An Unwelcome Reunion...

[Madfox11]

Great... not entirely unexpacted, but still... You bastard, A'koss As soon as you told me that Shane would be arriving I saw this comming

One thing Mac, do you and Shane remember that Kjell's name was on that list of NOT to kill people or the world will end as we know it? Which is the only reason he is still alive in the first place... other than that Ulgar is going to need to have a chat with some people as soon as he realizes that Shane is there...

[Mac]

Shane knew he was on the list, but I don't recall that it was a do-not-kill list. Looking over the old thread, I see that Kalva urged that these people "not fall in the hands of the Helbound." Does that mean that, in the game-world, Kjell, being a nasty sort of guy, immediately winds up in Hel, therefore killing him is bad? Or is it more complicated?

[Madfox11]

Actually, if this world is anything like Viking mythology anybody that dies end up in Hell unless he happens to die with a weapon in hand in a battle. Good and evil had little to do with it. So Kjell might actually end up in Walhalla considering the circumstances.

In any event it is much more complicated than that, and besides Kalva others have urged Ulgar not to kill those on the list. I don't know whether Shane knows about it. So you will have to decide:
(a) How your character interprets that statement and how willing he is to risk it? Ulgar certainly decided to play it safe and keep the bastard alive for the moment
(b) Whether you want to give him the honor to die a warrior's death in the first place.
(c) How much Shane wants to kill Kjell? Or actually thinks Kjell is out to kill him and that he is acting out of self-defence.

If Shane does attack him, I certainly hope he doesn't kill him in one blow. I am not entirely sure how Ulgar would react to it... that though is mine problem and not yours

[A'koss]

[Mac]

Well, let's see.

a) I honestly don't recall if Shane was around for the "Don't kill" lecture. He was there for the "Don't let the Helbound get to him" bit, but it sounds like killing him would do precisely that. If he did hear her say that, he wouldn't. As it turns out though, Shane doesn't know Kjell as Kjell (so I should really edit that post).
b) It won't be a warrior's death if I can shiv him while his guard is down .
c) A'koss came up with the background, not me, but from what he told me, Shane has every reason to kill this guy. Shane only seems priestly.

[Madfox11]

Don't worry... I know... and so does Ulgar. And belief me, Ulgar would love to disembowl, quarter and incenerate that man as well. I just wanted to make sure that you as a player remembered that Kjell's name was on the list. How Shane reacts is obviously completely up you. At least now I have a bit of forwarning to think how Ulgar would react... you are placing the poor man in a difficult position

[A'koss]

[A'koss]

”Wha…?” Olgus’ eyes drop down just as the first axe swing cleaves through the left stairwell support. The old stairs suddenly list to one side and the berserker stumbles backward, his arms cart-wheeling to maintain his balance.

Ulgar smiles.

Swiftly, he brings his great axe around, shattering through the right side support sending the entire stairwell crashing into pieces on the main floor, with curse-spewing Olgus along with it. Landing badly with heavy crash, Olgus winces as splinters of wood pierce his back. The crowd at the other end of the bar all seem to wince in unison. Suddenly a cheer begins to rise from the patrons as it begins to appear you may actually have a chance against this monstrous brute!

Andail wastes no time pressing the attack against the fallen brute, weaving around the corner and through the stairwell debris, he leaps into the air and brings down his arm-blade with all his might just as Olgus begins pushing the detritus and dust from his face. Seeing the attack that the last moment, the berserker rolls away from the blow as it pierces deep into his upper arm. He winces against the pain, but only for a moment.

Malryl appears at Andail’s side a moment later, but is unceremoniously kicked aside just as she raised her axe drunkenly in the air. Sharvea hops over the table and proceeds around the fallen stairwell debris to get a better shot, drawing another arrow as she strides across the floor.

Suddenly movement at the doorway draws everyone’s eyes. Stepping in from the shadows, the man stands confidently in robes torn in battle, there is an unfamiliar light and resoluteness in the eyes of the man whose face is all too familiar to you…

Megin Shane!

