Arcanis: Gonnes, Sons, and Treasure Runs (COMPLETED)

[talien]

"This has to be the two most boring weeks of my life," said Kham. He was sitting on one of the wagons, his chin in his palms. They were left alone to their own devices; the dwarves were uncomfortable in open spaces and allowed human teamsters to drive the wagons.

"It was exciting enough when we got to Nevanne," said Quintus, watching the scenery go by. "Master Elabac has far more influence with the Coryani Senate than I suspected."

Ilmarė was testing the strength of her bow. "The commander was right to be concerned. This caravan carries enough weapons to equip an army."

Vlad, next to Kham, was sharpening his dagger. "I imagine the invasion of Moratavia last year by Coryani legions didn't help." He looked over at Quintus.

"The threat of a dwarven embargo is enough to even open the Empire's doors," said Quintus. "If those blades are as good as you say they are, the legions have a vested interest in keeping the dwarves in business."

"That includes seeing the curse continue," Ilmarė said, twanging her bowstring.

Quintus stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, I believe the story goes that only the clan that creates the perfect item is exempt from the curse. Not the entire race."

"Save one clan, doom the rest," added Ilmarė.

"What is this curse anyway?" asked Vlad.

Quintus leaned back into his seat. "The dwarves were giants once, tasked with protecting humanity. But they turned on their charges and made themselves as gods, forcing humans to worship them. When Illiir discovered their treachery, he cursed them all. It was only through Sarish's mercy that they have a chance to return to their true forms."

The wagons slowed to a halt in front of a warehouse with a sign of the Legendary Blades smithy.

"We're here," said Kham.

After the trains were unloaded, they followed Elabac to an Ansharan temple just outside of Tralia.

The austere temple had prayers engraved to Anshar similar to other gates, but it was strangely deserted. No one attended the braziers; no one kept the incense burning around the central idol of Anshar.

"If nobody's here, does that mean we can go home?" asked Kham half-heartedly.

They followed a winding staircase to a dimly lit chamber. In the center was a Gate of Anshar, a monolithic archway fashioned from marble and covered in prayers to Anshar. Flanking the gate were several hooded figures, all chanting a low mantra.

A young Ansharan priest rustled up to the doorway. His eyes were gray, a sure sign of Val heritage.

"Master Elabac! You made it! That's great!" He rushed over and gave Elabac a hug. The priest was talking so fast that he was stuttering. He began rustling back towards the gate. "If you'll step up to the gate I'll be happy to transport you through-"

"Wait." Ilmarė put one arm in front of Elabac. "Something's wrong."

The priest froze.

Quintus lowered his longspear. "What is it?"

"Not all of the monks are moving," she said.

The priest suddenly ran off to the side, almost tripping over his robes in his haste.

"Not good," Kham said as he reached into the two holsters beneath his armpits and pulled out both handgonnes.

The remaining monks threw off their robes to reveal five squat creatures of dwarven stature, covered head-to-toe in spiked armor. The armor had no latches or straps—it was permanently attached to their bodies.

"Reavers!" gasped Elabac.

Quintus dropped his shield off his back and put it in front of him. "Elabac, stay behind us! Kham, Ilmarė, try to find a weak spot in their armor. Vlad-"

Vlad's longsword and shield were already out. He charged into the room as three of the Reavers unsheathed broadswords. Their leader wielded a huge axe that had a spike at the other end. Still another unrolled a long, weighted chain covered in wicked-looking spikes.

The lead Reaver twirled his axe, first over one shoulder and then the other. The other Reavers waited even as their leader stepped forward. He was daring Vlad to attack him.

"Vlad!" Quintus couldn't get out anything more as the spiked chain snapped in the air, inches from his face.

Kham took aim. "Alright my dears, let's go to work." He fired and a Reaver's head bobbed to a loud SPTANG! as the bullet bounced off of its helmet.

Ilmarė snapped an arrow at the Reaver threatening Quintus, but he slapped it out of the air with the spiked chain. "I cannot get a clear shot at the other Reavers," she shouted.

Vlad rammed his shield into the lead Reaver's weapon in an attempt to pin it against the smaller dwarf. To his surprise, the dwarf held his ground and jabbed underneath Vlad's shield with the pointed end of the axe. Vlad made a clumsy swipe to give himself some breathing room as the other Reavers circled him.

"I'm working on it!" shouted Quintus. The spiked chain smacked into his shield and the tip snapped around the edge, gashing the signifer's arm.

Vlad blocked two more blows with his shield but made one Reaver pay with his life as his blade cut deep into the dwarf's less-protected neck. The Reaver went down without a sound. But he paid for it as one of the Reaver's blades pierced his side. Vlad backpedaled as fast he could but stopped short as he collided with the stone wall. He had nowhere to run.

"Vlad's dead if we don't do something, fast," said Kham as he reloaded one of his handgonnes. He nodded to Ilmarė. "Cover me!"

Kham ran into the large chamber and dove as the chain swept in a low arc. He tumbled and rolled up in front of Vlad, both handgonnes out. The two Reavers who flanked Vlad paused in momentary surprise as the yawning maws of two dragons in their faces.

BLAM! BLAM!

Quintus crouched behind his shield and waited. The chain snapped through the air towards him like some angry metal snake. He thrust his longspear into its arc and twisted, causing the chain to whistle around and around the longspear.

"Ilmarė! Now!"

Ilmarė reached into a pouch at her belt and withdrew a pinch of something. "Faer ned I gwaew, daro nin coth!" she whispered as she blew the dust from her palm.

The sparkling substance wafted through the air with a life of its own, spiraling its way into the Reaver's helmet. The dwarf's grip on the spiked chain relaxed as it staggered backwards.

Quintus rushed forward and speared the longspear through the Reaver's chest.

"Now what I had in mind," said Quintus, "but that will do."

He dropped the longspear, still tangled in spiked chain.

"LETUM INFIRMUS!" he shouted as he ran towards Kham and Vlad with gladius drawn.

Vlad was propped up against the wall, blood seeping from an abdominal wound. He clutched his side as Kham blocked a sword blow from one of the Reavers with the guard of his handgonne. Two other Reavers lay dead, smoking holes in their helmets.

"Ha!" Kham shouted as another blow bounced off his handgonne. "Victoria's a saucy wench, but she can take what she gives out. You'll have to find a bigger… " His eyes widened as the lead Reaver lifted his axe over his head. "…blade."

Quintus smashed into the Reaver with his shield, sending the axe flying. Before the lead Reaver could react, he followed up with a thrust of his gladius into the dwarf's ribcage. The Reaver staggered backwards and collapsed.

With a start, Quintus realized his back was to the last Reaver. He whirled…

Ilmarė stood over the last Reaver's corpse, her sword dripping dwarven blood.

"How did you get over here before me?"

Ilmarė shrugged. "I am a daughter of Osalian," she said, "god of the Wind."

Quintus wiped off his blade and sheathed it as he walked over to Vlad. Kham was hunched over him.

"He's hurt. Bad."

Vlad winced as Quintus put both palms on him. "Illiir, iuvo sana sua vulna levis," he said.

A golden glow emanated from Vlad's fingertips. Vlad blinked as he struggled to his feet.

"That was very foolish, Vlad," said Quintus. "Discipline is life. Never forget that."

Vlad nodded. "You saved my life Kham. I didn't…

"Expect it?" He smirked. "I'm full of surprises."

Kham finished reloading both handgonnes. He pointed them at the advancing Ansharan priest, who had snuck out of his hiding place behind a pillar.

"You've got fifteen seconds to make the ladies here forgive you," said Kham. "And it better be poetry, because they aren't cheap dates."

The priest's face was streaked with tears. "They killed the other priests! They said they would kill me if I warned you!" He looked pleadingly from face to face.

"Please," said Elabac as he tottered from the safety of the doorways, "haven't we shed enough blood today?"

Kham spat a curse and put his handgonnes back in their hostlers.

Quintus gathered up his longspear and walked over to the portal. "Make yourself useful, priest. Open the gate."

The Ansharan priest hurried over to the portal and began chanting, waving his hands over its runes.

"Aren't you going to ask me if I counted my blackpowder?" asked Kham.

Quintus looked the Val up and down. "Did you count your blackpowder?"

"Nope," he said with a wicked grin. Then he hopped through the portal. The last thing he saw before he was surrounded by blue light was Quintus' look of horror.

It was worth it.

[Taren Seeker]

I've read some of this thread, but not all since I haven't played all the mods yet

Nice work on dialogue, and that pic is really nice. It fits the Pistoleer in my group perfectly. Keep it up, hopefully I will be able to read it all someday.

[deus pigeon]

I am sorry you haven't played those modules. Regretfully they have been retired earlier this year and are nolonger available to play through Living Arcanis. This is a fun retrospective and also serves to solidify the magic of the early adventures. I hope you reconsider and read on and discover the wonders of arcanis.

[talien]

The gate's flickering blue aura dissipated even as Kham look slack jawed upon the scene around him.

Some humans were corralled in a far corner, chained to each other. Scattered about the chamber were desiccated limbs, skulls, and ribcages, evidence of a battle where undead were defeated with extreme prejudice. The victors of the battle stood victorious at the far end of the chamber. One man, dressed in white plate armor rimmed with yellow edges, stood in front of six other warriors similarly arrayed in yellow armor. All of them wielded long, two-handed swords with edges shaped like flames.

"Nierites," Kham said under his breath. "Damn."

"Surrender or suffer the Flames of Nier!"

Kham put up his hands. "Errr. You know you sound remarkably like someone I know…"

There was another flash of blue light as the gate opened behind Kham and Quintus stepped through.

"That's him," Kham said, pointing at a confused Quintus. "Fanatical legionnaire, meet fanatical Nierite."

Quintus turned, shield and spear at the ready. "Nierites? Here? But this is Ventaka!"

"By order of Leonydes val'Virdan, the Sword of the Heavens, I demand you relinquish your weapons!"

Quintus' companions stepped through the portal.

"You go deal with them," whispered Kham.

Quintus placed his spear in front of Vlad, who had his sword and shield out. "Hold. Let them come to us."

Vlad nodded.

"Ilmarė, guard Elabac. Kham…" Quintus looked around. "Where's Kham?"

Kham was running across to the left of Quintus towards the prisoners. The utter lack of any signs of surrendering prompted the Nierites to begin walking towards them with their two-handed swords held high.

"If I know fanatics," Quintus said, "they'll-"

"Charge!" shouted the leader, breaking into a trot.

"Steady," said Quintus.

One of the Nierites split off and ran to follow Kham.

"Steady…"

Kham turned. "You idiots are actually following me?" he shouted over his shoulder. "I'm a noncombatant!"

"Steady…"

When the Nierite didn't stop, Kham whirled and drew forth his handgonnes. "Okay, I lied."

"NOW!"

At the last moment, Quintus lowered his spear. The shaft smashed through the Nierite's plate and spun him sideways. A second swung his sword hard into Quintus' shield, the blow reverberating so hard throughout his arm that it rattled his teeth.

Ilmarė ducked low underneath the swing of a massive sword and pierced the Nierite's plate armor with the tip of her blade. He slumped forward, forcing Ilmarė to kick the corpse off her sword.

Vlad chopped downwards at the thigh of the fourth Nierite while his shield blocked the fifth.

BLAM!

The handgonne fired but it was not enough to stop the charging Nierite. The blade struck sideways, knocking Kham to the ground. His handgonnes flew in different directions, out of his reach.

Quintus saw Kham go down. "Vlad! Hold them off! I'm going to help Kham!"

Vlad blocked a sword blow with his shield and struck another Nierite down. "Go!"

The Coryani dropped his shield as he charged across the chamber towards the Nierite. "LETUM INFIRMUS!" he shouted.

