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Steel Dragon's "Tales of Orea"
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<blockquote data-quote="steeldragons" data-source="post: 5517572" data-attributes="member: 92511"><p>I'f you'll forgive he slight rewrite, I'll reset the scene a bit better (in my humble opinion).</p><p></p><p>Now, onto what horrors await our intrepid company in the bowels of Dragonbomne Isle.</p><p>--------------------------------------------</p><p></p><p>A few more twists and turns into the mountain, the companions passed a tunnel that forked off to their right. A similar orange glow and blasts of heat came up from the tunnel. The mephit, Meeessh, took the left fork without a word. </p><p></p><p> Finally, the party was brought to a large oblong chamber wider at one end than the other. Three passages, including the one they had entered through led from the place at the wider end. Lit torches lined the cavern. </p><p></p><p>The walls were arched, forming what appeared to be a natural dome. The walls themselves, however, seemed unnaturally smooth. Duor whistled his amazement at the "construction" which he asserted was not "dwarven make."</p><p></p><p>At the narrower end of the chamber, away from the passages, was a half-circled cistern, about twenty feet across. The basin was filled with water that glimmered with an unnatural light. Set within and above the water, was a natural looking ledge that jutted from the wall. Upon the ledge sat a black orb that pulsed with eerie sickly greenish light. </p><p></p><p> Along the left and right walls similar hemispherical “altars” were set, but held no water. Upon the ledge to the right was another blackened orb glimmering with the slightest white light. </p><p> </p><p>Trihna stepped forward and withdrew her location orb. The small water-filled globe shown brightly, offsetting some of the disturbing illumination in the chamber. It was evident the orb above the pool of water was the pearl they sought. She quickly returned the item to the folds of her robe. </p><p> </p><p>“That’s it.” The water priestess aid simply and gestured to the orb above the filled cistern.</p><p> </p><p>“Finally.” Said Braddok.</p><p> </p><p>Coerraine and Haelan each seemed dazed for a moment. “I need not my lord and god’s special sight to know this place is an affront to all things good.” </p><p></p><p>He placed a gloved hand to his temple and attempted to shake off the oppresive weight of evil on his soul.</p><p> </p><p>“I feel it too.” Confirmed Haelan. “As though an evil force is pressing upon me. I can only sense the graces of the Hill Mother like a whisper here. Trihna, do you sense it?” He also rubbed a hand across his brow and looked to Alaira with pleading eyes. “Let’s not overstay our welcome here.”</p><p> </p><p>Alaria surveyed the chamber briefly before focusing on the pooled water. She outstretched her hand and spoke the simple incantation<em>, “Arcanivis”</em> <mage spell: Detect Magic></p><p> </p><p>A sphere of violet light flickered into existence around her outstretched hand. To Alaria’s eyes, the torches were surrounded by a similar violet glow. “No kidding.” thought the wizardess. Both orbs were surrounded by a similar, though significantly larger and brighter, corona as was the whole of the cistern.</p><p> </p><p>“Be alert,” said Alaria. “Don’t touch the water. It is magical also…and that orb as well. ”</p><p> </p><p>“What’s the plan, boss lady?” asked Duor.</p><p> </p><p>“Get the pearl and get out of here,” was the wizardess’ simple response.</p><p> </p><p>Erevan and Braddok quickly went to check the other passages. The one had a palpable heat coming from it. Erevan supposed it led around to the passage they had passed a way back. Fen was quick to point out that given the obvious volcanic activity it could be a different chamber all together.</p><p> </p><p>The other passage they had not entered had a musty damp earthy smell, according to Erevan. Braddok simply noted it had no heat wafting from it.</p><p> </p><p>Duor edged his way toward the cistern. Fen went with the dwarf, being sure to let the attentive rogue survey their steps. The evil that Coerraine and Haelan had felt was now being noticed by others in the group. It was a confining feeling, like the very air pressed against them from all sides.</p><p> </p><p>“Meeessh brihng heeeere. Now Meeessh beeee freeee.” The mephit said with a somewhat demanding tone.</p><p> </p><p>“Yes, Meeessh,” replied Alaria, “ very soon. These things must be handled with care.”