First, thank you to Tamarkorda for turning my sketch of Jelmine into a great 3-D map.

Freezeday of Movement Week of the Storm Season

As the Solar Chariot rises from the Eastern Gate, the cold winds of Storm Season blow from the North West.  There is a smell of snow in the air, and before long the first flakes of new snow begin to fall.

Tamarkorda, Oligur Jaffez & Sanuzi Asar-Girru
Save for the new snow; the day is unlike the many other days that you have experienced in Jelmine.  Sensing the snow, people began moving livestock into longhouses or caves, and began making sure that windows were sealed from the bitter cold.  Hearth mothers stoked the flames, making the longhouses comfortable.  People continued to work on winter projects while the children played.  People could be heard going over plans for Sacred Time festivities and rituals, and there is excitement about the upcoming Ordination of Eldresa daughter of Jenesti of the Murval.

At the fort, the Lunar troops work to stay warm, stoking fires both within the barracks and outside for those on guard duty.

The home of Sandien daughter of Hasketu, shaman of Daka Fal, is warm and comfortable.  The old woman who lives with Sandien is quiet in the morning but becomes more agitated as the day progresses, which is unusual.

Desola has been in the temple for the past two days with her second priestess, Kalisla of the Garlin bloodline, and the novitiate Eldresa or Murval.  Inkarne, a devotee of Nandan, God-Talker of Ernalda, and Initiate of Chalana Arroy, has been seen taking food and drink to the temple to see to the needs of the two priestesses.  None others are allowed entrance.  The talk is that the three women will be seen only rarely until the time of the Ordination.

Around midmorning, the guards signal the approach of someone by blowing a horn three times.

[Secret to Tamarkorda: I assume that you are staying with the Murval bloodline currently.]

Garik Johnton & Henetha Hofaktsdottir
It is midmorning as your group rounds the last hill and the town of Jelmine comes into view.  The terraced hill slope and the slate longhouses are an unusual sight.  The hillside is steep, and about two-thirds of the way up the hill you see the Earth Temple.  At the pinnacle of the hill, you see a stone spire whose top is obscured by clouds.

As you approach, the guards at the gate sound a horn three times, presumably to make people aware of your presence.  By the time you reach the gates, there is a small group of people to meet you.

"Greetings strangers.  I am Danbal, son of Ovardul, and Chieftain of the Jelmire clan.  If you come in peace, then be welcome and accept our hospitality."

[Private to Garik Johnton: Garik, you do not see anything like a formal market or shops.  It is a collection of longhouses and cotter homes.  You can see where markets could be established.  The two prime locations would be the longhouses toward the bottom of the hill or in the courtyard of the temple. ]

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: The group that has entered the two include four people; two women and two men.  One of the men and one of the women look like weapon thanes.  The other man looks like a merchant.  You don't have a good feel about the other woman yet.]

NOTE:  I'll let you interact at this point.

Saberak
By midafternoon, the snow has become heavier.  From the Lunar fort comes the sound of horns announcing the arrival of visitors.

Saberak, the group you are traveling with has arrived at the fort.  The fort is a small frontier fort with a wood palisade.  There are only a few buildings, including barracks, office, stable, a few small cottages, and an Inn.  The only Inn by the looks of things.  There seems to be enough room for your group, but it may be a tight fit.

Commander Jalmon, son of Pharanges, great nephew of Havar Ironfist, comes out to greet the new arrivals.  When he finally looks at the people, he stumbles.

It is difficult for the people of the town to see with clarity due to the increasing snow, but it appears that a dozen people have come to the Fort.  One of them looks large enough to be a troll.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez: Approaching the fort you see ten humans on horseback, one human on a sable, and a four-armed, winged troll that is painted with some type of blue pigment.  The troll is carrying on its back a trollkin wearing red robes and a mask.  They are holding the standard of Aldu-Chur.  There is one man that stands out, a middle-aged man riding a magnificent black stallion.  The man is wearing a red robe.  Along the bottom of the robe are the symbols of the seven phases of the moon.  On the breast of the robe are two moon runes.  The commander initially looks overly confident as he strides to greet the newcomers, but stumbles for a moment when he notices the man in the red robe.  You notice that Astrelia seems to have vanished when this group comes into the fort.

17:50, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Oligur Jaffez, rolled 42 using 1d100.  Perception.]

