Letters From the Front

[Tornado]

Shaft part 3.

Spoiler Alert!

REST and INTEROGATIONS

After the battle we noticed one more knight making a break for it. I slowed him down with an arrow to the arm. The gnome thief dropped him with a short bow shot to the nuts. Ouch. An arrow can be lethal no matter what the size. I was not aware the thief possessed such ability. LongShanks rushed forward to finish him off. The Beast Shaper wanted to do some interrogation and sent his Beast to defend the knight. Things got ugly.

LongShanks wanted blood but was hesitant to attack the Beast which was hovering over the knight. Could he possibly have a slight fear of it? He instead turned and drew his warbow on the Beast Shaper. Bad move. BrightEyes is a fellow DragonSlayer and his life is sacred to me.

So I drew my longbow on LongShanks. It was a standoff and finally we both lowered our bows. It was at this point I decided that keeping a low profile was beyond necessary. The mission has gone far beyond its original scope. Let it be known, I am Shaft. We are the DragonSlayers and we will slay any who stand in our way. And if we lose our lives fighting the madness of Winter K then other Slayers will come and avenge us.

Now it was time for some torture, err interrogation. I started with a finger then another. I am not sure what I thought I could gain from this guy . On the other hand I knew him to be an officer of some kind and deserved to suffer a bit for all the pain the knights of K have inflicted on others. I then gave him a potion to stop the bleeding from the arrows. I didn’t want him to die just yet. I informed him it was laced with a lethal poison and he had but minutes to live. He mocked me claiming a force of 200 would be on us soon and that he was only buying time for the other knights. I removed his hand, upper fore-arm, and finally his head.

LongShanks had stormed off so we had to convince his buddy to bring him back. I decided it would be a good idea to climb a high tree to get a look around. This is a memory I would just soon forget. Suffice to say I nearly killed myself and soiled my pants in the process. However I did return to the ground safely for some healer lovin'.

We then discussed in length our next move. We summoned up Brother Brother with our crystal amulets and were reminded that we were supposed to meet him in Tyyr in less than two weeks. I don’t think we could get off this stinking mountain in two weeks. Our only chance was to go back to LongShank’s village and go back to the stone circle that teleported us here.

We made it and luckily the Dweller was waiting for us. She activated the circle and in an instant we were back on the outskirts of Tyyr. We came in through the front gates this time and were questioned by the town guard as to what we were doing here. “Gnomish business” said the Beast Shaper. The guard let us pass without a hassle. Damn, that’s respect, and having a healer in the party can’t hurt either. No one respects an assassin until it’s too late.

We headed back to our favorite Inn and I got real friendly with the InnKeeper. Now that the word is out that we are Slayer’s it was time to use my open account. Who knows when we will be able to buy a hot meal again. The InnKeeper had my 100 arrows and I decided to put down a large (22,000 gold) deposit. This was just in case any damage was incurred on his Inn(famous last words). We tend to attract trouble and it also gives me free reign to trash my room. In the morning we went to the blacksmith for supplies and its off to the alchemist. We were escorted around town by the Inn Keeper’s two sons.

We all got hooked up at the alchemist. I got some nice new arrows and some handy potions. A soldier came in the shop, which I thought to be odd since I was told all able bodies were preparing for siege. The alchemist told me it was not uncommon, he also said that the King’s son had returned after escaping capture. I told the alchemist that the Prince sounded like a Leader I would be willing to follow.

We made our way back to the Inn and ordered some food. We awaited our guide to take us to Misty Falls. After a few bites things seemed odd. Why wasn’t there any other customers?

Beau must have felt something too because he spoke up saying things were not right. I have quickly grown to trust his “feelings”. We questioned the Inn keeper to learn he had ratted us out to the local soldiers and that we were wanted as enemies of the King. We came here to save the city and now they consider us enemies. Great. Rage was starting to build. I made my way to the back of the Inn towards the kitchen where I saw the two sons leave. I found a back door and also a pantry. Investigating the pantry, by cutting down everything in sight, I soon found the two sons.

I left the oldest for the others to watch and dragged the youngest out to his father. I told the father “Spill your guts or I spill his”. Greedy bastard was slow to respond so I removed his son’s leg. He still wouldn’t talk so I ran him through and headed towards the back door. Soldiers were already entering the back alley.

I tossed a Molotov Cocktail I acquired from Capn’ Smurf into the Inn as I exited, covering that route from any pursuers, “burn baby burn”. There goes my deposit.

BrightEyes was running defense with the Beast, which proved to be extremely effective. I played the old run and shoot with the longbow and we soon broke through the soldiers and were in full out flee mode. We were screwed, trapped in a city with an army trying to capture us and if we managed to escape there was another army outside the city that wants us dead. Frying pan or Fire?

We decided to try the alchemist. We did drop some major cash on him and he seemed very friendly to our party gnomes. We made it to his shop and he was very helpful. He gave us a moment alone and we summoned up Brother Brother for a little chat. He said he still had a good week before he would be in the city. He advised us to seek sanctuary in the local Church of the Star God. Great plan. We made up secondary arrangements with the alchemist to get us out of town. This created a false plan to cover us while we made a break for the church and also gave us a back-up plan in case things didn’t work out at the church.

At the church we were greeted with open arms, especially after displaying our amulets. We were granted sanctuary. We summoned up Brother Brother again for the local priest to speak to. He chewed us out because we cut him off during our last chat, oops. He backed our story and just in time because the Prince’s men had come for us. The priest defended us and now it looks like we will be going to trial. Will we be able to convince these people that we are trying to save them from Winter K ?

[Tornado]

Shaft. Part 4. Dream sequence.

Spoiler Alert!

The Tower of Baal

That night I slept for what seemed like only a moment. When I awoke I was in a different place. Beside me was JaKeef the gnome thief, a human healer ( easy to recognize with that same healer bag Beau carries) and some horrible undead looking creature.

