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
pogre's story hour Zandyrium -episode 66- (5/10/2006) A short update.
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="pogre" data-source="post: 2032787" data-attributes="member: 6588"><p>Zandyrium</p><p>Episode 24</p><p></p><p>The ritual prayers were completed in the shadowy chamber and at last Justinius spoke the name three times, “Naja Nivyah, Naja Nivyah, Naja Nivyah.”</p><p></p><p>The rhythm of just her name was hypnotizing to Mercutio, his heart was pounding so hard he was certain it must be audible.</p><p></p><p>There was a strange popping noise, the scent of something acrid in the air, and then SHE appeared. A beautifully proportioned woman with sharp features and the longest legs Mercutio had ever seen.</p><p></p><p>She immediately spoke, “What is the bargain?”</p><p></p><p>“There is no need for haste Venomwing,” Justinius replied.</p><p></p><p>“You need not bother with my common name,” she spat back at the cleric. “It’s clear you already know my true one and are far too willing to share it with others.” Naja motioned with her hand towards Mercutio who was standing in a dark corner.</p><p></p><p>Mercutio felt the blood rising to his cheeks. ‘<em>Am I embarrassed by my lust for her or fear?</em> he thought to himself.</p><p></p><p>“As you wish Naja,” Justinius paused as he spoke her true name. “The nature of the task calls for information only and no overt action on your part.”</p><p></p><p>“Knowledge tends to be more expensive,” she replied. “I propose you have savage, lusty sex with me right now and plant your seed.”</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, Mercutio could not remember why he had <strong>anything</strong> against devils. <em>”This sounds like a bargain no man or woman could pass up with a creature this beautiful,</em>” he thought to himself.</p><p></p><p>“Have a half-devil child damned to eternal life?” Justinius replied. “I think not. I cannot believe Gravitas Morte would bless such a union.”</p><p></p><p>“I await your counter-offer priest,” Naja stated flatly. She deftly whirled a rope around her semi-nude body, “We could have had a lot of fun with this you know Justinius.”</p><p></p><p>Mercutio’s head was swimming.</p><p></p><p>“I’m flattered,” Justinius replied. “My initial offer is this.” Justinius pulled out a large dark pearl. “Naturally, this is for good information – for great information I will offer much more.”</p><p></p><p>“Ask your question,” Naja said.</p><p></p><p>“I wish to know Hell’s involvement with Boethricus din Woad, particularly a certain Pit Lord I spotted him with a couple of months ago.”</p><p></p><p>“I have much information on this topic, but your offer is too low. Make me a better offer and I will give you more information than you <em>want</em> to know.”</p><p></p><p>Mercutio winced as he heard Naja’s promise.</p><p></p><p>Justinius revealed a few other gems he had brought to the demoness.</p><p></p><p>“Not enough,” she spat.</p><p></p><p>“It’s all I have at the present,” Justinius countered.</p><p></p><p>“Not true,” Naja retorted and she uncoiled the rope from around her body and pointed at Justinius’s nether regions with it.</p><p></p><p>“It’s all I care to use for this bargain,” Justinius corrected himself with a smile.</p><p></p><p>“You will get less than all the information for this meager price,” Naja warned.</p><p></p><p>“It will have to do,” Justinius answered. “The bargain is set?”</p><p></p><p>“It is,” she replied. “The Pit Lord you have seen is a fiend known as Darkember, a known liege to Mammon.”</p><p></p><p>“Your lord must be particularly anxious to see the schemes of Boethricus and Darkember fail,” Justinius suggested.</p><p></p><p>“I am not certain my lord even knows of Boethricus and this lowly fiend. He is occupied with other matters. Darkember is not a servant to Boethricus, but an emissary. Boethricus is no slave to Mammon either and it is a union of convenience.”</p><p></p><p>“Where is Boethricus now? What are his plans?”</p><p></p><p>“Fortunately for you, I know much of this, but remember your price was short of what was required. Are you sure you do not want to expand our little contract?” Naja flicked her tongue at Justinius.</p><p></p><p>“Tell me what you can.”</p><p></p><p>“Very well,” the Erinyes replied. “Boethricus is not currently on this plane. He has told Darkember he plans to enslave this continent and set up a great temple to Mammon. His forces will continue to attack, isolating Zandyrium if necessary. However, Boethricus has a weakness – he serves two masters.”