First Five Begins Here

The group is making their way through the great City Capital of Thoraxe and as much as it is a wondrous site to see, it was wearing on them. The steady incline was tough to walk. After about an hour they finally make it to the inner walls.

People are walking about doing their thing, it is a Starlay (Sunday) so they seem a bit more relaxed and dressed down for this class of area. You can tell by the architecture, what people are wearing and by their demeanor that this is upper class. A large entryway leads into the inner walls where you can see the monstrous castle built into the side of the mountain.

It would be a tad chilly if it wasn’t for the sun and being midday. Everyone enjoys the heat of the sun, although some sweat is involved with the long walk and climb, so to speak.

“No visitors on Starlay, please come back tomorrow with an invitation or something,” the Dwarf in some serious armor says, stumbling a bit on his words, getting awoken from a daydream.

Chance steps forward with a smirk on his face, “I think the King and the Queen will see me,” he starts only to get interrupted.

“Hearing optional, where you come from friend?” the somewhat rude dwarf says, stepping a bit forward, kind of looking for a confrontation.

The Champion gives him a side wards glance, smirks, “Manners optional from where you come from? …and I am not your friend.”

The armored dwarf, huffs and steps a bit forward while a female one draws him back by the arm, “no, you wouldn’t last a minute, they are Black Ward.” He is pointing to you and now Demi who also stepped forward. Her head dipped a bit, and in a semi attack stance, but doing so that the symbol on her chest can still be seen. For being in the Ward for a short time she sure knows how to sell the organization to people.

The first Dwarf kind of shakes his head like he didn’t know who Black Ward is, steps back in a huff.

“What is it that the Black Ward wants here?” the more reasonable Dwarf says, in the same heavy armor, armed to the teeth.

“Please let the King know that Chance Axion, Champion of Camerondale is here to visit with him,” the Quarter Elf says looking down on the dwarf, “also, let him know to have a mug of his finest waiting for me as well.”

The Dwarf, totally taken back by his somewhat uppity tone, chuckles a bit and raises her hand. A lesser guard, from what you can tell, runs to her. She says something and the guard runs off, “It will be a minute, if that is ok with the… what was that, Champion of Camerondale?” finishing off with a bit of sarcasm, but a slightly playful tone.

Chance looks down and chuckles, “yes, the Champion, and I apologize for my demeanor, it has been one hell of a long journey and I really want a drink of that ale,” he finishes smacking his lips.

“Aye! Can’t say I blame you!” the dwarf, finally cracking a small smile and finishes with a wink.

Then a familiar face walks down the path to the entryway, “Champion is that you? Did you arrive by conventional means this time?” the man says with a playful undertone; he nods to the guards to let you through.

“Dhommoth Hillchest, Court Herald for King Brightbane,” the Champion says with a respectful nod, “how good it is to see you.”

“Aye! You as well young Champion, my Lord is very excited you are here, and by horse this time!” he says, with a chuckle.

The group exchanges glances, a bit wide eyed by the response Chance is getting from what appears to be royalty, and the guards at the inner gates also look taken aback.

The six of them make their way through, there are two large roads to the left and right and from what they can see mansions and giant buildings of unbelievable wealth and value. A few dwarves walking around a bit off set by your presence, but even on a Starlay, dressed to the nines.

Walking to the giant castle, you climb a few sets of huge stairs, much to the groan of your party after climbing for an hour up towards this district. But they all stop a moment to take in the massive castle that is before them. Towers streaking 20-25 feet in the air, the marvelous lighter color stone work on the walls, and the massive amount of guards and servants all around. It doesn’t stop there; Through an amazing welcoming area, down a monstrous hallway elegantly decorated, and through two huge double doors open into what you remember the dining area and it still takes Chances breath away. It is massive.

“Chance!” a loud bellowing voice rings throughout the huge dining hall. Walking with a fast pace, mug in hand and huge smile on his face is King Grim Eye.

Talia of all people, huge eyes, big smile and is bowing way before she should and ends in a bowing state.

Chance bows deeply, “M’Lord, it is so good to see you!”

“Yes, yes, I did not want to disappoint you,” he says playfully as he hands him an oversized mug of his ale, still a huge smile on his face, “I am eager to hear why you and your party have come to see me.”

Shocked, Chance grabs the mug and looks down at it. “M’Lord, uhh, I was merely joking at the entrance about this…”

Dhommoth almost falls over seeing the King of all people hand someone a mug of ale, it just makes him dip his head a bit and chuckle.

The King stops to look Chance over. He is an unusual King, rarely do you see him in royal attire, but in simple comfortable outfits. He reaches for the mug, “oh, then you do not want…”

Before the King could finish, the Champion playfully embraces the mug, wide eyes, “no, no, it’s ok, I really was looking forward to this,” he finishes with a playful growl.

A loud bellowing laugh erupts from the vibrant cheerful King. “Let’s meet your party shall we? Before this poor young woman hurts her back too,” he finishes with a bit of whip in his voice seeing Talia still bowing off and on again.

The two walk over as Chance takes a deep drink of the ale, and it just hits him, it is better than before, almost has an apple finish to the brew. “Whoa, whoa,” Chance says looking down at it.

“Yeah I know, our Autumn batch, it sits in apple-wood barrels for almost a year, it is my favorite, we get the wood directly from Orchard Run,” Grim Eye says, giving the tall man a look from the corner of his eye.

The Party all bows to the King, Talia does again too. He smiles at them all. Chance then starts in on introductions and they all bow again and he greets them. The tall man glances at Talia who seems to be in heaven right now taking it all in, and confused as to why she was having issues with the Royal etiquette.

The Queen makes her way into the hall, looking a little flustered, as she is trying to align the crown on her head walking to the group.

“My gorgeous wife, Queen Viola,” he says glancing back at his Queen who gives everyone a very royal, if not somewhat forced smile. “She will take care of you for the short term, I believe me and the Champion have a few things to discuss, do we not?”

Chance who has drained the mug almost already, rosy cheeked, now nods his head smiling ear to ear. Talia glances at him and rolls her eyes knowing he is probably going to get lit.

“Come come, let’s go have a snack or two and something to drink. It looks like you need a rest as well…” the Queen says in a smooth elegant voice, beckoning the group to follow her. The party walks off to one side of the dining area and sits in what looks like a lounge. Some dwarves are rushing around taking orders for food, drink and the like.

Grim-eye’s smile slowly fades and glances over to the Champion who is all but licking the mug now that he has finished it. A smirk then washes across his face.

“So I am guessing by the entourage you are not on a social visit?” he says, hands behind his back guiding the Champion to his balcony spot where he likes to talk with guests.

Chance smiles, looks down and his smile fades as well, “yes. Not a social visit, though I am really really wishing it was now.”

The two of them make it to the balcony and to Chances pleasure, there are sitting two mugs of ale for the king and the Champion.

“Thank you,” the tall man says, gleefully picking up the mug, “I really needed this brew right now.”

The King grabs his mug, and leans back against the railing of the balcony overlooking most of his Kingdom. “I have to hand it to you Champion, you travel with some interesting people.”

Nodding his head, Chance remembers getting the third degree about who he travels with and takes a sip of the brew, “situation dictates it M’lord,” is all he could say taking another sip trying like hell not to guzzle the entire mug.

“In some ways I wish I was afforded the opportunity to see the world in an adventurers eyes,” he starts out, in a somewhat trance, but then snaps back to reality.

