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
Sniktch's Story Hour - City of the Spider Queen (Updated 04/25)
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="Sniktch" data-source="post: 468463" data-attributes="member: 7704"><p><strong>Intermission: A Conversation with the Drow</strong></p><p></p><p>The party withdrew to the wagon to lick their wounds, dragging the bound dark elf with them. The priestess of Lolth remained sullen and withdrawn, not responding to any of their attempts to extract more information from her. </p><p></p><p>Artemis locked himself in his wagon upon returning and prepared for his midnight communion with Arawn. He slept for two hours, all that he required with his magical ring, then spent another couple of hours in silent study and meditation. When he was finished he left the friendly confines of the cart and relieved Malobar from his watch. He took a seat not far from the white-haired priestess and waited silently, staying alert particularly for any disturbances from the direction of the crypts.</p><p></p><p>The dark elf gazed left and right until she was convinced that the rest of the party had bedded down or was out of earshot, then leaned closer and called the mage near. "You, wizard. Yes, come closer; I would have words with you."</p><p></p><p>Artemis nodded agreeably and cast a spell that would surround him with an area where falsehoods would be impossible to speak, then moved closer and sat beside the dusky-skinned beauty.</p><p></p><p>She began, "You are an outsider even amongst your friends. I have seen their ilk foolishly throw their lives away many times in the realm below, but you serve a darker master. Why do you travel with these simpletons?"</p><p></p><p>Artimas smirked at her and replied, "Looks can be deceiving. I'm always willing to lend a hand to those in need, and right now I'm helping the locals quell some drow raids. It would appear my task may be complete with the destruction of your band."</p><p></p><p>She sneered at this. "We had nothing to do with this. You have solved nothing but the destruction of homeless refugees." After a brief pause she leaned forward and whispered sulkily, "Give me my freedom and I will tell you of the true enemy you face."</p><p></p><p>Artemis considered her statement. Thus far the drow had spoken no lies to him that he could detect. "I did notice you were well hidden," he said. "I also stepped over a few drow corpses on my way into the crypts, and I assumed the cause to be infighting amongst your people. Tell me who is responsible for the recent raids and why you are running from them; then we will see if you have earned your freedom."</p><p></p><p>She sighed and seemed to gather her thoughts. “Remove my bindings,” she demanded. “I am in your power but I would at least converse in comfort. I am no threat to you at the present time.”</p><p></p><p>Artemis produced a dagger with a casual flick of his wrist. His captive fell silent and waited for him to finish sawing through the ropes that tied her wrists together before proceeding, rubbing the chafed skin as she spoke.</p><p></p><p>"Lolth fell silent several months ago. Try as we might none of her priestesses have been able to reach her," she explained. "Did you not wonder why I did not simply strike you down with my magic? But no, the Spider Queen has withdrawn her favor from us, or else she is dead."</p><p></p><p>"Everything dies," the necromancer interjected with a smug grin.</p><p></p><p>She ignored the interruption, continuing, "Into the void have stepped the followers of the White Lady, Kiaransalee. The priestesses of Lolth were the first to fall before them - now they have been stripped of their flesh and wait as eternally vigilant guards against intruders. Beware, mage, for you will share their fate if you continue upon this road!"</p><p></p><p>Her warning drew a snicker from the wizard. "I'm touched by your concern for my well being. How thoughtful of you. Tell me then, how strong are the Pale Lady's forces?"</p><p></p><p>"We heard that Maerimydra fell to them over a month ago. Before we knew it, their forces attacked Szith Morcane and sacked it within a matter of hours. I was one of the lucky few to have escaped the disaster. The leaders in Szith Morcane decided that it was time for the drow’s vengeance to begin upon the hated surface world. Those are your raiders!"</p><p></p><p>How lovely, an entire city of drow to deal with, thought the mage. “This Szith Morcane, is it a city? How did you manage to win free? Secret tunnels? A small band such as yours would have been very lucky to escape.”</p><p></p><p>"Yes, a drow settlement. I am Tierak Morcane, of the ruling house of Szith Morcane. My family was able to hold out against the new leadership longer than most due to our strength, and a few of us were able to flee from the fall of Szith Morcane. Apparently the new regime has not yet learned of the secret caverns we hid in.</p><p></p><p>"Now, I have told you all that I know. Set me free!" she pleaded. "I am powerless and no threat to anyone in my current condition. Your friends will turn me over to the authorities and do you think that I will find proper justice at their hands?"</p><p></p><p>"Ah yes, about that .. how much do you know of the surface? What will you do ? I can not in good conscience leave a dark elf to run free and wreak havoc on the surrounding settlements.”</p><p></p><p>"I have no interest in spreading destruction, only in leaving this place far behind," her full bottom lip turned down as she pouted. Then deciding to try a different tack, the woman leaned back and stretched languorously, giving Artimas full view of her lithe, athletic body. "I have other ways to reward you for your aid," she purred.</p><p></p><p>Artemis realized that they had been walking as they spoke and now stood by the entrance to the cart. Convenient, he mused, perfect timing for such a proposal. "My thoughts exactly, although not, I think, with the same intent. I am sure you would be caught soon if you fled, as the country is crawling with adventures seeking to earn the bounty on drow heads,” the mage bluffed. “I believe that its well over 500 gold coins per confirmed kill. Oh, and have you ever seen the morning sun ?”