Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon transformed into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon put his essence into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after a relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon put his essence into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the frog was created by a freak magical accident when a young Jordan Nephalem was starting out his apprenticeship in the Arcane Arts ... A journey that would see him create the first Cauldron of Jordan and the Nephalese cube.
The story or legend you choose to believe is like this:
Erwick Binkles, not an untalented Wizard in his own right by all accounts on the surviving Caldeum Arcane history scrolls, felt fiercely threatened by the success of the young Wizard Jordan Nephalem, and his creation of these two magical Items.
The night before the young wizard was to give the Grand Vizier of Caldoum a personal demonstration of these wondrous arcane items, Erwick Binkles attempted to sabotage the magical items by placing a couple of magic negating frogs, found only in the deepest underground lakes of the Khanduras Mountains, into the Cauldron and Cube to upset the magical currents that would run the enchantment and make that Jordan Nephalem the laughing stock of the Arcane college.
This some speculate , might have even worked but for the fact that Erwick Binkles made the unfortunately tragic decision to place both hands holding one of the magic negating frogs in each container.. what happened next has been the discussion that has started many tavern brawls and to this day 2 officially recorded divorces...
It is Theorized by the Grand Vizier's Council of the high tower of Caldoum.. that the magic spells combined and woven in the Nephalem Cube and the Cauldron of Jordan, traveled away from each hand holding the magic negating frogs, and having no other route to travel spread up each arm of the poor wizard... meeting in the middle where the unleashed Arcane forces of these powerful artifacts met with the resulting set of consequences being the creation of one of the most intriguing creatures in the land..
That night, Jordan Nephalem returned to his quarters and found some slightly charred wizard robes on the floor in front of his creations, and a strange green and yellow spotted frog sitting right on top, as he approached the strange sight the toad croaked one word... "BiiiiinKKKLeSss " and blinked out of sight.
Erwick Binkles was never found after that fateful evening... but a medium sized green and yellow spotted frog was reported in various places at the Arcane college during the following days.
Most witnesses confirmed that it was totally unapproachable by conventional and especially magical means and would blink out of sight if anyone went close, additionally wide spread reports of Arcane mishaps and total failures throughout the Arcane College lasted for a full week, in particular at night anywhere near the central courtyard which had 6 small ponds,until... they suddenly stopped at the same time as the sightings.
Binkles the frog has been seen randomly around Sanctuary and other powerful shrines throughout the lands, and it's presence negates all and any form of magic including magical items.
All attempts to capture this frog have proven futile.
B
*Sorry for re-posting just wanted to round off the story. thank you for reading
Unable to open his eyes, caked with dust and blood, his other senses stretch out hesitantly… he was still here. He was always here. The reek of decay, scent of rusted iron and the cold embrace of isolation all taunted to confirm his whereabouts.
Well, not always here. Yes, he remembered. Sometimes he would wake in the Cell, sometimes he would be crucified out upon the spires. Endless, towering pinnacles adorned with others like him, screaming like him. Their unified suffering reverberated like a chorus, spiraling downwards, far beyond the human eye. It was good he could remember. That was becoming more difficult.
But now, he was in the Cell. And soon it would come for him.
He groans and tries to flex groups of wasted muscle, but the chains defy him. He whimpers in frustration. No, he has to focus. Work with what he is given.
He channels energy to his eyes. They resist for a moment, then pop open. He blinks away the crusted blood, and as it drifts effortlessly to the stones below, uses his tongue to probe the insides of his mouth. He still has most of his teeth. And he can think- function- that is most important… he is still capable. He continues his discipline, faintly channeling energy in a ritual he has long ago internalised.
As always, the chains have him hoisted, weightless above the familiar grey of stone. Darkness stretches all around him. There are no torches, no light. His eyes will adjust just enough to give him a sense of placement, but never enough to breach the desolation, never to lift confinement.
He is missing a leg this time. Lowering his gaze, he strains to bring the limb into view, just enough to glean some of the damage; the protruding bone and mangled flesh. It looks as if it has been gnawed, though he cannot remember when they had taken it. The pain is dull for now, but it would worsen later. They wanted it that way. He closes his eyes once more and continues channeling. He can’t afford the distraction. It will be here soon.
He channels further, and becomes conscious of the aches spreading through what is left of his body. Pockets of sensation surface as parts of him recognise they still cling to life. How many days has he been incarcerated here? How many weeks; years… He has long ago lost the passage of time; stumbling, instead, in a place that could choose to wrap you in shadow or blind you with fire. He needs to find his way. He needs his mind to stay-
“Focused?”
His eyes slowly reopen. Only darkness. So, it was already here.
“Strong? Sharp? Resolute? Your fortress is weakening, human.” The voice rasps. He can detect its glee as it penetrates the gloom; can feel it now, methodically tapping at his thoughts, as it has done so many times before. He has been careless.
His interrogator slithers from the dark.
"No need for regrets. You have outlasted the others. Long outlasted," The thing whispers, "But you know this. Over time you have heard their screams diminish. You are the last, all alone. So very... solitary."
He feels the words worm into his mind, trying to wedge open the slivers of fatigue. He steels himself. It slithers closer.
"Your suffering can stop. Just like the others'. Speak of it... Think of it.... You can be at ease everlasting. Think how that would be. Free of pain. Free of me."
It is in front of him now, its body sleek scales and malice, long pincushion teeth splitting its face in a crescent moon, vapid, black-pooled eyes focused unblinking on his withered self, thrust helplessly in chains. Regardless of the countless visits, his innards still turn at the sight of it. He grits his teeth; tries to stay focused. He knows he should stay the channel; feels that he is close.
"Close to what, human? Your breaking point?" Its tail coils around him and constricts, and pain flares across his body. The tip comes to rest softly on his cheek, almost a gentle caress. For a moment he considers sinking what's left of his teeth into it- then his vision explodes in fire. His chains squeal in protest as he thrashes, the agony cuts deep into his mind. When it stops he is instantly, violently ill. He tries to spit out the excess, feeling as if some has caught in his throat. It occurs to him that he is never fed in the Cell.
The creature examines him, unperturbed. He tries to stare back, to marshal his defiance, but all he sees are spots, flashes of colour. He hasn't seen such colour for a long while.
"We jest of course", the thing remarks absently, "We know that agony does not motivate you; Does not cow you. You have been here for so very long." It leans closer to him now, and he can smell the stink of it. Its heavy breath carries the odour of rancid meat and bone. "All men break eventually", it continues, "But we are done with you. We have found another, a more... accessible... resource."
The pain is becoming manageable now, and his head begins to clear. He will listen to no more lies, no more lures. Now, still, he can feel the creature circling his mind, an inquisitor picking at the pieces of a puzzle. But his will, his thoughts, are his bastion. The creature can no longer find purchase. He knows it can sense it too. He knows it will be angry.
He feels the air displace and braces as a scaled fist slams into his jaw. He knows it's broken before his head even bounces back. So much for his teeth.
"HOPE?" It booms at him, the spines on its back bristling in anger. "You think you know hope in a place such as this? Your hope is consumed here! Your hope died with her!"
He freezes, a chill running through him, powerful enough to register through the constant, pulsing pain.
Her?
He manages to lift his head and meet the creature's gaze. It resembles something close to curiosity.
"You don't remember." It states.
He thinks for a moment; knows he must have had family- friends, but they are all forgotten now. Memories turned to dust and scattered. They were of no use here, in a place that bends good things to break you.
"You gave her to us. You gave her to this place to save yourself."
Another game? A ploy to breach his mind, to disrupt his... No, he remembers something; a voice, a welcome, a glint of hair in the light of another world. It can't be. These memories are not his.
The thing draws itself up, head tilted to one side. "Yes, remember. Remember the one you gave us so that you could take flight. She faced the horrors that you would escape."
He begins to remember. He sees her. He recalls being afraid. Not the persistent dread he has felt since the beginning of his endless time in the Cell, but terror, stark terror experienced long before his time in this place, fresh and writhing. It wells up inside him. He feels himself convulse; struggle uselessly against the chains.
Two massive, taloned hands clamp astride his head and suddenly the creature's face is level with his own. He tries to look away, but all he sees is the grotesque. He peers into its lifeless, empty eyes and they peer back, amoral and void of judgment; as he feels the creature begin to bore into his mind.
He remembers everything now. He remembers her; both beauty and desperation, and he remembers his desire to survive. He remembers the choice he has to make; His cowardice; His shame. The story lives its own retelling like a nightmare on canvas; fresh and vivid and terrible. Sobs begin to wrack his tortured body, and he wails into the darkness.
"Yes, know despair." The creature muses, its grip tightening, threatening to crush his skull. "You sacrificed everything and still we found you. Still we brought you to this place. Remember everything and we will end you. You will be free."
As the creature seeps into his thoughts, so too does he catch glimmers of its own. Even through the pain and anguish, he knows that it lies. It will keep him alive; taunt him; crush him. Over and over until there is nothing left to hold its abyssal interests. He doesn't care. All this time; conserving, resisting… his tentative, wasteful gathering of energy. His channeling. He has been channeling for so long that he has forgotten why. Why...
