The Wandering Inn was full today as well. That was unusual, at least to Erin, Lyonette, and anyone who knew the inn well. Erin had developed an inn based around the idea of just enough people to survive for quite so ti. To have an inn that was actually bustling was surprising.
However, word had gotten out that Erins inn was a place with excellent cooking, fast service, interesting things, and most importantly, magical food. That, combined with the influx of adventurers into Liscor ant that her inn was a hotspot. Having a magical door leading to Celum helped.
Indeed, it would be more surprising if Erins inn hadnt beco so famous. After all, Drakes and Gnolls might not like Humans that much, but who could resist going for a five minute walk and then popping into another city to see what the slly Humans were up to? And when you were tired of that, you could have a drink or quick bite on the way back. You didnt have to waitthe inn had food pre-prepared that only needed warming up before it was hot and ready to eat!
So might go as far to say that Erins inn was now a huge concern for the other inns in Liscor and Celum. Erins current set of Skills had made her inn three tis as attractive as every other inn. Well, except for Peslas inn, the Tailless Thief. It was still a byword for Drakes in Liscor, but it was specialized. Erins inn accepted everyone.
Everyone. From [Farrs] who stopped by for so food and a break from the cold, to [Guardsn] and [Guardswon] from Celum and Liscor who had learned that Erin had a soft spot for their kind. They sat and diced and laughed at tables next to [rchants] who might be playing gas of Chess and keeping an ear open for saleable news. However, these were all minority populations. The clientele that dominated Erins inn at the mont were all of a different kind.
They stood out. They were the insane, the suicidal, and the reckless. Or, they could be deliberate, cautious, and mindful of the socioeconomic value of their class and be willing to take calculated risks for ample rewards. Either way, there was a broad na for them.
Adventurers.
Right now they were filling most of Erins tables, staring at the Antinium Workers who were asuring the walls, shouting for drinks, and trying to eat plates full of Erins magical cooking. It was excellent stuff all had to admitdowning a plate could make you stronger, tougher, or immune to the biting cold winds. However, it was also regarded as a punishnt ga of sorts; Erin still hadnt perfected the recipe, and more than a few weak-stomached adventurers were swallowing their snail-based Strength Souffl hard.
Yes, a few silver coins and you could be strong enough to wrestle a Corusdeer with your handsso long as you minded the horns. That was a great serviceand a danger. Halrac lifted up a glob of the blue Scale Soup hed been served and stared at it grimly. He opened his mouth, swallowed the spoonful, and scraped the wooden bowl without a change in his expression.
He didnt have to. Revi, watching him, was making enough faces for the both of them.
That is disgusting, Halrac. How can you stand eating that?
Youre eating it too, Revi. No objections.
Id rather you poked a few needles through my head!
Eat.
Halrac pushed the second bowl over to Revi. The [Summoner] Stitch Girl picked up a spoon reluctantly. She eyed the soup and kept complaining, much to Halracs displeasure.
Why cant I eat the Strength Souffl? That at least looks palatable.
Its got snails in it.
Ew! How does Erin serve this stuff?
Because it works. Eat.
Revi did so, reluctantly. She kept making faces, although the blue stuff really wasnt that bad tasting. Taste-wise, it was actually pleasant. It just had a terrible appearance, texture, consistency, and sll.
Remind why were eating this stuff? What about the Corusdeer Scramble? That tastes good and it would keep us warm.
Halrac opened his mouth to snap at her, but a big head leaned over and interrupted him. Ulrien, the mild-mannered leader of Griffon Hunt, raised two fingers as he spoke.
Two reasons, Revi. One, Erins enchantnts only work one at a ti. Second, if its a choice between the three shes offeringstrength, defense, or cold resistance, were all getting the defense.
Lots of these young adventurers are getting the Souffl.
Yes, they are.
Halrac glanced around. Erins Strength Souffl could be seen on almost every table. Who wouldnt like to be stronger for a few hours? It was a great feeling, and it was a fun trick to challenge a friend to an arm-wrestling competition and then give them a sore arm. So of the adventurers wearing cheap leather armor and bearing shabby weapons were flexing their arms and grinning at each other. Theyd probably never been able to afford an enchantnt before and were savoring the mont.
Newbies.
At least Revi could understand what the rest of her group was thinking. The Stitch Girl shook her head as she spooned soup into her mouth. She grimaced, but for once it wasnt about the food.
I wonder how many of them will get killed because they think theyre invincible? Does Erin know how many of these idiots are going out and getting slaughtered by monsters?
If she doesnt, dont tell her.
Halrac looked warningly at Revi. The Stitch Girl glared at him as she took a drink from her mug. It was no secret within Griffon Hunt that Halrac had a soft spot for Erinin his own peculiar way. She opened her mouth to needle him, changed her mind when Ulrien looked at her, and gave up.
If Bronze-rank adventurers are dying, its because they overestimate their abilities or underestimate their opponents. Thats how its always been. Smart adventurers will know that these enchantnts are a useful tool, not an all-powerful spell.
Revi and Halrac nodded silently. Ulrien glanced around and grunted. His passive face turned into a frown.
Still, there are a lot of them.
The three mbers of Griffon Hunt looked around. The inn was packed with adventurers. As they watched, a group of them tossed so coins onto the table and made for the door to Celum. They were probably going to exterminate so monsters nearby. Another group of ard warriors were eating the Corusdeer Scramble with pleasure while they tried to cram a hot Souffl into their packs for later. That was amusing to watch.
Howeverthere was a large group in the center of the room that looked ready for a fight now. They were checking each others gear, and Halracs keen eyes placed them squarely as a mix of Silver-rank and Bronze-rank adventurers. There were about twenty packed onto four tables, and one of them stood up with a mug in his hands.
We will descend into the dungeon through the rift today! Today, Petras Bane, Twinfold Daggers, and
Halrac tuned the speaker out. He didnt need to hear the rest, or listen to the adventurers cheering their leader. He turned to Revi and Ulrien.
Another group heading into the dungeon? Are they insane?
Revi and Ulrien just stared at Halrac. The [Scout] didnt really need an answer either. He understood the thinking of the cheering adventurers, though he condemned it.
After the wild success of Vuliel Drae, the wild fervor surrounding Liscors Dungeon had reignited itself. It had gone out for a while. A new dungeon was one thing, but the first few rooms were so dangerous that it was a death sentence for anyone but an experienced Silver or Gold-rank team to attempt those first few steps.
But this new entry into the dungeon through the rift in the snow? That was sothing else. And Vuliel Drae had co out with a weapon worthy of a Gold-rank adventurer, or perhaps a Nad Adventurer. The Mace of Howling had sold for thousands of gold coins already, and ignited the passions of every adventurer within three hundred miles. The thought was on everyones mind. If one group could find a weapon of that caliber from one scouting attempt, what treasures were lost below? Just one such item could set up an adventurer for life.
Halrac was familiar with that way of thinking. Hed been in the sa boat over a decade ago, a poor Bronze-rank adventurer scrabbling for work. However, he and the rest of Griffon Hunt realized the danger in that line of thought. Liscors Dungeon was not to be underestimated.
The adventuring group was listening to another impassioned speech, from one of the other team leaders. Halrac was familiar with that as well. Adventurers were people too; they needed to psych themselves up before they risked their lives. He turned back to the rest of his group, and addressed the trio sitting at the table next to theirs.
Alright, where did we go wrong?
Excuse ?
Jelaqua Ivirith looked up from her bowl of Scale Soup. The other two mbers of her group, the Halfseekers, looked up as well. All three were eating from their bowls of blue sludge. Theyd been laughing and trying to play chess together, but Halracs comnt made them sit up.
