Age of Ashes Story Thread

[dragonforgotten]

We travled a-little further into the cypts and found more undead which me and my companions quickly destoryed and retrieved any magical items with the blessings from Alec the Hellknight in training. I though we would go deeper that day but our paladin wants to return to town and refresh. It seems our resources are dangerously low and seeing there is no need to rush we pull back. With Alecs mission complete we part ways as I wish him safe travels with the hopes that maybe one day we'll meet again. Despite his apperance and nature he is an honorable man and considering my own questionable appearance I'm glade to know I'm not alone to have face discrimination do to our looks. We return to town but we dont have long. I return to the borders to find choas and a very injured handler much to my horror! The pups had apparently done this and not too long ago and ran off to the woods! Im thankful to have my party help me. I feel guilty for putting them out of the way after how tired everyone is but it is my duty to protect them and i cant rest till i know they are safe. We travel through the woods all the way back to hellknight hill back into the forest. We find them near a mosterous dog! Our powerful druid and paladin charge the animal as i cast sanctuary on me and reach for the pup. Im baffled as they retreat from me. I cant help but feel hurt by their sudden fear of me, Have i missed something? Im not sure what to do now. I look back to the adult dog as our druid transforms into a cat and mauls her. her? Wait..
"Oh dear! I think this is the mom!"
"Then we knock her out! Leave them to her!" The paladin calls and swings her sword down. I nod sadly. I will miss my pups, i never had animal companions before but it is the right thing to do. The mother wolf is frantic, tossing the wild cat druid back and forth in trying to free herself from the cat. She makes a fatal mistake. She moves her neck into the swing of the paladins sword and off goes her head. We all stand there wide eyed and speechless. We hadn't meant to kill her!! The pups confused and now parentless again scurry to me for comfort! I scoop them up riddled with guilt.
"Im so sorry! I should have said something sooner!" Whats done is done though. Im once again responsible for their lives. Our druid tries to convince me to leave them here but i cant knowing they will die. The bumble brashers stumble upon us and then ask why i'm holding onto a wargs pups.
"there wargs!" I ask shocked.
"Of course! Could'nt you tell, the glowing red eyes are a give away!" I honestly couldn't but it makes sense with everything I've seen. This changes nothing. Im now further motivating in raising them to be good pups. The Goblins offer to help me raise them and i taken them up on this offer. I ask if i may stay with them in the woods so i can be close to the pups and they happily say yes as the party returns to town. I settle down in a lean too of sticks and leaves as the goblins sing and dance. I enjoy their company greatly and their many questions even if i don't get all my sleep the next day. I feel wanted here. Mac already has offered a great service to the town that i find i do not have a way yet to help the town residence. Im not quiet comfortable talking to the clerics of Shyne considering my Nadlese blood. They look at me with pity when i stand in their halls and i do not wish to be pitied for the mistakes my ancestors made or be reminded of my peoples dark promise to lord of shadows. There are times i feel him whisper to me. The call to darkness and pain but i shun it and push it away. My goddess shall protect and guide me. the party returns to me in the morn just as i finish my morning prayers and feeding of the pups. We return to the citidal and down it into its depths. In the library we find a small toy hellknight that walks and speaks infernal.
"I understand what it's saying." I tell the group and the party look at me surprised but i pay them no mind. They ask for me to speak to it but the moment infernal leaves my lips It screeches at me, screaming to take it with us as he proceeds to furiously attack me! We try everything to get it to calm down and stop but it refuses. Our druid is forced to kill the poor soul doll as it flops sad to the floor unmoving and on fire. We explore some more and stumble upon some Kobolds! The one tries to fight us but Diana scares him so bad, yelling about how she's a dragon before the kobolds( There was another hidden in their little shelter.) submit, saying they are just hungry and mad about the cultists. Feeding the small dragons they scurry off to their homes and we find a tunnel. Magic is emanating from it so we leave it to check the last room in the complex.
It turns out to be a forge. Im wondering the room when i step into something. Suddenly i'm begin sucked in! Suspended in midair i try to move and struggle but my limbs go numb! The party attack it relentlessly, trying to save me from the gelatinous cube. Somehow with the last of my strength i pull my self free and we all kill the jelly as it melts! Im standing there shaking and covered in slime as farooqu pats my shoulder. In the remains of the slime we find a magic weapon in which we carry along with us. Theres only one place left. We go through the tunnel as Chee prowls as a snow leopard ahead of us. An hour later we find ourselves in the storage room of the pickled ear. Upon exiting Mac sets upon the bar keep demanding why she is working with the cultist and what the heck is going on. She scares the woman enough for her to share her secrets. She was paid by Vaz, the bookshop owner to keep it a secrete and to let her use it! Why would she do such a thing! As we rush off to inform the council i apologize to her as we leave. I must give her my sincere apology once this is over. We inform them, saying we must check Vaz shop further and they give us consent to get to the bottom of this. We don't wait we rush to her shop to find its lock. Mac breaks in effortlessly and explore the seemingly abandoned shop. While I'm flipping through books i hear Chee scream. Rushing into Vaz office i find her hemorrhaging on the floor. I patch her up through prayer and bandages and she's walking again. She should count her blessings it wasn't serious! Flipping through Vaz notes we learn shocking things from her. Not only was Vaz a necromancer but The history of the town may not be as innocent as we believed. She records that the wizard is a sham. He wanted to turn this town into a slave town who worship him but everything went bad, causing him to erase their memories and start from scratch again. The original founder of the town were even part of the plot and had willing consented to have their minds wiped. In the end it all ties to Elseta ring. Vaz is heading there right now and we much stop her! While the rest of the party stock up on supplies i take a quick detour with Chee to check in on the pups and inform the bumblebrashers of my possibly long mission. I find the pups roughly playing with a goblin. I think maybe i should stop them but the goblin seems to be enjoying himself and the pups are too worked up to get between them. I wish them both good bye and we rejoin with the party. We reach the supposedly abandoned keep indicated by Vaz but its apparently not so abandoned. A group of half orcs have taken residences and demand for us to leave. Mac tells them no and casts a spell. It fails and begins a long and grueling fight that severely wounds the party but not without Farooque doing an amazing dive kick onto the Hobgoblin leaders head and then crushing her hand. She tries to run only to be mauled by Chee the leopard. As Farooque lays unconscious at my meet and an archer above my head i turn my wrath to him and cast burning hands onto the man, burning him to a crisp and giving me the peace to save my friend. Unfortunately the Hobgoblin died in the skirmish before we could question her. We take this time to find shelter in her house as i patch up their wounds and then begin the process of magically engaving my goddess symbol onto my buckler. May she always protect me from evil. Battle ready we turn to the cave the Hobgoblin was running towards

-Arun

[dragonforgotten]

Charging in all gallant and ready for a fight we stumble upon a den filled with webs. Just as we step inside the cavern a webbed bundle begins to twitch and squirm in the corner of the room. Brave Diana steps forward to inspect it but as she pokes it with her sword the bundle erupts into thousands of little spiders! She move away as the swarm begins to spread out only for a massive, hideous, humanoid spider creature to drop down besides her. As the little spiders begin to but and swarm my ankles and the rest of the party I look at Quianna our Druid and we both know what we’re going to do. I cast burning hands in one direction and she does the same in the opposite direction. Soon all the little spiders are dead and I give her a high five as she walks by. Diana is putting the hurt on the large spider. I draw my scimitar, readying to help put quick end to the monster. It should be over fast now but then a peculiar thing occurs.
“Please spare me! I surrender! Give you my treasures if you spare me!” A female voice chitters from it! I lower my weapon and call out.
“Well stop if you stop attacking us!” I call out.
“Yes, yes!” Everyone begins to sheath their weapons as the large spider thing settles down. We learn that her name is Balka and she is what is known as a Tixitog. Never heard of them but I am glade I did not have to kill a sentient being who have the possibility to be shown the light of redemption. She still eats small humanoids though.
“I apologize for killing your children.” I tell her sympathetically.
“Oh they weren’t mine. They belong to the mean spiders ahead.” This peeks our interest. We learn that Voz indeed came though here and Balka spared her due to the same reason we gave her. We also learn that these old caverns of the goblin wars have become a lair for massive spiders and this strange woman who commands them. Well, we certainly know what kills spiders. We begin going to the other unmoving bundles and find the remains of a small humanoid. Handling, goblin or gnome. It’s never hard to tell but the body had on them a tiny set of magic splint mail and a magic star knife. Thinking it’s best we leave the armor here for safe keeping and I hold onto the star knife since no one besides me or our Paladin are skilled in their use and she already has her shield. It’s strange to hold a star knife. If my life had gone differently maybe I would have become a cleric of Desna... no, perhaps I wouldn’t. I was in a dark place for a long time. I could have easily succumbed to the shadow lords calls.
We move on to the next room only to stumble upon Voz! She’s pouring over some notes when we funnel into the tunnel and spit her, along with a hoard of skeletons! We are in a awkward position. Only Diana can attack with her weapons properly and we are all cramped together in the passage way. The rogue tries to dash through the body’s only to fall at Diana’s feet and make the situation more complicated! Farooqu manages to rush in and is soon surrounded by skeletons and the be necromancer! I once again pulse heal and to my amazement only one is destroyed! There stronger then they appear! I pulse heal again and again and I feel I’m slowly making progress but not good enough!
“Keep it up Arun!” Diana shouts.
“But mrs Paladin! I’m burning through my spells fast! We may need them for what lies ahead!”
“Well sort it out after! Just get rid of them!” So many demands!
“Oh! Your running out of spells! Good to know!” I hear Vaz call as the cry’s of Farooqu reaches my ears. I scowl. I will not let her harm my friends! I continue to pulse heal and soon space begins to open up! As everyone begins to file into the room she pulls out a scroll and manages to read it. I sleep my eyes grow heavy but I shake it off. All except Meri and Valero’s who fall alseep on their feet. The party begin to surround her, Quianna turning into a snow leopard and begin harass her from all sides. She tries to pull out another scroll but is stopped by Farooque. Mac shakes Valero’s awake and meri soon rises from her sleep. Mac also uses the new wand and pulse heals again, breaking more skeletons. As I can finially get a clear shot I begin to cast disrupt undead on them and soon the skeleton army is no more and the Necromancer goes down. Quianna is about to deliver a killing blow when I call out.
“Please wait! She could know something!” With a upset snarl she backs off as I bind her. We find scrolls, some mysterious vials of liquid and a journal written in a strange cryptic language. Diana believes it’s time we back off and rest for the night. As much as I want to go deeper this fight has tapped me of my resources and I will need them going ahead. I lift Vaz up and carry her outside with us. The sun has set by the time we emerge from the caverns. We run into a very lost wizard on the way and we quickly do introductions. He asks us about what happened out here and we explain to the best of our abilities. Diana tells us she wants no part in the questioning of the former bookshop owner. That we should have just killed her and be done with it. It certainly would have been easier but it’s against my teachings to kill indiscriminately. Also, I want to know more on her motives. I do not have all the answers to deliver swift judgement. I ask Mac to come along since I am a poor bad cop. My mentor always told me I’m too soft on evil. Quianna wants to come as well and so does the wizard. I fear she may try something but I can only have faith.
Carrying her up into the tree fort I place torch onto the ground and we wait.. the moons have shifted into the middle of the sky by the time we hear her groan. She bolts up confused till she looks at me, Mac, and the wizard.
“Oh you.”
“Hello. Glade your awake. We have some questions for you.”
She snarls at us.
“And why would I?” Mac get right into her face.
“Or I can start breaking bones until you do.” She immediantly pales.
“Alright! Alright! Just get her away from me!”
I pull her away and she tells us everything. And I mean everything. She starts right at her childhood and how she lived in a broken home that moved about from one place and no one appreciated her talents in necromancy. Then she finially gets to what we were looking for. She was sent to activate elesttas ring, a chain of faeary teleportation circles with one located inside the cave. She moved into breachhills a long time ago and had sent letters to organizes for help establishing her guilde of assassins and necromancy in the abandoned hell knight hell citidal. She got no answer until recently by a mysterious organization who tasked her in learned about the ring and to give them the knowledge they need to use it. If she did this they would help establish her dream guild. This has gotten deeper then I ever thought. And to think if her apprentice hadn’t gone off the deep end, stolen the fire mephite scroll and attacked the call to hero’s, we wouldn’t have met and she would have turned the citadel into a hall of evil. She also tells us about her journal. It’s written in an advance undead language and it contains all her research notes.
“Umm. Right. Thank you.”
“So what now. Going to kill me?” She spits. She says it with such dispirit I hesitate. I honestly don’t know what to do now. She’s clearly evil but do I think she’s evil enough to die for it. She’s troubled. What would Sanraear do? Everyone seems to want to kill her and knowing what I know maybe I shouldn’t..
Suddenly her eyes light up as her eyes catch sight of my buckler.
“Wait! You! I’m sorry! Please show me mercy.” My eyes narrow. My mentor warned me of this. Of people who would abuse our goddess mercy and forgiveness to escape our wraith only to continue to commit further evil.
I’ve heard of people like that all too well.
“Do you swear to change your ways?”
“Yes!” I back off.
“Fine then. But your staying up here. I’ll leave you food. Well pick you up once we’re done in there and you’ll be taken back to town to answer for what you’ve done.”
The group argues and moans about it but I manage to get them to back off and we all climb back down to get some sleep.
——-

