In a special performance , Dyskko added a new installment to his ongoing saga of the Dungeon Divas.  Known for what he calls “‘special effects,” his story-telling incorporates bardic magic to make you feel you are part of the story.

In true Dyskko style, audience members felt the heat of Moltenwing the Dragon.  They cried along with Buzz, as he wondered what to do after the death of his mentor, Indira.  The audience cheered when the Divas freed the Shackled Ones from the Great Tree.

Dyskko says this was a final ending to the Divas saga. “I’m ready for something new now.”  Even though his tales have always been fantastical, they have still been grounded in reality.  “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to travel amongst the stars.  I’ve also wondered what if there were no magic? Yes, I think I’ll turn my tales toward some of these ideas.”

Character Epilogues

After killing the beholder Orbius who had posed as Oskar Vhalantru for the last 15 years, the Divas were at a crossroads.  Are there enough people left in the Org Chart of Evil to fulfill their plans?  Do we stop here, or do we pursue them further?  Or do we need to get back to helping the evacuees from Cauldron rebuild?

The Divas made a final attempt to visit the Fiery Sanctum.  There, they discovered that Rmongor had killed all the Shackled Ones in the Tree and no more energy was being channeled.  Looking at the Org Chart of Evil, they realized all the people left to kill were people they hadn’t met.  Where would they be? The Divas spent time at the Church of Pelor reviewing their notes, organizing their supplies and inventorying their loot.  After a long day of discussion, the decision was clear: Use the loot to invest in the City of Cauldron, help the people rebuild, and stay wary for the Cagewrights should they start on the next phase of their plan.

Myntilly – Hoping to spark some renewed energy into the local economy, Myntilly purchased an abandoned building in the NW Business District of Cauldron.  She refitted the ground floor with her own Tatoo Parlor, and moved into the second floor apartment.  Inspired by her leadership, many young adventurers come to discuss their dreams and plans and ask Myntilly for her wisdom while she inks.  Even Cora Lanthanmire has been spotted getting a tatoo.

Sadi – Was last seen heading out of town.  Her plans are to travel to Sasserine, then spend some quiet time traveling along the coast.  “I hope to purchase a small boat and spend some quiet time in peaceful reflection.”  The year has been hard on Sadi, dying not once, but twice, and reincarnated twice.  It puts a touch of darkness on you.  Then spending so much time either underground or in a big city has been difficult.  “I come from a long line of gypsies.  I need to spend some time roaming.”

Ian and Brus – Returned to Kingfisher Hollow.  This city grew a bit following the evacuation of Cauldron.  Many people moved there, thinking it would be temporary, but fell in love with the Amedio forest on the border.  “Now that the town is a bit bigger, there’s a lot I can do here.  There’s a lot of new construction that I can help with, and we can start a second druid hall on the other end of the town.”  There is still some strange sounds coming from the forest, and rumors of undead, but Ian feels up to the challenge.

Acgar – Has become a new prominent figure in the Cauldron Town Guard.  Acgar has become Lead Trainer for the Magical Threats Agency.  “Quinlan had a good idea with this organization, but they need better discipline if they’re going to respond to threats.  That, and they need some strong analysis tools to investigate evidence left behind.”  Acgar is developing a new field called “forensics.”  It also helps the new recruits pay attention when she mentions that she keeps a killer frog in a box.

Indira – It’s taken some time for her his fellow clerics to get used to the new dwarf body, but Indira continues to work to spread the good word of Pelor.  Kristoff remains as head cleric of the Church, and continuing to lead the young headstrong Indira will be a continuing challenge.  Thankfully, Indira has the goblins and Buzz to keep her busy.

Buzz – Speaking of Buzz, he is working to bridge new ties between the differing churches of Cauldron.  The new head cleric at the Temple of Wee Jas, is rebuilding temple after the construction accident last solstice.  Buzz is working to negotiate a construction plan that will be a tribute to Wee Jas without blocking the Church of Pelor from the rising sun.  He is also working toward more unity between all the worshipping halls (to St. Cuthbert, Kord, Wee Jas, Fharlaghn, Pelor) in preparation for this winter’s Flood Festival.  “Last winter there was rivalry between the worshippers and Cauldron really suffered.  This winter will be different.”  Ah Buzz, remember when we first met him?