In front of us was a large figure in white robes. He had an almost animal like appearance including two small horns on his head. He was surrounded by many angelic flying creatures. They were the size of gnomes, but extremely beautiful. The horned man began explaining to us that there was a terrible evil about to be unleashed on the world. It was the Chaos Orb. An extremely powerful artifact that had fallen into the wrong hands. Damn that sounds familiar.

We had been summoned to retrieve this Orb before its power could be unleashed and we only had four hours. He created a magic door to teleport us close to the Orb’s location. The undead creature went first and I took the opportunity to ask some questions as to his nature. The horned man said he was a special being known as Baal, once a man, and that he was important to the mission and that I had nothing to fear from him. For some reason this was good enough for me and I stepped through the door.

I found myself knee high in water. We were in a big swamp. I do remember the horned man saying that we would be in the savage lands of the north. Looking around I could not see much until I looked up. There I saw a tower floating in the sky on a piece of land seemingly ripped from the earth. Seemed like a likely place for the Orb. We began sloshing towards the tower.

We soon discovered we were being followed by a giant like creature with gray skin. We tried to scare it off with a couple arrows and every time we would move towards it, the grey man would back off only to continue following us when we began to march again. I instructed the others to continue forward as I hid behind a large tree. I waited for the gray man to pass by and circled behind him. One quick swing of the Darkstar and his leg came off and he went down. Let’s see you follow us now, heh.

I was feeling rather bad ass when this huge creature emerged from the water next to me. It was like a giant worm with a cavernous mouth filled with rows of dagger like teeth. I almost peed my pants. Thank the gods it didn’t attack me. Thinking back now I guess I really wouldn’t be much more than a morsel to such a huge creature. The worm attacked the gray man. I hid behind the tree.

Baal came running in drawing a sword that erupted into flames. I didn’t know what was scarier the giant worm or the living dead with the flaming sword. I felt somewhat committed to helping so I dropped a few arrows into the worm. I also noticed that gray man fared quite well from the worm attack. In fact he didn’t seem to have a scratch on him.

We battled the worm until it finally fell. Looking around we noticed the gray man gone and so was his leg I removed. I didn’t stick around to figure it out, we were already running out of time. We soon emerged from the thickness of the swamp. Before us was a huge crater surrounded by four towers. The crater was apparently created when the center tower rose to the sky taking a large piece of ground with it. How are we going to get up there?

We checked out the first tower and found it to be guarded by two giants. They began approaching us weapons drawn. I fired my bow, pinning one giant’s weapon arm to his side. A second shot severed his spine. Damn its like I can’t miss today. Baal rushed in again, enveloped in a globe of darkness . I could hear him hacking away at the giant while in the blackness.

The dark disappeared, and Baal levitated up until he was eye to eye with the giant. Then he removed the brute’s head with a swift move. The Healer let it be known that he had three scrolls of levitation we could use. Sounded like a plan. We floated up to the center tower. We landed on the ground surrounding the tower, except Baal who floated up to the top of the tower. He came back informing us there was no other way into the tower besides the ground floor door.

Entering we found a large room with what appeared to have a magic circle in the center. There was also about a half dozen doors. Behind door two we found a human in bad shape, looking to be a slave perhaps. He cried and whined ( I seem to be short on feelings especially compassion) and Baal tossed him in the circle. He disappeared. Neat.

After further exploration we found various rooms some of extreme splendor, some unkempt and seemingly defiled. Some of the others tried out the circle, eventually returning and informing us that it/they led to the other four towers. We soon came into a chamber with four “slaves”. I questioned them and they all cried some more. I put each one out of their misery.

We finally found a large round room with a large metal pole in the center. On the other side of the room was an archway revealing stairs going both up and down. It was at this point I noticed Brighteyes was with us but his brother JaKeef was no longer. This did not seem odd to me.

The healer and Baal ran over to the stairs. Hmm seems safe. The Beast Shaper and I walked over to the stairs. Just then stone slabs fell in place to block all exits. The pole began to spin and oil was spilling in from somewhere above. Now I noticed metal “arms” attached to the pole which were also now spinning and throwing sparks across the walls of the room. Not good.

I quickly ran over to the pole and cleaved it in two. No more sparks. I then chopped my way through the stone until I made a hole big enough to make it up the stairs. What would I do without the sword of the DarkStar ?

Up the stairs and more exploring. We fell into a trap. An illusion with a pit trap of some sort, perhaps just more teleportation magic. Either way BrightEyes and I were in a round room with six doors and a pedestal in the middle. The pedestal had an hourglass that had nearly ran out of sand and a large red button. Brighteyes pressed the button before the sand ran out and the hourglass flipped over. OK.

I told Brighteyes to man the button and I hacked my way through a door. Looking down some hallways I found a silver door. I walked up to it. Just before reaching the door I stepped in a trap. A small hole containing metal jaws that snapped shut on my leg. The pain was horrible. It must have been about this time that Baal and the Healer had found the gnome and opened all the doors including the Silver door.
I could now see into a chamber where a powerful looking demon looked to be performing a ritual with this glowing Orb that was making a rhythmic thumping sound. Oh crap, this was it.

Baal rushed in again. I couldn’t get out and I was losing a lot of blood. The healer ran over to help me. Time was running out. I could try to cut my way out of the trap but would I be too late? I gambled and decided to throw my sword. I cashed in all my good karma and heaved my sword with all my might. It struck home. Honestly though, it didn’t really seem to bother him.

That was it, game over. I was trapped and I just threw away my only chance to escape. I decided to get some smoke from my backpack so I could pack up a bowl to ease my pain. As I rummaged I noticed a strange bottle. The label read Power Potion. What the hell was that and how did it get in my pack? The Gods? At this point it didn’t matter if it was poison I was drinking it.

