NOTE: When you see (e) in the dialog, that means it is being spoken in the Elven language.

Now – Early Morning

The sky was clear and the air was brisk. The Champion walks slowly down the main road in Hillside, head a bit down wondering what time it was and if anyone will be in the holding facility.

Chance walks into the stronghold, and instead of heading up the stairs to his room, he walks down a level that leads into a general room roughly 60′ x 60′ with some tables, a few bookshelves and chests. A higher ceiling, hanging candle circlet and fairly well lit. He glances to his left to a large reinforced door, that he assumes is the jail for the town.

Taking a deep sigh, shaking his head, he walks into the room that is 30′ x 40′, very barren, a small window high and thin, a large jail cell on the far wall, to the left is a table and some bookshelves and in the center of the room is a table. At that table is the jailer on duty, now asleep in his chair, snoring quite loudly.

“Excuse me,” the Champion says, getting the man’s attention, almost making him fall out of the chair.

After recovering, the man wearing a makeshift leather armor, hair a mess and bleary eyes, wipes his chin and looks over this tall quarter elf. Confusion gets reset when the Black Ward Symbol jumps out to him. “Oh, oh! Yes, yes, what can I do for the Black Ward?”

Before he could finish, Chance walks into the jail cell, closes the door behind him. Then he walks to a bench and sits down. “Lock it up.”

The Jailer now really confused, walks to the cage of sorts looking into it, “I’m sorry, you want me to lock you in there?”

Without a word, Chance nods his head. The Champion sits there, arms on his knees, head down and now replaying the memories in his head that he wished he never had to deal with.

The night creeps on, and by the first sign of light, Chance glances up to see Obyren leaning against the door frame of the entrance to the jailroom.

“I get a guard at my door, at the ass crack of dawn, telling me some tall lanky Black Ward agent just locked himself up in the cell,” the Captain says now starting to walk towards the quarter elf, “I can only imagine why you are here.”

Chance, still quiet, slowly shaking his head, “I am sure you will find out soon enough,” he says quietly, almost too soft for Obyren to hear.

The Captain wearing his full armor and uniform, turns to the jailer, “You can leave us now, close the door behind you,” he says nodding his head to the exit.

Making quick work of that, knowing he was caught napping, the jailer bolts for the exit and closes the door.

By now Obyren is closer to the cell, tilted head, wider eyes and a look that tells Chance he needs to start talking.

“Well, I went against your wishes, so I deserve to be in here,” Chance starts off, still quiet, and still not making eye contact.

“What wish is that?” Obyren says, thinking of a few snarky things to say but refrains.

Dipping his head a bit further, “I went into the Roundel, despite your request.”

The Captains eyes bulge and he steps back a bit, furrowed brow. “I’m sorry, what? You did what now?”

Chance finally stands up and walks over to Obyren. “I went into the roundel, I had to get the body of that digger out of there.”

Shaking his head, putting his hands up to stop the Black Ward man from talking, Obyren stops to think. “You found the digger’s body, randomly? How? You of all people didn’t want to go down there, hell you were fighting Talia tooth and nail. Why did you decide to go all of a sudden?”

After a long sigh and a moment, Chance responds, “you wouldn’t believe me if I told you. So do what you have to with me, I went against your explicit command, I deserve to be here.”

Obyren was giving the Champion a long stare and watching his characteristics, and realized this was a man in some pain.

“I am not going to keep you locked up, you are Black Ward and if you had a reason to go in there, then I will allow it…” Obyren says, but gets interrupted.

“No,” Chance says looking away from the Captain, “I deserve to be in here, I really do.”

By now Obyren was all but glued up to the bars of the cell, “Chance, your not staying in there. Now tell me what happened, whether I will believe it or not.”

The Champion leans against the wall of the cell, looks over to the Captain, “Animax, Finster and the Historian Edwin visited me last night,” he starts out giving Obyren a look to see his reaction.

His eyes bulge a little, but the man staring at Chance nods his head, knowing he “is” the Champion of Finster.

“They told me of what is down in the roundel, why this thing or things are still alive and other things lurking,” the quarter elf says shuttering a little, “Edwin said the digger was on the first level, far against a wall and not able to be seen from the railings.”

Obyren nods his head, mind racing.

“Finster gave me a berry to eat, to turn me invisible and untraceable,” Chance says, licking his lips remembering how good it tasted, “I went down there, found the body, or what was left of it, and brought it back up. It is. Mark that. He. Is now on a table in the main work tent with a blanket over his, well, where his body used to be.”

The Captain takes a hard swallow. “Did you see or hear anything when you were down there?”

Chance shakes his head, “it was quiet, very quiet. I was in and out in less than a minute.”

“You said you know what is down there? They, and by they, I mean the pantheon of gods apparently, knows what is down there?” Obyren asks then pauses, raises an eyebrow, “I guess they would know that, they would know quite a lot of things probably.”

Shaking his head, the quarter elf responds,”yes I do, and we have some work to do to get this secured. I have been advised on what to do…”

Just then the door opens and the Captain whirls around, starting to get angry at the interruption.

The Princess strides into the room, in a shorter dress, knee high boots, blonde hair flowing, with the streak of red in her hair, jewelry and makeup to perfection; looking past Obyren and seeing Chance in the cell. “What is the meaning of this Captain?”

Chance smiles and chuckles, “It is not his doing, I jailed myself Princess, I jailed myself.”

(What led up to this? Keep reading)

6 hours before – Time: High Moon

Chance reluctantly gears back up, arms himself and makes his way out of the Stronghold. His stealth skills allow him to practically bump into the guard outside and still not have him be seen (rolled a 18+9)

Out of the village he goes, along the wall and bypassing the work tents. The quarter elf now finds himself just outside the “entrance” of this roundel. He takes the berry from his pocket that his Dark Lord gave him, pops it in his mouth and is expecting it to taste bad. But it does not, it quite possibly is the best thing he has ever tasted.

A smile washes over his face enjoying the taste when suddenly his body turns a little numb, air seemed to rush into him and it sounds like he is in a vacuum. He looks around and he can no longer see himself. “Finster and Animax said I would be virtually undetectable,” he thinks to himself, remembering the conversation.

