Far, 20th Lharvion 998 Y.K.
The next morning after prayers Sparky casts True Seeing in the hope that if the Librarian is part of the crew he will be able to see him for what he truely is. The crew seem all as they should be but he does observe two strange creatures observing them from the Ethereal Plane. When the creatures notice Sparky watching them they disappear away without a word.
The Fists decide to first visit the Brelish ambassador but as they disembark the Southern Sun they are approached by a young boy bearing a message. The message is from Malketh asking Lorric if he will fight tonight, to which Lorric gives an evasive answer. Wide-eyed with hero worship the boy asks Lorric for an autograph. Then, clutching it reverently, he heads off telling anybody who will listen that that was Lorric who will be fighting the Champion tonight. As the Fists head on they hear the rumour spreading behind them.
The deal with the Ambassador goes smoothly with the map being exchanged for the promised 10,000 gold in cash and a 50,000 letter of credit. With the money nestling comfortably in their pockets the Fists head to the 'Citadel of the Twelve' in the hope of finding their employer Professor Melurit. They are quickly taken to a Lady Mordwyn d Sivis, an elderly female gnome. She informs them that they are late and the Professor has left ahead of them but had left behind the names of some trustworthy guides, G'elding Phyxlaunth and Tathrysn Quelnar, two dark elves who could be found at The Ship's Cat.
The Fists return to the Southern Sun and speak to Captain Nose-Chewer, who informs them that Sszyl Zszton was offering 35,000 gold for the Siren's Teat. They discuss the matter with the Captain and decide to accept the offer. (Though they realize after the Harbour Master and The Bilge Rats get their cut they'll be getting 30,000). The papers are quickly drawn up and signed and the money split between the Crimson Fist and Captain Nose-Chewer and his crew.
While the papers are being drawn up Lorric arranges for posters to be placed around town advertising a fight between him and the Champion, to take place in four months time. He also dispatches a note to Malketh explaining that he cannot fight the Champion until he has discharged his obligation to guard the expedition.
Then to The Ship's Cat where they find their guides and make arrangements to leave that very evening. Although due to the thick jungle canopy Kapek decides to leave Hurricane behind and arranges stabling for his beast with House Vadalis.
That done and final supplies bought the Crimson Fist and their guides depart the city. They only get a couple of hours out of town before night falls and they make camp. As they settle in Lorric receives a Sending from Malketh telling him to return or be forcibly brought back.
10.00 p.m.
On the first watch Kapek sees a shimmering appear in front of them that resolves into a portal leading to a stone room which contains two Giants, Malketh, the Champion and a robed figure. (Sparky breaks into a cold sweat at the thought of how powerful the Caster who created this portal must be). Malketh asks if Lorric will return to fight in the arena, Lorric declares he must fulfill his other contract first. Meanwhile Mirra and Sparky fail miserably to Dispel the Teleportation Circle.
Suddenly four creatures, that Ajax identifies as Quaraphons, wearing breast plates and carrying great clubs swarm out of the room into the forest. Lorric uses his Necklace of Fireballs to launch a fireball at the creatures but it detonates on a Wall of Force that lies between them and the Crimson Fists. The two Giants follow the Quaraphons out of the portal. The Crimson Fists guides flee into the night to no complaints as they were hired to guide, not fight.
Oz, situated on the right flank of the group just past the edge of the Wall of Force, opens fire on the enemy drawing three of them away to attack him. Seeing this he pulls back towards the rest of the group firing as he goes.
Mirra, alone on the left flank and behind the Force Wall casts Glitter Dust on the remaining enemies but finds it immediately dispelled. She quickly hides and before she can be discovered Lorric, Kapek and Ajax round the Wall of Force and dive into the enemy threatening her. Sparky, cursing his encumbering plate mail, casts Fly on himself and soon catches up with his comrades.
Mirra inspires with tales of heroics as Ajax, Kapek and Lorric engage the foe with many a powerful blow both given and recieved (though more given) and Sparky hovers behind them applying healing magic as needed. The three creatures that had persued Oz realize their mistake and run back to the main fight but arrive too late and too spread out to really help. The fight is going well for the Crimson Fist but all wonder when the Champion and the robed spell caster will get involved ?
As if in answer the Champion, borne by her batwings, flies into the clearing and challenges Lorric to single combat. Lorric, currently occupied killing a Giant, declines. She repeats her challenge asking him to face her, his sister.
The Champion struggles to her feet and is instantly stunned again by Lorric. The final Giant is slain by Ajax and instantly the portal vanishes as does the prone body of the Champion.
*Ajax comments
On the off chance the entire fight has been magically transmited to the crowd in the arena Ajax makes sure to declare himself loudly so all will know who this handsome, deadly Shifter was.
*Ajax comments
On the off chance the entire fight has been magically transmited to the crowd in the arena Ajax makes sure to declare himself loudly so all will know who this handsome, deadly Shifter was.
One Quaraphon is left alone in the clearing. It starts to carefully back off. The Fists give it to understand they will not harm it and it turns and flees into the jungle. (Though away from Stormreach they notice, which makes them wonder if the poor thing had been one of Malketh's slaves).
The group fall to discussing their plans. Lorric wants to return to Stormreach immediately to settle things with Malketh and find out what has happened to his mother and his relationship with his newly found sister. Ajax feels they must honour their contract to the Professor and go to help the expedition. Kapek understands and sympathises with both views but feels Lorric's loyalty to his family must outweigh his loyalty to the Professor. Finally Sparky suggests they wait until morning when he will pray for the spells to inquire of the Storm for answers that will hopefully help make their decision easier.
