Episode Three - Discovering the Ruins

Borkum and Hawk Tuah arrive at the ruins. The adventure begins in full earnest now as they delve in to the ancient ruins in search of lost treasure and magic.

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Dive into the enchanting world of Eric J. Wynn with the "Arcane Isles: Borkum the Battler" podcast, a Dungeons & Dragons inspired audio adventure available at ArcaneIsles.com. Join us on a first-person journey through a richly imagined realm where magic and mystery meet. Each episode, narrated by characters from the Arcane Isles, brings to life thrilling tales of valor, sorcery, and intrigue. Whether you're a seasoned D&D enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of fantasy role-playing, Borkum the Battler offers an immersive experience into a fantastical narrative. Tune in and become part of the adventure that unfolds within the Arcane Isles, where every corner holds a new challenge, and the fate of the world rests in the hands of heroes like never before. 

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Transcript

After hours of trudging through dense jungle, sidestepping venomous plants, and shooing away persistent insects, Hawk Tuah and I finally broke through the last of the thick underbrush. Before us lay the ancient ruins, half-consumed by the creeping vines and the relentless march of nature. The structures were grand, even in their decay, with stone columns reaching toward the sky and intricate carvings that hinted at the civilization that once thrived here.

“Wow,” I breathed, taking in the sight. “I was starting to think this place was just a legend. Or worse, an elaborate prank.”

Hawk Tuah grinned, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead. “Legends often have a grain of truth, Borkum. Besides, we didn’t come all this way for nothing.”

We approached the largest structure, its entrance partially hidden behind a curtain of vines. I reached out to move them aside, but Hawk Tuah stopped me with a gentle hand on my arm.

“Hold on,” she said, her eyes scanning the area. “These places are often protected by traps. Let me check first.”

“Good idea,” I replied, stepping back. “I’d rather not become an ancient relic myself.”

She laughed softly and began to inspect the entrance, her fingers tracing the carvings with the familiarity of someone who had done this many times before. Skyclaw, her giant hawk companion, circled overhead, keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings.

After a few moments, Hawk Tuah’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Aha! Found it.” She pressed a hidden stone, and with a series of clicks and rumbles, the stone door slid open, revealing a dark passageway.

I peered into the darkness, trying to make out what lay ahead. “Ladies first?” I suggested, half-jokingly.

Hawk Tuah smirked. “Nice try, Borkum. But I think we should go together. Ready?”

“As I’ll ever be,” I said, taking a deep breath.

We stepped inside, the air cool and damp, a stark contrast to the humid jungle outside. The walls were lined with carvings depicting scenes of daily life, ancient rituals, and mythical creatures. The passageway stretched out before us, shrouded in darkness and mystery.

“Imagine the stories these walls could tell,” I mused, running my hand along the stone. “I bet they had some wild parties.”

“Probably with fewer snacks and more sacrificial rites,” Hawk Tuah quipped, her voice echoing slightly in the confined space.

Hawk Tuah raised a hand to silence me and listened. “It sounds like… water. There must be an underground stream or pool up ahead.”

“Water? That’s a relief. For a second, I thought it might be angry spirits or something.”

She chuckled. “Let’s hope not. Come on, let’s check it out.”

We reached a large chamber where an underground stream trickled through, the water sparkling in the faint light that filtered through cracks in the ceiling. It was a serene, almost magical sight.

I crouched down and dipped my hand in the cool water. “If I knew we’d find a hidden spa, I would have brought a towel.”

 The underground stream sparkled invitingly as we entered the large chamber, the gentle sound of flowing water a soothing contrast to the oppressive silence of the ruins. I couldn’t resist the urge to get a closer look. Crouching down, I reached out and touched the cool, clear water, letting it flow over my fingers.

Before I could fully appreciate the refreshing sensation, Hawk Tuah grabbed my arm and pulled me back sharply. “Don’t disturb the water!” she hissed, her eyes wide with alarm.

I stumbled back, raising my hands defensively. “Sorry! My mistake. It seems I’ve heard that line before.”

