The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Marcus tideys up his shop and loses himself in the cleaning. He hears a commotion that causes him to snap out of his trance like state. He closes up shop and goes to see what all the commotion is about.

He overhears a few of the townsfolk mention the return of Cakex and Dieredon.

I am so relieved to know they are safe. I wonder what happened on their journey? I have so many questions... Marcus' mind raced with so many thoughts. He headed over with the rest of town to Auria's home in hopes he didn't miss them.

He listened as Calex gave his speech, and his jaw dropped open when hearing about The Lord and stays dropped to the very end. He is beyond shocked and is speechless, he slowly makes his way to the front and sees Poseus as he asks his question, wondering the response.

Dieredon, sporting new armor and the trappings of a military position, steps forward next to Calex to address the crowd.

Citizens of Woodbridge, allow me to explain better the duties that Calex and I have been charged with by the Empire. My new commission is that of Lieutenant of the Groundsmen. I am charged to be responsible for the safety of Representatives of the Crown that are within the boundaries of the territory under my care. This newly recognized Territory covers an area of twelve townships, or 432 square miles. It begins in the bogs north and west of Woodbridge, follows the coastline south for 18 miles, and extends inland (to the east and encompasses Woodbridge) for 24 miles. Scouts operating within this territory will be tracked down and notified that I have undertook this commission and that they are to report to me once at least every 21 days, from the time they are notified until the time they are relieved of their duty. I am granted the right to muster the scouts in my assigned territory in any case I deem a threat to the well being of the citizens under Alodoan protection. In other words, all of you fine folks. I may also recruit members into the Groundsmen, obtaining from them an oath of allegiance and securing for them a salary.

Citizens of Woodbridge, you have been recognized by the Crown, and been identified as a Township District Seat. With that comes the protection of the Crown and the enjoyment of its resources through trade. You have not been conquered or taken over, but we have all been given the opprtunity to prosper. I have been a resident of lakeside in Woodbridge for quite some tiome, and I know most of you quite well. Believe me when I say that this will only serve to assist the growth and safety of our community.

With that, Dieredon steps back with a smile upon his face.

Poseus scowls and grimaces, shaking his head fervently at Dieredon's words.

"However you put that Dieredon, that still sounds like being taken over to me, Calex brought it nicer than you actually. Suddenly we must have to obey your rules and laws and you two become our overseers all of a sudden? You two as emissaries I can get behind that, but us having to ask permission for everything seems unfair."

Poseus crosses his arms and looks at Dieredon with disappointment in his eyes.

"We've been living here for some time now, even the Gymnaga have been here for some time. Our elders, leaders and priests, wise men and women all, have kept us on the good track, should we discard that all just because the Alodoans say you two are in charge? Who are they to say we should change the way we live?"

Poseus pauses again, to see how Dieredon reacts, as this is not what he had expected from the elf.
"Safety aye, but a high price to pay for it."

Marcus watches to back and forth of the two, watching and listening to every word spoken of the two.

Guys, I can see both your points and views. While I do agree with you Poseus that this change is both sudden and I agree unsettling in terms of "our way of life". Think about how our village may have faired if these "assassins" brought utter chaos to our land? What if Castletown thought that we had sent people to bring them crashing to the ground? What if they viewed us as the enemy? I have faith and truly believe that we would have been wiped out and easily. Our men can handle their own, but it would have been a sheer numbers game and we would have lost.

I do agree that it does feel like we are being taken over, but look at the bigger picture, at least we can continue going on about our business. There may be some more "hoops" to jump through or other such hassles, but I don't believe Dietedon or Calex would ever do us harm. They know better than most that our town is a close-knit one and we ALL would band together if that the case

He lets his words sink in a but before turning to Calex and Dieredon.

Now guys, even you must admit that what you say today on your return is both a lot to digest in a short period and marginally demanding to some degree. Before we build what is needed, farm what is needed and DO what is needed for our village to prosper and survive. We take from this land what we need to get through each year. Now, we need to ask permission, to keep doing what we have been doing all these years. Now, I am not saying that this will end badly, it just a lot to take in. Gods forbid, that the new Lord doesn't get a bug up his butt, and deny a request that we need; whether it be a building/farming permit, request for aid of some dirt or whatever. Being reliant on another is no easy task, especially when WE as a village have done so well for so long.

