The Blind Beholder

The tavern teeters on the edge of time and space, welcoming those who will decide the fate of all things. Relax, have a drink, and tell your story.

[theblindbeholder]

Doomtree as Ginger Root

"I'm funny. I make people laugh." - Ginger Root

[theblindbeholder]

Reili

So.... I'll try to remember all that's happened since the last update here.

After coming across Black Betty, we were lead to the Crown to meet Higgs. With personal plans for his downfall, we headed to his room. Unfortunately, he was still stuck and spouting about a cure. After some discussing, we headed towards the Ring. I was leading ahead of the group so arrived before the others. After kicking around the bros there a bit, I found where Neckbeard was so I could ask him about this "cure." Once again... some arguing with him and found there may be something in the catacombs below the Ring. Unfortunately... I forgot to ask where they were and ended up wandering around the Ring's decrepit shell for far too long. 

When I finally left there, the others had caught up and were arguing with those same bros. Neckbeard was with them for some reason but whatever. I did notice this unfortunate little halfling that seemed to just get sucked into the bro culture but wasn't really part of them. I felt a bit sorry for him. He seemed to just get sucked into this place. After the group had left, I approached him with an offer. Join me, leave these fools, and grow stronger than he had ever imagined. Reluctantly he accepted but still held on to his "brotendancies" and the "bro speak" for awhile. That will quickly be broken, lest I just toss him in a hole... 

The group had already headed towards the catacombs... behind the ring... but with Neckbeard along with. Decided this was a good time to take a bit of revenge. Me and my new sidekick Toko did a bit of looting... in Neckbeard home. Got ourselves all geared up. Had Toko wait outside while I applied this oil I had gotten from the warforged a while back. Seemed shiny and slippery, but otherwise fine, we'll see what happens.

We quickly joined the rest of the group in the crypt as they were finishing off a jelly cube. Following the sounds of "Risma" whenever we said "cure," we found what was most obviously... another new god automaton... fucking hell.... I wanted Neckbeard to destroy it with his extra-dimensional hammer, but he was a pussy and hesitated. Holdin tried his hand at it but failed miserably as well. At this point, this new construct Risma was fully functional and teleported away to "cure" Higgs. Well... at least Higgs will be free to be killed soon...

---------------------------------------------------------------------- end session

After a bit of dungeon exploring, we headed back to the Crown to meet Higgs. Shenanigans later, we finally get to him and find he's a bit..... off. He demands mac and cheese. We find that he is the one that made these new god constructs with plans to create new gods to replace the old, and that he was the envoy to the old gods that caused them to turn away from us.

He is definitely one to kill for the greater good.

I was ready to go at him then and there, but was talked out of it by Holdin for the time being. The group discussed it all. Me and Raya wants him dead. Holdin and Rupin don't care either way as long as they can loot this place, but are just worried about being able to take him down. And Doomtree... his morals will get him killed. Maybe like that Stitch guy... maybe like Fab...

After the discussion on the matter, we decide to give Higgs a week to prove himself. Till the gods forsaken mac and cheese night... Hell, we could just slip some simple poison in the mac and call it a day. Worst case scenario, I just ram some fire down his throat. 

Fortunately, at this same time, we find out there's a war breaking out between a couple cities, and the Crown is stuck in the middle. This could make things even easier. They admitted that if a war did break out, they would stand no chance against these factions and fall quickly. We accepted Betty's proposal to go to the Reasus Kingdom and talk the Beast King out of this war while she discusses the same with Brother Sharp in the Cobalt Hills. psshh... like we'd do that... if anything talk them into starting that war now and start with the Crown.

----------------------------------------------------------------------- end session

We headed to Reesus, Toko and Neckbeard en toe, through the catacombs of the Ring using a passage we had found earlier. Pussying out from a bit of water, Neckbeard stayed behind, but the rest of us headed on, walking though the water thanks to a water breathing ritual Holdin used. Near the end of the tunnel, we met some... mer... people? and had ourselves a bit of a fight. I felt we could've taken them down together, but the others started to run so I had no choice and ran as well.

Getting out of the water we met a girl named Apple with displacer beast pets who helped finish off the fish. Unfortunately, one of the beasts was hurt. She cared not for it... Holdin wanted to kill it... only I saw his potential, as with my dear Toko, and picked up the cat creature to tend to his wounds as we headed on to the town.

Finding this militarist dictatorship of a town called Reesus, Apple lead us to an inn spouting how she was part of a rebellion to overthrow the ruler, how the beast king didn't really exist, and that someone named Dot truely ran the place. She wanted us to meet the rebellion leader so we may join them in taking this place down. The wheels in my head started to turn.... this could work....

That night, I tended to my new displacer beast friend to patch him up, and decided his name would be Petrocalose. He would be a grand companion. It seems my personal party is growing.

Upon morning, I discussed my coming plan with Raya and Holdin, and they agreed it would be a good option. We decided... Killing the leader of this rebellion and claiming it was in the name of Higgs will incite them to come after us and mainly Higgs himself, and at the same time keep the rebellion from overthrowing this kingdom so as to keep the war between the nations going.