The next thing I knew I was strong, strong, strong. Everything I saw was in a shade of red. All I could hear was rhythmic thumping. I made my way towards the sound. My leg didn’t seem to be trapped anymore, there was no pain. For a moment I was a god.

I power slapped the Demon Lord. He flew across the room and into the wall which collapsed on top of him. Power overwhelmed me. Shaft Smash. Shaft Smash. I destroyed everything near me with my bare hands, and then the thumping again. My eyes set on the orb and my mind cleared. I removed the Orb from the demon’s crumpled corpse and Baal unleashed a spell to teleport us out of there.

We arrived near another magic circle which I tossed the Orb into. It disappeared. We did it. Then the Power was gone and at a hefty price. I had almost no strength. My leg was shredded and broken. The Horned Man appeared before us holding a non-beating Orb. He crushed it in his hand and thanked us for our service. He introduced himself as Tulsa Doom and informed us that we must all die.

I pulled out my bow. I could feel my strength slowly returning but I didn’t have enough to draw the bow. I pulled out my old “normal” longsword. It was too heavy to wield. I resorted to my trusty rusty dagger and began applying my most wicked poison to its blade.

During this time BrightEyes had his Beast charging into combat. He continued weaving his magic and it kept growing. In seconds it had become the size of a giant and was wielding an enormous stone club, which it pummeled T.D. with. Baal had helped the cause by invoking some incredibly powerful magic that allowed us all to act twice as quickly as normal.

The Beast took a mighty wound from T.D.’s sword. The cut sprayed lava like blood all over T.D. I would say he gave as good as he got. Baal was happily hacking away. It was then I noticed he wasn’t wielding his flaming sword but my sword of the DarkStar. At first I didn’t like this but I realized at least it didn’t get left behind, and besides I was in no condition to swing the weapon.

Then the Healer ran forward babbling loudly “abbracadabbraabbracadabbraabbracadabbra” . He threw a bag that hit T.D. and exploded in a cloud of powder. He just kind of froze in place. Baal took full advantage of this and promptly severed Tulsa Doom’s head.

Dark waves rippled all around. Baal began to cackle loudly. He spun around deftly and bowed before me, extending the Sword of the DarStar in my direction. I looked at the Healer and BrightEyes, who both just stared forward blankly as their heads rolled from their necks.
Baal approached me.


I AWOKE SCREAMING

[Tornado]

Shaft. Part 5.

Spoiler Alert!

TRIAL and TRIBULATION

We holed up at the Church for a couple days and got some much needed rest. I gave Father Brother an amulet I bought from the gnome alchemist that helped the wearer whenever they acted peacefully or were taking action towards peace. I also suggested the priest talk with the gnome alchemist and see if he would speak on our behalf. He seemed to favor the twin gnome brothers in our party.

The next day all the nobles and the judge/jury/whatever came to pass judgment. They brought with them enough soldiers to ensure we would not escape. The charges against us were over exaggerated and it was not looking good. Brother Father spoke valiantly on our behalf.

Unfortunately it did not look to be enough. Some party members decided to say a few words on our behalf. I chose to ask the priest where the gnome was. He just shrugged his shoulders. As the mob was about to find us guilty for treason and sentence us to death the crowd parted as the gnome alchemist made his entrance.

He declared us as good people and that we were innocent and under his protection. Nobody but us seemed happy about that fact but begrudgingly accepted. Nice. He then informed us that he basically owned our ass and that we would be required to do one job for him as payment. An offer we can’t refuse. Not so nice.

Now we just had to wait for the arrival of Brother Brother and George George (a patron of the Dragon Slayers). When they did arrive they told us that there was a huge army on its way here to attack. The situation was grim. He did have with him the power to hide a large area from Winter K’s all seeing eyes, powers K had received from the Orb of Chaos.

I suggested we use the power of the teleportation circles to return to Barbarian lands and bring back their army. All agreed and we were off. The army had assembled and was awaiting our return. We told them our plan and they couldn’t wait to repay the forces of Winter K for slaughtering their kin. We prepared for battle that night in BarBar tradition. We got loaded.

I was enjoying my dinner when I was approached by the BarBar clan leader I had challenged at the first big meeting. The one who’s chest I cleaved open. He seemed to have healed up just fine, tough SoB. He challenged me and I didn’t really see the point in fighting him. Before I was trying to stop him from causing a mass exodus when we needed to rally. Now he was just being drunk and stupid. He pressed me further by knocking my food to the ground.

I stood up drawing my sword and shield. He moved forward and I stunned him with a wicked jab to the nose. Almost simultaneously I cleaved his sword in half with my sword of the DarkStar. I sheathed my sword and sat down and tried to get some more food. He got up and threw the hilt of his sword at me, which I blocked with my shield.

I jumped up and delivered an even more brutal blow to his face laying him on his ass. I gave him a kick in the chest for emphasis. I told him to save his anger for the true enemy that we would be facing shortly. He stormed off. LongShanks told me I should have slain him. I do not understand their ways. I am an assassin, I kill with a purpose.

The rest of the night was uneventful and we drank wine long into the night. In the morning Brother Brother began the task of teleporting an entire army back to Tyyr. The BarBars numbered 5000 strong, very strong. The townspeople did not want this army in their walls. They have been fighting with the Barbarians off and on for centuries. With a little convincing they realized we had just doubled the size of the city’s army and greatly increased our odds in the upcoming siege. The BarBars were led to some shabby quarters to await the enemy.

I was a few arrows short of a full quiver so I went to the alchemist to see what he could do for me. He hooked me up with some extraordinary magical arrows. One that drilled into the target. Another that delivered a shocking force to nonliving objects. Also a Black arrow that was indestructible and was designed to fly like no other. Impressive.

He said it was on the house, he also helped out the others to some equipment. He then informed us that it was time to do our job for him. We had but one week to accomplish this mission. We must capture and return with a gnome magic user that owed the alchemist some money or so he said. This gnome happens to be working for/with the army that was going to attack this city in just over a weeks time. Great. He offered no other information nor suggestions, only saying we must do this.

