The Beginning of All Things (Inactive)

Game Master Terquem

Since I will be going to work soon and to at least help speed things along, I will post the first 2 rounds of punches...though I doubt it will go that long since Poseus has a 18 strength and will take me down with 2 good punches lol

Round 1

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
damae: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2

Round 2

1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4
1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8
damage: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Dieredon answers the representative from Castletown during the day.

Why yes, I am Dieredon, and I am Irishean in descent. I am heading to Catletown in the morning with Calex. Thanks for the recommendation of the Blackstone Inn. I would like to catch up with you after we take care of our business, and we certainly can compare notes on the developements in Woodbridge.I report directly to the Keeper of the Grounds, Hugh Amsolet.Please inquire of me at the Blackstone, and we can catch up when you arrive.

Dieredon searches out Yanel Asserin during the remainder of the festival before the start of the boxing matches. He pulls his fellow elf aside to speak to him in a low voice.

Dieredon takes in the boxing matches and tries to track down Calex.

Calex, I will meet you at my home in Lakeside first thing tomorrow for our trip north.

That sounds like an excellent plan, Dieredon. An early start gives us a full day of travel to gain some time. I asked Patricia about a loan of a cart & animal, but I don't think she remembered, with all the festivities being managed. We'll make do on foot I guess. It will be nice to make the trip with company for a change. Who will we be seeking out first to report our mysterious dead halfling? The Castletown Guard? Or is there someone more appropriate in their authority?

Wiscara joins in the fun and does her best to keep her mind off the events of the previous days. The celebration was one of her favorite times of the year. One of her favorite things to do was dance and she makes great effort to encourage everyone to join in, especially the Maetaur people. She tries to dance with everyone she knows at least once. Taking small breaks to eat and drink and talk in between dances she asks Rosilindea if it were possible for her to learn the Gymnaga dance, "If it can be done by those with legs," she says with a laugh indicating how complicated it looked. She watches the boxing match for a short time but grows bored and spends most of the rest of the time with Elizabeth, making sure her friend is ok and checking on the status of Roan. She does her best to make Elizabeth smile, making her dance and have some fun. "You look absolutely beautiful in that dress, mine is so plain in comparison. Everyone will be staring at you," she smiles.

When the Maetaur tell her it is time for the ceremony she excuses herself suddenly looking very serious, "Blessing to you all for another prosperous year," and then she is gone.

Phineas listens with intense interest as Ulan Goodwell relates the fable of the Spell Stone. "I wonder if such a thing exists or can be made?" he wonders, seeing the possibilities of ending the Decapus problem using an item like this.

While the others cavort, Phineas seeks out Aura One-hand and asks to speak with her discreetly. When they are out of earshot, he whispers, "Can such a thing as Old Ulan was talking of, the spell stone, actually exist? If only the good folk can make it, as he says, how do we get in touch with them? I am certain, you know Miss Auria. We can use this spell stone to...to....to help....

Out of the corner of his eye, Phin sees the lovely Elizabeth approaching the festivities. She is a vision in her gown and flowered crown. Poor lovestruck Phineas' breath is literally taken away and he becomes speechless forgetting whatever he was saying before.

His eyes track the lovely girl as she sits and talks with her friends and family. Without waiting for the witch's reply, Phineas stumbles off to get closer to the girl.

Phineas sees Wiscara, the druid girl, speaking with Elizabeth and approaches her. Hello, 'Cara. Hello Lizzie, I mean Elizabeth...Phineas blushes furiously, his face and neck turning nearly the same color as his flaming red hair.

"I was wonderin'...would you, I mean, do you think...that is, can I have this dance?" he says this with his eyes averted to the floor, not daring to look up. Unfortunately, it's not at all clear which girl he is truly asking for.

The first round of boxing goes by quickly. When Wuda calls the first round over, he takes a seat, grabs a quick chug if water and closes his eyes and thinks the first round over in his mind. He remembers Wuda calling the start of the match, then Mitchell and him circling the ring feeling each other out. Mitchell threw out a couple quick jabs, landing the first square on Marcus' jaw. The other Marcus was able to narrowly dodge the second jab.

Marcus then returned the favor with a quick jab of his own, but with his nerves running on overdrive, he missed miserably. This new opening, Mitchell took advantage and tried to land a few more punches. Even though Marcus was off balance, Mitchell wasn't expecting him to be so-far off liter that he missed with his next two punches. This gave Marcus the opening he needed and land two more solid blows to the gut of Mitchell. I gotta remember this for next round, it may come on handyMarcus thought to himself. That's when Wuda asked if he wanted to continue? Sure, why not replied Marcus.

That's when round two started. Marcus and Mitchell were no longer testing each other, it was go from the start. The two went back and forth, both sending punches that the other either blocked or turned to the side to enhance the spectacle of the fight. Mitchell landed the first real blow, a strong uppercut that rocked Marcus head back in a violent motion. Even Mitchell was surprised Marcus was still standing. Marcus returned the favor by landing two more body shots, hearing Mitchell's rib crack under the weight of his bare fists. With every ouch Marcus landed, the crowd seemed to "ooh" and "Aahh" and cheer. He could hear Poseus cheering him on, which fueled him to continue pushing forward, even if his body was about to give up on him.

