Once upon a time a group of adventurers raced across the high seas in search of a child. While this world had many children in different stages of distress, this one was particularly unique.
Not mere months prior, a dashing swashbuckler was sent to “eliminate a target”. When that target turned out to be nothing more than a scared elf child, the mission was immediately discarded (though not without cost).
The swashbuckler may have spared a child that day, but others would not be so generous. He knew that other assassins would follow in his footsteps. If the child were to be saved, it would be up to this group to do it!
Only, what of the mysterious ‘sickness’ said to surround the child? Surely a child couldn’t be TOO sick? It didn’t matter. Children didn’t die, certainly not on their watch. So off they went in search of the child once more, now to ensure his permanent safety.
The only thing standing in their way though, was the fabled Cliffs of Insanity. While impressive, the swashbuckler knew that with careful planning and cunning stealth they could avoid the denizens of the mountain and make their way to the child above.
“Alright guys, lets do this. UUUUUUUUURS JENKINS!!!”
Upon arrival, the barbarian leapt from the boat and began to climb the cliff face as the group looked on in horror. Not wanting him to go alone they stuck to the plan and scrambled after him.
But then things got worse…
As they made their climb, the skies above them began to darken until the midday sun was not much more than the blackest night.
But then things got worse…
At the middle of the summit a cry went out in the darkness. Those lucky enough to see through the inky black saw the minotaur swallowed by an unseen shape and taken far away, his lantern a mere speck of light in the distance.
Climbing a cliff in deep blackness is no easy feat, but slowly and surely they made their way to their battered friend.
But then things got worse…
As they neared the vicious combat they saw a hulking beast that rose above any man (or minotaur). It resembled more of a spider; its fangs dripped low and its pitch black hairs matched the twilight around it perfectly.
The creature had chosen this fight well. In this position it was in a near unhittable location.
Still, slash after slash, bolt after bolt, the beast slowed and finally reached its limit. With a thunderous boom from the barbarians hammer the creature took a blow to the side of the head. It looked slightly dazed as its head was separated from its grotesque body.
Taking a well-earned breath, the adventurers treated their wounds, but they couldn’t rest for long. The child was close and, as far as they knew, the assassins may be closer!
Once more they climbed the rock face, pushing their tired muscles to the limit. It was slow going but at last, they finally reached the summit!
But then things got worse…
Waiting for them at the top were dozens of dark elves! Where did so many come from? What did they want? There was little time for answers as the group was led into a nearby cavern and quickly shown the inside of a jail cell (the barbarian was not ‘led’, so much as walked freely in unison).
But then things got worse…
After some time a representative approach the group. They would take one person to address the queen. The paladin volunteered and was led into a great chamber. At the end sat the queen, dainty, but she exuded power all the same.
The paladin explained their mission, and that a innocent child was in danger every minute that they remained prisoner.
The queen smiled at the paladin. This was not new information. The child was well known to her, though the news of assassins in his wake was moderately distressing. He certainly couldn’t be allowed to be harmed!
See, this was no ordinary boy. This was a child of the great and powerful Malic! Oh sure, he currently oscillated between light and dark, but with enough guidance he would be able to embrace the darkness and bring destruction to the light once and for all!
The adventurers were not dark elves, and therefore unlikely to be of any real help and could probably be disposed of. Then again, they also wished for the boy’s safety. On this their goals were aligned. So with much thought the Queen made a decision.
“If you can show me your skill and prowess, perhaps I will let you live long enough to prove your loyalty to our cause.”
The paladin sighed, she had a feeling things were about to get worse…