Talk to PCs and NPCs here.  Make note of when the conversation happened.  These conversations will not hold up the other items.  Yap away.

"Nathan, these two are Glumr and Snow from Volge," she introduces you to him.  "I'm sure they're yet another needs something built.  By the look of him I'd guess... a barn or stables."

Nathan shakes each of your hands.  He's a tall, handsome fellow with a solid build but wouldn't be mistaken for a warrior.  He's dressed drably with a many-pocketed leather vest.

"What can I do for you?"

Glumr shakes the mans hand.

"Nice to meet you sir."  Glumr says "What I am in need of, is a small cottage.  I'd like it built about a 1/2 day south from Crim in a particular place.  I'll have a companion animal as well, so I need a way for the animal to be able to enter and leave even if I am not there."  Glumr pauses to let Nathan absorb everything.  "All that being said, I'm not a wealthy man, so if you could keep the costs reasonable, that would be appreciated.  What do you think Nathan?  Would you be amenable to doing that, and if so what do you reckon it be costin'?"

Salla chuckles a little when she hears Glumr say "not a wealthy man".

Nathan explains some of the costs in building a cottage, such as bringing trees in by cart or using scarce materials.  He also tells you that he can often build structures for Crim residents nearly for free when Baywald deems it, since he has plenty of free labor and materials at his disposal.

You assure him that you've picked a location with plenty of trees and that you don't need anything fancy.

"I can probably get it built for 80 gold if you're not in a rush.  Why don't you take me out to the location so I can look around?"

The place Reynard showed you is a bit south of Crim, but more east than south.  We'll assume you described the area correctly.

"Sounds good to me.  You got yourself a deal."  Glumr says and shakes the man's hand.  "Like I said, the cottage is to the east.  I think we can reach it in a few hours ride.  When would you like to go?  We can either ride out and come back, or you can accompany us on the way out of town and head back to crim on your own."  Glumr thinks for a moment. "Would you be amenable to having helf the money up front and the second half on completion?"

"Sure.  Half now and half later will work.  I can't ride out to your site today, but some time this week should be fine."

We'll try to arrange this so it doesn't interfere with the rest of the plot.

In reply to Fritzholm (msg #6):

Glumr hands Nathan 40 Triplefang Gold coin.

"Thank you sir.  It's been a pleasure doing buiness.  We'll ride ou ttogether when we can. I'll let you know when we're leaving or you let me know when you want to ride.  Till then I'll see you around Crim."  Glumr smiles "If I be seeing ye in the ale house, you'll be drinking a pint on me."

Israth struck up a conversation outside the Alchemist's shop with two men after recognizing the armored man's cape.

"Lamp tar you say? How fascinating. I shall have to look into getting my own cape made. Might I ask where it came from?" he inquired curiously.


Could you remind me again why we were in this area? I recently had surgery and have been out of the loop for awhile.

Where we are:

If you take a look at the game map you will see all the places our heroes have been and maybe a place or two they haven't yet been to, but know of.  On the west coast of the Triplefang lands you'll see the shining city of Silvergate.  True it's not quite as shining as Rankor Heights, but that's a clan Ferisedan city, so it's a different matter altogether.  Further west from Silvergate across some expanse of water lies The Empire, which is where the two fellows you're speaking to presumably hail from.
Silvergate is about 100 miles northwest of your home Crim.  Right now you are standing in the merchants quarter of Silvergate, which is in the center north part.  In particular you're standing outside the alchemist's shop, since that is where Snow told you and your sister to meet Holly and Farden, but they haven't shown up yet.  (Of course they do show up, and propose a plan whereby you and Giselle go find and talk to some bards, but that's a whole other scene.)

"Our uncommon vestments come commonly from the garment district of Calais.  There you can be certain of the highest caliber materials and the finest workmanship."

He does seem to be wearing some nice, finely tailor clothes.  Nothing like the leathers and furs the Triplefang favor.  The armored man with him is dressed equally unlike the standard Triplefang, but his clothes are more of a practical nature.  The foreigner looks you over once.  (This might be a good time to edit your description under the Character Details link.)

"But I don't suppose you've ever been off this rock.  Have you?"

"No, I have yet to step foot off of Triplefang lands, but I do wish to see the world some day. Calais you say? Might I ask what you're doing so far from home?" he inquired curiously.


Done and done.

"There are a myriad of extraordinary and novel articles here that the citizens back home have never laid eyes upon.  Moreso there are wonders from the Empire you could scarcely imagine."

He accompanies his words with a bold, sweeping flourish of his arm and wrist.

"I am part of a consortium set forth to vend and attain glorious treasures for wealthy customers.  This manner of endeavor simply cannot be undertaken from the heart of ones own homelands, you understand."

Thanks for posting your description.  Nicely done.

"Oh, yes, that makes perfect sense. I didn't realize you were a dealer of fine goods. Might I ask what you plan on bringing back to your consumers?" Israth asked.

Flavius narrows his eyes at Israth noticeably.

"No you may not.  That," he says with a shake of his head. "Is a matter of confidentially that comes with the acquisition of highly valuable items.  The wealthy prize discretion."

"Enough chatter.  We have business with the alchemist."

Israth seemed a little taken back by the sudden change of demeanor, nodding his head and replying, "Completely understandable. I do hope our paths cross again in the future, perhaps in the opposite circumstance, myself in your shoes and vice versa." With that, he gives a short, polite bow, and lets the two men go.

Flavius bids you farewell and goes into the shop.  You have time go back and relate the conversation to Giselle before the two men exit the shop and head off to the south.  Your instincts tell you to follow them discretely, but your new friends should be here any minute now, so you let the foreigners go.  They won't be hard to spot again anyhow.

That basically catches us up to the present.

Holly takes a moment to pull Cuma aside, and enquire on what she thought he had said about a witch and the dark mist.

"When we were fighting, you said the alligog's assumed I was a witch, and that I was responsible for the dark mist. What do you mean?"

Cuma looks up at the sky, still thick and dark at the time of the conversation.

"Cuma does not know what drew them to Triplefang.  Maybe Alligog saw light.  Maybe Alligog saw heat.  Both hard in dark hot steam.  Them wailing about witch and evil eye.  Alligog is right about magic woman and magic eye.  Alligog is wrong about magic fog.  Not today's witchcraft.  Magic from long long ago broke this land.  Holly attack Alligog with plants.  Now Alligog think Holly and Eye bring Bandersnatch too!"

He laughs a little at this, then laughs more.

"Maybe Holly become legend."

Holly smiled at his comment about becomming a legend. She would just rather like to live a useful life.

"What do you mean about the mist being not today's witchcraft?", Holly asked, intrigued that someone should know something that perhaps her order didn't know, or more likely didn't propogate to those at her level.

