Dark Paths 38.1

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 38.1

Bodi Takes a Morning Stroll

Session Summary

Bodi awoke early from a tender dream to see the face of Eärwen above him. He assumed it was just the continuation of the previous dream, but it was in fact real. Eärwen was smiling though she was fully armed and armored and prepared for war. “Care to join me for a stroll through the forest this morning? There were some reports of activity in the woods around the city. Thought we could take out some of the opposition before the real fun starts. And if we don’t find any Drow, well, it’ll be a nice early morning stroll.” She winks at him.

Bodi blinked  himself awake.   Wow.  He was pleasantly surprised.   Not completely surprised, but definitely a bit.   He knew he had a way with women, but usually after a few weeks he got bored and moved on.  But this was an elven woman, and one of quality.  He liked this.    A chance to continue to prove himself, and not to mention it would get him a chance to study the elves techniques and tactics.    Bodi also relished any opportunity to get in better with Eärwen.

Bodi smiled at Eärwen and pulled himself up.  “That sounds like a wonderful plan to me…..but I sure as hell didn’t get near enough sleep sugar.   I may have incredible ‘stamina’, but I can’t pull the short stint that you elven kind can.”

Bodi slowly pulled himself out of his blanket.   He stretched out his arms and started to dress himself.   As he started to get  his leather armor together he looked at Eärwen.  “So doll, maybe you can teach me some of these stealthy ways of your people.    Any advantage we can gain on the Drow will be useful, and I have a score to settle with your grumpy Captain.”

Bodi then strapped on his rapier, main-gauche, throwing knives and cloak.   He made sure he would travel light.  a waterskin, his elven rope, maybe 1 days worth of meals.   He would ask to secure the rest of his belongings here in camp as he made his way out with Eärwen.

“Okay gorgeous…...let’s grab a quick meal and I will be ready to hunt some drow with you…”

Eärwen giggles and hands him a small parcel. “Eat this, it will sustain you,” she whispers in the darkness before dawn. Bodi looks down and sees a wide leaf wrapped around something that feels a bit like a piece of bread. He unwrapps it and sees a small cake of bread with lumps that must be nuts or dried fruits. “Waybread. It’s not too bad, and it will sustain you for the day.” Bodi looks at the small loaf in his hands and wonders how this small thing will fill his growling belly.

He quickly scarfs the thing down and marvels at its complex textures and tastes. He feels a warm, full sensation coming from his insides and washes it down with a swig from a waterskin and follows Eärwen out into the chilly predawn air. “There are several groups out and about this morning setting up various positions. The main attack, which you and your band will lead, is set to start when the sun’s first rays strike the highest point of Celwynvian. Our job is to make sure there are no obstacles or foes in between the main battle group and the city. I have some intelligence that points to something or someone in the forest near the entrance to the city. There were some lights and strange sounds observed and I was asked to go check it out. I have a unit of hunters to accompany us, though they will spread out through the forest nearby.”

Noticing Bodi squinting in the darkness as they make their way through the camp, Eärwen stops, “Here, come close, I can help you with that,” she mutters something quietly and passes her hand in front of Bodi’s face. Immediately he can see as if it were midday under a bright sun. “You will be able to see as long as there is at least some light, even the light of a candle or the stars is enough. In complete darkness though, you will not be able to see.”

The two leave the camp, Bodi notes that Eärwen nods to several nearby Elven hunters that immediately grab their gear and head into the forest. Bodi watches Eärwen move through the forest with ease despite the fact that she is wearing heavy armor and carrying a good sized shield. She does not make a sound. Try as he might, Bodi just cannot keep his footfalls as quiet.

Bodi does his best to keep up with Eärwen.   He is pleasantly surprised that many of the elves here and under her watch are at least cooperative and one or two were even nearly friendly with him.   “Maybe they’re not all as bad as I first suspected.”   Bodi thought to himself as they made their way through the forest.

