This is the ongoing story of the adventures of Fionna, Laren, Merganser, Moranda, Sebastian, and Oliver, among others...
*****5/22/99*****
The priest swings his arms and cracks the beast up side the head with his cocked elbow. In moments knees, elbows, and claws are flying through the air as priest and bugbear roll across the ground. Sebastian has obviously been in this type of fight before and despite his lack of claws is dealing at least as much damage to the bugbear as he is taking.
"Do you need any help, Sebastian?" Fionna yells out to the fallen priest. Hearing no reply she yells out to the others, "Go ahead and help Sebastian, I can take care of this one." Then turning her full attention back to the gnoll in front of her she attack with full force.
Seeing the priest fall beneath the bugbear, Laren draws his sword and charges to aid the priest. He stabs it in the back, killing it as it lays upon Sebastian.
Merganser just stays back out of the way, as he has full confidence in his comrades' ability to handle the situation. He very carefully studies their tactics while he watches for anyone who might be in trouble.
Moranda grumbles, seeing it impossible to attack the bugbears without risking injuries to her fellows. She quickly descends the tree and rushes toward Sebastian. "You okay, Moot?" she whispers over her shoulder. The ferret wiggles its nose.
Oliver looks to Fionna and draws his sword. He runs to her aid, coming up behind the nasty creature and striking at its blind side. He continues to hack at its back, dancing around as need be. Between the two, they bring the bugbear to its death.
*****6/4/99*****
Moranda looks toward the large priest of Ilmater. Confident he is decent health she calls up the tree to the man with the bow, "Ahoy there friend! Is there anything else we may assist you with this fine day?"
The wiry man begins to climb down. "Hardly a fine day," he says, nodding towards the dead bugbears.
Kicking the corpse off Sebastian, Laren extends his hand to help the priest up. "Ya'll quite a scrapper Seb, goin' tooth and nail with that thar bugbar. I think ya'll woulda kicked it's butt even if I hadn't stabbed it!" laughs the swamper.
Sebastian smiles and nods, "Sebastian fight many times when he little. Other kids make Sebastian fight, but they no have big claws like beasty."
After checking Fionna's wounds, Sebastian pulls out a clean strip of cloth and tries to bind a cut on his arm. Several minutes later the priest gives up, unable to tie the bandage with one hand, "Please someone help Sebastian fix arm?"
"Here," says Laren, "let me help ya'll big guy. My papy taught me a thing or two 'bout healin'."
"Thank you Sebastian," Fionna says. And then louder to the whole group "You all did good, they didn't stand a chance. We sure make one hell of a team."
Merganser stays out of the way if at all possible. He walks to the stranger whom the group has rescued -- actually, the mage walks to a place somewhat nearby where he can listen to the others of the group question this man.
Oliver checks the monsters to see if the bugbears are truly dead. He keeps to himself as he retrieves his blades and cleans them. He eyes the stranger warily and assessingly, the thieving instincts sizing up his profession and his worth.
Fionna steps up behind Moranda looking at the stranger. His face is marred by a scar running from left ear to chin. Otherwise, his features are rather non-descript. He rolls his left shoulder, flexing the hand on the end of it. "My thanks to you for your timely assistance," he finally says to the silence and stares he's receiving. "My name is Cordin."
*****6/7/99*****
Oliver nods, but does not return the favor of an introduction. The knives disappear with the ease of practice and the deceit of sleight of hand. Though he is keeping an eye and ear on the proceedings, he feigns indifference, turning away as if occupied with something else.
Sebastian watches as Laren finishes with his arm, "You done good Sebastian happy."
Sebastian walks boldly over to Cordin, "Did beasty with big claws hurt you? Sebastian help Cordin?" The man holds out his wounded arm.
"Greetings Cordin, my name is Fionna", the ranger says. Then pointing around the group she continues, "This is Sebastian, Merganser, Moranda, Laren, and over there is Oliver. So what brings someone this far out into the wilderness alone?"
Sebastian releases Cordin's arm and looks over to Fionna and whispers, "Hmmm...he no alone Fionna. Evil beasties kill him friends member".
"I'm sorry, I guess I didn't notice in all of the excitement," Fionna whispers in reply.
The man smiles, both at the healing done by Sebastian and the concern shown by the priest and the ranger. "When you live an adventurer's life, you accept certain risks," he says philosophically. He pulls a pipe and pouch from a beltpouch and starts to pack it. "I can thank Tymora your party found me in time."
"Hmmm..." the halfling rubs her chin. "That name sounds familiar for some reason."
Merganser takes a moment to introduce himself, then stands back to survey the area while the others converse with Cordin. He does take notice when Moranda says the name sounds familiar, though, and pays attention to the man's response to her comment.
Cordin gives the halfling a smile. "It may very well be a common name from your parts," he says, putting the pipe in his mouth and searching his pockets for his flint.
"Name's Laren," says the pathfinder, extending his own flint to the stranger. "Ran across yer trail a day or so back. Reckon'd ya'll need help with them thar bugbears after ya'll. Why were they after ya'll?"
"Thank you again," Cordin says and starts striking the flint with his dagger to light the pipe. "You know how that is. Wrong place at the wrong time. They were looking for a fight and we gave them one." He puffs on the now lit pipe and hands Laren back his flint. "Would have liked it if things had turned out better.
*****6/8/99*****
Moranda's smile turns down a bit at the corners and she asks, "Did you know your companions long?"
Cordin nods. "One all my life. A childhood friend." He sighs and sucks on the pipe a bit in silence.
The introductions drag Oliver's attention back to the group or seem to. He nods to the man once before turning back to his watch of the area. Then, he turns back. "You know, there could be more of those beasts here 'bouts. Perhaps we should save the chatter for the walk. Of course, which way do we go? Our way or his?" He jerks a thumb at the man with the pipe.
"Meeting more of them might not be all that bad, but I suppose Oliver's right," Fionna says. "As for what to do now, that is up to you Cordin. If you are heading towards the northeast you are more then welcome to join us.
Cordin plucks the pipe from his mouth and starts to say something. He then hesitates and bobs the pipe up and down with short flicks of his wrist. "My path does not lie in that direction. But perhaps you could be encouraged in taking a different path?" He asks, shaking a pouch at his hip, the sound of coins jingling within.
*****6/15*****
"Where might you be going?" asks the mage. He is pointedly interested in furthering his studies, perhaps in negotiating the purchase or trade of a new spell, and Cordin's task will have to be a good one to deter Merganser.
Cordin pops the pipe back into his mouth, not answering yet.
The sound of money gets the thief's attention, but something about how the request comes out gets his back up. "Seems like a good direction as any. Why's it worth money to ya?"
Fionna stands silently listening to hear what help Cordin needs.
Sebastian picks up his staff and sack as the party prepares to depart. "We no go big city?" questions he asks, "Sebastian go with new friends. Friends and Sebastian end pain."
"Easy big fella, that's what we're fixin' ta figure out." says Laren, patting the priest on the shoulder.
"We've made a dwarven treasure in riches for our adventure. What could you offer us? And what could be so important that the loss of your childhood friend means so little?" Moranda asks with wide brown eyes.
Cordin seemed to be waiting to hear what everyone has to say before continuing. Seeing that Fionna is just content to watch him, he pulls the pipe from his mouth and answers, "I know where there's a treasure trove to put a dwarven city to shame. Magic and spells to be had by those who are brave enough to dare to take it." He pulls on the pipe and a wreath of smoke swirls about his head.
*****6/17/99***** That the man has pushed all the right buttons for the party does not escape the thief of the group. His scowl deepens as he looks at the man. A sideways glance to the silent Fionna proceeds his question. "Does this wonderful treasure come complete with a name or a legend to back it up?"
Cordin gives the thief a nod. "Indeed. But you'll have to forgive my caution in not telling you everything right away."
Moranda nods slightly at the thief's question, then frowns at Cordin's answer. "This must be some treasure that you put it above the lives lost not one day ago... As well Cordin, I must say that I question your goal given those bugbears waylaid your whole party. I believe we would be more successful if we were to," the halfling continues as she looks at Sebastian," 'go to big city' and complete the training we require..."
Sebastian smiles wide in suprise at Moranda, "You sound like Sebastian. Do it again." He then wanders over by Moranda to play with Moot as everyone discusses the party's options.
After she stops laughing, the ranger smiles and says, "Besides as much as you would disagree Oliver, there are more important things in life then money. Not all the money in the world can buy the joy and beauty you can find on a nice summer day in the forest." Turning back to Cordin she continues, "As for our direction I believe we need to know more before we could decide to join you. As much as I don't like the idea of going to a place where a large number of smelly people live close together, I will have to go with the others on this one. They helped me and now it is their turn to get what they want."
"Aye, perhaps a bit of a detour?" interjects Laren. "We can restock our supplies in Eagle Peak then seek that thar treasure trove ya'll be talkin' 'bout. Certainly iff'n it be lost and all nobody's gonna get thar before us, eh?" drawls the pathfinder.
Merganser looks pointedly uncomfortable at the suggestion that they take this detour before they travel to the city. "Would it be possible, timewise or otherwise, to visit the city first, then take this excursion? I'd be a lot more prepared for it if we could."
Cordin listens to everyone's concerns, then addresses the mage's first. "I think we can spare the time to go to Eagle's Peak." He takes the pipe, taps it on his shoe, and then tucks it into a pocket. "As for the bugbears," he says pointedly to the halfling, "Beshaba strikes at the most inopportune times."
Gap in the story... will be corrected soon...
*****9/30/99*****
"This difference of opinion going to get us killed if you come with us?" Oliver asks in his frank way. "Don't want to borrow your trouble when we seem to find enough on our own."
Cordin frowns at Oliver's comment. "I offered an opportunity..." He seems to bite back any further comment.
"Now Oliver, the whole world isn't after you," Fionna replies giving him a big grin. "Only those parts that we seek out." Turning to the whole group she continues, "Let's continue on our way to Eagle Peak. Maybe Maureen can tell us what Eagle Peak is like and all about this Green Quills Adventuring group as we travel. We can finish our discussion with Cordin when we get there. Maybe he will be ready to give us the whole story at that time."
Merganser nods at these words, then slowly slips back into his normal routine of catching up on reading while on the road.
Once the party is ready to move out, Laren takes point once again on the road.
"Nice horsey," Sebastian says as the party starts out again. Digging in his sack the priest pulls out a wrinkled apple which he shares with Granite before moving back to walk near Moranda.
"Sebastian be Moranda horsey," Sebastian offers as he scoops Moranda up and sets her on his shoulders.
Moranda giggles as the large priest hoists her into the air. "It's always hard to find a horsey my size!" she exclaims. "Thank you Sebastian."
Oliver watches the antics of the largest and smallest members of the group, shaking his head. With Laren taking point, he moves to the back of the group to make sure no one sneaks up on them.
"The only person who might get hurt is me, but I doubt it." Maureen shrugs a shoulder as she quickly saddles her horse and takes the reigns in a light grip. "So what are you investigating in these catacombs, and what sort of training do you seek?"
Moranda calls from Sebastian's shoulders, "I would like to find a nice bard to learn some new songs!"
"Personally," says Cordin as he puts away his pipe, "I'm looking forward to arriving at Eagle's Peak and _finally_ finding out who will aid me."
*****10/4*****
As Oliver walks back through the group, he glares at Cordin. "I wasn't referring to you." Not waiting for a reply, he continues walking.
Moranda sighs at the tired conversation and leans over, "Let's go my Sebastian steed. This conversation bores me." She gives a light kick to the large priest and giggles. Taking Moot from her collar, she lets him rest in front of her on the priest head. The large man smiles mutely to himself and trudges toward Eagle's Peak.
"What type of aid are you seeking, sir?" Maureen looks curiously between Moranda and Cordin as she gently tugs on Granite's reigns and starts walking back towards Eagle's Peak.
Cordin replies, "Strong swords and strong hearts."
"As I believe we have said, we are interested in aiding ya'll iff'n ya'll would come clean and tell us what ya'll know. And not this bits and morsels that ya'll been spoon feedin' us. We want the real tale," says Laren.
Merganser perks up at the Ranger's words, as they express the mage's own views perfectly. He looks once to each of Fionna, Oliver and Cordin, then goes back to his studies silently.
"And we want to hear it completely all at once," Fionna adds. "Then we will decide if we are going to help you."
Sebastian looks up at the halfling riding on his shoulders and asks quietly, "Why everyone mean to new friend? Sebastian confused. Sebastian just want to go big town."
Oliver stays quiet, but the look he gives Cordin's back speaks his own distrust of the man and this help he wants.
*****10/8/99*****
His mind spoken, Laren silently leads the party towards Eagle's Peak, waiting for a full explanation from Corbin.
Merganser remains silent, having said his fill about Cordin already, and not wanting to stir things up any more.
Moranda shrugs her shoulders as she pets Moot, who is omfortably nestled Like an old cap on Sebastian's bald head. "We've just been decieved one too many times I'm afraid my friend... and been made to suffer for it."
Maureen quirks an eyebrow at Cordin and casts a quick glance his way. "That's a pretty vague request, sir. I take it you're not much on details?"
"Ah, now you see. That is how he has been since we first met," Fionna says. "Now tell us if you would, what is Eagle Peak like?"
Cordin shrugs. "I have learned in life it pays to be cautious... especially when one is talking about a hidden treasure." That said, he focuses his attention forward on the road.
Maureen turns to Fionna, keeping steady pace ahead of her horse. "It is a military town, like High Horn. They are always ready for the next attack coming from the orcs or goblins."
*****10/12/99*****
As before Laren continues to lead the party ever closer to Eagle's Peak. Merganser buries himself in his studies as the group trots along, and otherwise remains predominantly quiet for the remainder of the trip. Oliver stays quiet and alert. He keeps a watch on their back trail. Cordin is also quiet.
"The last time someone said something like that, we were ambushed," Moranda says solemnly. Then with a giggle she adds, "So watch yourselves!"
"Now there is a worthwhile mission. Any ridding the land of orcs if a good thing. They move in to an area, kill all the animals, strip the land, and then just move on without a thought leaving behind a big mess," Fionna says.
Sebastian trundles merrily along playing with Moranda and Moot as they ride on his shoulders.
"But what about me. I could use a ride," Fionna says jokingly.
Sebastian stares confusedly at Fionna obviously not getting the joke.
The balance of the day goes without notice.
As the assemblage of adventurers is setting up camp off the side of the road, Fionna asks Maureen, "How many more days is it to Eagle's Peak?"
The Amazonlike warrior thinks about this and replies, "At our present pace, at least another day. If we can speed things up, we could make it there before sundown tomorrow."
Fionna glances at the group. "I think we can pick up the pace a little."
**THUMP**A rock the size of a man's head lands a few paces east of the campsite. "Orcs!" calls out Oliver as he points towards the mountain side of the road. Indeed, there is a large number of orcs rushing towards the company, crudely constructed catapult in tow.
*****10/15/99*****
Fionna jumps up drawing both of her swords. "Yea, orcs!" she yells rushing to the front of the party. There are plenty of orcs to meet her. The ranger's weave of steel before her brings down two orcs before they can even get their weapons ready to strike. However, one larger orc manages to knick her forearm with his rusty longsword.
Oliver growls as he moves to flank the orcs. "How the hell did they sneak up on us?' he muses to himself. The catapult gives this band of orcs some advantage so he tries to keep hidden until they pass. If he can just disable the damn thing.
Working off to the side, Laren finds a covered and concealed position from which to ply his bow. Most arrows that don't hit orc flesh strike the broad catapult.
Merganser stays well out of the range of the melee, prepping a _magic missile_ spell in case things go poorly, or to help make sure Fionna and Oliver are supported in their actions.
Cordin moves to guard Merganser, Sebastian and Moranda, piercing the throat of a onrushing orc with his sword.
Maureen grabs her visor and sword and runs over to Granite. After pulling herself up on his back, she moves to the front line and let's her sword taste a little orc's blood. The sweeping blow fells an orc and knows another down. Granite rears up and finishes off a third orc with a powerful blow to the head.
"Orcs not throw rocks at friends!" shouts Sebastian. Chanting to himself the priest calmly steps forward as his right hand bursts into flame. Targeting the catapult, Sebastian winds up and tosses a small ball of flame toward the wooden structure.
Oliver ducks as the flame splatters near him. "Damn stupid priest," he curses as he pushes a crispy, smelly orc away. The smell of burning hair catches his attention and he quickly pats out a small fire in his hair. "Why I'll...." He charges, his sword drawn, a confused orc who has yet to figure out where the fire came from and takes his anger out on the repulsive creature.
Moranda giggles as the priest below her waves his arms at the enemies, and gives a glowing, "Wow!" and a flame appears in his hand. Quickly chanting she engages her own sort of magic...
"Simply sounds, not simply roses,
watch the orcs run at my noises..."
As Sebastian's second flame reaches the catapult, rumbling sounds erupt from the contraption as though it is falling in on itself.
Before reaching the fighters Sebastian reaches up and grabs Moranda, "Time get down little friends." Setting Moranda and Moot gently to the ground the priest turns and charges into battle swinging his staff.
Moranda continues concentrating on her audible illusion near the catapult.
The orcs manning the catapult are frantically trying to put out the fires and save it from collapsing, but Laren's bow and Oliver's sword convince them to save their own skins.
*****10/26/99*****
Sebastian moves up to intercept the second orc heading toward Cordin. With a powerful swipe of his staff Sebastian succeeds in disarming his opponent. However the creature only get a moment to worry about the loss of its weapon before he follows up with the other end of his staff to the creature's head. The orc ducks then punches Sebastian in the stomach, knocking some of the wind out of him. Cordin removes the threat by shoving his dagger into the ear of the orc.
Scanning the scene Sebastian tries to move to help Fionna who seems to have drawn the brunt of the orc attack. But he's still trying to recover his wind. "Help... Fi..." he grunts. Cordin quickly takes the hint.
Fionna's swords weave in a intrecate dance. Each flashes out striking down two more orcs leaving only one orc left standing. "You take care of this one. I will get the two by the catapult," Fionna says to the approaching fighter as she backs off and rushes the two orc between her and the catapult.
Merganser continues to stay out of the way, but has the same magic missile spell ready to fire at the first sign of any of his companions being in trouble. Although he should perhaps be paying more attention to the battle proper, he watches Cordin and Maureen carefully. The young mage wishes he had Sebastian's capabilities in judging character.
Laren continues to fire, targeting any orc that is unengaged in melee with one of his companions. The only arrow that misses an orc strikes the burning catapult.
Oliver battles the orcs near the catapult. Forced into face to face combat, he does what he can with his sword. His skills seem about even with his opponents, but they have greater numbers. Fortunately, before he can be taken down, Merganser's magic missles strike, killing the foul smelling orc closest to him.
Maureen's sword continues to sing through the air as it cuts through orcs left and right. Somehow Maureen manages to stay on Granite's back as he continues to lash out at the Orcs with his hooves, crushing bones with a single blow.
"Why won't these orcs quit?" grunts Cordin. His answer comes almost immediately in the call of a ram's horn.
"Malar's Teeth!" curses Oliver. "There are another dozen or so coming from the north!"
*****11/2/99*****
"Only a dozen, that's less then two to one," Fionna says. Then charging up to Oliver's side she says, "Need a little help, handsome."
"Hell, yes!" Oliver growls as he cuts at one of the remaining orcs. Then he grumbles to himself, "Why do I always have to be in the front of these cursed fights." He moves closer to Fionna, turning so that they are guarding each other's back.
"Merg! Time fer some of yer fancy magic tricks!" says Laren, pointing towards the approaching orcs as he switches his fire to them.
Sebastian quickly recovers his breath and swings his staff at the orc who has moved into range.
As his opponent falls limply to the ground Sebastian scans the battle field looking for anyone in trouble. Seeing the orcs rushing toward Oliver, Sebastian takes off at a run, "Sebastian help Oliver friend."
Merganser studies the field of battle, trying to assess the relative level of strength left in his comrades. He gives some very serious thought to bluffing or threatening the new batch of orcs, and hopes some of the others do, as well. In the meanwhile, he keeps a _magic missile_ spell handy for casting once the new batch of orcs is engaged, should it come to that.
Maureen dispatches the last Orc close to her, and then charges Granite north towards the new arrivals.
*****11/8/99*****
The mage nods and immediately launches a second volley of magic missiles. One of the orcs dies clutching his face.
With his two comrades at his side, Oliver fights one of the three orcs that threaten them. Though injured himself, he attempts to assist Fionna as best he can. Gone are the sarcastic words and discontented mumblings. His survival is what is utmost in his mind, followed closely by his concern for Fionna.
With the battle ranging out before him, Laren movs forward, targeting any unengaged orcs as he slowly makes his way forward.His bowstring twangs like a fiddler's instrument as arrow after arrow flies. Another orc dies.
Fionna's smile fades as she gets a look at her comrades. "You two don't look so good. Why don't you fall back, I can easily take these three," she says in a worried voice, inviscerating an orc with her swords.
"Laren, how about going and helping Maureen," Fionna's voice is heard above the battle.
Sebastian takes one last swing at the orc in front of him before backing out of the melee and allowing Fionna to engage the orc, "Sebastian help Oliver friend". Moving behind Fionna and Oliver, the priest helps Oliver with his single opponent. Together the two of them quickly make work of the foul beast giving Sebastian the chance to take care of Oliver's wounds.
"Oliver friend hurt bad", Sebastian says as he finishes tieing a bandage around a wound in the scouts leg. Placing his hand on Oliver's the says a quick chant to Ilmater. As he finishes, a silvery glow flows from the priest hand erasing a nasty would on Oliver�s head.
Oliver looks up at the big priest. "Thanks, Sebastian," he murmurs so that only the simple man can hear. "I owe you one."
Maureen continues to swing her sword with deadly accuracy. Occasionally her foot kicks out of the stirrup with brutal results, but the results are no where near as deadly as Granite's flying hooves.
Two orcs are smart enough to realize the fight is going against them and flee. Fionna kills the remaining orc.
11/12/99
Merganser watches the fleeing orcs carefully for any signs of foul play; he is otherwise confident of his friends' ability to handle the situation and patch up after the battle.
Laren scans the area, watching the retreating orc disappear. Once satisfied they were truely gone, he turns his attention to his companions, helping Sebastian tend to the wounded. Finally, he scours the area, collecting what useable arrows he could find.
Maureen slowly turns Granite about and heads back towards Oliver, Fiona, and Sebastian. She studies the three for a moment and then starts to dismount, asking "How is everyone here?" There is a note of concern in her voice. She finishes dismounting and turns to face them, "How can I help?"
"Sebastian use more magic on Oliver friend", the priest says as casts another healing spell over the scout's wounds. Standing the priest quickly checks out the rest of the party before finally sitting down to tend his own wounds.
Oliver sighs as he sits on the ground. Sebastian's healing goes unthanked this time for too many of the others can hear. The thief looks up at Fionna. "You okay?" The concern he tries to hide comes out in his voice.
"Just a few scratches, I'll be fine. You are the one that doesn't look so good. How are you doing after Sebastian's aid?" Fionna replies.
"I'm fine," Oliver replies gruffly though the corners of his mouth tilt upward just a bit. "I'm going to search the bodies. Bet it's beneath Miss High-&-Mighty knight." He stands slowly and moves toward the closest orc.
Fionna grabs Oliver's shoulder turning him to face her. "Now what is that suppose to mean?" she asks.
Oliver grimaces at the roughness. "What the blazes did it sound like it meant? Just saying that she'll not want me to take nothing because it's stealing. All them armored ones are the same." He pulls away from her abruptly, staring at her as if to dare her to dispute him.
"I'm sorry," Fionna says looking at her feet. "I thought you were referring to me."
Maureen considers Oliver for a moment before saying, "You are right. It is not something I would do because it is stealing, however it is not my place to be your judge or jury. I am not the one you must needs worry about when it comes to judging your actions. You must do what you feel is best." With that she leads Granite to a less bloodied area of the battlefield so that she may look him over for wounds and try to find him some sweet grass.
The blond curls bounce as Oliver turns back to Fionna. The surprise he feels shows plainly on his face as well as regret that he may have hurt her feelings. "No, Fionna. I would never say such about you." He moves to stand closely beside her. "You're different." As Maureen speaks, he looks over his shoulder at her, not having realized she was close enough to hear his quiet comment. "I judge my own actions, thank you." He then goes to search the bodies.
Fionna sits down and starts the process of cleaning her equipment. "You all did good," she says. "I'll fight with you guys on my side anytime. If everyone is okay let's get a rest here before we continue on." Merganser watches the fleeing orcs carefully for any signs of foul play; he is otherwise confident of his friends' ability to handle the situation and patch up after the battle.
11/22/99
Moranda slowly wanders the battlefield, looking at the newcomer to Fionna and then to Oliver as he disturbs the fallen bodies. She shakes her head slowly as if coming out of a fog. Grabbing her pet ferret Moot from her back she walks over to a dead orc and shakes her head, "Why do you think these creatures are so foolish that they walk into death like this... Such a waste."
"The only waste is what they do to the forest," Fionna replies.
"Ok here," says Laren as he tosses away an unusable arrow. "Just picking up a few arrows and having a look-see around. Ready to move out whenever ya'll are. Wonder iff'n we shouldn't go up there where these pig-faced orcs came from. Might have a camp or something up there," suggests the pathfinder.
Oliver continues the business of searching the bodies quietly. He does not fuss or curse under his breath for a change. He moves about efficiently and quickly though his searches are most thorough.
"Why piggy men have rock throwing weapon", questions Sebastian, "Rock weapon good against walls. Where piggies go with rock weapon?"
"That is a very good questions," Fionna says. "Maureen, is there anything near by that they may have used the catapult on?"
Maureen's brow furrows slightly with consideration, "I'm not certain...." The sentence trails off as she considers the hill from whence the Orcs came. She drops Granite's reigns, effectively ground tying him. She tosses a quick look over her shoulder, "Anyone want to join me in taking a quick look-see on the other side of that hill?"
"I think that is a great idea," Fionna replies. "Let's wait until everyone is ready before we go find out what these orcs were up to. That is as long as nobody really objects."
Sebastian finishes binding the last of his wounds and stands. Leaning against his staff the priest says, "Sebastian ready go. Dead piggies smell icky"
Fionna notices Oliver is still searching the bodies. "Hey Oliver, find anything interesting other then a bit of coin?" Fionna asks.
The thief nods and holds up a bloody amulet. "It feels magical," he says, his eyes focused on the silver amulet holding a tiger-eye gem.
12/2/99
Oliver reluctantly moves over to Merganser and Moranda. The silver and tiger's eye keeps his attention, but the magic repulses him. He has seen enough magic in his recent wanderings to last them all a lifetime.
Merganser holds out his hand to accept the amulet from Oliver, turning to Moranda and saying, "By your leave." He casts _detect magic_ to be sure that the item possesses a dweomer.
Laren keeps a watchful eye on the surroundings.
The amulet doesn't hold much interest for Maureen right now. She's much more curious about what's on the other side of the hill and edges Granite towards that direction. Laren moves along side her.
Oliver scowls. "I thought we were going to town. Why do we always have to chase after trouble?"
Merganser chants a moment, then peers closely at the amulet. "This does give off an aura of abjuration magic," he says, "but I'll be able to divine nothing further until we can get to a place where I can cast _identify_ again. And as before, when I do cast the spell, I'll be out of commission for several hours following."
12/7/99
"I suggest we complete the immediate task... That of investigating the surrounding area to determine whether foes are present. At that moment we will have sufficient information to determine a course of action," Moranda says stoically. As the others stare Moranda cannot hold back and merely giggles. "Well, should we check it out?"
"Sebastian go now?" questions the priest. "Piggy pretty not interest Sebastian.
Fionna walks to the top of the hill and looks for tracks to see in which way the orcs came. Laren moves with her, bow ready and scanning for danger.
Oliver grumbles something unintelligible before following Fionna and Laren.
Maureen puts up her hand, having the vantage point of being atop Granite. "I don't think you'll need to look for tracks, Fionna," she says pointing down the hill.
Filling the valley is an encampment of orc, numbering in the hundreds. There are two more completed catapults and two more that are under construction. There is only one tent, in the center of the compound, and standing before it are human guards in black laquered chainmail.
"Black Bastards," murmurs Maureen. "The vilest bandits west of the Storm Horns," she adds.
12/10/99
"Well, I say we take them. So they don't hurt anyone else," Moranda says slyly.
"There are a tad more of them than us..." says Laren before realizing (or hoping) the halfling was joking. "We better skedaddle before they figure out we kilt their patrol. Don't reckon I like the looks of them catapults either. Eagle Peak's the nearest town and I bet they have a hankerin' to raid it, eh?"
"Take them?" Oliver says in surprise. "Are you nuts?" He pushes people back to cover before they are spotted. "We are still injured and tired. I say we inform the locals and then move out of the way."
"I agree with Oliver," states Cordin, finally speaking his mind.
"As much as I would like to follow your suggestion Moranda, I believe Laren and the others have the right idea," Fionna says. "Maureen, how far do you think it is to Eagle Peak from here?"
Maureen grins a bit at some of the incredulous banter. She turns to Fionna, "Well, Eagle Peak is about two days away." She turns back to stare at the amassing orcs for a moment. "So here's the question. What are this many orcs doing within an easy hike of a town? I think the people of Eagle Peak need to know of the danger at their door."
The mage stares down at the orc camps, quickly summing up that any broad-scale attack by the party on the orcs would surely result in the mass demise of Merganser and hid friends. So, when it is suggested that they move on, he merely nods. He can add nothing but a thoughtful look when people ask why the orcs might be here.
Sebastian looks confused for a second before backing down the hill. "We go town n'tell 'bout nasty piggie things," the priest says quietly, "Sebastian not want loose new friend."
"Well, it sounds like we are all pretty much in agreement. Let's go warn Eagle Peak," Fionna says.
The group returns to the road. Fearing what may be behind rather than ahead, Oliver stealths along behind the group. Maureen, on Granite, takes the point. There is a general nervousness about everyone. Moranda giggles often.
The road ahead is clear and without travelers, and night comes, causing the party to stop for the night. Setting up watches with an extra person to keep an eye behind them, it is a not a restfull evening. Scores of orcs amassing at your backside has that effect on people.
But morning comes and the sun shines through the filtering clouds. There is no sign the orcs under the leadership of the Black Bastards are on the move. "Let's try to make it to Eagle's Peak in good time," Fionna says as they pack up. Once Merganser has finished his studies and Sebastian his prayers, they group is on the road once more.
The telltale signs of civilization become more frequent. A short rock wall partitioning off farmland is the first sign. Then, as the group is about an hour from the city, they meet a merchant wagon. "Ho, and well met!" calls out the squat merchant. From the daggers and shortswords hanging from his box wagon, it is clear he's a sword dealer. "How is the road ahead?" he asks, pulling his horse to a stop. From his dress, he must be a successful sword dealer.
12/15/99
The bouncy halfling runs forward to the merchant giggling all the way. Stopping before him, she curtsey's. "And Well met to you sir! I would say that your business would be booming if orcs knew hwo to use such fine instruments as these." Moranda walks over and surveys the weapons hanging from the wagon. "If you have some spiked clubs, I believe you could sell a thousand of them down the road." The halfling reaches up and tries to pull down a jewel hilted dagger, but can't reach. She jumps for it a few times without success and turns to Sebastian with a pout. "Can you help please?"
Sebastian wanders over and easily lifts Moranda up to allow her to grab the dagger before hoisting her to his shoulders, "Sebastian help Moranda friend get pretty dagger."
"Don't insult tha good man Moranda. Of course he wouldn't sell arms ta a bunch of pig-snouts like them thar orcs back there. Better head back with us ta Eagle Peak mister... there's a warband of orcs gatherin back a-ways."
Oliver catches up and regards the man with suspicion. "Unless you are traitor enough to sell to murdering non-humans, I say turn around and find another road. Of course, there will be quite a market for your goods once we get to Eagle Peak."
Merganser has nothing more to add, keeping just within earshot of the peddler. He's quite anxious to return to the shelter of a larger city -- perhaps to identify the amulet, or even procure new spells.
The sword merchant seems a little taken back by the comments. "I would never sell anything to orcs or gnolls or kobolds. Disgusting creatures." He spits on the ground. "Are you interested in the a dagger, m'lady?" he inquires. He adds, "I guess I should return with you all, then."
12/20/99
Maureen stays upon Granite's back. She pays little attention to the merchant as her eyes continuously scan the area looking for signs of any possible trouble.
Merganser keeps quiet as the discussion with the merchant takes place. He keeps half an eye on Cordin instead, and half an ear our for the possible approach of a large number of orcs.
"It is very pretty," Moranda says with a eager smile.
"Does that mean you are interested in purchasing it?" asks the sword vendor.
The little thief shrugs, letting the others decide if they want to travel with the man. His keen gaze looks over the man's wagon, mentally cataloging what he has and the value of it. Thinking to himself, he says, 'A man has to practice his trade or he'll lose his edge.' Once he is satisfied of the man's harmlessness, he moves off to check their backtrail.
"Now that we are all settled, let's get going to Eagle Peak." Fionna says. Then looking at the merchant she says, "As we said before, you are welcome to travel with us if you are going back to Eagle Peak."
"Indeed ya'll should. Them thar orcs looked like they ment serious buisness back there," says Laren. "Say, ya'll wouldn't be able to tell me somthin' about a sword, would ya'll? I came across it aways back and been wonderin' bout it since then."
The merchant's interest shifts from Moranda to the pathfinder. "Oh? Would it be enchanted?" he asks, fingertips rubbing against each other. He then shifts his gaze to Cordin. "Where are your friends, Blythe?" he asks the man.
Cordin frowns. "You know my name is _Cordin_, Jannzon," he says, crossing his arms. He says nothing else.
12/27/99
Moranda looks to Cordin and grins mischievously. "Who is Blythe? An evil twin perhaps?"
Cordin does not look amused. "Blythe is a name _some_ people," he nods towards the merchant, "would try to stick me with."
"Dagger man be Cordin friend?", asks Sebastian with a puzzled look on his face. Looking up to the halfling sitting on his shoulder the priest asks, "Who Blythe Moranda?"
Oliver has turned to scout behind the group. He does, however, hear the question and the comment. Pausing, he turns and regards Cordin's back. A dagger appears in his hand and he begins to flip it, catching it by the tip.
Fionna moves to position her between Cordin and the rest of the party. Each of her hands moves to one of her swords. "Alright bud, you had better do some talking. Since we have had a couple of people try to trick us with their lies I suggest you start telling the truth or your just as likely to end up as they did. Believe me it's not how you want to end up," she says.
Merganser folds his arms and waits patiently for Cordin to respond to the questions about this new name of his.
Now Cordin looks exasperated. "Did I let the cat out of the bag?" asks Jannzon, clearly enjoying Cordin's discomfort.
The man gives the merchant a killing glare. He then turns to Fionna and says, "Blythe is a thief in Eagle's Peak. A person _some_ are trying to confuse me with. But I assure you I am no thief, nor am I this Blythe person."
12/28/99
Moranda looks coyly at their new friend, and then to the swordsmith. "Tell me sir, what makes you think this is the infamous Blythe?"
The merchant shrugs slightly. "I'm only repeating what I've heard," he admits. "Blythe has never stolen anything from me."
Oliver moves closer, having heard the word "thief". "I'm wondering if this Blythe is a wanted man. Are we joining up with a fugitive that could get us in more trouble than we need?"
"How come they are confusin' ya'll with this Blythe varmit? He kin or somthin'?" asks Laren, still suspicious.
Fionna stands waiting for Cordin's answers to her friends questions.
Cordin gives a great sigh. "I've told you the truth. I am NOT Blythe. I have no idea who he is. I've nothing to do with him. And if you don't believe me, we'll part company now." This last is directed towards Oliver.
1/4/2000
Maureen has heard of this Blythe before, but says nothing. She stays atop Granite and observes the others quietly.
Merganser looks to Sebastian. "Might you have a spell that can detect the truth of a person's words?" asks the mage of the burly priest. Merganser's tone is clinical and straightforward, but there is not hiding the intent of his question.
"Sebastian not know magic like that," replies the priest. "Illmater not deal with truth, just pain."
Oliver says nothing as he meets and holds Cordin's eyes. The dagger in his hand disappears and his empty hands are both in plain sight. Even as the others speak, he continues to hold Cordin's gaze. Cordin returns the gaze calmly.
Moranda looks Cordin over from top to bottom and then giggles, "Okay, I think we've had enough fun with him... Let's get to town, I for one, need a hot meal!" Without a break, Moranda pokes her trusty steed. "Sebastian, that way," she says as she points toward the settlement. At the halfling's bidding the priest smiles and then takes off down the road.
"I agree with Moranda, let's get to town where we can sort this all out later," Fionna says. The ranger starts down the path not looking back, confident that Oliver is watching their backs.
Oliver shrugs and moves to take the back trail. "Fine with me."
"Yea, me too, fur now..." says Laren, still very suspicious of this Corbin-Blythe person.
"I guess we're going," replies the sword merchant.
Cordin, for his part, says nothing.
Jannzon starts up a conversation. "You look like adventuring folk," he says to no one in particular. His wagon clangs along the uneven road. "It must be a hard life."
1/7/00
There is no reply from the small thief. He has vanished into the sparse woods on either side of the trail.
Maureen resumes her position at the front of the group. The current events have her very curious. She decides just to keep her eyes and ears open, hoping that curiosity will eventually be appeased.
"Harder than your steel I'm afraid," Moranda tells the salesman from Sebastian's shoulder.
"It's dangerous if that is what you mean," Fionna says. "However I wouldn't call it hard. How can being out in nature's wonders with your friends be hard. Doing good deeds, excitement around every corner. I can't think of a better way to spend my life."
"Me either Fionna," agrees Laren. "Give me the wild and open spaces over a crowded city any day."
"Well, the city does have its uses," ventures Merganser, obviously looking forward to the possibility of acquiring new spells again. "But as to the previous point: yeah, our life can be hard, but it does have its rewards."
Jannzon nods to what Merganser says. "I, for one, couldn't prosper were it not for cities," he says. "It is nice to have all my customers clustered together," he adds with a laugh.
The balance of the day is spent with Jannzon talking about his business and anything else of trivial matter. The man surely likes to talk. Cordin says nothing, his demeanor calm, but his eyes hard. But as no one has made anymore mention of 'Blythe', it doesn't get any worse.
As the sun's rays turn the Storm Horns red, the merchant says, "If we press on into the dark, we can make Eagle's Peak in about two hours." Indeed, there are slender columns of smoke from many houses just barely visible in the dying light towards the north.
1/10/00
Oliver reappears just before the question is asked. "Our backtrail is clear so far. Let's press on and get more people around us. I, for one, would not like to fight those orcs alone again." He moves to walk beside Fionna.
