Derek Steadyfingers

Derek Steadyfingers (born Dereque Kel’Nestessir) held the last of the highwaymen who attempted to accost him by his shirt collar with the fist of his left hand. He lifted the beaten, bleeding man from the dirt of the dusty road just enough so that his back no longer touched the ground. The man remained motionless as Derek stood, straddling his torso, though he was clearly still alive. His eyes lolled in his head like marbles in a child’s palm. The broken flesh of his lips told the tale of the encounter they had with Derek’s right fist. A tale that was not yet finished being told. 

Thunk! The sound of Derek’s right fist upon the highwayman’s mouth again. His head snapped back for a moment before returning to its original position. More blood upon his lips to wet the crust that had dried there in the moments leading to this latest blow.

“Who sent you?” Derek screamed. Uncontrollable anger was not usually part of Derek Steadyfinger’s emotional repertoire but the elf was finding it extremely difficult after this most recent attack. He knew he was being followed, sensed it days ago, but could not understand who or why at this time. He was a rogue after all, it could be anybody, but Derek was the most careful of his kind, and in over a hundred and fifty years, had never been captured or arrested. Barely a housemaiden had been awakened from slumber during his tenure as a common house-burglar and since he had gotten himself in the jewel trade, well, let’s just say perfect might seem like hubris, but what of hubris if such brash sensibilities about oneself turned out to be true?

Yes, Derek would consider himself the perfect thief, if he considered himself a thief at all. Instead, Derek liked the word rogue and considered himself a freelance procurer of all things shiny and pretty. Offering those things procured back at a considerable markdown from their original prices, and oftentimes even to their original owner. Derek wasn’t particular about such things, and always liked to see a happy customer after all.

“Piss… off…” Was the whispered, blood mist response from the road agent.

“Wrong answer.” Another punch from Derek’s calloused right fist. The highwayman’s lower lip split almost completely to the upper part of his beard. More blood, far more than before and the eye lolling had gotten worse as well. Derek didn’t have much time.

“Now, I’m going to ask you again, and if you don’t tell me what I want to hear I’m going to have to punch you again.” His voice was calmer, more reasonable than before. More, Derek.

The raider closed his eyes slowly; the lids were as horizontal stage curtains at the close of a romantic tragedy. He wasn’t going to live much longer.

Derek reached for one of the arrows he had fired into the highwayman’s thigh, an admittedly errant shot that should have been fatal, and would have been, had Derek not been outnumbered and been forced to fire so quickly and so often. He twisted the arrow as he grasped it. The effect it had was exactly as desired as the highwayman’s eyes snapped back open, a quick scream emanated from his bleeding mouth and he inhaled sharply, presumably to scream again but Derek muffled whatever would have come next with an open palm.

“Shh, tell me friend… and I will ease your suffering.” His voice was gentle, a soft whisper on the summer breeze.

The road agent’s breath slowed, became raspy as death approached. His eyes remained open through some miracle, the color had run completely from his lips and sweating face as more blood drained from the wounds he had received. Wishing the pain to end, he opened his mouth to speak.

“Drahg… drago…” His whisper was barely audible though Derek’s face was only inches away.

“Dragons?” Derek shook the dying man at his collar. “What of ‘dragons’? I know of no dragons! I’ve never been within miles of one that I know of.”

The man’s eyes began to close again, the death-sleep had begun to overtake him, he would be dead in moments.

“No, no! Not yet.” Derek shook him again and reached for the arrow shaft once more, though he thought it would do little good this time. As if the highwayman could sense the motion and direction of Steadyfinger’s hand his eyes snapped open once more before Derek’s hand made contact. The elf stayed his palm just short of contact and leaned closer for what he expected to be the man’s last words.

“Drahgov… Drahgov… vin.” The word must have been a name, or perhaps it was nonsense. Either way Derek Steadyfinger’s, an elf nearly two-hundred and twenty five years old, had never heard it before.

“Drahguvvin.” Softly, Derek repeated the word to himself.

The man’s chest rattled and he coughed a spot of dark-red blood that spilled over the corners of his mouth and further stained his road-filthy shirt, a portion of it pooled in the split of his lip that Steadyfinger’s fist had made. He wheezed again as his chest rattled for the last time. His body become limp, moreso than before to Derek’s amazement. When the wheeze stopped, Derek let go of the highwayman’s collar nonchalantly and his torso fell to the ground, his neck whipped back as his lifeless skull cracked heavily upon the gravel road.

The elf stood, believing himself no closer to realizing who wanted him dead than before. He set about reclaiming what he could from the wreckage of battle; his rapier, his longbow, a dagger and any spent arrows that could possibly be loosed again. Once he had gathered all of his own belongings he dared enough time to loot the corpses of the dead, four in all, for any clue to what had brought on this disorganized ambush. He found nothing of a clue, but the 37 pieces of gold and near one hundred silver pieces he did find seemed a pittance for the work he’d done here today. He checked the saddlebags of the horses they had rode in on, pilfered what food he found agreeable as well as their waterskins and, after seriously considering taking the horses and selling them in Goodale, the small city that this road he was traveling on led to, he opted for speed instead and besides; why risk adding Horse Thievery to the list of things that could be attributed the elf if one were ever fortunate enough to take him into custody?

Instead he slapped the three surviving horses each on their rears and sent them in opposite directions, hoping to confuse any who still followed him. He then dragged the corpses of his attackers to the side of the road, propped all four dead men against the underside of the dead horse who lay there along its left flank. As he stood back to admire his work, Steadyfingers found that they comically resembled drunken companions awaiting a chartered wagon. Derek expected whoever hired these sloppy highwaymen to come through this area soon enough and he hoped the discovery of this display would have one of two desired effects: It would either discourage this “Drahguvvin” from pursuing him further or it would convince him to employ higher caliber, better equipped agents. Derek hoped for the former, but the latter would provide him with better equipment to loot, as well as more coin to take from their corpses once he bested them.

Derek always tried to find the silver lining in every cloud.

Once finished with admiring his handiwork the young elf took to the saddle of his own horse, a four year old reddish-brown stallion he called Lightpurse. He gave the steed a gentle urging with his spurs and slapped the reigns as he spoke in elven, directing the horse back toward the South. Dust swirled up behind mount and rider as they trailed away from the mess that Derek left behind; a mess that would intrigue more than anger the man responsible for the attack. As intriguing as he found Steadyfingers’ methods in dispatching his hired men, or the bravado in which he displayed their corpses once dispatched, he would do neither of the things Derek had expected. Instead he would continue as planned. He would have Faramin, his Goodale puppet, make certain to select the elf when choosing the next raiding party just as he had arranged all the others to be selected to this point. If the road agents couldn’t kill him, then Raylock the mage would.

Raylock had been wildly successful up to this point and the mage was turning out to be more efficient than he’d ever expected, lasting much longer and ending the careers of far more ”heroes” than he ever expected his gold to pay for. Yes, if Raylock was expected to live much longer, Dragoven might find a place for him in his new kingdom. But alas, he was not, so he would not.

Lightpurse made the distance between the site of Derek’s ambush and the town of Goodale with little discernible effort. He negotiated the rolling hills and Once again, Derek found reason to be proud of his companion and even prouder of himself for having the good sense to procure him when he did. He saw potential in the steed at the time, despite having little actual equine experience or knowledge, and leapt at the chance to take him when the opportunity presented itself.

Coming into town, a smallish, though busy village of mostly human population, Derek inhaled the robust aroma of the malted hops and barley for which the town of Goodale was famous for. Unlike many elves, Derek enjoyed the odd pint of stout here and there and looked forward to enjoying one before the business at hand was to begin. Unfortunately, that pint wouldn’t be had today as Faramin’s lineup, for which he was expected at Highsun, would be taking place only moments from now and Derek needed to find a place to hitch Lightpurse. He grimaced as he dismounted, looking to the sky before leading his mount to a fairly clean-looking stable. The clouds were growing thicker and darker, and Derek thanked Sanastarus, a deity whom he usually had little to say to these last hundred and fifty years, for holding off on the coming storm until now. Not wanting to believe that the bandits he overcame just hours ago would have had any more success under the cover of cloud and rain, but grateful not to have had to find out, regardless.

