Destiny

The Steel Circle formed as an adventuring party seeking personal wealth and power. Tarbak, a priest of Pelor was a virtuous healer and fighter. Joining him was the roguish Clive who seemed overly preoccupied with monetary gain, a mage of the secretive Vui Vuku Necromantic cult, and a powerful fighter. Always at odds, the group eventually learned to work effectively as a fighting team and were well rewarded for their glory.

In time, the party grew in power and came to the attention of the Pelorian church. Tarbak was quested to investigate a recent infestation of undead that had come to corrupt several towns in the realm. The party would later uncover a diabolocal scheme to release an ancient evil. This would become their greatest challenge.

Personal greed and power eventually splits the party. Kwai surrenders to his true calling and becomes a Palemaster putting him at odds with Tarbak and threatening the quest. Fearing retribution and lusting for wealth, Clive secretly backs the mage. There is a minor skirmish but they soon agree to honor their friendship and the quest.

Death and destruction is visited upon the remaining towns that are touched by the undead plague. Battles against zombies, skeletons, shades, wights, wraiths, ghosts, vampires, nimblewights, and the like run through churches, cemetaries, and towers until structure and creature are destroyed. The toll of extended fighting and minimal rest leads to exhaustion.

Their final battle is over before it begins. In an attempt to regain strength and magic, the Steel Circle becomes trapped in their own refuge. Light fades and the sound of chanting is all that can be heard. The language is strangely foreign and audible only in their own minds. As images of grotesque, fantastic creatures and alien structures flash by they begin to feel a weird sensation of movement. Time and space passes by in an endless dance rendering them unconscious.

Game over.