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ORDER & CHAOS pt. 20
Posted 06-07-2009 at 07:17 PM by Goth Writer
Updated 06-11-2009 at 09:57 PM by Goth Writer (It's a work in progress...)
Updated 06-11-2009 at 09:57 PM by Goth Writer (It's a work in progress...)
harmony of their Realm. Mara, the silver dragon, flew above the group, passing back and forth over the horizon.
The mercenaries reached Taliesin’s tower by nightfall.
***
The Stalactite Goblins, Orcs and Lykanthros hordes charged on Wood’s End. They were surprised to find the village abandoned of residents and livestock.
“The troll folk have been expecting you, Rauros,” said Loki. “They have surely learned of the missing scrying glass from Lich Town by now.”
“I agree,” replied Rauros. “We should move on to Taliesin’s stronghold. He assuredly awaits us there with his bothersome companions.”
The humanoids followed the lead of the Harad Ghul and headed directly for the gates of Taliesin’s fortress. The howls of his wolves rose from the kennels in the dungeons below the gothic structure.
***
The Watcher marveled at the anklet worn by Bjorn Roundtree.
“Bjorn, a strange accessory that is. Find it did you in this plane?”
“Yes, Watcher,” answered Bjorn. “I borrowed it from Guardon, the Daemon Lord. I don’t believe it was fabricated here, however. It vibrates sometimes with mysterious force.”
“I also have an unusual amulet,” offered Sharon.
The Baroness showed the ruby necklace she’d found to The Watcher.
“An uncanny item this also is,” observed the aged halfling. “Clear it is that trade of some kind has existed between the planes in previous ages. More than what they appear these trinkets are. Suspect I do that these are talismans that are able to harness your kharmic energies into enhanced abilities in combat and what projects you may undertake. With you keep them and their effects inform me so that record the information in my continuing historical scrolls I may.”
“We will do as you suggest, Watcher,” said Sharon. “This Realm is filled with archaic items yet to be discovered, I’m sure.”
***
The warriors of the various Regions of Gaea stepped outside of the gothic fortress of Lord Taliesin. Tiamat was waiting and emitted fire from all five of her heads.
Gilead, the Key Mage of Coermantyr, was prepared for such a devious attack and uttered a spell of shielding.
“Sentiex!”
A sphere of golden light formed around the warriors, deflecting the acrid blast from the behemoth.
Jalhi and Satvinder of the Bengal Tribe uttered an armor spell for their clan of tiger rangers.
“Pranath!”
The entirety of the feline anthromorphs was covered in Ethereal Armor of an aquamarine color. They fired their longbows and charged headlong into the Stalactite Orcs at the front.
Tiamat’s heads writhed in confusion over the deflection of her multiple-chemical attack.
She flew over the battling crowd and strafed the group of fighters with flaming sulphur. Gilead’s shield held, however, and the heat of the blast dispersed in a sphere around the fighters. The Watcher and Bjorn fired their slings at the flying dragon but did no significant injury. Ben Frostberry entered the battle with his dagger and slashed down two of the growling orcs.
The seraph trolls each strode into the fray, hewing in semicircles with their steel swords. Their weapons cut through the rough, iron shields and blades of the goblins and orcs. Together they felled a dozen of their opponents.
Starfling and Flamering flew into the night air and contended with Tiamat. The heads of the dragon spat balls of flame at the wyverns. They were agile fighters and evaded the many attacks with ease.
Nighthawk and the other defected goblins did not hesitate and engaged their chaotic kindred in a fierce melee. They were familiar with the battle tactics of the Stalactite Goblins and used their knowledge to the disadvantage of the hordes of the Harad Ghul.
The vampire, Claude, slipped within the crowd of orcs, taking many of them with his fangs. The night feeder’s face bore a wild expression.
Gnoll, Fangoz and Bors again united their efforts against Dakros and a gathering of the red-painted assassins. They parried and dodged the whirling scimitars of the goblins and orcs before they brought down their heavy clubs. Dakros fell to their attack, as did two more of the Goblin Masters.
Trilobite, Nautilus, Barracuda, Sponge and Anemone fired their crossbows at the horde of Stalactite Goblins. They then contended with them using their curved blades.
Leif, Sigrid, Alex and Reoren uttered a missile spell.
“Trentak!”
They guided their barrage of electric bolts at Tiamat. The thick, scaled hide of the titan was strong and deflected the attack of the adept mages.
Mara circled from around Taliesin’s Tower and grappled with Tiamat. She evaded the multiple sets of teeth to claw at the beast. The silver dragon succeeded in pummeling the green and white heads into unconsciousness.
Rodnik and Thorgrym fought with battleaxes against the intruders. They brought down a pair of the Lykanthros mounts.
At last the mages of various races united their abilities to bind the dragon and invaders.
“Baniscent!”
An Ethereal Whirlwind overtook Tiamat, the orcs and goblins. Against their will they were pulled into a portal to the Plane of Chaos.
The battle was over. The warriors panted for air.
“You have my and Sharon’s gratitude,” said Taliesin. “The rifts to the neighboring planes yet exist but we have made a fearsome start to bring peace to the Realm of Gaea. Now we must rest and consult again with the scrolls that are kept by The Watcher, Restadicus and Siegemunde, too. They are adept Lore Masters, all of them.”
“With time and endurance,” continued the Liege, “We can yet secure this area for future generations. The titan, Hydro, is also familiar with the ambitious wiles of the Denizens of Chaos and can advise us to create a means to guard our Regions. This may require assistance from additional planes in the Dharmic Equilibrium. Gaea alone is a vast wilderness. It yet remains for us, with your help, Watcher, to compose a map that will contain documentation of the distant mountains, valleys and seas.”
