Days Gone By: The Ancient Kingdoms Campaign

Out of the Frying Pan

"Okay, nerds, since you're on a roll with attempting to kill the ruling class, you're going to get to do some more running for your lives," Justin tossed his dice on the table. "Roll for initiative."

"I thought we were running," Eric said as he picked up his d20.

"Running from guards," Justin stated. When Eric tossed his die, Justin let out a laugh. "Looks like the barbarian is living up to his name, all brawn, no brain."

Eric groaned as he stared at the one his die had landed on. "This piece of plastic hates me."

"Plastic has no brain nor emotions therefore it cannot like nor dislike you," Yu commented before looking at the die in question. "However, given your latest streak of low rolls, it might be possible that it has had some sort of self-discovery and decided it would prefer a new owner."

"Like I said," Eric grumbled and poked at the plastic shape. After a moment, he picked it up and tossed it across the table so it landed in front of Amy on another one. "It hates me."

"Aww, it's not its fault that it's having a rough time," Amy picked it up and gently stroked the top twice before blowing it off. She smiled at the die then cooed, "We all have those days, huh? It's not your fault that big, mean barbarian doesn't know how to toss you, is it? Is it?"

Amy ignored the amused and surprised expressions around the table to continue talking to the die. "I know he's a big oaf, but can you do a favor for me? Please? I need you to start rolling your big numbers, okay? If you roll your big numbers, I promise he'll play nicer with you."

Eric stared at her with an irritated expression. "You really think that's going to help?"

Amy rolled the die toward the middle of the table then smirked when it landed on a twenty. She shrugged while getting her own dice out. "Now, you need to play nice with her."

Yu stared with wide eyes. "Did it really just... she must have a different approach to throwing dice."

"Or maybe it's because she is everything good in this world," Mervin suggested in the voice he used for Thom. "It recognizes the grace and beauty of the one who caressed it and must now serve her."

Justin laughed. "So, Ames goes first, and Eric is dead last. Roll 'em up, nerds. We're about to keep going."

***

"Thrax, move your ass!" Moira yelled while sprinting down the hallway.

"Why, Thom?!" Mara cried while running to keep pace with the wizard. "Why did you try to wipe him out? We almost made it out with everything!"

"He touched you!" Thom growled before skidding around a corner so he didn't run into the wall. "He placed his disgusting hands on your body!"

"So has Thrax, but you haven't burned him to ash," Mara was starting to breathe heavily. She wasn't much for running. In fact, she hated running. It made her sweaty and left her feeling gross.

"In protection, not in desire," Thom responded. He sprinted down the stairs toward the door to the courtyard. "He had never once put a hand on you with the intention of doing anything except shielding you from harm."

Mara and Thom smacked into the door that remained shut in front of the party. Moira skidded to a halt just before smashing into Thom. Merrick nearly careened into Mara's rear but managed to stop himself. All the effort was in vain, however. Thrax smashed into the party, squishing everyone into the door to disgruntled and irritated groans and grunts.