A RETURN TO 'A WHOLE WORLD AWAITS'
(A campaign run by Cap'n Jose Monkamuck)
Riches? Fame? A monk craves not these things. But, I am NOT a monk. I am the blessed kin of the greatest of all beings, the child of mortals and scaled gods. I am an adept, gifted of dragonfire. Wealth and station are mine for the taking.
In the west, there is a desert. A small town lies towards the south-eastern border near an imposing range of jagged earth and stone. Here, you find the merchant town of Kanach. Frankly, the place barely registers as a sinkhole. So, out of courtesy, I burned down a section of the bazaar on my parting. 'Twas a blessing that I shared the breath with such lowly men in the first place.
I journeyed forth from the meager den of misery till I wound up along the northern coasts west of the fabled Black Moors.
In these lands dominated by a fearsome "Egg Lord", one might tend to tread softly. I fear no self-proclaimed man-god. Monstrous metalli-crabs that decapitate the wielders of the arcane with a squeezing of their claws are another matter entirely. Fear is simply a tool of survival that one would use to avoid such potential fates. Sometimes, we simply stumble into fate. In this case, I was merely tired of getting my feet wet.
I opted for a change of scenery. Lush green forests are always satisfactory as there is always much to prey upon. However, not much is green and lush as the early days of autumn creep in upon the lands.
Journeying through the woods, my pleasant silence (and stealthy attempt at evading the notice of a party of the Egg Lord's crustaceous constructs) was interrupted by a disembodied voice that PRESUMED to inquire upon the nature of my activities. Often, the whispers of ancients have graced my thoughts. They speak to me and share their knowledge. If this was the presence of one of my ancestors, indeed, he was stupid.
"I am looking for mushrooms."
Stupid, indeed, for the voice directed me towards a small clearing where I might find such earthly delights. I refused to move and in a short time, the silence settled back into place.
I invoked my heritage, produced wings, and took flight to a sturdy branch in a tree nearby. In the small clearing ahead, I could see a party of what could be none other than a band of adventurers. Except, they were not a band of adventurers. No, assuredly not. They were recruiters, undoubtedly in the employ of a sex slave merchant. And central in my sight was another dragonkin! If blood alone were all I knew, it would be enough. Yet, the slightest tinge of the ruby scales that freckled her scantily clad form were all the information I needed to know that she was indeed the leader of such a despicable and unsavory bunch. A 'Red' would have it no other way. And to her side, a tall man appeared – the man whose voice so rudely questioned my presence.
Amongst their number, I could see the saddest of assortments. But for the tiny knight adorned in quality plated armor and hiding behind her massive shield (surely, it was almost her size!), was a band of paupers dressed in robes, or lightly armored, and equipped with simple blades. A massive wolverine, easily a dire beast, rested to the rear of the tall man who must have been a scout for his 'Red' mistress's bidding. Hardly a luster of magic amongst them, these were certainly the poorest, and therefore least able, of any group of slavers I can recall.
Obviously, these wretches recognized my beauty and innate power and found me to be a worthy asset for their collection. Why else would they have dared to lure me into their company other than to be captured?
Failing their attempt to trick me and to discern my new position, they set their sights on the camp of the Egg Lord’s minions. I was content to watch their massacre at the claws of the metalli-crabs. And when their bodies lay strewn across the forest floor in a bloody mess, I would gleefully pick through the remains and take their enchanted treasures.
Yet, it was not to be. Again, this crew was hardly clever, or capable, and engaged the enemy almost head on throwing tactics to the wayside.
In a disgraceful display of her power, the 'Red' mistress attempted to fly with magic over the tops of the camp and came falling down by the feet of the human female who captained the Egg Lord's mechano-minions. The rest of her mercenaries tried to pile upon the largest of the crustaceous constructs with complete disregard for the many lesser foes that they might have more efficiently dispatched.
If the sheer embarrassment of the attempted attack had not averted my eyes, the sudden appearance of massive flame walls enclosing the camp with me trapped in quickly-burning branches prevented my attention from staying on the battle. I was being assaulted by the captain, herself, and the thought that I was far from escaping the Egg Lord's clutches prompted me to act.
I was no friend to the Egg Lord, but I could easily escape the stupidity of the slavers if they managed to survive. Picking sides was an easy, if not ultimately 1-sided, decision.
