Prologue
Page #1
Young Faun girl #1
My mother says I'm special because I was chosen by the elders!
Young Maru turns back to see the other children talking.
Young Faun boy #1
W-well my mom says that I’m her special little warrior!!
Young Faun girl #2
My father calls me his angel, so that makes me special too right?
Maru looks down at his hands and wonders. the teacher walks in.
Faun Teacher
Settle down class, take your seats.
Maru looks forward
Page #2
Maru walks into his house where his mother is cooking dinner.
Maru’s Mother
Welcome home sweetheart, how was your day?
Maru
Momma... Am I Special?
Maru’s Mother turns and looks down at him, and peers into his large wondering eyes.
Maru’s Mother
Oh, sweetie of course you’re special, what would make u think otherwise?
Maru
Well.. all the other children were talking about how their parents praise them and call them special. So I was wondering if I was just as special or not.
Maru’s Mother
I’m sorry, I can’t say I’m very good at being a mother yet. I hope you can forgive my lack of praise.
Maru
It’s fine Momma, you do your very best. I know you do!
Maru’s mother turns back to what she was doing.
Maru’s Mother
Thank you, dear, that means the world to me. Now go get washed up for dinner.
Page #3
Days Later
Children are running around, Maru is hitting a tree with a stick like a sword.
A large stomping sound rumbles throughout the village, everyone stands still.
A large Satyr-like beast stomps into the village.
The people start panicking and sprint into their homes.
Maru Clutches his stick, then notices a sword abandoned on the ground near him.
Page #4
Monster
*Growls and drools*
Maru runs up, barely able to lift the sword.
Maru
Hey! Leave my Village alone!!
The beast looks down at Maru, he grunts and starts to stomp away.
Maru
Hey?! d...Don’t ignore me!!
Maru lunges, stabbing the sword deep into the shin meat of the beast.
Page #5
The Monster cries out in pain. the beast glares down at and grabs him by his arm lifting him into the air.
Maru
Ah! Lemme go! Momma help!
Maru looks out at the village, everyone stares at him, but no one moves. The monster bites down on Maru’s arm.
Page #6
Maru
*Screams in pain* AAH M..Momma!?!
Maru looks at his house, sees his mother in the window.
she turns away with tears in her eyes.
Maru looks at her in horror and screams louder, as the beast chews on his arm.
Maru’s eyes flicker and he slowly closes them.
Page #7
Great Sage
ELDRITCH BLAST!!
The beast is hit with a huge blast of energy and is knocked forward, opening his mouth and dropping Maru to the ground.
The creature catches himself and whips around to roar at the attacker.
A tall black woman with a smoking staff stands at the entrance of the village.
Great Sage
Leave that kid alone. Sacred Flame!
Page #8
A bolt of radiant fire shoots down from the sky and hits the beast.
The monster howls in pain, as Maru tries to keep his eyes open he sees the woman pull out her sword and rush towards the beast.
The woman slashes her sword across the beast’s chest and jumps back.
Great sage
That barely did anything, I gotta think.
She looks down at Maru’s sword stabbed into its lower leg and has an idea.
Page #9
Great Sage
(aims her sword forward) LIGHTNING BOLT!!
A huge bolt of lightning erupts from the tip of her sword and connects with Maru’s sword in the leg of the beast.
The beast is lit up with electricity, the lightning disperses and the beast smokes then collapses dead.
Page #10
Sage rushes over to check on Maru, whose arm is mangled nearly beyond repair.
Great Sage
It’ll be okay little guy I’ll heal you right up. (she touches her hand to Maru’s shoulder) Regenerate.
Maru’s arm begins to heal slowly. Maru’s mother runs out and kneels beside him, along with a few other villagers.
Maru’s Mother
Maru! My god, what were you thinking?
Great Sage
He’ll be alright within a few weeks. Why was no one out here trying to help him?
Page #11
Faun Villager #1
W...we’re not fighters, we are a peaceful people.
Great Sage
That’s no excuse for being helpless, and letting a kid die. You need to be able to defend yourselves.
The crowd stays silent.
Great Sage
Whatever, I guess there’s nothing I can say to make you people change.
Sage walks over to the corpse of the beast and slices the head clean off of it.
Faun Villager #2
What are you going to do with it?
Great Sage
Probably eat most of it, and I’ll mount the head on my wall.
Page #12
Hours pass
Sage packs up everything including the body into her carriage.
Maru now in his home resting on the couch, stares out the window at the woman that saved his life.
Sage picks up the sword Maru used during the fight, she looks toward Maru’s house and sees him in the window.
Sage props the sword up on a tree near the entrance to the village and waves at Maru as she leaves.
Page #13
Later, Maru walks up to the sword and grabs it with his scarred arm.
In one frame years pass and you see Maru holding the sword with his arm looking far less misshapen than it was.
We then see Maru far older than he was, wearing crude leather armor and carrying a large backpack.
Maru walks through a quiet village, passing by people who look at him in shame.
Once he reaches his home, he steps inside.
We see his mother cast in shadow sitting by the window.
Page #14
Maru
I’m leaving now.
His mother remains silent.
Maru
Fine. be that way, just stay alive. In case I ever wanna come to show my Mother who her son became.
With that Maru turns and leaves.
His mother watches him leave from the window and sets her glass down, sighing.
Page #15
Maru wanders through a massive forest, seeing huge trees in giant mushrooms, tiny fey creatures zooming around, and strange-looking animals.
Maru (thought)
I’ve been outside the village before, but never without a plan to return. I wonder where I should even go.
A few panels of Maru fighting off different fey creatures.
Page #16
Eventually, Maru happens upon a small shack in the woods, built into an old Hollowed out tree.
Maru
Woah! What the heck is this place?
He approached slowly, wondering if the person that built this place even still exists. It was quite old-looking after all.
Maru
If no one’s here, this could be the perfect base to operate out of.
Just before Maru opens the door he smells something cooking inside.
He peers into the window to see a small fire crackling across the room.
Maru (thoughts)
Damn, would've been perfect.
Page #17
Maru goes to knock on the door but is interrupted by a voice.
Old Sage
Come in.
Maru jumps back.
Maru (thoughts)
How did-?
Old Sage
Hurry up now will you, Supper is getting cold.
He opens the door and enters, seeing wood carvings and knickknacks hanging from the walls and ceiling.
Maru turns to see an older-looking woman leaned over a pot cooking on a magic-looking stove.
Page #18
Old Sage
Hello dear, I was expecting you. Though I wasn't expecting you’d be so late.
Maru
How were you-? Who are you-?
Old Sage
Now sit, sit! The stew is ready. I’m sure you’re hungry after the day you’ve had.
Maru
Oh um, yeah thanks.
She sets a bowl in front of him, and he shyly picks it up, inspecting it.
Maru
W...what’s in this?
Old Sage
A bunch of odds and ends I found in the woods.
She takes a spoonful in her mouth.
Page #19
Old Sage
Mighty tasty if I do say so myself.
Maru
Well, I guess it’s a day for trying new things.
Maru shrugs and takes a gulp out of the bowl.
Maru
Oh wow! That is good! What’re these chunks?
Old Sage
Oh, I don’t know, some kind of fish.
Maru
Huh, well I guess I’m not a vegetarian anymore.
Old Sage
Vegetarians who eat fish are called Pescatarians.
Maru
Well, then I’m a Pescatarian now.
Page #20
Old Sage
Alrighty then Maru the Pescatarian, what brings you out so far from home?
Maru
W...wait, how do you know my name?
Old Sage
Oh, you told me silly and they say I've got a poor memory.
She laughs as Maru drinks more from his bowl.
Maru
Well, anyway I’m not here for any particular reason. I’m just looking to go off and help people. This place just happened to be here.
The woman looks down at Maru's arm scar, then looks up and smiles at him.
Old Sage
I’m sure you’ll do great things, but you can’t use my house. You gotta get your own!
Page #21
Maru
I don't need your house or any other house for that matter. I just need to find someplace I'm useful.
Old Sage
Hm... I may know a place that could use your help from time to time.
Maru
Really?? Where is this place? How do I get there?
Old Sage
Oh now calm down, it’s the middle of the night. The path to the city is simple, it’s just east of here. Once dawn breaks you’ll be safe to make your way to Joithelm.
Maru
Joithelm huh, sounds like the perfect place to start my adventure!
Old Sage
Yes yes now once you’ve finished your food come with me and I'll show you where you can sleep for the night.
Maru drinks the rest of his stew and stands, following the woman.
Page #22
She leads him past the fireplace, where he looks up to see the mounted head of an ugly and strange-looking creature.
They get to a door and she opens it showing a small but nice-looking bed.
Old Sage
There you go, have a good night’s rest Maru.
Maru
Thanks, lady.
Old Sage
Oh, it’s no trouble, but don’t forget, head East first thing in the morning.
Maru
Will do! Goodnight!
Old Sage
Goodnight Maru.
Page #23
The next morning, Maru awakes to find that he is sleeping on the ground.
Maru
What the?
He looks around but the shack is gone.
All he sees is his stuff and a note.
It reads; Maru, I believe that you’ll make this world a better place. Just head east and soon you’ll be where you’re needed. Have a wonderful Adventure Maru the Pescatarian.
~Sincerely Sage.
Maru smiles, grabs his things, and starts running through the forest.
From the bushes, the old sage watches as he runs.
She transforms into a slightly older version of the woman that saved Maru as a kid.
End of Prologue.
Chapter #1
Page#24
Maru sprints through the wood brushing past trees and shrubs.
As he pushes past the last tree he sees a huge mountain kingdom.
Maru
Woah!
Maru sees Joithelm, a huge city crawling up a mountain, with a huge castle at the peak and a walled gate staring him in the face.
Maru
This place is huge. I bet I can help at least a few people in this city.
Maru approaches the gate and is met by two guards standing out front, and one guard standing up on the wall looking down at him.
Guard #1
Halt! State your name and business.
Maru
Oh uh, I’m Maru, I’m a Pescetarian, and I’m here to help people!
Page #25
Guard #1
Hm, alright well have a nice day Maru.
The guards raise their spears and allow Maru to pass.
Maru
Thank you, you guys have a nice day as well.
Maru makes his way into the city, seeing people of all different types.
Maru (thoughts)
Hmm maybe I should’ve just asked those guards if they needed any help, there are way too many people here to just go around asking who needs help. I know the next guard I see I’ll ask if there’s anything I can do to help.
He makes his way deeper into the city and spots a guard talking with a guard with seemingly a higher rank.
Maru runs up to talk to the guy, but as he runs the higher-ranked guard walks away.
Page #26
Maru
Excuse me!
Guard #4
Y..yes can I help you?
