by Dean Henegar
You have died. Respawn will occur at your currently bound respawn point of Hayden’s Knoll in 5 minutes. *Note, multiple deaths in a short timeframe will increase the respawn timer. PvP deaths and multiple deaths in a short period of time will also result in a loss of experience points. Your next death within 24 hours will result in a respawn timer of 15 minutes and a 100 experience penalty. Every death also causes the deceased to drop some of their coin. There is a chance the player will also drop items in their possession. The higher the item-level, the less likely the item is to drop from your corpse.
***
Yendys looked on in horror as the creature killed Ty then turned its attention back to the dwarves hammering away at it. The ankheg was down to forty percent health, but the lower leveled dwarves were not having much of an effect. Yendys stopped and began casting, mentally ordering Crunchy into the fight. She could hear Nitor begin to chant, increasing everyone’s strength and defense. Nitor and Kathala stopped alongside Yendys, thirty feet from the creature they were battling. Jacoby, Smashem, and Crunchy charged into the fight. Smashem, glowing red in rage, struck with his hammer. The powerful blow shattered one of the ankheg’s mandibles, chitin flying out in all directions as the creature let out a high-pitched squeal of pain. Jacoby slammed it with his shield, activating taunt and drawing the creature’s focus.
A blue-tinted rain began to fall over the battlefield as Kathala cast healing rain over the area. When each blue glowing drop hit a member of the party or one of their dwarven allies, a small burst of healing energy was released. Each drop only healed for a few points, but the drops were falling in large numbers as the healing rain continued to fall around them.
Yendys noticed Kathala’s mana slowly drain as she channeled the Healing Rain spell. Finishing her own cast, Yendys began to chain-cast her Summon Nature’s Ally spell. Medium-sized dogs popped into being and began to attack the ankheg, their teeth doing little damage to the heavily armored insect but adding to the distraction. Crunchy had more of an effect as his own set of mandibles worried at one of the ankheg’s legs. The leg separated with a cracking sound and Crunchy shoved the severed appendage into his mouth, grinding down and eating the severed leg as it attacked another with its mandibles.
“It’s almost down, keep up the pressure!” Jacoby shouted to everyone as he blocked one of the ankheg’s attacks with his shield. The creature was dying, but that didn’t stop it from trying to impale Jacoby on its remaining mandible. Yendys began to see Jacoby’s skills and abilities activate as he shared his status to the others in the group.
Shield Block activated: For the next 10 seconds the chance to block with your equipped shield is increased 50%. Each successful block will cause the player to instantly counterattack with their equipped weapon. Counterattacks generate increased threat.
Yendys switched to her only direct damage spell, Nature’s Wrath, as she realized her summoned dogs were doing nothing against the ankheg. The bolt of green nature energy from her wrath spells were able to penetrate the shell of the creature. The hard carapace was proof against physical damage, yet it evidently offered little defense against most magical energies.
With a final blow from Smashem, the second section of mandible was shattered and the creature fell to the earth, dead. Yendys rushed down toward where Ty’s corpse had been. His corpse soon faded away as Ty’s respawn timer ticked out, leaving him to respawn all the way back in Hayden’s Knoll. The glimmer of a few coins showed where the body had been. Yendys pocketed the 4 silver 32 copper that had dropped on death, meaning to give them back to her friend once he returned.
You have defeated the ankheg. 259 experience gained for each party member.
“We have to assume Ty will be making his way back to us as soon as he can. In the meantime, let’s see how the dwarves are faring, loot the ankheg, and check out the area for clues,” Jacoby ordered, and the party split up to accomplish their tasks. Yendys saw Kathala tend to the wounded, but unfortunately the two dwarves that had fallen before the party arrived had perished from their wounds before the healing rain spell was cast. The others were pulling large plates of ankheg armor from the creature. The plates separated easily and cleanly, clearly being meant as the loot for the fight.
“Yer friend Ty saved me yet again, young one. That one-armed fool didn’t even stop to think of his own safety, just charged in to take on the beastie. I must thank you all. Without yer help the entire patrol would have been wiped out. It appears the Stonehold clan owes you all a debt of gratitude once again.
