After the group had brushed the dust off of themselves, they decided they’d best return to Nashkel. The only question was where were they? Between Kagain’s dwarven mine-senses and Phaendris’ careful attention to details as they traveled through the mines, they eventually came to the decision that they must be east of the mines. How far east, they didn’t know, but they figured that heading west would get them back to Nashkel with as much ease as could be expected. While there was more than one member of the party who desired to search the area, it was clear that the group was too wounded to do so currently. With the plan ready, they set off.
For a very short ways, that is. Less than twenty paces from the exit to the mines stood four women, all of whom wore impressive armour and carried dangerous looking weapons. The one who appeared to be the leader barked at Phaendris and co., asking if one among them was named Phaendris. She then snapped that they’d best reply quickly, or death would come swiftly to them. Phaendris was going to play it off and pretend to be someone else because the group was too tired to deal with them. However her crew only became more aggressive with great exhaustion, and before she could speak Kagain had snapped back. “Listen up, girl. We’re not going to tell you our name, so why dun’t ye and ye’re little amazons wander back to wheree’er ye came from!” The woman did not take kindly to this, unfortunately and Phaendris sighed. “You insolent pigs!” the woman exclaimed. “You know not who you speak to! Your arrogance will cost you your lives!”
The group’s only response was to charge. Dorn, badly wounded from the fight with Mulahey, shot his crossbow at the squishy looking one wielding darts, while Kagain charged one of the priests with Xzarina using Larloch’s Minor Drain to keep her from casting as Phaendris used the strange innate ability to drain someone on the other priestess for the same reason. Xan and Monty began to attack the archer in the back, Xan with his moonblade and Monty with his sling, and then the women began to strike. The priestesses began casting their spells as the dart-thrower and archer began to ply their trade. A well placed poisoned dart hit Kagain in the shoulder and the poison took immediate effect. He gasped “Poison! The bi***!” before stumbling slightly. Phaendris heard this with her elven ears and cried out “HEY GOLD-BRAIN! CATCH” before chucking her antidote through the air towards him. Staggered as he was, he tossed his axe in the air long enough to catch the bottle, knock it back and catch his axe again. Kagain was a bit irked that no one had seen his stunt, but he continued to charge. Spells flew and blows were swung, and it was chaos. The battle’s outcome might have been different had not one of the priestesses’ spells done serious damage to two of her allies. Xan was the first to fall, having been struck with a hold spell just as he stepped forward to strike yet another blow against the archer. The spell connected, gravity took hold, and the whiny elf toppled to the ground most comedically. Seconds later Phaendris fell similarly. She used her new frost blade to deal a mighty blow to one of the priestesses, only to freeze mid-motion. The rest of the team held it together though, and Montaron avenged Kagain’s poisoning with a bullet from his sling, thrown with such force that it tore a hole in the dart wielder’s head. (Critical) Seeing her teammate brought down so brutally, the archer began to fear that her fate had come. She began running around, striking at whoever got too close to her, regardless of their alliance. With yet another of their number incapacitated, more or less, the team refocused, bringing down one of the priestesses with exceptional aggression. The remaining priestess in a desperate bid for survival froze Kagain in place, but to no avail. Dorn, Montaron, and Xzarina’s combined attacks from afar brought her down, shortly before their attacks finished off the still panicking archer.
With the enemy dead, the unfrozen three walked over, dragged their allies out of the way, and began to loot the corpses. By the time the three awoke, the others had finished looting and were dividing the spoils. Phaendris sat up, rubbing her head. “What happened. I assume we won?” Monty looked up and smirked maliciously. “Aye. We gutted the bi****s well. No wonder they were so hard to kill, though, they were well equipped.” Phaendris walked over and looked at the spoils. A suit of platemail, some splintmail, a suit of enchanted leather and a suit of enchanted studded leather, eighteen magical throwing darts, an enchanted longsword (Which she made sure to nick for herself), and seventeen enchanted arrows. There were other useless trinkets such as mundane helmets and weapons, but the magical haul alone was enough to impress. She could already see Monty eyeing the magical leathers with great interest. He had gotten sick of being stuck in platemail, that was for sure. He was pleased to equip one of their helmets as well, since he had been without one since Dorn had joined. Phaendris also noticed Kagain, Monty, and Xzarina looking strangely stronger as well, and wondered what that was about.
LEVEL UP!
MONTY:
XZAR(INA):
KAGAIN:
After the group had finished packing up their new treasure they fell back into formation and prepared to continue along the path. With Kagain’s wounds being far less severe than Dorn’s, he took to the front of the formation as they continued to travel, alongside Phaendris. If Mulahey hadn’t been enough already, they’d barely scraped by this battle, and everyone was showing signs. Dorn was limping, Xan’s left arm was in a crude sling he’d made, Phaendris kept a hand on her side, and Monty complained of his left shoulder. Xzarina complained as well, but everyone ignored her. Somehow the seemingly insane one was the only one to escape unharmed. Kagain had several visible wounds, but they were minor, and the dwarf wasn’t one to complain of scratches.
After more than sixteen hours of walking they finally found themselves at the Nashkel carnival, just east of the town. At least, they assumed it was. The brightly colored tents were hard to distinguish in the pitch blackness of the night. Grumpily they tromped between the tents, almost hoping to wake up and aggravate someone. Eventually though they made it back to town, quite late at night. Xan surmised it was around one in the morning, based on the alignment of the stars. Monty tripped him. Dorn, Kagain, and Xzarina all giggled as Phaendris sighed and helped the elf up. Truth be told, although she found him a little weak, Phaendris couldn’t help but admire her fellow elf. What he lacked in raw strength, he made up for in intelligence, and he had a handsome face. Dorn scowled when he saw her aiding Xan, but said nothing. As they continued walking, Xzarina jabbed Phaendris in the side, not thinking about her wounds. Phaendris growled at her and said “What?!” Xzarina shrunk back and whimpered slightly. “A-all I was going to say is that I thought that Xan boy’s kind of cute…” Phaendris rolled her eyes. “Good for you, Xzarina.” “Well, I was thinking about letting him find me in his bed tonight, but I thought I’d ask you first. I’ve seen the way you look at him. We girls have to stick together.” Xzarina said this with a wink and Phaendris threw up in her mouth a little. “First of all, no. None of that. Ever again. And second, you’re a MAN, Xzar.” Xzarina pouted. “Born a man, maybe, but dear little Xan doesn’t know that.” Phaendris growled. “Look, Xzar, do what you want. I don’t know what you’re talking about when you say I look at him, but it’s the same way I look at all of you. Mildly useful, but definitely expendable.” Xzarina grinned. “How wonderful! I’ll be sure to wear my best lingerie!” Phaendris threw up in her mouth again.
The group decided to rest at the inn till the next day, and then speak to Berrun Ghastkill, but even now fate was not on their side. In front of the inn stood a traveling musician, strumming a lute quietly and humming. As they drew near, however, he set his lute on the ground and drew a short sword quietly. As the group came closer he approached them and said in a melodic yet sinister voice, “I am Death come for thee. Surrender, and thy passage shall be… quicker.”
Phaendris growled and snapped back “What? I’m not surrendering to anything!” before hearing a faint “We’re all doomed!” floating up from behind her. Rolling her eyes she began to charge as the bard almost hummed “Struggle if you must, dead one, I do not mind working for my money.” before muttering “Why NIMBUL has been hired to deal with the likes of you, I’ll never know.” The battle was quick, brutal, and definitive. Had their usual strategy of everyone charging been in effect the bard might have had a chance, as he began to cast magic that seemed as though it would have been powerful. But when a well aimed bolt and two bullets are launched your way, magic isn’t your best option. Kagain, Xan, and Phaendris all charged him, along with a thin but well muscled-human who was walking past. The man seemed to be a monk, and his fast-flung kicks and punches aided in downing “Nimbul”
After the assassin was dead, the monk turned to Phaendris and said “You should not make a habit of picking fights in the street, my friend. Be careful when inviting danger into your life, for it comes all too willingly.” Phaendris responded by spitting on the ground and replying “Sorry, I don’t have time for proverbs right now.” before turning back to the corpse. The man opened his mouth as if to speak, but then turned away and walked down the street, confusion on his face. Dorn flexed, his muscles straining against his restrictive plate mail, and Phaendris couldn't help but notice as she began to loot the assassin.
LEVEL UP!
DORN:
The assassin had a magical pair of boots, a magical ring, an enchanted short sword, a scroll of Find Familiar (which Phaendris took out of Xzarina’s grubby hands immediately), and another note speaking of Phaendris’ bounty, or rather, this one was from Tazok and was a personal letter to Nimbul. Apparently this bard was no impersonally hired mook of an assassin, but someone who actually possessed skill. In the past tense.
With this concluded, the group went into the inn and purchased four rooms. One for the mad witch and her coworker, one for Dorn and Kagain who, despite disliking each other at first, had grown to respect each other’s skill, and finally one each for Phaendris and Xan.
The group took no time getting to their rooms, and they reveled in the feeling of a bed. Phaendris did not go to bed immediately, instead sitting on her bed, finally out of her armour, poring over the scroll Nimbul carried. She read the arcane symbols again and again, struggling to memorize it. Suddenly she heard a somewhat girly shriek and a loud clattering from one of the other rooms. At first she darted to where the frost sword lay, but then she heard Xzarina’s voice crying “Come back darling, I only want to loooooove youuuuuu!” and she sighed, returning to her bed. Poor Xan. To her surprise, a moment later she heard a knock at her door and she gripped her sword again. She walked to the door and asked “Who is it?” to which she was surprised to hear Xan’s voice. “I-it’s Xan, Phaendris. I-i was hoping you might let me in.” She opened the door to find Xan, standing without his shirt, a blanket pulled over his shoulders. “Y-you see, Xzarina… um… propositioned me, and was very… um… forceful about it. I tried to tell her no, but she insisted on staying in my room. I thought I’d try getting another room, but I don’t have any gold after being captured by Mulahey, so then I thought I’d try and stay in one of your rooms, but I’m pretty sure the other three all hate my guts, sooo, I came to your room. If you’d just let me have a bit of your floor, I’ll be completely fine there. I won’t bother you at all, I swear! But, if that’s not alright then I could certainly just-“ Xan was cut off by Phaendris placing a finger on his lips. “Quit babbling. You can sleep in my bed. With your arm like that the floor will only serve to hurt you. Xan smiled. “Oh thank you so much, Phaendris. I won’t bother you at all.” Phaendris stretched before crawling into bed and winked at him. “I wouldn’t mind if you bother me.” Xan’s jaw hung slightly as he thought “I’ll do what I can, but expect very little.”
The next day the six met for some breakfast around the inn’s tables. Montaron looked furious and exhausted, and a hard to understand string of curses were muttered between bites, while Xzarina seemed surprisingly cheerful. Xan seemed to be in a daze, although he occasionally winced and complained of his back aching, and Phaendris had a smirk that wouldn’t leave her face. Kagain and Dorn just looked at each other and shrugged in confusion. After breakfast the group split up, Phaendris and Xan went to get the reward from Ghastkill, while Xzarina trundled off around town to do whatever. While those three did their business, the remaining three went to sell the mundane tools that they had acquired. There were plenty of magical trinkets, but they had yet to be identified.
As the trio walked, Dorn and Kagain following behind the still steaming halfling, they wondered what had happened. On their way back from the store, they eventually became too curious and asked. “ELVES FU**ING!” he roared back at them. “D’ye mean fookin’ elves?” Kagain asked hesitantly. “NO! I MEAN ELVES FU**ING!” the pint-sized terror bellowed. “For once I thought I’d get some worthwhile rest, without that da** wizard prattling on in his sleep, but nooooo! I traded an insane chatty sleeper for two elves knocking boots all night! Da** those thin walls! And of course the wizard gets a room all to himself, so he's all smiles!” “Do you mean Phaendris and X-“ “YES!” Dorn and Kagain fell quiet and continued to walk behind Montaron. After a few moments of awkward silence Dorn pondered out loud. “I wonder if it’s more high pitched than normal?” “Nay, I like to think that’s when their latent testosterone comes out and they get all grunty” Kagain responded. “SHUT UP!” Montaron screeched.
“Last night was incredible.” Xan said to Phaendris, who stared off into the distance, now clearly bored. “Mmhmm.” “You know, if you want to again tonight…” “Shut up.” Phaendris said, turning towards him and stopping in the middle of the road. "Look, I’m not your girlfriend. Last night may not be a one-time thing, but if it isn’t then it’s not up to you to decide, get it?” “You seem pretty nice to me.” Xan shrugged. “I mean, you saved my life, you’ve kept the others from killing me for my sword.” “You knew about that?” Phaendris’ eyes widened. “Obviously. You’re an elf too, you know what good hearing we have. Besides, that dwarf couldn’t keep quiet if his life depended on it.” Phaendris shrugged and nodded. Xan continued. “You seem rough around the edges, but I almost wonder if you aren’t more rebellious against your parents than anything. Not to mention, I noticed that greenstone ring you keep moving between your hands. We’re going to give that to someone aren’t we? It’s from a dead miner, isn’t it?” Phaendris began to scowl, angered with how easily this elf was reading her. “Look. Maybe I’m not as tough as I pretend, but I will cleave you from your groin to your nose if you don’t shut up. I’m attracted to you, for SOME reason, but if you stay with this group, you’ll probably die. Not necessarily by their hands, either. It disgusts me to be interested in someone and allow it to influence me, but I am, so I’m telling you to leave. For your sake. Go back to Evereska and don’t be an adventurer. You’re not suited.” Xan smiled sadly. “I’m aware. I’m nothing like my cousin was. Although he died in the frozen north, so perhaps that’s not a good example. Regardless, I’ve enjoyed the time I spent with you. If your friends don’t kill me then I’ll leave tomorrow. Somewhat unwillingly, I must admit. I feel like I should tell you, though. You’re with some unsavory company, currently, and I fear a knife in the back is more dangerous to you than one from the front.” “Enough concern for me.” Phaendris hissed. "I’ll make my own path, thank you. Now if you don’t mind, shut up. I’m done talking with you for now.” Xan shook his head, but followed quietly. Eventually the pair found Ghastkill, who thanked them profusely, dumping a large sack of gold into their hands.
Afterwards the pair went to the miner’s house and returned her husband’s ring. She was distraught, but thanked them for the truth and the ring.
Finally the group reunited at the inn that evening, Xzarina had a mischievous grin on her face, but wouldn’t tell anyone anything. Xan announced that he’d be leaving the following morning and thanked the group for their assistance and rescue. The group nodded in his general direction then prepared to eat dinner.
The next morning Xan came and said farewell to Phaendris. “Hello, Phaendris?” “Oh! Morning Xan!” Phaendris said as she jumped on her bed, namely a satchel that lay on it. A slight wheeze could be heard, but after looking around for a moment, Xan assumed it was the sleeping dwarf and half-orc in the room behind him. “I just came to say farewell. I doubt we’ll meet again, so I would like to say that, while life-threatening and vain, it has been rather fun. If you’re ever in Evereska, allow me to extend an offer of hospitality, however admittedly fruitless such an offer may be.” “Thank you, Xan. Safe journey.” Phaendris replied. After Xan had left, Phaendris stood up and a tiny claw stretched out of the satchel dramatically. “Geez, boss, I nearly thought I’d died in there…” the dust mephit said as it crawled out of the bag, gasping exaggeratedly. “’Sides, what’ve you been eating lately? That a** is so huge I thought I’d be crushed!” Phaendris proceeded to smack the creature. “Shut-up, Ash.” “HeeEEYY! Cripes! What wuz that for?! And what’s with the nickname, huh? My name is Maldavious Barenzah III!” Phaendris rolled her eyes. “What? I thought people often named their pets, and since Ash is so fitting, I thought it’d be nice.” “A pet?! I’m not a pe-!” Phaendris smacked Ash again. “Ow! Da**it, stop it! Okay, my name’s Ash now!” The creature took a few steps away, muttering something about an “abusive codependant relationship” or similar.
Yeah, I've been trying to bum rush the main story while keeping a low level so that I can get my whole team while still as low level as possible. That's actually made it more fun because I've NEVER done the mines at level one. It was surprisingly challenging. Now that we're done with the mines it'll be a little more freeform. Role-play will still define my reasons for going where I do, but now that the immediate task of the mines is completed, no one really has anything to do.
“What. Is. That?!” Kagain uttered, his face contorted in a mixture of disgust, shock, anger, and interest. “It’s just Ash, my new familiar. He’s a dust mephit.” Phaendris replied, patting the creature on the head, to which Ash shuddered and pulled away. The group stood around Phaendris’ room, having been called in here after breakfast. “Since he is an evil creature, I thought it best if I keep him in my pack most of the time, but I’d rather you all not freak out when you hear a voice emanating from my pack.” Dorn seemed surprisingly unphased, while Kagain and Monty stood there, staring untrustingly at the small creature. Xzarina suddenly dashed to the bed on which the little guy stood and cried out “He’s adooooooooorable!” Ash raised an eyebrow. “Well, looks like you’ve got a crazy on your team, but at least she’s hot.” Phaendris smacked Ash. “‘She’s’ a man wearing a cursed girdle.” “Ow!” Ash cried, recoiling from the blow. “Wait, what?! Aw, da**. Now I don’t even get to have any eye candy on this trip…” Phaendris scowled and smacked him again. “Hey! Cripes! I didn’t even do anything that time!”
Watching this slapstick display seemed to inspire confidence in Kagain, and he visibly relaxed. Meanwhile, Monty was laughing his head off at the creature’s pain. Xzarina glared at Phaendris. “Stop hitting poor Maldavious! If you were going to treat him like this then I would have kept the scroll for myself!” Phaendris and Ash both turned towards Xzarina with surprise on their faces. “Y-you know my real name?” Ash stuttered, though he was drowned out by Phaendris’. “You think you should’ve been allowed to keep the scroll?!”Xzarina looked back and forth at the two of them for a moment before replying. “Yes and yes.” She nodded confidently. Ash proceeded to fly into Xzarina’s ample bosom, rapidly muttering. “thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.” over and over again before he was picked out of there by Phaendris, who had been scowling practically since the conversation began. “Xzarina, if you think I would ever have let you keep that scroll then you’re insane. Your familiar would probably be a glabrezu or something equally horrific.” Dorn stiffened slightly. Xzarina pouted. “And he would’ve been awesome, too…”
With the introductions out of the way, the group then began to plan their next step. Xzar and Monty had completed their assigned mission and decided that they’d like to stay with Phaendris for a bit. The gear and treasure that they had gained while journeying with her was enough for them to put off any further missions for their “employer”, at least for a bit. Kagain was positively thrilled with the hundreds of gold pieces they’d gathered and was not about to abandon Phaendris now. Dorn was obviously sticking with the group, at least till he had learned more about his “old friends”. Technically speaking, the group could go and hunt down those behind the iron crisis, but none of them particularly cared. The only one who was still affected was Kagain, what with his magic-less axes, but even he didn’t mind traveling elsewhere. The group decided to spend a few days in Nashkel first, recovering from their injuries and identifying all the assorted magical trinkets they had found.
First off, there were several boring lightly enchanted pieces of equipment. Studded leather +1, two +1 shortswords, and a +1 wakizashi. The rest of the gear was more interesting, however.
Ring of Sune: Xzarina held onto this in case a healer joined them.
Harrower: This sword quickly replaced Phaendris’ unenchanted off-hand longsword.
Boots of Grounding: Phaendris also chose to equip these nice boots.
Senses of the Cat: Xzarina got these, as her poor armour made her more susceptible to missiles.
Protector of the Second: While this leather armour was almost as good as the +1 Studded Leather, Monty preferred the latter, as it’s metal rivets provided slightly superior protection against blades.
Topsider’s Crutch: No one really cared who got this apart from Xzarina, so the group allowed her to take it.
There were also 18 Darts of Wounding, and 21 Arrows of Fire +2, which were merely held onto in the event that an archer or dart thrower capable of wielding them were to join the group.
The second night they spent there, Phaendris drifted from her usual elven meditation into true sleep, and then into a dream. Mulahey, bone daggers turned into a claw, and the sentence “Listen to what is bred in the bone.” were all that remained in her mind when she awoke, but she felt stronger. She was not certain what had changed, but she felt as though she had gained more power. She thought that perhaps could use the draining force more than once a day now, though she was unsure.
Just a short chapter this time. Couple updates, though. I'm working on something completely new for me, though, so expect something (hopefully) nifty coming (hopefully) soon. And guess who's thread it's on. No seriously. Guess. Also, I plan on spending the majority of my time on this thread, at least for a bit. I'm really enjoying writing the banter for this team, which none of my other play-throughs allow me to do.
With their treasure identified, their loot sold, their bodies rested, and their minds ready, the group had several options for their next adventure. More than a week ago, when the group was at the Friendly Arm, Phaendris had spoken with a gnome by the name of Landrin, who’s home in Beregost had been invaded by spiders. The woman had mentioned a solid profit for the return of her home, as well as an added reward should the group bring her her husbands old boots and a bottle of wine. There was also the halfling in Beregost who’s short sword had been stolen by gnolls, and there was even the talk of this “Captain Brage” that had gone insane in the night and slaughtered many in Nashkel. The group mulled over their decisions, with Phaendris and Kagain pushing for the trip north to Beregost and the Friendly Arm, while Xzarina and Montaron seemed interested in a bounty hunt on a human target. Dorn had no opinion, but seemed to prefer the idea of a challenge, which Brage might provide. Kagain’s argument for traveling north was that he wished to check in on his mercenary company, but apart from that he also saw value in a simple spider hunt. It was easy money in his mind, and the reward the gnome had mentioned was a quite delightful number. There was also this Tranzig fellow that was mentioned in Mulahey’s notes. He was supposedly staying in Beregost for the time being, and Phaendris thought that they could at least drop in on the poor devil. Finally Montaron was brought to their side by the promise of hunting this Tranzig, and Dorn and Xzarina were outnumbered. With this said, the group set off.
In just a few hours the group arrived in Beregost. It was decided that they would deal with Tranzig first, then the spiders, and then would spend an evening in the town before traveling north to the Friendly Arm. Before they could get far, however, the same red robed old man Phaendris had met not long after first meeting Xzarina and Monty appeared in front of them. Phaendris would have been happy to ignore him, had not he introduced himself as the widely known Elminster. He spoke of knowing Phaendris’ recent exploits and said that she seemed destined to have quite an impact on the realm.
Phaendris replied somewhat suspiciously that she was not aware her actions were common knowledge. “Perhaps not common knowledge, but everything is plan for those that know where to look.” The old wizard responded, a faint smirk playing across his lips. “Thou art quite adept, as Gorion predicted.” Phaendris’ eyebrows shot up as she exclaimed. “Gorion?! You knew him? But you said nothing before.” Elminster shrugged. “’Twas neither the place nor the time for such things. As painful as the cirumstances may have been, it was time for thee to forge thine own path. One of the most valuable lessons that life has taught me is when NOT to go sticking my pipe in other’s affairs. Such is the case now as well.” Phaendris nodded, rather relieved. “Then I shall be on my way.” she replied quietly. As Elminster left he looked over his shoulder and gave one last bit of advice. “Though ’tis likely old news for thee, the bandits thou dost seek make a habit of traveling in the northeast. Farewell.”
Once the wizard was gone, the group, apart from Dorn who looked exceedingly apathetic, turned to each other and began babbling, shocked and a little bit horrified that THE Elminster was watching their progress. Even the usually stone-faced Kagain was visibly disturbed. Elminster was too powerful for them to even dream of facing, although whether or not he had any desire to was unknown to them. Finally Phaendris quieted the assembly, declaring loudly that, although powerful, Elminster was no immortal. Should he desire to do them harm, they could stand against him if need be. They would likely all be dashed to pieces, but they would have no better chance standing around cowering than they would by simply continuing their journey. The group nodded slowly, recovering themselves, just as Dorn spoke up. “It seems to me that Elminster is manipulating us.” The group turned to him, surprise visible on their faces. “I’m just saying that he’s using us to cleanse the Sword Coast of the troubles that have been plaguing it recently. It’s rather genius, really. If we were morally right, then we would gladly go to stop this scheme of Tazok’s, but if we were, as commoners and paladins might say, “evil”, then the fear of Elminster would force us into action. We’re strong adventurers individually, even more dangerous when allied. Of course he would want to use us. Why he would wish to give us this opportunity to gain more power I can not say, but I assume it has something to do with his friendship with our dear leader’s late step-father.” Phaendris cocked her head, impressed with Dorn’s sudden display of wisdom. Perhaps he was more than just a brute. She would have to think on this. “So what then, eh?” Montaron said, obviously irritated by being toyed with. “We do as he says.” Phaendris replied, stroking her chin. “Not necessarily because we want to, but putting ourselves out there will give us the opportunity to gain the skill and equipment needed to deal with Elminster should he turn on us.” “Aye” Kagain replied slowly. “We’ll need to become stronger if we wish to deal with the likes of him.”
“Then it’s settled.” Phaendris said, nodding resolutely. “We’ll continue with our original plan of looking around Beregost before heading north to the Friendly Arm Inn. We have a couple of tasks here in town, and looting the place blind certainly won’t hurt.” Phaendris cast a glance at Montaron as she said this and he grinned mischievously. “Xzarina also has something to do!” Xzarina exclaimed suddenly. “Remember the note? On the dead halfling south of Beregost? We need to find Mirianne and let her know her lover’s still livin’!” Phaendris placed a hand on her face, sighing. Monty broke into the conversation then and made it all better. “Don’t ye worry, missy, I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble.” He then leaned closer to Phaendris and spoke in a hushed voice. “And I’ll case the town to see if I can find any of our own.” Phaendris smirked and nodded at the halfling. “In that case, why don’t we go and speak to Tranzig, boys? The spider house can wait till we’re back together later today. I’m sure the three of us will be a perfect team for… discussing any info we need.” Dorn and Kagain grinned, understanding her meaning perfectly. “We’ll meet in front of this smithy in four hours, understood?” With this the group split up, ready for a hunt.