After hitching Lightpurse at the stable, the name of which was already escaping him, he set out to the town square six silver pieces lighter, an expensive sum even for a large city. Derek made a mental note to visit the stablebuck later in order to recoup his lost coin, but now wasn’t the time to risk being caught.

“Not that I’ve anything to fear in that regard.” Derek, smiling, whispered to himself.

Moving deftly through the bustling streets Derek saw the town square, an ornate, heavily flowered area, several hundred feet ahead of him. He eyed who he believed to be Lord Faramin, a man of average stature with short brown hair graying at the ears flanked by two uniformed guards. Near them, a young brightly silver-haired elf stood in front of a dozen or so armored warriors, mostly human. A second, red-haired elf stood a step and a half behind him, occasionally offering counsel, his arms folded across his narrow chest as he leaned in to whisper his advice or observations.

I’m late. Derek thought to himself as he absently put a finger to his split lower lip. Though I do have a good excuse if they decide to inquire.

He frowned at this though internally he was grateful that an elf (or pair of elves) seemingly held some sway in choosing the next group to deal with Faramin’s great matter. Breaking through the line of onlookers now Derek moved to join the lineup, he looked up in time to see a red-headed dwarf, one who apparently already dipped into a fair share of ale this morning, waddle his way to the opposite end of the line that he was about to bookend.

No way that one gets picked. Derek Steadyfingers thought to himself. The silver-haired elf glanced at the dwarf and frowned noticeably in response to his tardiness and apparent lack of sobriety. He seemed not to notice Derek, or if he did, didn’t seem to care. This was a double-standard that Steadyfingers could certainly support and, not surprisingly, he felt no sympathy for the dwarf.

The silver-haired elf opened his mouth to speak.

It was then that the rain came.

Cor'Nals journal

As I sit in my room awaiting the events that are about to unfold I wonder if this is truly the path that Kutenai has in store for me. My path has lead me into the wilds on plenty occasions but more and more time seems to be in the civilized areas. I miss the ground under my back while I lay on the ground to look upon the sky or the smell of the air while the rain is beating down upon me. I grow wearier by the day of these places and wish to stretch my legs and run in the wild once again beside Basali. And poor Basali he has been my faithful companion for some time now and always answered my call no matter what type of threat there was but does he not deserve better? I have not watched him and listen to what it is that he is wanting. Would he like to be set free down south around Goodale where we had met so he might live the remainder of his life in the peace of the forest and possibly find a mate? Or does he truly wish to stay by my side and continue to adventure and fight my enemies? I believe that he will continue to fight with me until the end of his days if I ask him to but I do not wish to keep a most loyal creature such as him from truly living a free life. After we deal with the Baron I am going to head to the forest and watch and listen to Basali to see if he wishes to continue on the path with me or return to the area in which he became my friend.
But what will I do without the one creature that has been with me through so much and put his own life before my own on more than one occasion? Perhaps Kutenai will guide my thoughts to another of his creatures that will wish to become my friend and ally once more. Maybe he will bestow a great blessing upon me and allow me to befriend the great yeti that I had went and seen just a few days past? A creature such as that would be a great honor indeed and to think of the great things that we could achieve if we were together. I will have to pray very hard to the great Kutenai indeed in order to receive a blessing such as that then we might be able to rival even some of the greatest blights that cause nature harm. Whatever the gods decide I will continue to be grateful for and continue on my quest for greatness.

I am unsure of the new companions that myself and Adamar have allowed to join with us. Raell even though he seems to have some sort of connection with the wild seems a better fit for a Kingdom than the forest but he has been there when things were tough. Gareth seems like a noble person that had just received a run of bad luck when we found him. Since then I have spoke with him on several occasions and he seems very trustworthy and good willed. Luether on the other hand I feel is as evil as they come. I have been putting together the deaths that have occurred around the town and now he is in league with the Black Glove XIII who is supposed to be a guild that is trying to help the town but I’m afraid to think that they are just as evil as the rest. I can’t wait to leave this place even though they say that the people are here to make a new start for themselves I really have my doubts.
One question that keeps bothering me is what will Adamar do if we dispose of the baron? Will he continue on with me and allow me to aid him in the search for the person that did him such harm and when we find him will we bring him to answer for his crimes or is Adamar going to be the judging hand for him? I believe that the turmoil for him is great but what does that say for after he has been found and brought to justice? Will he continue to stand by our sides into battle or will he return to the great forest that we hail from? I hope that he continues with us because I think that he will be an even greater asset once his mind is free of this burden.

Of Giants and Dragons

Recap of recorded session# 4

The following recap comes courtesy of Lord Darmot Kromwell.


This session finds our heroes in the midst of exploring an ogre cave. Sent here by Black Rhrett to find several missing ale shipments. At the start of the session, Raell is picking himself up off the floor after being shoved off of a steep incline by an ogre. Said ogre stood at the top of the incline long enough to take an arrow to the chest from Ademar before running off into the dark unknown. After some debate over how to proceed, Cor’Nal used his abilities to reshape the stone slope into a very nice set of stairs.



After a quick climb up the new stairs the group went off to find the ogre. As the group marveled over the clean and smooth cave floors they continued onward to find not only the ogre they had seen at the slope but three more of his ogre friends. As a javelin sailed over the head of Cor’Nal, battle began. With a mix of steel and magic the group cut down the ogres until the final two fled. Not wanting any of the creatures to get away the group gave chase. Around a bend and down a long dark hall the group continued to chase the creatures. The ogres lead the heroes down a series of passages only to lead them back to the cave entrance. It was there that the ogres made a serious mistake and went outside, into the druid’s element. Fire rained down from the sky to obliterate the running pair.



Still inside the cave, the half blind ranger stopped near an opening to adjust his equipment so he could carry his own light. While standing there unaware of any danger, the group aroused a nest of rust monsters. Thrusting his weapon away and drawing his bow the ranger screamed like a little girl, trying to avoid the creatures that were attracted by the scent of his armor. As the creatures moved past the group, they took swipes at others but could not resist the draw of the ranger’s armor. While the group did the best it could to quickly take down the savage rust monsters, nothing they did could prevent the destruction of Raell’s armor. Even with Cor’Nal’s faithful companion chewing up the creatures, Raell was left without any armor. As he stood by silently, crying over the loss of his breastplate, Leuthar removed the glands from the rust monsters hoping they would sell in town.



With the dreaded rust monsters destroyed, the group moved on. Checking the bodies of the first dead ogres, the group watched as Raell lopped off the ears of the dead beast. Ademar found one of the bodies contained a belt of healing potions. With the looting of the dead completed they continued deeper into the cave. The group passed into what appeared to be a staging area, where they could readily ambush unsuspecting adventurers. As they looked around at the filth and refuse they found something that shocked them all. A living and breathing human male, bound by rope. Badly beaten and out cold the human appeared to be a prisoner of the ogres. While the group was willing to spend a little healing to bring the man into talking condition, the untrusting bastards did not want to untie the poor soul until they had a chance to talk to him.



While the man seemed to improve after a very small healing spell by Cor’Nal he did not awaken. Taking a more direct approach Raell smacked the bound human to wake him up. Once the human was awake he was attacked with questions from the untrusting group. He stated his name as Gareth Denton from North Hembers in Arcadia. He told a tale of woe of his adventuring party being ambushed by ogres. While he was captured the rest of his party was slain. He also told the group that he was being kept alive to be fed to something called Frosty. After Raell untied Gareth, he tried to talk Gareth into leaving the caves. Asking only for a weapon and a chance at revenge for his fallen companions Gareth pleaded with the group to stay with them. They were reluctant to agree but in the end he was allowed to join the group. If for no other reason than to keep an eye on the human. Raell gave Gareth a hammer to use for a weapon but that did not solve the problem of a lack of armor for the warrior. From there the group pressed on, continuing to explore the caves.



