First Five Starts Here
Freya (Friday) 7:00AM
After a few times getting up with the Kids, Chance finally gets to sleep.
“My wife said my brains were in my ass, no wonder I have so many brain farts! yeah, went there, get up! It’s 7:00 AM!” The crier is yelling, echoing throughout the town.
“Creative” Khamyra mumbles as she is changing Cralon. She was already up taking care of the twins so her husband could sleep.
The morning moves on like it always does, kids get ready, Sisse feeding and taking care of them. Novalee gets tea ready and some quick breakfast.
“It’s about that time,” Khamyra says, coming down from the loft after her bath. She is dressed in this dark fabric outfit, with silver metal accents and a thinner flowing cape in her arms. It hugs her body like she painted it on. Her makeup is near perfect and accessories match her outfit.
Chance’s eyes bulge, “wow, just wow, you look amazing,” he says with a wide smile. Cullun, Novalee and Dash all give her the same look.
She blushes a little, “I have to look the part,” the Warlock says, chuckling a bit, “I will have to do this 5 times a week too, jebus.”
Chance gets up, gives her a big hug and she welcomes it. After a few kisses and a hug from the kids, Khamyra is on her way to Camerondale.
The Champion finishes up breakfast and some good conversation, gears up and heads out. “Time to figure out a good way to get to the compound without Camerondale watching my every fucking move,” he mumbles to himself with a bit of frustration.
He rides out about 10 minutes, and finds an indent of sorts in the hills to the East of the road. He drives one of his daggers into the ground, holding the extended reigns of the horse there. Climbs a bit and starts across the top of the hillside to reach the Temple area.
Slipping a few times, keeping low and more climbing has the large man swearing and cursing under his breath.
Jumping down into the ravine where the half built temple sits the guards all but shit themselves seeing this. Scrambling for weapons and a few yells has Chance giggling.
“Easy guys, just me,” the Champion starts and smirks, “I can’t be walking in here with prying eyes all around us.”
They smile, bow and smirks a bit understanding his predicament.
Chance makes his way through the tunnels and gets into the compound. The hallways are empty, but he follows the noise and it leads him to the war-room, as the Priestess calls it.
Velencia, in her usual dark long dress, high slit and boobs pushed up, looks up to you.
“Ahhh Chump, you’re here, good,” she says walking to a table with a small inkwell on it. She grabs it and points you to a stool of sorts in the corner of the room.
Glancing over to one of her scribes, “go get Hamza will you?”
The man quickly leaves and goes to find the Shade named Hamza.
Chance sits, as the Priestess grabs a string and ties up the Champions hair. She is looking over his neck, finding a nice place to put the tattoo.
The big man’s eyes bulge a little seeing her pull her Kukri from her belt, but sits still hoping she isn’t going to gut him right there.
She puts the blade up to his neck and starts to softly scrape, getting the hair out of the way for the tattoo. Velencia is giggling the entire time, “nervous Chump?” she says in a small antagonistic way.
“No, but when you are done, my beard needs a little trim too,” he retorts, not wanting to show too much fear.
Velencia giggles a little and walks to the table. Grabs a parchment, then the inkwell. She mumbles a few words and the well glows for a moment.
“This should block them for a time,” she says, turning to give the man a look, “this is new to all of us, so it could last a few days or a few years, I am not sure.”
By now Hamza is coming in with a big grin on his face, “M’Lord, good to see you,” he says walking towards them, twirling what looks to be an ice pick.
“An ice pick, great,” Chance says, giving the man a look as if to say, don’t you dare dig too deep.
The Shade smiles, grabs the inkwell, “no worries Champion, it is no worse than getting a blade in the gut by a Wight,” he finishes with a muse.
Only took 10 minutes but it was painful, and Chance did everything in his power to not show it.
Velencia watching every spike of the pick, smile getting bigger and bigger seeing him bleed.
The Priestess finishes the process with some salve that makes it feel much better. “Good to go, let me know how it works,” she says putting the salve away and heading back to her little area in the room.
“Thank you,” Chance says standing up, taking the twine out of his hair.
“Yeah yeah,” she says flipping her hand around, in her usual Velencia fashion, “oh, and I hope you can join me, Hamza, Shemrata and Khamyra Starday for our little reconnaissance mission down in the temple…”
Walking to the door, “wouldn’t miss it,” Chance says with a bit of sarcasm. He glances over to the Priestess.
She gives him a look from the corner of her eye, nods her head and continues to walk.
Chance walks out, down the corridors and out into the Temple area. He touches his necklace and says “nividean” and he vanishes, much to the surprise of the guards.
They hear some walking, “no worries guys, just have to get to my horse and I don’t feel like climbing the damn hills…”
Both the guards chuckle and nod.
Chance turns back visible, just as he reaches his horse. Jumps on Toby and heads back home.
The day moves on for a Freya. Cullen is speaking with Chance about a few monsters he found information about and that captured the Champions attention.
Middle of the afternoon, Khamyra gets home. She walks through the door with some force, bypassing everyone who is just looking at her, including the kiddo’s. She goes to the keg, grabs a mug, fills it and takes a deep drink.
“Our Dean, our fucking Dean,” she says with some hesitation as she takes another long drink, “is none other than our little information friend… that Truett douchebag.”
Chance gives his wife a look, a little surprised at her actions but even more surprised at the news.
She fills her mug again and plops down in a chair. Now everyone is looking on wondering what the hell is going on.
“Apparently the information bureau or whatever it was called didn’t work out, go figure,” she says with snarkiness, taking another glug of ale.
“He was ‘elected’ as the new Dean instead. Was he surprised to see me, and well, confused as to why I was there and why there is a ‘magic’ division,” she says, ranting on a bit.
Chance gets up, goes behind Khamyra and starts to rub her back, “sorry hun, was it really that bad?”
She is quiet for a few moments, “ I guess not, but I am tired of having to prove myself and the idea of a magic school to people over and over again. I mean, it is not even my idea!”