"Yup," says Laren. "I say we press on. Much as I hanker fer the open spaces a soft bed and a warm bath does have some advantages." The pathfinder laughs.
Merganser nods idly; something else is clearly on his mind. He is fully for any suggestion to continue on. He also makes sure that there is at least one person, hopefully Laren or Fionna or Sebastian, between him and Cordin/Blythe.
"Sebastian friends need warn town people", the priest says turning to Laren, "Nasty piggy men going hurt town people." Shifting Moranda's weight on his shoulder's the big man smiles and continues down the road to the distant houses.
Maureen nods in agreement with Sebastian, "Very true. We really don't know when the Orcs will attack, and they may try sneaking in under the cover of darkness."
Fionna pauses as the group continues on towards Eagle's Peak. When Oliver catches up she starts walking with him. "I know you are always watching our backs and this gives me great confort," she says in a low voice. "As we enter the town I suggest you keep an extra close watch, especially on this Blythe character. Knowing that you are doing this will make things easier, allowing me to concentrate on protecting the group. Who know what is really going on and unexpected things might happen."
Oliver listens and nods. He slows to take up the back guard position again. Outwardly, he is just as wary about everything as usual. He does nothing to let Cordin/Blythe know that he is of special interest.
After a few minutes Fionna moves forward to walk in the middle of the group near to Cordin/Blythe.
They press on into the dying light of the sun. Jannzon lights a couple of lanterns and hangs them off pegs on his cart. "I am never sure if the light helps me or just marks me from a distance," replies the merchant.
"Well, with a larger group around you," says Moranda from Sebastian's shoulders, "one would think it would discourage an attack."
The merchant laughs. "One would. But not everything out here is that smart." He casts a surreptitious glance towards the scowling Cordin. After a short time, Jannzon begins to sing a child's protection song that calls each of the good Gods and Goddesses of the Realm.
The creaking of the wagon and Jannzon's quiet singing are the only sounds the group hears as it trods on into the night. When the watchfires of Eagle's Peak become evident, everyone's pace picks up a little. The fortified town's walls loom large as they approach.
"State your name and business!" calls out one of the town watch from the wall as they approach the south gate.
1/11/00
This is not the time for Oliver to speak up so he just keeps his mouth quiet. Sticking to the back of the group and not carrying one of the lanterns, his form can barely be seen. As 'luck' would have it, he is behind Cordin.
Sometime during their travels to Eagle's Peak, Maureen has stashed her helm and pulled her cloak around her to ward off the night's chill. The deep hood casts her face in shadow. Considering the circumstances under which she left Eagle's Peak, she too decides to keep quiet to the watchman's hail.
Merganser remains quiet, at the rear of the group near Sebastian.
Knowing his simple country manners are not suited for this, Laren leaves the talking to the more glib of tongue.
From her stoic mount, Moranda calls out, "It is I, Moranda and her gallant charge! Our business is to rest for the evening as it gets uncomfortable out here, what with the army of orcs organizing for battle!" She giggles from on high, even in the face of Fionna's uncomfortable stare.
"We bring warm greetings," Fionna yells out to the guard. "As my companion has said we seek confort for the night. We also bring important news and wish to speak with your captain."
"What's this about orcs?" calls out the guard. There is still no sound of the gate opening.
12/10/99
"Well, I say we take them. So they don't hurt anyone else," Moranda says slyly.
"There are a tad more of them than us..." says Laren before realizing (or hoping) the halfling was joking. "We better skedaddle before they figure out we kilt their patrol. Don't reckon I like the looks of them catapults either. Eagle Peak's the nearest town and I bet they have a hankerin' to raid it, eh?"
"Take them?" Oliver says in surprise. "Are you nuts?" He pushes people back to cover before they are spotted. "We are still injured and tired. I say we inform the locals and then move out of the way."
"I agree with Oliver," states Cordin, finally speaking his mind.
"As much as I would like to follow your suggestion Moranda, I believe Laren and the others have the right idea," Fionna says. "Maureen, how far do you think it is to Eagle Peak from here?"
Maureen grins a bit at some of the incredulous banter. She turns to Fionna, "Well, Eagle Peak is about two days away." She turns back to stare at the amassing orcs for a moment. "So here's the question. What are this many orcs doing within an easy hike of a town? I think the people of Eagle Peak need to know of the danger at their door."
The mage stares down at the orc camps, quickly summing up that any broad-scale attack by the party on the orcs would surely result in the mass demise of Merganser and hid friends. So, when it is suggested that they move on, he merely nods. He can add nothing but a thoughtful look when people ask why the orcs might be here.
Sebastian looks confused for a second before backing down the hill. "We go town n'tell 'bout nasty piggie things," the priest says quietly, "Sebastian not want loose new friend."
"Well, it sounds like we are all pretty much in agreement. Let's go warn Eagle Peak," Fionna says.
The group returns to the road. Fearing what may be behind rather than ahead, Oliver stealths along behind the group. Maureen, on Granite, takes the point. There is a general nervousness about everyone. Moranda giggles often.
The road ahead is clear and without travelers, and night comes, causing the party to stop for the night. Setting up watches with an extra person to keep an eye behind them, it is a not a restfull evening. Scores of orcs amassing at your backside has that effect on people.
But morning comes and the sun shines through the filtering clouds. There is no sign the orcs under the leadership of the Black Bastards are on the move. "Let's try to make it to Eagle's Peak in good time," Fionna says as they pack up. Once Merganser has finished his studies and Sebastian his prayers, they group is on the road once more.
The telltale signs of civilization become more frequent. A short rock wall partitioning off farmland is the first sign. Then, as the group is about an hour from the city, they meet a merchant wagon. "Ho, and well met!" calls out the squat merchant. From the daggers and shortswords hanging from his box wagon, it is clear he's a sword dealer. "How is the road ahead?" he asks, pulling his horse to a stop. From his dress, he must be a successful sword dealer.
12/15/99
The bouncy halfling runs forward to the merchant giggling all the way. Stopping before him, she curtsey's. "And Well met to you sir! I would say that your business would be booming if orcs knew hwo to use such fine instruments as these." Moranda walks over and surveys the weapons hanging from the wagon. "If you have some spiked clubs, I believe you could sell a thousand of them down the road." The halfling reaches up and tries to pull down a jewel hilted dagger, but can't reach. She jumps for it a few times without success and turns to Sebastian with a pout. "Can you help please?"
Sebastian wanders over and easily lifts Moranda up to allow her to grab the dagger before hoisting her to his shoulders, "Sebastian help Moranda friend get pretty dagger."
"Don't insult tha good man Moranda. Of course he wouldn't sell arms ta a bunch of pig-snouts like them thar orcs back there. Better head back with us ta Eagle Peak mister... there's a warband of orcs gatherin back a-ways."
Oliver catches up and regards the man with suspicion. "Unless you are traitor enough to sell to murdering non-humans, I say turn around and find another road. Of course, there will be quite a market for your goods once we get to Eagle Peak."
Merganser has nothing more to add, keeping just within earshot of the peddler. He's quite anxious to return to the shelter of a larger city -- perhaps to identify the amulet, or even procure new spells.
The sword merchant seems a little taken back by the comments. "I would never sell anything to orcs or gnolls or kobolds. Disgusting creatures." He spits on the ground. "Are you interested in the a dagger, m'lady?" he inquires. He adds, "I guess I should return with you all, then."
12/20/99
Maureen stays upon Granite's back. She pays little attention to the merchant as her eyes continuously scan the area looking for signs of any possible trouble.
Merganser keeps quiet as the discussion with the merchant takes place. He keeps half an eye on Cordin instead, and half an ear our for the possible approach of a large number of orcs.
"It is very pretty," Moranda says with a eager smile.
"Does that mean you are interested in purchasing it?" asks the sword vendor.
The little thief shrugs, letting the others decide if they want to travel with the man. His keen gaze looks over the man's wagon, mentally cataloging what he has and the value of it. Thinking to himself, he says, 'A man has to practice his trade or he'll lose his edge.' Once he is satisfied of the man's harmlessness, he moves off to check their backtrail.
"Now that we are all settled, let's get going to Eagle Peak." Fionna says. Then looking at the merchant she says, "As we said before, you are welcome to travel with us if you are going back to Eagle Peak."
"Indeed ya'll should. Them thar orcs looked like they ment serious buisness back there," says Laren. "Say, ya'll wouldn't be able to tell me somthin' about a sword, would ya'll? I came across it aways back and been wonderin' bout it since then."
The merchant's interest shifts from Moranda to the pathfinder. "Oh? Would it be enchanted?" he asks, fingertips rubbing against each other. He then shifts his gaze to Cordin. "Where are your friends, Blythe?" he asks the man.
Cordin frowns. "You know my name is _Cordin_, Jannzon," he says, crossing his arms. He says nothing else.
12/27/99
Moranda looks to Cordin and grins mischievously. "Who is Blythe? An evil twin perhaps?"
Cordin does not look amused. "Blythe is a name _some_ people," he nods towards the merchant, "would try to stick me with."
"Dagger man be Cordin friend?", asks Sebastian with a puzzled look on his face. Looking up to the halfling sitting on his shoulder the priest asks, "Who Blythe Moranda?"
Oliver has turned to scout behind the group. He does, however, hear the question and the comment. Pausing, he turns and regards Cordin's back. A dagger appears in his hand and he begins to flip it, catching it by the tip.
Fionna moves to position her between Cordin and the rest of the party. Each of her hands moves to one of her swords. "Alright bud, you had better do some talking. Since we have had a couple of people try to trick us with their lies I suggest you start telling the truth or your just as likely to end up as they did. Believe me it's not how you want to end up," she says.
Merganser folds his arms and waits patiently for Cordin to respond to the questions about this new name of his.
Now Cordin looks exasperated. "Did I let the cat out of the bag?" asks Jannzon, clearly enjoying Cordin's discomfort.
The man gives the merchant a killing glare. He then turns to Fionna and says, "Blythe is a thief in Eagle's Peak. A person _some_ are trying to confuse me with. But I assure you I am no thief, nor am I this Blythe person."
12/28/99
Moranda looks coyly at their new friend, and then to the swordsmith. "Tell me sir, what makes you think this is the infamous Blythe?"
The merchant shrugs slightly. "I'm only repeating what I've heard," he admits. "Blythe has never stolen anything from me."
Oliver moves closer, having heard the word "thief". "I'm wondering if this Blythe is a wanted man. Are we joining up with a fugitive that could get us in more trouble than we need?"
"How come they are confusin' ya'll with this Blythe varmit? He kin or somthin'?" asks Laren, still suspicious.
Fionna stands waiting for Cordin's answers to her friends questions.
Cordin gives a great sigh. "I've told you the truth. I am NOT Blythe. I have no idea who he is. I've nothing to do with him. And if you don't believe me, we'll part company now." This last is directed towards Oliver.
1/4/2000
Maureen has heard of this Blythe before, but says nothing. She stays atop Granite and observes the others quietly.
Merganser looks to Sebastian. "Might you have a spell that can detect the truth of a person's words?" asks the mage of the burly priest. Merganser's tone is clinical and straightforward, but there is not hiding the intent of his question.
"Sebastian not know magic like that," replies the priest. "Illmater not deal with truth, just pain."
Oliver says nothing as he meets and holds Cordin's eyes. The dagger in his hand disappears and his empty hands are both in plain sight. Even as the others speak, he continues to hold Cordin's gaze. Cordin returns the gaze calmly.
Moranda looks Cordin over from top to bottom and then giggles, "Okay, I think we've had enough fun with him... Let's get to town, I for one, need a hot meal!" Without a break, Moranda pokes her trusty steed. "Sebastian, that way," she says as she points toward the settlement. At the halfling's bidding the priest smiles and then takes off down the road.
"I agree with Moranda, let's get to town where we can sort this all out later," Fionna says. The ranger starts down the path not looking back, confident that Oliver is watching their backs.
Oliver shrugs and moves to take the back trail. "Fine with me."
"Yea, me too, fur now..." says Laren, still very suspicious of this Corbin-Blythe person.
"I guess we're going," replies the sword merchant.
Cordin, for his part, says nothing.
Jannzon starts up a conversation. "You look like adventuring folk," he says to no one in particular. His wagon clangs along the uneven road. "It must be a hard life."
1/7/00
There is no reply from the small thief. He has vanished into the sparse woods on either side of the trail.
Maureen resumes her position at the front of the group. The current events have her very curious. She decides just to keep her eyes and ears open, hoping that curiosity will eventually be appeased.
"Harder than your steel I'm afraid," Moranda tells the salesman from Sebastian's shoulder.
"It's dangerous if that is what you mean," Fionna says. "However I wouldn't call it hard. How can being out in nature's wonders with your friends be hard. Doing good deeds, excitement around every corner. I can't think of a better way to spend my life."
"Me either Fionna," agrees Laren. "Give me the wild and open spaces over a crowded city any day."
"Well, the city does have its uses," ventures Merganser, obviously looking forward to the possibility of acquiring new spells again. "But as to the previous point: yeah, our life can be hard, but it does have its rewards."
Jannzon nods to what Merganser says. "I, for one, couldn't prosper were it not for cities," he says. "It is nice to have all my customers clustered together," he adds with a laugh.
The balance of the day is spent with Jannzon talking about his business and anything else of trivial matter. The man surely likes to talk. Cordin says nothing, his demeanor calm, but his eyes hard. But as no one has made anymore mention of 'Blythe', it doesn't get any worse.
As the sun's rays turn the Storm Horns red, the merchant says, "If we press on into the dark, we can make Eagle's Peak in about two hours." Indeed, there are slender columns of smoke from many houses just barely visible in the dying light towards the north.
1/10/00
Oliver reappears just before the question is asked. "Our backtrail is clear so far. Let's press on and get more people around us. I, for one, would not like to fight those orcs alone again." He moves to walk beside Fionna.
"Yup," says Laren. "I say we press on. Much as I hanker fer the open spaces a soft bed and a warm bath does have some advantages." The pathfinder laughs.
Merganser nods idly; something else is clearly on his mind. He is fully for any suggestion to continue on. He also makes sure that there is at least one person, hopefully Laren or Fionna or Sebastian, between him and Cordin/Blythe.
"Sebastian friends need warn town people", the priest says turning to Laren, "Nasty piggy men going hurt town people." Shifting Moranda's weight on his shoulder's the big man smiles and continues down the road to the distant houses.
Maureen nods in agreement with Sebastian, "Very true. We really don't know when the Orcs will attack, and they may try sneaking in under the cover of darkness."
Fionna pauses as the group continues on towards Eagle's Peak. When Oliver catches up she starts walking with him. "I know you are always watching our backs and this gives me great confort," she says in a low voice. "As we enter the town I suggest you keep an extra close watch, especially on this Blythe character. Knowing that you are doing this will make things easier, allowing me to concentrate on protecting the group. Who know what is really going on and unexpected things might happen."
Oliver listens and nods. He slows to take up the back guard position again. Outwardly, he is just as wary about everything as usual. He does nothing to let Cordin/Blythe know that he is of special interest.
After a few minutes Fionna moves forward to walk in the middle of the group near to Cordin/Blythe.
They press on into the dying light of the sun. Jannzon lights a couple of lanterns and hangs them off pegs on his cart. "I am never sure if the light helps me or just marks me from a distance," replies the merchant.
"Well, with a larger group around you," says Moranda from Sebastian's shoulders, "one would think it would discourage an attack."
The merchant laughs. "One would. But not everything out here is that smart." He casts a surreptitious glance towards the scowling Cordin. After a short time, Jannzon begins to sing a child's protection song that calls each of the good Gods and Goddesses of the Realm.
The creaking of the wagon and Jannzon's quiet singing are the only sounds the group hears as it trods on into the night. When the watchfires of Eagle's Peak become evident, everyone's pace picks up a little. The fortified town's walls loom large as they approach.
"State your name and business!" calls out one of the town watch from the wall as they approach the south gate.
1/11/00
This is not the time for Oliver to speak up so he just keeps his mouth quiet. Sticking to the back of the group and not carrying one of the lanterns, his form can barely be seen. As 'luck' would have it, he is behind Cordin.
Sometime during their travels to Eagle's Peak, Maureen has stashed her helm and pulled her cloak around her to ward off the night's chill. The deep hood casts her face in shadow. Considering the circumstances under which she left Eagle's Peak, she too decides to keep quiet to the watchman's hail.
Merganser remains quiet, at the rear of the group near Sebastian.
Knowing his simple country manners are not suited for this, Laren leaves the talking to the more glib of tongue.
From her stoic mount, Moranda calls out, "It is I, Moranda and her gallant charge! Our business is to rest for the evening as it gets uncomfortable out here, what with the army of orcs organizing for battle!" She giggles from on high, even in the face of Fionna's uncomfortable stare.
"We bring warm greetings," Fionna yells out to the guard. "As my companion has said we seek confort for the night. We also bring important news and wish to speak with your captain."
"What's this about orcs?" calls out the guard. There is still no sound of the gate opening.
12/10/99
"Well, I say we take them. So they don't hurt anyone else," Moranda says slyly.
"There are a tad more of them than us..." says Laren before realizing (or hoping) the halfling was joking. "We better skedaddle before they figure out we kilt their patrol. Don't reckon I like the looks of them catapults either. Eagle Peak's the nearest town and I bet they have a hankerin' to raid it, eh?"
"Take them?" Oliver says in surprise. "Are you nuts?" He pushes people back to cover before they are spotted. "We are still injured and tired. I say we inform the locals and then move out of the way."
"I agree with Oliver," states Cordin, finally speaking his mind.
"As much as I would like to follow your suggestion Moranda, I believe Laren and the others have the right idea," Fionna says. "Maureen, how far do you think it is to Eagle Peak from here?"
Maureen grins a bit at some of the incredulous banter. She turns to Fionna, "Well, Eagle Peak is about two days away." She turns back to stare at the amassing orcs for a moment. "So here's the question. What are this many orcs doing within an easy hike of a town? I think the people of Eagle Peak need to know of the danger at their door."
The mage stares down at the orc camps, quickly summing up that any broad-scale attack by the party on the orcs would surely result in the mass demise of Merganser and hid friends. So, when it is suggested that they move on, he merely nods. He can add nothing but a thoughtful look when people ask why the orcs might be here.
Sebastian looks confused for a second before backing down the hill. "We go town n'tell 'bout nasty piggie things," the priest says quietly, "Sebastian not want loose new friend."
"Well, it sounds like we are all pretty much in agreement. Let's go warn Eagle Peak," Fionna says.
The group returns to the road. Fearing what may be behind rather than ahead, Oliver stealths along behind the group. Maureen, on Granite, takes the point. There is a general nervousness about everyone. Moranda giggles often.
The road ahead is clear and without travelers, and night comes, causing the party to stop for the night. Setting up watches with an extra person to keep an eye behind them, it is a not a restfull evening. Scores of orcs amassing at your backside has that effect on people.
But morning comes and the sun shines through the filtering clouds. There is no sign the orcs under the leadership of the Black Bastards are on the move. "Let's try to make it to Eagle's Peak in good time," Fionna says as they pack up. Once Merganser has finished his studies and Sebastian his prayers, they group is on the road once more.
The telltale signs of civilization become more frequent. A short rock wall partitioning off farmland is the first sign. Then, as the group is about an hour from the city, they meet a merchant wagon. "Ho, and well met!" calls out the squat merchant. From the daggers and shortswords hanging from his box wagon, it is clear he's a sword dealer. "How is the road ahead?" he asks, pulling his horse to a stop. From his dress, he must be a successful sword dealer.
12/15/99
The bouncy halfling runs forward to the merchant giggling all the way. Stopping before him, she curtsey's. "And Well met to you sir! I would say that your business would be booming if orcs knew hwo to use such fine instruments as these." Moranda walks over and surveys the weapons hanging from the wagon. "If you have some spiked clubs, I believe you could sell a thousand of them down the road." The halfling reaches up and tries to pull down a jewel hilted dagger, but can't reach. She jumps for it a few times without success and turns to Sebastian with a pout. "Can you help please?"
Sebastian wanders over and easily lifts Moranda up to allow her to grab the dagger before hoisting her to his shoulders, "Sebastian help Moranda friend get pretty dagger."
"Don't insult tha good man Moranda. Of course he wouldn't sell arms ta a bunch of pig-snouts like them thar orcs back there. Better head back with us ta Eagle Peak mister... there's a warband of orcs gatherin back a-ways."
Oliver catches up and regards the man with suspicion. "Unless you are traitor enough to sell to murdering non-humans, I say turn around and find another road. Of course, there will be quite a market for your goods once we get to Eagle Peak."
Merganser has nothing more to add, keeping just within earshot of the peddler. He's quite anxious to return to the shelter of a larger city -- perhaps to identify the amulet, or even procure new spells.
The sword merchant seems a little taken back by the comments. "I would never sell anything to orcs or gnolls or kobolds. Disgusting creatures." He spits on the ground. "Are you interested in the a dagger, m'lady?" he inquires. He adds, "I guess I should return with you all, then."
12/20/99
Maureen stays upon Granite's back. She pays little attention to the merchant as her eyes continuously scan the area looking for signs of any possible trouble.
Merganser keeps quiet as the discussion with the merchant takes place. He keeps half an eye on Cordin instead, and half an ear our for the possible approach of a large number of orcs.
"It is very pretty," Moranda says with a eager smile.
"Does that mean you are interested in purchasing it?" asks the sword vendor.
The little thief shrugs, letting the others decide if they want to travel with the man. His keen gaze looks over the man's wagon, mentally cataloging what he has and the value of it. Thinking to himself, he says, 'A man has to practice his trade or he'll lose his edge.' Once he is satisfied of the man's harmlessness, he moves off to check their backtrail.
"Now that we are all settled, let's get going to Eagle Peak." Fionna says. Then looking at the merchant she says, "As we said before, you are welcome to travel with us if you are going back to Eagle Peak."
"Indeed ya'll should. Them thar orcs looked like they ment serious buisness back there," says Laren. "Say, ya'll wouldn't be able to tell me somthin' about a sword, would ya'll? I came across it aways back and been wonderin' bout it since then."
The merchant's interest shifts from Moranda to the pathfinder. "Oh? Would it be enchanted?" he asks, fingertips rubbing against each other. He then shifts his gaze to Cordin. "Where are your friends, Blythe?" he asks the man.
Cordin frowns. "You know my name is _Cordin_, Jannzon," he says, crossing his arms. He says nothing else.
12/27/99
Moranda looks to Cordin and grins mischievously. "Who is Blythe? An evil twin perhaps?"
Cordin does not look amused. "Blythe is a name _some_ people," he nods towards the merchant, "would try to stick me with."
"Dagger man be Cordin friend?", asks Sebastian with a puzzled look on his face. Looking up to the halfling sitting on his shoulder the priest asks, "Who Blythe Moranda?"
Oliver has turned to scout behind the group. He does, however, hear the question and the comment. Pausing, he turns and regards Cordin's back. A dagger appears in his hand and he begins to flip it, catching it by the tip.
Fionna moves to position her between Cordin and the rest of the party. Each of her hands moves to one of her swords. "Alright bud, you had better do some talking. Since we have had a couple of people try to trick us with their lies I suggest you start telling the truth or your just as likely to end up as they did. Believe me it's not how you want to end up," she says.
Merganser folds his arms and waits patiently for Cordin to respond to the questions about this new name of his.
Now Cordin looks exasperated. "Did I let the cat out of the bag?" asks Jannzon, clearly enjoying Cordin's discomfort.
The man gives the merchant a killing glare. He then turns to Fionna and says, "Blythe is a thief in Eagle's Peak. A person _some_ are trying to confuse me with. But I assure you I am no thief, nor am I this Blythe person."
12/28/99
Moranda looks coyly at their new friend, and then to the swordsmith. "Tell me sir, what makes you think this is the infamous Blythe?"
The merchant shrugs slightly. "I'm only repeating what I've heard," he admits. "Blythe has never stolen anything from me."
Oliver moves closer, having heard the word "thief". "I'm wondering if this Blythe is a wanted man. Are we joining up with a fugitive that could get us in more trouble than we need?"
"How come they are confusin' ya'll with this Blythe varmit? He kin or somthin'?" asks Laren, still suspicious.
Fionna stands waiting for Cordin's answers to her friends questions.
Cordin gives a great sigh. "I've told you the truth. I am NOT Blythe. I have no idea who he is. I've nothing to do with him. And if you don't believe me, we'll part company now." This last is directed towards Oliver.
1/4/2000
Maureen has heard of this Blythe before, but says nothing. She stays atop Granite and observes the others quietly.
Merganser looks to Sebastian. "Might you have a spell that can detect the truth of a person's words?" asks the mage of the burly priest. Merganser's tone is clinical and straightforward, but there is not hiding the intent of his question.
"Sebastian not know magic like that," replies the priest. "Illmater not deal with truth, just pain."
Oliver says nothing as he meets and holds Cordin's eyes. The dagger in his hand disappears and his empty hands are both in plain sight. Even as the others speak, he continues to hold Cordin's gaze. Cordin returns the gaze calmly.
Moranda looks Cordin over from top to bottom and then giggles, "Okay, I think we've had enough fun with him... Let's get to town, I for one, need a hot meal!" Without a break, Moranda pokes her trusty steed. "Sebastian, that way," she says as she points toward the settlement. At the halfling's bidding the priest smiles and then takes off down the road.
"I agree with Moranda, let's get to town where we can sort this all out later," Fionna says. The ranger starts down the path not looking back, confident that Oliver is watching their backs.
Oliver shrugs and moves to take the back trail. "Fine with me."
"Yea, me too, fur now..." says Laren, still very suspicious of this Corbin-Blythe person.
"I guess we're going," replies the sword merchant.
Cordin, for his part, says nothing.
Jannzon starts up a conversation. "You look like adventuring folk," he says to no one in particular. His wagon clangs along the uneven road. "It must be a hard life."
1/7/00
There is no reply from the small thief. He has vanished into the sparse woods on either side of the trail.
Maureen resumes her position at the front of the group. The current events have her very curious. She decides just to keep her eyes and ears open, hoping that curiosity will eventually be appeased.
"Harder than your steel I'm afraid," Moranda tells the salesman from Sebastian's shoulder.
"It's dangerous if that is what you mean," Fionna says. "However I wouldn't call it hard. How can being out in nature's wonders with your friends be hard. Doing good deeds, excitement around every corner. I can't think of a better way to spend my life."
"Me either Fionna," agrees Laren. "Give me the wild and open spaces over a crowded city any day."
"Well, the city does have its uses," ventures Merganser, obviously looking forward to the possibility of acquiring new spells again. "But as to the previous point: yeah, our life can be hard, but it does have its rewards."
Jannzon nods to what Merganser says. "I, for one, couldn't prosper were it not for cities," he says. "It is nice to have all my customers clustered together," he adds with a laugh.
The balance of the day is spent with Jannzon talking about his business and anything else of trivial matter. The man surely likes to talk. Cordin says nothing, his demeanor calm, but his eyes hard. But as no one has made anymore mention of 'Blythe', it doesn't get any worse.
As the sun's rays turn the Storm Horns red, the merchant says, "If we press on into the dark, we can make Eagle's Peak in about two hours." Indeed, there are slender columns of smoke from many houses just barely visible in the dying light towards the north.
1/10/00
Oliver reappears just before the question is asked. "Our backtrail is clear so far. Let's press on and get more people around us. I, for one, would not like to fight those orcs alone again." He moves to walk beside Fionna.
"Yup," says Laren. "I say we press on. Much as I hanker fer the open spaces a soft bed and a warm bath does have some advantages." The pathfinder laughs.
Merganser nods idly; something else is clearly on his mind. He is fully for any suggestion to continue on. He also makes sure that there is at least one person, hopefully Laren or Fionna or Sebastian, between him and Cordin/Blythe.
"Sebastian friends need warn town people", the priest says turning to Laren, "Nasty piggy men going hurt town people." Shifting Moranda's weight on his shoulder's the big man smiles and continues down the road to the distant houses.
Maureen nods in agreement with Sebastian, "Very true. We really don't know when the Orcs will attack, and they may try sneaking in under the cover of darkness."
Fionna pauses as the group continues on towards Eagle's Peak. When Oliver catches up she starts walking with him. "I know you are always watching our backs and this gives me great confort," she says in a low voice. "As we enter the town I suggest you keep an extra close watch, especially on this Blythe character. Knowing that you are doing this will make things easier, allowing me to concentrate on protecting the group. Who know what is really going on and unexpected things might happen."
Oliver listens and nods. He slows to take up the back guard position again. Outwardly, he is just as wary about everything as usual. He does nothing to let Cordin/Blythe know that he is of special interest.
After a few minutes Fionna moves forward to walk in the middle of the group near to Cordin/Blythe.
They press on into the dying light of the sun. Jannzon lights a couple of lanterns and hangs them off pegs on his cart. "I am never sure if the light helps me or just marks me from a distance," replies the merchant.
"Well, with a larger group around you," says Moranda from Sebastian's shoulders, "one would think it would discourage an attack."
The merchant laughs. "One would. But not everything out here is that smart." He casts a surreptitious glance towards the scowling Cordin. After a short time, Jannzon begins to sing a child's protection song that calls each of the good Gods and Goddesses of the Realm.
The creaking of the wagon and Jannzon's quiet singing are the only sounds the group hears as it trods on into the night. When the watchfires of Eagle's Peak become evident, everyone's pace picks up a little. The fortified town's walls loom large as they approach.
"State your name and business!" calls out one of the town watch from the wall as they approach the south gate.
1/11/00
This is not the time for Oliver to speak up so he just keeps his mouth quiet. Sticking to the back of the group and not carrying one of the lanterns, his form can barely be seen. As 'luck' would have it, he is behind Cordin.
Sometime during their travels to Eagle's Peak, Maureen has stashed her helm and pulled her cloak around her to ward off the night's chill. The deep hood casts her face in shadow. Considering the circumstances under which she left Eagle's Peak, she too decides to keep quiet to the watchman's hail.
Merganser remains quiet, at the rear of the group near Sebastian.
Knowing his simple country manners are not suited for this, Laren leaves the talking to the more glib of tongue.
From her stoic mount, Moranda calls out, "It is I, Moranda and her gallant charge! Our business is to rest for the evening as it gets uncomfortable out here, what with the army of orcs organizing for battle!" She giggles from on high, even in the face of Fionna's uncomfortable stare.
"We bring warm greetings," Fionna yells out to the guard. "As my companion has said we seek confort for the night. We also bring important news and wish to speak with your captain."
"What's this about orcs?" calls out the guard. There is still no sound of the gate opening.
12/10/99
"Well, I say we take them. So they don't hurt anyone else," Moranda says slyly.
"There are a tad more of them than us..." says Laren before realizing (or hoping) the halfling was joking. "We better skedaddle before they figure out we kilt their patrol. Don't reckon I like the looks of them catapults either. Eagle Peak's the nearest town and I bet they have a hankerin' to raid it, eh?"
"Take them?" Oliver says in surprise. "Are you nuts?" He pushes people back to cover before they are spotted. "We are still injured and tired. I say we inform the locals and then move out of the way."
"I agree with Oliver," states Cordin, finally speaking his mind.
"As much as I would like to follow your suggestion Moranda, I believe Laren and the others have the right idea," Fionna says. "Maureen, how far do you think it is to Eagle Peak from here?"
Maureen grins a bit at some of the incredulous banter. She turns to Fionna, "Well, Eagle Peak is about two days away." She turns back to stare at the amassing orcs for a moment. "So here's the question. What are this many orcs doing within an easy hike of a town? I think the people of Eagle Peak need to know of the danger at their door."
The mage stares down at the orc camps, quickly summing up that any broad-scale attack by the party on the orcs would surely result in the mass demise of Merganser and hid friends. So, when it is suggested that they move on, he merely nods. He can add nothing but a thoughtful look when people ask why the orcs might be here.
Sebastian looks confused for a second before backing down the hill. "We go town n'tell 'bout nasty piggie things," the priest says quietly, "Sebastian not want loose new friend."
"Well, it sounds like we are all pretty much in agreement. Let's go warn Eagle Peak," Fionna says.
The group returns to the road. Fearing what may be behind rather than ahead, Oliver stealths along behind the group. Maureen, on Granite, takes the point. There is a general nervousness about everyone. Moranda giggles often.
The road ahead is clear and without travelers, and night comes, causing the party to stop for the night. Setting up watches with an extra person to keep an eye behind them, it is a not a restfull evening. Scores of orcs amassing at your backside has that effect on people.
But morning comes and the sun shines through the filtering clouds. There is no sign the orcs under the leadership of the Black Bastards are on the move. "Let's try to make it to Eagle's Peak in good time," Fionna says as they pack up. Once Merganser has finished his studies and Sebastian his prayers, they group is on the road once more.
