Once upon a time, there was a group of adventurers who found themselves at odds with most people they met. To make amends and to cement their names in eternal glory, these heroes were chosen to fight a terrible fight against a great beast: a warlock, an archer, a druid, a monk, a boss, and, of course, The Bard. And also a paladin.
On that fateful day, our heroes were escorted into a large arena, pools of blood drying in the sand.
Yet, there was no beastie.
The leader of the town and architect of this trial, the Governor, stood in the center of the stands and announced the brave adventurers, smiling devilishly. He proclaimed that this would be a day to remember and that the competition could only end… in death!
Still, there was no beastie.
There was, however, a sound of groaning, and the arena doors opened to reveal vile zombies! The group leaped into action, guarding their perimeter, with Milo courageously guarding the center! The heroes’ training had paid off though, and with a shower of limbs and sinew, the undead hoard was beaten back. Yet the heroes could scarcely catch their breath…
Because now there was a beastie.
Bursting from the center of the arena, a monster of teeth and horns and metal and stone stunned the brave fighters, knocking several off their feet! Nevertheless, for each swing of its massive horns it received 3 blows in return! The heroes fought ferociously with steel and magic and goat, and with one last deadly shot the creature howled in pain and slumped over… permanently.
A mighty hush fell over the crowd. All eyes were on the Governor. They all watched as he slowly rose from his seat… and began to clap. “Well done champions. That was the best damn birthday I have ever had! And the fun doesn’t stop here. You’re all to be my guests this evening in a banquet in your honor!” The Governor smiled and added, “I insist.”
As the heroes were led out of the arena, the chanting for Milo ringing in their ears, they could only wonder if they were out of the fire and into the frying pan.
At the mansion, after some pleasantries and a feast, the Governor explained that he was sincerely impressed. It wasn’t often he came across such capable individuals. And why should all this talent go to waste? Especially when his poor beloved Lianna so badly needed returned to him. And when the man she ran off with so badly needed sharp objects inserted into him.
The Governor pleaded with the group, “Help me take my revenge on that bastard, Till Auvrylil, and I will reward you beyond your wildest dreams.” The party wasn’t thrilled at the idea of being accomplices to kidnapping, but with so much money on the line, suuuurely it wouldn’t hurt to investigate this renegade romance?
The heroes all prepared to leave the city the next morning. Their long journey would take them west if they were to explore the last known location of Till. Now free (and wealthier), they spent the evening doing the things they had always wanted. The druid went to her old friend, the potion maker, and finally bought something. Milo, concerned others were not recognizing his radiance, upgraded his wardrobe in a manner that fit someone of his status. And finally, the archer excitedly went to the local gay bar, talking of alcohol and reuniting with old friends.
As they set out, they each contemplated their new journey in their own way. They didn’t know what they would find beyond the western plains or what they would do once they got there, but destiny was calling and they would soon have to answer!
Unfortunately, these thoughts weighed so heavily on the group that it would be days before someone asked, “Did anyone tell the paladin we were leaving?”
Colosseum in Dis
2018-05-07