The Solace Campaign: November 2011

30 November, 2011

Game Master

Having come to a loose consensus that the goblin cave is the first priority but that everyone is willing to follow Nills into the mountans later, the party sends Med as its unwilling delegate.

Nills listens to what Med has to say, but is a bit surprised by the notion that better equipment is needed.

"I do confess that I have very little experience in, um, in the mountains." He also seems to have very little experience with people actually listening to what he says. A bit flustered, he goes on. "Perhaps you could draw up a detailed list of what you think will be necessary? I will see about acquiring it all. I would, indeed, be easier in my mind if I saw Her Ladyship back to Featherstone in person. I will return in seven days."

"But see, um, see here, Wizard. Don't you and your people go stirring up trouble while I'm away. I don't want any... that is, I don't think," He pauses. "This quest is too important to bungle. Pral seems a straight-forward fellow, but your other friends have a rough look about them. I'm all for putting down the goblins, or whatever they supposedly are, but the whole business smells wrong to me. Clegg and I will make the journey into the Wild alone if... if, ah... well if need be."

With this vague warning he walks off, moustache quivering.

The night passes stormily, but by sunrise the sky is clear. The temperature has fallen considerably, and the wind, now out of the east, is brisk and raw. At breakfast, you are wondering how to pass word up to Brother Landrau, when he steps in the door unbidden.

"I heard the supplicants of the Oracle had returned safely, so I figured it was time to see about these goblins." He seems impatient, not exactly nervous, just flushed with the thrill of what might lie ahead.

The hike back up the road to the rock pile is cold and muddy. Upon arrival Elendil climbs up the rocks to see how things look. A moment later, he is back down, whispering, "The rock we used to block up the hole. It's gone."

Ben: I feel like I've rushed things a bit here. Feel free to make any preparations you want back at the inn or correct any misunderstandings I've had about plans. In particular, it might be a good idea to post a list of the equipment each of you are carrying--once inside the cave the details might matter.

29 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med does not have the proper equipment to go climbing around a snow covered mountain and he's reasonably sure Pral doesn't either. He would also wager that neither does Sir Nills. Med and Pral had also agreed to help Talia and Elendil upon returning with the Countess to the Inn.

Med leans towards the center of the table he and his three companions share, careful not to knock over anything or get anything on his robes.

"I believe we should investigate these goblin beasts and their lair. Climbing around on a frozen mountain searching for who knows what without proper gear is foolish."

With a quick look around Med points at Sir Nills over his shoulder with his thumb and says quietly.

"We could send Sir Nills back to Featherstone with the Countess as protection for that journey, and have him return here with some warmer clothing, ropes, rations, and oil. Everything that we'd need to do some proper exploring on The Scimitar. That should take him three or four days, which should give us time to look into the goblin's lair you found. We'll make Thumbs happy, the locals happy, the Harmonic Brotherhood happy, maybe find a bit of treasure, and then have our next adventure already waiting for us with Sir Nills. The only one who will not be happy is the Countess, and from what I've seen the last few days she is never happy anyways. I've said my piece and will listen to what everyone thinks we should do next."

Med looks around the inn to see if anyone might have overheard his say. Reasonably assured that they have been left to make their own choice he glances around the inn to see if he can see any brightly colored fabric or scarves. Maybe he'll have to discuss the mountain lion with Talia after dinner and their choices have been made, getting her input about the world of wild things may be valuable.

Talia

[To Elendil]: "I know you are eager to find elves, and if I can then I'll help you. However, I have heard nothing more than rumours of them, and seen no trace of their presence in my travels. But how about we make a deal? You help me find and kill the goblins, and cleanse the land of their foulness, and in return I'll speak with the creatures of the wild, and see if any of them can discover anything of the elves."

[To Med]: "Call me dense if you want, but I'm not sure I see what the prophecy has to do with the Scimitar? And I've definitely no desire to help out the Countess. But that said, if you'll help me destroy the goblins, then I'll happily go with you on whatever path you wish." She wrinkles her nose, frowning. "Well, as long as it doesn't lead to civilisation, anyway."

"The lion's actions do not seem any it would make of its own accord. So I would think that either it was bidden to take the scarf by another, or perhaps it was not in truth a lion at all, but rather one transformed into the appearance of one. It's size would also suggest that this was no natural creature, or at least, not wholly so. Either way, I do hope we come upon it again, I would love to speak with it."

[To the snake]: While whiling away the afternoon waiting for the return of her companions, Talia goes softly down to the clearing where she found the snake. If it has gone its own way, then so much the better. But if not, and it wishes to help her, then - casting speak with animals - she asks whether it knows anything of the elves Elendil is so keen to find, and, if not, whether it could seek to find out.

John: I've taken the liberty of assuming that Talia prayed for her spells on the morning of her day off, leaving her with:

Entangle
Entangle
Speak with Animals
Speak with Animals - now cast on the snake.

If that couldn't or didn't happen, let me know! Also, in the afternoon she will refill her herb bag with anything useful she can find.

Mediocrates

Med, leans in close to the table once again after hearing Talia's opinion.

"The prophecy the Oracle foretold is supposed to begin with a search of the Scimitar. A daunting task, with the rugged terrain making it even more so. I believe it best to be undertaken with the proper equipment and with the proper level of respect. Freezing to death or becoming a cripple on a poorly planned and equipped expedition is not something that I wish to be a part of. As for the mountain lion, it most definitely was more then a mere kitty. I understood the beast's thoughts as well as it's owner while in it's presence and I hope to remain in both of their favor. Talia, would you think that an intelligent beast would still have the instincts of the beast it is or was? If so we might have to find a really really large ball of yarn should we seek it's favor."

With a smile Med sits back in his chair, hoping that Pral or Elendil will make their thoughts known shortly.

Elendil

Elendil takes a swig of more decent wine than the mushroom concoction and nods, "Having been a cripple not too long ago, I fully agree with Med, we need to make sure that we have the right equipment and a good idea of what we are going to face. I believe Thumbs said that brother Landrau was wanting to support any endeavor to clear the area of goblins. I would welcome his presence and whatever other assets we can turn to our advantage."

Elendil smiles to Talia. "I will stand by you in whatever task you wish to undertake. I'm sure that if there are any elves in the area, they will make themselves known before too long."

Pral

Pral resolutely maintains his silence whilst the others debate on what their options are. He sips his drink and thinks about the next snack. He does not understand all of what is being said, but hears the earnest tone of Med but is also slightly swayed by the gentle tone of Talia. As Med explains his reasoning and says "Freezing to death or becoming a cripple on a poorly planned and equipped expedition is not something that I wish to be a part of." Pral knows this is something he understands and pats Med on the shoulder and says "Yes, Med speaks wise, I think I shall stay by his side."

He glances at each before sipping his drink again and feeling pleased with himself that he demonstrated such wisdom and showed the others he could decide his part of the path the party should take.

28 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Chapter IV: Into the Cave

Game Master

In the late afternoon, Samuel Prospero Mallbeck, born 1478, died in the twenty first year of the Gods' Dawn, 1551, is committed to the earth in a hastily constructed coffin. surrounded by the entire staff of the High Road Inn. The guests, including Elendil, Talia, the Countess' coachman and maids, and the five boys (now quite sober) watch respectfully from the periphery. An aged and dignified priest of Kronnor conducts the service in the little graveyard above the horse pasture.