The telltale signs of civilization become more frequent. A short rock wall partitioning off farmland is the first sign. Then, as the group is about an hour from the city, they meet a merchant wagon. "Ho, and well met!" calls out the squat merchant. From the daggers and shortswords hanging from his box wagon, it is clear he's a sword dealer. "How is the road ahead?" he asks, pulling his horse to a stop. From his dress, he must be a successful sword dealer. Subject: TJE 1/4 : Hard Life Maureen has heard of this Blythe before, but says nothing. She stays atop Granite and observes the others quietly. Merganser looks to Sebastian. "Might you have a spell that can detect the truth of a person's words?" asks the mage of the burly priest. Merganser's tone is clinical and straightforward, but there is not hiding the intent of his question. "Sebastian not know magic like that," replies the priest. "Illmater not deal with truth, just pain." Oliver says nothing as he meets and holds Cordin's eyes. The dagger in his hand disappears and his empty hands are both in plain sight. Even as the others speak, he continues to hold Cordin's gaze. Cordin returns the gaze calmly. Moranda looks Cordin over from top to bottom and then giggles, "Okay, I think we've had enough fun with him... Let's get to town, I for one, need a hot meal!" Without a break, Moranda pokes her trusty steed. "Sebastian, that way," she says as she points toward the settlement. At the halfling's bidding the priest smiles and then takes off down the road. "I agree with Moranda, let's get to town where we can sort this all out later," Fionna says. The ranger starts down the path not looking back, confident that Oliver is watching their backs. Oliver shrugs and moves to take the back trail. "Fine with me." "Yea, me too, fur now..." says Laren, still very suspicious of this Corbin-Blythe person. "I guess we're going," replies the sword merchant. Cordin, for his part, says nothing. Jannzon starts up a conversation. "You look like adventuring folk," he says to no one in particular. His wagon clangs along the uneven road. "It must be a hard life." --- Subject: TJE 1/7 : Press On? There is no reply from the small thief. He has vanished into the sparse woods on either side of the trail. Maureen resumes her position at the front of the group. The current events have her very curious. She decides just to keep her eyes and ears open, hoping that curiosity will eventually be appeased. "Harder than your steel I'm afraid," Moranda tells the salesman from Sebastian's shoulder. "It's dangerous if that is what you mean," Fionna says. "However I wouldn't call it hard. How can being out in nature's wonders with your friends be hard. Doing good deeds, excitement around every corner. I can't think of a better way to spend my life." "Me either Fionna," agrees Laren. "Give me the wild and open spaces over a crowded city any day." "Well, the city does have its uses," ventures Merganser, obviously looking forward to the possibility of acquiring new spells again. "But as to the previous point: yeah, our life can be hard, but it does have its rewards." Jannzon nods to what Merganser says. "I, for one, couldn't prosper were it not for cities," he says. "It is nice to have all my customers clustered together," he adds with a laugh. The balance of the day is spent with Jannzon talking about his business and anything else of trivial matter. The man surely likes to talk. Cordin says nothing, his demeanor calm, but his eyes hard. But as no one has made anymore mention of 'Blythe', it doesn't get any worse. As the sun's rays turn the Storm Horns red, the merchant says, "If we press on into the dark, we can make Eagle's Peak in about two hours." Indeed, there are slender columns of smoke from many houses just barely visiable in the dying light towards the north. --- Subject: TJE 1/10 : South Gate Oliver reappears just before the question is asked. "Our backtrail is clear so far. Let's press on and get more people around us. I, for one, would not like to fight those orcs alone again." He moves to walk beside Fionna. "Yup," says Laren. "I say we press on. Much as I hanker fer the open spaces a soft bed and a warm bath does have some advantages." The pathfinder laughs. Merganser nods idly; something else is clearly on his mind. He is fully for any suggestion to continue on. He also makes sure that there is at least one person, hopefully Laren or Fionna or Sebastian, between him and Cordin/Blythe. "Sebastian friends need warn town people", the priest says turning to Laren, "Nasty piggy men going hurt town people." Shifting Moranda's weight on his shoulder's the big man smiles and continues down the road to the distant houses. Maureen nods in agreement with Sebastian, "Very true. We really don't know when the Orcs will attack, and they may try sneaking in under the cover of darkness." Fionna pauses as the group continues on towards Eagle's Peak. When Oliver catches up she starts walking with him. "I know you are always watching our backs and this gives me great confort," she says in a low voice. "As we enter the town I suggest you keep an extra close watch, especially on this Blythe character. Knowing that you are doing this will make things easier, allowing me to concentrate on protecting the group. Who know what is really going on and unexpected things might happen." Oliver listens and nods. He slows to take up the back guard position again. Outwardly, he is just as wary about everything as usual. He does nothing to let Cordin/Blythe know that he is of special interest. After a few minutes Fionna moves forward to walk in the middle of the group near to Cordin/Blythe. They press on into the dying light of the sun. Jannzon lights a couple of lanterns and hangs them off pegs on his cart. "I am never sure if the light helps me or just marks me from a distance," replies the merchant. "Well, with a larger group around you," says Moranda from Sebastian's shoulders, "one would think it would discourage an attack." The merchant laughs. "One would. But not everything out here is that smart." He casts a surrepticious glance towards the scowling Cordin. After a short time, Jannzon begins to sing a child's protection song that calls each of the good Gods and Goddesses of the Realm. The creaking of the wagon and Jannzon's quiet singing are the only sounds the group hears as it trods on into the night. When the watchfires of Eagle's Peak become evident, everyone's pace picks up a little. The fortified town's walls loom large as they approach. "State your name and business!" calls out one of the town watch from the wall as they approach the south gate. --- Subject: TJE 1/11 : Orcs? This is not the time for Oliver to speak up so he just keeps his mouth quiet. Sticking to the back of the group and not carrying one of the lanterns, his form can barely be seen. As 'luck' would have it, he is behind Cordin. Sometime during their travels to Eagle's Peak, Maureen has stashed her helm and pulled her cloak around her to ward off the night's chill. The deep hood casts her face in shadow. Considering the circumstances under which she left Eagle's Peak, she too decides to keep quiet to the watchman's hail. Merganser remains quiet, at the rear of the group near Sebastian. Knowing his simple country manners are not suited for this, Laren leaves the talking to the more glib of tongue. From her stoic mount, Moranda calls out, "It is I, Moranda and her gallant charge! Our business is to rest for the evening as it gets uncomfortable out here, what with the army of orcs organizing for battle!" She giggles from on high, even in the face of Fionna's uncomfortable stare. "We bring warm greetings," Fionna yells out to the guard. "As my companion has said we seek confort for the night. We also bring important news and wish to speak with your captain." "What's this about orcs?" calls out the guard. There is still no sound of the gate opening. --- Subject: TJE 1/14 : Traveler's Rest "I'm not sure what they are doing!" Moranda calls out. "All I know is that there are a lot of them! They are grunting around, practicing with their weapons and a few of them are pushing around these big things that throw rocks. Big ones!!!" "We speak the true mister," calls out Laren. "A horde of orcs led by men in dark armor. I reckon they mean buisness and yur town is the closest. They ain't but a day or so off so ya best get yur captain and rouse tha men," Laren suggests. "Sebastian friends come to help town," the priest says trying to make out the guard on the rampart above. "Sebastian not let nasty pig men cause people pain." There is silence at first, as if the guards were discussing what they have heard. The the gate starts to open. "We thank you for the warning," says the guard from the wall. "Please, come in." The town of Eagle's Peak is a frontier town, designed to be defendable against attack. Very few buildings enroach upon the walls, and most are made of the reddish stone of the Storm Horns. "This time of night," says Jannzon, urging his horse forward, "there is unlikely to be only one Inn open. The Traveler's Rest." The gates close with a loud thunk behind the group. --- Subject: TJE 1/24 : Parting Company "Lead us to the naproom please, Mister Jannzon," Moranda requests politely. As an afterthought, Moranda looks down to her steed, "Are you tired, Sebastian?" The priest-mount's eyes are closed. Moranda smiles. "As much as I like the wilderness some time in a soft bed will be appreciated," Fionna says. "How long does everyone plan on staying in town?" "Well I reckon I'll be here til the rest of ya'll decide to move on. T'ain't got a better place ta go, nor anything better ta do. Reckon I'll see about getting this sword checked out by a wizard, unless ya'll reckon ya can do something fer me Merg," says Laren, turning to the mage. "Certainly -- I'll just need a bit of time to find somewhere safe to do the spell, and get one or two of you to help me out afterwards while I recover. We should do the sword first." The mage pauses a second before continuing. "Anyone know if there's a wizard that's local to this area?" he asks the group. "Don't worry, I would be more then happy to help you afterwards," Fionna replies. Cordin answers Merganser's question, "All of the mages here are War Wizards. You _might_ find one interested in trading or whatever it is you wish to do." Oliver stands behind Cordin and listens to the debate. One of his smaller daggers has appeared in his left hand and he plays with it idly. Merganser smiles gratefully at the offers to help him out. "Thank you! I'll get on it as soon as possible, tomorrow if possible. In the meanwhile, we should perhaps head over to the Traveler's Rest. Is it a hospitable place?" Jannzon nods. "'Tis. Safe place, too." He urges his horse forward. "Hope they have enough rooms for you all." The Traveler's Rest is an imposing edifice, a small stone fortress within a military city. But that's at cursory glance. Looking closer, there are numerous homey touches like the curtains in the windows, and the painted shutters. Lights flicker from the lower windows of the three storey building. "Well, we'll be parting company now," says the sword merchant. --- Subject: TJE 1/26 : Welcome to the Rest "All right then! Thanks for everything!" Moranda calls to the sword merchant. Moranda picks Moot in one hand and pokes Sebastian to let her down. "Thanks big friend." Sebastian gently sets his small charge down on the ground and stretches his arms ways above his head. "Pretty place," Sebastian says to no one in particular. "I guess we get some rest and talk about our plans in the morining," Fionna says as she opens the inn's door to let the other enter. "Yup. I reckon so." says Laren, slipping inside. Maureen keeps her cloak pulled about her. She looks at her companions and nods in agreement, "Yes, sleep would be most welcome right now." Merganser stifles a yawn and enters. The inside of the Traveler's Rest is as inviting as the outside. It is well lit, though there are some small tables obscured by shadows. Maids weave in and out of tables with frothy mugs or food ladened platters. A musky haze hangs near the high ceiling of the gather room. The barkeep, a portly man with an impossibly long handlebar mustaches, waves over to the group. "Welcome to the Rest," he calls out above the din of the conversations. There must be four dozen patrons, mostly soldier types, enjoying drink and talk here. "The kitchen is just about done for," he says as the group comes closer. "Though I imagine I can get cook to dig something up," he says, looking over his belly at Moranda. "Did you want rooms? One gold per room, up to four people per room. But there's only one bed in each room. Stabling's five silvers a horse." He rattles this off with ease. --- Subject: TJE 1/28 : Special Care Moranda looks up expectantly at Fionna. "Don't worry, I got this one. Just find us a table and I will be right back," Fionna says. She walks up to the barkeep with a handful of coins and says, "We will need eight rooms and stabling for one horse for a week. We also need an evening meal so we would appreciate whatever you can prepare." The inkeeper smiles as he counts the coins. "Of course. Of course," he says. "Suezette, rouse the cook," he calls out towards what must be the kitchen. "And find Marck. There's a horse to be brushed." He then bows to Fionna and turns to deal with other matters. "Sebastian sleep on floor," says the big man when Fionna returns. The group is now all at a large table, some seated. "Sebastian too big to sleep bed. Moot and Moranda friends share with Sebastian?" "Ah don't reckon I care where or with who I sleep," drawls Laren. "Tha floor will be jest fine with me." Merganser rather shame-facedly asks for the bed. "The spell tomorrow will drain me badly, and it's best for me -- and for the spell -- if I'm well-rested. I'll crash somewhere else after that." "Floor or bed, it makes me no nevermind. I'll just take whatever is left after everyone else settles in." Maureen gives her companions a cheerful smile. "Don't worry," Fionna repies, putting up her hands to forestall any protests. "Nothing is too good for my friends. I've got rooms for us all." Oliver says nothing. He lets the talkative ones figure out the sleeping arrangement. He begins to survey the common room. The thief in him checking out each occupant as a potential mark. A server, who introduces herself as Suezette, brings mugs and two pitchers of beer to the table. "The cook can make a stew with what is left. And there's bread still on the hearth," she says. She wipes her hands on her dirty apron, then pushes back a lock of her dark hair behind her left ear. "Is there anything else you would be needing? And special care for your horse?" --- Subject: TJE 2/4 : Alone Maureen smiles at Suezette as she pushes her hood back, "Just some fresh hay if you have it. I'll go brush him down and remove his tack myself, if you'll just point me in the direction of the stable." The girl points towards the door. "The stable's out back. Just ask for Marck," she advises. The little thief makes himself comfortable and pours out some ale. He snorts lightly at the thought of 'special care' for the horse. "Stew is always nice," Moranda says rubbing her chubby belly. "And then maybe I can entertain these gentlemen." She turns to Sebastian, "Would you like to hear some good stories?" "Sebastian love stories!" shouts the priest. "Please tell Sebastian story, Moranda" "A stew would be jest fine miss. Anything warm and hearty would be just fine," says Laren. Fionna sits down next to the thief taking the glass from his hand. "Didn't they teach you it's polite to serve the women first," she says with a small giggle. Merganser chuckles a bit at Fionna's comment. "As for me, I'll be happy to have a home-cooked meal of any sort tonight!" Suezette slips away into the kitchen, and the group is pretty much left to its own by the other patrons. --- Subject: TJE 2/9 : Stories and Resting Moranda smiles at her large companion, "I will tell stories until late into the night for you my friend. You were so kind to carry me all that way, but..." she pauses, "I do need some of that stew and some wine first. To prepare my voice." The halfling giggles. Oliver looks up at Fionna and smiles lightly. "Well, I don't think of you that way." He reddens as he realizes just how far he has shoved his foot in his mouth. "I mean, well, it's just..." He swallows. "Sorry." He tops off her glass before pouring one of his own. Maureen smiles at Oliver's discomfort as she heads out to tend to Granite. The meal is hearty and there is plenty of warm bread, though not necessarily fresh, for all. The wine and ale are quite good, too. True to her word, Moranda tells tales of derring-do that draw in several of the other patrons of then inn. As the night wears on, first Merganser excuses himself, explaining he needs plenty of rest before examining the items he has. Maureen returns and says her good nights. Laren is next to leave, stifling several yawns. Finally, Fionna and Oliver excuse themselves, congratulating Moranda on her storytelling. In the end, it is the innkeeper who tells Moranda enough is enough. He has to close down and the crowd of two dozen patrons, while still buying drinks, do need to vacate the building. Sebastian seems particularly unhappy that Moranda has to stop, but the halfling promises the large priest there are more tales to come. Securing her purse and its new coinage, compliments of several of the patrons, she and Sebastian head upstairs to their respective rooms. Fionna is the first one down, follows shortly (or is that discreetly?) by Oliver. Maureen passes through on her way to check on Granite. Finally, Moranda, Laren and Sebastian all come down. The breakfast crowd is just sttarting to build at this time. Maureen rejoins the group at the table. --- Subject: TJE 2/16 : Different Tasks "Well, good morning sleepy heads," Fionna says once everyone is seated over breakfast. "I take it everyone has plans on what they want to do in town. I for one could use a little training practice. " "Where magic friend?" asks the priest through a mouth full of apple. "Sebastian go get magic friend." Standing Sebastian heads upstairs to check on Merganser. Merganser walks downstairs sleepily, having slept a tad longer to be fully rested for the day's spellcasting. "Oh, hi, Sebastian," he says. "Sorry I'm a little late. Right after breakfast I want to see about identifying Laren's sword." "Thank ya'll Merg," says Laren cheerfully. "Been wonderin' bout this blade since we found it in that demon's cave. Wasn't there somethin' else in that treasure? An amulet or somethin'?" Merganser nods. "Yes, and if possible I'll identify that too -- I might have to wait another day for it, though. At the moment, I've the feeling that your sword may prove more immediately beneficial to us -- and we found it first anyway, and it was more dearly bought -- so I'll look to that one first." "If you still need help after casting your spells it might be better to wait for this evening. Most of us should be back from our errands by then and can help you," Fionna says. "In that case, best to wait until tomorrow," replies the mage. "There's no way I can wait until evening to begin the casting -- it's much too taxing, and will take me the better part of the day to recover from." "That sound like a plan. I will see you all this evening," Fionna says as she rises and heads for the door. "Sebastian need find Illmater priests," says the priest sadly. "Sebastian need tell priest about dead friends. Sebastian return shortly to help magic friend." Grabbing a chuck of bread, the priest heads toward the door in Fionna's wake. Oliver is quiet and thoughtful. He sits at breakfast without saying much, not even grumping as usual. Soon enough, everyone disperses to tend to their own tasks. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Fionna's Work Actions: Fionna's plan, find a trainer for specilization and arrange to start in two days (after the spell is cast) and see it there is a nature temple in town (preferably Silvanus), then see what she can find about the towns reaction to the orcs news. She easily locates a ranger names Arafred to train her. There is only a temple to Tempus in town. Everyone in Eagle Peak assumes they are invulnerable to attack as it is a fortress. By the end of her six days of training, no orc attack materializes. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Maureen's Work I too am going to be away from e-mail all next week. I was thinking I might wander about town, but I'm going to try and avoid my former comrades if I can ;-) Since Maureen is very familiar with the fortress town of Eagle Peak, she can easily avoid her former companions. Otherwise, there's nothing exciting happening as she waits for her new companions to finish their business. And there was no orc attack. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Oliver's Work I will be away from email all next week. I am thinking Oliver needs to go off by himself, perhaps look up the local thieve's guild and practice/learn. I do not want to hold everyone else up. Oliver easily locates the thieve's guild in Eagle Peak. It is underground because of the high concentration of Purple Guard in the fortress town. Theives are respected for their reconnoinence work but are dealt with harshly for stealing. No orc attack happens while he waits and trains. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Laren's Work Laren doesn't have much to do in town unless he is going up a level. Laren is not ready to train, so he basically hangs out in Eagle Peak. The fortress town doesn't have much in the way of entertainment. No orc attack comes while he is waiting for his friends to finish their business. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Merganser's Work Merganser does the _identify_ on the amulet and Laren's sword: The Amulet gives a Protection +1 to saves and AC. The sword is a +1/+2 versus avian creatures. Merganser doesn't think there is anything else to be learned. He does need to train, and he easily finds someone willing to train him, but at a cost of 100gp per level he is training to. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Moranda's and Sebastian's Time There is only a Temple to Tempus here in the fortress town of Eagle Peak. No one seems to venerate Ilmater... in fact, quite the opposite. The large priest finds it best to hang around the halfling bard and assist her as she works the various crowds in the Inn. There's not much in the way of entertainment in Eagle Peak. By the time their friends are done with their tasks, Moranda's managed to gather a tidy sum of 5pp, 78gp, and 300sp for her performances. --- Subject: TJE 3/1 : Update Just an update that I've (finally) contacted each of you about what you have been doing for that last tenday or less. If there's anything else you wanted to do during that time, let me know. Otherwise, I'll assume that I can resume your regularly scheduled game on Friday. --- Subject: RE: TJE 3/1 : Merganser's Work > Merganser does the _identify_ on the amulet and Laren's sword: > > The Amulet gives a Protection +1 to saves and AC. Can anyone use it, or is it class-specific? > The sword is a +1/+2 versus avian creatures. Beans o' coolness! :) > Merganser doesn't think there is anything else to be learned. > > He does need to train, and he easily finds someone willing to train > him, but at a cost of 100gp per level he is training to. About how much cash does Merg have? :) If he has to, he'll consider casting a few spells for cash, if he can think of a way for his spells to be useful to a general audience. --- Subject: TJE 3/11 : Wrapping It Up In Eagle Peak The next morning the group assembles to hear what Merganser has discovered. "The sword is apparently enchanted with a minimal combat enhancement, but this power doubles when the blade is used against avian creatures. "The amulet also bears a minor enchantment, the most minor of its sort. It gives the wearer some protection from attacks, magics and poisons." He adds, "My ring does the same thing. I'd offer the amulet to the group then to decide: who should wear it? I might suggest Oliver or Moranda, who I think would benefit most from it." [Insert future text about discussion over who will get what.] Merganser clears his throat. "I have to train, but doesn't quite have enough money to pay for the venture. I might look around for some work," he says. "Nonsense, I have plenty that you can use," Fionna replies. "We got all that reward from the dwarves and I have nothing to spend it on". "No, I could..." Merganser starts to say. "Now I don't want to hear another word. How much do you need?" Fionna interups as she starts to pull out her coin purse. Days later, the group assembles again. Moranda has used some of her newly earned funds to get a nifty cloth home made for Moot. It goes around her like a backpack, but allows the creature to rest comfortably inside her cloak. At the moment, though, the ferret is not in the home. Sebastian sits by the fire with Moot curled up in his lap listening intently to Moranda's latest story of adventure and intrigue. The priest offers the ferret a piece of the turkey leg they are sharing, but Moot ignores the priest and rolls over to expose his bloated belly. Having successfully avoided her former companions during her stay here, Maureen is also ready to move on. The hiding and skulking is growing a bit tedious. Laren passed the time in Eagle's Peak chatting with anyone he can in the tavern. By the time his companions are finished with their business the young swamper is getting a bit restless. The novelty of his first trip to the "big city" has worn off and his need to wander has grown. "Whall... time ta be movin?" he asks. "I'm with you," Fionna replies. "For my first trip to a large city this sure was an experience. I can see how the city may have it's uses, but I miss the outdoors. I miss the fresh air, peace and quiet, and the feeling of closeness to Silvanus that you get." She turns to her friends. "So where are we heading when we leave here?" Fionna asks. "Unless nobody has a better idea I wouldn't mind looking in on Anders and see how things are going." --- Subject: TJE 3/16 : We Go Now? "Didn't we jest leave him before we headed here? I'd hate ta go all the way back ta where we jest left," says Laren. Leaning closer to his companions, the swamper continues. "Besides, we haven't seen that sneaky CorDin fella around either. Didn't he have some fool errand fer us ta try? Somethin' bout a treasure or somethin'. Don't know iff'n I trust that fella." Leaning back he continues to say what's on his mind. "Or we could go look in on them thar orcs. Figure they t'ain't up ta no good." After pausing to drink from her glass Fionna says, "I don't know what it was with that Cordin, but he just rubbed me wrong. I think I would much rather go after the orcs. As we know a large group of orcs are never up to good and since someone should stop them it might as well be us." During the conversation between Fionna and Moranda, a dark form moves up and takes a seat beside the fighting woman. The hood of his liripipe is pushed back and Oliver smiles lightly at the others. "Miss me?" "Don't you know," Fionna replies. "Have fun in the big city?" Oliver shrugs in a way that says more than any words might. "I guess. You guys ready to move on?" "We go now?" questions Sebastian. Maureen just smiles pleasantly. "I'm ready to go whenever everyone else is." When everyone nods the priest shouts, "Sebastian go now," and runs upstairs to retrieve his stuff. He returns minutes later with his worn sack and stops briefly to talk with the innkeep, who heads into the kitchen and returns with several loaves of fresh bread, a large block of hard cheese, and a few wrinkled apples. The priest hands over a small handful of silver coins for the food, which is obviously too much for these simple items, but the priest doesn't seem to care. "We go now," Sebastian repeats, returning to the the table, "Moranda and Moot need ride?" --- Subject: TJE 3/20 : Just Passing Through "If you don't mind..." Moranda says sweetly to Sebastian. Sebastian bends over and lifts the halfling onto his shoulders. "We go now," the priest repeats happily as heads for the door. Merganser explains the nature of the two magic items to Oliver, then says that it seems that Sebastian is the group's choice for the amulet. "Pretty shiny thing for Sebastian?" questions the priest as he is handed the amulet. "Why mage friend give Sebastian pretty?" Merganser says simply, "It makes sense for you to have it." Sebastian takes the amulet and tries to put it over his head, but it gets stuck on his ears. "Mage friend help Sebastian wear pretty?" the priest asks shyly. Moranda, from her perch on the priest's shoulder, helps get the necklace part of the amulet past Sebastian's ears. "There. A perfect fit," she announces. Oliver waits for the others from his place near Fionna. He seems rested and ready to go. After making a quick detour to get Granite, Maureen pulls the hood of her cloak up to shadow her face and follows everyone as they leave town. As the group finaly comes to the cities front gates Fionna walks over to the bored looking guard and says, "Hello good sir. Could you do me a small favor and tell me what you have heard about that group of orcs that were reported a week ago." The man smirks at the mention of the orcs. "Was it you all who warned us? Good thing. We routed those snortfellows rightly a league from town. Not that we were that worried anyway. But it is nice to know not every visitor is just passing through." --- Subject: TJE 3/29 : Black Mail? Oliver chuckles quietly, remembering the reception they received when they arrived. He hides his expression and reaction from the guards, but not from his fellow travelers. "Routed?" Fionna replies. "Tell me what happened, how many were left, where did they go off to?" she continues getting a little excited. The guard grins broadly. "None were left," he says proudly. Moranda looks at the guard, "You mean even with all their fiery catapults and evil torture devices? You defeated them all? You must have great magicks..." The halfling's eyesare wide and inquisitive. The guard makes a warding sign. "No magic. Just sword and muscle. Ain't never been a orc that'll stand up to a man with a sword," he claims. "Did ya'll find them fellas in the black mail? They seemed ta be runnin' the show. Iff'n ya'll didn't perhaps we should take a look-see at their last camp," suggests Laren. At this, the guard frowns. "Didn't see anything but orcs. You sure about men in black mail?" he asks, waving one of the other guards over. --- Subject: TJE 4/3 : Pressing Matters "Hmmm..." the small halfling adds. "You killed hundreds of orcs in such a short time?? Perhaps you can teach me how to use my sword better?" "With a large group of soldiers I'm sure it wasn't too hard. Heck, we could have done the same if we had put our mind to it," Fionna says. Turning to his companions, Laren searches them for comfirmation. "Ah am right, we saw them men in black chainmail? Maureen, ya'll called them Black Bastards, eh?" says the swamper. Maureen folds her hood back as she nods in agreement, "That we do, Laren." She turns to the guards, "No one noticed any such men or anything out of the ordinary during the fight?" The guard shakes his head. "It was too easy a fight, even for a double score of the Guard," he says, frowning. "If the Black Bastards are planning something, it must be bigger than a worthless orc attach." He whispers something to the guard standing next to him and the man runs off hurriedly. Merganser listens on quietly; such dealings are out of his element. Oliver stays quiet, frowning within his dark hood. He begins to flip one of his small knives in a nervous gesture. This talk can only lead in one direction, chasing orcs. That is a venture with lots of fighting, hurting and little treasure. Sebastian whistles happily to himself as the party heads out, oblivious to any upcoming danger. The guard turns his attention back on the party. "Do you have pressing matters north?" he inquires. --- Subject: TJE 4/5 : For The Crown The little thief rolls his eyes and mutters, "Here comes the pitch." "Ah don't believe so sir.... why do ya'll ask?" questions Laren. "And who exactly are these Black Bastards?" The guard smiles. "Such caution. Though I'd expect that from an adventuring group." He takes a deep breath. "The Black Bastards are a mercenary group that hires out for any kind of killing work. No matter who is being terrorized or who is paying. "Last year they ransacked a small village many leagues south of here for some tribe of ogres. I mean, can you believe working for such monsters?" "I assume you have something in mind..." Moranda asks with her hands on her hips. "Oh yeah," replies the guard. "I'm sure we could make it worth your while to do a little spying work for the Crown," he says. --- Subject: TJE 4/11 : Reconnoiter "Black men not nice." comments the priest. "Sebastian find bad men. Sebastian stop bad men." "Ya'll got that right Seb," says Laren, patting the priest on his broad shoulders. "We'll do yer spyin' mistah, ya'll can count on us. Reckon we'll pick up their trail at the orc camp. Between Fionna and myself, we'll track them Black Bastards down." "You bet we will," Fionna says. "And we'll give them what they deserve." Maureen simply says, "Sure, I'm in," while she continues to look for the other guard who went hurrying off. Merganser again nods wordlessly, watching the guard for his reactions to Laren's and Fionna's words. The mage is interested in moving on to another adventure, and can sense his comrades' eagerness to return to the open road again. "Whose crown?" Moranda asks innocently. Oliver rolls his eyes and mutters just loud enough for his companions to hear, "I'd rather be spying out the ways of getting the crown." "Now you be nice," Fionna quietly replies with a big grin across her face. The little thief looks at her and shrugs. "At least I'm being honest." The guard answers Moranda's question. "Since you're not from around here, I'll explain. King Azoun IV's crown. Lord of Cormyr." He either doesn't hear or pretends not to hear the other interchange. The other man returns and whispers something to the guard the group has been speaking to. "I've been instructed to offer you whatever equipment you feel you need to reconnoiter the location and plans of the Black Bastards." He glances at Oliver. "Within reason." --- Subject: TJE 4/24 : Horses Oliver looks up innocently, raising his hands from his side in a gesture that asks "what?". "Sounds good to me." Laren glances at his fellows. "Ah reckon mounts would make it easier, and a mite faster gettin' around. Could ya'll spare a horse fer each of us and a pony fer Moranda? Other than that ah can't think of anything I gotta have," says the pathfinder. "Mounts would be nice, escpecially war horses since we will be going into combat. That is if you can spare some," Fionna says. "Sebastian not ride horsey," the big priest says nervously. "Horseys not like Sebastian. Sebastian walk." The guard nods. "I think we can manage enough horses for those who want them. Anything else?" --- Subject: TJE 4/28 : We Can Provide Merganser merely shakes his head no, his mind elsewhere, as usual. "Hmmm..." Moranda muses, "Some fresh rations, some food for my little Moot," she points to the ferret, "and some healing potions or salves...and some way of making us invisible for getting inside their camp...a few new songs for me to cast in case we get into trouble, and maybe a new short sword and a sheath to go with my new dagger." Oliver thinks quietly. "If the Crown is financing this job, then we'd best double-check our supplies. We could always use more bandages and stuff unfortunately." "Yea, some supplies would certainly go a long way as well as some healin' stuff. Magics would be helpful to iff'n ya'll have some." agrees Laren. The other guard writes all of this down. "We can provide you with weapons, rations, mundane supplies and a few healing potions," states the first guard. "Oh," Moranda interrupts before the guard concludes his response, "any very powerful wands or magicks would be wonderful!" "As I was going to say," says the guard with a glance towards the halfling, "we don't really have any magic items beyond potions we can give... or loan... you." --- Subject: TJE 5/4 : Plan? "I know, I know...that's what they told us the last time only to find out we needed to have a special charter to receive those items." Moranda says with a harumph. "I'll have you know that we did obtain the charter if you need to see it." Oliver shrugs. "Let's get the stuff and get moving." The group is presented with sturdy steeds, all except Sebastian, and new equipment and supplies. Laren accepts the supplies and lashes an extra quiver of arrows behind the saddle of his mount. A dusky gelding, the swamper mounts awkwardly. "Never rode much in the Marshes, wha'll 'xcept for the catoblepas....." he says with a broad grin. Fionna also grabs a extra quiver of arrows and ties them to the back of one of the stronger mount. Easily swinging up into the saddle she says, "A catablepas, Laren you will have to tell me that story." The pathfinder tells his tale as they ride in the direction last the Black Bastards were last seen. Sebastian runs along side of Fionna. "Have plan for bad men?" he asks. --- Subject: TJE 5/9 : Carnage Maureen mounts Granite and waits for the rest of the group to hit the road and leave this town behind. "Ya see, the catoblepas is sorta half camel, half cow," says Laren, telling his tale. "The swampers have domesticated some, milking them and making our famous Death Head Cheese. Course ya got ta be gentle when ya milk a catoblepas, cause this "cow" can kill ya dead with a look. "Anyways, mah friends and I took the notion ta ride one. Threw a gunny sack over it's head and jumped on. Course that just pissed it off and it set ta buckin. Wildest ride of mah life!" The comes Sebastian's question about having a plan. Fionna looks over to the priest running next to her and says, "I think our first action should be to do some scouting and find out what we are up against. We need to determine what they are and what they are up to. Then we can devise a plans on how to stop them." Oliver listens to the others and agrees that scouting is in order. "'Course, we need to decide which direction to scout in." "To tha north lies the Stonelands," says Laren, pointing, "to tha south the Marshes of Tun. Either place would be where I'd hide. Hopefully some tracks will help us." "We should return to where we last saw them. A group like them shouldn't be very hard to track," Fionna adds. The thief shrugs a nod. "Lead on," he grumps. "We go back", suggests Sebastian, "Back where Sebastian friends see nasty piggies with rock thowing things." They ride southwards towards where they last encountered the orcs. However, some miles before that location, they come upon the carnage left after the guardsmen's battle with the goblinoids. Flies buzz incessantly around the horses and company. "Looks like they've already been picked over," grumps Oliver, his mood not getting any better. --- Subject: TJE 5/10 : Smell Bad "Amazing that these few sacrificed them for the others. Nobility among such savages," Moranda comments. "Either that or they didn't have a choice, which is much more likely," Fionna says as she starts circling the battlefield. There are easily three score orc corpses here. She pauses here and there, checking a bent blade of grass or a bootshaped puddle of blood. Laren does the same, working counter-clockwise from Fionna. Merganser pokes around, looking for anything that might have been overlooked by looters, anything that might be magical. He takes care to stay out of the way of the Rangers (he got a lecture once for treading over tracks, and doesn't care to incur it again). He also tries to see if there are any corpses other than those of expected races. Oliver dismounts and looks around. He checks out the bodies hurriedly, then begins to search for tracks. Maureen dismounts from Granite and joins the tracking party. "Smell bad," says Sebastian through the hands over his nose, "We go now?" Fionna gets up and wipes her hands. "It looks like none of the orcs escaped from this battle. All of the tracks heading away from here are from guards heading back to Eagle's Peak." She glances at Laren, who nods his agreement. "We should return to where we had our battle with them," she suggests. --- Subject: TJE 5/19 : One Set Oliver returns to the group, listens to Fionna's proposal and nods. "It's the only other place we know to look." Laren nods, mounting his horse and leading the way there, his eyes scanning for dangers or signs. "Let us go then," Moranda prods. "No need to sit here smelling these foul creatures." The party mounts up, except for Sebastian, and rides/walks on to where they last met the orcs. The path is rather easy to follow, as orcs are notorious for not covering their tracks. Within a few hours, they come upon the remains of the battle they had a few days ago. Fionna, Laren and Maureen search the trampled scene. "Okay, I've got something," announces Fionna. She follows one particular set of footprints eastwards to the crest of the hill. "Definately human. Heavy, like in armor." The view before them is the same valley, but without the large encampment of orcs. Nor is the tent the Black Bastards were using present. "Just the one set of footprints heading back to the valley," Fionna says aloud. --- Subject: TJE 5/25 : Resting "Wha'll, lets get after tha Black Bastard, eh?" says Laren, his eyes scanning the area, bow strung and resting across his lap. "Let's rest a bit first," Oliver offers. "I don't want to run into these bastards unless I am rested and ready." "Okay," Fionna says. "Resting sounds like a good idea." --- Subject: TJE 5/30 : Nothing Moving Maureen leads Granite a bit away and ground ties him. As she starts unsaddling him she says, "This looks like a good spot for camp. I'll go gather up some firewood as soon as I'm done here." Sebastian plops down on the ground in a heap, "Sebastian happy we stop now. Sebastian tired." Pulling out a block of cheese the priest watches as the party takes care of their horses and sets up camp. "I'll be back," Oliver muses and disappears into the woods. Moranda watches the thief leave. "I don't need much rest. I can go to the top of the ridge and look around for movement," the halfling offers. "Ah reckon ah'll go with ya Moranda," says Laren, kneeing his horse forward. They wait at the ridge watching as Fionna and Merganser finish setting up the camp. Maureen returns with a healthy armload of firewood, which she deposits near the firering Fionna carefully set up. Dinner preparations begin as Oliver returns. "See anything?" asks Fionna. "Just one orc guard who didn't know anything," replies the thief grimly. "He won't be a bother to us." Moranda and Laren return just in time to miss this report. "Didn't see anything moving," reports Moranda. --- Subject: TJE 6/2 : Guarding? Merganser has a bit of a puzzled look on his face; the moniker "Black Bastards" seems to ring a bell for him, but he can't place the name. Something beyond the obvious meanings of the phrase is tugging at him, and this is written quite plainly on his face. "An orc? What was he guardin?" asks Laren to Oliver, obviously concerned. "Bad orc men see fire", states Sebastian, "We be careful or bad orc men find Sebasitan friends." Moranda rubs her temple with her stubby little hand, "You know, I wonder if they are using some powerful magicks to mask their camp? Either that or they've moved up toward the mountains." "Orcs?" Fionna replies. "I would guess that they have moved back to the mountains. Probably retreating to lick their wounds." "Pig man look for trouble like Oliver friend," states the priest. "Oliver friend hide in dark places as Sebastian friends walk." Maureen nods in agreement with Laren. "My thoughts exactly. What was he guarding?" Olver shrugs. "We'll never know now," is all he says as he finds a spot where he can put a tree at his back and sits down. He waits for the others to help themselves to the food before he gets some for himself. Fionna grabs some food and sits down next to Oliver. "Here have some grub," she says handing him a plate. "Moranda, please tell Sebastian story," pleads the large priest as he curls up in his blanket near the fire. --- Subject: TJE 6/6 : Where Did Bad Orc Men Leaders Go? "Perhaps ya'll can show me where he was?" asks Laren, somewhat concerned that Oliver was taking this so lightly. "Wouldn't want ta be surprised tonight by it's friends." Oliver looks up from his dinner. "He was 1000 paces beyond that scarred oak. I can show you once I've finished or you can backtrack me. There were no other tracks around." Nodding Laren stands, backtracking the thief to the orc. Once there, he examines it carefully before searching the area carefully. He returns in about 40 minutes. "Strange that there'd only be one orc left ta guard," the pathfinder comments. "Perhaps we should put on extra night watch," says Fionna. Hearing no objections, the ranger sets up the new guard schedule and enjoys the rest of the evening with her friends. Surprisingly, nothing untoward happens to them during the night. Merganser prepares his spells as the others pack up the camp. Mounting, except for Sebastian, the group scouts forward to the former orc camp. "Where bad orc men leaders go?" asks Sebastian, scratching his head. --- Subject: TJE 6/9 : Been Gone For Days "Good question," Oliver muses. "Shall we pick a direction or fan out and search for tracks? We can meet back here in say... a couple of hours?" "Okay let's split up," Fionna says. "But may I suggest we split up into groups of two or three, just to be a little safer." Maureen nods and moves to take Granite's reigns. "Sounds like an excellent idea." Laren looks at his companions. "Ah right, iffn we's gonna split up I suggest the followin' teams. Seb, Mordanda, and Merg, ya'll head off that way," pointing to the left. "Fionna, Oliver, how's about that way," pointing to the right where the orc was. "Maureen and I will head off straight ahead. See ya'll here in two hours?" suggests Laren. Merganser nods, pleased with the plan (and anxious to do more than stand out in the wilds, despite the influence his Ranger friends have had over him in the past several months). He stays near Sebastian and Moranda, keeping out of the way of those who know better in how to deal with these things. "Sebastian hunt good," states the priest proudly. "Sebastian father teach Sebastian to hunt good." "They've gone somewhere...or they are waiting for something specific." Moranda says to her companions. "We're overlooking something... "Where Sebastian go", asks the priest as the party breaks up into teams to search. "With us, Sebastian," says Merganser. He pats the big man on the shoulder. Laren nudges his horse closer to Maureen's Granite. "Remember, ya'll are scouts. Iff'n ya'll run inta trouble skidaddle back here quicker than a striped snake." Fionna and Oliver are the first to return to their originating point, having found nothing at all. Merganser, Sebastian and Moranda are the next to return, similarly disappointed. About twenty minutes later, Laren and Maureen return. "We caught their trail some three miles away," says the