A few of the group have been here already, but for the others, it is a bold new direction.

The street seems typical of most cities--cobblestone, winding, rises and dips. It's not that wide, but it is certainly not an alley. The houses on either side are mostly built against each other, with only the occasional alley or walkway to the back of the houses.

The houses all seem to be built at a slightly different angle, so the facade is highly irregular. There are parapets and balconies and wrought iron railings. There are stained glass windows, large fancy doors, and a kaleidoscope of colors and decorations, even a few arcane symbols.

Ember's house has one of the fancier doors.

Upon entering, there is a foyer, with a curtained alcove off on the right. Ahead, you can see a set of circular iron stairs that go upward. Ember leads you to and up the stairs.

At the top of the spiral stairs, there is a hallway with five closed doors and one open door at the end. Ember Heads down to the open door where a study or den is visible beyond. You enter on one side near one end. The walls are lined with bookshelves full of books and bric-a-brac, and there is a desk in front of a large arched window at the other end.

Ember heads over to the desk and sits behind it. There are seven chairs set in front of the desk.

"Please, be seated," he says, gesturing to the chairs.

While everyone is being seated, he opens a desk drawer and pulls out a strange device and sets it on the desk. It is a tall pyramid shaped wooden box with some sort of wire sticking up out of the front. He pushes the wire to one side and then lets go. Seemingly of it's own accord, the wire begins to bounce from one side to the other.

"Merely a precaution," he explains. "It alerts me if someone tries to scrye into this room, even though I have other protections up."

"Now, let's start out with any questions you might have."

Rodrigo follows along in wonderful spirits, the day having turned out more exciting than he'd ever imagined! He paid close attention to where they had come, and glanced eagerly around wandering what the mage had in store for them.

Seating himself comfortably, he looked his companions over to see if they had questions. As for himself, Magister Rain's offer couldn't come soon enough.

Kareth shares some of the Hobgoblin's frustration, as he enter's Magister Rain's house for the second time.    If the fellow knew all along where the thief was and is pally with the City Guard into the bargain, how come he needed a bunch of outsiders to tramp around the streets?

Nevertheless he keeps this thoughts to himself and takes one of the seats.   While he waits to Rain to pitch whatever he he is going to pitch, he studies the others in the group with an affected casualness, trying to work out what makes them tick.

Following the others into the residence.  Durek finds a seat near Talis and waits to hear what Rain has to say.

Talis strides in and makes himself as comfortable as he can considering his bulky plate armor and ancient battle blade "Well perhaps you can start by explaining who Kolenko is and why he would want to frame you for the theft of Lady Houghton's necklace."

"Perhaps you could explain who Lady Houghton is too."

Talis gestures towards his newest companions "All this leads to a response of some kind on your part, I imagine.  One that requires the cooperation of several bold adventurers."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Sat 10 May 2014.

Ember looks at Talis with a hithertofore unseen intensity, and then seems to blush a bit.

"Yes, good points. Well, that certainly clears up a few things. I knew I could count on you to find the truth of the matter, but I shall refrain from asking  how you came by this information."

"In truth, Lady Houghton is someone I have been courting. She is the youngest daughter of House Briganti in Boldavia, and, I might add, the last unwed daughter."

"Kolenko is the son of Count Efram the Ginger of Caurenze. He, too, has been courting her. It is no secret that Caurenze continues to struggle financially. An economic alliance with Boldavia could rescue Caurenze, there is no doubt of that."

"It is hard to see what Boldavia would get out of the merger, as it were, though I suppose a trade route between the two would have many repercussions throughout the country."

"Although framing me for the theft would never have succeeded legally, the mere rumor of it would have turned her eyes elsewhere."

"The necklace is still a mystery to me. I've spent a considerable amount of time and effort researching it. I have never seen it in Lady Houghton's possession, but that does not mean it is not hers. Even its magic is unusual, and may not have been original to the necklace."

"It is an elaborate scheme to discredit me, but its very roundabout nature assures that it doesn't go back to Kolenko."

"Does that answer your questions sufficiently?"

"Are there any others?"

Rukao wasn't typically invited to such upscale houses. Well, perhaps occasionally he would be posted outside the door or in the foyer, somewhere in plain sight where he could just growl at anyone who seemed to be paying special attention to the house or its occupants. But upstairs? Well-- this was a first.

He was far from comfortable in the situation and elected to remain standing even when offered the chair. He paced in one spot slowly and somewhat casually behind those who were sitting, not hiding his general discomfort and nervousness very well.

All the talk about courting and political intrigue, one noble framing another for a crime in order to secure... the girl? Or was it trade routes? It was all a bit hard to follow. Perhaps in this world there were Hobgoblins who engaged in such things-- but it wasn't his caste, that was for sure.

"So, I'm guessing you want us to get rid of this Kolenko guy. Discretely? Or would you rather he be made an example of?"

It hardly seemed as though wanton assault and murder was allowed here. Hell, he'd just helped arrest someone for murder, so clearly it was against the local law. But maybe the punishments here were very light and that's why his targets hardly fought back?

"Hahahaha," Ember laughs at Rukao's suggestion. "We don't engage in that sort of activity, though I appreciate the willingness? Offer? ...to pursue it."

"No, my need for adventurers involves solving a mystery."

"I don't expect you to find out the full truth of the matter, simply because it may be greater than any of us can fathom."

"Some of you may have heard of The Radiance. The exact nature of it is unclear, but it is believed by some that it is the source of all magic in the world. This Radiance lies beneath Glantri City, and is presumably the reason why everyone in Glantri has magical abilities of some sort."

"You may also have heard of the Week Without Magic. During that time, something happened to the Radiance. It... stopped functioning properly. It seems to have gotten corrupted somehow."

"A few of us have been researching this... phenomenon. Recently, we uncovered some ancient secrets. We don't know how true or accurate they are, but they mention something called the Seventh Magic. There are indications that this may be a way to fix the Radiance."

"What I would like you all to do is locate and retrieve this Seventh Magic."

Rodrigo sits back, stunned into speechlessness. Finally he realizes that his mouth is open, and he shuts it. He lifts a hand, looks as though he is about to speak – then halts. He frowns, and stands abruptly.

“Magister, the Seventh Magic? You wish us to retrieve this? For you?” He realizes that he has been pacing, and stops himself with his hands firmly gripping a chair back. “And what do you propose to do with such a thing, should we succeed?”

Anneth looks astonished.  Not at all at the adorable little plot the nobles have cooked up, but at this mention of the Radiance.  Her attention is fully on Ember Rain, for they are now discussing more than silly affairs of a short-lived people.  She has the presence of mind to keep her mouth shut for the time being, though, addled as she is.

She nods at Rodrigo.  What does this fellow hope to use this "Seventh Magic" for?

01:04, Fri 16 May 2014: Anneth Mage-Singer rolled 10 using 1d20 ((10)).

Intelligence Check, to see if Anneth knows anything at all extra-ordinary about this Radiance.  Unless you, GM, want to roll this in private.   :S!

In the time period of this game, too much has happened for the Radiance to be a complete secret, but very few people believe half the tales told about it. The only justification for any of them was the Week Without Magic... when the magic ALL went away.

Talis was unconcerned with Ember Rain's motives.  His family trusted the eccentric Mage and so would he.  The Elf warrior smiled "When and where do we start?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:30, Sat 17 May 2014.

Rukao simply shrugged his shoulders at all this. He really didn't care to be mucking about with all this magic-- he really didn't know what to even make of it. He wasn't even aware there were supposed to be six magics, so a seventh... it all sounded like nonsense.

Still, a paying job was a paying job.

"Are you really sure we can't just take care of this Kalenko guy? If he's your real problem... I mean, it wouldn't take much. Just have a warrant issued to bring him in for questioning... I go get him, maybe an accident happens along the way... he trips and falls to the bottom of the local well and I forget to tell anyone for a couple days..."

He gave a soft groan. It really seemed like this 'seventh magic' was considerably more tempting than merely eliminating a rival over a mate.

"Look, I'm better at scaring, arresting and killing people. If one of these others has a clue about this stuff, I'd be happy to work as a bodyguard. But I'm not sure I can help much otherwise."

"The Fourth Magic is what most wizards agree is elemental magic... reflected by the four primary elements," Ember continues his story. "It's got a lot of power but not a lot of control."

"The Fifth Magic is arcane magic; again, reflected in the pentagrams often used for arcane rituals. Not as much power, but more control."

"The Sixth Magic is divine magic. Still less power but more control. Yes, I know it doesn't seem that way, but that's the way it works out. Immortals don't have power to spare as much as followers want, which is why it's usually about belief."