Chance starts to talk only to find, no sound is coming out. He tries to clap his hand and still nothing. It is like when Cassie uses her Psychic ability to silence everything.

Shaking his head wishing he could do this all the time, he climbs over the fence. He makes his way down the steps to the first level slowly, inside the roundel. It is very quiet, only a pebble or two that broke free of Chances affected area of his stealth “berry” can be heard. Walking along the corridor of sorts he looks over and sees another 9-10 levels. In some instances he feels like he can see movement, but squinting harder it appears his eyes might be playing tricks on him. He has to be careful because of what is locked away here. Some Lord, and something called “the forgotten.”

Turning around he can now see something on the ground, pushed up along the wall, almost directly underneath the staircase leading out. He walks over and the smell hits, he coughs and gags. He is thankful no one can hear it.

Bends down and sees what used to be a man, torn clothes, half his face, barely any of his body, entrails all over. He pulls out the bag Edwin told him to bring, and scrapes him into it.

Afterwards he takes one last look around, and there is a glint, a reflection of sorts a few feet from the bloody mess on the ground. Chance finds a ring, picks it up and puts it in his pocket quickly.

The Champion makes his way out of the roundel. The fresh air was nice, the cooler wind bites a little and the sky was as clear as it could be.

Chance walks to the working tents and goes inside the big one that seems to be the one they use for meetings and such. Looking around he finds some blankets that look like they were for the diggers. He lays one out, then proceeds to gently bring out the remains of this man. Doing everything in his power not to blow chunks, he only looks when he has too. Then he covers the remains with another blanket, only leaving his head visible.

The vision of the scared boy comes into mind; the wife frantic and worried. He could not even imagine the heart break they will endure…

He takes a shaky breath staring at the man, eyes starting to well up. “No, I guess I would know the heartbreak, wouldn’t I…” he tells himself; Remembering the day his mother told him his adopted father was lost at sea, when Ferellus died in his arms in the compound and finding Morties bracelet. It hits him in the chest hard, making him take another deep breath.

Chance sits in a chair and realizes he is not going to be able to stop it. The tears fall as well as his head and all that could be heard is the sobs coming from the Champion of Finster.

Once he got himself under control he remembered the ring. He fishes it out of his pocket, looked it over and he has no doubt it is a wedding band. He finds a pouch that was empty on one of the shelves. The tall man puts the band in there, making him take a labored shaky breath.

Chance grabs a piece of parchment, and writes “Found this by the body” and he puts the two together and lays it in the middle on the blanket.

Between the smell and emotions, Chance just decides to leave. He walks outside the tent and realizes he just went against Obyren’s explicit demands.

The Black Ward member, now starting to appear from the stealth magic looks down at his body coming into vision. In deep thought he heads into town and to the Stronghold.

(What led up to this part? Keep reading)

About 8 hours before heading into jail, 11:00 PM

After the dinner with Azatina, the Champion is visited by Finster and Animax.

Chance sheaths his sword, changes back to his normal form, and plops down at the edge of the bed, shaking his head.

Another flash happens and behind the two gods is Edwin, leafing through what looks to be, air? He is acting like there is a book but the Champion can’t see one.

Then in a thought of realization, Edwin looks up worried that the Champion was going to lose his shit only to see him giving him a soft smile and a small wave. (rolled a 19)

Edwin smiles wide and nods to the man sitting on the bed in an old dingy bedroom. The historian looks around “where the hell are we?”

Finster glances back, “On Legon you dolt, where else?” he barbs back much to the displeasure of Animax.

The quarter elf snorts and shakes his head.

The Dark Cleric gives his Champion a look, “that was funny?” he says half questioning.

“It is exactly what Velencia would have said,” he says nodding his head towards Finster, “except she probably would have said it snappier and with a bit more whip.”

Animax leans his head back and laughs out loud, and Finster nods his head in agreement with a snicker.

“It has been a long day M’lords, is there a reason for this visit?” the Champion stands giving them both a respectful bow, then giving them a once over.

Edwin stops and looks on, “to start off, this roundel you are at, is one of the three sites of the Lords of Imyrillion,” he says, glancing up to the Black Ward member.

Furrying his brow he looks back over to the Historian, “Lords of Imyrillion? Why does that make my stomach turn?” Chance finishes out with a shake of the head.

Edwin looks to Animax and he nods his head. Finster starts to lean on a non existent wall, rolling his eyes a bit and crossing his arms.

“When Imyrillion was in the godplane, she schemed and schemed to bring herself more power. Some say it was to overthrow Atticus and Animax, but others say she was looking to break free of this particular area of the godplane,” Edwin says still leafing through a non-existent book, “a bit confusing to say the least, but anyways I digress.”

Finster snorts, “yes, please, digress a bit faster?”

Animax nudges him almost making him fall over and they start in on a shoving match. Edwin glances over, wide eyed, but a look that tells the Champion that this is not an uncommon occurrence.

“The main reason for them to exist was to draw life power from Legon and funnel it to the goddess giving her more power, I mean these Lords are powerful and can cause serious carnage,” Edwin says, then stops a moment to see if everyone is still awake, continues, “anyways, once she was defeated by our Lord Animax, these creatures were jailed, for lack of better terms. Since they had the blood, the essence of Imyrillion, they can not be fully destroyed.”

Chance is wide eyed, staring at Edwin, taking a hard gulp.

“Not true, but whatever, keep going, you are on a roll,” Finster says with a smirk.

“I know of no other way for her to utilize the creatures, other than unleashing them into the world to induce carnage, because she could only use them when she was in the godplane correctly,” Edwin says grunting a little at the thought, “unfortunately, anything that has to do with Imyrillion is fuzzy at best. She has some powerful warding magic, and she has tried to erase much of her history here on Legon.”

The Champion furries his brow, “that doesn’t make sense, her followers are like screaming to everyone that she was wronged and it’s her time now, and other propaganda bullshit,” he finishes with a scoff.

Edwin nods, “they may, but she doesn’t want people to truly know of her existence until it is too late.”