“I’ll set aside a few o’ those armor plates we’re pealin’ from that thing and I’ll have one of my master smiths fashion something for each of you. Let Ty know when he returns that our forge master will have a special reward prepared for him. As soon as your rewards are done, I’ll have em’ sent over to Hayden’s Knoll,” Rollox offered.
Your party has gained the reputation of Well-Liked with the Stonehold clan. The clan will now open its equipment vaults to the party, allowing them to purchase items usually reserved for clan members only. The smiths will also offer to forge specific gear of up to uncommon quality. Improve your reputation to unlock more options.
Yendys hopped for joy, knowing that dwarves in games were usually tight-fisted with their rewards but were renowned inventors and smiths.
“Just what brought you folks all the way from Hayden’s Knoll to here? Couldn’t be you knew we were in trouble, could it?” Rollox asked as two of his dwarves crafted makeshift stretchers to carry their dead and another pair of pathfinders hurried in to inspect the tunnel that the ankheg had emerged from.
“Oh yeah, we heard this spot was where those Bloody Blade jerks were hiding. We’re trying to find evidence to help prove that Raytak is innocent. Did you guys find anything here before you were attacked?” Yendys asked. She figured it didn’t hurt to have npcs complete the quests for you.
“Nae, nobody has been here in a long time. We were on patrol to make sure the slavers weren’t poking around again when we found this place. Whoever was here bugged out long ago. The freshest tracks all lead back to the road to the transition point . . . Wait! What do you mean, ‘help prove Raytak is innocent?’ What happened to him? I’ll not believe he committed any crime,” Rollox stated with an angry scowl on his face.
“Yeah, I know right? Some guy from the Imperium called Field Inspector Loser, Leighton, or something came by and accused him of treason and stuff. Don’t worry though, were going to help prove he’s innocent but while we’re doing this, he’s in jail rotting away. The new commander guy at Hayden’s Knoll they sent to replace him there is a dork and won’t even tell us where he is,” Yendys said angrily.
“Hmm, don’t worry about that little one. I’m sure the Stonehold leader in the zone, Lhargen, can make an official inquiry. He’s the closest thing to an ambassador our clan has, and the Imperium has always valued their dwarven allies. If there’s anything to be done to help Raytak, rest assured we’ll do it,” Rollox promised.
“Now, if ye’ don’t mind, I’m going to have my pathfinders return to our mine. I have my friends to bury and they would want to be set secure in the ground of our clan’s mine, not in some unmarked grave on the plains,” Rollox advised before becoming distracted by a clanking sound coming from the tunnel. Out of tunnel rolled the head of one of the pathfinders sent to scout it out. The helmet clanked as it rolled, coming to a stop near the entrance.
“By the stone, what could have done that?” Rollox said in fear as he gripped his axe. “Twas not another ankheg. Those beasties are not quiet about their kills.” Rollox began to hesitantly move toward the tunnel.
“Hold up, Rollox. Let us check it out. It’s what we’re good at after all. We’ll find the other missing pathfinder for you,” Yendys offered, hoping the group wasn’t mad at her for volunteering their services.
Your party has accepted the quest: Perils of the Pathfinders. Enter the dark tunnel and discover the fate of the missing pathfinder.
&n
bsp; Reward: 1500 experience and the location of evidence proving Raytak’s innocence. Failure results in lowering of reputation with the Stonehold clan.
Bonus Reward: Uncover hidden bonus objectives for a reputation increase with the Stonehold clan and a rare magic item geared specifically to your class.
“Sorry for accepting the quest without asking first, but just check out the reward! This is what we were hoping to find here. Is everyone cool with going in the creepy, dark, head-cutting-off tunnel?” Yendys asked the party.
“Not a problem, Yendys. Of course we would have all taken the quest. Just remember next time that you may want to consult with your party first. Not every quest option will be this cut and dried. We may need to pass on some if we have more important objectives. Saving Raytak is a timed quest, so we don’t want to get too distracted. Of course, I would never consider helping our friends the Stonehold clan a distraction,” Jacoby said, hurriedly adding the last bit when Rollox began to look at him funny.
