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Vendric: "So we taking it to the Temple? Hopefully the troops we asked to be stationed there made it by now."

Arushalae: "It is one option... but it won't be able to protect that place for nearly a year."

Vendric: "Even so a Desnan temple seems like a good home for a Desnan artifact."

Nightwolf "Perhaps Drezen would be a better place to store it for the next year."
Arushalae: "Is it in good repair? I haven't had a chance to see a Desnan holy place since my conversion." There's longing in her voice.

Nightwolf "Then it can be moved to the Desnan temple."

Nightwolf "It is along the way in any case and a good place to rest for a night."

Nightwolf "You will love it there."

Vendric: "Should be. It was recently renovated and reclaimed. But the workers who did were quite good."

Arushalae smiles. "I certainly hope so."

Vendric: "Well if Pharah is ready and the bell is secure we can make our way there now. The Azatas who repaired the temple were quite skilled. I'm sure you will like it."

Arushalae smiles. "I look forward to it. There is... another way I can aid you. I retain the ability to bestow a gift to enhance an aspect of another's being. It would mean we could speak into each others' minds from any distance. And while I could remove it at any time and thus harm your personality... I have no intention of doing so."

Arushalae: "I'm... not sure how many I could so bestow, right now. The process of changing has weakened my powers, in some respects."

Zullion: "To show that there is the trust from us, I will accept your gift"

Nightwolf "I would accept your gift, but only if it does not harm you."

Vendric: "I would as well."

Arushalae: "Bestowing such gifts has never harmed me. But as there is more than one volunteer, and I am unsure how many I can bestow, how shall we decide who receives it first? The tossing of coins?"

Nightwolf "The choice should be yours."

Vendric: "We will leave it up to you. Or what you decide to leave it up to."

Arushalae looks them over. "What would each of you have me enhance?"

Nightwolf "My agility, to increase my aim with a bow."

Vendric: "My mind power so I can continue to find more way's to help with my Intelligence."

Arushalae smiles at Vendric. "Then you seek more Wisdom to complement your native intelligence?"

Zullion thinks for a bit "My fortitude and resilience."

Arushalae throws three coins into the air, and they all come down tails. She laughs. "That's not very helpful. Perhaps that is the wrong way to invoke the judgement of the Song of the Spheres... why don't you each flip your own coin? And if there is one which is different, there I will bestow my gift."

Vendric: "Sounds like a better plan."

Zullion chuckles as he and Nightwolf flip their coins and they both land as tails. A moment later, Vendric draws a single coin to flip, and it lands as heads.

Arushalae steps over to Vendric, and leans over resting her hand briefly on top of his head to bestow her gift of Wisdom. She smiles, then sighs. "I'm afraid that was it, at least until my change is complete."

Nightwolf "Then come, let us show you Desna's temple."

Arushalae grins, pulling back from Vendric. "I very much look forward to it."

Vendric: "Well unless there is more here we need to do guess we can head off."

They head out, Pharah flying with Zullion on her back, and carrying the bell in her talons.

((Thus ends session 57.))

Nightwolf: "I hate to leave the bell unprotected but hopefully the forbiddance effect will protect it until we can send someone to retrieve it. I'd hate to see such an artifact fall into the hands of the Abyss."

Vendric: "Indeed. Such a important and sacred artifact shouldn't be left here for long."

Arushalae: "On the other hand, it has survived here ever since the Worldwound opened."

Vendric: "It has but I would feel better to know it was somewhere we could protect it should the enemy now seek to destroy it. They may have though it wasn't worth the effort before but after it being used to fend them off it may be something they will try now."

Arushalae: "Or they may remain content that it is protecting something of no value to any. My...former kind are capable of laziness."

Nightwolf: "The difficulty of moving it will apply to the enemy as well, perhaps more so for a force that usually depends on teleportation and flight for long distance travel."

Arushalae nods. "I have not been able to teleport for decades, and other forms of travel still feel unnaturally slow."

Vendric: "That I have no doubt but leaving something so connected to Desna unprotected doesn't sit right with me. At the very least I would like to take it to the restored Desnan temple we found on our way here."

Nightwolf: "and I doubt they could destroy it without moving it first, or waste the resources defending it here."

Arushalae: "Correct. It can only be destroyed if first moved to the Abyss...and only if it's there brought to a balor with an unholy adamantine longsword."

Nightwolf "The temple or Drezen, the problem remains, how?"

Vendric: "Perhaps Sara has some magic to assist that. or we can send some troops to pick it up and bring it to the temple."

Sarathel: "I can pray for one or two of us be be able to carry twice as much. And it's certainly big enough for several to fit around its rim."

Zullion: "Let me have a word with Pharah first, maybe I can get her to help out."

Pharah cocks her head and hisses, listens, paws the ground, then finally nods with a snap of her beak.

Zullion: He chuckles and scritches her behind the ear "Always"
Vendric: "And I can summon a Phantom Steed that could assist the move as well. Should we want to try taking it to the temple ourselves."

Pharah leans into the scratching, glaring at the others as though challenging them to make something of it.

Zullion turns to the others "She is willing to help us with this little problem."

Arushalae: "Then there's only the problem of getting it out of the tower. It should -just- fit through the trap door... are there enough of us to drag or roll it that far?"

Nightwolf: "One or two of us should be able to drag or roll it."

Vendric: "Should be though I doubt I will be much help. Brute strength isn't my strong suit."

Arushalae looks to Vendric and Nightwolf. "Perhaps the three of us can get it out of the tower?"

Nightwolf: "Lifting and carrying long distances, that's the real difficulty."

Vendric: "Give me a minute to brew something up and I could be more help dragging it down."

Arushalae: "It doesn't look as though we are now in any particular hurry."

Vendric begins to brew a bull's strength.

As the Desnans go to move the bell, it becomes clear that Arushalae and Nightwolf each need only a little help with it.

The next day they return to the boggard's ruins.

Garuum: "Truuuuce?"

Dex slowly approaches the boggard hand holding some of the berries he took. "Garuum. Truce. We return. Bring gifts. Wish to talk. Be friends." He gestures to the others as he holds the berries out in one palm and the other holding a bag of them.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot stays her distance, giving the others a chance to talk. Raga Silvertail watches closely, just in case he has to go help Johd not get skewered.

Garuum stares at this strange creature, with its bag of fruit-stuff. He points from himself to the creature's companions. "Me, slurk," He pats the fanged frog. "Me, you?" He points at the various party members. "Hungry me?" He points at the offering. "Me, boggard, bug hungry."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot points to herself. "Me, Dhurharen. Me friend."

Dex slowly gets closer and lays the berries on a dry rock closer to the Boggart. "Yes you. Gift we give." He gestures at himself and his companions with we then moves his hands forward showing they are offering the berries to him. "We truce. Like truce. Want talk more."
Dex turns to his companions. "I think we should have brought some of those spiders."

Garuum: "You, me, truce." He points at the berries. "You hungry. Me bug hungry. You go?" The boggard is about convinced the strangers mean no harm, but doesn't trust that their strange food is actually good for him. He doesn't understand what they want, or why they came back.

Aarin "You, me, hungry for truce. Spell magic help truce. Truce no harm."

Dex eats a berry to show its safe. "Want talk." He makes his hand act as a mouth. "Friend here make talk good." He points to Jhod. "Let touch. Make talk good?" He points to Jhod then to Garuum and motions as if petting something.

Garuum stares thoughtfully for a long moment, then answers. "Jhod truce? Me?"

Aarin "Jhod truce you."

Jhod Kavken sighs. "Does anyone think we'll get a more hopeful answer before he's blessed with understanding?"

Dex: "Yes Jhod truce. Jhod touch." He does the petting motion. "Make talk truce good." Does the talking hand motion again.

Garuum: "Jhod truce me." He says more firmly.

Aarin "I think we have an understanding if you are willing Jhod."

Dex: "Seems like it."

Jhod Kavken slides off his horse, and makes a display of setting down his boar spear before approaching. He approaches slowly and carefully, ready to turn back at the first sign of hostility. He prays as he reaches the boggard, and carefully reaches out to touch its extended arm.

Jhod Kavken: "Can you understand us now?"

Garuum: "Y-yes. And...you understand? Why do you intrude on my home?"

Dex: "We were exploring the region. And we wish to talk to those who are willing to talk."

Jhod Kavken backs away carefully.

Garuum: "Talk...yes...I had but few of your words. Talk about what?"

Dex: "In the future there may be more people like us coming here and we wish for everyone to live in peace if we can. We would like to become allies so we may be able to help if anyone should try bring you harm so long as you don't bring anyone else harm as well."

Garuum: "I have been exiled once. I do not wish to leave my home for others."

Dex: "We do not wish to ask you too nor would we like to see you do so. That is why we would like to talk."

Garuum: "If we agree, what more is there to talk of?"

Dex: "Well you have lived in this area a while perhaps you can tell us of any threats we would need to look out for or things we could use. In exchange we don't mind helping get soemthing you may need or even trading for things you couldn't. I could teach you Taldane better so you may talk like this to anyone else should they stumble upon you."

Garuum: "Dangers, yes... tatzlwyrms..huh...that would normally have come out as 'snakes'... a pair of them lair just 4 miles downriver, to the southwest. Of use... there is a statue to the west... wild beasts do not follow there."
You say this learning of Taldane is magic...this means it will fade. Can you teach me words now or will they be lost in that forgetting?"

Dex: "I am not sure what you will retain if I teach you now with the spell active. I could try and then we can see. We can come back some other time with tools that would help a lot better with learning it though. Can you read at all?"

Garuum: "No. This is not a skill of my former tribe."

Dex: "Then getting you some books won't work. I can try to teach you some more words then when the spell wears off we can see what you retain. With time I could probably even teach you how to read should you want to."

Garuum: "Does reading help catch bugs, or raise mushrooms?"

Dex: "You could use it to learn better ways to do those I guess."

Garuum croaks.

Dex: "I mean there are bound to be books about that stuff I could get for you."

Garuum: "There are?"

Dex: "There are many books about a lot of things. Though I think the bug catching stuff I'd more about how to get rid of them than catching them for eating."

Garuum: "You are not boggard."

((Thus ends session 17.))

Jhod Kavken: "I should point out that while tomorrow my prayer can enable me to understand the frog-man... it will not enable him to understand us."

Aarin "Is there not a spell that allows you to share languages with a creature?"

Raga Silvertail: "Let us discuss this while we travel" he states as he mounts up again. And the rest follow suit as they continue on.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot thinks a bit on what Jhod said. "Or we would have to keep our words very simple."

Jhod Kavken: "We would need to persuade him to let me touch him, I'm afraid."

Dex: "We could try. maybe being some more food. The fangberries aren't far from here perhaps we can pick some up to offer as a gift to allow us to cast it."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Hope one of you can explain very well in basic terms?"

Aarin "I'm hesitant to put you in such a position. Perhaps our gift of food will have earned us some trust."

Raga Silvertail: "He was a bit amicable towards one of us approaching."

Dex: "I could try to tell him what we plan and have Jhod ready to cast it if I can get him to agree." And so they continue eastward to gather fangberries.

They explore to the southwest. They hear yipping as they approach a clearing. Dhurharen Smeltfoot tries to find the source of the sound, keeping vigilant of any possible traps. A vaguely dog-like creature has fallen into a pit, with a collection of bushy branches, such as might have once concealed a pit. The turf near the pit looks slick, as though it might funnel one in.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Seems we found another 'o that guy's traps?"

Aarin "Not the friendliest looking creature. Though I have no idea what it is."

Aarin "Perhaps we'd best just put it out of its misery."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "We either free it, or kill it. Not leave it like that. It might even be th'a bait for all we know."

Aarin does his best to line up a clear shot at the creature without getting too close to the edge.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "I have an idea. We could break a branch and put it down th'a hole, then leave for it to get out."

Aaarin fires, and the brush thylacine staggers towards the edge of the pit with an arrow in its side.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Oorrr, not. Why so hasty to kill Aarin?"

Dex: "Well seems Aarin would rather kill it than save it."

Aarin "You said free it or kill it. So I did."

Dex: "I was going suggest we feed and free it but I doubt we can now."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Not like we can eat it. Would have been better to free it. It would just rot there and trap more predators try'en to eat it."

Jhod Kavken: "I think I can still heal it with channeled energy, but that would just be cruel if you're just going to shoot it again."

Aarin "Oh better for it to eat you, or someone else after you freed it?"
Dex: "I hate to kill things we don't need to but since you already wounded it I doubt we can safely get it out now."

Raga Silvertail sighs and walks away.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot follows Raga to the trees, finds a good branch, and swings hard to break it. "Wild critters would rather run than attack."

Dex: "Its a bit too far for me to reach with a color spay to try to knock it unconscious."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Weheal it, get th'a horses back, and let it out. It'd be stupid to attack us on it's own.

