Enchanter Galatea of the Heath

## Bedtime Stories with Galatea and Litho

## Dont be Afraid

#### Galatea ended her protection spell with an extra verse,

#### Tonight the spirits roam,

#### protection now is three fold.

#### The air around the perimeter began to shimmer as it formed a giant bubble around their campsite area. The dome allowed one to see the stars and the moon but not anything beyond.

#### Galatea opened her pouch. Litho her bullfrog looked up at her with big eyes and blurted out, You changed the spell? Are we in danger?

#### Setting him down, Galatea patted his head, Everything is fine. I need to rest and then Ill explain.

#### Soooo, we are in danger?

#### No, everything is okay, Im exhausted. replied Galatea as she sat down on her bedroll and ate some nuts and dried fruit. Then she laid down and closed her eyes.

#### You cant sleep? We could die! Litho exclaimed as he looked around the area.

#### Opening one eyelid Galatea replied, We are completely safe. No worries. Now please, let me rest.

#### Litho glanced over to the swampy area but instead of leaving he hopped next to Galatea arm  Looking up at her he softly sang,

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Slurp them down

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Squishy and round

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Wings or feet

#### Hm, hm, hm, hm

#### They are a treat.


#### Hm, hm, hm, hm

#### They are a treat.

#### The singing stopped when he noticed Galatea was lightly breathing.  Scanning the bushes and trees he listened. Then hopped towards the marsh, picking up speed when he spied a caterpillar.

#### An hour later Galatea sat up. We are safe my dear frog. Tonight is All Hallows Eve. The one night of the year spirits good and evil rise up and cause havoc around the world. I placed a powerful protection over us. Anything happening outside of the bubble will not bother us. The only problem is when I cast a more powerful spell it drains my energy. That is why I gathered firewood and got my bedroll set up for the night before I walked the perimeter.

#### Galatea snapped her fingers at the stack of wood but only a couple small sparks hit the dry leaves. She leaned over and softly blew at them until they glowed and spread outwards to the twigs and logs.  Then she reached over and tapped Lithos nose, What would I do without you. Thanks for singing to me. It did help me feel better. Now go get something to eat you silly frog.

#### I already did. Youve been sleeping for a loooong time.

#### I was really tired. Since you ate, are you ready for a bedtime story?

#### Yes, yes, and yes, Litho said, sitting up straight.

#### On this night it is customary to tell scary stories. Would you like a ghost story?

#### I would.  And..I wont be afraid. he answered while nodding.

#### Wonderful, I need to go and get something first in order to tell the story.


#### Wonderful, I need to go and get something first in order to tell the story.

#### Galatea got up and searched the ground until she found a couple of green stones stuck into the dirt. After digging them out she walked over to the fire and she threw one into the flames and said,

#### Fire burn

#### fire bright

#### Make a ghost

#### appear tonight.

####
#### The flames of the fire intensified. The rock began to glow and change into swirling green smoke. Rising up higher it took the shape of a ghost who appeared to be walking on top of the logs. Litho applauded, Hes funny.  Tell me a ghost story please.

#### Once there was a burial ground digger named Graves who came upon a cute girl with antlers walking down a path.

#### Is it you? asked Litho.

#### Galatea giggled and replied, Maybe? Youll have to listen to find out. Graves couldnt resist making fun of her antlers and made the girl cry.

#### A green hat wizard named Meridian happened to be walking down the same path. He held up his wand and told Graves to stop saying hurtful things or he would turn him into a rock. Graves pleaded with the wizard. He promised to be a nicer person. The wizard decided to let Graves have another chance.

#### The next day a cute little green frog hopped by Graves.

#### Its me!

#### Maybe? Youll need to keep listening. Graves called the frog ugly and laughed at him.  Meridian showed up again and with a quick flick of his wand there was a green stone on the ground. Meridian buried the stone into the dirt and left.


#### Graves never bothers anyone again except on each All Hallows Eve night if the stone is placed into a fire he rises up. Litho and Galatea both stared at the fire and the ghost walking back and forth. Galatea handed another rock to Litho and said, Here throw this into the fire.

#### Litho took the stone and threw it as hard as he could into the flames. The rock flew right into the ghost. Graves called out:

#### Bones bones

#### who rattle my bones

#### Don't dig by head or down by my toes

####

#### Bones bones
####

#### leave me alone

#### Or I will grab you with one loud moan

#### Galatea looked over at Litho. Litho stared at the ghost and then back at Galatea, Whooooos talking?

#### Galatea laughed, Its me. I put a spell on both of the rocks when you werent looking. Theres no Graves. I made it all up. She snapped her fingers and the ghost vanished.  Happy All Hallows Eve, you silly frog.


## Bedtime Stories with Galatea and Litho

## Real Friends

#### Inside of the pouch Litho could barely hear the stick being dragged as it formed a trench into the dirt. He mouthed the words Galatea recited as she walked.

#### Rise up high

#### From earth to sky

#### Protect all that dwell on

#### The inside.

#### When the end of the trench met the beginning Galatea headed towards the shade of a large oak tree. Opening her pouch a head popped out.

#### Hello Litho?

#### Hello right back at you. Im soooooo.hungry. Wheres the bugs?

#### Picking up her bullfrog Galatea said, See that marshy area over there. Im sure its full of slimy crawly things.

#### Sit me down, please. sit me down! My tummy is rumbly.  Galatea set Litho on the ground. He stretched out his front legs as far as they would go and then did the same with each of his back legs. Oooo, that feels so good after a long nap.

#### Litho faced the marsh and took one hop forward, turned around and winked, then continued on his way as he danced and sang,

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Slurp them down

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### squishy and round

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Wings or feet

#### Clap clap clap clap

#### They are a treat

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Bugs are yummy

#### Bom bom bom bom

####

#### Bugs are sweet

#### Clap clap clap clap

#### Tastytasty

#### Tasty.treats


#### Tastytasty

#### Tasty.treats

#### Hm hm hm hm

#### Dont you bring back any of those nastycrawly things, Galatea called after him. Litho kept hopping forward until he disappeared into some tall weeds. Galatea went over to a grassless area and began to move rocks into a circle.

#### A half hour later she headed to the fire pit with her arms full of wood when she heard.

#### Help! Help! gurgle.

#### Galatea dropped the wood and ran. Her face became red and her eyes scanned from left to right.

#### Litho, Litho where are you?

#### Reaching the weeds, she stopped and listened. The only sound was her heart pounding. Even the song birds were nowhere to be seen.

#### Litho, Litho, she shouted.

#### Galatea carefully walked through some tall grass and called again for her friend, Litho, where are you?

#### She went a few more steps deeper into the marsh and found a small area of open water. A red hawk was sitting on top of a log that was half way stuck in the mud. The bird was hunched over staring downward. It was here she saw Litho curled up underneath it. Only his eyes were sticking out of the water.  Noticing Galatea.Litho eyeballs got bigger.

#### Galatea quickly raised her left hand and blurted out, Raise up water!

#### A single wave rose up above the hawk. The bird turned its head at Galatea and glared. Galatea leaned forward and moved her hand higher. The wave rose up too.

#### Letting out a piercing screamthe hawk flew away.


#### Letting out a piercing screamthe hawk flew away.

####
####  Galatea released her hand and called out, Litho, Everything is okay. You can come out now. I made the hawk leave.

#### The bullfrog lifted his head out of the water and looked around. Are you sure its okay?

#### Yes, I am sorry that happened to you. The hawk must have been in here somewhere before I cast my protection spell. He left and he wont be able to fly back in.  Litho slowly climbed out while checking his surroundings.  He sat on top of the log for a moment and then hopped over to Galatea.  Are you okay?

#### Yes, Good thing I am fast. I was almost a snack.

#### What happened?

#### I was sitting by the water and a muskrat appeared. He said, Hello Friend, welcome!  He asked if I knew the best place for catching bugs.  I told him I didn't. Then the muskrat said I should sit on that log. I thanked him and jumped over to it. When I went to ask his name he was gone. I saw a large shadow andI realized the hawk was coming at me. I hopped into the water and I yelled for you.

#### I am thankful I heard you and could get here in time.

#### I thought it was weird the muskrat left because he said we were friends. I think he wanted me to sit there on purpose.

#### I agree, replied Galatea.


#### I agree, replied Galatea.

#### She picked Litho up until they were face to face. Several tears escaped from his eyes.  I promise to always take good care of you, Litho. You are going to stay close to me tonight. You can eat whatever bugs you find hiding under rocks and the wood pile as I build the campfire.

#### Okay, I would like that.

#### Later when the crickets started to sing their night song Galatea snapped her fingers at the wood and recited,

####

#### Twist and turn

#### Until rings are formed.

#### The smoke rose up and made whispery circles that floated in all directions. Litho spied a moth flying towards the campfire. When it went through the center of a smoke ring. His tongue zapped it.

#### Oh, one of my favorite games.  Bullseye the bugs.

#### Have fun tonight, you silly frog, Galatea replied while opening her bedroll and sitting down.

#### After a while, Litho went over and snuggled next to her. Galatea, how can you tell if someone is a friend or not?

#### Thats a good question, Litho. Sometimes it is hard to tell. The muskrat you talked to today was a fake friend. He only wanted to get you into trouble. He didnt really want to help you.

#### Why would he do that?

#### We will probably never know? Maybe he didnt want to share the marsh with anyone. Maybe he just wanted to see you get eaten? Litho, real friends try to find ways to take care of you, get you out of trouble or cheer you up to make you  happy. You told me Midas is your friend. How do you know he is a real friend?


#### Hmmmlet me think. I know when I have asked Midas for help. It makes me feel happy to that golden toad hopping over. When my brothers and sister moved away I cried. Midas came over to see how I was. He made jokes to make me laugh. When he did that it made me feel special.

#### Thats because Midas is a real friend. He is there for you in good times and bad. Litho, What if. sometimesMidas is too busy to help when you ask him?

#### He will tell me and I will understand because he helps me at other times.

#### What about Bloody?

#### Oh, I dont know.  Everyone is afraid of Bloody.  Hes a red frog who was born with fangs and sucks the blood of his prey.

#### Are you afraid of Bloody? ask Galatea.

#### Nono Im not.

#### Why?

#### Bloody saved my life once. I almost got eaten by a black water snake. Bloody attacked it and bit it with his fangs. He noticed I was upset and he invited me to sit with him at the end of his pond. After that whenever I hopped by his pond, I waved. Sometimes I stopped for a visit. We have things that are the same like we both get our feelings hurt easily.

