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Greetings all. I am Master Janos, bard and historian
of Polaris. Welcome to The House of the Bottomless
Mug, greatest inn here in the great city-state of
R'Shann. King Septor rules here, as I am sure you
know. I have also kept an eye on the great deeds of
High Lord Bosk and The Icelord on Alastari. Of course, you know they were Knighted by King Septor many years ago when they rescued him from slavers and upsurpers.
The Chief Scribe of The Council of Lords, Braglane
Bluethumb, after many songs and tankards of ale, has
brought word of great deeds in The Council of Lords city of Chimlevtal. I wish to share some facts of heroic deeds done there.
CHIMLEVTAL LORD PROTECTORS:
Managed by The Icelord; team: The Stormguards
1. Shalzar 23-15
2. Tempus 24-14
3. Utu 27-16-2
4. Draco 26-12-1
5. Earth Elemental 30-13
6. Talos 27-9
7. Septor 16-11-1
8. Ulath Thalesia 23-9-1
9. Premysl Otokar 14-7
10. D'Aubusson 17-9-1
11. The Sentinel 18-17
12. Kaz 19-21-3
13. Ciaran Ap Gruffydd 22-11
14. Crusader Lord 21-14-3
Managed by High Lord Bosk; team: The Stormbringers
1. VSP! 16-9
2. Lady Jasmine 16-8
3. Prince of Ar 14-6-1
4. Strahd 14-6
5. Hamish 18-8-3
6. The Highlander 16-7-1
7. William Wallace 18-11
8. Hephaistos 15-11
Managed by Polar Bear; team: Stormwatch
1. Lightning 22-11-1
CHIMLEVTAL HALL OF FAME MEMBERS:
1999:
BEST MANAGER: The Icelord, High Lord Bosk and MHC.
BEST TEAM: The Stormguards, The Stormbringers and True Brits.
BEST WARRIOR: Bloody Mary, Taz and Ulath Thalesia.
WORST MANAGER: The Jimbo.
2000:
BEST MANAGER: Crip
BEST TEAM: Military Mayhem and The Devastators.
BEST WARRIOR: Strahd, Prince of Ar and Tempus.
WORST MANAGER: Firehawk.
2001:
BEST MANAGER: Slobulous.
BEST TEAM: Dargarath Guards
BEST WARRIOR: Talos, Kurd the Vivi and Earth
Elemental.
2002:
BEST MANAGER: The Mob Boss and Destitute Noble.
BEST TEAM: Walt's Kids and Numbers Game.
BEST WARRIOR: Donald Duck, Big Bloated Ben and Cow Umbrella.
A tale of events from recent days:
POLARIS TOUR 2002-2003: 20TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Greetings all. It is I, Master Janos, Bard of the First Order. It is a delight to once again be in the great City-State of R’Shann, the gem of the Northern hemisphere. My feet have once again led me to The House of the Bottomless Mug, a pub and inn of great fame here in King Septor’s mighty city. Lefty, the proprietor is always a gracious host. His roasted axe beak is legendary as is his fine dark ale. The serving wenches here are beautiful and skilled in their crafts. Adventurers of every ilk stop here for food, drink and relaxation. I am always glad when my travels lead me here. Now, gather round, noble friends, for I have a tale that has never been told.
The Overlords. That name strikes fear in all that follow the path of evil. They are an elite group of adventurers. Their great castle is just outside the Village of the Northern Gnomes, but of course you know this. They have frequented this establishment many times and have been knighted by King Septor of R’Shann. Six individuals of immense power and vision. Lady Jasmine; the Elvin Cleric. Her powers of her faith are most impressive. Legolas, also an Elf. He is a duel-classed Cleric-Magic User. His faith and arcane skills are formidable. The Halfling named Half-Pint. She is of the class of Fighter, a rarity for females of her race. Her skills with the bow and blade are legendary. Then there is the Polarian Gnome, Quicksilver. Son of a great Chieftain, he is a Master Thief and a skilled Fighter. There is no one known by me on Polaris that has a higher level of thieving abilities than Quicksilver. Committed to using his skills against the forces of evil, he controls an unknown number of thieves’ guilds throughout Polaris. All must acknowledge The Icelord as a Magic-User of incredible skill and power. An enigmatic human wizard, who has some skills of the Thief class, he always seems to be in control of his environment. He is known as The First Mage of The Council of Wizards, a powerful order that even I know little about. Finally, there is High Lord Bosk. He is a legend not only on Polaris, but also on at least eight other planes that he has altered history. The greatest swordsmen on Polaris, he is undoubtedly the highest leveled Fighter on the planet. He also possesses the skills of a Cleric and has magical skills granted by his faith. Known by numerous names including Goblin’s Bane, Most Favored Son of The Golden One and The Avatar he is the bane of any evildoer. Lord Bosk has a great sense of humor and loves rough and tumble swilling of ale. He has grappled, pummeled and brawled in this pub on many occasions in his youth. Though The Overlords always battle evil, they do not profess themselves to be Paladins or perfect. These warriors stand against chaos because it is the right thing to do.