“First a Renrazzi elf, now an Eldergleen?” the King says snorting a bit, glancing at Chance, then taking a swig of his ale, and even he smiles and looks down at the amazing taste.

“Yes, it appears I am a pure blood magnet,” Chance starts then chuckles, “considering what a mongrel I am, it’s surprising.”

Grim Eye chuckles, “a Cleric of Animax?” He continues, going down the list.

Chance nods, “yes, I guess to keep me in line, and, well, he is a pretty good fighter too.”

After a moment, the Champion looks over to Grim Eye who suddenly has come to a realization, “wait, wait wait… you brought a stripper with you?” he says somewhat loudly, finally matching the face of Luella to the bachelor party last year.

It was the Quarter Elf’s turn to let out a laugh as he takes another drink, looks to Grim Eye, “There is more than meets the eye with that one,” he says still giggling a little, “let’s just say she is vital for the mission at hand.”

“Finally, I am guessing that is Plugr’s kid? Talia?” Grim eye says shifting his bum on the railing, “she has grown into quite a fighter I see, I guess the Knights shadow is hard to get out from under…”

Chance nods his head, “yeah, smart, resourceful if not a bit too spirited. So glad she is with me…” he finishes trailing off a bit smiling.

The two look out over the great city, a nice day if not a bit chilly without the Sun falling on them yet.

“Not going to ask about Demi? The muscular woman I am with?” the Champion says glancing over to a King with a smirk on his face.

“Naw, Jerry told me you were with the Ward again, wouldn’t expect any less. Ward members always travel in pairs,” he responds, “though she looks like she could wrestle an ogre and win,” he finishes off with a chuckle.

A few minutes pass, and Grim Eye then shifts and looks directly at the tall man, who is finishing off his mug again. After a refill is ordered, and delivered; the King gets Chances attention.

“What can I do for you? I had no pre-warning you were coming, and with the group down there, I imagine it can’t be picking goldenrod and dancing to drunk bards,” the King says, putting his mug down on the railing.

Chance turns to him, rosy cheek and has a dreamy look in his eye. “We need your permission to head into the Infernal Cavern,” he says, any smile now fading and he dips his head a bit.

The Kings eyes grow huge, and he tilts his head. With half a chuckle, “uhh, Chance, you do know what is down there right? The largest known breach of the underearth on Legon? I mean I guess you do, since you are asking but…”

The Tall man nods his head. “Aye, I do M’Lord, there is something down there we need. It is located in a place called the Interflow Gardens.”

Grim Eye is looking a bit a ways, thinking then shakes his head, squinting his eyes in deep thought. Then glancing back to Chance, “I have never heard of this Interflow Gardens, and from what has been told to me, it seems to be a bit too volatile for gardens to be down there.”

“Where did you get this information from? And that Interflow Garden name, it sounds almost made-up,” the King says quieter now, thinking as he is talking.

Chance lets out a laugh, “ahhh yes. Where did I get that info? That name? From a man, no a being, perhaps? His name is Edwin… you probably don’t…”

“Edwin?” the Dwarves head snaps to the Champion, “the Historian? You have spoke with him? ‘that’ Edwin?” Finishing off in a louder surprised tone.

Chance looks to the King, smile on his face, “aye, you know of Edwin?” Chance retorts, surprised that he knows who he is.

Grim eye is just staring at this man, who apparently can talk with celestial beings, with wide eyes and a hint of disbelief. “Yes, tales handed down from King to their sons and daughters speaking of this Historian, Edwin… who is Animaxes right hand man. But, but, to have spoke with him directly? Incredible.”

After a minute, Chance realizes the King has not said anything and glances over to see him staring. The tipsy man, “yes, M’Lord, I talk with Finster and Animax too…” stops ponders a moment to a small chuckle, “well, too often really.”

The King is just staring at him, wider eyes than the Champion has ever saw, “if this was coming from anyone else besides maybe Jerry, I would put my foot so far up their ass and call it bullshit, but… (whoa). What do they look like, if I may ask?” the ruler blurts out, somewhat excited. Also thinking, what is allowing him to speak with such things? Or why? Or… he stops, thinking it is incredible none the less.

“Finster is a monster of a man, balding, scars on his face, bright fury eyes, red spiky armor. Animax is this small midget of a man, also balding, apparently hair is not a big deal in the godplane, (chuckle) but extremely well spoken,” Chance responds, rambling a bit, the ale getting to him now as he feels his body getting wonderfully warm and numb, “they get in arguments all the time, push each other (giggle) and throw barbs. But… (pauses) it seems to be working, both of them relenting enough to work well with each other to accomplish goals, tasks, godly thing-a-ma-who’s.”

Chance stops, looks up, just a bit dizzy now, glances over to Grim Eye, “oh, sorry M’Lord, just babbling, a little tipsy and I am tired from this journey.”

The King puts his hand on this quarter elf’s arm and smiles wide, “you truly are an amazing man Chance Axion, no wonder Jerry speaks so highly of you.”

The Champion finishes his mug, and as Grim Eye goes to yell for a refill, Chance stops him, “I will be on the floor, M’Lord, as much as that is heaven in a mug.”

Grim eye nods his head, “of course, Champion of Camerondale, of course.”

He turns the tall man towards him, looks him in the eye, “I will allow you into the Caves, but we must have a long talk with a few people before you do… but hey! Go rest for now, I will fetch you at dinner time.”

The Champion went to bow, but surprisingly got a hug instead. Chance smiles as wide as he can and gives the Dwarf a hug back.

The Quarter Elf stumbles down a few steps, gets his barring’s and heads to the bottom level trying not to make it down the stairs on his ass. Grim eye watches him as he descends and murmurs to himself, “A Champion he might be, aye, but he can’t hold his drink for shite!”

Turn Based Starts Here

DMaster: You find your way to your room, with a huge bed and fall fast asleep

Chance: I am sure one of the king’s servants end up waking me up from all the ale and how tired I was

DMaster: You are getting shaken awake
LUE: You sleep like the dead, damn

Chance: Looking around to see who is shaking me awake
Chan: damn it, Lue Lue can’t you just let me sleep. I was having a wonderful dream; this trip was all said and done and I was home with Khamyra and the kids

DMaster: She shakes her head, shrugs her shoulders
LUE: Sorry. I just wanted to see if you had a game plan for down there
She says pointing down
LUE: It might get a little awkward if we don’t

Chance: Chan: it’s the underearth, no amount of planning is probably going to prepare us for what is down there
grumbling a bit, thinking of how devious the DM is.

DMaster: She gives you an odd look
LUE: No, for when you need to go full Champion, Where should I be… behind you, at your side what?

Chance: Chan: no no, Talia has a little potion that Khamyra gave me to bring me back I am guessing. I told her to keep it safe for just that reason

DMaster: She is staring at you, raising an eyebrow…
LUE: I wasn’t told a potion would connect you to Finster… Rawek and Khamyra said it was my responsible to make that happen. Wait no, not if you frenzy…

Chance: Chan: Huh?
raising my eyebrow now and looking at Lue Lue

DMaster: LUE: Wow, you really can’t hold your ale can you? hmm, uh oh.

Chance: Chan: (scoff) Try drink double the normal size ale and then being shaken awake
glancing down hoping the flopper is under control
Chan: sorry I may have over indulged just a bit on the ale. Let me get my thoughts focused then we can discuss things

DMaster: Yeah she is in normal attire. She tilts her head, scrunches her forehead
LUE: You do realize your powers are going to be reduced down there right?

