The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Err... obscuring mist can only target your location. Fog Cloud is the version you can place somewhere else.

Well, I certainly like the sound of that. Lead on, Ma'am.

After a few hours walking, Marwan speaks up.

So are you just a volunteer, then? A runner sent to gather whatever people you can to Woodbridge? Or is there some title I ought to be referring to you as?

Wow, you're so right. Ummm... Rick casts his spells when the prisoners get to him.

Woodbridge, the Goodwell residence

Day 11, midday-

Ulan Goodwell looks exhausted. He is a man of about fifty years, but though he is still in good physical shape, the hard work of sectioning off part of his pasture has been difficult. He wipes his hands, as Robert and Marcus approach, and takes the wide brimmed felt hat off of his head, runs one hand over his thick pepper colored hair and then wipes the sweat off of that hand as he comes to the fence to great the two young men.

Hello Master Dale, Master Macintyre, Ulan says with a soft voice. When Robert asks about the Panforey’s, Ulan looks worried for a moment and then says, Rory, I mean Missus Panforey, is in the house with the children Tabitha and Timothy, he points to his own house, but I think Mister Panforey, good man that he is, is going house to house with Rebecca, his oldest, Lakeside, checking on those who are having a difficult time getting ready to relocate, Folks like The Widow MacNorra, and Old man Oakley, and the elderly Holman’s.

Leaving Castletown

Day 11, morning

As Marwan and Patricia head away from the Rising Sun, one of the other fellows, Arvid, catches up to them, humming a fanciful tune, and as he matches their pace, the three seem to pick up their feet a bit and march at a quick time to the east.

Patricia turns her head and smiles at the newcomer, even as Marwan asks her a question. She says to the newcomer

Arvil, isn’t that your name? Glad you decided to join us, and thank you for lifting our spirits with such a hopeful song. She then moves ahead a little, and says casually over her shoulder to Marwan

I’m a volunteer, sort of. Lately our village elder has been distracted by a health issue in his family and he asked me to look out for the well being of Woodbridge, and most important make sure the spring festival was a success, and it was, thank you very much, but now with these, um, uh, problems, the village getting bigger, and the recent attack on a settlement very close to Woodbridge, a little place called MacNorra House, I decided to come to Castletown and bring back all the help that could be raised. I’ve no title, nothing more than Patricia is all you need call me.

”Arvid,” he corrects her. ”’Arvil’ means ‘funeral.’ The rocky beaches and longships of of Vayangurr are not friendly to horses, so warriors learn to ride songs into battle. I hear that magic of that sort is rare out here, so I’ve come to offer some.”

Woodbridge, the Goodwell residence

Day 11, Midday

Upon hearing the news Rebecca was out with her father Robert has a worried look on his face. "I'm glad to hear at least some of the Panforeys are here. I need to find Auria and while I'm out I'll keep an eye out for Reb.... Mr. Panforey and his eldest. Thank you very much." Robert says as his face reddens some.

Robert then turns to Marcus, "Let's start that search. Where was Auria last seen so I can start tracking her from there."

Interesting. In my own lands, to go without some title or another is quite unusual. Virtually every village is organized the same way, so we have as many village heads, treasurers, clerks, whathaveyou as there are villages, and trade organizations are also structured so one can gauge the influence of the person they are talking to by how they introduce themself. I'm, roughly translated, Caregiver Marwan. I treated injuries and oversaw funerals, so I held some influence in the tiny settlements near where I lived. That's all in the past now, though, it's just an interesting thing to notice.

Round 8? think this would be my round 8 action. Round 7 was me moving close enough to get here yes?

Leto frowns as he comes out the front gate expecting and itching for a fight.
"Well. I am glad not to be them." The Wooden Gymnaga states with equal parts disappointment and amusement. Watching as a roiling field of coiling plant matter utterly cripple the various warriors and their attempts to effect an escape.
"I suppose we won't really need to worry over a concentrated defense then. You want to take care of the Tafganor who has escaped the effect over there? He looks like he could use to be stabbed. I'll deal with the one on the edge of the roots over there."

Bomb huck: 1d20 + 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 + 2 + 1 - 2 = 4
Splode: 2d6 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6
+2Bab+3Dex (got a +2 from mutagen.) Also a -2 range penalty assuming I can't move close enough to avoid that.