Now, recently did these Overlords once again set forth for adventure. It started outside their great keep. Every year for the past 5 years, an organization known as The Dark Alliance, has sent forth a Dark Champion to challenge the Overlords. There have been human fighters, half-Orc warriors and even a black Slaadi Lord from Limbo come forth over the years. All have fallen and failed in their challenge. This past month though, a new challenger came forth. He came forth with his challenge. This huge human wore great furs of the north. He traveled with 12 dire wolves. He carried a great club. I cannot name him. He is known as the “Demi-god of death” and his sign is that of the withered oak. Yes, I see many of you making holy signs now. An evil deity of great power he is. Lord Bosk led the party from the castle. Lord Bosk accepted the challenge and confidently predicted victory for the Overlords. His confidence was gleaned from many years of victory on the battlefield and from his defeat of the past five Dark Champions. How could he have known that he was facing a demi-god?
Bosk charged forth with Stormblade and the Dark Champion met all his attacks with his great club. The great cracking of the club and singing of the blade sounded out. Both gave and took tremendous amounts of damage and healed themselves with magical ability. The battle raged until The Demi-god of Death struck Bosk a great blow in the chest and knocked him from his feet. He stepped over Bosk and prepared to deliver the final blow when The Icelord stepped forward and threw a forceful fist spell. The invisible fist struck with all the power of a charging mad bull, knocking back the evil one a full twenty yards and off his feet. With that the dozen dire wolves leapt to the attack. Jasmine and Legolas began healing clerical spells on Bosk as Quicksilver and Half-pint drew steel and met the wolf pack charge. The Dark Champion stood again and cast several harming spells at The Icelord, which he repelled. The wolves were quickly cut down and Bosk rose again. He led Quicksilver and Half-pint in an assault with steel as The Icelord, Legolas and Jasmine rained spell after spell upon the challenger. Even a demi-god stands little chance against the united strength of the Overlords and this one did fall. Snarling, he gated back to Tarterus, defeated and broken. His challenge turned aside. Though victorious, High Lord Bosk was not pleased. Long had it been since a foe got the better of him and had knocked him off his feet. It would be many days and only one thing would lift Bosk’s spirit and end his brooding.
Three days after that epic battle, the Overlords decided to travel to the southern hemisphere and visit the Kingdom of Silverdawn, that which is ruled by King Bosk, he having liberated that land from deep gnomes three years ago. With his victory over the evil race of deep gnomes, the Polarian gnomes proclaimed Bosk their king and he has brought a new age of strength and prosperity to Silverdawn. The Icelord used a teleportation spell and the six heroes arrived for their visit. Several days were spent at the kingdom on administrative and diplomatic efforts. Feasting was held for the people’s returning king. But the Dark Alliance remained determined to defeat the party and in particular wished harm upon High Lord Bosk himself. Thus a new assault came forth, on the Kingdom of Silverdawn.
A guard raised the alarm that strange clouds were drawing near from the west. The heroes ran to the main gate to seen an enormous wall of black clouds rolling and boiling toward Silverdawn. Lighting cracked and streaked from this ominous mass. Bosk bellowed out for the kingdom to prepare for battle. Bosk and Quicksilver mounted their legendary Dragonhorses, Kin-Tar and Shan-tar. The Icelord transformed a figurine of wondrous power into a huge male griffin. Half-Pint and Jasmine leaped onto one flying carpet, as did Legolas on another. Just as they flew to the heavens six horrid Wyrvyns dropped out of the clouds. These foul dragon-kin spread their great 60-foot wingspans and screamed their challenges. With great claws, beaks and stinging poisonous tails, they advanced to slay the party. An aerial battle soon commenced. The dragon horses, griffin and magic carpets were more maneuverable and the arrows, spears and spells of The Overlords knocked the wyrvyns from the skies and their carcasses crashed to the earth.
Their feelings of triumph were short lived as numerous lighting bolts began assaulting them from the boiling mass of thunderheads. The champions dodged and countered this electrical assault and then were confronted by six Shadow Dragons who darted into their midst. Dark, evil, cunning and rarely seen, the Shadow Dragons were half the size of the wyrvyns but twice as fast. They belched out a foul shadow breath weapon that would drain a living being of most of its strength in moments if it connected. The Icelord responded by casting a chain lightning spell that send the half-dozen reeling in disarray. Jasmine and Legolas also cast lightning bolts into them. As Half-Pint fired arrow after arrow into them, Bosk and Quicksilver closed and sent the beasts earth-bound with well placed steel.
“We must see what transpires above!” yelled The Icelord as he continued to counter and dodge the lightning bolts cast at them. The party flew into the clouds and exited minutes later to a calm. Standing upon the clouds themselves was a demi-god, known only as a “Storm Lord.” His eyes blazed yellow, he towered some 12 feet tall. His scalemail armor was sky blue as was his beard and long billowing hair. He cast lighting bolts from his right hand at will and in his left was a great blue broadsword. Upon his forehead glowed the sign of The Dark Alliance!