Aarin "Why are you going to all this trouble? Just let me finish it."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Coz Aarin, you gona crawl down there and get the body out so it doesn't lure more critters in?"

Aarin "Just fill the hole in on top of it when it's dead."

Dex: "And I for one am not the kind of person who kills when it isn't needed."

Aarin "Bah, that's a fine policy for intelligent creatures, this is a stupid beast. And dangerous. Don't come crying to me when it bites someone." He leads his horse farther away and takes up position some distance from the hole ready to finish what he started when this ill-conceived plan goes south.

Jhod Kavken: "The ground looks slick, but I'll need to go up to the edge for the channeled energy to reach the creature. If someone would hold onto me?"

Raga Silvertail: "I will."

Dex tells them his idea. "We have rope. Raga can lower me 5 feet into the pit, I can knock it out with color spray, and then I can carry it out."

Raga secures Father Jhod as he raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft sphere. The brush thylacine awakens snarling and backs into a corner.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot drags the big branch she broke off closer to the hole, but not in yet, then brings her horse to join Aarin's.

Raga nods as he steadies himself and lowers Dex. A cone of colors leaps from the muzzle of Dex's gun, engulfing the trapped creature once, then twice, but it only hunkers down and snarls.

Raga Silvertail chuckles "Maybe I should just go in there and knock it out?" He helps Dex back to solid ground, then cracks his knuckles and readies to go in and to punch the beast.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot humms in thought for a bit. "We could put some meat near its exit point, get us and the horses far enough away, kick the branch in and leave?

Dex: "I have another spell that is even worse of a idea. It's called unnatural lust and if it works you may be able to take the beast out unharmed."

Raga Silvertail grunts "This is taking too long..." he jumps in to have a go at the beast.

Dex casts the spell on the beast with Raga as the object of the attraction. The brush thylacine snarls and attacks as Raga approaches. Its fangs bounce off his armor.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Or everyone just ignores me and does their own thing," she sighs.

Jhod Kavken: "Evidently the time for calm discussion has ended."

Aarin "Killing it would have been so much easier."

Jhod Kavken: "I...can't argue with that."

Facing off with the beast Raga responds to Aarin "And do what with it then?"

Dex: "I think Raga only wishes to knock it out not kill it."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Clearly. Oh well, let's hope this works."

Raga punches the desperate beast and the brush thylacine collapses with a piteous whine as its struck.

Raga Silvertail nods "That's done. Lower the rope. So we can get it out of this hole." Once the rope is lowered, Raga carries the creature over to the shade of the nearby trees and leaves a few rations near it.

Aarin "Now what are you going to do about the hole?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot moves back over to the hole and helps to pull Raga and the beast out. Once that's done, she pushes the branch into the hole so any other victims can clamber out on their own.

The next morning they continue eastward until reaching a place where the ground just east of the Skunk River here slumps away into a soggy mire, notable for the fact that a pair of ruined stone buildings jut from the soggy ground. ​

Raga Silvertail looks over to the buildings "Should we have a look or trudge on?"

Aarin "Looks like the kind of place we ought to check out."

Raga Silvertail dismounts and starts to make his way over. As he clanks and splashes forward, croaks echo from the ruins.

Aarin: "Never seen a frog with fangs before."

Garuum emerges from the farther ruins, hands raised, the left a mangled mass, and croaks repeatedly the single Taldane word: "Truce!"

Raga nods and lowers his own weapon and greeta him "Truce!"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot dismouts and surveys the surroundings, readying her hammer in case they attack, but does not advance

Garuum calms the fanged frog in a strange language, addressing it as "Ubagub."

Garuum watches the strangers warily.

Aarin tries a greeting in a number of languages.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Who be ye?" She asks the strange frogman

Garuum doesn't react to those linguistic overtures, but points to himself. "Me, Garuum. You go?"

Raga Silvertail points to himself. "Raga."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot realizes that this frogman speaks broken Taldane, tries to communicate in a friendly manner. Pointing to herself, she says "Dhurharen."

Aarin "Can anyone comprehend languages?"

Jhod Kavken: "Not today, unfortunately."

Aarin "Perhaps we should return another day when father Jhod has had a chance to pray for a means of communication."

MadMohawk: "We might as well try what we can for now."

Raga puts out his paw, as to try and gesture a hand shake

Garuum raises his morningstar warily. "Truce? You go?"

MadMohawk steps up and introduces himself. "I am Dex and we mean no harm."

Garuum puffs up menacingly as more people approach.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "We move through. That ok?" She tries to reassure him and ask if they can move through.

Garuum does not appear to understand.

Raga Silvertail: "I think he wants us to leave?"

Dex: "Can we talk? We may be coming through this area more in the future and we would like to be friends."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot keeps her distance, not wanting to crowd the twitchy frog.

Aarin "It is clear this isn't working. We should go."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Try to ask it if we can come back later and talk. It won't work now it seems."

Jhod Kavken: "I can pray for deeper understanding on the morrow, if that is when you wish to return."

Dex tries a few phrases in the languages he knows.

Raga Silvertail will start to back away slowly, as to not alarm the creature

Garuum releases his weapon as Raga moves back, but does not appear to understand Dex in any of his languages.

Dex: "Seems we may be better off to come back when Jhod has prepared that spell. We should leave a gift or something so when we show up again we aren't treated as hostile."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "I think father Jhod is right, we should return at a later date a'n see if we can't talk then."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Good idea Dex"

Aarin "What do you suggest a few trail rations?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot she returns to her horse and rummages in her backpack for some rations. Taking it out, she slowly approaches the nearest rock jutting out of the water, food in plain view, then puts it down and backs away again. Raga Silvertail nods as he puts a few of his rations on the ground then gets back onto his horse

Garuum croaks a few times. "Hungry... Me?"

Dex: "For you. We go. Leave gift." Dex says as he joins the others in leaving.

Aarin "You hungry. We go."

Garuum waits and watches them leave.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot joins the others on her horse again, waving with a friendly smile as they leave. "Where shall we go?"

Aarin: "Not far, I'd like to return tomorrow."

​A 15-foot-tall statue of Erastil stands near the edge of the Narlmarches, partially overgrown at the base but towering above the surrounding shrubbery.​ Raga Silvertail looks toward Jhod who visibly relaxes as they approach the statue.

Jhod Kavken: "It's so peaceful here. Even if it has gotten into quite the state. Do you mind if I take the time to clean it up a bit?"

Raga Silvertail: "Take your time."

Aarin "Not at all. I'm no Erastilian, but I'll give you a hand."

Jhod Kavken starts cleaning up the statue with Aarin's help.

Raga becomes tense, he pulls his sword "I don't like this. Not a single beast, except for our horses have crossed here."

Jhod Kavken: "Why would you not appreciate Old Deadeye providing a safe patch for travelers in the forest?"

Raga Silvertail: "Because, I doubt he would even chase away deer or other animals."

Jhod Kavken: "It is safe here. I feel Erastil's promise in my bones."

It takes them about half an hour to finish cleaning the statue, and then Jhod offers a prayer, dedicating the service thus rendered to Erastil. A soft glow emanates from all their sheathes and quivers at the conclusion of Jhod's prayer.

Raga Silvertail: "Well Jhod, seems I was wrong, but I will say its because of how things usually work, no harm no foul. Perhaps we can construct a proper shrine here one day."

Jhod Kavken nods. "That would be good, with someone able to live out here and tend it properly."

((Thus ends session 16.))

As they approach the 150-ft.-wide pond which is the source of the Skunk River, the odor of rotten eggs begins to thicken the air.

Raga Silvertail: "Uhg! That is horrible!"

Aarin: "Guess we know were the river got its name."

Raga Silvertail: "This cant be normal, there has to be a reason this place smells like this!"

Aarin "Probably be hot springs in the area."

Raga Silvertail: "Note, do not make a settlement here," he grumbles "They would revolt in a day."

Jhod Kavken chuckles. "Not everyone has your sense of smell, Raga."

Raga Silvertail: "Sometimes it is a curse. But the blessings outweigh the downsides"

Rose Medvyed grabs her nose and immediately starts trying to wave the smell away. "Ooof, smells like us after two weeks. Without bathing."

Raga Silvertail grins. "Or when Dex fails to look after his food supply."

Rose Medvyed: "I think that only happened once."

Dex: "I think Aarin is right a hot spring may be nearby. Could be a nice place to relax if we can find them."

Raga Silvertail: "And smell like this for a week?"

Rose Medvyed: "I agree with Raga, not even all the scented candles in the region and rose petals would make this smell bearable."

Dex: "The smell of sulfur is indeed strong near hotsprings but the relaxing effect of the hot water makes up for it. Plus I bet if we got someone with the know how they could make the smell more bearable than it is."

Jhod Kavken: "You could try wax nose plugs."

Raga Silvertail: "Bearable and gone is not the same thing. Maybe one day with strong magic."

Rose Medvyed: "Can't we just get someone to magic the smell away? Enchant it to smell like something pleasant, like... anything but this. Wet Raga might be more bearable."

Raga Silvertail: "And that is saying something" he chuckles and shakes his head as if to dry off.

Jhod Kavken: "That's not any sort of spell I know." He shrugs.

Dex: "There are spells like that but I don't know any I can use at the moment."

Jhod Kavken: "Another time, then?"

Raga Silvertail: "Right, lets get out of here before I lose what food I had"

Rose Medvyed takes a moment to survey the area for anything interesting... other than the smell. Raga recognizes two green lumps approaching through the roiling water as giant frogs.

Raga Silvertail: "Giant Frogs!" he calls and steps back.

Jhod Kavken: "Do we fight? Or leave their pond to them?"

Raga Silvertail: "I would withdraw, as Jhod said, not our pond."

Jhod Kavken backs his horse up a few paces, waiting to see if the others follow suit. A giant frog shoots its tongue out at Raga, connecting solidly with his breastplate. The witchwolf feels the frog starting to try to reel him in. Raga lurches back to grab his horse's bridle, and the frog's tongue peels off his armor. Now freed, he leads his horse a good 20 feet back from the water. He and Rose swing back into their saddles, and the explorers flee. Deep "ribbits" echo after them.

The next few days pass without incident among the tall grasses of the plains. Near the source of the Thorn River, they find a body pinned under a purposeful deadfall. A hatchet is stuck in the stump of a tree a few feet from the outstretched arm.​

Aarin "Poor sap."

Raga Silvertail inspects the tableau.

Rose Medvyed: "I wonder how many traps like this are out here."

Dex: "No idea but we should keep an eye or we may end up like this poor fellow."

Raga Silvertail: "He has been here for a week or three." He shakes his head. "Died as he lived I guess"

Rose Medvyed: "I'm not sure triggering traps is really a way to live."

Raga Silvertail: "I'm thinking he accidentally triggered his own trap by the look of things."

Jhod Kavken: "And then couldn't free himself..." He shakes his head. "Not a pleasant way to go. Do you see a good spot to bury him?"

Raga Silvertail: "Wait..." he looks around a bit "Dead trapper, lots of old traps in the woods...." he looks down at the body "Maybe?"

Rose Medvyed: "Oh... could he be the one who was trapping all those places before?"

Jhod Kavken frowns and nods. "It... is possible."

Aarin "Makes sense."

Rose Medvyed: "That explains it I think! That's the reason why all his traps are abandoned."

Dex: "That would explain a lot. And at least we don't have to worry about more showing up."

Rose Medvyed: "Indeed, and we can safely set to removing them too... once we find them."

Raga Silvertail: "We should inform our friends."

Jhod Kavken: "...the next time they drop by. Unfortunately, with all these trees there are bound to be lots of roots in the ground."

Raga Silvertail: "True, well, let us get going, lots of places still uncharted."

Jhod Kavken: "He must have been rather well off, which implies he was skilled, judging by this axe."

Rose Medvyed: "It might be worth investigating to see if anyone went missing in the region then."

Rose Medvyed: "That too."
Jhod Kavken: "Anyone else, you mean?"

As they continue moving westward and exploring the plains over the next couple days they continue to find signs of plentiful wildlife. Late in the afternoon, they come across a blackberry patch. Rose Medvyed rides on up to the bushes, and then dismounts. Raga follows suit.

Raga Silvertail motions with his head toward the bushes "Something is there."

Jhod Kavken: "Other than those ripe-looking blackberries, you mean?"

Rose Medvyed: "Yes."

Raga approaches the stone structure he discerns behind the bushes. As the bushes are pulled back on one side, a cairn is revealed with worn markings on one side. Jhod Kavken picks a few berries while they study the cairn.

Rose: "It's a gravestone."

Aarin "Looks like it could mark a burial site for a Kellid barbarian."

Raga Silvertail: "Odd place for a grave, perhaps it has some other meaning?"

Rose Medvyed: "Who is good with history?"

Aarin reads two words from the worn inscription. "'Tiger Lords.'" He studies the wear. "It's been here awhile."

