Misfits and Mayhem

I'm not a very good writer, but I do my best. DnD story side blog of UndrinkableSmoothie. Chapters are now tagged by both their chapter number, and their chapter part number. I post on my main blog anything connected to the stories on this one that aren't actually a story post, as well as reblogging each story post to my main blog. Feel free to ask any questions about the lore, certain characters, items or locations in the story. I'll answer if I can. Check out my story lore blog: library-of-lore.

[fantasy-misadventures]

Long overdue update!

Ok, so due to the fact that I don't own a computer and my mian source of writing is just my phone, my former plan to rewrite and upload The Map Makers Journey to Ao3 isn't really feasible for now. So instead I plan to drastically rewrite it and continue posting it on here, the new version of the story will always have the tag #Rewrite on it along with the usual tags, to make it easier to find. I have a new job that keeps me pretty busy on weekdays, so I'll primarily be working on the story on weekends, and plan to try posting as longer posts than I did with the original. Once I have a decent amount saved to my drafts, my goal is to hopefully post a short yet decent lengthed chapter once a week. This new version will be slightly inspired by some stuff from LoTR, and hopefully the first few chapters will be finished and posted by the start of next year, at the latest!

[fantasy-misadventures]

A handful of unexpected personal and family issues have happened in my life recently, so I'm taking a break from working in my story.

[fantasy-misadventures]

Long overdue update!

Ok, so due to the fact that I don't own a computer and my mian source of writing is just my phone, my former plan to rewrite and upload The Map Makers Journey to Ao3 isn't really feasible for now. So instead I plan to drastically rewrite it and continue posting it on here, the new version of the story will always have the tag #Rewrite on it along with the usual tags, to make it easier to find. I have a new job that keeps me pretty busy on weekdays, so I'll primarily be working on the story on weekends, and plan to try posting as longer posts than I did with the original. Once I have a decent amount saved to my drafts, my goal is to hopefully post a short yet decent lengthed chapter once a week. This new version will be slightly inspired by some stuff from LoTR, and hopefully the first few chapters will be finished and posted by the start of next year, at the latest!

[fantasy-misadventures]

Hello! This is an important update for my followers and readers!

I will be starting this entire story over fresh with a rewrite, as I feel certain parts are far too rushed, though some things in it will remain the same. I will also be posting to AO3 now, as I have recently made an account! My author name is UndrinkableSmoothie.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 5-3

As Marro and Glynora rush back to the meeting point, the Skyland Turtle corpse, something large flies just over the treetops, the gust of wind that follows in its wake is strong enough to send the pair of them flying forward a few feet and out into the clearing. They see Captain Rhodon and Varon standing back to back, Rhodon with his shield up and his sword at the ready as Varon holds his spear out. Lamara and Tyrric come running out of the trees. "That is one large and very angry bird!" Lamara shouts, looking panicked. Tyrric growls as he ducks out of the way of a falling tree that was uprooted when the bird's large talon struck it. "What in the Hells is a Rok doing all the way out here?"

Rhodon frowns and shakes his head. "No idea. I've only ever heard of them living in deserts, at the tops of very tall mountains, or occasionally in a great forest. Regardless of why it's out here, we need to either kill it, or capture it and release it somewhere with its own kind." Lamara looks at her Captain like he's just grow a second head. "That's a ROK? And you want us to fight it?! Have you lost your mind Captain?!?" He glares at her for a moment before shaking his head, deciding to ignore her slight disrespect. "I understand your concern, and I won't fault you for being afraid. But we can't let it stay so close to the city. We could use your bow and your aim, Lamara. But if you'd feel safer behind the city walls, then by all means, run back inside. But be sure to send for some help, maybe a few Red Circle mages if you can find any. And at the very least, go up to the ramparts with some other archers and give us some backup." She looks torn between wanting to stay and help her comrades here and now, and wanting to retreat to safety. "I....I won't just run and hide. I'll be sure to get help, Captain. Good luck everyone, help will be here shortly, I promise!" She takes off running back to the city gates.

As Lamara runs to the gate, a thought crosses her mind. -Wait....something doesn't feel right here. Rowana made it sound like she saw a group of creatures. And someone as experienced as her wouldn't mistake a giant bird for undead and someth similar. I think there's something more going on here.- She reaches the gate and pounds on it. "Open the gate! It's Lamara of the city guard!" One of the gate watchmen looks down from his post. "Lamara? Where are the others?" She scowls at him. "I ran back for reinforcements. We seem to have a Rok problem. Now let me in damn it!" His eyes widen in surprise and he hurries to open the gates for her. "Finally!" She growls as she rushes in as soon as there's enough room for her. She starts heading for the Red Circle tower as she uses her Communication Stone to contact any and all fellow guards within range. "Attention! This is Ranger Lamara! We need immediate backup in the Blackshire Grove! We encountered a Rok! We need archers and magic users! I'm headed for the Red Circle to see if they can lend a hand!" -And afterwards, I plan to find Rowana. I need to know exactly what she saw out there.-

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 5-2

"So....what do you think killed it?" Marro asks his halfling partner. Glynora glances at the dwarf, "That giant turtle? Most likely something that can fly", she says as she looks up, "I've heard they rarely ever bother to willingly coming down from the sky. Other than to mate or lay eggs." Her hand reflexively moves to the handle of her crossbow. "And if it wasn't something from the sky?", Marro asks with a grimace, holding his chain flail at the ready. Glynora frowns with a shrug. "Perhaps a giant? A very tall one?" Marro suppresses a shiver. "Gods above, I hope not." The pair make their way a little further in silence, and after a while Glynora stops and stares up into a tree. Marro looks back when he realizes he can't hear his friends footsteps. "What's wrong?" "Hey, give me a boost will you?", she asks, "I think I see something stuck up there."

