{"id":64,"date":"2018-09-05T11:59:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-05T11:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/141.148.246.190\/index.php\/05-2\/amateur-gods-pt-8\/"},"modified":"2022-04-19T11:37:27","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T11:37:27","slug":"amateur-gods-pt-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/index.php\/2018\/09\/05\/amateur-gods-pt-8\/","title":{"rendered":"Amateur Gods Pt. 8"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Final Goodbyes<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Reidoth helped Nundro out of the entrance of the forge towards the squat, abandoned homes. \u201cHe\u2019s not well,\u201d the elderly Druid explained, checking the Dwarf\u2019s pulse. He was barely conscious, and his brow was coated in sweat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cTake care of him,\u201d Gundren told him solemnly, watching the two as they limped away.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn said a quiet prayer of strength for her uncle, and for the Druid in whose charge he was laid, then turned her attention back to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe Forge of Spells,\u201d Keyzana said in a satisfied sigh. \u201cWe finally found it, eh Dwarves?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gundren and Falkrunn both nodded, their attentions on the Dwarvish script inlaid in gold.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI guess we check for traps?\u201d Olara asked and Keyzana moved up to the door and scanned it with her fingertips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When her skin touched the door, the writing in the wood began to glow in bright blue lettering. It pulsed with a hidden energy, and they watched as there descended from the ceiling a floating humanoid skull bathed in green, fiery light. It opened its bony jaw and, with a clack of teeth, recited a few lines in the common tongue. \u201cLong ago four races set aside their differences and came together to create order from chaos. Those with the rights to enter the Forge of Spells will answer this: in what order was the Phandelver\u2019s pact signed?<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat does that mean? How should we know?\u201d Keyzana hissed as Lorskan stepped around the floating skull towards the door. On the left side of the door were written the words Human, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome. On the righthand side glowed similarly a set of four names: Sudeiman, Malcer, Sefris and Tommeth. Lorskan whispered the names aloud.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI think we need to match the names to the races,\u201d Falkrunn said, eyeing the words for a pattern. \u201cIs anyone familiar with these names? Are they clan names, perhaps?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gundren shook his head and Flavio shrugged. \u201cSefris is definitely not a Dwarf name,\u201d Gundren added, but that was all he could ascertain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCan we get a hint?\u201d Keyzana turned and asked the skull hopefully. It floated there without a sound. Keyzana raised a hand and pressed it to the glowing word of \u2018Elf\u2019 before anyone could stop her.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIntruders. Intruders,\u201d the rhythmic words echoed from the skull as the green fire around it flared up. \u201cIntruders, intruders.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Behind them, Falkrunn could hear the snap and crack of bones, and she turned to see the dry, stray bones of long lost victims begin to construct and fuse together. Some bent and picked up impossibly rotted crossbows and bolts, while others raised extremely rusted, pockmarked short swords. \u201cOh shi\u2014\u201d a bolt whizzed past Falkrunn\u2019s head and she ducked just in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou two, focus on the riddle,\u201d Gundren yelled at Keyzana and Falkrunn, raising his hammer, \u201cwe\u2019ll take care of the dead ones.\u201d With that, he charged the rising skeletons.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn and Keyzana looked at one another for a second, then quickly began reading the markings on the door over and over. Falkrunn read the names out in Dwarvish, and turned as she heard a shout from Flavio, who was drawing out his own warhammer. She removed her lute from her side and began to strum it, directing her bardic magic in the human\u2019s direction. A second later, Flavio took down the first skeleton while Lorskan engaged another with sword drawn. Gundren smashed another to pieces and Olara drew her longsword and stepped into a duel.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThere!\u201d Keyzana shouted, pointing upwards to a spot at least fifteen feet high on the door. It was a carved piece of crystal, and from this angle you could just barely see a roll of parchment resting inside. \u201cThat must<\/em> be a clue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCan you reach it?\u201d Falkrunn asked, tilting her head as far back as she could.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keyzana looked at her hands and began to pace, thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