"The Seventh Magic... well, there isn't a lot of agreement on whether it even exists, and if it does, what its exact nature is. The theory, of course, following the other examples, is that there is less overall power, but the ability to control is much, much greater."

"As some of you may know, power magic manifests as such things as lightning bolts and fireballs, ice storms and teleports. Small things can be done, of course, but they require less control that way."

"To answer Rodrigo's question, what I hope to do with it is fix the Radiance... if that's even possible. That's assuming, too, that there really is something wrong with it."

"A bodyguard is precisely what is needed, Rukao, for others will be after this secret as well. And I won't pretend for a minute that retrieving the septagram pieces will be easy."

"If anyone wants to back out, now is the time."

Rodrigo listens to the mage, comparing what he's being told with what he's learned. Rain appears to be quite an experienced and powerful mage. Assuming there was something wrong, maybe he could fix it. Considering, he makes up his mind, and returns to his seat.

“Interesting, Magister. What are these septagram pieces you refer to? And what would be our reward for fetching them, if I may be so bold?”

After listening to the others talk of magic,'the radiance', and jealous lovers Durek finally has had enough and shakes his head.  Politely standing he announces;  "I'm not sure what all this 'magic' talk is about but bodyguard I do understand.  If Talis says we go then I go."

Anneth muses to herself aloud, "To find a magic.  It would be like finding the sound of a cat's footsteps!" Her look is almost one of dreaming.  But, with clarity, she regars Ember Rain and awaits any further information.

Kareth's ears perk up at the mention of Lady Houghton.
"Master Rain.... would you like me to return this necklace to the lady for you? I am sure it would be no trouble"

When the conversation turns to the Radiance, he cannot help his eyes glazing over somewhat.   Certainly the idea of many magics, each mightier than the last, would make a stirring theme for a song.   The details seem a bit involved but surely a lay audience would not nitpick.   He daydreams slightly, wondering if an Eighth Magic might someday be found, and how much it might be sold for....

In reply to Kareth Melphis (msg # 18):

Talis slapped the arm of his chair "Well, Gentlefolk, I came to Glantri looking for adventure and here I find it falling right into my lap.  I say enough talk let's find this 7th Magic and fix The Radiance!"

"Where do we start, Master Rain?" he asked.

Kareth still has the necklace.


"Some seven hundred years ago, a wizard who called himself Veritas claimed to have discovered the secret of the Seventh Magic. He thought this would be a discovery that would change the world. Instead, he became the target of numerous assassination attempts."

"He decided to ensure his discovery would not be lost with his death, so he created the Septagram. When one of the assassins finally succeeded, the Septagram was also broken into seven parts."

"That's the tale that's been told ever since. Supposedly, the assassin sold the parts to different people, and only told this tale upon his own death bed."

"As you can imagine, people have been searching for these parts every since."

"Anyway, you've probably all seen a pentagram before--a five-pointed star with interconnecting lines inside a circle. The septagram is similar, it just has seven points."

"I was told by a friend that he'd acquired one of these pieces... that's what got me started on my own investigations."

"Alas, he disappeared a week ago on his way to Fenswick."

"So that is the first task for you... find out what happened to him, and perhaps recover the first piece of the Septagram."

"Does that interest you?"

"I suggest we retrace his steps on the road to Fenswick.  Can you offer us anything in the way of supplies for our journey?"

"Yes, you can have whatever supplies you feel you will need," Ember answers Tarith. "I can even provide horses if you want."

Rodgrigo, feeling a mite uncomfortable, says, "Magister, what shall be our reward for this effort?"

Kareth nods at Rodrigo's question and clears his throat expectantly, looking at Magister Rain expectantly.

"Is the adventure not enough?" Ember laughs in mock astonishment. "If solving the mystery itself does not satisfy you, what then would you want? Gold? Magic? Perhaps just being owed a favor by a Mage of Glantri would suffice!"

"Pray tell... what do you think a suitable reward would be?"

Rodgrigo perks up. "I wish to learn this new magic!" Then he settles somewhat more soberly, and adds, "But of course, we'll need to cover our expenses while we're on this quest, and that will take gold."

Anneth opens her mouth to protest Rodrigo's words, but can only crack a smile as the conversation continues quite comically and, well, reasonably,  without her interjection.

"I'm satisfied at the prospect of going down in history.  And to think I just threw a dart at a map!"

"So when do we start?  All this talking is getting us no where."

"Yes, yes, Onward and upward!"

Ember furnishes you with supplies and horses, if you want them.

Otherwise, an hour sees you outside the city and riding north.

The man's name was Fando the Sage. He was elderly, with long white hair and beard, and he walked with a limp.

He was traveling by wagon with his apprentice and two personal guards. There was still the occasional raid by orcs and such.

Where he was going in Fenswick or who he was meeting Ember doesn't know. He does know that Fando was looking for a second piece of the Septagram.

Just about anyone could have known he was going to Fenswick. Supposedly he has a niece that lives there.

He's from Glantri, but it's hard to say who knew he had a piece of the Septagram, even if anyone believed him. As far as Ember was aware, not even Fando's apprentice, Donk, knew he had a piece of the Septagram. Doesn't mean he didn't know.

Since he was looking for the next piece, he probably didn't have any specific return date. It would depend on what he found.

Ember had gotten a message from his niece, Corrina, that he hadn't arrived.

Rodrigo rode along on his fine new horse, enjoying the fresh air as only an elf could. Looking to Talis, he confided, “It's nice to leave the city, isn't it? While I enjoy my comforts, nature brings us all back to our roots.”

Once well away, on the main road that a wagon would stick to, the elf kept an eye on branching trails and roadside features. Sharing his thoughts, he announced to the group as a whole, “I've been thinking, maybe Fando had an intermediate objective upon his trip to Fenswick, perhaps a ruin or another sage he wished to visit. And then after, perhaps he had things to do in Fenswick as well. So if we keep our eyes open, something may catch our eye that a wagon could've approached. And subsequent investigation may pay off. Of course, he could've been assaulted at an inn or roadhouse.” He shrugged. “He may even have encountered bandits or creatures that captured or killed him. Regrettably. We'll need to keep an open mind for evidence of that as well.”

Fenswick is northeast of Glantri City, but the hills keep you from getting there directly. You have to follow the river north before heading east through the valley.

At his age, Fando wouldn't have fared well on just a horse, thus the wagon, and thus sticking to the road.

The route to take is north to Taterhill, then go east to the ford. Once you cross the river, it's a short distance south to Fenswick.

Rodrigo knows about Fenswick, as it's nearly a neighbor to the north of Belcadiz.

"Let's follow his route.  Those of us that are more keen eyed can keep an eye out for tracks."

Rodrigo makes a habit of spending a little time riding alongside each of the party members, while keeping an eye on their surroundings for clues or enemies.

Kareth ponders through the mission as we ride along.

"You know, my fine companions - when we reach a settlement it might be interesting for us to enter as two parties who do not know each other.   One can ask around openly about this Fando fellow.   The other can feign disinterest and keep its eyes open.   That way if anyone in the village had a hand in the man's dissappearance, we shan't be misdirected by him...."

Rodrigo considers Kareth's suggestion. Grinning, the elf nods his head.

"I like it! Very well, let us do this. Perhaps I should be on the 'asking' team, as I am a mage. It will give me the opportunity to follow up on any magical clues."

Talis mused for a time before saying "Not a bad idea, but if things work out for us we won't reach the village.  We'll find a trail or clues somewhere along the road since the sage never made it out of the wilderness."

Although Rodrigo has never traveled to Fenswick, he is aware that there are several villages along most of the roads. It is these villages that supply food and mundane materials for the city.

Fando could have passed through several of them without actually reaching Fenswick.


The trip to Fenswick will take several days.


At this point, I need to know who is riding a horse, who is walking and who (if any) is riding in a wagon.

I'd prefer to be riding a horse.

I'll be in the wagon.

Rodrigo is riding a horse provided by our patron.

He shares the information that there are multiple villages within which we can do the 'split the party' thing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Wed 18 June 2014.

Anneth is on horseback, and stroking the mane of her trusty steed.  She periodically looks around for any signs of danger.  She nods an agreement to Talis' statement.

Kareth would dearly like to be riding a horse as it is far more romantic.   Unfortunately his current funding situation does not permit, and he is not a child to sit in a wagon.

Therefore he leaves his pack in the cart and walks at a marching pace beside it.

In reply to Kareth Melphis (msg # 44):

Talis goes clippity-clop, clippity-clop along the road.