Marro frowns, but helps Glynora up onto his shoulders, allowing her to reach a lower branch and climb higher up. A few minutes of rustling later, she drops something out of the tree. A large black feather, taller than the two of them together, drifts down and settles on the ground. Glynora hops down out of the tree, pulling twigs and leaves from her shaggy brown hair. Marro just stares at the feather. "Well....I'd hate to meet the bird that fell off of." He holds up his Communication Stone and activities the magic rune. "This is Marro and Glynora checking in. We uh, found something a bit odd. The largest feather I've ever seen in my long life. Glynora could stand on my shoulders, and it would still be taller." He waits a moment before he hears the chime that signals his message went through, then he gets a response from Varon. "We hear ya Marro. We found some oddities ourselves." Suddenly a large shadow passes overhead, and they hear Lamara's panicked voice come over the Stone. "Someone run back for reinforcements, we've got trouble! Shit! Tyrric, we need to run!"

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 5-1

A group of five guards, including Varon, meet Captain Rhodon at the main gates to the city. Rhodon looks at the gathered group, "Alright boys and girls, listen up! For the time being this little excursion is going to be a scouting only. But don't let your guard down. There's a good chance that whatever's out there isn't friendly." He reaches into a small leather pouch and pulls out a smooth stone engraved with a glowing rune. "Be sure to keep your Communication Stone on you at all times, no telling what we'll run into in the forest. Alright, let's move out!" The gates are opened and they head out, making for the Blackshire Grove.

Just as they're about to reach the forest, the groups chosen tracker, a member of the Hyna beastfolk race named Tyrric, raises his arm to halt the group at the edge of Blackshire Grove. "Hold a moment, I smell something...." Tyrric sniffs at the air. "Something is rotting nearby. Over there", he points diagonally past a grouping of trees where they can see several large broken trees further in. They cautiously make their way through to the fallen trees, but what they see makes them stop in their tracks. Before then lies the corpse of what looks like a massive sea turtle, at least thirty feet wide. Its shell has a large, wide jagged crack in it and the creature is missing half a flipper. On its back grow large spines that resemble trees.

Lamara gasps and takes a step forward. "It can't be....a dead Skyland Turtle? What could have possibly killed it?" She looks around warily, her bow in her hands with an arrow notched. Rhdon scans the surrounding area. "Alright, listen up. We're going to split up into pairs and have a look around. Stay vigilant. Varon, you're with me. Lamara will go with Tyrric. Leaving Marro with Glynora." The six guards pair off and begin their search, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 4-3

A few days go by, those who are aware of the coming danger began making preparations to either leave or stay and fight as needed. Most of the nobles have been made aware of the threat, and have begun hiring mercenaries and sellswords. The market is less busy than usual, some of the gaurds are on alert, while others are slacking off. Two particular guards are on their break, gambling with each other when they hear a commotion coming from the the main gate to the city. They try to ignore it at first, but it slowly gets louder, finally the taller one sighs and shakes her head as she stands up. "Alright, I know we're not on duty right now Varon, but we should really find out what's going on at the gate. Could be something important." He grumbles and sets his cards down, looking slightly annoyed as he too stands up with a nod. "And I suppose the fact I was winning has nothing to do with it, eh Lamara?" He frowns at her before his face breaks into a light and teasing grin as his elven friend rolls her eyes, then the two of them head for the city gates.

"I'm not going back out there to that damn forest Marloe, I know what I saw!", a well known hunter of game and monsters alike says, jabbing her gloved finger at the chest of the city's best butcher. "You promised me thirty pounds of fresh deer meat Rowana, and you damn well better deliver!", the stubborn orc says with a growl, "I don't care what you think you saw, either you keep your end of the deal, or give me back my money!" A small group has gathered around them. Rowana scowls and reaches for a leather pouch on her belt, untying it and tossing it at the butcher. "Fine! Have your money back! I'm not risking my neck against undead or dark Fae or whatever the hells those things were!" Lamara gives Varon a worried look. "Better go inform the Captain that there might be trouble in Blackshire Grove, I'll stay here and try to get more information on what she saw." Varon nods and heads off to fetch the Captain. "Right, I won't be gone long!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Varon is lucky enough to find the Captain in the first place he thinks to look, his favorite tavern where he eats most of his meals. After spotting him at a table, he rushes over to him. "Captain Rhodon, Sir! There's a commotion at the front gates, something about strange creatures in Blackshire Grove. Rowana saw something that has her too spooked to go back out there, she's adamant about not even leaving the city from the sound of it." Rhodon pauses, having been just about to light his favorite pipe. The middle aged human sighs and shakes his head as he puts it away, he adjusts his eyepatch before standing up, his long dark hair falling over one shoulder. "Something actually has that woman too scared to return to the forest? Very well then, gather a small unit of soldiers, Varon, and we'll go investigate. I'll meet you at the front gate." He drops some coins on the table before leaving with Varon.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 4-2

Altesa hears a caw from overhead as she climbs down a ladder in an alley way just across from the capital building of Mastith, she glances up and sees a raven circling overhead. Her eyes narrow in suspicion, but then she shakes her head and decides to ignore it for now, choosing to deal with it later if need be. "I don't have time to waste chasing down a bird on a mere hunch", she grumbles to herself before muttering a few arcane words. Her body shimmers for a moment before her scales adapt to her surroundings, making her seemingly invisible. She smirks as she easily slips between the thin crowd between herself and the capital building without touching anyone and remaining unseen thanks to one of her favorite spells, Chameleon Skin. She slips past the guards and into the building, making her way down a few hallways until she finds the one that leads to the room she's looking for, the office of the Champion of Mastith, Fharath Shieldheart.

