A Most Critical Failure

Letter #4

Greetings Family,

I have stupendous news! I believe we have been cleared of all charges regarding our imprisonment in Hillhavencrestfordshire. I know you were all worried from my last letter, but things have certainly taken a better turn.

It started when we reached our final trial, a long hallway with no apparent danger. We knew our final key was at the end. Avenar was confident and decided to teleport as far as possible, but that is when the trouble started. In a humorous scene, multiple arrows pelted my eldran friend. Do not worry; they were not real arrows, covered in some padding. Needless to say we all had a good chuckle at Mr. Stuffypants falling all over himself.

When we retrieved our final key, we knew where we had to go. Fragment was feeling some sort of negative energy from the other side of that ominous door. Our keys proved effective as they opened to reveal the head of the S.S. Mr. Konrad and the leader of the town, Mr. Bradfjord standing in front of this, sort of, vertically standing pool. They seemed very angry with us and I have no idea why. I knocked first as you always taught me.

A horrible scene happened next. Some sort of chained beast emerged from the pool pulling with him horrible creatures. Skeletons and flying imps were literally thrown at us, as Mr. Konrad and Mr. Bradfjord were incapacitated. There was no turning back now.

This was the first time I truly feared for not only my life, but that of my comrades. There were so many enemies. Luckily, that extra-curricular class on anti-necromancy finally proved effective. The beasts fell as I channeled Corellon’s judgment, he truly is wonderful.

Amazingly, that chain beast sent some sort of black goopy thing at Fragment! I knew he was acting odd before we entered the chamber. I think there was some link with what Fragment was searching for and this ritual. He was knocked unconscious when the goop hit him and for a while he only spoke gibberish. The lazy beast awoke a few moments later, but he was different. I haven’t been able to talk to him in depth about it, but his magic seems to be changed, more words involved. He reminds me of you Thia.

I later found that Dragonborn friend from earlier, chained to a wall being attacked by an imp. Tried as I might I couldn’t free him and had to leave him up there to help my friends. When I chose the life of a cleric, I never imagined I would have to balance fighting and healing. Its like trying to blend logic and chaos, a foul mix indeed.

As my friends fought, I ran to get a magic spell book that Mr. Bradfjord had dropped. To be honest, I was more interested in its binding date. (Speaking of which, I hope you have been taking care of my ancient texts. Make sure they stay as dry as possible; I know how humid it gets during the harvest months.) Despite my interests, I couldn’t decipher the book amidst the battle. I rushed to my allies’ aid. I know now that my healing is getting better. It isn’t about the strength of the spell, but when you use it. I have to admit, fighting may be unsavory, but if tactics were a meat t’would be the most savory in the land.

I did manage to land a few hits on the chaindevil, but Balasar and McBrune really did do most of the damage. Fragment’s new abilities were also of help, but I have yet to see the full extent of them. After what seemed liked hours, the devil dissolved into a puddle, finally erased from existence.

Afterwards, we revived the Dragonborn and Mr. Bradfjord, Konrad was not as lucky. Avenar was getting a little too magichappy and wanted to see what was on the other side of that portal. We talked some sense into him and he agreed to close the portal for good. This is why I stay away from the dark magics, too much temptation. Corellon is the only truth I need.

We are walking back to town now. Balasar is carrying Mr. Bradfjord and I am confident that since we saved both him and the town, we will all be pardoned. I feel much stronger now and I have a few ideas for new spells. Do you think that I am strong enough to return home? Please write again soon.

Love,
Silale

Letter 3: By Silale

Dear Family,

Please forgive me for sending a lizard instead of the usual owl. I apologize for not writing back sooner. Despite anything you may have heard, my group and I were arrested under false pretenses. Hillhavencrestfordshire may be one of the more well known towns in the area, but that does not mean their legal system is anything stupendous. I know that you have always taught me to abide by the rules of whatever town I am in, Mother and Father, but this is a special case. We believe the government here is corrupt beyond saving, and I feel it is my obligation, as a follower of Corellon to help set things straight. Please, PLEASE don’t be angry with me!

It was my companions’ fault. They thought it was a good idea to sneak around the back alleys like common thieves. No wonder we were arrested! This gave me some time to get to know my cellmate, Fragment, a bit more. Even though he enjoys attacking fleeing enemies and has an unhealthy obsession with tails, he is very devoted for his family. His words inspired me to want to see you all once more…prompting me to blast open my cell door. I know you said to never use Grandmother’s crest for mindless property damage, but it was a special situation. I promise. Anyway, that was nothing compared to what Balasar did to his jail cell. Ripping large chunks from walls and using it to kill two guards is much worse in comparison.

When we all managed to escape our cells, we noticed a magical door, a pedestal with three deep holes and an overall feeling of doom. Father, from your insight about the gnolls may be correct, and I think that this is their leader’s stronghold. The marking we found is everywhere.

Luckily for us, the rest of the guards were gathered in the mess hall for the midday meal, so we were free to wander the dungeon for a way to escape.

We came across a Warforged, and your tales of these things were correct Mother. Not only did I not manage to do much damage with my magic, it seemed to be completely void of life. A metal man with no soul, truly frightening. McBrune had thrown me an object he found and that only seem to enrage the monster, chasing after me with unquenchable fervor. The beast was felled with teamwork, as we progressed onto further challenges. It was only after the battle we realized that the object thrown to me could be used in opening the aforementioned, magical door. We set out to find the rest.

Fire Beetles met us next! Only much larger than your traveling stories Mother! We found another room where these beasts were protecting chests that, we deduced, contained the objects we desired. I helped to destroy the beasts, knocking them back to their cages. Despite what you may believe family, my strength is a product of the prophecy. If ungodly power seems to overwhelm me at times, it is only because I am training very hard to meet my requirements for returning.
After the second trial, we progressed into a room with a giant boulder! It was quite frightening indeed! I did; however, have the brilliant idea to climb atop Balasar’s shoulders to

reach higher ground. Balasar was not as lucky, as he was run over by the boulder. Do not feel sorry for him though, his scales and armor have protected him from worse. I’m sure he felt nothing. Our group faced off against another group of Warforged, hoping to retrieve a few more possible keys. During the battle, Avenar renamed a few of his spells, but it only seemed to make them fizzle through the air with a loud yawn. I think it may be the brand of leaf he tends to smoke. It cannot be very healthy for his mind, nor his mana.

I am now watching the magical rock roll beneath me. My companions are figuring out a way to stop it so we can get out of this room. Let me know when the harvest is supposed to come in. I would like to return to celebrate Corellon’s bounty in the coming months.

Lovingly yours,
Silale