Chance: A look of shock goes to my face, slowly looking over to her.

DMaster: She throws her hands up in the air
LUE: I am taking that as a no!

Chance: Chan: ummm, no I was not told that

DMaster: LUE: Yeah magic is going to struggle, god given abilities, etc. The thing-a-ma-who that surrounds the underearth to protect the above place or whatever is also a barrier that protects both ways… I am not explaining it great, its so confusing.
She sighs, fidgeting with her button on her outfit.
LUE: If we touch, I can be a conduit to Finster, but it doesn’t last that long and it might not be full power.

Chance: Chan: no, no, Finster and Animax neglected to tell me that
Get up and growl
Chan: Sure, I know of Finsters thoughts on the guardians buttcheeks, but telling me I am going down there completely at a disadvantage… nooooo. just grand, kind of like being a lamb to the slaughter…
sigh and put hands on my hips.

DMaster: She sighs too,
LUE: That is why I am here, to see how you wanted to do this before time got away from us… honestly my invoker power will be near useless down there, its not strong at all

Chance: shaking head looking down
Chan: I just don’t know, I am going to have to start thinking how we are going to work this. I mean everyone that has magical abilities is going to struggle I guess huh? I am going to be diminished… wait, is Silent Fate not going to work as well?

DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders
LUE: From what I gathered the powers, god given magic is limited… not gone all together. I am a conduit of sorts, a direct line, it is how I will be able to guide your power through the underearth and topside. Whatever that goddam magic coating is called. Since I have the invoking power, I can cut through it, the cover, magic, coating thing… whatever the hell it is called… jeesh
She seems to get frustrated not knowing the name of the barrier.

Chance: Chan: regardless we will get to the interflow gardens, I trust all of you. Hell, I am black ward we get things done. I just wish Finster and Animax had given me a little more of a heads up on things. I do know Grim Eye said he needed to talk to a few people before we go in, and meet us. So maybe he will have some input to help. just once why can’t things be simple, get in and out

DMaster: She forces a smile, nods
LUE: Uh oh, your getting all rambling and nonsensical. Anyways, they are getting ready for dinner, lets go
She is trying to get you to leave the room.
LUE: Come on come on, I want my last meal alive, a good one

Chance: Chan: Lue Lue, it won’t be your last I will see that we all come back
giving her a small smile as I head for the door.

DMaster: You two make it out of the room, down a hallway or two, get lost for a second, then find you way to the huge room by way of nose. Roast something, and a lot of food to boot. Servants see you and walk you to a place close to Grim Eye, sit you down. Everyone is looking across the spread, all look a little droopy eyed as though they all took naps too

Chance: Eyes of course get big seeing all the food. Can’t help but sigh a bit, look down and think this groups’ lives are in my hands, then look back up

DMaster: A priest of sorts says a short prayer to Animax, Demi and Talia glance over to you, smirking

Chance: Keep a calm face and just shrug my shoulders looking back at them. Then get a smirk on my face, turn my gaze to Grim Eye and smile

DMaster: He smiles, raises a mug
GRIM: Dig in!
Everyone starts eating

Chance: Go full caveman, enjoy the meal and try not to partake too much in the ale. Don’t over indulge and just sit back in the chair. Relax knowing what is to come, I am going to need this for the moment.

DMaster: it’s amazing. not sure what kind of meat it was, but it was royalty so it had to be good
GRIM: Once the meal is finished I have some of my best coming in. We will meet, and talk about the cavern then.
He says with a smile

Chance: Smile and nod at him
Chan: yes, I would like to talk more about this cavern

DMaster: The meal is done, you finished your plate, and then some. Had a wonderful tart for dessert. Talia is dreamy eyed, eyeing up more dessert
Demi packed it away too. Everyone seems pretty happy and full.

Chance: I nibble on another dessert before pushing the rest away and just chuckle looking over at Talia, before my gaze shift back to Grim Eye

DMaster: Once everyone is done, the servants start to clear the table. The King stands and motions for a servant and they go running off.
GRIM: Everyone keep a mug in front of you, this is going to take some time. We might as well just meet in here.
You see three Dwarves heading in, one dressed for war; armor, sword, a shield on his back. Looks to have just come from work most likely. Another in a nice outfit; reminiscent of Dhomhill. The last one is an oddball; very young and by all rights looks like a nerd with glasses hanging off the edge of his nose.

Chance: looking these three dwarves over and just wait to see what happens, but give them a nod if they look in my direction.

DMaster: Someone brings an easel and sets it up. The nerd one looks very nervous seeing all of you. The armored one looks tired, and the well dressed one is busy gathering things, getting organized and then eventually scolding the nerd. The nerd boy puts a map on the easel.

Chance: Looking at the map from where I am sitting

DMaster: The King greets all three of the Dwarves. He turns to everyone who is now trying to get comfy in the oversized gaudy chairs.
GRIM: This well dressed man (snickers) is Elnomi Goldenchin he will be running this meeting
Elnomi smirks and shakes his head with a slight chuckle. Grim Eye points to the Armored one, then to the nerd.
GRIM: with him is Lieutenant Ambergut and Scribe Berdy Ashhood
Everyone exchanges pleasantries
GOLD: Good evening everyone, to say that I was surprised at this request would be an understatement. We do not allow just anyone to wander down into there, we…
The King gives him a look and hits the table a bit, loud enough to jar the guy. Goldenchin must not like the idea too much.

Chance: Remain focused and just give Elnomi a look

DMaster: GOLD: Pardon me. We are not going to stand up here and grandstand. The truth is, we don’t know a lot about the underearth.
He glances around and a few of your party members sigh and shift in their seat.
GOLD: What we do know comes from our… well, our sub-contractors… so to speak
Grimeye gets a smirk on his face
GOLD: We have hired guards of unique lineage to keep the mouth clear of anything that might think to escape to the above ground.
He glances to the map on the easel.
GOLD: This is where this map has been derived from.

Chance: Chan: and when you say unique lineage Elnomi, what do you mean?

DMaster: He frowns
GOLD: We need someone who can handle the atmosphere of the Underearth. Not have lingering affects of the air and the like, someone who…
Another hit on the table, Grim Eye gives him a look.
GOLD: Odius’s… they are Odius’s with a Goliath and a few thugs… err I mean guards to help
Everyone’s eyes bulge a little

Chance: Shake my head. Grit my teeth knowing how I feel about them. Goddammit, another journey all stress filled. Clench my jaw and fists.

DMaster: Grim eye had his eyes on you and is surprised to see you distressed. Talia perks up.
TAL: Ahhh, Chances favorite
She says softly with a chuckle, looking to you.
TAL: Just don’t kill them, we probably need them.
Everyone looks surprised and glances over to you.

Chance: Slowly shaking my head, not looking at anyone.
Chan: If it needs to happen, I’ll put another notch on my belt… but you are correct. We will probably need them.
Shoot her a serious look

DMaster: After a moment or two, the men seem to be a little taken back. They are starting to realize, Black Ward, a War Caster Cleric, A cute boppy blonde, a gorgeous human and a Evergleen who always looks disinterested. The fact this tall short tips talks about putting an Odius down like it’s a dance in an Inn, has really got their attention.
GRIM: Well, you didn’t put down that Shemrata, did you?
Giving you a look, and a soft smile.

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: No. She is Legion, a leader of her kind. Plus I am not sure even I could ‘put her down.’ But now she is someone I call a friend and sword sister.