Not thirty paces from their starting point, however, Phaendris was stopped by a small girl, who came running up to her, calling out her name before gasping for air. Phaendris quickly made a decision whether or not to be nice to the child before deciding it would likely be best if she was. “How do you know my name, child?” Phaendris said sweetly, putting a hand on the small girl’s shoulder. The girl looked up at Phaendris and beamed. “Why, everyone here is talking about you. You’re the ones who saved the Nashkel mines! My momma says that even though we don’t like those folks from Amn, there’s no reason anyone should have to suffer so…” Dorn groaned. “Well, that’s us, I guess.” Phaendris replied. “You’ve got a good eye. Now, who is this person that wants so much to see us?” Phaendris could literally feel the trap coming. “Her name’s Officer Vai and she’s with the Flaming Fist. And you needn’t worry, she’s real nice!” This time Dorn and Kagain both groaned. Phaendris sighed faintly and responded with a genteel “Thank you, child. You have earned your gold piece. I will go to the Jovial Juggler and meet with Officer Vai shortly.” The girl grinned, showing clearly two missing teeth. “Good! You folks are real nice. Momma says the Sword Coast needs some real heroes, these days… Tymora be with you, okay?” As the girl ran off, Phaendris grimaced. “Little brat.” “Y’cannae be serious about speaking with the Fist, can ye?” Kagain said scowling. “Actually, I am.” Phaendris said. “Think about it. There’s no way the fist knows about anything illegal or evil that we’ve done, and having the law on our sides would only serve to strengthen us. They probably think we actually ARE a group of honest law-abiding adventurers with a desire to help. Why not keep up the illusion?”
As the trio entered the expansive inn and tavern owned by Feldepost, a surly looking man strode up to them and snapped at them. “‘Ere now, get out! I don’t like your type in here!” A friend standing a few paces behind egged him on. Phaendris turned to him and held up her hands apologetically. “No need to get all bent out of shape, friend. There’s plenty of bar for us all.” The man narrowed his eyes. “Hey, I take whatever shape I want. I’m sick of you freakish adventurers going out, consorting with gods know what, and dragging your trouble back into my hometown! What do you say to that?!” Dorn started to move towards the man, but Phaendris stopped him. “We just do what we think is right. We solve a lot more trouble than we cause.” Kagain chuckled and cut in.. “Well, very nearly anyway.” Dorn smirked, but it was clear his anger was rising. “Oh, you think it’s funny, do you?! You mess up the local economy with your treasure, you upset the balance of nature, you flash your magic around, and because of it maybe somebody’s son thinks it’s fun and goes out and gets himself killed! It’s a bad example and somebody ought to kick your ass for it!” That was it. Dorn broke. The massive half-orc in plate mail bellowed at the man. “Well don’t get mad at US if “somebody’s son” couldn’t handle being out from under mom’s skirt! Should’ve taught him to fight instead of dirt-farming!” The man, who was a good head and a half shorter than Dorn turned to the half-orc, murder in his eyes. “BA***RD! It’ll be a tenday before you can blink when I’m through with you!” The man lunged at Dorn, only to be met with a Zweihander to the legs. Phaendris tried to step in front of Dorn, however, and the man’s shortsword scraped her arm just enough to cause it to begin bleeding. Dorn’s blow still connected though, and the man fell to the ground, screeching in pain as Kagain stepped up, axe in hand. “Nighty-night, maggot.” One sickening sound of metal hitting flesh and bone later, the man lay quite definitely dead.
The man’s friend backed away from the group, his hands in front of him pleadingly, clearly terrified. Dorn sheathed his blade and uttered a low guttural growl at the man, which caused him to flee into a back room and likely out of the inn, if a back exit existed. Kagain turned towards Phaendris and began speaking in a friendly, although unusually quiet voice. “Phaendris, dear, you know I tend to support your ridiculous ideas, but WHY IN ALL NINE BLOODY HELLS WOULD YOU TRY TO STOP THAT?!” This sudden outburst that was even louder than the half-orc war bellow surprised everyone and caused the few drunken heads that hadn’t turned at the beginning of the fight to spin around so quickly their eyes nearly popped out of their heads. “Because!” Phaendris said, angrily at first but then quieting immediately. “Because we want this town to like us. Remember the officers of the law that are waiting to speak with a group of friendly law-abiding adventurers? Thanks for ruining that. I had it under control until you two knuckle-heads jumped in. Whatever. Let’s find Tranzig.”
While speaking with the tavern owner didn’t get them very far, they did find out that he also sold some magical trinkets, including an enchanted battle axe. Kagain didn’t quite have enough gold to purchase it, but Dorn loaned him the thousand extra he needed. Kagain was surpised, but Dorn merely said he’d rather have an ally who can stand his ground than one who constantly needs help.
Eventually they found one of the inn’s patrons who was scared enough to tell them about Tranzig without being too afraid of the group to speak. He told them which room Tranzig was staying in and they payed him five gold for his trouble. They also gave him another twenty to spread the word that the man that had died was the one who started it. It wasn’t a lie, and this man knew that, having been near the entrance to the inn when Phaendris’ group entered. He also knew that twenty free gold pieces for saying what he had already seen to be true was a good deal, and so he began to do as told. With this done, the group headed upstairs to find Tranzig.
To be honest, the trio wasn’t sure they’d found the right man. The scrawny little whelp of a man stood in his room, in a robe that hung off his shoulders as if it had been made for an ogre then given with regret to this man. He spun around as they entered, nervously looking them up and down. “Why do ya bother me, huh?! Can’t ya see that I’m in a hurry to get outta this da** town?” The man looked past the group at the exit, shifting his weight from one foot to the other with almost disturbing regularity. “Perhaps you could tell us WHY you are in such a hurry?” Phaendris said, her hands resting delicately on her sword hilts. “I-I’m not gonna tell youse guys anything. Git outta my face.” The man was clearly becoming more and more agitated by the moment. Phaendris gripped his arm. “You won’t be rid of us that easily. We know you’re up to no good. Now tell us everything you know.” The man pulled his arm out of Phaendris’ grip and began to fidget uncontrollably. “Ya know what I’m up to, eh? Well, maybe somethin’ ya don’t know about is my magic skills. Ya might not believe me, but if you ain’t outta my face in the next five seconds, I’ll blast ya to kingdom come!” Kagain burst out laughing at this statement. “You?! Wielding magic?! We cannae suspend our disbelief that much. Come along now and surrender, or we’ll have to hurt ye.” Tranzig recoiled. “I warned ya! Now you pay the price!” A few seconds later the group was still unsure what the “price” was, but it didn’t seem that costly.
Dorn, who had been standing behind the other two, thrust his blade between the two of them and plunged it directly into Tranzig’s stomach. The poor fool might have intended to surrender had not Phaendris aimed a blow at both his hands to stop him from casting. Dorn moved faster than anticipated, and Tranzig curled forward from his blow. Phaendris couldn’t change her blades’ course, and so could do nothing to stop her swords from sinking into the man’s skull with a resonating crunch. He collapsed to the floor immediately and the three fell silent, looking at each other blankly. They hadn’t necessarily aimed to kill him, but the fool had thrown himself into it. Finally they shrugged and began to loot his corpse. On his body they found a scroll of glitterdust which Phaendris scribed to her book of spells, as well as a ring of protection like the one she had found so long ago. She gave it to Dorn, as his lack of a shield had been detrimental to his health thus far. There was also a wand which Phaendris couldn’t tell the purpose of without extensive investigation, and a note from Tazok, mentioning Peldvale and Larswood, two locations near the Friendly Arm Inn that would be their likely next target for a raid.
With this information in hand, the group returned to the smithy to meet with the others. While it seemed as though little time had passed, nearly three hours had already slipped away. The trio was surprised to find Xzarina and Monty waiting for them. The two eagerly shared their findings.
Apparently the “Mirianne” the two had searched for was a very generous woman, and provided the pair with a ring of protection, identical to the one Phaendris and Dorn wore. Although it would have perhaps been best left with Xzarina who wore no armour, she insisted she preferred the way her current rings accentuated the natural beauty of her dress. Montaron wore the enchanted studded leather and so could not wear a ring of protection as well. Only one protection enchantment could be active at once on a person, so the ring was handed to the only remaining option; Kagain. The pair also did excellent reconnaissance work, discovering more about the town and its surroundings. They set up a decent layout for Phaendris’ and Monty’s late night excursion, as well as learning about a powerful wizard who lived to the west and a temple of Lathander to the east, which was apparently offering a five thousand gold piece reward for the head of some insane cleric of Cyric who had been terrorizing the Red Canyons, just southwest of the town. These were certainly some tempting bits of information, but the group couldn’t check them out. At least not yet…
Reunited at last, the group decided to go speak with this “Officer Vai” before dealing with the spiders. If things turned sour and a fight broke out with them, they wanted to be in good condition. As they stepped into the Jovial Juggler, the inn in which the Officer resided, they quickly saw a woman stand up from a table and walk over to them. She bowed slightly to Phaendris and then began to speak. “Phaendris, I presume? I thought it might be you. These southern parts are set quite afire with talk of your work in Nashkel… I am Officer Vai of the Flaming Fist and, to be honest, I could use your help.” Phaendris nodded and smiled. “I am honored to be found worthy of your notice, Officer. How may I be of assistance?” Vai breathed a small sigh of relief, as if she had been worried of a battle herself. “My contingent and I are cut off from Baldur’s Gate. We haven’t received new orders for close to a week and, to be honest, I don’t like the feel of this at all. The bandit raids have been getting worse since you returned from Nashkel. I used to think that they were just your usual brigands out to make a quick buck in troubled times, but not anymore. They’re working for someone… One way or another, I’ve got to get my troops back to the Gate. I’ll pay fifty gold pieces for every bandit scalp you can bring me. And that goes for any adventurers you might meet as well. I want this whole region cleared before winter comes.” Kagain’s eyes lit up gleefully. He had been holding onto two such scalps for some time now, much to everyone else’s disgust. He quickly handed them over and accepted his hundred gold with greedy delight. Dorn immediately took the sack of coins from him though and added it to his own. “Remember the debt, bearded one.” Kagain grumbled profanities too low for anyone to understand and stalked away to a corner, sharpening his shiny new axe. Phaendris promised to do all she could to stem the flow of bandits and Vai wished her well. With this surprisingly easy discussion over, the group prepared to squash some bugs. Or arachnids as Xzarina was quick to point out, much to Montaron’s displeasure.
Montaron and Xzarina had found the house in question quite easily, as it had been boarded up and bore a large sign that read “Danger: Infested” on the door. Dorn tore off the boards and sign with ease before the group stepped inside. Within they found a few large spiders, comparable in size to Montaron. The group dispatched them with relative ease, however, and then began to loot the place.
[Out of character: Phaendris leveled during the fight with the spiders, but due to a desire to obtain our last team member at minimum level, I’m not leveling Phaendris. It likely won’t be much longer till we gain party member numero seis soon anyway.
There wasn’t much of value, apart from the items the gnome had mentioned. A small gem and some gold pieces were all that could be found. Phaendris forced Kagain to keep the largest spider’s corpse in his bag as proof the deed had been done, since Kagain had already proven himself comfortable with dead things in his pack. With all these things done, the group returned to the Jovial Juggler for some rest before their “midnight march”. While there, they heard a few rumours, but nothing of great interest. A lost cloak in the cloakwood (Kagain guffawed loudly at the irony of that one), some half-ogres that beat up a paladin, some story about trollops and plugtails. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Xzarina identified the wand Tranzig carried while they relaxed as well. It was a well-charged wand of magic missile, which Xzarina happily kept. He gave the old one (long since stolen from Imoen) to Phaendris, so that should she need it she could still use some magic while wearing her plate mail. She still hadn’t spoken of the mysterious powers she had gained to her companions. Everytime Phaendris had used them, the battle had been fierce enough to draw their attention elsewhere. Phaendris figured she’d tell them when they noticed.
Not long before midnight Phaendris and Monty set out. Phaendris had abandoned her usual plate-mail in favour of her simple lavender-colored tunic. Several hours later there wasn’t a building the pair hadn’t broken into. They’d made little real profit, but the thrill was what made it good.
What Monty couldn’t pick, Phaendris could break, and what Phaendris couldn’t break, they obviously didn’t need. There was one close moment when someone came downstairs to find Monty breaking into a chest. The man yelled for the guards and Phaendris bolted out the door. Monty disappeared, hiding in the shadows and creeping past the guard who listened to the half-asleep civilian who could barely form a coherent sentence. The guard brushed it off as nothing and the pair got away.
While they traveled around, however, they were, once again, drawn into a conflict they had no desire to be a part of. Last time it was wild mages, and this time it was a battle between bards. A female was on one side of the battle while three males fought against her. A fifth bard pleaded with the woman to stop killing the innocent men. The woman called to Mon-Dris (a pair of nicknames Phaendris and Montaron had come up with to refer to themselves as when committing crimes) to aid her, offering 400 gold in exchange for aid. The pair agreed and slaughtered the three men with ease, only to then turn on the woman when she refused to pay what she had agreed to. When it was over, the neutral party in all this, the fifth bard, collapsed to his knees in horror. The young human looked to be no older than eighteen, and he seemed horrified by the bloodshed. He turned to Mon-Dris and cried that they were no better than Ms. Silke.
As he fled, Mon looked to Dris and asked if they should kill him too. After a moment of thought Dris shook her head. She frankly didn’t care enough. This event would come to haunt them, however, as nasty rumours about the “bard-slayers” began spreading the very next day. It wasn’t the worst rumour that could occur, however, so Mon-Dris decided to let it slide.
Finally they returned, late in the night. They handed over any magical baubles to Xzarina for identification while they looked at the rest of what they’d pilfered. The loot was, in total:
4 Shortswords 9 Daggers 2 Longswords 2 Light Crossbows 1 Battle Axe 1 Mace 1 Suit of Splint Mail Armour 2 Suits of Leather Armour A very large (Dorn-sized) handful of common to mildly valuable gems 1 Copy of the History of the Fateful Coin 1 Copy of the History of the North V.5 1 Copy of the History of the Chosen of Mystra 1 Unidentified Enchanted Quarterstaff 1 Unidentified Wand 1 Unidentified Enchanted Mace Several potions left for Xzar to discover the uses of And over a hundred and fifty gold, not counting the four hundred stolen from the bard Silke
Although most of it had little value, the sum would be a tidy profit and the group eagerly awaited Xzarina’s identification of the magical items. Phaendris assisted, and before long the group knew the wonderful treasures they had gained. The quarterstaff was just that, a lightly enchanted quarterstaff made to hurt a little more and be a little easier to swing. In essence, money in the bank. The wand was a wand of lightning. Probably useless due to its volatile nature, (Dorn made sure to take it from Xzarina’s hands immediately) but it would sell well. The mace, however. It was a beauty. A real find. Nothing the group was an expert in, but still valuable. It was a lightly enchanted mace, just like the staff, but what made it special was the fact that it had been designed so as to easily stun a foe, rendering them helpless against a strong onslaught. While a seemingly simple effect, the danger of being stunned in battle was monumental.
For the time being it was given to Kagain to wield, as he was the most likely to get some use out of it. With this all done the group went to bed and awoke the next morning. They packed to set off immediately, not wishing to stay in town for too long, just in case people started noticing that things had gone missing. As they left, however, a familiar bearded man walked past. Phaendris stopped and stared in shock. Saying that she had to speak with the man she chased him down the street, leaving the other four standing in confusion.
Finally she caught up to the man, just as he entered his home. “Uncle Firebead!” She cried out. The kindly old man turned to her and nodded. “Ah, you’re old Gorion’s ward, the lonely kid of Candlekeep.” He chuckled to himself. “Oh! I heard about the loss of Gorion, and I must give you my deepest condolences.” His face darkened slightly as he muttered. “Though I imagine you may not care as much as you’d like us to believe.” Phaendris heard him clearly with her elven ears, though she had a sneaking suspicion that she was intended to. Firebead’s face brightened up again and he continued. “I hope since you’ve left Candlekeep, you’ve kept up your reading…” His face darkened again. “Apart from other people’s scrolls of identify…” His face lightened once again and Phaendris began shifting her weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Oh, the world of books… I have heard that a new copy of that wondrous tome, “The History of the Fateful Coin” can be had for a pretty penny in one of the stores around here. If it’s not too much trouble, I would appreciate if you’d buy it for an old man like me. I’ll gladly reimburse you, and I could even give you a little bonus to help in your travels. It must be hard with Gorion gone.” Phaendris, eager to change the subject to one on books pulled that very same book out of her bag, where she had left it after reading it the night before. Phaendris may have never liked studying, but she loved to read, and she could read an entire book in a matter of hours. “I actually just got a copy. I’ve already finished reading it, so I’d be happy to let you have it.” Firebead smiled, a truly genuine one this time. “Ah, you are generous to an old man, so I will be generous in turn. Let me give you another book in exchange. It is a touch darker than what you have given me, but I get a sense that you may enjoy it, nonetheless.”
With this he handed Phaendris a copy of the “History of the Dead Three”, a story about three dark mortals who became the dark gods known as Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul, as well as a scroll case. After thanking Firebead, she talked with him a short while before saying she must return to her companions, as they were leaving the town today. Firebead bid her safe journey, though as she walked away he muttered to himself. “Bred in bone, yet born through blood.”
Phaendris reunited with the group, who were angrily waiting for her at town's edge. After being berated for jeopardizing their success by running off they began their journey, back to the Friendly Arm. As they walked, Phaendris read the book Firebead had given her. Occasionally she glanced over at Montaron. After last night’s escapade, he had looked slightly more muscular. More toned.
LEVEL UP!
Eventually she returned to the book, and to the thought of Firebead’s words. Eventually all she could think of were the final words he had muttered as she left. “Bred in bone, yet born through blood.” It was like her dreams, and she shook her head, trying to get the thought out of it. Something about the book seemed to call to her, and she finally stuffed it in her sack, trying instead to focus on the journey. In the back of her mind, though, the thought remained, lingering, unwilling to leave her alone.
Bred in bone, yet born through blood…
Holy crap was this a long chapter. It's 10:25 PM right now, and apart from maybe an hour's worth of breaks, I've been working on this since 3:30-ish this afternoon. I seriously hope this thread starts picking up some steam on the view count because this is honestly some of my best work, I think. I'm honestly incredibly chuffed with how this all turned out. It's been a VERY long day of writing, but I think I did a fine job. Anyway, enough tooting my own horn like an egotistical... well, like Phaendris. I'm going to take a (short) break on this thread to finish up another play-through on the forums, so look forward to the conclusion of Treyve Goldbeard's tale sometime this week. Hopefully this extra long chapter will satisfy your appetite for Phaendris till I'm done.
As the group walked, Xzarina turned to Kagain and tilted her head. “Didn’t you want to check in with your mercenary company while we were in town?” Kagain chuckled. “Nay, I just needed a good argument to convince ye all to go north. My last merc died with the caravan we went to look for weeks ago. It’s just an empty building now.” Ash poked his head out of Phaendris’ bag, happy to finally be free of the confines of the town. “Pretty swell plan, beardy, but do you ever plan to reopen the business?” Kagain stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Well, assuming I dun’t die while traveling with all of ye, then I’ll likely start it back up. Hey Dorn. Want to be my first new employee?” Dorn looked down at the dwarf with mild disdain. “Even if I had completed my quest for revenge I would still not become a mere mercenary.” Kagain shrugged. “Suit yerself. I pay well.”
The group arrived at the Friendly Arm Inn late at night and they were eager to get some rest. None of them really required any rest, however, and since the night was still relatively young, they decided to attend to some business first. While Phaendris went to return Landrin’s possessions with Montaron and Xzarina, Dorn and Kagain set about selling their spoils from Beregost, as well as securing rooms for the evening.
With nearly four-hundred gold in their pockets from Landrin and a hefty sum for the stolen goods, the group went to bed and dreamt of all the various things they would purchase with their new-found wealth.
The next morning the group set out around ten. Xzarina had been almost impossible to kick out of bed (kick being the operative term), and the group was in sore spirits. They began to journey East, half-heartedly looking for bandits. What they later found was far more interesting.
They traveled for nearly sixteen hours, finding absolutely nothing apart from the occasional lone bandit, who rarely survived long enough to explain anything. Dorn scavenged a longbow from one of them, however, saying that it’s accuracy and speed could make it more valuable than his crossbow in some circumstances. While slaying some of the wildlife, Phaendris noticed that Kagain seemed to be gaining more skill with each passing battle.
Every swing he took with his axe seemed a bit cleaner, a bit more precise, a bit deadlier.
LEVEL UP!
Continuing to explore the area, the group finally met with a pack of bandits. Their leader made the mistake of conversing with Phaendris and co. before trying to kill them.
This created a large bullseye on his head, as without a leader the bandits were likely to scatter in fear. The bandits had no chance and failed to even wound the group before they were slaughtered. When it was all over, Phaendris pondered out loud. “I wonder if we could have tricked them into letting us join. You know, infiltrate their base and wipe them out from within?” Kagain scoffed. “‘Twould have been a fine plan, had we thought of it sooner. We’ll likely not meet a group like this again.” The group shrugged and began to loot the corpses before moving on. At least the leader carried an enchanted war hammer, making the missed opportunity at least somewhat acceptable.
“Yeesh, what are we even DOING out here?!” Ash cried out as he sat on Phaendris’ shoulder. “I mean, really. This is such a pain. It’s the middle of the night, there’s nothing out here, and we’ve been walking for hours… This couldn’t get any worse.” Just as the little mephit said this the group saw a flash of lightning, moments before hearing the crack of thunder. Instantaneously it began to pour down rain. Phaendris turned to her shoulder slowly and Ash began backing up, crawling down her arm and back into her pack. “S-sorry, boss… H-have I mentioned how beautiful you’ve been looking lately?” Phaendris scowled before turning her head away. “You’re not even worth the effort.” Ash sighed in relief. “Kagain. Smack him for me.” Ash’s eyes widened at the statement as the dwarf came up from behind and gave a sound thwack across the back of the mephit’s head. “Oooowwww!” Ash cried out before diving into the pack for safety. From within the pack the mephit muttered obscenities before quieting down after hearing Montaron’s voice. “Can I hit it next?”
Suddenly, however, a figure burst out of the trees and ran into the group, as if drawn out by Ash’s cry. At first the group prepared to fight, but when the group saw the figure’s face underneath the hood they paused, surprised. “Help me! If you don’t help me, he’ll kill me!” the woman cried, her black eyes pleading with them. Phaendris drew her swords. “If you would accept help from a surface elf then you are truly desperate. Who are you? Who seeks your death?” The woman gasped almost imperceptibly before looking around her and replying. “My name is Viconia. The ones trying to kill me are-.“ She was cut off by the cry of a man who came running, wearing plate mail and carrying a large sword. “Step aside travelers, I am a member of the Flaming Fist! The woman you are harboring is wanted for murder of the foulest sort. She is a dark elf, it should be obvious that she is evil.” Viconia began to protest before Xzarina told her to be silent. “This is where it gets good!” the crazy witch tittered. “What do you intend to do once you have her?” Dorn said as the rain hit his armor, his cold dark eyes gleaming through his helmet. “Kill her, of course.” The man replied confidently. Phaendris grinned evilly, gripping her drawn swords more tightly. “We can’t allow that, now can we, friends? If she is a murderer then she’s exactly what we need. You’ll have to go through us to get her.” The Fist officer stepped back, shocked and horrified. He finally managed to stutter out a response, though. “A-a stupid decision! For harboring a murderer I sentence all of you to death!” Montaron stepped forward, a flash of lightning reflecting off of his short sword. “Ye’ve made a poor choice, friend.”
The man barely had time to turn tail and flee before a flurry of blades assaulted him and his corpse hit the wet ground with a disgusting squelch.
Phaendris sheathed her swords and approached the woman, though she kept her hands on her sword hilts. Viconia put away the ragged and worn looking mace she wielded and bowed to Phaendris, an act that Phaendris had no doubt caused great self-loathing within the drow. The drow despised many things, but most of all they despised the surface elves, who they called darthiir. Viconia, still bowing, quietly began speaking. “I thank you. I know you may not be willing to give me a chance because of my dark skin. I am a drow, but if you give me a chance, you won’t regret it. Can I join with you? I need friends now more than ever.” Phaendris stared at the slender form of the woman bent over and slowly began to smirk, which turned into a grin, and then into a full laugh. Viconia looked up at Phaendris with surprise and a little fear. For a darthiir to laugh like that after such a statement, surely this woman would kill her. “Stand up, Viconia. Of course we’ll take you in. Quit the subservience, though. It doesn’t befit a proud female drow such as yourself.” Viconia stood up straight, and the group was able to see clearly her lithe frame, her exquisite face, her magnificent white hair, and her stunning black eyes, somehow darker than her skin. Xzarina began to pull at the cursed girdle, trying to remove it before Kagain smacked her hand away, his lecherous gaze never leaving Viconia. “I saw her first.” was all the dwarf said. Viconia shuddered a little and pulled her cloak around her. “Don’t worry about the perverts, Viconia.” Phaendris said, putting a reassuring hand on the woman’s shoulder. If they try to touch you I’m sure you can end their status as a man before anything happens. At the very least, make it seem like you can. I used to get the same looks till I put a blade next to the dwarf’s gold nuggets.” Viconia smirked. “You seem more like a drow than I, darthiir.” Phaendris chuckled. “Sometimes.” Phaendris then spun around to face the assembly. “Alright, it’s the middle of the night and the bandits are nowhere to be seen. We’re heading back to the Friendly Arm. Any objections?” The cold and wet group had no issues whatsoever, and the group, now consisting of six, ["Hey! It's seven, you a**!" "Da**it! Shut up Maldavious!"] returned westward.
Once the group arrived at the Arm, they immediately went to pay for rooms. Before they were allowed to sleep, however, Phaendris called them into her room for a conversation. The group wasn’t pleased, but they agreed. Viconia was the last to enter the room, and while she had seemed like a child as they approached the buildings, the likes of which she had never seen, her naivety would not make her trust them automatically. She stuck close to the door, and the whole time they had traveled she had kept a slight distance from the others.
Phaendris crossed her arms and bluntly said to the woman. “Who are you, Viconia?” Viconia tilted her head, somewhat confused by the statement. “I am sorry, darthiir, I don’t comprehend what you mean.” Phaendris sighed. “Tell us about yourself.” Viconia nodded, understanding Phaendris now. She began proudly. “I am a drow from the city of Menzoberranzan. I was a priestess of Lolth, though I have abandoned worshipping her in favour of the night goddess Shar.” Phaendris raised an eyebrow. All these names were familiar to her from her studies in Candlekeep, but what intrigued her most was the fact that Viconia had abandoned the worship of the spider goddess Lolth, a change that is often fatal. “You no longer worship Lolth? I imagine that is the root of why you left your home?” Viconia nodded sadly. “This is correct, daarthir.” Phaendris felt there must be more to the story, but Viconia seemed unwilling to speak of it. “Well Viconia, now that you’re a part of this group, you need to know a few things. Firstly, I am in charge. I won’t order you around like a slave, but when I tell you what to do I expect it done. Betray me and you will die. Secondly, we are not nice people. We are currently working to aid the Sword Coast, the region in which we are currently, but we do this only because one of the greatest wizards in the world has us by the balls.” Phaendris stopped for a moment and thought about what she had just said. Her language was never the cleanest, but she’d been hanging around these pig-like males for too long now, she was certain. Shrugging off the thought she continued. “Regardless, we are a relatively criminal group. We don’t go around randomly killing people, but if it is evil and we will benefit from it we will do it without hesitation. This means that if you work with us, you must be willing to do evil things. Understand? I feel that considering your background you will not have any trouble with this, but I inform you now so you can choose to flee if you wish. The result would likely be painful for you, but I give you the option.” Viconia shook her head. “I have no qualms with your terms, darthiir. I do ask that you would tell me of yourselves, though.” Phaendris shrugged. “Very well. Ask your questions.”