Try as he may, Bodi just couldn’t match the light footwork of the elven hunters.   He did his best to mimic their movements, and he thought that while he may not be close to their skill, he was improving at least by his own standards.     He worried a little that perhaps he may be a detriment to the hunting party, but quickly dismissed that thought.    If that were the case, Eärwen would not have invited him to help.

Bodi made sure that he was travelling light, blades sheathed but also ready.   he decided that while they walked it would be good for him to at least have a throwing knife at hand in case he had to throw one.     

The scene

Occasionally as they would move through the forest, Eärwen would look back at him to make sure that he was keeping up.    With the gift of night-vision she had granted him, he was able to make out her smile whenever she looked at him, as well as the warmth in her cheeks as she blushed when she did such.     Yes, he thought to himself….he could win the fight or die in battle, but he definitely had a great night and was ready to meet what fate would throw at him.

The sound of rushing water and early morning insects nearly drown out Eärwen’s whisper to stop. “Look, up ahead. There. Do you see that light?” She crouched and pointed ahead. Bodi peered through the forest and could barely see the faint glimmer of what might be a fire. Spotting fires in the dark was easier when it was actually dark, he thought. He quickly surveyed the area. Between them and the fire was a small stream rushing through a gully. The path they were following led to a short swinging bridge about 30 feet away. Off to their left, some dark gray stone rose up out of the ground. The sounds of a waterfall could be heard from that direction as the stream pours over the top edge of this escarpment and into the gully. The trees are thicker over near where the fire could be seen and just past the stream sits the ruins of some type of small structure.  “Let’g go check it out!” the female Elf warrior whispers as she moves forward along the path.

Bodi and Eärwen approach the bridge

Bodi picks up his pace a tad.  Excitement builds inside of him as he anticipates not only action, adventure and danger, but also a chance to further prove himself to Eärwen and the other elven warriors.   His group was to lead the main charge.  He fully expected that they were being used more as arrow fodder, but they had survived other ambushes before and this time he expected they were being set up.    Besides, another chance to impress Eärwen possibly meant another night of heavenly bliss with a beautiful Elven female.

Bodi followed Eärwen along the trail doing his best to step in her tracks and minimize any sounds he would create while he moved.    “I’m right with ya doll, let’s go.”

The lithe Elf maiden moves up the path quickly yet silently. Bodi follows her to some rocks on this side of the stream. Bodi can see the hanging wooden bridge just ahead on his right. To his left, the stream falls down in a small waterfall. Just past the bridge he can see the outline of some circular stone structure, only a few feet high at its tallest point, maybe 10 feet across. Possibly the base of a ruined tower or something, he was not sure. Further on, the path twisted through some trees before reaching the spot where the fire could be seen.

Bodi makes his way up towards the hanging bridge with Eärwen. Bodi whispers to Eärwen, “I would think that any sentries would be able to spot or hear us crossing the bridge, but I wonder if they would be watching that path off towards our right? I am assuming that if there are drow out there, they would be able to see as well as we can now. Either that or we try to cross the bridge unseen or underneath it and get to that section of the ruins. What do you think?”

As Bodi waits for her answer he adds, “Oh and by the way, can you tell me how to say ‘What the hell is that?’ in elvish or drow?” As she goes to respond to him, Bodi can not help but notice the slightly confused look upon her face. He smiles a wry grin at her and says, “Trust me….”

With that, Bodi and Eärwen make their way around the trail to where there is a small ford across the stream. As they make their way to the stream, trying to be stealthy, Eärwen slipped coming down the bank and knocked a large stone loose that made a splash into the water.  

Bodi froze. He waited a few seconds, and then could hear some odd chanting coming from the woods in the direction of the fire light he could make out. As he waited, they heard the sound of something starting to crash through the trees. Bodi then figured he best get out and draw its attention and see if he could allow Eärwen a chance to outflank it. As Bodi climbed out of the stream he saw a putrid shambling mass coming towards him. It was one of the “disgusting” demonic creatures the drow had summoned before. He assumed a summoner may be near, but for now there was a threat coming towards him.    

