Milo Windby's Collected Story Hour

[Milo Windby]

The Lost City – Part 6 (Session 30)

”But they’ve had such alliances before.” Milo whispered softly at Mazithra’s side. Mazi echoed the statement to the masked woman.

She looked at Mazi oddly. ”I believe I hear something whispering in the wind.”

Brigit thought quickly. ”Errr, tha’s jus’ me gas.” This prompted another odd look from the maiden. Milo resolved to keep his big mouth shut during the rest of the negotiations.

”What is this bearded – thing?”

”Ah’m a Dwarf!” Brigit said proudly, somehow emphasizing the capital letter. ”Ah’m a female, see tha lumps in tha breastplate?” she said simply, as she grabbed her breastplate for emphasis.

The maiden turned again to Mazi, ”Who are you that you bring these people into our sanctum and why should we listen to you?”

Mazi did her best to smooth over the rough beginning, ”We have heard of your troubles with Zenobia and Zargon. We’re here to help you stop them.”

The maiden crossed her arms in a sign of misgivings. Mazi looked nonplussed. Suddenly she was pushed aside as Kella strode forward. She looked back at the shocked elf with an expression of disgust and impatience. With a sigh of exasperation, she spoke. ”Please excuse my ‘companions’. We are here to help you rid yourselves of the evil of Zargon and Zenobia.”

The maiden seemed to perk up as Kella entered the discussion. ”You, you are a human! I do not know what these are,” she gestured at Mazi and Brigit. Mazi was silently fuming, her eyes boring an imaginary hole in the back of Kella.

”She is an elf, and she is a dwarf. They come from different races, but they are still women. We are all friends in the common cause of ridding the world of evil, evil such as Zenobia and Zargon. Be it by themselves, or with the aid of others. The alliance we three hold together make us much more powerful than any one of us alone. Just as an alliance between you and the other two groups here would allow you to overthrow your common enemies.”

”Why should we trust you?” Even with the strong words, the maiden seemed impressed.

”What reason would we have to deceive you?”

”Queen Zenobia is crafty and wise.”

”How can I prove to you that I am not part of her ilk?”

”You could join us.”

Kella looked down for a moment before speaking. ”My allegiance belongs to the Bear Clan of the plateaus. It would violate my beliefs and morals if I were to join with your maidens.”

The maiden was silent for a few moments, deliberating. ”You could become a minor member of our people. You would not be required to worship Madarua.”

Kella seemed agreeable. ”How would I go about becoming a minor member?”

”Through an initiation ceremony. You will be given a token to show that you are an initiate and as key for us to know you.”

”Very well, I will join with you as a minor member if that will prove to you that we come as friends and allies. In return I ask that you join the alliance with the Brotherhood and the Magi so that we may defeat Zargon once and for all. What you do after he is overthrown I leave to you, I only ask that you leave the Magi to their own purposes and in peace.”

”You must first go through the rite before we make a decision. We must know if you speak the truth. Any enemy of ours would not go through this rite.”

”Very well.”

”Draw your scimitar and prick your finger.” Kella did as the maiden told her. ”Now wipe the blood on the blade,” again Kella followed the maiden’s word. ”Now you must swear to uphold the honor of the sisterhood.”

”I swear to uphold the honor of the sisterhood.”

”Even with your life.”

”If necessary.”

The maiden seemed satisfied with Kella’s oath. ”Can you speak for the other groups?”

”Yes, we have already spoken with them. They have agreed to form an alliance to overthrow Zargon.”

”They listened to you, a woman?”

”We have other members of our party that are – persuasive.”

”Very well. We have forces that can aid us in the city in our stronghold. We will trust you. Your oath will bind you and the others that travel with you. If they break this, your word is broken as well.”

Kella nodded her acquiescence.

The maiden spoke again, ”When shall this alliance begin?”

”In two hours, we must gather the other groups. They would not agree to an alliance without your participation. Is there a neutral ground that all parties may visit?”

