Undesirable consequences

It wasn’t long after the battle of The Bard’s Taphouse before we received word from the head of department.

“You need to get closer to the source” was the order given and reinforced. The other Truthbringers must have gathered more useful data as The College has loosened their purse strings. More academic staff and magic detection apparatus have been distributed among the team and warnings of Abyssal magic spikes were underlined.

“Abyssal magic” was a term I should have uttered more quietly, or perhaps I should secure my immediate surrounds the next time I receive communication. I suspect Grabblesnot and Grimple “accidentally” overheard my mutterings as they suddenly found themselves desperately late for some meetings or some such. They “couldn’t possibly assist any further” they both insisted, their voices on the verge of panic and with nervous smiles attempting to hide their obvious anxiety.

And with that, I was down two fine spell casters and the link to an uncommonly effective fighting force… But all was not lost.

Dispatched to my care were the “academic staff”; two Salamander Mage-priests by the names of Cra’tok and Turan’kas and a third, what looked like a druid of some sort (the short goat horns, simple but neat cloak and knobbly wooden staff gave it away). A person I’ve not met before. At least she was pleasant and polite in a straight-forward and gruff sort of way. ”Safety Officer Florina, at your service” she announced as she stepped forward to shake my hand with a grip as strong as an ogre.”Don’t mind me, I’m just hear to make sure nothing gets too out of hand. Those two over there are good but can get a little hot headed” she said with a chuckle as she gestured to the Mage-Priests.

Bowing my gratitude to Florina, I turn towards my two other companions and questioned our ability to hold against the ever increasing presence of rival institutions.

“What is it that you speaking often?” Turan’kas replied in his broken command of the common tongue “Wits and cunnings?”.A statement I could not refute. We are of The College and I must place trust in my colleagues. All three were sent here for a reason, even if I cannot quite see the answer yet.

Packing our travel gear and magical detection equipment, we set forth in the direction of the greatest magical flux. The snow, cold air, and biting winds eased its overbearing presence as we neared the ridge of a mountain just a few days trek from the Taphouse. A curious observation.

The magic detectors interrupted the sounds of footfall on dirt as they began to whir; an indication that we have almost reached our target. The air turned thick with energy and as we converged onto the zenith. It was at that point we stepped into what I can only describe as a fluid heat. An invisible barrier of some kind separating the this plane we were in with the one several steps behind us.

I have no doubt that this was the Abyssal Plane. It is textbook perfect in the way it was described to what I saw and smelt in front of me. Pillars of flame, earth of blackish stone and soil, unrelenting heat buffeting the environment, discordant waves of sound; its origin yet to be determined. Recovering from the assault on our senses we set to work making camp and securing protective wards. One can never be too cautious in the plane of the Abyssals, especially one so out of position.

Then an unnerving and unforeseen curiousness presented itself.


I awoke on the first morning of camp with a letter sitting neatly on my bed-roll. A crisp envelope with a wax seal resembling a skull of some sort imprinted into it. Within, a faintly sweet smelling letter on some very nice parchment.. very nice parchment. I’m actually a little envious.

“I believe we are to meet and do battle. I will teach you a lesson.
-M”

Surely this is some jest by one of my fellow compatriots, though all three deny responsibility. In case there was something more to this, I wrote back, leaving the letter under a small rock before moving on for the day. I thought perhaps if my wording was strong enough it might intimidate the letter writer into desisting with this farce.

I may have miscalculated.

The next morning while in our camp, now a fair distance from the barrier, another letter awaited. Again in that same parchment and same wax seal, the letter read:


“Your threats do not scare me. I have slain Dragons.I have been set the task
of your demise.
-M”


I fear I may have encouraged or even provoked this would-be assassin. I once again questioned my fellows about the creation of the letter and once again all deny. In my gut I know they are telling the truth. I’ve never caused any ire of someone before so I am not sure how to respond. Does one fight fire with fire? Or is it better to just simply run away from the danger? The fact that someone is following our travels and can sneak into our camp undetected is quite disconcerting. I attempted one more reply, citing my recent victory over the Bank-controlled orc forces. My thinking being that a battle-experienced traveller could be more effort than it’s worth.

I definitely miscalculated.


Upon the burned flats and lakes of fire we made camp, as sheltered as we could, under a rocky outcrop. The only beings that we are aware of in this foul land was ourselves. Surely we were so deep within this territory than none could follow. Yet there I was, waking to the faintly sweet smell of that magnificent parchment envelope placed atop my forehead. The writer had been inside this tent and close enough to slit my throat while I slept. So why didn’t they?

With trepidation I read aloud this latest letter with the two Mage-priests and druid beside, ready to interpret its meaning and perhaps its origin.