Fharath is in the hall talking to a lieutenant of the guard when she pauses, having spotted a strange shimmering in the air that moves past her and into her office, it goes unnoticed by the guard. The guard notices her looking at her office. "Is something wrong Lady Fharath?", he inquires with a slight frown. She shakes her head with a smile. "No, there's nothing wrong. I simply remembered some paperwork I forgot to finish from earlier. I shall catch up with you later my friend. Kindly let the others know not to disturb me for a while." She excuses herself and heads into her office, closing the door behind her. She glances around and sighs, shaking her head. "I can see through your spell you know. After all, magic and I share a rather unique bond." Altesa drops her Chameleon Skin spell, now sitting on Fharath's desk with her legs crossed, smirking as her tail slowly sways back and forth behind her. "Evening Fharath. It's been a while since we last saw each other. Nearly half a year by my count."

Fharath smiles at the shorter woman. "Yes, it certainly has been a while, hasn't it? It is good to see you again. Especially after..." Her smile becomes a frown and she shakes her head. "On second thought, best not drudge up memories of the past, particularly those memories." Altesa nods in agreement with a frown of her own. "Indeed. Leave the past where it belongs my friend, in the past. No sense dwelling on it, when we can do nothing to change it." She takes a deep breath and sighs. "Anyway....I didn't come here for a simple visit. I'm here for information. Well, confirmation of information I already have, really. By all accounts, it sounds like war may well be upon our fair city before long." Fharath seems to tense up a bit. "Yes, it would seem so. We have sent out scouts to try and obtain what information we may of those who attacked Oakheart and Blackthorn. Those that returned spoke of nightmarish terrors and abominations, and each of them died shortly after returning. Though wether they came across some sort of demonic army or were simply tricked or driven mad by enemy spellcasters is unknown, for they each had a different yet similar tale to tell upon their return. Regardless, it does not bode well for Mastith."

Altesa sighs and shakes her head. "I've said it before, and I'll say it again. You can't always rely on army trained scouts. You're far better off with people who have either grown up with nature, lived off the land itself, are able to move as quietly as a shadow. Or better still, people who have lived their entire lives learning to hide in both shadows and plain sight, even if only for survival alone. They don't necessarily have to be theives or assassins." Fharath frowns at her, then sighs and shakes her head. "Enough business talk. Tes....if something happens to the city, grab whoever you can and get out. I'm serious." Altesa looks a little surprised, then she smiles. "It's good to know you still care about a trouble maker like me. But you don't need to worry to yourself. If leaving is really the best option left to me, I'll do it. But not without you, or my family."

Fharath smiles at her, "Somehow I had a feeling you would say that. You know me well enough to know that I won't leave any innocents in danger. We will prepare whatever defenses we can, but we may be forced to evacuate the city. For now, however, let us make what plans we can." Shieldheart opens a drawer and pulls out a few blank scrolls, an inkwell and a quill.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 4-1

Altesa is well on her way to the capital building, making her way across rooftops to avoid any unwanted interruptions. Unknown to her, she's being followed and watched by a raven flying above her, a dark elf stares into a crystal ball at the image of Altesa seen through the birds eyes. "Hmmm....now where are you off to in such a hurry I wonder?" The finely dressed drow murmers to themself, eyes narrowed in thought. A moment later they look up at the sound of stone sliding against stone, a hidden door in the wall opens up as another drow exits from a secret passage, none other than Irae herself. "Welcome back, dear sister. How did today's business go?", the first drow asks with a wide grin. Irae grins back, holding up a hefty sack of coins. "It went well indeed. He was wise enough to pay the full amount without any argument. I left a special trap for target number two, and set up number three to poison herself." Irae glances at the crystal ball on the table. "Why, Rhyl, you wouldn't happen to be spying on someone again, would you?", she asks her twin brother with a smirk.

He glances up at her briefly, his eyes going to her little black book of death, before going back to his spying. "You have your hobbies, dear sister, and I have mine." The female drow chuckles and shakes her head. "Yes, but my little hobby actually pays." Rhyl simply nods. "As does mine. The difference is that your hobby pays in gold, while mine pays in information. Gold is relatively easy to obtain, which isn't always the case with information, and it can be used to make gold as well. Therefore information is more valuable to me than gold." Irae sighs and rolls her eyes. "Whatever you say, brother dearest." She moves over to a table with a pile of srcolls on it. "So....did you discover anything of interest today?"

Her twin brother smirks beneath his hood before lowering it as he looks up at her. "Well there was one bit of interesting information I came across. It seems that something very unusual is going on within the castle. There have been some rather mysterious visitors coming and going all day. And now the little leader of Shadowlight is making her way to the capital building. And I fnd that very interesting, because she rarely makes a move during the day." He looks strangely amused by this.

Irae cocks her head with a curious expression at the mention of the Shadowlight guild leader. "Ah yes. Altesa. She's quite the interesting individual. We'll have to keep a close eye on her. In fact, I think I just might set up a meeting with the little master thief." She smirks as she stares at the image of the woman in her brother's crystal ball.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 3-3

When Kallista and company reach the hideout of Shadowlight, things seem oddly tense. Altesa is speaking with one of her contacts from outside Mastith who sometimes travels into the city. "Are you certain this information is accurate? If what you say is true...." He nods, looking a bit shaken. "Unfortunately, yes. I am quite certain that every word is true. The town of Oakheart has been burned to ashes, and Fort Blackthorn has been destroyed. It seems they are now headed in the direction of Mastith. And I for one, am not entirely certain that the Arlonian Knights of Mastith will be enough to stop them...."