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: While still on horseback, the man in Red Robes riding the black stallion says, "Commander, I am I am Idovanus.  This fine troop from Aldu-Chur escorted me to this town.  I believe that these troops are to help reinforce your position here."  Gesturing to the Sable rider, "you may want to speak with Saberak regarding the troops.  I and my companion" motioning to the trolls, "will seek shelter in your Inn.  When you have time, I would like to speak with you regarding your stay in the town."]

[Secret to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Around the time that you heard this second warning call, the old woman starts to become agitated.  Sandien prepares tea to calm her.  Normally this works, but today something seems to be affecting her.  As the afternoon wears on, she begins to grunt and groan.  There is a wild look in her eyes.]

Bingling Hyxloriz & Ullr Lightbane
At dusk, the ground has a good covering of snow, and it seems to be getting heavier.  From the Gates of Jelmine, the horn sounds three times, but this time it is the signal for danger.  Approaching the town appears to be a troop of Uz from the North.  The guards man their posts as this group approaches.

Six Uz riding giant spiders are in front.  Three of the males are wearing Lead Armor, the fourth bears the markings of the Death Lord of Zorak Zoran, the final is a female.  Riding with the Death Lord is another troll in black robes and a trollkin.  Behind them are three wagons being pulled by giant beetles.  One of the wagons is completely enclosed behind dark cloth.  By his floppy hat, you suspect that the troll in the second cart is a follower of Argan Argar.  The final cart has a female troll that seems to be wrangling a cohort of trollkin.

[Secret to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: As dusk approaches, the old woman becomes violent.  You barely hear the horn sound.  The old woman has peed on the dirt floor of her room, and is using the resulting mud to draw on the walls.  The drawings are crude and make no sense.  Sadien finally uses a sleep spell to knock her out.  You help Sadien clean the woman, put her into a new robe, and then to bed.  Sadien asks you to clean the wall of the mud, and as you do, you notice something.  You see truth rune in the four corners of the drawing.  Taking a deeper look, you notice that there are nine figures in the painting, and it looks like the old woman has tried to indicate that they are tied together in some way.  You call to Sadien, who is impressed with your insight.  Instead of cleaning it off, you use the water and cloth to remove excess mund to make the image more visible.  It is clear, there are nine figures, and they seem to be surrounding a dark circle in the middle.  It looks like the Darness Rune, but your not sure if that is what it represents.  You do have a feeling that the drawing is in some way prophetic.

18:22, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Sanuzi Asar-Girru, rolled 4 using 1d100.  Truth Rune.
18:27, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Sanuzi Asar-Girru, rolled 75 using 1d100.  Darkness Rune.]

One of the Lead clad Uz shouts to the town in passable Tharshite, "we come as escort to Magora, Priestess of Xentha, who was once a member of your tribe.  We come with gifts, messages, and trade."

Some of the people seem very excited, and after a quick discussion, the gates are opened.  A male troll escorts the female troll into the town, followed by the troll in black robes, the troll with the floppy hat, and then the cloth covered wagon.  A number of trollkin seem to be tending to the wagon, making sure that the cloth does not gap at any point. (The other Trolls and insects stay outside the gates). The Trolls are led to the Garlin Longhouses.  By the time they reach the house, full dark covers the land as the Sun Chariot finally disappears into the Western Gate.  When it does, the cloth of the wagon is pulled back.  A woman dressed in black, with a black veil, emerges and greets the Garlin.  The figure is taller and broader than a human, but not as big as a troll.

She looks to Varinton son of Najourn, head of the Garlin bloodline, and priest of Argan Argar.  "Father, I hope all is well.  I have come to speak with Desola, and with her blessing to enact a rite during the Sacred Time.  I ask for hospitality to those who have escorted me."

"Daughter, it is your voice, but you have changed."

"Yes Father, I have changed.  I have undergone the Rite of Adoption.  Though I carry your blood, I have been transformed by the grace of Kyger Lithor into one of her children."  She removes the veil to show a face that is ghastly by human standards.  It looks as if someone has pounded the bones to clay, and then tried to mold a human skull into the shape of an Uz skull.  The humans are taken aback, but those of the Garlin blood recover their composure more quickly than the others.  The Uz seem to take no notice of her appearance.

