SolidSnake
First Post
Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, Session 4, Part 1: Between Life and Death (or “Trapped by hobgoblins, surrounded by evil, low on hit points.”)
[Player aside: I have been role-playing for over 7 years. I have never played in a session like the one I describe below. I am in awe of my DM.]
“The Temple of Elemental Evil: Its name befits its hideous appearance. The huge, charcoal-gray building, with its arched buttresses and obscene designs, stands a mute testament to the dark side of history. Every surface of the structure teems with leering faces and twisted forms of demons and monstrosities unlike anything previously imagined. The massive main doors are crowned with winged beasts and disgusting figures that chill a viewer to the very soul.
The surrounding compound is equally terrifying. Vermiculated growth, covered in dark thorns, twists amid rubble from what was once a high curtain wall. Shadows rubble from what was once a high curtain wall. Shadows dance along the blackened trees whose branches claw at the air around them like desperate, dying men.
It need not be said aloud, being obvious immediately: This is an evil place.”
- Monte Cook, RttToEE pg 33
Strider, leading the party, was the first to see the ominous structure. The unique sensation that washed over him is difficult to describe. It combined utter disgust stemming from the sheer unnaturalness of it with an overwhelming sense of horror. Suffused into each of these competing emotions was anxiety: wave after wave of shock crashing through his whole being each time he recognized a different image. The sensation was the worst thing he had ever felt in his life – even worse than when he lost his wife and child years ago. From the facial expression Merkaeytl displayed as she slowed to a halt in stunned silence, he knew he was not the only one affected by the sight before him. In whispered fury, Aramek put a name to what the group was feeling: “EVIL.”
-------------------------------------------------
Merkaeytl was in a whirlwind when she rejoined the group just outside of Nulb. She was at the point of blabbering while alerting the group about Tianden. Armor and shield emblazoned with the Tharazdun’s eye, Gatsu’s sword, locked back room, danger, powerful, past leader of the moat-house, hidden were all of the ideas she was trying to fit into a sentence.
Aramek: “Stop yer gibberin lass. We cant understand a wurd yer sayin’.”
Strider: “Merkaeytl! Slow down. What’s this about Tianden? Where were you anyway? How come you didn’t come inside? I think he was getting a bit suspicious.”
With an upraised nose and a talk-to-the-hand attitude Merkaeytl gave Strider a “hmm”. Addressing everyone but Strider she proceeded to describe in detail everything she found while she missed Strider’s luncheon with messed-up-face guy.
Lathander (louder voice than normal): “WHAT?!? He was a priest of Tharazdun? Blazing SUN!”
Aramek: “Wut the hell ‘re ya doin’.”
Aramek placed his gauntleted hand on Lathander’s arm as Lathander was turning to head back the way they came.
Aramek: “How do ya know he’s a filthy priest? Fer all we know he killed a priest and kept the armor.”
Strider noticed Aramek had a tinge of…fear…in his voice. Not much scared Strider. Seeing Aramek afraid terrified him.
Merkaeytl: “But he also had Gatsu’s sword.”
Aramek: “All the more reason to stay the hell away from him lass.”
The group continued to discuss the possibilities – he is a priest/he killed a priest, he killed Gatsu/he found Gatsu’s sword, he was a recluse due to his face, he was a nice man whom they had lunch with, he had a bit of dementia, etc. To Strider, Aramek’s fear was palpable each time Lathander gave a good reason to go back. Eventually, however, Lathander reasoned that they would probably run into him again and that he really could not jump to conclusions about Tianden being a priest.
Bandar was troubled, deeply troubled, by Tianden’s notice of his tattoo. He had the tattoo since before he remembered. He had gotten even before his slavery. Why would a complete stranger even recognize it?
Lathander’s mind played back his conversation of theology with Tianden. He was troubled by the fact that he had equipment with Tharazdun’s unholy symbol on it. Then again, he had an obex in his pouch. He really could not jump to conclusions. However, the subtle details of their conversation kept nipping at the back of his mind. Like the ever so brief flash of rabid hatred he saw in Tianden’s eyes upon their introduction. Also, he had this strange intuition that Tianden and he were talking about the same priestess of St. Cuthbert – Canoness Y’dey. Also, he was particularly fervent with his “hypothetical” example of a group of wily strangers trespassing and vandalizing someone’s residence – almost as if he had been the owner himself.
--------------------------------------------------------
The ~ 900’ x 600’ courtyard housing the temple would have dwarfed any normal structure. However, even the aged 10’ foot-thick solid stone walls were not enough to draw away from the temple’s imposing presence. The party’s attention was quickly drawn to four javelins traveling at high velocity through the air. Strider barely had time to twist before he felt the searing pain of pierced flesh. One had embedded itself thickly in his thigh while another had grazed his ribs. His quickening breathing only increased his awareness of the danger.
Four reddish brown medium size humanoids appeared from behind a very large thorn bush readying another volley. Merkaeytl snuck around one of the large stonewall like structures while Lathander and Bandar followed behind the charging Strider and Aramek. One of the foul hobgoblins ran through the front entrance sounding an alarm at the top of its lungs while the other three let more javelins fly. Strider was ready this time – dodging them was easy. Merkaeytl quickly dispatched the screaming hobgoblin. Strider pulled up short of the hobgoblins near the hedge and cast an entangle spell. The creeping vines completely engulfed the hobgoblins. Unfortunately the alarm was successful. The sound of barking dogs and running feet came from the courtyard interior. Merkaeytl was near the entrance. She only had an instant’s thought before realizing that she could not outrun them.
As she turned to face them Strider screamed her name: “Merkaeytl, NO!!!” They made mincemeat out of her as Strider was taking aim with his bow. Knowing that he could not leave the entangle hobgoblins unattended he could not get to her in time. Between the four adventurers left standing only seconds passed before every hobgoblin and dog lay lifeless. Lathander knew she was still alive: she had a pulse. However, each breath was a rasp and the gaping wound in her chest told him she did not have much time left. Aramek poured a healing potion down her throat before Lathander even finished checking her wounds. Strider waited anxiously as she slowly opened her eyes. Quicker than he could blink she was on her feet and he felt a stinging sensation on his left cheek.
Merkaeytl: “Strider! How come you attacked the helpless hobgoblins? Didn’t you see that I was in trouble? Don’t you care that I was in trouble? You didn’t even turn to help me. I am not talking to you anymore. Oh, and another thing. (with a meaningful look towards Strider) How about someone else scout.”
Strider: “wha…I…sorry”
She turned with another sniff and planted a big kiss on Aramek’s cheek.
Merkaeytl: “At least there are some MEN in the group who know how to take care of a lady. Thanks Aramek.”