He weeps for everything lost. The emptiness of the the Cell expands, the whispers and promises of the creature fading into the dark with it. The sounds and sensations become an amalgam of colour, a concept in the foreground of his thoughts, and he feels the final barriers of his mind fall to the creature, shattering like stained glass. It pours through and rushes towards the answer.
One last image of her. He sees her speak.
He remembers what she says.
He remembers why.
In the Cell, the creature falls silent. The agony drains away, and the torrent stagnates. He is surrounded by light- an aura of blue; it reminds him of the sky back home. Home. He remembers home. For a moment his interrogator registers something close to surprise; then grunts and applies all its strength to flattening the small, wasted collection of features between its palms. He closes his eyes.
The creature roars in anger, assails him with claws, fists, a crushing whip of its tail. Some of the chains snap and spin into the dark, but still he hovers undisturbed, the blue light brightening around him. The creature's ceaseless assault begins to slow, and it changes tact; he senses it frantically clawing at his mind, but the attacks bounce away harmlessly, almost as if ushered by a child. Instead, he feels the light compressing him, molding the remains of his limbs, inverting him. He realises that this should hurt, but instead he feels protected, as if shrinking into himself will hide him forever; shield him from harm. The creature is screaming at him now, hurling curses and oaths of vengeance. It spits bile and fury; rages that, for humanity, there is no escape. It vows that it will never stop searching.
He considers saying something back. And then he is gone.
---------------ooOOoo-----------------
He awakes to the sound of wind through the trees.
It is cold, and dark, and for a moment he feels the familiar twinge of fear. But the air is fresh and clean and the earth is soft beneath him, so he knows he cannot be within the confines of the Cell. He must have made it. He must be free.
“Over here!” A voice pierces the silence. It has the innocent ring of a young girl’s. “I saw a flash! A- a light...”
“We really don’t have time for this, dear. It’s getting dark. We best be heading home.” Another voice; also female, older though.
He hears footsteps and the rustle of brush as they head in his direction. Then a crash as one of them stumbles. He hears the girl wince and the elder let out a 'tut'.
“Sorry, didn’t see that.” The young one apologises. “Hey, look!”
He tries to examine them as they approach, but he can’t see; can’t move. He feels disconnected, as if his body is not his own. He can sense them standing over him; soft fabrics snagging the brush, the huffs of their exertion.
"THIS is what you saw?" He hears the old one inquire.
"Well, I- I saw something!" The girl stammers, shuffles, then leans down towards him. He can feel her breath on his exposed skin. "I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it..."
Her fingers run along him in wonderment, testing, gently prodding.
"It's definitely alive- but just look at all these scars, mother! Do you think it fights a lot?"
He senses the elder stiffen a moment, then release an exasperated sigh. "Regardless of what it's been doing, it is most certainly magical."
He feels the girls hand tighten around him in excitement.
"You would have noticed it too", her mother continues, "If you paid attention to anything I taught you-"
"So, we can bring him back with us?" The girl interrupts.
The elder says nothing, but she must have given a sign; a nod, because the girl squeals in delight. Suddenly he is scooped up, cradled and nuzzled against the flat of her chest.
"You understand you'll be taking care of it, of course?" The old woman adds.
"Naturally, mother. That means I can name it too, right?"
"Yes, but for now we journey home. You can think of something on the way." He hears the woman turn and walk back through the brush, then feels the girl follow eagerly after.
"Honestly, Leah. You really do get mixed up with the strangest of things." The elder calls back over her shoulder.
His sight returns just enough to make out the girl's grin from his vantage in her arms, ecstatic with all the world, then he gives in to her warm embrace, his thoughts fading with each rhythmic step as they make their way forward on the path.
Around them, the trees sway silently in the night, their branches reaching like talons towards the light of the moon.
I have revised my previous entry and added some nuggets of information to make my story a little bit better. I hope you enjoy it:
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Terror.
After the battle at Tristram, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
It's Thursday and this is post 193. In the picture caption contests there were over or near 1000 entries by Thursday. I wonder if that's because people disagree with the last winner of if they don't want to write a short story?
In centuries past, Kurast was heavily plagued by Frog Demos frequently emerging from the jungles and devastating both trade and agriculture, eventually even becoming a threat to the safety of the then-fair city.
Unable to witness the suffering of their people, many would be heroes have set out in attempt to find the source of the scourge and put an end to it. Some have returned, more never did. It was a single paladin who, alone with his faith, was able to get to the root of the plague of frogs. Though his name is long forgotten, it is recorded he followed the road of the Frog Demons' destruction into the Torajan jungles, where he chanced upon a camp of young men of a primitive disposition in the midst of a journey that was their rite off passage to become warriors for their tribe. He joined them for the night, sharing a meal with them and listening to their tales. Upon questioning them of the Frog Demons, they revealed to him an old tribal legend from the time of the Mage Clan Wars, an event firmly etched in their cultural memory. It was told in their tribe that during the war the mages summoned a mighty demonnesse, a great succubus general of Andariel herself. Flying loose from the shackles of her summoners, she settled in the jungles and set about corrupting the land around her and plaguing the tribes that lived there. Many warriors have tried to make war with her and have failed, but eventually a single witch doctor, along with a small escort of elite bodyguards were able to corner the creature, though they were unable to kill her. The witch doctor then cast a mighty curse on her and in mockery of her vanity attempted to transform her into a frog. The spell, however, went horribly wrong, transforming the demonnesse into an abominable fusion between her previous, beautiful form and that of a gigantic frog. In her rage, the demonnesse, hence forth dubbed the Princess of Frogs, slew the warrior and captured the witch doctor, breaking his will and stealing him into the jungle. They were not seen again, but it was rumored that she is to this day trying to force him to undo the curse. It is also said that she either created or took control of the Frog Demons, now bearing her likeness, making them her new army in Sanctuary.
Following this lead, the paladin ventured the place where the former succubus was said to dwell. Little is known of his journey there, but we know he eventually found the creature and fought her, for the battle was later recorded in great detail. The beast he described later as bloated and disproportionate, with acidic slime running from her pores to cover he skin and spitting globes of poison. The witch doctor was also reported to have been at her presence – a pale, chained shadow of a man, his life clearly prolonged through unnatural means. As they fought, the acid coating the creature's skin ate away at the paladin's gear, melting sword and armor and burning skin and flesh. Only his holy shield, the symbol of his faith, endured and with it he smote the vile Princess of Frogs over and again to little avail. Bracing himself to his seemingly inevitable end he released all his might to one last strike with his shield. To his great surprise, the blow stunned the so called princess enough to free the witch doctor of his mental bondage. Aged long beyond his natural life, he spoke with his last breath a final, amended curse and fell to the ground, dead. Before his astonished eyes, the Princess of Frogs completed her transformation into a humble and regular frog.
Of his journey back to civilization we know nothing, except that he brought the frog back with him to Kurast. No one there had the heart to slay the helpless critter, just as he had not in the jungles. Some theorize it to be the (hopefully) last remnant of her power as succubus to charm. The Frog Demons diminished in numbers and strength since then and the Princess of Frogs herself, now in the form of a frog proper, carried on to outlive all those participating in this tale and never seeming to age. No one knows where and when the name Binkles came from, but the general consensus is it suits her.
In centuries past, Kurast was heavily plagued by Frog Demos frequently emerging from the jungles and devastating both trade and agriculture, eventually even becoming a threat to the safety of the then-fair city.
Many would be heroes have set out in attempt to find the source of the scourge and put an end to it. Some have returned, more never did. It was a single paladin who, alone with his faith, was able to get to the root of the plague of frogs. Though his name is long forgotten, it is recorded he followed the road of the Frog Demons' destruction into the Torajan jungles, where he chanced upon a camp of young men of a primitive disposition in the midst of a journey that was their rite off passage to become warriors for their tribe. He joined them for the night, sharing a meal with them and listening to their tales. Upon questioning them of the Frog Demons, they revealed to him an old tribal legend from the time of the Mage Clan Wars, an event firmly etched in their cultural memory.
It was told in their tribe that during the war, the mages summoned a mighty demonnesse, a great succubus general of Andariel herself. Flying loose from the shackles of her summoners, she settled in the jungles and set about corrupting the land around her and plaguing the tribes that lived there. Many warriors have tried to make war with her and have failed, but eventually a single witch doctor, along with a small escort of elite bodyguards were able to corner the creature, though they were unable to kill her. The witch doctor then cast a mighty curse on her and in mockery of her vanity attempted to transform her into a frog. The spell, however, went horribly wrong, transforming the demonnesse into an abominable fusion between her previous, beautiful form and that of a gigantic frog. In her rage, the demonnesse, hence forth dubbed the Princess of Frogs, slew the warrior and captured the witch doctor, breaking his will and stealing him into the jungle. They were not seen again, but it was rumored that she is to this day trying to force him to undo the curse. It is also said that she either created or made servants of the Frog Demons, now bearing her likeness and making them her new army in Sanctuary.