pathfinder. "Granite prudy much sniffed it out." He looks to Fionna. "Been gone for days." --- Subject: TJE 6/14 : Abandoned "Perhaps their destination was not this city? Perhaps this was only a stop on the way somewhere else," Moranda muses. "Perhaps we should report back and see if they have any ideas. It still is a wonderment that they would sacrifice some of their own kind to throw off the citizens here, only to move onward..." "My vote would be to follow their tracks. The only way to really find out what they're up to is to check out the source. Besides I'm sure whatever it is isn't good, so the sooner we meet up with them the better," Fionna says. Merganser nods at Fionna's suggestion. "Yes, let's move. We'd rather not have them get too much of a lead on us, and you and Laren often speak of the difficulty of following a cold trail." "At least we know which way they was headin'. I say we pick up the trail and track em down." says Laren. "I'm pretty sure it won't be too hard to follow these, hot or cold. Orcs never were very good at stealth," Fionna replies. Oliver stands by and listens as the others discuss the next move. He nods in agreement on moving out after the orcs and their leaders. As he waits, he takes advantage of a nearby rock to rest his feet. The urge their horses forward, following Maureen and Laren. Once they reach the spot where they picked up the trail, Fionna dismounts and examines the tracks. "Odd. They hid their tracks until this point," she muses. "Maybe they though it were enough," suggest Laren. The ranger brushes off her hands as she rises. "Perhaps. But we'd best be ready for any ambush they may have set for anyone following." Remounting, she says, "For being almost a sevenday old, these tracks are in pretty good condition." Fionna takes the point through the woods, followed by Maureen, Oliver, Merganser, Moranda, Sebastian and then Laren, just in case someone doubled back to follow them. Much of the rest of the day is spent following the narrow trail. As darkness starts to set in the foothills, they come upon an old abandoned miner's shack. Except it isn't abandoned as there's smoke coming from the cumbling chimney. Fionna puts a finger to her mouth. "No horses," she says, pointing to the area just outside the shack. --- Subject: TJE 6/19 : Unlocked Oliver dismounts and ties his horse to a nearby shrub. "This is my kind of work. I'll sneak up and see what I can see. I think Fionna and Laren oughta check out the area in that ranger way of theirs. Don't want no orcs sneaking up on me." "We are meant to be here," says Moranda emotionlessly. "We did not come across this place by accident." Maureen considers the area with a slight frown on her face. "I'll stay here and guard your backs as well as our way out. You can signal me if all is clear. This just feels a little too convenient for my taste." Fionna draws her bow and moves beside Oliver. "I will follow you from a small distance and cover your back," she says. Before he can object she says, "I do have some stealth abilities also. They may not be as good as yours, but I can do alright." "Ilmater tell Sebastian if Oliver need help," says the priest holding a rose petal out toward the thief. "Oliver friend kiss pretty flower and Sebastian know if friend need help." "Kiss what?!" exclaims Oliver just before the petal touches his lips. He blinks and it's hard to tell if he is disgusted, horrified or about to laugh. The petal glows briefly as it touches Oliver's lips. Sebastian finishes his chant and promptly swallows the petal, "Oliver go now." After clearing his throat, Oliver manages to say, "Uh... thanks, Sebastian." He looks at Fionna with a distinct blush. "Let's go." The little thief turns away quickly and starts his sneaking. "Ya'll go ahead, I got ya'll covered." says Laren, unlimbering his short bow of horn. Merganser remains back in the pack with Sebastian, not too far from Moranda. He's quite interested in seeing what's going on, and keeps his eyes peeled for anything that strikes him as abnormal. Oliver moves quickly and silently into the shadows of the sparse trees nearby. Fionna follows after a few counts to give the thief some distance. Sebastian pets the nose of one of the horses that snorts softly. Minutes pass slowly as the group watches both the cabin and the area around them. Maureen leans down and whispers something to Granite and the horse flicks his ears forward. Finally, after about twenty minutes, Fionna and Oliver return, darkness hiding their expressions. "No one is in the cabin," reports the thief. "It is just one room and in need of repair. And what furniture is left is dwarven sized." He glances at Fionna. "There is only one door and it is unlocked." "I ne'er saw you at the door," says Laren, surprised. The thief merely smiles. --- Subject: TJE 6/22 : Interesting Light Oliver waits quietly having said what he knows about the situation. "But the smoke?" asks Laren. "Certainly someone was here not too long ago? Ya'll see any tracks?" "Maybe the orcs just passed through this clearing, I suggest we look for track. Laren you want to check that direction," Fionna says pointing towards the left side of the clearing. "And I will go the other direction. Sebastian, how about checking the cabin for any hurt and suffering owners?" Merganser is willing to go have a look-see with Sebastian. "Well, since specters don't need the warmth of a fire, I'd say someone has to be somewhere nearby." Maureen looks around a bit while absently rubbing Granite's neck. "Perhaps we should stay here for a bit and watch the house for someone to return. I would much rather see who returns to it, than have them catch us unawares." Oliver sighs. "Maybe I should go first. If this place is trapped, I can find 'em." He moves toward the building. "Of course, it really could be deserted and a great place for a rest." Fionna moves to right to check for tracks as Laren moves to the left. The others wait as Oliver returns to the cabin. He pauses at the door, seemingly doing nothing for several minutes. Then, a few deft motions with his hands and he opens the door. Nothing happens. He then opens it a little more, being very cautious. Still, nothing happens. He slips into the building. A few moments later, he returns to the door and waves the others in. "You should look at this log," the thief says to Merganser. Sitting in the fireplace is a single log completely consumed by fire. But it isn't giving off much heat. The rest of the sparsely furnished cabin is bathed in the flickering light. There is a small chair and bed. Otherwise, it looks abandoned. Laren and Fionna join the others at the cabin. "The tracks just disappear," says the obviously frustrated ranger. --- Subject: TJE 6/30 : The Log Fionna puts her bow away and draws both of her swords. She enters the house with the others standing back to let them work. A bit uneasy, Laren remains by the door, watching out it with his bow ready. Merganser moves toward the fire. "Sure, let me see now..." He casts a _detect magic_ spell on the fire to see what he can find out about any enchantments that might be on the fire. "My first suspicion is that the fire, or something nearby it, might be a magical gate of some sort, maybe one end of a teleportation gate. That would immediately explain the sudden disappearance of tracks. I'd appreciate it if one of the stronger types could keep hold of me while I study this thing -- just in case -- and everyone else might want to stay back for a bit. If it *is* a gate, then it could be very bad news indeed for the person who steps through prematurely. But of course, it could be an illusion of sorts too. My spell could give me more information there." Drawing her short sword, Moranda walks up to the log, "Either this is a magical everburning log, or it is someone's idea of a trap and illusion." Moranda raises her sword to swipe through the log. Oliver stands back from the log for he does not trust the magic. When Moranda swings her sword at it, he curses and ducks behind Sebastian. The big priest makes a very good protective barrier. "Whoa!" Merganser is quick to react verbally. He grabs for Moranda's arm, not staying it but deflecting it enough to have the weapon miss the log. "Give me a moment here, please." The halfling nods and steps back. Maureen steps forward, "I'll keep a hold on you." The mage takes a deep breath and starts to test his theories. "It is strongly magical, but I cannot tell the type," he informs them. He tosses some wadded up paper on the flames, but it bounces off unsinged. "No heat. No apparent gate," he says aloud. His brows crease with concentration for a few moments. "Not an illusion." Finally, with some trepidation, he passes his hand through the flame. "Without more intense study of this log, I can only assert that it gives off light without heat." Sebastian turns around and says to Oliver, "It is okay now. You no get hurt from log." "That's very interesting," says Fionna as she starts her tracking again now that the diversion is over. She backtracks where the footprints left off near the other side of the clearing from where they entered, a good ten feet from any object. "They didn't jump," she says to herself as she examines the last bootprints. She returns to the others. "I have no clue where they went." Subject: TJE 7/3 : Aha! Moranda waits until attention is directed elsewhere. She then reaches out and picks up the log, holding it at arms length and looking for markings or inscriptions. Oliver shakes his head at Sebastian's words. "Don't trust much of nothing around here. I'll look for other secrets." He turns his back just in time to miss Moranda's insane bravery. Laren scratches at his chin. "What in tarnation happen'd ta them? Smells like magic ta me, as does this whole place. Merg, that's yer area.... what da ya reckon happened?" asks Laren from his guard post. "I've no idea, really," answers the mage. "The log is nothing more than a light source, so there goes my first big idea." He smiles. "Better safe than sorry, though. In the meanwhile, let me see if I have anything left on this spell -- maybe I can scan the whole place for magic. In the meanwhile, how about we also check around for secret doors -- loose floorboards, false bricks, that sort of thing." "Well, I'm sure stumped," says Fionna, her nose wrinkled with annoyance. "Does anyone have any ideas of what could have happened or how we find them?" the ranger asks. "Maybe piggy men not want be followed," suggests the priest. "Maybe piggy men hide foot marks. Sebastian friends hunt for foot marks away from scarey cabin place?" Oliver just begins looking for secret doors, traps and other hidden things. Sebastian continues his thought, "Sebastian friends think piggy men use magic. Piggy men not like magic. Black men must use magic and scare piggy men. Black men make piggy men attack." Merganser starts to ask a question then shakes it off, remembering the source of the comment. "Nothing magical here, except the log. You find anything, Moranda?" The halfling sets the log back onto its stand. "Nothing," is all she says. "Aha!" says Oliver as he pulls slowly up on a floorboard. "Secret door," he whispers more catiously. The others crowd around, watching and waiting as the thief descends. Moments later, his head emerges. "Lots of ale barrels, and one of them is hollow, leading off to a tunnel. Dark and no sounds I could hear." --- Subject: TJE 7/6 : Suggestions? "Just a minute, Oliver," Fionna wispers down the hole. "Before you go too far, how about letting me or Laren down to see who's track lead into the tunnel. " Oliver shrugs and lets Fionna down to see if the tracks match. He eyes the barrels of ale and licks his lips. Then, he sighs and shakes his head. "Don't go thinking of getting drunk now," he says to himself. "Wait until you get somewhere safe." "I guess we will be waiting for you... hey, Oliver?" Moranda smiles. "Looks like a dwarf alright," says Laren as he joins Fionna in the tracking. "Little buggers sure like the ale. We'll, I reckon we gotta go after em eh? Oliver, I bet he's rigged a trap or two along that tunnel, wanna lead and check it out?" says Laren. "Sebastian not like little tunnel," whines the priest. "Sebastian get stuck in little tunnel?" Merganser keeps back out of the way, wondering if there are any signs of life, perhaps tracks, in the lower tunnels. Fionna and Laren confer, then Fionna announces, "Whoever went through here did a very good job of covering their tracks." Maureen quietly watches all the goings on around the seemingly tiny, dark, confining, tunnel, and prays that it won't be required of her to go down there. "In what direction does the tunnel lead off to? If it doesn't twist too much, we may be able to find the exit point and bookend our escapist. Taking for granted that there is one." Fionna answers, "It heads deeper into the hills. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to guess where it comes out." She pauses, glancing into the barrel again. "If it comes out." The ranger looks at the three people in the cellar, and then those peering down from above. "Suggestions?" --- Subject: TJE 7/13 : Found Them "Quite frankly I left the holes of my village behind, but if it's the only way to find out where they went." Moranda shrugs. "Seems to be only one ta me," says Laren, removing his bulkier gear to navigate the tunnel. Maureen nods, "If it's the only way." She then closes her eyes for a few moments and starts preparing herself to go into such a small space. "By all means, we should explore," says the mage. He smiles to himself, with a bit of a resigned expression. "Sometimes it's of advantage to be smaller," he adds, looking at the four larger members of the group. Oliver stands by, flipping his dagger restlessly. "Well? Want me to scout ahead in there or not? Might make a difference if I find out that no one has come through there in years." "Please," says Laren, pausing in his removal of gear. "Your skills would be best suited. I'll follow in case you run into trouble," he adds. "Indeed they would," Fionna says. "Oh lead on you great master of stealth." "Ilmater tell Sebastian when Oliver friend in trouble," says the priest proudly. Oliver looks at Fionna and rolls his eyes though his look is spoiled by a slight smile. He nods to Laren and jumps down into the hole, landing as soundlessly as possible. Once through the barrel, which had a slight malt residue on the bottom, the thief looks around cautiously, listening. He then disappears from sight. Laren then crawls through and waits for his return. Minutes pass by in silence as each of the party waits for something untoward to happen. Fionna watches Laren through the barrel, fingers gripping its metal band. "Okay," says Oliver upon his return. "The Black Bastards are down here," he tells them. "There must be seven or eight... I couldn't tell how many were in a small cavelet." He looks up the barrel and adds, "This barrel is the smallest part of the path." --- Subject: TJE 7/18 : Discussion Maureen gives a small sigh of relief. "Good, so let's go, dispatch them, and be done with it." "Merg, do you have a heavy hitting spell that could incapacitate some before we rushed them? We have to get past the mouth of the cave or they'll hold us up and wear us down," asks Laren. "Sebastian make black men stop," the priest offers. "Yes Sebastian, we will all make the black men stop," Fionna says patting the big man on the back. "I am concerned about Sebastian going down there...he is quite large for a barrel or a cave." The mischievous halfling smiles. "Now if you like, you can all find a nice little hiding place, and I shall bring them up with me. Then Sebastian can bring Illmater's touch to these renegades and we won't need to visit the dark musty underbelly of the Realms." "My specialty is alteration, not evocation or conjuration," says Merganser. "However, if they are working with a fire, I do have one spell that might give us a decided advantage. I could make the fire act up and choke them with its smoke." He looks to Oliver. "No. Sebastian make the black men stop with magic," clarifies the priest, "And then they not hurt Sebastian friends." Oliver waits for the others to quit talking so that they can decide exactly how they are going to take out the guys in the cave. --- Subject: TJE 7/27 : Hideout Moranda's shoulder slump and she starts to climb into the hole by Oliver. Fionna grabs Moranda's shoulder. "Wait. We need to have a plan before moving on." "How 'bout this," says Laren. "Merg casts pyrotechnics to draw them out unless... Oliver identified another way out of their cave." Merganser nods. "I like the idea of my casting the Pyrotechnics, and then Sebastian casting Hold Person on the first few who come out, then us pummeling them." He looks down the barrel at Oliver. "Is there a fire I can use?" "A torch or two," says the thief. "I think we need to establish if there is another way out first." "Are you volunteering?" asks Fionna. Oliver sighs, nods, then disappears. Ten minutes later he returns. "There don't appear to be any exits out of the cave. But the passage does continue past their hideout." --- Subject: TJE 8/1 : Impatience Moranda sighs with impatience. "Why can't we just lead them up here??? I'm sure they will chase me and it will be much easier to combat them on our terms... and not in a tunnel!!" --- Subject: TJE 8/3 : Gone Awry Oliver sighs. "I don't know if that would be a good idea. We would have the element of surprise for a short time only. Now, if there were a place to hide so that we could box them in... " He thinks back to what he has seen of the underground area. "Me not like Moranda friend going hole," states the priest. "Sebastian not know better plan for stopping bad men." "Me either, Seb." says Laren. "I say we either pyro em, or lure em out here. Whichever ya'll think will work the best." Merganser nods to Moranda. "Let's try your way first. If that doesn't work, we'll try smoking them out. Let's allow ourselves the ability to chase after them if we have to." Moranda smiles at Merganser's response and look reassuringly at Sebastian. "Do not worry, I will be fine." She then turns to the others. "Find good hiding places, I will jump out of the hole and run outside. You should be able to surprise them." Maureen gives a small sigh of relief and then steels herself for battle. She dons her helmet and draws her sword, all the while searching for a place to hide that has a good view. Finding one, she squeezes herself into it and waits for the fun to begin. "Sebastian need rope" asks the priest, "Sebastian hold rope in hole for Moranda. When Moranda reach hole, Sebastian pull Moranda up." Fionna hands the priest a coil of rope. Sebastian takes the rope and walks over to the hole. Setting his staff on the ground, the priest lowers the rope into the hole for Moranda. "Moranda run fast," pleads the priest. "Don't worry," says Moranda, "I will." She enters the barrel. Oliver slips into the hole after the halfling. He hides in a dark corner about 50 feet down into the tunnel. From here, he can attack from behind, an advantage for him, and keep them from fleeing back into the tunnel. Whatever Moranda does, it is effective in raising an alarm. Oliver watches as the halfling sprints back towards the barrel escape. The others up top wait for the halfling. But this is where the plan goes awry. Moranda is not far from where Oliver is secreted when she suddenly stops in place, unable to move. "Got him," comes a shout from where the bandits are camped. --- Subject: TJE 8/18 : One Down Oliver grumbles and curses completely to himself. 'A fardling magicuser. Great.' With stealth born of desperation and experience, he does his best to become part of the wall, waiting until he can see his target without being seen. "Spell caster make too much noise," whispers Sebastian to himself as he picks up his staff and begins chanting softly. The chanting suddenly stops and the priest drops noiselessly down the hole. Laren nods, drawing his sword and following the large priest down the hole. Once Sebastian and his silence are down the barrel, Merganser slaps a Strength spell on Maureen in preparation for the upcoming scrap. Maureen tosses Merganser a grim smile and a nod of thanks before quickly following the others down the hole. Oliver waits below for his chance at a backstab. "It ain't a he. It's a kid," says another of the bandits. "That isn't a kid, Jessup," says the mage bandit. "That's a halfling. I'd reason that she isn't alone." "I'll go check," says Jessup as he slips past. With the other bandits collecting near Moranda, Oliver continues to wait for his chance. The bandit heads for the 'basement' of the shack and encounters Sebastian, who smacks him on the head hard with his staff. The filfy man drops silently to the ground. "Should we just kill her, Abe?" asks another bandit. "Yeah," responds the mage coldly. --- Subject: TJE 8/28 : Kill Them Oliver continues to wait. His advantage is surprise so he must make it worth something. Sebastian takes off at a sprint down the tunnel toward Moranda and Oliver. Laren quickly follows the sprinting priests, unsure what is going on but sure it isn't good. Maureen follows closely on Sebastian's heels, weapons at the ready. Merganser stays back out of the way, letting the stronger party members do what they do best. He follows them down only as the last one down the hole, and is careful to make sure he won't be caught in a stampede if the party decides to flee back into the cabin. Meanwhile, he readies _magic missile_ spells for combat in case he can be of use. As he reaches the surprised thieves, Sebastian levels his staff and shoves the blunt end into the chest of the one closest to Moranda, the staff clearing the halfling's head by a couple inches. The bandit falls back into the man behind him. He is hoved back onto his feet by the other man. "Kill them," commands the second man. Out of sight of the party two men can be head incanting spells. --- Subject: TJE 9/5 : Bandit's Advantage Seeing the two capable fighters are near the front Fionna checks out the body of the unconscious bandit. She pulls out her rope and securely ties him up. Unaware of the spell casting going on nearby, Sebastian continues to swing his staff to keep the bandits away from the defenseless halfling. Unable to hear anything around the silenced priest, Laren grabs for Moranda to pull her back to safety. He snatches back his hand just before one of the bandit's blades hacks at it. Sebastian jabs his staff into the man's face, blackening his eye. Merganser moves cautiously forward, trying to see if he can spot the chanting spellcasters. Unfortunately, the commotion before him makes this unlikely. Laren makes another grab at Moranda and feels his muscles mometarily freeze up on him. However, he is able to shake off the effects of the spell, as is Sebastian. Three darts of light hit the priest, causing him to grunt in pain. Maureen and Oliver await their opportunity to attack, but the advantage seems to belong to the bandits. --- Subject: TJE 9/8 : Stinking Cloud Moranda stays perfectly still. Oliver grumbles quietly to himself, and then he realizes that they are all in a long, dark tunnel. Sounds seem to come from everywhere and are not a reliable way to pinpoint your opponents or your compatriots. He turns his face into the niche that he is hiding in, cups his hand and does his best wild beast angry challenge cry at the top of his lungs. The entire time, he is praying silently to the gods of thieves and fools that this does not get him killed. "What the..." says one of bandits. The other one doesn't seem concerned and hacks at Sebastian with his sword, missing the priest but cutting a long line down Moranda's arm. Drawing her two swords, Fionna move to the middle of the hall and yells, "Everyone regroup behind me, Laren or Maureen go last and block the hall next to me. The other one grab Sebastian." Before anyone can follow these orders, the entire area becomes filled with noxious vapors, causing most in the area to cough and sputter. Sebastian seems uneffected by this gas. He throws his staff at the nearest bandit and grabs for Moranda. With Moranda tucked under his arm, Sebastian retreats behind the gagging, but still armed Laren and Maureen, as the party makes a quick retreat back up the tunnel. Laren lets the priest slip by him as he rubs at his eyes. He tries to make a feeble attempt at guarding his retreat with his sword. Merganser yells, "It is a stinking cloud. Hurry back towards my voice!" Maureen takes a few lingering moments to swing her sword viciously towards the bandits before following everyone else back up the tunnel. Oliver, who also seemed not to be affected by the cloud, pulls up the rear. He wants to make sure they are not immediately followed. He smiles as he hears the bandits hacking and coughing, except one who is verbally assaulting the mage that cast the spell. "Hurry," says the thief as he catches up. "I heard the word fireball." --- Subject: TJE 9/11 : Clear Air Merganser turns and with all due haste hies it back out of the tunnel. Of all the group, he is the least likely to survive a fireball blast, and he's all too aware of it. Coughing hard and eyes watering, Maureen starts to back her way out of the tunnel. She keeps her sword up in front of her, though, should she need it. Oliver runs forward, grumbling the entire time. He pushes Fionna and Laren ahead of him. "Run. I have no desire to be crisp fried. There is no profit in it." Choking and gagging, Laren staggers back, running as hard as he can to escape a firey doom. "You go, I will cover the back," Fionna replies. After making sure everyone else has passed her she follows the group down the tunnel. Sebastian stops at the corner of the tunnel when he realizes that Lauren and Maureen are having trouble keeping up. "Sebastian give friends more time," says the priest as he extends his holy symbol back toward the bandits and begins chanting. Just as Lauren and Maureen reach him, Sebastian finishing his chant and clouds of fog begin billowing out from the ground near the priests feet. The fog rapidly expands down the tunnel in both directions obscuring the fleeing party from site. Oliver pushes Merganser up the barrel, taking deep breaths of the clear air. Maureen carries Moranda up with her, then urges everyone up and outside. Fionna's the last to come up, closing trapdoor and door behind her. She takes a quick survey to make sure everyone is present. "I didn't hear pursuit." "It is very likely," says Maureen as she holds the unmoving Moranda (who has a terrible itch on her nose) they have other ways out of that cave." --- Subject: TJE 9/12 : Run or Fight Oliver curses eloquently in several languages, but prudence keeps his voice down. "We had better find those other ways out or get the hell out of there ourselves." Sebastian takes a few minutes to examine and bind Moranda's wounds before tucking the still immobile halfling under his arm again. Moranda stays perfectly still. "Sebastian friends block secret door so nasty men not get out", urges the priest, "Sebastian not want to fight magic men in tunnels no more." "Magic fog last long time", suggests the priest, "Sebastian friends look for magic fog to find other secret doors." "For once," Oliver says causticly. "The big oaf has a good suggestion. I'll go look for any escaping fog in the surrounding area. The rest of you get ready to run or fight." "Alright, but you be careful," Fionna says. "We wouldn't want anything bad happening to you." "I think fighting sounds better," Maureen says around gulps of fresh air. "We've got a better chance of ambushing them from up here than we did down there. We've magic users to combat their spells, and with the aid of surprise, we could rid ourselves of them." The little thief clears his throat, but says nothing to Fionna and the others before sneaking off into the forest. --- Subject: TJE 9/13 : Moranda and Oliver Merganser remains prepared with spells in case the enemies should pursue up the tunnel. "Sebastian know if Oliver friend need Sebastian help," the priest says as the thief disappears into the shadows. Sebastian walks over to Merganser. "Sebastian protect magic friend from fire." Holding his holy symbol to Merganser's forehead, Sebastian chants a few protective words over the mage before sitting down on a fallen log to wait. "So how many spell do you all have?" Fionna asks the group, once Sebastian is finished.. "We will need to see where the tunnel lead. It may be connected to the orcs we are following." "Nearly my full complement," says Merganser. "Three first-level, two second." "Sebastian still have magics left," replies the priest. "Sebastian save magic to heal friends." "Then when Oliver returns we can create a plan of attack," Fionna says. Moranda suddenly falls limp where she was standing motionless. "It is about time," she quips. Oliver does return as Moranda speaks. "I see no signs of another exit," he says, a little frustrated that he couldn't locate anything. --- Subject: TJE 9/15 : Bad Men Watch? Looking to Laren and Fionna, Oliver sighs. "Maybe you two can find something. I'm better in a city or dungeon." Moranda sighs also. "Perhaps they have gone deeper, and perhaps they have left traps." Shaking her head the halfling whines, "If I had a chance to announce my plan for disturbing them, I'd have never been caught like that..." "Bad men watching Sebastian now?" questions the priest in a quiet voice. "If Sebastian was bad man, Sebastian would be watching." Laren nods. "Sad ta say but I reckon these boys will be long gone by the time we could return. Com'on Fionna, lets have a look see and find their back door," suggests Laren, heading out to scout for the presumed other exit. Fionna does not immediately follow. "Sebastian friends go back to town and tell nice guard about bad men," suggests the priest. "Guard friends come and take care of bad men." "Oh yes, and I have plenty of songs available if we need them, but I think we need to search around carefully first. We should depart like we were treasure seekers and return later...in disguise." Moranda raises her eyebrow and smiles. She then carefully rubs a ring on her finger and sings quietly as the watches her companions discuss their strategy, "Frodo..of the nine fingers...and the ring of Doom." Merganser gives Fionna a worried look over the halfling's last comment, but says nothing "Sebastian watch for bad men," insists the priest, turning back to the cabin. "Bad men not come after Sebastian friends." --- Subject: TJE 9/19 : Where's Moranda Laren leaves anyways, stalking from cover to cover as his keen eyes scan for signs of the exit or signs of the bandits. "Sure let's have a look around," Fionna say following Laren out. Maureen turns and goes to the horses. She double checks everything, making sure they are ready to ride at a moment's notice if need be. Oliver returns to the shack and peers within. He sets a simple trap on the outside of the door so that anyone exiting will get bashed in the head by the heavy log that is suspended to one side. Sebastian guards the entrance to the tunnel as Oliver assembles the trap. When all is ready, Sebastian holds the log in place while Oliver sets the trip wire. "Sebastian stay here", the priest says sitting a few yards in front of the door, "Sebastian watch for evil men." "Does anyone know where Moranda went?" asks Merganser. --- Subject: TJE 9/27 : Search Results Merganser sighs and takes a position near the hole, spells at the ready, wondering where Moranda might have gone off to. He is careful to remain well out of range of the trap Oliver set up. "Moranda not go cabin," says Sebastian as he quickly stands and draws a hammer from his bag, "Where Moranda go? Bad men get Moranda friend? Bad men hurt Moranda friend?" "I have no idea," says Maureen, frowning. "Laren and Fionna friends back soon?" questions the priest with an edge of panic in his voice. "Bad men hurt Laren and Fionna?" "Again, I don't know," replies Maureen, hand sliding onto the hilt of her weapon. "Oliver friend help Sebastian look for foots in dirt?" asks the large man. "Sebastian pa teach Sebastian to look for foots. Sebastian not good at finding foots. Oliver friend help Sebastian find Moranda and Moot." Oliver rolls his eyes at the deep childlike voice. "Sure, Sebastian. I will do what I can, but Fionna and Laren are better at it." "Maybe find Fionna and Laren" says the very worried Sebastian. The thief and the priest do their best, but cannot find Moranda's tracks. Sebastian starts pacing with worry. "Where Moranda go?" he asks again. "It is odd," starts Merganser from near the cabin, "that we have not heard anything from the bandits." "I doubt you will," says Fionna, running, Laren right on her heals. "We found their escape hole a few hundred yards from here. Just as they mounted on horses and rode off in a hurry. "And it looked like they had a halfling sized person struggling in a large sack," she finishes. --- Subject: TJE 9/27 : Nothing Moranda slides down into the tunnel, moving slowly down it, listening every 20 feet or so. She stays close to the floor trying to detect any traps early. She encounters no traps. Nor any bandits. She edges to where they bandits were holed up and finds it deserted. They must have left in a hurry, as there is food and sacks of (presumably) treasure in the alcove. There is no sound of them in the tunnel beyond. --- Subject: TJE 9/28 : Treasure Moranda peers down the other exit and listens. Then she carefully checks for any obvious traps and quietly looks through the sacks, and things on the table. Moon skitters through the coins and small gems. "Why would they leave such treasure behind?" Moranda asks herself. There is no answer. "There must be over five thousand gold in treasure here." Moon knocks a small glowing ball from its hiding place and it rolls between Moranda's feet. --- Subject: TJE 9/28 : Wide Open Valley "If we mount up quickly we might be able to catch them," Fionna continues. She quickly stings her bow on her back as she races off to the horses. Merganser nods at Fionna's suggestion, and at once moves to go out and mount up. "They're burdened, and we're not. And we have Rangers, while I'll bet they don't. I think we can catch them." Maureen brings the horses forth and tosses the reigns out to the others. She mounts Granite, "So let's go." She gives Granite a signal and they start off after Moranda. Laren nods, vaulting about his steed and kicking it into a gallup. Grumbling, Oliver mounts his horse. "Let's go, people." Sebastian rushes over the the horses only to remember that he is on foot. Frowning the priest takes off running and shouts, "Sebastian friends go now. Not wait for Sebastian. Not let bad men hurt Moranda and Moot friends." Sebastian adjusts the sack on his shoulder as he slows from an out right sprint to a fast jog. "Sebastian must catch up," the priest mumbles to himself between breaths as the party disappears out of sight in the distance. Leaving the clearing to enter the wooded area slows the group down enough that Sebastian isn't quite pushes as hard. It is a few minutes before they emerge from the woods to the next valley, the bandits small figures in the distance on the other side of the wide open area. --- Subject: TJE 10/2 : General Chaos Seeing their query up ahead Fionna urges her mount for more speed. "C'mon! They're getting away!" says Laren, spurring his horse to greater speed. Oliver spurs his horse forward. "We got any long range weapons or magic? We sure as Hades need 'em." Merganser replies, "My magic missiles have a decent range, but we still have to get a bit closer for them to work." Breathing heavily the priest hears the end of the conversation as he runs up to the party, "Maureen and Granite friends...*gasp*...slow bad men...*gasp*...down." Sebastian takes off across the field at a sprint hoping that the trees on the other side slow the bandits down enough that he can get into range for his spells. Maureen draws her sword and lowers her helm. She then crouches lower on Granite's neck, urging him into an even greater speed. He easily outdistances the other mounts. As Maureen draws near the bandits, she screams a war cry and prepares for attack. This catches them completely unprepared and her sword cuts the hand off of the closest bandit at the wrist. He falls off his horse, clutching his bleeding stump in pain. Horses neigh in fear and confusion. Men are cursing and shouting. One bandit who gains control of his horse turns it towards Maureen, his large axe held ready as he charges. He is almost knocked off his horse as magic missles strike him. Durning the confusion, the others arrive, short of Sebastian, who is still racing across the valley. Laren stops with Merganser, who had cast the magic missles, and readies his bow. His first shot misses everyone... but he's trying not to his his friends. Fionna sweeps in, slashing at one of the bandits, her blow sliding harmlessly off his chain shirt. Maureen is a whirlwind of of blade and hooves - the latter expertly landed by Granite. But the confusion doesn't last long. Three of the bandits have readied crossbows and fire into the melee, heedless of whether they his friend of foe. Fionna takes a bolt in the off-hand shoulder. Laren's mount takes a bolt in the throat. The third just misses Merganser's head from where he stands nearly 150 yards away. Laren's second bowshot strikes one of the bandits in the thigh, but doesn't go in deep. The bandit pulls it out and tosses it to the ground. --- Subject: TJE 10/4 : The Globe Moranda mumbles to herself, "No doubt someone is watching me..." She leans over and without touching the globe examines the surface and then looks around her as if to catch someone watching her. Except for Moon, she is alone. Moranda looks back down to the globe and shrugs, "It must be Tymora watching me!!" She picks up the globe and examines it more closely. It is a clear orb about the size of both of the hafling's fists. The surface is not exactly smooth at closer inspection. Moon scampers over to the globe, nose pressed against its surface. --- Subject: TJE 10/5 : Nothing Changes Moranda deftly tosses it into the air and catches it on the way down, testing it's weight. She then peers into the globe for any images or reflections. Nothing changes on its surface or its interior. --- Subject: TJE 10/5 : The Chaos Continues Vaulting from his wounded mount, Laren sprints forward, seeking cover to better shoot from. Once there his eagle eyes scan the bandits for any signs of the spellcaster they encountered before. At first, there is no sign of spellcasting. Then one of the bandits begins an incantation. It is shortly stopped as Laren's arrow cuts into his left hand. Merganser fires off more magic missiles. Like Laren, he targets the spellcasters in the enemy group first, choosing the man who thrusts back his dark cloak to reveal the symbol of Mask. The cleric approaches the mage who's hand Laren injured and starts to cast some sort of healing magic. This is interrupted by Merganser's missles. Sebastian runs past Mersenger and continues toward the fray, slowing within a few hundred feet from the battle in order to catch his breath. When he is finally able to breath without gasping, the priest pulls a rusted metal dart from his bag and begin chanting. One of the crossbowmen is no longer moving. Maureen and Fionna keep up their swordplay, though one of Fionna's weapons has been knocked from her off hand. The axeman recovers enough to leap from his horse and knock Maureen from Granite. They roll around in the mud trying to get the upper hand, Granite dancing about them in an effort to assist Maureen. Oliver has swung wide of the main group, dismounted and ducked into the undergrowth. Moving quietly, though the noise of the combat hides most of his movements, he seeks to get ahead of the bandits to attempt to cut off their retreat. His expression turns to stone as he readies himself for some ruthless action. Sneaking forward, he slips behind one of the bandits standing with the reigns of several horse and not involved in the battle, and slits his throat from ear to ear. She falls without a word. Oliver's reward for this is a bolt clipping his right ear. --- Subject: TJE 10/9 : All Is Quiet Smiling, she places the once-glowing globe in her pocket and rummages through the rest of the treasures, after looking down the halls and listening to make sure she is alone. The rest of the trove is much more mundane, mostly silver with a sprinkling of gold and electrum. A few small gems. Some well oiled, but none the less unremarkable daggers. All is quiet, except for the chitterings of Moon as she looks for the globe on Moranda. --- Subject: TJE 10/9 : The Upper Hand Merganser fires his third and final volley of missiles, both targeting the cleric of Mask. He then ducks a crossbow bolt flying his way. "Hold still," he command Laren as he incants a strength spell. "This should help." Laren continues to target the spellcasters, the mage first. Quickly fitting another shaft to his bowstring, he bends the hornwood bow and sends it speeding towards his target. It misses. However, the next shot, aided by Merganser's strength spell, stikes the mage in the elbow, causing the bandit to curse mightily. Oliver looks around quickly to see where that crossbow attack came from. He sees the bandit hastily reloading the crossbow. He knows that the bandits need to be distracted and quickly. With a great shout, he slaps the horses into a panic run right into the group of bandits that looks like the likely wielders of magic. Once they are off, he turns toward the one with the sack. The little halfling can be a cheerful pain in the arse, but she is also good in a fight. Maureen gets tired of trying to get the upper hand, so she just tries to push him away. The man is quite strong and does not give up so easily. He punches Maureen in the throat, distracting the warrior just enough to pin her with his knees as he sits on her chest. He plucks a dagger from his belt and raises it to drive down into Maureen's face. It is knocked out of his hand by Fionna's sword. He is then hit in the back by Laren's arrow. Maureen pushes with all her might and the wounded bandit falls over. One blow from Granite's hoof ceases all movement from him. Sebastian begins another chant as he slow makes his way toward the fray. Once finished, Sebastian grabs the mace at his waist the large priest charges into the fight and shouts, "Bad men hurt Moranda friend! Bad men die now!" Maureen picks up her sword and thanks Fionna. Then thrusts her sword over the ranger's shoulder, piercing the heart of the bandit standing beind Fionna. "You look bad," she observes of the ranger. "It has been a tough fight," replies Fionna, thrusting forward under Maureen's arm to disembowel the bandit behind her. The cleric and the mage see their protection is quickly dying. They spur their mounts on in the confusion of the horses that are running around. Laren hits the cleric once more in the shoulder before they make the cover of the woods. Oliver sneaks up on the bandit holding the bag and jerks him down from his saddle. One cut and the man is moving no more. The bandits with crossbows train them on Sebastian, both hitting the large target in the chest. Sebastian stumbles just a bit, but manages to knock one of the bandits from his horse. The other sees his opportunity to flee, and does so. --- Subject: TJE 10/11 : No Way Out Moranda looks down both tunnels from this chamber, then starts searching the entire chamber for any secret passages. Moon plays with some coins and gems still left on the floor. Some short time later, the halfling brushes her hands together. "Okay, so there's no other way out," she tells the ferret as it scampers up her arm. --- Subject: TJE 10/12 : The Bag Sebastian looks down at the arrows protruding from his chest and frowns, "Sebastian friends get bad priest. Sebastian stay here. Sebastian help Fionna." The priest gently pulls the arrows from his side and quickly binds his wounds before moving to Fionna's side. Maureen raises her helm and smiles a thanks at Fionna. She then whistles shrilly, calling Granite over to her, and starts checking him for injuries. Her own injuries cause her to wince, but she leaves them be for now. Laren trots forward, eyes scanning the treeline and bow ready. Kneeling beside his companions, he covers them as wounds are bound. Seeing the extent of Fionna's damage, Sebastian begins chanting as he holds his glowing hands over the more serious of Fionna's wounds. "Fionna tie up evil man," Sebastian suggests the priest pointing at the held bandit before he sits down and repeats the healing process on his own wounds. "Thank you, Sebastian," says Fionna before going to tie the bandit up. Merganser assesses the situation quickly. The battle is won, but the war may be afar from over. He scowls in the direction in which the bandit mage and priest escaped, assuming there's no immediate hope of catching them. "Looks like things are in hand at the moment," he says. "As for this chap," he adds, looking at the _held_ bandit who is now tightly bound, "let's have a little chat with him. I'm sure Oliver has some questions he'd like answered." He casts a dark glare at the bandit, then moves to do what he can to help the others deal with this aftermath. "Moranda friend!" Sebastian says suddenly as he stands and rushes over to where Oliver is standing over the sack dropped by the bandits. Oliver loosens the sack and curses. Inside is a halfling, bound and gagged, but it is not Moranda. It isn't even female. "You're not Moranda," says Sebastian to the halfling. The priest wanders away, checking on the party and bandits. The dead he quickly covers with available cloaks and blankets before moving on to the next prone form. --- Subject: TJE 10/16 : Some Explaining Laren takes a quick glance at the halfling, stunned that it isn't Moranda. Shaking his head, he goes to tend to his wounded mount. "Sebastian need fire," the priest says moving to care for the second bandit. Oliver looks down at halfling for a moment before kneeling and cutting him free. "Who the hell are you?" he asks with his usual tact. Hearing Merganser's suggestion of questioning, he looks over at the bandit in question, wiping the blood off his blade with slow deliberation. "I'll get to you in a minute." The halfling looks fairly confused and frightened. "No, uh, sir. I mean, I'm Chester, sir. Chester Boggbottom of Tilverton." At the thief's actions directed to the bandit, the halfling swallows audibly. Sebastian continues to examine the downed bandits and finds two that are still alive. "Ilmater make pain go away," the priest says as man's body relaxes suddenly as the pain from his wounds disappears at the priest's touch. Sebastian pulls some clean bandages from his bag and carefully binds the man's wounds. "Sebastian need fire," he says to Maureen "What??!!" Maureen whips her head up to look in Sebastian's direction, irritation and disbelief etched across her features. Sebastian seems confused by Maureen's reaction. "Ilmater no like pain. Sebastian no let men suffer," the priest says moving the injured bandits by himself. --- Subject: TJE 10/19 : Stairway Moranda picks up all the gems, and then nudges aside the coins with her foot to look for a nice new or unique looking daggers. Finding one to her satisfaction, she sheafs it in her scabbard. "I guess we should continue on, Moot," says