🎵: Dash of the Daring, Rise of the Iron Will, Wellspring of Arcana
The moon hung high overhead, its silver light filtering through the canopy to paint the forest floor in a patchwork of shadows. I crouched behind a weathered boulder, eyes fixed on the dark maw of the cave entrance. Every breath came measured and controlled, though my heart thundered against my ribs with the familiar mix of terror and anticipation. The night air carried the symphony of nocturnal life–owls calling in the distance, crickets chirping their endless chorus–all underscored by the unmistakable scent of damp earth and ancient decay wafting from the cave's depths.
Kira stood beside me, her presence steady and reassuring, one hand resting on her sword's pommel with practiced ease. Caius had taken position behind a gnarled oak, its twisted branches casting dappled shadows across his focused features. Above, Liam balanced on a low branch with predatory grace, an arrow already nocked, his form as still as the stone beneath my feet. The tension stretched between us like a drawn bowstring, each of us coiled and ready for the coming storm.
The first Ratman emerged like a nightmare made of flesh, its whiskers twitching in the dying light, beady eyes scanning the clearing with unnatural intelligence. Four more followed, their hunched forms creating grotesque shadows against the cave's entrance. We remained motionless, allowing them to move further from their sanctuary. The wind shifted, bringing with it a wave of their stench–wet fur mingled with something far fouler, a reminder of their underground domain that made my gorge rise.
Name: Ratmen
Classification: Humanoid
Species: Ratmen
Level: 2-3
Weight (kg): 42.5
Description: Ratmen are small, agile humanoids with rat-like features, known for their cunning, adaptability, and powerful presence in urban underground environments. They're the reason the term 'rat race' isn't just a metaphor in fantasy cities!
As they reached a small clearing, Kira gave the signal—a subtle nod that set my pulse racing, and to start my singing.
You sing Rise of the Iron Will!
The Ratmen whirled at the song's first note, their shock evident in their suddenly rigid postures. I burst from cover, my enhanced blade cleaving through the air with supernatural force. The nearest creature's leather armour might as well have been morning mist for all the protection it offered. Hot blood sprayed across my face as the Ratman fell, its death shriek echoing through the clearing.
You killed a Level 2 Ratman!
The world dissolved into chaos, a tempest of steel and screams and desperate survival. Kira's battle cry shattered the evening air as she charged past me, her longsword describing deadly arcs that caught the fading sunlight. The Ratmen visibly flinched at her presence, their primitive courage wavering before her controlled fury. She engaged two simultaneously, her blade moving with such speed it seemed to multiply, keeping both creatures desperately defensive. When one thrust its spear at her midsection, she moved like flowing water, the weapon sliding harmlessly past as she severed both shaft and flesh in a single devastating motion.
Caius's magic transformed the air itself, his arcane chant rising above the clash of steel. Blue energy coalesced around his hands like living lightning, building to impossible brightness before launching forth in searing bolts. A Ratman caught the full force of his spell, its body lifted and thrown back like a child's toy, hitting the ground with a final smoking twitch. The mage's eyes blazed with focused power, his frame trembling slightly with the effort of channeling such devastating energy.
Liam's arrows seemed to materialize in lethal places—an eye socket here, a throat there — each shot placed with surgical precision. One Ratman fell mid-snarl, an arrow protruding from its open mouth like some grotesque tongue. The archer moved with mechanical efficiency, each motion flowing seamlessly into the next as he sought new targets.
Movement flashed in my peripheral vision–a Ratman charging with rusted dagger extended. My parry came purely on instinct, the clash of metal sending shockwaves through my arm despite the song's enhancement. For a moment we were locked together, its fetid breath washing over me as it pressed its greater mass forward, yellow eyes gleaming with savage intelligence.
The moment stretched, then shattered as I activated Quick Jab. Time seemed to slow, allowing me to disengage and step aside with unnatural speed. The Ratman's momentum betrayed it, creating the perfect opening for my blade to slip beneath its arm, finding the gap in its crude armour. Resistance gave way to yielding flesh, and the creature's final surprised squeal faded into the evening air.
You use Quick Jab!
You killed a Level 2 Ratman!