The next morning as I’m praying Mac checks on our captive. She’s still there. Not like she could get down unless she can fly. No way she can get down without help and she’s too high up to animate the bodies below.
I give the bloody blades bodies a proper burial while everyone’s sleep. Once everyone’s is ready we head back inside the caverns, say hi to Balka, and then go further into the caverns.
We step into the next room to find it full of webs and one of largest spiders I’ve ever seen. The size of labradors! Quianna immediantly steps towards and burns up the web near us and catches to of them before they drop down. They begin to tie us up in webbing but she does another burning hands and we’re free if a little charred. Just as I draw my sword meri kills the spider chewing on my shield.
With the spiders dead I lay out my tools and begin to fix Valero’s mangales sheild. As soon as I’m done Quianna presents me with a scimitar covered in slime.
“It’s yours. Also it’s magic.”
I take it with out hesitation, suprise in my eyes.
“I’ll treasure this gift since it from such a dear friend.” She rolls her eyes at me. I cast persidigitation on it and it’s all clean again. I go to the body that held the weapon and bow.
“Thank you. I pray your soul has tracked sadly to my lady’s realm fallen warrior.
We continue our progress. We ran into a cave in of sorts and found an odd scale. Mac believes it is of the draconic kind. Seems logical. I have no reason to doubt her knowledge. Further in we march in file and stumble upon a large room that dips into a chamber. In the center is a throne of bones and a small goblin darting back and forth straightening the skulls. When he sees us he begins to scamper up the pile, sits on his throne and straightens out his person.
“You dare enter Ralldar’s kingdom? Bestow upon your god proper tribute, or be consumed by misery and death!”
Poor goblin must have lost his mind. All alone in this room. Better to let him continue his delusion then to disturb his peace.
Diana drops into the room as I follow behind her. I expect her to stop but she continues.
“Apologys! Did not see you or mean harm! Let me find something for you!” I begin shuffling through my bag. Perhaps he’d like my old scimitar. I did move a rune onto it before coming to this place. Perhaps this will satisfy his wims and let us all pass-. Just as I pull it out Diana has begun climbed up the pile of bones.
“You little s***! Get down from there!”
The goblin twitches, looking enrage. Suddenly his body swells and stretches, snarling all the wya to this large hair monsterosity stands before her with large bat ears. Ummm... I did not see that coming. The monster then slashed and claws at Diana viscously, cutting huge swaths into her skin. Then he opens his maw revealing his massive fangs dripping with poison. He bits into her arm as she scream in pain. Not good! Is it too late to parlay?
Meri jumps down, looks at the creature and gasps, paling further.
“It’s a greater barghest! A fiend! We can’t kill it with fire or none magic weapons!”
Oh! This is beyond parley! We may be in serious danger! She raises her rapier aloft!
“It’s a good thing I have this!” Just as she’s about to charge the fiend does something and she suddenly turns to me?
Pain wracks my body! She’s stabbing me!? Why is she stabbing me!?
I stagger away clutching the wound. What has gotten into her!? I extend my hand, hiding behind my shield as I attempt to suppress the hostile emotions in the area.
“Please stop! You don’t want to hurt me and i don’t want to hurt you!” The spell lands unsuccessfully but I’m shocked when suddenly Meri begin beating herself up. Why the heck is she doing that?! Has she gone mad!? Glancing back at the fiend he’s downed Diana! I heal her and she just manages to stagger up. The fear and determination flashing in her eyes.
“Run! Go without me!” She tells us as Quin jumps into the room.
“No! I won’t leave you behind! I just need to calm emotions! Then we can run together!” I tell her as Quin tries to slow the poison in her veins. The fiend then turns to me and I pale, hiding behind my small shield. He mutters something, waving his hands and suddenly I notice a calming aura around him, the same I find in my friends. I’m so confused! Conflicted!! He’s a fiend but he’s my friend! But my party are my friends too! Why won’t both my friends stop hurting each other!? I don’t want to fight but I don’t want anyone to die! I wipe the tears from my eyes and go to Diana’s side. If Ralla won’t stop attacking then I will have to heal Diana till they both see reason in this senseless fight! Suddenly a rapier goes flying across the room as the wizard uses his mind to filing it aside. Eventually Meri comes to at least just as Diana falls. Ralla glances at me before charges at Meri and quickly downs her! No not Meri as well! I glance between the fallen and Ralla horribly stressed! I feel the itch to surcome to despair. We displeased him greatly! He surely won’t let us live! I must convince him! We are friends after all!
I go to Ralla and bow.
“Please spare us. I apologize for my companions rudeness. I will offer you tribute for your mercy.” His eyes flicker as he turns to me, picking up the Rapier.
“Your sword will do.” I look at my two swords.
“Which one?”
“That one.” He says pointing to my new one. My heart sinks in disappointment.
“Wouldn’t you prefer the star knife? It has more runes.”
“The sword.”
I don’t push anymore. I take it off my belt, kneel and present it to him. I’m sorry fallen warrior. It’s for the good of my companions. He takes it with a gleeful smile
“My next tribute. Bring me the skull of a spider mounted on the skeleton of a man. Be back in one hour. ”
I don’t understand what he means but I don’t question it. I should just be great full he has let my companions live. I heal everyone in the room, hefting Diana under my arm as we retreat from the fiend.
Hubbling back to Balka I’m filled with a sick anger. I let a evil fiend get the better of us. I’ve failed my goddess in the face of evil but I have also honored her in protecting my allies from Rallad wrath. Ralla is my friend but as a fiend he is beyond help. Truely theirs only one way I can help him now given his deprived state. I must swiftly execute him so his soul can begin purification and be free of the sickening body of the fiend. Such a massive task. Yet why do I not feel sad about this.
We retreat back to Balka who’s having tea with Romely and Farooqu.
“My fiends! What happened!”
“We... ran into something bigger then we thought.”
We begin the process of bandaging wounds.
I feel a seething rage burning in my chest looking at Diana’s wounds. I haven’t felt this way since I escaped slavery. In the days I spent recovering with Mrs Juno, my mentor.
Once everyone’s wounds are binded again we carry on further into the cave, prepared for spiders.

-Arun

[Chris]

Age of Ashes

Fungus Pit (goomglow mushrooms)
Lotusgate Waystation (monkey people and boggards)
Alseta's Ring
Alseta's Vault (Doorwarden)
A deed to Castle Altarein
Back to town

ended play on Starday, Gozran 6, 4719 7:00am in Breachill, Somal is 3 days new, tomorrow is Currentseve (followers of Gozreh)

MVP Ryan Wilcox as Diana

our plays on rpggeek.com/plays/thing/280970?userid=1168080

[dragonforgotten]

Charging in all gallant and ready for a fight we stumble upon a den filled with webs. Just as we step inside the cavern a webbed bundle begins to twitch and squirm in the corner of the room. Brave Diana steps forward to inspect it but as she pokes it with her sword the bundle erupts into thousands of little spiders! She move away as the swarm begins to spread out only for a massive, hideous, humanoid spider creature to drop down besides her. As the little spiders begin to but and swarm my ankles and the rest of the party I look at Quianna our Druid and we both know what we’re going to do. I cast burning hands in one direction and she does the same in the opposite direction. Soon all the little spiders are dead and I give her a high five as she walks by. Diana is putting the hurt on the large spider. I draw my scimitar, readying to help put quick end to the monster. It should be over fast now but then a peculiar thing occurs.
“Please spare me! I surrender! Give you my treasures if you spare me!” A female voice chitters from it! I lower my weapon and call out.
“Well stop if you stop attacking us!” I call out.
“Yes, yes!” Everyone begins to sheath their weapons as the large spider thing settles down. We learn that her name is Balka and she is what is known as a Tixitog. Never heard of them but I am glade I did not have to kill a sentient being who have the possibility to be shown the light of redemption. She still eats small humanoids though.
“I apologize for killing your children.” I tell her sympathetically.
“Oh they weren’t mine. They belong to the mean spiders ahead.” This peeks our interest. We learn that Voz indeed came though here and Balka spared her due to the same reason we gave her. We also learn that these old caverns of the goblin wars have become a lair for massive spiders and this strange woman who commands them. Well, we certainly know what kills spiders. We begin going to the other unmoving bundles and find the remains of a small humanoid. Handling, goblin or gnome. It’s never hard to tell but the body had on them a tiny set of magic splint mail and a magic star knife. Thinking it’s best we leave the armor here for safe keeping and I hold onto the star knife since no one besides me or our Paladin are skilled in their use and she already has her shield. It’s strange to hold a star knife. If my life had gone differently maybe I would have become a cleric of Desna... no, perhaps I wouldn’t. I was in a dark place for a long time. I could have easily succumbed to the shadow lords calls.
We move on to the next room only to stumble upon Vaz! She’s pouring over some notes when we funnel into the tunnel and spit her, along with a hoard of skeletons! We are in a awkward position. Only Diana can attack with her weapons properly and we are all cramped together in the passage way. The rogue tries to dash through the body’s only to fall at Diana’s feet and make the situation more complicated! Farooqu manages to rush in and is soon surrounded by skeletons and the be necromancer! I once again pulse heal and to my amazement only one is destroyed! There stronger then they appear! I pulse heal again and again and I feel I’m slowly making progress but not good enough!
“Keep it up Arun!” Diana shouts.
“But mrs Paladin! I’m burning through my spells fast! We may need them for what lies ahead!”
“Well sort it out after! Just get rid of them!” So many demands!
“Oh! Your running out of spells! Good to know!” I hear Vaz call as the cry’s of Farooqu reaches my ears. I scowl. I will not let her harm my friends! I continue to pulse heal and soon space begins to open up! As everyone begins to file into the room she pulls out a scroll and manages to read it. I sleep my eyes grow heavy but I shake it off. All except Meri and Valero’s who fall alseep on their feet. The party begin to surround her, Quianna turning into a snow leopard and begin harass her from all sides. She tries to pull out another scroll but is stopped by Farooque. Mac shakes Valero’s awake and meri soon rises from her sleep. Mac also uses the new wand and pulse heals again, breaking more skeletons. As I can finially get a clear shot I begin to cast disrupt undead on them and soon the skeleton army is no more and the Necromancer goes down. Quianna is about to deliver a killing blow when I call out.
“Please wait! She could know something!” With a upset snarl she backs off as I bind her. We find scrolls, some mysterious vials of liquid and a journal written in a strange cryptic language. Diana believes it’s time we back off and rest for the night. As much as I want to go deeper this fight has tapped me of my resources and I will need them going ahead. I lift Vaz up and carry her outside with us. The sun has set by the time we emerge from the caverns. We run into a very lost wizard on the way and we quickly do introductions. He asks us about what happened out here and we explain to the best of our abilities. Diana tells us she wants no part in the questioning of the former bookshop owner. That we should have just killed her and be done with it. It certainly would have been easier but it’s against my teachings to kill indiscriminately. Also, I want to know more on her motives. I do not have all the answers to deliver swift judgement. I ask Mac to come along since I am a poor bad cop. My mentor always told me I’m too soft on evil. Quianna wants to come as well and so does the wizard. I fear she may try something but I can only have faith.
Carrying her up into the tree fort I place torch onto the ground and we wait.. the moons have shifted into the middle of the sky by the time we hear her groan. She bolts up confused till she looks at me, Mac, and the wizard.
“Oh you.”
“Hello. Glade your awake. We have some questions for you.”
She snarls at us.
“And why would I?” Mac get right into her face.
“Or I can start breaking bones until you do.” She immediantly pales.
“Alright! Alright! Just get her away from me!”
I pull her away and she tells us everything. And I mean everything. She starts right at her childhood and how she lived in a broken home that moved about from one place and no one appreciated her talents in necromancy. Then she finially gets to what we were looking for. She was sent to activate elesttas ring, a chain of faeary teleportation circles with one located inside the cave. She moved into breachhills a long time ago and had sent letters to organizes for help establishing her guilde of assassins and necromancy in the abandoned hell knight hell citidal. She got no answer until recently by a mysterious organization who tasked her in learned about the ring and to give them the knowledge they need to use it. If she did this they would help establish her dream guild. This has gotten deeper then I ever thought. And to think if her apprentice hadn’t gone off the deep end, stolen the fire mephite scroll and attacked the call to hero’s, we wouldn’t have met and she would have turned the citadel into a hall of evil. She also tells us about her journal. It’s written in an advance undead language and it contains all her research notes.
“Umm. Right. Thank you.”
“So what now. Going to kill me?” She spits. She says it with such dispirit I hesitate. I honestly don’t know what to do now. She’s clearly evil but do I think she’s evil enough to die for it. She’s troubled. What would Sanraear do? Everyone seems to want to kill her and knowing what I know maybe I shouldn’t..
Suddenly her eyes light up as her eyes catch sight of my buckler.
“Wait! You! I’m sorry! Please show me mercy.” My eyes narrow. My mentor warned me of this. Of people who would abuse our goddess mercy and forgiveness to escape our wraith only to continue to commit further evil.
I’ve heard of people like that all too well.
“Do you swear to change your ways?”
“Yes!” I back off.
“Fine then. But your staying up here. I’ll leave you food. Well pick you up once we’re done in there and you’ll be taken back to town to answer for what you’ve done.”
The group argues and moans about it but I manage to get them to back off and we all climb back down to get some sleep.
——-

