Cleansing of Fel

September

1. Lucky Straw

   by Ahriman

   
   

   Little did his companions know that with a quick slight of hand he had ensured that the short straw would be his. Ahriman stands and walks to peer out the dusty window, contemplating what is about to transpire and if the events to come really do have the power to bring life back to this desolate land. Turning slowly away from the window he speaks to his guildmates and his friends.

   "So, I see I have once again drawn the short straw. I know not which of you scoundrels has cursed me, but by the Gods of Chaos you'll be turned to toad warts when I find out." *snickers* "So be it then, it is now my task and my duty to once again act as scout"

   Sitting heavily in his chair, Ahriman produces a small fireball in his hand and stares into it.

   "I sure hope what they say is true. Hero's *spits into the fireball* coming back to our fair land to recapture the dungeons. 'Tis been a long time since we have had a real source of income to line our coffers. For a while there I was fearful I would waste my days away watching Kali and Mo contemplate making babies, or watching Kaiser try his hand at buggering sheep. But this might be the turning point. These so called brave bands once again out in the wilds looking to cleanse it of evil. Of us."

   "And so it shall be. Tonight I will head out and see about these supposed adventurers. All the while I suppose you will all be lounging here picking each others boogers and pretending to know snot about being a murderer."

   Snuffing out his fireball, Ahriman walks towards the door. Glancing back over his shoulder he sees a group of tired mages and warriors. People with no one to fight and no where to be. What these folks need to find once again is purpose. Perhaps this was to be the day...

   [Back to the top]
   


2. The Journey Begins

   by Rich

   
   

   The plans were set, and while Rich began to scribe scrolls to distribute in mass to gather the good citizens of Sonoma for this noble quest, Alarcon began preparing the supplies needed. The date had been picked and the meeting place set. Moonglow 7pm sharp, just outside the gates in Trammel.

   The time was 6:30 and Rich cam running into the GTH tower looking for Alarcon. He wasn't in so Rich assumed that he had already left for the meeting spot. Quickly he cast his spell and arrived just outside the city of Moonglow. He was amazed at how the warriors and mages were already preparing themselves for the task at hand. Looking through the crowd, he spotted his friend and walked up to him and quietly asked him to step away from the crowd for some urgent news.

   Whispering to Alarcon Rich tells of grave news. He tells of spies that have been seen in the lands of Trammel in search of our destination. They have heard of our quest and have begun to prepare for battle. With this knowledge a decision was made to keep their destination a secret for as long as possible. Once they arrive, they were well aware that if there were spies within the group that the small head start may be all they needed to keep the group alive. Especially since this was the first adventure into the lands of Felucca for some of their companions and they didn't want to take them directly into one of the know spots of great evil.

   Once 7pm came, Rich began to thank those that came and offer a warning so that all were aware of the danger they were about to embark on. Quickly a gate was cast and the evil hue of red glowed from within the gate. The party quickly jumped through the gate and all were soon standing at the mouth of the Dungeon Covetous. This was to be the beginning of our task.

   The group quickly realized that they must be careful in their movements and not attempt a stampede through the tight caves, for walking on each other proved quite painful. As they moved through the first level, it became apparent that some members were new to this land and that there are those that became overcome by the evil and began to see their fellow companions with a grey hue. Some were able to control themselves, but there were those that became overwhelmed and began attacking. Quickly we tried to calm the group explaining to them that they must be strong in this land. Not all that is grey is evil. They must trust their heart and not their eyes when making a decision to attack.

   We progresses quite rapidly through the dungeon until we came upon a set of metal doors. Remembering from past experience, Rich tried to warn the group of the undead that are within. There were those that were now getting confident and ran right in to meet their doom to several Lich Lords waiting for us. Once we all got in, it was quite easy to clean the undead stench. We made it to the Lich Lord's throne room and noticed that it was empty. Did we remove the evil from this place so quickly? Just as the crowd began to get comfortable, they came. The Lich Lords returned with a vengeance, but those that came had pledged to clean the dungeon and did so with great skill.

   While the battle was slowing down the group began to go down into the final level of the dungeon. Rich then began to cleanse the throne so that no great evil could return and take the throne. Once complete he began to head toward the stairs when he thought he had seen a person lurking in the corner. He stopped and rubbed his eyes, but it was not there. He knew that those who protect evil are very adept at hiding in the shadows. Quickly he ran towards the stairs to meet up with the rest.

   Below was quite easy with the group that had come. The dragons and drakes fell quickly. Since the task was now complete, it was time to get our group out to safety. As they began to move up, others began to see a red hued person fading in and out of sight. Several screamed that a murderers were around, other just ran out. A few stayed back watching the rear just to be sure that no one gets their throat cut from behind. Once everyone was out, the last few checked again, and there was nothing to be seen, so they sprinted out to safety.

   Once out of the foul stench a gate was cast to bring the group back home. The gate glowed with a hue of blue and several dived for the gate to return home. The air is much nicer in Tram, but nothing gets your blood flowing like the smell of excitement in the lands of Felucca.