Marcus waits and then addresses the three friends as one.

Now, my advice would be to let the current news settle in before anybody, myself included, do anything or say anything we may regret later. I don't want to see this ruin the friendships we have made before the journey to Castketown took place.

Now, on a side note, when you get a second Poseus, come by the shop so I can properly fit your new armor. I just finished it this morning

Well put, Marcus. I do not know that your way of life would be hindered in any fashion, other than to open up commerce to the outside and organize things under the Crown's protection. I did not get the impression, when charged with this commission, that permits for anything would be withheld. The Crown wants Woodbridge to prosper, and would like to see everyone receive their just deserts. As for laws and enforcement, I indicated that these would be developed from the local leaders within the broad reaching moral tenets of the Crown. I would fear for the lives and livelihood of everyone in Woodbridge if were to continue to grow without the guidance, assistance, and protection of the Crown. Calex and I are simply administrative arms of this process. I am no ruler, and I do not claim to control anyone in the name of the Crown. I simply want what is best for the lands in and around Woodbridge, as per my charge.

Day 8, Woodbridge

Word has not reached Mingary bend, nor MacNorra House

There are grumbles from the crowd, but to Diederon’s and Calex’s good fortune some in the crowd are Alodoans. The few of them here try to keep their comments positive, and this helps the argument, somewhat.
Egan Dooley is the loudest in the crowd, not because he is antagonistic, but because he has a voice that carries weight, and he says, holding his arms out wide, ”So you’re just taking our land from us now is that it? We’ve got to ask permission to hold what we’ve owned for generations? I don’t like it.”

Geoffry Galihan looks nervously at Egan (it is no secret the two men do not see eye to eye) and says, ”But we could use more people in the village. More people means less monsters, am I right. There was that incident just a week ago with the Oghan ‘s boy being taken right from the edge of the village by the Fulogh Mogobbh. Does anyone else remember a few years ago when there were raids on the farms? We could use a little help.”

Arguments, still civil in tone, grow among the crowd.

Meanwhile, at Mingary Bend

Cicily is tending to vegetables in the communities garden, not far from where she stands, off to the side of a row of cabbage, the fair-haired Maetaur girl, Darlene is kneeling on the ground with three small Maetaur children, she is teaching them how to fashion reed-pipes, small instruments made for playing simple tunes. She lifts her head and smiles at Alomar when he approaches Cicily, and appears to be listening in on his conversation.

Cicily says, ”That the wolves approached you and asked for your help speaks of many things, Alomar. First it says that they recognized you as a person with strong ties to the land, and second that they were desperate. I am glad to hear that they still respect the old ways. Believe me a wolf-war can be a terrible thing even if most people never realize it is happening. I understand Phineas’ concern. There is a lot that is changing in Woodbridge, and he is needed there.”

Cicily moves off a bit further away from Darlene and goes on, ”Our world is not a small place, Alomar. In some ways I am glad to see you take this upon yourself. We have been a people who close ourselves off too often from the rest of the people of this land and as things change, as our populations grow, we need to be capable of growing ourselves. I think you should plan an expedition to reach the Altilyphs in the southern mountains. I can’t tell you how important it is that we find and put an end to this Fulough Barghnora in the marshes before it is too late. But be careful, and plan well. It is a long journey. It may well take several weeks, and the south is a dangerous place. When you are ready, come and see me again. Hopefully I can put together a few things that will aid you on your quest.”

Darlene has finished with the children by the time Cicily is done talking, and she approaches Alomar.

Welcome home Alomar, wild walker, she laughs. I am glad to see you didn’t get lost. I couldn’t help but overhear you talking to Aunt Cicily. Is it true you spoke to a wolf? Weren’t you afraid? I don’t know why you do these things.

She smiles as she talks, and walks in a slow circle around you looking up and down as if she is seeing something she cannot explain.

Day 8, Woodbridge, at the Bread and Board

Elizabeth Goodwell wanders around the inside of the tavern looking up at the ceiling and calling out to Caorann

Hello, Caorann, Caorann. Are you up there? Oh, please show yourself and talk to me. I’ve never met a real live fairy before.

