Editing The Magic that Binds

{{TErow| 1 |Day 1|The Elemental Plane of Magic is not much different in appearance from my own world.  It's a lush, grassy land with thick forests and fields of flowers.  Nothing seemed out of place until I watched an acorn fall from a tree.  Before it hit the ground, it sprouted red and blue wings and flew off in the form of a butterfly.<p>That's not all.  One Mage reported seeing a fox leap thirty feet into the top of a tree to catch a sparrow, and the Gremlins swear their morning porridge tasted like maple syrup.  So far, there have been no ill effects, but I'm afraid half my army is going to turn into pumpkins in the middle of battle.}}

{{TErow| 3 |Day 3| The Psychic Elemental who came to us as an ambassador for his people explained that the Magic Elementals known as the First are hiding in a grove waiting for someone to find them.  Unfortunately, if I do not reach them before the armies of the Elemental Lords, the Magic Elementals may be forced to join my enemy instead.  I was given a clue, though.  The way to the Magic Elementals is beyond the gates in the north.  But first, I must find the Keymaster's Tents in order to gain passage.}}

{{TErow| 4 |Day 4|I was having breakfast, trying to ignore the Pixies as they flitted through the air over the camp, giggling and shrieking as they played some childish game.  One of them dropped low to avoid being tagged by one of the others and the Pixie's foot knocked over my bowl of oatmeal.  My angry shout put an end to the game.  I stood, scraping heavy globs of my morning meal from my robe.<p>"Blasted Pixies!" I yelled.  "Find somewhere else to play, or by the Ancestors, I'm going to blow off your wings with a lightning bolt!"<p>The Pixies fled as I strolled back to my tent to change my clothes.}}

{{TErow| 4 |Day 4b|For some reason, Hemoross followed me into my tent.  The moment I saw his gloating smile, I wanted to slap him.<p>"What is it?" I barked.<p>"My, you have changed since you first took command," Hemoross said.  "Your beard is neatly trimmed, and I heard you took a bath this morning.  Now, you're fussing over a dirty robe!"<p>I stared at myself, realizing to my shame that Hemoross was right.  I had become one of them.  I was a Wizard!  If not for my size, a stranger would never suspect that I used to be a Barbarian.  I tore off the stained robe and threw it at the Mage Instructor.<p>"Do something useful and have that cleaned!" I snapped.<p>Hemoross laughed as he exited the tent; too pleased with his own victory to be insulted.}}

{{TErow| 10 |Day 10|A few days ago, Barsolar departed to study and explore this odd realm.  I doubt I could've forced him to stay even if I chained him to one of the Golems.  Well, he's proven useful in the past, so I've asked him to keep an eye on the armies of the Elemental Lords for me.}}

{{TErow| 16 |Day 16|Barsolar's owl arrived this morning.  I guess even a Barbarian can get used to magical things such as talking owls if he's been exposed to it long enough.  As the owl began its report, I leaned back and listened as if I were talking to a normal messenger.<p>"Luck is with us, Lord Tarnum," the owl said in Barsolar's nasal voice.  "These Elementals hate each other almost as much as they hate us.  They fight with each other.  They think that if one of them reaches the Magic Elementals first, they will be able to destroy the other elements as well as our own world."<p>I hadn't expected good news this morning.  My enemy would be easier to deal with as long as they weren't unified.}}

{{TErow| 21 |Day 21|Today, I found a small well by the side of the road.  Deciding I could use all the luck I could get, I approached and dropped a coin inside.  A second later, I was hit in the head by something.  I rubbed the sore spot on the top of my skull, bent down to pick up the object that hit me and discovered it was the coin I just dropped into the well.  I glanced up at the sky just in time se see a dark cloud of something descending upon me.  I jumped out of the way as hundreds of Gold fell on the ground in the spot I had been standing.<p>Amazed by this phenomenon, many of the other Wizards tried throwing their own coins inside the well, but nothing happened.|effect=+2001 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}

{{TErow| 26 |Day 26|Reamus brought me a report this morning from the troops we left in the Plane of Fire to control the territory we conquered.  They have learned that the Lord of Fire has enslaved the great Phoenixes and forces them to fight for him, or else he'll destroy the places where the Phoenixes have been born since the beginning of time.<p>As I read this report, I clenched my fist around my staff.  The Elemental Lords were no different than the Wizards who once enslaved my people.  To make matters worse, I sat here looking and acting exactly like the bottom-feeders who nearly destroyed my people!}}

