First Five Starts Here

The group hunkers down and Volca makes a deal with the quicklings to stand watch for them for a short time.

Everyone falls asleep rather quickly except Chance. Staring up at the odd colored “sky” and his mind racing with all the things that still have to be done, why the hell he is down here and his performance as of late. He felt he had taken a step forward, and he is discouraged to think otherwise now.

Shaking his head, Chance sits up and quietly makes his way through the mounds of sleeping people, gets to his bag and pulls out a repair kit for his armor. “Might as well make my time useful, if I am not going to get any sleep,” he thinks to himself.

Sitting inbetween two areas of rock and sediment, just a stones throw from the group, the Champion undresses his armor top and is starting to repair it. He is in his Champion form, as diluted as it is, to help with him not getting sleep. Glances now and again across the vast plains of the underearth, hopefully not seeing anything that might come after them.

The repairs did not take too long, he quickly gets back in his armor, turns and sees Volca, leaning against part of a hill that was sheared, crossed arms and a raised eyebrow.

Odius and Champion, staring at each other for a long moment.

Chance shakes his head a bit, and starts to walk off when Volca grabs his arm.

“Let’s talk shall we?” she says quietly tugging him in a different direction.

The two climb over a few things, and get to an open spot. Chance just stands there, arms folded, looking to the ground, still in Champion mode.

“Being a glow bug is bringing attention to ourselves,” Volca starts, in a sarcastic tone, “you seemed to have been worried about that the whole trip, yet here you are…”

“If I don’t sleep I can be in Champion form and it helps with the exhaustion,” the Champion says in a lower tone, still looking at the ground, “I’d rather bring a little attention to myself, and have the ability to fight at full strength then the alternative.”

The Odius nods and walks a bit, finds a place to lean. It is silent for a minute as she looks the large man over, in black armor, short tips, and inside himself; in obvious turmoil. But she can’t let this slide she needs to talk to him about it, she thinks to herself.

“Pardon me if this is, well, rude,” Volca starts out, keeping an eye on the man, “but I am having a hard time believing you are Finsters Champion.”

A small snort escapes the Champions mouth, but his demeanor does not change.

Surprised a bit, Volca continues, “I watched as you slipped and tumbled through two battles, got mauled by a shed dog and have a little Witchblade come to save your ass… so I hope you can see why I am concerned and why I am questioning this.”

“I wasn’t chosen because I was some assassin or some blood thirsty warlord,” Chance says, still not moving, staring down, talking in quieter tones, “he could find that anywhere. I am his water, I am his light, I am the face he needs on Legon right now.”

Scrunching her nose and slowly shaking her head, “You are his what now?” she says with a bit of whip to it.

“Light to his dark,” Chance says with a bit of snarl, “his reputation was not of puffy clouds and unicorns blowing rainbows out there ass, now was it?”

He turns to face the Odius who doesn’t notice much, just listening to the man.

The tall man continues, “getting someone who slaughters villages, guts the innocent and kicks a puppy is going to get him no where. He needed to show the population that even in the darkest of men there is still honor… respect and… love.”

Shaking his head, he turns from her and walks a few feet, back is facing her.

“So what you are telling me is you go around ‘only’ doing good, making the realm safe, happy and bright?” She retorts having a hard time believing what she is hearing.

A small growl escapes from Chance, “I have done things that will haunt me until my final breath. I have gutted my best friends sister, I am torn throats out of innocent men and I have murdered a defenseless man in cold blood … all in the name of our Lord.”

Hands turning to fists, his breath getting larger and more steady as his anger grows a bit inside of him. He turns and walks to the Odius, towering over her.

“If my presence here is such a bother to you, then leave. I release you from the directive that Finster gave you,” he says with a guttural growl, “I need people willing to do anything to accomplish this quest, not some undersized crony looking to cover her own ass.”

Volca does not look up to him, her arms still folded, her mouth curling in thought and anger. “I can’t walk away from this and you don’t have the authority to release me from anything.”

Suddenly a flash of light hits the short Odius and she winces.

“I do have the authority, I do,” Chance says his voice a bit louder and gravelly, in almost full Champion form, “me and Finster are one of the same, in different planes. He owns my soul, Odius, and with that gives me the power to do what I see fit here on Legon.”

The sound of his voice gave Volca a red flag in her head, and she knew he was dead serious, that this man has the power to make these decisions for her Lord. She bows her head a bit, and almost kneels. An Odius is not one to back down, cower or grovel… but with the ideals of her Lord, her legacy, her own blood; things are different.

“My apologies, I just had to know what was going on,” she says in a low respectful tone.

Chance turns off his Champion form. “Go get some sleep, I’ll take over the watch,” he says with command, then shakes his head and walks past her to the group who were, thankfully, all still asleep. At least he thought.

A few hours pass and Chance is leaning against a hillside, in deep thought; thinking of the exchange with Volca, his poor performance in battle and home, god did he miss home. Then a bit of realization washes over him, maybe I do have a little bit of Finsters authority on Legon. He always tells me that we are together in this, why wouldn’t I? Why did I even say that to Volca? Shaking his head, his thoughts get muddy and he sighs a bit.

Inasatra walks to him taps him on the shoulder and thumbs to the bedrolls.

“Thank you, but I am good, not going to get much sleep anyways,” he says not quite looking at the pure blood, arms still folded looking down.

With a voice that took him a little by surprise, “now,” Inasatra says with some force behind it, pointing, “I don’t want a droopy eyed Champion trying to fight god knows what that is out there, even a few hours will do you good, now get.”

From the corner of his eye he looks to this gorgeous elf, thinking that he is pretty lucky to have her on this trip; and oddly thoughtful towards him right now.

Nodding his head, he straightens up and looks down to her, “if anything comes up…”

As a switch was flipped, she glances up to him with a sarcastic “really” look and shakes her head.

He scoffs a bit and starts to take off his armor as he walks away, only to have his arm tugged. He looks back to Inasatra and a light dusting wafts over and into his nose.

“We call it nap dust, just gives you a nudge to get some sleep,” she says turning back, “it will only work for an hour or so.”

Chance coughing a bit, gives the pure blood a dirty look and walks to his bedroll. He plops in it and barely remembers putting his head on the makeshift pillow.

The quarter elf wakes up to Talia shaking him, looking into his eyes. “You sleep like a log short tips, let’s go.”

Everyone is geared up ready to go, nibbling on some food or gingerly taking sips out of their skins. Looking around and his face flushed, he gets up and starts to pack his things angrily, “oh it’s nap dust, just a little nap, a nappy nap, a naparoo…”

Talia stops her walk away, turns heel and gives the tall man a look, “I’m sorry what are you saying?” she says with a bit of laugh in her voice.

“Nothing, just nothing…” he says in an almost growl that makes the Witchblade perk her eyes a bit and nod slowly.

The group starts to head out, after a sharp glance between Inasatra and Chance. Volca in front, Chance in the back of the line they start to skirt the hills to the east and it only took them about an hour to get back to the main road.

Much to their surprise there were three humanoids roughly 200 feet away. They look to be about mid 5 feet tall, one taller than the other two, standing together, hoods drawn and looking at the party as they essentially emerge from the hilly area.

“Oh great, what now,” murmurs Volca as they step out on the path.

To the north, the weeds seem to get higher, more of these plant life things that resembles weeds, broccoli and even oversized bushes start to line the area, almost like a forest during winter in some ways.

Volca walks to them, in her usual waddle and they back off a bit. She says something in under-common and they nod their head.

Then you hear the Odius say, “really, you have to be shitting me,” turning back to the group with a smirk, “hey they speak common, or at least one of these guys do.”

It is being noticed that they are fixated on Inasatra, and the Eldergleen has taken notice, blushing and getting fidgety.

“Oh her? Yeah she is not very chatty really,” Volca says with a little chuckle, they continue to look her way.

Demi makes her way to Inasatra’s side and it almost seemed as though she was appreciative of it, giving the large woman a nod.

The three humanoids pull down their hoods, and everyone’s eyes bulge a little. What appears to be Elves, over extended ears, flowing hair that each one has something in it to make it look nice, their eyes a deep black. Their appearance reminds Chance and others of Wild elves, thin, scraggly but these elves… their skin is a deep copper color; as though the very ceiling of this place painted their skin.