The Halfseekers. Ulrien gave Halrac a reproving glance for interrupting their conversation. Halrac didnt acknowledge it. They were supposed to be working together. The Halfseekers and Griffon Hunt had agreed to join forces to tackle this dungeon. If they were a team, they should talk like one.
Im asking where we went wrong. Why are all these Bronze-rank teams getting ahead of us?
Halrac growled as he reached for a bowl of walnuts. That was Erins newest attempt to add cool stuff to her inn. He cracked one of the walnuts one-handed and flicked the pieces into a second bowl. Jelaqua and the Halfseekers turned obligingly to listen as the [Scout] aired his grievances.
We have more levels in our team than that entire group does between them. How are we still struggling to get past the first set of trapped rooms?
The other adventurers shared a look. Jelaqua edged her chair forwards and then leaned back in it until it rested on the table behind her. She looked incredibly pleased at this developnt; Halrac thought it was juvenile.
But that was the way the Halfseekers worked. Griffon Hunt prided itself on being a group that valued teamwork, planning, and serious commitnt in the field. By contrast, the Halfseekersnot two seconds ago, Seborn and Jelaqua had had a contest seeing who could down their bowl of Scale Soup faster. They were too relaxed for Halracs liking. However, he had to admit that they were competent.
Both groups knew of each others reputation. They were sotis competitors, sotis adversaries in the sa field. So when Moore spoke, Halrac listened.
I feel bad for these new adventurers, Halrac. I do not feel theyre getting ahead of us. Rather, Im worried about their inexperience. Vuliel Draes success was a mistake. They survived the dungeon thanks to the mysterious masked swordswoman, not through their own efforts, or so I understand.
Yeah. Her.
Halrac grunted. Hed heard the stories too. There was a Nad Adventurer down in the dungeon, was there? Soone whod gotten past all the traps and entered the dungeon without anyone seeing? Hardly likely, but Vuliel Drae had sworn on truth spells it was true.
One of the Halfseekers seed to believe in the swordswomans existence, at any rate. Seborn leaned forwards, and Halrac glanced at the armored half of the Drowned Mans face, noting the way the crustacean shell blended with his skin. Seborn seed immune to the scrutiny as he sipped from the mug of water and spoke.
It has to be true. The dungeon is too dangerous for Silver-rank adventurers to survive a trip down there without being overwheld. Weve all gone head-to-head with the traps. We tead up because theyre that bad. This dungeons not like the other ones. Its nasty.
Nasty. That was one word for it. The other Gold-rank adventurers shifted in their seats. Ulrien nodded.
Ive been in several dungeons before. Not deep, and not when they were just discovered, but Ive seen where the traps used to be and fought their monster populations. Theyre nothing like this dungeon. This dungeon feels like it wasnt ant just to hide treasure. It feels like
Like a huge trap. Yeah. Im calling it. This ones a vengeance dungeon.
Jelaqua drained her mug and slamd it down on the table. The Selphid sighed and pushed her bowl back. Halrac studied her dead features silently. He was in agreent.
Vengeance dungeon?
Revi was confused. Halrac glanced at her and rembered that she was new. Ulrien and Halrac had hired her and Typhenous into Griffon Hunt, and both [Mages] were competent, but Revi wasnt nearly as old or experienced as the other three n. He let Ulrien explain.
Dungeons co in several types, Revi. I know [Mages] study which empire built them and their composition and so onadventurers have a simpler system. Dungeons are either for containnt, future generations, or as an act of vengeance.
Interesting terms. Whats the difference between the three?
Halrac pushed Revis bowl of unfinished soup towards her as Ulrien explained. The Stitch Girl sighed, but ate as Ulrien talked.
Containnt dungeons are ant to contain sothing. Simple enough; it could be a threat, a natural resource too valuable to let soone else get ahold ofI once saw a dungeon that had been built solely to combat Vampires. It was more like a fortress that made use of light-based traps and spells.
Okay. Then future generations?
Jelaqua grinned.
Dungeons built with traps that test people entering. Say an empires about collapse. Well, they want to leave sothing behind, right? Only, the people who build the dungeons want their shiny magical artifacts to go to the deserving. So they build a dungeon which only the best can enter. That way, future generations can follow a handy map and get through the traps, or a brave adventuring group can fight their way through and retrieve past glories. Just a way for the previous generations to help us out.
I get it. Then a vengeance dungeons what happens whenwhat? You have angry ancestors?
Revi frowned. Jelaqua nodded. She grimaced.
Yep. Theyre what you get when the empire or civilization doesnt feel like being nice to future generations. So they build a dungeon with their best artifacts sealed awayI an, where else would you put them?but they put the nastiest traps and monster eggs down there. So when soone cracks the lid on the dungeon, a thousand ravening Crelers crawl out and eat their faces off.
Great. And thats what were up against? Remind why were not hunting Griffins? Thats what I signed up for.
The Stitch Girl pushed her empty bowl back, looking upset. Ulrien sighed, but Halrac decided to answer this ti. He saw Ulriens warning look, but he could be encouraging too.
Just because the dungeons designed to kill, it doesnt an theres no point entering it, Revi. Were looking for treasure, and its down there. The mace is proof of that. The only difference is that this dungeons out to get us. So we need to be wary. And fast. Which is why Im asking why these amateurs are
The [Scout] broke off when he realized soone was standing behind him. He turned in his seat and glared at the leader of the adventurers hed just been insulting. The young Drake must have co over and hed been too busy complaining to notice. Halrac scowled, more upset that hed let his guard down than anything else.
What?
Uh, pardon , but youre Halrac the Grim, arent you?
Halrac hated that na. He growled at the Drake, eying him from head to tail.
So?
The young Drake was wearing iron armor, but he had a steel sword. He was probably Silver-rank, but Halrac would put him on the lower end of that spectrum. Still, he was bold enough to approach the Gold-rank adventurers, which most Human adventurers wouldnt have the courage for. He smiled nervously as Halrac stared at him.
Sorry, but you might have heard. Were heading into the dungeonwe uh, were hoping you had so words for us? So advice, maybe? Tips?
The other Gold-rank adventurers shifted. Revi raised her eyebrows and shook her head, not trying to hide her incredulity. Ulrien sighed. Drakes and Gnoll adventurers clearly werent like Human ones. No group of adventurers up north would be this boldthey were keenly aware of the hierarchy and unwritten rules, one of which was not to bother the veterans.
Not that Griffon Hunt was into hazing adventurers. But asking for advice? Halrac just stared at the young Drake. He was ready to tell him no and turn away, but Jelaqua sat up. She smiled and gave voice to the feeling shared between all the Gold-rank adventurers.
Id be ready to run, kids. Maybe write a letter to your loved ones, if you have any. Best advice? Dont go down. Youre going to die.
She nodded at the listening adventurers, whod gone silent. Jelaqua gave them a friendly smile, her pale, dead lips at once friendly and horrific.
A strength enchantnts no good down in the dungeon, not against traps or monsters ambushing you. Dont go down. Find another quest, level up, and co back when youre all Silver-rank, or better yet, Gold. We wouldnt go into the dungeon through the rift, and we know what were about. Thats my advice. Take it or leave it.
The inn had gone silent at Jelaquas words. Halrac looked around and saw a lot of the adventurers looking nervous. But one of them, drunk on bravado and alcohol, raised his voice.
Hah! Youre just afraid well get to the treasure first! What kind of an adventurers a Selphid, anyways? A body stealing coward doesnt know anything about Drake bravery!
Or Gnoll courage!
Another adventurer raised his paw, and the other adventurers around him cheered. Jelaqua shrugged, looking slightly hurt, but more resigned. Seborn nudged her as she sat and Moore frowned, which was as good as one of Halracs scowls.
Selphids got that reaction. But this was passing beyond rude. Jelaqua was a Gold-rank adventurer. The Drake leader shouted down his companions, and turned to Halrac, smiling as if they were friends.