This is when it happened, the defining moment in the fight. Mitchell landed a blow that knocked the wind out of him and left him down in the fight, but right as Mitchell was throwing his punch, Marcus saw an opening and delivered a shot to Mitchell's jaw. Marcus passed out from the punishment his body had taken, to awaken a few minutes later with Mirchell with a black eye.

After a few moments of cheering from the crowd, Wuda declared Marcus the new champion.

Marcus happily accepted the mug of ale and the shot if whiskey. He grabbed a shot and walked over to Mitchell Flynn, and handed him a shot, What a fight huh, I think I am gonna be feeling this one in the morning. My side still hurts from the beating it took. Good fight friend, even though I won, it was beginners luck, Marcus has a few good laughs with him then heads back to rest for a few minutes.
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After sitting and taking in the congratulations from the crowd, Marcus looks over to Poseus and sees his Gymnaga friends teasing him about getting in the ring. Marcus will think it over and decide he might have enough for one more bout. He climbs in the ring and motion Poseus over to go a few rounds with him. As Poseus slithers over and accepts his challenge, Marcus sees Poseues muscles flex while he get in the ring. For a brief moment, Marcus wonders if this was a smart move, I want to be able to remember this night, I hope I don't get permanently damaged. Oh well, at least Poseus will look good to his friends he thought to himself, but only briefly because Wuda started the first round.

Marcus, now being a "veteran" or at least experienced to channel his nerves during this type of fight, goes after Poseues with all his nights hoping to knock him out before the Gymnaga knocks him out first.

Well apparently your luck with the dice hasn't run out yet Marcus, ouch time for me, that knocks me out after the first round

Round 1
Boxing Match: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 201d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 71d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d3 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7

Round 2
Boxing Match: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d3 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d3 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6

I am not sure about Patricia's specific instructions, but I thought she requested that we deliver the skull to one of the Holy Men in Castletown. that is why i was hoping that Phineas would join us, but no matter. We will do just fine.

before retiring for the evening, Dieredon motions to Calex for them to try and find Patricia. Upon locating her, Dieredon will ask,

Patricia, in light of our trip tomorrow, I was wondering if you had any further details regarding specifically who we should speak to about the skull in Castletown? Also, was there any other business that we could look into for you, seeing that we are leaving first thing in the morning?

As Calex follows Dieredon to find Patricia, he thinks about the stories told that night, particularly that of the spellstones. "I wonder how such a thing could be made. Something like a scroll, perhaps, or a potion, where the spell is stored partialy ready until triggered. A sort of in-between step between such and a wand. Similar to the making of an amulet. Beyond me right now, but if glass-working is involved perhaps not far off. After all, does not storing a potion in glass already do something close? THIS IS SO FASCINATING! Perhaps using scroll inks as a tincture for the glass.." His excited thoughts break off as the pair approach Patricia.

Marcus and Poseus go at each other with smiles and recklessness, and both are bruised and beaten to a finish in one round. The crowd cheers for both, and it difficult to declare a winner, but everyone agrees that Poseus' last blow of the round, though powerful, failed to connect, and the match goes to Marcus.

Off to the side of the ring, as Marcus returns to his corner,where a couple of young village girls kiss him on the cheek, Mitchell shouts out to Marcus a congratulation, and then thanks Phineas for the wave of energy, but he smiles at Phineas and exclaims, "Rather I was on the receiving end of the kind of positive energy those girls are giving Marcus, if you know what I mean." And his wife elbows him in the ribs.

will respond to other post later today, excellent posts everyone!.

Marcus feels the brunt of the heavy handed Gymnaga. The first punch nearly knocks him out cold, but Marcus will hang tough with his adversary. He delivers two quick blows to Poseus rib area, the second blow knocks him out cold, but not before Marcus delivers a final blow of his own.

Once again, Marcus is roused to consciousness, not knowing where he is for a moment. He comes to and realizes he is declared the winner, he may be happy, but his head is throbbing.

He allows the young ladies to kiss him, but doesn't take it any farther and plays it off as a lucky blow and nothing more. He is modest when Mitchell speaks up, and makes a slight chuckle as his wife elbows him.

Marcus enjoys the rest of the festival, drinking to ease his injured body. Should anyone challenge him to a bout, he respectfully and humbly declines, simply due his body racked with pain. Marcus will dance, with a few of the ladies showing affection, and is a complete gentleman about it. Towards the end of the night, Marcus will meet with those travel to Castletown.

May you all have a speedy journey and travel safe my friends., No i am gonna retire to bed, my body aches and I need to be up early to see about an wares that Wuda still has in her possession. They go quickly for sure, Marcus says good bye and he heads back home to rest his mind and body in preparation for the negotiations to take place with Wuda. He has to mentally ready, she is a tough haggler. He lets the memories of the night, help him pass out.

Yanel seems to be enjoying the festival. When Dieredon asks to speak to him, he looks around casually, and then walks under a nearby tree, motioning for Dieredon to follow him.

