Heroes come in all shapes and sizes (IC)

[milkmaiden38]

The historical relationship between lizardmen and dragons is complex to say the least. The twenty part tome called the short history of lizardmen societies in the pre-Nardel era … is a testament to this complexity. Several books are devoted just to this subject. However, all that can be boiled down to the following points.

- Some Lizardmen believe they are directly descended from dragons. Dragons are viewed almost as gods to them … or at least demi-gods.

- Both races are coldblooded and have similar features, forked tongues, scales, born from eggs, etc. Naturally, this leads to common ground and them work together.

- Some dragons have used lizardmen as servants, (slaves?) and are almost always in charge ... ordering the lizardmen about.

- Many dragons tend to look down on the lizardmen. This is primarily due to the fact that a dragon is physically stronger. In effect, some lizardmen tend to be irritated by dragons.

With this as a background, the lizardmen's answers to Nas questions can be placed into context.

The lizardmen’s eyes grew wide, as they stared at the mighty Dragon. One of the group was brave enough to speak back to him.

*"Greetings great serpent-kin"* he hissed back to Nas *"There has been trouble in these parts … strange sightings and sabotage … a few caravans have not shown up as expected. We have not found the cause*” He replied to Nas first question. He looked over to the humans and halfing as he answered the second of Nas questions “*These mammals have been fair to work with … the real leader is the mayor. And he is serpent-kin"*

As the Lizardman completed his answer, the heroes noticed that groups of people had come out of their homes and businesses to watch the possible confrontation. Even children came over to watch. Some trying to get closer but were held back by their parents. Then the mayor of Fourwinds came into view. He was a Lizardman named Veric.

http://vastcyclopeanvistas.files.wordpress.com/2011/08/crocodile-man.jpg

He was under a lot of pressure from the townsfolk lately because of numerous strange things that had happen in the town. The heroes could tell just from his stride and posture he was not in a good mood.

He was talking to the human militia captain “Lookkk wess pay youuu to defenddd the townnn … thesess are decisions you should be makingggsss.” He said with a slight hiss to the end of his words.

Then he looked closer at the group of travelers, his eyes staying the longest on the dragon and knight. It was clear he had never seen such things before in his life. The size of the dragon alone impressed him. The knight had a strange magical feel about him. But he pulled himself together and his attitude shifted to warmth as he addressed Isola “I’m Mayorrrss Vericccss … welcome to ourrss townss. My Militia Captainss hass beenss very brave to stopss you … butss also quite foolish. I believess you are more than capabless of levelingss this townsss and killingss everyonesss in itsss.” He hissed looking over to his militia captain.

“What do you needsss … and howss can I helpsss yousss?” He asked

“Where can we buy some more supplies” Isola asked

“Down the mainss north-south streetss there are shopsss, the merchantsss can sell you commonly needed traveling itemsss. Mostss of the merchantsss have merchandisess to be purchasedss but this is our slow seasonss … so there might be some shortagesss. The Swamp Donkey Pub wouldn’t have any shortagessss … plenty to eat and drink. If you wish to worshipss … the Allur temple of light holdsss servicesss at the break of dawn each day …” He explained looking back at Isola.

“The Swamp Donkey Pub … that is where I’m headed!” Zarik stated firmly “I hope it is not full of Asses!” He laughed at his play on words … Isola said to herself but loud enough for everyone to hear … “Well, when you enter it …it will have at least one!”

“Bull” He replied smiling at her.

Isola turned back to the Mayor … “What about a guide to The Tomb of Ardel?” She asked throwing a smile back at the Lizardman mayor. She was starting warm up to this lizardman. She had never met one before and was interested by him. On the one hand, he was cold blooded, covered in a thick scaled hide, and had a mouth full of sharp teeth. Not exactly her type! On the other hand … He seemed smart, capable, and willing to be as helpful as possible … it made for a repulsive – attractive combination … kind of like sweet and sour.

“Devon Hillsongss is the local rangerss … he knowsss these partsss …he can lead you to the tomb. I’ll send word ...that you would like to talk to himss” He said “Can I escort you to the pubss … it would be my pleasuress to buy everyone their first set of drinksss.”

 

[DeathsKnight]

"No need to send word major."

Devon slid down the roof, grabbed hold of the edge and swung himself down, landing lightly, he looked over at the knight,

"Well well the undead yet not undead knight, I heard many bards sing your praises and if I am not wrong whispers of more dead sent to your lady."

He looked at Nas next,

"Now that is a big guy, you sure it's safe to let him travel into town? Perhaps he should skirt it."

He looked at Zarik,

"A minotaur out of his armor, now that is a sight to remember, may your axe be as sharp as an elf's wit big guy."

His eyes found those of Megan,

"I thought your kind do not travel so far from home, it is an honor to meet one of your kin."

His eyes settled on Isola last,

"It seems that you travel with higly noted company...you need a guide to the tombs, as the major stated, I will take you, but my oath to protect the forest and all that dwells within it comes first."

He ran his eyes over the group again, then shrugged,

"Rest and prepare, once you are ready I will be waiting."

He turned to leave

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Overseer and Blin Bloodknuckle

The blank, lifeless faces of the overseer's scouts grabbed Blin and dragged him closer to the Overseer. They pulled back his rag cloak hood exposing Blin’s face to the Overseer. Blin face was only inches away from the Overseer’s face and it was horrible to look upon. The creature had no nose at all, his eyes were pools of blackness, and when he opened his mouth, Blin could see, that he had fangs like a predator. His skin was a deep red across his face and body. He wore a breast plate and armored skirt and armored boots.