As the troll replaces the veil, "Magora, you have truly then been blessed" Varinton chokes out.  "Be welcome in our home, as are your escorts.  We will find a way to care for your mounts."

________________________________________________________________
Feel free to ask questions or start to reply.  Since this is soft RP time, I'll answer as I can.  I help keep everything clear, I would like you to use the following colors for your character text.  The colors represent either a dominant rune or god (or both).

Bingling Hyxloriz - Periwinkle
Garik Johnton - Purple
Henetha Hofaktsdottir - Green
Oligur Jaffez - RoyalRed
Saberak - Red
Sanuzi Asar-Girru - Goldenrod
Tamarkorda - Orange
Ullr Lightbane - Gray
This message was last updated by the GM at 17:35, Sun 25 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

text <After the exchange is complete move closer to Bingling> in Darkspeech keeping voice low "what do you think of the humans?  Seem to be a bit excited by our arrival!"

text Using Darksense does there appear to be anyone that is hiding but observing?

"Greeting, Chief Danbal, I am Garik Johnton a humble merchant and follower of Issaries of the balanced scales. This is Henetha Hofaktsdottir Earth Mistress. I come to start trade with Jelmine and Boldholm, My brother can handle your merchandise in the Capital while I handle His trade here. If there is a suitable spot for a shop I can set up a Market Place with the power of Issaries. This will last a week and any who enters with bad intent will set the alarm.

I would like to bargain with you for lodging for myself and permission to spread the word of Issaries. I see no shops so I can trade my goods for your crafts and furs. I also bring Clearwine, the best available. If there is a Tavern who would trade for it or if you would like to make some private offering I will be glad to speak of it.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Wed 14 Nov 2018.

In reply to Ullr Lightbane (msg # 2):

An aside to Ullr in Darkspeech:
"I am fascinated by them! I am definitely impressed by the man whom I think is Magora's father or kinsman. I only speak a few words of Tarshite, but while he seemed surprised by Magora's Adoption as one of us, he still honored her and seems to have offered us hospitality."

To others he is cheerful, and introduces himself to anyone who smiles as Bingling of Argan Argar in Tradetalk (50%) and broken Tarshite (10%). If anyone human speaks to him in Darkspeech he will be delighted and share some of his choicest mushrooms, and will do the same if his Darksense shows any humans hollow-bellied hungry. He also slides a dessert fungus cap to the priest of Xiola Umbar for her wrangling work so far.

When things calm down he will also perform a half-hour rite thanks to Argan Argar (Worship 30%, +30% for 30 min Ritual Practice, plus attempt to augment with Darkness rune).

(Maybe a Lunar's worth of fungus, to sweeten later bargains?)
This message was last edited by the player at 04:43, Wed 14 Nov 2018.

Though the wind has died down in the lee of the fort, Saberak pulls her shawl tighter about her shoulders, a few locks of raven hair drifting listlessly in the breeze that still makes its way over and around the wooden walls.  She guides her sable antelope to the gate and crisply dismounts, reaching into a saddlebag to pull out a treat for her riding beast.

"Our journey is at an end, Selan.  It is time for a a new beginning."

The apprentice priestess looks toward the small sleeping owl perched on one of Selan's horns, beginning to stir in the early hours of dusk.  Satisfied that Silvereye will wake in due time, Saberak turns her attention toward the fort's approaching commander and shows him a warm smile.

"May you walk in the light of the Red Moon, Commander.  I am Saberak of Furthest, an acolyte of the Seven Mothers.  At the command of Captain Jeshamil in Alda-Chur, we have ridden hard  this last week in order to escort the Preceptor to your garrison.  In this time, I have learned that he is a wise man indeed and I would urge you to heed any requests that he makes of you.  I hope only that we are able to do our part to prevent another tragedy like the events that occurred in Sartar the past Earth season from ever happening again.  I have the details of Captain Jeshamil's request, should you need them."

Saberak turns to Selan's tack and again rummages in the saddlebags, a brief frown flashing across her lean face before she comes up holding a sealed message tube, which she hands to the waiting commander.  Noticing that his attention is still on the troll, she continues with a glint of good humor in her heterochromic brown and grey eyes.

"I would not worry yourself overmuch about the presence of Gulk and Zuzorek.  They are just as devoted to spreading the Lunar Way as I am.  We are all Us."