If this was not bad enough, rising from the clouds were 4 Green Dragons!! The Storm Lord spoke in a strange tongue and the dragons, which were all over 60 feet in length roared and fixed their red eyes upon their targets. The great toxic and poisonous chlorine cloud these beasts breathe kill all within seconds. The Icelord immediately cast another chain lightning spell and then began casting fireballs at those aligned against him. Jasmine and Legolas also cast spells at the dragons and banked their carpets away from the horrid reptilians as Half-Pint drew an arrow of dragon slaying. With one deft movement she fired and slew an ancient green dragon with one shot, which pierced its heart and fulfilled its magical purpose of creation. The bards will sing of this deed for long to come!
This stunned the evil ones for moments as the ancient one fell into the clouds and out of sight. Seizing the moment, Quicksilver and Bosk catapulted forward. They both tore into the reeling dragons with magic steel and then crashed into the Storm Lord himself. As the magic-users, clerics and Half-Pint destroyed the final three dragons, Bosk clashed with the Storm Lord as each ones steel rang upon the others. Bosk drew blood as he crunched into his foes legs and shoulder. He in turn was struck mightily on the left forearm and on the side of the head as he passed on his dragonhorse. Quicksilver, looking for the opportunity that his class always exploits, aimed his sword forward and zoomed in for a back attack. The Storm Lord twisted in agony from this devastating attack and Bosk delivered the coup de grace when Stormblade crunched into the Storm Lord’s forehead. With a wail, the evil being vanished to whatever plane he originated from and the storm clouds began to dissolve with a quieting echo of thunder. The Overlords were victorious and Silverdawn was saved from this assault!
Indeed. Yes, my mug is quite empty and I could use a refill of your finest ale, now that you mention it. Let me light my pipe too, now that I think of it. What is that? More? Of course…
For several more weeks did the party stay in Silverdawn. King Bosk held court, dispatched riders to the Elvin realms and proposed a council on how to deal with the Kingdom of the Five Orc Lords to the east. Much training was held with the Gnomish warriors known as The Golden Guard.
Now I must speak of events that occurred nearly a year before these events. While on an adventure in the Great Central Forest of northern Polaris, Bosk opened a sarcophagus the Overlords found in a haunted and deserted crypt. This sarcophagus was prison to an all-powerful Lich known as Zarlief. This being, in his previous life was a powerful and evil sorcerer. In his undead state he had become doubly powerful. The opening of his tomb triggered a portal back to a shadow-realm. The creature reached out and dragged Bosk in with him as he teleported to his foul land on the Demi-Plane of Shadow. Before Bosk knew it, he had been pulled off of Polaris and off the Prime Material Plane! Quicksilver reacted instinctively and leapt in behind Bosk before the portal closed. Quicksilver and Bosk found themselves in a strange land of mists and shadows. The two Gnome warriors battled with incredible resolve and eventually destroyed Zarlief. That is a tale I shall share with you another time. But believe me, Zarlief was not entirely destroyed. He had made preparations that if he was defeated on his home plane, his undead essence would travel to a repository elsewhere. The Lich made plans that would enable it to reconstitute itself and walk once again. This it did.
The Lich Lord made plans to gain revenge on Bosk and Quicksilver. Thus its great magic did roll into the very Kingdom of Silverdawn and into Lord Bosk’s royal throne-room itself! As the party conducted business, the walls themselves began to shimmer and melt. The Icelord immediately began a counter-spell but this was a wish spell that could not be stopped. When the shimmering ended and the walls dissolved, the party found themselves no longer in Silverdawn but in a strange shadow-realm. Bosk and Quicksilver knew they once more were on the Demi-Plane of Shadow. With the four other party members with them this time, they were confident they would meet any threat head on and be victorious. Magic was warped on this realm, so those who had spell-casting ability had to be wary of using their powers.
The party decided to head towards a forest they saw in the distance and as they came to the top of a ridge, they saw a river was between them and the dark forest. But the river was not all that came to their attention. A stone bridge crossed the river, but standing on the near side was a figure in a long black hooded cloak that went to the very ground. A gloved hand held a full size scythe. An imposing figure indeed. Bosk’s amulet of The Golden One began to glow. The party, sure that this creature was undead, approached cautiously. The Bridge Sentinel turned toward the party and held its weapon in a menacing manner. No part of it could be seen under it heavy shroud. The chill of the grave radiated from it. It spoke no word. Bosk spoke none either as he walked slowly toward it, then sprang with his Boots of Jumping and landed before it, sword glowing. Bosk’s magic blade destroyed the guardian quickly.
The party moved toward Bosk and the bridge when four more of the chilling undead Bridge Sentinels burst out of the forest on Nightmares! The great stallions from the lower realms billowed smoke and brimstone and their flaming hooves clattered on the stone bridge as they raced toward the party. Bosk, Legolas and Jasmine all stepped forward with holy symbols and used their clerical powers in an attempt to turn the foul undead. Two reeled from the clerical powers and leapt off their mounts to flee back into the forest. Two continued to thunder forward, scythes raised and the two riderless Nightmares continued also. Half-Pint fired arrow after arrow at the charging enemies. Bosk and Quicksilver met the charge with steel as The Icelord, Jasmine and Legolas used spells. The battle was sharp and swift, but in the end, the undead Sentinels were destroyed and the Nightmares were slain, to dissipate and return to their lower realm. The party used some healing powers, but were wary of using powerful magics in this twisted realm.