Taking another glug, she lets out a pretty good burp that the kiddos look over too and giggle. That puts an instant smile on her face.
“After the first hour of hell, and me biting my tongue, Cassie showed up and put him in his place,” she says staring out across the table, in deep thought, “which helped then, but I can see this is going to escalate moving forward.”
She finishes off her second mug and slams it on the table. The kids again, eyes get big and giggle.
“To top off my wonderful fucking meeting, our mutual friend is the assistant Dean,” she says with a bit of apprehension in her voice, “that Catalina woman, Rosalinda’s niece or whoever she is.”
Chances head sags, “Damn, I am sorry my love, that sucks.”
“Luckily I do not take orders from her,” the Warlock says now fidgeting with her top snap to her outfit, “but anyways, I am going to get changed, this outfit is pretty snug.”
She stands up only to get a big hug from her husband and she welcomes it.
The day moved on from there, they brought in some One-Eyes spiced taters, replaced the keg of brew since Khamyra was hitting it pretty hard and the kids were behaving well.
The night comes, the kids in bed and everyone doing their own thing. Khamyra is snoozing with her head on Chance’s lap, most likely drunk.
After some quiet time, they head up to bed and fall fast asleep.
Saturlay (Saturday) 7:00AM
“My balls feel like the wrong end of a dairy cows udder, get up!” the Crier yells through the town.
Khamyra glances over to the now awakening Champion, “What did that even mean?”
The morning moves on like it always does. A bit slower, a bit more relaxed since it is Saturlay. Chance heads out after gulping down some tea and grabbing a few pieces of Bacon.
The ride was a bit chilly, barely 60 degrees but there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. The Champion drops off his horse and heads into the Black Ward Compound. Not looking forward to this, he mumbles.
It is fairly busy, agents back and forth, a scribe here and there.
He makes it through the frey, saying hello to a few people and to Valentines door. Chance peers in, dreading the upcoming conversation.
“Come in, close the door,” he hears even before sticking his head in.
The Champion walks in, closes the door. Valentine is looking over a paper, she glances up, points to a chair and slides the paper to him.
“Appearing out of thin air, now?” The Assassin leader says giving the tall man a look and a shake of the head, “is climbing hills now a hobby for you?”
Chance plops in the chair and grabs the paper that has notes on it. It is a step by step account of what he did yesterday, for the most part.
Nodding his head, puts the paper back down on the desk, “they are slacking, I took a shit around 7:30AM, might want to note that on there.”
The man could tell Valentine was in no mood, she snaps up the paper, “watch your tone, I am not going to have anymore outbursts like last time, got it?” She finishes with a snarl and a look.
The big man just nods his head, looking down at the desk, wanting this to be over already.
“In my defense, I am not even looking for this anymore, I am not giving orders to follow you around, yet here it is,” she says flipping the paper across the desk, “reports about a Black Ward member hovering around the new Temple, disappearing into the hills and then magically reappearing next to his horse.”
“My apologies, I was trying to be more discreet as you requested,” Chance starts in earnest but gets interrupted by a hand that gets thrown up by Valentine.
“Your stunt with the smelly outfit, I have to tell you, I was ready to… I was…” she says then clenching her fist, face turning red, “let’s just say, I was not pleased with it. It will never happen again, understood?”
Chance just nods his head in agreement.
Valentine lets out a huge sigh. “Luckily, I don’t have to deal with you for the next week. That will allow me to calm down and think a bit more clearly.”
She picks up another official document, “you are to leave for Magus Orion land Monday 9:00AM, to a town called Hillside. It is only a quarter mile away from the dig site; Iasall. Apparently you will be going with our agent Demi.”
Valentine snorts a bit, hands you the document.
Chance takes it and looks it over, very official and signed off by Affinity. “Demi?” the large man asks, rolling up the orders.
Sitting at her desk, Valentine smirks and shakes her head, “yes, that is what it says, Demi. See you in a week or so, dismissed, leave my office.”
Chance suppressed a chuckle, got up and walked out. Walking down the crowded hallway he can hear the captain, “I thought I saw Chance come through, anyone?”
The Captain sticks her head out and sees him, a small smirk forming. She beckons him into her office.
“So how did the meeting with Valentine go, I was fully expecting her to rip into my office and demand you be fired,” she says with a bit of muse to her tone.
The Champion stands there for a minute and shakes his head. “No, she was none too pleased with me, but she kept her cool,” he finished, fidgeting a bit with his sleeve.
Harlow looking him up and down, raises an eyebrow, “Chance, what is it now?” She asks, hopefully not regretting it.
“Listen Cap, I am the Champion of Finster, But I also need experience, I need help with that. I figured joining the Ward would not only hone my skill but make Camerondale a safer place,” he starts off in a rant.
“Valentine is all over me about visiting the Temple of Finster,” the Champion says, giving the Captain a good look, “whether or not Velencia is the spawn of evil itself, does not matter. I am a figure head to this religion, I need to speak with my Priestess from time to time… and when the temple finally opens? Everyone going in is to be arrested or questioned?”
The curvy woman flips her hair back, and nods her head. “Good points, but you have to admit, the Temple is not done and you are clearly going there to visit Velencia. If one of our agents went to hang out with, I don’t know, Wilder, wouldn’t you be a little wary?”
Chance lets out a laugh and shakes his head, “the day that ball guzzler has his own religion is the day I will punch myself in the nuts.”
After a few moments of giggling, “Understood,” the Champion then finishes out, “but it is not only my religion, but one I formed, created and now represent.”
A small smile washes across her face, she pats the side of the Champions arm, “understood, just let her have this,” she says walking to her desk and taking a seat, “I think she likes it, and it could keep her off your ass for other things. I for one, will never sanction you from your religion, but you have to understand… fuck man, it’s Velencia.”
“I know, she is a fleabag in the worst way,” the man says with a sigh, “I will do my best to keep my visits to a minimum, and to make it as inconspicuous as possible.”
