Five Year Mission

Prince Farin had saved our lives, at least for now. In exchange for Farin's soul, Perinor had a five year truce. Five years of peace in which we would be allowed to ready a fighting force to beat back the devil army. Tiamat's forces would attack none bearing the Perinor standard and no Perinor soldier would be allowed to take a shot at an emissary of Tiamat. It was either a very clever move demonstrating Farin's faith in his citizens, or a very stupid move, dooming us to five years of paranoia. Personally, I was leaning toward the second opinion.

With the heir dead and the king in his second infancy, the counsel was left with the problem of solving the situation. With the limited resources of the island chain and small population, there was no way Perinor could raise a force large enough to defeat the horde that would reappear in five years. It was decided that members of the Order of the Rampant Dragon would be sent out in ships to seek aid, weapons, and resources in the distant lands across the oceans surrounding the island nation.

General Karthus was tasked with dividing the Order into suitable adventuring parties and readying the ships they would be traveling on. Impressed by our battle with the dragon and by our willingness to reenter the castle even as Tiamat was knocking down the walls, the good general knew immediately who to select for the initial party: Garn, dragonborn warlord; Markas, half-elf paladin of the Raven Queen; Vixi, tiefling warlock; Kalena, human wizard; Travis, human rogue; Kyri, elven ranger; Tavia, human cleric of Kord; and Rhegar, dragonborn paladin of Bahamut. The eight of us had already proven to have a complimentary mix of styles and the ability to work together. Karthus was certain we could work out any additional rough edges on the long sails between land masses. Other groups would be sent out as soon as additional vessels and crews could be readied, but the Southern Stream would leave Aurincia in six days time.

I stood on the castle battlements watching the activity in the harbor. The past four days had been spent helping the citizens of Aurincia rebuild their lives, but all I wanted right now was some time to think. My solitude was interrupted when I heard a voice say, "You're just like Merrab, you know. Fighting the fact that you have a destiny even when it's hitting you over the head."

I turned and saw an elderly halfling climbing up the last few steps. Her hair was the color of seagull wings and the light morning breeze ruffled through the rich gold and blue robes of a senior clergy member. I recognized Bishop Jorda instantly and went over to take her arm. She was an old adventuring companion of Merrab's and I had met her on previous trips to Aurincia. Ignoring her comment, I chided her, well in as much as a junior cleric can chide a senior bishop. "If you needed to see me Madam Bishop, you need only to have sent a message. No need to push your knees up those stairs."

Her eyes twinkled as she too looked out over the bustling harbor. "Ah, but then I would not have been able to enjoy this fine sea breeze. Besides you have been avoiding the temple."

I turned my eyes downward and scuffed my foot against the stones. I had been taught to be polite to my elders but Bishop Jorda annoyed me as much as Merrab in one of his moods. They were both all secrets and riddles and twinkles in the eyes. "Is there a reason you're up here? I'm a cleric of Kord because I am the third child of Lucan Windbender and the third son or daughter of a Windbender has always become a cleric of Kord since before Perinor was settled by humans. Kord doesn't have a plan for me. He doesn't even particularly like me! First, he blows my ship off course and then I arrive in the middle of the apocalypse!"

The halfling locked her deep brown eyes onto mine and I was reminded that I was speaking to a bishop of the order and not my mentor. "Just because we are not privy to the greater design, doesn't mean there is no larger plan. Had you arrived on schedule, you would not have met your companions and they would not have fared so well against that dragon that was guarding the castle. Serveral people in the temple of Pelor would have perished if not for your healing touch. And you would have been fighting at the main gates when Tiamat launched her main attack."

Her eyes softened again, and she gripped my shoulder reassuringly. "But none of those things came to pass. And here you are standing on this battlement, ready to set off on tommorrow's tide. I came up here this morning because I have something to give you." The bishop pulled a round bronze disc from one of the pockets in her robe. Reaching up, she removed the holy symbol from my own robes and began working the pin on the back of the disc through the thick fabric. "Bishop Delany was carrying this Symbol of Life when he fell at the front gates." Jorda explained.