DMaster: Again people in awe a bit. Elnomi clears his throat.
GOLD: The long and short of it is… we just don’t know much about down there. No Dwarf has made it past the great pillar in centuries, only Volca Ravnathi has been past that and rumored to have made it to the Hells Entrance. At least I think that is what she called it.
He points to the upper left hand portion of the map that says Hell, with a big crater surrounded by what appears to be mountains. Luella scoffs a bit, and she looks to be thinking. Everyone looks over. She glances up shocked to see everyone looking at her.
LUE: Oh, well it’s not ‘hell’ it’s called ‘Ardor’ to the Invokers. It is where we have the power over the creatures.
She flails her hand around looking at the map. Ambergut steps forward, eyes turning to slits. Goldenchin wide eyes, steps back. The nerd pushes his glasses up, glancing around from the books he had open and swallows hard.
AMB: You woman, you are an invoker?
The Lieutenant says, hand on sword. Grim Eyes eyes bulge a little and glances over to this incredibly beautiful woman. Luella, wide eyes as well, nods her head, now starting to worry.

Chance: Stand up, eyes beam a bit of light.
Chan: Stand down. She is with me and under my protection. She will be of no harm to anyone friendly in this realm.
Stop beaming my eyes.

DMaster: Grim Eye was looking back at the time to Ambergut giving him an angry look, and giving him a motion to back off. Then he turns back to Luella.
GRIM: Sorry for that, please continue.
She meekly continues, now sinking into her chair more. Ambergut is staring at you in amazement.
LUE: Thank you, M’Lord. I know I bring a bad stigma, but honestly, I can barely invoke a rat. So only your cheese is in danger.
You chuckle thinking of “cheese” and her pet demon rat. She takes a deep breath and continues after the situation diffuses itself, one of Luella’s hidden powers really.
LUE: I did not know there was something other than Ardor in the underearth, it makes this a bit easier… for me anyways.
She looks around nervously.
LUE: Ummm, Did someone mention shots?
Talia bust out laughing, your group chuckles a bit. Luella blushes. The nerd steps forward, once prompted by Elnomi.
BER: Ummm, hi, yeah, umm hello
He waves, shaking a little… looks really nervous.

Chance: Smile and nod my head at him

DMaster: BER: You mention something called the Interflow Gardens, per our Lord Grim Eye.
He shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.
BER: Have no idea what that is. My only guidance, my idea is that this “garden” is called something else, and not “interflow.” I do not think it is anywhere in the plains…
He says waving his hand around the map. But ends up pointing at the entrance to hell.
BER: In here? Maybe beyond the mapped region of this area… to put it in perspective, it is roughly a 2 day walk to this entrance to hell.
Demi’s eyes bulge and she dips her head, Talia leans forward.
TAL: TWO days?
He nods

Chance: Just shake my head, roll my eyes.

DMaster: BER: It is vast down there, this map probably doesn’t even scratch the surface.
He fumbles around with his papers, then grabs one.

Chance: Just watching him fumble around I can’t help but let out a small chuckle

DMaster: BER: Some of the facts Miss Ravnathi gave us…
Talia nudges you
TAL: Since when do Odius’s have last names?

Chance: Shrug shoulders, put my fingers to my lips

DMaster: BER: The fields of the Underearth, it always has an orange glow, a sepia tone if you may, about it. There is also…

Chance: Chan: Hissing noises, yes. Weird and annoying.

DMaster: Talia’s eyes light up and looks to you, nodding her head.
BER: Umm, yes, correct. A hiss like noise.
Giving you a questioning look, widening eyes.
BER: There is no real edible food down there for us, above ground folk, and the water is poisonous for the most part. The air? It is not exactly fields of flowers on a spring day. We think the longer you are down there, the worse your breathing will become. It is why we have Miss Ravnathi and her crew that can handle such situations. It just isn’t that safe and apart from a map we have here, we don’t have a clue to what is beyond the great pillar.
He looks at the map and shutters

Chance: sigh still looking at the map and trying to listen to this dwarf

DMaster: BER: There is some options, I am sure Miss Ravnathi will go over with you, if she is… in… a good… mood
The nerd looks around, the King smirks.
BER: There is a contraption made, looks like a big egg. You can get mostly safe water from this thing. I don’t know how though. Some of the vegetables and fruits can be consumed with little to no affects. Well I mean she is an Odius, so her digestive system could be…
He gets nudged by the man strapped for war. That was cue for Lieutenant Ambergut to start in.
AMB: From what we do know, god given magic wanes down there. That barrier makes it tough to use it. I am far from an expert but from what we have been told you will have to know first aid if you hit a rough patch. Can’t rely on Animaxes healing gift.
Sincere is twirling his amulet around with a smirk on his face
TAL: But what about magic, mana based magic?
Everyone looks about the room
AMB: Aye, girl, too dangerous to be slinging magic. Above or below ground…

Chance: thinking to myself they don’t know about the ascension. Let out a heavy sigh, shake my head.

DMaster: Ambergut looks over, raised eyebrow.

Chance: Chan: Sorry for the interruption, but you do know the Bringer of Magic has ascended correct?
Giving him a stern look, trying not to jar everyone with laying out the name ‘finster’ cold-cock.

DMaster: Shakes his head and gives you a curious look. Talia is too, wondering why you called him the Bringer of Magic.

Chance: Chan: Finster, Finster has ascended he has…

DMaster: The well armed man scowls a bit, Berdy Ashhood steps back. Grim Eye shakes his head slowly. This interrupts your thought process. Annoying you.
AMB: Well, I guess, I mean there are rumors floating about.

Chance: Lean forward in my chair, staring at him.
Chan: I will repeat myself. Finster. He has ascended. That should be all you need to know to dispel any rumor floating around. Magic is alive in Legon, and safe, so to speak, to use.
Look over to Talia.
Chan: I think we will have to just find out with trial and error.

DMaster: Grim Eye is giving you an odd look, more curious than anything. Ambergut nods a bit towards you in acknowledgement. Talia has a confused look about her, Grim eye has a slight smirk and shrugs his shoulder toward the Witchblade.
AMB: The creatures down there, well again. not to be a repeating budgie bird but we do not know much. There are some humanoids down there, living in the town and the vicinity…
Sincere leans forward to making the chair screech a little.
SIN: A town? There is a town down there?! You got to be kidding me?!
Everyone is exchanging glances

Chance: Look surprised. Keep listening.
Chan: Okay and just what kind of folk can we expect to meet in this town?

DMaster: BER: Aye. Not sure, Miss Ravnathi is not always forthcoming with information. Some humanoids, a lot of mongrels apparently. Some Redcaps, and Quicklings.
He finishes, adjusting his glasses and squinting at the paper. Demi looks to Talia, shrugs her shoulders.
DEM: Quicklings? Sounds like my ex-husband
She says quietly, making Talia cup her mouth and giggle. Luella giggles as well.
BER: We know of one town for sure, rumors of a few more. Hopefully that is where you can buy the contraptions that can turn the rancid water into safe drinking water, we do not have any, but you can grab them in the first town. I believe it is called Bam Kebrik. maybe you can get information about the garden too.

Chance: Chan: Hell, I think I can pronounce that town name at least.
Chuckle a little.