Feather walks up to her elven friend, having overhead the guild leaders conversation. "We find Kallista and return only to discover things are going a bit crazy? What's going on Zylfina?" The warrior elf sighs and shakes her head. "I am not entirely certain my little friend. All I know for sure is that a nearby town and fort were both destroyed. No one seems to know who or what is responsible, or if there are any survivors. I have heard scouts have been sent out to seek the cause as well as send word to any knights who are out of the city to return."

"Does that mean the King is aware of the threat then?", Feather asks as she looks around at her fellow Guild members, most of whom seem to either be panicking, packing their belongings, or even making plans of some sort as they look at old maps of the countryside. Zylfina simply shrugs. "Either the King knows and is taking what measures he can to prepare, or the Noble Houses are sending for the Knights belonging to their own families. Most of the Knight's are of Noble blood after all." One of their fellow Guild members, a rotund human man, laughs loudly after overhearing them. "HA! The Nobles care even less about the common folk than the King does! King Vincent Barrington, Hero of the People. Maybe in his younger days, but old age has made him far less kind. He's just short of being a tyrant these days. Most folks are just too blind to see it." He grunts in annoyance and returns to packing his things. "But what do I know? I'm nothing more than a Fence. A glorified salesman."

Feather rolls her eyes at the grumpy fence. "Come Kallista, we should speak with Mistress Altesa soon", she leads her horned friend and the rat boy over to the Guild Master. "Mistress, we found her!" Feather looks cheerful as she runs up to Altesa and gives her a quick hug, Altesa chuckles and hugs back. "I know you're still on the young side, but you should try to break the habit of hugging me every time you see me after leaving for a while." She gives Kallista a nod. "It is good to see you are....well, not quite alright, but alive at least. I am sorry I wasn't here to put a stop to Shakas", she pauses a moment and looks Kallista over, seeing the extent of her healing wounds, "he will be severely punished for this. I assure you." Kallista nods with a tight smile. "Kallista grateful for your kindness since she first came here. She thinks of you and many others here as friends" Kraz is smiling up at Kallista as he speaks before looking back at Altesa.

"Oh! Right. This is Kraz, a friend of Kallista's from before she joined us. He's also psychically gifted", the young tabaxi girl says, having momentarily forgotten about him. "A pleasure to meet you Kraz. And to finally have a way to effectively communicate with Kallista as well. If only we had more time to sit and talk awhile, but as you can see, we have learned that there may be a threat headed for Mastith. I plan to personally speak with the city's Guardian, Lady Shieldheart. Zylfina, you shall be in charge while I am away, since Oloward is busy." She heads to her private room to get ready to leave for the city's capital building.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 3-2

Kallista awakens feeling far better than when she first arrived in the Dust Bowl, she notices that she's alone in the room, Kraz and Maylinda are just outside the Healers Hut. Feather is standing in an alley nearby, watching them. *Hmmm, that ratboy looks familiar. Haven't I seen him hanging around Kallista before? Never seen the old woman before though.*, she thinks to herself. *Well, I might as well see if they know anything.* She walks out of the shadows and makes her way over to them, smiling and waving.

"Hello! I was wondering if you could perhaps help me with something?" The young ratboy looks over at her, he suddenly looks nervous. "W-what you want T-Tabaxi?", he stammers and fidgets. The girl rolls her eyes at him. "Oh relax, you have no need to fear me, I'm not that sort of tabaxi. Besides, I'm too busy looking for a friend of mine, a purple tiefling woman with wild green hair. Seen her around by any chance? I heard she was spotted heading this direction not long ago." Maylinda glances at Kraz who is twitching and staring at the girl. After a moment, he finally nods and seems to relax. "You are Kallista friend. Fellow guild member." She blinks at him. "Yes, I am. My name is Feather. But how did you know?" He stands up a bit straighter, looking proud and a bit cocky. "Kraz special. Kraz have psionic abilities, can read minds!"

Feather chuckles and grins. "Now I get it. You act like a translator for Kallista, since she doesn't know any form of sign language. Handy. So, where's Kallista?" Kraz frowns and crosses his arms. "Kraz not just translator. Kraz best friend of Kallista." He almost seems to be pouting, causing Feather to giggle and smirk.

Maylinda chuckles. "Kallista is just inside, resting." Just as she speaks up, the door opens and Kallista steps out. She pauses when she spots Feather, looking surprised for a moment before smiling. Feather looks her friend up and down. "Damn... Shakas really did a number on you, didn't he? I won't forgive him for this!" The silent tiefling nods, moves closer and pulls the younger girl into a hug before stepping back. "Yeah, yeah, it's good to see you too. Don't go getting all mushy on me." Feather smiles and rolls her eyes. "Mistress Altesa already reprimanded Shakas, but he'll be punished for sure once she sees what he did to you for herself. She had Oloward send out search parties for you. So we'll need to send a message to them that you're back. You can bring your little friend with you if you want." Kallista nods, she turns to Maylinda and bows, then hands her a few coppers. The healer looks puzzled until Kraz speaks up. "Kallista wants to pay. She know you helped out of kindness, but still want to repay you somehow." Maylinda smiles at her. "I suppose it would be rude of me to refuse then. Thank you. If you ever find yourself in need of herbs, ointments, or potions, stop by my shop." The three head off and find Feather's companions and the old half-elf summons a magical messenger mouse to alert the other members of the search party. The group of five leave the Dust Bowl behind, heading back to Altesa.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 3-1