Everyone exchanges glances, the historian continues, “with the help of our new room-mate, we can kind of track some of the bigger players for Imyrillion, from the underearth,” he says glancing over to Animax who is rolling his eyes, Finster puffing out his chest, “it does not appear they are close, but we are pretty sure they are heading this way, as slow as it seems.”

“Great, that’s… just great,” Chance says sarcastically and nodding his head, “how much time do we have?”

Edwin is thinking for a moment, “there is no way to know how quickly they will get there, hell they might not even be heading this way. We can say at least 2 weeks at the pace they are at and they don’t take any detours. Why they were in the Straka Forest anyone knows. They have not moved very fast at all and sometimes even have stopped. They will probably head through the Teeter Winds to avoid any confrontation, other than an Orc or two.”

Finster smiles wide, “my invokers are all over it, I have asked them to check. So whatever they are doing, or traveling with is really large and underground. So far that is starting to disturb the underearth.”

Animax steps in, “Straka Forest is filled with, lets just say abominations and crazy. I can only imagine what they were doing there.”

He continues, “the drought you helped stop, we feel was a test, an experiment,” the smaller man who is glowing says, waddling a bit away in thought, “she probably also wanted to see who is fighting for me, for this side of the world, since she hasn’t been a part of it for over 1300 years. What can they do and how well will it work?”

The god is pursing his lips, looking down, “honestly, I think it worked well for her little band of rejects. The experiments were successful, hell, had us scrambling, and she is going to be moving on to the next level, whatever the hell that will be.”

Edwin interjects again, “not to mention any of ‘the forgotten’ that still live down in the roundel,” he says with a shutter and a groan, “anyway we can put them to rest too, would be good.”

The Dark Cleric chuckles a bit and smiles, “yeah, I can’t imagine there are too many, magic was pretty unstable by that time from what I heard. Longevity spells and rituals would of been dangerous at best.”

“So this is like a place of magic warding? A jail for bad magic, perhaps?” Chance says, standing up and giving them a look.

All three nod their heads in agreement.

Finster finally straightens up and shakes his head, “I know, a lot to put on you. But I think you are starting to see that you have some amazing blessings, but it is saddled with a few curses as well.”

The tall foreboding man walks over to Chance, they lock eyes, “where you go in life, is more or less, fated. Meaning, you are here for a reason. It is the burden that all Champions bear,” he finishes then scoffs looking over his shoulder to Animax.

“Don’t start Fin, not in the mood to hear about my Guardian,” the shorter god says wandering a bit away waving his hand around.

Finster looks back with a smile, “you, have been everything I needed and more. His little pet, she might look like a sweet piece of ass, but she is struggling. I mean you had your struggles, and still do in some ways, but she is…”

“Enough! I can hear you!” Animax says scolding, turning around.

Finster lets out a chuckle. Edwin sighs.

“We are putting a plan together now. Help will be coming,” the Dark Cleric starts, glances back to Animax again, who is giving him an annoyed look, “…and the first batch will be Naya’il and a band of battle clerics and druids.”

For a moment Chance is standing there thinking, scrunches his nose and speaks very softly, “you sure we want to entrust such an important task to, well, that pip-squeek?”

“I CAN STILL HEAR YOU!” Animax says with wide eyes, face turning flush.

Finster glances back again, “I feel we need the big guns here for this,” he furries his brow, “my people defeated them before…”

The good god shakes his head, “I think for now we have enough to repel them…”

Surprising Edwin blurts out, “repel them? M’Lord we don’t know what it is they have or what they are doing. Hell without Finster and…”

“Yes! Yes!” Heard you the first time, Animax says in an angry tone, “Finster is all that and a bag of cheese!”

After some chuckles and groans, the three godly men glance at each other. There is definitely a report with these beings now, some on a strained level, other in a tongue and cheek.

“Once they get here, I will need you to do a few other things for us, to… prepare,” Animax says, walking closer to the Champion, letting out a sigh. “Hopefully then we have a bit more information and we can see if bringing in Finster’s miscreants is necessary.

Chance grits his teeth, jaw clenched as Finster’s eyes get big and smiles; looking at his counterpart in the god plane.

The small god glances up and looks at the Champion, whose expression is turning a bit dark, eyes turning to slits and light beaming out, “Chance?”

“Those miscreants, are my people, my life and my very being,” he says with a growl, “not to mention my beloved, mother of my children and my wife.”

Animax, realizing his mistake, puts his hand on Chances arm, “my apologies, your, god, seems to be rubbing off on me.”

Chance nods his head respectfully, still a bit mad and sighs softly.

Finster smirks and then double takes, looking at his Champion, “there is something else, isn’t there?”

He nods his head, “Where do I start?” the Champion starts to reply with a chuckle, “but for starters, there was a digger who went missing… I would like to know where he went or where he is,” he finishes off giving Edwin a glance.

The historian frowns and looks down, “I can tell you but for starters, you will probably have to bring a large sack…”

“and… here, take this,” Finster says flicking what looks to be a large dark purple berry, “it will keep you invisible and quiet for a short time, I don’t think you are ready to take on a Lord… just yet.”

Turn Base Begins Now

The Princess strides in, dressed in a shorter dress, knee high boots, blonde hair flowing, with the streak of red in her hair, jewelry and makeup to perfection; looking past Obyren and seeing Chance in the cell. “What is the meaning of this Captain?”

Chance smiles and chuckles, “It is not his doing, I jailed myself Princess, I jailed myself.”

Chance: looking at Azatina as I say this. Still chuckling a bit, with everything that has just occurred.

DMaster: Obyren unlocks the door, swings it open.
OBY: Come on. Let’s go. You can tell the Princess everything over breakfast
Just then you hear his stomach growl, Azatina glances over, smirks

Chance: Nod my head and walk out of the cell. Walking with my hands behind my back as I follow Obyren and Azatina

DMaster: You head out into the middle chamber and you see Talia standing there.
TAL: Wat… What is going on?
Her hair is a wreck, just has sleep wear on, glancing around, probably looking for breakfast or the baths.