The Overseer was a demon … not a demon lord …but one of their powerful minions. His arms and legs were easily twice as thick as a human's, and he was as tall as the minotaur, Blin had seen earlier in the day. Blin wondered what would happen if that Minotaur and this creature met in battle …who would win? … it was hard to tell. But there would be lots of sparks when their weapons clashed … both were powerful creatures!

Lastly, crawling under the skin of the demon … there was strange spider like patterns, convulsing, and wiggling all across the exposed parts of his skin.

The voice returned to his mind. "YOU DO NOT ANSWER ME!" It yelled and a mental lash stuck his mind … through the collar … Blin did not cry out … he held his lips to not scream at the intense pain … Blin did not want to show pain or fear to this monster.

“TELL ME WHAT YOU SAW!!”

Blin felt the collar heating up and searing him as smoke rose from it.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isola turns on the charm! Result ... Epic fail!

Isola watched in wonder as the ranger slide down the roof of the building, grabbed the edge, swung over and landed lightly. He looked as strong as capable as any fighter, lean and fit, but he was all ranger. The glint in his eyes … and the words he used … his confidence even when facing a massive dragon and undead knight …his baring … all seemed royal …but he did not dress that way. He wore a forest green cloak … bow on his back, long sword at his waist. His eyes were intense with determination … but behind that … there was twinkle, a sexy twinkle, one of a charmer. He seemed familiar … it was like he was out of a dream.

“THE MOONWELL IMAGE …he was the man they had seen in the moonwell image!” She thought to herself. A sexy smile slipped on her lips, as she subtly stepped to one side blocking the ranger’s full view of Megan Frostblood. Isola stood a little straighter, proudly displaying her figure and she tilted her head a bit … so she was looking through her upper eye lashes at the ranger …a welcoming friendly smile on her face. Then he spoke to her.

"It seems that you travel with highly noted company...you need a guide to the tombs, as the mayor stated, I will take you, but my oath to protect the forest and all that dwells within it comes first." Then their eyes broke contact as he looked over the group of heroes again.

"Rest and prepare, once you are ready I will be waiting." He turned to leave

Isola wanted to say something but could not think of anything to say … Normally the right words just came to her … but not now … she was completely tongue tied.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut al Feres

He waited to see the concubine could say anything to make the ranger stay, yet she only stood there with what he gathered would be a sexy look.

"Wait good Ranger."

He waited for the man to turn his attention back to them,

"Surely you will not mind a flagon or two, I shall pay for the precense of your company."


Devon Hillsong

The cold voice which sounded like the grave stopped him and sent a shiver up his spine, he turned back to face the group. He notice that the knight did not state pleasure but precense, it just reminded him who and what the knight was. He considered the offer and nodded,

"Well why not, I'm sure a flagon will go down nicely after a day like today."

He motioned to the major,

"Why not lead ahead your excellence?"

He glanced at Nas, he saw the wonderment in the eyes of the lizard men, but the coloring seemed off, what was the story behind this dragon?

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Mayor had been watching Isola with keen interest. He had seen her looks and her welcoming display. However the lizardman had thought her subtle advances had been directed towards him! He was a man of power and authority. He was use to people being extra nice to him, trying to currier favor … and he had heard about some women being turned on by a man’s position. He had never thought a human woman would be interested … but what else could explain her sexual behavior?

“Yesss … Madam” He said offering Isola his arm. Isola was not sure what to do. She did not want to take it … but that would be really awkward. So she grabbed his arm and the lizardman mayor led her to the pub. The rest of the group followed.

They all sat together as they waited for the drinks to arrive. Veric had been a gentleman and pull her chair out for her … and then sat next to her. Isola had wanted to sit next to Devon … but that was not possible. She saw the ranger sat next to Maut al Feres and Megan. “UGH!!” she thought this could not get any worse.

There was nothing she could do at this point without making a scene. So she started talking to Veric, and to her surprise, she found what he had to say very interesting.

She learned that Veric was an orphan who’s father and mother were killed before he was born. Lizardmen are born from eggs and normally orphaned eggs are not cared for and die. However, there was one human in that lizardman town … that just could not let that happen. She became his adopted mother, caring for the egg until he was born. She raised him, like she would a human child in that small lizardman town, called Riverglen in the south part of the dead forest.

Veric told her of spending his boyhood days delving into the swamp near his home. In one of his adventures he uncovered a small treasure chest that contained gold. Taking the gold he decided it was time to make something of himself. He took his mother and moved to the larger and more human town of Fourwinds. He was hired out as a sword to protect caravans going through the swamp. It was here that he met a female friend Evirial. She was a half-elf and he had deep crush on her. Attracted to her half-elven beauty, maybe because he had been raised by a human mother … but he knew he loved her. He also knew she would reject him based upon his race. So he never said anything … not wanting to ruin their good friendship.

“She wasss killed by a goblin raid on a caravan, we weress protecting about a year latersss. I wassss ssso upset I killed all the ambushing goblinsss … sssingle handedly. I became a kind of local herosss. I ran for mayor and wonsss.” He said ending his tale.

“So she never knew about your feelings?” Isola asked.

“No … I wassss too afraid to ssssay anything to her ... I jussst could not.” He said shaking his large alligator like head. “I kind of regret that decisssion now. But it isss too late now… ssshe isss dead” He concluded looking at Isola.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas watched the newcommer, this person whom he assumed was the Ranger mentioned, wander off with the others in tow. Whatever he was, nas took an instant dislike to him. He didn't know any of the ranger-folk, but he knew of them; mostly from those who were begging for their lives before Nas ate them. rangers were often employed to lead would-be heroes and dragon slayers to Nas's doorstep, then conveniently leave before the fighting began.