Following this lead, the paladin ventured the place where the former succubus was said to dwell. Little is known of his journey there, but we know he eventually found the creature and fought her, for the battle was later recorded in great detail. The beast he described later as bloated and disproportionate, with acidic slime running from her pores to cover her skin, and spitting globes of poison. The witch doctor was also reported to have been at her presence – a pale, chained shadow of a man, his life clearly prolonged through unnatural means. As they fought, the acid coating the creature's skin ate away at the paladin's gear, melting sword and armor and burning skin and flesh. Only his holy shield, the symbol of his faith, endured and with it he smote the vile Princess of Frogs over and again to little avail. Bracing himself to his seemingly inevitable end he released all his might to one last strike with his shield. To his great surprise, the blow stunned the so called princess enough to free the witch doctor of his mental bondage. Aged long beyond his natural life, he spoke with his last breath a final, amended curse and fell to the ground, dead. As the paladin watched, the Princess of Frogs completed her transformation into a humble frog.
Of his journey back to civilization we know nothing, except that he brought the frog back with him to Kurast. No one there had the heart to slay the helpless critter, just as he had not in the jungles. Some theorize it to (hopefully) be the last remnant of her power as succubus to charm. The Frog Demons diminished in numbers and strength since then and the Princess of Frogs herself, now in the form of a frog proper, carried on to outlive all those participating in this tale and never seeming to age. No one knows where and when the name Binkles came, but the general consensus is it suits her.
In case you've already read my entry, I just corrected a simple error from a previous entry, changing the word Tristram to Travencal. Oops!
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Terror.
After the battle at Travencal, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
He had been here many times before. Every night he dreaded going to sleep for he knew the dark places his mind would take him. Fire rained from the heavens all around him. No sun could be seen and yet the sky was scorched crimson and black. Nothing grew in the soil but still the desolate landscape was flush with living horrors. This was a place of demonic nightmares.
Farnham had become painfully familiar with the dream but it never became less frightening with experience. Demonic figures surrounded him at a rock’s throw away so he dared not move from where he stood. They stood silent, staring, their gaze piercing through his tattered grey clothing, through his flesh, as though they could see his very soul. A soul he knew had been withered down through three generations of torment, pain, anguish, and guilt. His shaking hand instinctively went to his waist where he once kept a wineskin but found nothing. The comforts of drink would not be found here.
“Hello again Farnham.” said a deep trembling voice from behind him where nothing stood just a moment ago. Fear overtook him as it did most of his life. His legs went limp bringing him down to his knees. He began to sob uncontrollably as he felt his bladder empty onto the sulfuric soil at his feet. The smell was almost enough to make him wretch.
Slowly he turned around knowing what awaited him. The demon had grey and black skin, was at least three times Farnham’s height, and moved almost spider-like. Its face was home to four fiery eyes located above what passed for a mouth in the underworld. Exposed flesh glowed red hot along its jaw and nose.
“A-A-Azmodan, p-please don’t hurt me,” begged Farnham on all fours. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked!”
“And yet the Black Soulstone still eludes my grasp!” roared Azmodan. The Lord of Sin smashed his fist on the dry crackled earth beside Farnham in rage.
Farnham stuttered excuses “The girl s-s-still has the stone, I swear it! B-but I can only d-do so much with what you’ve given me!”
This seemed to anger the demon more. Azmodan reached over to his right and in one hand he grasped a fatter looking demonic boar. It shrieked in fear but could not escape the tightening grip around its body. Once brought into plain view of Farnham Azmodan squeezed the pig with all his might. The crushing sound it made was sickening and black ooze sprayed onto Farnham. This time he could not keep anything down and vomited.
“You dare belittle the gifts I’ve bestowed upon you?! Perhaps I should send you back to where I found you… yes…”
“No anything but that!” cried Farnham, “Please, I’ve only ever been loyal! I’ve kept a close eye on the woman, as you commanded of me!”
Azmodan took a deep breath and seemed to relax his anger. The slits for his eyes narrowed as he gazed down at the pitiful excuse of a man.
“Loyal? Loyal you say? You know nothing of loyalty, worm. When Lazarus led the villagers into the cathedral tombs you fled and left your friends to die. When the king’s son returned you crawled into a bottle instead of helping him slay those who tormented those around you. When Tristram was under siege you could have fought but instead you hid and watched your townspeople fall, one by one.
Images flashed before Farnham as he wept for the souls of Tristram: Wirt, Griswold, Gillian, Ogden, and Pipen. They had all died at the hands of demonic minions.
Azmodan was enjoying Farnham’s torment, relishing the moment, like a cat with its prey. “Even as you lay dying among the rubble of your beloved Tristram you turned traitor yet again by calling out my name. Do not forget who saved your pathetic life, mortal.”
With a wave of Azmodan’s arm Farnham suddenly found himself floating. He could feel his body getting hotter, so hot he felt as though he would burst into flames. He flailed hoping to be freed from the invisible grasp, to run away and wake from the terrible nightmare, but he hung there helpless as ever.
“You will return to your duty human, and you had better not think of betraying me or the torment I give you in the afterlife will be sung in songs of legend. Never forget…”
Farnham’s tattered shirt suddenly burst into flames and was gone as fast as the fire appeared. The heat was unbearable as the insignia of the Lord of Sin shone white hot on his chest. Azmodan leaned in close, breathing on his helpless subject.
“You are MINE!!!”
He awoke, startled. After calming down for a moment he took in his surroundings to discover he was safe once again. From his cage he could see Leah working tirelessly to translate documents, the Black Soulstone just feet away in front of her among tomes, scrolls, and candles.
Leah slammed her quill onto the desk and stood up in frustration. After a deep breath she walked over to the cage and opened it up. She reached in and picked up Farnham in one hand. She smiled at him and patted his head with one finger.
“I envy you so much Binkles. You never have to worry yourself with the troubles of men and demons. Let me change your water for you”, she said as she put him back into his cage and leaving.
‘So sweet and innocent’ thought Farnham. He hated the name Binkles, but realized it was probably appropriate for a pet frog. The truth was that being a frog wasn’t so bad. Leah always treated him well, his cage was always clean, and he felt safe… when he was awake at least.
Azmodan was half right though. So many times he wanted to tell her about what was coming. In fact, this time he was resolved to do so. Yes, it was time she be warned. Farnham had few moments of bravery in his life so he wasn’t going to spoil this one. Leah returned with a fresh bowl of water humming a tune he didn’t recognize. When she opened the cage he took a deep breath, mustered all his courage, and got out the only thing he could.
“Ribbit!”
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"A man who reads nothing is smarter than a man who reads nothing but newspaper" -General Patton
The Witch Doctors of Sanctuary scoured the marshes and jungles in search of the lost graves of grotesque creatures to reanimate for their own bidding against the greater evils arising in Sanctuary.
Found in the swamps of Tristram Wood were legions of amphibians and their extinct ancestors, undisturbed. With the toads and frogs of Sanctuary under the Witch Doctor’s control, the spirits of the swamp are reluctantly reawakened to familiar evils.
After the fall of the mysterious Fallen Star, a newfound intelligence has swathed over several of these living descendents. Many attempted to flee to find new peaceful waters, only to be greeted by death.
Only one amphibian influenced by the Fallen Star is known to have escaped the forces of Hell and the Witch Doctor’s summoning. The elusive amphibian, given the nickname Binkles the Frog by the denizens of Sanctuary, is said to be in search of something to help rid the land of Hell, and to release his kin from the Witch Doctor’s disposal...
I seem to have made another mistake! My revision of my earlier posts has only one more change: Baal is not the Lord of Terror! He's the Lord of Destruction! It's now fixed.
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Destruction.