***
Raven turned in her sleep. Her dreams were intense and she was sure there was more to come.
***
Rauros and the Harad Ghul met with Thoth and the Drystyx Monks in the tallest chamber of the stronghold of the Chaotic Wizards. Tiamat was enraged by her banishment from Gaea and circled the tower while breathing a variety of fiery streams from her five heads.
“Thoth, bring us back to Gaea,” demanded the behemoth dragon.
“We are obliged to wait, Titan,” replied the red dragon. “If we attempt to enter Gaea again we will be banished to this plane by the same sorcery used by the mages there. The guardians of that Realm are keen now to our intention to usurp their Regions. Let us consult with the Monks of Chaos and determine whether they can devise a means for us to travel the planes free of interruption.”
“It is possible, Strong Dragons,” said Zolgnath, the firbolg. “But it will take time for us to generate a shielding spell that will countermand the forceful incantations of the Lore Masters and their adept apprentices.”
“We must return to Gaea while our campaign is fresh,” declared Zalkos. “We offer our Ephemeral Powers to aid you, Drystyx Monks. Initiate a shielding ward and we will ensure that it is honed of Chaotic Energy. This will ensure you of safe passage to Gaea.”
“Very well, Specters,” said Tiamat. “Do as you speak. The minotaur and firbolg Legions await your protection.”
Athros and Zalkos united with the black-robed monks to incant a new sorcery of shielding.
“Vengex!”
The legions of humanoids hollered throughout the spiraling levels of the tower. Chaotic Energy incapsulated them in red magic. The spell hardened around each invader, forming crystalline, Ephemeral Armor.
“We are ready,” stated the five-headed dragon. “Let us be on our way.”
The Drystyx Monks again generated a spatial portal.
“Levrond!”
A gateway formed in the fabric of space and the Chaotic Forces ran through it to the Crossroads of the Ghastly Fens. They returned to their Stronghold of Sod by the ancient Burial Ruins.
***
The warriors of Gaea assembled before the Lore Masters in the Council Chamber of Coermantyr Castle.
Wotan addressed the group of fighters.
“Guardians, the seraphim trolls remain with us, along with Mara, the dragon. Unfortunately we are unable to prevent the eventual return of Tiamat and Thoth. Lord Taliesin, approach.”
The Troll Lord did as the wizard asked.
“Allow me to take your weapon. Smithforge will aid me. We will create a dragon sword from it.”
“Very well, Wotan,” answered Taliesin.
He unsheathed his weapon and laid it on the table before the blond-bearded wizard.
Smithforge and Wotan combined their Ethereal Energy.
“Forgex!” they cried.
A green mist flowed around the Liege Lord’s longsword. It was lifted into the air and turned magically. Archaic runes became etched on both sides of the blade. It gleamed with a metallic, green hue and rested again on the table.
“You may sheath your weapon, Taliesin,” Wotan said.
“Thank you, Weapons Craftsmen,” said Lord Taliesin. “I will use this dragon sword to continue the efforts of my parents, Lord Raymond and Lady Elwen, to defend Gaea. They intended to defend the trolls and other races from the ongoing disturbances to the harmony of our lands. I will fight with all my strength on your behalf.”
“Very well, Taliesin,” declared Wotan. “We are confident in you. Take a night’s rest, all of you. There is sure to be battle soon. You are welcome to stay in the castle lodgings.”
“We will stay here, Wotan,” replied Sharon Redthorne. “My parents also would be heartened by our efforts. I’m sure that we haven’t seen the last of the Chaotic Dragons.”
The fighters retired for the evening in Castle Coermantyr. They awoke early the next morning and acquired fresh horses from the stables.
“Let us venture north to the Crossroads of the Ghastly Fens,” said Gilead. “If the Forces of Chaos return to this plane, they are likely to take up residence in the Sod Fortress they constructed.”
The warriors did as the Key Mage suggested and guided their steeds north. They passed through the Forest of Coermantyr and entered the marshes of the Fens. Mara, the silver dragon, flew overhead and spoke to the group below.
“My Friends, I sense the dragons, Thoth and Tiamat nearby.” Mara said. “They are relentless. The Stalactite Goblin, firbolg and minotaur legions have also entered Gaea. We must prepare for a bitter struggle.”
The fighters approached the Stronghold of Sod and were dismayed to find the Drystyx Monks had returned. Tiamat and Thoth circled the sky above and Mara engaged them in a fiery battle.
The black-robed wizards had built a series of arbalests and catapults along the ramparts of their fortress. They released a barrage of magical fire that spewed across the marsh when it struck the ground. The warhorses of the Gaeans were nimble and maneuvered successfully to avoid the aerial attack.
Taliesin, the Liege Lord of Mystic Down, beckoned to his companions.
“Let us move to the gates, My Friends. All of Gaea is counting on us. The courage we muster will be noted in the annals of the Lore Masters. Let us breach this Sod Stronghold and contend with the Denizens of Chaos within.”
The warriors of various races surged into a valiant charge. They hewed at the sod barrier blocking the entrance with their steel weapons. The door was ripped open and the guardians clashed with the legion of firbolgs and minotaurs within. A group of beholders attempted to charm the group but their sorcery was ineffective. The Harad Ghul guided their Lykanthros mounts with agility inside the Stronghold and attempted to drive Taliesin and his allies outside.
The Chaotic Dragons grappled with Mara. They pushed the silver dragon away and dove down a pair of cylindrical shafts in the base of the Sod Stronghold. Bjorn Roundtree and the halflings were the first to reach the edge of the rifts in the earth. They were thrown back by a series of fiery blasts from below. The incendiary gusts caused the pits to collapse.