The Nierite raised his sword over his head. The force of the blow would be such that it would surely decapitate his victim.

Before the blow came, Vlad's spear struck the Nierite's abdomen and lifted him up. He kept running, spearing the man five feet above the ground against a nearby wall.

Ilmarė joined them a moment later. "They're all dead," she said.

Quintus helped Kham to his feet. "Ouch," Kham said, clutching at his ribs.

"Broken ribs. Hold still." Quintus puts his palms to Kham's chest. "Illiir, iuvo sana sua vulna levis."

Kham stretched and picked up his handgonnes. "Perfect. Nice to know someone else is carrying their fair share of the heroics around here."

Quintus smirked as he yanked the spear out of the wall. "You're welcome."

Kham joined Vlad, who was talking to a bald, pasty-faced man with gray eyes and dressed in expensive black leather. Most of the prisoners were freed from their chains, but a few stood dull and lifeless, their eyes unfocused.

"What's up with them?" Kham

"Dey are de living dead," the bald man said.

Kham's gray gaze flickered over to him. "And you are?"

"My name is Helac val'Mordane."

"He's something called a Black Chanter," said Vlad. "They were attacked by Nierites."

"The Nierites are led by the Sword of the Heavens," said Ilmarė. "He is the tyrant who tore down the First Imperium and precipitated the Shadow Age. Leonydes was thought to have vanished until he resurfaced in Nishanpur. The Sword of the Heavens has had his eye on Canceri ever since."

Kham scratched the back of his head. "Black Chanter, huh. You sing to corpses, right?"

"Dis is true," Helac said in his thick Coryani accent. "Most of our blessed ancestors dat have passed on and return, find dat deir ability to feel emotions and passions begin to fade. I know of special songs and melodies dat can stir some of de lost passion vidin deir vithered breasts."

"Helac says he was captured after leaving Akali's personal chambers," added Vlad.

"I had just put my Lord Vervain to peaceful rest along with de rest of his advisors vhen I was captured," said Helac.

"Lord Vervain?" asked Elabac, hobbling his way over. "That is who…we have come…to see."

Helac blanched. "De Nierites you killed vere an advance guard of a much larger army. Dey have laid siege to de city. I'm afraid dey plan to permanently seal de Akali vitin deir chambers."

"If Vervain…is sealed in…all is lost," said Elabac.

Quintus looked from Elabac to Helac. "Helac, do you know the way?"

"I do."

"Then let's get moving. Oh and Kham?"

Kham stopped short.

"You've got 17 shots left. You may not be counting, but I am."

Kham shrugged. "We'll be lucky if I have anything left by the time we're done with this insanity."

[talien]

The long, dark, and dank corridors made Ventaka feel more like a mausoleum than a city. Sounds of men shouting and weapons clanging echoed around them as the siege continued. Long trails of scorch marks and the blasted remains of fallen combatants littered the silent halls.

Helac led them unerringly through the catacomb-like passages, deeper and deeper into the black heart of the Necropolis. Before long, they heard the muffled chants of sorcerers enacting a ritual that would entrap the leaders of Ventaka behind a supernatural barrier.

Kham peeked around the corner. At the center of the northern side of the larger corridor was a set of bronze double doors, turning black with age. Before the doors, a circle was inscribed in blood, its borders marked by four lit braziers. Standing outside of the circle was a robed figure, reading from a scroll. Around him were four Nierites dressed in full armor, another gray-eyed man wearing the vestments of a Nierite priest, and a huge figure dressed in bright red full plate, its edges lined in bright yellow.

"Well?" asked Quintus.

Kham took a deep breath. "Seven, five warriors and two Val—one is a priest, the other is probably a sorcerer."

Quintus frowned. "Well, it's six against seven, our odds are still good." His gazed wandered over to Elabac. "Make that five against seven. Where's Helac?"

"He slipped away just now," said Ilmarė. "He mentioned something about stirring his ancestors to repel the Nierite scourge."

Kham put his hands on his hips. "You were saying?"

"Okay, it's four on seven. There is no way we can take them all."

"We just killed six warriors," responded Ilmarė.

"Those weren't sorcerers," said Quintus. "You remember how much trouble we had with the Harvester. They've got a sorcerer and a priest."

Vlad glanced around the corner and looked back over his shoulder. "Wish we had our own sorcerer."

Kham drew his handgonnes. "I've got all the sorcery we need right here."

Quintus blinked. "That's it! Kham, you have enough blackpowder for 17 shots, right?"

The Val looked at him sideways. "Yes, why?"

Quintus turned to Ilmarė. "You have control over the wind spirits?"

Ilmarė looked down her nose at Quintus. "I ask the children of Osalian for favors."

"Yes, yes. Well, do you think one of those children would be willing to toss a burning vial of blackpowder through the air at our enemies?"

Kham waved one of his handgonnes in Quintus' face. "Excuse me? That's MY blackpowder. It's very expensive. And volatile. You don't just go making—"

"Uh, guys?" said Vlad. "They're all chanting now. I think they're about to finish the seal."

"We don't have time to argue, Kham. It's the only way to even the odds."

Kham crossed his arms. "I don’t like it."

They all stared at him. Around the corner, the chanting grew louder.

"Fine, fine!" said Kham as he threw up his arms in defeat. "But blackpowder is dangerous stuff, if you're going to blow my shot, at least let a professional put it together." He put his gonnes back in their holsters and took out a powder horn and a vial from his coat.

Then he pulled a fringe out of his pocket that Quintus recognized as part of Kham's rug. "Glad that rug is finally proving useful."

Kham ignored him as he carefully measured out the blackpowder.

"Vlad, on my command, we will run out in front and hold the line. Ilmarė will provide cover from behind us. Kham, you take out the sorcerer and the priest. Elabac, you stay here. We're going to need to hit them hard and then press the advantage."

Vlad and Ilmarė nodded.

Quintus stepped over to Vlad. "Kneel," he said.

Vlad arched an eyebrow but did as he was told. Quintus put both hands on his forehead. "Illiir, sanctimonia largioro!"

A warm glow surrounded Vlad.

"Didn't you heal him already?" asked Kham as he tapped the remaining blackpowder into the vial.

"I was not healing his wounds. I asked for Illiir's blessing. Illiir saw fit to give it. It is a good omen."

The chanting grew to a fever pitch.

Vlad stood up. "I feel…amazing."

Kham rolled his eyes. "We're going to need a lot more than a good omen from Illiir if we're going to win this. I'm ready."

Kham put the vial down on the ground in front of him and pulled out his flint and steel. "Ilmarė, you're going to need your faerie friends or whatever you call them to blow this vial over to the Nierites fast. I don't know how long it will take to explode, exactly."

Ilmarė frowned but only took her bow off of her shoulder. Vlad drew his own weapon. Quintus held his spear and shield at the ready.

"Kham, go," said Quintus.

Kham sparked the flint and steel and on the first try ignited the fuse.

"Ilmarė, go!"

Ilmarė closed her eyes and put one palm up to the ceiling. "Faer ned I gwaew, tegi sen naur an nin coth!"

Nothing happened. The fuse hissed, popped, and crackled as the fuse continued to burn.

Ilmarė continued to chant, "Faer ned I gwaew, tegi sen naur an nin coth!"

Kham drew both of his handgonnes. "Uh…"

Suddenly, the vial tugged up into the air as a slight breeze wafted around them. It floated around the corner.

The chanting continued, then one person stopped. Then another. Then all of them.

"They saw it," Quintus said through gritted teeth. "If that doesn't go off the sorcerer will stop it."

There was a shout and then…

All hell broke loose. The explosion was more powerful than any of them expected, except perhaps Kham, who had his wrists over his ears. Rocks and smoke spiraled and the cavernous stone structure rumbled all around them.

Through the haze and confusion, Quintus shouted, "Now Vlad!"

The two marched forward in syncopated step into the blast area. The warriors were sprawled outward from the blast radius, struggling to regain their feet.

Quintus stopped after a few steps. "We make our fight here." He outlined a circle around them with his longspear. "Let them come." Then he hunched down behind his shield.

Vlad put his shield arm towards the rubble and waited for the smoke to clear. Behind them, the soft whisper of Ilmarė's voice floated through the darkness.

"Tira nottolya, Nárendur " she sang of facing the enemy, servants of fire.

One of the Nierite warriors stumbled out of the smoke towards them. Quintus skewered the man on his spear and dragged him closer. Vlad dispatched him.

"That's one," said Quintus.

Another warrior, seeing the fate of his companion, rushed towards them, forcing Vlad to turn his shield towards him. They engaged in a series of feints and strikes, the warrior's greatsword against Vlad's longsword and shield.

The sorcerer stepped out of the smoke and pointed. A burst of sparkling red magical energy streaked from his outstretched finger past them. Kham yelped in response.

A loud retort answered the attack, but the sorcerer clenched one fist and held his wrist before his face. On his arm was a bracer sculpted in the form of a black heart, shot through with veins and tentacles. It pulsed as the bullet struck and a black field flickered. The bullet fell to the ground.

"Tulta tuolya," sang Ilmarė. She commanded them to summon forth their strength.

Emboldened by her music, Quintus speared another Nierite warrior even as Vlad cut down a third.

"Three down!" shouted Quintus.

The sorcerer pointed and a white ray pierced the smoke. Kham cursed and fired back in retaliation. The sorcerer blocked the shot again with one wrist and lifted a pulsing green orb in his other hand.

BLAM!

A red hole appeared in the sorcerer's forehead. He slumped to the ground.

"Block THAT!" shouted Kham. "Meet Melara, a new addition to my harem!"

"An mauya mahtie," sang Ilmarė. She called upon them to summon forth their strength.

Kham ran over to the left of Quintus and Vlad. He was clumsily stuffing the last few shots of blackpowder into his handgonnes.

"Kham, what are you doing? Get back, you're breaking the line!" Quintus shouted at him.

"I'm trying to get a better shot at the priest!" Kham shouted back. "I can't see him!"

There was a strange chanting as the Nierite priest, his eyes glowing red with divine fury, stepped out of the smoke. He stretched out one hand.

"Vlad, behind me!"

Vlad spun backwards behind Quintus' shield as a wide gout of fire spread from the priest's fingertips. The flames licked around the large shield.

"Found him!" Kham shouted back. He took aim at the priest.

"Ter oiomornie," sang Ilmarė. She sang of battling through endless dark.

BLAM! The bullet sparked off of the priest's magical defenses. He whirled and lifted his greatsword, stalking towards Kham.

"You dare to strike at me? I am filled with the Rage of Nier! You cannot de—"

"Yeah, yeah," said Kham. He aimed two of his handgonnes.

BLAM! BLAM!

The bullets struck true and pierced the priest's breastplate. But he kept on coming.

"Oh…crap!" shouted Kham as he spun his handgonnes backwards to use them as clubs.

"Ter ondicilyar," sang Ilmarė. She sang of fighting on through chasms of stone.

Kham crossed the two handgonnes in front of him just in time to block the blow from the priest's huge sword. It knocked him backwards against the wall.

"Kham's in trouble," shouted Quintus. "Vlad—"

Vlad was still exchanging blows with the last of the Nierite warriors.

"Up to me then," Quintus muttered to himself. He dropped his longspear as he ran, drawing his gladius. "LETUM INFIRMUS!"

The large sword gave the priest an advantage, but it was an unwieldy weapon. Kham took the opportunity to retaliate by smashing the hilt of the weapon into the priest's jaw. The blow was strong enough to shatter teeth.

The priest merely spat blood and grinned a bloody grin.

"You'll have to do better than that."

The priest slapped Kham sideways with his blade. He landed in a crumpled heap. The priest stalked over to Kham's unconscious body.