Viconia began by turning towards Kagain. “Who is the hargluk?” Kagain looked between the two women and then asked. “Tha hells’ a hargluk?” “Probably means dwarf, gold-brains. She’s been calling me surface elf in the drow tongue, so that’s likely what she’ll do for all of us. It’s not like we’ve introduced ourselves.” Phaendris replied. Viconia nodded. Kagain crossed his arms and looked at Viconia, inspecting her up and down before replying. “Well, I’m an ex-mercenary company owner and a warrior. The name’s Kagain, and I’ll thank you to not ask me another question about my background.” Phaendris shrugged. “He’s like that. Next?”
Viconia motioned towards Dorn. “The cretok-klu’chud?” Phaendris stroked her chin. “Okay, I’m not sure what that one means.” Viconia took a step back to further herself from the half-orc. “It means orc-spawn.” Dorn growled and ignored her, turning to Phaendris. “You know my history as well as anyone will. I’ll tell her nothing.” Phaendris shook her head. “Dorn’s a blackguard. Big, nasty, and very strong. He’s hunting down his former allies who betrayed him. That’s about all we’ve got out of him. To be frank, none of them are willing to say much about themselves.”
Viconia nodded, still seeming extremely curious. “What about the rivvil and the sakphul? They seem to be relatively attached to each other.” Montaron just about lunged at Viconia. “And why is the sakphul so angry?” Viconia said, leaning away from Monty, who was now being restrained by Dorn. “The sakphul, Montaron, is a rogue. He’s especially effective at killing, and he and the rivvil, Xzar or Xzarina, work for the same organization. Xzarina is a man wearing a cursed girdle, and he’s batsh** crazy. Surprisingly a skilled mage, though. Seems to favour necromancy. I’d keep your distance.” Viconia nodded slowly.
“And what of you, Darthiir?” Phaendris stretched. “I’ll give you the short version. My name’s Phaendris. I’m a fighter, mage, and rogue from the giant walled library-town Candlekeep. I lived a sheltered life until a little over two weeks ago. My foster father was a mage and a good man. I hated him. Like I said, a little over two weeks ago I left. Assassins are after me for whatever reason, and they killed my foster father. I met Xzar and Montaron shortly after my foster father’s death, and have been traveling wherever fate takes us since. Oh, and I have a dust mephit familiar named Ash.” Ash popped his head up out of Phaendris’ pack. “My name is Maldavious Barenza-wowowowow!” Ash’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he saw Viconia. The little fellow had been sleeping in Phaendris’ pack since before they had even met her, and he was now amazed at the beauty that had appeared before him suddenly. Phaendris place a hand over her face as she used the other to smack the mephit. “Yeowch! Geez… I was just greeting our new teammate…” Viconia chuckled. “Well, it seems I’ve found just about the strangest assortment of allies I could have. You all seem capable enough, however, and while I’m not exactly pleased to have a darthiir lead me, at least she’s a strong and capable woman, more drow than darthiir.” Phaendris nodded, a pleased and cunning smirk taking over her face.
With this done, the group began to leave for their rooms, but before they could leave, Phaendris requested that everyone except for Viconia stay. Viconia looked concerned, but returned to her room quietly. Phaendris turned to the rest of her allies. “So? What do you all think?” Kagain, Ash, and Xzarina exclaimed instantly. “HOT! Of course she’s joining us!” Phaendris nodded. “Alright then. You two can leave. Ash, go to sleep.” The trio looked at each other in confusion, but shrugged and left, Ash curling up on the pillow and falling asleep instantly. Phaendris turned to Dorn and Montaron and sat down on her bed before she began to take off her armour. “Well, now that it’s just the ones that think with more than their genitals left, what are your thoughts?” Dorn and Montaron looked at each other, surprised to see that they were agreeing. Dorn spoke first. “She’s a threat. Drow are notorious for only making alliances with those they believe they can eventually defeat and control.” “Sort of like the demon you’ve probably made an alliance with?” Phaendris retorted, to which Dorn scowled and turned away. “He’s right, though.” Montaron said quietly. “She’s dangerous, and if the trait of drow that Dorn mentioned weren’t enough, they also despise surface dwellers, especially elves. I know we’re not the most trustworthy allies, but you’ve only brought another knife in the back to the group.” Phaendris nodded slowly. “You’re not wrong, but we need a healer desperately, and she seems decent enough. Besides, if nothing else we can use her as a shield when we assault the bandit camp. And, looking past that, drow are naturally resistant to magic. Considering the dangerous wizard that we may be forced to fight in the future, we NEED her.” Dorn and Montaron looked at each other, then to Phaendris, and back to each other. Once again Dorn spoke first. “Fine, but if she betrays us I’m going to put a blade through your stomach.” Phaendris waved goodnight to the half-orc. “You’re welcome to try, cretok-klu’chud.” Dorn growled as he left. Finally it was just Montaron and Phaendris left. “Well then, anything else to say, Monty?” Montaron shook his head. “Want me to watch her? Keep an eye out for any signs of betrayal?” Phaendris nodded. “Of course. Why would I want anything else? You know me best, lover boy.” Montaron made a sound of disgust as he walked out of the room. “One mistake and I get a da** nickname. We didn’t even mrgrmrmr…” The grouchy halfling’s words trailed off down the hall and Phaendris laughed. One drunken kiss on Phaendris’ cheek after the great Beregost heist was all it took for Phaendris to tease him endlessly. While Phaendris would still gut any of them without any hesitation, she had a certain fondness for the crotchety midget. Surprisingly enough, she thought he might be the closest thing to a “friend” she’d ever really had. Pushing everything out of her head she collapsed into her bed happily. The next morning as she awoke she felt strangely stronger. She stretched, and thought perhaps her strange powers had developed further, but no, that wasn’t it. It was something else. It was her skills. Over her journey she’d been using everything she ever learned just to stay alive and it had molded her. She was stronger, better. This was just one small step, but she was ready to become the Scourge of the Sword Coast.
So far it's just been Viconia calling them by race, the one exception being Dorn, as half-orc doesn't exist in the Drow language. Instead Vicky's been calling him orc-spawn. There may be a word for half in the drow tongue, but Vicky uses the drow language almost derogatorily, so orc-spawn fits better. If I use anything more than race I'll translate it in the story. I feel like Phaendris may take a great interest in the language.
So far it's been: Phaendris: Darthiir (Surface Elf or Fairy) Xzar: Rivvil (Human) Dorn: Cretok-klu’chud (Orc-spawn) Monty: Sakphul (Halfling) Kagain: Hargluk (Dwarf)
Oh, and it wasn't five hours of studying the drow language, I just did it at five in the morning. Little bit of a difference, @bengoshi.
Chapter 12: Failure Pt. 1 [My chapter was 2305 characters too long for a single post. Suffice it to say, this is a long chapter.]
The next morning the group awoke and met in Phaendris’ room. Once there, they spoke more deeply about Viconia’s abilities and skills. They learned that, till she rested and prayed for more magic, she could command a foe to fall asleep, heal minor wounds twice, bless the team, and make them immune to fear. They also found that she was somewhat skilled with maces, though she was too weak to wield heavy shields or armour. This was acceptable, however, as her natural agility made her just as sturdy as the rest of the group. In fact she was as agile Phaendris, something Phaendris was not entirely pleased about. They handed her the mace of stunning, as well as the ring of divinity [This is what they refer to the ring of Sune as. Remember, they only identify the effects of magical items, not their origins.] as she was the only person who could put these tools to good use. After the group finished, Phaendris, Dorn, and Kagain went to purchase ammunition and an extra sling for Viconia. The other three were sent to wait outside the Arm, as they were more likely to cause trouble than anything else. (Intentionally or otherwise)
With all this done, the group set out to the Larswood, hoping to find more members of the bandit gang. They were met with the rain from the previous night, much to their dismay, but the company marched on. Once again they traveled for hours with few results. At one point Monty voiced everyone’s thoughts. “I hate the woods! Prey be so much easier to find in the city.”
In one section of the woods they met a man clothed in animal skins who began to rave mindlessly. “Arrogant fools!” he cried. “You return to the very slaughter for which you were responsible. Your blood will soak the ground before I allow any of you to leave! I will avenge the deaths of my brothers!” Before anyone else could respond, Xzarina piped up. “We killed your brothers. We admit it freely!” she said gleefully. “We drank their blood and ate their spleens. We even dined on their livers with some fava beans and a nice chianti!” The whole group turned to Xzarina, their faces clearly showing that they were disturbed by this outburst. Even Dorn looked at Xzarina, his mouth slightly agape as if to say, “How in the hells did you even come up with that?” The druid, for so the group assumed he was, was understandably enraged.
He lunged at Dorn who was closest to him. Unfortunately, his fate was sealed almost from the moment he encountered the group. The group slaughtered him nearly instantly, although two cave bears appeared from the woods as he fell. The group sighed, but slaughtered the first with little trouble. As the second came close, a second druid sprang from the underbrush and swung his quarterstaff. However, he was not swinging it at the party, but rather at the bear! Although confused by this, the group were not about to say no to aid. The bear managed to bite into Kagain’s leg, but it was a minor inconvenience, nothing more.
Once the bear had been slain, the group re-organized, keeping their weapons drawn and aimed at the second druid. He held up his hands in an attempt to show peacefulness and began to speak. He apologized for the first druid and explained that bandits had slain the druids that lived here, causing the first druid to go mad. Something about his story seemed off, however, and Phaendris pointed it out, to which the man responded calmly. Phaendris pressed the point though, and the man began to become agitated. As he did he began to contradict himself, which Phaendris capitalized on. At this point the man became exceedingly irritable and anxious, and Phaendris knew what had occurred. She accused him of using them to aid in the murder of this mad druid. He took a step back, appalled, but then a malicious smirk came over his face. His demeanor changed from anxious to confident in moments and he confessed, saying that he was a shadow druid aiming to wipe out the first druid’s order so that his fellows could join him. Unfortunately for him, he chose to try and threaten Phaendris, to which he was quickly met with several blades that severed his life from his body as easily as they severed his limbs from his corpse.
On the first druid’s corpse was a magical spear that was handed to Xzar for identification. The shadow druid carried nothing of value however. Phaendris cast a glance over her team. The more they fought together, the more organized and dangerous they became. Dorn and Montaron especially. His large swings were perfect for knocking away guards so that the small sword of a halfling could dart in and find its mark. Xzarina was also looking more dangerous, though her gaze rarely left Viconia and almost never landed on their foes, much to Phaendris’ dismay.
LEVEL UP!
DORN:
MONTARON: [I forgot the second picture. My b.]
XZAR(INA)
With this done the group continued their search, wandering aimlessly till they found something they thought they’d never see again. A group of bandits with a leader who spoke before shooting. Kagain nudged Phaendris’ leg and she nodded. To her surprise, the bandit was entirely tricked by her charade and began to lead them directly to the bandit camp. The group looked at each other and nodded quietly, evil thoughts pulling the corners of their mouths upward.
***
After traveling for what seemed like ages, the group was lead into a small encampment. Tents and provisions were all about and bandits both human and hobgoblin milled about, some sparring, some building, other merely smoking a pipe and laying around. As they approached, a dark haired bandit came up, obviously not happy to see their new friend, Teven, accompanied by a new group. “Teven! Who the hell are these roustabouts?! Are ye daft bringing them here?” He cried. The group noticed a massive half-ogre in plate mail slowly wandering up behind the bandit. Neither Teven nor the second bandit seemed to notice and Teven exclaimed. “I eyed ‘em well ‘fore bringin’ ‘em this far, and they be as good as we got! We ain’t got the time to do formal training to cover our losses. We’ll be no use if we don’t fill in the ranks.” The other bandit sighed and shook his head. “Fine, just keep ‘em out o’ trouble till Tazok gets here, and he can make sure they’re on the up an’ up. An ogre up yer face will show yer true colours right quick!” The group looked at each other and realized the towering wall of muscle standing directly behind the poor bandit was likely Tazok, the head of all this. Phaendris pointed, drawing the attention of the bandit. “You mean him?” The bandit spun around fast as lightning. “Ulp! B-boss!” The half-ogre placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and threw him out of his way as if he had been a pebble before bellowing angrily. “Recruits?! Secret operation and you hire those you rob?! By the lower planes, why do we pay Blacktalons to do stealth if you almost light signal fires?!” Teven was obviously concerned by Tazok’s displeasure, but he seemed to be made of sterner stuff than the first bandit, who was now crawling behind a tent to hide in case Tazok became angry with him next. “We need to keep our numbers up! Besides, boss, we checked them out pretty good. I think they’ll do fine.” Despite Teven’s impressive bravado, he most certainly did not respond the way Tazok desired. “YOU DON’T THINK! I THINK! I question them myself and if they not as you say, you die too!” Teven nodded quietly and stepped out of the way. His legs were shaking somewhat, but the group was impressed he hadn’t soiled himself. Before they could offer any words of praise to Teven, Tazok growled at them. “I say now I don’t like you! Give me reason to not have you broth-boiled and use your skin to swaddle my small-kin! Who are you that I should let you join?!” Phaendris decided to use bravado, seeing as whether or not Tazok chose to attack, the team would succeed regardless. It was just a matter of how soon Tazok died. “Ah, go scare some school-girls. I could bruise you but good, and that’s exactly why you need me!” Tazok growled angrily, but the corners of his mouth turned up faintly. “You talk big! Maybe I think you talk TOO big! Maybe I think we just see who get bruised! Put your sword where your mouth is, or I put MINE there!”
With this the half-ogre charged, drawing a massive and crude sword, though it’s edge was sharp as a Tarasque claw. “Spread out! Don’t let him near! Kagain! Drop the shield and use Dorn’s longbow. Keep your distance, everyone, a single blow from him could end you!” Phaendris barked out these orders almost instinctively, and she realized she had gone from being a mere force of destruction to leading a force of even greater destruction. The change had been imperceptible in its smoothness, and she liked it. It wasn’t as though the group was perfect, however, and Phaendris was caught by the great brute. He swung and struck deep, wounding her greatly and knocking her to the ground. She ignored the pain though and struck back at the gap between his chainmail coif and the plate mail, wounding him, and he stopped his next swing inches from Phaendris’ neck. The rest of the group paused, unsure of what was happening. Phaendris realized she was holding her breath, yet for some reason she could not let it out yet. Finally Tazok laughed. He sheathed his sword and complimented them, giving them free reign of the camp as well. He said he’d go on patrol and that they should refer to Ardenor and Taugosz if they had any need for orders. The group assumed these two were the leaders of the Chill and the Blacktalons.
Once he had left Phaendris breathed out and gripped her side, from which blood poured profusely. Viconia rushed over and began to cast a spell. It didn’t fully mend Phaendris, but the blood ceased to flow and Phaendris gave Viconia an appreciative look. Dorn stepped up and offered a hand to Phaendris, which she gladly accepted. The group cast a glance around at each other and then shook their heads. Tazok was a monster. It would take a special plan to bring an end to him. The group began by circling around and talking about their next move. “Da**! Tha’ Tazok nearly decapitated ye!” Kagain began. Phaendris glared at him. “Shut up. But you raise a good point. He nearly killed me instantly. He may walk about camp slowly, but he fights as fast as I do. We need to bring him down without him ever seeing us.” Montaron chimed in. “Backstab. My specialty.” Dorn practically interrupted him, however. “Poisoned bolt. It’ll pierce his armour and bring him down before he can respond. I have a special creation just for a brute like him.” Viconia spoke next, shocking everyone, as she had been exceptionally quiet so far. “These are good ways of bringing him down, but where will we do it from? We need to search the camp and learn what we can.” Xzarina exclaimed, “His tent! From the shadows in his own tent!” Phaendris nodded. “Excellent. Alright, we need to search the camp, prepare for the attack. When we do initiate the plan though, here’s what we’ll do. Monty will strike him from behind, that’ll weaken him greatly and cause him to spin around towards him. I wish I could trust Monty to finish the job, but I stuck my blade deep enough to kill a man and he barely flinched. Once he spins around to Monty, Dorn, you’ll be lying in wait on the opposite side of the tent. A poisoned bolt straight into his back should do well. Monty, you’ll need to get out of there quickly. Once that’s done, Xzarina and I will use a drain to weaken him, just long enough for Kagain and Viconia to cut him down. Got it?” The group nodded in agreement. Suddenly Dorn spoke up. “We should rest first. You look… tired.” Phaendris stared at him, wondering if it wasn’t Dorn who was really tired. Regardless, she was feeling fatigued from their long journey as well. Perhaps they could find an empty tent and rest for a bit. As she looked around she noticed that it was not only Dorn and her, everyone was tired. Even Kagain, the most hardy of the group, was looking sluggish. They found their way to a tent that seemed unoccupied and set up their bedrolls.
That evening they stirred and stretched, ready to explore the camp and make preparations. As they exited the tent they were surprised to see at least thirty torches off in the distance, burning bright in the darkness of the night. A bandit stood by and Phaendris asked what was going on. “Tazok’s leading a crew down to check out the mines. There’s been a distinct lack o’ messengers lately and Tazok thinks somethin’s up. Took half the camp with him, he did. Ardenor and Taugosz are none too happy about it neither.” Phaendris cursed under her breath. “Whazzat sweetcheeks? Didja say something else?” the bandit replied. Phaendris turned to the team and said, “Montaron.” before making a motion across her neck. Montaron nodded and walked up to the bandit. “Well hey there. Don’t see too many halfli-urk! Why you sunnuva-aghk!” The man’s first sentence was cut off by a small fist thrown at his groin, which caused the man to fall on his knees. The second was interrupted by two small hairy hands being wrapped around his throat and squeezing. After a couple moments of attempted struggle, the man went limp and Montaron dragged his body into the bushes. When he returned Phaendris quietly said “Tent.” Once inside, Phaendris punched the middle support beam, causing it to crack. Dorn looked at her, impressed by such a display of strength. “Alright. So our prey’s left. But this is our chance to destroy the camp. That pathetic bandit told us Tazok took half the camp with him. Also, we clearly saw at least thirty torches. Or at least I did. That means that there’s only around thirty bandits left in camp. If we do this quick and quiet we can wipe them all out, no challenge. That means Montaron, a lot of this is up to you, understand?” Montaron smirked and nodded. “Now, we need to keep our heads about us. The bandit groups leaders are both still here, and I imagine not every bandit is as chokeable as that last one. That means that Dorn and Kagain need to be ready. You two are our strongest warriors. I’m splitting the group up so we can cover more ground. This tent is in the middle of the camp, so one group will go left, the other will go right. Got it? Dorn, Viconia, you’re with me. Monty, Kagain, Xzar, you go left. When you’ve killed everything in sight meet back at this tent. Understood?” The group nodded and drew weapons. “Remember, everyone. Silence is golden.”
Unfortunately silence was only bronze that night.
***
The midget pair and Xzarina wandered through the camp, Montaron dipping in and out of the shadows, slitting the throats of anyone who got too close. Montaron and Kagain had a plan. The left side of the camp was the Chill’s domain, and before this became an all-out battle, they wanted Ardenor’s head on a plate, served cold and quiet. Finally they found him. Unlike the hobgoblins around him, Ardenor had a disturbing look of intelligence and cunning in his face, and this made the trio concerned. Their plan was fool-proof, however, and they enacted it without hesitation. Kagain approached Ardenor, attempting to make small-talk. Surprisingly, Ardenor didn’t order Kagain’s death immediately. He certainly didn’t appear to be fond of the dwarf, but Kagain didn’t care. “They certainly will accept anyone these days.“ the hobgoblin said quietly. “Keep to your side of the camp if you wish to keep your heads. My hobgoblins might like the meat on you.” “Just have to stall Ardenor long enough for Montaron to come up behind him.” Kagain thought before cracking a joke. “Oh, that’s not advisable at all. I’m a little on the tough side; they might bust a tooth or two getting me down.” Montaron moved with cat-like stealth and grace from the bushes. Ardenor smirked. “Hmm! Perhaps they might at that. You had best be careful with that wit around Tazok. Ogres are not known to appreciate the subtleties of dwarf humor.” Just as he said the last word he cried out in pain as Montaron’s blade buried itself deep within the hobgoblin. But this was not to end so easily. Ardenor cried out with fury, and spun around to attack Montaron, yelling loudly to attack as he did so. The trio prepared to fight, but had they sealed their fate? They were outnumbered four to three, and Ardenor was sturdy enough to survive a perfect blow from a skilled assassin. Who’s to say he would not be a mighty warrior as well?
***
Phaendris snuck around, sticking her blades through every bandit she could, Dorn and Viconia following not far behind, keeping their blades ready should Phaendris fail to eliminate one quietly. Phaendris needed that comforting thought, as she had abandoned her plate mail for the sake of stealth. Unfortunately eliminating them quietly wasn’t the concern. Phaendris heard the clanking of plate mail from behind her and she stood up straight as she spun around. Taugosz, the Blacktalon leader stood there, inspecting Phaendris closely. “I am Taugosz ‘Tenhammer,’” he said quietly. “leader of the Blacktalons. You are small and weak compared. Remember this. You cross Talons and I kill you. Not with hammer, with little finger. Slowly.” Phaendris placed a hand on one sword hilt and responded comfortably, though she made sure to show deference. “You’ve my respect, but I’ll not fear you. It’s better placed with our quarry.” Taugosz laughed heartily. “Good attitude! Be sure to keep it when Tazok arrive. He hires Blacktalons for Iron Throne, but you take orders only from me. Understand? Stay away from Chill as well, they only our friends till the job is finished.” Phaendris nodded and Taugosz began to walk away. Phaendris’ mind began to race. “Iron Throne? That merchant company? Why would they? And furthermore, that meant that this was far more than the machinations of some bandits led by a half-ogre!” Phaendris had wondered why a half-ogre would care about destroying iron, but she had kept the thought out of her mind till now. “And what about- no. This isn’t the time.” she thought. Phaendris took a deep breath and drew her sword quietly. Taugosz was wearing a suit of the finest full plate, and his hammer and shield were obviously enchanted. If she screwed this up, she’d be standing against a man who was better equipped than her normally in nothing but her tunic, and this was not something she desired. Quietly she approached Taugosz’s back. She placed her sword delicately at the crack between metal plates, and then she struck. Immediately she regretted this decision. It was like Tazok all over again. She struck a deadly blow yet he spun around to strike her! Making matters worse, he called for aid and three bandits appeared seemingly from nowhere. This was bad.
***
Kagain and Montaron began to strike at Ardenor furiously before they heard Xzarina cry out “I’m casting magic at Ardenoooor!” Montaron practically shoved Kagain away before diving out of the way himself. Ardenor had barely drawn his weapon before a column of ice crashed into him with destructive force. Xzarina stood there giggling madly while holding the wand they had found inside the hollow tree back at the Nashkel mines. Kagain and Montaron began attacking two of the other hobgoblins as Xzarina began launching bullets at the now critically wounded Ardenor to try and finish him.
***
Phaendris had made a critical judgement error. If she survived this she would be astounded. Taugosz was not the problem. Dorn and Viconia were keeping the severely injured warrior in place. No, the trouble was the three bandits who could fire arrows at the unarmoured Phaendris. Rather than flee, she charged, hoping to cut down one or two of them before they could wound her severely. Before she could come close, however, they had hit Viconia twice, much to Phaendris’ relief. At least they weren’t targeting her.
Yet another arrow struck her, though, and Viconia fled towards the central tent, clutching her wounds in an attempt to stop the bleeding from overcoming her. She made it a matter of inches before yet another bandit appeared. His arrow found it’s mark and Viconia collapsed dead. Phaendris swore loudly and yelled. “DORN! YOU BETTER GET YOUR F***ING SH** TOGETHER OR WE’RE BOTH DEAD!”
***
Meanwhile yet another hobgoblin had joined the fray on the other side of camp. Ardenor had regained his senses enough to begin striking at Kagain, but Kagain didn’t mind. He could handle a couple of hobgoblins, especially when one was so wounded he could barely stand. Unfortunately, as he thought this, two more hobgoblins arrived, and things were looking exceptionally dire. Kagain was not about to give in, however, and he struck with all his force, cleaving Ardenor’s head in twain. Now that he was down to only two foes, he cast a glance around. Montaron was fending off three as best he could, and it seemed as though it was going well, but such things could turn quickly. Xzarina was fleeing from another hobgoblin, but her legs could keep her out of the hobgoblin’s reach, Kagain was sure of that.
***
Phaendris had had it. Dorn couldn’t put down one half-dead warrior, and the bandits kept appearing. She had killed one, only to find yet another joining in. At this rate they were doomed. They had to get to the others and fast. She bolted and Dorn realized that perhaps he should follow. Before he could, however, he was shot yet again. He was in critical condition now, and he grabbed a healing flask immediately. Phaendris, thoroughly disgusted with Dorn’s performance, spun around and used her ability to drain health on Taugosz, hoping to at least bring him down. Even this was not enough to bring down Taugosz, but it gave Dorn the time to drink from his flask, giving him seconds more to live. As the pair ran, Dorn switched to his crossbow, believing that it would be enough.
***
Xzarina spun around, and began to chant. She prayed to whatever many-tentacled elder god she worshipped that the hobgoblin wouldn’t stop her before she succeeded. He couldn’t even catch up to her, however, and suddenly all but one hobgoblin lay on the ground, unconscious. Montaron and Kagain cheered loudly as they began to end the lives of these dozing dullards.
***
Meanwhile things were not moving so smoothly for Phaendris and Dorn. They had escaped many of the bandits, only to find more. The pair rushed past them, Dorn occasionally firing and missing at Taugosz. Phaendris cried out as an arrow struck her in the side. She was in serious condition now, and she gripped a healing potion instinctively. Something dark welled up within her, however, and she felt a surge of strength.
LEVEL UP!