Chance: kind of chuckle seeing how she looks.
Chan: it is kind of a long story
Look over to Obyren and Azatina

DMaster: Obyren frowns,
OBY: Get dressed, baths are on the second floor, we will eat in the dining hall
He points to the door across from the jail room

Chance: Chan: and make it fast, Talia, please

DMaster: She frowns at you.
TAL: It’ll take as long as it takes, short tips
She heads back up the stairs

Chance: shaking my head and sigh a bit
Chan: if she only knew what was going on

DMaster: Obyren leads you two over into the dining hall where you had dinner with Azatina last night. A few servants scooting around, Obyren tells them to get breakfast and the like

Chance: Grab a seat and look over to Azatina and Obyren
Chan: Before I begin to explain everything with what is going on, let’s get some food in your Captain’s gut or it will just keep getting louder.
Smirking at Obyren

DMaster: He smiles and nods in appreciation. Turns and walks out the door.
AZA: Chance… What is going on?

Chance: Give her a smile.
Chan: let’s wait for everyone to get here, then I can explain. Though I doubt most people will believe me.

DMaster: AZA: I am not most people, seen things no one would believe. So, I think we are good here
Giving you a warm smile and finding her way to her seat.

Chance: Chan: I guess it makes total sense considering all you went through.
Smiling at her

DMaster: By then Talia has made her way down, the food is getting served. Obyren walks in, excuses all the servants once they finished with the food, and locks the door

Chance: Chan: well now that everyone is here, let me start from the beginning
looking right at everyone. I start to explain everything that happened the night before, while eating my food.

DMaster: Everyone dives into their food and listens to your tale. By the end everyone has finished their food, they all have wide eyes and open mouths, except Obyren and Talia. She looks very intrigued. Then there is a knock on the door. Obyren sighs, goes and opens it. He sighs again, and let’s Inasatra in.
INA: My Lady. Is everything alright?
She looks about the room, glares at you for a moment then back to her.

Chance: I sigh and just give her a fleeting look before looking back to everyone. Finish up my food.

DMaster: Azatina shakes her head, putting her napkin on her plate letting out a large sigh. She looks about the room and nods to Obyren. He closes the door and sits down.
AZA: Well, no. It appears we have dug up something that should not have been dug up, or perhaps maybe we were fated to do so.
She chuckles, thinks for a moment slowly shaking her head. Then stands and looks up dramatically.
AZA: Obyren, send for a battalion of troops, get them here immediately. Make sure the guards who are currently here, work a double until the rest arrive.

Chance: look around and raise my hand.
Chan: ummm, still have more we need to discuss.

DMaster: She glances over and nods.
AZA: Ok, sorry Chance, just getting a bit worried.

Chance: Nod to her in understanding.
Chan: So should we include Inasatra in this conversation? I mean the less people that know, I think would be better

DMaster: The Eldergleen elf gives you a dirty look, Obyren smirks a bit, but trying not to show everyone.
INA: What don’t you want me to know? I should be in the…
Obyren interrupts.
OBY:I will send for the battalion, and be back quickly
Talia is sitting there, smiling… drinking her bean water. Azatina nods to the captain as he heads out.

Chance: I begin to retell the tale quickly for Inasatra. Watching her reaction

DMaster: She is scoffing and looking at everyone like she is getting punked. Raised eyebrow and shook her head, in elf:
INA: You. Want me to believe that load? (e)

Chance: Snicker a little, nod head.
Chan: Yeah, well I could care less what you believe, I only told you because Azatina wanted me too.
Then turning my dialect to elf.
Chan: If you don’t believe me, you can piss off. By the way, your cousin will be here in a few hours.(e)

DMaster: She snarls a bit, then steps back giving you another look. Once you nod, it is the first time you actually see her smile a bit. Obyren comes back in. Closes the door and stands at the table.
OBY: Let’s get this straight. We have this giant of a creature that can, what I can tell, funnel power from the godplane, sitting down in this… roundel. The roundel is then filled with all of these, “forgotten” and this is a natural magic boundary, a jail of sorts.
He shakes his head. Glances over to Inasatra who looks fidgety.
OBY: Did you have something to add?
INA: Yes. The missing digger has been found, he was laying in the tent, what was left of him.
Talia’s eyes went from surprise to a look of despair. The room sighs and groans. Inasatra seemed a bit annoyed looking at a few of you.
INA: You knew about this?

Chance: Nod head before anyone else can answer.
Chan: okay, before you ask how or why, it was me that found the digger
Looking down a bit, clench my jaw and sigh

DMaster: Talia’s head snaps up to you.
TAL: OH! I wonder if we walked the perimeter we would have found him then…
Obyren sighs, and takes a deep breath… like he is preparing.
OBY: No, it’s something that Chance left out of the story, because I wanted to tell you, personally. He spoke with me and I allowed him to go into the roundel
Her eyes flare up, looking at both of you.
TAL: Excuse me!?!

Chance: Chan: I had a way in that no one else did. It was a solo mission.

DMaster: She looks down, shakes her head.
TAL: I’m guessing old Finster? or old Animax helped out?

Chance: Chan: well, Edwin told me where I could find the digger and Finster gave me a little something that would make it so I wouldn’t be detected.
Looking over to Talia

DMaster: TAL: Not sure who Edwin really is, but whatever…
She sighs heavily, pushes the mug forward she was drinking.
TAL: At least now… they can have some closure
Her eyes welling up a bit, face turning flush.
TAL: I… I… have to go get my gear
She gets up and quickly walks out the door.

Chance: Chan: well at least it didn’t turn into a shouting match
Nod my head in relief.

DMaster: Obyren smiles and breathes a sigh of relief as well. (DM Mentions it started to hail at his house)

Chance: Chan: I feel bad for the family and the pain they are going to have to go through
Thinking about the son, clenching my jaw.

DMaster: After a few minutes of silence and thought, Azatina perks up.
AZA: Chance, you will need people to travel with you, can’t go alone.

Chance: Chan: of course not, I was hoping you would say that M’Lady
Looking over and give her a small smile
Chan: Well I mean I have a few people that came with me, but I am sure Bozzuto wouldn’t be none to happy if I took them with me.

