The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it Calamity?" Stolos says. The young gymnaga moved along at an easy pace, taking in the world around him.

"Zelo, where'd you go?" he calls out suddenly. In answer, a large otter darts from the bushes and comes up alongside Stolos. "I know you want to swim, girl, but wait till we can take a break later today." The otter looks at Stolos, eyes twinkling in agreement.

Calamity nods as she trods along, waving shyly in her vast amount of white cloth wrapped around her as they continue "I think so... I'm sorry, your otter, Zelo, he is... adorable. Most of my people have companions as well- I am glad to find a familiar power from my home among a stranger. It bodes well for our people coming together...." She tugs at the cloth hiding the bottom of her face a little, making it much more snug to her cheeks, before nodding with grinning eyes "As well as this weather."

Calex greets Robert & Marwan as they gather themselves for the day ahead. "Good morning! I guess everyone had the same thought about an early departure! And here comes our other companion...no..wait a moment.." Cal shades his eyes in the bright morning sun and looks again at the approaching pair. "Hm. That's not Darlene...I'm not sure I've met these two before. They seem determined to speak with us, though. I hope there aren't further calamities in the village to cause a delay."

Calamity would approach with a gentle arm stretched out, her body held away shyly and a small blush could be seen behind her white cloth mask covering her mouth "Hello, I'm Calamity Tabei, of Mingary Bend. I heard you are going out in search of one of my people- I'm here to help, and assist in any way I can, for the Tabei Family."

Robert whispers to Calex, "I've seen her around town before. I've never spoken to her but she is a familiar sight. The other I don't know." Robert then smiles and waves hello to the two newcomers.

"Apostolos Murandea, at your service. But you can call me Stolos, if you prefer," the young gymnaga says, nodding his head. "My companion and I," he says, indicating the large otter, "are recently in town with a group of my fellows from MacNorra house, here to assist with some of the more recent troubles."

"Good morning to you both! It's a pleasure to meet you. So you wish to join us on our latest jaunt, even after the excitement of the last few days? Some would call you both fools. Of course since I and my fellows are the ones who proposed this journey, you'll be in equal company!" Calex grins at the newcomers in obvious welcome. "I was saying to Darlene just last night that the greater the numbers we bring to bear give us a greater chance of success. Those odds would be even better with your help. I can't think of any objection to your coming with us. Please don't think me rude for this next question- but what skills do you bring with you that you might think will be of use? After our latest dark days, I'm sure the story of the Battle of the Bridge will have given you an idea of what Rob, Marwan and I can provide. I'm not trying to degenerate anyone- I'm just trying to find where your abilities would be best used for any planning we do. Indeed if we find ourselves in a situation you are more knowledgeable about, I might insist on defaulting to your expertise in the area. Having an expert in our midst does us no good if we don't listen to them after all."

"Of course, your concerns are valid. For myself, I am an artisan by trade, but my work in sculpture has also given me some talent as a stonemason. I had hoped to shore up some of the defenses here at Woodbridge in case of future trouble, but should our journey take us into the wilderness, I would also be fit to assist you in finding your way and in providing food for the company, as well as identifying plants that may be useful for the treatment of wounds and ailments."

"Of course, my abilities are not necessarily combat related, should we run into such a need on our journey, but between the two of us, Zelo and I should be more than capable of handling any difficulties. We've spent a fair amount of time in the forests, and are used to going without certain comforts."

Pausing slightly before continuing, Stolos adds "I am also capable of a bit of...well, most would call it magic, I suppose. I prefer to think of it as a gift from the gods, but from which I'm not sure, nor why."

Calamity nods to Calex's question "If you were in my family, you'd definitely have been born under the Vanguard, or worshipped the Father. Such a careful question...."

She removes her bow from her shoulders and looses an arrow as far as she can into the sky-

Calamity Proving her Worth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

"I am a hunter for my family, but because of this, I have spent almost my whole life studying. I study the stars, maps, history, and sit in on my Council's meetings. I was born under the "Noble", and worship the Father. It is my duty to keep myself preserved, respected, and knowledgeable- particularly when it concerns the dangers of various beasts you might run into."

