Something just felt off to Efrem. Was it the lack of birdsong, the absence of the friendly dog that normally greeted him – or the faintest smell of slightly rotted meat?

Willem leaned against the doorframe, blocking entry into the small cabin on the hillside. The old farmer looked gaunt and stressed, but he smiled as he made small-talk with the pathcanon. “Yup, things are going pretty well, thanks for asking, Father. Anna and I are happy as pigs in muck here. Sadly, we had to put ol’ Walker down – he got bitten by something and turned rabid.”

The farmer squints distractedly at the setting sun behind Efrem for a long moment before continuing. “Anyway, there's no need to keep you from your wanderings, Father. I reckon it’s a long ride to the Stack’s farm and these here woods can be tricky at night.”


This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Fri 15 June 2018.

In reply to Sir Alarus Thana (msg # 6):

Valestra gazes at the glittering stars above for a moment before answering. "I was getting desperate for help. None of the local physicks are familiar with my lady's illness or able to help. With Galen gone missing, her health has deteriorated. I decided to go straight to the capital to find people who could find him. I talked to several chainers, but they wanted more and more money.

Her face darkens with anger. "They could drink and whore for weeks with what I offered them but it was still not enough! So in the end, I went looking for someone with some integrity to assist my noble lady!”

"The Baroness is very fortunate to have such a devoted woman in her service," Alarus replies with gentle admiration, "— just as you were fortunate to arrive in the capital at the most opportune moment to find help for her. It is surely the Pancreator's providence that led me to Acheon in your lady's time of need. I am honored to have been entrusted with such a critical task, and shall strive to do right by the dedication you have shown to your lady. Take heart, for the Pancreator's grace has already blessed our quest, and shall guide us to its fulfillment." He smiles softly at the chamberlain before turning to look back into the starry sky ahead.

In reply to GM (msg # 7):



Efrem begins nodding in response to Old Willem’s comments, slowly fading into his own thoughts. He remembered he was still in front of Willem, though, and shot a smile at him and re-established eye contact.

“Yeah, the Stacks’ll be happy to see me,” Efrem says before sighing.  “I have never met a man so dedicated to making sure all his lifestock get a blessing of some kind.  Of course, a good and godly farmer can’t be too careful these days, but, well, he’s got some urgency.”

“And that’s a shame about Walker.  He was a good dog.  Any idea what bit ‘em?  Not to be too morbid, but his body’s around, I’d be curious to take a look.  Other farmers’ll be wantin’ to know what is on the prowl these days.

Willem wasn't wrong about needing to go soon, but something wasn't quite right.


This message was last updated by the GM at 16:27, Fri 15 June 2018.

Valestra smiles back at Alarus. “Your words bolster my spirit. I’m glad that our paths have met, and I will sleep more easily tonight.”

With that, she bids Alarus a good night and retires to her cabin. The Skywarden proceeds at a stately pace, and as dawn breaks, the vast blue expanse of the Ilaha Ocean can be seen ahead. As the last of the breakfast tables are being cleared away, the airship leaves the coastline behind and glides out over the wine-dark sea.

It is late afternoon as the Skywarden finally approaches Larrane, the capital of Perleria.

Perleria possesses a varied geography, with coastlines of irregular cliffs while the inland is dominated by forests and the Wyeming Mountains rising majestically to the north. The cultivated areas are primarily agricultural lands, where wheat and the resilient blood-rye grow together with crawling turnips and palm-oat. Apart from the capital of Larrane and cities to the south, Perleria is a backwater place, technologically speaking, when compared to Criticorum as a whole. The continent is ruled by Baroness Prajna Sophia al-Malik from the Eagle Palace in Larrane, a city that also boasts the Cathedral of St. Maya.

The Orthodox Sect of the Universal Church is prominent on Perleria, and almost every little town has its own church or temple. The majority of Perleria’s denizens are strictly devoted to Orthodox beliefs, which is clearly mirrored in their daily life, activities and their way of speech.

Alina has gotten bored and restless with the long trip, and scowls as the small city is slowly revealed beneath them, a far cry from the glittering spires of Acheon. “Bohze moi! What a dump!" she exclaims, with her usual tactful diplomacy. "Can we at least stop somewhere for a meal and a drink before we proceed further away from civilization?”

