The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Dieredon puts Welkin on the ground and approaches Patricia Flaherty. In the dim light, it is easy to see that Dieredon is covered in the blood of the swamp beasts from his recent kills.

We dealt with the smaller beasts of the swamp that took Roan, but a much larger creature emerged and we took flight. The boy needs attended to, immediately.

I would like to respond to Dieredon, but I'm going to give everyone a chance to say or do something first, so, um, hey, get on it, ;) jk

Poseus pants a bit, it's been a long time since he had 'run' this intensive. He leans on the spear he was still holding since the fight, only looking at it now.

It's all been such a rush, what did I come to do here again? Oh right, the skull Rosilindaea found. I need to get a place to sleep, hopefully at the Goodwell house.

He stands silently by as the others tell the story to their friends, loved ones and fellow villagers, not wanting to intrude and slowly catching his breath.

Feeling a little safer with the numbers around, Phineas slows and lowers Roan to the ground.

"I will ask Mithras to aid poor Roan. He has given me the healing touch before. Let us see if he will do so again."

"Gosh, I hope this works. It only happened that one time before, but I've been studying and praying really hard. This needs to work in front of all these people," Phineas thinks to himself.

He grasps his Raven symbol in one hand and places his other hand in the center of the injured youth's hand and begins softly praying for the protection of the Lame God to surround this poor boy.

Cast Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 Give up Sanctuary for today in place of CLW

"This is all I can do, hopefully it is enough to help the boy recover. Otherwise we may need to take him to Panforey or the Metaur healer.

Cara keeps looking back as they run, almost tripping over several times before focusing on the ground ahead instead of behind. She lost count of how many times she had run today but it seemed each time became more urgent and dangerous...

Seeing the light and the people, Cara slowed down and stopped to try catching her breath. Seeing her mother she ran to her, ignoring everyone else and they held each other for a long time. When she had caught her breath enough she asked, "How did everyone know how to find us?"

Once safely back among the villagers, Cal turns to glare back at the surrounding woods.
"That...thing...was HUGE! If the bog-goblins have taken to feeding it people, it might not stay satisfied with their offerings and go looking for more food. And Woodbridge might look like a fully-stocked pantry to such a creature. I don't think we've seen the end of this."

1 shot. Thats all I got- and it missed. I was worse than useless out there. Next time I'll use something that won't miss.

Marcus, after knowing things are safe, drops to a knee and nearly falls over trying to catch his breath. He has never been the fastest, and he is quite surprised of himself that he didn't trip over his own two feet. After he has some deep breathes, he looks to his father,

Father, I am sorry for risking myself, but Roan would have done the same for me. Right now though, is getting Roan better. Then we all can enjoy the upcoming festival, Marcus says in a state of slight disarray from the chaotic night he had.

Indeed. I would ask that I be included in any plans that Woodbridge may have to rid the area of this threat in the upcoming days and weeks.

Dieredon begins to gather his things as he awaits a reply from the elders of the town. He turns to Poseus.

A little late for a swim all the home, Poseus. Feel free to stay the night in Lakeside at my house. If you like, we can begin a training regimen in the morning?

Poseus looks up at Dieredon's suggestion.

"Thank you very much for the hospitality Dieredon, I gladly accept your offer, as it is indeed late. As for the morning training, I'm afraid I need to decline, though you would do me a great honour with it."

He looks down slightly as a bit disappointed, but that's hard to tell.

"I have an errand I have to complete first, I need to speak to Auria or Cicily on a small matter of a skull. As of now that still resides at the Bread and Board."

Fair enough. Let us see what the remainder of tomorrow brings. There are more hours to the day than the early ones.

I can see the potential and the earnest nature of this Gymnaga. I can help him become a better hunter and tracker, and he could use some training in combat, especially with the likes of such beasts in the area, and so close to the time of the Festival...

Dieredon turns his attention back to the elders and awaits their word or dismissal before heading off.

Wiscara’s mother holds her by the shoulders and explains, ”Chance came to the Bread and Board looking for help, and spoke to Patricia, she rounded up the village with the old trumpet of her father’s. We head out in the direction that Chance said he had come from. We were going a bit too far north when Young Connor say the lights in the forest and we headed this way. Are you all right?”

”Smaller beast?” Patricia says with a questioning look as Dieredon explains the situation, and then turns her attention to Roan.

Roan, as he is laid on the ground, groans. He’s alive, and in pain, obviously. Phineas steps to his side touches the boys chest with light fingers as he prays for magic to flow as has once before.

The spell triggers, but the magic is weak. Is it because Phineas is exhausted? Is it because the boys injuries are too extensive? Is it because Phineas’ faith isn’t strong enough? Phineas is filled with doubts and questions, but he is thankful as soon as he sees that the whites of Roan’s eyes clear, traces of blood coloring them fade, and his gaze changes from one of an unfocused glaze to a focus attention.

Roan sees his parents, and tries to cover himself with his hands (he is, after all, still naked) and exclaims, ”Ma, Da, I’m sorry. It wasn’t Elizabeth’s fault. It was mine. Gods I’m cold. I wan’t to go home.” He tries to get to his feet, but yelps in pain as he tries to bring his legs up underneath him, and clutches at his side.

