Far 20th Aryth 998 Y.K.
Lorric and the rest of the group visit Malekith, he explains the fight will be no holds barred, any spells and magic items allowed. Mirra gets permission to act as Lorric's Herald (in a sneaky plan to get to use her Bardic abilities on him).
Lorric heads out and purchases a scroll of 'Elemental body' (Earth) to help him in the fight.
That evening Lorric strides into the arena with Mirra who gives him a dazzling introduction. His opponent doesn't bother with such fripperies and a gate on the other side of the arena swings open and a chained Balor is brought into the arena, accompanied by some very nervous guards. The chains are loosed, the guards flee and the fight is on!
Lorric charges in, dodges past the Balor, bounces up its back and strikes it on the back of the head, killing it in one blow!
The crowd are very unhappy with this massive anti-climax but are somewhat mollified by Lorric's declaration that 'the drinks are on me'.
The Crimson Fists in the stand notice Saeloth staring intently at them, particularly Kapek. Then she walks away into the interior of the arena. Suddenly behind the Fists they hear screams and whirl around to see some kind of Marilith slaughtering the spectators with barbed chains.
It then turns its attentions on Kapek, killing him in one frenzied burst of attacks. Ajax leaps into the attacks with a barrage of attacks of his own and missed with everyone. Wil casts 'Greater Dispel Magic' on it and then retreats. Mirra retreats as well and then intones tales to encourage her comrades.
The Marilith batters Ajax then tries to convince him she is a lost member of his tribe, which even Ajax isn't dumb enough to fall for. Ajax attacks back, landing some blows this time but the creatures 'Blinking' effect cause many to miss. Lorric (who had been off getting his fee from Malekith) charges in from the Marilith's flank.
*Ajax comments
Ajax notices his claws aren't doing their full damage causing him to make a mental note to find the Enchanter that put the 'Transmutation' effect on one of the claws and demand a refund.
*Ajax comments
Ajax notices his claws aren't doing their full damage causing him to make a mental note to find the Enchanter that put the 'Transmutation' effect on one of the claws and demand a refund.
The Marilith starts to regenerate and one chain pierces Kapek's corpse and starts to drag it towards her. Its other blows rain down on the two heroes doing hideous damage. Ajax strikes back desperately and slays it..
As the clamour fades Saeloth emerges, the Fists arrange to speak with him later at their inn. After the Fists have spoken to the authorities they meet with Saeloth. She informs them the Marilith was the CATHEZAR, an enigmatic half demon/half devil. They discuss the 'Heart of Gorguth' which the Crimson Fist are prophesied to encounter. They learn it is said to provide magical power beyond imagining but every day a loved one of the user will perish.
Saeloth also offers to resurrect Kapek to repay the debt she owes the Crimson Fist for rescuing her from the goblins many moons ago although she warns that the effects of her magic are always tainted in some way.
The Fists decide to explore other options first. Mirra does a 'Sending' to Katerina to enquire if House Jorasco can help Kapek. She informs them that House Jorasco won't but she can 'Raise' him. After some discussion the Fists decide to go with Saeloth.
Saeloth takes them to a place sacred to 'The Mockery'. A disgusting ritual follows but Kapek is returned.
*Kapek comments
When Kapek visits the realm of the dead he realises something that the others before him had missed. A dark truth which they were clearly unwilling to accept, out of cowardice or simple ignorance he does not know. Nonetheless, he returns from the grave enlightened.
*Kapek comments
When Kapek visits the realm of the dead he realises something that the others before him had missed. A dark truth which they were clearly unwilling to accept, out of cowardice or simple ignorance he does not know. Nonetheless, he returns from the grave enlightened.