Bodi ran to his left, towards the east, trying to gain some purchase or angle around the foundation of a ruined tower. As he reached the ruined tower, Bodi readied a large throwing knife. He didn’t expect it to hurt the creature, but he figured it was worth a shot anyway. The creature charged in and paused for a moment, as it gurgled and hurled forth a blast of noxious vapors from a rancid spittle. As the spit hit the ground, it created a rather large cloud of sickening vapors. The fumes from the noxious cloud made Bodi ill in the stomach, and he had to fight back waves of nausea that hampered his combat abilities. The creature continued to close distance and Bodi hurled his knife at the creature.  Though his aim was true, the knife bounced harmlessly off the thick hide of the fiend.

Bodi then backed up and drew out his enchanted rapier and swung at the beast. His first slash was deflected by the creature’s powerful limbs. It lashed out at him with deadly claws, but Bodi managed to parry blows away with his blade as well as dodging others strikes against him.

The creature continued to press the attack. As Bodi tried to maneuver around the creature, Eärwen started to make her way up the bank and around to flank the beast. Bodi then tried a different tactic and slashed at the creatures legs. Bodi was too fast and the creature took a bad wound on its side and it fell over. Eärwen was going to finish the beast but failed to do such.  Bodi moved to attempt to intercept a second such demonic beast that was closing in as he and Eärwen fought the first demon.  As the second creature neared the fight, it also spewed forth a noxious cloud of vapors, overlapping the previous cloud from the first demon.   The creature moved in and Bodi quickly reversed his flow of movement.   

Doubling back through the vaporous clouds, Bodi brought his rapier into a slicing charge.  As a second such strike from Bodi put the initial demonic beast down for good. The creature “popped” and flashed and was no longer to be seen.

The next creature moved in to strike at Eärwen and had her on the defensive.   Bodi moved back to engage the creature, hoping that they could flank this beast as well.   The creature struck out with its claws, Eärwen’s armor protecting her from most of the damage.    Bodi again went for the creature’s legs and cut it down in a heroic charge taking him around to its flank.    The beast yelled out in pain, and while it was busy trying to fend off Eärwen, Bodi again struck a ‘killing’ blow, forcing this creature to also be banished back from whence it came.

As Bodi and Eärwen fought the “disgusting” demons, a third such beast came charging out from the woodline.   This one was much larger, muscular and stocky in build, brandishing a pole arm and a goat-shaped head with horns.   

The charging goat-like demon slammed into Eärwen who was again protected by her armor from most of the pain.   Bodi stepped up to engage the creature in close combat.    Pole-arm vs. rapier, strength vs. style.   Bodi was in a tough fight.    The goat-demon slammed into him with its pole-arm and Bodi managed to parry the blow, but nearly lost his grip on his weapon as it strained under the force of the impact.

Having to readjust his grip on his blade, Bodi moved around the creature tactically, trying to gain position on it and prepared to strike again.   As Bodi continued to try to strike at the beast with his blade.    As Bodi engaged the creature, Eärwen was going for a killing shot, attempting to take the beast out with a strike to the neck.   

As the beast defended itself, a drow summoner started to make his presence known.    Bodi had taken a shot or 2 now from the beast, who was much more skilled and stronger than the previous 2 assailants.   Bodi did his best to defend himself, but took a few hits along the way.    

Bodi tried to press the attack.  As the summoner appeared, Bodi contemplated rushing over towards him to engage him and shut him down, but it didn’t matter by that time.   The other elves that were travelling with Bodi and Eärwen had arrived, and no sooner had the summoner appeared, the elven warriors fired off a volley of arrows, and many struck him true.  As the elven archers fired upon the drown summoner, Eärwen scored a killing blow upon the goad-headed demon. The drow summoner was impaled by multiple arrow hits, thus neutralizing any further threats.     Bodi took a moment to evaluate the situation and let it all sink in to him.  After a moment, Bodi thought to head over to make sure that the drow summoner was dead and also to see if he may have possessed anything of value.    Bodi also wanted to view the camp to see if there was anything else there of any use to him or his friends.

