The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Alomar runs forward to the cage, he takes a good look inside and then tries to open it.

Elementals, guide me in this, I hope I am doing the right thing.

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood
Round 3

Alomar rushes to the cage. There is no lock, nor does there appear to be any sort of door that can be opened on this cage and it seems to be a sturdily built enclosure. It is made from wooden branches of various lengths and thicknesses and these sticks are bound together with vines that have been sealed together with a sticky substance that is difficult to identify. Before he can do anything to try and free the small people inside, one of them, a man with a slender body and wings that resemble dragonfly wings, holds out a hand and shouts a warning, “Wait, use caution Maetaur. The coating on these branches is mildly toxic and will cause a burning, blistering rash if you touch it with unprotected skin.”

Poseues fights on though he is disturbed by the strange sound the creature made. The monstrous humanoid comes at him with a club, but Poseus’ spear cuts deep into the things belly just as the club swings at the young Gymnaga’s head

Melee Attack against Poseus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
Damage if >14: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

The impact of Poseus Spear is enough to stall the swing of the club and Poseus is unharmed.

Stepping to Poseus’ side Phineas swings with his staff, but the blow seems to bounce off the creatures shoulder with no effect.

Poseus after managing to strike the weird frog creature in front of him, feels invigorated and slightly less scared, though he still trembles.
The creature looks terrifying, but it seems in bad shape now, another good hit might bring it down, we could do this.

"Hyaah!" he shouts as he thrusts the spear forward again, aiming to catch the bogggard right on it.

Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 5 - 2 = 121d8 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14

Brother Phineas steps up to the side of the boggart and swings his staff at the reptilian enemy, but still his swing cannot find the mark.

Phineas Quarterstaff: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9

Move to (L,-9)

Alomar gets out his spear and speaks to the winged creature "I will try to cut through the vines with my spear, nobody should be imprisoned!"

He then tries to cut through the vines binding the branches

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

Round 4

Alomar finds that the vines used to fashion this makeshift cage are easily cut by the sharpened head of his spear, and one by one he snaps the vines off until one whole side of the cage collapses away from the rest.

Immediately one of the trapped creatures vaults out from the cage. She is a small winged creature with golden yellow hair and wings that move so rapidly that Alomar cannot tell what they are at all. The girl is barely the size of Alomar’s forearm and he only catches a glimpse of her rare and perfect beauty before she flies with amazing speed right past his head and away from him.

The other three creatures do not take to the air immediately, but step lightly out of the remains of the cage careful to avoid the vines on the ground. They are two males and a female and all appear to be of the same kind. They are gangly, with long thin bodies and long, but well proportioned arms and legs. One of the males appears older than the other male, and the female appears to be the youngest of them all. She, the female, is only half as tall as the other two, who are themselves only about a foot tall. They all wear clothing that seems well made, elaborate (including buttons and pockets of bright colors) and clean. The garments are predominately dark blue and brown in color, but the buttons and pockets are gold and red.

The male that spoke to Alomar, warning him of the danger of the vines, glances over his shoulder at the quickly approaching frog-like creature, and then turns back to Alomar and says, “Do you have a small knife, or an arrow perhaps, I could use it as a spear. Tanner, Finea, you should flee, head up into the trees and wait for me there. I will help these Men of Urand.”

Meanwhile

The Frog man in front of Poseus steps back, with one leg, and then leans into another swing, this one from above, with his club
Melee Attack on Poseus: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17
Damage if >14: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

The blow lands on the top of Poseus’ head, nearly knocking the sense out of him

Shaking his head to clear the ringing in his ears, Poseus lunges forward, remembering the things he has been taught, and his spear strikes the frog man in the chest piercing him clean through. The creature dies instantly falling to its knees and then rolling to the side as the spear comes out of the body.

Phineas, closes his eyes and swings his staff only to feel it pass through the air harmlessly where he imagines the dead frog man is still standing

Day 7, Morning, Castletown

Georgiana tilts her head to one side, indicating that Dieredon should follow her out of the hall. Dieredon notices that the other guardsmen follow him as he follows her. Once they are outside, Dieredon is quickly apprehended; with two men drawing swords to brandish at him while two others take him by the arms –

BUT! Dieredon should not react angrily, as he can immediately tell that the guards holding him do not grasp him very hard, and a look on their faces is a mix of concern and duty

Georgiana draws her sword and raises it slowly to Dieredon’s neck, a serious look crosses her face.

“Tell me now, Dieredon of Woodbridge, if that is what you would be called, what is your relationship with Regicce Pas’Doreen? I know you were coming to Castletown to see him. Captain Hasleton has said that we are to act with discretion, but as you can clearly see I am in no mood to be discrete. Mister Amsolet was dear friend, like a father to me at times. Are you a separatist, a new New Pardorian, eh? Don’t think for one moment if it is true that I will not find out eventually. Oh, yes there are a few in the Groundsmen who hold separatist sympathies, but make no mistake, Lieutenant, believing in the ideals of a separate Elven nation, here, or anywhere, and belonging to the Pardorians are not the same. One is hopeful a t best, dangerous at worst, but the other, is nothing less than treason. Where do your loyalties lie, lieutenant? Speak the truth, why should I trust you?”

Meanwhile,

Calex watches as Dieredon leaves the hall with Georgiana, and as he is about to follow, Madame D’Amertine approaches him.