Strider wasn’t sure whose face was redder: his or Aramek’s.
Aramek: with a quiet harrumph and a quick glance to Strider “it was nuthin lass”
With an indignant rigidity to his gate Strider turned west and began “scouting” along the exterior of the wall. The others fell in behind him, all catching sight of the occasional meaningful glares aimed at Merkaeytl. Merkaeytl appeared not to notice.
Given that the majority of the wall was a few FEET thick, even the crippled sections of the wall where cracks and small crevices could be seen were not traversable. The only way into the courtyard was through the main entrance or over a section of the wall. Strider figured that a more obscure route into the courtyard might still give them the element of surprise despite the sounding of the alarm. He led the group all the way to the exterior of the north wall stopping close to the tower. Pulling out his grappling hook, he secured it to the ridge of the 10 foot wall and stealthily climbed up to see if the spot he picked out was as concealed as he thought.
Bingo! He secured another rope to the wall and then assisted the other four members of the group over the wall. He then disguised both ropes among the thick vines on the wall. When he was finished not even Aramek could distinguish the ropes from the vines.
Aramek: “Yer gettin better Strider – now a blind orc actually would miss yer handiwork.”
Strider: with a grin, part genuine and part wry, “Thanks.”
Coming in the back way proved even more advantageous than Strider had imagined. A thick row of thorned hedges walled off the entire rear third of the courtyard. Two major structures occupied the group’s attention: the north east tower with a solid oaken door barring passage and a cellar located more towards the west of this section of the courtyard. After a bit of discussion the group decided to preliminarily scan the cellar, tackle the tower and then come back to the cellar for a more thorough search. A glance at the cellar showed an underground passage heading away from the temple. Lathander, the last one out, closed the doors behind him as Strider stealthily approached the tower.
Listening at the door he could clearly make out some sort of harsh dialogue. Signaling for the others to approach while readying missile weapons, all in one motion, he rammed into the door blowing it completely off its hinges, dove into a roll as he fell forward and sprang to his feet weapons at the ready. He was met with a barrage of javelins which peppered his midsection and legs with three javelins. Staggering backwards he saw a group of hobgoblins behind a table which one was overturning as an ad hoc barricade. The humanoids were each unhinging a second javelin readying another volley as Strider regained his footing. Regaining his momentum he charged the group of hobgoblins behind the table. As the side of the table hit the floor, Strider hit it into the 3 hobgoblins braced directly behind it with so much force that several were knocked back a few feet. With the entrance clear Aramek, Lathander, and Bandar swarmed into the tower’s ground floor. Merkaeytl sidestepped the battle and silently padded her way up the stairs to the upper level of the tower.
After one hobgoblin went unconscious from blood loss the other three threw down their weapons. Strider guided the hobgoblins to one side of the cylindrical tower and had them face the wall, outstretching their arms with their hands flush against the wall above their heads. Meanwhile, Merkaeytl dispatched 3 of the goblins on the second floor of the tower from the shadows. The last goblin ran screaming down the stairs from the invisible assassin only to find himself faced with four towering bulks of armor. Lathander stopped the goblin dead in his tracks by blocking the bashed in doorway. He guided the pitiful little creature over to the other prisoners as Merkaeytl emerged from the darkness coming down the stairs.
Not sure which group to be more terrified of, the goblin separated itself from the hobgoblins and stayed halfway between them and Strider (with his half drawn bow aimed at the filthy lot). It tried its best to meld itself into the wall but to no avail as Strider motioned it to get closer to the hobgoblins. Lathander watching all of this suddenly felt a wave of empathy for the little creature.
The goblin’s tiny little legs started quivering, its whole body a vibrating rack of nerves. It had its back to the wall and Lathander thought he could make out the thing’s jugular throbbing like … well, like a mini-heart itself. The goblin started to whine and cover its face with its hands.
While Lathander’s attention was on the goblin, Strider had been trying to communicate with the hobgoblins to no avail. If they did speak common they certainly were good at bluffing. Strider motioned for one of the hobgoblins to separate itself from the group and instructed Aramek to lead the thing to the room that had its door shut. Encouraged with steel the creature opened the closed door while Strider, Bandar, and Merkaeytl, trained their missile weapons on the hobgoblins. Other than a pile of refuse, not much was even worth mentioning. Aramek led the hobgoblin over to the other door, apparently not to this same room with similar findings. When Aramek rejoined the group, Merkaeytl and Bandar broke off to search the rooms.
Lathander casually pointed his masterwork light crossbow at the hobgoblins. He had had that weapon for a long time. Had it while his brother was still alive. He remembered the craftsman well: a short stocky fellow who despite his berth was a very timid fellow always afraid of his own shadow. The same man had made his brother’s weapon – a morning star in laid with heavy metals to increase its mass, a fine weapon. The morning star had been fashioned to appear as a roaring lion’s head, Lathander’s family crest. His light crossbow had a similar finely sculpted appearance with the bolts flying from the mouth of the roaring lion’s head. Above all, the finest work of Jukal had to have been the suit of full plate armor fashioned for his brother. Upon initiation to paladinhood, Jukal gave the suit of armor to Lathander’s brother as a gift for his mercy and courage. Lathander cherished the now missing armor and had worn it in his brother’s honor. The dragon at the moat house had taken it from him. He intended to get it back.
Goblin: “wahhhhhhhhhh”
A particular loud whine from the goblin and the wafting vapors from the two smaller rooms grappled Lathander’s thoughts back to the present.
Lathander: funny I should recall all of that now
Looking at the goblin, he saw the resemblance. The goblin reminded him of Jukal – just, a bit smaller and … green. He walked closer to the goblin and the thing started wailing. Realizing he had the crossbow half raised which wound up pointing it directly at the short little creature, Lathander quickly pointed it directly at the ground. He reached in his pouch and pulled out a dried trail ration. Unwrapping it with one hand he gave the food to the goblin. It snatched it out of Lathander’s hand and ravenously tore into the dried meat and fruit. Considering that the ration was enough to feed a full size human, the 3 foot tall goblin ate it all quicker than even the most starving person he had ever seen.
As Merkaeytl entered the right room Strider guided the captives, to the entrance of the tower. Picking up their fallen comrade the hobgoblins reluctantly went out the door. Strider shouted a loud GO while motioning with his bow for them to leave. For some reason they did not want to leave. He made threatening gestures and then waving motions with his arms. Still they remained. Finally he went outside and started pushing one with the point of his arrow (the one not helping to carry the unconscious hobgoblin). He pushed and then backed into the doorway, came forward again and pushed, etc. Finally they got the message and slowly started trudging around the hedges immediately in front of the tower. For a bit of incentive, Strider shot a few “warning” shots close to them. He then heard full speed sprinting.