“Oy! She probably won’t talk to you,” Volca said as they slowly walk to Inasatra, “hell’s bell’s you speak common, but do you ‘hear’ in common too?” she finishes with a bit of frustration.

The group instinctively closes in, subtly, to protect her, except Chance who scoffs a little, shakes his head and watches on.

Bigger than the other two, the only male, dressed in better armor and weapons, definitely more muscular approaches the Pure Blood, “you, Magnate?” he says in broken common, “We lean, lean, Magnate.”

Demi has already stepped a bit in front, putting out her hands in a non-aggressive fashion. Everyone knows if they get too close she can send one of these smallish elves halfway across the plains with her upper-cut.

They stop, looking the big woman over.

“Listen, I am not sure what you mean by a magnet? She is an elf, like you, I think,” Demi says stammering a bit wondering why she is even talking, “but let’s just all back off a bit and get to know each other first.”

They all step back a bit now noticing the group closing in on them and they are a bit frightened by it.

Volca waddles over to them giving them a look over. “Now now, we are not here to do anything crazy, if we wanted to do that we would be elsewhere causing some shit.”

The Odius gives Chance a look and he was already on his way over. The three look up to the elf, with what Talia likes to call him, short tips and they are all looking at them, marveling at the size of them.

Letting out a big sigh, Chance starts in, “My name is Chance, we have come to your, ummm,” he started to say but them stammers a bit wondering how he should word this, “come to your Ardor, or your area… your place in search of…”

“Artifacts!” the Odius blurts out giving Chance one hell of a look, and getting their attention back to her.

The tall man sighs loudly and backs off a few paces. Talia walks to him puts her arm to his shoulder and smiles in support.

“Listen we are just passing through, is there anything we need to know? Dangers? Trespassing? Large sides of delicious roasted boar?” she says finishing with a playful tone.

The three exchange glances and nod their head.

Volca, somewhat frustrated that she has to talk to them in step by step fashion, goes to continue but surprisingly gets interrupted by Inasatra.

Speaking in a dialect no one has probably heard in centuries, the three copper skinned elves eyes bulge and the go to one knee, bowing before her almost instantly. Inasatra’s face is flushed, and she looks terribly uncomfortable. She says something else and the three of them slowly stand, still staring at this gorgeous white skinned creature.

Chance scoffs a little, and shakes his head again.

Talia tugs on his arm, “what is it?” she says softly.

“Like history repeating itself really, odd how big this world, and underearth is, yet it can be so small…” he replies talking just as quiet as Talia.

She gives him an odd look, knowing she has a lot to talk with him about when they have a few minutes.

The Eldergleen and the three copper elves finish their conversation, and the trio moves a bit away and starts talking amongst themselves.

“What did you tell them elf,” Volca says with a bit of whip, impressed as to how quickly they succumbed to her voice and language.

She takes a deep sigh, “it is an ancient elf dialect, lost to many except the Vaalyun Elf Clan, who have kept it alive from generation to generation and…”

Volca interrupts, “get on with it already, we don’t need a history lesson…”

With a bit of force and aggression, and for the first time seeing her get frustrated, Inasatra lunges to the Odius with inhuman speed, ending with a long dagger to her throat that is still stained a bit with dog shed blood, “shut your foul mouth you hideous creature, every breath you take is an insult to me…” just growls out of her mouth.

The Odius, surprised, with a smile washing her face slowly moves the dagger away and nods her head, “well shit, you do have a little fire in you, even if it is like someone dropped a grumpy in your cereal bowl.”

Talia covers her mouth not to laugh, a few others smile and shake their head.

“Please, Inasatra, continue…” Chance says slowly shaking his head, not liking being on a wide road, talking freely; hoping they can pick up the pace a bit.

Sheathing her long dagger she glances to the Champion and nods her head.

“We have stories, legends of elves from long ago escaping the above earth for what reason we are unsure of,” she says kind of in a trance, talking in a softer voice now, “down into the underearth, at least that is what the texts say. At one point a few made their way back, probably to see if it was safe, only to get attacked by our kind.”

She swallows hard, glancing over to the three odd looking elves, “I did not expect they would be here, hell, that they would even be alive. I am sure they think of me as a god like figure, or…”

Volca spits a bit starts to laugh, then widens her eyes, putting out her hands, “sorry, sorry.”

Chance is shaking his head, almost chuckling to himself.

The Eldergleen, again getting flush, “what Champion? You are no better than this, thing?” Inasatra says, pointing at the Odius, obviously angry, “I am weaving tales and creating myth?”

It does not go unnoticed by the three new arrivals, they are at a state of alert.

Smirking a bit, the quarter elf shakes his head, “no, but we can take a page out of another book, one of a tall white haired Renrazzi Kappa,” he says wanting to continue but stopping seeing the look on the Eldergleens face.

“What would you ever know about aristocratic noble High Elves?! …and why did you call her kappa? You now all of a sudden know long forgotten elf dialect too?” she says, her anger rising a bit, “If you stepped foot in their land you would have your head cut off from your shoulders…”

Everyone’s eyes are big, watching and listening to the exchange. Talia is ready to pounce on Chance if he starts to get angry but was pleasantly surprised that he was not.

Nodding his head, “that I know, I was well informed about Queen Alannya Tristina. Hell there was an insurgence when she was in for the Royal Wedding in Camerondale. I was to keep my distance from her despite being crowned Champion of the court,” the quarter elf says trailing off a bit, realizing this is not getting them anywhere and he is starting to babble.

Talia is nodding her head, almost proud of her best friend, Sincere and Demi just nodding their head while Volca is in disbelief.

Clearing his head for a moment, “what I meant, is I fought side by side with a Renrazzi, Kappa of the Hunters Elite… we saved, maybe all of Legon if not this side of it, not a few months back.”

Her mind racing, she looks down and is nodding her head, then scoffs a bit, “oh, the wild child… yes.”

Chance laughs a bit, “yeah heard her called that. Her real name is Faelyn, Faelyn Hilorcan, she did invite me and my wife to a gala event, but as you said, I like my head where it is right now,” he says, then continues, “together we met the Verroden way on the other side of Legon and…well if history has anything…”

“What? Verroden? You expect me to believe this drivel?” she interrupts, now getting irritated like Chance was patronizing her. The three copper elves turn and start to walk towards them, with Volca stepping in between shaking her head at them.

He lets out a long sigh, “one day pure blood, I will tell you of my travels and exploits, but for now just know that I get this, it is a story told over and over, and almost always by an elf. Dispose of things, or people you do not like in some way, and to be honest, it makes me sick.”

She steps back, the Eldergleen in deep thought still steaming a bit and red faced. Something is bugging her, more than just the surface issues.

Sincere steps in and looks about to everyone, “as fascinating as this all is, I have to agree with Miss Volca here, but we need to figure out what we are doing with these three, and get a move on. We are walking, talking snacks for who knows what is here in the underearth.”

Everyone nods their head in agreement.

Inasatra takes another hard swallow and motions for the three elves. They walk to a hillside and begin to speak.

Volca, now tearing into a jerky, walks to the Champion returning from his chat, half laughing, “so now you are a Champion of Camerondale too huh?” she says with a bit of sarcasm in her voice.

Chance just shakes his head and starts to look for a ration to nibble on.

“He is, and a damn good one too, he saved the Princesses, err, well she is now the Queens, life,” Talia says in an uppity tone, “probably more than you have done for over 50 years!”

The Odius already getting used to the butt-sore group, nods her head and playfully responds, “oh yes, I am sure of it.”

After a short time, Inasatra comes over and looks the party over. “They want to help us, but much like…” she pauses, swallows her pride a little, “Volca says, more people more noticeable. We are already a massive party down here… they fear it will start to attract bigger and more dangerous prey.”

Luella steps up and interrupts, “what about Hell? It is all well and good we can make it to the entrance, but how the, uh well, hell, are we going to make it through it to this godhaven place? Do they know of a secret place to go, or a path through it… honestly if they can’t help with that, then they are nothing more than a quiver fleshbag.”

Everyone is quiet, thinking. Volca is looking at Luella.

“A quiver fleshbag? I like that…” the Odius says with a smirk.