So Durek is riding in a small wagon being pulled by a donkey, and I'm guessing that Gierdon is in the wagon, too. I expect Rukao to be walking along side the wagon, or occasionally riding in it to rest.

That puts Anneth, Kareth, Rodrigo and Talis riding on horses.


Any supplies that might need are in the wagon. This probably includes tents, bedrolls, food, water, rope, etc.


Exiting the city was no problem. The guards are more concerned with people entering. It takes about a half hour of travel before you leave the farmlands behind. As sunset approaches, you come upon a hamlet. It probably started as waystation and then a few homestead farms sprung up.

It's now grown to around 20 buildings, maybe 80-90 people.

The name of hamlet seems to be Haggiskott. The waystation (inn) is Barton's Barn.

After a long, scenic day-trip, Rodrigo sighs in pleasure as the waystation and hamlet appear over the horizon.

"Well, do we follow the plan of breaking into two groups? If so, now is the time. Again, I volunteer to be on the 'asking' team."

He waits, allowing his mount to pause, until his companions respond.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:42, Fri 20 June 2014.

In reply to Rodrigo (msg # 47):

"I'll volunteer to be on the "dark and mysterious stranger" team!" exclaimed Talis.  The heavily armored Elf smiled happily at his companions.  With a flourish he pulled the hood up on his cloak and put a dour, grumpy look on his face.  "I think I've got this right.  Tell me, Anneth, do I look like Durek now?"

Anneth purses her lips, doing her best not to laugh.  "Bit tall..."

"I volunteer to be an Inquisitor!  Uhh, Inquirer.  Inquiress?  See, I told fortunes for a living before grabbing for them, and that required a lot of invasive questions and people skills and acting." Yes, Anneth, come clean about being dysfunctional, why don't you.  Great for potential references to hear.

Kareth volunteers for the dark and mysterious stranger team.

"Humphrf" Durek snorts at the joke.  "Well I guess I'll go with you then Talis-at least my axe shall keep you safe when you get in trouble."

So Kareth, Talis and Durek are the mysterious team, while Anneth Gierdon, and Rodrigo are the friendly travelers asking questions.

Presumably Rukao will be dark and mysterious, too.


The friendly group should be the one to enter the village first. As they reach the edge of the village, a few farmers can be seen working a field or tending to other chores. When they see the travelers, they wave pleasantly.

There are a couple of horses outside Barton's Barn already, so when you walk in, it's not surprising that there are other travelers.

Other than that, there aren't many customers. Most of the villagers are probably working during the day.

There are a dozen tables and a short bar against the back wall.

Rodrigo rides into the village feeling very pleased with himself. 'So far, so good,' he thinks, nodding to the farmers in the fields and the villagers on the road.

Gratefully, he dismounts, handing his steed off to the stableboy as he grabs his pack and goes into Barton's Barn. He'd heard a few stories of the place from travelers, but nothing that appeared any more credible than anything else.

Smiling to his friends Anneth and Gierdon, glad to have them with him, he takes a casual glance around and notes the appearance and demeanor of the people within. He looks for a table that can accommodate them, and sits with a sigh of contentment.

Well, almost contentment. He looks up expectantly for a server to take his order!

Ann waves at the friendly folks, dismounts along with Rodrigo, and follows him inside.  For this to work, she would need to drink after eating!  Her reputation and hopes of making money were at stake...!

Waiting for some time Durek signals for the next group to move into town.  Hood drawn over his head he heads toward the inn.  Handing the porter some coin to take care of the mounts.  With a 'Hmrfph' he heads in doors and finds a table near the wall.  Pulling his pipe out and placing some pipe weed in it he lights it and pulls a long drag on it.

Talis follows Durek and attempts to look grumpy.  When they reach their table the big Elf eyes Durek's tobacco curiously.  He picked up the small bag and sniffed at it, but decided now was not the time to experiment with smoking and set it back down.  Instead he sat back and kept his hood pulled low over his head so that his face was obscured in shadow, only his Amethyst eyes could be seen glittering beneath.

_{"So we just wait here and look tough?"} he whispered to Durek and Kareth.

Taking a long pull on his pipe; Durek nods in the affirmative to Talis.  "Just keep an eye on the others and look for anything strange"; he adds in hushed tones as he exhales.

In reply to Durek (msg # 57):

"Stranger than a Dwarf and an Elf whispering to each other in a dark corner you mean.  I shall endeavor to keep my eyes open." he finished.

Talis began to pay attention to the other tavern patrons in an attempt to comply with Durek's ideas.

As the adventurers fitler into Barton's Barn, you can see that there are six other patrons at the moment. The covered tinker's cart outside probably belongs to the Halfling. The man sitting with him doesn't quite look like a mercenary, but is probably a guard for hire.

The loft has been partitioned off into rooms, and a wooden stair leads up to it, apparently replacing the older ladder, which is actually still there.

A hooded figure is hunched over the bar.

And three others are at another table. Two of them probably belong to the other two horses outside, while the third may be a local merchant.

There are no serving people at the moment, so the bartender comes over to Rodrigo and Anneth.

"What can I get you good folks?" he asks.

After he takes their order, he stops by Durek's and Talis's able to take their order.

As you wait for your drinks and/or food to be brought back, you can't help but overhear the local merchant lamenting to his drinkng buddies.

"One of my cousins recently won this item in a poker game. Naturally he cheated. Before he could see what he'd won, though, he was killed on the road by bandits. Personally, I think it was the man he cheated. I was more than surprised to discover that he left me all his worldly possessions, including this odd item, but I was even more surprised to discover that it is a ship! Frankly, I am at a loss what to do about it."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:30, Fri 25 July 2014.

Anneth orders whatever is closest to stew, and just water.  It wouldn't do to be gathering information with an addled mind and a loose tongue.

Her mouth drops upon overhearing the man's story, and her eyes slowly drift to Rodrigo.  She says something in a melodic tongue to him.

Rodrigo nods to Anneth, indicating the man. He, too, looks interested. He leans back in his chair anticipating his wine, and the results of Anneth's efforts.

This just got better and better.

Once the meals arrive, Anneth will request a tankard of ale for the merchant.  "An ale for him, please.  On me, and with my regards." If necessary, she will describe said merchant.  She throws Gierdon a quick wink.

So, what's Anneth's order come out to, so far?  Stew, water, ale... I need to take this out of my character sheet.

Kareth doesn't go right in with Durek and Talis, he wanders about outside a little to see if the inn has a rear entrance.   Then he slips in though the front door, his gait affecting the last stages of soporific drunkenness, and slumps to sit against the wall near Durek's table, apparently asleep.

Sipping on his ale and taking in his tobacco, Durek makes eye contact Rodrigo slightly nodding his head at him.

Rodrigo raises the index finger of one hand slightly, signalling unobtrusively to the dwarf to wait a minute. The elf is hoping for a positive reaction to a lady buying a drink for a stranger.

When the drink is delivered to the merchant, he looks up suspiciously to see whose generosity is being directed his way. When he sees that it is Anneth, his face lights up as he picks up the drink and gestures to Anneth with the drink before taking a sip.


the cost to Anneth for the stew and drink is only 4sp.

Rodrigo raises his eyebrows to Anneth, then tilts his head slightly in the stranger's direction.

Elwood looks over at the newcomers who just bought a drink for his table mate but not one for him.  He's not overly concerned with the rudeness, more curious about why the merchant gets a free round but not everyone else.

The newcomers seem friendly enough.  "Welcome to..."  The lanky man turns to his table companions and asks, "Where is this place again?"

Rodrigo, thinking to move things further along and avoid trouble, stands and bows.

“I am Rodrigo de Çamora, friend. And they tell me that we find ourselves in Haggiskott.” He picks up his drink and walks over to the neighboring table. Lowering his voice, he adds to the stranger who spoke, “I think the lady likes your friend. Why don't we let them get acquainted, and I'll buy your next round over at the bar, friend?”

"Thanks, partner.  I'm Elwood.  I'm just passing through this village myself.  How about you?" Elwood accepts the Elf's offer, and once that round is finished he returns the favor.

Keeping track of Anneth in his peripheral vision, Rodrigo settles down at the bar and makes sure his new companion gets his drink. He carefully pitches his voice to carry, wanting to be overheard and trying to note any reactions.

"Well, Elwood, actually I'm looking for someone. He was on his way from Glantri City to Fenwick, and would've passed through here. Named Fando the Sage. Old human, long white beard, walked with a limp. Travelling on a wagon with a few companions. Within the past week or so."