Lulu cries, “My wee little boy,” and rushes to kneel by his side, while Oscar goes to stand behind her, and wipes tears from his eyes.

It is a strange sight, to everyone around, to see the big man cry. After a moment, Oscar lets out a heavy sigh, and says, ”We’ll take you home, boy. Thank the Gods your safe, and thank your friends.”

Patricia removes her cloak, throws it over Roan, and says, ”Let’s get him back to the tavern. Someone should go and find Mister Panforey, and Cicily and Auria if they can be found at this hour.”

As the crowd moves in closer, helping hands lift Roan and gather the cloak around him to protect his modesty, and Marcus’ father steps up to his son, raises, and squares his shoulders, looks to the left and the right, smiles, and claps his son on the shoulder as he says, loudly, “You did the right thing, son, the village is proud of you. Proud of all of you,” he says as he gestures with his open palm toward all of you.

When the crowd begins moving , slowly, several people each taking a side of Roan, Wiscara’s mother, turns to her and sees the concerned look on her daughters face. Wiscara’s mother frowns, and then, slowly, her frown turns into a chuckle. ”Alright, don’t look at me like that,” she says as she rubs Wiscara’s shoulder briskly.

The older Gresham woman moves with quick steps to come up close to Roan, She turns her head to the side, and mutters something under her breath, then reaches out and strokes the back of Roan’s head.

Cure Light Wounds: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

A Meatuar boy moves closer to Dieredon, and calls the others to follow him, he looks Dieredon up and down, and then asks, “Tell me about these monsters you ran into, and why do you say smaller beasts. Is there something else out there?”

Dieredon describes the bog-goblins in size, featurs and fighting style. He then adds.

We did not get a great look at the huge beast that later came out of the bog. I think thar Wiscara may be better-able to describe it. I do know that the smaller creatures that remained tore off when the huge beast appeared.

Phineas sighs with exhaustion. "What a day. First the O'Lehig's sickness then missing Roan and those foul creatures...and the monster! I haven't been this tired since I don't know when.".

He is quite disappointed in his healing gift, but also happy that the boy came around at all and seems to be unhurt from the experience.

He yawns and stretches and starts to feel his knees quake after all the excitement, but mostly he wants to figure out what those things in the swamp were.

He listens to the rest of the discussion and moves over as the elf hunter describes the creatures to the Metaur.

"Yes mother I am unhurt," Wiscara answers, "just tired. Something happened when we were fighting. I need to talk to you about it later. I tried to bandage the worst of Roan's injuries. " she explained to her mother. She is glad when she gives Roan some of her healing magic. He would be fine in no time she was sure.

When Henri and Dieredon discuss the monsters and her name is mentioned, she takes notice of their conversation. She had only studied if for a second or two, any of them could have done the same... "The small ones are top half goblin, bottom half octopus. They seem to 'worship' or revere a giant octopus like creature," she looks around before lowering her voice and continuing, "They meant to feed Roan to it."

Dieredon nods at cara.

That about sums it up. Oh, and the bog-goblins, we will call them, apparently have some sort of home or structure on the island in the middle of the bog. It did not appear to be large enough to house the huge creature that arrived later to the scene.

Calex had been listening closely to Cara & Dieredon's explanation.
"I wonder if anyone knows more about that building. Those small creatures don't seem to the type to build such a thing. What, besides simple shelter, might be there that attracted the bog-goblins?" Cal wonders, joining the conversation.

I don't know what they were, but I'll be happy if I never see them again. Patricia, would you like me to make you another set of armor, the one you are wearing is dreadful. I am sorry for the patchwork craftsmanship, it was when I was first learning how to be a crafter from my pa., Marcus says with a slight chuckle in hopes to ease the obvious tension he feels amongst the group.

Chance, who had been scribbling in one of his journals, finishes and holds it up for everyone to see. On the page, a very rough sketch of the decapus.

"It looked sort of like this," he said as Welkin cowered by his side, still frightened by the encounter.

Yawning, Phineas says, "I have an idea, lets all go home and see what we can find out from our families and friends about the bog goblins and that de-cap-us. We can meet again in the morning to discuss."

As Dieredon and Wiscara explain their adventure, one of the villagers, Egan Dooley (a strong and normally quiet man, who has a successful farm, Lakeside and is married to Lynne Flaherty, Patricia’s sister) listens intently, and finally, as he places a finger on his cheek, speaks.

”These are the Fulogh’Mogobbh, I’ve heard the Maetaur village used to be plagued by a tribe of them that lived to the east, but now they are here? And wait, -“ he stops as Calex mentions an old building in the bogs. ”Pat,” he turns to Patricia, ”could that be the old Finnigan place?”

Patricia approaches Calex and asks a few questions about the details of this building, and after he answers her questions, she is certain that it is.

”Yes, I’m sure it is the old Finnagin residence,” Patricia says. Then Marcus mentions her armor, and Patricia blushes as she pulls at the edge of the heavy leather armor. ”This was my father’s, and I think you did the best you could to make it work for me, but if you are ready to try your hand at something custom tailored for me, I have a few ideas of my own. I’ll write them down and bring them to you tomorrow, maybe when Wuda comes she’ll have some of the materials we’ll need to make it happen,” she smiles at Marcus, and then seeing that the rest of the villagers are moving off toward Riverside, she says, “It’s late, we should all turn in and tomorrow we can, -“ she stops as Chance shows her the drawing he has made by the light of the villagers torches.