Harlow smiles and nods, “you are dismissed, good luck on your dig,” she says then leaning into her desk and starts working through the papers on it.
“Oh, one last thing, I will be with the Priestess tomorrow. We are heading down into the abandoned Temple of Atticus, trying to get a decent map of the place,” the Champion says, as though in passing.
The Captains eyes bulge and puts down her quill, “wait, what?” she proclaims giving the large man a surprised look, “did you just say, Atticus?”
Chance now regretting he told her, turns and nods his head.
Pointing at the chair in front of her, she scowls a bit. After a half hour, Chance explained to her all that happened.
Then he heads out of the office, surprisingly makes it through the compound with no one bugging him. He heads for the castle.
Flashing the ring, he has no trouble making it into the entryway. The Champion takes a moment to walk over to the bust of Morty and smile at it. Just remembering the man and his little patented smirk.
“Chance!” echoes through the chamber as Bozutto is looking at you from the throne room doors, wearing his usual “casual” royal outfit, no crown and what looks to be comfy boots, “was just going to send for you.”
The Champion of the Court, bows and walks over to the King. Bozutto puts out his hand and they exchange a warrior’s handshake.
Letting the man in, he closes the doors behind them.
In the throne room is always a bit of a wow thing for Chance, even as many times he has gone in it. Huge windows line the back, large staircase leading up to two chairs side by side, ornate decorations and fixtures throughout. Cassie and Affinity in the far corner at a large table going over what looks like some sort of fabric, Xavier is at a smaller table in the other corner with an elf in a meeting of sorts. Tons of scrolls and parchments on the table and the two in deep conversation.
The two women turn and smile. Both of them put down the fabric and head over to Chance. By the time they arrive, they have a furried brow and worried look.
Chance had a smirk, and was doing everything in his power not to giggle. “Looks like it is working, you brilliant bitch,” he says to himself about Velencia.
The King glances between the three of them and slumps his shoulders, “what now?” he states with a bit of frustration.
“You… feeling alright?” Cassie says, in a tight blouse, dark leather pants and some high boots, walking closer to Chance.
The Quarter Elf nods his head, “feeling pretty good actually.”
In a royal type dress, light blue with a few accents around her, the Queen looks him over, eyes are big, “nothing happened to you the past few days, did it?”
Shaking his head, he replied “Not really, why do you ask?”
Bozutto, frustrated, “alright, out with it. Whatever is happening here lets just say our peace, so we can move on with our meeting!”
“We can’t read him, it’s like he is not even there,” Cassie states, finally giving the big man a hug.
With Affinity following suit with an embrace, she backs up looking into the man’s haunting eyes.
Chance leans his neck to one side and shows them a tattoo of a weird symbol, still a bit red from yesterday.
“It protects my thoughts from anyone trying to read them,” he states, giving the women a quick once over, gauging their reaction.
Cassie shrugs her shoulders and nods a bit, “I know you never liked that, so I guess that makes sense…” She then chuckles giving the Champion a look, “no, I get it… I really really get it,” remembering times long past.
Chance smiles at the Baroness remembering their first meeting and how poorly that went because of the mind reading.
“But why? Hiding something?” Affinity adds in, raising an eyebrow.
The Champion shrugs his shoulders and smiles.
Bozutto looking at the tattoo for a bit too long, gives Affinity a bit of a start, “don’t even think of it!” she scolds the King.
Wide eyes, smirking, the King nods his head and the two of them walk to the back doors and into the gardens.
“I might have to find out how you did that,” he says, giving you a look, “that could be useful.”
The Champion stops dead in his tracks, “I would rather fight a red dragon than get on the bad side of the Queen, M’lord,” finishing with a bit of whip and a nod.
He scoffs as the two walk further into the full and lush gardens. “So you and Azatina know each other pretty good, huh?” he says looking down with his hands clasped behind his back.
“Yes, M’Lord, I do… a unique relationship really,” the tall man says smirking thinking of the beautiful woman with the red streak in her hair.
After a few minutes of walking and looking over the fauna and flowers, the King stops at a bench and sits. He pats the bench for Chance to also sit.
He is looking down, “she specifically asked for you, since you are with the Ward, you will be leading this expedition to this roundel. I will be depending on you for the security of the area, the people and most importantly, Azatina.”
A wave of worry washes over Chance, knowing he is going to be in command makes his stomach turn a bit. He knows he is not very good at it, and he is going to be questioning himself the entire time.
“Yes, M’Lord,” he says softly, looking over the gardens, letting out a little sigh.
He chuckles, “listen Chance, call me Bozutto when we are alone, ok? You have more than earned that right,” he says, fidgeting his hands a bit, then glancing over to the big man.
Chance nods, “will do,” he says starting to get a bit fidgety himself.
“Chance, she still means the world to me. I think about her all the time. Though my love for your Queen grows everyday and it is absolutely a blessing…” he starts to say, in a trance.
The Champion interrupts, “there is a part of your heart still with the Princess, I know. That will never go away. I understand that.”
Thoughts of Affinity rush into his mind, the first meeting in the isle, the night in Shimmer Bay, the kisses… Then the quarter elf shakes his head, getting himself back and focused.
It appears Bozutto is doing the same thing, in a dream-like state, “yes, yes. That is how I feel,” he says, then smiles suddenly looking over to the Champion.
“That information can’t be repeated,” he says, looking at your neck and smirking.
Chance nods, “and it never will be, this is just between you and me.”
“You will have another Ward agent, 6 guards, 2 two-stars, 4 three-stars, a scribe and four diggers,” the King says after a bit of silence, “oh, and apparently Miss Talia Stotz.”
Then the quarter elf gets a big smile on his face and things turn instantly around for him, “yes, Talia, good,” he says thinking he will have someone he could bounce things off and who will call him on his bullshit.
The two of them talk for a short time, and head back in.
Xavier is looking over a scroll with Cassie, you hear them talking about a boat design or something.
“Thank you Chance, I look forward to the report when you get back home,” the King says, standing tall looking over to his Champion.