Elvis Krylscar- For his leadership and commitment to the City of Cauldron, Elvis was awarded a Key to the City. (Standing next to him are at left, Severen Navalant, Mayor, newly returned to the city and at right Quinlan Ghelve, Captain of the Town Guard).  He continues to grow in his leadership role on the City Council.  Sounds like he’ll run for Mayor again.

It was mostly an uneventful journey from Kingfisher Hollow to Cauldron. Except that at one point, when we were almost to Cauldron, the earth gave a sudden heave and several of us were knocked off our feet.

We quickly looked around. What spell was this? We kept still and silent in anticipation of attack. Acgar tried to detect magic, but there was none she could discern. After a few more minutes of caution, we continued on the journey.

As we got closer to the city, we could see the gates and the symbol of Cauldron, the eye wreathed in flame. After all we’ve learned, that symbol gives me chills. Ian cocked his head at the guards on the gate. “Are they always there? I don’t remember…” Sadi answered, “This is something new. The one with the spear, he’s kind of beefy. But that other one — caster maybe. He’s pretty puny and I don’t see any ranged weapon.”
“Makes sense,” Myntilly weighed in. “You want a caster. Not a sorcerer, though — he’s wearing armor. Or at least it looks like armor from here. Now that would be an interesting gambit. Maybe we can try something like that one of these days. See if Skye has any sort of armor that looks like plate but is really cloth.”

I thought we looked a bit motley. Me and Myntilly in front, Ian, brus and Sadi with her camel, Obi. Then Acgar with frog and mount.

We were road weary and bone weary from our time in Kingfisher Hollow. I had a big bruise on my thigh from falling on my mace when the ground tossed us up in the air. I wanted a soak at Orak’s, a hot meal and quiet contemplation in the solar at temple. What I got was all together different.

We realized that Skylar Krewis was standing to one side with a robed man. When they saw us, Skylar hurried over. “Please come to the barracks right away! Captain Quinlan would like to see you.”  Myntilly gave him a bright smile. “It’s good to see you again Seargent Krewis. I’m sure this can wait until tomorrow. We are road weary.” She started to go past him. The robed man moved to block her way. Sadi snorted. “You are with the MTA, I see.” The man nodded but did not speak. “We pulled your nuts out of the fire, literally when the umber hulk attacked your warehouse district.”
I stepped up. “I see that you are a man of Kord. Blessed be the Brawler and all who follow his path.” I bowed low. Sadi followed my lead and as she bent, she whispered to me “I could’ve taken him.”
Acgar moved forward. “I for one, would like to report our findings to Quinlan. Let’s go.”

Quinlan was in the conference room when we arrived. “We have a situation,” he said. “Ike Iverson was found dead outside Garthun Imports two nights ago.” This news was met with silence. After a moment, I cleared my throat. “Quinlan, we’ve just come from Kingfisher Hollow. Two nights ago we –” He waved his hand at me. “I know where you’ve been. Please. Do you think I’ve kept this position by not knowing important things? Ponus! Ponus!”
Before anyone could ask what he meant, a tall thin man walked in with a sheaf of papers. Quinlan gestured towards us. “Ponus, Divas. Divas, Ponus.” Acgar stood up and bowed. “I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Ponus.” The man started a bit at Acgar’s words. “Yes,” he said quietly, as if to himself. “The dragon. I remember.”

“I did the usual speak with dead spell on Mr. Iverson. He was struck from behind, unfortunately. When I asked him why he was killed, he did have an intriguing answer. He said ‘Failed to do my job.’” He spread out some photographs. “Here are some closeups of the head wound.” Acgar looked at them eagarly. “This looks just like the wound on Todd Vanderbourne’s head. He was killed by finger of death.” Dr. Ponus rubbed his pointed chin. “Finger of death, hmmm? It is consistent with the burn marks….”

“Speaking of the Vanderbournes,” Quinlan broke in. “They really want to see you before you head to Sasserene.” I cocked my head. “How did you know we were going to Sasserene?”
“Pfff. It’s my job to know things, right? So stop by and see them. They want to thank you for returning Todd’s body.” He stood up. “I’m glad you stopped by to talk with me. Now off you go.” He made pushing motions with his hands.

