The ranger's guild hall in Skara Brae begin to slowly fill. All manner of would-be heroes were assembling. I sat in the chair next to the Lord Krake Vestahl, organizer of this unlikely band of heroes. I took note of all who filled the room. All were destitute of weapons, armor, and the mage class were all carrying empty pouches. At first sight, this band would have a hard time squashing a bug. But I saw a confidence, a grim determination if you will to conquer in each face. Perhaps it was youthful eagerness of many of those present to prove themselves, and stalwart stubbornness of those who had battled evil before. You must decide... This is their tale...as I see it. "I have summoned you all here for one reason. It has come to my knowledge that there is a traitor in our midst." The words stunned all those present. Lord Krake continued. "We must search out this one and bring an end to his nefarious ways. He has allowed for an evil to come into this very town and take all manner of arms and provisions, even from the mage shops. Hardly any supplies are left . We must gather what is left and quickly end this terrible ordeal. The traitor has been tracked to an underground fortress with all manner of evil." "We are ready to help," this odd batch of heroes exclaimed as one. "Then gather what you can and let's be off," prompted Lord Krake. The makeshift band hurriedly gathered what weapons and armor and supplies they could. I began to think to myself, "I have seen brave before, but this... this is perhaps borderline insanity." Many of the band did not have any weapons and little armor. Most of the mages were without any firepower, not even able to cast low level spells or to heal themselves or others. Nonetheless, they still kept that same determined conquer or die face. It was most impressive if not foolish. I was moved by their stedfastness. "Perhaps they will succeed," I thought. My thoughts were interrupted by the voice of Lord Krake. "Everyone into the gate." In they marched with no hesitation. I followed. The efforts of these had to be chronicled. We stepped out into a grassy area with a dark cavern hole lurking close by. The area was deceiving. The peaceful water and dock, the grass and shrubs were the last pleasantness the party saw for a long while. All were accounted for, and into the deep, dark of fire dungeon we stepped. The heat and smell were staggering. All sort of fire breathing or protected creature abode. Elementals, lava lizards and fire serpents were encountered. All were dispatched or tamed. It was quite a sight watching ICY HOT run about taming creatures bent on destroying the one calling for their cooperation. The bards of the group had at least brought some instruments to calm the enraged creatures of this hideous place and were of much help to those trying to tame them. We steadily traveled deeper into this barren waste of fire, ash, smoke and desolation. There was nothing in this place that one could contrive as being useful or beneficial. Not yet anyway. Down dark corridors we trekked. None wanted to hurry ahead. The party stayed close by one another. They had figured out that their best chance was to stay together and help as was needed. A small block building with crude writings etched on the exterior walls came into view. I durst not write the words inscribed thusly. "This is a place of foul sorcery," cried out Keza. "All follow me, and be careful." The door flung open and two mad mages began to fling insults and dark majicks at the group. We charged in, and the 'heroes' began to subdue the two. Xarot the Black was the last to fall. As he did, a portal appeared and Johari and Heretic - Those are two fine heroic names. Don't ya think? - were spirited away from the group. There was no time to even grab on or follow them. Through a communication crystal, we were able to ascertain their whereabouts and also talk to them. Feeling them to be safe for the moment, Lord Krake decided to push on with the rest of the band. The heat was becoming more intense, and we soon new the reason why. A pool of molten lava appeared. To this day I know not how the stone bridge holds out nor the pillars that suspend it. I am just glad the bridge and pillars hold. Once again, the party regrouped. The bridge served as a rallying point. We headed south from the fire river and around more dark corners. The infernal heat made the going slower. But on the band pushed. We came upon an area that lurked of death. All manner of the undead set upon us when the gate to the 'dead city' was opened. The rotting corpses were quickly turned upon one another. Their powers of defiance seemed greatly diminished. Then out of the, well, grey I should say pops Johari from behind one of the walking corpses. Guess he had figured out how to navigate the caverns, or perhaps he had followed one of the undead through cracks and crevices - Those creatures have a way of showing up from nowhere. Nevertheless, It was good to have him back. He seemed happy to be back with us, also. The 'Dead City' was cleared, and we continued on. I was beginning to use my powers of observation to locate the traitor. It seemed no one but me had the ability to find that which was hidden. The enemies became more fierce as we traveled deeper into the cavern. Liches, demons, efreeti were all encountered. Worse was the imps. They can wreak havoc as death comes near to them, they deal quite a devastating blow of fire. Many of the tamed creatures were burnt where they stood by these seemingly, just mischievous imps. Still on the group pressed. What happened next is somewhat blurry. I had just tracked ahead of the party hoping to find some clue of the traitor. As I hurried back, I saw black riders on horses. They must have been summoned by the 'traitor'. It seemed they were trying to thwart the group from accomplishing their task. Carnage and destruction met my eyes. The 'notorious ones' - these that have no allegiance and will never have any honor - struck swiftly and cowardly. Many of the band fell as they had no way of defending themselves or even able to heal. Those of us who survived began to tend to the heavily wounded and brought them back from the brink of death. Once again the band was together and whole. The group rested and collected themselves after the dreadful encounter. Now more than ever, they seemed determined to finish the task of finding the traitor and bringing him to justice. On we marched. Through more evil bent on stopping the band. Fatigue was beginning to set in as some of the group had been fighting non-stop for some time. I had now picked up the trail of the one spoke of by Lord Krake. "He is to the south," I hurriedly spoke. The party seemed to be rejuvenated by my words. I felt such awe being able to stand with this small band of uncommon heroes, and I was glad that I was having a small part in helping them finish their quest. We rounded a corner, and an awesome - no a fearsome sight met my gaze. A dark fortress with high walls and countless evil mages were seen. "He is in there," I stated as I pointed to the evil and foreboding fortress. The band didn't even flinch.. Straight up to the front door they filed. The door was flung open, and the battle ensued. It was a sight to behold. The 'evil ones' were obliterated. None survived the fury of the determined, ill-equipped ones. I was able to locate and reveal the traitor. He tried to run but was cornered by Karl Krieger. Justice had won. The Test of Heroes was over. The Band of Heroes: I salute you!
Thank you for this wonderful story, and thank you for coming along and being so diligent with taking screens shots. I very much appreciate it!
Thank you so much for capturing the event and immortalizing it with the story to go along with the pictures. I had a great time and thanks to you theres a great story too! Really well written and entertaining my friend! (Was there as Karl Krieger) You're the best! Take care Edit: Hilarious how you captured half of my comment on the appearance of the traitor: Full comment,he looks like an orc mated a goat. But just says "Mated a goat" leaving a wide room for intepretation.
Thanks, Cordelia. I really appreciate your favorable comments and input. It was a memorable occasion.
It sure was but it wouldnt live on in server history without your service. awell as assisting on the hunt you took many pictures,took the time to write a coherent,well written story to go with them. pleasant,funny,a joy to read. You deserve a ton of credit my friend! Glad i could put a smile on your face One thing i will remember is i hadnt been in that dungeon since 99 so i fell into a teleporter,ended up naked with a spear attacked by an ogre and roughly 30 rats. Eventually i was saved and returned to the group. I had 2 bandages and a ton of luck haha.
