Daymarch and it's Dragon

Having defeated the Knights of Daleria, and done a great service for the Church, Patriarch Ulric agreed to give Baron Choon Yi a letter of introduction to the High Court.

This was unusual for one of such a lowly rank; Choon Yi was a minor noble, while His Grace Halinard, the High King of Westrun, usually only treated with Dukes and Kings, like Choon Yi's leige the King of Rath. A letter of introduction does little in such a case, but it grants face time and the opportunity for official acknowledgement which can never hurt. The other petty nobles of Rath are sure to be envious. The King of Rath might be nervous to have one of his bannerman directly in contact with his own leige.

The court of a king is often a boring affair, the court of the High King all the more so, but the day of his introduction at the high court was anything but. The newly walled city of Daymarch was missing its dragon.

The people of that fair place didn't petition their king to drive off the beast, so much as to find out where he'd been. They had been paying the monthly tribute for 60 years and it wasn't like him to not collect. For the last 3 months, the goods they piled outside of the city had sat abandoned on the plains. Pilferers took the coin. Wolves got the sheep. The kegs of wine ended up in many a farmer's cellar. The Lord Mayor's small council was concerned. It seemed wasteful to keep leaving a tax that went uncollected. Yet, to risk a dragon's ire by not paying... that was madness. So, a delegation was sent to the King of Bolden and was refused. They turned then to the High King in the hopes that he would intervene.

Fortunately, Lord Choon and his assorted knights and free riders were on hand when the High King received his news from abroad. The aging monarch looked up and around his court.

"Who will go for me to Daymarch?" he asked.

The courtiers and ladies looked at the floor. House knights and hereditary lords stared quiety. Lord Choon was not like them. He knew it and they knew it. He had earned his title the hard way -- with a sword in one hand and a torch in the other. He had battled foes, killed monsters, and survived traps that would have ended any of these stuffed shirts around him. He bore the scars upon his body.

He stepped forward, "Good King!"

"Yes, worthy lord."

"I will go for you to Daymarch."

The High King smiled and nodded. The other great men assembled breathed a sigh of relief. But the great monarch of all Westrun was not finished with the pageantry of the moment.

He intoned his warning solemnly, "You speak quickly -- there will be dangers."

Choon stood impassive.

The High King continued, "It may mean the end of you, who only so recently became a lord and a member of my court."

Choon felt the eyes upon him and said nothing.

"Will you accept still now, knowing all the dangers?" the High King asked.

Choon repeated evenly, "I will go for you to Daymarch."

The king nodded. "Where is my chamberlain? Where is Garwen?"

A man pushed his way from the wall of the throne room. The way slowly parted for him. He was brown-haired and pale. He wore velvet brocade trimmed in gold.

"I am here, your grace!" said Garwen.

"What can you advise Lord Choon and his retinue, regarding this dragon?" the High King inquired.

"This is a fools undertaking, your Grace, there have been no dragons sighted in Westrun for a century or more. Moreover, these people of Daymarch are simple folk and have likely mistaken some other lizard for an actual dragon. Finally, under the Fourth Law of the Codex ought to be referred to their King, your cousin, who sits on the throne of Bolden. He granted the charter to Daymarch to become a city, he is responsible for their protection."

"Am I not the High King?"

"You are, your Grace. In the matters of dispute between the lesser kings. And, of the Highway and the Northern and Southern walls; and of course over the Free Provinces."

"Does not the Second Law of the Codex also apply?"

"I fail to see how, your Grace," The chamberlain shook his head.

"What did Wald the Lawgiver say?" The High King was a scholar in his own right.

Garwen closed his eyes and quoted from memory, "We acknowledge that the masses have no champion greater than the Prince of Peakshadow, and their mistreatment shall be as an affront to his throne."

The High King inquired. "Am I still the Prince of Peakshadow?"

"You are, your Grace."

The High King smiled. "Well, I am affronted by this mistreatment of my masses."

Garwen seemed exasperated, "Your Grace, you are affronted that a so-called dragon does not collect his extortion?"

The entire court was enrapt by this discussion, looking from the High King to his chamberlain to the baron who had volunteered and was still standing.

The High King was smiling as he stood with flourish and declared, "Give Lord Choon Yi a letter of introduction to the Lord Mayor of Daymarch. Tell all who inquire that he is to find the dragon, treat with it and determine what will restore the proper order of things in that corner of Bolden. Let it be known that for the masses of people who look to the Prince of Peakshadow to make things right, they will not be disappointed."

The chamberlain bowed low, "As you wish, your Grace."

The Knights of Daleria Part 8: Exemplar of Evil

The last of the Knights of Daleria was none other than his lordship Haldemar Grymbalde, Baron of Jasmia in Menea, and Patriarch of the House of Grymbalde. By letter to Baron Snow, he described himself as Lord Exemplar of the Knights of Daleria, Guardian of the Ebon Citadel and bearer of the Frostworn Blade.

A Grandfather's Plea part 2: A Wicked Son

Briddleton is home to the House of Bridlern. Upon investigation the adventurers (now reunited) discover that the son and scion of that noble house has terrorized the people of the town for years. Especially terrorized, young women know not to travel alone when the young baronet is about. A girl matching Alyssa Draken's description has not specifically been seen.

