Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Mordallend Story Hour
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Galfridus" data-source="post: 1140" data-attributes="member: 119"><p><strong>Mordunfelsendum</strong></p><p></p><p>Earlier, in Magehaven...</p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven, October 23, LE 653</strong></p><p></p><p>With a rapid incantation, Loren Fireshower completes his binding spell. Standing in the middle of the arcane circle is a man-like figure with a long, spiky beard, clutching a glaive inscribed with dark runes. It raises a hand, halting at the edge of the circle.</p><p></p><p>"Ah, Mordunfelsendum," proclaims Loren, "I know your name. That should stop you from breaking my circle, don't you think? Now then, I wish to know some details about the flames you produce…"</p><p></p><p>Loren pauses as someone knocks on the door. "A moment," he says, drawing a curtain over the alcove. "Enter." An apprentice enters. "Ah, Eric, what is it?"</p><p></p><p>Eric bows nervously. "Sir…I wanted to know if I might visit Kavael next week, when I have finished my scribing. I know you're busy and all with Master Garret away, but it's been a long time and I'd really like to go. Plus," he adds, "I can make that drawing of the Felldenstone you were asking about. It's right there in the fields beyond the village - we used to play around it, before Master Lars told me what it was."</p><p></p><p>Loren listens politely, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid not, Eric-I need everyone here to keep things in order. I have some very important business to attend to!"</p><p></p><p>The conversation proceeds for several more minutes, but Eric cannot make any headway. At last Loren dismisses him, then turns to his writing desk. "Reports, reports…always so much to do! I wish Garret would come back." Behind him, beyond the curtain, Mordunfelsendum waits with infinite patience.</p><p></p><p>The next morning, Loren draws back the curtain. "Now then-"</p><p></p><p>Mordunfelsendum interrupts. "May I travel to the village of Kavael, home of the Felldenstone, and slay its inhabitants?"</p><p></p><p>Loren laughs. "I'm afraid not! I have questions for you to answer…then you can go."</p><p></p><p>"I will return and answer your questions after I slay the villagers. You have my word."</p><p></p><p>"No. Answer my questions and you can return -- to your home in the outer planes, mind you." Loren smiles. "Almost caught me, didn't you?" he mutters to himself. "You want to kill someone, why don't you just get out of that circle yourself and go do it? Then maybe you'll be in a mood to answer some questions."</p><p></p><p>"I might be some time."</p><p></p><p>Loren waves a hand absently. "Take all the time you need! If you can get out of that circle, go to the village and kill them all for all I care - just come back when you're done and answer my questions."</p><p></p><p>"Agreed." </p><p></p><p>With a puff of smoke, the devil vanishes from the circle. Coughing, Loren bats at the smoke, then stares worriedly into the circle. "Oh my."</p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven, October 26, LE 653</strong></p><p></p><p>"Merp!"</p><p></p><p>Mystarion opens his eyes to find a huge draconic face staring at him-then awakens and realizes it's merely a tiny draconic head at extreme close range. The pseudo-dragon chirps once more and leaves a tiny scroll case before flitting out the window. Despite the early hour, Mystarion studies the case carefully before opening and reading it. Nothing explodes; inside is a message from Loren Fireshower, inviting them to meet him, discreetly, at one of the Halls of Evocation. </p><p></p><p>The group proceeds quietly to the hall, where they find Loren waiting in a shadowed corner. He says that the Council might change its mind concerning Prince Loxham; if the group undertakes a quest for him, he would do his utmost to see that they do. The mission? "Oh, just slaying a devil." </p><p></p><p>After some discussion, the group decides to accept. Loren emphasizes that they must keep this mission secret: "The Council doesn't need to know. Oh, don't worry-they know about the devil. Can't do that in secret."