Terres des Légendes

Trying to make sense with the senseless...

Valldric needed to find the eleven wizard, and he was really hoping this rescue mission didn’t result in his death.

While the others waited over a mile away the owl glided quietly through the dark. It circled the selection of tents and slowly dropped down its altitude with each completed circle. It alighted on a tent and was suddenly gone, a cave mouse now moved across the top of the tent and was down one side as fast as it could go. Once on the bottom it looked in and not seeing the target headed towards a tent guarded by a stern looking drow.

Even from the outside a familiar enough snore told the mouse it was on the right track. Easily getting into the tent the mouse looked at the sleeping wizard, he was chained, but not to anything which perked up the mouse’s spirits. Without a sound the mouse vanished and Valldric was in its places. He confirmed to two were the small tents only occupants. He counted to three and cast his summoning.
A large earth elemental came bubbling out of the ground solidifying into a mass of rock. Valldric cast another summoning and a massive air elemental joined him in the shredded remains of tent. A rather surprised elf woken out of a deep sleep tried to roll away to safety, but Valldric had only time to command the elemental, the earth elemental was making a huge racket tearing tents and smashing drow.

Valldric disappeared and a small air elemental said something in a tongue the elf didn’t understand then he was unceremoniously grabbed up and shot up skyward fast than a horse could run. The little elemental moved with purpose as they rocketed across the sky, the elf’s yelling blending in with the yelling and chaos of the camp below as they moved away into the night.

Soon the elemental landed and the larger one dumped the elf before the other party member, the small elemental was gone and Valldric dismissed the large air elemental back to his plane.

“That went well! The drow will be pissed off to be sure, but I have one of our missing comrades, Rogar I couldn’t locate.” Valldric smiled at the other two and the manacled elf sat up immediately beginning to yell, “I must return, you’ve made a terrible mistake and have wrecked my plans with our allies!!!!”

At the mention of allies and the clear unwelcome tone of his successful rescue Valldric brought his handed up to his bald head and rubbed it with a pained expression on his face. It was clearly going to be a very long evening.

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Demons!!!

Valldric was certainly out of his element, the inner workings of a magical tower were not something he was familiar or comfortable with.
He looked down the long hallway and continued to walk and walk, a doorway soon appeared and in desperation he opened it looking for a way out. The deep gnome was met with a torrent of the black goo that now had forced the door opened and filled the hall behind them, they must moved forward.
The laughing musical voice drew them onwards and a huge library lay thru a open archway. He entered and seeing it safe, at least in the area he stood he beckoned the others in. In among the rows of shelving a large statute stood and it was from the statue’s mouth the voice was coming. He had no clue who the elvish woman was, but he was told it was a god who wouldn’t be out of place in a library such as this.
Valldric was then shocked when the voice which had been pleasant and melodic screamed and the gunslinger ran as fast as she could away from them. The dwarf and gnome did attempt to catch her, but she was much faster and fled down a hallway. Shots ran out and the sounds of combat drew them on, they found her beset by demons of some sort and engaged them.
In the end they’d killed a few, but the main problem was the damn demonic woman friend of the Mage. She’d been pulling the strings on the demons who’d beset them and just when things were going to get interesting the Mage appeared.
He wasn’t pleased with her, and to quell things he booted the three of them outside and Valldric found himself outside still rather confused with the way things had gone. He’d no doubt the Mage would remember them, but he was pretty sure it wouldn’t be fondly.

Looking at the other two, “Well, we are alive which isn’t a small thing…however we are missing the others who are either quite dead, or are wondering where we went. If they’d been inside they’d of likely been given the boot here, but since they are no where to be found…we will have to track those fools down ourselves. I’m keen for a good nights sleep, but any headway we can make now is one step closer to finding those idiots. I’d also like to not be anywhere near this bloody tower, distance seems to be helpful dealing with him and I would advise putting some between us and him.”

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Earth Elementals are easy...