Chance bows, “as you say M’Lord,” he finishes off.
Before he could leave, Affinity has cut him off, “a word if you please Master Chance.”
Knowing this was coming, he stops and gives the gorgeous Queen a soft warm look, “of course my Queen, you may have many words with me if you like.”
She chuckles a bit, and gives him a long look, “did we do something to warrant this, well…” she starts pushing your hair away to look at the tattoo again, “warding against us?”
In a weird exchange, Chance is thinking of the first time he met Cassie and how it went south quick, he glances up and then turns a bit red in the face.
“Wow, I was purposefully thinking of something for you to read, and well, you can’t read it now can you?” He mutters, giggling a little to himself.
Then gives her a look, deep in her beautiful green eyes, “need I remind you of the first encounter with the Baroness, that did not go well…” he says in a chuckle, “but no, you did not. This is a fail safe for me. I have a lot going on and I do not want to let anything slip that does not have to slip.”
She nods her head, gives the man a warm hug and walks off. He says goodbye to the rest of the throne room and heads for home.
The Champion gets home, drops off Toby and heads inside. There he is greeting with Cralon yammering away but some of the words can be recognized. A huge smile washes over the big mans face thinking how quickly these little tikes are growing up.
After a few minutes, Novalee looks at Cralon and points to the big man, “who is that Cralon? Who is that?”
He giggles and mutters “daddy.”
The day goes on, with a very proud father, some good food, drink and everyone trying to relax. Khamyra and the Champion fall asleep after putting the kids down.
good drink
Turn Based Begins Here
Starlay (Sunday) 7:00AM
DMaster: CRY: My wife only has sex with me for a purpose. Last night she used me to time an egg. Get up you slogs! 7:00 AM
Criers voice echoing through out the town.
Chance: Get up shaking my head, giggling a little. Get dressed and start the morning like always.
DMaster: The morning goes a bit different since it is Starlay. You and Khamyra share the feeding, changing, Sisse is not here; her day off. Novalee pitches in. You have some breakfast and tea.
Chance: After breakfast go over my personal gear, since I will be using that instead of Black Ward’s armor. Then get the weapons I need to head to Velencia’s.
DMaster: You and Khamyra gear up when it starts to close in on High Sun. Cullun and Novalee will watch the kids for the afternoon. It is a really nice day, a few puffy clouds and the temperature is perfect, around 65 degrees. A small breeze does give you a slight chill though.
Chance: Once we are ready, grab the horses and head towards Velencia’s, deep in thought. Realizing I had to tell Cap about this, so that the Ward agents won’t crawl up my ass with me heading there. Snap out of it as we get closer to the Temple.
DMaster: You two ride up. Put the horses to some trees nearby and walk into the Temple area. The temple guards bow and nod. Then you head down the corridor and get into her compound.
Chance: Take the lead as we head into the compound looking for Velencia
DMaster: You almost run into River, she skitters to a halt, a little startled to see you. Then takes you into the war room with Velencia, Hamza, Rawek and Shemrata. They all look over when you walk in. Khamyra is geared up, armored jacket, gambit underneath (leather, sexy one), pouches all over her, and a few daggers strapped on her legs.
Chance: I have my half plate armor and matching shield and silent fate with my black daggers. Nod to them.
DMaster: They all walk over and pleasantries underway. Hamza is looking you over in that kick ass armor.
HAM: M’Lord, this is impressive.
Chance: Chan: Hamza, it’s Chance, and thank you. Got lucky with this armor really.
DMaster: Velencia walks to you, she is in her gear. Open dress, high slits and some armored boots underneath. Leather top, but not without her boobs popping out. No greaves but some Bracers.
VEL: Here you go chump, wear it with honor
She hands you a bracelet
VEL: You will have to attune it, so do it now before we go to the temple.
Chance: Nod my head and take the bracelet and smile. Put the Bracelet on, start to connect with it.
DMaster: VEL: Good good.
Starts to walk away then she turns back to you.
VEL: Oh, how’d the tattoo work? Did you see the Queen or Princess yet?
Smile on her face, raised eyebrow.
Chance: Smirk and nod.
Chan: The tattoo worked better than expected; they couldn’t read me, not even a little.
Keep a little attention to the bracelet so it has time to attune.
DMaster: She smiles, mumbles
VEL: damn, I’m good.
DM Humor: Todd asked what to put on his Character sheet, I said: “Bracelet of Ball guzzling.” Hey, I LOLed at least. It is +3 against fear, roll with advantage.
Khymara walks past the Priestess, gives her a playful wack on the ass and the two exchange fun smiles. Looks like everyone has the bracelet except Velencia and Shemrata.
Chance: I will walk over to Shemrata and Hamza and exchange warrior handshakes
DMaster: They greet you back with handshakes and anecdotes .
Chance: Chan: good to see you without an ice pick in your hand, shade.
Smirking a bit, rub my neck.
DMaster: Hamza smiles, then shows Shemrata his handy work
Chance: Chan: It didn’t hurt as bad as I thought, yet I think it hurt more than it did…
Allowing them to see the tattoo.
DMaster: Both eyes light up and look at you with a goofy smile.
HAM: I think I know what you mean.
VEL: Are we ready people? I’d rather not do this at night.
Everyone nods their head
VEL: Battling only if we absolutely have to, this is to map out what we can; or more just see what we are dealing with down there. Me and Shemrata will lead, Our Warlock in the middle and Hamza Chance you bring up the rear.
Chance: Nod my head hearing the marching order
DMaster: VEL: Lets go
She waves everyone on. You follow through the hallway / corridors and out to the open area in front of the half built temple. You walk into the entrance and there is a huge metal door where the small hole was before. Velencia waves her hand and grabs a crystal. A shimmer that once was over the door, is now gone. She puts it in her pocket. Shemrata grabs the handle and opens it. There is a metal staircase leading down into the old temple.
Chance: Thinking this is way better than it was before; a metal door and a staircase at least.