Patricia takes the drawing from Chance’s hands and runs to catch up with Wiscara’s mother, who is walking close to her daughter, and the people helping Roan along. She takes the older woman by the arm, turns her away from the crowd and walks a few steps away from everyone.
Wiscara’s mother looks at the drawing, and then calls Wiscara to her side. She asks Wiscara if this is indeed the thing they say in the Bogs, and Wiscara nods, yes.

”It’s a miracle you survived,” Wiscara’s mother says out loud. “This thing is the Fulogh Barghnora, a monster that was thought to have been destroyed twenty years ago. It was much smaller then. Old Sean Flaherty, and a few of the villagers, twenty years ago, chased this thing down to its lair, a few miles to the north, and after a long battle, left the creature for dead. Somehow it survived, and has grown. There are legends of these beasts in old stories that claim they never stop growing, but I’ve never heard of one this size before.”

”This is very serious,” Patricia says as she walks the drawing back to Chance, and says directly to him, “We don’t want the people of the village to panic, this close to the festival. Everyone is looking forward to it. Gather your friends together, everyone who was with you in the bogs, and make sure they understand that they are to keep this to themselves until we can all meet and discuss a plan. Tell your friends to meet me tomorrow night, at my father house, and we’ll talk about what must be done.”

Chance spreads the word, and feels a sense of pride that Patricia trust him with this responsibility.

Dieredon and Poseus return to Dieredon's home for the night, and spend a little time cleaning their gear, and having a few bites of bread and butter.

Calex walks with Chance toward the area of Lakeside where they live, and the two new friends shake hands and say goodnight.

Wiscara goes home with her mother, and explains about her strange new powers.

Marcus, filled with ideas about making a better suit of armor, goes home with his father, asking him simple questions about ways to harden leather as they walk, and Marcus’ father puts a hand on his son’s shoulder and smiles.

As everyone goes off, Brother Phineas finds himself standing on the bridge between Lakeside and Riverside, and he puts his hands on the railing of the bridge, takes a deep breath, and thinks about what has transpired. For a few moments he stares down at the water below the bridge, reflecting the stars and the moon, which finally emerges from behind a cloud, and begins to wonder what his place really is, when he hears footsteps on the wooden bridge, coming his way. It is Mister Panforey.

”Phineas,” Panforey begins, his tone is serious and quiet, ”Phineas, I need to talk to you.” He comes close to Phineas, and lowers his head for just a moment, and then when he raises his head, Phineas can see that there are tears in the old man’s eyes. ”I’ve heard what you did today. Phineas, you’re a good man. Maybe a better man than I ever was. I’m very proud of you, the village is proud of you. We need you, and your faith. Thank you, my boy, for everything.” With that, Mister Panforey hugs Phineas, and then says, ”Good night, Phineas, Brother Phineas, and sleep well.” Then he turns around and goes back across the bridge toward his home, River side.

The night ends.

Morning comes with no sign of rain this day. The sun is shining. The sky is blue. The air is calm and fresh.

It is the day before the spring Festival.

Marcus will crack a smile at the thought of trying some me armor for Patricia. Dieredon, we will talk tomorrow about that armor you were thinking about, plus that drink you owe me. I think we will all need one after tonight's event, Narcus will say with a smile. And don't worry, nothing will be said. No sense in ruining the festival that we have all worked so hard on, although not telling mother will be quite difficult, huh father, Marcus says with a sly smile in his face.

Poseus wakes up nearly at the crack of dawn, even though he could have used his sleep after such a night, his body in tune to the sun rising for a while now.

He looks around to see if Dieredon is still sleeping, then gets up and looks for his gear already.

If Dieredon is still sleeping he will go outside, to practice with his remaining spears.

If he is also awake already, he will start a conversation
"Morning Dieredon, I hope you have slept well, I could have used a bit more sleep after last night." He stretches his entire body for a bit, seemingly to grow half a foot as his snakelike body also stretches.

"I have another busy day ahead of me, getting information on a skull, going back to my village to get the fish I caught. I hope I have some time left for us to be training together."

That night before falling asleep exhausted once more Wiscara tells her mother about the battle and everything after finding Roan missing. "Then after we rescued him, the Fulogh’Mogobbh caught upto us because we were slowed carrying Roan. I heard, or felt something I've never felt before. I called out to it for help and the next thing the creatures emerged from the bog and raced towards us," Wiscara's voice strained as if she was there again, [/b]"and the ground, or rather the plants and the grass twisted around the tentacles and bodies of them, holding them in place for a time."[/b] She is clearly in wonder at the fact that she may have caused it. Perhaps the effects of seeing the open use of magic just prior, the magical light. But she had been around such before. Maybe she did not need a ceremony to ask the gods for their favour. These thoughts all occured to Wiscara that night. "And then we ran when the Fulogh Barghnora? When it came for us. Thankfully it was slowed on land or we might not have all made it back..." Such somber thoughts caused her to become silent for a while. She had thought about death before, but today she had been terribly scared when the Fulogh Barghnora had screamed at her. She shook her head and thought of tomorrow instead. "Will we still have the ceremony tomorrow?" Soon enough she fell asleep, glad to be safe another night. But her dreams weren't safe, they were filled with grotesque nightmares of the Fulogh Barghnora as big as a mountain, screaming and chasing after her wherever she went...