Before Wiscara leaves, Rosilindeae enjoys her company. “It’s mostly in the waist and shoulders,” Roslindeae laugs, and then she puts her hands on Wiscara’s hips and shoves from side to side. “Anyone can do it,” she giggles. She gives Wiscara a very close and intimate hug, and Wiscara can tell that the Gymnaga woman has been drinking a lot of the local beer. When she finally says that she must leave, Wiscara is hugged by all of the Gymnbage folk, who seem to see her as a friend, and equal of Rosilindeae’s.

Elizabeth, is just wishing well to Wiscara, excited for her friends ceremony, when Phineas approaches and quietly asks for a dance.

Wiscara says her goodbye’s and then Elizbeth stands and move close to Phineas, she smiles, turns her head toward the musians and says, “This is a lovely tune, and I would love to dance with you Brother Phineas. “ She Takes Phineas’ hands and moves closer to the stage. She dances, at first, respectfully, folding one of his hands, and keeping another on his shoulder. They move in small circles, and after a turn or two, the young woman moves closer to him, and pays her head on his chest. He is taller than her, but she fits him. His heart leaps, but he keeps moving in slow circles hoping the song will last, but it doesn’t, not nearly long enough, not long enough at all.

“Thank you, Phineas.,” Elizabeth smiles. “I feel a lot better now. I think I’ll say hello to some others here, but I would like one more dance before the night is over.”

Patricia is enjoying the music, standing close to the stage, and keeping an eye on those who might over indulge.

“Dieredon, I’m not sure who is still in Castletown. I haven’t been there in almost a year. There used to be a Priest, his name was, I think, Thomwell Kallen, and he held some position of authority. There isn’t anything else I need from Castletown. Calex, I’m sorry for spending more time with you this morning, there has been so much to do. I asked around the village and no one has a cart, well at least a cart that is sturdy enough to make the trip to Castletown. With everyone plowing and planting there isn’t a horse or two to spare either I’m afraid, but you’ll probably make good time on foot anyway. But, maybe,” Patricial looks around and then lowers her voice, “Stop by my family’s house in the morning, tell anyone who asks that you are just checking oj my mother. I have some gold coins, Alodoan coins, I’ll give you what I have, and as quietly as you can, try to purchase as many swords as you can, keep it too yourselves, and deliver them to me. It might be a good idea to start building up the villages defenses.”

When Phineas finishes the dance with Elizabeth, Auria finds him and pulls him along toward Calex.

“You asked about the Spell Stone in Ulan’s story,” Auria says to Phineas. ”Now that I have you both together I will tell you what I know. [b] “There used to be a Sorcerer, you found his home in the bogs, who was the only one who knew the secret to crafting the special glass balls needed for the enchantments to take hold. But he did not know how to enchant the Spell Stones. He tried to force the Good Folk to tell him the secret of the magic, but they would not, and it drove him mad. There are two things I know. The first is that the glass balls must be of the highest quality, and there are materials used in their crafting that can only be found in the stones of the Cairns of the Hills. The second is that there is a mixture of oil and dust that is used to polish the glass, and the dust is made from the bones of some animal that only the Good Folk know. They gave this secret, of crafting the glass, to the sorcerer, in exchange for his promises to not visit the Cairns. That is what I know, and I tell you this as a warning. The Good Folk can be friendly, in the right circumstances, but do not enter the Cairns without their permission. This is something I cannot stress more seriously. They have secrets, and they guard them with a vengeance. If you want to find the Good Folk, you must journey south of the Cairns of the Hills, and look for their strongholds in the heights of the tallest trees.”

The first punch of Poseus landed squarely on Marcus's chin, before he took two blows to his chest. Poseus not being used to any sort of combat tried to overpower Marcus with a second and third blow, though only his second connected on Marcus's side at the same time Marcus managed to give Poseus a jab to his face that caused him to stumble.

Poseus stumbled across the ring after Marcus's third hit connected, though not knocked out cold, he was very disoriented by the punches and could barely keep standing.

He stumbles to the ropes of the ring and hangs in there regaining his clarity, hearing the crowd cheer for the quick but spectaculair bout.
He regained much of his clarity about the time that Marcus scrambled up again, after just having been declared winner.

Poseus moves up to Marcus and shakes him the hand and embraces him briefly.
"Congratulations on a nice match Marcus, I want to have a rematch next year okay?"

The Gymnaga youth still cheered at him for trying, Miranna, the Gymnaga girl also still standing there. Poseus climbed out of the ring and got hugged and patted on the shoulders by everyone.
"Hehe you sure can punch Poseus, now you need to only learn how to receive one."
Everyone laughed including Poseus. Miranna moved next to him with a small cloth to wipe a bit of the blood away that was on his face.
"You might be a low class, but you fight like one of the warrior class, I'd say anyone might feel safe with you as a bodyguard you know?"

Poseus blushed at her comment. After that he went home to the MacNorra Ruins, but not before saying goodbye to any of his comrades of the night before at the bog.

Amazed that he found himself dancing with the lovely Elizabeth, Phineas is nearly heart-broken when the dance ends, even with the promise of another.

He is glad when Auria One-Hand calls he and Calex together. At first he has a hard time concentrating at what the witch is saying, thinking of the smell of Elizabeth's hair and touch of her head on his shoulder. But once she starts discussing the creation of a spell stone in earnest he puts those thoughts aside and listens in earnest.