“Thoth and Tiamat have sealed themselves in a network of tunnels beneath this structure,” Mara declared. “I cannot reach them. You Gaeans must join with the seraphim to permeate the lower dungeons and destroy the Chaotic Dragons.”
The Harad Ghul and Denizens of Chaos fell back from their line of resistance. They retreated to the inner halls of the Stronghold of Sod. Taliesin watched them sprint down sets of spiraling stairs into the Under Earth.
“I am loath to pursue our opponents there,” confessed the Liege Lord. “But we have no choice. If we leave the invaders will only return to our populated areas and harass us.”
“Light the torches, My Friends,” Taliesin announced. “Our quest leads us into the Under Earth.”
“We must divide ourselves into separate parties,” said Sharon. “That way we will be sure to prevent ourselves from being flanked.”
“I will travel with Gnoll, Leif and Glasslook, the Dagonites, Claude and Nighthawk’s band,” declared Alex.
“I will go with Torvald, Fangoz, Heartsing, the anthromorph rangers, Thorgrym, Reoren and Sigrid,” said Bors.
“I will journey with you, Sharon, Gilead, Smithforge, Listhew, Rodnik and the halflings,” said Taliesin. “Let each of us follow a stairway downward and contend with the Denizens of Chaos below. May the Fates be with us.”
The Gaean mercenaries parted ways and lit their torches. The sodden walls of the curling tunnels flickered mysteriously. Each of the fighters steeled himself for the conflict ahead.
Alex’s group was the first to enter an open chamber in the Under Earth. Additional torches glowed eerily on the walls. A gathering of minotaurs and beholders rushed at the fighters from the opposite end of the room. The Wood Mage incanted a missile spell.
“Trentak!”
Alex directed his hands across the charging line of bull trolls while releasing a volley of electric bolts. A number of them were struck but were phased only temporarily.
The minotaurs continued forward after Alex’s electric missile spell. Claude and Nighthawk’s entourage contended with the menacing bull trolls. The Denizens of Chaos clashed with the warriors in a noisy battle.
The vampire and defected goblins wove themselves among their larger opponents. The defected goblins grappled with the horned minotaurs. Claude evaded the hammers and axes of the hostile anthromorphs and used his heightened speed to bring two of them down.
Anemone, Sponge and the other Dagonites discharged their crossbows at the beholders, wounding three of them. They wielded their daggers and swords and entered the melee.
The beholders combined their caches of arcane energy to attempt a multiple charm person spell on the Gaeans.
“Trozos!”
Two of Nighthawk’s goblins and Nautilus fell asleep in the middle of the fight. Alex uttered a protection spell.
“Protex!”
A red ring appeared around the fighters. The warding incantation pushed many of the minotaurs back. The warriors engaged the anthromorphs and beholders, striking at them through the Ethereal Shield. Six more of the bull trolls fell to the strategic attack.
One of the beholders addressed the Denizens of Chaos.
“Pull back, Minotaurs. We shall regroup in the deeper dungeons. These Gaeans are a determined lot.”
The anthromorphs and gorgons followed the advice of the beholder and withdrew from Alex’s warding ring. They fled through a group of tunnels leading downward.
“We have done well here, My Friends,” said Alex. “Let us continue into this stronghold on the behalf of our Regions.”
***
Liege Lord Taliesin and his acquaintances followed a curving passage into the depths of the Under Earth. Murky rivulets and streams trickled through the compacted soil at their feet.
“Taliesin, I am concerned about the existence of this structure,” said Listhew. “It has been ages since the entities from the Plane of Chaos have ventured to this plane in this manner.”
“I understand,” replied the Liege of Mystic Down. “The opposing forces that ebb and surge within the Dharmic Equilibrium are reaching critical mass. The Ghastly Fens have seen conflicts of this nature in eons past. If we remain vigilant I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this Battle of the Planes.”
“We will try our best, Taliesin,” answered Gilead. “My knowledge of the workings of magic has increased on this campaign as I’m sure it has for the other mages in our group. Let us continue along our present course and see if we can convince Tiamat and Thoth that they are not welcome in this Realm.”
The mercenaries did as the Key Mage of Coermantyr suggested and followed the spiraling tunnel downward for some time. They came upon a chamber with a small lake and cataract.
“This is strange,” observed Rodnik. “There doesn’t appear to be anyone else here.”
“Deceiving appearances can be,” The Watcher said.
Smithforge wielded his hammer. His face was wrinkled with apprehension.
“We are not alone, My Friends. Prepare yourselves.”
A group of griffons arose from the lake. Each of the creatures had the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle and the tail of a scorpion. They shook the water off their fur and flapped their wings. The manticores flew toward the mercenaries in an attack formation. Their avian screeching reverberated off the sod walls of the cavern.
Lord Taliesin swung his longsword upward in a powerful maneuver. He skewered one of the griffons from below, taking care not to be stung by the lashing tail.
Gilead incanted a sorcery he’d learned.
“Acentus!”
Seven of the manticores were incapsulated in mid-flight. The aggressive beasts were trapped in cocoons of green energy. This gave Bjorn and The Watcher time to utilize their slings. Ben Frostberry unsheathed his dagger and entered the fray.
Sharon Redthorne and Taliesin united with Rodnik, Smithforge and Listhew to contend with the griffons. They parried against the sharp beaks and claws of their opponents. The warriors counter-attacked with their edged weapons, destroying eight of the creatures.
The halflings maintained their barrage of round stones. At last the fighters succeeded in defeating the griffons.
“We are victorious!” declared Rodnik. “Our battle experience has grown since our outset on this campaign. I have learned much from you, Lieges.”