Seeking audience with the baron, the party learns that the nobleman has many detractors at court on account of his son. Outwardly, at least, Lord Bridlern is anxious to see justice done. He calls for his son who is said to be out riding the countryside, or perhaps hunting. 

A trial is held in absentia as the party solicits testimony from aggrieved free people and peasants alike. 

A Letter of Greeting to the New Lord of Sewendia

A Letter of Greeting to Choon Yi, sometimes called Snow, Baron of Sewendia in Rath;

from his lordship Haldemar Grymbalde, Baron of Jasmia in Menea, Lord Exemplar of the Knights of Daleria, Guardian of the Ebon Citadel and bearer of the Frostworn Blade.

My lord, I have the honor of writing you on the occasion of your investiture to the Baron of Sewendia. I fear that your recent honors will come to naught and that the good folk of that province will soon be looking for a new baron to lead them in the eyes of God and man.

Make haste to meet me and bring your pitiful band of assassins with you. Justice awaits those who spill the blood of noblemen with impunity, and I mean to have justice. You will not find me so easy to take as my peers. Leopold was a heavy blow, I admit -- he was as a son to me and like you, newly minted. As for the others, they will be replaced when your heads are on a pike.

May you find mercy in the hereafter, for you will find none here.

A Grandfather's Plea part 1

After the defeat of the undead gnome, Snow sought audience with King Larcus of Rath while the rest of the party went to the king's magister (who is none other than the Primus of the College of Melf) to seek the restoration of their companion. That companion, and others, had been made a goldfish by the magic pool. 

Magister Antonius had the party assemble and wait for him well outside of the city as there were several goldfish to see restored. While they were waiting for the wizard's arrival, a well-dressed man wearing the sigil of a noble house approached the party and asked them to rescue his daughter from the clutches of the Bridlerns. He advised that he had no coin to pay them, but promised a favor and the favor of a nobleman is good to have. 

So, as Antonius worked his magic, Fenris and Aaron made all due haste for the Barony of Bridlern, accompanied by the aged nobleman. The trip was three days of rushed travel and culminated at the Horned Keep of Bridlern. Along the way, Fenris and Aaron learned that their employer was none other than Van Draken, a nobleman who had been a tournament knight of some renown well into his elder years. The missing maiden was Alyssa Draken and he said she could be identified by her distinctive red hair. 

As they had made haste on their journey, Van said he was too tired to enter the town. He wanted to rest his weary bones on the green outside of Briddleton, which the lord's keep overlooked. Fenris and Aaron reconnoitered the town and sought what information they could on the noble family. 

They discovered that the young heir of Bridlern was the scourge of Briddleton's young women, indeed all the lower bred women of the entire province. Investigation by the adventurers determined that Alyssa had likely been kidnapped and violated.

Meanwhile, Antonius the Wizard had restored several of the goldfish to their true selves, including Tathlan, who experienced a mental breakdown from the process. He was restored to the size and shape of his former self, but could not help thinking that he was a goldfish still -- and one out of water.  As he flopped on the ground and blew out his cheeks, his companions restrained him. They were only able to calm his frazzled nerves by pouring water on him and speaking gentle words. The Magister could only nod thoughtfully and admit, "Sometimes that happens." He warned them, that for the rest of his life, Tathlan was in danger of having such attacks. In times of great stress, or after having suffered wounds, he would be prone to such fits. The only hope to calm him would be the presence of water and the assurance of his friends.

Having restored their companion, the party then went out after Fenris and Aaron and after riding through two days and a night caught up to them in the town of Briddleton.

The Sleeping Evil Defeated

 Inside the Bawdy Rose was a apparently-mute man by himself. The bartender and the scantily clad songstress were hiding; all other customers had fled the scene. While the party was looking for a gnome, they were well-acquainted with magic that changed appearance and did not feel fooled by the tall human with bushy hair.

Suddenly, an attack!

The Sleeping Evil Confronted (from another angle)

Leaving the court of King Larcus, the three adventurers (Snow, Knu and Titanus) came across some of the city watchmen carrying a spasming body. The unfortunate appeared to be wracked with laughter, and just as he was brought abreast of them, expired. 

The watchmen dropped the body unceremoniously and advised that this was the twelfth person they had known to die this way. They say that they were ordered to bring the next person they could find suffering to the magister for examination. Just then, they were joined by Magister Antonius.

Antonius bent over the body with a strange glass disc in his hand. When he had made a full examination of the deceased he bid the body be turned over and examined it again. Next, he checked every orifice.

"This is no disease," Antonius declared. "I believe it to be more akin to a curse. Something thoroughly evil has unleashed it upon the innocents of Rath."

When the party inquired where something like that might be hiding, Antonius speculated that it might be born of the Labyrinth of Abu Adon. The watchmen said that the deceased man was carried from Preston Street. He was a retired adventurer who had earned his knighthood on the field of battle and lost it gambling in the slums of Rath. A degenerate to be sure, but he was a stout man and survivor of many battles. Laughter should not have brought him low.

The party proceeded to Preston Street and found themselves outside of the Bawdy Rose where a commotion was heard inside.