Quintus arrived at the scene just in time to block a powerful blow from the priest's two-handed sword. He used the momentum of his charge to lift the sword up, pushing both of the priest's hands over his head. Quintus speared his gladius into the priest's unprotected armpit.

The priest fell backwards. "Guardian of Nier! To me!" he shouted and then collapsed.

"Mettanna," sang Ilmarė. She entreated them to fight to the end.

A crackling figure, wreathed in white flames, swung his huge two-handed sword through the air at Quintus' head. He barely ducked in time.

The holy flames surrounding the Knight of Nier engulfed Quintus' shield as another blow struck. Quintus struck back, but the bright red armor was masterfully crafted. The blow bounced harmlessly off the knight's armor.

Another massive swing knocked Quintus' shield out of his hands and left him gasping. He attempted to parry with his gladius, pitifully small in comparison to the knight's weapon. The gladius skittered across the ground.

The knight, with practice born of seeing many combats against both the dead and the living, drew his greatsword back in a precise military stroke. Then he thrust it forward, skewering Quintus' side.

Quintus looked down in shock at the wavy-edged blade sticking out of his abdomen. The knight twisted the blade and yanked it out. Quintus clutched the wound as blood pulsed from it.

"None shall survive the Wrath of Nier!" the knight boomed, his voice echoing deep within his helmet. He lifted his greatsword up over his head. All Quintus could do was stare up at the coming blow.

Vlad skidded in front of Quintus and blocked the attack with his shield. He was hurt, bleeding from a dozen superficial wounds and some more serious internal ones that only his armor prevented from being fatal.

The Milandisian struggled to catch his breath. The knight seemed huge, powerful. His armor had protected him from the blast and he seemed indefatigable. Vlad's longsword and shield were puny in comparison.

The knight elbowed Vlad back to give him room for another swing.

"Nurunna!" sang Ilmarė. It was a command: Fight to the death!

Vlad heard the command. If he was going to die, he would die defending his friends.

He struck before the knight could swing, cutting down at his opponent's forearms. The sword slapped point first into the dirt.

The knight was more resourceful than Vlad expected. He released one hand from the hilt of the greatsword and punched Vlad hard in the face.

Vlad fell backwards, his ears ringing. The taste of blood was in his mouth.

The knight released the sword and lifted it over his head. "Now, you die!"

Suddenly, a warm glow suffused Vlad's body. He wasn't sure how, but he knew it was the blessing that Quintus had asked to be placed upon him. Illiir has blessed Vlad, and the deity was with him in his time of need.

With a renewed surge of energy, Vlad slid forward beneath the knight's legs and thrust his longsword up under the Nierite's breastplate. There was a strangled groan and blood gushed out of the opening.

The knight fell forward on top of Vlad, knocking the wind out of him.

From beneath the heap of armor, he could hear the sounds of armored troops marching in unison. Then he heard Ilmarė's voice.

"Well, Helac, your undead troops are a little late."

"Oh, really. Dat is too bad. Are your friends dead?"

"No, I think they will all survive."

"Dat is too bad too. When dey are ready, I vill take you to my dread Lord."

[ledded]

Excellent!

Bravo, good update. Very nice.

[talien]

As they entered, the smell of decay and mustiness of the ageless seemed to engulf them. Swirling miniature dust storms formed and died with every move. Kham sneezed.

The chamber was titanic in its size; large enough to swallow entire buildings whole and still have room left over. Thousands of scrolls, tomes and books occupied an entire side of the room.

"This library is bigger than the Great Library of Coryan," Quintus whispered, one hand holding his side.

The other side of the chamber was occupied with table after table of alchemical apparatus and potions.

"It seems that the Ventaka rulers have enough to keep them occupied for generations without ever stepping foot outside," said Ilmarė.

Helac led them into the chamber and then, bowing deeply, backed out.

In the center of the room was a large screen made of wafer-thin jade. Backlight by a simple light, a skeletal creature stirred from its repose. The terror that emanated from it was palpable.

When it spoke, it was a lethargic croak—part groan, part scream.

"I am told that you have been instrumental in thwarting the invaders from imprisoning us?"

Elabac cleared his throat after a long pause. "I am Elabac of Solanos Mor. I have traveled…through many perils…to meet with you. I seek…your intervention…in entreating Neroth…to grant me life beyond life."

"I still don't think this is a good idea," whispered Kham.

Quintus hushed him.

"We have heard you, Master Elabac of Solanos Mor," responded the thing behind the screen. "And what will you offer to us for our prayers on your behalf?"

Elabac looked surprised. "What can I offer? I seek this gift…not for personal power…but to help my people."

The creature seemed amused, if that were possible. "If we are to persuade our Lord to grant you life beyond life, then you will have many years indeed to help your people. But Ventaka needs you now. With the betrayal of the Nierites, we will need quality arms to defend ourselves."

"I know where this is going," whispered Kham.

"Pledge to remain here for the next 20 years," the thing said, "and we will do what we can."

Kham took a deep sigh.

"We will need time to prepare. Wait in the antechamber until you are summoned."

And with that, Helac returned to usher them out.

They were standing in an uncomfortable chamber, filled with the corpses of the dead and not quite dead.

Quintus was pacing. "Why are we waiting? Master Elabac, is this not what we came here for?"

The wizened dwarf seemed startled. "I had not…expected…these turn of events."

"The best laid plans of dwarves and men often go awry," said Ilmarė with a smirk.

"Oh that's very helpful, thank you," said Kham. "Look, dwarf, I don't like this any more than you do. What is there to decide?"

Elabac looked thoughtful but said nothing.

Quintus winced, rubbing his wounded side. "You do realize that we came all this way at your request. Nearly every one of us died. I swore to see Illiir's will done and I have been true to my word. Now you must follow through with your part."

Vlad stood in front of Elabac, arms crossed. "It's a serious decision. Give Master Elabac some time."

Quintus also crossed his arms. "I have been skewered, you have been stabbed, and Kham nearly got his brains spilled across the ground twice today. We have battled Nierites, Reavers and thugs. We have pledged to defend him on this quest and we were true to our word. Now we are here and he is not SURE if he wants to go through with it?"

A spider dropped down onto Quintus shoulder. He brushed it off in a huff. "I am a patient man, but enough is enough. This place is disgusting and I want to go home!"

There was a knock at the door. Everyone turned to watch Helac enter the room with a delicate tea set.

"I find dat de tea helps one dink clearly."

He handed out teacups of some steaming concoction.

Kham looked down at his saucer and noticed a note was stuck under it. He read it quickly

Kham loudly slurped the tea down. After a beat, he said "Excuse me, I need to pee. I'm going to ask Helac where I can go without accidentally desecrating one of his ancestors' resting places."

Quintus glared at him but said nothing, his arms crossed in one corner of the room. Vlad was talking with Elabac while Ilmarė stared skeptically into her teacup.

Outside, Helac was waiting for him.

"I do not dink your dwarven friend understands de implications of de transformation he is about to undergo."

Kham closed the door behind him. "Yeah, I know. Life must be a real barrel of laughs when you're half-dead."

The bald man shook his head. "No, it is not. Dat is my point. If Elabac wishes to craft de perfect weapon, he will lose his passion completely."

"Why are you telling me this?"

The bald man's eyes darted to the emerald on Kham's coat. "I believe ve have much in common, you and I," was all he would say.

Kham walked back into the room and shut the door behind him.

"Alright, this decision is a bit more complicated than I thought. Upon becoming undead, Elabac will lose his passion and emotion. Without that passion, he'll never be able to craft the perfect weapon. Give him 20 years of this depressing place and this whole quest will have been in vain anyway."

Ilmarė arched an eyebrow. "You came up with all that just now?"

Kham shrugged. "I do my best thinking when I pee."

"Perhaps you are right…" said Elabac. "If I lose my passion…my fire…then all that I sacrificed…has been in vain. Come…let us leave this place of death…and go home."

Quintus smacked his forehead. "So this truly has all been for naught."

"Not for naught," Vlad reminded him. "Wait until you see one of Master Elabac's failures in action."

[HalWhitewyrm]

Keep em coming, Michael!

Did you get your player to do more PC portraits? That one for Kham is simply amazing!

[talien]

They were all seated around a long table carved from solid stone. It seemed to stretch the length of the entire cavern itself, fading out into darkness at the far end of the table, lit intermittently by tapers that sputtered and hissed.

Quintus hunched over the table, his features shadowed by the candlelight. He hadn't spoken since they had left Ventaka. Kham was sprawled across the table, one leg up on the bench, which prohibited anyone else from sitting next to him. Ilmarė sat perfectly still next to Vlad, who chewed on something thoughtfully.

"What is this?" he said between bites.

"You are eating a fungus," said Ilmarė.

Vlad nearly choked.

"Mushrooms," Kham said. "Eat them long enough and they taste like beef."

Vlad took a few more thoughtful chews. "It really DOES taste like beef!"

Just then, Elabac entered with his entourage. They escorted him to the head of the table. Quintus didn't even look up.

"Thank you…my friends…for seeing my task…to its conclusion."

Kham nodded. "Hey, no problem. Any time you want to go into Canceri to make a complete—"

Vlad shot him a look. Kham covered up the conclusion of his sentence by taking a sip from the metal goblet in front of him.

"In gratitude…you may each have…one of my failures."

"We are honored," said Vlad, inclining his head towards the wizened dwarf.

"Quintus…" began Elabac.

Quintus' head snapped up.

"We have a guest…from the Coryani Empire…here to see you..."

Before Elabac could respond, a man dressed in lorica segmentata armor stiffly entered the room.

Quintus stood at attention, nearly tripping over the bench as he did so. He put his right closed fist over his breast in a salute.

The legionnaire refused to make eye contact with Quintus. He unrolled a scroll.

"Quintus Aurelius Ignatius," he read out loud, "due to your assistance in resolving the abduction of Senator Tensen-Balin's son, you are invited to attend a hunt at the request of General Menisis val'Tensen, Defender of the Empire."
Quintus blinked. "It would be an honor for I and my comrades to attend. We were all responsible for the child's safe return."

The legionnaire snapped the scroll shut and marched back into the darkness.

Vlad looked from Quintus to the spot where the legionnaire had read the scroll. "What was that all about?"

Kham thrust his chin out in Quintus' direction. "It's a rank thing," was all he said.

Quintus sat back down, all the anger drained out of him. He stared thoughtfully into his cup.

Beldin, sitting to Elabac's left, leaned forward. "Master Elabac wishes to extend his gratitude to the Coryani Empire as well." The young dwarf looked unusually somber. "He would like to send his envoy to deliver a gift on behalf of Solanos Mor."

Elabac gestured with one hand and pointed at a man that no one had noticed before. His most striking feature was his pale white hair. The man rose at Elabac's gesture and bowed slightly towards Quintus. There was a lacquered box in his gloved hands.

"I would be honored to present this gift on your behalf, Master Elabac," he said quietly.

The old dwarf nodded in approval.

"He doesn't look like a dwarf to me," Kham said to Vlad. Vlad shrugged.

"You can call me Sebastian Arnyal," the white-haired stranger responded.

Quintus squinted at the man. "From whence do you hail, Sebastian?"

There was a moment's pause. "Canceri," he replied.

Kham shook his head and took another sip of his drink.

Beldin waved at some of the other dwarves standing at attention around the table. Lacquered boxes snapped open in front of each of them: for Ilmarė, a silvery, thin longsword; for Vlad, a thick-handled longsword; for Kham, a beautifully gilded scimitar; for Quintus, a spear with a silver tip, its three sections laying side by side in the velvet case.

"Wow!" said Kham, fondling the scimitar. Vlad held the sword before him reverently, stroking the blade. Ilmarė simply took the box without comment.

