Dungeons And Dragons Online: Beyond the Gates of Stormreach

"The following journal came to me from a colleague and was discovered outside the gates of Stormreach. Apparently the journal belonged to a fool hearty Dwarf. The Dwarf's language was not quite up to our scholarly standards so we cleaned it up prior to publication"

Sir Phiras D'Sivas - Inquistor for Hire.
An Excerpt From The Stormreach Chronicles

Sul, Eyre 2nd

I grew complacent,

The guards are not to my liking. I had heard of adventures
elsewhere in the confines of this stodgy city, and being a short term resident of Stormeach, I have come to learn that no greater gossip is left unspoken - or unsung by the lips of a bard. Luckily, and to my utter dismay, there was an obnoxious singing bard across the way.

I carefully listened to his words and to my surprise - Or perhaps it was the ale I had been drinking all day, I found his tone soothing.

Being ever bold I assumed there must have been some truth to his words. Just what I need a new place to explore and adventure! I stepped from the table intent on finding out all I could from the chorus and refrains.

"Hey there Bard, tell me more about these Cerulean Hills?"

The bard looked up from his table of adventurers and calmly spoke "Well, aren't you a demanding Dwarf! Do I look like I give information away for free?" He laughed with a cautious eye. "My name is Serft. May I sing you a song, or perhaps have you buy me a drink?" He winked as he spoke. "Perhaps that may loosen my tongue, if you get my drift," He melodically voiced as he pointed towards the empty wine glass sitting on the table.

"I'll tell you what. Tell me what you know about outside the gates of this town and I'll see about filling that glass to the top with whatever suits you."

"Quite an offer... I graciously accept!" He then motioned for me to sit down.

His glass now full, Serft begin to sing

"Oh let me tell you of places to fill your wandering wondering a place called Cerulean Hills .."

Before he could start his second verse I cut him short. "I paid for a story, not a song, so kill the singing and start to talking, lest I drink your drink!"

"Oh, but the music adds so much more to the presentation!" He defiantly stated while placing his lute on the ground beside the chair. He then proceeded to tell his story.

"There is another way out of Stormreach besides the Harbor. The gate is not as closely guarded, but only fools choose to enter the Cerulean Hills. Where beasts may roam as they see fit. And danger lurks where you least expect. They call this place the hills of death..."

Serft started to jump into song. I cleared my throat and he pouted all while returning to his narration.

I listened intently for a few hours, about the dangers of the ruins outside. I knew just how dangerous areas of X'endrik could be. I being well educated, knew you that you never could tell what manner of creature, or being would attempt to take your life next. The bard talked for what seemed like hours about strange corpses of hobgoblinish creatures. Of green hills that stretched for miles and miles. He spoke of lush land leading into the threshold of a jungle, of runes toppled by armies of the past. He trailed off into stories of adventurers heading out into the wilds past tranquil rivers cascading through emerald valleys. I listened intently and planned to leave the next morning.

Sul, Eyre 3^rd

I gathered my goods and got directions from young Captain Niles. Upon exiting the gates I was greeted by ruins of generations come and gone. Off in the distance birds hovered in the skies, flanked by rolling hills and cliff-sides. I soon noticed I was not alone as I ventured not but a few hundred feet outside and a pack of wild wolves begin to follow. I quickly struck them down with ease and headed deeper into this vast region. I crossed stone bridges etched into the landscape covering a calm serene river.

Soon I came upon another 'oft traveled path, or so it appeared. A wagon covered in the foul scent of hobgoblins lay burned and broken near my feet. To my surprise an arrow whizzed past my head, another, and yet another. I was under attack! Was it the same hobgoblins that had killed these unfortunate travelers? In the distance I saw my foe, as he notched another arrow, pulling the bow back taught to his rough pig like face. I knew right away this was like no hobgoblin I had ever seen before. Sharp beady eyes took aim and I ducked behind the wagon as another shot pierced the leftover canvas just hanging from the destroyed wagon. I waited for another arrow to fly by and then leapt out with a terrifying cry charging towards this animalistic beast. It never had a chance to release the arrow as my axe cleaved it in two. .

My victory was short lived, as I had only a few moments to take in this creature as I heard the distant pounding of more footsteps. Perhaps there would be more of these things, coming soon. I knew I had to leave.

I ran east and came upon the ruins of a once lively temple. I took a moment and a few deep breaths to climb the inclines leading up to the temple. I was thankful they were not stairs as moving up stairs with short legs is not as easy as it looks.

Upon reaching the top, a pack of wolves caught me deep in my thoughts and struck out with gnashing teeth. Wolves were the least of my worries. I blocked fiercely with my shield only to be swiped violently by the deadly palm of a lion. Great claws sliced through my armor tossing me back as I rolled painfully down the incline. I felt pain pulse through my arm as I regained my stance and quickly swung at the approaching wolves. By this time my upper arm was drenched in blood. I ran from the other attacking beats, my heart racing to the sound of my feet. When finally I felt safe I knelt by a rushing stream removed my armor and washed my wound as the cool bluish water cascaded into rivulets of mixed colors.

Hours passed or so I thought as the moons above began to shine down on me. My wound did not close and I felt weak as night approached.

In the far off distance I saw the brilliant glow of the gates of Stormreach... They seemed further away now much further than I anticipated.... I took out my quill and propped myself up against a rock... No more adventures today...A little drink and rest I'll be just fine.......I took out my flask of ale and drank.....night was here...I heard the baying of wolves in the distance...The grunt of something in the darkness made my mind race....the moons of Eberron highlighted moving shadows in the stream near my head.... Shivers went down my spine... my arm ached....I started to hum the bard's tune in my head....laughing as I reached the final refrain....