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More skeletons appeared from the floor and joined the fight. Flavio barely dodged from the slice of a rusty sword before the skull emitted a massive green fireball and shot it straight towards the human. He dove, and the flame consumed one of the skeletons, which shrieked and turned to ash.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn stood behind the skull near the door, and it was caught up in watching the fight. She tested its magical strength by pushing a spell against the force around it. The spell vibrated, then dissipated. Cursing, she strummed a few more notes on the lute and directed them again to Flavio.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lorskan breathed a wave of flames on three of the skeletons, causing two of them to vaporize immediately. The other continued forward, scorched but unimpeded. Another two skeletons grew up from the rubble and shot their crossbows. A bolt skimmed Gundren\u2019s armour and another pierced Olara\u2019s thigh. She plucked it out and cast it aside, ignoring the wound. Gundren ran up and smashed down the undead creatures with a ferocious bellow.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Another skeleton raised a sword to attack Lorskan while his back was turned, but Olara took it out with a slash of her longsword before diving away and somehow disappearing into the dark edges of the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI know!\u201d Keyzana said, and with a flurry of hand gestures she summoned a massive spectral hand, which floated in front of her with a deep red glow. She pushed the hand higher into the air with coaxing, glowing hands and the fingers curled into a giant fist and pounded into the crystal above them. A tiny crack appeared.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s not enough force,\u201d Falkrunn said, desperately searching the pictorial carvings around the top part of the door for any clues. There was a relief showing four figures standing over a table, a shorter one holding a writing utensil, but it was too faded to determine the exact races of each figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keyzana revoked her mage hand with a flick of her wrist.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The green skull shot another fireball, this time at Lorskan, who heard the incoming projectile and stepped, almost casually, out of the way. His sleeve caught fire and he gently patted it out, then raised his sword as another Skeleton hobbled toward him.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Flavio took down a skeleton as it climbed from the ashes of its fallen comrades, but his victory was short-lived as another two rose from the grave.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn took out her pockmarked throwing hammer, the one that had been nearly consumed by a monstrous creature of goo, and hurled it at the crystal encasing. The crack widened, but only slightly. \u201cThis isn\u2019t working,\u201d she told the Elf and looked back at her companions frantically. Gundren was bleeding from a wound on his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn again strummed a few notes on her lute and watched as Gundren began to glow with an energy only she could see. He picked up his hammer with renewed vigor and charged at another dusty skeleton.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lorskan released platinum-coloured flames from his hands and they consumed the foe nearest him. Using the distraction, two of the newly formed creatures attacked him from behind, one stabbing through his armour with a short sword, the other jumping at him unarmed. Lorskan roared and shook them off, and as Flavio turned to help him a sword thrust up into his back from behind, drawing blood to his lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The human drew a rattled breath and fell to one knee as a skeleton slid its dripping blade from his back, broken teeth clacking with pleasure. Then, with a burst of strength, Flavio drew up his warhammer and spun around, smashing the skeleton to bits.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m such an idiot!\u201d Keyana cried, slapping a hand to her forehead, then drawing out the Black Spider\u2019s staff from where it was slung at her back.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSpider climb?\u201d Falkrunn asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cSpider climb.\u201d Keyzana confirmed, casting the spell over herself and stepping onto the door as if it were now the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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An arrow shot from the darkness of the cavern and speared a skeleton through its gaping eye-hole, casting it to the ground in a littering of bones. The skull, noticing the silent attack, turned to the darkness and shot another fireball in the direction of Olara, who just barely managed to dive from the flames as the darkness was cast in a sickly green light.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When she stood, the right side of her face had been partially melted by the flame, and she raised a hand to the burn in shock, not yet feeling the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keyzana punched the crystal and the crack grew slightly, her knuckles now bloodied.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cLook out!\u201d Falkrunn yelled and threw her fallen hammer a second time. The hammer struck the crystal and was wedged into a newly created crack. Keyzana yanked it out and jimmied the scroll out of the hole that was just created. She tossed the hammer back down to Falkrunn with a smile, then leaped towards the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

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When she landed she looked up and pointed at Olara, who had just been hit by a massive fireball. Without hesitating, Falkrunn raised her hands and cast healing over the Elf, whose face immediately smoothed over as flesh knit back together. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Olara looked over gratefully as Flavio shot radiant light at another skeleton, and her gaze drew the attention of two skeletons, who leveled their crossbows at Falkrunn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A bolt tinged off her armour and the second merely grazed her hand, leaving a bloody mark. Falkrunn growled, but before she could take the fight to them, Flavio and Gundren took them down. Flavio stumbled but stood, a streak of blood running down his chin and into his beard. He needed healing desperately. <\/span><\/p>\n

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Hands shaking with anticipation, Keyzana unrolled the parchment and began to scan the page silently. \u201cWell?\u201d Falkrunn asked impatiently, too short to see the scroll herself.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Boom.<\/em> Another giant green fireball roared towards Lorskan and Flavio. Lorskan managed to duck out of the way again, but Flavio was hit and fell back, unconscious and smoking from the force of the flames.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn raised her hands a second time and cast healing on the human from where she stood. She saw him sputter for a moment and move his head and felt content that he was still alive. \u201cWe need to get rid of this skull!\u201d she said to Keyzana, and drew out her longsword, approaching the floating skull from behind. So long as the skull remained, the skeletons would continue to rise.<\/span><\/p>\n

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A sizeable hole appeared in the back of the skull where her blade connected with bone, but it did not turn to her, and nor did the flames around it cease to glow. Seeing what she had done, Lorskan charged up to the skull and smashed into it with his own longsword, causing the flames to flare up in anger.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Again from the darkness came an arrow shot by Olara, and it hit the skull in the jaw, which unhinged on one side and began to swing uselessly in the air. “Intruders, intruders,” the skull managed to say, jaw no longer functional. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHere!\u201d Keyzana yelled, and Falkrunn ran back to her, leaving the skull to Lorskan, who she knew to be at least resistant to fire seeing as he was a Dragonborn. \u201cAt the bottom of this letter are the names signed in order.\u201d Keyzana raised the parchment and read aloud: \u201cSudeiman, Malcer, Sefris, Tommeth.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The names in the door began to fade until the blue glow surrounding them was gone. The four races remained.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She scanned the parchment again, then read: \u201cHuman, Dwarf, Elf, Gnome.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The floating skull flared up before the flames seemed to be sucked inwards. The skull shook for a second, then dropped to the ground, lifeless. The remaining skeletons broke apart immediately and clattered to the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The rest of the words on the door faded, and there was the distinct sound of grinding gears and clicking locks. With a faint, underwhelming sound, the massive door creaked open.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gundren kicked a fallen skeleton with a triumphant nod, then marched in with the rest of them. <\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThanks for healing me,\u201d Olara said quietly to Falkrunn, touching a hand to her cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn smiled and said, \u201cnext time, let\u2019s pick someone else to work on the puzzles, because that was just sad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gundren chuckled as he passed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The companions entered a long chamber lined with alcoves, containing scattered, broken furniture and empty stone shelves. The ceiling glowed with thousands of embedded white stones which cast a soft light over the entire hallway. Falkrunn took a deep breath, admiring the starry ceiling with wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