After downing the potion she felt even more strength returning, and she spun around, attempting to drain the last vestiges of life from Taugosz. Before she could do so however a large group of bandits caught up with them and the hail of arrows forced them to flee. Dorn was struck down, however, and Phaendris swore even more loudly. She fled past the trio of hobgoblin slayers and cried out for them to flee. They stared at her in confusion but did as ordered. They managed to escape the main forces, but Taugosz remained nipping at their heels. This time, however, Phaendris was not going to be interrupted by archers. She drained the life from him yet again before Kagain, Montaron, and she charged. They never even reached him. Before they could, a powerful bolt from Xzarina’s wand of magic missile tore a hole through Taugosz’s head and he collapsed, finally dead. The group grabbed his corpse and dragged it away, trying to escape and regroup.
“What in tha hells was that?!" Kagain cried out angrily. “Quiet down, ya daft fool!” Montaron hissed at him. Phaendris, gripping her bleeding side began to explain how the archers just kept coming and coming, killing first Viconia and then Dorn. “Bloody hell, so now it’s just tha four of us? Kagain said angrily.” “I’m afraid so. Those bandits are more dangerous than we imagined. And there were so many of them.” “So? We’ll put them down like we put down the hobgoblins.” Montaron said, clearly disgusted. “Just because you three are abysmal failures among warriors doesn’t mean we are. We were clearing out our targets with no challenges ’til you arrived, ruining the whole thing.” “Look, we just need to go in there and take them out one by one while heavily armoured. Fortunately both their leaders are dead, so the camp should be a mess right now. Not to mention, it seems Taugosz left us a gift.” Phaendris began to strip off the exquisite full plate mail from the corpse, putting it on as she went. “Xzarina, what’s the status of your spells?” Xzarina shook her head sadly. “All gone. I have my wands, but they’re not good for combat with multiple enemies. Only for single targets.” Phaendris sighed. She had hoped to have Xzarina’s magical prowess with them for this, but it seemed that fate had other plans. “Alright. You’re staying here. The price for raising those two will be high enough, we don’t need to increase it further.” “Raise?” Kaigan said, his eyes growing wide. “D’ya know how much tha’ costs?! I can almost understand for Dorn, but for the drow?!” Phaendris spat back at Kagain. “That drow could’ve saved our hides and made this a much better fight, if Dorn hadn’t fu**ed it all up! Taugosz was strong, but with the injuries he had, he should not have had to be killed by Xzarina of all people! Besides, we need all the help we can get, and those two are valuable assets, even if they didn’t make it this time.” “I’m fine with raising them, assuming we can make it out of here alive.” Montaron said grimly, putting on his old suit of platemail. He hated it, but the time for stealth was long over.
The group swept through the camp, slaughtering any who stood in their way. They skirted around the outskirts, snuck up on lone bandits, and generally did anything to improve their chances. Even so they could not avoid a fight with five bandits outside of Tazok’s tent. They prevailed, however, and they had done all they needed to.
This battle was a loss. The bandits had won this one, but Phaendris would be back. The group plundered as much as they could before picking up the remains of Dorn and Viconia and heading back towards the Friendly Arm. They were all bloodied, wounded, and incapable of further fighting, and they had a suspicion that their greatest challenge lay within Tazok’s tent. Sixteen hours later, the group of four and two corpses arrived and they practically fell into the temple. The gnome priestess nearly died of fright when four blood-soaked beings walked through the door, two corpses being dragged behind them. Though she seemed uncertain about bringing back to life two such unsavory looking beings, she was amenable once 800 gold fell into her hands. When the priestess worked her magic, Dorn’s eyes shot open and he bellowed with fear, clutching his chest as if it hurt. He looked around in a panic, his eyes darting from person to person, before finally landing on Phaendris. “I-“ He began before Phaendris slapped him. She wanted to punch him, but she feared that would end his recently regained life. Dorn looked down in shame, but it seemed as though there was something far worse on his mind than being slapped by Phaendris. She turned towards Viconia who had jolted up, but fallen back down, gripping her sides in pain. Phaendris put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. “D-darthiir. It hurts. So much. And the torture. Hell… hell is…” Phaendris shushed her gently. “Forget it. You’re alive. You’re alive and we’re all here. It’s alright.” Viconia nodded, though faint tears formed in her eyes as she clutched her wounds. The two may have been brought back to life, but their bodies still suffered from their injuries. Phaendris stood up and turned around, just in time to see something astounding. Kagain and Montaron stood there, jaws agape, as Xzarina handed over 500 of her own gold to the priestess. The priestess leaned forward, cast a spell, and the cursed girdle fell off. Xzar’s shape changed in front of them from woman to man, and he stared at the girdle quietly before shoving it into his bag. “Xz-xzar. You paid to have the girdle removed?” Phaendris stuttered, utterly shocked. “The time for childish jokes is over.” Xzar said quietly. “They hurt us, Phaendris. They hurt us and they must pay for it.” As he said this he turned to Phaendris slowly and his eyes showed a level of sanity and seriousness that Phaendris believed he was incapable of feeling, let alone showing. Phaendris nodded slowly. “Yes Xzar. They must.”
The wounded warriors traveled into the inn and purchased the finest rooms in the establishment. They needed a good rest if they were to crush any and all remaining bandits. Xzar and Phaendris spent the first night identifying some of their treasure, namely the druid’s spear and Taugosz’s warhammer. The spear was a powerful but cursed item, while the warhammer was a normal mildly enchanted warhammer. These were sold for a good sum, and the group used the money for potions of healing. When they were all ready, rested and bloodthirsty, they set out. They had lost the first battle, and there would be hell to pay. Phaendris may lose a battle, but she never loses the war.
Suffice it to say, even though this isn't a strict minimal reload run, this chapter should prove that it's not without it's moments.
In the interim between my writing chapter 13 and my editing chapter 13, I realized an amusing coincidence.
The drow word Viconia uses for Phaendris or other surface elves, "darthiir", is also used for fairies. This is mildly amusing because the sound of Phae, the first part of Phaendris' name, is the same sound used for the words fey or fay, which are both used for fairies. This was completely unintentional, but I feel it's a nice detail that (had I planned it) would show a great deal of forethought and skilled writing. I didn't plan it, but it's nice to think of the coincidence.
Your writing is skilled nonetheless friend @Elrandir! I'm really enjoying the dialogues (so much that I want to write dialogue myself again). Wonderful use of the English language too. Keep it up!
Thank you! The dialogues are honestly the reason why this is my favourite play-through I've done. Not to mention, for some reason it's really easy to get into the heads of the evil characters and write as them. I don't know if that means I'm actually Lawful Evil, they're kind of one note, or if it's just that it comes to me naturally. Maybe a combination of the three. Either way, getting inside the character's heads isn't hard and it's so much fun.
Edit: Except for Viconia. What I want to do with her exactly still eludes me.
Their descent was swift and brutal. Despite more than two days passing between the last encounter, the bandit camp was still in shambles, and the group used the chaos well. Most of the bandits were already dead, and those that were not soon found themselves lying in a puddle of blood. The cover of night only aided in the assault, allowing the group to appear from the shadows to bring down unholy death. A cave of gnolls was especially unfortunate, as Xzar put them all to sleep with a spell before laughing maniacally as the rest of the group slit their throats while they slept.
The group found a great deal of treasure, likely enough to account for the price of reviving Dorn and Viconia. The most valuable things were five scrolls, however. Scrolls of Grease, Colour Spray, Web, Fireball, Flame Arrow, and Melf’s Acid Arrow. These were split mostly evenly between Xzar and Phaendris, with Phaendris gaining Colour Spray and Fire Arrow, while Xzar gained the rest. It made sense, after all, as he had greater magical power currently, and Phaendris also already possessed Web. The scrolls that Xzar obtained seemed to fit him, frankly. Also of great use to the team was an enchanted shield which Xzar realized was a +1 shield. This was handed to Montaron, as he had relinquished hold of a magical shield in favour of Kagain and Viconia’s well being. Or at least he had let go of his shield when Phaendris made him. Also of note was the fact that now Dorn was wearing the full plate, evening out the defensive abilities of the team. [Except Xzar, everyone now has −2 AC. Monty has 1 when wearing his leather, but −2 when in plate]
Finally the group approached Tazok’s tent. The group was splattered with blood and their faces showed a fury which nothing mortal could stop. They halted for a moment and Montaron took off his plate mail before dipping into the shadows. He snuck into the tent and then returned moments later. “Well?” Phaendris said as he returned. “Four enemies. All look skilled and well equipped. One human mage, likely talented. One hobgoblin archer with a wicked bow that’s probably enchanted. One human archer, looks relatively average, apart from ‘is skills, which we can assume are good. And one gnoll warrior. He looks like a monster, even among his own kind. Oh. And there was another person. Couldn’t tell the race, but ‘e’s a prisoner. Or ‘e justs likes to be chained up.” “Right then. Backstab the mage, then the rest of us will charge. Got it?” “Aye.”
The plan went off without a hitch. The enemy got to Montaron sooner than expected, and the gnoll struck him painfully, but he got away. The rest of the group charged, and the enemy fell one by one with no challenge. After it was over Viconia proved her value by healing Montaron with no trouble at all.
Phaendris meanwhile was going over to speak with the prisoner. He began with a strange statement that Phaendris didn’t quite understand. He confirmed what Taugosz had said. The mercenary company, the Iron Throne, were behind all of this. And furthermore, they had a base within the Cloakwood. Phaendris freed the man for the information and watched as he disappeared into the night.
Within a chest the group found documents to Tazok from a “Davaeorn”, though at this point the group surmised that this was no more than yet another rung up the ladder to the top. Not that they much cared, though. They only did this under Elminster’s duress. There were also several scrolls and a powerful magical item which Phaendris stole for herself before anyone else could notice it. The scrolls were once again split between Phaendris and Xzar, Phaendris gaining Spell Thrust, Friends, Melf’s Acid Arrow, Stinking Cloud, and Agannazar’s Scorcher. Xzar only recieved Colour Spray and Horror, though he seemed content. Ever since their defeat, he had seemed far more lucid than normal, though it was clear he was still mad. Phaendris wondered if it was all a facade, meant only to show he was serious about their goals, and that as soon as they had completed their tasks then he would return to normal. Regardless, he was effective either way, so what did she care?
She secretly identified the gauntlets as the group sat about Tazok’s tent, resting after the battle and planning their next step. The gauntlets boosted both her damage and accuracy, and she slipped them on quietly. The group then began to speak of their next goal. “We know of two different directions we could take.” Phaendris began. “There’s an Iron Throne outpost, or warehouse, or something in the Cloakwood, which is likely where Elminster will intend for us to head next. We also know that Tazok had left with the other half of the bandits towards Nashkel, to check out the mines. Thoughts?” Dorn looked around the group and he seemed displeased. “We can go up against enemies we know nothing about, which are likely large in number, and which are probably even more skilled than the bandits, or we can go up against a group of enemies who are roughly equal in numbers and skill to a group we’ve already lost to once. I don’t like it. Either way it’s suicide.” Phaendris nodded at him, the cogs in her brain spinning rapidly. Viconia, who had been seeming more confident since this battle’s end spoke up. “Why do either? This Elminster cannot stop us if we do not wish to do his bidding, no?” The group looked at her and shook their heads. Phaendris’ head jolted up suddenly, however, an idea popping into her head. It was as though her mind seemed to be moving faster than before, and a cunning idea popped up. She had always been smart, always been cunning, but it was like it was suddenly easier. As though experience had given her greater skill at formulating lies.
LEVEL UP!
VICONIA!
PHAENDRIS! (MAGE AND THIEF!)
“What if we bluff? Master wizard or no, he can’t deny us if we seek to destroy evil, even if it’s not the evil he wants us to destroy.” “What d’ye mean?” Montaron asked, his eyebrow raised. Phaendris’ eyes glinted in the torchlight and her lips drew into a mischievous smirk. “I mean, we have a personal vendetta against Tazok. He nearly severed my head from my neck. I want blood. Just because we happen to take the longest possible way around doesn’t mean we aren’t hunting him, it just means we’re a bunch of idiots who got lost on the way. And it’s not like Tazok and a big group of bandits would take the main roads, so obviously we can’t follow them on the main roads either.” Kagain grinned. “Aye, I like tha’ plan.” Xzar giggled. “And after all, it’s not truly a lie. We DO want Tazok’s head!” Phaendris nodded, still smirking. “And then maybe I can try some grilled half-ogre!” Xzar added. The group simultaneously placed a hand on their face. Yes, Xzar was still Xzar. No actual mental growth, he just managed to keep it together till they destroyed the bandits. Regardless, they now had an excuse to travel the land and gain strength, and they had even tasted sweet sweet revenge once. Next was Tazok’s head.
Edit: Sorry for the delay between the last chapter and this one. As I mentioned on a post I made in the activity section of the forums, I've been having to do a ton of work for my actual job, but I've got some nice time off coming up later this week, so hopefully another couple chapters will be coming out soon. I actually almost finished this chapter (everything but the last paragraph and the editing) on Thursday or Friday, but work overwhelmed me and I'm only now getting a chance to upload it. Anyway, enough rambling from me. Hope you enjoy!
The group set out, heading first to the Friendly Arm to sell their treasure and rest. The goal was to quickly stop by before returning to the forests. They hoped not to encounter anyone of note. Especially not that blasted Elminster. Unfortunately the ba**ard was waiting for them. He spouted more nonsense, but didn’t presume to tell them specifically where to go, meaning they were free, even by his standards.
Seeing as their greatest challenge had given them free reign to do as they wished, they decided to rest and relax at the inn, taking the time to fully investigate the magical trinkets they now possessed.
The bow was given to Dorn, while the wand was kept by Xzar. They sold all their treasure, and resupplied as well. Xzar, since becoming a man again, had had a strange fascination with darts, and so purchased a supply of them, handing his sling over to Viconia. Her sling and helmet had both been lost when she died, but Bentley the innkeep and store owner carried no extra helms.
With their bodies rejuvenated, the group chose to return to Peldvale, only to head south from there. After more than a day’s worth of walking, Dorn, Montaron, and Xzar had all grown tired and irritable. Even Phaendris admitted that their journey had been thus far fruitless. It didn’t help that Xzar had reverted to his old self and had been prattling on for hours about this and that. A story he returned to more than once was one about dragons with feet like rabbits. Dorn wouldn’t openly complain of his exhaustion, but the loudmouth wizard was clearly getting on his nerves. Finally Phaendris called them to a halt. If they continued, the group would likely begin to slaughter each other. Unfortunately for Phaendris, this was not to be restful sleep.
She tossed and turned till eventually Dorn shook her awake. “On your feet, we have foes to slay.” He said grimly. Phaendris looked about to see a group of spiders surrounding them. She sighed and drew her blade lazily. Mere arachnids could not stop her.
When the creatures were dead the group packed up and prepared to leave. They began to head even further south, but stopped when they saw what appeared to be some sort of ceremonial altar, upon which stood four red robed mages. Xzar quietly muttered with disgust. “Thayans… Always making us Zhents look like pansies.” before he was elbowed by Montaron. Phaendris smirked. So that’s who the boys worked for, she thought. But now wasn’t the time for that. The leader of the group stepped forward. He had a greasy yet charismatic feel to him, but he made the mistake of threatening the group. This was a critical error.
Before anyone could do anything, Phaendris reached out a hand and cried “Fear me!” To everyone’s surprise, magic erupted from her hand and sent one of the Thayans running about in terror. The group had no time to ponder Phaendris' instantaneous magic, however. Xzar launched an acid arrow at the leader, while Viconia launched a spell of silence, a new gift her goddess had gifted her after their battle with the bandits. It worked perfectly, but not before one of the wizards cast horror, sending Kagain and Viconia fleeing.
It was not much of a loss, however, as Dorn quickly beheaded the leader of the wizards. Montaron, Dorn, and Phaendris quickly ended the lives of the other two mute mages. The last living foe was still fleeing in terror, but a variety of projectiles brought her tumbling to the ground.
The group then began to loot the enemy, assuming Viconia and Kagain would find their way back soon enough.
***
Kagain had fled the wrong direction, though, and now had a little group of friends to play with. Fortunately he regained his senses in time and split their heads in two. He then began trying to find his way back to the group.
***
Viconia was in much the same boat. When she finally regained her senses she realized she was quite lost. She began to try and find her way back, though, hoping she wasn’t too far away.
***
On the enemy were found several scrolls, robes, and even a magical ring. Xzar took the scrolls of Agannazar’s Scorcher, Protection from Petrification, and Burning Hands, while Phaendris took the scrolls of Grease and Remove Magic. It wasn’t clear what ritual was being performed by the Thayans, but the group decided to stay there that night and study the magical items they found. Xzar recognized the robes instantly, but the ring puzzled him and he wanted to study it.
Bored of sitting around and waiting, Montaron said he’d scout further south, see if he couldn’t find anything of note. Phaendris simply told him to watch his back and keep an eye out for terrified drow or dwarves.
To everyone’s surprise, Montaron wasn’t the first one to return. Kagain finally found his way back, and the dwarf was clearly irate. “Y’didnae even search for me?!” “Eh. You’re alive.” Dorn replied, shrugging his shoulders. Phaendris nodded in agreement. Kagain took his axe over to a tree to vent some frustration.
Finally Xzar identified the ring as a ring of bolts. Phaendris quickly took it and handed her wand of magic missile to Kagain, so that he would have a ranged option as well.
As they did this, Viconia wandered back, looking quite dazed. She seemed pleased to be back among relatively friendly faces, however and settled down to rest.
Four more hours passed, and Phaendris sat, watching the moon high above them, clearly visible in the cloudless sky. Montaron still hadn’t returned. Xzar sat opposite her, his back leaning against a pedestal. He was haphazardly flipping through his spell book, clearly uninterested by his actions. The rest of the group was sound asleep, although Dorn kept muttering fearfully in his sleep from time to time. Suddenly he rolled over and cried out “No! No! I don’t want to go back!” before quieting back down. Xzar tilted his head at Dorn and spoke. “I suppose serving demons results in a rather unsatisfactory afterlife.” Phaendris looked at Xzar. “Who do you worship, Xzar?” Instead of giggling madly, Xzar chuckled; a rare sound. “I worship life and death itself. The study of it, the enhancement thereof, the sheer ecstasy found in taking it from others.” Phaendris tilted her head, studying the man’s face. Although it was covered in facial tattoos befitting a jester, there was a strange sense of wisdom that emanated from the madman. “You know, Xzar,” Phaendris began. “I’m not as mad as I seem?” Xzar laughed. “Y-yes. How did you..?” Phaendris trailed off, taken by surprise by his intuition. “I wasn’t mad once, you know. I was a sane man. A prodigy among necromancers. I could’ve held the world in my hands, but the gods didn’t want a mortal walking around who could control life and death better than they can.” Phaendris’ eyebrows raised. “You always say that those the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. Now I see why…” Xzar smirked and looked up at the moon. “It’s only on clear moonlit nights like this that I really feel like my old self. Of course now here I am wasting my lucid time with worrying about Montaron. It’s silly, I know. For some reason I can’t help but worry he’s out there getting himself killed.”
“Not quite, though yer lovey-dovey talk is makin’ me think of endin' myself.” An irritable voice floated up from below the altar. Phaendris stood up suddenly. “Montaron?” she queried, before a small shape appeared from the shadows. Montaron wasn’t visibly hurt, but he looked exhausted. He seemed strangely more confident, though. As if his stance displayed no lack of bravado.
LEVEL UP!
“What happened, Montaron? You look as though you’ve fought something dangerous.” Xzar said, quietly standing up and closing his spell book. “Aye. To the south are basilisks. Loads of them. I managed to kill one before it noticed me, but the gnome wizard standing nearby rivaled your madness. I didn’t want any part of it, so I came back here.” Montaron walked up onto the altar and sat down heavily next to the remains of a camp fire the group had set up. “Basilisks? Dear me, that is unexpected. However our red robed friends here seem to have provided us with just the tool needed to defeat them.” Xzar grinned and reopened his spell book, flipping over to a page he had just added that day. “Protection from Petrification.” Phaendris said firmly, a grin playing across her face. Montaron and Xzar nodded.
As the team walked into the area Montaron had said he saw basilisks in, they moved slowly, weapons drawn. The plan was simple. Xzar would cast protection from petrification on Phaendris, Dorn, and Kagain, while the other three would provide ranged support. They had barely taken five steps before Montaron stopped them, however. “The mad gnome wizard was right around here. Let me see if I can find him before we continue.” Monty slipped into the shadows and returned a few moments later.
“He’s right through here.” He muttered quietly, motioning to the three who were protected. They nodded and followed along with him. When the gnome saw them he addressed the group.
After speaking with him for a moment, he attacked. He was obviously a talented wizard, but with a pet who could not harm them he could do little before he was slain.
His last attempt at life was a fear spell thrown at the trio of basilisk slayers. Phaendris and Dorn resisted it, but Kagain began to back up before fleeing away, crying out for help. “Da**it!” Phaendris cried out before motioning to Xzar, Viconia, and Montaron. “You three! Stay here, we don’t know how many basilisks are around, so stay put while we track him down!” “But I can cure his fear!” Viconia cried out. “Unacceptable! The risk is too high. Xzar, if one of them finds you, cast protection on Viconia and Montaron, understand?!” Phaendris shot back, already hot on the dwarf’s trail. The trio stood there blankly, shrugging at each other.
Phaendris and Dorn rushed after the speeding bullet that was Kagain. Dwarves were known for their strength, endurance, and sturdy frame, so when he bolted directly through the underbrush it made it challenging for Phaendris and Dorn to keep up. They managed to keep him just in sight, however, which was a good thing as he ran into five basilisks as he went. Fortunately the protection spell was still active on him, but he was in no state to fight. Fearful he’d draw them back to the rest of the group, Dorn and Phaendris assaulted them ferociously, cleaving through their scaly hides and leaving nothing but corpses in their wake. Finally Kagain collapsed on the ground, regaining his senses as he did so. When he looked up he was most peeved to find two black bears staring back at him. “Oh, hells.” he muttered. Just as the first bear raised it’s massive paw to swipe, Dorn came crashing in, cleaving straight through the bear’s neck with one blow. He misjudged his landing, however, and placed himself directly in the path of the second bear’s strike. Struck by the powerful swing, he was bowled over, but was quickly guarded by Kagain and Phaendris. With no trouble Phaendris darted around the bear while Kagain kept its attention. Two mighty blows from Phaendris brought the beast low.
“Had ourselves a little scare, eh?” Dorn said with a chuckle. “Can it, you overgrown goblin.” Kagain retorted with a huff. Dorn growled and Phaendris stepped between the two. “Stop it. Let’s get back to the others, alright?" The two scowled at each other but followed Phaendris back.
When they arrived they found Xzar half clothed. Montaron and Viconia were talking about gem quality while looking at Mutamin’s treasures and blatantly ignoring the wizard. “Care to explain why the wizard is half naked?” Phaendris said, a hand on her face as she sighed. She already missed the quiet thoughtful necromancer from last night. “The gnome had a pretty robe! I’m putting it on! It’s even black!” “And what about you two?” Dorn said, motioning to the pair. “I believe they call it bonding.” Montaron said dryly. “Right then. Well, apart from a little fright, the battle went well. Dorn and I even slayed five more basilisks!” “I memorized a scroll of stinking cloud!” Xzar shouted proudly. “And here! A scroll of horror and a scroll of Know Alignment for you!” Xzar beamed, and Phaendris smirked slightly as she took the scrolls from him. “Thanks, Xzar.”
The group took a break to rest after the fight, specifically so Phaendris could scribe her two new scrolls to her spell book. She looked around at the group. Everyone seemed to be in relatively good spirits, though Dorn and Kagain were keeping their distance. It made sense that everyone would be pleased, though. After all, it’s not everyday that a group of adventurers slay basilisks. Especially not six. They told Xzar to keep his spells of protection prepared, however, as there could be more further south. She also noticed Viconia practicing her shield techniques as they sat around. Phaendris assumed that after her death at the hands of those archers she wanted to be more skilled at protecting herself.
LEVEL UP!
KAGAIN!
DORN!
MONTARON!
VICONIA! [In case it isn’t obvious, I’m choosing my weapon proficiencies for Dorn and Viconia based on the ones they’ll start with in BG:2. As for why I went ahead and got the shield proficiency now instead of later is simply because its only chance for usefulness is now. Besides, the role-play reasons are way too fun to pass up.]
XZAR!
After a little rest, the group began walking southwest, maintaining their anti-basilisk formation. They didn’t encounter much at first, though they did meet a small pack of four gnolls, who were killed without injury to the team. Further south, however, they met one of the strangest creatures they’d ever seen.
As they walked along, watching the sun disappear behind a hill, a ghoul emerged from the shadows. The group instinctively drew their weapons, only to hear a raspy voice emanate from the ghoul’s mouth. “Wait, me no want fight, me Korax, me friend!” Xzar shrieked like an excited school girl and dashed forward, hugging the ghoul tightly. The rest of the group grimaced in disgust. “Please, Phaendris! Can we keep him? Huh, huh? Can we keep him?!” Xzar was practically bouncing up and down. Phaendris placed a hand on her face yet again and sighed. “Fine, Xzar. You can be our friend, Korax, but you better not do anything that’ll make us mad.” Korax did what the group could only assume was a grin. “Me will be good boy, me promise. Me help you with anything you need.” The rest of the group, Xzar excluded, glared at Phaendris. “What? Paralyzing claws and a meat shield, all for free. Besides, it’ll mean the wizard will leave us alone for a bit.”
The group then began to walk westward, keeping Korax firmly in the front, in case a basilisk jumped them. They soon encountered two flind gnolls, which were quickly dispatched, but not before another group of adventurers charged forward to provide aid.
After seeing the enemy was already dealt with, the leader, also a female, spoke to them. “Hey there, my name’s Kirian. Me and my buds are an adventuring band. You look to be the same.” She looked at the group who were admittedly grubby. “Well, except a little worse for wear. Still learning the ropes of the business, eh? You even have a pet ghoul!” She snickered as she said this and her allies smirked, flexing slightly in an obvious attempt to downplay Phaendris and co.’s abilities. Kirian and her allies were well equipped, though no more so than Phaendris and co. While Phaendris was obviously incensed by Kirian’s statement, Viconia was the first to respond, surprisingly. “What are you talking about, little girl? We’ve much more experience than the ragtag band of yours you call an adventuring party.” Kirian scoffed. “Really? Come on now, let’s be real. Look at yourselves. The bunch of you have about as much style as a pack of gibberlings. The way you hold yourselves, pathetic. All you are is a bunch of hicks who slapped on some armour and weapons and decided that they could be adventurers. It’s real sad.” At this Dorn bellowed. “SAD?!” He was followed by Kagain. “I’ll show you sad, you arrogant little girl. You’ve had it coming since we started talking. Draw steel, bitch!” Phaendris was getting sick of her team trying to make decisions for her, but before she could try and smooth the situation out, Kirian responded. “Hah! That sounds like a challenge! Hey, Baerin, Peter, Lindin! I think these little pipsqueaks think they can take us. Boy oh boy, you just moved into the big time. We’re not some small-town hick adventurers, we’re Waterdhavian, born and bred. Maybe you want to rethink your earlier statements?” “Wonderful. Noble pricks.” Phaendris thought to herself. She looked around at her team who were about to lunge at the enemy. “Aw, what the hells. This bi*** could use a whipping. “ She thought before turning to Kirian and grinning as she drew her swords. “I think you psychopaths need a good lesson, and we’ll be the ones to administer it to you.” Kirian grinned back, clearly eager to fight. “Ohh, and what kind of lesson is that going to be? Are you going to paddle my rump with a big bad sword?” Phaendris heard Kagain mutter. “On any other day I would…” She ignored him though as Kirian continued. “HEY GUYS! Let’s take these chimps out.”