Her expression softened, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “I’m not just being dramatic. These ancient places often have magical protections. Disturbing the water could trigger something we’re not prepared to handle.”

I nodded, feeling a bit sheepish. “Got it. No more impromptu swimming lessons.”

Hawk Tuah relaxed her grip, and we both took a step back from the stream. “It’s easy to get carried away in places like this,” she said, her tone more understanding now. “But we need to stay vigilant. The ancients loved their traps and curses.”

I chuckled nervously. “Traps and curses, right. I’ll add those to my list of things to avoid, along with angry monkeys and hidden spikes.”

She laughed softly, the tension easing. “You’re learning, Borkum. Just remember, in these ruins, everything is here for a reason. Even the water.”

As we moved cautiously along the stream, the previously tranquil water began to ripple. At first, it was just a gentle disturbance, but then the ripples grew more pronounced, spreading outward in concentric circles. Hawk Tuah and I exchanged wary glances, and Skyclaw let out a low, warning screech from his perch.

“I don’t like this,” Hawk Tuah muttered, her eyes scanning the water with growing concern. “Something’s not right.”

The ripples intensified, and the water began to churn violently. I felt a chill run down my spine as a dark shape started to form beneath the surface. “Uh, Hawk? I think I might have triggered something when I touched the water,” I said, my voice tinged with panic.

“No kidding,” she replied, taking a step back and drawing her weapon. “Get ready, Borkum. Whatever it is, it’s coming for us.”

Suddenly, the water erupted in a spray of droplets as a massive, serpentine creature burst forth. Its scales glistened in the dim light, and its eyes glowed with a malevolent intelligence. The creature’s long, sinuous body coiled and uncoiled with terrifying speed, sending waves crashing against the stone walls of the chamber.

Hawk Tuah and I stood our ground, weapons at the ready. “Any ideas on how to deal with this?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the rising fear.

“Stay agile and aim for its eyes,” Hawk Tuah instructed, her voice calm and focused. “And whatever you do, don’t let it wrap around you.”

The creature hissed, its forked tongue flickering in the air as it eyed us hungrily. It seemed to sense its next meal in the form of two unwelcome intruders. With a deafening roar, it lunged at us, its jaws snapping inches from my face.

I ducked and rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature’s deadly bite. Hawk Tuah moved with the grace of a dancer, dodging its attacks and striking back with precision. 

The creature’s scales were tough, but its eyes—those glowing, sinister eyes—seemed like a potential weak point.

As I dodged another attack, I raised my sword and aimed for one of the eyes. With a shout, I brought the blade down, but the creature twisted at the last second, and my strike glanced off its scales. It retaliated with a powerful swipe of its tail, sending me sprawling across the chamber floor.

“Borkum!” Hawk Tuah called out, slashing at the creature’s side to draw its attention away from me. “Get up! We need to work together!”

 I scrambled to my feet, my body aching from the impact. “I’m okay! Let’s try a coordinated attack!” I shouted, repositioning myself opposite Hawk Tuah.

We nodded at each other, a silent understanding passing between us. Hawk Tuah feinted to the left, drawing the creature’s focus, while I moved in from the right.

“Now, Borkum!” Hawk Tuah yelled.

Seizing the moment, I lunged forward and drove my sword into the creature’s eye. It let out a blood-curdling scream, thrashing wildly as it tried to shake off the pain. Hawk Tuah struck from the other side, her weapon finding its mark in the other eye.

Blinded and wounded, the creature’s movements grew erratic. It thrashed about, knocking over stones and splashing water everywhere. With one final, anguished roar, it collapsed into the stream, its body convulsing before it finally lay still.

We stood there, panting and soaked, staring at the fallen beast. “Well, that was... intense,” I said, wiping sweat and water from my brow.

Hawk Tuah sheathed her weapon and offered me a weary smile. “You did well, Borkum. Just remember next time—don’t touch anything unless you’re sure it’s safe.”

I laughed shakily. “Trust me, lesson learned.”

Hawk Tuah then cleared her throat with, and spit on the dead creature.

“It’s my signature move,” she laughed.