The Investiture of Snow

The court of King Larcus Gregoras of Rath boasts several nobles: dukes, counts and barons alike. In addition, there are baronets without number, dozens of gentlemen and gentlewoman, to say nothing of the house knights, men-at-arms and free lances that are in great supply. The King also has his cabinet arrayed on his right, along with his ministers and the men who serve his lands and estate. On the left side wall are entertainments waiting to be called: a poet, several minstrels, his jesters, and the King's own bard. Arrayed before him are the courtiers, diplomats, claimants and hangers-on who all wish to be see or heard. Also in attendance are Patriach Newson of the Church of Westrun in Rath and Magister Antonius of the College of Melf.

On the docket today are matters which are dispensed with swiftly.

The Sleeping Evil Confronted

By applying the combined curative faculties of the Paladin, the Cleric and the Monk; the party managed to save Sir Apollo from certain death. Resigned to leaving their friend Tathlan in the pool for the time being, they retired to Rath to plan their next move. After ascending the crypt stairs, the party clambered from the grave and made their way toward the Inn of the Hammer and Nail. But as they neared their destination, the party heard laughter that sent a chill up their spines.

The Sleeping Evil Awakened

 

After forty minutes of excavation at the bottom of the grave, the party unearthed a narrow passage that lead laterally from it. A faint emanation of magic was detected by the wizard, so the party pushed into the subterranean darkness aided by dweomer of light.

An Ambuscade in Rath

Rath is the capital city of the Kingdom of the same name. The party arrived there to resolve the claim of Hakon of Sewendia who wanted to be recognized as the regent of that province. With that in mind, the party split to find lodging and to press toward the city's center, hoping for an audience at court of King Larcus.

Sewendia and the Cave of Peril

The town of Sewenton lays along the Grendy River and just south of the Green Wood. There are nearly 500 people who live in shadow of Kingfall Manor, including Bradley the elder, Stroh the Brewer, Will the Tanner, Gallegos the Butcher, Shepherd Grover the town Priest and Lenara the Witch.

The Knights of Daleria Part 7: The Crypt of the Demon Lord

 

The Knights of Daleria Part 6: The Black Hasard

The Hasards are a noble line that goes back twenty generations or more, to the very founding of the Eight Kingdoms. A petty noble, second-cousin to the head of the house, Billings Hasard is known as the Black Hasard. It is his dismal sigil which the party discovers in the recovered papers of the late Baron Leopold.

The Knights of Daleria Part 5: The Temple on the Edge of All Morrows

With Lord Notfelde's goblin host defeated, only a skeleton crew remained behind to defend his manor. The party approached his enclave from three directions. After infiltrating and putting to flight the 25 humans guarding Notfelde's Manor (and making allies of one of them), the party entered into the basement complex beneath his keep. There, the party found a strange room with a pedestal in its center. Atop of the pedestal was a shimmering blue light. The Hedge Wizard Talanth tells the party that he thinks it is a dimensional portal. The first three, and eventually the rest of the party step through the portal and find themselves on the other side.

The Knights of Daleria Part 4: Swan's Nest of Notfelde

 After seeing to the revivification of Apollo and the repatriation of his sword, armor and shield from the lying Baron Notfelde; the party's early morning was interrupted by the arrival of two people. One was a priest, Fr. Kapon, newly sent from the Prefect of Rath to be the Shepherd of the Church of Beredall; and the other was Deathstroke, a half-orc knight of some reknown. 

Briefly: In Beredia and Beredall a House-breaker Haunts

 from his lordship's faithful factor,

Creaf Bloodshone

to all the citizens and serfs of Beredia

including the merchants, tradesmen and yeomen of Beredall.

Be it known by you that a house-breaker haunts the good homes of honest men and steals away by night the greatest of their most precious and prized possessions.

Be it also known, that his lordship, 

Baron Nils Notfelde of the House Notfelde-in-Rath 

will handsomely reward those who capture said house-breaker and bring him to taste the baron's justice.

Be it likewise known that any who aid in this endeavor will gain the friendship of the baron in perpetuity and that whosoever opposes will earn lasting enmity.

Along with the enormity of his good graces, his lordship will likewise reward all who deserve it, with the kingly sum of, 

2000 gold crowns, in cash or writs.

The Knights of Daleria Part 3: The Duel

After many days of felling trees and building a place for the contest, the day of the duel is upon them all. Fenris and a new acquiantance, Erik the Ranger, accompany the paladin, Sir Apollo to the tournament field of Baron Notfelde. The rest of the party remains behind at the Church of Beredall.

The Knights of Daleria Part 2: Lord Notfelde

The Patriarch of the Church of Westrun is rescued from the clutches of the evil Lord Leopold. And he informs the party that he has completed his penitential walkabout of the Eight Kingdoms. He has concluded that a dark evil stalks the land and has infected even the houses of the holy.

The Knights of Daleria Part 1: The Lordly Sir Leopold

 The Patriarch has not returned. Father Patrick and the Cardinal Prefects are concerned. His last destination was to go beguile Lord Leopold, a Paladin of reknown from retirement, but the Patriarch did not return. Now the Cardinal Prefects would like the party to find out what became of him.

The Talisman of Pure Good: Part 4 - The goddess unmasked

The Talisman of Pure Good: Part 3 - More Undead

The Talisman of Pure Good: Part 2

 NPCs are hired to augment the party. A charter is drawn.

