The Mountains

As night begins to creep back in for the second day of your travels The peaks of the mountains, which had originally broke the horizon around mid day were much closer. The grandeur of the Thulon Mountains was quite a sight. The peaking stone jutted out like daggers towards the sky. Some say the mountains were a result of an ancient battle between pantheon long forgotten to this world and time. The tan and drak brown of the mountains now casts an orange and purple hue from the waning sun that is now falling towards the west, offering little light to give to the beauty of the mountain range.

Elijah, speaking up for the first time all day claims while awestruck "This sight never fails to amaze me. We walk forward in our lives, we get old, and we eventually die. These mountains though will be there for our children's children to admire".


Over time a dirt trail lends itself towards the center of the mountain range, where two arcing pieces of mountain combine to create an arch.

"They call that the Gods Arch. And that is where the bandits will lay in wait, hoping for travellers to venture in before robbing them blind of all their belongings. We can venture closer, but we must do so with care. They may see us and think im leading you to them but if that happens and we disappear, they will think something is up." he motions you all to follow his hand as he begins to draw a very crudely laid plan on the ground in the dirt.

"If they are in their usual spots, the archers will be near the apex of that arch, as well as a couple on the sides here and here" he says pointing to some smaller ledges on the sides of the mountain range. His finger nails caked in the wet dirt from the ground.

"Their muscle on the other hand will hide out to catch us from behind while a few more may to stop infront of us. It's important we dont get cornered during this or it will be a hard time trying to get out of this fight unscathed."

Elijah gets up from his crouched position and gives a look towards the mountain pass. The opening is about 20-30 feet wide with the cliffs and the arch up about 40 feet on the sides and 60 at the apex of the arch. He gives one last glance before returning to acknowledge Cato.

"My wife and children should be fine, so long as they all perish here. If others arent around for this battle and come back to see the most of them dead they will run off, especially if the leader Mala'Kai is found slain as well. It is for that reason alone I want to take the ground as well. Not only will this allow us to do the Dragonborn's plan but I wish to see Mala'Kai slain with my own eyes, and perhaps even my own blade. His right hand man, Boraicho, is a brute, but I doubt the man could stomach watching his mentor perish. That being said take care if you're in combat with him. Ive heard the crunch of bone when travelers give him a hard time. He is deadly with his mace" Elijah shudders as he recalls the sound of snapping bone and cartilage that he has heard quite a few times.

Elijah thinks for a moment. His short beard gets itched with his hands before he shakes his head.

"Im afraid I dont think there is a possible way. If we did that thats a couple days hike around the mountain range. Wouldnt be worth the time spent in my opinion"

The Professor scratches at his beard in thought.

"Perhaps there is something I can do with Prestidigitiation to help the ruse..." he says half posing the question to the group.

As everyone starts approaching their positions you begin to see the full shape of the mountainside. The splendor of dusk painting itself on the rocky landscape is beginning to wane as night approaches from the east. An occasional gentle breeze of wind keeps you at focus as it brings across some chilly air.

Thick in the cover of some foliage, Deruvid, Asterion, and Cato begin their ascent on the right side of the mountain range. It is not long before two humans appear ahead of you by about 60 Feet (20 Yards). Both seem to be armed with crossbows, and you can tell from here that they also have a sword sheathed around their sides. About 180 Feet (60 Yards) away you do see perhaps another man sporting the top of the arch, hidden behind some rocks as it appears he has seen something.

On the ground below Elijah, Vortrin, and Skyro begin to trek into the mountainside. You immediately get the feeling you are being watched but as you look around all you can see is the shadowy sides of the mountains. The area you are in is a little dark, as most light stops going into this part of the opening at this time of day.

As you three begin to sneak your way closer towards the archers, one of them hears a voice. You freeze, tensing beneath the somewhat dry dirt, still moist from the rain a day and a half prior and hide behind some jagged boulders. The archer turns his head and looks your way.

"You hear anything Jarvis?"

"You must be hearing things again Davey. Maybe lay off the ale the next time youre in town aye? Oi Look! Elijahs brought us some fools again. Look at that puny little Gnome! Figure Boris could punt him from here to Fundy I betcha"

"Ha! Aint that right! I guess youre right about me eharing things. Could be the gold jingling on that Dragonborns gold pouch. I can nearly hear it singing to me!"As you three venture closer into the arch a man comes out ladden in medium armor that would befit a noble, and a sword that appears razor sharp and finely crafted with studs coming down the sheath of a sapphire color. To the right of him is a tall lurking half-orc with a mace that appears stained with dried blood on it. Its almost as if the muscles on this half-orc had muscles. The man begins to speak

"Now now. Thats as far as you have to go. Im afraid to pass there is a toll you're going to have to pay. Now before you turn around and tell me you dont want to pay you should know that theres also a price for not paying, whether you pass or not" as he slaps the half-orcs shoulder, A half smirk appears on him as he is acknowledged.