</p><p></p><p>The group spends the day preparing. Loren gives Mystarion access to his Evocation spellbook (every evocation spell of 4th level of below), and offers some advice on fighting the devil, known as a Barbazu: "They don't like acid; but then, they are resistant to most every spell, so you need to be careful. Non-magical weapons don't really hurt them, either." </p><p></p><p>That evening, Mystarion visits the Tower of High Divination, to cast his Clairvoyance spell. "Start at the peak of the mountain…eastward lies a pass. When it divides, take the northern valley. Within the valley is a hill. Upon that hill is a cottage. Within the cottage is a table. Upon that table is a slate, and on that slate is the message I seek…" The Order of the Iris has two messages for him:</p><p></p><p>· Emil (Daragon, of the Order of the Lily) seeks you in Kinfeld.</p><p></p><p>· Kanavin Loxham has passed beyond our sight. If he is beyond your protection, send word.</p><p></p><p>Magnimiliar spends most of the day preparing a message for his new love, Maia. He turns to Marian Mistletoe, druid of Magehaven, for a bouquet of flowers. After a mere several hours of agonized contemplation, he composes a poem to include. That night, Jonetello performs the poem, making major on-the-fly revisions to produce a work of true and lasting beauty. An owl finds its way to Magnimiliar with a short message, written in a light, flowing script: "Persistence deserves reward. Send word when you return." It is signed by Maia. Magnimiliar can barely restrain himself.</p><p></p><p>That evening, the group is approached by the Council. Carl Whitebeard asks the group if they have anything to tell him. Wisely, the group does not seek to lie or evade the Council, and relates their conversation with Loren and the mission they have agreed to. "It is good that you tell me this," responds Carl. "The Council has agreed that this mission is a worthy one, and should you succeed, the Loxham prince will remain here under our protection until spring, at the least. One more thing: beware the words of this creature, as they have great power."</p><p></p><p>Heartened, the group decides to spend another day in preparation, permitting Mystarion to finish scribing <em>Lesser Acid Orb</em>. Kalenthas prepares a handful of <em>Magic Weapons</em> and <em>Magic Circles against Evil</em>. The next morning, they are escorted to a cave at the edge of town. Despite being high in the mountains and far from the fjord, the cave leads in a matter of minutes to the water's edge. There, they are joined by Quewellen, who produces a small box. "Now, this is a magical vessel which will take you where you need to go." He rapidly explains the commands for unfolding, commanding, and refolding the boat. "Ah, one more thing. While only the designated captain can command the rowers, it is important that no one say the word, 'Sink', while the boat is in the water. Well, I must go, good luck!" With that, Quewellen hurries off, oblivious to the questions hurled at him by the suddenly anxious adventurers.</p><p></p><p>With a little trepidation, they unfold the boat and get inside. A troop of illusory rowers appears on either side, rowing in time to the boat's motion. Magnimiliar looks around desperately, a certain dangerous work scratching and clawing at the tip of his mouth. Finally, Leilen takes pity on him: a <em>Hold Person</em> followed by rope and gag serve to protect Magnimiliar from his own impulses. </p><p></p><p>Late that night, the group arrives at the village of Lorskun, just south of their destination. They spend the night by the docks, then enter the village and start asking questions about any strange happenings. They discover two things: just a few days ago, a villager from Kavael bought up all the greataxes that could be found; and the day after, a boy arrived from Kavael with wild stories of fire and doom. "Of course," says a villager, "that boy Arn is always making up stories. Ghosts, raiders, wolves - it's always something. Where is he? He's at the healer's - came down with something just after he got here." They hurry to the healer's cottage, but they are too late: the boy passed away the night before. The healer is bewildered; the boy had chills, but like nothing she had ever seen before. "I hope it's not catching," she warns, "'cause no one in these parts has a remedy for it." </p><p></p><p>The adventurers hasten north out of the village along the path to Kavael, which perches on a plateau a half-days journey away. The journey is quiet; even the wildlife seems subdued. As they reach the plateau, a feeling of darkness and dread falls over them. They find the village apparently abandoned and silent. The exteriors of many buildings are spattered with blood; inside, all furnishings and belongings have been smashed and burned. After searching several buildings, the group decides to make its way toward the great hall, suspecting the Barbazu has taken up residence there.