Prelude

Shiloh allowed himself a small smile as Clark’s dice came to a stop before him. A natural twenty. The party of five threw their arms into the air and let out a cheer as the game master took the pause to formulate what he would say next.

“As you plunge your sword into the bandage wrapped chest of Khaladesh, he glares at you with his baleful green eyes. Then, you watch as those eyes dim and turn to sand. Bandages fall to the ground as the mummy falls, but before you can celebrate your victory the tomb begins to shake. Sand and rubble begin to rain down on you. What will you do?”

What followed was the party rushing to collect the loot they previously had to pass up due to the mummy lord’s curse, rolling over and over to avoid falling rocks and tumbling pillars. Eventually the party escape, a bit banged up but carrying several sacks of treasure. Players left the room giving one another high fives on the way out after yet another session of D&D.

Shiloh stayed behind to gather his things, a tad bemused by the players forgetting his NPC’s words from a few sessions ago. Khaladesh would rise again in one year’s time. Oh well, he couldn’t expect them to remember everything, and it was nice to see that they enjoyed themselves.

They were probably going out to eat now. Their session had run late, no one wanting to cut off the climactic battle halfway, so most places were closed. Shiloh could probably catch them at the burger joint across the street, it being among the few places within walking distance that would be open and in everyone’s price range. But it felt awkward. He may be their GM, but they all had a chemistry that he wasn’t sure he shared. It would be better for him to go to bed.

“Sometimes I think I belong in the world in here.” Shiloh mused aloud as he picked up his rule book, taking a moment to gaze at it before stuffing it into his messenger bag. “Not this boring place.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

He froze. Turning slowly he caught sight of a tall curvy woman standing in the doorway, garbed in a white halter top dress, her ivory skin decorated with golden bangles. She smiled, her heart shaped face framed by luxurious blonde hair.

Though he was more distracted by the big angel wings.

“Hello Shiloh. I am %^h\4*, of the plane Arborea. I come with an offer from your patron.”

Shiloh frowned. Arborea? Wasn’t that one of the realms in D&D? This lady got really into her cosplay, didn’t she?

“I assure you, this is no costume. I am an angel sent grant you the blessings of your patron.”

“I’m sorry, but this is all very strange. Who are you, and can you read my mind?”

She leaned against the doorframe, amused. “I have already revealed my name, and yes, I can. Your patron has heard your pleas, young Shiloh, and has sent me with this offer. Leave this world for another better world and never turn back. What say you?”

He frowned. “Is this a joke?”

“I do not jest.”

“Listen, I’d like to get to my room soon, but if I must answer, sure. I’d love to go to a better world.” He rolled his eyes, moving towards the doorway. “Very well then. Best of luck on your journey young Game Master.”

And then the world spun away from him, and everything went white…