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Post by Chris on Nov 5, 2019 14:43:14 GMT -5
For several months, possibly even years. there have been reports of banditry in the jungles to the south. Merchants carrying precious loads of rare goods Irom the jungle lands have been way laid, their goods taken and their men captured or killed. Even then, those who survived these raids had to face headhunters, brain fever, giant leeches, cannibals, and leopards. Few men ever returned. The stories they told were fantastic and addled, surely brought about by disease and the horrors with which they had to deal. Singing snakes, twisted and deformed ape-men. men who were not men. and writhing, horrid flowers filled their tales -surely such things were not to be believed. Nonetheless, something had destroyed the caravans. Furthermore. none of the goods taken from the caravans has ever appeared in the markets of the nonh, at feast as far as the merchants can tell. Some were certainly Identifiable _ rare pieces of art, scrolls. books, and other Items destined to fetch good prices in the kingdoms of the nonh. It could only mean that someone or something was hoarding a great treasure in the jungle. Prompted by this information, adventurers set out to find the bandits and gain their treasure. Your party is one of these. The long journey was tilled with hardship, but fortunately, peaceful tribes and villages were found to ease the journey. Last night you arrived at such a village. The chief and the shaman met wIth your party. In answer to your questions. they told of the yuan ti, or demon-men, and their hateful minions, the tasloi. These come tram the forest, raiding and kidnapping. Those taken are never seen again. Only recently the chief's son was stolen. The chIef knows you are experienced and powerful warriors, and he wants to make a deal...
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Post by dragonforgotten on Nov 6, 2019 1:00:56 GMT -5
——— Before Suderham. ———-
Me and Avelin are shooting whiskey bottles behind the tavern. Avelin pulls back the bow string and release, the bottle shatters as it hits dead center. "Nice shot!" I pull back my bow strings and let the arrow fly. It hits next to the neck of the bottle.. Along with my last twenty shots, all encircling the untouched bottle. I stare at it in disbelief. "I think you need to practice more." She tells me patting my shoulder. "How? My great great grandmother was a bow master and Im part elf! How can I not land my mark?!" She steps behind me, pressing against my back as she takes my arm, guides my stances and raises my bow upwards and a little to the right. My heart skips from her contact. "Your aiming too low, you have to shoot against the wind. Try now" I pull and release and the bottle finally shatters. "I did it!" I shout amazed! "Of course you did! You just need to work on your aim." She says resting her head on my shoulder. "Dear. Instead of wasting time why not show me your progress.” “My progress?” “You know! Your powers. Have they gotten stronger?” I lower the bow placing it on my back. “Oh, well. I’m not sure. I can boil, heat and burn stuff faster now. That’s been neat considering it’s winter. We don’t talk about the other one because it’s bloody useless and the last one I’ve barely attempted. I am after all always decked out in magic items.” She’s leaves my side, walking around me as she eyes me up and down. Oh no.. “I want to see it again. I noticed something different last time you did it.” This peeks my interest. What did she notice that I didn’t? “Dear, What if someone sees? It’s not like I can explain it.” “Everything will be fine. No one comes back here anyway. Now chop chop! I want to see those muscles.” I sigh. “But ave.” “Please!” She says leaning into me, her hand caressing my jaw, looking into my eyes. Oh gods it’s the bloody eyes again. Don’t do it! Don’t do it! Last time you were trapped in your suite at the inn. It was with her and we had some fun and some laughs, she even said I was hot but still that was an hour of not stretching your legs! I glance back at her and it’s a huge mistake. My heart melts “Fine! Fine! But only because it’s you! Hold my s***.” I shrug off my magic gear as she holds them in her arms. I stretch and try to concentrate, digging around for the same feeling inside. I find it. The seething bubbling energy. I think of how the bloody slavers stole her parents. How they must be suffering. How I’m going to help put an end to them. I grunt as my bones and muscles pull out and beyond my frame. I breath in feeling the energy throughout my body and it does fill exhilarating till I smash my nose into a nearby tree. “Ah, f***k!!” I practically growl between my hands. Her laugh chimes in my ears as I look down at her... did she always look this small? I pull a hand away to see blood. “Ya see. Nothing but bloody trouble this is.” I complain. I’m not use to the sound of my voice like this. It’s deep and guttural and has continued only to change as this power grows. It honestly disturbs me to under go this type of change. I look and sound like a monster. The bloods no help at all. Suddenly someone screams. We all turn our heads to the door way to see that a middle aged woman is having a melt down, her bag of grocery’s dropped to the floor. “Giant! Help! Guards!” She runs off. “Oh s***!” We say at the same time. We look at each other. “We need to hide!” I tell her pacing in circles, frantic. “Jaris! The woods. Let’s go to the woods. We can wait it out.” “Alright!” I scoop her up to my chest and sprint into the tree line. I jog in the woods as the earth trembles under my foot fall. I go till we are far beyond civilization, setting her down besides the stream. I drop to my knees exhausted. “I think we’re far enough.” I huff whipping the blood off my face. I look into the stream and I feel revulsion in seeing myself so twisted. “I.. keep getting taller. No wonder she screamed.” Avelin frowns placing a hand on my enlarged arm. “Come here. Let me clean you up.” I sit on the ground as she pulls my head towards her. She rips the hems of her skirt, soaking it in water as she stops the bleeding and cleans off the blood. I close my eyes, just focusing on this moment. When the bleeding stop she wraps her arms around my head. Before when this started she could still hold me, now I’ve become so tall that her arms can’t even reach my back. “Ave. Be honest. What do I look like to you like this?” She doesn’t say a word, simply stroking my hair. “You May look and sound like a giant but.” She places her hand on my chest, over my heart. “No matter how tall or monstrous you look you’ll always be the man I married.” I warp my enlarged arms around her and pull her close to my chest, nuzzling her hair. “You know you'r still really hot when you'r this large anyway.” I chuckle. “I’m aware dear. I’m aware.”
———- Present ————
We stand by the underground beach tubes in hand as everyone pairs up and jumps in ,“Hold onto me tight ok. I promise you’ll be alright.” I tell Ave as she wraps her arms my neck. “Just Please be quick.” I nod to her and we drive into the water. The water is cold and dark but I can see the heat sources of our friends in the distance and kick hard in the water. It feels like it’s going on forever! How did Odie even make it this far in one breath?! My lungs burn and I reach for the tube as Avelin does the same. We bit into it and can breath if only a littlest. I don’t slow down for a second. I swim harder then I’ve ever have. I really miss the manta cloak right now. It’s not long till my lungs start to burn for air again and I can feel her nailed cutting into my shoulders when I finally see the surface! I push even harder, spots dancing through my eyes. We break the surface and take a desperate gasp of air. The sweet stale air. Crawling to the shore we fall to the sand catching our breath. I look at her and laugh. “That was bloody close wasn’t it.” She smiles and joins in the laughter, that is till we realize this place did a dead end. Odie jumps back in. I’m braiding Avelins hair when the caves shake again. I don’t know what’s causing it but it cant be a good sign. Odie bursts back out of the water. For a dwarf he’s very aquatic inclined. Refilling the tubes and One terrifying swim later we breach and paddle to beauiful freedom just as the underwater cave collapses behind us. Molten rolling blounders falling down from the fills and into the sea, sea life going crazy as the ground trembles and the mountain spits fire. “Looks like a volcanic eruption. Come on. We swim for the shore!” Orders Nylen. Oh F*** the whole bloody place is going to s***. Karma, I’d say. We make it to the shore scanning the coast for something. Anything to use as a weapon. Callum finds some sharp drift wood but he steps in the familiar green slime I saw back in the bug men’s place and he starts screaming bloody murder but is able to get it off his foot with minimal burns. Climbing back up away from the beach we begin to enter farmland. The goal, back to Suderham. I start worrying that we’ll be recaptured if the farmers spy us as we are. We’re walking through the grain fields when we hear them. The baying of goats! Large goats charge at us and the fighters charger in weapons and fists at the ready but I hang back, struck by indecision. I watch Avelin punch out a goats lights with just too hits. Wow! I look at my hands. I hate being so powerless. I could... do that. But. Ah! Fine! I concentrate and feel my bones and muscles expand in the back lines. Maybe no one will notice. “Avelin, i understand the marriage now!” Scream Hans. “Don’t look up!” Avelin shouts blushing red. Well s***! A scowl forms on my face as it heats up. I’ve forgotten about my... wardrobe situation. Ya, this is very useful. “Jaris watch out!” It’s too late before I can stop it. I’m dropped to the ground with a thud curled up on myself in paralyzing pain. Face in the mud I catch the b****d raking his hooves across the ground. My vision goes red. First ricardos and Kevin are dead, get bloody jailed, nearly lose my wife, and now my pride and dignity is gone and I’ve been crotch shotted by a f***ing nanny goat!! The goat charges as I pull myself to my knees. I wait and as it gets within rang my fist slams into its back with a roar. When I remove my fist from the ground there’s an indent in the ground form the force, the goat twitching on the ground. Damn! I think that would have killed a normal man. “Come on Jaris! We’re leaving!” Avelin shouts over to me. “Coming.” I get up and start running but I immediately have to stop when I out pace everyone. One of the goats wakes up but we put it back to bed real quick with some bare knuckles. We proceed to Suderham with me hanging out in the back waiting to shrink back to normal size. The gods seem to have had mercy on me because I start shrinking to my normal sized just as we reach the gates. All that awaits us inside is death. Deadly yellow vapors have spread into the city from the volcano. The walls and towers have fallen. The dead laying across the streets and dying screaming and gasping for air as they run about panicked and desperate. Karma at its finest. The slave lords kingdom destroyed by their own hybris and poor location planning. We have to stop vandaloin before he gets in their and gets himself killed. As much as we are hero’s we are not stupid enough to save people that can’t be saved. It’s far too late for them now. We follow Nylen as we skirt the shore. Our context told us we need to get to the port, makes sense to skirt the coast. We stumble upon a lynch mob of freed slavers mounting guards living and dead on spikes. I wade into the crowd as Avelin skirts the other group. “Excuse me. Have you’ve seen two people named Pam and Thaddeus?” “Never heard of em!” I go from person to person. It’s all the same. Im praying their not dead. It would devastate Avelin. I meet up with Avelin who looks like she’s on the verge of tears. “I can’t find them Jaris. What if there dead!i should have never left them!” I pull her into an embrace rubbing her back. “We’ll find them. We will.. we just have to hope.” I feel like I’m running out of things to tell her. Their chances are looking grimmer and grimmer with the chaos. She pulls from me with a grim look on her face whipping her tears. “We need to get moving.” I nod taking her hand, leading me back. Callum spoke to the mob while we searched the crowd. The mob is too caught up in exacting revenge to help raid the slave lords ship but they give us weapons. Daggers! I twirl mine in my hand finally feeling complete. The simple dagger will never fail you in a scuffle. The docks come into sight soon after we leave the raging mob behind. As we head toward the docks, we see a village of burning houses. Only one boat is tied up on the closest pier, a big galley emblazoned with a dragon on the side. The water dragon. Suddenly a man comes running out of the burning houses, a slaver leutantaut! Before I can stop her she’s running towards the man but stop as his face becomes recognizable. It’s the guy! The begged who helped us! It’s been him all along who’s been helping us! We come to know him as Selzen Murtano. Selzen gives us the gear he has- studded leather armor, a shortsword, a cleric scroll, and a monacle. "Oh, Elmarth isn't here?" “He’s not well. The slavers really did a number on him. We told him to take cover.” “I see. No need for this then.” He smashes the monocle before I can stop him. I take the sword, feeling the blade. It’s a good blade but what good will it do me right now. I am not a fighter. A one on one fight will be the death of me. We take in the scene before us. A mob has formed on the docs held at bay by orgers and soilders, the slavers boat in sight and we see them. As I’m scanning the docks I notice it’s an entirely different group onboard, both them and their forces are heavily injuried and wakened, blackened by soot. What happened to the rest? I’m both glade and pissed that the assassin isn’t among them. Ricardo got his revenge without our help after all but sadly I didn’t get mine. Pity, but can’t change the past. We huddle together and formulate a plan. The elves/half elves will sneak through the water, get on the ship, get our stuff. The rest will cause a distraction on the docks. Try to rally the crowd to charge the guards. It’s not a amazing plan but it’s better then watching those b******ds sail away and us die on this volcanic island. The odds are against us. This... really could be our last fight... I clutch my sword and grit my teeth. I refuse to admit we’ll lose. We’re going to make it out alive but I need to tell her. “Give us a minute of lead time to get to the boat, then make your move." Nylen tells the human crew. I’m going to have to part with Avelin. This could be the last time I ever see her in this life. I go to her hand, and pull her into my chest into a tight and desperate hug. "This... might be goodbye," I say choked up with emotions but holding it back. I rest my forehead