Fortune favored the foolish as were aided by my wondrous might of flame breath. I quickly dealt with the majority of the minions, and the blow that brought the captain face to face with the earth beneath, of course, came from my own lips. Indeed, 'twas lucky for these purity pirates that I was so willing to aid them.
With the captain immobile and unresponsive, the fires surrounding the camp extinguished. The slavers made their move to bind her for transport and attempted to revive her, if only to ensure she was not damaged goods. It would be bad business for them to ruin the merchandise.
I took the opportunity while the attentions of the others were on their prize, to go after a prize of my own. And, as if the pull of treasure guided us, the 'Red' mistress and I entered the captain's tent at the same time.
I'd say there was a tension in that brief moment when we were crowding in each other's space, but we set aside differences to focus on the goal at hand – looting the booty. In what little time we had before the others returned to their mistress, we surveyed for enchanted goods and were each able to procure something without the knowledge of her party.
Understandably, descended of the blood of Reds, and having as little success as they must at kidnapping women, the 'Red' mistress was skimming off the top. I would not betray her to her companions as nothing short of mutiny would come of it.
Certainly, we dragonkin are capable of some compassion?
If I had thought the presence of the scout was irritating, I was wrong. A worshipper of the man-god Pelor approached me.
The rest of the mistress's companions began collecting what goods could either fetch a price or serve a use, as the cleric began to question – AGAIN with these curt inquiries – my actions. After much discussion/persecution by the cleric, and subsequently the scout and what could only be a monk, my procurement of a bag of (sadly) feather tokens went successfully unnoticed. (If only the 'Red' mistress had such skill for fibbing is not amongst her talents.)
I reminded them that I was their salvation from the mechano-minions and worthy of their praise. I convinced them of my ability, that I was deserving of my independence from their lustful intentions, and that they owed me a generous reward for my involvement. I demanded the flying carpet. Yet, the cleric maintained it was a decision for the group to make, not an individual. (Not much loyalty to a thieving mistress, I suppose.)
By sunrise of the following morn, they'd relinquished unto me an arcane wand of fire magic.
It was trickery on my part to gain additional treasure, but it was the trickery on their part to keep me, still. In order to obtain my prize, I was to return with them to the keep of the father of the scout – apparently, the man who had employed their services. I was to be offered a position with promises of gold and goods as my reward.
Yes, obviously, these criminals HAD recognized my beauty, my power, and my worth. I saw the opportunity for wealth, for fame, and to use them all in my quest for power. An offer like that could not be refused.
Oh, such pawns they will make!
Oh, such pawns they will make
Indeed.
I hope that's not the character's name....otherwise...
Let the hilarity begin Admiral Monkamuck!
Tanis has found a [RUNE STONE] – OK, it's just a [WRENCH]
DISCLAIMER: Pathfinder and D&D are licensed trademarked products of Paizo and Wizards of the Coast, respectively. All names have been changed to protect the innocent. All rights reserved. Viewer discretion is advised. Some content has been edited and formatted to fit your screen. You must be at least THIS TALL to ride this ride. Please, turn off your engine to pump gas. Keep hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times. If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or have a heart condition, consult your physician before taking this product. If you have ever had your nipples bitten off by a beaver, you might be a redneck.
First, let's acknowledge the pawns. We are nothing if not civilized. Well, I speak for myself. They are paupers, after all.
Jayce – Currently, the employer (and inept magical sneak). Who'd have thought?
Luna – The 'Red' Dragonkin. Submissive Dragonkin. A shame – all that magical talent wasted.
Xenos – More magic, more human.
Lialda – Our shield-wielding paladin and a man-god worshipper. She's as deluded as she is young.
Caine – Seems to be in the sad position of healing these buffoons. He, too, is a man-god worshipper. His suspicious nature tests me. And intrigues me.
Tharnos – An elf. He seems to enjoy brawling. His envy of the BREATH is appropriate, but he hovers. I detest hovering.
Connie – Human. She seems versatile in combat, but she cannot take a hit for anything. Again, poor Caine.
Amongst the treasures of the Egg Lord's captain, who is none other than the cousin of the mage-thief leading these reckless so-called "adventurers", were several items of interest. A flying carpet used to transport the captive captain cousin back to (Klatuveratanikto-<cough, cough>), an arcane wand of minor fire magic, a bag of feather tokens (the fools know nothing of), and some other things that have certainly been donated as tithes to the man-god Pelor as this misguided group believes him so worthy of gifts. Sentimental fools.