The dragon heaved a great sigh; once again being left behind so the mammals could do their little social rituals and preening. Ah well. At least this settlement had a bit more promise with the lizard folk present. Maybe he would even amuse himself with the very tiny so-called militia mammal. But first, Nas considered business before pleasure. Everyone seemed focused on finding the Tomb, but Nas did not think that the Tomb was the greatest concern right now, things were never so easy as that. Whatever else was happening, there was an enemy posed against them, and as such, the dragon knew that this enemy was not from nor centered in the Tomb of Ardel.

*"So then,"* Nas continued in his own language, looking back towards the lizard-man who had the courage to speak. *" You mentioned sightings and sabotage, tell me about it."*

 

[milkmaiden38]

*"Great serpent-kin"* he hissed back to Nas *"I’m not sure what I am allowed to tell you, I take my orders from the Mayor …”* He was going to say more but he saw Nas’ eyes narrow in irritation. Braguss was the lizardman’s name; he was one of the lizardmen from the school of thought that dragons took advantage of lizardmen. Ordering them about, treating them like servants. However, now that he faced a real life dragon, the thing frankly scared the shit out of him.

“Wait” he told Nas quietly … He followed Nas, leaving the other lizardman behind and out of ear shot. Then he continued to talk.

*”I’m loyal to this town and its mayor … but I feel our interests are align in this situation. I cannot fully explain why … but by helping you I think I will be helping this town.” He shook his head, talking a bit to himself “A helpful dragon …I have never heard of such a thing … but neither have I heard of a dragon which travels with other creatures, like humans and minotaurs …”

Then he looked back at Nas “Here is what I know …Mercus is a young human boy that lives in this town … He is a born liar and tends to tell lies mixed with the truth … to make himself … the center of attention … or seem important…” Braguss explained.

“The boy told us a week ago … about seeing blank, lifeless people within the swamp … he said they had pale skin … almost like undead people. With them he spoke of a giant creature …it had red skin and fangs …like a demon. The boy lies so much … but this time he was acting really scared. The mayor sent out a patrol and we found tracks, smaller ones and one set of large tracks. It seemed to confirm the boy’s story.”

Braguss continued we followed the tracks and found a small camp site. It had been abandoned … but the former dwellers had left behind a series of skulls. Human, elf, lizardmen, goblin, all kinds. All lined up in a neat row. There was no rotting flesh on them. Picked clean.

The sabotage ... we found floating in the town’s only water supply, black lotus flowers. A deadly poison to lizard folk, luckily the town’s priest/cleric knew a cure and the water was restored to drinkability.

Finally a few caravans have not shown up as expected… this might not mean anything that happens this time of year, mainly due to weather. But with everything else going on … everyone is on edge. The mayor has ordered a doubling of patrols. But we have not found anyone or seen anything else strange … besides your group’s arrival.” He finished

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon Hillsong

He was introduced to the Illumian called Megan Frostblood, the knight paid for the flagon, totally ignoring the mayor's offer to buy the first round and then those twin lights settled on him.

"Hillsong...any relation to Brandu Hillsong?"

Devon nodded, he still felt chills at the cold voice,

"He was my grandfather."

A slight harump met this revelation,

"Yet you are a ranger?"

Devon sighed,

"Yes, I chose this life above the other, serve for once instead of being served."

The faceless helmet tilted slightly to one side,

"You are a curious noble blood, tell me of the magicks of this place."

This made Devon frown, he took a sip of ale, then looked at the knight,

"There is none that I'm aware of, the closest thing to magic that I know of is the clerics over at the temple..."

Maut looked at Megan,

"Magick was used upon our arrival, it felt familiar."

Devon glanced at the girl, she was pretty, but he knew Illumian tales and knew it to be better to not get too involved with her now.

"Something is stirring in the swamp, even the snakes are scared."

This brought the knight's attention back to him,

"For the past month animals moved out to the edges of the swamp, I went to investigate, expecting poison. What I found was worse, groups of animals, gator, snake, birds, fish even a small family of deer, all of them dead in various locations. It wasn't poison, of that I am sure, if this wasn't strange enough, the corpses didn't have a mark on them, cause of death seemed like they grew old and died...in seconds."

He shook his head,

"Like their life force had just been sucked out of them, the tracks I found made no sense and seemed to vanish. I have called for help from other rangers, but for now I'm the only one who has to try and sort out this puzzle."

"What of the vegetation?"

The question caught Devon by surprise, he though back,

"It was dead around them, like they had been caught in a circle."

The clawed gauntlets of the knight clenched and the air seemed to drop a few degrees,

"Thank you ranger."

Devon wasn't sure about what he was thanked, but nodded

Maut al Feres

The ranger's story explained the magick, it was of demonic origin, it was close to the town, yet his lady's touch was not eminent. He stared at Isola and Zarik, they will have to know that a demon or even more demons were near the town. His senses swept the area and found that the swamp was littered with dead, enough to raise a small army...he could not sense any gerlaks, but that didn't mean they weren't there.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Nas contemplated the lizardlings words, and the thoughts were not soothing.

*" You have done well in telling me these things. If you or your kin should hear of anything else odd while I am here, come and tell me. "*

Nas's head bent lower before speaking again. *" In helping me, I shall help you; Go back to your clans and tell your kin that demon blood churns, nightmares rise and war comes. I do not wish to see our serpent-kin taken unprepared."*

The dragon settled down in the nearby clearing next to the town wall.