Finding a fork in the path the group pressed on down the right hand path. Finding a large empty room, they continued to press on to the south, deeper into the caves. As the group continued on Ademar signaled to the companions to stop, warning that he could hear something from the room ahead. Raell growing impatient with being blind tossed his light into the center of the next room. As light filled the once dark room, it showed three ogres waiting for them. Not waiting for a hail storm of javelins to come their way, the heroes were quick to launch an attack. Gareth, with no armor and just a small hammer in hand runs into the room screaming for revenge, quickly stopping short when he saw the three creatures in front of him. Gareth watched the battle rage around him, feeling his confidence grow he moved into the battle himself. One by one the ogres fell to the group, who completed the battle with little to no harm done to their selves. As the group started to search the room and the bodies of the ogres, Raell went from body to body removing the ears from each creature. Ademar finding a discarded Rapier he offered it to Gareth so he may have a proper weapon, after some convincing.



After the battle, Raell told Gareth to stay back during the battle as he did not have any armor. Not liking the rangers tone he started to demand payment for his services if he was going to follow orders. Looking around the room at the group, he demanded one fifth of the party’s findings. This only drew more outrage from the companions, as Raell tried to remind Gareth that he was only alive to due to their kindness. In the end he agreed to a lesser share, if he could stay with the group. His only desire being revenge for his fallen friends. As the group moved on they found a second staging area where the ogres had stored the gear they had taken from Gareth and his friends. Gareth was pleased at finding his armor and other minor items he had lost to the ogres. Once again Gareth was properly armored and ready to fight.



As the party pressed on, the group found what appeared to be a room where the ogres rested and took their meals. Finding nothing of interest beyond minor pilfered goods, the party pressed on. Not long after they came to another small room where Cor’Nal spotted some kind of creature hanging from the ceiling of the cave. He called out to the group that it was a Choker. Caught by surprise, the druid stood by helpless as the creature lashed out at him, wrapping him in his tentacles. As the group attacked the creature, Cor’Nal was able to break free. Raell, using his bow was able to kill the creature in the end. As the searched the room they found a strange belt with seven flask of acid. After waiting for the druid to heal himself the group pressed on. As they pressed on the sound of rushing water filled the cave again. Finding a second rope bridge, they stalled discussing how to get over to the other side. After much debate, the turned away from the rope bridge, hoping to explore other areas of the cave before trying to cross the rope bridge.



Deeper and deeper the group went into the caves. As Raell and Ademar discussed wine and rocking chairs Cor’Nal called for the group to halt. Soon all the companions could hear the deep breathing sound coming from up ahead. The farther they went, the louder the sound grew. Soon all the companions could feel what was ahead of them, the air so thick with frost and fear it became clear just what kind of creature was ahead of us and who it was that the ogres called Frosty. Not wanting to rush headlong into a fight with a dragon unprepared, the group fell back trying to find a safe spot to rest.


The group wanting to find a safe place to rest, fall back to the area where they first fought the rust monsters. Using the nesting area, the group set up a watch rotation and starts to rest in order to prepare to fight the dragon. While resting Raell continues to question Gareth about his past and where he had been. Gareth tells Raell about his part in the Arcadian Civil War. Stating that he had fought in the war under Arturo’s command. Raell fishing for information on his distant relation asked Gareth what he thinks about his half brother.

After a night of rest, the group plans on how to attack the dragon. After a quick plan is hammered out, protective spells are cast on the party by Leuthar and Cor’Nal. Cor’Nal, obsessed with wanting to kill the beast reaches down deep within and uses dark magic, forbidden by the gods. As the group travels down the passage, Gareth complains of an arctic cold breeze coming from ahead. When they get to the end of the passage they find a massive cavern that opens to the sky. They also find a large sleeping white dragon. Next to the dragon is a human with long white hair in white robes. He sees the group come into the room and jumps up to wake the dragon. The dragon, not liking that he was awoke from his nap sits up and chomps down on the old human. He gives the human a little shake in his mouth and whips him across the cavern, crushing him on the wall. The human in white, lay dead in a bloody mess.

Gareth, marching forward to attack the beast falters a step as dragon fear washes over the room. All but the druid are affected, who seems immune. Ademar launches a pair of shots at the beast but they fly wide. The dragon turns to look towards the group, taking a deep breath say’s that he has smelled them before. Cor’Nal not caring to chat with the beast launches his first magical attack at the beast. Flames fill the air and explode around the creature. Leuthar summons a flaming sphere and launches it at the dragon. Not wanting to wait for the small creatures to overwhelm it on the ground the dragon launches into the air. Raell fires a shot at the creature while hiding behind the druid and curses as he watches his arrow deflect off the scales of the beast.

The magical assault continues from both the druid and Leuthar as the creature stays in flight. Drawing a deep breath, the dragon unleashes its breath weapon at the druid. Cor’Nal laughs a deep and hearty laugh as his sphere of protection prevents the breath from doing any damage to the companions around the druid. Gareth holding his weapon overhead wanders around looking at the flying creature with a hopeless look on his face. Flames once again fill the air, striking the creature with a massive explosion. The once pristine white scales, scorched and smoking the dragon drops down to directly attack the druid. Repelled by the druids forbidden spell, the frustration continues to build for the dragon.

Gareth seeing the creature fly down, rushes forward to attack the dragon only to get whipped by the creatures tail. Raell and Ademar unleash a worthless barrage of arrows that fly past the dragon without hitting him. The druid’s faithful companion charges and lunges at the creature biting deep into the dragons flank. After a third massive flame strike from the druid the dragon takes flight, leaving the cave. Cor’Nal not wanting to let the creature live changes into a bird and takes off after the beast. So swift is the flight of the dragon, the druid only catches a minor glimpse of the creature as it escapes off into the distance. The companions look around at each other, stunned at the fact that the dragon fled, they then look towards the massive pile of treasure that the beast left behind. Gareth begins to salivate over a beautiful set of full plate in the pile of coins. All the while Ademar begins to collect a massive pile of gems, inspecting each with a careful eye. The group overjoyed at their victory, fail to notice the frustration on the face of the druid who is angry at himself for letting the dragon escape.

Leuthar using his magic powers begins to scan the horde. He finds a small scarab, a bag of dust and a container full of scrolls. He tucks away the bag of dust and the scarab while looking at the scrolls, the rest of the group is oblivious to his actions as they are standing about trying to figure out what to do with the large pile of coins and the plate armor. While Raell and Gareth haggle over the armor Ademar walks over to the body of the human that is lying dead on the floor. Pale white skin and white hair with pink tinted eyes. The group assumed he was some kind of albino. They then saw a medallion around the man’s neck with CoW in elven scrip and the image of a white dragon etched into it. The group studied the medallion but where clueless over what it was for, the only thing they cared about is how much they could sell it for. After dividing up the dragon’s horde of coins so the group could carry it out of the cave, they started to explore the rest of the cave.

As they traverse the cave they once again come to a rope bridge. While the group was hesitant to cross the bridge they knew in order to find the stolen goods Black Rhett wanted, they would have to cross. Cor’Nal changed shape into a Dire Hawk and carried some of the group across the gaping chasm. Gareth was far too heavy to carry across so he had to risk the bridge. Once the entire party was across they pressed on, even deeper into the cave. They find a large open area with the bodies of two dead ogres. Raell not wanting to pass up extra body parts cuts off the ears of the creatures. Leuthar points out that one of the bodies appears to have been chewed on. Not finding anything else in the room, they press on. The next open area they come to the party finds the room full of ale cask, most of them smashed or empty. Now knowing the fate of Black Rhett’s stolen ale shipments they press on to search the rest of the cave network. The next room they come to they find more than a dozen ale cask, being guarded by a trio of female ogres. Ogres who are also keeping company with a Frost Giant.