"Dark Woods not normal forest.  Dark Woods magical home for goblins.  Safe hiding place for evil from long ago.  Broken forest also broke hills.  Water stop magic on both sides, but hills did not.  Broken land much stronger magic than any witch."

Why can't anyone explain the mysteries of the world in simple terms?  It always ends up being some kind of ancient forgotten language, or riddle, or poem, or in Cuma's case strange Clantongue.

Holly considered his words for a long while, trying to decipher things, but realising that if there was a simple truth, then everyone would soon learn of it. That water had stopped the magic was an interesting item that kind of fitted into the world she knew and had been taught as a druid. The bit about the land being corrupted seemed to fit with what she saw, but not necessarily what she felt. Perhaps there was a chance for a druid to communicate with the land itself, and find out what was happening. That would need one of the elder druids she suspected, and they were rarely seen. Holly certainly didn't rate her chances if she was able to cast the relevant spell. She had a long path yet to walk to get to that kind of comfort in dealing wiht things outside her understanding.

"So the land is corrupted, and is causing the terrible mist? Is that what you are saying? Or is it one of the druids doing this for some reason?" Holly asked.

"Holly is right.  Land causes terrible mist, not druid," Cuma nods several times.

When Holly and Sunna enter Sunna's room, Holly wasn't sure if she would be alright staying there. But she wasn't going to stay with the boys, and that meant either her own room or sharing with Sunna.

At least sharing a room would mean she could get to know the new member of the group without other distractions. When Sunna asked about what was wrong with the boys, Holly smiled. "Well, they do tend to go off within their own thoughts sometimes, and can be very stubborn about things, but overall they are ok. I've known Glumr for years, and other than his affection for Ehlonna. But I can forgive him that little error!", Holly says with a broad smile to show she is only making fun of Glumr's intensity sometimes when he discusses Ehlonna.

"As for Farden, well I've only known him for a short while, but he handles himself well in trouble, and follows the ways of the Clan teachings. And now you want to join us. I for one am glad to have another woman in the group. We left my cousin Snow back in Volge, and it wasn't easy to say goodbye."

"So what brought you here to the city?" Holly had assumed it was the Harper's, but was intrigued to hear more than what Sunna had said so far.
This message was last updated by the GM at 18:36, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Sunna listens to Hollys short explanation to her question about the boys and then nods understandingly.

"You may have guessed it: the Harper's guild. Father thought it would be a good opportunity to learn. And when father says something..." Sunna shrugs apologetically, "it's hard to say no." She makes a short pause, thinking if she should add something to that.
"It's not that I really didn't want to go, but leaving the family, and tribe, felt a bit scary at that time." There's another short pause as Sunna pushes her pack more to the side with her left foot. "I'm glad to be here now, though. And that I met you. It's... easier to talk to Triplefang Clanfolk than to the others here. Makes the place feel better somehow."
This message was last updated by the GM at 18:36, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Holly nodded at the comment about fathers, knowing some people had that cross to bear. For Holly, she wished she had known her father better, like she wished to have known her mother better. Since their deaths and her adoption, she felt herself almost no longer their daughter. Yet she was also a daughter of the tribe, and that meant as much to her as it did Sunna.

"I know what you mean about talking to Triplefangs and others. Since we started travelling outside of Volge, well we have run into many new people and creatures." Holly then slips the large plate out of the cover that Snow had made for it and showed it to Sunna. "This plate lets us move through to another part of this world, where the sun is baking and the sand holds many interesting secrets. Perhaps one day we will take you there."

"And being here is rather unnerving. At least for me. This city is so confining I almost find myself wanting to run out into the fields." Holly lets her mind wander off and then comes back after a moment.

"So, if you haven't already guessed, I am a druid. That might cause us some trouble sometimes, but it is what I am. I hope you have nothing against us?" Holly asks, broaching the question she needs to find the answer to.
This message was last updated by the GM at 18:36, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

"It sounds interesting. But what do you mean with baking sun? Is it as hot there as in one of the stone ovens they have here?" Sunna looks a bit doubtfully at the plate.

"Best to find a place somewhere above the streets, where you have some view over the city, or even out of it. It's nice when the crowd and the noise is below you and you can actually see the horizon." Though there aren't many places where you have such a view.


OOC: Edited post, answer to Hollys last question is in the posting below
This message was last edited by the player at 18:46, Sun 08 Apr 2012.

Sunna knows that the druids are a secretive, shadowy organization.  They operate outside the will of the clans and outside clan law.  Their motives are often inscrutable.  While they have often done good works, other times they have assisted evil.  In their long ancient history they have brought blights and plagues upon men, and have aided the goblins against the clans.  Often it is claimed that they have acted in defense of nature, but it's hard to see reasoning behind some of their acts.

Like the bards they wield a type of magic not granted by the gods.  Bards' magic is quite public and accepted.  It is considered harmless or helpful.  Druid magic, on the other hand, is viewed suspiciously.

In the past generation or two the druids have acted in minor benevolent ways.  They've done nothing outwardly cruel or evil However, with Empire's new influence and the clans growing quickly it is feared that the druids may strike to lessen the human spread as they have in the past.

"There are stories I've heard about druids who were acting in a way that could be described as malevolent", Sunna answers carefully, "I haven't met many druids, yet and so far none of the few has done me any harm. Since you are open with me I doubt that you will do me harm." Sunna makes a short pause and looks directly at Holly. "Maybe there are reasons behind the doings of these druids which are lost to people who are not druids? Maybe there's a way to explain. It's always better to understand the reasons of someone, then having to judge by actions alone."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

(Please feel free to continue the conversation between Holly and Sunna while this one is going on.  Just pay some attention to the subject line.)

"Whoa-ho!  If it ain't the smoke-breathin' highsteppin' youngster.  How's yer search for ten buckets full 'o gold faring?" F'drick greets Glumr.

"I can respect a human who puts his focus on the shinies like that, even if it's just fer a year or two.  Heck, if you keep it up I might have to make you an honorary gnome."

"Oh ho" Glumr laughs "So far it has started well.  An honorary gnome indeed.  I wonder what my kin up north would have to say about that.  Allow me to introduce my friend Sunna.  She will be joining me and my friends on our copper pinching travels.   How you think she'll do?"  Glumr says in jest, simply giving Sunna a bit of a hard time for the laughs.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:39, Mon 09 Apr 2012.

In reply to Sunna (msg #28):

Holly looked aorund and then said, "The order keeps itself to itself, and its secrets secret, which I suppose makes many suspicious. Also from what I know of history, sometimes the actions of the order are not in the best interests of the clans. They have their own code of honour, which doesn't always fit that of others."

Holly looks at Sunna and adds, "If I could, I'd happily tell everyone about what the druids have done. But I am required to remain silent."

"Nay, she's a might too tall to be an honorary gnome," he says to Glumr.  "I dare say she looks too soft to be out battling the wilds or down mining treasure."