Marri is walking around Mastith's city hall, looking at works of art that line the walls, when Fharath walks out of a nearby room. "Oh! Fharath!" She runs over to her and gives a little half bow. "I wanted to thank you again for early! If you and those guards hadn't shown up when you did...I don't even want to think about what might have become of me." The paladin smiles at her. "There's really no need to thank me Miss, I was only doing my job after all. And I have no doubt that if it hadn't been me, others would have come to your aid. Although a few would have certainly waited to see if things would actually take a bad enough turn for their intervention to really be necessary. Mastith may have a few hero's of its own, but...well, let's just say some of them are better people than others." After a moment, she realizes Marri isn't really listening, she's too busy staring in awe at Fharath's wings.

Lady Shieldheart chuckles and smiles. "I take it I'm the first one of my kind you've met?" Marri nods, then shakes herself out of her stupor. "Oh, um, yes. I have never met anyone with wings before. They're very beautiful. And they must be very strong to allow you to fly even in such heavy armor." Fharath smiles at the compliment. "Why thank you Miss...Marri, was it?" She gets a nod in response. "I take great pride in my wings, and take great care of them as well. Flying in full armor took a little getting used to at first, but once my body became accustomed to it, I hardly noticed the wieght. You may touch them, if you like."

Marri's eyes light up with wonder, almost like a child, she reaches out and runs her fingers through the snow white feathers. "They're so soft. I wonder what it would feel like to be wrapped up in them?" She blushes when she realizes she said the last part out loud. "Oh, um, I-I mean....I'm sure they come in handy in cold weather, or during a blizzard." Fharath smiles at her with her almost blindingly white teeth. "Well, I have been told by several people that they enjoy the feeling of my wings around them. Soft, warm, comforting...a few have even said it's arousing." She laughs softly as Marri blushes a second time. "Now then, why don't you get something to eat before leaving, then you can go about your business, whatever it may be. I'll be happy to show you to a very nice bakery I'm rather fond of." She turns to walk away, and after some hesitation, Marri follows after her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Back in the more rundown parts of the city, a trio of Kallista's fellow thieves are busy looking for her. A human man accompanied by a tabaxi catfolk girl and a middle-aged looking half-elf man. "Are you sure she went this way? This leads to the Dust Bowl." The human asks the black and orange striped tabaxi girl. "You really shouldn't doubt my contacts. Or me just because I'm still young. I know what I'm doing." She gives him a cocky grin before skipping ahead s little ways, somehow making it look more like a dance as she moves. The half-elf sighs, shaking his head. "I will never understand how you are able to move like that, Feather. Even for a cat, you are overly nimble." Feather laughs and spins, then leaps into the air and does a front flip before landing on a short stack of barrels. "You're just jealous that you can't move like I can, old man." "Ha! I may be slow and old, but I'm still twice the thief you'll ever be!" When the three of them finally reach the Dust Bowl, they decide to split up to look for Kallista.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 2-3

Kallista is resting up, alseep after drinking a healing tea Maylinda made for her along with the ointments and fresh bandages she gave the teifling, she occasionally twitches in her slumber. Kraz is sitting silently, watching her and twitching whenever she does, Maylinda frowns as she glances at him while moving potions and herbal remedies. "Is everything alright Kraz?" His head jerks up in the healers direction. "Oh! Yes...Kraz merely reading thoughts, dreams of friend Kallista. Kallista suffers nightmares, caused on same tragic day she lose voice. Kraz not there on bad day, but....nightmares very telling." Maylinda pauses her potion mixing, moving to one of the cabinets where she stores potions, herbs, and ingredients. "Nightmares you say? Hmm....I think I have something around here somewhere....ah yes, here it is." She walks over to the pair with a wooden bowl filled with a dark green clay-like paste, then proceeds to rub and smear some onto Kallista's temples before rubbing it in. "There, that should calm her worried mind and chase away the nightmares." Kraz stares at Kallista for a moment, then smiles and nods happily.

Elsewhere in Mastith, in a smaller market area, a Drow is talking to a nervous looking shop owner. "So, um....w-which name are you going by today?", the portly old dwarf asks. The Drow chuckles with a slight smile. "You may call me Irae today." Their features are both handsome and beautiful at the same time, most residents of the city who know about them don't know whether the Drow is male or female, but none are brave enough to ask. Those who do know, have been told by the Drow themself. "Of course, Irae. I take it that you are here about the payment I owe you? And of course I do intend to pay you! I am very grateful for your assistance in putting my rivals out of business! Can't have too many shops that sell handmade Royal Dwarven style rugs in one city after all." He smiles nervously, wringing his hands. "Ah, well aren't you a sharp one," Irae grins, "yes indeed. I am here for my payment. Two hundred silver, as we agreed." Irae's hand rests on a strange looking whip that almost looks like a living snake. "I do hope you don't have any ideas about not honoring your end of the bargain. After all, what is a man without his honor?" The Drow practically sneers at the last word.

The rug seller gulps and quickly reaches for an inside shirt pocket, producing a leather pouch filled with coins "No, no! I wouldn't dare go back on my word to you, Irae." He hands over the pouch. "Precisely two hundred silver, not one coin less!" Irae takes the pouch and tosses it in the air lightly a few times, weighing it. "....the payment is sufficient. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, do contact us again should you ever wish to do further business." And with that, the mysterious Drow leaves the shop and simply vanishes into thin air a few steps just outside the door.