Battle Summary
Ratmen Killed: 5
EXP Gained (You): 75
Loot: Small pouch of mixed coins, suspicious vials x3, crude map x1, rusted daggers x2, splintered spear shaft
I whirled, ready for the next threat, but found only eerie silence. In what felt like both an eternity and mere heartbeats, it was over. Five Ratmen lay scattered across the clearing, their dark blood soaking into the parched earth.
Kira wiped her blade clean, her eyes scanning the cave for any further threats. Caius leaned heavily against his staff, the toll of his spellcasting clear in the sweat beading his brow. Liam dropped lightly from his perch, already moving to retrieve his arrows. The air was thick with the scent of blood and ozone, and the clearing seemed eerily silent after the frenzy of battle.
As the adrenaline ebbed, I became aware of a multitude of small aches and pains. A shallow cut on my forearm stung, testament to how one Ratman got through my defences. But we had survived, and more than that—we had won decisively. I could see the same mixture of relief and exhaustion on my companions' faces.
"Everyone alright?" Kira asked, wiping her blade clean on a patch of grass. Her voice was steady, though her eyes showed the fatigue of the fight.
We nodded, each of us taking stock of our injuries. Nothing serious, thankfully. Just a few scrapes and bruises. Liam flexed his shoulder, wincing slightly, while Caius closed his eyes, taking a moment to steady his breathing.
"What's the plan?" Liam asked, his keen eyes scanning the cave entrance. His bow was still in hand, an arrow loosely nocked, ready for whatever might come next.
Kira's face set in determination. "We press on. Whatever these Ratmen were up to, we need to put a stop to it." She took a moment to steady herself, thinking of all the people who would suffer if they didn't act now. There was no room for hesitation; we had to succeed. She sheathed her sword for a moment, reaching into her pouch for a strip of cloth to bind a slight cut on her wrist.
As we approached the yawning mouth of the cave, Caius raised his staff. "Allow me," he said, his voice taking on the resonant quality it always did before a spell. "Lux Sphaera!"
A globe of soft, white light sprang into existence, hovering just above the tip of his staff. It cast a warm glow around us, pushing back the encroaching darkness. The light flickered slightly as it adjusted, illuminating the rough stone walls with a gentle radiance.
"Nice trick," I murmured, appreciating how the light didn't blind us or create harsh shadows. Caius gave a weary smile, nodding as he steadied the glow.
Kira took point, her sword at the ready. I fell in behind her, my blade held low but prepared. Caius came next, his light illuminating our path, while Liam brought up the rear, an arrow nocked and ready. We moved in practiced silence, each step measured and deliberate.
The cave mouth swallowed us, the temperature dropping noticeably as we left the last rays of moonlight behind. I shivered involuntarily, and I noticed Liam pull his cloak tighter around his shoulders. Kira exhaled, her breath visible in the sudden chill, but she pressed on without a word, her focus unwavering. The walls glistened with moisture, and the air grew thick with the scent of damp earth and something less pleasant—the musky odour of Ratmen. Every step seemed to amplify the tension, the darkness ahead pressing in on us.
Cartography Reached (Common 2)
Catography (Common 2)
Expanded Range: Expands the visible range of the map to 50 yards.
Effect: Includes basic paths and roads between major locations.
Requirement for Common 3: Explore 5 new areas.
We eased our way forward, our footsteps echoing softly off the stone walls. Every shadow seemed to hide a potential threat, every sound an ambush. The tunnel twisted and turned, sometimes narrowing so much that we had to proceed single file, other times opening into small chambers that Kira carefully scouted before allowing us to proceed. Caius's light bobbed above us, casting shifting shadows that made the already claustrophobic space feel even more oppressive.
As we ventured deeper, I felt my chest tightening, a creeping sense of unease settling over me. The weight of the mountain above pressed down, an invisible force that seemed to squeeze the air from my lungs. I longed for the open sky, for an easy escape route, but I knew I couldn't abandon my companions. Swallowing hard, I forced myself to focus on the task at hand, trying to ignore the growing panic that threatened to overwhelm me in this dark, confined space.