The group quickly launches at attack against the creatures. As Raell and Ademar fire arrows, Gareth charges forward to attack. Scoring a wicked slashing blow against the first of the ogres. As it stumbled back from the attack, it lived long enough to die in a magical assault by Leuthar. The enraged frost giant, screaming at the group reaches down and picks up a bolder to throw at Cor’Nal when it see’s the bird shaped druid summons a pair of wolves. Boulders fly across the room, striking both the druid and Ademar as Gareth cuts down a second ogre. Raell seeing Ademar hurt joins him in launching arrows at the giant. As the fight rages on, boulders continue to fly at the archers. Raell seeing Ademar struck by the boulder fires a nearly lethal arrow at the giant hitting him in his open mouth. As Gareth cuts down the third of the ogres, the entire group turns its attention to the giant who was trying to drink a potion with an arrow stuck in the back of its mouth. With the entire group attacking the giant, it was only a matter of time. While the giant was able to put up a fight, it fell to the bite of one of the druids summoned wolves.

Raell wanting to see the look on Black Rhett’s face went about the grim task of cutting the head off of the frost giant as the others searched the area. After all the treasure was discovered, the group set about to rest before trying to leave the cave. As the others laid down to rest Ademar decided to explore another area of the cave. Finding a large open area, Ademar looked around, seeing the body of a dead ogre that had been mangled. Ademar moved deeper into the room, seeing that the floor dropped off into a lower area. Unable to resist the lure of the unknown he moved closer to the ledge in the center of the room. As he neared the ledge, something rose up out of the hidden area. Ademar was now face to face with a Remorhaz and very much alone.

Raells' return

Recap of recorded session #3-

This recap begins with our companions standing just outside of the cave they were previously exploring. Raell and Salem are both deceased while the remaining party members are all in poor health especially Luethar and Cor’Nal who are both badly wounded and completely out of magic. Devoid of healing potions also, the party finds that the now dark and cold wood they came through to reach the cave presents a very real threat to them on their return. After a short debate on whether to re-enter the cave and rest for a while or push on back to town before they can be attacked by the cave denizens again, the group opts for the latter choice and makes haste for they nearest path back to civilization.

Luckily the group manages to return to Tread Light and the safety of their rooms without incident. Knowing that at this late hour (around midnight) there is no hope of finding anybody to help resurrect Raell, the remains of the ranger are hidden in the wagon along with the owl bear heads and the group retires to their respective rooms to rest.

The following morning in a role reversal it is Ademar not Cor’Nal who awakes first and immediately begins corralling his companions to begin the day. Luethar grumbles about the early hour and declares that the meeting is “not necessary”. Despite the halflings indifference, Ademar pushes forward with questions about what to do about Raell and the options available if they can not resurrect him (remember that all but Raell are unwelcome in Black Rhett’s company). After few resolutions are made the elves head downstairs for a light morning meal while Luethar remains in his room, still not wanting to show any association with the often troublesome elves.

With breakfast out of the way the pair head out to the Temple of Myrrdin to see if the priests there will be able to bring Raell back to life. Once across the bridge they find themselves in front of the temple where they request to see an acolyte with knowledge of the deal made with Raell over resurrecting Ryan MacBrady. Before long they are shown inside where they speak with the priest in charge of the resurrection. He leads the elves into a chamber where they see an altar and the residual items from a ritual along with the, now living, Ryan MacBrady, sitting in a chair off to the side. He seems somewhat confused, as if the ritual was just completed only minutes ago. When Ademar hails him the look of confusion on Ryan’s face only deepens. The priest interjects attempting to explain that Ryan refused to return to his body but, during the ritual they found the bodiless soul of Raell who they brought back in place of the soul of Ryan. The world seems to come back into focus and the man who was once Ryan and now contains the soul of Raell speaks. He talks about how he was tricked by the priests into coming back by not mentioning that he would inhabit a body other than his own. Truly disgusted by his current state, Raell wishes only to gather his items and those of Ryan and be gone from the temple.

During this time Luethar goes to see Gaen Baliol in an attempt to identify a pair of bracers and perhaps buy some scrolls and other magic. Gaen welcomes the halfling in eager to see more coins in his purse. Luethar enters and states his business which gets the old man scurrying about gathering up spell components and, as a token of good intent, a dusty goblet which he half heartedly blows off and pours wine into. The halfling wrinkles his nose at it and leaves it sitting on the table. The bracers turn out to be Bracers of Armor +2. Just before leaving the tower, Luethar asks that if any elves should happen to come by looking to have an item identified that he charge 100 gold rather than 50. The mage agrees to this arrangement but in the future Luethar will pay 75 gold instead of 50.

After leaving the Temple of Myrrdin, Ademar goes to purchase arrows while Cor’Nal and Raell head off to take the half-elf corpse and that of Salem out to burn on a pyre. In doing this, Raell cuts off the hand of his previous body and has it preserved in a block of wax in the hopes that some day he will be able to return to his true form. The druid asks about Farkas Winslow and Raell tells him that he needs to be taken alive back to Eystlund although he would much rather kill the slaver than allow him to live. Cor’Nal shows Raell some toenail clippings he found and says that they are the key to finding the elusive dwarf with a scrying spell. The ranger is noticeably more upbeat after hearing the news and happy to hear that the elves will give him their full support. Cor’Nal states that he will attempt to scry the slaver the following morning.

Ademar makes his way to Gaen Baliols’ home in search of information on his bow. Gaen is caught off guard by seeing an elf so soon after his conversation with the halfling yet offers him some wine which so happens to be poured already. Gaen states that he is aware of this particular bow, it is called Est’Perolyne which means “Flame String”, it is of elven make and is very old, probably older than Ademars’ father. More than that is withheld as the old mage states that additional information is 50, errr, 100 gold. After some grumbling the rogue produces two gems and the mage continues. The bow has magic about it which increases damage dealt. Legend also has it that Est’Perolynes’ powers grow as those of its wielder grow, it’s presence can increase the users dexterity, increased accuracy, and faster rates of fire. The sage believes that many of these legends are just that. As Ademar is leaving Gaen nearly ruins his arrangement with the halfling by blurting out “Say hello to Luethar for me.” But, he recovers with a cleaver cover which deflects the elfs’ suspicion to some degree.

Once the corpses of the fallen are ash Cor’Nal returns to his room at Tread Light while Raell takes up the owlbear heads in a sack and makes his way to see Black Rhett. Once he arrives at The Longest Mile the ranger takes the opportunity to get himself cleaned up by purchasing a room and requesting a bath. While he’s at it, Raell also decides to make an attempt at spreading Ryan MacBradys’ seed as he believes Ryan was the last of his line, so he buys the services of one of Rhetts’ ladies also. This is all done on Ryans’ coin of course! Once he is feeling a bit cleaner and a little more civilized the ranger makes his way downstairs to find Flanders. Black Rhett is thoroughly disgusted by the leaking, stinking bag which Raell dumps on his desk (much to Raells’ delight). Raell proceeds to tell his tale including the circumstances of his unconventional resurrection. The old sailor finds the rangers’ story beyond believable and tells him that he will get his gold in five days time if no more livestock are lost (he has to be sure that the creatures killed were the creatures responsible), in the mean-time he may have another job for Raell and Rhett suggests that he remain available.

The following day, (day 8 in Henutsen) Luethar meets with Tink Beldin who says that he has some work for the halfling. A meeting is arranged between Tinks’ employer Kayzen Griggs and Luethar. Griggs gives the halfling a rundown of The Black Glove XIII which he makes out to be a sort of vigilante group who oppose The Old Salt and Baron Von Strom both. Kayzen tells Luethar of a woman who has come to the group looking for help. She says that her young boy has been molested by the Deccan of the church of Geedes and she has been ignored by the Sheriff and has no money to hire Rhett. Kayzen states that this Deccan, by the name of Jones needs to be dealt with and he will pay 750 gold for the job with 100 of that paid up front. Luethar is appalled by the story (quite a feat for the evil bastard) and quickly accepts the job.