DMaster: You all pile into the entrance. It is cleaner, dug out a little more. A chest on the far wall
VEL: Chest has a few potions in it, mostly healing… but a dispel poison and magic I think.
She walks over, flips it open and glances in. The same door is there, you can tell there is some kind of warding spell on it.
KHA: Two warding spells?
The Priestess nods her head.
VEL: Why take a chance. We finally got the shadows to stop creeping up through the cracks, hopefully that is over…
Velencia walks over, grabs this crystal, puts it in her pocket. Then waves her hand and the shimmer goes away.
VEL: Ok, time to shut your pie holes.
She says, well, quietly.
Chance: I pull silent fate as the shimmer goes away from the door, preparing myself when we move out
DMaster: DM: Condensing the search. They head down the opening hallway. Velencia has a hooded lantern that is peaking out just enough light for her and Hamza. This is not enough to screw with the elves and Odius’s dark vision. There are two doors on the East and West wall but they have already been searched through the first time they went down. They reach a crossway. North takes them down stairs like last time. West takes them down a hallway where they were attacked by two undead creatures a week ago. So East is the way they go. Discover two doors and two bedrooms that were completely ransacked. Nothing more. They head back, down the west corridor, and almost the exact same thing, bedrooms completely trashed. Only finding 10 coins, that could be gold, but they are a bit bigger than normal and have a weird print on them.
The group heads down the stairs into the double alcove area. Nothing was found except a little crudely dug indent where a skeleton was found with disintegrating robes, a necklace that Velencia identifies as Atticus and some book that it was gripping. Then Khamyra goes invisible and scouts out the main temple. She comes back to tell them it is empty of undead / monsters. Though the Warlock did found Velencia’s light staff, hands it too her. They head in, and head west, staying as close to the wall as possible. They go over a bookshelf, take a few choice books. Then get to an elaborate door, some golden statue embedded into the door, making it thick and heavy. They make it through the door and find themselves in a large hallway. Unsure what is ahead, Khamyra, again, goes invisible when they heard weird clacking and rubbing noises…
Chance: Grip the handle of Silent Fate. Keep looking around.
DMaster: You hear a scuffle. Then a yelp, you recognize as Khamyra’s. A loud word is heard, “enfuego” and then you see orange light burst from the room about 30 feet ahead,
KHA: How did you see me, you little fucker!
Velencia’s shoulders sag.
VEL: Goddammit, here we go!
Chance: Change to Champion, immediately head for the room. Once I get in the room I rip out Silent Fate, I get into a stance. My eyes turn to slits, looking around letting the power beam out. Growl a little.
Battle Written Out
TOP OF ROUND ONE
Landscape: The room is 50 feet by 50 feet and roughly round in shape. The ceiling is a good 30 feet plus high. The only light right now is the garbage on fire from Khamyra’s spell. Trash and garbage all around. Looks to be a dumping ground, for not only refuse, but human remains 1000+ years ago. The entire party is in the middle of the room. Enemies: To the south are the two larger dog like skeletons, four skeletons, to the (southern) west is three more skeletons and to the North is one skeleton. Khamyra already wiped out two skeletons otherwise there would be more.
The group is getting its bearing about them.
Velencia grabs her necklaces bows her head for a moment. The symbol glows and a weird shimmer is seen for a brief second aiming at the 5 skeletons to the south. Three of them shutter and turn to the other two who seemed to have shrugged it off. Three more Allies the Priestess thinks. She then rushes to attack another skeleton but slides on the debris on the floor and catches herself, mumbling “fuck, it’s going to be one of these battles huh?”
The first Skeleton goes after Chance, and he barely moves watching this, thing, walk to him rickety like. Saw the attack a mile away and was surprised at how poorly it did it. The other went after Shemrata and she blocked it with her arm, pushing it off her.
Three other skeleton allies attack the skeletal mutts, and they all miss. They miss badly too.
Hamza knowing that slashing and piercing damage does not work well on skeletons, he turns his sword sideways and tries to pancake swing at one. Hitting the Undead creature with a weird sounding wack, (8hp halved, 4hp). Frowning he looks back down at his short sword, knowing his rapier is not going to do much better.
DM: Realized that hit points on D&D Beyond encounter app are now utilized through the character sheet, and loving it!
The large skeletal dog like undead turns to Shemrata and takes a quick snap at her. Much faster than the slow rickety skeletons. The Odius jumps back in time as the smaller mouth but very powerful jaws slam together just a few inches from her. As she did that, it allowed the undead to swipe with its claws and it rips into the Odius making her stumble back (16 hp). “These dog things move a lot quicker than the skeletons people!” the horned woman yells grabbing for her side.
Chance, glowing and his eyes radiating light, he moves with speed. Slashing at the mutt skeleton that attacked Shemrata he hammers it (6hp halved to 3hp). Then does a 360 and he hits a large shoulder bone making the creature stutter and dip a bit in surprise. What he figured, maybe caused it pain (23hp of damage, not halved for critical hit). In an instinctive move, he swings the sword again and it goes inbetween all the ribs of the dog, missing him. Angry, the Champion than slams his shield hard into the undeads head (3hp) making it stutter backwards a bit.
As Velencia was getting herself situated, the second mutt goes after her, taking a crazy snap with its jaws, but between its shorter neck and smaller mouth, it is not an effective attack against people who can move freely. The Priestess sensing something, jumps to one side and the dogs jaw slam shut on nothing, but much like Shemrata, the undead creature swipes with its claw and it deals some damage making the tattooed woman curse (12hp).
Of course Shemrata is heading for the biggest creature in the room. Grabbing her metal thorn whip she snaps at it and it hits. Kind of. Slamming into a set of ribs, it bouncing around in there and she pulls it back (3hp). “Dammit,” she yells, then decides to give her tail a whirl only to find herself sliding on the floor littered with garbage and a few skeleton bones that Khamyra already destroyed (rolled a 1).