As Kirian’s crew drew their weapons, Phaendris shouted. “Kagain, form a wall! Dorn, suppress the mage and priest with arrows! Montaron, target the priest with your bullets! Xzar, Melfs on Kirian! Viconia, Silence them all! Korax! Kill!”
The plan went off without a hitch. Kirian managed to get up a mirror image, but not before being struck by Xzar’s acid arrow. Peter, the priest, tried to cast, but Viconia’s silence hit, causing muteness in both Kirian and Peter.
Lindin and Baerin looked in fear at their allies, realizing that without their magical assistance, they were in serious trouble. “All blades, attack!” Phaendris cried out, charging the enemy, Dorn, Kagain, and Montaron following close behind. Before they reached the enemy, however, Kirian got a last laugh, sticking her sword straight through Korax.
“NOOOOOOO!” Xzar cried out in horror, before refocusing his attacks at her. Phaendris struck down Baerin in retaliation for being stabbed in the side by him only moments before Dorn lopped Lindin’s head clean off. Phaendris then spun around and stabbed her swords through Peter’s chest.
Kirian couldn’t scream, but her rage manifested itself in two brutal blows against Phaendris. Badly wounded, Phaendris retreated, leaving the fight to the boys. Viconia quickly rushed up to heal Phaendris and the boys forced Kirian against a tree before Kagain cleft her nearly in two.
Xzar meanwhile rushed over to Korax’s corpse and began to weep. Dorn, Kagain, and Montaron began to loot the corpses.
***
“Korax…” Xzar said quietly, standing over a small burial mound as the sun rose. Phaendris put an arm on his shoulder. “It’ll be alright. He’s… um… in a better place now.” Phaendris looked over at the rest of the team who gave her a skeptical look, to which she shrugged and mouthed “I don’t know!” at them. Xzar put his hand on Phaendris’, his new bracers of defense showing slightly under the sleeves of his robe. “You’re right Phaendris. I shouldn’t be sad. He’ll be alright. And so will we. Xzar turned to Phaendris and grinned. He likely intended it to be a sincere grin, but it looked more sociopathic than anything.
The group had rested after defeating Kirian, and they were looking quite a bit stronger. Between the basilisks and a challenging foe, the group seemed to have definitely improved. It certainly helped that Kirian’s treasure was top-notch. Several enchanted weapons, scrolls of Charm person and Vampiric Touch for Xzar and a scroll of Protection from Evil for Phaendris, not to mention the girdle of blade guard and the bracers of defense. They even had good quality armour to sell and a new helmet for Viconia. All in all, a good haul well earned.
LEVEL UP!
PHAENDRIS!
The group planned to head west to Beregost next to quickly trade their treasure and give the numerous bandit scalps to Vai before continuing even further west to travel along the coast. They had heard numerous rumours during their last stay in Beregost, the most interesting of which was that of a mighty wizard living in the forests. They decided to check it out.
[I ended up sending my trio of basilisk slayers to deal with the remaining basilisks “off camera”. There just wasn’t much reason for doing it for the characters, although I as a player know that that sweet sweet XP is invaluable.]
@BelgarathMTH You seemed to enjoy this thread in the past, and since I read your comment in my recent poll, I figure that you just haven't realized that this thread is updating again! So you should totally read it.
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After the group had brushed the dust off of themselves, they decided they’d best return to Nashkel. The only question was where were they? Between Kagain’s dwarven mine-senses and Phaendris’ careful attention to details as they traveled through the mines, they eventually came to the decision that they must be east of the mines. How far east, they didn’t know, but they figured that heading west would get them back to Nashkel with as much ease as could be expected. While there was more than one member of the party who desired to search the area, it was clear that the group was too wounded to do so currently. With the plan ready, they set off.
For a very short ways, that is. Less than twenty paces from the exit to the mines stood four women, all of whom wore impressive armour and carried dangerous looking weapons. The one who appeared to be the leader barked at Phaendris and co., asking if one among them was named Phaendris. She then snapped that they’d best reply quickly, or death would come swiftly to them. Phaendris was going to play it off and pretend to be someone else because the group was too tired to deal with them. However her crew only became more aggressive with great exhaustion, and before she could speak Kagain had snapped back. “Listen up, girl. We’re not going to tell you our name, so why dun’t ye and ye’re little amazons wander back to wheree’er ye came from!” The woman did not take kindly to this, unfortunately and Phaendris sighed. “You insolent pigs!” the woman exclaimed. “You know not who you speak to! Your arrogance will cost you your lives!”
The group’s only response was to charge. Dorn, badly wounded from the fight with Mulahey, shot his crossbow at the squishy looking one wielding darts, while Kagain charged one of the priests with Xzarina using Larloch’s Minor Drain to keep her from casting as Phaendris used the strange innate ability to drain someone on the other priestess for the same reason. Xan and Monty began to attack the archer in the back, Xan with his moonblade and Monty with his sling, and then the women began to strike. The priestesses began casting their spells as the dart-thrower and archer began to ply their trade. A well placed poisoned dart hit Kagain in the shoulder and the poison took immediate effect. He gasped “Poison! The bi***!” before stumbling slightly. Phaendris heard this with her elven ears and cried out “HEY GOLD-BRAIN! CATCH” before chucking her antidote through the air towards him. Staggered as he was, he tossed his axe in the air long enough to catch the bottle, knock it back and catch his axe again. Kagain was a bit irked that no one had seen his stunt, but he continued to charge. Spells flew and blows were swung, and it was chaos. The battle’s outcome might have been different had not one of the priestesses’ spells done serious damage to two of her allies. Xan was the first to fall, having been struck with a hold spell just as he stepped forward to strike yet another blow against the archer. The spell connected, gravity took hold, and the whiny elf toppled to the ground most comedically. Seconds later Phaendris fell similarly. She used her new frost blade to deal a mighty blow to one of the priestesses, only to freeze mid-motion. The rest of the team held it together though, and Montaron avenged Kagain’s poisoning with a bullet from his sling, thrown with such force that it tore a hole in the dart wielder’s head. (Critical) Seeing her teammate brought down so brutally, the archer began to fear that her fate had come. She began running around, striking at whoever got too close to her, regardless of their alliance. With yet another of their number incapacitated, more or less, the team refocused, bringing down one of the priestesses with exceptional aggression. The remaining priestess in a desperate bid for survival froze Kagain in place, but to no avail. Dorn, Montaron, and Xzarina’s combined attacks from afar brought her down, shortly before their attacks finished off the still panicking archer.
With the enemy dead, the unfrozen three walked over, dragged their allies out of the way, and began to loot the corpses. By the time the three awoke, the others had finished looting and were dividing the spoils. Phaendris sat up, rubbing her head. “What happened. I assume we won?” Monty looked up and smirked maliciously. “Aye. We gutted the bi****s well. No wonder they were so hard to kill, though, they were well equipped.” Phaendris walked over and looked at the spoils. A suit of platemail, some splintmail, a suit of enchanted leather and a suit of enchanted studded leather, eighteen magical throwing darts, an enchanted longsword (Which she made sure to nick for herself), and seventeen enchanted arrows. There were other useless trinkets such as mundane helmets and weapons, but the magical haul alone was enough to impress. She could already see Monty eyeing the magical leathers with great interest. He had gotten sick of being stuck in platemail, that was for sure. He was pleased to equip one of their helmets as well, since he had been without one since Dorn had joined. Phaendris also noticed Kagain, Monty, and Xzarina looking strangely stronger as well, and wondered what that was about.
LEVEL UP!
MONTY:
XZAR(INA):
KAGAIN:
After the group had finished packing up their new treasure they fell back into formation and prepared to continue along the path. With Kagain’s wounds being far less severe than Dorn’s, he took to the front of the formation as they continued to travel, alongside Phaendris. If Mulahey hadn’t been enough already, they’d barely scraped by this battle, and everyone was showing signs. Dorn was limping, Xan’s left arm was in a crude sling he’d made, Phaendris kept a hand on her side, and Monty complained of his left shoulder. Xzarina complained as well, but everyone ignored her. Somehow the seemingly insane one was the only one to escape unharmed. Kagain had several visible wounds, but they were minor, and the dwarf wasn’t one to complain of scratches.
After more than sixteen hours of walking they finally found themselves at the Nashkel carnival, just east of the town. At least, they assumed it was. The brightly colored tents were hard to distinguish in the pitch blackness of the night. Grumpily they tromped between the tents, almost hoping to wake up and aggravate someone. Eventually though they made it back to town, quite late at night. Xan surmised it was around one in the morning, based on the alignment of the stars. Monty tripped him. Dorn, Kagain, and Xzarina all giggled as Phaendris sighed and helped the elf up. Truth be told, although she found him a little weak, Phaendris couldn’t help but admire her fellow elf. What he lacked in raw strength, he made up for in intelligence, and he had a handsome face. Dorn scowled when he saw her aiding Xan, but said nothing. As they continued walking, Xzarina jabbed Phaendris in the side, not thinking about her wounds. Phaendris growled at her and said “What?!” Xzarina shrunk back and whimpered slightly. “A-all I was going to say is that I thought that Xan boy’s kind of cute…” Phaendris rolled her eyes. “Good for you, Xzarina.” “Well, I was thinking about letting him find me in his bed tonight, but I thought I’d ask you first. I’ve seen the way you look at him. We girls have to stick together.” Xzarina said this with a wink and Phaendris threw up in her mouth a little. “First of all, no. None of that. Ever again. And second, you’re a MAN, Xzar.” Xzarina pouted. “Born a man, maybe, but dear little Xan doesn’t know that.” Phaendris growled. “Look, Xzar, do what you want. I don’t know what you’re talking about when you say I look at him, but it’s the same way I look at all of you. Mildly useful, but definitely expendable.” Xzarina grinned. “How wonderful! I’ll be sure to wear my best lingerie!” Phaendris threw up in her mouth again.
The group decided to rest at the inn till the next day, and then speak to Berrun Ghastkill, but even now fate was not on their side. In front of the inn stood a traveling musician, strumming a lute quietly and humming. As they drew near, however, he set his lute on the ground and drew a short sword quietly. As the group came closer he approached them and said in a melodic yet sinister voice, “I am Death come for thee. Surrender, and thy passage shall be… quicker.”
Phaendris growled and snapped back “What? I’m not surrendering to anything!” before hearing a faint “We’re all doomed!” floating up from behind her. Rolling her eyes she began to charge as the bard almost hummed “Struggle if you must, dead one, I do not mind working for my money.” before muttering “Why NIMBUL has been hired to deal with the likes of you, I’ll never know.” The battle was quick, brutal, and definitive. Had their usual strategy of everyone charging been in effect the bard might have had a chance, as he began to cast magic that seemed as though it would have been powerful. But when a well aimed bolt and two bullets are launched your way, magic isn’t your best option. Kagain, Xan, and Phaendris all charged him, along with a thin but well muscled-human who was walking past. The man seemed to be a monk, and his fast-flung kicks and punches aided in downing “Nimbul”
After the assassin was dead, the monk turned to Phaendris and said “You should not make a habit of picking fights in the street, my friend. Be careful when inviting danger into your life, for it comes all too willingly.” Phaendris responded by spitting on the ground and replying “Sorry, I don’t have time for proverbs right now.” before turning back to the corpse. The man opened his mouth as if to speak, but then turned away and walked down the street, confusion on his face. Dorn flexed, his muscles straining against his restrictive plate mail, and Phaendris couldn't help but notice as she began to loot the assassin.
LEVEL UP!
DORN:
The assassin had a magical pair of boots, a magical ring, an enchanted short sword, a scroll of Find Familiar (which Phaendris took out of Xzarina’s grubby hands immediately), and another note speaking of Phaendris’ bounty, or rather, this one was from Tazok and was a personal letter to Nimbul. Apparently this bard was no impersonally hired mook of an assassin, but someone who actually possessed skill. In the past tense.
With this concluded, the group went into the inn and purchased four rooms. One for the mad witch and her coworker, one for Dorn and Kagain who, despite disliking each other at first, had grown to respect each other’s skill, and finally one each for Phaendris and Xan.
The group took no time getting to their rooms, and they reveled in the feeling of a bed. Phaendris did not go to bed immediately, instead sitting on her bed, finally out of her armour, poring over the scroll Nimbul carried. She read the arcane symbols again and again, struggling to memorize it. Suddenly she heard a somewhat girly shriek and a loud clattering from one of the other rooms. At first she darted to where the frost sword lay, but then she heard Xzarina’s voice crying “Come back darling, I only want to loooooove youuuuuu!” and she sighed, returning to her bed. Poor Xan. To her surprise, a moment later she heard a knock at her door and she gripped her sword again. She walked to the door and asked “Who is it?” to which she was surprised to hear Xan’s voice. “I-it’s Xan, Phaendris. I-i was hoping you might let me in.” She opened the door to find Xan, standing without his shirt, a blanket pulled over his shoulders. “Y-you see, Xzarina… um… propositioned me, and was very… um… forceful about it. I tried to tell her no, but she insisted on staying in my room. I thought I’d try getting another room, but I don’t have any gold after being captured by Mulahey, so then I thought I’d try and stay in one of your rooms, but I’m pretty sure the other three all hate my guts, sooo, I came to your room. If you’d just let me have a bit of your floor, I’ll be completely fine there. I won’t bother you at all, I swear! But, if that’s not alright then I could certainly just-“ Xan was cut off by Phaendris placing a finger on his lips. “Quit babbling. You can sleep in my bed. With your arm like that the floor will only serve to hurt you. Xan smiled. “Oh thank you so much, Phaendris. I won’t bother you at all.” Phaendris stretched before crawling into bed and winked at him. “I wouldn’t mind if you bother me.” Xan’s jaw hung slightly as he thought “I’ll do what I can, but expect very little.”
The next day the six met for some breakfast around the inn’s tables. Montaron looked furious and exhausted, and a hard to understand string of curses were muttered between bites, while Xzarina seemed surprisingly cheerful. Xan seemed to be in a daze, although he occasionally winced and complained of his back aching, and Phaendris had a smirk that wouldn’t leave her face. Kagain and Dorn just looked at each other and shrugged in confusion. After breakfast the group split up, Phaendris and Xan went to get the reward from Ghastkill, while Xzarina trundled off around town to do whatever. While those three did their business, the remaining three went to sell the mundane tools that they had acquired. There were plenty of magical trinkets, but they had yet to be identified.
As the trio walked, Dorn and Kagain following behind the still steaming halfling, they wondered what had happened. On their way back from the store, they eventually became too curious and asked. “ELVES FU**ING!” he roared back at them. “D’ye mean fookin’ elves?” Kagain asked hesitantly. “NO! I MEAN ELVES FU**ING!” the pint-sized terror bellowed. “For once I thought I’d get some worthwhile rest, without that da** wizard prattling on in his sleep, but nooooo! I traded an insane chatty sleeper for two elves knocking boots all night! Da** those thin walls! And of course the wizard gets a room all to himself, so he's all smiles!” “Do you mean Phaendris and X-“ “YES!” Dorn and Kagain fell quiet and continued to walk behind Montaron. After a few moments of awkward silence Dorn pondered out loud. “I wonder if it’s more high pitched than normal?” “Nay, I like to think that’s when their latent testosterone comes out and they get all grunty” Kagain responded. “SHUT UP!” Montaron screeched.
“Last night was incredible.” Xan said to Phaendris, who stared off into the distance, now clearly bored. “Mmhmm.” “You know, if you want to again tonight…” “Shut up.” Phaendris said, turning towards him and stopping in the middle of the road. "Look, I’m not your girlfriend. Last night may not be a one-time thing, but if it isn’t then it’s not up to you to decide, get it?” “You seem pretty nice to me.” Xan shrugged. “I mean, you saved my life, you’ve kept the others from killing me for my sword.” “You knew about that?” Phaendris’ eyes widened. “Obviously. You’re an elf too, you know what good hearing we have. Besides, that dwarf couldn’t keep quiet if his life depended on it.” Phaendris shrugged and nodded. Xan continued. “You seem rough around the edges, but I almost wonder if you aren’t more rebellious against your parents than anything. Not to mention, I noticed that greenstone ring you keep moving between your hands. We’re going to give that to someone aren’t we? It’s from a dead miner, isn’t it?” Phaendris began to scowl, angered with how easily this elf was reading her. “Look. Maybe I’m not as tough as I pretend, but I will cleave you from your groin to your nose if you don’t shut up. I’m attracted to you, for SOME reason, but if you stay with this group, you’ll probably die. Not necessarily by their hands, either. It disgusts me to be interested in someone and allow it to influence me, but I am, so I’m telling you to leave. For your sake. Go back to Evereska and don’t be an adventurer. You’re not suited.” Xan smiled sadly. “I’m aware. I’m nothing like my cousin was. Although he died in the frozen north, so perhaps that’s not a good example. Regardless, I’ve enjoyed the time I spent with you. If your friends don’t kill me then I’ll leave tomorrow. Somewhat unwillingly, I must admit. I feel like I should tell you, though. You’re with some unsavory company, currently, and I fear a knife in the back is more dangerous to you than one from the front.” “Enough concern for me.” Phaendris hissed. "I’ll make my own path, thank you. Now if you don’t mind, shut up. I’m done talking with you for now.” Xan shook his head, but followed quietly. Eventually the pair found Ghastkill, who thanked them profusely, dumping a large sack of gold into their hands.
Afterwards the pair went to the miner’s house and returned her husband’s ring. She was distraught, but thanked them for the truth and the ring.
Finally the group reunited at the inn that evening, Xzarina had a mischievous grin on her face, but wouldn’t tell anyone anything. Xan announced that he’d be leaving the following morning and thanked the group for their assistance and rescue. The group nodded in his general direction then prepared to eat dinner.
The next morning Xan came and said farewell to Phaendris. “Hello, Phaendris?” “Oh! Morning Xan!” Phaendris said as she jumped on her bed, namely a satchel that lay on it. A slight wheeze could be heard, but after looking around for a moment, Xan assumed it was the sleeping dwarf and half-orc in the room behind him. “I just came to say farewell. I doubt we’ll meet again, so I would like to say that, while life-threatening and vain, it has been rather fun. If you’re ever in Evereska, allow me to extend an offer of hospitality, however admittedly fruitless such an offer may be.” “Thank you, Xan. Safe journey.” Phaendris replied. After Xan had left, Phaendris stood up and a tiny claw stretched out of the satchel dramatically. “Geez, boss, I nearly thought I’d died in there…” the dust mephit said as it crawled out of the bag, gasping exaggeratedly. “’Sides, what’ve you been eating lately? That a** is so huge I thought I’d be crushed!” Phaendris proceeded to smack the creature. “Shut-up, Ash.” “HeeEEYY! Cripes! What wuz that for?! And what’s with the nickname, huh? My name is Maldavious Barenzah III!” Phaendris rolled her eyes. “What? I thought people often named their pets, and since Ash is so fitting, I thought it’d be nice.” “A pet?! I’m not a pe-!” Phaendris smacked Ash again. “Ow! Da**it, stop it! Okay, my name’s Ash now!” The creature took a few steps away, muttering something about an “abusive codependant relationship” or similar.
Ow! Da**it, don't stop it now:)
I didn't know you were so low level still btw.
Watching this slapstick display seemed to inspire confidence in Kagain, and he visibly relaxed. Meanwhile, Monty was laughing his head off at the creature’s pain. Xzarina glared at Phaendris. “Stop hitting poor Maldavious! If you were going to treat him like this then I would have kept the scroll for myself!” Phaendris and Ash both turned towards Xzarina with surprise on their faces. “Y-you know my real name?” Ash stuttered, though he was drowned out by Phaendris’. “You think you should’ve been allowed to keep the scroll?!”Xzarina looked back and forth at the two of them for a moment before replying. “Yes and yes.” She nodded confidently. Ash proceeded to fly into Xzarina’s ample bosom, rapidly muttering. “thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.” over and over again before he was picked out of there by Phaendris, who had been scowling practically since the conversation began. “Xzarina, if you think I would ever have let you keep that scroll then you’re insane. Your familiar would probably be a glabrezu or something equally horrific.” Dorn stiffened slightly. Xzarina pouted. “And he would’ve been awesome, too…”
With the introductions out of the way, the group then began to plan their next step. Xzar and Monty had completed their assigned mission and decided that they’d like to stay with Phaendris for a bit. The gear and treasure that they had gained while journeying with her was enough for them to put off any further missions for their “employer”, at least for a bit. Kagain was positively thrilled with the hundreds of gold pieces they’d gathered and was not about to abandon Phaendris now. Dorn was obviously sticking with the group, at least till he had learned more about his “old friends”. Technically speaking, the group could go and hunt down those behind the iron crisis, but none of them particularly cared. The only one who was still affected was Kagain, what with his magic-less axes, but even he didn’t mind traveling elsewhere. The group decided to spend a few days in Nashkel first, recovering from their injuries and identifying all the assorted magical trinkets they had found.
First off, there were several boring lightly enchanted pieces of equipment. Studded leather +1, two +1 shortswords, and a +1 wakizashi. The rest of the gear was more interesting, however.
Ring of Sune: Xzarina held onto this in case a healer joined them.
Harrower: This sword quickly replaced Phaendris’ unenchanted off-hand longsword.
Boots of Grounding: Phaendris also chose to equip these nice boots.
Senses of the Cat: Xzarina got these, as her poor armour made her more susceptible to missiles.
Protector of the Second: While this leather armour was almost as good as the +1 Studded Leather, Monty preferred the latter, as it’s metal rivets provided slightly superior protection against blades.
Topsider’s Crutch: No one really cared who got this apart from Xzarina, so the group allowed her to take it.
There were also 18 Darts of Wounding, and 21 Arrows of Fire +2, which were merely held onto in the event that an archer or dart thrower capable of wielding them were to join the group.
The second night they spent there, Phaendris drifted from her usual elven meditation into true sleep, and then into a dream. Mulahey, bone daggers turned into a claw, and the sentence “Listen to what is bred in the bone.” were all that remained in her mind when she awoke, but she felt stronger. She was not certain what had changed, but she felt as though she had gained more power. She thought that perhaps could use the draining force more than once a day now, though she was unsure.
Just a short chapter this time. Couple updates, though. I'm working on something completely new for me, though, so expect something (hopefully) nifty coming (hopefully) soon. And guess who's thread it's on. No seriously. Guess. Also, I plan on spending the majority of my time on this thread, at least for a bit. I'm really enjoying writing the banter for this team, which none of my other play-throughs allow me to do.
In just a few hours the group arrived in Beregost. It was decided that they would deal with Tranzig first, then the spiders, and then would spend an evening in the town before traveling north to the Friendly Arm. Before they could get far, however, the same red robed old man Phaendris had met not long after first meeting Xzarina and Monty appeared in front of them. Phaendris would have been happy to ignore him, had not he introduced himself as the widely known Elminster. He spoke of knowing Phaendris’ recent exploits and said that she seemed destined to have quite an impact on the realm.
Phaendris replied somewhat suspiciously that she was not aware her actions were common knowledge. “Perhaps not common knowledge, but everything is plan for those that know where to look.” The old wizard responded, a faint smirk playing across his lips. “Thou art quite adept, as Gorion predicted.” Phaendris’ eyebrows shot up as she exclaimed. “Gorion?! You knew him? But you said nothing before.” Elminster shrugged. “’Twas neither the place nor the time for such things. As painful as the cirumstances may have been, it was time for thee to forge thine own path. One of the most valuable lessons that life has taught me is when NOT to go sticking my pipe in other’s affairs. Such is the case now as well.” Phaendris nodded, rather relieved. “Then I shall be on my way.” she replied quietly. As Elminster left he looked over his shoulder and gave one last bit of advice. “Though ’tis likely old news for thee, the bandits thou dost seek make a habit of traveling in the northeast. Farewell.”
Once the wizard was gone, the group, apart from Dorn who looked exceedingly apathetic, turned to each other and began babbling, shocked and a little bit horrified that THE Elminster was watching their progress. Even the usually stone-faced Kagain was visibly disturbed. Elminster was too powerful for them to even dream of facing, although whether or not he had any desire to was unknown to them. Finally Phaendris quieted the assembly, declaring loudly that, although powerful, Elminster was no immortal. Should he desire to do them harm, they could stand against him if need be. They would likely all be dashed to pieces, but they would have no better chance standing around cowering than they would by simply continuing their journey. The group nodded slowly, recovering themselves, just as Dorn spoke up. “It seems to me that Elminster is manipulating us.” The group turned to him, surprise visible on their faces. “I’m just saying that he’s using us to cleanse the Sword Coast of the troubles that have been plaguing it recently. It’s rather genius, really. If we were morally right, then we would gladly go to stop this scheme of Tazok’s, but if we were, as commoners and paladins might say, “evil”, then the fear of Elminster would force us into action. We’re strong adventurers individually, even more dangerous when allied. Of course he would want to use us. Why he would wish to give us this opportunity to gain more power I can not say, but I assume it has something to do with his friendship with our dear leader’s late step-father.” Phaendris cocked her head, impressed with Dorn’s sudden display of wisdom. Perhaps he was more than just a brute. She would have to think on this. “So what then, eh?” Montaron said, obviously irritated by being toyed with. “We do as he says.” Phaendris replied, stroking her chin. “Not necessarily because we want to, but putting ourselves out there will give us the opportunity to gain the skill and equipment needed to deal with Elminster should he turn on us.” “Aye” Kagain replied slowly. “We’ll need to become stronger if we wish to deal with the likes of him.”