"I do like your hair, Miss Sunna.  That's some fine braidwork you've done there.  What brings you to join the likes of this overly ambitious human?" F'drick asks Sunna.

"Did you trade in that big eye for her?" he asks, switching back to Glumr.  "If so, you've gotten yourself a nice improvement in travelin' companion."

In reply to Holly (msg #31):
"It's the why, that interests me", Sunna replies, "but if that's a secret of your order, too, it's alright."


In reply to Fritzholm (msg #32):
"As a matter of fact I like overly ambitious humans", Sunna says with a smile, "and as you noticed Glumr is just that. Though I don't know if the ambitions include rescuing ladys from the wilds." She turns to Glumr with a slight grin.

Glumr laughs.  "If there's one thing I can do, that is get around in the wilds.  She's as safe with me as safe can be out there." he says to F'Drick and gives Sunna  a wink.  "The eye is still with us he just must be out doing some eye things or with the rest of my group.  I think we might be headin' north soon.  Many things to be done before many things happen.  I just thought I'd stop in and see how your business and health have been my friend."

"My health," he says hanging his head. "It doesn't look good, I'm afraid."

"She says I only have 700 years left to live."

Glumr laughs.  "Well you best hurry up and make them count my friend.  Being human, seems like you've got plenty of time to me.  But perhaps that's why I seem so focused to you.  And who be this She you speak of?"

"She's a fine dwarven healer, stocky and round in all the right places.  While I'm dreaming tonight, I'll ask her name for you, highstepper."

"Say, Miss Sunna.  Do you happen to like unicorns?"

Glumr looks to her.  He indeed likes unicorns very much.

For a short moment Sunna is a bit puzzled, the change of topic is a little sudden. Then she breaks into a smile. "Indeed, I do like unicorns. Why do you ask? Do you happen to have seen one?"

"I haven't just seen it, Miss.  I craft'd one fer Glumr, here.  Can ya show her your charm?" he asks Glumr.

Glumr tugs the small unicorn charm out from just inside the neckline of his shirt to show to Sunna.

"Just 100 silvers and a few days wait, and you could have one of your own, Miss Sunna.  What do you say?"

It appears that F'drick prefers discussing business to his health.

Typical gnome... or dwarf..  Glumr thinks to himself a bit confused on that subject.  He smiles.

"This is a reminder of my goddess that I may keep her near my heart."

OCC - I was going to link the image, but the files are GONE!!!  I'll have to see if they got lost on the server or I'll have to recreate them.

Just 100 silvers... Sunna examines the charm, without touching it. "It's a nice piece of work, F'drick. But I already have a unicorn of my own." Sunna pulls a small piece of wood out of her pocket. It's just a small wooden charm and not as nicely crafted as F'dricks work, a unicorn carved into a round piece of dark wood. "I had a small necklace to go with it. I lost it, or it was stolen, I don't know, but I found the symbol still lying on the street back then."

"Odd..." Glumr says puzzled. "A priest of Ehlonna gave me a similar one not that long agao."  Glumr pulls our his wooden holey symbol to show her for compairison.

"Apparently this is a holy symbol"  He says gesturing to his wooden unicorn "and this is just a necklace, no offence F'drick."  he adds with a wink.

"I wonder why it was in the street..."  He then adds "Do you follow Ehlonna?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:53, Thu 19 Apr 2012.

Sunna puts away the wooden piece again. "Mother gave it to me before I left. She said Ehlonna would protect me. I don't know if it makes me a follower when I like to play my music at Ehlonnas shrines. I just think she might like the music." Sunna shrugs a little helplessly.

"I think it matters not.  You seem to follow your heart and that's most important."  Glumr says.

OCC - Here's some narrative about what Glumr would like to do next.    I figured it would have come up when the party was at the inn or somewhere together and chatting.  I'll put it here instead of waiting for us to get somewhere in the current timeline.

Glumr pulls out a large rolled leaf and lights it.  He takes a long draw, the sweet smoke swirling in the air, and then tells his friends what he knows.

"This is what I know about our next leg, as long as we all want to venture forward in this direction.

When I was first here in town, Farden knew the Temple of Pelor had an issue with a missing Brother.  He took me there and we met with Sage Grenjad who told us of the 'Spectre Tower of Sowell'.

The story goes the Sowell family had a great deal of knowledge of necromancy.  They were not were not worshipers of an evil god, but more of used magic powered by the realm of the dead itself.  They must figure spirits and corpses of the dead make excellent servants. This probably contributes to the name of the place.

Supposidly the island and its tower lie somewhere between the realms of the living and the dead and is populated by ghosts, spirits, and the likes.    Likewise, it just might be very foggy there giving simple folk that impression due to difficulty in finding it...  At least in location.  Stories of the ghosts and spirits I'm expecting to have some...   Substinence behind them."

Glumr grins at the unintentional pun.

"I feel we will need blessed weapons, holy water, and perhaps someone with the devine ability."  He winks at Holly  "It's dangerous but returning a brother of Pelor to saftey does not go unrewarded.   He went to the island to research or find something.  The church of Pelor will reward us for the return of the brother if he's still alive and return of what he was seeking.   Likewise Grenjad said there was treasure there for the taking.  A bit dangrouse for local robbers to worry about, but I feel our group is capable of a success and a safe return.

Mord told us of Coal, an enchantress near Pliffa who can encahnt our weapons and let us fight things that are not of this world.  Ghosts, or the likes.  We can see her first and then continue to the isle.  Do you all feel up to this?"

Glumr waits to see if everyone has the adventurous heart as he.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Thu 26 Apr 2012.

"Sounds interesting. I don't have any experience with ghosts or spirits, but if the stories told about ghosts are true they are quite dangerous. Is it true that you can speak to them, some of them at least, and ask them to leave? In the story about the millers daughters ghost a young warrior even falls in love with the ghost. It's a very sad story." Sunna sighs. Though there are more stories that depict ghosts and spirits as dangerous and malevolent beings the more romantic and sad story of the millers daughters ghost is one she remembers best about ghosts.

"The only problem for me is that I would have to lend some, or rather a lot, money to be able to purchase a magical weapon, or to pay an enchantress to put magic on my weapon. If there is treasure to the taking it wouldn't be a problem to pay it back soon, though." For a moment Sunna is silent and looks at the wooden symbol in her hands. "I think getting a priest of Pelor back safely is worth some risk."

"Would it be likely we could get a cleric of Pelor to join us? I have no skills with spirits I'm afraid, but if would be a good adventure. Potentially useful as well. If a cleric of Pelor cannot be found, perhaps one of Obad Hai?". Looking over at Glumr, she smiles and adds, "Or Ehlonna of course cousin. Perhaps we could use our current funds to not only support Sunna's joining us, but pay a cleric to come with us as well."