We had no trouble slipping away from the fire last night. I had my hat of disguise and Myntilly went invisible.

In the morning, after a successful Solstice ritual, we talked over our options. As we ate our oatmeal and fresh baked bread, the new edition of the Herald was delivered. Acgar had that look on her face as she opened the paper. “I wonder if you made headlines.”

I had the same thought and reluctantly opened the paper. And was immediately relieved to find that Dyskko was the headline:” He’s not dead.” Duh. I folded the paper beside my plate. Before I could speak, Myntilly pointed to the back page. “Did everyone see the article about Kingfisher? More undead reports from Ian’s hometown.”
Ian swallowed quickly. “Really? I need to get back.”
Myntilly reached out her hand. “We’re going with you. We promised.”

Sadi pointed to an article at the bottom of the back page. “Alek’s funeral. Huh, no resurrection?”
“Guys, I’d really like to go to his funeral. We went through a lot with him these last few weeks. When is it?” Acgar spoke up, “It’s tonight, at sunset. We can go to see Quinlan this morning and then funeral and Kingfisher in the morning.” Various looked up from the paper. “I don’t want to go to the jail. Do I have to go? The place smells rank.” Sadi rummaged in her pack. “I don’t want to go either. What if they arrest us?”

“This is my doing,” I said. “So no one has to come with me.” Acgar and Myntilly at the same time said, “I’m coming with you.”
“Great. We’ll sell the armor and stuff to Skye. If we’re heading out of town again, we should resupply.” I handed Sadi the bag of holding. “Thanks. Could you look for a new wand of cure moderate for me? I’m almost tapped out.”

As we entered the city guard house I did feel a little uneasy: would I be allowed to leave? The man behind the desk looked familiar. He came around the desk and shook each of our hands solemnly. “I’m Skylar Krewis. You saved my life during the rioting. I never thanked you properly. Now, what can the City Watch do for you?” Acgar held up the bag of letters, receipts and blueprints. “We’d like to give some evidence to Quinlan. If he’s available.”

“He’ll be out of his morning meeting –” An inner door opened and people started to spill out. “Right about now,” Sklylar finished.

“What can I do for the Divas this morning?” Quinlan asked when he saw us in the waiting room. “We have some evidence to hand over to you.” Acgar pulled out some of the papers from the temple of Wee Jas.
“Well all right, let’s go inside and look this over. Krewis! Coffee.” He looked at us. “Have you eaten? Krewis! Get some rolls, too.”

We sat down at a conference table. Behind Quinlan’s head was a chalkboard with five things written on it. “Vandalism. Trouble out East. ‘Sesmic events.’ Missing Mayor. Statues.” I was reading the wall and missed the first part of Acgar’s explanation.
“…. from Wee Jas.” Myntilly added, “We had to save them from the fire.” Quinlan frowned. “Fire? What fire?”
“You haven’t heard about the temple burning last night?” It was my turn to frown.
“By Garl Glittergold’s mustaces! I’m supposed to know about things. Krewis! Come here!” Skylar peeked his head in. “Did the temple of Wee Jas burn last night?”
“Yes sir. Sir. I was going to tell you after your morning meeting. It’s still standing but the damage is pretty severe. I sent someone out to take pictures this morning.

The roof collapsed. It’s hard to know what structural damage there is. They’re combing through for survivors now. It doesn’t look good.”

Quinlan’s mouth tightened. “Dismissed.” He turned to me. “What do you know about the fire last night?” I took a deep breath. “I started it.”

All four of us began to talk at the same time. I held up my hands. “Let me explain! This was my idea. When I heard about the spire construction (I heard Quinlan mutter “Sun freaks.”) I was pretty upset –” He jumped in. “And so you set fire to the temple?!”

I shook my head. “No.” And then I paused, looking at Acgar. “Yes. That’s when I first had the idea. But after the assassination attempts, that’s when it all came to a head.” I laid out the facts of the case and finished by assuring him that I acted alone.