The holy symbol was beautifully worked bronze. There was a braided loop where the disc could be strung around the neck cleverly hidden alongside the pin. The holy symbol of Kord, a longsword with a bolt of lightning as the cross guard and held in a fist of strength was worked in lapis and amber. Shocked, words tumbled from my mouth. "Shouldn't it go to his successor then?"

Bishop Jorda smoothed the fabric of my robes where it had wrinkled. "Suna is more of a fighter than a healer. I think it will do you and your companions more good than it would here in the city. I have faith that the Order of the Rampant Dragon will be able to bring us the help we need to save Perinor." She turned and began making her way to the stairs. As she reached the top, she called over her shoulder. "And you had better write to Merrab. The old coot is going to be in a tizzy when he finds out what you landed in. A word from you will calm him down better than anything I can say to him."

She left me then, bright morning sun glinting off my new holy symbol. I was in more shock then when I had found out my profession had been decided generations before I was born.

Joining the Order

I was shaken awake at dawn by a royal page, who told me an assembly had been called in the courtyards and my presence was requested. Having spent the night in the infirmary, I was surprised to see roughly two dozen people waiting. Unlike the hopefuls I had encountered on the road, this group were seasoned fighters and casters. One of the guards gave Farin a nod as the last few stragglers appeared on the yard. Travis was one of the late-comers, face carefully blank but his muscles wound tighter than a clock spring. I had the feeling that he run afoul of the law in these parts more than once.

Farin praised the efforts of the assemblage. “I am grateful for the great deeds accomplished during the night. I have heard tales of temples and homes saved from certain destruction. Numerous acts of bravery allowed citizens of Aurincia to escape to safety. Dragons, including one preventing access to this very castle, have been slain. I know you came here to compete for the chance to join the Order of the Rampant Dragon. Your presence here this morning is a far better test of your constitution and bravery than any contest I could have devised. I am hereby inducting all present into the Order.”

“But your trials are not over. The forces of evil are set to drag this world down into the long night. The forces of Tiamat still hold Aurincia under siege, but it takes more than a rag-tag group of devils and Abishai to take us down. The city will hold and Perinor will prevail. I hope that I can count on each of you to help us take back the city.” I saw Travis looking about nervously out of the corner of my eye, while Markas, Rhegar, and several other paladins looked expectedly resolute. “Take some time to replenish your ammunition from our stores and my captains can give you more information on where help is needed most.”

Having no need for a weapon other than my quarterstaff, I stayed in the courtyard. Mulling about I inquired after Kord’s preiesthood. Several had been seen in the fight for the western gate, but no one could tell me where their activities were concentrated this morning. Probably still at the gate. I was secretly pleased with the lack of information. It meant I could stay with my companions from last night, and I had enough experience to know that we could continue to work well together. Vixi was the first to returned and I chatted with her as the rest of our little group appeared in the yard. Unconsciously we gathered together, our journey through the city forming small ties between us.

One of the generals noticed our group and headed purposefully in our direction, two clerics in tow. “We saw your skirmish with the little red in front of the gates last night. It took extraordinary bravery to take on the beast without knowing what awaited you inside. I was hoping the eight of you could assist me with a difficult task.” I nodded my head for him to go on and saw Kyri, Garn, and Rhegar doing the same. “Good. Vecyn and Manosis arrived just before sunrise with news of a dire situation at the temple of Pelor. It seems a large number of the populace have sought sanctuary there and the priests feel that such as large grouping will attract unwanted attention. I need you to go and bring the children and injured back here where they will have more protection.” I had been twirling my staff idly about my hand, an old habit I perform when I am considering my options. Grinning, I looked straight at the weary clerics. “Since no one can tell me the where abouts of Kord’s clergy, I am free to pick a cause of my choice. I offer you my staff in your endeavor.” The others soon chimed in their agreement.