One guy led us out the back of the inn and we met with the leader, an older grizzled man by the name of Havok. He said his hellos.... and I blew up. Absolutely decimating him with every power I had in my hands. The others joined me and we took him down with ease. Doomtree didn't join in though... another fault. The man that led us to Havok began to run for his life. I decapitated Havok and Rupin threw his head at the runner. During the same time I shouted, "Tell your rebellion the Hand of Hadron in the name of Higgs with the Cobalt Kingdom did this!" That should be enough to get them after us...

Unfortunately... I had thought this rebellion would be tight knit and mourn the loss of a leader, like any normal one would... but it appears Apple and maybe others of their cause think the weak should die and therefore don't mourn his death. No matter, hopefully this will still make some of the rebellion resent and fight Higgs. Worst case, it distracts them from their real cause long enough for the Reesus kingdom to go into full on war mode. 

I decided this was all I needed from here and took my leave from the group. I will head back to Higgs and report the job is complete and that they can stand down and not worry. Afterwards, Toko, Petro, and I will take a bit of a leave. Maybe I can get those two into better fighting shape before the dreaded.... Mac and cheese night... 

(taking 3 weeks off, hence the leave. John, read last paragraph for what I will be doing)

----------------------------------------------------------------------- end session

[theblindbeholder]

Doomtree's Update

Doomtree - 

Things have been happening pretty quickly. With barely anytime to rest and always on the move this group of wayward travelers and I are becoming reliant on each other.  We’re learning more about each other with each trial of adversity we face.  The newest addition, Holden, recognizes our strengths and has worked to bring us together into a traveling sideshow. It reminds me of the old days when I would lift chairs seated with pretty ladies in front of a cheering crowd. Perhaps those happy days will soon be returning? I don’t know, but I rather enjoy the band of misfits we’ve become… I feel we can do much good in this world.

  As we traveled, we’ve recently come across a beautiful woman named Black Betty, daughter of a most important man I’m told. She was quickly drawn to me. I was wary of her attention and advances but I’m not one to break a woman’s heart. We spent the night together in the Troll camp and have had a connection since. She gave me a token of her affection and wished me well as we made our way to find a cure for her cursed father. I feel I may  fancy her as well. I’m unsure if this is the correct feeling though as I do not know much in the ways of love.

  Perhaps Holden can help me sort out these feelings, he’s already given me a full physical to ensure I wasn’t cursed or under a spell of Black Betty’s… so I know he can be trusted.

[theblindbeholder]

Reili - 

So... I suppose I should come clean about a few things.

My motivation for all my actions since meeting you all has always been based on repaying my debts, no matter the cost. The debt to my old god, Cornella, for giving me these powers being the main one. The debt to Matches for the gear he trades us. Etc.

Well... one deal with Matches didn't really go the way he had planned. The "curse" he gave me was actually a wish to grant my greatest want. I contemplated the possibilities of becoming stronger, the idea of having everything I'd ever need, but no, my greatest want beyond everything else... Bring Cornella back with me being in the best possible standing with him. Beyond everything else, this is why I was here. And it happened....

Not only did my old god return, but I was in his greatest of favors. He blessed me with one day to do anything that was needed with success. (meta: all my rolls succeed)

This happened the night before our excursion into the town. I was absolutely elated to have the biggest of my debts repaid. From here on, it was just a matter of satisfying Matches and ridding myself of his previous curse. Seemed everything was going perfect. This was really my main motivation through the town. I knew if I retrieved that kid for the imp, I could be free at last, hence why I just ran straight through without a second thought on anything.

The part of the town has already been told, so I will skip over that. I will mention, even with Cornella's blessing, I still couldn't open that front gate myself. But after clearing my head a bit, I asked for his help, and he opened the gate for us all.

(META-DM: I actually put a lot of thought into that door. Both weights on both doors had to be moved by pushing both cranks in opposite directions at the same time. By putting pressure on one door to open, the opposite door was pushing with equal pressure to keep it closed. So that's why Reili's arms went through the door, instead of pushing it open.)

When we were able to get away, Fab offered himself (looking as Buster) to the Kenku. This was perfect for me. I could keep Buster to give to Matches, as well, I didn't trust Fab completely and felt he would be in the way of completing this debt. That kills two kenku with one spell, perfect.

Skipping ahead a bit more, the sorcerer came down the mountain in a huge minecart, clearing a path in the trees for us to return to the mountain with ease. Not without some trouble first....

Fab returned with a horde of Kenku, and a giant abomination shortly behind. Knew I should've got rid of him earlier... He was obviously trying to steal the kid at this point for himself. After many mixups of whole the real Buster was, I change myself into the kid and convince the birds I was him, leading them away from the rest of the group, who managed to slip away, Matches and Buster included. Turning invisible, I evaded them and ran back to the clearing.

On my charge back up, I noticed Buster running down the clearing back towards the ever closing abomination coming towards us. I picked him up mid stride and kept charging through the clearing.

As I neared the group, I found Matches, Fab, and a ugly goat thing all fighting each other. I knew he was going to turn his back on us. Was having non of Fab's shit today, and the goat looked bad. Threw a couple spells at them and kept striding up the mountain telling the goblin to follow. 

Fab was knocked out by the goat (heh), and the rest of the group stopped me.... The little fox boy blew his load on Buster (who was still in my arms) and completely decimated him. Fuck it... I tried... Just tossed the corpse on the fox cursing him. Matches got angry and disappeared. Whatever... He knows I tried to pay him back. 