"It is too bad Cal is going off to Castletown tomorrow. He and I could go looking for these Good Folk in the trees as you say. Do you think they would share the secrets with us? It's for a good cause, eliminating the Fulogh Bagnorra in the bog. Do they trade? Is there something we can bring to entice them?"

As the band starts playing another slow dance, Phineas thinks of Elizabeth again and his face likes to crack open with a smile.

Calex nods at all of Phin's questions. "I would like to know more myself. Can the issue wait until I return? I would dearly desire to know more of the magics you talk about, but I have already agreed to the trip to Castletown. It is only proper to send more than one person, if only to corroborate the story we bring. Speaking of which- a letter reporting it, coming from a town elder would also re-affirm the tale as well." Calex looks pointedly at Patricia.

Bah! Just noticed we werent talking to Patty but to Auria. Just ignore the part bout the letter.

”One never knows how things will go, when dealing with the Good Folk. Many of their kind are suspicious of outsiders, and still there are others who are curious. It is likely they still know the secrets to enchant a Spell Stone, but if they are willing to help, well, we won’t know that until someone asks them,” Auria answers Phineas’ question. She then turns to Calex and shifts her mouth to one side as she considers what he suggests.

“A letter could go a long way to show them in Castletown that we are not people they should be concerned about, but it must be crafted well. I will talk to the Flaherty family, and then ask Cicily to write the letter, she is the best with words in our village. I’ll find you in the morning before you leave and have something for you to take to the lord of this Castle at Castletown.”

Does anyone else have anything else they want to wrap up before the night ends?

Any romance for Brother Phineas the Lovestruck?

You will share another dance with Elizabeth, but for anything else to develope, you are going to have to risk a diplomacy check, and for the time being you have a +1 modifier from the heroics of the past day, but, if you pass on this check, you keep the modifier, and gain another +1 modifier (for a total pf +2), that you can use if you want to try and press your feelings at a later time. The longer you put off making this check, and continue to do things that put you in Elizabeth's favor, the better your chances, but you also risk her finding interest in someone else. Right now, it seems obvious that she is fragile, and does not know what she wants from life, regarding a love interest.

Phin will content himself with the dance for now. It would be more like him to want more, but not to force things. As you say, the timing may not be right. He will use his crush as extra motivation for heroic deeds and push that bonus up!. He'll just crush any new suitors that arrive ;)]

I am ready to proceed. I would like to see Cal and DD off in the AM and then meet about the Spell Stones with the rest of the group.

Day 3

The village of Woodbrige slowly settles down into a night of peaceful sleep after a day of celebration and merriment.

To the northeast, just to the east of the Maetaur settlement, a gather is just beginning.

Cicily Fautinbino, enters a clearing, a sacred place where the trees have been carefully cultivated, the grasses trimmed regularly, and flowers and other growing things are managed into concentric circles around a setting of seven large stones. These stones are each three feet high, smooth and flat on their tops, but each is of a different girth or shape. They are set, these stones, deeply into the black soil and will stand like this for centuries to come.

She enters alone, Cicily, and she carries a basket. She is dressed in a dark blue Rafgham that is embroidered with the symbol of the sun and the moon that nearly touches the ground, and on her torso she wears a small green shirt, cut very high, so that her stomach is exposed. She is a vision of beauty and nature. Her hair, combed and worn loose, falls in waves over her shoulders and is brushed back from her face making a frame of reddish brown around her lightly tanned skin. The basket holds several large candles, and one by one Cicily approaches each of the standing stones, places a pair of candles on top of each stone, lights them one by one, then kneels and says a quiet prayer. When all of the candles are burning, she places the basket in the center of the circle made by the standing stones, and turns to the west, opens her arms wide and bows her head. It is a sign, and when it is made, a procession enters the glade.

Fiona McKecknee, and Michelin McCarthy enter the glade, dressed in their finest, followed by Wiscara’s mother, who carries a wooden bowl in her outstretched arms. Next comes Wiscara, her head lowered, she moves slowly, sliding one foot ahead of her and then another. She is barefoot, and she feels the power and solemnity of the place in the feel of the grass beneath her feet.

A line of the Maetaur folk follow her, and they peel away from the procession, as it moves to the center of the glade. The other Maetaur carry torches and they make a circle near the perimeter of the glade, each of them walking in a slow but steady prance, lifting their knees high and causing a sound like rushing water from the rising and falling of their Rafgham.

It is a ceremony handed down from generation to generation among the Maetaur people. Cicily, as the Chief Druid of this community, will say a few prayers, in the old tongue, and then she will touch Wiscara lightly with the purified water carried by Wiscara’s mother in the scared bowl. Finally, a story will be told, it is short, and lacks details, but tells of the power in natural world, how it is called, how it is controlled, and how it should be used. When Cicily finishes the story, she will kneel before Wiscara, as will all of the others, and they will address her by a secret, sacred name, a name that is only ever to be spoken aloud again, when Wiscar summons her animal companion, and whispers the name into the animals ear, bonding them as friends and kindred spirits.

When it is over, everyone closes in about the young human girl, offering congratulations, hugs and gentle kisses upon the forehead. Cicily is the last to embrace her, and when she does, the tears of joy on her face cannot be hidden.