A somewhat rotund lepic hops proudly at his side, a pair of money pouches clutched to its chest in each hand. Though obscured with Kjell in the way, there seems to be something unusual in Shane’s hand that draws your attention, something fashioned from pale stone… long and roughly cut. There seems to be something about that strange stone shard that makes it difficult to discern its features. Shane appears to greet Kjell cordially, though in the din it is difficult to make out what is being said.

But it is not long before your attention is once again drawn to more pressing matters as the hulking berserker begins rising to his feet. Veins begin straining in his neck and his grip begins to creak the very iron bands in the maul’s grip.


If there was any reasoning with the brute before, that time has now passed.






Click the battlemap for a larger view.



Round 4:

Ulgar:
Swift Action: Appraise (Find Weak Point) on stairwell.
- Appraise Check: N1! – 7 + 12 – 10 (SA) = -4 vs DC 10 – Failed!
Full-Round Action: Full Attack on stairwell, using Improved Bonus Damage challenge (-4/+3)!
- Attack 1 on left support: 8 + 4 = 12 vs Def 3 – Hit!
- Damage 1: 9 + 6 – 5 (hardness) = 10 HP damage vs 5 HP support – Left support is broken!
- Attack 2 on right support: N20! + 16 – 1 = 35 vs Def 3 – Hit!
- Damage 2: 8 + 6 – 5 (hardness) = 9 HP damage vs 5 HP support – Right support is broken! Stairwell collapses along with Olgus!

- Action Zone damage: 9 – 2 = 7 HP damage! (fall + wood shrapnel). Olgus is prone and the collapsed stairwell is now difficult terrain!

Andail:
Move Action: Move 30 ft to engage the prone Olgus.
Standard Action: Attack Olgus with Improved Damage Bonus challenge (-4/+3)!
- Attack: 18 + 7 + 4 (prone) – 4 (IDB) – 2 (shaken) = 23 vs Def 19 – Hit!
- Damage: 6 + 4 + 3 (IDB) – 1 = 12 HP damage!

Malryl:
Move Action: Move to engage Olgus
Standard Action: Attack Olgus with Axe!
- Attack: 5 + 6 + 4 (prone) = 15 vs Def 19 – Missed!

Sharvea:
Full-Round Action: Double-move to get a better shot at Olgus next round.

Shane:
Full-Round Action: Bluff (Devious Manipulator) on Kjell.
- Bluff check: 12 + 18 = 30 vs Kjell’s Sense Motive: 5 + 13 = 18 – Success! Kjell buys it and Shane gains 1 Deception Token. Check your personal thread a little later for that discussion...

Kjell:
Full-Round Action: Talks with Shane.

Initiative:
Eryk (33HP/0RP): 20 – It’s your turn now.
Olgus (prone): 18
Ulgar (34HP/65RP): 14
Andail: 12
Malryl: 12
Sharvea: 8
Shane: 4
Kjell: 3

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Wiz of Ice]

"Not..."—Eryk attempts to jump onto the table and flip in the air using the table as a catapult—"...this..."—fly over Andail to land on the bottom of the steps by Olgus and plant an arrow in the bastard—"TIME!"

Screw it. Ulgar's in trouble. Stunt time.

MA: Maneuver Stunt: Tumble to increase speed by 5' to 35' (DC20) to R15.
FrA: Switch to melee grip on bow.
SA: Attack Olgus.

[A'koss]

Wiz, JFYI, Mal will provide him with a cover bonus to Def from that angle, plus the bonus from still being prone. He'll be a bloody difficult shot (+8 def). Delay to get a better shot maybe?

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Wiz of Ice]

Right, knew that. Just forgot to tell my typing fingers. Delay, yes. Editing now.

[A'koss]

Delay until just after Olgus or after you can get Mal out of your way...?

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Wiz of Ice]

Edited again, totally different, fingers crossed.

[Wiz of Ice]

And that's my final answer.

[A'koss]

Heh...

Real busy tonight guys (as are fridays in general), only had time to check in and do a little plotting on the side...

Updates tomorrow!

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[A'koss]

"Not..."—Eryk spring atop the overturned table and flips in the air using the table as a catapult in a single, adroit move —"...this..."— Flying high over Andail, the archer lands at the base of the broken steps beside Olgus and in blur draws and fires an arrow at the bastard at point blank range —"TIME!"