We went back to the Church to speak with Brother Brother to find out he had already left to a city in the north east kingdom that was currently under siege. Beau and I used our talismans to contact him. He informed us that the army was 10,000 strong and that they are 4-5 days journey, for us, away. We inquired about the gnome and he wanted to know why we were after him. I said the gnome was the key to the army’s strength. He said that the general was the key. That his heart was not in it and perhaps he could be converted to our side.

He had to go and asked if we had any other questions. I told him that we were working for the gnome alchemist just as he was fading out. Heh. I doubt he appreciated that. Things looked bad not only did it seem impossible to capture a wizard from such a huge army but worst there was no way we could make it there and back in the allotted time. I inquired if there were any circles of teleportation that went near to where the army was. Father Brother proclaimed there was and that he possessed the power to use it. Hurrah. Only thing was he needed to go now because he was maintaining the shield/cloak that was protecting us from the eyes of Winter K.

I asked if he could contact Brother Brother as we could. He said yes. So I told him we would contact B.B. to contact him and tell him we needed to come get us and teleport us back. Great plan. We hiked up to the circle and in a blink we were somewhere else. This circle was surrounded by ancient structures dilapidated over time. It was past midday and we had a long trek still to get where the army should be. We decided to make camp here instead of risking a night in the woods. We picked a fairly secure building with a good view of the circle. I was convinced someone/thing would teleport in on us during the night. We took turns on watch.

Beau was last and had an interesting encounter. I was awoken by a horrible stench. As I got my senses about me I saw Beau standing next to a large humanoid I did not recognize. It was extremely hairy with long arms. He seemed to just be observing Beau who cast a spell and made some fresh bread appear. The creature tried some and seemed to like it. The next thing I knew it was gone. A quick scan and I saw at least two more disappear into the woods and perhaps one more, hard to tell. Kinda freaky but I wonder if we just made some friends. In the morning we contacted B.B. He said his time was short. I asked for any other info he had on the army. He replied beware they have two wizards and our contact was broken.

We made our way to the main road which we knew the army would be traveling on. Heading south we soon found them. A large dust cloud betrayed their location from a far distance. Our plan was to have me try and take out a couple soldiers that were collecting wood and steal their clothes. Then Beau and I would wear the clothes and pretend to be members of the army. We would use the gnomes as bait, pretending that they were captured.

I snuck up close to some woodcutters using a Leaf Cloak I acquired from the alchemist. This allows the wearer to blend in with their surroundings as long as you are in a wooded area with leaves or needles in the case of pine trees. Well I wasn’t exactly quiet and I attracted the attention of a soldier acting as a look out. He started walking my way. I tried to remain motionless. He was looking right at me but I knew he couldn’t really see me because of the leaf cloak. He called another soldier to come to him. He said “whats up Fred?” and started walking my way. By now Fred was inches from me.

I drew my sword and with one swift move cleaved through his armor and chest. He went down as the other soldier drew his sword. I struck the upstart in the throat with my shield, silencing him, while finishing Fred off with another blow to the chest. This pretty much destroyed his uniform, which was the reason I was killing him. Damn. Had to do better on this guy. He swung at me in vain and I responded by slicing his face open. Effective. I put on the soldiers clothes, putting mine in my backpack. Now I made my way towards the sound of chopping wood. I discovered a lone soldier and told him to hurry that Fred was hurt and took off back towards my last battle. When we got there I removed his skullcap with a precision sword strike.

I gathered his clothes for Beau. I dragged the bodies next to a large fallen tree. I then used my sword to cut down another large tree. It fell on the bodies hiding them better than I expected. I returned and Beau put on the soldier clothes. We tied up the gnome brothers loosely and they left some of their equipment and weapons with the Beast. We walked back to the area where I killed the wood choppers. When asked what we were doing we told them we had caught these gnomes spying on the camp. We were instructed to take them to the lieutenant.

We made our way into the camp. It was huge. One could not take the whole thing in. There were thousands upon thousands of tents a few more fortified looking areas where they had mounded up rings of dirt with only one way in or out. Also there were many different races here, including giants. We were questioned a few more times and directed to the lieutenant’s fortified location. We gave him our story and he took our gnomes. He reprimanded us for having dirty bloody uniforms. We said that we were sorry but the urgency of the situation required us to come to him immediately. He asked our names. I declared I was Tom DeLong and Beau was now John. Lt. said we would be nominated for a silver star or was it a leaf, anyway we were forced to leave after I offered the Lt. some Black Moonga. I learned that the general hated drugs and I blew any chance to get further information from the Lt. I was starting to wonder exactly what we had just gotten ourselves into. Who knows what they were doing to the gnome brothers. We needed to do something.

First matter was getting some clean clothes. Beau and I ripped off some new threads from an unoccupied tent. We then made our way to the center of camp, for that is where they have the most fortified structure. We assumed the brothers would be there. On the way I stopped to talk to a green recruit. I learned that the gnome wizard was feared by all and most that entered his tent never returned. Also the gnome was a priest of the new world order, a new religion worshiping Winter K and the Chaos Orb. So now we had to capture not only a gnome but a gnome wizard/priest. Shudder.

Beau asked the teen what he was scared of. This ticked him off and he left us. We made our way to the one entrance to the central headquarters. We were stopped by guards and they inquired as to our business. We told them we had additional information about the gnomes we captured. He said we would be summoned if anyone important wanted to talk to us. He also started asking us specific questions as to our commanders and what division we were in. I blew him off by saying my tent is over there, pointing to the north and left. He soon came running after me saying that we had just been summoned to see the gnome. He said that he was glad to not to be in our shoes.

