Fast Times at DF High by Wuolong
The night was young. Throughout the day I had done and accomplished many feats.
My good friend Ralok came into possession of the best possible ring of red ruin
after we took down the dangerous necromancer Thanos. I had a small ruby secured
in my bag of holding, ready to be used another day, and although nothing useful
for anyone else was obtained, my new glowing lizard eye was a big improvement
over my old one. It was a very successful day and I was itching for more.
I was wandering from clan town to clan town when I heard a familiar voice echo
in my mind, it was my fellow clan member Timeant.
Timeant is very experienced at leading adventurers through the toughest of
situations and I was excited to find out he planned on leading us through
the death trap that was known as the Demon Forge! Once thought to be a myth,
this deviously hidden island was discovered several years ago. It took many
a hero putting aside their hatred of one another to delve into the many secrets
of this forbidden landscape and at long last the knowledge was spread to many
others. Timeant long ago learned what dangers lurked among the many corridors
of Demon Forge and planned on obtaining for some lucky person a new set of
spider mitts and perhaps some of the fabled equipment of the dreaded Dhaulagiri.
After receiving his summons, many of us flocked to the island to prepare
for this journey into the unknown!
As dangerous as it may be, our town is full of many experienced adventurers,
and those who are not learn quickly. It was with a focused rage we hurled
ourselves at the devious thief known as Kanchenjunga and as blood was spilled,
wounds healed, and powerful magics cast, Kanchenjunga's demise became all but
inevitable. After regrouping and licking our wounds, we prepared for the
toughest battle we would have to face - Dhaulagiri. As we made our way
towards our destination, with a note of surprise the fearless Outlaw Legion
stormed from the mist, seemingly out of nowhere and violently attacked!
Despite our initial surprise we regrouped, now under the guidance of the
dashing Aermac, we repulsed the initial probing of the Outlaws. Despite
our superior numbers we were in a slightly weakened condition, which the
Outlaws sought to exploit by targeting individuals who were already hurt.
With the timely healing by such great heroes as Zanku and Beatrinne, we were
able to stave off the initial onslaught. Through the course of the melee many
spells were thrown with deadly precision, and weapons sliced deep into soft
flesh. Although not actually able to finish anyone off themselves,
the devilish Outlaws had some unwitting help from the fiendish phantasms.
Wielding their deadly daggers, they mercilessly ripped into the flesh of
several of our team, snuffing out the spark of life. Sadly this reporter,
just moments after sending the savage Rylur to his demise,
fell victim to one such blade of a phantasm.
Despite the losses on both sides it was quickly apparent
the vaunted skill of the Outlaws was no match for the perseverance
and steadfast determination of the Gravis Negotium soldiers.
The Outlaws retreated.
Despite this setback, the Outlaws would not be denied. Feigning retreat,
they left the menacing island, attempting to give a false sense of security
to team Gravis. Although not completely taken by this deception, we pressed
our attack on the intimidating Dhaulagiri. Being one of the most fearsome
beings in existence, Dhaul did not take our attack kindly, fighting fiercly
he attempted to stomp us into the ground, knocking all of us over with one
mighty charge after another. Although Dhaulagiri fought admirably, his
demise had been foretold in the stars. Not to be forgotten, just as Dhaulagiri
was preparing to meet his maker, the cunning Outlaw Legion made their move,
rushing to the only safe room in the Forge, and organizing for an assault against
us while we were occupied fighting Dhaul! It was to late. While the
Outlaws attempted to gather their strength, Dhaulagiri let out a final,
agonizing moan as the darkness overtook him. The fierce Dhaulagiri fell
before the blade of the might Xuntzu. After taking our leave of the island,
tipping our hats to the failed attempt by the Outlaws to rebuff our assault
on the island, we divided up the spoils of war, and moved on, but always will
the bitter fight and thrilling victory in the black Demon Forge be far from our
minds.
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