Valldric took a drink from the earthen pitcher on the table. He’d come in after the Mage had given them some assorted items, with a terrible thirst. It was likely a result of the tower and its unnatural nature with the moving rooms. A clever design and interesting, but to him rather unnerving as stone was suppose to stay where it was. It wasn’t suppose to be allowed to be other places.
Finishing his water he muttered he’d get over it as it wasn’t really that big a deal in the scheme of things. He then heard a faint and muffled yell of a couple garbled syllables. It sounded like a woman, and it sounded urgent so he would check it out.
Turning he saw the oozing of a black substance under the door, blocking the way out. It wasn’t a proper ooze, but something more arcane in nature. He’d most certainly not touch it to find out. Valldric turned into a giant cave gecko and climbed the wall of to the next level and gathered his things. It was at a time like this that he commended himself on traveling light.
Now a gecko again he tried the door and cursed himself for being so foolish when the solution was right in front of him.
A small brown and block like earth elemental passed through the wall into the outside corridor and it paused looking around. Valldric was thankfull for the form, but not so pleased about the inability to speak. This could cause some problems, as the gunslinging woman was the only other member he shared a common language with.
Looking around he moved down the corridor and turned to face a goat-headed woman who passed by more concerned with the doors, that now showed brick walls where rooms had been but minutes ago. Valldric didn’t understand what had happened but as the goat-headed woman explored about he followed. A turn around yet another corner brought them in front of a portal of some sort hovering in the hall filling it from side to side. That wasn’t a problem, what came out of the portal was. Goat-headed creatures not nearly as friendly as the one he followed poured into the hallways.
His spells allowed him a cushion from direct confrontation, so Valldric was protected in a way. Then it was following the yelling and listening for fighting that brought him to the crusty dwarven priest and the one the gnome suspected of being the gun-toting woman who’d caused Valldric a great deal of personal turmoil.
She spoke and Valldric was now sure, the gun firing in the enclosed space helped confirm his guess. The fighting went on the the priest doing a great job thinning the herd, but the still came on. Until a doorway finally showed something other than a brick wall behind it. All three went through and threw themselves against the door and listened. It was silent now and opening the door showed a hallway much like the one they had just left, but likely not the same one. The little druid’s mind boggled at the skill and power needed to affect this, but a woman’s manic laughter echoed from somewhere to the left of them. The stone structure they were in had found yet another way to engage them, the laughter was most definitely dangerous, but it might also provide answers to where they were and want was happening. After a promise of safety their host was no where to be seen, it was possible he was dealing with a similar threat right now which would explain his absence. In any case the three of them headed down seeking out the owner of the laughing woman’s voice.

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Tower

Valldric looked about the mage’s tower, it wasn’t a cave but seemed nice enough he supposed. Surface dwellers did have a way of keeping themselves far too exposed, and it gave Valldric a paranoid tickle along his neck that he had gotten skilled at ignoring. This wasn’t a good thing he thought to himself, his people existed because of their skittish and self-protective ways and surpressing this trait in addition to his chosen career path had only seemed to make him trouble.
He needed a break so he found a spot where he could crawl in under a stairwell and sit with his back against stone and the comfort of confining spaces around him. Out of a pouch he produced some dried mushroom jerky and began to chew, mulling over the sideways direction his life had most recently taken.

Valldric sighed and chewed another piece and resigned himself to helping his people even if their short-sightedness and his “choice” of travelling companions killed him. He would make things safe again for his people, he wasn’t sure how but that information would come to him in time. He chewed a third piece of jerky and thought about how best to approach the Mage for information addressing his people’s concerns….

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A Dark Bargain...

Durindar was the most mischievous, audacious elf he had met. Always up for a new dare or adventure. Replacing the fomorian chieftain magic pendant with a necklace of flower seemed a good idea at the time. It would have been the perfect prank! He still remembers Durindar look of horror when his unfortunate sneeze cut their heist short. Apparently, the chieftain did not share their sense of humor.

He remembered Kinded generosity. And her fishcakes! The best of the Feywild, no doubt! Industrious to a fault, the old gnome took her role of apothecary very seriously and would routinely worked herself sick preparing various salves and tonics. He had tried to prepare an elixir for her sickness. He was pretty sure he knew how to prepare the potion, he had saw her make it countless time… It made it all the more surprising when the lab blew up.

They had started on the wrong foot but, if truth be known, he was a bit to blame to associate with someone so tasty. Very sensitive, with not an ounce of malice in him, that Ellesar. Generous with the fishes too. Speaking of fishes, the eladrin seemed a bit like one out of water in the Feywild at times. Clearly he needed him to stay out of trouble. Alas, tragedy struck again. What rotten luck!