What about you, Mister Halrac?
You heard her. Youre going to die.
The Drakes smile vanished. He stared at Halrac, as if expecting the [Scout] to smile. But Halracs face didnt change. He folded his arms.
The Drake looked around the table, hoping perhaps for a second opinion. He got none. Revi raised an eyebrow and Ulrien shook his head. Both Griffon Hunt and the Halfseekers stared silently at the adventurers. They lost their bravado. In the silence, the leader turned.
Letslets go.
They left the inn quietly. Halrac wished they had stayed, or that they turned towards Liscor, rather than north, towards the second dungeon entrance. He had a feeling he would not see their faces again.
Our turn.
Halrac stood up in the silent inn. He nodded towards the door and the Gold-rank adventurers went with them. They walked west out of the inn, towards Liscor and the small, fortified tunnel leading downwards. They were going to the dungeon too. The only difference was that they were ready for it.
-
Typhenous caught the silent group of Gold-rank adventurers as they were halfway towards the unearthed entrance to Liscors dungeon. The [Mage] had been in the city finishing an errand, but they had agreed to et at this ti.
Why the dour expressions? Has Halrac been talking to all of you too long?
The [Mage] was in good spirits, but he sobered slightly when he heard about the adventurers trying the dungeon. Typhenous sighed and stroked at his grey beard.
I had heard of other adventurers attempting to emulate Vuliel Draes success. How distressing.
They might make it.
Jelaqua offered the idea up as an idle hope, but Halrac shook his head.
Too many adventurers. A smaller group might have a chance, but a large one like that generates too much noise and attention. Theyll be attacked at once. Best case is that so of them make it back up.
Up a set of ropes that stretches over a hundred feet down? Theyll be lucky if they dont lose a few just falling, with all that they were carrying. Unless one of them knows [Featherfall].
The issue is that their way out is too dangerous. And theyre entering into the middle of the dungeon. If they dont secure their exit out and make sure theyre not sward from behind
Amateurs. This is why you go in from the front. Shortcuts just get you killed.
Seborns sigh was the last word on the matter. Griffon Hunt began to discuss their latest developnts as the Halfseekers listened in silence. They trudged through the snow, grilling Typhenous about their latest contingency plan. That was the difference between experienced adventurers and the reckless dead. Gold-rank adventurers always made plans.
I was in the city, requesting a shipnt of specialized lodestones. You see, young Pisces had the notion of connecting Miss Solstices magical door to more than one location. However, as Moore and I discovered, such a feat is impossible, at least, without proper anchoring points.
Makes sense to .
Revi nodded while Halrac shook his head.
Explain it simpler, Typhenous.
He had no ti for [Mage]-talk. Typhenous sighed. He liked to pontificate.
Very well. We cannot link the door to multiple spots because it is too difficult. Thus, we need magical beaconsways to differentiate between locations. Thus, the lodestones. Moore had the idea of devising so sort of chanism by which the door could be attuned to each stone, creating multiple connections. We shall attempt to change the enchantnt when the stones arrive.
Ulrien nodded, as did Halrac. That they could understand, at least in part. Griffon Hunts leader frowned.
So an ergency teleportation stone like Erin was talking about
Typhenous shook his head.
Impossible until my delivery arrives. It should get here, or rather, to Celum, within the week. I was unwilling to pay a Courier for the stones, given their price and our needs.
Halrac sighed. The magical artifact Erin had describedan ergency escape devicesounded incredibly useful, although he wasnt sure if it would work in the dungeons magically charged atmosphere. However, it was worth looking into. Such a tool would allow both Gold-rank teams to breathe easier. There was nothing an adventurer feared more than being trapped.
We dont need the artifact that badly, but if it looks like were heading into a particularly dangerous spot, Id rather pull back and try to get an ergency escapelodestoneready. We have ti.
Ulrien was talking with Typhenous and the others, advocating for caution again. Moore nodded, tapping one huge lip with his fingers.
If it cos to that, Im sure Miss Solstice will oblige us. But you dont think it will be that dangerous today?
Not if its more of the sa. Ah, here we are.
Theyd reached the entrance to the dungeon. The official entrance, so to speak. It was guarded by the city. A group of sixteen guardsn, ard with bows and spears and one who looked like a [Mage] were waiting under a tent. They were watching the entrance to the dungeon from behind a small wooden rampart. It had a row of sharpened stakes thrust into the ground in front of the wall and enough space for the [Guardsn] to loose arrows and jab spears at whatever might co out of the dungeon.
Hello there! Wed like to enter the dungeon!
Typhenous called up to the [Guardsn] huddled beneath the tent. So were sipping hot drinks and they all looked miserable in the cold. One of the Drakes twitched his tail.
You lot again? The uhGriffon Hunt team and Halfseekers? Alright, go on through.
Is there anyone else down there?
Ulrien looked at the dungeon for tracks, but the [Guardsn] shook his head.
Not today. All you adventurers are too interested in the rift. Suits us. The less of you that go down, the fewer things that co back up. But if you want to go inbe our guests.
Ulrien nodded. Jelaqua was already hopping over the edge of the rampartsthe Drakes had neglected to build a gate into the defensive fortificationsand Moore was eying the drop.
I would like to avoid the spikes and squashing you, Jelaqua. Give more room.
As Halrac walked up the rampart, he watched Moore jump, and then offer a hand to Revi and Typhenous. The two other [Mages] let the half-Giant guide their descent, rather than fall. Ulrien leapt, and the Drake [Guardsn] spoke to Halrac. He nodded to the tunnel the Antinium had dug, that lead down to the double doors that marked the start of the dungeon.
Ive seen adventuring groups go in and co out. More go in than co out, obviously. But your groups Gold-rank, right? You go in and co out almost every day? What are you doing down there?
Halrac grunted.
Being cautious.
He leapt, and the Drake [Guardsman] rolled his eyes.
Yeah, I got that. Lousy Humans
He turned away, muttering, as Griffon Hunt and the Halfseekers descended into the dungeon.
-
This is what the Gold-rank teams did all day. They went into the dungeon after preparing, making plans, checking gear, and arguing. They moved slowly down the first corridor and stopped when they saw the room beyond. Halrac and Seborn, both of whom were taking point to scout for traps, held up hands and the group stopped.
Both Halrac and Seborn scouted the room, taking care not to enter it and only look into it. There didnt seem to be much to see. The room was empty and nondescript. Halrac saw the wide, grey tiles of stone continue seamlessly into the room. The walls were so kind of faded beige, made of simple stone. Any unsuspecting individual might have taken the room as harmless, but Halrac wasnt fooled. Beyond the first corridor was where the dungeons traps began. This first room was certainly trapped.
Seborn nodded to the empty room beyond. Hed found a red mark on the wall, a stripe of very bright paint.
Looks like the sa room as before. Weve cleared this one.
You have? Im not familiar with it.
Halrac had seen many of the dungeons trapped rooms. They appeared each ti you went down the corridor, and what was worse, changed each ti you entered the dungeon. There were any number of rooms you could enter, and so you had to be extrely careful not to assu one room was like a previous one.
However, the Gold-rank adventurers were familiar with dungeons and knew how to take precautions. Seborn nodded to the paint, which was a horizontal slash with a vertical line to the left.
This ones a spike trap. Simple, but deadly. Ill trigger it. You stay back.
He walked into the center of the room and slowed. Seborn took two steps as the other adventurers watchedthen threw himself to the ground.
The ceiling fell. A series of phantasmal spikes, glowing ghostly pink-white, shot down through the suddenly low ceiling, almost brushing the top of Seborns head. Halrac heard Revi inhale as the magical blades shimred in the air.
Jelaqua.
