Lord Barius D’Averon stared at the scribed parchment before him. It had been weeks since he’d last heard from his uncle and the elusive tracker had yet to return. As much as he hated what was to come next, it was necessary. He calculated his options once again. As much as he wished it were possible, he couldn’t enlisted his own men to carry out the search. The dark elves were maneuvering dangerously close to his protected lands, these movements resulted in a counter responses of the various dragonkin broods that had taken residence on the island. With so many encroaching threats the majority of his loyal soldiers were occupied. Outpost itself was being protected by little more than a skeleton crew and he couldn’t risk devoting any more men elsewhere.
Reading the freshly written words one final time, Barius sighed and finally rolled the missive into a scroll. Pressing his seal into the rapidly drying wax he signaled one of the ravens perched upon the window sill. The dark feathered bird flew to him and landed upon his cushioned arm. “Deliver this to the River Clan.” The bird waited for him to magically shrink the scroll and affix it to its leg before it took flight and glided away.
Barius watched the raven shrink into the distance. He hated having to request the aid of the private factions that had formed in the chaos that was Taldora. His mind drifted to his previous engagements with the River Clan and he found himself wondering what price they would demand for undergoing such a perilous journey. Coin wasn’t so much of a concern. His family name ensured he had enough to pay any price asked of him, as well as keep the town funded until the local economy could carry itself. But his was a different sort of job. This was personal. It would likely require a personal price. Fortunately, he’d already been prepared to offer such a payment. Whether they accepted it or not was a different story altogether.
It took some time before word reached him that the River Clan had answered his summons. When it did he had them brought to the court room.
Barius was a little surprised to see how few had come, though it made sense they hadn’t abandoned the land they’d claimed as their own to answer his call. It was a harsh reminder he wasn’t home and not everyone was willing to drop everything to answer his call. Before him stood Luc Lambour, the high elf rogue who’d held council with him a few times before. Perceptions told him Luc was the unofficial leader of the River Clan, though they seemed to operate as a general council following his lead. Additionally, a Vulpine cleric by the name of Jupiter had come. This vulpine seemed to be second in command if not the challenging leader of the small clan. And lastly, a high elf fighter calling himself Art. The trio approached the throne and bowed in respect.
Barius gestured them stand and got right into business. “I apologize for the abrupt summons and I appreciate you making the trip. When last we spoke my uncle was heading into the catacombs in search of information on the dark elf threat. I regret to inform you he has yet to return. Were he only a day or two late I could understand such delay as the catacombs are no easy place to navigate. I entered them once in my youth and never wish to return. But it’s been over a week and I fear the worst. If your clan is amicable, I request you enter the catacombs via the entrance he showed you and see if you can find him. Even if all you gain is confirmation of his death, it would provide more information than we currently have.”
The trio listened intently, taking a moment once Barius had finished speaking to talk amongst themselves. After a brief private discussion, Luc smiled at Barius and asked the question he knew was coming. “What pay are you offering?”
“Five gold per person and the title of Sheriff of Outpost along with all benefits such a title awards. Whomever from your clan you choose to appoint as Sheriff would have my authority to uphold justice and protect those in need. They would be able to appoint up to four additional deputies and would act in full capacity as my personal law enforcement brigade. The Sheriff and his or her deputies would receive lodging at the bunkhouse and full access to the jail as well as armory. The Sheriff would receive two gold per month. Each deputy would receive one gold per month. The only restriction is my laws must be enforced. There is to be no thievery, murder, or skullduggery in my name. If you accept this title you agree to my terms and will be held accountable should any member of your clan be found guilty of my laws.”
The present members of the River Clan though for a moment, considering the offer. Finally, Art broke the silence. “How about an additional silver for each dark elf ear we bring you?”
Barius had to suppress a chuckle at the proposal. He’d once met a mercenary group who used dark elf ears as a form of currency at advance rank and status among their trope. “While I commend your dedication to defeating our common enemy, I’m afraid I have to decline your offer. Not only do I fear how much coin you’d take from me under such an arrangement, I have no desire to redecorate my halls in severed ears. It’s not very hygienic. Though I know a few people who would happily agree to your terms were they here. However, I understand the perils you will be facing for me and I wish to help however I can. I’ve made arrangements for the local Mage’s Guild to offer you some magical protections but it will require you to gather a few spell components. I would happily provide these reagents myself but I’m told the spell requires personal effort on your part in order to be as strong as it can be and therefore, you’ll have to accrue them for yourselves.”
There was a moment of silence before Barius continued. “So I take it you agree to my terms?”
Luc shared a silent glance with his comrades before returning his attention to Barius. “I believe we are in agreement on the coin, though we’ll have to get back to you on the offer of Sheriff. That’s something we’d like to discuss with the rest of our clan.”
“I understand. And I assume per out usual agreement, you wish for half pay up front?”
“Of course.”
Barius signaled one of his attendants who rushed forward and extended a small coin purse to each of the visitors. They happily accepted them, and went to work counting the coin inside. Finding the agreed partial payment, they headed toward the door. They needed to gather a few things to perform this protection spell, not to mention catacombs entrance was a few hours beyond their own protected lands and it would take time to ensure they had everything they needed.