</p><p></p><p>As they approach, several spells are cast in preparation: <em>Magic Weapon, Magic Circle Against Evil, Mage Armor, Shield</em>. They open the door and ready themselves for the worst...</p><p></p><p>Inside, bright torches shine from both side walls, illuminating a pair of long tables crowded with half-eaten food. At the far end, an old, fat man leans over a bulky wooden desk, busily writing onto a large scroll. Behind him a woman stands perfectly still and silent. The man looks up as Zook enters. "Are you of this village?" he asks in a nasal, sinister voice. </p><p></p><p>"No," answers Zook. </p><p></p><p>"Then you may go," replies the man. Zook pauses a moment, shaking his head as he feels an enchantment alight on him for a moment, then shake free. The desk squeaks slightly as he writes a note. He turns to Jonetello, who has entered behind Zook. "Are <em>you</em> of this village?" he asks, and when Jonetello indicates in the negative, delivers the same response: "Then you may go." As with Zook, Jonetello feels a spell at work, but resists its lure. The man returns to his writing until Magnimiliar enters. "I am of this village!" he says when asked. "Your name?" asks the man. Magnimiliar exercises his skill at making up names. The old man carefully writes this down, evoking another creak from the desk. "You, then, shall not leave this village." He stands up; as he does so, the torches and food fade, leaving behind a dark, dusty, abandoned room. The desk shimmers...and becomes an old man, naked, with tiny blood-red letters covering his entire body. The man himself changes shape, becoming taller, with a long, spiky beard. He reaches for a glaive concealed on the table...and all hell breaks loose.</p><p></p><p>From outside the hall, Mystarion sends a lightning bolt arcing down the center of the hall. It bounces harmlessly off the now-revealed barbazu. Zook and Jonetello attack, and several others rush into the hall. The barbazu steps back, sounds a horn hung around his neck - and vanishes. Beside the long table, the old man falls to the ground, slain by Mystarion's lightning bolt. </p><p></p><p>Outside, Thorald, Mystarion, and Leilen hear a commotion from downhill toward the village. They turn to look, as wave after wave of skeletons emerge from a barn not 100 yards distant. The group takes up battle positions as the first wave approaches. Each of the skeletons - all one hundred of them -- wields a greataxe, and they are closing fast. Morale is not high. Mystarion attempts to entrap them in a <em>Web</em>, but they mostly move around it. Inside the hall, the woman remains motionless, unresponsive to questions beyond a shrug or a shake of her head. </p><p></p><p>As the first wave closes, the barbazu reappears - and is promptly charged by Elbryn. Kalenthas calls on the power of Pelor and completely disintegrates the first wave, easily overcoming the negative aura that permeates the village. The barbazu speaks to him: "The power of Pelor will no longer avail you here. Do not call upon it again!" </p><p></p><p>"We're in trouble guys!" says Kalenthas. "The power of Pelor will no longer avail us here!" Uh-oh.</p><p></p><p>Jonetello and Mystarion assure Kalenthas that Pelor is doing just fine. "Who are you going to believe-us or a devil?" Meanwhile, the barbazu <em>Teleports</em> to a rooftop where Leilen has taken up position. Leilen screams and flees (via wings, thanks to <em>Alter Self</em>), and the barbazu casually tosses a flame down onto the <em>Web</em>, clearing the line of assault for the next waves.</p><p></p><p>Kalenthas is exasperated. "I know this won't work, but fine." He holds forth his medallion and calls on Pelor, and is astonished as the next wave vanishes in holy light. "Wow! Must have been a coincidence or something. After all, the power of Pelor will no longer-"</p><p></p><p>"Don't listen to it!"</p><p></p><p>The group manages to convince Kalenthas to try one more time. Zook comes to his side, and the two of them are able to turn and destroy the entire skeletal army. As they do so, the barbazu vanishes, then reappears to fight with Elbryn, Jonetello, and Magnimiliar. It makes a vicious attack with its glaive, then its claws, grabbing Elbryn and raking him with its long, spiky beard. But before it can finish the job, it is run through, and vanishes in a flash of bright light. Its glaive falls to the ground.