As the party crossed the bridge wearily, it became apparent that few were welcomed to cross the black river. Four Will-o-the Wisps came from the forest and met the heroes before they could step onto the opposite bank. The small balls of lightning were evil, extremely hard to hit and attacked with a draining electrical attack. Few could hit such targets. Few, if any, have the skills of the blade that Bosk has. His blade sang as he shattered the balls of light. They stood no chance against Goblin’s Bane.
The party rested and regrouped before beginning down a dark and narrow pathway through the forest. All was quiet in this gloomy realm. For two hours they walked, seeing neither bird nor beast. Without warning, a great Black Willow tree attacked the party from their right side. Dozens of branches lashed out at the party as the evil tree attempted to kill the Overlords. Bosk led the charge as he, Quicksilver and Half-Pint shattered the trunk with steel. A small treasure of gems and gold was discovered beneath the fallen creature.
After four more hours of walking the party came to the other side of the forest and saw emptiness as far as the eye could see. Many tracks led off into the rocky, gloomy scrubland. The warriors decided to use magic and pulled their magic carpets out of their box of holding. The Icelord transformed his figurine into a griffin and the party flew off across the great scrubland. The shadow realm was immense.
Out in the open lands the party saw a large boiling and swirling mass of thunderclouds. The cold air of evil blew upon them as they approached. Several bolts of lightning sprang from the storm clouds and had to be dodged or deflected. The storm swirled above a non-descript stone building. It was ash-gray and looked weather beaten. Windowless, it was perhaps three thousand square feet. This was the repository of Zarlief!
Fighting the elements and the unstable magical Arcanum, The Icelord placed an anti-magic shell around the party as they landed on the roof of the structure. This stopped the constant lightning strikes. Quicksilver found a hidden door on the roof, disarmed several traps upon it and picked the lock. Bosk and Quicksilver then used their giant strength and opened the door. A blast of cold and stale air met them. A great stench then followed as did a lightning bolt from inside. The Icelord attempted to throw a continual light spell into the keep but it was quickly swallowed by the inky darkness.
Brashly and recklessly, Bosk raised his Stormblade, which glowed brightly and without hesitation dropped into the lair of the Lich using his powers of levitation. Quicksilver’s Sword of Light cast a continual light spell. The Master Thief followed, dropping the 15 feet to the floor. The Two Gnomes with Capes immediately began melee with numerous undead. Two dozen ghouls leapt to the attack with fangs and paralyzing claws. Bosk’s Clerical Amulet glowed and granted him the ability to double his fury and faith as he tore into their ranks. Limbs and heads flew as he decimated the undead creatures.
Quicksilver’s blade revealed a dozen Shadows advancing on the party. These undead beings drain strength and life from the living. The Sword of Light obliterated them and with Jasmine and Legolas’ clerical abilities they were blasted from existence. As the party oriented themselves in the mad laboratory and crypt of Zarlief, lightning bolts and death magic he cast assaulted them. The horrid creature stood in the northwest corner and commanded eight mummies to attack and advance they did.
The party quickly destroyed these terrors with magic sword and clerical might. Zarlief cursed and played his last card. He opened a gate and six Chasme Demons appeared to do their master’s bidding. These horrid beast were a fusion of a giant fly and a human male. Over six feet long with six arms, long wings and dripping fangs they were fearless and hungry. The buzzing and droning they made were deafening.
Bosk changed weapons to The Sword of the Berserker and called upon its magic powers. Half-Pint used her Rod of the 7 Dungeons and inflicted great damage, as did Quicksilver, upon the beasts in hand-to-hand combat. The spell casters fired spells at the demons and at the Lich as it began its assault anew.
With the power of the berserker washing over him, Bosk managed eight attacks to ever one of his foes. He cut down two demons and then leapt at Zarlief. The Lich hit Bosk with a lightning bolt and then attempt to touch him to drain him of life. Bosk though, the greatest swordsman on Polaris, cut the evil creature in twain and stood victorious. The rest of the Overlords destroyed the demons and the panting and battered party knew they had triumphed.
Bosk picked up the crown of the Lich and examined it. All was quite, even the storm that had raged outside was no more. Quicksilver then shouted “A trap!” With that a huge fireball erupted. The Icelord countered with ion stones to absorb the spell and Jasmine and Legolas threw protective magics up. Several of the party members had Rings of Fire Resistance and were fortunate. The party barely survived being burnt to a crisp! “Let us be out of this foul laboratory!” growled Bosk. Indeed the party just got back to the roof when another fireball exploded inside. All was melted and burned below them.
