Song of the Immortal Sky - Part 4
Know that on the tenth day of Charassa, Temur of the Monkhiir-Tenger and his companions, Daldorer the Faceless, Moe'Uhane the Revealer, Xeviouz of the Tiger Dance, and Dubhan the Soul Eye, did find tragedy and evil in the plains near the Coil river.
Together these brave Adepts had answered the call of an elderly Dwarf woman who was fearful for the fate of her son, Matteo. This man lived well. He built things with his hands. He drank with great thirst. And when drunk, he fought with heavy fists and great joy. He was a terror to his friends, who were few, and his enemies, who were many.
Know there was much to admire in Matteo.
Once again, Temur and this band of Adepts did travel to Clear Creek Crossing, where the Bringer of Crags was rebuilding a shrine to Gold-Eyed Grekaklank. For Matteo was one of those two who had sought to find the thieves (who had been found in an earlier adventure) and never returned.
Know that the Bringer of Crags was a good man, and had hired a scout to find these missing two, rather than leaving their bodies to the red teeth of the wilds.
The brave band did face the fearsome Darilan, chief engineer, who held great fury in her heart and wielded words like savage weapons. There is much for any Dwarf to find attractive in one such as this. Based on her advice, the band did go find a blood-binder in the direction of Skyreach Island. There, they promised a future favor in return for a tracking amulet to find the scout and the men he had been hired to find in turn.
Know that the band did travel for days, following this talisman. Know that they were so intent on their hunt that they did not realize that they, themselves, were hunted.
Know that Wood Lions are ferocious and deadly creatures who prowl hidden and attack from ambush. Their teeth are hungry, their claws are sharp, and four of them nearly laid low the band in mere seconds. The spell-weavers and Temur were particularly hurt, and glorious scars were earned that day. Their mates will be proud.
After resting, the band continued on for a day and a night and a day and a night. Until they came upon a low cliff wall in which was the shadowy maw of a cave. And in that dark entrance stood two Ogres.
Know that Dubhan Soul Eye did see in these Ogres something strange, as if they were only loosely connected to the world. Know that these Ogres' flesh knit wounds away before our very eyes.
The spell weavers put their magical blessings upon the warriors (among whom Faceless Daldorer was included for even a spell weaver is a warrior if it is an Obsidiman). Their fists turned to iron and their hearts turned to fire. Magic strengthened their armor and lent them fearsome and hideous visages.
Know that Temur did summon loyal Ayanga, who has been a friend of the Monkhiir-Tenger for generations. He mounted, and the battle was on.
The fought fiercely, the band of Adepts and the Ogres. There were flames and bolts of pure spirit. There were mighty charges and blows from axe and heavy shield. The Ogres were unusually resilient. Spells that burned them were suddenly put out, only to reappear later. Ogres that were wounded were suddenly healthy. It was a hard and vicious fight.
Know that while all fought bravely, one skulked in the shadows and wove spells to benefit the Ogres. Within the cave lurked an Elf. A Nethermancer who wove spells of pain and of fear. His cowardice and his magic provided him no protection in the end.
Know that inertia and momentum are the greatest magic of all. Especially when used in support of a well-sharpened axe.
In the aftermath of the battle, the band did find troubling news. Caged were Matteo and the Scout. Dead and dissected was Matteo's companion. Horror Marked were they all. A master, did the Elf have.
Know that a Horror had made claim on these lands, supported by a corrupted warlock and his apprentice. Know that these Adepts, for all their bravery, were not yet powerful enough to help the Marked.
And so Matteo was given time to write a letter to his mother. And then, he knelt with a brave and full heart. He looked straight ahead with firm courage and goodness. And he accepted the death that was necessary. The scout was ... less brave.
Know that the band returned to the mother of Matteo with heavy hearts and grim news. She was grateful, and she was angry, as is only right.
Know that a Horror, unseen and unnamed, still lurks in that place, between Skyreach and Clear Creek.
Know that this story has ended. Know that this story continues.Statistics:Posted by bronzemountain — Fri May 01, 2020 5:32 am
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