main group decided that they should rejoin Kothas and Jardel at the inn, and prepare while Kethas memorized his spells. Kethas informed everyone that the momorizing should take no more than 30 minutes. Returning to the inn and giving a greatful Jardel his helm. Jardel insisted on splitting up the healing porionbs evenly. Looking intricately at the plain helm he rubbed at a stain in the interior surface and found an anchient word written there. His lore knowledge led him to believe this being a probable command word for something special. After all members arrived at the inn, everyone noticed a change in the appearance of Jardel. His eyes were shining with renewed vigilance as he emitted an air of calm reassurance. "While you have been acquiring our new magic items, I have had the most extraordinary encounter, but this story should not interest or worry you. Again I am blessed by Heimdall, who shows personal interest in our mission. Rest assured that he too aids me and in turn us in defeating Balazaar - which will be the first step in returning Asmodeus to his home plane in hell !" He donned the new helm. Kothas told of what he had heard that the evil creatures in town were very violent last night and injured several guards and killing a few as well in drunken brawls. They seemed to have the advantage of daylight over them, as they are all asleep sleeping off the hangovers. Nothing was known of their sudden appearance in town. After Kethas memorized his spells, the group headed out of town, thanking the barkeep and saying goodbye to Miriam on the way out. The midmorning journey was not a bright one as the clouds were dark with rain. Rain came down in a light, but steady drip, soaking everyone. Many miles of watchful advance took its toll on everyone. Arguments broke out among the soldiers, while constantly being quieted by the catious Kothas. Coming around a bend, everyone heard beautiful female singing coming from the east, in a stand of trees. The singers were unseen as yet, hidden by the trees. All of a sudden, all of the guards but one, Kothas, Culdat, Talthan, and Kethas looked around as if looking for something very dear to them. Then they bound off towards the singing, leaving a mystified few looking after them in bewilderment. Humus yelled to the others not affected by the singing, "Quick, grab them ! I think we are dealing with Sirines - thought I thought they lived near water." Humus then chased after them, trying to tackle the nearest person affected. Jardel reigned in Aistlin looking towards the bend where the mystified female singing sounds were coming from. Watching some of the party members wander off aimlessly towards the trees and hearing Humus explanation, he immediately pulled off his helm and yelled at the others. "Quickly Humus, Caladan, DaGhiri, cover your ears with something. No use helping the others before you haven’t prevented yourself from being charmed !These sounds must be coming from muses, who are succeeding in charming us. DaGhiri, now would be a good time to cast a hold spell on our charmed men !" Jardel tore some small cloth bits from the nape of his white robe and stuffed them into his ears, redonning his new helm afterwards. He drew his elven blade and quietly hissed the word ‘rainbow’. Suddenly the simple helm instantly converted into an extraordinary piece of head protection, ornamented by dozens of beautiful gems, glistening in different patterns as the rain drops caressed the masterful cut stones. Humus stuffed pieces of cloth in his ears to block out the music too. Da Ghiri followed the others example and took some strips of cloth from one of his pouches and stuffed them in his ears, then took out a metal ball and held it towards his departing companions and intoned some words in an unfamiliar language.