against hers, feeling the warmth of her skin. She rests a hand on my cheek. "It may be. But it may not." She pauses. “If it is... I will see you on the other side." The tears start falling as A ghost of a smile lines my lips. I hand her the shortsword. “A fighter needs a good blade. It’s not much but it’s a sword.. I’d ask you to run if it turns bad but I know it’s not in you to flee.” She lays a hand over mine holding the sword. I take in a shaky breath looking into her eyes. “stay safe and good luck. I kiss her forehead. It’s short and brief but it hurts knowing this one might be the last. “I love you, Aevlin." "And I love you, Jaris. Good luck." I part lingering before I’m forced by circumstance to run with the other elves. We slip down off the docks and begin to tread water. I look over at Nylen, Cayleen, Jameson. Thinking about all the s*** we’ve seen and done. Except James, I’ve barley known him for a few days. He’s still a good man though. It takes awhile till we reach the bow when suddenly we watch as a woman drives into the water and begins swimming with incrediable speed. Once she’s gone we scale up the rope. I glare, determined as I climb from the waters. I will not die here. This is not going to be the end. I clamber to the deck and I see it! The chest containing our weapons. We stand face to face with the new slave lords. A drow elf, a wizard looking guy, a cleric looking man and another I can’t read but I’m not focused on them. I lock eyes with everyone and it’s clear what we’re doing. I charge for the chest as the rest charge the spellcasters. I’m almost there when suddenly my vision is swarmed with colors. It pulses and swells into each other...i..it’s... so.. pretty.. ....... .... ............. “Jaris wake up!” I’m jolted awake as the colors vanish in front of my eyes. I clutch my head feeling sick and my eyes watering. “Ah! My bloody eyes! What!? Where!?!” I see Cayleen stabbing away at our enemies, the drow dead at Nylens feet. “Good, you'r awake! Open the chest! Hurry” “Right!” I sprint to the chest. They couldn’t have trapped it! The islands on fire, they would'nt have time. Having faith I try to open the box but it refuses to budge!! “It’s locked!” I scream over the combat! “gos se! You'r going to have to do it!” “You want me to turn into a giant! Now!” I don’t get answer. She’s back to fending off our Attacks. I look back at the box then reach deep inside myself into my core with those few words empowering me. “We are not going to die today.” I growl as I grow once again. I grasp the small chest in my hands, grab the rims and pull! I snarl as the latches begin to whine then snap! I stumble, keeping my feet as the lid flies out of my hand and into the sea. We’ve gotten our weapons back. Now we're back in business . We get them just as Nylen and Jameson strike. James slashed open a throat and we watch as Nylen buries the dagger into the wizards chest. She stumbles back before falling into the sea. All three of us turn to him. He looks panicked till his face falls in defeat. The last of the slave lords drops his mace to the ground and gets on his knees before us. We did it. We won. ————-
I snap back to my normal height just as Cayleen is rummaging through the chest. I’ll get my stuff together but I don’t have time yet to dawn my armor yet. Shuffling through the bag and the chest I find what I’m looking for. The dragon fang necklaces. One of our physical marriage bonds. I place mine back around my neck and look out to the docks. I need to know what happened on the deck. Searching through the chaos. I find her! She’s beat to s*** but she’s alive. My heart fills with elation! I jump off the boat running! I stop in front of her placing the symbol of our marriage (other than our tattoos) back around her neck. I’m so happy she’s still alive. I don’t give her a chance to speak yet. The borrowed short sword clatters to the deck. I lift her in the air, twirling her in my arms as I kiss her mid embrace hard, desperate and passionate. I don’t care If we're half naked. It’s so good to Finally be together again after being heartlessly separated. Now we can share this moment again, finally out of danger and victorious. Hans whistle as he walks by and I couldn’t give a single damn. I continue to make out with her. We’ve had many close calls but never like this. Never this torturous and unclear. "Aevlin?!" A woman's voice calls out as I blink awake. “Avey!” We break apart turning towards the source of the sound. A couple, a human man and woman come running out of the building towards us. “Mom! Dad!” I released her as Avelin throws her self into their arms, all of them sobbing with joy. Ah, these are her parents... oh. There mine as well. I guess.. I watch Avelin in the arms of her parents feeling weird. I never had a mom and dad. I had grandma, uncles and aunts but never two people I would ever give that name to. I should give them some space. Before I even get to move they all lock eyes on me and as My eyes meet with Avelins mom a wave of nostalgia hits me. No! It can’t be! That was so long ago! Boss lady? I look at her hard and the waves of familiarity washes over me. It is her.. she’s so old now and I’ve barely changed. Would she even remember us? “Aevlin, have you been drinking again?" "No, mom," Av laughs. "I'm sober now." Her dad pulls her into a hug, kissing the top of my head. I want to shrink away fro these to. To disappear. This ain’t how I would have liked to appear to them. "Get some clothes on, dear. I don't want any of these gentlemen looking at you inappropriately." My attention is brought back when her father stands in between me and Avelins. "And who is this?" He demands, arms folded. "Daddy, this is Jaris. My husband." The mans rage is apparent. He clenches his fist and I can hear all the strength behind it. I straighten my stance. Trying not to be the first to flinch. "Your WHAT?!" He looks like he’s about to lose it. He's going to kill me isnt he? "My husband, dad. Jaris and I are married." I stiffen as this mans eyes roam my body looking for dangers or flaws. Of course he can see the flaws. I haven't exactly gotten dressed yet. He can see the thousands of scars marked all over me and he can see my dragon tattoos starting to take shape from my right shoulder down to my arm. I definitely don't look like I belong to the straight and narrow. I look like a hardened thug. I look like a scoundrel. The kind any father would not allow their daughters near. Not to mention.. My ears press against my head trying to seem small. He’s in my face looking down a me. The tension is palletable but I don’t break. I look him in the eyes unblinking. What’s done is done and It can never be broken and I would never break it. I would protect our bond, our marriage even if it meant death. Like me or not it's far too late for him to say no. "Jaris," he begins. "Tell me. What do you see in my daughter?" I organize my thoughts. I don’t know what he’s looking for so I simply tell him what my heart says. "Mr. Baumann, your daughter means everything to me. She is the most beautiful, kind and selfless woman I have ever met." I glance beyond him to her, she squirms in discomfort as her mother holds her shoulders. "Would you kill for her?" I huff, amused. "Sir, I would die for her. A hundred times over. I already have once. But I don't need to kill for her. Aevlin wouldn't let me if I tried." Suddenly the man bursts out laughs. He wraps Me up into a hug and I can feel my spine snapping.! "Then I am glad to call you my son!" He turns to avelin who wears a relieved smile. "Why did you not tell us you were engaged, Aevlin?" “I did, I sent a letter. I think the slavers got it instead of you and mom." Oh right! The letter. I was recovering from the incident when that happened. He nods, a sad look on his face. "I'm sorry we were not there. Your mother will be wanting a family wedding ceremony, of course." "I expected as much." I walk around the man, taking her hand. Another wedding reception! That’s three now! Pam look Avelin over, her eyes linger for a long time to her stomach. "Good. Any more surprises? You're not pregnant, are you?" I gasp quietly in shock! What! No! We’ve been far too caught up in this life style. Not until we’ve achieved everything we’ve wanted. How is it that we can never find any privacy. "Well, actually." My head snaps to her direction. Don’t tell me..!! I can feel my face flush red as we lock eyes. Ave! Are you really!? "We have a dog now!" I visibly deflate, relieved but oddly feeling hollow inside. Thank the gods. We’re no ready yet. We treat our bodies like trash and we’ve had many close shaves. This isn’t the time yet in our lives to be contemplating such things. Of course. I’ve always wondered. We do know each other well, too well... I take her hand glancing at her from the corner of my eye as she tells her father about the wedding we had almost a half a year ago. ——
The ship has set sailed. Leaving that hell far behind. I’m back on deck redressing back into my cloths and out of those disgusting loin cloths. We found some magic leather armor, gifted to me by the gang. i hold my old chest guard in my hands, taking in the many repaired scratches, claw, bit, slashes, punctures but my eyes linger towards the center of it. A long parrel slice sitting right were my heart is. Inside the armor reveals the grissly truth. It use to be tan when i was first fitted into it, now stained a deep red, orangeing from dried blood. This armor served me well, even when i perished. I can only thank the tanners and armorers in my troupe. Without them i would have been dead ten times over. Ive just about wiggled my way back into my shirt when Avelin, dressed back into her cloths hugs me from behind, wrapping her arms around me “Jaris, I have to tell them." "Tell who what?" "My parents... about Gregolas." My face falls. Id.. forgotten.. They don’t know what happened to Greg. It's been so long ago. His death still shakes her even now. Ive has heard the whispers in her sleep and all i can do is hold her as it passes. She would hate that I know she’s still hurting but I refuse to ignore it. Not when she needs me in this important stage in life. I turn around looking into her eyes as I caress her face "I'll do it with you, Aev. As your husband it’s my job to be your support.” She kisses me on the cheek, my ear flicks bashful. “Thank you.” “It’s nothing love. It can’t be as hard as this battle was.” I scooper her up in my arms, her body light without the armor weighing her down. “Now, let's get washed up shall we. I’m sure you'r just as ready to get ride of the grim and salt as I am." "oh gods yes!"
Jaris
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Post by Chris on Nov 6, 2019 23:45:39 GMT -5
Dwellers of the Forbidden City Main Tunnel Entrance Attack of the Aboleth Waterfall of Fire ended play on Earthday, Coldeven 20, 577 CY, 2:30pm, Luna is waning MVP Josh Murphy as Ceyleen our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/48900?userid=1168080
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Post by Aileen on Nov 12, 2019 11:42:22 GMT -5
It's a beautiful winter day, the sun is out, and I don't have a damn thing to do. My parents are off with Jaris, probably interrogating the poor man. I'm up in a big oak tree, the only one not covered in snow, sunning myself on a nice big branch. Some of my friends are off training, and I am just loafing around, sober and bored. One second I'm comfortably on the branch, and the next I am falling, falling...
"Aevlin, wake up!"
My eyes shoot open, and Ceyleen is kneeling over me. My head is pounding!
"It's a good thing I found you, you cracked your skull falling out of that tree!"
I sit up, groaning, and realize I haven't gone anywhere. The tree I fell out of is gone. She did it again!
"I should have known it was you! This is the third time you've done this to me!"
Ever since Ceyleen started turning into trees, she has played a game of turning back into her normal form while I'm climbing her or otherwise minding my own business, just to laugh at my misfortune when I fall.
"You would think you would learn the first time, Aevlin!"
"It's not my fault you're such an enticing tree!"
"Whoo! Don't tell Jaris that!" She pretends to fan herself. "I heal you every time!"
I leave my best friend, angry about my headache, and head back to the inn. Tonight is my parents' last night with us, as they are heading back to Nyrond in the morning. They've been adjusting back to normal life after being slaves, staying with us for the past four weeks, and trying to sort out getting our home back from long distance. With the Slave Lords gone, the bastards that took over our house and winery/brewery had to be dealt with. Gregolas's parents were able to hire mercenaries to take it back for our family, and also got some revenge for their dead son while at it.
Jaris and I had hoped to go home with them, but already we are planning another adventure. This time, we are heading to the jungle. I'm quite looking forward to escaping the cold winter weather, I've never been anywhere warm!
I get cleaned up back in Jaris and I's room, getting the blood and leaves out of my hair. Damn Ceyleen! Her druid training seems to be going well, though. I've learned more about mud and animal droppings this week than I've ever cared to know in my whole life. There's a knock at the door.
"Come in!"
The door opens, and in walks Hans. Shirtless, his rippling chest bare and... I turn my gaze away.
"Oh, where's Jaris?" He asks.
"With my parents. Need something?"
"Was going to ask to borrow a shirt."
"He's a lot smaller than you, Hans"
"Exactly. I'm trying to impress a girl, and my biceps look good in a smaller shirt!"
I sigh, going through my husband's pile of clothes. There's one spare shirt, and I throw it at Hans.
"You rip it, you buy him a new one." I say.
"Perfect! Thank's, Aev!"
After getting dressed up, hair brushed and jewelery on, I head down to the tavern across the street where I am meeting my parents and Jaris for dinner. They're already sitting at a table when I walk in, and Jaris does a double take. He gets up and kisses me on the cheek, pulling my chair out for me. Is he sucking up to impress my parents?
"Aevlin, you look beautiful!" My mom says. "How was your day?"
"Thanks, mom. I hung out with Ceyleen. Fell out of a tree that was in fact Ceyleen... the usual."
We eat and talk for a while. My mom and dad are tipsy, but I'm trying not to get drunk in front of them. I've been so good about actually tasting my wine and not pounding it- Jaris promised he would get me a present if I could identify a flight of wine by taste alone one of these days, and I'll be damned if I don't pass his test!
Turns out the three of them had a great day together. It's almost like my mom and Jaris have known eachother forever, and even my dad has warmed up to him. Everyone in the party has been slightly afraid of my dad, due to his gruff nature and beastly beard- but he's a big softie. He absolutely adores crazy Ceyleen and big Hans.