We headed out immediately. Travis and Kyri alternated scouting duties for the party as we trekked through the streets. Kalena was able to find an entrance to the sprawling catacombs beneath the city streets and we emerged less than 5 blocks from the temple. Rather than continue to creep around, Garn and the paladins decided it was time for a show of strength. Drawing their weapons and spreading sneers across their faces, we strode boldly down the street. The effect was fairly impressive and the minor devils menacing the temple doors took off at a sprint as we approached.

One hundred and fifty or so souls were crowded inside the cathedral. I moved about performing small healing chants as Kyri and Rhegar consulted with the presiding bishop about the situation. Kalena and Vixi began selecting the youngsters, mothers and walking wounded who could make the trip back to the castle. Travis kept watch while Garn and Markas counseled those that would be staying on defense tactics. In the end we had about thirty citizens. Knowing that we would no longer be able to bully our way through the devil patrols and that our speed would be significantly slowed, the eight of us circled to brainstorm on the problem. It was Kyri that came up with the solution. “We bluff. We don the tabards we picked up at the docks and say we are bringing new slaves to the Abishai.” Rhegar stood furiously, icy smoke curling around his muzzle. “I will not put on such filth! It is blasphemy to Bahamut!” He snarled. “It would be much easier if you would but since you refuse you will not ruin our gamble.” I said, pointedly. One of the monks found a robe large enough to cover the dragonborn and his plate armor and he slipped it over his head, still muttering.

Our party set to go we slipped through the doors and onto the street. I led the way back to the catacombs with Garn beside me, playing the role of a loyal lieutenant. Despite our preparation, we encountered no patrols along the way and I could sense the apprehension of the party growing as we neared the castle. Popping out of the crypts, we were confronted with the reason behind our easy walk. The entire army of marched on the castle gates. Devils and dragonborn brusiers were too numberous to count. Eight abishai surrounded a dark woman on a raised dias who could only be Tiamat herself. I could hear Rhegar cursing the avatars in rumbling draconic. “Don’t even think about attacking and jeopardizing the lot of us.” Garn warned him.

We hurried behind the army to the temple of the Raven Queen and left the terrified civilians with clerics there. With the drawbridge under attack and time running out, we had one option left. Eight bodies splashed in the water. Ugh. I forgot how hard it is to swim while wearing chainmail. I thought as the weight pulled me under. Garn and Rhegar were also having problems staying afloat. Kyri tossed out a rope as Kalena pulled herself up on the platform. Markas and Travis also reached the dock, and Markas pulling a rope from his own pack as Travis turned to the lock on the door. Finally we all reached the dock and barely taking time to breathe, charged up the stairs to the courtyards. We arrived just in time to see Prince Farin negotiating with Tiamat. A wicked smile spread across her face, as she clasped his hand and the two vanished into thin air. The Abishai blew a retreat and the devils and monsters scurried back to their ships, looks of triumph spread across their faces. The high counsel stood dumbly in the courtyard, as shocked by what they had seen as the rest of us.

A Small Red Dragon

Standing near the edge of the city, my companions and I looked out over the once proud capitol. The moonlight illuminated overturned carts, smashed windows, and bags of possessions strewn across the dirty streets. Fires torched houses and shops throughout the city and sounds of fighting and looting saturated the air. Miraculously, some portions of the city looked untouched. I doubted they would stay that way for long. "Let's get down before someone realizes we aren't on the guest list." I heard someone mutter. I don't know who it was but I have a feeling it may have been Garn. Smart dragon.

By the time my feet touched the cobblestones, a debate was raging about how we should proceed. The only thing anyone could agree on was that the seven of us should not split up. Garn pointed out that though we promised to help open the front gates, the forces there were too strong to ambush without some sort of reinforcement. Kyri, obviously worried about her family, insisted that we head for the castle. Rhegar believed the castle would be lost and that we should start fighting anything that came across our path. Thankfully he didn't insist on trying to take the gates anyway. Kalena suggested that a temple might be best, having noticed that a small temple of Sehanine had been left untouched. I admitted that while the devils attacking Aurincia might not be able to set foot on the hallowed ground of city temples, such places would more likely be filled with sick than fighters. The temple of Kord will of course be empty as its clerics and paladins are on the front lines or dead by now, I thought but kept the notion to myself. In the end, heading to the castle won out, if only because we didn't know enough about the situation to make going anywhere else sound like a good idea. At best, those in the castle could at least replenish our gear and maybe even offer up some help. At worst, well hey at least we would know what the enemy looked like.