EDIT: Well. Damn. splash weapon miss means I get to roll scatter dice. Well assuming you just use the traditional (miss on a one) rules for natural ones rather than critical fails. I don't remember that being a thing.
Whee! scatter. : 1d8 ⇒ 5
this would mean I miss and hit 2 squares behind my target lighting the grass on fire behind the Orc.

"And in the lands of my birth, 'village heads' tend to be quickly severed," Arvid responds. "Vayangarr is not always united, and towns are large, built around keeps and defensive walls—as much out of tradition as necessity, since the Urandoman navy started paying attention to the worst of the sea raiders. But I don't see why such customs are relevant here; I'd be more curious about the village that needs defense, or the men it needs defense from."

And they say we necromancers are a grim lot.

Marwan shrugs.

I was only trying to make conversation on our day-long trek. I've lived in the area for a while now, so I'm already somewhat abreast of the situation. I assumed you were as well, friend. I apologize.

The Tafganor Camp

Day 11, afternoon

My last post indicated that Calex and Riku were up, and it was round 7, that was a mistake, it is actually Round 8 for them now.

Round 8…

Riku turns his attention away from those enemies trapped in the web of Mina’s spells, and looks toward the lake where he sees the Gymnaga people of MacNorra house all together and coming at a fast pace, their swimming creating gentle ripples on the surface.

The escaped Gymnaga will reach the shore near Riku and Calex in round 10, if there is a round 10, so Riku might consider something else for the time being. The total distance that needs to be covered by the Gymnaga is greater than 300 feet including 200+ feet of swimming

Poseus waits for Tanasinda to get her clothing, and then the tow hurry to catch up with Leto, who has stopped to attack the Tafganor and Sashi-Anhain south of the entrance to the camp. A sickened Tafganor, on his hands and knees stands to the left, and Leto moves a bit further to the right, before heaving a small object toward an enemy. The small pot strikes the ground several feet short and the grass there is caught in flames.

The enemies are effectively immobilized or are no longer a threat. Leto, Poseus and Tanasinda are within sight, and shouting range of Riku and Calex, while Riku, Calex and Mina can all see the escaped Gymnaga-folk coming toward the lake edge near them. I will no longer roll for Tafganor or Sashi-Anhain to break free of the spells, and they all have given up, if freed they will flee.

The fens east of Castletown

Day 11, almost noon

Patricia is surprised at her stamina, and strides on and on, changing directions when she finds the landmarks she knows, leading Marwan and Arvid through the watery marsh land. The sky overhead is mostly clear, with a few clouds on the distant horizon, and the temperature is fair. It is still early spring, and the insect populations are small, not yet a nuisance to travel through the fens.

Marwan and Arvid talk about their homes, and Patricia smiles, offering a few small details about Woodbridge now and then, like how the Bread and Board is the only tavern in the town, there is no Inn, and the people are not usually unfriendly, though the village witch, Auria the one handed, can be cantankerous, the village priest, Mister Panforey, is kind and always willing to help those in need.

The three are walking along when suddenly a spear strikes the ground ahead of Patricia, and from the water and bushes to the right, come five of the strangest creatures Marwan and Arvid have ever seen, Patricai draws her weapon and shouts

Damn, it’s a Fulogh Mogobbh hunting party, arm yourselves quick, and watch for the nets!

These small goblinoid like creatures have lower bodies that are made up of many tentacles. They are armed with spears, and long knives, and possibly nets, if Patricia is correct. For player information, they are Grindylow

There is no surprise round, I’ll get started on a map tonight

Initiative for Grindylow: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17

Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20

Marwan waves his fingers at the creature.

Oglet. Mortuk. Sef.

Using Slumber hex. DC=15 will to negate.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 Do we have soldiers with us yet?

Arvid is caught by surprise, and stumbles backwards in the mud as the creatures attack.

No, the three of you are on your own - I am working to get Patricia's character sheet ready for combat

Round 8
Calex sees Poseus approaching through the gate with some new companions, and advances to help secure the defeated enemies. "Poseus! Glad to see you made it! Did everyone get out alright? Where is D'ieredon?"

"He took watch at the rear of my escaping kinsmen. Glad you've made it as well, you've done my people a great service Calex. Everyone of you that occupied those Sashi-Anhain outside with your spells. Now what to do with the survivors? Set them free, but take their weapons and supplies?"

Leto' lashes his bark clad tail once and frowns at the warriors no longer putting up a fight. The predatory set to his jaw fading.
"Damn, cant even have the common courtesy to put up a fight so I can have some cathartic vengeance after they so rudely dragged us all here." the lizardman mutters as he looks at the demoralized warriors.
"Yes it would make sense to take their weapons and armor, hopefully they dont make us regret letting them go. Killing in cold blood is bad for the soul though."
The Gymnaga then looks across the hill to Poseus's allies. "Ahoy there."