“Welcome to our family, and to our fellowship,” Cicily whispers, and then holds Wiscara tightly. “Let us all return to our homes, for tomorrow is already today, and today will be a special day for Wiscara.”

Wiscara opens her eyes wide and smiles as everyone moves closer to congratulate her. It is the most attention she has ever had before in her life and she feels awkward, but happy to be accepted as one of them. Tears of her own show when she embraces Cicily, she hopes she will grow much closer to Cicily as well as all of them.....
to be continued... sorry out of time today

Wiscara wakes in her bed trying to recall the dream she had been having. A green worm wrapping itself around my legs and the forest on fire. Then a field of flowers, I was searching for something I lost. Then the flowers melted into thorns... or was it ants? She shakes her head, sure that it was all nonsense and gets out of bed. She finds her mother meditating and sits down next to her to begin her own session. "You must prepare youself Cara," her mother says without opening her eyes, "perhaps today you will find your companion. Perhaps not. I will help you be able to know how and be sure in your choice." For the next hour Wiscara is guided in preparing herself and shaping the flowing energy she is able to touch, though with much effort and little skill. She prepares herself for the task of finding her animal companion.

Prepared Spells (Added in profile)
Orisons: Create Water, Guidance, Know Direction.
1st Level: Call Animal, Speak with Animals.

Strapping on her wooden armour and hoisting her pack, she slides her dagger into a sheath against her right hip before leaving the house. Her mother gives her a hug and her blessing and watches until she has disappeared into the trees. Wiscara also takes her spear with her, using it as a walking stick for now. I have already made my decision but I don't know where to find you...
Survival(Weather for today?): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (1) + 12 = 13 well what's the fun in always taking 10 :P
She casts Know Direction. She will head where she knows or thinks the wild cat that attacked her many years ago came from to find her companion. Not sure how long it will take so I will wait a few posts before posting more.

Castletown Trip

Dieredon wakes early, as usual, and he begins to turn over in his mind who and how to approach the few individuals that he has been given notice of in Castletown. As he thinks, he loads the necessaries into his backpack. he has enough travel rations for 6 days, but he knows that he will be able to hunt during the trip. Once he checks his armor and weapons, he sits on his front porch, awaiting the arrival of Calex, his companion for the journey.

Poseus wakes up a little later than the crack of dawn, a little hung over from the last night's events.
As he fastened his spears and new armor on himself, a thought ran through his mind.
Who decided again to travel with me on the search mission for more remains? Phineas wasn't it? the red-haired bloke that kept on staring at Elizabeth. Who else? Calex and Dieredon would go to Castletwon, Marcus would stay and work on some armor for me.
ah right, Wiscara, she should be a sworn-in druid now. I should drop by both their houses to see where they intend to start our search.

Poseus leaves the house quietly as to not disturb his family. Outside he could hear some other villagers inside their houses, but most were sleeping in from the Festival. Setting out for Phineas's house Didn't he stay at Panforey's? and then off to find Wiscara's place and the new druid.

Castletown Expedition
Calex awakens the next morning and secures his shop for an extended absence. After readying his daily spells for the trip, he takes up his traveling gear, including not only his staff, but his crossbow as well. As the young mage heads out to meet up with Dieredon he remembers that Auria was to get them a letter reporting the halfling's death.

"I hope she didn't forget. I'd hate to show up waving a dead halfling skull about and only a wild tale of finding it in the woods...such things can lead to nasty suspicions, or even a trip to the gaol until the story is proven and cleared up. THAT would put a delay in my research plans!"
He steps out into the early dawn and heads for Dieredon's place.

Phineas arrives at Dieredon's place just as Calex is arriving.

"I sure wish I was going with you guys, but I feel strongly that my place is here. May the Protector watch over you on the road and while you are away."

Phineas relates what Auria One-hand told him about the Good Folk, the Spell Stone and the Cairns of the Hills.

"Should we go out there while you guys are away, or do want us to wait till you get back. If that monster is in the bog, I'd feel better knowing we had a way to defeat it. Besides, the Good Folk may not have a Spell Stone, or may require something from us in return."

Thank you, Brother Phineas, and we probably are in agreement that it would be best if you waited for our return to investigate the Good Folk, as we may be of aid in that endeavor.

Aye, Dieredon, I would prefer to wait until you and Cal return to investigate the beyond the Cairn of the Hills. I have never been past those stones. While you are away, Poseus, Wiscara, and I will go looking for more remains where the skull was found. Again, Mithras travel with you and a blessing on the road."

He offers his hand to both DD and Cal, then returns to Panforey's to prepare for the day out. He will pack up his gear in his pack and pick up his armor and weapons. Keep same spells memorized.

When Poseus arrives he will greet him warmly.

Poseus arrives at Panforey's house only to find that Phineas has already left for Dieredon's place to say them goodbye. He takes the time to converse a little with Panforey before he attends his daily duties.

"If you don't mind me asking a bit of a philosophical question Mr. Panforey, could you tell me how you think the different races around here came to be?

I'm intrigued by the similarities between the Maetaur, Gymnaga and Halflings, but also between Gymnaga and other snakes or snake-like races in the stories I've heard. What do your gods say about our people?"

As I mentioned before, Poseus is fascinated by snakes, eventually taking on a snake animal companion at lvl 4 when we reach that.