#### Would you say Bloody is a real friend?

#### Hmmmm.Yes, yes I would. Oh I get iteveryone should not be judgy because you might be wrong about somebody.

#### Litho, you dont get to decide how others feel but you can improve on how. you feel and how.you act.

#### Galatea, I like real friends.


#### Galatea, I like real friends.

#### Yes, I totally agree. Litho, did you know that you can tell if someone is smart because it takes..brain power, it takes thought and effort to give compliments and be nice. It takes no brain power to hurt someones feelings.

#### Ooooo, then I am super smart!

#### Yes you are!

#### Andso are you!

#### Its time for me to go to sleep. Good night Litho.

#### Good night Galatea, he replied as he hopped to the front of her bedroll and watched the smoke rings.

#### All was quiet until softly

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Slurp them down

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Squishy and round

#### Bom bom bom bom

#### Wings or feet

#### Clap clap clap clap

#### They are a treat

#### The following wizard friends allowed me to use their familiars in my story.

#### Kel 1/1-#8721 Arch-Magician Pumlo of the Bastion and his familiar a golden toad named Midas.

#### Panico-#3930 Battlemage Drako of the Obelisk and his familiar an ember frog named Bloody.


Hedge Wizard Enigma of the Hills

# The Lore of Hedge Wizard Enigma of the Hills

# **The Lore of Hedge Wizard Enigma of the Hills**

Enigma is in a bright valley with painted Hills, is in an overgrown forest with very little light.  Enigma's ability to embody contradiction alienates him from his persona.  But two mutually exclusive truths can exist within our conception of Enigma, a contradiction does not splinter our conception of Enigma because we allow Enigma to be indefinite.  Enigma and the hills are inextricably linked.  Enigma creates the hills; the hills create the persona that becomes Enigma.  A feedback loop, Enigma creates the Hills; the Hills create the persona that becomes Enigma who can now exist for you only in so far as the Hills Permit. There comes a point when Enigma can recede and we see only the Hills.

Psalm of Enigma

Count three minutes until the ferrous ferrier arrives

Feet that idled became urgent, imbued with purpose

The birds alike.

Polished titans pay no penance for their clamor

Engulfing us all in their indifferent gust

Faces of fleeting fascination had gone

And the hills look no different inverted

The placid air upset only by his indiscriminate pluck

When the tree hissed

When his notes went nearly unnoticed

Charons soloist felling foreign soldiers in undaunted repose

Sovereign only to the punctual shadow of the hills

caron, non ti crucciare:

vuolsi cosi cola dove si puote

cio che si vuole, e piu non dimandare.

Enigma interminable

Enigma illimitable

Enimga unknown"

E^


Larry Fencer of the Alley

# Part 1

When @wizard239 first came to me, I was drinking at least two fifths of vodka a day. The force had suspended me a month back. I sat at home, mostly. I just couldn't bear to get out of the house much after Lydia and the kids were...gone.

The ones that stayed on the force only had a wife...a husband...maybe one or two of their kids...taken. But I had it all taken away - all of them -after @soul1704 sent henchmen to prove a point about stopping the investigations.

So I was stuck in this home. This house. I thought of revenge constantly, every day. I tried not to at first.

I bumped into the Wild Mage on a day in autumn, I can't remember which; I was out getting necessities, though. He had helped with a case once. We were familiar with each other.

He claimed he could take care of my problem, but that it would be at a price.


Arch-Magician Ulysse of Alfheim

# Part II

Gucci Grail @wizard2029 sat in contemplation for many hours as @wizard1017 lay silent, until...

"Ok, go on, Arch-Magician. I will allow you to be heard."

@wizard1017's faint voice could be heard inside Gucci Grail Archmagus's head again.

"Look, I can explain. You haven't been here to see, but you can check for yourself. You will understand why you should release me and why..."

Gucci Grail Archmagus just listened, keeping his eyes closed. A smirk grew on his face slightly.

Arch-Magician Ulysse paused.

"Alright."

"So like I said, much of this began when @wizard239 first went to find @wizard2595, hearing he had recovered a long forgotten, dark Spell of Banishment..."


Archmagus Zelroth of the Citadel

# Archmage Zelroth and his Snake of Doom

One day, @wizard9650 and his snake Norman were peacefully strolling the shores of the Dream Master Lake when they saw an explosion coming from The Secret Tower.

Zelroth turned to his snake and said: *"Behold, an explosion. Let's go, Norman!!"* And so they teleported to the gate of The Secret Tower, and snuck around the perimeter peer inside.

In the laboratory on the east side of The Secret Tower, they saw none other than @wizard140 and his monkey Bubs charred from a recent explosion. @wizard140 looked irate and began yelling *"Goddamnit Bubs, you know that bananas become highly volatile when exposed to nightshade! Never again, Bubs! Never Again!"*

Bubs began to walk away, his shoulders slumped, and appeared to be very sad. @wizard9650's Snake slithered behind him. *"Hey Bubs, it's me Norman. Are you feeling sad?"*

Bubs said *"yes, I screwed up the banana experiment again. Angus is really upset with me."*

Norman embraced Bubs. *"It's going to be OK Bubs."*

@wizard9650 looked on with pride.


Sage Cybele of the Hollow

# The Lore of Sage Cybele of the Hollow

At first glace to many, Cybele is just a humble bar maid. She serves pints to fellow travelers passing through the Thirsty Wizard. But those that look a little closer will understand that there is much more to Sage Cybele of the Hollow.

Born a Red Priestest, much was expected of her by her royal family including a promise made by her father for Cybele to be married. But... Cybele did not agree and was already half way across the Eylisian Fields and into the Wood on her pony Conker before anyone noticed she had gone.

Not much is known about this period of Cybles life, riding and living on the run from one village to the next. However, this is when it is believed Cybele discovered her power. Being on the run, Cybele had to learn how to harvest her magic on her own fom within, which was a dark and perplexing experience. Creating and learning spells during this dark time of her life made Cybele of the Hollow into the Sage she is today. In the forest at night, casting spells with her familair by her side. Some say she even summoned her feline from the abyss and that is why its eyes shine red like her staff.

Cybele's father was found dead late one evening with a red knife in his heart. Was it the goblins? The Wraiths? Or was it Cybele back for her final revenge...? No one knows.

Nobody in the red kingdom has seen or heard Cybele since the day she fled. Only few dare to murmur these mysterious stories, and those that do may find their lives cut short.


Wild Mage Xiaobo of Elysium

# Halloween, Part I of II

Thick but sparse clouds lazily pace above the multitude of hollers and ravines below; these have long guarded and isolated Dream Master Lake, The Gate to the Seventh Realm, and The Sacred Pillars from each other. The early evening moon hangs cautiously above, paying only a third of its attention to -

@wizard239, @wizard4104, with warriors @warrior12974 and @warrior9282 at their side, stand at a slightly elevated mountain clearing, facing four heavily cloaked Blue Wizard Spymasters. An enchantment gently rests upon the four Blue Wizards, fluttering with the wind, further masking their identities.

"Give us one good reason why we shouldn't cut all of you down at once." one of the Blue Wizards snarls through his thick cloak and veil.

"And tell the rest of your scum gang to reveal themselves. You're downwind, YOU FOOLS." another utters then yells.

The rest slowly reveal themselves. @warrior10234, @warrior2023, @warrior10975, @warrior3154, @warrior12973.

Wild Mage hmphs.

"Let's be transparent here - tell your lackeys to do the same."

They do, and there is even more than Wild Mage expected them to bring.

Everyone present stares straight ahead, but eyes each other without moving their heads.

"We could keep this going, but all of us present with me tonight would prefer we draw this to a ceasefire - for everyone's mutual benefit."

Wild Mage continues, but one of the four interrupts.

"Mutual benefit?" They all chuckle derisively.


"Mutual benefit?" They all chuckle derisively.

"Wild Mage...and his resplendent lance..." they all start laughing even more, "- performing cheap mercenary tricks - for OUR mutual benefit." One of them asks, "Does that sound like a deal, or what?"

"You're pathetic, @wizard239." One of them spits.

Wild Mage glances at the spit in the dirt, but then rights his frame and gaze.

"Here's my offer. We will leave The Wild be, with the exception of @warrior7917 and her Chainsaw Guard maintaining patrol of its highways and byways for everyone's benefit. As for the stolen research and development from your fine Bastion, well, I will cut you in and we can use that as a peaceful foothold through which we could develop, at least, a more profitable relationship."

The glares through the veils could be felt.

"No." One of the Blue Wizards takes a single step forward. "Is that all you have to offer, Wild Mage?"

Wild Mage stares forward.

"You don't understand..." Wild Mage adjusts himself, sighs, and then glares, "...what you're doing by refusing peace..."

He turns from the four Blue Wizards standing before him to Larry. Larry's eyes glaze over and he stands at attention, nodding to him.

The Blue Wizards stare on, silently.

"Tell me...how loyal are you and your lackeys to the cause - of refusing us a ceasefire?"

Wild Mage's voice lowers.

"Is it more loyalty - than this?"

Wild Mage turns again to Larry, and makes some quick gestures. Larry salutes him. The skies darken a bit further, despite it already being well enough into the night.


The four Blue Wizard Spymasters all shift their attention to Larry. A couple take a step back. The others in the backgrounds watch intently.

Larry seems to strain and gasp and then step to his right and

Ceases. To be.

Everyone can hear their heart beating as even the Warriors can see that @warrior9282 has not just vanished. He is null of existence.

Enough of those present, at once, thought of @wizard1545 - he felt a psychic tug for a brief moment.

Wild Mage bangs his broom's handle end upon the ground, snapping the silence.

"YOU - do not KNOW how many are loyal to me." He points at @wizard4104. "HE - doesn't even know how many are loyal to me. THAT loyal to me."

Wild Mage sneers, spits on the ground, and then raises his chin.

"I want that ceasefire."


Larry Fencer of the Alley

# Part 3

"You don't understand..." @wizard239 adjusts himself, sighs, and then smirks, "...what you're doing by refusing peace..."

Wild Mage turns from the four Blue Wizard Spymasters standing before us - him, @wizard4104, @warrior12974 and myself; he locks eyes with me. A chill runs up my spine. The enchantment. I am calm. I have always known this day could arrive. Would arrive? I am fine.

I relax myself and again look to Wild Mage, and I nod. I keep a stern face, I hope. The wind is howling as I think about my family. I think about that bastard, @soul1704. I am scared and calm.

The veiled Blue Wizards stare on, silently.

"Tell me...how loyal are you and your lackeys to the cause - of refusing us a ceasefire?"

"Is it more loyalty than this?"

Wild Mage turns again to me, and gives me the secret signal. My heart sinks. My hand moves on its own, saluting him.

I step aside, widening my stance a bit.

I want to live. I want to -

The Blue Wizards all shift their attention to me.

I think about my children, that day they...

I feel a surge. I feel it to be true. @warrior10234 almost pulled the assassination off. I have no doubts that Wild Mage will fulfill this.

