Author's Note

I wrote this at the time the idea of getting a cottage was still very new. I hope you enjoy the trip to the past.

Stormson

Prologue

Stormson slowly awakened from his stupor. He had wanted a house in the town of Lin, and had stayed near it for many days now forsaking any adventuring. Now as he looks around the familiar confines of the Adventurer's Haven, he knew the house had been obtained by someone else. His curiosity was piqued however, and he needed to know who had moved in to the only house in Lin. He made his way through several portals and arrived in Lin setting off in a run to the cottage's location. As the cottage drew near, he still drew in a breath of appreciation on how ideal this location was for sheer scenic beauty. Rounding the corner of the cottage he saw the owner's stone was indeed floating. He peered into the face of the gemstone to see the name Lera etched there.

Stormson was sad at his lost opportunity but glad that the cottage had an owner who would treasure it. He sent a telepathic message to Lera congratulating her on her new home. Lera responded with an enthusiastic thank you. After chatting a bit Stormson let Lera know that if for any reason she no longer wanted the cottage to please give him a yell. She promised she would and they both went to do other things. Stormson shook his head to clear the cobwebs and decided to see what it was like to cast war spells again.

Night of the Three Mages

Stormson, before succumbing to the cottage-induced stupor, had spoken with Shun the Wand about an opportunity to broaden his skills and knowledge of being a mage. Shun had graciously been taking the advice from Stormson to help in his development towards becoming a Battlemage. Initially, he had started in Lin at the famous spire there, to learn about spell casting from a protected area against a variety of foes. There was a constant supply of magic resistant foes at the spire, and Stormson had advised Shun that when he could solo the four limestone golems, the two zombies and the Lich he would be ready to move on to another challenge. Shun accepted that challenge, and worked hard at being able to do just that. Shun contacted Stormson to give him the good news of besting his foes, and wanted to know where could he go next to learn some more.

Stormson advised him that it was time to go the prison near Glendon Wood. Shun was curious as to the reason for this particular place. He had heard of more famous places that other mages had spoken about. Stormson led him to the prison. Once inside, Stormson let Shun in on the objective. Mites of all types overrun the upper area of the prison. They attack with a relentless pack mentality, and can rip to shreds a mage who is not used to being among his enemy. The art of Melee defense while understanding your own limitations will be learned in that battle arena. The lower level is filled with undead and zombies. These foes attack with both magic and melee and can quickly dispose of a foe that has a weakness in either. Magic defense and battlefield tactics will be learned here.

Stormson smiled as he recalled the recent past. Perhaps Shun is ready for the next challenge, he thought. Then Talgur, hailing him from the distance, pleasantly interrupted his reverie. "What do have planned for tonight?" Talgur asked. "I had hoped to take Shun up to the Empyrean Power Generator for his next training, interested?" Stormson replied. Talgur responded with an enthusiastic "Sounds like fun!" The plan was communicated to Shun who was eager for a new challenge having mastered the prison's lessons. Stormson summoned a portal to the Subway and he and Talgur jumped in to seek the portal to Glendon Wood. Materializing on a hill near the Aluvian hamlet they communicated to Shun that they would be going to the mage shop. After all of the necessary spell components had been acquired by the party, a fellowship was created for communication.

The western road leading out of Glendon Wood was the focus of the parties travel. Stormson thought how infrequent this road must be traveled as they past no one in their journey. The discussions centered on what opponents they would be facing and how to handle them. It is rare that only a group of mages goes out and adventures. One's fighting style and techniques must be flexible to adapt to the environment and tools you find at hand. Each of the mages had strengths that could be melded into a formidable assault, as long as their opponent did not exploit their weaknesses. While that seems to be one of those self-evident truths, many have perished by not recognizing that simple fact.

After a discussion, it was decided that Storm would vuln the opponent, Talgur would yield it, and Shun would supply the war spell that would take down the enemy. In addition, Storm and Talgur would check on health and supply healing as necessary. This worked well on the small monsters inhabiting the roadway. Unfortunately there was a small hole in this plan. While fighting some scalvus Shun was hit by an acid spell as his buffs ran out, and during a heal spell from Storm. The unfortunate result was Shun visiting the lifestone. This caused additional caution and protections to be applied.

After Shun's return, the group buffed and prepared to move into the forest towards the power generator. This area has become much tougher with the recent changes in the spawn patterns. Initially the group came across drudge lurkers and monougas. As they pressed forward into the valley, the trees became bigger and the opposition was much stealthier. Sharp eyes caught the glint of a sword as it moved ever so slightly. The sword belonged to a Shadow Lieutenant. The shadow was standing close to one of the great trees, waiting on an unsuspecting victim. He would not find one of those this night.