She gives a slight bow as she finishes, before putting the bow back onto her back.

Now that we've done our introductions, perhaps it is time we went on to our missing person's case, no?

Calex grins at Marwan's gruff impatience, and turns to reply. Suddenly he stops and stares behind bearded human with a look of almost pure rapture. "What is THAT?!" he says. "A cart! A real honest to gods cart! Does this mean we might not need to WALK the whole way? Oh lords what a beautiful sight! Marwan I could kiss your bearded face!"

Marcus will smile at Kaspeae as she takes the notes for him. He sleeps off and on, his head swirls all the things that have to be done for the families of Woodbridge.

The next day, he sees his friends off, Please be safe, and return quickly

He walks over to the Bread & Board, and sees the note Calex has attached to the door. After reading it, he smiles, but inside his head he wonders if he has bitten off more than he can chew, but stands up straight and goes inside to order a quick bite to eat.

After breakfast, he goes to find Kaspeae, and goes over the very organized list she made,

Thank you Kaspeae, I do appreciate all you have done not just for myself, but all the people of Woodbridge and those that have had to relocate here. Your kindness has been great, given the current times. I would like to go over the list you made, so I can try to prioritize the projects that need to be completed first.

I hope you had a good birthday :) Hoping that a list won't be too hard to create :)

Ravenna walked down the road with a jaunty step, looking like a
combination of riding too much and drinking she sauntered with a purpose all her worldly possessions on her back and her trusty bow in hand with the shield slung on her back. She whistled off tune a sea shanty grinning at the spots where the naughty words went and looked on the path with a keen and interested eye as she spied the group.

Ho there lads and lasses what ye be doin takin up da road?

Calex shakes hands with Marcus, and offers his own farewell: "You also stay safe Marcus, and remember you have allot of your friends around you to help. Don't think you need to do it all- just let them know what needs to be done, and help get them started. Woodbridge will do the rest. If you need serious help- like from another raid or such- you go to Patricia and Georgiana. They're the experts at such stuff." Calex waves his friend off and watches a moment as Marcus walks back to the village. He nods to himself in satisfaction. A good man. He'll manage fine. he thinks.

He gathers his gear and prepares to join the others, when a sudden unfamiliar voice greets him from behind. He looks around and sees an Alodoan halfling walking towards the gathering. Calex waves in answer and replies "Hello and welcome to Woodbridge! We're just about to head out, but if you'd like to grab some breakfast, the village has an excellent tavern that serves it hot. Just head to the Bread & Board and tell them Calex sent you."

I am here to meet with me brother Farley Goldlust who arranged a home welcome for me here as I be his sister! Perhaps ya can direct me? Ya look like yer all suitin up fer some trouble as well.. ifn ya need a bow or envouraging word I could go wid ya if ya let me deop off me sundries?

Calamity gives another pair of smiling eyes behind her face cloth as she strides over to the newcomer, reaching a hand out she excitedly gasps "Another archer??? Oh I'm so excited! My people use bows for hunting but... They don't really use them for combat beyond sports... It'll be nice to have a Quiver Sister!"

Ravena shakes the woman's hand with a smile and a blush saying I be usin the bow sure'n straight fer sure. Doya all have a momen ta drop off me things and let me brother know I be here before I be galavantin around?

Only if you're quick, we've a missing person to find.

"Who is the missing person?" Stolos asks.

The Village of Woodbridge, Mingary Bend

Day 13, after noon

Calex and Robert inform the small Alodoan woman of the recent attack on the town, while Marwan tells Stolos about the missing Maetaur leader, Cicily and the village’s healer, Auria the one handed.

Calex explains that there is a post of Alodoan soldiers, setting up in the barn of the Ballinig family. The barn is close to lake, north of where the bridge used to be, and that she should check in there first. It is most likely that her brother has not left the island of Riverside yet, while the soldiers, and the village leaders are still taking stock of the damage that was done to all the buildings Lakeside.

Calamity fills in details about Cicily, when Marwan shrugs his shoulders saying he has never met the Maetaur himself, and only knows her by name. While Robert tries his best to explain who Auria the one handed is.