At this point the Abom was practically on us, but I couldn't give two shits. Grumbling and in a completely fowl mood, I wanted to make sure Fab couldn't get in my way again. Walked down to his bleeding, unconscious body and shoved my scythe through it. No way he was coming back this time... and started trudging back up the path.

(Meta: I don't like killing other people's characters... Igor seemed torn on playing Fab more or playing a new guy. But, playing how my character acts... this is what she would do... sorry....)

When the abomination got to us, Buster awoke in an undead state. It was obvious he was controlling this monster now. But before we had a chance to really react, an Ent Titan bigger than the mountain itself showed up from behind the mountain and started reaching for me... Shitty....

This had to do with Cornella's return... The titans and old gods don't really get along, and I was the whole cause of he return. I can see why he wanted me... With his blessing, Cornella removed me from that horrible situation. I feel I may be taking advantage of him. I will have to cut back and ask his forgiveness. Cornella teleported me away from those two monsters, and everyone else. Kind of glad really...

(META-DM: The count-down on Cornella's favor will end before you're returned to reality. That's great if you want to hide from titans, but also a shame. I was going to let you get away with a lot more.

Maybe if Reili was the sort of person to tell the group what's going on, then they could have helped her test those limits. Smash through the door instead of push it? You got it. Insight into the exact motivations of the kenku? Simple. Intimidate the giant abomination? Done. Suplex a titan? Cool.)

[theblindbeholder]

Seraf's Nightly Report to General Maser

Good evening General Maser. Please convey my deepest thanks to our masters for assigning me to watch over our new champion. This new upgraded body feels more powerful and capable than I would have imagined, and I feel attuned to our masters will like never before.

Our first mission was to deploy to the nearby town of Belfrost and cleanse the town of the blight. As soon as we left the mountain, I could feel the influence of the void all around us. With the masters great power I was able to sense the blight in the one called Fab, and so removed it.

Rupin decided it was in the best interest of the mission to use one of the three resurrections on the changeling before he turned. I disagreed with that call, but he is in command. He was able to keep the resurrection vial secret from the rest of their group. Yes, already keeping our military secrets. He will be a great commander one day.

We made camp before heading down the road, and discussed much. Debts and motivations mostly. This disorganized group seems to be having trouble seeing the obvious. They must work together to stop the blight, and our masters are the only pure way.

The tiefling woman named Reili made another deal with Matches. Yes, one of his famous "soul siphons". Only I couldn't discern what sort of side-effect she picked up. Strange. She approached me and tried to tell me that I should stay out of a fight she would soon pick with Commander Rupin. So naturally, I put her down right there. Foolish of her to tell me of her threat ahead of time. She recovered much quicker than I would have thought possible considering the beating. And instead explained to me the nature of her complaint. She made a compelling case for my sword, and with the commander's okay, I turned it over to her.

Early the next morning, we were awoken by crowds of people fleeing down the road from Belfrost. I could see columns of smoke in the direction of the town. Passers by said the town was being town apart by rioters and abominations. As it happens, the rest of the group also had business in Belfrost, so they came along behind Rupin and I as we set off to complete our mission.

The town guard were closing the city gates to keep the abominations in, and opportunistic rioters out. We made it through before the great doors were locked, and proceeded to the west side of town, where the greatest concentration of the blight could be felt.

Commander Rupin decided he could best use his talents to scout the city on his own.

Crowds and crazed rioters blocked the way to the west, but were quickly dispersed or subdued. Near the northwest corner of town, a few of our companions ran into a burning building to save a crying orphan! I couldn't believe it myself. Especially with that devious Matches calling the shots.

Without warning, we were all under fire from a sniper attack! Powerful and precise quarrels hit each of us, including the young orphan! I ran towards the loud sound of the large crossbow to find the killer. In a desperate play to get out of the line of fire, Reili (the tiefling) jumped out the second story window with the boy in her arms. They were miraculously unharmed... until "The Butch" also jumped out and landed on the two of them.

Fab and Matches aided the boy and ran to find safety while Butch, the goliath, and I tracked down the sniper. It turned out to be a small kenku with a crossbow as tall as him. Dressed in dark robes with a strange gleaming amulet around his neck. Anytime we managed to gain a tactical advantage, it would flutter past us and quickly disappear from sight. It was frustrating, but ultimately ineffective. We caught him, and I crushed his ribcage with a blow from my own fist. It was about now that the commander returned to us (once the enemy was already eliminated... is the commander a coward?).

I could sense the blight from the kenku corpse, so I told the commander to immolate the sniper's body. He picked up the large crossbow, and doused the body with alchemical fire. Something about the darkness in this creature must have been altered, because the fire didn't destroy it. Instead the kenku was reborn as a strange blue ghostly figure.... then a second duplicate figure emerged from the fire as well.

In a horrifying frenzy, the kenku began slaughtering each other. Each time one fell, two stood up in it's place. We were very quickly surrounded by these doppelgangers, and so ran toward the town gates to regroup and replan our attack.

When we arrived, Reili was just finishing off a large abomination by herself! I'm not sure what has gotten into this woman today, she's practically unstoppable!