DMaster: Goldenchin stands back up.
GOLD: From what we gathered Bam Kebrik is friendly for the most part, it is located at the base of the great pillar, and at the crossroads.
Points at the first split in the road on the map
BER: Ohh yeah… ummm she said something about a clan war going on down there?
Everyone looks at each other. Ambergut snorts, looks to the group.
AMB: Yes. Quicklings apparently flourish down there, they must because according to Volca, they have been warring for decades. But they keep springing up all over. I do not think they are a threat to us directly, or to anyone traveling but even so. Getting caught in the middle of a battle, could get a little sketchy.

Chance: Chan: I am sure we will end up in the middle of it. It’s always the way when I am involved.
looking over at him and just sigh

DMaster: They all shrug their shoulders…
GOLD: That is about it. Please, anyone have any questions?

Chance: Chan: Let me just round this up.
Look at everyone in the room.
Chan: We are heading into a place called the Underearth that has bad air quality, poisonous water and no real edible food. To add to that, we do not know where this Interflow gardens is, the one place it could be is 2 days away and is named, of all things, the Entrance to Hell. To top it off, we have a multitude of possible enemies, a warring bunch of Quicklings and we are putting our fate in the hands of an Odius.
Slap the table.
Chan: That about cover it? Sounds like a goddamn summer festival…

DMaster: They look at each other and nod their heads.

Chance: Chan: Do we know of anything in regards to enchanted weapons? They work down there?

DMaster: Berdy furries his brow.
BER: The reason god given magic is stifled down there is the barrier, the connection with Animax. If there is something that does not have a direct relation to the above ground, then I don’t see why it would be affected.
Talia nods her head, in deep thought. The nerd continues.
BER: As far as Mana based magic?
He shrugs his shoulders
BER: I couldn’t even tell you much about it above ground let alone in the Underearth.

Chance: Look at Talia and shake my head waiting to see if there is anymore information.

DMaster: Goldenchin stands and looks all of you over.
GOLD: You will get your best answers from Volca. But… be patient, and bite your tongue if you can. She can be a bit… well, much.

Chance: Chan: (quietly) Shocker.
as I compose myself as well and look at Grim Eye
Chan: Then I will save the rest of my questions for Miss Ravnathi.
Smirking glancing over to Talia.

DMaster: They all nod their heads, Talia gives you a side wards smirk. Berdy is looking through papers making sure he did not miss anything. The King sees Goldenchin and Berdy off. A guard takes them out. Ambergut sticks around. Him and Grim Eye walk over to the group who is now standing up.
AMB: You will need to travel with Volca, she is the only one I know who ventures past the Great Pillar. I think she put this map together so I am guessing she has traveled this far…
GRIM: I’ll have orders and some of her favorite food sent to her, so hopefully that will help. Though she gets paid well enough… (grumbles)

Chance: Chan: okay before I meet her, what is she like?

DMaster: Amber chuckles
AMB: A little powerhouse. Loud, obnoxious, a little over 5 foot tall… and she has switched legs, she almost looks like a Satire from legends… but, never tell her that!
He says with a smirk
AMB: Not if you want to keep your head!
GRIM: She will… ahem… tell you what she is thinking too, won’t even hesitate.
The King lets out a chuckle

Chance: giving a chuckle
Chan: I think we will get along just fine

DMaster: AMB: I wish I could give you the low down on any enemies you will be facing. But we just don’t have anything to help with that.
He looks down and sighs.
AMB: If you do head into Hell, you could be facing fire breathing dragons or faeries picking flowers.

Chance: Give him a cross ways look
Chan: Probably demons and devils of all sorts.

DMaster: GRIM: Well we won’t keep you for much longer, get a good sleep, we will have everything ready for you in the morning. It’s about a half days ride to the Entrance.

Chance: Chan: M’lord if I may speak with you in private
Looking back at the group

DMaster: He nods his head, the servants take your party to their respective rooms. Ambergut leaves. The both of you sit. Then he looks at you

Chance: Wait till everyone including amber is gone and it is just me and Grim Eye
Chan: so you know about Finster ascending I see

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Chance sits the King down and unveils his part in Finsters ascension; ranging from him turning into the Champion, to the quests he undertook, the ascension and his closeness with the Dark Cleric. The King and Chance drink a Cheri elixir or sorts to help sleep. Grim Eye a bit taken back, understands Chance and where he is coming from. It doesn’t change how he feels about him knowing Chance is Finsters light.
GRIM: I thank you for telling me, this is a lot to digest, but the hour is growing late. You need your rest.

Chance: Chan: well, I thought you should know
looking at him and smile
Chan: I hope this doesn’t change things between us

DMaster: The King reaches out his hand and you exchange a warriors handshake. Meets you eye to eye, still a bit of amazement in his eyes.
GRIM: Never

Chance: Shake his hand back and smile
Chan: I will see you in the morning, g’night M’lord.

DMaster: You head to your room, get lost for a short time down hallways, and plop into bed. (Todd rolls a 13) Normal sleep for the most part.

---

Mondalay (Monday) 7:00 AM

---

DMaster: Knock on the door
VOICE: 7:00 am time to get up!

Chance: getting up, clean up, get dressed and get my gear on, giving it a once over

DMaster: You’re ready to go. You head into the dining area and there is a breakfast waiting for you. Talia is already bright eyed and bushy tailed diving into the meal, as one of the dwarven servants is looking on a bit wide eyed with a playful smirk. Everyone shows up shortly after you, somewhat somber from the news, or should I say, lack of news about the Underearth.

Chance: Chan: good Morning all, let’s enjoy this breakfast before we have to get underway

DMaster: They nod, you eat, its great. Then everyone makes sure they have everything and Hillchest leads you out to the inner gates. Accompanied, oddly, by Grim Eye himself.
GRIM: Well Chance, I wish I could tell you its going to be easy, but I fear that is not the case
Guards and people are wide eyed seeing the King out with you

Chance: Walk to him with a smile on my face.
Chan: nothing is ever easy with my life except maybe when it comes to the kiddos
smiling again at him.

DMaster: You bow, then warriors shake as does the rest of the party. The Herald hands the party a pretty big sack each; containing rations, water skins, the like

Chance: Nod again and smile.
Chan: we all thank you for all the help you have provided us, M’lord

DMaster: He smiles, hands you three scrolls, then lets out a hardy laugh, slaps you on the back and heads back to the castle. The party turns walks out of the inner walls and looks down the long long main road leading to the City gates.
TAL: At least we are heading downhill this time

 
Chance: Chan: come on everyone let’s go and yes, downhill, so much better
chuckling at Talia
Chan: the quicker we get there the quicker we can leave there

DMaster: TAL: Ahhh yes words of sage wisdom…
Luella and Demi chuckle a bit.
TAL: Experience tells Chance it’s quick in and quick out. Knows it all to well…
Nudges you.

Chance: Shake my head, blush a little and keep walking. Then turn and stick out my tongue to her.

DMaster: One thing you notice that currently it is a brisk humid morning. Some puffy clouds here and there. By the time you reach the gates its no longer chilly its warm and somewhat uncomfortable. But the trip down there seems to go a lot quicker, making it to the stables. The roads are much busier than before and you are getting a lot more gawkers as you pass through. Make it to the stable, get on your horses and start out on the journey to the cave.

Chance: Glance at the scrolls before starting out too fast. Head out and to where we have to go

DMaster: Three scrolls: One for anyone who might stop you, one for the Infernal Cavern and one for Volca

Chance: Keeping the one “for if anyone who might stop us,” in my belt. Get everyone to ride at a decent pace.