As we pressed deeper into the mountain, a new sound reached my ears—a rhythmic thumping from somewhere ahead. It was faint at first, but grew louder as we moved forward. The passage widened, opening into a larger chamber. And there, set into the far wall, stood a solid wooden door reinforced with iron bands. The sound seemed to come from beyond it—a steady, deliberate pounding that set my teeth on edge.
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A shout pierced the air, freezing us all in place with weapons raised. Kira's eyes narrowed to dangerous slits while Caius muttered a curse that seemed to make the very air shiver. The crude bunks and scattered personal effects around us told the story clearly enough–we'd stumbled straight into a Ratmen barracks, and now the nest was stirring.
You sing Rise of the Iron Will!
The chamber erupted into frenzied chaos. Tattered blankets flew as Ratmen scrambled from their crude beds, bone trinkets and half-eaten meals scattering across the floor. The circular room filled with squeals of alarm that quickly transformed into cries of pain as our attack began in earnest.
My blade carved through fur and flesh, each strike amplified by the song's power coursing through my veins. A Ratman's rusty dagger whistled past my ear as I sidestepped, my enhanced strength turning the dodge into a devastating counter that opened its chest. The creature stumbled backward, crashing into its companions as the symphony of combat filled my senses.
You killed a Level 2 Ratman!
Kira moved like a dancing flame beside me, her longsword describing elegant arcs that ended in brutal efficiency. Each motion flowed seamlessly into the next, turning defence into attack with practiced grace. When a spear-wielding Ratman charged, her blade sang a death song, deflecting the thrust before finding the creature's throat with surgical precision.
Caius's arcane incantations rose above the chaos, his words crackling with power as chains of lightning connected multiple targets. The spell-light painted the chamber in stark blue-white flashes, the scent of burned fur thick in the air. Despite the obvious toll of such magic, his concentration never wavered, each spell finding its mark with devastating effect.
Liam's arrows seemed to materialize from nowhere, each thud of impact punctuated by a pained squeal. He systematically eliminated threats, attempting to flank or regroup, his keen eyes missing nothing in the mayhem. Every motion was economical, arrows leaving his bow in a steady rhythm that spoke of years of practice.
The battle's tempo consumed me, my blade becoming an extension of will rather than mere steel. When a massive Ratman leader charged with its cruel axe raised high, instinct took over. Quick Jab activated, and my sword found the gap in its armour before the creature could even register surprise.
You use Quick Jab!
You killed a Level 3 Ratman Leader!
The fight continued until the last defender fell, their numbers gradually dwindling under our coordinated assault.
You killed a Level 2 Ratman!
Silence claimed the barracks, broken only by our heavy breathing. We stood among the fallen, weapons dripping, surrounded by the mingled scents of blood and fear. Kira maintained her guard stance, armour spattered crimson but eyes still alert. Caius leaned on his staff, face gleaming with exhaustion, while Liam emerged from his position, quiver notably lighter but wearing a satisfied smile.
"Everyone alright?" Liam asked.
You stop singing Rise of the Iron Will!
You sing Wellspring of Arcana!
Our nods confirmed our survival as the battle-high began to fade. The barracks lay in disarray — overturned bunks, scattered weapons, and fallen defenders creating a chaotic tableau. Among the wreckage, certain items caught my attention–the leader's surprisingly well-crafted axe, and a partially concealed chest beneath one bunk.
"Let's see what we can salvage," Kira suggested, already moving to search the fallen leader, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of useful discoveries.
Battle Summary
Ratman Leader Killed: 1
Ratmen Killed: 11
EXP Gained (You): 120
Loot: Crude short swords x4, Leather scraps x6, Mysterious vial x1, Reinforced axe x1, Small chest (locked)
"Let's search them thoroughly," Kira suggested, wiping her blade clean. "That leader might have something useful on him."
I nodded, moving towards the large Ratman I had taken down with my Quick Jab. As I patted down its crude armour, my fingers brushed against something metallic. Reaching into a hidden pocket, I pulled out a small, ornate key, surprisingly heavy for its size, and another mysterious key with rat-like engravings that felt rough and cold to the touch.
"Hey, look at this," I called out, holding up both keys for the others to see.
Caius's eyes lit up with interest. "That smaller key looks like it might fit the lock on that small chest we found," he said, pointing to a sturdy wooden box tucked away in a corner of the barracks.