In the morning she woke early as always, unable to sleep past sunrise, her body waking her like clockwork at the first early morning light that could reach them. Pushing off the ridiculous dreams of the night she stretched and yawned. Her mother was already meditating so she joined her. After completing the usual exercises of emptying her mind and feeling the peace and freedom of such that she was accustomed to, she felt something new. .

Dieredon wok almost simultaneously with Poseus at the crack of dawn, and he was surprised to see the Gymnaga up as well so early.

Good morning, friend. I too need to check the traps that I have set for the beavers. Let's do that first, and I will accompany you this morning on your errands, if you have no objections? It will give me the opportunity to visit your village, if that is acceptable? What of this skull you have questions about? Do tell.

As Dieredon speaks, he begins to gather his weapons and essentials while munching on some bread and fruit as a quick breakfast.

By all means, help yourself to a quick breakfast.

Poseus grabs two slices of bread and an apple before heading out the door with Dieredon.

"Thank you for the breakfast. I don't think visiting my village is a problem, you might be the first elf there though." he says as he munches down a slice of bread.

"I'm not entirely sure what the skull is, or what creature it is from, it looks smaller than an adult human though. Our priestess hoped Auria or Cicily could tell us more about it, that's why I was sent back earlier last evening."

The second slice is gobbled down pretty fast as well.

He keeps the apple in his backpack for later and slithers in a slow pace besides Dieredon as they go towards the traps set by the elf.

Dieredon takes a good look at the skull, trying to discern the former owner.

Knowledge (nature): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Phineas rises late. He shakes his head, wondering if that was all a dream. Between the revelation of the Good Folk and the encounter with creatures in the swamp, it'd been a more thoroughly exciting day than any other in his memory. He had acquited himself well, he thought, healing Roan back to consciousness and blessing his friends. Tired as he was, he had the discipline to go through the rituals of studying and evening prayers, asking the Lame God to give him power to deal with the new threats surrounding his town. Gone from his head were the thoughts of chores, the upcomign festival, and dreams of dancing with Lizzie at the ball, instead he knew the town was counting on him and his friends. Panforey had said so.

took the time to get new spells equipped for today. Will get those up in a few.

After dressing quickly, Phineas went to look for Panforey. He had many questions for his mentor this morning. Questions that needed answering.

He swept a lock of his flaming red hair from his face as he approached the older man tending garden outside the home. He could smell the mushrooms simmering in the kitchen. He leaned close to Panforey and said, "We must speak of yesterday's events sir. There is much more going on around Woodbridge than meets the eye. I wonder if you know anymore about these happenings than you have let on so far?".

He cast a cocked eyebrow at the man wondering if he would tell what he knew.

Dieredon the skull is still at the Bread and Board, he needs to retrieve it first after you have checked your traps. Might want to save your roll though.

After leaving Chance, Calex headed off to his own dwelling and quickly got himself settled in. After a few moments of thought, he pulled out his paper, quills and special inks and spent a few hours of concentration replacing the Mage Armor spell scroll he had used out in the bog.
Scribe Scroll: 25 GP cost, 2 hours work for a 1st level spell, Spell Craft skill check: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
After that Cal followed up with a quick, but cold, meal and gave in to his exhaustion, sleeping soundly until morning. With the arrival of the dawn, the young mage arises and, after his usual morning breakfast and ambulations, begins to re-study his daily spells, changing out yesterdays "Mage Armor" for "Snowball". He decides to leave his cantrips as they are for now, and also decides to make a habit of always having his scroll box and spell book on him. After he completed his chores, Cal then leaves his shop and sets off towards the tavern, hoping to pick up on their interrupted meeting from last night, and learn whatever gossip and information that he might from his fellow neighbors.

Sleep had mocked Marcus, for it was the worst night sleep he had in years. It was even worse then the all nighter he did when finishing Patricia's current leather armor. After Marcus had got what little sleep he would get, he woke to prepare for the day. He washed up in the lake, at least the stench of the bog was gone after his wash, now if only the frigid cold water could wash the sights away from last night.

After washing and all prepared for the busy day ahead , Marcus headed on over to the Bread & Board to see Lulu and hear how Roan was doing.

LULU

Hey Lulu, how is Roan doing? Stronger today I hope? Is there anything I can bring him or you two to make things easier? Also, can you get me a tall cup of coffee, I soooooo need it today and that says a lot since I need some once in a blue moon? Marcus says with a half sleepy smile.

DIREDRON assuming I run into him and anyone else at the B & B

I hope you slept better than I did. I couldn't get those things out of my mind. Marcus whispers so nobody else hears. Anyways, I will take you up on that drink sometime and to discuss the armor you were thinking about. Until then, I hope you have a good day.

CALEX

Thank you for the help last night, Marcus says in a whisper. I would like to show my appreciation, let me make you a nice copper casing for your scrolls, free of charge for you of course. I will not take no for an answer either, it's the least I can do. Marcus says with a gracious grin to hide the sleepiness he is experiencing.