Raga Silvertail: "This grave is quite old, a few centuries at the very least."

Jhod Kavken: "I suppose it might not have been so out of the way, back then."

Rose Medvyed: "Well, I'm sure if we run into the Kellid we might be able to get information on the Tiger Lords."

Aarin "The name of a tribe probably."

Raga Silvertail: "I'm with Aarin on that assumption"

Rose Medvyed: "Sounds like a reasonable assumption."

Raga Silvertail: "Rose, perhaps make a copy of whats written on the stone?"

Dex: "Might also be good to mark it on our maps for any future use."
Rose Medvyed: "I don't have any parchment with me, but we do have a... wizard with us."

Dex: "I suppose I could copy the markings for you."

Rose Medvyed: "That would be great! Although... if I recall correctly our fae friends did mention the Kellid make this side of the forest their homes.
"
Jhod Kavken: "I'm not sure if they mentioned how far on this side, though."

Aarin "Until I see some sign of them from this century I'm not too concerned. Even then, there is no reason to think they can't be reasoned with."

Jhod Kavken nods to Aarin. "As you say."

The next day they return to their exploration, heading west across the Narlmarches. Evening falls shortly after they emerge from the west side of the forest, and begin their exploration of the plains beyond. Aarin finds a good campground, and traces indicating plentiful game in the region. As they settle in for the night, a hunter approaches their campfire.

hunter: "I come with weapons meant only for beasts. May I share your camp this night?"

Rose Medvyed would look around at the others and shrug. "I personally don't mind, but I'm not the only voice in my group."

The hunter carefully refrains from making any sudden or suspicious moves.

Aarin "Pull up a log."
Dex: "Well so long as you come in peace you are welcome to share our fire."
Rose Medvyed: "So what luck have you had out here?"

The hunter does so, and takes a seat, not too near the fire on this summer night. "A few rabbits. Enough for a man with itching feet to live on. I have meat to share, in thanks for your hospitality. When I have enough hides, I go to Oleg's to sell them for supplies the wilds do not have readily available. With no horse to haul them, I steer clear of the larger game."

Aarin "An honest living."

The hunter nods. "And one that suits me."

Dex: "Have you seen any signs of taztlwyrms around here?"

hunter: "I've seen branches rubbed raw by scales to the south, along the Skunk."

Aarin "What about any news of less honest men in the area? We're looking for a Varisian called Falgrim Sneeg."

hunter: "The dishonest ones find themselves in the Stag Lord's company... or dead. He brooks no competition."

Raga Silvertail adds to this "Well, at least we have an idea where he can be then, so there's that at least."

Dex: "Well lets see if I can cook up something nice for us as thanks for the information."

The hunter shares the meat from his rabbits, as he'd offered. Dex manages a decent, though unremarkable, meal.

"Huh thats weird." Vendric begins to head towards the northern building. "Do any of you feel that?"

Sara frowns. "Feel what?"

"I'm not sure. But it's like a calling." Vendric continues following the feeling. It leads him down the hall the hag had emerged from, to a circular room furnished as a bedchamber. The feeling comes from behind the dresser, and halfway down the wall. Vendric moves the dresser as he then examines the wall. Trying to find the source of this calling. "I feel like its here somewhere."

Nightwolf and the others follow with some concern. Nightwolf and Vendric spot a loose stone in the right area of the wall. Vendric pries it out with his knife.

The stone is much narrower than those surrounding it, in the cavity behind is a folded bundle of cloth.

Vendric: "Did anyone else hear that?"

Sara frowns. "Hear what?"

Vendric: "Like a voice in my head. I think it came from this cloth."

Nighwolf: "You've cracked friend, talking cloth?"

Sara considers. "On the other hand, something led him here."

Vendric holds up the cloth as he says out loud. "Well to prove I am not losing it to the others would be a good reason. And you've been waiting for me?"

Altruis: "Could be magic."

A dry, sulky voice echoes in their minds. "Spoilsport."

"Well that explains the weird calling I felt." Vendric unfolds the cloth and shows it in its full form. A cloak that looks like a standard travelers on the out side but upon gazing at the inner lining they would see the night sky shining with stars. But as the cloak moves the inner pattern seems to stay in place as more sky is shown. Like looking in a window as opposed to a painting. "So what are you?"

"Oh dear... a blind child of Desna... I never would have thought... I'm a cloak."

Nightwolf: "A talking cloak, I suppose next my bow will sprout lips."

Vendric: "Well that I can see but your no ordinary cloak. Ordinary cloaks can't talk."

"I am the cloak of the wanderer. I can help you reach far vistas and places you only remember. I can also share my strong will and help with your reflexes and resilience, just a bit."

Vendric: "Well that sounds like your pretty useful. Do you have a name besides what you are? Something less of a mouth full than cloak of the wanderer? Would be tiring to have to say that every time we needed to talk to you.

"Well... the person who made me called me 'Zipit' rather often..."

"I wonder why." Vendric snorts. "How about Zip then? Nice and short and seems fitting for something that can make traveling faster."

Zip: "While rather undignified for a cloak of my magnificence... I suppose it works as an identifier. So... where shall we go? The top of the tower? I should be able to take us to the roof of the tower."

Vendric: "Seems like a fitting test run. When you're ready then."

Zip: "Just one... tiny little detail... you have to don me."

Vendric dons the cloak. Momentarily, he finds himself standing on top of the tower roof. "Well this will come in handy. Can you go further than this if we had to?"

Zip: "A bit farther, yes. Quite a ways farther actually. Over a couple hundred yards."

Vendric: "Good to know."

((Thus ends session 56.))

Arushalae: "As I have seen, my talents are less well suited to open combat than yours... if you think you could put any of these things to better use, they are yours."

Vendric: "As for the other items. I am not particularly skilled with a bow so they would go to waste in my use. Though i would like a chance to examine them as well as this bell."

Nightwolf: "You seem proficient enough with that bow to me, and I've grown rather attached to mine. What magic do swallowtail bracers provide? The name implies Desnan origin."

Arushalae: "The bracers give the bearer a bit of good luck, and the ability to contact someone known by name or rank in a dream once a day. They also reflect any nightmares cast at the wearer. For Desnans, at least."

Nightwolf: "I would not say no to that."

Vendric: "That could come in handy for any of us."

Arushalae half-smiles. "I only regret that I have but the one pair to offer." She takes them off and holds out the bracers.

Vendric: "I will pass them to someone who may need them more. Though i would like a closer look at the bell."

Arushalae gestures to the tower. "You are welcome to come up."

Nightwolf accepts the bracers, brushing arushalae's hand gently as he does so. "I shall put these to good use in the service of Desna."

Arushalae smiles. "I am sure that you will."

Nightwolf: "Let's have the tour."

Arushalae turns to the tower.

Vendric: "I know in the past this place was a holy site for Desna. Is that what is the cause of this aura of forbiddance around the tower or is that your doing?"

Arushalae smiles. "A little of both. The tower holds an artifact which I activated to produce the effect when the other demons were closing in on me." She looks around at her rescuers. "You have heard of the Bells of Mercy?"

Nightowlf: "Please enlighten me."

Vendric: "So the bell survived all these years. They are indeed a powerful artifact. No wonder you been able to hold up in this place so long being outnumbered."

Arushalae nods. "There was also a cache with the starbow and swallowtail bracers among other gear with which I took the liberty of equipping myself."

Altruis: "Enlighten us, Sir Vendric."

Vendric: "Though its magic is limited to once a year it pretty much fortifies an area and the building its rung in and near. Making it nearly impossible for evil outsiders to even come close to it. Those that somehow manage would be severely weakened."

Nightwolf: "Only once a year, how long does the protection last?"

Arushalae: "For a year, as with any effect that imbues hallowed ground."

Nightwolf: "Can this bell be moved?"

Vendric: "It is well guarded from teleportation magic from what i heard. But a group of strong men should be able to move it like any normal bell."

"By any means save teleportation." Arushalae confirms.

Nightwolf: "Does the protection move with the bell I wonder or is it stationary once rung? I hate to leave such a powerful artifact in demon controlled lands. On the other hand we have a garrison of paladins back at Drezen that many not appreciate all of the bell's effects."

Vendric: "Its protection is limited to the area its rung in."

Arushalae looks up. "But this...I do not mean to distract you from what matters more. Before I was caught, I was able to discover some things that may aid the crusade's efforts... how much do you know of the Nahyndrian crystals?"

Altruis: "Almost nothing."

Nightwolf: "I recall the name from enemy notes, but we know little about them."

Arushalae nods. "They are said to be formed of fragments from the shattered life force of slain Demon Lords. These followers of Baphomet and Deskari have been mining them, somewhere in the Abyss, and refining them here in the Worldwound. Once refined, they're able to use them to imbue sufficiently evil creatures with power unheard of outside myth and legend. I was captured when I was infiltrating the headquarters where the locations of this refinery and mine are mapped."

Vendric: "Well that certainly doesn't sound like a good thing. Do you think the location of this refinery is still in the place you got captured? If so we need to find it and put a stop to it."

Nightwolf: "So what you're saying is they must be stopped."

Arushalae nods. "I think that it's our best lead, at least. The one time someone made it inside, they were caught, so they are confident of its defenses. And until they learn I have joined with you, they will have no reason to think you so much as know where to look."

Vendric: "Then sounds like our next target will be this place. Wonder what other information they may have in there."

"It's called the Ivory Sanctum, and is hidden near the northern edge of the Greengates' remnant. I can draw you a partial map of the layout... just what I saw before my capture." Arushalae flushes with embarrassment.

Vebdric: "That is much more than we normally would have to plan with."

"And being caught is never the high point of a spy's career." Arushalae admits ruefully.

Vendric: "All this info will be helpful. And I imagine being captured would never be anyone's high point."

Arushalae considers. "Not unless infiltration of the prison is the goal, at any rate."

Vendric: "True."

Nightwolf: "I am a Desnan as well... though less obviously so than my winged comrade."

Arushalae smiles. "It is good to finally be in the company of others who have heard the Song of the Spheres. Are the rest of your company also united in the faith?"

Vendric: "They are not but most worship at least a good deity."

Nightwolf: "We have among us followers of other good deities as well."

Altruis: "Sadly, we are not united in faith. I for one worship Iomedae."

Sara: "I'm most devoted to Sarenrae, though I can appreciate some of the other deities' good points."

Nightwolf: "And then there is 'Skinny. He mostly worships himself, I think."

Vendric:"Himself and shiny things."

Altruis: "Himself and shiny things is right, good Vendric."

Sara pauses. "Tomas's upbringing showed him little of the positive faiths. I think he is still growing to understand the good they help us accomplish."

Altruis: "The good they help us strive for."

Arushalae chuckles. "A varied group then. Nonetheless, you all have my thanks."

Vendric: "Desna is the one who deserves the thanks here. Without Her guidance who knows when we would have arrived to save you."

Arushalae bows her head reverently. "Without Her, I would not be worth saving. But... you see what I am, and you so easily take my word on this?"

Nightwolf: "We heard rumors of your escape, and saw the evidence for ourselves. If one other than Desna could be responsible for that I know not who."

Vendric: "Not just your word. Lady Desna confirmed your story to me back when we first heard of you. Her word is kind of hard to not believe."

The succubus laughs. "I found it so as well. But my kind is well known for our treachery and manipulation... is there no test you wish to make to ensure I am not some other demon assuming a guise you have been urged to welcome?"

Vendric: "Well I know one way. Care to lend me your hand a moment?"

Arushalae offers it to him. Vendric pulls out a vial of holy water and pours some on it, then tosses the rest at a nearby demon corpse to show it was indeed holy water. Arushalae's eyes widen in amazement as the holy water gathers in her cupped palm like... water.

Nightwolf: "It seems you needed that test more than we."

Arushalae continues staring at her hand. "I... had hoped my efforts had borne fruit...that the weakening of my powers was not a lingering effect of the Drezen dungeons, but a step towards something worth being..."

Vendric: "Seems you are still on the right path. Though you still have a way to go down it."

Altruis: "Smiled upon? Yes, yours is a noble path."

They find Rollan nervously fidgeting with his food instead of finishing it, and Nikolai sitting alertly, suppressing a flinch as he hears the door again.

Dex: "Well, good news is you two are getting some more responsibility. Bad news is you're gonna be split up during the work for a while."

Keston Garess fixes Rollan with a steady glare. "And the worse news is that you'll be working with Zeff, not Nadine. Can't have you distracting each other on shift."

Nadine and Rollan blush. Nikolai swallows a laugh and salutes Keston. "Reporting for duty, Captain!"

Raga smiles and shakes his head as he chews some more.

Keston Garess nods. "Enough time for that when we finish eating, probationary guardsman."

Nikolai still sits straighter as he finishes his meal.