Calex smiles at the new comers and says "Hello! I'm happy to see we made it in time. My name is Calex of Woodbridge. These monsters..." Calex gestures to the incapacitated enemies "...have caused a lot of grief recently. Not only to yourselves but we also helped a village of lyph from them as well. We sent the survivors from that village on to Woodbridge, and we invite you and your people to also join us there. We'll get you all settled in while you heal and decide whether to stay on with us or rebuild at MacNorra House. In the mean time.. Calex nocks another bolt in his crossbow and points it at the defeated ...let's defang these serpents and see if they have any way to pay the blood debt they owe, shall we?"

The Tafganor Camp

Day 11, afternoon

As the freed Gymnaga-folk come out of the lake south of the trapped enemies, the morale of the Sashi-Anhain and Tafganor collapse entirely, and they throw themselves down on their faces in despair and surrender.

Calex asks about D’ieredon, and sees that he is alive, but only barely, and being supported by a young pair of Gymnaga adolescents, a boy and a girl, who carry him one under each of the elven ranger’s arms

Don’t worry about me, Calex. I’ll be fine, *cough* D’ieredon manages to say through blood stained lips, before he is lowered to the ground.

Mina dismisses her spells, and then watches as the Gymnaga, lead by Rosilindeae, Poseus, and Leto, sweep through the enemy stripping them of their weapons and armor, and handing out those items to the stronger and more able of the survivors.

Calex supervises the dragging of the prisoners into a small circle, and as he contemplates their fate, D’ieredon calls out to him, raising a hand

The Tafganor Camp

Calex, wait, before you make any decisions, I think we need to take these prisoners back to Woodbridge. I’ll tell you why. We still have no idea who is in control of these, men, and I use that term loosely, but, *cough, cough* they must know something. We must turn them over as prisoners of war to the garrison at Castletown. This will show them that our situation is more grave than they might believe otherwise.

The fens east of Castletown

Day 11, almost noon

Patricia’s initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

There are no Soldiers with your group, they are taking a road that follows the river, as they were not going to be ready to leave until after Patricia was determined to set out, and the soldiers of Castletown do not know the way through the marsh safetly

Round 1…

I will move the Grindylow on the map and post their attacks as soon as I can

"D'ieredon! Riku! Can you help? I know the god-touched can often heal- Please if you can do anything..."Calex's voice trails off and he takes in his friend's words. He bows his head in thought, then nods.

"So be it my friend. Their lives will be spared, but on our terms. I want these...monsters...secured using the very chains they used on the gymnaga. Once we have them secure, we should search for anything we can use. A wagon or cart to move them to Castletown would be welcome, and anything like a written clue or map might give us something to work with if we can scrounge it up."

Calex gives the captives another disgusted glower. "I think I hate them even more for how they have forced us to their level. Killing and pillaging like bandits. Necessary I know, but it strips us of our own morality piece by piece. An insidious evil."

Riku rushes to D'ieredon's side.

Please, lay him down. Anyone else injured? Gather around me.

Riku closes his eyes and holds his hands out to either side. As he does the air around him seems to shimmer and swirl, barely visible wisps of black smoke and soft white lights drift around those gathered.

Channel 1: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Channel 2: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 3) = 7

Ignore this part if he doesn't need anymore healing
He then kneels down and tends to D'ieredon more directly.
CMW: 2d8 + 3 ⇒ (4, 2) + 3 = 9

The fens east of Castletown

Day 11, almost noon

Patricia’s initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Round 1…

The Grindylow rush out of the shallow water on the left side of the trail and attack the small group of humans.

As one of the creatures comes sloshing up out of the water, Marwan quickly extends a hand and mutters a quick incantation, and the creature stiffens suddenly then collapses backward into the water which is only inches deep, and lies there fast asleep.

One of the tentacle creatures rushes at Patricia and thrusts a short handled spear at her head

Melee Spear Attack, vs Patricia: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Patricia leans back just before the spear can stab her face, but she is still caught in the shoulder by the stone point of the crude spear

Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

At the other end of the trail, Arvid sees two of the small tentacle-bodied Goblins coming his way, and one of them is upon him quickly

Melee Spear Attack, vs Arvid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

The attack misses

Even though Marwan has managed to drop one of the attackers quickly, two more are moving toward him.

