Disclaimer: I do not own Overlord
Guide: "words", (thoughts), [sound effects], {quick in story author's note}, SHOUTING or LOUD NOISES. A line means scene change, Bold is important things or supernatural beings speaking.
Baharuth Empire military base near the border of Re-Estize
It was a cold winter night stars were the only thing to illuminate his way as General Theobald made his way up the stone stairs to his quarters. After spending all day making preparations for war and overseeing the training of troops in the fort he was currently stationed in. The man was exhausted he shivered from the cold night air as he reached the top of the stairs. Grasping the ice-cold door handle he opened the door to his quarters and let out a sigh of relief as the warm air of his room washed away the cold he could smell his dinner being cooked down the hall and hear the crackle of his warm fireplace.
Slow he lumbered over the hardwood floor and animal skin rugs that decorated his room in the otherwise dreary cold stone walls of the fortress it was in. Fort Warwick was a large stone fortress that lay near the border of Baharuth and Re-Estize just a day's ride north of the Katze plains. It was here that they would project the troops that would crush Re-Estize once and for all. And with the aid the Slain Theocracy had given them, he was certain Re-Estize days were numbered.
With a groan, the man slowly sat down in his soft cushioned chair in front of his fireplace and waited for his dinner. "Would you like a drink before dinner sir" a feminine voice called out from behind him from the doorway to the hallway.
"Yes and make it a strong one" he called out. An attractive young girl then came walking over to his chair in her hands a silver plate with a tall bottle of wine and a silver cup. She was a young attractive girl with short brown hair and warm amber-colored eyes. She set the plate down on the wooden side table next to him before filling the man's cup.
"I'll be back in a moment with your dinner general" the maid smiled before walking away. After the maid had left general Theobald began to sip his wine and ponder the last few months. Baharuth and been at war with Re-Estize for a long time now launching border skirmishes every year in what had quickly become an annual affair. Of course, the goal was to slowly wear Re-Estize down over time before finally annexing them into the Baharuth empire but things had changed. According to the reports they had gotten from their intelligence services and what the Theocracy had told them in private. A powerful as yet to be identified force attacked some insignificant village in Re-Estize for yet to identified reason.
But then some elf can out of nowhere and killed them all with some kind of spell even their top mage Flunder would have struggled to do something like that. So the general could understand desiring that power for oneself. (Still, though the fools never thought it through they didn't think about what such a reckless power move would cost them) the general thought shaking his head.
After that, the Theocracy began putting massive pressure on them to crush Re-Estize even offering gold and magic items to help them accomplish it. He didn't have all the details but from what he could tell they seemed almost desperate to kill this Duke Theren. Whatever he did he sure pissed the people in the Theocracy off they were on the warpath they wanted both him and Re-Estize dead.
The general did feel a bit angry at the thought that they were going to be used as pawns in the Theocracy's game forced to shed blood and treasure on their behalf but still, he couldn't deny if there was ever a time to crush Re-Estize it was now they had the full backing of the Theorcray and with Re-Estize being squeezed economically and close to famine all they had to do is burn down those farms in Duke Theren's domain and crush the Re-Estize army and it would starve and collapse economically the whole country would be theirs by winter. Thought the general as he fantasized over the fame and glory he'd win for himself as the man that finally broke Re-Estize. He smiled at the thought of all the riches and fame the emperor would reward him with.
Suddenly he felt a pain in his stomach and he began to feel his chest tighten. He could feel a pain rising in his chest as his vision began to spin. He dropped the now-empty cup which fell from his now-shaking hand and clattered as it hit the floor. He tried to get up from his chair and call for help but his strength began to leave him and found he did not have the strength to stand as darkness slowly consumed his vision. (That bitch) thought General Theobald as consciousness left him of the maid that had given him the wine.
A few minutes later the cheerful maid from before came skipping in from the doorway slowly she approached the general unmoving body placing two fingers on the man's neck before a truly wicked grin spread across the woman's face. "So finally dead huh," she said as she began her work she stripped the general of his clothes before putting them on herself.
After she did the woman's features began to morph she grew taller and broader her hair shifted from its light brown to a faded gray and her warm amber eyes became a cold blue. Where once stood a petite young woman now stood a perfect carbon copy of the corpse that now lay on the floor. The shapeshifter then pulled out from her pocket a folded-up black silk cloth. After unfolding it a deep dark hole seem to open up in the floor. Reaching into the hole she pulled a small stone that glowed with a faint green glow a stone with a spell stored via glyph of warding.
Placing it on the corpse the glow transferred from the stone to the corpse which briefly glowed the same faint green color before disappearing. (Gentle Repose should keep this corpse fresh for a time) the shapeshifter thought as they placed the naked corpse of the general in the hole. After they finished their work the General's imposter folded the portable hole up into a neat black square and placed it into their pocket before they began searching through the files in the room.