The gate guards were all dead or scared off by then, so it was up to us to get the front gates open before the kenku overtook us. Fab made an unsuccessful attempt with the hand crank. One by one, more and more kenku snipers surrounded us at the gate. In unison, they demanded we turn over the orphan. Alas, it seems the large abomination had already slain the boy. A terrible shame. They turned over the boys body to the kenku just as the gates seemed to open all by themselves (I must remember to investigate this phenomenon).

All of us except Matches and Fab exited through the doors. Now I must confer with Rupin. We must retake Belfrost. It's much too close to our base of operations to allow the blight to have a foothold.

[theblindbeholder]

The Road to Belfrost - Matches

So there I was stuck with a dim goliath, this scary cunt with horns, a fancy lad in a dress, and the biggest woman I've ever seen. Seraf and the fuzz ball took off down the mine cart on their own. What a selfish dick.

It was easy-going to walk down the tracks to the bottom of the mountain... nothing worth mentioning...

UNTIL THE WHOLE PLACE EXPLODED! HAHAHAHA!

The whole top of the mountain was coming down on top of us! We only had a few moments to rush below the tree line to keep from getting crushed. Before we got to safety we caught a glimpse of the revived Morgan and Lilith breaking out of the mountain top... Damnit. Now that damn bronze battalion or whatever is really going to screw up my business.

At the end of the mine cart tracks we found Seraf, that fox fucker, and an angry looking vine-bitch coming at us from the woods. This group may be misguided and distractible, but damn, they smash things real good when they have to! The twig-twat didn't stand a chance.

But oh! A twist in our story! Seraf outright MURDERED the fancy lad! Ripped his heart right out. HAHAHAHAHA! What an entertaining afternoon! And that blowhard claims the moral high ground. What a self righteous asshole.

[theblindbeholder]

The Return of Morgan and Lilith

Thousands of years after Kelm imprisoned us, Lilith and I are finally free again. The constructs we created to serve our cause have found the willing and faithful heroes we needed to get us out of those cursed black pillars.

It's unfortunate that only two of them passed the trials of faith. Kelm's dark prison required a disturbing amount of blood to release us, and more acolytes may have completed the ritual without losing any lives. The faithful hero Switch will be remembered for his sacrifice. Him and noble mount Baloo. May they rest in peace.

Though we're happy to welcome our new champion Rupin! After setting us free we rewarded him to the best of our ability, and prepared him for the difficult task ahead. A set of scale armor made of our own precious scales, and magically fortified to the best of our ability should protect him from nearly any physical attack. To help guide him, we've assigned our loyal construct Seraf under the champion's command. And we've imbued Seraf with a direct connection to our essence, which he will be able to use to seek out and eliminate the blight wherever it appears.

With our ever-watchful army awakening around us and putting things in order to begin our great task, all that was left for Lilith and I to do was shed our human guises and spread our wings. We decided to topple the Dragon's Eye, as the world must know the old gods have no place here anymore, and we are the one pure path of salvation.

Salvation at any cost.

[theblindbeholder]

These mauraders...

This band I've found myself traveling with is an interesting one. An odd group of characters that seem to have a purpose for traveling together yet, act on their own accords and ambitions. 

I've done my best to fit in and go along with it, mainly because I've got no place else to go, but yet...yet, i feel like I belong among them. A band of outsiders, looking for answers and a place in this wide world. On a mission to rid it of the darkness that would cast it in an evil shade. 

Regardless of individual intentions, if we are all to survive this journey we are on we must begin to work together. I feel I may have to exert my authority to make them realize this. We are stronger as a whole than in parts. 

Like my days in the circus, no single act of showmanship made us the renowned troupe we were - it was our totality. The whole experience made our shows great. 

We have the ability and talent to be the greatest show on this round rock... I hope they realize it before we're all dead.

- Doomtree

[theblindbeholder]

The Demon Blood Boiled.

I'm inclined to state my side of our story at this point.

After begrudgingly dispatching a wild forest temptress one of the other dirtbags brought back to us, we kept moving towards the nearby town to complete Matches quest so I could get him off my back.

When we stopped for the night, I decided it was a good time to make one last exchange with our goblin friend so I could be ready in case anything were to pop up while in town. Nabbed a fine pair of goggles that lets me see just how wounded anyone is at a glance. Handy so I can know just how much effort I have to put in in any given fight. Of course, with the other side of the deal, Matches had his usual spell. I felt a bit drained but that mattered not for his spell did not go as he planned. My grandest desire and main motivation for being with this company of fools had come to fruition! With an added benefit to boot. At this point though... I will not reveal what came of it. I fear too many questions will be had.

At this point, I just needed to tie up a few loose ends and my god be willing, I could go home afterwards.

Before we went to sleep, me, the droid, and fox face had a little argument about payments. Felt a bit like Matches, but it had to be done. Got my sword back from Seriph and that was that. Loose end one taken care of and off we slept.

We awoke to the sounds of the nearby town, our destination, crashing to pieces and townsfolk running. Took this opportunity to hopefully remove Matches from me as well. Grabbed a running child on the road and gave him to the goblin. He didn't seem too pleased with that but accepted anyway. Apparently that didn't cover the cost though so on we went.

I started to feel my rage inside start to boil. I was getting tired, of this company I was forced to keep, of Matches and his other "gift" to me, the inability to say what I wanted. The whole thing just brought me down to a dark place. I suppose the demonic side of me was really "shining" at this point, and I just started grunting, yelling, and pointing about anything in front of me. Can't say it was a pleasant sight.

