rod back if she wants it.
Shake head realizing what I just said.

DMaster: Everyone’s eyes open wide. Khamyra spits, and then busts out laughing. Others chuckled.

Chance: Chan: No the dispel rod thing for the Blood Magic.

DMaster: KHA: I’ll just give her your regards, how’s that?
Khamyra leaves. Bastian looks at you.
BAS: Blood magic, what the hell?
McKenna’s head snapped to you when you said that.

Chance: Chan: sit, sit, I am sure I can wrestle up a pitcher of ale, or something that… umm… a bar owner might call ale.

DMaster: Bastian goes to step forward, but Velencia has made her way out from the bar very quickly, and away from your vision of sight. She walks up, directly in front of the master Witch. He looks at her, double takes and steps back.
BAS: You…
Mckenna draws her blade and as quick as she does that, Velencia waves her hand and the Witchblade was thrown clear across the room, landing with a smack against the wall with her grunting, her sword making a clanking sound as it skitters across the barroom floor. Shemrata unhoods, unsheathes her tail and heads over. Bastian looks over to the Odius, eyes wide, and turns to see McKenna trying to stand up. The guards all unsheath weapons seeing this happen and a few step back when the giant Legion Odius unveils herself and her tail thrashing about.

Chance: Chan: enough, all of you and Velencia back down now!
I say this as my hand goes to the necklace.

DMaster: Velencia nods to Shemrata. Then looks at Bastian, who is oddly calm.
VEL: Who invited these people in, they are not welcome in this city
She gets right up in his face, a soft smile apparent. Mckenna is peeling herself off the wall practically
BAS: We are welcome now, Priestess, this is our land, our people and as of an hour ago, our city.

Chance: Chan: Velencia enough! stand down I said!

DMaster: Velencia stops for a second, smirks.
VEL: Oh I heard you Chump.
She gives you a look, an evil smile as you feel a tail wrap around your neck. As you go to reach and make sure you can breathe, you realize it was not meant to choke you

Chance: Goddamit, she is keeping my fucking necklace on. Looking over at Shemrata as my eyes focus on her.

DMaster: the tail tightens, around your necklace, all done with a condescending smirk from the horned creature.
VEL: Now that we have that dealt with, and by the way, you will never, ever tell me what to do, got it? Yeah, understand what I just said? Good, now shut the fuck up.
She turns her attention back to Bastian. He crosses his arms, tilts his head a bit, twitches, not giving an inch to this Priestess bitch.
BAS: Our plan is to find out what is going on with the drought, the cloud anomaly and now apparently people using blood magic. That is our first, second and third priority.
He responds, staring Velencia down.

Chance: Glare at Velencia, then back to Shemrata. If I frenzy, I can pull this fucking tail right off of this goddamn Odius, I think… if it comes to that…

DMaster: He raises an eyebrow.
BAS: Then afterwards, we can have this… standoff, ok? It’s obvious we have more important things to deal with.

Chance: Chan: I think you made your point, Shemrata, now if you will
looking at her tail

DMaster: she shakes her head. The Priestess stands up straighter, thinking of what the Witch said.
VEL: I suppose you are right. I wouldn’t want to eat your soul on an empty stomach anyways.
Shemrata looks back at the guards, growls a little as a few of them are creeping. The tail wielding creature then looks back.
SHEM: This would explain where, our, ahem, host has gone
The priestess looks over, thinks for a second and nods
VEL: Ahh yes, that makes sense, for our… host
BAS: Wilder, you mean. Your evil super code is not hard to break.

Chance: Start to laugh at them.

DMaster: Velencia frowns, shakes her head. Then as McKenna has picked up her sword, sheaths it, walks over only to stop. Bastian looks at McKenna. She stops and backs up with the guards. To create a distraction of sorts Bastian grabs a seat, sits.
BAS: Damn, Legon’s most wanted all in one place, and a Legion Odius to boot. The service is just terrible in this place, where is my ale?
Velencia, knowing she has a card up her sleeve doesn’t take her eyes off of Bastian.
VEL: Really? think that was going to work? Your ball sucking goody two-shoe code wasn’t very hard to break.
She retorts, back in his face. Bastian slowly looks up to the blue-eyed Priestess.