Then something happened. He had enough. It would be the last time a friend died on Oz’s watch!

Everyone had given up on Ellesar. But not him! He knew who to turn to.

Sybellinth would fix everything.

=

Sybellinth listened to Oz’s story intently. How Rognar killed Ellesar, how the group spared Dieb life and how they left Ellesar behind. She was profoundly shocked but not grieving. As Oz had hoped, it did not take her long to think of a plan.

Sybellinth explained that the reagents required to bring someone back to life were rare and onerous, including, amongst other things, a diamond of great value which served as the spell’s catalyst. Sybellinth assured she had a way to obtain them. But it would neither be easy or elegant.

Sybellinth rummaged through vials she kept in her backpack. She finally pulled one and examined it with a wry grin.

«A woman’s greatest weapon…»

«Poison?» asked Oz, feeling uneasy at the implications.

Sybellinth looked at him in eyes, suddenly serious.

«Perfume…»

=

Vass was in his tent sitting by a rudimentary table surveying maps, plotting possible route for the caravan while listening to his daughter’s plea. Standing a short distance behind him, Sybellinth made her case.

A powerful wizard who fell in love with her was now slain and abandoned by his comrade. He could be used as token of good faith to the court of the Dökkálfar. He could teach languages of the Eladrins to him and those under his command, giving them an edge over the other factions that did not possess Quentil or Lughwydh speakers.

Vass was unmoved by her arguments. The man would not be swayed thus.

Sybellinth closed the distance and started to kiss Vass’ shoulder softly, slowly working her way up his neck.

«This… Ellesar. What is he to you?» inquired Vass, amused.

Sybellinth’s reply came as a whisper: «An asset to our cause, master…»

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Fading footsteps

The last few days after the death of Elessar, I think I feel something creeping and spying on me. Every time I look around it seems I see a shadow hiding somewhere, a bird looking at me just before flying away, even the few grass strand out of the snow seemed to shy away from me. The ground looks harder and feels colder, when I try to light the fire it is as if the wood starts reluctantly compare to the others. I think something is sneaking on me, creeping just out of sight on purpose and the only explanation I can reach logically is that this land is hunting me and making me go crazy, well it is not working yet.

Today we fought some swap things, I am sure that this place helped them, given them more protection than normal swamp plants. I am sure now that the land is against us, if not only against me, but it is just an elf that is dead, and I didn’t even kill it! It should go for Rognar, not me…

Sleeping on the frozen ground, I heard stump and slushing in the half frozen and hard ground. These steps are in cadence, there are many moving in steps and humming a litany that I am not sure I want to understand. Looking around, I see that all are asleep but present. Not again, no watchers – wait, there are watchers, what are those things? Giant trees surrounding the camp! I can see their sickly greenish eyes that are like swelling wounds, their mount gapping and showing wooden teeth bloodied with what? I don’t know but blood is trickling down their trunk. Freakish small and long arms ending in four twiggy fingers hands trying to grasp at me, they are still humming this song that I don’t know, that I don’t care to know nor understand… This must be a dream…

Now I am standing up, rapier in hands, ready to face these trees or monster? How my sword got into my hands? Well I don’t care I am ready to fight, I’ll cut them down one by one and if takes me all night, then so be it. I am alone in their circle. Ha, that crow is there on their branch that serves as hair, and is cracking is pleasure at seeing me, he is calling is friend, I am sure of it, to feast on my body once I am crushed by these giant trunk. Well I am ready, let’s cut them down splinter by splinter!

Then, sneaky bastard! They trapped me with their roots, my feet can move, their sickly white and brown roots are slowly grasping me more and more, going up my legs! I’m trapped! I am slashing with my rapier, I am screaming my horror and for help, but my screams are only echoed by the bouncing sounds of them around the trees. Then, their roots start digging a hole just before my eyes; the hole is big enough for me and very deep. The roots are not up to my chest; I can barely move my arms and swing my rapier. I know I am being dragged into the hole, I know my fate, these trees will bury me alive! At least have the decency to kill me outright! Bunch of wuss!

I am being dragged to the bottom of this endless pit still held by the roots. It is then I know understand the song they are signing:

Killer of fey, killer of fey,
You are not welcome anymore,
You are not neutral anymore,
Killer, not more hearsay.