Seborn spoke. Halrac moved aside as Jelaqua stepped forwards. The Selphid was holding her two-handed flail. She threw it out across the floor and Seborn turned and grasped hold of one of the chains. Jelaqua pulled and Seborn shot back across the floor while the spikes waited nacingly a few feet over his head.
Halrac helped the [Rogue] up as Seborn patted himself and rubbed the top of his head. The Drowned Man seed barely fazed. He nodded at Halrac, one trap expert to another.
That scared the life out of the first ti it happened. Im not too happy about it the second ti.
Halrac was impressed by Seborns courageand a bit disturbed that hed chosen to throw himself into danger. He would have found a way to trigger the trap without entering the room, but the Halfseekers were more direct. Revi stared at the blades and the lowered ceiling, looking pale.
Do the blades last forever? What about the celling? Do we have to crawl our way to the next room?
Nope. Wait for it
Jelaqua was barring anyone from going into the room, for good reason. The ceiling spikes were still lowered when Halrac felt his [Dangersense] tingle and then a second set of ghostly blades shot up from the ground. They would have impaled Seborn or anyone else whod been lucky enough to avoid the ceiling. Typhenous and Ulrien muttered as Revi swore quietly.
The Halfseekers had already seen the trap and just shook their heads. Halrac grimaced at the trap.
Simple, but deadly. That second layer of spikes is maliciousand probably overkill.
The difference between a dungeon designed for vengeance and one thats not?
Revi looked at the others and got a nod from Seborn and Halrac. Having seen the trap, the adventurers drew back to confer.
The traps got a tir of around one hour before it resets, and the spikes are smallerthe spell probably needs more ti to fully recharge. We can keep triggering it each ti we go through, but if the aim of all of this is to clear all the rooms going in so weve got a way out, we cant have that trap still here.
I agree. Can any of you dispel it?
Jelaqua and Ulrien were both of the sa opinion. Typhenous, Revi, and Moore were all inspecting the spell, but it was apparently hidden in the ceiling. Seborn and Halrac were in their own conference, inspecting the room now the spikes were gone. Both [Scout] and [Rogue] were ready to leap to safety if the trap reactivated, but their Skills were telling them they were safe for the mont.
Im of the opinion the trap is magical. It activates the mont I cross this threshold. See?
Seborn was talking to Halrac. The [Scout] nodded. He could see a faint aura around the part of the room Seborn had described.
Cross that line and step anywhere in the room and the trap activates. Want to try breaking the floor?
Worth a shot. Do you have a hamr?
Allow .
Ulrien stepped forwards and both Seborn and Halrac retreated. The big [Warrior] took his greatsword out and gripped the blade with both of his gauntleted hands. Using the hilt of his sword like a hamr, he cracked the stone floor with a mighty strike.
Hm. Not spelled against strikes. Will that do it?
Carefully, Ulrien inspected his greatsword as Halrac and Seborn knelt by the cracked stones. Ulriens blade was enchanted, but he obsessed over it. Halrac nodded as he saw no aura around the stones.
That does it. Lets tear up the room and see if that deactivates the trap.
So they did. Moore and Jelaqua and Ulrien began hitting the ground, Moore with his staff, Jelaqua with her flail, and Ulrien with his greatsword. All three could break the stone and Halrac, Seborn, Revi, and Typhenous helped clear the rubble away.
No one used a hamr. A sledgehamr was less useful than an enchanted weapon. You could swing Ulriens greatsword all day and not chip the blade or hilt, whereas a sledgehamr would eventually break.
It was hard on the hands, though. Twice Ulrien had to take a break and massage his hands. Half-swording, as the technique he was using was known, was not ant for repeated strikes like a hamr.
By the ti an hour had passed, half of the room was destroyed and the smooth tiled flooring had been broken away and a rougher surface had been exposed. Seborn once again entered the room and very cautiously walked from side to side, testing to see if the trigger chanism for the spell had been successfully destroyed.
It had. However, that didnt ant everyone crossed through the room at once. Halrac carefully entered the room and did the sa test as Seborn, senses alert for anything suspicious. Only after he was done did he let both teams go through one at a ti.
That was the first room. The second was a pit trap nearly thirty feet deep. Halrac showed the Halfseekers where he and the rest of his team had strung up a rope bridge to cross without having to touch the ground. The third room was filled with books on shelvesthey were supposed to explode when read. The adventurers walked past them without touching any of the tos.
The fourth room they ca to was unfamiliar to both Seborn and Halrac. It was locked by a door, and after determining the door itself wasnt trapped, Halrac and Seborn carefully opened the door and gazed into a circular room with a grating floor and very dark pit.
Im not going in there.
neither. Think the door closes after soone goes in?
Obviously. Lets take it off.
So traps were predictable. Halrac motioned Ulrien over and explained what they wanted to do. Ulrien sighed and grabbed the doors edge. He was incredibly strongstrong enough to swing around his greatsword like it was nothing, and Halrac had seen Ulrien beat a Minotaur in arm-wrestling once. But no matter how hard Ulrien strained, the door wouldnt budge.
Allow to help.
Moore had to duck his head as he grabbed the door with one hand. He and Ulrien pulled at the door and now Halrac heard creaking as the door and its hinges fought with the wall of the dungeon to be freed.
Room for one more?
Jelaqua handed her flail to Seborn and stepped up, edging between Ulrien and Moore. Between the three strongest adventurers, the door was beginning to co loose. Ulrien grunted.
Ready? One, two, three, heave
The three adventurers pushed, and with a crack of breaking stone, the door broke off its hinges and they let it crash to the ground. Rubbing at their arms, they let Seborn and Halrac inspect the room again.
Enchanted doors. As if they didnt expect us to pull each one off. Waste of ti.
Halrac grunted. Seborn nodded.
Waste of ti. And I bet the doors not got more than a protection spell on it. Still, it might be worth taking back with us.
Why? Who needs a door with a protection spell?
Soone might pay so gold for it. You must admit, enchanted doors arent cheap. If worst cos to worst, so Bronze-rank adventurer can use it as a shield.
The dry comnt made Halrac grin unwillingly. He got along with Seborn, which wasnt surprising as both occupied the sa role in their party. Seborn nodded at the center of the room.
Ah, I see. Its a pressure chanism.
You think so?
Halrac was surprised. He hadnt seen any magical aura that would have indicated a detection spell, but he hadnt noticed the way the grate was wired to a spring until Seborn pointed out the tiny grooves where the grating would descend to trigger the trap. Halrac shook his head, grateful for a second pair of eyes.
Simple trigger. Typhenous, I need a ball of webbing. Heavy. Unless Revi wants to use one of her summoned creatures as a test?
Spare .
Revi rolled her eyes as Typhenous spun out so sticky webs from his staff. The enchanted webbing would only last a few minutes, but it was a useful tool and one of the reasons why he was in Griffon Hunt.
Mind if I add sothing to it? I can conjure grass, or grass clippings. If its weight youre after, that might help.
By all ans, Moore.
The half-Giant tapped his staff and so magical grass and vines grew out of the stone. He carefully mixed that with the webbing and ca up with a heavy ball of plant matter and webs. Halrac and Seborn rolled it to the door as they talked conversationally.
I havent had ti to see Revi fight. Shes your second [Mage], right?
[Summoner], actually. She can conjure spirits of Stitch-warriors or summon other creatures. Its useful, but not when were disarming traps. Her summoned creatures cant think for themselves.
Ah. Here we go. Would you like to do the honors?
Sure.
Halrac kicked the ball of heavy matter into the room. He saw the grating descend fractionally, and then both he and Seborn leapt backwards.
So thats the trap.
Yep. Acid mist.