Later, back in the great room, someone produces a mandolin and someone else a flute. All through the evening, and far into the night there is music, song and poetry. Much of it is an old form, seldom heard in the lowlands, in which a speaker reciting poetry takes turns, line by line, with an instrument which attempts to repeat the meaning of the poem in music. The doors to the inn are barred, but no guard is posted.

In the morning, Thumbs still seems to have no intention of making Talia and Elendil pay for their lodging, so long as they plan on investigating the goblin threat. They while away the day, looking out constantly for the return of their friends and pacing the grounds. As evening falls and a storm gathers, the Countess and her company can be seen picking their way down the slope to the inn. Everyone seems to be in a foul mood.

As Med suspected, the horses had been spooked by the scent of the great mountain lion. It took an hour to get them rounded up and ready to ride, and they remained skittish all the way down the ridge. To make matters worse, Harwold seemed to have an least two cracked ribs, which made it very painful for him to ride. The pain made him surly. The Countess, for her part, became pale and withdrawn, her wide eyes darting around the mountain side. By the time the group reached the inn, she appeared to have aged ten years.

Over dinner in the great room, Med and Pral swap stories with Elendil and Talia. The rain hammers on the roof. The four talk about what comes next.

The goblins' cave is quite close and the inn seems vulnerable. Thumbs has made it clear that he would welcome the aid of bold adventurers in this matter with all the hospitality at his disposal. Word has come down from the Harmonic Brotherhood that Brother Landrau has consulted with his order and will be glad to accompany any excursion into that cave.

Meanwhile, the Countess has ordered Sir Nills to lead an expedition to The Scimitar to pursue the prophecy and report back to her. She seems to assume that Med, Pral and Clegg will be joining this expedition, since the goddess doomed them as well, but there hasn't actually been any discussion about it. She herself plans to return to civilization--at least as far as Featherstone--with Murton, Harwold, the maids and the coachman. It is true that the doom included her, too, but after the incident with the cat, there really can be no thought of her making such a venture into the wild. True to her word, though, she sends her coachman with a bag containing 45 gold pieces for Med and Pral to split.

To reach The Scimitar, one would first have to follow the road to the foot of Ferrill's Pass. Then, one would step off the road, into trackless wilderness to skirt--somehow--around the base of Gabbert's Peak. The Scimitar itself is much higher than Mount Dain, where Med and Pral have come from, and the top half of it is locked in snow and ice year round. Exploring the whole mountain without any further clue what to look for is a daunting proposition. There are certain to be other dangers, not least among them, elves.

And, of course, it's a big, bright world. A spirited little group like yours might have ideas of its own...

25 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Even though a bit startled from the encounter, the sound of frightened horses urges Med into action.

"Quickly to the horses or it will be a long walk back to the inn!"

Med races toward where the horses are tethered with a dart in his hand. He thinks to himself that the horses might have caught the scent of the lion and be frightened. He hopes that is the case, as he's currently way ahead of everyone else in the Countess's party. Should he get a chance, either on the ride back to the inn or that night, Med will reflect on what happened with the big cat, but right now he's motivated by the thought of not having to walk the whole way back.

Pral

Pral, although initially startled by the lion’s strange and unexpected appearance ,immediately springs into action as it bounds away. Pral does all he can to stay behind the beast but despite his surefooted passage through the rock,s he cannot get past sir Nils before Pral realises he has no chance of realistically pursuing the animal. Pulling up he frowns at the broad back of Nils.

Despondent at the lost opportunity, he returns to Med's side and trudges along for many minutes with his large head held low, his eyes locked down on his booted feet as they throw out clouds of dust as they pounded the miles back towards the inn. Finally the head lifts and the eyes look towards Med with almost a pleading in them, as if caught in a turmoil that will not allow him to rest until the quandary is resolved!

"Med, what would a beast like that want a scarf for? It surely won't be able to tie any sort of a knot!"

Here ends Chapter Three.

24 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

Outside the gate to the sisterhood, the little party prepares for its descent. Sir Nills bows before the Countess. "My lady, I shall hurry ahead to see that your path is clear." Not in the habit of getting much of a reply, he immediately begins to move away. He's brought up short by her response.

"No."

He turns back. "My lady?"

"You will stay with us, Sir Nills. Take the rear guard."

For a moment, he seems taken aback, but he soon collects himself. "Of course, my lady."

Clegg and Murton stare at each other. To Med's questioning look, Murton whispers, "He’s been hanging around pretendin' to serve her for three years now, and she won't have him. Won't give him no orders, won't send him away. Won't call him by name. Followed us all the way from Ailmoran, he did. This here's the first time she ever--"

He's interrupted by an evil look from Harwold. In silence, the party trudges off down the steep trail.

As you walk, it occurs to Med that Harwold wasn't at the Oracle's ceremony. He slept in the courtyard with the other men, but then Med has no memory of seeing him when it came time to go up to the platform.

The morning is cold, but the hike soon warms everyone. Going down is easier than coming up, but still tiring. It's near midday when the group crosses the little stone bridge and draws close to the point where they expect to meet Aaron coming back with the horses.

Something moves on the uphill side of the path. Everyone looks up and then freezes. Not twenty feet away is an enormous mountain lion, rising to its feet. Neither Med nor Pral know much about such creatures but both of them are certain that it is freakishly large. As it comes fully to its feet they realize it is as tall as a horse.

The cat's gaze sweeps leisurely back and forth across the group, which is paralyzed with awe. In two great strides it reaches the path and looks directly at Med for a moment.

The spell is broken by the sound of Sir Nills drawing his sword and rushing forward. The cat twitches its tail, and then leaps clear over Med, striking Harwold in the chest with both front paws and knocking him to the ground. It bites at the Countess, snatching the silk scarf right off her head and then bounds away downhill.

Sir Nills, with Pral right behind him, attempts to give chase, but the creature moves like lightning on the steep terrain. It is immediately clear that there is no hope of catching it.

Not too far up the trail you can hear horses whinnying in fright.

23 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med, suitably impressed at Pral's gift and favor by Vexia, remarks to him as they descend the stairs, "Pral, my friend. I will never again misjudge you when you see writings. I or any of our friends would be happy to help you make sense of them."

Med formulates a bit of a plan as they descend the stairs, as there's nothing else that requires his attention. He thinks to himself, that should a battle occur, Sir Nills will be the recipient of Med's enlarge spell. Med will then keep a careful eye on that ring to see if and where it might go during the growth caused by the spell. During the heat of battle, it should be easy enough to pick up and hide in his boot with no one the wiser and if he would be asked for it he would return it as he was really just keeping it safe. With a smile at his plan, he adjusts his pack and continues down the stairs with a bit more spring in his step.

Matt: Was my guess at the unknown spell correct?

Game Master

Ben: Your guess seems plausible, but further experimentation may be the only way to tell for sure...

Pral

Pral looks bemused at what has just happened. He sees Med next to him and hears the kind words. Pral thinks that he can trust Med as much as anyone.

"Med, I am not good at understanding all these fancy people and what they say. That woman wants me to come back and take council, but I am not sure I should." He looks distant as he obviously gathers his thoughts after the mammoth speech.