The next morning as I’m praying Mac checks on our captive. She’s still there. Not like she could get down unless she can fly. No way she can get down without help and she’s too high up to animate the bodies below.
I give the bloody blades bodies a proper burial while everyone’s sleep. Once everyone’s is ready we head back inside the caverns, say hi to Balka, and then go further into the caverns.
We step into the next room to find it full of webs and one of largest spiders I’ve ever seen. The size of labradors! Quianna immediantly steps towards and burns up the web near us and catches to of them before they drop down. They begin to tie us up in webbing but she does another burning hands and we’re free if a little charred. Just as I draw my sword meri kills the spider chewing on my shield.
With the spiders dead I lay out my tools and begin to fix Valero’s mangales sheild. As soon as I’m done Quianna presents me with a scimitar covered in slime.
“It’s yours. Also it’s magic.”
I take it with out hesitation, suprise in my eyes.
“I’ll treasure this gift since it from such a dear friend.” She rolls her eyes at me. I cast persidigitation on it and it’s all clean again. I go to the body that held the weapon and bow.
“Thank you. I pray your soul has tracked sadly to my lady’s realm fallen warrior.
We continue our progress. We ran into a cave in of sorts and found an odd scale. Mac believes it is of the draconic kind. Seems logical. I have no reason to doubt her knowledge. Further in we march in file and stumble upon a large room that dips into a chamber. In the center is a throne of bones and a small goblin darting back and forth straightening the skulls. When he sees us he begins to scamper up the pile, sits on his throne and straightens out his person.
“You dare enter Ralldar’s kingdom? Bestow upon your god proper tribute, or be consumed by misery and death!”
Poor goblin must have lost his mind. All alone in this room. Better to let him continue his delusion then to disturb his peace.
Diana drops into the room as I follow behind her. I expect her to stop but she continues.
“Apologys! Did not see you or mean harm! Let me find something for you!” I begin shuffling through my bag. Perhaps he’d like my old scimitar. I did move a rune onto it before coming to this place. Perhaps this will satisfy his wims and let us all pass-. Just as I pull it out Diana has begun climbed up the pile of bones.
“You little s***! Get down from there!”
The goblin twitches, looking enrage. Suddenly his body swells and stretches, snarling all the wya to this large hair monsterosity stands before her with large bat ears. Ummm... I did not see that coming. The monster then slashed and claws at Diana viscously, cutting huge swaths into her skin. Then he opens his maw revealing his massive fangs dripping with poison. He bits into her arm as she scream in pain. Not good! Is it too late to parlay?
Meri jumps down, looks at the creature and gasps, paling further.
“It’s a greater barghest! A fiend! We can’t kill it with fire or none magic weapons!”
Oh! This is beyond parley! We may be in serious danger! She raises her rapier aloft!
“It’s a good thing I have this!” Just as she’s about to charge the fiend does something and she suddenly turns to me?
Pain wracks my body! She’s stabbing me!? Why is she stabbing me!?
I stagger away clutching the wound. What has gotten into her!? I extend my hand, hiding behind my shield as I attempt to suppress the hostile emotions in the area.
“Please stop! You don’t want to hurt me and i don’t want to hurt you!” The spell lands unsuccessfully but I’m shocked when suddenly Meri begin beating herself up. Why the heck is she doing that?! Has she gone mad!? Glancing back at the fiend he’s downed Diana! I heal her and she just manages to stagger up. The fear and determination flashing in her eyes.
“Run! Go without me!” She tells us as Quin jumps into the room.
“No! I won’t leave you behind! I just need to calm emotions! Then we can run together!” I tell her as Quin tries to slow the poison in her veins. The fiend then turns to me and I pale, hiding behind my small shield. He mutters something, waving his hands and suddenly I notice a calming aura around him, the same I find in my friends. I’m so confused! Conflicted!! He’s a fiend but he’s my friend! But my party are my friends too! Why won’t both my friends stop hurting each other!? I don’t want to fight but I don’t want anyone to die! I wipe the tears from my eyes and go to Diana’s side. If Ralla won’t stop attacking then I will have to heal Diana till they both see reason in this senseless fight! Suddenly a rapier goes flying across the room as the wizard uses his mind to filing it aside. Eventually Meri comes to at least just as Diana falls. Ralla glances at me before charges at Meri and quickly downs her! No not Meri as well! I glance between the fallen and Ralla horribly stressed! I feel the itch to surcome to despair. We displeased him greatly! He surely won’t let us live! I must convince him! We are friends after all!
I go to Ralla and bow.
“Please spare us. I apologize for my companions rudeness. I will offer you tribute for your mercy.” His eyes flicker as he turns to me, picking up the Rapier.
“Your sword will do.” I look at my two swords.
“Which one?”
“That one.” He says pointing to my new one. My heart sinks in disappointment.
“Wouldn’t you prefer the star knife? It has more runes.”
“The sword.”
I don’t push anymore. I take it off my belt, kneel and present it to him. I’m sorry fallen warrior. It’s for the good of my companions. He takes it with a gleeful smile
“My next tribute. Bring me the skull of a spider mounted on the skeleton of a man. Be back in one hour. ”
I don’t understand what he means but I don’t question it. I should just be great full he has let my companions live. I heal everyone in the room, hefting Diana under my arm as we retreat from the fiend.
Hubbling back to Balka I’m filled with a sick anger. I let a evil fiend get the better of us. I’ve failed my goddess in the face of evil but I have also honored her in protecting my allies from Rallad wrath. Ralla is my friend but as a fiend he is beyond help. Truely theirs only one way I can help him now given his deprived state. I must swiftly execute him so his soul can begin purification and be free of the sickening body of the fiend. Such a massive task. Yet why do I not feel sad about this.
We retreat back to Balka who’s having tea with Romely and Farooqu.
“My friends! What happened!”
“We... ran into something bigger then we thought.”
We begin the process of bandaging wounds.
I feel a seething rage burning in my chest looking at Diana’s wounds. I haven’t felt this way since I escaped slavery. In the days I spent recovering with Mrs Juno, my mentor.
Once everyone’s wounds are binded again we carry on further into the cave, prepared for spiders. Instead we find a tent made out of spider webs. Me and Diana look at each other. We walk forward. Just a we reach the door we hear a voice.
“Who’s out there?” A woman’s voice echos to us and I can’t help but be taken by suprise. The spider woman? Must be. Maybe she’s friendly.
“Hello. I’m Arun and this is my friend Diana. Are you the one that controls the spiders?”
“I am. Sadly a lot of my spiders were stained by a horrorable woman who controls the undead. Do you wish me harm?”
“No, no! As long as you don’t wish to hurt us.”
“I don’t.”
“So you are not cultists?”
“No! So... why are you down here? Your tent is nice but...”
“I come from a far off continent. I was following the cultists when the hunters gate closed behind me. Before I could begin to figure out the portal there was a cave in. I had no choice but to run and I’ve been trapping me here.”
“You mean Elstettas ring!?”
“If that’s what you call it yes.” So it really does work! Gezz. Things certainly have spiraled beyond a simple burnt building hasn’t it?
She tells us the bad news though. There’s no way around the fiend. Well have to walk through his chambers to reach not only the ring but the cultists as well.
We could attempt to talk and barter our way though again but I’m still enraged by what this fiend did to my friends. She offered us aid in the form of turning one of us invisible. It’s not much but it’s the best she can do for us. We accept the offer. Every little bit help. We also reveals her true form to us in which I respectfully turn away. She was adamant about discomforting us with her true face and I don’t want to make her feel judged.
We rest in her tent, planning our next move again our greatest foe ahead.
——-

The plan has already gone belly up the moment we entered the room. Farooque, invisible, climbed up the throne and strikes the fiend disguised as a small goblin. His blows do nothing and he’s transformed back into his true face and begin to savage him. Dania gallantly charged up and gives the fiend a wallop, romely makes his pixie friend throw blinding sparks into his face as me and the rest of the spell casters give him a face full of magic. With the power of his mind the small halfling man knocks the giant fiend off his feet but unfortunately knocks him off the throne of bones and behind it were I can’t see it. I have to run up to catch up with Farooque and Diana, worried I want be able to help anymore till suddenly the fiends head crests over the throne of bones. Ohh goddess! He’s gotten even bigger! The fiend fights with a new desperate ferocity. I pump Farooque with healing energy while Mac does the same to Diana. We almost got him! Just have to hang on! Valero’s climbs up to the throne and delivers two devastating blows to the creatures head! Fear flashes into his eyes and then begins to shrink! He transforms back into a goblin, bloody and rasping and runs for his lair! No! No you don’t! I will not let you escape!
I rush in after him and I watch him reach his destination and turn to face him. I have no plans to run in knowing my enemies true face so I raise a hand, a long bolt of white light in my gasp.
“May my goddess shows you mercy, in the next life friend.” The white lance of light streaks through the air and strike true. The barghuest staggers, the lance through its heart and he falls over dead.
We all give a sigh of relief. Finally. It was a long battle but we did it. We did the impossible it seems. I now have something to add to my own chapter in book of light but my work is not done here. We reclaim our lost weapons and more. I fix Diana’s sheild again as well as vine wounds. While we’re working I feel my eyes sting. I rub at them but quickly the pain lessons. I don’t think much of it. That last battle was harrowing. Perhaps I’m just tired.

Arun

[dragonforgotten]

Donning on new armor we carry on deeper into the complex, stumbling upon a ring of glowing mushrooms and a hole in the ground
I squint, trying to remember if these mushroom as poisonious. I’m concern about spores. I can’t think of anything.
“Quin, What do you think?” He squint and shrugs.
“Could be.” Unsure. we talk about burning them when Diana marches forward. I follow concern for her safety along with ramonely and Valero’s. My fears turn out to be founded. Spores are kicked your into the air and into my face. I feel light head and woozy but make it to the other side. Clutching my head I try to make ups and downs of my surroundings when a voice echos to me.
“Use prestidigitation! It will clean the s*** out of your eyes!” Screams Mac. What? Ok?
I begin the process and soon once the spores leave my body I can think clearly again!
“Your a genius!” Suddenly a wave of fire washes over all of us the entire Feild kicks up into spores! I manage to avoid them but some are not so lucky. It appears Quin had tired to just burn them all with us in them but only made the problem worst. I turn my attention off her and begin fastening my rope to a stalactite. Only one way forward and that’s down. Just as I finish tying off Romelys already pelling down his own rope already! I look down expecting darkness but instead I see him at the bottom, standing on a glassy surface! Looking into the hole my vison is greyed but I can still see every detail! How!?How can I see!? I push my questions for later. I can hear growling coming from one of the entry ways bellow and the monkey men and frogmen charge the poor halfling! Among them is one large ape with a dragon claw gauntlet in hand and a hatchet in the other, a recognizable symbol hangs around his neck and I scowl. Cultists! I need to get down there now! I jump j on to the rope and begin awkwardly climbing down. Some of my allies climb down half way or just fall down and eventually I do the same just so I can get down fast enough. I stick the land well enough and the battle commence!
Everyone gets into Meele as I keep tabs on the condition of Romely. He looks rough so I hand him my potion. I rather annoyed that I can’t burst heal my friends without also healing our foes. The rooms just too small but the monkeys are beginning to back off. Why’s are they back I away from us? I get my answer soon! Their leader points at us with an evil smirk.
“The sorrow maker will take your blood!”
Then drops a fireball on top of our heads! Gritting my teeth I shrug off some of the pain but Quin isn’t so lucky. She drops but I manage to get to her before her condition worsens. It’s become obvious who we should be focus on. I rush up to Diana’s side and help pick off the apes!
The leader of the apes shrieks and charges upon Diana! Half succeeding to injure her though her solid defense. Maybe it’s time for the sword. I draw my new scimitar but soon our might wins out and we cut them down with my blade still clean. The large apeman wheezes looking at us with hateful eyes.
“Kill me you might but the rest of the Cinderclaws will feed your flesh to the endless destruction!” He then expires.
Diana claims the leader guantlet and we spread out his items and money for distributing.
We turn the place upside down, trying to understand the Writting on the wall and why the floor has a glass like sheen. We can’t think of what the wall might mean but the floor could have been the result of a experiment gone wrong.
Moving further in we find a series of arches and arrayed into a circle with statues of elven goddesses standing watch. At last. We made it to the ring! Now how do we open it? Renelia, our unfortunate spider woman still needs to go home and hunters gate is closed. While we search for hints on how to work a magic portal Diana approaches a massive pair of brass doors. I have to jog to her side before she gets hurt again! Why does she always do this? I manage to join her side just as she touches the doors. Suddenly a massive metal warrior materializes from the door!
“Halt! None may enter except those who bare Elsettas mark!” The mark? I wrack my brain for ideas but I’m coming up blank. Mac seems to remember something because she instantly begins casting a cantrip.
The metal man becomes testy with our group linger too long. He begins beating up Diana and none of her defenses don’t even appear to lesson the blows! One after another she takes those hits as I maneuver begins and heal her. I throw the star knife at the metal man but it simply bonus off his back and roll off out of reach. Mac presents a symbol towards the construction but it does nothing to halt its attacks. Diana’s Is enraged. She roars with anger and retaliates with the full force of her might and soon the metal man falls to pieces.
With the last defense removed we finally search the confines of this tiny room. It’s a simple array of a desk and chair with a chest in the corner. Paper is scattered all over the place. Looking into the chest we find more documents. Diana flips through the pages till her eyes catch something and widen.
“I think I found something!”
Huddling over her shoulder I understand her shock. It’s the deed to the castle!!
This could mean many things. This band of individuals through grit and determination has not only chased off a cult but have become the new proud owners of a castle. My word. Mother would be proud.
It’s certainly is exciting. I never had a place of my own. Quin looks more stressed then before.
“Great. We have a decayed castle. How the heck are we going to pay for it?”
Oh... i did not think of that

-Arun

[dragonforgotten]

I’m back in the darkness. Back in the suffocating tunnels and smoke that burns my eyes and lungs. The burns near my head sting with agony just like the day I received them. Back in the misery and suffering as whips lash at my exposed back and chains rattle as they weigh down my legs and arms. I can’t take it anymore! Please! Make it stop.
Suddenly I’m pulled down into the floor by my chains into a sea of black icor. Submerged into a sea of darkness, sinking further and further into its unknown depths. All I see is darkness.
I look around trying to find the light but all is dark, cold. My wounds scream in pain as the blood swirls up above to a unseen surface. Suddenly someone grabs my face and forces me to look down. I see him. His terrible face invading my vision as his nails painfully bit into my throat, drawing blood while the other one holds the chains that connect to my collar. A wide grin spreads across his lips
“I... see... you.”
——-

I scream shooting up from bed. The pups Yelp in surprise and are immediately in my face wondering what’s wrong. I simply pull both of them close to me and bury my face into their fur. That was bad. That was really bad. Their presents makes me feel better. Having someone by my side makes the nightmare easy.
“I’m alright now pups. Sorry for startling you both.” I give them a kiss on the head as they wimpier. Once they feel secure that I’m all right they settle back down with their red eyes watching me. I needs some water. I pick up Hati with some effort and place her back down to the floor as I escape from bed. Casting a light spell on the wall in front of me
I go to the basin and fill it with water and as I’m washing my face I look into the reflective surface of the water and freeze. Instead of the pale grey eyes I’ve come to known I’m met with only black filling my eyes. I stagger back afraid. What happened to my eyes!?
“No. No!” Grasp at my arms, digging my nails into my skin. The pain helps bring me back to my sense but then I feel disturbed by the relief. This isn’t natural. My eyes... I feel a indescribable loss in me but things being to make sense. Why I can suddenly see into the darkness. I take a deep breath. Peace. Calm.
I mill over my thoughts. What does this mean. What is happening to me? I can not say. My mother would have known but she is not here.
Of course. She doesn’t need to be here. My teachings have given me the clues to peice together this strange affliction.
I need to commune with my lady. Surely she will guide me.
I step outside briefly. It is still dark. But the moons are low. It is almost time anyway for the Dawn. I kneel In the open garden, holy symbol in hand and pray, thanking the goddess for ever bountiful kindness and mercy. The pups follow. Simply sitting by my side and wait. My eyes. They were the same as my mothers. Now the darkness has even stolen them. The loss I feel hurts but I feel my lady’s divine energy as I ask for my deal spells. At least with these eyes I can help my friends. I would have known our poor bard was in danger otherwise.
I pray as the dawn breaks into a glowing red. My prayers complete I turn back to my quarters. It at my desk and pull out my writing pools. A fresh piece of parchment on the table and I write.


