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Barrow of the Forgotten Story Hour - Complete! 8/13/08
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<blockquote data-quote="Abciximab" data-source="post: 4109201" data-attributes="member: 46017"><p>Bootsy – 4th Level Gnome Sorcerer.</p><p>Celtir – 4th Level Elven Cleric.</p><p>Frankie – 4th Level Dwarven Barbarian.</p><p>Tristan – 3rd Level Human Paladin.</p><p>Wencis – 3rd Level Aasimar Incarnate (LA buyoff as per UA).</p><p></p><p style="text-align: center"><strong>Betrayers and Kings Part 1</strong></p><p></p><p>“With this, I consider my debt to you, for the death of the Tomb Spider, paid in full.” Sigur had agreed to ferry the companions to the top of his water fall and then return them to the tomb once they had restocked their depleted supplies in town. </p><p></p><p>“We thank you for all your help in this, it will make things easier for us when we finally confront the tomb robbers,” Celtir said as he clasped hands with the fey. </p><p></p><p>With them was Tristan. A human paladin they had met back at the Coronet and Cabbage, who had heard of the companions and their quest to eradicate the evil within the tomb while he was staying at the Inn. Despite what he had heard, he was eager to help and had offered to join their quest. Glad to have an additional sword arm, the companions welcomed him into their ranks.</p><p></p><p>Turning back to the task at hand, they made their way back to the series of rooms where they had seen the visions of the forgotten king and his retinue. After some debate, they decided to carefully inspect the mirror room. In truth, Bootsy was loath to leave any treasure unpilfered, no matter the risk. </p><p></p><p>Opening the door, Celtir averted his eyes, staring only at the floor at his feet. Moving carefully into the room, he approached the first sarcophagus. His first order of business was to pry the gems from the eyes on the face carved into the stone lid. The jeweler in town had mentioned that all the rubies from the sarcophagi in the other room were flawed and it seemed these were of equal quality. After stowing the gems, he spent the next few minutes trying to pry off the lid. Finally, in exasperation, he called for Frankie to come in and help as well. </p><p></p><p>Frankie approached, also keeping his eyes on the floor at his feet and finally the two of them together were able to remove the lid. Within was a desiccated corpse, wrapped in a burial shroud. Taking his dagger Celtir carefully cut away the wrappings to inspect what lie beneath. There was nothing but the emaciated corpse.</p><p></p><p>As they moved to the next sarcophagus to repeat the procedure, Bootsy’s impatience finally won out. Closing his eyes, he carefully made his way down the stairs and over to the third sarcophagus. There, using only his hands to guide him, he went about removing the gems from the lid of the sarcophagus. After a false start, chipping away at the nose for a few moments, he was finally successful. </p><p></p><p>He repeated this procedure with the next sarcophagus and finished just as Frankie and Celtir finished inspecting the contents of the second sarcophagus. Believing there was nothing more to be found, they all carefully left the room. </p><p></p><p>Once they were safely out in the hall there was a brief discussion concerning the mirror. Finally, his frustration getting the better of him, Bootsy went to the room where they had fought the two undead creatures and collected some stone from the broken sarcophagus lids. Closing his eyes, he asked Frankie to open the door to the mirror room. Facing the general direction of the mirror, his first throw was too high, bouncing off the wall above the mirror. His second throw was spot on, the clang of the stone striking the glass echoed throughout the chamber. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy turned to his companions, “That’s how a gnome casts Detect Magic on a mirror. Since I didn’t hear no breakin’ glass, it’s magic and as we all know, contrary to the fairy tales your mum’s told ya’, there’s no such thing as a beneficial magic mirror. Let’s move on.”</p><p></p><p>As they stepped off the next set of stairs, the room filled with images as had the others. They saw the same hill, covered with snow. Bloodstains clashed with the mud and frost. The blond king had fallen to one knee, his left arm hanging useless by his side. Bestial humanoids surrounded him as he caressed the cheek of the red-haired woman lying mortally wounded before him. Behind the king stood the raven haired knight, his silver armor stained with blood and his eyes wild with triumph, wrath and greed. He held the kings crown aloft with one hand as his curved blade sliced down at the king with the other. As the image faded, the dim light revealed a plain stone door to the east. </p><p></p><p>Beyond, a soft light illuminated the corridor from no single point. The north and south wall of the corridor had more of the intricate designs they had seen throughout this part of the tomb. There was no dust, no webs, no sign whatsoever of age or weathering. The passage turned to the north up ahead. </p><p></p><p>Curious about the cleanliness of the tomb, Bootsy removed some dirt from a pouch and sprinkled it about the floor before him. The only reaction was from Frankie.