Maru
Actually, I was gonna ask if I could help you.
Guard #4
What?
Maru
Well, I’m new to this whole adventuring/ helping people thing so I was just wondering if there was anything I could do to help out?
Guard #4
Well as a matter of fact I was just asked to check out these missing persons cases.
Maru
Missing persons?
Guard #4
Yes, a bunch of old ladies have turned up missing in the slums lately, if you’re willing I’d be happy to let you check it out in my stead.
The guard shows Maru a missing persons poster with an old lady drawn on it.
Maru
Sure! I’ll go have a look!
Guard #4
Great, I'll wait near here for you to get back. Be careful.
The guard hands Maru the poster.
Maru
I will thank you!
Page #27
With help of the address on the poster, Maru makes his way over to the Slums.
The slums are mostly just run-down old houses and dirty water streams, but there are plenty of poor children running around.
Maru (thought)
Huh. Even though this place is kinda gross, Somehow it reminds me of home.
He makes his way to the home of the old lady on the poster and knocks on the door.
Maru
Anyone home?
No answer.
Maru
I’m coming in.
Maru opens the door to find an empty house.
A set table full of food abandoned, and dusty stale air fills his lungs as he enters.
Page #28
Maru
Ack! I thought this lady JUST went missing...
Maru walks into the next room, the bathroom.
The room, untouched, nothing out of the ordinary.
He then turns to face himself in the mirror.
for a split second, he sees the mirror flash black.
Maru
Ah?!
Maru jumps back and smashes the mirror with his mace.
Maru
Oops...
Behind the mirror is a long tunnel in the wall that seems to head downward.
Page #29
Maru nods to himself and climbs into the tunnel, his antlers scrapping the top as he carefully crawls down into the shaft.
Eventually, Maru pops out the other side onto a platform connected to a spiral staircase leading down.
Maru
Finally,
From below maru can hear chanting and weird sounds coming from the stairs.
He walks over and peers down, but he can’t see much more than a bonfire and shadows moving.
Maru
I bet the old ladies are being kept down there by those people.
He walks down the stairs, but his hooves are making too much noise on the metal stairs.
Maru (thought)
Crap what can I do... Oh, I know.
He climbs over the side of the stairs and makes his way down carefully.
Page #30
Maru (thought)
It’s just like a twisty ladder.
As he gets closer he can see and hear people chanting over a fire, where he then sees a black phoenix jump out of the fire and hover over it.
The women are speaking a language that Maru can’t understand.
Maru goes to continue down but the chanting stops.
He looks down to see the bird flying up towards him.
It shoots right past him.
Maru
Ah oh, Gods?!
Once the phoenix is gone he can hear the hags running away.
He jumps down extinguishing the fire beneath his hooves.
Page #31
Maru
Not so fast!
Three Night Hags are running from him in all different directions.
The third hag turns her head to look at him as she’s running, she vaguely resembles the old lady on the poster.
Maru
Hey you! You're the missing lady!!
He sprints after her.
She runs through a door as Maru chases after her.
Once through the door, Maru sees a room full of books and potions.
Maru
Get back her- oh where am I now?
Page #32
Maru looks around but doesn't see the hag.
A small hallway up ahead seems to be the only way to go so he begins walking down it.
As he walks in, a small potion bottle rolls over and stops against his hoof.
Maru
What’s this?
Maru picks it up and looks inside, it’s fiery red with a slight glow to it.
He puts it away and keeps walking.
Maru steps on a floor tile that opens up 6 coffins lining the walls.
From the closest 2 coffins, 2 mummies step out of them and walk towards Maru.
Page #33
Maru
Crap!
Maru pulls out his Sword and his Mace.
The first mummy lunges at him, but Maru takes a swing of his sword to block its attack.
The second Mummy then hits maru over the forearm making him drop his sword.
Maru
Ah!
Maru bats it in the face with his mace.
The mummy goes falling back into a pile of broken swords.
Page #34
Maru slashes the arm of the first Mummy but it doesn't seem to do much to the creature.
Maru reaches back and grabs the potion he found.
He pulls the cap off and splashes some of it onto the mummy.
Which quickly catches the Mummy ablaze.
Meanwhile, Maru looks to see the second Mummy getting up and 4 more shambling towards him.
Page #35
The first Mummy reaches out and grabs Maru’s arm, burning him, making him drop his sword.
Maru jumps to the side to avoid being hit and he holds his arm.
The second mummy now standing closer, Maru notices one of those broken swords sticking out of him. The sword has a blue-ish tint to it.
He reaches for it and pulls it out, but it’s broken in two.
Page #35
Maru
Better than nothin I guess!
Maru swings downward, cutting into the second Mummy.
It stumbles back, but Maru’s attacks still aren’t enough.
The first mummy falls to the floor dying from fire damage.
Maru
The only thing that seemed to work was that fire, but how do I make it hit all of them?
Maru gets an idea.
Maru
The ceiling!
He looks up at the ceiling.
Takes the potion in his hand, and throws it up shattering it just above all the mummies.
Fiery liquid rains down onto the mummies who all catch ablaze instantly.
Page #36
A few drops of liquid land on maru.
Maru
Ah no?!
They roll down his arm and evaporate.
Maru
huh?
The second mummy lunges forward trying to tackle Maru.
Mummy #2
ARUGH!
Maru stabs his sword in its head and it collapses.
Page #37
Maru then fights the remaining 4 mummies till he kills them or the fire does them in.
Once the fight has stopped Maru is pretty badly hurt, he walks over and grabs his Mace and Sword.
Maru
Well, you guys weren’t very helpful.
Page #38
Maru looks over the mummies and he spots a ring on the hand of one of them.
He walks over to it and slides it off.
He then holds it to his eye.
Maru
Doesn’t look evil.
Maru then slides the ring onto his finger and feels magic run down his body.
Maru
What the heck was that?
Page #39
Maru continues and notices more potions sitting on shelves.
There are 5, one looks like another fire potion.
The next one looks yellow with shimmering speckles in it.
The third looks like a small starry night in a bottle.
Forth is a bottle of almost completely clear liquid.
And the last is an unsavory brown color.
Page #40
Maru takes them all and puts them all on the potion loops of his backpack.
Just past the coffins is another wide staircase leading up about 7 feet.
When Maru reaches the top he sees the hag-ish old woman.
He aims his broken sword at her.
Maru
Hey! What the hell is going on here?
Night Hag
So you made it through my guards hm?
She is stirring a cauldron.
Night Hag
You’re really in no shape to fight. Here, eat this.
The hag uses a large wooden spoon to lift a greenish human heart and holds it out for Maru.
He sheepishly takes it and stares at it.
Page #41
Maru
I’m a pescitarian…
Night Hag
It has no meat in it.
Maru looks up and down at the heart and the Hag.
Maru
W..well if you say so I guess.
Maru leans down and takes a bite.
The burns on his arm start to heal.
Maru
Wow, it works!
Maru eats it all and is fully healed.
Page #42
Night Hag
There you go, see nothing to worry about.
Maru
Well yeah, I suppose but aren’t you still a missing person?
Night Hag
I’m here, aren’t I? How can I be missing if I’m still in my own home?
Maru
You have a point.
Night Hag
Great! Now you will leave and as payment for me healing you, you must tell no one about me and my sisters, okay?
Maru
Oh um, that’s fair. Thank you for healing me I guess?
Night Hag
Yes yes, off with you now I’m very busy.
Maru turns and leaves, walking back past all the bodies and through the room with the potions and books.
Page #42 20
Once out of the door he’s back in the main room.
He makes his way back over to the stairs but stops at the fire.
Sitting on a lectern is a strange-looking book.
Maru
Fine, I won’t tell them anything about you, but I will give them this book!
Maru reaches out and takes the book.
It starts to make his hands burn and he sees a purplish-black corruption cover the tips of his fingers.
Maru
Ah?! Oh no oh no!
Quickly Maru places the book between his antlers holding it in place.
Page #43
The purplish-black corruption then inches its way down his horns.
Maru (thought)
Geez, I’d better hurry.
He then hastily makes his way back up the stairs and out through the tunnel into the women's bathroom.
Page #44
As Maru makes his way back into the main area of town, he spots the guard that gave him the quest.
Maru
Hey! Mister guard guy!
Guard #4
Ah, Maru was it? Good to see you made it back in one piece.
Maru
Yeah so I didn’t get much info but I did find this book.
Maru points up to the books slowly burning his antlers.
Guard #4
Oh my, that looks dangerous. You should take that over to the Captain of the Garrison. He should be in his office right now.
Maru
And where is the Garrison?
Guard #4
Just past the eastern gate. You can’t miss it.
Maru
Thank you! Oh and here’s a little somethin for your hard work!
Maru throws him the Clear Potion he found.
Guard #4
Uh.. thank you?
The guard pops the top and sniffs it.
Guard #4
Oh, gods! This is hard liquor!
Chapter #2
Page #45
Maru makes his way over to the Garrison to meet with the captain, he passes the east gate and comes upon a nice military-looking building with architecture similar to the palace in the distance.
Maru
Ooo fancy!
Page #46
Maru walks into the main building and up to a guardsman.
Maru
Excuse me? Where can I find the Captain of the Garrison?
Guard #5
Ah, he’s just in his office. Go up the stairs and to the right. It’s the first door on the left.
Maru
Okay, thank you!
Maru walks up the stairs and sees the first door on the left.
He knocks on the door.
Garris
Come in.
Maru opens the door and walks.
Page #47
Garris
Yes? Can I help you boy?
There stands a 6ft tall, slicked-back blonde-haired man with tanned skinned and blue eyes, wearing a silver military outfit.
Maru
Yes uh, Hi I’m Maru, I’m a pescatarian, are you the Captain of the Garrison?
Garris
Yes, my name is Garris, how may I assist you?
Maru
Garris? The Captain of the GARRISon?
Garris
Yes? What of it?
Maru
Oh uh, nothing, well actually I ran into this Guard earlier and asked him if I could help with anything and he sent me to find a missing old lady and I found-..
Maru
Well, I can't tell you exactly what I found, but I did find this book.
Garris
A book?
Maru
Yeah, but be careful it burns to touch it.
Page #48
Garris reaches into his desk drawer and pulls out a thick glove and slides it on his hand.
He reaches out and takes the book from Maru’s horn.
His glove burns with purplish-black corrosion.
Garris
The Witches Rot. This is the work of a night hag.
Maru
Welp, ya didn’t hear that from me.
Garris
Where did you get this book?
Maru
The address on the poster.
Maru pulls out the poster and sets it on his desk.
Page #49
Garris
Very good, thank you, Maru. I will look into this personally. You should get your wounds healed by the priestess at the local church.