Lathander shouldered his light crossbow and pulled out another ration. Again the goblin ate like there was no tomorrow. He was amazed the little creature was not wracked with disease considering how filthy it was. With a bit of zealous inspiration he pulled out his wineskin. Showing the goblin his holy symbol – a polished sun he recited: “Cleanliness is close to Godliness”. With that he drenched the little fellow with a gallon of water. At first the goblin did not know what was going on. As soon as Lathander pulled out a rag from his pack and began scrubbing away at him, the little goblin figured it out. He was getting a bath.
Aramek: “What in the nine hells ‘re ya doin?!?”
Lathander: …
Aramek: “O K, so give him some of our food, give him some more food, but fer Moradin’s sake. Ya really ‘re goin wash him, R’nt ya. Yer crazy”
Lathander: …
Aramek: “Bandar! Merkaeytl! Somebody do something.” (As Strider comes back into the tower) “Strider, for stone lovin’ sake, (motioning towards Lathander) he’s washin it! (to Lathander) Yer insane!
After another two gallons of water, retrieved from Lathander and Bandar – Aramek refused – the goblin was probably as clean as it had ever been. For good measure, Lathander gave it another ration, which it stuffed down its loincloth (which to its mind must have meant “for safe keeping”). Lathander could only roll his eyes.
Aramek: “More food?!?! I think ya fed it enough Mr. Charity (emphasis added with much sarcasm).”
Lathander: Pelor teaches mercy and altruism. I cannot think of a more appropriate situation than this to practice what I preach.
Aramek: “(with a look that reflected ‘I am talking to a rock’)...goblin. Ya really ‘re crazy. fargin ragin lunatic is what he is ”
Merkaeytl came back with a confused look.
Merkaeytl: “Nothing.”
Strider: “Are you sure?”
Immediately after he asked the innocent question he regretted it. With a slight upturned nose and one of those female ‘just try and prove me wrong’ looks she turned towards him.
Merkaeytl: “Maybe you should double check (perfused with sarcasm).”
Strider: “Oh no (trying to dismiss his mistake but only digging himself deeper), I am sure you did a fine job – (oops).”
Merkaeytl: “OH! So now I am a child who meets your approval then. NO, I insist, you check it. Make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
Strider had visions of an old man with a decrepit shovel trying to climb out of a hole. The problem was his arms kept digging and he kept getting deeper – no matter how much his mind told him to drop the shovel and climb out.
Strider: “I didn’t mean that Merkaeytl – ”
Merkaeytl: “Well what exactly did you mean then?”
Strider: “Umm…(stammering)”
Merkaeytl: “So now the paternal figure is lying to the child. I see.”
Turning, which denied any further conversation, she went into the other room. Aramek, still in disbelief over the goblin could only half smile. Bandar felt kind of bad for Strider – after all, he was only trying to help. Lathander was busy spouting off the tenets of Pelor to the goblin, who could only nod dumbly as it did not understand a word of what Lathander was saying.
A few minutes passed by while Merkaeytl was busy searching the second room. In the midst of Strider’s thoughts on how to compliment Merkaeytl when she returned regardless of whether or not she was successful, a stifle cry came from inside the room. Practically before Strider’s eardrums stopped vibrating Bandar, quick as a flash, was already moving through the doorway to help Merkaeytl. As if in slow motion, Strider and Bandar locked gazes as Bandar turned the bend. Strider knew Bandar understood his feeling of thanks conveyed through facial expression alone, while he also understood Bandar’s look of respect and almost reverence for him. It was odd. They had known each other for only a very short time, and already it seemed like they had been lifelong friends able to know what each other was thinking without so much as a glance.
Seconds after Bandar escaped from view into the room to aid Merkaeytl, whatever the commotion was all about was already over. Later on, Merkaeytl would describe the rat as very large and viscious, but Bandar’s story would always remain unchanged: “It was just a pretty big rat.” Strider got to the doorway as Merkaeytl, with a bleeding forearm, exited. Quite unexpectedly she did not start a rant aimed at Strider’s incompetence but rather sort of just leaned towards him while holding her forearm. She did not collapse into him, but rather just rested her head against his chest. He wrapped his left arm around her, as his other was busy wielding the magical sword he had gotten from the ghost in Nulb. The sight of the ghost in Nulb had really affected her – she just didn’t have the stamina she used to.
Bandar came out next with bits of fur matted into his palm.
Bandar: “Here, drink this.” He handed a flask filled with some kind of green liquid to Merkaeytl.
Merkaeytl: “What is it?
Bandar: “An antitoxin. That rat most likely was infected with more diseases than I care to think about. Better not to take any chances.”
Merkaeytl: After sipping and making a rather unctuous face (if that is possible with her beautiful elven features), she managed to down about half of the foul tasting liquid before stopping in exaspiration. “But what about you. You were bit on the leg. Don’t you have any? Here…”
Bandar: With a look towards Strider “You have to drink all of it or the antitoxin won’t work. I’ll be fine.”
Strider again was almost fascinated by the fact that Bandar could convey so much by the simplest of gestures. With Bandar’s look, Strider realized Bandar was letting him know that he had given the antitoxin to Merkaeytl for Strider.
Lathander, patted the goblin on the head and unslung his backpack from behind him. He handed Bandar a different shaped flask with a similarly colored liquid.
Lathander: “I will hear none of that. Here.”
Bandar: “Thanks.”
Looking back towards the goblin, Lathander inexplicably felt as if he was experiencing déjà vu.
Aramek: (under his breath) “…a fargin goblin…next he’ll be helping the orcs…”
Lathander’s pondering was quickly interrupted by a tugging at his robes. The goblin began frantically pointing at one of the two rooms Merkaeytl had searched and pulling the priest in that direction. Lathander used this as an excuse to leave Strider and Merkaeytl in peace. The room was small and mostly covered in refuse. This meant little to the goblin; however, as it seemed that he knew exactly what he was looking for. Brushing away the trash, the small green humanoid exposed a trapdoor to the curious priest of pelor.
Lathander: “Gentlemen…and Merkaeytl, you should come and have a look at this.”
Slowly the party congregated inside the small room. Opening the trapdoor revealed a narrow tunnel that descended into darkness. Iron rungs provided the only method of reaching the bottom of the constricted shaft. Eventually everyone agreed that Aramek and Bandar should be the one’s to go down first, as they had the most experience with dark, small, spaces. It wasn’t long before Strider, Merk, and Lathander heard the two dwarves call up that all was fine.