“We can take one, the male is one of their best hunters and the eldest of the group. He can at least tell us about the area more,” she pauses a moment, huffs a little, ” or, they want us to go to their village…”

Turn Base Begins Here

Chance: I gather the group and go over what their thoughts are of going to the village.

DMaster: The information you get from Inasatra is that the village is about 2 hours from here. It is north east, so it is roughly the direction you need to go. The trio came from that way, and from what you gathered those copper elves said nothing was between here and there, monster wise, as far as they knew.

Chance: Chan: I think we should at least go to the village, maybe pull out more information from them. If they can’t give us anything else at least it will be a safe spot for us for the time being. Sleep, grab something to eat and, well maybe drink?

DMaster: TAL: Yeah, who knows maybe they know something about Hell, or Ardor or whatever it is called.
Everyone seems to agree with you, or they are nodding their head.

Chance: Chan: Inasatra, since they seem to look up to you can you tell them we will go to the village with them

DMaster: She nods and walks to them, they converse and it looks like they are all ready to go.

Chance: I will lead up the rear of the group as we move onward, keeping Volca and Insatra towards the front.

DMaster: You walk for a few minutes, the three stop, quickly converse then wave the group into the wheat and weeds, heading into a denser part of the “forest” and or “plains.” It is a mix of high wheat / grass and the weird looking trees and bushes.

Chance: Keep the group moving and give one quick look back before we enter the denser part of the forest

DMaster: Everything looks clear, and you head in. He rolled for an encounter with advantage since the elves know a thing or two. (rolled a 8) You hear a few things, they guide a bit different, then you start to see a few less trees, eventually there is an opening. It is a semi-dense forest like area.

Chance: Thinking to myself; well at least it blends in with the area.

DMaster: It looks like there are huge half tents, and families live under them. You see almost 30 of them pop their heads out to look.

Chance: Looking around to see if anymore of these elves come out as we approach

DMaster: They seem to have built a way to get water into their village, irrigation of sorts. But it is just trickling in the middle of the village like a large puddle after a heavy rain. A few of them run over, seem to be guards to talk with the other three, before you get to far in. A heated argument of sorts and you are pushed back to about the opening of the clearing.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: They are just being careful…
I keep hand near silent fate in a non threatening way just looking on, trying to see if I can read the body language

DMaster: Two of the guards run off deeper into the village. A good majority is these half tents, as the elves are just living their day to day, but stopping looking over to you. Farther in it looks to be more huts and buildings separated by a short fence.

Chance: Waiting to see what happens next as the guards run off, just looking at all the tents and the area

DMaster: They are pretty big. They go about 12-15 feet in height, and they are a good 15-20 feet wide. Looks to be about 20 feet deep. From what you see, there are things in there like bedrolls, wrapped up items, storage and the like. It is a place for an entire family to live. You notice most people have what most do down here. Makeshift clothes, dirty, uncolored. Some armor made from bones, cast off metals they have found. A group walks out of the more dense area, a woman surrounded by 4 larger much more equipped elves. As she gets closer you see what she looks like; Dirty blonde hair, copper skin, a tattoo across her face and maybe the only Copper Elf down here that doesn’t have black eyes. Her’s are actually stunning brass color. She is also in this older, raggity, but regal half armor half formal outfit. Completely different from anything you have seen down here and also reminds you of something you would see under-royalties wear. (Under Royalties – People in the same class as royalty, but not royalty themselves).

Chance: A smile goes to my face seeing her

DMaster: The village nods to her, tapping their shoulder twice.

Chance: Watch the people. Interesting. Surprised to see the above ground armor. I get a little closer to the back of our group and keep watching until she gets to us.

DMaster: Volca has to walk a bit to look back at you, with a look like a mother would give to her kid that wasn’t behaving
VOL: Any day now… you are leading this party are you not?

Chance: Give her a small growl and head up. Make my way to the front of the group, giving Volca a look as I do.

DMaster: The leader walks up.
WOM: Who are you and what are you doing in my village?
She says giving the three that brought you here a look you would never want to get

Chance: Step forward, nod and tap my shoulder twice. Figuring this is like bowing or something.

DMaster: Her eyebrow raises and she softly smiles, giving you a nod back.

Chance: Chan: My name is Chance Axion, we don’t mean to intrude here in your village, we were invited to come and thought we would accept before continuing on our way.

DMaster: Again, gives the three a sharp glance.
WOM: I was told you spoke the language from uptop. So I am assuming that is ok, I will continue.
She says in common, quite well too compared to the others. Then giving you a perplexed look.
WOM: On your way? To where may I ask. This is not some place to take a stroll.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: If you will pardon my hesitation. Once we are introduced and know each other better, I will be more than happy to tell you. But for now, for our parties safety, I will just say we are on a quest.

DMaster: She is staring at you, then curls her lip.
WOM: Understood. But tell me this, you are not down here for any of us, are you?
She says that as she looks over to Inasatra, her eyes getting larger by the minute staring at her now.

Chance: Shake my head and smile.
Chan: No, no. We are not. But once we have exchanged pleasantries, perhaps we could get some more information on the area and the dangers ahead?

DMaster: The woman, may or may not be listening right now. Inasatra gives you a look, like if she can talk.

Chance: Nod to Inasatra.

DMaster: Inasatra gives her a respectful bow and moves forward. The entire village is now looking on it seems, they are all crowding up about 10-15 feet behind the leader.

Chance: Chan: as I said, I am Chance and this is Inasatra. She is one of my traveling companions.

DMaster: They are all wide eyed looking at her, The woman, who seems to be the only one who doesn’t have black eyes, seems very unsure of herself right now. Inasatra starts to talk in that ancient dialect and everybody, without hesitation drops to their knees, except the leader. The leader woman’s eyes bulge and her face flushes. The Eldergleen instantly stops when she sees her face. She barbs something back with one word, apparently in that dialect, and Inasatra is a bit floored that she knows it. The Eldergleen does not say another word.

Chance: Keep a close eye on the guards, and anyone else. If this goes south we will be over run it seems.

DMaster: The woman walks to Inasatra with purpose, face flushing, grabs her by the arm and starts to walk her off. One of the guards says something to the leader and she retorts back, in under-common.
VOL: We are waiting here. Not sure our bright and shiny elf should of been speaking in that tongue, it went over like piss in a beer drinking contest.
Talia scrunches her nose.
TAL: Beer in a what, oh… gross.

Chance: Staying put, keeping watch. Making sure I get a feel for the lay of the village just in case things go south.

DMaster: As you are waiting a younger elf with a cup, scoops up the “water” takes a gulp, swishes it around in his mouth, then he leans over and goo just falls out and splats on the ground. He then hard swallows and does it again.
LUE: Uh, that… that was gross
Saying it quiet, She frowns and pats her water skin
VOL: That’s impressive to sift through the sludge and just get the usable water from it, must take a while to learn that.

Chance: shaking my head
Chan: (quietly) well its what they have to do to survive Lue Lue. Wonder how long it took to do that.

DMaster: After a few more minutes they return, they seem to be having a conversation with both of them… smiling. The woman leader walking with a pep to her step, smiles and head held high. Like in perfect hostess fashion:
WOM: Welcome welcome! My name Zanvy Shegnar, welcome to the Sivren Clan Village

Chance: nod my head and smile at Zanvy, still keeping an eye on the lay of the land.

DMaster: As you are escorted in, so far its pretty straight forward. There is a huge road or path of sorts, with water ponding through out that you have to traverse around. Looks like a small mini bridge goes over the center of the water. To the left and right are those large half tents with elves about. You are heading into where the road closes in a bit, and then a small fence, about 2 to 2 1/2 feet tall, surrounds what appears to be the more “higher class” area. She opens the gate and everyone piles through into a more dense, area with huts and even a few buildings. It leads to a big round opening and in the middle are tables, and “spits” of sorts. A large fire and make shift pots and pans, and what not. A few people working, stop and look on as they are cooking. The elves cooking yell to the three that found you and led you here, and they break the news that they came back without any food. Needless to say they get a disapproving look.

Chance: Chan: I must say Zanvy this is rather impressive, quite a little community you have. With everything we were told about food and water…

DMaster: She nods.
ZAN: Thank you Champion. It has been here for, well, I am not sure. I am sure a hundred years at least. Down here, you lose track of time. But it has grown little by little as the years went on.