Halrac and Seborn backed up into the previous room as all the Gold-rank adventurers drew back. A very fine spray of colorless liquid was shooting down from above. It didnt affect the stone or tal, but the instant it struck the plants and webbing, the ball began smoking and disintegrating with a subtle hiss.
Jelaqua shook her head as the others waited for the trap to finish its work. As a warrior, she and Ulrien were of the least use in this situation. She leaned against a wall with Ulrien, ready to help if called upon, but mostly alert for a monster sneaking up around them. Since they were fairly confident no monsters existed in the trapped rooms theyd passed through, she allowed herself a short conversation.
How many more rooms are like this, do you think?
Ulrien shrugged his broad shoulders as he watched the acid make the stone walls slick with moisture.
Impossible to say. But there has to be a limited number. Once were through here, we can be sure our exits safe. Unless theres a teleportation trap hidden on the way back?
He looked at the other [Mages], all of whom shook their heads. Typhenous tapped the walls with his staff.
I have been checking for that diligently, as per your orders, Ulrien.
As have I.
Moore nodded. Reassured, Ulrien looked at Revi. She shrugged, looking embarrassed and annoyed.
Not my specialty! I told you that Ulrien! But I havent seen anything either.
He nodded. The adventurers sat back when it beca apparent the acid wasnt stopping anyti soon. They began to chatter idly while they waited. Other, less-experienced groups might have stayed on their feet or tried to find sothing to do, but the Gold-rank teams knew patience was their biggest asset.
Acid mist. Great. Didnt Erin say she used to sell acid?
Sell acid? You must have heard her wrong.
Id believe anything of her. Want to try and bottle it up?
Its magical acid. Itll disappear after a few minutes.
Ah.
I hate traps like these. Whats the point? A few seconds of acid and youre dead. Why waste spell power keeping it going?
I guess in case soone casts a spell. The acid probably wears away at magical protections too. If youve got an enchanted cloak for instance, this is probably when the acid eats away.
Nasty. Hey, anyone want so food?
You brought a snack? Whats the point? Were five seconds away from Liscor.
I get munchy when Im bored, and this is boring. Toasted baguette anyone? Ill share. Ham and cheese. Erin made it for .
Ill have so.
Well, if youre offering
Jelaqua split her sandwich with Typhenous and Seborn. As they ate, Ulrien looked over at his counterpart. Jelaquas white face was pale as death, and she was unmistakably a corpse, but there was still life behind the eyes. Literally.
You lot are very relaxed, especially in the middle of a dungeon.
She grinned at him, chewing and swallowing her al. Part of Halrac wondered whether Jelaqua could taste the food she atethen he rembered her complaining about trying to keep her bodys taste buds fresh so she could enjoy food.
Shouldnt we be? Whats the use of tensing up?
We like tense. And serious. Halrac and I are both forr soldiersand we hunt Griffins. Idle chatter in the field can alert our quarry and get us all killed.
Right, thats in the na of your group. I wish we were so efficient.
No you dont. Youd quit if you couldnt talk every two seconds.
Moore nudged Jelaqua with one finger. She grinned and swatted at him.
Okay, I wish I was that efficient.
Each to their own. Its not like the Halfseekers dont get the job done.
True. Hey, was that a complint? From Halrac the Grim no less. Hah!
Jelaqua laughed and Halrac scowled. She waved at him.
Dont take it so personally. Im happy to hear that, really. And I wish I had a title. All I get called is corpse snatcher and body thief, and all Selphids get called that.
I didnt ask for my title. Ulrien doesnt have a nickna. Theres no reason for to have one if you dont.
Halrac snapped and rose. The acid had stopped, although the walls were still wet. He went to study the room with Seborn while Jelaqua turned to Ulrien. The Selphid looked concerned.
I didnt an to offend him.
Ulrien grimaced, looking at his friends back.
Dont take it personally. Halrac just doesnt like the attention. Its nothing to do with you.
Yeah, well, you know how titles go. We dont choose them, other people do. And you have to admit, it suits him.
Jelaqua winked slyly at Halrac, whose shoulders had tensed up. Ulrien smiled and covered it with a hand.
He has a point, though. Halracs one of the best [Scouts] on the continent, and probably one of the best ones working as an adventurer, but hes hardly as noticeable as your team is. Co to that, the Halfseekers have more of a reputation in the south than Griffon Hunt does.
Aw. Stop. Youre making blush. See my orange cheeks?
Tickled, Jelaqua laughed and pointed to her cheeks, which were indeed glowing slightly orange. Ulrien smiled and Typhenous leaned forwards, chewing aggressively while crumbs fell into his beard.
Ulrien does have a point, though. Im quite old, but the Halfseekers have been around for a long ti, havent they, Miss Ivirith? I wouldnt be surprised if you were older than I was. When I was young, I rember hearing youd co from Baleros as a Silver-rank adventurer. I recall a ti when the Halfseekers were one of the best Gold-rank teams on the continent. There were seven of you back then, werent there?
Jelaqua stopped laughing. She lost her smile, and Ulrien saw Moore sit up slightly. The two Halfseekers looked at each other wordlessly. Typhenous coughed.
Forgive if I misspoke. I did not an to pry.
Adventurer deaths were common, but each party rembered their own differently. Halrac and Ulrien had buried more than a few friends, and it was courtesy not to bring up the fallen. But Jelaqua shook her head. She put her hands on her knees and sat cross-legged as Moore rested his weight on his staff, looking tired.
Eight. There were eight of us, not too long ago. We were great, yeah. We thought we could beco a Nad Adventuring team. None of us were on that level of course, but together? We could have taken down a nest of adult Crelers and fought our way through a trio of Wyverns like that.
She snapped her fingers softly. Halrac and Seborn half-turnedthey were trying to saw through parts of the grate. Jelaqua waved a hand and they turned away.
The other adventurers sat a bit closer. Revi scooted over, looking concerned.
What happened then? If you dont mind telling. I rember hearing the Halfseekers had lost a lot of their group, but I never heard what happened.
Typhenous cleared his throat gently.
I ah, heard it was in relation to the Sepicus Delve, where you fought through the caverns and looted the swallowed treasures?
Close, but not quite.
Jelaqua grinned and then shook her head, closing her eyes and frowning sadly. Moores head was lowered.
It was actually after that. We got chewed up down there, but we ca back, all eight of us. I was wounded and needed a new body, Moore was too hurt to walk and needed the poisons leeched out of him before he could be healed and Seborn was asleep when it happened. Our other five mbers were checking over our loot when a fight broke out.
Over treasure? But thats such a rookie
Revi broke off at Ulriens glance. Fighting over magical artifacts was a typical end to many groups, but he had a feeling that wasnt what Jelaqua was referring to.
He was right. Jelaqua shook her head.
If it was a quarrel over treasureno. This was different. It was betrayal, pure and simple. One of our own turned on us. He slaughtered four of our own and fled with everything wed found. We went after him of course, but we never found him. Moore, Seborn and I are all thats left.
Silence fell after Jelaquas story. Ulrien stared at the Selphid.
That is odd. Fighting over an artifact is one thing, but killing? Was what you recovered so valuable?
No! And thats the damned thing!
She struck her leg repeatedly, brushing her dead flesh until Moore grabbed her hand. He spoke while Jelaqua looked down.
I am afraid the matter isnt so cut and dried, Ulrien. If it were just treasure our companion wantedwe might have given him all of it. We dont discriminate if the needs of one of our group outweighs the other. But instead, our friend
That bastard.
Jelaqua muttered. Moore nodded.
He ran with everything and killed our companions. Not because he feared wed make him share, but, we think, to hide what was stolen.
An artifact of great power?
Typhenous sat up, eyes alert. Moore nodded quietly.
Or a secret.
And hes still at large? Your companion? Who is he?