The group tells Revena that time now is precious, but that they are going north to Mingary Bend, the Maetaur village, to meet up with Darleen Maowan, who has been there since the night before with her father preparing a map for the upcoming expedition.

They will be in Mingary Bend for a short time, making sure they are well supplied before they set out.

The plan is to march this day toward the Green Wood, which is several miles north of Woodbridge, and hope to reach the Lyph village of Kinamay Brawnoor, which should be empty, but will be the place the party camps for the evening.

After reaching Kinamay Branoor, the group will follow the map, and landmarks to the northeast, hoping to find Otter Lake, a large Maetaur community there, and the place where it is believed Auria and Cicily were headed.

me brother would not keep me mayies from doin right so let's be goin Ravena says with a hair flip, a smile to her quiver sister and a step in a new direction

Stelos spends a moment looking at Zelotes. The large otter stands on it's hind legs and stares back into the gymnaga's eyes. Nodding almost imperceptibly, the young sculptor turns towards Calex.

"If it is settled with you, then you can count us in your number. I have my own reasons for wanting to go to Otter Lake, but seeking out those who are lost is a noble enough reason in and of itself." Stealing another glance towards Zelotes, he adds "If you will accept Zelotes and myself as guides, then we will be happy to escort you through the wilderness."

Calamity smiles "I'd love to watch you track. I've only done such a thing for hunting, after all. It'd be nice to get some experience following trails through our neighbors' lands!"

"I have no objections. After all every journey starts with a 1st step and every friendship starts with a 1st handshake." Calex says as he extends his hand towards the newcomers.
"And with that I believe its time we were off." he finishes with a jaunty air.

apologize, don't know how I missed this

Calamity nods, though she only gives a very small touch of a handshake with a blush before backing away "I believe we are all ready. We must find her, Calex. It would be very important to talking to my people about everything else we all want."

If, through the will of gods themselves, this day were brought to life as a living breathing, thinking individual, it would be, most certainly, a child.

It would be a young child, but not an infant. It would know of itself, and it would be filled with wonder, and the energy of youth, and even if it remembered the previous day’s darkness it would not wear it as a stain. It would pass it along to a place of unimportant memories, as if it were a scrapped knee, a bump on the head, or a thorn in the shoe.
Yesterday would not be in its mind at all, for this day, today is a spring day like so many that are dreamt of in the minds of young and old alike. It is a blue day, a yellow day, filled with sky and sunshine. The cool air suggests a cloud creeping close from distant horizon puffed out in all directions with rain that will fall light and replenishing.

It is a day for beginnings.

Calex, Robert, and Marwan, with their new friends, Stolos, Calamity, and Ravena, gather close together and make idle small talk as they walk toward the settlement of Mingary bend, just three quarters of a mile north of Lakeside.

Just to the north of Riverside, a quarter of a mile or so along, they come to the place where, before the recent troubles began, the Maetaur had been clearing the sparse woods and laying the groundwork for a road, paved with fired bricks. This road would connect Lakeside and Mingary bend permanently, and no longer would anyone wonder if the two communities were in fact both part of something much larger, something perhaps to come, but for now the road stands incomplete.

It is a short journey to the long, low wood and sod houses of the Maetaur at Mingary bend.

At first the small settlement feels deserted, but then a single Maetaur is seen, his arms laden with firewood, then another is seen, a long handled hoe in her hands as she works a small garden behind a home.

You reach the center of the village, where there is a rise in the ground to a ring of wooden benches around a stone fire pit. Darlene is there waiting

She is a young Maetaur, and she is unusually long in the torso, bringing her height to onl6y a few inches short of six full feet. Her equine parts are ruddy in color, and her hair is golden yellow. She is wearing a dark red Rafgham, and a light blue shirt, made of heavy wool, with three belts around her waist. She has a small dagger on her belt and a large quiver which holds several long darts. On her human like back, strapped across her shoulders is a large, deep guitar. While across her equine back is a pair of saddlebags which appear to be filled with supplies. Tied to the left one is a coil of heavy rope, and tied atop the right one is a huge roll of thick, oil treated wool.