Keston Garess: "Especially since I'll have to see you two kitted up before your first watch." He looks over at Handren. "And we may have more work for you as well, soon. Got word HQ's shipping in some lumber. With a permanent guard presence, it's only proper that a barracks follow."

Handren nods, with a wry smile. "Guess that means I should finish resting up."

Oleg Leveton: "A barracks? But there's no room for a barracks in my post!"

Keston Garess: "It is for your defense, Oleg. you're right that the space inside is a bit crowded. I was thinking we adjoin it to the east wall, on the outside, put a solid door in the palisade as its only entrance. That way we'll be close enough to do some good, without weakening your outer lines, or filling in your grounds."

Oleg Leveton: "And you think you can just change my post around to your whim without so much as a by your leave?"

Raga Silvertail raises his hand "Easy there, you two. Do not jump to conclusions, if we defeat the Stag Lord, we may find an alternate place for the barracks. We won't do anything to disrupt your post."

Keston Garess: "With all due respect... my people are tired of sleeping on the ground. Once the materials arrive, how long do you expect us to delay construction?"

Dex: "I know it may have sprung up sudden, Oleg, but even you can see the advantages having would bring. Besides once the Stag Lord is defeated and if we move the guard some where else you will have a new building you can rent out as more people come to our new kingdom."

Oleg Leveton frowns thoughtfully. "You say that if the guards move to new quarters the preliminary barracks will be deeded over to me?"

Dex: "It is your land and you can think of it as added payment for putting us all up as well as our guests and guards."

Svetlana Leveton puts an arm around her husband. "And they are right, love. If the guards must pass through bandits and marauding beasts to reach our fortifications, they will be much less likely to be able to aid us."

Raga Silvertail nods at all this. It is a good plan.

Oleg Leveton sighs. "All right. You can use my east palisade wall in your building. I wouldn't want the guards coming to harm from my stubbornness. Just wanted to be asked, not told on my own land."

Keston Garess nods. "I suppose I could have found a better way to raise the subject."

Raga Silvertail chuckles "Well, I still think you did better than I would have been able to."

Keston Garess shrugs. "Perhaps."

Dex: "Just try to keep Oleg more in the loop about those things when they come up."

((Thuse ends session 15.))

Keston Garess: "They've been attentive stablehands, for Oleg's horse, and those of the few hunters and peddlars who've come through with them while you've been exploring and securing the outlands. Nikolai and Rollan have been practicing, with wooden swords, not live steel, two hours of the day, in addition to their assigned duties. They haven't started any fights."

They are used to relying on each other, and Nikolai certainly has a father's protective impulses towards Rollan... who seems to be gaining ever more steadfast loyalties, at least to one of my guards..." he notes this blandly, eyes darkening in memory. "I deem it likely they'd be assets, if another raid were attempted. They could certainly be counted on to contain hunters who drink too much." Keston Garess hesitates. "But I am unsure if their loyalty truly extends to you, the Swordlords, or Brevoy."

Dex: "What's your opinion on them starting to take up some more duties as part of your guard? Have them help with watches and patrols?"

Keston Garess: "It would be good to have more guards. It's hard to secure a place properly with just the four of us. They'd be teamed with more senior guards rather than each other for the first few months while we show them the ropes, of course..."

With your approval, I think they're ready for a more positive trial."

Raga nods at this "I am willing to a grant that permission."

Dex: "They seem earnest enough to at least get this chance. You can use them as you need then. We will tell them the news and to report to you when you are ready."

Keston Garess salutes, "Will there be anything else before we rejoin the festivities?"

Dex: "Nothing I can think of."

Raga Silvertail: "Nope, none from my side."

Nikolai, now sitting beside Rollan looks up as Dex, Raga, and the guards return. "Is it over and done with?"

Dex: "It is. The truth has been found and justice has been dealt."

Nikolai nods, satisfied. "Thank you. For believing us. For counting my boy's life worth saving."

Rollan: "Yes, thank you..." He bobs his head towards our returning heroes. but he clearly has eyes only for Nadine, who sits across from him. "I mean, I can look out for myself, but what if he'd gone after someone who couldn't?"

Raga nods as he grins then to Nikolai "We are here to protect and to make this land a land for all good people."

Nadine chuckles softly. "A matter not to be worried over more. The sooner that one's forgotten, the better." She smiles at Rollan.

Raga Silvertail holllars out "Drink and food!" and then looks at Svetlana with a smile, and adds, more softly "Please."

Dex: "And so long as you all keep on your new path in life we will protect it."

Rollan returns Nadine's smile with a goofy grin.

Svetlana Leveton brings out a large platter with plates bearing roast quail, stewed rabbit, and a generous cut of raw venison for Raga, along with her delicious dark homemade bread, and their usual drinks. "It is always well to celebrate the end of a danger past, yes?"

Oleg Leveton: "I would say so, though I do regret sheltering this one as long as we did."

Raga Silvertail: Raga will put down a few crowns "This should cover a few meals I think"

Oleg Leveton nods, scooping up the coins. "For what you've done, you're always welcome to eat here free... but I'll not turn down a generous tip." He smiles.

Raga Silvertail waves his hand in the air "Food does not come cheap, especially for so many mouths, I can not expect you to feed us indefinitely."

Dex: "The only thing to regret there, Oleg, is that he couldn't keep his past in the past and harmed someone else. Though thankfully nothing father Jhod couldn't fix."

Jhod Kavken: "Thank Erastil. I am only his servant."

Rollan: "Erastil teaches his followers they should settle down out in these sorts of places, doesn't he?" His eyes don't leave Nadine, who blushes.

Jhod Kavken chuckles. "That he does."

Nadine: "While I've no objections to raising a family... it certainly won't be until I've more than a tent to raise them in." She smiles gently at Rollan.

Rollan nods, eyes flashing down to his swiftly emptying plate as he takes another bite.

Raga Silvertail looks from one to the other "There are more tables, we could let you have this one for yourselves?"

They both blush at this offer.

Rollan: "That isn't necessary...I mean...thanks, but.."

Nadine: "This is still a public place, so it matters little if you share our table or the next one over."

Arni shakes his head, sketching the clouds above, trying to capture the quality of light imparted by the noonday sun filtered through them. "They've been like this the past week."

Raga Silvertail chuckles. "Well, it has been very relaxing, despite the odd hiccups here and there. But we have a lot still to do out in these lands, not to mention go and put a number on this Stag Lord guy."

Handren: "Desna's own luck go with you, if you'll be taking him on."

Dex: "Well hopefully when we do take care of him this land will become a bit safer. Though we've encountered more beasts than bandits of late."

Raga Silvertail: "With each beast taken care of, makes it more likely we encounter bandits, and with each bandit taken care of, less help to the stag lord when we do take him on"

Dex smiles at Nadine and Rollan. "But give us some time and soon this land will be safe for a couple to maybe settle down and have a few kids."

Handren: "The ford camp's the only established one other than the fort... Stag Lord thought it important to hold the crossing. I'm sure there are others roaming around."

Rollan sets his left hand down on the table, palm up. "And those kids wouldn't even be raised as bandits."

A flicker of mixed pride and sorrow passes across Nikolai's face as Nadine takes Rollan's hand and gently squeezes it.

Nadine: "Especially with parents...and grandparents" her eyes flick to Nikolai, "who are strong and healthy to protect them."

Rollan: "And when we've earned enough trust, our blades will be beside yours, in defense of this post and land."

Nadine: "You have my trust... but that is a call for our traveling judges," She nods towards Raga and Dex's end of the table. "Not for me."

Dex: "Well I think we need to see what your captain thinks first. After all he has been keeping an eye on you all while we are away and would be the one dealing with it the most."

Raga Silvertail: "Just don't expect me to wear anything too fancy." he looks at his own outfit "Almost everything I wear has to be made very specifically, or it shreds."

Raga, Keston, and Dex go to the guest house to discuss the matter privately.

As he hears his teacher begin her work, Svengald goes to her side.

Between the heavy hammering, some horseshoes get made by Dhurharen. "At least ya be tak'n this seriously. Ye have always been work'n with me when I'm here and even when I'm not here. You're a good student."

Svengald: "Of course I am! I've got the rest of my life ahead of me, and I'd like it to be a long one wearing more than beggar's rags! How else will I get that chance?"

Alric: "All part of the plan, right?" He looks to Dex as he's led out.

Dex: "Sure."

Raga Silvertail sighs. "Alric you are sentenced to death on the charges of attempted murder and banditry" he then swings his blade.

Alric 's eyes widen as the executioner's falcata approaches, and reality briefly dawns on him.

Nadine looks down at the body. "Was this my fault? I should have seen what he'd be willing to do... talked him down somehow..."

Raga Silvertail shakes his head "You are not responsible for other's actions. He knew what was at stake, yet..."

Nadine nods, shivering as she looks down at the corpse. "You're right, of course. I just needed to hear it."

Raga sighs yet again "I hate when people bring these things on themselves, not out of honour, justice, nor even love. Just plain selfishness."

Dex: "We gave him a chance and he squandered it. His fate is his own doing. Though it is still a shame."

Nadine nods. "But we took our oaths to protect the innocent. The evil cannot be protected from themselves. Not without letting them add more innocent victims to the tally of their souls."

Some heavy clanging is heard from the forge, maybe more than is strictly needed for horseshoes.

Keston Garess: "I certainly wouldn't want to live in a world where the innocent were punished to protect the guilty."

Dex: "Neither would I. Now who would like to join me for a nice meal and a stiff drink to put this unpleasantness behind us."

Raga Silvertail claps his hands together "Let us do something to help us remind ourselves why we are here. And the good times we plan to have."

The guards smile at this suggestion.

Raga Silvertail: "Haha! Great minds my friend, great minds!"

Dex: "I'll buy the first round. Raga you get the second."

With that, our heroes go to the stall being adapted for use as a cell for Alric. Dex charms him and asks for the whole truth, the others waiting just outside, but out of the prisoner's line of sight.

Alric: "The little pest had been getting in the way for far too long. I only set up the potential for an accident." He smirks. "He could have avoided it if he'd been paying attention."

Dex: "And when it did. Did you try to finish the job?"

Alric: "I was checking for a pulse... if he was gone, there was no need to do more... if not..." He shrugged. "It was tempting, but I was the last person seen with him. I knew that wouldn't look good....there could be other misfortunes for a sadly accident-prone boy." he says with mock sorrow.

Dex: "And should someone else get in your way you would try to do the same to them?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot folds her arms with a stern look on her face. "And ya thought th's gives you the right to do these things?"

Alric: "If they persisted... a man only has so much patience."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot looks over to dex, then shakes her head. "Some just can't be fixed, let justice be done b'fore he done someone else in."

Alric rolls his eyes. "Women... they just don't understand men, do they Dex?" He smiles at his new best-buddy.

Dex: "Don't think that's the problem here." Dex turns to the others. "Well we have our answer and now it's time to cast the sentence and carry it out."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Ya have my vote. Law says execute bandits, this one almost added another murder to th'a list. Let the law be fulfilled. "

Alric looks around in confusion.

Dex fetches Raga and tells him their verdict. As he arrives, Dhurharen turns and pats his arm, asking for his agreement.

Raga Silvertail nods as he takes Alric by the arm, a bit of a grim expression on his face "I am not happy how this turned out, but you brought this on yourself. Will you come quietly, or do I force this?" he asks the man.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot returns to the forge, as Raga and Dex lead the man out of the post to the place of execution. "What'a waste." She mutters to herself.

Once Alric is in Keston's custody, they find Rollan sitting at the farther long table, making a dent in a platter of eggs and bacon, Nikolai hovering worriedly nearby, and the clang of Svengald practicing drifting from the stables.

Dex: "Glad to see you up and healthy. Care to tell us what happened?"

Rollan looks up from his plate. "Mmmmuummfffrr."

Dex: "Maybe try again after swallowing."

Rollan visibly swallows. "What happened.. right. It's all a little blurry. I remember Alric going on about the fair Nadine again... Svengald had just banked the coals for the night and gone out to supper. I heard him putting the tools away just before Alric came in.."

Raga waits patiently. He isn't really one for talking. But he has noticed his presence sometimes helps to loosen tongues a bit.

Rollan continues. "Last thing I remember, Alric was saying Nadine was far too much woman for a boy like me and I'd never have her... I almost punched him, but Da would be disappointed if I got in trouble again, so I turned to get away from him. Get some space to cool off....then... I woke up with Father Jhod standing over me, and Da nearby and worried."

Raga:"Well that explains... almost nothing" he sighs from his spot.
"All I can think of at this point is that it is a prank gone wrong"

Dex: "Kind of figured he may not remember everything. We could go ask Svengald some questions."

Raga:"Guess we need to ask his father what he saw or thought he saw"

Nikolai speaks up. "Just a prank? By Iomedae's shield, you're naive. Alric was trying to kill my boy. And I won't give him another chance. I heard noise from the stable, and Rollan was late to supper, so I thought there might be a mess he needed help with and went in to check. What I found was that smug sneak bending over my boy and smirking, reaching for his neck!"