Ulrien looked at Jelaqua. It seed incredible that a Gold-rank adventurer could turn traitor and he not hear of it. Normally every adventurer within a thousand miles would receive a bounty on the head of the adventurer. The Adventurers Guild did not tolerate traitors. But Jelaqua and Moore paused.
Hes alive, but theres no bounty on him and no one knows hes out there but us. We couldnt tell anyone else except for our closest allies, and we had few of those even in the good days.
You can count us among them. If not to help, at least to listen.
Ulrien spoke for his group. Jelaqua hesitated. She looked at Moore and he nodded. She sighed.
Okay, but youll understand why we kept this secret. You know the Halfseekers are all about taking races that dont quite fit? Not just half races like half-Elves or half-Giants like Moorepeople like . Selphids. Races that dont quite fit with other groups. Well, our last mber was really different. He was a Goblin.
Revi gasped. There was a clang, and then an oath. Halrac, working in the room next door, had dropped his tal file in surprise. Of course hed been listening as well. Ulrien stared at Jelaqua.
No. A Goblin? How could that be possible? Theyre savages.
She shrugged tiredly.
Looks like they are in the end. But our companion was a Hobgoblin, not an ordinary one, you know? He was as good as any Goblin Chieftainbetter, actually. We always thought he was as good as a Goblin could get without being a Goblin Lord. His na wasGaren Redfang. We know hes still alive. Got his own tribe now too, by the sounds of it.
Redfang. RedfangIve heard of that tribe. Its one of the Goblin tribes around the High Passes. Its considered a danger to Gold-rank adventurers.
Ulrien recalled the warnings. There were only a few Goblin tribes with that kind of warning, and the Redfang tribe had earned theirs by killing several Silver and Gold-rank teams that had gone after them. Jelaqua grimaced.
Thats not surprising. Garen wasone of our best warriors. A natural leader, too. Hes a [Rider] and a [Warrior] and hes got magical artifacts. Like any Gold-rank adventurer.
So he betrayed your team. Over what?
We dont know!
The Selphid spread her arms helplessly. She looked around at the others.
We were wary of Garen, but he was with us for two years and saved all of our lives more than once. He was one of us, but when he found the treasureI knew there was sothing wrong. But I cant rember what we pulled out. I was almost dead and one of my eyes was missing
Seborn rembers a key, a magical orb of so kind, so spell scrolls, a few magical weaponsit may be the key, but what would a Goblin know of keys? Their people dont use keys and identifying the lock would be a trendous task for the most well-inford [Spymaster]. If the key even had a lock. As for the rest
Moore shook his huge head. Ulrien and the others sat in silence for a while. In the distance, they heard Halrac and Seborn finally cut through the grating and send the entire contraption clanging into the pit below.
If your companions a threat, he needs to be taken care of. Justice should be done for your fallen. After this dungeonwe could discuss it.
Ulrien offered the suggestion to Jelaqua. She nodded tiredly. A bit of a smile crept back onto her face, which Ulrien was glad to see.
Who knew Griffon Hunt was full of such softies? Dont let it get out or Halracs reputation will be ruined. And dont worrywe wont let the past get in the way of the dungeon. To rebuild our group we need coin and treasure, and thats what were here for.
But you wont forget, will you?
Revi spoke up. Ulrien looked at her and saw the Stich Girls hands were clenched. The String People valued their own highly, he recalled. No wonder Revi felt passionate. Jelaqua nodded slowly and Moore sat up. The gentle half-Giants eyes were shadowed.
Dont worry, we wont forget. Ever. Garen knows it, which is why hes always kept his head down. Hes on our list.
With that, the conversation ended. Seborn and Halrac ca back to report the trapped room had been cleared and they were constructing a bridge across the chasm to the next room. The Gold-ranked adventurers moved onto the next trapped room, and the next.
Six hours after theyd begun, the Halfseekers and Griffon Hunt erged blinking back into the white, snowy world. They were covered in dirt, tired, hungry despite Jelaquas snack, and on-edge from dealing with traps and close calls.
One of the last traps had extended back into the corridor and one of the camouflaged wall scorpions had nearly stabbed Ulrien through the face. It had got Revi in the arm, but shed pulled her arm off and had cut the envenod cotton away. She still needed a healing potion though, and the pain from reattaching her arm and feeling the wound in her flesh for a few monts had made her more snappish than usual.
Hold! Who goes there?
Us! Its always us!
Jelaqua shouted as the [Guardsn] on the barricades heard them coming up the tunnel. After a pause they were allowed to continue, and the Gold-rank adventurers found a flurry of commotion on the wall. One of the Gnolls tossed down a ladder so the adventurers could climb up. The rest were packing up their gear and heading towards the city.
Whats going on?
Ulrien and the other adventurers were imdiately alert. The Gnoll paused long enough to growl at them.
Trouble. Sothing just crawled out of the second dungeon entrance! The Captains locking down the gates! If you want into the city, hurry!
He loped off towards the gates. The adventurers looked at each other. Typhenous frowned.
Up through the chasm? But that rift stretches down hundreds of feet
Not a problem for so monsters, especially if they can fly. What should we do? I can scout the trouble.
Halrac was looking at Ulrien. The big man considered their options. As Gold-rank adventurers they were expected to help in tis of crisis, but that didnt an taking on every threat, especially when a city like Liscor could easily defend its walls from most enemies.
Revi shook her head as the Gold-rank adventurers conferred.
Its not our fight. Why invite trouble?
Erins inn isnt within city limits. Thats all the trouble you need, especially if whatevers out there decides they want an easier snack.
Jelaqua pointed that out and Ulrien nodded. He turned to Halrac.
Halrac
Im gone.
The [Scout] charged through the snow, running fast despite the deep drifts as he scouted ahead. His Skills would let him see danger and avoid it which is why Ulrien let him go alone. Jelaqua was looking at Seborn.
I could let Seborn
Not necessary. Halracs a [Scout]. He can retreat if anything cos at him. Unless Seborn has similar Skills?
Point. Lets get to Erins inn, then!
The Gold-rank adventurers began marching hard through the snow, keeping an eye out for trouble. On the walls of Liscor, they saw Drakes and Gnolls running back and forth. The gates closed as a group of people stread through it. The Gold-rank adventurers marched on, yet the monsters werent visible from their position on the snowy plains.
Theres Halrac!
Revi shouted as she saw the [Scout] racing towards them over a hill. Halrac waved his hand and pointed northboth teams of adventurers picked up the pace and t him halfway.
Undead! Two Flesh Worms, two Crypt Lordsa score of Ghouls and lesser undead as well.
From that hole in the ground? How?
Jelaqua demanded as Halrac took a few deep breaths. The [Scout] grimaced.
It looks like they crawled up the hole sohow. They probably used the ropes those idiots left! I think the Flesh Worms carried both Crypt Lords. And the undeadIm fairly certain theyre the group that left.
Damn it.
Ulrien wasnt one to curse often. He frowned as he looked towards the Wandering Inn in the distance. It was near Liscor, and it wasnt a stretch to think the undead might target it.
Didnt Liscor have a big problem with a Flesh Worm one ti? A special one?
Skinner. Ive heard the stories. It got over the wall. Want to bet these ones can do the sa?
No bets. Im of the mind that we take the undead out rather than risk them attacking the inn or the city. If they killed that adventuring group, we can avenge them. Its the right thing to do. What does your group think?
Ulrien looked at Jelaqua. She grinned.
Were down for a fight. You leave one of the Flesh Worms to uswell hit them from one side and you squeeze them from the other. That sound good?
Works for us.
There was no ti to co up with a detailed plan and besides, both teams didnt need anything elaborate. The enemy wasnt that dangerous. Ulrien gave rapid orders to his group, going over a plan of attack while they marched through the snow towards the rift.