Valestra grudgingly agrees, and after the Skywarden anchors at an airstrip just outside of Larrane, Alina manages to find a small tavern with a surprising selection of good wines and seafood. Returning to the airfield, Valestra arranges for passage on a much smaller airship, the ‘Reluctant Parishioner’ to take them onwards to the Barony of Calhoun.


This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Fri 15 June 2018.

Willem nods his head slowly. “Aye, surely. I put him near that old tree he loved to lie under. But this happened a while ago, so there’s probably not much left of him now. Dunno what got him, but it sure got ‘im good. Took a big chunk out of his flank. He got so ornery in the end, even tried to bite Anna.”

He points to a nearby shed. “Shovel’s in there if you want to go a-diggin’


This message was last edited by the player at 20:54, Fri 15 June 2018.

In reply to GM (msg # 12):

Efrem frowns.  "The longer shadows touch everything these days, don't they."  He then sighs dramatically as a form of punctuation.

"Welp.  I oughtta be off,"  He then slaps both knees as he leans forward to stand, acting at least 20 years older than he actually is.

"Anna?  It's been a pleasure to see the home you manage to keep, as always," he says loud enough for anyone in the cabin to hear.  He collects his few belongings as he waits for a reply.

There is a short pause and then a wheezing, rattling noise can be heard from inside the cabin. It sounds like somebody is trying to speak, but has forgotten the concept of words.

Willem moves to fill the narrow door frame, a pained expression on his wrinkled face. "My poor Anna did catch a nasty cold, but she's on the mend, thank the Pancritter. Now, we really shouldn't keep you any further, Father..."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Fri 15 June 2018.

In reply to Willem (msg # 14):

Efrem smiles sweetly.  "Aw, now that is a shame.  Losing a loved one can invite all sorts of illness, even if the loss is a pet."  He chuckles.  "Actually, given what passes for kids these days, I suspect pets would be an especially upsetting loss."

Continuing to smile sweetly, he waves to Willem and heads toward the noise.  "I should pop my head in.  Say hi and see what I can do.  A kind word from a pracher can sometimes do the trick."

"That's very kind, thankee. But she needs her rest, poor thing. Now, you really should be going. The night is falling..."

Willem's gnarled but strong hand moves to casually rest on the large felling axe propped against the door.

The wheezing voice from the cabin can be heard again, clearer this time. "Hungry... Willeeem... need fooood.."

In reply to Willem (msg # 16):

Efrem drops the friendly act, and stares coldly into Willem's eyes, looking down to the dark parts of his being where his soul used to be before it was corrupted by the horrors of this world.

"Willem.  I've known you a good long time, and on balance you're a good man.  I'm currently suspecting you're in a horrible situation not of your making.  You're desperate, and trying to keep things together.  You don't know what to do or what to hope for.  I know that.  I've seen that.

"But I'm the Pathcanon here, and it is my work to embrace what is good.  So, you have a chance, you have a hope."

Efrem raises a single finger, never breaking eye contact with Willem.  "I will ask you once, and only once: Tell me what has come to be in this place.  Tell me, and I will know your balance still is to the good."

Efrem's tone has dropped and slowed, and it is clear that along his pleas for explanation, there are dire threats.


While waiting for a response, Efrem tries to remember all exits for the cabin, as well as what could help start a fire.

Willem's voice takes on a pleading tone. "Father, please. We're not harming anyone. I'll look after her, I promise..."

He easily lifts the heavy axe, but then sighs and drops it. Resignedly, he moves away from the door frame.

"Whatever bit ol' Walker, it somehow got to her too. She doesn't talk so well anymore, but she's still my bright treasure. Father, please... I don't know what to do..."

A dark shape slowly comes shuffling into view, the ravaged face of Anna staring at Efrem with naked hunger...

In reply to Willem (msg # 18):

"No, I don't suppose you do," Efrem mutters, half to himself.

He quickly closes the door.

"Oh, Willem... I'm sorry you have to deal with this.  I am sorry the light has faded like this in your lifetime.  You didn't deserve this.  Between the Stars, ANNA didn't deserve this."


Efrem notes where a large blanket is, as well as a wash bucket and wash rag.


Efrem paces the room, clearly troubled.  "Willem, I will not lie to you: there is little I can do for her here, and left on the path she's on, she's just going to get worse.  Within a week, she won't be able to talk, and she will no longer recognize you."

