D&D Portal Problems Chapter 2:

Once the meal was over, Bran asked each of them to make a list of things they would need, extra food, weapons, or other supplies. Once each of the adventurers had completed their lists, he showed them to the rooms they would be using for the night. Soon all of them were asleep, taking advantage of the luxury of having a real bed.

The next morning, during breakfast, Bran announced that two more adventurers had arrived, and introduced the group to the newcomers, one had a halo, and the other looked like a large suit of armor.

“An Aasimar!” exclaimed Quest, pointing to the one with the halo.

“Indeed,” The newcomer said, “my name is Nola, I hope you will allow me to accompany you.”

“Are you willing to tell us something about yourself?” Quest asked.

“Of course. I was one of the staff who were part of the experiment. I was saved by my friend here. He’s a Warforged, as you can tell, but prefers to be known as ‘One Free Man’. We both felt responsible for what happened, and so when Bran said he was going to retrieve his father’s work we wished to be part of it, to in some way make up for the disaster.”

Jade asked, “Can’t your friend speak for himself?”

“Sadly, no. He has not spoken since the disaster. I believe he saw and did things that were so terrible they have silenced his voice”

The others agreed that the two could join, and prepared for their journey. When they finished, Bran handed Quest a map, saying, “This will guide you to the ruins of my father’s castle. And to help you get there ...” He then took the adventurers to his stables, and led out a large packhorse.

“This is Tonka,” He continued, indicating the horse, which already had several items loaded, “I was able to accommodate most of the items you requested. You will find spare weapons, ammunition, and six healing potions as well. They are packed, and Tonka is ready if you are.”

Lim replied, “I’m as ready as can be, how about the rest of you?”

The others nodded, and Jade took the reins of Tonka. Then Jillian said, “With my short legs, I will slow you down. Unless perhaps Tonka will consent to bear me as well.”

Tonka bowed his head, and Jillian said, “I think that’s a yes. Help me on, someone.”

Gorga grabbed Jillian by the scruff of her neck, and placed her on the horse, and then Jade led the beast out of the stables. Soon, the group were exiting the mansion grounds and then taking the road that led to their destination.

The road entered a forested area, and for a few hours, everything was quiet. Just when the group were about to start to look for a good place to stop, eat, and rest, the quiet was shattered by a growl, followed by a large black shape that burst out of the trees.

“Panther!” Quest cried, and then she, Jade, and Lim quickly closed the distance to the beast, hoping to prevent it from being able to get a running leap at them.

But as the three of them came close, they could clearly see that the panther’s fur had fallen out in places, and where the fur was gone, the animal was covered in sores.

The creature also seemed partially blind, and so missed Jade, and soon was heavily wounded. Lim said she would put the beast out of its misery, and with one blow from her warhammer, it was no more.

Lim then took the body of the animal some distance from the road, and quickly buried it. When she returned, the group decided they needed a break and found a spot to rest and eat.

While they rested, Nola told the others, “I’m afraid that poor creature isn't the only one that has been affected by the disaster at the castle, damaging them and making them more aggressive. I can only hope we are not forced to kill more of them”

Lim replied, “Perhaps if we succeed in the quest Bran will find a way to undo some of the damage.”

Nola responded, “We can only hope. But first we must yet get to the castle.”

The others agreed, and so began to journey onwards . . .

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