The arrow bites deep into the berserkers side just as the brute springs to his feet. Olgus grinds his teeth against the pain, but his fury is unabated.

”Worm! You should have fled when you had the chance!"

The berserker’s maul little more than a massive streak in the air as Olgus wheels it across him. With not time to move the Eryk can only roll with the blow as it slams into his side. Ribs crack under the strain, but Eyrk was better prepared for the attack this time, able to turn with it enough to maintain his footing. Without a moment to spare, Eryk springs to his left just as Olgus’ second blow drives right through the floorboards where the archer stood a moment before. The inn rumbles distressingly as a shower of dust and debris fly into the air.

The once fearful, drunken crowd slowly begins to turn into cheering spectators of the battle as bets are coins quickly change hands and wagers and odds are set. However the innkeeper can only look on in pale faced horror as he mentally tallies the damages…





Click the battlemap for a larger view.



Round 5:

Eryk:
Move Action: Hop + Tumble + Maneuver Stunt! (Increase Speed +5 ft) to R-15!
- Jump check (hop up on table): 6 + 10 = 16 vs DC 10 – Success! Eryk hops up on table.
- Tumble check (tumbling mobility to negate difficult terrain penalty table imposes): 8 + 16 = 24 vs DC 15 – Success!
- Tumble check (stunt): 16 + 16 = 32 vs DC 20 – Success! Eryk moves to R-15 and as Olgus is prone, draws no AoO.
Free Action: Switch to melee range with bow!
Standard Action: Attack Olgus (who is still prone)!
- Attack: 16 + 12 + 4 (prone) + 2 flanking (as Ulgar has reach) = 34 vs Def 19 – Critical Hit!
- Damage: (2 + 5) + (6 + 5) – 2 = 16 HP damage!

Olgus:
Free Action: Jump (Kip Up from prone)
Free Action: Berserk Speed! 2 Tokens: +2 Dex, +10 ft Movement (Def increases to 20)
- Jump check: 8 + 16 = 24 vs DC 20 – Success! Olgus leaps to his feet!
Full-Round Action: Full Attack vs Eryk!
- Attack 1: 7 + 13 = 20 vs Def 19 – Hit!
- Attack 1 Damage: 7 + 7 – 2 = 12 HP damage!
- Attack 2: 4 + 8 – 4 (PA) = 8 vs Def 19 – Missed!

Initiative:
Eryk (21HP/0RP): 20
Olgus: 18
Ulgar (34HP/65RP): 14 – It’s your turn now.
Andail: 12
Malryl: 12
Sharvea: 8
Shane: 4
Kjell: 3

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Madfox11]

From the corner of his eyes, Ulgar notes Shane entering the tavern. Remembering what Kjell told him about Shane, Ulgar shouts towards Shane and Kjell, grim determation in his voice, while swinging his axe down on the berserkers head. "Shane, if you value my friendship you will not kill that man now. Kjell, if you harm Shane the deal is off."

The action is pretty simple, switch to reach and do a full round attack on the berserker. +11/+6 to attack (+1 due to higher ground included), 1d10+3 damage.

[A'koss]

There is now a savage frenzy around the bloodied berserker as axes, blades and arrows all seek to bring the brutal warrior down. From his vantage point overlooking the bear of a man, Ulgar lands a savage overhand blow, carving a deep gash along his back and sending a spray of blood upon the ground. As Olgus turns to face his attacker, Ulgar slashes open his cheek with and uppercut blow, staggering him back. Olgus snarls unintelligibly now, gripped in the flames of his berserker rage.

Andail spins low in an effort to slash the back of the berserker’s leg only to be sent backward with a stiff kick from the brute as he finally catches sight of Shane. Sharvea too is distracted by the Megin’s sudden appearance, sending her shots wide as she tries to make out what he and Kjell could be discussing.

Malryl however is undeterred, a rage of her own beginning to boil beneath the surface at being thwarted the entire battle. Her head slowly clearing, she hacks down upon the berserker’s arm as he staggered back from Ulgar’s blow. Bloody and battered, the toll of the battle finally begins to set in on the great man.

”Finally!” Mal shouts, almost ecstatically… ”I though m' axe would never lose it's shine.”