He pauses, thinking for a moment, and then raises a hand as if something came to him.  "I know a place... A place that MIGHT be able to help her and give her the light she deserves.  Unfortunately, it is a long journey, and I need to prepare her.  Unfortunately, doing so is a complicated thing, and the spiritual energies involved are both strong and unpleasant."

Efrem stands before Willem looking as authoritative as he can.  "If you trust me, and for all three of our sakes, I hope you do, I would like to take her from here to help her.  However, to prevent darkness from getting inside you, I must ask you to leave for a while.  Tend your animals, check your fences.  Leave here for an hour or so.  When you return, both me and your treasured Anna will be gone, and I will be taking her somewhere where healing is possible.

I know haven't seen your daughter in a bit, but get word to her.  You'll need the comfort of loved ones.  It will help you get through, and I believe the unified prayer for her wellbeing will help Anna as well."

Willem listens to Efrem’s words with a pained expression. His rheumy eyes wander from the priest to his wife. Then he shakes his head sadly.

“I’m sorry, Father. I know you mean the best, and you have to do right by the Pancritter. But we’ve been living here now for over 50 years, and she’s all I got. If she has to go, I will follow her. But as my da always said, don’t go down without a fight…”

He stoops to pick up the axe and moves to the door, blocking the exit as Anna shambles towards Efrem.

In reply to Willem (msg # 20):

"Your da was also an ass"

And with that, Efrem lunges past Anna, into the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.

Efrem barricades the door with the bed frame before trying to squeeze through the window
This message was last edited by a game editor at 23:33, Fri 15 June 2018.

Efrem manages to break open the window and squeeze through it. Behind him, the head of a large axe tears a splintery hole in the wooden door. Another blow, and Willem sticks his head through the hole and glares at the escaping preacher. “Insult my dear ol' da, willya? I’ll chop you good, so I will!”

The farmer quickly reduces the door to a pile of broken wood and enters the room, with Anna following close behind. Outside the window, Efrem calmly draws his slug thrower and fires at Willem. Several bullets hit, and the farmer goes down. Anna shuffles into the room but stops when she sees Willem. She lets out a strange sobbing gurgle.

"Anna?” shouts Efram from outside. “That is your only meal!”

Anna stares down at Willem for a moment and then grabs his arm, taking a huge bite out of it. He screams for help, trying to crawl away.

Efrem wastes no time sympathizing for the damned. He runs around to the front door, enters, and immediately pulls a burning log from of the fireplace with the intent of burning the cabin down. After setting the fire, he exists, and waits. Anything that escapes the fire will need to deal with him.

The dry wood of the cabin quickly catches fire. Willem stops screaming after a while – and only the crackling and popping of the wood from the burning cabin can be heard...

As sunlight fades, Pathcanon Efrem rides off to the next homestead.  He allows himself to hope that tomorrow will be better.

He offers a silent prayer for Anna.  But none for Willem.

The estate of the Calhoun Barony is a simple, yet well-maintained countryside manor, with an annex of four buildings and a separate stable for livestock and equils. The main building is built of stone while the rest have a stone basement with wooden constructions above – everything surrounded by a sturdy timber palisade five meters high. Many of the surrounding fields look abandoned and the cultivated lands around the manor were obviously larger in the past. The Baroness’ household seems to consists of only a dozen servants, maids, stable boys and other personnel.

Upon arrival, Alarus and Alina notice two men-at-arms in Juandaastas colors, evidently the only guards present. After showing the group their rooms and allowing them to freshen up a bit, Valestra introduces them to the Baroness Jeri’ven Vo’kaari-Juandaastas, who receives the group in bed, evidently too sick to welcome her guests in the main hall.

Jeri’ven is obviously ill and in much pain. Exhaustion marks her pale face and she is buried beneath a mountain of pillows and blankets. Her eyes are pitch black, the distinctive mark of an Ur-Obun.

“My Lady,” announces Valestra. “May I introduce Sir Alarus Thana and Lady Alina Decados. They have come to help us find Galen.”