</p><p> </p><p>"That is my concern and none of your own. The world is full of places to hide. The important thing is that I will be well away from here." She reached out and caressed the wizard’s cheek as she spoke.</p><p></p><p>"I cannot set you free; my friends would not be pleased with me.”</p><p></p><p>Tierak flashed Artemis what she hoped was a winning smile, but the mage actually found it disconcerting to see the friendly expression on the face of a wicked drow. The priestess moved her hand down and felt his chest through the thick robes he wore. "Shall I await your pleasure in the wagon, then, so that we can discuss it further?"</p><p></p><p>"Ahem, you are much too... lively for me I assure you. Now behave yourself or I will be forced to redo your bindings.” Artemis looked at the defeated drow with a calculating gleam in his eye, the new kernel of an idea forming in his head.</p><p></p><p>"You realize that I could be the vehicle of your revenge,” he stated flatly.</p><p></p><p>Tierak was startled by the abrupt change in direction. "How so?"</p><p></p><p>"What a satisfying thing it can be to turn your enemies into your eternal slaves,” Artemis pointed to the silent form of Igor standing nearby. “This one, for example, once stabbed me in the back and now his form is forced to die over and over again. If you would learn the teachings of Arawn from me then the power I wield could be within your grasp as well.”</p><p></p><p>He sat with a curious half-smile on his face as he waited for his statement to sink in. "Once we return to the crypts stay with the wagon and care for the horses. I have a collection of books in the cart that would be a good place for you to start reading. There are other Powers in the world than Lolth. Allow me to show you and you could have all that you desire.”</p><p></p><p>She stroked her chin absently before replying, "I will give some thought to what you have said. I will agree to remain your prisoner in the cart... at least until you depart. After that I make no promises."</p><p></p><p>Now how do I ever convince the others that leaving her behind is a good idea? he wondered. A nice idea, but a waste of time. Then he realized what he had to do. </p><p></p><p>“Come,” he opened the door and led her into the confines of the wagon. He bade her to lie upon the small bed and relax and she hesitantly obeyed. He stood over her and chanted a spell, surrounding his right hand with a cold nimbus of black light.</p><p></p><p>A malicious smirk played across his features as he said, “Now try to trust me and do not attempt to resist. This is going to hurt a bit so please try not to scream.”</p><p></p><p>With a quick movement he brought his hand down against her chest. She did cry out in raw agony as the summoned negative energy surged into her body, then fell unconscious from the pain and quit struggling. Artemis dug through his desk and produced a worn scroll.</p><p></p><p>“Ah, yes, here it is. This will do nicely.” Each word burst into fire as he read them from the aged parchment until it disintegrated completely. He leaned over the still form and placed his hand over her chest again, smiling in grim satisfaction as the rise and fall of her chest ceased and her heart stopped.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Sniktch, post: 468463, member: 7704"] [b]Intermission: A Conversation with the Drow[/b] The party withdrew to the wagon to lick their wounds, dragging the bound dark elf with them. The priestess of Lolth remained sullen and withdrawn, not responding to any of their attempts to extract more information from her. Artemis locked himself in his wagon upon returning and prepared for his midnight communion with Arawn. He slept for two hours, all that he required with his magical ring, then spent another couple of hours in silent study and meditation. When he was finished he left the friendly confines of the cart and relieved Malobar from his watch. He took a seat not far from the white-haired priestess and waited silently, staying alert particularly for any disturbances from the direction of the crypts. The dark elf gazed left and right until she was convinced that the rest of the party had bedded down or was out of earshot, then leaned closer and called the mage near. "You, wizard. Yes, come closer; I would have words with you." Artemis nodded agreeably and cast a spell that would surround him with an area where falsehoods would be impossible to speak, then moved closer and sat beside the dusky-skinned beauty. She began, "You are an outsider even amongst your friends. I have seen their ilk foolishly throw their lives away many times in the realm below, but you serve a darker master. Why do you travel with these simpletons?" Artimas smirked at her and replied, "Looks can be deceiving. I'm always willing to lend a hand to those in need, and right now I'm helping the locals quell some drow raids. It would appear my task may be complete with the destruction of your band." She sneered at this. "We had nothing to do with this. You have solved nothing but the destruction of homeless refugees." After a brief pause she leaned forward and whispered sulkily, "Give me my freedom and I will tell you of the true enemy you face." Artemis considered her statement. Thus far the drow had spoken no lies to him that he could detect. "I did notice you were well hidden," he said. "I also stepped over a few drow corpses on my way into the crypts, and I assumed the cause to be infighting amongst your people. Tell me who is responsible for the recent raids and why you are running from them; then we will see if you have earned your freedom." She sighed and seemed to gather her thoughts. “Remove my bindings,” she demanded. “I am in your power but I would at least converse in comfort. I am no threat to you at the present time.” Artemis produced a dagger with a casual flick of his wrist. His captive fell silent and waited for him to finish sawing through the ropes that tied her wrists together before proceeding, rubbing the chafed skin as she spoke. "Lolth fell silent