"Agreed.  If we all pledge to stay together till at least we get the tome, I see no issues with using the gold to equip all  of us with weapons and what we may need next, such as a priest who can dispell the dead.  And no worries.  I expect us soon to all be experts on the subject.  Experience speaks and all."  Glumr winks at his friends, excited for the next leg of adventure.

Holly smiles at Glumr's enthusiasm, and adds, "If we go to Goldenpoint, we can pick up some useful healing potions as well. At prices cheaper than here at least!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Fri 27 Apr 2012.

"I am Krissle," he says, lighting a bright lantern on the table near the center of the room.  The salesdwarf hands the amulet to him and he sits on a bench to examine the amulet close to the light.

"Who do I have the pleasure of doing business with today?"

After you introduce yourselves he asks "How and where did you acquire this amulet?"

Farden glances at Sunna. She's the bard, it's up to her come up with the story.

OOC: Here's hoping Sunna got a decent Bluff modifier ;)

"Well met. This is Farden and I am Sunna, both from the Triplefang tribe." Sunna makes a short pause and watches Krissle examining the amulet for a moment.

"A friend of ours found it..." Sunna has to think for a moment whom it belonged to before Glumr got it.


OOC: Sorry, forgetful player and not wanting to let you wait too long for an answer.

"It was in a cave where we fought against wolves. But no normal wolves, but some able to breathe fire, with burning fur, looked like they came right out of hell. Luckily we had a little time to prepare, otherwise it would've ended badly for us. I suppose that was what might have happened to the owner of that amulet."

"Found?"  asks Krissle.  "Can you tell me where your friend *found* it?  I ask because this item has no maker's mark.  The amulet and chain are clearly dwarven made.  A dwarven jeweler will always place a mark.  I can think of three reason there might not be a mark.  Maybe the piece wasn't finished.  The mark could've been removed somehow.  Magic?  It is possible, but VERY unlikely that humans or someone else made the jewelry out of dwarven metals using ancient dwarven techniques."

"I'm not sure what to believe, yet.  Can you give me something to go on?"

"This cave is several days from here..." Sunna describes roughly the location of the cave with the burning wolves. "I suppose someone must've lost it there or, rather, was found by the wolves. There were a lot of bones on the ground, so..." Sunna shrugs uncomfortably and looks over to Farden. "But there was no way of finding out whose bones it were."

"Is the amulet that unusual, then? I mean, I know jewelry can be expensive, but you're acting like its a lot more than a simple bauble. It doesn't look like anything special to me - certainly not worth more than a few gold pieces."

Farden is deliberately playing the 'me ignorant human' card, trying to divert the dwarf into a discussion of the amulet's merits and away from his current line of questioning.

Krissle looks discerningly at Sunna and then Farden long enough that it makes you both nervous.  Then he laughs to himself.

"Very well.  I can give you 800 gold for it."

That sounded like a good offer, but Farden studies the dwarf for a moment, trying to see to the source of the amusement. If nothing seems suspicious, Farden nods in acceptance of the offer.

14:34, Today: Farden rolled 13 using 1d20+1. sense motive.
Unless I pick up something, I'm agreeing.

Nothing seems amusing nor suspicious.  You agree to the sale.  Krissle brings out 4 pouches, each containing 200 gold pieces.

Ahhhhh, bags of money!

You find Snow and Lillian teaching children how to read clantongue.  There aren't many books in Volge, but Snow provided a book of fairytales the children enjoy and is having them work through one of the stories.  She has Lillian continue the informal lesson and leaves to talk to you.  She's looking quite vibrant.  It's easy to spot her as she's crafted her robes from brightly colored cloth and has hair long white hair tied in shining pink and light blue ribbons.  Life in Volge certainly agrees with her more than adventure and travel did.

Snow gives you each a hug as much in greeting as in genuine care for your well being.

"It's good to see none of you have gotten yourself killed yet, though I hear Mord is taking every chance he gets to throw himself in the path of the reaper's scythe."

When asked what she's been up to...

"You'd think a village with our Warchief and a competent Eldress would run smooth as a gentle stream, but I find daily things that require my organization.  The basics such as clothing and feeding ones self can't be left to the chore of habit.  Life is more than just surviving."

"I have found time to work on a few of my magic projects too," she says, leaving the details intentionally vague.  "Easier to find time when your sleeping in your own bed and not having to run out to stab stinking trogs and hobbes every week."

Snow gives you a charming, teasing wink.  She knows what you're doing is important too.

"You know that trouble you guys got in in Silvergate is all exaggerated.  I've been there a few times since and I don't think they even remember your daring heist.  If you still hesitation to go there, I can make a trip for you.  You provide the silver and I'm glad to do the shopping."

Holly takes up Snow's offer of going to Silvergate for them, asking Snow to ask the old Raiders about Marina the Huntress on her next visit. Holly also asks if the Empire artefact hoarder Flavius was still in the city.

"What, no shopping?"

But Snow agrees to snoop around Silvergate for you.

"Any idea when you'll be back?" she asks.

"Hopefully a month, but may be longer, depending on what we find in the Tower. As to shopping, I have nothing in mind, but the others might think of something for our return." Holly said, hoping it would be no longer than a month, but aware they didn't know what they might meet along the way. At least for the moment they could relax and enjoy the company of a friend. Holly wanted to ask Snow about her magical advances, but didn't want to raise it in front of the others.

Glumr enjoys seeing his cousin again.  He's careful not to butt heads with her, not wanting to lessen the visit.  She seems much happier back in the village, much more so than on the road.  Likewise, Glumr wonders how much the village needed her organization...Probably as much as she needed to organize it he decided.  All and all the visit leaves Glumr in good spirits.

"When you're in Silvergate, be careful about the Flavius character. We might have pissed him off something fierce last time we were there."

"Don't worry, Farden.  I didn't get tangled up in that business.  You took that poet instead."

"I hear you've traded him in for Baldvin's charming little songbird," Snow says. (I'm assuming that Sunna didn't come along.  Snow wouldn't refer to her in that fashion with her standing right there.)

Glumr half expects Snow to suggest they trade him in for Rolf or Vidar, but she lets that chance slip by.

Indeed Sunna is not visiting Snow. She doesn't know her all too well, after all.

OCC - On our way back to shore, we would have/should have been discussing some of our next options as what else would the young triplefang have to talk about.  It doesnt make sense that we spoke nothing of our next steps before returning to shore.

----

We need to get all of our items appraised or sold.  I wonder if we have enough riches to satisfy the Proctor's cost of the tome of legends.   And maybe keep some items that would help us in our travels.  I would much like to keep the coat and brass ring for myself.  There is something about both of those things that speak to me.

Sunna, you said the jewles belong to Avaldamon?  I was thinking, what if we sent someone to see the proctor to ask him if he would trade the Tome of Legends for this coat and crown?