DMaster: Todd rolls a 18. The ride went fantastic, except the weather that is very moist, and warm. You can tell you are close. The beautiful natural mountain side, is turning darker. Almost seems like burn marks. The lush green, deep browns are turning to dusty beige, dead-like and somewhat muddy mix. There is a large hut that you pass by and some guards are alerted. Then some come from inside this valley like area. In the distance you can see a wall with a large double door. It is an old, uncared for valley, that has some debris in the distance, the walls / sides of the valley look to be dirty and dark.

Chance: I will make it a point to grab the scroll for the infernal caverns, jump off my horse when the guards get close.

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Of course there is a little static with the guards considering what he is asking to do. But after some deliberation and the fact Lieutenant Ambergut showed, Chance and his group was taken to the outer gates, the horses tie up and the group led into the entrance to the Infernal Caverns.
AMB: You ready for this Champion?
Giving you a look.

Chance: Smirk, keep walking.
Chan: Is anyone ever ready to do what we are about to do?

DMaster: Ambergut lets out a hearty laugh and leads you on. You walk to this entrance, it’s a rounded top entryway about 20 feet wide. Everything seems really run down and darker, dirt, some debris. The side of the mountain wall has been carved straight up and down, some stove pipes hanging out. You go up a few steps and into a long hallway. You can hear hoots and hollers from within, it seems pretty far away. Ambergut chuckles and shakes his head.

Chance: Chan: uhhh, okay, what is with all the hoots and hollars?
Raising an eyebrow to Ambergut

DMaster: He is still giggling a little
AMB: You’ll find out soon enough.
You all walk to the portcullis, bangs on it three times. A dwarf walks through these two large metal doors, somewhat leisurely… then straightens up and checks himself once he sees the Lieutenant
GUARD: Lieutenant, sorry didn’t know you were coming
Ambergut nods, but looks annoyed.
AMB: We need to get through, come on, come on.
He nods, the portcullis goes down and you walk through, then it goes back up quickly. First thing you notice, the air is stale, and it is about 10 degrees warmer.

Chance: Keep this all in the back of my mind if anything goes sideways.

DMaster: You walk through the doors and then into a huge chamber. It is about 100 feet wide about 25 feet high ceilings. A large candelabra hanging, half lit. To the left is a table and benches, same to the right and in front is a statue of a snake. Beyond that, 50 feet, is what looks like a wall of jail cell bars going from left to right. In the middle, their is a gateway of sorts, with a large locking mechanism on it. There was another Dwarf, sitting at a table, rolling some knucklebones, who glances over and his eyes bulge. He practically falls over getting up, then gets himself presentable. Beyond the barred wall, you can see people, and hear them better. They seem loud and obnoxious.

Chance: Can’t help but chuckle a bit to myself seeing how they are reacting

DMaster: GUARD: Ambergut, sir, what is the reason for your visit…
Trails off a little looking at the group piling in. You can see a few faces closing in on the jailed wall, definitely Odius’s.
AMB: We need to talk with Volca.
As he was saying that, a surprisingly short Odius has walked to the barred gate, turns something and it swings open. Ripping a bit of jerky from her mouth chewing loudly, she slowly walks towards the group – over exaggerated steps. Then looks to Ambergut.
ODI: Friends of yours Lieutenant?
This Odius is a deep shade of red, tattoos on her face and body. Her eyes are bloodshot but pretty big, deep crimson red and her pupils are slits like a snake. She has large dark red mixed with black horns that she has tattoos on them. Currently she is wearing an odd skirt like bottom and a tank top. The symbol of Finster can be seen tattooed, very large, on her back. She is all muscle. Not a hair of fat on her, and also her tail is a bit on the short side, no more than two or two and half feet in length. Just like Ambergut said, she is a switch foot.

Chance: Straighten up seeing the Odious. Put on a mean face.

DMaster: VOL: Who the hell are they and waddya want?
She says loud, gruffy voice. Spits out a piece of the jerky.
VOL: You have to get us better jerky than this, is this fucking rat I am eating?
The Odius says staring at Ambergut who gives her a look, shrugs his shoulders. She whips the jerky stick across the floor. Glancing up to all of you. Stops to see Inasatra, who is cross armed staring at her.
VOL: Oh, brought me a play toy, an uppity Eldergleen. They can be tasty too, much more than that shitass jerky.
Inasatra gives her a raised eyebrow, not budging once with the rhetoric. Ambergut puts out his hand to you to get the scroll.

Chance: I am pulling the scroll out of my belt and have it in my hand looking at her dead in the eyes

DMaster: AMB: Have you learned to read yet?
After she scoffs a bit at you, she rips the scroll out of your hands. Then her head snaps to Ambergut and she waddles over to him, eyes turning to slits. Then a smile washes over her face.
VOL: Ahhh, you old dwarf. I like when you get snappy with me.
Opens the scroll, eyes a bit wider.
VOL: Wow from King Brown Eye himself huh?
Ambergut clenches his jaw but just shakes his head.
VOL: Uh no, ain’t happening, they wouldn’t last the day down there. No amount of food is going to…
AMB: Doesn’t matter, straight from Grim Eye, official orders. And you will guide them, or find a new job.
The two of them match stares. Neither of them budging.

Chance: Look back to my group then back to the two conversing.

DMaster: Her eyes turn to slits. Sighs loudly.
VOL: Guess I had a good run then, I’ll surely die down there with the likes of them…
Thumbing in your direction.

Chance: Chan: To think, I will have to go tell a leader of your kind that you, Volca Ravnathi cowered away from a little challenge.

DMaster: With quickness that caught you a bit off guard she turns and gets in your, well, chest area. Looking up, slits as eyes growling a little.

Chance: Chan: there, thats more like it…
Chuckle a bit, giving her a look.

DMaster: VOL: You, I don’t like
Talia quietly
TAL: Shocker
In a flash Volca was at Talia’s face
VOL: What was that prissy girl?
Talia backs up almost tumbles over. She couldn’t stop from smirking hearing “prissy” and thinking of Helkyr. The Odius’s face flushes, as much as you can see. It goes to lunge for Talia, only to get lifted up by one of its horns and thrown back. She goes skidding on her butt, wide eyes and absolutely furious. Ambergut wide eyes, takes a step back and motions for his guards to get ready now that Chance has thrown her across the room.

Chance: Stand inbetween her and my group, arms crossed.
Chan: You will stand down and show a little respect Odius. That is uncontestable. You will also be our guide, understood?
Wait a second for her reaction.

DMaster: Volca throws the scroll across the room and struggles a bit to get up. Then turns to you. By now, the Dwarves have all drawn their swords, as has your party behind you does as well. The jailed wall is filled with the occupants.
VOL: Who, The Fuck. Do You…

Chance: OK. Burst with my power, turn full Champion.
Chan: …Think I am? Chance. Chance Axion.
giving her a look

DMaster: As though someone shot her with an arrow in the ass, she stiffens straight up, eyes wide, grimacing a bit as the symbol on her back is now visibly glowing, and throbbing. Her eyes slowly make it to you, then a bit of confusion on her face. Volca, then collapses to the floor in a pile. Talia wide eyes looks to you
TAL: Whoa, how did you do that?

Chance: Lean over to her
Chan: Don’t know, I am winging it here.
Say quietly to her.

DMaster: Talia scoffs and chuckles a bit, still looking on. Your party is watching as another Odius has entered and is gingerly walking to Volca. The Goliath is staring you down, but Ambergut gets his attention as to say, let this play out. Volca “comes to” fairly quickly, and scrambles to her feet. As white faced as an Odius has ever looked to you. She walks up to you, stops and bows her head.
VOL: My apologies Champion. I will do as you ask.
She looks again to you and if you didn’t know any better a little fear was apparent.