Travis stripped the tabards of Tiamat from the corpses. He handed them out to the party with a "Might need these later." Rhegar sneered at the cloth but stuffed it into his bag. Kyri scouted ahead, her lithe frame and woodland gear hiding her in the shadows. Rhegar, still a bit steamed from not being able to jump into battle, caught a group of four underlings unaware. After slapping the mouthiest one around for a bit, the wretched thing couldn't talk fast enough, giving us the location of the local guard patrols and his lieutenant. I wrung my hands on my quarterstaff. The paladin reminds me too many of the toughs I knew back in Farport. His antics are going to get us in trouble.

I didn't feel the need to push our luck further after Rhegar's little display. Remembering a peculiar custom of Aurincia I'd read about, I led my companions over to the wall, we slipped into a series of forgotten alleyways that had been boarded over in some past construction project. As we emerged, Garn took us down another path. Unfortunately, the exit to this one was swarming with diabolical types, and we ended up backtracking part of the route. About this time, Kalena spotted a Raven Queen temple less than ten blocks from the castle moat. A paladin could be seen guarding the gates and we decided to head inside for a short rest to regroup.

Inside the temple was much as I thought it would be. Scared and injured civilians crowded the main room. Near the alter a group of children cried out for parents who were not present. In the back, a crying mother clung to her youngest child, its wan skin and shallow breathing announcing that he would die before the sun rose. An elderly cleric circled the room offering words that held no comfort, an almost smug look on his face. Death permeated the city and the Raven Queen would find herself surrounded by new arrivals this night. For the first time it struck me how much destruction I had been involved in tonight. I glared at the old priest as he passed me. Kord might like to drop me in the middle of a battlefield, but at least he doesn't make me a carrion eater.

Thankfully, the younger priests realized that most of the room wanted safety and not lectures on the blessings of the Raven Queen and kept their mouths shut. I turned and began to wander the room offering small healing prayers where they would help and words of comfort where they would do no good, wishing there was more I could do. Kalena struck up a conversation with the young paladin on guard. "I wish I knew more," I heard him say, "but I just don't get out much." He hung his head in regret and I saw Garn clap him reassuringly on the shoulder.

With nothing further to do in the temple, we continued toward the castle. Markas, the paladin, joined our procession, commenting that a warrior should not hide away while evil prowls the streets. We were within sight of the drawbridge when Kyri came stumbling back toward us, her face whiter than the pages of my ritual book. In quick, shuddering speech punctuated by elven I couldn't understand, she told us how when scouting ahead she had fallen in direct view of a small red dragon. Terrified, she scrambled back into the shadows and came back to warn us.

Clustered behind one looted house and the charred remains of another, we watched the dragon. "Isn't there another way in?" I asked. "Well there is a dock on the moat." said Kyri. "Yes, but to reach it we would need to fight our way back to the docks, find a boat, and run the blockade to enter the channel," replied Garn. Meanwhile, Kalena had been focused on the dragon, her fingers moving nimbly and an eldrich chant slipping from her lips. "I can't see any magical traps, and the dragon looks like it might be compelled." The info shut us up momentarily, then everyone began whispering at once. "Who's compelling it?" "It's a dragon! Does it matter?" "Yes it matters! It might be the only thing keeping the devils away." "Or it could be trapping people inside." "Just because the banners are still up doesn't mean anyone friendly is inside." The sound of Garn's boot stamping the ground silenced everyone. "It's irrelevant," he said, "Point is that we can't count on the castle to do one thing or the other, so we can't fight that thing within arrow range. And we still need to find out what's going on inside those walls."

