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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Quasqueton" data-source="post: 833526" data-attributes="member: 3854">The Fiendish Oerth Game Story - part 1cThe five zombies shambled into the village grounds. Lorgard the dwarf wizard lead the chase after them, with his quarterstaff ready to attack. Simon the human ranger and Salem the halfling cleric were right behind the mage. Cedrin, the human fighter, was a bit far in the rear.The zombies were several yards ahead, and ran past a burning village building. The passing forms caught the attention of creatures inside the flame-filled building. Two small flames licked out of the structure, and 'stood' on their own. Lorgard pulled up short, and Simon and Salem stopped right behind him.The self-standing fires had a vaguely humanoid appearance of thin stick figures, about the size of the halfling, engulfed in thick flames. They charged forward at the dwarf mage, cackling with the sound of a campfire. Standing at the mouth of a partial alleyway, Lorgard was the most available target for the fire beings, so they attacked him immediately. Within moments the mage was writhing in burning robes. When he fell to the ground, Salem and Simon stepped up to take on the enemies. But two more flames jumped out of the blazing building.Salem took a blanket from Simon, and ignoring the flaming 'arms' being whipped at him, he set to snuffing out the flames burning the unconscious dwarf. Simon attacked the flame creatures with longsword and short sword. A moment later Cedrin joined the fight.Salem showed great bravery by ignoring the licking flames about him and staying concentrated on his fallen companion. The halfling managed to extinguish the badly burned dwarf, and touched him with a minor spell to stabilize his fading life. Moments later, the two humans had destroyed the flaming enemies.They had only a moment to catch their breath and wipe off the heat-induced sweat on their brows before the zombies they had been pursuing reappeared coming back from where they had fled.Simon knelt down beside the still unconscious dwarf, and spread out the blanket Salem had used to beat out the flames. Cedrin stepped forward to intercept the re-approaching zombies, and Salem pulled forth his holy symbol again. To the group's left other unknowns approached from between two village homes.Simon wrapped the dwarf in the blanket and began sliding him back away from the scene. Cedrin engaged the first zombie to reach him. Salem held forth his god's symbol and channeled power again. And the three figures approaching from the left called out to them for identification.The first zombie fell to Cedrin's bastard sword and spiked shield, and the others again turned and fled. Salem then gave a detailed look at the new arrivals to the scene.A human in chainmail with shield and mace, wearing a tunic matching the group's army device, was flanked by two elven archers in scale mail. "I am Rayson, priest of Rao the Peaceful," the human introduced himself."I am Salem Godspeed," the halfling offered, "cleric of Fharlanghn."The human and elves approached the group cautiously. And the group held their positions to accept the approach, cautiously. Salem recognized the white heart symbol on the Raoist, and mentioned, "we have an injured friend."Simon brought the still-smoking dwarf on the blanket back around the corner to show everyone."I can't help him now," said Rayson, "I have expended all my magic for the day. But all of you can come with us for shelter. I can tend to your friend, and heal him in the morning." He and the elves motioned for the group to follow them, and they lead the way to a village home they had taken as a haven.Inside the small building were two human warriors with scale mail and spears. The group was invited inside, and after all were in, the doors were closed behind them. Inside was a makeshift barracks for the five men. Bedrolls were spread on the floor, a few chairs were scattered about, and a table was pushed against the far wall. Packs of army ration were piled in a corner.Simon laid the wrapped dwarf on the table, and Rayson examined him. Lorgard's clothes were badly burned, his hair a bit singed, but he was not in danger of passing from his wounds. Simon's spell was enough to keep the sturdy dwarf alive. If he awakened, he would be in great pain. All hoped he would simply sleep till they could use magic to heal him.The human warriors and the elf archers watched the surrounding outside area through cracks in shuttered windows. Rayson introduced his companions, and the group introduced themselves to their hosts. Rayson asked what unit they were with, and why didn't they retreat with the army."We awoke just a couple hours ago, on the field," answered Salem. "We can't remember the battle."Rayson was examining each of them from where he sat in a small chair. Salem, Simon, and Cedrin each felt the eyes of four soldiers regarding them also."You look like two humans, a halfling, . . . and a dwarf," said the Rao priest. "But different than any others I've seen." There was a touch of awe tempered with suspicion in his voice.The three looked back and forth at each other, again noting their gold-tinged skin, silver hair, and pale eyes. "We also don't know why we look this way," said Salem. "This is not how any of us remember ourselves."Simon and Cedrin gathered some rations to eat what they figured was breakfast. Salem took a chair across from Rayson. The halfling had to almost climb up into the human-made seat. "We don't even know where we are," he said."You really have no memory?" repeated Rayson. "You don't know where this is?" he continued, waving his hands slightly to show his statement referenced their overall location.Salem leaned forward inquisitively. "Where are we?"The priest of Rao looked back at the 'halfling' cleric for a moment, then moved his gaze across the two 'humans' also. "We are in the Abyss," he said.To be continued . . .</blockquote>

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