"*"Tell your mayor to store food and water. There will be no more caravans I think. Most importantly, when this evil comes, take nothing from them, not insult, nor trophy; burn it all and let it fall to ash."*

The dragon's eyes closed but not before offering one final word of advice:

*" When you find this saboteur in your midst, burn that too. "*

 

[milkmaiden38]

A Dare

It was later that same night. The adventurers were still in the pub drinking and eating. But the rest of the town was quiet except for some young boys that were gathered only about 100 yards away from Nas, behind a low rock wall. Their heads would pop up every so often trying to figure out how to get closer to the huge dragon without getting noticed. In their low whispers to each other, they were all trying to sound extra tough and brave. There were 4 human boys, and a lizardman youngling. They were all roughly 12 years old … and they had dared each other to touch the dragon while he was sleeping.

They had of course snuck out of their homes that night, not telling their parents a thing. Now was the moment of truth and all of them were having big second thoughts about the stupidity of this dare. But none of them could back out now. Finally, the leader of this bunch said “we will draw straws … shorts one goes first” He declared.

He got some straws and arranged in his clenched fist. Each boy picked and Awanda, a blonde hair boy ended up with the shortest straw.

He peeked one more time over the rock wall. The 100 yards of open field that lead to the dragon was dimly lit. Only a small part of the moon was up tonight and a few torches from the distant town provided any light.

He thought that was good. The dragon would not be able to see him, if anything went wrong. Of course dragons were not like humans and their night vision was excellent, but being only 12 he did not know that. He slipped over the wall and made sure he made no noise at all. All his friends’ heads “popped” up over the wall to watch him.

His body shaking in fear … he slowly started sneaking toward the dragon. He headed for the monster’s tail … As if this was safer being farther from Nas’ mouth of sharp teeth and his fiery breath. Of course this was complete folly, one twitch of Nas’ tail and this five foot five inch, 90 pound, 12 year old would go flying over the town and into the swamp beyond. The impact of the tail to his body would crush him to a pulp!

He steadied his nerves by telling himself that the dragon was in a deep sleep. He snuck closer and closer and started to smell the dragon. The slight sulfur odor tickled his nose … what if he sneezed! He stood still for a second … until his nose got use to the smell. Then he moved closer … and looked around … to make sure there was nothing in the field that would cause the dragon to hear his approach. Like a twig breaking … or the crunch of a dry leaf.

As his eyes returned to the dragon he was only 20 feet away … he could see the flanks of the great beast moving slowly as the dragon breathed. Being very quiet he snuck closer … now only 5 feet away … Without so much as a noise, he reached forward and touched the dragon’s scaly hide with the tip of his finger. He had done it! He turned back to his friends and gave them the thumbs up sign.

Then total fear gripped him …as his friends eyes grew wide in pure terror. Something was horrible wrong! The boy turned slowly back towards the dragon and now faced the dragon's huge head! The eyes of the dragon looked angry, and Nas opened his massive mouth.

 

[milkmaiden38]

How to ruin a fun evening …mention there is a Mesobulbron nearby!

Megan had been having a great time. Watching Isola get herself into this awkward and very funny jam was as entertaining as a troop of minstrels! She saw how the lizardman looked at Isola and she had overheard his story of lost love. It was such a heart wrenching story … she want to sleep with the big alligator … just so he could experience love from a human female.

Then every once in a while Isola would look over to Megan and Devon, trying to find out how the two were getting along. Megan would just smile and giggle like Devon had told a joke or something. This drove Isola crazy with envy. Of course Devon might be thinking Megan was a big nut case by now. Giggling for unknown reasons, but it was too much fun to tease the big breasted concubine.

Then she overhead Devon had noble blood. If Isola ever found out … she would be all over him … like bee to honey!!

Then Megan had overheard Devon’s statement about the dead vegetation in the shape of a circle. She got deadly serious. All the fun had been sucked out of her. The joy from her face gone. She looked over to Maut. “You suspect a Mesobulbron” She asked the dead knight in a quiet voice so as not to alarm anyone else at the table.

Maut just nodded yes.

Devon Hillsong’s ears work well enough to overhear Megan’s question. But before he could say anything, Zarik snapped his fingers to call the bar wench over.

Zarik “out of control” at the Swamp Donkey Pub!

Zarik signal the young serving wench to come to their table. He had been drinking beer with his meal … but now he wanted something more. “An after dinner drink would hit the spot” he thought.

“I have been told … there is a very special drink your town makes … Fourwinds Anterian Brandy … I believe it is called.” Zarik said. “I would like to try some”

At this statement, the Mayor got a worried look on his face … “Zarikss … that isss a very powerful drinkss … can I recommend trying ssssome of our sweet cordials inssstead” He hissed.

“Thank you mayor … but I want some Fourwinds Anterian Brandy and a smoke. Do you have some dwarven smoke tobacco as well?” He asked the barmaid.

“Yes … I shall get some” She said and she turned to acquire the items requested. The Mayor continued to look worried.

“What is so special about this drink?” Isola asked the mayor.

“Fourwinds Anterian Brandy is a heavenly drink … made by a small group of dwarves that live just east of the town. They are skilled in the art of brewing. The secret of how the brandy is made is well guarded” Veric said

Zarik laughed “Some secret …an old timer told me … that the dwarves use water from the swamp as their secret ingredient”

“Pure sssspeculation” Veric answered. “No one really knows what the secret ingredient is ... only the dwarvesss. Now let me finisssh anssswering the beautiful young lady’sss quessstion” Veric said looking at Isola with affection in his eyes.

“Once tasssted, the drinker mussst have a will of iron … or become addicted to the drink. Only elvesss are not affected by itssss habit–forming flavor.”

“Damn those point ears … I must try it … just so I can again best the elves!” Zarik interrupted again. Now both Isola and Veric looked at him. “MMM …sorry … please continue” He apologized.