Theren's Fortress
It was a clear starry night the winter air made unnatural warm due to the cloud giant's magic that filled the air. Theren could see him one of the three cloud giant brothers he created sitting in a meditative position a beam of blue light reaching from him into the sky controlling the weather in the region the cause of the unnaturally warm winter night. "Are you ready my Lord" a soft feminine voice called out?
Theren turned his attention to the source of the voice a beautiful angelic woman with long flowing brown hair and warm chocolate color eyes. Her armor sparkled from the light of the moon and stars and a gentle breeze ruffled the long white angelic feathers of the women's wings. "Ah yes on with the experiment then" Theren replied.
"Are you sure this will work," the angel asked while eyeing the highly polished black sapphire in her hand.
"No but that's the whole point right," said Theren. The truth was Theren was curious the black sapphire is a rare variant of sapphire found in southern Faerun. According to Forgotten realms lore, this gem had the power to disrupt any time magic in a thirty-foot radius of its vicinity. The item itself existed in 5e which is how Theren got it off a dragon's lair after defeating the creature. In 5e even though the item exists there weren't any rules regarding its power to disrupt time magic. But according to lore and rules from earlier editions, the gem should have the power to do so hence the need for the test.
Raising the ruby weave gem Theren had used the item to prepare the spell time stop earlier for just this test. Reaching into the deep well of magic that now lived in his veins he cast the spell Time Stop and the world stopped. The sound of the wind and flickering of distant candlelight was replaced by dead silence. Theren look around he could see leaves that were being carried by the wind frozen in mid-air. "So did it work," Theren asked the angel.
"Looks like it, my lord," the Angel smiled eyeing the stone in her hand.
"Good now place it on the ground and walk away" Theren ordered.
The angel placed the gem on the ground and began to walk away after leaving its area of effect she stopped foot still raised mid-air hair frozen mid-swing.
After several seconds of maddening silence the world seemed to restart again "well looks like the test was successful my lord," the angel smiled.
"It seems so," said Theren as he reached down to pick up the shining black gem and placed it into one of the hidden inner pockets of his flowing white robe. "Now if you'll excuse me I need to go see Nfirea," said Theren casting the spell Teleport.
Enri and Nfirea's House
Nfirea Bareare sat hunched over in his wooden chair eyes transfixed on the odd magic item his new lord Theren had given him. Sitting on the well-crafted wooden deck in his room lay a masterfully crafted leather-bound spellbook it had metal fittings that seemed to flow and transition from one metal into another from iron, lead, silver, and into gold. The book had a strong acid and chemical-like smell that turned his nose. According to Lord Theren, the spell book had the power to transmute matter from one form to another as long as the cost was the same. Pulling out a large leather bag from beside him he slowly emptied the contents onto the table. The jingle of coins rang out as dull copper coins rolled out onto the wooden table leaving a sizable pile of the sitting n the desk.
(Now to test if this book has the power Lord Theren claimed it does) Nfirea thought placing one hand on the book and one on the pile of copper coins he had just laid out on the table. He could feel the soft leather of the spell book and the hard metallic feel of the coins as he activated the magic item his mind internally focused on what he wanted to do. In response, the pile of coins he was touching seemed to melt liquefying and flowing into itself shrinking in size and beginning to change color from red copper to shining gold as the mass of liquid material shaped itself into a newly minted Re-Estize gold coin.
"Huh, so it worked," remarked Nfirea in surprise.
"Glad to hear it," a voice from behind.
In shock Nfirea quickly spun around eyes wide in surprise. "Oh it's just you lord Theren when did you get here,".
"A few seconds ago sorry for just teleporting in but I was in a hurry," Theren apologized giving an embarrassed smile.
"Oh no, you are welcome in my and Enri's home anytime. So what's the reason for visiting this time of night if you don't mind me asking," said Nfirea standing up to greet Theren.
"Just here to check and see if you've made any progress with that magic item I gave you before. And how is your wife Enri doing by the way," Theren asked with a smile.
"She fine but asleep in the other room so I'd appreciate it if we kept it down," Nfirea replied apologetically head giving a slight bow.
"Not a problem, now tell me were you able to make use of the magic item," Theren asked curiously.
"Ah yes the item I was able to use, it being able to transmute matter like that is an amazing ability tell me where did you acquire it if you don't mind me asking," said Nfirea eyes wide with excitement.
"From a lich, Me and my old companions killed. It's called the Alchemical Compendium a spell book unfortunately you need to be a wizard to use the item. I am not one but your talent lets you use any magic item. The item can be used to transmute any material from one form into another it can also turn raw material into a finished product and in theory can be used to make magic items," Theren explained.