The next morning, we all bid them farewell. I really hope that we will see them again, and that they learn to get back to their normal lives after the horrors of being slaves.
After everyone is done training, six weeks spent in town, we head out for the jungle. It's a long trip, and a massive climate change for us. I'm beginning to regret wearing platemail and not having insect repellent of any kind. The mosquitos are worse than any of the monsters we have encountered along the way. Finally we reach a village that has some excitement. A shaman tells us that his son has been taken by the "demons" in the city of the dead.
While the brains of our party interrogate the poor shaman for info, Ceyleen and I search for alcohol. It is tradition to partake in drinking while in somewhere new, and we are curious as to what this tribe has. Turns out, their drink of choice is made by old women chewing up fruit and spitting it into a pot where it ferments into booze. Hard pass, I even have to run from a sweet old lady trying to baby bird fruit into my mouth.
We are warned about spirits of their enemies in the city of the dead, and the spirit poles keeping them in there. Also, Yuan Ti of which we cannot speak their names. We are given guides, Buntu and Ralph.
"Ralph is good strong tribal name," the shaman tells us. "Buntu sounds made up, I know... they will be your guides! But they must not enter the city, or they will lose their souls."
"What about us?" Ceyleen asks.
"You're fine, none of you have souls!"
Heading out with Buntu and Ralph, we are shown through the wilds and brought to what looks like the main entrance to the Forbidden City.
"Around great rock is the city of the demon men!" Ralph tells us.
They turn and bolt into the jungle, leaving us to enter the city. Callum checks for tracks, and it looks like this definitely has the most foot traffic, but there is also another entrance on the side with a little less traffic. We decide a side entrance is probably safer than the most direct one, especially considering this place has no survivors.
We head in, the new cleric in the lead. After thirty minutes of walking in the torchlit darkness, we hear the sounds of bats and splashing water ahead. Bat pool party? Smider turns the corner in the corridor, and we hear a splash.
Turning the corner, we see a normal hallway. Walking further in, it's now clear that what we thought was solid ground is actually a large pool of water, and the newbie cleric is drowning in it. Beyond him is some kind of nasty algae bloom in the water.
"Aevlin," Nylen nods at my bow as he draws his. "Shoot the algae."
We both go to take a shot when tentacles shoot out of the water. I yelp as one narrowly misses hitting me, and loose an arrow. It hits the tentacle! It swipes Jameson in the arm, and then another tries to get me again. I shoot another tentacle before putting my bow away. As I'm reaching for my axe, one of the tentacles smacks me on the shoulder. It stings a bit, and I angrily cut into it.
"We ate your brother at my wedding!!!" I scream at it.
Ceyleen, who had been standing beside me, suddenly turns into a crocodile. I blink, trying to process what just happened. I've seen her turn into a tree, but never another creature when not being polymorphed by Elmarth! She glides into the water just as Jaris pulls Smider out of the water. I see the creature heave itself our of the water, and then-
I'm underwater, reclining on a divan surrounded by lush pillows, dressed in a beautiful gown. I can feel a crown of shells and jewels on my head- at last, Queen Aevlin of the Depths! This is what I have always deserved! My fish waiters bring me wine, and I hold out my chalice for more. The well dressed catfish starts pouring, but the wine flows upward, away from my glass- no!
"NO!!!" I scream. I'm back on land, my axe hanging slack from my hands.
Jameson is clutching his arm in pain, shouting obscenities. It looks like the tentacle gashed his arm open, and we can see muscle and tendons... but no blood. Callum finishes off the big creature, whatever it was. I feel a burning, agonizing pain on my arm, and upon inspection I can see right into my arm. I scream, afraid to touch it, but I want the pain to stop! Jaris grabs my good arm, leading me to the edge of the water.
"Get in the water, Aev!"
"What?!" I panic, feeling faint at the sight of my mangled- and yet not- arm.
"Get in the water, it will stop hurting!" Nylen orders me.
I step past the cleric, who is gagging and gasping for air on the ground, and get in the pool. Jameson is already in there, a look of relief on his face as he soaks his arm. Mine stops hurting when the water hits it, but I can still see into it. It seems like whatever was on the tentacle made my skin into a clear membrane. Maybe it was trying to turn us into sea creatures?
"I'll pee on yours if you pee on mine!" Jameson offers. His solution is usually doing just that, although I don't think he's used that method that I know of.
"Easier for you than me!" I laugh.
Jaris narrows his eyes at Jameson, and crouches by the edge of the water as I float in it.
"I had a weird vision... I was Queen Aevlin of the Depths."
"You're my queen of the depths." Jaris says. "Arm feeling any better?"
"Yes, actually." I pull myself out of the water, and the minute the air touches my arm, it hurts like hell again. "Ow ow ow! Jaris, give me your bandana!"
He complies, and I soak it in the water. He helps me tie it around my wounded arm, and it definitely helps quell the burning.
"Aevlin, let me see," Ceyleen sighs, pulling the cloth off. "I like you more than Jameson, so here."
Jameson looks mildly offended as Ceyleen lays her hands on my arm, and casts a spell. It heals right before our eyes, my skin back to normal!
"Can you do that for me?" Jameson asks, wincing at the pain of his exposed arm.
"No!" Ceyleen walks away.
"Here, I don't need this anymore," I walk over and tie the wet bandanna to Jameson's arm.
"Thanks, Aevlin. You're a good lass!"
We tear into the creature and search, but there is nothing of note to find. Also, the only way further into this place is through the water. Nylen can walk on it, but I'm forced to swim. Thankfully he takes my bow to keep it safe and dry before I start swimming. Another bow appears, being placed on him. Nylen nearly punches invisible Jaris.
The tunnel opens into a large cavern, with a waterfall cascading down the cliff. There is a winding path on the cliff face, passing behind the waterfall at certain points. We can see the shadow of four humanoid shapes in the flickering torchlight up ahead. I get out of the water, waiting and dripping by the path as we send Jaris reluctantly ahead. Nylen hands me my bow back, perfectly dry and safe. Jaris reports back a moment later than there are four Bullywogs and the have a large cask.
We quickly determine that they are going to send the cask rolling down the path to try to crush us. Callum suggests I go in front of the party with my shield, so that when the cask comes rolling it hits me and I can potentially deflect it. Do they not realize five foot nothing me is going to get crushed?
"The last time I tried something like that I got knocked out by a rolling forest!" I snap. "But fine, I'll do it."
Jaris goes up ahead, after much coaxing, and is going to backstab one of the bullywogs and try to prevent the cask rolling. I proceed in front, Nylen at the ready with his bow behind me. We hear a commotion above as Jaris jumps into action. I'm passing behind the waterfall when suddenly it erupts in liquid fire, spitting out and burning me. I nearly slip, but keep going. Ceyleen and Callum fall off the path, plunging into the water where we left Smider, who can now only breathe water. Nylen and I make it to the top, and can see several Bullywogs attacking the air- Jaris!
Nylen shoots one, and then they jump over me to attack him. I can't help but remember the time Oceanus the sea elf had his leg chopped off... shaking the image out of my head, I spring into action with my axe. One of the bullywogs falls off the cliff just as I kill his friend. The remaining three try running away, but we kill them quickly. Ceyleen, Callum and Smider decided to climb up the cliff face, and Smider held his breath the whole time. He sticks his head in the water, taking a breath before coming up on the cliff with us, and starts sputtering. Guess he can breath air again!
We stand in front of the passageway, ready to move on. What other foul creatures and surprises does this place hold? Queen Aevlin is ready to kick some a**.
>>-----> Aevlin Jörmungandr <-----<<
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Post by Chris on Nov 13, 2019 15:16:15 GMT -5
Dwellers of the Forbidden City The Main Gate The Chamber The Secret Passage The Horns of a Dilemma The Spider Snare ended play on Earthday, Coldeven 20, 577 CY, 7:00pm, Luna is waning MVP Steve Penna as Hans Gunther Heinrich our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/48900?userid=1168080
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Post by dragonforgotten on Nov 14, 2019 0:47:46 GMT -5
—————- Jaris age 25 ——————-
I hover over the loot with Joe by my side. We got lucky. We may have lost our uncle in this mission but we found a new boss to finish what he started. We start picking through the gear looking for magic stuff. “Find anything worth anything?” I ask him. “Nope, all s*** to me.” “Stupid for us to think it would be this easy." I grumble. its then that our new boss approaches us. She's around uncles age. We saved her from the traps and she given us our fair share of gold and loot, theres just one problem. She bends down to our level looking at us in the eye. "Evening boy? Everything all right" I want to roll my eyes. She keeps coming over to baby us again and again and I'm getting peeved now. It makes me sick with anger with her fawning all over us. "Were good boss lady. Just didn't find anything we liked." Says Joe cheery and all smiles, i scowl at him from under the hood. He talks too much sometimes. "thats ashamed. We're heading off soon. Perhaps you boys would like to ride in the wagon? You did scrap up your legs and elbows when you took a spill down that pit." "Yes-!" I clap a hand over his big mouth. "No, we'll walk thanks." She looks disappointed at us as Joe sags un disappointment. "Oh come on boys. It's just a ride and it's such a long walk." "she's right-." I cover his mouth again. "the other men are fine, so are we, thanks." "Ok, the offers always available if you change your minds." "We wont thanks." I tell her packing up and continuing our walk. As we travel Joe keeps chatting boss lady up. Asking all sorts of questions about her and her band and about where to next. He’s getting to comfy with that lady. He’s always wondered what a mother was like and I don’t want him to get to know that feeling. I don’t want to know that feeling is either. We have something better now with the troupe. My cuts are starting to ache and burn. I start hobbling as we walk along the wagon. She’s by my side without hesitation. “Jaris. I think it’s time you took a break.” “No one else is.” “No one else is as injuried as you are. Come up.” She says patting the passenger seat on the wagon. “No.” “I’ll do it!” I give him a hard glare. “Nevermind.” I look back at her. “I don't appreciate this smothering. We’re men, we can walk off our own injuries.” We continue the march and in the next hour I’m really dragging my feet. She approaches me again. “Jaris. I respect your decision but you are slowing down our pace with your stubborness. As your boss I’m now ordering you to sit on the wagon.” I sniff. “Fine.” I climb into the passenger seat as she sits next to me grabbing the horses reins. I watch Joe below talking to the rest of the band. Suddenly I feel her stare on my face again. “We have something on your cheek. Let me-.” I slap her hand away looking enraged. “Stop it.” I feel my rage boiling but I keep it to a simmer as I breath through my nose. “Your tricks may have worked on Joe but I know the game. You feel sorry for us. You see us and pity us. I don’t need your sentiments. I am a thief. I’m a scoundrel who cuts throats and steals people’s belongings. I was born a thief and I will die a thief. I don’t need a mother. I don’t want a mother and I specially don’t want you to mother us.” She moves her hand away. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.” “Just focus on driving. We'll start fresh after I take my nap.” I then pull my hood over my head, curl up against the seat away from her and take a nap to the swaying of the cart and the sound of hooves.
-------- Present --------- As the sunsets I lay Ricardos small body to the ground as we all gather around. We buried him under a willow tree over looking a lake, him akin with Patrick and Kevin. He was a good friend, a good dragon. He deserves a hero’s send off for The best and mightiest of dragons I’ve ever seen even if he was a dick at times. Avelins crying into Cayleen, she’s as always unreadable as we all say our goodbyes. I already wish he could come back to us just like Johanna, me and Callum had but apparently no spells can resurrect a dragon. All I can say is thank you Ricardo. We'll miss you. I lay a hand on Cayleen and pull her into a hug. “I’m sorry about them.” I tell her pulling away from her. “I was thinking of buying a hawk. Maybe..” “Not now Jaris. I appreciate the sentiment but Not now.” She tells me harsh and cold but the moment she turns away I can her the sounds of her crying. Oh gods, I made Cayleen cry. I go over to Avelin. “Dear, I think I broke Cayleen. Can you go comfort her.” “Jaris. What did you say?” I look at the ground guilty. “I mentioned her animals. Can you tell her I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make her cry.” She lays a hand on my shoulder. “It’s not your fault. We’re all having a hard time with this. Why don’t you go for a walk. I’m sure it will do you some good.” “I suppose so. Be back later.” I kiss her quick and depart back into the city. I walk aimlessly looking for somethings, anything to do. I’m so lost in thought I find myself back in the slums and wondering the black market. The seedy shop keepers scream over each other bartering for prices in exotic and rare goods. I catch some glimpses of animals in cages and I walk by them. In my wondering I remember. There’s something I need to get finished while I’m here. I came to him before but I never got it completed. I walk down a pair of stairs to his shop and knock on the door. The eye slot slides open and those brown eyes are visible beyond it. “Ah, it’s you.” He says. I hear a series of unlocking hatches and knobs as the door opens to reveal a human man. Dirty blond hair with brown eyes. Down his arms is an elaborate design. One arm is a snake while the other is a ram. I can’t see it but I know that under his shirt is a large lions head completing the chimera. I step inside his office as I shake his hand. “Hi George. I suppose you know what I’m here for.” “Aye. Not going to be a baby about it this time. I still owe you that free one when you threw the guards off my tail.” He tells me washes his hands. I see the bed as I take off my chest plate, gauntlets and my shirt. I lay down on it, my arm resting on the table besides it. “Ya I’m ready this time, though I can I make some suggestions. I want to modify the dragon alittle.” “Sure chief. But it’ll cost some coin.” I chuckle. “Sure George. Just don't give me an infection and we’re fine.” I try to relax as he starts pulling out his tools and the ink.