Rodrigo leans back a bit in his chair, pauses for more observation, then asks, "Sound at all familiar?"

Anneth raises her spoon in a returned gesture to the merchant, and hands the server five whole Silver coins!  In response to Rodrigo's statement, Anneth says, "What can I say, I'm forward," and makes with her stew and drink to sit with the merchant.

"Hey there, stranger!" The dabbler-in-arts somewhat brazenly takes a seat as close to the merchant as possible.

Durek continues to sit in the corner eating his food and smoking on his pipe.

There were two people sitting with the merchant. One was Elwood, who's now gone over to the bar with Rogrigo.


The other one apparently is with the merchant.

"I'll go check the horses," he says as he gets up. He heads out the front.

"Well, I never say 'no' to a free drink... or a pretty lady," the merchant replies to Anneth.

"The name's Wyndham Kellar. I was born and raised here in Haggiskott, but I've been a traveling merchant for a dozen years now. So I know I'm not handsome enough, young enough or rich enough to interest a woman like you. That leaves you wanting something. A drink and a smile is enough to get me to listen to your offer."

He sips at the drink.


Talis is sitting at the table with Durek. And while they are pretending to be disinterested in the goings-on in the inn, they are watching out for anything unusual. The hooded figure at the bar would seem to qualify, but he hasn't looked up since the newcomers entered. On the other hand, there is a mirror on the wall behind the bar. Talis and Durek don't have the right angle of view to tell if he's watching anyone, though.

On the other hand, the Halfling and his guard seem to be rather interested in the merchant and his guests. They keep sending surrepititious glances that way.

Well, this fellow was smart.  No, Anneth did not likely find him attractive, and she was far too dysfunctional for romance - she'd tried it several times, and each lover's family found her far too off-putting for their son!  Bah.

"My name is Anneth Mage-Singer, of Ierendi.  My companions and I overheard your story - about your cousin, and his fortune and misfortune.  Might I hear the tale in whole?  We've interest in such things as you've spoken of, and may be able to help." Pah!  For what price, sorceress.

Elwood scratches his chin as he tries to remember.  "Sorry, partner, I can't say I've run into the gentleman.  The description could fit a lot of old timers and the name doesn't ring a bell.  Is he in danger?"

Rodrigo considered both his drink, and Elwood's words. Both needed... something more.

"Well, he never arrived at his destination. But he is a wizard. Is he in danger? I'd say, as much as others may wish to cause him harm. A lone wizard with a few henchmen can be overcome and robbed with good planning. And wizards sometimes carry items of value. Personally I believe someone may have coveted something of old Fando's, and that I'll find him in a ditch somewhere with the crows at his eyes. But then, my imagination runs rampant ofttimes." He shrugs.

"So, just passing through? May I ask from which way you've come, and what news of the road? Perhaps there is a clue somewhere innit. I'm bound to try and find the whitebeard, promised a friend of his."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:36, Wed 30 July 2014.

For Anneth:

"I'm not sure how you can help," Wyndham replies, but goes into the story. A few more details are added.

"So I go to the barrister's office, and he informs me that my cousin Delron left me all his worldly possessions. Although I was astounded, it quickly turned out that that included an old rusty sword, a beat up dirty backpack, and the deed to some place called Strange Magic. It was up in the foothills here by Haggiskott."

"Well, what did I want with some out of the way place in the middle of nowhere? And just what kind of place could he have had? And why did he leave it to me?"

"I figured it must have been some final colossal joke he was playing on me. Even wondered if he was really dead."

"Although I travel this route fairly often, I wasn't interested in making a special trip. So I come down here, head up into the foothills, and find... a friggin' ship!"

"I can't even imagine how it got there! But what do I want to live in a ship for?"

"I have no idea how much it's worth. Scrap lumber maybe, but even if I wanted to take it to a river, don't know how I'd do it. Magic, of course, but that's a level of magic way beyond anything I have access to."

He stops then and takes a long draught from his ale.

Talis strained his keen Elven hearing to catch what was being said.  He related the information as best he could to Durek and Kareth.

OOC: Not adding much, just wanted to check in so you know I'm still here.

Elwood tells Rodrigo about his travels, which seem to have been just one small village after another.

OOC: nothing established about where he's been.

"If the gentleman is missing and presumed in trouble, I feel obliged to help locate him.  If you could use another set of eyes and a strong shield-arm, I'd be happy to help."

As he drains his cup and calls for another round for himself and his new drinking companion, Elwood overhears a bit of the merchant's conversation.  He'd been wandering for days searching for something worthwhile to do.  It seems like Murlynd has led him to the right place in this watering hole.

Durek continues to drink and smoke on his pipe conversing with Talis.

Rodrigo nodded his head in gratitude for the drink. He looked at the stranger from above the rim of his glass. 'Big fellow, handy in a fight no doubt. Is he no more than he appears?'

Smiling slightly, Rodrigo lets the man's offer slide by without comment for the moment. “Tell me more of yourself, friend Elwood,” asks the elf, and he allows his gaze to scan the room once more. “Where are you from, and who do you serve? I don't believe I recognize the symbol you bear.”

"Huh." Anneth's response is flat.  She was at a loss of words.  "Just...a ship, perched on a hill, like a bird?." Anneth was knowledgeable about magic, and divinations, but this was something else.  It might also be extraordinarily relevant to the task that she is a part of!  "Would you be alright if we were to take a look inside?"

Elwood points at his tin star.  "Oh, this?  It's the symbol of Murlynd.  One of the lesser known immortals.  I am from a small town in Thyatis.  Left it when I was big enough, and ended up in all kinds of trouble.  One day, while cooling off in a noble's jail cell, I had a vision.  Murlynd appeared and called me to serve him.  I changed my ways, said my vows to him, and too up his star as my symbol.  I'm sworn to uphold justice, battle evil, and prevent people from abusing magic to harm others."

Rodrigo can probably guess that there's more to the story than that, but Elwood seems a bit self-conscious talking about it.

"So, what about you, partner?  What's your story?"

"Me? You flatter me, sir. My family is attached to the court of our Princessa. I am a recent graduate of the Great School, just beginning to find my way."

Rodrigo considers the situation over his drink. "Once my lady travelling companion has recovered from her conquest, I should like to introduce you. I think your kind offer of assistance would be appreciated."

He beckons the barkeep over. "Come, my good sirrah. You overheard our talk. What can you tell me of old Fando?" The elf slips the man a few silver.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Sun 03 Aug 2014.

Elwood tips his hat to Anneth when Rodrigo mentions her.  Then he listens in to the barkeep to see what there is to learn about Fando.

"Well... I guess it'd be alright for you to look at the ship," Wyndham replies to Anneth. "Hey! Maybe that's what I could do! Charge a small fee to visit the ship! I can't see how else I can make any money out of it."

"I'll tell you what, though. Since you gave me the idea, I'll let you visit it for free! The first time. But, if you can think of some other way to earn money off of that mistake, I'll cut you in for half! How does that sound?"


"Can't say as I know any Fando," the bartender answers Rodrigo as he pockets the coins, "unless it was that quirky silver-haired fella that passed through."

"Well, now, I can't rightly say as how he passed through here. He did stop in here for a drink and a meal. Spent the whole time pouring over some scrolls. As I recall, I heard him tell someone he was going up into the hills to get some rock samples. That's be near where old Wyndham over there says he has a ship! Can you believe that? What would a ship be doing in the hills?"

"But, as I was saying, I don't recall this Fando fella coming back through town. He might have, of course, and I missed him."


Talis, Durek and Kareth continue to sit at their table and drink while keeping an eye on the place. Talis spots the Halfling pull something out of his pocket. Although he isn't actually pointing it, he does kind of surrepititiously 'aim' it in Anneth's general direction. As Talis watches, the Halfling passes his hand over the device in what looks like some arcane gesture.


Rukao and Geirdon are still outside, kind of taking in the village and keeping an eye on the horses and wagon. It's a peaceful little village. As they watch, though, they spot a dust cloud coming from the north. Within moments the thundering sound of galloping hoofbeats rumble through the ground.

Talis nudged Durek and Kareth and motioned, with his eyes, toward the Halfling's surreptitious antics.

Rodrigo perks up at the bartender's information. “Well, that could very well have been the old dog himself, sir. My thanks.” He turned to look over his shoulder at the the indicated man, 'Wyndham.' Noting that he was the man sitting with Anneth, the elf returned his attention to his new friend.

“Elwood, do you know this Wyndham at all?”

Durek takes a drink from his ale and nods in acknowledgement to Talis observation.

OOC question for the DM: Does Elwood know Wyndham, or were we just sharing a table?