the halfing. The ferret scurries up onto Moranda's arm and they continue down the passage. It widens slightly after fifty yards and then becomes a rough-hewn stairway. Moranda can just make out daylight at its top. --- Subject: TJE 10/24 : Moranda, Chester and the Bandits Merganser sighs. "Any sign of Moranda -- the *real* one?" he asks. "I'll go have a look-see behind us. See iff'n I can spot ole Moranda back there." says Laren, finishing tending to his wounded horse. "Wait here til I return." Merganser squints at the pathfinder, for Laren's head is haloed by the sun. "Let's go back to the lair and search again, maybe look for that back door or something. I can't think of anything else at the moment." "Sebastian friends rest cabin?" questions the priest as he continues to tend the wounded, bandit and friend alike. "Sebastian need horses for bad men to ride." Maureen suggests, "Perhaps Laren, Merganser and myself should go back and check. And bring back some horses if we can find some." Fionna nods to the suggestion. She then slowly moves over to the halfling and sits down with a loud sigh. "Oliver, maybe you should go question the bandits. I have a feeling that you would be much better at it then me." Oliver nods and heads toward the held bandit. "Sure. This kind of work is easier than fighting." Turning to the halfling Fionna asks, "So Chester, do you mind explaining how you came to be in that sack?" The halfling answers, "Kidnapped, ma'am. Clean stole me from my own home they did." --- Subject: TJE 10/24 : No One About Moranda listens closely at the bottom of the stairs. She hears nothing out of the ordinary, so she checks the steps for anything obvious or traplike and slowly slinks her way up, but before putting her head up she listens closely again. She takes Moot and lifts him to the top of the stairs so that he can start walking around up top. She waits for him to issue a coast is clear signal. Poking her head up, she finds that just outside the cave is a corral with one horse busily flicking flys away from it. Otherwise, there is no one or nothing about. --- Subject: TJE 10/30 : In A Hurry Moranda carefully surveys the area for the last bandit, orc, or anything else she may have to worry about; and any items or clues lying strewn about. It is obvious the bandits left in a hurry. The corral gate isn't closed. --- Subject: TJE 10/30 : Chester's Story Maureen nods and turns Granite back towards the lair. She keeps an eye out for any of the bandit's horses. Laren and Merganser follow. "Why bad men steal Chester friend?" questions Sebastian as he checks to see if the halfling male has been injured. He hasn't. He turns his attentions on Fionna. "How about giving us the whole story. Start with yourself and then how you were taken," Fionna replies. The priest "Sebastian friend still hurt. Ilmater make better," says the priest as lays his glowing hands on Fionna. "Well, not sure what there is to tell, really," says Chester. "But I'll try." "Sebastian friends be careful. Mask priest now want to hurt Sebastian friends. Mask priests very tricky," the priest says as he curls up under a blanket to rebind the his wounds, "Sebastian sleep soon. Sebastian need more magics to treat friends." Oliver approaches the bound man with a cruel smile as he shines his knife. "So, mate. How close do you want your shave? Just the beard or deeper?" The bandit tries to kick at Oliver as he approaches, but can't, given how well he is tied up. "Go ahead and kill me," he snarls. "I was cleaning up my pantry," says Chester, fingers folded together. "And was thinking of having scones with my tea when these bandits burst in and start trashing my home. Well, I tried to put up a fight and found myself dumped into that sack." He pauses. "You wouldn't have anything to eat, would you?" --- Subject: TJE 11/3 : Indistinct Voices Moranda uses her charm to calm the horse left by the bandits. Once she is assured of it's love of her, she peeks out of the cave to ensure that no one is coming and then walks the horse out, ready to leap on the horse at any moment. Just outside the gates, she hears horses approaching, and indistinct voices, all from the woods to the north. --- Subject: TJE 11/6 : Nothin' From Me Sebastian gets up from where he was preparing to take a nap and digs into his pack and hands Chester a chuck of hard cheese and a piece of stale bread, "Chester friend know why bad Mask priest want capture Chester friend?" The halfling digs in hungrily. "No," he says between bites. "I really don't." Oliver tests the sharpness of his blade by raking it over the face just before his right ear. Hair showers down over the dirty shirt. "Oh, I plan to if you fail to talk, but I like to do it slow and easy." The bandit returns the thief's gaze with a cold stair. "You ain't gettin' nothin' from me. So kill me." --- Subject: TJE 6/11 : Friends Moranda guides her horse to the rocks to the south and listens. She hears a familiar voice. "How'n could we miss her?" asks Laren. Coming through the trees are the pathfinder, Merganser and Maureen. --- Subject: TJE 11/7 : Moranda "How'n could we miss her?" asks Laren as the trio break through the woods towards where the bandits corralled their horses. A large branch cracks and a horse whinnies as Moranda rides out from the deeper brush. "It is hard to understand how you could miss me riding this large thing isn't it..." Moranda smiles. "Where is Sebastian??" --- Subject: TJE 11/7 : Bother Oliver's hand moves quickly at the man's face. At the last second, the angle of the blade changes and the bandit is hit hard across the temple, knocking him out. "Damn. Hey, Fionna. Can I really kill this guy?" The ranger glances at the unconscious bandit. "I suppose the right answer would be to take him back to town and thrown in jail. However I don't think we have time for that with Moranda missing. I will leave it up to the group." Turning to Chester, she crosses her arms. "And I suppose you didn't know about the tunnel under your house," Fionna says to the halfling. The halfling's mouth opens and closes several times. "I live in a burrow," he replies. "That *is* a tunnel." Fionna leaves that be for now. "So how is it that you can live out here in the wilds all by yourself? The woods can be a dangerous place," she asks. Chester's wary smile returns. "No one usually bothers a halfling." --- Subject: TJE 11/13 : Orcs? Maureen looks at Moranda in surprise. "Where've you been?" Merganser nearly jumps out of his skin when he sees Moranda. "Good gravy, where have you been?" he asks, his tone more one of pleasant surprise than of anger. "There ya'll are," drawls Laren. "C'mon, lets hussle back to the others before we get even more separated. Ya'll can tell us where ya'll got off to Moranda." The pathfinder turns to return to his companions. "Just following Orcs...Where is Sebastian?" Moranda asks concernedly. "Orcs? What orcs?!?" asks Laren with equal concern. --- Subject: TJE 11/13 : Sebastian Finally Falls Asleep "Mask priests need reason to capture Chester," say Sebastian suspiciously as he curls back under his covers. "Is Chester friend a bad man?" Looking at the now unconscious thief, Sebastian adds, "We ask bad men when wake up." Fionna looks to the priest and says, "Ok, let's rest a bit and then go find Moranda. We can tie our prisoner over a horse for now." "Bad men come with us," says Sebastian sleepily, "Sebastian watch bad men while Sebastian friends save Moranda." He then curls up under his blanket and falls into a light sleep. Oliver rolls his eyes at the big lug of a priest. Muttering to himself, he goes to search the bandits while thinking it is better than killing one of them in cold blood. He's a thief, damn it, not an assassin. "W-w-what do you plan on doing with me?" asks Chester. --- Subject: TJE 11/17 : Nothing Helps "If your story is true we plan on doing nothing with you," Fionna replies to the halfling. "Is there any other information you can give us on what is going on here to help us rescue our friend?" Chester thinks about it a while, then shakes his head. "Nothing they said seems helpful." Oliver searches the bodies for anything of value or that could be a clue. --- Subject: TJE 11/17 : Details! "The ones who took off and left this horse? Let's go!" Moranda spurs the horse to a trot, "Where do I go?" she asks. "Details Moranda details! Where where they? Which way did they go? How many?" asks Laren as he rides beside the halfling and guides them back to the others. --- Subject: TJE 11/28 : The Return Maureen urges Granite up next to Moranda. "Yes, details are very important. Mostly how many were there and how close?" "I don't know really...I followed their trail, not _actually_ orcs... Now let's go!" Moranda giggles. Merganser has little to say; he is deep in thought, puzzling out the events. He decides to leave well enough alone and follow the lead of the rangers. Breathing a sigh of relief, Laren says "Good, lets return to the others. We've lost enough time already." Soon they come upon the carnage they had left, dead bandits laying about, Oliver searching them. Fionna is talking to the halfling. Sebastian is asleep on the ground. --- Subject: TJE 11/28 : The Return Fionna looks down at the halfling with frustration. "How about telling us what they did say. Maybe there is something we can use." Sebastian mutters something about Ilmater and Moranda in his sleep before rolling over onto his stomach. Chester looks flustered. "Honestly, I don't remember them saying anything. I was so worried for my skin." His shoulders slump. "Not very brave, I know." Oliver moves on to the next dead bandit. "It is like they purposefully didn't take any coins," he says frustratedly. "Or clues," he adds quickly. Before Fionna can respond to either Chester or Oliver, the scouting group returns with Moranda. --- Subject: TJE 11/30 : Anything New? "Look who we found ya'll." says Laren as he rides into camp, dismounting and caring for his steed. "Anything new here?" Moranda gasps, "IS Sebastian alright??" Hearing Moranda's voice Sebastian wakes from his restless sleep and yawns. "Moranda!" the large priests shouts as runs over to give the halfing a bone crushing hug. --- Subject: TJE 12/12 : Instincts Moranda wiggles in his grasp. "I'm fine, and here I was worried about YOU!!" "Where Moranda friend go?" asks the priests as he sets the halfling down. "Sebastian worry for Moranda friend." The halfling rubs her arms where the priest hugged her. "Just following my instincts." Sebastian checks on his charges and then returns to his blanket. "What Sebatians friends do now? Sebastian want find Mask priest," the priest suggests. "Mask priest bad man. Mask priest hurt Sebastian friend." --- Subject: TJE 12/14 : Two Choices "As I see it we have two choices," Fionna says. She has the attention of her fellows, and Chester Boggbottom, the halfling Moranda hasn't met yet. The ranger's eyes go to Oliver's bandaged right ear, the bruise on Maureen's throat, and the many bandaged wounds of Sebastian and herself. It is a grim smile that recognizes that only Laren, Merganser and Moranda are uninjured. She continues. "We can dispense wilderness justice to our captives and head off after the other bandits in the morning, or we can dispense social justice and take our captives to the nearest city to stand trial. Of course if we head to the city the other bandits will be able to escape. Now I find either acceptable so what do the rest of you think?" Meganser looks at the two wounded and weak bandits, and the unconscious bandit near where Oliver is crouched. "I think we should call off the hunt for the bandits and regroup," he suggests. "I have but few spells left. Besides, we can try interrogating one of them again." The thief snorts tiredly. "I already tried and got nowhere with it. My vote would be to dispense your wilderness justice rather than cart these cretins around." Maureen finishes a thorough check of Granite and her relief that her mount is uninjured is clear. "We're all here, right?" she asks. Laren takes a quick look around and counts heads. "Yup. Moranda was the only one missing." He tries to calm his new mount. The smell of death hangs thick in the air. "If Sebastian friends not go after Mask priest. Sebastian friends need place hide," comments the priest from his blanket. "Mask priest come hurt Sebastian friends for killing bad men." "Have you anymore healing, Sebastian?" asks Merganser. The big man shakes his head, gaze lowered. "I cannot help Sebastian friends until I sleep.nSebastian friends go to cabin. Sebastian friends rest at cabin. Cabin warm and defensible." --- Subject: TJE 12/14 : Two Choices "As I see it we have two choices," Fionna says. She has the attention of her fellows, and Chester Boggbottom, the halfling Moranda hasn't met yet. The ranger's eyes go to Oliver's bandaged right ear, the bruise on Maureen's throat, and the many bandaged wounds of Sebastian and herself. It is a grim smile that recognizes that only Laren, Merganser and Moranda are uninjured. She continues. "We can dispense wilderness justice to our captives and head off after the other bandits in the morning, or we can dispense social justice and take our captives to the nearest city to stand trial. Of course if we head to the city the other bandits will be able to escape. Now I find either acceptable so what do the rest of you think?" Meganser looks at the two wounded and weak bandits, and the unconscious bandit near where Oliver is crouched. "I think we should call off the hunt for the bandits and regroup," he suggests. "I have but few spells left. Besides, we can try interrogating one of them again." The thief snorts tiredly. "I already tried and got nowhere with it. My vote would be to dispense your wilderness justice rather than cart these cretins around." Maureen finishes a thorough check of Granite and her relief that her mount is uninjured is clear. "We're all here, right?" she asks. Laren takes a quick look around and counts heads. "Yup. Moranda was the only one missing." He tries to calm his new mount. The smell of death hangs thick in the air. "If Sebastian friends not go after Mask priest. Sebastian friends need place hide," comments the priest from his blanket. "Mask priest come hurt Sebastian friends for killing bad men." "Have you anymore healing, Sebastian?" asks Merganser. The big man shakes his head, gaze lowered. "I cannot help Sebastian friends until I sleep.nSebastian friends go to cabin. Sebastian friends rest at cabin. Cabin warm and defensible." --- Subject: TJE 12/20 : The Deed Is Done "Agreed Seb," drawls Laren, "tha cabin is 'r best place ta rest an' recover." Merganser is not too happy with the situation. He is clearly torn between the anger at the bandits for the pain and suffering they have caused him and his friend, but he is loath to simply kill them. Yet he sees no other viable alternative, and he trusts the Rangers' judgment in this sort of situation, so he merely defers, but turns his back on any scene in the meanwhile. He too is a follower of Ilmater, although of course not as ardent a one as Sebastian, and he hates to see this situation come to what it has. The young mage seeks out Sebastian's counsel on this matter, and goes with what the priest suggests. "I'll help ya put these bandits out of thier misery Fionna. A ranger's word and judgement is law where I hail from." says Laren. "In the wilderness you are right Laren," Fionna replies. She takes a deep breath. "I'll bear this responsibility. "I sure wish Anders were here for this" she says quietly. With no objections from the group Fionna draws one of her swords and approaches the bandits. Looking at the bandits she says, "You have been found guilty of attacking your fellow man with the intent to kill. This is a grave offense and as the laws of the wild dictate you have been sentenced to death. May whichever god you choose have mercy on your souls." She then cleanly and swiftly kills each bandit with a single strike. Maureen frowns as she watches the bandits executed, but remains silent mostly because of her ravaged throat. Her code prefers social justice, but if the group is to continue after the other bandits, then they need to dispense with liabilities. She turns to Granite and gives him an affectionate scratch behind his ear and underneath his harness before she mounts up and starts toward the cabin. Merganser approaches Moranda and says something to her. They both then approach the rather stunned looking Chester. "I've a few questions for you," says the mage. Chester just nods dumbly. After cleaning her sword Fionna quietly gathers up her stuff and mounts her horse. She waits for the others. Sebastian frowns and noticeable slumps as the bandits are slain, but since the deeds is done cleanly with little suffering he keeps quiet and advises Merganser to do the same. "Moranda ride?" questions the priest as the party sets off for the cabin. When she nods Sebastian easily lifts the halfling women to his shoulders. ---
TJE 12/29/00 : Return To The Cabin
Moranda shakes her head silently as Sebastian walks along. "Sebastian?"
she asks quietly. "Tell me what happened while I was away."
"Sebastian friend look for back door. Friends see bad men leaving back door with Chester in bag. Sebastian friends think Moranda in bag. Sebastian very worried." Sebastian pauses to catch his breath, "Sebastian run very fast to catch men. Men fight, but Sebastian friends fight better. Mage and evil Mask priest escaped."
The halfling knits her brows together. Nothing more is said before the group returns to the cabin.
"Sebastian friend watch careful tonight," suggests Sebastian as the party sets up camp outside of the cabin. "Mask priest might come back." The big priest slips into the cabin.
"All right, Chester," says Merganser patiently, after making sure Chester is unhurt and has something to eat. "I didn't quite catch what you said earlier. How did you say you came to be kidnapped? And where do you com from, so that we might consider helping you home?"
Chester munches on his hardtack. "I know these mountains, so I'm from about a day north of here," he says. "My valley has many more burrows," he adds, as if this sounds impressive.
Sebastian returns with his staff. "Oliver friend lock secret door?" questions the priest looking at the entrance to the passage.
"And how about adding a few surprises for them if they return," Fionna adds.
"Sounds good." says Laren.
Finally happy his real skills are being requested, the thief goes into the cabin.
"What Moranda find?" questions Sebastian as he lays out his blanket on the ground.
Subject: TJE 1/2/01 : A Night's Rest
Fionna finds a comfortable place to sit and pulls our some dried meat and
bread. "Is everyone in agreement that we will head after the escaping
bandits as soon as we are all rested and healed?"
Merganser, becoming slowly convinced that Chester is a mere innocent in all this, nods as he turns his attention to Fionna. "How easy will it be for you and Laren to track the escapees?" he asks.
"If it doesn't rain tonight it shouldn't be to hard. At least at first I doubt they will try to hide there tracks," Fionna replies.
"Yup," says Laren as he unstrings his bow. "After that it may be a mite harder iff'n they hide em or use some mage-trick ta hide they'r trail."
"A few gems left behind, not much of note." Moranda responds to Sebastian's question. "Let's get some rest, I'm beat."
"I agree," Fionna replies. "For watches why don't Maureen and Merganser take first, Oliver and I will take second, and then Laren and Sebastian can take third."
"Yup, ah reckon that sounds fine." says Laren.
"Wake Sebastian for watch," the priest mumbles as he curls up in his blanket and falls immediately asleep.
The night passes completely uneventfully.
As the party packs up to prepare for their pursuit of the bandits, Chester comes up to Fionna. "Beggin' your pardon, ma'am, but what about me?" he ask.
Subject: TJE 1/11 : No Chester
"I don't know. Your free to go or you could come with us if you want to
go after the bandits also, that is as long as no one objects," Fionna
replies.
"Yup, ya'll can come with us iff'n ya'll like." says Laren. "Do ya'll
have any skills and such fer this sort a'thing?"
"I've no objections," Maureen says she mounts Granite. She and Granite
both seem anxious to be after the bandits before their head start widens
any more.
Sebastian prays quietly in his blanket while the group decides what to do
about Chester.
"No objections here," says the mage. "An extra hand is always welcome."
Chester seems a little overwhelmed by the offer. "Well, adventuring's not
really a life for a reasonable halfling," he says, then blinks and turns
to Moranda. "No offense."
Moranda smiles. "I never claimed to be reasonable," she says with a
giggle.
"You have that right," mutters Oliver under his breath.
"Well, then good luck on your travels home," says Fionna.
"Sebastian friends go now," the priest suggests as he stuffs his
threadworn blanket into the large bag he uses as a backpack, "Evil Mask
priest much ahead of us."
Chester waves as the group mounts up - except for Sebastian - and rides
after the bandits.
After the halfling is out of view, Oliver mutters, "I just can't help but
think he wasn't telling us everything."
---
Subject: TJE 1/17 : Which Way?
Merganser scowls a bit. "I kind of thought so too. I would have been
happier keeping him with us; if he were an enemy, we'd have been better
able to handle him if we knew where he was."
"Sebastian worried about Mask priest," comments Sebastian as he looks to
the mage. He continues, "Mask priest rested now. Set trap for Sebastian
friends. Sebastian friends sneak up on Mask priest?"
"Well, lets get after them thar bandits, eh?" says Laren, taking up the
track of the escaped bandits.
Maureen simply nods and falls in behind Laren.
The tracking is not difficult, given the urgency of the bandits' ride. By
mid-afternoon, the group comes to where Fionna determines two horses went
higher into the hills to the east and the bulk of the bandit group headed
north.
"Mask priest?" asks Sebastian.
"I'd say he rode off east," Fionna says, brushing off her knees. "So, do
we follow?" she asks.
---
Subject: TJE 1/22 : Tracking
Laren leans forward on his horse. "Ah reckon that them were tha leaders,
iff'n not they certainly may have more information that tha normal
bandits. I reckon we should trail them boys, eh?" says the pathfinder.
"Sebastian think we follow leaders, but Sebastian think this be trick,"
comments the priest as the party makes its decision. "Why bad men leave
rest of bandits. Sebastian think second trail may be fake."
Merganser shakes his head when he hears Sebastian's suggestion that it
might be a trap. "I think they were moving too quickly to set a trap that
wasn't already in place, and in any event I trust Laren, Fionna and Oliver
to spot that kind of thing before we run into it. And I like something
Laren said a while ago: it's best to kill the snake by going after its
head. Well, maybe I didn't phrase it correctly, and maybe I'm
misattributing it, but the point remains." Conscious of his becoming too
talkative, the young mage trails off and sets to listening to the others.
Fionna looks to the group and says, "It sounds like we all agree to go
after the leaders. The question of a trap if well founded. I suggest we
put Oliver and Laren on our flanks. Not too far, but just enough to
possibly spot a trap if there is on."
They ride east. The travel is much slower as Fionna and Laren have to
check the tracks of two horses rather than ten. And it appears that the
two riders were prepared to be followed as they doubled back not once, but
twice. Fortunately, the ranger and the pathfinder are good trackers and
they were not easily fooled.
The hills become more rough as they gain elevation. The sure-footed horses
seem to pay no mind, but it is slowing down the walking Sebastian. As the
last rays of sunlight are illuminating the rugged valley the group is
traversing, Fionna calls for a stop. "Up there in that copse of trees. Two
horses," she whispers. But their riders are no where to be seen.
---
Subject: TJE 1/29 : Kiss From A Rose
"Hmmm...do you see somewhere they could have gotten to? A hovel? A
cairn? A building of any type?" Moranda asks.
Motioning everyone back a few paces, out of sight of the copse, Laren
crouches to form a quick plan. He glances at the surrounding area,
looking for a way to sneak up on the copse.
"Well, any ideas? I'm thinking Fionna, Oliver and I should sneak up thar
and take a peek?"
"That sounds like a good plan. Let's have Laren and I go up together and
Oliver a bit to the side to look for hidden lookouts," Fionna says.
Maureen nods in agreement. She whispers the 'quiet' command into
Granite's ear and starts lightly covering the other horses' muzzles with
her hands to try to keep them quiet.
"Oliver friend spy on nasty men?" questions the priest quietly in a soft
whisper. "Sebastian use magic. Sebastian know if Oliver friend in
trouble." He digs into his pack.
"Kiss, please," asks Sebastian as he holds out a wilted rose petal toward
their scout.
Oliver looks at the man as if he is totally nuts. "What?"
Merganser leans to Oliver and mutters, "He needs it for a spell." The
look on the mage's face conveys an intent of conveying information rather
than one of condescension or annoyance.
Moranda stiffles a giggle at Oliver's reaction.
The thief looks dubious. "Maybe Fionna should kiss it. She's going too."
Sebastian is perplexed at Oliver's resistance, but turns to the ranger.
"Kiss?"
Fionna shakes her head. "I'll be with Laren, if there's any trouble.
Oliver's the one who'll be alone."
With boundless patience, Sebastian turns back to the thief. "Kiss,
please?"
---
Subject: TJE 1/31 : Kisses and Fire
Laren waits, a bit impatiently, until Seb has completed his spell. All
the time he watches the area for any signs of the two bandits.
Moranda sighs, "Just kiss the thing. Do you want to hurt his feelings??
Doesn't he suffer enough?" The halfling giggles at her own comment.
Fionna moves over to where Oliver stands and whispers in his ear, "Just
humor him and kiss the rose. It is not going to hurt you and it will make
him feel better. I know it's hard but a little act of kindness won't hurt
you."
Giving in to the whole thing, Oliver kisses the rose, but his expression
is very dubious.
Sebastian smiles as Oliver finally relents and kisses the wilted petal.
Chanting briefly the priest pops the enchanted flower into his mouth and
promptly swallows it, "Now Sebastian know if Oliver friend need Sebastian.
Oliver friend find nasty Mask priest."
"Alright," says Fionna, trying to put the rose kissing behind them. "Both
groups will report back no later than one hour, or everyone can assume
something is wrong."
With no further comments, Laren and Fionna move forward and Oliver
disappears into the trees. Merganser, Maureen and Moranda wait, the
latter alternating watching Moot and Sebastian. The Priest concentrates on
his rose as if it were some sort of oracle.
Forty-five minutes later Fionna and Laren return, reporting not finding
anything like an abode or a cave or other man-made structure. "Anything?"
asks Fionna of Sebastian.
"No. Oliver friend not need Sebastian," reports the priest.
They wait another fifteen minutes, and still Sebastian has nothing to
report. "Okay, I said one hour, and that hour's up. We go looking for
Oliver," says Fionna as she grabs the reins of her horse and strides over
to where she saw Oliver disappear into the trees.
"Wait!" shouts Sebastian, the wilted rose in his hand glowing red.
"Run!" comes Oliver's cry as he breaks out of the underbrush near Fionna.
"Run, dammit! Run." Amid the commotion of people trying to adhere to his
command, people and horses run after the fleeing thief.
"Moot!" cries out Moranda as she stops in her tracks and turns back to the
frightend ferret. She scoops him up and turns away just in time to be
knocked into the air by an exploding fireball. Neither the halfling nor
the ferret move.
Stepping out of the trees are two very tall skeletons holding even taller
spears. In one's chest cavity is a glowing ball of fire.
---
Subject: TJE additional information
Oliver shadowed Fionna and Laren from the trees for about forty minutes.
It was then when he heard something that sounded like men arguing. Going
to investigate, he wasn't as sneaky as he would hope. The Mask priest and
the bandit mage stopped their arguing and sent two of the skeletons with
fire in their chests after the thief. He raced back to the group.
---
Subject: TJE additional information
Moranda was just on the edge of fireball and had the wind knocked out of
her. Moot is scared silly, but alive.
---
Subject: TJE 2/5 : Pitched Battle
"Moranda Friend!" screams Sebastian as he runs to their aid. Lifting
Moranda's charred body onto his arms the priest sees he won't be able to
outdistance the approaching skeletons.
Moranda limp form dangles from Sebastian's protective and sturdy arms.
As he starts to set her down she reaches up and hugs the Priest, kissing
him on the cheek. "I just love to be saved! Can we get them now?"
Sebastian's mouth opens in surprise. He then hugs Moranda and sets to
drawing a circle in the ground around the two of them. The circle glows
briefly as the skeletons approach.
Right now, all that Oliver wants to do is to get out of the way. Skeletons
are not something he knows how to fight.
Laren draws his sword and with a battlecry knees his mount forward,
charging the skeleton with a fire in his chest. His only hope was to
close the distance rapidly before another fireball could be launched.
Maureen and Fionna turn their mounts and follow the beserk pathfinder.
Merganser steps back and immediately casts _magic missile_, sending one
missile each at the two assailants. Bits of bone flake off as each missle
hits.
Throwing his last hammer at the undead Sebastian calls forth the power of
Ilmater. Sebastian directs his floating hammer against the skeleton with
the glowing flame in its abdomen as he stand protectively over his charge.
Laren is thrown from his horse as the skeleton gores it with its long
spear. He hits the ground, rolls, and stands just behind the skeleton.
Sebastian's hammer pounds on the skeleton's head making a sickening bone
cracking sound. Laren's and Fionna's blades seem to do little damage
against the giant bone undead.
Maureen turned Granite at the last minute and charged the skeleton without
the flame. It turns out skeletons can have a look of surprise as it goes
down under Granite's sturdy hooves. It thrashes at the stallion's
underbelly ineffectively, unable to bring the long spear to bear.
Sensing somehow the battle has turned against it, the standing skeleton
reaches into its chest, pulling forth the flame.
---
Subject: TJE 2/8 : The Blast
The magical hammer float stationary in the air while Sebastian frantically
tries to recite a spell before the skeleton can release the fireball. As a
drop of water hit Sebastian's palm from his water flask several gallons of
water appear in the air above the skeleton and rain down on fire wielding
fiend. The flame, being of magical nature, flickers but does not
extinguish.
Howling a battlecry, Laren aims at the hand holding the flame. Hoping his
aim is true and praying his blade is sharp. His sword chips the bone but
does not dislodge the ball of flame.
Seeing Laren turn and charge Fionna sighs, draws both her swords and turns
her mount to follow. Joining in his battlecry she silently hopes they can
stop the skeleton before the fireball goes off.
Oliver has taken refuge off to one side away from the bulk of the
fighters. Let the skeletons concentrate on the main group. When he sees
the lead bone man grab the flame, he realizes something drastic needs to
be done. With the skeleton's attention focused on Sebastian, Oliver
charges as quietly as he can. His sword is pulled at the last minute and
he turns the flat of the blade to the attack. Sweeping low, he aims for
the creature's legs. A numbing sensation runs through the arm holding the
sword as it strikes. But it does knock the skeleton off balance.
Maureen starts to keen a low battle cry that gradually builds into
something worthy of a berserker scream. She charges the skeleton, her
sword targeted at the ball of flame in the skeleton's hand. Sweeping her
blade and striking with the flat side she finishes the job that Oliver
started, knocking the skeleton from his feet.
Moranda watchs from the protection of Sebastian's circle. It is as if time
slows so that there is a minute between each heartbeat as the ball of
flame falls free of the skeleton's hand and stikes the ground, where it
errupts into a huge ball of fire. Everyone is knocked to the ground,
except for Merganser, who was too far from the effect. Even the mighty
Granite is prone.
Both skeletons, broken bones making them look like caricatures, rise
awkwardly from the ground.
---
Subject: TJE 2/14 : A Weary Riposte
Merganser reasons that the threat of fireballs has vanished with the
disappearing of the balls of flame held by the skeletons, but by no means
does he think that the threat has past. He launches a second volley of
magic missiles at the skeletons, aiming both missiles at the
weaker-looking of the skeletons. Larger bits of bone chip off as the
missiles strike.
Rising to his feet Laren glances around for something to smash the
skeletons with. Sebastian's staff. A large rock. Anything.
"Laren friend!" shouts Sebastian as he tosses his slightly charred staff
to the ranger before reasserting mental control over the floating hammer.
Laren catches the staff, winces as it is still smouldering, and swings it
at the pelvis of the nearest skeleton.
Barely able to hold his sword, Oliver stumbles back to the animated piles
of bones. He kicks stones at them with what strength he has. They cannot
allow another fireball to explode.
Fionna stands up slowly with a groan. Turning her swords sideways she
pounds at the nearest skeleton with the flat of her blades.
Under the torrent of weary blows from the company, the skeletons are
untimately reduced to two piles of bones. Sebastian's hammer blinks out of
existence as he leans on his knees, observing his friends.
---
Subject: TJE 2/20 : Retreat
Holding Sebastian's smoldering staff, Laren glances around quickly, amazed
that they still lived. Could the bandits be close by?
Moranda utters one word, "Ow."
With the lack of a better idea for action, Oliver drops his sword and
falls to the ground beside it. His usual curses can barely be heard as he
mumbles them to the universe.
Once satisfied they were truely alone and triumphant, Laren helps his
companions to their feet and then moves to see to his wounded steed,
fearing the worst. Sebastian also checks everyone. He reports to Fionna
that he is out of healing magic.
Fionna slumps letting her two swords slip from her hands. Then dropping
herself to sit on the ground she says, "I believe we are up against more
then two running bandits. Having two horrid creatures as these skeletons
tells me that we have stumbled across something bigger. I suggest we
retreat a bit and spend a few days reasting up to full health. I don't
think time is a factor anymore."
Oliver looks up at Fionna with an expression of both disbelief and
frustration. "How about retreat a lot and rest for the next year?" he
offers sarcastically.
---
Subject: TJE 2/23 : Retreat To Safety
"Sebastian friends tell city guards about evil Mask priest. City still in
danger," suggests Sebastian. The priest then heads towards Laren's mount.
Seeing the animal in pain the priest calls upon Ilmater to ease the
beast's suffering before attending to the other animals in the party.
"Didn't we try that once berfore with the orcs?" Fionna replies.
Maureen nods in agreement with Fionna. "I agree. Even if time were an
issue, we'd only be getting ourselves killed at this point." She turns
back to Granite, checking him over to make sure all his wounds have been
properly dealt with.
Merganser sighs as he does his best to help Sebastian tend to the wounded.
"I'm with Fionna," he says. "I am glad we survived, but we again need to
retreat a bit, regather our strength. But I also think we should move
again as soon as we're able, strike before the enemy has a chance to
regroup as well.
"As soon as we are ready I would like to move against them," Fionna says.
"Yup, like or not we need ta. We are in no shape to continue," says
Laren.
Merganser looks at the piles of bones that were the skeletons. "Does
anyone have any clue as to what these... *things* were?" He pokes at the
remains of the skeletons, searching the remains for anything of value or
interest.
Moranda, who had been silent until now, replies, "Legends tell of evil
clerics being able to create such monsters as guardians. It takes a lot
out of the creator to do so, so I don't think we need to worry about more
coming any time soon."
Merganser doesn't look convinced.
"Okay, let's head back towards the cabin," says Fionna.
Slowly, the group rides westwards back to the clearing near where the
dwarf's cabin was. Injured and tired, man and beast nearly collapse when
Fionna finally calls for a halt.
---
Subject: TJE 3/1 : A Night's Rest
Merganser offers to take an early watch, and to help with cooking and
setting up camp, as he is luckily uninjured. But as hungry as everyone may
be, the exhaustion is too much.
Laren offers to remain awake, watching guard over his companions as they
sleep for a while.
Laying her blanket down on the floor Fionna lays down get some much needed
rest. "When you get too tired Laren wake me and I will take over watch,"
she says to the pathfinder.
Sebastian brushes the ashes from his singed hair and plops wordlessly down
by the fire. Almost before his head hits his blanket Sebastian falls to
sleep.
Sebastian snores loudly for a few minutes before a poke in his side causes
him to roll over pulling the edge of the blanket over his head. He
continues to snore, but muffling effect of the blanket prevents him from
bothering anyone.
Oliver drags the saddle from his horse, but does not have the strength to
rub the beast down or tether it. Luckily, it is tired and hungry as well
and settles for munching on grass. The little thief collapses on the
ground and pulls a blanket over his body. "Try me in a few hours," he
mumbles over his shoulder to the others before sleep claims him.
The smell of hot porrige awakes everyone. Moranda, who had taken last
watch with Sebastian, is stirring a large iron pot as it sits on a tripod
over a small fire. "Just about ready," she announces. Sebastian sits next
to her, just smiling happily.
---
Subject: TJE 3/7 : Recovering
Sebastian checks everyone over as they approach the fire for breakfast.
The priest uses all of his healing spells to remove the most serious burns
and injuries, but the party is far from healthy. As usual, Sebastian
refuses to use any of the spells on himself.
"Mind you, I didn't have much to work with, but with Tymora's luck, this
porridge will do our wounds well." Moranda says with a smile as she stirs
the pot. She giggles as Moot, who miraculously survived the blast leaping
off Moranda's back as the flames approaches, crawls around her neck and
licks her ear.
"I don't know about the rest of you but I don't feel much like traveling.
This seems to be a good enough spot to rest for a few days," Fionna says
between bites of her breakfast.
Sebastian serves himself a double helping of porrige and sits quietly as
he shovels food into his mouth with his fingers.
Maureen nods in agreement with Fionna as she dishes out her breakfast.
"Even if I were up to it, I don't want to overtax Granite at this point.
I'd like to make sure he's close to fully healed before hitting the road
again."
Finishing breakfast Sebastian goes to see how the horses are fairing.
Finishing her morning meal Fionna follows Sebastian to help with the
horses.
Oliver groans and scowls. "This place seems safe for now. I have no desire
to move from this spot for a few days at least." He looks at the small
fire. "I'll go gather some more wood," he says.
"Sebastian friend stay together," suggest the priest when Oliver starts
off into the woods to gather wood. "Sebastian go with Oliver friend."
"You can't be everywhere and watch everyone," says Oliver. "I'm not going
far." He pauses. "I promise." Sebastian reluctantly lets him go.
Merganser goes about making himself useful, helping anyone he can with odd
jobs, tending to the mounts with Maureen, and the like. When not working
he spends his time poring over his spellbooks. He listens carefully to
the others' conversations without much comment, but makes it clear that
should Oliver and Fionna both decide on a course of action, he's willing
to go along with it without question.
Later in the morning, Fionna picks up her bow and says, "Hey Laren, how
about us rangers go find some dinner."
"Sure thang." says Laren, stringing his bow and heading out with Fionna.
"Sebastian help friends hunt." Using strips of leather, sharpened sticks,
and a couple of dried up apples Sebastian builds a couple of crude rabbit
snares. He places the snares at the perimeter of the clearing.
Oliver watches as Sebastian sets up the traps. "Those things gonna work?"
asks the little thief.
Sebastian grabs a stick and gently pokes the withered apple slice. There
is a quick snap as the snare activates trapping the stick in a tight
noose. The priest smiles with pride, "Sebastian learn hunt rabbit from
Sebastian dad. Sebastian learn good."
Oliver actually looks impressed. "Good for him. I'm better in the city."
Fionna and Laren bring back a turkey, while Sebastian managed to snare one
hare. Moranda, being bored with hanging around camp, found some berries
and wild carrots and potatoes nearby.
At dinner, a stew made from the hare, turkey, carrots, and potatoes,
Merganser stares into the fire. He suddenly says, "Don't you think it is
odd we haven't been pursued?"
---
Subject: TJE 3/14 : Arguing
Though the warning bells go off in his mind, Oliver manages a shrug.
"Probably thought they beat the crap out of us." He looks around the
group. "Just like they did."
"Why you not think we not pursued?" questions the priest as he sits down
near the fire. "Mask priest not attack directly. Mask priest watch and
wait for Sebastian friends to be unaware. Then Mask priest attack."
Sebastian tempts Moot off Moranda's shoulder with a juicy piece of meat.
"Or p'haps those skeleton things wer'nt on thar side. P'haps they kilt
them before they attacked us? I reckon some of us should go back ta where
we fought 'em and see what we can find," says Laren.
"You have a good point, but if that is the case then another day won't
hurt," Fionna replies. Though no one's injuries are presently
life-threatening, the group is not near fully healed.
Merganser tosses a small stick into the fire. "I like the idea of everyone
being well-rested before the group moves out again," he says, rising. "I
think I will go do some reading." He begins poring over his spellbooks.
Oliver frowns, concentrating as if trying to remember something. "No, they
were sent after me... us... by the bandits. I saw them." He scratches at
his nose. "They were arguing," he adds.
---
Subject: TJE 3/19 : Beginnings of a Plan
Maureen looks over at Oliver. "Can you remember what they were arguing
about?"
"Yeah, about what Oliver?" Moranda asks.
Fionna sits eagerly to hear Oliver's answer.
"Who was arguin? The priest and the mage?" asks Laren, a bit confused.
"They were arguing about waiting for someone that was late," the little
thief adds. "The mage seemed to want to go, but the priest wanted to wait.
Then they spotted me."
"Sebastian think friends should move now," offers the priest. "Move to
attack Mask priest before Mask priest get away or move away from Mask
priest so Sebastan friends be safe." Sebastian begins spouting another
warning about how evil the priest of Mask can be, but decides better and
spends his time playing with Moot while the party talks.
Merganser looks up from his book. "It might be time to think about taking
a few people out, and doing it quickly. Maybe we could off the priest and
get out before we get into real trouble, then work to off the mage later.
A mage alone is little match for a large group, or even for a few skilled
archers in the trees." He has a look of quiet determination on his face.
"Evil bone men not easy to create," offers Sebastian drawing on his very
limited knowledge of such things. "Sebstian think friends near Mask
hideout."
"I agree. We should probably go for the mage first though, as to rid them
of their strongest weapon." Maureen pauses for a moment; reluctance and
necessity forcing her to carefully consider her next words. "If
assassination is the plan we go with, I can let someone borrow my chain
mail, for added protection." Maureen stresses the word 'borrow' as her
eyes briefly slide in Oliver's direction.
Oliver looks up slowly at the word 'assassination'. He knows what that is
having done some freelance work in the past. "Chainmail does little
against magic," he grumbles. "Not to mention I'm not at my best right now.
If we think they might be coming for us, we should move."
"Ah, but it can if it has low level shields against magical attacks."
Dubious is a polite way of describing Oliver's expression. "Got any magic
items I can use to backstab the bastard?"
---
Subject: TJE 3/26 : Everyone Is Healed Up
"Ah got that sword from the demon's cave. Don't know if its really
magical or not but it might be," says Laren. "Seb.... ya got ta start
taking care of yerself. Ya aint gonna be no good fer us iff'n ya don't
get healed up. Now go ahead and use one of them prayers on ya'self."
"I don't want to go anywhere until my friend Sebastian is better," Moranda
adds.
"Sebastian not mind," interjects the priest. "Sebastian not bothered by
little pain. Sebastian not want stay here. If not killing Mask priest
Sebastian friends need find safer place to rest."
"I would be for spending one more day healing up. I can't imagine
anything they could do in one day that would really effect the final
outcome. However if the group wishes to scout around now I will go for
it," Fionna says.
"If I'm going to go sneaking around and planting knives in people's back,"
Oliver declares bluntly, "I'm going to need more rest and healing. Like
this, they will hear me coming a mile away."
Everyone decides it would be best to wait another day. Despite Sebastian's
objections, Fionna decides to stay at the dwarven cabin, figuring it gave
them the cave to fall back on if necessary. With guards, they might even
get the jump on anything who should return.
However, no attacks come through the night. The next morning, Sebastian
finishes healing everyone else, and then works on his own wounds, though
the priest takes some convincing from Moranda and Fionna to do this.
---
Subject: TJE 3/29 : A Surprise
Finishing the last of her breakfast Fionna stands up and stretches. "Are
we all ready to go apply a little bandit justice," she says. "I think we
should circle around and approach from the other side. If they are
watching it will most likely be for us to come from our current position."
"Let me guess," Oliver grumps. "This 'we' includes me." He stands and
dusts off his trousers. Elaborate stretching and range of motion movements
are demonstrated as the little man tries to decide just how fit he is.
"Okay. Let's go." He sounds very resigned, but what else is new.
"I say we head back to where we fought the skeletons and see what we
find," suggests Laren, putting the newly fletched arrows in his quiver.
