The party is gathered about the common room deciding who will be returning to the Emerald Enchanters lair when they are greeted by the welcome sight of Moep the Halfling. Feeling better after his bout with the foul Dungeon Ague. "I cannot rest until the Enchanter has been vanquished. Besides I hear his minions shatter into gems upon death! I offer my humble services in this venture. We are riding in the wagon to get there, right?"
Brother Beavis relates how three young travelers arrived in the night and have inquired about joining the "Heroes of Eros" in their adventures. The group agrees to meet the newcomers and Beavis brings them forward.
A dashing man of medium build speaks for the three and introduces them as "The Hawkswood Trio"
"Hawkswood, where is that?" Tyrrian inquires.
"Just a small hamlet west of here," says Tarek looking over Rubie with interest. "Each of you buy me a drink, and you can join us I say." as the young archer sits down beside Rubie.
The young woman appraises him as well with her eyes. "I have only a silver to spend, will that satisfy your thirst?"
Beavis plucks the coin from the girl's fingers, "That will get a round for all lass!" as the Cleric begins passing round cups.
"We need meat for the grinder." whispers Lars to Alexander, "Without Sven, our strength is diminished."
"You may come with us." says the Wizard to the Trio. "Your reward and entry to our Group will be determined by your actions in this venture."
The group assembles outside the tavern when the wagon is ready. Fifteen strong, Alexander feels this round will go to them and not the Enchanter.
A few hours later deep in the Enchanters lair:
The group carefully, and as quietly as fifteen armed intruders can be, seek the Enchanter. A winding passage leads the group to a dead end. Calis notices some odd discolored mortar between to stones on the wall. Tarek spends a few minutes and discovers the secret to open a hidden door. A strange chamber is revealed!
Some minutes later and the party discovers a group of strange captives in three different cells. The first contains a pair of scarlet tigers with large rubies set in their skulls. The cats radiate heat and pace the cell with pent up energy. The second holds a huge topaz colored snake that seems to ignore all attempts to arouse it. The third and final cell contains a creature beyond comprehension. A large translucent tentacled jelly, that gargles and bleats at the group. In the center of its mass a large pulsing crystal like mas seems to throb with power. Chi the elf-child tries unsuccessfully to communicate with the being through use of magic. Tyrrian has to be drug away from the scarlet cats. He seems overly drawn to them for a reason no one knows.
Another door is found and opened, leading to a short hallway and a second door. Tarek listens and hears moans and murmurs inside. The door is locked and proves to complex for the three thieves skills. After a few moments though, Tarek engineers a door removal trick he learned and the portal is unblocked. The chamber beyond proves to be a large dungeon cell. Seven bedraggled people languish here in misery. The prisoners beg to be released before the Enchanter returns for them. Seeing Alexander, the man tells him he knows a word the Enchanter speaks when he comes for them. It somehow makes the bars imprisoning them disappear. "He speaks what sounds like Groflak, then the bars go away. They return when he says it a second time." Conferring with Calis and Chi, Alexander attempts to recreate the effect to no avail. However, both Calis and Chi are able to a single bar apiece to disappear. The party then takes the time to escort the weary prisoners out of the citadel.
Moving quickly the group heads down the hallway past the cells containing the strange animals. The hall ends at an open archway into a large chamber. The chamber is plain except for the giant 9ft skull that dominates the rear wall. The eye sockets of the skull contain rubies the size of a childs head and the teeth appear to be emeralds the size of fresh baked loaves.
Moep moves quickly to the front of the party, his eyes wide as he looks at the treasures of the giant skull.
"Alexander, may I borrow your pole?" Tarek asks the wizard, as he places one hand on the eager halfling's shoulder. "We must use utmost care here my little friend."
Foot by foot, Tarek taps the stone floor as he enters the chamber. Moep follows Tarek as the two make towards the ominous face of death. "Tap,tap, tap" "Tap,tap, tap"
"CLICK!"
SLAM!!!! Seven thick iron bars drop from the ceiling, blocking the archway and cutting off the thief and halfling from the rest of the group. Tyrrian grabs the bars, "Tarek, Moep, be careful!"
"We need to get past these bars, the command word from the prisoners!" Sally turns to get Alexanders attention. She see's however he seems preoccupied with something happening to the rear of the group.
"The tigers are coming!" hisses Chi, "I heard the bars back there move when Tarek triggered the ones in front of us."
Chauncey kneels and sets his polearm against his foot. "Those beasts won't get past me easily."
Rubie kneels beside her cousin, crossbow cocked and ready. The sound of padded feet and a low rumbling growl getting closer.
"The tigers do not bother me as much as the jelly-thing." Says Lars to Alexander. "I'm not liking the thought of it oozing upon us here in this confined space."
"I agree, when I say, everyone into the Skull room." Alexander concentrates and points his finger at the barred archway. "Groflak!"
The scarlet tiger charges around the corner a wave of heat preceding it! 'Twang!" Rubies bolt sinks deeply into the felines shoulder stopping just short of Chauncey's heavy blade. The party backs away from the wounded Tiger.