I do not want to live.

I step again and the enchantment burns as I put my hand to my throat and the other to my heart and I feel it - I feel the

Nothing.

Nothing.


Chronomancer Finn of the Heath

# Healer heals healless.

I yeet pots.

Pots heal people.

Healed people happy.

I happy.


Meredith of the Road

# Prologue

This year, the season seemed unable to make up its mind.

Summer had been unusually cool, but Rudolph, Vanquisher of Mount Titan, had hoped that the season would hold for the length of his journey.  Yet, as he crossed the mountainous region, summer gave way to Fall.  Temperatures dropped, and it began to rain.  Cold rain soaked into his clothes, and chill penetrating winds swept up the mountainsides.  Even his horse began to snort his discomfort. The trip afforded no comfort and little rest.

He stuck to the goat herders trail as long as he could, attempting to avoid any skirmishes with the invading armies.

As he descended from the mountain trails, the storm abated, but the cool Fall weather remained.  Out of the mountains, he followed the trade routes, where wagons had cut deep muddy ruts in the road. These criss-crossed with other tracks - the unmistakeable movement of a large army.

As he travelled, he passed farmsteads. Some of these had been burned to the ground, while others had been quietly abandoned.

It was only as he came closer to the city of (name of city) that he passed farms that were still activebut even then, farmers would stop their work to eye him warily.

      All men and women with weapons and armor such as his would have been a part of a standing army or conscripted, so he could be mistaken for a scout or a deserter. Neither was good.

Close to sunset, he passed the last hill, and the walls of the city come into view.


Close to sunset, he passed the last hill, and the walls of the city come into view.

The hills behind Ipthum Heights were cast a dark purple. Wood smoke clung about rooftops and outer walls, giving the city a dingy look. It wasnt far from its reputation, and not where he would have expected to find Meredith of the Road...but this is where he had been led. It had been confident that she was here, and he had stopped second-guessing it.


Lucy Trimmer of Rats

# Ole Hallow Eve

TBD - Witness Reports Incoming

If you have any details on what happened last night, please drop the info on the Color Master's tweet


Necromancer Samael of the Wold

# The Lore of Necromancer Samael of the Wold

Samael is simply based


Robert Impaler of Magic

Robert finished checking the Mythril chains and shackles on his captive one last time before returning to his side of the shelter with a satisfied grunt.

Do you really think I could get out of this? asked the captive, a thin, scrawny man whose disposition and physical traits matched those of a ferret.

Yes. replied Robert gruffly, Youre a sneaky fella.

The captive pursed his lips and blew out his cheeks as he flexed his rather unimpressive muscles and mimed trying to burst out of his chains with all his might.

It earned him a short guffaw from Robert, and a smile lingered on his face.

Youre in rather a good mood for someone whos about to be turned over to the goblins, said Robert.

His manner of speaking was blunt, flat, and firm but also portrayed intelligence not usually associated with someone of his brawny stature.

Well, seeing as our progress is stalled no, dare I say, halted for the near foreseeable future. Yes, why not be jovial? replied the captive.

Wind howled outside the entrance to the cave Robert had hastily and luckily discovered as the signs of a sandstorm began to materialize earlier that day. He had to periodically crawl down the narrow passage leading to the entrance and clear away the sand to avoid suffocation and death in the night.

Robert rummaged through his pack and pulled out a burlap sack of roasted chestnuts, which he began to munch on.

The sound of some of his favorite treats being consumed roused Camanco from his sleep. The grey-maned baboon clambered onto Roberts armored torso with excitement.

Get me my wine, and you can share in the chestnuts, my friend, said Robert with a smile.


Camanco bounded across the sandstone cave to where Roberts wineskin lay and returned just as quickly. He put a hand on the bag of chestnuts and did not relinquish the skin until Robert had surrendered the snacks.

Robert brought the skin to his mouth with a meaty fist and drank deeply.

He regarded his captive, Id offer you some, but youre not going to catch me feeding you wine like a babe.

The captive smiled, Well, I appreciate your notion of hospitality nonetheless.

Do you ever remove your armor, sir?

Robert grunted.

Not around wizards, I dont.

Yes, its a unique set. Some kind of ward in your chest plate? asked the captive.

Wouldnt you like to know? replied Robert with a smirk.

Well, yes, I would. Im rather bored, you see.

Robert shrugged. He was bored too.

Well, if you wont tell me that, perhaps you can regale me with the story of how you became a wizard hunter.

Thats a long story, said Robert.

Weve got time, replied the captive cheerfully.

Robert sighed and threw his hands up lazily, Fine. What would you like to know?

Well, sir, lets start with where youre from. Did they have magic there?

Robert removed his gauntlets and rubbed his chin. Then he began to talk.


Sorcerer Aleister of the Mist

# End of the ancient

When he woke up, everything was different. We don't know if he lost his brothers or his soul first, but he was first of this kind.

Behind these blue eyes,
Behind this blue ball,
Behind this blue beard,
Behind this blue caduceus,
All this power never used.

When we found him he was lost, inside and outside, and we are now sure of one things : they were powerful. These colorful brothers of the forest.

Now that he is alone, Aleister, as we think he is named don't say nothing. He helpsome women and childrens sometimes at the village but we don't know if one day he will have the force to get up against them.

**You will still care old man, you will still care.**

When The Pumpkin, The Frog, The Demon, The Crow and the Fire Black Man will come to shake your hand, you will be back, you will raise your community and you will beat yourself and conquer the world, you will make it yours.

**Be Your Own Oracle, old sport.**


Alatar of the Bastion

# Shining Mount Codex of Powerful Persons:

# ALATAR OF THE BASTION

### Age:

Unknown

### Alignment:

Chaotic Neutral

### Association:

The Rod and Rabbit Adventuring Company

### Known Magicks:

No direct observation of his spellcasting exists, though records of Rod and Rabbit business dealings imply he can traverse great distances in short order and parley with even the most mindless of horrors and beasts.

### Lore:

It is said that Alatar was of humble, even mundane beginnings. Some even go so far to say that he had no spark of magic, was barely literate, dug trenches for a living and smelled of dung.  Fewer and fewer say this, though, as those that do end up in ditches, smelling of death.

Alatar is the Grandmaster of the Rod and Rabbit Adventuring Company.  This elite troop offers the public little insight into their customs and methods, however it is widely known that they are devastatingly effective at untangling complex arcane capers.  Some whisper they are efficacious unravelers simply because they mastermind these misfortunes in the first place.  It is not wise to whisper this.

If Alatar ever leads the Rod and Rabbit through your locale, glance at him only with the periphery of your vision.  Those who look him in the eye rarely tell of what they see, but here I will tell you, for I was just a boy when Alatar passed through my village with a caravan of caged abominations: there are tunnels in his eyes, rabbit holes with many scurrying, hurrying, digging rabbits. The rabbits in his eyes caught me staring, and they stared back, smiling, their teeth bigger than the entire world.


Through all my training, I have never forgotten the terror and curiosity I felt that day.  My magic is practical, focused and sacred. The magic in Alatars eyes is simply immense: a universe of tunnels with something lurking at their core.

Are those rabbits still waiting to guide me deeper?

-Sorcerer Amir of the Mount [5137]

_***This page was torn from the codex, crumpled and partly burnt.  The Koopling Hobbs [5845] discovered the page and returned it to the archive after the Purge._


Vega Thief of the Lost City

# Mission: Capital Resources HQ

You are a Wizard employee at Capital Resources, LLC - one of the largest magical firms in the Red Wizard Capital. Smart, talented, capableand single. Youve always been rather tongue-tied around the ladies, but hopefully as a rising star in CR, things should turn around soon in that department.

Every weekday morning, you walk several blocks from your luxury apartment to the headquarters building. You enjoy the routine, and like to catch a bit of air before your workday begins. Lately, youve gotten the feeling youre being watched as you approach HQ. You even casted a detection spell yesterday, but it didnt reveal anyone that might be hidden nearby. You decide to ignore the same feeling today as a bit of paranoia.

You think about your next assignment. Several survey reports from potential cinnabar mine sites are awaiting your analysis. Your recommendation will have an outsized impact on next years operations. You smile, confident in identifying the best location to maximize resource extraction, while minimizing costs.

You approach the front doors of HQ. There is a small device attached to the wall beside the door. You take out your ID card and swipe it against the reader - the magical energy in your card causes the device to beep, and the door clicks as it unlocks. You open the door and are about to enter when a voice shouts, Wait!

You glance backward, and your heart stops as you glimpse the young woman running towards you. She breathes heavily as she reaches you and comes to a stop. *Ive never seen her before,* you think. *I would have remembered.*


Hey, I know were not supposed to swipe each other in, but could you help me out? I forgot my card today. She blushes slightly; you arent sure whether its due to the physical exertion or embarrassment at her predicament. Regardless, it only serves to accentuate her lovely face. You feel yourself drowning in her liquid amethyst eyes

You suddenly realize youve been staring at her without responding for a few seconds. Oh, ah, yeah that s-sucks, you stammer, while thinking, *no, its happening again! Youve got to get a hold of yourself, and quick!*

Cant you go back home and grab your ID card? Theres still a bit of time before official working hours begin you say, then clear your throat. Why does it feel so tight?

The womans frown deepens as she says, yeah, I normally would, but theres no time! I have a big presentation this morning with the finance team, and they wanted to have it early! And you know how McDermott is.

You do know, although thankfully not firsthand. The head of the Finance Department is notorious as a stickler for punctuality and professionalism. You sigh. Sure, come on. I wouldnt want you to get in trouble with McDermott. You put on what you hope is a reassuring smile.

Oh my gosh, thank you so much! She smiles, relieved, and lightly touches your arm. You blush, and quickly turn around so she cant see.

No worries, you say as she follows you inside. My names Hadrien, by the way. I work in the Survey division.


Oh, you must be a Wizard then, she says, impressed. Im Sabina, and Im in Accounting - yeah not exciting, I know. Youd never had a reason to visit the Accounting floor before. Youll have to think of some excuses to go there later.

The two of you approach the ground floor security station. You hadnt thought of this at the door - without an ID, the guards arent going to let her past the lobby. Sabina looks at you, pleading. *Itll look bad for her if she has to get someone from Finance to let her up,* you think.

Hey, you tell the security guard, Im bringing a guest in today. The guard looks bored - his job must be pretty monotonous.

Sure thing, boss, the guard says. Please state your guests name and reason for visit. *Ah crap,* you think, *I dont know her last name!*

Sabina Hawthorne, she interjects.

Sabinas one of our new field contractors - shes here to present some survey findings to my team this morning. You pride yourself on your creativity and ability to improvise.

Alright. Well give her a guest badge for now, but next time youll need to have her submit the contractor ID form before your visit, the guard says.