Irae reappears moments later, becoming visible once more on a rooftop a short ways from the rug shop. They smile at a bright gold ring on their finger with a chuckle. "This little trinket certainly makes life easier. Such a shame that Red Circle wizard misplaced it." The slender dark elf pulls out a piece of paper with two separate name lists on it, the two lists read Payment and Death, they cross off three names from the Death list and the rug sellers name from the Payment list. "Well, there's no rush to finish the rest of the list today. I suppose I'll head back home and await the shipmemt delivery." Irae follows a hidden path along the rooftops to a ladder that leads down. After a quick look around, they head down into the darkness.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 2-2

Kallista stares at the woman for a moment, then turns to Kraz with a questioning look. “Yes, she is healer. And don’t call her old woman. Very rude! Be respectful! And this is meditation room, if Kallista must know.” Kallista frowns, then sits down on the rug. “This is friend Kallista. In need of healing. Maylinda can help her?” She takes a moment to look over Kallista’s injuries without getting up. “Yes, I should be able to help. Particularly with that bandaged arm.” Maylinda stands and moves to a chest at the back of the room. “Maylinda keeps all her herbs and healing ointments in back of room. Maylinda unable to use healing magic, but still very good healer!” Kraz explains when Kallista gives him a confused look. The old woman chuckles with a smile as she looks through the large chest. "You must have a very close bond with her if you can read her thoughts so easily Kraz." The skinny ratman smiles at Kallista. "Kallista is Kraz friend. Best friend Kraz ever have!" The injured tiefling smiles back warmly with a nod as the healer walks back over, carrying a few bottles and some bandages. "Now then, let's take a proper look at those wounds, shall we?"

Elsewhere in the city, the rest of Kallista's gang are back at their hideout, where several members are now furious with a certain green skinned thug. "Damn it Shakas, what the Hells is wrong with you?! You've gone too far this time! You nearly killed her!", a tall bald and muscular elf woman with peircings and tattoos growls, brandishing a mean looking long sword at him. Shakas glares at her, his eyes shifting to her weapon momentarily. "She should have known better than to challenge me. I laid claim to the little half-elf, and Oloward didn't protest. So she was fair game." The aforementioned dwarf decides to get involved now, stepping forward. "The only reason I didn't stop you is because I was hoping you'd get bored after a few minutes. I'm well aware that you prefer victims who struggle and fight back, and I could tell that girl had no intention of doing so. I was hoping you would at least make her afraid enough to be fully compliant with us. Kallista was far from out of line for hitting you after that comment you made, considering how we first found Kallista when she joined us. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to give Zylfina permission to fight you in the arena." The bald elf woman glares coldly at Shakas. "Oh please do, it would be my pleasure to add a few new scars to the cowards collection. Perhaps I'll permanently disable an arm or a leg." "Just try is wench, I'll tear your throat out!" Shakas snarls at her.

A rather short woman who appears to be half human and half lizard-folk growls and leaps down from the stack of crates she's been sitting on, an irritated look on her face as her tail twitches angrily. "ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU!" She practically roars at them, flinging a small lightningbolt in between them from her hand as a warning, electricity visibly flowing up and down her arms. "Either stop your damned bickering, or you'll have me to deal with!" Shakas pales a little and takes a step back, Zylfina bows to her respectfully. "Apologies, Mistress Altesa. I hope I haven't offended you by allowing my more aggressive side to show."

The guild leader tilts her head as she stares at the swordswoman for a moment. "You've done nothing wrong apart from letting your anger get the better of you, Zylfina. You on the other hand", she says as she turns her attention to Shakas, "you've been a member of Shadowlight long enough to know the rules! No infighting outside of the arena, no killing unless absolutely necessary for survival, don't take something from someone if it will mean their death, leave the merchants alone unless they request paid protection from us! We may be thieves, but we aren't thugs or murderers!" She snarls and glances at Oloward. "And you! Stop being so damned lazy all the time! People are ment to think you're the guild leader, even if you're only my figure head, so act like it!" The dwarf sighs heavily. "Of course, Mistress. I'll take more responsibility for keeping Shakas in line. And I'll send a search party out to look for Kallista." He heads for the dining hall of the hideout, giving orders to some of the other members, sending them out to different parts of the city to look for their fellow thief, then he grumbles as he heads to the cellar to hunt down some ale for himself. "Gonna be a long day."

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 2-1

The following day after Marri’s recsue, the young half-elf is resting and relaxing in a tavern not far from the City Hall. In another part of town however, a certain green haired tiefling is in hiding after receiving a beating from her fellow Gulid member and thief, Shakas. And to make matters worse, it’s currently raining.

Kallista hisses in pain as she bumps her now bandaged arm against a wall as she makes her way through a back alley in the most run down part of the city. It’s a large, circluar section of Mastith known as the Dust Bowl. A gathering place for the poor, the homeless, and all sorts of criminals.

After a while, she hears someone calling to her. “Hey! Hey Kallista! Over here!” Kallista looks around in confusion, but she eventually spots the person calling out to her, a thin and scrwany little rat man who looks barely out of his teenage years by human standards. It takes a moment, but she recognizes him as Kraz. He’s one of the few people in the city she really considers a friend, and possibly the only person who knows all about the accident that rendered her mute.