Tarek and Moep are a mere five feet from the leering skull. "Tap the rubies!" squeeks Moep overcome with the thought of prying the giant gems loose. Tarek levels the 10' pole with the right eye and just as he is about to touch the gem.....
"AH! HAhahahahah!!!!" The rubies glow with red light, as the skull seems to come to life, gnashing its crystal teeth in anticipation of a meal. Both Tarek and Moep are transfixed as twin bolts of scarlet energy leap from the ruby eyes! Moep hops into the air in fright as the beam scorches the floor beneath him. Tarek is caught squarely in the chest and blasted from his feet, the pole clattering across the flagstones.
Two iron bars melt away, and Tyrrian charges in to aid Tarek. Sally and the others begin to quickly file into the room staying along the back wall furthest from the now laughing Skull as it fires off random beams of energy at the party. Alexander is the last to enter the chamber. To prevent any further chance of attack from behind he magically seals the archway with a wall of summoned stone!
Ducking scarlet bolts that scorch the stone wall Lars opens his pouch and takes out the lucky rock. "Well we're committed now. Everyone who can, prepare for VOLLEY!"
Tyrrian aided by Max drags the smoldering Tarek to Sally. Moep pauses as he debates hiding amongst the party or going after the Skull himself. Just then a searing beam slices through his left ear! "Yowch! Oh that is it, your eyes are mine!" screams the halfling defiantly.
"I have something for burns." says Max, drawing forth a poultice that looks like dung smeared on a leaf.
"I don't think i feel THAT bad!" grunts Tarek turning away from the newcomer.
Tyrrian looks at Chauncey and then the Skull. Both men see Moep scrabbling across the floor towards the skull a large empty sack clutched tightly in his hand. The Halfling is able to evade many scarlet blasts and position himself against the same wall upon which the skull resides. Infuriated it can no longer target the would be looter, the skull lashes out at the rest of the group. Red beams blasting into their ranks.
"Cover US!" cries Tyriian as both he and Chauncey rise to charge the the Skull.
"Heroes of Eros, FIRE!!!" bellows Lars as he hurls the rock.
Chi with bow, Farhoud with knife, Calis with bow, Rubie with crossbow, and Alexander with Arcing axes all launch a barrage of assorted missiles at the eyes of the skull! Tyrrian using his shield to deflect incoming blasts rushes the skull, Chauncey two steps behind him. The missiles pass the two and Moep sees all of this coming directly at him. "Ahh!" holding up the thick leather sack in front of his face the halfling drops into a crouch to make himself as small as possible. All but Chi's arrow strike the skulls eyes and the red gems begin to crack radiate red smoke. The leather sack deflects just enough of Chi's arrow that it only scratches Moep's already seared ear.
Tyrrian and Chauncey are each able to land blows upon the ruby eyes that cause the skull to explode in a shower of rock and glass!
Searching feverishly through the smouldering rubble Moep sobs to himself, "The rubies, oh those gloriously giant rubies...".
The party spends a some time checking the room and healing those most harmed. Calis discovers another secret door in this room near the destroyed skull. Following the newly discovered path the party enters a widening hall. To one side are a pair of closed doors and an archway to another hallway, on the other side the wall is covered in a strange thick brown web like substance, and just beyond a third doorway.. The "web" ruffles with movement and suddenly a score of severed green hands emerge from it and block the party. Alexander strides forward, "Let's see what Thesdipedes taught me will do." Intoning an arcane formula the wizard waves his hands at the spider like severed appendages. "YASMILON!"
The emerald hands go rigid for a second before exploding in bursts of green goo!
With the hand-spiders no longer a threat, Tarek listens at the first of the two doors. From within he hears a terrible hissing and gibbering sound.
"Uh, I think we should just leave this door closed." Tarek looks back at the party shaking his head.
"Is it locked?" inquires the wizard.
"No." Tarek responds flatly, "But it sounds REAL bad in there."
The door is opened at behest of the wizard and indeed the sight within causes even him to quickly regret the decision.
"What was that, and what was being sucked or milked out it?" says Moep as his face goes pale.
Standing in front of the closed door looking at all the members of the party Alexander states, "Things held by pentacles that cause my brain to squirm are better left alone. We shall move on."
The group spreads out, Lars discovers a previously unseen iron grate in the floor. It has been chained shut. Chi, Calis and Rubie allow Tarek to open the second door after listening at it. Inside a kitchen, full to bursting with provisions is found. Moep is lured into the chamber as the scent of fresh rabbit stew overcomes him. In the fireplace a large cookpot simmers and the halfling tastes the contents greedily.
"I hope that isn't poisoned." says Alexander.
As the Moep scans the kitchen for something he can put some stew in to carry it away he is surprised by two emerald hands! He kicks one into the fireplace and jumps up on the counter where his eyes fall upon a large opened cook book.