</p><p></p><p>“You carry a pouch full of dirt?” He asked with a look of disbelief.</p><p></p><p>Bootsy just returned the look, “Are you saying you don’t?”</p><p></p><p>The others just shook their heads and smiled as they continued on. </p><p></p><p>Around the corner, smooth stone stairs descended to the north. The ceiling stayed at the same height as the corridor, despite the decent. At the bottom, purple curtains that glittered with gold tracery covered tall openings to the west and east. On the wall facing the base of the stair was a huge painting that depicted a tall, dark-haired man sitting on an opulent throne. He wore a golden crown and a dark frown.</p><p></p><p>“The Betrayer,” Bootsy spat. “Or your mothers a gnome.”</p><p></p><p>“But my…,” Frankie started.</p><p></p><p>“That’s what I’m sayin’, it’s The Betrayer!”</p><p></p><p>“Right.”</p><p></p><p>Wencis moved the western curtain aside. Beyond was a patterned floor and marble walls that gleamed with magical light. They appeared polished and unmarked by age. To the northwest was a statue of a mounted warrior. A narrow passage opened eastward along the north wall.</p><p></p><p>Tristan opened the curtain to the east. The room was similar, with glossy floors and walls that shone with magical light, only this room was much larger. To the southeast was another statue of a mounted warrior, the horse’s hooves kicking in the air. North of the statue along the eastern wall were two iron coffers. A large dais and jewel encrusted throne were set against the north wall. Bootsy’s eyes locked on the jeweled throne and his jaw dropped. He didn’t really notice that sitting on the throne was a handsome, clean-shaven man with a powerful build, his raven locks spilling from beneath a golden crown onto the pauldrons of his fine plate armor and violet cloak. Sheathed blades leaned on either side of his fine chair. </p><p></p><p>The paladin concentrated for a moment. “He’s evil.”</p><p></p><p>Almost immediately after this announcement, the figure opened its dark eyes and frowned, “Who would disturb the rest of the king?”</p><p></p><p>Celtir, always the diplomat, stepped forward. “We seek the tomb robbers we have been pursuing, though we have lost their trail. Have you seen them?”</p><p></p><p>“I have seen no-one,” he answered in a deep voice. He looked Celtir over, top to bottom. “You are an elf. Tell me Elf, what news is there of the lands above?” </p><p></p><p>“This region has known only peace for many years now, the bonds of an ancient treaty protecting this land.” </p><p></p><p>A look of disgust passed quickly over the man’s face, “And your lands?”</p><p></p><p>“The Elven lands are mostly peaceful, though we fight occasional humanoid incursions from the wild lands to the north. Who are you?”</p><p></p><p>The dark knight’s voice grew louder, “I sit here, in this place, on this throne and you dare to ask who I am? I will show you who I am!” </p><p></p><p>At this the man leapt to his feet, drew his blades and descended from the dais. As he did, the bejeweled throne faded to a plain stone seat and Bootsy let out a cry of anguish. The man’s hair withdrew under the crown and his skin turned gray and ran, revealing bone and muscles beneath. His armor sagged and corroded, seemingly grafting itself to his distended flesh along with the crown, which lost all luster. His lidless eyes burned with madness.</p><p></p><p>“How dare you come here and question me!” he howled. “Now you shall share my pain! Knights, to arms!”</p><p></p><p>The statue of the mounted figure in the corner changed to reveal a lance bearing skeleton warrior atop a skeletal horse. A clatter from the western passage suggested more trouble was on the way.</p><p></p><p>Charging forward, Frankie confronted The Betrayer, his axe cleaving through the armor that was grafted to his body. The Betrayer struck back, slashing him with his bastard sword and following up with a punch to the face. Frankie’s skin seemed to distend and detach, almost starting to look like he might come to resemble The Betrayer’s withered features. Frankie seemed unconcerned by this and continued his assault. </p><p></p><p>Drawing his bow, Celtir drew a bead on The Betrayer. His attention focused on him, he did not see the mounted skeleton charging down on him immediately. At the last moment, he saw the motion out of the corner of his eye and tried to dodge, but the undead creatures lance pierced deep into his side, knocking him back and causing his shot to fly wide of its mark. </p><p></p><p>The other knight rode up to Wencis on the other side of the room. Unable to charge with his lance, the skeleton drew a longsword and slashed down at him. Wencis met the blade with his shield and struck back with his mystical hammer, chipping bone from the large beast. Energy from his Soul Spark burned at the creature as well. </p><p></p><p>Bootsy cast one of his latest spells. A fiery ray struck the knight that had charged Celtir, hitting it almost exactly dead center, where horse met rider. Tristan charged forth, hoping to finish the undead abomination with his war mace. His mace struck true, sending still-smoking bones flying, but the horse and rider still stood.