After the battle at Travencal, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
Binkles the Frog comes from a long line of very wise witch doctors. In fact, Binkles is even considered to have been the most inquisitive witch doctor throughout the land. When Binkles was not slaying demons, he was inventing new spells, remedies, and other witch doctor like things to show off his power. Binkles, being quite good at what he did, one day came up with an idea for a spell that he thought would be an amazing one for all witch doctors to use. He began work on conjuring up this spell. It took many long sleepless nights for him to get the incantation perfect, but finally it was done. Finally his work had paid off, and he was going to show this to the village of the Tribe of the Five Hills, which is where he came from as a child. He began to travel from his house, which was off the beaten path, back to his tribe. The journey was a long and most dangerous one because Binkles lived in the most remote part of the Torajan jungles; however, his spell that he created helped him survive all the dangerous creatures that were blocking his path of returning to the Tribe of the Five Hills. He arrived in the village after many nights with a great tale of his journey and his new incantation. Binkles, being so tired from the sleepless nights of travel and work on his spell, collapsed when he arrived into the village, but not before he uttered these words "I bring great news for all to hear". Only one man was there to hear his words, but those words spread like wild fire around the camp. Many people wanted to know what he had to say. Many people were pondering the subject furiously; however, Binkles slept for two days recovering from his weariness. Finally, he awoke and told the boy at his bedside to bring him something to drink before he started his story. While the boy fetched him a drink, Binkles rose from his slumbering place and began to walk out from the hut that he was staying inside. Binkles gasped with shock when he pulled back the covering of his hut to see all the witchdoctors from his tribe and many from the Clan of the Seven Stones and Tribe of the Clouded Valley sitting outside of his hut waiting for this "great news" that they all had been pondering. Binkles sat down with amazement that he had conjured up such an enormous gathering. The boy slowly slipped through the crowd holding a bowl of water, which he had gotten from the stream running behind the encampment. Binkles stood and took the bowl from the boy. "Sit, boy, listen, and learn." said Binkles to the boy, who was amazed that the Great Binkles had even addressed him. The boy was young and wanted to train. Later down the road, he was to become the Witch Doctor. "The boy's first lesson," Binkles thought to himself, "let's make it interesting". The crowd began to grow noisy from their wait for his news, but Binkles looked up and shushed them until the only noise that was heard was the babbling of the stream and the soft murmur two crows sitting on a branch near the hut. Binkles slowly lifted his hands and spoke just enough so the front row of people could hear him. After a few sentences he began to raise his voice from the low whispering to a great yell that drew everyone's utmost attention. He began to weave his tale of how he got here, but he also remembered to leave out the parts of his new spell that was for the end. After a long exaggerated story of how he got to the camp, he announced that he had come up with a new spell to help defeat all that opposed the force of the witch doctors. He leaned slowly down to the boy and said "watch closely, I shall teach you this first". Binkles began to recite his incantation and waving around his arms in a dramatic way to draw more attention. After a few seconds of this, Binkles finished the incantation; however, nothing happened. He stared at his hands wondering if his pronunciation was correct, but coming from nowhere popped three bright green toads. Binkles, being proud of himself, said "there you have it, a new spell to help us all". Everyone began to laugh. A few people got up and left. Binkles, not doubting his power, whispered the second part of his incantation, and the frogs began to leap forward. They leaped off to the right of the crowd, which was the thinnest part, so they could get out into the open to do no harm to anyone. Binkles kept reciting this incantation until the frogs ran straight into a patch of trees and violently exploded. The explosions completely demolished the trees and made everyone silent for a few minutes. Binkles looked up and said "Use this to help slay your enemies". Binkles told the boy to get up and follow him. The boy got up and walked off with his new master. After a few hours of training the boy learned this spell, which Binkles kept calling the "Plague of Toads". The boy went home, but many others came up to Binkles and begged of him to teach them. Binkles agreed and began to teach this great spell to all that were willing to listen and to learn. After several days Binkles left the Tribe of the Five Hills to return home and rest. Binkles began to try to come up with more ideas of new spells. Binkles sitting up late one night finally thought of an idea. Binkles, the next morning, began working on this new spell of his and completed it by the end of the day. The spell was much like his first one. Binkles sat down for his dinner, and he began to eat. After finishing up his meal, he wanted to try out his new spell. So he began to recite the incantation and after a few moments he began to feel funny. He thought to himself "Maybe that chicken was old.” however, he did not realize that his toes were slowing turning green and that he was starting to shrink. After a few seconds Binkles resembled a giant green frog. After many years of training the Witch Doctor never forgot his first master who had believed in him, Binkles, the Summoner of Frogs. The Witch Doctor was sent of many quests, which he always completed without any problems thanks to his trusty spell, "Plague of Toads". The Witch Doctor began to wonder what ever happened to his great master, Binkles, so one afternoon the Witch Doctor set off the find him. After a few days of traveling through the Torajan Jungle, he found the house of Binkles. The door was shut, and the house looked like no one had been in it for a while. The Witch Doctor hoping to find Binkles began to open the door. He entered the house finding no one in the front room. He looked around and hoped to find out a clue as to where his master might be. From the bedroom of Binkles's house a strange croaking was heard by the Witch Doctor. He thought to himself, "that must be Binkles, summoning up his frogs". He ran to the bedroom and stopped short to see a large frog hopping slowly towards him croaking very loudly. The Witch Doctor was confused at this, but he began to walk into the bedroom where the frog came from. The Witch Doctor found no one, but he did find a pile of clothes and a voodoo mask lying on the floor. The Witch Doctor finally realized what had happened. Binkles must have somehow turned himself into a frog. The Witch Doctor slowly began to laugh at the realization of the situation. Binkles, the Summoner of Frogs, turned into Binkles the Frog. The Witch Doctor grabbed the oversized frog and began to leave the house. He traveled back to the camp of the Tribe of the Five Hills and told the news of Binkles's transformation. The Witch Doctor asked the elders of his tribe to keep Binkles inside the great council hall so that maybe his great magic can rub off on the village and make the Tribe of the Five Hills renowned for their rituals. To this day, Binkles sits in the great meeting hall of the elders.
Binkles the Frog comes from a long line of very wise witch doctors. In fact, Binkles is even considered to have been the most inquisitive witch doctor throughout the land. When Binkles was not slaying demons, he was inventing new spells, remedies, and other witch doctor like things to show off his power. Binkles, being quite good at what he did, one day came up with an idea for a spell that he thought would be an amazing one for all witch doctors to use. He began work on conjuring up this spell. It took many long sleepless nights for him to get the incantation perfect, but finally it was done. Finally his work had paid off, and he was going to show this to the village of the Tribe of the Five Hills, which is where he came from as a child. He began to travel from his house, which was off the beaten path, back to his tribe. The journey was a long and most dangerous one because Binkles lived in the most remote part of the Torajan jungles; however, his spell that he created helped him survive all the dangerous creatures that were blocking his path of returning to the Tribe of the Five Hills. He arrived in the village after many nights with a great tale of his journey and his new incantation. Binkles, being so tired from the sleepless nights of travel and work on his spell, collapsed when he arrived into the village, but not before he uttered these words "I bring great news for all to hear". Only one man was there to hear his words, but those words spread like wild fire around the camp. Many people wanted to know what he had to say. Many people were pondering the subject furiously; however, Binkles slept for two days recovering from his weariness. Finally, he awoke and told the boy at his bedside to bring him something to drink before he started his story. While the boy fetched him a drink, Binkles rose from his slumbering place and began to walk out from the hut that he was staying inside. Binkles gasped with shock when he pulled back the covering of his hut to see all the witchdoctors from his tribe and many from the Clan of the Seven Stones and Tribe of the Clouded Valley sitting outside of his hut waiting for this "great news" that they all had been pondering. Binkles sat down with amazement that he had conjured up such an enormous gathering. The boy slowly slipped through the crowd holding a bowl of water, which he had gotten from the stream running behind the encampment. Binkles stood and took the bowl from the boy. "Sit, boy, listen, and learn." said Binkles to the boy, who was amazed that the Great Binkles had even addressed him. The boy was young and wanted to train. Later down the road, he was to become the Witch Doctor. "The boy's first lesson," Binkles thought to himself, "let's make it interesting". The crowd began to grow noisy from their wait for his news, but Binkles looked up and shushed them until the only noise that was heard was the babbling of the stream and the soft murmur two crows sitting on a branch near the hut. Binkles slowly lifted his hands and spoke just enough so the front row of people could hear him. After a few sentences he began to raise his voice from the low whispering to a great yell that drew everyone's utmost attention. He began to weave his tale of how he got here, but he also remembered to leave out the parts of his new spell that was for the end. After a long exaggerated story of how he got to the camp, he announced that he had come up with a new spell to help defeat all that opposed the force of the witch doctors. He leaned slowly down to the boy and said "watch closely, I shall teach you this first". Binkles began to recite his incantation and waving around his arms in a dramatic way to draw more attention. After a few seconds of this, Binkles finished the incantation; however, nothing happened. He stared at his hands wondering if his pronunciation was correct, but coming from nowhere popped three bright green toads. Binkles, being proud of himself, said "there you have it, a new spell to help us all". Everyone began to laugh. A few people got up and left. Binkles, not doubting his power, whispered the second part of his incantation, and the frogs began to leap forward. They leaped off to the right of the crowd, which was the thinnest part, so they could get out into the open to do no harm to anyone. Binkles kept reciting this incantation until the frogs ran straight into a patch of trees and violently exploded. The explosions completely demolished the trees and made everyone silent for a few minutes. Binkles looked up and said "Use this to help slay your enemies". Binkles told the boy to get up and follow him. The boy got up and walked off with his new master. After a few hours of training the boy learned this spell, which Binkles kept calling the "Plague of Toads". The boy went home, but many others came up to Binkles and begged of him to teach them. Binkles agreed and began to teach this great spell to all that were willing to listen and to learn. After several days Binkles left the Tribe of the Five Hills to return home and rest. Binkles began to try to come up with more ideas of new spells. Binkles sitting up late one night finally thought of an idea. Binkles, the next morning, began working on this new spell of his and completed it by the end of the day. The spell was much like his first one. Binkles sat down for his dinner, and he began to eat. After finishing up his meal, he wanted to try out his new spell. So he began to recite the incantation and after a few moments he began to feel funny. He thought to himself "Maybe that chicken was old.” however, he did not realize that his toes were slowing turning green and that he was starting to shrink. After a few seconds Binkles resembled a giant green frog. After many years of training the Witch Doctor never forgot his first master who had believed in him, Binkles, the Summoner of Frogs. The Witch Doctor was sent on many quests, which he always completed without any problems thanks to his trusty spell, "Plague of Toads". The Witch Doctor began to wonder what ever happened to his great master, Binkles, so one afternoon the Witch Doctor set off the find him. After a few days of traveling through the Torajan Jungle, he found the house of Binkles. The door was shut, and the house looked like no one had been in it for a while. The Witch Doctor hoping to find Binkles began to open the door. He entered the house finding no one in the front room. He looked around and hoped to find out a clue as to where his master might be. From the bedroom of Binkles's house a strange croaking was heard by the Witch Doctor. He thought to himself, "that must be Binkles, summoning up his frogs". He ran to the bedroom and stopped short to see a large frog hopping slowly towards him croaking very loudly. The Witch Doctor was confused at this, but he began to walk into the bedroom where the frog came from. The Witch Doctor found no one, but he did find a pile of clothes and a voodoo mask lying on the floor. The Witch Doctor finally realized what had happened. Binkles must have somehow turned himself into a frog. The Witch Doctor slowly began to laugh at the realization of the situation. Binkles, the Summoner of Frogs, turned into Binkles the Frog. The Witch Doctor grabbed the oversized frog and began to leave the house. He traveled back to the camp of the Tribe of the Five Hills and told the news of Binkles's transformation. The Witch Doctor asked the elders of his tribe to keep Binkles inside the great council hall so that maybe his great magic can rub off on the village and make the Tribe of the Five Hills renowned for their rituals. To this day, Binkles sits in the great meeting hall of the elders.