As Bodi and Eärwen cautiously made their way toward the fallen drow summoner the other elven archers moved into covering positions.   Bodi cleaned off his blade from the ichor from the two demonic fiends he cut down.    He spoke softly to Eärwen, “Well that was a bit of surprise for a sentry, but we now secured this position.   At least with you as a witness, you can confirm with Kaerishiel that I am up on him by 2 kills. That should get him nice and fired up for the upcoming fight.”   Bodi just chuckled to himself as he examined the downed drow sorcerer.

After the everything was said and done and the area secured, Eärwen smiles at Bodi then approaches him, “Yes, 2 kills for you, that is confirmed.” She then pulls him close and kisses him hard on the lips. “Now lets finish scouting this area and get back to camp and get this battle going on!”

“Right you are!” Bodi exclaimed and as he moved to recover his throwing knives, they regrouped with the rest of the elven scout team.     They made their way back to the camp to rejoin the others.     Elven healers tended to Bodi’s wounds.  Bodi and Eärwen shared one more last kiss before splitting up again to get ready for the battle to come.

Notes

This "session" was a short side trek designed to give some extra playing time to those who wanted it during a bit of a slow spot in the campaign (due to my hectic party schedule in October and November). It was played out as a combination of play by post continuing story like we often do and a one-on-one live session in Roll20. This was my first real test run of using Roll20 as a GM and I liked it. Our group is making the switch over to Roll20 from MapTool due to some Java issues one of the players is having. We have played using MapTool for about 5 years now, and it's sad to see it go, but I think it's time to move on. I have been playing in a great Roll20 GURPS campaign run by +Christian Blouin revolving around a group of Dwarves from Erebor on a mission to retake the Mines of Moria in the 4th Age of Middle Earth. It has worked well and I felt comfortable making the leap.

As usual for a continuing story, my text is BOLD and Mike's text is normal font.

Cast of Characters: 

Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Wandered Roads 27

Wandered Roads of Varisia
Session 27
October 19, 2013

Campaign Timeline

Where, rat?

Monday 24th of Lamashan

Acting on information gained from the newly recovered Shard of Pride, Shelia Heidmarch and Natayla Vancaskerkin, the heroes plan to visit the Irespan piling known as the Crow to engage with the Tower Girls, a Sczarni gang of deadly cat-burglars and second story girls and search for the next Thassilonian shard known to be hidden somewhere within.

A day is spent planning and procuring needed supplies before the assault is begun. Samad, using his streetwise contacts, becomes reacquainted with Fenster the Blight, the wretch of man that was not so instrumental in leading the group to Natalya’s hide-out a few days previous. Fenster, it appears, can arrange to get the heroes out to the piling by boat and suggests to go by cover of evening fog. Begrudgingly, Samad accepts the terms of Fensters deal, 2 fists of silver.

As the Moonday sun begins to set, the heroes gather at the dirty waterfront of the shadow, not far from the recently fallen Shadow Clock and their most recent triumph. Fenster shows them 2 piles of lumber and driftwood that more resemble upside down beaver dams than boats of any kind. He assures them they will not get wet, well, not very wet. He pilots one while Leela relives her days as a riverboat crewman and pilots the other.

He gives them a brief tour of the other pilings as they approach the Crow, one of the farthest out pilings, nearly a half mile from the shore. By the time they arrive, the sun has set and it is nearly dark. Fenster pilots the ramshackle raft toward the stone tower jutting out of the Varisian Gulf and through an archway in the side of the piling that leads to a sheltered landing area where several small rowboats are tied up. Once inside the piling, it is nearly pitch black so previously hidden enchanted items are brought forth to shed light on the area. 

The landing rests in a shaft that appears to run nearly to the top of the piling. A side passage can be seen far above leading off the main shaft. The nearby landing, resting at the top of a submerged set of stairs, appears to have been recently used as a camping area, though the back wall has been knocked down, revealing access to the interior of the Crow.

Ambushed by the Tower Girls!

