The dim light of several torches illuminated a ruined hallway. Weeds and vines struggled against spider webs in an endless battle for domination of the small space that was the crumbling corridor. Various bugs and small rodents scurried away as the torch light flooded into the small nooks and crannies where they hid.
A dozen adventures followed the light, each one obviously on edge as they delved deeper into the corridor and the ruins that undoubtedly lay further in. Leading them was a rather tall male. Twin wings the color of freshly forged copper furled into two scaly heaps behind his back and two ivory horns twisted above his head. A mixture of platemail and leather covered most of his skin, but between his gauntlets and chest plate there was no armor; only white skin.
In his hands he carried a torch and a longsword crafted from a red metal that gleamed violently in what little light the torches gave off. With silent command he led his fellow adventures further into the ruins, holding up a hand when he sensed something was wrong.
He turned his head to face an elf behind him, who wore little more than the robes of a druid. Strands of blonde hair escaped the thin hood she wore, but the shadow prevented her eyes from being seen. A classic role for an elf. When he spoke, his voice echoed through the hallway. It was deep, blatantly and unassumingly masculine. "Tiriana, check for traps."
The reply he received was in the form of a feminine voice. "Yes, sir! Detect Trap!" A purple aura filled a small area around the elf as she cast her spell, and within seconds dozens of pressure plants, dark holes, and tripwires were revealed in the corridor just ahead of the small group.
"Dear gods," gasped the leader of the group while his wings unfurled and flapped in worried anticipation. "Whoever built this place really doesn't want people like us getting through. All these traps? What were they trying to protect?"
He received no response and he furled his wings, two dwarfs approached. Each wore the heavy armor that most dwarves were masters with. They each carried twin warhammers as well, each one far larger than their wielders. All facial features save two large, braided beards were covered by thick helmets.
The tallest spoke up when they were directly behind the winged male. "Oi, Relic, what's the deal? Those traps ain't skit to our shields! Nothin' can pierce our metal!"
"Perhaps not, Rastrig, but we brought a thief for a reason. Just like we brought a summoner to deal with those skeletons we saw when we first entered. We don't need to take unnecessary risks."
Rastrig and his fellow dwarf shook their heads but retreated. Relic was the leader, and his command was final. "Rastring, when you get back there, send Jert up here."
"Aye. You're the boss."
Minutes passed and eventually Tiriana was forced to cast her detection spell once again. After she did a goblin showed up. She had taken her sweet time getting up the group, and arrived with her hands resting on top of her head, multiple ear piercings chiming as they hit each other. Like any classical goblin her skin was a deep green, like the undergrowth of a forest. Her hair was black, like rare pearls, and tossed over one side of her head and shaved short on the other. Her eyes gleamed a bright amber like tree sap.
"Ya called me, Boss?"
"I did. Can you disable these traps?"
A quick look at the goblin nodded thoughtfully, her pointer finger rubbing her chin. "I think I could, but it might cost a big sum of the treasure. I mean, I am the only one who could do it."
"Greedy aren't you?"
It's why you love me." Jert winked as stepped forward, waiting for Tiriana to recast the fading spell. After another dose of mana, the purple highlight reset on the various traps. Within seconds Jert got to work, disabling the first set of tripwires with pinpoint accuracy.