</p><p></p><p>The Betrayer and a raging Frankie stood toe to toe. Frankie traded blow for blow time and again with the creature before him. He knew if something didn’t change, he would not be able to outlast the abomination. Glancing up briefly The Betrayer looked to Celtir who stood close to the paladin and shouted “Betrayer!” Celtir felt a wave of magic wash over him, but resisted its effects.</p><p></p><p>Celtir took a defensive stance and started to cast a spell, but was unable to maintain concentration with the mounted knight and his steed striking at him. </p><p></p><p>The other knight was having a hard time piercing Wencis’ heavy armor, though the skeletal mount was able to sink his teeth into his shield arm. Ignoring the welts on his arm, Wencis and his Soul Spark reduced both rider and mount to a big pile of bones. As the bones clattered to the ground, Wencis ran to the east to help with the other skeleton, followed closely by his Soul Spark.</p><p></p><p>Bootsy got there first. Tristan was a little surprised to see a small unarmored gnome run up and strike at the large skeleton. He was even more surprised to see him land a solid hit, smashing bone from one of the legs of the horse. </p><p></p><p>Seeing this skeletal creature surrounded by attackers, the paladin ran to help the dwarf. As he arrived, The Betrayer once again shouted, “Betrayer!” while looking at the dwarf this time. Frankie, unable to control himself, struck the paladin a solid blow. The Betrayer followed this up with two deep strikes, one from his large bastard sword, and the other from a short sword. Frankie fell to the ground bleeding heavily. </p><p></p><p>Wencis and his Soul Spark attacked the remaining skeletal knight, the energy of the Soul Spark burning it deeply. Bootsy moved to the side looking for an opening and then cast forth a sheet of flame over the skeleton. All that was left was a pile of smoking bones. </p><p></p><p>Concern for Frankie’s life driving his blow, Tristan slammed his war mace down onto The Betrayers head, crushing his skull and driving its armored helm into its cadaverous body. The Betrayer fell to the floor, his evil life finally ended once and for all. </p><p></p><p>Moving quickly, the paladin and Celtir converged on Frankie to heal his wounds. </p><p></p><p>Wencis moved to the open the coffers and found them filled with coin and jewelry. Bootsy, still devastated by the transformation of the throne from jeweled to plain, moved up to it. Running his hands over it, he ignored the misgivings of the others and climbed into the seat. He shook his head in sorrow and whispered, “Tis naught but stone.”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Abciximab, post: 4109201, member: 46017"] Bootsy – 4th Level Gnome Sorcerer. Celtir – 4th Level Elven Cleric. Frankie – 4th Level Dwarven Barbarian. Tristan – 3rd Level Human Paladin. Wencis – 3rd Level Aasimar Incarnate (LA buyoff as per UA). [CENTER][B]Betrayers and Kings Part 1[/B][/CENTER] “With this, I consider my debt to you, for the death of the Tomb Spider, paid in full.” Sigur had agreed to ferry the companions to the top of his water fall and then return them to the tomb once they had restocked their depleted supplies in town. “We thank you for all your help in this, it will make things easier for us when we finally confront the tomb robbers,” Celtir said as he clasped hands with the fey. With them was Tristan. A human paladin they had met back at the Coronet and Cabbage, who had heard of the companions and their quest to eradicate the evil within the tomb while he was staying at the Inn. Despite what he had heard, he was eager to help and had offered to join their quest. Glad to have an additional sword arm, the companions welcomed him into their ranks. Turning back to the task at hand, they made their way back to the series of rooms where they had seen the visions of the forgotten king and his retinue. After some debate, they decided to carefully inspect the mirror room. In truth, Bootsy was loath to leave any treasure unpilfered, no matter the risk. Opening the door, Celtir averted his eyes, staring only at the floor at his feet. Moving carefully into the room, he approached the first sarcophagus. His first order of business was to pry the gems from the eyes on the face carved into the stone lid. The jeweler in town had mentioned that all the rubies from the sarcophagi in the other room were flawed and it seemed these were of equal quality. After stowing the gems, he spent the next few minutes trying to pry off the lid. Finally, in exasperation, he called for Frankie to come in and help as well. Frankie approached, also keeping his eyes on the floor at his feet and finally the two of them together were able to remove the lid. Within was a desiccated