Chance: Chan: oh, Champion. I see Inasatra told you about me
Giving her a small nod

DMaster: She smiles
ZAN: Yes and the noble quest you are all are on. She answered all my questions, and understands our… (ahem) customs now.
The group stops at the biggest hut, up against a large tree like thing, probably merged with it.
ZAN: Come in to our Rally Room. (pauses) A town hall I guess, I am not sure how to word it any better. Make yourselves at home.

Chance: Chan: We thank you very much for your hospitality

DMaster: She nods as everyone piles in, Its about 15 feet wide for about 10 feet then it opens into this half tree, half tent like structure. It is about 50 feet in diameter, lanterns hanging from colorful standards of decorations. It has to be 30 feet high. The walls all have something on them ranging from elaborate paintings, to what looks like parchments with kids drawings on them. A few others like a bulletin board, some official looking things, etc. Directly to the back is what appears to be a doorway, a podium of sorts as well. Must make announcements, or have meetings here, thus the name. Zanvy invites you to a corner of the place with a circle table that is no more than a foot off the ground. She sits, cross legged at the far end.
ZAN: Please sit, we will have someone bring you… well, water.

Chance: I wrinkle my nose as I sit.
Chan: I do have some concerns about that…

DMaster: She puts her hand up.
ZAN: We have a way of removing the sludge, it will be drinkable.

Chance: They kind of eyes themselves and smiles as they sit. Everyone is around the table, and they chit chat a bit. Some snacks are put out but again people eye it up. Zanvy understands the hesitation. Then orders for some jerky. Everyone grabs some of that and eats.

DMaster: After a few minutes the Woman leader gets up and nods her head. She walks to you, puts her hand on your shoulder.
ZAN: I am sorry to bother, but our elder would want to meet with you. Volca is it? Care to join?
The Odius looks at you, sarcastic look.

Chance: Sigh loudly,
Chan: She can come too.

DMaster: Inasatra gives you three an odd look. You three walk out, go to the hut next door and enter. It is a bit run down, as most things are. A smell comes from the door before even entering it. Volca waves her hand across her nose and chuckles.
VOL: Nice to know you have some of the happy-puffs down here.
A man, dressed in rags, looks pretty old is sitting in the middle of his room in a comfy looking blanket, puffing on a pipe. The house just reeks of this strong burning weed smell.

Chance: Try to ignore the smell of the house, give the man a slight bow and look back up and smile

DMaster: He glances up, coughs and goes to stand up but falls over. The woman scolds him in under-common, and he waves her off with a “BAH!”
MAN: A Champion and what, is this creature his pet?

Chance: Snort a little look down, trying not to giggle.

DMaster: Volca has the resting bitch face in your direction, then glances back to the man. She speaks in under-common and he nods his head.
MAN: Do you want me to speak in the uptop language or…

Chance: Interrupting.
Chan: Uptop if you don’t mind, thank you.
Giving Volca a look.

DMaster: He walks over to you both, giving you a look over. Zanvy is giving him a disapproving look. As he wheels around your large frame, he ends up wide eyed staring at you. He stumbles a bit back and lands on his butt in his comfy floor throw he was sitting in before. Zanvy goes for him with a gasp.
ZAN: Yorzun!
She is next to him with concern in her eyes. He starts to laugh, and she just gives him a thoughtful look and a shake of her head.
YOR: Champion? I am not sure what or where this Camerondale is… but it seems like it really packs a punch.

Chance: Walk to them, giving them a look. Realizing whether it be the under-earth or uptop, things don’t change much in some regards. Caring for each other, the little banter and.. the love they have for each other. Back up and turn to my champion form to respond to his question, since he is already on the ground. It’s half as strong, so it shouldn’t be too shocking.

DMaster: They are just staring at you. Your powers creating a shadow behind them, like a lantern was just lit.

Chance: Chan: I am being forthright with you two, in hopes we can get information we need. I scratch my back, scratch your back thing. I am the Champion of Camerondale, but I am also the Champion of Finster. That is where my abilities come in.

DMaster: They glance at each other and shake their head. Volca glances to you and nods her head.
VOL: Yeah, glow boy over here wouldn’t hurt a fly, unless you insulted his man-hood. So no worries.

Chance: Give the Odius a look, change back.
Chan: I hope I didn’t frighten you to bad.

DMaster: The man is getting back up for the second time, shaking his head.
YOR: No, no. It was quite unexpected and exciting. Might have to check my drawers after that though… and I have no idea who Finster is.
Zanya is helping him up giving him a soft look and a pat on the back, not with out a little snicker. Luckily, they do not pursue the name Finster.
ZAN: I have to get to our other guests, so I hope we have what you are looking for.
She walks out after giving the both of you a warm smile.

Chance: Chan: I was told you wanted to speak with me, elder
Bowing again

DMaster: He nods, giving you a look.
YOR: My name is Yorzun Vecmac, the resident old geezer I suppose.
Volca smiles wide, she seems to like his style. He leads you through some dividers; it doesn’t seem like they have “rooms,” each different area of a hut or building is separated by hanging blankets / sheets / etc. He waves you through a few tapestries or blankets hanging to a smaller sectioned off area,

Chance: Chan: it is an honor and pleasure to meet you, Yorzun

DMaster: He stops and gives you a weird look making Volca snort softly. It is almost to say, “enough with the act kid.” He fires up a torch of some kind and the area lights up. It is a half curved area, sectioning off a hut. Looks much more organized and clean here. Against the hut wall is a dresser, maybe an altar like furniture. It has a book leaning on it with some candle like items. There are multiple “floor chairs” here, and makeshift book shelves too.

Chance: Keep looking around. Keeping an eye on him to make sure he isn’t going to fall again.

DMaster: Volca nudges you and points to the book. It has the symbol that Inasatra has on her head, among a few others. You also notice the upside down triangle, the three bars… all the elf clans that you know of. Some symbols you are not familiar with.
VOL: Interesting…
She raises and eyebrow, full well knowing she wants to look through that book.

Chance: My eyes get big seeing the symbols

DMaster: Then, like he is starting in mid-sentence;
YOR: A few centuries or more, our ancestors fled the clan elves, and found their way down here to Ardor
He rifles through some stuff

Chance: looking on as he rifles through stuff
Chan: Why did they flee the clan elves to begin with, if I may ask?

DMaster: He pauses a moment
YOR: Let’s just say, a disagreement.
Scoffs a bit and smirks.
YOR: But we have writings and I guess a prophecy that has been handed down generation to generation, and I am the fifth generation… I will be handing it off to my granddaughter when I pass on

Chance: Chan: and these writings and prophecies are ?
Now starting to get more curious

DMaster: He pulls out some old writings, somewhat unorganized. Seems to be notes written in gibberish. The under-common language is clunky to say the least, and the actual written form of it is even worse.
YOR: Well, to start off with. All of the writings are in our ancient dialect, I have notes in under-common. We all must learn the old dialect… but none may speak it. It is grievous to do so.
He glances up and nods his head.
VOL: Ahh, well that would explain Zanya getting all huffy with Inasatra.

Chance: nod my head
Chan: Inasatra, our Eldergleen elf, speaking the ancient dialect it kind of surprised you, I would guess

DMaster: He glances over with wide eyes
YOR: Oh dear, she spoke it? That is not good.
He grabs the papers and stuffs them back in the drawer
YOR: The only ones allowed to speak it… are the guardians from the topside, or above ground. Is your, Inasatra, a guardian?
Volca looking at a few other things in the room, saying without thinking.
VOL: Guardian of being a pain in the ass.

Chance: Give Volca a look.

DMaster: Yorzun lets out a laugh and a big smile.
VOL: Sorry,

Chance: Chan: To be fair wouldn’t know, she was told to accompany me down here and she accepted. She is an Eldergleen, but of her history I don’t know much about.

DMaster: His eyes perk up.
YOR: Yes an Eldergleen, to be a guardian you must be of pure blood. I am not sure our definition of guardian would be your definition, but I digress, she doesn’t seem like one if she is spouting our ancient dialect all over with no regard.
He snorts and guides you two out of the room

Chance: Giving him a look and chuckle as I follow him out

DMaster: YOR: Zanya said you were on a quest and needed some guidance?