Anneth feels things.  Surprise.  Shock.  Pleased that she was able to make a profit.  She also feels herself "snapping back".  "Yes.  I would like to discuss this with my business relations." Finishing her meal in one quick swoop, Anneth makes a "wait" gesture, rises, and approaches Rodrigo.

She briefly summarises what has been said to him, in the Elven tongue.  She seems very excited.

The elf listens quietly as Anneth speaks, then raises a finger. Turning to the barkeep, Rodrigo asks, "Do you have rooms to let? If not, can you direct me to someone who does?"

Pfui. Took longer to get caught up than I thought. RL things to do. Also discovered that the lightning strike took out the router, the Vonage phone jack, the ethernet card on the desktop computer (so it can't connect to the Internet), and did something to the big screen TV (it can't receive a signal from the satellite box).


"Yes, I have several rooms available," the bartender replies to Rodrigo. "In fact, I'm pretty much the only game in town. Oh, sure, you can rent Ma Gorton's extra room, but you'd have to put up with her incessant chatter about her family. She is a good cook, though... can't fault her for that."

"Hit me up for a room, then, and we'll adjourn there if you all don't mind?" This last directed to Anneth and Elwood.

Rodrigo gives the man behind the counter the money he requires, picks up his drink, and asks Anneth in Elvish, "Can you ask your friend to join us, Anneth?"

As he turns he catches Durek's eye, winks, then heads off to the room.

Anneth returns to Wyndham.  "It looks like said partner in business would like to discuss things with you!  Care to join us?"

Elwood finishes off his drink and gets up, pays his bill, and is ready to go.

So Rodrigo, Anneth and Elwood are adjourning to a room.


Talis, Durek and Kareth are still in the inn.


What about Gierdon and Rukao? Are you still hanging around outside?

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 98):

Until the diplomatic group gives us the all clear I think we continue to be sullen watchers sitting in the corner.

Talis makes his way over to the bar and procures a room for the three of them.  If he sees a chance he'll whisper to Anneth or Rodrigo and warn them about the Halfling's magic item.

Kareth will go outside to relieve himself and as he does so walk around the perimeter of the inn to recce the low windows and back doors. Then he slopes back inside.

Durek continues to watch the room drinking from his beer and smoking on his pipe.

Rodrigo leads the others to the room, makes introductions, and gets Wyndham to repeat his story. Once he's done, Rodrigo asks, "Who else knows about this?"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Fri 29 Aug 2014.

"Knows about what?" Wyndham asks in response to Rodrigo's question. "You mean the ship in the hills? Heck, just about everyone should by now, I'd guess. It hasn't been a secret."

"Besides, what difference does it make?"


So Aaron and Elwood are pardners, of a sorts. While Elwood was in the inn, Aaron had sought out the village blacksmith. Somehow, Aaron had gotten a nick in the edge of his sword. He probably could have gotten it out with his sharpening stone, but it would have taken awhile, and that wasn't the way to treat a sword.

It took the blacksmith--Hammer Jackson--only an hour to heat the sword, pound out the edge again, then heat it, pound it, heat it, pound it, and finally quench it. After that, his sharpening stone had put the edge back on it and some fine grit sand had polished it up like new again.

Aaron supposed a weaponsmith could probably tell the sword had been reworked. It had only cost him a single gold piece.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 103):

Aaron looked over the workmanship of the sword with a critical eye and then hands Hammer his gold piece. Returning his gaze to the sword, he said "Thank you Hammer, you have done a good job. This old sword should do me service for a long time yet. It was my father's..." Aaron stopped  and stared at the sword, mesmerised. Suddenly he sheaths the sword and strides out towards the inn.

Entering the inn, he looked around in search of Elwood who doesn't seem to be around. They had arranged to meet up here after he had seen the blacksmith. So he approached the barkeep. "Barkeep," he asked, "I am meeting a friend of mine here. Have you seen a man wearing a seven pointed star?"

Rodrigo tells Wyndham that he's trying to learn the fate of Fando the Sage, and the barkeep thought the old man might've headed up into the hills.

"Maybe we can help you, friend. Especially for half the profits! Was your cousin an adventurer? Did he have ought to do with magic? What was in that backpack, could I see it, and the sword?"

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 104):

Looks over when he hears Aaron's booming voice.  Shakes his head and teases his friend. So you survived Old Man Griswold's final challenge too?

Aarons turns around warily to meet his old acquaintance. "Ahh, Tom," he starts, "I had not expected to see you here."

Then he begins to relax and beckons over Tom over towards a table. "Come and sit with me while I eat. It has been a long road and my feet are weary and my pack is heavy."

As they head to a table, Aaron calls to the barkeep "I would have some hearty stew if you would be so kind."

And then back to Tom, "And to answer your enquiry, yes, I did survive that last fight at Griswolds. It cost me a broken arm, but the other fella was worse off."

"But, before we reminisce, have you seen a man with a seven pointed star? He is a friend I was travelling with and we arranged to meet here."

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 107):

Joins Aaron at his table.

Chuckles.  I only suffered a sprained wrist and a bunch of bruises.  The other guy had a concussion as I knocked him out.

In a much quieter voice: I think he went upstairs with a couple of other individuals.

Elwood is curious about the flying ship, but he'll sit back and let Rodrigo and Anneth handle the questioning.  He takes some mental notes to share with Aaron once he gets to the inn, but mostly just listens.

As Kareth went outside ostensibly to relieve himself, Talis went over to the bar to see about getting a room. Just about then, another patron walks into the inn and heads straight over to the bar.

Although this new person doesn't look suspicious to Kareth and Durek, they are pretty sure he isn't a local. Slightly surprised, they've started to get the idea that this hamlet sees quite a bit of through traffic.

Kareth recons the inn, and sees the typical design. There are no security bars on the windows, though they all have shutters that can be closed for inclement weather. There is only one that has glass in it, on the first floor. There is a single door at the rear, which probably leads into the kitchen, or possibly the pantry.

Talis can't help but overhear the newcomer's words, especially since they mostly echoed his.

How much for a night's lodging?

He seems to have the typical casual interest in his surroundings.

"A night's lodging is 10 silvers," the bartender/innkeeper replies to Tom. "My name's Barton. If you're planning on staying in town long, I can make you a better long-term offer. Three days for 25 silvers, or seven days for 60 silvers."

This was the same patter Barton gave Talis.

The newcomer pays the silver for a single night as he replies.

No, a single night's lodging will be fine.  Do you or the other nearby hamlets have trouble with roving bands of troublemakers? he then asked in a quiet voice.

"Troublemakers? Roving bands?" Barton answers with a mix of amusement, confusion and concern. "Oh, you must mean the hobgoblin tribe! It's a small, not more'n 30 or 40. What do they call themselves now? Ah, yes, Skullsmashers I think. Hubris is more like it."

"We think they raid some livestock now and then, but mostly stay away from attacking folks. We wouldn't put up with that!"

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 110):

Thanks Barton.  hmmmmmm

Rodrigo asks all of the questions that Anneth can think of... She merely says "All good questions." in response, and awaits an answer.

Talis made his way to the bar and passed Anneth "One side, Wench." he said as he muscled passed her.  Under his breath he added _{"The Halfling used a magic device."}

"Half the profits? What profits?" Wyndham protested. "I see nothing but expenses! And even if you want to cover half of those, I'm not sure I want to bother with the other half!"

"My cousin an adventurer? I suppose you could call him that, but that's at least a dozen names down the list! Scoundrel is more like it! He was no wizard, if that's what you mean, but like everyone in Glantri, he had magical talents. You can't live this close to the Radiance and not be affected by it!"

He hands over the backpack and the sword.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:48, Wed 10 Sept 2014.

Aaron, how did you end up with a broken arm?  My sprained wrist was from having to use a longsword and shield.  I truly don't like using shields.  I think old man Griswold purposely set the final test up with our weakest weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:48, Wed 10 Sept 2014.

"Now, now my friend. No sense in despairing until the hand is done."

Rodrigo examines the sword, scabbard, trappings if any, backpack and any contents. He passes the items around for the others to look at.

"Powers? Anything particularly noteworthy in your relative's palette of powers?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:57, Wed 10 Sept 2014.

Elwood will examine the goods when offered.  After passing them on, he says, "Good sir Wyndham, if it seems to be such a burden for you, would you object to us examining it?  It may end up worth something to you after all if we can learn more about it."

Kareth has so far found nothing underhand.  His handsome face hides a rather impatient soul and he gets another flagon of ale and drinks it properly this time, relaxing back into his slouch against the wall.