”There is a room above the passage that leads to the lower levels. It is called the Room of the Ramp. It will be large enough to house us all and it would be the natural place to start our journey to the city.”

”Then we’ll meet you in the room in two hour’s time.”

”Farewell, Kella of the Bear Clan.”

The party turned to leave, Jeremiah and Milo invisibly trailing close behind. When they had gotten out of earshot Mazi spoke, ”Was I speaking elven in there or something? Why wouldn’t she listen to me?”

”I think it was the pointy ears.” Milo’s disembodied voice said, suppressing a chuckle at Mazi’s consternation.

”Shut up Milo.” Mazi said grumpily.

They visited the Magi first. Milo let the invisibility drop to speak with Auriga. He told him of their success with the maidens and the plan to meet in the Room of the Ramp. In a short time they had also spoken with Kanadius. The alliance was set for its first meeting.

 

[Brigit Deeperdown]

Kella

Just to give you a little background about this session. This was the one where both Mazi and I failed our rolls. So instead Kella had to step up and get the job done. I actually played Kella for this session and it involved alot of Role Playing versus or normal hack and slash. It was intresting to say the least. I think Frog about feel over when Brigit tried to show she was a women by pointing at her chest.

 

[Brigit Deeperdown]

Next Battle

Just wait till Milo posts the battle its getting to be interesting.

 

[Mazi]

Yeah and let me tell you how THRILLED I was to be upstaged by an NPC.

 

[Nail]

Yeah and let me tell you how THRILLED I was to be upstaged by an NPC.

(chuckles)

At least th' NPC was played by another player.

You know yer in trouble when the DM's NPC has to talk you out of a situation......

 

[frog]

You know yer in trouble when the DM's NPC has to talk you out of a situation......

Not gonna happen.

 

[Nail]

Not gonna happen.

...and to be clear, I wasn't implying that it does. I've been reading this story hour long enough to know that!

I have participated in campaigns where the DM had "pet" NPCs which solved the PCs problems....not that fun.

 

[frog]

For those interested, I have posted some campaign information and background on the Plots and Places board. Players, please do not read it...it will only spoil it for you.

 

[Nail]

Re: Next Battle

Just wait till Milo posts the battle its getting to be interesting.

Still waiting.....

 

[Milo Windby]

The Lost City – Part 7 (Session 31)

Soon enough two hours had passed. All three leaders had brought their delegations with them. The Room of the Ramp had more than enough space to accommodate all. The ceilings of the vast chamber were too high to make out with their flickering torchlight. The craggy walls stretched around for hundreds of feet. They met at the opening of the ramp. The huge slope slanted away from them gradually, the end lost out of sight from Milo’s inferior night vision. Auriga, Kanadius, and Pandora, the priestess of Madarua, eyed each other warily. Their three respective groups of followers huddled in a trio of masses behind each, whispering furtively through their masks.

It took all of Milo and Kella’s diplomatic skills to convince the leaders that the alliance would be fruitful and result in peace for all. They eventually convinced the leaders to shake hands and get down to the business of planning their assault.

A long, low table squatted in the middle of the room. It was there they drew up their tactics. Auriga had brought a crude map of the caverns below. Kanadius and Pandora marked the buildings that housed the remainder of their loyals. If Milo was reading the scale on the map correctly, the dimensions of the cavern below were mind-boggling.

There were two main thoroughfares that crossed each other. One road led straight through the city, the other led to a large underground lake. In the center of the lake was an irregular circle marked ‘Island of Death’. On the far shore was another circle marked ‘Eye of Zargon’. That would be their ultimate goal, to rid Usamigaras’ people of the evil of Zargon. Near the far shore of the lake were a series of caves marked ‘Goblins’. Zenobea’s stronghold, the Temple of Zargon, was on the corner of the main roads’ intersection. Across the road from the temple was a large complex that housed Auriga’s people. Pandora’s people lived in another large complex to their side. Kanadius’ men stayed in a stronghold at the entrance to the ramp. According to the leaders, the rest of the buildings would be completely deserted.