Die, die you must,
Your sword and you,
Your body will be dust,
Down the bottom with you.

They are signing over and over again, not stopping and the song seem to take a happier note the more I got down in the hole and then slowly it is being filled with dirt. But what is that, a visage, yes someone may yet help me! Wait, it’s smiling, what is it, who it is? I know this face! Syb! My last sight was her pouring dirt in my face laughing! I am dead, or will soon be…

Gasping in horror, sitting upright from my bed camp, what a nightmare! But wait, I have my sword in hand, what is going on? I look around and I see the trees close by, signing. I start screaming but a root got into my mount and stopped it, many of them have already grapple my body and are truly dragging my into the earth. I scream, move, and try to fight. I look directly in the eyes of Valldric that looks sleeping on his feet during his watch and not noticing anything… I am fading into the frozen ground, at least I am with my trusted blade in my last moment before going out of this world into the next…

On the ground, only a bow is left. There are signs of struggle but most of Dieb’s stuff is missing or destroyed. Amongst the pieces many small roots are seemingly trying to turn to dust anything that was Dieb’s.

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Epilogue: An Inauspicious Reunion...

The cleric sat on a snow covered boulder overlooking the edge of the forest, her white cloak and long white hair melding with her surroundings. Her presence would have gone unoticed but for her ebony skin and her pendant oscillating in the northern wind. Snakes intertwined in a knot, the symbol of the betrayer.

The drow sat completely still in silent contemplation. She prayed. And waited.

It had been more than a month now and there still was no sign of the Svirfneblin, it seemed unlikely that he would fulfill his promise. Improbable…but not inconceivable… In any case the camp would not be lifted until two more days and in the interval, there was nothing to do but wait. Wait and hope for a lucky break.

Another cloaked figure suddenly emerged from the forest not to far from her. A beautiful drow, haggar and wearied, dragging her feet in the snow.

The cleric stood up, revealing her presence, giving an inquisitive look to this new arrival.

Another priestess of Rimfax. Jaxia immediately recognized her.

«Sybellinth Daevon’lyr, I presume?»

«You know of me, but I do not believe we’ve met before.» responded Sybellinth, still catching her breath.

«We have. I am Jaxia Xull. I feel thankful that I am here to welcome you. You’ve had a long journey. You are safe now.»

Jaxia’s smile was gracious, there was a warmth to her. Her answer seemed to lift a weight off Sybellinth’s shoulders, after all these trials and tribulations… she finally made it. She was back amongst her kind at long last.

«These are difficult times. Without strong allies, one is sure to perish. I made it this far but for the grace of Rimfax. I would be most grateful if you would introduce me to the Lord General. I would gladly pledge myself before your master.»

For a fraction of a second, Jaxia’s pupils dilated slightly.

«Yes… I am sure my master would entertain your generous offer. We would certainly benefit to count one such as you among us.»

Jaxia gracefully jumped down from her perch and made her way to Sybellinth.

«Come with me, our camp is near. Please, friend, tell me of your incredible journey…»

====

The two priestesses went about mostly unnoticed as the camp was bustling with activity as final preparations were made for the great march west. They made their way to one of the larger tent where Jaxia whispered some instruction to one of the guards, who noded and entered the leader’s tent.

Both women knelt, while waiting for a response to their request for an audience. Sybellinth used the opportunity to brush aside snow that had collected on her shoulders and straighten her cloak. One’s has only one chance to make a good impression…

«Tell me Jaxia. How is she?»

«Who?»

«Sindell Hun’Duis, your master. How is she?»

«Sindell?» said Jaxia, feigning surprise, «Sindell has perished in Barad Halcin Nîr… I serve another now.»

Before Sybellinth could say another word, a rugged warrior wearing an mithril breastplate with an ornate snake patterns exited the tent. The middle age drow gave Sybellinth a predatory stare, grinning in satisfaction. His sight sent shivers down her spine.

It was him.

«Rise, my child… Come… Come embrace your father.»

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[50th game of Terre des Légendes : Error in Game, please restart...] Dieb Wins ?!?

“Darkness, still more darkness and then consciousness, what is going on? Slowly opening my eyes, there is light. Heaven should not feel like this, cold in the back, hurt all over flickering light like a torch, a bearded face leaning over mine and wait! What’s that my hands are tied? What is going on?”