{{TErow| 30 |Day 30|I called a meeting of my top advisors this morning.  The Gremlins brought a table out into the middle of camp.  Usually, these meetings were held in private.  Much of what a Wizard does is done in secrecy and I was determined to hold on to at least a small portion of my real identity.  I could tell the Wizards were uncomfortable as a crowd of Gremlins and Mages gathered.<p>"We have a more urgent matter to deal with," I said sternly.  "We must abandon our search for the Magic Elementals!"<p>"But why?" Hemoross said.<p>"Because I say so!  Because the Phoenixes are trapped on the Plane of Fire, slaves to the Fire Lord.  As long as I live, I will not allow any creature to be slave to another!"<p>The Mages muttered to each other while some of my advisors protested all at once.<p>Calmly, Reamus stood and said, "Lord Tarnum, if we pull back from the Plane of Magic now, the Magic Elementals will be forced to join one of the Elemental Lords.  Then we'll be at a disadvantage."<p>I glared at Reamus and the others.  Of course, they didn't care about the enslaved Phoenixes.  They are the descendents of the same Wizards who enslaved the Barbarians.<p>"I will not abandon the Phoenixes!"<p>"I'm not asking that, Lord Tarnum, only that we finish what we do here first!"<p>"No!  I am the commander here.  In a few days, I want to know how long it will take for use to return to the Plane of Fire!"}}

{{TErow| 33 |Day 33|I heard the shouts soon after I retired to my tent for the night, and among the angry words I caught my name.  So, I slipped out the rear of my tent and raced among the shadows toward source of commotion - Reamus's tent.<p>"Filthy, thuggish lout!" said Hemoross.<p>"Watch your voice!" Reamus said.<p>"I don't care any longer!  He's a brute, not a real Wizard.  What was King Magnus thinking making him our leader?"<p>"Magnus must've had his reasons."<p>"You weren't with us then, Reamus.  He's a thug.  Wouldn't even let us build a Mage Guild for the longest time, and I swear he was afraid of magic - like some stupid Barbarian."<p>"You're being foolish now, Hemoross.  He's as powerful as any Wizard I've met," Reamus said.  I could tell the man was attempting to calm Hemoross down.<p>"Just look at him!  He's no Wizard!  He's as big as any Barbarian, and I've even heard him pray to the Ancestors - those are the gods of the Barbarians, I've looked it up.  And now he wants to leave the Plane of Magic and save some silly Phoenixes.  This hypocrite!  Barbarians are the biggest slavers around!"<p>I had heard enough.  I could see Hemoross's shadow pacing on the other side of the tent cloth, so I punched my hand straight through and grabbed the man by his collar.  Hemoross squealed as I dragged him through the torn tent and through him on the ground.<p>I wanted to smash his skull in, but I just stared at the man cowering at my feet.  I swallowed my anger and stormed off without another word.  I could tell by the expressions on everyone's faces that they all knew just how close Hemoross came to dying.}}

{{TErow| 36 |Day 36|This morning, before any of my advisors woke, I placed a table in the middle of camp and waited.  Soon, a crowd gathered around the table.  All knew this was going to be an important meeting.  I wasn't a fool.  I knew now that my decision to return to the Plane of Fire and save the Phoenixes had divided my forces.  Some, such as the Gremlins and Genies, sided with me, but the Mages wanted to stay here in the Plane of Magic.<p>The word spread quickly through camp, and soon my advisors poured from their tents and sat down at the table.  I noticed that Hemoross wouldn't meet my gaze.  Reamus looked concerned.<p>"Everyone knows I want to return to the Plane of Fire.  My decision has caused some problems here in camp.  I want to know if your resistance to save the Phoenixes is a selfish desire to study this Plane of Magic, or some other motivation," I said.<p>The others looked at their hands, the table, anything but my stern face.  Only Reamus was brave enough to speak.<p>"It's a matter of urgency, Lord Tarnum.  We know we need the help of the Magic Elementals to defeat the Elemental Lords.  The Magic Elementals will be available to us for a limited time.  However, the Phoenixes will still be the prisoners of the Fire Lord," Reamus said.  I couldn't argue with his logic, which only upset me more.  Since when did I start letting logic rule my decisions?<p>"So, Reamus, you want to let the Phoenixes suffer more while we hunt for the Magic Elementals, is that right?"<p>"To save the world, yes!" Reamus said.<p>I found myself agreeing with the man despite myself, but I was still too angry to leave without striking a few blows of my own.<p>"Very well, we'll let the Phoenixes suffer their enslavement for a while longer," I said.  "How easily Wizards accept enslavement.  Not much has changed since the time of Bracaduun when you tried to destroy the Barbarian people.  Did you find real slaves too unpredictable?  Is that why you create these mindless Golems?"<p>I got up from the table before anyone could answer.}}