"Magic items like what kind," asked Nfirea taking a seat back down on his desk waiting for Theren to explain.
"Ah, you see many of the magic items I have or are familiar with require materials not found in this place to be created. But if my assumptions about this item's abilities are correct it should allow you to turn any raw material of equal value into magic items without the need for exotic raw materials and years of labor. Now tell me Nfirea you are familiar with sending stones correct," asked Theren reaching into one of the pockets of his robe revealing a stone in the shape of a human face and placing it on Nfirea's deck.
"Yes, Enri uses them all the time in the job you gave her," said Nfirea picking up and carefully inspecting the strange magical device.
"Back where I'm from this is a very common magic item but still being able to communicate instantly across any distance is incredibly useful. If possible I would like to equip all my servants with these but first a test I would like you to take this gold and turn it into a sending stone here take this," said Theren placing a bag of gold on the table the sound of coins jingling as the leather bag they resided in was plopped onto the table.
"I'll try," said Nfirea dumping the gold out onto the table the sound of jingling metal ringing out. Placing one hand on the spell book and one on the small pile of gold Nfirea focused holding the mental image of what he wanted in his mind as he activated his talent. Gold seemed to liquefy and flow changing both shape and form until a pair of perfect copies of the sending stone Theren had placed on the table lay in front of him.
"Excellent now a quick test," said Theren picking up one of the newly created stones as Nfirea did the same.
(So does it work,) Theren thought attempting to send a message via the stone in his hand.
Nfirea eyes widen in surprise as he heard Theren's voice speak in his head. (I did) Nfirea thought in excitement!
"Very well tomorrow you will begin receiving a regular shipment of gold and a list of magic items I require," Theren commanded.
"I look forward to it lord Theren," Nfirea smiled.
Seeing his business was complete Theren cast a spell Teleport.
Theren's Bedroom, Theren's Fortress
Instantly Theren appeared He could hear the crackle of his fireplace vigilantly maintained by the invisible servants that came with the fortress. Reaching into his robes Theren pulled out his portable hole. He carefully laid it out on the floor illuminated by the light of his fireplace and the soft crackling of it he reached down into the extradimensional storage space and pulled out a stone glowing with a strong magical light. Theren had spent the last week casting various spells via glyph of waring onto this stone. Glyph of warding was a unique spell in that not only could one store spells using it but spells stored in this way do not require concentration allowing one to bypass one of the biggest restrictions in the DnD. The downside was that whatever the glyph of warding was stored in this case a stone couldn't be moved more than ten feet from where it was cast. But a portable hole was technically a fixed location in the astral plane meaning one could carry glyph of warding stored spells without problem with the right magical item.
Theren borrowed with brow in concentration as he reached into the pool of magic within him casting a spell Glyph of Warding. Then after doing so he cast another spell using the beautiful red gemstone that hung around his neck the magical gem sparkled in the light of the fireplace and began to glow as it was used to cast a spell Invulnerability. After doing so the spell invulnerability was stored via glyph of warding into the stone whose magical glow grow stronger.
The stone now contained the spells Invulnerability, Foresight, Globe of Invulnerability upcast to ninth level, Shapechange, Mind Blank, Death Ward, and Power Word Heal meaning all he had to do was use the portable hole pulling out the stone and say the command word he had set and the varies spells store inside would render him virtually invincible, the ultimate trump card. After finishing Theren carefully placed the stone back into the portable hole before folding it up and placing it back into his robes.
Satisfied Theren sat down in a comfortable chair in front of his fireplace basking in the warmth.
Carn, Ye Olde Spider Bar, and Inn
It was just after Dark in the ironically named Ye Olde Spider Bar and Inn most of the guests were asleep in their rooms the sound of a crackling fire emanating from a finely crafted stone fireplace. The light of lanterns illuminated the warm wooden floors and tables as a solitary barmaid carefully scrubbed the stains off one of the varnished oak tables washrag in hand. The Barmaid was a short girl with fiery red hair and equal red eyes. A smattering of freckles covered the lovely cream color skin of the young maiden's face.
A loud creak sound interrupted her work as the door to the establishment was practically kicked in as an irate blonde-haired human came stomping in. The man wore his blonde hair in a ponytail and had cold gray eyes. (Must be an adventurer) the girl thought eyeing the fine armor as well as the sword he carried on his hip. Walking up to the man she gave a polite bow and greeted him "Welcome to the Ye Olde Spider Bar, and Inn my name is Isabella how may I help you" she said with a cheerful smile.
"How much for a room and one of the stables for the night," the man asked.
