Fahren al-Heit - The slow path of death and despair

I had returned to the towns of Oseth. Feeling confident in my powers. I had joined a group of similarly displaced wanderers who held views in-line with my own Gharu’n ideals. The Silver Citadel. One of their number took me to a place that was well beyond my prowess. Targg would use his body as a shield against Tuskers as I burned them to death bolt by bolt. Despite the smell of charred flesh and hair it was a good time. Later I convinced another of the Silver Citadel order to accompany me there. Following the writings of the Mage known as Warhead I traveled, with some aid, to the Fort of the Virindi and used the Life magic to drain the life of Tuskers. With this help from my comrades I made it to the 12th level of power in rather quick succession.

After restocking those components that shape the mana we wield into distinct spells I set about the task of learning spells, first those of my newly gained skill, item magic. As I began the process my mind went back to Ispar and the academy. This was the part of magic I enjoyed the least. Slowly picking over the various components arranging them to match the words of power, selecting the target correctly and then hoping my skills would summon forth the energy in the pattern I desired. The cry for help I heard was a welcome diversion. Even though I had only gotten a quarter of the spells I should learn.

A fellow mage had succumbed to greater numbers in a mountain pass far to the north. He explained to me that some Wild Monouga’s where refusing to relinquish the corpse. Further they seemed to be using the body to keep their feet above the snow. As I navigated through the various portals I began to realize this would be my first unaided trek as a mage. While it’s true I have slain many of the denizens of Dereth It was always risking my own skin. Not to come to the aid of another. I was resolute to not leave anything to chance. Soon the swirling portal was all that stood between me and my destination. I summoned forth the protections I would need after dawning my magical enhancing ornaments. With a brief respite I ran into the portal. War Dragon met me on the other side. He was quick to dispatch the pleasantries and we moved to the location of his demise. After surveying the beasts I moved in an arc up the hill to be on the same elevation with the creatures. Dragon told me he was capable of killing one of the creatures. We each took one and I began my launching of a bolt then a vulnerability spell then bolt bolt bolt. The monouga crossed the snow towards me quickly and was almost upon me when I laid it low. I then turned to my friend and with a final bolt the second fell. I reveled in the feeling of power. Surely this was the emotion that spurred warrior mages like myself to grow in their craft! Next a group of five banderlings feel to us, finally some mites. With his items recovered we began the trek back to town. As we neared the portal a Wild Monouga gave chase. Feeling confident I spun to face him. I landed a vuln spell and drained his life essense to replace that he had just beaten out of me. Then a single bolt and he dropped. I howled into the wind for the world to hear! Fahrenheit was become the destroyer! We downed a few ales in the tavern to celebrate, then I found a nice comfortable bedroll for the rest of the night.

The next morning I worked through the pounding in my head by finishing off the Life magical spells. Finally I finished off the last of the war spells. With a gleam in my eye I headed back to the mountain path, the site of my most recent display of prowess. I would soon stand atop a pile of creatures that could not withstand my abilities. Heading up a butte I spied an Iron golem. This should provide a suitable challenge for me. As I started to prepare I noted some ‘dillos near by, bronze in color I decided to quickly dispatch them and move onto the golem. I tried to find a vantage point I could use to make my stand. Unfortunately it was a bit closer then I wanted. Still, after my performance the previous day they shouldn’t provide too much problem. Shouldn’t being the key word. I used my tried and true armor and decided not to bother with the item magics. I spelled myself against attack and slashing. Then a quick replenishment of mana and I fired off a single bolt immediately followed by a vuln. The bolt crashed into the hillside and the vuln took effect. The beast rolled towards me with astonishing speed. A second bolt careened wide, it was upon me. Its leap ripped into my stomach as I was able to land a first bolt. I realized I death was near so I used the life magic to drain it. Unfortunately my first bolt had already taken too much of its life away to make a difference. I suddenly had a moment of indecision. Should I run or try to heal or try to kill it with another bolt? The dillo made the choice for me. The familiar blue of the lifestone came into focus. I new if I quickly returned I could dispatch the beast. Using my new magic I recalled the portal and ran to where I had dropped. No need to loot my corpse yet. I started the process of protecting myself when I noted the iron golem had sensed my presence and was almost upon me. I spun and started to run down the hill. Knowing the lumbering pile of rocks wouldn’t match my speed I started to breath easier. Without justification suddenly a banderling berserker was on my tail! My armor was seemingly invisible to it as it quickly laid me low.

Again was at the lifestone. Luckily my recall spell can work at 10% vitae. This time my matty coat and boots where lost. I pulled the red dyed hooded robe from my pack. I had never used a buffed robe as armor. Now I would see first hand how it worked. The level 4 spells fizzled but finally caught. I headed to my last body. The banderling was standing on it. All of my corpses seemed to have a creature marking their locations. Sighing I fired of a spell on the berserker. It resisted Three times. I started firing off lightning bolts in the hopes one of them would land.

Again I was at the lifestone. It was becoming apparent I would need aid. Due to the hour of the day I had no one to call. I headed back and waited until someone ran buy. An archer heeded my plea and came up to face the berserker. With his aid I was able to get my first body back. On the next one was a golem. He offered to throw a vuln. on it for me. I started with acid streams one after another. It resisted a good deal of them. One blow almost killed me. I drained its life and drained its stamina. Before I could cast stamina to mana it struck again. My mana low and my health ebbing I retreated. The archer dispatched the golem. I quickly ran to my next body. As I started to retrieve the items two bronze dillos appeared and sent me hurtling thru space.

Again I was at the lifestone, 19% vitae. I recalled and started back for my body. This time two drudge stalkers where there to greet me. As I had not had any trouble at the drop in point before I hadn’t buffed properly.

Again I was at the Lifestone. 24% vitae. This time I went to the armorer and bought a full set of plate mail. After spelling myself up I returned. This time I granted the archer permission to retrieve my items. With all my gear back I headed back to the beaches. I’m not sure how much wiser but much humbled.

Original Thread : The slow path of death and despair. (story-diary)