Maru
Alright, I will!
Maru begins to walk away.
Garris
Oh wait! Don’t you want the reward?
Maru
Reward? But I didn’t find the lady?
Garris
I think you did one better but I can’t be sure. So here, take this for now.
Garris sets a sack of 30 gold on his desk for Maru.
Maru
Thank you! Keep me posted on any of the Hag stuff you find out if you will.
Page #50
Garris
Sure thing, thank you again, Maru.
Maru waves and leaves.
Maru Exits the building and sees the church at the end of the city block.
Maru
Oh, that’s probably the Church Garris was talking about.
Page #51
Standing at the door of the church is a nun of the faith.
Nun
Hello my child, what can the Lord help you with today?
Maru
Well I was helping out the city guards and I was affected by the Witches Rots, and I was wondering if someone here could heal my wounds?
Nun
Oh yes, of course, Healing Word.
The Corruption on Maru’s hands and antlers fade away.
Maru
Wow, thanks!
Nun
Of course Child, God will always allow his light to be shined down on those in need.
Maru
Oh yeah, that’s sweet, well uh gotta go thank you.
Nun
Have a blessed night.
Maru (thought)
Wow, that lady was weird.
Page #52
Maru wanders around the city for a bit looking for somewhere to rest.
He stumbles upon the Lucky Guardian Tavern/Inn.
Maru walks in and is greeted by a nearly full restaurant and a busty Halfing Barmaid.
Barmaid
I’ll be right with you sweetheart. Just have a seat anywhere you can.
Maru
Ok, thank you.
Maru walks through the tables till he gets to an empty seat at a table of drunk halfing men.
Page #53
Maru
Excuse me? May I sit here?
Maru points to the chair.
Drunk Hafling #1
Sure guy, have a seat!
Maru pulls out the chair and sits down.
The Barmaid walks up to him shortly after and asks him.
Barmaid
What can I get for you sweetheart?
Maru
Oh um, can I get Sprite and Garlic, please?
Barmaid
Uh okay… do you want some food?
Maru
Oh yeah, can I get some fish?
Page #54
Barmaid
Sure thing, I’ll be right out with your drink.
She walks away and Maru is left to converse with his new friends.
Drunk Halfing #2
So what’s your story kid?
Drunk Halfing #1
Yeah, you seem like you're not from around here.
Maru
Oh yeah, I’m Maru, I’m a Pescetarian, and I’m from the woods outside the city. There’s a pretty big Faun Village near here.
Drunk Halfing #3
What? There ain’t no Village in them woods.
Maru
Sure there is, I just came from there.
Drunk Halfing #1
Well whatever, it’s nice to meet you Maru!
Maru
Nice to meet you guys too!
Page #55
The Barmaid walks up with Maru’s drink and his plate of fish.
Barmaid
Here ya go, hun. One plate of grilled Warfish, and your erm Spite and Garlic…
Maru
Oh, thanks!
Maru picks up the mug and takes a huge gulp of soda, swallowing a few whole cloves of garlic and crunching down on one.
Maru
Mmm! Delicious!
Barmaid
Okay then.
Drunk Halfing #1
You know what I like you Maru! You’ve got spunk.
Maru
Thanks, you guys are pretty cool yourselves.
Page #56
Maru spends talking, drinking, and eating with his new Halfing friends.
Then once they’re passed out.
The Barmaid comes to clean the table.
Maru looks up at her and asks
Maru
Are there any rooms available?
Page #57
Barmaid
Ah! Shoot hun! I didn’t even notice you were still awake, what with all them knocked out.
Maru
Yeah, I’m just drinking Sprite and Garlic.
Barmaid
Oh, that’s right, well uh yeah we’ve got rooms to rent out. Our rooms cost 3 gold a night.
Maru
Alright.
Maru pulls out his sack of 30 gold, pulls out 3, and hands them to the barmaid.
Barmaid
Perfect, this way to your room.
She leads Maru up the stairs into a hallway with about 6 rooms. She opens the door to the first room.
Barmaid
Here we are, Have a good night sweetheart.
Maru
Thank you!
Once Maru enters she closes the door and walks away.
Page #58
Maru walks over to the bed and sets his pack and weapon down next to it.
He flops into the bed, rolls over, and stares out the window.
He relaxes for a moment, lays on his back, and tries to sleep.
Maru
Ah, I'm too excited to sleep! I need to tire myself out.
Page #59
Maru gets up and walks over to the window, noticing a small Carnival in the distance.
Maru
Ooo what’s that?
Maru climbs onto the window sill and jumps down onto the ground.
Page #60
On the street, Maru passes a few creatures going about their lives.
Maru walks into an alleyway and passes through it into a back street. Where he can see the Carnival much clearer.
Maru
Wow! This place looks awesome! We don't have nothin like this back home.
Maru walks past a few back-alley shops closed for the night.
Maru passes Geth’s Blacksmith shop as well.
Page #61
Maru bends down to read a sign.
Maru
Car-na-val?..
Hammer game guy
It’s Carnival kid, you never seen one of these before?
Maru
Can’t say I have. This place is awesome though!
Hammer game guy
Damn well, why don’t you step right up and try your first Carnival game?
The man leans back and gestures to his hammer and his game.
Maru
Oh sure? How does it work?
He walks up to the game.
Page #62
Hammer game guy
Well, you see that bell up there?
Maru
Mhm
Hammer game guy
All you gotta do is hit this base plate here and if u hit it hard enough then this weight here will fly up and hit that bell, then you win a prize. Like so.
HGG lifts his hammer into the air and sends it down hard onto the base plate and the weight goes up and dings the bell.
Hammer game guy
See it’s that simple.
Page #63
Maru
Okay then, seem simple enough
The man steps aside as Maru steps up to it.
Maru passes him as he holds out his hammer.
Hammer game guy
Huh?
Maru
Alright here goes.
Maru rears back one of his legs and kicks it down hard on the base plate, sending the weight up crashing into the bell, and popping it right off and into the air.
Page #64
Hammer game guy
Ah… m..my game...
Maru
OH CRAP!?! I didn’t know it’d break that easily!!
Hammer game guy
THAT EASILY?? YOU KICKED IT?
Maru
H..how else was I supposed to get it up there?
Hammer game guy
THE HAMMER!
Maru
Oh... I’m so sorry. Here I’ll pay for the damages.
Maru reaches into his bag to pull out some gold.
Hammer game guy
It’s fine kid, just pay me 3 silver to play and we’ll call it good.
Maru
Well, I don’t have any silver... All I have is gold.
Hammer game guy
Wah?..
Page #65
Maru
Tell ya what. I’ll just give you 2 gold instead.
Hammer game guy
Shit kid. I guess if you’re doin that well-off anyways sure, but at least lemme give you your prize.
Maru
Oh no, It’s alright really.
Hammer game guy
I insist, here somethin practical.
HGG pulls out a set of Lizardfolk Leather Armor.
Hammer game guy
To at least get you outta those rags.
Maru
Wow thanks, mister, this’ll be a big help!
Hammer game guy
Don’t mention it, kid.
Maru begins to run off.
Maru
Thanks again, see ya round.
Chapter #3 22
Page #66
Maru steps out of a nearby outhouse dressed in his new Armor.
Maru
Damn, I look good in green. Now let’s get somethin to eat here, the smell in the air is makin me hungry again.
Maru walks from food stand to food stand looking for something yummy to eat.
Until he comes across a stand serving beautiful-looking fish.
Maru
Holy crap that looks amazing!
Maru runs up to the stand.
Page #67
Fish Stand Guy
Why hello there.
Maru
What is that?
Fish Stand Guy
Why this here is Moonfish.
Fish Stand Guy
It’s one of Joithelm’s greatest treats.
Maru
Ooo! How much for some?
Fish Stand Guy
2 silver for one plate.
Maru
Here you go!
He hands the man 2 silver in exchange for a plate of strips of fish meat.
Maru walks through the Carnival eating his fish.
Maru
So good!!
Page #68
Maru makes his way back through the Carnival to the entrance.
He passes the Hammer Game guy and gives him a wave.
He waves back.
Once Maru makes it outside the Carnival he hears the clang of metal.
Maru
What the?
It's coming from the large building with the blacksmith side on the door.
The windows are too high for Maru to see through them.
He walks up to the large door and slowly pushes it open.
Page #69
CLANG CLANG
Maru
Hello?
Maru looks and sees a huge man in the back of the shop.
Maru
Woah...
Maru walks up to the huge anvil the man is standing behind.
Maru notices that the floor starts to get lower as he gets closer to the anvil, probably for the huge man to stand in his workspace.
Page #70
Maru
Hello?
Geth
Huh? Who’s there?
Maru climbs up onto the anvil and stands to face the giant light blue-skinned man.
Maru
Hi I’m Maru, I’m a pescitarian.
Geth
Well Maru, do you have any idea how late it is?
Maru
Yeah I know I’m sorry, I just wasn’t sure if there was a blacksmith here.
Geth
Why of course there is, and might I add that I am the best damn blacksmith in all of Joithelm. Now, what is it that you need?
Page #71
Maru
I found this broken sword in a hag’s lair and I was wondering if there was any way you could fix it?
Geth
Well, let’s have a look.
Maru unclips the sword from his belt and holds it up for the man to see.
Geth takes the sword closer to his eyes and is shocked.
Page #72
Geth
Hmm, I’ll see what I can do, it’ll cost ya tho.
Maru
How much?
Geth
About 10 gold pieces.
Maru
Oh uh, yeh I can spin that, no big deal.
Geth
Well alright, This sword should be done by morning.
Maru
That’s Awesome! Thank you.
Geth
Yes yes now hurry along before others start to think my shop is still open.
Maru hops down off the anvil and falls slower than he thought.
Maru
Huh, that was weird.. uh see you in the morning uh... I didn’t get your name?
Page #73
Geth
Ah yes, how rude of me. My name is Geth, Geth the Storm Giant.
Maru
Well, it was nice meeting you Geth! Bye!
Maru walks through the door, closing it quietly.
Maru
What a nice guy, I can’t wait to see what this sword can do!
Maru begins down the alley.
Hag
Why hello again Maru the pescetarian.
Maru
Oh not you again, come on I kept your secret.
Page #74
Hag
Oh yes, I know, however, I have a task for you.
Maru
What?! I’m not your errand boy now!!
Hag
No no of course not, this is just to repay me for healing you earlier.
Maru
Oh, I guess that is kinda fair, but I’m not kidnapping anyone for you.
Hag
Kidnapping? No no, I just wish for you to pass out these cookies to the young girls and boys of this fine kingdom.
The hag pulls out a plate full of cookies shaped like stars and the moon.
Maru
Uh.. what for?