I updated the Fen Encounter Map last night, but something must have gone wrong when I tried to upload it to the dropbox folder. I’ll fix that tonight. I have done a terrible job at making combats quick in my PbP games, so I would like to try and improve this time.

The Tafganor Camp

Day 11, afternoon

Riku gathers as many of the tired and weary Gymnaga-folk around him as he can, and kneels next to the wounded D’ieredon. D’ieredon tries to reach up with a weak hand to push away Riku’s help, but his strength fails him.

With a simple gesture Riku lets out a flow of magical energy that lifts the spirits of those around him, and soothes aching muscles and bruised flesh.

Rosilindea approaches and thanks Riku, and then watches as the young man tends to D’ieredon’s more serious wounds.

In a brief moment, D’ieredon is feeling better, and stands, shakes his shoulder and then beams a smile at Riku

I shall never understand the power of this magic that people like you can wield, but I will always be glad when it is shared. Thank you, Riku. I owe you a great deal. When we are returned to Woodbridge I will see to it that you are compensated for you have done.

With that, D’ieredon walks toward Calex, checks to make sure the prisoners are secured with ropes and chains, and that those Gymnaga who are willing to arm themselves are given a weapon.

I don’t think it is safe to rummage their camp at this time. By the number and size of the tents their numbers are probably five times these that were left behind, if not more. We cannot risk their return while we are within their camp. Everyone, follow me and Poseus. We are going back to Woodbridge right now.

Is Arvid up now in combat?

Yes

"Right!" Arvid shouts, drawing his flag-spear and heavier shield. "Arms, and vopn skerpa og bíta!" As he calls out in Vayangurr, he swings his shield around, and a silver afterimage flies out of it and towards the nearest Grindylow, as similar silvery wisps gather around his allies' weapons.

Spirit Totem attack: 1d20 + 2 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 5 = 26
Damage (negative energy): 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

All party members gain +2 to hit and +2 to damage with all weapon attacks. Additionally, make an extra "spirit attack" on your turn as a free action at BAB+5, for 1d4+4 damage.

Response from earlier introductions.
"Charmed, the name is Leto. I've been gone for some time and would love to hear the story about what has happened here."

Leto lets the village warriors take the lead as he follows along, keeping a sharp eye out for enemies and watching from the rear guard for returning foes.
Definitely not back here because it means I can save talking with my mother and my dame until late. Nope. Not at all.

The lizardman then looks to the newer arrivals Riku, Calex and Di'deridon. Interesting.

"I wonder what will happen now." Leto sighs to the sky looking in annoyance at the camp they would have to leave behind.
"Corpses are never a god parting gift." the bottle witch mutters.

Leto is ready to segue out of the camp, he will don his armor before leaving.

Holy cheese.

Marwan smiles at Arvid's summoned spirits.

Interesting. Spiritualistic magic...

Marwan extends his will to the wisps and they fly at the sleeping grindylow.

[dice=Coup de Grace? Can I do that with the "extra attack"? Damage]2d4+8[/dice]

Marwan then points at the grindylow threatening Patricia.

Allow me. Oglet. Mortuk. Sef.

Another Slumber. DC=15.

I don't think you can coup de grace with it, since CDG typically takes more time than a normal attack. It's also only melee range—but at level 10 it goes up to 15' range, plus an additional 1d8 to all adjacent enemies. Spirit Totem is based on your own BAB so it never gets too OP, but man is it fun.

Edit: also, +2 to saves vs spells through Superstitious.

All right then. Just the hex then.

Marcus must decide whom to try to locate first; Auria or Mr. Panforey.

Whjch is the closer locale to our current spot: MacNorra house or Auria's house?

mister Panforey was last seen Lakeside, going house to house with his eldest daughter, checking on the elderly, including the widow MacNorra, he did not go to MacNorra house. Searching Lakeside will probably turn up clues about both Mr. Panforey and Auria

The fens east of Castletown

Day 11, almost noon

Round 1, wrap up

Arvid launches an attack, and from his shield protective leap into battle all around him and his allies

The spirit from Arvid’s shield slams into an approaching monster and the little tentacle creature shakes all over from the encounter and falls to the marshy grass, lying as still as stone

As Patricia draws her sword a spirit figure appears in front of her as well and slams into her opponent

Spirit Attack for Patricia: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (12) + 5 = 17

spirit damage, Negative Energy: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

But even as Patricia draws her long sword, an old, but sturdy weapon that once belonged to her father, the grindylow collapses from the attack from the spirit energy, and is dead.