***
A few hours had passed before the River Clan found themselves standing at the entrance to the catacombs. The opening in the earth didn’t look any different than it had the previously time they’d stood here. It was overgrown with vegetation and stone surrounding a hole of darkness. The ground was quite a bit more disturbed than it had been previously but it was far from a well traveled path. As before, the other members of the clan had chosen to remain behind to defend their investments.
“Well, shall we?” Luc asked, gesturing to the opening.
Art started forward, entering the dark chasm. The others followed, being swallowed by darkness. It didn’t take long before the light of the surface world had fully forsaken them and the group found themselves surrounded in darkness. Though it seemed darker than it should have been. They were still close enough to the entrance that their eyes should have adjusted to the low light but there was nothing to be seen whatsoever.
Before they could register what was happening, flame erupted from the darkness, illuminating the unnaturally dark corridor. The magical fire shimmered against the magical protections enveloping them. Dark elves surrounded them, stumbling over each other to get at the intruders.
“To arms!” Art shouted, taking a defensive position. He spun around, making a wide arc with his sword, cutting into the dark elves.
Luc and Jupiter entered the fray, defending themselves as much as they were cutting down every dark elf who came at them.
Their world was utter chaos for what seemed like an eternity that took place in the blink of an eye. When the last dark elf fell they found themselves panting from near exhaustion and already ready to leave the darkness around them. To their surprise it wasn’t as dark as it had been, as if their low light vision had started working in the absence of the enemy. The realization reminded them that dark elves had an unnatural ability to cloak themselves in darkness, which seemed to block out all other light.
Jupiter grabbed a torch and struck her flint to bring it to life. The flickering firelight illuminated the cavern showing them the details they hadn’t been able to see before. It seemed many had fallen prey to the dark elves in this ambush. Remains, both fresh and long decayed were strewn about the cavern, now cluttered with dark elf corpses. Nothing of value remained, having been pilfered long ago. Even the dark elves themselves had little more than tattered rags and rusted weaponry.
After a brief discussion, deciding to use the torchlight as warning to dark elf presence, the trio continued deeper into the catacombs. They fought several other groups, narrowly surviving each encounter before they caught sight of something unexpected. They started seeing dark elf corpses in places they hadn’t traveled yet. On guard, they pressed forward into a bottlenecked corridor where they came face to face with their query. The last time they’d met the man, he’d said his name was irrelevant, and therefore those who met him called him that.
“You ready for more you dark skinned bastards–Wait, you aren’t dark elves. What are you doing down here?”
“Lord Barius sent us to find you.” Jupiter said.
“The lad was getting worried, was he? Well, I can’t say I’m not happy to see you. I don’t even know how long they’ve had me stuck here. They just keep coming in waves. I’ll take a few out only for them to attack from the other side.”
Luc stepped to the forefront, sealing a glance down the tunnel the scout had gestured. “Are you hurt?” He gestured for Jupiter to heal him without waiting for an answer.
“Aye, they got my leg pretty good.”
A glowing light formed in the clerics hand as her healing magic spread into the injured limb, mending the wound almost immediately.
A sigh of relief escaped the scout as he tested the healing leg. “That’s much better. If you cleared the way to the entrance, I suggest get get out of here before the next wave arrives. I have information Barius needs to know immediately.”
A stampede of charging footfalls came echoing from the dark. The flickering torchlight began to dim as magical darkness started to overtake the room. A roar of battle cries echoed off the rough stone walls.
The four of them brought their weapons to bear, ready to defend against the nearing horde.
“Jupiter, get him to the surface. We’ll hold them off as long as we can!”
Jupiter grabbed the scout’s arm, pulling him back the way they’d come. He was hesitant to leave at first but couldn’t deny the information he carried was more important than dealing with a few dozen more dark elves. Nodding his agreement, the scout willingly followed her to the entrance and took a defensive stance just outside, waiting for the other to follow.
As soon as the scout was safe, Jupiter circled back, reinforcing Art and Luc as they fought their way through the caverns, back toward the entrance. It was a long and tiring battle but the finally reached the sunlight, the pursuing dark elves reluctant to follow. The few who did were quickly dispatched.
***
Upon entry into Lord Barius’ Keep the group was promptly escorted to the court room. The scout marched forward and greeted his nephew as family, whereas the River Clan held back awaiting address. The scout held a few quiet words with Barius before breaking away and leaving through a side door.
Turning to the trio, Barius smiled. “I thank you for bring my uncle home. I have yet to hear what important information he carries is but he said it’s something you’ll want to stick around for. You are welcome to all public areas within the keep. Any food you wish, the kitchen will have it prepared. If you require it, you have but to ask, but I request you stick around to hear what he has to say.”
Tossing another coin purse to the group, paying them the remainder of their fare, he gestured for their dismissal.
The trio explored the stone and wood halls for a time before finding themselves in the mess hall. There they feasted and reveled in their victory, talking amongst themselves and counting their newly acquired coin.