</p><p> </p><p>Duor hesitated a moment and moved cautiously around the room’s perimeter to the edge of the short stone wall that contained the flickering pool.</p><p> </p><p>The instant Duor laid a hand upon the wall’s edge (intending to climb up and over the water to obtain the head-sized pearl) the light in the pool flashed and swirled into a putrid green that cloaked the room in its sickly hue.</p><p> </p><p>“Orcass!” shouted Duor as he swiftly backed away from the wall.</p><p> </p><p>All of the company’s weapons came to the ready as a serpentine form rose from the water. In a moment, the form of a great snake-like head formed at the end of the ribbon of flailing water. Two glowing green “eyes” flared into existence and the “water snake” surveyed the room before letting forth a booming “roar” like the crashing of a waterfall.</p><p></p><p> Fen, closest to the creature, swiped his leaf-bladed spear through the whole of the creature’s “neck”. Other than splashing some water out onto the floor, it seemed to not effect the creature at all. The druid looked horrified at the results of his ineffectual attack. </p><p></p><p>“Ohhhh bollux.” Muttered the half-elf.</p><p> </p><p>Immediately therafter, a shaft from Erevan’s bow streaked across the room to pass harmlessly through the same watery stream and shatter harmlessly against the chamber’s back wall.</p><p> </p><p>“What is it!?” cried Haelan. </p><p> </p><p>“What’s it look like yeh yellow-bellied hairfoot?” shouted Duor. “It’s a magic fraggin’ water snake…thing.”</p><p> </p><p>Alaria focused her mind with trained ease. It was indeed, as the dwarf had said, a creature of magic. Elemental in nature, she presumed, and thus not of their immediate world. “Only magic will harm it. Fen, Duor, get back!” the wizardess commanded. She dropped her staff and outstretched both arms forcefully, fingers spread toward the creature.</p><p> </p><p>“I have not come so far to be foiled by this wyrd,” said Trihna and charged forward. An invocation to her goddess forming on her lips as she neared the creature.</p><p> </p><p>“Celradorn, protect your valiant servants!” Coerraine asserted as he, too, charged the creature. As has happened the previous night, a golden aura momentarily appeared surrounding the Redstar Knight, Trihna and Alaria, the others being too far from the paladin to be effected by his protective power.</p><p> </p><p>With the snapping speed of a cobra, the water creature’s head flashed forward and sharp teeth slashed through the half-elf druid, tearing leathers and flesh.</p><p></p><p>“AAAAAGHH!” cried Fen as he dropped to the floor. Blood mixed with water splattered across the floor.</p><p> </p><p>“Imberil everx REX!” shouted Alaria. The air swirled about her as it often did with the working of her magics, rustling the magess’ robes and dark brown tresses. Her hands flared with blue flames for a moment before the fans of fire launched forcfully forward and streaked across half of the cavern.</p><p> </p><p>The magical fire encountered the water creature of produced a violent hiss of steam and a cry from the toothy fluid maw. For a moment, the creature’s formation seemed to falter and streams of water dropped back into the cistern. The head disappeared and, a moment later was reforming as the a second “neck” seemed to reform from the where Alaria’s spell had struck the creature.</p><p></p><p> “Duor get the pearl!” shouted Alaria.</p><p> </p><p>The dwarven rogue ran as fast as his short legs could carry him but was halted mid stride as a second serpentine head came into form and let forth its pounding roar in the dwarf’s face. Only the dwarf’s lightning reflexes and a quick vaulting tumble to the side saved Duor from a watery decapitation.</p><p> </p><p>“Feorn’s beard! Get it yerself!” called the dwarf. The companions looked on in horror as the swirling water formed two “necks” and snake-like heads rising from a common base.</p><p> </p><p>“Now there’s TWO of ‘em! Great plan, boss-lady.” Duor retorted. He withdrew from beneath his leather vest, the dagger he had pilfered from the harpy’s treasure. </p><p> </p><p>To Duor’s surprise, as much as his companions, the blade immediately flared with a soft green light. “Well I’ll be dipped in dragonsteel…” mumbled Duor to himself.</p><p> </p><p>“We’ve got company,” called Braddok as he and Erevan rushed forward to Alaria’s position.</p><p> </p><p>Half of the companions, including a horrified halfing cleric, turned to see two of the massive crab-men entering from the passage where the heat had been eminating. Their bulbous claws clacked and snapped. Their demonic faces showed no surprise as they took in the multitude of intruders. With a slight pause at the passage way, both monsters rushed for the party.