As Phineas returns to Panforey's house he stumbles upon a curious scene in which Poseus and Mr. Panforey discuss religion and creation. but as soon as Poseus sees Phineas he gets up and greets him heartily.
"Good morning Phineas, I expect Dieredon and Calex are well on their way already? Did you sent them my greetings as well, I forgot to say goodbye to them last evening due to all the festivities."

He pauses for a moment waiting on Phineas's reply.

"I have no idea where Wiscara lives, I assumed you might know. I'm wondering if we even might find any other remains of the halfling, or if we find it what might have killed him..."

Cal returns Phin's handshake and watches as his friend returns to the village. Cal sighs, and shifts his gear to a more comfortable position and glances up at the hunter beside him. "I had hoped for one of the others to join us at the last minute, but perhaps its best. With only us we may make better time and more quickly return. Time to to start out, Dieredon, or do we have yet some things to take care of before departing?"

Marcus sleeps in, much later than he would have liked. He washes up as quickly as possible, trying to wash the cobwebs away from the previous night. Marcus now sports a black eye, very sore ribs, but the fun and enjoyment of the festival was worth the soreness.

Marcus takes off for the edge of town in hopes to catch Calex and Dieredon off on their journey to Castletown. He is relieved to see he has made it in time. He looks as Calex,

Travel safe friend. May the wind be always at your back. While cleaning out the shop a few weeks back, I came across this spear. I didn't know what to do with it and almost scrapped it. Luckily I didn't as know it can get use. Take it with you, hopefully you can get some use out it on your travels Marcus will hand the spear to Calex then give him a firm handshake.

Turning to Dieredon,

Unfortunately my friend, there is not much I have in the shop that would be particularly useful at this moment. I should hopefully have the armor done by the time you return. You are already using some sturdy weaponry, even some I have never come across. Have a safe trip, and bring back some good stories to tell of your travels, Marcus says with a smile.

With that Marcus will see them both off with a firm handshake and safe travels. He then turns around, and heads towards Wuda and where she has set up her cart. He knows he is drawing near, due to the small congregation surrounding her cart. There are various baskets and scented soaps leaving with satisfied customers. Marcus will wade through the customers in a last minute attempt to see if there are any quality leather goods left over. Knowing that if there weren't he could always visit Margie Toolwoad should the lot be gone. I left it open for you since I forgot about Margie Toolwoad and her clothing shop, doh

Dieredon smiles at Marcus.

Thank you, Marcus, and I look forward to seeing you upon our return.

He adjusts he weapons armor and pack.

Yes, Calex, my friend, it is time to depart. Be wary for others.

He focuses his eyes northward upon their path. He constantly searches both sides and in front of their path, with a regular glance to their rear.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

Would the location of the Metaur be common knowledge or would we need to ask? I am guessing that either way Panforey knows.

Phineas and Poseus discuss the Metaur camp where Wiscara lives and set out in that direction hoping to meet her part-way if possible. While walking (or slithering) Phineas asks Poseus:"What did Rosilindae say about the halfling skull we found? Is there anything to worry about? She didn't seem overly worried about it before."

Day 4

Mister Panforey greats Poseus and welcomes him into his home.
“The different people of this land all have different stories about their origins,” Panforey says in answer to Poseus question. “The Mautaur were probably here before anyone else, and they have stories about the Good Folk that are thousands of years old. I know very little of the Gymnaga migrations, but, I understand that they were brought to this land by the Sashi-Anhain, as slaves, some seven hundred or eight hundred years ago from a country across the sea to the south, a place much farther away that these newcomers have come from. And us, well, all I know is that we came to this land, the Urandomans, our people, five hundred years ago, on ships from a land far away to the east. When we settled here, for some reason that has been forgotten, our ancestors never spoke of where they came from or why they came here. We’ve become part of the land and it is our home. You have a good point about the similarities between the Alodoans and the Maetaur and Gymnaga people. It was always a curiosity, to me, that their human-like torso’s were much smaller than ours, and now that I’ve seen what one of these “Halflings” is like, I must say I am intrigued, but I don’t know what to make of it. Perhaps I will ask a Halfling if they know of any Maetaur or Gymnaga people in their home country and if they know why there is a similarity between the races.”

Wiscara lives with her mother on the northern eastern edge of Lakeside, near the edge of the woods. Going north, into those woods, some quarter of a mile (toward the river) you will find the Maetaur settlement.
But Wiscara is not home this morning.

If you journey toward the Maetaur settlement, you discover that the Maetaur have begun an ambitious undertaking this day. It looks as if every able bodied Maetaur is engaged in clearing the woods to a width of one hu8ndred yards wide from the edge of their settlement in a direction toward Lakeside. There are poles marking the area where the woods are to be cut down, and the Maetaur work steadily, with large axes to bring down the trees, while the children work with other tools to clear the ground cover. When you ask one of the Maetaur about the project, she directs you to speak to Dominic, who tells you that the project has been in the planning for over a year, and the land selected for this work was chosen because it has a swath of diseased trees that need to be cleared soon before the problem spreads, and also the Maetaur feel that it is time to connect their settlement permanently with Woodbridge. They intend to lay a road, made from stones gathered from the hills to the southwest, and that the whole project should be completed by the end of autumn.