Round 2…

Seeing as they have the upper hand, Marwan sees he is being closed in upon by two of the small monsters, but as before a spirit flies toward one of the attackers, while Marwan simply smiles and summons a hex upon the other

Spirit Attack for Marwan: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9

Saving Throw for Hex attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

Perhaps it was too soon to be overconfident, as the spirit attack sails through the grindylow without harming the monster, and the hex fails
The Grindylow in front of Marwan stabs at him with a spear

Grindylow attack versus Marwan: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11

The thrust comes dangerously close to Marwan's left side.

While the other grindylow turns and rushes at Arvid thrusting with his spear

Grindylow attack versus Arvid: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Unless I missed some special defense of Arvid's, he is hit

The spear strikes Arvid

Damage: 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Suddenly both Arvid and Marwan become keenly aware that the short wriggling tentacles of these monsters are moving all around the ground near them, making it almost impossible to take a step without falling

Trip Attempt versus Arvid: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Trip Attempt versus Marwan: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

Both Marwan and Arvid stumble over the tentacles and fall prone on the path

I'm not excactly sure of Arvid's CMD, but if it is >17 he is not prone, however, I doubt that it is

His CMD is 16...

Marwan stands up and moves away.

Two move actions. To D10

Thank you sir. We will do our best. Let's us go, as he looks toward his new friend.

Lets go Lakeside, maybe something will turn up, as he heads in that direction.

The fens east of Castletown
Day 11, almost noon

Round 2, wrap up

Marwan and Arvid are tripped and find themselves on their backs. Patricia curses at the bad luck and steps up next to the small monster threatening Marwan and swing low with her sword, but even before her sword begins to move the summoned spirit protectors slam forward at the Grindylow.

Spirit Attack for Patricia: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Patricia hesitates for a moment waiting to see if the spirits will do as they did before, and when she sees the monster isn’t affected she wings her sword

Melee Sword Attack: 1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 2 = 14

Her hesitation gives the monster enough time to realize he is under attack and he ducks the sword at the last minute

NPC actions for Arvid

Arvid rolls on the ground and gets to his feet, which gives his attacker an opportunity to poke him with a spear

AOO vs. Arvid: 1d20 + 1 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 1 + 4 = 14

Arvid pulls in his legs quickly and leaps up before the spear can find its mark.

And then his protective spirits leap toward his attacker

Spirit Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Negative Energy Damage: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

And the Grindylow shakes all over before collapsing to the ground

Round 3…

Marwan also recognizes his danger and gets up as fast as he can, hoping the monster is distracted by Patricia and doesn’t try to poke him when he is vulnerable, but the little beast smiles wickedly and aims his spear at Marwan’s back

AOO vs. Marwan: 1d20 + 2 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 2 + 4 = 9

But Marwan is too quick for the little monster

The last monster still standing attacks Patricia

Melee Spear Attack: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7

The monster appears clumsy with the spear and Patricia easily avoids the attack, but the writhing tentacles on the ground get between her feet

Trip Attempt: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24

Causing Patricia to trip and fall prone.

Arvid is up for a round 3 action, followed by Marwan starting off round 4

Meanwhile…

Woodbridge, Lakeside

Day 11, after noon

Marcus leads Robert across the covered bridge from Riverside into the Lakeside part of Woodbridge. There is activity, but it is sparse, as a few of the residents of Lakeside are still gathering their possessions onto carts.

Marcus shouts to a few of these residents, nothing angry just words of encouragement to get a move on.

Working their way through the small streets of lakeside between the farms and village houses Marcus and Robert first stop at the Panforey residence, just to be sure Mister Panforey hasn’t already returned but they find the house quiet and still, the doors and windows locked shut. Then they quickly head for Auria’s small hut, but find it deserted as well . The only thing left to do is head for the Widow MacNorr’a small cottage, and when they arrive, they are fortunate in finding Mister Panforey, his eldest daughter, and the witch Auria the One Hand, all standing by the widow MacNorra’s door, in what looks to be a argument.
Mister Panforey has his hands held open and low out to his sides as he appears to be pleading with Auria.

"So, any idea how long it will take us to get back to town? I'll admit its been a bit since I was in this area and when I got taken here I wasn't in much of a position to look at the scenery?" Leto asks as he sidles up to his fellow lizard man Poseus
Though anyone could answer.