Alomar shuffles nervously on his four feet, neck arching to keep Darlene in his eyes.

Oh, isn't she lovely?

"I am glad to be back Darlene, and you should know I don't get lost easily, the elementals would always guide me back to you" he stumbles "err, I meant to Mingary Bend, not that I would not want to be guided back to you", Alomar's ears are starting to turn a bright pink.

"Now what was I saying, yes I spoke to a wolf. And it was indeed frightening, I was afraid I would say the wrong things. I so envied him, he seemed to know exactly what he was doing and why and what his place was in the greater scheme of things."

Caorann pops her head out from her new home. "More people! Excellent! I have meeting so many new people it difficlu to remember them all. Who might you be?

Startled, at first, Elizabeth looks up at the small winged person in astonishment. Her hands fly up to her face and cover her mouth. She seems overcome with excitement, and finally she blurts out all in a rush, ” Oh my! Look at you. You’re amazing, and so beautiful. I’m, I’m Elizabeth, Beth, Lizzie, um Elizabeth Goodwell. Are you Caorann? Are you going to live here now? How old are you? Are you going to grow any bigger? Can you sing? You are the most amazing person I’ve ever met.”

Day 8, Woodbridge, outside of Auria’s home

As far as anyone in Woodbridge can be certain, the Alodoans came to this land about nine years ago.

It was only a couple of years after that that construction began on the castle at Castletown, and it wasn’t long after that that the first of these new people made their way into Woodbridge.

They were cautious, at first, but polite, and this was seen as a good thing by the people of Woodbridge who valued such things as caution and kindness.

There were few farms Lakeside then, and there were certainly not any Inns and in the beginning it was difficult for the newcomers to find a place to live while they built their homes. But as it is with these kinds of events, time, patience, and good will (not to mention good opportunities to earn the new silver coins brought into Woodbridge by the strangers) overcame the slight obstacles and the population of Woodbridge grew by several families of Alodoans of every kind, Human, Elf and Halfling alike.

After a few years the influx of Alodoans slowed, and then stopped. It seemed that there were not many new Alodoans coming into Castletown that felt the lure of the wild places of the land, and those that lived in Woodbridge became part of the community, part of the celebrations, part of the families even as young people of both nations grew to know each other, fell in love and married.

The people of Woodbridge had come to accept the Alodoans. They did not treat them like strangers and did they think of them as invaders? Certainly not! Alodoans seemed to be no different from anyone else. That was until he came.

It was just a couple of years ago, right after the very last settlers had moved into Woodbridge. Winter was still holding on, running late toward the spring that year, and one Wednesday morning he walked across the bridge into Riverside carrying the unconscious body of Young Connor O’lehig (the boy was only six at the time). The stranger explained that he had found the boy south of the village, lying under a tree with a nasty bump on his head, and thankfully seeing the smoke from several chimneys, he was able to bring the boy to his parents, and then he did something no one completely understood.

The stranger knew some magic, healing magic, but he called upon no God or Goddess, only laid his hands on the boy and healed his injury. This was something unheard of among the people of Woodbridge, and at first Mister Panforey was trouble by this act, but Old Conner O’lehig and his wife would not hear anything evil spoken about the stranger’s act of kindness and that was the end of that.

The stranger seemed, at first, to not be interested in Woodbridge, but he was asked to stay for a day, and then another, and when Bartholomew Astorius, the Aladoan mason, learned that the stranger was actual one of his own people, the brick layer immediately set upon building a small house for the stranger and with Bartholomew’s wife’s encouragement, the stranger stayed.

His name, they all learned, was Riku, but he gave no family name. He stayed Lakeside most of the time, was never seen in the Bread and Board at all, and kept to himself, only occasionally showing up on people’s doorsteps at the strangest times almost as if he knew when he was needed. He had had one encounter with Phineas, and that had not gone well, but the two young men stayed cordial, if somewhat distant from each other.

When Mary Flaherty had passed away, Old Sean’s wife of nearly fifty years, the stranger was there, and he helped Mister Panforey and Phineas with the services, ensuring that Mary was buried with the proper rituals of her own people and with the new ceremonies of the Alodoans as well.