Alarus, now clad in his dark blue robes and cloak, with the golden House Thana brazier emblazoned on its back, bows humbly to the Juandaastas baroness. "I am honored to have been given the opportunity to aid you, my lady. I have pledged to do all I can to find your missing physick, and Lady Alina has graciously offered to accompany me on this quest. Please tell us anything you believe may help us in our search."

The Baroness' voice is feeble and shaky, but she welcomes Alarus and Alina with as much warmth as she can muster, and promises them her eternal friendship and great rewards if they can locate her physick, Crafter Galen Nestor of the Engineers’ Guild.

“My own staff has so far been unable to locate the missing physick, but as we are a humble rural estate, none of them have much experience with such things. Please, find me my physick, as quickly as you can!”

A wracking cough causes her to fall back in her bed with exhaustion, and Valestra urges you to follow her to the dining hall to discuss the details of the assignment with her. You are given the following information to start your investigation:

An Engineer Crafter called Galen Nestor was hired a few months ago in order to treat Jeri’ven’s illness. Every local healer, including a wandering Amalthean, had been consulted but none could take care of the problems.

Galen made some progress researching a remedy, although Valestra did not learn the nature of the disease. Valestra remembers that Galen compared it to a kind of non-contagious flu that is probably exclusive to Obun.

About two weeks ago Crafter Galen simply disappeared following a visit to Errysdale, a small village a few hours east of here. Although Galen spent much of his time doing research at Baroness Jeri’ven’s estates, he also enjoyed hunting and exploring the countryside especially in the northern parts of the barony where the forests are thick and the game plenty.

Valestra urges you to hurry with your investigation, as she fears for her Lady’s life if Galen is not found quickly. In addition to your reward, you are offered guest rooms at the estate, and you will dine with Valestra and the household, starting with a hot supper within the hour.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:10, Sun 17 June 2018.

After a pleasant dinner, where Alina and Valesta exchange polite small talk, Valestra shows Alarus and Alina to the sleeping chambers assigned to Galen Nestor.

For a supposed physick expert, Galen has little medical equipment in his room. Except for a book on Obun physiology, there is nothing to indicate a physick lived in this room. Although the room has been routinely cleaned, the thick carpet on the floor shows clear signs that dirty boot prints have been unsuccessfully cleaned. A receipt found behind Galen’s bed shows he issued a credit note with a Reeves bank on Acheon, paying for a one-year term of service from 6 Musters Guild members and 3 Scravers Guild members. Valestra seems surprised when shown the receipt and states that this is news to her.

As a couple of stable-hands are preparing the equils that will take Alarus and Alina to Errysdale, a young kitchen maid approaches. She takes in the mantis emblem on Alina’s jacket and her eyes widen. Timidly turning to Alarus, she begs for a moment of his time.

Her name is Karina and she says that her elder brother Ayman was once recruited by Galen Nestor to help out with some manual labor in the northern forest. Ayman did not tell her exactly what the work entailed, but she recalls his clothes were often stained by mud or dirt when he returned. She is very upset because her brother has gone missing too, together with a few other people from Errysdale, and nobody seems to care. She knows that Ayman was in Galen’s service when he disappeared, and begs Alarus to find out more about the missing persons

"I shall inquire in Errysdale about these missing townspeople," Alarus promises the maid, "and seek them out as soon as I am able. I give you my word that I shall not end my search until I have done all within my ability to find your brother." He bows his head gently as he makes his vow.

Alina and Alarus mount their equils and begin the next step of their travel. A badly maintained gravel road leads northeast from Lady Jeri’ven’s estates to the small town of Errysdale. The scenery is gorgeous and Alina happily breathes in the clear, crisp air.

She turns to Alarus as they are riding side by side. "There's a lot more to this story that we've been told so far. We'd better have our wits about us. What do you think happened?"

A nondescript equil the color of dried mud pulls a functional, undecorated wagon rides into Errysdale.

Though he has never been to this town, it is full of familiar forms.  The details, and the flaws, are yet to be found.

As Efrem observes, he mutters the words to an old hymn to himself.

"O
Be my vision
My Pancreator
Beyond you, there is nothing
Be my best thought, evermore
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light."




With a clicking noise, Efrem halts the wagon on front of a general store in town.  He hops off the wagon, ties the horse, and looks around again to see what can be seen.

"I wonder what shadows dance in this little corner a' Creation."
This message was last edited by a game editor at 22:51, Wed 20 June 2018.