A short time later they were summoned back to the court room, where they were told a tale of intention. The dark elves were planning to strike at the surface world. They had uncovered the means to perform a dark ritual, one which would cripple all of them if nothing was done. They learned of the dragonkin camp to the south and that their brood mother was responsible for delaying the dark elf incursion.
After hearing what news the scout known as irrelevant carried, the three members of the River Clan were asked to go south to the dragonkin camp and see what negotiations could be made for a formal alliance against the dark elves.
The trek was long and tiring but relatively uneventful. When they arrived they were greeted by a collection of reptile-men who guarded the pass into the fortified camp beyond. There was some distrust between both groups, though it was pout on hold when a band of dark elves struck, forcing the party to take up arms.
After the fight, negotiations were quick to end with the party promising to deliver the artifact known as The Eye of Sulis. They returned to the Outpost Keep with news of this promise. The only problem was they did not have the artifact. It was in possession of an orc member of the Elite Guard, Geno, who was otherwise occupied elsewhere. The party sent out missives in search of Geno’s assistance, in hopes he would surrender the now powerless artifact.
During their wait they took dinner and eventually, had to come to the realization that they could not acquire the artifact, regardless if its protector would willingly give it up or not. It was not physically available for them to use. Nevertheless, just as the sun was beginning its descent into night, an unexpected visitor arrived to speak with them.
The green dragon and brood mother of the green dragonkin marched into the court room. She was not pleased with the meddling of the mortals and even less so that they promised to return the Eye of Sulis to her kin after she made the effort to remove it from the dark elves and send it away in the first place.
She was harsh in her scolding and vowed that she would not involve her brood in the coming war. They would fight it their own way and did not need them as allies, though the other broods might hold a different opinion of their plight.
The green mother left and as she flew away, the sky went unnaturally dark. Moments after that a dark elf army marched on Outpost. The outer gate to the wildlands was destroyed and the town was in chaos.
Using the information gained from his uncle, Barius tasked the party with once again going into the underdark and finding those responsible for performing the dark ritual. He had to lead his forces into battle to keep the town safe.
The party quickly made their way through the chaos and battle. They located Crystal, a fourth member of the River Clan, who provided them with magical elements to aid them in their trip to the underdark. They also took this time to visit a local magic shop and bartered for some ingredients needed to make their plan work. At the same time, while the shop keep was distracted, they managed to steal a few magical scrolls.
With a plan, Crystal was sent to hide as the battle spilled into town. The three party members each used an Astral Travel scroll to traverse their way to and into the catacombs of the underdark without having to deal with the attacking dark elves.
Their trek was interrupted by various shadows and wraiths who grew in number and intensity the longer they stayed in the astral plane, but they found their way into the underdark until they encountered a dark elf with truesight and ethereal weaponry. It was a long and difficult fight but they managed to come out on top. Deciding the astral travel was no longer necessary, they ended the spell’s influence and returned to the physical plane.
Chanting could be heard in the distance. They followed the corridors in search of it, fighting those who they came in contact with. They managed to defeat and capture a few dark elves along the way, interrogating them for information but little was gained, either through torture, magical means, or suicide to prevent answering.
As they neared the chanting, a disembodied voice urged them to turn back, sending them running in terror or attacking their allies. Eventually, they overcame this compulsion, ignoring the voice, though is still spoke to them.
They located the ritualist and slaughtered them, ending the darkness spell but it was too late. They’d fallen into the trap of something much more powerful than they were expecting.
As they walked the cavern walls became smooth. The smooth walls turned to carved stone. And they found themselves in a familiar Keep, the Keep in Outpost.
Outside their number, there was no one else. They explored the fortified structure, sitting on the throne and raiding the treasure room. Nobody stopped them. Nobody was present to question them. They were all alone.
Luc, being uncomfortable with the solitude, set the treasury aflame. To escape the immolation, they fled into the ruins of Outpost. The town gate was destroyed and vines and vegetation pulled at the buildings and walls, trying to reclaim what was carved out by the mortals. The wildlands were taking back what belonged to them.
As sanity slipped away, their every wish was granted. Their requests were made real, missing friends and family were brought before them, desires were fulfilled. And each passing moment drove them toward madness.
Jupiter, the group’s cleric struck down Luc by stabbing him in the back. She and Art fled back to the Keep and into the catacombs, searching for a way out, a way back to where they’d come from. Whether they made it back or not, they can’t be certain.
Luc, unable to find death far beneath the mysterious lands of Taldora awoke to true and complete darkness. His only companion was the disembodied voice who’d warned him not to proceed. They spoke, no lie given. Questions were answered. Answers were truthful, if not believed. And finally, Luc requested to leave, which was granted.
He walked, following direction from the voice, until he found his way to an opening and returned to the surface world.
He returned to Outpost and had a private meeting with Barius, telling him the treat of what he’d encountered. He left the meeting troubled and went to find his daughter, who refused to come with him. Luc then, boarded the first ship bound for the mainland and abandoned Taldora to it’s fate.