Hag
We just like to give back to the community is all. You could take them into that Carnival and make a pretty penny for yourself, we would not ask for one copper of your earnings.
Page #75
Maru
Oh yeah sure, I’ll go pass these out to the kids. It’s the least I can do I suppose.
Hag
Thank you for understanding Maru, I’ll see you soon.
Maru
Bye.
The Hag slowly fades back into the darkness.
Maru
Well, I ain’t feedin these to children, but I did say that they would be eaten…
Maru looks down at the plate of cookies.
Page #76
Maru
At least I can be pretty sure there’s no meat in them.
Maru picks up a cookie and takes a bite of it.
Maru
Mm, it’s not bad, I’m sure I can stomach them all.
Later Maru is sitting on the roof of a nearby building eating the last of the cookies.
Maru
Ugh, I don’t feel so good after eating all those cookies. That was really dumb.
Maru lurches forward and hurls chunks off the side of the building onto the streets.
Page #77
He then falls forward passing out, slowly falling to the ground near his mess.
That night Maru has a vivid dream of himself standing in a field of blood-red flowers surrounded by the hags from before.
Page #78
Hags
Maru, we’re gonna eat you. You’re gonna die Maru.
Maru
What the hell? Get away from me!
Maru pushes and struggles against the Hags
Lead Hag
WAKE UP!!
Maru wakes up on the street that morning, sore and groaning.
Page #79
Maru
Ugh, why the hell did I pass out…
People on the street pass by him with disgust in their eyes.
Maru
Heh sorry about this.
Maru makes his way around to the alley leading back to Geth’s shop.
Once he rounds the corner he sees the shop.
Page #80
Maru walks up and opens the door.
Maru
Hello?
Geth
Ah Maru, Good morning.
Maru
Good Morning Geth.
Geth
I have your sword finished and ready to go.
Geth pulls out a glossy black Shortsword with pure white crystal shards embedded within the blade.
Maru
Woah! This looks awesome!!
Geth
I call her Blizzard.
Page #81
Maru climbs up onto the anvil.
Geth hands him Blizzard.
Maru’s hand that rests on the blade frosts over a bit.
Maru
What’s with all the little shards inside it?
Geth
That’s the amazing part, this sword’s metal was partially infused with Caroban!
Maru
Caroban?
Geth
Yes, Caroban Crystal, some of the rarest smithing material out there. It can be used to create weapons, armor, magical items, and it can even be made into enchantment dust, this sword is amazing! Where did you say you found this?
Maru
Under the city, in a Hag’s lair.
Page #82
Geth
Was there anything similar down there?
Maru
I’m not sure, I could probably go and look once Garris is done with his investigation?
Geth
Garris ay? That fella should get the job done fairly quickly.
Maru
Yeah, he seems pretty good at his job. I’ll have to check up on the case and see if he’s made any headway.
Geth
That you should, if you happened to find any more of this Caroban steel I'd make you a new sword out of it free of charge.
Maru
Really? Why?
Geth
To get the chance to work with such wonderful materials.
Maru
You bet I'll bring you some more of these broken swords then!
Maru reaches into his bag and pulls out 10 gold.
Maru
Here’s your payment for Blizzard.
Page #83
Maru hands Geth the 10 gold.
Geth
Thank you Maru, it’s been a pleasure doing business with you. By the way, I can’t have you forgetting this.
Geth pulls out a sheath for the blade and sets it down with Maru.
Geth
This sword gives off a lot of cold magic. To protect yourself I made this special sheath.
Maru
God, you really are the best blacksmith in this city, thanks so much.
Geth
Not a problem, please come back as soon as you find more of that metal, I’m dying to get my hands on it.
Maru
Okay man, see you later.
Geth
Goodbye, maru.
Chapter #4
Page #84
Maru turns and exits the store, walking out into the alleyway once more.
Maru (Thought)
I should probably head over to the Inn since I never actually got the chance to sleep there.
Maru enters the busy establishment, seeing the Barmaid from the night before he walks over to her.
Maru
Excuse me?
Barmaid
Oh, it’s you again, how was your room?
Page #85
Maru
Uh heh yeah about that, I kinda went out last night and got lost around that carnival and just made my way back this morning, sorry about that.
Barmaid
Oh hun that’s no trouble you still have paid for a night at this here Inn, so feel free to continue making use of that room.
Maru
Wow!! That’s nice of you. Thank you. Is everyone in this town that nice?
Barmaid
No sugar, that's just how some folks choose to be, I would get used to it.
Maru
Alrighty well, I think I’ll get some lunch while I’m here! Then go out and see the sites!
Barmaid
Hehe okay, hun what can I getcha?
Maru
Some more of the fish please, and another Sprite and Garlic!
Barmaid
Comin right up sugar go have a seat.
The Barmaid walks into the kitchen as Maru goes to sit down.
He sits at an empty table.
Page #86
The Barmaid brings him his food.
Maru
Geez, that was fast.
Barmaid
Well Bruce had some Warfish ready and your drink is simple enough, I’m Ellie by the way.
Maru
Maru, nice to formally meet you.
Ellie sets his food down and they shake hands.
Barmaid Ellie
Same to you, Maru. Now you enjoy your food and lemme know if you need anything.
Maru
Will do.
Page #87
Maru leans back having finished his food.
Maru stands and leaves a tip of 2 gold on the table.
Maru
I’m headed out Ellie, see you later.
Ellie
Alright, hun see you later.
Page #88
Maru walks out of the Tavern and into the street.
Where people are outliving their lives and having a good time.
Maru walks through the crowd until he makes it to the Barracks.
Maru waves to the guards as he approaches.
Maru
Is Garris in his office?
Guard #5
Oh uh no he’s over by the East gate helping with repairs.
Maru
Alright, thank you.
Page #89
Maru continues east, eventually making it to the east gate which is partially destroyed...
Looking around he notices Garris on the wall directing knights and guards on what to do.
Garris
Be sure not to drop that Canon.
Maru
Bingo.
Garris
No move that closer
Maru
Yo Garris!
Maru waves up at him.
Garris
Ah, Maru.
Garris makes his way over to the ladder.
Page #90
Maru climbs up to meet him at the top.
Maru
What in the nine hells happened here?
Garris
Well, last night something HUGE slammed into the gate knocking out half of the wall and destroying 4 canons.
Maru
Damn, any idea what it could have been?
Garris
The guards on duty say it was a giant blackbird.
Maru
Hmm
Garris
Well anyways what did you need?
Maru
Oh yeah, I was coming to see how the “Old Lady” investigation was going.
Garris
Ah yes the hags, we cleared out the hags. My men are working on rounding them up, you’ve got nothing to worry about.
Page #91
Maru
Oh good, you figured it out. I was worried I’d have to keep playing that game for a while.
Garris
No with that book we were able to figure out what they were doing, and where they'd be doing it.
Maru
What were they doing?
Garris
Trying to enchant children with cookies to give them nightmares and attract them with comfort then consume them.
Maru
C..cookies... Well, good thing you stopped em.
Garris
Yes, we couldn't have done it without you Maru, Thank you.
Maru
Yeah no problem, but so the hags are gone. Is their lair empty?
Page #92
Garris
Yes, for the most part, we weren’t able to get into a few of the rooms but no hags are in there and we now have guards watching the entrance and exits.
Maru
There were exits..? Anyways, I was gonna head back down there to check it out if that’s fine?
Garris
Yes of course, just let the guards know that you are Maru and that I, Garris, sent you.
Maru
Oh okay, thanks, Garris.
Garris
No trouble Maru thank you for all your help. See you soon.
Maru
Bye, lemme know if you need anything else!
Garris gives Maru a thumbs up and goes back to directing the knights.
Page #93
Maru makes his way back over into the slums.
He walks up to the guards set at the house where the entrance is.
Guard #7
HALT.
Maru
Oh uh sorry, hi I’m Maru I’m a pescatarian, I was sent by Garris to investigate the hags lair.
Guard #4
Ah Maru, I remember you.
Maru
Oh hey, good to see you again.
Guard #4
I’m Gerald by the way, you can come on through.
Maru
Thanks, Gerald.
Page #94
Gerald Guard #4
You’re welcome Maru, have a good day.
Maru steps into the house closing the door behind himself.
Maru
*COUGH* Still dusty...
He makes his way into the bathroom and sees that the sink has been removed and that the tunnel is now a larger dug-out hallway leading down.
Page #95
Maru
Well, that makes it easier.
Maru walks down the tunnel noticing that it must have been dug out very quickly and very recently.
Maru reaches the end of the tunnel and steps out onto the metal staircase.
Maru walks down the stairs and out into the fully lit room where the Hags were dancing around the fire.
Page #96
Maru
Oh, crap the bird! Maybe that huge bird that flew up past me was the same huge bird that tore into the gate last night.
Maru
I’ll have to remember to tell Garris about that next time I see him.
Maru makes his way over to the door that he followed the hag through the first time he was down here.
He walks in and up to the pile of broken swords that he found Blizzard in.
Maru
Maybe I should just take em all?
Maru pulls out his rope from his backpack and starts tying up the broken swords and chips of metal into one big pile.
He then straps it to his pack.
Page #97
Maru
Okay, where is this exit?
Maru walks back out into the main hall.
He walks up to the middle door and it doesn't budge at all.
Maru
Damn it’s locked?
Maru goes over to the first door and tries it.
It opens to reveal a tunnel covered in hag feathers.
a cool breeze comes rushing past him.
Page #98
Maru
I guess this is it.
He walks up and out the tunnel meeting two more guards on the other side.
Maru
Hi, I’m Maru, I'm a pescitarian. Just droppin by on Garris’s request.
Guard #8
Uh alright…
By nightfall,l Maru has made it over to Geth’s Shop.
He walks inside.
Page #99
Maru
Hey Geth! I got more of these here broken swords.
Geth pops his head up from his anvil and looks at Maru.
Geth
OOoo!! Lemme see them!
Maru walks around Geth’s anvil and unstraps the sword pile from his back and removes the rope.
Maru picks up a handful of swords and lifts them to Geth.
Maru
Here you go.
Page #100
Geth
Thank you, Maru!
Geth looks over the pile of swords with his naked eyes and looks at Maru.
Geth
It would seem that these may have some Caroban in them. Lemme see what I can make with them, this project will most likely take an entire week to complete.
Maru
Alrighty well, I really appreciate it Geth.
Geth
No, I appreciate this Maru, you have no idea how incredible it is to get to work with this wonderful material.
Geth
Come back in 1 week and I should have it finished.
Maru
Alright Geth thanks again, I’ll see you next week.
Geth
See you then Maru.
Chapter #5
Page #101
Maru sits up in his bed.