The shaft led down about fifty feet underground into a small chamber. A tunnel led out of the room, directly away from of the Temple complex. Directly in the center of the room stood a table with two large metal chests sitting on top.
Merkaeytl: “It’s too bad I don’t have my thieve’s picks with me…if only that accursed Braxis hadn’t taken them from me!”
Strider: “You know Braxis?”
Merkaeytl: (aghast) YOU know Braxis?”
Strider: “He traveled with us some. A strange, but capable man. Ironically I have some of his personal things, as he met a rather untimely demise. I do believe that one of those items is a set of finely crafted thieve’s picks. They are in my room, back in Hommlet.”
Merkaeytl: “Good riddance! That traitor tricked me and left me to die.”
Aramek: “Never trust’d ‘im.”
Hauling the claimed treasure out of the underground chamber, the party began to discuss its next move in the safety of the tower. Bandar and Strider were discussing options with Merk while the eager Aramek was left with the task of opening the chests. As no one was capable of opening the chests with skill, the dwaven warrior was forced to break them open. One chest held a mountain of coins while the other only contained two stoppered vials. Aramek paid no attention to the discussion as he began to transfer the coins into a burlap sack he had brought along. By the time he was done, the party was in a heated debate with one another. Lathander wanted to bring the goblin along regardless of what the party decided to do, Strider and Bandar were interested in exploring the tunnel were they found the treasure, while Merk wanted to stay as far away from that tunnel as possible. She provided an endless litany of what the previous party had faced in the tunnels under the temple…it wasn’t pretty. His face contorted in mask of indecision, Strider finally turned to Aramek to provide the final guidance for the party.
Strider: “What do you think we should do Aramek?”
Aramek’s reasoning didn’t have Merk’s flair or Lathander’s passion, but it seemed to work. Jerking his thumb towards the looming structure of the Temple, Aramek spoke:
Aramek: “Why dun we go threu the frunt der? Wer here anyw’y an I dun wun te mess with no Umber Hulks.”
Everyone seemed to like that idea. However, no one sided with Lathander on the issue of the goblin. Everyone insisted that he would only hinder the party’s efforts and so he would have to be left behind while the Temple was explored. With a strange farewell to goblin, the party steeled its nerves for the journey ahead.
As grotesque as the exterior of the Temple was, it was no match for the interior décor. Entering the huge bronze double doors revealed an antechamber of morbid nature. Sunlight fought to pierce the stained-glass windows, shedding revolting colors all across the floor. Unspeakable acts were carved into the marble walls and columns supporting the Temple’s structure. Lathander instinctively activated his sunrod to scatter the shifting darkness as well as bolster his courage. Aramek turned to Strider with a worried look on his face just as the noise of steel on stone began to ring through the vaulted ceiling of the Temple. Angry with the lack of initiative on the enemy force, Strider resigned any notion of stealth and decided to use his rage as a weapon.
Strider: “We know you are out there! Surrender or perish!”
At first there was deathly silence. Slowly; however, the beginnings of chuckling could be heard. With each passing moment another voice added to the inhuman laughter until the sound became deafening. The party huddled closer for protection as the laughing was slowly replaced by shouts of unbridled hatred.
From the darkness poured a storm of javelins.
Strider: “Behind the pillars!”
Everyone moved quickly to react as the second volley thundered into their ranks. It was difficult to form a counter-offensive, as few in the party could see in such dim lighting. Lathander’s ingeniousness ended that dilemma when he threw his sunrod into the ranks of the enemy force, illuminating their numbers…it was unnerving.
A huge division of lightly armored hobgoblins stood beside a smaller group of nearly naked goblins. Directly behind this line was a heavily armored and equipped unit of very big hobgoblins. Their leader was so large he could have nearly been a bugbear. His only weapon was a double-bladed sword he held in one hand. With slight gesture from him, the hobgoblins and goblins charged the party…it was complete mayhem.
Aramek and Strider tried to intercept the oncoming horde by themselves to buy some time for the rest of the party, but they quickly became surrounded. Lathander tried to use his crossbow to take out as many goblins as he could, while Bandar pummeled the leader of the enemy force with wave after wave of psychic power. Merkaeytl did not think that Bandar would succeed in his endeavor, so she hoped to stack the deck in the party’s favor by sneaking over to the leader and finishing him personally.
The ground was littered with dead bodies around the area where Strider fought. He could feel the blood soaking up through his boots, but the enemy never relented. Wave after wave came after him…even with his back to the pillar it seemed to do no good. Their steel had cut him deeply and he did not know how long he could continue to hold out. He witnessed Aramek incurring a similar struggle nearby. Lathander also had troubles of his own…he and Bandar seemed to be doing battle with an enormous gorilla that had melded from the shadows and was now resolute in its efforts to tear them limb from limb. Where is Merk? It was difficult to scan the area and concentrate on four well-trained opponents. The first hobgoblins that had engaged him were weak and easy to defeat, but these others fought well together, their greatswords forcing him to fall back into defensive stances. His swords were growing heavy in his hands…the impact of deflecting his opponent’s blades had weakened him.
I can’t hold on for much longer…
Strider parried a mortal blow from one of the armored hobgoblins and quickly impaled him on Shatterspike. As the body slid to the ground, Strider heard a familiar cry split the air. Turning, he saw Merkaeytl sliding off the blade of the Leader. Her body made a sickening sound as it hit the ground. Without so much as a thought, the leader turned away and began to walk towards the battle.
No…not again…It won’t happen again!
Energized with a surge of anger, Strider fought like a demon. He slashed and hacked away at the air around him, trying to drive his enemies towards Merkaeytl’s location. When he saw Merk beginning to crawl feebly, his efforts redoubled. Strider was nearly there, he began to see her more clearly as he forced his opponents backwards.
Almost there…hold on Merk…
Strider’s swordplay became increasingly reckless in its intensity, making it very difficult to predict and consequently nearly impossible to counter. Merk’s body left a smear of blood on the ground as she slowly moved herself across the marble floor to safety. Strider was nearly there when he saw a shape wink itself into existence directly over Merk’s prone body. Apparently Merk saw the figure as well, as she looked up. Strider knew the dagger was there even before he saw the steel gleam.
“MEEEEERKAAAAAAAAEEEEYYYTTTL!!!!!”
One instant…that was all. For a split second Strider had forgotten he was fighting others. His master had always taught him that in a real battle, life and death were separated only by an instant. Strider saw the sword approaching his throat. He felt the impact of the blade as it tore through his esophagus…he knew that he was dead even before he hit the ground. The pain came again and again afterwards, but he was already drifting. Before the darkness took him, he saw Aramek screaming something.