The mercenaries took time only to clean their weapons before they set forth again on the trail to the deeper dungeons of the Drystyx Stronghold.
***
Bors and his allies traveled for some time when they reached a dense, wooden door. Torvald, Bors’ son, knelt before the lock. He pulled a set of tools from his travel pack.
“I’ve locked myself out of the inn several times. That’s how I got pretty handy with these tools.”
The Innkeeper’s son twisted and turned a slender, metal tool in the steel lock. The travelers heard a faint click and the portal opened.
“We should proceed with caution, My Friends,” said Sigrid. “I have a shielding spell ready if the need arises.”
The group of travelers entered a mysterious library. All manners of books and scrolls filled the walls. The shelves reached from floor to ceiling. Everything was constructed from dry, sod bricks.
The Sentinel lich woman perused the tomes briefly.
“Bah! These texts are Chaotic. They speak only of malevolent magic, intending to wreak havoc in the Dharmic Equilibrium. The Drystyx Monks have yet to learn the benefits of balance.”
“Very well, Sigrid,” said Reoren. “We will take your advice and leave these books here. It is unfortunate that the entities of the Plane of Chaos have chosen such a turbulent path against us. This is also the case for the Harad Ghul. Trolls and other humanoids have free will. It is the individual decision of each of us to determine the course of action we deem fit.”
The warriors marched onward and came upon a widespread cavern. Rauros and the Harad Ghul waited therein with a pair of large beholders. They did not hesitate when seeing the Gaeans and guided their Lykanthros mounts into full charge.
Sigrid activated the shielding spell she’d prepared.
“Sentiex!”
A sphere of golden light appeared around the warriors. The aggressive Lykanthros attempted to breach the barrier. Tiny motes of light formed at the contact points and drove the wolf beasts back.
Satvinder, Jalhi and the tiger trolls entered the battle. First they fired bolts from their bows then drew their curved blades. These weapons they thrust through Sigrid’s energy matrix, destroying five of the goblins.
The gorgons were angered by the persistence of the Gaeans and generated a scorching, blue energy ribbon.
“Tractos!” cried the single-eyed creatures.
Their eyes changed colors as the ribbon floated in the direction of the mercenaries. The incantation passed through Sigrid’s shield and scorched Fangoz on the leg. The stone troll only increased the fervor of his attack and squished two more goblins with his massive club.
Jalhi’s wyvern familiars, Flamering and Starfling, spat a volley of fireballs at the beholders. Their attention was diverted to the scalding missiles and their energy ribbon dissolved. The anthromorph rangers charged through the compromised shield and engaged the Lykanthros and goblins with full force. They deflected the slashing scimitars of the Forces of Tiamat and countered with their own, curved blades. The melee was fierce and Jalhi shielded the amazons and tiger trolls.
“Pranath!”
Each of the feline anthromorphs was covered in an aquamarine shield. They charged through the Stalactite Goblins and Orcs, hacking at all sides. Torvald relied on his rune-etched weapon. He joined with Satvinder, Thorgrym and Reoren to attack first one gorgon, then the other. They defeated the single-eyed creatures and focused their attention on the red-armored goblin assassins.
The battle was fierce and intense. Rauros contended with Heartsing, the seraphim. The warrior from the Plane of Order relied on his height and strength to keep the leader of the goblins and his slavering Lykanthros mount at a distance. Other Stalactite Orcs and Goblins came to the aid of their Leader. Heartsing dealt with them deftly and Rauros found himself unprotected once more. The Goblin Master swung his scimitar in a whirling maneuver. This confused the seraph troll briefly but it was enough to allow the Leader of the Harad Ghul to move back.
Many goblins died in combat with the experienced warriors. Others strode forward to fill the places of those who had fallen. The Forces of Tiamat were driven berserk and leapt in the fray without hesitation.
Starfling and Flamering continued their barrage of incendiary missiles. Jalhi glanced at the small dragons as she parried against an orc.
“Good work, My Wyverns. We are bound to succeed with your aid.”
The other tiger rangers kept up the pace of their attack and defeated over a dozen of the forces from the Arkadian mountains.
Rauros gave the order to retreat.
“Fall back, My Goblins. These warriors are relentless. We must hasten to the dragons’ lair.”
The Stalactite Orcs and Goblins followed the command of their Leader and exited from the cavern at the end opposite to the mercenaries.
“I must catch my breath,” said Fangoz. “Those humanoids are a tough lot.”
“I agree, Stone Troll,” replied Bors. “We have faced their numbers before and succeeded. If we conserve our strength and battle with care we will yet bring peace to Gaea.”
“Let us be on our way,” offered Heartsing. “Once we meet with the other warriors our forces will be better prepared to contend with the dragons below.”
The fighters marched at a steady pace along the trail of their opponents. They exited the cavern and continued their precarious hike downward.
***
“The deeper we go the more treacherous the terrain becomes,” declared Trilobite. “Let us take extra care to avoid potential snares and traps.”
“That is good advice, Mertroll,” said Leif. “We should never underestimate the cunning of the Denizens of Chaos.”
Alex’s battle group reached a cave.
At the opposite end a group of kobolds charged. The humanoids had spiked hair. Each was armed and ready for battle.
The kobolds were fierce and used their spears well. The merfolk were forced to parry the strikes of the longer weapons with their curved daggers.
Leif and Alex cast an attack spell.
“Frigidos!” they cried.
Five of the kobolds were frozen solid. The bolts of the Dagonites shattered them.
Gnoll joined with Nighthawk and the defected goblins to contend with the remaining eight kobolds. The spiky-haired humanoids turned their spears and used them like quarterstaffs. Claude moved in on the kobolds and brought two of them down with his fangs. Those that continued to fight were no match for the tactics of the merfolk.