</p><p></p><p>The group is unprepared for the silence that falls over the hillside. Apart from weaponry, no sign remains of the battle that was just fought. Elbryn cries aloud as his wound continues to bleed, but Kalenthas quickly stops the flow of blood and heals him. The group heads inside to discuss their options, while Elbryn keeps watch outside. Jonetello heads south to fetch the horses, left on the outskirts of the village. Returning through the main square, he fails to see the shadowy figure lurking nearby...</p><p></p><p>"Flee this village now!"</p><p></p><p>The other adventurers hear Jonetello all the way from the great hall, and watch in bewilderment as he gallops toward the edge of the plateau. Jonetello rides to the edge of town - then reins in his horse, stops, and rides back. "I fled the village - now I'm coming back!" Meanwhile, others fetch the remaining horses, placing them in a paddock near the great hall.</p><p></p><p>Elbryn, keeping watch, is confronted by the barbazu: "I cannot be defeated; flee me!" He runs, scared, calling out "It's here!!!" Mystarion runs down the hill to investigate, and is told: "Kill the one with you who is from this village. If he dies, the rest of you shall go free." Mystarion comes back up the hill and nearly puts an arrow in Magnimiliar before shaking off the spell. </p><p></p><p>Mystarion tries several times to speak to the woman, but she remains silent, only shaking her head or shrugging in response to questions. As best they can gather, she has been commanded to remain silent. She resists when they try to take her from the hall. At last, they decide to leave her where she is for the moment. </p><p></p><p>Leilen and Elbryn decide to seek out the village priest's cottage (having already observe the charred foundation that was the church). On their way there, they are confronted by the barbazu, who speaks to Leilen: "Give me your bow." Leilen resists the spells, but does decide to gift the creature with a couple of arrows. Once again, the creature vanishes. Unfortunately, they find nothing of interest in the priest's cottage and swiftly return to the great hall. Night is falling.</p><p></p><p>Elbryn decides to check on the horses, and receives a pair of fiery blasts as he does so. A figure appears nearby; but as Elbryn slices through it, it is proven to be an illusion. Soon after, evil laughter echoes across the village, coming from near the horses. Mystarion and several others identify it as illusory, but it is disquieting nevertheless. Night is falling...</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Galfridus, post: 1140, member: 119"] [b]Mordunfelsendum[/b] Earlier, in Magehaven... [b]Magehaven, October 23, LE 653[/b] With a rapid incantation, Loren Fireshower completes his binding spell. Standing in the middle of the arcane circle is a man-like figure with a long, spiky beard, clutching a glaive inscribed with dark runes. It raises a hand, halting at the edge of the circle. "Ah, Mordunfelsendum," proclaims Loren, "I know your name. That should stop you from breaking my circle, don't you think? Now then, I wish to know some details about the flames you produce…" Loren pauses as someone knocks on the door. "A moment," he says, drawing a curtain over the alcove. "Enter." An apprentice enters. "Ah, Eric, what is it?" Eric bows nervously. "Sir…I wanted to know if I might visit Kavael next week, when I have finished my scribing. I know you're busy and all with Master Garret away, but it's been a long time and I'd really like to go. Plus," he adds, "I can make that drawing of the Felldenstone you were asking about. It's right there in the fields beyond the village - we used to play around it, before Master Lars told me what it was." Loren listens politely, then shakes his head. "I'm afraid not, Eric-I need everyone here to keep things in order. I have some very important business to attend to!" The conversation proceeds for several more minutes, but Eric cannot make any headway. At last Loren dismisses him, then turns to his writing desk. "Reports, reports…always so much to do! I wish Garret would come back." Behind him, beyond the curtain, Mordunfelsendum waits with infinite patience. The next morning, Loren draws back the curtain. "Now then-" Mordunfelsendum interrupts. "May I travel to the village of Kavael, home of the Felldenstone, and slay its