When Wiscara is ready, she will join with Phineas and Poseus who will set out for the site where the skull was found.

Random Nighttime Encounter: 1d12 ⇒ 7

Phineas (and Poseus i'm guessing) will come along past Wiscara's to the Metaur village. Since we are waiting on her, we will go and pay our respects to Cicily and Dominic and offer to help with the land clearing project as best we can.

Phin, at least, will work until Wiscara returns. If he gets an opportunity with Cicly or Dominic alone he will ask:"Respected Elder, the Good Folk have figured large in our lives this week. We may have to seek them out for aid agains the Fulogh Bagnorra and I wonder if you may have some guideance to impart regarding that interaction. Panforey tells us the Metaur have had long history of interaction with the Good Folk. Can you advise us in any way?"

Poseus walks along with Phineas to the Maetaur settlement. Along the way he inquires about Phineas's events last night at the festival, he lost sight of him as he watched Marcus fight.
"How was your night at the festival did you have as much fun as I had?" He tells Phineas about the dancing with the other Gymnaga youngsters, the fight of Marcus and with Marcus and even drops a slight hint of a crush he had on Miranna, the Gymnaga girl.

At the paving site for the new road by the Maetaur, Poseus helps along with carrying equipment and supplies back and forth until Wiscara returns. Before he does, he asks Dominic if they know what kind of blight is affecting the trees. Natural or otherwise?

Dieredon sets to work establishing the campsite for the evening, clearing brush, gathering wood for a small fire, and searching the surrounding area.

Calex, stay near the site, I will see if I can scare up some game.

Dieredon briefly expands his search around the outskirts of the campsite in ever-widening concentric circles trying to take down any sort of game, even small, for dinner this evening.

Survival: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

Upon his return to the camp, he will either prepare the game that he has felled, or share rations with Calex as they discuss the course of action upon arrival.

I can keep watch tonight, friend, you get your rest. But, before nodding off, can you tell me if you have formulated a plan of action as to who we should visit and in what order upon our arrival in Castletown? I will need to stop by the castle at some point in time and file my monthly report, but as for the skull and anything else, I leave the order and visits to you.

Wiscara is nervous as she approaches the wild cat. She holds her hands out to it palms facing upward showing she is non-agressive and speaks a quick Druidic phrase enabling her to Speak with Animals for 1 minute.

She then speaks the word the Maetaur had given her for this exact purpose. It slides off her tongue and seems to echo between her and the animal. The cat opens its jaws and growls in return, the two voices mixing together and combining, hers seeming to lead with her companions voice complimenting and aiding, the sound of their magical conversation suddenly stops and Wiscara knows the animal had accepted her request. She steps forward closer and kneels in front of it. "My name is Wiscara, Druid of the Woodbridge Lake." She holds her right hand up to the young cats shoulder.

might need a little help statting out my AC here. Large car or small?

At Wuda’s wagon

As Marcus approaches he can see that Wuda is engaged in a heated exchange with Margie Toolwoad. When Wuda catches Marcus out of the corner of her eye, she throws her hands in the air, and strides toward him.

“Marcus, lad, it’s about time. Here, here, tell this woman what I told you yesterday, eh. Three gold for each hide. That’s what I told him. Not a penny less. She insists on paying only two, two! How can she expect me to sell them to her for two, when I have an offer of three from you? So how many will you take?”

There are twelve hides, each about 2.5 square yards, and it will take four square yards of leather to make one suit of leather Armor for a Medium sized person. There are also four hides, smaller being only 1.5 square yards that have a thick warm fur still attached to them, and these will make excellent trim pieces for cuffs and collars. The price is the same for both, 3 gold pieces each.

Margie approaches Marcus with her arms folded across her chest and a stern look on her face.

“So,” she says smacking her lips together, “You already promised three gold pieces for each hide? Is that right? How can you afford that, eh? How! And it’s going to be for armor, I suppose, when you know I can make vest and jackets using less material and make a good profit, still you’ll buy out from under me, well. I can’t match that price, so take the lot, if you can afford it, but when you’re done, if there is any left, I will not pay that price, I tell you, I won’t”

At Wuda's cart

Now Wuda, please don't put words in my mouth. I never actually agreed to 30 silver a piece, that was what you were offering. Now, I agree with both of your points. 20 silver will be robbery with the time and effort put in to make these fine pieces of leather. 30 silver is a bit out of our budget, you know we like to barter for prices, and the times are always tight. Even with a festival being held every year. What I suggest, is we meet in the middle at 25 silver per hide. That i believe is a fair price for the hides. How do you feel about the proposed deal Margie and Wuda? Marcus will try to calm everyone down, seeing that the tension is high as is expected when trying to get the best deal possible. Can I take a 10 on diplomacy, if so then I get a total of 17, add another +2 if I get a synergy bonus from having 1 rank in profession merchant.

After attempting to calm everyone down, he looks to Margie Toolwoad,

I have done some quick calculations for the armor I plan on making, I will need a total of 8 pieces of fine hide, which will leave 4 left over for you to make some nice quality vests and jackets. I do not know how much material you will need, is this is a possibility for you? If this is unacceptable, and you and I cannot reach common ground, I cannot leave here without 4 of the find hides, and that I stand firm upon Margie. I just want everyone here to leave happy, no sense in ruining the festival spirit a day after it, eh? Marcus says with a smile towards her. take 10 on diplomacy again if possible for a total of 17.