I want our worm immobilized. Revi can deal with the bulk of the lesser undead, and Halrac can support from the air.
You want him high up?
Typhenous looked at Ulrien. Both Halrac and Ulrien nodded.
Theres no ranged or aerial threats, aside from the Crypt Lords spitting black blood. You and Revi keep back while I engage the Crypt Lord. Just pour on spells from the side and well be fine.
Got it.
Both [Mages] nodded. Ulrien grunted, drew his greatsword, and picked up the pace. Within minutes he could see shapes rushing over the snow in the distance. Two giant red worms, writhing and shooting across the landscape at unsettling speed were leading a pair of giant Crypt Lords, amalgamations of rotten flesh and bone. A horde of zombies, ghouls, and skeletons rushed behind them. It was an army of the undead, but Ulrien knew the only true threats were the Flesh Worms.
They were both twenty feet long, had thick red flesh, tiny black eyes and long antennae, and two whip-like appendages with feelers on the ends. These feelers could latch onto flesh and tear it away in an instant. Ulrien had heard stories of Flesh Worms building themselves obscene layers of armor from the skin of their victims over ti. These ones didnt have any such protections, but they were fast, strong, and capable of wiping out a party of Bronze or Silver-rank adventurers by themselves.
Not Gold-rank, though. Not Griffon Hunt. The instant the undead were spotted, Ulrien stopped and lifted his greatsword up, blade flat. Halrac ran towards him, bow at the ready and Typhenous raised his staff.
It was a maneuver theyd perford many tis. Halrac leapt onto the flat of Ulriens huge blade and Ulrien grunted. He heaved up, and Halrac leapt from his sword into the air as Typhenous raised his staff.
[Platform of Air].
Halrac landed on the transparent disc ten feet above the ground and reached for the quiver at his side. He snapped down at the others as he put an arrow with a shimring yellow-tipped head to his bowstring.
Shocking left!
Immobilizing right. [Sticky Webbing].
Typhenous lifted his staff as Halrac shot the first arrow. There was over twenty ters separating him and the Flesh Worm, but his arrow still stuck the undulating red serpent straight between the eyes. It shrieked, making Halrac clench his teeth as lightning burst from his arrow and made the Flesh Worm twist upon itself in agony.
At the sa ti, a stream of grey tendrils lashed out from Typhenouss staff. The older [Mage] caught the second Flesh Worm with the mass as it tried to evade. The sticky web from his spell anchored parts of the worm to the ground, impeding its movent. The Flesh Worm tore up parts of the ground as it tried to free itself.
Whoo! Mage support! Alright Halfseekers, lets do this!
Jelaquas team was less refined than Griffon Hunt. They charged across the snow at the first Flesh Worm, all three of them. It twisted upright, hissing, as Jelaqua whirled her flail and attacked its side.
Ulrien charged the second Flesh Worm as it struggled to free itself. The snow was making his footing unstable, so he took care to plant himself in front of the worm before slashing. The worm swung a feeler at his head and Ulrien cut. The Flesh Worm scread as one of its arms was severed and fell to the ground. Ulrien pressed the attack, cutting into its side with his greatsword.
I will assist Ulrien. Revi, the Crypt Lord is advancing.
Typhenous comnted to Revi as he shot magical missiles of light at the Flesh Worms head, forcing it to dodge as Ulrien sliced into its side, trying to saw it in half. Revi sighed.
I see it old man. Give one second.
She reached into her pouch and pulled out a huge chunk of amber. Embedded in the center was a fragnt, a bit of horn. Revi held it up and shouted.
Co forth! Rush, Corusdeer!
As the Crypt Lord advanced, spitting black blood onto the ground, sothing shimred in the air in front of Revi. A bright, antlered shape burst out of the air and the fire from its body lted the earth. Revi pointed and uttered a command.
A glowing Corusdeer ford out of red and yellow fire charged towards the first Crypt Lord. It ramd the undead and there was a wordless howl as it engulfed the Crypt Lord in flas. The Corusdeer broke off, ran a circle in the snow, and ramd the Crypt Lord from the other side. Revi was pointing, commanding its path as two spectral warriors appeared in front of her and Typhenous, waiting for the Ghouls to approach.
Halrac drew an arrow to his cheek and loosed it at a Ghoul. The arrow hit the undead in the head as it ran and the Ghoul dropped. Halrac turned, shot a Ghoul trying to sneak up at the [Mages] from behind, and looked over at the Halfseekers to see how they were doing.
Jelaqua was a whirling image of death as befit her [Iron Tempest] class. Her two-handed flail was a danger to everything around her, and the undead charging at her were torn to bits by her whirling flails heads. She closed on the Flesh Worm as it hissed at her. It lashed out, but one of Jelaquas flails smacked its tail away as it tried to hit the Selphid.
I will take it down.
Moore ran towards the Flesh Worm, long legs churning through the snow. The half-Giant raised his staff and balled his other hand into a fist.
[Thorny Fist].
Thick brambles of dark wood engulfed his right hand. Huge thorns shot out, dark and grey like iron and turned Moores hand into a deadly weapon. He lashed out at the Flesh Worm
And missed. The giant red worm was incredibly agile. It leaned back and dove head-first at Moore, mouth opened wide. He blocked it with his enchanted hand, but the magical gauntlet of wood and thorns wasnt stronger than the Flesh Worms flesh. It had bitten through several layers of the bark surrounding his vulnerable skin when Seborn appeared and stabbed the Flesh Worm in the side with glowing daggers.
It scread as part of its flesh caught on fire and whirled to attack Seborn. The [Rogue] dove out of the way and seed to vanish in the snow. Moore backed up, shaking his hand.
Thanks, Seborn.
Take care of the undead. Let Jelaqua and I handle the worm.
Agreed.
Moore took a few steps back as Jelaqua lashed the Flesh Worms side with her flail and Seborn stabbed its tail. He turned and saw the undead were about to fall on his party from behind.
The half-Giant calmly kicked a zombie hard enough to send it flying through the air, punched a Ghoul down as it leapt on him, and then stepped on its back. Halrac winced as he heard bones crack.
The other Crypt Lord charged Moore, but hesitantly. It was actually shorter than the half-Giant and Moore was nearly as wide as it was. Moore used the remains of his enchanted hand to hold the Crypt Lord at bay as its rows of teeth and claws scratched harmlessly at his wooden gauntlet. Then he raised his staff with his left hand.
Moore thrust the tip of his broad staff into the Crypt Lords side, tearing into dead flesh and pushing the undead monstrosity back. As it tried to swipe at him, Moore uttered a spell.
[Entangling Vines.]
Thick, green ropes of plant matter erupted from the Crypt Lords side. It engulfed the struggling undead as Moore let go, sealing its mouth, anchoring it to the ground and rendering it immobile. Moore nodded.
Problem solved.
The half-Giant turned away and began hitting the undead around him with his staff, not bothering with more spells. In the anti, Jelaqua had brought the battle to the Flesh Worm.
Five tis, ten tis, twenty tis she struck the Flesh Worms side with her flail. Its hide was incredibly thick, but the force of each of her flail strikes was able to tear into its hide slightly. And she kept hitting it. Jelaquas arms were a blur as she lashed the Flesh Worms side, tearing it apart hit by hit. She was laughing as she attacked.
Strikestrikestrikestrikestrikewhoa, that was close.
Jelaqua ducked low as the Flesh Worm lashed out towards her with its feelers. It swung its body around and its tail ca at waist height. Jelaqua cursed as she dove beneath it, and then saw the Flesh Worm poised to lunge. The worm opened its mouth and then an arrow sprouted from one eye.
It scread. Seborn took the opportunity to sever a good section of its lower body with a decisive strike. The Flesh Worm scread again as it bled orange-red blood and tried to retreat. Jelaqua cut it off and her flail caught it on the head this ti.