With Zarlief’s hold on the shadow-realm shattered, the party hazarded a plane shift spell. It worked and they returned to the Prime Material Plane. The Icelord threw teleport and the party returned to Silverdawn. It was a strong statement that even taken by surprise, an entire realm could not stop the powers of The Overlords!
With this the party celebrated their victory and studied all they had learned in this adventure.
“Tis true my mug is empty as is my pipe. You’ll refill them with the finest wheat beer and R’Shannian tobacco you have? This sounds good to me my friend, my thanks. Now let me tell you about what occurred next….
After those epic events, King Bosk set about to have roads built to the Elvin Kingdoms to the north and increase trade with the northern free folk. Using magic and gnomish strength Bosk’s dream of this was realized and even now efforts are on going to build roads and bridges in the Silverdawn realm. The Overlords did return to their mighty castle near the Village of the Northern Gnomes after several months working on domestic issues of Silverdawn.
For several weeks the party took care of business in their northern stronghold. Bosk and the local trade guild decided to pursue building a road to the east through the Great Central Forest and to New Fort Ra, home of Bjorn the Brave, Catherine, known at Cat, and Shadow Walker. This trio has adventured and aided the Overlords many times in the past. The Great Druid, Argo Whitewood also made his residence in The Great Central Forest as did the Wood Elf King, Celani Silverbow. Even as I speak, events unfold to build a road to link the two allied towns.
Out of the blue, a small Pseudo Dragon arrived. The Order of the Iron Knights escorted this fair creature into the hall of the Overlords. The small dragon, known as Talen, reported that the great Gold Dragon, Takiss and his life-mate, Kista, urgently requested assistance. The Overlords had rescued Takiss years ago from the dungeons of a great devil in the lower realms. Strong was the friendship between them. Now, word came that someone had stolen the great dragons’ egg! The party immediately made plans and departed for the great caves of Takiss and Kista.
They were met by the great beings that told them some powerful beings using dark magic and incredible powers had managed to sneak into their caves undetected as they slept and stole their unhatched heir! This foul being had managed to escape to The Isle of the Doomed, a haunted, swamp infested island southwest of the great city of Highport. The dragons were repulsed in their attempts to fly to the island as a great magic force field held out aerial travelers and dragon kind! No manner of powers they possessed allowed them access to the island. Now they asked for the mighty Overlords to win back their precious egg. Without hesitation the party set out.
They first stopped in Highport, to get their magical stone ship that was in storage in a great warehouse they rented. This ship was gift from the Titan King Bartofoles, many years ago, when the party had defeated the legendary Kraken and retrieved artifacts belonging to the Titans, which fulfilled a great prophecy. The pirate crew that maintained the ship were found to be still loyal and guarding the ship though a few had to be retrieved from the jails of King Leo for minor crimes. After paying off their fines, Snow Dog, the leader of the pirates along with Snarg and the half-giant Firbolg known as Tharq Woodclub, put the ship in order and departed Highport. All were glad to be at sea once again. The party had in their possession a magical compass that Takiss had given them that would lead them to the egg. The ship moved through the Sea of Storms with little trouble and things seemed to be going well. They skirted Pirate Island and knew that they would soon arrive at The Isle of the Doomed. A great Dragon Turtle sprang from the waters but a day out from the island and was dispatched after a sharp battle. The party decided to stand off from the island for an extra day and approach from the southwest side at night. As they spent this last day out, two giant sea monsters, known as Plesiosaurus, attacked them. One managed to snatch Bosk from the decks of the ship! But steel and spell decimated and destroyed these leviathans. The next stop was to be the cursed jungle island that held that which they sought.
The party anchored their ship off the southwest side of the island. Arming their crew and summoning a griffon and genie to guard their magical ship, the party used a magical folding boat and a spell of invisibility and came ashore at night. It did not take them long to ascertain they were being watched. Quicksilver used his abilities of the thief class to locate four Lizardmen, who were watching the ship. These foul reptilian beings were primitive and thoroughly evil. Lizardmen are known for hunting and feasting on humans. It appeared they did not see the party come ashore in their invisible state and were watching the ship. The party decided to go around them and follow the magic compass to track the egg.
The island is a foul place. The swamps were infested with dangerous quicksand and blood-seeking insects. The party moved through the night and most of the morning before resting. Late in the afternoon they broke camp to move on when a horrid stench overcame them. A giant, hulking Otyugh moved toward them. These horrid blob-like being are ravenous scavengers. They carry terrible diseases and use great stalk-like appendages to grab prey and force into their cavernous maws. The party fire arrow and spells to quickly slay this foul beast. Within moments more movement was heard when sloshing toward them was yet an even larger Neo-Otyugh! This abomination was also quickly slain. The party moved on, ever toward the center of the island.
They again traveled through the night using infravision and many creatures eyes did they see in the dark, though none came forth. They rested and refreshed in the morning. Then six Owl Bears entered their camp in an all out assault. These great creatures stand over seven feet tall and look like great grizzly bears but with great hooked claws and horrid beaks. These unnatural beasts are the results of experiments by mad-wizards centuries ago and roam the world seeking to devour all they find. Bosk led the counter-attack with steel in hand and personally cut down three of the Owl Bears himself. The party quickly dispatched the remaining foes.