Good luck old friend…survive…protect them as I could not…
[Player aside: I have been role-playing for over 7 years. I have never played in a session like the one I describe below. I am in awe of my DM.]
“The Temple of Elemental Evil: Its name befits its hideous appearance. The huge, charcoal-gray building, with its arched buttresses and obscene designs, stands a mute testament to the dark side of history. Every surface of the structure teems with leering faces and twisted forms of demons and monstrosities unlike anything previously imagined. The massive main doors are crowned with winged beasts and disgusting figures that chill a viewer to the very soul.
The surrounding compound is equally terrifying. Vermiculated growth, covered in dark thorns, twists amid rubble from what was once a high curtain wall. Shadows rubble from what was once a high curtain wall. Shadows dance along the blackened trees whose branches claw at the air around them like desperate, dying men.
It need not be said aloud, being obvious immediately: This is an evil place.”
- Monte Cook, RttToEE pg 33
Strider, leading the party, was the first to see the ominous structure. The unique sensation that washed over him is difficult to describe. It combined utter disgust stemming from the sheer unnaturalness of it with an overwhelming sense of horror. Suffused into each of these competing emotions was anxiety: wave after wave of shock crashing through his whole being each time he recognized a different image. The sensation was the worst thing he had ever felt in his life – even worse than when he lost his wife and child years ago. From the facial expression Merkaeytl displayed as she slowed to a halt in stunned silence, he knew he was not the only one affected by the sight before him. In whispered fury, Aramek put a name to what the group was feeling: “EVIL.”
-------------------------------------------------
Merkaeytl was in a whirlwind when she rejoined the group just outside of Nulb. She was at the point of blabbering while alerting the group about Tianden. Armor and shield emblazoned with the Tharazdun’s eye, Gatsu’s sword, locked back room, danger, powerful, past leader of the moat-house, hidden were all of the ideas she was trying to fit into a sentence.
Aramek: “Stop yer gibberin lass. We cant understand a wurd yer sayin’.”
Strider: “Merkaeytl! Slow down. What’s this about Tianden? Where were you anyway? How come you didn’t come inside? I think he was getting a bit suspicious.”
With an upraised nose and a talk-to-the-hand attitude Merkaeytl gave Strider a “hmm”. Addressing everyone but Strider she proceeded to describe in detail everything she found while she missed Strider’s luncheon with messed-up-face guy.
Lathander (louder voice than normal): “WHAT?!? He was a priest of Tharazdun? Blazing SUN!”
Aramek: “Wut the hell ‘re ya doin’.”
Aramek placed his gauntleted hand on Lathander’s arm as Lathander was turning to head back the way they came.
Aramek: “How do ya know he’s a filthy priest? Fer all we know he killed a priest and kept the armor.”
Strider noticed Aramek had a tinge of…fear…in his voice. Not much scared Strider. Seeing Aramek afraid terrified him.
Merkaeytl: “But he also had Gatsu’s sword.”
Aramek: “All the more reason to stay the hell away from him lass.”
The group continued to discuss the possibilities – he is a priest/he killed a priest, he killed Gatsu/he found Gatsu’s sword, he was a recluse due to his face, he was a nice man whom they had lunch with, he had a bit of dementia, etc. To Strider, Aramek’s fear was palpable each time Lathander gave a good reason to go back. Eventually, however, Lathander reasoned that they would probably run into him again and that he really could not jump to conclusions about Tianden being a priest.
Bandar was troubled, deeply troubled, by Tianden’s notice of his tattoo. He had the tattoo since before he remembered. He had gotten even before his slavery. Why would a complete stranger even recognize it?
Lathander’s mind played back his conversation of theology with Tianden. He was troubled by the fact that he had equipment with Tharazdun’s unholy symbol on it. Then again, he had an obex in his pouch. He really could not jump to conclusions. However, the subtle details of their conversation kept nipping at the back of his mind. Like the ever so brief flash of rabid hatred he saw in Tianden’s eyes upon their introduction. Also, he had this strange intuition that Tianden and he were talking about the same priestess of St. Cuthbert – Canoness Y’dey. Also, he was particularly fervent with his “hypothetical” example of a group of wily strangers trespassing and vandalizing someone’s residence – almost as if he had been the owner himself.
--------------------------------------------------------
The ~ 900’ x 600’ courtyard housing the temple would have dwarfed any normal structure. However, even the aged 10’ foot-thick solid stone walls were not enough to draw away from the temple’s imposing presence. The party’s attention was quickly drawn to four javelins traveling at high velocity through the air. Strider barely had time to twist before he felt the searing pain of pierced flesh. One had embedded itself thickly in his thigh while another had grazed his ribs. His quickening breathing only increased his awareness of the danger.
Four reddish brown medium size humanoids appeared from behind a very large thorn bush readying another volley. Merkaeytl snuck around one of the large stonewall like structures while Lathander and Bandar followed behind the charging Strider and Aramek. One of the foul hobgoblins ran through the front entrance sounding an alarm at the top of its lungs while the other three let more javelins fly. Strider was ready this time – dodging them was easy. Merkaeytl quickly dispatched the screaming hobgoblin. Strider pulled up short of the hobgoblins near the hedge and cast an entangle spell. The creeping vines completely engulfed the hobgoblins. Unfortunately the alarm was successful. The sound of barking dogs and running feet came from the courtyard interior. Merkaeytl was near the entrance. She only had an instant’s thought before realizing that she could not outrun them.
As she turned to face them Strider screamed her name: “Merkaeytl, NO!!!” They made mincemeat out of her as Strider was taking aim with his bow. Knowing that he could not leave the entangle hobgoblins unattended he could not get to her in time. Between the four adventurers left standing only seconds passed before every hobgoblin and dog lay lifeless. Lathander knew she was still alive: she had a pulse. However, each breath was a rasp and the gaping wound in her chest told him she did not have much time left. Aramek poured a healing potion down her throat before Lathander even finished checking her wounds. Strider waited anxiously as she slowly opened her eyes. Quicker than he could blink she was on her feet and he felt a stinging sensation on his left cheek.
Merkaeytl: “Strider! How come you attacked the helpless hobgoblins? Didn’t you see that I was in trouble? Don’t you care that I was in trouble? You didn’t even turn to help me. I am not talking to you anymore. Oh, and another thing. (with a meaningful look towards Strider) How about someone else scout.”
Strider: “wha…I…sorry”
She turned with another sniff and planted a big kiss on Aramek’s cheek.
Merkaeytl: “At least there are some MEN in the group who know how to take care of a lady. Thanks Aramek.”
Strider wasn’t sure whose face was redder: his or Aramek’s.