We could tell him we heard about the coat, and we would be willing to take the risk of obtaining and returning it in trade for the tome.   If he declines, we can then sell the raw jewels off for gold.  He doesnt know we have it.   My fear is that the proctor would 'expect' the item as it belonged to the Farasidan people and he might treat us as criminal for withholding the item or information.  I dont know how the Ferisedan or city folk would think about such things.   I do know this coat and crown of jewels now belong to us.

I am also worried about the staff we have returned and Renard's warnings.   I would very much like to go see him next and see if he has any words of guidance.  We can retrieve Scottfard and have him accompany us.  I think it is our duty to break him of the his curse while it still can be broken.  We should go there after we stop in a major city to trade and sell off the items we've brought back. 

"It's a bit risky to play such a game with the proctor, but if we can come up with a suitable tale of where we plan to find it, it might work. That way we would lead a false trail in case he plans to retrieve the items himself. What do you think? We could still sell the gems if he declines and the story, or hints to it, will hopefully keep any Ferisedan treasure hunters off our back for a while.

I agree with you that we should visit Reynard very soon. And then find a priest to help Scott. Time is running short for him. And I have the feeling that I could need some help, too. The feeling from the touch of that spirit is still there...
And we could talk about that strange painting with him. Something's not right with that thing and I'd rather find out before selling it...

Holly and I will have to take a closer look at the wooden boxes and their contents, maybe we could also talk with Coal about them at some point before we try to sell them. Same with the vials and potions.
And I'd like to find out a bit more about the book, maybe one of it is worth keeping.

I for my part like the glass chimes. But they're hard to carry without breaking them. If no one objects I'd take one of the silver cups. It needs a bit of polishing, but it's a lot nicer than my wooden one."

"That sounds like a good plan Sunna.   I have my eye on the leather coat.   We need to find someone to help us figure out which of these items are magical and which are just valuable.  We should keep the treasure hidden from any Farasedan clan members as we dont want word to get around about what we have returned with."

"Lets make the first destination Renard's and we can take Scottsworth and you to find someone to help your conditions."

"Happy to focus ourselves on helping Scott and Sunna first. As GLumr says, we need to find someone who can identify any magics on the items we bring back, but we also want to keep it a little quiet about what we have found. I don't mind identifying to any clan members that there are treasures on the island, even some we missed or couldnt carry. Tell them about the threats, and keep quiet about our Needle etc. I don't want anyother treasure hunter hunting us because of what we have, especially any 'old' friends..."

"As to the Proctor, I think perhaps we have to be honest. I also think he needs to credit us the value of the items against his help, whilst we publically give away the items."

"If we tell the proctor that we already have Avaldamons jewels he will most certainly want us to give them back. Most likely without any payment, except for a thank you perhaps. We don't have that much of a good reputation to really argue with him."

"No, we would have to say we heard of the item and would be willing to attempt a quest for it in trade...  I agree that the item would be taken from us should they know we have it.

I am scared of the Needle."

"I'm not really scared of the Needle, only of the things people like the ominous Thibideau could do with it. And I don't want to meet Thibideau."

"And at the moment Sunna, I don't believe we know anyone we could pass it onto either. We don't know the real powers behind the church of Pelor, or any other priests that could make good use of the Needle. I think we have to keep it with us. Perhaps share it around the four of us if we are worried about any tainting by contact, but I cannot think of anyone I would trust enough to hand it over to."

Sunna nods. "I don't know anyone to give it to, either. The Needle isn't evil, as far as I know. It's just a powerful thing, which could be used for evil as well as for good. But I guess time will tell what to do with it."

"Say, Adiel, what do you know about the Sowell family? If you'd be able to meet one of them, what would you want to ask them? I guess you might think the question strange, but I'll explain the reason for it later."



"If I might ask, Erma, since it's unusual for a bear to speak our tongue... did you learn it somehow or were you always able to talk that way?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:29, Sun 22 Mar 2015.

"Maybe Renard can give us a clue on where to keep the staff safe" Glumr suggests

Erma half opens one eyes and gives Sunna a lazy look as if she's contemplating and answer.

Then closes the eye and goes to sleep.

'Silly humans.', there was a river of fish all around them, and no time to fish...

'sigh', with a nental sigh Erma drifts off to sleep.

"I'd want to ask them what happened to Darsin," says Adiel, as Sunna asks about the Sowells. "I've heard the legends about them--about Kelney's power, and her madness, and Augustine and Darsin apparently being males with the power of a sorceress. Did you learn anything interesting about them, going through their old tower?"

For all his time spent researching the adventurers, Adiel is surprised to hear Glumr speak of an advisor he hadn't heard of before. "Who's Renard?"

As Adiel studies the jewels among the group's treasures, he begins pondering what to do with the vast cultural treasure that is Avaldamon's Jewels. "We can't just walk into a jewelers' shop and sell these. Even if we could find someone with enough money to buy them, the Ferisedan might accuse the new owners of thievery. Or us, for that matter. Perhaps we should return the jewels to Proctor Limon Ferisedan freely. If we really want to sell them, maybe we could try to do so at Sloss Hinterplatz."

"Zzzzzzzzzzz....."

Sleeps on the boat, mouth slightly ajar and drooling all over the boat.

Except for the snoring, Erma looks like should could be playing dead, right down to a lolling tongue.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:05, Thu 26 Mar 2015.

"From what we've learned Darsin was... odd, and not because of him wielding magical power. We witnessed several scenes set in the past, memories of what once was and Darsin... well, he was chewing on people!
I doubt it would be a wise idea to ask Kelney about him.
The reason I asked you is that we met the ghosts of both Augustine and Kelney Sowell. Darsin wasn't there, as far as I could tell. There has to be a good reason for it and I doubt that I'd like the reason.
The ghosts seemed to be able to leave the island after we met them. Lucky for us at that point, since they were powerful still, but... I honestly don't know where it will lead to in the future, especially given Kelneys madness and Augustines bonds to a being called the Queen of Thorns.

Reynaud is a friend of ours. A rather unusual one. You will be surprised.

Certainly we can't sell the gems just under Proctor Limons nose. But I doubt that it will help us to get to the book to just give it to him. Glumr suggested trying to convince the proctor that we know how to find the jewels and to get them for him - for a price. Would you think that would work?"

"I would say by the time we get to the Proctor, he will already know we have been to the island. The raiders are a talkative lot when it suits them, and I would expect them to claim some credit for our adventure and our return" Holly said, letting Sunna update Adiel on their history. Although Holly didn't yet trust him, it seemed Sunna did, and that was enough for Holly to let her guard down a little.

"But if we only found hints about the whereabouts of the jewels at the tower?", Sunna suggests with a grin.

Since Erma doesn't seem in the mood to talk Sunna shrugs and turns away from her.

Adiel listens carefully to Sunna's explanation. "Interesting. I'd love to hear more about the memories you saw. Did the ghosts say where they were going? Or what they have planned? If Kelney is in the world again... that could cause a lot of problems."