A strange item worth mentioning that was discovered amongst the spoils of my success – a tattered and plain potato sack. Like the mythical bag of the Jolly Old Elf himself, it seems to hold mysterious goods and offers a single gift for anyone who should dare to reach inside. A Bag of Fate, if recollection serves.
Truly, "Fate" has a sense of humor for she must think me a pauper, a laborer, that she has given me a wrench – a rusted wrench! Although, I sense there is something more than the vintage appearance of such a tool, it is an insult that Fate thinks I would require such a device. However, Fate did gift the silly man-god worshipper with a child's tinker gnome...
Returning to the story at hand, I was led to the Great Hall of Jayce's kin. Surprisingly, he is the son of the guildmaster of Mages. It was a delightful encounter to take part of, though Jayce's father is evidently disappointed in the failure of his son. (Obviously! What magical talent could ever come of a mere human mortal?) Being treated with the status I deserved, I was given lush accommodations, a meal worthy of royalty, and as many plush pillows as the well-oversized feather mattress could handle. (I doubt anyone even noticed anything went missing.) Satisfied as I was, I actually slept indoors.
The following morning brought all kinds of news, but my attention was elsewhere until the esteemed lord offered us handsome payment to complete a task for him. We were to travel southeast towards one of the encampments and take with us Jayce's captive cousin. We would be given further instructions from there. Certainly, I could bear their companionship with the prospects of gold in my future. Thusly, we went forth.
The journey took less than a day and we arrived at the site of a sizeable camp in the early stages of war preparations. It was a sight to take in with all the smiths, soldiers, and strategists hustling about with their mundane duties, and just as easily dismissed from memory. The evening itself went just as swift as the trip, for after a brief encounter with a guild officer, we were provided with bunking arrangements at the remaining barracks (how detestable!) not loaded to capacity followed by a meager meal of bread and some sort of slop that made trail rations seem like divine ambrosia.
Disgusted with such pitiful lodgings, especially after the last night's luxurious indulgences, I stole away with a mattress to the roof of the barracks and arranged my new pillow collection about to create a downy soft nest for the eve. The rest of the party settled into their "bunks" within the barracks beneath and the night fell quickly about us.
It seems I only just rested my lids when a heavy pounding shook the roof. Sometimes, I have been given to agitated fits in my sleep, and I dismissed it as such, cuddling closer to my dearest haversack. To my dismay, the rumblings continued and I have since sworn off eating not immediately identifiable. Battle rations quite disagree with me. And once more, I settled myself to contented dreams of fancy... Sigh – horse meat.
The third time the nest shuddered, I awoke to the sounds of screaming coming from within the building below. I equipped my handy satchel, invoked the wings of my ancestors, and made haste to the western entrance of the barracks. With no other help arriving, I made a dazzling display of fire pluming into the night sky to summon the roaming guards or any of the MANY magically-inclined that were sure to be about. Still, no one came.
Without a second warning, the door burst open and Jayce rushed headlong into me, knocking us both to the ground. We quickly regained our composures and he had enough time to explain we were being attacked by the Egg Lord's own crustaceous constructs before a claw ripped through the flimsy wooden shield that divided us from its full wrath.
It was not long before a second of the creatures came into view behind the first. As Jayce attempted to deal with the deathly construct, I took the advantage of flight and hovered over the edge of the building. Often times, when danger approaches, prey rarely look upwards. The position is advantageous for any predator to assume. This night, it was my misfortune to assume nothing could strike me from below.
A hulking claw tore through the roof and managed to gash my foot open as I was still summoning any help that would come. (Useless fools never did arrive in time...) The creature opened enough of a hole in the roof that I was able to position myself low enough to breathe acid onto metallic-crab. (I trusted fire to do the job more so, but feared for the safety of my feather pillows should the building of kindling catch.) Through effort, Jayce and I managed to bring an end to the unwelcome visitors and I left him to check on my precious feather nest.
On the far east of the building, where the small second level to the barracks stands, came a loud crashing noise. A metallic-crab jumped from the roof to the ground below, engaging itself in combat with an indistinct figure. Behind it, came two humans who began to charge in my direction. The thieves thought they could my dearest valuables with such a wasted tactic! I puffed a breath thick with flame towards them to make them think anew about their plan. I must give the humans some credit, for they did think better of it and changed direction towards the northern border of camp, jumping from the one-story roof of this side of the barracks.