It was this funeral, some say, that was the last button in the fabric that seemed to unite the community more tightly then they had ever been before. No longer did the people of Woodbridge refer to themselves as “locals” and “strangers” but gradually everyone was beginning to think that deep down inside they were all, maybe just a little bit, Alodoans after all.

Today the stranger was hovering near the edge of the crowd. He was wearing a heavy robe, and only his arms and hands could be seen in the daylight. Unlike anyone of Woodbridge, Riku had strange markings on his skin. Tattoos he called them, when asked by the very few people brave enough. The images were fluid, beautiful, strange, and held secrets only he understood. As words were spoken explaining that this little village, the place called Woodbridge, was being drawn into a much, much, larger world, Riku listened with a curious ear. Riku was not normally the kind to be interested in the village’s day to day turnings and changes, but this, this thing, was something, something big indeed.

Egan, I would have you listen carefully to the words of Geoffry. He has the gist of it. Permits for existing holdings will only make your current position more secure and protected under the rule of the Crown. I can only speak for myself, but I would certainly not deny any permits consistent with current holdings.

Riku stays silently behind the rest of the crowd. Those closest to him can hear him muttering his assent to this new development. He looks around, wondering why people would be so opposed to a development that is so clearly beneficial for the community.

Egan glares at Geoffrey, then turns his glare toward Dieredon
Dieredon, please make a Sense Motive Check versus a DC of
Egan’s Glare: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

A Halfling pushes his way to the front of the crowd. He steps in front of Geoffrey, crosses his arms over his chest and puts one foot forward. The Halfling is wearing expensive, but practical garments, and leather trimmed, three-corner hat. The fellow is young, but certainly not a child. He pulls his lips into a tight smile, showing no teeth. It is a malicious smile, not friendly, and it carries a hint of sarcasm.
When he speaks he takes an unnatural pause between each word. What he says is painful to hear, for more reasons than one.

”What – I – want – to – know – is, why should we believe anything the two of you have to say? It wouldn’t be the first time an Iarishean made a play to take something that wasn’t his. You come back from a trip to Castletown, or so you claim, and tell us you are heroes and now you own this village. You’re going to have to do better than that.”

Before Dieredon or Calex, or anyone else for that matter, can say anything, Patricia Flaherty steps forward quickly. She is wearing a leather, armor, vest, and a thick long sword in a scabbard is on her belt. She Holds out her hands and says, with force

”I want everyone to just calm down. We don’t need to fight about this. Believe me, I’ve had experience with the kind of thing these men are talking about, and if it is true, they’ll have papers, signed by some governor or lord with the seal of their empire. Now, you all know me, you know I went off as a young girl to find my fortune, but what you may not know is that I joined the army of King Bron O’Gower, of Kaleckair. We fought the Alodoans, and I’m not proud of that, but I’m no liar either. It’s what I did, what’s been done, but listen to me. The army of Alodoa could have crushed us, we were out matched in every way, but these people took victory with their hearts in the hands, and spared us. They made the same proclamation at Doringal, in Kaleckair and at first the people, like you and me, they stood against the orders of the Empire and do you want to know what happened next? Four thousand Alodoans marched on Doringal. They didn’t come to fight, no. The brought builders, masons, master masons, and every kind of craftsman, and they began building another castle like the one at Castletown. Doringal sits on a flat dry plain just off the Bonnegale Rver. Their probably still building that castle and Doringal is prospering for it, but look around you. Our village in on the edge of a marsh, nothing but a creek not suited for a two man boat, and a forest of hard wood trees that even the Maetaur can’t tame. You think they’ll build a castle here? They won’t. If we fight this, we are fighting people who solve problems their way, one way or another, and I don’t see any of us liking the solution. So go home, all of you. Collin, you come with me. You’ll represent the Alodaons. Geoffrey, Egan, and Margie Toolwoad will represent us, and we’ll take this to the Bread and Board. We’ll get the village elders, Auria, Old Connor, and my father, and we’ll see the papers these two bare, and when we’ve seen it, and know it, we’ll draft a notice for the whole village that explains it all and what people re to do next. But if you want my sword, just start some trouble, by the grass in my shoes I’ll finish it.”