Click the battlemap for a larger view.



Round 5:
Well, since I have a little time, I think maybe I’ll squeeze in a quick update before Mac decides whether to continue with his previous action or not…

Ulgar:
Free Action: Switch to reach grip with axe.
Full-Round Action: Attack Olgus!
- Attack 1: 18 + 10 + 1 (higher ground) + 2 (flanking) = 31 vs Def 20 – Critical Hit!
- Damage: (4 + 3) + (5 + 3) – 3 = 12 HP damage!
- Attack 2: 13 + 5 + 1 (higher ground) + 2 (flanking) = 21 vs Def 20 – Hit!
- Damage: 9 + 3 – 3 = 9 HP damage!

Andail:
Full-Round Action: Attack Olgus with Attack Stunt (Tumble-based) to gain +2 damage!
- Tumble check: 19 + 13 = 32 vs Olgus’ BAC: N1! – 11 + 13 = 3 – Success!
- Attack: N1! – 3 + 7 = 5 vs Def 20 – Missed!

Malryl:
Full-Round Action: Attack Olgus!
- Attack: 17 + 6 = 23 vs Def 20 – That drunken fool finally connects!
- Damage: 4 + 4 – 1 = 7 HP damage!

Sharvea:
Full-Round Action: Rapid Shot on Olgus!
- Attack 1: 12 + 7 = 19 vs Def 20 – Missed!
- Attack 2: N1! (that’s the 3rd N1 this round…) – 18 + 7 = -10 vs Def 20 – Missed!


Initiative:
Eryk (21HP/0RP): 20
Olgus: 18
Ulgar (34HP/65RP): 14
Andail: 12
Malryl: 12
Sharvea: 8
Shane: 4 – It’s your turn now.
Kjell: 3

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Mac]

Kjell?

"Ulgar, is that you? I assure you, I am just trying to figure out what is happening. I have no intention of killing anyone."

Tyrus, that bandit, is Kjell? Why, in the name of the Aesir, is this thug on the list with Ikari, Endizir, and the Lady of Valdistadt?

If Ulgar says he does not want Kjell dead, then Shane won't. He gets another Bluff check, though.

Also, did I get the list right? I don't feel like digging through old threads to double-check.

edit: fixed the list, per A'koss' clarification.

[A'koss]

Yeah, it's been awhile hasn't it... Here's the list.

Kjell

Kaenna Valdi

Ikari

Endizir Kryll

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[A'koss]

”I see your time spent in the clergy has made you all the wiser for it.” Tyrus says with a rising grin, ignoring the battle still waging in the center of the bar. ”I’d hate to have had to gut ya in this miserable bar. Especially when we have so much catching up to do.”

”I must say I’m surprised the high and mighty Aurman let you up from groveling at his feet so soon. Usually the old bastard takes weeks before allowing a new megin the privilege of taking his lepic out for a walk.”

“But you always were one to leave an impression, weren’t you Shane.” Tyrus… or Kjell as he appears to be called here, thoughfully strokes the scar on his chin...






Click the battlemap for a larger view.



Round 5:
Shane:
Full-Round Action: Bluff (Devious Manipulator) on Kjell.
- Bluff check: 18 + 18 = 36 vs Kjell’s Sense Motive: 3 + 13 = 16 – Success again! Kjell buys it and Shane gains 1 more Deception Token (Total: 2).

Kjell:
Full-Round Action: Talks with Shane.


Initiative:
Eryk (21HP/0RP): 20 – It’s your turn now.
Olgus: 18
Ulgar (34HP/65RP): 14
Andail: 12
Malryl: 12
Sharvea: 8
Shane: 4
Kjell: 3

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Wiz of Ice]

"Worm?!? The only worm I see are those that will feast on your flesh mongrel!"

With that Eryk fires two arrows into him when he's momentarily distracted by Ulgar speaking.

FAA: +14/+9 melee arrows, flanking with 2nd arrow using Unerring Shot, DC14 or lose AD

[A'koss]

Eryk’s dips low for his first shot, firing a shot straight into the back of the berserker’s calf while his attention was focused on Ulgar. Twisting around with a snarl, Olgus heaves his maul overhead, his muscles straining for a killer blow.

