A Most Critical Failure

The Tale of 5 young adventurers, cast together by fate, and a few online game tables....

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