Another soldier led us to a large tent. The inside was lush and extravagant. There were the brothers looking to be in good shape and another gnome in hot pink robes. Stylin'. He wanted to know how we were able to capture these two. Then he decided to split us up. I was taken to a second chamber by a beautiful chamber maid. She brought me food and drink and I was soon called back to the wizard. He wanted my story and I told him we got lucky and stumbled upon them. We tackled the two and tied them up. Brighteyes interjected that they were sleeping.

Now the wizard wanted to know what we did with their equipment. I told him most of it looked dangerous and I only took a couple items. “Let’s see them” I showed him my Black Moonga and my Giant Tobacco. He confiscated them reminding me that the General hates drugs. He instructed us to go retrieve the brother’s equipment. It was at this time I thought we should attack the gnome but even if we could somehow defeat him, how in the hell could we escape from the middle of this army. I was really torn, instinct told me to strike but my mind told me the Beast was the key to our escaping this encampment alive. I guess brains won out because we left.

We hauled ass back to the equipment and the Beast got into a backpack which Beau carried. Back we went. When we returned to the headquarters, we were led to a different tent. This one was plain and large and contained many soldiers. The wizard gnome was there and he introduced us to our/their General. This didn’t look good at all. We were instructed to bring forth the brother’s captured items. We did and he went through it sorting out each item.

The wizard decided the brothers were spies and invited us to watch them be tortured, though he didn’t use the word torture, as an assassin I knew what he meant. Of course we went. I was happy to be away from the military people but not exactly excited to be alone with the wizard.

Upon returning the wizard wanted to know who the brothers were working for. Brighteyes responded “the alchemist, you will be returning to Tyyr with us.” Oh crap. No choice now but to fight it out. I drew my sword which could have been a fatal mistake. I should have attempted to stun or silence the wizard. Now he was casting a spell. The BeastShaper also worked some magic and it somehow disrupted the wizards casting. Very interesting for I thought the gnome’s magic only affected his Beast. The wizard drew out a silver wand. The Beast had grown to its second form and was attacking the wizard. I didn’t waste a second chance and struck a stunning blow to the little gnome’s skull. I made a wild swing at his wand but missed badly.

Beau ran up and stuck something in the dazed wizard’s mouth and he slumped over snoring. We did it! The slaves and chambermaids had all ran off and Ja-Keef was nowhere to be found. Now what ? Brighteyes suggested he wear the wizard’s robes (a shiny pearl number) and be an impostor. Sounded good. We switched their clothes and tied and gagged the wizard now in Brighteye’s clothes. Beau informed us that the herb he applied would only keep him asleep at most 12 hours but he did have another dose. He also stated their was a small chance he could slip into a coma perhaps 1 out of 20 uses.

Now Brighteyes was dead set on retrieving his lost equipment. I completely understood and felt pretty much responsible for losing a fellow DragonSlayer’s possessions. I agreed to go with him. Beau felt otherwise and was able to talk us out of the plan. Walking back into the tent with the General and other high ranking officers could be very bad and I told the BeastShaper that I would use the DragonSlayer’s account to replace all that he lost. He agreed and we calmly walked out the tent and towards the entrance/exit to the compound.

No one questioned us, in fact they got out of our way. I noticed Ja-Keef move up next to me. In a hushed whisper I told him about the switcharoo and suggested he walk next to his brother. The guards at the exit let us pass without hassle and so we continued right out of camp. No one saying a word to us. We made our way down the road and back into the woods.

We tried to contact Brother Brother. who came through choppy and distant. We told him to contact Father Brother for us. I believe he said he would before he faded out. Drat. We hiked back to the ruins and the teleportation circle. During that hike Beau gave the gnome wizard his last herb dosage. He seemed to drop into a deeper sleep, perhaps a coma.

We made it back to the circle but F.B. was nowhere to be found. Not Good. We tried again to contact B.B. and got nothing. Really bad. We have been gone 2 days and we were 4-5 days from Tyyr. With only a week’s total time to return with this gnome. Now we must decide to leave now and hike back or wait here at the circle and hope Father Brother shows?

[Tornado]

Shaft Part 6. Closing in on the end.

Spoiler Alert!

SIR GOOCHI and DEATH in the GRASS

We discussed our options and tried to contact Brother Brother, again to no avail. It was then that the warrior Sir Goochi appeared. “I have returned to assist you.” It was decided that Beau would drink his fly potion and pull the rest of us who all read scrolls of levitation, also supplied by Beau. Soon we were back to the road and following it north. The spells ran out in an hour but we had put much distance between us and the army. We marched on.

At dusk we stopped to discuss camping or marching through the night. Beau suggested an herb he had to resist fatigue. It would keep us alert and energized for twelve days but we would then require two days sleep. Great, so we might fall asleep during the siege on Tyyr. Well now is now and I didn’t see a better option so we each chewed a bitter leaf. Zing. I was wide awake now. Beau cast a spell and created bread and water for us saying the herb would not stop our hunger or thirst. We pressed on.

The next day we noticed we were being followed by a large quadruped creature with a very humanoid appearance. I invoked my necklace which gives me the senses of a marsupial lion. I smelled old death. Another creature ran across the road in front of us. Smelled like a marsupial wolf. I didn’t like this one bit. I pulled out a flask of oil and made a Molotov which I tossed into the high grasses which flanked both sides of the road. Flames erupted and spread quickly. We moved on.

The next day the thing came back.

Surprising us by leaping out of the grasses and grabbing Brighteyes. It ran off and I quickly drew my bow. I fired an arrow poisoned with scorpion blood. It struck home. The beast dropped the gnome and collapsed to the ground struggling to breathe. I knew the poison had taken effect and respiratory failure was immanent. I decided to take its head as a trophy to ask the alchemist if he knew what it was. The rest of the journey was uneventful.

Tyyr was locked up tight and they were not about to let us in. I informed the gate keeper that we were here to meet the alchemist and that he does not like to be kept waiting. I asked to know his name so I could tell the alchemist exactly who it was that kept him waiting. Seconds later the gates open. Name dropping gnomes seems to open many doors.