As she comes closer, he winces a bit. “I’ve told you before, don’t think so loud. It gives Kraz a headache”, the ratman hisses as he rubs his temple. Kallista rolls her eyes and sits down. “It does so matter. A thought can be just as loud as a voice. Besdes, you’re the one who refuses to learn sign language. Kraz is not to blame for your stubbornness, or for this being the sole way for us to truely communicate.” He twiches his nose with a slightly irritated look.

Kraz tilts his head as something accures to him. “You mistook Kraz for one of his many brothers and sisters, again. Didn’t you?” Kallista frowns and looks away, her expression one of mixed embarrassment and annoyance. Kraz sighs. “No matter. Kraz has heard about what happened between Kallista and Shakas. Very nasty, that one.” He looks at her swollen black eye, the multiple cuts up and down her arm, and the nasty bruise where her neck meets her shoulder. “….Kraz knows good healer. Can’t fix all your wounds, but should be able to do something about the really bad ones”, he says as his gaze lingers on her bandaged arm. The bandages are slowly turning red with blood. “That must be a very nasty cut.” Kallista nods her head, looking pained.

Kraz stands and helps her up. “Kraz will lead Kallista to healer! Stay close to Kraz.” He starts heading for a side alley that ends in a tall wooden wall. “Healer likes to keep hidden entrances.” He pushes on a wooden board and it slides away, reavealing a short yet dark tunnel. Kallista looks unsure, but decides to trust Kraz, just as she always has. The pair enter the tunnel and Kraz replaces the board. Eventually he leads her to a door. When he opens it, she sees a sort of room that a witch doctor or a shaman would be perfectly happy in. Strange, oily smoke floats in the air as inncense burns in various places around the room. Sitting on a rug in the center is a very old looking human woman, she looks up with a smile and lowers her hood. “Ah. Hello Kraz. I see you’ve brought a patient for me.”

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 1-3

(Trigger warning for a potential rape scene. No actual rape occurs however.)

Marri has just finished looking at a stand run by an elderly tiefling gentleman who sells books, where she purchased a few about the history of enchanting. She makes her way out of the market district and walks down a path that leads to one of Mastith’s three living quarter districts, this one is a little more run down than the other two. As she walks, she doesn’t realize she’s being followed by the three who were watching her in the market. She starts to notice some of the city folk around her looking nervous, others even look fearful as they turn and walk the other direction, seeming to be in a hurry quite suddenly. Marri frowns, paying little mind to them now as she realizes she’s not where she thought she was. A few minutes later, she hears a voice from behind her.

“Looking a little lost there, elf girl.” Marri turns and sees a gruff looking dwarf, he’s accoumpanied by a beautiful tielfing and a rather mean looking half-orc. “Oh, um, is it really that obvious?” Marri asks as they move closer to her. “C-could you maybe point me in the direction of the center of the city?” Her eyes seem drawn to the teifling woman’s green hair with a curious look. “I think she likes your hair Kallista”, the dwarf chuckles with a not-so-friendly grin. Kallista rolls her eyes. The dwarf looks at her again. “So what brings a young Drow such as yourself to my city?” Marri frowns and looks a bit insulted. “I’m not a D-Drow. I’m a half-elf, my mother was a Calishite.”

The half-orc backs Marri up against the wall and grabs one wrist tightly, causing her to gasp in slight pain, impure thoughts are practically written on his face as he addresses the dwarf. “Hey Oloward, mind if I have a little fun with her?” Oloward sighs and waves him off. “Fine, fine. Just try not to break her Shakas. We may have use for her later", Oloward says with a bored look, he walks over and snatches Marri’s bag from her, smacking her hand away when she tried to grab it back. “Hey, that’s mine!” The silent Kallista scowls with a disgusted expression as she looks away, crossing her arms as her hands curl into fists. “And try not to take so long this time!” Oloward barks as he starts going through the bag.

“L-let go of me! Get off!” Marri cries out, turning her face away as Shakas leans in closer with a sneer. She can smell the stench of alcohol and what smells like rotting meat on his breath. “Oh God’s, that’s so gross!” A small figure watches for a moment from nearby, then runs off into the main city. “I’ve never had the pleasure of sampling a half-elf girl before. Should be fun!” Shakas grins and licks Marri’s neck, making her gasp as she struggles to get out of his grip. Marri tries kicking him and stepping on his foot to make him release her, but neither works.

Just as he moves a hand toward her breast, the sound of heavy boots can be heard heading in their direction and a loud voice rings out from the sky. “What is going on here?” Three heavily armored men in the armor of the city guard come charging around the corner and a winged woman in bright silver steel armor decends from the sky. Kallista looks relieved when she sees them. A green dragonborn amung the guards spots Oloward and grolws at him. “OLOWARD! I should have known we would find you here! You and your so called guild are always causing trouble for this city! You there, half-orc! Get away from the girl! Now!“

Shakas growls at him as Oloward slips a hand down to the short warhammer on his belt, his eyes narrowing. “Alright now boys, there hasn’t been any bloodshed and the girl is unharmed. No need for this to get ugly. Go ahead and release her Shakas.” Shakas scowls and looks annoyed as he lets go of Marri, stepping back from her. The winged woman spots Kallista standing behind the others. “Kallista? Well now, I most say I’m more than a little disappointed. I was hoping you wouldn’t end up with people like them.” Kallista visibly flinches at the look of pity and disappointment on the other woman’s face. Shakas moves back toward Oloward and they both turn to leave when Marri shouts at them. “Give me back my bag you thief!”