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My arms killing but at least it’s finally done. Thankfully no one noticed it yet. I want to show it off to avelin first. George thought ahead and had some healing potions on hand. It’s now past mid day. A old loose end needs to be tied up. I hover near avelins mothers door trying to find the courage to knock. I don’t know what to say to her. I said some, distasteful things to her back then. I never dream I would run into her again after all these years. She looks so old and yet I’ve barely changed. It leaves a heavy feeling in my stomach, the weight of my years really begin to press onto me. 43. Maybe now 44 years old now and yet I don’t look a day over 20. Is this what awaits me and ave as we age. She ages, weakens while I remain unchanged by time... that’s a thoughts for another day. I need to know If she remember us, me and Joe. I take in a deep breath and knock. “It’s open.” I hear her beyond the door as I slide it open. She’s sitting at a Writting desk, a large stack of letters. By her side. “Hi... Pam. What are you doing?” She set asides the pen and smiles brushing her hair back. “I was just Writting the invitation to the family wedding. There’s so many to inform of my beautiful baby girls wedding.” “Oh, another one?! Guess that will make it the third then. My... family... wasn’t too pleased about us not telling them so they did the same.” She chuckles as I close the door behind me. “I bet you got an ear full then did you?” “I did, that I did. Had to beg my grandmother to let me marry her again...” I take in her features but I have to turn my face away from her as I’m struck with heartache. “Do you happen to have a few minutes. There’s something’s I want to ask you.” “Of course. What is it?” I walk by the window peering outside. “Before Avelin, before your life now. Did you live an another one? Do you remember the life you left behind?” Her brows come together in thought. “Is this a riddle?” “No, a questions. Did you forget who you were? “ I stare into her eyes as I change my dialect into theives can’t. She’s silent. Her entire body turns to face me and I known she recognizes my speech. It really is her. “Yes.. I haven’t forgotten..” she reply’s back in can’t. Her can’t is shaky and lacks any of its flow but it is there non the less. I close the window till only a fraction of light shines though, pulling this room into a dim gloom. “A long long time ago, in your old life.. you were stuck in a trap till you ran into two young half elf boys.. Their uncle.. their mentor was cut down in a dungeon. They freed you in return to helping them escape and splitting profits. You.. told the two of them that they are welcome to join your family, to come visit your winery. That’s they would always have a home. That you would be proud to call them your sons but the oldest was pigheaded. He thought he didn’t need anyone but his brother. He told you he didn’t need a mother, especially from you. That he didn’t need love in this hateful world. What was the words he said.” I look back at her and I watch as the expression on her face transforms into confusing. I pull up my hood again, slouch and turn my body away pulling on a snear. “After all, I’m a scoundrel who cuts throats and steals people’s belongings. born a thief, die a theif. I don’t need anyone in this s*** world, especially you Boss lady.” The light of recognize flares behind her eyes. She stands from her chair, hand covering her mouth. “Oh my! I-is that you!” She stumbles to my side pushing back my hood as she grape my face hands trembling as a smile grows on her face. “Yes, It’s me.” “Oh my.” She stammers turning my face left and right and this time I dong Try to fight her touch. “You’ve grown up into such a hansom lad. You even grew into your ears.” I blush, feeling flattered. “Heh, not by much sadly. 44 in human years and still haven’t grown a real beard.” She smile falters as she finally notices that I’m short a twin. “So, did your brother.” “He’s in a better place now. There’s no need to be sad.” She strokes my cheek as I lay a hand over hers. Suddenly she pulls me into a motherly hug, my eyes widen startled. “I guess this means now you really do have to call me your mother just like now I can happily to call you my son.” I stiffen in her embrace and then I relax. My arms tremble as I wrap them around her and I can feel myself hurt inside. Tears start flowing as I clutch her tight as I start choking on sobs. she starts soothingly stroking my back, letting me cry till the pain ebbs away. When I get control of myself I pull away, wiping my face. “Sorry about that. I’m not normally such a cry baby.” She strokes my head, pushing my hair behind my ear. I honestly feel very uncomfortable but I let he anyway. “It’s ok honey. You shouldn’t feel embarrassed for showing how you feel.” I look at her wondering. “Why did you never tell Avelin about being a ex theif? She’s your daughter after all?” She sighs sitting on the edge of the bed. “I’ve wanted to. Wanted to for so long but I guess i didn’t want her involved with my old life. I just wanted to move on.” I nod joining her. “Far enough. There are somethings I’d rather keep hidden as well.” We sit in silence listening to the clock till she looks at me with such intensity. “What are your plans for the future? I’m sure you’ve would have thought of something by now.” I’m shocked by her straight forward ness. I look into my hands clasped together. “Well, I have a dream. A Dream I’ve thought were impossible for a long time. I.. I want her to be apart of my dream, if she wants to.” “What is your dream.” I chuckle smiling. “Sorry, that’s a secrete.” The door opens as Avelin's dad steps into the room, a bow over his shoulder. “There you are. Come on then!” He then pulls me up and walks me outside. “Where are we going?” “Bonding time son! We’re going hunting and fishing today!” I don’t get a say. He quickly drags me down the hall past Avelin door. I catch her watching me from the small crack left open. I look at her pleading but she only chuckles waving me good bye as we go down the stair. Her farther then leads me to a couple of horses and I've been officially trapped to experience 'bonding time'. I pray it's painless.
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I walk back to the inn tired, sore, pulling twigs out of my armor. I just past the bar when i spy Hans talking to a girl wearing my shirt.. The hell? How did he get my cloths?... Avelin. I confirm with myself. It looks like its going well between them, good on him. The man has been missing so hard with Cayleen. I leave them to it. I need to recover from Thaddius 'bonding time.' I step into our room yawning as I flop onto the couch, Avelin sitting next to me puts down the book she was reading. “So, how was the day with my parents?” “Great but exhausted. Your dad still scares the gos se out of me but he’s not that bad. He took me into the woods and started rambling on about how hunting is like life. it got uncomfortably deep while I’m just hiding in the bushes with him staring at this deer waiting for him to give the signal.” She starts chuckling curling up against me. “Yep that’s dad. You and my mom seem to have hit it off well.” “Well, you can say we have a lot in common. She wanted to know everything about the wedding and then other stuff as well.” I look back at her to see she looks dissatisfied with my answer. She looks into my eyes and I can tell she wants something. “What with the face?” “Jaris. You talked to each other as if you already know each other. You wouldn’t be keeping any secretes from me would you?” Oh s****! Think of something!” “Ah well, it’s just she was interesting in my profession as a lock smith. That’s all.” Her eyes narrow. “I think you mean you'r real profession. Jaris, You can tell me. I don’t like when you keep things from me especially concerning my parents.” S***! Time to put the foot down. “I’m sorry love. I can’t tell you. It would be breaking code.” “What code?” S***! “Umm, well... oh hey what we’re you reading before-.” I reach out to grab the book but she takes my hand instead and pull it to her chest. S***... “Dear, please be honest with me.” “I-it’s like I said! I can’t. Ok.” She leans into my chest as my heart frantically ponds my rib cage. “Then I guess you’ll have to drink your share of the wine alone. Maybe spend some time on the couch. I am paying for our stay this time after all.” “What! You can be ser-!” She then climbs onto my lap and I start panicking with my eyes darting about for help. “We can do this the easy way or the hard way dear. You chose.” I can’t think anymore. I want to tell her but I can’t tell her! I need to escape before I start saying s***. She then grabs my head forcing me to look into her eyes. F***k it! “Alright! Fine! Fine! I’ll talk! The code is a loose set of rules scoundrels follow when dealing with each other! It’s what separates the scum from the professionals. One of the rules we don’t go out of our way pointing each other out. Even more so if their big wigs! Your moms a ex theif! She's wasn’t just a theif! She was a master theif! I ran into her when I was a angsty teenager and worked under her for a short job! Said some really embarrassing thing to her as well back then. We patched the bridge when you showed up for dinner. There I said it! I’m a snitch now! Are you happy now!” She leans in very close to my face as I blush. “Very.” She then kisses me. This then begins a series of events that ends with me and her laying in bed staring at the ceiling feeling really good, tired but also really embarrassed with myself. “You made me break theives code. No one ever breaks code. I’ve heard of people break every bone in their bodies and still not break code.” She wraps her arms around me in a hug. “It’s because I’m just that good.” "Your so cruel." I groan but it’s hard to feel mad after all that. I then notice her frowning. “What’s wrong?” “Why did she never tell me? I would have understood.” I sigh pulling her closer. “It’s nothing personal. It’s just the code. Some people are like me who love being what they are now. Some just get tired of the life style and leave. She just found something more important than the gold.” She grasps my hand on top of the blankets. “You’ll be there with me when I talk to her right.” “Oh course. even though you made me a rat, I still love you.” I kiss her forehead and curl up in bed with her. "And i love you to. By the way, i love the new tattoo." She says running her hand along my entirely tattooed arm. It’s so nice to finally be clean and in a real bed! —————
We spend out down time keeping warm and relaxing between waiting for Cayleen and Hans to finish training. I played cards with Elmarth and all the new people and cleaned house with them before politely returning all their lost belongings. Don't play cards with me if you don't want to lose your s*** but it was all in good fun. Im shocked when betty calls me over to help train a new student. Who do i find but Jameson!? So he's becoming a theif now! I couldn't be more excited to not be alone on these adventures. We work well when we're in a gang. It also makes me glade i can officially/unofficially call him part of the family. The poor sap has no idea about the curse. The party has soon discovered that I am an amazing boiler and have continued to exploit my powers for hot soaks, cooking, heating pads, the list goes on and on it leaves me dizzy. Strange thought. When i think about it i don't think I've ever drained my powers before. No matter what i do with them i don't tire. Ive never reached my limit yet. What would happen if i exhausted them? Hans looks more chipper than usual. His training must have gone really well. Don't know what the hell Cayleen did. Probably sit in the woods, pretending to be a tree again. We drop off Avelin's parents in a town near Nyron on our way to out new destination. Id love to see where Avelin grew up but adventure calls and her parents need time to rebuild, both their lives and their home. There is rumors up in uncharted lands of a forbidden cities and treasures in the deep jungles along with missing adventures and rumors of bandits and snake men. Im going to need more wine for the trip. As I prepare to join everyone in the carriage ride to the boat i spy something and freeze. Across the street are two merchants speaking to each other but I'm not interested in them. In their cart sits four wine barrels. Emblazoned on its wood stands out the symbol of a snake eating its own tail. A sense of familiarity and nostalgia overwhelms my senses. It calls to me. Where have Ive seen this before. -----
Hacking away at the jungle foliage we find our goal. Thanks to our guilds we stand before the forbidden city, its age and massive structure decayed and overgrown. Our native guides waste no time in running as far away as possible. They believe this place will steal their souls. We're fine though. To them we don't have souls to them. They better hope thats not the same for their chieftain's son or the kids more in trouble then he thinks. Im kind of wonder what the chief meant by devil men. I shake my head as we turn to face the city. We approach the first entrance as Callum bends down examining the earth. "Theres a lot of activity in this area. Let's try going around, find a new entrance." Following along the wall we find another entrance, one with barely any activity. Perfect. To my surprise the new cleric has taken the lead into the cave as i take my postion besides my wife invisible. It doesn't take long for something to go wrong. He turned a corner and it becomes apparent that he just stepped though an illusion and is now struggling to keep above a pool of water. There appears to be an algie bloom ahead and i don't think anything of it till long, slimy tenticales emerge from the algie and begins striking at the party. Arrows are fired but it's not very effective. Im stumped on how i can get to this thing or deal with it. I feel like i should get into the water but Im not a fan of jumping into an unknown situation till i know my odds of getting out alive. I don't know what I'm dealing with. I don't want a Golem repeat. As Jameson pulls up smidder he's choking and gasping for air. I run to his side, slapping his back in trying to make him cough up water but to no avail. Is he choking? On what? I check his bag for a waterskin but find nothing! "For gods sake man! You stupid or something!?" He gags and i start going through my bag and pull out the extra. "You better be thankful i brought a spare." I pour the water down his gullet but it doesn't go down his throat. "The f***?! What the hell did you do to yourself!?" suddenly the algie begins to rise to the surface revealing this hideous fish like creature with tenticales. globs of slime rolling off its skin. Is that a hagfish? A monster hagfish? Suddenly i look to my right to see Cayleens face and body suddenly strecth and morph into a crocodile before jumping into the water! "What the f***!? Cayleen! Since when!?" Avelin scream snaps me out of my shock and Im by her side in an instant. She's clutching her arm "What wrong?! Let me see!" I pull her hand away to see her arm has almost become translucent and slimy. I can practically see her bones. The skin is getting hard and dry as she winces and cringes in pain. It clicks with me "Ave. Get in the water! You'r drying out!" "What?!" "Get in the water, it will stop hurting!" Nylen orders her. I help her slide into the water and the effects are instant as we sighs in relief. Smidder is wheezing and choking on the ground now so i kick him back into the water like a dead fish before tending to my wife. He springs back to life, breathing the water. thats not something you see everyday. The rest of the party kills the hagfish. Avelin being as smart as she is comes up with the idea of keeping her new weird wound wet. She takes my bandanna, soaks it and ties it to her arm. She doesn't have to for long thanks to Cayleens healing so the bandanna and my extra waterskin goes to him till Hans returns to us again or cayleen gets her spell back. There aint a damn thing we can do about Smidder oxygen problem. It becomes clear we must go through the water to go deeper into the complex. tossing my bow on top of an unaware Nylen i dive back in once again taking on my Manta appearance. Avelin grabs my wing as i glide with her in the water following the party. We emerge into a large chamber, a waterfall spilling above as the shadows of creatures dances in the torch light. I stealth my way to the top only to find three bullywogs standing near a barrel. they've seen us, there plotting something. returning I tell them I'm going to assassinate the one near the barrel while they make their way up. Hopefuly they'll be too busy dealing with me to activate the trap. I ready the blade as i stand behind the unaware frog. I then strike! I cut open his throat and throw him over into the waterfall but before i cant stop them they cut into the barrel. Oil pours out from tis container igniting the waterfall! More jump from the shadows and there on me in seconds. I jump back as blades sing and whistle towards me but they don't touch me. I sheath Lyon, vanishing just in time for the rest of the party to charge. A hawk suddenly crests over the waterfall before transforming back into Cayleen as she cuts down a Bullywog. I skulk behind one, cutting into its back as my dear wife thrusts a sword through its head and Nylen shoots another dead behind me. "Have i told you how hot you are when you destroy you enemies." She asks me as i smirk under the hood. "All the time love. all the time." Suddenly Smidder appears looking blue in the face. he plunges his face into the waterfall only to sputter and take in large gulps of air. Oh look. It's a miracle. We look farther into the dark corridor. No time like the persent to kick some a***.