When she is close, he notices she wears a subtle, but intoxicating perfume. Her eyes are made up with colors that he did not notice before, and she smiles at him in a way that makes him feel at first uncomfortable, and then slightly flattered. She is older than he is, by some number of years, but not old, and she speaks to him in a voice that can only be described as sultry and intelligent.

“Sir Calex, please allow me to introduce myself. I am Sabrinelle D’amertine, but please, call me Sabrine. I have been told that you seek my assistance for some issue related to your troubles in a small village to the south. Now, please,” she laughs, lightly and warmly, ”I imagine you have heard all sorts of rumors about me, and I won’t be dishonest some of them may be true, haha, but come tell me what it is you are troubled about and also tell me what you did to help in the crisis yesterday? I am curious to hear what spells you used and why you felt they were the best in the situation. I hope we can become friends, and I imagine there is much we can teach each other.”

She wraps her arm around Calex’s and turns him in the direction that Dieredon went and the two, after a bit of a delay, follow the guards out of the hall.

Calex should make a Sense Motive Check

Once you exit the hall you come upon the scene of Dieredon being held at sword point. Calex them realizes that Sabrine is holding him now much tighter than a casually aquatinted person should, and she exclaims, with some impatience in her voice, “Really, Georgiana, is that necessary? I thought we agreed we would address these fine young men together, when I had had a chance to prepare the necessary spells to ensure we learned the truth and here I find you acting completely to your nature and impulsively jeopardizing our relationships. Now, now, Calex, there is no need to be angry, Miss Rulais means well, and no harm will come to you or your friend. Georgiana, please, behave yourself. Come, all of you, let us find a more suitable place to discuss matter of national security, shall we.”

Dieredon immediately feels the guards release him, and Georgiana drops her sword, but continues to glare at Dieredon. Sabrine finally releases Calex, but she leans into him, nearly placing her lips on his cheek and says to him, huskily, "Dear boy, I hope this won’t affect our budding relationship, shall we have a drink and discuss things, as friends.”

Dieredon stares into the eyes of Georgiana as she pulls the blade from his neck. he then turns to Sabrine.

Yes,let's discuss this on a more cordial basis. Is this how you treat your newly appointed brethern amongst the Groundsmen? I have nothing to hide. I am not a New Pardorian. I do not know him, but I was going to relay a message to Regicce Pas'Doreen as an Elven Elder. I was going to tell him that the elves in Woodbridge are quite content with their existence, and if there are violent and dramatic means that are being considered by some segmnents of our race, as evidenced by the skull of the halfling that we ourselves brought for identification, that such a method of separatism was not warranted nor welcomed by the elves in Woodbridge. I am not treasonous, as has been adequately displayed by my actions that have led to my appointment.

Alomar looks around himself, taking stock of the situation. One enemy has been dealt with by Poseus and Phineas, while the other one is closing fast.

"Good Lyph, let us all join my friends and run for it. The creature will never catch us! There is no need to harm a living creature for revenge, even if it deeds are horrible. If you want you can all climb on my back and hold tight while I move!"

Waiting for the Lyph's reaction before Alomar runs.

I'm guessing the other boggard is crossing left around the entangled area.

Poseus looks around a bit dazed and confused after the boggard hit him on the head.
"Phineas, you still here?" he asks with his vision still a bit blurry. He looks around and sees only one shape of a person around him, content that it qualifies for Phineas he lays a hand on his shoulder and waits for his vision to become clear again.

"What happened to that other froglike creature? Did he flee or?..." A sudden realization pops into his head. "Alomar!"

He taps Phineas on the shoulder before he slides across the forest floor in the direction of Alomar.
"Alomar might need help. We have to move Phineas."

Double move to Alomar, to C,-1
I'll wait for Phineas's healing and then move, thanks Phineas

Opening one eye to peek out, Phineas sees the dead frog thing and the blurry-eyed Poseus standing near. Stepping close and helping his friend steady, Phineas calls for the aid of his patron deity, to help heal his wounded friend and is thankful when the divine magic flows through him into his wounded friend.

Once the healing is complete, and Poseus slithers off to the aid of Alomar, Brother Phineas will also move in that direction.

Drop 1 Command spell for a CLW and use that on wounded Poseus. Healing back 6 hp of damage. Move to (H,-4)

CLW: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Day 6, morning, The Green Wood

Round 5

The younger of the two male lyphs looks intently at Alomar, then to the older male, who along with the young female has hesitated before taking off as the younger male had suggested. The Older male nods, takes the girl’s hand, and then seems to leap gracefully into the air and onto Alomar’s back.

”The Maetaur speaks with truth and wisdom, Jarkhun. Let us escape if we can. We can tell the Enmoraa* elders where these two are and leave them to the justice of their own kind.”

The young lyph, you now know his name is Jarkhun, glances over his shoulder, scowls and says, ”The Bullywugs banished Barquo and Duroque because they have become eaters of flesh, and they will not deal with them, Tanner, if we do not kill them when we have the chance, they will continue to prey on all good creatures of the Wood, is that what you want?”

”Why risk our lives? The Maetaur is right. There is no time to argue,” Tanner says from Alomar's back

The young lyph suddenly takes to the air and joins the others on Alomar’s back.

