Hazy smoke filled the air of the cavern as the last echoes of a ferocious battle slowly faded. Light from flickering torches shimmered on the black stone of the walls, but also illuminated gold coins, gems, chalices, and other treasures.
“Well, that was a hard fought battle,” Kithren gasped as she stood up, pulling her battle-axe from the enormous haunch of a body that took up half the space of the cavern.
“Aye, a battle that will make for great tales and song,” Amorgen said. “I can just imagine how the queen will respond to the story of Smoak’s demise.” He began humming a tune, and the lute that floated nearby began to accompany him.
“To the victor go the spoils,” shouted Nightshade, and they slid from the back of the beast, where they had delivered the killing blow. They landed on their feet, scattering coins, and exclaimed, “Look, sapphires!” They began collecting the sparkling gems the color of the sky.
Breon the Mage stood up where he had fallen, leaning on his staff, trying to catch his breath. He almost lost it again when he felt a blow to his back as Smak walked by him, laughing and saying, “Ah, magician, that was a pretty light show you gave us! The hairs in my beard are still sizzling! HA HAH HAHA!” The barbarian put down his great, glowing broadsword, and walked toward the dragon’s horde.
“I don’t know if I’d call three lightning storm spells a simple light show,” Breon said as he leaned on his staff, his body aching from the blow he had received from the dragon’s thrashing tail. He suddenly felt a burst of energy and relief as a hand touched his shoulder.
“May you feel Pelor’s blessing, my friend.” Breon turned and looked into the eyes of Tobin, his holy symbol glowing as he laid his hand on Breon’s shoulder.
“Thank you! Please remind me to donate to your order when we return to civilization,” said the wizard. The paladin smiled and him and turned to check on other members of the party.
The adventurers turned their focus to the treasure before them, marveling at its size. They compared notes on what they found, knowing there was plenty to go around. Breon noticed a shiny silver cord and reached for it. It turned out to be an exquisite belt, with an abstract pattern along its length, decorated with emeralds and amethysts. Breon could feel it had some sort of mystic energy as it almost vibrated in his hands. He put down his staff, and drew the belt around his waist, fastening it around his robes.
Instantly there was a flash, and the air thrummed with arcane energy. The others in the party shielded their eyes, and when they could see again, they look at the wizard. Instead of the slender half-elven man they knew, there now stood a slender woman, long hair cascading down her back, a puzzled expression on her face. The robes and other gear she was wearing hadn’t changed.
The bard quickly spoke, “Breon, Is that you?”
The wizard replied, “I think so.”
“That belt you put on - I’ve heard stories of treasure like this! It’s a Belt of Gender Bender!” Amergen exclaimed. “The legends say the effects are permanent.”
Tobin walked over to the wizard, saying, “Don’t worry. I am sure the clerics at my temple will be able to remove this curse.”
“A curse?” The woman thought to herself. “I don’t think I’d call it a curse.”
“Call me Brynn,” said the wizard out loud. “Now let’s finish gathering up this treasure!”
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