Timely communication is always the essence of a successful encounter. Stormson drew the Lieutenant to him by hitting him with fire vulnerability. Talgur followed with a yield spell. Shun began pouring the flame bolts into the Lieutenant. The hum of magic filled the air as great gouts of fire rained down in rushing torrents of death. Healing and draining spells passed each other as the mages battled with the Lieutenant. The colors and sounds of powerful magic melded into a multi-colored serpent striking, darting, and writhing in and around the combatants.

The Lieutenant is very worthy opponent because it fights with uncommon awareness of itself. Plumes of red and yellow sparkles indicate the stealing of stamina to supply health and it tells the mages that their foe is weakening. Pressing their advantage, flame bolts cascaded down upon the shadow, rending it into inconsequential shreds of ethereal darkness. As the dying moan escaped from the Lieutenant, the sword so recently used in anger falls clattering against the blackened shield. The gloom of darkness had fallen swiftly in the valley and the mages felt rather than see the others who would challenge their right of passage. After congratulating each other, the mages reapplied their buffs. Shun wished out loud for more mana to help him buff faster. Stormson began applying revitalization spells to him so he could use his stamina to mana spell. Talgur then infused mana into Stormson so the spells could continue to flow. Soon all the buffs were applied and their mana restored. The mages again set their sights on gaining the power generator.

Cautiously they moved among the trees, stealthily moving northward. Soon they came upon a break in the trees and were delighted by the moonlight as it cascaded brightly down onto a grassy hilltop. As they finished their climb to the top they were treated to a view of the surrounding forest and could glimpse another hilltop in the distance. Stormson set out to that next hilltop with Talgur and Shun following. Back into a valley they went ever mindful that others would try and stop them from their quest. The air was very still and none of the normal night sounds could be heard. Suddenly, the hair on the back of their necks stood up as a chilling sound was heard. It sounded like chanting but not in any language the mages knew. They knew it meant a Missionary was near but they could not sense the foul creature. They were never alone, as Lich Lords and Risen Soldiers accompanied them, rounding out the ghoulish undead contingent. The Agents of Arcanum had been very specific about how to deal with this new threat, exterminate them.

The party came upon a thinning of the trees and could see the beginning of the hill. Standing in their way was the Missionary group. In the world of mages, spell versus spell holds a very special place. Looking to each other and making sure they were ready the mages unleashed the first spells. The night made it difficult to see the undead but power always senses power. The fire vulnerabilities enveloped the missionary and the two lichs. The soldier springs to life belying his previous statue-like state. Stormson is ready for his attack and unleashes another fire vulnerability spell while absorbing the sword blow. Quickly Stormson's hands make the gestures required to cast a flame bolt and he sends it straight into the soldiers chest. The soldier reels under the impact and the charred flesh vaporizes under the intense heat leaving an acrid odor in its place. The soldier continues to physically assault with his sword as the second flame bolt shears his head off. Lost in the flames crackling gleefully on corpse was the moan of the soldier as its again dead corpse hits the ground. Stormson checks on the others and sees Talgur has moved forward draining and casting, while Shun is nearby throwing flamebolts as fast as the mana can be drawn.

As Stormson prepared to join in, four purple spheres flashed and then vanished, leaving behind an additional Missionary group. The scene now becomes less cohesive as the mages are not in a good tactical setting. Stormson warns the others of the new arrivals and recommended making for the hill. The events after that are really just flashes of perceptions. All the combatants on the field are hurling spells. Gouts of acid compete with columns of flame. Volleys of frost pass by fantastic whirling blades. Opponents are made vulnerable while allies are reinforced. The mages move to place themselves with their backs to the hill and are constantly moving to dodge the incoming war spells. The undead are implacable foes that are gifted in the use of war and life magics. The only way to convert the mages was to kill them so that they could rise again in service to their undead masters. The mages would have none of that philosophy and slowly began to eliminate their foes.

Word of Power cut through the din of the battlefield. Blinding light from the massive war spells temporarily blinded as the streaked toward their intended target. The comforting warmness of a healing spell. The ability to beat the magical defenses of an opponent while drawing from them the stamina to continue the battle. Mana depletion and replenishment just in time to cast another spell. These are all things that Stormson experienced throughout the battle. He was sure there were even more that went on but he was unable to see everything that Shun and Talgur were doing. As he sent his last whirling blade towards a Lich Lord, he noted with satisfaction that the living mages of Dereth had carried the day, as he watched the last of the undead fall to the ground. Stormson made a mental note to ask the others on their perceptions of this encounter.