   Quickly Rich thanked the crowd again for helping to accomplish the first task in their mission. The dungeon Covetous is now officially cleansed. While the crowd dissipated, Rich requested that those of GTH return to the tower to discuss an urgent matter.

   At the tower, Rich gave report of the figure he saw in the corner. Others then gave their reports. The evil wasn't in full force this night, but it was watching us. We must be on our guard in the future, for we did encounter a servant of evil, and he will continue to track us, but when his forces are gathered they will attack. We must be prepared for the worst. Rich then bid them all goodnight, and asked them to begin their preparations for the next battle.

   [Back to the top]
   


3. The Lone Search

   by Ahriman

   
   

   Many of my guild mates have been away recently taking care of personal issues. Even infamous dungeon dwellers have kin that sometimes need tending to. And for most they are all their kind have to support them. It is sometimes hard to imagine that a murderer could be the upstanding and successful member of a down trodden family tree, but sometimes it is so. Others of the guild have been traveling far and wide trying to enhance their skills and better their temperament during this time of inactivity. Dry have been the roads, and the dungeons, of people carrying goods for the taking or trespassing into the lands of the Chosen protected by our guild. I hopes to have good news for my friends upon their return.

   Walking out of the headquarters I have a sense of giddiness about me. There were but four of us this eve but having taken care of the selection process, I had put myself as scout. Heading out to locate and report on any activity in Felucca other than the damnable house hiders of the Britainian MoonGate. Rumor has it that there was a movement afoot by intrepid adventurers to once again reclaim the land that they so wrongfully feel is theirs.

   Restocking I begin my search, first by leaving notes where my spies might find them and talismans by which they could get back to me should anything of note need be spoken. Then I begin my rounds, determined to find those that would provide me with a challenge. Moving quickly from Dungeon to Dungeon I see no signs of anyone other than the normal single or pair of adventurers. Some mount tracks here and there, a few arrows scattered about the ground, a tame or two in the ice barren fields of T2A and not much else.

   Crossing from the City of the Dead to Sandy Beaches I come across two others, one dressed in the garb of a bandit and another more finely dresses but obviously in cahoots with the other. I pause to provide them the chance to speak out, perhaps to gather some knowledge as to if they had crossed any others this day. A few spells later and a couple quick turns and I am past them. Two inept would be bandits. Already more action than had been seen in a week. This just might be the day things turn around. No time today to play with my lessers, I return to my mission. It was not long before my ring begins to glow. I call forth the magics and a light mist forms in the air. It speaks the location of those that I seek. I head out of T2A for more interesting locations.

   Recalling outside of Destard, I wait. Hidden I pass the time thinking of all the delicious young... well, never mind. It did not take long for five travelers to show up. My informant was correct, and I once against smile at the truth of all things, that money does indeed corrupt. *chuckle*.

   
   
   The odds were not that great, five on one and myself a little rusty from too much ale and too many counseling sessions with a local... never mind. What is the meaning of being feared if all one does is hide I think to myself, so I make my move. I attack the closest only to find his armor strong and his guildmates fast. They were upon me and healing him before I could drop him. I made a break for it with three vengeful friends of his on my heels. I quickly evaded their efforts and took stock. All my useful items were magically adhered to my spirit, nothing to lose but my corpse *haha* and that is so easily regained. With preparations already undertaken I decided to have some fun. I prep my spell and charge into them again. A merry chase it was with them running this way and that. I did not get a kill and eventually they did take me down but I re-learned a number of things in the skirmish. As I glided along the ground as a spirit I reflected that I need to once again move my reg and pot bags back to their rightful places on my belt. There is nothing more annoying than reaching for a refresh or heal pot only to grab a fist full of garlic.

   No sooner has I secured my resurrection and sorted my goods into there proper places that my token was once again activated. This time the mist spoke of a large band of adventurers defiling the dungeon of Covetous. I had been there earlier that evening and had seen hide nor hair of anyone so I was a bit surprised.

   Recalling into the main entrance I find nothing. I dash through the main entrance, through the passage and into the stomping grounds of the Nightmare. I quickly avoid his anger and proceed to the alley of the undead. Here I begin the question the accuracy of the information from my second informant as I push open the door of the Lich Lords lair. A corpse! Sometimes Tamers decide to disturb the Lich Lords and often it has been my task to assist the Lichs in defense of their home. I prep my spell and rush in. More corpses and a slew of arrows.

   Not tamers then, ARCHERS. Easy quarry when unprepared, I smile to myself. I move to the head of the stairs down to the reptilian hold and pre-cast once again. Stepping down I instantly find myself faced with what seems an ARMY of opponents all dressed in their fineries. Assuredly no bandits these, they are armored well and have a glint of satisfaction in their eyes. I quickly move back upstairs and hide, only to be followed by a half dozen rear guards. I wait. There are too many for me to take on head to head and not much room to maneuver. I decide instead to wait. To let them think that I may have been too scared to stay, and then catch some laggards. Slowly the army moves back up the stairs, a huge lumbering ameba stretching itself across the room and back out the hall. I smile to myself seeing that it will be easy to get a kill or two as the last people pass by me and can be trapped in the room, unprepared for the justice I was impart both quickly and decisively.