Aramek: with a quiet harrumph and a quick glance to Strider “it was nuthin lass”
With an indignant rigidity to his gate Strider turned west and began “scouting” along the exterior of the wall. The others fell in behind him, all catching sight of the occasional meaningful glares aimed at Merkaeytl. Merkaeytl appeared not to notice.
Given that the majority of the wall was a few FEET thick, even the crippled sections of the wall where cracks and small crevices could be seen were not traversable. The only way into the courtyard was through the main entrance or over a section of the wall. Strider figured that a more obscure route into the courtyard might still give them the element of surprise despite the sounding of the alarm. He led the group all the way to the exterior of the north wall stopping close to the tower. Pulling out his grappling hook, he secured it to the ridge of the 10 foot wall and stealthily climbed up to see if the spot he picked out was as concealed as he thought.
Bingo! He secured another rope to the wall and then assisted the other four members of the group over the wall. He then disguised both ropes among the thick vines on the wall. When he was finished not even Aramek could distinguish the ropes from the vines.
Aramek: “Yer gettin better Strider – now a blind orc actually would miss yer handiwork.”
Strider: with a grin, part genuine and part wry, “Thanks.”
Coming in the back way proved even more advantageous than Strider had imagined. A thick row of thorned hedges walled off the entire rear third of the courtyard. Two major structures occupied the group’s attention: the north east tower with a solid oaken door barring passage and a cellar located more towards the west of this section of the courtyard. After a bit of discussion the group decided to preliminarily scan the cellar, tackle the tower and then come back to the cellar for a more thorough search. A glance at the cellar showed an underground passage heading away from the temple. Lathander, the last one out, closed the doors behind him as Strider stealthily approached the tower.
Listening at the door he could clearly make out some sort of harsh dialogue. Signaling for the others to approach while readying missile weapons, all in one motion, he rammed into the door blowing it completely off its hinges, dove into a roll as he fell forward and sprang to his feet weapons at the ready. He was met with a barrage of javelins which peppered his midsection and legs with three javelins. Staggering backwards he saw a group of hobgoblins behind a table which one was overturning as an ad hoc barricade. The humanoids were each unhinging a second javelin readying another volley as Strider regained his footing. Regaining his momentum he charged the group of hobgoblins behind the table. As the side of the table hit the floor, Strider hit it into the 3 hobgoblins braced directly behind it with so much force that several were knocked back a few feet. With the entrance clear Aramek, Lathander, and Bandar swarmed into the tower’s ground floor. Merkaeytl sidestepped the battle and silently padded her way up the stairs to the upper level of the tower.
After one hobgoblin went unconscious from blood loss the other three threw down their weapons. Strider guided the hobgoblins to one side of the cylindrical tower and had them face the wall, outstretching their arms with their hands flush against the wall above their heads. Meanwhile, Merkaeytl dispatched 3 of the goblins on the second floor of the tower from the shadows. The last goblin ran screaming down the stairs from the invisible assassin only to find himself faced with four towering bulks of armor. Lathander stopped the goblin dead in his tracks by blocking the bashed in doorway. He guided the pitiful little creature over to the other prisoners as Merkaeytl emerged from the darkness coming down the stairs.
Not sure which group to be more terrified of, the goblin separated itself from the hobgoblins and stayed halfway between them and Strider (with his half drawn bow aimed at the filthy lot). It tried its best to meld itself into the wall but to no avail as Strider motioned it to get closer to the hobgoblins. Lathander watching all of this suddenly felt a wave of empathy for the little creature.
The goblin’s tiny little legs started quivering, its whole body a vibrating rack of nerves. It had its back to the wall and Lathander thought he could make out the thing’s jugular throbbing like … well, like a mini-heart itself. The goblin started to whine and cover its face with its hands.
While Lathander’s attention was on the goblin, Strider had been trying to communicate with the hobgoblins to no avail. If they did speak common they certainly were good at bluffing. Strider motioned for one of the hobgoblins to separate itself from the group and instructed Aramek to lead the thing to the room that had its door shut. Encouraged with steel the creature opened the closed door while Strider, Bandar, and Merkaeytl, trained their missile weapons on the hobgoblins. Other than a pile of refuse, not much was even worth mentioning. Aramek led the hobgoblin over to the other door, apparently not to this same room with similar findings. When Aramek rejoined the group, Merkaeytl and Bandar broke off to search the rooms.
Lathander casually pointed his masterwork light crossbow at the hobgoblins. He had had that weapon for a long time. Had it while his brother was still alive. He remembered the craftsman well: a short stocky fellow who despite his berth was a very timid fellow always afraid of his own shadow. The same man had made his brother’s weapon – a morning star in laid with heavy metals to increase its mass, a fine weapon. The morning star had been fashioned to appear as a roaring lion’s head, Lathander’s family crest. His light crossbow had a similar finely sculpted appearance with the bolts flying from the mouth of the roaring lion’s head. Above all, the finest work of Jukal had to have been the suit of full plate armor fashioned for his brother. Upon initiation to paladinhood, Jukal gave the suit of armor to Lathander’s brother as a gift for his mercy and courage. Lathander cherished the now missing armor and had worn it in his brother’s honor. The dragon at the moat house had taken it from him. He intended to get it back.
Goblin: “wahhhhhhhhhh”
A particular loud whine from the goblin and the wafting vapors from the two smaller rooms grappled Lathander’s thoughts back to the present.
Lathander: funny I should recall all of that now
Looking at the goblin, he saw the resemblance. The goblin reminded him of Jukal – just, a bit smaller and … green. He walked closer to the goblin and the thing started wailing. Realizing he had the crossbow half raised which wound up pointing it directly at the short little creature, Lathander quickly pointed it directly at the ground. He reached in his pouch and pulled out a dried trail ration. Unwrapping it with one hand he gave the food to the goblin. It snatched it out of Lathander’s hand and ravenously tore into the dried meat and fruit. Considering that the ration was enough to feed a full size human, the 3 foot tall goblin ate it all quicker than even the most starving person he had ever seen.
As Merkaeytl entered the right room Strider guided the captives, to the entrance of the tower. Picking up their fallen comrade the hobgoblins reluctantly went out the door. Strider shouted a loud GO while motioning with his bow for them to leave. For some reason they did not want to leave. He made threatening gestures and then waving motions with his arms. Still they remained. Finally he went outside and started pushing one with the point of his arrow (the one not helping to carry the unconscious hobgoblin). He pushed and then backed into the doorway, came forward again and pushed, etc. Finally they got the message and slowly started trudging around the hedges immediately in front of the tower. For a bit of incentive, Strider shot a few “warning” shots close to them. He then heard full speed sprinting.