Durek continues to puff on his pipe turning down another round of ale when offered by the bar maid.  Turning toward Talis-"After finishing this pipe I intend to retire for the night.  This back and forth and waiting for something to happen is wearing my patience down.  I'd as soon just go to sleep and be waken when my axe is needed."

Bleh. Rough week.


"Let's see... Delron could make it snow... except during High Summer," Wyndham replies. "I heard he could kill a bird at a hundred paces just by pointing his finger at it. Never saw it myself."

"Sure, you can traipse up to the damned ship if you want to. Ain't no one going to stop you. I sure ain't! I doubt if even the hobgoblins would bother you."


When Anneth examines the sword and backpack, she notices the backpack has a secret pocket on the side.

Elwood, when he examines the sword, notices that the balance is off. It's not a high quality sword by any means, but even an average sword should have a proper balance to it to make it useful as a weapon. Also, the blade is rather dull, and there appear to be flecks of dried blood on it.


Down in the common room, those still there (Kareth, Durek, Talis, Tom and Aaron) hear a sudden commotion from outside. There's some shouting, some thumping and then the door bursts inward, smashed off its hinges by a hulking brute!

"Gimme sword! Give Krog sword!"

The ogre brings down his club onto the nearest table, smashing it into pieces. He continues to storm over to the bar.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 120):



What sword?  This sword?

Jumps out of my seat and pulls out my bastard sword.  Unhappy at having my meal interrupted by a hulking rude ogre.

Aaron quickly grabs his own sword and mutters to Tom, "Let's see if he can concentrate on more that one thing at a time."

He dashes away from Tom, creating a space between the two of them. Or as much as can be done in the enclosed and cluttered Inn. Creating a distraction as he passes by throwing chairs and table to the ground.

"Now we be talkin"  Durek says placing the pipe down and grabbing for his axe.  "Dis be what I do best!"

OOC: Can we hear the commotion down in the taproom?

Elwood looks over the sword carefully.  "Looks to be a ceremonial blade or decoration piece rather than a weapon intended for true combat.  Yet it has been used.  Curious."

Assuming we don't yet hear the ogre causing a ruckus, Elwood will examine the hilt for a secret compartment or the like.  If we do hear, he'll save examining it for later.

"By Alphatia's waggling buttocks how'd an Ogre get in here?" exclaimed Talis.  The Elf pulled his ancient battle sword and stood ready.

Aaron, Thom, Kareth, Durek and Talis have the intiative over the ogre because it paused and then smashed a table. It doesn't seem to like the inside of the inn, but it also doesn't seem to bothered by the five opponents.

If you are going to attack, go ahead an roll...


Those upstairs vaguely hear the initial commotion as the ogre burst through the door, but it's not necessarily cause for alarm. The smashing of the table and the bellowing are clearly heard.

Elwood does indeed find a secret compartment in the hilt. Technically, it probably isn't intended to be 'secret', but it would be used to add small stones or lead weights to balance it, then held in place with some resin. It was design so as not to disrupt the 'elegance' of the blade.

While waiting fir Anneth and Elwood to finish their examinations, Rodrigo cocks a pointed ear at the commotion from the common room. Then he shrugs. Surely his friends can handle themselves!

Anneth pokes at the secret compartment, looks at it...

She is aware of the commotion downstairs, she just, well, doesn't seem to be paying it much heed, is all.  But she does start at the noise.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 126):

Moves to attack and rolls a 9 (see dice log).

Grabbing his Battle axe Durek races toward the door and finds an angle of attack on the Ogre landing a solid blow with his, "Now take that foul beast."


07:57, Today: Durek rolled 4 using 1d8+3. DMG. Or 8 if your do criticals on natural 20's

07:57, Today: Durek rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Attack.

Aaron lashes with his sword. (rolled 9 using 1d20+3)

Seeing that his companions are not worried about the sounds of a fight downstairs, Elwood will go ahead and open up the sword hilt and see if anything is hidden inside.

Aaron and Tom tried the same move... with the same result--they both missed. Durek, however, scores a deadly hit (11 points of damage). It's not enough to kill the ogre outright, but it hurts him enough that he's mometarily taken aback and doesn't retaliate right away.

Natural 20 does maximum damage.


Unconcerned with the commotion down below, Elwood decides to see what may be hidden inside the hollow hilt of the old beat-up sword. It takes a little bit of prying with a dagger to get the large ball cap off, but once he does, he sees that there is some sort of black felt stuffed into the hilt. Pulling the felt out, he realizes that there is something wrapped up in it. Carefully unfolding it, he finds three red gems.

Aaron's sword thrusts towards the Ogre's belly. Attach roll 16 and damage 9.

Rodrigo finishes his drink, laughing at the gems' appearance. "So, your brother has left you something useful after all!" he says. Then he looks to Anneth, waiting to find out what she found in the backpack's secret compartment.

Elwood whistles softly and passes the gems to the merchant.  "That's definitely something.  It probably goes without saying here in Glantri, but I'd have them checked for magical auras before selling them."

Aaron's next attack hits. Along with Durek's strike, this has seriously damaged the ogre, but not enough to take him out yet.

"Give me sword!" he bellows out again, probably at the top of his lungs, because his shout rattles the windows.

The ogre swings his mighty club at Aaron, but the blow is high and Aaron manages to duck under it, though he feels the rush of air from its passing.
06:16, Fri 26 Sept 2014: Mysterion rolled 15 using 1d20+6 ((9)) ogre's attack.


Those upstairs hear the bellow from below.


Anneth noticed the secret pocket because of the seam. It appeared a bit heavier than the others... at first. Of course, there was a matching one on the other side, but she hadn't seen that. The seam hides a flap that tucks into a slot under the seam, thus hiding and protecting the content.

It's a thin pocket, as if it was meant to hide a map or document. Any paper, parchemtn or vellum would have been noticed from the crinkling/crunching noise it would make. This clearly doesn't hold any of those. She does, however, discover that there is a piece of cloth in there.

Pulling out the cloth, she realizes that it is a piece of silk, folded in half and in half again. Opening it, she sees that it is a letter... or maybe it'd be considered a contract. It is an agreement between Delron and Fando. Fando was offering to pay 500gp for Delron to take him to the 'ship in the hills'.

Anneth mouths something.  Not even she really knows what it is, but she just shakes her head, and passes the cloth around to the others.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 137):

Tom attacks again and rolls a 23 (see die log) for 11 damage if I remember correctly.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:35, Fri 26 Sept 2014.

Aaron swings wildly hitting nothing but air. Attack roll of 6.

Elwood can ignore the yelling and sounds of battle no longer.  After handing the gemstones to the merchant, he pops the pommel back on the sword.  "I wonder if the yelling is about this sword?  I'd better go check.  Someone may need my help."

With a quick nod to Rodrigo and a tip of his hat to Anneth, Elwood heads out of the room and down the stairs.

Rodrigo smiles as his eyes scan the contract, his fingertips absently stroking the silk.

“It would appear that we have a match, good sir,” he says to the local. “The owner of this pack was escorting the man I seek to the ship. If there was a reason, perhaps it means some profit for you. We'll take the trip up there, and look around. Where can we reach you when we've learned something?”

The elf nods to Elwood in agreement, but remains to finish the conversation.

Talis was generally rash, but the Ogre's strange entrance made him wary.  Why would it dare attack a village single-handed?  Was it truly alone?  The big Elf drew his antique battle blade and made his way over to a window and warily looked out to see if there was more hi jinx afoot than a single irrational Ogre.

Talis does not spot any signs of other ogres or any other creatures outside.


Elwood exits the room upstairs, which kind of puts him on a balcony where he can look down at the inn's main room. He sees that there is an ogre on the premises, and Durek and two others are attacking it.


All of a sudden, the ogre gestures at the bar with his club.

"Hood Man took sword from Krog!"

He starts to run in that direction, but only manages two big steps before the hooded man at the bar who has been sitting there quietly the whole time seems to explode into action. With a lithe fluid motion he manages to stand up and leap at the same time. He clears the 10 feet to the ogre, producing two swords in mid-air, and attack. He manages to hit with one sword, but the ogre blocks the other sword with his club, and then tries to hit the man on the backswing. The man ducks under it just as he lands on the floor.

"The Sword of Koth did not belong to you, Creature!" the man snarls back at the ogre. "It was my duty to relieve you of it!"

Aaron wearily steps back out of striking distance from the Ogre.

"This is getting interesting!" he laughs while keeping his sword ready.

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 145):

This is getting interesting.