”How many fighters can we count on?” Milo asked the leaders.

Kanadius spoke first ”There are thirty strong men that still call Gorm their god. Coupled with the ten I lead up here, we are forty in all. They will fight if I ask them.”

Auriga was next ”My people are not accustomed to battle. Even so, we have twenty-seven acolytes in our complex that know some basic spells. They can support the thirteen mages that follow me here.”

Pandora spoke last ”I lead ten fierce maidens here. Twenty-five await our return below. Each one of them has their reasons for hating Zenobia. They will fight.”

Milo did some quick calculations. ”That gives us a fighting force of a hundred-fifteen, not including Auriga, Kanadius, Pandora, and ourselves. How many would you guess Zenobia can field against us?”

”By my spies’ report, I’d say anywhere between twenty and thirty reside in the temple. Though our numbers are greater, they hold a power that we have yet been able to overcome.” Auriga spoke gravely.

”Things change.” Milo said simply.

They began their planning in earnest. A few tactics were discussed until they finally settled on a single course of action. Milo and Brigit would lead a diversionary force directly at the front of the temple. They would take five each of the brotherhood of Gorm and the Maidens of Madarua. Kella would lead the bulk of the maidens at Pandora’s side as they attacked from diversion’s left. Jeremiah would lead the brotherhood with Kanadius into the right flank. Mazithra would offer arcane support with the mages and acolytes of Auriga from the rear of the battle. Milo just hoped they could draw Zenobea’s forces out from the temple. They weren’t equipped for a siege of any kind.

Their course set, the new alliance prepared to descend. Milo drew off with Auriga’s group to offer a quiet prayer for assistance from Usamigaras. Before long they were heading down the ramp into the deep gloom of the Lost City.

The battle plan was spread quietly among the people of the city. It didn’t take long to ready those able to fight. Milo waited with Brigit and their force in Auriga’s stronghold. Two couriers appeared, they brought the word that all was in ready. Milo breathed deep, concentrating on the daunting task ahead. Brigit looked happier than he had seen her in weeks. It seemed she craved the battle, her dwarven instincts rising to the surface as her bearded face glowed in anticipation.

The flanking groups were to charge as soon as the sounds of battle reached their ears. Milo hoped they would be able to cover the ground in time. They would have to travel a hundred feet or more to reach the temple from their hiding places. It seemed he and the diversionary party was marching out into the main road in no time. The moment felt surreal to Milo. At any other time he would have been awe struck by the cavern they traveled through. The mere presence of anything as large as this occurring naturally made him feel very small indeed. He pushed those thoughts to the side and focused on the temple that approached all too quickly.

The façade of the temple was hewn from the stone of the cavern. Three large columns jutted from the floor of the cavern to grasp towards the unseen roof. Two large doors, the entrance to the temple, were set between the three columns. As they group of twelve drew near, the doors swung open. Fifteen robed men filed from the temple and swayed towards the group. A quiet voice filtered down to them, as if a woman were whispering in each of their ears, ”Worship me.”

Brigit barked a laugh, then, ”Worship me AXE!”

It was time to act.

Milo called down the heavenly might of Usamigaras. A shaft of light poured down on all fifteen of the evenly spaced men advancing from the temple. The light seemed to be liquid white, settling about two feet from the ground. It began to sharpen and take focus. Spinning luminosity began to take shape and solidity. The air was filled with the sound of hundreds of short swords, gleaming brightly, whirring through the enemy ranks. Thirteen of the men crumpled to heaps under the blades, their cries of surprise and pain cut short. The last two limped away from the whirling divine storm as fast as they could. After the noise died down, Milo was surprised to hear an awed sort of chanting from behind him. He turned to see Mazi leading the mages out of the complex. Auriga led them in an impromptu chant: ”Chosen One, Chosen One, Chosen One,” Milo groaned.