Dear Alec
I hope everything has been well on your end. Much has changed here since you left.
It’s been at least a month since we became owners of castle Alterian.
Progress has been going well with rebuilding castle. I’ve spent much time speaking with crafts men and builders in recruiting help with the repairs and I made good friends with the wood artisan. Everything is almost in working order except for some areas. We’ve also mounted the Greater Barghest skull over the fire place as well. I’m calling it Ralladars hearth. You should have seen it. It was one of the most terrifying moments of my life but in the end the evil was slained.
Zombeine has become a important assets insuring the castle affairs are managed.
Our funds are dry but now it has become livable at least and the bumblebrashers have a place to live in the basement of the castle. We tried Inviting Balka but she prefers the caves she calls home. Renelia has stayed with us as we fix hunters gate. The pups have grown a lot. They also eat a lot as well. They really have come along way from the savage cruel monstrosity their could have grown into. I so badly wish to take them with me but I fear for them. Only time will tell if they can face battle by my side. I worry if they can handle the fires of battle. As for me I’m afraid a part of me has seem to have under gone a startling transformation. My eyes have become pitch black and I’ve gained the ability to see into darkness. I believe it is due to my Nidalese heritage. I heard story’s of some of my people gaining such an ability even when it is not welcomed but only to a select few. Only to those He takes interest in. I fear He has not forgotten me despite never haven stepped a foot into Nidal and all my efforts to turn away from his vile shadows.
We are going to be testing hunters gate tomorrow. If we are successful then we shall push into the unknown to hopefully put a end to the cinderclaws and uncover the truth.
I wish you well in your training. I wish you luck in your quest to knightdom.
-Arun Blacksun

I roll up the parchment and close it with a wax seal. Placing the letter into my pocket for pigeon delivery to hell knight quarters. I stuff my bag full with my items and give both my pups a pat on the head.
“I’ll be back soon. Remember what I taught you both. Please don’t eat anymore of the bumblebrashers. Daddy love you both.” I give them a quick hug and depart to meet the res rod my companions. It’s time to see if we can get hunters gate running again.
————

We all arrive to see Renelia talking to Farooque as he’s examining the gate.
“My friend! How are you?” I claps hands with him with a smile.
“It’s good to see you.” His smile falls as he notices my face.
“Are you alright!? Your eyes, there...” I advert my gaze. I already went over this with the party. Of course they were taken aback by the change. They were too busy at the time to notice but once we began to gather the documents to transport and our affairs with the castle inorder did Diana suddenly want to inspect my face. Diana as equiantly in her own fashion asked “what the hell happened to your eyes?” Of course I didn’t believe her till I saw them this morning. I thought it was just a trick if the light. Mac thought it was just one of those weird things my people supposedly do so didn’t question it. I sigh.
“I know my friend. I now possess the ability to peer into darkness. I rather not talk about it right now but I hope this allows me to help everyone. I hope you understand.”
He claps me on the shoulder.
“That’s all right my friend. Just know I don’t think of you any less.”
Renelia steps away form the portal
“Alright. I think it should work now.” I smile. That’s good news. Valero’s tabs the magic arrowhead charm to the portal and it strings to life. The entryway fills with swirling energy and suddenly Diana goes charging off without any warning. I grab onto her, hanging onto her arm.
“Di, Wait! Please! Let’s think this through!” I beg her but she’s still moving. Dragging me with along her into the portal. Immediantly a oppressive wave of heat blasts into us as we emerge on the other side. I release her stunned by what I’m witnessing. We’re in underpins caven, a single path forward as molten lava sloshes off the walls. Where are we?
“Wow...” I mutter amazes by this sight. Some members of my band begin appearing behind me but Diana still moving. I sigh. Why is she always leaving me behind!?
“Wait up!” I start jogging after her. I reach her as she stop, squinting ahead just in time to her her complain about the heat.
“Why.. do you keep doing that!?” I exclaim gasping for air. Why does she always make me chase her!?
“I swear one day your going-.” I’m cut short as the roar of fire screams into our ears. Dark Flames gather together and form a massive dragon! I’m left speechless. Holy.... I...
The two of us stand in its massive shadow, mere ants in its massive fiery frame! Diana raises her sheild as my eyes widen. I raise my tiny buckler. I’ve never seen a dragon but if this compares to all I’ve heard this one lives up the the tales even if this one is fake. But I can still feel it’s blazing heat. Just standing near it is heating up my chain shirt. Compared to thIs this my shield might as well be a toy!
The dragon rears back it’s head. It’s gong to breath fire! I close my eyes, gritting my teeth. Well. I’ll be seeing you sooner then I thought... my goddess... mother, if you still alive.. I hope I made you proud.
Just as I hear the the rattling in hail and the cracking building of fire it suddenly stops. Everything’s quiet.
I peel open a eye to see Meri bent near a crack in the wall near us, tools in hands.
“I reversed the energy. It shouldn’t bother us anymore.”
I literally collapse to the ground as I release a sigh. I push my hair out of my sweating face amazed I’m still here. That was close. Too close. Oh thank the ever burning light and Meri’s quick hands.
It is then that Mac and Chi catch up to us.
“I told you so! That was the image of Dahak!”
“Mercy’s light.” I mutter as I stand up still shaky but nothing but walking can help that. We stagger out of this super heated cave only to be blinded by the intense light and assaulted by the sounds and smells of birds and insects and the heat. That oppressive heat has now turned from being into a oven to being in a sauna. Taking in the scenery it appears we’ve some how traveled from tepmerate forest to a tropical rainforest. I’m left speechless by its grander. Teacher only took me to the desert once during my early years of training with fellow Sarenreanites. It’s so different from the arrid dryness of that place compared to the wet humidity here. Looking at the moist ground disease and poison is in the back of my mind. This is perfect habituate for it. Diana groans loudly, trying to pull her hair out of her face. I tuck one side of my hair behind my ear. At least one side of my head I don’t have to worry about. I look behind us to see connected to the cave system we just emerged from us a massive temple. Before us stands a large white pillar with a dragons head ontop, a mysterious sack at its base. Just as we step forward to take a look the tightening of bow strings alert us. We’re surrounded By elves! Lots of elves.
We immediately raise our empty hands. They yell at us but have no idea what their saying. Renelia is at a list of what to do. At least till Chi steps forward.
“I got this. Don’t draw your weapons.” She steps forward and communes with them in elvish.
One steps before us, a tall man decorated in war paint and begins speaking to her. They exchange a few words and the elven man raises a hand and the elves lower their bows but their hands still at the ready to shoot.
The man then steps forward and speaks in common.
“I am Jahsi of the Leopard clan. My mother is of the River Clan. We are the Ekuji elves.”
“How do you speak common?” Chi asks, eyeing him with great supsion. He laughs.
“That would be from my daughter Nketiah. Our lore master. She is a very bright young woman.”
We ask our questions and he tell us that they have been guarding this site for many ears. Protecting and preventing hunters gate from being opened until recently. The cinderclaws took the key from its resting place and attacked them here. The clan has been fighting the cinderclaws for a long time. It appears that in their country they’ve taken on even more draconian features and have become even more powerful. They fought bravely but still some of the
Charau- kas and boggards that make up the cult manage to slip into the cave behind us and enter hunters gate with Renelia. They couldn’t follow due to the darkness that dwells in that place. They swore to never enter should it still live. Our emergence from the cave made them weary of us. Chi explaining of our past run in with the cult and our mission sets them at ease but they clear do not trust Romely. I’m not sure. I’m not sure why. I honestly thought I was going to be the problem funny enough.
He also tells us where we are located but it does not make much sense to me. I can only make heads that we are in a jungle and indeed we are very very very far from home.
I notice there’s a bandage in his neck and just as I’m about to ask if he needs medical assistance Mr wizard cuts me off. I go quiet, a little inkling if annoyance flittering through me before I squash it.
“It is fine. I was not careful enough.” He says but by the way he growls I can tell he is not happy they managed to harm him.
“Could you tell us more about
With tensions between us and the elves settled I catch Diana looking into the sack near the base of the broken pillar.
“Some some gold bars.” Peering over her shoulder I see the bars but there’s a oily substance on it.
“Let me see.” She turns the bars over to me and I hold them in my hands. The moment I touch it the oil get all over my hands but nothing happens. It get a weird smell to it. Me wizard tries to take the bars off me for a second look but I refuse to hand them over telling him to wait. Giving me time to think. Then it hits me. Oh...
“It’s poison!” I immediantly pull out my alchemist tools and work to neutralize the poison. The oil pours off the gold as I place the neutralize the gold.
“Did it!”
“But your hands!?” Farooque point out. I look down at them to see that my fingers have become back. I should be really worried but I’m not. Maybe their just dirty? I shrug.
“It’s fine. Nothing I can do about it right now.”
With this affair in order we travel with the elves back to their village. They have graciously allowed us to stay with them and learn more about the cult and this land. We reach a clearing of many massive trees. This is the village but I don’t see the houses. Where are they? Chi pokes me and point up. Ohhhh. There in the trees. Suddenly a woman elf comes swinging down from the trees, one arm a long wooden tendril which hold her as she propels down. Once she touches the ground her arm reforms into a wooden hand. Chi eyes widen with interest.
“I am Nketiah, of the Leopard Clan. My mother was of the Stargazer Clan. You are guests of the Ekujae tonight. Welcome to our lands.”
I smile and we all share our greeting. I’m glade we are not the only ones to speak common here. She then once again ascends to the village above as ropes are thrown down.
I’m suddenly grateful that my time adventure has allowed me to grow stronger now.

-Arun

[Aileen]

My name is Nadja, ranger of the North. Or the West if you're from more civilized places. South if you hate yourself and love the cold. East if you are fish.

Laszlo, my husband, and I set out into the jungles for our honeymoon along with my dog Bruce the Beast. He is very dumb dog, but also smart. I think he does it on purpose because he knows he is cute? He can rip things apart, I swear!

My Laszlo also is beast sometimes. I like it when he gets big and angry. I marry him because of his body but he is also very good man. He may have experimented with chemicals a bit too much, but it's always fun to see what he comes out with next. We met three years ago and finally became husband and wife just two weeks ago.

Our honeymoon has been an adventure in itself. I love the jungle and am familiar with it, but it has not been easy. My sweet Laszlo saved my life a few days in when poison snake bit me on the nose. He doesn't believe me when I say it jumped up and bit me. He is right, I definitely walked right into it hanging from a tree- but he can't know he is right! My poor nose swelled up so bad that I could not see, and strong brave Laszlo carried me all the way to village after getting lost many times. If not for his magical elixirs i surely would have died.

Honeymoon nearly ruined, we continued into the jungle and came across strange group of people. Bruce liked them and their fat lioness, so we decided to stay and adventure with them. They even have black eyed priest! He is adorable young man, I think I will adopt him. I am your new mother now little demon boy!

We had a big fight with some scary evil pole and a dragon thing? I have never seen a dragon, maybe it was one? Anyway, I shot it. Right in the lung. It nearly fried everyone including my beloved. After all of us fighting it tooth and claw, finally I shot it so hard in it's hand that it died! I Nadja of the North killed a dragon-thing!

I help Diana the buff lady knight with her injuries, and it is clear that my healing touch is not of much use. Just wait until they try my wilderness remedies, though! Pain? Hemp. Sad? Hemp. Crippling sword wound? Hemp!

Poor demon boy gets very ill as we are preparing camp. I've seen illness like this before in the jungle, and never does it end good. He doesn't even eat anything we offer. When Bruce curls up with him I know it is bad. Bruce thinks he is healer dog, but he is really fighter dog!

"Black Eyed Priest, you must not die!" I beg him, mopping his sweaty brow.

"Mother," he whines, reaching up for my face.

"Sleep, my son!" I whisper to him, wiping a tear from my eye. He is my boy, now, I am so honored to be mother to Black Eyed Priest!

In the morning he purges the sickness in a sickening display of vomit, and seems all better. I am so happy Black Eyed Priest is alive, I must not lose my new son!

A little bird came and told us where to go in the jungle, and we trusted it... I've been mislead by bird before and not sure this is good. But this is not evil pigeon like last time. It lead us to another dragon pole. And then the frogmen come!

I do enjoy eating frog men, I look forward to dinner tonight. Bruce dog will be so pleased!