Chance: Chan: Yes, any kind of guidance that would help to accomplish what is needed, would be appreciated. So what have you been told of the quest I am on?

DMaster: YOR: You are looking for sacred dirt from the Godhaven
He snorts again, shakes his head

Chance: My eyes go big but then I nod my head

DMaster: YOR: Godhaven, only has one entrance, as far as we know. It is deep in the fires of Ardor

Chance: Chan: of course, did I expect anything easy when it comes to me?
Snort a little
Chan: sorry, so no side entrances? Just grand, guess we walk right in and hope for the best.

DMaster: Volca’s eyes bulge a little and she shakes her head.
YOR: We know next to nothing about the fires, other than the road through it is called the Crucible of Blood.
He looks to be repacking his pipe.
YOR: Quite the name, I guess, “die a horrible death,” was taken.
Glancing up to the both of you with a silly smile.

Chance: Chan: well I am sure with a name like that, I shudder to think
Looking down, sigh and then look back up at him
Chan: so is there anything you can tell us to help out?

DMaster: DM: A wasp landed on the DM’s keyboard. Yeah it was quite the scene! LOL
YOR: What I do know is not what is IN the fires, but out. A few generations ago, they built a door, blocking the way to the fires. There are monstrosities guarding this entrance. The centuries of dangerous wild creatures making their way out and terrorizing the plains was the reason for this.
He is lighting his pipe now.
YOR: Rumor has it, the fires occupants also built a door… so to enter you will have to go through two doors. The outside and inside.

Chance: Slowly nod my head, curling my lip while thinking.
Chan: of course, that doesn’t surprise me at all

DMaster: YOR: Whatever is guarding our side is big, real big. But has to have some sort of intelligence. So you might be able to talk your way in? The inner gates, my apologies, all I can say is… good luck.
He puffs a few times and Volca smiles, almost trying to inhale the smoke. Yor coughs and smiles at Volca as he offers her a toke and she accepts. She smiles dreamily at him.
VOL: Thanks old man.

Chance: Give Volca another look.

DMaster: YOR: For the surrounding areas, you might want to talk with Zanya and her clique. They would know best what is around this area, leading up to the gates.
He coughs a bit, with a chuckle. A bell is sounding and he rubs his hands together. You are a little dizzy from the smoking, hell I think I am a little high, you think to yourself.
YOR: food is ready!
DM: Condensing. The two of them make it back to the Town Hall and they are led out to the large center area. The place is packed with people ready to eat. The group sits at a table, almost on the ground and eats what they can. Some meat, a few veggies that were deemed safe and some even venture to the water, and they don’t seem to mind. Everything is bland, but it fills you up. The people walk by and pick up your food mat.

Chance: Nod my head when they take it away and smile

DMaster: The leader walks over,
ZAN: Find what you needed with Yorzun?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: As much as we could, not like you will have encyclopedias of the entire underearth down here. I do appreciate the help.

DMaster: ZAN: If you need to rest, please do, there is a tent in the front for guests, feel free to use it for as long as you want
She points out to the entrance.

Chance: Chan: I thank you for that and we shall. May I speak with you before we rest for the “night?”

DMaster: She gives you a playful smirk and a few other people do too. Talia gives you a look
TAL: Uh, good luck with that.

Chance: Giving Talia a look and a goofy smile
Chan: I was just wanted to see what we may or may not encounter, before we get to our intended destination

DMaster: She nods, then playfully
ZAN: Did you want to get going in… the morning… then?
Zanya gives you a look with an eyebrow raise, a small smile.

Chance: Chan: I would say the sooner the better.
Then realizing there is no day or night.
Chan: not that we would know morning from night down here, of course
Blush a little, smirking

DMaster: She beckons you over.
ZAN: Shall we invite someone to go with us?

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: Talia! Come hither!

DMaster: She looks your way and the Witchblade tromps over.
TAL: What’s up?

Chance: Put arm around her.
Chan: Let’s take a walk.

DMaster: You three walk down what seems to be an alley way but end up on a small clearing with the weird trees surrounding you, it is dim here and quite relaxing. not much can be heard of the village.

Chance: Chan: in all my travels I have seen some amazing and different things, I guess I just didn’t know what to expect down here.
looking at the weird trees
Chan: I am hoping we can get a bit more information on the surrounding areas. What are we up against?

DMaster: She nods and you see a bunch of half logs sitting in the middle, place for you to actually sit. It looks like another meeting place of sorts.

Chance: nod my head, wait for her and Talia to sit before I sit
Chan: so I hope this does not offend, but I have to ask. Is that armor from uptop? Does that mean you have spent some time there?

DMaster: She looks at you and smiles. Talia is looking all about, sitting on a stump, hands in between her thighs just taking it all in.
ZAN: It is armor and clothes that has been handed down generation to generation. It is from uptop, but we do not know from who exactly. The leader of the village is bestowed the wardrobe and armory that has nothing but uptop outfits. I have about 10. Before I became the Primary, there was 12 or 13. I guess I should start looking to add to my collection.
She says with a smirk and a giggle.

Chance: Nod my head
Chan: Makes sense. Maybe if I ever come down here again I can bring some new clothes.
Giving her a playful smile.

DMaster: She nods, then sighs a bit.
ZAN: So, what is around here you have to watch out for?
She taps her chin thinking.
ZAN: We have what are called Shed Dogs, they might be the biggest issue. They lie in wait, and spring up on you. Huge jaws, blend in with the environment, and…
Talia smirks and giggles.

Chance: Laugh a little.
Chan: Oh? Yeah we have run into them already,

DMaster: Her eyes light up
ZAN: OK. You seem no worse for wear really.
Thinking again she looks up.
ZAN: There is a small village of Redcaps, grumpy quickling like creatures that don’t take kindly to strangers. They usually don’t go out of their way to attack, but if you stumble across them, or end up in the middle of their village. If you can handle Shed Dogs, you should be able to handle a few of them. (pauses) I guess you know of the Quicklings, pesky little buggers. Not much to worry about unless you are carrying anything they can pick pocket. (pauses again) You made it past the Shadar-Kai I see, encounter them at all?

Chance: Chan: If you are referring to the Helix, I am guessing we did our best to avoid them.

DMaster: She nods and smiles
ZAN: Ahh yes, Helix. I am not sure they use that term anymore since their leadership has been all over the place. Catch them on a bad day and it would be really tough. I am sure you were told about the fires and the doors… well the reason behind that is half the nasty creatures you find wandering the plains. One of them past the shed dogs is the Shoosuva’s, nasty creatures that run in packs. Similar to the Shed dogs, just a bit nastier.

Chance: Chan: just grand as if we need to encounter anything like that again, or the sludge mounds

DMaster: She looks at you strange.
ZAN: Sludge mounds?
Talia nods
TAL: They look like a small hill then pop up, spew stinky smelly stuff and slap you with their tentacles.
Her eyes bulge, nods her head.
ZAN: I know of them too, but I don’t think we had a name for them and they tend to stay close to the rivers. (pauses) There is the Korred but they are over the river, I don’t see them much on this side. (pauses) There used to be a large wild pack of Meelock roaming the area close to the doors, but I haven’t heard much about them for some time. Maybe the group guarding the door took them out.

Chance: Chan: Meelock’s? Tell me about them, just in case. The more I know the better off the group will be

DMaster: She nods her head.
ZAN: haven’t encounter them, in, forever. They are odd creatures; bipedal, have claws for hands, and they are not very smart. They only know food, hunt and having fun doing it. You wouldn’t be able to talk your way out of an encounter, is what I am saying.

Chance: Chan: sounds like a lot of people I know
Smirking at her.

DMaster: Talia gives you a strange look. Zanya chuckles.
ZAN: Last… not sure you would encounter them but once in a while they are around. Guard Drakes, lizard type creatures that hunt in a pack of 4 or 6. Not friendly and they are always hungry.

Chance: Chan: ahh great more pack mentality. Add a few darklings and call it a day
snort a bit

DMaster: Her head snaps to you
ZAN: They are not much around here… north of the doors to the fire, and inside in the Crucible they sit as well. They creep me out. Rarely if ever talk, never know what they might do.
She shudders, then looks down. Clenching her fist.
ZAN: They took my husband, fighting them off, he finished two off and they…
Jaw tightens and shakes head.
ZAN: Exploded and so did he.