inhabitants?" Loren laughs. "I'm afraid not! I have questions for you to answer…then you can go." "I will return and answer your questions after I slay the villagers. You have my word." "No. Answer my questions and you can return -- to your home in the outer planes, mind you." Loren smiles. "Almost caught me, didn't you?" he mutters to himself. "You want to kill someone, why don't you just get out of that circle yourself and go do it? Then maybe you'll be in a mood to answer some questions." "I might be some time." Loren waves a hand absently. "Take all the time you need! If you can get out of that circle, go to the village and kill them all for all I care - just come back when you're done and answer my questions." "Agreed." With a puff of smoke, the devil vanishes from the circle. Coughing, Loren bats at the smoke, then stares worriedly into the circle. "Oh my." [b]Magehaven, October 26, LE 653[/b] "Merp!" Mystarion opens his eyes to find a huge draconic face staring at him-then awakens and realizes it's merely a tiny draconic head at extreme close range. The pseudo-dragon chirps once more and leaves a tiny scroll case before flitting out the window. Despite the early hour, Mystarion studies the case carefully before opening and reading it. Nothing explodes; inside is a message from Loren Fireshower, inviting them to meet him, discreetly, at one of the Halls of Evocation. The group proceeds quietly to the hall, where they find Loren waiting in a shadowed corner. He says that the Council might change its mind concerning Prince Loxham; if the group undertakes a quest for him, he would do his utmost to see that they do. The mission? "Oh, just slaying a devil." After some discussion, the group decides to accept. Loren emphasizes that they must keep this mission secret: "The Council doesn't need to know. Oh, don't worry-they know about the devil. Can't do that in secret." The group spends the day preparing. Loren gives Mystarion access to his Evocation spellbook (every evocation spell of 4th level of below), and offers some advice on fighting the devil, known as a Barbazu: "They don't like acid; but then, they are resistant to most every spell, so you need to be careful. Non-magical weapons don't really hurt them, either." That evening, Mystarion visits the Tower of High Divination, to cast his Clairvoyance spell. "Start at the peak of the mountain…eastward lies a pass. When it divides, take the northern valley. Within the valley is a hill. Upon that hill is a cottage. Within the cottage is a table. Upon that table is a slate, and on that slate is the message I seek…" The Order of the Iris has two messages for him: · Emil (Daragon, of the Order of the Lily) seeks you in Kinfeld. · Kanavin Loxham has passed beyond our sight. If he is beyond your protection, send word. Magnimiliar spends most of the day preparing a message for his new love, Maia. He turns to Marian Mistletoe, druid of Magehaven, for a bouquet of flowers. After a mere several hours of agonized contemplation, he composes a poem to include. That night, Jonetello performs the poem, making major on-the-fly revisions to produce a work of true and lasting beauty. An owl finds its way to Magnimiliar with a short message, written in a light, flowing script: "Persistence deserves reward. Send word when you return." It is signed by Maia. Magnimiliar can barely restrain himself. That evening, the group is approached by the Council. Carl Whitebeard asks the group if they have anything to tell him. Wisely, the group does not seek to lie or evade the Council, and relates their conversation with Loren and the mission they have agreed to. "It is good that you tell me this," responds Carl. "The Council has agreed that this mission is a worthy one, and should you succeed, the Loxham prince will remain here under our protection until spring, at the least. One more thing: beware the words of this creature, as they have great power." Heartened, the group decides to spend another day in preparation, permitting Mystarion to finish scribing [i]Lesser Acid Orb[/i]. Kalenthas prepares a handful of [i]Magic Weapons[/i] and [i]Magic Circles against Evil[/i]. The next morning, they are escorted to a cave at the edge of town. Despite being high in the mountains and far from the fjord, the cave leads in a matter of minutes to the water's edge. There, they are joined by Quewellen, who produces a small box. "Now, this is a magical vessel which will take you where you need to go." He rapidly explains