</p><p></p><p> “Hill Mother,” began Haelan, “we’re going to die here.”</p><p> </p><p>“Perhaps, Haelan,” a thoroughly annoyed Alaria answered, “your next prayer might be a bit more effective.” The magess from R’Hath gave up her own short prayer to the goddess of magic, Manat, that the halfling be incorrect.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="steeldragons, post: 5517572, member: 92511"] I'f you'll forgive he slight rewrite, I'll reset the scene a bit better (in my humble opinion). Now, onto what horrors await our intrepid company in the bowels of Dragonbomne Isle. -------------------------------------------- A few more twists and turns into the mountain, the companions passed a tunnel that forked off to their right. A similar orange glow and blasts of heat came up from the tunnel. The mephit, Meeessh, took the left fork without a word. Finally, the party was brought to a large oblong chamber wider at one end than the other. Three passages, including the one they had entered through led from the place at the wider end. Lit torches lined the cavern. The walls were arched, forming what appeared to be a natural dome. The walls themselves, however, seemed unnaturally smooth. Duor whistled his amazement at the "construction" which he asserted was not "dwarven make." At the narrower end of the chamber, away from the passages, was a half-circled cistern, about twenty feet across. The basin was filled with water that glimmered with an unnatural light. Set within and above the water, was a natural looking ledge that jutted from the wall. Upon the ledge sat a black orb that pulsed with eerie sickly greenish light. Along the left and right walls similar hemispherical “altars” were set, but held no water. Upon the ledge to the right was another blackened orb glimmering with the slightest white light. Trihna stepped forward and withdrew her location orb. The small water-filled globe shown brightly, offsetting some of the disturbing illumination in the chamber. It was evident the orb above the pool of water was the pearl they sought. She quickly returned the item to the folds of her robe. “That’s it.” The water priestess aid simply and gestured to the orb above the filled cistern. “Finally.” Said Braddok. Coerraine and Haelan each seemed dazed for a moment. “I need not my lord and god’s special sight to know this place is an affront to all things good.” He placed a gloved hand to his temple and attempted to shake off the oppresive weight of evil on his soul. “I feel it too.” Confirmed Haelan. “As though an evil force is pressing upon me. I can only sense the graces of the Hill Mother like a whisper here. Trihna, do you sense it?” He also rubbed a hand across his brow and looked to Alaira with pleading eyes. “Let’s not overstay our welcome here.” Alaria surveyed the chamber briefly before focusing on the pooled water. She outstretched her hand and spoke the simple incantation[I], “Arcanivis”[/I] <mage spell: Detect Magic> A sphere of violet light flickered into existence around her outstretched hand. To Alaria’s eyes, the torches were surrounded by a similar violet glow. “No kidding.” thought the wizardess. Both orbs were surrounded by a similar, though significantly larger and brighter, corona as was the whole of the cistern. “Be alert,” said Alaria. “Don’t touch the water. It is magical also…and that orb as well. ” “What’s the plan, boss lady?” asked Duor. “Get the pearl and get out of here,” was the wizardess’ simple response. Erevan and Braddok quickly went to check the other passages. The one had a palpable heat coming from it. Erevan supposed it led around to the passage they had passed a way back. Fen was quick to point out that given the obvious volcanic activity it could be a different chamber all together. The other passage they had not entered had a musty damp earthy smell, according to Erevan. Braddok simply noted it had no heat wafting from it. Duor edged his way toward the cistern. Fen went with the dwarf, being sure to let the attentive rogue survey their steps. The evil that Coerraine and Haelan had felt was now being noticed by others in the group. It was a confining feeling, like the very air pressed against them from all sides. “Meeessh brihng heeeere. Now Meeessh beeee freeee.” The mephit said with a somewhat demanding tone. “Yes, Meeessh,” replied Alaria, “ very soon. These things must be handled with care.” Duor hesitated a moment and moved cautiously around the room’s perimeter to the edge of the short stone wall that contained the flickering pool. The instant