</p><p></p><p>“Who is the second?” Justinius asked.</p><p></p><p>“That information cannot be purchased with mere gems,” Naja purred.</p><p></p><p>“When will he strike next?” Justinius asked ignoring the demoness’s innuendo.</p><p></p><p>“Mammon is greedy and impatient. The strike will come quickly.”</p><p></p><p>“Where?” Justinius asked.</p><p></p><p>“Thray and its riches are next. Zandyrium will feel his wrath again as soon as he can regroup. He will strike as many places as he can, at the same time if possible.”</p><p></p><p>“Regroup?” Justinius inquired.</p><p></p><p>“The uberstahl mines of Galtikvalt now lay open and ships are being built as we speak. You have learned more from this bargain than you deserve. If you ever call me again, prepare to die.”</p><p></p><p>“Oh, I don’t think so,” Justinius answered. “You are a practical creature. You know if I call you again it will be to your advantage. The real question is will Morte Gravitas ever allow me to be tempted like this again?”</p><p></p><p>There was a loud hiss and then a popping noise and the Erinyes was gone. Mercutio felt the skin on the back of his neck crawl as he recognized the acrid smell of brimstone.</p><p></p><p>“How do you know she was not lying?” Mercutio asked.</p><p></p><p>“Oh, she was in some respects I’m sure, but because we had a contract most of the information is useful,” Justinius answered. “Besides as much as she may deny it, her master would love to see Boethricus and Mammon fail.”</p><p></p><p>“Why? Who is her master?”</p><p></p><p>“Dispater,” Justinius answered.</p><p></p><p>Mercutio did not really understand how it could matter what Arch-devil Naja Nivyah served. He just knew that more questions would yield more information about diabolical politics than he cared to know.</p><p></p><p>The pair walked silently to the war meeting room.</p><p></p><p>*****</p><p>“Was your friend helpful?” Heinrich asked.</p><p></p><p>“I think so,” Justinius replied. “I can confirm that Thray is in fact the fleet’s target. I also learned that Boethricus din Woad is not currently on this plane. His forces are mining uberstahl as quickly as they are able at Galtikvalt and as Rothlor mentioned, building boats quickly too. They plan another strike on Zandyrium in the very near future.”</p><p></p><p>“Mostly what we were already concluding,” Rothlor said.</p><p></p><p>“True, but it is good to have it confirmed,” Wassabe added. “Do you trust the source?”</p><p></p><p>“In this case, yes,” Justinius answered.</p><p></p><p>“And you Mercutio?” Wassabe asked.</p><p></p><p>“I think you in particular, Wassabe, would have found this source most impressive,” Mercutio answered.</p><p></p><p>“Excellent! Let’s move ahead with the planning then,” Heinrich exclaimed.</p><p></p><p>****</p><p></p><p>“Are you sure they will not see the ship?” Wassabe asked Rothlor.</p><p></p><p>“Positive, we will harbor it at a quiet cove I know north of this location. We can pick off a few of their lumber crews as we work our way south. If we can do as much damage as possible to their lumber stores it will slow them down significantly.”</p><p></p><p>“What can we expect to encounter around the lumber?” Thoren asked.</p><p></p><p>“A lot of big stuff, trolls, ogres, giants, and the like. Big and dumb. If we are effective, it may take their hobgoblin leadership a while to respond.”</p><p></p><p>“So we hit their raw materials and main labor force – I like it,” Ginny said.</p><p></p><p>“What’s the escape plan once things heat up?” Wassabe asked.</p><p></p><p>“We all drink an invisibility potion and sprint north into the woods and circle around back to our boat,” Rothlor suggested.</p><p></p><p>“I will make the call on the retreat,” Heinrich volunteered. “Any who do not heed it are on their own.”</p><p></p><p>***</p><p></p><p>The boat slipped quietly into the cove and Wassabe and Rothlor lowered a couple of anchors. Wassabe had been impressed with how quickly the ranger managed to get the boat up the coast. It was clear Rothlor knew these waters intimately.</p><p></p><p>As the group made its way down towards the delta they managed to kill a couple of lumber crews with little trouble. Preparing for the assault they saw it was mostly Hill Giants, ogres, and trolls moving the huge trunks. Hobgoblins were preparing and finishing the wood across the river. Several ogres latched the trunks and branches to ropes that were then hauled across the river by ogres on the other bank.