Raga: "The only reason for Alric to go after Rollan might be because of the woman they both fancy, but I didn't pick up any kind of ill intent from Alric toward Rollan. Unless you know something we don't"

Dex: "He was a bandit before all this Raga. Seems old habits may die hard."

Raga: "Perhaps you are right Dex. Maybe I try to project my attitude toward people onto others. If this is the case, I have a suspicion that Alric simply tried to teach Rollan a lesson, but it went south"

Dex: "I was hoping it to be something like that as well. Though it seems more sinister now."

Raga: "Maybe he was hiding the truth because he is scared we would do to him what we did to that other guy, Happs was his name?"

The reformed bandits nod.
Nikolai: "Yes, that was his name."

Raga: "Thank you. I am clumsy with names. Well. Perhaps if we can have the two sort out their differences in a ring? First to yield? Normally I would suggest first blood, but taking all of this into account, I do not think that is the wisest option."

Dex: "That isn't how we should do things. Rollan here has been doing his best at starting a new life and he got attacked. We gave Alric a chance but he injured Rollan severely and lied about it. And possibly was aiming to kill him. I think his second chance is done."

Nikolai looks reassured by Dex's opinion, and asks Raga, "If he tried this once, do you really think he'd stop after a bout, win or lose? Or just think up something sneakier?"

Raga sighs. These people had such strange ways. But here he is. Guess he had to accept that humans were... odd. "Very well. Do as you see fit."

Dex: "I can charm him to make sure but I think we may know what happened now."

After she spoke Raga moved his glare toward Alric.

Alric keeps his mouth shut.

Raga: "Very peculiar what you just said. Because Alric here was under the impression that he was bothering you." He keeps his eyes on Alric.

Nadine rolls her eyes. "It would not be the first time a man saw what he wanted to see."

Alric smiles sheepishly.

Raga looks at Dex quickly, then sighs "I still think you are hiding something from us about what happened. Did you two get into a fight?"

Nadine hesitates... "There is one thing, hardly worth mentioning. When we got there, the rake was on the floor, tines pointed down, end of the handle wedged among some others so it looked like a tripwire... but Svengald said he was sure he'd left all the tools upright in the racks." Nadine continues. "Of course, Svengald would hate to think he had anything to do with such an accident... and people sometimes remember things as they wished them to be as well."

"Perhaps it was moved to act as a sort of trip wire?" Dex then looks at Alric with a serious glare. "Alric I am giving you one last chance to come totally clean before things become worse. I know love can make a man do crazy things. But you seriously hurt someone. We all already gave you another chance for a better life but your tricks and continued lying makes me think we should consider. So last chance to come clean before I tell the others all about this and whether I think you still deserve this chance."

Alric returns the glare. "I have only told you the truth, and I stand by every word."

Dex turns to Raga. "What say you my friend? Still think he is hiding something?"

Raga: "Even after all this? What has gotten you so tight lipped? Are you taking the fall for someone?"
I know there is something you're not telling us, but to have it ruin your new found freedom? Tell us man, if its so serious, perhaps we can help"

Dex: "I suggest you take his advice, Alric."

Alric stares. "You're strong fighters, caught us like mice... but what cause do you have to be so certain about what other people are thinking?"

Raga: "Because reading people is something I am good at, and so far, you have been avoiding a certain part of your story, I am no mind reader, or this would have been over, but I am very certain you are leaving out something about what happened."

Dex: "I've known Raga to have good instincts and I trust them."

Alric snarls. "If you're so sure there's more to find, why don't you look for it elsewhere?"

Raga: "I do not think you meant any harm, so I wont go to the extreme, but for now, I think its best you are under guard till we can hear the other half of the story"

Alric grins at Nadine. "Looks like we'll be spending a bit more time together."

Dex: "I could use some magic on him. Might be able to get everything out of him. And if you really have nothing to hide this will prove it."

Raga shakes his head "If we force people like that, how will they ever learn to trust us, if we do not do the same."

Alric frowns. "I saw what your magic did to Kressle. Not like she told you what she really was thinking."

Nadine considers. "If he'd volunteered, it wouldn't have been forced... but he didn't."

Dex: "Which makes me more sure he is hiding something."

Raga: "I still do not like forcing things like this, unless we had no option, I would not like it done like that. But this time we still have options, we wait for him to recover and we can listen to his side. After that, we can decide"

Dex: "True. I only like using that magic when I have to and him hiding something has got me concerned for the others here. And I was hoping he volunteer for it to prove he had nothing to hide."

Raga: "So I suggest keep him under guard till we have both sides, but it is only a suggestion, if you all believe there should be done more, then I will defer to your rulings"

Dex: "Though maybe not a certain guard."

Nadine blushes. "You're welcome to escort him to Kesten, if you don't trust me with him."

Dex: "Its not that. I think it would be better to keep him under a guard he may not want to spend a lot of time with."

Raga: "Also, preferable not take the term 'under guard' literally," he chuckles. "Well, I will be heading back in, need to ask Jhod how the boy is doing"

Just then, Father Jhod comes out through the gate. "I hope I'm not interrupting?"

Raga: "We have temporarily put our questions on hold, waiting to hear from your ward"

Dex: "Not at all. How is the patient doing?

Jhod: "With Erastil's blessings, fully healed... but he hasn't been able to eat since the incident, and he awoke with a young man's typical appetite. He's enjoying Svetlana's cooking just now."

Raga:"That is good to hear, but I think we need to go ask him a few questions."

Dex: "If you think he is up to it.:

Father Jhod nods. "He should be....between bites at least."

Dex: "Then we will do so after we bring Alric back to the other guards."

Vendric: "Was she the last thing left here?" he asks the demoness.

Arushalae: "I've heard them thinking about a hezrou and bebilith in the area... but they didn't answer to the hag, unlike the others."

Vendric: "Well the area seems quiet for now. Perhaps some proper introductions are in order while we can."

Arushalae smiles at her rescuers. "Yes. I am Arushalae. One of Desna's less likely servants."

Vendric gives a slight bow as he introduces himself. "I am called Vendric. And as you can probably tell, I am also a follower of Desna."

((Thus ends session 55.))

Nightwolf flies east and up, his attention drawn by the door to the roofed area now standing open where previously it was closed.

Nightwolf: "The door is open but I don't see anyone." He nocks an arrow, eyes sharp for a target.

Arushalae emerges from the tower, bow in hand. Zullion begins to extract himself from the grimslake's remains. When he was clear he mounts up again and moves to the edge of the barrier.

Arushalae: "Beware! The hag priestess remains!"

Vendric flies to get better a better sight at the open door. As Vednric flies over, his arcane sight detects a melange of auras... sized to fit over a Large creature.

Vendric: "I see auras but no creature. It's invisible but just right outside the door."

Zullion: "What do you suggest we do then?" he calls.

Vendric throws a bomb at the spot.

"Never mind." Zullion chuckles as he hears the explosion.

As the glowing butterflies swarm and disperse, the hag's form is momentarily outlined for Nightwolf, and the Shoanti fires, his arrow striking and vanishing from sight.

Vendric: "I think I hit it And not just with the blast."

A dark wave rolls out from the auras only Vendric can see, carrying cold pain with it. Arushalae fires at the center of the dark wave. As the shimmering arrows pierce the darkness, the hag is revealed in their wake, one arrow piercing her shoulder. She wears a medallion showing a pair of crossed female hands with slit wrists.

Nightwolf: "Peak-a-boo."

Vendric: "I think I preferred it when she was invisible. But at least she should be easier to hit now."

Zullion: "Your evil ends today you beast, no longer shall you plague this land!"

Jaruunicka sneers as the knight rides in, his lance blocked by an invisible barrier before her. "You think yourself my match, hiding in your tin can?"

Jaruunicka curses the gryphon as it bites her. Sarathel responds to the wave of darkness with one of light, which turns to fire as it passes over the hag.

The Shoanti's first arrow strikes the hag's other shoulder, and after an instant's hesitation, the second strikes home as well, but the others are turned aside by the invisible barriers.

Vendric: "Well we got a taste of your power. Care to try some of mine?"

Vendric throws a volley of bombs. Jaruunicka cackles as the bombs fly, and falls under the barrage of blazing butterflies.

The area falls silent. Nothing else stirs to attack.

As they approach, Raga tries his best smile (looks like a snarl) as he greets Nadine. "Greetings, sorry for this intrusion into your duties."

Nadine is one of the women among the guards. She appears to be in her early twenties, with the long blonde hair typical of the Ulfen. "Getting to the bottom of this incident is certainly part of my duty. But it just happened last night, and we thought it best to await Rollan's word on what happened, before taking any drastic measures."

Dex: "Yes sorry to pull you away for a while but we have some questions for you."

Nadine gestures for them to ask.

Dex: "From what we gathered it seems Rollan would often talk to you. Did he bother you?"

Nadine shakes her head. "He's a sweet young man, really. And so good with the horses. They can tell, you know. Hard to believe he was raised by bandits."

((Thus ended session 14.))

Dex: "So care to tell us your side of what happened?"

Raga keeps a close eye on Alric, trying to read the man for any tell tales of him lying or not telling the whole truth.

Alric: "Not much to tell. I was talking with Rollan as he finished currying Claptrap and was leaving. He turned away, and tripped over a rake handle. Fell headlong into the forge. I leaned over to check on him when I felt a great weight hitting my back and heard Nikolai roaring. When I woke up, Kesten told me they'd confined Nikolai with his boy, and we'd get everything straightened out."

Dex looks to Raga for his reaction.

Raga Silvertail speaks up, staring at Alric, almost emotionless "Are you sure that is what happened? I would be highly upset if I find out you are lying to us"

Alric smiles somewhat stiffly. "Quite sure. That's exactly what happened."

Dex: "You should know my friend here is really good at sniffing out lies. And he tends to hate being lied to quite a bit."

Dex: "Think he is lying Raga?"

Raga Silvertail begins to shift, growing claws and teeth "I can smell that you are hiding something from me, human."

Aarin "You know I'm still in favor of summary execution for banditry."

Raga Silvertail steps in real close, taking a big long sniff at the man.

Dex: "You know if you just come clean and tell us what really happened and why we can work this out. Otherwise we'd let Raga here do what he thinks would be best."

Alric: "So he didn't like me telling him that Nadine's really too old for him and he should back off. He was in a huff when he turned. Should have watched his step."

Dex: "And i take it you too favor this Nadine?"

Raga Silvertail lets out a growl. "Even now you hide things, you are trying my patience."

Alric: "She's a beautiful woman. Strong, funny... she's been teaching me all about the intricacies of the law... most people don't realize the guards have to know this stuff."

Raga Silvertail: "Let me guess, he didnt fall, you punched him, and he fell."

Alric: "No! I swear it!"

Raga Silvertail: Raga shifts back to human, holding the bridge of his nose "Fighting over a woman is normal, why don't you simply have a duel over who gets her?"

Alric chuckles. "Have you talked to Nadine? She's quite clear that she'll do the choosing. The kid was bothering her, and I wanted to help her get him to knock it off."

Raga Silvertail:"So did you push him? How did the accident happen then?"

Dex: "Did she tell you that or did you just put what you felt as what she did as well?"

Raga Silvertail: "And by your previous description, i do not think this Nadine would be bothered by the young man's actions as much as you would want us to believe."

Alric: "You certainly don't seem to think you need to be told to know what someone really thinks."

Dex: "If she was I am sure she could handle just fine herself."

Raga Silvertail turns to look at Dex "Perhaps we should call Nadine into this little discussion."

Dex nods and goes and fetches her.

The young man's face and shoulders are bandaged when they arrive, he groans as one drifting in and out of consciousness. Nikolai stands nearby, with a bowl of water and a rag, which he's clearly been using to keep the bandages moist.

Dex: "Seems we really do need to speak with them. Jhod we will let you focus on healing the boy. Raga maybe its time for a chat with the others."

Raga Silvertail: Raga sighs and nods, "Seems so. Outside, in case fists come out, I don't want to spoil Svetlana's meal."

Dex: "Hopefully it won't come to that."

Jhod Kavken can be heard praying over Rollan through the door as they leave. Raga withdraws to the execution ground just outside the gate and waits for Dex to arrive with Alric.

Svetlana Leveton: "Ah! Our heroes have returned!"

Raga Silvertail: "Well now, heroes are we? Must have happened while I was asleep, I don't remember doing anything to be hailed a hero."

Svetlana Leveton: "You did save us from bandits. Returned a prized possession thought forever lost. All at the risk of your own lives. This is the stuff of heroes, where I was raised."

Raga Silvertail simply smiles "I see it as simply doing the right thing"

Jhod Kavken notes dryly. "The two are hardly mutually exclusive."

Dex: "That is true. And I think Raga is simply embarrassed to be called a hero."