Oh, there are so many of you, Calamity? I’m glad to see you.

Well, I’m ready, and my father gave me a map. Here it is

Darlene unrolls a heavy velum sheet with an inked map of the area north of Woodbridge. It shows the river, Castletown, and other features, but what you immediately see is that there are no roads.

My father, Cannic, said that this is the best he can remember, as it has been a while since he travelled to Otter’s Lake, and he is pretty sure it is not to scale. There are no roads, exactly, but we should find plenty of trails that lead us in the right direction, and if we are lucky we will meet farmers or hunters who can help us stay on the right path. With any luck we will reach Otter’s Lake in two to three days at the most.

I know Calamity, and I’ve met Calex and Robert before, but I don’t think I was properly introduce to you, Darlene says as she holds out her hand to Marwan.

After she meets Marwan properly, she turns to Stolos and says You must be from MacNorra house, pleased to meet you.

She then turns to Ravena and seems to catch her breath before saying, Um, I don’t, I don’t think I’ve, met, seen, been, seen, um sorry. I think we haven’t met. My name is Darlene Maowan, and I am, I am, well, I am ready to go, okay, let’s go.

"Yes, now that we've all met let us get moving on this lovely day." Robert pronounces. He takes a look at the map and the surroundings and asks "Shall I take point or your Ravena?"

go ahead matey and take da pointshe says nodding to Robert her trusty bow in her hand and an arrow in the other.

Marwan lopes along, his long spindly legs balancing out the fact that he frequently stops to scribble in his journal or make calculations in his head.

Calamity walks calmly towards the back of the group as she keeps an eye on their surroundings with a gentle sigh. The new air felt nice- she was extremely excited to be with the people some in her culture painted as just "outsiders."

"It is an honor to meet one of the renowned bards of the Maetuar," Stolos says, nodding to Darlene. "MacNorra house is happy to be of aid in these times."

While walking along, Stolos looks up at Marwan, a puzzled expression on his face. "Friend Marwan, would you satisfy my curiosity? I am wondering what it is that compels you to write so much on this fine day."

At this, Calamity's interest is piqued a bit "Apostolos.... If I could ask.... It's my understanding that your people, and mine.... we do not always see eye to eye.....

How do you know of Darlene? I apologize.... But I find it interesting."

sometimes bow sister ya make da best of da ship maties that ya got Ravena answers pragmatically.

The Village of Woodbridge, Mingary Bend

Day 13, after noon

As the party begins to set their direction, currently west, following the river to a shallow place where it can be crossed easily, before heading north into the Fox Wood, Calamity asks Stolos about his knowledge of the Maetaur

Before he can answer, Darleen purses her lips in a sort of half scowl half frown, and says

He’s probably just having fun at my expense. I’m sure his brother, Poseus, has told him many outrageous stories about me. I know his brother well. Poseus spent a lot of his time in Woodbridge. I remember seeing him there most of the time I visited, well either him or that Alinda Carpenter, who I think has a crush on Marcus. She follows him around like a puppy.

On the first part of the journey, there is little to no chance of the party getting lost, as almost everyone knows how to get to the Fox Wood, and the Hill of the Cairns is easy to see from anywhere within the sparse wooded area there. There is a 1 in 12 chance for a random encounter before you reach the Hill of the Cairns, which will take you about three hours

Random Encounter?: 1d12 ⇒ 8

The journey west is short, and soon the group reaches a wide part of the Lorisane River, where the depth reaches only a couple of feet at the center. It is spring time and the water is cold, swift, and clear. The river is almost two hundred feet wide where you cross, and you are all soaked, and chilled by the time you cross to the northern bank.

Ahead of you are low, rolling hills with a few bushes, wildflowers, and trees. As soon as you reach the top of the first hill you can see the Fox Wood north of your location, a sparse wooded area a few miles across, and beyond this the noticeable Hill of the Cairns, which stands high in the distance.