Quinlan pointed at Acgar. “But you were there. You said so yourself.”
“True. Once we had this evidence, we realized that the spire somehow fit into the plans for the marked ones. So we took action. We didn’t have much time.” Quinlan nodded in understanding. Then he turned to me. “I arrested my own cousin, you know. So I have to put you behind bars while I sort through all of this.”

I nodded. “Last we saw of her, she was floating in a cloud of mist headed toward The Brass Band.”
Acgar corrected me: “The Brass Trumpet.”
Sadi pulled out her battered map of Cauldron. “That’s down by the lake. Rough neighborhood.” She seemed a little gleeful.

Myntilly explained Cauldron neighborhoods to Ian and Zallie as we made our plans.
She interrupted herself to say, “If they are calling Quinlan Ghelve to the scene, we’re fine. We’ll just go explain things to him.”

And of course she was right. It took a bit of persuasion but we got him inside the inn. And couldn’t find Various. She was not there!
“There are a dozen nervous half-orcs outside. No way she left the building. She’s here.” Acgar and Sadi both began to touch the seats in the common room.
“She’s probably invisible.” Acgar called over her shoulder.

Quinlan stood there for a second, arms akimbo. He smiled and walked up to the bartender. “Seen an elf woman? She would have gotten a room. Maybe you would have noticed her eye was smoking…..”
The bartender shook his head. “Her eye wasn’t smoking.”

When we entered Various’ room, we saw a cup of tea floating above the bed. Myntilly patted the bed to the left of the cup and sat down. “Various, dear. This man has some questions. Will you show yourself?”

Quinlan threw his hands up in the air. “Is this a joke? Did Gurnezarn put you up to this?” He turned to leave.
I grabbed his arm. “No, please! She’s real!”
I wanted to scream so badly. Through gritted teeth I said, “Various. This nice man has some questions. Please show yourself to him.”
“Cauldron’s mean.” Various sounded hurt and put out. “I don’t like it here.”
“They just don’t understand. You can help them understand….. Please.”

And suddenly she was visible. I do not take credit for that. I swear she’s as bad as a cat — you cannot make Various do anything she doesn’t want to do.

It wasn’t until Quinlan leaned over and blew out the tiny flame in her eye that he believed Various’ story. He sat back, speechless, as the flame reignited.
“Well,” he said. “This changes everything.”

I write you from the City of Cauldron. Recently, I have gained the employ of Mayor Severen Navalant, who wishes me to report on the happenings in his fair city. He connected me with an adventuring group, the Dungeon Divas. Together we will roam the area, seeking adventure and fame.

Tea in the Mayor’s garden was a lovely affair as I made the aquaintance of the Divas. Myntilly is a tall woman with auburn hair, and a cloak that has seen many battles. I am sure this sorceress has many tales to tell. Indira, the Pelorian Cleric of the group, shows true leadership evidenced by her actions as well as her faithfull protege Buzz. Her stature and mace are a commanding presence. Cinder is secretive as is typical of an elfish rogue; quiet, and usually adding to the conversation after much contemplation. Sadi is a dark-skinned, dark-haired, and dark-eyed ranger. Her cloak surrounds her and she carries a haunted look about her. These are the original members of the Divas. Two other members have been added during their adventures. Acgar, a half-dragon, manages to hide her bulk. It is rare to see such half-humanoids in the City. It is a tribute to the Divas how fully they have incorporated her to their team. The last member is Elvis Krylscar, a former militia man and womanizer, cleaning up his act as he has joined the Divas.

The fame and importance of the Divas can be evidenced by the presence of Lord Vhalantru at the tea. This benefactor is in the habit of creating stone likenesses of adventurers and gifting such statues to the Mayor for his garden. Lord Vhalantru studied the figures of the Divas in preparation for such work.

But enough of such trivialities.

After tea, we walked the streets of Cauldron in search of the Captain of the City Guard, Quinlan Ghelve. It wasn’t long before adventure found us.

Two women stood in the street waiting our approach. They were armed, and stood ready for action. The Divas showed no fear and walked directly up to them. These women, Annah and Cora, were ready for a fight. The Divas showed great restraint parrying the verbal thrusts from these upstarts.