Dex: "Any developments since we left?"

Svetlana Leveton: "There has... been an incident. Father Jhod? Could you see to Rollan? Alric claimed it an accident when the boy fell into the forge... fortunately, Svengald had already banked the flames, but he did not see what happened. And Nikolai did not believe Alric, now..."

Jhod Kavken nods gravely. "Where is he?"

Svetlana Leveton: "We tucked him into one of the guest bunks. Nikolai is watching over him, though the guards had to drag him off Alric... He was not so badly hurt. The guards heard the commotion and moved quickly.""

Dex: "Perhaps we should speak to them about this then."

Raga Silvertail: "This sounds serious" he states grimly.

On their way back Raga comments "Not my place to tell you what you should do, but I do suggest we rather sell those arrows off"

Aarin "I understand your position Raga, but these are powerful arrows. You will be grateful we kept them when used against the right foe."

Raga Silvertail nods "No argument from me."

Dex: "Just make sure you hit when you use them. And not your horse."

Aarin looks at the ground sheepishly.

Raga Silvertail simply laughs as they finally ride into Oleg's post.

From there, they head north until they hit the road, and find a certain cottage. Once again Raga finds himself knocking on a door
Once again, an older man answers it. This one has a peg leg on the left.

Raga Silvertail: "Vekkel?" he asks as the man appears

Dex stands next to Raga.

Vekkel Benzen nods warily around the half-opened door. "What might be your business here?"

Dex: "We got a head of a certain animal for you."

Raga Silvertail looks over to his horse and the head hanging from it "We come baring gifts."

Vekkel Benzen raises a brow. "Forgive my skepticism, but the occasional bright bandit has tried that claim to lower my guard."

Raga Silvertail walks back to fetch the head then drops it at the old man's feet

Vekkel Benzen smiles in satisfaction. "Ah. Yes. that is the right head. One moment, and I'll fetch those arrows.

Vekkel Benzen holds out a sheaf of 6 arrows, held sideways. "You'll find them particularly effective against animals."

Aarin "Yes those will be most useful."

Raga Silvertail nods and then thanks Vekkel "A pleasure, kind sir." He then turns and hands the arrows to Aarin "There you go."

Dex: "Should be useful should we come up against more beasts like that."

Vekkel Benzen: "Good to see an end of that beast. It's the one that got my left leg, below the knee."

Dex: "It tried to so that to me as well. thankfully i manged to move my leg before it could."

Vekkel Benzen: "I was not so well accompanied."

Dex: "Bokken we return with the berries."

Old Bokken looks out his doorway as the clanking approaches. "You-got-the-berries? Didn't-eat-them-all-on-the-way?"

Raga Silvertail: "As hard as it was not to, no we did not."

Dex: "We have some self control. Though Raga scared me with how many he was eating at once."

Raga Silvertail sighs.

Old Bokken throws his head back and laughs wildly. "Giv'm-here-then. Your-discount's-good-now-till-Erastus-27th."

Raga Silvertail: As he hands the berries over, he also hands over 225 crowns "As agreed, with discount, for the potion I ordered"

Old Bokken nods, and fetches the potion for Raga.

Raga Silvertail deliberately stores the potion so his companions can see, then states "For emergencies."

Jhod Kavken: "I'll try to help you not need that... though I haven't seen you get into any real trouble yet."

Raga Silvertail chuckles "I appreciate it Jhod, this is for when you are not available, or perhaps not in a position to help"

Jhod Kavken nods. "Never hurts to take precautions out in the wild."

Dex: "They came in handy before."

Two hours later, they start back towards Old Bokken's. They spend the night at the Thorn River camp. Perlivash and Tyg appear briefly... already munching on a couple of the sweet berries.

​A dense patch of rare raspberry-like berries known as fangberries grows in a long, thin valley between two low hills here. Much of the thorny thicket is draped in the white gossamer silk of spider webs.
​
Raga Silvertail: "Well lady and gents, lets get this over with, if there are big ones, I'll handle them, you lot try to handle the smaller ones." As Raga wades into the thicket, he sees a swarm of spiders surging towards him. He also notices that the best berries are safely in the middle of the thicket. "Here they come!" He warns "Dhurharen! Douse them in flames!"

The dwarf's cone of flames incinerate the spiders... and lights up the webs and bushes they were crawling through.

Dex: "Can anyone put out those flames? Burning the whole bush is not what we wanted to do."

Aarin: "I've got a couple canteens."

Jhod Kavken: "I can drop 8 gallons on a section."

Raga smothers the nearest section of flames with his bedroll. Aarin follows suit.

Dex: "Well I have an idea but it will be a bit bright." He calls upon his celestial heritage to work its magic on the fire. Casing the flame to flash and explode into many colors and shapes. mimicking a fireworks display. "Sorry about that but it got the job done before it spread."

Four of the horses start rearing in panic as they're blinded.

Still blinking a bit, Raga simply nods "No worries, dealing with problems as they arise seems to be our thing any way."

Aarin "No need to apologize! It got the job done." He turns to his horse. "Easy now."

Dex: "Don't think they liked it that much."

Jhod Kavken manages to calm one of the blind horses. Dex soothes two more. Aarin's horse's hooves lash out blindly. One clips Aarin's shoulder as he dodges the other.

Aarin: "Next time I won't ask the nice priest to heal you."

Dex: "He's just paying you back for earlier."

Jhod Kavken clicks his tongue soothingly. "Now there's no need for that, Aarin. The poor beast doesn't know what she's doing." He dodges in, resting a soothing hand on the horse's long nose. and petting. "There now. It'll all be all right."

Dex tries one of the berries. The fangberries taste like raspberries that have been dipped in caramel sauce.

Dex: "These berries are indeed good. I can think of all kinds of things I could make with this. Maybe we can dig up a bush or two to replant somewhere else."

Raga Silvertail: "Way ahead of you there Dex," he calls out from under the bushes as he gathers the berries in his full plate.

Dex: "I wonder what a jam made of this would taste like."

Jhod Kavken: "I would say 'quite sweet.'"

Aarin: "Flavor combinations mother nature never should have intended."

Jhod Kavken: "You don't like them, Aarin?"

Aarin "I'll stick to raspberries."

Jhod Kavken grins. "More for the rest of us."

Dex: "Gather a few extra Raga I'd like to try them in our meals tonight."

A thumbs up emerges from within the thicket, accompanied by munching.

Jhod Kavken: "Those spiders had suprisingly good taste..."

Dex: "Probably set up here to catch the animals that came for them."

Aarin dismounts, and his horse puts her head companionably over his shoulder just as he fires, knocking his aim off, and his over-correction thwacks the mare with his bow. Tuskgutter charges Dex and his horse, raising his tusks at the rider's legs. Dex dismounts and steps back from the boar as he charges his gun with magic. He then points it at the boar and shoots a cone of colors at the animal. Tuskgutter snorts and paws the ground. Raga Silvertail gets off his horse too, and then brings his weapon down on the animal's head. The falcata cracks into the boar's skull. It squeals angrily, turning on Raga. Tuskgutter attempts to gore him. Raga simply turns a bit and all the boar gets is the sting of metal. Dex once again takes aim at the boar and fires a flaming ray at it. The line of fire cuts through the boar's chest, and he falls.

Dex: "So who wants roasted boar?"

Raga Silvertail: "Victory!" he laughs loudly "Now we need to take something as proof? Didnt the man say his weapon was stuck in its hide? I see many..."

Dex: "We just need the head Raga. Guess we can use the rest as meals for our outing."

Raga Silvertail: With one clean chop, Tuskgutter's head is removed from the rest of its body. "Right, that's dealt with."

Dex: "Now lets hurry and get the berries and turn in this head."

The ring glittering on the tusk is rather notable.

Aarin detects magic. "We got a magic ring here."

Raga Silvertail watches as Dex and Aarin study the ring, coming to no conclusion. The boar's lair is littered with small animal bones.

Raga Silvertail: "All I see are animal bones, no human or other race's that I can tell. Not really my forte, but if you want, we can still rummage through it?"

Dex: "Doesn't look like much is here."

Jhod Kavken: "Of course, the hunters he'd been terrorizing generally can't shoot rays of fire, and are only lightly armored..."

Raga Silvertail: "Lets get going, i dont want to lug a rotting head with me the whole time" he taps his snout.

Jhod Kavken: "Ah, that I can help with. Considering this eventuality I have memorized a preservative prayer."

Dex: "That is helpful Jhod."

Raga Silvertail: "Well done Jhod." He nods as he starts to tie the head to his saddle

Aarin "Erm, ah, father Jhod, this is a bit embarrassing, but do you think you could spare a curative spell for my horse? The poor brute."

Jhod Kavken stifles a chuckle. "Ah, yes. Of course. Wouldn't do to have your horse walking into things." He prays for the horse's healing, and it is healed.

Aarin petting the horse. "There that's better. Now try to stay out of the way next time."

Raga Silvertail looks at Jhod "Can you divine what the ring does perhaps?"

Jhod Kavken: ""As for the ring... such things have not been a major area of my study, but I have picked up a few things..." He studies it. "Ah, yes. This is a minor protective ring. It must have given the beast an edge."

Raga Silvertail smirks at the other two casters. "Well then, not enough it would seem."

Jhod Kavken: "Not against blade, bow and spell." The cleric agrees.

Raga Silvertail chuckles at that, "Indeed."

Dex: "We should rest before we approach the berries. I need to prepare some other spells for any spiders and recharge after Tuskgutter."

Jhod Kavken: "We were planning to take the rest of the day to explore this area, were we not?"

Raga Silvertail nods.

Dex: "Sounds good."

Dex: "Seems this is boar country. Be on guard for those mean beasts."

Rose Medvyed: "Wasn't there a big boar we were supposed to... possibly hunt?"

They come across a hollow under a large fallen pine tree, the branches of which have created a natural shelter. Bones litter the den, beneath its porcine occupant.

Rose Medvyed: "That's a big'un."

Dex: "Tuskgutter? I think so."

It does have the identifying marks Oleg mentioned when asked during the crafting spree.

((Thus ends session 13.))

After they have journeyed nearly two and a half hours the next morning, they near unexplored land and a large quantity of leaves and slugs suddenly falls on Fr. Jhod's head. Jhod Kavken sputters and flails a bit as he knocks them away. The forest echoes with familiar laughter from tiny throats.

Rose Medvyed: "Ah yes, we've entered prankster territory."

Dex: "Told you to watch out for them."

Jhod Kavken: "I'm afraid my eyes aren't as sharp as yours."

Rose Medvyed: "Well they're very good at hiding. Welcome to the group, you've been indoctrinated."

Jhod Kavken: "I'm honored." he says with dry humor.

Dex: "They are rather nice once you get to know them better."

Dex: (Sylvan) "So how have you two been? Any more trouble with traps?"

Tyg-Titter-Tut: "No more trouble, no!"

Perlivash: "Thank you for clearing up that killing field."

Dex: "Glad to help. Perhaps you can explain a bit about those fey we encountered near there? They weren't nearly as friendly as you two."

Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Which fey were they?"

Dex describes them.

Perlivash: "Oh. You ran into the sprites. Not bad folks, but they tend to be terrified of everything. Never laugh at jokes."

Rose Medvyed: "They sound like the worst."

Tyg-Titter-Tut: "Oh no... there are far worse fey...dark and terrible things came from the First World along with the good."

Aarin "Yeah, like gnomes."

Rose Medvyed: "Haha... gnomes aren't that bed, but they are certainly unique."

Tyg-Titter-Tut and Perlivash laugh at this joke.

Jhod Kavken watches this casual conversation wiht a look of wonder.
Dex: "So we are off to collect some fangberries. Care to join us for a while. I can make us some more pancakes later if you'd like."

Perlivash: "Maybe for a bit. Unless we see something more interesting."

Rose Medvyed: "What could be more interesting than us?"

Dex: "And here I though I was pretty interesting myself."

Perlivash: "No insult intended... but hopping from perch to perch at your slow pace is a bit... restricting when the skies start to beckon."

Dex: "I can imagine. Flying seems like so much fun."

Rose Medvyed: "You know, with your bird's eye view of things. Anything interesting going on?"

Tyg-Titter-Tut grins. "You can't even imagine. The rush of wind under your wings..."

Perlivash: "That depends what you big'uns consider interesting. Most of the trees' flowers have budded into fruit."

Tyg-Titter-Tut: "The hawks and eagles are teaching their fledglings to hunt."

Dex: "Maybe one day. When my magic is greater I can join you in the skies. For now though I'm land bound."

Perlivash nods. "One day."

Dex: "You know if you bring me some fruit now and then I could make something tasty out of them. Like I did with the berries before."

Perlivash nods. "But they aren't ripe yet."

Dex: "Well when they are I'd be glad to make something for some friends. And any friends you both may have too that aren't too shy as well."

Tyg-Titter-Tut: "We can spread word, as harvest time nears."