DMaster: Obyren gives you an odd look.
OBY: Actually I think he would be none to happy if you didn’t take them. They are here to assist your efforts Chance, not blankly guard a location. We have plenty of men to do that.
Azatina nods her head in agreement.
OBY: Well I know Demi will go, she is out at the camp now making sure everything is good, I have word for her to come here when she is done

Chance: Chan: well, of course she would want to go, being black ward and well something else
smirking
Chan: I am sure Talia would jump at the chance, no pun intended

DMaster: Obyren sighs
OBY: Think she could handle herself? I mean this is not some little journey to pick flowers.

Chance: Chan: I have seen her training. I think she can, besides do you think if I told her she couldn’t go she would listen anyways?
Chuckle giving him a look.
Chan: We both know how stubborn she can be.

DMaster: He nods his head emphatically.
AZA: Inasatra, you will go as well
Her eyes bulge out of her head
INA: With all due respect, my place is by your side!
The Princess shakes her head.
AZA: We will have near 100 guards here and Obyren will be watchful of me
She gives him a side wards glance and he chuckles, also nodding his head.
INA: But Why?
AZA: We need unique and skillful players here. Not a run of the mill guard or some washed up old Monk.
The Eldergleens shoulders slump and she sighs.

Chance: Chan: I know me and you will never see eye to eye but I would appreciate setting our differences aside to secure this Roundel, and the safety of this Kingdom as well as your Princess. (e)

DMaster: She frowns, but surprisingly nods her head to you.
AZA: If you are slated to protect me, then getting this, rock, turd, thing in this garden of ass-crack is going to do just that
OBY: Rock.. turd… thing? Garden of what now?
Everyone giggles a little.

Chance: Can’t help but chuckle a bit
Chan: I can assure you this isn’t going to be easy, anyways, nothing ever is when I am involved.

DMaster: a knock on the door, has Obyren opening it and Talia coming in

Chance: Chan: when your cousin and her group gets here we will be taking our leave. That will probably be best for all parties involved.
Think how I want to strangle the life out of that damn midget.

DMaster: Talia is fidgeting a bit with her ironbark armor, her dual battle staff, and in full gear.
OBY: Is that… Ironbark?
He walks over eyes wide
OBY: They say that it forms perfectly around the person wearing it.
She smiles and starts jabbering about how it was made and how it works.
TAL:… but it doesn’t always work for people, there is a ritual and shit you have to do and…
She continues to yammer on.

Chance: Looking over to Talia and smile a bit, thankful she is here with me.

DMaster: AZA: Once my Captain stops drooling over armor, he might have someone get a map to help Chance and his crew?
Obyren looks up a bit embarrassed and nods his head.
TAL: Who is all going? I know I am…

Chance: Chan: we already agreed on that Talia, since we knew that would lead to an argument anyways
smirking

DMaster: She stands up a bit snooty like and nods her head.
TAL: Damn straight.
OBY: Its Chance, Talia, Inasatra, Demi – so far… I will get the map my Princess
He bows a bit and runs off

Chance: Chan: only wish we were bringing some more big players, cause this always leads to some big baddie being involved.

DMaster: Talia frowns a little, miffed. The Princess glances over.
AZA: huh? Wait, the Champion of Finster, an eldergleen Master Huntress, another Black Ward member… and uhhh, Talia is not enough?
Talia looks at the princess semi-offended

Chance: Chan: sorry, just a bit use to having Khamyra and Velencia to fill out the group.
Look over at Azatina and let out a sigh

DMaster: Talia and Azatina both wrinkle their nose at the sound of Velencia. Demi makes her way in eyes wide, holding a map.
DEM: I was summoned, and I have a map of the Free Lands for some reason? Why in elderberries am I holding a map of the free lands?
She sees Azatina, then bows.
DEMI: Sorry M’Lady
Azatina giggles a bit at her elderberries comment.

Chance: Chan: ’cause, Demi, that is the direction we are going

DMaster: DEMI: huh?
You all fill her in quickly and she is dumbfounded.
DEM: Didn’t expect this when I woke up this morning…

Chance: Chan: well all of you didn’t, anyways
chuckling a bit
Chan: never a dull moment when I am involved.

DMaster: DEMI: Evidently
AZA: We will have a meeting at high sun today out in the center room, we can go over the rest there. In the meantime I Have things I have to take care of

Chance: nod my head and smile at Azatina
Chan: we shall see you at high sun then. So is everything in order with the group we are leaving here Demi?

DMaster: DM: Condensing a bit. Demi goes over what she did and prepared, and Talia makes some remarks about Chance and his short tips. The majority of the group grabs what they have left hanging around, pack it up on the horses. They get rations and the like from Magus Orion for their trip. That gets packed as well. All 4 of them finish up the packing. On their way back to the stronghold,
TAL: Can’t believe you are all buddy buddy with that Velencia skank now, how things have changed.

Chance: Chan: well we have an understanding, I will never be best buds with her, but she is the figurehead for this religion, as much as I am. She is and always will be a wretched skank but when the world needed her, she stepped up and kept people safe.
Stop walking a moment and ponder.
Chan: I can’t even believe this is Velencia I am talking about

DMaster: You head into the main entrance room and there is lunch sitting for everyone, maps and such at the table.

Chance: Grab a seat and grab something to eat and drink before going over the maps, waiting for everyone to show up that is involved.

DMaster: Talia does the same. A servant comes in and says there is a large party from the temple of Animax here to see the Captain and/or the Princess. Obyren leaves hearing the entourage is here.

Chance: Chan: well you wanted an adventure, here it is Talia

DMaster: She nods her head as she takes a bite of some bread after dipping it in the stew.
TAL: Yeah, might want to refrain from telling dad… or I mean Plugr. At least for a while. I am sure telling him his only daughter is heading into the underearth to rub elbows with demons and the like would not go over too well.
She finishes her bite of food, sighs.