”Hela’s arms await you, puny war-…!”

Eryk’s second shot struck home a little higher.

The berserker’s maul falls to the floorboards with a crash as the huge man lumbers two steps towards the archer, hands outstretched for his throat. But his legs falter as he lists forward, twisting around then finally collapsing heavily to the ground...

The berserker's hate-filled but empty eyes gaze skyward... with Eryk’s arrow firmly planted in the middle of the brute’s forehead.



Victory.






Click the battlemap for a larger view.



Round 6:

Eryk:
Full-Round Action: Attack Olgus with second shot using Unerring Shot!
- Attack 1: 13 + 12 + 2 (flanking) = 27 vs Def 20 – Hit!
- Damage: 2 + 5 – 3 = 4 HP damage!
- Unerring Shot Reflex Save (Olgus): 5 + 12 = 17 vs DC 14 – Saved! Olgus maintains his AD.
- Attack 2: N20! + 18! + 7 + 2 (flanking) = 47!! Vs Def 20 – Double Critical Hit!!
- Damage: (2 + 5) + (6 + 5) + (6 + 5) – 2 = 27 HP damage! – Olgus goes down and is dying!

The battle is won!



You can post out-of-order now and we’ll keep it to this thread for the time being.

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Mac]

"Speaking of leaving an impression, Tyrus, who was that that just hit the floorboards?"

[A'koss]

Cheers and jeers ring out across the taproom as coins begin to change hands and people begin finding their seats again. The innkeeper seems beside himself, trying to judge whether he will end up lying beside Olgus if he should approach your band to collect on damages… Kjell ignores him, despite many glances in his direction.

”Well Shane, there lies one of the Docks best leg-breakers fer hire… a berserk by the name of Olgus. He and his brother Ylmin there,” gesturing to another corpse across the room, “were hired by this corpse over here to educate your friend Eryk in the finer points of northland etiquette. In particular, paying attention to whom you climb into bed with...”

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Madfox11]

Ulgar looks down at the carnage below, shaking his head sadly, mumbling softly, "What a waste. A warrior like that should have fought the Hellspawn outside and not waste it on us in here." After spitting some more blood on the floor, Ulgar smiles at Eryk. "Great shot. Risky though. I think you need to visit the healers at the keep." He quickly scans the area in an attempt to assess the extend of the damage before lowering himself to the floor below. He than turns towards Shane and Kjell, offering his hand to Shane and giving a cold look at Kjell. "Welcome back Shane. We were right. It was a trap. Considering the look in your eyes when you left the stein I have a feeling your choice was not as bad as ours." Grinning while pointing around, "Although we did had some fun as you can see. Lets go back to the keep though. I need to talk with you in private and I need to get this man to a *saver* spot." There was enough of a hint or irony in that last statement that makes the observant wonder whether Ulgar meant saver for Kjell or saver for the rest of the world.

Just before going he turns towards the innkeeper. "How much for the damages?"

[Wiz of Ice]

To Kjell, "I haven't bedded anyone in ... quite a while! Who is spreading these insane rumors about me? Why do people attack rather than offer money, if they wish to hire you? This place is mad!!!"

Eryk goes to the bar, motions for, and downs an ale quickly.

[Madfox11]

Ulgar shrugs at Eryk's remark, "People have a habit of spreading all kinds of silly rumors about who beds whom. It has lead to some pretty ugly things before, and it will do so in the future. It is just a shame that good warriors waste their lives over something as silly as this while there is Hellspawn knocking on the gates."

[A'koss]

Kjell mere shakes his head slowly at Eryk and Ulgar, before pulling out his pipe and lighting it with a nearby candle.

”And in such hands I place all hope for survival.” half-turning to Shane as he speaks.

While a couple of drunks who seem to have made some coin off Eryk buy him his round, the innkeeper, a portly, middle-aged man by the name of Kolwyr, approaches Ulgar.

”Lord Ulgar, you honor this establishment with your presence. I am but a poor inkeep but if you could see fit to say… 200 in gol-…”

“Tell that fatman if he asks for a copper more than 40 I’ll burn this place to the ground before I leave.” Kjell booms from across the room. A bead of sweat promptly forms on Kolwyr’s brow as he smiles and nods.