Maru
Man, what am I gonna do for a week?
He gets up and walks to the window.
He looks out the window and sees the city.
Maru
I’m sure there’s plenty to do in town.
Page #102
Maru sits at a table downstairs eating some grilled fish.
Ellie
There are tons of Guilds you could go and get some work from.
Maru
Really? What is a guild?
Ellie
God, you really are from the woods.
Maru shrugs.
Ellie
A guild is an association of artisans, adventurers, merchants, heroes, and even sometimes bandits and mercenaries who oversee the practice of their craft/trade/bounties in a particular area.
Ellie
Here in Joithelm, most guilds just consist of Mercs and Adventures trying to make a quick buck.
Page # 103
Maru
So you’re saying I should join a guild?
Ellie
Well…
Bruce
You don’t have to join in order to work for em.
Maru and Ellie turn to the owner and chef of the Tavern Bruce standing in the doorway to the kitchen.
Maru
Oh, you must be Bruce, I’m Maru I’m a-.
Bruce
Yeah I know who you are Maru, Ellie won’t stop talkin about ya.
Ellie
BRUCE!
Bruce
Heh, I’m just teasin ya.
Ellie
Anyways, what were you saying about not having to join?
Page #104
Bruce
I did all sorts of odd jobs for the Companions Guild before I decided to join. Course I don't work for em now so I don't know if that's still how they do things.
Maru
What made you leave them?
Bruce
Ah, because of me ol Moogy passin away.
Bruce gestures to the mantel behind the bar where a photo of Bruce and a large Drake sits along with a tooth and a patch of scaled hide.
Bruce
You have to have a “Companion” to be a member of that guild. They’re all about working with creatures in nature to succeed in their goals.
Page #105
Maru
Well, I don’t have any kind of Companion.
Bruce
There are other guilds in Joithelm that you could get a few jobs from.
Maru
Like what?
Bruce
I’d just join the general Adventurers guild.
Maru
What do they do there?
Page #106
Ellie
Just about everything, if a group of goblins is attacking a village, or a dragon is venturing into lands outside its territory, they put a stop to it.
Bruce
But they do have smaller jobs they post on the bounty board for anyone to tackle, you should try your hand at one of those.
Maru
Alright, I'll have to check it out. That way I can continue paying for my room and food while I’m here.
Maru gets up to head out the door.
He leaves some money for Ellie.
Bruce
Good luck out there kid.
Ellie
Yeah, good luck Maru.
Maru
Thanks, guys.
Page #107
Maru stops outside of the adventurers guild and looks up at their building.
Maru
That’s a nice place to host a guild. Now let’s see what they got for ol Maru.
He steps inside and is greeted by the woman at the front counter.
Precila
Hello, My name is Priscilla, and I’ll be able to help you with any questions pertaining to the guild.
Maru
Hi Precila, I’m Maru. I'm a Pescatarian, and I'd like to see if there are any quests I could take to help out.
Precila
Well let’s see, would you want to become a member of the guild?
Maru
Uh not at the moment no, I just need to make some money and I’d like to help where I can.
Precila
Alright well let’s see, there’s not much I can offer job-wise to nonmembers. Other than the bounty board of course.
Page #108
Precila
But, there is a big mission coming up that I might be able to interest you in?
Maru
What is it?
Precila
Well, there is a small group of Gnolls that are raiding nearby villages and King Rhomulous wants the guild to put a stop to them.
Maru
Gnolls? King Rhomulous?
Precila
Oh my, you must be new in town. If you’d like to sign up, the mission is set for tomorrow morning.
Page #109
Maru
Yeah sure I’ll sign up, might I ask what the payment is?
Precila
King Rhomulous has offered the guild 1000 gold, and so far only 39 people have signed up for that's about 25 gold each if u join.
Maru
Sounds good to me. I’ll see you tomorrow morning!
Precila
Alright, have a good evening Maru.
Maru
you too.
Page #110
As Maru walks through the city he spots Garris.
Maru
Hey Garris, what’re you doin out this way?
Garris
Ah Maru, I could ask you the same thing.
Maru
Oh, I just signed up for a mission with the Adventurers guild.
Garris
Hm? Why’s that?
Maru
Well, I need to make more money to stay here, plus I love helping out.
Garris
Yes, I understand, but what mission did you accept?
Maru
Uh, there’s some Gnoll raiding villages near the city to tomorrow I’m going with the group to put a stop to them.
Page #111
Garris
Gnoll? Oh, Maru I’m afraid that might be a bit too much for you.
Garris
You’re still but a novice.
Maru
Well, maybe but I’m sure I can handle it, plus it’s not like I’ll be alone.
Garris
Don't count on those people to save your life.
Maru
I..I won't...
Garris
Good. Anyways, I’m out patrolling the city.
Page #112
Maru
Patrolling? Don’t you have other guards to do that?
Garris
Yes but I also walk this city at least once a day.
Maru
Man the whole city? Even the slums?
Garris
Oh uh no, not the slums.
Maru
What? Why not?
Garris
Because of criminals and muggers, plus the people there don’t respect us knights.
Maru
Well, no wonder if you're not gonna stop the criminals that threaten their lives every day.
Garris
I beg your pardon.
Page #113
Maru
If you want their respect, earn it by doing what’s right, you can’t just expect someone to respect you because of your title.
Garris
You have a point, perhaps I’ll have a handful of guards patrol that area. Just to keep the people safe.
Maru
Good, that’s a start, but you really shouldn’t even have a place like “the slums” in such a beautiful city. Someone should help fix it up.
Garris
Hm.. you are wise beyond your years Maru, thank you for your honesty.
Maru
No problem Captain, happy to help.
Maru
Now I must be off but have a good night.
Garris
You as well Maru, see you soon.
Page #114
The Next Morning
Maru runs down the stairs of the tavern.
Maru
Good Morning everyone!
The Many Patrons at the Tavern
MORNING MARU!!!
Ellie
Mornin’ Maru *giggles* What's the rush?
Maru
I’m headed out on my first mission today.
Ellie
Okay Maru, Have a great day!
Maru
You too Ellie.
Maru sprints down the street toward the guild.
Page #115
Maru enters the Adventurers Guildhall.
It’s packed full of different adventurers.
A Man in a wizard hat with robes down to his knees, with a large staff and a beard.
A Woman praying with a holy symbol.
A man with a scar over his eye and a huge sword on his shoulder.
A Tabaxi woman with a bow and arrows drinking from a mug at the tables.
Maru takes in the whole room and says.
Maru
Wow.
Page #116
Scar guy
Alright, listen up. My name is Oliver, and I’ll be heading this mission.
Maru stands in the middle of the crowd listening.
Oliver
The Gnolls have been raiding the Village to the west for 3 weeks now, people are losing livestock and loved ones. It’s up to us to finally drive them out.
Oliver
If we fail then within the month this town will be wiped off the map and these people will die.
Oliver
Any questions? Good. Now let’s move out!
Page #117
Maru stands with the group at the entrance of the village.
The woman on his left is praying to her god.
The man to his right is studying his spellbook.
Maru
Man, I feel so unprepared...
Wizard
Oh that’s normal, is this your first mission?
Maru
Not my first but one of my firsts.
Oland
Well, I’m Oland, and I’ll be supporting you guys with my powerful magic spells.
Maru
You’re a spell caster? That’s awesome!
Oland
Oh Why thank y-
Oliver pushes past the two.
Oliver
Quiet. They’re here.
A tribe of upwards of 60 Gnoll march their way towards the village.
Chapter #6
Page #118
The Gnoll tribe leader pushes his way to the front of their small army.
Oliver sticks his sword out at him once he’s about 40 feet away.
Oliver
That’s far enough you beast, now I don’t know if you can understand me, but what is it that you seek?
Gnoll Leader
RAID, KILL, HUNT, STEAL!!
Oliver
So it does speak, well tough luck pal, your days of harming these townsfolk are over.
Gnoll Leader
RAID, KILL, HUNT, STEAL!!
The Gnolls seem to become more riled up and thrash about within their crowd.
Oliver
Okay, maybe he doesn’t understand me.
Page #119
Oliver
Maybe he’ll understand this.
Oliver hops down off his stoop and charges at the beast.
Swing his sword in him while screaming.
The Gnoll catches the swing with the meat of his arm and pushes Oliver’s sword away attacking him.
Adventurers
ATTACK!!
The group of gnolls and the group of adventurers charge forward at each other.
Page #120
A gnoll runs at maru with a flail swinging.
Maru dodges his attack and slashes at him with Blizzard.
A deep cut is sliced along the thigh of the angry Gnoll.
Angry Gnoll
DEATH, PAIN!!
The Gnoll swings his flail and Maru catches it on his sword.
Maru
You guys have some awful vocabulary words.
Blizzard freezes the flail stiff.
Page #121
Maru
Here’s one for ya, GIVE UP!
As Maru knocks his weapon out of his hand.
Angry Gnoll
Give-up..?
Maru’s hilt is slammed into the side of the angry Gnolls head.
He falls and is left unconscious.
Oland
FIREBALL!
Maru looks back to see Olands the wizard shooting a huge fireball into the crowd of Gnoll.
Page #122
It explodes outward throwing Gnolls out into the air.
Page #123
Maru
Dang, I guess I got a lot of catching up to do.
Maru glances over and sees Oliver struggling with the Gnoll Leader.
Maru looks down and notices a spine whip attached to the belt of the Gnoll he knocked out.
He picks it up and runs over to Oliver.
A Gnoll charges right at Maru.
Maru takes Blizzard and slices right across his chest.
Page #124
Oliver
You big bastards don’t know when to quit.
Gnoll Leader
KILL!!!
Maru
HEY!
Oliver looks over the Gnolls shoulder and sees Maru.
Maru
I got your back!
Maru cracks the whip.
it wraps around the Gnoll leader’s neck.
Maru yanks him back.
Maru
Now!
Page #125
Oliver drives his sword down the center of the Gnoll’s chest and into the ground.
Gnoll Leader
S..steal...
He reaches his hand out to Oliver and laughs weakly.
Gnolls that notice Maru and run at him soon notice their fallen leader and stop in their tracks.
Oliver
Thanks, kid.
Oliver rips his sword out and walks past Maru.
Oliver
Now let’s finish the job.
Maru watches as he runs at and slashes a Gnoll that’s in shock.
Page #126
Maru recoils from the sight of the Gnoll falling without putting up a fight.
By then most Gnolls have noticed and a few start to retreat.
Oliver
Oh no, you don’t!
Oliver begins chasing one down.
He jumps up and stabs it in the back.
Maru
I didn’t think we were here to slaughter them all...
Oland walks up behind Maru.