"I think the Proctor would see through something like that pretty quickly," says Adiel. "He's brilliant. Also, I suspect that he needs the silver right now, or he wouldn't be willing to sell the Tome of Legends at all. If we tried to walk into Rankor Heights with Avaldamon's Jewels, we could get arrested anyway. If we sell them, I think it would be wisest to give them to the dwarves. If we return them to the Ferisedan, we may receive gratitude and glory, but there is no one I trust who is deceptive enough to fool the Proctor."

"They asked us about current events and people, but they weren't very specific about where they were planning to go. In fact, we were happy to just see them leave at that point", Sunna admits. "It could change some things... I think I'll have to talk with Reynaud about this."

With a sigh Sunna glances in the direction where the jewels are kept. "In this case we have to break up the jewelry and sell the gems individually. Makes it hard to track the whole thing, as much as it hurts me to destroy it. If we sell it as it is, some day it will be known that it was us who brought it back and didn't give it to the Ferisedans.
It would be interesting to see if we can make enough coins with the other stuff without having to sell the gems. Not that I want to keep them, but we could make us known for retrieving them, get renown from the Ferisedan, plus it wouldn't make me feel bad about breaking it. How much do you think we'd get for the other things?"

"Come along cub.  Time for lessons, and you wont be learning it here with your cousins." says the mysterious new woman.

"I won't be long cousins", before setting off with the woman. When they were away from the camp, Holly asks a simple question, "Erma?"

Erma rolls her eyes, Holly was suppose to be the brightest and most attuned and still she seemed to be as dense as her cousins.  Erma nods decisively and waves at Holly to follow along impatiently.

"This wont last long, unless you prefer to discuss things over grunts and growls, you best heed natures calling if you want answers."

Erma stalks away with slow methodical steps that seems odd in her current form, though they do look Erma/Bear like in the pace of the stride.

Holly considered the words from the woman who was Erma, and waited patiently to understand what was going on. Holly understood that Erma had appeared at potentially Holly's calling of an ally within the confines of the cave, but she still didn't understand the full implications of her arrival. That was something Holly had hoped to discuss with Kayaq or Snow Whisper, and that was why Moonlight had had to leave her so soon after their reconnection. Now it seemed to Holly she might get answers directly from Erma.

Being called a cub didn't worry her at all, indeed it was comforting in some way. Perhaps it was a longing for a mother figure, but Holly tried not to worry about it. Erma in her bear form certainly looked like a bear who had mothered cubs, and Holly's connection to nature through Obad-Hai let her accept whatever connection there might be between them.

It was the last words, to heed natures calling, that intrigued Holly the most. Still, respectful of the woman, Holly waited to understand further.

"This wont last... so listen carefully.

 First... if you havent figured it out.  I'm not Ebony.  I have nothing between my legs..."

With no human concern for modesty, Erma checks between her legs...

"Not much fur either...", she frowns as if this were perplexing.

"Second... you didnt summon me... well you did, but you didnt.  You asked for help, you never asked for who, and your time was coming anyway... and... other people were involved that wanted me to come... and... nevermind.  You didnt summon me.", this bit seems to aggitate Erma a little.

"All cubs need to learn before they can be bears, otherwise something comes and eats them and that's that.  I....", Erma touches her chest with both hands, to indicate herself, "am one of the Triplefang's totem spirit... the Spirit of the Bear to be exact.  It's my job to guide and help you so that you may achieve your quest and earn fame and renown to the triplefang clan.  Failing that... I'm here to make sure your demise is as painless as possible and the reduce the shame you heap upon your clan mates by as much as possible."

Erma looks at Holly intently, "...are there any questions before i continue?  You either look like you're constipated... or you have a question.  Which is it?"

Holly listened and then asked, "I knew you were not Ebony, and I did want to know who you were, but I keep secrets and therefore I am more likely to allow others to have them. You were not a threat, so I treated you as an ally. The Spirit of the Bear I have heard of. My question is - Why me?"

Erma makes a disgusted scoof, as if you just asked a really stupid question.

"Why not you?

 In every generation there are cubs who have the special spark that the great father marks for greatness.

 In some this spark fades and dies, like your cousin Snow. She had the spark.  She could have been a great Sorceress... and daughter of Legend but... she was afraid.  She seeks the comforts of home.  She shies away from the path of legends and greatness.

 Should we stand by and watch an entire generation fall to the wayside thus?  Concede to the calls of mediocrity?

 Before you is the path of legends.  You spark simply needs to be nurtured and guided to be a raging flame.  The flame will be used for the stuff of great ballads and song.  For lengthy stories and legends to inspire entire generations some day.  Even the lessons of your lesser cousin Snow will have a place some day simply by touching on your greatness."

Erma folds her arms and gives Holly a disproving look.

"Pfft... Why you.  Why not you?  Because you have doubts that must be weeded out, that's why not you.  You follow Obad-Hai, but you do not know his ways.  If nothing else I am here to guide you on this matter.  The rest you must do for yourself.  Why me.  The bear does not ask why they are a bear.  The bear simply is.  Be what you were meant to be.  That's all Obad-Hai expects and demands of you, offer no less."

"If I do not understand the ways of Obad-Hai, it is because it is difficult to find a teacher willing to provide me with the information! I want to know, more than most could imagine. If you are here to teach me that, then I welcome that with all my heart. If I am to be someone who will be remembered, then so be it. I do not seek it for myself, but the tales taught me as a child gave me hope and pride in my tribe and our life. If in the future my life is retold to the same end, then let it be so. I would be proud to join those I hear around the camp fire and from the mouths of mothers talking to their babes to chase away the night." Holly slowly became more ardent as her speach went on. She had doubts, but that was part of growing up, and being a member of the druids meant many didn't understand her or her life. Holly always saught to improve herself, rarely taking the easy way out of things, and perhaps that had led to her not relying on Obad-Hai as much as some would think his due.

Perhaps now, Holly could gain some answers, and find new vigour in her life.

(*Enter brief video montage of Erma giving Holly a crash course in the essentials of what she needs to know but doesnt, and teaches her the absolute essentials on what she needs to know about the current situation, which is to cure the poisoning they're all suffering.*)

(*Cue the i see the light church music*)

(Holly get hinted in the direction of using Neutralize poison and/or cure disease.

 She also gets a very brief lesson on the concept of Wild shape, it's really brief cause towards the end the Speak Humans spell starts to fade, and Erma left with a fustrated look as she tries to talk but ends up up making a lot of grunts and growlish sounds)

I'm assuming Holly's first successful Wild Shape will be to a bear form.  She can try it whenever she'd like, or she could wait for more explicit training from Erma.

Erma's more than happy to teach her 'bear' and be amused watching her fumble with the words for once.

