Book of Intermittently Heroic Deeds An excerpt from the "latest" journal entry of the adventure, party is comprised of a Druid, Fighter, Warlock, and Paladin. ****After defeating Balasar Norixius in mortal combat, followed by a night of shameless revelry, the intrepid adventurers awake the next morning and find themselves the de facto leaders of a cult of dragon worshipers. Bakhul, the fearless paladin of Torm, volunteered to return to Zahn Bao to relay the news of their victory. On the journey back to Pinewood, he crossed paths with Erdan and Dhowyn, inadvertently chasing away a lone wolf devouring the remains of an unfortunate adventurer. Upon further investigation, they discovered a leather bound notebook, marked with the sigil of a hound, and containing meticulous notes and possible locations of powerful items. It was clear that this Artifact Recovery Faction was another arm of the mysterious guild encountered previously. Notebook in tow, Erdan and Dhowyn made their way to the cultists’ camp to join the rest of their group. The others were intrigued by the notebook, and the possibility of a magical artifact yet to be acquired by the shadowy members of the A.R.F. in the mountains to the east. But before they could depart for the mining camp of Eisenheim mentioned in the last page of notes, the party needed to dictate the management of the cult in their absence. One of the cultists, who introduced himself as Macob Roshone, explained the arrangement between their former leader and The Great Red One, an enormous red dragon living somewhere to the northeast. Every two ten-days, Balasar would travel alone to the lair of the Flying Flame and pay homage in the form of coin, food, and other valuables. Unconvinced of the existence of this dragon, but not willing to risk the chance of incurring its wrath, the gallant group of heroes ventured forth into the forest. Thanks to the expert navigation of Erdan, the party was able to move quickly through the dense trees. On the way, they encountered a troll and quickly dispatched this minor threat. By the end of the day, the party emerged from the thick forest and entered the sloping hills leading up to the mountains. Alerted by a fleeting shape and a small cascade of rocks from above, they discovered a natural cave in the mountainside. Sergigo, the fearless Dragonborn fighter, ventured into the darkness alone, and came face to face with an adult red dragon. The Great Red One seemed amused by Balasar’s death, and was content with another servant taking his place. The dragon demanded food, and our heroes obediently obliged and quickly delivered two fresh deer carcasses. When the dragon attempted to incinerate his meal before consumption, Quen, the clever sorcerer, noticed something oddly familiar about the flame erupting from the dragon’s maw. With the aid of Dhowyn, the truth was quickly revealed, this dragon was nothing more than a masterful illusion. Seeing through the ruse, Dhowyn walked up to the fearsome figure and passed right through it. The mirage shimmered and dissipated, revealing a robed figure in the cavern beyond. The rest of the group, always ready to act at a moment’s notice, leaped into action. They discovered and subdued a human adolescent, an illusionist named Garyl Kholin. Apparently the Flying Flame was nothing more than the practical joke of a runaway youth. Begging to be spared, Garyl promised to do whatever our heroes required of him. He offered his most valuable treasures as a token of respect and politely asked his captors to bring him food in the future. Amused by this bizarre turn of events, the kind crew of adventurers agreed and accepted his offer to join him for dinner. After a hot meal, pleasant conversation, and a peaceful night’s sleep, our heroes departed Garyl’s cave and made their way to Eisenheim. The small mining camp of Eisenheim is nestled at the foot of a towering cliff under a majestic waterfall. After the long trek from the north, the party stopped at the Squealing Winch for some much needed refreshments. They spoke with the bartender, Hoyd, about the rumors of a young girl living through an avalanche and he informed them of the overseer’s daughter’s miraculous survival. On their way to speak with Halgorath “Hal” Stoneshaper, the tranquility of this mountain town was abruptly interrupted by a series of loud booms and a cloud of dust erupting from the mine’s entrance. A stout, middle-aged dwarf emerged from the miner’s longhouse and began barking orders to everyone in sight, including our adventurers. Their bravery never in short supply, the heroes took swift action and proceeded to free the miners trapped in a collapsed tunnel. This was no natural cave-in though. Shortly after rescuing the mining team, an earth elemental ascended from the cavern floor and continued its destruction of the mine. Despite Quen’s best efforts to converse with the monstrosity, the creature would only be subdued by force. Through the combined efforts of everyone, the elemental was destroyed and the mines safety was secured. Overseer Halgoroth thanked the party profusely and offered them an indefinite invitation to remain in Eisenheim. Despite this tempting offer, they remained focused on their original goal. Through a clever deception, Dhowyn convinced Hal that the Black Fleece Boots that saved his daughter were cursed. Concerned for his daughter’s safety above all else, Hal retrieved the boots from the reluctant Helga. For the first time in several weeks, things are looking up for our fearless friends. With the manpower of a score of followers, the aid of a few magical artifacts, and the friendship of a powerful but misguided young wizard, the possibilities are endless. Where will the adventure take them? Find out next week on The Tales of Intermittently Heroic Deeds.****