Fr. Johd gets some lessons in patience as he finds sticky sap coating the outside of his waterskin, along with several other minor pranks until the fey grow bored and flit off.

Dex: "Seems they like you."

Rose Medvyed: "He is new."

Jhod Kavken: "I'm not sure 'like' is the right word."

Early the next evening, they espy a particularly rocky crag rising from the hills and approach its base.

Rose Medvyed: "There is a crack... I wonder how deep it goes."
"Mmm... do we go in?"

Dex: "Shall we check it out?"

Jhod Kavken: "It might be occupied."

Dex: "Someone care to check?"

Rose Medvyed: "I can go first." She said making a slow and quiet approach to the crag.

Dex has his gun ready to fire if anything attacks Rose.

Rose Medvyed: "There is some rustling within."

Aarin casts a light spell on an arrow and fires it down into the opening. It shoots down 20 feet, then bounces inward.

Rose Medvyed: "I think... I'm going to go in." She draws her blade.

Nothing attacks as Aarin retrieves his rope from his horse. They secure the rope and descend, finding a cave roughly 30 feet in diameter, a patch on the back wall sparkling in the light.

Rose Medvyed: "There is something... shiny in the back."

Aarin: "We struck gold."

Dex: "Literally?"

Aarin: "Yep, thats a gold ore vein. Probably not worth it to mine ourselves, but once we establish our barony, a very useful resource indeed."

Jhod Kavken: "And quite the draw to settlers."

Rose Medvyed: "Hahaha, that will be very useful to us later on. Do we share this information though?"

Aarin: "Let's keep it under our hats for now."

Dex: "It is. Once we deal with this Stag Lord it would be a great starting project for our barony."

Rose Medvyed she'd give a nod. "Certainly was a good idea to have explored this way."

Dex looks around the rest of the cave. The entry is steep enough to dissuade most animals from lairing here, as it is also rather well hidden by the plants growing over it. The walls are smooth, though a few small stalagmites and stalactites dot the floor and ceiling.

Rose Medvyed: "Getting in and out of here is going to be a nuisance though."

Jhod Kavken: "I'd guess that when it's made into a mine they'll want to level out the entry a bit."

Rose Medvyed: "Or make some very good stairs."

Dex: "That is something easily dealt with then. For now lets make a note of this location and continue on."

Jhod Kavken: "It is evening... do you think we should camp here? This crack would make a natural chimney, if I'm any judge."

Aarin: "Seems reasonable."

Rose Medvyed: "I don't think camping in the cave would be bad."

Dex: "Could be a nice place for a camp. Guess I'll see what I can whip up for grub."

Rose Medvyed: "Hopefully the forest won't hold any particularly nasty surprises for us."

Dex: "Here's hoping." Dex then bites into the amazing meal he made for everyone.

Jhod Kavken enjoys his portion greatly. "My compliments to the cook."

Rose Medvyed nods in agreement with Jhod as she devours her meal.

Dex: "Glad you all like it. Decided to try a new combination. Seems it works pretty well."

Jhod Kavken: "Quite well indeed. I hope you'll be able to remember how you did this."

Dex: "As do I."

Rose Medvyed: "So, we're traveling through the old Bandit Camp next?"

Jhod Kavken: "And then south, into unexplored lands."

Dex: "That's the plan."

Rose Medvyed: "I wonder what the other side of that river holds. Alright, well... if we're going to have a busy day, I'm going to rest up now."

Dex: "Also Jhod keep an eye out for a few fey when we enter the forest."

Rose Medvyed: "Do we remember any complaints about spiders? Maybe there is a bounty? Maybe something is down in its hole."

Raga Silvertail: "Well, it doesn't seem like there is anything out here other than that one."

Dex: "Well if you want to crawl down a spider hole go ahead. I'll be right behind you with my gun loaded."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Not see'in any other hatches around us, but best be sure."

Dex: "Maybe one of it's past victims have something we could use."

Jhod Kavken: "Or is the lady squeamish about moving aside old animal bones?" He comes over, and starts breaking up the lid with his boot.

The shaft of the spider's lair is 25 feet deep, coated in thick webbing arrayed in a ladder-like pattern.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Fine, I'll take a look"

Raga Silvertail: "Rope will be needed, I can't jump that high"

Aarin "I've got rope in my saddle bag."

Dex: "Let's tie you and lower you so we can pull you up if you get stuck."

Raga Silvertail: "Seems climbable, but get the rope just in case"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Who's gona lower ya down? I won't be much help with that."

Rose Medvyed: "I should be fine down there. I'm even pretty light."

Raga Silvertail: "Are you sure, I would rather have myself down there."

Rose Medvyed: "Yes, but you are also in full plate. I'm light and flexible. It would take the four of us to pull you out."

Dex: "This reminds me of the last time I tied someone with rope."

Jhod Kavken: "Oh? When was that? One of the brigands you took prisoner?"

Raga Silvertail: "Easy there Dex, keep things civil" he chuckles.

Dex: "Don't think I need to use trickery here though. Yes was quite a ordeal. Had to think on my feet to convince her to let me tie her up."

Jhod Kavken: "She let you..." The priest shakes his head. "Sounds about as hard as talking birds out of the bushes."

Dex: "I can be quite convincing when I need to be. And a little magic can go along way as well."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "So who be go'in down now? Or should I?" and she mutters something to herself under her breath.

Rose Medvyed: "So, down into the hole... Well... Dwarves can see in darkness."

Raga Silvertail: "I can too," he adds.

Dex: "So can I."

The sun is just about overhead, and the pit is only 25 feet deep. With the bones removed, it's plenty light.

Dex: "But seems we don't need to."

Rose Medvyed: "Anyway, I volunteer. I'm a capable fighter. Besides, if there were babies we'd know by now."

Dex: "True lets just tie up rose and throw her into the hole. No point in debating it further."

They tie Rose into a harness and lower her down. Raga keeps his eyes open and himself ready to pull her up at a moment's notice in case things go south.

Aarin: "Watch the hole be empty."

Rose Medvyed: "Well, then we can all be disappointed together. But I'll have explored a hole, so I can feel like I accomplished something."

As she touches the spidersilk and finds it's not sticky, she realizes it can be woven in the same fashion as the sort coming from distant Tian Xia.

At the bottom of the pit, under layers of silk, is the body of a bandit.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Maybe not completely empty." She points towards the corpse. "Grab as much of that spiders silk as can get, it worth a pretty penny."

Rose Medvyed: "I'll keep that in mind."

The bandit's corpse has a silver stag-skull amulet hanging over his leather armor and carries a short sword. 10 gold crowns are in his purse.

Rose Medvyed, once finally starting her descent, would take out a a dagger and start to cut off large swaths of silk for her Dwarven friend. As for the body, she very carefully unwraps it to see what is on him. Making sure to check pockets, pouches, and bags during her investigation. She'd look up at the group. "Do we want to drag him up? He looks like a dead bandit."

Aarin: "I'd say the spider saved us the trouble of digging a grave."

Rose Medvyed: "I'm a fan of cremation, but I also don't want to hold him."

Dex: "Could just drop a alchemist fire in the hole when your out."

Rose Medvyed holds up a hand. "Oh wait... hold on." She'd start pulling something out of his boot.

Aarin: "If you prefer we can drop some fire down the shaft when you're done."

Rose Medvyed: "Nothing worse than foot stink, I can't imagine dead foot stink is better."

She retrieves a parchment with a simple drawing of a claw-shaped dead tree atop an otherwise barren hill, with an “X” in blood scrawled by the tree’s roots.​

Dhurharen Smeltfoot smiles at the amount of good spiders silk produced. "We can sell this for about 600 gold crown, if Oleg can trade it."

Dex: "Maybe a little more if we do a little bargaining."

Aarin: "Reminds me of the mite's tree."

Dex: "Want us to pull you out now?"

With that, Raga starts to help Rose up and out of the hole.

Rose Medvyed: "I don't really see anything else on him that is worth anything. The amulet is certainly valuable to someone."

Aarin: "We've seen a couple of amulets like this already on some of the bandits. Seems to be a mark for them. We may find them useful if we wish to impersonate some."

Raga Silvertail: "Hope we can, I would rather attack a fort from the inside than to try and assault it from the outside."

Dex: "We already got some info to do that if we wished to go that route."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot holds a hand ready to help pull her friend out of the hole once she reaches the top.

Dex: "We should keep and eye out for that tree. Might be hiding something good there."

Raga Silvertail ponders it for a moment "Wonder where this is located?"

Rose Medvyed: "You think it might be a cache?"

Dex: "I would guess so. Might have been a place he hid stuff he kept on the side."

Rose Medvyed: "So, do we want to stop by the Mite Tree on our way back?"

Aarin: "Why?"

Dex: "I don't think it was the mite tree in that map."

Rose Medvyed: "Oh, I thought someone said it was the mite tree."

Dex keeps an eye out for their fey friends as they near the forest. Around noon, they reach a portion of the plains strewn with bones.

Rose Medvyed: "Is it a burial site or... a trash heap?"

Aarin "Hmm a mix of deer, boar, bear... and a few human."

Raga Silvertail: "With this many remains, something was here allright, and it likes to eat"

Rose Medvyed: "Trash heap then..."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot sits uneasy on her horse, hand ready on her hammer. "I not be lik'n the looks of this place"

Dex: "Be wary. Whatever left these here could be near still."

Raga Silvertail: "What ever left these, is dangerous, best keep your eyes open, it seems it likes this spot. What ever it is, can be back any second."

Rose Medvyed: "Mhmm..."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: "Then best we be mov'in out o here"

Aarin "Our lands might be safer if dealt with whatever it is."

Raga Silvertail nods his head "If at all possible, I too would like to clear up this mess before it becomes a bigger problem."

A trapdoor spider the size of a boar springs from a mostly-hidden pit, attacks Raga, and retreats under the same pile of bones when its mandibles bounce off the skinwalker's armor.

Aarin "You did say you don't mind the big ones."

Rose Medvyed leaps from her saddle and rushes to attack the spider, her blade deflected by the bones of the spider's lid. A bit surprised, but unharmed, Raga starts to make his way to where the spider attacked from and tries to slam his sword on top of the spider's head, only for it to become wedged among the bones forming the lid of the spider's lair.

Rose Medvyed: "I shouldn't have gotten kicked out of the Academy."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot jumps off her horse and runs in, but is just not close enough yet to do anything without endangering the others. Aarin tries to fire into the hole and misses. The giant trapdoor spider lunges at Rose, and pulls its body back into its lair as she dodges its mandibles. Dex jumps off his horse and moves in taking aim and firing his gun at the hole and the spider. With a loud crack the bullet thuds into the giant spider, and it drops into its pit.

Dex: "Did I get it?"

Raga gives Dex a thumbs up "Nice shot there."

Rose Medvyed: "I think you did... and I might be developing a slight ringing in my ears." She said jabbing a pinky into one of them. "Anyway, shall we see what it has in its den?"

Dex: "Don't worry after a while you start to not notice the ringing anymore."

Jhod Kavken: "It's good to see that some of your adventures can go smoothly."

Rose Medvyed: "Many of them go smoothly. Do things go according to plan? Mmm... depends."

Aarin "I was standing nearer the noisy end."

Dex: "I wonder if there are more holes like this around, and I was the closest."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Are we sure there is just one o them?"

Aarin "Nope."

Jhod Kavken: "We can be sure that only one's attacked..."

Raga Silvertail: "I will look around, you guys stay here and wait to see if anything jumps me."

Aarin "Wasn't going to suggest it, but if you're volunteering."

Raga Silvertail: "That is my intention."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot keeps an eye out for more similar looking doorways while Raga wanders the bone field, until all are satisfied that no more giant spiders lie in wait.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot Once done with the requested pieces, she heads over to Oleg. "Oleg, would ye be havi'n some Alchemists Fire for sale? Would be mighty handy against the spiders."

Oleg Leveton: "Just got in a shipment a couple days ago. How much are you thinking you'll want?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Hmm. I be looking at a few, depending on price, of course. What would 5 set me back for?"

Raga Silvertail: "My hands will be full, so I am relying on the rest of you to handle the explosives."

Oleg Leveton: "Going rate is 100 crowns for 5."

Dex: "Any discount for some friends? We will be sure to bring back any thing that would make a nice trophy for your place as we go along as a added bonus."

Oleg Leveton: "Say, 80 gold?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "I'll be tak'n the 5 then." And winks a thanks towards Dex.

Dex: Gives a nod back. "Anytime you need my services I'll try to be there."

Oleg Leveton: "I'm rather hoping I won't need you to fend off any further attacks."

Raga Silvertail: "Same here, our main goal is to make these lands safe for folks like you and your wife"

Dex: "Yep and with a safer land you will soon have much more business coming through."