Everyone turned to Quintus, who was staring at the open box before him. After a moment, he closed the box and took it under his arm.

"Very well, Sebastian," said Quintus. "You may join us."

There was an audible sigh of relief from the dwarves.

"I should like to see my home again," Quintus said. And with that, he left the table.

"Don't worry about him," said Kham to break the awkward silence that followed. "It's been a rough couple of weeks."

"I understand," said Elabac.

"You've been given a second chance, dwarf," said Ilmarė. "Don't waste it." She followed after Quintus.

Vlad and Kham exchanged glances. "Thank you so much for the honor of these weapons," Vlad said, bowing deeply. "I will wield it with pride." Then he left.

Kham pushed off the table and rose to make his leave. Then he changed his mind and grabbed the bottle of wine off of the table.

When Kham was out of earshot, Sebastian turned to Elabac. "Those were your champions?"

[talien]

This next story hour is a home game from the two-part tournament module, "Temptations of the Flesh," written by Henry Lopez and set in the Arcanis setting (thanks Henry!). You can read more about Arcanis at http://www.onaraonline.org. Our cast of characters includes:

· Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human Clr2), played by Mike Tresca (that's me): http://michael.tresca.net
· Kham Val'Abebi (val Rog2), played by Jeremy Ortiz: http://www.dreamsculptor.com/index1.html
· Ilmare Galen (elf Brd2), played by Amber Tresca (my wife)
· Sebastian Arnyal (dark-kin Sor1), played by George Webster.
· Beldin (dwarf Ftr1), played by Joe Lalumia.

Our DM is Robert Taylor, a gaming legend in his own time: http://www.storyboardz.net.

At second level, there was a real concern that we were all a lot more powerful than we should be. We learned from the use of blackpowder as an explosive in the last game that burning oil is a really cool thing. Unfortunately, my old school Second Edition roots did not recognize that alchemist's fire is the better choice. The use of burning oil nevertheless helped us in a pinch.

The new characters integrate smoothly, although we unfortunately did not have Vlad in this adventure—his disappearance is explained below. Beldin and Sebastian made suitable substitutes, but the adventure was still very tough. Oddly enough, it wasn't as deadly as the previous adventure.

In fact, the person who gets really screwed is Kham. He gets petrified, cursed, and almost eaten by a monster. We had to use every trick in the book to save him and ourselves.

If we learned anything in this adventure, it's that our characters suck at dungeon crawls. They're not too good at political maneuvering either (Quintus tends to be something of a loud-mouthed jerk, but he's learning). We're really at our best in street brawls.

[Meds]

Awesome writing -- keep it coming.
(That applies to both Mike and the module authors.)

[talien]

"How do I look?" asked Vlad, arrayed in the bright red full plate worn by the Knight of Nier.

"You look ridiculous," said Kham. "Everyone's going to think you're a Nierite."

Vlad stuck his chin out. "So? This is the most finely crafted armor I've ever seen. I can deal with anyone who wants to make an issue of it with this."

He waved a silvery longsword. It was one of Elabac's "failures." Engraved on the blade was the word "emtavas" and the personal seal of Elabac.

"What does 'emtavas' mean, anyway?" asked Quintus, looking at the same inscription on the blade of his spear.

"It means brother in arms," said Sebastian, entering the room. He was dressed head to toe in a black coat, a scarf wrapped around his neck—even his hands were covered in fine black gloves. Beldin trailed behind him.

"Sheesh, you must burn easily," said Kham.

Sebastian stared hard at him. "More than you know," he said.

"Emtavas can also mean friend," said Beldin, smiling sheepishly up at them. The dwarf was wearing a backpack, with a large battleaxe strapped across it.

"So, now both of you are coming with us?" asked Quintus.

"If you'll have me," Beldin responded. "Master Elabac has appointed Maten as his chief apprentice. There is no longer any need for me to stay in Solanos Mor." He almost seemed sad.

"So, he's kicking you out because Maten's the better weaponsmith?" Kham was fingering something on his wrist. "That sucks."

"He's not kicking me out," said Beldin. "I chose to leave. I can do much good outside of Solanos Mor's halls."

"Sure, sure. You're starting to sound like Quintus." Kham jabbed a thumb in Quintus' direction. As he lifted his arm up, the sleeve of his greatcoat slipped down to reveal something metal on his wrist.

"What's that?" asked Vlad.

Kham put his arm down and pulled the sleeve of his greatcoat down further over his left wrist. "Nothing."

Vlad's eyes narrowed. "I'm not the only one robbing the dead. That's the bracers that were on the Nierite sorcerer!"

Kham crossed his arms. "Fine. Whatever. These babies will keep me alive and they're a lot easier to conceal than your armor. And I still think you look ridiculous."

Vlad shrugged in his armor. "We're wearing what we need to wear to survive. That's as good an excuse as any. What about you two?"

Quintus snorted. "A legionnaire wears only what the Empire supplies him. I'd rather sell the booty than wear it."

Vlad turned to Ilmarė. "And you, Ilmarė?"

Ilmarė had her back to them. She spun around quickly and tucked the priest's red-gold holy symbol into her blouse. "Nothing of value," she said.

"You do not need to loot bodies when you have Master Elabac's blades. The weapons you have are superior to anything ever crafted in Onara," said Beldin with pride. "Let me demonstrate." He put one hand out to Vlad, who dutifully handed over his sword.

Beldin plucked one long hair from his beard and threw it. It gingerly wafted its way towards the ground.

There was a flash, and then two pieces of hair were floating downward.

Beldin handed the blade back to Vlad. "It will puncture even Altherian steel," he said, glancing at Kham.

Kham opened his greatcoat to show four holsters, two under his armpits, two at his ribcage. "You've got to reach me first. Thanks to the money we made off the booty," he tapped the forth gonne's handle, "Alita has joined my happy family."

"We have enough members of our happy family already," muttered Quintus. "If you two are going to keep up with us, you'll need to carry your fair share of the load." He paused a beat. "And Kham's too, come to think of it."

Sebastian looked at Kham in dismay. "Load?"

"Menisis val'Tensen is a general in the Coryani Empire. We should all be on our best behavior in his presence. It is a great honor to be invited to an Imperial Hunt."

"Maybe for you," Ilmarė said under her breath.

Quintus turned to Ilmarė, hands on hips. "General Menisis val'Tensen is the Empire's greatest hero. Many courtiers and sycophants would kill to have the opportunity to attend any function hosted by the great general. It's only because we rescued Senator Tensen-Balin's son that we're invited at all."

Kham rolled his eyes in response. "Don't worry Quintus, with our new arms and armor, we'll look appropriately heroic. Speaking of which…I don't think we ever got paid—"

Vlad shot him a look.

Kham hunched down. "Just kidding. Tell Master Elabac that the blades are a far better payment."

The dwarf looked at him sideways but said nothing.

"Learning to ignore these two is a requirement for joining us," said Ilmarė. "You'll do just fine. Now, for the most important matter at hand: is there anywhere in Marketplace that sells bara lawr bread?"

[talien]

The trip through the region of Ulfila was both long and arduous. The region's harsh and unforgiving terrain, filled with treacherous paths and rockslides, kept everyone on their toes. The caravan had just finished the one-day journey northeastwards, stopping at Nevanne.

"We'll branch off from the caravan southwards to Val'Tensen estates," said Quintus, staring south at the majestic mountains that slowly trickled into hills all around them.

"Great. Anything to get out of these mountains," said Kham. He looked at Beldin. "I don't know how you people manage to survive. That place," he gestured with a thumb over his shoulder in the direction of Solanos Mor, "is a deathtrap."

Beldin was also peering out at the hills, his bushy brows furrowed. "I prefer four walls around me to open space. You know where your enemies and allies are in the womb of the Corlathians. Out there…" he nodded in the southeasterly direction, "there is nowhere to hide."

After dismounting and gathering enough belongings for a night's stay, they began a search for a suitable inn. Quintus led the way, with Vlad and Ilmarė behind. Beldin and Sebastian stuck together by followed them at a discrete distance. Kham sighed and strolled behind them.

Quintus stood with hands on hips, staring up at the weathered exterior of an unnamed building. "This place looks as good as any," he said, not entirely convinced.

"It doesn't look any worse than the others," said Ilmarė.

Kham shoved past them through the entryway. "You know," he said out of the corner of his mouth, "just because we all travel together doesn't mean we have to stay at the same inn."

As he entered, Kham nodded towards a patron who imperceptible nodded back.

"Been here before?" said Ilmarė, the only one who noticed the gesture.

Kham froze. He looked sideways at Ilmarė but said nothing. Then he shoved his hands in the pockets of his greatcoat, shrugging his shoulders as he walked in the opposite direction of the nodding patron.

A longspear blocked his way. "Kham," said Quintus. "Stay out of trouble."

"I can take care of myself," Kham replied. "But you should probably watch out for the rest of your little entourage."

Quintus arched an eyebrow. Kham nodded over the signifer's shoulder.

He turned around, only to discover several Milandisian men talking excitedly to Vlad. When Quintus turned back to respond to Kham, he was gone.

After Vlad finished speaking with the men, they filed out of the inn. He sat down in a huff and ordered a drink from the barmaid.

Quintus sat across from Vlad and waited.

"My Canton has been called up to investigate a disturbance in Ashvan."

"Ashvan?" said Sebastian, joining them. "That's on the border between Milandir and Canceri.

Vlad's expression was grim. "The Duke has hand picked a crew from my Canton to go, me included."

"Why not send the entire Canton?" asked Ilmarė.

"A large scale military action would provoke Canceri," said Sebastian. "With the invasion of the Nierites, too many troops could be misinterpreted as a precursor to an invasion."

"Word of your deeds has spread," said Quintus. "It is a heavy burden to bear. You should go help your people."

Vlad sighed, taking a long swig of his drink. "The Hunt sounds more exciting. But you're right, I have to go." He flashed a wan smile. "Kill…what are you going to hunt, anyway?"

The blank stares confirmed his suspicion. "Well, whatever it is, kill it for me. I must leave immediately. Take care of yourselves." Vlad clasped Quintus' forearm in farewell and waved to the others before he left the inn.

Ilmarė looked after his departure wistfully.

Quintus nudged her with his elbow. "I get the feeling you'd rather go with him."

The Elorii looked sideways at her human companion. "I would take a plague over Coryani politics any day."

[talien]

It was two days since they had begun to negotiate the trade routes and trails when finally, in the late afternoon hours, the group turned down a barely noticeable path that spilled out into a verdant valley. Just south of Nevanne, the ensconced estates of the val'Tensen lands spread out before them.

There was a whistle behind them, a warning from a hidden sentry. Five heavily armed and armored legionnaires road up shortly after. Quintus rode ahead to speak with the vanguard.

"The Legion of the Defiant Shield demands you state your name and business!" shouted the lead legionnaire.

"I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun. I and my companions are guests of the Tensen-Balin family."

The legionnaire squinted at Quintus. "Signifer, hmm? What proof do you have of your invitation?"

Quintus reached into a saddlebag and pulled out a wooden box. He snapped it open, revealing a silver dagger.

Kham, who had ridden up behind Quintus, leaned over to look at the dagger. "You kept yours? I sold mine."

Quintus' glare stopped him from speaking further.

"Follow us," said the lead legionnaire. He wheeled his horse about as some of the other legionnaires' mounts fell in step with the others.

The legionnaires escorted them to the main entryway of the estate. Waiting in the doorway was a bald, heavyset man wearing a plain tunic and sandals. He wordlessly motioned for a couple of young boys to grab baggage and stable mounts.

Sebastian was having difficulty getting his mount to stand still. The bald man took the reins.