Calex watched as Dieredon expertly turned a bare spot of wilderness into a welcoming campsite, and smiled gratefully. It was certainly allot easier to travel with somebody that knew what they were doing!
" I have given some thought to our mission, Di. I think our first stop should be at the local barracks, for 2 reasons. One is to report the dead halfling and find out if any such has been reported as missing. This will also give the Imperials the reassurance that Woodbridge is a peaceful neighbor that isn't secretly killing Imperial citizens. Hopefully we can avoid being seen as a trouble spot that needs to be garrisoned. If we can get a name for our travel companion here" Cal taps the wrapped package containing the skull "it would be a good start. Also Auria wishes to request help from an Imperial-trained physician to help treat Sir Borderman. She says his illness is beyond her skill, and hopes an Alodoan healer might know more. Since he is a soldier of the Empire, the barracks commander might be able to send someone. Next would be finding a diviner to examine the skull to confirm the identity of the deceased, and the cause of death, then locating any family or friends our dead halfling had to give them some kind of closure. And on a personal business I wish to locate a elf mage Wuda mentioned to negotiate an exchange of spells- a trade of my admittedly paltry collection for any of hers of equal power that she might desire. Anything that increases my magic I consider a good thing." Cal grins at his elf friend. "You might want to join me for that. Wuda says this Sabrinelle D’Amertine is quite attractive. Maybe you already know her? In any event that is my idea for a plan. Any suggestions for changes would be welcome of course. I value your judgement."

Marcus -

Wuda, covers her heart with her hand and puts on an obviously phony display of distress, laughing all the while, “Marcus, Marcus, you’re killing me, ah, oh, ah. How like your father you are turning out to be, but thank the gods you got your mothers good looks, ah, my heart breaks, it breaks, but you wear me down, you wear me down. I’ll accept the offer of 25 silver for each hide and I don’t care who buys them.”

Margie Toolwoad smiles her biggest, warmest smile, and says, “It’s always a handsome man that gets the best deal from you Wuda, you old strumpet. Thank you Marcus, and take what you need and can afford, and I will take what’s left. We’ll have to get together in a few days and trade scraps. I’m sure a few sheaths for blades will be needed, and I may fashion some small shoes for children with what I can salvage.”

Right now, Dieredon and Calex are about one full day ahead of the others. I have started a spreadsheet to keep track and hopefully everything will come back together soon.

DAY 0...25 silver x 8 = 400sp = 4gp total if my math is correct...I assume already have the "masterwork" component since they were fine hides so the armor only has to be made which is 250 silver pieces per armor, costing 166 silver total cost to make both...coin available: 2d4 + 2 ⇒ (2, 2) + 2 = 6 in gold pieces equivalent.

I am glad that we have all reached a common ground. Wuda, I am happy that my fathers teaching have sunk in. Margie, I am happy that you have allowed me to take what I need, my clients appreciate it, I am sure. Wuda, I will take 8 of the fine hides, for a total of 4 gold pieces if my math is correct. Let me run to the shop real quick to retrieve it, Marcus leaves after giving Wuda and Margie a hug, and returns just as quick as he had left. I believe this will make us square Wuda. Margie it would be my pleasure to carry your purchase back to your shop so you can get to work on your exquisite goods. If not, then I will make sure to come over in a day or twos time to trade scraps and see what goods you have made He gives Wuda a handshake and another quick hug and will either help Margie back to her shop or head back to his shop to start immediately on the two suits of masterwork studded leather for Dieredon and Poseus.

craft armor daily check: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15 vs DC 13

Marcus is still sporting some sore ribs and slightly swollen eye from the boxing matches, but he feels a lot better since the previous day. He wakes early, washes up as usual in the lake and makes his way towards Lulu's for a hearty breakfast then it is off to his shop to continue on the project he has before him, hoping to make better progress this day then he did the day before.

DAY 1...craft armor: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (10) + 12 = 22 vs DC 13, progress is now 69/250

Marcus Are you putting off the copper scroll tube then?

I do still plan on doing Calex's copper scroll tube. My theory is I can hopefully get a leather armor done by the time they "reach" Castletown. Then I will finish the scroll tube, then I will do the last armor in hopes to finish before their return. That's why I asked for days in a week, so I can craft by the day :)...essentially I will finish Poseus first since he is still in town more or less then do the others since I can't exactly deliver the goods to Castletown :)

@ Terquem I take it the Maetaur didn't know anything about that new sickness of the trees.

Sorry, yes I overlooked that Tree question. I'll fill that in. And hope that Wiscara joins up with the others to start the second adventure.

Thought I posted this last night, but got eaten.

Phineas listens gravely to Dominic's warnings. "Thank you, Wise One. Your warnings will be heeded. Is there anything the Maetaur need from the Good Fo...from the Lyph, when we seek them out? Do you think the Spell Stone described in Woodbridge can be made? Auria One-Hand seems to think so. Do you know of a better plan against the monster in the bog?"

After his questions are answered, Phineas will continue to work with the Metaur until Wiscara arrives.