Quickly, the heroes disembark and move inside, making arrangements for Fenster to return to within 24 hours with the rafts. Several rooms are explored but nothing of great interest is discovered until the heroes move up and into a long hallway lined with carved columns of an interesting blue stone. Upon entering, they are fired upon by two Tower Girls who had been hiding in wait for them.

Fighting between the columns.

Tower Girls defeated!

Quickly the heroes moved to engage with the two ambushers and in the middle of things, a Wererat leaped out and attacked Ehlyna. The Wererat did not remain, though, she turned and sprinted up the stairs quickly shouting an alarm while the other two Tower Girls were finished off. Two donkey rats soon appeared, charging down the stairs, but they too were dealt with easily.

Wererat... where? Rat?

Without delay, the heroes pushed up the stairs, which ended up probably leading all the way up to the top of the piling, as the many flights turned back on themselves multiple times. At the top, they were soon ambushed again by more Tower Girls. This time, several Girls had taken up positions behind an overturned table and fired hand crossbows. The Wererat, who had been hiding behind a corner, leaped out and attacked as the group entered the room. Another Wererat appeared from a side passage with some more donkey rats in tow. Calina started peppering the new Wererat with silver arrows while Ehlyna engaged the other one, though she found her usually effective axes not quite cutting it in this case.

Another Tower Girl ambush!

One Wererat down!

Daellin surveys the scene.

Ehlyna's axes aren't the best weapon vs. wererats.

Vexeron used his magical powers to stick the some of the Tower Girls to the ground and then put his fire magic to work, lighting fires on and around various foes. The battle raged on for several moments until, finally, the last foe had fallen. Ehlyna was the only one to have suffered any serious injury, and Kallin quickly moved in to heal her up.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

This continuing story is a flashback to the previous day when the heroes spent some time selling loot, shopping and preparing for the assault on the Crow.
This story is ongoing.

Characters Present:

Kallin Hawkril, Half-Orc shaman and budding Priest of Pharasma - played by +Daniel Ernst
Calina - Varisian Human archer and scout - played by +Carol Coburn
Leela Cardnool, Gnome scout, cartographer and Illusionist - played by +Lisa Smith
Daellin Silvanthalas, Elven Farstrider Ranger - played by +Ben Lipe
Vexeron, Human wizard - played by +Greg Grady
Ehlyna Fuzziface - Dwarven Warrior - played by +Jodi H
Samad Aldhul, Human ex-mercenary - played by +JeCorey Holder
Ellie - Halfling Finder of Things - played by +Megan McCarron

and +Jason Woollard as the DM

Dark Paths 38

Dark Paths of Riddleport
Session 38
October 13, 2013

Heading off to War

Map Tool Chat Log

Session Summary

After a grueling 24 hours of marching, the Crew and the Elven host finally reached the staging area just outside the ruined city of Cewlynvian. There were more Elves here, known as the Celwynvian Watch, a group of Farstriders led by a beautiful Elven woman named Shalelu Andosana.

Paal speaks with some Elves while helping them fletch some arrows. He earns the respect of Nalvalas Silvanthalas or his skill at making arrows and they reveal to him some of the general feelings of the Farstriders about the upcoming battle, the drow and the inclusion of 'outsiders' in their war.

Snargash spends some time speaking with one of the camps healers, a Desnan priest named Beren Felagund. They discuss tactics on how to best support the warriors.

Aragon spends some time searching the camp for other Bladedancers, but does not find any. He assumes that most Bladedancers would not be found in such a back-woods predicament. 

Bodi spends some time eating, sleeping and scoping out the female Elves of the camp while Guy and Aethel focus on resting. 

An Elven War Council

Eventually the Crew is summoned to a dinner and strategy planning council. They are served and eat a wonderful meal of roasted vegetables and bread then after, Eviana introduces Shalelu and some other important Elves. Shalelu gives a basic rundown of the situation and points out important areas on a map of Cewlynvian. She describes the Drow, their tactics and possible places of defense as well as their demon allies and the possible inclusion of an angry green dragon that she has personal issue with.