I feel like I was blacking out in places. We entered the town. /whatever/ People were screaming and in the way. /bleh/ A crowd got in our way. I yelled a lot, and we moved on. /fine/ Matches wanted a kid in a burning building. Fine by me, fire's no issue and I just wanted this over. I just charged right in. Found the little shitbag under a bed and just wouldn't shutup. I grabbed his back but a bolt nailed me in the shoulder and caused me to drop him. I had little care about what shot it. I had the kid and was almost out of here. By now the "holier than thou" meat shield and it's semi dependent thing friend showed up. Each one of them wanted the kid too but had their own bolts to the chest to deal with. Took my chances, grabbed the kid and jumped out the window for a quick return to Matches. Unfortunately, meatbag followed with the grace of... a bag of meat, and fell on top of us nearly killing the kid. Some more screaming, and I got the kid back to the goblin. With the shifty's help, the kid was better and all that was left was to leave......

Gate closed and guards in the way. SO done with today... Just push that door open. Managed to lodge my arms elbow deep in them instead. Not going to question how I managed that at this point but moving on... Shifty and Matches kept to the kid as I started to deal with the next pile of shit in our way... what appeared to be a pile of shit... Not having time for this I just pulled it all out. Unleashed my most powerful spell as well as a giant spell I had been starting to learn. The guards got torn to shreds and I tore this thing to shreds. In a moment of clarity, I noticed Shifty was having troubles with the door so I turned to my returned friend and asked for his help and was graced with a safe exit.

Some ghastly crows appeared asking for the kid. No way I was giving him up after this. Luckily Shifty offered himself as the kid to them and we were able to leave. As long as Matches is happy with the kid now... loose end two closed.

I was SO done for that day. Only one more loose end to cover. Unfortunately... it was only about noon.... FFFUUUCCCKKK IT ALLL....

[theblindbeholder]

Everything can be haggled - Matches the Imp

The Dragons Eye has been my home for longer than I care to remember. It's a pretty sweet deal I've got here. There's always a steady stream of devout idiots ready to make a deal for shiny little trinkets, impressive new weapons, or (my favorite) secrets.

I'll tell you about this gullible bunch of monkeys I ran into just as soon as I get a drink... yes, not even this story comes for free...

Ahh, very good. Now where was I?

That old cog-sucker Seraf is back at it again. Another group of "chosen" for the Steel Brigade's initiation. They passed through and traded for some shiny new things, then off they went to meet the General. Just another bunch of fanatical suckers lining up to die... or so I thought.

Maybe this bunch isn't as dumb as they look, because five of them just walked away rather than join the bro-gade. Still, I couldn't just let them leave without making a deal or two for secrets; and boy did this group look desperate.

When I showed up, the one called Dax flipped his shit and ran off back into the mountain, and the ugly paladin chased after him. It's better this way. The paladin asked too many questions, and the other one was too unpredictable.

Oh boy was I right about this bunch of rubes! Not only did I sell a little info, and pick up two soul siphons on the spot (with some hilarious side effects), I got two of them to agree to steal that little orphan I've had my eye on! If all goes well, that boy could sustain me for another 20 years.

That cow that smells like sulfur kept getting in my face about the deal, and demanded I accompany them on the trip down the mountain to fetch the boy. Not ideal, but I suppose I can be there to make sure they don't bail. After all, I'd hate to sic Chopper on them so soon.

Before we could set off, Seraf returned with the the fox boy. Both with some nice new equipment (I'll have to remember to pull it off their dead bodies if they're still around when the bro-tallion ultimately fails). And as fate would have it, that raging putz Doomtree decides to show up as well. Without the keystone sword, I might add. He traded for information about it's location; not my problem if the information I had was incomplete.

I'll tell you what happens when we get off the mountain for a slice of that tart... no not the apple one, the red head. HAHAHA!

[theblindbeholder]

Doomtree's beginnings...

For as long as it lasted, growing up in the circus was wonderful. An assortment of odd and wonderful people that took an orphan in and made me feel like I really belonged. They gave me the family that I never had and showed me how to live off the land and never ask for more than what I could afford. They taught me to appreciate the open road, the waterfalls, rivers, valleys and every corner of the world – large and small. Freedom was the greatest gift bestowed to the living. And we were happy.

I grew quickly, even though I was young. I was stronger than anyone else in the troupe… but I wasn’t strong enough the night the bandits came. It was chaos as fire and screams engulfed our camp. I tried to do what I could but was quickly netted and shackled. By the time the wagon rolled away with me in the back, all I saw of my home were the flames rising from the pile of bodies. Of my family.

 Once again I was an orphan. And I was no longer free.

The years that followed were spent doing hard labor for a number of cruel taskmasters. I changed owners for large amounts of gold that I never saw, yet, was always responsible for.

 “You better be worth that sack of coin I just dropped for you,” they would say.

 Each and every one. They needed the labor. But missed their gold. Such an odd occupation it must be to own slaves. It must be an odd feeling when the realization sets in that you have to own others because your own given abilities are lacking.

 My time with chains around my neck, arms and legs only strengthened my belief that all living things need to be free. To have a choice to do with the day what they may. And that those that prevent this simple gift must be punished. And I had learned a lot about punishment. I was beaten with every form of weapon and tool you could imagine. And if it wasn’t physical pain, it was magical. But I was never deterred. I always tried escaping. Always. Something in my spirit pushed me to be free again. My circus family taught me to use my strength for good… but the day came when enough was enough.