corpse, wrapped in a burial shroud. Taking his dagger Celtir carefully cut away the wrappings to inspect what lie beneath. There was nothing but the emaciated corpse. As they moved to the next sarcophagus to repeat the procedure, Bootsy’s impatience finally won out. Closing his eyes, he carefully made his way down the stairs and over to the third sarcophagus. There, using only his hands to guide him, he went about removing the gems from the lid of the sarcophagus. After a false start, chipping away at the nose for a few moments, he was finally successful. He repeated this procedure with the next sarcophagus and finished just as Frankie and Celtir finished inspecting the contents of the second sarcophagus. Believing there was nothing more to be found, they all carefully left the room. Once they were safely out in the hall there was a brief discussion concerning the mirror. Finally, his frustration getting the better of him, Bootsy went to the room where they had fought the two undead creatures and collected some stone from the broken sarcophagus lids. Closing his eyes, he asked Frankie to open the door to the mirror room. Facing the general direction of the mirror, his first throw was too high, bouncing off the wall above the mirror. His second throw was spot on, the clang of the stone striking the glass echoed throughout the chamber. Bootsy turned to his companions, “That’s how a gnome casts Detect Magic on a mirror. Since I didn’t hear no breakin’ glass, it’s magic and as we all know, contrary to the fairy tales your mum’s told ya’, there’s no such thing as a beneficial magic mirror. Let’s move on.” As they stepped off the next set of stairs, the room filled with images as had the others. They saw the same hill, covered with snow. Bloodstains clashed with the mud and frost. The blond king had fallen to one knee, his left arm hanging useless by his side. Bestial humanoids surrounded him as he caressed the cheek of the red-haired woman lying mortally wounded before him. Behind the king stood the raven haired knight, his silver armor stained with blood and his eyes wild with triumph, wrath and greed. He held the kings crown aloft with one hand as his curved blade sliced down at the king with the other. As the image faded, the dim light revealed a plain stone door to the east. Beyond, a soft light illuminated the corridor from no single point. The north and south wall of the corridor had more of the intricate designs they had seen throughout this part of the tomb. There was no dust, no webs, no sign whatsoever of age or weathering. The passage turned to the north up ahead. Curious about the cleanliness of the tomb, Bootsy removed some dirt from a pouch and sprinkled it about the floor before him. The only reaction was from Frankie. “You carry a pouch full of dirt?” He asked with a look of disbelief. Bootsy just returned the look, “Are you saying you don’t?” The others just shook their heads and smiled as they continued on. Around the corner, smooth stone stairs descended to the north. The ceiling stayed at the same height as the corridor, despite the decent. At the bottom, purple curtains that glittered with gold tracery covered tall openings to the west and east. On the wall facing the base of the stair was a huge painting that depicted a tall, dark-haired man sitting on an opulent throne. He wore a golden crown and a dark frown. “The Betrayer,” Bootsy spat. “Or your mothers a gnome.” “But my…,” Frankie started. “That’s what I’m sayin’, it’s The Betrayer!” “Right.” Wencis moved the western curtain aside. Beyond was a patterned floor and marble walls that gleamed with magical light. They appeared polished and unmarked by age. To the northwest was a statue of a mounted warrior. A narrow passage opened eastward along the north wall. Tristan opened the curtain to the east. The room was similar, with glossy floors and walls that shone with magical light, only this room was much larger. To the southeast was another statue of a mounted warrior, the horse’s hooves kicking in the air. North of the statue along the eastern wall were two iron coffers. A large dais and jewel encrusted throne were set against the north wall. Bootsy’s eyes locked on the jeweled throne and his jaw dropped. He didn’t really notice that sitting on the throne was a handsome, clean-shaven man with a powerful build, his raven locks spilling from beneath a golden crown onto the pauldrons of his fine plate armor and violet cloak. Sheathed blades leaned on either side of his fine chair. The paladin concentrated for a moment. “He’s evil.” Almost immediately after this announcement, the figure opened its dark eyes and frowned, “Who would disturb the rest of the king?” Celtir, always the diplomat, stepped forward. “We seek the tomb robbers we have been pursuing, though we have lost their trail. Have you seen them?” “I have seen no-one,” he answered in a deep voice. He looked Celtir over, top to bottom. “You are an elf. Tell me Elf, what news is there of the lands above?” “This region has known only peace for many years now, the bonds of an ancient treaty protecting this