“Then it’s settled.” Phaendris said, nodding resolutely. “We’ll continue with our original plan of looking around Beregost before heading north to the Friendly Arm Inn. We have a couple of tasks here in town, and looting the place blind certainly won’t hurt.” Phaendris cast a glance at Montaron as she said this and he grinned mischievously. “Xzarina also has something to do!” Xzarina exclaimed suddenly. “Remember the note? On the dead halfling south of Beregost? We need to find Mirianne and let her know her lover’s still livin’!” Phaendris placed a hand on her face, sighing. Monty broke into the conversation then and made it all better. “Don’t ye worry, missy, I’ll make sure he stays out of trouble.” He then leaned closer to Phaendris and spoke in a hushed voice. “And I’ll case the town to see if I can find any of our own.” Phaendris smirked and nodded at the halfling. “In that case, why don’t we go and speak to Tranzig, boys? The spider house can wait till we’re back together later today. I’m sure the three of us will be a perfect team for… discussing any info we need.” Dorn and Kagain grinned, understanding her meaning perfectly. “We’ll meet in front of this smithy in four hours, understood?” With this the group split up, ready for a hunt.
Not thirty paces from their starting point, however, Phaendris was stopped by a small girl, who came running up to her, calling out her name before gasping for air. Phaendris quickly made a decision whether or not to be nice to the child before deciding it would likely be best if she was. “How do you know my name, child?” Phaendris said sweetly, putting a hand on the small girl’s shoulder. The girl looked up at Phaendris and beamed. “Why, everyone here is talking about you. You’re the ones who saved the Nashkel mines! My momma says that even though we don’t like those folks from Amn, there’s no reason anyone should have to suffer so…” Dorn groaned. “Well, that’s us, I guess.” Phaendris replied. “You’ve got a good eye. Now, who is this person that wants so much to see us?” Phaendris could literally feel the trap coming. “Her name’s Officer Vai and she’s with the Flaming Fist. And you needn’t worry, she’s real nice!” This time Dorn and Kagain both groaned. Phaendris sighed faintly and responded with a genteel “Thank you, child. You have earned your gold piece. I will go to the Jovial Juggler and meet with Officer Vai shortly.” The girl grinned, showing clearly two missing teeth. “Good! You folks are real nice. Momma says the Sword Coast needs some real heroes, these days… Tymora be with you, okay?” As the girl ran off, Phaendris grimaced. “Little brat.” “Y’cannae be serious about speaking with the Fist, can ye?” Kagain said scowling. “Actually, I am.” Phaendris said. “Think about it. There’s no way the fist knows about anything illegal or evil that we’ve done, and having the law on our sides would only serve to strengthen us. They probably think we actually ARE a group of honest law-abiding adventurers with a desire to help. Why not keep up the illusion?”
As the trio entered the expansive inn and tavern owned by Feldepost, a surly looking man strode up to them and snapped at them. “‘Ere now, get out! I don’t like your type in here!” A friend standing a few paces behind egged him on. Phaendris turned to him and held up her hands apologetically. “No need to get all bent out of shape, friend. There’s plenty of bar for us all.” The man narrowed his eyes. “Hey, I take whatever shape I want. I’m sick of you freakish adventurers going out, consorting with gods know what, and dragging your trouble back into my hometown! What do you say to that?!” Dorn started to move towards the man, but Phaendris stopped him. “We just do what we think is right. We solve a lot more trouble than we cause.” Kagain chuckled and cut in.. “Well, very nearly anyway.” Dorn smirked, but it was clear his anger was rising. “Oh, you think it’s funny, do you?! You mess up the local economy with your treasure, you upset the balance of nature, you flash your magic around, and because of it maybe somebody’s son thinks it’s fun and goes out and gets himself killed! It’s a bad example and somebody ought to kick your ass for it!” That was it. Dorn broke. The massive half-orc in plate mail bellowed at the man. “Well don’t get mad at US if “somebody’s son” couldn’t handle being out from under mom’s skirt! Should’ve taught him to fight instead of dirt-farming!” The man, who was a good head and a half shorter than Dorn turned to the half-orc, murder in his eyes. “BA***RD! It’ll be a tenday before you can blink when I’m through with you!” The man lunged at Dorn, only to be met with a Zweihander to the legs. Phaendris tried to step in front of Dorn, however, and the man’s shortsword scraped her arm just enough to cause it to begin bleeding. Dorn’s blow still connected though, and the man fell to the ground, screeching in pain as Kagain stepped up, axe in hand. “Nighty-night, maggot.” One sickening sound of metal hitting flesh and bone later, the man lay quite definitely dead.
The man’s friend backed away from the group, his hands in front of him pleadingly, clearly terrified. Dorn sheathed his blade and uttered a low guttural growl at the man, which caused him to flee into a back room and likely out of the inn, if a back exit existed. Kagain turned towards Phaendris and began speaking in a friendly, although unusually quiet voice. “Phaendris, dear, you know I tend to support your ridiculous ideas, but WHY IN ALL NINE BLOODY HELLS WOULD YOU TRY TO STOP THAT?!” This sudden outburst that was even louder than the half-orc war bellow surprised everyone and caused the few drunken heads that hadn’t turned at the beginning of the fight to spin around so quickly their eyes nearly popped out of their heads. “Because!” Phaendris said, angrily at first but then quieting immediately. “Because we want this town to like us. Remember the officers of the law that are waiting to speak with a group of friendly law-abiding adventurers? Thanks for ruining that. I had it under control until you two knuckle-heads jumped in. Whatever. Let’s find Tranzig.”
While speaking with the tavern owner didn’t get them very far, they did find out that he also sold some magical trinkets, including an enchanted battle axe. Kagain didn’t quite have enough gold to purchase it, but Dorn loaned him the thousand extra he needed. Kagain was surpised, but Dorn merely said he’d rather have an ally who can stand his ground than one who constantly needs help.
Eventually they found one of the inn’s patrons who was scared enough to tell them about Tranzig without being too afraid of the group to speak. He told them which room Tranzig was staying in and they payed him five gold for his trouble. They also gave him another twenty to spread the word that the man that had died was the one who started it. It wasn’t a lie, and this man knew that, having been near the entrance to the inn when Phaendris’ group entered. He also knew that twenty free gold pieces for saying what he had already seen to be true was a good deal, and so he began to do as told. With this done, the group headed upstairs to find Tranzig.
To be honest, the trio wasn’t sure they’d found the right man. The scrawny little whelp of a man stood in his room, in a robe that hung off his shoulders as if it had been made for an ogre then given with regret to this man. He spun around as they entered, nervously looking them up and down. “Why do ya bother me, huh?! Can’t ya see that I’m in a hurry to get outta this da** town?” The man looked past the group at the exit, shifting his weight from one foot to the other with almost disturbing regularity. “Perhaps you could tell us WHY you are in such a hurry?” Phaendris said, her hands resting delicately on her sword hilts. “I-I’m not gonna tell youse guys anything. Git outta my face.” The man was clearly becoming more and more agitated by the moment. Phaendris gripped his arm. “You won’t be rid of us that easily. We know you’re up to no good. Now tell us everything you know.” The man pulled his arm out of Phaendris’ grip and began to fidget uncontrollably. “Ya know what I’m up to, eh? Well, maybe somethin’ ya don’t know about is my magic skills. Ya might not believe me, but if you ain’t outta my face in the next five seconds, I’ll blast ya to kingdom come!” Kagain burst out laughing at this statement. “You?! Wielding magic?! We cannae suspend our disbelief that much. Come along now and surrender, or we’ll have to hurt ye.” Tranzig recoiled. “I warned ya! Now you pay the price!” A few seconds later the group was still unsure what the “price” was, but it didn’t seem that costly.
Dorn, who had been standing behind the other two, thrust his blade between the two of them and plunged it directly into Tranzig’s stomach. The poor fool might have intended to surrender had not Phaendris aimed a blow at both his hands to stop him from casting. Dorn moved faster than anticipated, and Tranzig curled forward from his blow. Phaendris couldn’t change her blades’ course, and so could do nothing to stop her swords from sinking into the man’s skull with a resonating crunch. He collapsed to the floor immediately and the three fell silent, looking at each other blankly. They hadn’t necessarily aimed to kill him, but the fool had thrown himself into it. Finally they shrugged and began to loot his corpse. On his body they found a scroll of glitterdust which Phaendris scribed to her book of spells, as well as a ring of protection like the one she had found so long ago. She gave it to Dorn, as his lack of a shield had been detrimental to his health thus far. There was also a wand which Phaendris couldn’t tell the purpose of without extensive investigation, and a note from Tazok, mentioning Peldvale and Larswood, two locations near the Friendly Arm Inn that would be their likely next target for a raid.
With this information in hand, the group returned to the smithy to meet with the others. While it seemed as though little time had passed, nearly three hours had already slipped away. The trio was surprised to find Xzarina and Monty waiting for them. The two eagerly shared their findings.
Apparently the “Mirianne” the two had searched for was a very generous woman, and provided the pair with a ring of protection, identical to the one Phaendris and Dorn wore. Although it would have perhaps been best left with Xzarina who wore no armour, she insisted she preferred the way her current rings accentuated the natural beauty of her dress. Montaron wore the enchanted studded leather and so could not wear a ring of protection as well. Only one protection enchantment could be active at once on a person, so the ring was handed to the only remaining option; Kagain. The pair also did excellent reconnaissance work, discovering more about the town and its surroundings. They set up a decent layout for Phaendris’ and Monty’s late night excursion, as well as learning about a powerful wizard who lived to the west and a temple of Lathander to the east, which was apparently offering a five thousand gold piece reward for the head of some insane cleric of Cyric who had been terrorizing the Red Canyons, just southwest of the town. These were certainly some tempting bits of information, but the group couldn’t check them out. At least not yet…
Reunited at last, the group decided to go speak with this “Officer Vai” before dealing with the spiders. If things turned sour and a fight broke out with them, they wanted to be in good condition. As they stepped into the Jovial Juggler, the inn in which the Officer resided, they quickly saw a woman stand up from a table and walk over to them. She bowed slightly to Phaendris and then began to speak. “Phaendris, I presume? I thought it might be you. These southern parts are set quite afire with talk of your work in Nashkel… I am Officer Vai of the Flaming Fist and, to be honest, I could use your help.” Phaendris nodded and smiled. “I am honored to be found worthy of your notice, Officer. How may I be of assistance?” Vai breathed a small sigh of relief, as if she had been worried of a battle herself. “My contingent and I are cut off from Baldur’s Gate. We haven’t received new orders for close to a week and, to be honest, I don’t like the feel of this at all. The bandit raids have been getting worse since you returned from Nashkel. I used to think that they were just your usual brigands out to make a quick buck in troubled times, but not anymore. They’re working for someone… One way or another, I’ve got to get my troops back to the Gate. I’ll pay fifty gold pieces for every bandit scalp you can bring me. And that goes for any adventurers you might meet as well. I want this whole region cleared before winter comes.” Kagain’s eyes lit up gleefully. He had been holding onto two such scalps for some time now, much to everyone else’s disgust. He quickly handed them over and accepted his hundred gold with greedy delight. Dorn immediately took the sack of coins from him though and added it to his own. “Remember the debt, bearded one.” Kagain grumbled profanities too low for anyone to understand and stalked away to a corner, sharpening his shiny new axe. Phaendris promised to do all she could to stem the flow of bandits and Vai wished her well. With this surprisingly easy discussion over, the group prepared to squash some bugs. Or arachnids as Xzarina was quick to point out, much to Montaron’s displeasure.
Montaron and Xzarina had found the house in question quite easily, as it had been boarded up and bore a large sign that read “Danger: Infested” on the door. Dorn tore off the boards and sign with ease before the group stepped inside. Within they found a few large spiders, comparable in size to Montaron. The group dispatched them with relative ease, however, and then began to loot the place.
[Out of character: Phaendris leveled during the fight with the spiders, but due to a desire to obtain our last team member at minimum level, I’m not leveling Phaendris. It likely won’t be much longer till we gain party member numero seis soon anyway.
There wasn’t much of value, apart from the items the gnome had mentioned. A small gem and some gold pieces were all that could be found. Phaendris forced Kagain to keep the largest spider’s corpse in his bag as proof the deed had been done, since Kagain had already proven himself comfortable with dead things in his pack. With all these things done, the group returned to the Jovial Juggler for some rest before their “midnight march”. While there, they heard a few rumours, but nothing of great interest. A lost cloak in the cloakwood (Kagain guffawed loudly at the irony of that one), some half-ogres that beat up a paladin, some story about trollops and plugtails. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Xzarina identified the wand Tranzig carried while they relaxed as well. It was a well-charged wand of magic missile, which Xzarina happily kept. He gave the old one (long since stolen from Imoen) to Phaendris, so that should she need it she could still use some magic while wearing her plate mail. She still hadn’t spoken of the mysterious powers she had gained to her companions. Everytime Phaendris had used them, the battle had been fierce enough to draw their attention elsewhere. Phaendris figured she’d tell them when they noticed.
Not long before midnight Phaendris and Monty set out. Phaendris had abandoned her usual plate-mail in favour of her simple lavender-colored tunic. Several hours later there wasn’t a building the pair hadn’t broken into. They’d made little real profit, but the thrill was what made it good.
What Monty couldn’t pick, Phaendris could break, and what Phaendris couldn’t break, they obviously didn’t need. There was one close moment when someone came downstairs to find Monty breaking into a chest. The man yelled for the guards and Phaendris bolted out the door. Monty disappeared, hiding in the shadows and creeping past the guard who listened to the half-asleep civilian who could barely form a coherent sentence. The guard brushed it off as nothing and the pair got away.
While they traveled around, however, they were, once again, drawn into a conflict they had no desire to be a part of. Last time it was wild mages, and this time it was a battle between bards. A female was on one side of the battle while three males fought against her. A fifth bard pleaded with the woman to stop killing the innocent men. The woman called to Mon-Dris (a pair of nicknames Phaendris and Montaron had come up with to refer to themselves as when committing crimes) to aid her, offering 400 gold in exchange for aid. The pair agreed and slaughtered the three men with ease, only to then turn on the woman when she refused to pay what she had agreed to. When it was over, the neutral party in all this, the fifth bard, collapsed to his knees in horror. The young human looked to be no older than eighteen, and he seemed horrified by the bloodshed. He turned to Mon-Dris and cried that they were no better than Ms. Silke.
As he fled, Mon looked to Dris and asked if they should kill him too. After a moment of thought Dris shook her head. She frankly didn’t care enough. This event would come to haunt them, however, as nasty rumours about the “bard-slayers” began spreading the very next day. It wasn’t the worst rumour that could occur, however, so Mon-Dris decided to let it slide.
Finally they returned, late in the night. They handed over any magical baubles to Xzarina for identification while they looked at the rest of what they’d pilfered. The loot was, in total:
4 Shortswords
9 Daggers
2 Longswords
2 Light Crossbows
1 Battle Axe
1 Mace
1 Suit of Splint Mail Armour
2 Suits of Leather Armour
A very large (Dorn-sized) handful of common to mildly valuable gems
1 Copy of the History of the Fateful Coin
1 Copy of the History of the North V.5
1 Copy of the History of the Chosen of Mystra
1 Unidentified Enchanted Quarterstaff
1 Unidentified Wand
1 Unidentified Enchanted Mace
Several potions left for Xzar to discover the uses of
And over a hundred and fifty gold, not counting the four hundred stolen from the bard Silke
Although most of it had little value, the sum would be a tidy profit and the group eagerly awaited Xzarina’s identification of the magical items. Phaendris assisted, and before long the group knew the wonderful treasures they had gained. The quarterstaff was just that, a lightly enchanted quarterstaff made to hurt a little more and be a little easier to swing. In essence, money in the bank. The wand was a wand of lightning. Probably useless due to its volatile nature, (Dorn made sure to take it from Xzarina’s hands immediately) but it would sell well. The mace, however. It was a beauty. A real find. Nothing the group was an expert in, but still valuable. It was a lightly enchanted mace, just like the staff, but what made it special was the fact that it had been designed so as to easily stun a foe, rendering them helpless against a strong onslaught. While a seemingly simple effect, the danger of being stunned in battle was monumental.
For the time being it was given to Kagain to wield, as he was the most likely to get some use out of it. With this all done the group went to bed and awoke the next morning. They packed to set off immediately, not wishing to stay in town for too long, just in case people started noticing that things had gone missing. As they left, however, a familiar bearded man walked past. Phaendris stopped and stared in shock. Saying that she had to speak with the man she chased him down the street, leaving the other four standing in confusion.
Finally she caught up to the man, just as he entered his home. “Uncle Firebead!” She cried out. The kindly old man turned to her and nodded. “Ah, you’re old Gorion’s ward, the lonely kid of Candlekeep.” He chuckled to himself. “Oh! I heard about the loss of Gorion, and I must give you my deepest condolences.” His face darkened slightly as he muttered. “Though I imagine you may not care as much as you’d like us to believe.” Phaendris heard him clearly with her elven ears, though she had a sneaking suspicion that she was intended to. Firebead’s face brightened up again and he continued. “I hope since you’ve left Candlekeep, you’ve kept up your reading…” His face darkened again. “Apart from other people’s scrolls of identify…” His face lightened once again and Phaendris began shifting her weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. “Oh, the world of books… I have heard that a new copy of that wondrous tome, “The History of the Fateful Coin” can be had for a pretty penny in one of the stores around here. If it’s not too much trouble, I would appreciate if you’d buy it for an old man like me. I’ll gladly reimburse you, and I could even give you a little bonus to help in your travels. It must be hard with Gorion gone.” Phaendris, eager to change the subject to one on books pulled that very same book out of her bag, where she had left it after reading it the night before. Phaendris may have never liked studying, but she loved to read, and she could read an entire book in a matter of hours. “I actually just got a copy. I’ve already finished reading it, so I’d be happy to let you have it.” Firebead smiled, a truly genuine one this time. “Ah, you are generous to an old man, so I will be generous in turn. Let me give you another book in exchange. It is a touch darker than what you have given me, but I get a sense that you may enjoy it, nonetheless.”
With this he handed Phaendris a copy of the “History of the Dead Three”, a story about three dark mortals who became the dark gods known as Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul, as well as a scroll case. After thanking Firebead, she talked with him a short while before saying she must return to her companions, as they were leaving the town today. Firebead bid her safe journey, though as she walked away he muttered to himself. “Bred in bone, yet born through blood.”
Phaendris reunited with the group, who were angrily waiting for her at town's edge. After being berated for jeopardizing their success by running off they began their journey, back to the Friendly Arm. As they walked, Phaendris read the book Firebead had given her. Occasionally she glanced over at Montaron. After last night’s escapade, he had looked slightly more muscular. More toned.
LEVEL UP!
Eventually she returned to the book, and to the thought of Firebead’s words. Eventually all she could think of were the final words he had muttered as she left. “Bred in bone, yet born through blood.” It was like her dreams, and she shook her head, trying to get the thought out of it. Something about the book seemed to call to her, and she finally stuffed it in her sack, trying instead to focus on the journey. In the back of her mind, though, the thought remained, lingering, unwilling to leave her alone.
Bred in bone, yet born through blood…
Holy crap was this a long chapter. It's 10:25 PM right now, and apart from maybe an hour's worth of breaks, I've been working on this since 3:30-ish this afternoon. I seriously hope this thread starts picking up some steam on the view count because this is honestly some of my best work, I think. I'm honestly incredibly chuffed with how this all turned out. It's been a VERY long day of writing, but I think I did a fine job. Anyway, enough tooting my own horn like an egotistical... well, like Phaendris. I'm going to take a (short) break on this thread to finish up another play-through on the forums, so look forward to the conclusion of Treyve Goldbeard's tale sometime this week. Hopefully this extra long chapter will satisfy your appetite for Phaendris till I'm done.
Thanks for reading, as always!
I agree this has been some of your best writing and I'm looking forward to reading more.
The group arrived at the Friendly Arm Inn late at night and they were eager to get some rest. None of them really required any rest, however, and since the night was still relatively young, they decided to attend to some business first. While Phaendris went to return Landrin’s possessions with Montaron and Xzarina, Dorn and Kagain set about selling their spoils from Beregost, as well as securing rooms for the evening.
With nearly four-hundred gold in their pockets from Landrin and a hefty sum for the stolen goods, the group went to bed and dreamt of all the various things they would purchase with their new-found wealth.
The next morning the group set out around ten. Xzarina had been almost impossible to kick out of bed (kick being the operative term), and the group was in sore spirits. They began to journey East, half-heartedly looking for bandits. What they later found was far more interesting.
They traveled for nearly sixteen hours, finding absolutely nothing apart from the occasional lone bandit, who rarely survived long enough to explain anything. Dorn scavenged a longbow from one of them, however, saying that it’s accuracy and speed could make it more valuable than his crossbow in some circumstances. While slaying some of the wildlife, Phaendris noticed that Kagain seemed to be gaining more skill with each passing battle.
Every swing he took with his axe seemed a bit cleaner, a bit more precise, a bit deadlier.
LEVEL UP!
Continuing to explore the area, the group finally met with a pack of bandits. Their leader made the mistake of conversing with Phaendris and co. before trying to kill them.
This created a large bullseye on his head, as without a leader the bandits were likely to scatter in fear. The bandits had no chance and failed to even wound the group before they were slaughtered. When it was all over, Phaendris pondered out loud. “I wonder if we could have tricked them into letting us join. You know, infiltrate their base and wipe them out from within?” Kagain scoffed. “‘Twould have been a fine plan, had we thought of it sooner. We’ll likely not meet a group like this again.” The group shrugged and began to loot the corpses before moving on. At least the leader carried an enchanted war hammer, making the missed opportunity at least somewhat acceptable.
“Yeesh, what are we even DOING out here?!” Ash cried out as he sat on Phaendris’ shoulder. “I mean, really. This is such a pain. It’s the middle of the night, there’s nothing out here, and we’ve been walking for hours… This couldn’t get any worse.” Just as the little mephit said this the group saw a flash of lightning, moments before hearing the crack of thunder. Instantaneously it began to pour down rain. Phaendris turned to her shoulder slowly and Ash began backing up, crawling down her arm and back into her pack. “S-sorry, boss… H-have I mentioned how beautiful you’ve been looking lately?” Phaendris scowled before turning her head away. “You’re not even worth the effort.” Ash sighed in relief. “Kagain. Smack him for me.” Ash’s eyes widened at the statement as the dwarf came up from behind and gave a sound thwack across the back of the mephit’s head. “Oooowwww!” Ash cried out before diving into the pack for safety. From within the pack the mephit muttered obscenities before quieting down after hearing Montaron’s voice. “Can I hit it next?”
Suddenly, however, a figure burst out of the trees and ran into the group, as if drawn out by Ash’s cry. At first the group prepared to fight, but when the group saw the figure’s face underneath the hood they paused, surprised. “Help me! If you don’t help me, he’ll kill me!” the woman cried, her black eyes pleading with them. Phaendris drew her swords. “If you would accept help from a surface elf then you are truly desperate. Who are you? Who seeks your death?” The woman gasped almost imperceptibly before looking around her and replying. “My name is Viconia. The ones trying to kill me are-.“ She was cut off by the cry of a man who came running, wearing plate mail and carrying a large sword. “Step aside travelers, I am a member of the Flaming Fist! The woman you are harboring is wanted for murder of the foulest sort. She is a dark elf, it should be obvious that she is evil.” Viconia began to protest before Xzarina told her to be silent. “This is where it gets good!” the crazy witch tittered. “What do you intend to do once you have her?” Dorn said as the rain hit his armor, his cold dark eyes gleaming through his helmet. “Kill her, of course.” The man replied confidently. Phaendris grinned evilly, gripping her drawn swords more tightly. “We can’t allow that, now can we, friends? If she is a murderer then she’s exactly what we need. You’ll have to go through us to get her.” The Fist officer stepped back, shocked and horrified. He finally managed to stutter out a response, though. “A-a stupid decision! For harboring a murderer I sentence all of you to death!” Montaron stepped forward, a flash of lightning reflecting off of his short sword. “Ye’ve made a poor choice, friend.”
The man barely had time to turn tail and flee before a flurry of blades assaulted him and his corpse hit the wet ground with a disgusting squelch.
Phaendris sheathed her swords and approached the woman, though she kept her hands on her sword hilts. Viconia put away the ragged and worn looking mace she wielded and bowed to Phaendris, an act that Phaendris had no doubt caused great self-loathing within the drow. The drow despised many things, but most of all they despised the surface elves, who they called darthiir. Viconia, still bowing, quietly began speaking. “I thank you. I know you may not be willing to give me a chance because of my dark skin. I am a drow, but if you give me a chance, you won’t regret it. Can I join with you? I need friends now more than ever.” Phaendris stared at the slender form of the woman bent over and slowly began to smirk, which turned into a grin, and then into a full laugh. Viconia looked up at Phaendris with surprise and a little fear. For a darthiir to laugh like that after such a statement, surely this woman would kill her. “Stand up, Viconia. Of course we’ll take you in. Quit the subservience, though. It doesn’t befit a proud female drow such as yourself.” Viconia stood up straight, and the group was able to see clearly her lithe frame, her exquisite face, her magnificent white hair, and her stunning black eyes, somehow darker than her skin. Xzarina began to pull at the cursed girdle, trying to remove it before Kagain smacked her hand away, his lecherous gaze never leaving Viconia. “I saw her first.” was all the dwarf said. Viconia shuddered a little and pulled her cloak around her. “Don’t worry about the perverts, Viconia.” Phaendris said, putting a reassuring hand on the woman’s shoulder. If they try to touch you I’m sure you can end their status as a man before anything happens. At the very least, make it seem like you can. I used to get the same looks till I put a blade next to the dwarf’s gold nuggets.” Viconia smirked. “You seem more like a drow than I, darthiir.” Phaendris chuckled. “Sometimes.” Phaendris then spun around to face the assembly. “Alright, it’s the middle of the night and the bandits are nowhere to be seen. We’re heading back to the Friendly Arm. Any objections?” The cold and wet group had no issues whatsoever, and the group, now consisting of six, ["Hey! It's seven, you a**!" "Da**it! Shut up Maldavious!"] returned westward.
Once the group arrived at the Arm, they immediately went to pay for rooms. Before they were allowed to sleep, however, Phaendris called them into her room for a conversation. The group wasn’t pleased, but they agreed. Viconia was the last to enter the room, and while she had seemed like a child as they approached the buildings, the likes of which she had never seen, her naivety would not make her trust them automatically. She stuck close to the door, and the whole time they had traveled she had kept a slight distance from the others.