Soon after, a chance meeting with Sherriff Throad occurs wherein he ‘reminds’ Ademar and Raell that everyone pays tithing’s to the Baron and they should report to the Baron when they get an opportunity. After Throad leaves, Ademar and Raell go to the temple of Myrrdin to speak to the Vicar about what he owes the church in exchange for his return to life. The Vicar tells Raell of a war brewing between the gods in which Myrrdin may see to unseat Oark as the high god of neutrality. If this comes to bear, the ranger may be needed by the church in their crusade against the followers of Oark. Raell states that he may be leaving the area soon to which the Vicar assures him that they will find him when the need arises, no matter where he may be.

While on the east side of town, Raell stops in to see Rhett and asks if he has any work. Rhett mentions that recent ale shipments to the town have been ambushed and it is hurting his business. He believes that a band of ogres are responsible. The fat bastard offers 200 gold up front and 250 upon completion. Raell takes the job and he and Ademar leave The Longest Mile. As the pair cross over to the west side of town the old man from Low Skye that Raell had paid for information on Farkas Winslow hails them. In hushed tones he tells Ademar that Farkas had left town for a time yet, he has returned and is now seeking information about those who are looking for him.

This day passes without further event. As dusk falls Luethar and Ademar slip out of the inn and make their way to the Temple of Geedes to complete the task put before the mage by Kayzen Griggs. Using his magic, Luethar alters his image to become a half-elven boy and takes on the name Oliver. Pretending to be a homeless child he attempts to befriend some of the children cleaning outside. After many attempts to gain admittance to the temple fail he is ultimately chased off by one of the acolytes. Luethar lingers near the church waiting until darkness falls and the children go home to their families. An unknown priest comes out to the street seeming to make sure all is in order for the night. Knowing that this will likely be his last chance to gain entry into the building, Luethar approaches the priest, and gives a grand, sobbing performance. After a minute of thought and a zone of truth spell, the priest (who reveals himself as Deccan Jones) admits the ‘boy’ through the front door and into the foyer. Through all of this, Ademar watches quietly from the shadows across the street.

Once the door closes behind the Luethar and the Deccan the rogue moves up close to the building concealing him-self in the shadows of a statue of Geedes. As soon as they are inside, Deccan Jones states that they need to get the young ‘lad’ out of those clothes. Luethar wastes no time, launching into a spell intended to charm the priest. The Deccan is unaffected by the spell and is immediately alerted that something is amiss. The halfling wins initiative (by 1) and hurls a color spray spell at his adversary. Again unaffected by Luethars’ magic the Deccan kicks out at him and catches only air as the halfling steps back. The mage counters by conjuring a scorching ray which hits the cleric full force. Robes scorched and smoking, the Geedes disciple calls upon his deity, healing his wounds in a red-grey glow. Another scorching ray is sent into Deccan Jones before Luethar steps back and draws his dagger. A few more quick exchanges take place, none of which do any damage before the Deccan lands an inflict critical wounds attack on Luethar which drains the halfling completely and leaves him laying unconscious on the foyer floor. Just as Luethar hits the floor, Ademar opens the door, sword drawn, to find his companion down and the Deccans’ back to him. Not wasting a perfect opportunity the rogue strikes with his blade in an upward jab which pushes his blade in the priests’ lower back and out of Jones’ chest. Wounded deeply but not yet dead, the holy man turns to this new aggressor and initiative is won by the rogue (by 1 again!) who gets off a full attack taking off Deccan Jones’ arm at the elbow and slashing his throat open with another swipe of his blade. The Deccan of the Church of Geedes falls into a pool of his own blood and dies while Ademar drags the halfling out of the building and administers a healing potion in hopes that he is not yet dead. Luethar comes to and both of them flee the scene leaving one of the halflings’ daggers and a wand of magic missiles behind. The town is soon in an uproar as the priests of the temple comb the area looking for a dirty half-elf boy. They never do find him.

The evening passes uneventfully and morning sees the entire group (a refreshing change after so many individual endeavors, and deaths) heading out to discover the source of Rhetts missing ale. After traveling most of the day down and away from the mountain, the company finds itself in front of a huge cave guarded by two ogres. These sentries are defeated after a short battle after which the companions conceal themselves outside the cave fearing that reinforcements may be on their way from inside. As if on cue two hill giants emerge from the cave, which are also defeated.

Still feeling pretty cock-sure the group loots their opponents and enters the cave. They begin to explore the complex which contains only empty chambers and dead ends, at first…

