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[Malicite]

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Malicite poked at the fire outside of the tavern and muttered something to himself about the late chill gripping Blackmarsh. As the newly freed embers burst into color and danced towards the heavens, Tari Nuarz and another gargoyle, who later introduced herself as Malia, approached the grumbling man. The three entered into tavern and seated themselves near the bar. Time passed and Dale Bracken, Tor Morgrim and Camilla entered to join in the conversation. The final time the door opened, it seemed as though all the outside light slipped into nothing as a mountain of a man trudged in.

Malicite had never met this man before, but, through listening to his brothers and sisters of Blackmarsh, he quickly learned the brute’s name was Barra. Clothing his head in the carcass of some indistinguishable animal, the man wore no shirt, which sent a violent shiver up Malicite’s spine as he remembered the chill he had just retreated from. As immense a figure as Barra appeared, his demeanor inspired a sense of trust from the beginning as he greeted everyone with a warm smile. Quickly crossing the threshold of the tavern, he met with the assembly of Blackmarsh.

Malicite moved away from the bar as the crowd’s volume grew exponentially. It seemed that there was a purpose that this Barra character wanted us to achieve. As he gathered for the rowdy conversation, the Ethereal Being’s direction, we were to head to the Wisp Dungeon in Ilshenar and find the green altar. Malicite had no idea what that meant, but, then again, he wasn’t asked to think. A hush fell over the group while they checked their armor and weapons, and, by the look of things, this was not going to be an easy task. He shook his head with a small grin and prepared for the trip.

The party reached the entrance of the dungeon with relative ease and proceeded to descend to the first level. Passing through the ivory colored walls, the party was joined by Jareth Tresean as they approached the green altar. As they approached the designated location, the Ethereal Being manifested and began to speech in a low, melodic tone. Malicite, being out of ear shot, could only gather than the spirit was urging them into the depths of the dungeons, where more sinister evils lurked. Without hesitation, the group pushed forward following the bidding of the spirit. Down they went and, with each passing step and breath, the air thickened and the overpowering stench of decay assaulted their senses.

Only one set of stairs remained as the Ethereal Being again directed the group on where to go, but, like before, Malicite was unable to hear what the specter commanded. Huffing and puffing, he muttered under his breath about dying before they engaged any adversaries. His body would need to be re-trained for this type of activity, but he knew now was not the time to worry about such issues.

Deeper yet the assemblage sank into the depths, and, as Malicite stumbled down the final few steps, he saw he brothers and sisters already engaging an unseen enemy. Bolts of fire and lightening pierced the dark halls devastating the lifeless masses, dark spirits and wizards who sacrificed their humanity. Arrows and flashes the steel struck in sync with magic, and it was not long before the struggle was over. The Ethereal Being strode down the hall without acknowledging the carnage erupting around it, and, after dealing with the aggressors, the party pursued the spirit deeper and deeper.

They arrived at a surprising well lit room with runes decorating the floor. In front of them, a line of the runes passed from one side of the hall to the other. The Ethereal Being, without eyes, stared deep into the souls of all those present and gave them one simple instruction. “Meet me at the other side, and, if you cheat, I will have your soul forever.” It seemed as if the ghost turned its head directly to Dale Bracken and was gone. Staring at the runes, Malicite knew what had to be done. He looked to the group and called out, “brothers and sisters, let us be smart about this!” As the final word left his lips, he cried out and charged the line of runes. He picked wrong.

After trial, and much, much error, the group managed to find their way to the other side. There the Ethereal Being awaited and gave the following message, “beyond this room lie your challenge, kill one of the gold beasts, or three that are not. Do so to complete this portion of your trial.” As the Ethereal Being slipped away from their vision, the party set out to discover the passage that led them to their final challenge. Searching the entire room, they were only able to find two questionable runes, but, where they ultimately led, no one was certain. Camilla, not in close proximity with the group, was running her hands softly along the ancient stone walls when she felt one of the bricks shift inward. The old stone shoot and shuddered as life was given to something which had been inactive for far too long. A portion of the wall opened outward and exposed a rune that had previously been hidden. The group gathered where Camilla’s commotion had come to rest. A few words were exchanged, blades were gripped tighter and the gathering ventured into the unknown.

If there had been any confusion as to what they were going to face, it was quickly forgotten. Before them stood an immense beast, which would have dwarfed even the largest daemon. A few curses were thrown out, but they were instantly overshadowed by the creature’s scream. The soldier’s work had begun, and none of them were going to disappoint. Again, lightning, fire and swords struck into the Balron along with some type of fox Malicite had never seen. Together, they made quick work of the first, second and third of the beasts. The spirit reappeared and ushered the group back to the green altar.

Before more of the vile beasts appeared, the group withdrew from the room before the dust settled. One challenge remained which even the Ethereal Being was not prepared for. Malicite took the lead and guided the party through every hallway and room seeking the exit, which he was certain, was just around the next corner. After much trial and error, the Ethereal Being appeared before them and led them to the exit. It was apparent while we succeeded in the primary goal of slaying the foul demons; the unspoken mission of navigating the dungeon had ended in failure.

Huffing and puffing the exhausted band returned to the green altar, and again the Ethereal Being returned. In between his gasps for air, Malicite heard it speak of a final set of tasks that needed to be accomplished. A corrupted unicorn, Dreadhorn, had to be stopped. There was no question on anyone’s face. For a brother of Blackmarsh, they would do what needed to be done. Exhausted, they departed for home to tend to their aches and pains. In the end, the world was a bit safer being rid of those demons, and Barra was closer to achieving balance in Ilshenar.
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"Detached reflection cannot be demanded in the presence of an uplifted knife."
-Justice Holmes