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There were odd skeletons along the passageway and the walls were marked with black scorches, more evidence of the battle fought long ago. The battle spanned even this deep<\/em>, Falkrunn thought in admiration. They truly defended this place until their last.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOver here,\u201d Keyzana whispered, waving to her comrades. They all stepped over to where she stood inside an alcove. There was rubble obscuring half the room, but pounded into the wall were thick chains wrapped around a large, metal chest. \u201cOlara,\u201d she looked over, \u201cdo you think you could pick the\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMine<\/em>,\u201d a deep, raspy voice issued from behind the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keyzana jumped and shrieked \u201cghost!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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As the tall, blue-haired Elf leapt out of the alcove, a shimmering form appeared in a haze. It was a tall, dreary-looking man with long, decorated robes and sallow, pale skin. His dead eyes danced with animosity. \u201cMy treasures, not yours,\u201d it hissed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cUh, hey mister ghost person,\u201d Falkrunn said softly, stepping in front of the spectral figure. \u201cWhat sort of treasures do you have in there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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He glared at her. \u201cNot for you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOf course not, of course not!\u201d she said, feigning a smile. \u201cI merely want to help you, great spirit. What can I do for you? Are you trapped in this cavern?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The ghost tilted his head appraisingly at the Dwarf while the other companions peeked around the corner, watching the exchange. \u201cI want\u2014I want the abomination\u2014dead<\/em>.\u201d He spoke slowly, as though each word was a labour to pass from phantom lungs to ethereal lips.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhich abomination is that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThe creature guards the Forge of Spells,\u201d the ghost told her. \u201cIt keeps me from more treasures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn hesitated. \u201cIf we do kill this abomination, what can you give us in return?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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The ghost raised a pale hand to stroke his beard. \u201cI am\u2014willing to part with one thing, I suppose.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat can you tell us about the creature we are to kill?\u201d Lorskan chimed in, stepping up to the entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The form appraised the Dragonborn for a moment. \u201cIt has\u2014five eyes. I suggest you don\u2019t\u2014look into them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cVery well,\u201d Falkrunn raised her hands peacefully and bowed slightly as she stepped back from the room. \u201cThank you, great spirit. We will destroy this abomination for you, and I will return for my reward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe will see,\u201d the ghost sighed, fading from sight, \u201cif you survive.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Flavio removed his breastplate and touched a hand to his back, where the stab wound was not yet fully healed. \u201cI could use a rest,\u201d he told them, his hand beginning to glow over the wound.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Olara nodded and they all agreed. They found an alcove a few rooms down and sat down for a rest. Feeling energized, Falkrunn began to strum her lute softly, humming her Song of Rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The approached a door at the far end of the chamber, the white light of the stones overhead guiding their path. Lorskan placed a hand over the door and cast an enchantment, eyes closed in concentration. \u201cI don\u2019t sense anything undead in here,\u201d he told them as he moved away. \u201cSo, it\u2019s clearly not an \u2018abomination\u2019 in the sense that we know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn turned the large doorknob and peeked inside, scanning the room within.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The large chamber was also lit by white gemstones, so it was easy to see across it. In the centre of the room stood a solid stone platform with a large anvil placed on top. The anvil glowed with a soft green light, and Falkrunn felt drawn to it. Around its pedestal were runes written in faded gold and silver, but what drew her attention next was the huge, floating figure in the corner looking over a table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It was a massive, spherical shape floating above the ground, and it had four long tentacles surrounding it, each tipped with a bulbous yellow eye. All the eyes were currently focused on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Quietly, Falkrunn closed the door and relayed the information to her companions. \u201cIt\u2019s a creature known as a Spectator. I\u2019m sure of it. Should I try blinding it?\u201d She asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe should try speaking to it first,\u201d Keyzana advised.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWe don\u2019t know if we can trust that ghost,\u201d Olara agreed. \u201cI say we speak to it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWhat if it tries to eat us?\u201d Flavio whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI\u2019m inclined to agree with the human,\u201d Gundren grumbled.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn opened the door and stepped through, cautiously approaching the giant creature, hand ready to cast blindness. The massive body turned as she entered, and she immediately dropped her gaze to avoid eye contact.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHel-lo!\u201d A deep, friendly voice said. \u201cHow can I be of service to you today?\u201d The Spectator spoke with a smooth, electric quality.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello,\u201d Falkrunn greeted, keeping her eyes down. \u201cI am here to see the Forge of Spells.\u201d She held her breath expectantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cAh, yes. The Forge of Spells. You have arrived! Welcome to the Forge. How may I be of service to you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWell,\u201d the Dwarf shifted her feet uncomfortably, \u201ccan we use the forge?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI am sorry,\u201d the Spectator said, \u201cdo you have the proper authorization to access this room?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHello great Spectator!\u201d Keyzana\u2019s voice came from behind Falkrunn. \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHel-lo!\u201d the Spectator said happily. \u201cMy name is Henry. I am the guardian of the Forge of Spells. How may I be of service to you today?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHenry,\u201d the Elf woman said appreciatively, \u201cmy friends and I would like to use the Forge of Spells.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cDo you have the proper authorization?\u201d Henry asked kindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHenry, would you mind if we looked at you? We were told we could not look into your eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou may look at me!\u201d Henry answered. \u201cMy eyes are only for protection against intruders. Do you have the proper authorization?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHere it is,\u201d Keyzana said, and Falkrunn turned to the Elf and watched her unroll the parchment they had found in the door. \u201cWill this do?\u201d The Elf was looking straight at the Spectator and seemed unharmed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn gazed up, and he tilted his floating head at the scroll. He gave a huge, sharp-toothed grin. \u201cYou have the proper authorization! Welcome to the Forge of Spells.\u201d He seemed to bounce where he hovered. \u201cAre there any other services you require of me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cNot right now, Henry, thank you,\u201d Keyzana smiled, stowing away the scroll. \u201cDo you mind if we look around?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cCertainly!\u201d The Spectator said, then turned and hovered back to his corner to watch the table. Falkrunn could now see that there were pieces of armour on the table, but it was the Forge that drew her attention. She stepped toward the green glow, enchanted, and after about ten steps, her lute began to vibrate and hum.<\/span><\/p>\n