Duor laid a hand upon the wall’s edge (intending to climb up and over the water to obtain the head-sized pearl) the light in the pool flashed and swirled into a putrid green that cloaked the room in its sickly hue. “Orcass!” shouted Duor as he swiftly backed away from the wall. All of the company’s weapons came to the ready as a serpentine form rose from the water. In a moment, the form of a great snake-like head formed at the end of the ribbon of flailing water. Two glowing green “eyes” flared into existence and the “water snake” surveyed the room before letting forth a booming “roar” like the crashing of a waterfall. Fen, closest to the creature, swiped his leaf-bladed spear through the whole of the creature’s “neck”. Other than splashing some water out onto the floor, it seemed to not effect the creature at all. The druid looked horrified at the results of his ineffectual attack. “Ohhhh bollux.” Muttered the half-elf. Immediately therafter, a shaft from Erevan’s bow streaked across the room to pass harmlessly through the same watery stream and shatter harmlessly against the chamber’s back wall. “What is it!?” cried Haelan. “What’s it look like yeh yellow-bellied hairfoot?” shouted Duor. “It’s a magic fraggin’ water snake…thing.” Alaria focused her mind with trained ease. It was indeed, as the dwarf had said, a creature of magic. Elemental in nature, she presumed, and thus not of their immediate world. “Only magic will harm it. Fen, Duor, get back!” the wizardess commanded. She dropped her staff and outstretched both arms forcefully, fingers spread toward the creature. “I have not come so far to be foiled by this wyrd,” said Trihna and charged forward. An invocation to her goddess forming on her lips as she neared the creature. “Celradorn, protect your valiant servants!” Coerraine asserted as he, too, charged the creature. As has happened the previous night, a golden aura momentarily appeared surrounding the Redstar Knight, Trihna and Alaria, the others being too far from the paladin to be effected by his protective power. With the snapping speed of a cobra, the water creature’s head flashed forward and sharp teeth slashed through the half-elf druid, tearing leathers and flesh. “AAAAAGHH!” cried Fen as he dropped to the floor. Blood mixed with water splattered across the floor. “Imberil everx REX!” shouted Alaria. The air swirled about her as it often did with the working of her magics, rustling the magess’ robes and dark brown tresses. Her hands flared with blue flames for a moment before the fans of fire launched forcfully forward and streaked across half of the cavern. The magical fire encountered the water creature of produced a violent hiss of steam and a cry from the toothy fluid maw. For a moment, the creature’s formation seemed to falter and streams of water dropped back into the cistern. The head disappeared and, a moment later was reforming as the a second “neck” seemed to reform from the where Alaria’s spell had struck the creature. “Duor get the pearl!” shouted Alaria. The dwarven rogue ran as fast as his short legs could carry him but was halted mid stride as a second serpentine head came into form and let forth its pounding roar in the dwarf’s face. Only the dwarf’s lightning reflexes and a quick vaulting tumble to the side saved Duor from a watery decapitation. “Feorn’s beard! Get it yerself!” called the dwarf. The companions looked on in horror as the swirling water formed two “necks” and snake-like heads rising from a common base. “Now there’s TWO of ‘em! Great plan, boss-lady.” Duor retorted. He withdrew from beneath his leather vest, the dagger he had pilfered from the harpy’s treasure. To Duor’s surprise, as much as his companions, the blade immediately flared with a soft green light. “Well I’ll be dipped in dragonsteel…” mumbled Duor to himself. “We’ve got company,” called Braddok as he and Erevan rushed forward to Alaria’s position. Half of the companions, including a horrified halfing cleric, turned to see two of the massive crab-men entering from the passage where the heat had been eminating. Their bulbous claws clacked and snapped. Their demonic faces showed no surprise as they took in the multitude of intruders. With a slight pause at the passage way, both monsters rushed for the party. “Hill Mother,” began Haelan, “we’re going to die here.” “Perhaps, Haelan,” a thoroughly annoyed Alaria answered, “your next prayer might be a bit more effective.” The magess from R’Hath gave up her own short prayer to the goddess of magic, Manat, that the halfling be incorrect. [/QUOTE]
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