Oland
Oh, that’s just how Oliver is. “No survivors”
Maru
Hm...
Page #127
Later in the evening Maru and the other Adventurers are sitting around at a huge feast set up by the happy Villagers.
Maru
Aren’t these villagers going to need this food?
Tabaxi woman
Maybe, but if they’re willing to share I have no problem saying yes.
Cleric woman
This was certainly not the most virtuous win, but it does the job.
Maru
Hm...
Maru looks over at Oliver, who is drunk and loudly proclaiming.
Oliver
And with one mighty blow, I stabbed clean through that wretched creature.
Town child
And then what happened?
Oliver
They all ran away with their tails tucked between their legs.
Maru stands.
Maru
I’m gonna head back early, I have someone to see.
Oland
Alright Maru, just be sure to return the horse you use to the guild.
Maru
Will do.
Page #128
Maru rides his horse up to the Lucky Guardian Tavern/Inn.
Ellie is standing outside smoking a clove.
Ellie
*Coughs* Maru?!
Maru
Hey Ellie, I hope your nights’ been better than mine.
Ellie puts out her clove with her foot.
Ellie
Uh yeah, I suppose, same ol same ol.
Maru climbs off the horse.
Ellie
What about you? You look rough.
Page #129
Maru
Oh yeah, well I guess I just didn’t expect everyone to be so nonchalant about killing things.
Maru ties the horse to a post.
Ellie
Yeah, I’ve heard most adventurers around here are like that.
Ellie
Don’t let them get you down Maru, you can fight and adventure whatever way you want.
Maru
You’re right as always Ellie, I’ll just focus on keeping my standard of fighting.
Ellie
That’s the spirit Maru, now how bout I buy you a drink to congratulate you on your big victory?
Maru
Thanks but I’m actually really tired so I’ll have to take a raincheck on that.
Ellie
Oh alright Maru, goodnight.
Maru
Night Ellie.
Page #130
The next morning Maru walks down the stairs to very few customers in the tavern.
3 different customers
Morning Maru. Good Morning Maru. Mornin Maru.
Maru *waves*
Good Morning, dang where is everyone?
Ellie
Oh, Good Morning Maru, today’s the King’s Festival, so everyone’s out getting ready for the Parade.
Maru
King’s Festival? Parade?
Ellie
Yes! The king’s festival happens once a year, it’s just a city holiday we celebrate in honor of King Rhomulous.
Maru
Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about the king.
Ellie
Speaking of, would you… maybe… wanna go see the Parade with me?
Ellie
It starts here soon, so we don't have that much time to get ready.
Page #131
Maru
Sure!
Ellie smiles and her eyes sparkle.
Maru
But what is a parade?
Ellie’s eyes dim and she loses most of her smile.
Ellie
Uh it’s like um, The King rides his horse through the city and a bunch of rich folks ride in front of him and there’s a band… it sounds kinda boring now that I say it but I swear it's fun!
Maru
Okay! That sounds like fun! I can’t wait!
Ellie
Awesome! I’m gonna go get ready. I'll be right back.
Maru notices everyone smirking at him, and he looks confused.
Page #132
Bruce
Hey Maru.
Maru
Yeah?
Bruce
Why don’t you try gettin her somethin nice while you’re out and about?
Maru
Alright, what should I get her?
Bruce
I don’t know, ask her what she likes.
Maru
Okay, I'll ask her!
Ellie walks down in a nice outfit.
Ellie
Ready to go Maru?
Maru
Sure am!
She walks over and takes maru’s arm, and leads him out the door.
Bruce winks at him as they leave.
Page #133
Ellie and Maru walk into a crowd of people.
Ellie struggles to see past the crowd.
Ellie
Damn, I can’t even see the parade, I knew we should’ve left earlier.
Maru
Excuse me.
Maru with Ellie’s arm still wrapped around him, muscles their way through the crowd of people to the front.
Ellie
Oh wow, I guess bein that big does come in handy.
Maru smiles down at her.
Page #134
Maru
Honestly, I’m really not all that big, just when you grew up in my village you had to learn to not ask for what you want but to do everything in your power to get it.
Ellie
Huh, interesting way to raise children.
Maru
Yeah, my people kinda suck…
Maru
At least you can see the parade now.
Ellie and Maru look out at the vast crowd and the parade in front of them.
Ellie
Wow! This is amazing.
The king’s band marches through playing their music.
Page #135
Ellie
And here comes the king!
Maru looks past the band and listens to the people cheering for the king.
The Crowd
King Rhomulous! It's King Rhomulous!
Maru watches as the king makes his approach, the king is a tall tan-skinned Elvish man on the back of a huge black horse.
The king spoke in a soft voice.
King Rhomulous
Thank you all for coming.
Ellie
King Rhomulous!
As the king passes he looks down at Ellie smiles, then looks at Maru who is staring with a more questioning look, the king shares the look and continues.
Page #136
Ellie
Maru, Maru did you see that? The king smiled at me!
Maru
Yeah, I saw. He seems to care about his people.
Ellie
Well of course he does, 30 years ago he saved this kingdom from going to war, and we’ve been in peace ever since.
Maru
Dang, I should really read up on the history of this place.
The crowd thins as the parade is carried off with the king.
Maru
So, Is there anything from the festival that you want?
Ellie
Well, I’m cutting back on sweets, and between you and me I’m not really into any of the girly stuff that guys buy for here that make girls weak in the knees.
Page #137
Maru
So what DO you want then?
Ellie
To be honest, I’d really like somethin from the king’s apothecary.
Maru
The King’s Apothecary?
Ellie
Yes, he sells all sorts of medicines and herbs, and potions. I’m studying to open my own Herbalist's shop and buying from a master like him would be a dream.
Maru
Well then let’s go!
Ellie
Maru didn’t you hear me? It’s the KING’S apothecary, not just anyone can go and buy from him.
Maru
Why not?
Ellie
Well for starters, it’s on the upper part of the kingdom, which is gated off to keep out… well the poor.
Maru
That sounds lovely…
Ellie
That’s just how it works around here.
Maru crosses his arms.
Page #138
Maru
Yeah, well if we can’t go there, where would you like to go? There’s gotta be another apothecary somewhere right?
Ellie
Oh yeah, there’s one just up the road from the tavern, but you don’t really have to get me nothin.
Maru
We’ll go there then, I wanna get you something.
Maru takes Ellie’s hand.
Ellie
Alright alright, I’ll tell you where it is.
Chapter #7
Page #139
Ellie
Here we are! DragonSkin Apothecary.
Maru looks up at the back-alley looking Apothecary.
Maru
Huh, not what i was expecting but i bet it’ll be nicer inside!
Ellie
Yeah it really is, come on.
Ellie pulls Maru inside.
They enter and see shelves lined with potions and herbs and enchantments.
A tall orange-colored Dragon man is sitting behind a counter.
Page #140
Cain
Good Morning, how can I help you?
Ellie
Mornin, we’re just lookin around.
Maru walks up to the counter.
Maru
Wow you’re a Dragonborn.
Cain
Why yes I am, the name’s Cain.
Cain reaches out to shake Maru’s hand.
Maru
Nice to meet ya.
Cain
Likewise, is there anything you guys are lookin for today?
Page #141
Maru
Yeah I think so, Ellie what is it that you’d like from here?
Ellie
Well I’ve been trying to be an Herbalist, so maybe a book on herbs or something?
Cain
Hm yeah I think I have something like that. Just lemme see.
Cain bends down and comes back up with a book.
Cain
Here’s a book of Receipts for creating medicines and weak potions from plants you can find around the city here.
Ellie
That’s perfect! But uh, how much is it?
Cain
Only 3 gold.
Ellie
3 gold?!
Page #142
Maru reaches into his pocket.
Maru
Here you go.
He hands the gold to Cain.
Cain
Thank you.
Cain hands the book to Ellie.
Ellie looks up at Maru.
Ellie
M...maru?
Maru
No big deal.
Ellie
Well thank you for this.
She hugs the book close.
Page #143
Cain
What about you, my boy? Can I help you find anything?
Maru
Oh me? Well maybe you could help me figure out what these potions I found can do?
Cain
Possibly, let’s see em.
Maru pulls out all 4 of the potions he found.
The first one is the other fire potion.
The next one is yellow with shimmering speckles in it.
The third looks like a small starry night in a bottle.
And the last is an unsavory brown color.
Cain
This 1st one here is definitely an Alchemist flame.
the next one seems to be some sort of disease of vit's the disease of virus
this 1 most likely puts people to sleep
and this last 1 will give you an seriously upset stomach
Page #144
Maru
Oh alright, well thank you Cain.
Maru Looked his potions up-and-down one at a time as he put them back in his bag.
Cain
No problem, now would you like to buy anything?
Maru
yes do you have any Carobon crystals
Cain
Carobon crystals no I can't say I have any of those. But I do have carbon dust.
Maru
Dust I think Geth was saying something about dust. What does it do?
Cain walks over to a shelf on the wall and pulls a sack off of it.
Page #145
Cain
This here is carbon Enchantment dust.
Cain
Spread this out over a blade or a Blunt shape and it'll cause a damaging effect of the specific element the crystal is up of.
Maru
What types do they come in?
Cain
Oh all types, fire, water, Earth, lightning, This one here is ice.
Maru
Ice? I have an ice sword, ice powder meets ice sword. I'll take it.
Cain
The whole bag.
Page #146
Maru
Sure why not, How much is it?
Cain
Only 25 gold for this sack. I'll even throw in a single dose for free.
Maru
How many doses are there?
Cain
There are 6 doses in total, Each dose gives you 3 attacks with this enchanted blade.
Maru
That's awesome And you said you'll let me try for free.
Cain
Sure why not, the 1st dose is free.
Maru
Thanks so much.
Page #147
Cain sticks his hand inside the sack pulling out a small pinch of powder.
He gestures to Maru to put his sword in front of him.
Maru does so, and he spreads the powder out on the sword.
Ice crystal's form slightly on his hand and the blade.
Maru
Oh wow that's so cool.
Cain
Go on, give her a swing.
Maru swings his blade and a burst of frost energy flies off his sword.
Maru
Woah, this is amazing.
Ice crystals form on the shelves and books and jars.
Page #148
Maru Reaches into his bag and pulls out 25 gold then he leans in and hands it to Cain.
Cain
Why Thank you.
Maru
Pleasure doing business with you.
Cain
Feel free to stop by whenever you need a refill or if you ever need any potions.
Maru
Will do, have a nice day.
Cain
You too.
Page #149
Maru and Ellie leave the shop.
Ellie
Wow that was nice of you, Thank you for buying this for me.
Maru
It's no big deal, it was only 3 gold, Plus you seem to really like it.