Soon we were at the alchemist shop and he welcomed us. We told him about the mission which he didn’t seem to care about. I showed him the head of the creature I killed. He said it was a powerful demon from another realm. He was surprised we lived. He told us we must leave so he could attend to the gnome wizard we had brought him.

We did and went to the Church. Father Brother was there and we were happy to see him. We told him our story and he informed us that he could not contact BrothervBrother either. So Beau and I tried again. Nothing. One more time I said. This time I cleared my mind and opened up my consciousness to the universe. I said a little prayer to the Star God and we touched our crystal amulets together.

Brother Brother appeared but we could barely make him out, he seemed to be on the run. “How did you contact me?” he wondered. "The Gods" I said. He informed us that the town he went to had fallen quickly and that the few survivors were retreating to the King’s Castle. That’s not so great. He also chewed me out for waiting to give him the info on the gnome wizard until the last second. It is just my assassin nature to withhold information.

We went to an armorer, smithy, and a jeweler to restock supplies. We then went to the building where all the leaders were discussing/arguing about the siege. I came in and tried to be all dramatic and cleave a table in half with my sword and get them to shut up. Unfortunately I tripped on a loose floorboard and missed the table completely, ripping up a few more floorboards in the process. Oops.

Well everyone did shut up. I told them they were fools and that Yo had already fallen. They said we knew nothing and we were cowards for leaving the city the last few days. The BarBars including Longshanks did not take kindly to that. Their hands went to their hilts. I raised my hand and asked for a moment. I informed them that us cowards had infiltrated the enemy army and relieved them of their wizard and that we had further details on the army if they were ready to stop arguing and listen to us.

This calmed people down a bit until I got into details about the army namely the giants. People were frightened. Someone suggested that we try guerrilla tactics on the army as they approach which the BarBars seemed into. Discussion moved this way. I took this chance to talk with the city wizard who had been quiet so far. He seemed extremely under powered for the defender of such a great city and a little arrogant considering his lack of magical firepower. Well the discussion went bad and he was obviously highly prejudice towards the BarBar. Of course Longshanks overheard and caused an uproar. Weapons were drawn, voices raised, and I walked out. I don’t understand why the others can’t see. Perhaps if these were my lands I would look at things differently.

It was back to the Church then to let Father Brother know how it went. I recommended that he give a speech to try and smooth things out between the BarBars and city folk. He agreed and said he would. We are free from our debt to the gnome alchemist and I feel much better.

Now we face a war, a siege on a city that has never fallen. However those battles were against the same BarBars that are now inside the city and perhaps its only chance of survival. Can they work out their differences in time to stop the army of Winter K ?

[Tornado]

Shaft Part 7. The epic battle and the lackluster ending.

Spoiler Alert!

SLASH and WAR

The next day we went back to the alchemist. We learned that the gnome we captured was his brother and that he was disturbed by what he had learned. The situation was grim and he was going to flee the city. This worried me because I knew he must have a lifetime invested in this business or should I say city he runs. He also said there was to be a gathering of the Elders. Whom I later learned were the immortals of the gnome race. Going back to the time of the Great War.

BrightEyes returned the silver wand he had gotten from the alchemist’s brother and was rewarded handsomely with a magic cloak as good as armor. We all received “gifts”. Mine an Elven Bow which I soon learned improved my abilities more then I could have hoped.

We exchange more information confirming that indeed Tyyr was the last city to stand against Winter K. The few rag tag survivors are retreating to the castle of the King. We have an army of 10,000 just days away to our south. Two more of the same size, one to the east and one to the northeast. Thankfully many rivers and tough terrain lie between us and them. If we could somehow destroy the bridges we could perhaps slow those armies.

Our current concern though was the army to the south. Known to be led by General Slash. A ruthless leader who has never lost a battle. I believe he is the key, going on the word of Brother Brother who theorized he was fighting against his will. Most likely Winter K was holding his family hostage. We left the alchemist to his business and sought out the council of leaders preparing for the siege. When we arrived Father Brother was just finishing up his speech and it must have been a good one for everyone cheered when he finished and seemed to be in better spirits. Also the town wizard was nowhere to be seen. We discussed the situation and decided that we would leave with the BarBars to harass and harry the approaching army. F.B. would have to go with us to protect us from the sight of Winter K. He made preparations that would maintain the cover of the city while he is gone. We marched south and spread out.

It is decided after much debate that we would attempt the unthinkable and try to re-enter the army encampment and convince the General to stop his attack or slay him. Our plan is to walk in as is, except for the Beast Shaper who would be impersonating their wizard by wearing his pearl robes.
We quickly make our way back into the camp. It is huge. One can not take the whole thing in. There are thousands upon thousands of tents and a central fortified area where they had mounded up rings of dirt with only one way in or out.
Amazingly it works and we are escorted to the General’s tent. He sends everyone else away with a wave of his hand. He knows we are impostors and that the BarBars are preparing to attack. We try to convince him to stop his assault. He proclaims he can do nothing as long as his family was in danger. He pleads with us to kill him. We are somewhat shocked, at this time a Knight of Winter K enters the tent. Slash points at us and says “Assassins”. The Knight replies “We have heard you General, your family is dead”. Attacking the Knight with my sword, I dispose of him quickly. Looking back I see Slash on the ground, a pool of blood forming by his head. He had slit his own throat. Beau rushes in and starts applying herbs to stop the gushing blood. I am beside him pouring healing potions down his throat. We bring him back from the brink of death.

“You fools, let me die.” Again we all plead with him to help us. He will not listen until BrightEyes speaks up. With courage and passion, a spark is lit in the eyes of General Slash. He stands tall and proclaims “I will help you”. Time is of the essence. The Knights will sense that one of their own had fallen. Soon Slash will face the army he once commanded.