However, sometimes my pride demands more. The thieves needed to be punished! I pursued them in the air and chased them towards a waiting patrolman. The thieves attempted to escape capture and explained to the guard that they were laboratory assistants and that I was the fiend threatening them! Of all the absurd notions! This was a matter to be remedied after the mess was cleaned and the villains dealt with.
Upon our return to the main camp, I saw my companions mulling about. After some conversation, it was discovered that our young mage friend, the human Xenos, had suffered a nasty end as he was beheaded by one of the creatures. Caine, who had spent much of his time donning armor, had found the body beyond his healing capabilities. He had also discovered Jayce's captive cousin in the laboratory in the east wing of the connecting building possessed by some ghastly shade entity. She was being handled by members of the guild. Connie, it had turned out, also spent her time equipping her armor, only to arrive late into the combat. The others had done what they could, with Lialda providing the most support as she had managed to hold off the first mechano-monster until both Jayce escaped and the beast eventually ran her over. It was noticed that the things seems to sense arcane forms of magic as they disregarded all other targets unless engaged.
The next morning, Caine and Lialda dug a hole and ceremoniously tossed the corpse of Xenos in, with prayers and their droning on about man-gods and death. It was all very boring and I didn’t interest myself with their efforts. Afterwards, we met with the same guild officer from the day before. She gave us our mission, as instructed by Jayce's father, to be completed as soon as possible.
We were going into the Castle-Dungeon of the Black Moors. There were reports of the Egg Lord's minions working their nefarious schemes from within. The last information they had received was that the Egg Lord was establishing a portal or gate to some other plane or dimension. Simply put: infiltrate, eliminate, and escape. At our disposal were the stores of the guild itself. We would be rewarded handsomely for our success in the mission, and we would each be allowed to take up to 40,000 gold worth of equipment to help us accomplish the task with the option to keep what we borrowed.
Lastly, to aid us in this errand, and to make up for the lack of manpower with the loss of our comrade, we were to be assisted by the orc warrior Goenitz. (NOTE: Goenitz is run by the same player as was Xenos.) He seemed a sturdy and silent addition to this crew and looked to be one of the only able-bodied members. I think I liked him immediately. It may have been a ploy, but he looked like he knew what he was doing. And there's something to be said for competence... even if only an illusion.
Impatience being what it is, I could not get away from the camp of bumbling mage-fools soon enough. For a camp so prepared for war, they were horrendously oblivious to the assault within their own barriers. Should I take a gamble, I'm betting on the other side's success.
Indeed, I was eager to move on and finish what would undoubtedly be a simple task. With my breath, Goenitz's skill, and Caine's ready blessings, I was assured the rewards the guild promised. Already, I was planning on bedazzling my new belt of might. Perhaps with rubies? Yes, I think red would be appropriate.
We arrived a couple of mornings later and stood before the massive gates of the stone fortress. Many adventurers had lost their lives in search of the treasures within, and the fearsome reputation was well-deserved. Of course, all the fools were only as skilled as this motley bunch of mangy mercs, so death was inevitable. I suppose I would have to play their savior once more and keep them alive long enough for me to attain my riches.
After moments of bickering over who would simply open the doors, Caine and I stood at the ready, and Goenitz prepared his halberd from behind. Without taking any precautions, our valiant cleric recklessly threw open the doors and darkness loomed before us – for about 5 seconds. Suddenly, a sparking blast of electricity flew forth into our ensemble of imbeciles. As the party gathered themselves, I could see in the darkness the form of a giant serpent.
Before the others could strike, I strode forward and in Draconic I spoke, "I forgive you this indiscretion. We ask only safe passage."
The light seemed to reach farther into the room and we could see it was not a serpent, but a naga. The naga seemed to think for a second, and then replied, in Draconic, that we may enter.
I do not expect the members of this party to be cultured, and therefore, it was not surprising that not a single one of them spoke or understood the words the naga and I exchanged. But, they were keen enough to notice that I was not aggressing, nor was the naga. They slowly relaxed themselves and I told them we were granted entry.