Chance: Nod my head to her, turn around
Chan: what’s to eat, I’m hungry.

DMaster: Everyone, jaws open, eyes as wide as saucers. Ambergut doing everything he can to not explode with laughter, questions and even a cheer or two.
AMB: Uh, not sure, guard?
You get served some stew that was mostly tasteless with some bread and butter. Some water that was cool and delicious though.

Chance: Drink the water and enjoy. Finish the meal.

DMaster: Talia sat across from you, she keeps glancing over your shoulder.
TAL: Your new little fan girl has been staring you down for the last five minutes.
She says in hushed tones.

Chance: Stand up turn and beckon for Volca.
Chan: Come Volca, lets start on a better foot shall we.

DMaster: She walks over, giving you a still confused but honest look.
VOL: He. Ummm, he spoke to me.
The Odius looks down, shaking her head.
VOL: Told me one thing. “Protect My Champion.”

Chance: Smile and put my hand on her shoulder.
Chan: Aye. And I will protect you. This is not some journey thought up after drinking Black Barley whiskey, it is god given and we have to make sure we accomplish what we need to…

DMaster: She has a smirk go across her face and looks right, then left
VOL: Uhhh, Black Barley Whiskey? You don’t happen to have any do ya?

Chance: Start to laugh and pull up a bit.
Chan: Right now I wish, though that stuff can be brutal.

DMaster: She belts out a skittery loud laugh that makes everyone look over and smile.
VOL: I was surprised to see that my bloodline was such a conduit to our Lord.
DM: The Odius’s have a strong bloodline to Finster, it is how they came to be. To read more about it, The History of the Odius
VOL: Good thing Finster stepped in, I was about to call you on your bullshit.
The odius shifts a bit, starts to walk away.

Chance: Curious.
Chan: Bullshit?

DMaster: She turns half her head, smirks from the side of her mouth.
VOL: Tell my leader, paw! Who would that be? Grim Eye?

Chance: Give her an evil smile in return.
Chan: Shemrata, A legion Odius. My friend and Sword Sister.

DMaster: She wheels around so fast she almost falls over.
VOL: Shemmy? You, know, her?
Still giving you a bullshit look.

Chance: Chan: Yup. Fought with her side by side down in Break Water. She helped Finster ascend and she got a little gift from him too, if you haven’t seen her in a while.

DMaster: Gives you a look, like what?

Chance: Chan: She is no longer switch foot.

DMaster: Eyes bulge.
VOL: Oh, now I know your bullshitting me!

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: A gift from Finster.

DMaster: VOL: But why, switch foot gives you so many advantages?
Stops to think.

Chance: Shrug shoulders.
Chan: But damn, she is now taller than me and that goddamn tail, its a friggen monster on its own account.
Laugh.

DMaster: She lets out a laugh, smiles and then looks back up – curious look on her face.
VOL: Please tell me she has left that skank Velencia. Ugg, what a serious twat.

Chance: Huge smile goes across my face.
Chan: It ain’t just me is it, that hates her?
Let out a laugh.
Chan: No, she is still with the inked scourge of the east, the tattooed shaved head twat… the butthole of Finsters power.

DMaster: By the time you were done, Volca was in fits of laughing.
VOL: Ohhh ohhh…. (cough giggle) Butthole… of Finsters… power?
She gathers herself after another long laugh and heads back into the jailed area. Ambergut walks over, after finishing his meal.
AMB: I must get going, I have other duties to perform.
Puts his hand out.

Chance: Give him a warriors shake.
Chan: Thank you for everything.

DMaster: He nods and smirks.
AMB: No, thank you, putting little miss Volca in her place made my day… no week… hell probably my month. Also thank you for reconnecting with her and smoothing things over. well done, I might add.
The Lieutenant smiles again really big, winks and leaves the room. He heads back down the hallway as a dwarf guard follows. The group is by the table they ate at.
DEM: Quite a way to kick this off, eh?
Giving you a playful eyebrow raise. Everyone chuckles.

Chance: Smile and nod. Look around the place and wait for Volca to come back.

DMaster: Talia nudges you
TAL: So whats up next?
Everyone looks over to you.

Chance: Shrug shoulders
Chan: We have to wait for Volca to come back and we can talk about our next steps.

DMaster: Eventually Volca comes back out, looking like she is strapped for war. She takes you aside.
VOL: When we head out in search of this garden place, tomorrow, I have to know that you need to travel with everyone in your party. The reason is, the less the people, the less chance you will be seen.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: makes sense, but I need everyone in the party.

DMaster: She nods her head.
VOL: OK, I was just throwing that out there, trying to minimize the conflict.
She pauses a moment and she gets an evil grin.
VOL: Though, I am really looking forward to a few tussled here and there. When we get to the town, we will have to ask around for this garden. I really am unsure where it maybe, if it even exists.
She turns to the group and heads over to them. Talia backs off a bit, and Luella does too. Demi is meeting her straight on and Volca loves it.
VOL: You big broad, whats your name…
Demi’s eyes bulge a little and gives her a look.

Chance: Chuckle a bit and head over.

DMaster: You hear them exchange, well, pleasantries.
VOL: Our best bet right now is wait until tomorrow to head in. This will give us time to enter the Underearth so you can get a feel, or an idea of what it is like down there.
Looking everyone over, glances back to you.

Chance: Nod my head in agreement.

DMaster: She is beckoning everyone.
VOL: Honestly, you can gear up if you want but we are only going to go a few hundred yards away from the entrance. Nothing harmful will be there and if there is anything, I can take care of it for you.
Everyone is still strapping for war, quickly, as the Odius is making her way through the jailed door.

Chance: Grab what I have to and head in, following the group.

DMaster: You guys walk through the jailed area.
you get a wiff of some rotting food, some body odor, you see two other odius wrestling on the ground. A Goliath who hasn’t take his eyes off you, and a few guys in the back gambling. Two other Odius’s sitting in chairs eyeing you up as you walk through. You see Volca give them a fierce look. There appears to be some bedrooms, an eating area that is disgusting, debris everywhere. A very ornate entryway leads down a slanted hallway, to a landing area, that the group barely fits in. She uses a key and a portcullis goes down, lets you all pass and she puts the portcullis back up. An even smaller landing area, but before you is steps leading down, and down and down. Takes a good 10 minutes to walk it.

Chance: As we were walking…
Chan: The Goliath and Odius’s who hasn’t taken their eyes off me, hope they aren’t going to be an issue
as we are walking

DMaster: VOL: NO I am the leader down here, just didn’t like seeing me passed out and acting real strange like. But who knows, you might be his type…
gives you a hard nudge and chuckles, keeps on walking, Talia walks by and mimics the nudge

Chance: chuckle, follow behind her, nudge Talia back and keep moving along

DMaster: You get to an open room, it is very clean. Roughly 25 feet square, 30 foot ceilings. A few places for torches, but nothing seems to be lit. It is easily 20 degrees warmer in the room, a very faint sound of hissing.
DEM: Hey for us humans, I am just saying, I can’t see shite.
Talia and Sincere agree.
VOL: Well we are at the cusp, no worries about light now…
She pulls on a circular thing, grabs some chains and much like a drawbridge over a moat… the huge doors slowly open. Immediately this orange glow fills the room, an odd-like hissing sound is much louder. A soft smell of sulfer in the air.