After a minute or so of silence, Markas piped up. "We could draw it between the buildings." "That would let us flank it," I added thoughtfully. "Best idea I've heard all night," said Rhegar. Without waiting for approval, he stepped between the houses shouting, "Oy! Dragon! Your mother must have been a black dragon for you to be sitting there so tame." My stomach dropped. Oh Kord, he's goning to get us killed! I could hear the dragon grumbling as it stood. "Stupid....Make me sit here....Guard this rubbish.....Can't talk about my mother like that." Kord give us strength I prayed as I stole around the skeleton of the building. Please don't smear me across the paving stones before I know what you want from me. Arrows and shurikens pierced the lumbering dragon's skin and a magic missile exploded against its snout. Yet for some reason the sleepy daze stayed in the dragon's eyes. I managed to catch a lance of searing light across its flank as I rounded the corner.

By now the red had reached its quarry and, throughly pissed, it let loose a breath of flame over Rhegar and Garn. I attempted a healing pray as I struck but in my nervousness I stumbled over both the words and my feet. Luckily Garn's leadership gave him revitalizing powers of his own, giving Rhegar enough strength to withstand a claw attack from the furious beast. Another magic missile fizzled over my head and I could hear Rhegar exclaim in shock about how missiles never miss. My eyes shut of their own accord and my hands tried to wring water out of my maple staff. This isn't where I want to be I think as I hear the dragon readying another attack.

You are exactly where you need to be! Cora's voice rings out in my head. Like so many times on the practice field, it batters against my will like her mace against my shield. Think a priest or Avandra or Ioun or Melora could do as you do? Was it they that spent hour upon hour reciting spells even as others beat against your body and mind? No soft bookworm can remember the chants and spells and invocations in the heat of battle. But you were trained in combat, will be forged in combat. Now, human, do your job or call yourself cleric no longer! My eyes snapped open, blazing with an internal fire. I could hear myself repeating the mantra we crafted druing those long practice sessions. "Kord takes only the strong!" Doubt was erased for the time being and my hands gripped my staff surely. This time my words rang out clearly and a healing breeze washed over Rhegar and Garn. Breathing heavily, I let reality return just in time to see the dragon reading itself for another breath, this time aimed at Markas and myself.

Shuddering I sat up. My whole body felt bruised and red-hot. The odor of singed hair permeated the air around me. Inhaling painfully, I managed to get to my knees as I groped for my staff. I forced myself to take several more deep breaths as I stood, the air giving me strength where I had little. The dragon was still attacking Markas but I could do little for him in my condition. A voice shouted for me to take cover and I did, hoping the shell of the charred home would provide some protection. I glanced out the door in time to see the dragonborn using their own breath against the dragon and the beast gave one last roar before falling. Someone grabbed my waist to help me walk, but overwhelmed by the healing and burns I didn't notice who it was. Kyri sprang forward shouting up to the ramparts to lower the gate. It took threats of summoning the elven nobels, but the drawbridge was finally let down. As I was lead to the infirmary I heard a guard welcoming our party to the stronghold of Prince Farin and the Order of the Rampant Dragon.

Onward to Aurincia

The inn was a lost cause. Flames danced and crackled merrily across the walls and rooftop, secure in the knowledge that no bucket chain from a well or nearby stream would save the building. No matter, the innkeeper and his family had long since fled. Luckily I had not yet secured myself a room for the night, so I had all my belongings with me when I went through the window. Interesting mix, I thought looking at the six other travelers who had not yet made their way away from the inn.

A debate went on for a bit regarding the merits of which way to travel. A large guard tower lay about a days march overland along the coast. Auincia was less than five miles away, but the orange glow on the horizon gave the impression that kobolds were currently attacking the city. The debate ended when the paladin, Rhegar, made a short, passionate speech about needing to assist victims in the city. Through guilt or sense of duty, we each grabbed our gear and headed toward Aurincia and certain danger. I didn't mind much. I had stayed at the tower the night before and did not relish the idea of bracktracking an entire day of my route. Besides being a cleric of Kord means you have pretty clear expectations. If there is a battle, you're expected to be there.