Chance: Chan: I am sorry to have brought up a bad memory, my apologies and I am sorry for your loss
Give her a soft look.

DMaster: ZAN: It is fine, it was some time ago.
She is quiet for a bit, as you two look at each other and the surroundings. It is pretty peaceful here in this grove.
ZAN: I could spend all night telling you of the dangers, but you just have to be careful, and “listen above the hiss. It will tell you if something is a miss”

Chance: Chan: Let’s hope we can all listen above the hiss. Some things weren’t warned to me when we made our way here, in fact they didn’t know jack shit.
Grind my teeth, refocus.
Chan: but I won’t take up anymore of your time. Thank you so very much for everything you have done for us. It is nice to find an ally in a place where most wouldn’t feel welcome

DMaster: She nods
ZAN: Well, it can go both ways right?
Talia gives her a glance over and smiles.

Chance: Chan: of course!

DMaster: DM: Condensing. The three of you converse talking about any news from “uptop” and information she might find relevant.
ZAN: Please, go get some rest, we can pack up some jerky for you and one of our hunters can take you a few paces off. Anything for the group traveling with a Stygian Guardian

Chance: Nod my head and smile, give Talia a look like, what the hell is a “Stygian Guardian?”
Chan: perhaps if we succeed on our quests and come back through, we can talk more

DMaster: She smiles and nods. DM Condensing. The group finds their tent and they get ready for bed. You and Talia are curious about Inasatra’s title, but don’t pursue it. You head out and a guard takes you back through the smaller gate and to a larger tent like place where you see your group setting up to sleep. Everyone falls asleep. You are woken up, and Volca is there talking fairly loudly.
VOL: Slept long enough maidservants, time to get up and get going

Chance: Shake my head, get out of my bedroll and start packing up. Making sure everyone has everything.

DMaster: You get ready head to the entrance. A gathering of elves are there seeing you off. Some just catching a glimpse of the weird uptop people. The 2 quicklings come over, complaining at some level to Volca and she is waving them off. They were not allowed in the village. After goodbyes, the group heads out for what they can only imagine 3 hours walking North – North west. Through a forest, some clearings, some brush. You see some creatures run by but the hunter did not even flinch so you assume they were friendly or not aggressive.

Chance: knowing our time with the hunter sticking with us is coming to an end, give him a nod of my head

DMaster: HUNTER: No trail, follow this way (points) main road return.
He says in broken common, bows, turns heel and heads the other way.

Chance: Get the group headed in the direction he pointed

DMaster: Shortly after you hit the road and end at a “t.” A huge spire sitting directly north of you, going East wouldn’t make much sense; So West it is.

Chance: Guide the group to the west and keep hand near Silent Fate

DMaster: You go a good 2 hours you think, stop, pee, eat something, for a few minutes, Volca comes back to you
VOL: There is a bridge about 3-4 hours ahead, I don’t know if it will be guarded or what. Just giving you a heads up. But we need to cross that one, no choice

Chance: Chan: Thank You
giving her a nod of my head, taking my shield out and putting it on my arm as we get ready to head back out

DMaster: Inasatra mentions she can see mountains in the distance, and as you slow down to take a rest you can now see them, and far far away, just a dot, but the bridge is somewhat in view. Inasatra is squinting
INA: Something just past the Bridge, not sure but they look big

Chance: Chan: well not like we can go around it

DMaster: Volca shakes her head
VOL: Not unless you want to die in the river, or spend three plus days making a “short cut.”

Chance: Chan: yeah how about no, not today. Guess we will just have to see what it is as we get close

DMaster: You guys eat a bit, drink what you have. All of you have about half a skin right now.

Chance: Then nasty sludge water, thinking to myself

DMaster: You guys head out, are getting closer and you do not think you have been seen yet. Inasatra has a wild look on her face, she knocks her head a few times and looks again
INA: Trolls? Ogres? Giants? But they
VOL: Pick one pointy ears
She snarls, and continues to look.
INA: Four eyes, nasty looking, imagine their breath smells like death.

Chance: Chan: Volca, enough let Inasatra focus

DMaster: She gives you a sharp glance

Chance: Glare back at her

DMaster: INA: I don’t know, they look to be about 10 feet tall, Big, wearing next to nothing, it’s gross, and four eyes… I’d say four eyes, shorter, giants maybe? Did anyone of the people you talked with say anything about those kind of creatures?

Chance: Chan: They mentioned the doors are guarded by large creatures possibly giants but not the bridge or anything else.

DMaster: They shrug their shoulders
VOL: So we have two options Champ, try and take them by surprise in some way or try to parlay

Chance: Chan: I would prefer not fighting them, we have to avoid useless battles as possible.

DMaster: VOL: Well then let’s go

Chance: Nod my head

DMaster: You guys start to approach and they notice you. As you walk towards them, they both walk to the middle of the bridge. One of them has some sort of club, that looks like it has a giant stone tied to the end, the other just has a large piece of wood. They are 10 feet tall, pretty big in size, hairy and has some weird horns coming off them.

Chance: shield at the ready and hand close to silent fate. Try to see if I can figure out the body reactions as we approach the bridge

DMaster: They are just standing there. The top set of eyes look one way, the other looks the other way. Volca walks to the edge of the bridge

Chance: I grip silent fate tighter and walk to the front of the group with Volca having my shield at the ready

DMaster: She yells something and they raise eyebrows, look at each other. DM: Todd rolls for Volca and yup you guessed it a “1” Volca backs up
VOL: Guess they didn’t like that question?

Chance: Chan: what the hell did you say to them?!
as I pull out Silent Fate

DMaster: VOL: Wanted to know if their mother was as ugly as them!

Chance: Anger grows on my face.
Chan: What the fuck! Of all things to say!
Eyes turn to slits, glaring at these things… letting what power I have flow to turn into champion

Battle Written Out

TOP OF ROUND ONE
Two Cerburus Giant Younglings. Chance and Luella connect, perfectly (rolled a 19). He changes to his Champion form.

Chance furious at the Odius for trying to make it funny, he turns to his Champion form perfectly. Luella’s eyes bulge and gasps as the erotic power runs through her.

With his limited time in his first attack, he slashes at the closest one and it cuts it’s arm making it pull back a bit (7hp of damage). Clenching his jaw swearing under his breath knowing damn well he always gets to excited out of the gate. He gets his shield out front, not sure how this would help with giant clubs though.

Talia grabs some crumpled dusty component, clenches her fist, “summon the cold” her eyes flash a weird green and the closest giant’s eyes bulge a little looking at the arm that was already slashed by Chance, start to form a layer of cold on it. He frantically slaps at it, slowing his assault a bit (9hp of damage).

Luella tries to situate her self far enough away from the giants and while she does grabs her Armor rope, adding +3 AC for a short time.

In her usual fashion Demi twirls her big heavy axe and it rips through that first Giant across its lower chest then its arm as it was trying to protect itself from this feisty bigger humanoid (8hp + 8hp of damage). Weird green substances fly out and the Black Ward woman avoids it with wide eyes, wondering if that is what their blood looks like?

Getting back into her defensive stance, Demi realizes that the one she attacked is attacking her back. She backpedals and then jumps a bit and the club goes sailing by. It hammers the side of the bridge making the structure shutter a little, some stones fall off into the sludge. A look of relief washes over her, but unfortunately the club came back. It slams into the Black Ward woman, sending her against the stone walls of the bridge with a thud (24hp of damage). She makes a yelp and everyone’s eyes get big, thinking, for Demi to make that noise, it has to be bad.

“Shit shit!” Volca says, looking at the bridge taking damage, “if that bridge goes down, we are screwed!!”

The second giant comes rumbling over and slams its club right on Talia. Her attention was more towards the first one, so it was quite the hit. All she could manage is a squeaking noise (16hp of damage). She stumbles back, thinking of things she can do to protect herself, only to have another swing hit her square in the front and it makes her tumble back (16hp of damage). Eyes watering, gasping for air, Talia has never felt this kind of pain before. So powerful, so overwhelming. She does everything in her power to stand back up.