Caladan quickly cut two pieces of cloth from his clothes and stuffed them too in his ears. He then drew his two-handed sword and charged towards the music. Humus yelled again as loudly as he could to Caladan "Be cautious ! We don't know exactly what is going on. Not all Sirines are evil, but some are. Also, make absolutely sure that if it is a Sirine that it does not touch you." Watching as most of the group set off on horse into the woods, the group immediatly jumped into action. Humus, Jardel, Caladan, and the remaining soldier charged after those afflicted by charm. Unable to tackle anyone, Humus tried standing in front of their horses, but the men appeared to be set upon getting to the music. Da Ghiri casted a hold person spell on three of the afflicted. Culdat, Kothas, and Kethas froze in their saddles. Their horses, now without direction, slowed down and began grazing, not going anywhere. Talthan, and the other soldiers charged headlong into the woods, mindless of branches that beat upon their bodies and scratched their faces. Further into the woods they went, the terrain getting more rocky and less trees were noticed. The ones that were noticed were in varying stages of death. Black trunks holding up black branches gave an eerie feeling of beeing dead yourselves. The four who charged after the charmed soldiers found themselves looking at a cave opening in a large cliff face, unseen from the road. The singing was coming from inside, two voices could be heard distinctly. In an instant, two monstrosities flew out of the cave, singing as they came. They appear to be human females except for the large feathered wings and the birdlike legs with sharp talons. Naked from the waist up, they resembled human women with mild deformities, ugly, old and sagging. They carried clubs in one taloned hand while still singing. Seeing the soldiers, they smiled and began attacking their ranks. They missed every strike as the armor protected the men. Seeing that the foe was actually harpies, Humus spurred Valor on into battle. He yelled to the others, "Let us get those monsters away from our comrades - they are helpless there." He rode to and attacked the nearest harpy from horseback. Seeing that the three he tried to help appeared to be out of danger for the moment, Da Ghiri hurried after the rest of the party. Noticing that the rest of the charmed party members had already approached the harpies, the priest decided not to render them more helpless. Assumming that the uncharmed party members attack diverted the creatures Da Ghiri took out his new sling and attacked the creature Humus was fighting.
Reaching the near vicinity of the caves on foot, Jardel positioned himself with sure footing, sword in one and shield in the other hand. He bellowed at the remaining soldier to herd the horses of the magically held comrades and to protect them - hoping to have been heard. Totally drenched from the constant downpour he engaged into close combat with the remaining harpy (remembering a most rescent conversation with someone about having to defeat two winged women !) slashing away with his his blade and blocking out the harpy attacks with his trusted shield. Yelling at the beast, he taunted it "You sagging old half-breed. Death to you. Heimdall has forseen this encounter and your fate has already been sealed." He was intent on defeating this creature in close combat with his long sword. Humus, Jardel and the uncharmed soldier moved forward. The soldier went into the crowd of his comrades and began to gather the reigns of their horses, preparing to lead the charmed fellows out of battle and into safety. He held his shield upward so that the harpies had a harder time hitting him. The nearest to him kicked out with her vicious hind talons, catching him in the arm for minor damage. The other talon and her club bounced harmlessly from his shield as he gathered the reigns. The second harpy heard Jardels cry of Hiemdall and quickly turned to fight him. The two reached each other with a resounding clash. The harpy tried with her taloned feet but failed as her talons bounced off his armor leaving him free from harm. But the club was much better aimed, and it crashed into Jardels platemailed shoulder, bruising the flesh beneath. Humus lept to help the soldier gathering reigns as Da Ghiri fired his sling at the creature from afar. Da Ghiris bullets flew wide, but distracted the creature for Humus. Humus swung his enchanted blade twice, missing the first time, but the second bit deep into the creatures flesh. The harpy screamed as her blood flowed freely. Caladan mumbled a few arcane words and a bluish-white dart flew towards the harpy Jardel was fighting. The dart struck home as the creatures feathers smoked and her voice shrieked. They both continued to sing through their pain though. Caladan jumped from his horse, drew his two-handed sword and ran towards his target. Jardel seemed to be having trouble with this harpy, as she struck at him again, though this