(CONTINUED IN ORDER & CHAOS pt. 21)
The mercenaries reached Taliesin’s tower by nightfall.
***
The Stalactite Goblins, Orcs and Lykanthros hordes charged on Wood’s End. They were surprised to find the village abandoned of residents and livestock.
“The troll folk have been expecting you, Rauros,” said Loki. “They have surely learned of the missing scrying glass from Lich Town by now.”
“I agree,” replied Rauros. “We should move on to Taliesin’s stronghold. He assuredly awaits us there with his bothersome companions.”
The humanoids followed the lead of the Harad Ghul and headed directly for the gates of Taliesin’s fortress. The howls of his wolves rose from the kennels in the dungeons below the gothic structure.
***
The Watcher marveled at the anklet worn by Bjorn Roundtree.
“Bjorn, a strange accessory that is. Find it did you in this plane?”
“Yes, Watcher,” answered Bjorn. “I borrowed it from Guardon, the Daemon Lord. I don’t believe it was fabricated here, however. It vibrates sometimes with mysterious force.”
“I also have an unusual amulet,” offered Sharon.
The Baroness showed the ruby necklace she’d found to The Watcher.
“An uncanny item this also is,” observed the aged halfling. “Clear it is that trade of some kind has existed between the planes in previous ages. More than what they appear these trinkets are. Suspect I do that these are talismans that are able to harness your kharmic energies into enhanced abilities in combat and what projects you may undertake. With you keep them and their effects inform me so that record the information in my continuing historical scrolls I may.”
“We will do as you suggest, Watcher,” said Sharon. “This Realm is filled with archaic items yet to be discovered, I’m sure.”
***
The warriors of the various Regions of Gaea stepped outside of the gothic fortress of Lord Taliesin. Tiamat was waiting and emitted fire from all five of her heads.
Gilead, the Key Mage of Coermantyr, was prepared for such a devious attack and uttered a spell of shielding.
“Sentiex!”
A sphere of golden light formed around the warriors, deflecting the acrid blast from the behemoth.
Jalhi and Satvinder of the Bengal Tribe uttered an armor spell for their clan of tiger rangers.
“Pranath!”
The entirety of the feline anthromorphs was covered in Ethereal Armor of an aquamarine color. They fired their longbows and charged headlong into the Stalactite Orcs at the front.
Tiamat’s heads writhed in confusion over the deflection of her multiple-chemical attack.
She flew over the battling crowd and strafed the group of fighters with flaming sulphur. Gilead’s shield held, however, and the heat of the blast dispersed in a sphere around the fighters. The Watcher and Bjorn fired their slings at the flying dragon but did no significant injury. Ben Frostberry entered the battle with his dagger and slashed down two of the growling orcs.
The seraph trolls each strode into the fray, hewing in semicircles with their steel swords. Their weapons cut through the rough, iron shields and blades of the goblins and orcs. Together they felled a dozen of their opponents.
Starfling and Flamering flew into the night air and contended with Tiamat. The heads of the dragon spat balls of flame at the wyverns. They were agile fighters and evaded the many attacks with ease.
Nighthawk and the other defected goblins did not hesitate and engaged their chaotic kindred in a fierce melee. They were familiar with the battle tactics of the Stalactite Goblins and used their knowledge to the disadvantage of the hordes of the Harad Ghul.
The vampire, Claude, slipped within the crowd of orcs, taking many of them with his fangs. The night feeder’s face bore a wild expression.
Gnoll, Fangoz and Bors again united their efforts against Dakros and a gathering of the red-painted assassins. They parried and dodged the whirling scimitars of the goblins and orcs before they brought down their heavy clubs. Dakros fell to their attack, as did two more of the Goblin Masters.
Trilobite, Nautilus, Barracuda, Sponge and Anemone fired their crossbows at the horde of Stalactite Goblins. They then contended with them using their curved blades.
Leif, Sigrid, Alex and Reoren uttered a missile spell.
“Trentak!”
They guided their barrage of electric bolts at Tiamat. The thick, scaled hide of the titan was strong and deflected the attack of the adept mages.
Mara circled from around Taliesin’s Tower and grappled with Tiamat. She evaded the multiple sets of teeth to claw at the beast. The silver dragon succeeded in pummeling the green and white heads into unconsciousness.
Rodnik and Thorgrym fought with battleaxes against the intruders. They brought down a pair of the Lykanthros mounts.
At last the mages of various races united their abilities to bind the dragon and invaders.
“Baniscent!”
An Ethereal Whirlwind overtook Tiamat, the orcs and goblins. Against their will they were pulled into a portal to the Plane of Chaos.
The battle was over. The warriors panted for air.
“You have my and Sharon’s gratitude,” said Taliesin. “The rifts to the neighboring planes yet exist but we have made a fearsome start to bring peace to the Realm of Gaea. Now we must rest and consult again with the scrolls that are kept by The Watcher, Restadicus and Siegemunde, too. They are adept Lore Masters, all of them.”
“With time and endurance,” continued the Liege, “We can yet secure this area for future generations. The titan, Hydro, is also familiar with the ambitious wiles of the Denizens of Chaos and can advise us to create a means to guard our Regions. This may require assistance from additional planes in the Dharmic Equilibrium. Gaea alone is a vast wilderness. It yet remains for us, with your help, Watcher, to compose a map that will contain documentation of the distant mountains, valleys and seas.”
***
Raven turned in her sleep. Her dreams were intense and she was sure there was more to come.
