She was growing more frustated by the moment. The druid demanded that this sentient being was not a thing of nature but rather a montstrous, twisted version of it and then Draven comes from where ever he had been, which was truly anyone's guess. Now, she had two of her companions against her. This was not going for her at all.

"Fine! If no other person is willing to take the trek down this blasted hill and back up, then I will do it by myself. I just need a few coins and then I will be off. I most certainly have none of my own as I gave them to those that have more need of them."

She was certain that this may serve to just more enmity between her and her companions, but she would not needlessly spill blood.

Loda smiled as Draven spoke out, ing his neck and other random body parts.

" I will slip behind."

Her smirk quickly left her face as she seen Alyssia speak out.


"Fine! If no other person is willing to take the trek down this blasted hill and back up, then I will do it by myself. I just need a few coins and then I will be off. I most certainly have none of my own as I gave them to those that have more need of them."

Ignoring Alyssias ignorance to the imminent danger of the group, Loda drew out her longbow, and knocked an arrow. She knew not to trust the monsterous beast and her tricks, and Loda knew that the thing would just try an kill them after they gave into her demands or not.
She kept the bow aligned with Troshbas chest, the largest part of her body that is facing her, and drew back the string. She spoke out with her eyes still trained on Troshba, and the arrow aimed directly at the beast.

" Now what beast, will you let us pass or not? By the end of the day we will be past this silly little place, and on with out lives. Now whether or not you are still alive, or , is the only thing that could change. So make your decision now, live and let us go, or die, leaving your children motherless and starving."

Geimiedefher smiled as he watched Guland’s reaction. They knew each other well. His friend knew that Geimiedefher would want to go after the knowledge. Not much could induce him to leave his research. He laughed. “Guland, you old dog! You already had something planned! You have already sent your merchants to find people to head! Of course I am excited! I am sure both of us will have much to gain. Lets discuss this trip over a meal and some drink!”

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba’s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:28 pm
Of course it was the story of their lives together. Some in the group were always ready to fight, opposed by those who desired more peaceful ways of ending a conflict. If a conflict was really what was going on here. Then there were those who didn’t care either way and went with what the group decided.
This time it seemed like Alyssia was on her own, though. The others did not care to listen to this monster’s wishes. Their unwillingness to trust the creature’s word was perhaps more a reflection of their own reliability or view on appearances, rather than laziness.

Troshba had regarded the group with patience beyond any monster’s capabilities. She had understood most of what had been said, or at least realized what was going on. She had never experienced anything like this, though she had let many groups pass and reside in the safety of her protection. She had also fought other monsters and lost many battles. Her scars proved it. But now she had the point of an arrow sticking towards her face, and she was not going to tolerate this lack of respect any longer.

As soon as the arrow came up, Troshba gave a fierce flick with her spiked tail. Instantly 6 of the large spikes that grew from it sprang forward and shot at Loda. Two of them pierced the druid’s arms, one penetrated her shoulder, and one struck like a needle through the druid’s tough armor and sank deep in her chest. The remaining two spikes bounced harmlessly upon the rocks. The spikes stuck from Loda’s flesh like sickly twisted appendages. The pain they caused made her drop to one knee.
Troshba gave a roar and with a few flaps from her massive wings she was high in the air.

“Troshba warned you! Now feel Troshba’s claw and spike!”

(OOC: Don’t tell me you didn’t see this coming. Loda is bleeding severely. She’s lost about two third of her hit points already (yes, there was one critical hit). You can all describe what you’re going to do, but don’t write whether you strike or not. As the DM I roll the dice and initiative.)

---

Khordal Kingdom
Granitefingers’ Residence
23rd day of the 7th month: Pfier
4:46 pm
The merchant laughed at his friend’s reaction. It was exactly what he had been hoping for. He grinned, but shook his head at the same time.