“Ha yes I remember, the slave master elf decided finally to act, and maybe show some spine to his back. I remember clearly that weasel bastard casting a spell that was my true answer, my signal to decide if I got after the whore or the sweat heartless gigolo close by. Well the answer is easy, let’s first get the slave master and then go for the bitch and make her believe he sacrificed her for his hide… that sounds like plan… Let’s do it!”

As soon as the casting of Elessar was started, Dieb used his habilities to disappeared, move swiftly some distance behind him to get a good first blow. Rognar was surprise by the instant reaction and quickness of action, Elessar was ready but yet did not move fast enough for Dieb. Rognar closed in on his brother to protect him from Deib but could not see him, Elessar saw the Dieb move focusing all his resentment in his blade trust between his ribs for a serious blow that was almost immediately punished by Rognar two-handed strike. And then Dieb move away.

Elessar countered by glitterdusting Dieb, blinding him in the process. Dieb avoided Rognar attack and moved away again ready to strike again at Elessar for a next pass. Elassar sent black tentacles in Deib area and their grabbed him. Deib did not see Rognar charge his brother and slap him hard in an attempt to stop the fight. Trying to free himself and failing Dieb was raging for action when the tentacle let go of Dieb. Elessar ordering his brother to stop prepared yet another spell but was surprise when Rognar took the opportunity to swing his sword and stun him enough to stop his casting and dropped him to the ground unconscious. Deib took the opportunity to move and stab Elessar on the ground. We was then slash hard by Rognar’s blade and also dropped to the ground.

Rognar had what he wanted, the two opponent could not continue the fight. But first he must neutralize Dieb, how to do that? Let remove his blade and then we will see… Taking the blade, Rognar started to hear voices: “issssss not and elf, isssss we want elf to die! Issss kill him! Kill the elf, Finisssssh him!” Fighting a losing battle to keep control of his mind and body, Astyanax won. Rognar becoming the puppet of the sword started to inflict injuries upon injuries on the fallen corpse of his brother until there was no hope of rescue and lifesaving. Then, knowing there was a drow on the run he started to go get help from his companion at the camp site.

They did not need long to meet, to understand the nature of Dieb weapon’s. They toss it and came to the gruesome scene: two body, bloodied and dead. Urbir looked at Elessar and confirmed his passing away. The same was not true with Dieb, we was still barely alive and was brought back to the land of the living by healing magic…

“Now I remember most of want happened. I smile, I look at Elessar dead form, Ha! At least one thing worked, the annoying elf is dead and my sword got what it wanted, to taste his life fluids! Now it is my turn, Eodum, Urbir and mainly Rognar will certainly kill me shortly… Let’s hope my honor duel will be remembered and taken into account in my judgment. But I am at peace with myself, I did my best, one against two and so far I prevailed, my family can be proud of their son…”

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Elessar’s last moment

Elessar’s last moment

Elessar glympses from the corner of his eyes and sees his brother charging towards him…
Rognar strikes his brother with the pomel of his greatsword.

Elessar shouts out: “ BROTHER?!?!?! What are you doing? “ In the middle of the battle field, between Dieb and his brother, time suddenly slows down for Elessar. His face has a look of disbelief and confusion.

Rognar delivers a second blow to his beloved brother.

Light fading… The darkness moves in… Everything slower now… Elessar is falling towards the ground!

A bright light… Memories of Elessar’s last moments flash before him!

Dieb is sitting in the show, refusing to come. Rognar walks towards Dieb, trying to appeal to him.

Elessar thinks to himself that Dieb will go invisible and will surely run for it… The Elf hater will most likely go after Syb and kill his love! If he prepares, he will be able to track him.

Elassar casts “See invisibility” and this trigger’s Dieb’s move.

As expected, Dieb goes invisible. However, Elessar did not expect the traitor to come full speed at him with blood in his eyes. Elessar is caught off guard and suffers a massive blow from Dieb’s attack.

Elessar did see his Brother try to protect him, but everything was happening so quickly.

Dieb needed to subdued. Elessar moved away and casted “Glitterdust” on Dieb. This blinded Dieb and would have the added benefit of neutralizing his invisibility power. Then Elessar teleported out of harms way.