The Talisman of Pure Good: Part 1

While crossing from the Greywood through Balduren and back into Treft, the party comes across a speechless priest. It seems a prophecy was foretold that a party of that composition would be seen on the road, and when it was, it was to be conducted to the Prefect at Laketon.

Behind Blue Eyes part 16: The Greywood

 Leading an entire party into the modern redoubt of Falerian is costly for Talanth. His master ejects him from the school and bars him from every returning. Falerian also warns the party that a great evil is among them and spying on their every move. After a brief rest, the party leaves the Greywood and Talanth must dwell on the fact that he is a Hedge Wizard now... a lawless spellcaster... a witch and subject to prosecution should he be caught.

Behind Blue Eyes part 15: Ascending the Mountain

Once ashore in what would one day be called the Provinces, the party encountered giants who were scared off by Aya the wizard flinging fireballs. One of the Northrun sailors, is so impressed by her that he pledges his life to protect her.

Behind Blue Eyes part 14: Corl the Squire

Less than a day from the seaside village, the party found itself followed by a teen named Corl. He sought to join himself to the party. He had spied their handiwork and as he himself was banished from the village and forced to live off its refuse, he sought to squire for one of them and learn his way in the world as a knight.

Behind Blue Eyes part 13: The Sea Elves and their Shark God

As the party journeyed northward along the Dagger Sea, they came upon a seaside village built on stilts, just out of the water line. The people had an elvish aspect, but with silver-green skin and hair that reminded the party of seaweed.

Behind Blue Eyes part 12: Vecna's Deceit

On the beach, now some two days South of the redoubt of Vecna, the party decides once and for all to dispatch the other worldly creature. This they do after combat brief and not altogether honorable. The creature disappears from this plane in a brilliant explosive flash, sending pieces of the cage as high speed shrapnel, and nearly drowning a party member.

Behind Blue Eyes part 11: Vecna's Secret Weapon

The end of the Battle of the Black Princes reveals Vecna's secret weapon. It is an other-worldly being trapped in a magical cage and pushed along in a giant wheeled cart by 50 Urok adepts.

Behind Blue Eyes part 10: The Boldish

The cleric and players are at crossroads. After a few days in a swamp and narrowly missing encounters with the catoblepas, the party seeks a sign from Onogg's god who leaves them with cryptic answers to the question of whether to assist Peter or the Dwarves.

Behind Blue Eyes part 8: Peter Heimos

"I am Peter," the Blue-Eyed Man, introduces himself. "I have come all this way to make right all that has gone wrong. Shall I tell you a story?"

Behind Blue Eyes part 7: The Rape of Ranay

Both the lord and the men of Halia are very encouraged by the apparent defeat of Greatjaw the Urok. Among Lord Haldon's family, just one nephew seems ill at ease. This is Aranel, son of Araya of the Forest. For undisclosed reasons, he agrees to help the party track the Blue-Eyed Man. The party is two weeks behind, but the nephew of Haldon (rumored to be his bastard son) claims that his mother, a woman of the forest, will be able to help them make up for lost time.

Behind Blue Eyes part 6: The Towers of the Vyrum

Dalfo the halfing tells the party of little known door located behind a waterfall at the rear of the towers. This passage was used to take supplies into the redoubt and while it was heavily guarded, might be unknown to the Urok occupiers.

Behind Blue Eyes part 5: Haldon the Prince

As the party continues to track the blue-eyed man through the ancient past, it comes upon a wooden palisade built at the base of a large hill. Behind it stand the simple huts and mud hall of someone calling himself, a Prince. This is Halia -- a tradepost of sorts and its small borders are protected by a old man who inherited the land from his grandfather. Haldon's family has been in control of this province since its former Vyrum owner, Lord Kirios, was taken away in chains by the Titans.

Behind Blue Eyes part 4: The Wondrous Woman.

After leaving Treft and while traveling north after their quarry the party met a pair of men, seemingly spying on a curious and beautiful woman. She was alone among a herd of deer and dressed in clothing seeming made from plants and festooned with flowers. Despite her uncommon beauty, she was unkempt with bits of leaf and twig in her golden hair. Her voice was soft and melodic, but clear as a ringing bell. She seemed to speak in song and found most things the party had to say as mere silliness or common child's play. About the men spying on her, she found the most amusement, and then with a magical quickness seemed to depart.

Behind Blue Eyes part 3: The Past

Traveling after the blue-eyed man, the party passes into a great mist and finds themselves in the distant past. This is still Erenth, and still Westrun, but the Eight Kingdoms have not yet come to be. This is the world just after the fall of the Vyrum Empire. The human cities that the party has come to know don't exist, yet. Most men live in roaming tribes, or behind palisades of wood, seeking out whatever strong men they may muster to call their leaders.

Behind Blue Eyes part 2: The Prisoner

The blue-eyed man explains to the party that he is a prisoner of that place and has been for centuries. During the time of his imprisonment, he has come to see the error of his ways. Now he only wants out to make things right. He wonders if someone in the party might take his place. By so doing, he can leave and try to fix everything he ever did wrong.

Behind Blue Eyes part 1: The Tower

After saving the daughter of Damaskos, A party of adventurers arrives in the Town of Tourville in the Kingdom of Treft. They are there coincidentally for an annual contest of regional youth.

Leaving the Khard part 2

"Sooner or later we are going to have to fight this thing," whispered Brumbar.