Khamyra finds an open area, throws a bit of dust in the air, and mutters “donder” and an almost painful thunder clap erupts, sounds making everything shutter and move. In an arc this wave of power slams into 3 skeletons and one of the dogs. All four skeletons shatter and get thrown up against the wall, what there is with all the garbage and the mutt gets pushed back about 10 feet, it puts its head down (19hp to all in the arc).
Velencia smiles for a short time, then frowns, “well, shit. Everyone in a mile radius now knows we are here…”
As if it awoken from that sound, this huge skeleton bursts through the garbage wall to the north. Debris flying all over, everyone turns and covers their head from falling bones, dried body parts and other refuse. It stands about 13 feet high, an old armor and cloth barely hangs on the undead with a large old morning star. It reminds them of a giant, but with just bones.
Chance yells, “incoming from the north!” that’s instinctive for the Black Ward to do.
“You think?!?!” Velencia retorts loudly and annoyed.
It does not hesitate and takes a swing at Chance slamming into him as he was barely turned around to see what it was. He goes tumbling 10 feet to the side, sliding a bit with all the crap on the floor (14 hp). “Well, that kind of sucked,” he mumbles to himself. Then the giant slams down it’s morning star weapon just inches from Shemrata, who is wide eyed backing up. Instead of bringing the mace back up, it just drags it across the ground with force and Velencia could not get out of the way. Slamming into her she gets dragged under the weapon (12hp of damage).
TOP OF ROUND TWO
4 enemy skeletons, 1 ally skeleton, 1 giant skeleton and 2 skeleton mutts are left.
The Priestesses good dexterity allows her to pop up off the ground, her armor with some cuts and holes in it now. Anger in her eyes, they flash brightly with red and orange, the Priestess grabs her necklace and screams “Feel Finsters Wrath…” points at the huge undead. From underneath it, this blackish power erupts, it is intertwined with orange and red with a few flames. The undead shutters violently, and it slowly starts to disintegrate (119hp hellish rebuke, crit role by Velencia, crit fail by Skeleton). The priestess finished off her sentence, “…bitch.”
The party for a split second all stare at this huge creature, undead giant just turn to dust by this very angry Priestess, “Holy shit,” Hamza mutters wide eyed.
Dust and debris fills the room and makes it a bit harder to see things now.
Khamyra has two skeletons attack her at once and both of them were too slow and miss her.
The skeleton from the north, that many forgot about made its way to Chance, and jams its sword inbetween the breast plates and some straps. “Arg!” the Champion yelps, wheeling around with anger (6hp).
By now the friendly skeleton attacks the one from the west, slamming its club into the other making it explode into pieces.
Hamza, who has had just about enough of this shit, cuts his palm, closes his fist and mumbles something in an ancient language. The mutt skeleton stiffens up, glows a bit green for a short time and is just standing there, unable to move (blood restraint spell, skeleton failed throw).
Twice Hamza attacks the now paralyzed undead, and it goes right through all of the bones, not doing a lick of damage, “you got to be fucking kidding me?”
Chance then in a wild slash, swings at the frozen skeleton and hits it pretty had (13hp halved to 7hp). Then brings the sword back around hitting again (7hp halved to 4hp). The Champion then pulls back keeping an eye out of anymore attacks from behind him too.
Shemrata knowing the blades are almost ineffective, she puts her head down and races for the mutt that is frozen. She slams into it, like a ram, making the undead fall over and fall apart into pieces, almost like tipping a cow (14hp Killing blow) without the cow exploding with guts flying everywhere.
Khamyra yells, “that’s using your head!”
Everyone pauses just a half second to grown and shake their head. “What?” the Warlock retorts with a smile on her face.
Shemrata turns to attack the remaining skeletons, but slides on the garbage and bits of bone. She slips, falls to her knees and slides to the garbage filled wall, you can hear just about every swear word known to man come from her mouth (rolled a crit fail).
All three skeletons left launch an attack but slow and deliberate, the party avoids any of the swipes.
Khamyra brings her hands up high, component in hand, traces a symbol and yells “eldritch blast!” The symbol snaps and pops away with a puff of smoke. The component drops like a rock and the Warlocks eyes are as wide as they can be. A few fizzles and pops from her hands but nothing more. Ends with her yelping a little as her hands crackle with power (1hp of damage to Khamyra, rolled a crit fail). She just stares at her hands not believing it.
TOP OF ROUND THREE
One mutt skeleton, three enemy skeletons and one friendly skeleton
“Darkness Blessed” Velencia yells flinging her hand towards two of the skeletons making them explode, (20hp of damage). Then knowing her Kukris wont be much help tries to punch one of the skeletons and again slides on the ground, making her lose her balance (rolls a 1). She runs into the Skeleton who then pushes her off making the woman scramble a bit to her feet.
The remaining non-ally skeleton tries to attack but fails, not making it through everything on the floor. The ally skeleton is confused and just stands there with the battle in front of it.
Chance goes to finish off a skeleton only to have his sword get caught in a hanging strap from the one attack earlier. The sword goes flying on the ground, sliding about 6-7 feet from him. Wide eyes, starting to flush the Champion gets angry knowing he lost his turn.
Hamza grabs the skeleton and throws it at Shemrata with all his might. With a glint in her eye, the Odius slashes her tail out striking the skeleton and turning it into a downpour of bones and dust (12hp).
Khamyra, very angry about her last spell, repeats herself, “eldritch blast” and the three streaks of power launch at the remaining skeleton mutt slamming into it, (28hp of damage) and with the killing blow she races for it. While she does, she rubs the balled bracelet, out forms a sword of arcane energy and slices through the neck portion of the skeleton (magic based, not halved 10hp). Again dust, bones and debris fly everywhere.
With a bit of playfulness Shemrata walks over to the Ally skeleton and puts her one arm around it. “Not bad slim, we might have to take you with us next time…”
Velencia smirks, but then in a second yells, “we have to get out of here now, I think Vermeer heard us down here!”
Shemrata grabs the skeleton with her tail and slams it to the ground a few times shattering it. “We wont forget you skinny,” she says playfully and with a smirk.