Chance: Nod head. Take a few bites of stew as my thoughts drift to home

DMaster: After a few minutes, people come pouring into the room, some seriously armed clerics, remind you of Everlee. You are sitting to one side, watching most of them coming in, but after a minute, you feel hands on your shoulders

Chance: turn my head as soon as I feel the hands on my shoulders

DMaster: You get a wiff of this amazing perfume, and looking up it makes you instantly smile.
LUE: Hey stud.
Talia’s eyes bulge and she almost spits out her food
TAL: Luella!

Chance: My eyes get big and a smile goes to my face
Chan: Luella are you a welcome sight

DMaster: She squeezes your shoulders a little. She looks over to Talia.
LUE: Hey Tal. How you been?
TAL: Good good, I almost didn’t recognize you in normal fitting clothes.
Talia giggles, Luella looks down and smiles
LUE: Day ain’t over yet hun.

Chance: Chan: let’s make it a point to keep your clothes on shall we?
Smirking
Chan: of all the people, I didn’t expect was you to be here

DMaster: She reaches around, her breasts rubbing your short tips and grabs some bread, eats some of it.
LUE: Well, I get a knock on the door and your wife is standing there, smirk on her face. Standing next to her is this really short guy.
She laughs as she takes another bite
LUE: Rawek couldn’t come, though he would of been ideal for this. He is not in the best of health and apparently has a family now?

Chance: Chan: well knew about the family, but his health is declining now?

DMaster: She nods.
LUE: Apparently merging with a Demon Messenger Crow is not good for the body you know? Takes it’s toll.
Again breasts to back of head, she grabs more and eats.
LUE: So I was recruited, since we are going into the underearth, right? Then I had to unfortunately travel with this fucking group and meeting up with ol’ shorty over there
The guardian walks in and as usual it seems like she is glowing. Luella thumbing in her direction.

Chance: Chan: uh oh.
Brace myself. (Rolls a natty!)

DMaster: Both of you, your eyes meet. (DM: She rolls a natty too, back to back 20’s!)
She nods, barely flinches.

Chance: nod back at her, then look to see who else is coming into the room

DMaster: Just two clerics armed to the teeth that were ready to rumble, now look dumbfounded at the exchange; expecting a battle between you two. Then also a druid, a few monks. And something you never thought you would see, Inasatra’s eyes light up and huge smile breaks. Nay’il glances over and returns the warm look.
INA: Cousin! Boy am I glad to see you.
They embrace, talk in low tones for a bit. Then the Guardian looks around to the group eating.
NAY: We are setting up on the opposite side of the villages entrance
She says in a crude but elegant common. Obyren nods and smiles, he is taken a bit aback by her beauty. Then Luella interjects.
LUE: Not going to lie, I packed like 30 pairs of panties

Chance: Start to chuckle.
Chan: not even going to ask

DMaster: Talia is giggling, Curious
TAL: Why?
LUE: Probably going to shit half of them thinking of heading into the underearth
Talia burst out laughing.

Chance: Laugh out loud.
Chan: well better keep at least one pair clean for when you meet Grim Eye

DMaster: She looks at you oddly and smiles.
DEMI: Chance, we are good to go. I have everything set, horses at the ready
Demi is now scarfing her food down.

Chance: Chan: thank you Demi, let’s look at the map and get the safest yet fastest way to get there.

DMaster: Demi lays the map on the table, Luella is draped all over you, Talia is eyeing that up giggling
DEM: Well only one road to get there unless you want to go into the Teeter Winds.

Chance: Shake head vehemently.
Chan: Goddamn Owlbears.

DMaster: DEM: we head north for about a day, it turns a bit to the west, here we can probably stop. Then we ride for about 2 days to get to the Thoraxian capital. But it’s in the free lands, and I can’t tell you the last time I heard anything good come out of that area.
She says inbetween bites and wiping her mouth.

Chance: Chan: Free Lands?

DMaster: She nods her head and gives you a look.
DEM: Wat? Never heard of them? It is a long strip of land that is butted up against the Blue Steel Mountains, and decently close to the edge of the Teeter Wind Plains. It is to far West for Magus Orion or Vermeer to claim, and it is way out of scope for Thoraxe. This area has never really had a ruler of any kind, and its been chaos since…
OBY: The beginning of the 3rd Era at least. It is where outlaws and such go when they are, well, outlaws.
TAL: That was deep Oby, deep.
The Captain gives her a sharp look.

Chance: Chan: Well, the other road?

DMaster: DEM: Err? what now? There is no other road. Once we hit this “t” in the road where we can go east into the southern portions of Vermeer and into the Rockford lands… or west, towards Thoraxe.

Chance: Chan: well then I say, we waste no time getting underway. Especially with what is at stake here

DMaster: TAL: They said the soonest 2 weeks though, I mean not that we have to take a vacation in the middle of it or anything…

Chance: Chan: if there is one thing I have learned Talia, is 2 weeks could mean 2 days or 2 minutes, I would rather not wait
Chuckle a little.
Chan: and just maybe we will get to have some of old Grim Eye’s private brew

DMaster: She nods in agreement. She is finishing up your food as you are, with the help of Luella. You head out afterwards confident you are ready. Things have been checked and double checked. Azatina is there with Inasatra talking. Afterwards the Eldergleen looks over to Luella, squints her eyes like she knows her.
INA: Why are we taking a… stripper?

Chance: Scowl and walk towards Inasatra.
Chan: Excuse you. Because she is also an invoker, and also someone who I put a lot of trust in, we are heading to the underearth and she is going to be invaluable to this quest.

DMaster: Azatina gives you the motion to back off. Then looks back to her.
AZA: How would you even know she is a dancer?
INA: Your brother…
The Eldergleen rolls her eyes, bows a bit to the Princess and walks for her horse. Azatina lets out a huge sigh, shaking her head.
LUE: I have to expect that, I did a lot of stripping in my days.
TAL: You did? wow? did it pay good
LUE: paid great, have a lot saved up right now…

Chance: shaking my head
Chan: uhh, Talia really not a career choice I think Plugr would approve of, or Quinton for that matter.
Motion them on
Chan: I am sure Luella can tell you all about it as we ride.

DMaster: Talia scoffs a little and walks off with the invoker. Azatina walks up to you, Obyren by her side
AZA: Well I was hoping to spend more time with you
She says looking down, then back up to you.