“Many an elf hasss drunk a ssstout hearty–drinking dwarf under the table via thisss drink. Many that firssst tassste it … just a sssingle ounce … fall into a drunken ssstupor unlessss they are exceptional ssstrong. After recovering from the firssst drink, the drinker can ssslowly begin to drink additional amountsss of the brandy before overdoing it. After ssuccessssfully drinking a gallon of the brew, the drunken ssstuporsss will ceassse, and the drinker will be able to enjoy this elixir asss if it were a normal brandy.” The Mayor explained. “I recommend NOT trying it”

“Mayor … I go to an abandon tomb of one of the most power wizard this land has ever seen. I may not live to become addicted to this most famous drink. I can only live once” He looked over to Maut “Not like some of us … and I choose to try this drink”

“I wish to try it as well” Megan Frostblood said … stunning everyone at the table. The barmaid had heard her request and signaled she would bring two glasses.

The barmaid returned and placed the tobacco and two small glasses filled with cobalt blue, naturally cool, sweet–smelling liquor. Zarik grabbed the glasses boldly and handing one to Megan “May this be as sweet as milk from a pregnant cow”

She looked at the drink … studying it for a few seconds … her mind whirling. Then she looked up.

“Ready?” Zarik asked.

“Yes” she said and they both down the drink. Zarik swayed a bit almost falling over … but the big bull used all his will power … and did not. “Ohhhhh that is GOOOOOD” he groaned his face showing him to almost be in an orgasmic condition of pure pleasure.

Megan stared straight ahead, she squeaked “OH WOW!!” and then her eyes closed and she fell face first towards the table. Devon grabbed her before her face hit … preventing a nasty bruise to her face.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon tilted Megan's head to the side and gently lowered her head further, a small smirk on his face,

"Chalk up another victim for the brandy."

He looked at the huge minotaur and chuckled,

"Good luck with the next one, they kick harder before it gets better, believe me I tried it once."

He looked at Maut,

"Before acting senseless and drinking with the bull she mentioned a Mesobulbron, what is that?"

The knight retold all that he knew and Devon frowned,

"A creature like that, directed by demons..."

He scratched his beard,

"The patrols did mention strange tracks, it looked strange, but it could only be demon tracks in the swamp near the town. I really need to shave."

His last remark drew a mirthless chuckle from the knight and again he shivered, he eyed the tobacco,

"Zarik, what is the chance that I can have a pipe-fill of the dwarven tobacco?"

 

[milkmaiden38]

The minotaur was clearly under the influence. However, he did not have a second round. He filled his pipe and handed the remaining dwarven tobacco to Devon.

“Enjoy” He said as he took a puff on his pipe “ … AHHHH… ” he said tasting the wonderful smoke. “There are some things those tough short people do well … drink and tobacco are included.”

Isola saw her chance. It was going to hurt …and she probably would not feel good in the morning. But she thought “if I drink the brandy … and pass out, I will not have to say no to the mayor …If I don’t pass out … Devon will be impressed that I’m tougher than Megan. I can’t lose!” She smiled at the Devon and told the barmaid “You know … I believe I would like to try some of that brandy as well.”

The mayor just shook his head “Humansss … they can be so foolisssh! But after hearing what lurksss in the ssswamp … I think I underssstand … Pleassse bring me one asss well”

The drinks arrived quickly and Isola grabbed hers. “Catch me when I faint” She said to the Zarik. Veric answered “Don’t worry I will catch you … I have had plenty of thisss brew … I ssshall not fall over.”

She smiled at him “Thanks … that is most kind of you.” She said and she drank it. “MMMM, that is so sweet … so good … OH WOW …I LOVE it!”

Isola did not faint and only seem very tipsy. After about a minute Isola said “I feel pretty good right now … I can’t believe I did not faint!” Veric was amazed. “I have never seen a human weather that drink as well as you, well except perhaps Devon” He said looking over at the ranger. “Perhaps there is some elven in your blood.”

Zarik grumbled “I hope not!” Everyone laughed.

Those at the table with keen eyes may have notice that the large green emerald hanging from Isola necklace dulled for a second when she drank the brew. Once a day the gem can cure poison, saving the wearing, the magic in the gem had cleaned the brandy of its most powerful effects.

Zarik blew a great smoke ring and said. “Now is a good time for singing. Isola can you provide the tune … to accompany me?”

“Sure … big guy …” Isola answered … her words slurring a little bit. She pulled out a small flute like instrument.

“… The slaying song … hopeful you all know the words!” Zarik told everyone at the table.

Zarik had a rich deep voice … and he sang strong and true. (for the reader …the tune is set to jiggle bells)

"Slashing through our foes
With a good two-handed blade
Over the corpses we go
And through the gore we wade.
Mace on helmets ring
Making bodies fly
What fun it is to sing out slaying song
and watch these suckers DIE!
Oh, ring their bells with swords and spells
don't let them get away!
We're brave and bold for fame and gold
We'll make a lot to day!
Oh, ring their bells with swords and spells
don't let them get away!
We'll hack and slash and blast and trash
And blow these dudes away!"*

Zarik turned to everyone at the table. “Here is new song I just develop for tonight …”
(Reader the tune is “imagine” … by John Lennon)

Imagine there are no demons …
It's easy if you try
No hell before us
Garliks all have died
Imagine all the people
Living for a while...

Imagine there's no war …
It isn't hard to do
The conflict is over …
And there is nothing left to do
Imagine all the races
Living life in peace...

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm really just smashed
I hope someday you'll join me
And this bar … we’ll trash

Imagine there is no Mesobulbron
I wonder if you can
No need for fear or wetting one’s pants
That is my game plan
that thing torn to bits …

You may say I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join me
And the world will be rid of the evil ones …”

*Note to reader … I found that first song on the web somewhere. Who ever wrote it ... nice job!

