Standing At Death's Door
By: Arty
Standing before the giant doors of Hammerknell Fortress Arty fidgeted nervously with her totem. The cool breeze of Moonshade Highlands ruffled her mountaineer gear. She deeply inhaled and relished the fresh air around her. She wasn’t completely sure what lay ahead of her but she knew it would be nothing pleasant.
“These doors were purposefully sealed,†she told herself.
“There is a reason why there is rumored markings on the walls that read, ‘Destroy the wheel. Never let them leave…’ she thought.
But alas, here she was with 20 individuals seeking to enter Hammerknell and kill the terrible creatures of death that loomed behind the giant door. She surveyed the crew about her and couldn’t help but smile. To her right stood the elf mage Ryclops digging through his bags.
“Still trying to find your wand I take it?†said Arty playfully.
“It’s somewhere in here, I swear!†Ryclops said in frustration.
“Don’t forget to make sure you have the right crystal…†Arty said with a smirk on her face.
Ignoring her, Ryclops continued to dig through his bags searching for his wand. Arty looked to her left and spotted her good friends Rost and Branox. Rost seemed to be taking head count of the raiders while Branox helped him compile a list of names. Seeing the two standing next to one another made Arty giggle. Rost, a fellow dwarf clad in green robes was the exact opposite of Branox, a tall Mathosian who seemed to wear as little clothing as possible. Being amongst friends was comforting especially in a place like Hammerknell.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the opening doors. The vile stench of death engulfed Arty. One by one the raiders entered the main hall and prepared for what lay ahead. She could feel her heart beat quickening while Rost prepared the group for their first encounter.
“Murdantix...†Arty thought. “Its name might as well be Murder…â€
Before her thoughts could go any further Arty felt a shooting pain through her body. Her limbs contorted and her dwarven features vanished. Within seconds Arty found herself with four legs staring at the kneecaps of the Elves and Mathosians that stood around her. She had been sheeped.
“Someone get a fire started! Looks like we’re having lamb shanks before raid!†yelled someone jokingly in the crowd.
“Only this group would find the time for humor at death’s door†Arty jokingly thought to herself.
As she resumed her dwarven form she drank her heroic brightsurge vile and made her mana potions readily available. She was ready. Ready to defeat a monster that consumed many of her brethren.