In my cell, as the moon rose and dusk settled, I became enraged. It’s as if Avandra had given me the blessing to let it all go. All the rage and pain. I charged the stone wall that separated myself from the free world. Again. And again. Over and over. Growling and grunting until it exploded in a rocky eruption.

I ran into the night filled valley without looking back. I knew the hounds would be upon me soon. I didn’t care. I ran and ran until I was tackled by a growling beast. My rage took over and to my surprise had twisted the beasts head with ease. The blood lust filled me. I had never been a violent man, but I needed more. Someone had to pay for what I went through.

I dug my hands into the beasts body and ripped out two large pointed bones that once took residence in its chest. In the distance I could hear my owner working his way toward me. Chains and violence carried through the night air in waves. I hulked my way toward him. When I reached him, he gasped as my shadow from the moonlight engulfed him.

“Do I scare you like you know I should?” I said.

And with that I rammed the spiked bones into his chest. Over and over and over. Until he was nothing more than an oozing pile.

As the rage left me, I thanked Avandra for the strength to free myself. And knew I had to free the others. I wrapped the mangled slave owner in chains and drug him back to the compound. I fed his remains to the dogs. Freed the other slaves. And made my way into the night to re-introduce myself to freedom.

[theblindbeholder]

Adventuring we will go!

T’as been an odd coupl’a days.

T’all started when I received a letter from my “mentor” saying matters were urgent and I was to rush off to Pelor knows where. Only problem is, everyone knows Stitch t’aint got no mentor. But Stitch t’aint one to run from the unknown – someone went out of their way t’get Stitch’s attention, so Stitch was going to find out the what’s what.

Can’t recall how t’happened but Stitch found himself in a black room with words about New Gods or some such nonsense and a band full of miscreants Stitch wouldn’t willingly roam about with. And after these know-it-alls got us in hot water by turning the room to fire… Stitch decided that the one who follows Pelor had the best idea - jump into the only place that wasn’t burning.

But let’s let it be known… when it’s Stitch’s turn to go – it’ll be on his own accord. Stitch aint goin’ out like no fairy!

Turns out Pelor wasn’t slinging Orc dung. Jumping into the unknown was the wise choice. Stitch gets a rush just thinking about how absurd and crazy that is. Maybe a mystical man in the clouds really is pulling all our puppet strings. If so, Stitch’ll just sit here and ask him to pull harder. Heheh.

We awoke sometime after t’find ourselves in the middle of a mountain with a new set of problems. But, seems these companions of mine can handle themselves pretty well when the hammer drops. Stitch’s actually enjoying himself quite a bit. T’has been some time since Blue and Stitch had some good old fashioned adventuring to do.

But we’re keeping t’ourselves… t’is good to have allies, but Stitch don’t want ‘em thinking he needs ‘em. When the time comes for reality to hit, they may not like who it really is they’re stuck with. Heheh. 

[theblindbeholder]

Perhaps My Final Words

Dearest of Diaries,

I fear we may never leave this place. The tinker-toy men number in the hundreds, and it appears as if they wish to convert us to their ways, whether we like it or not. I wish to catalogue as much as I can before the end, so for now I will share my beginnings...

I was born to Ker'Klunk in the orc village on the Greyfordge Mountains. Ker'Klunk was a strict mother, quick to discipline with rock in hand. My childhood was rough, but happy, or at least I thought. I always knew I was different, but it was not until my first skull smash in my sixth year of life did my mother share with me the tale of my father.

He was a human named Lief Oakenheart, a fisherman in the town of Fallspire, just across the Bluemeans River. Instantly I knew this was why I was different. I was smaller, quicker, but also smarter than my orc clansmen. While they smashed with rocks and boulders, I was cunning enough to flank my opponents and use spears to stab, as well as rocks to smash. I was overjoyed to hear the tale of how my mother and her clansmen invaded the town, and of my mother claiming victory over my father, mounting him against his will.

My mother, such a powerful warrior! But surely my intellect and warrior's strategy had come from my father? Two great warriors that created I, Luk'Tukk Oakenheart! I was sure I would grow to be the greatest clan chieftain ever known. It was written in my blood! I was eager to meet this warrior-father of mine in battle, and defeat him, and become the boulder of our family. On my twelfth year of life my clan invaded that same town, and I was with them. My mother, long deceased, had me as her only offspring, and so it was up to me to bring honor to our blood.

When we stormed the village, I found my father, but he was not the warrior I imagined. He was a beggar! I common street rat who had never recovered from my mother's forceful mounting, and took to the streets like a soft rag wet with piss! I was disgusted at what I saw, and I raised my rock to smash his skull, but then she stopped me.

She was gentle, sweet smelling, soft, and caring. At first I wished to mount her and claim victory over this village as my mother had years ago, but her voice soothed me. She had me follow her to her church, and while I did not know why I listened at the time, I know now I was guided there not only by her words, but by a divine calling as well. Her name was Lillandra, a priestess of Pelor, who wished to speak with me about my father and the pain I was feeling. I was aggressive at first, and spit orcish insults at her, but she did not flinch. Her strength enticed me, and I stayed long after my clan had left.

