Kane and Thragga have just marched down out of the rugged Balagrim Mountains, on their way east across Anghara. It's a blustery day with low clouds, and a rainstorm threatening, and you'd sure both like to get out of the wet and damp after your trip. Up ahead is a village, a single main street and some houses in an L-shaped pattern. Thragga's nose twitches with the scent of burned wood, and you can see at least a few of the buildings are blackened from fire.
Thragga says, "I smell fresh smoke… Someone recently came through here!"
The two adventurers look down on the village from the hillside, the sight is a welcome one, but there is some danger afoot, obvious even from here.
Kane looks around warily then turns to Thragga and says, "Be on guard my friend, all is not well in this town."
Thragga says, "I think some looting may be going on...”
Kane and Thragga make their way down into the town, the villagers, used to outlanders passing through, give you wary glances as you head for the tavern. One sleepy farmer in a rocking chair looks Thragga up and down as the big Urag passes him.
Kane says, "At the very least there has been some fighting her recently."
The farmer leaps to his feet. He points at Thragga. "Foes! Raiders! Sharif, Rooker, come quickly!"
Kane shouts, "No! We are just here for some rest. We don't want any trouble."
Meanwhile, Sharif and Rooker are inside the tavern, planning.
Sharif says, sipping his ale, "So we have lost a very valuable ally...and friend. What should we do?"
Rooker says, "We cannot leave the villagers without help. And yet we cannot hope to survive the fight ourselves without aid."
Sharif says, "It is quite the dilemma...We need assistance...but whom?"
The shouting is audible even within the tavern. A call for help! Rooker jumps to his feet and runs out of the tavern, drawing his daggers as he runs.
Sharif sighs, also rising. "What is it now?"
Rooker sees a Reith walking side by side with a tall Urag, not an uncommon sight in this land, and one of the farmers is making a stir about the two of them.
Rooker bursts out the door of the inn and warily comes to a halt in front of the two strangers, daggers ready to throw if trouble appears.
Rooker says, "What is your business here, strangers?"
When Kane sees Rooker he assumes a fighting stance, but does not draw his word just yet.
Sharif follows after Rooker and waits to ready a spell.
The farmer shouts, "It's raiders, like them Tol Needruns, come ta kill us!"
Sizing up his opponents, Rooker murmurs to Sharif, "Get something ready to fry these two if they start trouble."
The wind picks up, whipping cloaks about and Kane's long hair back.
Kane says, "We are just passing through. Food and a bed for the night was all we intended."
Rooker says, "There's been too many strangers causing trouble around here lately. Tol Nedrans and their allies."
"It's an Urag!" a child shouts at Thragga.
Kane says, "I can see there has been some trouble here. I can assure you we do not ping more."
Rooker says, "What guarantees do we have of that?"
Kane says, "Listen, if need be we can just keep going. But it looks like this town could use some help."
A drizzle begins, spattering you all with raindrops.
Thragga says, "Do they want our help?"
Rooker smirks. "Are you offering assistance without knowing what it is we fight against?"
Thragga says, "Hell…do they –deserve- our help?"
Kane says, "Well then, if you don't mind me asking, what or who has caused all of this?"
Carefully sheathing his daggers, Rooker looks over the two men; "We fight Tol Nedran soldiers and a host of undead filth that may or may not include a mighty necromancer returned from the dead."
Kane says, "I'm sorry to hear the plague of the undead has spread here as well. This is a foe we are well use to fighting."
Rooker says, "If you are brave enough and foolish enough, we would be glad to have your aid in the fight."
Sharif says, "Yes, yes...There has been too much bloodshed. Let us buy you a drink."
Kane says, "Thragga, what do you say?"
The raindrops come more heavily now. Most of the villagers retreat indoors.
Thragga says, "Fighting the undead is always worthwhile, but will this town compensate us?"
Rooker flips his hood back and looks intently at the two fighters; "Please, there has been much life lost. Help us end it. You will have equal shares in whatever booty there is to be found."
Kane says, "I have dedicated my life to fighting the legions of the undead so I will help. Whatever compensation you feel like giving me will be appreciated."
Kane says, "Thragga will you make this your fight as well?"
Thragga says, "I want to know ahead of time what it is I am fighting for. It is a stupid man who throws himself in the middle of every fracas that comes his way."
Rain spatters your faces and hair, and makes the main street muddy.
Sharif says, "This indeed is the noblest of fights...against the foul unliving!"
Kane says, "Well I guess this isn't the first time I've been call stupid."
Thragga says, turning to his comrade, "Let the townspeople put up some money for us, we need to eat!"