Thank you. I will, I promise, Sabina says earnestly. She takes the guest badge, then both of you scan your badges at the turnstiles and walk inside, towards the ascenders. One opens as you arrive, empty, and the two of you enter. You are very aware that no one is with you two as the doors close.

Lets see, youll be needing the 18th floor for Finance, you say, and Im up top on floor 20, you say, pushing the appropriate buttons. There is a slight hum as the ascender rises.


Must be nice working up there - its basically the penthouse, Sabina says, pinning the guest badge to her white blazer.

The views great - you should come up and visit sometime, you reply without thinking. You start to blush again, and decide to just go for it - who knows when youll see her again? H-hey, I know we just met and all, but would you like to go out for a coffee sometime? Maybe after work someday, only if you want to, of course. Your face feels so hot, and you cant hold her gaze after making your request.

Sabina blushes slightly as well. Uh, sure, Id like that, she says, running a hand through her ponytail. She reaches inside her blazer and takes out a pristine business card. I had these made, but my job doesnt really require me to meet customers. Kinda stupid I guess. But Im kinda glad I have them now. She smiles, and hands it to you.

The ascender smoothly glides to a halt, and the door opens. Ok, Ill send you a message later to figure out a time, I say. Good luck on your presentation.

Thank you! And thanks so much for your help today. She steps out, then turns her head, smirks and winks at you as the door closes.

You cant remember the last time you felt this elated. You reach your workstation with a big grin on your face. Nothing can ruin this day now.

---

*Hmm, he was cute, in a way,* Vega thought as the ascender doors closed. *But also the perfect target - he was clueless!* He was around the same age as her, but he seemed so much younger.


Vega quickly glanced in both directions on the Finance floor, and as expected, spotted the bathrooms directly to the left of the ascenders. She briskly walked to the ladies room, which was empty. Vega knew that the Finance team was mostly men, and the only woman was away on business travel this week. She was unlikely to be disturbed.

Vega smirked again as she began to take off her business clothes. Underneath, she wore her usual getup: a pair of flowing magenta harem pants with a teal sash, and a matching magenta top. She took her teal climbing slippers from her purse, then removed her heels, donning the slippers instead. They had cleats on the bottom, for extra traction when climbing. Business outfit, heels, and costume jewelry promptly went into the trash. They wouldnt be needed for the rest of the operation.

Vega briefly looked into the bathroom mirror. *My looks a little flashy, but I can get away with it as long as I have these.* She eyed her Armbands of Magical Resistance appreciatively. They were the secret weapon of her fortune-seeking career, and the main reason she targeted magical ruins and businesses.

*These Wizards, they all think Magic can do anything, and so they leave big gaps in their security measures.* Vega had verified that Capital Resources only used magically-powered surveillance devices in their HQ. With her armbands, she appeared as a faint shimmer in the air on those devices - not perfect, but good enough to fool most security personnel reviewing dozens of live feeds.

*Now, lets see* Vega checked the walls and ceilings of the bathroom, and within moments, found the air vent opening. *Its not even screwed in - this is almost too easy,* she thought as she removed the vent panel. She quickly slipped inside, then replaced the panel. Next stop - the lab storage room.

---


---

The bottle seemed to glow. It was a deep red color, with a bit of yellow on the bottom as if some denser fluid had settled.

*Thats gotta be it,* Vega thought. The unlabeled, experimental Potion of Greater Intelligence was greatly prized, and was worth more than all the other potions in the store room put together. The base ingredients alone could have bought a multi-story home in the merchants district.

She had first heard of it while doing reconnaissance in the local watering holes, collecting information from CRs employees, who were only too happy to spill more than they should to a sympathetic ear. *Not to mention, a pretty face,* Vega thought, smirking.

At that point, her target was clear - this singular potion would be easy to transport on her person. And no doubt the Blues at the Bastion would fall over themselves to buy something that might lead them to unprecedented insights.

Vega carefully took the potion off its shelf and slipped it into one of the various hidden pockets on her pants. All that remained was to get to her pre-planned escape route, and she would be

Sabina? Is that you? Vega whipped around, towards the entrance of the store room. Hadrien, the young Wizard who had been her mark to infiltrate this place, was standing there, along with a second, older man.

How did you get in here? This is supposed to be restricted to anyone outside of the survey and research teams, he said. Vega noticed that the 2nd man was already gone, probably to notify security. She didnt have much time.


Just doing a little sight-seeing - thought maybe Id find you up here, she said, giving Hadrien a wink. As expected, he immediately started blushing and looking flustered. She used the opportunity to move towards the window. It wasnt her planned egress point, but it would have to do.

It looks like your co-worker wasnt too happy about finding me here though, Vega said as she unlatched the window. As expected, it wasnt otherwise locked or sealed in any way - the top floor was a hundred feet in the air, and they likely hadnt expected anybody to go in or out.

Ok, I think I know whats happening here, Hadrien said. Maybe your presentation didnt go so well, but you cant jump! We can figure out another way - Ill help you!

*Quantum Shadow, hes so adorable.* Dont worry about me, Haydi, Vega said. She stepped out the window to the ledge outside, then undid the teal sash around her waist. There was a segmented frame embedded inside the sash, which she quickly assembled to form a fabric-covered, V-framed glider.

Hadrien stuck his head out the window. Will I ever see you again? he asked.

*Wow, hes totally infatuated,* Vega thought. *Maybe I poured on a little TOO much charm earlier*

Hmm she replied. I guess if you keep working here your whole life, we probably wont meet again, she said. But its a wide world, and Ill be out there, somewhere. So I guess you never know. She smiled at him fondly. *Maybe in other circumstances, a coffee would be nice - no, get in the GAME, Vega!*

Hey, stop right there! a gruff voice shouted from the store-room entrance. Looks like security had finally arrived.


Vega leaped off the sill and into the air, spreading her glider wide. She was not quite as high as she had planned, but she should still be able to complete the jump safelyprobably.

Luckily, there was a breeze, and it helped give her a bit more lift as she soared away from CR HQ. She could hear faint shouts from the guards at the window, but she doubted that they were equipped to chase her through the air, and her bracelets would thwart any magical counter-measures theyd prepared.

Instead of the rooftop shed originally planned to use, Vega directed her glider to a large 2nd floor balcony that was used by a fancy eatery for its outdoor seating. Guests shouted in alarm as Vega landed among them, knocking over a few chairs and tabletop glasses in the process.

Sorry to drop in on you like this, Vega said with a cheesy grin. She quickly collapsed her glider, bunched it up, and stuffed it in another one of her pants pockets. Before the angry waiters could get to her, she took a running start and leaped off the balcony, grabbing onto the carved stone of the next building over. From there, it was childs play for her - shed been scrambling around on all kinds of structures for as long as she could remember. The CR security team and Capital City enforcers never caught up with her.

Mission: Success!

Written by: kel1of1.eth
Images: NovelAI Generation + editing by Kel


Radley Champion of the Pavillion

# Radley Richmond, the Auric Snake

Although he holds the the title of warrior, Radley Richmonds strengths lie more in his entrepreneurial spirit than on the battlefield. Radleys father, a traveling arms merchant, won the heart of a high-born, affluent woman, privileging Radley with both trade knowledge and capital from a young age. After completing his studies, he followed the tradition of his father, only to become exponentially more successful. Now, he has become the realms premier pawnbroker with numerous locations found throughout the Runiverse and has been given the aliases of Radley Riches and "The Auric Snake" by the people.


Brandon Impaler of the Sun

# Brandon Impaler of the Sun

---

**Brandon** became a notorious warrior of the Sun after uncountable deeds in battle. The fought along the "420 of the Sun" which led the his city's forces to resist to several raids from desert bandits. As the clans grew stronger and attacks grew scarier Brandon stood out as one of the most skilled and loyal fighters of his army.

Along with an extreme expertise in the spear techniques, he also showed a choleric temper towards his enemies, granting him the epithet of **"Impaler of the Sun".**

---

Brandom Baoy in action.


Diabolos Paragon of Joy

# New Lore Entry for Diabolos Paragon of Joy

> Daily Doll Portrait by Mehster Brown (#DailyDolls4FRWC Warrior #3003Diablos Paragon of Joy 11/05/22)
> *by @MehsterBrown for Baron Von Fancy. Spooky Season of 2022*


Wild Mage Xiaobo of Elysium

# Halloween, Part II of II

It was at that very moment that @wizard4104 recalled @wizard239 telling him about an enchantment he had procured from @wizard1545 as a means to an end of loyalty for their purposes. His eyes widen as he scans the environment, seeing everyone inching closer to combat with each other.

*That's how the "loyalty enchantment" works out then...*

"This changes nothing, Wild Mage!" one of the Blue Wizard Spymasters barks.

"If you wish to burn the rest of your party out of existence as negotiations..." another mocks.

"Speaking of negotiations..." Wild Mage pipes up, "Are you all too COWARD to admit what you've done with @wizard5016 and @warrior9284?"

"They can't hide forever, Wild Mage...but we'll be keeping you alive so that you may watch everyone loyal to you die first." the ringleader of the four retorts.

Kingsley thinks to himself - *Could they really not know? A relief! They would surely use them as leverage now if they knew our companions whereabouts...*

@warrior12974 takes a step between Wild Mage and Kingsley, brandishing his bat and yelling infernal curses about the general character of Blue Wizards, their mothers, their fathers.

Kingsleys eyes go wide as he listens to Donleys stream of obscenities and sees the enchantment is upon him too. *Was this in front of my face the entire time?!*


Panicked, his sight flickers over the rest of the retinue behind them. @warrior2023, @warrior10975, @warrior3154, @warrior12973. - all of them except @warrior10234. He can see it wrapped around their throats and hearts; a numb feeling rises in his chest and a blankness muddles his thoughts as he peers at the enchantments.

*Hardly any magic there, really. Just enough to keep their integrity in place. Like a tunic torn and ready to unravel. The rationalization rings hollow. Kingsley has heard of black sorcery before, and yet he was blind to it in plain sight. Wild Mage, I didn't think you would...*

Wild Mage raises an arm. "Look. JUST let us continue to keep The Wild safe, we can talk about the R&D notes I've borrowed from you...this doesn't have to go down like -"

The approaching clops of a pony is heard. Everyone's eyes dart southerly.

Emerging from the dark, @wizard2029 crests a cliff, riding @pony343.

"Wild Mage! I must report! @wizard1017 was nowhere to be found! He has escaped his stasis bonds somehow!"

All of the Blue Wizards burst into laughter. It is not joyful laughter.

"You don't get it, Wild Mage." The leader of the four steps forth and starts unraveling his cloak. "You never had ANY control of The Wild and its secrets which the Blue Wizard Bastion did not permit."