Ellie
I do thank you Again.
Maru
Don't need to thank me.
Ellie hugs Maru’s arm as they walk back to the tavern.
Maru smiles down at her.
Page #150
A few days later.
Maru
It's finally been a week and now I can go get my sword from geth's shop.
Zoom in out maru is in the tavern speaking to Bruce and Ellie.
Ellie
Wow I can't wait to see what sword you get.
Maru
Yeah Me Too! I'm so excited you wanna come with me.
Ellie
Yeah I would but I gotta work in the Tavern today, you better bring it back and show it to me when you get it though!
Maru
Haha yeah I will, see you guys around!
Ellie
Alright see you later Maru!
Bruce
Good luck kid.
Customers
Bye maru.
Page #151
Maru sprints out and down the street.
He had right through the alley and over to geths shop.
He opens the door and is greeted by geth.
Geth
Why good morning Maru I thought you'd be here extra early.
Maru
Of course I'm here early. I'm excited to see my new sword.
Geth
Well then I waste no time.
Geth pulls out a wrapped sword.
He unwraps it revealing a beautiful blue and silver blade.
Geth
I call it, Frost Brand.
Page #152
Maru
Wow, it's amazing.
Geth
Try it out.
Mario takes the sword from Geth's hand.
Ice crystallizes down his arms and in one swipe he slashes a gash right in the wood of the shop.
Maru
Whoops.
Geth
No big deal. I should patch that wall up anyways.
Page #153
Maru sees just how many other marks are on the walls.
Maru
Oh geez, yeah maybe.
Geth
Probably just put a sheet of metal over it at this point.
Maru
Yeah sorry you sure I don't know anything about this.
Geth
Oh no no getting to work with this material is all the payment I need.
Maru
Hehe alright alright, I'll just have to put the sword to good use someday.
Page #154
Geth
Hahaha I know you will Maru.
They both laugh.
Just then they hear a loud screech.
SCREECH.
Maru
What the heck was that?
Maru runs out the door and Geth peeks his head out.
Page #155
Just overtops of the buildings they see a giant black Phoenix burning across the morning sky.
Black fire dripped from it down into the streets.
Maru looks out and sees between the alley a man and full play armor running.
Maru
Garris! I have to go Geth but I'll be back.
Geth
It's alright Maru do what you need to do, I'll protect my shop.
Maru
Thanks Geth, I'll see you soon.
Page #156
Maru's out on the main street.
Looking around frantically for Garris.
Maru turns and notices Garris Is ushering people through the streets out of town.
Garris
Come on people evacuate we need to evacuate the city, Head to the East or south gate.
Maru
Garris! What's happening?
Garris
Ah Maru just in time. That Phoenix is attacking the city again.
Maru
Okay what do we do?
Page #157
Garris
That's up to you. Do you want to leave through the east or the south gate?
Maru
What...
Garris
Quick Maru we haven't much time!
Maru
Uh I kinda wanna fight that bird.
Garris
WHAT?! You want to fight that?? Do you have a death wish?
Maru
No, but the people need me, and I need you Garris.
Garris
Me, what do you need me for?
Page #158
Maru
Because that bird is far too high for me to hit with any sword so I need a good vantage point or somewhere to strike it.
Garris
No offense Maru but I don't think any old sword is going to strike down flaming black Phoenix.
Maru
Well this ain't just any old sword, It's an Ice sword.
Maru
And I've got just the thing to make it pack an even bigger punch.
Maru takes out his bag of ice dust and pours it over his sword.
Maru
Ice dust meets ice sword! Super charged Frost Brand!
Page #159
Garris
Alright Maru if you're determined to do this then follow me, I know the perfect spot to strike from.
Maru
Wait wait you're a lot slower than me.
Maru kneels down.
Maru
Get on my back and just move my antlers in the direction we need to go.
Garris
Um... okay...
Garris climbs onto Maru's back.
Maru stands.
Page #160
Maru
Alright, which way are we going?
Garris
Just on that way, straight ahead.
Maru
Alright hold on.
Maru heaves forward.
Running slowly turning into a full Sprint down the street.
Black fire rains down around them.
Chapter #8
Page #161
Maru sees a handful of people defending the city.
Oland the wizard he met at the knoll raid is putting out fires and rescuing people from the building.
The cleric woman is healing someone.
The tabaxi woman is climbing up a building and rescuing someone from a window.
Oliver is waving it in the air.
Oliver
Get down here and fight me ya big bird, I can't hit you while you're all the way up there. I'll take you down.
Maru chuckles to himself.
Page #162
Maru’s head is tugged to the right, Garris is steering him down an alley.
Garris
Up those stairs.
Maru
Are you kidding me?
Garris
There's no time to lose.
Maru races up the stairs.
Garris
Make a left.
Page #163
Maru looks off of the balcony and sees a roof.
Garris
MAKE A LEFT!
Maru jumps, landing on the rooftop.
Garris jumps off of him and lands on his feet.
Page #164
Maru
You could have warned me.
Garris
Sorry no time.
Garris walks over and pulls the lever.
From the side of the wall a huge hand pops out.
Garris
It's a catapult, get in.
Page #165
Maru
Are you sure it's safe?
Garris
Do you have any better ideas?
maru climbs into the catapult.
Garris
Tell me when.
Maru watches the bird fly back-and-forth intently.
Page #166
Maru ready's frost brand.
maru watches for an opening.
Maru
NOW!
Garrett pulls the lever and the catapult shoots Maru into the air.
Page #167
He lands perfectly on the back of the Phoenix.
Maru
Oof.
Maru latches on to the side of the bird with his leg.
He lifts a sword above his head.
Page #168
Maru
Sorry but you're attacking the city.
Maru plunges his sword deep into the bird's back.
The Phoenix stops flapping its wings immediately and it screeches.
Maru twists the sword in it's spine, shooting ice out in every direction.
Page #169
The flaming black feathers of the Phoenix crystallize with ice.
The bird plummets to the Earth.
The bird crash lands in the middle of the street .
The bird explodes into millions of black feathers, fire and ash.
Page #170
Maru plops to the ground with his sword in his lap and right in front of him an egg.
all around him chaos rains down.
People screaming black fire dripping from buildings.
Page #171
Maru stands slowly.
Picking up his sword and looking around, a ringing in his ear.
Instinctually Maru picks up the egg and clutches it to his chest.
Page #172
Garris runs up to Maru screaming his name.
Garris Muffled
maru?
Garris Muffled
maru are you Alright can you hear me are you alright.
Maru
Wah? Huh?
Garris
Maru you save the city you did it.
Maru
I did?
Garris
Yes, the Phoenix is dead. The people are cheering.
The king will want to see you personally.
Page #173
Maru
Romulus?
Garris
Yes yes follow me.
Garris takes Maru by the hand and leads him through the streets.
Maru sees people staring at him in awe, cheering for him.
Maru notices a family trying to put out the fire in their house.
Maru stops, draws his sword and with one swing puts out the fire with his ice.
Page #174
He puts his sword down and keeps walking.
People clap and They cheer his name.
Garris leads him to a tall flight of stairs leading up the mountain.
Once at the top of the mountain more turns around.
He gazes down upon the flaming city.
Page #175
Maru sets the egg at his feet.
He grabs frostbrand in 2 hands.
whirls it back.
shoots the remaining of the frost dust out over the city conjuring a blizzard.
In the middle of Spring it snows in joithelm.
Page #176
Garris
Wow tomorrow that's amazing, But come on we gotta go.
Maru picks up the egg and turns to follow Garris.
a huge ornate palace sitting at the peak of the mountain stands in front of maru.
a fleet of people standing on either side of the door greet them.
Maru recognizes some of them from the parade.
Page #177
If 2 huge palace doors slowly creek open.
The men outside the palace bow.
Garris ushers maru in.
Garris
Right this way.
Inside the palace maids and Butler's run around frantically trying to clean up the mess up the bird made by ramming into the building.
As a centerpiece of the main area 3 thrones sit.
King Romulus sits on the far left throne.
In the middle a woman that looks like Romulus and on the right a humanumber right a human man of different skin tone.
Maru continues his approach.
Page #178
King Romulus
Ah so you're Maru
Maru
And you're the king but who are they?
Woman
That's none of your concern.
king Romulus chuckles.
king Romulus
That is my sister, And that is a dear friend.
Page #179
human man
We are the governing forces over this kingdom.
Woman
We are king Romulus.
King romulus
And you are the Phoenix slayer.
Maru
The Phoenix slayer?
king Romulus
That's what they're calling you down there.
Page #180
Maru
Oh yeah I guess I am.
Woman
Now the Egg if you will.
She holds our hand for the egg.
Maru
Wa..What egg?
Human man
the egg in your arms.
Maru looks down at his arms, notices the egg and blushes.
Page #181
Maru
Oh sorry I'm kind of out of it.
King Romulus
It's fine sister, he can have the egg.
Woman
What you can be serious, It's far too great a responsibility to leave in the hands of a child.
King Romulus
Well he is the one who has slain the beast, Is it not fair for us to give him the drops from it?
Woman
I suppose so.
Page #182
King Romulus
That being said she is right it is an immense responsibility to bear, Do you believe that you have to wear withal to take on this responsibility?
Maru
Yeah I guess so.
King Romulus
Good and the egg is yours, raise her well.
Maru
Her?
king Romulus
Yes, She is quite the handful
King Romulus
Garris sees to it that this boy gets the Bounty for this kill.
Page #183
Garris
500 platinum?
King Romulus
And the manor by the river.
Maru
What? 500 what? Manor?
Maru
You just gave me a Phoenix egg, I can't accept this.
King Romulus
You get the reward money for slang the beast and the loot from its corpse as well.
Page #184
Maru
I guess but-
Woman
Just accept this Maru, my brother will not be changing his mind anytime soon.
Human man
Prove to us you are worthy of these rewards, and one day you may even become Joithelm's champion.
Maru
Champion? Well thank you for the gifts your highnesses... I guess I'll be off.
Maru turns to leave.
King Romulus
Oh and Maru, Not many people in this kingdom know of the 3 kings, let's keep it that way.
Page #185
Maru
Okay.
Garris lead's Maru out of the palace and back down the stairs.
Garris
Wow Maru, that was amazing!
Garris
I can't believe they let you meet the kings!
Maru
So they are all King Romulus?
Garris
All 3 of them hold the title king Romulus, They each govern over a different sect of our kingdom.
Page #186
Maru
That's kind of cool, Honestly I'm impressed.
Garris
As you should be, Now let me lead you to your new home.
Maru
My new home?
Garris leads Maru over to a horse drawn carriage.
Garris
Right this way.
Maru climbs into the carriage and it carries them down the mountain.