”… Curse my failing eyes and this poor light, your friend sees true. Yes… yes, upon closer inspection, 40 should just suffice!"

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.

[Madfox11]

I take it 40 gp is reasonable? Ulgar doesn't know much about crafting, but he has an Appraise of +12.

If it is, Ulgar will either promise to send over the gold or make a letter of credit (if there is such a thing). Ulgar doesn't have that much cash on hand, certainly not afer having be captured by some thugs. He uses his Diplomacy to smooth things over.

Speaking of which, how would it look if the coin on the thugs was used to pay for the damages? I am assuming the innkeeper or the local low-life would steal it as well, and Ulgar would prefer that coin to get in the hands of the next-of-kin, or pay for the funeral, but I am not sure how that can be achieved in a neighborhood like this

[A'koss]

[A'koss]

As Ulgar settles the account with the innkeeper and Eryk enjoys another round on the patrons with Andail making his way over, Shane is welcomed back by Shar and Mal. Mal sniffs at his torn up robes while Shar absently swats the hand of the lepic at his side as it inched closer to her money-belt.

Soon Eryk makes his way to the gathering at the door after finishing his second round, Ulgar following closely on his heels. Now all together, Kjell makes a sweeping gesture, pipe in hand towards the door. ”Lead the way… ‘Lord’ Ulgar.”

Ulgar leads the procession through the solemn Dock Ward without incident to the gate tower on the west wall. The guards are clearly expecting you as a man named ‘Aemin’ apparently left word of your imminent arrival. Led up a broad, winding stairwell to the west wall battlements, you begin the long, arduous journey up the wall towards the castle.

Looking out over the wall you can see the glow from the distant fires of the enemy encampment. Four… five days at most, even at their leisurely pace. It is a pace designed to instill fear. They know there is no escape. Rhac patrols brazenly come within bowshot of the wall in the hopes of drawing fire from the guards, but the trained warriors of Valdistadt know every arrow will be needed when the true war begins and scatter them with a clamoring of blades across shields.

Curious glances greet the procession as you walk the battlements through the wards, with nods by those who recognize you. Finally reaching High Town, you make your way down another tower to the west road to the castle. Few people are on the streets at this hour, now mostly reserved for the korl and wagons who endlessly toil bringing down stone from the upper quarries.

Upon your arrival at the castle gate, guards are immediately summoned to lead you to the infirmiry. As you are led down the great hall to the infirmiry in the East Hall, Shar takes in Shane’s distressed condition in the better light.

”You’ve looked better.” Shar raises an eyebrow to the Megin with a smile, then her eyes slowly fall to the roughly carved stone rod in his hand, ”I’ve been meain’ t’ ask, that’s an… interestin’ stone carving ye got ‘ere. I don’t think I’ve seen a stone quite like that b’fore…”

Noticing most the guard now out of earshot, Andail slows his pace to match Eryk’s. ”You gonna tell yer pal here what really went on back there…? That kind of trouble doesn’t come your way without a lot of coin and a damn good reason.”

Rounding the corner to the Hall of Healing you notice a large number of guards present. As they part at your arrival you stop in your tracks at the sight before you.

Eyriskel.

Ilith.

And they both look like they just climbed out from the very Fire Pits of Khorgol.

Ilith’s clothes are little more than char, her hair singed and her face gaunt and blackened by ash. Eyriskel looks to be in even worse shape. Lying in a cot and tended by two healers, both her arms are in splints and she looks like a ghelerym gnawed on her for the better part of an afternoon. Similarly blackened by ash, her clothes half-burned away, she sighs in relief and smiles weakly at Ulgar at his arrival.

You notice something else though, another man in the hall, a warrior bearing two shields similarly blackened by ash and scorched by flame, speaking to Raenoth in hushed tones nearby. He too notes your arrival.

Ulgar suddenly snaps his head back around to the man as the recognition hits him like a thunderbolt.


It wasn’t a dream…



To be continued in Dark Domain, Chapter II: What Lies Beneath.

Madfox, check your private post shortly…

Together again...

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NAMEA - An Iron Heroes campaign.