Suddenly Auriga cried out, ”Destroy the heretics!” and brandished his walking staff. A lance of lightning streaked out from the roof of the temple. It struck Auriga squarely in the chest. The old man was thrown back through the doorway to the complex. Milo choked back a shout. They would pay for that, he swore to himself.

The thundering of seventy feet brought Milo’s attention back around. Kanadius and Pandora’s forces were arriving. They still had a few seconds before they would arrive. Milo readied himself for the next assault.

He heard a shrill, empty laugh from above. A woman had stridden out from the central tower of the temple to stand many feet above the central column. She looked out among the gathering forces and spoke in a harsh, alien voice. Thousands of tiny motes began pouring from her outstretched fingers. The tiny shapes swirled and gathered before it descended across the battlefield. It was as if a blanket of pure darkness tumbled down toward them. In seconds it was clear that it wasn’t darkness that fell, but insects, thousands upon thousands of insects, clawed, bit, and stung at all within the cloud. Kanadius and Pandora’s forces panicked, as did Brigit and Milo’s. It seemed all were about to flee in terror.

Milo raised his hands in supplication to Usamigaras and then brought them down in the motion of splashing water. His dispel magic ate away at the insect plague. The bugs dissolved in a quickening ring around Milo, until it spread to the very edges. The damage had been done though, Brigit, Jeremiah, Kanadius, Kella, and Pandora spent the next several seconds rallying their troops. The Magi, silenced by the fall of their leader, took up their chant again, ”The Chosen One will prevail, the Chosen One will prevail,”

In response to Milo’s spell, the woman above called down fiery revenge. A well-placed flamestrike decimated Milo and Brigit’s forces. Milo managed to twist out of the way in time to see the maidens and brothers wither under the unholy firestorm. His jaw set and he glared up at the woman that could only be Zenobia. She grinned down at him maliciously, her eyes cold and emotionless.

Streaks of bright energy suddenly slammed into her. Mazi had cast magic missile from the rear ranks. The spheres of force seemed to have no effect though. They merely bounced off of her imperious form. If anything, her evil smile widened.

Movement from the corner of Milo’s eyes brought his attention back to the temple. Shuffling on bandaged feet, eight mummies lumbered from the temple’s doors. Milo suppressed an irrational sense of fear at the sight. Milo hated undead, really. Brigit seemed able to quell her panic as well. She reacted quickly to the threat and lobbed a flask of alchemist fire at one of the bandaged monstrosities. The mummy burst into flame, its bandages catching fire easily. Milo followed her attack quickly. He drew his five-pointed star from within his armor and brandished it at the mummies. Usamigaras’ holy light poured from the symbol, striking the mummies with a palpable force. Two of the undead creatures, the flaming one included, turned to flee immediately. A hoarse shout came from behind Milo as the Magi obtained yet more proof of his divinity. Those beliefs were going to be hard to refute later, thought Milo.

More important matters pressed themselves as Zenobia acted another time. The other forces had come closer, almost within striking distance of the mummies. Again the quiet female voice whispered in their ears, ”Worship me.” This time its affect was more widespread. All of Kanadius men but one bowed down immediately. They chanted Zenobea’s name with fervor. Kanadius was left shouting orders to deaf ears. Zenobea’s icy smile shone down on her new worshippers.

Another lightning bolt lanced out, this time coming from the Magi’s ranks. Mazi’s power was not great enough to overcome Zenobea’s resistance and the electricity played over her form harmlessly. The Magi finally attacked. A web shot up from the temple roof around Zenobia, but this too she resisted. She floated in the midst of the magical netting, untouched. A volley of magic missiles shot from the hands of the Magi. Out of the dozen that shot through the web, Milo could see that two actually made their mark on the floating woman. She grunted audibly at the assault.

Milo could hear another chant rise up over the battleground, this time it came from Kella. She performed her own dispel magic, this one centered on Zenobia herself. Another hoarse shout came from all who did not worship the woman as whatever magical force that kept her afloat dissipated. She unceremoniously plummeted to the roof of the temple, out of sight.