“Thanks guys! Into the creepy, dark, head-cutting-off tunnel we go!” Yendys exclaimed.
“Normally I would say we wait for Ty, but this seems a bit urgent,” Jacoby added as the group prepared to enter the tunnel.
Chapter 15
The cave entrance was narrow, forcing Jacoby and Smashem to crouch as they moved through. Once everyone was inside, the party began to follow the tunnel. The path cut through the dirt by the ankheg was stable and straight. Yendys opened her help tab and saw basic information for the ankheg was now unlocked after having defeated one in battle. She read that the creatures secreted a resin from their bodies as they traveled along which helped keep the tunnel intact for faster movement later. After only a few yards the tunnel became too dark to see in. The party quickly lit torches before continuing.
“At least the tunnel leads down, and it’s a straight shot so the smoke from the torches will just head up and outside,” Jacoby noted nervously. Yendys realized they were all excited but a bit nervous about what cut off and threw the pathfinder’s head out of the tunnel. The tunnel proved to only lead a total of fifty yards down. The incline was steep and when they reached the bottom they were treated to an amazing sight.
The small ankheg tunnel led to a large, open cavern. Set against the wall of the cavern were a set of huge, ornate stone doors. The doors looked to have been recently damaged; large slashes had been cut into the stone, and off to the side another ankheg-dug tunnel could be seen, leading right toward the doors. Moving to the doors, Yendys noticed that there was a slight gap between the doors, almost like the doors of an elevator that had opened a few feet and stuck there, slightly ajar. Beyond the gap, nothing could be seen but complete darkness. Small pieces of yellow chitin from ankheg mandibles were scattered around the doors.
“Look at this,” Nitor said, picking up a piece before turning to look again at both tunnels. “If I had to guess I would say the creature we just defeated up there came in through the first tunnel. The ankheg hit the wall, was angry at the obstruction, and hacked at it in vain for a bit. After finding out it couldn’t burrow through the door, it made the tunnel we just arrived in and popped out to feed on the dwarves.
“At least that’s what I feel happened. I get these weird flashes in my mind from an area sometimes when there is a story behind it. It’s called Echoes of the Past and is one of my skald abilities. I can only guess that the dwarves somehow managed to open the door and get inside,” Nitor added, happy one of his obscure class abilities had a practical application other than for entertaining bits of lore.
Looking carefully at the door, Yendys made note of the magic symbols carved into it. The slash marks from the ankheg had obliterated a few.
“I guess we head in?” Yendys asked. Jacoby nodded and took point. The group passed in through the gap in the door. Once through, a complete darkness covered party, smothering the torchlight.
A booming voice shook the air.
“So, my captors have finally decided to visit me once more after all these centuries. Hah! Never would I have thought my bonds would be weakened by a simple insect. You have become lax in guarding my cage, Fadrix,” the voice trailed off as the speaker suddenly sounded unsure of itself.
“Whoah, what the heck sounds like that and why are the torches out?” Yendys whispered to her companions. Kathala ignored her, quietly chanting in the background.
“My light spell isn’t working either, something is smothering every light source,” Kathala added.
“You don’t smell like undead, and neither does this one.” A squeal of distinctly dwarven origin was heard off in the dark. “Has Fadrix stooped to recruiting the living?” the voice asked.
“Ummm, no idea what a Fadrix is, mister creepy-loud-voice-guy. We’re just here looking for our dwarven friend and looking for clues to who framed Raytak,” Yendys offered. The sounds of sniffing echoed in the distance and a rush of air gusted by the party.
“Hmmm, I smell halfling, orc, human, and . . . is that insect? Such a long time has passed since I’ve had any interesting smells other than the rotting stench from one of Fadrix’s minions.”
“Guilty as charged. I am Nitor . . . a human. Also here is Yendys, the halfling, Kathala and Jacoby . . . humans, and Smashem the half-orc. May we be so bold as to ask your name?” Nitor said.