 

[DeathsKnight]

Devon filled his long, slender pipe, it was of Elvisg design, a fact that did not go wasted on Maut, the knight watched the ranger as he lit the bowl and sucked the tobacco to life. Maut leaned forward,

"Do you perhaps have Elf in you ranger?"

Devon chuckled as the music lifted from the flute,

"Won it at a competition dear knight, I seldom smoke and this occasion will count as one of those rare occurences."

He dragged on the stem,

"I see the concu...lady has quite an interesting gem around her neck."

Maut nodded,

"Indeed it is, it produces magick that tastes like herbs...you know of her nature it seems?"

Devon smiled at the remorseless creature of death,

"Aye, one gets to know whom serves in courts, she is well trained though."

He puffed on the pipe as he studied Isola, she seemed like an interesting woman, perhaps during their travel he might take up talking to her. He pushed the chair back and rested his feet on the table, his hand on the hilt of his sword as he smoked, it was good to relax a bit.

 

[Iscaa]

Meanwhile after slipping into town, Isca quickly drew her cloak over her shoulders (on top of her
cat), adjusting the hood over her head. Nefer wasn't too keen on having to peek under her chin. She softly growled her discontent. Bringing her hand up to pet her sleek head Isca soothingly replied,

“Now now girl, it will all be fine, a hot meal and some company will do us some good. Let's just see what this town has to offer.”

Suddenly Isac felt the cat's nails dig into her shoulder, signaling some nearby danger. Looking back to the north from the way she had come she now saw a low wall with what looked like four small people. They were looking over the wall and whispering to each other. Putting her hand to her shoulder, she pried Nefer's claws out and whispered, “Take it easy on me will ya? Let's just go over there and see what mischief is afoot.”

As she came up to the wall she saw there was three human boys and one lizard youngling. “Hey what are you boys doing?”, she whispered as she looked over the wall.

 

[Mantra]

Nas

Well, Nas considered that the youths were at least attempting to be stealthy. They took great care to use hushed tones and took advantage of both darkness and the cover of what landmarks there were. They had even taken care to be wary of the placement of their feet as the walked, especially this one mammal youth who had dared to come out from their hiding place. All in all, Nas considered their efforts to be not completely unsatisfactory.

If they were trying to sneak up on a cow anyway.

But Nas was a dragon, and few dragons lived very long if they were heavy sleepers. Besides that, these youths obviously did not understand anything about a dragon's senses. If they would have, they would not have approached from upwind of him.

The courageous (and foolish) boy made some sort of signal back to his companions and by the youth's body language, seemed to be conveying great satisfaction with his efforts, but as the boy turned, he found himself face-to-eye with Nas's head, not his tail. The dragon watched with amusement as all the blood drained out of the child's face, becoming almost luminous by the light of the moon and Nas's golden eyes. Nas smiled, showing more than a hint of his teeth, each almost as long as this child's arm.

"Well?" he asked trying to sound more annoyed than he actually was. "What do you children want? Have you not heard the leave sleeping dragons lie, foolish little creature?"

 

[Iscaa]

Just then Isca heard an annoyed voice growl,

“Well? What do you children want? Have you not heard the leave sleeping dragons lie,foolish little creature?”

She looked over the low wall, her eyes widening as she took in the dragon, Nefer hissed quietly in her ear. “I know I know this is bad, Geezzz!” She muttered as she jumped over the wall and flung her hand out towards the boy. “ Fall Down”, she didn't have time to get fancy as she quickly made her way over to the now rather large angry dragon. “Sir? Dragon? May I have a word with you? I can see that there is a problem, this boy has been annoying you and yes, you are very right to be perturbed.

Coming to a full stop just beside the boy she smiled trying to be causal, her hood fell back when Nefer stood up growling on her shoulder and started to whip her tail around fluffing up her fur to make herself look huge and threatening.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Nas, Isca, Nefer and the sleeping boy.

Awanda (young blonde boy) found himself face-to-eye with Nas. As the great dragon opened his mouth, he felt all the blood drain out of his face. The dragon's eyes had placed him in a dragon's freeze … he could not run ... he just looked upon the massive dragon’s mouth which fill him with gut-emptying fear, paralyzing him in his tracks. His feet would not move … Awanda shook in fear and wet himself. Piss running down his pants legs … and then suddenly he blacked out and fell to the ground.

The other boys were too shocked at seeing the dragon awake to answer any question from the strange lady that had just shown up. They stood watching as the lady went to “talk” to the dragon.


The Narrator:

The saying “Let Sleeping Dragons Lie” was a popular saying at this timeframe for the kingdom of Palamar and surrounding kingdoms. Its origin was from an ancient tale involving an evil spirit which tricks a Wizard into awakening the Doom Dragon from a deep sleep. The Doom Dragon is an ancient beast that once awaken and freed from the underworld will ravage all life from the planet. Or so the tale describes. The wizard is eventually killed by the hero of the story before he can awaken the dragon completely.

The story was an old one, but recently … for some reason, which will be explained later … many people had been retelling the story. Unfortunately the retelling of the tale had not reached this back water small swamp town.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Blin Bloodknuckle

Blin needed to abandon his current contract. This overseer creature was a fanatic. An evil fanatic, obsessive and frenzied to the extreme ... It was not about profit … or the challenge of the theft. It was some kind of higher ideological cause. And those blank, lifeless faced helpers … they were like zombies, only quicker, stronger. The Overseer led them … but they too acted like a fucking dangerous pack of fanatical lunatics! Blin needed out. He was the only living thing in the group ... and was clearly going to be used as fodder.