"I was just trying to fit in when I pointed to the writing. I didn't want you to look silly. I want you to help me in places like that please Med, in return you can be assured Pral will watch your back and protect you." The big friendly grin crosses his face and he puts a friendly arm about Med's shoulder and hugs him in a matey fashion, which nearly knocks the breath from Med! "I need breakfast! let's go and eat, even if I have to carry us both back to the inn. I'll make you a dragon-choker sandwich!"

Pral strides off down the trail, all the troubles in his world now erased; Med will advise him and explain things, Pral will protect Med. Easy, and therefore its time to eat.

Not many people would think that anyone would live in a world so simple, but not many had met Pral.

22 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

The Oracle of Vexia turns to face the first rays of the sun. A look of rapture overcomes her, and her eyes roll back into her head until only the whites are showing. She stiffens and throws her arms wide. She, and only she, is suffused with sunlight. When she speaks, her voice is otherworldly, sounding in chords rather than single pitches, more than one word tumbling out at the same time.

"These things shall come to pass:
        A kind man shall perish in fire.
        A priest shall weep ancient tears.
        One among you shall trade namelessness for colorlessness.
        One among you shall become great in my sight.
        The path to the throne shall be swept clear in order that a legless boy may walk to its end."

"Countess, having asked to hear this future, you are doomed to create it. All those who have heard it wear this same doom.''

This last word rattles like a jail door slamming. Each of you feels it somewhere deep inside your rib cage.

'Your road begins there. Refuse it at your peril!"

With the word "there", the Oracle rises, almost as though lifted by puppet strings and whirls to point to the southwest, directly at the mountain known as The Scimitar. She holds this pose for a moment and then crumples to the ground, limp and unconscious.

The others of the sisterhood begin a long series of chants in praise of Vexia, Mother of Order, Font of Righteousness, Rod of Discipline. Finally, they gently lift the still catatonic Oracle and carry her away. All of you are ushered out.

Coming back down the stairs, Clegg elbows Med and whispers, "What in the Hag's teats was that? I didn't sign up fer no doom!"

It appears that breakfast is not a meal enjoyed at this Sisterhood. Hunger, and a deep nervousness about what just happened up above makes everyone eager to be on their way, but the Countess steps inside to talk with the high priestess. While everyone is standing around in the courtyard, Med notes that Sir Nills is wearing a battered copper ring on his right index finger. Pral looks around at the various ancient inscriptions on the walls and asks Med what they say. Med, unfortunately, has no idea.

Finally, the Countess returns and you all make for the final staircase down to the gate. Pral asks Med about one more inscription. But Med just shakes his head and says "Pral, what are you pointing at? There's not even anything there."

At this, your white-robed escort turns around and looks at Pral. "Can you indeed see those letters? Very few can. Could you see them before the ceremony?" Pral, of course, doesn't remember.

"I will translate them for you, for what they say is no great secret." She reads aloud:

        "Over the void, capricious fate.
        Over capriciousness, rage.
        Over rage, cruelty.
        Over cruelty, love.
        Over love, honor.
        Over honor, truth.
        Over everything, discipline."

"To see those letters is a sign that Vexia has her eye on you. When your part in this doom is complete, you should come back and take council."

With that, she shows you all down the stairs and outside to the base of the cliff. The portcullis lowers behind you.

21 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Matt: Med will attempt to memorize Enlarge while he keeps night watch in the temple courtyard. As for the unknown spell of Med's am I right at guessing it's Detect Magic?

Med weighs the options in his mind when the Oracle asks if there are any more questions of those gathered around the Oracle in the hours of early dawn. If he asks a question he may upset his employer. If he does not ask a question he may not find out valuable information about the beasts that attacked the locals outside of the Inn. Money and political favor on one hand. Saving lives of innocents on the other. Med shifts his weight from one knee to the other while kneeling on the stone, pondering what to do. He comes to the conclusion that his fellow adventurers can always climb 473 steps and ask questions of the Oracle at a later date. He patiently awaits the fortune telling spectacle, maybe he can determine if the Oracle is a fake.

After the prophecy ceremony Med will gather his things, and try to get some closer looks at Sir Nills hands. Are there any rings, gauntlets, etc.. that Med can see?

Pral

Pral watches the spectacle unfold around him. He considers his good fortune at having Med close by. Without him, Pral would have been lost in the ceremony, indeed even some of the words had confused him and he kept his eyes on Med and the others to know when to kneel, stand or sit. But now, the young girl, who had moments earlier had made her way to the dais asked if anyone wanted to ask a question. A cautious glance to Med shows he is deep in thought, Pral can not guess at what he is going to ask. A question springs unbidden into Pral's mind, one that has often troubled him and relating to his life-long ambition. But he holds his counsel and lets the moment pass. After all, the whereabouts of a fire-breathing dragon with a huge treasure hoard cannot be too difficult to find out if you ask the right people.

He watches the ceremony continue, happy to remain quiet and inside wishing he had stayed with Murton and carried on sleeping. On the bright side he considers; it'll be breakfast soon!

Talia

John: And there was me thinking Pral was going to ask where he could get a dragon-choker sandwich!

Mediocrates

Matt: I also was thinking something along those lines, HA! "How do you make the best dragon-choker sandwich in the history of the world?"

18 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

Dinner in the refectory is a dismal, solemn affair. A dozen sisters in white robes file in silently to join you in a meal of boiled grain and boiled greens. The sisters seem to intentionally avoid looking at you. Med does notice one young woman glancing furtively at the Countess, but she looks away immediately when Med catches her eye.

No one says a word, and the meal progresses in silence until Pral belches. He asks forgiveness, rather loudly, and then the silence returns.

Shortly after dinner, the Countess is ushered off somewhere within the buildings and is not seen again. Pallets and blankets are brought outside, and the men, grumbling, prepare for a wretched night in the darkening courtyard,

In the reddish dusk, Med casts his spell. The same odd feeling he's had before creeps in, but nothing else seems to happen. Pral looks him over for a while, but sees nothing different. When Med asks him to throw something at him, he compiles eagerly by playfully hurling a rock at Med's head.

Med ducks instinctively and then whirls around to see where the stone went. Behind him, is Sir Nills, who has thrown up an arm to block the flying object. Med gasps. Something in the man's hand is casting a pure, golden light that shimmers like sunshine on water. Oddly, the light, though bright, seems not too illuminate anything around it or to cast any shadows.

Looking back at Pral, Med realizes that Pral hasn't noticed anything. In an attempt to get a better look, he approaches Sir Nills to apologize, but by the time he has reached him the light has faded, and then vanished. Nills eyes him suspiciously but has nothing to say. His hands are empty.

Later, Med whispers to Pral, asking him whether he noticed the light. Pral seems confused, and then says that yes, of course he did. Med is fairly certain that he's lying so that he won't look stupid.

Ben: If Med wants to study a spell, let me know which one and I'll roll the dice.

The night passes quietly. Tired from the climb and feeling safe within four thick walls, no one seems much inclined to stand a watch. When first light begins to show in the cold windy sky it catches everyone sleeping.

It's only the arrival of the woman who first greeted you at the gate that wakes you all.

"Any who would see the Oracle, follow me now," she says. Giving you only a moment to shake off sleep, she goes on, "Leave your weapons here."