Take this!
She lifted her flail and buried the spiked ball into the Flesh Worms head. The worm scread, tried to move. Jelaqua whirled her flail, building up speed. She hit the sa place again. And then again. The third blow crunched sothing in the Flesh Worms brains and it went still.
As the gigantic creatures stopped moving, Jelaqua studied the broken arrow shaft in its eye and looked around. She saw Halrac standing on his platform of air, shooting down Ghouls and Zombies. She waved a hand at him as he turned his head her way and grinned.
Halrac lifted one hand. He grinned as he shot a Ghoul through the head. Jelaqua laughed and spun. Her flail crushed a zombies skull and she whirled her two-handed flail, knocking another zombie off of its feet.
Ulrien finally managed to hack the second Flesh Worm in half and dashed back as it fell to the ground, screaming. It was still alive though, and Typhenous had to blast it with [Fireballs] twice before it fell. Revis summoned Corusdeer had incinerated her Crypt Lord, and with her summoned warriors and Halracs shooting, the rest of the undead on their side were cleaned up in minutes.
All the undead around Moore had been thoroughly smashed as well. The half-Giant was leaning on his staff and talking to Seborn as he regarded the bound Crypt Lord. No one was in the mood for a fair fight, so Revi let her Corusdeer charge into the Crypt Lord and burn it to pieces. The adventurers headed back towards the Wandering Inn, chatting and cleaning undead gore off of their weapons.
There was sothing cathartic about fighting monsters. It was simple. There was no tension, worrying that a trap might go off and endanger the group. When you killed a monster, you killed it for good, even if that ant burning the remains until there was nothing left.
Nice moves against the Flesh Worm. Have you fought them before?
Ulrien was chatting with Jelaqua. She shook her head, looking rueful.
No. I didnt expect the bugger to be so quick! Your Halracs a great shot, though. Id prefer not tangling with those worms anyways, to be honest. My flails not a good matchup against them.
True. Holding them down and cutting them apart works for my group.
Oh? Well next ti I think well just let Moore entangle it and then beat it to death as well. Hes got so great vine spells, as you saw back there.
Revi was smiling for once, and chatting with Seborn and Moore.
Think well get a bounty on the undead?
Perhaps. Although we didnt take any trophies.
Trophies? You can see their bodies over there! If the city wants proof so bad, they can just co out here and count themselves. Anyways, that was refreshing. Anyone want a drink?
Moore nodded.
I could do with a keg of sothing spicy. And Lyonette promised a lot of pasta with atballs tonight. I prefer the Gnollish kind, having tried them.
Ooh, share so with . I think Ill have Erin make thislasagna she keeps talking about tonight.
Im partial to that as well. Lets order so for all of us.
The Gold-rank adventurers returned to the inn, chatting, smiling, and not talking about the adventurers that had died. It was part of their life. The others had taken a risk and paid for it. Mourning them was appropriate, and perhaps so words would be said. But death was too often part of their lives for it to detract from living.
Hey! Its you guys! How are you? Had a busy day?
Erin Solstice looked up from her tables, beaming as the Gold-rank adventurers took a seat. In monts she had drinks coming their way courtesy of Drassi, and she was already directing Lyonette to take out the pre-cooked lasagna, much to Revis delight and Seborns dismay.
Im not a fan of cheese. Cows areodd creatures. We dont have things like them in the sea. Do you have anything less cheese related?
How about fish? Lyonette had one jump out at her and she beat it to death with a bucket. Sound good?
That would be excellent. Can you make it spicy?
Will do! Oh, by the way, did Lyonette tell you all about what I wanted to talk to you earlier about but never got the chance to talk about?
Halrac blinked and Typhenous rubbed his ears as the adventurers tried to decode Erins convoluted statent. Moore sat up as Lyonette and Drassi lifted a huge pot of spaghetti and atballs onto his table.
I recall sothing about slis.
Yeah! Slis! Let get your food and well talk. Or actually, Lyonette and the others will get your food and Ill talk. Isnt having help great?
Erin bead as she hovered around the tables with her guests. She had hot food, cool drinks, and a warm, inviting smile. All an adventurer wanted at the end of the day. Well, Revi could have done without the smile. She just wanted the drinks.
How was your day? Did anything interesting happen? I heard there was so kind of monster attack, but Bird says all the monsters are taken care of. Did anything crazy happen to you guys?
Halrac glanced over at the rest of his team, and then at Jelaqua and the Halfseekers. It was the Selphid who grinned and casually took a mug from Lyonettes tray.
Oh, nothing special. Whats this about slis?
-
So it went. Adventurers did their jobs and got paid for it. So were quiet heroes, others bold and unapologetic. The experienced ones took calculated risks and paved the way for others to follow. They did their job, and it was a mark of experience that they did not brag about what they did.
However, the inexperienced didnt know that and so talked constantly. On one snowy trail recently cleared by fla magic, one such adventurer was lauding his achievents to a very patient, very blind young man on a wagon. Laken Godart sat on the wagons back, wishing for once that he were blind and deaf.
so as I said, were not Gold-rank adventurers, but werepretty close. I an, Silver-ranks the best youll see around most parts. Not Invrisil, true, but I like to think were competitive with Gold-rank teams for a lot of assignnts.
One of the adventurers, a young man with a sword and an air of unwarranted confidence, was riding a horse and chattering to Laken. He was quite taken with the [Emperor], mainly because Laken was rumored to be so sort of rich [Lord] and it never hurt to impress the nobility. He was the leader of the Windfrozen Riders, one of the two Silver-rank teams Laken had hired to protect Riverfarm and escort him back to his village.
He was regretting that choice. Charitable though the Windfrozen Riders might be to the plight of simple villagers, humble they were not. Their leader had talked his ear off for three hours straight, and this was the second day of travelling with him. He only broke off when Durene walked to the head of the wagon and spoke with Laken.
Laken.
Oh, Durene. Thank you for saving my ears. Is he gone?
Hes talking to Gal. Hey, Laken, can I punch him?
What? Dureneno. No, that wouldnt be right.
It was uncharacteristic of the half-Troll to be violent at all. However, she was almost as annoyed with the cocky adventurer as Laken was. He dismissed her question, trying not to imagine how satisfying the sound of her thumping the young adventurer would be.
Patience, Durene. We need these adventurers as friends. Ill ask him to quiet down a bit, but violence isnt the answer. Punching him wouldnt do him any good, would it?
Durene made a disgruntled sound.
No, but if I punch him, Ill save him from being killed by the other adventurers. The [Mage] with the glasses say shell turn him into a toad. Can she do that?
Laken laughed, and then frowned thoughtfully.
Shes a [Witch]. And I think shes not high enough level to do that. Shed probably only give him a long tongue and slimy skin. Maybe so webbed feet, but thats all.
He heard a shuffle, and then a note of complaint in Durenes voice.
Okay, but can I punch him anyways? He keeps telling that hes got a second sword just as long as his first sword. Which is impossible. It wouldnt fit in his pants. And whod want a sword that big, anyways?
Laken made an amused face.
Youd be surprised what so guys think theyd like, Durene.
There was a pause. Durene trudged alongside the wagon as Laken found Frostwings head. The bird was getting very big, and he was starting to flap his wings as if he was trying to fly. Laken wondered what would happen when he did. Would he be able to command Frostwing? Talk to him? He was a [Beast Tar].
After a mont, Durene edged closer and whispered in Lakens ear.
You know I dont an sword, right? He was talking about his pe
I get it, Durene.
So can I hit him?
Laken sighed. He could hear the adventurer coming back towards the wagon. He stared ahead, and wished he were back at Riverfarm sooner.
Well?
Im thinking about it.
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