After gaining some sleep and recovering used spells, the party set off again in mid-afternoon. As dusk began to settle they noted the ground became more solid and the trees began to clear. They knew they were near the center of the island and the compass kept pointing to the northeast. A great movement sounded as six Giant Lizards moved toward them. The giant retiles were over 12 feet in length and used to snapping up all they chose. The party feed them steel and flame and dispatched them in moments. Bosk and Quicksilver collected their claws for trophies of war. The party pressed forward to a clearing and as the moons lit the night they saw a greenish-black vine-covered building before them. The basalt building was perhaps a temple of some sort in an ancient time. No windows were visible and evil radiated from it. The Icelord, Jasmine and Legolas, using spells quickly discovered the entire structure had a force field of some sort around it, an anti-magical shell of some sort, perhaps? It also had a “protection from good” spell cast around it. As the party stepped out of the tree to advance, sixteen Gargoyles flew to the attack from the roof the structure! These horrid beings have skin like stone, great wings and use horn, claws and fangs to rend their enemies. The party used hand-held weapons to destroy the beasts in a drawn out and fierce clash. In the end the Overlords stood triumphant. They knew they had no chance of a surprise attack now. They quickly bandaged and healed injuries from the fight with the Gargoyles and strode forth. The force field felt like walking through a spider’s web, but it stopped them not. The compass pointed forth and The Icelord stated magic should be available. He felt the force field was set up to keep out the dragons and were not prepared for them. Forward they advanced.
Traps magical and mechanical guarded the structure. Quicksilver led the methodical disarming and disabling of all that attempted to stop their entrance. A door was forced open and they entered the dismal lair. Using The Sword of Light and a continual light spell of The Icelord’s staff, the party slowly entered the dark and dreary keep. Quicksilver was kept busy locating and disarming traps as they moved down several passageways. The party was somewhat disappointed when they found nothing on the main floor, but they located a trap door and went into the crypts of the ancient structure. The passageways grew smaller in size, but the gnomes led the way wearily. After a long walk they found a stone slab blocking their way that had inscriptions of a great dragon upon it.
Removing yet more traps the great door was forced open and a great chamber was found. In the middle of the room was a stone table with a large egg encased in glass. The case and egg gave off a dim blue light. The party looked about warily, this was too easy! Yes, yes, I know you are asking, “That was easy?” but remember we are talking about Bosk, The Icelord, Quicksilver, Half-Pint, Jasmine and Legolas! THEY thought it had been too easy up to that point!
Bosk entered the room first, sword before him. Just as Quicksilver shouted out a warning two horrid Basilisks rumbled from the shadows. Just catching a glimpse of the huge lizards and knowing that their gaze could turn one to stone, Bosk looked away and called upon his sword’s magic powers flame-strike one of the beasts. With a roar, it was engulfed in flame. Hearing Bosk yell “Basilisks!” The Icelord deftly averted his glance and forked a lighting bolt killing them both. The flash revealed another horror in the chamber though as a huge 12-Headed Hydra, which was protected by invisibility magic, was revealed! Mortar and dust showered the party as the rumble of the lightning spell receded. Would magic cause a cave-in?? Bosk charged forward with a great war cry and his glowing sword raised high. Suddenly a Trapper shot up from the floor. These large, morphing creatures can alter their appearance to look exactly like the floor itself! They use this ability to envelope, smother and feed on unsuspecting prey.
Bosk ran his blade full into the springing creature causing it great damage but it still managed to surround and begin crushing the gnome. Quicksilver slashed at the beast, unsure if he was harming his sword-brother. Half-Pint fired arrows at the advancing Hydra as the magic-users began fully entering the chamber. The Trapper took several powerful chops by Quicksilver before it died and released its vice-like grip on Bosk. The warrior untangled itself from the fell beast just in time to engage the attacking Hydra. With great roars the dragon-like heads snapped and rended, flattening Quicksilver and Jasmine! “Aim for the heart!” screamed Bosk as he attempted to close with the beast. Always he was blocked as he parried and thrust in his advance. Half-Pint’s arrows and a magic missile spell by The Icelord caused the monster great pain and it staggered. This was the opening the mighty Bosk was seeking and he bounded forward and thrust Stormblade into the heart of the massive Hydra! With gurgling and hateful sounds the beast collapsed and died. The blood-drenched Bosk raised his blade and looked back to the now rising Quicksilver and Jasmine. Seeing they were OK, he proclaimed “Thank The Golden One!”
The party quickly bandaged and quaffed some potions of healing. After many minutes of searching for traps and checking the room and table, the party noted the compass kept pointing ahead, not at the egg that was in the glass case! Bosk and Quicksilver removed the egg from the case and The Icelord’s magic detected no magic upon it. Surely a Dragon’s egg would radiate some magic. They careful stowed the egg in a magic bag of holding and then continued forward toward the wall before them.