This Blue Wizard pulls his veil off, revealing that it is @wizard1017.

"What..." Kingsley, stunned, mutters to himself. "No..."

Grips upon wands and weapons tighten all around. A deathly silence falls upon the minds of each.


Wild Mage appears rattled. Then Wild Mage appears unrattled. "It's like that, huh, old friend?"

Arch-Magician Ulysse stares hatefully back at Wild Mage.

"It -is- like that."

Rumblings of movement, a few pebbles careening down the slopes of the mountains - these are heard behind Wild Mage and his companions. For a half second, there is a pause until - a voice booms from one of the cavern openings in the background.

"I, too, desire a ceasefire for you both."

@soul8792, the dark patriarch of Morons, emerges from the mouth of the cave, holding a Blue Wizard doll. A paralysis settles upon everyone present at the sight of the legendary vampire, as everyone present increases dramatically in number.

@warrior4319, @warrior5087, and @warrior9232 emerge from behind scattered crags. @warrior5083 and @warrior11671 both leap down from a nearby bluff. @wizard8418, @wizard946, @wizard4896, and @wizard4351, @wizard7055 all appear to materialize among the Moron Warriors.

But then the fear on the postures of the cloaked Blue Wizards, it shifts into fury as a single blue wizard walks from around the corner to stand with - @wizard113.

"Now what was that about who detecting whom being downwind of whom..?" Wild Mage arrogantly picks at his robe for a moment, then looks back to all of the Blue Wizards present.

Nosferatu holds up the doll like a trophy.

"And if there isn't going to be a ceasefire, I'm going to need you Blue Wizards to show me - where on this doll do you want me to hurt you?"


Alchemist Hagatha of Arcadia

# Ill Tales of the Mist

A once prosperous land full of beauty and grace

Withered when man dispensed toxins and waste

It slowly decayed when rivers polluted

The sky turned to gray; no sunlight protruded

Trees lost their leaves; few flowers did bloom

Now a desolate realm full of darkness and gloom

The poor stayed behind; the wealthy vacated

Once crops could not grow and fauna mutated

Infections ran rampant; their bodies reacted

The blood of the people turned radioactive

They grew sharp fangs; their skin stained green

They hid in the shadows to remain unseen

Rations of critters, eating turkeys and boars

Most fought their urges; some hungered for more

The rivers ran red, then it started to flood

When Vamps left the Mist and hunted for blood


Mystic Faye of the Wild

# The Lore of Mystic Faye of the Wild

`"No more monkey business!" Shouted Faye, as she pulled her monkey, Simon, off the plate of steamed buns he was devouring.`

`"You'll have to save some of those for our guests!"`

`She waved her BONK staff, which magically recreated the 3 meat buns previously devoured by Simon. It was hard to keep anyone away from any buns she enchanted with her joyous spells. In actually, she was a terrible cook but utilized her magic to hide that fact. Part of her always felt bad for deceiving people, but the end result was the same regardless.`

`"Well, what they don't know won't hurt them."`


Diabolos Paragon of Joy

# New Lore Entry for Diabolos Paragon of Joy

>  From Tania del Rio's #Inktober with Day 29 2022: Uh-Oh. Knocking on the Nightmare Imps door risks the chance of a trick as @WildMageXiaobo, @CosmicBirdsNFT and @BARONVONFANCY find out (with a little cameo by @realizeorigin!)
> *Artwork by Tania del Rio for Baron Von Fancy and friends. Spooky Season 2022.


Alchemist Hagatha of Arcadia

# Dr. Hagatha Zamfir, MD

After wealthy landowners of Vampyre Mist agreed to auction off their fields for the wide-scale dumping of hazardous chemicals, the region turned into a wasteland of disease, famine, and violence. Pollution in the air and water began mutating the surrounding vegetation and livestock. Incessant consumption of this mutated food resulted in the altered composition of the local people's blood, turning it radioactive in the process. "The Effected" as they were called began exhibiting symptoms almost identical to that of vampyres; their skin turned green, they grew fangs, and they thirsted for fresh sustenance in a never ending battle to replace their tainted, toxic blood. This occurrence spawned a new age of vampyres who were given the name "Latter-Day Vamps." Dr. Hagatha Zamfir, a new-age vampyre and long-time resident of the Mist, has dedicated her life and medical practice to the production and distribution of animal blood, the utilization of blood donations centers, and the research of synthetic blood as alternatives to vampyres preying on the people of the Runiverse.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTKbtczLYVkyOhgj4D0CZWz3e1Zsngkps8zteCkgl7rxjQEczxr5N2fRlJNYjmbzHotJxkd73YlkP-u/pub


Night Ghoul Iris of the Death Cloud

art by @taniadelrio


Artificer Oiq of the Lake

# The Lore of Artificer Oiq of the Lake

Oiq was born the sixth son into a large imp family, which meant he was probably not afforded as much parental attention as he deserved. Consequently, his remarkable aptitude for all things magical was not discovered until one day when he accidentally blew up the neighbor's prized pumpkin with an ignite spell. His folks were hardworking immigrant farmhands who had no idea what to do with their precocious child, so they shipped him off to the Pigmoles School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he could get proper tutelage to develop his budding arcane talents.

Growing up, Oiq was a shy child who earned respectable grades across all his subjects, but he was also nerdy and a bit of a social outcast. Like many of his brethren greenskins, he aspired to one day join the legendary Kobold Horde, but his kobold classmates shunned him for only being an imp, which they considered to be a weaker race. Fortunately, Oiq made a dear friend early on: Niles the Snake, who was actually a specimen that Oiq was supposed to dissect in lab class. Plans changed when the young imp discovered that his snake was still alive (it was just pretending to be dead) and snuck it out of the lab. He failed the class, but gained a friend for life, who continues to travel with him to this day as a constant companion and familiar.


Oiq eventually graduated summa cum laude from Pigmoles, but his professional ambitions were thwarted when he discovered that no matter how good his credentials, the workforce was a harsh place of extreme discrimination. Most employers just tossed his resume in the trash the moment they saw he's an imp. Fired up with righteous indignation (and also grossly unemployed), Oiq spent a few formative years participating in a grassroots activist group "Green is not Mean!", a community of greenskins seeking to promote social justice and bring an end to discrimination against their kind. They won a few battles, Oiq made a few valuable friends and connections along the way, but eventually the realities of life beckoned. Activism was great, but didn't pay the bills. So what next?

Since he couldn't get hired, the young magician tapped into his entrepreneurial spirit to create his own start-up company making arcane contraptions for everyday consumers: Innovative Magical Products, or IMP. With seed money from the mysterious venture capitalist known as Merlin, he launched his company to great fanfare from friends and family as well as more than a few highly intrigued industry watchers. Today, Oiq begins his journey to navigate the cutthroat world of wizardry business, make something of his humble origins, and prove to all the Forgotten Runes that imps can be successful too.


Everett Savior of the Coliseum

**Everett Savior of the Coliseum**


The suns rays seep in through the cracks in the stone.  Everett can hear metal clashing from the current fight.  The Crowd erupts in cheers, Everett knows what this means.  After the cheer, there is a sudden silence.  The silence seems as if it lasts an eternity.  Suddenly a harmonious chant begins; Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill!.  The crowd has rendered their verdict and expect the winning gladiator to deliver.  The chant reaches a peak that shakes the foundation of the Coliseum, there is a pause and a sudden burst of cheer.  The Coliseum shakes and dust from the ceiling falls onto Everetts armor.
     Everett carries mementos from some of his past opponents.  The butterfly shield he took off Gorbis deathspawn of the fog.  The gold on the shield is scuffed and dirty.  The blood stains look like rust on the shield.  The armor he took from Gregory emolator of the arena no longer shines, because of the dried blood and dust that has coated the armor like a second paint.  Now, Sirus Destroyer of the Sanctum was a memorable opponent.  Everett almost met his demise against Sirus.  Everette still has a scar from the fight that somewhat resembles a trident.  Sirus was his 99th opponent and brought a rage onto Everett that no one has before.  Everett vividly remembers taking the shield over and over to Siruss neck.  Everett took his head, mounted it on Siruss spear and has defeated countless opponents thereafter with Siruss head on the spear.


Everett stands ready at the gate into the arena.  The gate starts to rise, and the crowd erupts as the announcer belts out, Everett Savior of the Coliseum!.  Everett stares across the blood-stained sand of the coliseum and locks eyes with Jax Roaster of the Wood.  Everett has heard whispers of a fire breathing contraption Jax has burned his enemies alive with.  Everette wastes no time and charges at Jax, an enormous plume of fire explodes from the contraption, Everett dives to the side, he notices his leg was singed.  A column of fire spews out towards him as if sweeping the arena.  Everett manages to get up and take cover behind one of the arena pillars.  The crowd starts to heckle but Everett will not let this pressure him into getting roasted alive.  Everett dashes towards the next pillar to draw out the fire again, he figures Jaxx is no wizard and the contraption must be using some type


no wizard and the contraption must be using some type of oil to breathe fire.  Jax is taunting Everett, Is the Savior of the Coliseum scared of a little flame?, Jax yells and ends his taunt with a hearty laugh.  The fire seems to be sputtering a bit, Jax yells profanities while slamming the side of the fire breathing stick.  Everett takes this opportunity to charge at Jax, Everett is engulfed in flames and intense pain, but he thrusts his spear forward and up where he thinks Jax is.  It feels like the stream of fire is infinite, but it finally stops and when the smoke clears, he sees the tip of his spear embedded in Jaxs skull.  Cheers bellow throughout the Coliseum, Everett drops to his knees in severe pain.  The fire stick got his face, he can feel that the damage was bad.  Everett rips Jaxs helmet off and puts it on while trying to hide the immense


and puts it on while trying to hide the immense pain and walks out of the arena, as the crowd cheers and rains roses and coin on Everett.


Everett was promised freedom if he ever defeated 100 enemies in the Coliseum.  The lanista recruited the finest doctors to help his most prized fighter heal.  Everett could no longer sleep throughout the night.  Ever since the fight, he would have recurring nightmares of a giant rattlesnake which whispered, seek the white wizard across Elysium.  Every night the snake would visit him in his dreams and tell him to find the wizard.  Everett had lost vision in his left eye from the fire.  One night, Everett was visited again by the rattlesnake.  This time the snake seemed much more aggressive than usual.  The snake coiled up and lunged with its mouth open, a screech came from the pit of the snake, Agur from the Silver tower.  Everett woke up in a panic, he then knew he would take his freedom and seek Agur across the Elysium fields, surely this Agur from the Silver Tower would have answers.


Geomancer Gunthor of the Canyon

# The Lore of Geomancer Gunthor of the Canyon

Born Timmy of the Hamlet there was nothing special about this boy.  A little rotund, very quiet and seen as strange to outsiders and his fellow villagers.  He was a blacksmiths son and constantly picked on for his differences.