Once Harj has left and the group is on its way again, Sunna turns to Holly and beckons her a bit to the side. "I don't know if you're allowed to tell, but... would you mind to tell how you, or Harj, know who to treat, or how many of those infected, to maintain the balance of nature, as Harj called it? I'd really like to understand."
The tone of her voice is curious, not in the least reproachful.

"What have you all learned about our cursed harper friend? Erma, you clearly have some skill with Transmutation. Do you know what might have happened or how to break such a spell?"

In reply to Sunna (msg # 98):

Holy thinks about Sunna's question, considering what her own criteria would be. "Well, for me, I treat everyone where I can. I just forgot my teachings a little, so didn't realise I might have let the cat out of the bag. When I did, I sent Moonlight to find a friend to help. Harj was available, and will sort things. As to how he will maintain the balance, I would say that is hardly his choice. He will choose the weakest, those that will benefit most from his abilities, and if those abilities are lacking, some may die. If he, or indeed I, assume too much then the gods usually let us know how inadequate we are. The balance is maintained across the world, not just here and now."

Holly tries to explain it, but knows she isn't doing a good job. Instead she uses an example taught her during her initiation. "Let me tell you of something that might explain it. A long, long time ago, there was a very cold winter, and the land was covered in snow. It started earlier than ever before, as many would have been taking in their crops, and lasted long into the spring. In that time, my fellow druids helped everyone they could. In one large village there was a single druid, and he used his skills well to provide for the people and to protect them. One day, a terrible fever came to the village. The druid, working all day, moved from house to house and treated all with his magics and his herbs. They all soon recovered and thanked him. That night, as the sun set, a rider came in nearly dead, and the villagers rushed to help. The druid was quickly there, but many villagers were already there. The druid, seeing the man had plague marks, quickly dispersed the villagers. It was not enough. Within an hour, the villagers began to die. The druid had no more magic, and his knowledge did not allow him any aid from his herbs. By morning the druid had seen half the population die. For his quick curing of a simple cold, the druid had condemned them to death from the plague. Balance arrives sooner or later, and we are simply trying to reduce the extremes to allow balance to work without major upheavals. For that reason we tend to hold onto our magic for something worse, and also tend to let balance work itself out. Some help with a nudge, but only where the council is willing to take the chance."

"Not much, actually. There is this song that might have something to do with it:
Returned to the village after months away
with only the word “Eureka!” to say

He went into the fire to sleep for the night
with many eyes on him to show them the way
In the morn there was nothing where he had lay
but a flute and a lute and the song of the Faye

His feline companion withered and grey
took it last breath on the very next day

As for how to break such a spell I have no clue, Reynard however said that a powerful priest might be able to do that.
Or, of course, the one who put the curse upon him in the first place. A fairy most likely."


In reply to Holly (msg # 100):
"I think I... well, I'm beginning to understand. So it might be that the Harix followers getting sick are somehow the balance of you curing our cough?"

In reply to Sunna (msg # 101):

Holly adds,"Well, looking locally, that might be the interpretation, but you have to look at it wider than that. It may be that a great evil is harming people we don't know, and will never meet, but are within the awareness of the gods. To balance it all out, Obad-Hai may grant Harj special insight into the source of the disease and Harj may heal more through it."

Holly considers for a moment, and adds more, "Also, the balance is not always instant. For something truly evil, or good, or destructive or life bringing there might not be a way to balance it out today, or even tomorrow. Sometimes the gods wait ages, at least from our point of view to rebalance the world." Holly shrugs her shoulders and says, "Which for some is hard to accept. To them Balance is constant equality. In reality it a balancing game where you don't want to over compensate or not do anything. At least, that is how I see it. Everything has a purpose in keeping the balance, even murders and atrocities like the Ogres trolls the goblins grow."
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:16, Fri 15 May 2015.

With all the talk of Shrines of Unnature, Adiel decides to ask the group about their previous encounter. "You said you visited a shrine like this before. What was it like? And did you manage to remove its powers?"

In reply to Holly (msg # 102):

Sunna thinks about Hollys words for several moments, then nods slowly. "I guess it's difficult to see that something needs years, if not longer, to be balanced out. And it's worse when it's something good that will lead to something evil some time. But I think I'm beginning to understand your way of thinking. Thank you for that, Holly."


OOC: I've read about the shrine but Sunna wasn't there when I remember correctly.

In reply to Adiel (msg # 103):

Holly gave Adiel the best explanation she could to the question of the shrine. "Well, we were lucky in finding one only just created. We destroyed the creatures growing in the ground, those that have grown to full size here and are truly horrible. For the stonework we destroyed what we could, and passed on its location to Tora and others to be aware of. We were lucky to get it early. Not so lucky this time I am afraid."

Adiel nods, as if this is what he expected to hear. "I'm glad you destroyed the creatures and avoided the location afterward. However, the power of a shrine does not come from its stonework or architecture. You could level a shrine completely, and the ground would retain its power, a power that comes from its patron deity."

"If the tales tell me true, the only way to take away the power of an evil god's shrine is to consecrate it to another god, usually a god of goodness, healing, and mercy. Most of the stories tell of priests or priestesses of Pelor--or sometimes Ehlonna--doing this sort of consecration, but I wondered if a Druid might be able to." He looks at Holly curiously. To Adiel, the Druids are one of the few true mysteries of the world--sometimes he feels that he understands faeries and goblins better than Druids.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Mon 29 June 2015.

"Well, at the time we didn't have a priest on hand, so we did the best we could. Telling the Elders leaves it to them to bring in priests. As to the druids, well I don't know whether we could consecrating ground as technically it all belongs to Obad-Hai in some part at least" Holly answers, aware there is a little interest in her vocation from Adiel, but also aware there was a lot she didn't know about the ways of her fellow druids. When it was necessary, she had always found someone to lead her to the next stage, like when Erma had appeared and explained the trick in changing herself into an animal.

Adiel nods, eyebrows raising slightly. In retrospect, it makes sense that one young druid wouldn't know all their secrets, but he had never thought about levels of knowledge and secrecy within their ranks before.

Going over the group's treasure, Adiel puts some thought into what part of him considers the greatest treasure of all: the books. He decides to make a suggestion to the group, "Some of these would make excellent gifts to our friends and allies. We should give the book on item enchanting to Coal. After seeing what the dress did to Cordelia's powers, I wish we'd taken the dress to Coal, too... but it did save us a hefty tax." Adiel shakes his head, ambivalent. "I thought perhaps we could give the epic story to the Proctor and the children's stories to the Harper's guild."

"I hope the dress keeps her thoughts from other things for a while", Sunna answers. She's not too happy with what Cordelia did to test the powers of the dress, either.

"That's a splendid idea! Though I hope to be able to write down some more notes about the epic stories before giving it away. We could also discuss the magic writings with Coal at some point.
But let me ask: why the Epic Stories for the Proctor? I can understand that he's not much into Childrens Tales, but... does he appreciate fiction?"