"So let's head out," Maureen quips as she fastens the last buckle on her
armor.
Merganser is interested in taking out the mage as quickly as possible. "A
few arrows and a handful of magic missiles should do the trick," he
suggests. "I like the idea of taking them out before they know what's
going on."
"Mask priest and mage have time to heal and get spells too," says
Sebastian as he grabs his bag. "Sebastian friends watch out for magic."
"A good warning, Sebastian," says Moranda, patting the big priest's hip.
"Friends have hammer Sebastian can have?" asks the priest, offering
Moranda a smile. "Sebastian use last hammer and need for spell."
Unfortunately, not one does. The priest grips his staff even harder then.
The group heads west a few miles then turn north and circle around where
Oliver found the bandit mage and priest. Approaching from the north side,
Oliver, Fionna, and Laren scout around. The others wait in a small ravine
that is well hidden.
The three scouts return within minutes of each other. Fionna and Laren
didn't find any signs of additional bandits. Oliver, however, has
something else to report. "Whoever they were waiting for has arrived,"
says the little thief, his eyes narrowed. "Cordin."
---
Subject: TJE 4/5 : Plan Our Attack
"Who be Cordin?" questions Sebastian in a whisper. "Cordin be bad man,
too?"
"Ahhh...Cordin, or Blythe as some called him... Travelled with us a short
time, perhaps to find out more about us and our destination." Moranda
surmises. "I would recommend using the arrows and missiles on him. Now
let me see if I still have that handy little wand about."
"Sebastian remember sneaky man now", nods the priest, "Sebastian friends
encounter Cordin on way to warn town about nasty orc men."
Oliver snarls. "Do ya want him dead or captured? I can handle the dead
part." One of his deadly little knives appeared in his hands. "The guy was
actin' like he and the two creeps were bosom buddies."
"You are sure they were buddies?" Fionna asks. "If so then he deserves
the same fate at the rest." She pauses when Oliver nods to her question
"Where did you see them? We need a better description of their lay out so
we can plan our attack."
"Yes Oliver. What did ya'll see?" says Laren. "And I agree, if Cordin is
involved, we need ta take him down."
Oliver strokes his chin slowly with the hand that does not hold the knife
as his eyes glaze. "It was a small camp down in a rocky canyon. Sides were
too rocky to climb for most. I might make it or maybe you, Laren, but that
is a maybe. Didn't see any more skeletons, but who the heck knows what
these magicusers might have waiting for us." His gray eyes take on their
usual clarity again. "I only saw the three of them and they were awfully
relaxed, not in any hurry. Could mean they ain't got nothing to fear or
that they think us already toasted or that we gave up."
"Sebastian think evil men have more undead," comments the priest.
"Sebastian not have more spells to hide friends from undead."
"That is a distinct possibility," says Merganser.
"Evil men also set traps for Sebastian friends," continues the priest.
"Make hard for Sebastian friends to suprise bad men."
"Also true," says Merganser.
"Sebastian need strip of leather for sling. Sebastian not able make
leather." Sebastian holds up a tattered piece of poorly tanned rabbit
pelt. "Sebastian friend help Sebastian?"
Amazingly enough, it is Oliver that proffers the needed bit of leather. He
does so without a word.
Sebastian spends a few minutes while the party plots to gather up a pocket
full of stones for his new sling.
---
Subject: TJE 4/10 : Fly A Short While
Merganser narrows his eyes. "I never thought much of that man," he says
as Cordin's name is mentioned.
"If we want to do this then this time let's be extra careful not to be
noticed. I wouldn't want to ruin any element of surprise we might have,"
Fionna says.
"Sebastian not have healing magics left, but Sebastian have magic help
friends." Rejoining the group the priests adds, "Sebastian make bad men
hold still. Sebastian call lightnings from sky on rainy day or hide
friends approach under fog. We attack at dusk and bad men not suspect fog
magic."
"Oliver, from what you saw do you think that we could get into a good
ranged attack position," Fionna asks. "If so then we could attack from
above on the rocks. This should avoid any traps they might have."
"If you could get above without falling to your death or giving yourself
away," Oliver replies sarcasticly. "And can't those magicusers protect
themselves from rocks? I like the idea of distance, but will it do any
good?"
The mage pauses to think for a moment. "Oliver, do you or Fionna think
that you might be able to accomplish more... if you could fly for a short
while?" asks Merganser.
"We need a good recon of this camp yer talkin' bout Oliver. Think ya'll
could lead Fionna and m'self to it?" asks Laren. "Rest of ya'll hunker
down here til we get back. No runnin' off by yerselves, ya'll hear?" With
his last comment he shoots Moranda a meaningful look.
---
Subject: TJE 4/13 : New Spell
Oliver turns very, very slowly to face Merganser. "I think I've finally
lost it or did you just say something about me flying?" It is hard to tell
if that is fear, excitement or anger in his voice.
Moranda grins at Laren, and chuckles at Oliver's surprise. She seems to
be very interested in the exchange going on here.
"Fly, now why didn't you list that as one of our assets. Now if we only
had invisibility." Fionna says looking to each spell caster.
"Ilmater not grant Sebatian that magic," replies the priest when Fionna
looks at him.
"Sorry I didn't mention it before," replies Merganser sheepishly. "I only
just learned it, and I wanted to make sure the last few kinks were out of
it before I mentioned it to you. As for invisibility, no, I don't know
that one -- yet. I could look to get it soon if we have the time... or
the luck... to get someone to teach it to me."
"Where did you learn it? I haven't learned a song in ages!?!?" Moranda
exclaims.
Merganser blushes a bit. "Well, I sort of picked it up," he says.
"Figured out how to do it myself during the past handful of months." He
pats the books that he has had his nose buried in almost every night that
you've been on the road together.
"Great," moans Oliver. "We are the guinea pigs for your new spell."
"No," responds the mage. "Guinea pigs are held helpless captives while
things are inflicted upon them. We have the option to use this new tool,
and have faith in it, or to choose not to. I would rather that you choose
to trust my abilities and make use of the spell."
"Ah trust ya'll Merg... jest don't hanker to the thought of flyin' like a
bird. "Me, Ah'll stick to the ground where I can hide instead of soarin'
thru tha sky."
With a sigh, Oliver nods. He looks Merganser directly in the eye as he
says, "Sorry. Just not the kind of thing you do every day. If Fionna is
willing, I'm willing."
"How many can you cast?" asks Maureen.
---
Subject: TJE 4/23 : Waiting The Day Out
"Now that sounds like a good idea," Fionna says giving the thief a big
smile.
"I can cast the spell twice," replies Merganser. "Each casting will
affect but one person, and last for fifty minutes."
"Flying men make good target," comments Sebastian. "How keep bad men from
shooting Sebastian friend? Can Merganser make Sebastian friend look like
bird?"
"Being able to fly makes it easier to be silent, easier to escape if need
be, and easier to plan an ambush," answers Merganser. "The risk of course
is that one tends to draw a lot of arrow fire.
"Unfortunately, my specialty is transmutation, not illusion," he
continues. "I don't have any spells that will make you invisible, or make
you look like a bird or such."
Oliver breaks into the conversation with uncharacteristic pushiness.
"Look. If we can fly, we can get up that cliff and really see what is
going on below. Fionna and I can be sneaky. We can do it at dusk or dawn
to make it harder to see us. Once we got the lay, we can fly down and let
you know." He turns directly to the magicuser. "Can you cast this more
than once a day? If not, we will have to scout one day and attack the
next."
"I'm more then willing to trust your skills Merganser," Fionna says.
"Unfortunately I can't think of a way to use it right now."
Turning to Oliver, Fionna says, "Let's hear this one more time to get a
good plan. Oliver tell us again exactly what you saw and the terrain.
Give us as much detail as you can."
Oliver repeats the lay of the land and his suggestion for recon and
attack. "It was a small camp down in a rocky canyon. Sides were too rocky
to climb for most. I might make it or maybe you, Laren, but that is a
maybe. Didn't see any more skeletons, but who the heck knows what these
magicusers might have waiting for us." The thief looks at the rest of the
group. "So, sunrise or sunset recon?"
"Sunset," replies Laren. "Lets get on with this."
"Sneak at sunset. Attack at sunrise. Sebastian like," adds the priest.
"Sebastian have healing magics again"
"Always thinking our Sebastian," Moranda says with a smile.
"It sure is a good thing we have you here Sebastian," Fionna says to the
priest. "Sunset sounds good. We should get some rest then for we may be
up all night."
The group finds a relatively secure place to camp out while they wait for
sunset. Oliver fidgets with his dagger while Moranda and Sebastian amuse
themselves with Moot. Fionna and Laren do some hunting, bringing back two
turkeys. Merganser studies his spellbook.
As the last few minutes of daylight begin to wash the tops of the Storm
Horns with a brilliant red, Fionna gathers everyone together.
---
Subject: TJE 4/30 : To Fly
Looking around at the group Fionna says, "Okay, it is starting to get
dark. It seems that we have agreed that Oliver and I will fly out and
check the area, courtesy of Merganser's spells. Anyone have any last
ideas before we head out?"
Oliver stands silent, listening. Occasionally, he nods his head in
agreement. Then, he looks at his dark clothing . "Laren? Can I borrow your
cloak? It blends better with natural surroundings. Black works in the city
for night work, but not in the woods."
"Shure thang Oliver." says Laren. "Jest make sure ya'll don't get no
holes in it." he adds with a smile as he hands it over.
"Sebastian magics not last long enough to help friends sneak," comments
the priest. "Sebastian stay here."
"Let's all move within five hundred yards or so from the canyon," says
Fionna. "Merganser, you cast your fly spells, then move down the cliff
away from any trails and sticking to the shadows." She looks back to
Oliver. "We'll learn what leaders, troops, tunnel entrances, etc. there
are and report back to the group. And most of all being very careful not
to be spotted so we don't loose our surprise factor."
Oliver leads them towards the canyon. It is a slow process without light.
He stops them in an outcropping of stone that allows some view of the cave
the bandits are in. The light from a fire dances in the cave's mouth. As
the thief detailed, it would be very difficult to sneak up on the ground
or climb up the walls of the canyon.
Merganser casts first on Fionna and then Oliver. Both take a brief moment
to get used to the lightness. "Be right back," the ranger whispers as they
fly into the dark night sky.
Laren readies his bow, just in case.
The sharp-eyed members of the group, Laren and Moranda, follow the two
scouts progress.
---
Subject: TJE 5/3 : Empty
Oliver sticks close to the available cover of the cliffface and any trees
or brush. No use giving them away with a silhouette against the sky. He
leads only until they get to the edge of the area he knows, then it
becomes a partner action.
Fionna quietly follows Oliver among the trees and bushes. As they reach
near the bottom of the walls she looks around for any sign of sentries or
movement.
Oliver trusts Fionna to guard his back. She is one of the few people he
trusts to that degree. This makes their spy mission that much easier as he
can concentrate on the baddies and hiding while she concentrates on the
lay of the land, she is the ranger after all, and making sure that no one
sneakier sneaks up on the thief.
There seem to be no guards, skeletal or otherwise, posted outside the
cave. The two float above the cave mouth listening, but nothing can be
heard. Fionna hangs back, letting Oliver go ahead relying on his greater
skill of stealth, but she keeps him in sight and no more then 50' away at
all times.
Oliver carefully peers inside the cave, then waves Fionna forward. No one
is in it, but there are several small crates and casks neatly piled up on
the other side of the flickering fire.
---
Subject: TJE 5/8 : Backpack
Ever the cautious one, Oliver checks the area for traps. He is so paranoid
that even if the hairs on the back of his head lift, he will suspect
something.
"Fionna leans over very close to Olivers ear, "Go check out what is in the
crates. We need to see what they are up to. If someone comes I will give
you a bird call as a warning," she says.
The crates appear to contain fletching materials and steel ingots,
probably for swords. Oliver also discovers a discarded backpack at the
back of the crates, a hole from one of Laren's arrows near the shoulder.
Cautiously, the thief opens the pack and finds it empty except for a
scroll tube, which he determines is magically trapped.
---
Subject: TJE 5/23 : More Investigating
Looking back at the female ranger, Oliver scowls. "Okay, it's magically
trapped. Do we take it anyway?"
"Yes, take but don't try to open it here," She replies in a soft whisper.
"Can you tell how far the cave goes in?"
Oliver continues to grumble softly as he looks about the interior of the
cave. "Goes back about 30 feet more. Seems to be empty too."
---
Subject: TJE 5/23 : Alone
Moranda fidgets with her belongings as she waits. "I wish _I_ could teach
myself songs like Merganser can tach himself spells..." She harrumphs
about and chuckles at herself as they wait.
The party keeps alert once Oliver and Fionna disappear from view. This
vigilance is rewarded when Laren spots the bandit cleric walking towards
the cave alone. He is about seventy yards from the party's position in the
light woods.
---
Subject: TJE 5/31 : Too Far
"Sebastian make priest silent then Laren friend shoot," suggests the
priest in a barely audible whisper from his crouched position. Sebastian
readies his sling and then waits for the rest of the group to prepare
before beginning his spell.
"Thar he is. That damn cleric. Too fa' fer ah shur shot unless ya got a
spell that's a shur thang Merg," says Laren.
---
Subject: TJE 6/8 : Explosion
Oliver waits to see if Fionna has any more questions. When she doesn't he
starts searching a little more thoroughly. His search is interrupted as he
is thrown forward from the blast of a fireball that explodes near the
opening of the cave. Where Fionna was.
---
Subject: TJE 6/8 : Interruption
Merganser nods grimly. "I've got a range of about a hundred yards with
them," he says. "Shall I have a go?"
"How far would you make that to be thar Laren?" Moranda asks with an aping
drawl.
"More than a hundred yards," replies the pathfinder. "Iff'n ya think we
can take him one shot, shure," adds Laren, selecting his finest fletched
arrows for the shot.
"Loren friend sneak closer," whispers Sebastian, "If evil cleric see Loren
friend Sebastian and Mer hit bad man with spells. Sebastian not see what
bad man doing. Can Loren friend see what bad man doing?"
Whatever Laren was going to say is interrupted by a loud explosion.
Merganser knows exactly what it is. "Fireball!"
The bandit cleric also knows what the explosion was and sprints away
towards the cave.
---
Subject: TJE 6/13 : No Sound
Oliver catches himself against the rock wall with a muffled oath. Dropping
the booty he had secured, he grabs for a knife and turns back to the
opening. He does not call out to his friend so that he does not give
himself away. Sticking to the shadows, he tries to see what is going on.
There is no sound from Fionna. Nor is there any indication from where the
fireball originated.
---
Subject: TJE 6/13 : Running
Sebastian takes off after the cleric hoping to intercept him before he can
reach the cave.
Merganser immediately looks around for the source of the fireball. If he
can spot the enemy mage, he immediately looses a volley of magic missiles
at him.
"Damnation!" says Laren as he takes aim at the running cleric, loosening
the arrow. It strikes a tree with a loud thunk. The cleric jumps in
surprise and sees Sebastian barrelling towards him. He takes off running.
"I'm tired of those!" Moranda says with disgust as she tucks Moot into her
pack. "Whatever dealt that, I am about to finish it off." She halfling
looks determined and grabs a small wooden stick from her pocket.
The bandit cleric, with Sebastian hot on his heels, veers away from where
the cave is.
---
Subject: TJE 6/15 : Battle Anew
Moranda grunts in frustration as her short legs take her in the direction
of the cleric. Her short breaths make the song she sings too hard to
understand, but they appear to be clear enough to channels of magick. With
a bound, Moranda jumps through the air, catching up with Sebastian in one
leap and leaps once more, attempting to close the distance with the
cleric, stick in hand. "Stop or or fry to a crisp!" she screams and
brandishes her odd looking weapon.
Her momentum is stopped when she is hit by three magical missles of light.
"Sebastian make him stop!" shouts the priest as he slows and calls upon
Ilmater.
The bandit priest shakes off the effects effortlessly. "About time," he
grunts to his companion, the mage.
With the well crafted plan totally destroyed now, Laren takes off after
his friends in a sprint. "C'mon Merg.... it's now or never."
Merganser hesitates for but half a second to grimace once before firing a
full volley of magic missiles at the appearing mage.
Laren lets fly an arrow on the run. It passes through the sleeve of the
cleric, just grazing his elbow.
---
Subject: 6/15 : Fionna
Staying off the ground and hugging the wall up at the ceiling where it is
the darkest, Oliver creeps forward very, very carefully. He catches sight
of the bandit mage running away from the cave.
He also sees the unmoving form of Fionna lying in the center of the
fireball blast, her clothing charred and her skin blistered.
---
Subject: TJE 6/18 : Magical Combat
A stream of curses flow thought Oliver's head though he manages to stay
quiet. It doesn't look good at all and Fionna was his one true friend in
the group. Pushing aside his feelings, he advances cautiously for he does
not want to run into the same problem.
There is no sign of the mage. But in the direction of where the group was
hiding Oliver can clearly make out the sounds of magical combat.
---
Subject: TJE 6/18 : Magical Combat
A stream of curses flow thought Oliver's head though he manages to stay
quiet. It doesn't look good at all and Fionna was his one true friend in
the group. Pushing aside his feelings, he advances cautiously for he does
not want to run into the same problem.
There is no sign of the mage. But in the direction of where the group was
hiding Oliver can clearly make out the sounds of magical combat.
---
Subject: TJE 6/18 : Death Toll
Maureen is on Granite and away without notice.
Moranda screams, "I hope no one wanted these two alive! I don't like those
missile thingies. And they aren't nearly as pretty as the ones Merganser
makes!" The halfling leaps into the air toward her two targets,
mercifully close to each other and leashes the powers of her wand upon
them."
The convergence of elecrtical power, bandits, horseflesh and Maureen is a
terrible sight to see, with the latter two taking the brunt of it as
Granite half-barrells, half-stumbles into the bandit mage and cleric.
Laren continues to move forward, pausing only to snap an arrow off at the
surprised bandit mage.
"Mage first!" cries out Merganser. "He's the greatest immediate threat!"
He then sends a second volley of magic missiles at the enemy mage, without
hesitation.
Arrows and magic missles stike the mage, dazing him with their rapid fire
succession after Moranda's bolt. He goes down in a heap.
The cleric turns towards Moranda and Sebastian, his clothing a smoking
ruin. Sebastian easily overbears the man.
---
Subject: TJE 6/21 : The Loss
Moranda finishes her jump and crumples. She looks around at the carnage
awestruck and begins to sob at the sight of Maureen and Granite.
Sebastian promptly pommels the man into unconsciousness before turning his
attention to Maureen and Granite. "Sebastian friend need help?"
Laren sprints forward, his eyes scanning the area for other bandits and
thier missing companions. He nocks and arrow to his bow and stands watch
over Sebastian and the others.
Sebastian quickly checks the mage for signs of life and shrugs when he
fails to find any. "Evil priest need be tied up. Tie up mouth too so not
use bad magic." Sebastian snags the priests holy symbol, which he tosses
into the woods as he moves to help Maureen and Granite.
Both horse and warrior are dead.
---
TJE 6/21 : After The Battle
Oliver continues to swear silently as he grabs up the chest and heads back toward camp. He keeps to the trees and shadows even in the air, using his sneaky skills to their fullest. Once the camp is in sight, he hides the chest and finds a vantage point both off the ground and sheltered.
He observes that the combat is over. Sebastian is laying atop the bandit cleric. The bandit mage, Maureen and her horse, Granite, are unmoving charred figures nearby.
Moranda, standing just behind Sebastian, looks around at the carnage awestruck and begins to sob at the sight of Maureen and Granite.
Sebastian promptly pommels the cleric of Mask into unconsciousness before turning his attention to Maureen and Granite. "Sebastian friend need help?"
Laren sprints forward, his eyes scanning the area for other bandits and thier missing companions. He nocks and arrow to his bow and stands watch over Sebastian and the others.
Sebastian quickly checks the mage for signs of life and shrugs when he fails to find any. "Evil priest need be tied up. Tie up mouth too so not use bad magic." Sebastian snags the priests holy symbol, which he tosses into the woods as he moves to help Maureen and Granite.
6/28/01 : Three Down
"Damn!" curses Laren under his breath. "That's a cryin' shame. Cut down in the prime of life," he adds, still watching the area.
Moranda starts to sob and then draws in a full breath. She stuffs the wand in a pocket and walks over to the cleric. "Fix them or die!" she hollers and points to the remains of Granite and Maureen.
"Bad priest not able to help Maureen friend. Sebastian not have those powers either," says Sebastian in response to Moranda's demand.
Merganser simply shakes his head sadly, and does his best to help Sebastian put things aright.
As for the evil cleric, the young mage agrees with the notion of keeping him bound and gagged. "Part of me wants to kill this pile of rot," says Merganser, eyeing the cleric with pointed distaste. He seems to want to say something else, but he trails off, leaving the tending to the prisoner to others better suited for it. When he has a chance, he searches the body of the fallen mage for valuables. Merganser leaves anything of strict monetary value but takes anything he thinks might be useful to the group, and shows the others.
Sebastian says a quick prayer over Maureen's body as he covers the warrior with a blanket. "Sebastian friend need look for Oliver and Fionna," suggests the priest. "Who stay and guard bad man?"
Oliver moves into view and lands. "I think Fionna's dead," he says abruptly in a very flat voice. He puts the chest down. "Don't touch it. It's magically trapped."
6/29/01 : Fionna's Dead
Moranda looks helplessly at Oliver and then stands up to her full 3'2". "I will guard the prisoner... I don't want to see any more of this."
Oliver nods blankly, looking at the other bodies. Turning, he heads back to retrieve Fionna's body. She deserves a proper burial.
"Oliver, wait! What do you mean Fionna's dead? What happened!" asks Laren, stunned by the news.
"Sebastian go with Oliver friend. Maybe Sebastian be able to help Fionna friend," say the priest sadly. "Did Oliver and Fionna friend stop evil man?"
Oliver pauses as Sebastian and Laren call his name. "She took a fireball or something while I was investigating the cave. We never saw anyone." He finally turns to look at the priest. "I'd welcome the company, but I don't think there's anything you can do."
"I'll guard the priest with Moranda while ya'll check it out," says Laren.
Merganser nods sadly at Oliver's news, and pats the thief once on the shoulder, saying nothing and not making eye contact. "I'll stay with Laren, since none of us should be alone for the next while, I think," he says. The mage looks angrily at the caught priest, and says, "Laren, I think we should cut this guy up should we be attacked, not give him a chance to escape us. Not after this. Maybe we should just stick a knife in his guts and let him bleed to death." A strange thing indeed for Merganser to say, but in his voice his friends can tell that he is only upset, blowing off a little steam: the first half of his comment was meant seriously, but the latter half not so.
Sebastian frowns at Merganser's dark joke, but says nothing.
Oliver and Sebastian go to retrieve Fionna's body.
7/9/01 : Laid To Rest
Laren watches Oliver and Sebastian go to retrieve Fionna's body as he responds to Merganser. "Ya'll right Merg. Let's stick em. Probably won't tell us anything, will ya ya bastard?" says Laren, adding emphysis to the last question with a none-to-gentle nudge with his foot.
Saying nothing as he walks back to the cave, Oliver is no less vigilant. He carries a blanket he retrieved from Fionna's backpack to use to wrap her body in. Sebastian confirms the ranger is indeed dead.
Sebastian lays Fiona's body next to Maureen and Granite. Saying a quiet prayer, Sebastian prepares the bodies for burial. "Where be third man?" asks Sebastian as he works."
Laren points the shaft of his bow towards the mage and cleric piled haphazardly on an open rock face, their equipment confiscated. The big priest frowns. "Ilmater not care if evil. All get proper rites."
"For this lot," says Merganser gruffly, "I think burning would be proper enough. It also secures they won't be returning as zombies or ressurected by their comrades."
Sebatian stuffs the equipment and valuables removed from Maureen and Fionna's bodies into a bag to be dealt with later when the party feels up to it.
Using makeshift shovels, Oliver and Laren dig shallow graves under the largest tree they can find in the area. Sebastian sanctifies the area before the two bodies are lowered and then covered with earth and stones.
Granite's body is also burned, its ashes collected by Moranda and put in a small sack atop Maureen's grave.
Sebastian moves over to where Moranda sits crying softly to herself. Bending down the large priest gives the small women and hug. "Ilmater take your pain."
7/13/01 : Job Well Done
Oliver says nothing as he digs the grave for Fionna or as he helps to cover her body. He stands there, leaning on the shovel and looking at the freshly turned earth until someone comes to tell him it is time to go. All the while, he is fiddling with something that is hung on a leather thong around his neck.
Merganser is silent through the ceremonies for his fallen comrades. "Good women, they were," he mutters as the ceremony ends.
Sebastian gathers the equipment removed from the cleric and mage into another sack. "May death bring bad men peace," comments the priest as he watches smoke from the pyre twist its way upward through the trees.
"Wha'll what now?" asks Laren. "The bandits are dead. I say we return ta town and let em know."
"Sebastian friend go back to town. Report on bad men?" suggests the priest after everyone has had their chance to pay their respects.
Merganser turns away from the fire. "I agree, let's get back to town. We'll drag the luggage along."
"Yes, let's go back to town," says Moranda, stroking Moon's head. "I've had enough of death to last me a lifetime.
Gathering their equipment, and that of the mage and cleric, they return to the wagon and horses, and head back to Eagle's Peak. The ride back is done in silence, except for an overly dramatic sigh from Moranda from time to time.
Reporting to the Guard about the death of the bandit mage and priest of Mask, and also of Cordin's involvement, the group is rewarded with a thousand gold lions apiece and thanked in the name of the King for the assistance they provided the city.
7/23/01 : Gold And Magic
Sebastian tries to protest as he recieves the gold, but a quick look from Oliver silences the big man.
On the way back to the inn Sebastian descretely gives gold coins to random beggers and street urchins least one of the party members scold him for giving away all his money. Sebastian is several hundred gold lighter by the time the party sits down to eat.
Oliver takes the purse from Sebastian when they sit down at a table. "Look. You don't want to have money, but money is needed to keep this group going." He divides the coins into two unequal piles. He pushes the smaller one in front of Moranda. "You keep this for him. It's for food and supplies." He puts the rest back in the bag and returns it to the simple priest. "Tomorrow, we'll go out and find a priest that you trust. Let him use the money to help people who really need it."
After dinner Sebastian pulls out the bags containing the possessions for the mage, priest, Fionna, and Maureen, "Sebastian friend take look now?"
Laren sat kicked back in the chair at the table, a foaming mug of ale before him. "What is in the bag Oliver?"
Oliver adds the magically trapped scroll case to the loot on the table. "I have no idea," he grumbles. "It's got a magic trap on it. Maybe you can open it." He sorts through the rest of the stuff, automatically putting the junk separate from the valuables.
Merganser peers at the trapped case carefully, casting _detect magic_ out of curiosity. "I'm just interested in what school of magic we're looking at, what kind of trap it might be. I won't be able to discern too much, though, and I don't have any way of dispelling the effect."
Sebastian frowns when Oliver takes his purse, but cheers up when the remaining gold is returned with a promise to find another priest of Ilmater. "Oliver and Moranda help Sebastian buy stuff! Sebastian like that."
"Sebastian have magic that do that" comments the priest when Merganser mentions dispelling the protective spells, "Merganser and Sebastian take bag outside and try? Not do here. There be danger."
Merganser nods in approval to Sebastian, and makes a note to himself to see if he can find a mage in town from which to buy a _dispel magic_ spell. "Maureen's chainmail is magical," he says. "As is Fionna's bow, necklace, amulet, and boots." He frowns. "The scroll case is magical, matching Oliver's warning. But I get no magical aura from the mage's or cleric's equipment."
"Merg?" asks Laren, looking to the mage.
7/27/01 : Unlocking The Scroll Case
Oliver sits back with a huge mug of ale and lets the others worry about the magic.
"If it would be all right..." Moranda starts hesitantly. "I would like to wear Fionna's necklace. I like jewelry," as evidenced by the many baubles worn by tha halfling, "and I would like it to remember her by."
"Indeed. Fionna was with us from the begining. May I keep her bow as a momento?" asks Laren with solumn saddness.
Sebastian watches as everyone divides up the items on the table. When no one picks up the amulet the priest shyly asks, "Pretty. Sebastian have?"
Oliver sits back, drinking a bit more than usual, and fingering a ring that he now wears on a thong about his neck. He watches the others, but offers no comments nor does he take any share of the goods.
"Does anyone know what any of the items did, what properties they possessed?" asks Merganser, referring to the items retrieved from Fionna and Maureen. No one seems to. The mage continues, "I doubt I could use any of these things - except possibly this scroll case. Sebastian, do you think you could dispel the magical trap that's on this?"
"Sebastian try." says the big man, "Sebastian try now?"
Sebastain indicates that everyone should stand back. Oliver stands up. "Let me get out of the way first." He ducks behind a convenient column. With a nod from Mersanger, the priest targets the warding spells on the scroll case with his dispelling magic.
Merganser watches and smiles. "Good job, Sebastian." He picks up the scroll case and carefully opens it. Inside are several sheets of paper tightly rolled up. "Marvelous," comments the mage, his smile growing bigger. "More spells to add to my repertoire. Affect Normal Fires, Burning Hands, Dancing Lights, Fire Burst, Flaming Sphere, Pyrotechnics, Alamir's Fundamental Breakdown, Fireball, Flame Arrow, Melf's Minute Meteors, Fire Charm, Fire Shield, Fire Trap, Wall of Fire."
8/16/01 : Grief
Sebastian grins like a little child under the mage's praise.
Oliver slips back to his chair and makes himself comfortable again. "It stinks," he declares. "Just stinks that we lose two comrades and we sit here divving up their stuff. Rather have Fionna back."
"Agreed," says Laren. "Ah miss her as much as anyone, Oliver."
"Sebastian miss friends, but Sebastian not be sad," comments the priest. "Maureen and Fionna not want Sebastian friends to be sad. Sadness not bring friends back."
"Well, maybe not," Oliver grumbles. "But I'm sad about it anyway."
"I also feel kind of ghoulish," says Merganser about the dividing of the goods. "Still, I get the feeling that Fionna and Maureen would rather have us keep these, or give them back to their enclaves, if we could. If no-one can use Maureen's armor, I'd suggest we donate it to her church."
He turns to Moranda. "Can you learn new songs from these scrolls? One or two of these I already have, and some would be far more useful to you than to me, I think."
In the meanwhile, the mage prepares to scribe the new spells into his spellbook, and sets about learning them. Fireball in particular will be helpful, yet in the back of his mind he wonders whether his use of the spell will bring back memories of lost friends.
Sebastian pulls the amulet over his big head before waving to the waitress. "More food please," asks the priest when the busy girl finally makes it to the table.
"More ale," grumps Oliver. But he ignores the fresh mug. Standing, he moves around the room with the empty one in his hand. He only makes one circuit of the room, but it takes him nearly twenty minutes. When he slips into his original seat, he trades the empty mug for the full and sits back with a smug look on his face.
8/28/01 : Danging
Sebastian calls the bar maid over and orders cheese, bread, dried fruit and salted meat for the road. With help from Oliver the priest only pays slightly more than the going rate for the rations.
Moranda looks at the scrolls wondering if she could convert them and says, "Well I tell you what I need... a bard with the propensity for teaching as I have traveled many a year now, never to have learned any new songs or skills." She turns to Oliver, "Oliver, when you were working on earning money for our nights stay, did you notice any friendly bards?"
Oliver looks innocently over at the little woman. "Huh? We have plenty of money. I don't need to earn anything. Hate working anyway." He puts his mug back on the table. "Didn't see anyone obvious and no one is singing for their supper or we would'a heard them."
"Sebastian no have anywhere to go," comments the priest. "Sebastian friends go look for teacher for Moranda? Sebastian think that be fun."
Moranda give the big man a smile.
Laren leans back in his seat. "Ah haven't seen much outside Eagle's Peak. Iffn' ya'll wanna head towards civilization, ah'll tag along. Maybe we can even see a big city... like Eveningstar!" says Laren with childlike excitement.
Merganser likes the idea of heading to a city; it will give him plenty of opportunity to study the new spells. "How far are we from Eveningstar?" he asks.
Oliver shrugs disinterestedly. "A city works for me. Might be able to polish up some of my skills. Getting rusty in picking pockets and second story work." He looks innocently at any admonishing or astonishing looks. "I'm a thief. Did you expect me to want to practice my dancing."
9/6/01 : On The Road Again
"When Sebastian friend leave?" questions the priest excitedly. "Maybe Oliver friend help Sebastian find Ilmater priest in Eveningstar?"
The little thief looks up at the simple priest for a moment before replying. "Sure, big guy. I'll help. Can't have you getting lost. We'll start first thing in the morning."
"So we leave in the morning??" Moranda asks excitedly. "And I can find someone to teach me new songs??"
"Great," Oliver gripes. "Okay, so are we all going on a tour of the town to look for teachers? Or are we going off to another town? I think I lost track a mug of ale ago."
"Sebastian friend leave tomorrow for Eveningstar," respond Sebastian to Oliver's question "Friends find teachers in Eveningstar."
Nodding, Oliver sits back with his new best friend, a mug of ale. "Okay. Tomorrow morning then. Let's not start out too early. Be nice not to have to be in a hurry or watching our backs all the time."
After the plans for the trip are completed the priest asks, "Moranda tell Sebastian story. Sebastian wanna here happy story."
Moranda provides many stories to the delight of Sebastian. Oliver continues to find solice in the bottom of the next mug of ale.
The next morning Sebastian is in a particularly bubbly mood and talks endlessly to Oliver about their upcoming adventure. The hung over thief moans slightly to himself as he tries to tune out Sebastian's good cheer.
Laren chuckles at Oliver's prediciment with the priest. He resumes the previous night's conversation as a distraction. "Eveningstar sits up against these here mountains. We can start thar," he adds.
Merganser chuckles at the banter among his friends. "Sounds good, Laren. Let's head out, shall we?"
Oliver just grumbles, pulls his hood up to shade his eyes and goes along with the rest.
The mood is cheerful and expectant - or in the case of Oliver, moody and painful - as the party rides higher into the Storm Horns. Near midafternoon, Laren has a frown upon his face when he announces the weather looks to be turning for the worse.
Sebastian points out an apparently abandoned shack through the sparce trees. "Sebastian friends stay there?" he suggests.
9/21/01 : Inhabited
"As long as it is not inhabited by blood-thirsty dwarves or fireball wielding mages, I'll stay just about anywhere that is dry during a storm," Oliver grumbles. Though his hangover has cleared up, his temper has not. "Shall we take the direct approach or sneak around and see?"
"Let's go have ah look-see Olie," says Laren, joining the rogue as they sneak up on the building.
The use of the diminutive "Olie" draws a rolled eyed look from the little thief, but he keeps his grumbling to himself. As they near the building, he signals Laren to go around the building one way while he goes the other.
"Why Sebastian friends so sneaky? Sebastian friend just knock and see if nice people here?" asks the priest quietly as the scouts creep around the back of the structure.
"Let's go in and have a look," says Merganser. "I'm tired of being so cautious all the time. If we meet someone who doesn't care for our company, we'll just apologize and be on our way."
The mage approaches the shack and as he is about to rap on the door, it opens. A truely gruesome looking man - half-orc to be sure - wrinkles his nose at the mage. His clothing is poorly mended and has the distictive odor of orcblood. "What?" he grunts. "Visitors? Oh, welcome," he says cordially, breaking into a tusky smile. "I was just about to put on a fire before the storm."
9/24/01 : Inside
"Just what we need!" Moranda exclaims. "A warm fire."
"A fire be great. Nice man not mind sharing fire with Sebastian friends?" questions the priest as he moves up next to Mersanger. "Sebastian have food to share in exchange for letting Sebastian friends share fire."
The half-orc grins at the priest. "The fire and shelter are for anyone wishing them. We can all share in your food, Sebastian."
"Whatever ya'll want mister," drawls Laren. "That storm's comin' fast. We ain't got much, but....."
Merganser nods, adding, "We'd appreciate the hospitality."
The half-orc ushers everyone he sees inside, casting a wary glance at the approaching storm. "You are fortunate you came upon my cabin," he says. The cabin is a pretty run-down shack with a table, a few small kegs for chairs, and some tattered rugs hung up as art - or to cover holes in the walls. There is an inviting fire in the hearth. And next to the hearth is a music stand on which sets several sheets of parchment and a violin.
"Please try to make yourselves comfortable," the host says. "My name is M'angel," he adds as an afterthought.
9/26/01 : M'angel
"Me be Sebastian," responds the priest pointing to each member as he introduces them. "These be Sebastian friends Merganser, Moranda, Laren, and Oliver."
M'angel's smile looks more like a gruesome grimace as he acknowledges each person's name.
"Howdy," says Laren with a nod of his head as he is introduced. "Nice ta meet ya'll and thanks fer tha hospitality."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. M'Angel," says Merganser, bowing a bit in respect. "You honor us with your hospitality." He smiles with genuine appreciation.
"How better to learn more about the world than to show kindness to strangers," replies the half-orc. He starts pulling pots and pans down from where they hang above the hearth.
"Sebastian friends post guard tonight?" questions the priest as the group prepares for bed. When their host raises an eyebrow Sebastian adds, "Sebastian friends make bad men angry. Keep watch for bad men."
"I'd be surprised if they accosted you here," M'angel says with a gruff chuckle. "Most people, if they know about my shack stay away." He raises his hands above his head and growls, then falls into a hacking laugh.
Laren is full of questions as they prepare their meal, and M'angel seems most happy to answer them. Being a half-orc, he is routinely shunned by most folks, so it was easier to take up in this abandoned shack. He is a bard by profession, which immediately catches Moranda's attention.
"Oh, maybe we can swap songs," she says eagerly.
"I imagine we'd make a formable duo," replies the half-orc bard with humor.
Oliver is quiet and sits by himself with a solid wall at his back. He accepts the food and drink, but makes no conversation.
10/1/01 : Just Snooping Around
Oliver looks about the broken down shack for anything untoward, but other than the stableness of the building, there is nothing obvious. Hiking a ever widening perimeter, he checks out everything he can, but there appears to be no danger.
10/3/01 : Rest
Oliver returns near the end of the singing and other entertainment. He finds a cozy, shadowed corner where he sits, back to the wall, and watches the others enjoy themselves.
Sebastian claps his hands appreciatively at the end of the last song.
Yawning the big priest pulls his blanket up near the fire, "Wake Sebastian when time to watch."
It is a small shack, but places everywhere are found to sleep, and M'angel produces several wool blankets for those not able to be right next to the fireplace. The storm breaks, and the constant rattle of raindrops on the roof soon brings a restful slumber.
M'angel and Moranda, having last watch, are busy preparing breakfast, which consists of a rich oatmeal and a rack of bacon, as everyone wakes. Bucket's outside if anyone needs to freshen up," the half-orc announces.