Not quite two miles down the road, we came across a mixed group of soldiers and civilians. Fifteen or so guards of the capitol were arguing with twenty of the adventuring types seen earlier in the common room. Years of trying to avoid backroom brawls has left me with a sort of sixth sense about people's intentions. Cal and Cora used to joke that I was a human fight barometer. I didn't get the impression that the guards would start anything, though they did look weary from dealing with the civilians, and I told as much to the group.

Rhegar, who had appointed himself leader of our little band, approached the captain. Turns out Aurincia had been attacked by a large draconic menace. When the captain and his guards had been forced to retreat, the kobolds and such held the main gates and were setting fire to most of the city. The captain had also reported seeing greenish winged dragonlike creatures apparently directing the actions of the kobolds. I sucked in a breath, surely those could only be Abishai, the 'angelic' servants of Tiamat. Well that certainly explained the shaman. I thought. We went back into a group to digest the information the guards had given us. Travis, a swashbuckler type, and Kyri, the elf ranger, had both been to the city enough times to know their way around. Our best bet was the western gate, though located in tannery district and ordinarily not a nice place to visit, was probably our best bet on this night. Informing the captain of our plan, he expressed his wish to go with us to retake the city. Unfortunately, by this time more refuges had appeared. He promised to at least keep the amateures from following behind us.

We reached the city walls without further incident. Kyri and Travis led the way to the docks and tanning district. We found a set of stairs to the top of the wall but before anyone could do any scouting, we heard rough voices. I swore under my breath. Of course you wouldn't make this easy, Kord. Draconic smacked into my ear like a punch to the head, which is apparently what our unknown opponents were apparently doing. The conversations went something like "Me punch harder." "No me punch harder." and so on.

Taking advantage of a pre-made distraction our impromptu party took to getting ourselves to the top of the wall. Travis, Kari, Garn, and I scaled the wall while Vixi and Kalena took the stairs, led by Rhegar. Kyri and Travis, not being held down by heavy armor, made it up first and took the chance to suprise our walltop friends with a couple of well placed shots. Meanwhile, Rhegar attacked from his alcove. The wizard and the warlock added their own bit of fire and brimstone.

On top of the wall were four large dragonborn, all wearing tabards of "you're-gonna-pay-for-that" Tiamat, as well as a smattering of dragonborn underlings. Needless to say, they were a little pissed as being attacked in the middle of their celebration. The two who had been involved in the punching match decided to make Rhegar their new target, still arguing about who could hit harder. The other two headed down the wall toward Kyri and Travis. Being a cleric of Kord means you don't get to back away from a fight, so fully aware of how incredibly stupid I was being I threw a beam of holy light at the browner of the two as I popped onto the wall. Unfortunately one of the underlings took the opportunity to take a swipe at me. I was quick enough to dodge but the attack threw off my aim and I missed. Brown decided I like like an easy target but Garn got a quick hit in, allowing me to slip back to a slightly safer position. With Vixi and Kalena pounding away, none of the dragonborn had much of a chance and soon only the seven of us remained conscious on the wall. If this was what it took to take a look at the city, I thought, what waits inside?

Starting Out

I was quite happy to see the inn coming into view. Aurincia might have only been 5 more miles down the road, but I'd already been traveling for 10 hours today. It was time for a hot meal and a soft bed. Checking into the temple of Kord could wait until morning. Besides, they were just going to send me off on some fool adventure so I could follow Kord's edicts and prove my strength in battle. Merrab mentioned something about how my healing skills I would be a great asset to the Order of the Rampant Dragon, whatever that is, before stuffing me on the first ship out of Farport. All I know is that Kord is already showing me his sense of humor by calling up a storm that blew my ship into a harbor on the Calthas coastline three days ride from the capitol city. Curse my birth order and curse that god of mine.