Alomar sees, Poseus and Phineas coming toward him.

Alomar can now run away from the Boggard, and he will encounter Poseus and Phineas coming toward him, or he can change his mind, stand his ground and wait for his friends to come to him. Either way I will wait for Alomar’s decision, before placing everyone, including the Boggard, and then when we are done with Round 5, Phineas’ healing spell will be applied to Poseus

Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Alomar runs away to Poseus and Phineas. While running he asks the Lyph on his back "Where should we run to Tanner? And I am Alomar."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

"I think we will need explanations, indeed. PLAIN SPOKEN explanations with suitable apologies." Calex says as he pulls away from Sabrine. Cal steps closer to Dieredon, to both give himself room to maneuver and to clearly show where his favor lies.

Poseus sees Alomar coming up fast from the north and fleeing with the Lyphs on his back.
Guessing the boggard is right on their tail, he decides to run back with the lot of them, no sense in staying behind alone.

"You got them all out Alomar?" The Gymnaga youth says as he watches his back for the other boggard to approach.

If the boggard pursues us, Poseus will throw his spear at the thing, if he doesn't run Poseus will make his escape with the others.

Ranged Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 221d8 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Phineas is ready to flee with the others, but like Poseus, if the boggard attempts to chase us, he will stop, load his crossbow and fire at the pursuer.

Crossbow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 2

Day 7, Woodbridge, early morning, chapter three, The Bonds of Friendship and Fear

Dieredon and Calex are dealing with people of Castletown, while it is still Day 6 for Alomar, Phineus, and Poseus. Meanwhile, Marcus Dale wakes early, in Woodbridge on the fourth day after the spring festival, to a surprising amount of noise.

As Marcus prepares to head out of his parent’s house, toward the Bread and Board, for a meal better than cooked oats (his father’s favorite, and a dish his mother prepares with kindness every day) he is surprised to find his parent’s home is quiet, and his parents are nowhere to be found. He is disturbed, at first, but gradually he begins to notice a rumble of voices from somewhere nearby. It fades, this sound, and then rises again, and Marcus practically runs through the house to the door in his curiosity to find out what is going on.

Once he is outside he is startled. It looks as if every single citizen of Woodbridge, from Lakeside to the outer farms of Riverside, including many Maetaur and a few Gymnaga are all gathered at the stage, which is still standing from the festivities of a few days before, and it crosses his mind, briefly, “who was responsible for taking down the stage anyway?”

Patricia Flaherety is standing on the stage, behind her are her father, and her sister and brother-in-law. Mister Panforey is there as well, with Auria the One-Handed standing close to him, but his young wife and children are not by his side.

As Marcus, slowly, approaches the stage, the sound he heard earlier is revealed to be the shouting, angry voices of dozens of villagers all trying to speak at once. He overhears bits and pieces, ”Not our fault,” and “Where are they, who sent them away?” and cries of , “it’s too late now, we must arm ourselves or abandon the village!”

Marcus sees Cicily in the crowd, and she is standing next to Rosilindea. The young Gymnaga girl, Alinda stands apart from a half dozen more of her people, and she seems to be searching the crowd for someone. When she sees Marcus she begins heading toward him.

Patricia raises her hands high and says, loudly, but trying not to shout.

”Auria has done all she can, and we have asked Cicily and Rosilindea for their help as well. The men have not died, and the rumors you are all hearing are just that, rumors. There is no reason for us to think we’ve done anything to bring down the wrath of the Aladoans.”

Day 7, Woodbridge (cont.)

A villager, an Elven woman Marcus does not recognize steps toward the stage, and turns to face the crowd. She pleads with the people in front of her, but Marcus cannot hear her. He can only witness her leaning forward, holding her hands out toward the ground, and pushing downward in a gesture that is both calming and authoritative.

Geoffry Gallihan, a man whose home is not to far from the Dale family home (they keep chickens) steps violently toward the Elven woman and takes her arm in his hand. “We can’t let these strangers live among us anymore!” the man shouts.

Marcus has had little dealings with Geoffry, but he knows the man’s wife, Fiona, well, She is kind and timid, and the family has four small children. Geoffry is younger than Marcus’ father, but older than Marcus by several years. He is a dark haired, slender built man, with a hatchet-like face and small eyes that dart from place to place when he speaks.

The shouting of the crowd intensifies. Patricia leaps from the stage and throws Geoffry to the ground. The crowd presses forward, then surges back. People in the crowd begin to shove one another as Marcus realizes that there are more Elves, and a few Halflings in the crowd.

Day 6, The Green Wood

Alomar, running to the south, meets Phineas and Poseus as they run to join him. The three friends pause for a moment, giving Phineas just enough time to heal Poseus’ injuries with a request of his patron’s blessings.

Alomar questions the lyphs about where they should go and the young Lyph points back to the north, saying, “Our place is just to the north, near the lake.”

Everyone looks to the North, and you all see the Boggard examining the cage, and then looking in your direction.

”No, Jarkhun,” Tanner says as he floats upward off of Alomar’s back and then moves to where he is hovering between the three friends, ”We, must go east. The Dakalyphs have a village just a short distance away. We must go there, warn the Dakas, and then with their strength we can return to our own people and approach the Enmoraa and tell them Barquo is dead, but that Duroque has returned to this part of the wood. This way, Alomar, quickly.”