The sleep and hearty breakfast heartens everyone. As they are cleaning up, Moranda announces she's learned a few new songs of power that should aid the party. And some new songs of courage. She seems most happy.
10/8/01 : What Now?
"Well, that's going to make things a little difficult," Alexandre deadpans. "Any ideas where she went?" The swashbuckler looks around the area to see what he can find.
Ratt keeps a wary lookout as Alexandre searches for clues. "Well she said that her time was limited. Her magic might have run out or she might have been caught sending us the message," suggests Ratt.
"Hopefully, it is the former," states Jeoffrey as he joins in the searching.
"Should we wait here or continue in the direction she was leading us?" asks Ratt when nothing of interest turns up.
10/9/01 : Colorful Wagons
Sebastian wakes in his typical good mood and proceeds to down two large bowls of oatmeal. The party's host watches with unmasked amusement.
Merganser tries making a little polite conversation before the group heads out, asking M'Angel about where he comes from, what brought him here, and what he's up to nowadays. The young mage tries hard to keep from sounding prying. He spends any free time otherwise working on his spell books.
"Whell... thank ya'll fer yer hospitality M'angel. It was right kindly of ya'll ta shelter us fer the night. We won't take up any more of yer time, cause we gots lots of miles ahead of us. Take care of yerself, ya hear?" says Laren as he shoulders his pack. Extending his right hand, he shakes the half orc bard's hand.
Oliver hangs back, watching the others as they say good-bye to their host. When all the others have finished and left, the little thief steps forward and offers the half orc his hand. "Nice, quiet place you got here," he says looking up into the other's eyes. "Maybe we'll pass this way again. Never know." It's about as close to a thank-you as Oliver gets.
"M'angel want come with Sebastian friend?" asks the priest as the group is doing its good-byes. "Sebastian sure that Moranda like having another music person around."
M'angel smiles tuskily. "Unfortunately, my path is eastwards." He glances at Moranda playing with we pet. "But I have this odd feeling we will meet again.
Sebastian looks disappointed. "Moranda and M'angel do one more song?" begs the big priest.
Moranda grabs Sebastian's hand. "I've new songs to sing, my friend. Time to move on."
Once again, the party is on the road to Eveningstar.
The wind whips leaves and other small debris about them as they travel. East, the sun is breaking through the rapidly dispersing clouds. Moranda rides on Sebastian's shoulders and sings a cheery traveling song.
Several hours later, Laren rides back from his spot on point. He tells the group there are twelve wagons heading their way accompanied by two dozen riders. "Awfully painted wagons fer a merchant," he points out.
10/11/01 : Circus
"Colored Wagons!?!?" Moranda exclaims excitedly. "A Circus, a circus!!!"
Overcoming his initial concern at Laren's report Sebastian quickly matches Moranda's excitement, "A Circus! A Circus!"
When no one is looking Sebastian asks Moranda, "What's a circus?"
"Might as well talk with 'em. At least we might find out what lies ahead of us," suggests Laren.
It takes awhile for the wagons to approach, for they are moving slowly. The initial encounter is with a rider, armed with two swords and in a light chain shirt. "Hail and well met. I'm Trager, Chief of the Guards of Williper's Grand Moving Emporium of Exotic Delights."
10/16/01 : Be Amazed
When the circus wagons are spotted, Oliver reverses his cloak so that it
is no longer dull and grayish-green. The colors are still slightly muted,
but there are reds and blues and greens in a more festive pattern. He
tosses back his hood so that the sun glints off his slightly shaggy blond
hair. Even his demeanor changes, becoming less morose and gruff. His
stealthy movements remain, but now them seem to have the rolling grace of
an acrobat.
Sebastian lifts Moranda to his shoulders. The two of them giggle like little children as the wagons approach.
Moranda whispers to Sebastian, "I am soooo sorry that you've never seen a circus before! They have people doing tricks, and strange exotic animals, and lots of fun and games! Such wonderment, you've never experienced I would guess!" Moranda is so excited she can hardly speak. "Can I get up on your shoulders? I would like to be able to see better!"
Oliver stands to one side as the rider addresses the group, idling tosses two fist size rocks back and forth in random patterns. Never the talkative one, he says nothing.
"To where are ya'll head'd?" asks Laren.
Trager seems amused by the question. "Every corner of the Realms, and then beyond," he announces.
Sebastian, with Moranda riding on his shoulders, looks excitedly past the plain looking guard at the colorful wagons in hope of seeing one of the fore mentioned exotic delights.
"Sebastian see animals?" pleads the big priest.
The guard leans forward towards the priest. "Animal? Not merely animals but the greatest collection of the most unique creatures every assembled. Even greater than have been reported in Thay!" With a wide sweep of his hand, he guides his horse aside with his knees. "Come, look. Be amazed."
Before the company the wagons come to a halt, and brightly dressed teamsters begin to unhook horses from wagons, lift up sideboards from the wagons, and hitch up small ramps behind the back of some of the wagons.
10/19/01 : An Animal
Moranda leans around the side of Sebastian's rather large noggin' and
whispers, "You are soooo gonna like this." She giggles with glee.
"Wow? Fer us?" says Laren, amazed that the entire caravan would halt just to show a few travelers thier collection. He peers on in amazement.
Trager nods. "Of course. Williper's is for _all_ people to experience," he says with a laugh.
Merganser is suspicious of the circus, recalling some of Oliver's old tales. He does his best to hide his wariness, especially from Moranda and Sebastian, who seem to be having far too good of a time to ruin. Merganser stays relatively near Oliver as the group interacts with the circus performers, and he speaks as little as possible.
Oliver does not let any expression mar the amazement and enjoyment that his face shows. A third rock joins the two in his hands and he idly juggles in an ever changing pattern. He allows the others to move forward as if to let them have the first look. His sharp eyes take in everything, particularly the circus folk and what they are doing. He is also looking for what might be hidden by the misdirection of the promise of spectacular animals and the bustle of unloading them.
His clear blue eyes glance over at Merganser and he nods imperceptively before returning to his observations.
Sebastian walks forward toward one of the wagon. "Sebastian like see animals" asks the priest.
The performer the priest approached smiles. "This is Bessie," she says as she pulls the curtain aside, revealing a tri-headed beast with wings. "She's a chimera," the trainer adds. The creature turns its lion head to Sebastian and roars loudly, its force almost knocking Moranda from her perch. This brings forth a response from some of the other rolling cages. The goat and black dragon heads seem uninterested in the priest.
Two men approach Oliver, one standing on the shoulder of the other. "You are a juggleur?" the upper man asks in a heavy accent.
10/24/01 : Professor Williper
"Yeah," the little man replies. "Used to do acrobatics and crowd work when
I was younger. I learned a lot of things travelling with that troupe."
The lower man nods, then squats, thrusting upwards. The upper man leaps into the air, does a somersault, and lands neatly before Oliver. "Always looking for new talent," he says, his expression serious.
"She's a beaut," remarks Laren, gazing at the exotic creature. "Thought these things were quite vicious.... how do ya'll keep it confined?"
"Pretty!" comments the priest in his childlike voice. Looking at the tiny cage the priest adds, "Pretty animal looks cramped. Pretty come out of cage?"
The keeper puts up a warning finger. "She gets out, but under controlled circumstances. Otherwise, she's pretty unpredictable." She reaches into the cage and begins to scritch the feline ear. The chimera purrs, blahs, and hisses with pleasure.
A small gnomish man approaches. He's not a gnome, actually, but a very small human. His clothes are those of a ringmaster, brilliant reds and blues, billowing sleeves and pantaloons. "Greetings, my friends," says the man. "I see you've met Bessie." He reaches into a pocket and tosses the dragonhead something, which the beast gulps down quickly. "Professor Williper at your service," he says with a deep bow from the waist.
10/30/01 : So-So
Oliver actually smiles at the man who seems to be offering him a job. "I
have a current gig," he replies, jerking his head toward the knot of
adventurers. "But I'm always keeping an open mind. How's business?"
Both men waggle their right hands in a so-so motion. "Lots of traveling," one laments.
Prof. Williper rises from his bow and smirks. "Catolebas got your tongues?" he inquires.
11/6/01 : Sybil
"Sebastian like pretty animal," says the priest breaking his attention
away from the chimera. "What other pretties does circus have?"
Prof. Williper sweeps his hand across the array of wagons. "We have a medusa from Thay, and a young white wyrm from the Spine of the World. We have a salamander from the infernal planes, and a strange reptile from Chult. If it is unique and wonderous, we have it.
"Where circus going?" question Sebastian as the party walks along the caravan examining the wonders offered by the small travelling troup.
Laren listens, wondering that himself.
A strange sound erupts from the little thief, laughter. "Lots of traveling? You should have this job. Besides, you knew this troupe would be on the move most of the time when you joined up. No circus or sideshow or carnival stays in one place very long." He looks over as he catches Sebastian's question about destination. "Hey, could be different to travel together for a bit. Relieve the boredom."
"And where have you been?" Moranda asks from the top of her suffering steed.
Trager turns his mount. "Well, we were heading east... and you appeared to be heading west."
"But for now, we share the same place," says the gnome as he claps his hands together.
They approach the next wagon where a small hydra appears to be napping. Prof. Williper sighs. "Guess we shouldn't have fed Sybil her tallfellow," he says.
11/9/01 : Enjoyed The Attractions
"Tis a small one eh? Ah've seen much bigger in the Farsea marshes back
home," says the swamper.
Merganser, who up to this point has been doing a poor job of feigning some interest in what's going on, pricks up his ears. He makes no comment, but the look on his face shows that he strongly disapproves of the feeding of a Halfling to the hydra.
"Mmmm, you fed him a tallfellow?" Moranda inquires nervously.
Sebastian takes a step back from the hydra in order to get his charge away from the dangerous beast.
Oliver's laughter dies. "Tell me you are not talking about a halfling," he growls softly in the direction of the ringmaster.
"Oh, no. No," says Williper, waving his hands back and forth. "Tallfellow is just tradespeak for a small snack." His serious expression turns mirthful. "Guess I need to be more mindful of my audience."
That resolved, the gnome leads the company to his many other exhibits, each more interesting or bizarre or fantastic than the previous. Once they have seen most of the wagons, Williper gives Trager a nod and the guard starts issuing commands to the circus to pack up.
"I hope you enjoyed the attractions," says Prof. Williper.
11/13/01 : Farewell
"It is over already?" Moranda exclaims disheartedly.
The ringmaster smiles smugly. "Always leave them wanting more," he says.
"Sebastian like attractions," says the priest gleefully. "Too bad circus not going other direction. Sebastian like travel with circus."
Reminded more than a little about his past, Oliver takes out a gold and flips it to the diminutive Williper. "Watch out for bandits and bad roads," he says, wishing the troupe good luck without mentioning luck at all. Circus folk tend to be a superstitous lot.
The gnome catches the coin and then opens his palm, revaling only a small red puff of smoke. "Aye, and bad beer."
Sebastian watches Oliver give the ringmaster a coin and pulls out his pouch in order to follow suit, "Sebastian thank circus for funny animals." After giving a ringmaster a coin the large priest also hands coins to several of the animal trainers before Oliver can stop the large priest.
Williper turns Sebastian's coin into a rose and hands it back to the priest. "Never know when you might need one," he says, a hint of the mysticism in his voice.
Trager returns to Williper. "Ready, sir," he says, nodding towards the packed wagons.
"Farewell, my friends," says the gnome as he gets up onto his wagon, with the assistance of Trager. "Be sure to tell all your friends about Professor Williper's Grand Moving Emporium of Exotic Delights!"
11/27/01 : Golden Unicorn
Laren walks away with his companions. "Wh'all, that was grand, eh? Never
seen critter's like dem before.... Wha'll 'cept fer that der hydra. Plenty
of dem in the marshes."
Oliver watches the wagons trundle down the road in the opposite direction. He doesn't say anything at all. When the wagons are out of sight, he reverses his cloak so that the dark side is out and he is back to being the little, grumpy thief the adventurers know. But he pulls out his knives again, juggling four as they continue on their way.
The mood of the company is much better the next fews days of traveling. Passing other travelers, they find that the road is clear of danger and the temper of Eveningstar is festive, as the town is celebrating the Festival of Lathander's Light. Great banners hang from the buildings and the home of Eveningstar's Lord, Tessaril Winter. Merchants wander the streets with their wares, vying for patrons' attention with the street performers. There is even word that Arabel's Lord, Myrmeen Lhal, is in town.
Of course, finding accomodations this close to the festival proves to be a little difficult. The only place with rooms left is the newly reopened Golden Unicorn Inn, a place locals avoid because it was ransacked last year by maurading orcs.
The Golden Unicorn smells of paint and spilled beer. The common room is large, but not smoky, as there are many windows open to air it out. There appears to only be a handful of patrons in the common room, all sitting alone. The new proprietor, a dwarf with a patch over his left eye, greets the company. "Wercome to der Gorden Unicorn (he pronounces the last word uni-corn). I am Daust Orkencrusher, at yer service."
11/30/01 : Place To Sleep
Sebastian friends Moranda, Lauren, Mersanger, and Oliver." He stiffles a yawn. "Sebastian friends needs place to sleep."
"Wer, yer came to der right prace," replies the innkeeper, offering a stubby-fingered hand. "Stir got rooms a prenty." His eyes seem to light up at the number of people in Sebastian's group. "Are yer here for der Festivar?"
12/5/01 : How Many Rooms?
"I love Festivals!" says Moranda. "But I like inns like this the most!" The little halfling starts to walk around, "Reminds me of my uncle's cousin's daughter's second aunt's place. " She pauses, "We are a very close family. Have you had it a long time?"
The dwarf shakes his head. "Naw. Won it inna game of chance rast Greengrass," he replies slyly.
Oliver stays to the back, but a sly smile spreads over his face. A festival means lots of people crowded in the streets with fat purses. They will be bumping into each other all the time and probably won't notice him lifting that fat purse at all.
Sebastian shakes his head negative. "Sebastian friends just passing through. Sebastian friends not know about festival."
The innkeeper moves towards the bar, saying, "Wer, der Festivar is inna honor of dose veterans who herp deriver Eveningstar from der crutches of der orcs and other raiders. It is quite der to do." He opens a box. "How many rooms wir you be needin'?" he inquires.
12/11/01 : Rots To Do
"I'll share with Sebastian and Laren," Oliver speaks up, surprising everyone with his abrupt and unusual first response to a question. "Maybe Merganser and Moranda can share." He looks from each startled face to another. "What?"
"Sebastian not mind sharing," comments the priest to Oliver's suggestion. "Sebastian sleep with friends."
"How much are they?" asks Laren. "Ah can buddy up with someone iff'n thar too much."
The dwarven innkeeper listens intently. "Wer, each room is harf a gord piece," he says, holding out his hand. "Der would be on anna harf gord pieces."
Merganser places three gold coins in the dwarf's hand, which quickly disappear. "This way," he says, marching up the stairs.
The three rooms are spartan enough, with a large bed, table with a pitcher, and a chamber pot under the bed. The window is too small for anyone but a very thin halfling to crawl through. The innkeeper disappears quickly when he hears the front door open.
"Nice," murmurs Merganser.
Once the rooms and roommates are chosen, the group filters its way down to the common room. The dwarf is busily wiping glasses.
"What should Sebastian friends do at this festival?" asks the priest as he sits down to talk with their dwarvish host.
"Wer, der is rots to do," comments the dwarf. "Rots of frirry things goin' on."
12/21/01 : Venture
"Frirry Things?" Moranda tries to clarify.
The dwarf frowns with frustration. "Frirry," he repeats. "Frirry, rike pointress."
"I think he's saying 'Frilly'," Merganser whispers to Moranda. A look of comprehension overcomes the halfling.
Setting aside a mug of ale and wiping his mouth on his sleeve, Oliver looks over at the man. "Can anyone join in and be an entertainer? I have some skills at juggling and acrobat work. Would do me good to practice some."
The dwarf nods. "Of course. Good ruck." That said, he goes to greet a couple of merchant-types who entered.
Laren chuckles. He tells the group he's going to poke around and see if he can restock his supplies and also see if any new tools of the trade are available.
12/26/01 : Crowded Streets
"Moranda show Sebastian festival?" asks the large priest. "Sebastian let Moranda ride on shoulders." Looking toward the mage Sebastian adds, "Mersanger come too? Mersanger need walk. Sebastian not strong enough to carry on shoulders."
The mage smiles. "I have a task or two I must attend to before I can take in the sights, my friend. However, once I am done, I'll come find you. It should be easy to spot a halfling atop a small giant." He nods to Laren. "I'll follow your lead, at least in the beginning." The pathfinder nods and off they go.
Oliver actually laughs. "Okay, Sebastian. If you and Moranda are going to see the sights, I think I'll join you." His juggling balls appear in his hands and he flips them around through a few simple tricks. "Seeing that circus has me wanting to try my hand at some entertaining myself."
The streets are busy with merchants and festival attendees, making it difficult to move about easily. But it also makes for easy marks for thieves, except for the very obvious presence of the Purple Guard. The units of six to ten men clearly include a mage or two who are surveying the crowd with great interest.
1/2/02 : Patron of Lunch
The colorful group of giant priest, tiny bard and colorfully dressed acrobatic juggler make their way into the streets to see the sights of the festival. Oliver quickly notes the guards and the mages with some disappointment. He was all for some practice on his light-fingered skills as well as seeing if he could earn enough for supper with his entertaining skills. For now, he mainly practices his juggling and agility in ways that only an agile thief or street urchin can in the crowded streets.
Barrels, hanging signs, fences and walls become places to exploit for the entertainment of others and the rehoning of some old skills. Oliver does flips, rolls, tightrope walking and all sorts of trick juggling. His lack of a heavy pack and sword make this incredibly easy compared to sneaking around a dungeon. He plays the crowd in the exact opposite way that he would normally do, he makes himself utterly visible and draws attention to himself. From the smile on his face, he seems to be having a great time.
As for his pickpocketing skills, he sticks to some slight of hand where he relieves his 'assistant' of some object and makes it appear somewhere else. In other words, he removes it from one place and puts it in another without being caught... Or, at least that is the idea. Nothing finds its way into his pouch or the pockets hidden in his cloak.
Sebastian watches Oliver's exploits with child-like delight. Moranda seems similarly entranced.
As the trio make their way through the crowds Sebastian takes a few minutes to restock his supplies in addition to buying candy for the scraggly urchins wandering the fair with hungry eyes.
As the afternoon heat is replaced with the chill of evening, the three make their way back to the Inn. Oliver is quite pleased with the generosity of the festival attendees. He counted almost thirty gold lions worth of coppers and silvers for his exploits. "I missed lunch," Moranda murmurs sadly. "Hopefully, they have a big dinner available."
A halfling passing by pauses, her chestnut hair bobbing by the suddeness of her halt. "Lunch, you say?" she asks eagerly. "Perhaps you have heard of my brother, the Patron of Lunch?" she asks reverently.
1/2/02 : Far From Home
Laren and Merganser wander the town, taking in the lay of the land the festival. Merganser seems quite interested in carts, booths and stores that sell mage components and other magical devices. Eventually, the two part company with Merganser assuring Laren he will meet him for dinner.
Laren soon stumbles upon the seller of gear for rangers. The man's cart is busting with a collection of boots, camping gear, small weapons, and other paraphenalia. The merchant catches Laren's stare. "Ah, a man of the swamps," he says knowingly. "So far from home."
1/4/02 : Maitre-d'
"Patron of Lunch? Sebastian not know a halfling named that," responds the confused priest. "Should Sebastian know Patron of Lunch?"
"Patron of Lunch?" Oliver says with surprise. He's even a bit talkative today. "We're strangers here so we have not heard of him." He stuffs his coppers away for exchange later. Copper takes up too much space and weighs too much.
The halfling looks up - way up - at Moranda expectantly. "I'm afraid I have to share my companions' bewilderment in this."
"Oh well," she says resignedly. "I'm Scribble Stubbs," she adds in introduction. "I am an Acolyte of Lunch. My brother is the Patron, or Prophet, or Major-Domo, or Maitre-d of the Faith. He was on a pilgrimage to Cormyr from Peldan's Helm, where I'm from." She takes a breath. "His name is Chubble Stubbs. You sure you haven't heard of him?"
1/4/02 : What You Do In The Wilderness
"Yup, ah hail from tha Farsea Marshes. See these boots... skun the gator meself." says Laren with pride. "Ya'll have anything I can't do without?"
The merchant smiles, his prospects looking better. "Well, that depends on what you do in the wilderness. Hunter? Tracker? Guide? Fisher? Trapper? Hermit?" He starts opening panels on the cart, revealing even more smaller gadgets.
1/10/02 : Map?
"Mainly a guide," replies Laran. "Travalin' with a bunch ah folk now. Don' a bit o' fishin' an' huntin' though."
The merchant taps his lower lip with a forefinger. "Do you have a map of the Realms?" he inquires.
1/10/02 : Verge of Tears
Sebastian stares at the small halfling unable to figure out what he is supposed to do. After a few minutes Sebastian finally regains what wits he has and responds, "Sebastian not know of Chubble Stubbs. Sebastian friends enjoying festival. Scribble want to enjoy festival with Sebastian friends?"
Oliver begins juggling some random objects as he listens to the talkative halfling. "'Fraid not," he replies to her question.
Again, Scribble looks to Moranda, who shrugs. "Drat and double drat," exclaims the halfling acolyte. "I don't think I'll ever find him. Peldan's Helm is a whole lot smaller than here... or anywhere in Faerun." She looks on the verge of tears.
1/16-18/02 : Map?
"Naw, ah suppose ya do though? How much?"
The merchant smiles toothily, slowly reeling in the customer. "Well, as you can imagine, such a thing would be a rare commodity in the Realms. How much do you think such a rare and valuable resource might be worth?"
"Ah really ain't that good at prices... Back home we jest barter fer things. Ah'd have ta say five gold? Naw... ain't worth five years pay...." says Laren as he ponders the difficult question, wishing Oliver was here for this sort of thing.
The merchant looks genuinely shocked. "5 gold? 5 gold! Why, the parchment alone is worth that much." He shakes his head. "If you cannot afford more than 5 gold for this valuable item, I guess there isn't much in my cart you'll be able to afford." He starts pushing drawers back in.
"Ah didn't mean ta insult ya, mister. Ah jest ain't had much experience at this sorta thing. Ah think a gold piece is the most ah ever spent at any one time. Name yer price and I bet I can pay it," says Laren, pulling his coin pouch out. A quick look shows he has some 150 gold pieces, at least the same in silver, and a smattering of copper.
The merchant looks appeased. "Well, then," he says, brushing his hands together. "Mustn't let a little inexperience get in the way of business." He cups his chin with the thumb and forefinger of his left hand, gazing appraisingly at the pathfinder. "I think it best to offer a fair price rather than haggle with you. You seem to be a straight up kind of fellow. How about 75 gold?"
1/16/02 : Turnip Stew
The tears evoke a reaction of rolled eyes from the little thief. Oliver keeps up his idle juggling as he listens to Sebastian and Moranda 'make nice' to the little woman. Of course, this could be the beginning of their next adventure. One never knows so he just nods as he glares a young man passing too near.
"Why Scribble think brother Chubble be at festival?" asks Sebastian.
Scribble wipes at her nose with the back of her sleeve. "Chubble seems to always be where there is lots going on," she explains between sniffles.
"Little Scribble not cry," says Sebastian, reaching down to brush away her tears. "Ilmater take your pain." She smiles at the big man.
"Well I am sure he must be around somewhere...Why don't we sit down for some turnip stew and you can tell us all about Chubble," Moranda suggests comfortingly, pointing to a nearby tavern.
The small priestess almost chokes. "Turnip stew is Chubble's favorite dish! How did you know?!"
"I'm also a halfling and turnip stew is one of my favorite dishes, too," explains Moranda.
"Oh," comes Scribble's muted reply.
"Sebastian meet up with rest of Sebastian friends in a bit. Scribble ask Sebastian friends about brother?" suggests the priest.
"You have more friends than these?" she asks.
Moranda gives a laugh. "Sebastian has a way of making friends wherever he goes. Not bad for a steed."
Scribble's tears are all but gone now. "I am hungry. Maybe some stew would help." She reaches into her pockets. "Uh, I'm a little short of funds right now..."
1/18/02 : In Town Long
"Sebastian have money," comments the priest. "Sebastian pay for food."
"I'm much obliged," replies Scribble.
Sebastian scans up and down the street trying to remember which way leads back to the inn, "Oliver friend remember where inn?"
Oliver actually smiles at the simple man. "Yeah, it's this way." Without another word or a backward glance, he sets off toward the inn. His stride is adjusted to fit the shorter legs of the halflings. Of course, he would vehemently deny that he did so out of kindness by saying he had been traveling with the little bard for so long it was just habit.
As mealtime approaches the crowd on the street thickens drastically making progress difficult, especially for the halflings. "Sebastian carry," offers the priest, hoisting Moranda up onto his shoulder. "Scribble ride, too?" adds Sebastian as he picks up the startled halfling women and set her on his other shoulder.
"Don't worry," Moranda says reassuringly. "You get used to it. And the view's pretty good."
Once they return to the inn, the dwarven innkeeper gives Sebastian and his charges a wary look. "Sebastian pay for turnip stew," the priest says to the dwarf, opening his big hand to reveal some gold coins.
"Wer, yer came to der right prace," says the dwarf, snatching the coins and darting for the kitchen before anyone can order something different.
Sebastian deposits the halflings at an empty table in the sparsely inhabited common room and takes a seat himself. Some of the few people eating take notice at the priest's display of gold.
"Have you been in town long?" asks Scribble.
1/30/02 : Pressing Engagements
Oliver leans over to Moranda, speaking softly. "You seem to be able to get through to that big lug better than most. He shouldn't be flashing that much gold about. He paid for supper for an army and there's some not so friendly eyes looking at us now."
Moranda's brows rise slightly. "It is a shame such innocence is looked upon as an opportunity," she says quietly.
Sebastian wolfs down two large bowls of stew and looks disappointed when the proprietor avoids bring him a third bowl. "Sebastian friends be back soon," comments the priest as he sops up the last of the stew from his bowl with a hunk of bread. "Perhaps Scribble tells Sebastian friends about where Scribble from and why Scribble looking for brother?"
Scribble herself finishes her second bowl of stew. "My sister Dribble came this way to find him. My mother, Nibble, who is a high priestess of Sune in Peldan's Helm, thought I should also make this pilgrimage." She dabs at her mouth with her napkin. "How long have you been here?"
"Sebastian friends just arrive," responds Sebastian to Scribble's question.
"Ah," responds Scribble. "Do you have any pressing engagements?" she inquires.
1/30/02 : List
"Ah reckon so." says Laren, rolling up the map and counting out 75 gold coins. "What else ya'll got?"
The merchant lists all sorts items, like woodsman's axe and hatchet, cording mallet, dagger boots, body sleigh, brass cage, equipment frame and waterproof cover, field glass, fishing tackle, fowler's snare, hunting knives, bear traps, rabbit traps, leashes, provisions bag, rope ladder, folding saw, tree bed and cover, tree seat, animal whistles, and so forth.
2/5/02 : All That
"Ah'd be interested in that thar pack frame and waterproof cover. That provision bag and maybe a rabbit trap and fowler's snare or two. What can ya'll do me fer those?"
The merchant does some quick mental calculating and then replies, "All that and two of the fowler's snares for 20 gold."
2/5/02 : Hire You
Oliver just shrugs. "We ain't doing nothing 'cept looking for something to do. Things only get pressing when you get caught anyway." Leaving that cryptic thought hanging in the air, he hides his eyes behind a mug of ale. Something that has been a rather constant companion since Fionna's death.
"Sebastian not have pressing engagements," offers the priest, "Sebastian go where Sebastian friends go."
"What do you mean by pressing?" Moranda inquires, as she smells her turnip stew. "Not like they make back home..."
Scribble licks her lips. "I'd like to hire you to help me find Chubble."
2/6/02 : Tales
"Sounds like ah good deal and done," says Laren as he counts out 20 more coins. "Have ya'll been in this area long? Any good tales ya'll can spin?"
The merchant pockets the coins quickly before Laren can change his mind. Not that the equipment looks anything but in sturdy and usable condition. "Just here for the Festival," he says as a brightly clothed clown tumbles by. "Always have to be wary for thieves," he mutters.
"Well, there are always tales to tell, given the times," the merchant continues once he's sure nothing is missing from his cart. "I hear tell there's a giant's lair north of here... not quite to the Haunted Halls, mind you... that is reputed to be ladened with treasure." He scratches his chin, eyes far away. "Uh, and there's talk that some goblins raided a farm just south of here." His attention is immediately drawn to a warrior looking at an tanner's knife on his cart.
2/7/02 : Help
"Sebastian help," chimes in the priest. "But Sebastian stay with Sebastian friends. Scribble need convince Sebastian friends."
The young halfling turns to Moranda and Oliver, but before she can speak, a wrinkled man playing a tambour starts into a lively song at the end of the bar. This catches Sebastian's attention and the priest begins clapping with the beat and within minutes is dancing wildly near the singer. Scribble smiles and waits for the song to end.
When the song ends Sebastian applauds loudly and digs into his pouch to reward the player, but then remembers Oliver's warning. "How much appropriate money for singer," asks Sebastian handing his coin pouch to Oliver.
"You usually pay more if it is someone as good as me, otherwise a few coppers is fine." Moranda answers her large friend quickly.
Oliver doesn't reply, letting Moranda and Sebastian handle things for now. The idea of looking for a silly Halfling is not high on his list of things to do. He finally does nod at Sebastian's question about payment and Moranda's answer. "Yeah, Sebastian. Think in coppers and not in gold. Not much is worth a lot of gold, but plenty can be paid for in copper."
Sebastian nods and smiles between heavy breaths at Moranda's suggestion. Digging a couple of coppers out of his bag Sebastian tosses the coins to the player before returning to sit with the group.
"I need your help," pleads Scribble.
2/12/02 : Laren Returns
Sebastian noisily chugs down his ale, but otherwise remains quiet having already stated his opinion on the point of helping the halfling women.
Oliver leans forward and places the now empty mug on the edge of the table as a hint to the waitress. "Look. We can't speak for our friends and they're not here. You've waited this long so you can give us a day to talk things over with them."
"Where be Lauren and Mersenger friends?" asks Sebastian as night begins to fall.
"Looks like ya'll beat me back here," says Laren, approaching his friends. "Found me ah good deal on some stuff, includin' ah map!
"Howdy ma'm, name's Laren. Ah hail from tha Farsea Marshes, ya'll heard of em?" says the rustic pathfinder to the halfling priestess.
The halfling gives Laren a smile. "I'm Scribble Stubbs. I'm trying to hire you all."
2/20/02 : Will You Help Me?
"Really? What fer?" asks Laren, looking about at his companions for some clue.
"Scribble sent by mother Nibble to find brother Chubble after sister Dribble failed to find Chubble here in town," offers Sebastian. The priest smiles happily not truly understanding how ridiculous his last statement sounded.
"Yes, something like that," says the halfling. "Will you help me?"
2/26/02 : A Message From Merganser
"Well, ah can't see why not... but ah came into this late. What do ya'll think?" asks Laren, looking about at his companions.
There is much looking about by the comrades checking the temper of each, but before anyone can respond, a young girl enters the common room announcing, "I've a message for the friends of Merganser."
"Merganser Sebastian friend," calls out the big priest.
The girl, around ten one would guess, weaves her way through the crowd to where the comrades are seated. She curtsies. "I'm to tell you Merganser plans on staying with the Archmage Taliculus to further his studies of the wizardly arts. If he can, he will catch up with you at a later date, but you shouldn't wait for him as he does not know how long his studies will comsume him." She curtsies again and waits.
3/7/02 : Thank You
"Ah thank ya'll miss fer that message." says Laren, clueless why she would be waiting around.
Sebastian smiles at the young girl. "Tell Merganser friend that Sebastian friends be on job finding missing halfling," says the priest as he hands her a copper coin. "Sebastian friends leave word so Merganser can follow."
"Thank you, sir," says the girl with another curtsey. She leaves immediately, skipping her way out.
Scribble is near tears. "Thank you. Thank you," she says again and again. "Would you be ready to leave tomorrow?"
3/12/02 : Ride
"No time like the present," Moranda says, sliding off her chair. She moves over to the other halfling female, noting that they are roughly the same height. "Do you have ponies to ride? Or should I still use Sebastian?"
Moranda asks innocently.
"I..." starts Scribble, before looking up at the huge priest. She begins to giggle. "Do you think he has room for the two of us? I don't have a pony myself."
3/19/02 : The King's Forest
"I think he has enough room, it is pretty spacious up there. " Moranda responds and then follows with a whisper, "I don't really need to have a ride, I just like too!" She giggles.
"Sebastian have room for both," says the designated halfling mount with a grin.
"Speakin of which, ah wonder iff'n we ah'll shud'n buy some mounts wha'll we're in town. Make travelin' ah bit quicker I reckon. Ah spent ah bunch of ma coin on tha map and such, but ah could look around fer some good solid mounts. Maybe even ah pack pony ta shoulder most of tha load. How far do ya'll reckon we gotta go Scribble?" says Laren.
The halfling scrunches up her brows at the question. "I don't really know," she says helplessly.
"Why Sebastian friends leave now?" questions Sebastian. "Night comes and Sebastian friends already pay for rooms. Sebastian friends enjoy festival and leave in the morning."
"An don't think she means ta leave now, right Scribble?"
"Oh, no!" exclaims Scribble softly. "This is happening all so fast I don't know what we should do next." Her shoulders shake. "I wish I knew were Chubble was."
A slender man approaches the table, chainmail showing from under his forest green tunic. His dark wavy hair falls into his eyes. "I couldn't help overhearing you say the name Chubble. Would that be Chubble Stubbs, the acolyte of Lunch?" he asks with a grin.
"Yes!" exclaims Scribble, nearly knocking over Moranda when her arms fling upwards.
"I heard from a former associate of his that he was heading off towards the King's Forest in search of some sort of artifact," says the man.
3/25/02 : Kasdar's Story
"Moranda, who always loves a good story, cuts off Scribble's questions, "Please sir, tell us about your journey with Chubble and tell us more of this artifact." The stout halfling adjusts her tunic to expose herself slightly to the man as she looks up with intense concentration.
"Oh a story! Ranger man please tell Sebastian a story. Pleeeease!" pleads the large priest sounding even more childish than normal.
The man pulls up a seat. "Name is Kasdar, Phileppe Kasdar. A ranger of these sorts," he introduces himself. A waitress brings him a mug of beer.
Moranda points out each of her companions and gives their names. "Well met," Kasdar says, nodding to each. "I was patrolling the area just outside the city when I came upon the oddest sight. There was this hafling in a wagon which had a sign reading: Traveling Chapel of Lunch. He was speaking to about a half dozen others who were on horses. They were obviously parting company."
He takes another sip of his beer. "I edged closer to find out what was going on. There was a wizard, a barbarian, a Shou Lung monk, a paladin of Tyr, and swashbuckler. They were returning to someplace called Peldan's Helm..."
"That's my home!" exclaims Scribble.
"Ah, yes, well seems the halfling, whom the others called Chubble, had other plans. He was going into the King's forest in search of some artifact he called the Tablecloth of Lunch to go with his Basket of Lunch." The ranger shrugs, shaking his head, then takes another sip of his beer. "The wizard told him to be careful, and that they would come looking for him once they were done with their business at Peldan's Helm."
Scribble, who has been growing even more excited as the tale is being told, says, "Wait, I never saw them on the road here. They left when?"
"Oh, about four days ago. In the morning," replies Kasdar.
"I would have seen them between here and Tilverton," says Scribble unhappily. "The companions of Chubble were Edgar, Daramus, Makado, Cedric and Katsulas. I can't imagine missing them."
"I can't imagine missing that group, either," replies the ranger. "I only saw them part company. The group headed northeast and the halfing in the wagon headed towards the Forest."
3/28/02 :If You'll Have Me
"Could ya'll show me where on this map?" says Laren, pulling out his new map. The ranger points to the large forest that dominates the eastern end of the country, nestled in the crook of the Storm Horn mountain range. Eveningstar is just north of the forest.
"Chubble in cart. Carts slow and not hard to follow for ranger friends," comments Sebastian as he glances toward Laren. "Sebastian friends not have problem finding Chubble." The big priest finishes his second ale.
Scribble smiles at Sebastian's assertion they would be able to find her brother. "Would you be able to go with us?" she asks Kasdar.
"I suppose I could," the ranger says, glancing at each of the party members. "If you all will have me."
4/5/02 : One Joins, One Leaves
"I'd love fer ya'll to join us. Ya'll know the area better than ah do," says Laren.
"If you know where you are going, we will be better off going with you!" Moranda says with a giggle.
The ranger smiles. "Okay. Guess that's settled." There is some more discussion and then everyone heads off to bed.
The next morning finds everyone gathering for breakfast before they head off in search of Chubble Stubbs. Scribble is pretty excited and only able to have seconds. Laren notices that Oliver is being quiet even for Oliver. He asks the thief what's on his mind.
"I've given this a lot of thought," says Oliver slowly, not making eye contact, focused on the knife scratch in the table. "I'm just too city-bred to go traipsing through the forest looking for a halfling." When he looks up, his eyes are red. "I think I'm going to try to catch up to that circus."
4/25/02 : You All Ready?
"Oliver friend leaving?" questions Sebastian with a sad face.
"I am, Sebastian," replies the thief.
"Sebastian miss Oliver friend," continues the priest as he engulfs the small man in his arms.
"Watch the ribs, okay," Oliver grunts with a smile.
"Wha'll, its been fun travelin' with ya'll Oliver. Hope ya'll catch that circus and have fun. If'n yall ever in the Farsea Marshes, stop by ma folks house and tell em I'm all right, eh?" says Laren, clasping the rogue's hand, once Sebastian has released him.
"Oliver, there is no more excitement at a circus than you will find in the real world... A circus it too predictable!" Moranda adds strongly.
Oliver smirks, then gives the group a salute. "Maybe Tymora will bring our paths together again," he says before riding to catch up with the circus.
Scribble scans the faces of her new comrades. "You all ready?" she asks. Kasdar shifts on his horse awaiting the response.
4/30/02 : Manticore and Unicorn
"Ah guess so," says Laren, looking back at Oliver as if expecting a last minute change of mind.
Moranda dumbfoundedly watches Oliver as he walks away, as if not believing it. Then, in a blink of an eye, she twirls about with a smile on her face, "Let's go find your brother!"
"Sebastian ready, " says the priest as he lifts Moranda onto his shoulder. "Scribble ride too?"
The halfling smiles up to the big priest. "I have a pony. If you get tired, Moranda can ride on it, too, if she wishes."