Asleep on a bed of hay one fateful evening a strange creature approached.  A small albino rat with dead black eyes.  Timmy awoke in a panic as the rodent bit him and then scurried away.

The next day while taking the slopbucket out he felt strange, maybe even stronger? Something foreign was coarsing through his chubby body.

As was typical a group of children laughed at Timmy.  They pointed at the holes in his britches.  Timmy grew furious.  He balled his fists and then small pebbles started to rise from the ground.  The winds swirled around him and then larger rocks rose as well.  He turned around and yelled furiously at the children and then blackness enveloped him.

When Timmy awoke he was at the top of a vast chasm. His village gone.  Swallowed by a newly formed canyon below.  The only living being around was that small rat whose previously dead eyes now showed a glint of excitement.

He walked, but didn't make it far as a group of strangely dressed beings approached him.

"Gunthor" they yelled towards him.  "We've been expecting you".

They tossed to him an emerald staff with the promise of helping him hone his powers.  He went with them because where else would he go?  His epic journey began.


Druid Leah of the Circle

2 New Lore Entry

Leah,

Fresh off finding the magic mushrooms in the forest was consumed with absolute glee.

High as a kite.

She summoned the members of the Circle.

Leah was in big trouble.

The Druids of the Circle banished her to the forest and took away her mushrooms.

The End.


Witch Rowena of the Keep

# The Lore of Witch Rowena of the Keep

Away in a vast chasm between two mountains lies Witch Rowena's fortress.

Known as the redoubtable one, Rowena guards her palace with the help of her servant Chad.

Once day, she was on the way to see Chad, when she decided to take a short-cut through the edge of Sherwood Court.

It wasn't long before Witch got lost. She looked around, but all she could see were trees. Nervously, she felt into her bag for her favourite electric good-luck charm, Flash-chan, but Flash-chan was nowhere to be found! Witch began to panic. She felt sure she had packed it. To make matters worse, she was starting to feel hungry.

Unexpectedly, she saw an electrified slime with a green hue disappearing into the trees.

"How odd!" she thought.

For the want of anything better to do, she decided to follow the peculiarly dressed slime. Perhaps it could tell her the way out of the forest.

Eventually, the witch reached a clearing. In the clearing were two houses, one made from kale and one made from chocolates.

The witch could feel her tummy rumbling. Looking at the houses did nothing to ease her hunger.

"Hello!" she called. "Is anybody there?"

Nobody replied.

Witch looked at the roof on the closest house and wondered if it would be rude to eat somebody else's chimney. Obviously it would be impolite to eat a _whole_ house, but perhaps it would be considered acceptable to nibble the odd fixture or lick the odd fitting, in a time of need.

A thunderous cackle broke through the air, giving Witch Rowena a fright. A different witch, much shorter and full in stature, jumped into the space in front of the houses. She was carrying a cage. In that cage was Flash-chan!


"Flash-chan!" shouted Rowena. She turned to the witch. "That's my charm!"

The stout witch just shrugged.

"Give Flash-chan back!" cried Rowena.

"Not on your nelly!" said the witch.

"At least let it out of that cage!"

Before she could reply, the electrified green slime rushed in from a footpath on the other side of the cleaning.

"Hello Slime," said the witch.

"Good morning." The slime noticed Flash-chan. "Who or what is this?"

"That's Flash-chan," explained the witch.

"Ooh! Flash-chan would look lovely in my cave dwelling. Give it to me!" demanded the slime.

The witch shook her head. "It's staying with me."

"Um... Excuse me..." Rowena interrupted. "Flash-chan lives with me! And _not_ in a cage!"

The slime ignored her. "Is there nothing you'll trade?" he asked the witch.

The witch thought for a moment, then said, "I do like to be entertained. I'll release it to anybody who can eat a whole front door."

Realizing how unexciting and unwilling Rowena was to eat a door, despite being hungry, she lashed out, "That's the stupidest challenge I've ever heard of."

"I have to agree," the slime said. "It's honestly ridiculous."

The slime then peered over at Witch Rowena. Noticing her attire, how beautifully and neatly it matched the color of Flash-chan, he came to a realization. He thought to himself "I've been dealing with this hag for over a decade at this point, and this looks like an opportunity for a new friend,"

"Why does Flash-chan matter so much to you anyway?" inquired the slime.


"Why does Flash-chan matter so much to you anyway?" inquired the slime.

Rowena replied, "Flash-chan is bound to my soul, and gives me the power to wield lightning strikes that can make the target explode upon impact. Luckily, Flash-chan cannot be used by others without breaking our bond, which requires the utmost powered incantations."

"I like the cut of your gib," the slime flatly replied, seeming to ignore the explanation, "Let's eat some doors!"

It was not apparent to Witch Rowena at the time, but the electric slime had a plan to rid the witch who captured Flash-chan. Rowena watched, feeling very worried. She really didn't want the witch to give Flash-chan to the slime. It would be like missing part of her soul.

"I'll eat this whole house," said the slime. "Just you watch!"

Big Slime pulled off a corner of the front door of the house made from chocolates. He gulped it down smiling, and went back for more.

And more.

And more.

Eventually, the slime started to get bigger - just a little bit bigger at first. But after a few more mouthfuls of chocolates, he grew to the size of a large snowball - and he was every bit as round.

"Erm... I don't feel too good," said the now very rotund slime.

Suddenly, he started to roll. He'd grown so round that he could no longer sit up!

"Help!" he cried, as he rolled off down a slope and slammed into one of Sherwood Court's thick trees. As he hit the tree, he released a belch so fierce it shook the nearby trees almost as violently as the impact.


Upon witnessing this, the crooked witch erupted with laughter. "That's undoubtedly one of the funniest things I have seen my entire time in this realm! You win! You win! Ahehehehehe!"

As soon as the short witch calmed her laughter, she conjured a key to unlock the cage holding Flash-chan. Handing it over, the slime quickly tossed Flash-chan to Rowena. "Strike me, quickly! Come on, now. Don't dawdle."

Witch Rowena felt an instant rush being reunited with her charm. Raising her arm, she smacked the blob. Electricity from the slime coursed through her. Being used to electrocution, it was more embarrasing than it was painful.

"No! Use Flash-chan!"

Flustered, and finally realizing what the slime meant, Rowena summoned the power of Flash-chan. Striking the slime, he exploded into a thouand pieces in all direction, creating an electric force that obliterated the wicked witch with a loud shriek.

The slime's body emerged from the goopy shock puddle, now only a miniscule fraction of his original size. "That was AWESOME!" He declared. "I haven't had this much fun since I was a wee lad. We should hang out more!"

Rowena, realizing the power of companionship with the slime, accepted after a little hesistation. "Okay, but you have to let me know of your plans before you blow us both up," she joked.

The slime nodded, and shared the directions out of the Sherwood Court forest. They headed for Chad's residence as they forged the beginning of a strong friendship.


Mystic Carmilla of Arcadia

# The Lore of Mystic Carmilla of Arcadia

Illustration by @artofk555

Tucked in a corner of Arcadia is a quiet little cypress swamp. Overlooked by most, the swamp is unremarkable, but for one special inhabitant.

Mystic Carmilla is not someone that youd bump into by chance - she is a master of camouflage and intimately familiar with the surroundings in her swamp. She has always lived there, for longer than most humans lifetimes, although memories of her early childhood are hazy. As a result, she is equally at ease swimming between the submerged trees or climbing through the canopy, although she has a canoe to use when she wants to rest.

In the manner of many swamp witches, she possesses a talisman representing the swamps natural spirit. In her case, this developed into the form of a small emerald slime which she considers almost as a child. Intimately and irrevocably linked to the natural forces of the swamp, this slime must not leave its home for too long, lest both it and the swamp lose their lifeforce.

--------------------

One night, she observed the night sky as she lay in her canoe, which slowly glided across the still, moonlit water. Far from any cities or towns, the sky was crystal clear, and this was usually the highlight of her waking hours. However, her face registered concern as she interpreted the patterns of that night with the aid of her Rune. It was undeniable - there were great changes coming to the Runiverse.

Although she had not typically cared about anything happening outside her swamp, Carmilla understood that she must act now - the forces at play were vast, and if she waited until they showed up at her doorstep, it would be too late to prevent her home from being swept away.


So, with her slime, her hip pouch filled with medicinal herbs and tinctures, and her Staff of Courage, Carmilla prepares to leave the swamp, with only the stars as her guide.

However, on the night before her planned departure, a whistling figure wades into the swamp (to be continued)


Everett Savior of the Coliseum

**Everett Savior of the Coliseum**

     The suns rays seep in through the cracks in the stone.  Everett can hear metal clashing from the current fight.  The Crowd erupts in cheers, Everett knows what this means.  After the cheer, there is a sudden silence.  The silence seems as if it lasts an eternity.  Suddenly a harmonious chant begins; Kill, Kill, Kill, Kill!.  The crowd has rendered their verdict and expect the winning gladiator to deliver.  The chant reaches a peak that shakes the foundation of the Coliseum, there is a pause and a sudden burst of cheer.  The Coliseum shakes and dust from the ceiling falls onto Everetts armor.


Everett carries mementos from some of his past opponents.  The butterfly shield he took off Gorbis Deathspawn of the fog.  The gold on the shield is scuffed and dirty.  The blood stains look like rust on the shield.  The armor he took from Gregory Emolator of the arena no longer shines, because of the dried blood and dust that has coated the armor like a second paint.  Now, Sirus Destroyer of the Sanctum was a memorable opponent.  Everett almost met his demise against Sirus.  Everette still has a scar from the fight that somewhat resembles a trident.  Sirus was his 99th opponent and brought a rage onto Everett that no one has before.  Everett vividly remembers using a shield to put an end to Sirus.  Everett now carries a very interesting souvenir from Sirus on the top of his spear and defeated countless opponents thereafter with it.