The others poured into the room and the naga retreated back towards the opposite wall. The room offered us two choices for advance – a door to the right and a door to the left. Symbols and runes framed the doors, and left the impression that the right door offered only blood and violence, whereas the left door offered treasure and gains. It was not a surprise which door this lazy bunch selected. I was the only one to opt for the right door. Still, if they do not get into trouble, I cannot rescue them. For my own glory, then, I resigned to follow.
I waited for the others to move ahead, and before I could exit the room, the naga seemed to whisper into my head that I was worthy of a gift. Behind me on either corner of the room, were the remains of 2 fallen adventurers. One held a magical dagger. The other held a magical rapier. I may have my pick of one of the treasures for my wisdom and courage. Through the sight of my ancestors, I could see that the rapier held a stronger aura and once I was alone with only the naga for company, I selected the fine, thin blade as my gift. I bowed with respect to the naga and left to fall in at the rear of my companions.
They had already begun before me down a long and narrow tunnel. I removed a torch from my bag and breathed fire to light it. At least I could provide some light for those impaired by their own human weakness. Even the elf would have difficulty seeing into this murk. As we travelled forward we were slowly engulfed in magical darkness. The passage felt straight, though narrow, and we slowly moved ahead single-file cautious that darkness of this type was usually accompanied by other things.
After a bit, I felt the party seem to leave me as if they were moving too quickly for me to keep up. I don't know if the darkness was thick and hindered me, or what caused the separation. I only knew it seemed an effort of will to force myself forward as fast as I could move to keep up. I pushed ahead until suddenly, as if appearing too quickly to have seen her move, Connie stood ahead of me holding out her hand. We clasped each other's forearms and caught back up with the tail of the party. Such a strange place, this castle-dungeon. Curious.
The darkness stretched on for such a long time when we emerged into a hall where finally our light did reach. The massive room was like that of a dining hall of a king with tables and benches strewn about all adorned by kobolds feasting off great beasts, steins of skilled detail and stunning craftsmanship, and all kinds of tarts, delights, and tasty goods. Yet, all was frozen, as if stuck in a moment in time that would never move forward. Such a strange sight – all of them merry and celebrating, but nothing moving. It all looked to be made of stone.
Ahead of all the tables, all the feasts, all the dancers and revelers, there stood a handsome throne with a lordly kobold in its seat. In his hand, he clutched a single white candle. Caine, standing at the head of the party and the only other one with a torch, moved forward and touched the dancing flames to the short wick upon the candle's crown. As soon as the flame caught, the hall burst forth into lights, sounds, colors, and motion. The kobold king blinked his eyes and peered down at us from his stone perch. The hall around us seems to also take note of us and the rapturous cacophony ceased.
It seems whenever someone has taken point that I find my own eyes wandering. Caine stepped forward and greeted the king. As he spoke, I peered into the depths of the hall that seems to stretch on and on. So many kobolds. I do not believe we could battle even half of them and live should Caine make a mistake in his diplomatic endeavors. I was feeling sorry for choosing the rear of the party, when the king stood on his seat and called forth his servants.
Kobolds approached each of us and gave us each a flagon of amazing beauty and fine detail. I glimpsed at some of the others' cups and noticed each one was different and almost personalized for the user. The exquisite flagon given to me was wrought of gold tinged red and featured a giant dragon wrapping around the exterior. The tail extended off the base and wrapped back up over the lip to create the handle. It was simply marvelous. A royal gift, indeed, and an excellent start to my hoard.
Strange Things Are Afoot at the Circle K... er, Castle-Dungeon of the Black Moors
Behind the throne of the kobold king was a stone door. We bowed in appreciation of the fine flagons bestowed upon us and continued on our way through the mysterious halls of the Castle-Dungeon of the Black Moors. The party squeezed through single-file and I waited for them all to pass and continued guarding the rear.
The stone door opened onto a long hallway dimly lit only by the torches carried in the front and in the rear (myself in possession of the latter). The passage continued for a good many yards till the hallway suddenly opened upon a fork, like that of a serpent's tongue. I voted for the forward left path, but as is standard in this group, they chose the forward right path. I left them to their choice and ventured left alone.
It was a surprise when the hallway ended in a large stone hall with a massive dark pool, a pair of bridges scaling across, and my companion on the far right of the same room. The water was almost as high as the level of the floor and sat in the middle of the room, taking up easily 2/3 of the great cavern. The rope and wooden plank bridges that were strung across to the other far side of the room were attached to a pair of stone steps on either side and hung several feet over the water. The water itself looked stagnant, and almost like a film spread across the surface. Wanting to be rid of the extra burden and having no use for such mundane sources of light, I threw my torch into the pool.