Days, weeks, months, years. My lust for Lillandra turned to respect. And out of respect came love. But then one day I realized it was not her I loved, but Pelor and what he offered me. Wile Lillandra had brought me to the door, it was Pelor who answered it. He welcomed me into his home, and since then I have honored his hospitality. I have walked the roads of man spreading Pelor's teachings and helping those in need just as Lillandra helped me.

That is my story thus far, Diary. I hope I get to share more with you later, but for now, to any who finds this: Know that these are the words of Luk'Tukk Oakenheart: Holy Knight of the Sun Father, Pelor. Protector of The Second Church of the Sun in Fallspire. Last Boulder of Ker'Klunk and son of Lief. Once a savage, now a warrior for the savior. I honor the words of Pelor and will spread his grace to all I see. May his light warm you all.

[theblindbeholder]

Blashphemers Afoot...

Dearest of Diaries,

It appears that I jumped out of the cooking pot and into the fires of Baator. Firstly, a thousand thanks to Pelor for guiding me true, jumping into the hole was indeed the answer. But while Pelor offers us answers, sometimes those answers are bitter poppies to swallow. It appears the hole has lead us into even more madness, and not away from it.

I awoke from a strange sticky substance and found myself to be in a fortress or some sort, long ago swallowed by history. Luckily, or not, I have yet to determine, my new companions all followed my actions and jumped into the pit, surviving as well, along with three new personalities. One of them, a female tiefling, seemed to have a vast emptiness in her life, and had it filled with anger. The second, another changling, with terrible violent tendencies. The third was a strange walking mechanism of some sort, a tinker-toy man that seemed to know his way around this darkened place.

---

Pelor! Give me strength! We were just attacked by cultist! How dare they blaspheme about their Sky Lord! Do they not see the sun in the sky?! Do they not know that Pelor is their Sun Father!? I took to battle and broke their armor. Twas easy, verily. The tinker-toy man, however, brought down his sword on the cultist leader after he had yielded! No honor! I will watch him closely. He speaks of false gods named Lillith and Morgan. These names are not spoken in 'The Light of Pelor', nor in the 'In The Sun Father's Hand' scripture, so their existence is obviously to question, as well as this tinker-toy's motives.

We met a peculiar merchant whose words of greed seemed to entice all of my comrades. They search for riches instead of a way out! What madness!? That disgusting man/girl changling suffers from the black sin of greed. She will be the end of all of us, I am sure. We found another tinker-toy, but much larger. He awakened and marked himself a new god. I tried to offer dialogue, but he flew off. It seemed to frighten the tielfing girl, and while I disagree with her cowardly acts, I do not disagree that the whole affair troubled me as well.

The tinker-toy man wished for us to join his church, but nay Diary! NAY! I will have no more of this talk, and I followed my comrades out. My tiny gnome friend as well as the fox-man stayed behind, enticed by the false prophets. It saddens me so, I felt the gnome had heard the true words of Pelor, but perhaps I judged to quickly. We were lead to a series of mind carts, but the way out was explained dubiously indeed. I feel as though these tinker-toy men say we may leave, but wish for something else...

[theblindbeholder]

Stitch - Background

Growing up isolated and impoverished did something to Stitch. The weight of the world upon the shoulders of a lonely Gnome is too great a burden. A trickster as a youth, the pranks soon lost their luster. Realizing he was truly alone he begun to travel the world.  

As he traveled, looking for answers, he came upon a beautiful young human woman in blue. The woman in blue took him in and treated him with a kindness he had never known. Over time she had slowly molded him into an acolyte of The Fury - unleashing a driving madness within him. She used him as a tool to do her bidding. His small size and unnerving nature made him the perfect assailant when it came to collecting debts. They called him “grinning devil” and he was very good at his job.

He loved her. Felt needed. Safe. Equal. But he would learn that he was wrong. After settling a score with a dead-beat elf he came upon a litter of wolf pups while ransacking the shack. It had been so long since he was so close to nature. To a balance. He decided to take the pups home to the woman in blue. Companions they would both enjoy, he thought.

Upon his return the woman in blue was delighted with his canine prizes. She immediately wanted to sacrifice them to The Fury but Stitch refused. What followed was a scene that pushed Stitch over the edge of madness. A room covered in human and wolf blood, Stitch held the final living pup under one arm and dropped a torch.

As he exited the building, he tied a leash around the pups neck, calmed her with a few loving strokes and a laugh said “Don’t worry, we’re all the family we need. Let’s find our new home Blue.”

[theblindbeholder]

Hot, sticky and still poor!

23/5/??

I jumped through that black hole. Well, it sucked me in. Couldn't even wall run. It was better than burning. I had to find a fence quickly. Then it went black and I fell forever.

I woke up a sticky mess, in a glowing blue room. Still hot. And a squishy floor. Uncle would surely say, Did I miss something fun? But I'm not sure what this means. But look! Glowing blue stones in the wall emitting light. Milk run. But then I remembered the fire pit room. Picking up glowing stones from walls brings terrible things, including charred fur. But hey, I'm all rested up somehow and I have all my stuff! Kol Korran probably said, Hey buddy, we're gonna toss some luck your way. Ol' Kol rewards the bold! The cracked stones turned to worthless glass dust. 