He had answered the overseer creature’s questions and was told to return to gather more information. He had reentered the dense swamp/jungle making his way quietly to the town. Blin was still dressed in his coat of rags, giving him the appearance of a beggar. He had moved his ancient warg hide to the top coat. This special hide glowed silver in moonlight and black in shadow, allowed him to sneak into the town unnoticed.

He peered carefully into one of the windows of the Swamp Donkey Pub. The heroes were there, smoking, laughing, and even singing! He noticed that the magical member of the party … the one a bit over five feet tall with the slender body and long, red hair had her head on the table … sleeping in a drunken stupor. He needed her awake for his plan to work. He would need to wait, but he could make preparations.

He crept around to the side of the pub. There he found an upper window to the attached outhouse that serviced the pub slightly cracked. With a stick, he opened the window wider, just big enough so he could easily escape if need be. He moved to the corner of the pub, and stuck his head around, when he saw the dragon, a strange lady and the kids. “FUCK” he thought and hastily pulled his head back. He was not too worried about the humans, their eye sight sucked and their backs were facing him. But dragons usually saw everything, and although the angle was not ideal, the big monster might have seen him out of the corner of his eye. He should have used his mirror before poking his head out like that … he knew better! He just didn’t think the beast would be behind the pub. “FUCK!!” he mentally said again.

He thought for a quick second. He had no choice … if the dragon saw him … it was all over but the crunching of his bones. He headed for the front door of the pub as he switched his rags around, ensuring the warg hide was hidden.

He pulled open the door to the pub and slipped in. Walking softly and quietly along the wall trying not to be noticed, he headed for the bar. His cloak pulled over to cover his face. He acted in the most unassuming a manner as possible and grabbed a seat near the outhouse door, but near enough so he could hear the heroes talking. His back was to them. The barmaid came over to him asked him what he wanted to drink.

“A mug of Ale to drink … and a piece of bread to eat.” He croaked out playing up the poor beggar role as much as possible.

The barmaid, a pretty young human girl, had dealt with beggars before. “I need to see your coin first” she said with a smile … but there was a firmness in her voice that told him she was not going to buy any bullshit stories.

Blin placed a few coppers on the table and slid them over to her. “Enough?” he asked.

“For the first round … yes” she answered, a bit surprised the small cloaked figure had money. She went to get his drink and food. Blin took a quick glance behind him and noted that the redhead had awakened and asked for a cup of strong coffee.

He looked at her outfit, she wore a corset and breaches made of dark red leather that features small metal studs set at even intervals in the armor. Two leather bracers adorned her arms and leather boots were on her feet and calves, at her waist hung a small crossbow and quiver of bolts. A wickedly bladed sickle was attached in a harness on her thigh, within reach for quick retrieval.

He thought about her as a sexual object. He wouldn’t mind fucking her either … tying her up first of course. He liked to be in control when it came to sex. He noticed the Ranger fellow looking at him … along with the strange knight. He turned back around just as his ale and bread arrived. He took a swig and greedily ate a bite of the bread.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Even as the half-blood turned away, Maut kept watching him, the half-blood smelled different. He got to his feet, the sudden movement startling his companions. Eyes turned to him and the usual din dropped an octave or two. Maut walked to the bar, he placed down coins on the table without even reaching into his armor to retrieve it.

"Fourwinds Anterian Brandy"

The bartender's eyes bugged when he saw the coins, it was gold! Quickly he hurried to get a jug and filled it with the potent liquid, carefully picking up the coins which lay inches from the talons of Maut's gauntlet. Maut turned and returned to the table with jug in hand. He sat down and nodded towards Brin.

"He's demon-touched, you can rest assured that he is a spy."

He produced a straw, stuck it into the brandy and undid a strap of his helmet, the metal plate lifted just enough for him to get the straw into his mouth and he sucked the liquid down, since he didn't have to pause for breath, he never stopped sucking. He drained the jug and then replaced the strap of his helmet, he looked at everybody,

"What? Even dead flesh needs hydrating."

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Spy and the Heroes

Heroes can make mistakes and still be heroes. This is not a well-known fact, nevertheless be assured that it is true. The mistakes they make can be overlooked by their worshiping fans if it is caused by a clever trap, some kind of faulty information or as in this particularly case, they were drunk on Fourwinds’ Anterian brandy.

Once Maut stated "He's demon-touched, you can rest assured that he is a spy." Both Megan and Isola looked at each other like two young girls with a big secret about someone’s hidden crush! They would have started gossiping right away … but the knight drinking the powerful brandy was so unexpected … they said nothing until he was done and had survived the experience. (once their minds cleared later in the evening … they realized it was highly unlikely for the dead knight to be affected by the brandy.)

“He’sss a ssspy!” Isola whispered, slurring her speech

Megan nodded and leaning forward across the table to get closer to Isola. “Yes … that is what I heard too ... a SPY!”

Isola turned to Veric, the lizardman Mayor. “Who isss he?” She asked her voice getting louder ... words running into each other.

“I don’t know … I beggar by the lookss of hisss clothing … I think he hassss been in town a week or ssso” Veric looked deep into Isola beautiful eyes as he answered. “I’m your ssservant in this matter … I cannot sssay no to your lovelinessss … Ssshall I have him arresssted? I will not let harm come to you!” He stated defiantly. He placed his clawed hand on Isola shoulder, reassuring her of his willingness to act to defend her.

Blin Bloodknuckle makes his move!

Blin noticed the strange whispers at the table after the knight had returned. Then he overheard the big breasted girl and the lizardman’s hissing exchange.

He drank the rest of his beer and swallowed the remaining bread. This gave a few more seconds for him to think. He shook his head … his current employer was an evil fanatic that win or lose … would result in his demise. However, these heroes … particularly the drunk bitch with the massive udders … were so clumsy and reckless, joining up with them would in most likely result in his own early expiration as well.