Eviana then asks the Crew to be involved in the battle set to begin the following morning. She asks them if they can be a strike force sent to secure the old Library, an important point along the main route the army is to take into the city. 

The Crew will take the Library during the Battle for Cewlynvian

Kaerishiel, of course, tries to throw a fit and attempts to have the Crew left back to guard the camp, but Eviana will not allow it, if the mission is accepted. The Crew, always up for a challenge, accepts the quest. The planning session is shortly concluded and everyone heads back to their resting places to prepare for battle.

On the way back to their camping area, the Crew is approached by pair of Elves, Sairalindë and Findecáno, who ask to join their mission. They offer magical and ranged capabilities to help in the coming engagement with the Drow. After some conversation, their offer is accepted.

Continuing Story Doc

Continuing Story Summary

The Crew makes it back to their camping area. They are tired from a long day of marching and strategizing, but the excitement of the impending battle has everyone on edge. The plan calls for the assault on the Library to begin just as the morning sun hits the tallest spires of the fallen city. Everyone knows they need to catch some sleep, nevertheless, most are still awake.

Though it has settled down a bit, the camp in the surrounding forest still buzzes with a quiet energy. Sentries are posted and everyone is on high alert in case of a Drow assault in the night.

As the council disperses the monk seeks out Beren. He recalled a couple of questions which he had meant to resolve while in Crying Leaf. While serenading the town however the matter had slipped his mind but in the questions regarding the Drow’s capabilities he recalled the vial of Drow poison which he had been carrying since their first encounter with one beneath the city. Walking up to the cleric he pulled the vial from his harness and held it out time asking, “Brother, there’s something I’ve been wanting to find out since our capture of the first Drow agent at the base of the Riddleport arch. I took this vial of their poison from her possessions in order to investigate it’s nature and hopefully determine what it’s antidote might be or better yet some sort of prophylactic to render it impotent it before hand. At the very least I need to learn enough about it to identify it from it’s effects in order for Raag Nontoxicum to  neutralize it magically. What can you tell me about it?”

Beren takes the vial from Snargash and holds it up, swirling it a little, examining it. “The Drow are notorious with their poison. If I had to guess, I would say that it is sleep poison, designed to quickly incapacitate anyone afflicted by it. As far as an antidote, I know of none. The alchemy of the Drow is based deep in the Darklands. It focuses on minerals, fungi and animal material not found on the surface. As for an antidote, we know none, though staying out of the way of their crossbow bolts is useful,” he smiles. “Through the will of Desna, I can bless others with a resistance to poison, though that is not guaranteed, and I can also rouse some from their drug induced slumber if Desna wishes it to be. The poison is not permanent and I have only seen it last for an hour at most, though that is far too long to be unconscious on the field of battle, especially with the Drow.

The half-orc’s face brightens at the knowledge. “Well, something I can actually use then! While the Three Friends of the Windblown aren’t suited to deliver such for martial use, it can be very helpful in treating someone who is badly injured - perhaps even necessary to simply be able to treat them. Can you suggest approximate dosage for that? We usually use acupuncture to try to block a patient’s pain but it’s efficacy is limited - perhaps coating the needles with this would increase it. Ah, but I’m sorry - this a conversation to save for another evening should the Ladys bless and guard us through the morrow. Desna’s night brother; may she grant you safe and restful sleeee, um, refreshing and enlightening meditations.”

A strange look crosses Beren’s face as he begins to understand that Snargash was talking about using the Drow poison as some sort of medical aid. He shakes his head to take himself away from the horrible places his mind was racing to then smiles weakly at Snargash. “Yes, brother, may your rest be fulfilling this night.” He turns and leaves.

---

Before finding his blanket, Paal takes a quick climb up the most appropriate tree he can find for a view of the actual approach they must take tomorrow. Even though his night vision is not a sharp as the elves, he still wants to put his own eyes on their planned trail before they move in a few hours. He takes a moment to note a few places that could provide shelter against greater numbers or an alternate route to their objective. Then he climbs back down and replays the image in his mind as he goes to sleep, dreaming the approach to the library he is about to undertake.