I handed the key to Liam, who retrieved the chest and set it down in the centre of the room. He inserted the key into the lock, his experienced hands moving with practiced caution. For a heartbeat, nothing happened, and then—with a satisfying click—the lock opened.
As Caius removed the contents of the chest, we gathered around, eager to see what the Ratman leader had been guarding so carefully. Kira's eyes widened with curiosity, while Liam leaned in closer, his brow furrowed in concentration. Caius's lips curled into a slight grin as he revealed each item. The tension of the moment reflected in all our expressions. Inside, we found a pouch of glittering gemstones, a beautifully crafted dagger with a pearl in its pommel, a set of intricate lockpicks, and a tattered piece of parchment covered in arcane symbols.
"Mind if I look too?" I asked, reaching for the items. "It'll help me hone my abilities."
Caius nodded, a slight smile on his face. "By all means. Practice makes perfect, after all. Why don't you try identifying these, too?" He pulled out the items we'd looted from our previous encounters—the mysterious vial, the suspicious concoctions, and the crude map. I added in the key with the rat-like engravings.
I closed my eyes, concentrating on each item in turn. As I focused, I could feel my skill growing, the magical properties of each object becoming clearer in my mind.
Name: Elixir of Rat's Cunning
Weight (kg): 0.1
Description: A small, intricately etched glass vial containing a swirling, iridescent liquid that seems to move of its own accord. Tiny, shifting patterns resembling maze-like structures can be seen within the fluid. They say it makes you as smart as a rat. Given some rats I've met, that's actually quite the compliment.
Name: Ratman Alchemist's Concoctions (x3)
Weight (kg): 0.1 each
Description: Three roughly made crystal vials, each stoppered with a different coloured wax seal. The contents range from a murky green to a fizzing purple to a viscous brown. Nothing says "trust me, I'm an alchemist" quite like fizzing purple liquid in a vial At least they labelled them... in crayon.
Name: Ratmen Warren Map
Weight (kg): 0.1
Description: A rough, hand-drawn map on a piece of weathered parchment. The lines are uneven and the writing is in a crude form of Common, mixed with what appears to be a Ratmen dialect. Even rats need a GPS sometimes. Though I'm pretty sure "big cheese room" isn't standard cartography notation.
Name: Ratman Chieftain's Cleaver
Weight (kg): 2.5
Description: A brutal-looking axe with a wide, curved blade. Strips of a darker metal have reinforced the iron, and crude runes etch along the edge of the blade. The leather grip is well-worn but sturdy. When you absolutely, positively need to chop everything in the room. Seriously, this thing could double as a dinner table.
Name: Ratman Chieftain's Gemstone Collection
Weight (kg): 0.5
Description: A weathered leather pouch containing an assortment of small, glittering gemstones. The gems vary in colour and cut, suggesting someone collected them rather than being part of a matched set. Looks like someone took "bright and shiny" as their entire investment strategy. Still better than betting on cheese futures.
Name: Pearlescent Fang
Weight (kg): 0.5
Description: A small, ornate dagger with an unusually sharp steel blade. A polished silver hilt adorns the dagger, while a large, lustrous pearl acts as the pommel. Perfect for the discerning assassin who wants their target to admire the craftsmanship before dying.
Name: Whisker's Delicate Touch
Weight (kg): 0.1
Description: A set of exquisitely crafted lockpicks, each with a handle carved from polished bone. The steel tips are so fine they're almost invisible to the naked eye. When you need to pick a lock so quietly, even a mouse wouldn't hear it. Ironic, given who made them.
Name: Key of the Warren
Weight (kg): 0.1
Description: A bronze key with intricate rat-like engravings along its shaft and bow. The teeth of the key form a complex pattern, unlike standard locks. Finally, a key that matches your "rats with architectural degrees" aesthetic.
Name: Fragment of the Rat King's Ascension
Weight (kg): 0.1
Description: A tattered piece of parchment covered in faded ink and strange symbols. Parts of the text are missing or illegible, but what remains hints at a powerful ritual. Ancient rituals are always more impressive when you can actually read them. This one might just be a really fancy cheese recipe.
As I examined each piece, I shared what information I could glean with the team. The others listened attentively, nodding as I described the gemstones, the ornate dagger, the intricate lockpicks, the mysterious key, and the tattered parchment.