land.” A look of disgust passed quickly over the man’s face, “And your lands?” “The Elven lands are mostly peaceful, though we fight occasional humanoid incursions from the wild lands to the north. Who are you?” The dark knight’s voice grew louder, “I sit here, in this place, on this throne and you dare to ask who I am? I will show you who I am!” At this the man leapt to his feet, drew his blades and descended from the dais. As he did, the bejeweled throne faded to a plain stone seat and Bootsy let out a cry of anguish. The man’s hair withdrew under the crown and his skin turned gray and ran, revealing bone and muscles beneath. His armor sagged and corroded, seemingly grafting itself to his distended flesh along with the crown, which lost all luster. His lidless eyes burned with madness. “How dare you come here and question me!” he howled. “Now you shall share my pain! Knights, to arms!” The statue of the mounted figure in the corner changed to reveal a lance bearing skeleton warrior atop a skeletal horse. A clatter from the western passage suggested more trouble was on the way. Charging forward, Frankie confronted The Betrayer, his axe cleaving through the armor that was grafted to his body. The Betrayer struck back, slashing him with his bastard sword and following up with a punch to the face. Frankie’s skin seemed to distend and detach, almost starting to look like he might come to resemble The Betrayer’s withered features. Frankie seemed unconcerned by this and continued his assault. Drawing his bow, Celtir drew a bead on The Betrayer. His attention focused on him, he did not see the mounted skeleton charging down on him immediately. At the last moment, he saw the motion out of the corner of his eye and tried to dodge, but the undead creatures lance pierced deep into his side, knocking him back and causing his shot to fly wide of its mark. The other knight rode up to Wencis on the other side of the room. Unable to charge with his lance, the skeleton drew a longsword and slashed down at him. Wencis met the blade with his shield and struck back with his mystical hammer, chipping bone from the large beast. Energy from his Soul Spark burned at the creature as well. Bootsy cast one of his latest spells. A fiery ray struck the knight that had charged Celtir, hitting it almost exactly dead center, where horse met rider. Tristan charged forth, hoping to finish the undead abomination with his war mace. His mace struck true, sending still-smoking bones flying, but the horse and rider still stood. The Betrayer and a raging Frankie stood toe to toe. Frankie traded blow for blow time and again with the creature before him. He knew if something didn’t change, he would not be able to outlast the abomination. Glancing up briefly The Betrayer looked to Celtir who stood close to the paladin and shouted “Betrayer!” Celtir felt a wave of magic wash over him, but resisted its effects. Celtir took a defensive stance and started to cast a spell, but was unable to maintain concentration with the mounted knight and his steed striking at him. The other knight was having a hard time piercing Wencis’ heavy armor, though the skeletal mount was able to sink his teeth into his shield arm. Ignoring the welts on his arm, Wencis and his Soul Spark reduced both rider and mount to a big pile of bones. As the bones clattered to the ground, Wencis ran to the east to help with the other skeleton, followed closely by his Soul Spark. Bootsy got there first. Tristan was a little surprised to see a small unarmored gnome run up and strike at the large skeleton. He was even more surprised to see him land a solid hit, smashing bone from one of the legs of the horse. Seeing this skeletal creature surrounded by attackers, the paladin ran to help the dwarf. As he arrived, The Betrayer once again shouted, “Betrayer!” while looking at the dwarf this time. Frankie, unable to control himself, struck the paladin a solid blow. The Betrayer followed this up with two deep strikes, one from his large bastard sword, and the other from a short sword. Frankie fell to the ground bleeding heavily. Wencis and his Soul Spark attacked the remaining skeletal knight, the energy of the Soul Spark burning it deeply. Bootsy moved to the side looking for an opening and then cast forth a sheet of flame over the skeleton. All that was left was a pile of smoking bones. Concern for Frankie’s life driving his blow, Tristan slammed his war mace down onto The Betrayers head, crushing his skull and driving its armored helm into its cadaverous body. The Betrayer fell to the floor, his evil life finally ended once and for all. Moving quickly, the paladin and Celtir converged on Frankie to heal his wounds. Wencis moved to the open the coffers and found them filled with coin and jewelry. Bootsy, still devastated by the transformation of the throne from jeweled to plain, moved up to it. Running his hands over it, he ignored the misgivings of the others and climbed into the seat. He shook his head in sorrow and whispered, “Tis naught but stone.” [/QUOTE]
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