Murton goes back to sleep, but everyone else is overcome by curiosity and follows her through an arched passage and into another courtyard. Yet another passage leads out from the second courtyard. This one rises up a long flight of stairs before emerging into a blast of cold air.

You find yourselves standing on a flat, round platform about the size of the great room down at the inn. Except for an ornate but crumbling stone railing, nothing encloses the space. No mountain peak looms above. In all directions are long views to distant horizons, barely visible in the predawn light. The full arch of the Skyvein, now pink, sweeps above you. Three bright stars are still visible in the west. The wind is fierce and bitter.

In the center of the platform is a raised dais on which a simple, wooden stool has been placed. The Countess and several hooded sisters are kneeling in a circle around this. Your guide kneels as well and indicates that you should do the same.

There is silence, but for the wind, and a long time seems to pass. The sky grows brighter by imperceptible degrees.

Finally, another figure comes limping up the stairs. She is a young woman, hardly more than a girl. Her robe is the same simple white as the others, but her hood is thrown back to reveal a very ordinary face. Leaning heavily on a walking stick, she makes her way to the dais, dragging her right leg. She sits, straight-backed, on the stool and immediately begins to sing.

Her song is high-pitched and wordless, but filled with a haunting beauty. It lasts only for a short time.

"It is time to ask your questions," she murmurs.

The Countess rises and clears her throat. "I seek to bring power, glory, truth and righteousness to the throne by aiding the Church of Vexia in Ailmoran. I am at the service of the goddess. How may I best serve her there?"

The seated woman nods to indicate her understanding. Almost in a whisper, she says, "Are there any more questioners?" Her eyes sweep the circle, pausing on each of the visitors. The first ray of sunlight reaches over the eastern horizon and strikes her, adding a halo to her plain, brown hair.

17 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med places his dagger and sack of darts against the foot of the bench carefully so that they will not spill over and make a mess. The hike up to the chapel was quite breathtaking, figuratively and literally. The skill that was used to create this place humbles Med as he removes his hat and mops his brow with a cloth. He looks at some of the ancient stonework and to a language likely long forgotten that is scattered among the beautifully carved stone. The beauty of the place stirs Med's faith. Tonight while on watch he will offer up a prayer to Leeta.

He has a seat on the bench with Pral and leans over and says to Pral, "After we dine and before bed I have need of your aid. I have a spell that I have been unable to discern it's effects. I will cast it and afterwards if you see anything different let me know. If you see nothing different you can try tossing a shoe or stone gently at me. Should that fail to discover anything I will try to speak to you or examine some of the old writings on these ancient halls. Hopefully, we can figure out what this spell does together. Then I will take first watch and study my spells as you rest. Fair enough Pral? So far it's been an easy way to earn our pay, do you think it will continue?"

Med reaches inside of his robe to make sure there are a cigar or two easily reachable for after dinner. Adventuring hasn't been too bad so far he thinks to himself, I haven't had to go days without a meal and I still get to enjoy my evening cigar.

Pral

Pral looks up at the sky, watching the clouds scudding past in the wind outside the sanctary he is now standing. He looks down and sees Med taking off his weapons and slumping to the bench. Pral was just beginning to enjoy the exertion of the climb up the stairs when they reached this placed. Pral removes the enormous broadsword and leans it against the wall. He takes the sweat stained leather bandolier of throwing axes from his broad chest and hangs it indelicately on a carved figure set in to a recess in the wall. The figure; its hands set in prayer and face locked upwards in search of either deliverance or redemption, gains nothing from the addition of the leather strap. If Pral has caused offence, he clearly knows nothing of it. Indeed he even fails to notice the figure of Aaron reach across and remove the item from the figure before it causes offence and place it at the foot of the broadsword.

Pral sees Med fumble within his robes and bring forth his cigar holder. He likes it when Med lights the aromatic leaves and smokes the cheroot, perhaps he'll do it now as he takes the vacant place on the bench next to Med. He listens as Med talks to him trying to understand all that he says, but knowing that most of it he will fail to remember in two minutes. As Med speaks, Pral regards the lines on the walls. He's been told in the past that lines on certain things can speak to you, but despite many hours staring at lines on paper, in dust and scratched on slate; no lines have ever spoken to Pral. He knows Med understands the lines and hears what they say though. Pral saw him with a sheet with lines on during the stop at the inn.

"It has been easy so far, much gold earned for little work" Pral regards the red-faced and sweating Med beside him "although perhaps Med deserves more money as he worked harder than Pral!" The smile creases his face easily and Med winces with the joke, feeling every word to be true in his aching body. "I cannot cast spells, but will help you with your magic." The familiar pause for sentence construction "You tell me what I need to do, I trust you and want to help." Then after a final pause for thought, "promise you said we do this 'after' food?"

16 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

On the fringe of the little group, Med helps the stable hand by holding on to the lead line while he ties on the other horses and prepares to walk them back down the ridge for the night. The stable hand is named Aaron. He knows very little about wild animal signs, but he's happy to chat. He supposes that whatever animal made the mess was not a horse. Med gleans from him that Sir Nobody is actually named Preston Nills and that he has arranged to pay Aaron to lead his horse down as well. Master Nills, it seems, has some sort of awkward connection to the Countess' retinue, but Aaron is puzzled by the details. Having made quick work of his preparations, Aaron mounts the lead horse and sets off back down the ridge.

Med catches up with Pral and together they poke around the woods near the trail. The slope drops off quickly on all sides, making it difficult to explore far. Neither of them sees any further sign of a large animal.

When they return to the group, Sir Nobody has come among them. He is young, perhaps twenty years, dressed in chain mail and helmet. He carries an elegant longsword. His gear and accessories are not fancy but appear finely made and well cared for. His stony expression is partially obscured by a drooping mustache of the sort currently in fashion in cities. He makes a stiff bow to the Countess before he speaks.

"With your leave, my lady, I shall travel ahead to inspect the path and warn the sisters of our coming."

Countess Grau does bother not look up from her food to make her casual reply.

"As always Sir, you are no part of my household and may do as you please. Do not linger here."

Nills bows again, and strides off down the path into the crevasse. The Countess pays him no heed. Everyone else exchanges glances.

In the crevasse, the trail crosses a little stone bridge over a rushing stream and then begins its long, arduous ascent. Though the peak didn't look far from the stopping place, the hike takes all afternoon and into the evening. Those in armor, even Pral, find the steepest portions strenuous. Harwold, though carrying no burden at all, has to stop frequently to catch his breath.

Finally, the trail leads straight up to the base of a sheer cliff, perhaps two hundred feet high. An ornate archway fitted with an iron portcullis leads directly into the side of the cliff. The portcullis is open, and standing just outside are Sir Nills and a somber looking woman dressed in white woolen robes.

"Greetings Countess Grau," she says, "We are surprised and honored by your visit. When you are ready, we shall make the final ascent."

It turns out that the final ascent is a long stairway through a tunnel in the cliff. Med counts 473 steps before the stairs emerge in the center of a small, paved courtyard, surrounded on all four sides by buildings of ancient stonework. Nothing but sky can be seen above these walls. A cold wind howls above the walls.

"Please," the woman in white greets you all, "rest here a bit." She indicates some stone benches under a covered walkway, onto which everyone drops in exhaustion. "The bell will toll shortly to invite you into the refectory to sup. We ask that you leave your weapons outside and maintain a wholesome silence while within."