"Thank you," said Sebastian as the major domo led his horse away. The man simply nodded, carefully avoiding Sebastian's gaze.

"Why does he not speak?" asked Sebastian. "Have I offended him in some way?"

Quintus looked sideways at the Cancerite. "He is a mute," he responded. "All servants have their tongues cut out so that they cannot easily repeat what they witness."

"And they call Coryan the cradle of civilization," Ilmarė said in disgust.

They were ushered down a short tiled hallway to a large atrium built in the center of the house. Four massive-yet-elegant colonnades surrounded a large fountain. At its center was a huge bronze statue of the storm god Hurrian, his hands spread above him as he captured an arcing lightning bolt. Seated all around the statue were guests reclining on divans, all of them doll-like in comparison to the statue that towered over them.

A servant was the first to greet them with a silver plate balancing several goblets of wine.

Quintus led by example, taking a goblet from the plate.

Kham spotted a fair-skinned young woman across the room, idly playing with her long blonde dresses. He grabbed two goblets and began sipping from one of them.

"It is customary to sacrifice some wine to the divine patron of the household," hissed Quintus.

Kham, in mid-sip, spat the wine back into the goblet. "Now you tell me," he muttered.

Quintus walked up to the fountain, bowed, and poured some of his wine into the fountain. Sebastian and Beldin did likewise. Ilmarė's lip curled into a sneer as she turned the goblet's entire contents into the fountain.

Kham looked from his two goblets to the fountain and back to the blonde woman. He flicked his fingers into one of the goblets and flicked a few droplets into the fountain. When he looked up again, Sebastian was talking to her.

"Damn," he muttered, scanning the room.

Quintus had joined two other older men. One wore the long dun-colored robes of the Beltinian clergy. The other wore a long, dark purple robe that covered him from chin to foot and was adorned with all manner of strange sigils and mystic amulets.

A dark-haired beauty dressed in a diaphanous scarlet toga, cut much too short to be modest, was leaning on a tall, powerfully built man wearing dark breeches and an orange-red tunic that matched his shock of red hair.

Kham wandered closer to her, pretending to admire the gigantic fountain. He was listening to several conversations at once.

"I am Elandre Val'assante," said the blonde woman, "the first daughter of Prelate Acastus val'Assante of Coryan."

"I am Sebastian Arnyal of Canceri," he said. "I could not help but notice that you seem to be very melancholy."

Elandre smiled wanly. "Sad? Me? Not at all, I'm to be wed next month. I couldn't be happier."

Sebastian smiled politely back. "To whom, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Oh, to Gaius val'Tensen, the General's nephew."

Sebastian nodded. "I am not familiar with Coryani politics."

"Gaius is a man of noble birth and rank," Elandre said forcefully. "He shall be a most perfect a most perfect husband."

Ilmarė stood where she was at the fountain. Beldin joined her, watching the others. "Not joining the party?" asked Beldin.

"I see and hear enough, dwarf," said Ilmarė. "That woman that Sebastian is speaking to? She wears too much makeup. Do you know why?"

Beldin stroked his beard thoughtfully but said nothing.

"She is trying to cover up a bruise." She shook her head. "Human women are weak. And Kham is eavesdropping on the two lovers there."

Kham hadn't moved from his spot. He was riveted by the conversation he was listening to, one ear cocked.

"I hear Nierites wield huge swords," said the raven-haired woman, her ruby lips pursed. She was practically devouring the larger man with her eyes. "One must possess a strong sheath to contain its full length."

"M-my lady," said the man, obviously flustered, "you flatter me."

"Flatter you? I can do much more than that." She traced one finger along the man's collarbone. "Have you ever heard of the Sacrament of the Goddess of Forbidden Pleasures?"

"No. I really shouldn't—"

They were interrupted by Quintus' shouting.

"All religions should be unified under the Mother Church," he said loudly. "This division is disastrous—look at the Nierite attack on Ventaka! Unity with the great nation of Coryan will ensure harmony, and religion is no different. All should return to Illiir's bosom."

"See, here's a man who understands the importance of reintegration," said Morushun val'Ishi, standing next to Quintus.

"Nonsense," said Garan val'Mehan, his accent betraying his Cancerite origins. "De Nihang Council has always followed de true path of unity."

Quintus jabbed a finger at the Cancerite. "Are you implying we are heretics?"

"Not at all," the Cancerite said with a smile on his lips. "After all, it vas your Patriarch's visdom that initiated dis integration. Are YOU implying dat his Divine Grace is erring?"

Quintus raised one hand, finger pointing in the air, to make another dramatic point, when the tinkling of a bell echoed throughout the chamber. It was the major domo, gesturing for them to follow him.

As they began to walk out of the room, Kham handed Beldin and Ilmarė a gold Imperial.

"What's that all about?" asked Sebastian as he caught up with them.

"Oh, nothing," Kham said, smiling to himself.

"We were betting on which would happen first: Quintus would start a fight, the Larissan priestess would leave with the Nierite, or that you would insult the lady of the house."

"What part of 'don't tell anybody about the bet' didn't you understand?" said Kham through gritted teeth.

Ilmarė ignored him. "Stupid human politics," she said.

[talien]

They were led back into the west wing of the house, up a flight of stairs to the guest quarters. The quarters of the manse were arranged down a long, "I"-shaped corridor. Each guest's equipment was delivered to his or her room, along with a servant holding evening attire for the evening. Once they were settled in, each servant ushered his charge out into the hallway.

"Where are we going?" asked Sebastian nervously.

"It is customary to take a bath before dining," said Quintus, "especially in the presence of Coryani nobility."

Sebastian froze.

"What's wrong?" asked Kham.

"I…can't take a bath."

"If you ask me, you need one," said Kham. "You spend all that time wrapped up in that black overcoat. I think you could use a little airing out, if you know what I mean."

The servant tugged at his arm. Sebastian wouldn't look at him. "I can't. I have my reasons."

He ducked back into his room and slammed the door.

"What's his problem?" asked Kham.

Sebastian's door slammed shut. "Perhaps he is modest," said Beldin.

Ilmarė walked beside the men as the servants led them on.

"Speaking of modesty…" said Quintus, his gaze flickering to Ilmarė.

Ilmarė returned his gaze. "Don't project your human prudery on me," she said flatly. "I don't mind bathing in the presence of males."

Kham grinned a wicked grin. "Neither do we."

The servant tugged insistently on Ilmarė's arm. "Fine, I will adhere to your ridiculous customs," she said. And with that, she was led to a separate bath.

A wave of steam and heat greeted her as the servant opened the large wooden door. Inside, large steaming pools of water and a servant girl waited with a horsehair brush.

Ilmarė disrobed and let loose her long, silver hair from the headband she normally wore.

"Mind the hair," she said, shaking her tresses out. "The purple streaks are easy to wash out and hard to dye." She lifted one handful of hair to demonstrate the purple highlights.

The servant girl nodded mutely and went to work scrubbing her elven charge.

There was a knock at the door. The female servant handed Ilmarė a large towel and held it up just as another man entered.

Ilmarė stood up from the bath, stepping beyond the towel. The intruder averted his eyes and cleared his throat.

"Yes?" she said after a moment, still dripping from the bath.

"I-I have come with greetings from my master," he said. "My master understands that since you are Elorii, you may not have brought a gift for your host, as is customary here in the Empire."

Ilmarė's lip curled in a sneer. "It is true that I am unfamiliar with your customs."

"As such, my master does not wish for you to embarrass yourself this evening. My master has asked me to bring you a gift fit for the High General."

He extended a small wooden box in her general direction.

Ilmarė snorted and took the box from him. She opened it and looked inside for a moment. Then she snapped it shut.

"What is this creature?"

The servant smiled, sneaking a glance at her unclothed form. "The High General will know."

Ilmarė shook her head. "I'm sure he will. And who is this master of yours?"

The servant took a step back. "I have been instructed not to say," he said. "My master wishes for you not to feel obligated." And with that, he backed out of the room.

The female servant, having given up on trying to get Ilmarė to cover herself with the towel, offered her evening clothes. In the distance, Ilmarė's sensitive hearing could make out the bell signaling dinner.

Ilmarė held the clothes up to her body. It was a long woman's tunic, made of two wide pieces of cloth sewn together almost to the top, leaving just enough room for armholes. It was girded once under the breast and, judging from how the servant girl was dressed, was girdled again at the hips. It was also entirely impractical for combat.

"Stupid human clothing," she said.

[talien]

Dinner, as it turned out, was to be held in the uppermost floor of the manse. A large, roofless room offered a spectacular view of the surrounding hillsides. The view was marred only by ominous storm clouds that loomed overhead, lighting up the sky with flashes of ball lightning. Thunder rumbled off in the distance and echoed through the dining room, shaking the table such that the tableware tinkled as the guests entered.

Ilmarė's arrival elicited a gasp from the male guests. She wore a white tunic that covered her from neck to ankle and was fastened at the shoulders with clasps. It wrapped just under her bosom. A shawl was wrapped around her shoulders and arm. Ilmarė's almond-shaped eyes and arching eyebrows were further accented by careful application of kohl. Her lips were tinted with alkanet root and ochre. Ilmarė's purple and silver hair was up in a bun held by a net of gold. Pearls adorned her throat and pointed ears.

"You clean up nice," Kham whispered with admiration. None of them had ever seen Ilmarė dressed for a social occasion before.

Ilmarė frowned. She stiffly carried a box in her hands. "These garments are difficult to move in."

Beldin stroked his beard, which had been carefully combed. He wore a smaller white toga. Hanging from the end of his beard were several small gold beads in the shape of warrior's faces. Beldin's long hair hung in ringlets around his shoulders.

"Actually, I find it quite comfortable," the dwarf replied.

"I don't," said Sebastian, his eyes darting nervously to and fro. He wore his toga long enough so that his hands were not visible. Most notable of all was the complete lack of white hair; Sebastian had donned a gausapa, a wig made of thick black hair. It covered his ears and framed his face in a fashion similar to Beldin's. He had a wooden box under one arm.

"I'm with the elf," Kham added, tugging at the sleeve of his toga. "I'm afraid this toga's going to slip off of me. Quintus seems to be in his element though."

Quintus walked ahead of them, his focus on the guests already reclining around the table.

Morushun, the Beltinian Prelate of Enpebyn, was already reclining on a divan near the table.

"Where are the seats?" whispered Beldin.

"Welcome to a royal feast in Coryan," said Kham with a smirk.

"Hurrian is pleased this night," Morushun said. He looked at the High General Menisis val'Tensen, seated at the head of the table. "He sends good portents for his most favored son, the great General Menisis."

Seated at the head of the table was the High General, who loomed over them all even when seated. His toga picta, entirely purple and embroidered with gold stars, immediately identified him as a victorious general. Menisis' frosted head of hair and imposing physique were intimidating even when he was relaxed. The small scar on his left cheek did little to mar the infectious grin that had won the hearts of the citizens of Empire. He stood up to greet his guests.

"Hail High General!" said Quintus. "I am Quintus Aurelius Ignatius, Signifer of the Legion of the Triumphant Rays of the Invisible Sun." He gestured to each of his comrades in turn. "My companions include Kham val'Abebi of Altheria, Ilmarė Galen of Entaris, Sebastian Arnyal of Canceri, and Beldin of Solanos Mor."

Menisis lifted his goblet in greeting. "Ah, welcome lady and gentlemen." His voice rumbled like the thunderheads above them. "I thank you for honoring our humble home with your presence."

"The honor is ours," said Quintus in measured tones. He smiled. "Thank you for having us."

Menisis turned to the guests nearest him. "These brave souls risked life and limb rescuing one of our own from the Harvesters of Ymandragore. My good cousin, Senator Tensen-Balin, spoke highly of them and felt that their company would enhance our small gathering."