***
Rauros and the Harad Ghul met with Thoth and the Drystyx Monks in the tallest chamber of the stronghold of the Chaotic Wizards. Tiamat was enraged by her banishment from Gaea and circled the tower while breathing a variety of fiery streams from her five heads.
“Thoth, bring us back to Gaea,” demanded the behemoth dragon.
“We are obliged to wait, Titan,” replied the red dragon. “If we attempt to enter Gaea again we will be banished to this plane by the same sorcery used by the mages there. The guardians of that Realm are keen now to our intention to usurp their Regions. Let us consult with the Monks of Chaos and determine whether they can devise a means for us to travel the planes free of interruption.”
“It is possible, Strong Dragons,” said Zolgnath, the firbolg. “But it will take time for us to generate a shielding spell that will countermand the forceful incantations of the Lore Masters and their adept apprentices.”
“We must return to Gaea while our campaign is fresh,” declared Zalkos. “We offer our Ephemeral Powers to aid you, Drystyx Monks. Initiate a shielding ward and we will ensure that it is honed of Chaotic Energy. This will ensure you of safe passage to Gaea.”
“Very well, Specters,” said Tiamat. “Do as you speak. The minotaur and firbolg Legions await your protection.”
Athros and Zalkos united with the black-robed monks to incant a new sorcery of shielding.
“Vengex!”
The legions of humanoids hollered throughout the spiraling levels of the tower. Chaotic Energy incapsulated them in red magic. The spell hardened around each invader, forming crystalline, Ephemeral Armor.
“We are ready,” stated the five-headed dragon. “Let us be on our way.”
The Drystyx Monks again generated a spatial portal.
“Levrond!”
A gateway formed in the fabric of space and the Chaotic Forces ran through it to the Crossroads of the Ghastly Fens. They returned to their Stronghold of Sod by the ancient Burial Ruins.
***
The warriors of Gaea assembled before the Lore Masters in the Council Chamber of Coermantyr Castle.
Wotan addressed the group of fighters.
“Guardians, the seraphim trolls remain with us, along with Mara, the dragon. Unfortunately we are unable to prevent the eventual return of Tiamat and Thoth. Lord Taliesin, approach.”
The Troll Lord did as the wizard asked.
“Allow me to take your weapon. Smithforge will aid me. We will create a dragon sword from it.”
“Very well, Wotan,” answered Taliesin.
He unsheathed his weapon and laid it on the table before the blond-bearded wizard.
Smithforge and Wotan combined their Ethereal Energy.
“Forgex!” they cried.
A green mist flowed around the Liege Lord’s longsword. It was lifted into the air and turned magically. Archaic runes became etched on both sides of the blade. It gleamed with a metallic, green hue and rested again on the table.
“You may sheath your weapon, Taliesin,” Wotan said.
“Thank you, Weapons Craftsmen,” said Lord Taliesin. “I will use this dragon sword to continue the efforts of my parents, Lord Raymond and Lady Elwen, to defend Gaea. They intended to defend the trolls and other races from the ongoing disturbances to the harmony of our lands. I will fight with all my strength on your behalf.”
“Very well, Taliesin,” declared Wotan. “We are confident in you. Take a night’s rest, all of you. There is sure to be battle soon. You are welcome to stay in the castle lodgings.”
“We will stay here, Wotan,” replied Sharon Redthorne. “My parents also would be heartened by our efforts. I’m sure that we haven’t seen the last of the Chaotic Dragons.”
The fighters retired for the evening in Castle Coermantyr. They awoke early the next morning and acquired fresh horses from the stables.
“Let us venture north to the Crossroads of the Ghastly Fens,” said Gilead. “If the Forces of Chaos return to this plane, they are likely to take up residence in the Sod Fortress they constructed.”
The warriors did as the Key Mage suggested and guided their steeds north. They passed through the Forest of Coermantyr and entered the marshes of the Fens. Mara, the silver dragon, flew overhead and spoke to the group below.
“My Friends, I sense the dragons, Thoth and Tiamat nearby.” Mara said. “They are relentless. The Stalactite Goblin, firbolg and minotaur legions have also entered Gaea. We must prepare for a bitter struggle.”
The fighters approached the Stronghold of Sod and were dismayed to find the Drystyx Monks had returned. Tiamat and Thoth circled the sky above and Mara engaged them in a fiery battle.
The black-robed wizards had built a series of arbalests and catapults along the ramparts of their fortress. They released a barrage of magical fire that spewed across the marsh when it struck the ground. The warhorses of the Gaeans were nimble and maneuvered successfully to avoid the aerial attack.
Taliesin, the Liege Lord of Mystic Down, beckoned to his companions.
“Let us move to the gates, My Friends. All of Gaea is counting on us. The courage we muster will be noted in the annals of the Lore Masters. Let us breach this Sod Stronghold and contend with the Denizens of Chaos within.”
The warriors of various races surged into a valiant charge. They hewed at the sod barrier blocking the entrance with their steel weapons. The door was ripped open and the guardians clashed with the legion of firbolgs and minotaurs within. A group of beholders attempted to charm the group but their sorcery was ineffective. The Harad Ghul guided their Lykanthros mounts with agility inside the Stronghold and attempted to drive Taliesin and his allies outside.
The Chaotic Dragons grappled with Mara. They pushed the silver dragon away and dove down a pair of cylindrical shafts in the base of the Sod Stronghold. Bjorn Roundtree and the halflings were the first to reach the edge of the rifts in the earth. They were thrown back by a series of fiery blasts from below. The incendiary gusts caused the pits to collapse.
“Thoth and Tiamat have sealed themselves in a network of tunnels beneath this structure,” Mara declared. “I cannot reach them. You Gaeans must join with the seraphim to permeate the lower dungeons and destroy the Chaotic Dragons.”