“Umm, Nitor, don’t forget Crunchy. Why does everyone forget Crunchy?” Yendys mumbled sharply.
“Ah yes, the brave unicorn beetle Crunchy, who is Yendys’ animal companion, is also part of our troupe. Sorry for any confusion,” Nitor added before whispering to the others. “Let me take a crack at this, I have good negotiation scores,” Nitor said under his breath.
“No problem, Nitor. You sound super excited to talk, so have fun,” Yendys whispered back. She could tell Nitor was in his element. Rarely do the bard classes get to shine, and between deciphering the scene outside the door and talking to an unknown entity . . . Yendys figured that he must have been in skald heaven.
“Polite as well, that is . . . unexpected. These other two were so rude, and one even tried to attack me,” the voice added as the dwarf pathfinder let out a grunt in the distance. “As far as my name, I have been called many things, but the word that fits me best is . . . Query. Yes, call me Query. Answer this for me, and know that I can detect falsehood little human, do you serve Fadrix?” the voice inquired.
“I can honestly say we’ve never heard the name Fadrix before you spoke it earlier,” Nitor answered with confidence. There was an uneasy silence for a moment before Query replied.
“You speak the truth in this. Tell me, if you do not serve Fadrix how did you arrive here?” a curious Query asked.
“We walked in from the tunnel. The door was open slightly and we came in.” Nitor stated.
“Truth again. Have the wards deteriorated or been damaged to weaken them so?” Query mumbled to himself. “Yes, I can tell the bonds are weakened though I still cannot see,” Query chattered to himself.
“Query, may I ask a question?” Nitor asked.
“I suppose it’s only fair since you have answered mine truthfully. Ask your question, skald,” Query replied.
“It’s obvious you are being held here against your will by this Fadrix character. How did this come to pass?” Nitor asked. There was a long uncomfortable pause before Query continued.
“I may not be able to see through this darkness, if you will but step within reach, I can show your minds directly what has come to pass. Step forward toward my voice, if your courage does not fail you,” Query taunted.
“Okay . . . I so don’t want to step up into the reach of whatever can take off a dwarf’s head and throw it all the way up the tunnel,” Yendys said with a shiver.
“I know it sounds creepy, but do you see any other alternative?” Nitor said.
“I don’t. I say we give a go,” Jacoby added.
“I’m in, but if my head gets ripped off, I’m blaming you Nitor,” Kathala joked.
“Fine, sign me
up for head-ripping-off too,” Yendys conceded.
“We agree, Query. Can you make a noise, so we can move toward you?” Nitor asked. A deep rumbling sound was heard, and the party slowly shuffled their way in the dark toward the entity known as Query. Everyone placed a hand on the shoulder of another party member, so they would not become separated.
“Aww, the creepy guy sounds like a giant kitten purring,” Yendys offered. Soon the party ran into the side of something . . . huge. Something with coarse fur and, beneath it, the warmth of a living body.
“Close, little one, close. But not quite accurate, Yendys,” Query said with a chuckle. “Now, see what has happened hundreds of years before. Witness my despair,” Query told the party as their view began to brighten and resolve into a cinematic scene. They were seeing through Query’s eyes, feeling what he felt as he flew high above the countryside. Query reveled in the freedom of flight, yet some obligation drove him toward a walled town in the distance. Something bad was happening and Query was being asked to help solve it.
***
Swooping over the town walls, the guards looked up in amazement. Query landed in the keep’s courtyard, his body too large to fit anywhere else. A procession of guards arrived, surrounding Query, but not demonstrating any hostility. A party of adventurers followed next. Their armor and weapons glowed with powerful enchantments and though they were high leveled and powerful, Query was confident he could best them all with little effort. Finally, an old man wearing a crown hobbled out with a much younger queen walking at his side. The queen supported his arm and helped her elderly husband toward Query. The king bowed to Query as the queen glared at his obsequiousness. Query understood the king was making a show of respect, so Query returned the bow, which pleased the young queen.