Gentle Readers, as you may have guessed by now, our August session was cancelled due to another poor showing of attendees. However, for your literary enjoyment, education, and edification, starting this month, and in proceeding months when we are unable to convene, I am proud to present: Tales of the Crimson Empire!
These short, fictitious tales will focus on the backstories and histories of the npcs, battles, politics, and events that shaped the current campaign today. Today’s tale relates the birth of an empire, as well as a surprise guest star.
Samson could feel the armor bending and bones caving in as he tightened the grip of his massive stone fist. The Elven Paladin screamed, not out of pain or fear, but rather a final command. She instructed the children to flee up the stairs and back to their village. A hissing voice from the shadows ordered Samson to finish her; with a grotesque, wet, snapping sound, her body went limp. For the briefest of moments, he stared at the lifeless body, then, unceremoniously, tossed the Paladin next to the bodies of the Tiefling Warlock and Human Ranger. The intruders were powerful indeed, but few adversaries can defeat a twelve-foot tall, two-thousand-pound Stone Golem. Still, they had released the captive children. Samson wondered if his master would be displeased.
Samson inquired if he should pursue the children. He was surprised when Korak, the ancient necromancer, chuckled. “No, no. . . no need. That’s the beauty of children. Whether they live in prosperity or poverty, these foolish, foolish mortals continue to propagate. We’ll find more. . . when we need them.”
Samson stared at the Elven Paladin. “She claimed to have powers from God. Is that true?’”
The young Halfling sputtered, more out of surprise rather than fear. “How. . . how on earth did you sneak up on me?”
The Halfling seemed startled that he knew her name. “I come here every night when my chores are done. I find it comforting, and there are so many stories here.” She waved her hands to emphasize the point. Samson gazed around and saw shelf upon shelf, from the floor to the ceiling, filled with books, tomes, and scrolls. An amazing collection that appeared ancient, but impeccably preserved, and then he froze. There, in the center of the room, was an empty pedestal with an engraved nameplate that bore the name: SAMSON.
Samson was intrigued. Christina continued: “You, I mean, whoever they dedicated you to, must have been an important man, or a great warrior, or king, to place in such a prominent position in such a grand library; and yet, I have found no mention of you in all the books and scrolls I’ve read so far. I also wondered what you are. Usually Golems have limited, or no speech at all. But you can talk and think and learn, perhaps you are an Elemental, or some other type of living creature, that he merely awoke rather than gave life to.”
Samson considered this for a moment, He had no memories since awakening to the necromancer’s commands so many, many years ago. And yet, he realized that he would feel pangs of guilt when ordered to harm innocents, especially children. His thoughts returned to yesterday. The intruders were willing to give their lives trying to save innocent children. If he had been brought to life for the sole purpose of serving his master, this shouldn’t concern him. But, from the beginning, his thoughts were always in conflict while harming others.
Samson picked up the largest Tome he could find. His gigantic stone fingers made it difficult to open the book, and impossible to turn the pages. “I must admit that I do not know how to read. Even if I did, I fear the words are far too small for me to comprehend.”
Christina blushed at her oversight. “Forgive me, of course the books are too small for one of your stature. Would you like me to read to you at night? I do get so lonely here with no one to talk to. It would be nice to have . . . a friend.”
And so, she would read to Samson every night, after Korak had fallen asleep. She would read tales of love, hope, and faith. Fables of heroic beings performing heroic deeds with no thought of personal gain or glory. And more, of dark and troubled times, and horrors committed by evil men; but no matter how dire the circumstances, how mighty the foe, brave men and women would always stand up and refuse to allow evil and injustice to triumph. So it continued, night after night, and Samson found that he looked forward to the setting sun.
Korak was practically giddy with anticipation. “Samson, tonight is the night! The full moon is rising and Christina has been anointed with the blood of maidenhood.” His giddiness transcended into a near hysteria. “No longer will I have to depend upon the blood of innocents to merely prolong my life. Once I consume the virgin blood of this Fey creature, I will be immortal! And now, my ponderous slave, apply your full strength and crush her!”
Conflicted in what he should do, Samson looked into Christina’s eyes. What he saw shocked him. It was fear, not fear for herself, but rather fear for Samson’s safety. She was silently begging him to kill her so that Korak would not harm him. At that moment, he knew what must be done. Samson slammed down his fist in an earth-shattering blow. A blow so hard that the entire laboratory shook, causing beakers to clatter and tumble and furniture to overturn.
“You have nothing to fear anymore Christina. There is no need to weep.” Samson spoke in his monotone voice, which sounded oddly comforting.
“These are tears of joy you silly, silly. . . Hero! Don’t you understand? We’re free now. . . FREE!” Christina surveyed the pulpy mass that formed a grotesque mosaic over the cracked cobblestone. She gently stepped over the crimson rivulets, and together, they both left the laboratory without looking back.
Christina ran to her quarters to change out of her robes and collect her meager possessions. “What will you do now, where will you go?” She inquired upon her return.
Samson considered this for a moment. “If there is anything I have learned, there are evils in this world that need to be rectified. My first, and most important, mission will be to free my brethren who toil in servitude and slavery. For I am living proof that all elementals have the capacity of free will and independent thought. . . perhaps even a soul. And you Christina. What shall you do? Where will you go?”
Samson was pleased that she wished to accompany him. “Your parents will be relieved to know that you are alive and in good health Christina.”
“The Necromancer always addressed me by my full name. When you called me by it, I never corrected you. I figured that would be what I was to be called around here until I died. But my friends, my family, always called me Tina.” She chirped.
As their numbers swelled, Samson realized that, unlike enslaved mortals, elementals had no home or country to return to. Their numbers had begun to attract attention and worse, fear. Samson knew they needed a place to call their own, lest the mortal races rally to enslave, or destroy, them. He consulted with Tina, and finally, they knew what needed to be done. Reaching the coast, Samson put the stone elemental Thundarr in charge. Thundarr was carved in the effigy of a Dwarf, and Samson knew he was wise and fair. Then he bid Tina farewell and marched into the sea. After a seeming eternity, the earth itself began to tremble and quake. A giant island rose out of the water; a new continent had been born.
Some claim that Samson raised the tectonic plate from the sea floor itself, and supports it still today. Others claim that Samson became the island, and that it is a living extension of him. Whatever the truth may be, the entire world now recognizes the Elemental Empire as a safe haven for all Elementals; indeed, a beacon of freedom against the tyranny of slavery and injustice for all living creatures the world over!
Epilogue
Somewhere in a tavern trading post overlooking the sea, a young Halfling waitress watches and waits for the day her dear friend returns.
And there you have it. The birth of an Empire. Faithful followers of this blog may recognize some familiar names and faces. King Thundarr and the Elemental Empire were introduced way back in Chapter 3. Tina was introduced at the tavern trading post back in Chapter 4. She was an unwilling cohort of The Heroes when Egnarts declared her his daughter/hostage for many adventures. Oddly enough, she disappeared after they were all turned to stone by Ms. Gorgy in Chapter 9. Correlation? Hummm. . . Will The Heroes ever return to the Elemental Empire? Oh yes! Will Samson and Tina ever return? Oh my, yes! Stay tuned!!!