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She continued to walk as if in a trance and unlatched the lute from her side and began to strum it. Without thinking, she played the Song of Home. As she drew nearer to the magical aura, the lute vibrated more. Keyzana glided up beside her, seemingly unaware of the trance that held her, and leapt easily onto the platform holding the anvil. The green glow came from cool, flickering flames. The Elf gently held her sword over the flames and turned it, pulling it out a moment later and gazing at it as it glowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn was transfixed by the flames. Slowly, she climbed the dais and stood over the anvil, strumming her song softly. When the song ended, the vibrations grew to a loud hum, and Falkrunn plunged her lute into the cold flames.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Her vision went white.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The image of a dark room was blurry, but came into focus as she heard a soft, familiar voice speaking to her. \u201cFalkrunn, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Falkrunn felt tears on her cheeks as she gazed up at the auburn-haired woman who was lightly strumming her lute. Falkrunn was younger here, her short legs dangling over the stool on which she sat. \u201cWe are so proud of you,\u201d the woman smiled, playing the Song of Home.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cMum,\u201d Falkrunn said sadly, letting the song fill her heart. \u201cMum, I miss you. I\u2019m so sorry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, love,\u201d her mother smiled again, and stopped playing. She handed the lute to Falkrunn. \u201cIt was never your fault, dear.” She touched a soft hand to her cheek.<\/span><\/p>\n

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With a white flash, Falkrunn was standing over the anvil once again, looking down at her lute. The lute her mother gave her, just before she died. She pulled her hands from the cool flames and glowing golden runes appeared in the wood along the instrument. She read them with a smile and hugged the lute to her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Then, she raised a hand and wiped a single tear from her cheek before descending the dais to join her friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lorskan approached the guarded table warily, eyeing the giant Spectator. It stared at the items with dogged fascination. \u201cExcuse me, Henry?\u201d The Dragonborn said.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Henry turned, his many eyes alight. \u201cYes! How may I be of service to you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cThis armour here, can I have it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI am sorry, but you cannot have this armour. It has other buyers who will return shortly to receive their purchase.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cOther buyers?\u201d He muttered, then louder said, \u201cvery well, do you mind if I look at it?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYou may certainly look at it,\u201d the floating creature smiled and hovered back to make room for the Dragonborn.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lorskan stepped over to the table and examined the pieces. On the left lay a giant brass mace. On the right was a thick golden breastplate inlaid with the design of a dragon. Bahamat<\/em>. Lorskan reached into his pack and pulled out his crest, pressing it to his forehead. \u201cHenry,\u201d Lorskan said, looking up again. \u201cAre you sure I can\u2019t have this piece?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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Keyzana approached the Spectator as he explained, in detail, his purpose for being in the Forge of Spells. \u201cI have been employed to guard these items for their buyers.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cYes, but,\u201d Lorskan was saying, his patience clearly growing thin, \u201cthese buyers of yours will not be coming back. They clearly bought these items years ago and are long dead.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cHenry,\u201d Keyzana interrupted, and the creature turned to smile at the Elven wizard. \u201cCan I ask you, who made these things?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cWizards created these pieces. Wizards such as yourself! I was employed by Master Lorenz.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keyzana nodded, her suspicions confirmed. \u201cAnd when is it, exactly, that these items were purchased? Do you remember the year?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cWhy yes, of course! The year was 894 DR. Just last year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, Henry,\u201d the Elf said sadly, moving closer to the giant floating head. \u201cThe year is 1487. These buyers are long gone, I promise you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Spectator\u2019s eyes seemed to quiver, and he looked around at the room, then up to the starry gemstones in the ceiling. His mouth sank. \u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you are employed by the wizards anymore, Henry. You are free to leave this place if you want to!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cL-leave? And go where?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSee the world,\u201d Gundren suggested, coming into the conversation. \u201cOr stay here and be employed by the Dwarves. My brother and I will have this Forge up and running soon enough!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOne last thing, Henry,\u201d Keyzana smiled as he turned again to her. \u201cDo you know the ghost in the room just beyond here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cGhost?\u201d The giant face looked confused again.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNever mind that,\u201d Gundren said with an encouraging grin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cSo,\u201d Lorskan said finally, still eyeing the golden armour, \u201csince the buyers are most certainly not coming back, can I purchase this?<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Across the expansive room, beyond the anvil, rested a stone archway. As Keyzana, Olara and Falkrunn approached it, the sounds of rushing waves came even louder than before. Olara stepped through first and they saw a huge black pool with surging water that echoed through the chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