Suddenly I heard an arrow whistle past my ear. I quickly used my wand of mage armor to ready myself for the coming battle. A man behind us was attacking with ranged weapons, while the women used more direct means. Cora’s rapier flashed in the sun, and Annah created a greasy slick under our feet forcing team members to scramble for balance. Another man weilded two knives against Krylscar. The heroic Myntilly cast from the ground while being peppered with holes from Cora. Cinder and Acgar kept the sniper at bay while Indira called on the power of Pelor. When silence surrouned us, I was ready with my joyful noise and Indira was able to cast heal spells. The upstarts quickly realized they were no match for the Divas and ran off.

All except one. The knife-weilder, Zack, had been captured. There was quick deliberation and questioning of the captive. By this time, the noise had alerted the guards, and Quinlan Ghelve himself had been alterted to the scene. The Divas’ magnanamous nature proved true. Instead of relinquishing Zack to the guard, or killing him on the spot, they turned him over to the cleric of his choice — the half-orc Asfelkir Hranleurt at the Church of Kord. Zack was humbled by the mercy of these powerful Divas.

We headed toward the Slippery Eel for some well deserved refreshment. Unfortunately, this was not to be.

A loud, rhythmic banging could be heard from a far off building. The masonry exploded in a shower of talus, and a large creature emerged from the dust. A monstrous insectoid, its mandibles clacking, stood on the street. Citizens stood frozen in dismay and fear. The creature used its four arms to continue its methodical ruin of the warehouse.

Suddenly the air crackled with energy and smelled of ozone. A lightning bolt sliced the air from Myntilly’s fingers and jolted the insect to attention. As he turned toward us, the Divas prepared for action. Cinder climbed a nearby building to gain vantage. The arrows from her bow met their mark. Acgar maneuvered for position to use her acid breath weapon. Krylscar and Indira began to gather the citizens toward safety. I began to compose a wondrous recital to fascinate the creature.

But, alas, there was no time for our actions. Half-orcs garbed as city guard methodically marched toward the creature, banging a babel of chacophonous metallic music.

The creature paused and gazed upon Krylscar. As their eyes met, I could feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Drool formed from the corner of Krylscar’s mouth, and his eyes glazed over.

And then the creature was gone. A circle of fresh dirt remained where the creature had burrowed under the street.

Noise. A woman screaming about her baby. More rhythmic rumblings from her building. Yelling, calling, and confusion as we re-oriented ourselves toward this new threat. I quickly put myself in position where the creature would likely emerge, readying my fascinating oration. Myntilly levitated toward the woman with ther baby. Cinder espied an innocent with a cart, calmly approaching the scene. Acgar readied her breath weapon, but seemed nervous about harming passers-by. Indira’s concentration was evident and the palpable power of Pelor gathered strength around us. Krylscar shook off the creature’s spell and approached the guard.

Again, the creature burst from the building. And I was ready with my recitation:

Oh mighty insect with multifaceted eyes,
Your reflective surface gleams brightly
in the afternoon light.

Oh enormous beetle with multijointed arms
your
rhythmic beat shakes,
rattles and rolls all around us.

Will you crush us
or muster us
or push us asunder?

Will you burrow
in furrows to
disappear down under?

The creature paused in its destruction. I had its attention! Quickly, I tried another two verses.

Oh buggy bug man, with multitalented mind
your awesome actions are destructive and a
challenge us us mere mortals.

Oh wondrous winged creature with unclear motive
your massive body gives pause to
creatures great and small.

Then I averted my eyes to avoid its mesmerizing glare. When I looked around, the creature was gone again. Another fresh mound of dirt appeared in the creature’s former location. The woman and her baby were safely away. Cinder was helping the man with the cart avoid harm. Krylscar stood with the half-orc guards who had stopped their banging.

And there were rhythmic sounds of destruction several buildings behind me.

As I turned to look, Indira swooped into the building. Expeditious retreat sent me to her side almost immediately. As I entered the building, I saw the creature prostrate and dying and Indira with a determined look about her.

What was this creature? Who had summoned it? And for what purpose?

Respecfully submitted,

Dyskko