time, her talons both scraped plate harmlessly and her club was rebounded off Jardels helm. Caladan reached the harpy and swung a blow that would kill any man, and nearly killed the vile creature. She fell to the ground nearly severed in half from the blow, but she still tried to sing and stood back up. Humus swung his blade at his harpy as she feinted to the left. Missing his mark, she tried a quick lunge with her club. She missed Humus and he slashed again, this time biting her feathered hide. She was severely damaged, but continued her song and flight. Da Ghiri let loose another flight of bullets and hit her in the head hard with the first, but the second went wide. This blow was enough for her to see stars and she fell to the ground like her comrade. She was still alive though, barely. Both continued singing, partially out of breath. They struggled to stand, the one by Jardel and Caladan not able as her guts were flowing out of her body. The other was strong enough to stand though and she tried to regain flight, trying desperately to flee inevitable death. Humus and his harpy were just 20' north of Da Ghiri and Jardel and Caladan with their harpy are about 20' to the east of them, about 40' from Da Ghiri. Culdat, Kethas, and Kothas were southwest of the group several hundred yards. The uncharmed soldier was north of the harpies, near the caves entrance with the charmed soldiers and Talthan. Jardel was slightly bruised from a club and the uncharmed soldier is minorly cut on his forearm. Seeing the harpy try to get to its feet, Humus raised his blade and advanced on it. "Die you ugly hag !" To the others he yelled, "They must stop singing ! That is the only way to release our comrades." Realizing that the battle was going well with the harpy he was facing (after Caladans suberb gut-displacing strike) he relied on Caladans swordplay to deliver the final mortal blow unto the creature lying brutally wounded before them. Jardel noticed the other harpy trying to fly away. Pointing his sword towards the harpy lying before them he sheathed his blade, dropped his shield and yelled at Caladan. "Caladan, finish this one off ! I suddenly have a ‘brilliant’ idea to keep the other one from flying." Eerie, previously unheard sounds emerged from Jardel, as he murmurred unintelligible arcane words whilst waving his right arm in a rhythmic pattern. "yath carrash venturis a feuris." Suddenly a bright flame sprung forth from his outstretched palm and streaked out like a missile, hissing and steaming in the constant downpour of rain, towards the wings of the harpie battling Humus. Caladan looked at Jardel, then he attacked the harpy again and again until it died. "Puhh ... if we ever face such foul creatures again please remind me not to cut open their gut. This smell is AWFUL ! Die you foul BITCH, do you realise it is going to take days before your smell comes of my sword and clothing ?"
Humus raised his enchanted blade to end the life of the harpy when it began to fly. Just as he was about to strike, a man in a flowing red robe belted at the waist, coming from the road and wearing a small backpack and a scabbarded bastard sword on his back, hastily made his way to a flanking position to the winged beasts. While he moved his hands were in front of him. His hands trailed with what seems to be a growing flame. Upon stopping 20 yards out, his hands stopped moving, his right hand seemed to be holding a javelin made of fire. Just as soon as it materialized, in one fluid motion, he arced the flaming projectile towards the harpy flying from Humus. Jardels concentration was nearly lost but he kept chanting. The voices intermingling in the air with an air of power as flames erupted from Jardels hand towards the harpy as well as the newcomers fiery javelin arcing its way there as well. The harpy exploded in a ball of flame causing Humus to fall to the ground for cover. Caladan swiftly beheaded the other harpy as it tried to rise from ist wounds. Da Ghiri saw the group had handled the situation and turned back towards the road to see to the others who fell prey to the charm. The soldiers, along with Talthan, standing near the cave mouth, came out of their magical charm. Seeming disoriented, they looked around at one another and began questioning each other. Da Ghiri returned with the others from the road. Kethas, Culdat, and Kothas all returned with the same questioning look in their eyes as well. Upon a quick glance around, all saw the newcomer for the first time and the surrounding area. The trees were all dead with no sound of insects or birds. The cave mouth was a large rock outcropping in the shape of a humanoid skull. Stalagtites and stalagmites crossed the opening in an eerie display of tooth like fixtures across the entrance. Some stalagmites and stalagtites were as thick as an oak, with enough room between each to fit three man sized creatures through shoulder to shoulder. The top of the skull was nearly 200’ in the air and half as wide.