Chance shakes his head, surprised at Shemrata’s lightheartedness, grabs his sword and brings up the rear of the party. Running down the wide hallway and through the heavy ornate door.
In the huge temple area, all five could see a mass growing on the far side, then a few what they believe undead priests come out the other door. They continue running, down the double alcove, up the stairs. By now they can hear the commotion and howls behind them.
Glancing back they can feelthe rumbling and commotion behind them, not more than 20 feet away following them fast down the corridor.
Back To Turn Based
DMaster: You run through the outside door leading into the entrance area. Velencia’s eyes bulge seeing the horde coming after them. She slams the door, throws down the crystal, chants a few words and the warding spell engulfs the door. You hear a loud slam and then another slam and things hitting the door.
VEL: Go! Go!
Yelling, she points at the makeshift metal staircase. Everyone heads up them. Shemrata slams the door down topside, it gets locked and another warding spell
Chance: Taking deep breaths after the last door gets slammed and the warding spell goes up
DMaster: The group all looks at each other, eyes wide.
SHEM: That was… fun?
Everyone looks at her.
VEL: Khamyra hun, what the hell happened?
Chance: give her a look and a small smirk
DMaster: The Warlock, turns to the side, shows a stab mark, a little blood trickling out.
KHA: I was a good 20 feet away from the northern skeleton. Then this fucker comes up behind me, I didn’t hear him, and stabs me while invisible. That’s when I grabbed my pouch and…
She gets interrupted from yelling coming from the hillside entrance to the temple, where the guards are. You can hear “you are not going anywhere!” among other things including a lot of unpleasantness.
Chance: Healing myself up before going to check it out
DMaster: Everyone starts to run out, but Hamza grabs Velencia and pulls her back after seeing the Black Ward there and possibly the Animax Priestess. You can see about 6 of Finsters guards, grid locking the entrance. Past them, looks to be Camerondale guards, Black Ward, horses and some commotion. Walking slowly to the entrance from Velencia’s hallways, is a short man, Rawek, raggedy clothes and a staff.
Chance: Shaking head knowing this is going to be a shit show, I turn back to normal. Race for the entrance.
DMaster: Some shoves are happening. Shemrata hot on your heals, Khamyra slowly walking shaking her head. In the middle of the group you see Thanos, red faced, yelling.
THA: We know whats going on in there, it is imperative you let us in!
He glances over to see you and his expression turns to a scowl.
THA: Chance! Get your ass over here
Chance: Give the dirty look right back to Thanos.
DMaster: Two of the guards lunge at the Black Ward elf.
GUARD: You will show respect to our Champion, fool!
Thano’s eyes light up in rage. Just then Bastian has made his way into the fray, getting a hold of the assassin elf.
Chance: Walk past the guards and in front of Thanos and Bastian. Stay inbetween.
Chan: Enough. Just back off, now.
DMaster: There has to be at least 25-30 guards. Horses, a wagon and Saundra standing in the back looking on with a bit of worry and disgust. Thanos is taken back a bit and gives you a surprised look. Elijah, gets to you, looks up.
ELI: Chance
He looks around.
ELI: Nice day isn’t it?
Saying it with a bit of a fun tone.
Chance: Give him a smirk, and look to Bastian.
Chan: Can I talk to you Bastian, and can you back these guards off?
DMaster: Bastian nods his head and turns to tell Thanos to organize the guards farther back. He is arguing with the Master Witch. Then Rawek makes his way out for everyone to see, smirk on the bird beak. The Finster guards see this and back off. This alerts Thanos and the guards, glancing over to the barely four foot creature. The only thing you see is a beak with orange glowing symbols pulsating.
BAS: Rawek!
Bastian hisses. That made a few people jump back.
RAW: You are correct Master Witch. (chirp) I am not one to show my power, but when it is warranted… I will. It’s time for you to understand what you are dealing with.
Chance: Giving Rawek a look.
Chan: Rawek…
DMaster: RAW: Easy Champion. I think it’s time for these trespassers to find out what can happen when they disrespect our land, our people and our lord.
You can see blood already trickling down his weird looking staff.
Chance: Chan: Rawek, come on now.
DMaster: BAS: Everyone back now!
Bastian starts pushing the guards back, and a small panic forms with the guards. Rawek’s eyes pulse orange, he jams the staff into the ground and oddly enough nothing happens. The Camerondale group is looking around and then a few smiles and snorts. Then after about 20 seconds, the ground rumbles and in a circle dirt flies up and erupts a bit, surrounding the guards almost. There had to be 30 or more Darklings climbing out. Some bigger, some smaller, all different weapons. An orange glow starts to emanate through where the ground broke and a strong hissing sound can be heard. Khamyra walks around, and gets to her horse – smirk on her face.
RAW: This is what we can bring in, (squawk) I’d say in, 30 seconds. Imagine if we had, an hour? Remember this…
His eyes glow an orange, and then leans heavily on the staff.
Chance: Chan: Dammit, Rawek!
Turn to Bastian.
Chan: Talk. Now.
Point north away from this shit show.
DMaster: You and Bastian walk a bit aways. Still some yells and barbs back and forth. A few yells and yelps once Shemrata pulls off her hood and stands just behind the guards.
BAS: Well, fuck.
The Witch puts his head in his hands.
BAS: We got word… that, well, why are you raiding a temple of Atticus?
Chance: Chan: not raiding Bastian, we are mapping it, or just figuring out what is down there.
DMaster: Looking up, Bastian gives you a long look.
BAS: You were down there?! Are you fucking nuts?
He slaps his forehead.
Chance: Chan: We have it handled. It is all warded up, no pun intended.
DMaster: Eyes wide.
BAS: Oh you do now, oh that’s great. You know the very little information we have on him, it tells us he was “destroyed” and banished to one of his major temples. This here, was one of his major temples. If you are fucking around down there…
Chance: Nod head.
Chan: We did encounter some resistance.
DMaster: Bastian nods his head.