“I see my latest victory against The Collective
has brought me to the attention of the College.
The Family’s Flying Circus will add another
Victory under its wing and I shall be feared in
Two planes of existence.
Your win over The Bank means nothing. Their
General too concerned with coin over battle.
Prepare thyself.
Your lesson begins soon.

- Yours,
Flight General Marshall Moonraker “

A most definitive conclusion and one that is more revealing than intended. Through the writers boasting they have confirmed that “The Family” is one of the institutions vying for the same target we are. They have also shown an ego I’ve not encountered before, Truthbringer Jarlbjorn excluded. Also telling was the constant links to flight; we hypothesize this antagonist leads a force of winged creatures. That may also be the answer as to how we have not detected any evidence of their presence... they are above us. Lastly it seems the writer, this “Moonraker” is a bit of a dullard or is uneducated as evidenced by the title they signed with. An obvious attempt to impress but in actuality it did nothing of the sort. In fact it did ease our concern, if but a little.


There is still the matter of the task at hand and if we are to be beset by this Raker of Moons (again, confusing language) we without a force to defend ourselves with.

“That is why we are here” Cra’tok said, pausing slightly between each word. The Common tongue obviously not his native language. “We make defence. Protect equipment. Keep you safe” he continued. His Mage-priest partner nodding emphatically.

”I’d be more worried about these two injuring you than anything this Moon-faker character could throw at us.” Florina reassured. “But remember, I’m here to make sure that doesn’t happen. I’m also set to report back to the Heads of Department with their performance”

. Florina calmly walked up behind me and placed one hand on each of my shoulders, giving them a comforting squeeze. She then drew closer to my ear and whispered “They are actually on their final exam for one of the specialty magic classes. I’m their assessor. You can bet your belt that they are going to give it their all… otherwise I’ll fail them!”.

A clap on the back and a hearty belly laugh were my gifts from Florina as we packed camp once more. Our ears to the wind for any sound of “Flight General Marshall Moonraker”.

“Wit and cunning” I repeated.

The day started much the same as any other this past week: morning meal, gear check, magic detection equipment analysis and reporting of data. My colleagues and I were midway through interpreting the information from the second of five devices when Florina froze, her attention caught be something only she noticed. The two salamander mage-priests took a moment longer to register Florina’s curios lack of movement.

I called to her asking if everything was ok. She gave no reaction other than the twitching of ears and sniffing of nose. Cra’tok and Turan’kas then stood up straight, tongues flicking faster than usual, tasting the air for… something abnormal. Like Florina they stood motionless, trying to determine what it was they sensed. I called Florina’s name several times before she responded with a burst of movement. Quickly stashing the documents and half-completed reports she then clapped to bring focus to back to the mage-priests.

“Your examination begins now! Do not delay else I will mark you down for inadequate preparation.” Florina commanded to the Salamanders. “Please Bensome, step back. Find a point of observation at a safe distance. Things are going to get hotter than it already is.”

I heeded her words, bringing with me the mages equipment which they wouldn’t need. Not too far away was the ruins of some long forgotten tower. Within should be ample cover and there was enough of the structure still standing to afford some visibility from a reasonable height.

Satisfied with my location, Florina gave the all clear with Cra’tok and Turan’kas. All three swiftly separated, giving one another sufficient room to weave their magic.

Cra’tok was the first to begin his performance. Arms outstretched, chanting in a language that was harsh, jolting, and resembling the sound of boulders tumbling down a rocky cliff face, the ground surrounding him started to glow with heat. It looked as though Cra’tok’s hands were set alight in white-hot flame as the chant reached a crescendo.At particular trigger point within the spell he thrust both arms into the roiling earth, hissing loudly followed by a primal scream. I was unsure if that was part of the magical command or if he was in pain (summoning is not my area of expertise). Regardless, what followed was mesmerizing.

A few strides forward from Cra’tok’s position a circle of molten rock developed. From it emerged gouts of flame, the heat of which could be felt from my emplacement. Waves of fire surged out as small emberlings, or Ember Sprites as they are more commonly known, vaulted from the flames’ edge. Dozens of the creatures coalesced and then scampered off ahead to create the beginnings of a battle line.

Cra’tok yelled another chant, or perhaps it was a continuation of the first, with arms still buried to mid-forearm. The circle of lava expanded to double its original size. Geysers of magma instead of flame erupted this time, and like the Ember Sprites, forms emerged out of it. Forms much larger and much more intimidating. Ogre sized beings of pure flame materialised and lumbered into groups creating a second line of defence.

I could see Florina clapping and giving praise to an exhausted looking Cra’tok, his casting complete. He must have done well for that aspect of the test. Stepping back to give Florina a clear view of Turan’kas, Cra’tok then knelt and began to meditate, a technique used to rejuvenate one’s mind from mental stresses.