The fact that all hope the mysterious spellcaster is a mercenary who will be gone by then also features in this decision.
Sar, 21st Lharvion 998 Y.K.
Ajax is bitterly disapointed to hear that last night's fight was not shown in the arena.
Sar, 21st Lharvion 998 Y.K.
The next morning, as planned, Sparky cast 'Commune' to answer the many questions of the Crimson Fists.
- Is the Champion really Lorric's sister? - Yes
- Is Lorric's mother alive? - Yes
- Is Lorric's Mother in peril? - Unclear
- Was last nights fight shown in the arena? - No
- Does Malketh actually know where Lorric's Mother is? - Unclear
- Will Malketh attack again if we move on to join the expedition? - No
- Will Malketh interfere in other ways? - No
- Is Lorric's mother human? - No
- Is she fiendish? - No
- Is she an extra-planar being? - No
Ajax is bitterly disapointed to hear that last night's fight was not shown in the arena.
Sparky then cast a Sending to Malixendria the Champion:
"Lady I am a comrade of your brother. He would be grateful for information on his mother and Malketh's plans for him."
He quickly received a reply from her :
"Our mother is imprisoned within an iron fortress on the plane of Pazunia. I do not know of Malketh's plans for you. Send Lorric apologies."
In light of the new information the matter is debated again and the decision made to carry on and join up with the expedition. Following their guides the Fists head into the depths of the jungle, with Ajax delightedly trying out his newly improved sense of smell on the plants.
Several days of peaceful travel pass.
Mol, 23rd Lharvion 998 Y.K.
In the morning the Fists approach a ruin of gigantic stone buildings. The guides identify it as Hrek'Ix Gerak which translates as 'Prison of the Primeval' in Giantish. It is said to have a strange effect on the vegetation that grows within it and on anybody who stays there too long, and it is reputed to be home to some secret, ancient power.
As the Fists enter the ruins they spot movement and notice weird, scorpion like creatures observing them from the ruins. Mirra addresses them in Giantish and they set off a weird ullulating cry that echoes eerily around the desolate ruins and is answered by identical cries from in front and behind the Crimson Fists !
As more of the creatures appear, one of them addresses Mirra in Common and tells her to prepare to be eaten. With where each side stands clearly defined the Fists prepare to fight. Sparky casts Bull's Strength on Ajax, Lorric uses a wand to cast Mage Armour on himself and Mirra casts Haste on the group. In response Ajax, Kapek and Mirra are outlined by aura's of violet fire as one of the Scorpionfolk casts Faerie Fire on them.
Lorric and Ajax rush forward and engage one of the Scorpionfolk each, dealing powerful blows but wounding themselves on the strange thorns that grow from the creatures. Two large boars join the seven Scorpionfolk and all advance on the Crimson Fists.
Kapek finishes Ajax opponent with a volley of Force Boomerangs and Sparky casts Fly on himself. Lorric's opponent changes into a bird and flies up to a crumbling tower above the battleground. Mirra begins to recite tales of adventure and inspired Lorric and Ajax slay one of the boars.
Yet more Scorpionfolk arrive and two level lances, stir into a frenzied rage and charge Ajax, piercing him through, only the enhanced constitution of his Shifted forms keeps Ajax alive as he is run clean through by both lances.
*Ajax comments
Ajax has never, NEVER, been hit as hard as by the lances of those two Scorpionfolk!
*Ajax comments
Ajax has never, NEVER, been hit as hard as by the lances of those two Scorpionfolk!
The ruins shake and vegetation is flattened as a Colossal scorpion thunders into view behind the Scorpion folk. The Fists gape as the full forty foot of its glistening body heaves into view. The decision is made without need for speech at that very second, it is time to run !
Sparky raises forty feet straight up into the air and with his Rod of Frost casts Wall of Ice at a strategic point, cutting all but two of the enemies off from the Crimson Fist.
In an obvious attempt to slow down their retreat the area containing Kapek, Mirra and Oz sprouts jagged spears of stone from the ground, making movement difficult and dangerous. Oz stealithly flees and Kapek jumps into Reaver's sadlle and Mirra climbs up behind him.
Ajax and Lorric turn and, with a considerable turn of speed, run into the jungle leaving most of the Scorpionfolk hammering desperately at the Wall of Ice. The rest of the group are terrified as another scorpion of colossal seize emerges behind them and snatches Kapek straight out of his saddle in its huge claws. Not only is Kapek held fast by the fearsome creature but Mirra finds herself alone on a fierce creature she has no idea how to control. Sparky swoops down and casts Freedom of Movement on Kapek. Agilely Kapek drops to the ground, comes up in a roll, leaps into Reaver's saddle and with a "Heigh ho Reaver away!" gallops into the jungle.
Sparky's brave manoeuvre had left him hovering in front of the Scorpion to cast his spell with lightning speed it responds, seizing him in its claw, only for his skill with 'Travel' magic to show as he slipped effortlessly from its claws. The creature was not finished though its other claw smashed brutally into the unfortunate Cleric and then its stinger snapped forward piercing him through the heart and dropping him dead to the ground. The sky darkened and rain poured down on the battlefield as the loyal servant of the Storm breathed his last.
The plants around Ajax try to grasp him but he slips out of their grip, casts Entangle from his Hand of the Oak Father item behind him to slow the enemies advance and then flees.
With heavy hearts at the loss of Sparky the Crimson Fists flee into the jungle.
The next morning all the Fists pray to the Storm to welcome its brave servant, who had died saving a comrades life, into his eternal embrace.
Two days of peaceful, but sad travel followed until that evening they come into sight of the frontier town of Narwell.
