Boros' Problem Solving Policy

The Tale of Boros, The Redhand, Part Six

as told by Grometh Headstrong, 2534 AW

Transcribed by Gaius Malk, Lorekeeper of Ald

That night the Ancestors spoke to Boros in his dreams. They told of dire events to come, an ancient evil returning to the world. With portents they spoke of a small village  on the mainland where Boros and his companions were to confront this horror. Boros knew he must protect the innocents it meant to harm, but the only clue he had was to look for the Midsummer Festival of Dreams.

The next morning, Boros related the dream to his friends. The stout-hearted Kheeldor agreed readily and both Jregg and Khun rallied to his cause. Most surprisingly, Kwazco emphatically vouched his support, having found his courage along with his fantastic magical bow. The only problem that remained was leaving the island.

The friends immediately set about cracking the mysteries of the metal dolphin, which appeared to be some sort of ship. They tried many methods until Kheeldor sat in the pilot's seat and allowed his magic to seep into the dolphin. Immediately the machine sprang to life, though at the cost of draining the druid's magic. Boros also found that he too could pilot the dolphin by the will of his ancestors and finding himself similarly drained. Though disturbed by the sensations created by the  dolphin, he vowed to help with the return trip.

Packing only the essentials, the companions climbed into the dolphin and kheeldor set off at great speed, hoping he would bring them there in time. Boros did his best to take some of the burden, though he could not move as fast. During the trip Khun and Jregg did attempted to discover some more of the workings of the dolphin and Kwazco kept everyone's spirits as high as he could. Dark danger awaited them on their arrival.

They reached the cliffs of the western sea in a few days time, and found themselves greeted by great walls of stone. In a moment of inspiration, Kheeldor willed the dolphin to leave the water and soon they found themselves flying through the air in the wondrous machine. Believing they would cause a panic and not knowing who they could trust on the mainland, the friends decided to send Khun ahead to scout and find the whereabouts of the endangered village.  Khun disguised himself as a mere traveler, then spread the wings of his magical maille and glided above the water to the coast.

Khun soon found an inn where he began gathering information. He made the acquaintance of two seemingly well-meaning hobgoblins, and through questioning the barkeep was able to find the location of the festival. He returned with the news and the dolphin set forth into the air. They quickly found themselves outside the village, landing the dolphin in a small pond near an old mill.

The village was a dazzling array of sights, sounds and smells. Kwazco availed himself of the copious delicious pies, while the others spoke with the mayor, finding out that the town shared a history with the inhabitants of the island, and that the dolphin they now kept once ferried townsfolk back to the mysterious island thousands of years ago.  Keeping their vehicle and connection a secret, the companions pressed him for details but the mayor declined so he could introduce a performance by his daughter.

The beautiful Bellrose sang a song sweeter than they had ever heard, and Boros and his friends were moved by her voice. Suddenly, as her song ended, the ancient evil chose to show itself. In a blinding flash a terrible ogre appeared, grabbing Bellrose and demanding to be given something called “Rindeau's Oath.” He disappeared with the girl, saying he would wait three days by the old mill, then return to destroy the town.

The mayor pleaded for help and Boros swore they would give it if they were told of Rindeau's Oath. They were introduced to an old smith who was of the bloodline of Rindeau, master smiths through the years fulfilling an oath to the legendary Khall Kilbreth to make the finest weapons ever created to fight the ogre menace. Though hesitant to show outsiders the hidden location of the oath's resting place, the danger of its discovery by the ogre made him hesitantly agree as long as they swore to take nothing from that place but the oath. Boros and the others swore solemnly and the smith lead on.

Beneath an old barn, the smith revealed a hidden ladder that lead to a magnificent forge. The smith stayed behind, reminding them of their oath, and telling them they would know the Oath itself when they saw it. Boros and the others descended, finding themselves standing on a floor before a locked door, the floor inscribed with the words “I am my father's child, I am my mother's child, but I am no man's son.” The riddle slowed them little, as the word “daughter” was spoken and the door swung free.

Behind the door lay the forge, with three strong anvils and a massive furnace pit for heating metal, which lay cold. Two other doors lead to rooms that, while filled with glittering  weapons of masterful craft, held none that could be the Oath. They searched the forge high and low, finding an inscription on one of the anvils reading:

"This forge is no place for the weak.

Smiths endure blood, sweat and tears.

A canny smith does not move iron alone.

He accepts the help of his peers."

Realizing they must work together, they Settled themselves around the anvil  and pulled, moving it aside to reveal another ladder down.

Climbing down lead them to a large room dominated by a massive statue of Khaal Kilbreth himself holding an intricately crafted greatsword. However, the sword could not be removed, though Boros pulled with all his might. As the companions pondered the removal of sword and its mysterious inscription, a booming laugh rang out behind them. They turned to find the ogre had followed them, using his magic to remain invisible!

Taunting them for their foolishness in leading him to the oath, the ogre spread his cloak and four large rats sprang forth. The rats twisted and shifted, transforming into large orcs ready to do their master's bidding. The ogre uttered a single phrase.

“kill them!”

The Legend Begins

Well ok, the legend began a while ago since we're mid-campaign already.I wanted to put together a place to be able to inform our little group about our personal schedules, share ideas and stories about our adventures, or post anything else that pops up.The idea is to have anyone in our group be able to post and we can check back here occasionally to keep up to date. We all seem to have spotty schedules and it would be nice to know what is up with them and if we are roleplaying ahead of time. Of course I have to figure that out first.Anyway, I hope this is something that will be a great help in our adventures,--Josh