It looked as though the lake had once been much fuller but had lost some depths and could no longer pass through a grate in the wall up above. Falkrunn surmised the grate would carry water through to the outer waterwheel at the entrance of the forge.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn cast a tiny, flickering flame to pass over the surface of the lake but saw nothing. She tore off her boots, dropped her bags and weapons, and dove into the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

It was ice cold and shot through her body in needles. She surfaced, spluttering and gasping, and waded in the water. She could feel the pulsing of the water, the current passing through and pushing, then pulling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She came back up out of the water a few minutes later, shaking her head at the Elves. \u201cIf there\u2019s something magical in there, I\u2019m not the one to tell.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNeed a quick dry off?\u201d Keyzana asked, and Falkrunn nodded gratefully as the Elf cast a warmth spell over her entire body, drying her clothes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

She picked up her belongings and they returned to the entrance where Flavio, Gundren and Lorskan now stood. \u201cI can sense magic here,\u201d Lorskan said quietly, eyes glazed over.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Without any word of explanation, Lorskan unfurled his wings and, for the first time, they all saw him take flight. He glided over the surface of the lake until he was near the middle, then rose up high in the air, twisted his wings against his body, and dove headfirst into the surface of the water.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They waited with bated breaths as the waves crashed against the rocky shore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Lorskan found a wand at the bottom of the lake in the skeleton hand of a wizard long deceased. The skeleton broke apart as he tried to bring it to the surface, but the wand remained intact. He examined it as they left the lake, then gave it to Olara as he again approached the Spectator alongside Gundren and Flavio.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCome with me,\u201d Falkrunn whispered to Keyzana and Olara, allowing her uncle to go with the others. \u201cI want to get that chest.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They nodded and followed her through the door across the chamber and into the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

They once again approached the alcove where the ghost haunted the chained chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHello, great and noble spirit,\u201d Falkrunn said as the wraith rose up from nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cYou\u2014again,\u201d it said, lacking all enthusiasm.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI have achieved the feat. I have killed the beast, the Spectator, within the Forge.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The ghost eyed her casually, passing a hand into his out stomach and scratching a phantom itch. \u201cDead, you say?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right,\u201d Falkrunn told him proudly. \u201cIt\u2019s dead and gone, so if I could just get what you offered me\u2014as recompense?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The wraith\u2019s eyes finally gleamed. \u201cIt is truly dead? The treasures are mine?<\/em>\u201d He hissed wickedly, rubbing his hands together. \u201cTake a handful from the chest. It\u2019s yours to keep for this great deed.\u201d He waved a hand over the chest and it opened to reveal piles of platinum pieces. An insane wealth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn reached a hand into the chest and scooped out a healthy amount of coins into her jerkin before backing away, bowing her head. She quickly stuffed the platinum into her coin-purse, which was now bursting to the point of tearing the leather lining.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNow I shall go claim my treasures,\u201d the ghost said, and suddenly disappeared into the wall.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn looked back at the Elves and said, \u201clet\u2019s empty this chest, quickly. Take everything you can.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Elves and Dwarf soon had their pockets and bags stuffed with their rich find. Across the chamber, they heard the screeching wail of the wraith. \u201cYou\u2019re supposed TO BE DEAD!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAll part of the plan,\u201d Falkrunn smiled at them. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keyzana slammed the empty chest closed and they charged back towards the forge to defend Henry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Lorskan rebuked the wraith as it charged him, and it pulled back, hissing. Keyzana leapt through the doorway and shot an acid arrow at the phantom, which flew threw its insubstantial form and hit the wall behind it, spraying acid everywhere and causing the wraith to shrink back further.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As Falkrunn\u2019s short Dwarven legs took her into the large room, she cast blindness onto the wraith and it grabbed its face, screeching and clawing. Falkrunn then pulled out her lute and, still moving so the wraith could not pinpoint her, send her bardic inspiration to her uncle as he pulled out his hammer, ready for a fight. Flavio swung his own hammer and the wraith barely managed to avoid it as it sailed through the air.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Henry, floating high above the rest, locked his four smaller tentacled eyes onto the wraith and shook as a bolt of black energy shot from them and hit it straight through the chest. The energy seemed to pass right through the wraith, who was unaffected and still swinging around blindly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lorskan stabbed his longsword into the wraith with a burst of divine smite and it electrified the phantom\u2019s writhing body with light. At the same moment, Olara\u2019s arrow passed through the wraith and pulled off a chunk of its insubstantial form, and Gundren and Flavio\u2019s hammers sliced off another piece. The wraith wailed again and grasped blindly at Flavio, but the human jumped out of its reach.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Henry dipped down and tore the phantom\u2019s robes in his sharp teeth and Keyzana shot out a ray of frost that narrowly avoided it. Finally, Falkrunn leapt up to the floating wraith and stabbed into the form with her longsword. The blade somehow caught the middle of the wraith\u2019s abdomen and, with a final cry of fury, it spread out its arms and exploded in a flash of darkness. Falkrunn landed across that, sheathed her blade, and turned to Henry. \u201cThanks for the help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Henry smiled a huge smile, looking like he’d had the most fun he\u2019d had in centuries, which was probably true.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cOh, and we checked the chest,\u201d Falkrunn said, looking at the others, \u201cand there was nothing in it.\u201d She shrugged and walked away, grinning as she passed the Elves. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cHenry, I, Keyzana the wizard, hereby release you of your contract of employment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Spectator tilted, looking at the small troupe before him, then smiled his last and disappeared from the chamber with a final dip of his head.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lorskan picked up the golden armour and exchanged it for his own with reverence. Gundren picked up the mace and tried a few practice swings, then placed it at his back next to his hammer. \u201cAnyone else ready to get out of here?\u201d He asked, and they all nodded gratefully and left the Forge of Spells behind them. Falkrunn turned at the door for a final look at the flickering green flames surrounding the anvil before stepping away. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