To the Countess, she says, "You may sleep in the High Priestess' cell, where there is a modest bed. Your company, being all men, must sleep out here. We shall lay out some pallets and blankets. The Oracle, for I assume it is her that you seek, will see you at dawn."

15 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Pral

Pral leans against the large boulder and surveys the vista before him. The mountains are truely stunning and he wonders at how much of the world he has yet to see. The others in the party have dismounted and he watches them as the bossy woman shouts at people to do all sorts of jobs for her that Pral assumes she is perfectly capable of doing herself. But Med had mentioned gold and Pral like gold. It allowed him to buy lots of lovely food and drink.

Pral looked over at Med struggling with the mare; the poor horse was clearly scared of the smell of some beast or other, but Med had chosen a spot where its dung scattered across the gravel and rock to dismount and his horse was not happy. Pral stepped over and held the bridle and stroked the horses neck, calming it somewhat whilst Med finally got off. Pral liked Med, he was pleased that Med was doing the thinking for them and not making him talk or explain in front of the others.

Clegg, the man-at-arms, came over and gave Pral a small waxed oil cloth tied in a bundle. It was barely the size of his clenched fist and Pral started to experience the sinking feeling this was his meal! He untied the bundle and surveyed the meagre rations, not at all pleased at what he saw. Tentatively, he took a piece of jerki and began to chew on it, the firey, highly spiced flavours making his mouth tingle and salivate. Greedily he shoved the jerki in and chewed it vigorously until it was gone. The other items in the bundle did not match this first treat and soon he had eaten all.

The whole party had now dismounted and were pulling on boots. Pral looked around. The trail led on where no horse could go but the smell of the beast was unusual and something that Pral had never encountered before and its spoor was all about.

“Oh well,” he thought, that is what I do, fight things and protect my friends, and those that pay me. But mostly my friends.

The massive broadsword slid easily out of its scabbard, no point in checking the area unarmed."I'm going to look around, something lives near here" Pral says to Med. "I wont be long"

Ivan: Pral will only skirt the edge of the area to see what he can find or if there is any more indication of what beast lives near here.

Mediocrates

Med is careful to step around the scat on the ground as he walks about the impromptu campsite. The ride so far has been pleasant, especially since Med and his horse got to a sort of understanding. Med pauses next to the stable boy on his walk, sizing up the boy before speaking to him.

"You wouldn't happen to have any idea what type of creature left this mess here would you? Was it a grass eater or meat eater? How recent do you think these signs are?"

Med figures that someone who cleans up after animals on a daily basis might be able to guess what kind of animal was here. Leaving the horses tethered to become a tasty meal for some beast is a horrible thought to Med. Med catches his small sack of rations as Murton tosses them to him as he's getting his questions answered from the stable hand.

Just as the boy finishes speaking Pral announces he's going to have a quick look about Med looks over in his direction and with the information he gathered from his conversation with the stable hand he says to Pral, "Wait up, I'll join you." Med dances around the scat and gets shoulder to shoulder with Pral and informs him about what he learned from the stable hand. As well he lets him know that they were being followed by an armored figure that some of the locals call "Sir Nobody" and to keep his eyes out and be wary of such a figure as they do not know his intent.

Med makes sure he's got a dart in hand as the two of them have a quick look about.

14 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Chapter III: The Oracle of Vexia

Game Master

The party setting out for the sisterhood consists of Pral, Med, The Countess, Harwold, two men-at-arms named Murton and Clegg, and a stable hand whose name you haven't learned. Harwold directs Murton and Pral to lead the way and Med and Clegg to bring up the rear, leaving himself, the Countess and the stable hand in the middle.

The morning passes without incident or conversation. Shortly after your departure from the inn, you crest a ridge whose densely wooded slope the trail had been climbing. Beyond the crest, an alpine meadow, studded with tiny flowers, wraps around the north side of the mountain.

The trail forks here. One branch is an easy, much-travelled trail, almost a road, that cuts across the meadow and turns out of sight. Little stone obelisks carved with symbols of Kronnor flank the path at regular intervals, marking the path to the Harmonic Brotherhood. Your path, however, turns to the southeast and follows the spine of the ridge line towards the peak. The climb becomes steeper and a bit more treacherous. The horses want to cluster more tightly, and it's all Med can do to keep his mare in check. The ridge itself is bare, but forest blankets the slopes on either side.

By late morning, well up the first stage of the ridge, you have broad views to the north and south. Med and the mare have gotten used to each other now, and he manages to twist in the saddle enough to look back to the west. Far below, he can make out the roof of the inn at the edge of the forest. The cliffs of the Collar seem less impressive from here. In fact, he can see the weirdly flat top of it, The whole thing is not even half a mile wide, and a matching set of cliffs drop away on the other side. Snakelike, it winds to the south almost as if the whole thing was built specifically to hold a road. Beyond it to the west, mountains stretch as far as can be seen.

As Med turns back, something moving lower on the ridge grabs his attention. A few hundred yards behind them, a mounted, armored figure is following the party. Med catches Clegg's eye and points. Clegg just shrugs. "That's Sir Nobody. Don't mind him."

Meanwhile, up front, Murton and Pral reach the peak of the ridge. Beyond, they can see that the trail makes a steep descent into a sort of crevasse, beyond which the true summit looms. There is no way that horses are going to make that final ascent, but it turns out that this has been planned for. Everyone dismounts. The stable hand tethers the horses to a long line and begins to lead them back down the ridge.

"We continue on foot", states the Countess plainly. "Harwold, fetch my walking boots."

The lady changes footwear. Murton opens a large bag packed with trail food and hands out the contents. While Pral munches his disappointingly small share, he looks around. There is a surprising amount of scat here from some large animal. Maybe a bear?

11 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

The sensible thing to do, Talia knows, is to head back to the inn and wait for their companions, so they can return later to explore together. And certainly not to crawl blindly into a dark and goblin-inhabited tunnel which was very probably blocked for a good reason rather than by blind chance. But on the other hand, she considers, who ever had any fun doing the sensible thing?

Looking to Elendil and Landrau, then, she raises an eyebrow. "Well? I don't reckon I fancy going in there alone, but it seems a shame to give up after having come this far. So do you want to take a look with me? Or shall we go back and wait until the others can join us?"

Game Master

Brother Landrau seems hesitant about the idea of crawling into the hole right at this moment. "Sometimes courage must rule and at other times prudence," he declares, "I have responsibilities to my order to consider." Looking about he says, "If we work together, we could roll that stone over there in front of the entrance. I think a goblin trying to climb out from within would have a terrible time pushing it away."

Reluctantly, Talia agrees. The stone in question turns out to be heavier than expected. It takes half an hour of straining for the three to maneuver it in between the two big boulders. Once there, it slides into place with a satisfying crunch. There is no way a goblin is going to move that stone from below and it blocks the entrance almost perfectly. Even from the outside it will require some significant leverage to move it again.

Having struggled all morning to arrive at this destination by the short path, you decide to return by a longer, but much easier route. The road, with its switchbacks, easily covers twice the distance of your earlier path, but it is gently sloped and, of course, you aren't try to follow a subtle track. Within an hour, you find yourselves back at the inn.