Sorry about that, mised the location of the skull. I guess that would be our second stop. if it is ok with GM Terquem, I will just keep the roll of 19 on the knowledge Nature check.

Dieredon quietly approaches the traps that he had set the previous day, not really expecting anything so soon, but just to check. He whispers,

Poseus, as I am sure you know, it is essential to check any traps daily, but with as much stealth as possible. We would not want to frighten off any game that is about to fall prey to us just before they do so.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Survival (if needed)1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 24

After moving away from the river's edge, Dieredon resumes his walk to Woodbridge with Poseus to pick up the skull at the Bread and Board. Upon entering the Inn, Dieredon is greeted by Marcus.

Good morning to you, Marcus. Yes, after the Festival, I am going to want to discuss improving my existing armor to something with some masterworkings. You can count on that drink soon...I promise, and thank you for raising the hue and cry last night. Your aid was certainly needed!

He approaches the bar,

Lulu, how fares the boy?

Poseus nods to Dieredon and whispers back:
"I would have thought as much, I'm not that familiar with trap setting myself."

Survival: Aid Dieredon: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13

Stealth: Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22

Poseus slithers long with Dieredon to the Bread and Board, all the while thinking to himself what the skull could mean to Rosilindeae. Or to the whole of Woodbridge for that matter.

As Marcus greets Dieredon, Poseus nods at Marcus "Good morning"
He then approaches Oscar at the bar "Good morning Oscar, I hope your son is well. I came here to retrieve the package I've left here last evening in a hurry. There was a skull inside it, you couldn't miss it."

Calex grins at Marcus' thanks and offer. "I was glad to help- your offer is very generous. Since you insist, I'll not insult you by saying no, but I truly feel my efforts were the least of those involved. Your own actions were as daring as any of us. Please don't hesitate to call upon me for any aid you need in the future- and as always I'm available with my magic to effect any repairs around your shop you want."
Cal follows the others into tavern & with a gesture cleans a table for everyone using a spot of magic. He looks around the B&B taproom, and notices Abram missing. Cal recalls the halfling being accompanied last night by a young elf-maid, and with a sly smirk, guesses that the bard had managed to find his own brand of excitement last night. He gives the area another glance, searching for the people they were to meet last night before they were called away, but his attention snaps back to the others when his curiosity is peaked by the mention of mysterious packages containing skulls.
"This seems to be a time for strange events. I wonder if all these are related somehow or just one big gods-driven coincidence?"

"Hello Poseus, I hope you slept better than I. If there is anything I can craft for you, don't hesitate to ask as well. A nice spear comes to mind, but as always the customer has the best sense of what they want." Marcus says with a smile.

At the Gresham Residence

Wiscara’s mother finished her morning meditations, and smiled at her daughter. ”There is something I want you know,” she begins to tell Wiscara as they both begin preparing a small morning meal.

”The ceremony, as much as it is, is not what makes you what you are. They, the Maetaur, think that ceremonies are important, and when I was young, and learned from them myself, I didn’t know better, but, and this is important, what you are comes from the union of your heart with the natural world around you. Do I know better now? Haha,” she laughed. “Well, no, more perhaps, but better? Who can say? I would like to be able to tell you that you do not have to do this today, that you do not need the ceremony, and you don’t, not really, not to be able to do what you did last night. But there are deeper mysteries, meditations that even I do not know, and you can learn them only from those who are more experienced than I am, and that means you need the Meataur people as friends, and mentors, and definitely not as enemies. So, I think you should partake of the ceremony, and enjoy it, but remember what I said, you do not need ceremony to be who you are going to be.”

In the vegetable Garden of the Panforey House

Mister Panforey kneels in the dirt and gently weeds around the newly growing beets and cucumbers he has planted. When Brother Phineas approaches and quietly asks his questions, Mister Panforey rises from the ground, wipes the dirt from his hands and answers.

“Do I know what’s going on around Woodbridge? Well, usually, no, I don’t. My sis – I mean, Auria usually knows more about everything going on than anyone. She makes it a point to visit with people every day. But I do know some things. Last night a young Gymnaga fellow brought a skull to the village that was found by a child of their community. Cicily and Auria examined the skull last night, and both agree that it is the skull of one of the Alodoan people, one of the ones called ‘halflings’. You can talk to them if you want to know how they are sure of this. Cicily intends to journey today to the Gymnaga community to discuss this matter with them, she might be happy to have you go with her. About the Fulogh’Mogobbh, I know little. They are dangerous, and nomadic, I understand, moving from place to place along the river. Their numbers are usually never great, and they often drive beavers out of their homes, take them over for a while, before moving again. We’ve had trouble with them before, but nothing we couldn’t handle. Now, the fact that there is still a Fulogh Barghnora in the bogs is troubling, and if it is as big as your friends described it, that could be a very serious problem. A problem for Patricia, who is going to be acting as the headwoman of the village until we can elect someone to take Connor’s place, to worry about, not you or I. This is beyond us, Phineas. Believe me.”