He needed to get away from both of these groups. But that required the removal of the collar around his neck and a major distraction that would keep both groups busy for a while. He could not think of what that would be yet … but first things were first. Get the collar off.

He stood up … and headed over to their table, the hood still covering his face in darkness. He noted the Lizardman place his hand on his sword pommel and scoot his chair back a bit, his thick alligator tail swishing back and forth. Time to put on “the poor dumb goblin” routine, he knew so well.

“Blin Bloodknuckle not here to hurt … he here to help … help pretty ladies …and handsome gentlemen …” he said in his best goblin simpleton voice. “I have important information for you … but we make a deal first … in quiet place … not here in open” Blin had talked to the whole group but his question seemed to be directed at the strange knight. The knight was most likely the leader of the group ... he thought.

 

[Iscaa]

Meanwhile back at the dragon, Isca is just standing in front of Nas, almost hypnotized. She has a flashback to the other time she had come across a dragon. Frunan had just finished teaching her how to levitate herself. Having done his job he then told her to go off and practice til she got it right. Isca bowed her head slightly turned on her heel and left his great study. On her way out Nefer who was waiting on the top of the door like a little vulture, jumped down landing on her shoulder with a thump. Isca looked and her and said, “I wish you wouldn't do that, but come on lets go, I have homework to do.

They soon left the old wizard's modest abode and made their way into the forest. Finding a small clearing she set about speaking the incantation and lifted her arms at the same time. At first nothing happened, but little by little she started to lift up off the ground. When Nefer felt Isca rising she meowed and dug her nails into the soft cloak Isac was wearing. But after a few more tries she settled down across her back and enjoyed the scenery. A half a dozen times later, Isca had levitated herself up about 20 feet. Then suddenly things went wrong, when she was startled by a huge low flying raven. Her concentration was broken arms flailing about she cried out as she felt herself falling like a stone. The ground came up too fast for her to stop herself. She hit it hard, knocking herself out cold. Lucky for Nefer she jumped off Isca's shoulder at the last second and landed on her feet, like the cat she was.

 

[milkmaiden38]

Isca dream vision

Venar-surr had not communicated with anyone for many decades. There was nothing for her to interact with. Her body was frozen. Trapped. Only her mind still worked. Her dreams surrounded her. She could imagine places and go there … but it was not real. She had endured this kind of living hell. But her will was fading. She was losing hope. She knew time was running out in the real world. Her thoughts were dark “And so it ends, I have failed!”

Then she felt it. An astral scream! A voice … in pain … had reached her mind.

In the misty dream world she looked …she searched. In her dream world, she stood on a high bluff and used her keen dragon eyes to look over the dream fields and forests. Eventually she saw where the scream had come from. A young human woman, she had the magical scent of one who had been trained by the wizard Frunan, the Treefriend. Venar-surr dream body blasted into the air, her wings flapped quickly in the morning breeze. Venar narrowed her eyes as she glided towards the small human.

“They were such a fickle race, humans” She thought “and yet I always find them intriguing. Of all the mortal races humans have one of the shortest lifespans but they are one of the most prolific.” Shaking her head, she began a circle over the small woman below … How had this woman arrived in Venar’s dream world?

She thought back to how she arrived in this state. She was an adult emerald-copper dragon. She had lived most of her life in among the tropical islands in the southern waters. Her lair was inside an inactive volcano that created one of the tropical islands. She was a healer, an oddity for dragons. She was also one of the most disparaged dragons in the history of their kind. Her very name, Venar-surr, means “crazy-betrayal”

But emerald dragons are a very curious species. Her emerald half … must have compelled her … for she took careful notes … and kept track of history, lore and customs of the world around her, including events in the human world. When the father of dragon kind, a massive dragon called Gragathor was sealed inside a mountain … she had recorded the event. She had gone to the mountain and tried to open it. She had failed, as all her kind had failed before and after her. But it might have been her strange mix of dragon kinds … she never gave up …on anything. It might be why her mind continued work today.

She was going to figure out a way to open that mountain back up. She finally decided to swallow her pride and went to Wizard Ardel to ask for his help. All dragon kind had mocked her! She had lived up to her name … Venar-surr … crazy-betrayal.

She swallow her pride again … she needed to talk to this human … she glided in for a landing. She landed not more than 20 ft from the human… startling her … and her dream cat. The cat hissed at Venar-surr from the woman’s shoulder. Another interesting thing about humans, they tended to work alongside all types of creatures cows, horses, dogs and even cats! They had no issues getting help from other creatures … why did dragons not learn from this successful behavior? Maybe as an emerald copper she could relate to this kind of loyalty. Emerald copper dragons like the security and protection offered by a trusted partner. When she found the right mate … she would be with him for the rest of her life.

Her green/copper scales were scintillating in the morning light, giving her hide the appearance of being in constant motion. Her great wings folded, her eyes on the young human.

“I’m Venar-surr … you are in a dream … but this conversation is real … I’m real. Please do not run away … and please do not wake up. I must talk to you … I need your help” she said.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Maut realized that Blin was talking to him, he cocked his head slightly, taking in the sight of his companions.

"The only deal I make with Demon cohorts is to send them to my lady."

Devon finally took his feet from the table and sat up, his pipe trailing lazy smoke,

"Not so fast sir knight, the fellow may be in service to the demon, but did you not state that you have felt demon magic? Perhaps there is no other choice for him."

He puffed on his pipe, from the group gathered at the table, it seemed like the undead knight and himself was among the more able-minded, he sighed.

"Blin we can talk, but I do not trust you. If you wish to talk we do it here, or you must wait until..."

He motioned with his pipe at Isola,

"She have recuperated."