Turan’kas shook his arms and ran on the spot, his anxiety or excitement too great to internalise. What was he going to do to surpass the efforts of his companion? Summoning hordes of Fire elementals and regiments of Ember sprites is no minor feat.

With hands cupped around his reptilian maw Turan’kas began to bellow his spell. Waves of sound emanated and pulsed, making the summoned flames of Cra’tok bend. Their structures swayed like that of a candle flame trying to be blown out by someone short of breath.

As the spell of Turan’kas reached its peak he removed his hands and gave a single almighty clap; a visual exclamation point denoting the end of his casting. The thunderous boom of that action was followed by a resounding, unnatural silence. After few heartbeats, the sound of crackling elemental fire signalled a return to normalcy.

I remember asking myself “Was that it? Did he fail?” Neither of the mages were moving and druid stood still, head tilted to the sky in search of something. I reflexively mimicked Florina’s movement, looking for an unknown thing…Then I heard it.

The four of us turned in unison towards our right as a distinctly unique screech emerged from the clouds. A tremendous bird of flame glided smoothly through the haze, its wings ablaze and glowing eyes focused squarely on Turan’kas.

Awestruck I was. A phoenix! Turan’kas was able to call a phoenix! Following a short distance behind were a flock of Scorchwings; creatures known to be mounts for some of the Salamander species. Less extraordinary perhaps but still an impressive accomplishment.Florina didn’t seem affected though. She stood there still searching the sky? Surely being able to call forth such a majestic creature was cause for celebration?

Enough time passed for Turan’kas to shift uncomfortably. He was nervous. I suspect there was a second part for to the spell which was not producing results. A moment later both mage-priest tongues were out once more, tasting the air rapidly. Another moment more and the duo were up jumping for joy, congratulating each other and sharing a handshake.

Once again I am left behind, unaware of a discovery they made. As if to mock my incomprehension Florina started to clap and joined in on praising Turan’kas for what seemed to me as an incomplete task.


Note to self: I really must learn to be more patient and read the signs of the environment.


Moments after the celebrations died down the sound of immense leathery wings hit my core and held me in place. That was the unmistakable sound of a dragon. From on high, the abyssal smoke parted with every monstrous wing beat, the dragon slowing its decent to land relatively gracefully beside Turan’kas.

I couldn’t help it. I stood from my hiding place and yelled my congratulations, clapping emphatically to the mage-priest. I saw that he received my commendation as he waved back and did a little dance on the spot, like a child receiving toy.The events of this day will forever remain with me. Absolutely unforgettable. An actual fire drake as well as a phoenix not 50 strides away from me.

Satisfied with the showings of both mage-priests Florina cracked her knuckles and began a chant of her own. Differing from the loud and impressive displays of fire, Florina barely moved, her spell inaudible. Then without warning she swept her arms from beside her legs to above her head like she was flipping a table. Following that action the very earth surged skywards, great rocks breaking out of the ground and crashing into neat piles. With a second motion she thrust her arms forwards, like she was pushing an invisible person away from her. This movement gave life the rock formations. Each one slowly unfurling from a foetal position until they stood upright, massive humanoid creatures of rock.

Returning to her original position, Florina’s second spell followed a very similar path but this time it was water, not earth, which emerged from the ground. Like a rapid river constrained and given shape, a horde of Water elementals gathered to form the last of the defence; an army of elementals. Fantastic.

“Here they come!” Florina yelled as she broke away to the left, commanding the earth elementals to carry the precious magic detectors. “We need to secure the remaining devices otherwise we will lose valuable data!” she continued.

Turan’kas took to the sky mounted atop his summoned drake, the Scorchwings following him. Cra’tok took centre as the majority of the force was under his control.

Emerging from the horizon they came. Regiments of men and knights with a number of humans riding various flying creatures, some more threatening than others. I noticed that they held two of our detectors… they were here to steal our information?! This must be the “Flying Circus” which was mentioned in one of the letters. A name that is as confounding as the “Flying General Marshall’s“, definitely self-imposed title. “Flying?” certainly; “Circus?” questionable.

For someone who boasted about their ability and position, Moonraker was very cautious. Perhaps he was expecting to face a trio of mages and not a wall of fire.

Human spell casters were riding upon winged horses behind their main line, sending forth bolts of lightning at Turan’kas. He and the Scorchwings flanked the human force and sprayed the field with sparks and flame.

The blazing elementals steadily marched forward to be within striking distance, the Ember Sprites sending out a shower of fire. Not something the humans were accustomed to it seems as panic started to reach the minds of the soldiers.

Florina and her watery horde splashed about the other flank, the rocks more cautious due to the cargo they were keeping safe. That hesitation was a signal for the humans as a regiment of men with pikes, a leader with a flying beast of a mount and, surprisingly, a lone general on magical wings flew into the water elementals. How one fights the liquid forms of these creatures is beyond me, but the humans stabbed and slashed at the water with abandon.