-Jaris F J
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Post by Aileen on Nov 18, 2019 23:48:39 GMT -5
Following the corridor, we enter into a large chamber with fungi growing, shuttered windows in what look like gatehouses, and a big iron gate that is locked. We end up going in when our half-orc friend runs to the gate, and fortunately are not attacked by anything. Ceyleen finds a secret door, which Jameson opens. I stand backup for him, and it's a little suspicious when nothing attacks.
"Are we going in, lads and lassies?" Jamesons asks.
"Might as well," I ready my bow. "Where is my husband?"
"Right here!" Comes Jaris's voice.
"Yes, I can't see where that is, love, you're invisible."
We head down the corridor, and end up 20ft beyond the gatehouses on the other side of the gate. Just as we walk in the courtyard area, there are sudden high pitched shouts, and out hop a dozen small creatures! They have nets and shortswords, and start trying to net us as we spring into action. Jameson runs in, and they miss him completely.
"Looks like ye have a net worth of zero, boys!" Shouts Jameson.
The creatures are nothing I've ever seen before. Flat heads, catlike eyes, weird long arms with knuckles dragging on the ground. Nylen and I start shooting, instant kills. They don't seem very hardy whatever they are. I get off as many shots as I can before the front line moves in. Hans is a new man, after fighting the slavers in the buff he had some sort of epiphany with Kord... he now is a wrestler, and damn good at it. I got his magic platemail, of which I am very pleased. It's a bit big, but that just gives me more room to snack.
The creatures, obviously overwhelmed by our prowess, run towards us and down the hallway. Several of our party pursue, and I stay behind. Smider, the new cleric, decides to open one of the gatehouse doors. Fortunately I'm behind him, as javelins fly out of the darkness at him.
"I can't see!" He announces. Well, no s***.
I rush in with my glowing sword, and there's two more of the creatures. I miss, the things are very quick, but Hans and Jameson Jefferson come to the rescue. They kill them, and we move on to check the other gatehouse.
At first, it seems empty. Then, creatures jump out of the darkness. Apparently they have natural camoflauge! We quickly dispatch them, and search the gatehouses. We don't find much, but someone takes some gems.
Continuing on, we make our way slowly through the darkness, with Hans and Smider being guided due to their weightlessness. I remember those days fondly. Elmarth then makes us invisible, and I realize I can't see those walking in front of me. The whole way I keep nearly bumping into them. Suddenly, I feel myself stuck. I walked right into a spiderweb!
"Watch out, there's a web!" Shouts Odious.
But, the damage is already done. I can't move, and I can see a giant spider up above. Wait, not one... two giant ones and one huge! An arrow whizzes by, and Nylen appears, shooting at a spider. There is the sound of voices and light down the corridor, and our plan of being stealthy is out the window. I try my hardest to break free, and I can't!
"Aevlin, where are you!?"
"In the damn web!"
I don't know how my husband expects to save me when he can't see me, but I do feel hands grasp my ankle a moment later. He tries pulling, but I'm really stuck. The spiders are killed, and everyone but me is out of the web.
"Elmarth... help me."
The last time someone asked for his help, he put a dagger between his ribs. Honestly, that's better than being left in a web forever! He tries cutting the webs away, but ultimately Krork frees me.
Twenty or so of the creatures come up, guided by what looks like a human man. The faster members of our party charge in, and I'm left behind. I stay in the back rank, and start shooting. Someone mentions the guy in the back is a caster and might be a Yuan Ti... I wouldn't know, having never seen one. Jameson appears behind them all, and the back ranks turn and attack him. I shoot one of the creatures so hard my arrow rips right through it gruesomely.
"Nice shot!" Nylen says to me.
A compliment?! From Nylen?! This is truly a splendid day! I never have heard of such a thing! I throw my next shot in the excitement. There is a thud as Jaris then drops down into a sea of the creatures, and they are immediately on him. He gets hit, a lot, and then goes invisible. I really do worry for him sometimes! I shoot again, slightly distracted, and my arrow nails Jameson!
"I'm so sorry!!!" I shout.
"Its alright, lassie, I've been expceting that for a while!"
We defeat the rest of the creatures, and Jameson kills the caster guy. We take a good look at him, and he looks human save for his scaly hands.
So far this place hasn't been too bad, other than me nearly been left in a web to die... but maybe I'm letting my guard down a bit too much.
>>-----> Aevlin Jörmungandr <-----<<
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Post by Chris on Nov 20, 2019 12:36:47 GMT -5
Dwellers of the Forbidden City The Final Defense The Forbidden City Tasloi Mongrelmen ended play on Freeday, Coldeven 21, 577 CY, 6:02am, Luna is waning , 1/2 week till new MVP Gordon Smith as Krork our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/48900?userid=1168080
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Post by dragonforgotten on Nov 20, 2019 16:58:09 GMT -5
I lay upon the grassy hillside looking up into the endless night sky, my hand intertwined with avelins. She points up at the sky excited. “Jaris look! It’s the belt of Kord.” “Really?” I squint looking up into those beautiful gleaming collection of stars. They take my breath away in their splendor. “Didn’t think Kord was so, thick.” She laugh as i chuckles with her. We sigh as we take in those burning orbs of light. “What do you think of them really?” She asks me. I think but there’s no words to describe them. “Their beautiful.” I mutter, humbled and plagued with want. I want to grasp them in my hand, feel their warmth and share their light. The sky has millions. What’s just one. She leans close to me, turning my head to look into her eyes. “Jaris, I need you to steal something for me.” A thrill runs through me! My blood starts pumping. She never asks me to steal anything for her. I would go to heaven and earth to make her happy and to do it while doing what I’m good at. There’s nothing better. “Anything!” “It’s going to sound silly.” She blushes turning her gaze upwards. I take her hand to my chest as I speak with conviction. “I would steal anything for you. You just have to ask.” “Then, Could you steal a star for me?” I’m taken aback by her wish. I sit up as she joins me. “You want me to steal a star?” I ask astonished. She nods. “Yes. The big red one in the middle of the constellation. There so small and beautiful. Their like little jewels in the sky Arnt they. Surely it can’t be that hard.” I look back at them frustrated. “But... I’m just me.. just a petty theif.” Suddenly she grasps my hands “No. Your so much more my Baron.” She kisses me and when I open them again I’m lost in a sea of stars, shrouded in a red cloak. I reach out and find I can pluck one from the sky. I’m filled with wonder as the small light burns like a small sun but does not harm me. I feel myself glow in pride. Clutching it to my chest as the light fades into my skin. I look forward and everything changes around me. At first I expect to see the party with me but instead I see five others theives with me, masks obscuring their faces Standing tall I look before the hoards of men before me. They all around around me. One steps forward, a wooden chimaera mask observing his features. He holds out a mask to me. A dragon mask. I look beyond him and spy the constellation again. The belt of Kord and it’s one star glowing a brilliant crimson. “We’re ready when you are boss.” I take the mask in my hands then raise it to my face feeling alive. I take the helm as they follow.