“Leave quickly and inform the Barbarians to attack immediately”, Slash commands us. For this was his only hope. He figures he will have 1,000 loyal troops. They have no chance against the remaining army unless they are distracted by the BarBars and forced to fight on two fronts. The rest of the party is eager to leave. Myself I see something inside this man that inspires me. I would have done exactly as he had if I were in the same situation. I am not going to leave this man to die. I am worried about the herb still ripping through my system. I have been up for days but soon the herb will wear off leaving me in a deep slumber.

“General how long can we hold out?” “Without the BarBars, a few hours at best”, he replies. I ask to send a messenger. He calls forth one and I inform him to tell them,"Blood for Blood", a Barbarian battlecry. Beau sends with the messenger his necklace. Handed down to him from his Grandfather, who was once a mighty leader of his clan. It is decided, we stay and fight. General Slash is constantly giving orders to numerous people coming in and out of the tent. His flag is already raised and his faithful are entering the compound.

I pull out my Black Arrow and begin coating it with deadly scorpion blood. During my preparations I ask Sir Goochi, “Do want to go with me to die?” He nods. Securing my gear I stand before General Slash, “My sword and bow are yours to command”. He growls “Kill the Knights of K”. Hurrying me over to a map of his compound he points to their tents. We dash out.
I knock up my Black arrow. I already know my first target will be the leader of the Knights. Running towards his tent, I quickly spot him. He is standing out in front, decked out in ornate armor and dispatching soldiers left and right. I release a shot. Not my best but the Black arrow and poison make up for my lack of precision. The Knight dies swiftly as his lungs fill with fluid.

I turn my focus to another Knight who is devastating our troops with fire spell magic. He wears a magic cloak that captures my first two arrows inside its folds. I draw forth my drilling arrow and take aim. It strikes home and begins digging its way into his chest. That was all our troops needed. A pair leaps in to finish him off. Sir Goochi throws a hatchet that strikes a human wizard while emerging from his tent. It is well timed as the mage was conjuring up what appeared to be a giant insect when the hatchet split open his face disrupting the spell.

Not seeing anymore Knights in the immediate area I make my way to high ground. I yell to Goochi to inform the General that the compound has been cleared of Knights. He leaves as I run up the dirt mound which encircles the compound. I choose a good position not far from the entrance and begin picking off Knights one by one. The first has both arms pinned to his sides by a single arrow. Another takes an arrow in each arm, dropping both sword and shield. The next receives a shot to the face and he topples instantly. Sir Goochi returns carrying some homemade Moltov cocktails. I chuckle and continue firing. My magic returning arrows are paying off. Even though they break sometimes they are still going a lot farther than normal arrows would. The Knights start to form a wedge, preparing to charge the entrance. Firing my sonic arrow into the ground to the left of the wedge causes the ground to shake violently, collapsing that side of the wedge. Goochi chucks a Molotov into the fallen Knights.

BrightEyes’ Beast comes charging at the entrance growing larger with each step. It raises its enlarged fists to the sky and brings them thundering down. The ground ripples in a rushing wave striking the wedge tumbling most of the rest. Goochi lets loose another Molotov and the surviving Knights retreat. I pick off a few more, taking some relief in the fact we had survived the initial onslaught. The compound is secure and we now have a chance to survive.

Somewhere in the distance I hear “Blood for Blood”............ Now we stand a chance. With the BarBar attacking from the rear we might actually survive, at least some of us. I spy a Knight among the crowd giving out orders. I fire my last returning arrow and it shatters on platemail. Dipping into my last dozen normal arrows I fire two into the Knight. These combined with a brutal shot from Brighteye’s hand crossbow brings him down. Critically low on arrows I must put away my bow for the moment. All the Knights and archers have fallen back now and soldiers were moving in. I unleash the Sword of the DarkStar.

The slaughter is sickening. Most of these fighters are novices and amateurs. Even grouping up on me they could not get a single blade past my dwarven buckler. I weave an ebony ribbon of death, spraying crimson through their front lines. These men do not deserve to die.
Somehow I lost track of Sir Goochi, he has been swarmed and surrounded. Beau speeds into a group of soldiers. Seconds later he is running out, dragging a severely beaten Sir Goochi, the warrior’s armor lay destroyed behind him. How Beau got through there and back without being killed, I will never know.
It is the bravest deed I have ever witnessed.

I look to the back wall of the compound. Heads are starting to pop up over the top. Rearming my bow, I send an arrow into a soldier’s thigh, another into his chest. My next shot goes high and shears a helmet plume from a Knight of Winter K. He does not look pleased.
Taking aim again I clear my mind from the chaos. I know exactly why my last shot missed. It would not happen again this day.

I hear some rustling in the tent behind me and glance back to see Beau displaying two quivers of arrows proudly. I sink two shots into the Knight, one pinning his foot to the ground. He wasn’t going anywhere but his troops were. They rush in, perhaps a dozen will soon be on me. I am in jeopardy of being overrun. I fire again and finish off the Knight. Three shots to three faces and enemy numbers are quickly dwindling.
BrightEyes and his companion come rushing forward on my right side. Then I notice that no more troops are coming over the wall. We quickly finish off the rest of the rabble while brave Beau charges up the compound wall. I hate it when he does that. I run after him.

He yells to us that the BarBars are crushing the army on the other side. What was more was that the city force had arrived and the army of K was going into a full rout. Only one group was escaping, a large contingent of Knights. I knew I could kill many before they escaped the range of my longbow.
BrightEyes has another idea. He holds a large perfectly cut diamond that he feeds to his Beast like a treat, forcing it to evolve, as he calls it, once again. I did not think it could be any stronger. I was wrong.
His Beast shapes into a mountain of living rock. It steps over the compound barricade as if it was not there and rumbles after the Knights. Closing, it wades in tossing and smashing Knights into oblivion. I rush towards the fray. I wasn’t sure the Rock Beast, even in its current form, could survive a conflict with so many. The Knights were hacking away at the Beast but were receiving liquid death in the form of spraying lava that erupted forth whenever the Beast was struck. Getting closer I noticed one look right at me. I launch three arrows which are quickly expelled from his body. “Let’s see him expel this.” Slinging my bow, I draw the Sword of the DarkStar, presenting the blade at eye level.