Holy Shit its the recap

Session starts out with Raell leaving the market place and heading for tread light inn after buying some arrows. Once at tread light he enters and ignores stuck pigs greeting and heads straight to Cor’Nal’s room where they discuss that no business had gone on at the barons estate over the previous night and Luthor's previous assassination of Will Wilson by someone in the form of a troglodyte so by Raell’s reasoning it could have been Luthor because its unlikely that one would naturally be in town. Cor’Nal suggests that we get everyone together and speak of the previous nights and what the actions of the group should be. Raell goes and retrieves Luthor while Cor’Nal goes to retrieve Ademar and hands him the necklace of protection +1 that he had identified the night before. So everyone is brought into a meeting in Cor’Nal’s room where everyone is informed by Cor’Nal that he has information that shows the dwarf they are looking for is in the baron’s estate. Ademar quickly says no to Raell’s suggestions of asking the baron or paying the baron for the dwarf because he feels that both of those options would prove useless. Luthor then speaks up with another option of working with the black glove 13 and in exchange for the assassination of Black Rhett they will help take out the baron. Raell quickly wastes no time in accusing Luthor of the killing of Will Wilson where Luthor defends his status of being innocent. Raell then suggests that before he is willing to go along with the black glove 13 he wishes to speak with them in person and Ademar quickly agrees with that motion. Cor’Nal then starts asking about how Luthor knows of the black glove 13 where Luthor starts supplying the group with a few shady answers to shift the focus of the discussion. Cor’Nal then says that if things are going to continue that we are going to have to be completely honest with each other and not hold secrets and work as a group which everyone agrees to. The group also discuses what is to be done with Gareth and should they include him on everything or should he be left out should he be a spy for someone. The group agrees that they will finish the preparations for tonight’s doings and then judge his reaction to try to figure out if he is in league with anyone or not. Cor’Nal then ask that Gareth accompany him for the day so he can not only keep on eye on him but judge his character and before leaving the room turns to Luthor and pulls out the amulet of golem bane and says that it wasn’t the cause of the curse and that he try not to pawn things off on him that he senses as a threat Luthor accepts the amulet but after a few thoughts hands it back saying that he would rather someone in the front line hold on to it. Luthor then leaves and goes to try to set up a meeting with the black glove 13. He goes and speaks with Tink letting him know that his group is interested in doing the job but they would like to speak with BG13 before accepting it Tink says that he will see what he can do to arrange a meeting with Kazen. He meets with Kazen and explains the situation with him where Luthor is informed that he will not meet with them in person but he will send Tink, Kazen, Digger and a couple others to speak with the group on Boss Kasey’s behalf at 30 minutes after closing downstairs.
Cor’Nal and Gareth leave for the market place, Raell and Ademar stay in the inn for the day and speak with Stuck Pig. While eating breakfast Ademar strikes up a conversation with Stuck Pig about his life and the things that go on around the town. Raell then after hearing some stories slides Stuck Pig 20g and tells him not to tell anyone and to have fun in the market place. After Stuck Pig leaves them Raell asks if Ademar knows anything about the dealings that Luthor is into in the town. Ademar responds and says that he only knows of one that involved a holy man and that he urged him not to continue them on his own but feels that he would not listen.
While in the market place Cor’Nal sells a few of the items that they have received (most likely for a loss) and happens to pick up 2 diamonds worth 300gp each and 1 diamond worth 150gp a ring of white yellow and rose gold in the shape of leaves going around it with a faint glow of evocation and then finds a man selling wands but the man has no clue as to what any of them do and is charging 50g for each of them. So he decides to just buy all 7 of them and give them to Luthor to use and while he is at it he picks up 20 master worked arrows for Ademar. While on his was out of the market place Cor’Nal spots the Baron and Throd at a clothier and he looks them over for any magic affects and finds that the baron carries none but Throd carries many. Cor’Nal speaks to Gareth and finds that he has never been this far north before and hails from North Hembers where he was an enlisted man and after his service was up he joined a mercenary group and then left that to venture north because he has heard that it is more lawless and that there was gold to be made. They leave the market place selling everything but the goblet and the choker.
The rest of the day goes smoothly and the group meets up and spends the day in Tread Light where they discuss previous adventures and speak to Gareth where they learn a little more of him and judge his character while Ademar fights with his lack of tolerance with wine. After closing the group meets down stairs in the tavern as planned and speaks with BG13 about what they plan to do after Black Rhett is eliminated. Raell gets into a heated debate with BG13 over the topic of Farcus Winslow. BG13 says that they have no concern over the dwarf and they have no intention of a counter negotiation with them the group either accepts the offer or doesn’t but there will be no countering. Ademar is concerned that the BG13 has acted out and taken care of things in the same manner as does Black Rhett and they assure him that they are just the voice behind what is done they are not the hammer that carries it out. Raell then brings up the fact that Widow Monterey was not dead or killed by Black Rhett’s doing and that we were involved but did not kill her that she was already dead and that we had to go in to retrieve Luthor at one point for he was in there and dead and that we had went in to retrieve him and bring him back from the dead. This brings the BG13 group to an uneasy stance and they then ask if we are in league with Black Rhett and that they are altruistic and that they don’t want to be taxed any more. They just want the group to break the spokes of the wheel that support the baron in hopes that the baron will fall after words on his own. They want to see the town prosper because it is made up of people that did wrongs and came there to get away and start new but they cannot do it while under the baron's rule and they look to change that. The BG13 states that they are not fond of Raell and that they tire of his talk about the baron the group either takes the offer or not but they will discuss it no longer. The group agrees to take the job and Luthor says the group will do it for 200g per head which Ademar does not seem to be happy with since it’s a job that they have not been able to complete themselves. The group is then given information pertaining to where the people of Black Rhett’s group are and that they are to eliminate only Black Rhett, Marcus Two Blades, Cypher and Keel-hull Tom.
So with some discussion the group heads over to the east side of town where they check out Marcus Two Blades house where there is no smoke coming out of the chimney and the windows are black so after scouting the house the group heads over to The Longest Mile where they get a table and have a drink and Raell decides to get an audience with Black Rhett. Raell speaks with Rhett about any jobs that he might have for him and comes out with nothing more than the information that Rhett’s whole group is in the room with him. For the rest of the night the group sits and watches the inn and as the last of the people leave Keel-hull Tom comes out to throw out a couple of stubborn drunk patrons and gets into an argument with Cor’Nal that got heated but didn’t go any further. The group leaves with the exception of Raell and Gareth who have rooms in the inn and retire to them. Once in their room they lower down a rope and the rest of the group climbs up into their rooms unnoticed. A plan is then devised for Ademar to hide behind the door in Gareth’s room and for Raell to go down and get Flanders to bring up something to fix a supposed leaking roof. The plan goes off without a hitch with Ademar not only hitting him but criting him he is then left in the room and the door is locked behind the group as they go downstairs. Once downstairs Gareth and Ademar take up spots in the stairs Luthor takes up a spot in one of the booths by the front door and Cor’Nal brings in Basali through the back of the kitchen. Raell then goes and pounds on the door where Black Rhett is and telling him that he has seen some people in the stables who he assumes is with the BG13 because they only have one black glove on. Rhett sends out Cypher through a secret door to check after closing the door on Raell. Raell tries to force the door back open and manages to push Keel Hull Tom out of the way and enters yelling they’re here while Keel-hull Tom pulls out a great sword and pushes the door closed again. Cypher then comes back in saying that there wasn’t anyone out there and then they bring Raell into the room and the fight starts with Cor’Nal casting shape wood and takes away 10’ of the wall exposing the still living Raell and the whole group and the fight ensues. Black Rhett and his group is slain with Raell almost dying. After healing Raell the group brings the bodies of the dead inside the tavern and covers up the sight of the battle. Luthor searches the room Rhett was in and finds a secret trap door where he finds Fangis and leaves him for Cor’Nal to retrieve and he heads out of the room for the room Flanders was left in and that’s where the session ends.

The Lay Of The Death Of Ademar

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I had no idea what I was walking into that day. We had been in the cave such an extended time that I no longer had any recollection of day or night or even what day it was. My companions and I were weary of being beneath the ground but there was one more unexplored corridor, with one more unknown cavern beyond. We had to make sure that we would not be attacked from that direction before we rested, hopefully for the last time in this sinister subterranean world. Raell, the ranger trapped within a hulking barbarian body, had set off to explore the passage but I had stopped him. I knew that I was better suited to the task. Sneaking around in the quiet darkness had become my area of comfort, the one thing I seemed to excel at. “Go rest, I’m sure there is nothing down there.” I told him. “I’ll go have a peek and be back before you get your rations out of your pack.” With that I moved off silently down the passage.

It was just like many of the other passages we had encountered in the complex. It seemed to have been carved into the stone by the underground river which raced nearby. The roar of that river could be heard faintly still, and the slight tremor caused by its passing pulsed below my feet. Though the corridor was dark there was just enough residual light from my companions in the other chamber that my keen eyesight had no trouble guiding me. ‘Another reason for the elf to do the scouting.’ I thought to myself, imagining Raell groping around blindly in the darkness.

It did not take long to reach the end of the corridor which opened up into a very large chamber. The ceiling rose quickly out of sight and the floor was only visible through half of the room before it dropped over a ledge at the far end. The room appeared to be empty at first. I was ready to turn around and call it a day when I spotted something near the lip of the ridge, it looked like a body. They say that curiosity killed the cat, well, it has certainly brought me my share of hardship yet, I could not resist.

Onward I crept across the bare stone floor, my eyes were darting everywhere looking for danger, the hair on the back of my neck was on end, what a rush! As I neared the body, that of a mutilated and obviously dead ogre, the smooth floor gave way to a surface covered in small broken stones and lose gravel. Just as I reached the rim of the gorge my foot slipped on the gravel surface ever so slightly. I cursed myself silently as a few small stones rushed over the edge to fall with a soft clatter to the floor below. After a few tense seconds where my heart remained still no danger came so I turned to examine the ogre corpse.

That is when I heard it, the sound of something very large moving very fast, the sound of air rushing over scales and horns. The sound of my doom. I turned immediately back to the ridge just in time to see a massive head lift over the ledge. Covered in white and frost-blue scales with multifaceted, black eyes, the beast rose up even with my face to stare at me. I do not claim to be worldly in my knowledge of dangerous dungeon beasts but in that fraction of a second a barrage of information flooded my mind about this particular creature. Remorhaz! My blood turned cold even though I could feel the heat of the creature radiating over my body. My mind screamed for me to run but my legs were frozen in fear, it seemed even more terrifying than the dragon we had faced only hours ago!

Without hesitation the monster reared back to attack. Hunger burned in its eyes and its ruddy back plates glowed red hot in anticipation of this morsel before it. With blinding speed the remorhaz snapped forward, jaws gaping wide and full of jagged fangs. I had never felt pain like what was inflicted upon me that day. When those massive jaws clamped down around my torso it felt as if a hundred glowing hot swords had pierced my leathers. At least one of those teeth pushed through my lung and many others crushed ribs and pelvic bone but that was just the beginning. As I screamed in anguish the creature continued its assault and I realized in horror that there was nobody around to help me. Not about to release me it rose up again, its neck stretched out straight as I was lifted high into the air. In desperation I punched at the beasts’ eye, the only thing I could reach, but it was a vain attempt. The pain was unbearable at this point and, as the monsters’ teeth ground against my broken bones my world began to fade into a red haze.