“I’m sorry Geim. We don’t have time to discuss this over a nice pint of SphinxBreath. First of all, I have to tell you that this discovery of mine is highly secret. I don’t want to go out and discuss things like this in public. Imagine all the Khords that would be interested in overhearing us.”
He cocked an eyebrow and leaned a bit closer.
“I have a group coming in this afternoon, if all goes well. I need you to be there too, and ready to leave Khordal by tomorrow. I want you to go with them in my stead. I have to stay here to run my business. But I advise you to revive your knowledge about the Chakrandrum and their marvelous city. If you have the time, run by the library and dig up some old books. I know you’re going to need them.”

---

Maelamin Kingdom
Bladesinger Keep
25th day of the 7th month: Pfier
8:40 pm
The ropes tightened around Elessarae’s body. Cut off from air she started to see black clouds in front of her eyes. More out of practice then good aim came a cut with her sword that carved deep into the rope that snaked around her shoulder and neck. A second slash severed the thing, and now she dangled upside down from the ceiling. After a huge heave for air she calmed herself and started to sing.

A third rope came down, its end hovering in front of the bladesinger’s face. Slowly it curved, as if moving on the song. Like a killer vine it touched her shoulder and started to curl itself around her chest and torso. This time it did not press down but simply wound around her.

(OOC: This third rope does not harm you, yet. I need to know what your reaction is to it, before I can continue.)

Gunar draws his 2 axes and attacks. Trying to draws its attacks by shouting at it.

"Hey rocks for brains you many have tooth and claw but im going to cut you into little pieces and leave them for the animals to get."

"You are not worth my time but I have to kill you dont worry it will be quick you will barely know what is happening im sure with your pebble sized brain."

"Tell me where your nest is and I will take care of your children also so they dont have to go motherless."

"You are nothing you are less then nothing I could kill you will one arm behind my back but I am in a hurry sure I will have to kill more then you today and they will be better then you in every way."

Gunar is going at trochba straight on from infront of the wounded archer so that if it tries to do that again he takes it instead.

“I’m sorry Geim. We don’t have time to discuss this over a nice pint of SphinxBreath. First of all, I have to tell you that this discovery of mine is highly secret. I don’t want to go out and discuss things like this in public. Imagine all the Khords that would be interested in overhearing us.I have a group coming in this afternoon, if all goes well. I need you to be there too, and ready to leave Khordal by tomorrow. I want you to go with them in my stead. I have to stay here to run my business. But I advise you to revive your knowledge about the Chakrandrum and their marvelous city. If you have the time, run by the library and dig up some old books. I know you’re going to need them,” his friend, Guland, told him.

Geimiedefher understood know why he was called. Guland needed someone he could trust to ensure that he got a return on an investment and knew that Geimiedefher would be more interested in the intangibles.

Looking down at the book, Geimiedefher said “I must tell my superiors.” Then looking directly at. Guland he continued “….eventually. I guess I must go prepare for a trip.There is some minor research I must get accomplished before we leave. I will return this afternoon and will be ready leave by tomorrow. I will be by latter, but I must hurry for now.” Geimiedefher did not wait to be shown out, he was now on a mission for his god. There was some research to accomplish, equipment to prepare, assignments to be made. So much to do and so little time to accomplish. He hurried back to his quarters to prepare. If he was quick enough, there should still be time for some time with the books. After all, he did not need to take too much.

It was a sad thing indeed when one could not resolve their problems with a few words instead of resorting to violence, but she was every bit capable of doing just that when she must. A small tear glistened in the corner of her left eye as the beast known simply as Troshba leapt at her companion. She felt sadness for the anger that the beast felt and an even deeper sadness that her druid companion could not simply see that all this beast wanted was a meal. It would have been the cow's fate in the end. All things must die sooner or later, and cattle generally sooner for food than later. It was just the way of things.

"Dear Lysora, please forgive me for what I am about to do and forgive my companion for his brashness."