On their way out of the vastness of Wave Echo Cave, they found Reidoth and Nundro resting in one of the stone buildings and helped Falkrunn\u2019s uncle to his feet. They filled them in on their adventures as they made their way across the stone bridge. They took a moment to again glance in at the room with the glowing plants, and also found a barricaded door that held nothing of interest, before moving on.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Finally, they reached the opening they had used to enter the cave and returned to the body of Falkrunn\u2019s other uncle. Nundro and Gundren picked up the body and began their Dwarven chant of mourning, digging into the stone to put him to rest in the proper way. With that, they swore to make the Forge of Spells alive again with the sound of Dwarven pickaxes, Gnomish tinkering\u2019s and the spell-songs of the wizards.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They slept deeply that night by the firelight, thankful to be back under the stars. In the morning, the companions began their march back to Phandalin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

As they neared the town of Phandalin they spotted plume of smoke rising into the clouds and growing thicker as they approached. \u201cIs it the dragon?\u201d Reidoth asked frantically, quickening his pace. \u201cI never<\/em> should have left the town. I must find the villages and see if anyone escaped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

They crested a hill that overlooked the town and took in the scene. Keyzana cast her hawk into the air to survey the area, and relayed back what she saw. \u201cOn the farthest road there are six wagons at least, loaded with supplies stolen from the villages. Near the centre are ransackers going through the buildings and taking whatever they can carry, and in the town\u2019s square are many of the townspeople surrounded by swarms of black cloaks, same as the cultists we saw in Thundertree. And\u2014wait\u2014yes, there is the green dragon. It is in the town\u2019s centre as well, and it looks as though they may be feeding it with the civilians.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn held a hand over her self and cast a disguising spell. The illusion was of a person a foot taller than herself, standing nearly six feet off the ground and wearing a draping black cloak. With a nod to her companions she said, \u201cI\u2019m going in. How do I look?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

When no one answered, she made her way to the wagons at the edge of the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cSure wish we got paid more for this,\u201d Falkrunn grunted in a voice that was her approximation of a young man with an urban accent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The mercenary beside her was helping her stack expensive cutlery out of the inn\u2019s kitchen and throwing it into bags. He turned to her at that comment. \u201cWha, ya don\u2019 think ten gol\u2019 pieces is enough?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn shrugged. \u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work, getting all these screaming civilians out of the way. Say, where\u2019d they put all the townspeople, anyways? You know, our leader…\u201d she trailed off and waved a hand.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man glared at her for a second, his scruffy mustache quivering as he took in her long black cloak. \u201cYuh, Favrick that\u2019d be, righ? Townsqurae, o\u2019 course.\u201d He hesitated, giving her a long look. \u201cWhy\u2019s you helpin\u2019 us empty houses anyways?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d Falkrunn said, leaning over the man with her taller illusion, \u201cI don\u2019t trust mercenaries, and I don\u2019t trust you won\u2019t pocket this for yourselves. You can finish this up, I presume?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man nodded, looking befuddled as he hoisted the heavy-laden bag onto his shoulder and trundled out of the doorway. Falkrunn followed, rushing towards the town\u2019s centre, her illusionary black cloak flying at her ankles.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