OOC:  That's one tough Ogre to have taken 31 points of damage.  11 from me, 9 from Aaron, and 11 from Durek.

Elwood looks down on the scene, impressed by the cloaked stranger's moves, and slightly disappointed that the ogre's not after the ornamental sword he's now holding.

"Aaron, I should have known you'd be involved in this.  Need a hand, partner?" he calls down.  He drops the blade and unslings his flail from his belt and slips his shield onto his arm, ready to join the fight if needed.

With the door open, Rodrigo can hear the commotion much more clearly. He stands, interested, but repeats his question.

"How can we contact you once we've investigated the ship?"

In reply to Elwood (msg # 147):

"I think this rather flashy gentleman has it all in hand," laughed Aaron. "If he can't handle what he has created, then we can clean up the mess!"

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 149):

Chuckles.  Except that we have done most of the work already.

The big Elf looked back and forth between the acrobatic swordsman and the Ogre before finally shrugging.  In the end he didn't really need much excuse to kill an Ogre.  With a loud thump he stuck the tip of his battle blade into the floor where it held fast.  With practiced ease he unlimbered his Elven Recurve Bow, nocked an arrow and fired at the Ogre's head which (presumably) towered over the other folks in the Inn.

11:13, Today: Talis Aramorn rolled 23 using 1d20+3. Bow Attack.
Max damage is 8.

BOOM!  Headshot.

Kareth reckons that when one fellow calls another a thief there is no smoke without fire. He would like to interrogate the Ogre.

He gets to his feet, somewhat tipsy. "Don't kill him" he hisses to Durek.

If the arrow does not kill the Ogre he will try to subdue the creature rather than slay it outright.

Talis does manage to hit the ogre in the head, but the arrow almost seems to bounce off. It does damage alright, but doesn't pierce the ogre's thick skull.

Feeling surrounded finally, the ogre goes into one of his frustration attacks, swinging out with his club in a wide circle, trying to sweep everyone aside. He misses everyone, as the black-clad man ducks under the swing in a leg sweep that kicks one of the ogre's legs out from under him. The ogre tries to balance on one leg, but his own swing pulls him around and off balance, causing him to topple over.

Anneth sat patiently, as if listening to the most off-putting intruder ever, as the fight unfolds.  Once the Ogre topples over...

"Well, that was just the rudest interruption."

"Uh, sir? It's just an ogre."

This message was deleted by the player at 12:36, Tue 07 Oct 2014.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 153):

Tom moves to tie the ogre up so it can't escape.

Elwood heads downstairs to assist Tom, pulling his lasso from his pack.  "May need more rope.  He's a big fella."

"I'll be here in Haggiskott for another week, maybe ten days," Wyndham finally replies to Rodrigo, having been more concerned about the commotion than he let on. "After that, I should be back in Glantri City, probably for a month. It'll all depend on how my finances go."

He glances at the door, clearly wondering if it is safe to go back downstairs now that the commotion has settled down.


Downstairs, Tom and Elwood manage to tie up the downed ogre, before he can get up. He's not unconscious, but he is severely wounded.

The black-clad fighter goes back to the bar and resumes his seat, gesturing to the innkeeper for another round.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 159):

Talis retrieved his arrow, eyed it critically and noticed that the Ogre's skull had blunted the edge "You nicked my arrow, Beast, it will take me some time to restore its keen edge."  The Elf squatted down next to the tied up monster and showed him the damaged arrow really closely, almost touching his eyeball "So what was all the commotion about a sword?  Now that's we've gentled you perhaps we can talk like adults, eh?"

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 159):

Have at him.  If he doesn't want to talk, we can always take him outside and finish him off.

Tom returns to his meal but watches the Elf, ogre and others.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 159):

"Just let me know where we can reach you in Glantri City, if it comes to that. Then let's find out what's happened out there."

Once done, Rodrigo will rejoin the others.

Aaron frowns as this stranger returned the bar. He purposefully approaches the man, and heavily sits down next to him, clanging down his bloodied sword on the table in front of them.

"Who are you to cause blood to be spilled in this innocent village?" demands Aaron. "And with one word of explanation either!"

Anneth nods politely, and follows Rodrigo and the others downstairs.

"My house is the Thatches," Wyndham replies to Rodrigo. "But I conduct most of my business at the Emporium, and usually take my meals at Chantilly Place."


"I am Nobody," replies the hooded man without looking up. "The ogre was after me. I merely defended myself before anyone else got hurt."

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 165):

"You brought this monster here!" spat Aaron. "Because of your actions, he came here to hurt and maim. You are as bad this thing."

"You are a fool," Nobody replies to Aaron. "I did not bring the ogre here any more than you did. He came of his own free will."

"Except he wouldn't have come here if you hadn't come here or if you haven't done whatever it is that you have done. If only I..." Aaron stops unable to continue. "Pah! You deserve the same fate as him."

He snatches up his sword and stomps back to the corner where he was sitting in Tom. From there he glowers at Nobody.

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 168):

Elwood follows Aaron and puts a hand on his shoulder.  You're poking a rattler with a stick there.  Besides, we may have some interesting work lined up.  The merchant upstairs inherrited a ship up in the hills.  The Elf and Mage-woman I was talking with are looking for a missing wizard who was last seen heading for that ship.

In reply to Elwood (msg # 169):

Aaron, it may be more interesting to go with your friend and his friends.  Also there is the possibility of battling some hobgoblin clan or group called the Skull Smashers.

Tom continues to watch the Ogre. Then gets up and walks over to the Ogre.  What do you know about a group of hobgoblins called the Skull Smashers?

Shortly after the syllables that form "Mage-Woman" are said, Anneth descends the stair.

"You are right, Elwood," admitted Aaron, "and the fresh air would get the stench out of my lungs."

"I will introduce to an old friend when he has finished interrogating the beast. I bet that will be more informative than that other fella."

Kareth nods in agreement at Aaron's outburst.   Just because Hooded Nobody is better looking (though not as handsome as Kareth, of course), doesn't mean he's right.

He moves to stand beside Tom as he interrogates the prone Ogre, keeping himself in a position to stop HN should he try to finish the poor blighter off.

Kareth hasn't actually seen Nobody's face yet. He's kept in hidden the whole time.


Although the ogre didn't seem too interested in answering Talis's question, Tom's question makes him start coughing and gagging... until you realize he's actually laughing!

"Funny mens! I steal sword from hobgoblins, and Nobody steals sword from me! Har-har-har!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:53, Thu 23 Oct 2014.

OOC: Good point, Kareth!


Geirdon knows the folly of talking to an ogre, especially one as dumb as a rock, which is pretty much all of them, so he decides that there's no point in hanging around and getting frustrated with the others. Besides, according to this Elwood character, they'd be leaving soon.

It suddenly occurred to him that their compatriot, Rukao, hadn't been seen in awhile. Now, Geirdon had no truck with Half-Orcs any more'n he had with ogres, but Rukao was an okay fella.

So how did the ogre get past him?

Partly concerned, and partly wanting to get out, Geirdon ordered two ales, and then, skirting the ogre, went out the front door.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 174):

I put my hand on one of his current wounds and apply pressure in a way to cause pain without causing additional loss of hit points.  Seeing as you are tied up, you don't look to be in a position to be laughing.  Now you haven't answered my question.  What do you know about the Skull Smashers?

"*AAAARGH!* Har-har-har! You stupid man! Told you what I know. Steal sword from hobgoblins!" the ogre answers.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 177):

Nods to the elf.  Do what you want to him.

Goes back to the table with Aaron.  I really hate having my meals interrupted.

Talis shrugged.  It wasn't really his affair after all and he was trying to keep his cover as a disinterested party.  He turned to the barkeep "Do you have a Shire Reeve or Peacekeeper here?  I suggest you send for him."

He stood up, sheathed his weapons and returned to his table as nonchalantly as he could.

Elwood nods to Tom as he returns to the table.  "You must be Aaron's friend.  I'm Elwood, from Thyatis.  Pleased to meet you."

Seeing Anneth on the stairs, he waves for her to join them.  "I've chanced upon some interesting work if you two are interested.  The Lady Anneth and I just had a chat with a merchant regarding a ship lodged up in the hills, and a missing wizard.  I don't know if those hobgoblins are involved or not, but it sounds worth checking out, anyway."

OOC: Rukao, trying to hurry things along!  Anneth, in my previous post I meant "Mage-Woman" as a title, not a slur.  :D

In reply to Elwood (msg # 180):

Greetings Elwood.  There was a Halfling and a human talking as they walked out and I was outside removing a stone from my boot.  They mentioned something about a flying boat and a group of hobgoblins called the Skull Smashers.  I believe they intend to get the hobgoblins to ambush anyone going there to investigate the ship.