Now a little less substantial than when they were first created, the elementals crashed against the soldiers, the walking rocks tumbling into their flank. A combination which proved too much for the poor pikemen as they fled the field in terror, their commander shouting orders which were falling on deaf ears.

Without the regiment to support them both flying generals concluded that they would lose the war of attrition against the water creatures. Instead they decided to disengage and go after Cra’tok as his Ember Sprites laid a constant stream of flame, creating havoc. I tried to call out a warning to him but could not project far enough… though I believe the flying General (was that Moonraker?) may have heard my voice on the wind. He turned his head in my direction but quickly turned back, the battle being a more immediate concern.

With the resilience of a dwarf, Cra’tok took the charge head on. Fending off both oppressors with his staff he was able to suspend the charge protecting the flank of the phoenix which was directly behind. The phoenix sensing danger flew off out of harm’s way.

The hordes of fire elementals both careened into the nearest human regiment, routing them almost instantly, and received a knight charge in response. Backwards and forward went the melee, humans falling to flame and fire being extinguished in reply.

Turan’kas kept the attention of the mages squarely on himself, the threat of a looming dragon too much to ignore. Bolt after bolt of lightning assailed him until it was too much. He departed the field before his wounds would become mortal. A sound decision and one I’m glad he made.Though he may not have engaged in melee (a fire drake can wreck such devastation if given the chance), he kept the human wizards out the fight for the majority of the battle. The Scorchwings following suit soon after, but not before their flames caused many an injury.

Cra’tok was unable to keep up his defence, having to fall back from the onslaught. His Ember Sprites remained and continued singe and harass the humans at every opportunity.

With two mage-priests out of the fight and our army being efficiently smothered, Florina kept her objective first priority. The regiment of pikemen which the water and earth elementals descended upon apparently held one of our detectors. With uncharacteristic dexterity, the earthen elementals collected that stolen device and lumbered onwards.

We must escape with the detectors intact!

Florina knew this. She ordered the water elementals to about face and crash into the knights, doing everything to stall the humans from reaching the walking rocks.

The wise and beautiful phoenix circling the field, searched for opportunities to strike. Its visage causing humans to scatter and flee from its path, none wishing to be its chosen target.

With our forces crumbling as quickly as they were created the battle was coming to a swift end. There was no way to stop these miscreants. Safe removal of the devices was becoming ever more paramount and increasingly unlikely. I praised my good fortune that the hubris of the humans meant that they ignored the distant threat of the earth elementals. They had crossed deep into the field of battle before the human even General remembered their existence.

With as much haste as they could muster, the entire flying contingent veered course and flew directly to the remaining elementals, their quarry still in their possession. Into the forest they lurched, Florina spurring them on. Noting the shift in targets, the phoenix flew into the path of the generals, shielding the elementals from a rear charge. Its life sacrificed for the greater good. No tears were shed though for it was a phoenix; it will return to this plane eventually.

It is a curious thing to see; humans and beast assaulting a wall of stone. It makes one question the sanity of the attacker. Iron blade against solid rock is not a bet one would make. The result as sure as mathematical equation. Within a fortress of stone and amidst a surrounding forest, the magic detection devices were safe. The elementals weathering the storm of metal, their hides impenetrable by such meagre attacks.

A horn blew a low tone from some distance away; a command for retreat by some other influence. Moonraker’s superiors’ maybe? I can only guess. With the humans falling back, the elementals released their treasure, the detectors still whirring as they continued to record the magical influence of the Abyssal plane.

Cra’tok and Turan’kas eventually made their way back to my position, the fire drake being dismissed once its rider dismounted.

“I think demonstration was success” Turan’kas said.

“Yes, much success” Cra’tok responded while nodding his agreement. “Wait for test result. Success not assured”

As Florina approached she bowed her head to the elementals as they disintegrated, returning to the ground from whence they came. “Well I think we can call that a success, don’t you think?” she announced. The mage-priests turning to each other smiling, Turan’kas jovially nudging the shoulder of Cra’tok.

“Yes, quite successful” she continued “we didn’t retrieve all the detectors but we also didn’t let that group get away with much. I’m also pretty sure the two devices they did steal were set to measure weather patterns anyway so… no real loss from our end.”

Gathering our belongings we proceeded forward, looking to leaving this plane as soon as we could. It was fortunate that we did not encounter any more ruffians seeking to increase their standing like “Moonraker” was.

If there were any hidden observers from other factions about, I hope they get the message that The College is not to be trifled with. Learning from my previous encounter though, I suspect this victory will only attract the attention of more powerful and determined foes.

I believe I have enough experience and a record of victories to now say “Let them try”.

We Truthbringers may be few of number but we have proven to have a quality which no other possess: wit and cunning.