Alyssia's voice became softer, like that of an angelic chorus as she spoke the words to her magic. The words were in the celestial tongue, her magic being of a holy origin. A faint, white glow surrounded her hands and fingertips as she formed the gestures to her spell. It took only mere moments, but it seemed like a near lifetime as time slowed down to what nearly seemed like a halt. Three missiles of white energy shot forth from her fingertips to race towards Troshba. Alyssia regretted that this must be done, but she would not forsake those that she had been guided to join.

Forgive me. She could hear the words echo in her mind.

Elessar blesses the Gods and Goddesses she followed that she was a trained Bard as she creates a song to turn the ropes.

Away, Away, go back to your place,
Rest then for another to disgrace.

Untwist and uncoil, no more shall you toil.
Curl up and go home, no more to shall you roam, over this body that I call my own.

Retreat to your den with this song that I send, that your enchantment makes an end.
That your toils shall be ceased and I be released.

Away, Away, go back to your place,
Rest then for another to disgrace.
If the song affects the ropes she will keep singing if not, she will sing a calming song to the ropes and then she will tenses her muscle without moving her body until she suddenly bends her body up and away from the rope that wanted to wrap around her chest and makes a cut at the rope holding her feet. If she drops to the ground she will roll away from the ropes.

If she does not drop she will cut the rope trying to insnare her arms and chest, and then go back to cutting the rope around her legs.

Loda felt the jagged spines slide easily into her body, and she instantly fell to her knees, hearing her bow and arrow drop to the ground. Gothard started to lick her face and whine, and Loda slowly stood up, wincing at the pain, her knees wavering beneath her. As she stood she seen one of the party members run infront of her, shielding her from any more attacks. It was Gunar, and he spoke out to Troshba.

"Hey rocks for brains you many have tooth and claw but im going to cut you into little pieces and leave them for the animals to get.You are not worth my time but I have to kill you dont worry it will be quick you will barely know what is happening im sure with your pebble sized brain.Tell me where your nest is and I will take care of your children also so they dont have to go motherless.You are nothing you are less then nothing I could kill you will one arm behind my back but I am in a hurry sure I will have to kill more then you today and they will be better then you in every way."

She looked to the side, wincing as the needle like spines moved slightly with every step she took.

She heard Alyssia speak out, and then seen three white magic missiles fly from her finger tips.


"Dear Lysora, please forgive me for what I am about to do and forgive my companion for his brashness."

Loda walked back a few steps, and started to chant and move her arms around, and tries to cast a spell.

( Loda will try an cast Cure light wounds, and then we'll see what happens)

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba?s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:28 pm
The devastating attack by Troshba, who was now flying above their heads, got the group in motion. The tension had been building up and they too had anticipated this violent outcome.

Gunar bravely jumped before Loda and started distracting the beast with foul taunts. While the beast was in the air he could do nothing to harm it, but he could make sure the druid didn’t take any more damage.
Behind him, Loda tried to focus on a spell. She closed her eyes and called out to Kith Jora, patron of nature, to heal her wounds and let her destroy this twisted creature. As she moved her hands in gestures according to the spell she could feel the spikes sticking from her body. Nausea almost took over, but the spell completed and a faint green glow surrounded the new wounds. The stream of blood ended as worst of the pain subsided. Loda opened her eyes just in time to see the spike that had protruded from her chest fall to the floor. The other three still remained in place, though they caused less pain then before. Loda was healed, but she was far from healthy.

Up in the air, Troshba regarded the druid. She didn’t seem likely to open her big mouth again without proper respect. The other bearded humanoid had jumped before her though, as a living shield. It angered the monster that it dared to stand in the way of her prey. The humanoid would die too, then! He had chosen his own path to death.
Letting her wings come to a stop in backward position, Troshba let herself almost fall down towards the Khord. Like a spear she dropped at him in an airborne charge. With a readied claw she raked his neck and face as she flew by him, leaving a series of deep gaps that pulsed and bled heavily. Continuing on she flew up again, though this time not as high as she had been.