Chance: hand immediately goes to silent fate as I am looking around

DMaster: She chuckles seeing everyone gearing up, in some sort of readiness.
VOL: Seriously, we haven’t had an encounter in the valley floor entrance in almost a decade, you can stand down.

Chance: Chan: well, when I am involved, that usually changes

DMaster: She waves you in. She goes through and it was like she almost shimmered a bit, then you walk down the slanted draw bridge to some rough stairs and it was like you were dipping into some weird bath, super light water. Stale air, and the hissing sound seems to just fill you. It is almost heavy and weighs on you a bit. It was about a 100 foot walk down crudely made steps then to eventually leveling off ground. Then everyone stops, wide eyes, wide mouth. You are now outside the cave like entrance to the Above Ground and the vastness of the Underearth can now be seen, for the most part. A vast plains open up. A road heading straight down the middle of the massive area. You are about 100 yards or so, and Volca is slowly walking forward.
VOL: Down this road about an hour or two is Bam Kebrik. It is where we will hopefully find out about your little garden and have water eggs we can buy. To either side is the fields of the Underearth. Always growing wheat like stalks… but practically poison to the above ground people.
She says looking out over the large area; grabs some of the wheat like plant, sniffs it and throws it away. The air is heavier, and you notice, there isn’t a lick of wind. The orange glow makes everything sepia toned. Looking up you can see what you think looks like a cloudy day, but with stars poking through. Everyone starts to look up.
VOL: Ahhh yes, the source of light and the source for that shitass color. The barrier is pinned up against the rock and sediment up there. The offspring of that copulation are crystals that grow outwards, ones that glow and of course… they are orange.
Volca glances over to Talia and gives her a semi angry look.
VOL: You fancy little girl, why must you look at me like that?
Talia’s eyes get big.
TAL: Oh, uh… no disrespect, really I am just surprised you can speak so well.

Chance: Walk to Talia and get ready to protect her. Wider eyes.
Chan: Talia…

DMaster: Volca tilts her head and slowly makes her way to the Witchblade.
VOL: Speak. So well? Girl I am 110 years old, I better know how to speak.
Talia’s eyes bulge as most of the people too.
VOL: Might be the oldest Odius on Legon, or under Legon apparently.
Looks around she says and laughs a bit. Talia nods
TAL: My apologies, I am sorry.
Volca just shakes her head then walks to the side still looking out.
VOL: There is no day, there is no night. Get that out of your head now. When we are hungry, we eat, when we are tired we rest. Your daily above ground life is no more, you will have to use your instincts now.

Chance: I keep my hand near silent fate regardless.
Chan: the contraptions we need for our journey, the “egg” things. How many should we get? Should everyone have one?
looking at her

DMaster: VOL: Well, need is a bit of an overstatement.
She glances back with an raised eye brow.
VOL:Refill your water skin with well.. at least palatable water, if we get lost… but I think you have multiple waterskins.

Chance: nod my head at her and mumble.
Chan: lost…

DMaster: She walks you out to about 300 feet from the entrance
VOL: So this is it, the underearth
You are standing, by all rights, in a field, or a road that goes through fields, It looks like wheat from a distance. Absolutely no wind and the hissing, oddly enough almost becomes “normal.”

Chance: Chan: well in a lot of ways this reminds me of the evershimmer lands
looking out across the distance

DMaster: VOL: What the hell is the Evershimmer Lands?

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: poor name for what I witnessed. The lands across the evershimmer.

DMaster: A complete look of “bullshit” washes over the Odius face.
VOL: You have more shit than bulls can shit for a month, nay! A year!
The group all looks over and chuckles. Talia tugs on your arm.
TAL: You went across the Evershimmer? Really?
Even Talia is giving you a “come on” look.

Chance: Shake head again.
Chan: Yes, a portal, one that was… ahhh, nevermind. A story for another time, perhaps.

DMaster: Talia is about 5 feet in front, eyes are twinkling, huge smile on her face and she is breathing a little heavy.
TAL: Chance! We are in the Underearth…
She says in a tone that even she could not believe it was happening.
TAL: Dad’s going to kick my ass when I get home
she says with a giggle. She attempts some magic and it seems to work fine. She seems pretty happy about that.

DMaster: The beautiful invoker walks to you, looks up an smiles.
LUE: Might as well give it a shot huh?

Chance: Smile, nod my head.

DMaster: Everyone stops and looks over. You turn to Champion form, and it is weird. Like someone was grabbing you from behind and pulling you back. You almost have to concentrate on being a Champion, like when you first were marked and tried to turn. Luella looks to you again.

Chance: Reach out my hand.

DMaster: She grabs it and for a second nothing happens. She dips her head, she flashes some light, then a quick loud rushing sound is heard, both of you stutter a bit. You feel the power rush in, and Luella… well she lets out a gasp and a moan. Everyone’s eyes are bulging staring, hell even Inasatra is looking on, raised eyebrow. With her hands on her knees breathing a little heavy.
LUE: A little warning Champion, a little… uhhh, mmm, warning.

Chance: Start to chuckle and laugh.
Chan: Almost forgot. Sorry about that Luella.
Walk over and put my arm around her, whisper.
Chan: You ok?

DMaster: She looks up, blushing and nods.
LUE: Better than ok, does it always do that?
Luella responds quietly.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Ahhh, just one of Finsters many complexities.

DMaster: DM: The underearth cuts the god given ability in half. So when Chance goes Champion, it will be 50%. Then it is up to the dice to cooperate after that:

1d20 roll:
1 – Reduced power to 25%. Failed.
2-9 – Add 25%.
10-19 – full Champion, add 50%.
20 – Overload, 150%. Must make a constitution save (advantage) from going into a frenzy mode.

It will last 4 rounds. Then fade back to 50%.

Chance: Look back to the group and chuckle. Smiling and blushing.

DMaster: TAL: Uhh, what was that?
VOL: Interesting, using an invoker to cut through the barrier, huh?
She looks impressed.
VOL: But, in battle her toppled over like she just wet her panties is not going to be ideal.
Luella finally stands up straight.
LUE: I’m not much of a fighter, my main goal is to keep Chance here fully lit. Plus, I don’t wear panties.
Talia is giving her a look then burst out laughing. The rest of the group laughs and you think, that is Luella’s special power. So subtle yet so important. Luella is shaking her head playfully. The group heads back in. Volca closes the door and the long walk up the stairs start.

Chance: Get by Luella.
Chan: Pretty amazing huh?
Smiling.

DMaster: She chuckles.
LUE: I’ll say, my flower petals are still vibrating.
Talia lets out a huge billowing laugh, that echoes through the staircase, much to everyones smiles and giggles themselves.
SIN: Saundra gave me this necklace,
He whirls it around with a proud look on his face.
SIN: I can do full power spells and such three times… a… day (realization) By Animaxs footlocker
He slaps his hand on his leg, Everyone looks over barely hearing anything from him during the trip; now is yelling outloud. Volca laughs looking over.
VOL: I don’t know how that is going to work down there. I imagine it will still “repower” but you will not know when.
SIN: Yes, yes… got that.
He says flushed face and a bit angry. You think that was his card up his sleeve, and now realizes… it may barely work at all. You make it back to the entrance.

Chance: Chan: okay, okay, let’s get some rest and what not before we head to town

DMaster: The rest of the day, as much as you know ,goes on with some dinner, sleeping plans and a surprisingly quiet night.