several months ago. Try as we might none of her priestesses have been able to reach her," she explained. "Did you not wonder why I did not simply strike you down with my magic? But no, the Spider Queen has withdrawn her favor from us, or else she is dead." "Everything dies," the necromancer interjected with a smug grin. She ignored the interruption, continuing, "Into the void have stepped the followers of the White Lady, Kiaransalee. The priestesses of Lolth were the first to fall before them - now they have been stripped of their flesh and wait as eternally vigilant guards against intruders. Beware, mage, for you will share their fate if you continue upon this road!" Her warning drew a snicker from the wizard. "I'm touched by your concern for my well being. How thoughtful of you. Tell me then, how strong are the Pale Lady's forces?" "We heard that Maerimydra fell to them over a month ago. Before we knew it, their forces attacked Szith Morcane and sacked it within a matter of hours. I was one of the lucky few to have escaped the disaster. The leaders in Szith Morcane decided that it was time for the drow’s vengeance to begin upon the hated surface world. Those are your raiders!" How lovely, an entire city of drow to deal with, thought the mage. “This Szith Morcane, is it a city? How did you manage to win free? Secret tunnels? A small band such as yours would have been very lucky to escape.” "Yes, a drow settlement. I am Tierak Morcane, of the ruling house of Szith Morcane. My family was able to hold out against the new leadership longer than most due to our strength, and a few of us were able to flee from the fall of Szith Morcane. Apparently the new regime has not yet learned of the secret caverns we hid in. "Now, I have told you all that I know. Set me free!" she pleaded. "I am powerless and no threat to anyone in my current condition. Your friends will turn me over to the authorities and do you think that I will find proper justice at their hands?" "Ah yes, about that .. how much do you know of the surface? What will you do ? I can not in good conscience leave a dark elf to run free and wreak havoc on the surrounding settlements.” "I have no interest in spreading destruction, only in leaving this place far behind," her full bottom lip turned down as she pouted. Then deciding to try a different tack, the woman leaned back and stretched languorously, giving Artimas full view of her lithe, athletic body. "I have other ways to reward you for your aid," she purred. Artemis realized that they had been walking as they spoke and now stood by the entrance to the cart. Convenient, he mused, perfect timing for such a proposal. "My thoughts exactly, although not, I think, with the same intent. I am sure you would be caught soon if you fled, as the country is crawling with adventures seeking to earn the bounty on drow heads,” the mage bluffed. “I believe that its well over 500 gold coins per confirmed kill. Oh, and have you ever seen the morning sun ?” "That is my concern and none of your own. The world is full of places to hide. The important thing is that I will be well away from here." She reached out and caressed the wizard’s cheek as she spoke. "I cannot set you free; my friends would not be pleased with me.” Tierak flashed Artemis what she hoped was a winning smile, but the mage actually found it disconcerting to see the friendly expression on the face of a wicked drow. The priestess moved her hand down and felt his chest through the thick robes he wore. "Shall I await your pleasure in the wagon, then, so that we can discuss it further?" "Ahem, you are much too... lively for me I assure you. Now behave yourself or I will be forced to redo your bindings.” Artemis looked at the defeated drow with a calculating gleam in his eye, the new kernel of an idea forming in his head. "You realize that I could be the vehicle of your revenge,” he stated flatly. Tierak was startled by the abrupt change in direction. "How so?" "What a satisfying thing it can be to turn your enemies into your eternal slaves,” Artemis pointed to the silent form of Igor standing nearby. “This one, for example, once stabbed me in the back and now his form is forced to die over and over again. If you would learn the teachings of Arawn from me then the power I wield could be within your grasp as well.” He sat with a curious half-smile on his face as he waited for his statement to sink in. "Once we return to the crypts stay with the wagon and care for the horses. I have a collection of books in the cart that would be a good place for you to start reading. There are other Powers in the world than Lolth. Allow me to show you and you could have all that you desire.” She stroked her chin absently before replying, "I will give some thought to what you have said. I will agree to remain your prisoner in the cart... at least until you depart. After that I make no promises." Now how do I ever convince the others that leaving her behind is a good idea? he wondered. A nice idea, but a waste of time. Then he realized what he had to do. “Come,” he opened the door and led her into the confines of the wagon. He bade her to lie upon the small bed and relax and she hesitantly obeyed. He stood over her and chanted a spell, surrounding his right hand with a cold nimbus of black light. A malicious smirk played across his features as he said, “Now try to trust me and do not attempt to resist. This is going to hurt a bit so please try not to scream.” With a quick movement he brought his hand down against her chest. She did cry out in raw agony as the summoned negative energy surged into her body, then fell unconscious from the pain and quit struggling. Artemis dug through his desk and produced a worn scroll. “Ah, yes, here it is. This will do nicely.” Each word burst into fire as he read them from the aged parchment until it disintegrated completely. He leaned over the still form and placed his hand over her chest again, smiling in grim satisfaction as the rise and fall of her chest ceased and her heart stopped. [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Sniktch's Story Hour - City of the Spider Queen (Updated 04/25)
Top