Rooker laughs and smiles at the Urag. "For the townspeople, for the thrill of the fight, and for the money."
Rooker says, "Come, friend, there is ale and food in the tavern."
Thragga says, "Now we're talking!"
Kane follows Rooker and Sharif into the tavern.
Rooker moves toward the tavern and holds the door for their new allies.
You enter the tavern, where a warm fire burns in the hearth and farmers sit smoking pipes. Molly, the Tobon innkeeper, pours Rooker and Sharif fresh rounds and more loaves of brown bread.
"Who are your friends?" she asks.
Rooker says, "These are our new allies, Molly, get us all some ale and a plate of that hot stew, please."
Kane says, "I'm Kane and my green friend here is named Thragga."
The small woman looks way up at Thragga. Uraga are rare around here, although not unheard of. "Two portions for you," she says, and soon your bowls are full of stew and mugs full of ale.
As the group eats, Rooker begins to relate the events of the recent past.
Kane eats like a man who has not had a hot meal in a long time.
Rooker says, "The attacks started a few days ago with a bunch of ghouls. After we followed a group of soldiers out to the site of the Necromancers tower, the attacks increased in strength and we decided to scout around to find out what the Tol Nedrans were doing here. That's when the Wyvern got our friend, Thorn."
Thragga says, "Buuuurrrup"
The walls of the tavern flutter with Thragga's belch.
Kane says, "What happened to this friend of yours? Was he turned?"
Rooker says, "No, the foul bastards have a wyvern at their command. The thing’s stinger took our friend."
Sharif says, "Uh...but I'm sure two souls as brave as yourselves have nothing to worry about."
Kane says, "So he is not among the undead?"
Rooker says, "No. We hope to return him to the living as soon as we have defeated the monsters at hand."
Kane says, "Do you know who is raising the dead?"
Molly spoons more stew into Thragga's bowl.
Kane says, "So who do you believe is behind all of this?"
Rooker says, "We don't know yet who is behind this or why. We’ve just been trying to stop it before everyone for a hundred miles around is some kind of undead filth."
Rooker says, "So, if you two are game, we can start out for the tower as soon as we've eaten. Unless you need to rest first?"
Kane says, "Some rest would be good. We've traveled all day."
"And we're all most grateful for it," purrs a voice. Kallea, mistress of the local roadhouse, seats herself near the fire, dressed in a revealing red gown.
Thragga says, "I am in a better disposition now, I'm ready whenever you guys are."
Rooker says, "Ummm, yes, I could probably use some rest before we set out as well."
Rooker smiles at Kallea.
Suddenly serious, Rooker turns back to the table; "We might want to consider setting a watch over the town tonight. The foul creatures have attacked at night almost every time."
Kane says, "I can see your stay here has had its advantages…Can the locals stand watch?"
"The people here are simple farmers, sir. All of our young men are off in the Baron's wars." pipes up Molly.
Rooker says, "They could sound an alarm, but they really have no skill for fighting."
Thragga puts his big feet up to the fire and takes out some tobacco.
Rooker says, "Perhaps a townsman in team with each of us would be better, Molly."
The rain pounds down on the roof of the tavern.
Kane says, "All I'm proposing is just that. Keep watch and then sound an alarm if there's trouble."
Thragga says, "Their screams as they die will alert us."
One of the farmers says, "Aye, we can do that, good sir."
Rooker says, "Two men together are better than one alone. Less chance of a man falling asleep as well."
Thragga rolls a big handmade cigar.
Kane says, "Perhaps then we should take shifts."
Sharif says, "Gentlemen...perhaps we should stay on our toes. Last night's raid was quite dangerous, and we need our wits about us."
Rooker says, "Agreed, my friend. If no one objects, I will take the first shift after dark. The rest of you can work out whatever arrangements you wish."
Thragga leans over to Kallea and smiles a silly leering smile
Kallea sizes up Thragga with a professional glance. She's an attractive brunette, in her late 20s, and all business.
Thragga says, looking at Kallea, "..Once you go green....you know what I mean?...” He smiles and winks.
Kallea grins. "You're pretty cute for an Urag. You know, we can pay you in other ways besides money."
Thragga says, “Must be my charm shinning through, I know my face looks like a football."
The night's first watch begins. Rooker goes outside in the rain while Kane tucks in and gets some sleep.
Sharif says, "Perhaps Rooker and Kane should take the first shift...then myself and Thragga"
Sharif retires to a private room to refresh his magical energies
Kane says to Rooker, "I guess we can let the farmers catch some sleep."
The night passes without incident, and the spring rain is warm and continuous. Rooker's shift on patrol is quiet, and then the second shift is also quiet. Too quiet.