The Harad Ghul and Denizens of Chaos fell back from their line of resistance. They retreated to the inner halls of the Stronghold of Sod. Taliesin watched them sprint down sets of spiraling stairs into the Under Earth.
“I am loath to pursue our opponents there,” confessed the Liege Lord. “But we have no choice. If we leave the invaders will only return to our populated areas and harass us.”
“Light the torches, My Friends,” Taliesin announced. “Our quest leads us into the Under Earth.”
“We must divide ourselves into separate parties,” said Sharon. “That way we will be sure to prevent ourselves from being flanked.”
“I will travel with Gnoll, Leif and Glasslook, the Dagonites, Claude and Nighthawk’s band,” declared Alex.
“I will go with Torvald, Fangoz, Heartsing, the anthromorph rangers, Thorgrym, Reoren and Sigrid,” said Bors.
“I will journey with you, Sharon, Gilead, Smithforge, Listhew, Rodnik and the halflings,” said Taliesin. “Let each of us follow a stairway downward and contend with the Denizens of Chaos below. May the Fates be with us.”
The Gaean mercenaries parted ways and lit their torches. The sodden walls of the curling tunnels flickered mysteriously. Each of the fighters steeled himself for the conflict ahead.
Alex’s group was the first to enter an open chamber in the Under Earth. Additional torches glowed eerily on the walls. A gathering of minotaurs and beholders rushed at the fighters from the opposite end of the room. The Wood Mage incanted a missile spell.
“Trentak!”
Alex directed his hands across the charging line of bull trolls while releasing a volley of electric bolts. A number of them were struck but were phased only temporarily.
The minotaurs continued forward after Alex’s electric missile spell. Claude and Nighthawk’s entourage contended with the menacing bull trolls. The Denizens of Chaos clashed with the warriors in a noisy battle.
The vampire and defected goblins wove themselves among their larger opponents. The defected goblins grappled with the horned minotaurs. Claude evaded the hammers and axes of the hostile anthromorphs and used his heightened speed to bring two of them down.
Anemone, Sponge and the other Dagonites discharged their crossbows at the beholders, wounding three of them. They wielded their daggers and swords and entered the melee.
The beholders combined their caches of arcane energy to attempt a multiple charm person spell on the Gaeans.
“Trozos!”
Two of Nighthawk’s goblins and Nautilus fell asleep in the middle of the fight. Alex uttered a protection spell.
“Protex!”
A red ring appeared around the fighters. The warding incantation pushed many of the minotaurs back. The warriors engaged the anthromorphs and beholders, striking at them through the Ethereal Shield. Six more of the bull trolls fell to the strategic attack.
One of the beholders addressed the Denizens of Chaos.
“Pull back, Minotaurs. We shall regroup in the deeper dungeons. These Gaeans are a determined lot.”
The anthromorphs and gorgons followed the advice of the beholder and withdrew from Alex’s warding ring. They fled through a group of tunnels leading downward.
“We have done well here, My Friends,” said Alex. “Let us continue into this stronghold on the behalf of our Regions.”
***
Liege Lord Taliesin and his acquaintances followed a curving passage into the depths of the Under Earth. Murky rivulets and streams trickled through the compacted soil at their feet.
“Taliesin, I am concerned about the existence of this structure,” said Listhew. “It has been ages since the entities from the Plane of Chaos have ventured to this plane in this manner.”
“I understand,” replied the Liege of Mystic Down. “The opposing forces that ebb and surge within the Dharmic Equilibrium are reaching critical mass. The Ghastly Fens have seen conflicts of this nature in eons past. If we remain vigilant I’m sure we’ll get to the bottom of this Battle of the Planes.”
“We will try our best, Taliesin,” answered Gilead. “My knowledge of the workings of magic has increased on this campaign as I’m sure it has for the other mages in our group. Let us continue along our present course and see if we can convince Tiamat and Thoth that they are not welcome in this Realm.”
The mercenaries did as the Key Mage of Coermantyr suggested and followed the spiraling tunnel downward for some time. They came upon a chamber with a small lake and cataract.
“This is strange,” observed Rodnik. “There doesn’t appear to be anyone else here.”
“Deceiving appearances can be,” The Watcher said.
Smithforge wielded his hammer. His face was wrinkled with apprehension.
“We are not alone, My Friends. Prepare yourselves.”
A group of griffons arose from the lake. Each of the creatures had the body of a lion, the head and wings of an eagle and the tail of a scorpion. They shook the water off their fur and flapped their wings. The manticores flew toward the mercenaries in an attack formation. Their avian screeching reverberated off the sod walls of the cavern.
Lord Taliesin swung his longsword upward in a powerful maneuver. He skewered one of the griffons from below, taking care not to be stung by the lashing tail.
Gilead incanted a sorcery he’d learned.
“Acentus!”
Seven of the manticores were incapsulated in mid-flight. The aggressive beasts were trapped in cocoons of green energy. This gave Bjorn and The Watcher time to utilize their slings. Ben Frostberry unsheathed his dagger and entered the fray.
Sharon Redthorne and Taliesin united with Rodnik, Smithforge and Listhew to contend with the griffons. They parried against the sharp beaks and claws of their opponents. The warriors counter-attacked with their edged weapons, destroying eight of the creatures.
The halflings maintained their barrage of round stones. At last the fighters succeeded in defeating the griffons.
“We are victorious!” declared Rodnik. “Our battle experience has grown since our outset on this campaign. I have learned much from you, Lieges.”
The mercenaries took time only to clean their weapons before they set forth again on the trail to the deeper dungeons of the Drystyx Stronghold.