If there had been some great terror lurking below, it never revealed itself. Instead, the torch hit the surface of the pool, flared up a bright blue for a quick instant, and then was snuffed out of existence leaving a small plume of smoke to dissipate.
Assured of the safety of the rope bridges, Caine travelled first across the bridge nearest to the right doorway where the party still stood. I watched with amusement as he quickly hurried across, as if expecting something to reach up and pull him down into the murky depths. Jayce and Connie next began to venture across the narrow planks, when on cue, the head of a giant serpent reached up and bit hard on Jayce's leg.
I roared with laughter. It was like every horrible monster story I've ever heard from any common bard sitting round the hearth in the late eves. Truly, I could have soiled myself with side-splitting howls of joy.
It was when the second head came out of the water and latched onto Connie's foot that I came to my senses and shouted at the top of my lungs, "HYDRA!"
The others trapped on this side of the bridges rushed in towards the hydra's heads and a bloody, vicious combat broke out. Connie and Jayce were repeatedly chewed upon and bitten. I vaguely recall Caine trying to break open the door on the other side so that we might have an escape, but he had no success and instead relucted to give healing attention to those being mauled by the many-headed serpent emerging from the pool.
The breath of flames flowed past my lips and burned the ill-tempered beast, and the heads that had begun to regrow in pairs ceased to sprout altogether. The battle was arduous and long, and our stamina was tested as head after head emerged and struck. In the end, though, we were victorious. Caine tended to the wounded (demanding as they all are for even the slightest of scratches to be gone) and our new orc companion Goenitz proceeded to savage the carcass to assure its demise was certain.
Whilst the fools distracted themselves with medicine, mystical cures, and scrounging about in the dust, I took the opportunity to search the shadowy stretches of the pool for the nest of the fearsome creature. Indeed, it had been a busy beast with an insatiable appetite for flesh if the bones littering the water's rocky bottom were any indicator.
Far below, in the recesses of the cavern's edges, was a great stone chest bound with a large lock and beset upon by the skeletons of failed adventurers. The sight delighted me and I rejoiced till the hard truth dawned upon me. I had no skill at removing the lock, nor any available apparatus for transporting the booty to the stony floors of the hall above. I would have to rely on those miserable mercs to gain access to my treasures.
I surfaced and announced that I had found my precious rewards and needed aid from those strong enough to lend it, as long as those same adventurers could hold their breath. (I may have the ability to grant some blessings from my ancestors, but that gift is mine alone.) The orc Goenitz (whom is fast gaining favor in my eyes) and the young misguided paladin Lialda came forth to test their mettle against the heavy stone locker and after an astounding effort, they surfaced with my coffer.
The next challenge was to break open the lock. Exhausted and distracted by the lingering pain, Jayce pressed forward to pick at the lock and release the mechanism holding it shut, when several pins ejected from the opening and pierced his hand. He immediately fell back, weakened and evidently poisoned. I, too, was eager to see what contents would be revealed, but please tell me that we have a competent rogue capable of checking first for such nefarious devices. Alas...
I could no longer contain my patience, and as Caine stabilized the poison so as to prevent its further spread through Jayce's system, I drew up the acid in my breath and projected forth onto the lock. I managed to do some good, but I was abruptly moved aside to allow Jayce a second attempt.
This time, the fool learned from his errors, and he managed to discover the triggering mechanism for the nasty little trap that bit him earlier. However, it turned out the lock was damaged by some previous treasure hunter’s attempt to open the chest by use of acid and could no longer be picked. I was astounded! What dense, sorry excuse for an adventurer would use such a method on a delicate construct? Most upsetting.
Then, a sight I could never forget, the man-god worshipping Caine stepped forward. With a heavy blow from his mace, the cleric burst the lock asunder, and the chest opened wide revealing its glorious shining pretties! A massive heap of gold adorned with rings, weapons, jewelry, a set of silver flatware (added to my trove), scrolls, and a curious box perched atop sparkled and astounded us all. Simply breathtaking. There was a moment I thought I might cry, but I shall not show such weakness before my associates.