"Ten copper and I will need your name please," Isabella replied.
"It's Tenmu now get me something to eat," he said impatiently shoving the money into the barmaid's hand.
"Very well but first let me escort your horse to the stables, sir," Isabella said.
"No need I already told them to head there," said Tenmu.
(Them well that's a strange way to refer to a horse) Isabella thought growing suspicious. Deciding to check up on her suspicions the Couatl disguised as a young girl began to listen in on the man's thoughts.
(Those damned slaves better keep quiet in there or else like hell I'm paying for extra rooms for them they're lucky I'm not making them camp out in the woods.) Tenmu thought growing impatient.
The celestial mentally recoiled in disgust and bit the inside of her lip with so much force she would have bit through it were it not for her natural immunity to nonmagical attacks that came with being a Couatl while trying to keep her anger and disgust from showing on her face. "Very well sir our kitchen closed an hour ago but there is still plenty of food left I'll have someone bring you something," she said with a cold tone and eyes.
With that, she swiftly turned on her heels and headed toward the kitchen the wooden floorboards creaking under her feet. A nasty scowl made its way onto her otherwise pretty face as soon as she turned around. As she entered the kitchen one of the other employees an older woman with short brown hair and green eyes called out to her "hey Isabella what's got you so upset your usually the chill one around here,".
"Oh nothing just a rude customer who wants something to eat," Isabella said trying to hide her growing anger.
"Oh please, we've known each other for four and half months now I can tell when you're upset. I can spit that in that jerk's food if it'll make you feel better," The older woman said with a mischievous grin.
Isabella did feel sorely tempted but didn't want to sink to his level inwardly cursing her inherently lawful nature. "No no just bring him something to eat and when he finishes eating show him to one of our empty rooms while I take care of something outside I appreciate it," She said with a sigh.
Stables outside Ye Olde Spider Bar, and Inn
Under the light of the moon, Isabella walked toward the stable the ground crunching under her feet as she did. As she approached the wooden door to the stable while carrying a large bundle in one hand a woman's voice sounded out "we're lucky it's nowhere near as cold as I thought it'd be this time of year feels like midsummer,".
"You can thank the giants for that," said Isabella as she opens the wooden door to the barn which gave out a loud creaking sound in response. As she enter she saw three women stiffen in the corner each with a different hair color one blonde one green and one red. They were huddled together in both surprise at the sudden intrusion and fear. They were dirty clothed in rags.
At first, she thought them humans until she saw their ears distinctly elven in appearance save the reduced length. It looked as if someone beast had sliced the tips of their ears off. The celestial creature's heart welled up with both rage and sorrow at the sight "relax you're not in trouble I just came out here to bring you some supplies" she said laying the bundle in her hand on the ground next to the three elves. The three elves look on in surprise before visibly relaxing and turning their attention to the bundle set on the ground next to them. After doing so she raised her hand and cast a spell Create Food and Water in response to her magic some simple containers appeared filled with water and a large pill of food fit to feed up to fifteen people seemed to materialize out of thin air.
Looking down at what lay before them they saw three large wool blankets and a large amount of food and water, seeing their surprise she replied "those are just some extra blankets we had in the back and the food is just simple rations I'm afraid this spell can't create anything to fancy still it should be plenty filling, now eat then we can talk,". Needing no further prompting the three women dug into the provided food with great zeal as if they hadn't eaten in days which was unfortunately likely.
Isabella waited patiently for them to finish their meal and spoke "you seem to have some injuries as well allow me to treat you," she said. Holding up her hand she cast yet another spell Cure Wounds and a green light enveloped one of the girls all the small scaps and bruises covering the girl's body vanished and the other two were soon treated in a similar manner.
"I can't thank you enough for your kindness miss but I have to ask why are you helping us," the blonde one asked suspicion clear in her eyes as well as a measure of gratitude.
"Just doing my job and helping the people of this land according to my master's will," she replied with a smile.
"And just who is this master of yours," the blue-haired one asked this time head tilted in curiosity.
"A great Elven Sorcerer born on the sacred Island of Evermeet and lord of this Realm his name is Theren Starflower my great Lord and Master" she replied with reverence in her voice.
"I'd heard rumors but you mean it's true the Lord of this region is truly an Elf," the blue-haired one asked in pure astonishment.
"Indeed but before I explain further I want you to tell me how you came to be in such a state and I vow I will do all I can to aid you," She replied filled with both anxiety at hearing the surely heartbreaking tale and hope that she and hopefully her master could help them.
Chapter End
Author's note: If you liked the chapter or have any suggestions, please let me know in a review. PS sorry for the long wait between uploads been dealing with some stuff but I do intend to finish the story.