"If you had any wits about you, you wouldve known beforehand that you had walked into a trap unwary adventurers. Look around if you wish but youll find that the only way you'll make it out of this mountain alive is by kindly leaving us with all of your valuables."

The man barely even flinches as he looks the dragonborn up and down before returning his gaze on Vortrin. "Oh really? Am I supposed to believe that a slave owner lets his servants brandish a weapon? What kind of fool do you take me to be? Im giving you one last chance to fork over your belongings, including your sack of gold or Im going to have Boraicho teach you a lesson in proper manners"

The Professor cursed his carelessness. Foolish gnome, he thought to himself.

"Well of course he can carry his weapon," The Professor said, trying to think on his feet. "We are travelling through what some would call dangerous territory don't you know, you boys should be careful. I can easily unshackle him should I need him to defend us....or should he wish to partake in a duel. Always dueling, this one, I tell you! What will your new owners think, lizard?"

"Good work, keep challenging for a duel," The Professor muttered quietly in draconic to Skyro.

"Alas," The Professor continued to the bandits, deliberately exaggerating the sound of gold coins clinking together in the sack. "Whilst I would like to relieve myself of the sheer weight of this sack of gold, I don't think it belongs to you my good fellow. But I am a betting man, if Boraicho here can best this lizard creature then perhaps I could hand it over and continue on my way? At least it would be one less mouth to feed for me. Win-win I guess."

An Arrow shoots out and hits the dirt at Vortrins feet. Looking above he sees an archer directly above him taking a warning shot.

"How about we just beat you senseless, take your gold and belongings, and dump your bodies into the bay when were done with you. Hell, for as much trouble as you have been following simple demands maybe a club to the side of your heads will do you well" both Boraicho and the man unsheath their weapons. Elijah gulps and takes a slight step back.

The three magic missiles strike with Ferocity and precision, hitting in the chest and throat of the Bandit Leader. Shocked, his eyes go wide and he crumples to the ground dead. As this happens, a thick cloud of fog accumulates over the entire arch, leaving the archer there blinded unable to see. He attempts to scramble out of the thick fog but cannot see.

Within halves of seconds, Cato's shot rings out from his crossbow and hits one of the archers flush in the back who cries out in pain, and begins to swivel around. It is then Asterions hex is placed upon him and a bell rings in the air. In what can be described as ugly the skin of the archer begins to dissipate and leave only bone, and the curse that was placed on that archer has now spread to his friend, who witnesses the bubbling demise of his friend and begins to panic and pull up his bow.

Elijah runs towards Boraicho, with fear in his eyes slightly and attempts to slash across Boraicho. The strike though is undisciplined and Boraicho is easily able to parry it.

Barbera comes down and cleaves right into Boraicho's chest, causing him to also tumble onto the ground and begin to bleed out in shock (hes dead).




The rest of the bandits start to waver a little bit. Seeing their muscle die in moments has taken quite a toll on them. Steadfastedly, they prepare their crossbows and both archers on the left side take a shot, one aiming for Vortrin, and one aiming for Skyro.

The archer on the right, while heavily frightened and under the hex, takes a shot at Cato, which clips into your shoulder, dealing 5 damage (whose in partial cover).

Finally the last archer will try to stumble out of the fog cloud, clutching onto rock and staying low to try and maintain balance and direction

Elijah attempts to lay low, scrambling to get next to the wall to avoid getting hit by an arrow.

A bell noise is heard a second time but this time it does not produce the same results as the first toll as the archer remains alive, albeit expecting his own demise.

Catos shot perhaps due to his injured shoulder goes wide and the arrow sticks itself into the other side of the mountain.

Skyro attempts to throw a Javelin into the fog cloud but no confirmation of a wounding strike can be heard and eventually the javelin rattles back down.

Deruvids flame ignites and hits the archer flush in the shoulder, with little embers bouncing in the air in an orange and red glow as it scorches the archer. Even Asterion at his distance can feel the heat from the flame.

Vortrins firebolt misfires and shoots back down in a quick and sudden angle. Having just enough time to lower your head as it comes back down the firebolt strikes your pack slightly, causing a small flame to begin in your gear, some scrolls can be seen ignited from the firebolt, but arent damaged so long as the flame is put out this round.


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The left archers will start running backwards and towards the arch in an attempt to rendezvous and regroup with the center archer.

The center archer will still try to make it out of the fog cloud. He is still unable to escape it, closely clutching to the rock and moving slowly, unable to see and relying on the shouts of his allies.

The right archer throws down his crossbow and produces a scimitar. He slashes it at Asterion but the slash of the blade is not steady enough and doesnt break armor!

Frustrated, Cato re-targets and fires again.

Action: Ranged Attack

Skyros Javelin throw strikes true and hits one of the archers in the gut who stumbles and bends over in pain.

Asterions blade wounds the archer mortally before a black flame leaps out and seals the deal for the poor soul.