The rain is making a sea of mud of the streets and fields around the village when you rise.
Thragga turns to the others. "So. Men... when do we fight? The undead do not play in the daylight."
Rooker says, "No, but their Tol Nedran allies do."
Rooker says, "First, we find them. Then we kill them."
Kane is up early. He is preparing for the day’s work.
Rooker says, "And I must say that you both look like just the type for a seek-and-destroy fight like this."
Kane says, "Well then let’s be off. Lead us to this den of the dead."
You pack several days worth of provisions, lanterns, torches, spikes, oil flasks...and ride forth towards the tower.
Rooker, Kane and Sharif mount up on stout Ress ponies and head off for the sunken tower; "This way, lads,” says Rooker.
Thragga will not ride, as an orc, but lopes along in his magic boots, keeping pace easily.
Thragga says, "Horses are good for stew only!”
Bags loaded, Rooker canters through the rainy morning, leading the way to the site of the Sunken Tower.
Sharif and Kane follow on their ponies, with Thragga racing through the mud on his feet. Magical boots let him keep up speed. He can even leap 10 feet into the air, if he wishes.
The tower used to stand atop a pillar of rock overlooking a wide valley, but when the necromancer was killed, his tower sunk into the pillar and disappeared.
Sharif says, "We have been here several times now...the site of that rock still sends shivers down my spine."
The pillar of stone, several hundred feet tall, is surrounded by a vast graveyard. As you approach the site, through the woods, the weather grows worse, wind kicking up, rain pouring down, soaking your clothes, hair and armor. Lightning from the mountains streaks the sky.
Sharif says, "This is quite an unnatural storm!"
You reach the edge of the woods. There's a bare expanse of graveyard, between you and the rock wall, crosses and headstones dotting the landscape randomly.
Once you cross the graveyard, you can either climb the rock to where you fought the wyvern, or you can seek the entrance to the dining hall you found before.
A bolt of lightning crackles across the rain swept sky, and then another.
Rooker says, "Let's get out of this weather before one of us gets zapped."
The mid-morning storm cascades water down.
It's too muddy for Thragga to track much of anything. He scouts the graveyard briefly before shaking his head in discouragement.
Rooker surveys the cliff face in the rain; "It's too slick to chance it. If that wyrm came back while we were climbing, it could get messy."
Rooker has led the way across the graveyard and you all cluster under an overhang, out of the rain for a moment.
Kane says, "Lead on then friend."
Sharif moves towards the entrance crack pulling his cloak tightly around him
As Rooker steps out from under the overhang, a muddy hand reaches out of the ground at his feet, grabbing at his heel.
Lightning sizzles across the sky.
Another hand rises from the ground, trying to seize Sharif's ankle.
Kane draws his sword.
Calling on his Alertness and Acrobatics skills, Rooker rolls away from the hand and comes up ready to fight with daggers in hand.
All around, a dozen figures are rising from the muddy graves. Rotted flesh, ragged clothes and armor, hang from their bones.
Sharif says, "Heaven protect us!""
Rooker rolls to his feet, weapons sliding into his hands.
Lighting crackles again as the zombie figures rise up in a horrid tableau.
Thragga says, gripping his axe tightly, "The hounds of hell unleashed...ready all!!!"
Howling Thorn's name as a war cry, Rooker rushes the closest zombie with his daggers flashing.
The zombies wield massive curved axes and are protected by ancient chain mail.
Sharif raises his arms and traces a mystic circle in the air around himself.
Rooker's daggers move in a flashing blur in the lightning, both striking home.
Kane draws his sword and slashes at the nearest zombie in a blaze of fire.
Thragga races forward, striking with his axe.
Kane's fiery sword slices into the flesh of his opponent.
Kane cleaves his foe in half, and Rooker's opponent is shredded by dagger cuts.
Thragga's axe slices through the neck of his opponent, head rolling to a stop at Sharif's feet.
In the mud and confusion, the zombie attacks all fail. The zombies crowd more closely, pressing their attack.
Lightning crackles again, and the rain pours down even harder.
Kane swings his flaming sword over his head and attacks the next nearest zombie.
Thragga goes for the next creepy in line.
Whirling about as his first opponent drops into the mud, Rooker lunges at a shuffling zombie.
Kane's slice misses as the zombie slips in the mud, grasping at Kane's ankles.
Rooker's daggers flash into zombie flesh.
Thragga's axeblow slices into the ribcage of his opponent.
Rooker's foe goes down, falling backwards in a pool of filth and decay.
Lightning crackles once, twice, giving the scene a lurid glare.
Thragga's foe is cloven in half, the upper part falling at his feet, the lower part spraying him with rancid gore.