Also for all who didn't catch it Leto currently looks like a Gymnana shaped treant, with a rumbling voice and wooden plates accenting his scales. It wears off after thirty minutes but I'm unsure how long it has been.

Arvid sloshes through the mud, and moves to attack the last Grindylow.

Spear attack: 1d20 + 4 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 1 + 1 = 16
Damage: 1d6 + 2 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 2 + 1 + 1 = 6

Mister Panforey nor Auria are at either residence. I sure hope they are at the MacNorra residence. If not...I am truly afraid for their safety, are the only thought that seem to take root in his mind as he travels from house to house. When he sees both people standing at the MacNorra home, he breathes a large sigh of relief, knowing they are both alive and well.

He sees pleading, and a slight degree of angst among the expression of Mister Panforey. He casually walks up to the two of them, wanting to know more of what is going on. When convenient, he interjects himself into the discussion.

Excuse me, Auria and Mister Panforey. What exactly is going on here? I would like to help if at all possible, as time of precious and of the essence.

[dice=diplomacy to get the situation a little less "heated/dire"]1d20+9[/dice]

Woodbridge/Lakeside

Thank the Gods she's safe. We need to get her somewhere safer.

Robert stands behind and to the right of Marcus as he address the group. When his eyes meet Rebecca's he smiles at her.

Marwan hurries over to Patricia.

Arost. Curiae

CLW Hex: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Woodbridge, Lakeside: The home of the widow MacNorra

Day 11, after noon

Often, when it seems as if the world is racing into the darkness of a future bleak and unknown, all it takes is something as simple as a family disagreement to remind you that after all is said and done, the world doesn’t really change very much or very fast at all in those dark times.

Marcus couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable approaching the arguing pair of Mister Panforey and the witch, Auria. His minor discomfort was easily pushed aside when he spoke up and asked what the problem was. It was Auria who spoke first

The problem is mister ‘I know what’s best for everyone here,’ is trying to force a old woman out of her home against her wishes.

That, like everything with you, Mister Panforey said hot on the heels of the witch’s words, is ignoring the situation and oversimplifying things. Look Marcus, I’ve tried…

He’s tried to bully her, and he is mad because she won’t open the door, Auria crossed her left hand over her right arm and scowled at Marcus. I don’t know what moron left the likes of you two in charge, but I can tell you that you are wasting your time. If Old Sean were here he’d probably…

He isn’t here! Mister Panforey shouts. He is safe Riversdide, which is where Ginny should be, with her brother, with her family.

Uh, you’re so stubborn! Auria says pointing a finger at the good priest, and then waving her hand at him she adds, You get it from our mother, you’re just like her at times. Look Ginny is locked up in her house, Marcus, with her youngest son, Corky. She is seventy eight years old, and everything she knows and feels comforted by is in this house and she doesn’t want her things moved, by you, or anyone else. Sometimes you just have to let people do what they want to do. I know you think she isn’t safe here, and maybe she isn’t, but damn it, knocking down her door isn’t going to change her mind. You men should go back to Riverside, and my brother and I will make one more sweep of the homes Lakeside and we will be with you as soon as we are finished with a report of who is still out here, and who is on the way.

Argh, Auria, you know I hate it when you compare me to our mother, you do it on purpose to make me lose my temper. Well it’s not going to happen, come on Rebecca let’s keep checking the houses. With that Mister Panforey storms away from you, and hurriedly walks to the gate of Ginny MacNorra’s property.

Woodbridge, Lakeside: The home of the widow MacNorra

Rebecca takes a tentative step toward Robert Macintyre and says quietly to him,

Hello Mister Macintyre, I glad to see you.

She then takes a step away, noticing her father is waiting by the gate, and looks impatient, but then she says over her shoulder, kmaking sure Auria can hear her

My aunt is usually right, always a b$%~~, but usually right none the less.

Meanwhile…
The fens east of Castletown

Day 11, almost noon
I don’t know what went wrong with the map, I could swear I updated it, twice, but it is certainly wrong right now

When Arvid attacks the last of the Grindylow still standing, he catches the creature unprepared and the spear stikes deep in the monster’s side. The little monster tries to scream but only manages a gurgling sound as his life slips away and he falls to the ground.

Marwan moves to Patricia’s side. She seems to be alright, for the moment, but Marwan is taking no changes and after saying some Patricia cannot understand, the woman feels her injury lessen and go away completely as if she had never been struck.

Other than a Sleeping Grindylow, the battle is over. See the Discussion thread for experience point awards