Chances eyes bulge, “Talia! NO! Get back!” Worry washes over him knowing these giants could end her if she gets a few more hits.

Sincere hearing your tone, and seeing Talia dazed and confused runs to her already grabbing his necklace. Puts his hand on her shoulder, a bright light beams down and it engulfs the two for just a second (14hp healed to Talia DM – Out of a possible 36hp, Sincere rolls a grand total of 14. DOH!). As he was doing that, he was already taking out his warhammer and taking a large swing towards the one that last hit Talia. It does make him back off a little but the hammer did no damage.

Inasatra puts her hand up and a little purple glow goes from her to the first giant. She smirks. Seeing the bridge getting clogged she backs off and strings up two arrows, both have a greenish glow to them. She fires them both at the marked giant, at such a speed that most people can not even see. Thock! Thock! The first one lodges in its shoulder, and before it could barely react, his head turns and the next arrow lands above it’s cheek. (1st – 10 piercing damage, 2 necrotic (made save). 2nd – Critical hit (rolled a damn 3 for damage) 10hp piercing + 10hp necrotic damage (missed save)). Inasatra smirks knowing that is what she planned with the face, but frowns figuring its tough skin saved it from massive damage.

Volca’s little body moves with elegance almost, avoiding a random arm swing by a giant and rips into the side with her reaper blade (11hp of damage). The giant reaches for the gash when Volca sends her Reaper blade deep into the back of it’s leg (6hp of damage). Knowing she is stuck now in between both of them she takes what time she had left to get herself in a defensive position.

A large moving sound and even a little ground shakes the area, as a third one climbs out from under the bridge. Must of been taking a nap.

Luella’s eyes snap to it, “there is another one!” she yells very loudly, now worried about where she is positioned.

Demi already against the railing to that side turns to see it and looking eye to eye almost as it is swinging its mallet at her, as it is half down the river’s bank. The giant swings hard and it rumbles the ground as Demi tumbles to one side. But her poor dexterity catches up with her as the huge creature swings back and clocks her across her face. She stutters and falls on her butt (16hp damage).

TOP OF ROUND TWO
Three Cerburus Giant Younglings. Chance still has 3 rounds, Luella 5 more rounds for AC. The first giant has a hunters mark on it from Inasatra.

Chance growls, looks for the one closest to Talia and races for it. It drives his first attack deep into the side of the giant making it roar a bit, eyes get wide looking down at this glowing figure (15hp of damage). The Champion rips the sword out and twirls around to take a hard slash but the Giant was already moving back instinctively and the blade wizzes on by. A loud sigh could be heard from Volca as she was watching from the corner of her eye. A wave of frustration and fear washes over him knowing there are a few people that could get killed with just one attack.

Shaking off the last hit, Talia runs for the giant who hit her. As she started to run, she leaned down and grabbed a handful of dirt. Rubs it on her armor in the shape of a symbol, and chants a few words. By the time she reaches the creature the armor shifts and hardens (add +2 AC – usually 3 AC but this is not normal dirt). Her dual bladed pole arm is driven into the side of the giants leg, and they barely even notice (5hp of damage).

The Invoker, is whirling around and decides to attack the new Giant, she raises her hand with some dust tracing. Her other hand writing the symbol and her eyes flash purple, arcane energy snaps out of her hands and hits the giant coming up the bank. He looked very curious, and it might of singed a few hairs on its arm (2hp of damage).

Demi seeing Luella is essentially facing off with this monster, she looks to see, and she can disengage just fine. Head and shoulder down she streaks to stand in front of Luella and she rips through the giants upper chest and then forearm as he tries to block this pesky little person (11hp of damage and 15hp of damage). “It’s like I am a mosquito! Dammit!” She yells in frustrating seeing the damage not making them react much. With an extra umph of energy, once a battle she can surge and she does slicing again across the top of his leg and the damage makes the Giant stop at the edge of the bank and growl very loud (9hp of damage).

Volca glanced over her shoulder at the new one, then by the time she looked back the first one just brains her (16hp of damage). “ouch!” she yells stuttering back a bit. Then her eyes grow remembers they usually can fit two attacks in. She glances up to get absolutely pummeled into the ground. The ground shakes, she semi-disappears for a moment under the club (27hp of damage). The Odius back peddles and slams herself against the edge of the bridge, just seeing stars (she makes a save to not be prone). The sound of ticking is evident during the battle but it grows in sound, “That, that, that’s all you got bitch?” She retorts to the Giant. Who gives her an odd look, obviously not knowing the language. “You’re as smart as you are pretty!”

The Odius was clearing her head trying to figure out what to do next when the other one turns suddenly, hearing her voice, another Giant slams its club right on her head (19hp of damage). She stumbles eyes crossed, “oh, that hurt…” is all she could say. Then a sweep sends her slamming against the edge of the bridge (21hp of damage) again. She gasp, blood flies out her mouth, it is trickling down her head and she is wracked in pain.

Inasatra, still zeroed in on her mark, strings an arrow and thock! The arrow lodges in the side of the giants neck, pain shoots in him with the extra damage (12hp of damage) and within seconds another one was on it’s way hitting it right in the center of the chest area making it whine a bit (13hp of damage).

The Odius still a bit dazed swings for the closest Giant and she connects surprisingly, considering the condition she is in ripping through it’s side (6hp of damage). Does her flip and slash move, instinctively and also rips through the same area again made the Giants glare at her and growl (7hp of damage).

Angry, the same one she just attacked went after the red skinned horned little creature. It takes one giant step out of the banks and that through Volca, she back peddles a bit and the clubs gets slammed down on her hard. She bounces up tumbling backwards trying to get her feet under her (24hp of damage). The Giant slams the club down again, ground trembles a bit, dust flies and Volca again, blood streaming down her head out, areas of her armor, her tail is bent and her left arm looks to be in bad shape (22hp of damage).

TOP OF ROUND THREE
Three Cerburus Giant Younglings. Chance still has 2 rounds of Champion, Luella 4 more rounds for AC, Talia has 2 more rounds of boosted AC. The first giant has a hunters mark on it from Inasatra.

Chance looking about, worry washing over him as he watches the party getting pummeled, well Volca mostly. But knowing she is one of the tanks, if she goes down the whole situation changes. He growls and races for the one Talia was hit by. He glances to see the 3rd one get close and he hesitates for a second to attack that one, but then looks back to the 2nd and takes a wild swing. Talia’s eyes grow huge as she glances over her shoulder at the glowing Champion, almost hit her with his sword (rolled a “1” – LOL poor Todd, the dice roller hates him). He has to pull back a second and regroup, but in doing so lets down his guard (-2 AC for the rest of the round).

“What the fuck are you doing Chance!” Talia screams giving him an angry look.

With that odd move from her bro, she tries to attack the giant only to miss both times. “Dammit, dammit! What the hell is going on here?!?” she screams under her breath knowing Helkyr would be furious with her for being distracted.

A purple glows comes from Luella’s hand, a snarl across her mouth. Energy slowly erupts to the closest Giant, “OMG You smell worse than Chances farts!!!” she yells pointing at the one Giant who does nothing but give her an odd look. But it does make everyone pause a moment to wonder what the hell did she just say.. and what did she just do? (Vicious mockery low level 3hp of damage).

Demi takes a deep breath, her body shutters. She takes a deep breath (regained 20hp back). She then swings for the closest Giant and slashes through part of its leg making it whine (7hp of damage).

The first giant getting confused at everything going on just zeroes in on one person and that just happened to be Talia. It winds up and clocks the Witchblade, unsuspecting making all the air exhale from her lungs, blood spurting out from her mouth and nose. She sails for about 10 feet and lands hard on the dirt path, dust flying around. Motionless. A pool of blood forming under her.

Chances worst fears sink into him. Eyes wide glancing over to see Talia motionless on the ground, blood pouring out of her. Everyone gasps and yells “Talia!”

Not paying attention, that same Giant, in his attack range slams a club into the quarter elf making him back peddle and see stars (18hp of damage).

The second Giant takes a step towards Demi and she could not get out of its wide range hammering her on the side making her crumple in a weird position (22hp of damage). Then she almost ducks out of the way but still gets brained a bit by the sweeping attack (11hp of damage). Making blood start to trickle down her face, and she gasps for some air.