The wickedly curved axe slams into Rooker's shoulder as the zombie strikes.
Kane's foe falls backwards into an open grave, and Thragga's foe misses.
Because of the stumble, Kane’s foe cannot attack him, but Rooker and Thragga's enemies advance, swinging axes.
Rooker and Thragga dodge the zombie blows easily.
Sharif says, pointing into the air above, "My friends!!! Move quickly to the crack in the rock...the WYVERN is back!!!!!"
Thragga tosses his axe from left hand to right, sneers, and charges at a zombie.
Lighting crackles again.
Kane stabs down at the fallen zombie in the pit.
Sharif says, "Quickly you fools!!!"
Rooker fights his way toward the crack, attacking another zombie as he moves.
Kane stabs down through the zombie's open mouth, shattering its skull into flinders.
Rooker slices at his foe twice, and Thragga also strikes his own foe.
Rooker's foe goes down in pieces.
Thragga's axe hacks at his foe, but the zombie does not fall. It hisses foul breath at him and raises its own axe to strike.
Sharif says, "Move...quickly!!!!!"
Kane slashes into the on coming zombie.
The zombie sidesteps Thragga's blow and strikes the Urag in his armored helmet.
Screaming as he moves, Rooker breaks off his attack and sprints for the crack leading into the sunken tower; "Run for it!!!"
Rooker and Kane's foes fail to strike home.
Sharif waves at his comrades, motioning them into the crack.
In the rain, a large shadow looms above you, a winged shape turns and hisses. It remembers your smell, you who wounded it!
Rooker motions for Sharif to run ahead to safety.
Kane makes a break for the opening in the distance.
Rooker sprints as quickly as he can, keeping his head low. "Come on, Thragga!"
As you all retreat, the zombies charge forward, hacking and chopping.
Kane says, "Hurry my friend!""
A zombie's axe catches Thragga in the small of his back as he turns to follow.
Seeing Thragga get hit, Kane turns back to aid his friend.
Rooker and Sharif race for the opening. Kane and Thragga turn to go as well, but Thragga is hit and Kane remains behind.
The four zombies swarm the two warriors.
Thragga yells, “Ahhhhg! Lets get ‘em!”
The wyvern swoops down on Sharif out in front. Its hot breath sweeps over you, as lightning flares. It will be on you in a trice.
Kane attacks the zombie who has just struck Thragga.
Murmuring under his breath, Rooker seems to blur slightly as he Speeds to his friends aid.
Sharif raises his arms...a bright sphere forming in his hands. He hurls the sphere at the dark creature as it approaches.
Kane slips in the muddy downpour, sprawling across a low headstone.
In a blaze of speed, Rooker rushes into the fray, daggers flashing as he attacks the zombies.
There's an enormous furious screech from above as a dazzling flare lances from Sharif into the wyvern's face. The creature hovers above you, blinded, berserk with rage, as lightning crackles again.
Kane regains his footing and gets back up on his feet.
Rooker is a blur of knives and action, all of his attacks striking home.
Sharif says, "MOVE!!!!!!"
Sharif races towards the crack in the rock, knowing that the wyvern is still dangerous.
The wounded wyvern flaps overhead, screeching and flapping, but impotent. It races for altitude and safety.
Sharif says, "Rooker! There's someone watching us from the cliff!"
The zombie raises its axe to strike, but Thragga cuts it in half with a slashing cut.
The remaining zombie chops at Kane as he rises, but misses.
There's a dim shape visible on the cliff far overhead. Lightning illuminates a figure in dark hooded robes. There's a moment of darkness, and when lightning flashes again, the shape is gone.
Sharif says, "I think we've found the necromancer!"
Kane regains his footing and attacks the nearest zombie.
Rooker spins toward the final zombie and wants to fling his daggers at the fiend, but holds.
Lightning must have blinded you both. Kane's sword slips from his wet hand and Thragga's axe misses.
The zombie hacks at Kane.
The zombie's attack misses, but Kane's weapon is lost in the mud.
Rooker screams into the wind; "Duck, now!"
Sharif watches Rooker work.
Kane drops to the ground.
Rooker flings his daggers at the remaining zombie.
Kane searches for his sword when down on the ground.
The daggers both strike the zombie, punching through its flesh and dropping it into a muddy hole.
Thragga's vicious chop slices the creature in half from the skull down. They fall into the mud with a wet schlopp!
Rain beats down on the eerie scene of dismembered body parts, mud, and lightning-lit cliffs.
Rooker says, "Let's get inside."
As Kane fetches his sword from the mud, Rooker moves quickly to retrieve his daggers and then all head for the entrance to the tower.