Binkles was a fine frog; his parents accepted his choice to remain in the swamp, where he was born, and supported him from the beginning. Binkles led a hard life, flies were scarce and days would go by without a catch to feed him or his family. Binkles was fortunate enough to find a love of his life, and even though they did not have enough to support themselves they ended up having six frog babies. However, his and his lovers life, as well as his family and new born baby frogs was cut short by a fierce barbarian wearing a purple hilt, who was going for [Kill 1000 Critters: Receive a Teddy Bear Pet] Battle.net Achievement.
Binkles the exploding frog, as its name suggests, is a large toad-like creature. The creature has an intresting, and very fatal, means to discourage predators: At the closest sign of trouble, the frog explodes.
Disgusting, yes, but it gets worse. The frog's body is filled with an extremely virulent toxin that kills everything caught in the blast radius, reducing it to a slimy, lifeless puddle of mush. This frog has a blast radius of about half a kilometer. Other frogs have a much, much smaller blast, but all the same, everybody gives frogs a very wide berth in sanctuary.
So when ever you need something destroyed or killed just let Binkles out of its nest or you never see that landmine that looks like a frog.
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A hundred thousand worlds, ten hundred thousand wars. There is no respite, there is nowhere to hide. Across the galaxy there is only war.
Binkles was the son of Pepin, the healer of Tristam. Binkles and his long time friend Wirt would go on amazing adventer's around the land of sanctuary only to get into trouble and be scolded by deckard cain. After the the kidnapping of Wirt, Binkle's decided to go find him himself, armed with a butcher's knife and a lantern he set foot towards the last known appearance of his dear friend. he ventured into a cave where many men had entered but never returned. Terrified as he was he mustered up enough courage to venture inside. There he heard voices and screams never imaginable. As he explored more deeply into the cave he heard another loud noise, this time it was from behind him, it was a one of the fallen! A shaman. Binkle's fell back and hit his head on a rock and completly lost conciousnes. Shortly after he was taking to a small chamber where other children including his friend Wirt were being tortured. Binkles cried for help as he saw his friend being tortured by the fallen. They were ravaging his body and ripping at his left leg. The shaman had chanted something unusual and before Binkles could look back the fallen shaman had cast a spell transforming binkles's into a frog. Scared as he was in his new body Binkles escaped hoping away sliping from every hand of the fallen never to be seen again. His father Pepin worried for his son's safety, Arranged for a search party to seek his son. A few days went by and still no luck in his search. Suddenly he looked apon the town square only to see Wirt, half dead lying on the floor. Pepin quickly tends to the boy and then suddenly askes of his son Binkles ,and the boy replied -they changed him to a frog sir... he is lost in the wilderness. Pepin fell to his knees and prayed to god for his son's safe being years pass and his father gives up the search and decides to prepare a grave for his lost son knowing he would never be found, untill now.... Lately People from the lands of sanctaury have heard croaking in the late of night strange as it seem's it's only occured recently. Could it be Binkles? If so could he be searching for his dear friend? His grieving father? Or maybe Adria, the sorceress who possible behold's the power to dispel his transformation. Let's hope this poor lad find's his remedy and then finnaly find's his way home.
I know my grammar sucks but the story kicks ass am I right?
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Binkles the Frog
Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon transformed into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the Frog
Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon put his essence into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the Frog
Binkles the frog was once known as Tathamet; after a relentless war against his enemy, Anu, both were supposedly destroyed and through the aftermath of their destruction, they created the high heavens and the burning hells; but what was kept secret from us, was that one can never destroy these powerful deities, after all, Tathamet is a seven headed dragon who breaths evil just like its fire, like come on, how can a giant crystal kill that? (Anu looked like a crystal FYI). Anu then simply transformed his essence into what we know now as the Worldstone, to bloat to his new offspring (the angels) the power that he now has because he’s kind of a douche
Tathamet however, a very humble and kind dragon put his essence into a cute puppy, and after ages and ages of warring, he was tired from fighting. Wanting to both settle down and pursue his life long dream of well… simply mating, he devised a plan to get away from the ongoing battles between heaven and hell. After pillaging Inarius’s thoughts, Tathamet showed him how to use Anu to create another world, so both Inarius and him could get away from the constant fighting. Allying with Lilith, Inarius successfully obtained the Worldstone, and then used the powers it contained to create what we now know as the Sanctuary. As both Inarius and Lilith crusaded forward to the Sanctuary, a very happy Tathamet trailed behind them.
Tathamet, now overjoyed, set out on his true life’s mission; to mate and settle down, but mostly mate, don't judge. Just after being kicked out of New Tristram's night club a dozen times due to flashing his four genitals to the blacksmiths daughter (hey, its called love guys), Tathamet, walked very lonely in the moonlight by a stagnate pond. Frowning, he gazed down he saw a frog, but more importantly he saw what the frog protected, hundreds upon hundreds of eggs. Tathamet then had an epiphany; one frog would have to get laid at least 80 times to have that many eggs. Stricken by the new thought, Tathamet then transformed into a adorable frog, and is now, to this day, named Binkles. And if anyone asks; yes, he is not a virgin anymore.
And he lived happily ever after.
The End
oh and by the way, try clicking on some of the links
Binkles the frog was created by a freak magical accident when a young Jordan Nephalem was starting out his apprenticeship in the Arcane Arts ... A journey that would see him create the first Cauldron of Jordan and the Nephalese cube.
The story or legend you choose to believe is like this:
Erwick Binkles, not an untalented Wizard in his own right by all accounts on the surviving Caldeum Arcane history scrolls, felt fiercely threatened by the success of the young Wizard Jordan Nephalem, and his creation of these two magical Items.
The night before the young wizard was to give the Grand Vizier of Caldoum a personal demonstration of these wondrous arcane items, Erwick Binkles attempted to sabotage the magical items by placing a couple of magic negating frogs, found only in the deepest underground lakes of the Khanduras Mountains, into the Cauldron and Cube to upset the magical currents that would run the enchantment and make that Jordan Nephalem the laughing stock of the Arcane college.
This some speculate , might have even worked but for the fact that Erwick Binkles made the unfortunately tragic decision to place both hands holding one of the magic negating frogs in each container.. what happened next has been the discussion that has started many tavern brawls and to this day 2 officially recorded divorces...
It is Theorized by the Grand Vizier's Council of the high tower of Caldoum.. that the magic spells combined and woven in the Nephalem Cube and the Cauldron of Jordan, traveled away from each hand holding the magic negating frogs, and having no other route to travel spread up each arm of the poor wizard... meeting in the middle where the unleashed Arcane forces of these powerful artifacts met with the resulting set of consequences being the creation of one of the most intriguing creatures in the land..
That night, Jordan Nephalem returned to his quarters and found some slightly charred wizard robes on the floor in front of his creations, and a strange green and yellow spotted frog sitting right on top, as he approached the strange sight the toad croaked one word... "BiiiiinKKKLeSss " and blinked out of sight.
Erwick Binkles was never found after that fateful evening... but a medium sized green and yellow spotted frog was reported in various places at the Arcane college during the following days.
Most witnesses confirmed that it was totally unapproachable by conventional and especially magical means and would blink out of sight if anyone went close, additionally wide spread reports of Arcane mishaps and total failures throughout the Arcane College lasted for a full week, in particular at night anywhere near the central courtyard which had 6 small ponds,until... they suddenly stopped at the same time as the sightings.
Binkles the frog has been seen randomly around Sanctuary and other powerful shrines throughout the lands, and it's presence negates all and any form of magic including magical items.
All attempts to capture this frog have proven futile.
B
*Sorry for re-posting just wanted to round off the story. thank you for reading
Unable to open his eyes, caked with dust and blood, his other senses stretch out hesitantly… he was still here. He was always here. The reek of decay, scent of rusted iron and the cold embrace of isolation all taunted to confirm his whereabouts.
Well, not always here. Yes, he remembered. Sometimes he would wake in the Cell, sometimes he would be crucified out upon the spires. Endless, towering pinnacles adorned with others like him, screaming like him. Their unified suffering reverberated like a chorus, spiraling downwards, far beyond the human eye. It was good he could remember. That was becoming more difficult.
But now, he was in the Cell. And soon it would come for him.
He groans and tries to flex groups of wasted muscle, but the chains defy him. He whimpers in frustration. No, he has to focus. Work with what he is given.