Throwing back its head, the beast eased up its grip on my body and I thought for a fleeting moment that it was losing interest in me and perhaps I could escape. I was wrong. Revulsion filled me as I felt the creatures’ throat opening up below me, its jaw hinged like that of a massive snake and I could feel my legs sliding down its open throat as I no longer had control of or feeling in them. The remorhazs’ neck muscles constricted hard as the monster began to swallow. Extreme heat rolled up around me and I silently prayed to Sanasarus for a quick end while screaming in agony. I watched as I sank slowly, deeper and deeper into the creatures’ gullet. I tried several times to reach for one of my daggers, that I might inflict some sort of damage to the thing to make it release me but they were out of reach and my arms were held tight within the beasts’ esophagus. As my head passed below those massive jaws the thing swallowed again and I was pulled deeper down while I watched helplessly the closing of those jaws and the falling of complete darkness upon me. Again I screamed in pain as the heat flared up and the monsters’ insides began to squeeze. When I tried to take in a breath there was no air, in panic I tried again to punch, claw, even bite my way out of the disgusting, slime covered tomb but it was too late. I had lost too much blood, I had no control of my lower extremities and my upper body was held immobile. The red haze faded to black as I finally succumbed to my wounds.

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I don’t know how long it was but after my meeting with the remorhaz I awoke seemingly from a night terror. I found myself in a familiar though, strange location. I was back in my room at Loomis’ Frostbit Inn. ‘How could this be? This place no longer exists, I’ve seen its ashes and bare foundation!’ Strangely, this scene seemed more surreal than the remorhaz cave. I looked about the room for a moment, seeing my equipment in a heap and Est’Perolyne, that magnificent bow, leaning against the wall next to it. Everything seemed in place but something was not right. Slowly I stood up from the bed and walked to the small mirror sitting atop the changing table. Within its reflective surface I noticed with a start that my face and hands were completely unblemished! I dropped the mirror and it shattered into jagged shards. Looking at the broken facets brought a hundred different reflections of myself, some were versions of me as an old man, others showed my scarred face, many showed my childhood staring back at me curiously, none of them were the same.

I turned away from the mirror and walked to the window, this had to be a dream, this could not be real! Looking outside I could see the town of Snoam-Schlabach in flames. Men lay everywhere in impossibly deep piles their dead eyes seeming to be looking directly at me. Women ran about frantically and children screamed relentlessly as orcs and worgs stormed the streets, viciously hacking down their helpless victims with bloody swords and axes. The streets ran red with innocent blood which pooled around the inn and reflected the flickering orange flames that towered in the smoky sky.

One particularly large orc stalked into view, he was covered head to toe in armor and thick black dreadlocks hung about his shoulders. His malevolent yellow eyes looked straight at me and his tusked mouth split into a wicked smile as he took notice of me.

“No, you’re dead.” I heard myself say. “I watched you fall, you cannot live.”

Tonguescum's smile spread even wider as I spoke and he lifted a massive scimitar, the one Cor’Nal had claimed as his own, in one hand, it was dripping with dark blood. In his other hand he raised a disembodied head by its thick red and gray hair. The features of Pieter MacBrady were unmistakable despite the ashen skin tone and blank milky eyes which seemed to bore into my soul.

I wanted to scream at the orc chieftain, wanted to curse him and damn his wicked actions but found that I had no voice. Another figure walked up next to the beast, this one was squat and stout, a dwarf! This dwarf was also armored and with sickening realization I saw it for what it was; the MacBrady ancestral armor. Patch looked up at me as he stood next to Tonguescum and sneered at me from beneath the ornate helm which was a bit too large for his head.

“Like me boots elf?” He asked sarcastically as he lifted one foot from the bloody ground to afford me a better view. They were rotten, tattered, and ill fitting yet he wore them like a badge of honor. I felt bile rising into the back of my throat.

One by one, over a dozen individuals emerged from the burning town and stood outside my window. They were the evil of my past, the wrongs I had committed, the consequences of my actions. The mob outside began screaming at me, taunting me, cursing my name. They wanted my soul, wanted me to burn with them in hell. All the while the blood deepened around me, began seeping into my room over the window sill. I had to get out of here! Turning to my gear, I plucked up Est’Perolyne and a quiver of well made arrows slinging them over my shoulder. As I was strapping on my sword belt something began pounding at the door. The wall holding the portal shook violently, the pinewood door was no match for the force on the other side. In a splintering explosion the door flew inward. Through the opening came a pair of gigantic blue-white hands which gripped the upper lip of the opening and proceeded to tear the roof right off of poor Loomis’ inn. I found myself staring up at a frost giant, the very same giant my companions and I had defeated not so long ago!

Knowing that this particular monster was vulnerable to fire I pulled an arrow from my quiver and knocked it against the steel-like black string of Est’Perolyne. I smiled as the triangular tip of my arrow began glowing then, as the fletching reached my cheek and I sighted the arrow it burst into flame. Finally something in this situation was working properly. I held my breath for a heartbeat to steady my hand then let fly my flaming missile. I watched in anticipation of the hit while reaching for another arrow. The arrow never made it, several feet before the giant the flame went out. When it finally reached the monster the missile bounced off as if I had fired it into a stone wall.

The giant laughed loudly at my failure and a massive club appeared in its hand. Wasting no time it swung the business end of the crude weapon in an overhand chop at my head. I dodged to the side missing the strike but stumbling to fall on the blood soaked floor. Again the giant struck and again I dodged, for several moments this went on all the while the chanting outside continued in a dark and foreboding tone and blood began to rush into the room with frightening speed. It was not long before I was out of breath and bogged down in the warm, sticky, now knee-deep, pooling blood. I had no where to run, no help, and no hope of escaping. Fear gripped me tightly like a snake would squeeze a mouse. I found it impossible to breath, impossible to move.

“Sanastarus forgive me!” I cried out to the smoke choked sky. “Please, help me!”

The mob outside began laughing hysterically at my petition for help from a god who obviously was not listening. The maniacal cackling filled my ears and my heart grew heavy as I realized what they already knew, I had been abandoned. Turning back to the giant, I looked up into its cold eyes, the club was poised for another strike. My hand went limp around Est’Perolyne and the glorious bow splashed wetly into the pool of blood. I watched as the giants’ massive arm pumped forward but this time I did not move, this time, my world went mercifully black.

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For a long while all I knew was the darkness but slowly, as the sun creeps forth in the predawn, a gray mist rose up about me. I felt no warmth within the lazily swirling mist but neither did I feel cold. Actually there was no sensation at all, no pain, no touch, no scent, I could not even tell what direction was 'up'. For a long while I floated there in the mist, unsure of what horror I would face next. I felt strangely at peace despite the disturbing thought which crept into my mind. What if this was my fate? What if I were destined to float in this gray nothingness for all eternity? Would this be any better than the torture I would find in the pits of hell?

Before the thought could take root, a sensation came over me, the feeling that I was being watched or perhaps someone, or some thing, was seeking me out. This impression lingered and I turned about in the mist straining to see what might be out there. All I found was the swirling gray mist.

Without warning something brushed over my shoulder startling me from my contemplation. Seconds later it returned, fleeting at first, it became a soothing and firm caress. Warmth washed over me and a sense of urgency filled my being, an urgency which I did not understand. I realized that I had closed my eyes but I quickly opened them as I sensed myself moving swiftly through the mist, being pulled along by this unknown force. The vapor parted before me and swirled madly in my wake as I hurtled through the emptiness like a ship cutting through the sea at full sail.