---

Bodi is excited and concerned at the same time.   The last battle with the Drow didn’t go very well.   After he chased off the Shadow Demon he was swarmed with poisoned crossbow bolts.    He made it a point to work more on his movement and acrobatics to aid himself in dodging such attacks, but wondered if it would be enough.

Bodi then retired to his tent, securing all of his equipment.  Making sure the rapier was sharp, the scabbard secure, his cloak clean and ready, string on the crossbow was taught.   Satisfied that his equipment was as ready as it would be, he tried to close his eyes.    Something was missing.   The stars were bright, he wandered out of his tent looking up at the sky.   He licked his lips, a slight sense of thirst hit him.   Yes, a glass of wine would be a nice way to cap off the night.   He wondered if he had any left from before, but still was it truly wine that he craved?

Just then a familiar voice called out to him, “Having trouble sleeping?”

Eärwen called out to him and Bodi smiled.   That was what was missing, the company of a good woman the night before battle.    Bodi turned, half surprised she showed up, and partially expecting her to be there.   He flashed her a wry grin.   

“We will be taking on quite a challenge here my dear.   Your friend, Kaerisheil would just as well see us all dead if not at the enemy’s hands, then at his own.”

She started to shake her head and put her hand up, but Bodi took a step closer to her and grabbed her hand and gently curled it in and kissed it.    “Not to worry there sweetheart.   One way or another we will prove him wrong.   Either I will win the day for you or I will die valiantly, but just to have this moment with you makes it all worth it.  Sure some fight for money, and some fight for power, but I fight for love, and without it, life just ain’t worth livin’.”

Eärwen was caught off guard by Bodi’s words, and before she could react he pulled her in closer by her hand, wrapping his left arm around her waist and pulled her in close to him under the scintillating lights of the evening stars.   “Give me some sugar baby…”, and they kissed a passionate kiss…..

After several hours, Eärwen gathers her belongings and quietly makes her way out of Bodi’s tent. “We have a busy day tomorrow, get your rest, you will need it. I will see you on the field of battle, friend.”

Bodi takes Eärwen’s hand and gives it one more kiss as she leaves for the evening.   He lays down in  his tent, again making sure that his armor and weapons are at the ready.   Yes, love or lust, he will fight for passion and the moment.    

He drifted off to sleep, satisfied mentally and now physically.   Sleep came quick to him, as he tends to live for the moment, and for the moment, he was still blissful and relaxed.    He would drift off to sleep with thoughts of the lovely Eärwen on his mind and not a care about the battle or if he would live or die the next day….for now….this moment…..he was living like a king.   (Hail to the King baby.)

---

Oblivious to the passion occurring just across camp, Aragon sat, sharpening and oiling his blades.  Zenith and Nadir had been with him since he had left the Temple of Air and Steel.  They bore many nicks and scratches from their many battles, yet still they endured.  As would he.

Wiping them with a rag, he slid his swords into their scabbards and paced into a clearing, where he sought to clear his mind, preparing once again to challenge the Ninety-seven Steps.  He did not pause as he usually did, but launched directly into Dragon Rises Over The Mountain.  His blades whispered out of their sheaths in unison, and soon were slicing through the air.  Wild Horse Tosses Mane.  Grasping Bird’s Tail.  Scorpion Claws Strike.  He flowed through the darkness like quicksilver.

It was effortless, he was ready, he would definitely kill more of the foul Drow than Bodi or Kaerishiel!  Their skills were no match for a Bladedancer!

And with that thought, he stepped wide.  Just an inch, but then the next step was off, too, by a greater amount.  He had to flex to bring Nadir up from the grass to make Cloud Hands, but then Zenith crossed too late, the blades met.  A sharp tang! broke the night’s stillness.  Aragon stumbled and stopped.  His head hung low, hiding his eyes.  He swore.