My eyes snap open as the wind and rain roar outside. Sitting up in bed I look to my side to see my wife curled next to me. I look back outside, the memory of the dream still fresh. It’s been the same dream over and over. It’s been a dream of mine for a long time. To lead a band of theives. Would she want to share in this dream with me? I slide out of bed, she mutters and turns over in bed as I make my way to my pack. I begin refining my armor and gear and then reach into my bag and pull out a wooden mask. It’s undefined and crud but it will do.I’ve been wanting to moon light for awhile now. I’ve heard whispers of a rare diamon is sitting in the local baronys vault. The question is am I ready? If I’m caught it’s over. I look back outside and my brows furl in though. Dig my fingers Into the wood and concentrate watching as I slowly burnish the wood black into a familiar dragon continuance. Then I just won’t get caught. I place the mask on my face, pull the hood over my head and open the window. I have on leg on the window ceil when I take one last look at Avelin, hesitating if only for a second before jumping out. I land silently onto the cobble stones and begin weaving through the shadows of an alleyway. I climb up the bakers as I see it. The barony with its high walls and polished stones and wooden pillars. My eye scan the area. No dogs, the weathers too bad. Visibility is poor even more so with me being invisible. the roof of it has no obscurities but the walls of the building is clear of any hand holds or climbing. Don’t need the wall. Best way is the roof. Preferably a window. I take out my rope, loop it and throw it to the iron spikes lining the roof. It catches and with test pull I tie it off to a chimney. Using my sheathed sword I slide down the rope to the building. I hit my mark, my feet land silently against the wall as I lower myself to the window ceil. My hands inspects the window. Fine craftsmanships, bolted from the inside and outside. I glare at the bolt as it heats up. With the metal now maliable I begin pulling out my tool, slipping them between the creak between the window and the lock. It open a minute later and I slip in closing the window, silencing the storm outside. It’s classy in here. Looks like a personal library’s. There many items of interest in here but none catch my attention if this was any other theif they would have grabbed anything and left but I have a goal and I’m not controlled by my wants. I skulk through the lavished corridors. I spy into a bed room to find the baron and his wife sleeping, my heart grows cold as I spy above their beds a familiar tail eating snake in the beds backboards, a J standing out in the middle. Seething anger fills me but I rein it back. I don’t know why I’m so angry but I manage to capture my emotions as I close the door and lock them inside. I slide down the lavish stair case past expensive vases and statues till I find the sitting room. A heath burns bright in the corner as the portrait of the barons wife stand next to the stuffed bear. I know where to look. If George’s info is correct. I go to the bear and move it paw down a inch. There’s a click and the large portrait swings open revealing a stair case. What do you know. His intel was right. The man defiantly knows his stuff. I can’t help but feel he knew what I was thinking when he told me. Down the stairs I go and I see a room filled with magic items in glass cases. So many. I spy a bow, a legendary sword, a magi staff. Many items. I could take them instead, the party could use these but Nylen wouldn’t touch the sword knowing where I got it from. Then there’s the fact that there too recognizes me. Too easy to trace back to us. I came for one thing and one thing only. I approach the display case displaying the blood stone. It’s perfectly sphereical and a crimson so deep that it almost looks black till you hold it in the light. Legend has it was used to bring a saint back to life and it absorbed his blood, staining it this red. I take out my own small diamond and begin cutting a perfect hole in the glass. I look at the gem memorized. It’s a star if I’ve ever seen one right? I reach inside and I feel my hands grasp it’s smooth surface. I pull it’s out slowly and I hold it in my palm. I’m filled with elation as my heart swells with pride. I did it! Suddenly the gem lets out an ear splitting shreik. Magic! My ears flit away as I hear the clanking of armor and the click of an activating mechine. From the back wall a metal golem marches towards me! Behind me the doors to the exit are slowly starting to close! S***! I run! I run as fast as I can. I just manage to jump through the doors as the golem was inches from grabbing my throat. I don’t have time to take in my luck. The entire f***king place is awake and the force of my escape has dropped my invisibility!! I don’t waste anytime. I go back to the study and throw open the window “I heard something over there!!” S***! With a quick lash of the dagger I grasp the rope putting the dagger between my teeth as I stand on the ceil into the waiting storm. “You stop!” I don’t listen to them. I jump and swing out the window but it’s as I’m swing I realize I made a mistake. I slam into the building nearly dislocating my rope arm. Pain travels through me as my fingers slip! “No!” I fall watching the brilliant red orb fall with me and slam into the cobble stone disorientated. I From the corner of my eye I watch helpless as the stone bounces and rolls the rain fall quickly washing it away. I crawl to it arm out as it disappears forever down into a storm drain and into the swears. I lay there shocked. I-I lost it! I bloody lost it! It was in my hands and I lost it! Suddenly I’m pulled roughly to my feet. I expect it to be one of the barons guard but instead I see the scraggly face of George! “Come on! We need to get out of here!” I’m shocked out of my stupor. We both vanish down an allyway just as the barking of dogs are heard. I sulk back in his shop as we catch our breath. “I had it George. It was right there. How could I bloody lose it!” I rage feeling defeated. He sits by me passing me a whiskey. “If it’s counts you got it out of the building with none the wiser. Id be careful if I were you. You only got one life in this world and you were cutting it rather close.” I take a sip of the whiskey, thinking. I’ve been so use to being the groups only theif I forgot about the effectiveness of having another set of eyes. If I had someone to catch my mistake I would be giving the blood stone to Avelin now. “Hey George. I’m thinking of starting a gang in the future. Want to join?” He clapping my shoulder. “Sorry chief, your alittle too green yet for me. But I’ll be here waiting when i hear word. I don’t work for free after all and I’m very expensive for a man of mine skills.” “Fair enough. You’ll be the first I call should I need you ‘services’” I tell him. He raises he hand to me. “Then lets call it a deal.” I claps his hand. —————-
Present ——————
After bypassing the gates we destroy two guard towers filled with tons of these green long armed monkeys creatures. I’ve never seen anything like them. There weak but together there numbers can be intimidating. Hans has found enlightenment in his time in Suderham. He’s forgone his armor and has turned to use his overwhelming muscles and power to snap head and put creatures into choke holds. Avelins just as powerful and beautiful as she always is. With the large influx of ally’s on our side I find I don’t need to get involved which is a tad boring for me but I can manage. I’m patient. Elmarth back from holiday and recommends we try a more stealthy approach. He turns everyone invisible but it doesn’t work well as we thought. Within the next 10 minutes the front row is stuck and I hear the chittering of spiders just as one horse sized spider drops to the ground with an arrow in its head. Looking up my heart stops. Along with another big spider is a spider even bigger then the last. It’s the size of a house!! They begin climbing down from their perch, mandibles dripping poison as arrows fly at them. I hear Avelin scream and watch a section of web thrash about. I’m immediantly by her side. “I got you! Just stay calm!” I tell her. I search about till I find her legs. I pull and pull but I can’t get her out! The spiders are getting close and torch light is beginning to flutter ahead along with voices! S***! Only on thing processes through my head. If I kill the spider I can pull her out faster. “I’ll be right back! Stay clam!” I caress her check before preparing for the massive spider. I sulk bear the wall hand on my hilt and sheath, reading the killing blow. The spider eglantly marches in its massive legs and I see an opening! Now! I pounce onto it’s back and drive my blade into its skull as a fountain of green blood erupts, viscously stabbing it as it staggers and whines. I suddenly find James right next to me in the same manner mimicking my frenzied controlled action as the swords and arrows finish it off. Krork has the honor of chopping of a twitching limb as it falls dead. I sit on the beast heavy for air with Jameson. I claps his shoulder. “Not bad cousin. Not bad at all.” “Whatch e calling mi cousin for?” “Because your a theif now. You may not be blood but you still share the J and the trade. That’s all it counts. That’s the rules of the Jala clan. Just mind the curse.” “What curse? Your speaking crazy laddy.” I huff getting off the corpse. I look back to see that Elmarth has gotten her free. I join her side. “You ok?” “I’m alright. I hate spider.” I pat her head and a kiss on the cheek. “So do I love. So do it.” The fights not over yet through. I sheath my sword, becoming invisible as I follow. We’re set upon by hordes of more green monkey cats. The fighters start hacking away as Avelin and Nylen rain death from above. It’s then I spy someone among the small money cats. A tall humanoid weaving his hands in spell like motions and I get ill at ease remember my last encounter with a wizard and lightening bolt. Elmarth does the same but his eyes nearly pop out of his head as nothing happens. “Why isn’t my magic working!? Damn!” I’m not having that! I start climbing along the walls above the hoard. I’m right in position as Jameson reappears and cuts the man good but unfortunately he must have been heard. Instead of getting him in the kidneys he moves just in time to get a nasty slash by his sword. The swarm then immeditantly turns to him. Damn! I focus my sights on the man. One hand on the blade. He’s mine. I kick off the wall, preparing to slam my blade though his spine tilll I suddenly go over his head! I slam into the ground and I’m instantly swarmed! They cut my to ribbons as I fight my way back to the surface again. I just manage to put the sword away when one of them cuts my arm and I start seeing red. “Paw off!” I shout as I kick one into the wall and throw another clawing into my back against the wall with a sickening thud! My stomach sinks as my invisibility falls off! Damn it! They slice and slash at me some more with lesser effect. I catch an arrow hit Jameson just as he cuts the wizardly man down. The furry imps are quickly taken down by the fights who have finally cut a swarth into their numbers and finally eradicated them. I pant watching Jameson, barely hurt at all while just a quick tussle and one bad decision left me bloody and tired. Why can’t I be a hardy as that? Of course he wasn’t born into the lifestyle like I was. I stay invisible as my wife looks for me. J go over to Hans. I don’t need to worry her any more. “Hey Hans. Can you fix me please.” I mutter to him as everyone inspects the body. It’s is then we learned we just killed our first Yuan ti.
-Jaris FJ
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Post by Aileen on Nov 22, 2019 23:51:25 GMT -5
After our fight with the weird new creatures and the Yuan ti, we move on down more passageways. Eventually we come to a cave opening, and Krork and Odious walk out. Nylen and I go straight ahead with our bows drawn, and pass by Odious and Krork fighting some guy with snake shoulders and another guy... wait. Snake shoulders?
Ceyleen is in awe of him. I scout ahead with Nylen, keeping watch, but we don't engage. I watch Ceyleen trying to figure snake arms out... does she have a crush on him?!
"I have so many questions!" She shouts.
Krork takes off running, heading into the barely moonlit ruins of a city that we are now in. Hans finishes supplexing a Yuan Ti, and then takes off after Krork. I can't leave that idiot to run in the dark alone, so I follow after Hans. We catch up with Krork, sort of, when we find him out in a swamp. He seems to have come to his senses, but is also slowly sinking into the muck.
"Aev, do you have rope?" Jaris's voice comes from nowhere.
"No, I never carry rope!"
"What?! Rope is so important!"
"So why don't you have any?"
"Shut it, you two!" Hans says. "Here."
The cleric hands me a coil of rope, but it's only 50ft, and Krork is out further than that.
"Krork, you got rope?" I shout to the half-orc.
"Yeah. How did I get in here?"
I ignore his question, and hand one end of the rope to Hans, taking the other in my hand. I run out to the swamp, wading in. My boots stick in the muck, and it's slow going, but I make it out closer to Krork. He tosses me the end of his rope, and I help pull him to me. Jaris and Hans pull us out on the other rope.
"Try not overthinking these things, my love." I say to Jaris.
We head back to the group, and explore through the ruins. Everyone is pretty tired and in need of spells, so we find a safe looking building to hunker down in. Nylen puts together a watch rotation, and Jaris and I snuggle up in our combined bedrolls to get some sleep before my watch. It's nice to get a break from armor in this sticky heat, and it's almost too hot to cuddle, but I miss Jaris when we're out running around killing things.
"Aevlin, your watch!" Jameson whispers to me, gently shaking me awake.
I sit up, and don my armor as he gives me a pass down. There were some creatures moving around outside, but nothing got in. I'm extra vigilant, listening at the door as my watch begins. A while later, I hear noise outside. Nylen is next on watch, so I wake him up. He immediately gets out of bed, and takes out his special sword.
"There's a bunch of them out there. I think it's the little green guys."
Too late, they open the door! I spring into action, running at them. Others start stirring from their rest in the commotion, but nobody has time to get armor on. Only I am armored, so I run out the door, wading into the mass of green creatures.
"Attack me! I'm here, come get me!"
They ignore me. I guess a scary lady in armor is not the right target to attack. Instead, they put a beatdown on Nylen. I barely get scratched, and by the time we kill them all Nylen is all torn up. We get everyone back inside, and I still have time left on my watch.
"I'll take your watch, too, Nylen. You should rest."
Jaris starts trying to patch me up, but I insist I'm fine.
"I'm going to finish my watch outside." I tell him.
He gives me his invisible sword, and helps me strap it around my hips, with instructions on how to use it. He really doesn't want to let me go outside alone, but I argue that it's more important we keep enemies out there and away from those trying to pray for healing spells.
I go out, and sit in front of the door with my bow drawn. It's quiet for a while, and I almost think we are going to be good until morning, but then I spot two creatures sneaking around in the shadows. I stand up, raising my bow, and fire.
Not my best decision. Not only do I appear, having just attacked, but so do seven other creatures. They rush me, and I see now they are weird bastardizations of many animals melded together.
"ALERT! ALERT!" I yell at the door. It opens behind me.
"Yes! Let me at them!" Krork growls.
I don't know what these things are, but they bite and claw hard... I'm stuck in the doorway, unable to push through the mass of nine mongrel creatures to let anyone in the building out to fight. If I back inside, I risk letting them in... I can't let anything or anyone interrupt Hans and Ceyleen!
As another set of sharp teeth sinks into my thigh, tearing flesh and a scream from my throat, I feel arms snake around me. My arms are pinned down, and whoever it is grasps me so hard that I feel some of my wounds pull open.
"LET ME GO!" I scream, trying to break free.
I whip my head around, and it's my husband holding me back. The creatures keep getting me, and I can't fight back with him holding me! What is Jaris doing?!?
"I'm not letting you get hurt!"
"YOU'RE HURTING ME!!!"
I reflexively kick back, and hear him gasp in pain. I go limp, hoping he let's go, but he just drags me into the room. Krork eagerly takes my previous position, swinging away with the axe I gave him. Jaris sets me down on my bedroll, and I give up the fight. For now.
I can barely even look at him, he ruined my fight and got me hurt worse than I was! He kneels over me, pulling out more strips of cloth, and gets to tending my wounds. He winces, and laughs with tears in his eyes, comparing my kick to his balls to the headbutt from that giant goat in Suderham.
"You EVER do something like that, ever again, I'll kick you so hard you might cough them up!" I snap at him.
I look to the doorway and see the mongrel folk running away, pursued by the other fighters. I jump to my feet, stumbling to the door, and run after them. Jaris quickly follows me, but doesn't try any more wrestling moves on me.
The boys and I finish off the creatures, and the streets seem quiet again. We make our way back to the building, and decide not to stay outside for the last thirty minutes of watch. The door closes behind us, and I slump against it, leaning my head back in defeat. I really feel like s***. Jaris slinks off to the corner, and I know I pissed him off. I'm the one bleeding, and some of it is because of his stunt. I'm the one that should be pissed! My head is spinning, body hurts and stings all over, and I just don't have it in me to fight with my husband.
"Aevlin, I'm sorry." Jaris plops down next to me.
"I know." I whisper, starting to cry as the pain really hits me. The adrenaline wore off quick.
"I couldn't take watching them hurt you," he says, holding a cloth to my leg to stop the bleeding. "You could have died, and I thought I could get you away."
"I didn't, though." I grab his hair, running my fingers through it. "I know you meant well. It just didn't work in my favor."
I lay down, my head in his lap as he runs his hands through my long hair, gently pulling the tangles out. It calms me, a good distraction from the pain. Half an hour later, Hans and Ceyleen are finally finished praying.
Hans does his best, and I'm healed up considerably. Nylen and Krork are too, and soon we are down a lot of healing spells, our rest having been for nothing it seems, but ready to move on. We've got a whole city to explore, and with the break of dawn we see that it's going to take a lot of time to see everything- this place must have been magnificent once upon a time!