- Nadja

[dragonforgotten]

The clan is going to throw us a celebration feast for us. I’m amazed how fast they’ve become enamerbed with us. I guess walking through a magic portal and getting past a firey illusion of death means a lot. My fingers are still black. I’m about to go to the Sharmen to get a second thought on this manner when I hear that a hunting party is going to go out to collect tonight’s feast. Hunting animals can be a dangerous buissness. I start feeling guilty. I can’t abandon them. What if someone gets hurt or poisoned. I can’t rest assured knowing I could help them avoid pain and injury just because I’m worried about myself. I must follow them. It’s better to be safe then sorry.
Almost everyone seems to think the same because the entire party is joining in. Chi especially is looking to prove herself infront of the elves. Farooque looks at my hand worried.
“Are you sure my friend. What about your hands?”
“They’ll be fine. I just won’t touch anyone with them.” Diana looks especially uncomfortable as she swats at a misquote. Her hair has frizzed form the heat.
I go to the head of the hunting party unsure of myself. He’s an imposing man and I’m even wondering if he’ll understand me.
“Excuse me. I hate to be a bother but I don’t want to step on anyone toes. Is there a spot I can go where I won’t be a pest?”
She speaks to me in elvish and I begin to become fluster.
“Oh sorry! I didn’t realize!”
He laughs waving me off.
“I jest. I am Akosa, of the Hawk Clan. My mother is of the River Clan.”
“Your not part of the Leopard Clan?” Im so confused! So many clans!
“I’m staying here with Jahsi while I sort some things out. Anyway You will follow our lead. Just don’t get in our way.” I can tell from his disposition that he is not too fond of us. I don’t blame him. His people are going a lot out of their way to make us foreigners feel welcomed. We have not earned his trust. I hope we can change that by proving ourselves in this hunt. We begin the hunt. We follow the trail as I ask about what would be the best catch. He said waterboars are very prized hunts but if your feeling confident then a river crocodile would be of interest. If boars are anything like the northern ones I’ve seen
I hope we can take them down quick. I ask him to tell us more about himself. He says him and Jahsi have been close friends for a long. When his wife died he was by his side to help raise his daughter who has become a respectable and beautiful woman. He continues to speak highly personally of Jahsi. He’s worried about him greatly. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow but I say nothing. I can tell. It’s in the look in his eyes. He relaxes in just reliving the memories of his time with him. I know his heart. That there’s something more then just friendship there but It is not my place. Love is like fire. It can banish the darkness and warm the heart but it’s absences can bring pain. I’ll need to know more of Jahsi, if he’s ready to move on and release the dead from his heart, to live on in memory.
We find a trail. It’s herd of water boar. Excellent. Chi impresses yet again with her ability to read the earth. Akosa has spread out as we close in. There they are. In a clearing are massive boars. At least five fat pigs. That could feed a village for weeks perfect. We begin to close in. I close in silent as I blend in among the underbrush and shadows. I’m filled with nostiaglia. If the day I escape. They weren’t watching on day. My burns infected. It was freedom or a slow painful death in the darkness. I was angry. I did something terrible. Unforgivable, it was like I became a monster. I escaped the boarder of the city and hide in the brush and brambles. They almost caught me one five separate occasion but I ran and ran. I was free! It was such a beautiful feeling to be free. I walked for days on the verge of death then collapsed. Then teacher found me.
I snap myself out of the memories. I get closer. I’m a hairs breaths away and I wait for the signal. I draw my blade. I’m sorry but your sacrifice will need the hungry.
“SNAP!” All the the board jump squealing and run! I swing down but it runs out of reach and the herd is gone in an instant. Every head turns to the direction of the noise. Valaros stands on a large branch. He takes his foot off it and it makes another loud sound scaring the rest of the boars off.
“Sorry.”
Akosa face twists into fury! He begins screaming and shouting at the top of his lungs in elvish, jabbing Valaros with his finger into his chest then proceeds to hack away at a tree till deep gashes like it’s surface. I rub the heel of my hand into my forehead as I sheath my sword. Oh dear. He certainty doesn’t like us now.
The wall back to the village was just as painful. The hunting party Kees giving us nasty glares as we walk in complete silence. No ones in the mood to talk.
We make it back to find that Mr wizard and Romely had better luck then we did. They participated in a dance competition. What fun! I wish I could have joined in now. I’ve had to dance a few times for the dawnflowers holidays. Would have been a notice change to not include fire.
I go to see the Sherman but unfortunately I’ve missed my chance. She’s now busy and has no time. I look back down to my hands. Oh boy. I could go to the river to wash... no. Bad idea. That’s asking to be eaten. Also i can’t contaminate their water. I wonder around the village alittle aimless. When I look in their direction I see one or two small children following in my steps. I catch sight of a vase and stop walking. I raise a hand up and the vase hovers alittle off the table. The child screech in excitement as they gather around it and I manage to slip away.
I find the rest of the party trying to talk a fat lioness out of a tree. Chi was even able to scratch her ears after a few minutes of patient coaxing. The entire village comes out to see Chi becomes friends with Herriet. Everyone seems to warm up to us except for Akosa. He’s still angry. We sit down to eat a little and I hesitate looking at my hand. I really shouldn’t. I haven’t found a solution for my problem yet.
“Arun aren’t you going to eat? You’ve been walking all day.”
“Umm, ya, just about to.” I take some jerk from my bag and take a bit but as I’m swallowing my eyes widened with horror. Oh fudge buckets! I’m a moron! I start feeling violently ill and I feel like I’m going to be sick but I choke it down and drain my waterskin.
“Are you ok?” Diana asks.
“Ya. I’m alright. I was feeling alittle sick a moment ago but I’m ok now.”
She raises an eyebrow.
“If you say so.” Suddenly as we are talking a woman works by us. I nudge at Chi.
“Can you ask her if I can borrow that please. I need to take care of ‘this’ problem.”
Chi nods and translates for me. The woman hands me the bowl and I fill it with water, retrieving the soap from my bag. Time to get rid of this problem.
I scrub at my hands and my fingertips are no longer black. Suddenly a shadow looks over me. It’s Nketiah.
“It’s a good thing your washing your hands now before the feast. That was Arsenic.”
Everyone goes silent as the weight of her words sink it.
“...what?”
“Indeed. Your very lucky but you should be fine through. You would have felt the effects otherwise.
Just as we finish speaking Nketiah
“Tavelers it’s time for the feast.”
A spread is placed before us if fruits and vegetables. I can finally eat without worrying about poisoning myself now!
I apologized for our inability to help in the hunt. She tells us it is fine. Their diet is largely plant base, that the hunting for us. Oh.. I wish we knew that. They would have helped them gather instead. I guess I’ve learned we should always assume anything.
Just as the feast winds down Nketiah approaches Diana, whispering to her before parting. We all raise an eyebrow and lean over to her asking what was going on. Diana sighed exacerbated.
“She wants me to hook up Akosa and Jahsi. She’s sick of them pinning.”
Everyone’s taken aback except for me.
“It seemed obvious. Just didn’t think he’d want me mettling in his love life.”
Romely gasps, eyes glowing.
“I can play them some lovely romantic peice I’ve been working on!”
“I’ve got the glitter!” Me wizard exclaims. I sigh. Excellent ideas but alittle too in our face.
“Guys keep its subtle.” I advice. Diana sighs.
“All sounds good, just don’t go over board. I’ll go talk to them. You can play the music and you can do the mood lighting. Wish me luck.” She groans looking completely out of her element.
“I believe in you Diana. You got this.” I mutter. Wondering if she does got this. She’s always been alittle too heavy handed with matters of peace. She goes over to Jahsi and they talk. I watch the man blush as Diana returns to her seat. He goes over to Akosa and dance alittle in the dance floor with him. Suddenly their holding hands and he a dresses the crowd their love for each other. The entire clan break out into cheers and applause. I’ve never seen Akosa so happy as he then kisses him love. Wow! I look at Diana wiping a tear from my eye.
“I’m so proud of you!”
“I’m good a talking as well!”
“Yes but this is the first time I’ve seen it without you swearing or threatening someone!”
The festivities go along and we all enjoy the music and joy of the party. So far so good! We’re making friends and Akosa no longer hates our guts.
I’m in the middle of drinking some wine when a we’re approached by a native. They call us out that foreigners can’t stand the spice of their peppers. Not wanting to prove them right we all sit at the round table as the children sit next to us and the bowls of colorful peppers are placed before us.
“I’ve never had peppers? Are they good?”
Diana breaks into laughter.
“You haven’t!? This I got to watch first.” I look back at the bowl and pick up one and bit into it. I like it! It burns alittle but it is not bad. I eat the rest of the bowl without any trouble and so does the other group. One child drops and the next bowl comes out. I eat it and it starts getting uncomfortable hot.
“You doing ok their?” Diana asks smirking.
“Oh I’m alright. It’s getting really really hot all of a sudden. Why is that?”
“No reason.” She then snickers. I struggle to finish the bowl but I make do so. Two more children drop from the contest.
Then the third bowl comes out and I eat the first pepper and start screaming.
“Holy F*** S****! Mother ****! ” I collapse to the ground clutching my throat! It burns! It burns!!!
The bowl is still on the table! I will not admit defeat! I summon up as much power as and crawl! Crawling back to the table and finish the bowl with my mouth burning. I don’t even notice how small the table is now. The next bowl comes out and I’m filled with dread. I don’t want to! But I must! I am Nidal. We stand wrost pain then this! I will not be defeated devil fruit! I eat the fourth bowl and when I scream I can feel my voice break just from the force of the scream. I collapse back to the floor crying and wretching. It’s the wrost pain I’ve felt in a long long time and for one disturbing moment I like it before clutching my throat again coughing.
“Make it stop! Make it stop!! Oh gods I’m dying!” Through my water eyes I barely see the spectator looking upon me with pity, their eyes almost begging me to stop. The last bowl comes out as I manage to grab ahold of myself. I crawl back to the table one last time, supress the urge to vomit as the peppers hang under my nose.
“I... will not be... defeated!” I devour all the peppers at once in the vain attempt to avoid the pain. Oh boy I was wrong. An inferno burns me from the inside. It’s tears up my guts and I summon I dig deep inside myself and sit back up at the table. At last! I have manage to sit back in my seat again. I flop my head onto the table chest heaving as I’m left wheezing
The audience appaulds and suddenly my arm is lifted up.
“The winner is the priest!”
“He won!?”
“I won..?” I ask confused
“He spent half of that time crying and vomiting! How did he win?!” Diana asks incredulous. Then the peppers hits my stomach. I turn green and rush towards the edge of the plateform and become violently ill as I fill the contents of my stomach into the jungle. I now know for sure that I dispise peppers. I hang over the ledge, my stomach twisted in knots and my mouth still burning with bile and spice. Someone drags me away by my ankles and helps me into a chair as the crowd gives me a pat on the back. I’m then presented a set of small vials.
“Here is your prize! Five bottles of pepper-!”
“NO! No! Please! Not again! Please! No! No!” I scream voice broken and cracked
“Sir! Sir! Calm down! You don’t have to drink them. Their vails of anti paraylsis potions.” I say nothing, perfering to just rest on the table.
“I’ll just put those in his bag. Thanks.” Diana then takes them from her and puts them into my bag. Someone is kind enough to give me a cup of water, a jug in one hand. The cup isn’t enough. I take the jug and down the entire thing feeling alittle better. I then place a hand on my throat and heal the damage I’ve done to myself. The crowd begins to disperse as we are shown to our rooms. I don’t speak to everyone this time. Diana informs us that we leave in the morn and I simply nod my head and slink into my quarters. I’m too tired from the day I had and my body abused. I pass out the moment my head hits the pillow.

[dragonforgotten]

We leave the village with the rising sun but not without gifts.
Nketiah, Akosa, and Jahsi all showed us with an array of gifts. Jahsi hands me prayer beads decorated with the symbols of his people but the moment it leaves his hand and enters mine it undergoes a startling change. In an instant the emerald greens transform into red blue and gold, an angle ankh dangling from the necklace. I stare at it wide eye. I’ve never been given a gift so extravagant before! I’d hug him if he didn’t seem like one who shuns physical contact
“T-thanks you!” Akosa gives Valarious his bow, telling him of his past and my eyes widen. We are more simlair then I thought. I say nothing though. Even I do not like to be reminded of the darkness of my past.
I can’t thank the three of them enough for all these generous gifts!
We march through the jungle determined to destroy those mysterious Dahak pillars that have been sapping our new comrades strength. Fighting back the foliage and insects more then any monster though. When dark falls Chi helps set up camp and the night passes without interest. We’re packing up the tents we hear loud chatter heading towards us. Two humans blunder through the forest loudly with their chatter, a dog at their heels. The woman is tall with black curly hair while the man has straight black hair. They stop the moment they see us.
“Nadja look! Adventures! Hello there!” He waves and I raise an eye brow up and wave.
“Welcome! I’m Arun. Are you both injuried?”
The woman gasps and holds onto the man.
“Laszlo Dear look! This ones got black eyes.”
I blush and avert my eyes feeling ashamed.
“Are you human lad?” Asks the man getting close to me, trying to look me in the eyes.
“Umm. Yes, I’m Nidal.”
“Young demon boy do you cry black tears?”
“Ah sir, I dont understand. what do you-?” I yelp, his foot violently slams into my foot. He gasps pointing.
“See! I knew it! Black eyes priest does cry black tears!”
“Why would you do that!?” I ask incredulous, foot throbbing.
I wipe at my eyes and too my amazement the tears are indeed black but thankfully don’t leave a stain on my skin. This is unnatural what happened to them! I am now completely unfamiliar with my own biology now! It’s strange. I don’t like that the darkness has invade my body and corrupted my eyes.
I sigh.
“I apologize for my eyes. They changed recently and I’m still trying to understand them myself. I rather not talk about it please
I sigh involuntarily.
“I miss my grey eyes.” I mutter to myself
Suddenly she’s in my face with the man and I lean back really uncomfortable.
“Look at my eyes! There grey!” She shouts as I practically hide in my hood and turtle neck.
“Umm... yes, I can see that. Their very beautiful madam. Would you kindly give me my space back. Your closeness is bothering me.”
Diana then pushes herself infront of me. Giving me the opportunity to retreat near Farooque.
“Besides harassing our holy man who are you people?”
They step back smiling as they hold hands.
“I am Nidja, this is animal husband Laszol. This is Bruce. Not smart but very cute. We are on honeymoon.”
“In the jungle!?”
“Yess! Beautiful time of year!”
I look between the both of them. These people.. they seem alittle crazy... I will help them!
The honeymooners decide to help us in our quest but I feel their eyes on me as I walk. It’s alittle unnerving his focus their attention is on me. Have they’ve never met another like me before? Once again the days uneventful. We check the temple where The illusion of Dahak emerged but don’t find anything and it’s time to set up camp again. As I’m setting up the tent I’m approached by Laszol holding a bottle.
“Little black eyes priest. Drink potion.”
I raise an eye brow again confused. Little? I’m tall then him!
“...ok...” I take the potion and look at it.
“What’s in it-?”
“Drink it!” I chug it down instantly! Drat! My military training kicked in. Once it hits my stomach a chill runs through my body. Suddenly black fur begins grow up my arms and claws begin extending out from my fingers, my teeth grow into fangs and fill out my mouth uncomfortably!
“W-what!? How!?” I sputter looking at my claws in amazement as Laszol laughs.
“You like! New beast formula is good yes! Beautiful Wife’s favorite!”
I roll my jaw trying to speak through the fangs as my voice comes out in quiet growls.
“It’s amazing but not much use for me. I appreciate the gesture.”
“Good on ya then!” He then slaps me in the back and I nearly fall over into the mud but I find my balance. Between Nadja and Chi camps set up and we settle down in our tents. The camp isn’t as well set up as before but it will do. As I settle down into my bedroll I go over about my thoughts about the new people. So, honeymooners in the jungle. They baffle and confuse me but They mean well. They seem fixated on me for some reason. I haven’t got a clue why. They are so strange but their kindness is so genuine. I hope they stay around for awhile. I roll over in my bed roll and drift off to sleep despite the jungle heat.
——-