</p><p></p><p>Rothlor led the group to a ford in the slow moving river and the adventurers crossed. Finally, a single hobgoblin noticed the group as it approached the lumber areas and tried to shout an alarm. A well-aimed arrow from Rothlor cut the hobgoblin’s call short, sticking straight through his neck. Trolls, giants, and ogres started moving towards the group.</p><p></p><p>Thoren hefted his two-handed axe and smiled broadly. “<em>Live or die, today will be a good day</em>,” he thought to himself.</p><p></p><p>To be continued…</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="pogre, post: 2032787, member: 6588"] Zandyrium Episode 24 The ritual prayers were completed in the shadowy chamber and at last Justinius spoke the name three times, “Naja Nivyah, Naja Nivyah, Naja Nivyah.” The rhythm of just her name was hypnotizing to Mercutio, his heart was pounding so hard he was certain it must be audible. There was a strange popping noise, the scent of something acrid in the air, and then SHE appeared. A beautifully proportioned woman with sharp features and the longest legs Mercutio had ever seen. She immediately spoke, “What is the bargain?” “There is no need for haste Venomwing,” Justinius replied. “You need not bother with my common name,” she spat back at the cleric. “It’s clear you already know my true one and are far too willing to share it with others.” Naja motioned with her hand towards Mercutio who was standing in a dark corner. Mercutio felt the blood rising to his cheeks. ‘[I]Am I embarrassed by my lust for her or fear?[/I] he thought to himself. “As you wish Naja,” Justinius paused as he spoke her true name. “The nature of the task calls for information only and no overt action on your part.” “Knowledge tends to be more expensive,” she replied. “I propose you have savage, lusty sex with me right now and plant your seed.” Suddenly, Mercutio could not remember why he had [b]anything[/b] against devils. [I]”This sounds like a bargain no man or woman could pass up with a creature this beautiful,[/I]” he thought to himself. “Have a half-devil child damned to eternal life?” Justinius replied. “I think not. I cannot believe Gravitas Morte would bless such a union.” “I await your counter-offer priest,” Naja stated flatly. She deftly whirled a rope around her semi-nude body, “We could have had a lot of fun with this you know Justinius.” Mercutio’s head was swimming. “I’m flattered,” Justinius replied. “My initial offer is this.” Justinius pulled out a large dark pearl. “Naturally, this is for good information – for great information I will offer much more.” “Ask your question,” Naja said. “I wish to know Hell’s involvement with Boethricus din Woad, particularly a certain Pit Lord I spotted him with a couple of months ago.” “I have much information on this topic, but your offer is too low. Make me a better offer and I will give you more information than you [I]want[/I] to know.” Mercutio winced as he heard Naja’s promise. Justinius revealed a few other gems he had brought to the demoness. “Not enough,” she spat. “It’s all I have at the present,” Justinius countered. “Not true,” Naja retorted and she uncoiled the rope from around her body and pointed at Justinius’s nether regions with it. “It’s all I care to use for this bargain,” Justinius corrected himself with a smile. “You will get less than all the information for this meager price,” Naja warned. “It will have to do,” Justinius answered. “The bargain is set?” “It is,” she replied. “The Pit Lord you have seen is a fiend known as Darkember, a known liege to Mammon.” “Your lord must be particularly anxious to see the schemes of Boethricus and Darkember fail,” Justinius suggested. “I am not certain my lord even knows of Boethricus and this lowly fiend. He is occupied with other matters. Darkember is not a servant to Boethricus, but an emissary. Boethricus is no slave to Mammon either and it is a union of convenience.” “Where is Boethricus now? What are his plans?” “Fortunately for you, I know much of this, but remember your price was short of what was required. Are you sure you do not want to expand our little contract?” Naja flicked her tongue at Justinius. “Tell me what you can.” “Very well,” the Erinyes replied. “Boethricus is not currently on this plane. He has told Darkember he plans to enslave this continent and set up a great temple to Mammon. His forces will continue to attack, isolating Zandyrium if necessary. However, Boethricus has a weakness – he serves two masters.” “Who is the second?” Justinius asked. “That information cannot