They ride through Joithelm with it snowing all around them.
Page #187
They see houses being extinguished by the snow and people trying to collect their belongings.
Eventually they make it just outside the walls of the city.
They follow a path that leads to a large manor on the edge of the river.
Maru
Woah this house is huge, I don't need all this!
Garris
Well this is what the king wanted for you, worst case scenario you just sell it and downsize.
Maru
Yeah I guess... but I don't really need the money now either.
Garris walks up, unlocks the door and hands the keys to Maru.
Page #188
Garris swings the door open.
Garris
She's all yours Maru.
Maru walks inside and looks around his new house.
Garris
Well I might be around to call on you if I need your help for anything major.
Maru
Wait Garris, I really don't need this.
Garris
See ya around. Hero.
Maru
I already-
the door slams shut.
Maru
Have a home...
Chapter #9
Page #189
The next day Maru wakes up on the couch of his new home.
Maru
Where am I, Oh yeah killed the Phoenix, Got a house.
Maru
Alright well I better get up, and go check on Ellie and Bruce.
Maru stands and dust himself off and walks towards the door of his house.
Maru grabs the door opening it and is greeted with Garris's face.
Garris
Ah Maru you're awake, perfect.
Page #190
Maru
what?
Garris
Sorry to bother you so soon but I need your help with the mission.
Maru
Oh come on man I just fought the Phoenix.
Garris
Yes I know but someone's gone missing and there's not a lot of people I can trust on this but I know I can trust you.
Maru
Someone went missing?
Garris
Yes he's a mercenary for hire but the kingdom uses him frequently and he has a family.
Maru
Well... I was gonna go see my friends today... but I guess this is really important...
Page #191
Garris
And we don't know if it was an inside job or not so we need someone like you to handle this.
Garris
He was last seen last night and drank a dungeon with yeah it's done with me but the guard said it was a very crappy illusion that just snuck passed.
Maru
Alright, where's this dungeon I'll go right now.
Garris
Well actually going solo on this might not be the best option, And I can't come with you so you'll have to hire some help.
Maru
what? Are you sure I can't do this on my own?
Garris
Trust me Maru this is going to be intense.
Maru
Fine, where do I find people?
Page #192
Garris
Well probably a tavern mostly.
Maru
Really? a tavern that's perfect.
Garris
Yes But you don't have to worry about that, we already have people waiting in a tavern for you.
Maru
Oh…
Garris
Other mercenaries from a mercenary Guild have offered to help save their friend.
Maru
So why do I need to be there?
Garris
Because we can't trust them. They are mercenaries.
Maru
Alright, anything else.
Page #193
Garris
Actually I was hoping you would cover their payment. 3 platinum each.
Maru
Yeah , that's fine.
Garris
Perfect they're waiting in the tavern just inside the walls, see you soon Maru.
Maru
See you later Garris.
Garris turns and walks away, Maru watches and walks down the path.
Maru
I guess Ellie and Bruce we'll have to wait, I sure hope they're OK.
Page #194
Maru walks down the path and into town just inside the walls he sees black he sees the Dull Ruby tavern.
Maru
This must be the place.
Maru steps inside the Tavern.
It's scarce, not many people are in here but he does notice 2 people in the far back corner wearing a gilded crest on their cloaks.
He walks up to them.
Maru
Hi are you guys in the mercenaries Guild.
Da-Die
Well that depends who's asking, are you maru?
Maru
Uh yeah?
Da-Die
Good I'm Da-Die.
Maru
D...daddy?
Da-Die
No Da-Die!
Maru
Oh okay, and who are you?
Maru looks at the cloaked figure next to Da-Die.
Eli
My name is Eli, nice to meet you Phoenix slayer.
Eli pulls their hood down realizing that they are some kind of half man half panda.
Maru
Oh so you heard about that?
Eli
We were here, we just didn't help much.
Maru
Yeah it was pretty intense.
Maru
So anyways where's this dungeon?
Eli
Just outside the walls to the right of the kingdom.
Maru
Alright well let's go.
The 3 of them get up and start to leave.
The trio makes their way outside the city and over to the dungeon where they see 2 guards standing.
Guard #18
Ah Maru Phoenix slayer, We've been expecting you.
Maru
Oh Hi nice to meet you.
Guard #13
Are the rumors true? Did you really get a Phoenix egg from that bird?
Maru
Uh I…
Da-Die
Hey Hey that's enough leaving alone.
The 3 of them walk past the guards into the entrance of the dungeon.
Da-Die
But is it true, you do have an egg?
Maru
Yeah at the house not on me.
Da-Die
Rad.
They walk deep into the dungeon until they come to the archway.
Napa
Halt!
Maru looks up.
Napa
None shall pass the witches dungeon trials thingy... yeah…
Maru
Uh hi I'm Maru, I'm a pescatarian, Who are you?
Napa
Hi I'm Napa, I'm a talking skull, And I was made to guard the door but I can't do much to stop you from going in anyways.
Eli
Did you see a dwarf come through here?
Napa
Yup saw one last night with a little bird boy, Bought the bird boy left without him.
Da-Die
So he's still inside? We have to hurry.
Maru
Hold on a sec Da-Die.
Maru climbs on her back and retrieves Napa from the shelf.
Napa
Woah woah woah what are you doing??
Maru
Well you might be helpful so I'm going to take you with us.
Napa
Oh OK well I've never seen the inside of the dungeon at least not for a couple 100 years so yeah I might not be that helpful but I appreciate you taking me down.
Maru
No problem buddy.
Maru climbs down off her back and sets Napa on his antler.
Napa
Best seat in the house.
Eli
Let's be serious, our friend could be in danger.
Maru
So what's this guy's story?
Da-Die
Well Harth always looks for extra work to save up for his daughter's medicine.
Eli
It's really expensive... but the price is accurate.
Da-Die
He once tried to go out and collect the ingredients himself, but he was nearly killed.
Eli
So now he works for the guild to pay for it.
Eli
He was just waiting for his big break.
Maru
Maybe he just found a lot of treasure and his friend didn't want to help him carry it and so he's just dragging it out slowly?
Da-Die
I seriously doubt that.
Maru
Well, let's not give up hope.
The group makes their way through the catacombs and eventually come to a trap that's already been set.
Eli
Looks like they came this way.
Maru
How can you tell?
Eli
Well these traps are set fresh you can tell by the layer of dust.
Maru
I would have never noticed that.
Napa
Ooh OK I'm starting to remember these catacombs.
Maru
Oh yeah?
Napa
Yeah these walls used to be lined with bodies.
They all grimace.
Napa
Oh and there's a little church thing up ahead.
The group passes by a few more traps until they get to a body. It’s a dwarven man covered in bloody marks.
Eli
Oh no.. it's Harth...
Eli, Maru, and Da-Die run off to inspect the body.
Da-Die
He's full of bloody holes.
Eli
Pitfall spike trap, This must have been the final trap guarding some sort of treasure but it's all gone now.
Da-Die picks up the body and wraps it in cloth.
Da-Die
We can at least bring him home to his family.
Maru
I'm sorry you guys were too late.
Eli
There's nothing you could do about it besides last night you were resting anyways, You saved us you're just too bad no one saved him.
Napa
Well there's a faster way out if we continue forward don't worry the iron golems won't come out of their home unless we step on the tiles.
With Napa's help the group carefully navigated through the tiled room.
They enter what looks like a church but all the pews are made of stone even the podium of a hat is made of stone with 3 chests sitting at the end of the room.
Da-Die
Huh perfect looks like there's some loot after all.
Da-Die sets the body down and runs over to the chests.
Eli
Da-Die no!
Da-Die opens the chest and it bites down on her arm.
Da-Die
Aah!!
Eli
It's a Mimic!
Maru pulls his sword from his sheath.
Eli jumps back into a fighting stance with 2 daggers in his hands.
Da-Die lifts the Mimic into the air.
Da-Die
I'll smash you.
Da-Die slams her arm into the stone floor.
the mimic yelps in pain and splinters.
It jumps off her arm and onto the nearby wall.
Maru
I got it!
Maru charges at the mimic.
He slams these horns into its body.
Maru
It's pinned! Daddy crushed it!!
Da-Die
It’s Da-die!!
Da-Die pushes her fist deep into the creature.
It falls in many pieces on the ground.
Eli runs over and destroys the one on the far right before it has a chance to attack.
Maru rips his horns from the mimic's body on the wall.
he flips his sword deep inside the mimic on the far left, killing it before it has a chance to attack.
Da-Die
D..did we get 'em?
Napa
Yep and it was awesome.
Napa says from the ground where maru was standing originally.
A few minutes later the group is huddled around some.
Looking down there are 3 magical items in front of them.
One a deck of cards.
Another cloak.
And lastly a seed fairly large and wrapped in a piece of leather.
Maru
Well who's getting what?
Da-Die
I don't care won't help me hit things.
Eli
I'll take the cloak.
Eli puts the cloak on and he turns invisible.
Maru
Woah, that's so cool.
Napa
Maru takes the seed!
Maru
Oh uh okay.
Maru picks up the seed.
A magical energy pulls itself out of the seed and into Maru.
Maru collapses on the ground.
Minutes later Maru awakes and looks around the room.
He sees Da-Die with the deck of cards, it has a strange aura surrounding it now.
Maru looks over and doesn't see Eli but a very faint aura in his shape.
Eli
Maru good you're alright.
Eli becomes visible in front of Maru.
Maru
Yeah I'm fine just.
Maru looks at his hands.
Then he aims them at the ceiling and calls out.
Maru
Ray of Frost!!
A beam of ice shoots out from Maru's hands and hits the ceiling.
Maru
Woah.
Eli
Huh? So that this gave you some minor magic then.
Maru
Yeah, I guess I'm magic now.
Napa
See I told you, and you thought I was trying to kill him.
Maru looks down at Napa and now sees a magic aura surrounding him as well.
Eli
I was gonna smash him.
Maru
Thanks but I'm alright, Let's head out now.
Maru follows the pair to their friend's house where he hands off his body to his wife.
They go to a small restaurant and get food for the night.
Maru leads them back to his house where he sends them to individual rooms and lets them sleep.
Maru then walks into his room for the 1st time with Napa and the egg he set to nap on the mantel and the egg on his bedside table.
Maru
Sigh... What am I gonna do with you?
He pokes the egg.
Napa
Is that a Phoenix egg?
Maru
Yeah I killed it, it was attacking the city.
Napa
Wow you're a real hero Maru.
Maru
Thanks Napa, I'm glad I stole you from that dungeon.
Napa
Me too, I haven't seen the world in so long, it's still so beautiful.
Maru
Yeah, well good night man.
Napa
Night Maru.
About the Creator
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