Turning around with Troshba’s fly-by attack, Alyssia sighed. She asked her Goddess for help, but the only thing she felt was deep sorrow for what had become of this encounter. Lysora was silent and grief built up inside the sorceress. The grief seemed to bundle itself within her hands and shot out as three missiles of force. They flew right at Troshba, who was already turning for her next attack. The monster saw the missiles coming, tried to evade in a twisted move. But Alyssia knew that evading was impossible. The impact of the arrows opened the creature’s eyes wide with astonishment. These bites bit back!

(OOC: Loda is still hurt pretty badly. Gunar has a bleeding wound in the face, but is still healthy. There’s no way of knowing how badly Troshba is hurt. Valimar, I’m giving you the option of back posting. Your initiative will be right after Alyssia. That’s a favor I won’t keep on giving, btw.)

---

Khordal Kingdom
Geimiedefher’s home
23rd day of the 7th month: Pfier
5:01 pm
Geimiedefher hurried home to get all the stuff that he would need for the upcoming journey. For the second time that day he moved through the tunnel with homeless Khords. Once home Geim went over a mental list of things that he would need. Whirling through his house he collected what he needed and hurried out the door, towards the Grand Library.
It was late midday and thus high tide at the enormous stalactite. Khords went and came, whatever business they were in distracted them from noting this Runemaster in a hurry. It was not common for a Runemaster to be on fiery shoes, for they usually took all the time in the world. It had taken a lot of time for knowledge to develop, and they would take the time to dissect it.

Geimiedefher knew exactly where to go for books on the Chakrandrum. There was a special selection of tomes from the time era when the Chakrandrum had still been breathing. He found the shelves that supported possible information. They were covered in the freshest layer of dust, but so far perfectly readable. Just when Geim peered at the first title a sharp voice penetrated the silence.

“Can I help you?”

A Khordaldrum woman stood at the end of the bookshelves and looked straight at him. Her beard was red and nicely trimmed, and her eyes cleared by a pair of glasses. She was probably the keeper of this section of the Grand Library.

---

Maelamin Kingdom
Bladesinger Keep
25th day of the 7th month: Pfier
8:40 pm The rope that was now circling Elessarae’s body lifted her up upon the song initially. It started carrying her through the air, further down the tunnel. The rope that had been tight around her foot released its grip and the bladesinger was practically floating now. She now saw how more rope-ends hung from the ceiling. When the rope that was holding her now came to its end another one took over. Starting a new song Elessar tried to maintain the peace, for it aided her well.
This new song did not digest well for the rope though, for it suddenly tightened and squeezed the air from the woman’s lungs. She had anticipated that move though, and within a brief struggle she was loose and heading for the floor. She caught herself well, and landed perfectly. Her smile quickly faded as she heard a clicking sound from beneath the tile under her. Instantly five ropes dove at her and entangled her hands and feet before she could hack at them. A fifth rope was now ensnaring her abdomen, though it seemed to restrain from tightening.

Then, one of the doors on the right opened, and an orc in full battle outfit entered the hallway.

(OOC: You made your grapple check and was released. Your reflex save did not go high enough though, so you’re stuck again now. The orc is approaching and carrying a rapier in his belt. You are still holding your sword, bur are unable to do battle like this.)

Geimiedefher knew what he was looking and had found it among the books. He was reaching for them when he heard the question “Can I help you?” A female possibly a keeper of this section of the Grand Library stood there. He had promised not to let anyone know about the quest for the time being and he knew that others could infer what he was attempting by noting the materials he chose to research. The Ageless Craftsman had chosen this woman to remind him that even in haste in a place of safety so care must be taken. He would need to ensure that other books were also disturbed. No need to make too easy for others to figure things out.

“Oh, hanks but no. I think I know where to find what I need o get started. If I need help later, I’ll call. I am Geim. Who do I have the honor of addressing?”

Kharolis Mountains
Troshba’s Grounds
13th day of the 7th month: Pfier
0:28 pm
[Backposting round 1 of Combat… looking to take a double move action, and find some cover.]