At Menisis' right was a handsome young man with a perpetual scowl on his face. Built like a warrior, he was slurping loudly from a goblet of wine. He wore a white toga and tunic with purple bands. Judging from the wine stains on his toga, it was an action he had performed many times that evening.

"Great heroes indeed, uncle. No need to fawn over them. "In truth, I believe our good cousin the Senator wishes to spy on our festivities and find out why such prominent members of the Mother Church are…"

One withering glare from Menisis silenced him. "Gaius val'Tensen is my nephew," said Menisis. "You've met the others I believe, but for this distinguished gentlemen here." He gestured in the direction of the blonde-haired man. "This is Acastus val'Assante', Illiirite Prelate of Coryan."

Acastus had a noble profile, with piercing gray eyes and curly blonde locks that identified him as a val'Assante. His long golden robes and large ring in the shape of a sun identified him as a high-ranking priest of Illiir. He politely inclined his head in Quintus direction.

Quintus bowed low. "We are doubly blessed," he said.

Kham rolled his eyes.

"Now, please," said Menisis, "join us and enjoy our simple repast."

Quintus took a divan to Morushun's right. Ilmarė sat with perfect posture next to Quintus. Everyone else took the remaining available divans at the end of the table.

The first course that the servants brought out was a huge bowl of green, leafy salad. Ilmarė's expression brightened as the bowl was passed before her. Beldin frowned.

"No meat?" he whispered to Kham.

"Eventually," Kham said.

"I've heard much about you all," said Gaius, his singsong voice striking just the right annoying notes, "How goes your transfer from your old legion, Quintus?"

Quintus blanched. "Slowly," he said.

"Ah yes, what was it?" Gaius put one finger to his chin. "Oh that's right! You upstaged a centurion. Quite an achievement for a man of your rank, don't you think?"

Quintus strained to smile through clenched teeth. "You flatter me."

"Oh don't thank me, thank Senator Tensen-Balin," said Gaius with a sneer. "I dare say it's thanks to your good deeds that he keeps you in the legion at all!"

Quintus face turned bright red but he held his tongue.

"Speaking of our dear cousin, have you heard the latest gossip from the capitol, uncle?"

Menisis was doing his best to ignore his nephew. Gaius blathered on.

"No? Then let me tell you: he is opposing our glorious Emperor's request for a slight increase in taxation!"

"Our glorious Emperor wants that money to enlarge the Summer Palace in Salantica," said Menisis. "Senator Tensen-Balin merely believes that the taxes upon our citizens are high enough."

"Expanding an already luxurious villa could be perceived as frivolous in these times," said Acastus.

Gaius feigned a shocked expression. "Does not our Emperor deserve to have a few moments of respite from the burden of leading our Empire? To oppose such a small request is tantamount to treason."

Everyone turned to look at Gaius as he spoke the last word.

"This guy makes Quintus look like an anarchist in comparison," whispered Kham out of the side of his mouth to Beldin. The dwarf merely nodded.

"We are all his servants, after all," Gaius said. "I would toil all the harder if I knew that it would give His Glory comfort during his few moments of rest, for I love our Emperor."

Menisis took a deep breath and put down a forkful of salad. "Given that you have never toiled a day in your life, I'm sure the Emperor is relieved to know that you are now ready to make such a grave sacrifice."

Gaius' response was interrupted by the next course of roasted duck with almonds and assorted vegetables.

Beldin licked his lips. "Much better," he said.

"Speaking of loyalty," said Gaius, "I heard the Leonydes val'Vridan led an attack on Ventaka itself. Is that true, Attalus?"

The redheaded young man that had previously fended off the dark-haired beauty's overtures chewed for a long moment before answering. "Yes, it is true. Not all Nierites share the Sword of Heavens' …perspective."

Gaius smiled sweetly. "Such measured tones from such a tempestuous people! Surely, the slaughter of the Nierites at the hands of some of our guests today speaks volumes about your kin."

Garan cleared his throat. "Even an invasion can bring about change. My people have been rallied in a vay dey have never been before. Indeed, it is largely because of de attack dat I am here—to promote peace and unity amongst all peoples."

Gaius sneered at Garan. The guests he had hoped to inflame had outwitted him.

"While we're on the topic of the differences between people, Quintus mentioned you were from Altheria, correct?" Gaius asked, inclining his head towards Kham. "You're quite light-skinned for an Altherian, and a val at that. I bet you've got some Coryani blood in you. "

Kham's eyes turned to slits. He put both open palms face down on the table.

"Perhaps you even are a distant member of our glorious val'Tensen clan," continued Gaius. "I know that some of our ancestors dallied with their servants."

"Kham…" Quintus warned.

Just then, the raven-haired beauty stood up and bowed towards Menisis. "If I may?"

Menisis nodded back at her. Everyone stopped talking as the room's attention focused on her.

"Who is that?" asked Beldin.

"Oriena val'Sheem, a Larissan priestess," said Kham, still glaring in Gaius' direction.

Oriena stepped away from the table and began inscribing a holy circle of prophecy about her on the stone floor with a consecrated piece of red chalk. One of Oriena's servants in one corner of the room began rhythmically beating a drum.

Oriena's practiced hands finished inscribing the intricate circle. She grabbed a goblet filled with fine Savonan wine and held it up to the heavens. Then she began to sway within the mystic confines of the circle, moving slowly at first to the pace of the drum and slowly increasing, faster and wilder.

With each sultry movement of her arms, swaying of her hair, and bucking of her hips, some wine sloshed out of the goblet inside the inscribed mystical circle. The drumming and dancing reached a frenetic pace, entrancing everyone at the table. Kham caught himself tapping his foot to the rhythm.

The music finally reached a fever-pitch crescendo. Oriena twirled so quickly she became a blur of black and scarlet. Then, with a final loud beat, it was over. The priestess lay in the exact center of the circle, folded up like a pre-morn rose, her long black hair splayed about her like a gigantic spider's web.

Everyone caught their breath, waiting expectantly for what would come next.

"What is she doing?" asked Ilmarė.

"She is a Larissan priestess," said Quintus. "She is reading the spills and splashes of the wine in the circle to divine her prophecy."

Ilmarė crossed her arms as Oriena rose from the center of the circle. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she spoke in a strangely masculine voice.

"Hail the High General of the Empire. Hail the conquering hero. The wailing of the vanquished shall be your heralding and the throne shall be your spoils."

And with that, Oriena dropped to the floor like a marionette whose strings had suddenly been severed.

The all-pervading silence of the room was shattered by Gaius' nasally whine. "It looks like your liberation of Milandir will be successful. Best to keep your eyes upon that throne, great uncle, for the other is beyond your reach."

A strained smile crossed over Menisis' face. "Blood is only so thick, dear nephew."

Oriena resumed her seat at the table as the main course was served. It was roasted wild boar with an assortment of roots and vegetables. Beldin rubbed his hands together in anticipation.

"What, don't they feed you in Solanos Mor?" asked Kham.

"Not like this!" said Beldin as a servant sliced two, then three, then four slices of meat onto his plate.

At the other end of the table, Garan spoke in the tongue of Canceri to Sebastian. "It is good to see one of our own here," he said with a smile.

"I was not present for the rescue of the Senator's son," responded Sebastian in the same tongue. "I have come on behalf of Master Elabac to present a gift to the High General."

Garan nodded, still smiling. He switched to common. "As have I. But dat does not diminish our presence amongst dese honored guests. Your accent is very good. How long have you lived in Canceri?"

Sebastian's lips became a grim line. "Too long. I have traveled much. I was staying with the dwarves in Solanos Mor prior."

"Ah. Dat explains it. And yet, you seem reluctant. Is everything alright?"

Sebastian attempted a smile. "I can sympathize with the boy's dilemma," he said in Cancerite.

Garan winked at him. "I understand, say no more," he replied in the same tongue. "There are no Harvesters here."

Sebastian's gaze flickered to Gaius. "But there are plenty of snakes."

Garan smiled politely. "And now, it is time to present our gifts."

Garan reached behind his divan and pulled out a box. He looked to Acastus, who did likewise. Morushun and Oriena followed suit.

Sebastian took out his own box. He arched a questioning eyebrow as Ilmarė did the same.

Acastus stood up and approached Menisis. "I bring greetings from Coryan. Please accept this gift as a small token for your generous hospitality." The servants opened the box and Acastus lifted from it a glittering gold chalice. It was inscribed with benedictions to Illiir. Menisis smiled and nodded.

"Uh, what are they doing?" asked Kham.

Quintus' eyes were wide. "It is a gift ceremony," he hissed through gritted teeth.

"Do we have a gift?"

"No," Quintus said ruefully.

Morushun stood up next. "I bring greetings from Enpebyn," he said. "Please accept this gift as a small token for your generous hospitality." Morushun reached into his box and produced a large ring mounted with a topaz opal. Menisis graciously accepted it.

"Aren't you supposed to know these sorts of things?" asked Kham. "Everyone else knew to bring a gift. The Cancerite has his. Hell, even the elf brought something. Maybe she can present it on behalf of all of us."

Beldin shrugged. "Sebastian presents on behalf of Solanos Mor, so that will be my gift as well."

Garan approached Menisis. "I bring greetings from Nishanpur," he said. "Please accept this gift as a small token for your generous hospitality." He presented a Sarishan dagger, gilded in silver.

Quintus looked over at Ilmarė. "Where did you get that gift?"

Ilmarė didn't look at him, her attention focused on the gift-giving ceremony. "A servant gave it to me during the bath."

Oriena sashayed over the Menisis. "I bring greetings from Savona," she husked. "Please accept this gift as a small token for your generous hospitality." She bowed and spread her arms. A dozen female servants stepped forward, all clad in very short tunics.

"Oh man, the priestess just gave him twelve girls!" Kham exclaimed in hushed tones. "How are we supposed to beat that?"

"What's in the box?" asked Quintus.

"A beast of some sort, carved of green stone," she said, rising to her feet.

It was Sebastian's turn. He swallowed hard and rose to his feet.

"I bring greetings from Solanos Mor," he said, his voice unsteady. "Please accept this gift as a small token for your generous hospitality." He bowed low and presented the open box to Menisis. Menisis gingerly took a silver gladius from the box. The word "emtavas" was etched on the blade.

"A worthy gift indeed," said the general. He personally handed it to one of his servants, impressed.

"Another one of Elabac's failures," said Kham. "Great."

Sebastian returned to his divan.

"You did well," said Beldin with an encouraging smile.

Sebastian turned to Ilmarė. "Your turn," he said.

Ilmarė made her way over to Menisis. Quintus matched her stride for stride.

"What kind of beast?" he whispered.

"I'm not familiar with it," she said. "It has great tusks, with large ears, and a long trunk."

They were both standing before the general. He stared at them expectantly. Ilmarė started to open the box…

Quintus slammed it shut.

"I must apologize, General. We have no gift."

Ilmarė turned to Quintus. "What? But-"

"Later," Quintus hissed. They awkwardly backed away from Menisis and returned to their divans.

There was an uncomfortable pause, broken only by Gaius' snort of derision. Then Menisis rose to his feet and raised his goblet to his guests. "Thank you all for your generosity. Please, enjoy the rest of the evening."

Menisis left the room. The other guests trickled out after him.

"What was that all about?" asked Ilmarė, irritated in the hallway in front of her quarters.

"That statue is of an elephant," Quintus said. He seemed more exhausted from the dinner than she had seen him in any battle.

"And?"

"Queen Alezha gave the Emperor the very same gift upon her arrival to the Empire. Giving it to the High General would imply that he is having an affair with the Queen."

"Better to be slightly embarrassed by presenting no gift at all," said Sebastian behind them, "than to give that to our host."