I go toe to toe with this Knight and can not bring him down. Nearly every wound from my blade is mortal to most but my attacks left this one merely amused. Two more Knights join in and I begin to fear for my life. I disarm one (literally, severing the limb at the elbow) and behead the second. My original foe will not go down. He bashes me upside my head with a huge Warhammer. All goes black.

When I came to I saw the Beast had crushed the knight beneath a massive foot. Faithful Beau was beside me, healing me up. Both the BarBars and the army of Tyyr had closed in and were mopping up the remaining Knights. Victory was ours at a heavy price. Almost all of the General’s army was killed along with the warrior Sir Goochi.

I shall remember their courage always.

We returned to Tyyr and assisted in returning the BarBars to their homelands. At the church we discussed everything with F.B. and used our crystals to contact Brother Brother. We found out that the castle of the King had fallen and there rested the Chaos Orb. It was time for the final adventure.


Final Mission?

We rested for two days during our travel due to the magic herb that had been keeping us going the last few days. We arrived on the outskirts of the King’s castle at night fairly refreshed. We sneaked down a river bank and followed the Prince who had volunteered to be our guide and he seemed to know the land very well. He said he knew a fairly secret way in through the sewers. We were about to cross the river when I spied some movement on the far bank. I was about to take them out when I got a feeling I shouldn’t.

I studied the form and realized its movements were not those of a soldier or an assassin. I pointed out the figure to the Prince and he made his away across the river silently. I saw him tackle the figure on the other side. We all crossed over and discovered the Prince had captured a teen boy. He said he escaped the castle through the sewers and believed he was the only survivor. We released the boy and made our way into the sewers.

It was a retched smell that only got worse. The Prince led us through with confidence and eventually we came to a ladder leading up. We climbed and were now inside the castle. Now I wondered exactly what the hell we were going to do. Beau said he would take it from here and took off down the hall. It was quite strange, it seemed as if he was being pulled forward.

He stopped at a wall and somehow opened a hidden compartment. Inside was a pulsing golden glowing orb. Beau grabbed the orb and a golden wave erupted. I was momentarilly paralyzed. I didn’t like the look on Beau’s face. I regained the ability to move and did not hesitate to draw my bow. I knocked the golden arrow and prayed to whatever god that would listen to forgive me.

I released the shot at Beau’s heart.

Time slowed down and the arrow stopped an inch before his chest. The golden arrow melted to the ground. Beau waved his hand and I saw all my companions disapear.

I then realized I was somewhere else. Getting my senses back I discovered I was back in Climax where this whole journey started. I went to DragonSlayer headquarters and they acted like they never heard of me but would love to have me join. What’s going on? I walked out on the street and ran into a boy peddling newspapers. I was astounded to see the date. It was the day before I joined the DragonSlayers. Somehow I had been flung back in time. The full consequences of this I must still learn. Again I walk alone...........

[Pumpkin_King]

I keep meaning to post here.


So my friend group has been running two long term games in Starfinder and 5E, and since the quarantine has been doing one-shots in other systems.


In Starfinder, the longest running, I play Marcus Decimus Gallus (hah), a dragonkin gladiator who fought in the Highrocke circuit, a league that used "life fields" in each rink to bring people back from the brink of death after each fight. A new company took over the league and wanted to turn it into an overdramatic sequins-and-makeup mockery of honest combat. Marcus resisted the changes so much that the new owners disabled the life field in one match, causing Marcus to perma-kill one of the gladiators he'd taken under his wing. As a result, he has a price on his head and just wants to retire and grill, for god sake. Despite being a former gladiator, he's always the one who wants to de-escalate, and my favorite moment is when he nat 20'd a diplomacy roll and avoided a boss fight completely.

In 5E, my character is Elithrien Starleaf. He's somewhat of a stereotypical elf druid - conventionally handsome, long haired, elaborate druidic robes - except he adores insects. All of his wild shape forms and druid spells are bug-themed. Right now his wildshape form is a rhino beetle. In his story, he was disowned by his family, who have been druids for generations, for not choosing something more dignified like birds of prey or wolves. He's really, really bitter about it.


We played a Mutants and Masterminds one-shot, where I played Samson McCabe, freedom fighter from an alternate universe who piloted a diesel-powered battlesuit named Cammy that he repaired using classic car parts.

The Star Wars RPG short-term we just started has me playing Cada Bael, sort of a Star Wars version of Art Bell - gentle-voiced conspiracy theorist radio show host. He's convinced the Death Star was an inside job.

[Dad_Scaper]

Excellent! Welcome, PK. How long have you been playing that Starfinder campaign? I love a particular Starfinder live-play podcast (Androids & Aliens), and I'm curious to hear from a veteran what it's like to play over a long period of time. It seems complicated!

[Pumpkin_King]

Gosh, I think since June of last year. Almost a year now. We used to do twice a week but when schedules changed and we introduced the 5E game, we went to once every other week. I don’t think it’s particularly bad to play over the long term. We’re leveling somewhat slowly, we’re level 7 still, so that might help.

[Dad_Scaper]

I like your Starfinder character's backstory.

[Tornado]

Wow that is some diversity.
Tell me more about the druid. How big is this rhino-beetle he transform into?

[Pumpkin_King]

I think I imagine it as three? feet tall at the top of its “head”. For the interests of mechanical simplicity, I took the stats from a crocodile in the monster manual and just reskinned it. The croc’s “lockdown” ability when it attacks really works for the beetle pinch.

His previous wild shape form was a centipede, which I reskinned a wolf for.

[Tornado]

Giant centipede, nice. Why are they called wild shape forms?