Once I had finished with all the items, Caius's eyes twinkled with anticipation. "Now my turn," he grinned, raising his staff. "Identificus Revelio!"
As the spell washed over the items, Caius elaborated on each one, revealing valuable pieces of information I had missed. His spell allowed deeper insights into the magical properties and historical significance of each item were impressive. I listened intently, comparing his revelations to what I had discerned. I wasn't at his level yet, but I couldn't help thinking how nice it would be to get my identification skill up to match his someday.
Name: Elixir of Rat's Cunning
Quality: Rare
Effect: Temporary enhancement of intelligence and problem-solving abilities
Description of Effect: When consumed, the elixir grants the drinker heightened mental acuity and problem-solving skills for 1 hour. The elixir increases the user's Intelligence by 2 points (maximum 20) and grants them advantage on Intelligence checks related to puzzles, mazes, or complex problems.
Value: 750 Gold
Name: Ratman Alchemist's Concoctions (x3)
* Green Vial: Causes nausea and disorientation in a 5-foot radius for 1 minute (Constitution save DC 13 to resist)
* Purple Vial: Creates a cloud of obscuring smoke in a 10-foot radius for 1 minute
* Brown Vial: Provides resistance to poison damage for 10 minutes when consumed
Value: 100 Gold each
Name: Ratmen Warren Map
Description: The map shows a basic layout of the nearby Ratmen warren, including some hidden passages and potential treasure locations. It also marks a central chamber with a symbol that might show a leader or an important figure.
Value: 200 Gold (to the right buyer)
Name: Ratman Chieftain's Cleaver
Description of Effect: This axe deals an additional 1d6 slashing damage against creatures larger than the wielder. It also has a +1 bonus to attack and damage rolls.
Value: 1000 Gold
Durability: Highly durable, resistant to normal wear and tear
Requirements: Strength 14+
Name: Ratman Chieftain's Gemstone Collection
Description of Effect: Although lacking in magical attributes, the gems can serve as spell components or be sold for a substantial sum of gold.
Value: 500 Gold
Name: Pearlescent Fang
Quality: Rare
Description of Effect: The perfect balance and keen edge of this dagger grant a +1 bonus to attack rolls made with it.
Value: 250 Gold
Name: Key of the Warren
Description of Effect: This key opens important locks within the Ratmen warren. It may also serve as a symbol of authority among Ratmen.
Value: 100 Gold (to the right buyer)
Name: Fragment of the Rat King's Ascension
Quality: Rare
Description of Effect: Contains incomplete instructions for a ritual that seems to involve the creation or summoning of a powerful rat-like entity. Full effects are unclear without the complete text.
Value: 200 Gold (to a scholar or collector)
"Quite a haul," Kira remarked, her eyes lingering on the dagger.
As Caius stored the newfound treasures in his storage item, I watched silently while Kira added the dagger to her belt. Her gaze drifted to the large wooden door dominating the centre of the room.
"That door," Kira said, her voice firm with authority. "Whatever's behind it might explain why these Ratmen were here in the first place."
I nodded in agreement, keeping my thoughts to myself as the others gathered their equipment. Moving closer to examine it, the door was even more imposing than it had first appeared—thick oak planks bound with iron bands, and a heavy lock securing it shut.
Liam stepped forward, examining the lock with a critical eye. "This is no simple mechanism," he muttered, running his fingers over the intricate keyhole. "It would take more than standard lockpicks to open this. Caius, hand me that key you just put away, please."
Liam took the key, studying it closely before attempting to insert it into the lock. To our surprise and relief, it fit perfectly. With a turn and a heavy clunk, the lock disengaged.
"Well done," Kira said, giving an approving nod. "Let's see what's behind this door that needs a barracks of Ratmen and a unique key."
We readied our weapons, unsure of what we might find on the other side. Kira placed her hand on the door handle, the wood creaking under her grip. She glanced back at us, her eyes searching for reassurance. The air was thick with the musty smell of the old chamber, and I could hear the faint, nervous breaths we each took. We nodded, tense but ready.
With a deep breath, Kira pushed the door open, revealing the chamber beyond...