Kasdar takes the reins in his left hand. "Let's have off," he says, leading the party out of the city. The ranger takes the lead with Laren. Sebastian and Moranda follow alongside Scribble's pony. "If he stayed to the main roads," says Kasdar conversationally, "it shouldn't be too difficult to find him."
"What if he didn't?" asks Scribble worriedly.
Kasdar gives a mild shrug. "You've got two expert trackers here, Scribble," he says, nodding towards Laren. "I'm confident we'll find him.
The balance of the day is spent traveling towards the forest at a pace easy enough for Sebastian to keep up. Evening brings the party to an Inn located next to the road into the King's Forest. "The Manticore and Unicorn Inn," says Kasdar. "Usually a safe place to sleep since Purple Dragons frequent it. If we want to sleep there, we'd best keep on guard just in case." As the moon rises to the right, the clouds look thick and threatening.
5/7/02 : Stew In The Pot
Sebastian smiles cheerfully, obviously unconcerned about where the group spends the night.
"We'd better hurry regardless...there is one thing I don't like about traveling...and that is rain!" Moranda says emphatically.
"Ah'd agree. Nothing like a cool refreshing rain, but sleepin' in it ain't my idea of fun." says Laren.
"I would rather sleep in a bed than on the ground," says Scribble sheepishly.
Kasdar smiles. "Then the Manticore it is," he says, spurring his horse forward.
As they approach, a boy around fifteen approaches to take their mounts. He has hay sticking out of various places in his homespun clothing. "Welcome," he says, stifling a yawn. "Mancy's still got stew in the pot," he provides as he waits for the riders to dismount.
5/16/02 : Mancy
"Stew!" Moranda says happily.
"Sebastian hungry," announces the priest as he takes off toward the inn.
"Thank ya'll son. Take good care of em, eh?" says Laren, handing over his reins. With that, he shoulders his saddlebags and gear and follows Sebastian into the inn.
Kasdar produces a couple of silvers and hands them off to the youth. He then indicates Scribble should follow the others into the inn.
The Manticore and Unicorn Inn is like most accommodations throughout Cormyr. Clean, small and crowded. As Kasdar mentioned, several people obviously with the Purple Dragons are seated throughout the dining area. The decor is that of a hunting lodge, antlers and heads mounted on plaques hanging from the walls. Two fireplaces burn with a cinnamon scented fire and warm up the cozy room. An older woman, lean and tall, approaches the group. "Welcome to the 'Corn," she says, pointing to pegs on the wall they can hang their cloaks on. She presses a gray-black lock of hair behind her ear. "Stopping for a bite or a room?"
"A room, Mancy," Kasdar says. He introduces his companions. "And a meal."
The woman smiles as she recognizes the ranger. "Hunting again, Kas?" she asks as she leads the group towards an empty table. A man, who if obviously her son, appears and sets plates and mugs on the table, then disappears into the kitchen.
5/21/02 : On The Trail of Chubble Stubbs
"Of a sort, Mancy," Kasdar says with a tone that indicates he doesn't want to elaborate.
The experienced innkeeper knows enough not to press it. "Say," she says as her son ladles out the stew, "did you hear that Azoun may open up the forest for manticore hunting."
"That nasty things in forest?" asks Sebastian as he finishes off his first bowl of stew before everyone is served. "Would Chubble brother be in danger?"
"Chubble brother?" asks the innkeeper.
"My brother," says Scribble. "Chubble Stubbs."
A look of understanding appears upon Mancy's face. "The Acolyte of Lunch?" she asks, bemused.
"Yes!" says Scribble excitedly.
"Was he here?" asks Kasdar, leaning forward, his stew forgotten.
"More please," pleads the large priest holding out his plate to Mancy's son. The youth smiles and ladles some more into the priest's bowl.
"You have an appetite," comments Mancy. "Just like that Stubbs fellow... when he wasn't proselytizing. Yeah, he was here about..." she pauses the count,"...two tendays ago."
Kasdar leans back pleased. "The trail's still warm then."
"Moranda friend tell story for crowd?" questions Sebastian with an expectant face. Mancy takes this as her cue to depart. Her son follows.
"Go ah-head and spin us ah yarn." says Laren, adding his encouragement.
"I haven't finished my stew yet," says Moranda with a theatrical whine. "Unlike others," she adds pointedly to Sebastian. The big priest looks at his now empty bowl and smiles.
Laren turns to Kas and asks, "Perhaps these folks know somthin' about Chubble's brother. Ya'll reckon ya'll could ask ah-round ah bit?"
"Hmmmm?" says the ranger, lost in thought. "Oh, yeah. I mean to. Mancy would have offered more if she knew anything. Maybe some of the locals know something."
Laren offers to mingle and see if he come up with something on the missing halfling or anything happening in the area. Kasdar agrees two might find out more than just one.
5/24/02 : Jeb Bovine
"When I finish, I will go too!" Moranda says excitedly. "It is very good though and I may want another half bowl first." The halfling grins and then dives back into her bowl.
Kasdar leaves the table to go make his own inquiries.
Laren slides off his chair and heads for the bar. He buys a pitcher of beer and then surveys the room. Seeing a likely candidate, he heads for the table taking a seat. "Mind if'n ah sit here?" he asks. "Ah have beer."
The other person sitting at the table has the weathered look of a farmer or rancher. He looks up from his meal, a bowl of stew, and nods. "Suit yerself." He slides his cup towards the pathfinder. "Name's Jeb. Jeb Bovine."
5/29/02 : Direct Approach
Sebastian watches confused as the group slowly makes their way around the room asking about Chubble.
Moranda finishes her stew and begins to scope out the room, staying near her comrade to listen to the conversation.
Pouring Jeb a fresh one, Laren tops off his own and leans back. "Name's Laren. Ah hail from tha Farsea Marshes. Ever herd of em?"
"Yup," says Jeb before taking a draw from his newly filled cup. "Other side of the Horns."
"So, ma friends and ah are lookin fer this Chubble fella. Halfling, says he's the priest of Lunch er somthin like that. See em or herd of em?"
Before Jeb can answer, Sebastian sudden climbs precariously onto the table. "Excuse Sebastian friend!" shouts the priest over the noise of the crowd. "Listen please! Sebastian looking for information on Chubble Stubbs friend. Any people here able to help Sebastian?" The big priest smiles as he climbs down off the table to stand next to Scribble, who looks a kendashar caught in a bullseye lantern beam.
"Loud fella, ain't he?" comments Jeb. Most of the patrons shake their heads at the mention of Chubble Stubbs, though a handful raise their hands.
6/11/02 : Are You A Seer?
"Splendid! We are so pleased that people have met him!" Moranda jumps up and down. "Anyone who knows where he might have gone should come over here and I will give you a free palm reading!"
Sebastian gnaws on an apple as he stands near Moranda watching the show.
Jeb looks at Laren with a pained expression. "Perhaps we should take a little walk," he suggests.
Moranda slides a table and chair over and sits down waiting for the line to form. Two patrons move to her table, a man and a woman, the latter looking like a warrior by the chainmail and sword.
"I, uh," starts the man, his voice and manners nervous.
"Step aside, peasant," says the warrior woman, shouldering past the man. "You, halfling," she shouts, pointing at Moranda. "Are you a seer?"
6/15/02 : Talking
"Yup," says Laren to Jeb rising to go outside. Seeing the commotion, he stops, watching the warrior to see if touble will start.
Sebastian frowns disapprovingly at the warrior maiden's rude behavior. "Sebastian father peasant man. Sebastian not talk with rude woman." Moving toward an open table the priest motions to the man, "Come talk with Sebastian about Scribble brother."
"Is there something I can help you with?" Moranda asks with an obvious desire to please.
The warrior woman reaches into her pouch and plops down a gold lion. �Tell me if my sister is safe,� she demands.
�Amazons,� mutters Jeb as he leads Laren outside.
Scribble joins Sebastion to talk to the farmer.
6/18/02 : I Met Him
"They all like that?" asks Laren as he follows.
"They who?" asks Jeb. "The warrior woman?" He shrugs as he answers his own question.
"So, you know this Chubble fella?" asks Laren once outside.
"I met him," says Jeb as he lights up a pipe. The smoke hangs in the still air. "He was preachin' about being the Servant of Lunch... I thought he meant he was offering free meals," he says with a dry chuckle.
6/18/02 : Haskella
"Ah... another missing person. What is your sister's
name?" Moranda asks dripping with concern and sincerity.
"Haskella," replies the amazon.
7/2/02 : The King's Forest
"Moranda friend help you now," comments Sebastian as he indicates to the farmer to take the seat across from Moranda.
"Next?" Moranda asks. "Who can tell us about Chubble and where he may have gone. A free palm reading to those who can tell us any information."
"Well, I don't really need a readin'," stammers the farmer, keeping his hands to himself. "I spoke to Chubble Stubbs, I did. He was wantin' to contract for my turnips for his church."
"That sounds like Chubble," says Scribble excitedly.
"Where did he go?" asks Moranda patiently.
"Uh, he said he had some sort of Quest for some sort of artifact of lunch," replies the farmer with disbelief. "Whoever heard of such a thing?" He shrugs. "He went into the King's Forest.
7/3/02 : Gods
"Ah take it ya'll don't believe in it? Never herd of it ma'self," says Laren. "He meet with anyone else here?"
Jeb shakes his head and then nods to the rapid fire questions. "Nope. Some acolyte nonsense. The gods are the gods. We all know them..." he pauses, remembering there have been new gods coming into power the last few years.
"Chubble talked with anyone who listened. I'd be surprised if there was anyone in town who didn't hear from him." He taps out his pipe.
7/11/02 : Not Too Far
"Farmer friend not fear Moranda friend," comments the priest as he stands up across from the man. Shaking the man's hand the priest adds, "Ilmater take your fear. I be Sebastian. What be farmer friend's name?"
The approach of the big priest is sure to give cause for concern to any normal person and the farmer was no exception. "Uh..." he says as Sebastian takes his hand. "Jacob."
"Jacob," says Moranda, drawing the farmer's attention away from Sebastian, "where in the King's Forest did Chubble go?"
"Uh, I dunno," says Jacob with a futile shrug. "It didn't sound like he was going far."
7/11/02 : Follower?
"Hmmm, anyone in particular that seemed interested?" asks Laren.
Jeb ponders the question as he watches a small group of the town watch walk by. "Now that you mention it, there was this one woman who seemed really interested in what he had to say. I thought she was some sort of follower... but now I'm not so sure."
7/17/02 : Good Luck
"Seen her since then?" asks the ranger.
Jeb thinks about it. "No, can't say that I have. But I never saw her before, either."
"Anyone know who she is?"
"Not that I know of."
"What did she look like?" queries Laren.
"Uh, tallish for a woman. Long, black hair. Pinched nose." Jeb stifles a yawn. "Time to turn in. G'luck finding yer friend Chubble."
7/17/02 : Up And Left
"Moranda friend see good thing in Jacob's future?" asks Sebastian as the priest orders a round of drinks. Sebastian sits quietly with Scribble as Moranda questions those willing to share their information about Chubble.
"How long ago was this?" Moranda asks.
The farmer scratches his head again. This seems to be a habit. "Uh, about a month, I think. Yeah. About a month." He takes a sip of the drink handed to him by Sebastian. "Up and left. Just like that."
7/19/02 : Information
"A month?!?!" Moranda looks to her fellows, "I guess we had better get going then!"
"Sebastian friends leave now?" questions the priest, "Sebastian find Laren?"
"Thanks Jeb," says Laren as he reenters the inn. "Ya'll take care." The pathfinder makes his way to his friends' table.
7/29/02 : Whereabouts of Chubble Stubbs
"That guy saw Chubble a while back. Said he was lookin' fer some artifact. Said some lady was interested in what he had to say. Tallish woman with long black hair and a pinched nose. Course, this was three months back or so. Said he headed into the King's Forest." explains Laren, taking a seat. "Ya'll learn much?"
Sebastian sits quietly as Laren and Moranda share information. "Sebastian friends now know where and when Chubble went. Sebastian friends go now or tomorrow?"
"Yes, tomorrow," says Scribble excitedly.
Kasdar returns to the table. "Yes, tomorrow for sure," he says grimly. "Seems more than you have an interest in the whereabouts of Chubble Stubbs."
8/1/02 : Big Family
Laren cocks his head, waiting for Kasdar to explain.
"What do you mean?" Moranda looks to the other halfling, "Does he have more relatives than you?"
Scribble looks surprised at the question. "The Stubbs make up a tenth of the population of Peldan's Helm," she replies proudly. "Mama Nibble is quite prolific."
Moranda raises a brow at this statement. "Halflings aren't known for large families," she says matter-of-factly.
Scribble grins. "I know. I have six sisters and six brothers. Sheelia Periroyl knows how many cousins."
Kasdar grunts. "Your mother must be a very devout follower of the Watchful Mother."
"Actually, she's a high priestess of Sune Firehair," says the halfling.
Laren nudges Kasdar. "What did ya mean more than us have interest in Chubble?"
"Seems a couple of people were seen leaving shortly after he left town," says Kasdar. "In the same direction. At night."
8/5/02 : Caution Ahead
"We shouldn't wait, I tell you... Let's go!" says Moranda emphatically.
"This was months ago, remember," says Laren calmly. "Racing out into the night to chase a month old trail makes little sense," adds the pathfinder. "Don't fret, we'll take up the chase in the morn."
"If it was months ago, then all the more reason to leave right away. We have many days to catch up on!" Moranda explains.
"But roaming around in the darkness won't help much. We all need our rest and we shouldn't pass up on ah comfortable night under a roof," points out Laren, hoping to dissuade the persistent halfling.
"Huhhh...all right. But we must get in a long day of travel tomorrow," relents Moranda
Sebastian watches the exchange quietly not having anything to add.
Scribble agrees the need to wait until tomorrow.
The morning finds both halflings already awake and finished with breakfast. "We're ready," announce the women in unison. Laren and Sebastian take a quick meal. Kasdar is no where to be found.
Laren checks the ranger's room and returns clutching a note. "He went on ahead. We're ta follow."
Sebastian offers his services as the halfings' mule and shoulders both small women. Laren mounts his horse and the head out of the city. The King's Forest is the largest woods in Cormyr and has several settlements, including an elven city in the trees, much like Silverymoon in the North. As they approach the forest there are guards, some of the famous Purple Dragons, standing on the road. "We're to give you warning that manticores have been seen in the forest," announces the captain. "Ill-prepared passers-though are advised not to enter."
8/8/02 : Very Bad. Get Hurt.
"We don't really have a choice do we?" asks Moranda
"Ah thank ya'll fer the warning. Seen anyone else pass this way? asks Laren, briefly describing Kasdar.
"Yeah, Kas went through earlier today," replies one of the guards. "You must be the group he told us about."
"What be manticore?" questions Sebastian. "Any way for Sebastian friend to avoid and still enter forest?"
The captain gives the big priest with the two halflings on his shoulders a curious look. "Manticore big monster with wings and pointy tail," he says as though he were speaking to a child. "Very bad. Get hurt." Some of the guards snicker.
8/29/02 : Into The King's Forest
"Excuse me big dumb guard... Could you please wipe off your smirk long enough to give this brave and courageous man your respect. He has more class in his pinky than you do and has certainly shown more bravery," Moranda scolds. "Let's go...Manticores may scare them, but not me or my powerful friends," harrumphs the halfling.
Sebastian smiles and then obediently follows Moranda's command. "Thank you for information," comments the priest as the trio of halflings and their mount pass the startled guard.
Laren's face goes cold as they turn to leave. "Mah friend talks a bit slow but he's not. Ah expected better from the King's Men." Turning back to his friends he smiles. "Come, our time with these gentlemen has come to an end."
One of the guards smirks. "They told you, Rolf."
"Shut up, Darien," snaps the captain. "I'm sorry," he calls to the group as they enter the forest. "Please do be careful."
Once the home of elves and others, the King's Forest is now completely inhabited by humans and game. Oak, maple, and rowan are the primary trees here. There is little undergrowth, and the age of the forest creates high canopies and beautiful settings. A network of roads passes through the forest, connecting many small towns and farms. The forest is so densely inhabited because there are no natural threats. The largest animals there are bears, and there are no intelligent monsters. The area is full of game and quite popular with poachers. However, the crown frowns heavily on this activity. All hunting is forbidden, and penalties usually include forced labor.
"Why would Chubble want to come into here?" asks Scribble timidly.
"It must have been important to him," replies Moranda as she ducks a low hanging branch.
"Maybe," says Kasdar coming into Laren's light. He turns his horse around to keep pace with the others. "I've not seen a sign of your missing halfling," he reports.
9/3/02 : Dhedluk
"No trace at all?" Moranda asks. Sribble shifts to lean forward to hear what the ranger has to say.
"Nothing," replies Kasdar evenly.
"It has been months, Moranda," offers Laren, shifting the reins to his left hand. "We're rangers, but we're still human. We'll have to pick up the trail where someone might have seen em. What's the nearest settlement Kasdar?"
Kasdar answers, "Dhedluk... a town of about 100 buildings surrounded by a wooden stockade with a single gate."
"Sebastian ask plants and animals tomorrow if Chubble come here," comments the priest in response to the ranger's report. "Sebastian ask Ilmater for direction."
"That's a good idea," says Kasdar. "If we don't find out anything, we can head for Dhedluk and talk to Thiombur."
"Thiombur?" inquires Scribble.
Kasdar smiles. "I keep forgetting you aren't from around here. Dhedluk is run by Thiombur, a retired adventurer who also runs an inn called the Blushing Maiden."
9/16/02 : What The Plants Know
"Chubble go where people be," comments Sebastian. "Chubble probably go to this Dhedluk town, but Sebastian ask tomorrow. What do Sebastian friends do until then?"
"Okay then, we will wait to see what Illmater tells Sebastian and then head to town," Moranda confirms.
"Agreed," says Laren, turning his attention on finding a suitable campsite for the evening, preferably someplace safe from an airborne threat like a manticore.
In the morning Sebastian spends awhile in meditation before rising and heading to the forest edge. The priest spends the next hour or so chatting with the trees and animals from the area trying to find information about Chubble.
He returns smiling. "Chubble was here. Chubble go to Dhedluk town. Chubble not hurt flowers or deer."
"That sounds like Chubble," says Scribble happily.
"How long ago did he come through?" asks Kasdar.
"Moon not change," says the priest.
"Good," says the ranger as he mounts his horse. "A lead less than thirty days is encouraging. On to Dhedluk."
"Was he followed? asks Moranda as Sebastian lifts her onto his shoulder.
"Plants not know," replies the priest simply.
They heads deeper into the woods, ever wary of the manticore they were warned about. Of course, it is the event you weren�t expecting that always happens. Kasdar�s horse suddenly cries out, pitching the ranger off. A bolt protrudes from its neck. "Hands up!" calls a deep voice from the trees.
9/21/02 : Where Are The Bandits?
"If you put yours up first!" Moranda yells back looking about innocently for the source of the voice.
Sebastian raises his hands as best he can without dislodging his Halfling riders or dropping his staff.
Kasdar rolls and is on his feet with his swords drawn. �I don�t see anyone,� he whispers.
�Me neither,� says Laren as he dismounts from his horse slowly.
"Bad man hurt horsey. Bad man threaten Sebastian friends. Sebastian command bad man 'Surrender' now!" Sebastian's magic enhanced voice echoes off the trees as the priest quickly lowers his charges to the ground.
Before Sebastian can get off his spell he is hit in the shoulder, right between Moranda�s legs, by a bolt. �No spells!� calls out the voice. �Drop your weapons and we won�t kill you. We outnumber you three to one at least.�
9/27/02 : Gold. Jewelry. Magic
"Ah right," says Laren. "Ya'll made yer point. No need gettin' hostile" he adds, unbuckling his weaponbelt and letting it slip to the ground.
Sebastian follows Laren's example and lets his staff drop to the ground. Gently lowering his charges to the ground, the priest stands protectively between them and the voice from the forest.
Reaching to his shoulder Sebastian yanks the bolt free and holds the wound to stop the bleeding. �Here, let me help you with that,� says Scribble as she opens her healing kit.
�What do you want?� asks Kasdar as he reluctantly drops his swords.
There is a long pause. �Gold. Jewelry. Magic.� A bag falls to Kasdar�s feet. �Put it all in there.�
9/27/02 : Gold. Jewelry. Magic
Moranda begins to laugh; she rolls on the ground as she continues to laugh, almost uncontrollably. From her position on the ground she looks up and then gets to a knee, "Forgive me but that is a very funny request. You could be one man with a very good crossbow shot and we have killed more than one band of thieves."
"Ah think yer greatly mistaken sir.... Ma friends and I have very little of what ya'll ask fer." says Laren.
Sebastian gets a confused look on his face. "Hidden man want magic, but hidden man shoot Sebastian when cast spell. Sebastian not have any other magics."
Four bolts strike the ground around Sebastian�s feet. �I�ve plenty more where that came from,� says the voice impatiently. �The Ilmater may like being shot, so the Halflings will be the targets if you don�t start fillin� that bag.�
Kasdar looks at his companions. �I don�t think we have a choice.�
10/14/02 : Keep The Horses
"Nor do I." says Laren, digging in for his gold pouch. "Either he's the fastest reloaded in Cormyr or there's at least four of em, eh?"
Sebastian stands even more protectively over the halfling women as he dumps his remaining coins on the ground near the bag.
"Good. Good," comes the voice as everyone empties his or her purses and pockets. "Now step away. I�m not totally without compassion. You can keep the horses."
10/24/02 : Jumping Halfling
Moranda watches everyone else empty his or her pockets and says, "Hey, have you ever heard the story of the evil robber? It goes like this: Why do you seek, what you can't keep, my friends will thump, while I just jump." The little halfling leaps away into the forest away from where the bolts came from.
Laren stands shocked as the halfling leaps away. Seconds later, he dives for cover, unsure as to the bandit's response.
The response comes as a laugh. �Clever, little one,� says the unseen bandit. �You amuse me.�
Kasdar snarls. �She�s gonna get us killed.�
More laughter joins the first. �Now,� says the bandit, all traces of humor gone from his voice,� take your horses and leave.�
10/30/02 : Only Kasdar
Sebastian quickly picks Scribble up and follows Moranda into the woods. One bolt just misses the startled halfling as she is scooped up. Another lodges high in a tree as its shooter is hit with an arrow from Laren.
Now everyone is in the cover of the trees and thick underbrush except for Kasdar, who just holds his hands up high, cursing quietly to himself.
�Stop or Kasdar becomes a porcupine,� commands the bandit leader. �Come out into the clearing.�
11/6/02 : Stalemate
Using ventriloquism, Moranda projects her voice into the clearing, "You asked everyone to take the horses and leave, that is what we are doing, now you want to shoot us?"
�I�m growing tired of this,� says the bandit. A bolt imbeds itself at Kasdar�s feet. �Show yourselves.�
"How bandit man know Kasdar's name?" questions Sebastian from the cover of the trees. "Sebastian friends not say Kasdar's name."
Laren wonders the same thing, silently moving positions while keeping the bandits in sight.
There is a long silence.
Kasdar stands there, hands up in the air, looking down at the bolt in the ground and up at the trees. �I don�t want any trouble,� he says loudly. �I�m taking my horse and leaving. You can keep the gold.� He starts edging towards his horse.
�No one leaves until I see you all in the light,� says the bandit. Kasdar grabs his knee as he is shot by an unseen crossbow.
11/13/02 : The Tide Turns
"Kasdar! Get the hell out of there!" yells Laren as he rushes the bandits, swinging his sword. He catches his target flat footed and stabs him deep in the belly.
"Scribble friend hide in woods!" orders Sebastian as he sets the halfling women into the deep foliage. "Sebastian help Laren." The priest chants a quick blessing as he charges through the woods after Laren.
Scribble runs deeper in the woods, just missed by a bolt. Moranda is hesitant and takes a bolt in the right shoulder.
Laren kicks the wounded bandit away and hacks at the bandit beyond him as he�s trying to reload. The bandit drops his crossbow with a curse.
Kasdar pulls the bolt from his knee and flings it away. He then draws his swords and heads into the woods. He bowls over a bandit frantically reloading. A quick thrust of the ranger�s sword silences the bandit.
Sebastian grabs the bandit sneaking up behind Laren and throws him into a tree, knocking the man unconscious. �No hurt Laren friend!�
The sound of hoof beats from multiple horses can be heard as it is apparent some, if not all of the rest, of the bandits are fleeing.
11/15/02 : Reward
Moranda leaps high into the air with her last jump as the spell expires. She attempts to see the direction and number of the fleeing bandits, as well as any remaining members of the clan that may have planned to stick around. Only the two bandits fighting Laren and Sebastian remain.
Laren leaps away from the bandit who dropped the crossbow as the bandit draws a sword. There is a flash of swordplay and the bandit is down, dead. Crouching low over the downed bandits, Laren scans the area to see if he can spot any more hidden in the underbrush.
Sebastian grabs the remaining wounded bandit and thumps him on the top of the head with his fist. The bandit crumples soundlessly. The big priest helps Kasdar clean and bind his wound. Collecting the halfling women, Sebastian casts a quick spell as he pulls the arrow from Moranda's shoulder.
�Looks like they left without their reward,� mutters Kasdar as he goes to collect his things.
12/3/02 : Go Back?
Making sure the bandit is dead, Laren quickly rifles through his possessions, checking for clues to identity or place of origin. As would be expected, there is little on the man other than his sword and quiver.
Sebastian finishes his medic duties on everyone else and promptly forgets about the wound in his own leg.
Moranda wanders the perimeter looking for anything the bandits may have dropped in their hasty retreat. There is nothing but hastily cast off crossbows and bolts.
Sebastian fills his pockets with the coins he dropped on the ground before he picks up the halfling women and resumes his position behind Laren's mount.
�We need to be careful,� warns Kasdar. �I expect they are going to get reinforcements.� He sighs. �Perhaps we should consider going back.�
12/9/02 : Keep Up?
"Sebastian not want go back!" comments the priest looking up at his charges, "Sebastian want help Scribble. Ranger men hide path so thieves not find Sebastian friends again?"
"Is there another path? Eventually we will need to pass this way if there is not," says Laren, taking stock in the other's condition and estimating can they continue as is. "We can always track these bandits down, unless you know them...� he says with a questioning look at Kasdar.
�I know of them, as they apparently know me,� says Kasdar evenly. �When you work within these woods, you build a reputation.�
The ranger looks to the big priest. �Hopefully, they will take awhile to regroup. We need to move quickly, if you are committed to continuing. Need to put as much space between us and here as possible.� Kasdar gives Sebastian an appraising look. �You think you can keep up?�
12/14/02 : Further into the Forest
Moranda looks to Scribble, "In the interest of time and saving Sebastian, I will walk. Take it easy on him though would you." The halfling giggles.
"Hold on horse please" asks Sebastian as he hands his sack to Laren. Grasping the halfling women's legs the priest replies to Kasdar, "Sebastian keep up"
"He can keep up,� says Laren. �Ya'll lead Kasdar, ah'll try and cover aur trail and catch up with ya'll." The pathfinder looks around. "Now get."
�Very well,� says the dubious ranger. �Let�s go.�
They continue down the path with some sense of urgency, watching every shadow for ambush. For hours they ride unaccosted until Kasdar calls a halt. �The horses, and our sturdy friend Sebastian, need a rest.�
�Sebastian no need rest,� replies the big priest.
�Your passengers are asleep,� states Kasdar as he dismounts. �You need sleep. _I_ need sleep.� He walks his mount a little off the path to a small pool, encouraging it to drink. The others follow.
�You know, I had nothing to do with that ambush,� he says, sensing continued suspicion.
12/18/02 : Kasdar's Story
"Forgive us for being overly suspicious,� says Laren as he brushes down his mount. �Ya'll must understand we've had insiders among us before and it resulted in the death of some of our companions. Tell us what ya'll know about them thar bandits and we'll try and keep an open mind." says Laren.
Kasdar nods, stroking his chin. �I suppose it would look suspicious.� He removes his saddle from his mount. �I only know of the bandits. They have been evading the Purple Dragons for several years. Some rumors say they are lead by a descendant of the Lost King.� He shrugs. �I really doubt it.�
"Tell us about yourself then." Moranda suggests. "It will ease our minds, and keep us occupied on our journey."
"Story! Sebastian like story" says the priest with excitement.
Kasdar sets his saddle down, then retrieves his saddle blanket, tossing it atop the saddle. He begins brushing down his horse. �Not much to tell, really. My father was a guard for Aribel. My mother, a laundry woman. Her father was a Ranger, so I saw little of him. But his tales were enticing, fighting monsters and helping travelers in the forest. I knew early that is what I wanted to do.�
1/19/03 : Sebastian Demands A Story
"How is it that they know of you?" Moranda asks.
Sebastian interrupts, frowning. "That not good story. Moranda tell good story. Moranda tell story now?"
1/28/03 : Known
"I think it could be a good story. Let's hear the answer, and I will make it into a good story!" Moranda responds.
Sebastian sits impatiently waiting for the story. The large man scratches at the scar on his neck as he watches the woods for signs of trouble.
Kasdar shifts his weight. �I think they know of me because I am well known in these parts.� He glances over to Laren, who has been quiet this whole time. �You�re a ranger. Aren�t you known in your neck of the woods?�
2/2/03 : Believing Kasdar
"Yah, folks know me cause of mah Pa. He's the best tracker and swamp guide in the Farsea Marshes. Folks from all 'round us'd ta want him ta guide them deep inta tha Marsh... looking fer some lost city or some such. Ah went with em a few times when ah was young. Guess ya'll can�t help but gettin' known in yer homeland, eh?" says Laren, finally understanding and believing Kasdar.
Sebastian sighs in disappointment and then curls up next to the fire with his blanket. In minutes the familar sound of the priest's snoring fills the camp.
�I think we should follow our friend�s example there,� says Kasdar quietly. �Help us get an early start. I�ll take first watch.�
The next morning finds Laren waking everyone and informing him or her he heard something in the woods. The fog makes seeing more than twenty feet difficult.
2/7/03 : Mystery in the Mist
Moranda looks about and nods to Laren as she collects her things quickly. She walks to the nearest tree and begins to scale it rapidly.
Sebastian nervously scans the fog looking for trouble before beginning his morning prayers.
"Ah don't know what it is, but it sounded like several of them. P'haps we should get a'move on. Them bandits might still be around," says Laren.
�More than likely,� says Kasdar as he collects his weapons.
A crack of a fallen branch being stepped on echoes in the fog, causing everyone to look everywhere to determine where the sound originated. Another crack echoes. Then a voice lifts into the air in song. �You deserve a break today, so get up and get away. To Luuuunch!� From the fog comes a halfling man being a marked resemblance to Scribble. He is dressed in white, with a white apron bearing a symbol of a plate with a fork and knife crossed. On his head it a tall puffy hat with the same symbol.
�Chubble!� calls out Scribble as she launches herself at her lost brother.
2/15/03 : Hi. I'm Chubble Stubbs
"Hmmm, looks like he found us ratha than tha otha way a'round." drawls Laren, smiling at the reunion.
Sebastian smiles widely and then returns to his prayers.
Moranda watches the halfling carefully from her new vantage point.
�Chubble, you have had us worried!� Scribble admonishes as she hugs her brother. �Mother hardly allowed a man into her sanctuary.�
The male halfling chuckles drolly. �Poor, unfortunate souls.� He looks a those in attendance, not appearing to notice Moranda�s spot. �Hi. I�m Chubble Stubbs, the Avatar of Lunch,� he greets.
2/20/03 : More On Chubble
Moranda remains in her position and watches.
"Wh'all, ah am Laren. Ah hail from tha Farsea Marshes. E'vr been thar?" says Laren.
The peculiar halfling shoots Laren a wave and nods. �Passed through there on my way from the Sword Coast. Smelly place with lots of dragons,� he replies. Laren nods knowingly.
Sebastian finishes his prayers and then joins the pair of halflings. "Sebastian glad meet Chubble Stubbs!" says the priest as he reaches down to shake Chubble's hand.
Chubble bounces around as the big man shakes his hand enthusiastically. �Whoa, fella, let an Avatar keep his arm, okay.� When Sebastian releases Chubble�s hand, the halfling smiles at him. �You�re a big one. You�re mother must have stopped having children after you.�
�I hate to interrupt,� says Kasdar with some concern. �There are dangerous elements here. Let us return to the cit��
�No!� cuts off Chubble excitedly.
3/4/03 : Lunchbasket
Moranda watches Chubble closely from her position. Carefully surveying his reactions and trying to sense his motives.
"What�s a'matter?" asks Laren.
Chubble grabs Scribble�s hand. �I have found it!� he says, still excited. �Well, not found it. But found where it is hidden.�
�Found what?� asks Scribble, confused.
�It! IT! The fabled Lunchbasket!� exclaims the halfling. He releases Scribble�s hand and does a little jig.
Kasdar shakes his head and starts back towards his horse. �I�ve done my job. You�ve found him,� he says, clearly intending to leave.
3/17/03 : Lets Go
Moranda raises her eyebrows in interest, but continues to watch quietly.
"Thank ya'll Kas. Sorry ta have gotten ya'll in trouble with them bandits. Hey, maybe when this is all over we can team up and take them bad boys out. Gotta be a bounty on thar head, eh?" says Laren, shaking the fellow ranger's hand vigorously.
Kasdar looks very doubtful as he mounts his horse. But as no one stops him, he rides off silently.
"Scribble know what Chubble talking about. Why Chubble want lunchbasket?" asks the priest as he looks down at the strange man. "Maybe tomorrow Sebastian use magics to heal Chubble mind?"
Chubble laughs at the suggestion his mind is somehow affected. �Really now, is that any way to talk about a fellow priest?� he ask.
Scribble says, �I know this has been your Quest since you left Peldan�s Helm with that Lothar fellow.�
�Ah, yes, my former companions,� says Chubble, his joyous manner becoming somewhat subdued. �We�ve parted company. They never took to believing the Joy of Lunch.�
Laren goes to his horse. "Well, lets go find this lunchbox-thing-a-ma-gigger of yers, Chubble."
3/25/03 : Wonder of the Gods
Moranda continues to watch from quietly from her perch.
"Sebastian help people," comments the priest. "But Sebastian not sure about lunch-thingy. Why Chubble seek lunch-thingy? What Chubble to help Ilmater?"
The halfling dressed as a chef raises his hands in supplication. �It is a wonder of the Gods, my good Sebastian. Surely you, as a man of Ilmater, can understand the drive to find an artifact of one�s patron Diety?�
4/1/03 : Fairest Fruit
"Artifact not belong Ilmater. Sebastian not interested," replies the priest frankly before turning back to the fire to get some food.
"Artifact or not, we should be gettin' a'goin'. There be bandits about and ah don't want them findin us again," says Laren, trying to motivate Chubble.
Moranda looks down at Sebastian with a sly grin. "You are right Laren, we'd best be moving. As long as this lunchbasket or whatever has some turnip soup in it, I am in."
Chubble�s expression changes from disappointment to alarm to surprise to one of charm. �The fairest fruit of the tree does speak,� he says with a bow.
Scribbles rolls her eyes. �He gets that from our mother,� she murmurs. She goes to help Sebastian with the food.
The halfling of Lunch gives his sister a cross look, then turns his attention back to Moranda. �Surely you�ll accompany me on my quest, my flower?� he asks her.
4/19/03 : Away They Go!
�There have been enough of them to stand as enemies between us... Let us move forward then and vanquish them!" Moranda responds with purpose.
As Moranda climbs onto her mount, Sebastian moves into his typical position near Lauren. "Sebastian ready."
"Which way, Chubble?" asks Laren, taking point with the halfling priest.
Chubble looks full of renewed energy, not that he was lacking it in the first place. �Follow me!�
They head down the trail, Chubble in the lead, followed by Laren on his mount, and Sebastian with the two female halflings on his shoulders. The farther they get the darker the woods become, the canopy overhead seeming to press down upon them. After an hour, Chubble calls for a halt.
�We take this trail,� he says, pointing toward an overgrown path leading westwards. �It is a long walk, so maybe we should camp here and head out in the morning?�
What Has Happened So Far....
5/4/03 : Deep, Dark, Icky Forest
�We've only been hikin� an hour or so. Yer ready ta camp?" asks Laren.
Chubble nods, putting his hands on his hips. �Yes. It is time for the mid-afternoon meal,� he states matter-of-factly. �And it will take a full day to get where we need to go, so unless you want to camp in a deep, dark, icky forest, I�d suggest we camp here.�
5/26/03 : Green Dragon
Sebastian shrugs and lowers his riders to the ground. The large priest sits quietly, but keeps a wary eye on the strange halfling cleric.
Laren looks around at his companions, then at the surrounding forest. "It�s worse than here? What's so bad about that part of the forest?"
Chubble shrugs off his pack, opening it and digging in to find various cooking equipment. �There are wolves of dire proportions. And lizards that could swallow me whole. Not to mention the green dragon. Ah, here�s my favorite pan.�
6/3/03 : Heart of Steel
"Hmmmm, I 'ave no reason ta doubt ya'll, so ah'll listen," says Laren, looking about for a way to improve the campsite. "Though, ya'll will 'ave ta tell me how ya'll knew this."
�I was led by the Divine Will of Lunch!� states Chubble firmly. He holds up a large frying pan and waves it for emphasis.
Sebastian stares dumbfounded at the little man at the mention of a beast straight out of his favorite stories, "Chubble actually see dragon. Actually see green dragon beastie?"
Chubble nods emphatically. �Yes I have, my gentle giant. Though not close enough to feel its sickly breath, thank Lunch!� Again, he waves the frying pan.
"Such strange creatures, yet you have survived?" Moranda ask inquisitively. "Do tell us about it!"
The halfing gives Moranda a steady look. �Stealth and guile are my guides,� he tells her, thumping his chest with the hand not holding the pan. �Heart of steel.�
Scribble laughs. �Since when did you develop courage, Chubble?� she asks her brother. �Who else was on this excursion?�
Chubble�s expression drops when his sister calls him on his bravado. �Oh, very well. It was my usual band of merry men from Peldan�s Helm. They are still in the dungeon. I managed to escape to get help. And here you are!�
6/11/03 : Talk of Rescue
Sebastian perks up a bit at the prospect of rescuing someone who might be in pain.
"You seem so trivial about their capture. Aren't you worried about them? How will they get their lunch?" Moranda asks.
The self-proclaimed avatar of Lunch smiles at Moranda. �A quick wit. I like that. I like that indeed.� He claps once. �With your help, we shall bring them lunch!�
"How long ago did you leave them and what has trapped them in the dungeon?" asks Laren.
Chubble turns slowly to address Laren, giving the ranger an appraising look. �Not much more than three days ago, and the green dragon does prevent them from escaping. But we shall rectify that in the morning, right?�
THUS ENDED OUR STORY...