Oleg Leveton: "It has been picking up slightly...what with the new guards needs and all."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Thank ye kindly. Will be sure to bring back anything of use to ya as well. "

Dhurharen Smeltfoot turns to Dex, "Thank ye as well. But maybe we need te start pay'in the man. He be doin' us many favours already."

Dex: "He has but our task has a lot of expenses as well. keeping them down does us all good."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "That be true. Maybe we find more useful things for 'em on the way."

Raga Silvertail "Do we have things that can deal with a lot of spiders?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot From the forge, she yells "Fire! Lots 'n Lots of Fire!"

Dex: "I can prepare burning hands. That deals with swarms well. That and alchemist fires."

Aarin "I'm preparing a couple burning hands, and we found a couple alchemists' fires earlier."

Raga Silvertail sighs and then replies "Yes, but do we have enough fire?"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Ai. 'N I have both and then somethi'n extra."

Svengald: "No spider infestations here, at least." The apprentice seems to be considering the advantages of a quieter life.

Raga Silvertail: "Well, as long as you guys think we are ready for them, 'cause I know I can deal with big things, but lots of little things? They get everywhere..."

Dex: "Then we will leave the big spiders up to you while we burn the smaller ones."

Rose Medvyed: "I can at least help with the smaller spiders."
"I meant big ones."

Raga Silvertail: "That I can do, just keep the little blighters off of me, I don't want to deal with spiders in front and on me"

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Maybe some more alchemist fire wouldn't hurt."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot She turns to her apprentice. "Ye, be doi'n a mighty fine job here, laddy. Soon enough ye can move on to a big city or a small town. There is always room for a new smithy, always handy."

Svengald smiles. "Thank you, m'lady, but I still have so much to learn... you make it all look so easy, and then I feel like I'm wearing lead gloves when I try to imitate your craft."

Dhurharen Smeltfoot "Ai, that comes with time n' practice. The more ye work at it, the easier it gets. Now hit that pauldron into shape like the other one." And she holds the red hot metal over the anvil.

Svengald hefts the hammer and gives it a few things, carefully working in a steady rhythm, his attempts at planishing it out making a few more impressions than proper smoothing.

Dhurharen Smeltfoot: Once Svengald has had his try she asks to switch places with him in order to show him slowly how he should hold and handle the hammer for the right technique. Svengald watches closely and quietly.

Dhurharen spends the next three days hard at work on her friends' requested gear.

One of the balls of light floats over to the stricken grimslake, and zaps it with a short bolt of lightning.

Nightwolf "Looks like those little balls of light are on our side?"

Vendric: "May be they aren't on any side. They appear to be evil."

Nightwolf fires a volley at the now-riderless drake, five arrows piercing its wings and chest, and flies down to the tower's door. He yells towards it. "Hey, anyone home?"

The reply echoes in his, and his allies' minds. "Indeed I am! Thank you for the assistance, Nightwolf. I never expected you'd return the favor, one day." A volley of arrows trailing streams of silvery light, like tiny meteors emerges from the upper floor's arrow slit. "Apologies for taking so long to pitch in." The arrows continue glowing after two strike the remaining incubus in shoulder and bicep, the third flying past the drake's wing to clatter off the northern roof.

Vendric: "Those are some nice looking arrows."

The feminine voice replies into their minds. "Thank you. One of Desna's starbows awaited me here."

Vendric: "I look forward to seeing it and properly meeting each other after we deal with these guys first."

The Grimslake in in the southern corner fires a black ray at Nightwolf. One of the northern cluster does the same towards Vendric, both missing.

Zullion and Pharah fly like an arrow at the rider, almost ignoring the burning caused by the barrier as they slam into their foe.

Vendric: "I warned you about the aura. Hope you two are okay."

The lance and claws find the rider's vitals, and he tumbles to the stairs below.

Vendric: "Good one. Seems you two still work well as a team."

Zullion: "We try, been busy training the others, good to stretch our legs and wings, isn't it girl?" he rubs her neck and ears.

Pharah gives a piercing cry of approval.

The demon with fly wings, insectoid lower half and a vaguely humanoid upper half (the derakni) fires a black ray at Zullion, hitting him squarely.

Zullion gasps as he feels a large amount of life force leave his body, he sags in the saddle, but manages to still hold on to his weapon, his eyes narrow at his assailant.

Vendric: "You okay there?"

Zullion can barely whisper, so he simply shakes his head and points to the caster. Another grimslake fires a black ray at Pharah, but hits the nearer rift drake instead. That rift drake flies back a few feet, and spits a large glop of sticky acid at the two who just took out its rider. Pharah dodges down, under the worst of it, forgetting that this leaves Zullion in the stuff's direct line. Sarathel is carried into range to channel healing. As the golden wave washes over the wounded rift drake, the creature is washed in flames, leaving it shaking its head. Another grimslake hits a wall with another black ray.

Vendric flies a bit closer to the derakni as he prepares to toss a bunch of holy bombs. "Well we can't have you do that again to my friends." It is pelted by five waves of brilliant butterflies, only falling as the last dissolves into starlight. "Well we won't need to worry about his spells anymore."

Seeing her two closest allies get hurt in such a brutal manor, Lerial rushes forward hoping to provide aid as soon as possible, but halts as the forbiddance blocks her way. Nightwolf's next volley finishes off the dazzled drake, which falls to the ground with a great thump. Another stream of meteor-arrows shoots towards the remaining drake, only the first striking its chest. One of the northern grimslakes stubbornly, and successfully fires at Vendric. And the southern grimslake fires at Nightwolf, instead hitting the nearby floating ball. The grimslake at the bottom of the stairs misses Pharah with another ray, and she charges the furthest northern worm-thing, which is raked by the gryphon, but dodges her beak despite being skewered by Zullion's lance. grimslake falls still, though its hide tears at the claws tearing at it. The grimslake moves from the corner of the stairs to attack the gryphon, stinging itself as Pharah dodges its tail. The remaining rift drake flies in to attack Zullion. Sarathel is carried in to heal some more. She heals only her allies, choosing to have the nearest grimslake be washed in flame.

A grimslake slithers in, reaching out with its stinger, pulling Zullion from his saddle into its coils. Vendric throws more bombs at the nearest grimslake. "Well looks like we got a few more of these things left, then a drake." It and the will-o'-wisps near it fall, their lights extinguished. Another will-o'-wisp shocks the grimslake, finishing it off.

Zullion: "Get off me you filthy insect!"

Nightwolf "Hang on Z, I'm coming!"

Vendric: "I'm glad these wisps seem to like finishing off these worms more than firing at us."

The grimslake grappling Zullion falls limp as Nightwolf's paired arrows are followed by a third. The last two arrows bounce off the rift drake's scaled hide. Arushalae fires meteor-arrows at the remaining grimslake near Zullion, piercing it with one. It falls, and is zapped by a floating ball of light.

Nightwolf "Maybe they like how they taste."

Pharah begins to claw at the drake next to her. The exhausted drake is torn apart and she screeches in victory!

Sarathel: "That or they like to attack whatever looks helpless. They weren't fighting when we arrived, after all."

The southern grimslake disappears underground. Sarathel heals her friends once more. The grimslake shot down by Arushaleae also visibly heals.

Vendric:"Seems this is the last thing left. these wisps may indeed not bother us so long as we aren't dying." his holy bombs finish off the grimslake... and the wisps gathering to zap it.

Vendric and Nightwolf think they hear a door open, from north and upstairs.

((Thus ends the 54th session))

Oleg Leveton would seek out a quiet word after the delicious Moon Radish Soup is served and enjoyed.

Oleg Leveton: "While you were out, we had a few hunters pass through, mentioned sighting a tatzlwyrm off a ways southwest, in the forest. First I've heard of them in this region, but they're well known to be dangerous beasts, maneaters when they can manage. And one of their heads on the wall would be quite a draw. So, I should be able to manage 600 crowns if you can bring one in. In recognizable condition, mind."

Raga Silvertail: "As a trophy, I would deem that would be needed, yes." He chuckles. Oleg Leveton chuckles with him.

Dex: "I'm sure we could manage that if we find one."

Raga Silvertail: "Well, we have quite the list again, we need to prepare for another long time away from our beds."

Oleg Leveton: "No urgency, for mine at least. You're welcome to return and rest up, often as you like."

((Thus ends session 12.))

Keston Garess seeks out Raga and the others while Dhurharen is working on the skinwalker's armor.

Keston Garess: "While you're out there, routing out bandits, I'd appreciate it if you can keep an eye out for a Varisian called Falgrim Sneeg. We were part of a mercenary company a few months ago... then he robbed the rest of us half-blind one night and ran off this direction."

Aarin "We'll keep an eye out for your thief... and see justice is served accordingly."

Raga Silvertail: "Dead or alive, this thief?" he asks as he quietly watches the dwarf work.

Keston Garess: "I understand that battle is battle, but if you manage to bring him in alive, I can give you four masterwork weapons, of your choice... only two if you have to kill him."

Raga Silvertail: "We will do as you ask Keston, alive will be our aim"

Keston Garess nods his thanks.

Dex: "Also keep and eye out for black scaled kobolds. They may be Sootscales and we are trying to get on good terms with them."

Keston Garess: "You're asking me to wait for them to make the first hostile move, then."

Dex: "Well we sort of invited them to trade here if they would like. I doubt they will just yet but it would be best to prepare if they do, Do you or anyone here speak draconic?"

Raga Silvertail: "Yes, and please report if such a thing happens, and what lead to it. So that if we encounter their chief, we can at least say we also know what happened"

Kesten Garess agrees to do so, and returns to his watch.

Aarin "Seems we have several more quests to add to our to do list."

Keston Garess descends from the watch tower.

Keston Garess: "Ah, you're back! I have a delivery for you. The swordlords sent their gratitude for your efforts against the bandits." He gently lobs a heavily clinking pouch for Rose to catch.

Rose Medvyed would catch it easily enough. "Thank you." She quickly moves to divying up the coins to the rest of the party, and finds a folded parchment tucked in among them.

Aarin "I shall need to consider what I spend my portion on."

The folded parchment reads: "Inasmuch as you have demonstrated your talents in this area, you are hereby commissioned to slay or capture the brigand-leader self-styled the 'Stag Lord.' The gratuity sent with this commission is less than a tithe of the reward awaiting said villain's defeat. If his body (dead or alive) cannot be returned to Restov, we will send an agent to confirm your claims of completion, once communicated to us." It is signed "Swordlady Jamandi Aldori"

Raga Silvertail: "Take on the self proclaimed leader of the lands? I have been waiting for this."

Svetlana Leveton comes out, bearing the usual tray of delicious food.

Aarin "And Svetlana, we have something for you as well."
Svetlana Leveton: "Ah, you do?"

Dex: "We managed to get some of those radishes for you. Made a deal with some kobolds and got a basket full for a boar."

Svetlana Leveton: "Ah, wonderful! Let me fetch my purse and I'll get to cooking those. You'll have to tell me what you think of tonight's soup!"

Raga Silvertail: "Quite looking forward to it"

Svetlana Leveton disappears into her house for a minute, returning with a pleasantly plump purse (250 gold crowns).

Raga Silvertail: "Svetlana, i have an idea, i saved a few extra radishes, perhaps, if your thumb is greener than mine, plant some close or in the post?"

Svetlana Leveton: "I... suppose I could try. We have not so much room for gardens in the post, and it has not seemed worth the effort with so many in these wild lands who would steal such valuable plants from without."

Aarin "I doubt many would try now if you plant them within the sight of the guard."

Svetlana Leveton: "That... is a new thought... and if they are staying.. yes... it may well be worth it."

Aarin "Jhod, we bring good news from the temple."

Dex: "And more wounds to heal."

Jhod Kavken: "More wounds? That seems to be a disturbing trend with you. I hope the word from the temple is better."

Father Jhod twice raises the silver bow and arrow pendant, and a golden wave washes out into a 30 ft dome, and our heroes' wounds close.

Aarin (to Jhod) "Indeed, we vanquished your bear, and the temple appears to be restored."

Raga Silvertail thanks Jhod.

hod Kavken: "Wonderful news, indeed! Then it falls upon me to honor my word and journey with you that your wounds may be healed in a more timely fashion."

Rose Medvyed: "That's a pretty good plan."

Dex: "We seem to need it."

Jhod Kavken: "You do seem to have a great deal of success in finding troublesome creatures."

Raga Silvertail: "Not so much as we find them, more in the sense they seem to find where we are least armoured."

As they ride up to the trading post, a poster has been added on the left side of the gate. It bears the rough sketch of a boar, and reads "Tuskgutter Must Die! Bring his head to me (Vekkel Benzen, cottage, 4 miles to the east) for a reward of 6 magic arrows."

Rose Medvyed: "Hoho... Hey Raga, there is a new boar for us to hunt."

Dex: "Another boar... If we are going after it I'm gonna make sure I'm behind Raga this time."

Raga turns to Dex "I agree with this plan."