Adiel nods. "I don't know about his appreciation for storytelling, but the Proctor is quite the book collector. He might even appreciate the book whose author was insane, as an interesting oddity. Unless that book has some hidden clue to the mind of some member of the Sowell family, it's unlikely to be of any use to us."

He shifts his weight slightly, thinking, before speaking again. "I like him personally, but he is also a powerful ally. Your foray into the tower amassed a fortune; we can afford to give him a small gift, to honor him and the relationship between Triplefang and Ferisedan. Nothing so expensive as to be seen as tribute paid for protection, but something of symbolic and personal value to him."

Holly take some time on the way back to the gate and the time inside the city to question Adiel about his knowledge of Gremlins.

"You seem to know something of the Gremlins Adiel. What can you tell us about them? I assume they are nocturnal, since that is when GLumr found them."

"Rankor Heights has had a problem with gremlins for some time, especially in the mines. They are invulnerable to most attacks. I have heard legends of dwarven holy men who can slay them, as well as a mighty hero with a hammer who could crush them." Adiel's eyes flicker to Mord, wondering if the Tome of Legends has made him strong enough to do such a thing. "They're certainly otherworldly. It's possible that Sunna's bow could slay them. Fortunately, they seem more interested in destroying property and playing pranks than in anything truly deadly."

Holly vaguely remembers Snow saying something about Gremlins in Rankor Heights after your last visit.

Mord simply replied by flexing his prodigious biceps, pointing at each in turn.  "Massive hammers.  Built-in.
You know, I don't know exactly what the book did, but I feel even more impressively powerful than before even.  Like after you've taken a patrol of goblins single-handedly, or run the ladyfavour house."

The barbarian considered how he felt about such matters, and his shrug and satisfied smile seemed to reveal at least a lack of concern.

"So what's the plan then - back to the city, change some coin so we don't have to break heads, then go hunting gremlins where Glumr can recall them?  Probably should go back to the Playground and ask the ladies why they boxed Scot.  Might be part of the same issue.

"Course, it could just be that Glumr's under other city effects and we need time away from cities.  Couldn't blame that.  Hey, what did the priests say about fixing Scot?"

Adiel raises an eyebrow. "Mord, from their boxing of Scot we can deduce exactly one thing: that the staff at the Playground is sane. Only one deeply acclimatized to strangeness would treat him with anything but fear in his present form. Thankfully, a cure is at hand."

"Shall we bring a gift for Genessa tonight? The epic fiction or the childrens' stories, perhaps?"

"It would be a really nice gesture. I think she'd like the epic fiction better."

Adiel nods. "I expect you're right. Would you like to present the gift to her, Sunna? I can represent the Triplefang to the guild, but I didn't actually find the books."

Holly gathers everyone together to discuss the nights proposed hunt for Glumr's Gremlins. "So Adiel has provided us with some information on them, but what do we really know about Gremlins and how do we fight them if we need to? What are their strengths and weakenesses, and how do stay safe?"

"It was interesting to hear the harpers' thoughts on the gremlins," says Adiel. "Honestly, I don't know whether they are otherworldly pranksters we might be able to reason with, or pests or monsters to be slain. I'd be at least as interested in studying them as fighting them."

"Trolls are among the deadliest forces known to our region," Adiel begins, deciding to more fully explain to his cousins more the tremendous threat they face. "Whether through common goblin magic or the dark magic of their priests, I cannot be certain, but they are magically grown from the earth. Based on what you found at the shrine near Goldenpoint, they seem to use goblins as some kind of seed. Our whole group, together, might fall before a single troll, and would be slaughtered by two or more. Giselle was wise to avoid them. Fortunately, they are very slow."

"Trolls heal merely by touching the earth. They have no special weakness like an ice or fire elemental has, and they are far stronger even than Mord, and more than twice as tall." He eyes his mighty cousin speculatively. "Even your newfound powers may not be a match for such a powerful monster. I don't know what you are capable of, now."

"To win the coming war, we will need to devise some way to destroy trolls. Perhaps an enormous pit filled with sap and hay, to keep them from touching the earth. Or an army of golems. Or powerful magic yet unknown to us." Adiel shakes his head. "I don't know, yet. But you can imagine how I felt when I saw a golem with Jacob."

Holly," Adiel says. "Do you have the power to talk with trees or animals that might have seen what sort of monster it is, with the power to turn living beings to stone? We're not prepared to face such a monster, but if we knew what it was... such creatures are the stuff of legends--dark dragons and gorgons and demon kings. A basilisk probably would have eaten the stone, so it's probably not that."

"I think if we return that way I can at least try. I don't know the creatures you mentioned, other than the stories I was told when I grew up, but you are right, if we know what we face, then we can prepare, or stay out of its reach. The marsh isn't a friendly place, so perhaps a tree or plant would be the best source."

Although they saw large stones, shaped like humans, Holly was unsure if others smaller creatures were in a similar state.

"I had a thought about that, from when I saw one earlier this winter.  If they could be held off the ground, it would take their strength, you said?"  Mord nodded speculatively, even as he chortled a grin at Adiel's comment about being mightier than Mord.  "Larger they may be, but mightier never.

"I do feel a grand legend would be waiting for a mighty warrior that held a troll off the ground, crushing him, or letting his allies - all mighty - dispatch it while he prevented its healing.

"Good talk, Adiel.

"The turning to stone thing I'm less inclined.  I want them to be crafting statues of me, not turning me into one.  My arms are strong enough as to crush stone," Mord loosed a hearty mirth that he had been restraining.

"So we need to find a way to levitate the troll off the ground, so it cannot regenerate, and then batter it from afar. OK, thats something we can plan for, until then I suggest we just run. My spells won't trap it due to its strength, as it will simply pull through any plants that try and bind it. We need to find a way to work out its weaknesses, either by capturing one, or finding a new site and taking on the growing ones. We have the potential to try out fire and ice on those, and find out what is most effective. Perhaps acid would work. It burns through flesh easily enough when someone spills it, and leaves a nasty scar if not treated magically, perhaps that will work. Or perhaps striking it with a lightning bolt. Not sure how we would call one down on a particular target, but I suspect some casters might be able to do it. Let me think on that one. If it needs the earth to regenerate, perhaps we can drown it in water. If it doesn't need air to breath, we might not be successful, but we probably need to work out how to hurt them before there are too many of them. Another option is targetting the seeds. If it is a particular type or skillset that the goblin needs to allow it to seed a troll, perhaps we can target them instead. Remove the problem before it starts"

All the thinking was starting to give Holly a headache, so she simply added, "Perhaps we could ask around and find out all we can about the tales about trolls. Perhaps the clerics of Pelor have some information, or the wise people of the tribe. Lets go out and ask, then come back and find some links."