Black Dow's Iobarian Saga
Game Master Black Dow

Rangar shakes his head "Nay, no sleep beneath the earth for him. If you worry he'll rise again I'll see him butchered and body broken... but I'll not see him buried."

Ragnar had wanted to get his loot, but hadn't posted an actual looting.

Unless opposed by Maclise, Ragnar empties Swige's pockets before hacking through the corpse at each major joint... ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist and neck. Kicking the severed limbs apart as he does.

Burning would have worked too, no...?

Spitting on what remains of the butchered meat on the ground Ragnar shakes his head "Burning him would hae still given the bastard more honor than he was due. Sky buried, flesh consumed by animals, spirit given no rest... that was what is deserved."

The search of Swige's body bears little fruit save the fellowing;

A Masterwork Dagger
A ring of usually fine workmanship and wrought from heavy gold
A small garnet gemstone (hidden inside a pouch containing flour)
A vintage Auld Iobarian platinum coin (also inside the flour)
12 GP, 8 SP and 13 CP

Ǽdensor also casts a grim stare at the dead drover's body;

"Agreed Nordmann... he was a blight on min honour and I'll not see him buried... let him rise and wander for all I care... this dwoerg would enjoy killing him myself..."

Maclise shrugs and acknowledges her employers wishes.

The auld merchant turns once again to your company;

"So debts are paid? We should go our seperate ways now... it would be for the best I think..."

Kevkul steps forward, a weary look upon his bearded face;

"Some of us shall part. Others shall journey together anew... The Splendig Wesa spoke to me whilst in my cups last night. I am to escort this beloved artificer of the Drinker for such time as the cup is empty..."

The dweorg priest claps each of you in turn before bidding Petrik to gather their gear and load it upon the Highmettle wagon;

"Sheordan my friends! We shall geflndan again... I have geleafful in that and the Spledig Wesa's plans..."

sheordan (AI): Safe travels
geflndan (AI): meet/cross paths
geleafful (AI): having trust/faith

With a grin the dwoerg raises his flask and toasts you all.

Luke approaches Kevkul.

It was an honour to have met ya', Kev. Sheordan, always, until you return to the mud.

He turns and joins the others.

At this Disa also chooses to stand, her otherworldly beauty hidden by a hood, but her voice rings melodic and strong;

"I too takk my leave. The wyrde decree I am needed elsewhere, though we too shall meet again brothers and sister of the blade. But I do not go ídelhende..."

wyrde = (AI): The Fates
ídelhende = (AI): empty handed

With that the rune caster bids farewell to each of you in turn, with a hand clasp and a whisper...

Nadia hugs Disa. Until we meet again. She walks over and stands next to Luke.

Muli bids his new friends farewell,"Muli's wanderings shall surely bring our paths together some day."

He moves to join the others fixing to continue, "We survive treachery, yet lose two companions....Does not seem right to Muli." He shoulders into the giant pack and watches the centaurs move about the perimeter of the dwarven camp.

The burly northman pockets Swige's possessions, curious momentarily over the coin - but thinking it a matter best raised when clear of the merchant.

Ragnar nods grimly at Kevkul's words of parting... his leaving willingly forestalling harsh words that might have needed be said after the dweorg came upon Ragnar while the black thirst was upon him. To Disa he offers a handclasp before waving her away in silence... she had left before and come again, perhaps that was to be her way again.

He had also spent all words he wished upon the merchant, bidding him upon his way and sharing a lock of eyes with the centaur as they padded onwards at his side.

Ready to roll on.... were we chasing Puca next?

indeed you are ;)

A little confused...So, the remaining party members are off on their own, or sticking with the caravan, while those leaving are off on their own?

The Merchant Company and you lot have parted ways... Disa, Kevkul (and Petrik) are heading with the dweorgs and the remaining group - Luke, Ragnar, Skol, Nadia & Muli are free to pursue the Puka :)

Clear as mud?

My reasoning is rather than have you all endure the strained relationship with the dweorg for the journey the party are free to head towards where the Puka are rumoured to be laired...

Gotcha, and since I know where that is, I can take us there.

Correctamundo hombre :)

Luke unrolls the map on which he has outlined the Dwarven caravan's anticipated path to Hálbriden.

Gather 'round here and take a look at the map.

He scratches his facial hair, thinking that he needs a shave, and ponders a route to get them there quicker due to their smaller numbers as he points to the map.

The Púca plague the village of Hálbriden, here, far more than my home of Ciselwella, located to the north, here. The Púca’s fortified lair is located in a hillock due east of Hálbriden, from all accounts. We can take a similar route as the caravan, but I would prefer to approach from the north after a stopover in Ciselella to supply and prepare for an attack on the Púca.

Hefting skaggig back across his shoulders Ragnar bends to give Liten Mun a scratch behind the ears "By your word warden, lead and I'll follow."

Luke's pathfinding takes the drained group to his home in less than a day... The march is uneventful but the loss of companions and voices are noticably missed...

As the sun's last light ebbs and the hus fires are lit, you find yourselves in the simple logging community of Ciselwella.

With Luke amongst you, the hospitality is simple but welcome to your weary bones. No airs or graces, the loggers are hard men and woman, and typically much more insular than Luke or his mother.

Luke's mother bides you all welcomm and the Headman of Ciselwella; Heáfodman Barrett bids you tell him of events in Berghof.

AI: Heáfodman = Headman

You can re-equip here with basic items at no cost. The Púca lair is about half a day away - let me know when you guys wish to arrive there (morning/afternoon/evening/night...)

Ragnar stretches, which forces pained and loud creaks and cracks from his bones "Best we spend a night and come upon the bastards fresh nei? Depending upon the morrow we might be wading in blod... our own and theirs."

I agree, brother, it would be best to approach at dawn. Let us rest well and move on the Puca in the morning.

With that, Lukle retreats to his old bedroom to sleep. thoughts spin through his mind regarding the best way to scout the stronghold in the morning.

"Muli appreciates the kindness you have shown him and your brother's friends, Miss Falgren. You have kept up a very nice house in such a rough town."

@Muli: Your such a sook lol

Luke retreats to his old room, sleeping soundly over the watchful gaze of his old wooden unicorn Pedro ;)

His mother smiles at Muli's compliment

"I try Master Dyren... without a man around to help it can be diffcult... and lonely..."

Ragnar spends the evening mostly outside in the cold with his hund before finding a spot within on the floor to take his slumber. No doubt Luke's mother gets little sleep in between his sonorous snores.

Skolrykk gladly accepts the shelter of Luke's familial home.
Thank you, madam Falgren, it is a welcome place. he says, taking a place near the hearth.

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