see pictures from the adventure

Warning this is long!

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I had, over the past year, spent many hours in the wilderness
surrounding Shoushi honing my skills to a razor's edge. I was
now
ready to fulfill a lifelong dream of joining the alliance of heroes
known as the Source. They are well known for their bravery in
battle, but also for their kindness and generosity to the poor and
needy.

Last week while purchasing spell components from the local wizard, I
overheard a conversation about retrieving the legendary Hamud's
pyreal katar. If the rumors were true, whoever sought the katar must
find their way through a maze of tunnels in a dungeon deep in the
mountains near Qalaba'r, battling the very creatures of darkness.
I
wondered to myself, who could this brave group could be when one the
speakers said "Bring It!" I knew then, without a doubt, it
was the
Source. This had to be more than chance, it had to be fate. I
couldn't let this opportunity pass. My heart beating loudly, I
approached the two heroes.

"Kind sirs, I recognize you as heroes from the Source. I
couldn't
help but overhear your quest to find the legendary katar of Hamud.
My name is Ling Poh. I am an archer with some skill. I would like
to offer my services on this adventure."

They looked at my mismatched armor and unassuming physique. I
thought they were going to say no, when their eyes came to rest on my
bow, an ebony yumi given to me by my father when he retired after the
shadow wars.

They looked at each other, shrugged, "You must travel to Zaikhal.

Introduce yourself to Devana. She will require a tooth from a
lightning lizard as proof of your prowess. Meet us at the lifestone
near Qalaba'r at eventide in exactly one week. Be prompt, we
will
not wait."

They said I could come! I don't believe it! Me and the Source!
I
then realized the enormity of what I needed to do and how little time
I had to accomplish it. A lightning lizard, Zaikhal, Qalaba'r?!?

Could I kill a lightning lizard? What if Devana refused to see me?
Could I find my way to Qalaba'r? Only one week!

I stocked up on arrows, components, and food. Although I had never
fought one of these lizards, I knew they were extremely fast and
breathed lightning. Confident in my abilities, I set off into the
mountains to collect a tooth. After much searching avoiding battle
when I could and fighting when necessary, I finally found what I was
looking for. There, ahead of me, was a black lizard standing over
the corpse of some poor, unfortunate warrior. As I prepared for
battle, casting spells on my bow to enhance its capabilities, I
wondered if I was up to the task. I drew back my bow, took careful
aim, and released…the arrow flew true. Thunk! Screech! The
sound
of the arrow, the screech of pain from the lizard. It turned towards
me as I readied a second arrow. Before I had time to release my
second shot, it was on me. Wow! I wasn't prepared for the
blazing
speed of these creatures. I danced from side to side receiving only
minor cuts. I released my second arrow. Thunk! Screech! Lightning
shot from the lizards mouth, burning through my armor. I have never
felt such pain! I readied my third arrow, knowing that if I
didn't
dispatch him soon I would suffer the same fate as the warrior a few
feet away. Thunk! Screech! The lizard fell at my feet. I was
shaking, my legs wouldn't hold me, I sat down. As I applied my
healing salves and bandages I rejoiced at being alive. Carefully
examining the corpse, I remove one of its teeth.

I had used the portal system, but had never traveled to the desert
cities. Red rock and sand greeted me as I stepped out of the portal
near Zaikhal. I inquired of Devana at the tavern and was directed to
a small hut just north of town. As I approach the hut, I notice a
young woman standing outside.

"My name is Ling Poh. I am looking for Devana."

"I am she. You better have a good reason for disturbing me. I
have
killed for offenses smaller than this."

I hand her the lizard's tooth. Her attitude changes immediately.

"You have proven yourself a warrior. My father could use you.
Here,
take this letter to my father. He is deep in a dungeon south of
Qalaba'r. You will also need this key. Be careful of the
darkness."

Making my way to Qalaba'r, I stock up on supplies. It is almost
time. I am so nervous that I approach the lifestone 2 hours early,
not wanting to be left behind. One of the two heroes I had met a
week ago was there waiting.

"I am Tamo. You are Ling Poh, correct? Do you have everything
you
need?"

I proudly show him the letter I am to deliver to Hamud.