I walked into the common room and signaled the barmaid for a mug of whatever they were serving. A human wizard conversed with an elegant looking elf in the middle of the room, while two dragonborn, one almost certainly a paladin from his armor and tabard, were chatting in draconic and laughing about some anecdote the younger of the two had gotten into. Nearly all of the other tables in the large room held parties of two or three. Some were local farmers in for a drink, but most had the dusty look and swagger of adventurers. I sighed, rolled my eyes and made a lazy gesture of reverence to Kord. There was going to be a bar fight tonight or I was a kobold. Over by the windows sat a lone tiefling and as she looked like my best chance for a little intelligent conversation, I introduced myself and sat down. Bellavixi, was also traveling to Aurincia to inquire about the Order of the Rampant Dragon. As it turns out so was most of the room, including a roguish looking fellow she had been talking to earlier who had just retired for the evening.

The tavern hostess, a large smiling woman with sparkling blue eyes and a pile of blonde hair, had just set a plate of the special in front of me when a sharp piercing whistle sliced through the noise of the crowded tavern. The elegant looking elf sprang up and headed to the doorway. Cautiously peering out, she announced the presence of rushes spread out in front of the door and some short-beings near the guard tower. Rushes?, I thought, I don’t remember seeing any rushes when I came in. I started to stand, wanting a better view of the proceedings. As I stood, the elf stepped through the doorway and suddenly vanished from view. Turns out the rushes had been a trap.

Before anyone could react to the strangeness of the situation, a fwoosh of igniting thatch sounded and orange light spilled in through the windows. The two dragonborn rushed to the far side of the inn, while the human wizard called out for a rope. Vixi grabbed her bag and using herself as an anchor, lowered it down to the elf in the pit. I heard the wizard yelling “Kyri! Climb up! Don’t worry about the bug!” I couldn’t hear her reply but I’m guessing it wasn’t friendly as her companion was trying to be.

I was about to go lend my strength when a human skeleton walked by the window, continuing to set fire to the already burning building. Shouldn’t it be doing something else to cause even more trouble? I looked around and sighed. At least I know why Kord put me by this window. I know a cleric’s job when I see one. Securing my pack and holding my solid oak quarterstaff in front of me, I jumped right through the window. How’s that for bravery? I shot upward to Kord. I missed the first few swings, but its aim wasn’t any better. Somewhere in the background I heard the roar of dragon breath and a cold breeze wafting by my ear. Those two dragonborn must be of an ice clan. I thought idly. Finally the end of my quarterstaff connected. Kord must have seen something he liked because the a stylized symbol of a longsword crossed by a lightning bolt glowed briefly on the skeleton’s skull before the minion fell.

My quarry vanquished, I turned around to the sounds of battle behind me. The inn was blazing like a bonfire on Beltane, lighting the scene in front of me. The dragonborn were fighting a group of small kobolds and another undead on the far side of the inn. Closer to me, the elf was still trapped in the pit along with some kind of giant acid bug. She wasn’t looking good. Acid burns were visible on her clothing and exposed skin and a long wound, probably from a javelin was visible on her leg. But she wasn’t giving up either. She had obviously hacked at the bug and several arrows were dissolving in acid. Dilligently she kept attempting to scale the slick rope that had been tossed down to her. Two dead kobolds were also strewn in the pit, most likely the result of a fireball from the wizard, but as they were dead they weren’t on my list of problems to deal with. Sending a small plea to Kord to honor the elf’s bravery, I began a healing chant I had learned in my early days of clerichood. Kord must have decided she was worth the effort because the wounds on her arms and legs stopped oozing. She managed to scramble spryly up the rope and shot me a grateful look across the pit.

Making my way toward the fracas on the other side of the inn, I heard chanting in draconic. As it was a prayer to Tiamat and lightning shot out toward the fighters in the inn, I was pretty sure the kobolds had a shaman with them. The dragonborn did not appreciate the kobold attack, I could see wild swings of glaive and halberd. Nor did the wizard, as a column of golden flame appeared out of the sky, searing all attackers in a six-pace radius. Most of the vile creatures fell before I could offer my aid, but one tried to run for the hills. I stepped next to him in an attempt to halt his escape, but he evaded my attack. The paladin however was enraged and chased down the kobold, smashing in its head as he cried “This is for worshiping Tiamat!” Shaking my head softly I muttered, “Looks like you got me into a fight after all, Kord.”