\u201cOi, Favrick!\u201d Falkrunn shouted at the man pacing the town\u2019s square. He had just finished his speech to the townspeople, thanking them for their donations to the Dragon Queen. The townspeople, who were surprisingly few in number, looked at each other in fear and huddled close.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The man named Favrick turned to her. \u201cI found something really good in one of the houses over here. You\u2019ve got to see it!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Favrick folded his arms and eyed her. \u201cWho are you, then?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAh, new recruit,\u201d she said, standing straighter. \u201cHail the dragon.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cHail the dragon,\u201d he echoed somewhat suspiciously. \u201cI don\u2019t think I recognize you. What\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cFavrick! Good to see you again!\u201d Lorskan shouted, trotting up behind Falkrunn, golden breastplate covered. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cLorskan,\u201d the man tilted his head to the Dragonborn, a slight smile on his lips, \u201cwell met.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThis one\u2019s with me,\u201d Lorskan nodded over the where Falkrunn stood, and she did her best awkward smile and shuffled closer to the Dragonborn.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cVery well,\u201d Favrick said, then turned to address the townspeople again. \u201cYou have been blessed by the Dragon Queen! You will be further blessed by feeding the great green dragon, Venomfang. Do we have any volunteers?\u201d He paused, scanning the frightened crowd. \u201cNo? No one wants to go first? Very well.\u201d He raised a hand and gestured to the crowd, and two cultists grabbed the arms of a young Elf woman whom Falkrunn recognized as a cleric from the town\u2019s shrine and began to drag her toward the dragon. Venomfang raised his long neck and surveyed the crowd, steam rising from his nostrils. Favrick grabbed the woman\u2019s arm and led her through the crowd himself.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d Falkrunn breathed to Lorskan, and he nodded. \u201cI\u2019m going to try something else,\u201d and she ran off around one of the buildings.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn cast a small spell that gave the illusion of sizzling, mouth-watering meat cooking on a brazier. She pushed the smell towards the dragon. Venomfang turned his head and sniffed, then returned his gaze to the crowd. Falkrunn cursed to herself. I need something stronger,<\/em> she thought, desperately imagining her options. Where is everyone else? Why aren\u2019t they helping?<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cNoble dragon, I present this meal offering to you.\u201d Favrick said, holding the Elf woman by the elbow and bowing low. As he stood straight again, Falkrunn whipped a throwing hammer at the man\u2019s head. It connected with his shoulder and, with a sickening crunch, broke his arm. Falkrunn dove back behind the house, hoping no one had seen her. She heard Favrick yell out, \u201cFIND OUT WHO DID THAT!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Then, the dragon took flight.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Venomfang circled Phandalin, puffing out small plumes of green gas from his open maw as he scanned for enemies. Favrick still screamed below, ordering his followers to round up the fleeing villagers.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keyzana, Flavio and Gundren had snuck into town and stood behind a building near the town\u2019s square. Keyzana cast musical notes, drawing two cultists in their direction. They dispatched the cultists quickly before the dragon approached in their direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

The flying dragon dropped fifteen feet out of the air, awkwardly hitting the top of a building before taking flight again. An arrow shot by the hidden Olara had pierced the beast\u2019s underbelly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Protect the dragon!\u201d Favrick was screaming. \u201cFIND THEM!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Lorskan stood near a building\u2019s entrance and gestured to Favrick frantically. \u201cCome here, man! You\u2019re hurt!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Favrick held a hand to his dislocated shoulder. \u201cLorskan, get out here! We need your help to protect the dragon!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lorskan rushed into the open arena and pointed to where he saw two cultist\u2019s disappear. \u201cLook, they\u2019re over there!\u201d he yelled. As Favrick turned to yell at another of his followers, Lorskan unsheathed his longsword and brought it down in an arch towards the cultist. Favrick turned just in time and caught the blade with his own.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cTraitor<\/em>,\u201d Favrick hissed, pushing back against Lorskan with all his strength.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Flavio took down a cultist with his hammer as Gundren, wielding his newfound brass mace, charged at another and took him down. Falkrunn stabbed a robed figure through the gut as he came to intercept her, her disguise now fooling no one. The dragon flew overhead and spotted its enemies. It opened its massive mouth and belched out a huge, roiling green cloud of gas. The gas filled the air where Gundren, Keyzana and Flavio fought.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

When the gas cleared, Keyzana lay unconscious on the ground and both Gundren and Flavio were hunched over and coughing wretchedly. Olara took her shot and another arrow struck the hide of the dragon as it swooped low. Flavio managed to stand and cast a magical bolt towards the dragon, which struck the side of its neck and flickered in white light. Falkrunn cast a spell of blindness, but the dragon was moving too quickly, and she missed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

With a roar of pain and anger, Venomfang flew swiftly away from Phandalin and out of range. Falkrunn watched in dismay as the dragon glided over the treetops and disappeared in the distance. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Lorskan caught Favrick\u2019s blade as he rushed him and held a leg out, tripping the cultist into the dirt. As the man turned to defend himself, Lorskan drove the blade through his gut. With a gurgle of blood, Favrick died.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Lorskan sheathed his blade, pulled Favrick\u2019s black cloak over himself, conjured Algernon into a white horse apparition, and galloped out of town towards the wagons, which had now left Phandalin in their wake.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

As he approached, there was only one wagon left behind, the others having disappeared far into the trees. He slowed his horse and dismounted. \u201cHalt! Men. We are being attacked in Phandalin! Come back and assist us, and we will reward you handsomely!\u201d He cast a charming spell over the group and they all looked at him with hazy eyes. They all agreed, somewhat befuddled, and as a group ran back into town. Lorskan turned the wagon around and lead it back into Phandalin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Ten mercenaries ran down the road towards Phandalin, much to Falkrunn\u2019s surprise. As they approached, weapons drawn, she conjured a huge cloud of smoke to encompass them. The stinking cloud would fill their lungs with a horrible, poisonous scent, and would incapacitate those who breathed it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The yellowish-green cloud burst out from her hands and eight of the ten mercenaries fell to their knees, retching and heaving. Olara ran up next to the Dwarf and sent an arrow through the chest of one of the still-standing men, and he fell to one knee. Keyzana approached as well and cast a shattering spell that rang loudly in the midst of the retching humans and caused six to keel over, dead and bleeding from the ears. Flavio rushed up and swung a hammer into the second standing mercenary and the blow took him off his feet, barely breathing. Gundren swept in and finished them off with his mace.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Only two mercenaries remained, vomiting profusely and trying to crawl away from the dissipating cloud of odorous smoke. Falkrunn quickly dispersed the rest of the cloud and tied the men up in their weakened state, leaving them for the town\u2019s authorities to deal with.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keyzana was able to ascertain that the wagons were being taken to Neverwinter, to the rest of the Dragon Cult.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

