Hail dark friends,

In days gone by, loping heathens wrought havoc in the homes of the Great Ones.
Once again these evildoers litter the sacred halls of Shame as well as the other holy places.

I had not quite finished my supper of roasted boar and mead, when I heard a thunderous groan. Not being a sound I am familiar with; I moved in cautiously to have a better look and to determine if the Great Ones could be in any danger.



I spied Maiden Deidre and the Admirable Drake commanding hideous monsters, tremendous mechanical beasts, to attack the native earth elementals. The earth elementals were falling to the floor with no more than a couple of blows.

Ah, I have heard tales of these manmade Golems. I've often wondered if the rumors could be true. Alas, these beasts are everything I have heard them to be.



I followed Deidre and Drake for quite some time to learn of their fighting ability.
Deidre possessed great skill in magery, while Drake was an accomplished warrior.
A third intruder appeared, one Anubis Bloodmage.
Master Bloodmage seemed to be more of a casual acquaintance and not a planned member of this party.

Soon enough Master Bloodmage said his farewells and moved off into another part of the dungeon. I began to plan my attack on Deidre and Drake.

Deidre, likely the master of these beasts, commanded two of the golems, while Drake commanded one. The golems worried me somewhat, for not only were they terrific brutes, but they could also move more nimbly than their bulk might suggest.

I would tarry here unabated until the golems were occupied.

I chose Deidre, the mage and master of two of the beasts as my first target.



I swept in on her like a hot breeze and began letting my deadly poisoned blade communicate my dismay for her transgressions.



One of her golems was quick to respond, but I knew if I backed-off now she would heal herself entirely and I would likely have to retreat.
I positioned myself in front of her, and opposite the golem.

This tactic worked well as she was unable escape me.
Her own golem blocked her exit, and I, her advance.



It was now her partners turn!

I turned on Drake with a full-on magical assault, but was interrupted when one of the golems brought me to my knees with a crushing blow.



I quickly stepped around the corner, quaffed a strength potion, and one of greater healing. I then charged back into the fray and engaged Drake head on!

It was at this time my spell of night vision failed and Deidre returned from the dead to command one of her beasts upon me.

I slipped back into the shadows to reassess my options for attack.



As I stood there motionless considering my next move, Deidre opened a magical gate of teleportation and they all quickly vanished.

My only regret is that in all the commotion I was unable to leave Deidre with a deathpack explaining why she was killed.
I guess I will need to keep a special watch for her so that I may make my delivery.

When the halls had once again grown quiet, I decided to make my way to the grand foyer on the first level of Shame.
It was here where I spotted Loki.



Observing Loki in his death robe, I stood back for a moment to try and decide if this was a conscious fashion choice, or if he had recently been killed and was merely here to collect his belongings.

There was no corpse of Loki to be found anywhere, and he was also killing the earthen beasts that call Shame home.
Ah, a clever choice of wardrobe, but that shan’t save you.

Loki’s magical mount was swift, so I stood nearby until he was positioned against the cave wall.
When he was busy collecting his booty, I moved in!



Loki tried desperately to recall to safety, but I would not relent.
Just then a bandanna-wearing adventurer happened by. Surely pleased with his fine choice in attire, this onlooker kept a good distance and did not interfere.



Loki’s attempt to escape had failed and death would soon be upon him.



I removed from Loki two packs; one containing his gold, and one containing his weapons. I left him with a red deathpack.



Ah, a fine weapon indeed.



Be well fellow Guardians, and beware; for the heathens have returned to Sosaria!

Until next time,
Adam Ant