Cato shoots into the fog. It takes a moment but a shout is heard as the archer in the fog has taken an arrow somewhere.

Vortrin frantically pats his treasured scrolls, putting out the flames and saving his scrolls from complete destruction.

Elijiah quickly darts to the bandit leaders body and begins picking up his daggers. He hastily throws one at the wounded archer.

Deruvids vines begin to entangle the left archers. The unwounded archer cant muster himself free and finds himself restrained completely. The other archer manages to heroically get himself out of the vines but only before Elijahs thrown dagger finds its mark in the archers throat, who quickly falls down deceased.

The center archer is bleeding and tries to make it out of the fog. He slips on the blood coming out of his shoulder and falls off the arch to the ground below. Hitting the ground quite hard he does not move. Skyro and Vortrin would notice a broken arrow in the top of the fallen archers shoulder.


The left archer will try again to get himself free from the vines, having witnessed his friend die in a gruesome way hes pretty freaked out at the moment so his efforts to pull free are in vain.

The man looks at you, the left side of his garments sprayed with fresh blood of a fallen friend and spits towards your direction and continues to try to rip himself free with all of his might.

Catos shot springs out of the crossbow and whistles across the Mountain with purpose. In almost as soon as you all heard Cato shout you see a glistening bolt glowing off the remaining sunlight before finding its mark straight into the heart of the entangled archer. The shot was fatal nearly instantaneously, and the archers head droops and his limbs go limp.

The fight, being well planned before hand, tested the budding groups abilities to work as a team to take down an evil group of bandits. Somewhere along this journey, you've learned something from all of this, which is bound to help you for later encounters down the road.

Elijah quickly nods. "You are correct" He takes one last look at the dead bodies around him before dismissing it and starts walking away from the carnage and leaving the group to themselves.

Elijah points you toward where they make camp at deeper into the canyon. Its not much more than a further walk into the canyon like area than you were before. He doesnt expect there to be any danger now that the group is dead and any likely stragglers will find this area unmanned and know not to press things. He even invites you back to his place back in town should you ever find the need to visit.

Some time elapses as you guys gather your things and meet up near the mountain range. Some quick scrounging of the area and the bodies nets you 5 gp worth of coinage. Along with that, you are able to find a cache that contains a cask that contains some ale left in it and a bottle of fine wine.

Nighttime is approaching, and the embers of your torches are the only things that light up the area as you find yourself in the middle of the mountain range on a cool briskly night

The night goes on without a hitch. During your night watches the sky looks clear and the stars shine brightly onto the cold ground of Arathus. Thoughts of the previously battle may still be stirring in your mind. For some, it may have been their first time ending the life of another. For others, it may just be another that grows as long as it is hard to remember. For the first time though, things seem to be running cohesively with this small cohort of 5 adventurers trying to find Isaac's retreat.

Morning comes before you know it, and you're off to locate this retreat in the caverns. The trek through the mountains via the cutout is a lot quicker than going around the mountains and by midday you've reached the caverns. The cutout leads you to a huge cliffside where a path is carved out serpentine style down the side of the cliff. The ground feels solid enough that a trek forward wouldnt seem dangerous, but it is slightly narrow so you may find it somewhat uncomfortable that a fall of well over 400 feet awaits you if you carelessly stumble off the side.

A step forward and a look below is a breathtaking sight. Below is a bay of water, with waves crashing onto the sides of the rocks. To your left the bay turns into the Arathian Ocean. Out way far in the distance from your height you can see the masts of some merchant ships bobbing across the choppy waters. To your right is an embankment made of sand and loose rock that fell off the cliffs. The serpentine pathway splits to go both to this embankment, as well as one path that leads across to the other side of the bay and another path made by miners presumably to explore some of the various caves and caverns that eat into the cliff side like cavities.

As you approach the caverns Deruvid you notice some crudely made mine carts. In them contain rubble it appears. The mines caverns looked like they were blasted with some sort of explosive powder from the residue left on the carts and rocks.

If you could Deruvid, please give me a perception roll

You notice on the rocks some carvings. At first glance to an unwary traveler it may seem as though they are nothing more than sketches or coincidence but theres a particular feeling youre getting by looking at them that they seem to be of more purpose than mere sketches.

It appears to you that these stones are infact imbued with some sort of magic as some sort of rune system. Looking into the cave a little you see some cavities in the sides of the caves that seem to be the source of where these rocks have come from, although there are definitely mroe cavities than there are stones in the cart.

Just then however you hear some shuffling of steps from deeper inside the cave, and a little talking but you are not able to hear the exact words from your position

It appears to you that these stones are infact imbued with some sort of magic as some sort of rune system. Looking into the cave a little you see some cavities in the sides of the caves that seem to be the source of where these rocks have come from, although there are definitely mroe cavities than there are stones in the cart.

Just then however you hear some shuffling of steps from deeper inside the cave, and a little talking but you are not able to hear the exact words from your position