Chance: Look at them confused.

DMaster: You see a bit of commotion at the front door. Looks like McKenna was going to head out the door, quietly. The Witchblade is now stiff as a board, slowly getting moved in by an Onyx Elf, eyes beaming a purplish glow, her hand out concentrating.
KHA: I don’t think so green eyes, why don’t we all just stay here and talk, okay?
McKenna’s eyes are the only thing that is moving. Velencia is beaming with pride and a smirk, looking over to her Warlock.
BAS: Khamyra, must we? Please let go of my Witchblade.
The Onyx Elf glances over to the Master Witch, nods her head and lets her hand down. McKenna drops to her knees, gasping for air a bit. The Guards are looking pretty spooked right now, seeing a creature of legend in front of them, and magic being slung around.

Chance: shaking my head seeing all this unfolding, I think this is the end of my relationship with the Kingdom. Slump shoulders.

DMaster: VEL: Make no mistake, you can lay claim all you want, but right now
She looks around and points to the ground
VEL: This is our turf, our plan and we will do whatever is necessary to stop these Zealot smelly fucks from continuing this charade.
BAS: Smelly… fucks?

Chance: Chan: very long story Bastian. But in the end we all want the same thing
eyes are still locked on Shemrata and her damn tail

DMaster: Shemrata tightens her grip, you choke a bit. Khamyra is giving Velencia the look of death when she sees you getting strangled. The Priestess looks at Shemrata, nods and she releases her tail. Bastian marvels at the tail, watching it slither back from your neck.

Chance: Slowly take off my necklace, doing it slowly and with a bit of stealth. Then put it in my pocket then race for the Odius and slam her against the wall with all my strength.
Chan: You will NEVER do that again, understand me you vile creature!?

DMaster: The room starts to get shifty as they see this glowing power-filled man slam a Legion Odius against the wall like she was a sack of potatoes. A chair goes flying, a table almost falls over… the one nice picture on the wall slams down onto the ground. Khamyra is racing over to you. The Odius loses her breath for a second, eyes wide. Then she gets this wild smile across her face.
SHEM: Yes, Champion, YES! Let’s do this, now!
Her eyes a flame, tail slashing about, saliva flying out. Bastian had to duck to get out of the way of her appendage flailing about. Your rush and her tail knocks over a chair and a few left over dishware on the closest table gets thrown.
KHA: Goddammit Velencia! I am gone for 2 fucking minutes!
She gives a glance to the Priestess that could tear a whole into a mountain side.
KHA: Chance!
Your fiance grabs your arm.
KHA: Another time hun, another time.
Velencia shakes her head, looks at her nails.

Chance: Be like a half inch from her face, say this deliberatly and almost hissing.
Chan: Do not sleep too sound, Odius. Soon, you will be nothing more than another notch on my belt…
Put her down heavy and back away, give her a loud, powerful growl.

DMaster: Everyone in the room has their eyes darting all over, in a ready state of combat. Hearing the growl you made, it makes a few guards jump. Khamyra walks you to a chair, gets your necklace back on and sits you down. The Odius’s tail slashes away, she is glaring at you, breathing heavily, fire in her eyes, her adrenaline peaked and her blood lust in full throttle.

Chance: Just keep staring at her as I transform back.

DMaster: Meanwhile, while that is happening. Velencia was getting two mugs from Lyric, she hands one to Bastian.
VEL: Come master Witch we have a few things to discuss, since we are not going to tear each other apart.

Chance: Take a few breaths.
Chan: Yes finally, we do need to talk.

DMaster: Velencia glances back over to Shemrata.
VEL: I did not invite you, chump, you can just stay there.
She laughs, and then you feel this metal getting put in your hand

Chance: looking down at my hand as I feel metal in it

DMaster: You are standing in the plains, maybe south of Del Rosa, you are not sure. War drums beating behind you. A massive army is about 500 yards away in front of you.

Chance: oh grand, looking around knowing I am seeing another vision

DMaster: this one is different, You realize someone must have put the gem in your hand. It is a different location, it’s dusk, not night.

Chance: remain calm and watch this vision play out

DMaster: You hear odd sounds coming from behind, you turn to look and…

TODD: DOH!!!! YOU ASSHAT, DON’T END THERE!