Oloward turns and glares at her, making her flinch back. “I-I mean….please?” One of the guards steps forward with his weapon drawn, the winged woman moves up beside Marri with her shield and sword at the ready in case she needs them. “If you’ve taken something from the girl, I would suggest you give it back to her now.” The guard says. Oloward sighs and grumbles as he tosses the bag back to her. “She didn’t have anything of interest to me anyway. And hardly anything of value at all.”

Shakas sneers as he looks back at Marri. “Oh I wouldn’t say that, I’m sure her body would fetch a fair bit of coin from the right buyer.” Kallista spins around and before she even realizes what she’s doing, she punches Shakas in the jaw, the winged woman looks a little less disappointed now. Shakas stumbles back more from surprise than pain, his eyes narrow as he takes a step toward Kallista. “You’ll be paying for that later Kallista. That’s a promise”, he says threateningly. Kallista turns a bit pale and rushes ahead of Oloward, putting him between herself and Shakas as they leave.

Two of the guards go to make sure they’re really leaving and won’t try to double back, the dragonborn guard goes to take statements from witnesses as the winged woman turns to Marri with a gentle smile “Are you alright?” Marri gets her first good look at he woman now. She’s tall and athletic looking with long, wavy and curly red hair framing bright green eyes. However her beauty isn’t what really catches Marri’s eye, nor her white feathery wings. What her eyes are drawn to most is the symbol of Pelor on the breastplate of the woman’s armor. “Y-yes, I’m alright now. Thank you.”

After the guards return, the winged woman speaks with them for a moment before returning to Marri and asking for her name. “M-my name is Marri Trelvani”, she says with a slight blush, somehow feeling embarrassed about this whole situation. “A pleasure to meet you Marri, I am Paladin Fharath Shieldheart, Guardian Angel of Mastith.” She smiles and bows as she fully unfolds her wings before closing them behind her back. “Why don’t you allow us to escort you to city hall? That way we can make sure they don’t return to bother you the moment we leave.“ Marri hesitates for a moment, then nods in agreement, holding her bag against her chest. “Y-yes. That’s probably for the best. Thank you.” Together, Marri, the three guards, and Fharath head for the center of the city.

[fantasy-misadventures]

The Map Makers Journey: Chapter 1-2

After putting her magical map away, Marri walks out of the alley and back into the market proper. She walks around, taking a look at the stalls and shops until one catches her eye. It’s a stall run by a gnome, selling handmade trinkets and charms. There are even a few holy symbols made from wood that look hand carved. He notices her interested look and waves her over.

“Ah, yes! Come have a look lass! Everything I have for sale I make myself!” She walks over and takes a look at his wares, seeming quite interested in the wooden holy symbols. “Are these real? Are they genuine blessed holy symbols?”

“Those? Why, they’re no more than simple trinkets. I never saw much point in having them blessed since they’re all made of wood. Now if I knew how to carve them from stone, then maybe I’d have it done. But I was never very good at stone carving”, he says with a chuckle. “Each wooden holy symbol is a mere thirty copper.”

Marri frowns and looks up from the gnomes wares to look at him. “I thought it was against the law to own a holy symbol that wasn’t blessed? Or at the very least, blasphemous”, she says with a concerned look. He looks at her for a moment before laughing. “Blasphemous and against the law? I don’t know how it is in other parts of the world, but here in Arlona that isn’t an issue! Have no worries young half-elf, you won’t get in any trouble should you have an unblessed holy symbol on your person. If that were the case, I would certainly be in jail for trying to sell them!” As Marri picks up one of the wooden symbols to inspect it, the gnome notices an amulet around her neck.

“Ah, the symbol of Avandra! Mind if I take a closer look lass?” She hesitates for a moment before taking it in hand and holding it out to him without taking it off her neck. “Just be careful with it please, this is the real thing.”

“Don’t worry lass, I would never disrespect a holy symbol.” He examines it closely. “Hmmm….yes, excellent craftmenship! Such fine detail. But…hmm…what material is this? It looks like stone of some kind, but the texture is unlike any I’ve ever come across.”

“Well, the material it’s made from is called onyx. But I don’t really know much about it to be honest. It was gifted to me by a cleric of Avandra when I was a girl.” The gnome looks intrigued by this. “Onyx you say? Hmm, I’ll have to look into this. See if I can get ahold of some myself maybe….anyway, back to business! Will you be purchasing any of my wares this fine day?” Marri smiles and nods as he lets go of her Avandra symbol. After a few more minutes of browsing, she decides to buy two handcarved figures. One of an elf holding a bow with an arrow notched, and the other is a dwarf holding a shield up before it. “Two statues? That will be fourty copper please!” She smiles and pays him, then decides to look around some more. “Thank you kindly. Have a pleasant day lass!” The gnome says as Marri walks away.

As Marri walks around the market, occasionally making a small purchase here and there, such as a loaf of bread from a baker or a nice looking headband adorned with fake gemstones, three figures by the wall a few dozen feet away are watching her. A male dwarf with a bushy black beard, a dark green bald male half-orc with multiple piercings and tattoos, and a purple-red skinned female tiefling with long flowing green hair. They’ve been watching her for a while now, and she has yet to notice them.

“Well looky what we have here, a newcomer to our fair city,” the half-orc says with a toothy grin as he chuckles, “perhaps we should go and offer her our services? What do you think Oloward?” He turns to look at the dwarf. “Oh aye, we should see about getting her to make a donation, since she’s so free with her coin.” The tiefling woman sighs and stands up, then starts making her way through the crowd toward Marri. The dwarf chuckles and moves to follow her. “Come on Shakas, wouldn’t want Kallista having all the fun!” Shakas hurries after his two companions.