Everett stands ready at the gate into the arena.  The gate starts to rise, and the crowd erupts as the announcer belts out, Everett Savior of the Coliseum!.  Everett stares across the blood-stained sand of the coliseum and locks eyes with Jax Roaster of the Wood.  Everett has heard whispers of a fire breathing contraption Jax has burned his enemies alive with.  Everette wastes no time and charges at Jax, an enormous plume of fire explodes from the contraption, Everett dives to the side, he notices his leg was singed.  A column of fire spews out towards him as if sweeping the arena.  Everett manages to get up and take cover behind one of the arena pillars.  The crowd starts to heckle but Everett will not let this pressure him into getting roasted alive.  Everett dashes towards the next pillar to draw out the fire again, he figures Jaxx is no wizard and the contraption must be using some type of oil to


the contraption must be using some type of oil to breathe fire.  Jax is taunting Everett, Is the Savior of the Coliseum scared of a little flame?, Jax yells and ends his taunt with a hearty laugh.  The fire seems to be sputtering a bit, Jax yells profanities while slamming the side of the fire breathing stick.  Everett takes this opportunity to charge at Jax, Everett is engulfed in flames and intense pain, but he thrusts his spear forward and up where he thinks Jax is.  It feels like the stream of fire is infinite, but it finally stops and when the smoke clears, he sees he landed a fatal blow on Jax.  Cheers bellow throughout the Coliseum, Everett drops to his knees in severe pain.  The fire stick got his face, he can feel that the damage was bad.  Everett rips Jaxs helmet off and puts it on while trying to hide the immense pain and walks out of


to hide the immense pain and walks out of the arena, as the crowd cheers and rains roses and coin on Everett.


Wylan Danger of the Road

# Excerpts from Wylans Travels on the Road:

_Travelers, be wary of strangers.
Dont walk and never run.
Because the Road has many dangers,
And Wylan is just one._

> Once, at a roadside tavern, a drunk Imp Warrior tried to pick a fight with Wylan.
Everyone in the tavern regretted it.
Including the Imp.

Wylan was asked to escort a princess across the kingdom for her marriage.
Nine months later, she delivered a son.
Her betrothed had been at war the entire time.

Wylan was banned from those lands.

> People say Wylan is part Kobold.
But never to his face.

One night, during his adventures, Wylan fell asleep at his camp under the trees and stars.
A Furgnome Scavenger crept upon Wylans camp. He spotted Wylan.

The Furgnome backed away slowly. He didnt want to wake Wylan up.
He owed Wylan money from a card game last winter.


Archmagus Soya of the Marsh

# The Lore of Archmagus Soya of the Marsh


Witch Rita of the Wood

*Overheard conversation:*

Hey Hey, whats happening? All the mages seem to be rushing around looking for something.

*Have you been living under a rock these last few days? Go check out the Royal Wizard Decree Board at the Runic Circle for all the details!*

O Come on, just spill it and tell me the royal decree from the Wizards Council!

*Well, basically someone messed up in the Royal Pet Sanctuary and all the Royal Light Bulb Frogs have escaped! There are some major rewards for the first 25 people that can provide the Wizards Council with the map locations of all the Light Bulb Frogs.*

Wowsers! That is one big slip up in the Royal Pet Sanctuary!

*But that also gives us a great opportunity to earn those big rewards!*

Wait wait.. how many Light Bulbs Frog are we talking about to locate?

*There was not a total number provided but the word out on the street is that its about 100 frogs.*

And they could be anywhere in the Runiverse???

*Well. The Light Bulb Frogs are amphibians and have been known to be long distance travelers. A few have already been reportedly spotted in the surrounding islands already.*

I guess that is why the Wizards Council is seeking help from the Runiverse community to use their eyes AND ears!

*Yeah, the Light Bulb Frogs have their signature croak that really helps to locate them. The fogginess at this time of the year really does not help spotting them.*

So how many have you found?

*Just about 27 frogs. I have met others how have located more than 50 frogs already! I am far behind. Hopefully the council will give some partial credit for all who help!*

I am sure the council will. Maybe those who help will get some priority in the upcoming land sales they will be doing!


*That will be great! I gotta go to find more of those frogs. So what are you going to do? Join the hunt or just skip it?*

Hmmmm, I am going to be doing some travelling around a few cities anyways. I might just take some time to go hiking around the lands to look for a few!

*Good luck then. You snooze you lose!*


Magus Leah of the Steppe

**Chapter 1:**
Magus Leah ran a business being an independent broker of deals between the many Wizard factions throughout the universe. Different factions typically approached her with a desire to procure an item that is not typically for sale or wants anonymity in the purchase. She then leverages her extensive network to source that item and its ownership.

That is the easy part. The hard part is finding out all information about the item and the owner to find an entry point into structuring a deal. She has learnt over time that most of the time money alone is not enough of a factor to pry loose the wanted item. For these deals, skeletons in the closet provide a lot of leverage.

The item owner might want another item in place to be procured for them and so on. Deals could get complicated quickly and difficult to disentangle. However, Magus Leah has proven to be creative in her approach to clients and has a high success rate. Even more importantly, she has earned the trust of clients by not being unscrupulous and maintain secrecy at all times.

Of such importance was this that the current client currently in her office was none other than the Head Wizard of the White Wizard Tower. What service will he need to procure from her that someone of position does not already have in service or unable to work through his channels?

Both had sat in silence for an hour now. Leah had learnt the value of silence through many negotiations. Sometimes silence worked better than even saying something. The opposing side just ends up negotiating themselves into a better deal for her. She was not going to be the first one to speak. His time was more valuable than hers and she had no urgent business to get to. She calmly sat in her seat facing the Head White Wizard, giving him her undivided attention despite the inactivity.


Finally, the Head White Wizard broke the silence and said, Magus Leah, you indeed live up to your reputation. Amongst the other brokers I have tested, none have the cool blood flowing through your veins. Some spoke too much, some tried to sweet talk me, some could not stay still and some simply lost patience.

Now, lets get down to business


Archmagus Zelroth of Atlantis

# The Lore of Archmagus Zelroth of Atlantis

A wise wizard beyond his years, Zolroth has displayed extraordinary wizardy since he was just a toddler.

Zelroth is the path leader of Atlantis and is known to guide the guild through challenging times.


Druid Leah of the Circle

Written by Suggested Lore


Sharon Eidolon of the Arena

**Chapter 1:**
Sharon Eidolon was heavy in thought with her mare pulling an empty cart when three rag-tagged souls came out from the bush-line to block the path. Pay us the toll and you will save yourself some pain. they sneered.

Sharon mentally calculated the situation she was in: numerically disadvantaged, but not necessarily outskilled. Their poorly maintained weapons and lack of strategic positioning to maximize their numerical advantage clearly showed their overconfidence and lack of discipline.

Well guys, I think you have the wrong road. I have been travelling up and down this road for months and there is no toll on this road. It will be better to let me pass than earn yourselves a trip to the nearest infirmary. Sharon replied.

Oh wow guys, looks like we picked on a wrong lady today, lets. the first man of the rag-tagged group appeared to turn to walk away but suddenly swung his axe around for a surprise attack!
Sharon was more than well prepared for that amateur trick. The rag-tagged group was disarmed and on the ground in a flurry of activity in less than 2 minutes. It happened so fast the three was not sure what transpired.

Twang! The unmistakable sound of a bow release. Sharon heard that and saw an arrow flying straight at her but it was too late for her to react. Just before the arrow hit, Sharon was hit by a force that sent her tumbling back but that also displaced the arrow! A simultaneous crackle of a Broken Arrow spell sped towards the source of the arrow. The archer did not stand a chance against that magic attack and collapsed to the ground.

You alright? My Force Bolt might have padded too much of a punch there. I cast that in haste. The magician asked as she approached.


Thanks for that punch! I will gladly take that punch than being a pin cushion! I will have been looking at a long recovery if not for you.

I am @warrior7760. And you are? saying as she picked herself off the ground.
@wizard9935

Well @wizard9935, I am in debt to you. Care for a round at the Taverns bar? Drinks on me. Sharon offered.


Druid Leah of the Circle

feels good man, zine, edition 0, pages 2-3


Sora Lumper of the Plains

**Warrior Pledge**

I, a warrior of from the Forgotten Runes Warriors Guild,

solemnly swear to protect the Forgotten Runes Runiverse,

from cheats, hacks and fraud,

to serve and protect,

to be a helpful guide to all travelers.

I will seek out to explore the furthest boundaries

from The Brine to The Quantum Shadow,

from Elysian Fields to Nightmare Dominion,

climb the peaks of Honor Mountain,

muddle through swamps of Ghoulish Boglands,

and dive into the deepest depths of The Brine.


Rowan Calamity of the Wood

**Chapter 1:**

Rowan had just returned to camp from a full morning of battle and set aside his helmet and armor. He barely started to eat whatever hot rations were available then when he heard distant sounds of rolling thunder. Something was not right. There were no heavy clouds to suggest a storm nearby, plus there seemed to be too many lightning occurrences. Others in camp had also heard it and were looking in bewilderment in the direction of the lightning strikes.

Rowan suddenly stood up, grabbed his battle gear started running towards the lightning strikes and shouted Attacks from the West! Attacks from the West! Those are Arch-Magi Bogeys Chain Lightnings! Hurry hurry!

Fighting so close to camp and for Arch-Magi Bogey to be using Chain Lightning is not good news. Chain Lightning is most effective against infantry masses and to be used so close to potential close friendly forces on means large opponent forces and desperation. It also served as an emergency signal and pinpointing of where help is needed. Bogey was indeed a war veteran being able to keep his wits around and achieving three goals with one spell.

Rowan began to see other warriors racing towards the battle. He quickly organized them into a small force while on the move and led them to flank the battle location. The immediate goal is to help relieve pressure from the main offense and to buy time for more reinforcements to arrive to Arch Magi Bogeys location. Besides, Chain Lightning does not differentiate between enemies and friendlies, and he had no intentions to become fried meat.


Rowans small force grew larger as they neared the frontlines. They took a small pause just short of reaching the opposing force to settle their breaths and scout a little. It looked like their flanking route took them right beside a long range archery unit that was sending waves of plumes towards the battlefield. Rowan broke cover and led the charge into the archery unit taking them by surprise.

The archery unit was lightly guarded and it was not a fair fight. The archers were not equipped for close combat heavy fighting and Rowans Ishtars sword easily cleaved through the light armor while using his Tomb Shield to block incoming arrows. The few painful seconds to recover from the surprised attack resulted in another set of fallen bodies before the archers realized they could not win this skirmish.

They quickly broke rank and retreated hastily in different directions for the nearest cover.
Rowan stopped his group from further pursuing the remnants of the archery unit. He now had the chance to attack the opposing force from the rear to really spice things up a little.


Enchanter Lenora of the Realm

**Runic Circle:**

Round and round the Runic Circle

The children thrill and tumble,

And lovers longingly linger,

The warriors whipping up their war stories,

wizards whisperings in hushed tones.

Official words are orated here,

Incredulous rumors are stretched here.

A place to recruit,

a place to trade.

A place to seek,

A place to find.

A caldron for all to mix,

together as one community.


Magus Jahid of the Field

Chapter 1:

I was riding my pony as I rounded a corner when I saw a lady cornered by three bandits. The lady dressed like a warrior so I was not too worried for her. Nevertheless, the three to one fight felt uneven and I got off my pony and stayed ready to intervene.