After some searching the located a hidden door and disarmed traps both mechanical and spell-made. Bosk led the way into a chamber that was an exact copy of the one they were just in. There was the exact same stone table with another egg in a glass case that radiated a soft blue light. As Bosk stepped forward he thrust his sword downward and a trapper indeed shuddered in pain. The mighty warrior dispatched this hidden menace with several powerful sword strokes. The hair on the back of Bosk’s neck stood on end as he and Quicksilver led the party into the room. The compass pointed straight at the egg before them.
Yes, Yes, I could use a refill not only of my pipe but of my mug too. My thanks.
As I was saying, Bosk felt a presence and with that The Icelord doubled the power of his continual light spell on his staff. A tall figure, clad in black chainmail armor, a black full helm, a black floor-length cape with black pants, boots and gloves stepped from the shadows and stood between the party and the egg. Upon his chest was a medallion of silver in the shape of a dragon. He unsheathed and brought to guard an evil looking black broadsword that seemed to suck what light there was from the room. In silence this sentinel stood before them.
Bosk, with a war cry of his clan, charged forward and began a dance of steel. Both weapons rang out as they traded attacks and parries. Half-Pint stood with arrow notched and Quicksilver circled about as the magic-users entered the room. Bosk began to overpower his foe as he arced Stormblade and cut into the silent one’s left knee. A black blood oozed forth from the wound. The enemy was also proficient with the blade and crashed his sword into the side of Bosk’s head. His great helm saved him but stars swam before his eyes. This increased his determination and with two over-hand chops and a lightning quick slash, he removed the Black Sentinel’s left leg at the knee! The silent one made no sound and even managed to rise a bit using his sword his good leg. Bosk spun and decapitated the uncompromising guardian and as it fell, its body shimmered and then faded from sight. This being was from another plane and had shifted back to its home of origin after falling on the Prime Material Plane. Bosk snorted his contempt and then quickly strode forward.
At that moment on the far wall, a great gate opened. Beyond it was a strange, fire-blasted and smoky realm. A gate to another world had opened! The party stopped in their tracks and then a tall, shaggy and crazed looking man wielding a great two-handed axe leapt through. He looked behind him and then around. He was garbed in filthy, tattered clothing. His long hair was matted, as was his beard. A look of madness was about him and then it quickly faded. He gazed at the egg as a child might at candy. Without a word he walked toward the egg. He reached out with his left hand to take that which the party had came for.
“Hold there.” Bosk said in a non-threatening voice. “That would belong to his. Can we help you?” The giant of a man looked at Bosk with annoyance and once again reached out for the egg. Bosk repeated in a stronger voice “Hold there, that would belong to us. Can we help you?” The man stopped his reach and looked behind him at the still open portal and then at Bosk. “No, you may not.” Quicksilver melted silently into the shadow and Half-Pint, putting her bow down and silently drawing her Short Sword of Speed.
The man once again reached out with his left hand to the glass encased egg. Bosk stepped around to the side of the table. “Let us discuss things. I am Bosk. Who are you?”
Once again the shaggy man gave Bosk a look of total annoyance. “Be gone.” With that he once again reached out for the egg. Bosk, showing great restraint slammed a fist into the side of the table. “We do not want to hurt you, but that belongs to us. Speak now, for your sake.” The man looked at Half-Pint, Jasmine, Legolas and The Icelord as if noticing them for the first time. He then looked at Bosk and said, “Are you stupid or what dwarf? I said be gone.”
With that Bosk struck in the blink of an eye, tearing into the man’s left forearm. Red blood did fly. Half-Pint charged forward, blade drawn. If Bosk was fast, the newcomer was faster. His great axe let out a howling sound and blurred back as he brought it across his body and tore into Bosk’s chest. The sweeping motion threw him to the left. Half-Pint swung twice, her shortsword cut him on his left thigh but the second attack was parried with the haft of his axe. In another lightning move he brought his howling magic axe down and cleaved the left arm of the noble Half-Pint from her body at the shoulder! With a gasp she collapsed.
With a cry of rage, Quicksilver appeared from the shadows and rammed The Sword of Light full into the axe-master’s back. His thieving abilities allowed him to do five times the normal damage when delivering his vaunted backstab. Never had a foe been able to stand after receiving such damage. The shaggy wildman grunted in surprise and deftly spun and swung his axe, which connected with the left shoulder of the Master Thief. Quicksilver was thrown back several feet and fell!
The Icelord, Jasmine and Legolas, fearful that a full barrage of lighting spells would collapse the roof unloaded a barrage of silent magic-missiles. They tore into the foe as he turned toward them and he countered with a cone of cold spell that howled from the head of his axe. The Icelord countered and the blizzard howled around and away from the trio.
Bosk rose again and sprang at the mystery man. His sword caught his enemy in the left ribcage, which elicited a snarl of hatred. The being of power, for that is what he was, traded several attacks with Bosk. They were involved in a battle of steel that has never been witnessed before. The whiz, crashing and ringing of their weapons were of Herculean proportions. The trio of spell casters fired several more volleys of magic missiles into this Avatar of an unknown Deity. For that was what this being was. He was an Avatar that was held prisoner by unknown forces on an unknown plane. It had made good its escape and now found the Overlords stood between him and a magical treasure he had happened upon. This battle would be to the death.