Snow took no such precautions. In normal tones he said, "I calculate that we can be here for sixteen hours before the spell breaks."

"Where is here?" asked Brumbar, still whispering, and looking around.

Leaving the Khard part 1

'
I can't decide what I like least," Snow offered, sneaking a glance at the withering noonday sun.

Shepherd Brendan looked at him, interested.

Brumbar only grunted and scowled, but then again, the knight had been grunting and scowling for days.

The drover, Saeed, on the other hand, ignored the lot of them. He was the only Southruner in the group and he seemed unaffected by the heat.

Snow continued his complaint, "I can't decide whether it is the sand in my boots or the glare in my eyes."

Graverobbers of Bylos part 4

"The deed is done, my lord," said Brumbar before the assembled court of the Satrap of Bylos. He stepped forward, "My companion and I have planted the black sand and the candle you gave us. Your back door is about to be permanently closed."

The Satrap leaned back and swirled his steaming black wine in its golden bowl. "So you say."

Graverobbers of Bylos part 3

"You know what I hate?" asked Rojer of anyone who would listen.

Snow and Brumbar ignored his grumbling, but the two men lent to the company by the Emir of Bylos did not. Instead, they jabbered at him in dahlese and covered their lips with a finger.

Snow interpreted. "They say that we should talk less because this is a place for the sleeping dead."

Rojer clapped his hands together and the sound of it echoed in the crypt. "Exactly! I hate that every time I seem to get some coin in my pocket, I end up with you two in some place forsaken by man and gods alike and trafficking among the dead."

Grave Robbers of Bylos part 2

"That is my mother's earring!" Nazeer exclaimed, loudly. "She gave the pair to my sister on her death bed."

"Your sister will bring a war, your grandeur." The voice speaking belonged to the vizier in the small court of the Palace of Bylos. He was an old man, bald and lame --leaning upon a staff too long for him. He bent down and spoke quietly.

The emir pursed his lips and settled into thought.

Grave Robbers of Bylos part 1

After the battle in the Valley of the Three Lions and the unfortunate incidences regarding Ivy's death, the party found itself in Bylos, resting and recuperating. Southrun hospitality is widely known and few will enjoy it like those who are guests of honor of an entire city.

The Origin of Shepherd Joscius

Joscius had seen battle before he entered the Arcade. Beneath the walls of Wanderhalt, as the armies of men sallied forth to break the great goblin siege.

It was in the shield wall that he met Prefect Crispin.

Earns nickname "Old Mule"
Graduates after 3 years in the Arcade.
Tapped to join the Most Learned Brothers of Wr. Planos
Mission to find Shepherd Dalen (tall, blond-haired, blue-eyed male with some Northrun blood)
Joined by Ahlam the Priest and Sir Calem his "brother" (a ward of his noble father).
Journey to Southrun.
Put on the Island of Nasik
Fought the Hag
Carried to mainland by the Hermit

Playing with the Dressing: Part 2 of the Profligate Nephew

Attalah and Shael made inquiries about Watersedge and discovered all that they could about the recalcitrant debtor, Symen Strathurst. Two things he had in common with all who held his debts is that he always seemed to be out of town, and always seemed to be "returning in a week." They also discovered that the petty noble had business interests in furniture and in a few local fisheries. It was the furniture that peaked their interest.

The Profligate Nephew

The House of Agnolo has run the Bank of Aqilia in the Free Provinces for centuries, and seldom has a problem collecting from its debtors. But the Free Provinces are across the Dagger Sea from Westrun, and from time to time the nobles of the Eight Kingdoms do seem to forget that they have debts to pay.

The Pearl of Certain Perils

How aptly named, this Pearl of Certain Perils.

Traveling by means of the pearl's magical portal, the party finds itself out of the proverbial frying pan and into the fire.

 Is this the Khard?

The Daughter Damaskos

In Laketon, Lady Carma and Onogg the Goblin Priest were approached by the Prefect who bid them to deliver a message to the Prefect of Treft so that the troubles in Twin Peaks could be eradicated. Carma and Onogg agreed, leaving the rest of the party behind for a few days.

The Judgement of the Sea King

In my former letter, I wrote of Crustis the Reef Giant and his introduction at court. In this I speak of Nan Fung Lee Mai and her retinue and all that they suffered before the King of the Reef People. It is a tale I heard from reliable sources and I wrote it almost immediately after the events that transpired.

Crustis of the Sea People

I will never forget that fateful day during the monsoon season. It was the kind of day that looms large in a man’s memory. The sort of day that makes one realize that Erenth is a much larger place and home to many more creatures than most can imagine.

The Terror South

An excerpt from the Tale of Five Terrors
as told by Will of Jaehn.

After traveling 22 days the party comes to the point at which the southern servant to Bouzir says the party should make contact with the Terror in 6 hours time.

The Death of Ivy

Help my memory.

The Skeleton Way

After reuniting with the caravan and curing the hobbled pony, the party sent the caravan on alone while they investigated a massive footprint of a humanoid which they estimated to have been over one hundred feet tall. The trail of said humanoid, while very old, went into the sparse forest and perhaps accounted some strange features they saw from the air.