Talia returns alone to the stream where she found the snake. She eases it back into the little brook with words of thanks and then turns to leave. The snake immediately follows her. After several attempts to leave it behind, she is finally forced to cast Speak with Animals again and order it to stay put. Though she makes no such promise, the snake seems convinced that she'll return for it soon. It coils up on a rock to enjoy the afternoon sun, and Talia finally takes her leave.

By the time she reaches the inn again, Brother Landrau has already left to return to his order. Elendil is sitting on the front porch with his feet up on the railing. He stares absently at the mountains to the south, lost in his own thoughts.

Ben: Unless I hear otherwise, I'll assume these two characters will stay the night at the inn and hang around tomorrow waiting for their friends to return. After that, there will be some decisions to make...

Elendil

Elendil looks up, and smiles easily. "Brother Landrau said I should tell you goodbye." he begins, "That seemed to be a poorly spent morning." he says with some uneasiness. "There are elves in this area, I know there are. I have not yet found their tracks, but I have not given up looking." He cocks his head to the side for a moment. "Perhaps your greater knowledge of the forest and its creatures could tell me more.”

Here ends Chapter Two.

10 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

Ben: Looking back, I see that I didn't describe the scene on the road very clearly. Sorry. Rather than spend a whole message cycle clarifying, I'll try to move things ahead a bit.

While Talia is considering whether to cast Speak with Animals on the snake or a bird, everyone looks over the scene more closely. While the rock slide is imposing, it turns out that it doesn't fill this entire piece of road. The road was built to extend thirty feet out from the cliff base for a length of sixty feet. The rock pile is only about twenty by forty feet. Perhaps someone cleared out the fringes of it a few decades ago so that wagons could squeeze around the edge. Even if it had blocked the road, it wouldn't be too hard to clamber over--just too much for a snake to climb.

As you stare at the rocks, Elendil notices something new. Just above where the bone is wedged, there are scratches in the lichen that covers the surface. He boosts himself up on the boulder to see what might be higher. He spots flat stone, the size of a wagon wheel near the top of the pile that looks unlike all the others, because it has no lichen at all on its exposed top. Instead, lichen can be seen in the visible corners of the underside.

The rest of the group climbs up to look this over and debate whether the stone has been recently flipped upside down. Talia climbs higher to look for the spot from which it might have come.

At the very top of the pile, against the cliff face, are two considerable boulders. It looks as though several big stones have recently been cleared out from the space between them. Squeezing into this space, Talia can see that between knee height and eye level, the cliff face itself is ornately carved, though the carvings are quite badly damaged. Below knee level, there is no cliff face at all, only a dark opening in the rock.

Whispering now, she points this out to the others. After a bit of thought and some closer examination, all becomes clear. Before these rocks fell here, there must have been a high archway entering into the cliff wall, decorated around the outside with these carvings. The rocks hid it completely, but now that a few have been moved, the very top of the arched opening is visible.

On hands and knees between the two big boulders, Elendil peers under the shadowy arch. The exposed portion is just big enough for a person to squeeze through. There is clearly some open space within and it looks like it might be possible to climb down the pile of stones and into the dark, but it's hard to say more than that without a light source. If someone were to go in, they would almost have to do so feet first, sliding down backwards on their belly and feeling around for footing.

Just a hint of a smell comes up out of the hole--unpleasant but hard to identify.

9 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

The first question, Talia supposes, was whether the snake has been following the scent of the goblin or that of the severed arm. If the former, then, with luck it can continue to track it, and they can simply continue onwards. After all, whilst the rockfall looks impassable, clearly the goblin managed to do so, or found some other route around it.

If the snake was following the arm, on the other hand, then by hopeful look and gesture, Talia will attempt to entice it to follow the goblin's scent from now onwards, since it must have been mingled with that of the arm in any case.

And if the snake proves less than helpful? First she will suggest that they look round the area, to see if they can see for themselves where the goblin may have gone. Are there any caves here, or anything that might suggest a trail?

If not, then she supposes that she has the choice of either communicating directly with the snake to ask it to follow the right scent this time, or with the birds circling above to ask if they have seen the goblins passing. The birds would ostensibly seem the better choice, but then again, Talia considers, they only emerged from their nests with the dawn, and the goblin would have passed this way during the night. In which case, if neither of her companions have any better suggestions, and they have not otherwise managed to find the trail or show the snake what is wanted, she speaks with it directly once more, promising it cool water and rest this evening should they prove successful in tracking the goblin.

8 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

After conversing with Talia, the snake is a willing tracker, but not a terribly fast one. Even so, itdoesn't take too long to figure out that whatever fled with Sam's arm headed diagonally up the slopingbase of the Collar towards the cliffs. Following the scent is slow and treacherous because the slope isquite steep and most of it is made of loose stones. Almost immediately, the creature you are trackingcrossed the road again where it loops back to the north to begin a difficult set of switchbacks. You presson to the south, alternately waiting on the snake to sniff around and then struggling over the rocks,clinging to dry pine trees for support.

As the sun comes over the shoulder of Mt Dain, the air warms rapidly. Elendil pauses to look up, andthen points out what he sees. The cliff above has come alive with small birds swooping, circling anddarting in and out of their nests high on the wall.

By midday, your little group has tracked the goblin scent to the top of the talus slope and the base of the true cliff. Here, too, you are back on the road, which runs south again, following the foot of the cliff. The downhill edge of the road is supported by ancient masonry which is heavily weathered, but largely intact. In places, the surface of the road is dirt and in other places the ancient paving stones can still be seen.

It isn't visible from here, but you know that just a bit farther south the road begins its final, breathtaking set of switchbacks, cut directly into a section of the cliff that isn't quite vertical. You can make out the roof of the inn from here, a few hundred feet below and a mile to the northeast. In most places the road is no more than ten feet wide, not even wide enough for two wagons to pass each other. Where you are standing, though, is a section of road about sixty feet long where the supporting masonry swings out thirty feet from the base of the cliff. Much of this broad section is occupied by a disorganized mound of boulders piled up to a height of fifteen or twenty feet against the foot of the cliff.

Looking up, Brother Landrau points out a large discolored patch on the cliff above and speculates that at some time in the past a great sheet of rock broke away from the cliff all at once and crashed down here, forming this pile of boulders.

"Back when the caravans were still profitable, merchants used to talk about clearing this pile away and repairing other bad parts of the road. Now I wonder whether that will ever happen."

The snake slithers up to the pile of boulders, which are too much for it to climb. About halfway up the pile, right at eye level, is a single, white bone, about the size of a man's upper arm. It has been picked almost clean of meat. The air is hot and still. The only sound is the buzzing of the flies crawling over the little bits of remaining flesh.

7 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Game Master

Talia and Elendil lead Brother Landrau to the little hilltop where Old Sam's arm was last seen.

The snake is lethargic from its earlier meal, but Talia does finally coax it out of her sleeve. She indicates a smear of dried blood on a rock that you all assume came from the missing arm. She tries to interest the reptile in exploring it further, but it simply coils up in the sunshine and flicks the air with its tongue.

The cleric can't quite manage to conceal either his distaste or his mirth.

After a few more failed attempts to put the snake on the right trail, Talia finally decides it's time to cast her spell. The others look on while she she chants her mystic words and gestures at the animal. Sprawling on her stomach she meets the creature nose to nose. It hisses at her. She pauses for a moment and then replies with a bizarre, inhuman hiss of her own. This exchange continues for some time.