And before I forget, there is a new metal man with some excellent scale mail covered in runes! I bet that would be absolute mint. That massive tower shield of his looks rather heavy, also covered in runes. It'd be tough to run with that. If the floor were slippery, I could use it as a sled! 

Also, note the new mark, 

A Tiefling? Rally I think. Guild pocketbook says, Mortal descended from Demons. There were some of those in the guild. Infernal people always seem a bit scary. This one would probably owe like fifty silver to the swearbox by now. Smells like rotten eggs. Think she'd lend me some sulphur for flash powder? 

Before I was able to ask any more questions, everyone was going to do their own thing. There were angry voices down the hall but there was a locked door also. It was easy to get in and it was empty. A ringing, hollow voice, dripping with the insouciance of a thing put in the box for a long time, demanded to be freed. 

Eek! What was that? That doesn't sound good. And the door slammed behind me! I checked for snares, I was positive there weren't any. Let's jerry the next door quickly, and get back to the marks.

"Aha! Locksmithing is easy!"

I got the door open, and the voice exclaimed freedom or whatever, but there was fighting to be done, so I poofed and ran to the action. I passed the Tiefling, trying to look inconspicuous. No matter, I totally shanked the crazy eyed man. But he made a terribly scary face and I scampered to an incredibly bright room. There was an old blind man, staring at the light. Milk run. One fancy magic ring.

So one thing led to another and I pretended to join this great metal man cult. They said I passed some test and I'd get some great equipment. Maybe even a bath! A general metal man was reciting an incantation to summon Morgan and Lilith. Also, everyone but the gnome and I stayed for the promise of a reward. Seems really interesting too! I finally would get the opportunity to add to the pocketbook. 

Events not mentioned; Scary shifty face, Imp I couldn't pickpocket, got gold, giant golem that teleported away. Skylord? Also, James had kids. :(

Another mark. I don't know how he got here. Probably like us? He had a funny name. Dox? Dax? Changling, no smell. He suggests we kill everything. Hmm, that's not always the path to profit. He is looking for his brother. Perhaps he is less sticky than us. Warlock maybe? Pocketbook says, "sometimes helpful". I wish the full guide was easy to carry.

(Today's awesome swag

- Collected a sack of gold, checking every nook and cranny was worth it! I'm going to get me some gear.

- Magic(?) ring: Thick gold band, large setting, shoulders are nearly an inch wide! They're in a shape of paired wings. Large ruby in the middle! Ultra mint! I don't know how to use it though. I have to read the Arcana section of the pocketbook again. Loot Level ****

- Arrows: I picked up those dead guys' arrows. Never know. Maybe I can make a trap with them. Loot Level *

- Cultist's Smock: Slightly burnt, smelly and I'm not really sure why I picked this up. Could be a useful disguise. Loot Level * )

[theblindbeholder]

Hot, tired, hungry and poor!

16/5/??

We had planned out our marks and were scouting the run prior to the end of the waning moon. The mansion job was going to be a milk run; two, three guards tops and some minor magical locks were all that were suspected. The client wanted four little gemstones, supposedly belonging to her previously. Guild jobs pay both ways of the mark.

Then suddenly, I was sapped behind the head! ME! Rupin the Great! Sapped like a new footpad on a pick job.

"Eugh"

I grumbled as I stretched and had a fantastic pop of the joints. Loose n' limber is key! Then, next on the checklist is gear! RAPIER! Check. DAGGERS! Check. DISCOUNT THROWING STARS! Check. THIEVES TOOLS! Not so check. CHARLATAN'S KIT! Not so double check. LOOT SACK! It's Gone!

"Kol Korran's Golden Dingleberries!"

I probably owed the swearbox a silver now. Well, no use in crying over spilled rubies as Uncle Rupin used to say. We'll just have to find replacements! Who doesn't love new stuff? Waking up in the same room, I see a bunch of new marks! Oh goody! A flamboyant bard who doesn't smell of anything, a fat lady, a tin ork and a gnome who smells like dog. 

As these things go, it was out of the snare and into the snake pit, as uncle used to say. I feel like it being so hot, it would be more appropriate to make analogies with cooking stuff, but I really must go back to killing. Those lava monsters, hot as vice, got a good stab and he splattered against the wall! Hurray!

Other stuff went on, like "DRAGON'S EYE and BLACK MAN!" It wasn't terribly interesting. But did you know? I got a shiny little azurite! Guild handbook says its a Blue copper crystal rock. Not worth much. Convince someone it's a flawed sapphire. Loot level *. It was better than nothing, and the man fused to the floor wasn't going to use it. 

Oh yeah, there was a mean dog and the sky broke and there were pretty lights and my tail got a little charred! :(

(TODAY'S AWESOME SWAG

- Small azurite gem Loot Level *

- Maybe like, two silver pieces. But it's more like one because I swore.

- AW YEAH FANCY GLAIVE!!! Can't believe nobody spotted this. Ebony shaft with inlaid mother of pearl serpents. Maybe garnet eyes on the serpents? Single edged blade, 18 inches long, gold plated axe-head shaft (no corrosion), keen blade. Steel? Mithril?! I don't know! I can't wait to sell it! It's masterwork quality at least. Loot Level ***

- Adventurer's kit. Not my usual gear, I mean, who needs rope right? But there is a bed roll for camping! Loot Level ?)