the commands for unfolding, commanding, and refolding the boat. "Ah, one more thing. While only the designated captain can command the rowers, it is important that no one say the word, 'Sink', while the boat is in the water. Well, I must go, good luck!" With that, Quewellen hurries off, oblivious to the questions hurled at him by the suddenly anxious adventurers. With a little trepidation, they unfold the boat and get inside. A troop of illusory rowers appears on either side, rowing in time to the boat's motion. Magnimiliar looks around desperately, a certain dangerous work scratching and clawing at the tip of his mouth. Finally, Leilen takes pity on him: a [i]Hold Person[/i] followed by rope and gag serve to protect Magnimiliar from his own impulses. Late that night, the group arrives at the village of Lorskun, just south of their destination. They spend the night by the docks, then enter the village and start asking questions about any strange happenings. They discover two things: just a few days ago, a villager from Kavael bought up all the greataxes that could be found; and the day after, a boy arrived from Kavael with wild stories of fire and doom. "Of course," says a villager, "that boy Arn is always making up stories. Ghosts, raiders, wolves - it's always something. Where is he? He's at the healer's - came down with something just after he got here." They hurry to the healer's cottage, but they are too late: the boy passed away the night before. The healer is bewildered; the boy had chills, but like nothing she had ever seen before. "I hope it's not catching," she warns, "'cause no one in these parts has a remedy for it." The adventurers hasten north out of the village along the path to Kavael, which perches on a plateau a half-days journey away. The journey is quiet; even the wildlife seems subdued. As they reach the plateau, a feeling of darkness and dread falls over them. They find the village apparently abandoned and silent. The exteriors of many buildings are spattered with blood; inside, all furnishings and belongings have been smashed and burned. After searching several buildings, the group decides to make its way toward the great hall, suspecting the Barbazu has taken up residence there. As they approach, several spells are cast in preparation: [i]Magic Weapon, Magic Circle Against Evil, Mage Armor, Shield[/i]. They open the door and ready themselves for the worst... Inside, bright torches shine from both side walls, illuminating a pair of long tables crowded with half-eaten food. At the far end, an old, fat man leans over a bulky wooden desk, busily writing onto a large scroll. Behind him a woman stands perfectly still and silent. The man looks up as Zook enters. "Are you of this village?" he asks in a nasal, sinister voice. "No," answers Zook. "Then you may go," replies the man. Zook pauses a moment, shaking his head as he feels an enchantment alight on him for a moment, then shake free. The desk squeaks slightly as he writes a note. He turns to Jonetello, who has entered behind Zook. "Are [i]you[/i] of this village?" he asks, and when Jonetello indicates in the negative, delivers the same response: "Then you may go." As with Zook, Jonetello feels a spell at work, but resists its lure. The man returns to his writing until Magnimiliar enters. "I am of this village!" he says when asked. "Your name?" asks the man. Magnimiliar exercises his skill at making up names. The old man carefully writes this down, evoking another creak from the desk. "You, then, shall not leave this village." He stands up; as he does so, the torches and food fade, leaving behind a dark, dusty, abandoned room. The desk shimmers...and becomes an old man, naked, with tiny blood-red letters covering his entire body. The man himself changes shape, becoming taller, with a long, spiky beard. He reaches for a glaive concealed on the table...and all hell breaks loose. From outside the hall, Mystarion sends a lightning bolt arcing down the center of the hall. It bounces harmlessly off the now-revealed barbazu. Zook and Jonetello attack, and several others rush into the hall. The barbazu steps back, sounds a horn hung around his neck - and vanishes. Beside the long table, the old man falls to the ground, slain by Mystarion's lightning bolt. Outside, Thorald, Mystarion, and Leilen hear a commotion from downhill toward the village. They turn to look, as wave after wave of skeletons emerge from a barn not 100 yards distant. The group takes up battle