Riku laughs to himself as Patricia silences the crowd with her speech.

Marcus, stands, slightly slack-jawed at what has just taken place. He doesn't say a word, only bids at Dieredon and Calex. He goes to finish shutting up the shop, then heads home for a meal than heads off to bed, anxious as to what is become of his home and village.

Once some of the crowd has cleared Riku crosses over to Dieredon. He speaks a quiet voice, barely more than a whisper. So, how did you acquire a title like this? I take it your trip to castle town was eventful?

Poseus nods at Patricia's words and backs down, he glances back at Dieredon and Calex drawing on more people including another Alodoan man.

He turns quickly towards his home village at the MacNorra ruins, as it it still early on in the day, perhaps late in the morning. He sees Marcus going away to his shop and follows him clling out.

"Marcus! Marcus!" He shouts as he tries to catch up with him.
"How have you been my friend? It's been some time since we could catch up with each other."

Fir some reason, thought it was night time. Ignore some of my post *doh*

Marcus is off in his own head when he hears Poseus' voice snap him out of it. He turns to welcome his friend with a hearty handshake.

Indeed, it has been far too long. I never knew how days could feel like weeks he says with a chuckle. Would you like to catch up at the shop, or get some if LuLu' amazing food. Either way, it will be nice to catch up with you and everyone else. Crazy with what is happening, huh? his face showing signs if anxiety and stress. Marcus has never been one to easily hide his emotions or feelings.

On a side note, that Patricia. She can be scary, but she sure knows how to handle our village and all the various personalities within it.

Marcus continues to walk towards whichever destination Poseus prefers, shop or B&B.

"Well we can head to the Bread and Board and check in with Lulu and Oscar. We've got a new guest staying with us at the inn if you didn't already hear about it."

Poseus says as he shakes Marcus's hand as firmly as he did.
"Crazy indeed," He says as they turn their way toward the Bread and Board, "we had thought things would change, but I hadn't expected this. It's not like Patricia is a leader for nothing, it's good that she takes charge before any conflict happens..."

Poseus looks down a bit while they walk/slither to the inn. I was about the instigator of such a conflict... I hope Patricia can make us a good deal out of this, Woodbridgeshould still be Woodbridge in my eyes.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Upon seeing Riku approach and hearing his words, he smiles at his Lakeside, reclusive neighbor.

Ahhh, Riku, that is quite a story to share. In short, Calex and I were sent to conduct my normal reporting activities, inquire about the skull we found, and seek a cure for the disease that inflicted the visiting Alodoans. We stumbled across and assassination attempt, and thwarted the death of the Lord's daughter, but could not get to the Lord of Castletown in time. We killed most of the assialants and captured others for questioning. Needless to say, the wife of the Lord, and new person in temporary charge of Castletown, was duly impressed with our service to the Empire. Thus, the commissions soon followed. I should look in on my abode before we gather at the Bread and Board for further conversation on the larger topic. Care to accompany me? You can tell me anything that you know about what has transpired in my absence.

He turns to Calex.

Calex, my friend, I am heading to check in on my home. You are welcome to join me, or I can catch up with you at the Bread and Board in a little while? Do we need to discuss our approach at the Bread and Board?

Dieredon will walk to his home and unboard the windows to air out the dwelling. He works quickly and is willing to chat with anyone who accompanies him before heading over into Woodbridge proper and the Bread and Board after a short while.

I would love to chat more Dieredon but I must know what is being said in the bread and board. I'll catch you up when you get there.

Riku walks quickly to the bread and board and finds a sear near the back of the room.

"I don't know that we have an approach, my friend, except to bring the articles that confirm our new posts and answer any and all questions as honestly as we can." Calex says as he watches Riku hurry away. "Everyone here is our friend and neighbor and deserve nothing less. Patricia put to words what I was looking to tell them, although I was looking for a gentler speech! Perhaps that was for the best- get the medicine down in a quick gulp. I'll head home and retrieve the documents, and meet you at the tavern." Calex sighs, and mutters "This is going to be a long day..."as he turns to head to his house.

I wonder what LuLu has, Marcus' thought ends as he hear Poseus mention a fairy living in town. A fairy, a real..fairy? Those were only something my mother told me about or what I read in books. I never thought they were real.