Humus pulled himself off the ground, and dusted himself off as best he could. Sheathing his sword he approached the newcomer and extended his hand, "Greetings ! I am Humus Giantbane. Who might you be ? I thank you for your help - we definitely didn't want that nasty creature getting away so it could breed." Smiling he added, "I just wish that you could have given me a little more advanced warning - I really don't care to have my nose hairs singed." Turning all business, "What are you doing out here in this desolate land ? I didn't think that many travelers came out this way if they could help it." Turning to Kethas Humus asked, "Do you think that this could be the Cave of the Wind ? It fits your description fairly well - all plant-life is dead and there are no sounds of animals. If this area isn't cursed, I'm a dwarf. Jardel, what do you sense from inside ?" Taking a step back, the man in red brushed some of the road dust off of his robes while surveying the area. Then with a purposeful stride he walked to where the others were gathering. "Although it seems you didn't need my help, I feel that any blow that I can strike against such abominations of nature, is well worth my time. I am Ashal of Mount Barren." Looking up at the cave, "Did those creatures come from that foreboding place ?" Culdat shook his head and looked at his hands. "What happened to me ? One moment I was ... well, it is all very confusing." He gave his head a shake one more time as if to shake away any unwanted cobwebs, then moved to within 30’ of the cave entrance. He waited for the holy warrior to see if any evil was detected from within. When this was done, Culdat began his lifes work, scouring the ground around the entranceway for evidence of traps or other such dangers. Once finished with the ground, the halfling checked the face of the rock to either side of the entrance. Ashal continued, "Am I to assume that you fine folk intend on entering that cave ? A good reason you must indeed have, to do what would certainly be risking your lives. A reason that I would like to hear, if you have the time." "Well, met Ashal of Mount Barren. I am pleased to make your acquaintance." Humus face got stern, "Please sir, tell us what you were doing in this place of evil. I can't imagine what you'd be doing in this area. You must forgive my over-cautiousness. As to whether or not we are going into the cave, that remains to be determined. Our quest is very important, and we must be sure your intentions - either to help us, hinder us, or leave us alone. If you are wanting to help us, maybe you could us some of your background." "Humus, indeed well met. I can certainly understand your wariness. This land breeds too many ills not to be cautious. I am currently journeying to Andevar from the elven nation of Solinthus. It was there that I had heard rumors of an ill-begotten plot to overthrow the king and heir of Andevar that had been thwarted by a group of heros. A bards song in the making, the way I heard it. Interested and with more time on my hands than direction, I decided to make the trip to Andevar to hear of the tale first hand. Certainly, I mean you no harm. However, I must say that I cannot help you if I do not know what it is that you need help with." Ashal bowed deeply with arms extended to his sides.
Da Ghiri explained to Culdat and the others, "We were set upoon by a pair of harpies, and yoou were enspelled by their song. I apologize for using my magic upoon you, but I didn't know how else to keeep you safe. We believe we may have foound the cave we seek." The priest lead them to the cave and the others. Humus countered, "Your story seems plausible enough. Again, I'm sorry for being over-cautious - we've already had several hindrances on this journey. As to the tale first-hand, there are two among us that could help you out with that." Humus motioned towards Da Ghiri and Culdat. "But I'm afraid that you might have to wait a little while to hear their tale. As to our current quest, the evil is growing in the land. I'm sure that you've noticed it. Armies are being raised and demons and devils are walking the land. To top it all off, someone is trying to bring Asmodeus into the world. The prince found out of a way to help defeat the hoards - in a scepter. However, it is being held by the demon Balazaar. We think that this might be the cave where he is." Jardel watched with amazement as the second harpy had crashed burnt completely crisp from his flame and the flame javelin from the mysterious stranger. He nodded in agreement to the succesful outcome of this short encounter and picked up his shield and smiled. "Caladan, your right about this foul stench. I’d clean your sword immediatly, lest you attract hordes of carrion and vermin with your distinct odor." Walking over to the others he looked intently at the stranger dressed in red robes, wearing a great blade on his back. "Greetings stranger, or should I say Ashal of Mount Barren. Tis seems that introductions have been made. It seems fairly common these days finding mages wielding swords. With a proud demeanor sifting through his gleaming open helm, he hoisted his shield with herald into Ashals direction and spoke. "Ashal. I am named Jardel Jar’axel, devout follower to Heimdall - Guardian of the Bifroast Bridge - and