Meanwhile, Landrau turns to address Elendil. "Tell me more about your experience with the elves. I've never seen them myself, but every report I've heard contradicts yours. You found them to be noble and awe-inspiring? Not vicious savages?"

Elendil

Elendil's eyes open slightly in surprise.

"Vicious savages?!? Completely to the contrary! I felt I was the lesser being: tall, regal individuals. I shall never forget the day that my wife and I met the elves. When they spoke, their language was so beautiful, magical. I have journeyed this long way here to find them again to see them again and repay them for the gifts that they shared with us. Perhaps there are differences between tribes or even races of elves."

Elendil drew an arrowhead from his pouch. "Here is one of their arrowheads. It is rough and stone, not steel like ours, but still, and I believe Talia would agree with me on this point, our idea of what is most advanced and civilized may not match another race's understanding. I found them to be heart warming and generous in bestowing their gifts on others."

Talia

Talia has no real liking for the snake. It is one of nature's children, and so to be respected and honoured, but Talia exults in warmth and life, whereas the snake deals coldly in death. Still, it is necessary for her purposes that she converse with it. And so, meeting its gaze, she instructs it to follow the trail left by the creatures who passed this way with the arm, at a speed that she, Elendil and Landrau can follow. Then, when this task is done, she will return it to rock and river.

Hopefully the snake will find and follow the trail. If not, then she will cast her gaze about for some other, less recalcitrant creature, a crow or bird, perhaps, who can be used to spy out the trail.

John: It is not specified in the Animal Friendship spell, which simply says it is permanent, but I'm assuming Talia can negate the effects of her own spell at some point if she wishes?!

4 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Talia

After the commotion has died down, Talia nods at Brother Landrau.

"It seems to me that the gods are a part of nature, same as the rest of us. That don't mean all they do is for the good, but I'll judge their followers on what they do, not who they worship. And I'd say you have just done a fine thing for my friend here."

"But now it is time I was leaving. Elendil, are you coming with me, or would you rather rest here? And Brother Landrau, I go to hunt these...these goblins, for they are not of nature and must be slain. If you share that opinion you'd be welcome to join me." She grins in challenge. "If you can keep up, that is."

With or without the others, Talia is eager to be off, to rid her senses of the smell of civilisation. Heading first for the place where she found evidence of the goblin's passing, she will point out the trail, both to the snake and whoever else is with her. She hopes that she will be able to make her wishes known to her new-found scaly friend, that she wants the snake to follow the trail, though not so fast that she cannot follow. But if gestures do not suffice - for after all, communicating with a snake in such a way is very different to giving orders to a dog or a horse - then, putting a hand to its head, she will speak directly to it with her thoughts, mind to mind (speak with animals). And then, with luck, they are off...

Elendil

Elendil flexes his leg and smiles. He nods and accepts the armor from the stablehand. "Thank you," he says meekly, "Thank you both. I do not know how to thank you. I will not be able to repay you until my friends return with the Countess. Thank Kronnor for the mercy that you have shown me. I will do what I can to repay you for your kindness."

"I knew that the creatures were not elves. I have met elves in the wilderness, I was in awe of their nobility. I hope that I may one day see them again."

3 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Chapter II: Hunting Goblins

Game Master

Talia and Elendil settle into the seats on the back porch where they met the previous evening. Watching Med and Pral leave with the little mounted expedition up Mount Dain, they discuss their day ahead. After a time, Thumbs comes out with a platter of eggs and hot skrain with raisins. Molly has black tea in heavy earthenware mugs. She goes back to the kitchen, but he lingers.

"My thanks to both of you for your courage last night. The stable hands are working on the damaged armor. Said it was just some buckles as needed to be put back to rights. You aren't likely to hear any thanks from Tomar, but the rest of us here are glad to have him still alive. Old Sam... Well, Old Sam will be missed."

He stands for a while in silence. Then, looking, up towards the mountain, his eyes sparkle. "Here comes Corin back down with Brother Landrau. Now you'll see something new." With that, he goes back inside.

When the blond bartender and the cleric arrive in the inn yard, you can see what he meant. Brother Landrau is a stocky man, no more than five and a half feet tall, but with broad shoulders and a quick stride. He wears a mail shirt and carries an ugly looking mace. His hair is what Thumbs must have been referring to. It's black and thick, worn short cropped. Over his left brow is a patch of hair in the shape of a spread-fingered hand that is perfectly white. The hand that made it--for it seems impossible that it is a natural birthmark--was child-sized. As he comes up the stairs of the porch toward you, you can see that half of his left eyebrow is similarly white. His eyes are an unremarkable brown, but one little streak of his left iris is a blue so pale as to be hard to distinguish from the white part of the eye.

Corin makes the introductions. Brother Landrau nods solemnly at Elendil, and his gaze lingers on Talia, taking in her wild look and bearing. The snake chooses this moment to peer out from under her hair. Corin is startled, but the cleric seems unperturbed. "Daughter of Leeta," is all he says by way of greeting. "Let us have a look at these beasts."

The corpses are still lying where Pral stretched them out the night before. Now stinking somewhat and swirling with flies, they make an even uglier sight by daylight. The cleric inspects them rapidly, and proclaims, "Goblins. Louhi's beasts."

He makes a strange motion in the air with his hands.

"We have a series of relief carvings at the monastery that we believe date back to the time before the gods slept. They show three forms of humanoid evil and attribute them to The Hag. In modern Ercacian, we would call them goblins, kobolds, and orcs." Still crouching by the bodies, he turns to Talia.

"If I guess rightly about you, we have little common ground between us, theologically speaking, but I suspect we are united in the belief that such creatures have no place here. No place anywhere."

He straightens. "Let's step inside and have a look at Elendil's wounds. Then, perhaps the three of us can learn more about where these things came from. Corin, tell Master Hughes that Brother Able will be down later today to see to Sam."

Inside, a little crowd gathers rapidly in the great room when the rumor gets out that there will be a miraculous healing. Though Elendil might have preferred a more private venue, the cleric seems happy to oblige the crowd. Situating Elendil's wounded leg on a long bench, he removes the bandages and begins his chant. [d8: 2] The feeling of the healing spell is like stepping into a hot bath with cold toes. Painful at first, and then wonderful. The worst portion of one gash closes before your eyes. Still, as miracles go, it leaves something to be desired. The cleric seems to agree, and he casts his spell again. [d8: 6] The crowd gasps, and it's hard not to feel a sense of awe, as all traces of the wounds are erased.

Elendil stands, testing the leg. It is a bit stiff at first, but soon feels perfectly normal.

The little crowd disperses, murmuring in approval.

A stablehand shuffles forward and offers Elendil an awkward armful of armor. "All fixed up, sir." Unsure how to behave around someone who has just been healed by Kronnor, he hurries away.

2 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Interlude: Three Views from the High Road Inn

North, Towards Civilization

The river in the first valley is called The Vixen. It winds back and forth between these hills, eventually flowing past the city of Featherstone. Several small villages can be found on the river and among the hills between here and there.

South, Towards the Elfin Wild

The left peak, partially obscured by clouds is known as Haydur's Horn (and several more vulgar variants). The near peak just right of center is called The Cutlass. Out of view to the right can be seen the twin peaks that frame Ferrill's Pass.