Sebastian and Beldin disappeared into their own rooms.

"Quintus," said Ilmarė, "I…"

Quintus held up one hand. "It's alright. I know you are well traveled, but you can't be expected to know every nuance of Coryani custom. Someone tried to manipulate you to get us all thrown out. We will have to remain extra vigilant."

"Oh, I intend to," said Kham before he shut the door to his own room.

Ilmarė was still searching for words as Quintus turned on his heel and walked into his room. The door thudded softly behind him.

The Elorii bit her lip, her hands balled into fists. "Stupid human customs!" she snarled. Then Ilmarė stomped into her room.

[talien]

Kham waited patiently until Quintus's snoring fell into the steady pattern that indicated deep sleep. Fortunately, Kham's dwarven neighbor on the other side of his room was easier to monitor—Beldin nearly shook the foundations with his snoring.

He tiptoed over to his holsters and strapped them on. Kham had changed into his usual pants and shirt; he had no intentions of sleeping that night. He then strapped his scimitar onto his belt and shrugged on his overcoat.

Kham rubbed his forehead. The others were out of their league, more accustomed to facing their foes than having to look over their shoulders. Kham, on the other hand, had been looking over his shoulder since he was born. Someone had manipulated Ilmarė and he intended to find out who.

If only he could stop his headache. Kham had suffered from hangovers before, but this was different. He took another swig of a goblet of wine near his bed. The wine didn't deaden the pain; it just made him care about it less.

Kham slowly opened the door to his room, mindful of it squeaking too loudly. After he stepped into the hallway, it took an eternity to push the door silently back into place. There was a click behind him.

A young man in servant's garb had just rounded the corner. Kham didn't release his hand from the door's handle, feigning as if he was about to enter rather than leave his room.

"Oh, I'm sorry," said the servant. "I didn't mean to wake you."

Kham's eyes darted everywhere. "That's alright," he said.

There was a long pause. "I thought I heard someone walking about and came to investigate."

"Well, that would be me," said Kham. "I think the fresh air did me some good," he said with a slight smile.

More uncomfortable silence. "Well, if you'll excuse me, I must report back to the Major Domo."

"Right," said Kham. He stepped back into his room and closed the door.

Kham listened to the man's footsteps pad away into the distance. When they were inaudible, he slumped against the door in relief.

"Whew!" That was too close. Kham wondered what it was the servant thought he heard.

Then he remembered: none of the servants in the manor could speak because none of them had any tongues!

Kham flung the door open and stuck his head out into the hallway. There was no sign of the servant.

He ran into the hallway. A figure disappeared down another hallway to his left.

Kham jogged back to Beldin's room and hammered on the door. "Wake up, dwarf! Get Quintus! I think you should take a look at this!"

The snoring stopped for a second, started again, and ended with a "zzzzzwha?"

Satisfied that he the dwarf would eventually wake up, Kham ran down the same hallway the servant had taken. He came skidding to a halt at the end of it.

Doors branched off the hallway, but none were placed at the end. Only a small table and a vase filled with white flowers greeted him.

"Has to be a secret door here somewhere…" he said to himself.

Kham leaned forward, holding onto the vase so that it wouldn't tip over as he peeked behind the table.

There was a brief grinding sound and then the wall swung backwards into darkness. Kham mentally congratulated himself as he stepped into the dark secret passage.

Then something happened, something that had never happened before.

A deafening high-pitched buzzed screamed through his brain. Kham's headache flared so brightly that he was momentarily blinded. Everything was bathed in a stark white light. He saw, in the unbearable brightness, a white shadow of an arm bearing a wicked-looking dagger. It sliced downwards towards his head…

And then he was back in the darkness. Kham dropped to the ground and felt the same wicked dagger slice across his shoulder blades instead. He tumbled to his feet and unsheathed his scimitar in one smooth motion.

The servant lunged at him, but Kham was ready. There was another flash of whiteness, and Kham watched in fascination as the faux servant feinted a dodge to the left but struck at Kham's left side. Then he was back in the darkness of the tunnel and the servant was dodging left.

Kham casually stuck his scimitar out, looking dumbstruck at the weapon as the servant impaled himself on it. The look of shock was mirrored on both their faces. Kham had no idea just how sharp his scimitar was. He felt no resistance as the blade slid through the man's torso like butter.

The servant was lying dead on the floor when several legionnaires of the Defiant Shield arrived, led by a half-dressed Quintus.

"What happened?" he asked, tucking his tunic in.

Kham winced. There was a bloodstain—his blood—smeared behind him on the wall he was leaning against.

"An assassin is my guess," he nudged the corpse with his boot and jabbed a thumb in the direction of the alcove behind him.

Ilmarė, wrapped in a white robe with her hair down, inspected the alcove. She looked considerably different from her appearance at the dinner.

The alcove had a glass tube with a rubber bulb attached at one end to a small peephole. Ilmarė leaned forward on her toes, removed the tube, and squinted through the hole.

"Attalus val'Virdan is asleep in that room," she said.

Ilmarė popped the bulb off of the tube and some powder flaked out of it. She dipped one pinky into the powder and tasted it.

"Helvasta," she said.

"Helvasta? Are you sure?" asked Quintus.

"Yes. It's a strong hallucinogenic. It induces paranoia and homicidal madness after enough exposure."

Quintus' expression was grim. "That powder is used by Larissan priestesses for some of their religious ceremonies."

He exchanged looks with one of the legionnaires, who wordlessly marched off to retrieve Oriena.

Kham took off his overcoat and shirt and began wrapping his torso with strips of cloth.

"What were you doing up fully dressed anyway?" asked Beldin, his beard unkempt and his eyes puffy with sleep.

Kham looked over at the legionnaires, who were watching him curiously. "You know an awful lot about poisons," he said to Ilmarė, quickly changing the subject.

"Of course," Ilmarė replied. "It is just one more tool to use in the War."

"What war?" asked Kham.

"The Final War. When the Elorii shall avenge themselves on the Gods of Man and their servants."

Quintus looked bewildered. "The Gods of Man?"

Sebastian finally arrived, wrapped tightly in a robe with his hands buried in its pockets. Trailing behind him was Attalus, rubbing his eyes.

The legionnaires brought Oriena in, hands on her elbows. She shouldered them off.

"Brutes!" she hissed. "I don't know why you dragged me here!"

"We found Helvasta in this bulb here," said Quintus, holding it up in the torchlight.

Oriena strode over to Quintus. He was careful to look her in the eyes—her sleepwear was especially revealing. She dipped one pinky into the bulb and sucked on it, her eyes closed.

Quintus swallowed hard.

"This is not mine," said Oriena. She opened her eyes and pointed at the assassin's body. "And I have never met that man before in my life."

"He's not one of your servants?" asked Kham.

"No. My servants are all much more attractive than that brute. Besides, why would I try to drive Attalus mad? I have nothing to gain from it."

Attalus nodded in agreement. "I believe you. Someone wished to show a Nierite to be the reckless brutes we are all perceived to be. But who?"

Quintus looked down at the corpse. "We may never know."

The legionnaires escorted everyone back into the hallway and removed the body. Beldin peeked out one of the hallway window slits. "There are horses and a carriage outside. Is someone leaving?"

"The General received urgent orders to leave for Coryan at once," said another of the legionnaires.

"Convenient," muttered Kham.

"I recommend that all the delegates sleep under armed guard tonight," said Quintus. The legionnaires nodded.

Oriena pouted and looked around the hallway. "And whom shall I sleep under tonight?" She licked her lips.

Ilmarė rolled her eyes as the other men sputtered and looked away. Oriena sidled up to Sebastian.

"Perhaps you will protect me?" she asked, entwining her arm around Sebastian's elbow.

Sebastian smiled slightly. "I really should get some rest."

"It's okay," she whispered into his ear, "I don't mind your ta-"

Sebastian shushed her and walked stiffly into his room. Oriena gave everyone a sly smile and slipped after him, closing the door behind her.

[talien]

"By the grace of Althere!" shouted Kham, slapping his forehead at the spectacle before them.

Gaius was astride the lead horse, a hunting horn dangling at his side. A flagpole jutted from a holster by his foot, clearly identifying him as the leader of the morning's hunt. Everyone but Sebastian was astride their own mounts.

Kham struggled to retain any expression other than horrified shock. "Oh look, EVERYONE'S here."

Quintus' upper lip was twitching. "Why Kham, how good of you to join us," he said through gritted teeth. "Gaius will be leading the hunt today in place of the High General."

Sebastian was struggling to keep mount his horse, which was bucking violently away from him. Oriena ordered her servants to help him, but the mount was giving them considerable trouble. From a distance, Attalus watched with bemusement.

"The priests send their apologies," said Gaius over is shoulder. "They say there is still much to discuss between them before they travel to Coryan."

Kham smoothly mounted his steed even as Sebastian finally got his horse under control.

"What of Elandre?" asked Sebastian.

Gaius shot him a glare. "It is unseemly for a woman of such high noble birth to participate," he said. "Women of lesser birth are of course welcome to do as they please."

Ilmarė narrowed her eyes at him but said nothing.

Gaius kicked his horse into a trot. "We will have to travel beyond the estate lands. It is only there that we shall find our quarry."

"Isn't that Ulfilan territory?" asked Quintus.

"Oh I'm sure the Ulfilan Governor won't mind," Gaius said with a sneer.

"And just what is our quarry, exactly?" asked Kham.

"Why, the Howling Bear, of course," said Gaius.

Kham looked at Quintus, who merely shrugged his shoulders.

"For those of you who have never been on a royal hunt before, I suggest you keep a tight grip on the reins," said Gaius. "It can get…exciting. Try not to soil my mounts."

And with that he kicked his horse into a gallop and disappeared into the woods. Quintus stared daggers in Gaius' direction but rode off after him.

The woods were surprisingly temperate. The surroundings were lush and full of life.

Ilmarė looked around. "Osalian is pleased."

"You mean Hurrian," said Gaius.

"No," Ilmarė responded levelly, "I mean Osalian."

The songs of a hundred different birds joined seamlessly to create a soothing serenade.

Beldin was looking all around him. "I don't like this."

"You're just not used to being outside," said Kham.

"No, it's not that. The screeching. All that noise. Don't they ever stop?"

"He's more accustomed to the sounds of bats," said Sebastian. "At night, their squeaking can be quite beautiful."

Kham sighed. "You two need to get out more. Seriously. Speaking of getting in touch with nature, haven't you ever seen a horse before, Sebastian? You seem to be having problems with your mount."

"There are not many horses in Solanos Mor," Sebastian said, staring off into the distance.

"While we're on the subject of unique perspectives," said Quintus, "where did you get those lenses?"

Kham adjusted the round tinted glasses he was wearing. He silently mouthed back "hangover."

Quintus arched an eyebrow but nodded.

Ilmarė pulled her horse alongside Gaius'. "This bear…does it howl?"

"No, it purrs." Gaius rolled his eyes. "Of course it howls, why do you think we call it the Howling-"

"DOWN!" Ilmarė shouted and launched herself at Gaius. They tumbled to the ground as a javelin whistled through the air where he had been sitting.

"Alarm!" shouted Quintus as he spun to spot the attackers. "It's an ambush!"

Several things happened at once. Another javelin suddenly jutted from Oriena's shoulder, pirouetting her off her mount. Sebastian's horse bucked and tossed its rider. Gaius screamed like a frightened child and grabbed hold of his mount as it galloped off, half-dragging him into the foliage.

"Dismount!" shouted Quintus. "Keep your back to your horse!" He grabbed his shield from the saddle and landed roughly on his feet, spear at the ready.

A loud keening wail erupted from all around them.

"I don't suppose that's the sound of the Howling Bear?" asked Kham as he slid off his horse, both handgonnes at the ready.