Panforey moves across his garden, and scratches his neck. He looks worried, and he gazes off across the village. Finally, he turns his eyes on Phineas, and smiles, ”For now, let’s keep our minds on the festival tomorrow, do what we can to make it a good day for everyone.”

At the Bread and Board

Lulu greats Marcus and Calex, and laughs when Marcus asks for coffee, ”We haven’t had coffee for over a month. But Wuda will have some when she arrives tomorrow, and as long as the price is right, you can be sure that I’ll have it available again the day after the festival, for as long as it last anyway. Roan is fine, Oscar sat by his bed through the night. He slept well, and he is going to heal just fine. Remember, boys, mum’s the word,” she puts he finger to her lips. “I only wish I something to give you for helping the way you did, but,” she smiles, ”if you want coffee in the Bread and Board, I’ll need every penny to be able to pay Wuda’s price. There’s scones this morning, and eggs, but no sausage or bacon. We’ve got some cold roasted duck left over from last night, and I can pour some hot gravy on it for you if you’re hungry. Breakfast, this morning, is on me.”

Oscar tells Poseus, when he arrives at the tavern, that Cicily and Auria took the skull last night, and one of them now has it, but he does not know which of them has it now.

Poseus, Dieredon, Marcus and Calex, enjoy breakfast at the Bread and Board.

Patricia Flaherty arrives after they have finished, and tells them, “I’ve sent for Auria, Cicily, Chance, Wiscara, and Phineas. When everyone is here. I have some things I want to discuss with all of you. Oscar and Lulu have agreed to close the bread and Board after breakfast so we can talk in private.”

A young boy or girl of the village brings a message to Phineas, Wiscara, and Chance, asking them to come to the Bread and Board.

Poseus asks Lulu simply for a scone and a fried egg. "I've had a bit of breakfast already, but something extra as tasty as that I won't turn down."

He smiles broadly as breakfast is served, "Thank you very much Lulu." he says with a nod to her

As Patricia Flaherty finishes talking he firstly just blankly stares at her, letting the message sink in, then looks around for other people as he can't believe she includes him as well.

I wonder what's going on here? Sure we need to talk about that thing from last night, but what can a fisherman like me be of importance?

Dieredon delivers the beaver pelt to Lulu, and he settles in, awaiting the arrival of Patricia Flaherty.

Poseus, maybe Auria can tell us about your Skull, eh?

Marcus, what I had in mind for my armor is an improvement in the workings of the leather and studs. I would like to have a masterworked product when all is said and done. I realize that this will take some time. Perhaps after the festival?

And, Calex, I would like to express my gratitude for your aid last night, and my apologies for cutting your last incantation short. With the reach on that Fulogh Barghnora, it did not look like you would get the casting off before he attacked you. If I was wrong on that count, my deepest regrets.

Of course, the festival is more important right now. Let us enjoy it to its fullest, Marcus says with a wide smile as he eats the wonderful meal set before him.

Her mothers words echoed through Cara's mind as she walked back to the village. She felt excited about the ceremony, to be recognized by the Maetaur as a fellow druid was what she wanted. But what her mother said also made sense, no one could make her become a druid by saing a few words. She had to make that decision herself and she now realized that she had already done that. She let out a small laugh, even if there were terrible things out there, Cara would put a stop to their disturbance of nature.

As she walked down the street towards the Bread and Board, people were going about their day happily and with little care. Cara greeted those she passed and received greetings in return.

She entered the Bread and Board and looked for the others she was meant to meet. Seeing several of them together, she walks over and finds a seat, sliding her pack under her seat. "Sorry if I'm late."

After his discussion with Panforey, Phineas busied himself with the daily routine of an alcolyte, chores and studying. He was pleased when the young lad appeared beckoning him to the B&B for a meeting with his companions from the previous night and Patricia the acting headwoman. He gathered up his gear, including the weapons he so recently held in anger, and hustled along after the boy.

The town was preparing for the festival as if no world changing event had just occured the night before and Phineas mused that we too would likely have been gearing up for the fun and frolic of the event, had not he seen and heard things. Things which changed his whole outlook on life in Woodbridget and what lay beyond.

His contemplation of the innocence he had known was cut short as he arrived at the tavern. Ducking under the doorway, he let his eyes adjust to the dim interior light and waved a quick hello to Lulu behind the bar. He quickly saw his companions from the bog gathering around a table in the back, and moved to join them.

Drawing up a stool, he cleared his throat and brushed another flaming red lock from his eyes. Panforey says these bog creatures, the Fulogh’Mogobbh, are known to him. They have bothered the town before, but never anything serious. Obviously, the other thing...whatever it was, was more of a concern to him. Not sure what we few can do about it but it frightens me to know it's out there.

He also said something about a 'halfling' skull found by the Gmynaga. I'm guessing that might be you, Poseus? What do you know about it?

Calex gives Phineas a quick wave as the acolyte joins the group at the table, and turns to answer Dieredon."No need to apologize. You were entirely right to get us out of there. I was angry not at you but at myself for my inability to stop the threat to our homes. If I had only had more powerful spells it would not be such a danger to the village. I need more practice to master my craft more fully, and research into some new spells to expand my abilities." Calex gives a sudden grin as a new thought occurs to him. "Some good may come out of this attack after all- its forcing us to look beyond the limits of Woodbridge and into the world outside, almost like hatchlings being pushed out of the nest. The question then becomes 'Do we fall or fly?'. I think I want to try out my new wings."

