commission for andrewneo

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http://www.furaffinity.net/view/26551622/
Journal Here
http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/8625713/

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The party had reached what seemed to be the end of the long stretching cavernous dungeons and intimidating chambers after what felt like an endless journey. Every sign and marker led them to believe the final leg of the journey was before them. If the bestiary the group's tactician carried was anything to believe, then the next destination should be some kind of guardian's hoard, then the lake of Toads, followed by the golden city of the Kobolds who built the entire Rubbermancer Dungeon. After that they should arrive at the Castle of the Rubbermancers, a fabled other-worldly place. Just one room should be left to traverse in the dungeon path down before they found the guardian's hoard.

Kauko was relieved, having been the keeper of the bestiary. The brink her magical and tactical knowledge on how to properly navigate any dungeon was at its end, so the prospect of nearing the end was a massive relief. Engrossed in reading her bestiary and an unfurled old map for every note and description of what she could find related to the Rubbermancers Dungeon, Kauko walked right into a party mate's back. "Oof! Oh sorry!" Everyone was stopped solid at the entrance of a well lit stone chamber with multiple dark corridors leading forward. "What's going on? Are we there? Have we finally crossed into the-...what is that?"

At the chambers center was floating upon a stone pedestal a simple small leather clutch bag, barely large enough to hold 5 gold pieces. "Kauko, do you know what that is?" The party leader asked her cautiously. "After we came across the thief turned to a rubber statue 5 lengths back we need to be wary of treasures hiding dangerous traps." Kauko cracked open a fresh section of her musty bestiary, looking for knowledge acquired in ages past that could enlighten the party. They had lost too many to the traps and dangers, and the old saying always stayed true; knowledge is power.

"It looks like something called the Bag of Holding" Kauko read through the scant bits of information she found, though the page that held the bag of holding seemed stuck to another. "Though it looks small, the bag of holding is able to contain anything that is put inside. It's interior space is nearly infinite, which makes it ideal for supply carrying." Kauko tried to pry the next page apart, but the party moved ahead as she did so.

"Fantastic!" The party lead said, "We can use this to cut down on our supply burden." Realizing the folly of past headlong rushing and stopping short, the whole group stopped. "Uh...we should choose someone to grab the bag first. You know...just in case it's a trap. Should we....draw straws?"

Kauko continued to be engrossed in her bestiary as the party drew straws, growing more and more fascinated by her tome. "Kauko?" She looked up perplexed. "The last straw to draw, it's yours. We're drawing lots to see who picks up the bag." Kauko drew her straw, and it was the shortest.

Placing her pack and books down, Kauko stepped forward assuring herself everything would be safe. She reached out to grab the bag, her brow quivering in fear.

"Ah!" Kauko picked it up in hand, "There we go. See? Nothing dangerous at all." The party all looked on nervous, even as the bag rested in her hand, "Nothing at- ...what?" The bag of holding shivered and opened. "But the book said-" Before Kauko could react a dozen thick leather straps flew out and began winding around Kauko in circles, tightening down and squeezing as the bag's mouth grew wider and deeper. "Help!" The group rushed forward to pull on the straps, but instinctively the bag seemed alive as it whipped and slapped them away. The bag grew wider still even as kauko dropped it to the floor, it's many straps still flying from inside its body and wrapping around her. Suddenly Kauko tripped and fell, seeing the bag already swallowing up her feet. "Ah! No no no! Come on! Help me out here!" Again the party tried to come her her aid, casting releasing spells or charms, even trying swords or fire. Nothing worked though, and Kauko was devoured up to the knees.

She crawled forward to her book and supplies as the bag of holding consumed more of her, and examined the page again concerning the relic. "But...why...?" The book's stuck page flipped open, revealing the second bag of holding. Kauko read on, "Beware the false bag, as it can bind anyone forever, and will never let go the one whom it takes..." Kauko fought with renewed vigor, even as her waist was grabbed and compressed and more of the bag consumed her. The iron gates of the chamber's far wall began to descend. Dismayed Kauko saw the party make a terrible choice, and she was abandoned as they left her.

"We'll be back after we find the throne, and we'll get you then!"

Kauko struggled and bucked as the bag ate her up to the neck, knowing the end was soon.