He channels energy to his eyes. They resist for a moment, then pop open. He blinks away the crusted blood, and as it drifts effortlessly to the stones below, uses his tongue to probe the insides of his mouth. He still has most of his teeth. And he can think- function- that is most important… he is still capable. He continues his discipline, faintly channeling energy in a ritual he has long ago internalised.
As always, the chains have him hoisted, weightless above the familiar grey of stone. Darkness stretches all around him. There are no torches, no light. His eyes will adjust just enough to give him a sense of placement, but never enough to breach the desolation, never to lift confinement.
He is missing a leg this time. Lowering his gaze, he strains to bring the limb into view, just enough to glean some of the damage; the protruding bone and mangled flesh. It looks as if it has been gnawed, though he cannot remember when they had taken it. The pain is dull for now, but it would worsen later. They wanted it that way. He closes his eyes once more and continues channeling. He can’t afford the distraction. It will be here soon.
He channels further, and becomes conscious of the aches spreading through what is left of his body. Pockets of sensation surface as parts of him recognise they still cling to life. How many days has he been incarcerated here? How many weeks; years… He has long ago lost the passage of time; stumbling, instead, in a place that could choose to wrap you in shadow or blind you with fire. He needs to find his way. He needs his mind to stay-
“Focused?”
His eyes slowly reopen. Only darkness. So, it was already here.
“Strong? Sharp? Resolute? Your fortress is weakening, human.” The voice rasps. He can detect its glee as it penetrates the gloom; can feel it now, methodically tapping at his thoughts, as it has done so many times before. He has been careless.
His interrogator slithers from the dark.
"No need for regrets. You have outlasted the others. Long outlasted," The thing whispers, "But you know this. Over time you have heard their screams diminish. You are the last, all alone. So very... solitary."
He feels the words worm into his mind, trying to wedge open the slivers of fatigue. He steels himself. It slithers closer.
"Your suffering can stop. Just like the others'. Speak of it... Think of it.... You can be at ease everlasting. Think how that would be. Free of pain. Free of me."
It is in front of him now, its body sleek scales and malice, long pincushion teeth splitting its face in a crescent moon, vapid, black-pooled eyes focused unblinking on his withered self, thrust helplessly in chains. Regardless of the countless visits, his innards still turn at the sight of it. He grits his teeth; tries to stay focused. He knows he should stay the channel; feels that he is close.
"Close to what, human? Your breaking point?" Its tail coils around him and constricts, and pain flares across his body. The tip comes to rest softly on his cheek, almost a gentle caress. For a moment he considers sinking what's left of his teeth into it- then his vision explodes in fire. His chains squeal in protest as he thrashes, the agony cuts deep into his mind. When it stops he is instantly, violently ill. He tries to spit out the excess, feeling as if some has caught in his throat. It occurs to him that he is never fed in the Cell.
The creature examines him, unperturbed. He tries to stare back, to marshal his defiance, but all he sees are spots, flashes of colour. He hasn't seen such colour for a long while.
"We jest of course", the thing remarks absently, "We know that agony does not motivate you; Does not cow you. You have been here for so very long." It leans closer to him now, and he can smell the stink of it. Its heavy breath carries the odour of rancid meat and bone. "All men break eventually", it continues, "But we are done with you. We have found another, a more... accessible... resource."
The pain is becoming manageable now, and his head begins to clear. He will listen to no more lies, no more lures. Now, still, he can feel the creature circling his mind, an inquisitor picking at the pieces of a puzzle. But his will, his thoughts, are his bastion. The creature can no longer find purchase. He knows it can sense it too. He knows it will be angry.
He feels the air displace and braces as a scaled fist slams into his jaw. He knows it's broken before his head even bounces back. So much for his teeth.
"HOPE?" It booms at him, the spines on its back bristling in anger. "You think you know hope in a place such as this? Your hope is consumed here! Your hope died with her!"
He freezes, a chill running through him, powerful enough to register through the constant, pulsing pain.
Her?
He manages to lift his head and meet the creature's gaze. It resembles something close to curiosity.
"You don't remember." It states.
He thinks for a moment; knows he must have had family- friends, but they are all forgotten now. Memories turned to dust and scattered. They were of no use here, in a place that bends good things to break you.
"You gave her to us. You gave her to this place to save yourself."
Another game? A ploy to breach his mind, to disrupt his... No, he remembers something; a voice, a welcome, a glint of hair in the light of another world. It can't be. These memories are not his.
The thing draws itself up, head tilted to one side. "Yes, remember. Remember the one you gave us so that you could take flight. She faced the horrors that you would escape."
He begins to remember. He sees her. He recalls being afraid. Not the persistent dread he has felt since the beginning of his endless time in the Cell, but terror, stark terror experienced long before his time in this place, fresh and writhing. It wells up inside him. He feels himself convulse; struggle uselessly against the chains.
Two massive, taloned hands clamp astride his head and suddenly the creature's face is level with his own. He tries to look away, but all he sees is the grotesque. He peers into its lifeless, empty eyes and they peer back, amoral and void of judgment; as he feels the creature begin to bore into his mind.
He remembers everything now. He remembers her; both beauty and desperation, and he remembers his desire to survive. He remembers the choice he has to make; His cowardice; His shame. The story lives its own retelling like a nightmare on canvas; fresh and vivid and terrible. Sobs begin to wrack his tortured body, and he wails into the darkness.
"Yes, know despair." The creature muses, its grip tightening, threatening to crush his skull. "You sacrificed everything and still we found you. Still we brought you to this place. Remember everything and we will end you. You will be free."
As the creature seeps into his thoughts, so too does he catch glimmers of its own. Even through the pain and anguish, he knows that it lies. It will keep him alive; taunt him; crush him. Over and over until there is nothing left to hold its abyssal interests. He doesn't care. All this time; conserving, resisting… his tentative, wasteful gathering of energy. His channeling. He has been channeling for so long that he has forgotten why. Why...
He weeps for everything lost. The emptiness of the the Cell expands, the whispers and promises of the creature fading into the dark with it. The sounds and sensations become an amalgam of colour, a concept in the foreground of his thoughts, and he feels the final barriers of his mind fall to the creature, shattering like stained glass. It pours through and rushes towards the answer.
One last image of her. He sees her speak.
He remembers what she says.
He remembers why.
In the Cell, the creature falls silent. The agony drains away, and the torrent stagnates. He is surrounded by light- an aura of blue; it reminds him of the sky back home. Home. He remembers home. For a moment his interrogator registers something close to surprise; then grunts and applies all its strength to flattening the small, wasted collection of features between its palms. He closes his eyes.
The creature roars in anger, assails him with claws, fists, a crushing whip of its tail. Some of the chains snap and spin into the dark, but still he hovers undisturbed, the blue light brightening around him. The creature's ceaseless assault begins to slow, and it changes tact; he senses it frantically clawing at his mind, but the attacks bounce away harmlessly, almost as if ushered by a child. Instead, he feels the light compressing him, molding the remains of his limbs, inverting him. He realises that this should hurt, but instead he feels protected, as if shrinking into himself will hide him forever; shield him from harm. The creature is screaming at him now, hurling curses and oaths of vengeance. It spits bile and fury; rages that, for humanity, there is no escape. It vows that it will never stop searching.
He considers saying something back. And then he is gone.
---------------ooOOoo-----------------
He awakes to the sound of wind through the trees.
It is cold, and dark, and for a moment he feels the familiar twinge of fear. But the air is fresh and clean and the earth is soft beneath him, so he knows he cannot be within the confines of the Cell. He must have made it. He must be free.
“Over here!” A voice pierces the silence. It has the innocent ring of a young girl’s. “I saw a flash! A- a light...”
“We really don’t have time for this, dear. It’s getting dark. We best be heading home.” Another voice; also female, older though.
He hears footsteps and the rustle of brush as they head in his direction. Then a crash as one of them stumbles. He hears the girl wince and the elder let out a 'tut'.
“Sorry, didn’t see that.” The young one apologises. “Hey, look!”
He tries to examine them as they approach, but he can’t see; can’t move. He feels disconnected, as if his body is not his own. He can sense them standing over him; soft fabrics snagging the brush, the huffs of their exertion.
"THIS is what you saw?" He hears the old one inquire.
"Well, I- I saw something!" The girl stammers, shuffles, then leans down towards him. He can feel her breath on his exposed skin. "I don't think I've ever seen anything quite like it..."
Her fingers run along him in wonderment, testing, gently prodding.
"It's definitely alive- but just look at all these scars, mother! Do you think it fights a lot?"
He senses the elder stiffen a moment, then release an exasperated sigh. "Regardless of what it's been doing, it is most certainly magical."
He feels the girls hand tighten around him in excitement.
"You would have noticed it too", her mother continues, "If you paid attention to anything I taught you-"
"So, we can bring him back with us?" The girl interrupts.
The elder says nothing, but she must have given a sign; a nod, because the girl squeals in delight. Suddenly he is scooped up, cradled and nuzzled against the flat of her chest.
"You understand you'll be taking care of it, of course?" The old woman adds.
"Naturally, mother. That means I can name it too, right?"
"Yes, but for now we journey home. You can think of something on the way." He hears the woman turn and walk back through the brush, then feels the girl follow eagerly after.
"Honestly, Leah. You really do get mixed up with the strangest of things." The elder calls back over her shoulder.
