With his own men stretched thin and morale at its breaking point, Lord Valerius turns to a desperate solution: a haphazard collection of sellswords, wanderers, and outcasts bound by little more than a shared need for coin. Led by Harven, a ranger whose stoic silence masks a heavy sense of responsibility, the group is a study in contrasts. There is Nialas, the cleric whose faith is a quiet shield; Shaela, the rogue who moves like a whisper in the shadows; her hulking brother Borik, a youth whose eagerness for battle is a fire waiting to be unleashed; Prestin, a wizard of questionable nerve and academic curiosity; Daya, a monk whose energy is a coiled spring; and Erran, a fighter whose complaints are as constant as his surprising courage in a corner.
Their hunt for the thieves leads them away from the world of men and into the stuff of nightmare: the dreaded Caves of Chaos. But the truth they uncover within the stone labyrinth is far more complex than a simple theft. They find themselves entangled in a web of deceit spun by treacherous bandits and a formidable goblin chieftain who guards a roaring, unholy forge.
In the fiery heart of the enemy's lair, the party’s mission transforms. The Bowl is not merely a silver prize; it is a vessel for an ancient, sentient spirit, now crying out in agony as the goblin's fire threatens to extinguish its life forever. The quest is no longer for gold, but for salvation. Faced with a challenge that their swords cannot conquer, this unlikely fellowship must find a new kind of strength in each other—combining a rogue’s delicate touch, a barbarian’s raw power, and a cleric’s unwavering faith. They came seeking a fortune, but in the darkness, they will discover their destiny: to mend a broken spirit and, in doing so, become the heroes the Borderlands so desperately need.
Kimbertos Skotti believes that the most powerful magic in any fantasy world is the connection between people. He writes stories about found families—the bickering, the unexpected loyalty, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the crucible of a shared, terrible experience. While his tales are filled with ancient artifacts, dark caves, and menacing goblins, his true focus is always on the characters who are just trying to get by, protect their friends, and maybe, just maybe, do the right thing without getting themselves killed.
His inspiration comes not from ancient prophecies, but from the everyday heroism he sees around him: the quiet resilience of a friend facing a tough time, the chaotic teamwork of a group project, and the simple kindness of a stranger. He translates these human moments into a world of sword and sorcery, creating characters who feel real, relatable, and wonderfully imperfect. He writes for readers who love the thrill of an adventure but stay for the heart-to-heart conversation around the campfire afterward.
Kimbertos lives with his fiercely independent cat, who serves as a daily inspiration for cunning and unpredictable rogues. When he isn't writing, he can be found testing new recipes in the kitchen or searching for the perfect cup of tea. He hopes his stories feel like coming home to a warm tavern, ready to share a drink with your favorite adventuring companions.