[Private to Garik Johnton; Narrator: "Greetings Danbal. I am Henetha Hofaktsdottir of House Rharli. It is growing colder and I gladly accept your offer of hospitality. In return I will help with whatever tasks your town might need help with. I would also like to visit your temple." Henetha vaguely gestures towards the temple on the hillside.]

Henetha watches the arrival of the priestess of Xenthia with great interest.

If Henetha's heard of mushroom farming she will try to talk to anyone who might know anything about it, trying to learn how it's done.

Ullr Lightbane
The snow is becoming heavy, but that is of little consequence to the Uz.  There are a large number of people gathered, and you don't sense anyone skulking about.

"Greetings Garik Johnton," Danbal begins.  "No need to bargain for lodging.  We are well familiar with the children of Issaries, and we welcome you to our city.  There are a few merchants of Issaries and Etyries who visit our city, as well as servants of Argan Argar.  You and your companions will be our guests.  We shall make you a place near the Hearth fire, and in the coming days, we will talk about your propositions.  Come.  You must be cold and in need of food."

[Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Once in the longhouse of the Durten you will be greeted by a number of people.  "Welcome and be comfortable. Garik Johnton, be at ease for now.  You will speak to the Garlin family in the coming days, for they are the ones who negotiate on behalf of the town.  For now, get to know us and what trade we can offer.

Looking to Henetha after her offer of help, "you are our guests at present, so nothing will be expected of you, but if you wish to help there are always things to be done.  Our wives may know ways of cooking that you do not, and our weavers have techniques to make different textures of fabric."

After asking about the Earth Temple, "the priestesses are currently in seclusion, but there will be time at dinner to meet with people who serve the temple."  Dinner will be after the trolls arrive.

I have to run, so I'll finish up in a bit.]

Tamarkorda watches the arrival of the southern merchant and his companions but following the introductions his gaze is drawn out  into the landscape that they have been travrseing. after a while he shakes his head and goes back up the hill muttering "It's not them she's tense about... or I'm a stander's cowman. What is it mother, I wonder..."

Sanuzi Asar-Girru

I try to record images, sounds, scents of the day spent with the old lady when so much else was happening downtown, as learning to do. Spend evening at Sandien's, weaving stick dolls (y'know, toys for tots), and imprinting the pattern I saw in my memory, maybe even compose a little song...

"Around the first well//a new gathering,a true gathering//their fate befell"

I'll stay up through the night in this light meditation, attentive to what might be going on in the world less ... say ... visible.

We don't need to worry about Worship rolls unless we are on a holiday.

Bingling Hyxloriz, you soon discover that most of the Garlin family has an understanding of Darkspeech.  A few, including Varinton (whom you do discover is Magora's birth father) are conversant in Darkspeech.

The Garlin family is true to their word, and establish places for the Uz to sleep in the caves.  The women of the family have a delicious smelling mushroom stew going, and you even notice the lead-clad warriors [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Karrg's Sons] seem to be taking an interest in the stew.

Henetha Hofaktsdottir, one of the Garlin women notice your interest and welcomes you to join them.  Her name is Lonrella, and will talk to you about mushroom farming.  "If you are interested, you are welcome to see our mushroom caves."  Lonrella looks around, "but maybe tomorrow."

Anyone who is down near the Garlin compound will hear talk that Magora wishes to speak to Desola at the Chief Priestess's earliest convenience.  Soon, a middle-aged woman comes down the hill, escorted by an older man.  The woman is dressed in a simple brown dress with green embroidery around the hem, her hair held in an elaborate braid.  She is also wearing a white sash. (no need to roll, everyone recognizes that as a symbol of a Chalana Arroy healer).  The man she is with has hair that is turning white and a red beard, and he is bulky like a redsmith.  As they approach, it becomes clear that woman in the dress is actually a man.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: No need to roll, you would clearly recognize a devotee of Nandan, a woman born in the shape of a man.  You also notice clearly that she is wearing the braids of a married woman.]

Varinton moves over to the woman, "Inkarne, you will remember my daughter Magora."  He hesitates for a moment, and whispers "she is much changed since you last saw her."  More loudly, he continues, "she expresses interest in speaking with Desola."