***
Bors and his allies traveled for some time when they reached a dense, wooden door. Torvald, Bors’ son, knelt before the lock. He pulled a set of tools from his travel pack.
“I’ve locked myself out of the inn several times. That’s how I got pretty handy with these tools.”
The Innkeeper’s son twisted and turned a slender, metal tool in the steel lock. The travelers heard a faint click and the portal opened.
“We should proceed with caution, My Friends,” said Sigrid. “I have a shielding spell ready if the need arises.”
The group of travelers entered a mysterious library. All manners of books and scrolls filled the walls. The shelves reached from floor to ceiling. Everything was constructed from dry, sod bricks.
The Sentinel lich woman perused the tomes briefly.
“Bah! These texts are Chaotic. They speak only of malevolent magic, intending to wreak havoc in the Dharmic Equilibrium. The Drystyx Monks have yet to learn the benefits of balance.”
“Very well, Sigrid,” said Reoren. “We will take your advice and leave these books here. It is unfortunate that the entities of the Plane of Chaos have chosen such a turbulent path against us. This is also the case for the Harad Ghul. Trolls and other humanoids have free will. It is the individual decision of each of us to determine the course of action we deem fit.”
The warriors marched onward and came upon a widespread cavern. Rauros and the Harad Ghul waited therein with a pair of large beholders. They did not hesitate when seeing the Gaeans and guided their Lykanthros mounts into full charge.
Sigrid activated the shielding spell she’d prepared.
“Sentiex!”
A sphere of golden light appeared around the warriors. The aggressive Lykanthros attempted to breach the barrier. Tiny motes of light formed at the contact points and drove the wolf beasts back.
Satvinder, Jalhi and the tiger trolls entered the battle. First they fired bolts from their bows then drew their curved blades. These weapons they thrust through Sigrid’s energy matrix, destroying five of the goblins.
The gorgons were angered by the persistence of the Gaeans and generated a scorching, blue energy ribbon.
“Tractos!” cried the single-eyed creatures.
Their eyes changed colors as the ribbon floated in the direction of the mercenaries. The incantation passed through Sigrid’s shield and scorched Fangoz on the leg. The stone troll only increased the fervor of his attack and squished two more goblins with his massive club.
Jalhi’s wyvern familiars, Flamering and Starfling, spat a volley of fireballs at the beholders. Their attention was diverted to the scalding missiles and their energy ribbon dissolved. The anthromorph rangers charged through the compromised shield and engaged the Lykanthros and goblins with full force. They deflected the slashing scimitars of the Forces of Tiamat and countered with their own, curved blades. The melee was fierce and Jalhi shielded the amazons and tiger trolls.
“Pranath!”
Each of the feline anthromorphs was covered in an aquamarine shield. They charged through the Stalactite Goblins and Orcs, hacking at all sides. Torvald relied on his rune-etched weapon. He joined with Satvinder, Thorgrym and Reoren to attack first one gorgon, then the other. They defeated the single-eyed creatures and focused their attention on the red-armored goblin assassins.
The battle was fierce and intense. Rauros contended with Heartsing, the seraphim. The warrior from the Plane of Order relied on his height and strength to keep the leader of the goblins and his slavering Lykanthros mount at a distance. Other Stalactite Orcs and Goblins came to the aid of their Leader. Heartsing dealt with them deftly and Rauros found himself unprotected once more. The Goblin Master swung his scimitar in a whirling maneuver. This confused the seraph troll briefly but it was enough to allow the Leader of the Harad Ghul to move back.
Many goblins died in combat with the experienced warriors. Others strode forward to fill the places of those who had fallen. The Forces of Tiamat were driven berserk and leapt in the fray without hesitation.
Starfling and Flamering continued their barrage of incendiary missiles. Jalhi glanced at the small dragons as she parried against an orc.
“Good work, My Wyverns. We are bound to succeed with your aid.”
The other tiger rangers kept up the pace of their attack and defeated over a dozen of the forces from the Arkadian mountains.
Rauros gave the order to retreat.
“Fall back, My Goblins. These warriors are relentless. We must hasten to the dragons’ lair.”
The Stalactite Orcs and Goblins followed the command of their Leader and exited from the cavern at the end opposite to the mercenaries.
“I must catch my breath,” said Fangoz. “Those humanoids are a tough lot.”
“I agree, Stone Troll,” replied Bors. “We have faced their numbers before and succeeded. If we conserve our strength and battle with care we will yet bring peace to Gaea.”
“Let us be on our way,” offered Heartsing. “Once we meet with the other warriors our forces will be better prepared to contend with the dragons below.”
The fighters marched at a steady pace along the trail of their opponents. They exited the cavern and continued their precarious hike downward.
***
“The deeper we go the more treacherous the terrain becomes,” declared Trilobite. “Let us take extra care to avoid potential snares and traps.”
“That is good advice, Mertroll,” said Leif. “We should never underestimate the cunning of the Denizens of Chaos.”
Alex’s battle group reached a cave.
At the opposite end a group of kobolds charged. The humanoids had spiked hair. Each was armed and ready for battle.
The kobolds were fierce and used their spears well. The merfolk were forced to parry the strikes of the longer weapons with their curved daggers.
Leif and Alex cast an attack spell.
“Frigidos!” they cried.
Five of the kobolds were frozen solid. The bolts of the Dagonites shattered them.
Gnoll joined with Nighthawk and the defected goblins to contend with the remaining eight kobolds. The spiky-haired humanoids turned their spears and used them like quarterstaffs. Claude moved in on the kobolds and brought two of them down with his fangs. Those that continued to fight were no match for the tactics of the merfolk.
(CONTINUED IN ORDER & CHAOS pt. 21)
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