The people of Phandalin began to filter out of the surrounding hills. Many of them had escaped and hidden thanks to Reidoth\u2019s warnings only a few days before. They clutched the heroes\u2019 arms and thanked them profusely. Lorskan returned with one wagon full of their possessions, and they picked through family heirlooms and stolen tools, passing them through the crowd. The Elf woman who had nearly been fed to the dragon approached Falkrunn, who quickly removed her disguising spell, and gave her a hug. \u201cThank you, Dwarf-friend. I don\u2019t know how I can repay you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Falkrunn smiled up at the Elf and patted her arm. \u201cI can\u2019t resist throwing hammers at people\u2019s heads. No thanks necessary.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Elf smiled and turned to the Mayor, who was instructing the townsfolk on how they were going to rebuild the town anew. With a wide grin, Gundren watched the town try and piece itself back together. He didn\u2019t tell them about the Forge of Spells. Not yet. But he knew that once the Dwarves were back where they belonged in the mines of Phandelver, all would be well.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

Keyzana pulled the Mayor aside and handed him a leather coin purse stuffed to the brim with platinum pieces. \u201cHere is the down payment for the manor, plus extra.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Mayor\u2019s eyes widened at the riches. \u201cThis will help us rebuild Phandalin. Thank you,\u201d he smiled, tears forming.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Keyzana smiled back and looked across the town towards Tresendar Manor. \u201cI should thank you. This manor belonged to my family long ago. It\u2019s time we take residence in there once more.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n

\n

The companions gathered their belongings and went to the end of town to say their goodbyes. Lorskan, Gundren and Nundro decided to travel together to Neverwinter. Lorskan, to intercept the cult of the dragon. Gundren and Nundro, to gather their resources and allies to rebuild the Forge of Spells. With a subtle wave of his hand, the Druid Reidoth disappeared in the forest, returning to Thundertree to keep an eye on the dragon, if it had returned there. Keyzana bid them all farewell and headed to the town\u2019s hall to hire workers to begin construction on Tresendar Manor. Olara slipped away into the trees with a simple nod of her head to her companions, searching for a quiet meadow to meditate, she told them, and to find direction. Flavio shook hands with Gundren and agreed to run the priesthood in the mines of Phandelver once they returned from Neverwinter.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

With a sigh, Falkrunn hugged her uncles goodbye and headed Northeast down the road. She wasn\u2019t done her wanderings. She had much left to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

The Dwarf pulled out her lute and strummed the Song of Travels as she left the town of Phandalin, and her companions, behind. As she played, she felt a new and strange magic fill her lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\u201cAll were at peace going their separate ways, to sing new songs til\u2019 their end of days<\/em>,\u201d she sang.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

All were at peace going their separate ways\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

For now, at least.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/main><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The group is in Wave Echo Cave helping out Gundren and Nundro Rockseeker find the Forge of Spells.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":610,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","filesize_raw":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[86,182,17,14,184,15,183,80],"series":[],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy","tag-adventure","tag-amateur-gods","tag-dnd","tag-dungeons-and-dragons","tag-faerun","tag-fantasy","tag-lost-mine-of-phandelver","tag-short-story"],"episode_featured_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Amateur-Gods-Blog-PhotosArtboard-1-copy-7.png","episode_player_image":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/seriously-simple-podcasting\/assets\/images\/no-album-art.png","download_link":"","player_link":"","audio_player":false,"episode_data":{"playerMode":"dark","subscribeUrls":{"amazon":{"key":"amazon","url":"https:\/\/music.amazon.ca\/podcasts\/09c34bbc-b359-49af-a286-31830ed5634c\/short-stories","label":"Amazon","class":"amazon","icon":"amazon.png"},"apple_podcasts":{"key":"apple_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"Apple Podcasts","class":"apple_podcasts","icon":"apple-podcasts.png"},"google_play":{"key":"google_play","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Play","class":"google_play","icon":"google-play.png"},"google_podcasts":{"key":"google_podcasts","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.google.com\/feed\/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbGV4aXN2ZWVuZW5kYWFsLmNvbS9mZWVkL3BvZGNhc3Qvc2hvcnQtc3Rvcmllcw","label":"Google Podcasts","class":"google_podcasts","icon":"google-podcasts.png"},"spotify":{"key":"spotify","url":"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/0lcQCRs52MfYlKs35lVX4K","label":"Spotify","class":"spotify","icon":"spotify.png"},"itunes":{"key":"itunes","url":"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/us\/podcast\/short-stories\/id1621456328","label":"iTunes","class":"itunes","icon":"itunes.png"}},"rssFeedUrl":"https:\/\/blog.alexisveenendaal.com\/feed\/podcast\/default-podcast","embedCode":"

Amateur Gods Pt. 8<\/a><\/blockquote>