Chance: Smile warmly and nod to her.
Chan: We can talk more, when I come back
Feeling my face flush a bit

DMaster: AZA: OK. Well safe travels, I have given you plenty of food, drink and feed.
OBY: Wish I could go with you…
gives you a warriors handshake, everyone is by their horses. The princess walks over to them saying a few things.

Chance: Chan: you really wouldn’t want to where we are going my friend
Shaking Obyren’s hand
Chan: just keep everyone safe till we get back

DMaster: He nods his head.
AZA: We all know what we have to do. I know this was unexpected and sudden, but we can make this work and put an end to this threat for Magus Orion, hell for all of Legon. Chance is leading this group, so what he says goes, understood?
She glances over to Inasatra who purposefully ignores her, looking straight ahead.

Chance: nod at Azatina before heading over to my horse as well

DMaster: Everyone is jumping on their horse. Its you, Talia, Luella, Inasatra, Demi and a battle cleric assigned by Nay’il who is named Sincere. Obyren takes you aside as everyone gets on their horses
OBY: I know Demi briefly talked about it, but I don’t know how much you know of the “free lands.”
He goes on to quickly explain about the same thing as Demi did.
OBY: It is a land that wants no ruler and probably will never have one. There are towns and villages throughout.
Hands you a make shift map.
OBY: Just some quick reference points. To the north, you can probably make it to Havenleaf, a decent size town still in our land, butted up against the massive forest. Then you will have to ride, and I mean really ride to a town called Shadow Run, it is the only one I know that is halfway safe in the Free Lands. Easily a two day journey from here, so you might have to ride a bit at night, or take your chances at the villages scattered about if you can’t make it.

Chance: Chan: well I am sure the villages won’t be welcoming of strangers

DMaster: He gives you a raised eyebrow look and nods.
OBY: After that you should start to see some of the outlaying Dwarven villages and towns, farming communities. There will be a heavy Dwarven guard presence most likely. The City of Thurum should be your stop there, essentially the entrance to great valley of the Dwarven Kings. Then it’s to the Capital City, about 4-5 clicks from there. I have been to the castle once in my life, from the entrance to the castle is a good 45 minute walk. The City is huge.

Chance: Chan: well the dwarves should be a bit more welcoming am I right?

DMaster: He nods and smiles
OBY: I could spend all day warning you about the dangers, but you have a good crew with you.
Obyren smiles giving you an awkward long glance.
OBY: You have grown up so much in the past year Chance.

Chance: Chan: Ok, “Dad.” (smirks) I get it… I trust my crew even though some of us have differences
glancing toward Inasatra.
Chan: I will make it work

DMaster: He pats you on the back and heads back to Azatina. She bypasses him and walks over and gives you a big hug.
AZA: Careful Chance. Come back to us ok?

Chance: give her a warm hug back with a smile.
Chan: I will do my best to see we all come back safe and sound. Unfortunately I do not think careful is in my vocabulary
Giving her a small smile

DMaster: She shakes her head and gives you a playful push

Chance: climb up on Toby and look back at the rest of the group.
Chan: let’s ride! No unnecessary stops! Ride for 4, then a quick break.

DMaster: You start off, riding at a good pace. A near perfect day of puffy clouds, blue skies and temperature in the mid 60’s.
DM: Condensing. The group rides well, with little to no distractions. After the first break there was a little debate whether to stop at a place called Scallyfrog or not. Much to Talia’s displeasure, they rode past there and found their way to Havenleaf. You pay the stable hand 6cp as you get the horses situated.

Chance: Chan: let’s go find an Inn and secure some rooms for the night

DMaster: The stable boy is a younger man, looks a little off put by the group; A tall short tip with a weird symbol on his chest, a cute girl in weird armor, another husky woman in the same type armor as this tall mixed race, a gorgeous elf in elegant fantastical armor, a stunning female in a traveling robe and a battle cleric armed to the teeth. You head in and the entrance is an open space, a good 120 feet in a circle, with a large monument in the middle of the area. Bench’s around it, lots of lanterns lit. Looks like you can go NE, N or NW for major streets. NE looks to be more residential, North you are not sure and NW looks a bit dark.

Chance: head towards the north, looking for guards as we walk along

DMaster: You go in for about a 5 minute walk, its a pretty big town. You see a few guards, but Talia stops you from talking with them.
TAL: We are not exactly a normal looking group… rather not invite questions.
Demi nods to the Witchblade and smiles a little. But it doesn’t take to long when things start to get a bit louder and more people are about. A few shops, that are closed at the moment, some taverns and then you see the word “Inn.” “The Better Chedder Inn and Pub” (What the DM rolled LOL).

Chance: can’t help but chuckle at the name make our way to the Inn

DMaster: The Inn is about half full of patrons, they all stop what they are doing and look over to you. The Inn owner was over talking with someone, turns and walks over, wide eyes. Then sees the symbol and he takes a deep breath
OWN: Is everything ok here? A bit far from home, Black Ward?
He is looking around nervously, then sees Demi’s too and he then starts to lose color in his face. Seems to get a bit frantic.
OWN: Two?

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: We just need some rooms for the night

DMaster: OWN: Oh. Alright.
You look around and the patrons all have drinks, a small board with a knife and cheese, crackers, apples and grapes and the like on it. A bit of a higher grade of people, not super high but not really a place where brawlers come
TAL: Oh, that cheese looks fantastic, I am so hungry!

Chance: Chan: first we get rooms, then you can have all the cheese you want Talia
Looking back to the Innkeeper

DMaster: LUE: If I ate all that cheese on that board, I wouldn’t have to worry about shitting my panties
Talia doubles over in laughter, the owner is giggling looking at Luella
OWN: Six rooms?

Chance: Nod head, giggle a little at Luella.
Chan: if you have that many available

DMaster: He nods
OWN: For 6 gold, you can have the rooms and each one of you have a board of cheese, our specialty
TAL: Ohhh yeah, do that chance! That!