be purchased with mere gems,” Naja purred. “When will he strike next?” Justinius asked ignoring the demoness’s innuendo. “Mammon is greedy and impatient. The strike will come quickly.” “Where?” Justinius asked. “Thray and its riches are next. Zandyrium will feel his wrath again as soon as he can regroup. He will strike as many places as he can, at the same time if possible.” “Regroup?” Justinius inquired. “The uberstahl mines of Galtikvalt now lay open and ships are being built as we speak. You have learned more from this bargain than you deserve. If you ever call me again, prepare to die.” “Oh, I don’t think so,” Justinius answered. “You are a practical creature. You know if I call you again it will be to your advantage. The real question is will Morte Gravitas ever allow me to be tempted like this again?” There was a loud hiss and then a popping noise and the Erinyes was gone. Mercutio felt the skin on the back of his neck crawl as he recognized the acrid smell of brimstone. “How do you know she was not lying?” Mercutio asked. “Oh, she was in some respects I’m sure, but because we had a contract most of the information is useful,” Justinius answered. “Besides as much as she may deny it, her master would love to see Boethricus and Mammon fail.” “Why? Who is her master?” “Dispater,” Justinius answered. Mercutio did not really understand how it could matter what Arch-devil Naja Nivyah served. He just knew that more questions would yield more information about diabolical politics than he cared to know. The pair walked silently to the war meeting room. ***** “Was your friend helpful?” Heinrich asked. “I think so,” Justinius replied. “I can confirm that Thray is in fact the fleet’s target. I also learned that Boethricus din Woad is not currently on this plane. His forces are mining uberstahl as quickly as they are able at Galtikvalt and as Rothlor mentioned, building boats quickly too. They plan another strike on Zandyrium in the very near future.” “Mostly what we were already concluding,” Rothlor said. “True, but it is good to have it confirmed,” Wassabe added. “Do you trust the source?” “In this case, yes,” Justinius answered. “And you Mercutio?” Wassabe asked. “I think you in particular, Wassabe, would have found this source most impressive,” Mercutio answered. “Excellent! Let’s move ahead with the planning then,” Heinrich exclaimed. **** “Are you sure they will not see the ship?” Wassabe asked Rothlor. “Positive, we will harbor it at a quiet cove I know north of this location. We can pick off a few of their lumber crews as we work our way south. If we can do as much damage as possible to their lumber stores it will slow them down significantly.” “What can we expect to encounter around the lumber?” Thoren asked. “A lot of big stuff, trolls, ogres, giants, and the like. Big and dumb. If we are effective, it may take their hobgoblin leadership a while to respond.” “So we hit their raw materials and main labor force – I like it,” Ginny said. “What’s the escape plan once things heat up?” Wassabe asked. “We all drink an invisibility potion and sprint north into the woods and circle around back to our boat,” Rothlor suggested. “I will make the call on the retreat,” Heinrich volunteered. “Any who do not heed it are on their own.” *** The boat slipped quietly into the cove and Wassabe and Rothlor lowered a couple of anchors. Wassabe had been impressed with how quickly the ranger managed to get the boat up the coast. It was clear Rothlor knew these waters intimately. As the group made its way down towards the delta they managed to kill a couple of lumber crews with little trouble. Preparing for the assault they saw it was mostly Hill Giants, ogres, and trolls moving the huge trunks. Hobgoblins were preparing and finishing the wood across the river. Several ogres latched the trunks and branches to ropes that were then hauled across the river by ogres on the other bank. Rothlor led the group to a ford in the slow moving river and the adventurers crossed. Finally, a single hobgoblin noticed the group as it approached the lumber areas and tried to shout an alarm. A well-aimed arrow from Rothlor cut the hobgoblin’s call short, sticking straight through his neck. Trolls, giants, and ogres started moving towards the group. Thoren hefted his two-handed axe and smiled broadly. “[I]Live or die, today will be a good day[/I],” he thought to himself. To be continued… [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
pogre's story hour Zandyrium -episode 66- (5/10/2006) A short update.
Top