Tanner points to the east, and then flys slowly off in that direction, glancing over his shoulder to be sure that Alomar and his friends are following.

Alomar throws a puzzled look at his friends, he is not sure he understood everything Tanner said.

Enmoraa, Barquo and Duroque, who or what are these? I guess that will have to wait, there is a time for speech and a time for action.

Alomar follows Tanner, keeping an eye at the Boggard to make sure it does not follow them.

Marcus will do his best to push through the crowd towards the front of the stage. He does his best to separate the mass of voices into coherent thoughts and sentences. He listens to Patricia's words, and is surprised he hasn't heard any news regarding it. Although to be fair, he holed himself in him father's shop working long hours to try and finish the armor and other items for the others.

He looks around for his parents, trying to gauge their thoughts and opinions on the hectic and possibly violent situation.

Marcus watches on, as Mr. Gallihan inserts his views and is swiftly taken out of the picture to ensure nobody is hurt. He searches his brain, for anything that might have gone on in the past days.

Know local take 10: 10 + 8 = 18 for anything that may have happened that I know about.

Know geography take 10: 10 + 8 = 18 distance from Castletown to Wwodbridge. Guards just came with trader correct? Did they ever say why they came to Woodbridge? Census or anything else?

After taking a few moment to let everything sink in with the current issues, and trying to recall whatever knowledge he can from his slightly pounding head, for better or worse Marcus will climb onto the stage, if unstopped, and turn to address the mob.

QUIET, EVERYONE QUIET DOWN he screams at the top of his lungs, not knowing it it will help or not. He is hoping a new face will at least quiet the crowd.

He looks towards the unknown Elven woman and quietly asks her are you okay?

He than looks back towards the hopefully quiet crowd, and speaks to them in a normal voice. People of Woodbridge, you know me. My father and I have mended whatever was brought to us, and have been fair to everyone here, whether you be Human, Elven, Gymnaga or whatever race you are. Please, hear me out, he takes a deep breathe then continues, Auria, Cicily, and Rosilindea have never steered is wrong and they have bent over backwards countless times to heal the sick and injured in Woodbridge. If they say the Aladoan men are not deceased that I believe them. Everyone, violence and racial separation is not the answer. Violence only breeds pain and sorrow. While I may not be able to stop the violence within our town, I will tell you this much I will not be a part of it. While I cannot speak for my father, I myself REFUSE to make, mend, or sharpen and weapons or other instruments that may be used again each other, Human, Elven, Gymnaga, or Halfling. I simply refuse to fuel this senseless fire

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

Phineas, who is slow and weighed down a bit by his load, is no match for any Metaur in footspeed. However, motivated to move as fast as he can, he hurries along after Alomar and his little faerie friends.

Poseus shrugs and moves with the two of Woodbridge as they run east toward the 'Dakalyph' settlement.
All that time he glances over his shoulder to make sure the boggard is not following and mulls over the names the Lyph just mentioned.
Knowledge Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

He thinks he has heard the name before, but can't put his mind to where and what was said.

"Assuming that Barquo is the frog-like creature that died, Duroque would be the other?" Poseus asks the Lyph called Tanner as they move along.

Day 7, Woodbridge (morning)

Marcus is not aware of anything that has happened, in the last 24 hours, that would have set off this sudden gathering of the townspeople. He is vaguely aware of the fact that it is a three day journey (walking) to reach Castletown, but that it is a long walk because people tend to follow the river most of the way (the bogs and wetlands south of the river are considered dangerous, and it is easy to get lost there). The two soldiers who arrived with Wuda, indicated that they were only visiting Woodbridge and not on any sort of official visit. Both men are sick with a high fever, cough, and chills

The crowd quiets down when Marcus begins to talk, and he finishes his words without interruption.

Margie Toolwoad steps forward, when he is finished and says

”Marcus Dale is right. Auria has said that the men should be kept away from people to protect us from whatever is the cause of their illness, and she has never lied to us before. Now is not the time to be taking up arms, not when we’ve come so far, and done so well. The forest is cleared with care with the help of the Maetaur, and the Gymnaga have shown us how to manage the river to water our fields, and maintain the fish and plants better than it has ever been. We’ve always welcomed people, good people, in Woodbridge, and we always will. The Dale family are good people, skilled and fair. If they are taking a stand against violence, then I stand with them.”

Day 7, Woodbridge (morning) continued

”And I agree,” Alinda, the Gymnaga girl says as she slides next to Margie.

Yes, listen to Marcus, he speaks the truth. His friends have gone to help us, and I know they will return soon,” Elizabeth Goodwell adds her voice to the others.

One by one more voices are added, until it spreads through the crowd, and everyone agrees that cooler heads, and kinder hearts will prevail

Marcus earns 400 experience points

Day 7, Castletown, morning

Sabrinelle is just about to say something when the Elven Doctor, and his wife, come out of the hall behind her. Calex and Dieredon can see that the man is helping his wife along, but as soon as he runs into this small gathering he speak up.