Sincere puts out one of his arms, and yells something in a language you do not recognize. Demi, Talia, Luella and Inasatra get 12 points returned to them in a healing spell. Chance and the Odius wince a bit getting a small bit of damage from the spell (1hp of damage). Talia is now stirring on the ground, blood pouring off her still. Then not a moments hesitation the War Cleric rips his war hammer down at the Giant closest to Talia and it glances off it’s elbow doing no damage.

Inasatra, Fumbles with her arrows and she curses. Fires off two more arrows to the Giant, one ricochet’s off its melon and the other sails by in between the chin and neck. Her eyes grow big as she can’t believe that just happened.

Volca stumbles close and swings for an unsuspecting Giant, didn’t matter though she missed, landing her Reaper into the dirt to the side of the creature. She takes a deep breath and with all her strength left she lifts the reaper up and drives it down, both hands on the edge of the handle giving her maximum range. It slams into the creatures neck, it was already wobbly, but now it’s eyes bulge reach for its neck to pull out the Reaper. It does a twirl and lands half across the bridges railing, dead. One of the Giants looks over and roars loudly. Volca backs up, green ooze down the shaft of her reaper, and she just says, “bitch.”

The third giant swings for Demi and with her limited skill side steps the attack but could not gain her balance back in time. The clubs swats her one making her stumble back (12hp of damage). “Feel free to attack someone else!” She yells at the creature, blood flying out of her mouth.

TOP OF ROUND FOUR
Two Cerburus Giant Younglings. Chance still has 1 round of Champion, Luella 3 more rounds for AC, Talia has 1 more rounds of boosted AC, though she is currently prone. The first giant has a hunters mark on it from Inasatra.

The Champion takes one quick second to set himself straight. The battle is at an important juncture, this is it. If I want us to win this battle I have to make it happen NOW! He races for the first Giant and slashes hard, keeping his eyes open and just aiming at the biggest spot. The chest gets Silent Fate ripping through making the Giant growl a bit, wide eyes surprised at the speed of this thing (9hp of damage), he slashes the opposite direction, in the same area and rips through the giant again (11hp of damage) and with a surge that made his body burst a bit with blue light he drives his sword hard into the beast (7hp of damage). Chance rips the sword out, breathing heavy and green spew all over him.

Talia is stirring trying to come to terms with what just happened. Sincere yells to her, “stay down Talia, stay down, don’t make yourself a target!” She doesn’t argue and she collapses again on the ground.

Luella thinks real hard, her concentration maybe at its best right now. She feels halfway safe being far enough away from the Giants. She raises her hand, dust trailing, symbol traced and she yells, with some force “Eldritch!” The largest bolt of Arcane energy so far, from her, streaks out of her hands and it slams into the mid section of the Giant making him back peddle, grabbing for its stomach and fall flat on its back, making everything vibrate a bit (10hp of damage, killing blow). She smirks and mumbles “…bitch.” and glances over to Volca who is struggling right now.

Sincere was ready to race for the first creature but seeing it falling flat on it’s back he goes after the last one standing. Whispers to his War Hammer, it glows, half-assed, and swings. Hammers it right in the lower back, making a cracking sound and the creature howls a bit (16hp of damage). Then tries again but with the creature moving to avoid it grazes the creature taking off some skin and some green ooze flies (5hp of damage).

Inasatra furious about her last attack drops her bow, rips out her cold blade and leaps for the last giant. It sees her in the corner of its two top eyes, trying to put up his arm to block, when surprisingly she uses the arm to catapult her self higher in the air. The creature losing sight, suddenly feels a sharp pain directly at the top of its head (11hp of damage + 4hp of cold). Eyes watering, and no voice left it staggers a bit with Inasatra hanging on to one of its horns. She rips out her long dagger and jams it square in the eye (6hp of damage, killing blow).

It slowly moves its arm up to reach for it’s eye but his last breath escapes as he crumples to the ground in a cloud of dust. Inasatra, practically floating back down to the ground, whipping her blade around trying to get the substances off her sword. Then grabbing her dagger out of it’s eye.

Turn Base Begins Again Here

Chance: knowing my champ form is fading fast I run to Talia

DMaster: It’s gone. you can heal just fine half champ, for that it wouldn’t matter. She is coughing blood, now on all fours. Sincere also heads over. Inasatra and Demi are securing the area. Volca is just trying to breathe.

Chance: Heal Talia, a decent amount. If not all.

DMaster: She is healed up, just sitting there, staring at the ground, on her butt. Sincere nudges you, points to Volca. She is leaning heavily on her reaper, taking deep breaths

Chance: Chan: I was already on my way over to her
Nodding at Sincere. Walk over to Volca with purpose.

DMaster: VOL: Here to heal the old bat I see
She also coughs and blood flies out

Chance: Grab her by the armor.
Chan: Listen if you want to joke around, cause shit, fight random creatures that is your call, but do it on your time. Do not put my party in jeopardy with a stunt like that again!
Having my eyes beaming out.

DMaster: Her eyes are huge and she takes a labored breath. People glance over and see something going down. They all head in your direction.
VOL: (cough) What the fuck are you talking about?

Chance: Chan: Mother, ugly? Really?

DMaster: Luella puts her hand on your arm.
LUE: Uh, Chance, I think she was joking.
Volca rips out of your grasp and flashes a very angry look.
VOL: I asked if we may pass. That’s it. That’s all. Didn’t realize you were so dimwitted you thought that I would actually do that. Maybe you should take more time training for battle than worrying about some ones wit.
She hobbles away, in obvious pain still.

Chance: Flush a little, back-up. Walk over to her and heal her the best I can.

DMaster: Sincere walks to Demi and is healing her the best he can but he has limits too… can only heal so many for the day. After a while Talia is up, leaning against a part of the bridge that isn’t covered in blood or green slime.

Chance: Head over to her, see if she is ok. Hug her.

DMaster: She welcomes it, but seems still a bit out of it.

Chance: Chan: don’t go dying on me anytime, I can’t afford to lose you. Want to talk about it?

DMaster: Staring at the ground still.
TAL: I never hurt so much in my life, that last hit. Was so… violent. So… period at the end of a sentence.
Demi over hears and nods her head, snorts a little.
DEM: That is a good analogy. I know that feeling Witchblade, it’s overwhelming.
The Black Ward member gives Talia a look and a soft smile. Talia nods.
TAL: Then… well… yeah. (coughs) when I came too I was so tired, so out of it. I heard Sincere tell me to get back down. My heart said, fuck it lets rumble. But my body said, get your ass back down little girl.

Chance: Feeling a few tears well up.
Chan: I am so sorry.

DMaster: Talia nods, and leans in a bit.
TAL: You really have to learn to focus during a battle. I don’t know what the hell you were doing…
She says it quietly for only you to hear.

Chance: Look down, frown. Pat her on the back.

DMaster: TAL: I can heal someone, if they need it. No god attached.
She can heal 32hp. But it will knock her out for 30 minutes. She also has a few healing spell slots. Volca is looking over the smelly creatures
VOL: Fuck, they don’t have anything either. We have to do something, me and Demi are in no shape to take on anything big again, maybe Talia can help a bit.

Chance: Walk to Volca and hand her a healing potion, then Demi. Volca got 17 hp back, Demi got 15. Still in a bit of rough shape, but its the best you can do for now

Chance: Chan: might I suggest we clear off the bridge to leave no trace we were here and find a spot to rest and recover

DMaster: Sincere nods and he and Demi grab a giant and is dragging them to the river. You, Talia and LueLue do for another one. weird brownish green blood smeared all over.

Chance: and will help with the third as well since Volca got whacked on. I don’t want her doing anything

DMaster: All the giants are in the river, slowly sinking and disappearing.

Chance: Chan: lets see if we can find some place that has cover so we can rest and recover, Inasatra keep those eyes sharp to find some cover for us.

Party Current Status

Chance: 76/76 hp (no healing points left)
Demi: 94/128 hp
Inasatra: 121/121 hp
Talia: 44/44 hp (has all her spell slots)
Sincere: 74/74 hp (has only a few lower level spell slots as of now)
Luella: 32/32 hp (She has 3 mana left)
Volca: 92/167 hp