With the final thought if there being a real fairy, Marcus feels like he is 10 years old again and sprints off towards the Bread & Board, hoping he is not to late. I have been working too much, just like dad. I need to take more breaks, it the first I have heard about the fairy

Poseus, hurry up. I don't want to miss the chance at seeing a fairy in the flesh.. as Marcus runs towards the B&B

Poseus makes a tsking sound as Marcus sprints away.
"I can move fast as well Marcus." He says as he braces himself for speed and quickly glides along the road after Marcus. Marcus though, still beats him by a few feet to the door of the B&B.

Poseus pants a little and claps Marcus on the shoulder.
"I don't think Caorann will go anywhere anytime soon, she's also here to learn and be our line with the Lyphs."

Riku strides into the B&B and calmly asks for a glass of water. He retreats to the corner of the room, laughing quietly to himself about all the commotion with the fairy. He sits silently waiting for Calex and Dieredon to arrive.

Diredon completes his work at home, and he treks over to Woodbridge proper and enters the Bread and Board with his official documents. He immediately scans the room for Calex.

Upon seeing Marcus and the others gathered near a corner, he approaches.

Hey Poseus, Marcus. I am sorry I did not have the opportunity to speak with you privately before the gathering. It is good to see you both and good to be back. What are you looking at?

When Marcus enters LuLu's, he is about to ask about the fairy Caotann, but the throng of people huddled in the corner is all he needed to know. He wants to go over there, but the mass of people he doesn't want to stress out or upset their new village member, presuming what Poseus said about being a permanent member and not leaving.

Instead, Marcus will take a seat at the bar, look at Oscar and smile.

So Oscar, crazy couple if days, huh? How's things going on over here? I have been so wrapped up in work and the shop, that I hadn't heard the latest news, as he looks in the general direction of the mass of people.

So, what can you tell me about this Caorann fellow?

He listens to Oscar, and is caught off guard and Dieredon approaches.

He welcomes him with a hearty handshake, and offers him a seat.

Things have been good, just got done with Poseus' studded leather. It turned out really well. As far as what I am looking at, apparently we have a new village member. Goes by the name Caorann, and get this....it's a fairy. Can you believe it, a real fairy. I always thought they were just stories my am told me...but turned out they are real. Marcus is 'barely' able to hide is enthusiasm about the news he just heard.

When Marcus takes a seat at the bar, Poseus slithers over and leans on the counter with him.

"Actually Marcus, Caorann is a 'she'. One thing you shouldn't do is stare too long. I did that myself when we were at their home, I was reminded it was unpolite."

Poseus looks over his shoulder when his name is called and sees Dieredon stand close to the entrance to the inn, approaching them slowly.
"Hello Dieredon, I gues it's good to see you too, though the tidings you brought were less so."

He has a surprised look about himself as Marcus mentions the Studded Leather for him.
"Gracious me, I almost forgot about that. Didn't even think you'd be finished when I would get back from the travel. I'd like to take a look at your craftsmanship after you've met Caorann, Marcus."

"Seems to me every person in Woodbridge is in here or will be in here shortly to see Caorann. Say Dieredon, as an Alodoan what are your thoughts on living together with other species? Alomar, Phineas and I have come across many other creatures, some dangerous, but some were just forced out of there home by men from Castletown."

Poseus I am surprised that you would think any less of me due to the news I returned with. I assure you that I am the same elf that you knew before I left. I would think that if you had to have someone represent the interests of the Crown that you would want it to be someone that you knew as well as I, and considered a friend to both you and Woodbridge. It saddens me to think that there is now a wall between us because of the commission that I earned.

My thoughts about living together with other species is the same as it always has been. All species should treat each other with respect and treat the land in the same manner.

Now, tell me, my friends. What has transpired in my absence, and what is the attraction here in the corner of the Bread and Board?

Thank you Poseus for the advice. I will try to remember that, he says with a smile.

Look, I am, just as shocked about the recent events as everyone else. I will wait for all the facts to be given before I pass my personal views, he turns so Dieredon.

So my friend, what exciting things have you done and seen on your travels. I know you mentioned the Lord and the current events. I was wondering about the journey to and from?