I woke up covered in insect bits this morning. I manage to fix them but there in the back of my mind as we pack up. We continue walking till we come across a large wooden pillar with a black dragon head. Looks like we found the first one to destroy. If we get rid of these the elves can move freely in their jungle again and the cultists will weaken.
Diana steps forward to inspect the pillar as me and Farooqu begin to forward to join her side. I’m abit Puturbed that she keeps running off without me!
Two steps in the totem begins to turn its head towards Diana as a screech bring our attention far behind it. It’s a Charau- kas but something’s wrong with it. It’s more draconian then monkey. A large pair of dragon wings sits on its back as a long reptilian tail swings back and forth. It shrieks again in rage dancing back and forth. My eyes narrow. This ape is going to be a challenge. I can just tell. Suddenly black energy beam shoots out from the totems eyes and strikes Diana. She grimaces but doesn’t seem to bothered as she charges in Farooque right after.
Suddenly the ape screams are cut short as an arrow finds its mark in its chest. His hoots become rasping growls as he struggles for breath. What an amazing shot! Farooque then begins to beat on the ape but just as he ready for its strikes the statue shoots out another set of rays and it’s now Farooques eyes that fill with black!
“Farooque! Are you ok!?”
“I can’t see!” Oh no! I turn my gaze to the statue. Dirty trick! I should have asked my goddess for the power to restore sight! Ah! I’m sorry my lady! I lack foresight!
I raise my hand out and cats a searing light from my hand. It slams into the totoem but it looks completely unharmed by the damage!
“It’s immue to fire!” I call out and start running towards the battle! Why are they so far away! The ape begins viscously tearing into Farooque as he fails blind against the creature. Laszol races past me in a very beastile form snarling. Suddenly the ape takes in one deep haggard breath and flames shoot from its maw burning everyone in front of me.
I finally arrive among my companions just as lightening Sears the pillar. Farooqu and Laszol do not look well. I then concentrate summoning the divine energy stored in my body and release it as it washes over the wounded except for the ape and the pillar. Arrows strike the ape with devastating force. It wheezes and staggers before finally dropping to the ground dead. I look back at the archer, her pup wagging its tail. Those were still amazing shots. That’s over 100ft!
With the dragon ape dead we all push the totem pole over and hack away at it while I bind wounds and repair Diana’s sheild. The drinking of metal echoing through the humid jungle.
————

The sun is sinking low into the horizon as it’s decided now is the time for camp again. Traveling along were searching for safe place to pitch the tents when I start feeling weak. My head feels heavy and the jungle temperature has gone from bareable to intolerable. Its heat begins to sap my strength as we move, my feet drag. We find a safe, defendable area and begin to pitch up tents. I barely manage to pitch it up before I have to sit down gasping for air as I’m paralyzed by pain. Chi comes to me with the misquote netting as normal, Nadja tailing next to her to her fixing up tents. They then catch sight of me and instead of moving on she comes to me.
“What’s wrong? Your tent was sagging to one side.”
“I-I don’t know. Everything’s on fire.” I manage and that brings her attention and the rangers as well. Chi bends down, pushing the hair off my forehead as she rests her hand on it before quickly pulling it away.
“You have a dangerously high fever! Why didn’t you say anything!?”
“I’m sorry.” Nadja then joins her gasping.
“Poor black eyes priest! Do not be sorry!” She then try’s to pull me into a hug but Chi stops her.
“Do you want to get sick as well!?”
“Poor boy is sick! He needs a mother’s touch!”
“He’s not a child. He doesn’t need you coddling him like one.”
There outburst attracts the attention of the rest of the party and they begin hovering over me worried.
“What’s going on here?” Asks Diana annoyed.
“Arun’s ill.” Diana sighs, pinching her brows, thinking but I can see the worry in her eyes. I don’t like being such a burden. This will slow us down. I can’t not slow us down. I feebly reach for my belt and pull out the anglic holy symbol and hold it to my chest
“Oh fire of light and mercy. Purge this corruption from my body and make me whole-..” I stagger in my incantation as pain shoots through me and I double over in pain, interrupting the spell.
“It’s no good.” I whisper voice ragged. Chi sighs.
“Looks like I’ll have to nurse you back to health then. We’re going to be for a long night. Farooque can you help him undress. I can’t work around the armor.”
“I can help poor boy!”
“You can see him when he’s settled.”
Diana then bends down and picks me off the ground, easily carrying me into My tent. Once Diana leaves, Farooqu helps me out of my chain shirt and cloths. I’m grateful that she asked Farooque. I don’t like people seeing my scars. I catch Farooque glancing at my upper arms and I have to look away.
“Did you...?”
“I don’t want to talk about that time my friend. Not now.”
He says nothing but a quiet nod to the head. He helps me into my bedroll and departs.” The sickness begins to burn inside my body as Chi steps inside with her medical tools. She does a series of tests but can’t find the source till i stagger outside and become violently sick and it comes away bloody. We both know what it is now, Chi eyes narrow with thought. I heard about this in my readings. Disentry.
She helps me back to bed as i Iay there in misery.....
——
My vision starts to get blurry. It’s become a struggle to even try to sleep when my stomach keeps twisting in pain. People keep swimming in and out of the haze of pain and fever. It’s getting harder to tell who’s been in my tent and who hasn’t. Im so tired, so thirsty. Chi always by my side trying to get me to drink but I can only turn away from it feeling sick.
“I’m sorry. I’m slowing everyone down.” I mutter.
“Don’t be stupid. You didn’t ask to get sick. Just rest and try to recover.”
Eventually she leaves me to rest and I sink into a fitful rest.....
I’m disturbed from one of my sleeps when someone sits me up in bed and tries to make me drink something.
“Drink. You must drink black eyes preist.”
I groan turning away from it as he tries to skip it past my lips.
“Please. You must drink this. Will fix your sickness.” He tries again but I push him away weakly. Suddenly I turn away from him and heavy into the floor. I’m caught by another set of hands.
“He can’t drink or eat anything yet. Just leave him be. Let him rest. Well try later.”
I’m lowered back to the bedroll and the blanket pull over me. Everything goes quiet after...
——

It’s so dark... the pain... it’s so hot. Please.
A dog then rests it’s snout on my chest whimpering. Hati? Skoll? Is that you?
Suddenly I feel someone run their hand through my hair, speaking softly as I lean my head against the touch. It’s not Chi. She’s very heavy handed in her care.
I peel my eyes open and all I see is a pair of grey eyes and a curtain of long dark hair shillohetted against the candle light. It so painfully familiar. She’s speaking but I can’t hear all of what she said. He wipes the sweat from my brow, her eyes creased with worry as my eyes widen through their half gazed stare.
“-you must not die!" She begs me tears in her eyes. It can’t be! It can’t be! It has to be. Please let it be.... I reach for her face
“mother...” I whimper, her breath hitches as my hand finds her face. She takes my hand in hers.
"Sleep, my son!" She whispers, wiping a tear from her eye. It is her! Tears start spring to my eyes.
“I thought I lost you forever...” I whisper to her in shadow tongue. She simply pats my head, holding my feebled hand. I don’t want to go back to sleep. I’ve finally found her.
“I’ll be right here when you wake up. Please sleep.” My eyes feel heavy.
“Won’t you sing to me?” I ask her in shadow tongue. Her looks at me with confusion.
“I want to hear it once. Please” I ask again in shadow tongue. She simply lowers my hand onto my chest.
“Please get better. Please.” She tells me in common and pulls up the blanket to tuck me in. I can’t fight the pull off sleep as I didn’t off.
——-


It’s morning when I wake again, the sun just risen. I still feel just as horrid as I did before but my mind is alittle clearer. Chi has slipped into sleep in the corner of the tent, dark shadows under her eyes. Ive had it with this! I summon the strength to sit up in bed. Then I bring up all the will power I have to stagger out of the tent in the tree line and get on my knees and begin to pray for spells. The red glow of the sun brightens the land as I feel my lady’s blessings fill me. Now. Pressing the holy symbol to my chest and begin.
“Oh fire of light and mercy. Purge this corruption from my body, Im her name I plead for her grace to burn this sickness from my body and restore this servants strength.”
The waves of magic course through my body and I collapse to the ground throwing up all the corruption in my body. When the process is over I’m able to stand again, once again myself and better. I begin to clean my cloths and the mess in the woods and look to the sun. I’m ready now.

-Arun

[Aileen]

I am running out of arrows. This is punishment for having honeymoon in jungle. Laszlo keeps getting hit by frogmen, and he insists he must climb tree to get to them. Silly husband. I tell him,

"Laszlo- you are not monkey! You cannot climb tree!"

And he says.

"Nadja, hold my potions and watch this!"

And then he falls! Can't say I do not warn him! Such a man. Now he complains that he is injured from getting shot and I have to listen to it. Men.

Black Eyed Priest, my handsome and intelligent son Arun, dispels the magic on the totem pole that ends up being responsible for the frog men attacking us.

"My son! You are so brilliant!" I gush, grabbing him in a hug. "Such a strong boy!"

He blushes, awkwardly hugging me back.

"Fix your hair, Black Eyed Priest!" Laszlo tells him, trying to smooth it down.

"No, Arun, your hair is perfect!" I tell my boy.

Arun hurriedly combs it out of his face with his fingers. Laszlo still doesn't approve but I do.

"Do not listen to Laszlo, he has no sense of the fashion!"

"Huh?" Arun gives me an eyebrow.

"The sense of the fashion!"

".... right."

We make very nice camp for the night, and Laszlo and I do couple things while our son watches the dog. This is good honeymoon after all! Bruce loves his boy, and I fear he may stop listening to me in favor of Black Eyed Priest.

The next day we run into cultists? I don't know what their deal is, but our new friends did say something about evil elves or something... I was not listening. I ran into fight with my big sword, ready to have some fun, when dragon man sent fireball right over my head.

He. Hit. My. Dog.

I went crazy! I hacked him to pieces! Nobody hurts my dog!

Bruce, the good boy, had a singed snout but was not dead! Black Eyed Priest make him better, but I worry he could get killed. Bruce is strong dog, but he is dumb and does not run from danger. We will work on that.

I still need arrows. Maybe husband will buy me another wedding present?

- Nadja Kozlov

[dragonforgotten]

We’ve been surrounded! More frogmen are perched in trees shooting arrows down at us! They are not bloggerds but more like tree frogs. Far in the back of the thicket of jungle trees I see a violet dragon pillar shoot eye rays at Farooque as he begins to slow down. Laszol manage to hit one with a alchemist fire but it doesn’t fall out so he instead tries to climb up a tree. What a strange man. Looking at the frog men I notice their eyes are glowing a purple light. Something isn’t right. I cast out a calm emotions to the spell casters hiding behind the totem but he simply shakes it off. I then call upon the spiritual scimitar and it deals him a great blow but I can’t help but feel I’m making a mistake. I take another glance again at my foes as the spell caster makes traversing that much harder as Diana trunges along. Nadja delivers blow after blow to the frogmen with deadly accuracy, chi throws a fireball among them but they still do not fall down. Why are they fighting so despirtly? It then begins to dawn on me.
“Their being controlled! We need to focus on the pillar!” No one listens. The battles just too intense and our foes durable. Mr wizard Summons a ground drake as it begins to shoot flames. I need to do something! Wait!
I raise my hand towards the pillar.
“Dispel magic!” The light then dims from the pillars eyes. the frogmen shake their heads, confused and scared and begin to retreat but the my friends are still aggressing.
“Please stop! Their fleeing!” Slowly the fighting stops but not without two frogmen dropping from the trees. The spell casters turned back then turns back into a frog and also flees with his men. suddenly Mr wizard commands his dragon and a massive explosion lights up a tree, one charred frogman falling to the ground. I give him the most angrist glare I can muster.
“What?”
I can only shake my head as I turn the dead. With the battle settled Nadja
informs us in our attackers. They are not evil creatures, they are neutral beings that wish to be left to their own business. I’m sadden we didn’t realize this sooner. We simply lay the bodies together near the dead totem. They can come and collect their dead. For now we must continue forward.
I’m interrupted my my thoughts when suddenly I’m trapped in a hug!
"My son! You are so brilliant!" Nadja screams in my ear as I squirm startled.
"Such a strong boy!" I can feel face heat up
awkwardly I hug her back. Just as I escape
Laszol begins to ruffle the hair on my head.
"Fix your hair, Black Eyed Priest!" He tells me trying to smooth it down. He’s not having a hard time considering only half my head has long hair while the other half is just stubble.
"No, Arun, your hair is perfect!" Nadja then tries to style it in differently.
I don’t admit it but I kind of like the way they fawn over me. It really makes me think that for a moment I could have been their son.
I finally back off from the both of them as I put it back the way it was and out of my face
Laszlo still doesn't look satisfied. Nadja
"Do not listen to Laszlo, he has no sense of the fashion!"
"Huh?" I feel my eyebrow raise
"The sense of the fashion!"
".... right." Such strange people those two but very kind.
We counting our journey till it’s time for camp. I’m just about done pitching my tent when I’m approached by Nadja hanging off Laszols arm.
“Black eyed priest. Would you mind watch Bruce while me and husband have alone time.”
“Sure.” Bruce comes bounding towards me and licking my face as the two couple disappear into their tents. I don’t quite get why they need to be alone considering there isn’t anywhere they can go to really be alone with out tents so close together. Ah well. Least I can entertain Bruce. He’s such a good boy.
———-
We ran into more boggards the next morning along with a draconian monkey with a lizard tail. Diana leaves me in the dust again to
Engage them as Bruce stands by my side. Laszol drinks a potion, becoming more animal like as he cuts into the frogmen only to get caught by a tongue. Chi begins a barrage of fireballs, killing almost all of the boggards. I summon the scimitar again but not before I feel the fires of a fireball envelope around us and singe my skin. Poor Bruce whimpers at the heats burns his nose. Nadja face twists in rage and in a roar she cuts the ape down.
With a sigh and my wounds stinging me and chi begin the process of healing. Surprisingly Diana’s sheild is left in damaged. Looking ahead I wonder how far it will be till our destination. How many pillars will we need to destroy in order for this jungle to return to peace.


-Arun Blacksun

[Aileen]

"Laszlo, wake up! So lazy!"

He doesn't get up, so I guess I have to do all the work. This big dancing bird is really putting damper on honeymoon!

"Stop! Dancing!" I scream, and hack at it with new fun sword.

Arun does some holy magic, and the bird... birds? Fall dead! I still have green vines growing out of my arms, however. I pull one out with great pain, only for another to grow in its place. So I do only other thing I can think of and roll on ground. They stop hurting!

"Laszlo!" I walk over to him, finding Bruce laying with his snoot on him. "Laszlo, my love! Time to wake up, the bird is dead. Black Eyed Priest killed it!"

My dog looks up at me with sad eyes, and whines. I kneel down, rolling my husband over. He does not breathe. He is very, very pale.

"Black Eyed Priest! Help him!" I scream.

Arun cannot save him. Laszlo, my love of three years and husband of three weeks, is dead.

The druid burns his body. Everything with it as is custom of my people. What is his in life is his in death. Except me. I am widow now, and must marry next eligible man in Laszlo family. Who will it be?! I do not want to move on- Laszlo was love of my life and there will be no other.

We move further into the camp, finding a big cage... with big, massive lizard beast! Alas, I can be eaten by giant beast and rejoin my Laszlo! I walk to cage, looking appetizing, and reach my hand in for Mokole Mbembe, as druid call it, to smell. For a moment I think it will bite me, and I close my eyes as I wait for the jaws to take my life.

It nudges my hand, rumbling with happiness. I find myself petting Mokole Mbembe, and open my eyes. This is not death... this is... amazing!

"Hurry! We must free Mokole Mbembe!" I demand of the party.

Diana and crew works on the cage, fixing what they broke. Mokole Mbembe curls up in a ball, watching. Soon they have it open, and he gets up, walking to the door. He sees me and slowly walks out, lowering his head. I'm not sure what he is going to do, but I stand my ground.

Mokole Mbembe, the biggest creature I have ever seen, places his head on top of mine. He rest is so gently, although I know he could crush me so easy! He let's out a satisfied groan, and just stays there!

"Nadja, I think he is smitten!" Says Black Eyed Priest.

"I have three sons now!" I sob. "Laszlo would be so happy!"

Crazy Diana goes off to check out the noises in bushes ahead. Soon we hear the sounds of combat, and Druid yelling. We slowly make our way toward them, Mokole never leaving my side. Far away, in massive pit of mud, I see Diana laying in mud and druid fighting giant spiders! Black Eyed Priest runs ahead, leaving Mokole, Bruce and I at the edge of mud. Druid lady goes down, and Arun casts magic spell that makes the spiders stop fighting! All but one, that is.

"My friend- kill the spider!"

Mokole makes his cute noise, and runs toward the spiders. The ones that are not even fighting.

"No, Mokole! Go left! Not those ones!"

He turns, and I take a shot. I kill the spider!

"Stop, boy!"

He suddenly stops running, skidding to a halt. Mud flies up on either side of him, soaking poor Black Eyed Priest!

"Good boy! You are best boy!" I call to both of them. Bruce gives me a sad look. "You two, dog son."

We begin to retreat, and Mokole catch up to me. I scratch him on his big snoot, and then I see him look alarmed. Looking up, we are suddenly surrounded by many enemies.

"Mokole Mbembe..." I whisper "You're our only hope!"

~ Nadja, Widow of Laszlo Kozlov, mother of three beautiful boys

[dragonforgotten]

We stumble upon. A camp ground when suddenly a giant humanoid vulture hovers above our heads. Magic?! It then begins to dance and wave after wave of painful emetic pulses slam into us as the rest of us rush the bird. I stand sheild infront of my me, gritting my teeth as I send out a wave of healing to keep my friends standing. One slammed by another electrical pulse I fall to my knees and Laszol drops! I continue to press on with my healing chants as I’m wracked with pain. My eyes not leaving Laszol on the ground. I... can’t .. get to him. If I move I can not chant to heal everyone near me. I can only hope he is receiving her blessings as well. I send out another one as a another ripples through us and my heart jump as it washes over a dying Laszol! Suddenly over the crackling of energy I hear over the chaos from Nadja
“It’s some kind of fiend!” My heart turns cold and is set alight with rage. Demons! Another f*** demon is hurting my friends! I straighten my back and snarl at it.
“Cursed creature from hell! I may not be good at speeches but I will not let you live today!” Then raise my hand and shed a blinding ray of radiance but it simply weaves out of the blast as I growl.
I can only thank my goddess that it stopped its cursed dance and its brought out of the sky into the fray. Yes! We have it pined! But all hope begins to faulted when it begins to laugh. Suddenly it is consumed by a puff of green smoke and become multiple tiny creatures. My heart sinks. Painful thorns begin to grow out of Laszol and Nadja and I truly begin to fear for their lives! I’m left with a impossible choice. Drop all attacks in the hopes I can save Laszol without getting striked or strike the creature with the fury of my goddess and pray that her good energy is enough to drive it away and spare my friends so I may treat them. I raise a open hand and a lance of divine light fills my grasp. I then toss it with all the force I have and it strikes true. The creature screams and vanishes with a pop, the green cloud along with it. I waste no time and rush to Laszol who is surrounded by Bruce and Nadja. Yes! Yes! I’ve made your proud my goddess! Yes-...
My internal celebrations are cut short as I reach Laszol, stiff on the ground. Mrs Nadja looks at me frantic.
“Black Eyed Priest! Help him!" She screams as I drop to my knees at his side. I check his pulse. There is none.
My hands hovers over him for once unsure what to do, shaking as my heart grows cold. Oh Mr Laszlo... my tears bit at my eyes and stain his shirt as they fall. Nadja face twists in horror, denial but most painfully brief and lost all at once. She throws herself over his body, painful sobs muffled into his still chest. I simply kneel at their side in silence. I.. failed to save him. I should have helped him first. I should have. This is just like what happened in the mines. There was a cave-in and one of my friends was crushed under the lime. I pulled and pulled but I was weak from hunger and exhaustion. I was just as helpless to save him as I am now with me Laszlo. I never had a father figure in my life. I was starting to see him as one. I thought I’d never had to feel so helpless again. I was wrong. Oh Mr Laszlo...
I stand up and hook my arm with Mrs Nadja.
“Please come with me.” I ask her, she refuses to leave him at first but eventually she walks with me so Diana can carry his body back to camp. I walk with her crying to my arm with a heavy heart.
——

We burn Mr Laszol as custom to Nadja people. She asked if we wanted anything from his possessions but none of use felt right to take them so we sent them with him.
After the burning I took her back to camp while they clean up. She is inconsolable and all she wants to do is cry into my shoulder as a sooth her pain. Eventually she falls silent.
“Young Arun, do you think husband is happy where he is?” She asked me and I can safely nod.
“Oh yes. He was a good soul. He shall be welcomed with open arms and kindness.”
“Do you know where we go when we die?”
I pause for a minute thinking.
“I know all souls are given to Pharasma and then the gods collect the souls who served them. If he followed my goddess then She’d gladly take him to Nirvana with her legion of angles. If he followed Elestral the he shall live forever in his hunting lodge in peace and comfort among his great forest. All gods and goddess have a place for us.”
“And then?”
I think again trying to dig up what I learned in class.
“Well, I don’t know. I know with my lady some say souls who were good in life and desire to continue to serve her shall become angels.”
“And you want to be angel?”
“Oh yes. I’d like that very much. I’ve lived so long in the darkness that becoming a being of light and healing would be grand.”
“I hope you do one day but not too soon. I need my black eyed son.” I scoop her into a hug.
“I promise I’ll protect you in his stead. He wouldn’t want you to be alone or sad Mrs Nadja.”
—————-

We creep back into the camp and explore the demons next but find nothing but rotten meat when our eyes catch sight of a massive cage. My eyes widen as we get closer and he’s huge! A massive dinosaur with a long neck, whip like tail and a back lined with long spines recoils from us in the cage hissing. Chi racks her brain
For what it is.
“Hmm. This is...”
“Mokole Mbembe. He’s native to this area.”
Chi looks at me.
“How the heck do you know that?”
“I think I heard mention of a creature like that in the open markets when I was allowed to come above ground.”
Conversation stops there.
Nadji then approaches the cage and to our amazement she’s able to sooth him as she pets his great head.
“Hurry! We must free Mokole Mbembe!" She tells us. We hear a snap and turn our heads in that direction. It appears Diana and Mac have disabled the pulley system to open the door. I sigh.
“I got this.” I take out my tools and ten minutes later the pulley works again. We open the door and the great gentle gaint steps out shaking the earth and shaking his body as he stretches his limbs. How would lock up such a majestic animal. I’m completely enthralled by this great creature. I’ve never seen a dinosaur before but it brings the little kid out of me as I start fawning and petting him. I even use comprehend launguages so he can understand and hear us praise him. It seems I’m not alone in this. Everyone except Chi and Diana are busy petting and eyeing Mokole. They wonder off without my realizing where they gone till we hear a scream behind the massive mound of mud. I break from the Dino and sprint around the mount. Diana is bleeding heavily on the ground! Chia barely holding them off. I run as fast as I Can it I know I’m not fast enough as Mac easily passes me. I know what I must do to save Diana!
I begin to chant and two fo the spiders fall into a malaise. They wave their legs in the air unthreateningly as we all focus our wrath on the only combative mud spider. Diana keeps screaming at us to leave her but we all refuse. I will not abandoned our shield maiden! Not when theirs hope! I keep her from death door but in the end she is badly wounded. One decisive arrow ends the battle as suddenly the ground shakes. Mokole is charging straight for the spiders along with Bruce while we’re trying to drag Diana out of the fight!
“Stop, boy!" He does but strides kicking up mud! My eyes widen as Me and Farooque are splashed by the mud but he thankfully stops before my spell is broken. We manage to drag Diana back to us and retreat. Right into another awaiting danger.

-Arun

[dragonforgotten]

“Your wasting your efforts. I’m too injuries too survive this battle.”
“Shut up! I refuse to lose anyone else today. Just stay behind me this time!” I snap at my bloodied Paladin finally losing my patiences, nerves frayed as we stare ahead to the mob of Chiroka warriors screeching in the distance. Suddenly a cross bow bolt strikes romelie with deadly force but he remains standing, a small kobold darts behind one of the buildings. Diana charges forward before I can stop her. Hiding under my breath I rush forward using a table for cover as Mokole stomps forward towards the apes with Nadja and Diana. Farooque has the kobold cornered, it’s only escape forward is suddenly blocked when a massive man charged through the fray of enemies and holds his weapon in front of the kobold. He glances at Nadja briefly.
“Where is my brother?” He shouted but she turns away from him.
“He is dead Mikola! I am now widow!”
The man doesn’t reply, he somberly looks the kobold in the eyes and scream with rage. The kobold fumbles through there small bag till they grasp a small spherical object.
“Smoke bomb!” A female voice hisses as she disappears in the cloud, reappear past the magic circle. Chi then transforms into a snow leopard and easily over takes her, closing her jaws around her throat as the kobold shrieks in terror. Mokole stomps about, unable to charge so he then raises his massive tail and stuns all of the apes as our fighters back away at them.
I move forward healing Diana as my heart beats rapidly in my chest, hands shaking. I can’t keep up with her.
“For the love of my goddess Diana! Get out of there!”
She doesn’t listen to me, fury in her eyes as she continues to attack. I recognize the look on her face. It’s the face I’ve seen in some of my peers. Determination. Resolve. Acceptance.
I know it is pointless. She is begin called to action and nothing but her death or theirs will end it. She falls horribly wounded and covered in blood and I’m left with a choice. None of which I want to face. She will die if she does not receive healing but if I heal her she will stand, she will fight, and she will die. There is no choice. It’s beyond me what compelled her to such acts of suicide but who am I to question the gods as a servant of one myself.
I lower my head, tears in my eyes and give the last of my healing to her as she stirs.
Let her fight one last time for her god.
“Don’t do this. Please.” I beg one last time. She turns her head to me and I can see it in her eyes. A thank you and a goodbye. Her gaze lingers on me and She stands. The blades fall down quickly and she is gone.
I turn my attention to the living, enraged. I don’t think but act. I draw my scimitar and charge at Diana’s killers but in my frenzied haste I swing to wide and I receive a wound across my side. The barbarian Mikola pushes joins my side. One ape suddenly runs off the lip of the crevis in the ground and falls in. As he tries to climb up Mokole reaches his giant head down and bits him, sending the body flying over head into the jungle. The battle begins to die down as Mokole, our unknown barbarian ally and everyone’s help we dispatch the ape cultist, Chi carrying the dead Kobold back to us. I pull Diana’s body away from the hungry animal as he starts eating some of the bodies around him. With a full meal he turns to Nadja, lowering his head as she strokes it. When he is satisfied he turns his gaze to the jungle and quietly marches off, giving us only a passing glance as he our giant savior as he dissolved into the jungle.
I kneel before Diana saddened as I close her eyes, muttering a quiet prayer. She did not want to be buried in the jungle. I will respect her wish. I will carry her ashes back to the keep she called home. As I begin to take the items off her body and passing them around I come upon her sheild. Abused and broken. I hold it in my hands as it starts to comble to dust. This sheild has one weilder, her heart and courage bad it strong and with her spirit gone it has gone to join its mistress. I can feel the tears but at my eyes but I wipe them away and stand up.
This was Diana, she Lived by the sheild and Died by the sheild. She was my strong friend, my sheild maiden and now I will carry her with me till we see this journey through but am I ready to carry her burden? I will need time to reflect.

-Arun

[dragonforgotten]

Misfortune has fallen hard on our heads. We’ve made a grave mistake coming here. In one day we have not only last Laszol but our leader Diana. The group is aimless, unsure to either press on or fall back. I’ve been rendered without any magical aid in my end. The battles have been so challenging that I have exhausted all my resources my goddess provides me. I am now simply a holy man with a sword, a emblazoned buckler, one healing potion and a few cantrips. Everyone also is in similar dire straights now that we are faced with overwhelming odds. Tired from the fight we fall back into the kobolds house as I carry Diana into the house. The kobold apparently was very gifted with the alchemical arts. I try to discover the purpose of vails and bottles in her table with the tools I have but I am no alchemist. I can’t tell heads or tails what I am working with. We spend the time patching wounds and speaking quietly in planning as I mourn my friend. Our new companion in our adventures in the jungle is a strange barbarian who has an affinity towards dragons. What kind of dragon is beyond me. I don’t know much about dragons sadly. I know what I’ve been told and what I’ve seen and if there anything as scary as the illusion we saw in the cave he truely must be a warrior to be reckoned with. They certainly make Mac wary since she always reminds us of how Dahaki will destory all.
With Diana down it falls upon him to carry our burdens. We are all too weak to handle the amount of loot we’ve collected to sell later. He asks if he may have Diana’s armor rune and we tell him he may and I shall transfer it once I can acquire a rune stone. I wish to be rid of these blasted Alchemist tools but till we can find a better means of ridding gold of arsenic it will have to do.
I’m a little concern that Miklos will run off with our supplies like our last barbarian compatriot did but my fears are waved away by how close he is to Nadja. If Nadja trusts him then so should I. We try to stealth past a group of bloggards tending to sick Charakas on pallets but me and romely were far to loud and we were caught up in another fight. Nothing we couldn’t have handled but we are not look to well. I approach the sick and try to diagnosis them. All my medical knowledge is telling me they are faking their illness but perhaps this is my bias lying to me. The pain in their faces look far to real to be faked. So now is a new conundrum. Should I heal my foes knowing once they are well they will bay for our blood or strike them now while they are defenseless. No. I can not kill them even if they are my enemies. I will face them on the battle field, not slit their throats while they suffer. My goddess would not allow it. Maybe they will take my mercy to heart and show us the same-.
Before I finish my thought Chi plunges a dagger into the apes throat, splashing me with blood as my eyes widen.
“W-what are you doing!?”
“Killing them. They won’t bother us again.”
I fight for words.
“But their sick!”
“Don’t care.” She plunged her dagger into another one before I can stop her.
I don’t know what to do. I want to save them but theirs a part of me that agrees and yet..
“P-please stop!” I beg her but she doesn’t listen to me. I want to get in her face, rip the dagger from her hands but I can’t. Theirs a small voice in me telling me to bow my head and wait. A similar voice that always tells me to cower and bow my head when I hear the crack of the whip. Don’t make waves, stay out of sight. It is not your place to interfere. And I find myself cowed as Chi finishes her act, leaving me with the body’s without a passing glance. I hold the apes cold hand, tears falling from my eyes as I feel Farooques hand on my shoulder.
“I should have stopped her. I would have but I couldn’t.”
He nods sadly with understanding, pats my shoulder and helps me up.
“It is not your fault my friend.”
“I could have saved them. But I just stood their and let it her do this. I’ve shamed my goddess.”
“Nonsense. You need not dwell on them any longer. They are not suffering after all.”
I wipe the tears off my sleeve.
“Sorry.”
“Not at all my friend. Not at all.”
I dry my eyes and wit for the rest. They don’t find anything inside besides rotting cloths and other horriable stenches.
Everyone steps outside and we approach the circle. It turns out to be a type of summoning circle and so with me haven had it with demons and their ilk I borrow the multi tool, dig it out of the ground and proceeded to hammer the cast lead symbol out of alignment. It doesn’t do much so I can only hope it can not be use anymore.
Chi takes a chance to peer over the ledge. It turns out the pillar is down their but it wasn’t alone. More of those barbarian apes are charging up as strong otherworldly ribbon snakes swarm her and Romely. I cast my protection circle around us as the apes begin trying to scale the wall. Suddenly I’m altered to the battle cries of my friends as both them and Farooque have lifted the heavy lead circle and rammed it into all four of the ape men, sending them crashing back into the pit, pinned under its weight. The rest of their sickly allies flee into the jungle, screaming in terror. Once the blue flying snakes are destroyed the ape mean begin to crawl their way free of the ring as Miklos jumps into engage them. It’s a long and hard battle with the pillar constantly shooting at poor Miklos. I received a massive wound in the process. Once the barbarians are disposed of thus begins the race to disable the pillar. I summon up the knowledge I learned form military camp as Nadja proceeds to jump down with scratch! Miklos is calling out for healing but I must disable the pillar first, it’s too much of a risk to leave it. Me and Nadja make it to the pillar but cannot push it over. Fast before you can say “butterscotch” Farooque is by our sides with a patched up Miklos as we throw the offending idol to ground as its eyes dim. Mac and me kick it for effect and some cantharis. With a heavy and tired sigh I look around ready to leave and... wait where’s Miklos. My eyes sweep across the area and my heart stops as he approaches a pool, glittering nuggets of gold shimmering along the shore and finally, nerves frayed I lose my temper.
“Miklos! Get back here at once or so help me!”
“I’m just getting the gold!”
“No! We are leaving! I will not allow you to drag us into a obvious ploy! Get back here this instants!”
He ignores me and bends down to pick up the gold as two massive creatures peek out fo the water. Eyes go wide all around. They then shoot a jet of acid from their backs and the foolish barbarian falls! Oh my goddess why! I’m caught between rage and terror. I have nothing left! I can not fix him! I look at Farooque as he hands Nadja a potion to save her foolish man. I cast a sanctuary on Farooque shaky and breathless from fear. He pulls out another potion as the same acid arrows fly towards us. I dodge out of the way but Farooque isn’t so lucky. It gets worst then those abominations grow wings and fly. Tendrils slap my poor friend as he crumbles to the ground as those monsteries hover over me. Mac is on the ledge screaming at the creatures to see if they understand us to no avail. I see that Nadja has gotten Miklos up and I waste no time. I make Farooque drink his potion and I force everyone to run.
We reach back to the top bearly alive, the monsterosities do not follow us. I sigh from relief but then my eyes land in the barbarian and I see red. I grab his collar inches from his face.
“You nearly killed us for three gold nuggets!
He huff indignate.
“We all made it out I don’t see what’s wrong.”
I practically growl in my throat.
“You not only put yourself in danger you threatened all our lives with your greed! You nearly got Farooque killed! I’ve had enough death from one day! Next time think! You are not alone in your mistakes! When you fally we all do! I had to deal with one barbarian in the past disregarding the sanctity of me and my friends lives! I will not tolerate another barbarian mucking about and placing our lives at risk! Not again!”
He looks like he wants to rage again.
“Is that a threat.”
“No! It’s f****g advice!” I release him and go to the alchemists hut, hands against the outside wall to practice my breathing excises and regain control of my emotions.
Theirs talk on were to bed down and that sounds like a good idea. Their is no knowing what lies in wait for us now and I am not in the right mind to think after today. I thought we would rest back in the alchemist but it seems the larger, smellier building is where we will be sleeping much to my disappointment. I want to have Diana with us but I do not want to make the smell worst. Of course I’m instantly proven wrong when they barred the door with corpses. Now I wish I listened to myself and brought her with us. We need to cremate her right away. I can’t stand like that. Farooque eases my soul for the bight as he lightens my mood with songs and laughter. I can’t bring myself to look at Miklos. Barbarians never seem to care about anyone’s feelings but their own. It drives me mad. I wanted Miklos to be different. To be better then Willam was but it seems I will always be disappointed. Now that I have had the time to relax I think I am carrying my grudge against him to Miklos. I should stop this cycle of hate, cut it from my heart. I shouldn’t stop trying to befriend him even if it is difficult, despite how I feel now. I should start fresh with him in the morning when my emotions are not so raw.
I roll over into my bedroll and drift off to sleep.
———-

We wake up bright and early, filled with anxiety but now healed and finally filled with the wisdom, grace, patients, and magical energy of my goddess again with my spirit feeling lighter then yesterday. I try to speak to Miklos but I can’t find the courage to approach him. We go to pick up Diana’s body so we may finally put her to rest but as the door opens
We are met by the sight of her body completely drained of fluids! Horrified I go to each what happened only for a fungi creature to burst from her. I stutter horrified and confused as the living Fungus speaks. He goes by the name Bill. It is not his real name but it’s one humans can pronounce. Chi informs the rest of us he is a leshy. A being created by Druidic magic. As amazing as that is I’m still horrified by the natural process Bill eats. He drained Diana of all her body fluids. Forgive me Diana. I did not foresee this.
Taking the body outside I’m about to send her alight till I’m stopped, theirs a fire pit over their we had not investigated and to my annoyance we go to it only to find it has burn out. Food mater scattered about the area. As we are scouting the area we are attacked by these massive swarms of man bats with shrieking voices that deafen my hearing. We dispatch them without too much trouble. With the battle down I approach Miklos and ask if we can start over. He smiles and tells me we can with I am thankful for. With that affair done I’ve had it with waiting to give my friend a proper send off. I go to Diana’s body and set her alight with burning hands and a word of prayer. Surprisingly thanks to Bill the body burns fast and I’m able to collect the ashes and have some peace of mind that I can put her to rest back in the castle like she had wanted. Sick of this place we’ve explored all we can from this hell camp and we thankfully leave unhindered.
A few hours later the camp is set as we all settle for the day. Stoking the fire I’m suprised when Nadja approaches me.
“Arun. Can I speak to you privately? It’s important.”
“Of course.” I stand up and she leads me into the thicket and I can only wonder why she must be so secretive.
“What did you want to talk about?”
I flinch alittle when she suddenly takes my hands, desperation in her face.
“Arun, will you please marry me to Miklos.”
My eyes immediately narrow. Oh, that man. The man who showed up out of no where and the man who foolishly and carelessly endangered not only our lives but Nadja, Farooques and mine for three nuggets of gold. Though I may have found it in myself to release the toxic anger in me, could I possibly trust a man who acts before thinking to make her feel loved.
“It has only been a day Nadja. I know losing a loved one is painful but shouldn’t you wait?”
The smile falls off her face and I want to take back my words but no. I have to stay strong. It is my duty.
“Arun please. Miklos is strong and brave. He cares deeply for him and him me.”
“Its my duty as a preist Nadja. I cannot willfully marry two people who are strangers to each other. To bind two people on such quick biases. It would be irresponsible.” I place my hands on her shoulders.
“I fear you are running to him to replace the void left in your heart. Please think Nadja. Give it time. Pain such as this cannot be healed by running into a new love.”
I’m surprised when she takes my hands off her shoulders and holds them over her heart.
“Arun, mikolas is more then that. I’ve have known him when I was young girl. We are no strangers.” My eyes harden, unconvinced yet.
She clutches my hands tighter.
“I know it’s hard to understand. Most don’t. It is family tradition. They are important tradition. I must be wed to Miklos. For the sake of both our families and my loniness. I am widow alone in cruel world and I do not wish to remain so. I beg you black eyed preist. Please consider.” I try to keep my stare stance, looking into her eyes
“Tell me about him then.”
She blushes and begins to tell me the stories of him and her.
“He is courages man. He may not think but he has heart of giant. Filled with equal passion and kindness as it is blood and fury. My Laszol will always be with me but I must move on. He would have wanted it this way.”
I pull in deep from the humid jungle air and sigh.
“Very well. I’ll perform a small promise ceremony. I can not do a full ceremony in these conditions and I will be watching carefully to see him keep to his promises.”
I’m nearly taken off my feet when she jumps to me, arms wrapped around me.
“Thank you young Arun! Thank you!”
I sigh and wait as she runs off to get him. When both couples are together I stand, ripping the hem of my robes and tie their hands together and say the vows of promise. It goes well and I’m at least glade I can ease Nadja soul.

-Arun