   While they are many in number, none seem too familiar with the working of our lands as they tussle for position and seem to lack the understanding that threats may still exist. Or that is at least what I thought. As the last few exit the room one who seems to command ask the final few to halt and he prepares a Wis Quas. This time though I have my belt on straight and my utilities in tact. The moment he exposes me I make a dash, open the door and sidestep to hide. Thinking I have tried to escape a number rush through the entrance and give chase to one who is no longer there. Unfortunately the leader, Aloysius I believe, would not be fooled. He pulled up short and once again cast the words of revealing. I was forced to move past the Lich Lords entrapped on the other staircase and down the stairs. Evading the reptilians, I hid once again preparing to deal damage to the first down the stairs. None followed. After pausing a few minutes, I moved back up and stalked forward. The army had fully moved out and upon exiting the dungeon I saw over 20 members exiting through gates.

   
   
   No doubt, I arrived at the end of their mission and they could not be bothered to chase down a single foe. But neither had I fallen to their rear guard and if not for but one person a kill surely would have been mine. As the army cleared the gate I recalled back to my home and smiled to myself. The rumors were true, at least today. There were people coming back into our lands. We again, just perhaps, have a reason to fight.

   Having recalled back to the Tower, Ahriman begins to scribe...

   "Guildmates and friends. I am sending out this message via the mist, I hope it finds you well. What has been rumored is true. Those that would see themselves as our betters are once again upon our land. Where once we vanquished them in hordes and caused them to retreat in fear, it is no more. They have returned. I have gone forth this night as was my mission and I found two fighting forces. One was small and one four times the number of the first. I intercepted them both but their deaths would elude me this evening. In the absence of our Guildmaster, I am calling you to arms. We shall shake off the rust, prepare our minds, and go forth to meet this new threat. Those that seek to tame our dungeons may have numbers on their side as was evident this night, but we have our focus. We shall slice through them as cold as a witches stare. Finish your duties as best you can and return soon. There is battle to be waged and I can not be stilled. -- Join me soon brothers and sisters, soon."

   [Back to the top]
   


4. Betrayal

   by Rich

   
   

   After several days rest from the beginning of their quest, Rich decided to stop by the GTH tower and discuss plans for their next location with Alarcon. During their discussion Rich was taking notes and making a map to detail what they had found in their scouting missions. On this map he marked the destination of their next mission. Quickly rolling up the parchment he thanked Alarcon and made haste to prepare himself and his family for his next adventure.

   Instead of using his magic to get him home quickly, Rich decided he needed to enjoy the fresh air and began walking home the long way. While he was walking he came across a fellow bent over a dead healer. At first he thought a murderer, but when the fellow caught sight of Rich he quickly jumped up and claimed to be trying to take care of the healer. He claimed to have found him this way and was trying to comfort him before he passed. He had a strange glow about him that made him see just a tad bit too good. Rich had heard of those that are true evil being able to hide behind a guise of goodness so he was careful. The man then walked up and introduced himself as Lord Malvado while extending his hand. Rich accepted the introduction and began to converse with him. As he continued to talk with Malvado, he became more convinced that he is a good person and began to relax. Malvado noticed this and began to chant under his breath a spell that would allow him to control his prey. As they continued to walk together, Malvado offered to take Rich to his house. Being under his spell Rich accepted and took the red gate with him to his Tower in Felucca. Once through the gate, a portion of the spell was weakening and Rich realized from the look of Malvado's tower that he wasn't on the side of good. Immediately Rich was able to break away from the spell and back away from Malvdo, who was snooping into Rich's pack. "Why have you brought me here, and what are your intentions?" barked Rich. Malvado's then released the spell he had on himself and his true form appeared. His guise was gone and he appeared as an evil looking creature under a black shroud of shadow. "My intentions?" replied Malvado. Snickering, he replied "to have fun, and to play with your soul after I kill you!" Rich not being prepared for any form of battle quickly began the casting of recall to get out of there as fast as he could. Not being quite fast enough, he was hit by 2 spells before being zipped away by his spell. Safely at home Rich quickly healed himself and sat down on the stairs of his home to think about what just transpired. Had evil now begun to search them out? Are his friends in danger?

   Meanwhile, back in Malvado's tower, the Evil One as he likes to be called was laughing out loud. Quickly opening a parchment that he had lifted off of Rich while he was under his trance, he began to read. While reading an evil smile came across his face and he whispered to himself, "so this is your next mission. I must prepare and begin the process of letting my fellow Feluccians know. They will not succeed if I have anything to do with it this time. Now, where did I put my communication crystal?"

   [Back to the top]
   

This site and it's contents may not be reproduced in total
or in part without the author's express written permission.
© 2003 GTH / Access of Evil