>>-----> Aevlin Baumann-Jörmungandr <-----<<
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Post by dragonforgotten on Nov 23, 2019 21:17:23 GMT -5
We carry on with our good size group. Our numbers just keep on growing or decreasing in size as we’ve all adventured together thought out the year. It kind of shocks me at times how many we have. Also the fact that it’s been a year since I started this lifestyle and met everyone. It’s crazy. It’s really been a year!? Odie and krork end up taking the lead as I stalk invisible with Hans. Somehow I got pushed into the back lines with avelin in the front. It fine though. She’s a strong fighter. I have faith in her even if she can be reckless. Also, She’s surrounded by fighters and there’s cayleen. Suddenly the line halts as we find a passage back outside, the humid air whistles through the stagnant caverns. It’s dark outside. Barely lit with flickers of torch light through the dense jungles, the ruins cresting just ahead. I didn’t realize how much time has past! It’s night already?! It is then everyone begins running and I follow confused. What the heck is going on out there? When I reach outside I see everyone swarming two snake humans, one with the head of a snake and one who’s arms are snakes bitting and snapping at their attackers. Cayleen looks like she’s losing her mind over him. Didn’t know she was into the scaly type. Crazy woman. “That’s so cool! How the heck does he eat!? Does he eat with his snake arms or does her eat with his human mouth!? How the heck does he even hold a spoon!? I have so many questions!” “Or even take a piss?!” Avelin throws in. Heck I know. Good question. I creep up next to her and lean close to her ear as she hacking away at snake head. “Maybe through the snakes.” I chuckle before jumping back as snake head tries to lung at her and miss. She laughs, gorging the snake man in the stomach. “Maybe! We should ask!” “Somehow I doubt they will tell you.” Elmarth casts magic missle and it sticks this time through he still looks dower. Suddenly I notice a spell being cast from mister noodle arms (how the heck is he doing that if he doesn’t have fingers!?) he touches krork in the forehead with a snake tongue and the half orc pales and looks like he’s going to **** himself in terror. Then he starts running, towards the ruined city! S***! He’ll stop right? The spell can’t last that long right? I watch him get farther and farther away. Or not. S***! I’m going to have to chase him arnt I. Alone... “Damn you Krork!” I start running. I can’t catch him since he’s too far now. We running through through the city completely exposed! He take a turn and suddenly we come across a bog, me halting at the edge as Krork runs into the middle of it and stop! Looks like he snapped out of it. Finially! Then he starts sinking. S***!” “Why am I getting shorter?” He asks the fear returning in his eyes as he searches about for someone. “You sinking a***hole!” I call panicking. He turns around and the fear vanishes from him in an instant! “Oi! Weasely one! Get me out of here!” “I will I will!” I say dropping invisibility and start grabbing the rope but looking at it I’m short 10 inches! F****! I don’t know what to do! Become a giant and hope I don’t get stuck! Sh***! Trees! Anywhere! No! S***! I start walking in circles panicking with a rope. “Do something already!” “I’m trying!” It’s then Avelin and Hans catch up to us as I sigh! “He’s sinking in the bog! My ropes too short! Aev, do you have rope?" "No, I never carry rope!" "What?! Rope is so important!" "So why don't you have any?" “I do! It’s too short!” "Shut it, you two!" Hans says. "Here." He throws the rope at me. “Give me the other end!” She snatched it out of my hand, leaving me and Hans holding the other end as she wades in. “Ave! Don’t-!” She’s already in before I get a word in. Using her free hand she grasps the half orcs and shouting. “Now!” We pull with all our might and we manage to drag the both of them out. I’m hang my head but perk up as she places her hand on my cheek. "Try not overthinking these things, my love." “I’ll try.” “Good.” She pecks my on the cheek before darting off as I become invisible again. We meet up again with the group planning our next course. “Let’s try and get some rest. That battle caused us to burn our serious cure wounds.” Saying Hans guesting to him and her. “It is getting late. Perhaps wait for the sun.” I say stretching. “Fair enough. Let’s find a secure place to hold out.” Together we walk through the ruins and it’s foliage’s covered structure. It must have been a powerful and thriving place when people use to live here. What happened? We find a building to hold out in. The door firm and no windows to worry about baddies climbing in through. I set up the bed rolls as everyone decides on the watches. I offer but it seems I’m not needed right now. I take off Lyon wrapping the ribbon avelin gave me tight around the hilt. I learned my lesson last time back in town. It took an hour of searching to find the bloody thing. Can’t exactly sleep comfortably with a sword on my belt. Also, avelins been saying how much she doesn’t like me being invisible all hours of the day. I lay down on my side as avelin laying next to me, my arms gently wrap around her from behind. Everyone begins to settle down as Closing my eyes trying to get some rest. ———-
I bolt from the bed roll as the sounds of battle echoes through the room. Avelins not by my side! She’s already at the door readying for a fight as those long green hands try to claw their way through the door! I search my side. Lyon! Where the hell are you!? Then I spy Avelin red ribbon tied around a hilt! There! I grab the sword, clipping it to my belt as I scramble to my feet. The door bursts open and the fighters charge outside to fight the army of tazloids, the monkeycat goblins. The fighting ends quick before I can get involved but when avelin comes back inside my heart freezes. There’s a nasty gash on her leg and arms. “Ave, you ok? Your bleeding.” I have her sit down. she huffs as I start ripping up old pieces of fabric I brought with me. “I’m fine dear. There just scratches.” “Scratches my ass.” I mutter wetting the cloth before applying it to her wounds. She flinches but doesn’t let out a peep. SHe clenches her teeth but doesn’t fight me as I clean the wounds and bind them. “That’s proably not the last visits we’ll be having tonight.” Nylen admits. Avelin get up out of reach of my arms. “I’m going to finish my watch outside.” “What! No! No, your not going there alone! What if you get jumped!” I tell her getting up from the floor. She scowls. “Better then them charging in and disrupting them.” She gestures wildly to the Hans and Cayleen “Don’t dont this! Just stay inside with us!” “For the love of oli and Kord Jaris! I’m a grown woman! I can do what I damn well want and I can take care of myself.” I just want to pull out my hair in furstation. “Hey! I’m trying to concentrate here! If you want to have a lovers qwell take it outside.” We both glare at Cayleen before turning our angry eyes to each other again. “Why do you have to be like this!? Why do you have to be so stubborn!” I start taking Lyon off my belt. “If your not going to listen take Lyon. Better if your not seen but come back inside. Don’t fight. Just come back inside.” I place him in her hands as she grasps the blade. “Fine. How does it work.” “You draw the sword or attack to be visible. You have to resheath otherwise. Just stay safe.” She kisses my cheek but I’m too worked up to be distracted. “Love you.” “Love you to.” I grumble as she vanished. I lean against the wall next to the door as everything gets quiet again. I can’t sleep. Not while she’s out there. Not after that spat. Hours pass by agonizingly slow as Cayleen and Hans pray. I have my chin resting on the hilt of my normal sword. I wish she would listen to me more. I know she just wants to do what’s best and right but she... she doesn’t know when to back down. When to retreat. The strong never have to worry about retreating. Only the weak. Suddenly I hear commotion outside. Krork throws open the door and avelin there fighting off a mamalgination of creatures. There’s a lot of them clustered outside. Seven. These monsterousitys rake and tear into her as she slashes away but it’s not enough. They cut deep gores into her flesh and she fights on regardless but I can see in her eyes that she’s losing the fight. The other fighters all cluster together waiting for an opening but they can’t find one. Avelins fighting them off alone while we sit here and watch her die. “Ave! Come back! You’ve done enough!” I shouts. But she doesn’t listen to me, screaming in rage at the monsters. My hand shakes as I put the sword back. “Get back inside! There’s others that can fight! Please!” She doesn’t listen to me again and I feel something strain inside me. Tears threaten my eyes as I grit my teeth and march forward. Not thinking I wrap my arms around her as she fails and hits me. “Let me go!” “No! Enough! I can’t watch you kill you self any longer!” She winces as I hug her despert but it doesn’t dawn on me. I forcefully pull her away from the door way just as the monsterous beasts claw at her as she scream and I feel the blood on my arms. She suddenly goes limp, my heart stops. What have I done...? I feel myself starting to sink as I drag her, my hair standing in ends and I feel myself struggle to catch my breath. “Why don’t you choke her out next. We can get drinks after.” “Shut up S-“ I gasp as suddenly I’m consumed by pain. I gasp, the air and the sense knocked back into me. I almost drop to my knees but the force isn’t strong enough to drop me but everything below the belt stings like a mother f*****er. I get her to the other end of the room and back on the bed rolls. She’s alive!. I thought I got her killed but she’s alive! I start laughing alittle feeling relieved but it doesn’t make me feel any better. I’m still in terrible pain and I still hurt my wife. “I can’t believe you kicked me in the balls. First the goat now you.” I mutter through gritted teeth. She grabs my arm, scowling at me and I freeze. Her eyes are cold and angry and I shrink under her gaze feeling small. "You EVER do something like that, ever again, I'll kick you so hard you might cough them up!" She releases me as I sit on my knees frozen. Ummm... wow. I stop wrapping her arm up to stare at her in disbelief. H-honestly?! She wasn’t even serious before!? I swollen nervously, my eyes darting to the corner of the room disheartened and guilt ridden. “Right.” I sigh defeated. Suddenly the fight changes outside. Nylen and krork sprint outside and Avelin is off her feeling giving case after them with Lyon still strapped to her belt. Damn! What’s she thinking? Going out like that! I charge after her drawing both sword and dagger. I will not let her get herself killed even if I have to throw myself in front of the beast. I run a few feet behind her but we both arrive in time to watch Nylen cut the last of them down. We walk back in a tense silence not looking at each other, my arms folded. She keeps trying to looks at me but I don’t have the heart to look at her right now. When we get back I find a corner to sit in as she slumps against the door waiting for the finial hour. I’m physically fine but I’m just tired. Me and her barely fight. I’m not a very confrontational person. These fights just leave me angry for hours and tired. I can contain my emotions. I’ve always had a good control over them until the right buttons are pushed. She knows just what buttons to push. I glance at her again and she’s pale, her face scrunched in pain. My heart hurts. I sigh, guess i better do the right thing. get up and sit next to her. "Aevlin, I'm sorry." I whisper. "I know." suddenly she starts crying! Little by little my anger turns to sorrow. I take out a piece of cloth and staunch the bleeding on her leg. "I couldn't take it, watching them hurt you like that. There was so many others to have taken over. You weren’t listening." I grasp her hand, shaking. “You could have died and I couldn’t just stand there and watch. I thought I could get you away. But..." "I didn't, though." Her fingers run through my hair. "I know you meant well. It just didn't work in my favor. I’m sorry to. I’ll try listening more." “Let’s be honest you won’t.” “Maybe.” I chuckle. We’ll talk about this but now it will need to wait when we’re alone. “Your crazy.” I find myself leaning into her hand closer to her face till my forehead rest against hers. Arm shaking. “I-i, I didn’t mean I hurt you..” She kisses me, the shaking stop and I relax. kissing her back. “Oh for the love of kord get a room!” Hans complains as he comes over to us roll up his sleeve. He begins healing her. We tap them out again on spells. It’s decided we’ll explore the city. Find clues on where the bandits are or the chief missing son. It becomes clear soon after roaming the city that this ruined city of the dead is bigger then I thought. It’s going to be a lonnngg day.
-Jaris
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Post by Stephen on Nov 26, 2019 11:58:39 GMT -5
Two Months earlier…… Inside a small private temple in an undisclosed location, Hans knelt in quiet reflection before a small stone statue. The stone statue is of Kord in all his glory. Decked out in plate armor wielding a mighty mace. Hans is exhausted after a long day of studying and training. After evening prayers Hans replayed the final moments of the fight on the pier, recalled grappling the ogre. Although the ogre outweighed him, was stronger, and wore heavy armor (Hans sported skivvies) he easily maneuvered around the ogre. It wasn’t long before Hans was able to choke it to unconsciousness and heel stomped its throat to insure the ogre’s demise. The party some other slaves and locals, including Aevlins parents sailed to safety.
With Hans’ new found love for the grapple which reminded him of his early day’ in Dark Shelf, he gave his enchanted plate mail to Aevlin and begged the others for magical protection. When it was all said and done Hans received Ceyleen’s magical bracers. His floaty stone turned out to be a floaty stone of protection. Not wearing armor is a very liberating feeling. The magical protections along with the ring of invisibility and ring free action allowed Hans to cover nearly twice the distance he normally would to the secret training grounds of Kord.
Upon Hans’ arrival to the training grounds he was greeted with reverence and respect by all those he passed. Advancing through the ranks of Cleric is difficult and dangerous. Some advance faster than others but most die while battling evil in Kords name. Hans was relieved to see a few familiar faces. Given a small private room in the barracks and an hour to get cleaned up and eat, Hans was lead to the main chapel by his own personal servant. The boy refused to speak. Hans would later learn that the boy was from a local village and had set fire to a barn in an act of malicious pryomanic intent. But as part of the newly instituted Kord Scout Program (founded by none other than Hans more on that later) the boy was sent to the Kord training grounds instead of prison.
