As mid Aeguary arrived in the year 737 AF, a cacophony of piercing squawks filled the air near the Aeraithian falls. From the heavens, the monstrous form of Aran'Kesh, the Fleshrender descended, talons brandished and ready to wreak terror on the world.

It was Russell, a rugged ex-adventurer of unknown origin, who first fell victim to the Fleshrender's terrible might. Twice in rapid succession did the avian creature cut down Russell, tearing his body asunder, heedless of the starburst tattoo supposedly protecting him.

After reluctantly embracing death, the rugged traveller retreated to the Wander Inn of New Thera, calling on intrepid heroes to aid him. A throng quickly gathered in the small tavern, many eager to test their mettle against Aran'Kesh, while others simply looked on as witnesses, interested but unwilling to face such an imposing task.

A challenge was posed to all gathered: to select among themselves a leader to guide them on a foray through the wilderness. To slay the beast, Aran'Kesh, and return with that which he had stolen. The tavern roared with noise as the gathering argued and quarrelled, until at last it was Jayden that was chosen to lead the charge, with Farrah, Gamoneterik, Ahmet, Iakimen and Siduri her band of intrepid.

Russell informed the party of intrepid that he had last spotted Aran'Kesh near the Aeraithian falls. Instructing the group to ready themselves, he gravely warned them of the dangers of fire before the courageous coterie ventured forth into the wilderness, ready to do battle with the Fleshrender.

The intrepid band soon reached the Fleshrender's secluded valley, bringing their blades and magic to bear against a pack of vultures. Within moments, the entire group perished, ravaged by the carrion bird's hooked bills. Again and again did the heroes throw themselves against these rabid creatures, with wildcats and crows joining the fray.

And again, and again, did they fall. After half a day, the Fleshrender took to the skies, coming to roost near the ruins of Morindar. Undeterred, Jayden and her entourage departed into the wilderness to track him down once more. Preparation proved key for the adventurers, though it was to be in vain once more, as another pack of vultures swiftly overwhelmed them.

Resolved to conquer this seemingly insurmountable challenge, the party redoubled their efforts, calling upon every trick and tactic they knew. At last having cut a path through the valley, they set about repairing a trio of ancient harpoons before climbing to the summit of the nearby mountain and lighting a signal beacon.

The fire was enough to draw the ire of Aran'Kesh, who burst from the skies in fury, dislodging a massive pile of rubble that prevented any from escaping down the mountainside. The six intrepid threw all their might at the winged fiend, causing him to flee into the skies where fire and rock and death rained on the ground.

Too late did the intrepid realise their error: none manned the harpoons, and the mountain passage was blocked. Before long, the beacon fire erupted into an inferno, burning the life from all who stood before it. Failure seemed to strike the intrepid yet again as Aran'Kesh continued his furious aerial assault.

But it was not so. Farrah was the lone survivor of the onslaught, and the Dawnlord immediately set about rallying her comrades, ensuring that this time, the harpoons were readied. In a final, cataclysmic battle, an ancient harpoon struck true, blasting the Fleshrender from the skies where - at last - he was overwhelmed and the intrepid prevailed.

Returning triumphant to the Wander Inn, it was Ahmet who returned the ex-adventurer's lost prize. Russell began to scribble upon an ashen wood board, announcing to all present that further challenges, and deadly forays, await those who would call themselves "The Intrepid".

Summary: Aran'Kesh, the Fleshrender appeared, slaying Russell, an ex-adventurer who gathered a band of intrepid adventurers and sent them off to slay the beast. After searching through the wilderness, and dying numerous times to the combined might of vultures, crows, and wildcats, the intrepid group of Jayden, Farrah, Gamoneterik, Iakimen, Ahmet and Siduri prevailed over Aran'Kesh. Returning the ex-adventurer's ash board, Russell scribbled a number of possible challenges on it, allowing everyone access to forays!

Penned by My hand on the 17th of Aeguary, in the year 737 AF.