”Gentlemen, and Ladies, forgive me, I noticed you left so suddenly and I was told you needed to see someone about an illness,” his voice is clear and he speaks directly with confidence. “I am Doctor Ranthiel Lavinl. First let me say thank you for saving my wife. If there is anything I can do, to help you, please, just ask. I have a small practice, in the city, and I’ve seen a lot of people come down with a fever similar to the one I’ve heard you have spoken about. I practice medicine with a different approach than Madame Duplay, the priestess here in the castle, but let me tell you, we have seen that divine magic has had little to no effect in reversing the course of the illness. Excuse, me, am I interrupting anything?” It finally dawns on him that something, somewhat confrontational may have nbeen going on before he arrived.

Georgiana approaches Calex and Dieredon, and bows deeply at the waist as she sheaths her sword

”Please, forgive me. It is my first duty to protect the interests of Aladoa, and, and, well, there has been much to take in, in so little time. Dieredon, I need to return to the office of the Groundskeeper, you know where that is located, don't you?. We are still taking a look at many of the records and I will see to it that the letter explaining your duties is finished as soon as possible. Count on it being finished before sunset. If you intend to leave Castletown today, I will send the letter after you and ensure it is delivered into your hands personally. If you will stay today and leave tomorrow, I can have it delivered to the place you are staying, if you made those arrangements.”

”Leaving?” Sabrinelle says with a frown. ”Surely you aren’t leaving so soon? I have offended you, Calex, Dieredon, please allow me to make it up to you. There is a tavern, it is near the Half Penny Ferry, just to the right of the great lamp post on Dorian Street where it ends at River Way. It is called The Periwinkle Calliope. Let me go there now and arrange a private room, for as many as you feel necessary, and food and drink, at my expense. We’ll meet there in say, an hour, how does that sound?”

I see no reason why we cannot take our repose at the Periwinkle Calliope as you suggest while we await further orders and instruction. Once we have indeed received all that is necessary from our superiors, we will leave for Woodbridge, but I am certain that can at least wait until the morning. Calex?

Day 6, the Green Wood

Alomar sets off at a quick pace, following Tanner and Jarkhun, but the young female Lyph remains standing on his back. When he begins to move, she leans forward and puts her arms around his waist. She is barely able to reach to either side of his waist, but hold on tightly.

With a quick glance behind him, Alomar can see that the frog-man is not following, but is instead headed toward the place where the other frog-man fell. He also sees that Phineas and Poseus cannot keep up with him.
Tanner glances behind when he senses that Alomar has slowed a little, and then he darts quickly to Alomar’s shoulder and lands there. He is light, and he gently takes a handful of Alomar’s hair.

”Yes,” Tanner says looking toward Poseus, ”Barquo and Duroque are the two Enmoraa behind us. They…”

He does not finish as Jarkhun flies to a place in front of Poseus and says, ”They are not Enmoraa! Maybe they once were, but they ventured into sacred places, cursed places, and were changed. They grew, and are still growing. They are to their own people what Fornaggabbin* are to the human folk, or Nesscri* are to the Gymnaga kind. Their minds are warpped by foul magic and dark mysteries. They eat flesh, and prey upon anything and everything they can catch. It was believed that they were driven from the Green Wood last summer, but they have returned. It would be better for everyone if they die, and if I could I would do it myself. But they are cursed. Hah, you think you’ve killed one of them, but don’t be so sure.”

Tanner does not finish what he was going to say, nor does he correct Jarkhun. Instead he points to the east and says, ”Continue this way for a little further, then there is a hill, a small hill covered with Laurel and Larch. There is a cave, hidden in the hill by a growth of vines and wild clover. It isn’t impossible to find, but we will have to search for it. The Dakalyphs have a place there that they use as a stronghold, and there will be someone there who can take us to their village.”

*Fornaggabbin, pronounced “Four –nouth – vin” it means Ogre, in the common tongue. Poseus has never heard the word Nesscri before, but it sounds like Nessemin, which means “Demon” in the old Gymnagga language.

Calex frowns, then shrugs, uneasy at the way this whole situation is running hot and cold both at the same time. But...
"I see no reason not to move this out of the hallway to more comfortable surroundings. Thank you for your hospitality, Madame."
Cal then turns to the physician and says "Doctor, your offer is as welcome an interruption as any- we have a very real need for your expertise. Please, any instructions for the treatment of this sickness is needed badly in Woodbridge. I don't know if its possible for you to accompany us back to aid us, but even written instructions sent with some known medicine or physick to begin the victims recovery will go a long way towards helping us. You said divine magic does not seem to be effective, but I'll tell you true your aid could be just the miracle we need."

Alomar mulls things over in his head while moving along at an easier pace for Poseus and Phineas. If what Jarkhun says is true then these creatures sure are abominations! Why are things changing so fast, has the world gone mad?

Phineas trots along behind the Metaur and friends hoping they know where they are going.

Day 7, Castletown, morning

The doctor listens to Calex explain the needs of Woodbridge, and then asks, ”Did you say these were natives of Orimar, or are they Alodoans?”

Calex and Deiredon then notice that the lady Sabrine gives an odd look to the Doctor.

The Doctor then puts a hand on Calex’s shoulder and moves him off to one side, and says, quietly, ”This is a delicate issue, Sir Calex. We have found, up until now, that the natives of Orimar, the people calling themselves Urandomans, are oddly immune to this affliction. They can be infected, but suffer only minor symptoms, a running nose and a burning of the eyes, but they recover in a week or two whereas Alodans, usually deteriorate rapidly developing chest pressures, severe chills and a burning fever, often it is fatal.”