Lathander shouldered his light crossbow and pulled out another ration. Again the goblin ate like there was no tomorrow. He was amazed the little creature was not wracked with disease considering how filthy it was. With a bit of zealous inspiration he pulled out his wineskin. Showing the goblin his holy symbol – a polished sun he recited: “Cleanliness is close to Godliness”. With that he drenched the little fellow with a gallon of water. At first the goblin did not know what was going on. As soon as Lathander pulled out a rag from his pack and began scrubbing away at him, the little goblin figured it out. He was getting a bath.
Aramek: “What in the nine hells ‘re ya doin?!?”
Lathander: …
Aramek: “O K, so give him some of our food, give him some more food, but fer Moradin’s sake. Ya really ‘re goin wash him, R’nt ya. Yer crazy”
Lathander: …
Aramek: “Bandar! Merkaeytl! Somebody do something.” (As Strider comes back into the tower) “Strider, for stone lovin’ sake, (motioning towards Lathander) he’s washin it! (to Lathander) Yer insane!
After another two gallons of water, retrieved from Lathander and Bandar – Aramek refused – the goblin was probably as clean as it had ever been. For good measure, Lathander gave it another ration, which it stuffed down its loincloth (which to its mind must have meant “for safe keeping”). Lathander could only roll his eyes.
Aramek: “More food?!?! I think ya fed it enough Mr. Charity (emphasis added with much sarcasm).”
Lathander: Pelor teaches mercy and altruism. I cannot think of a more appropriate situation than this to practice what I preach.
Aramek: “(with a look that reflected ‘I am talking to a rock’)...goblin. Ya really ‘re crazy. fargin ragin lunatic is what he is ”
Merkaeytl came back with a confused look.
Merkaeytl: “Nothing.”
Strider: “Are you sure?”
Immediately after he asked the innocent question he regretted it. With a slight upturned nose and one of those female ‘just try and prove me wrong’ looks she turned towards him.
Merkaeytl: “Maybe you should double check (perfused with sarcasm).”
Strider: “Oh no (trying to dismiss his mistake but only digging himself deeper), I am sure you did a fine job – (oops).”
Merkaeytl: “OH! So now I am a child who meets your approval then. NO, I insist, you check it. Make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
Strider had visions of an old man with a decrepit shovel trying to climb out of a hole. The problem was his arms kept digging and he kept getting deeper – no matter how much his mind told him to drop the shovel and climb out.
Strider: “I didn’t mean that Merkaeytl – ”
Merkaeytl: “Well what exactly did you mean then?”
Strider: “Umm…(stammering)”
Merkaeytl: “So now the paternal figure is lying to the child. I see.”
Turning, which denied any further conversation, she went into the other room. Aramek, still in disbelief over the goblin could only half smile. Bandar felt kind of bad for Strider – after all, he was only trying to help. Lathander was busy spouting off the tenets of Pelor to the goblin, who could only nod dumbly as it did not understand a word of what Lathander was saying.
A few minutes passed by while Merkaeytl was busy searching the second room. In the midst of Strider’s thoughts on how to compliment Merkaeytl when she returned regardless of whether or not she was successful, a stifle cry came from inside the room. Practically before Strider’s eardrums stopped vibrating Bandar, quick as a flash, was already moving through the doorway to help Merkaeytl. As if in slow motion, Strider and Bandar locked gazes as Bandar turned the bend. Strider knew Bandar understood his feeling of thanks conveyed through facial expression alone, while he also understood Bandar’s look of respect and almost reverence for him. It was odd. They had known each other for only a very short time, and already it seemed like they had been lifelong friends able to know what each other was thinking without so much as a glance.
Seconds after Bandar escaped from view into the room to aid Merkaeytl, whatever the commotion was all about was already over. Later on, Merkaeytl would describe the rat as very large and viscious, but Bandar’s story would always remain unchanged: “It was just a pretty big rat.” Strider got to the doorway as Merkaeytl, with a bleeding forearm, exited. Quite unexpectedly she did not start a rant aimed at Strider’s incompetence but rather sort of just leaned towards him while holding her forearm. She did not collapse into him, but rather just rested her head against his chest. He wrapped his left arm around her, as his other was busy wielding the magical sword he had gotten from the ghost in Nulb. The sight of the ghost in Nulb had really affected her – she just didn’t have the stamina she used to.
Bandar came out next with bits of fur matted into his palm.
Bandar: “Here, drink this.” He handed a flask filled with some kind of green liquid to Merkaeytl.
Merkaeytl: “What is it?
Bandar: “An antitoxin. That rat most likely was infected with more diseases than I care to think about. Better not to take any chances.”
Merkaeytl: After sipping and making a rather unctuous face (if that is possible with her beautiful elven features), she managed to down about half of the foul tasting liquid before stopping in exaspiration. “But what about you. You were bit on the leg. Don’t you have any? Here…”
Bandar: With a look towards Strider “You have to drink all of it or the antitoxin won’t work. I’ll be fine.”
Strider again was almost fascinated by the fact that Bandar could convey so much by the simplest of gestures. With Bandar’s look, Strider realized Bandar was letting him know that he had given the antitoxin to Merkaeytl for Strider.
Lathander, patted the goblin on the head and unslung his backpack from behind him. He handed Bandar a different shaped flask with a similarly colored liquid.
Lathander: “I will hear none of that. Here.”
Bandar: “Thanks.”
Looking back towards the goblin, Lathander inexplicably felt as if he was experiencing déjà vu.
Aramek: (under his breath) “…a fargin goblin…next he’ll be helping the orcs…”
Lathander’s pondering was quickly interrupted by a tugging at his robes. The goblin began frantically pointing at one of the two rooms Merkaeytl had searched and pulling the priest in that direction. Lathander used this as an excuse to leave Strider and Merkaeytl in peace. The room was small and mostly covered in refuse. This meant little to the goblin; however, as it seemed that he knew exactly what he was looking for. Brushing away the trash, the small green humanoid exposed a trapdoor to the curious priest of pelor.
Lathander: “Gentlemen…and Merkaeytl, you should come and have a look at this.”
Slowly the party congregated inside the small room. Opening the trapdoor revealed a narrow tunnel that descended into darkness. Iron rungs provided the only method of reaching the bottom of the constricted shaft. Eventually everyone agreed that Aramek and Bandar should be the one’s to go down first, as they had the most experience with dark, small, spaces. It wasn’t long before Strider, Merk, and Lathander heard the two dwarves call up that all was fine.