positions as the first wave approaches. Each of the skeletons - all one hundred of them -- wields a greataxe, and they are closing fast. Morale is not high. Mystarion attempts to entrap them in a [i]Web[/i], but they mostly move around it. Inside the hall, the woman remains motionless, unresponsive to questions beyond a shrug or a shake of her head. As the first wave closes, the barbazu reappears - and is promptly charged by Elbryn. Kalenthas calls on the power of Pelor and completely disintegrates the first wave, easily overcoming the negative aura that permeates the village. The barbazu speaks to him: "The power of Pelor will no longer avail you here. Do not call upon it again!" "We're in trouble guys!" says Kalenthas. "The power of Pelor will no longer avail us here!" Uh-oh. Jonetello and Mystarion assure Kalenthas that Pelor is doing just fine. "Who are you going to believe-us or a devil?" Meanwhile, the barbazu [i]Teleports[/i] to a rooftop where Leilen has taken up position. Leilen screams and flees (via wings, thanks to [i]Alter Self[/i]), and the barbazu casually tosses a flame down onto the [i]Web[/i], clearing the line of assault for the next waves. Kalenthas is exasperated. "I know this won't work, but fine." He holds forth his medallion and calls on Pelor, and is astonished as the next wave vanishes in holy light. "Wow! Must have been a coincidence or something. After all, the power of Pelor will no longer-" "Don't listen to it!" The group manages to convince Kalenthas to try one more time. Zook comes to his side, and the two of them are able to turn and destroy the entire skeletal army. As they do so, the barbazu vanishes, then reappears to fight with Elbryn, Jonetello, and Magnimiliar. It makes a vicious attack with its glaive, then its claws, grabbing Elbryn and raking him with its long, spiky beard. But before it can finish the job, it is run through, and vanishes in a flash of bright light. Its glaive falls to the ground. The group is unprepared for the silence that falls over the hillside. Apart from weaponry, no sign remains of the battle that was just fought. Elbryn cries aloud as his wound continues to bleed, but Kalenthas quickly stops the flow of blood and heals him. The group heads inside to discuss their options, while Elbryn keeps watch outside. Jonetello heads south to fetch the horses, left on the outskirts of the village. Returning through the main square, he fails to see the shadowy figure lurking nearby... "Flee this village now!" The other adventurers hear Jonetello all the way from the great hall, and watch in bewilderment as he gallops toward the edge of the plateau. Jonetello rides to the edge of town - then reins in his horse, stops, and rides back. "I fled the village - now I'm coming back!" Meanwhile, others fetch the remaining horses, placing them in a paddock near the great hall. Elbryn, keeping watch, is confronted by the barbazu: "I cannot be defeated; flee me!" He runs, scared, calling out "It's here!!!" Mystarion runs down the hill to investigate, and is told: "Kill the one with you who is from this village. If he dies, the rest of you shall go free." Mystarion comes back up the hill and nearly puts an arrow in Magnimiliar before shaking off the spell. Mystarion tries several times to speak to the woman, but she remains silent, only shaking her head or shrugging in response to questions. As best they can gather, she has been commanded to remain silent. She resists when they try to take her from the hall. At last, they decide to leave her where she is for the moment. Leilen and Elbryn decide to seek out the village priest's cottage (having already observe the charred foundation that was the church). On their way there, they are confronted by the barbazu, who speaks to Leilen: "Give me your bow." Leilen resists the spells, but does decide to gift the creature with a couple of arrows. Once again, the creature vanishes. Unfortunately, they find nothing of interest in the priest's cottage and swiftly return to the great hall. Night is falling. Elbryn decides to check on the horses, and receives a pair of fiery blasts as he does so. A figure appears nearby; but as Elbryn slices through it, it is proven to be an illusion. Soon after, evil laughter echoes across the village, coming from near the horses. Mystarion and several others identify it as illusory, but it is disquieting nevertheless. Night is falling... [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Mordallend Story Hour
Top