Stormson shouted to Talgur to search the missionaries and see if they held the crest the Agents of Arcanum desired. The first corpse yielded nothing but the second had one of these elusive items. Treasure was picked up to help pay for the cost of the components consumed by such a massive battle. The healing and buffing process began again as the generator was near. The group now refreshed began the ascent of the final hill before reaching the generator. Upon cresting the top the mages were rewarded with a simply stunning view of the purple flame shooting skyward out of the center of a walled compound. They could make out arches in the wall that would allow them to go into see the source of the flame.

Stormson let Shun in on the lesson plan. Here the foes are going to be shadows and we will need to remove all of them. The generator compound provides for areas that can be safe but there is risk in getting to them. Stormson asked if they had any objections to him going into the compound as an unarmed combatant. Talgur and Shun both replied that it was all right. Stormson then equipped himself with a katar and shield. Stormson added this wrinkle intentionally to create an opportunity for Shun to operate as a support mage. Stormson felt confident that Talgur could handle the war spells and any unusual circumstances that arose. It was up to Stormson to "tank" in the fighter's parlance to allow the others to use their spells.

The group was now ready and Talgur rushed ahead blasting the shadow child guarding the arch. Talgur's attack triggered the other shadows inside the compound into action. Shun and Stormson rushed in through the hole Talgur had created. Stormson attacked a shadow that had rushed up. The katar created a silver gleam as it pierced the inky blackness of the shadow. Talgur's voice commanded attention as he used the Words of Power to summon the war spells that meant destruction for the targeted shadow. Shun was casting as well and his voice joined in with Talgur's creating an oratory of doom for the shadows they faced.

The actual power generator looks like the Spire near Lin, but really may be a lighthouse similar to the ancient one found in the Fort Tethana area. Shun had spent time near the Lin spire and that knowledge was going to save him. The mages were simply wreaking havoc on their opponents until the most nefarious creature in the realm made its unwelcome appearance. Shun began to move slowly and time began to have no meaning as he was unable to get away from a shadow's attack. Shun heard Stormson tell him to get up on the generator to help him defend against the shadow. Shun made an effort to react to the information but his reflexes would not respond. Stormson recognized the appearance of the lag monster. He attacked the shadow and hoped it would turn its attention to him. The shadow ignored the thrust of the katar and continued to pursue Shun.

Suddenly, as if a hero in another part of the land had slain the evil beast, the slowness was lifted. Talgur came around the corner in hot pursuit of the shadow he had been targeting. Shun shot to the top of the generator and was able to heal. Stormson finally got the attention of the shadow as he slashed through it. The fighting went on and it included many shadows and one Lieutenant. After the previous encounters they had faced, the mages were unfazed by the powerful shadow's presence. Stormson was not sure how that battle went because he was dealing with the last shadow sentries on the far side of the compound.

Soon there were no flashes of light or booming voices calling out the powerful words of magic. No sword hitting shields followed by the bone chilling groans as another life force expiring. The three mages met near the generator outside the building containing a chest of treasure. Stormson congratulated them on not only surviving but also excelling at the elimination of the shadow guard force. After some small talk it was decided to recall to the towns to sell and restock.

The night had been hard but rewarding. Shun the Wand continues to grow as a mage, and in time may very well pass Stormson. Stormson was also convinced that Talgur had indeed passed him in mage skill. Stormson smiled as he thought of their successes. Three mages, one night, opponents vanquished, lessons known and unknown learned. Stormson wondered when the next time would happen, and what tales would be told.

Epilogue

Stormson was back in the town of Lin when he ran into Lera. She waved hello and politely asked how was everything. Stormson replied that it was great and related some of the adventures to her. As they caught up on the events since the last time they had met, Lera let Stormson know that he could go into the house on the hill in Lin. She had just been furniture shopping and was very excited about the results. Stormson bowed to her for honoring him by allowing him to be a guest in her house. Lera was taken aback, but quickly told Stormson, "Please use the house whenever you need too." As they finished their conversation Stormson thanked Lera once again for her generosity, and left to speak with the Archmage. Stormson still did not own a cottage anywhere. Stormson smiled at the compliment paid to him by those who allowed him to guest in their cottage. Yes, it was a great time to be a Battlemage in the land of Deret.

Stormson
Battlemage