To Elessar’s surprise, he saw Dieb coming at him again. But How?!?!?! He’s supposed to blinded!
Yet again, Elessar suffers the wrath of Dieb and suffers additional wounds. It was clear that Dieb was not backing down and Elessar was fighting for his life. Rognar was doing his best also to take Dieb down.

Elessar had to stop Dieb from moving… Black tentacles!!! Dieb was snared and could no longer move or attack. Elessar finally thought it was over. The rest of the group would arrive soon to help sort things out.

But it wasn’t the end of it… No time to react! Rognar charged Elessar. There was no chance! The darkness started to take hold…

As Elessar’s body was falling, Elessar saw distant images of his Mother… Father….and Brother….

“ But Brother… I don’t understand… why? Syb… I love you! “

<thump>

…The End.

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My greatest battle ever (by Oz, the Faery Dragon)

My greatest battle ever (by Oz)

I told Boss about the Linnorm in the dwarves ruins. Don’t think he liked the idea of going there.
I told Boss about the naked lov..eur Dryads… Don’t think he likes the idea of going there either.
Gotta find something Boss will like… Gotta think! Gotta think!

[…time_passed]

On the river, Boss asked me to investigate the boat. I went to see and reported back nothing there. Nobody… Nothing to eat… Kind of weird that the boat was not moving considering the river moves. No fish either! Boss said to keep moving… So we kept moving!

[…more time passed]

We see another boat thingy… Boss wanted to go see the nice lady, but the lady in the water ended up being this humongous fish. Miam! But the large fishy was bad… Boss said not to try and eat it! Seems like it’s got some poison thingy and it touched my boss and his lady friend; as well as his brother. The boss and his family looked by a trio of delectable entrées to a main course. Oh man! What I would do to take a bite out of Boss … He looks sooo….delectable…delicious! My mouth waters just at the thought…. No! He’s my boss! My friend now… Maybe just a lick..later!

[…and more time passed]

This place looks kinda familiar…. Ah ha! YES! This is were I lost it. They took it from me. I know what I can do for Boss. My precious stone! They took it and I think Boss could help me get it back. Boss will see how nice my bestest stone ever is. I’m sure he’ll really love it! I’m sure if I tell boss about it, he’ll help!

Oh grand joy! Boss and his friends agree to help me find my most beautiful stone ever. It’s only like a day away… Not too far! The nasty ones that took it are not that many. You guys can easily deal with them… No problems! They’re not far, I swear!

[…at the creature’s supposed camp]

I swear they’re supposed to be here…. They’re usually right here, but they’re not now! I know this other place where they can be… We can go tomorrow! It’s not far…. Not far at all! We can sleep here and go tomorrow….

[…while the group is sleeping]

Dragonsshittle…. I think Boss isn’t too happy the creatures not here. I’ll go check for them! Show Boss I can get things done too. I’ll go check! They won’t miss me and everything’s going to be good in the morning. I’ll be able to tell ‘em where they are. After all, Boss always sends me scouting and checking for him! I’m sure it will be all fine!

[… and Oz flies off while everyone else sleeps]

[… a couple of hours into the night.. more time passes… During someone’s watch]

Wake up guys, wake up! I found them for you! They’re coming…

I did good! Not only did I find ‘em, I brought them to Boss! Now he won’t have to go looking for them. Now they just need to help me get it back… My precious stone! Like I thought, Boss’ family friends can take care of them. Good thing I was there through to slow bad dudes with my grease magic! Give my friends some time! HA! Take that…. Mess with Oz will you? Not anymore! Oz has friends now!

But woahh! Boss’ in trouble. The big bad dude on the flyer is like too close to my boss. And there’s another big bag dude in front of Boss. Time to work my magic! Flying bad dude… trajectory north by est-west… steady.. aim for the saddle thingy. Bouyyaaa! Right on it! See if the big bad dude flyer can hang on all greased up! Hehehe. And as calculated, he drops from like 300 feet and lands directly on the other big bad dude that was about to cut up my poor master. Double wammy! Damb I’m good! I don’t know what master and his friends would do without me. The Great Oz saves the day again!

Found my precious smooth stylish stone. See boss how great the stone looks! No one’s stealing this little baby from me anymore…. [Oz swallows the stone]

Boss looks a little confused…. probably shaken up from the epic battle! I’m sure he’s happy to see I got my stone back and I helped save the day and everything!

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