it pleases me to find such helpful folk in an area so undeserving as this place." - looking at the cave mouth in form of a humanoid skull -. "You speak of quests ... well Humus has told you our common goal. Taking a look at these uniquely crafted caves, I too would say we have arrived at our destination." Looking at Caladan he continued addressing the party "Caladan, thank you for letting me use your finely crafted elven blade. Unfortunately its weight and balancing is very different from what I have been used to. As you have seen, my aim is not satisfactory and might cost valuable lives in the near future. That is not the whole truth though. While you all were shopping back in Vain, I remained in the inn. Whilst writing down our daily events, Heimdall - my diety - envisioned himself to me and foretold me of a personal quest. I am his chosen warrior in this monumental battle against evil and Asmodeus. This new personal quest had two parts. After having defeated these two harpies - or so called two winged women - I presume part one is fulfilled. The details should not interest you. Furthermore, Regenwald Stormhand - a legendary religious warrior to Heimdall - died in fulfilling this very quest himself centuries ago, as he thwarted evil entering this realm long ago. Many stories have been told about Regenwald and his enchanted holy blade. According to Heimdall his corpse lies deep within these caves. As the new chosen one, it is my duty to fight these evil hordes - with the reward or rather a tool being the recovery and use of this legendary blade from Regenwald Stormhand for my services. As things look - we are truely blessed, for this blade - in the right hands - meant the utter defeat of Asmodeus - in the past at least." Waiting a moment for these heavy words to settle in. "Caladan, therefore you can see that should we ever find the remains from Regenwald I will gladly return your elven blade in exchange for this so called holy sword. Up till then I shall use it to the best of my abilities. The question right now certainly is, should we enter these caves or not. I will try to sense present evil intent, yet my range is limited. Speaking with experience, we should first scout out the mouth of the cave, which Culdat has already started with. With such fine masonry and magic this entrance sculpted in form of a skull is truely horrendous as its inhibitants. We should agree on a new marching order - not spaced out too far. I’d rather take my chances of being caught in a group rather than spread out individually. Please make some useful suggestions. If we enter, it will surely be dark inside. I am tempted to embody my blade with a flame, which should light the immediate area like a torch, otherwise I would be completely blind down there. I could also enchant an item with magical light, but that too has only a small radius. If there be any guardians of the entrance, then they surely will already be alerted to our arrival after this combat with the harpies."
Humus addressed the issue of light for the cave, "Jardel, with the issue of light in the cave, my new sword will help out. I didn't choose this blade lightly. My trainers told me about the abilities all sorts of magical weapons." Patting the scabbard with the sword of sharpness, he added, "I can command this sword to shed light in varying amounts." Thinking a moment, "As to the marching order, I think that Culdat needs to take point. He will be able to find traps better than the rest of us. Also, he won't be hindered as much by the darkness. I would be willing to follow him to light the way for the rest. Jardel, if you can embody your blade with a flame, the best place for you might be at the rear of the party - to make sure nothing sneaks up on us. I can think of no other that I would trust guarding our rear. Please, what does the rest of you think ?" After a while, Humus talked to Jardel off to the side. "I really hope that you can find that marvelous sword that you mentioned. I shall assist you in any way that I can to help you fulfill your destiny. My father too had a blade of myth - or so I am told. Too bad it disappeared with him. I've heard stories of him taking on five or more cloud giants by himself with it - and emerging victorious." With a sad expression on his face, he added, "I really wish that I could have gotten to know him and to see him in action." "Humus, I agree on your opinion regarding the marching order. You and Caladan have proven yourselves the most capable and effective warriors and should be up front in an enclosed environment. Culdat should lead though - his small size and scouting skills being a definate advantage. Unfortunately Talthan the ranger is not with us anymore. His arrows sure would have aided us in ranged attacks. I myself have no problem with taking up the rear, as guarding something is an inherent dogma to my religion. Should we have sufficient room though, perhaps in rooms or larger chambers, I will certainly be up front amongst the warriors. Not to forget, this Helm gives me some variety in choosing the methods of my attacks. Certain offensive spell capabilities are presented to me - as you have just seen with the flaming harpy. I also feel a certain measure of resistance to heat and fire, for example, I did not even feel the heat from