{{TErow| 42 |Day 42|I've been getting dirty looks from the student Mages whenever they thought I wasn't looking.  Until now, I never cared if these magic users liked me, but I was going to have a major problem if they ceased obeying me.  Especially during combat.  I needed to rely on them, as they needed to rely on me.<p>Normally, I would bring such a problem up to the Mage Instructor, Hemoross, but lately I've gotten the idea that he doesn't want to talk to me.  It seems that even though I've decided to remain here in the Plane of Magic, I've made some enemies.}}

{{TErow| 47 |Day 47|The camp is filled with whispers each night, except when I'm around.  That's when everyone becomes deathly quiet as if I was the one they had been talking about.  I'm convinced something is going on.  And I'm afraid this is the sort of conspiracy that usually ends in death.<p>Last night, after dinner, I returned to my tent because no one seemed in the mood to talk.  I wasn't about to sit around and do nothing about the secrets flying through my camp, but I couldn't strong-arm the men into talking.  These Wizards already disliked my tactics.<p>So, I resorted to magic.  I've had control over Air Magic for some time now, so it was easy for me make the air around the camp thinner.  Then I grabbed the vibrations of even the softest sound and directed them toward my own ear.  Suddenly, I was able to hear the conversations of every person in camp as if they were standing right next to me.<p>First, I found Reamus mumbling to himself about elemental magic.  He was alone, so I searched out another familiar voice.  I smiled.  Sometimes, magic had its uses.<p>"I'm not so sure that's wise," said Ponific hesitantly.  "I mean, he's managed to get us this far, hasn't he?"<p>"Fool!  He doesn't care about a single one of us.  He's leading us all to our deaths, I tell you.  Listen to his own words - he despises Wizards!  He's a Barbarian, I say!"<p>I was certain this last voice belonged to Hemoross, the Mage Instructor.<p>"Don't be silly!  He's the best Wizard I've seen, maybe even as good as Gavin Magnus.  No Barbarian spy could do that!"<p>"Look at him!  He's as much said so himself - he hates Wizards!  You'll see, and you'll be sorry!"<p>Most of the other whispered conversations in camp were about me.  Nearly everyone suspected that I was a Barbarian spy determined to bring about the downfall of King Magnus.  Some even claimed I got us lost on the Elemental Planes on purpose.<p>I ended my spell and took a drink of wine.  I hadn't realized it had gotten this bad.}}

{{TErow| 51 |Day 51|This morning, Hemoross made his move.  Before we had a chance to have a bite to eat, he stood up and demanded everyone's attention.<p>"I believe we should have a change in command," he said, "and I think we will all agree that Reamus is the likely choice since Barsolar is not present."<p>I immediately looked at Reamus, who had nearly choked on his tea.  At least Reamus wasn't in on this.  So, Hemoross was the instigator, but how much support did he have?  I had to know.<p>Coming to my feet, I said, "You do realize, Hemoross, this is not a democracy.  I'm not going to take a vote!"<p>"We don't want you as our leader anymore!  We want someone who is going to get us home safely.  If need be, we can remove you of your command."<p>"Oh, really?  Who exactly is going to do that?"<p>Hemoross looked around at the faces of the Wizards gathered here.  Several were prepared to help him, but the others seemed uncertain.<p>"So, Hemoross, what are you going to do if I refuse to step down?  How far are you willing to go?"<p>I had to know, but a familiar sharp voice said, "Hold on!"<p>It was Barsolar, returning from the wild as I had asked.  I just hoped it wasn't a mistake.  Barsolar and I had never been on good terms, but at least it seemed we shared the same goal.  He would have to realize that Hemoross's actions would hurt our chances of defeating the Elemental Lords.<p>"Sit down, Hemoross, and stop this foolishness," Barsolar ordered.  He assumed the role of the King's cousin even though he was dressed in dirty, plain robes.<p>"None of us would still be alive if not for the leadership of this man, of Lord Tarnum!  I happen to know that King Magnus wanted Tarnum to lead this quest because Tarnum is skilled both in the tactics of war and magic.  He's our best chance at defeating the Elemental Lords!"<p>I was surprised by Barsolar's passionate defense.  He pretended that it had been the idea of Gavin Magnus to make me leader all along, and that they should trust their king's wisdom.<p>"And King Magnus will certainly learn about the pitiful way some of you have behaved," Barsolar said, staring directly at Hemoross.  Finally, the Mage Instructor sat down.}}