The shaft led down about fifty feet underground into a small chamber. A tunnel led out of the room, directly away from of the Temple complex. Directly in the center of the room stood a table with two large metal chests sitting on top.
Merkaeytl: “It’s too bad I don’t have my thieve’s picks with me…if only that accursed Braxis hadn’t taken them from me!”
Strider: “You know Braxis?”
Merkaeytl: (aghast) YOU know Braxis?”
Strider: “He traveled with us some. A strange, but capable man. Ironically I have some of his personal things, as he met a rather untimely demise. I do believe that one of those items is a set of finely crafted thieve’s picks. They are in my room, back in Hommlet.”
Merkaeytl: “Good riddance! That traitor tricked me and left me to die.”
Aramek: “Never trust’d ‘im.”
Hauling the claimed treasure out of the underground chamber, the party began to discuss its next move in the safety of the tower. Bandar and Strider were discussing options with Merk while the eager Aramek was left with the task of opening the chests. As no one was capable of opening the chests with skill, the dwaven warrior was forced to break them open. One chest held a mountain of coins while the other only contained two stoppered vials. Aramek paid no attention to the discussion as he began to transfer the coins into a burlap sack he had brought along. By the time he was done, the party was in a heated debate with one another. Lathander wanted to bring the goblin along regardless of what the party decided to do, Strider and Bandar were interested in exploring the tunnel were they found the treasure, while Merk wanted to stay as far away from that tunnel as possible. She provided an endless litany of what the previous party had faced in the tunnels under the temple…it wasn’t pretty. His face contorted in mask of indecision, Strider finally turned to Aramek to provide the final guidance for the party.
Strider: “What do you think we should do Aramek?”
Aramek’s reasoning didn’t have Merk’s flair or Lathander’s passion, but it seemed to work. Jerking his thumb towards the looming structure of the Temple, Aramek spoke:
Aramek: “Why dun we go threu the frunt der? Wer here anyw’y an I dun wun te mess with no Umber Hulks.”
Everyone seemed to like that idea. However, no one sided with Lathander on the issue of the goblin. Everyone insisted that he would only hinder the party’s efforts and so he would have to be left behind while the Temple was explored. With a strange farewell to goblin, the party steeled its nerves for the journey ahead.
As grotesque as the exterior of the Temple was, it was no match for the interior décor. Entering the huge bronze double doors revealed an antechamber of morbid nature. Sunlight fought to pierce the stained-glass windows, shedding revolting colors all across the floor. Unspeakable acts were carved into the marble walls and columns supporting the Temple’s structure. Lathander instinctively activated his sunrod to scatter the shifting darkness as well as bolster his courage. Aramek turned to Strider with a worried look on his face just as the noise of steel on stone began to ring through the vaulted ceiling of the Temple. Angry with the lack of initiative on the enemy force, Strider resigned any notion of stealth and decided to use his rage as a weapon.
Strider: “We know you are out there! Surrender or perish!”
At first there was deathly silence. Slowly; however, the beginnings of chuckling could be heard. With each passing moment another voice added to the inhuman laughter until the sound became deafening. The party huddled closer for protection as the laughing was slowly replaced by shouts of unbridled hatred.
From the darkness poured a storm of javelins.
Strider: “Behind the pillars!”
Everyone moved quickly to react as the second volley thundered into their ranks. It was difficult to form a counter-offensive, as few in the party could see in such dim lighting. Lathander’s ingeniousness ended that dilemma when he threw his sunrod into the ranks of the enemy force, illuminating their numbers…it was unnerving.
A huge division of lightly armored hobgoblins stood beside a smaller group of nearly naked goblins. Directly behind this line was a heavily armored and equipped unit of very big hobgoblins. Their leader was so large he could have nearly been a bugbear. His only weapon was a double-bladed sword he held in one hand. With slight gesture from him, the hobgoblins and goblins charged the party…it was complete mayhem.
Aramek and Strider tried to intercept the oncoming horde by themselves to buy some time for the rest of the party, but they quickly became surrounded. Lathander tried to use his crossbow to take out as many goblins as he could, while Bandar pummeled the leader of the enemy force with wave after wave of psychic power. Merkaeytl did not think that Bandar would succeed in his endeavor, so she hoped to stack the deck in the party’s favor by sneaking over to the leader and finishing him personally.
The ground was littered with dead bodies around the area where Strider fought. He could feel the blood soaking up through his boots, but the enemy never relented. Wave after wave came after him…even with his back to the pillar it seemed to do no good. Their steel had cut him deeply and he did not know how long he could continue to hold out. He witnessed Aramek incurring a similar struggle nearby. Lathander also had troubles of his own…he and Bandar seemed to be doing battle with an enormous gorilla that had melded from the shadows and was now resolute in its efforts to tear them limb from limb. Where is Merk? It was difficult to scan the area and concentrate on four well-trained opponents. The first hobgoblins that had engaged him were weak and easy to defeat, but these others fought well together, their greatswords forcing him to fall back into defensive stances. His swords were growing heavy in his hands…the impact of deflecting his opponent’s blades had weakened him.
I can’t hold on for much longer…
Strider parried a mortal blow from one of the armored hobgoblins and quickly impaled him on Shatterspike. As the body slid to the ground, Strider heard a familiar cry split the air. Turning, he saw Merkaeytl sliding off the blade of the Leader. Her body made a sickening sound as it hit the ground. Without so much as a thought, the leader turned away and began to walk towards the battle.
No…not again…It won’t happen again!
Energized with a surge of anger, Strider fought like a demon. He slashed and hacked away at the air around him, trying to drive his enemies towards Merkaeytl’s location. When he saw Merk beginning to crawl feebly, his efforts redoubled. Strider was nearly there, he began to see her more clearly as he forced his opponents backwards.
Almost there…hold on Merk…
Strider’s swordplay became increasingly reckless in its intensity, making it very difficult to predict and consequently nearly impossible to counter. Merk’s body left a smear of blood on the ground as she slowly moved herself across the marble floor to safety. Strider was nearly there when he saw a shape wink itself into existence directly over Merk’s prone body. Apparently Merk saw the figure as well, as she looked up. Strider knew the dagger was there even before he saw the steel gleam.
“MEEEEERKAAAAAAAAEEEEYYYTTTL!!!!!”
One instant…that was all. For a split second Strider had forgotten he was fighting others. His master had always taught him that in a real battle, life and death were separated only by an instant. Strider saw the sword approaching his throat. He felt the impact of the blade as it tore through his esophagus…he knew that he was dead even before he hit the ground. The pain came again and again afterwards, but he was already drifting. Before the darkness took him, he saw Aramek screaming something.
Good luck old friend…survive…protect them as I could not…
Last edited:
