Aduro, Good Wizard of Avantia's page

Feast Quest!

*The name says it all really.*

I think that it is because your father's name was Heinrich and so you thought it would be most amusing.

If you speak of the Tomb of Borrors, I assure you that the spell was very specific (there was nothing I could do to change it) and I didn't know he could revive you. Besides, Nasty would be an unrepentant villain (like Malvel) so he would most likely die if he did not change his ways.

*Takes Vidmaster7 aside.*

There's quite a lot he doesn't know.

*Sighs.*

Malvel is very arrogant, so he is unaware of MANY things (where we are from, good and evil are VERY cut and dry).

*Stops the count in his tracks.*

Wrong direction, my friend, we need to head southeast.

*Leads the group in the CORRECT direction.*

Ask Comte de Malodor.

*Shakes head disapprovingly.*

Do you have any Wensley dale?

*Throws the tome onto the ground and destroys it.*

Such knowledge is NOT meant for the minds of mortals!

If the next poster is feeling brave, then they will speak the name of the tome.

I believe that this gentleman is the very Count that Belphegor told me about.

What accusations? You implied interest in the sandwich filling yourself.

As lovely as it would be, Malvel isn't here.

Besides, I thought that you would be more concerned about Bigger Shark eating YOUR sandwich.

No. But, have a sandwich.

*Gives the Nasty Orc a peanut butter and pickled trout sandwich.*

Is it possible to free her of these personalities? And how can I relieve her of the pain Malvel is inadvertently inflicting on her? Also, who is this "Count" you are talking about?

Enters Belphegor's mind (so Malvel can't detect him). You waste your time with him I'm afraid, Malvel never was the sort who would listen to the advice of others. He is as evil as is egotistical. I however seek your help, as I wish to save Schism from this torment. What can I do?

Why didn't you tell me you could do that?!

*Gives Nasty Orc a firm whack over the head with his staff.*

Had I known earlier, then I wouldn't have put you in that glass orb!

*Becomes so angry with Nasty Orc, that Aduro starts shouting naughty words (and other such cursing) at him before finally calming down.*

I'm terribly sorry, I don't know what came over me. With Schism back, we have a chance at defeating Malvel. However, Vampire Schism is free and has a body of her own now, so we must be careful.

No, wait, don't go that way!

*Unfortunately, it is too late. Schism foolishly follows the mechanical bird (that only she spotted, it was flying very high up) and trips over a rock and breaks her neck (killing her instantly).*

Such a tragic waste, I had such high hopes for her as being our story's hero.

*A minute silence is held to mourn Schism's passing.*

Nasty Orc, I believe that you are supposed to eat her body should she die (at least, that's what she told me).

*The group moves on while Nasty Orc deals with Schism's body.*

To be fair, Schism, Malvel has assumed my likeness before.

*Stops contemplating and looks straight ahead, the determination now returned.*

Enough rambling! Let's go! The Mines of Kayonia await us!

*And so, the heroes journey continues...*

*After recovering from the shock of Schism's accusation and the appearance of Malvel.*

I assure you, Schism, that is how the spell works and I don't like it either!

*Stands in front of Schism, looking her in the eye.*

Furthermore, when someone smiles "grimly", it is a depressed smile!

*Sighs and begins to walk away.*

This universe is just so different from mine, it's been hard to adjust.

Yes, in case you get fatally wounded, you can release him to fight for you.

*Aduro smiles grimly.*

Then you sacrifice him, to stop you from dying.

Enough of this! If we don't stop Malvel, then there won't be ANYTHING to eat!

*Snaps fingers and The Nasty Orc is immediately teleported into a small, glass orb.*

This is for your own safety, I assure you, now let's keep moving!

*Gives the glass orb to Schism, placing it around her neck with some string, to keep.*

Just remember, what Trillion has done, wasn't hunting. It was sport!

This isn't natural selection, Schism, Trillion the Three-Headed Lion is an EVIL beast!

*Gets ignored as Schism is too fascinated with what is going to happen.*

Any other time (and were I a different person), I'd throw you out there to fight him! But, seeing as he is distracted, we had best get a move on! The sooner we end the evil hold that Malvel has here, the sooner these great travesties will be no more!

*Everyone starts heading southeast, as Trillion attacks the unfortunate zebra foal.*

Never before, have I felt so helpless and unclean!

*With the foal's dying cries ring out across the Savannah, everyone feels guilty (even Schism).*

No, Schism, I do not know that story (as I'm from a different world to you).

*Casts a spell upon The Nasty Orc.*

With the enchantment I've placed on you, a pony will magically appear in your stomach.

*Grimaces slightly at the thought.*

And it will never be digested, meaning you will always feel full.

*Before Schism can leave the tall grass, Aduro pulls her back.*

Firstly, Trillion is a BOY (he does have manes after all).

*Aduro then looks Schism firmly in the eye.*

Secondly, the moment he sees you, he will try and kill you.

*Looks at TAK disapprovingly.*

And to think, TAK is one of the key members of the group after Schism (I'm not included in the equation).

*The journey down from the mountains to the Mines of Kayonia was long, hazardous and tiring. But eventually, the heroes had successfully left the Rion Peaks and arrived at the Golden Savannahs of Gwildor by the third midmorning sun.*

It won't be long now, we just need to head southeast of here and make for the Rainbow Fjord (where the entrance to the Mines of Kayonia are located).

*As everyone is enjoying the warm, sunny day (including Schism most surprisingly) and the gentle breeze whilst looking at a herd of zebras drinking at a nearby lake, a terrible roar startles everyone and causes the zebra herd to flee. Quickly, the heroes duck down into the tall grass as something approaches.*

Stay here everyone, I'm going to it check out.

*Cautiously, Aduro creeps through the tall grass towards whatever has shown up. Gently parting the grass aside, Aduro sees a giant three headed lion looking around and growling menacingly.*

*Despite being told to stay put, the rest of the heroes soon join Aduro.*

Be careful, that's Trillion the Three-Headed Lion. He's not one of Malvel's elite beasts, but he's no less dangerous!

*As Trillion keeps looking around, his front left paw touches the edge of the lake and as the water touches his paw, Trillion immediately retracts it and growls at the lake.*

Have faith in yourself, dear Schism, we all make bad decisions from time to time.

*Places his hand on Schism's shoulder and gives her a reassuring smile.*

We just need to remember to learn from them, so as to become better people in future.

A mixed blessing, is what I'd call you, GoatToucher.

I merely presented the ring as a mark of leadership (and I felt you were the best choice).

*Looks at the silver ring on Schism's finger.*

As for the ring being stuck on your finger, my apologies, must have been leftover magic.

*Suddenly, the blizzard outside the cave stops and everything is peaceful.*

Perhaps we can discuss it later, we must hurry to the Mines of Kayonia!

*With those final words, the heroes set off for the Mines of Kayonia immediately.*

Hopefully, we shall reach our destination by nightfall!

*And so, the brave heroes had hastened along the tomb. Stopping for the night in an uninhabited burrow (no doubt made by some sort of giant rodent) and finally getting the rest that they needed.*

*For a brief amount of time, the heroes thought they would spend many untold years deep underground and at the mercy of Malvel and his beasts. Yet, they came to an opening that lead them out of the caverns and into a deciduous forest, with a warm sun beaming down.*

*Now at first, everyone thought they had escaped from the tomb of borrors. But Schism, TAK and Aduro could easily sense magical energy and realised that the tomb of borrors wasn't just an actual tomb, but was in fact an entire landscape which could be altered by the whims of whoever was in control (which, in this case, was the evil Malvel).*

*Many weeks had passed before anyone came to the conclusion that Malvel had no idea that they were not in the caverns anymore. It wasn't until the heroes had finished making midday camp on a rocky outcrop in the middle of the forest, and had just finished their meals, that TAK spied an odd mass of swirling blackness heading through the sky in their direction. To begin with, everyone assumed that they were migrating birds, until it was discovered (thanks to TAK using a specially crafted telescope) that the swirling blackness wasn't birds but bats! Aduro quickly realised that Malvel had sent the bats to see find the heroes and so, Aduro had everyone pack up the camp and hide. With everyone safely hidden and the camp packed away, the swarm of bats flew around the area and (finding nothing) soon left.*

*With the forest now compromised (as everyone knew Malvel would keep sending spies to search the area), it was then decided by the heroes that they should head north and cross the treacherous Rion Peaks. The journey across the mountains was slow and arduous no thanks in part to the frequent blizzards, made worse when Malvel had (going on instinct) cast a spell to create continuous rockfalls and snowfalls. This then caused the heroes to take emergency shelter in a cave and there they spent their days trying to figure out where to go (with the most often suggestion being to go back underground by the way of the Mines of Kayonia).*

*Due to the frequent debates, Aduro decided to give Schism a silver ring that (despite having no magical powers) granted her the title of group leader. So it was that Aduro soon said: "let the ring bearer decide!"*

*Thinking hard about what decision to make, Schism then stated that: "we shall go through the mines!" To which, Aduro simply said: "so be it."*

I think that we can all agree on that one!

I meant no disrespect to what I said, it was just a humble observation.

Indeed, it was only due to the lack of activity on here that I said it.

*Walks in, takes a good look around the thread.*

No brave heroes, wicked villains or monstrous beasts I see. Maybe another time.

*Leaves the thread without so much as a second glance.*

*The shurikens deal the most damage to Cornix, the acid mainly hits her cloak (but she does receive damage from a couple of drops), the positive energy does nothing as Cornix is not an undead creature and the crossbow bolt misses Cornix and instead, lodges into Schism's right thigh. Either way, Cornix let's go of Schism (who begins to feel warmer, despite the crossbow bolt in her leg) and then the lantern (which was knocked out of the beast's hand and sent into the air) crashes down on Cornix, setting the creature on fire and causing her to run away. On seeing this, Okawa knocks Nasty Orc unconscious and quickly follows Cornix to help out his fellow beast.*

Either wake Nasty Orc up, or just leave him. Beyond that, let's go before they come back!

*Continues across the stones and leads into the next tunnel.*

*Despite being hit several times, Cornix keeps a firm grip on Schism, who's losing the battle.*

Her lantern, Schism, use it against her!

*You see a figure which appears to be a woman with long, dark hair, wearing a scarlet robe and holding a lantern in her right hand. She beckons you forwards.*

Schism, look out, that's Cornix the Deadly Trickster!

*With her cover blown, Cornix lunges at Schism! This causes the scarlet robe to move, revealing that the creature has the body of a mangy crow from the neck down to her birdlike feet and instead of a normal face, Cornix has a sinister looking human skull with glowing red eyes.*

Don't let her touch you, or else you will suffer any icy death!

*This warning comes too late for Schism, however, as Cornix grabs her and Schism immediately begins to feel cold, like she is in the Arctic.*

Hold on, Schism, we're coming to help!

*As Nasty Orc engages in a fistfight with Okawa (and losing terribly), Aduro and the others race across the stones to come to Schism's aid.*

*Goes to say something, when suddenly, Nasty Orc gets punched out of the water!*

Good grief! What is going on? Don't tell me we are in more danger now!?

*A large, green skinned creature steps out of the water. Its hands end in three fingers armed with sharp claws and its feet are just as menacing, the creature's glaring eyes as an ugly yellow and its mouth is lined with razor sharp teeth. On the creature's back is a brown, carapace shell and the top of its head is filled with water.*

Okawa the River Beast! Everyone run! Across the stones!

*Schism goes first but there's a light source on the other side of the water.*

*Stops smoking for a moment.*

It was an unavoidable circumstance, anyway, I don't think it matters now. Look!

*Points to Nasty Orc, who is lying facedown in the stream, having accidentally drowning himself.*

This is why cups were invented.

*The cavern is like the tunnels, a naturally made space with underground ferns and glowcap mushrooms growing in abundance. There are no torches in the walls, but the largest of the mushrooms more than compensates for this. The stream itself, splits the cavern floor in two. But there are stepping stones going across the stream, allowing access to the over side. On the soft, grainy mud that makes the cavern floor are the telltale signs of a large, bipedal, semi-aquatic beast in the form of week old footprints. There's also some scattered bones of various small animals.*

If any of you have provisions, I suggest that you eat them now.

*Starts smoking his pipe to help relax and concentrate on a plan.*

*Cancels the spell, causing the light to fade away.*

There, we should be safe now, for the time being.

*Just then realises that the group has reached the underground stream.*

Everyone, rest up, but stay alert at all times.

*Sits on a nearby, large rock (a real one this time) and relaxes a little.*

Don't worry, I've got this!

*Casts a spell that creates a brilliant, white light from the tip of the staff which then spreads out.*

This will keep the shadows at bay!

*As the white light expands in the tunnel, the shadows screech in fear and immediately retreat.*

Everyone, go now!

*While the light is still shining brightly, everyone heads further into the tomb.*

Be careful, Schism, something tells me that the source of that light is not what it seems.

*Cautiously steps forward, in the direction of the light, weapons at the ready.*

I can't help but feel that this is really familiar to me.

*Suddenly stops, looks down at the ground, then steps back with a worried look on my face.*

More birdlike footprints? That means we're dealing with Cornix the Deadly Trickster!

*Quickly moves away from the light source and the footprints and begins going down the tunnel.*

There's no point in stopping now, we must hurry, or else we'll be in even greater danger!

It would be better for you to detect evil rather than chaos, Malvel's beasts are usually NE.

*Everyone then stops as they hear the faint sound of running water.*

Sounds like there's a nearby underground stream up ahead, let's investigate, but stay alert.

*The light continues to follow the group, and shadows start to flicker unnaturally on the walls.*

Forgive my rudeness when I say this,TAK, but I was wondering when you would ask!

*Casts a spell on TAK, boosting his constitution considerably, so that now he won't die.*

I also have this to give you, keep on your person at all times. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

*Gives TAK a magical book of technomancy that will boost his intelligence (so long as he has it) and it will also let him craft and/or record all the inventions he encounters.*

Now that is done, let's keep moving forward! Come on!

*As the group moves on, a faint flicker of light continues to follow them.*

That explains why he wasn't getting any sandwiches, the necklace only works for him.

*Descends down into the tomb a bit further, with everyone else being close by.*

I'm not waiting for any of Malvel's beasts to attack, if we hurry, maybe we can avoid...

*Gets interrupted as the stone floor of the main tunnel gives way and crumbles down into a dark pit below. Takes a few steps back to catch some much needed breath.*

Phew! That was too close! Come on, we'll have to take one of the secondary tunnels!

*Begins to go the nearest tunnel, weapons at the ready with anticipation.*

Now we really need to be careful. One false move and...

*A mighty bellow is heard from where everyone was not two moments ago. Everyone turns around and sees that the boulder now stands on four elephantine legs and it turns around to face the heroes as a monstrous head appears from within the body. The revealed creature vaguely resembles a rhinoceros, but is three times bigger. On its head are two pairs of tiny, curved horns on the sides of its face (one pair at the top, in front of the ears and the other pair are lower down near the cheeks) and a large, curved horn on the tip of its nose (this horn is lightly coated with a sickly looking purple liquid).*

Klaxa the Amoured Enemy! One of Malvel's elite beasts! How could I forget that she can retract her head and legs into her body like a tortoise?! Watch out for her central horn, it's coated in a life threatening, magical poison!

*With another bellow, Klaxa lowers her head and charges towards the group! Fortunately, everyone leaps out of the way and Klaxa heads down one of the tunnels, disappearing behind a corner.*

Onwards everyone, it would be best to get out of these tunnels post haste!

I'm sorry to say this, but if you have eaten the necklace, that is your problem.

*Treads forwards, past the boulder (which seems to be shifting a little bit more now).*

Come on, the tomb seems to continue for another mile or so, we have to hurry!

*If the orc is wearing the necklace that Aduro gave him, then a sandwich will magically appear.*

Remember, that necklace will always help you with your neverending apatite, so long as you wear it.

*The sinister laughing can be heard again. It's still faint but a more louder and clearer than before.*

Honestly, I don't know what troubles me more, that there are enemies nearby or that they haven't attacked yet.

We had, but chose to ignore you.

*You notice the boulder rocks about ever so slightly and there are large, birdlike footprints nearby.*

*Nothing is revealed (in terms of any beasts) what is discovered however, is just as shocking.*

*On the walls are shadows belonging to both people and varkules, but rather than attacking, the shadows head away from the heroes (presumably to warn Malvel) and it is obvious that the shadows were not attached to any bodies.*

*What is also seen is: old, rotting, wooden signs dotted here and there with faded writing on them. The ones that are the least damaged, thus readable, all say to 'Keep Out!' or 'Danger!'*

Are you alright Samuel? Your face has gone pale, what's wrong?

*Sinister laughing can be heard, but it's very faint.*

*Make a perception check, Schism.*

I sense great evil nearby, but I just can't tell where it is.

*Stands still, closes eyes and focuses.*

We are not dealing with Malvel's normal beasts, but rather his elite ones. There's at least two of them here.

*Opens eyes and looks around again.*