the flame emerging from the palm of my hand. The light from our respective enchanted swords should initially be enough to see our party into these caves. I sure am curious what to expect in there. Perhaps Da Ghiri or Kethas have some preliminary spells for protection or divination, which they might want to cast before we enter." Resting a gauntlet hand on Humus shoulder. "Aye, my honest thanks to your help in my personal quest. We all should benefit from finding the blade, yet this is only secondary ! Our goal still lies in the recovery of the scepter. Each passing day you amaze me with your knowledge and leadership. Surely you have taken command of this group with an assertive hand and all have willingly accepted the weight of your word. I, but add my wisdom gathered from years of adventuring in form of advice. Your father would surely have been proud of you. Never underestimate the power of the dieties ! Maybe someday you WILL get your chance to meet your father. Praise Heimdall !!" Hearing Jardels comforting words about his father, moved Humus to share more of his and his fathers past with Jardel. "I did know my father a little - before he disappeared, but he was gone most of the time - serving the realm. When he was home, he helped a little with my initial training and basic drillings of knightly virtues, but most of my training was from the retainers he hired. He would go off to train by himself at a very secluded area for hours on end. I was able to secretly follow him once and watch him. I have never seen anyone move as he did that day. His weapon - a strange weapon called a duo-blade (imagine 2 bastard swords joined end to end at the hilt) - seemed so large. It seemed that as he used it he would start moving faster and faster. He would occasionally nick himself with it, but that was because it was so large and he was moving so fast. I have never told anyone about seeing that before - even my father." As if in a trance, he continued, "He disappeared when I was only seven winters old. I still remember the last days he was with us. He had just gotten back from a meeting with the king. He told of a new quest that he was to attempt to perform. I don't know what he was supposed to do, but I do remember him telling that the kings wizards were creating a device to allow him to travel to the Abyss and the nine Hells. No one has ever told me, but I feel that he was going to battle several of the primary deamons and devils like Asmodeus. The day that he left, he had strapped his mystic weapon on his back and was going for provisions for the journey. He never returned. The king and the rest of my family tried everything to find out where he was magical, holy, and otherwise, but nothing worked. He was just gone, and no one still knows where he is." Jardel listened attentively to Humus personal story. "Well, it seems you have HIGH expectations to live up to. What strange weapon this giant two-bladed sword must be ?! I myself rely on wearing my trusted shield - it has given me life preserving cover on more than one occasion. I cannot remember if we talked about worship before - I mean, if you are religious and a devout follower to a diety. If not, I can only offer my service and religious readings of Heimdall to you. Certainly DaGhiri too would be pleased to enlighten you." "Yes, the weapon was very strange to behold, but it actually offered a bit of protection because of its size. It was wielded with two hands - almost like using a quarterstaff. I too prefer using a shield. It was a great honor that was given to my father for him to wield it. It was actually a weapon of a god at one time. "I must admit that I'm not as religious as you and Da Ghiri are, but I do have some faith. You and Da Ghiri may consult your gods, but I don't believe that you will find out much. Many high priests devoted to different gods and goddesses were consulted about the location of my father, but not even the gods knew where he was - or wouldn't tell. It is a big mystery to everyone what happened. I wonder if I'll ever find out the truth." Caladan looked around in wonder as the group talked. He then remembered something and pulled two small pieces of cloth from his ears" That helped" Caladan then produced a piece of cloth from his backpack and started to rub the harpy guts off his blade. "We should move on, these corpses will soon attract other creatures and even though I've no question in my mind that we could best most of them, our true goal lies ahead. I say we enter the cave as quickly as possible. Ashal if you want to hear the tale firsthand, you should join us. We welcome all the help we can get and if I'm not mistaken this adventure is going to contain a lot of song materiel for bards. Imagine great demons, evil wizards, antipaladins, a band of heroes and a young prince. It already sounds like a bedtime story. Now listen to me being carried away and forgetting all my manners." Caladan bowed to Ashal "My name is Caladan Thalagon once a high ranking mage, until a accident changed that, so now I'm a travelling swordsman. I couldn't help to notice that you both carry sword and magic as myself. Might you be trained both as the arcane and the sword or be you a travelling bard, dabbler of the arcane ?"
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