Moves to make room for Anneth at our table.

Anneth snickers at "Lady", and takes a seat, nodding and mouthing a greeting to the new faces.  "This day just gets more interesting by the minute!" She inhales animatedly, and then exhales...and orders whatever medium-priced spirits might be available.  There was plenty of information gathered that she could have a drink, now!

Oh, I know that, I was sort of hoping for an effect like... Like on a sitcom!  Somebody says somebody's name, and wouldn't you know it, they show up!

"That certainly is an interesting tale, Tom," says Aaron as he grins darkly around the table.

"So, Tom and Elwood, now that you have introduced yourself, does anyone fancy a game of hunt the hunters? Maybe our new friends would like to join in the game. I am sure that this Ogre would be able to show the way."

Elwood smiles.  "I don't know about the ogre, but the owner of the flying ship - that merchant - said we were welcome to investigate it.  We just need to be wary of the hobgoblins along the way there."

"I'd prefer getting rid of Hobgoblins than chasing mystical ships," grimaced Aaron. "So tell me what's so special about this ship. There must be more to the story than that."

Scratching his stubbly chin, Elwood sighs.  "The flying ship is grounded up in the hills.  The merchant inherited it.  Other than that, I can't say much about it.  Personally, I'm not so interested in the ship.  The wizard that went missing is likely in danger and in need of rescue.  And I wouldn't mind bashing a few hobgoblin marauders, either.  Should be plenty for all of us on this little trip.

"I'm ready to saddle up if you are."

OOC: note that Elwood does not yet have a horse.  Need to remedy that soon...

In reply to Elwood (msg # 186):

While I am eager to hit the road again, a good night's rest and some stocking up on provisions for this journey would be a wise idea.

Anneth nods at Tom, grunting her agreement.  "I'm as interested in the ship as in thinning bandit numbers."

"Well, I'm in if it means that we'll get a chance at those hobgoblins," muttered Aaron.

OOC: BTW, what is the time of day?

OOC: Good question, Aaron.  If it's already afternoon/evening, definitely spend the night and set out in the morning.  It might give Anneth a chance to introduce the rest of her party who are hanging out pretending not to be part of the party.

In reply to Elwood (msg # 190):

OOC Mental Note:  Tom would need to get a horse as the others have horses from earlier in the adventure.

Anneth, Kareth, Rodrigo and Talis arrived in Haggiskott riding horses. Geirdon and Durek rode in the small wagon pulled by a donkey, and Rukao walked alongside most of the time.

The major difference between walking and riding a horse is that the horse gets tired instead of you, plus it can carry supplies. Otherwise, the horse travels at about the same rate as a person can walk. It's why you can walk a horse.

Going up the trail will probably be fine for the horses, but the wagon isn't going to make it. That leaves the two Dwarves on foot along with Rukao.

Getting extra horses in Haggiskott may not be possible simple because there are no extra horses.

The time is now early evening. The sun has gone down, but it isn't quite dark yet.

Two rooms have already been procured.

It doesn't look like it'll rain, so the two Dwarves are content to sleep in the wagon, perhaps Rukao as well.

"Well, friends, it doesn't look like we can do anything about either those hobgoblins or that ship 'til the morning", said Aaron with resignation, "and I certainly would look forward to a night with a dry roof over my head."

"Elwood, you have seen these rooms. Is it better to stay here or sleep under the stars?" he asked. "We might as well share a room if we stay."

"I've slept in worse.  Let's get a room here.  Nothing wrong with sleeping under the stars, but a comfy bed ain't nothing to turn down lightly."

"Let us get a room." says Rodrigo. "We can spare a few coins for that surely?" At least, Rodrigo knew he certainly could. In fact, he was considering getting his own private room. All the better to get away from the snoring Mensch...

"Good, I will get us a room and then you can introduce us to our new comrades," replied Aaron before heading over to the proprietor to organise the room.

In reply to Aaron Gray (msg # 196):

Inquires of Barton: "Is there a shop or shops where some basic supplies could be purchased."

Durek has been sitting quiet most of the time stuff was going on in the inn, so he's picked up on everyone's name.

He makes the introductions, pointing out that the two groups--the Elwood-Aaron-Tom group and the Anneth-Kareth-Talis-Rodrigo-Durek-Geirdon-Rukao group--seem to have a common interest now.

"Rukao is a hobgoblin, but he's the good kind," Durek explains. "He's outside watching our wagon full of supplies. If you didn't see him when you came in, it's because he's that good."

"However, you might have noticed another Dwarf in here a minute ago. That's Geirdon. He and I are going to sleep in the wagon to guard it. 'Spect Rukao will, too."

"Anyways, you don't need to get any supplies unless you got somethin' extra you want."

"See ya all in the morning."

The general outfitter shop is just three stores down from the inn.

The ogre is picked up by the sheriff and hauled off.

Other than that, the night passes uneventfully, and everyone is up at first light. When you get outside, you can grab whatever supplies you need from the wagon... backpack, tent, bedroll, rations, etc.

Rodrigo carefully packs two week's worth of rations, a bedroll and the rest of his equipment into a backpack, and then hefts it onto his back. The petite elf can hardly walk with it on. "Maybe I can survive with a few less rations," he mumbles.

In reply to Mysterion (msg # 199):

Grabs a week's worth of rations, bedroll, and a tent (if small enough to carry).

Aaron greets Tom and Rodigo with a "Morning."

Then he packs the gear that he had brought with him and wanders down stairs to see if there is any hearty breakfast available or if he will eat some of his rations. Then he heads out to help prepare the horses for the journey.

Two daggers are bought by Anneth.  They are regular devices of war, of Human make.  Each is strapped to a harness worn beneath the open skirt of her armour, for throwing at Things That Would Not Behave Themselves when her bow was too unwieldy, not timely enough, or inaccessible!  See "not timely enough".

Sometime before departing, Anneth retreats to a place away from others, and takes a beautiful wooden case out of a large pouch at her belt, lined and padded on the inside with silk.  And rubbed with powdered incense.  A cloth is laid out in front of herself, about a foot and a half by a foot and a half.  She then takes a deck of cards kept inside of it out, and shuffles them, eyes closed, her face calmer than it has been the past few days, almost serene.  She draws three cards at random, and lays them out in front of herself, face-down... She opens her eyes, and turns them over.  Reads them...checks her spell book (such as it is) for reference, just to be sure...

It was a quick, personal reading that she was doing - one card for the Past, one card for the Present, and one card for the Future.  The cards, also being of Human make, had, well, Human influences to them!  The first card was of a woman pouring water into a wine bottle; the second, a woman pointing to a Star in the sky; the third, seven cups.  The first card was reversed, but the second and third were upright.

Wow.  Adjusted my finances for all the drink I've bought, and tips, and what.  Buying two daggers...

And doing a personal Past-Present-Future reading for our Miss Mage-Singer!

Before turning in for the night, Elwood takes advantage of the inn's bath house and also washes his tabbard,hanging it to dry by morning.

When he wakes, he spends a few moments in prayer and contemplation.  Exercise follows, then he checks his gear.  The last thing he does is to re-tie his lariat and fasten the coil of rope to his belt opposite his flail.

He greets his companions old and new and is ready to go.

In reply to Elwood (msg # 204):

Good morning everyone Tom says in cheerful spirits as he checks his pack to make sure everything is good to go and fits properly.

Makes sure I have my rope back that was used to tie the ogre up.

Does anyone have a 10' pole.  You never know when it might come in handy.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:32, Wed 05 Nov 2014.

"Greetings!  I trust Anneth and Rodrigo's judgement that you will make fine adventuring companions.  I am Talis, an Elf of no small skill with sword and spell!" Talis said more as a statement of fact than an idle boast.

"I do not have a 10' pole, good Wolf, but I do have a 6'sword that I place at your service!" the heavily armored Elf drew forth his antique battle blade and presented it to Tom with a rakish flourish.  With equal panache he re-sheathed the big blade and smiled at his new companions "The road beckons.  Let us be off for the bad guys will surely not slay themselves!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:44, Wed 05 Nov 2014.

In reply to Talis Aramorn (msg # 206):

Swords are good weapons, but they can't do everything.  So sometimes different tools are needed. 

"Welcome Talis," says Rodrigo. "We would be happy to have an extra sword arm and maybe also a spell or two."

In reply to Rodrigo (msg # 208):

Grabs a 10' pole.  (if possible)

I'm ready to get going.  I'll take rear guard.