Tobin Tumblebelly, cidal hero of the common folk, tumbled away for cover and position as the winged beast, known only as “Troshba”, swooped in for the attack. He heard Gunar’s taunts, even as the creature lashed out at his khordish friend.


[Action for round 2… taunt and fire.]

Notching an arrow, the cidal joined in poking fun at the ugly beast. “Not really fair, Gunar… us always pickin’ on the big monsters. Poor things never seem to know what’s coming.”

From behind his mask, Tobin's bright eyes took aim at Troshba; his nimble fingers fluidly drawing back the bowstring and then releasing. His beautiful, magical longbow enchanted the arrow, fusing it with a faint light, as it streaked towards its intended target.

There were no curses, she did not have the time to waste railing her bad luck. Elessar focus all on what she was dealing with, the ropes, the Orc, and the possibilities of other things happening.

Going back to being very still, Elessar concentrates on disbelieving the Orc is real, for she could not conceive that the Elves would allow an Orc anywhere in their lands, let alone in the sarcred evirons of the Bladesinger's Keep.

If the creature does not disappear, she prepares a Flare spell and then throws it in the face of the oncoming Orc. She also watches to see if the Orc trips any of the traps she had encountered, there seemed to be a number of trigger tiles.

When she can she will go back to singing a calming song.

Seeing her spell strike true and knowing that her goddess had not yet left her, Alyssia moved to make her way over to the druid Loda. The woman's wounds looked to have healed a small bit but were still quite severe. Although Troshba was still flying around, another attack from the beast like before and her companion could be dead. She needed her wounds healed before it did happen once more.

(alright, gonna go over and cast cure moderate wounds on Loda)

Khordal Kingdom
The Grand Library
23rd day of the 7th month: Pfier
5:12 pm
“My name is Mrs. Orebelly, eh.. Geim. I’m the librarian of this section of the Grand Library. You’re free to council the books and take notes, but you’re not allowed to taken any of them out of here. Also, I would like all the books you used to be brought to me, once you’re done. I take great pride in the creation of order. I will be at my desk.”

With that Mrs. Orebelly returned to her desk. Between shelves Geim could see the desk, it was stacked with opened books. He saw the librarian sit down and start to pen feverishly. She was obviously drawn into some kind of research. That’s why she had not noticed him coming into the room. Apart from her and himself, the books where the only thing to occupy the room. And right now Geim turned his attention to them.

It took him quite a while to find what he was looking for. The range of information was vast, and there were many tomes about the time era he needed. But after 20 minutes he stumbled upon a journal describing the travels of a Khordaldrum explorer who visited Chakranna. Going through the journal, Geim noticed how the explorer had more of an eye for the drinks and the good food of the Chakrandrum, rather than describing their city. Still it was information, and with some filtering it could be useful.

However, time was ticking.

(OOC: The information is so limited that it would be better to take the book. As a Runemaster, you know that that’s a crime.)

---

Maelamin Kingdom
Bladesinger Keep
25th day of the 7th month: Pfier
8:40 pm
The orc approached, slowly but steadily. The ensnared bladesinger peered at him intently, disbelieving the fact that an orc would be allowed on these grounds. Still, her gaze did not reveal any hints of illusion or trickery. She was wasting precious time for nothing.
The orc paced forward, securely stepping over certain tiles. Elessarae noted them, and took them to mind. There, they made way for a spell, verbal in nature, since her hands were still bound.
A bright flare sprang from her mind and into the orc’s face. For a moment it averted its head, then looked up, unaffected. With an expressionless face it drew its rapier and darted forward.

Ensnared by ropes Elessarae was unable to defend herself. She had only her armor to protect her. Still, that seemed to help her now, for the sharp tip of the weapon bounced off her chain shirt. The edge scraped over the metal, downwards, to cut in her leg. Though a minor wound, Elessarae was now bleeding. She had to find a way out of the ropes immediately, for the orc prepared for a second attack.

---

(OOC: I will update for the party later, once I have all the information on who does what)