Chance: Look at the Innkeeper and nod
Chan: if it will keep some of us happy…

DMaster: DM: Condensing. The group drops off their stuff in there rooms, heads down for food. All six eat the cheese and it is fantastic. Down it with a few mugs of ale and talk about the journey ahead. Demi is not sure they can make it to Shadow Run, but they decide they will really try. Then everyone heads up the stairs to sleep. You have little trouble falling asleep.

---

Thuralay (Thursday) 3:00 AM

---

DMaster: It is about 3 in the morning, you wake up with some flash of light and slow rolling boom. Rain is just starting to hit the window. A thunderstorm is rolling in.

Chance: Roll back over as the rain starts hitting the window, and close my eyes

DMaster: you roll over and you are face to face with a sleeping Luella. She looks to be in a sleeping outfit, snoozing

Chance: Eyes get big. Instantly roll over and get out of the bed.
Chan: Why did I waste a gold if you were not going to sleep in your room Luella?
Shaking head, go stand by the window

DMaster: LUE: Uhhh chance?
She is leaning up, hair all over, squinting.
LUE: Sorry, I hate thunderstorms, they scare me

Chance: Chan: well a knock on the door or shaking me awake would have been preferable

DMaster: LUE: Really? What are you worried I am going to seduce you or something? I would literally take my life before trying anything like that, and I know you are true to your Warlock babe. So whats the big deal?
She shrugs her shoulders, and flops back into the bed.
LUE: It’s not like we never did this before. Just get back to bed and get some sleep, who knows what we are going to find in the freezing lands, or whatever they are called.
She rolls over farther to the opposite side and pulls her covers up

Chance: shaking my head, I go back over and lay on the bed.
Chan: I suppose you are right.

DMaster: Luella, half snoring.
LUE: Fuck yeah I’m right.

Chance: Shake my head and close my eyes

DMaster: You wake up, she is still snoozing, its probably 6:30am. Enough time to kick her back to her room without anyone noticing

Chance: wake her up gently and tell her time to go back to her room

DMaster: she groans but nods her head. Before she goes she turns over gives you a kiss on the cheek
LUE: Thanks Champ for keeping me safe last night.
She zombies her way out of your room and to presumably to her room.

Chance: shaking my head I find the wash basin, slaps some water on my face and change clothes

DMaster: its Thuralay just about 7, you hear the crier out in the town
CRY: 7AM Time to wake! It’s a muddy mess out here but the horizon is clearing of clouds. Bring your coat it looks to be a bit nippy

Chance: Can’t be as bad as the shale crier I am sure thinking to myself. Getting my gear back on and head downstairs and make sure breakfast will be ready for everyone when they come down

DMaster: Talia is already diving in, The owner gets another gold out of you for the breakfast. No one else is down yet.
TAL: So, you and Luella shacking up I see (munch munch) Being the Champion has it’s advantages.

Chance: Eyes bulge.
Chan: Talia…

DMaster: She smirks, shovels more food in her mouth.
TAL: (munch munch) I won’t say anything, hell Chance… get some!

Chance: Sigh, preparing my plate.
Chan: She is afraid of thunderstorms ok? I woke up at 3:00 AM when I turned over and there she was in my bed. Nothing happened, nor will anything ever happen.

DMaster: Talia gives you a once over and nods.
TAL: OK, bro, I believe you. Just be careful with that. Never know how rumors gets started. It’s not like she is an ogre with lipstick, she is one of the best looking women I have ever laid eyes upon and….

Chance: Interrupt her.
Chan: Got it, Talia, got it.

DMaster: The rest of the group heads down, eats pretty quickly, and looks to head out

Chance: Chan: We have to ride hard today…

DMaster: Talia giggles, then straightens up.

Chance: Give her a sharp glance.
Chan: Extra water for the horses on the quick breaks, keep an eye out for anything unusual. Demi, be our scout for us please.

DMaster: She nods and you all start to ride. About 55 degrees and mostly cloudy and a bit windy. DM: Condensing the traveling. The group rides for almost 4 hours and gets stopped by a band of Magus Orion guards. They were kind of looking for a scuffle but once they seen you were Black Ward they moved off quickly. After a few more 4 hour rides and stops; the sun is going down. It is getting dimmer and dimmer, until it is really pretty dark out. Still riding at a good pace.

Chance: Keep riding, praying to Finster we can get to the town soon.

DMaster: About an hour into your ride from what you hope was the last break, You see Demi riding back to you with a raised hand

Chance: Slow everyone down, raising my hand as well.
Chan: Whoa, everyone.

DMaster: They stop
DEM: I see lights ahead, a lot of them. I have no idea what or who it or they are

Chance: Chan: what did you see Demi?

DMaster: Talia’s eyes lights up and she smirks.
TAL: She said lights, lots of them. Are you not listening?
Giving you wide eyes, giggling.
TAL: There is the old Chance I love and laugh at.

Chance: Shake head at Talia, knowing I am getting tired and cranky.

DMaster: Without warning, the Eldergleen rides up.
INA: I’ll take a closer look
she rides off

Chance: Perk up.
Chan: No, wait, fuck. Oh grand this could go south real quick

DMaster: Well you know she has superior vision, what you have, just twice as good and with sight 2x
TAL: Hey hey! In-a-salami or whatever your name is…
Luella giggles, everyone is looking around making sure they are not in an ambush.

Chance: Chan: Talia, let her check it out her eyes are even sharper than mine

DMaster: TAL: Oh my god, I hope this is a band of wandering “ass massagers…”
Luella laughs again, the rest of the party chuckles

Chance: Chan: save that for when you get back to Camerondale
Shaking head, keeping an eye on Inasatra.

DMaster: Confused look on the young Witchblade.
TAL: Why would I do that?

Chance: Chan: maybe Quinton will rub it for you? Uh duh.
chuckling

DMaster: She smirks
TAL: Probably not, we broke up
She shrugs her shoulders

Chance: eyes go big
Chan: Wait, what?

DMaster: Just then Inasatra comes back with a sour look on her face, or at least more than you are used to
INA: The mountain gets close farther up the road… it’s to be expected, I suppose.

Chance: Chan: and the lights Demi saw, Inastra?

DMaster: She sighs
INA: Dirty Dwarves, a bunch of damn dirty dwarves.