The grand chapel is beautiful. Magically illuminated chandeliers shed warm inviting light. Large colorful tapestries hang from the walls. One tapestry shows Kord in full armor fighting a massive Minotaur. Another displays Kord wrestling ten puny men. A third sees Kord overlooking commoners toiling in fields of golden wheat; the message was not lost there, work hard and thou shalt eat. Finally the last shows the afterlife, Kord leading his army into endless battle, endless victory and endless spoils! Carvings from the book of Kord wound their way up and down pillars that support the roof of the chapel giving hope and encouragement.
Hans walked slowly down the aisle of the grand chapel, taking it all in. Feeling at peace and humbled. Soon he stood before the high priest of Kord. An older man in thick robes sat in a huge chair carved from oak before an altar. Long straight gray falls down his thick chest. Hans knelt before the large man.
“Tell me of your exploits” he said in a stern deep voice, “so that I may deem you worthy of our guidance and training.” With a deep breath, Hans begin retelling of his exploits and what he did to further Kords name to include the total disruption of the slave lords operation, acts of kindness, healing, countless acts of selfless bravery and the nearly naked grapple of the ogre (that really impressed the high priest).
As Hans begin to speak of the Kord Scouts, The High Priest silenced him and told him that they had received word of his founding of the Kord Scouts, loved it, improved it, funded it and that Hans’ servant is one of many currently serving on “Kord’s time” instead of jail time. The high Priest continued to tell Hans that the Kord Scouts alone has increased interest in Kord throughout the lands. In the past 6 months, attendance to temple has tripled and appliance to Cleric-hood has nearly doubled all because Hans made a few kids in a couple of villages do some push-ups, wrestle and talked about how awesome Kord is. Tears of pride welled up and trickled down Hans’ face. He felt truly blessed and honored. The high priest rose from his chair placed a hand on Hans’ head bestowed the title of Llama to him and advised Hans to rest for tomorrow he will begin a training and studies the likes of which he has never been through before.
Temples of Kord dot the world but those that seek training all go to the same place. From novice to elder. They all train together. There are group sessions and individual sessions. Two weeks later, covered in bruises, clad in skivvies, breathing hard and sweating Hans stood in the training circle squaring off against three skivvy clad men. This is the fourth match of the day and Kord willing Hans’ fourth victory of the day. Of the three men Hans faced, only two were clerics, the third is a guard of the training grounds. The guard rushed in and came low….big mistake. Hans stepped to side and went for the headlock. Squeezing hard Hans found the sweet spot. Immediately the guard begin tapping out. By the rules set forth Hans let him go. The two clerics shook their heads and grimaced as Hans raised his hand towards them and gestured egging them on. They circled and rushed each trying to grab an arm. They succeeded, but Hans used their eagerness and the sweatiness of his muscular arms to his advantage. Hans slipped his arms through their grasp and up behind their heads. Before they could react he slammed their heads together and knocked them out cold. The two young clerics lay crumbled in a heap, the crowd cheered and Thomas, Hans’ servant (he earned his name back) rushed to Hans with a towel and water skin.
Three weeks later, with Hans yeeting 40lbs rocks from one pile to another with Thomas keeping count (Thomas earned the privilage to speak), the High Priest halted Hans and declared that Hans’ training complete. The following morning a teary eyed Thomas hugged Hans goodbye. Hans hugged the lad back and promised to take him in when the time was right. Thomas was well on his to becoming a servant of Kord. Other farewells were made as Hans made his way through the training grounds. Hans and the guard he choked out had become fast friends and they gripped forearms before he moved past the gate.
Present time…… Hans easily breaks the back of another one of the small knuckle dragging lizard wierdlings. The tunnel the party is in is blocked by a gate. A quick search reveals a secret door that circles back to the other side of the gate and two houses. The party pushes on and is meet with a small army of the knuckle draggers and a snake man. The party does what they do best and before long they crush most of them and the while the draggers scatter. The guard houses house a few more, no big deal. Hans makes it known that he will be invisible and will attempt to grapple or pummel the party’s enemies to death while singing praises to Kord.
Two more snake men, one more snakier then the other (a fact that greatly confuses and worries Cayleen) tries to ambush the parties as we leave the tunnel.The orc gets scared and runs for the hill. Hans Grapples the snakier of the two avoiding its attacks. The dwarf hammers away at it. The others kill the other. the orc is eventually found and nearly drowns in watery quicksand. The party finds themselves outside in a ruined city. Darkness give cover to threats that might linger among the crumbling buildings. While trying to rest and pray for spells the party is interrupted and Avelin takes a beating. Jarus and Avelin fight about combat, ironic really. Eventually a rest is achieved, spells recently prayed for spent to heal the wounded and the party moves on.
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Post by Chris on Nov 27, 2019 17:54:55 GMT -5
Forbidden City The Swamp Horrors The Bullywug Stockade The Towering Tree Lair of the Treemen Guard Posts Trained Spiders Drums and Wasps ended play on Freeday, Coldeven 21, 577 CY, 12:00:35pm, Luna is waning , 1/2 week till new MVP Steve Penna as Hans Gunther Heinrich our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/48900?userid=1168080
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Post by Chris on Dec 4, 2019 13:10:45 GMT -5
Forbidden City Escaping the trees Betrayal? An aerial tour Hall of the Serpent God The Amphitheatre of the Yuan-Ti Vines Narrow Path Caves Ruins Bugbears Lake Court of the Master Outer Wall Leopard Guards Watchtower Garden The Lily Pond House Guardhouses ended play on Starday, Coldeven 22, 577 CY, 8:21:35am, Luna is waning , 1/2 week till new MVP Josh Murphy as Ceyleen Our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/48900?userid=1168080
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Post by dragonforgotten on Dec 4, 2019 15:31:47 GMT -5
This is a massive f***ing city. I don’t know why but Aves taking the back seat today. She said she going to search the area for a good place for us to rest so we don’t have to find it later. I asked if she’s still mad but she said no but that doesn’t make me feel any better. It makes me feel like she’s just saying that to make me think she’s not still mad that I fact she is still very pissed off and just doesn’t want to talk about it with me. Avelin brought along a tag along in this quest who finally showed up with Johanna who looks just as miserable in this environment as everyone else. While we’re walking I saddle up to Jameson. “You don’t think she’s mad at me right?” He looks at me and shrug. “I don’t know Bucko.” I rub the back of my neck. “I don’t get why she’s mad at me. She was going to get herself killed.” He doesn’t say anything but I just continue bouncing thoughts off of him till I feel I’ve gotten it off my chest.. we’re approaching the ruined cities market place “Thanks for letting me vent, cousin.” I tell him capping him in the shoulder.” “Why in thee bloody greyhawk do you call me cousin?” I raise and eye brow nodding. “Because your a thief now and you share the J. It’s how we stay together. It’s what ties us together so we’re not alone. We have gumbo night once in a month so feel free to come around.” He smiles. “Id like that very much.” We reach the market, traveling down the alleys when it happens. From each corner of the room the foliage twists and raise and my stomach drops as it dwarfs us( no offense to Odie). I recognize them instantly. Shambling Mounds. I only saw them briefly but this isn’t good. All the fighters start running to the other one as I spy Cayleen casting a spell and slide to her side. If we’re going to do this I’m not going to leave her defenseless while casting. The mound charges! Faster than I can react! It body slams into Cayleen as she staggered back from the force. Sliding around it’s back I run it through with Lyon but the living spinch doesn’t even flinch! I stagger away shocked. This is bad. This is really bad. It then raises its thick arm, crashing into Cayleen. Suddenly it’s wide maw expands and Cayleen vanishes into its guts. I take a step back trying to place Lyon back in his sheath but it turns its attention on me. The monster does a wide sweep and I feel a few ribs break from The force. I grit my teeth, the first inkling of fear paralyzing me as I vanish from sight. The beast slams its arm down, missing me by an inch. Nylen, the other ranger and Prandalious join me in the fight. I stand there completely frozen in terror. I begin backing up clutching my ribs, reliving the moment i was trapped in the shakes stomach. Not again! I can’t be swallowed again! I watch helpless on the other side as Hans and Krork are consumed. I can’t kill these things, I won’t survive another blow. I can’t die here and leave Avelin alone... I don’t know what to do. My friends.. I can feel my heart break. Pran then pulls out a wand. “Cone of cold! B***!” A burst of freezing energy slams into the creature as it begins to freeze in place. A deer soon bursts out of its stomach along with the others! We then rush to the last shambling mound and cut it to ribbons just i time as Hans and everyone swallowed stagger out of it gasping for air. We stand around looking at reach other in relief, looking a little worst for wear. I reappear looking at Cayleen. “I’m sorry, I panicked.” I admit. Cayleen grabs my shoulder looking me up and down. “You did your best. Even if it was weak.” I smile a little, my ears flicking back to hide in my hair. I’m just relieved we’re all still together, alive. “I think I want to go to the tree now.” Everyone’s in agreement. We find don’t find anything worth wild in the shambling mounds nests so we carry on. We stumble upon a fort of sorts in the jungles. Cayleen then turns into a bird as she flies. I’m just wildlings away at a price of drift wood when she returns, landing in Hans shoulder before turning back into her tiny elf form. Hand staggers under her weight but still keeps his feet as she climbs off him. “It’s a bullywog camp, there two guards with a gong. The camps walls are at a really steep angle, probably impossibly for you sneaky types to climb.” We toss thoughts back and forth but none seem to be the better any better then just running in there and possibly getting ambushed. I catch Pan eyeing my boots. “Those be some mighty fine boots. Perhaps I can borrow them for a smidgen.” “Not a chance.” I tell her. “There a gift from my wife and I barely know you.” She huffs and sulks in the corner. When I think more about it, it makes sense but on a personal level I can’t. She did bail us out so perhaps soon. There’s something about her though. There’s a palor of death that hangs over her and I know when I sense this it’s time to cut ties with these people. I can’t trust her, Least not yet. We carry on, finally making it to the massive trees. Cayleen is immediately on it, checking over nook and cranny as she sings it’s praises to us. I just look up at it. It’s just a big tree. “I’m going to check up into the canopy.” Odie informs us as he begins climbing. “I’ll join you, can’t go alone after all.” I begin the climb invisible as Odie and I make good pace. We’re halfway up when suddenly arrows fire down at Odie! Looking up into the canopy I see them. Tazliods! The green monkey cats ran arrows onto the poor dwarf. We retreat back down to the ground. “There’s Tazloids in the tree.” I tell them as Odie pull arrows out. “The trees might be where they live. If we’re going to do something up there we’ll need a plan.” Unfortunately we’re kind of stumped both literally and figuratively. We leave the massive tree and continue the search for both evidence of the bandits loot and the chieftains son. He’s probably prisoner of the Yuan ti. We'll need to find our footing if we have any hope of saving him in time but time is against us and this unknown jungle is filled with surprises. Well need to tread carefully and pick our fights. There’s a large clearing of trees and Cayleen leads us into it seeing a platform of sorts. Me and Jameson look at each other. “Well, time to get climbing. Remember what I taught you and don’t look down.” I begin the ascent up the tree to the plate form, Jameson follows behind as Cayleen calls up to the platform. He huffs and wheezes but he’s able to keep up regardless. “Don’t push yourself. You’ll need that energy for when we get up there.” I advise him as I easily make my way up. We reach the top to find two Tazliods! I begin take mint out my rope, desperately tying the note as Jameson charges into the fray and cuts one down but not before one is on me. It swipes at my invisible body and manages to catch my broken rib as I yelp in pain, giving him the guidance he need to deliver a cut to my shoulder. He’s soon cut down as well as I throw down the rope, wounds throbbing. Suddenly the drums fill the air. Slow deliberate tribal drums echo through the trees. I’m surprised when Hans pulls himself over the edge unto the tiny plateform just in time for a giant spider to drop down hiss! The big bugger webs up Jameson and another form the canopy manages to get Hans! I’m not sure who to get to first but before I can even more Hans bursts free, unfortunately Jameson isn’t so luck. A spider drops down to him and bits him. He goes pale and slumps and I’m seeing red in anger. How dare it! I charge dagger in left hand and I pounce drawing my dagger. Lyon strikes true as green blood spurts but I miss with the dagger with its wild thrashing. Nylen then pulls himself into the platform with the help of the rope. He charges the spider and cuts it down but I’m forced to jump away to voiding being pushes to my death in his rush to kill the thing! “Watch it Nylen!” I call out sweating. Panting and weak I watch Hans pummel and grab the last giant spider and then throw it off the platform. Unfortunately it doesn’t kill it as just as Pran pulls herself onto the deck the spider is back but everyone was waiting for it and delivers it a sword and mace to the face. It’s getting really cramped up here! With the spiders gone we free Jameson as we check his condition. By some miracle he lived but he is in no condition to fight. We lower him down to the remaining party below, taking him out of the fight just in time as the drums increase in intensity. Four man sized wasps fly past us to land on the platform above. Looks like there mounts! We need to stop them. Pran then raises her hand and calls out a string of words. We watch as two of the four hornets slum, asleep. Now we just have to take care of the rest.
-Jaris FJ
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