The Hill of the Cairns covers an area almost a half mile wide, and is about a quarter of a mile from north to south. It is a grassy hill with almost no trees and rises to a height of six hundred feet above the surrounding area. The hill is covered with piles of stones, the Cairns, as they are called, some of which are small, while others are almost the size of a small house in Woodbridge. There are also shelters, built by the ancestors of the Maetaur people on the Hill, three sided stone enclosures with wooden roofs.

You’ll reach the hill by late afternoon, probably a couple of hours before sunset. From there you can see far to the north and west, and the edge of the Green Wood.

Robert stands at the top of the hill and looks at the surrounding area, checking for any orcs or anything else out of the ordinary.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

After the river crossing Cal will use a simple magic to dry everyone off.
Cal uses prestidigitation for this effect.
"It may be minor magic, but sometimes the simple things can provide the most utility. Just becuase we are away from home shouldn't mean we need to leave all the comforts behind us too."

While Robert keeps a sharp eye Ravena will ceck for any tracks besides those of the party

survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 8 = 9

Kn. Nature: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
Calamity is wondering what other sort of natural hazards might be in the area, and which she should warn the others about. Beasts, difficult terrain, etc.

Calamity would shy away from Cal's prestidigitation as much as she could without actually attempting to dodge the spell "I apologize, and appreciate the effort and being dry.... but my people are... not always so instant and direct, Calex."

"Perhaps," Stolos replies to Darlene with a smile. "Poseus mentioned little more than your name, but I can say that he failed to mention your beauty."

Turning to Calamity, Stolos addresses her question. "On the contrary, I have always enjoyed the company of the Maetaur. Your people intrigue me, and I feel that I can learn much from you."

The Hill of the Cairns

Day 13, late afternoon

When the party reaches the Hill of the Cairns, they take a moment to take stock of the surroundings, and plan their next course.

Ravena scouts the area at the top of the hill and finds several crisscrossing trails, made by animals, the largest of which she calculates to be small dear. She finds, fox, badger, rabbit, weasel, and goat and sheep tracks among the many trails.

Calamity examines the top of the hill for any dangers, and spots a shelter, on the west, northwest side of the hill, and there is a stack of cut firewood against the wall of the shelter. She looks to the eastern horizon and sees clouds, dark grey in color, and can determine that rain is likely this evening, or possibly in the early morning.

When Ravena points out the many animal trails on the hill, Calamity bends close to the beaten trails to take a closer look, and discovers something unusual.

Robert moves to the highest part of the hill, where there also happens to be a very large cairn. He looks north, east and west, for any sign of the Tafganor raiders, but sees no camps on the sparsely wooded hills around him. However, to the northwest, in the direction of the green Wood, he sees a column of pale smoke rising, just inside the edge of the forest. A quick estimate in his head tells him that the forest of the green Wood is six to maybe eight miles away, a march of at least a few hours. The sun will be setting by the time they reach the green Wood, if they set out immediately, otherwise it might be dark before they reach the forest edge.

Traveling in the dark of night. As long as there are no clouds, the group can travel at night, using the stars and constellations as a guide. But, if the night is cloudy you might surely lose your way

Robert points to the smoke in the northwest, "There is a column of smoke that way. Should be just into the green Wood. If we march that way now, we should get there around sunset. Should we see what's going on there or spend the night here and get there tomorrow?"

if'n I was missin I would want me maties to come fast and sure to me aid, I say we go on Ravena says with a nod

Calamity would nod with a small sigh "There's a shelter over there, Robert. I believe we might find safe lodgings over there. I'm seeing bear and wolf prints. The bear prints are fresh- we should keep an eye out for it. Looks like it might have been chasing deer.... I'm not entirely sure."

"I think we should push on while we have the advantage of the light and weather. If the smoke involves our missing, we might not need to travel as far as we thought, and even if it doesn't we might be able to learn more about the situation we face in any event. And any aid we render out here in the wilds will demonstrate to all the benevolence of the Empire and help garner favor for Castletown. That might prove invaluable in the future." Calex says thoughtfully . "I'll admit I was looking forward to having a roof above me tonight, but we are out here for a reason. Sacrifices must be made, it seems."

Robert nods to Calex and says "Let's move on then." He heads down the hill in the direction of the smoke.