He keeps looking past Calex at Sabrine, and finally he clears his throat and says, ”I will be taken my wife home and seeing to her care. I would appreciate it if you could meet me at my offices in town. I have a practice, a place where I see and treat people from the community, at forty-two Waterside Row, that’s to the south of the ferry, just to the left of Candor’s Bakery. I will be there in the afternoon until just before sunset. Come by there when you can and we can discuss the issue at length and I will put together a remedy kit for you. I’m afraid with my wife recovery as she is I cannot travel to Woodbridge for at least four or possibly six weeks.”

While the Doctor is talking Georgiana addresses Dieredon one last time, “Take whatever time you need,” she sighs, a heavy long breath escapes her and she goes on, ”I will be in the office till very late tonight, probably all night long. Thank you, and I’m sorry, again. It’s my temper, I have a hot head and I know it. We’ll do what we can to support you.”

Sabrine is quiet, and patiently smiles while the Doctor and the Ranger finish their business, then she moves toward Deiredon and says, ”I will go and make arrangements fitting our private needs. The Periwinkle Calliope is south of the Doctor’s practice, just a street or to from him. You can come now and I will lead the way, or come later, I’ll wait patiently for you. In addition to the things that these good people have need of I too would like to ask you a few questions and possibly entertain you with a request of my own. Would you like to follow me now, or do you need more time?”

Calex, I think that it is best that we depart now for the Doctor's and then to the Periwinkle Calliope.

Dieredon catches up to Georgiana before she leaves.

Nevermind our recent conversation. I will come back to see you after these two visits it appears that I must make. I still need a briefing on my tasks and responsibilities concerning the new position before heading back to Woodbridge.

Day 6, the Green Wood, approaching mid day

Alomar follows Tanner’s directions, and Poseus and Phineas follow Alomar. What begins as a hurried march through the thicket of trees, small and large, short and tall, thick and thin, gradually becomes a slow walk. For what seems like an inordinate amount of time, the group walks through the forest in silence, with only a gently, “Turn here,” or “Follow that trail” there, spoken softly by Tanner to interrupt the silence. Light streams down through the spring time branches of the trees newly budding with growth. The leaves and detritus of trees and other plants growing wild over ages of time crackle and crunch beneath them as the three friends delve deeper and deeper into the mysterious forest.

Poseus is particularly disturbed by the sounds he makes as he slides along trying to keep pace with the others, but he feels, at least, some comfort as he notices that Phineas has a harder time placing his feet.

Alomar, with the practice and precision of his kind, steps over exposed roots, and avoids deep pockets of decaying matter, but poor Phineas stumbles occasionally. Of the three of them, certainly Alomar is the only one comfortable in this environment.

After what seems like hours, with no warning, no markers or trails to tell them where they’ve come to (the only trails they’ve followed, at Tanner’s urging, are the trails of small animals, barely recognizable as trails at all to the untrained eye) the group suddenly emerges onto a shallow dell, a glen of sorts, wide and round, with short grass and colorful patches of low growing wildflowers here and there.

At the north east boundary of the glen there is a hillock, a place where the ground rises up with defiance. It is covered with thorny bushes, brambles and vines that have leaves anyone can see are dangerous to touch.

Appearing from a concealed place, perhaps a hole or burrow, from the hill, in a slow shamble, nose to the ground, tail held high, comes an unusually large skunk. It seems to take no notice of the party of friends, but sniffs at the ground with a tenacity that seems overstated.

The skunk does not appear to be coming toward you, but as you wait, slowly, little by little it grows closer. When it is only a few feet away, Tanner addresses the skunk in a loud and clear voice.

”Grandmother Astorel, it is I, Tanner of Thingrowel. I have come here with three of the big folk from the southern villages. There is no reason for alarm.“

You stand in awe as a whirlwind of flower petals and acorns rises from the ground and surrounds the large skunk and before your eyes the creature transforms into a hunched woman no more than three feet tall.

She is pudgy, but not fat. Her arms are thick and her hands are knobby like that of a person who has worked the ground for an eternity. She wears a long robe of black and white wool that is tied around her waist with a leather belt. She carries no staff, no rod, no stick to help her stand, but she is bent with age. Her face is pleasant, her eyes bright and golden brown. Her forehead is wrinkled, and the crows feet of her eyes speak to you of wisdom beyond a single lifetime. Her hair is short, silvery grey, and brushed back from her face, tucked behind her small ears.

”’Ello young Tanner of Thingrowel,” the old woman says. Her voices shakes, and she pauses between each word. ”My home is always open to the good folk, I bid you welcome, and your friends, but, is it in passing through the hill you’ve come? My days as guardian of the way have long been expired. How may I present you this day, and know this well. She, the witch, has seen your coming. She sent me here, to greet you, not to prevent your passing, but only to smell the places where the big folk’s feet fall to know if they come to be seen or come to see?”

Poseus looks on in awe and amazement at the sudden change and looks baffled by the time the old woman speaks.

What kind of marvels lie before us and around us I wonder. All the stories told by my elders seem to be true, but that's just the start of it it seems. First those frog-like creatures and Lyphs, now a transforming Lyph and a witch. Though I wonder what's with the cryptic questions, I don't understand her.