His sight returns just enough to make out the girl's grin from his vantage in her arms, ecstatic with all the world, then he gives in to her warm embrace, his thoughts fading with each rhythmic step as they make their way forward on the path.
Around them, the trees sway silently in the night, their branches reaching like talons towards the light of the moon.
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Terror.
After the battle at Tristram, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
Unable to witness the suffering of their people, many would be heroes have set out in attempt to find the source of the scourge and put an end to it. Some have returned, more never did. It was a single paladin who, alone with his faith, was able to get to the root of the plague of frogs. Though his name is long forgotten, it is recorded he followed the road of the Frog Demons' destruction into the Torajan jungles, where he chanced upon a camp of young men of a primitive disposition in the midst of a journey that was their rite off passage to become warriors for their tribe. He joined them for the night, sharing a meal with them and listening to their tales. Upon questioning them of the Frog Demons, they revealed to him an old tribal legend from the time of the Mage Clan Wars, an event firmly etched in their cultural memory. It was told in their tribe that during the war the mages summoned a mighty demonnesse, a great succubus general of Andariel herself. Flying loose from the shackles of her summoners, she settled in the jungles and set about corrupting the land around her and plaguing the tribes that lived there. Many warriors have tried to make war with her and have failed, but eventually a single witch doctor, along with a small escort of elite bodyguards were able to corner the creature, though they were unable to kill her. The witch doctor then cast a mighty curse on her and in mockery of her vanity attempted to transform her into a frog. The spell, however, went horribly wrong, transforming the demonnesse into an abominable fusion between her previous, beautiful form and that of a gigantic frog. In her rage, the demonnesse, hence forth dubbed the Princess of Frogs, slew the warrior and captured the witch doctor, breaking his will and stealing him into the jungle. They were not seen again, but it was rumored that she is to this day trying to force him to undo the curse. It is also said that she either created or took control of the Frog Demons, now bearing her likeness, making them her new army in Sanctuary.
Following this lead, the paladin ventured the place where the former succubus was said to dwell. Little is known of his journey there, but we know he eventually found the creature and fought her, for the battle was later recorded in great detail. The beast he described later as bloated and disproportionate, with acidic slime running from her pores to cover he skin and spitting globes of poison. The witch doctor was also reported to have been at her presence – a pale, chained shadow of a man, his life clearly prolonged through unnatural means. As they fought, the acid coating the creature's skin ate away at the paladin's gear, melting sword and armor and burning skin and flesh. Only his holy shield, the symbol of his faith, endured and with it he smote the vile Princess of Frogs over and again to little avail. Bracing himself to his seemingly inevitable end he released all his might to one last strike with his shield. To his great surprise, the blow stunned the so called princess enough to free the witch doctor of his mental bondage. Aged long beyond his natural life, he spoke with his last breath a final, amended curse and fell to the ground, dead. Before his astonished eyes, the Princess of Frogs completed her transformation into a humble and regular frog.
Of his journey back to civilization we know nothing, except that he brought the frog back with him to Kurast. No one there had the heart to slay the helpless critter, just as he had not in the jungles. Some theorize it to be the (hopefully) last remnant of her power as succubus to charm. The Frog Demons diminished in numbers and strength since then and the Princess of Frogs herself, now in the form of a frog proper, carried on to outlive all those participating in this tale and never seeming to age. No one knows where and when the name Binkles came from, but the general consensus is it suits her.
In centuries past, Kurast was heavily plagued by Frog Demos frequently emerging from the jungles and devastating both trade and agriculture, eventually even becoming a threat to the safety of the then-fair city.
Many would be heroes have set out in attempt to find the source of the scourge and put an end to it. Some have returned, more never did. It was a single paladin who, alone with his faith, was able to get to the root of the plague of frogs. Though his name is long forgotten, it is recorded he followed the road of the Frog Demons' destruction into the Torajan jungles, where he chanced upon a camp of young men of a primitive disposition in the midst of a journey that was their rite off passage to become warriors for their tribe. He joined them for the night, sharing a meal with them and listening to their tales. Upon questioning them of the Frog Demons, they revealed to him an old tribal legend from the time of the Mage Clan Wars, an event firmly etched in their cultural memory.
It was told in their tribe that during the war, the mages summoned a mighty demonnesse, a great succubus general of Andariel herself. Flying loose from the shackles of her summoners, she settled in the jungles and set about corrupting the land around her and plaguing the tribes that lived there. Many warriors have tried to make war with her and have failed, but eventually a single witch doctor, along with a small escort of elite bodyguards were able to corner the creature, though they were unable to kill her. The witch doctor then cast a mighty curse on her and in mockery of her vanity attempted to transform her into a frog. The spell, however, went horribly wrong, transforming the demonnesse into an abominable fusion between her previous, beautiful form and that of a gigantic frog. In her rage, the demonnesse, hence forth dubbed the Princess of Frogs, slew the warrior and captured the witch doctor, breaking his will and stealing him into the jungle. They were not seen again, but it was rumored that she is to this day trying to force him to undo the curse. It is also said that she either created or made servants of the Frog Demons, now bearing her likeness and making them her new army in Sanctuary.
Following this lead, the paladin ventured the place where the former succubus was said to dwell. Little is known of his journey there, but we know he eventually found the creature and fought her, for the battle was later recorded in great detail. The beast he described later as bloated and disproportionate, with acidic slime running from her pores to cover her skin, and spitting globes of poison. The witch doctor was also reported to have been at her presence – a pale, chained shadow of a man, his life clearly prolonged through unnatural means. As they fought, the acid coating the creature's skin ate away at the paladin's gear, melting sword and armor and burning skin and flesh. Only his holy shield, the symbol of his faith, endured and with it he smote the vile Princess of Frogs over and again to little avail. Bracing himself to his seemingly inevitable end he released all his might to one last strike with his shield. To his great surprise, the blow stunned the so called princess enough to free the witch doctor of his mental bondage. Aged long beyond his natural life, he spoke with his last breath a final, amended curse and fell to the ground, dead. As the paladin watched, the Princess of Frogs completed her transformation into a humble frog.
Of his journey back to civilization we know nothing, except that he brought the frog back with him to Kurast. No one there had the heart to slay the helpless critter, just as he had not in the jungles. Some theorize it to (hopefully) be the last remnant of her power as succubus to charm. The Frog Demons diminished in numbers and strength since then and the Princess of Frogs herself, now in the form of a frog proper, carried on to outlive all those participating in this tale and never seeming to age. No one knows where and when the name Binkles came, but the general consensus is it suits her.
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Terror.
After the battle at Travencal, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
Farnham had become painfully familiar with the dream but it never became less frightening with experience. Demonic figures surrounded him at a rock’s throw away so he dared not move from where he stood. They stood silent, staring, their gaze piercing through his tattered grey clothing, through his flesh, as though they could see his very soul. A soul he knew had been withered down through three generations of torment, pain, anguish, and guilt. His shaking hand instinctively went to his waist where he once kept a wineskin but found nothing. The comforts of drink would not be found here.
“Hello again Farnham.” said a deep trembling voice from behind him where nothing stood just a moment ago. Fear overtook him as it did most of his life. His legs went limp bringing him down to his knees. He began to sob uncontrollably as he felt his bladder empty onto the sulfuric soil at his feet. The smell was almost enough to make him wretch.
Slowly he turned around knowing what awaited him. The demon had grey and black skin, was at least three times Farnham’s height, and moved almost spider-like. Its face was home to four fiery eyes located above what passed for a mouth in the underworld. Exposed flesh glowed red hot along its jaw and nose.
“A-A-Azmodan, p-please don’t hurt me,” begged Farnham on all fours. “I’ve done everything you’ve asked!”
“And yet the Black Soulstone still eludes my grasp!” roared Azmodan. The Lord of Sin smashed his fist on the dry crackled earth beside Farnham in rage.
Farnham stuttered excuses “The girl s-s-still has the stone, I swear it! B-but I can only d-do so much with what you’ve given me!”
This seemed to anger the demon more. Azmodan reached over to his right and in one hand he grasped a fatter looking demonic boar. It shrieked in fear but could not escape the tightening grip around its body. Once brought into plain view of Farnham Azmodan squeezed the pig with all his might. The crushing sound it made was sickening and black ooze sprayed onto Farnham. This time he could not keep anything down and vomited.
“You dare belittle the gifts I’ve bestowed upon you?! Perhaps I should send you back to where I found you… yes…”
“No anything but that!” cried Farnham, “Please, I’ve only ever been loyal! I’ve kept a close eye on the woman, as you commanded of me!”
Azmodan took a deep breath and seemed to relax his anger. The slits for his eyes narrowed as he gazed down at the pitiful excuse of a man.
“Loyal? Loyal you say? You know nothing of loyalty, worm. When Lazarus led the villagers into the cathedral tombs you fled and left your friends to die. When the king’s son returned you crawled into a bottle instead of helping him slay those who tormented those around you. When Tristram was under siege you could have fought but instead you hid and watched your townspeople fall, one by one.
Images flashed before Farnham as he wept for the souls of Tristram: Wirt, Griswold, Gillian, Ogden, and Pipen. They had all died at the hands of demonic minions.