Getting a Clue

With Rensen, the pregnant concubine safely returned to Chidak the Daizu chieftain, the party set out once again for the City/State of  Chiro. Along the way, Snow's new armor became a matter of some intrigue. As an expensive and well-crafted suit of leather it conferred excellent protection, it was also noticed by every thieving heart. Most of which also tried to make it their own -- even when the attempt was clearly ill-fated.

The Way of the Sword

Having resolved issues in Laster Shores, the party was made aware of a kidnapping and went to investigate. Apparently, a visiting dignitary was carried off by persons unknown. That dignitary was none other than Rensa, the concubine of a wealthy and ruthless Daizu Wang. The Wang, Chidak of the Red Dawn Tribe, had a reputation as a remorseless and indefatigable enemy. For that reason, the local priest, Shepherd Hutan, thought it best for Laster Shores if the ire of such a one did not get kindled against the town -- which he would surely hold responsible.

Kiss Kiss Stab Stab

After being feasted and celebrated in Merrydale, the party set out for destinations East. They bid their grateful hosts goodbye at the Old Coast Road and fell in with a passing caravan.

Two men-at-arms responsible for guarding the caravan were grateful for the company of knights. The itinerant half-orc priest traveling with them made fast acquaintance with the Paladin Brumbar and the half-orc knight Deathstroke.

Briefly: From the Library of Samantha Rose

Dear Diary,

I have not trusted a man since I was 13 and the old herbalist tried to have his way with me. Instead, I have dedicated myself to the arcane arts and to Drawmij my master. I have attempted to master the old knowledge -- to bend matter, energy and time to my will. So it is strange indeed that these last few days I have felt powerless over something as insignificant as my heart.

Briefly: From the Journal of Sheikh Fadal

My sleep has been interrupted of late with dreams of my missing girls. My have they grown! Chafika would have been 12, I think. Nada only 10 when they were taken from me. In these dreams they are grown women now.

The Red and the White

Brumbar arrived in Merrydale and made contact with Marjon the Druid who was horrified to find that the artifact had been removed from where it was hidden. He advised the Paladin to return it at once to its secret garden. There it was generally safe from scrying eyes. An item as powerful as it was sure to attract unwanted attention.

Lord Zerai the Collector

Possession of the Halfling artifact weighed heavily upon him, so Brumbar decided to leave Gelder and the domains of men in order to return it to the Halfling Realm of Merrydale from whence it came. The rest of the party was to remain behind in Gelder for his quick return, with the exception of Apollo, who had a matter of vengeance to see to in Bolden. Unfortunately for Apollo, the boat leaving Gelder was not due to depart for another four days.

The Boat of Boblo

By spending six weeks in Gelder, the party enjoyed some celebrity for bringing peace between the Halfings and Humans. In the Princeling’s Rest, they happened upon the last remnant of the lifkavir resistance group – four Halfling “warriors” who were barely out of their teens. The remaining lifkavir were speaking conspiratorially when their confidence was won by Forgo, the party’s recently recruited halfling thief.

Flight of the White Scourge and All that Glitters is not Gelder

Most of the party remained in Gelder enjoying the recently won peace of the town and the fame that came with it. while Solomon backtracked to Ald Calta to train with the Black Order of the Dawn and Brumbar used his magic carpet to deliver Thalwyn to the baroness of Shu.

Halfling Holiday

After a few days of funeral and burial, Reverend Sir Brendan spent five weeks training with the Chaplain of the Black Order of the Dawn -- a prefect of no low station. The rest of the party recuperated and finally bid adieu to Sir Rojer and his Blackguards (a group of 12 newly minted knights who pledged themselves to that knight’s service).

Backstory: Solomon

In my time, I’ve met men and women of extraordinary talent. I always sit quietly, patiently listening to their tales. As they stand and beat their chest victoriously, they tell of their most worthy adversary -- those they each know as the devil. They gather at tables by the dozen, in their pubs and halls, slapping each other on the back and sloshing their drinks as they measure and size one another.

The Bone War of Ald Calta

After a week’s convalescence in Shamsel, the party re-encountered Rojer, formerly of the bridge. He was in the town streets recruiting. He was also in possession of the sword, helm and armor of Faltus. When they inquired as to the health of their former employer, Rojer admitted that he had slain the man for being a thief, and taken his goods.

The City of Ruin

While on the way to the ruined city, the party learned the story of Ald Calta. The ancient place had three types of inhabitants over its long and legendary existence. First, were the so-called Dragon Princes of old, who abandoned the citadel when their world came to an end. Second, were the barbarian men who came to settle there and make a civilization of their own. Third came the undead who rose from the ashes of the previous two. It was against this third group that the party was forced contend.

The Knight of the Crossing

Across the Dagger Sea, the party arrived in the Provinces, but not before the half-breed Deathstroke managed to offend the captain and crew. On the voyage across the sailors first filled his ears with tales of shipwrecks and treasures beneath the waves. Consumed by the lust for this fantastical booty, he begged and cajoled the captain to set anchor so that he might ply the depths. Instead, he was dragged behind the ship for miles and roundly mocked. Once back aboard, he offended and threatened many to the point that they bound and gagged him and left him with his companions on a stretch of sandy shore without even benefit of a port.

The Province of Haller and Hallerhall

By the pronouncement of the King of Bolden, Sir Brumbar, was elevated to the status of a noble and appointed the Baron of Haller and given the keys to Hallerhall itself. In the court of the king, this pronouncement was met with no little stirring among the assembled nobles. Here and there snorts of laughter could be heard along with the clearing of throats.