After finishing his second breakfast, Poseus listens to the conversation between Calex and Dieredon and the question between Dieredon and Marcus about leather armour.

"Marcus, I have heard of your talent before as a smith of armour and tools. However do you know anything of making bows or a fletcher in Woodbridge? I would like Dieredon here to instruct me in the ways of the bow and I need one to practise with."
He looks at Marcuc to answer before finally asking another question

"I guess some armour would also be a good idea, I actually felt terribly vulnerable last evening. A fight with a deer is one thing, a battle with many creatures had me worried. Do you think you have time to make me a practice leather armour after the Festival?"

As Brother Phineas walks in he waves a quick hand to him. Nodding silently as Phineas shares what Panforey had said to him, then perking up at the mention of the skull found.
"A halfling skull?! Then you know more than I do Phineas, I came to Woodbridge proper to ask Cicily or Auria to tell me what kind of skull it was. All I knew was that one of the young children found it way up north of our village while swimming."

A sneer appears across Dieredon's face momentarily before melting away, as he quickly remembered his company. Long-time hatreds surfaced at the forefront of his mind as he contemplated the possibility of more halflings swarming to the Woodbridge area.

By Calistria! If I had seen that skull, I could have identified it immediately as a damnable Halfling. How long has it been here? Are more destined to flock to the area?

A halfling, you say? Hmmm...I am familiar with this race of creatures from my origins in Alodoa. An unsavory lot, used originally as slaves, but since their liberation, a thorn in the side of those of the Empire.

Why Poseues, my father taught me many crafting methods, whether it be armor, weapons, tools or other daily items. He always thought, the more I know how to do, the better off the shop will be Marcus replies with a laugh as he thinks back to his fathers words of wisdom. As far as having a bow lying around, I would have to check the shop, in the event I don't, I don't think it should take too terribly long to fashion one from scratch. I would be more than happy to fashion some armor for you as well, I enjoy protecting the people around me Marcus wonders what available stock he has at the shop, and what weaponry he has available.

Calex

Marcus listens to Calex and his thoughts about his emerging powers and his wanting to learn more to better himself and the village. He listens to him theorize about "beings birds shoved out of the nest". I guess nothing can stay the same forever, can it?

To Poseus:"Mister Panforey encouraged me to go with Cicily to your village to look into the skull a little more. I plan to do that after we finish here."

To catch Double D's sneer and meaning:Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Phineas, learning to be better about reading people, sees the dismay flash across the face of the elven hunter. "Hmm, I wonder what that Aldoan stranger knows about this that he's not telling. I'll have to see if I can find out more from him later?"

To Calex: "I've never really considered leaving Woodbridge. It's home and I always thought it would be. But these things outside our understanding are frightening to me. The Festival just doesn't have the same fun to it, when I know there are things out there that could destroy us all. I just think the Protector would want me to intervene. To sacrifice my peace or myself, if I had to, to keep this place just like it is. Safe and secure. If you want to go out searching for threats, I'm willing to come along."

”I’m glad you’re all here,” Patricia says. In another few moments, Cicily and Auria come into the Bread and Board. Auria takes a chair from a table and drags it across the floor to a position near the little stage in the corner. Cicily walks to stand behind Auria, and then, in the fashion of her kind, lowers her hind quarters, and sits on the floor. Patricia then turns to Lulu and says, ”lock the door Lulu. Auria, tell them what we know.”

Auria sets down her staff, and takes a small round object from her sleeve. She sets the object on the stage, which is raised about a foot off of the floor, and carefully removes the cloth from it. It is a small humanoid skull.

”This was found by a young Gmynaga girl,” Auria says. “The young man, Poseus, brought this to our village last night, before the excitement. Cicily and I examined the skull and, well, you tell them Cicily.”

Cicliy stands and moves around Auria. She leans her torso over until her face is very close to the skull, and speaks, sounding almost like she is giving a class, “The size of the skull is consistent with a Meataur or Gymnaga person, but there are significant differences. First,” she points at the jaw, ”See here the point where the jaw bone attaches to the skull, it is higher and shaped differently than a Gymnaga skull. And if you open the jaw,” she carefully raises the skull with one hand and points into the mouth, “and count the number and design of the teeth, you can see that this skull does not have the correct number of molars to be a Maetaur. Some of you might not know, but a Maetaur has two additional molars in the upper and lower jaw. With these indications, we at first believed that the skull could be a very small human, but the teeth are definitely mature. This left us with only one conclusion, that this is the skull of an Aladoan. We spoke, Auria and I, last night, to one of the Aladoan settlers here in the village, and we learned that none of their people are missing.”

Auria smiles at Cicily. “Thank you, Cicily. This is the first time,” Auria says, “that we have found any sign of one of the settlers dying anywhere near our village. This may, or may not –“

“It is. There is no may about it,” Patricia interrupts.

“Be a bad sign for our village. Patricia is convinced that it means trouble will come to our village from Castletown. I do not agree. But I do not think that we should simply forget about it either, and in that I agree with Patricia.”