Phaendris crossed her arms and bluntly said to the woman. “Who are you, Viconia?” Viconia tilted her head, somewhat confused by the statement. “I am sorry, darthiir, I don’t comprehend what you mean.” Phaendris sighed. “Tell us about yourself.” Viconia nodded, understanding Phaendris now. She began proudly. “I am a drow from the city of Menzoberranzan. I was a priestess of Lolth, though I have abandoned worshipping her in favour of the night goddess Shar.” Phaendris raised an eyebrow. All these names were familiar to her from her studies in Candlekeep, but what intrigued her most was the fact that Viconia had abandoned the worship of the spider goddess Lolth, a change that is often fatal. “You no longer worship Lolth? I imagine that is the root of why you left your home?” Viconia nodded sadly. “This is correct, daarthir.” Phaendris felt there must be more to the story, but Viconia seemed unwilling to speak of it. “Well Viconia, now that you’re a part of this group, you need to know a few things. Firstly, I am in charge. I won’t order you around like a slave, but when I tell you what to do I expect it done. Betray me and you will die. Secondly, we are not nice people. We are currently working to aid the Sword Coast, the region in which we are currently, but we do this only because one of the greatest wizards in the world has us by the balls.” Phaendris stopped for a moment and thought about what she had just said. Her language was never the cleanest, but she’d been hanging around these pig-like males for too long now, she was certain. Shrugging off the thought she continued. “Regardless, we are a relatively criminal group. We don’t go around randomly killing people, but if it is evil and we will benefit from it we will do it without hesitation. This means that if you work with us, you must be willing to do evil things. Understand? I feel that considering your background you will not have any trouble with this, but I inform you now so you can choose to flee if you wish. The result would likely be painful for you, but I give you the option.” Viconia shook her head. “I have no qualms with your terms, darthiir. I do ask that you would tell me of yourselves, though.” Phaendris shrugged. “Very well. Ask your questions.”
Viconia began by turning towards Kagain. “Who is the hargluk?” Kagain looked between the two women and then asked. “Tha hells’ a hargluk?” “Probably means dwarf, gold-brains. She’s been calling me surface elf in the drow tongue, so that’s likely what she’ll do for all of us. It’s not like we’ve introduced ourselves.” Phaendris replied. Viconia nodded. Kagain crossed his arms and looked at Viconia, inspecting her up and down before replying. “Well, I’m an ex-mercenary company owner and a warrior. The name’s Kagain, and I’ll thank you to not ask me another question about my background.” Phaendris shrugged. “He’s like that. Next?”
Viconia motioned towards Dorn. “The cretok-klu’chud?” Phaendris stroked her chin. “Okay, I’m not sure what that one means.” Viconia took a step back to further herself from the half-orc. “It means orc-spawn.” Dorn growled and ignored her, turning to Phaendris. “You know my history as well as anyone will. I’ll tell her nothing.” Phaendris shook her head. “Dorn’s a blackguard. Big, nasty, and very strong. He’s hunting down his former allies who betrayed him. That’s about all we’ve got out of him. To be frank, none of them are willing to say much about themselves.”
Viconia nodded, still seeming extremely curious. “What about the rivvil and the sakphul? They seem to be relatively attached to each other.” Montaron just about lunged at Viconia. “And why is the sakphul so angry?” Viconia said, leaning away from Monty, who was now being restrained by Dorn. “The sakphul, Montaron, is a rogue. He’s especially effective at killing, and he and the rivvil, Xzar or Xzarina, work for the same organization. Xzarina is a man wearing a cursed girdle, and he’s batsh** crazy. Surprisingly a skilled mage, though. Seems to favour necromancy. I’d keep your distance.” Viconia nodded slowly.
“And what of you, Darthiir?” Phaendris stretched. “I’ll give you the short version. My name’s Phaendris. I’m a fighter, mage, and rogue from the giant walled library-town Candlekeep. I lived a sheltered life until a little over two weeks ago. My foster father was a mage and a good man. I hated him. Like I said, a little over two weeks ago I left. Assassins are after me for whatever reason, and they killed my foster father. I met Xzar and Montaron shortly after my foster father’s death, and have been traveling wherever fate takes us since. Oh, and I have a dust mephit familiar named Ash.” Ash popped his head up out of Phaendris’ pack. “My name is Maldavious Barenza-wowowowow!” Ash’s eyes nearly popped out of his head as he saw Viconia. The little fellow had been sleeping in Phaendris’ pack since before they had even met her, and he was now amazed at the beauty that had appeared before him suddenly. Phaendris place a hand over her face as she used the other to smack the mephit. “Yeowch! Geez… I was just greeting our new teammate…” Viconia chuckled. “Well, it seems I’ve found just about the strangest assortment of allies I could have. You all seem capable enough, however, and while I’m not exactly pleased to have a darthiir lead me, at least she’s a strong and capable woman, more drow than darthiir.” Phaendris nodded, a pleased and cunning smirk taking over her face.
With this done, the group began to leave for their rooms, but before they could leave, Phaendris requested that everyone except for Viconia stay. Viconia looked concerned, but returned to her room quietly. Phaendris turned to the rest of her allies. “So? What do you all think?” Kagain, Ash, and Xzarina exclaimed instantly. “HOT! Of course she’s joining us!” Phaendris nodded. “Alright then. You two can leave. Ash, go to sleep.” The trio looked at each other in confusion, but shrugged and left, Ash curling up on the pillow and falling asleep instantly. Phaendris turned to Dorn and Montaron and sat down on her bed before she began to take off her armour. “Well, now that it’s just the ones that think with more than their genitals left, what are your thoughts?” Dorn and Montaron looked at each other, surprised to see that they were agreeing. Dorn spoke first. “She’s a threat. Drow are notorious for only making alliances with those they believe they can eventually defeat and control.” “Sort of like the demon you’ve probably made an alliance with?” Phaendris retorted, to which Dorn scowled and turned away. “He’s right, though.” Montaron said quietly. “She’s dangerous, and if the trait of drow that Dorn mentioned weren’t enough, they also despise surface dwellers, especially elves. I know we’re not the most trustworthy allies, but you’ve only brought another knife in the back to the group.” Phaendris nodded slowly. “You’re not wrong, but we need a healer desperately, and she seems decent enough. Besides, if nothing else we can use her as a shield when we assault the bandit camp. And, looking past that, drow are naturally resistant to magic. Considering the dangerous wizard that we may be forced to fight in the future, we NEED her.” Dorn and Montaron looked at each other, then to Phaendris, and back to each other. Once again Dorn spoke first. “Fine, but if she betrays us I’m going to put a blade through your stomach.” Phaendris waved goodnight to the half-orc. “You’re welcome to try, cretok-klu’chud.” Dorn growled as he left. Finally it was just Montaron and Phaendris left. “Well then, anything else to say, Monty?” Montaron shook his head. “Want me to watch her? Keep an eye out for any signs of betrayal?” Phaendris nodded. “Of course. Why would I want anything else? You know me best, lover boy.” Montaron made a sound of disgust as he walked out of the room. “One mistake and I get a da** nickname. We didn’t even mrgrmrmr…” The grouchy halfling’s words trailed off down the hall and Phaendris laughed. One drunken kiss on Phaendris’ cheek after the great Beregost heist was all it took for Phaendris to tease him endlessly. While Phaendris would still gut any of them without any hesitation, she had a certain fondness for the crotchety midget. Surprisingly enough, she thought he might be the closest thing to a “friend” she’d ever really had. Pushing everything out of her head she collapsed into her bed happily. The next morning as she awoke she felt strangely stronger. She stretched, and thought perhaps her strange powers had developed further, but no, that wasn’t it. It was something else. It was her skills. Over her journey she’d been using everything she ever learned just to stay alive and it had molded her. She was stronger, better. This was just one small step, but she was ready to become the Scourge of the Sword Coast.
LEVEL UP!
So far it's been:
Phaendris: Darthiir (Surface Elf or Fairy)
Xzar: Rivvil (Human)
Dorn: Cretok-klu’chud (Orc-spawn)
Monty: Sakphul (Halfling)
Kagain: Hargluk (Dwarf)
Oh, and it wasn't five hours of studying the drow language, I just did it at five in the morning. Little bit of a difference, @bengoshi.
With all this done, the group set out to the Larswood, hoping to find more members of the bandit gang. They were met with the rain from the previous night, much to their dismay, but the company marched on. Once again they traveled for hours with few results. At one point Monty voiced everyone’s thoughts. “I hate the woods! Prey be so much easier to find in the city.”
In one section of the woods they met a man clothed in animal skins who began to rave mindlessly. “Arrogant fools!” he cried. “You return to the very slaughter for which you were responsible. Your blood will soak the ground before I allow any of you to leave! I will avenge the deaths of my brothers!” Before anyone else could respond, Xzarina piped up. “We killed your brothers. We admit it freely!” she said gleefully. “We drank their blood and ate their spleens. We even dined on their livers with some fava beans and a nice chianti!” The whole group turned to Xzarina, their faces clearly showing that they were disturbed by this outburst. Even Dorn looked at Xzarina, his mouth slightly agape as if to say, “How in the hells did you even come up with that?” The druid, for so the group assumed he was, was understandably enraged.
He lunged at Dorn who was closest to him. Unfortunately, his fate was sealed almost from the moment he encountered the group. The group slaughtered him nearly instantly, although two cave bears appeared from the woods as he fell. The group sighed, but slaughtered the first with little trouble. As the second came close, a second druid sprang from the underbrush and swung his quarterstaff. However, he was not swinging it at the party, but rather at the bear! Although confused by this, the group were not about to say no to aid. The bear managed to bite into Kagain’s leg, but it was a minor inconvenience, nothing more.
Once the bear had been slain, the group re-organized, keeping their weapons drawn and aimed at the second druid. He held up his hands in an attempt to show peacefulness and began to speak. He apologized for the first druid and explained that bandits had slain the druids that lived here, causing the first druid to go mad. Something about his story seemed off, however, and Phaendris pointed it out, to which the man responded calmly. Phaendris pressed the point though, and the man began to become agitated. As he did he began to contradict himself, which Phaendris capitalized on. At this point the man became exceedingly irritable and anxious, and Phaendris knew what had occurred. She accused him of using them to aid in the murder of this mad druid. He took a step back, appalled, but then a malicious smirk came over his face. His demeanor changed from anxious to confident in moments and he confessed, saying that he was a shadow druid aiming to wipe out the first druid’s order so that his fellows could join him. Unfortunately for him, he chose to try and threaten Phaendris, to which he was quickly met with several blades that severed his life from his body as easily as they severed his limbs from his corpse.
On the first druid’s corpse was a magical spear that was handed to Xzar for identification. The shadow druid carried nothing of value however. Phaendris cast a glance over her team. The more they fought together, the more organized and dangerous they became. Dorn and Montaron especially. His large swings were perfect for knocking away guards so that the small sword of a halfling could dart in and find its mark. Xzarina was also looking more dangerous, though her gaze rarely left Viconia and almost never landed on their foes, much to Phaendris’ dismay.
LEVEL UP!
DORN:
MONTARON: [I forgot the second picture. My b.]
XZAR(INA)
With this done the group continued their search, wandering aimlessly till they found something they thought they’d never see again. A group of bandits with a leader who spoke before shooting. Kagain nudged Phaendris’ leg and she nodded. To her surprise, the bandit was entirely tricked by her charade and began to lead them directly to the bandit camp. The group looked at each other and nodded quietly, evil thoughts pulling the corners of their mouths upward.
***
After traveling for what seemed like ages, the group was lead into a small encampment. Tents and provisions were all about and bandits both human and hobgoblin milled about, some sparring, some building, other merely smoking a pipe and laying around. As they approached, a dark haired bandit came up, obviously not happy to see their new friend, Teven, accompanied by a new group. “Teven! Who the hell are these roustabouts?! Are ye daft bringing them here?” He cried. The group noticed a massive half-ogre in plate mail slowly wandering up behind the bandit. Neither Teven nor the second bandit seemed to notice and Teven exclaimed. “I eyed ‘em well ‘fore bringin’ ‘em this far, and they be as good as we got! We ain’t got the time to do formal training to cover our losses. We’ll be no use if we don’t fill in the ranks.” The other bandit sighed and shook his head. “Fine, just keep ‘em out o’ trouble till Tazok gets here, and he can make sure they’re on the up an’ up. An ogre up yer face will show yer true colours right quick!” The group looked at each other and realized the towering wall of muscle standing directly behind the poor bandit was likely Tazok, the head of all this. Phaendris pointed, drawing the attention of the bandit. “You mean him?” The bandit spun around fast as lightning. “Ulp! B-boss!” The half-ogre placed a hand on the man’s shoulder and threw him out of his way as if he had been a pebble before bellowing angrily. “Recruits?! Secret operation and you hire those you rob?! By the lower planes, why do we pay Blacktalons to do stealth if you almost light signal fires?!” Teven was obviously concerned by Tazok’s displeasure, but he seemed to be made of sterner stuff than the first bandit, who was now crawling behind a tent to hide in case Tazok became angry with him next. “We need to keep our numbers up! Besides, boss, we checked them out pretty good. I think they’ll do fine.” Despite Teven’s impressive bravado, he most certainly did not respond the way Tazok desired. “YOU DON’T THINK! I THINK! I question them myself and if they not as you say, you die too!” Teven nodded quietly and stepped out of the way. His legs were shaking somewhat, but the group was impressed he hadn’t soiled himself. Before they could offer any words of praise to Teven, Tazok growled at them. “I say now I don’t like you! Give me reason to not have you broth-boiled and use your skin to swaddle my small-kin! Who are you that I should let you join?!” Phaendris decided to use bravado, seeing as whether or not Tazok chose to attack, the team would succeed regardless. It was just a matter of how soon Tazok died. “Ah, go scare some school-girls. I could bruise you but good, and that’s exactly why you need me!” Tazok growled angrily, but the corners of his mouth turned up faintly. “You talk big! Maybe I think you talk TOO big! Maybe I think we just see who get bruised! Put your sword where your mouth is, or I put MINE there!”
With this the half-ogre charged, drawing a massive and crude sword, though it’s edge was sharp as a Tarasque claw. “Spread out! Don’t let him near! Kagain! Drop the shield and use Dorn’s longbow. Keep your distance, everyone, a single blow from him could end you!” Phaendris barked out these orders almost instinctively, and she realized she had gone from being a mere force of destruction to leading a force of even greater destruction. The change had been imperceptible in its smoothness, and she liked it. It wasn’t as though the group was perfect, however, and Phaendris was caught by the great brute. He swung and struck deep, wounding her greatly and knocking her to the ground. She ignored the pain though and struck back at the gap between his chainmail coif and the plate mail, wounding him, and he stopped his next swing inches from Phaendris’ neck. The rest of the group paused, unsure of what was happening. Phaendris realized she was holding her breath, yet for some reason she could not let it out yet. Finally Tazok laughed. He sheathed his sword and complimented them, giving them free reign of the camp as well. He said he’d go on patrol and that they should refer to Ardenor and Taugosz if they had any need for orders. The group assumed these two were the leaders of the Chill and the Blacktalons.
Once he had left Phaendris breathed out and gripped her side, from which blood poured profusely. Viconia rushed over and began to cast a spell. It didn’t fully mend Phaendris, but the blood ceased to flow and Phaendris gave Viconia an appreciative look. Dorn stepped up and offered a hand to Phaendris, which she gladly accepted. The group cast a glance around at each other and then shook their heads. Tazok was a monster. It would take a special plan to bring an end to him. The group began by circling around and talking about their next move. “Da**! Tha’ Tazok nearly decapitated ye!” Kagain began. Phaendris glared at him. “Shut up. But you raise a good point. He nearly killed me instantly. He may walk about camp slowly, but he fights as fast as I do. We need to bring him down without him ever seeing us.” Montaron chimed in. “Backstab. My specialty.” Dorn practically interrupted him, however. “Poisoned bolt. It’ll pierce his armour and bring him down before he can respond. I have a special creation just for a brute like him.” Viconia spoke next, shocking everyone, as she had been exceptionally quiet so far. “These are good ways of bringing him down, but where will we do it from? We need to search the camp and learn what we can.” Xzarina exclaimed, “His tent! From the shadows in his own tent!” Phaendris nodded. “Excellent. Alright, we need to search the camp, prepare for the attack. When we do initiate the plan though, here’s what we’ll do. Monty will strike him from behind, that’ll weaken him greatly and cause him to spin around towards him. I wish I could trust Monty to finish the job, but I stuck my blade deep enough to kill a man and he barely flinched. Once he spins around to Monty, Dorn, you’ll be lying in wait on the opposite side of the tent. A poisoned bolt straight into his back should do well. Monty, you’ll need to get out of there quickly. Once that’s done, Xzarina and I will use a drain to weaken him, just long enough for Kagain and Viconia to cut him down. Got it?” The group nodded in agreement. Suddenly Dorn spoke up. “We should rest first. You look… tired.” Phaendris stared at him, wondering if it wasn’t Dorn who was really tired. Regardless, she was feeling fatigued from their long journey as well. Perhaps they could find an empty tent and rest for a bit. As she looked around she noticed that it was not only Dorn and her, everyone was tired. Even Kagain, the most hardy of the group, was looking sluggish. They found their way to a tent that seemed unoccupied and set up their bedrolls.
That evening they stirred and stretched, ready to explore the camp and make preparations. As they exited the tent they were surprised to see at least thirty torches off in the distance, burning bright in the darkness of the night. A bandit stood by and Phaendris asked what was going on. “Tazok’s leading a crew down to check out the mines. There’s been a distinct lack o’ messengers lately and Tazok thinks somethin’s up. Took half the camp with him, he did. Ardenor and Taugosz are none too happy about it neither.” Phaendris cursed under her breath. “Whazzat sweetcheeks? Didja say something else?” the bandit replied. Phaendris turned to the team and said, “Montaron.” before making a motion across her neck. Montaron nodded and walked up to the bandit. “Well hey there. Don’t see too many halfli-urk! Why you sunnuva-aghk!” The man’s first sentence was cut off by a small fist thrown at his groin, which caused the man to fall on his knees. The second was interrupted by two small hairy hands being wrapped around his throat and squeezing. After a couple moments of attempted struggle, the man went limp and Montaron dragged his body into the bushes. When he returned Phaendris quietly said “Tent.” Once inside, Phaendris punched the middle support beam, causing it to crack. Dorn looked at her, impressed by such a display of strength. “Alright. So our prey’s left. But this is our chance to destroy the camp. That pathetic bandit told us Tazok took half the camp with him. Also, we clearly saw at least thirty torches. Or at least I did. That means that there’s only around thirty bandits left in camp. If we do this quick and quiet we can wipe them all out, no challenge. That means Montaron, a lot of this is up to you, understand?” Montaron smirked and nodded. “Now, we need to keep our heads about us. The bandit groups leaders are both still here, and I imagine not every bandit is as chokeable as that last one. That means that Dorn and Kagain need to be ready. You two are our strongest warriors. I’m splitting the group up so we can cover more ground. This tent is in the middle of the camp, so one group will go left, the other will go right. Got it? Dorn, Viconia, you’re with me. Monty, Kagain, Xzar, you go left. When you’ve killed everything in sight meet back at this tent. Understood?” The group nodded and drew weapons. “Remember, everyone. Silence is golden.”
Unfortunately silence was only bronze that night.
***
The midget pair and Xzarina wandered through the camp, Montaron dipping in and out of the shadows, slitting the throats of anyone who got too close. Montaron and Kagain had a plan. The left side of the camp was the Chill’s domain, and before this became an all-out battle, they wanted Ardenor’s head on a plate, served cold and quiet. Finally they found him. Unlike the hobgoblins around him, Ardenor had a disturbing look of intelligence and cunning in his face, and this made the trio concerned. Their plan was fool-proof, however, and they enacted it without hesitation. Kagain approached Ardenor, attempting to make small-talk. Surprisingly, Ardenor didn’t order Kagain’s death immediately. He certainly didn’t appear to be fond of the dwarf, but Kagain didn’t care. “They certainly will accept anyone these days.“ the hobgoblin said quietly. “Keep to your side of the camp if you wish to keep your heads. My hobgoblins might like the meat on you.” “Just have to stall Ardenor long enough for Montaron to come up behind him.” Kagain thought before cracking a joke. “Oh, that’s not advisable at all. I’m a little on the tough side; they might bust a tooth or two getting me down.” Montaron moved with cat-like stealth and grace from the bushes. Ardenor smirked. “Hmm! Perhaps they might at that. You had best be careful with that wit around Tazok. Ogres are not known to appreciate the subtleties of dwarf humor.” Just as he said the last word he cried out in pain as Montaron’s blade buried itself deep within the hobgoblin. But this was not to end so easily. Ardenor cried out with fury, and spun around to attack Montaron, yelling loudly to attack as he did so. The trio prepared to fight, but had they sealed their fate? They were outnumbered four to three, and Ardenor was sturdy enough to survive a perfect blow from a skilled assassin. Who’s to say he would not be a mighty warrior as well?
***
Phaendris snuck around, sticking her blades through every bandit she could, Dorn and Viconia following not far behind, keeping their blades ready should Phaendris fail to eliminate one quietly. Phaendris needed that comforting thought, as she had abandoned her plate mail for the sake of stealth. Unfortunately eliminating them quietly wasn’t the concern. Phaendris heard the clanking of plate mail from behind her and she stood up straight as she spun around. Taugosz, the Blacktalon leader stood there, inspecting Phaendris closely. “I am Taugosz ‘Tenhammer,’” he said quietly. “leader of the Blacktalons. You are small and weak compared. Remember this. You cross Talons and I kill you. Not with hammer, with little finger. Slowly.” Phaendris placed a hand on one sword hilt and responded comfortably, though she made sure to show deference. “You’ve my respect, but I’ll not fear you. It’s better placed with our quarry.” Taugosz laughed heartily. “Good attitude! Be sure to keep it when Tazok arrive. He hires Blacktalons for Iron Throne, but you take orders only from me. Understand? Stay away from Chill as well, they only our friends till the job is finished.” Phaendris nodded and Taugosz began to walk away. Phaendris’ mind began to race. “Iron Throne? That merchant company? Why would they? And furthermore, that meant that this was far more than the machinations of some bandits led by a half-ogre!” Phaendris had wondered why a half-ogre would care about destroying iron, but she had kept the thought out of her mind till now. “And what about- no. This isn’t the time.” she thought. Phaendris took a deep breath and drew her sword quietly. Taugosz was wearing a suit of the finest full plate, and his hammer and shield were obviously enchanted. If she screwed this up, she’d be standing against a man who was better equipped than her normally in nothing but her tunic, and this was not something she desired. Quietly she approached Taugosz’s back. She placed her sword delicately at the crack between metal plates, and then she struck. Immediately she regretted this decision. It was like Tazok all over again. She struck a deadly blow yet he spun around to strike her! Making matters worse, he called for aid and three bandits appeared seemingly from nowhere. This was bad.
***
Kagain and Montaron began to strike at Ardenor furiously before they heard Xzarina cry out “I’m casting magic at Ardenoooor!” Montaron practically shoved Kagain away before diving out of the way himself. Ardenor had barely drawn his weapon before a column of ice crashed into him with destructive force. Xzarina stood there giggling madly while holding the wand they had found inside the hollow tree back at the Nashkel mines. Kagain and Montaron began attacking two of the other hobgoblins as Xzarina began launching bullets at the now critically wounded Ardenor to try and finish him.
***
Phaendris had made a critical judgement error. If she survived this she would be astounded. Taugosz was not the problem. Dorn and Viconia were keeping the severely injured warrior in place. No, the trouble was the three bandits who could fire arrows at the unarmoured Phaendris. Rather than flee, she charged, hoping to cut down one or two of them before they could wound her severely. Before she could come close, however, they had hit Viconia twice, much to Phaendris’ relief. At least they weren’t targeting her.
Yet another arrow struck her, though, and Viconia fled towards the central tent, clutching her wounds in an attempt to stop the bleeding from overcoming her. She made it a matter of inches before yet another bandit appeared. His arrow found it’s mark and Viconia collapsed dead. Phaendris swore loudly and yelled. “DORN! YOU BETTER GET YOUR F***ING SH** TOGETHER OR WE’RE BOTH DEAD!”
***
Meanwhile yet another hobgoblin had joined the fray on the other side of camp. Ardenor had regained his senses enough to begin striking at Kagain, but Kagain didn’t mind. He could handle a couple of hobgoblins, especially when one was so wounded he could barely stand. Unfortunately, as he thought this, two more hobgoblins arrived, and things were looking exceptionally dire. Kagain was not about to give in, however, and he struck with all his force, cleaving Ardenor’s head in twain. Now that he was down to only two foes, he cast a glance around. Montaron was fending off three as best he could, and it seemed as though it was going well, but such things could turn quickly. Xzarina was fleeing from another hobgoblin, but her legs could keep her out of the hobgoblin’s reach, Kagain was sure of that.
***
Phaendris had had it. Dorn couldn’t put down one half-dead warrior, and the bandits kept appearing. She had killed one, only to find yet another joining in. At this rate they were doomed. They had to get to the others and fast. She bolted and Dorn realized that perhaps he should follow. Before he could, however, he was shot yet again. He was in critical condition now, and he grabbed a healing flask immediately. Phaendris, thoroughly disgusted with Dorn’s performance, spun around and used her ability to drain health on Taugosz, hoping to at least bring him down. Even this was not enough to bring down Taugosz, but it gave Dorn the time to drink from his flask, giving him seconds more to live. As the pair ran, Dorn switched to his crossbow, believing that it would be enough.
***
Xzarina spun around, and began to chant. She prayed to whatever many-tentacled elder god she worshipped that the hobgoblin wouldn’t stop her before she succeeded. He couldn’t even catch up to her, however, and suddenly all but one hobgoblin lay on the ground, unconscious. Montaron and Kagain cheered loudly as they began to end the lives of these dozing dullards.
***
Meanwhile things were not moving so smoothly for Phaendris and Dorn. They had escaped many of the bandits, only to find more. The pair rushed past them, Dorn occasionally firing and missing at Taugosz. Phaendris cried out as an arrow struck her in the side. She was in serious condition now, and she gripped a healing potion instinctively. Something dark welled up within her, however, and she felt a surge of strength.
LEVEL UP!
After downing the potion she felt even more strength returning, and she spun around, attempting to drain the last vestiges of life from Taugosz. Before she could do so however a large group of bandits caught up with them and the hail of arrows forced them to flee. Dorn was struck down, however, and Phaendris swore even more loudly. She fled past the trio of hobgoblin slayers and cried out for them to flee. They stared at her in confusion but did as ordered. They managed to escape the main forces, but Taugosz remained nipping at their heels. This time, however, Phaendris was not going to be interrupted by archers. She drained the life from him yet again before Kagain, Montaron, and she charged. They never even reached him. Before they could, a powerful bolt from Xzarina’s wand of magic missile tore a hole through Taugosz’s head and he collapsed, finally dead. The group grabbed his corpse and dragged it away, trying to escape and regroup.