A Favor for Thomas

In the uneasy calm following the Guild War, the city watch was arresting those who carried weapons in the streets. Brumbar and Snow took shelter and succor from Fr. Thomas. For her part, the rescued Lady Geldorf refused to return to the castle under which she was imprisoned. Instead, she also took shelter while contemplating what courses of action were open to her -- a disgraced woman of good breeding.

A Tale of Two Guilds

Upon arriving in Bolden, Brumbar checked in with the church while Snow sought what information he could from more seedy sources. Information about Thalwyn was hard to come by, however. All Brumbar learned about was the local scandal of the Prince seeking a second marriage to a part-elven mistress. While, Snow learned that the men of Bolden do not part with information easily. He was forced to take work as a hired sword -- the better to learn the city and its environs.

The Hand and the Knife

While in the City of Bolden, Snow’s incessant snooping revealed that The Bakers were no ordinary street gang, but the name given to a particular branch of the so-called Thieves Guild, an entity which he was not aware existed.

Briefly: A Letter from Jym to his Betrothed

Dearest Emi,

I know your anger will be burning bright when you take this letter to Father Henstre and have it read. I hope that when the terrible heat of it has died, though, you will find a way to turn it to the warmth of lasting love.

An Uncommon Wedding

Armed with the salve of the Magister Sylvanus and certain knowledge of where to begin looking for Thalwyn, the party sets out North and East for Bolden. On the way they stop over in Heltorun. The city is all abuzz with news that a local nobleman's son will wed a common serf.

The Search for the Magic Lyre

After meeting Magister Sylvanus in the Mistwood, Sir Brumbar, and Snow worked out a deal to obtain a rare item in exchange for the wizards knowledge. While Father Brendan remained behind in the Mistwood to learn what he can of Elven body art.

Old Things Ought Not Be Disturbed

Rejoined in Peakshadow, Brumbar and Snow made fast re-acquaintance with Father Brendan. Their common cause was to find Erenth's only honest thief -- Thalwyn the Lawful. As their quarry is also a wizard, the three agreed to journey into the Mistwood to seek out the elven warlock rumored to reside within. It was hoped that he would be able to point them in the right direction.

Ashore At Last

Excerpted from the diary of Jack Presser, Captain of all the Ocean's Deep.

We have put ashore expecting to find habitation and civilization and found neither. This land is full of goblins! There is one building distant. It appears to have a strange red hue which is most visible when the sun is behind us. We make for it tomorrow.

69 Days

Excerpts from the diary of Jack Presser, Captain of all the Oceans Deep.

Mad Jack they called me. Because I dared to say that a sea route might be found from Eastrun to Westrun by sailing toward the rising sun. First the kings of Westrun and their learned fools cast me from their courts. Then the princes of the Free Provinces laughed in my face. Finally, the emperors of Eastrun threatened to jail me. Finally, destitute and nearly hopeless, I found myself in the court of the baroness Mai Fung Lee of Shu, begging for ships and a chance to prove my theories.

The Governors Twenty

From the Diary of Myla called Halfelven.

Well, they did it.

I am not sure how with all the odds against them, but there is no doubt they succeeded. My ward, Toland, tells me that they are off the island, the Southrun assassins were stymied and the girl and her brother are safely out of the governor's clutches. That is success by anyone's standards.

Briefly: Wanted Dead or Alive

A Notice to All Sell Swords and Bounty Hunters and the Decent Peoples of Bolden,
Be you warned that our streets are plagued by vile and uncivilized foreigners,
who are both thieves and murderers of honest tradesmen, and eaters of horses.

Briefly: One Satyrday in Bolden

Hendy entered the study and cleared his throat.

The boss decided not to look up, but from the corner of his eye he could see the idiot bouncing on his heels. The damn fool had something to say and would stammer like an idiot for ten minutes before getting his thoughts and/or courage up. The boss decided he didn't feel like waiting to put him out of his misery.

"What is it?"

The Hospitality of Duke Havenar pt. 2

After the slaying of the leprechaun; Lord Budokai, Lady Mai and Lu-Chen are joined by Sir Jarvis, lately come from Wanderhalt; and a Ranger arrived to investigate the rumors of the cat on behalf of the mysterious White Robes. The group has little time for discussing their mutual interests before they hear another pedestrian coming along on the wooded path.

The Hospitality of Duke Havenar pt. 1

Having donated his portion of the mystery ore to King Aleyn (less what would be needed for the fashioning of a few items) Budokai purposes to leave Collonia and return to Menea and his wife. Lu Chen and Mai agree to go with him, at least as far as the Pass at Oromir.

Cache a Fallen Star pt. 7

A rescued Dwarf by the name of Hafgar identifies himself as a master smith and agrees to work the mysterious ore for the party in exchange for mere room and board.

Catching Up: The Further Travels of Ziek pt. 3

Fleeing the burning barn, Ziek and Ward made good time before the sun rose. They ate the last of their rations on the road and put in a full day’s travel, and then some.

