Episode 99 - Halo Infinite, Thanksgiving, and 100 Episodes

As the heroes made their way through the winding tunnels, they eventually emerged into a massive, open cavern. In the center was flat stony platform, with a circle of stone pillars creating a focal point in the area. A large rocky hand jutted forth from one side, standing as a monument to the beings from times long forgotten. Variously sized illuminated crystals dotted the ceiling, creating a dim artificial light.

Our heroes, realizing this was their destination, made their way to the platform. They clambered their way up onto it, and surveyed their surroundings. They were a few meters away from the giant stone hand, with a few larger stones jutting out nearby. The stone pillar circle was about 40 meters in diameter, and provided a perfect view of the cavern surrounding it. The rugged platform was uneven, and made the heroes aware that they should watch their step lest they twist an ankle. In the center was a small stone pedestal, standing about a meter high. On it lay a small woman, dressed in light armor. Two small daggers lay at her sides, with a small bow laying cracked on the ground nearby.

The heroes approached her, unsure if she was even alive. As they did, they noticed her bloody and bruised frame. She had lacerations all over her arms, and her face had been badly bruised. Her left leg appeared broken and unusable, meaning they would need to carry her out even if she regained consciousness. Her light leather armor was scratched and torn, rendered nearly useless. The only surviving piece of her equipment was her quiver, which seemed to simply be scratched up.

They looked her over, and realized she was still breathing. Quickly, they cleaned her wounds and banged her up. The warrior hero set her leg and added a splint, while the swordsman hero applied an ointment that would her her heal quicker. They gathered up her knives and bow, carefully placing them into their bags to avoid damaging them further. They then attempted to cautiously pick up the woman, careful not to strain her injuries. As they did, they heard a rumble.

Suddenly, a wall of the cavern burst open, sending rocks flying throughout the area. Out of the newly created hole came the Jester, followed by the sound of a screaming horde. The Jester scrambled up onto the platform with the heroes, eager to escape the thrall of enemies that had followed him. Out of the hole poured a horde of orcs, nearly trampling over one another trying to get to their prey.

Before they could escape with the woman, the orcs encircled the heroes. There were about 50 of them, but none were armed. They were disgusting creatures, their bodies covered in an almost insect-like armor. Standing about as tall a a human, they were thin, but muscular. Their sharp claws could cut through the lightest of armors, and would tear through flesh with ease. Their sinister faces were filled with sharp fangs, with their slim pale eyes seeming to gaze right through you. Two horns protruded from the tops of their heads, completing their horrific appearance.

The heroes knew this was a horrible situation to find  themselves in. Fighting off the enemies while protecting the woman would be nearly impossible. Unlike the woman, the villagers had at least been in a position to fight for themselves and provide assistance. The heroes would get none of that help here. When they were about to make their move, another noise drew the heroes attention. A booming roar came from the hole the Jester had created.

Long, dark tentacles crept out of the opening. They slithered their way across the walls, encompassing the whole of the surrounding area. When it seemed like they connected only to the darkness, a form finally emerged. A large, bulging body pulled itself out of the shadows and into the cavern. A disgusting ancient creature, known as a behemoth beholder had followed the sounds of the horde and made its way to them.

Its body covered in eyes, it seemed to watch everything in the area at once. Its tentacles grabbed onto the stalactites and propelled itself across the ceiling of the cavern. The sound of it moving towards them caused both the heroes and orcs to freeze in place. Its body likely measured 20 meters across, with the tentacles being at least as long. It passed over near the central platform, and then hovered above. Its eyes looking down on all below, the heroes had finally met a monster that could meet their skill level.

Their thoughts racing to come up with a strategy, the heroes stood still, careful not to become the catalyst that would set off the battle. While they stood, they thought of Halo Infinite, Thanksgiving, and their upcoming 100th episode.