Poseus remains awfully quiet at first, until the old lady glimpsees at him and sees him staring. He blinks and realizes he's being rude.

"I'm sorry Madame Astorel, I shouldn't stare." He says as he bows slightly.

"I am Poseus, a fisherman from the village of Woodbridge. It's an honour to meet you. I'm sorry if I misunderstood, but what do you mean with 'come to be seen or come to see'? We are emissaries of a sort, though we hope to be spoken with if that's alright. As well as see your homes, as that is usually something only spoken about in my people's lore. I truly relish the chance to be able to see it with my own eyes."

day 7...morning thru night

Marcus breathes a sigh of relief. He is happy things quieted down, and that he didn't make matters worse. He is always afraid of sayign or doing the wrong thing. He know that violence only breads more violence, but it is necessary to protect loved ones.

After everyone disperses, and he knows that the young Elven ladies are safe, Marcus gives a nod towards his parents, and takes off towards his fathers' shop.

He settles down, a focuses all of his jitters and anxiety into the work at hand. He grabs his tools, and works of the spit for Ms. Toalwood. It takes him about half a work day to fix the spit, and he hand delivers it to her and apologizes for the delay. He apologizes for not being able to stay, that he has another project that demands his attentions. He says goodbye, goes back to the anvil and continues to work of the armor for Poseus.

craft armor: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23 vs DC 13

23 x 13 = 299/7 = 44/2 (half day) = 22

Too amazed to speak, Phineas watches the transformation of the skunk to teh old woman. He hears her speak of witchs and tries to remember the reason they came this way in the first place..the poison of Roan and the sickness of the two strangers, and to see the position of the lyph.

"Pardon me for interrupting," says Phineas in his most polite and charming voice. "But i was wondering if this witch of yours might not have some item to help us. You see, one of our villagers has been poisoned by a wild beast, and 2 others are ill. The elders sent us here to see if the lyph could be of help in these matters."

He gives his best winning smile and tries to convince the others. "Do you have the ability to aid us?"

Alomar stands dumbfounded and after Poseus had the grace to introduce himself comes to his senses a bit. He makes an Maetaur curtsy by getting on his front knees and moving his head down.

"I am honoured to meet you, I am Alomar. May I ask who this Witch is that you are speaking of?"

"I agree. The sooner we get that taken care of the better, and we can leave the Doctor to care for his wife." Calex turns to Sabrine and gives her a depreciating smile. "I'm afraid, Madame, that we must infringe upon your patience, and meet with you later in the day. I look forward to speaking with you soon." Cal waits for Dieredon to finish his words with Georgiana, then gestures to the Doctor to lead the way.

Day 7, Castletown

A little bit of confusion here, but I’ll push passed it. The Doctor tried to make it clear that he was not available until later in the day, but it seems that Calex and Dieredon need his help right away, so we’ll treat it a bit differently.

Dieredon and Calex follow the Doctor to his home. It is a modest cottage, with a few small out buildings, and it seems as though the Good Doctor keeps a few chickens and cows in addition to his practice. He sees to it that his wife is comfortable, and is happy that before he leaves her one of his adult children (a son by the name of Jeridion) arrives with an armload of backed goods, and a basket of fresh washed vegetables. The Doctor and his son exchange pleasantries, and then when all is well and taken care of he leads you both to his practice.

The Doctor takes down all of the information the two of you can offer him, and even asks a few questions that leave you both stumped, unable to give him an answer. He describes the fever in detail, and then tells you, with much sadness in his words, that it is most often fatal to people of Alodoa, but that a syrup, distilled from several plants and mixed with a fermented grain can help the ill individual to remain strong long enough for the body to fight the affliction, if it is administered in time, and without interruption. He tells you that he will make two pint bottles of the syrup, and he will write down clear instructions on how it is to be given. He tells you that it will take a few hours to prepare the syrup, and it wi, but that a syrup, distilled from several plants and mixed with a fermented grain can help the ill individual to remain strong long enough for the body to fight the affliction, if it is administered in time, and without interruption. He tells you that he will make two pint bottles of the syrup, and he will write down clear instructions on how it is to be given. He tells you that it will take a few hours to prepare the syrup, and it will be ready before nightfall.

---letter to Dieredon---

While Dieredon is at the Doctors office in the town, a messanger from the castle arrives with a letter. The letter is three pages of folded parchment, with small writing.

I am sending a PM to Dieredon, it is LONG, but not complete, hopefully it is a start! A second set of papers, from the Lady of the Castle will be delivered to Calex later in the evening (and by that I mean in a day or two, I've got so much to do!)

Day 6, the Green Wood, approaching mid day

The old woman undergoes a transformation once again, and resumes her form as a large skunk. She approaches Poseus cautiously. Her nose moves in twitches, first it is close to the ground, then it is in the air, then it is near the ground again.

Something startles her and she begins to scurry backward in a most peculiar fashion. She turns aiming her rear at all of you, then turns again, and transforms back into an old woman. As soon as she has regained this shape, she crouches on the ground, going on to one knee. She places on hand on the grass, and stares at Poseus.