Cache a Fallen Star pt. 6

The Frost Giant Shaman is somewhere in the complex. The party stands having defeated most of the Jarl's forces in combat. Two Stone Giants are captive and scores of dwarves come spilling into the courtyard from some unseen warren. The party decides to move with haste. Leaving Beleg behind to treat with his fellow Dwarves, they disregard the door through which the Shaman was seen retreating, and head into the manor from the side entrance. They immediately surprise another Frost Giant who works in the kitchen and dispatch him before he can beg for quarter.

Backstory: Lita

Lita grew up in a small village called Winston, on the outskirts of the Mistwood Forest. She came from an ordinary home. Her parents had a small house and garden, where they grew enough food to survive. Her father, who was rumored to be a Ranger in his youth, was a great hunter. There was always meat on the table for dinner. His name was Leonard, and his wife was Isabella.

Men Stomp Where Elves Fear to Tred

Two sell-swords, Bronn and Assaad find themselves in a public house in Rath and unemployed. Their waitress brings their latest round of drinks along with a notice from a person unknown.

Men-at-Arms Wanted

for a task most dangerous.

Rewards commensurate.

Inquire of Mr. Hobbes, 

at Penn Oyal's Inn

The Brothers Unprepared

Dunsmyr and Dinsmyr, twin brothers and half breed elves of the Mistwood are summoned to the Tower of their Wizard, the Llormaster of the Mistwood. There they find that Magister Sylvanus has taken leave of the tower and left his primus, Tuorwyn in charge. Tuorwyn has an offer for the two half-elves.

Briefly: Wanted Dead or Alive?

A Notice to Travelers and Bounty Hunters Alike

Attention Road Weary and Restless Souls the wood hereabout is haunted by a brigand

and a murderer of honest men.

Backstory: Samantha Rose

Balduren, City of the Horse Lords, is built on a narrow peninsula that juts into the Great Sea. It boasts massive walls, decorated with the graven images of the animal which is highly revered there. It is also a port city, from which many set sail to the strange Land of Southrun. It boasts tens of thousands of residents, and is the home of the Great Warrior King Belasarus and of Drawmij the Wizard.

Catching Up: The Further Travels of Ziek pt. 2

Finally, coming to the Lake of Mist, they made contact with Caelfa, a Great Druid, who spoke to them cryptically but truthfully. She finally revealed the history of Collonia as she knew it. For her predecessor was none other than Tersia whose writings had other details to spare. Thus armed with some hidden history, Ziek and his adept decided to journey to Peakshadow to visit the archives there. For they surmised that a true copy of the book might exist in the High King's library.

The Haunted Forest of Talir pt. 2

The Town of Umfreville is a logging community that provides valuable lumber to noble houses across all of the Eight Kingdoms. Said nobles use it to panel their manors and the interior walls of their halls. But, the wood harvested here is also highly prized by the finest boatwrights for its superior water resistance. The local Baron makes his living by using his serfs to harvest lumber and mill it. The party is not made of loggers, though, they have come to solve a murder at the behest of the victim's 12 year old daughter.

Apollo of the Creed pt 5: The Third Quest

Apollo found himself, along with the rest of his companions, in and around the City of Peakshadow, as the mighty horde of goblins besieged it. Many sorties were fought and there were many distractions of war, with heroes from around the realm flocking to the banner of humanity. This included the entire Peerage that Apollo sought to join, which brought itself to Wanderhalt to protect the women therein. So it was that, in the shadow of the salvaged city, Lunsford of Saklan released Apollo from his quest and declared it well-accomplished, thereby granting to him the authority to turn undead.

Endstory: The Passing of Thalwyn and Gurdand

Such an ignoble end for two storied adventurers -- Thalwyn, the elven thief who would not lie; and Gurdand, the dwarven Curate whose loyalties were sorely tested.

Briefly: In Peakshadow

At the conclusion of his training under Clem, Garland is set to receive another spell from his wizened master. He asks specifically for the spell called, Teleport without Error and he presents the magister with the Black Unicorn's horn as a gift. The two of them are in the richly appointed study of the master, situated as one of the top floors of his tower. It boasts a panoramic view of Peakshadow.

Cache a Fallen Star pt. 5

The adventure begins again in the great stone trough with Quin insisting that something isn't right about the construction. The party is weak and wounded from their last battle and know that more punishment is coming. They know they need respite. Still, Budokai looks to his faithful squire, the boy Jarvis, and informs him that his period of apprenticeship is over. Jarvis takes a knee before the old master knight who lays his sword upon each of the boy's shoulders in turn.

The Haunted Forests of Talir pt.1

While living off their fame in Glittermore, the party is joined by Ala the Sorceress who has come East in search of adventure more suited to her ability level. She, the Rangers Traven and Radolfo, and Fr. Brendan hear many rumors from the sailors and travelers through the Kingdom of Rath. They ignore most of them, but none are quite so intriguing as the rumors out of the Kingdom of Talir. These rumors indicate that the Sacred Forests are haunted by an unspeakable evil which has resulted in the loss of many woodsmen.

Endstory: The Death of Lucia Rijker, Paladin

Lucia Rijker knew the smell of the ocean. She had grown up in the Provinces and visited its sea ports often enough. The others in her company thought the town picturesque, but Glittermore was just another sea port to her. As with all sea ports, it was filled with ne'erdowells and mischief makers -- the sort of people who blow into town to drink away their wages and have their way with wanton women. Lucia knew them, too, and she did not approve.