Azmodan was enjoying Farnham’s torment, relishing the moment, like a cat with its prey. “Even as you lay dying among the rubble of your beloved Tristram you turned traitor yet again by calling out my name. Do not forget who saved your pathetic life, mortal.”
With a wave of Azmodan’s arm Farnham suddenly found himself floating. He could feel his body getting hotter, so hot he felt as though he would burst into flames. He flailed hoping to be freed from the invisible grasp, to run away and wake from the terrible nightmare, but he hung there helpless as ever.
“You will return to your duty human, and you had better not think of betraying me or the torment I give you in the afterlife will be sung in songs of legend. Never forget…”
Farnham’s tattered shirt suddenly burst into flames and was gone as fast as the fire appeared. The heat was unbearable as the insignia of the Lord of Sin shone white hot on his chest. Azmodan leaned in close, breathing on his helpless subject.
“You are MINE!!!”
He awoke, startled. After calming down for a moment he took in his surroundings to discover he was safe once again. From his cage he could see Leah working tirelessly to translate documents, the Black Soulstone just feet away in front of her among tomes, scrolls, and candles.
Leah slammed her quill onto the desk and stood up in frustration. After a deep breath she walked over to the cage and opened it up. She reached in and picked up Farnham in one hand. She smiled at him and patted his head with one finger.
“I envy you so much Binkles. You never have to worry yourself with the troubles of men and demons. Let me change your water for you”, she said as she put him back into his cage and leaving.
‘So sweet and innocent’ thought Farnham. He hated the name Binkles, but realized it was probably appropriate for a pet frog. The truth was that being a frog wasn’t so bad. Leah always treated him well, his cage was always clean, and he felt safe… when he was awake at least.
Azmodan was half right though. So many times he wanted to tell her about what was coming. In fact, this time he was resolved to do so. Yes, it was time she be warned. Farnham had few moments of bravery in his life so he wasn’t going to spoil this one. Leah returned with a fresh bowl of water humming a tune he didn’t recognize. When she opened the cage he took a deep breath, mustered all his courage, and got out the only thing he could.
“Ribbit!”
The Witch Doctors of Sanctuary scoured the marshes and jungles in search of the lost graves of grotesque creatures to reanimate for their own bidding against the greater evils arising in Sanctuary.
Found in the swamps of Tristram Wood were legions of amphibians and their extinct ancestors, undisturbed. With the toads and frogs of Sanctuary under the Witch Doctor’s control, the spirits of the swamp are reluctantly reawakened to familiar evils.
After the fall of the mysterious Fallen Star, a newfound intelligence has swathed over several of these living descendents. Many attempted to flee to find new peaceful waters, only to be greeted by death.
Only one amphibian influenced by the Fallen Star is known to have escaped the forces of Hell and the Witch Doctor’s summoning. The elusive amphibian, given the nickname Binkles the Frog by the denizens of Sanctuary, is said to be in search of something to help rid the land of Hell, and to release his kin from the Witch Doctor’s disposal...
Many years ago Binkles the Frog was a sorcerer known to many as Barnham the Great. When he was just a boy, Barnham lived on the streets and often got himself into trouble, using his uncontrolled magic to trick and strike fear in others, in order to take food and clothing, or whatever else caught his fancy, as he wished. Yet he often used it to defend those who were in need or in danger. Sorcerers noticed that he had potential for either greatness or destruction when he would sometimes show small signs of great power. He was eventually taken in by a powerful wizard named Albius Priscus who took him to live in the city of Kingsport. Albius also felt Barnham's black potential, but Albius was a wise man, and taught Barnham how to control his magic and his emotions, using the Brotherhood of the Vizjerei's strict code of discipline.
After hearing rumors of the destruction of many cities in Sanctuary by a mysterious man known only as The Wanderer, Barnham decided to journey toward the East, in search of the Wanderer, and to bring peace back to the world of Sanctuary. While traveling through the Twin Seas toward Kurast he met an amazon named Priscilla who, though she was young, had become worn with battle. After fighting many demons and other hell spawn throughout Sanctuary, Barnham found a sense of solace in being with Priscilla. For many days they would recount stories of battles fought, trials that were overcome and friends that were lost.
When Barnham and Priscilla arrived in Kurast, they found it beaten, battered and constantly under attack. Over the course of many battles, and though destruction and despair had become commonplace in Kurast, Barnham and Priscilla grew powerful and inseparable, using their combinations of fighting techniques to take down hordes of evil beings. They pushed their way to the city of Travincal, and during a heated battle against the Council Members, Priscilla was gravely injured by the demon Bartuc the Bloody. Barnham became crazed and launched his magic power at Bartuc and his followers. Bartuc was badly injured himself, but while Barnham focused on the rescue of Priscilla, Bartuc managed to escape, later heading towards Mount Arreat to meet with Baal, Lord of Destruction.
After the battle at Travencal, Barnham took Priscilla to the city of Caldeum to recover. It was there, as he cared for her, that Barnham discovered that he had fallen in love with Priscilla. Exhausted with battle, they decided to stay in Caldeum, and over the years, Barnham's influence as a powerful sorcerer over the Vizjerei became great.
Peace reigned in Caldeum with Emperor Hakan at the throne, but when the emperor became ill, there grew a dissension between mage clans over their influence over the city of Caldeum that, for some, grew into a small war. Since Barnham was one of the most influential men of the Vizjerei, one rebellious, yet powerful member of the Yshari snuck into Barnham's home and attacked Priscilla, mortally wounding her. Though caught off guard, she managed to kill the intruder, but the damage was done. Priscilla could not recover from her injuries.
Upon the discovery of the death of his Priscilla, Barnham became uncontrollably enraged and attacked the Yshari clan with all of his power, with heartless conviction, unconcerned with the lives of anyone who might stand in his way. When the Yshari discovered they were unable to defend themselves alone against such a powerful sorcerer, they turned to the Vizjerei, who realized the heinous and malignant turn their old friend had taken. They agreed, knowing that Barnham would not stop with the Yshari, but would continue on his path of destruction until none were left in his wake. In his rage, Barnham's magic had become so powerful, however, the sorcerers were unable to kill him, and instead, in a desperate attempt to stop him, called upon the witch doctors for help. Uniting their powers, they transformed Barnham the Great into a powerless and simple frog.
Years passed and Barnham was forgotten. But every now and again, people all around Sanctuary would see this small, colorful frog, whom they named Binkles, jumping around and croaking quietly.
Binkles was a fine frog; his parents accepted his choice to remain in the swamp, where he was born, and supported him from the beginning. Binkles led a hard life, flies were scarce and days would go by without a catch to feed him or his family. Binkles was fortunate enough to find a love of his life, and even though they did not have enough to support themselves they ended up having six frog babies. However, his and his lovers life, as well as his family and new born baby frogs was cut short by a fierce barbarian wearing a purple hilt, who was going for [Kill 1000 Critters: Receive a Teddy Bear Pet] Battle.net Achievement.
Disgusting, yes, but it gets worse. The frog's body is filled with an extremely virulent toxin that kills everything caught in the blast radius, reducing it to a slimy, lifeless puddle of mush. This frog has a blast radius of about half a kilometer. Other frogs have a much, much smaller blast, but all the same, everybody gives frogs a very wide berth in sanctuary.
So when ever you need something destroyed or killed just let Binkles out of its nest or you never see that landmine that looks like a frog.
.. ah f*** it!
:: Enkeria [Twitter / Twitch / Website / Tattoos]
Binkles was the son of Pepin, the healer of Tristam. Binkles and his long time friend Wirt would go on amazing adventer's around the land of sanctuary only to get into trouble and be scolded by deckard cain. After the the kidnapping of Wirt, Binkle's decided to go find him himself, armed with a butcher's knife and a lantern he set foot towards the last known appearance of his dear friend. he ventured into a cave where many men had entered but never returned. Terrified as he was he mustered up enough courage to venture inside. There he heard voices and screams never imaginable. As he explored more deeply into the cave he heard another loud noise, this time it was from behind him, it was a one of the fallen! A shaman. Binkle's fell back and hit his head on a rock and completly lost conciousnes. Shortly after he was taking to a small chamber where other children including his friend Wirt were being tortured. Binkles cried for help as he saw his friend being tortured by the fallen. They were ravaging his body and ripping at his left leg. The shaman had chanted something unusual and before Binkles could look back the fallen shaman had cast a spell transforming binkles's into a frog. Scared as he was in his new body Binkles escaped hoping away sliping from every hand of the fallen never to be seen again. His father Pepin worried for his son's safety, Arranged for a search party to seek his son. A few days went by and still no luck in his search. Suddenly he looked apon the town square only to see Wirt, half dead lying on the floor. Pepin quickly tends to the boy and then suddenly askes of his son Binkles ,and the boy replied -they changed him to a frog sir... he is lost in the wilderness. Pepin fell to his knees and prayed to god for his son's safe being years pass and his father gives up the search and decides to prepare a grave for his lost son knowing he would never be found, untill now.... Lately People from the lands of sanctaury have heard croaking in the late of night strange as it seem's it's only occured recently. Could it be Binkles? If so could he be searching for his dear friend? His grieving father? Or maybe Adria, the sorceress who possible behold's the power to dispel his transformation. Let's hope this poor lad find's his remedy and then finnaly find's his way home.
I know my grammar sucks but the story kicks ass am I right?