A quick reminder that Elizabeth Goodwell is in the Bread and Board and is addressing Caoraan, we'll give her a little more time to respond. I am going to post a little something about Mingary Bend, and Alomar, then a large post that will be a narrative of how things are going to transpire in the Bread and Board, of course I'll give everyone an opportunity to dialog a bit after that, but I don't want us to get lost here, as I've got something big I want to throw out right away. Poseus, are you ready to take the spot light for a little while?

Calex crosses the village at a brisk pace, having retrieved his certifications from his home. As he enters the Bread & Board he visibly winces at the unusually large crowd, assuming they are all here for the meeting. Then Calex notices Dieredon by the bar- but the crowd is over in one of the corners. "What could be so interesting that Dieredon and my news is taking second place?" Calex thinks, puzzled. "Whatever it is, I hope it helps pick up the mood of the people." Calex walks over to the bar to join his friends, letting the mystery in the bar corner be for now."Hello, everyone. I hope I'm still welcome to sit with you. What's all the excitement over there?" He gestures towards the corner.

Welcome, Calex, I have been trying to find out the same thing.

Dieredon turns to Marcus.

The trip was much longer on the way. we ran into some fog and bad weather that had us turned around a bit. We were late in arriving, and we have news about the skull we took with us. I will leave that for Calex to tell.

Poseus turns to Dieredon and Calex.
"You haven't heard yet? Phineas, Alomar and I brought back a Lyph with us, she's named Caorann. Ever since we came back here word has spread like wildfire."

Poseus claps Dieredon on the shoulder.
"I'm sorry for the initial reaction, my mood has nothing to do with you, I still see you as a friend and mentor in some ways. Though the news you brought did make me feel gloomy. The consequences of your new commission changes Woodbridge's way of living with the land. We hunt, fish and build new houses when we need them, we forage, farm and heal the land when we can, just look at what the Maetaur were doing to treat the trees' disease."

He shakes his head as he looks at Marcus and Calex then turns his face upward to Dieredon again.
"Now we will probably become a protectorate of Castletown, perhaps later just another city in the Alodoan colony. I'm just fearing for the identity of Woodbridge and perhaps the other creatures around here including the fey, wolves and other animals."

Diredon's eyey brighten.

A fairy, here in Woodbridge! Poseus, you must tell me all about their discovery and let me know on the map where they dwell.

I must find out more, and note this in my next report.

Valid concerns, Poseus. My commission directs me to protect the same things that you do, not from good folks like you, but from those who would abuse the land and resources.

The line of rapid fire questions doesn't seem to faze Caorann in the least as she responds as soon as they are asked.

"I am! For now. I am 6. Only my hair! I can sing, but not as well as I can play my violin!

But what about you? How old are you? will you grow bigger? Can you sing? I like your flowers! How do you big folk get so tall? What is it like to walk everywhere? What do you eat? Can you climb trees?

Ask she speaks, her wings become more and more vibrant, turning electric blue in her excitement.

Day 8, Mingary Bend, about mid day

Darlene smiles at Alomar, capturing his attention, and says, Well who would have known that a wolf would be so worldly? I envy these wolves. If they truly know their place in the world and are happy with that, they have more wisdom than most. Someday I will go exploring like you and maybe I’ll find my place in the world.

While Darlene is talking she keeps moving around, as if she is always restless, filled with nervous energy perhaps, but you follow her with your eyes, and when you are facing southeast, you may notice something unusual. Please make a Perception Check, the DC is 14.

Day 8, Woodbridge, about mid day

In the Bread and Board

Elizabeth Goodwell listens to Caorann answer her questions and then says, Six! That’s amazing, and yet you are full grown? And you play a violin! Do you think we could hear a song now and…

When Calex inquires about the commotion, he is rushed by Elizabeth Goodwell who doesn’t finish her thought before she is excitedly explaining to Calex about her new friend

Calex! Have you met Caorann? She is a lyph, a fairy, a real one of the good folk, right here. She is going to play a song for us on her…

But she does not finish this time either, as Patricia approaches the two of them, and puts a gentle hand on Elizabeth’s arm.