"Good. Since we have a little time before the rest of the group
arrives, how about we make this area a little safer?"

I nod.

"Bring it!" he says.

We run, side-by-side into the mountains. We are well matched. Tamo
fights unarmed. Creatures are confused…I hit them from a
distance,
Tamo is in their face. The great hairy mountain beasts, the giants,
and lightning lizards all fall before us. The time passes quickly.
Soon it is time to meet the rest of our party. Returning to the
lifestone, we find that some have already started to
gather…Astura,
Red Wolf, Stylgar, Fun Chow. Some whose stories are told in taverns
across Dereth. Others who look as nervous I feel. Boomstick,
Barack, Blast Jr, Jackaroo.

When everyone is present, Red Wolf and Boomstick take charge.

"Stay together. Be careful."

With cries of "Bring It!", we all rise and head south. We
all follow
Red Wolf to a swirling purple portal. We prepare for battle and step
through. Dark, damp rock. Narrow, twisty tunnels. Squeaks and
chitterings of unknown creatures echo in our ears. Red Wolf chooses
a passage. We follow. The squeaking gradually gets louder until we
burst into a room and are confronted by small fairy-like creatures.
How dangerous can these be…You take 24 points of fire damage!
Ouch!
Before I have time to draw my bow, the group has destroyed everything
in the room. Follow Red Wolf. We encounter several more groups of
fairies, but we now know what to expect and they succumb easily to
our assault.

Deeper. Darker. Colder. The shadows here have substance. The
darkness fights. We bring the light and the shadows fall before us.
Nothing can stop us. Deeper. A door. It's locked. We hear
noises
from the other side. Jackaroo casts several spells. Ready. Unlock
the door. The darkness is almost overwhelming, but the light of the
Source is greater. Another door. Ready an arrow. Open the door.
Another shadow! Wait, he's not attacking. Could this be Hamud?
I
step into the room and hand the letter from Devana to the shadow.

A deep, throaty whisper comes from the creature, "Thank you for
the
news from my daughter, but before I can help you, you must do a favor
for me. Go to the Foundry near Sawato and retrieve the ancient
pyreal dagger."

Hamud escorts us out a back entrance and we find ourselves in the
mountains again. Red Wolf, Boomstick, and Jackaroo plan our next
step. Suddenly a portal appears in the air beside us. Red Wolf says
step through. One by one we pass through the portal, uncertain of
where it will take us. Another dungeon. Follow Red Wolf. He jumps.

"You want me to follow you WHERE!?" I hestitate, as the rest
of the
party jumps. Not wanting to be left behind, I close my eyes and
leap. F..a..l..l..i..n..g. I land, twisting my ankle in the
process. I take out my healing kit and bind my ankle. Only then do
I look around. I am surrounded by portals! Follow Red Wolf. Into
another portal. Swamp, sulfur, heat, humidity, mosquitoes. We must
be near Sawato. Heading north, we travel through mosswart infested
swamps.

The Foundry is just ahead. Prepare for battle. Step through the
entrance. With a cry of "Bring IT!" We follow Red Wolf.
Huge
lizards, wielding bows, casting spells. Chaos, the tunnels wind and
twist, the group gets split. Regroup. Deeper. More lizards.
"Stay
together." There. Just ahead. What's that shiny thing on
the
floor? A dagger. Could this be what Hamud requested?

We get notice of an important meeting in Mayoi. The Source is being
recalled. But, we need to bring the dagger back to Hamud. It is a
matter of honor. The Source always honors its commitments. Deao, a
Source legend appears to lead us to Hamud. We return to the Mountain
Fortress. Prepare for battle. Follow Deao. Fairies and shadows
can't stop us now. Give Hamud the dagger he requested. He gives
me
the pyreal katar. It is a beautiful weapon. Perfectly balanced.
Finely crafted. Razor sharp. I carefully pack it away and follow
the group out into the night air.

The Source prepares to go to Mayoi. I prepare to return to my home.
I have the katar to remind me of my time with the Source.

Tamo turns to me, "You coming?"

What? Am I being included in Source business? Do they want me to
join them? Dreams do come true!

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Thanks for a great evening.

- Ling Poh -