The small box, perhaps 10 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 6 inches tall, was held shut by a simple flip latch. As the rest of the party marveled over the goods, I slowly lifted the latch to display 1, 2, 3... 22 thin metal plates. Strangely shaped, they looked more like rectangles than circular plates. And when pulled, images appeared upon their surfaces like those on the faces of the cards fortune tellers and roadside soothsayers use.
Twenty two cards!?
I could feel the tremble in my hands as my breath left me. Caine and the others noticed my pale complexion and came to see the cargo of such a small container. I was not alone in realizing what powerful and seductive tool we had discovered. And I would hardly stand for another to first draw from the deck of fortunes and fates.
"Five." I announced to the hushed audience gathered about and I proceeded to pull the first card on the pile. A surge of knowledge, as if feeling a greater sense of understanding, washed over me. Feeling a sense of security, I drew a second card. A state of health and hearty fortitude seemed to take me. I reached again, and twice in a row pulled a card that revealed the sacred symbol of the Ninefold Father. Strange, nothing seemed to come of those draws. It was the last draw that summoned a response. As I glimpsed the image of death, the very world dissolved and I felt an unfamiliar lightness.
I stood on an immense precipice with two proportioned and tremendous openings before me, like the mouths of caverns inhabited by the oldest of dragons. Then, slowly, the eye of THE Dragon opened upon my insignificant shell of existence and I bowed to the ground lying almost flush, driven by instinct.
I cowered before the great eye of God. Breathlessly, the words trickled from my mouth in a hushed whisper, "If I have tainted thine gift with which thou hast graciously blessed this least perfect of thine kin, Mighty Ninefold Father, I ask that thou grant me death."
And that was how I died. I guess there are just some things you never ask of a god. OK, I jest.
But, luck smiled upon me that day. Somewhat. I muttered on in my penitent form about receiving Io's will, in any form, but He simply watched me. When I ceased making any movement, any sound, and undoubtedly ceased to breathe, He spoke. I heard the thunder in my head. I heard His instructions. The death that was to visit me would be staved off for the time. I must prove myself to be more than I am, to walk neither in light, nor in shadow. He spoke for but a minute as I quivered against what I now knew to be the snout of that most holy, then the silence closed in.
It is an acute sensation when you feel the change of atmosphere about yourself and you know, suddenly, that you are not where you thought you were and in the company of those you were unaware of what could only have been seconds or even a lifetime ago. And embarrassing to be found by the likes of these heathens as I shuddered low to the floor of the cavern. It took me several minutes time to regain my presence of mind. In that moment, I missed a bit.
The stillness of my corner was disturbed when the sounds of a great demon exploded into view. Jayce seemed shocked, although it may have been that he was closest to the beast that materialized from nowhere. Yes, I believe his look was more fear than shock, now that I give it a second thought. Without any hesitation, the hellspawn attacked Jayce, and we - "his faithful servants" - attempted to come to his aid.
It is a sad day when otherworlders steal my purse – flesh, soul and all. I guess I need to find a new employer. Perhaps, one who does not invoke the wrath of such beings?
Jayce was gone. I had barely acted and the demon had claimed its prize and stolen away into the abyss from whence it came. The party was stupefied. Such a strange day!
Well, nothing to do at this stage of things as I certainly was not intending to pursue the beast and retrieve whatever remains existed of Jayce's body. I settled into a comfortable corner and prepared for a night's peaceful respite – WHEN ANOTHER DEMON APPEARED!
These bloody fortune cards are just an abomination. First chance I get, I'm offering them to Io.
I guess the sentiment was shared by all, so when the same beast came to claim Connie, no one rose to her side. Must have been quite sad for Connie to realize she had no allies. Too bad for her!
Actually, Connie's demise was rather short-lived. After the debacle that was the deck of cards, our young paladin Lialda went down on bended knee and whispered wishes to herself (as no one was really listening at this point) and the form of Connie appeared before her. Lialda continued on and life itself seemed to spring into the body of our fallen ranger. The young one has mysterious powers, for the likes of her man-god care nothing for reanimation. (NOTE: Lialda has unused wishes gained from an encounter with the Deck of Many Things.)
Despite such interesting developments, my mind was preoccupied on the words of my God, and for the evening, the party succumbed to fatigue and despair.
I'm disappointed by the thought that the death of that bumbling fool may keep me from the reward promised by his father. I had such plans for that treasure... Oh, misery!
A note, it was actually a deck of wonderous things. I just relocated my hackmaster books and had to test it out.