Elizabeth, that’s exciting news, Patricia says, but we have some very important things to talk about right now and I really need you to go and fetch your mother and father. Your family has a large holding here, lakeside, and I think they should hear what Dieredon and Calex have to say. It’s very important so please ask them to drop whatever they are doing and come here as soon as they can.

Patricia goes around the room and ask everyone to take a seat and then she pulls a large table to the center of the room with Oscar’s help.

Collin Deveraeux walks up to Calex and offers him his hand

I’ve seen you in the village, Calex, but I don’t think we’ve meet, formally. My name is Collin Deveraeux. I moved here last summer with my sister. We share a small cottage on the south end, Lakeside. We’ve been trying to make a run at being farmers, but we both seem to lack the good talents so many people have here. I just want you to know that it isn’t that I don’t trust the two of you, not exactly, it’s just that, well, my sister and I have had a rough time immigrating to this land. There have been a lot of obstacles in our way, and for a while we lived in Castletown, and this is what I mean to say. There are a lot of shady characters around Castletown, a lot of people with no scrupples, no sense of decency at all, and if a fellow isn’t on his game, he can lose a lot, an afwul lot. So, I mean to look at these papers of yours closely, no offense, but this tuime, we, my sister and I, have a real chance at a life away from, well away from our past, and I don’t intend to see it pulled out from under me again.

When the room is quite, and when everyone is present, Patricia explains why the meeting was called, and then asks Dieredon and Calex to present their claims.

The two young men place their documents on the table, keeping their hands on them to make sure no one gets any funny ideas, and many people in the room crowd around to examine the papers.

The people of Woodbridge talk quietly among themselves, asking each other questions that none of them can answer, and finally Collin announces

These are the real deal. You can take it from me. I’ve had experiences, some of them not so pleasant, with these kinds of documents. What these men say is true. Now, it’s up to us to decide what we are going to do about it, and how we are going to handle the paperwork that lies ahead. I came here, my sister and I, looking to find a place where we could call it home, and I had no delusions about the empire being a big part of that formula, but it happened quicker than I thought it would. I’d like to think of myself as a citizen of Woodbridge, if you’ll have me as such, but as of now, everyone of us is a citizen of Aladoa.

The people of Woodbridge take their seats and wait for Patricia to take the lead and explain what is going to happen next, but the young red head simple shrugs her shoulders and says

This is out of my hands. I’m not a person to make charters and proclamations. Calex is master of the the village now, we might elect a council, to advise him, and he might select a alderman to write a town charter, but all we can do now is look to him, and Dieredon to tell us what we are supposed to do next, and how soon we are expected to do it.

There are many conversations that follow Patricia’s announcement. Oscar and Lulu do what they can to keep everyone fed and in good cheer while plans are made. Occasionally, as the afternoon goes on, people step outside to have private conversations or to get a breath of air.

When Poseus steps outside he stretches his back and looks across the trees toward MacNorra house and he sees something that disturbs him

the time, now will be about four o’clock in the afternoon.
Something exciting is about to happen, but everyone can finish up any conversations they want to have before we move to that “event”

Poseus approaches Patricia and waits till others have finsihed speaking to her.
"So this is it? One day Woodbridge is ours, the next day someone produces a paper and the people of Woodbridge aren't in control anymore? I've spoken out before and I'll say it again; we've been annexed without a fight. Patricia tell me, what will happen to our identity as Woodbridge? Our traditions and way of living will change drastically."

After his conversation with Patricia, he skulks a bit around and talks with other people, mainly others who are not directly fond of this 'beneficial change'.
Diplomacy to Gather Information of people that feel the same as he feels.: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

After doing so he leaves with the larger crowd of people as he thinks about home and that he would probably be the messenger to his own people.
They're probably not gonna like this or can't understand how or why this can happen so easily.

He then looks wistfully around Woodbridge and finally to his own home. Then he sees the black smoke plume rising from the south and almost drops the spear he would use as a walking stick.

"NOO!! MacNorra House burns!" He shouts before he sprints away as fast as he can. If the river is closer he'll jump into the river and swim to MacNorra House faster than he could travel overland.
Take 10 for a 21 on Swim checks

Talagos hear my plea. I beg you for mercy of my people and family, bless their spears in any ordeal they have to face today.