{{TErow| 55 |Day 55|Perhaps I am partially to blame for what happened this morning.  I treated Hemoross and the others poorly when I first became their commander.  Apparently, he never forgave me.  Nor did he forgive Barsolar for supporting me when Hemoross tried to take over.<p>That's why Hemoross attacked Barsolar.  The Mage Instructor called Barsolar from his tent and challenged him to a Wizard's duel.  I heard this and stormed out just in time to see Hemoross throw a crackling Lightning Bolt at Barsolar, who stood his ground.  The bolt never hit him, but deflected off an invisible shield and struck the ground instead.<p>"I've learned a few things while exploring the Plane of Magic," Barsolar said.<p>That's when I noticed a few of Hemoross's students sneaking around behind Barsolar.  They raised their hands to cast a spell, so I jumped into the duel.  Back to back, Barsolar and I faced the traitors.  I cast Frost Ring, followed immediately by a Fireball.  The Mages never had a chance.<p>Behind me, Barsolar and Hemoross exchanged lightning bolts.  Hemoross must've realized he was no match for either of us, so he began to retreat.  I cast Slow on the man so he couldn't get away.  And then it was over.<p>"I yield!" Hemoross shouted.<p>Barsolar collapsed onto one knee, clutching a shoulder that still smoked from where he was struck by one of Lightning Bolts.<p>"Healer!" I called, and then approached the Mage Instructor.<p>To Hemoross, I said, "Not too bad for a Barbarian, eh?"|effect=+10 {{w}} [[Wood]], +5 {{m}} [[Mercury]], +10 {{o}} [[Ore]], +5 {{s}} [[Sulfur]], +5 {{c}} [[Crystal]]s, +5 {{gem}} [[Gems]], +5000 {{g}} [[Gold]]}}

{{TErow| 59 |Day 59|Soon, I am told, we will find the Magic Elementals and we will be able to return to the Plane of Fire to free the Phoenixes.  But I wonder if my army will be able to hold together for that long.  What about afterward?  I suspect many of the Mages hate me because I keep Hemoross locked up in a cage with Iron Golems as guards.<p>Hemoross caused a lot of damage before he tried to kill Barsolar.  His words planted seeds of doubt in the minds of my men.  That could prove fatal for us all.}}

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Fire.  Pay me 200 gold and I will teach you the Berserk spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Berserk}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Fire.  Pay me 200 gold and I will teach you the Fire Shield spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Fire Shield}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Air, and for paying tribute to me I will teach you the spell, Magic Mirror."<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Magic Mirror}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Earth.  Pay me 300 gold and I will teach you the Implosion spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -300 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Implosion}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Fire.  Pay me 200 gold and I will teach you the Frenzy spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Frenzy}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Earth.  Pay me 300 gold and I will teach you the Resurrection spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -300 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Resurrection}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Fire.  Pay me 200 gold and I will teach you the Sacrifice spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Sacrifice}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Earth.  Pay me 300 gold and I will teach you the Sorrow spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -300 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Sorrow}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "I am the Oracle of Fire.  Pay me 200 gold and I will teach you the Slayer spell.  Refuse my offer and you will die!"<p>You decide it's best to pay the Oracle and learn the spell.<p><center>'''Contents:''' -200 {{g}} [[Gold]]<p>{{Sn|Slayer}}</center></p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | "We are the elders, the First."<p>Unlike the Psychic Elementals, these three Magic Elementals actually speak.<p>"We know why you have come.  The Elemental Lords desire destruction, always have, but what they don't realize is that the universe wants to bring the elements together in harmony.  Yes, we will join your battle.  This madness must be stopped!"</p>

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step south to learn the Berserk spell from the Oracle of Fire.  His services will cost you 200 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step south, and then one step west to learn the Fire Shield spell from the Oracle of Fire.  His services will cost you 200 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go north one step to learn the Magic Mirror Spell from the Oracle of Air.  Her services cost 200 gold each time you visit her.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step east to learn the Frenzy spell from the Oracle of Fire.  His services will cost you 200 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step south to learn the Implosion spell from the Oracle of Earth.  His services will cost you 300 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step south to learn the Resurrection spell from the Oracle of Earth.  His services will cost you 300 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step south to learn the Sacrifice spell from the Oracle of Fire.  His services will cost you 200 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | One step south to the Oracle of Earth.  His services will cost you 300 gold.

| style="padding-left:7px; padding-right:5px;" | Go one step north to learn the Slayer spell from the Oracle of Fire.  His services will cost you 200 gold.