The Avatar whirled his axe with unbelievable speed and in a move that Bosk would never forget, nor fail to defend against in the future, he used the vorpal powers of his howling steel to rip Bosk’s right arm from his body at the shoulder! Bosk groaned through gritted teeth and sank to his knees. The Avatar stood over him with a sneer. Several more wounding spells then crashed into him and he took a step back.
At that moment Quicksilver rammed a dagger into his back with all his might. Bosk, who is ambidextrous, drew a dirk from his belt and rose. He made an upper-thrust into the abdomen of the Avatar and buried it to the hilt. With a surprise look, the Avatar made a choking sound and sank to his knees. With a look of hate he locked eyes with Bosk, then fell to his right. Within seconds, he and his axe shimmered and faded, returning to his plane of origin.
No I do not know who the Avatar was nor what master he serves. No, I do not know what plane he hails from. I do know that even now Bosk plans revenge on this powerful being and it will be a clash of titans when they meet again! Of that you can be assured!
With Bosk and Half-Pint critically wounded and near death the party had to act quickly. Jasmine and Legolas quickly began using their most powerful clerical healing spells and abilities to save the lives of the two warriors. As they administered to the fallen heroes, the gate shimmered and a horrid Green Slaad entered the room! Towering over seven feet tall, the foul frog-like beast came forward with a glint in its eyes. Its great maw showed razor-sharp teeth and its claws twinkled in the light. Quicksilver, with a cry of fury and rearmed with The Sword of Light tore into the being from Limbo and plunged his blade into its heart. The beast fell and faded, returning to its plane of origin. As this occurred another one stepped through the gate. The Icelord stepped forth and cast a forceful fist spell that caught the Slaad in the chest and knocked it back through the portal and out of sight. The Icelord then cast a dispel portal spell which seemed to close it but he felt this was a permanent link to the Prime Material Plane and that it would soon reappear. He then cast a Wall of Ice and a Wall of Stone before the wall to ensure anything attempting to enter would be hard pressed to accomplish it. Quicksilver retrieved the egg as the compass verified it was that which they sought. They then moved the wounded into the previous chamber and The Icelord blocked the door with yet another Wall of Ice.
For many hours Jasmine and Legolas tended Bosk and Half-Pint with all their powers of healing and regeneration. Their limbs were reattached and the Ring of Regeneration that party possessed was passed back and forth over the feverish and unconscious duo. The Icelord and Quicksilver kept watch and wards and magical walls were used to isolate and protect the party through the night.
Many hours later, the party decided to move out whilst they could. Bosk and Half-Pint were conscious once again. With their healing arms in slings, they were helped along by the clerics as Quicksilver led them out of the dangerous crypt. The Icelord followed and continued to block their escape with Walls of Ice, Stone, Fire and Fog to cover their exit.
The party made it out and once outside noted the force field around the structure seemed to have faded. The Icelord threw an Invisible Steeds spell and the party got on the invisible horses and made good time across the swamps and through the bogs. Their travel back to the beach were their ship was anchored took half the time. Bosk and Half-Pint were feverish and in great pain, but the healing abilities of Jasmine and Legolas saved them and all returned to the ship safely.
The ship made haste to Highport and the only encountered they had was with a Giant Octopus. I say “only” because these are the Overlords. The great sea creature was able to crush most war galleys but not the magical stone ship and was dispatched quickly. The crew brought the beast aboard and put it in the hold as The Icelord put it under a cone of cold to keep it fresh for sell in Highport. The profits from the sell went to the crew and they returned to Highport and docked their ship.
The Icelord used a teleport spell and the party found themselves back in the lair of Takiss and Kista the great, wise and ancient Gold Dragons. They and Talen were delighted upon the return of the egg! Much did they praise and reward Bosk, The Icelord, Quicksilver, Jasmine, Half-Pint and Legolas! The treasure and reward heaped upon them was worth twenty King’s ransoms! They also aided with strong magics in healing and aiding Bosk and Half-Pint in their recovery. Takiss and Kista even proclaimed that if their hatchling were a male they would name him after Bosk! Indeed!
For three days the party stayed with the noble creatures. Much information, knowledge, legend and lore was discussed. The Dragons agreed to explore the possibility of moving their lair to the mountains near The Village of the Northern Gnomes and the Keep of The Overlords. The agreed to send a Bard, who just happens to go by the name Master Janos to their court to record the story and saga that transpired. They agreed that a cousin of Talen, the Pseudo-Dragon, would also attend the court of The Overlords for study, exchange and friendship. It was a great meeting of powers and of friends those three days.
Now the party is once again at their mighty keep. What plans they have next, I may not divulge. But be assured, that for a good meal, ale and friendship, I might be able to tell yet another tale of these heroes.
Indeed. Now my good friends, until next time, I raise my mug. I make the sign of the hammer and of the axe and I salute you and Polaris. Good evening and well met.
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