Before I knew it the mist was gone and I found myself soaring like a bird over a vast, verdant, forest. With alarming speed which I could not control I hurtled lower and lower until my feet dangled dangerously close to the treetops. A small clearing appeared in the boughs ahead of me and, with a neck snapping change of direction that should have put my stomach in my throat (but strangely, did not), my being plunged downward toward the ground a hundred feet below. For reasons beyond my understanding, I remained calm as I plummeted toward the ground. Just before smashing back to the earth my momentum broke and I landed softly, my booted feet greeted by soft, fragrant, clover. Instantly the force which had been tugging me along dissipated allowing me free will.

It took me many heartbeats to notice but, I realized that this peaceful glade was very familiar to me. I was back in Kemmermere, a place which was a days hike outside the city of my childhood where my friends and I spent many a day in dalliance. It was strangely quiet now though, no bird song issued forth from the treetops; no rustling of small animals in the brush; not even a breeze to shake the foliage. The lack of life in this familiar place sent a shiver down my spine. Movement caught my eye just at my periphery. Turning to my left I found the only animated thing within the clearing. A dragonfly flitted about a few paces away from me, it's green jewel-like body glinted in the soft light as silvery, iridescent, wings beat furiously at the still air. Once I noticed the creature it began circling me then darted off toward the treeline. When I did not follow it wheeled around and returned to circle me again before dashing once more toward the trees.

I did not see the significance at first but, finally, sunlight revealed an old and long forgotten tale to my minds-eye. A tale which my grandmother had spun for me in my early childhood about the views of the elves before they had left the wild and moved into their great forest-cities. It was the belief of the ancient fey that dragonflies were messengers, carrying important information across the world and delivering it to those who knew how to gather it. Unfortunately the tale mentioned nothing of how to procure information from insects. At this point the dragonfly had given up on flying out toward the trees and settled on flying rings around me as I stood there in contemplation. Having no better plan I decided to follow the creature and see where fate would steer me.

"Lead on little one." I said to the bug, somehow feeling that the creature could understand my words.

In a flash of jade and a vigorous hum of beating wings the dragonfly made it's way up a small rise and toward the trees. I vaguely remember following for a short time before encountering a building just over the rise at the very edge of the trees nestled between two sprawling oaks it was a building very much out of place, which I knew had never existed there before. As we approached I made note of the details of the domicile. It was of sturdy design using stone for the walls with a high peaked, slate roof. The shutters were open showing real glass in the window frames. The dragonfly lead me right to the front of the building. I was not prepared for what I found when I approached those windows.

The building was apparently a tavern. It abounded with men and women sitting about large mahogany tables in tall chairs eating, laughing, singing, and of course, drinking. The one individual which did not belong was at a small table by himself, a hulking figure who's olive skin and broad, almost animalistic features instantly set him apart from the rest. An oft used greatsword leaned against the table in it's sheath and he sat with his back to the door, almost sullenly taking long pulls from his tankard.

"Vrock?" I whispered to myself in surprise. Seeing one of my past companions filled me with hope that I would not spend eternity alone. Without a second thought I moved to the front door and threw it wide before stepping inside. I began to move toward the half-orc but, for the second time in as many moments I was caught off guard. Magda Dervish stood before me blocking my path. A strange, mixed look of happiness and grief was stamped upon her face. I opened my mouth to speak but she placed her index finger over pursed lips and snatched my arm with her free hand leading me quickly behind the bar and into a back room. Once inside she glanced back into the taproom before closing the door behind us.

When Magda turned back to me her expression was stern, a look I had seen often in times past when there was work to be done. "Ademar," she began "we've been expecting you I'm afraid."

"Expecting?" I asked. "What is Vrock-" I began, becoming thoroughly confused at how she knew I would be arriving and why the half-orc had not passed on to someplace other than what appeared to be Magda's ideal version of Homebound.

"Yes dear, expecting." The plump barmaid cut in before I could run on. "I was warned that you would be stopping at Homebound on your way. Don't you fret, I'll do me best to explain what I can." It was then that I noticed the dragonfly which had led me here was perched upon Magda's shoulder. Noting my deepening confusion she pressed on. "I haven't much time so, I'll get to the point. You are no longer among the living as I'm sure you know by now. I'm not knowing what brings you here- just as I'm unsure why Vrock was brought here. But, I do know that this is not where either of you belong. I'm knowing that you have two paths before you now and that you have very little time to make your choice." She glanced over her shoulder again seeming to be unsure of exactly how short her time for explanation might be. "You can continue on your path to a final rest, where'er that may be, or you can find your way back to the land of the living. I'm told that Cor'Nal is even now trying to guide your spirit with the aid of Kutenai, no doubt you've felt his touch already. This is a rare opportunity you have before you Ademar."

I stood there for several moments as the weight of what Magda had said sank in. To her credit she stood by, quietly awaiting my response. The pressure of this one decision pressed heavily upon me. Did I truly want to return to the corporeal world and the trials which awaited me there or, would I be content to remain- where? What was my option? Back to the swirling gray mists, a descent into the nine hells, something else? I did not belong here with Magda and Vrock, I had been told as much already. My head swam with the possibilities and I longed for a glass of wine to sooth my troubled mind.

I believe that Magda knew what was best for me that day and she could see my internal struggle plainly. Feigning that her work awaited her she interrupted my mental struggle.

"Ademar," she said softly "might you do me a favor before you make your decision?"

Being deep in thought, I merely nodded, giving her words and manner little thought.

"There are several racks of lamb out back in my storage shed, would you mind bringing them in while you think on your fate. It would be most helpful."

I should have paid more consideration to her reddening eyes and nose or the forced calm in her voice but I was oblivious to all those things, not seeing them clearly until it was too late for it to matter. Nodding my head again I walked toward the door leading out the back of her storeroom.

When I emerged from Magda's tavern the sun was bright in a cloudless sky. The rickety old storage shed stood directly across from the door just as I remembered it in Snoam'Schlabach. The door was slightly ajar bringing back dark memories of my past. I shuddered involuntarily at the thought of the snake creature that nearly ended my life. Looking beyond the outbuilding I noticed that the forest was vibrant and alive. Birds sang, insects fluttered about on the breeze, and small animals scurried through the undergrowth. In a word, it was perfect, a place I could have remained in for all time.

Faintly I heard Magda call out behind me. "May the gods smile upon you Ademar." The comment seemed horribly out of place to me and I turned to ask why she had said such a thing but I found that the tavern was no longer there as if it had never been. It should not have surprised me but it did.

For a moment I stood quietly in the glade at the edge of the forest taking in the purity and beauty of the place. I longed to remain in this place, comfortable warm and safe. At the back of my consciousness I felt an incessant tug upon my being. I now knew it for what it was, Cor'Nal was reaching out to me, imploring me to return to my physical being.

For a long while I tried to ignore the call. I stood among the ancient trees of my youth breathing deep the sweet scent of wildflowers and damp earth underfoot. The summons, a constant tugging at my soul, did not subside. I though of all those who I could be with again if I were to stay. Old friends, my grandparents, Deedra... Her aged face and bright eyes came clearly to my mind and the thought of her nearly buckled my knees. How could I have been so selfish, how could I have forgotten my oath?!

With a great sigh I turned back to the shed at my back, it stood there still with it's door cracked open, barely. I still had purpose on the face of Atalanxia, I still had a task to complete and whether Sanastarus gave me his blessing or not I needed to see that work to it's end. Before I could change my mind I strode forward to the rickety shed and opened the door wide. Blackness greeted me there, impenetrable and frightening. The call to return strengthened, nearly pulling me into the void but I resisted. Perched upon the very precipice of my return to the living I paused and took one more look around at what could be a peaceful eternity.

"I will always have another chance at death." I said to any who might be listening. With a wry smile I scanned the scene once more trying to commit it all to memory before I succumbed to the call of my druid friend and walked again into the darkness.