“What we are going to need,” Patricia says, “Is for some volunteers to take this skull to Castletown and deliver it to their Holy men or women, whoever they may be, and let them know we found it, and that we do not know anything else. I’ve had dealings with these Aladoans before, no offense Dieredon, but they take the matter of the death of their own kind very seriously. And if they think that there is a threat to them here, in Woodbridge, then it is only a matter of time before we get the same treatment as other villages I’ve seen. They’ll march a few dozen soldiers down here to ‘keep the peace’ and start watching everything we do with a foreign and unsympathetic eye. We don’t want that.”

“But you seem to believe it is going to happen anyway, don’t you?” Auria asks, for a moment acting as if you aren’t even there.

“I don’t want to argue about it again, Auria. For now, and as soon as we can, and to me that means the day after tomorrow, after the festival, someone needs to get this skull to them, before whoever it is that knew that Aladoan, comes looking for him, and finds it, or the rest of him, and starts thinking we are dangerous people.”

“But,” Auria adds, “that isn’t the only thing that is on everyone’s mind, eh? You all had an encounter with the Grindylow, or the Fulogh’Mogobbh, in the old tongue, but let me tell you, you were lucky, this time. Their populations shrink and swell. They are known to be in constant war with the good folk, and we, some of us older ones, know that they can be a terrible blight, when their numbers grow too large. And the Fulogh Barghnora, is another thing all together. Why these two abominations of the bogs should come together? Who can say? But I can tell you this. A normal Fulogh Barghnora is usually no larger than a large dog, a very large dog, yes, but the size you describe, has never been seen. They move through the trees, swinging from limb to limb using their tentacles, but, if it is as large as you say it was, it would not be able to do that, and running into the forest was surely your survival. I, and Cicily and Patricia agree on this, do not think anyone in the village should be going out looking for this thing, but what we should do about it, well, we can’t agree. Cicily and I think that the ones who go to Castletown, should ask for help with the situation. Naturally, for reasons Patricia has already told you, she disagrees.”

“There are enough able bodied citizens of Woodbridge, if we arm ourselves and train a bit, we can go into the bogs and defeat the monster ourselves,” Patricia says and folds her arms across her chest.

“If this is voted upon as the right course of action,” Cicily says, “we will help in every way we can.”

“First, we need volunteers, for two separate missions,” Auria continues. “The first group will set out for Castletown the day after the festival. The second group will go to the Gymnaga settlement, today, and find out what they can about where the skull was found. And then, on the same day that the first group leaves for Castletown, the second group will be asked to search for any other remains that might go along with this skull.”

“And there is one more thing,” Patricia says, uncrossing her arms. “The ruined cottage you found is most likely the old Finnegan house. The last Finnegan to live there was Durham Finnegan. The Finnegan’s, well, they never seemed to want to fit into life here in Woodbridge, like the rest of us. The Finnegan’s were among the first people to settle in these lands, but they were people who kept to themselves, and were odd. Durham Finnegan had strange habits, and got himself into a few bad situations with my Father, and his father before him, my grandfather. To be honest, I don’t think anyone could tell you when, or if, Durham Finnegan died. Maybe he just moved on, but his place, well, be careful if you go looking there for anything. HE was an evil man, and a powerful sorcerer.”

You half expect Auria to speak up, maybe point out some things about what Patricia said that might be exaggerated, but both she and Cicily sit quietly, and simply nod, while Patricia tells the little she knows about Durham Finnegan.

Dieredon stands.

I will gladly accept the mission to return the skull to Castletown. I am due for one of my regular visits in any event. I take no offense to your words, Patricia, simply because they are accurate.

he sits back down and crosses his arms awaiting others to speak up upon the courses of action.

Poseus slithers forward, stretches somewhat to his full height and speaks.

"Though I would have hoped to travel and learn some things about the woods from Dieredon, I feel that I am not suited for a parley with the residents of Castletown. Most likely they would not have seen that many Gymnaga yet and I fear I would only hinder the talks that way.

In addition, I know the people of my village better than anyone here and I was already planning to visit to bring news of this skull and collect some fish for the festival. I guess this mission will be a good training for the skills I wish to acquire."

He looks over to Dieredon with a slight grimace.
"I guess I'll need crash course in tracking today, if we still have the time for it that is."

He slides back to his position at the table, seeing who else want to go on a clue-finding mission

Wiscara had sat silently and listened out of respect for the older women. She had leaned forward to get a closer look at the skull, almost reaching for it but pulling her hand back. A trip to Castletown would be exciting, Wiscara would like to get a look at the soldiers that Patricia disliked and their huge Castle. Then she remembered the ceremony this afternoon. She wouldn't miss that even for a Castle. Besides... she would be more useful going to the Gymnaga.

Calex thinks a bit about the options given and speaks up about his choice: "I would like a closer look at the old sorcerer's dwelling, but I don't feel I'm up to another face-off with those creatures yet. Also I too have business in Castletown- my monthly shipment of glassware is due to my agent there, and I need to re-supply on equipment for my lab. I would also like to look for another mage who might be willing to trade some spells with me to expand my repertoire. Although I have lost my past, I too am Aladoan, and also human. That might be a benefit when we deal with the Imperials. I think I'll go with Dieredon."