“The 90 Dancesteps of Doom?” a voice calls out in the darkness. “My brother was a Bladedancer. I can never remember the silly names he came up with for his moves.” Aragon turns to see a tall, slender Elf leaning near a tree nearby. She is dressed different from the majority of the Elves here, she is in plate and chain covered by a flowing blue cloak. “I am Tári, Tári Melwasúl, of Kyonin.” She steps forward into the pale light of the clearing. He can see a tattooed line curving across her face. Not Elvish style, more Varisian style, if he reads it correctly.

Aragon scowled.  “It is called the 97 Steps, not the ‘90 Dancesteps of Doom’.  He was still breathing heavily.  He returned Zenith and Nadir to their places on his shoulder.  “Your brother was of the Temple of Air and Steel?  Did you taunt him with your memory failures for your own amusement, or are you really incapable of remembering something simple that was in all likelihood very important to him?”

Tári smiles playfully at Aragon, “Well, that was so long ago, you know. But yes, I am sure that I taunted him then as I do you now, for my own benefit. Does it bother you that much that I don’t know that much about something that is unimportant to me?” She carries herself as someone of very few years, but Aragon briefly locks eyes with the woman and sees that her eyes are hard and gray, telling of many years. “It did always so bother Maeglin when I did it.” She begins giggling lightly. “Probably why he spent so much time away from home back then. He always was a little childish and petty. The little things got to him so much sometimes.”

He looks her up and down, then says, “So you show me the same disrespect that you showed your brother.  How charming.  No wonder he chose to keep other company.  

“Tari Melwasúl, I find ignorance annoying, willful ignorance more so.  That you value yourself so little that you would cast yourself as stupid to make a first impression would sadden me if I gave a damn.  As it is, I will just wish you luck in the struggles tomorrow.  Slay many Drow.  Good night.”

She starts to say something, then stops, nods her head and Aragon, turns and walks quietly into the forest, disappearing from sight.

After his conversation with Beren the monk returned to his tent to check his gear and ready it for sleep once he completed his meditation on The Mysteries of the  Nocturne Stellarum. As he was drawing his hocchiku from his webbing he heard from nearby a familiar metallic note and understood its significance. He left his tent and began walking toward its source thinking, “While he would never admit it, he’s too tense with the anticipation of tomorrow’s challenge to allow his chi to flow, although he’s certainly progressed well in that element of his practice these last weeks. Should either of us die tomorrow it would be good to have practiced together on the eve of the battle as when we first met and a good last memory should one of us survive.” As he approached the clearing he heard the voices of his friend and an Elven woman he did not recognise. The icy tone was likewise familiar even if unexpected to hear with an elf other than Kaerishiel, though he knew that some here agreed with their Captain regarding the crew’s presence. Respecting their privacy he waited in the shadows until the bladedancer coldly dismissed whoever had invoked his ire. Ignoring the look of irritation as he approached, he simply bowed in greeting saying to him, “Good evening, my friend. As I still need to perform my day as well as evening devotions, if you wish to repeat yours then I would be delighted to join in our practices together once more.”  

Aragon looks around the empty clearing and nods.  “Thank you, Brother.  I do think I need to make another go of it, and your presence does lend a useful nature to the Dance.”  He proceeds to the center of the grass, centers himself.  “You may proceed at your leisure.”  After a time, the music starts, and the Dance begins again.

Eventually everyone finishes up their evening activities and heads to bed to get some sleep before the battle begins in the morning. As it is, most will already be missing some sleep heading into the following day.

Cast of Characters: 

Aethelarian "Aethel" Flitterseed - Noble Elf wizard played by +Daniel White 
Aragon Whisperwind - Elven Bladedancer played by +Arne Jamtgaard 
Bodil "Bodi" Jantzen - suave and smooth swordsman played by +Mike Biancone 
Guy Greystone - Gnome telekinetic played by +Gren Drake 
Paal Ulfsun - Northman Human ranger played by +Ben Zittere 
Snargash Windblown - Half-Orc monk played by +Amergin O'Kai 
and +Jason Woollard as the DM