BAS: Dammit, thats the symptom of an evil banished god and its power filling the immediate area. Come on man…
Shemrata is now in front of the guards, Rawek giving the large woman a smirk.
RAW: Now now Shemrata, I wouldn’t want your long tail to accidentally strangle one of these fine citizens…
He coughs and chirps. You can hear her ticking from where you are standing.
Chance: Look over shake my head.
Chan: Shemrata can kill 5 of them before they even…
DMaster: Interrupting
BAS: I know Chance, I saw her fight.
Chance: Chan: well, you can go back and tell whoever, the place is sealed up nice and tight. For now let me try to get Rawek and Shemrata calmed down. If you can do the same for everyone else. I don’t want this to escalate anymore than it already has.
DMaster: He gives you one last look, and then heads to his group. Shemrata already is approaching a guard who is shitting his pants. You get in front of Shemrata, Rawek is about 15 feet away, smirking as his darkling’s are freaking out the guards. Bastian is pulling the guards away the best he can.
Chance: Glare at the Odius.
Chan: Enough Shemrata, you have made your point
DMaster: She looks at you, smirks and winks. You can tell she isn’t mad, she is having fun. Then in a surprise move. She almost bows to you.
SHEM: Yes, M’Lord.
Her tone serious, she backs up. The guards eyes grow big looking at you.
Chance: Looking at her and smile a bit, not letting the guards see it.
Chan: and Rawek please call off the darklings would you?
DMaster: He nods to you.
RAW: Yes, my Champion. It will take a bit for them to get back down, but they will go.
The guards are now in awe of you, obviously in command of this situation. They are getting rounded up by Thanos and Bastian. Khamyra and Bastian exchange a wave and a smile. Guards pile into the wagon and they are heading out. Bastian does not follow, and heads back to you.
BAS: So it’s safe to say everything stayed down in the temple?
Chance: Chan: I would say that it is safe to say, with two wards and with Velencia’s power.
Take a deep sigh, look to the ground.
Chan: not how I wanted this day to go. I am sure I will have to deal with the royals.
DMaster: Bastian gives you a look
BAS: Not sure you know this but Gods can’t be killed. So somewhere, most likely on Legon, he lives. Could be down in that temple, if what you are telling me is true…
Chance: Chan: I know that.
Still shaking my head
Chan: The goal was just to get in and map as much as we could and not run into anything. But of course, best laid plans and all…
DMaster: Bastian looks you over, sees you a bit roughed up.
BAS: Can I ask what you met down there?
Chance: Scoff
Chan: Skeletons, humanoid, dog like and I think a fucking giant.
DMaster: His eyes bulge and shakes his head.
BAS: Chance, he could be down there… this could be…
Chance: Interrupting.
Chan: I know! I got it.
Sigh again.
DMaster: BAS: Ok, well if I don’t see you, good luck in Magus Orion, it kind of sounds like a vacation for you now.
Looking around smiling a bit.
Chance: Nod head and chuckle.
Chan: Actually does.
DMaster: He turns, jumps on his horse and starts off. By now the Darklings have all but went back down into the earth. Two guards, guided by Rawek, start to shovel some dirt back into all the holes. The Bird is hovering over the area, a soft orange glow around his staff, probably sealing it off, so there is not a breech.
Chance: Walk to Shemrata and Rawek.
Chan: I am going to head out ok? Say goodbye to Velencia and Hamza for us.
DMaster: They both nod to you.
Chance: Chan: I need a fucking drink.
DMaster: They both chuckle at that statement. You start to head over to Khamyra, but Saundra has finally found her way to you.
SAU: Chance.
She seems a bit different, very cold to you right now.
Chance: Give her a look, sag shoulders.
Chan: Priestess.
Take her hand and kiss it.
DMaster: She smiles and nods.
SAU: I don’t mean to jump on the bandwagon here, but I received visions last night. They were confusing. Once I heard what was happening here, all the dream visions became clear. So I rode out with the guards. Am I glad nothing more happened in this little tussle, it would of been a slaughter.
She shutters.
SAU: I know a lot about the underearth, and a handful of those Darklings could wipe out a brigade, and oy! when they die…
Chance: Interrupting her.
Chan: Yes, they explode, I know… first hand actually.
DMaster: She gives you a look.
SAU: We have to know that the temple is sealed up for good. We can’t take the chance of anyone else going down there and stirring up trouble. Animax is a bit worried about it and is not happy you are going down there.
Chance: Nod head.
Chan: I know. Its hard to control Velencia. Maybe she should just find a new place to build a temple.
DMaster: SAU: Or… not build one at all.
Giving you a look, shrugging her shoulder.
Chance: Bite my tongue. Shake head.
Chan: Priestess, good day to you.
DMaster: Excusing yourself, you walk over to the Warlock, who has a look on her face.
KHA: Well, did not see that coming. Nice job corralling all the people. Impressive.
She glances over.
KHA: But I have one question, how the hell did they know we were going into the temple, or it even existed for that matter?
Chance: Give the Warlock an innocent look.
Chan: The Ward is hawking me, hun. I thought telling them I would be with the Priestess, they would get off my fucking dick! I just can’t win.
Jump up on Toby, shaking my head.
Chan: Man, I hope the Priestess “bitch” doesn’t find out.
DMaster: Both of you spur on the horses and head for home. Still a gorgeous day, couldn’t ask for a better one… at least weather wise.
Chance: Ride home hoping when we get there Camerondale guards aren’t there.
DMaster: You turn down your rode in a trot and Thanos is riding by, giving you a dirty look. Stopping at your house, you see an extra horse in the pen.
Chance: Chan: well I am sure this is going to go swell. Cherries and unicorn farts.
DMaster: She snorts a little, a giggle escapes.
KHA: I think the kids would love the unicorn farts.
You head inside
Chance: taking tack and saddle off Toby and head inside.
DMaster: Harlow sitting wide legged, mug in hand looking over her shoulder to the door.
HAR: On our day off Chance, our only friggen day off.