Phantastical Ventures

- Legend of the Blenocla -

A Hero Comes to Rivensburg :

   In the old world, there were many cities and villages scattered across the country side. One such of these towns was a hamlet by the name of Rivensburg, founded closer than most to Xotric marshlands, which, as the people eventually discovered, had reason behind it. The Xotric swamps were the domain of the infamous Blenocla, a deadly beast with armored plated, a powerful tail armed with a deadly bladed, sight that forever remained on a target, and a thirst for mayhem and carnage. On the third week of the third moon's pass, the people celebrated their quaint village lasting through the harsh winter. Their merriment generated much more ruckus than intended, and the noise could be heard at far off distances. Also on this night, the dreaded Blenocla was stalking its territory, seeking intruders, when it heard the people. Enraged that anyone would dwell this close to its realm, it sought them out with the original intention of slaying them all, but a more devious and baneful plan was conceived on its trek there.
   The festivities full of life, no one noticed the beast take perch at a local promontory when it let out its fearsome roar and called the people to it, less their city be razed. The celebrations halted as all cowered before the mighty beast. It decreed, "Behold, you are on my land, and, as of such, you now belong to me. You are my slaves and forbidden to leave this place. You shall grant me tribute of three kinds on every third week. The first shall be one of drink, a barrel of your finest wine. The second shall be one of gold, a chest of your most valuable possessions. The third shall be one of flesh, a maiden of fairest virtue. Any failure of obedience will result in the annihilation of you all. I expect the first tribute before the sun's rise, so you best hasten." A great clamor arose among the people. Some suggest complying to the demands while others insisted upon fighting back. All arguments fells silent as the Blenocla let out a tremendous bellow and felled three people on the spot as example of its intent. The remaining towns people reluctantly followed the monster's instructions.
   After three months of honoring the demon, the villagers had very little left to offer, and the third week was almost upon them. Amidst their woe and wailing, a caped traveler came into the town. Clad in a full suit of armor with a sword strapped to his back, they immediately recognized him as a hero. He had heard of the terror that tortured their town and sought to end it. The people rejoiced and praised the valiant knight and agreed to offer him anything. He had only two requests, to learn more of the beast and to have the blacksmith forge him a special item. They told him of its liquid vision that oozed forth from empty eyes and never left what it had observed. From this, he devised a scheme. He instructed the blacksmith to forge him a special sheath for this sword that was itself like a blade and set out to the bogs of Xotric.
   The swamps dripping with its slime, the Blenocla was immediately aware of the trespasser, which was as the soldier intended. When the beast came upon him, he called out, "Release the people of Rivensburg from your tyranny or forfeit your life." The monstrosity only laughed as it hurled its ocular sludge, covering the hero head to toe, just as he wanted it to do. Battle commenced, and the knight could not land a single blow on the Blenocla for it knew exactly where his weapon lie and how to avoid it, a good sign in light of his plan. Swinging its great tail, the soldier parried the creature's blow. The curved blade caught into the outer sword-like sheathing and pulled it off the hero's weapon, leaving a clean edge, free of the monster's ooze and free from its sight. Aiming to catch the beast off guard, he took on last gallant strike at it. The demon, sadly, was no fool. It had been observing all aspects of its opponent better than he could himself and noted that, when disarmed, he failed to change his grip on his weapon, which alarmed the creature to possible deceit. Sliding out from the way of the desperate attack, the Blenocla found a break in his guard and cleaved him down the middle. Angrily, it ventured into the city to make another announcement at the promontory. For their treachery, the tribute was being doubled. It advised them to not let similar opportunities tempt them again.

Last Modified - 5/14/03 | Page Established - 5/7/03