It was quickly clear that my help was not needed as she dispatched the bandits efficiently. A rustle of leaves in my peripheral vision caught my attention and saw an arrow streak towards the lady warrior. There was no way for her to react in time.

I quickly weaved my fingers and cast a Force Bolt spell in between the lady warrior and the streaking arrow. In my haste, my Force Bolt was directed too close to the lady warrior and sent her reeling backwards but it effectively redirected the arrow away from her. I immediately turned my attention to the surprised archer before he could let loose another arrow. The archer was already reaching and nocking another arrow while turning towards me.

Instinctively I weaved a Broken Arrow spell and released it towards the archer. My Broken Arrow flew faster and truer to the target incapacitating the archer. I scanned for anymore secondary threats and found none before approaching the lady warrior.

She introduced herself as @warrior7760 and offered to buy me a round at the nearby tavern. I was in no rush in my journey and could make a new warrior friend so why not?

We travelled together into the Green Wizard City and went to the Tavern. That was the start of our journey together.


Archmagus Zelroth of the Temple

**Runiverse Wizards Pledge:**

We, the Wizards of the Forgotten Runes Wizards Cult,

pledge ourselves to be one united community,

regardless of Wizard, Warrior or Soul,

regardless of Beast, Spawns or Ponies,

to build a world, inclusive of all.

Explore the Runiverse from end to end,

create content everywhere,

to share stories of every land.

Pursue the Forgotten Runes vision:

Build the greatest fantasy franchise based on the creations of all!


Murphy of Goblins

# New Lore Entry

featuring @warrior8782 and the @beast6.

1st theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH8pp-RifzY&t=191s

## Excerpt from The Margins: "Murphy's Law"

>Murph is cursed, the barkeep grumbled to the boy. There oughta be a philosophical law for that man, where anythin that canappen to em doesappen to em.

Maurice was a server at the Tipsy Tidepool, a small tavern at the mouth of Kelpies Bay. Rundown but always open, Oswalds establishment was a quick respite for travelers that could not afford the boat ride from Alessars to the Riviera. Most used it as an outpost while skirting around Goblin Town and its inherent danger.

And as a server, Maurice had heard it all before. Locals always coming in, Oswald always chattin em up for the Runiverse goings-on. But sightings of Murph were day-makers for him. Murphy was an illusive fellow, rarely seen in local towns and usually spotted on the outskirts of common roads traveling with a small group of goblins. Most hated him.

>Nothing but a goblin lover! they would shout.

But to Maurice, Murphy was unique. An outcast. A pariah. But one that did the unthinkable. He found a place among the goblins and thrived. Yet Maurice had never seen him with his own eyes. His idea of Murph came through bits and pieces...

>...skin of the Quantum Shadow!

>...hair stained with nightshade!

>...sports rusty and crude metal armor, he does!

>...wears a blood-soaked sash tied around his head, fresh from a murder!


Clearly he was a sight to behold, thought Maurice as he wiped the flagons with a stained cloth. Strange that there was not much known for something that would seem so out-of-place among a goblin horde and not on any wanted posters either.

He finished putting up any remaining dishes and restocked the front portion of the bar with barrels of Briney Bay IPA.

>About to call it a day, he shouted to Oswald in the back as he rolled the last barrel into place. Just then, one of the regular patrons walked in.

Murph is at it again, said Linus as he plopped down onto the wooden stool at the counter. Gimme the usual, boy.

Maurices ears perked at the mention of the name. He broke the tap on the new barrel and poured a pint into the flagon he just cleaned, sliding it over to him. Linus snatched it from him and downed it in a few gulps.

>You were sayin...? Maurice prodded, trying not to sound too eager.

>We were tendin our fields, and Goran saw somethin at the southern rim of the Hedge. He said he saw Murph and was able to ring the bell-post to alert the rest. Were it not for his red sash, we woulda been swarmed by them gobbies. Had to leave some of the grain behind, but better that than all our gold, livestock and tools. Linus began to laugh.

>Cant be with his own kind. Even ruins the pea-brain plans of those creatures. Laughing crudely, he shouted to Oswald...

>What do we say about Murph, Ollie?!

>MURPH IS CURSED! They said in unison. Linus raised his flagon and chugged.

>He dont belong nowhere. Be happy you belong here, boy. Now pour me another.


>He dont belong nowhere. Be happy you belong here, boy. Now pour me another.

Maurice gave a fake smile while pouring another pint and gazed out the side window, the Hedge barely visible on the horizon.

*I dont belong here, either.*

He tidied up the counter and took a small satchel of coin from a half-asleep Oswald for his pay that week.

>Ill be back for another shift tomorrow, Ollie. he said quickly.

>Best not be late! replied Oswald.

>You know me,

>Hrmphexactly. Oswald returned to his ledger and supply book, barely taking notice of the boy.

Dawning his green and gold cloak, a small leather knapsack filled with food scraps, and fastening his signature rapier at his waist, Maurice stepped out into the afternoon sun and trekked northward toward the Hedge.

__________
__________
__________

## Excerpt from The Margins: Misnomer Madness

With a hand on the small pommel of his rapier and his cloak slightly buffeted by the bay breeze, Maurice walked briskly over beach grass, small bayside shrubs, and small pockets of golden sand. He made a right turn just past Old Emeldas farmstead; she waved as he walked by and returned to harvesting her crops. Her land extended for a couple leagues, bordering right up to the eastern road of Kobolds Crossing.

*Havent been that far in quite some time,* he thought to himself. Suppressing any notion of anxiety, he took a deep breath and kept up his pace.


Following the narrow path along Emeldas land, Maurice found himself at the crest of a slight hill. The afternoon sun neared the horizon on his left and cast a golden glow across the field that seemed to stretch for miles beyond. Waves of grain flowed in the breeze as yellows, oranges, and reds began to glow across the sky. He paused for a moment to soak it all in, nearly forgetting the reason for his journey.

2nd theme music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WW4bdFhcZgw&t=358s

Suddenly, a series of growls, snarls, and clicks pierced the peaceful silence. Jolted to attention, Maurice grasped the hilt of his blade and scanned the horizon for anything out of place.

*There!*

Only a hundred meters ahead, a segment of grain moved strangely in unison, like a jittery snake slithering through the grass.

*Goblins? Does that mean Murph may be nearby?!*

Excited and scared, Maurice took another deep breath, swallowed hard, and followed his current trail parallel to theirs. Whatever they were, they moved quickly!

The path grew thinner as he neared a full run to keep pace. The grain on either side gave way to taller grasses that darkened the trail, blocking his vision and the last of the direct sunlight. Maurice finally came to a stop as the path disappeared. He turned to his right and noticed that Emeldas fence was gone. Looking from the path he came, there was nothing but tall grass and the slight hint of his recent footsteps. What little could be seen of the sky above cast everything in shades of burgundy and plum.

*Well...Ive come this far, though Oswald would never believe it. But if Im past Emeldas, then the main road isnt much farther.*


He slowly turned around and faced the grass wall to the north, its shadowed stalks rising ominously before him. A lengthy breeze cascaded over the tops of the grass creating an eerie *sssshhhhhhhhh* that filled his ears. Maurices eyes closed for only a moment...

**[Vision of an old man in tattered purple robes, purple eyes, ghostly white skin, and a blackened hand in a quieting gesture to his lips]**

Another trill echoed through the grass bringing Maurices mind back to reality. He listened carefully and was able to make out more rustling nearby. He didnt want to linger any longer. Maurice carefully unsheathed his rapier and slipped into the grass.

The noise from the goblins grew louder; they were close. But he couldnt see anything, and the deep purples of twilight didnt help. Suddenly, he heard a snarl to his left. Too close for comfort. He took a few more steps. Then came a grunt and the crunching of a stalk to his right. Maurice froze, hoping they were unaware of his position. He looked around. It was dark, the gaps in the grass showing just slight random movements. Was it the wind? Or a creature? Panic began to creep up again.

*I cant turn back, I cant see anything here, and if I move I make noise. Maurice, you fool.*

Trying to calm himself, he looked to his feet and slowly scooped a handful of dirt, just as his father did millennia ago. As he filtered it through his fingers, a large stone remained. He smiled.

*Thank you.*


*Thank you.*

He picked up the stone and stood, turning slowly. Facing where he had come from, Maurice readied his stance and threw the rock through as hard as he could. It whipped through a leaf above him and was gone. A handful of seconds later he heard it crash and tumble through the grass again a dozen meters away.

Suddenly, the grass rustled loudly on either side of him. Maurice covered his mouth to silence his breathing. The sound of their movement lessened as they tried to pinpoint the source of the noise. It was now or never.

Maurice spun around and ran. He pushed aside the stalks as best he could, their leaves still whipping his face as he went by. Several strides in, he heard a familiar sounda strange barking sound echoed out over the grass. *Shit.* He dug in harder, trying to pick up his pace. It was no use. Maurices noise was quickly joined by others not too far behind him. He dared not look back.

*Where is that damn road?!*

The sound of his pursuers had grown louder. They were nearly on him, and he couldnt go any faster. Not in grass like this. His thoughts began to spiral.

*Am I running in the wrong direction? Maybe Im lost. What if I was running right to their camp? Do goblins eat people?! When is this grass going to END?!*

He felt a sudden tug on his arm. He shrieked and tried ripping his arm away, but it didnt budge. He turned to swing a child-like fist at the creature, but there was nothing to hit. He looked down to see that his rapier had lodged into a thick stalk of grass. The relief was short-lived as he could see glimpses of movement only a few meters away. He pulled against the sword again, but it refused to move.

*Cmon, CMON!*


*Cmon, CMON!*

He looked up to the grass, stalks bending around the movement of his pursuers. Their snarls and calls were much closer than he thought.

*Son of a RUNE!*

He placed both hands on the hilt of his sword. The creatures had nearly surrounded him, their ragged breathing and carnivorous gnashing of teeth were so close it gave him chills.

*LET GO!*

With a final pull, he dislodged his sword and stumbled backward, bursting out of the grass and landing on nothing but cold, hard dirt.

*The road!*

He scrambled to his feet and whirled around shakily holding his rapier with both hands, ready for the fight of his life. Silence. The rustling of grass was gone. The trills and noises had ceased. He took a few steps away from the grass that lined the road, unsure of what to expect.

Then a cackling laugh behind him to his right. Maurice snapped his head over his shoulder to look, but saw nothing. Then another from the other side of the road to his left. He flipped around to face it, but again there was nothing. Then another and another. They were toying with him. This was an ambush.

>Cmon! What are you waiting for?! shouted Maurice.

>We were waiting for you, tasty, said a choppy, haggard voice from the grass. Stepping out onto the dirt road was a small yellow-green figure in worn leathers holding a chipped handaxe. Maurice turned and pointed his sword in its direction.