The group swept through the camp, slaughtering any who stood in their way. They skirted around the outskirts, snuck up on lone bandits, and generally did anything to improve their chances. Even so they could not avoid a fight with five bandits outside of Tazok’s tent. They prevailed, however, and they had done all they needed to.
This battle was a loss. The bandits had won this one, but Phaendris would be back. The group plundered as much as they could before picking up the remains of Dorn and Viconia and heading back towards the Friendly Arm. They were all bloodied, wounded, and incapable of further fighting, and they had a suspicion that their greatest challenge lay within Tazok’s tent. Sixteen hours later, the group of four and two corpses arrived and they practically fell into the temple. The gnome priestess nearly died of fright when four blood-soaked beings walked through the door, two corpses being dragged behind them. Though she seemed uncertain about bringing back to life two such unsavory looking beings, she was amenable once 800 gold fell into her hands. When the priestess worked her magic, Dorn’s eyes shot open and he bellowed with fear, clutching his chest as if it hurt. He looked around in a panic, his eyes darting from person to person, before finally landing on Phaendris. “I-“ He began before Phaendris slapped him. She wanted to punch him, but she feared that would end his recently regained life. Dorn looked down in shame, but it seemed as though there was something far worse on his mind than being slapped by Phaendris. She turned towards Viconia who had jolted up, but fallen back down, gripping her sides in pain. Phaendris put a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. “D-darthiir. It hurts. So much. And the torture. Hell… hell is…” Phaendris shushed her gently. “Forget it. You’re alive. You’re alive and we’re all here. It’s alright.” Viconia nodded, though faint tears formed in her eyes as she clutched her wounds. The two may have been brought back to life, but their bodies still suffered from their injuries. Phaendris stood up and turned around, just in time to see something astounding. Kagain and Montaron stood there, jaws agape, as Xzarina handed over 500 of her own gold to the priestess. The priestess leaned forward, cast a spell, and the cursed girdle fell off. Xzar’s shape changed in front of them from woman to man, and he stared at the girdle quietly before shoving it into his bag. “Xz-xzar. You paid to have the girdle removed?” Phaendris stuttered, utterly shocked. “The time for childish jokes is over.” Xzar said quietly. “They hurt us, Phaendris. They hurt us and they must pay for it.” As he said this he turned to Phaendris slowly and his eyes showed a level of sanity and seriousness that Phaendris believed he was incapable of feeling, let alone showing. Phaendris nodded slowly. “Yes Xzar. They must.”
The wounded warriors traveled into the inn and purchased the finest rooms in the establishment. They needed a good rest if they were to crush any and all remaining bandits. Xzar and Phaendris spent the first night identifying some of their treasure, namely the druid’s spear and Taugosz’s warhammer. The spear was a powerful but cursed item, while the warhammer was a normal mildly enchanted warhammer. These were sold for a good sum, and the group used the money for potions of healing. When they were all ready, rested and bloodthirsty, they set out. They had lost the first battle, and there would be hell to pay. Phaendris may lose a battle, but she never loses the war.
Suffice it to say, even though this isn't a strict minimal reload run, this chapter should prove that it's not without it's moments.
The drow word Viconia uses for Phaendris or other surface elves, "darthiir", is also used for fairies. This is mildly amusing because the sound of Phae, the first part of Phaendris' name, is the same sound used for the words fey or fay, which are both used for fairies. This was completely unintentional, but I feel it's a nice detail that (had I planned it) would show a great deal of forethought and skilled writing. I didn't plan it, but it's nice to think of the coincidence.
Edit: Except for Viconia. What I want to do with her exactly still eludes me.
The group found a great deal of treasure, likely enough to account for the price of reviving Dorn and Viconia. The most valuable things were five scrolls, however. Scrolls of Grease, Colour Spray, Web, Fireball, Flame Arrow, and Melf’s Acid Arrow. These were split mostly evenly between Xzar and Phaendris, with Phaendris gaining Colour Spray and Fire Arrow, while Xzar gained the rest. It made sense, after all, as he had greater magical power currently, and Phaendris also already possessed Web. The scrolls that Xzar obtained seemed to fit him, frankly. Also of great use to the team was an enchanted shield which Xzar realized was a +1 shield. This was handed to Montaron, as he had relinquished hold of a magical shield in favour of Kagain and Viconia’s well being. Or at least he had let go of his shield when Phaendris made him. Also of note was the fact that now Dorn was wearing the full plate, evening out the defensive abilities of the team. [Except Xzar, everyone now has −2 AC. Monty has 1 when wearing his leather, but −2 when in plate]
Finally the group approached Tazok’s tent. The group was splattered with blood and their faces showed a fury which nothing mortal could stop. They halted for a moment and Montaron took off his plate mail before dipping into the shadows. He snuck into the tent and then returned moments later. “Well?” Phaendris said as he returned. “Four enemies. All look skilled and well equipped. One human mage, likely talented. One hobgoblin archer with a wicked bow that’s probably enchanted. One human archer, looks relatively average, apart from ‘is skills, which we can assume are good. And one gnoll warrior. He looks like a monster, even among his own kind. Oh. And there was another person. Couldn’t tell the race, but ‘e’s a prisoner. Or ‘e justs likes to be chained up.” “Right then. Backstab the mage, then the rest of us will charge. Got it?” “Aye.”
The plan went off without a hitch. The enemy got to Montaron sooner than expected, and the gnoll struck him painfully, but he got away. The rest of the group charged, and the enemy fell one by one with no challenge. After it was over Viconia proved her value by healing Montaron with no trouble at all.
Phaendris meanwhile was going over to speak with the prisoner. He began with a strange statement that Phaendris didn’t quite understand. He confirmed what Taugosz had said. The mercenary company, the Iron Throne, were behind all of this. And furthermore, they had a base within the Cloakwood. Phaendris freed the man for the information and watched as he disappeared into the night.
Within a chest the group found documents to Tazok from a “Davaeorn”, though at this point the group surmised that this was no more than yet another rung up the ladder to the top. Not that they much cared, though. They only did this under Elminster’s duress. There were also several scrolls and a powerful magical item which Phaendris stole for herself before anyone else could notice it. The scrolls were once again split between Phaendris and Xzar, Phaendris gaining Spell Thrust, Friends, Melf’s Acid Arrow, Stinking Cloud, and Agannazar’s Scorcher. Xzar only recieved Colour Spray and Horror, though he seemed content. Ever since their defeat, he had seemed far more lucid than normal, though it was clear he was still mad. Phaendris wondered if it was all a facade, meant only to show he was serious about their goals, and that as soon as they had completed their tasks then he would return to normal. Regardless, he was effective either way, so what did she care?
She secretly identified the gauntlets as the group sat about Tazok’s tent, resting after the battle and planning their next step. The gauntlets boosted both her damage and accuracy, and she slipped them on quietly. The group then began to speak of their next goal. “We know of two different directions we could take.” Phaendris began. “There’s an Iron Throne outpost, or warehouse, or something in the Cloakwood, which is likely where Elminster will intend for us to head next. We also know that Tazok had left with the other half of the bandits towards Nashkel, to check out the mines. Thoughts?” Dorn looked around the group and he seemed displeased. “We can go up against enemies we know nothing about, which are likely large in number, and which are probably even more skilled than the bandits, or we can go up against a group of enemies who are roughly equal in numbers and skill to a group we’ve already lost to once. I don’t like it. Either way it’s suicide.” Phaendris nodded at him, the cogs in her brain spinning rapidly. Viconia, who had been seeming more confident since this battle’s end spoke up. “Why do either? This Elminster cannot stop us if we do not wish to do his bidding, no?” The group looked at her and shook their heads. Phaendris’ head jolted up suddenly, however, an idea popping into her head. It was as though her mind seemed to be moving faster than before, and a cunning idea popped up. She had always been smart, always been cunning, but it was like it was suddenly easier. As though experience had given her greater skill at formulating lies.
LEVEL UP!
VICONIA!
PHAENDRIS! (MAGE AND THIEF!)
“What if we bluff? Master wizard or no, he can’t deny us if we seek to destroy evil, even if it’s not the evil he wants us to destroy.” “What d’ye mean?” Montaron asked, his eyebrow raised. Phaendris’ eyes glinted in the torchlight and her lips drew into a mischievous smirk. “I mean, we have a personal vendetta against Tazok. He nearly severed my head from my neck. I want blood. Just because we happen to take the longest possible way around doesn’t mean we aren’t hunting him, it just means we’re a bunch of idiots who got lost on the way. And it’s not like Tazok and a big group of bandits would take the main roads, so obviously we can’t follow them on the main roads either.” Kagain grinned. “Aye, I like tha’ plan.” Xzar giggled. “And after all, it’s not truly a lie. We DO want Tazok’s head!” Phaendris nodded, still smirking. “And then maybe I can try some grilled half-ogre!” Xzar added. The group simultaneously placed a hand on their face. Yes, Xzar was still Xzar. No actual mental growth, he just managed to keep it together till they destroyed the bandits. Regardless, they now had an excuse to travel the land and gain strength, and they had even tasted sweet sweet revenge once. Next was Tazok’s head.
Edit: Sorry for the delay between the last chapter and this one. As I mentioned on a post I made in the activity section of the forums, I've been having to do a ton of work for my actual job, but I've got some nice time off coming up later this week, so hopefully another couple chapters will be coming out soon. I actually almost finished this chapter (everything but the last paragraph and the editing) on Thursday or Friday, but work overwhelmed me and I'm only now getting a chance to upload it. Anyway, enough rambling from me. Hope you enjoy!
Seeing as their greatest challenge had given them free reign to do as they wished, they decided to rest and relax at the inn, taking the time to fully investigate the magical trinkets they now possessed.
The bow was given to Dorn, while the wand was kept by Xzar. They sold all their treasure, and resupplied as well. Xzar, since becoming a man again, had had a strange fascination with darts, and so purchased a supply of them, handing his sling over to Viconia. Her sling and helmet had both been lost when she died, but Bentley the innkeep and store owner carried no extra helms.
With their bodies rejuvenated, the group chose to return to Peldvale, only to head south from there. After more than a day’s worth of walking, Dorn, Montaron, and Xzar had all grown tired and irritable. Even Phaendris admitted that their journey had been thus far fruitless. It didn’t help that Xzar had reverted to his old self and had been prattling on for hours about this and that. A story he returned to more than once was one about dragons with feet like rabbits. Dorn wouldn’t openly complain of his exhaustion, but the loudmouth wizard was clearly getting on his nerves. Finally Phaendris called them to a halt. If they continued, the group would likely begin to slaughter each other. Unfortunately for Phaendris, this was not to be restful sleep.
She tossed and turned till eventually Dorn shook her awake. “On your feet, we have foes to slay.” He said grimly. Phaendris looked about to see a group of spiders surrounding them. She sighed and drew her blade lazily. Mere arachnids could not stop her.
When the creatures were dead the group packed up and prepared to leave. They began to head even further south, but stopped when they saw what appeared to be some sort of ceremonial altar, upon which stood four red robed mages. Xzar quietly muttered with disgust. “Thayans… Always making us Zhents look like pansies.” before he was elbowed by Montaron. Phaendris smirked. So that’s who the boys worked for, she thought. But now wasn’t the time for that. The leader of the group stepped forward. He had a greasy yet charismatic feel to him, but he made the mistake of threatening the group. This was a critical error.
Before anyone could do anything, Phaendris reached out a hand and cried “Fear me!” To everyone’s surprise, magic erupted from her hand and sent one of the Thayans running about in terror. The group had no time to ponder Phaendris' instantaneous magic, however. Xzar launched an acid arrow at the leader, while Viconia launched a spell of silence, a new gift her goddess had gifted her after their battle with the bandits. It worked perfectly, but not before one of the wizards cast horror, sending Kagain and Viconia fleeing.
It was not much of a loss, however, as Dorn quickly beheaded the leader of the wizards. Montaron, Dorn, and Phaendris quickly ended the lives of the other two mute mages. The last living foe was still fleeing in terror, but a variety of projectiles brought her tumbling to the ground.
The group then began to loot the enemy, assuming Viconia and Kagain would find their way back soon enough.
***
Kagain had fled the wrong direction, though, and now had a little group of friends to play with. Fortunately he regained his senses in time and split their heads in two. He then began trying to find his way back to the group.
***
Viconia was in much the same boat. When she finally regained her senses she realized she was quite lost. She began to try and find her way back, though, hoping she wasn’t too far away.
***
On the enemy were found several scrolls, robes, and even a magical ring. Xzar took the scrolls of Agannazar’s Scorcher, Protection from Petrification, and Burning Hands, while Phaendris took the scrolls of Grease and Remove Magic. It wasn’t clear what ritual was being performed by the Thayans, but the group decided to stay there that night and study the magical items they found. Xzar recognized the robes instantly, but the ring puzzled him and he wanted to study it.
Bored of sitting around and waiting, Montaron said he’d scout further south, see if he couldn’t find anything of note. Phaendris simply told him to watch his back and keep an eye out for terrified drow or dwarves.
To everyone’s surprise, Montaron wasn’t the first one to return. Kagain finally found his way back, and the dwarf was clearly irate. “Y’didnae even search for me?!” “Eh. You’re alive.” Dorn replied, shrugging his shoulders. Phaendris nodded in agreement. Kagain took his axe over to a tree to vent some frustration.
Finally Xzar identified the ring as a ring of bolts. Phaendris quickly took it and handed her wand of magic missile to Kagain, so that he would have a ranged option as well.
As they did this, Viconia wandered back, looking quite dazed. She seemed pleased to be back among relatively friendly faces, however and settled down to rest.
Four more hours passed, and Phaendris sat, watching the moon high above them, clearly visible in the cloudless sky. Montaron still hadn’t returned. Xzar sat opposite her, his back leaning against a pedestal. He was haphazardly flipping through his spell book, clearly uninterested by his actions. The rest of the group was sound asleep, although Dorn kept muttering fearfully in his sleep from time to time. Suddenly he rolled over and cried out “No! No! I don’t want to go back!” before quieting back down. Xzar tilted his head at Dorn and spoke. “I suppose serving demons results in a rather unsatisfactory afterlife.” Phaendris looked at Xzar. “Who do you worship, Xzar?” Instead of giggling madly, Xzar chuckled; a rare sound. “I worship life and death itself. The study of it, the enhancement thereof, the sheer ecstasy found in taking it from others.” Phaendris tilted her head, studying the man’s face. Although it was covered in facial tattoos befitting a jester, there was a strange sense of wisdom that emanated from the madman. “You know, Xzar,” Phaendris began. “I’m not as mad as I seem?” Xzar laughed. “Y-yes. How did you..?” Phaendris trailed off, taken by surprise by his intuition. “I wasn’t mad once, you know. I was a sane man. A prodigy among necromancers. I could’ve held the world in my hands, but the gods didn’t want a mortal walking around who could control life and death better than they can.” Phaendris’ eyebrows raised. “You always say that those the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad. Now I see why…” Xzar smirked and looked up at the moon. “It’s only on clear moonlit nights like this that I really feel like my old self. Of course now here I am wasting my lucid time with worrying about Montaron. It’s silly, I know. For some reason I can’t help but worry he’s out there getting himself killed.”
“Not quite, though yer lovey-dovey talk is makin’ me think of endin' myself.” An irritable voice floated up from below the altar. Phaendris stood up suddenly. “Montaron?” she queried, before a small shape appeared from the shadows. Montaron wasn’t visibly hurt, but he looked exhausted. He seemed strangely more confident, though. As if his stance displayed no lack of bravado.
LEVEL UP!
“What happened, Montaron? You look as though you’ve fought something dangerous.” Xzar said, quietly standing up and closing his spell book. “Aye. To the south are basilisks. Loads of them. I managed to kill one before it noticed me, but the gnome wizard standing nearby rivaled your madness. I didn’t want any part of it, so I came back here.” Montaron walked up onto the altar and sat down heavily next to the remains of a camp fire the group had set up. “Basilisks? Dear me, that is unexpected. However our red robed friends here seem to have provided us with just the tool needed to defeat them.” Xzar grinned and reopened his spell book, flipping over to a page he had just added that day. “Protection from Petrification.” Phaendris said firmly, a grin playing across her face. Montaron and Xzar nodded.
“He’s right through here.” He muttered quietly, motioning to the three who were protected. They nodded and followed along with him. When the gnome saw them he addressed the group.
After speaking with him for a moment, he attacked. He was obviously a talented wizard, but with a pet who could not harm them he could do little before he was slain.
His last attempt at life was a fear spell thrown at the trio of basilisk slayers. Phaendris and Dorn resisted it, but Kagain began to back up before fleeing away, crying out for help. “Da**it!” Phaendris cried out before motioning to Xzar, Viconia, and Montaron. “You three! Stay here, we don’t know how many basilisks are around, so stay put while we track him down!” “But I can cure his fear!” Viconia cried out. “Unacceptable! The risk is too high. Xzar, if one of them finds you, cast protection on Viconia and Montaron, understand?!” Phaendris shot back, already hot on the dwarf’s trail. The trio stood there blankly, shrugging at each other.
Phaendris and Dorn rushed after the speeding bullet that was Kagain. Dwarves were known for their strength, endurance, and sturdy frame, so when he bolted directly through the underbrush it made it challenging for Phaendris and Dorn to keep up. They managed to keep him just in sight, however, which was a good thing as he ran into five basilisks as he went. Fortunately the protection spell was still active on him, but he was in no state to fight. Fearful he’d draw them back to the rest of the group, Dorn and Phaendris assaulted them ferociously, cleaving through their scaly hides and leaving nothing but corpses in their wake. Finally Kagain collapsed on the ground, regaining his senses as he did so. When he looked up he was most peeved to find two black bears staring back at him. “Oh, hells.” he muttered. Just as the first bear raised it’s massive paw to swipe, Dorn came crashing in, cleaving straight through the bear’s neck with one blow. He misjudged his landing, however, and placed himself directly in the path of the second bear’s strike. Struck by the powerful swing, he was bowled over, but was quickly guarded by Kagain and Phaendris. With no trouble Phaendris darted around the bear while Kagain kept its attention. Two mighty blows from Phaendris brought the beast low.
“Had ourselves a little scare, eh?” Dorn said with a chuckle. “Can it, you overgrown goblin.” Kagain retorted with a huff. Dorn growled and Phaendris stepped between the two. “Stop it. Let’s get back to the others, alright?" The two scowled at each other but followed Phaendris back.
When they arrived they found Xzar half clothed. Montaron and Viconia were talking about gem quality while looking at Mutamin’s treasures and blatantly ignoring the wizard. “Care to explain why the wizard is half naked?” Phaendris said, a hand on her face as she sighed. She already missed the quiet thoughtful necromancer from last night. “The gnome had a pretty robe! I’m putting it on! It’s even black!” “And what about you two?” Dorn said, motioning to the pair. “I believe they call it bonding.” Montaron said dryly. “Right then. Well, apart from a little fright, the battle went well. Dorn and I even slayed five more basilisks!” “I memorized a scroll of stinking cloud!” Xzar shouted proudly. “And here! A scroll of horror and a scroll of Know Alignment for you!” Xzar beamed, and Phaendris smirked slightly as she took the scrolls from him. “Thanks, Xzar.”
The group took a break to rest after the fight, specifically so Phaendris could scribe her two new scrolls to her spell book. She looked around at the group. Everyone seemed to be in relatively good spirits, though Dorn and Kagain were keeping their distance. It made sense that everyone would be pleased, though. After all, it’s not everyday that a group of adventurers slay basilisks. Especially not six. They told Xzar to keep his spells of protection prepared, however, as there could be more further south. She also noticed Viconia practicing her shield techniques as they sat around. Phaendris assumed that after her death at the hands of those archers she wanted to be more skilled at protecting herself.
LEVEL UP!
KAGAIN!
DORN!
MONTARON!
VICONIA! [In case it isn’t obvious, I’m choosing my weapon proficiencies for Dorn and Viconia based on the ones they’ll start with in BG:2. As for why I went ahead and got the shield proficiency now instead of later is simply because its only chance for usefulness is now. Besides, the role-play reasons are way too fun to pass up.]
XZAR!
After a little rest, the group began walking southwest, maintaining their anti-basilisk formation. They didn’t encounter much at first, though they did meet a small pack of four gnolls, who were killed without injury to the team. Further south, however, they met one of the strangest creatures they’d ever seen.
As they walked along, watching the sun disappear behind a hill, a ghoul emerged from the shadows. The group instinctively drew their weapons, only to hear a raspy voice emanate from the ghoul’s mouth. “Wait, me no want fight, me Korax, me friend!” Xzar shrieked like an excited school girl and dashed forward, hugging the ghoul tightly. The rest of the group grimaced in disgust. “Please, Phaendris! Can we keep him? Huh, huh? Can we keep him?!” Xzar was practically bouncing up and down. Phaendris placed a hand on her face yet again and sighed. “Fine, Xzar. You can be our friend, Korax, but you better not do anything that’ll make us mad.” Korax did what the group could only assume was a grin. “Me will be good boy, me promise. Me help you with anything you need.” The rest of the group, Xzar excluded, glared at Phaendris. “What? Paralyzing claws and a meat shield, all for free. Besides, it’ll mean the wizard will leave us alone for a bit.”
The group then began to walk westward, keeping Korax firmly in the front, in case a basilisk jumped them. They soon encountered two flind gnolls, which were quickly dispatched, but not before another group of adventurers charged forward to provide aid.
After seeing the enemy was already dealt with, the leader, also a female, spoke to them. “Hey there, my name’s Kirian. Me and my buds are an adventuring band. You look to be the same.” She looked at the group who were admittedly grubby. “Well, except a little worse for wear. Still learning the ropes of the business, eh? You even have a pet ghoul!” She snickered as she said this and her allies smirked, flexing slightly in an obvious attempt to downplay Phaendris and co.’s abilities. Kirian and her allies were well equipped, though no more so than Phaendris and co. While Phaendris was obviously incensed by Kirian’s statement, Viconia was the first to respond, surprisingly. “What are you talking about, little girl? We’ve much more experience than the ragtag band of yours you call an adventuring party.” Kirian scoffed. “Really? Come on now, let’s be real. Look at yourselves. The bunch of you have about as much style as a pack of gibberlings. The way you hold yourselves, pathetic. All you are is a bunch of hicks who slapped on some armour and weapons and decided that they could be adventurers. It’s real sad.” At this Dorn bellowed. “SAD?!” He was followed by Kagain. “I’ll show you sad, you arrogant little girl. You’ve had it coming since we started talking. Draw steel, bitch!” Phaendris was getting sick of her team trying to make decisions for her, but before she could try and smooth the situation out, Kirian responded. “Hah! That sounds like a challenge! Hey, Baerin, Peter, Lindin! I think these little pipsqueaks think they can take us. Boy oh boy, you just moved into the big time. We’re not some small-town hick adventurers, we’re Waterdhavian, born and bred. Maybe you want to rethink your earlier statements?” “Wonderful. Noble pricks.” Phaendris thought to herself. She looked around at her team who were about to lunge at the enemy. “Aw, what the hells. This bi*** could use a whipping. “ She thought before turning to Kirian and grinning as she drew her swords. “I think you psychopaths need a good lesson, and we’ll be the ones to administer it to you.” Kirian grinned back, clearly eager to fight. “Ohh, and what kind of lesson is that going to be? Are you going to paddle my rump with a big bad sword?” Phaendris heard Kagain mutter. “On any other day I would…” She ignored him though as Kirian continued. “HEY GUYS! Let’s take these chimps out.”
As Kirian’s crew drew their weapons, Phaendris shouted. “Kagain, form a wall! Dorn, suppress the mage and priest with arrows! Montaron, target the priest with your bullets! Xzar, Melfs on Kirian! Viconia, Silence them all! Korax! Kill!”
The plan went off without a hitch. Kirian managed to get up a mirror image, but not before being struck by Xzar’s acid arrow. Peter, the priest, tried to cast, but Viconia’s silence hit, causing muteness in both Kirian and Peter.
Lindin and Baerin looked in fear at their allies, realizing that without their magical assistance, they were in serious trouble. “All blades, attack!” Phaendris cried out, charging the enemy, Dorn, Kagain, and Montaron following close behind. Before they reached the enemy, however, Kirian got a last laugh, sticking her sword straight through Korax.
“NOOOOOOO!” Xzar cried out in horror, before refocusing his attacks at her. Phaendris struck down Baerin in retaliation for being stabbed in the side by him only moments before Dorn lopped Lindin’s head clean off. Phaendris then spun around and stabbed her swords through Peter’s chest.
Kirian couldn’t scream, but her rage manifested itself in two brutal blows against Phaendris. Badly wounded, Phaendris retreated, leaving the fight to the boys. Viconia quickly rushed up to heal Phaendris and the boys forced Kirian against a tree before Kagain cleft her nearly in two.
Xzar meanwhile rushed over to Korax’s corpse and began to weep. Dorn, Kagain, and Montaron began to loot the corpses.
***
“Korax…” Xzar said quietly, standing over a small burial mound as the sun rose. Phaendris put an arm on his shoulder. “It’ll be alright. He’s… um… in a better place now.” Phaendris looked over at the rest of the team who gave her a skeptical look, to which she shrugged and mouthed “I don’t know!” at them. Xzar put his hand on Phaendris’, his new bracers of defense showing slightly under the sleeves of his robe. “You’re right Phaendris. I shouldn’t be sad. He’ll be alright. And so will we. Xzar turned to Phaendris and grinned. He likely intended it to be a sincere grin, but it looked more sociopathic than anything.
The group had rested after defeating Kirian, and they were looking quite a bit stronger. Between the basilisks and a challenging foe, the group seemed to have definitely improved. It certainly helped that Kirian’s treasure was top-notch. Several enchanted weapons, scrolls of Charm person and Vampiric Touch for Xzar and a scroll of Protection from Evil for Phaendris, not to mention the girdle of blade guard and the bracers of defense. They even had good quality armour to sell and a new helmet for Viconia. All in all, a good haul well earned.
LEVEL UP!
PHAENDRIS!
The group planned to head west to Beregost next to quickly trade their treasure and give the numerous bandit scalps to Vai before continuing even further west to travel along the coast. They had heard numerous rumours during their last stay in Beregost, the most interesting of which was that of a mighty wizard living in the forests. They decided to check it out.
[I ended up sending my trio of basilisk slayers to deal with the remaining basilisks “off camera”. There just wasn’t much reason for doing it for the characters, although I as a player know that that sweet sweet XP is invaluable.]