”You have the blood of a Boggard on you, “ the old woman says quietly. ”One of the cursed ones, yes I know the smell. And it is fresh. Tell me what has happened, why do you have this blood scent on you? Yes, you have fought the Boggard’s of Misty Lake, the brother’s Barquo and Duroque, yes there is no mistake. As old as I am, I still know the blood of an ogre when I smell it. You say you came to see the good folk and ask for their help. And yet you tell me nothing of the ogre blood you wear, or how it is that the Nuonalyph’s Tanner and Jarkhun come willing with you. Yes I smell the young one, and I remember the times he crept up behind me and pulled my tail to make his friends laugh. The witch, Ha’Uldurah has been expecting you. He has seen the coming of our kind in his dreams. I will show you the way to her cottage, it is reached through this hedge, but you are too large to go that way, so, Tanner and Jarkhun will go that way and announce you are coming, and I will take you the long way around, to the south.”

Day 7, Castletown

When the Doctor has finished with Calex and Dieredon there is nothing left for them to do but search out the place called the Periwinkle Calliop. You ask a man on the street to help you and he points and directs you to the south, around a corner near a large lamp post. When you find the place you are taken slightly aback.

It is a large tavern. The front is gaily painted in reds and yellows. Baskets of summer flowers hang from hooks set in the overhang that covers the porch and there are even tables outside of the place where city people sit and eat salads and plates of pasta served in an aromatic red wine sauce.

Before you can enter, a young Alodoan girl approaches you. She is pretty, with short curly brown hair and green eyes. She has freckles on her nose and a warm smile. She greats you both by name, and tells you that she was told to watch for your coming, and to direct you to a private room, on the first floor of the tavern near the front of the building. Though the room is private, it has a bay window that faces the street with a view of the river. The room is large, and there are comfortable chairs and a large round table that is already set with fruit, cheese, and pastries, two bottles of wine, a pitcher of water, and several glasses. The girl asks you to wait, and tells you that she will go and get Sabrine who is currently doing business with the owner of the tavern, a woman named Lorelei.

Dieredon and Calex may exchange information with Sabrine, or skip this encounter and move on to the night. I assume they will be returning to the inn, the Rising Sun. When Calex arrives at the Rising Sun, there will be a messenger following close behind who delivers to him a letter.

Calex, do you have more to ask of Sabrine. The missive that I received earlier certainly lays out my duties and course of action clearly. It appears that I am responsible for other scouts in and around the area of Woodbridge. I am responsible for the County District of Woodbridge, which contains 12 townships. You may not have been told yet, but you, Calex of Woodbridge, have been designated the Shire Reeve of the Township of Woodbridbge, all matters of the Crown’s responsibilities within that township shall fall to you, and I am instructed to support you in this role. However, I am also expected to report on the lawful behavior of all citizens of the county. So, apparently, you and I will be working hand in glove for the Alodoan Crown, my friend.

Poseus seems perplexed and taken aback by the words of the old little woman in front of him and doesn't know what to say at first.

Then he makes a few stuttering remarks before beginning to retell the entire boggard story.

"Well uhm.. yes.. I killed one of those...frogmen...B-but I.. I defended.. We intended to save Tanner and Jarkhun, only we didn't know their names at first, but.." He looks to Phineas and alomar with a look pleading for support.

"I'll start over. We came here, to these woods seeking the Lyphs and their help. Our elders knew about your people staying here, normally we don't travel so far from our village. Anyway, we came upon a scene where two of these frogmen were busy building a cooking fire, drawn by the scent of it and perhaps these 'boggards' as well. There one of us spied a cage containing Tanner, Jarkhun and other Lyphs. They seemed to be in distress so we wanted to free them all, that's why we engaged those frogmen in combat. while Alomar here, kept them busy with a spell, Phineas and I tried to ambush them once they gave him chase. I killed one of the two with my spear as Alomar freed your kin."

Poseus quivers in front of the old woman. I beg you for your pardon ma'am, for not bringing this up sooner."

"Poseus has the right of it. We have been attacked by snake men and by these boggards since entering the woods. We are not warriors, but will defend ourselves if necessary. We are here from the human village of Woodbridge, on a mission of peace and friendship. We seek your aid and counsel and offer ours in return."

He makes a gesture of goodwill and friendship, bowing, and trying to appear humble.

"My companions are correct, although Phineas seems to forget that Woodbridge is also a Gymnaga and Maetaur village and that we were sent as representatives of the different races that make their living there."

Alomar smiles at Phineas to show that he does not feel slighted that he forgot the non-humans.

Calex nods at Dieredon, and says ruefully "I thought something of the kind was in the wind. I have no idea how to explain the news to the villagers, since we were supposed to be trying to keep the Empire out of Woodbridge! Still, this was inevitable. Woodbridge cannot stand alone, and the Empire is too powerful an ally to deny. The doctor's help proves that. I would like to talk more with Sabrine, and see if we can come to any agreement on her sharing her spell knowledge with me. Also, she seems to have extensive insider information on the politics of Castletown. We may need that in the future, and it might be wise to cultivate her as a contact now while we have the chance. But, Dieredon..."Calex pauses and frowns a moment.."Something about her makes me distrustful. I think she could be dangerous to cross if we are not careful."

I agree that it is time to bring Woodbridge, at least into harmony with the Empire, if not under its protection. However, you have hit on something, Calex. There is no doubt that the Empire IS dangerous, if you get on the wrong side of it. That is precisely why I plan to keep Woodbridge in its good graces.