Calis attempts to bat the hand back into the fire as it leaps out with his club. Chis skewers the second hand to the floor with an arrow. The first hand leaps onto the counter lunging after Moep! The halfling squeeks in terror, scoops up the cook book and flies out of the kitchen. Tyrrian, guarding the archway next to the kitchen is almost knocked over as the little man bursts from the larder emerald hand in hot pursuit. Chauncey tries to smash the severed appendage as it runs past but only succeeds in making himself look foolish in the attempt. Finally having endured to much Moep turns and faces the green hand. Drawing his two shortswords he grits his teeth and growls "Let's end this you freaky shit!" The hand leaps at Moep and is quickly julienned by the Halfling.
While Lars ponders the grate and where the tunnel below may lead, Tarek with Chaucey as backup move to the third doorway. Beyond a storeroom is found and another door inside it. Again, Tarek listens. Hearing nothing, it is the light shining through under the door that gives him a clue as to where this portal may lead.
"The sunlight, a courtyard lies beyond or it is a back door." Tarek pushes the door open to reveal an indoor greenhouse lit by a sun-globe suspended from the roof. The hideous garden turns his and Chauncey's stomachs as they see strange plants with odd thorns, slithering vines, stalks with human heads upon them!!! The scene dazes Tarek and Chauncey is barely able to pull the thief back and shut the door before a large bellowing Green guardian hurls itself at the men.
"A very large emerald guardian is coming!" yelps Tarek as he and Chauncey stumble back into the main hall.
BOOM, BOOM, SMASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The door to the greenhouse flies off it hinges. The entire party gasps in surprise as the largest guardian they have encountered so far is silhouetted in the doorway.
The emerald encasement dissolves, returning the large creature to its natural form. "I have released you from the emerald enchantment! We mean you no harm!"
The primitive man-giant looks over the group with wild eyes. He takes a hesitant step or two forward, before he stops to sniff the air.
"I think he's hungry." says Moep from the kitchen doorway. "Here ya go Mongo! Plenty to eat in here." The halfling gestures into the kitchen with the ladle from the stew pot.
The hairy man creature moves past the party ignoring them and descends upon the stew pot like a starved animal. Closing the kitchen door Moep turns back to the group smiling "Let him eat the rest of that pot and he'll be napping soon after. I don't think he's all that dangerous now."
"Let us leave him for later, the Enchanter must be our first concern." says Alexander.
Tyrrian returns from a quick look down the unexplored hallway. "There are stairs back here going down."
Hearing that Lars stands up from the recently unlocked grate, "Well that sounds better than sliding down here into who knows what."
The group descends and follows a winding hallway that delivers them face to face with a most hideous creation! Once a man, now transmogrified into a amalgamation of scorpion and human!!!! Alexander once again takes the lead and calls out "YASMILON!"
The emerald scorpion man reverts to mortal form and is quickly vanquished. The door exiting this chamber however is plainly warded. After some failed magical attempts to discover its nature, Tarek goes Old-school.
The thief fires an arrow at the door from afar, searches for other traps or releases. Growing impatient the party opts to use the guardians body as a battering ram and bash the door open.
The Observatorium is marveled at, and Alexander ponders how to remove the giant crystal ball. Pressing on the Enchanters bedroom is ransacked and all his books become property of the party Wizard. Next, the Carving Station is looted also, as the stone working tools come into possession of the young Warrior/Blacksmith.
At last the party kicks in the door to the Enchanters Transmogrification Chamber! He is waiting for them and throws the levers sending the young maidens to certain doom! Eight flying skulls swoop at the group!
"Fear not ladies, Tarek is here to save you!" shouts the thief as he charges towards the Enchanter behind Tyrrian.
Tyrrian with his shield raised rushed for the Enchanter, who pays the boy no heed. Multiple scarlet rays blast ground about the young warriors feet causing him to stumble. Moep races into the chamber, sneaking towards the Green Wizard amongst the pipes and machinery. Some members of the party begin attacking the weird machinery as others battle the flying skulls! Scarlet rays fly about, as pipes are broken and vats are punctured!!!!
The Emerald Enchanter and Alexander Ballistic become locked in a magical contest of superiority! Taking this chance Tarek is able to deactivate the moving cages and release the beautiful captives. Alexander on his last leg, and fearing another blast from the Enchanter will end his life is relieved to see Moep emerge behind the Green wizard with swords drawn.
The Emerald Enchanter has his staff hand severed and his life ended by the brave halfling.
Gathering the two maids Tarek urges a quick exit for all as the chamber shakes violently! The party quickly backtracks as the lair of the Enchanter begins to crumble about them.
Returning to the Consultorium, Alexander is able to organize the relocation of all three dead wizards. Tyrrian was able to retrieve a scarlet gem and tiger hide as well.
Standing together outside the now crumbled lair of the Emerald Enchanter the Heroes of Eros wonder what became of the Hairy Man-thing, the second scarlet tiger, and the gibbering jelly thing. The friends climb aboard their wagon and head back to town for some much deserved rest.
Bravo, Heroes of Eros, Bravo!
The bard telling this tale is doing an excellent job!
ReplyDeleteIt was truly a heroic effort by all! Now, I must attend to other matters.
ReplyDeleteTarek: Yes, I as well - two other matters from the loks of it. Let's see how well this Tincture works...