"Not unless the bear learned to use javelins!" Ilmarė shouted back as she landed on her feet with an arrow knocked in her bow.

A javelin clanged off of Quintus' shield. "Too many to count, take your targets where you find them!"

Ilmarė loosed an arrow and something wailed in response. "Now there's one less."

Another javelin sliced through the air and pierced the flank of Kham's horse. As it bucked and galloped off, the protruding javelin shaft smacked Kham in the back of the head.

"Ow! Whose stupid idea was it to stand with our back to the—"

Out of the woods swarmed brutish humanoids with bright blue noses and reddish faces, waving longswords over their heads.

"Hobgoblins!" shouted Ilmarė.

"Hold the line!" Quintus shouted back. He looked over his shoulder. "Where's Beldin?"

Just as the hobgoblins crashed into them, Beldin galloped his horse into their midst with his axe held high. A tufted head and a gout of blood launched into the air as he passed.

The hobgoblins milled about in disarray after Beldin crashed disappeared into the woods. "I thought he never rode a horse before," said Kham. He squeezed the trigger and tree bark exploded next to a hobgoblin.

Quintus speared a hobgoblin through the side as it charged at him. He struggled to remove the longspear and then gave up as more hobgoblins closed, drawing his gladius instead.

"Switch to blades!" shouted Quintus.

"Not…" Kham shouted as a hobgoblin charged straight towards him. He aimed carefully at the hobgoblin's head and pulled the trigger just as it reached him. There was a burst of red and black smoke and the headless body collapsed at his feet. "Yet!"

Beldin managed to navigate his mount through the thicket of woods and was coming around for another charge. Attalus and Sebastian stood protectively over Oriena's body. They were surrounded by four hobgoblins.

Quintus lurched over to Kham, covering him with his shield. "Attalus needs our help."

"Our help? The ladies and I do just fine, thanks," Kham said, pulling two more handgonnes out of their holsters by his ribcage. "Just stay out of my way."

A hobgoblin stuck his head around the shield and Quintus thrust his gladius at it. Kham took aim…

BLAM! BLAM!

Two hobgoblins fell even as Attalus dispatched another. The fourth pressed hard against Sebastian, who had only a dagger to defend himself.

There was a flash and the last hobgoblin fell forward on its face. Ilmarė stood over the corpse, her sword dripping with hobgoblin blood.

And then it was over. Hobgoblin corpses lay all around them.

"Oriena's hurt," said Sebastian with concern.

The Larissan priestess was unconscious, with a javelin protruding from her shoulder. Her left leg was at an odd angle. "She may have broken her leg as well," said Quintus. "Stand back."

He placed his palms on Oriena's forehead. "Illiir, iuvo sana sua vulna levis." Golden light encircled her form for a moment.

Quintus grabbed the javelin and pulled it out of her shoulder. She gasped in pain but did not awaken.

"Keep pressure on the wound," said Quintus to Attalus. "She'll live, but someone will need to take her back to the estate."

Sebastian was about to volunteer when Attalus stepped forward.

"I will," said Attalus, clutching one arm. "I'm no good to you anyway, I've hurt my sword arm."

Kham was reloading his handgonnes. "Actually, you hurt is probably more useful than Sebastian…" He caught Quintus' disapproving gaze. "Look, why don't we all go back to the estate?"

"Because he is General Menisis' nephew," said Quintus, saddling up on his mount. "And I'm sure there will be a reward if we return him alive."

"I doubt he would do the same for us," said Ilmarė, gazing in the direction where Gaius had fled.

"I think the 'glorious val'Tensen clan' can take care of its own," Kham added.

"Go if you want," said Quintus. "I am duty bound to protect the citizens of Coryan. Gaius, regardless of how I personally feel about him, is under my protection. It is my honor to serve all citizens of Coryan," he looked over at Kham. "That includes you."

Kham spat. "Well…I'm going to need another horse."

Quintus' expression brightened. "Kham, you ride with Beldin. Sebastian, you ride with me."

Beldin put out one hand. Kham sighed and took it, saddling up behind Beldin. "Great, I get to ride with the guy who's afraid of birds."

"Ilmarė, can you track him?" Quintus asked.

Ilmarė sniffed. "Simple enough," she said. "We can just follow the trail of slime." And with that, she took off at a gallop.

[talien]

This is the second part of the tournament module, "Temptations of the Flesh," written by Henry Lopez and set in the Arcanis setting. You can read more about Arcanis at http://www.onaraonline.org. Our cast of characters includes:

· Quintus Aurelius Ignatius (human Clr2), played by Mike Tresca (that's me): http://michael.tresca.net
· Kham Val'Abebi (val Rog2), played by Jeremy Ortiz: http://www.dreamsculptor.com/index1.html
· Ilmarė Galen (elf Brd2), played by Amber Tresca (my wife)
· Sebastian Arnyal (dark-kin Sor1), played by George Webster.
· Beldin (dwarf Ftr1), played by Joe Lalumia.

Our DM is Robert Taylor, a gaming legend in his own time: http://www.storyboardz.net.

We played both of these adventures back to back in one long marathon session. The problem is that the session didn't actually break up that way for our characters—we did not have a day to rest. That means any spells Quintus and Ilmarė already cast we're not coming back for the second major battle.

I should note that what you see in the story is only the relevant pieces that are entertaining. Although I'm a hard-core role-player, I'm not stupid…Quintus buffs up just about everybody with every spell and power he has before a combat. The problem, of course, is that I wasted all that at the end of the last act of the first module. In other words, I correctly guessed that we were at the "boss fight" at the end, but I didn't realize we'd keep going right into the second adventure.

This means Quintus has to basically rely on his legionnaire skills exclusively. So it's a good thing he's talented enough to play multiple roles. Conversely, Sebastian saved his spells until he knew he could use them best—when facing large groups. In fact, our characters didn't know he was a spell caster until the second part of the adventure!

Man, am I glad we bought burning oil.

Finally, Kham got himself into real trouble in the second part. Most of this has to do with his secret society connections that we've been hinting at since the beginning (although Ilmarė is far too observant to not notice something is up). Sebastian also has his own secret motives that will eventually be revealed and are relevant to our past.

By the last battle, things were getting desperate. Quintus and Ilmarė were tapped and Sebastian took a real risk in casting spells up front. Kham overreached (in typical Kham fashion) and it nearly got him killed. But in the end, we survived…just barely.

[talien]

The tracks went on for a few leagues, running alongside a small stream that led them out of the forest. The forest's edge ended abruptly at rocky terrain. They had dismounted and Ilmarė was carefully studying the ground before them.

"The tracks lead this way," said Ilmarė. "But once they leave the forest, I'll lose the trail."

"We're not even sure that this is the right way," said Kham. "I still think we should have followed the horse tracks."

"They were the tracks of a human. Or a Val," said Ilmarė, glancing up at Kham. "Several pairs of them, with twin rows as if someone was being dragged."

"Sounds like brave and noble Gaius fell victim to another ambush. Maybe he'll be dead by the time we get there," muttered Kham. "If we ever find him."

"I don't think we have to look any further," said Beldin, pointing at the mountainside.

Nestled in the crook of two outcroppings was an ancient looking fortress, heavily damaged from rockslides and avalanches of ages past. The eastern portion of the building appeared to be completely caved in under the weight of the rocks. The top section of a tower lay strewn before it, as did countless smaller stones and boulders. A small waterfall cascaded next to the building, feeding the small stream.

"What is this place?" asked Quintus.

"Looks like an Auxunite structure, from the later dynasties," said Beldin, squinting in the direction of the fortress. "Portions of it have been recently excavated. My guess is that most of it still lies entombed in the earth below."

"Auxunites?" asked Sebastian.

"Barbarians that came from the north, before the time of the raising of the Wall of the Gods," Beldin replied. "They ruled a large area through tyranny and mayhem until the val'Tensen family finally overthrew their rule."

Ilmarė hissed a warning. They all crouched down behind some boulders.

"More hobgoblins," she pointed one slender finger towards tiny figures walking slowly back and forth in front of the fortress. "There."

"Alright," said Quintus, "we'll take them by-"

There was the sound of thundering hooves as Beldin galloped passed them.

"Where is HE going?" shouted Quintus.

"To bring the battle to the enemy, of course," said Sebastian matter-of-factly.

"Fool! He just cost us the element of surprise!"

BLAM!

Kham was standing over a small boulder with one of his handgonnes smoking. He aimed the next one. Ilmarė knocked an arrow.

"No help for it now," she said as she released the arrow and a hobgoblin collapsed in the distance.

A cloud of dirt billowed up as Beldin connected with the enemy. After a moment, it seemed as if Beldin was retreating.

"That's not Beldin," said Ilmarė. It was a hobgoblin on horseback, galloping towards them.

Quintus shook his head and grabbed his longspear roughly. "He's lucky if he doesn't get himself killed! I'll take care of this one."

The legionnaire stood in front of the largest boulder, shield at the ready. Quintus held his longspear up high as the rider, a hobgoblin of some rank, descended upon him. He held in his right hand a long, serrated sword filled with jagged edges, each as long as a dagger. The leader swung the sword over his head as he closed in.

BLAM! The bullet ricocheted off of his chainmail armor. He kept coming.

An arrow glanced off of the hobgoblin's shoulder. He kept coming.

Just as the hobgoblin was within range, Quintus lowered his spear and butted it against the boulder behind him. Unstoppable force met immovable object as the momentum of the hobgoblin's charge drove the longspear through his shoulder. His horse whinnied and fell to the side even as the rider was torn out of the stirrups and lifted into the air.

Quintus let got of the spear as the hobgoblin crumpled into a bloody pile of chainmail. He turned to Sebastian.

"Now, as I was-"

"Look out!" Sebastian shouted, eyes wide.

There was a blinding flash of pain as Quintus's left shoulder was almost torn out of its socket. The serrated blade tore through his lorica segmata and bit deep into flesh, cutting into muscle. The hobgoblin leader had dragged himself up the length of the spear and attacked Quintus from behind.

Quintus yelped as he fell to the ground. He brought his shield up, but to no avail. The leader put one foot on Quintus' shield, pinning him beneath it. The hobgoblin pointed the end of his sword at Quintus' nose.

"Flesh Ripper shall feast on your face," he said through fanged teeth.

Then an arrow sprouted from his eye. The hobgoblin staggered backwards, clutching his face. He fell backwards in a spray of ichor, the shaft of the arrow sticking straight up into the air.

Kham walked over to Quintus, who was still prone since the attack. The legionnaire twitched beneath his shield as Kham lifted it off of him.

What he discovered beneath the shield made him gasp: Quintus' arm was drenched in black blood. The wound pulsed with a life of its own.

"Quintus is hurt, bad," said Kham. "I don't have any-"

"Stand back," said Ilmarė. She put her hands on Quintus' bloody wound. "Nesta lim haru!"

A soft purple glow flowed from Ilmarė's hands into Quintus' arm. When it dissipated, the blood was gone and a long, ugly scar was all that remained.

Quintus' eyes fluttered upon. "Apology accepted," he said with a brief smile. Ilmarė blinked back at him in surprise. She smiled uncertainly back at him.

"You can heal?" asked Kham. "Why didn't you say something before?"

"You never asked," she said.

Kham shot her a glare and picked up the hobgoblin's sword. "What the hell kind of weapon causes a wound like that?"

Quintus struggled to his feet. "A coward's weapon. Leave it."

Kham's eyes lit up. "I think we should hold on to it," he said quickly. "In case your wound festers again."

Quintus was about to say something when Beldin returned, his axe dripping hobgoblin blood. "The way is clear, but I think we alerted the guards."

"Ya think?" asked Kham, shaking his head.