West, Towards the Featherstone Scarp

Colloquially known as Grim's Collar. This line of cliffs begins here and runs south for about ten miles. Just out of the picture, to the left, the High Road winds up a difficult switchback somehow carved into the rock by an ancient civilization. Now partially blocked by rock slides, it is a difficult ascent for a wagon train. It's worth it, though, for the top of the ridge is quite flat and it carries a caravan right to the foot of Ferrill's Pass.

1 November, 2011

New Reader? Start at the beginning.

Mediocrates

Med nods to Thumbs his thanks and walks quickly to the table where Pral is finishing his second breakfast. He smiles to Pral, "I hope you are closed to finishing your meal. I have secured us a two day job guarding the Countess on her travels. Your skills in battle will earn you 30 gold should we get back here safe with the Countess. Talia and Elendil will spend the time we are gone searching for the beasts from last night. So quickly gather your things from your room and I will meet you out front of the inn within 10 minutes."

Med stands and notices his hands could use a good scrubbing before setting out on the journey, they still had a bit of tint from the beasts' blood even though he washed three times. "If you have the time, make yourself presentable to keep company with the Countess. I believe she favors you and your battle skills over my magics." With that Med gives Pral a smile and hurries up the steps.

At the top of the stair case he greets Elendil warmly, "I have received word that a cleric from the Harmonic Brotherhood should be arriving at the inn within the next few hours to tend to your wounds and to investigate the beasts we slayed last night. I do apologize for the damage that was done to your armor by my spell, I had never cast it on anyone else before. If you could follow me I will fill you in on what has transpired as well as give you my coins to cover some of the costs of the healing or repairs to your armor." Med hurries off to his room, fetches his coin purse and gives Elendil 15 of his remaining 20 gp as he stands against the door frame watching Med quickly but neatly fold his tattered robe from yesterday into his pack.

"Pral and I will be heading to the local Oracle with the Countess shortly. We should be back in 2 days, one day to the Oracle and one day back. Talia has likely left to perform her morning prayers and should be back shortly as well. She will need your help searching the neighboring woods for signs of these beasts. Her and I examined the beasts last night and I realize now that they had no navels. So those things were not likely born to a living being, meaning they were either hatched from an egg or created by magics. She will want to know that bit of information, it may help in tracking them down. If we aren't back in 2 days please do come after us and do keep yourselves safe! We will meet you back here in two days."

Med gives the room a quick scan as he does one last check of his backpack to make sure that his spell tablets are safely wrapped by plenty of clothing so there's no chance for them to break. He places the bag on his back, grabs his hat and pauses to flash a smile at Elendil, "The priest will not likely ask a fee for his healing services, a donation is proper and something in the neighborhood of 50 gold will do I am told. Pral and I are earning a few coins for protecting the Countess, my share is all yours should you need it. If you and Talia do meet with the local elves you will have to tell me all about it when we next meet."

Med washes his face and hands quickly in the rooms wash basin before drying off and heading out the door of the room and out of the inn. "Take care Elendil, Pral and I will see you and Talia in a few short days." Pulling his hat lower over his face to shield his eyes from the sun outside Med heads out the door to find the tamer of the two horses for the journey before Pral got his pick.

Pral

Pral wakes feeling rested and ready for the day ahead, whatever it may hold. He gathers his meagre belongings and packs them into his backpack before making his way downstairs to the main hall. Seeing none of his friends he takes a seat at one of the broad oak tables and toys with some cutlery until a serving lad wanders past on his way back to the kitchen. A giant hand on the lads chest stops him dead as if he had run in to a wall! "Big breakfast please? Two of everything?" The lad looks at Pral, nodding rapidly before twisting round the hand and muscled forearm and sprinting towards the kitchen.

Minutes later, Pral is happily shovelling the morsels down his neck when Med enters the room. Pral listens and is pleased that he will earn gold as a guard to the countess, although he doesn't tell Med he doesn't know who she is. Pral is sure that Med will be back to tell him what to do. He watches Med go up the stairs and decides he has enough time to finish his food and sup the flagon of sweet tasting apple juice and maybe some more bread and honey!

This done Pral gathers his pack and goes to the stables. There he sees Med, seemingly struggling with a docile looking small swayback mare. Next to it stands a sixteen hands high stallion with foam flecked lips and wild eyes.

Pral strides up to the beast takes the bridle to hold its head still and looks deep into its eyes. The horse, having no choice looks back for a moment or two before nervously shifting its hooves in the dust. Pral pats it on the neck a few times and whispers something in its ear before adjusting the cinch and leaping easily into the saddle.

"I like horses," he says as he sees Med’s astonished face. "They like me too." Pral’s horse now has its head down and is rooting in the dust for spilt grains whilst Med’s nag is skittish and nervously pacing around. "You lead Med. I will do as you say." Pral sits atop the horse and smiles at Med.

Elendil

Elendil accepted the gold with a tinge of embarassment. "Thank you, uh, Med," he stuttered, he didn't know how familiar to be yet. It seemed that fighting together made brothers quickly out of strangers.

"I will try to locate Talia, she just disappears when she steps out into the wild. I will await the priest of the Harmonic Brotherhood." His eyes widened at the thought of 50 gold. That was more than he had ever held in his hand or seen in his life.

"Safe journeys. Watch yourself with the Countess, I think she sees other people only as things to use for her betterment, if there is any danger she will not think twice about sacrificing you or Pral."

Seeing Med off with a wave, Elendil winced as he turned to go look for Talia.

Talia

Arriving as Med and Pral prepare to leave, her hair shining with morning dew as if nature had placed a thousand diamonds there, there is a fierce light in Talia's eyes, and once again it seems she is more part of the wild than the world of men. But then, blinking, she grins at her new friends, and some of the wildness dissipates, or at least, mingles and combines with something more nearly human.

Moving without fear to Pral's mount, she murmurs something in the stallion's ear, and he tosses his head and nods as she carresses his flank.

"Just telling him to keep your safe," she tells Pral with a smile.

Assuming that they have a moment of privacy, she tells the others that she has found what looks to be the start of the creatures' trail, and intends to follow it. At which point the head of a large snake protrudes somewhat sleepily from under her tunic, and she strokes it absently. "With help, that is. Elendil, you are welcome to join me, but if you would rather rest here for the day, then that is fine. I promise not to do anything foolish." She considers a moment. "Well, nothing too foolish, anyway."

Mediocrates

Finally getting atop his horse Med adjusts his hat and picks a piece of straw off of his sleeve. The reason he didn't arrive at the inn with a horse or mule wasn't that he couldn't ride, it's just that Med and horses were never really comfortable around each other. With a sheepish smile Med says to his new friends a bit embarrassed, "Could one of you whisper something to my horse to get it to behave for the ride? I seem to have gotten one with a mind of it's own yet again."

The horse had started heading for the grains on the ground, it was more interested in eating then in doing what it's rider wanted. With a shrug and a confused look on his face Med hoped for some aid or for the horse to decide that it was time to follow it's friends to see the Oracle. "Talia, we are escorting the Countess to the Oracle. We will keep our eyes out for signs of the beasts during our travels and should be back in two days." Looking down at his horse and thinking for a moment, he chuckles and says, "Maybe three."

Here ends Chapter One.