Inkarne nods to Varinton, and moves to the Uz he indicated.  "Magora, welcome.  Desola will be happy to see you again, but she will be busy for a time.  When I take dinner to the Priestesses, you are welcome to come with me."
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: Though she hides it well, you can tell that she is shocked by Magora's appearance.  She may also be shocked to find Magora here.]

At the Lunar Fort  Afternoon

[Private to Saberak: With the mention of the word Preceptor, the Commander's face seems to pale even more. He is now afraid. You think it is a generalized anxiety at greeting a person of such a high station, and not wanting to make a social blunder.]

 "We are all Us," begins the commander,"Greetings acolyte Saberak.  It seems that you are in charge of this detail by the Preceptor's orders," he gulps the word Preceptor.  Your good humor seems to calm the Commander.  "I am not familiar with your mount, will they be fine in a stable?  The other mounts can be stabled as well.  The barracks were built to handle more than the troops we currently have, so you will easily find space in the barracks."

While you are talking, you notice that Idovanus, Gulk, and Zuzorek have started to move off to the Inn.

"We did not expect you, so I hope a simple dinner will satisfy you and your troops."

[Private to Oligur Jaffez: When the commander recognizes the significance of the man in red robes, he eyes you and the troops.  You immediately recognize what he is trying to tell you and the troops:  Shape up and be on your best behavior.]

[Secret to Tamarkorda: How much time did you spend with Sandein today?]

You move back up the hill.  You shiver, and it is not from the cold.  You sense your ancestor is near but is not communicative right now.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: The spirits are very active around the house.  Whatever happened has riled the spirits.  Anyone else with the sight will see it.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: As you approach Sadein's house, you can tell that there is a great deal of spiritual activity as if spirits have been attracted to the house.]

As you work on the stick dolls and recite the tune, you begin to drift off.[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: As you are making the stick figures, you feel as if your fingers are sticky.  Looking down, it is as if there is a web on the figure you're working on.  You realize that the web extends to another figure you've made.  The tune you are singing seems to harmonize with something else, something close, but you can't sense anything beyond that.]

Garik sees the trolls at a distance. Looking for an Agar Agan in their midst he strides over and speaks in his broken dark tongue. "Hail Fellow Trader. I have some troll Goods for trade." Then repeats it in trade talk. "I have some fine wine looking for things to ship to Boldholm."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:40, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 11):

Bingling views Inkarne as what she sees that she herself is; he would view it odd if anyone tried to argue that Magora were not now Uz, and so likewise accepts Inkarne for who she is and seems to be (unless she later tells him otherwise).

But if he hears the comment to Henetha Hofaktsdottir, he will make a friendly gesture and say in Tradetalk "I am a merchant and not a farmer, but I can tell you what I know of the mushrooms we bring to trade. My mother grows them, and my sire even aids her when he is not mid-wifing."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:03, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 15):

Hearing Garik's question Bingling will tilt his head, give his best effort at a human-like smile, and greet him in broken Tarshite before switching to Darktongue and Tradetalk.
"I am a merchant, come to trade mushrooms. I would be honored to look at the sound of your wares. Would you want to want until the Sun Chariot arises in the morning, though?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:29, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 14):

Remain attentive and watchful.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 17):

"Now is a good a time as any to serve our gods their due. I have some Uz goods to trade as well as some fine wine. I do not know the Uz taste in drinks but this is top of the line and not seen around here. I also have acquired an ingot of pure rune lead. Maybe we can arrange for things we would not find in the capital being rare and exotic. Portability would be appreciated."

"Though my traditions make me loath to admit it, Selan will be fine if he is stabled with the horses.  Antelopes are not picky eaters, though you may want to keep him apart from the others if they are unused to the presence of riding beasts.  My baggage can be stored wherever you will be quartering me."

As the Sable is led off toward the stables with the rest of the mounts, Saberak whistles.  Suddenly roused from her slumber, Silvereye wakes and flaps silently through the twilit air to perch on Saberak's shoulder.

"A simple dinner would more than suffice.  We have been on the trail for days with little to eat besides stale flatbread and dried fruit.  I trust that you can show me to your shrine to the Seven Mothers in the morning?  I will need to make sure that everything is in order to properly honor the Red Goddess."

Saberak seems to almost glide as she moves toward the inn, the carriage of her willowy form belying a level of grace not shared by the soldiers she arrived alongside.

"Tell me, have the troubles in the south or from Tarsh reached you here? If I am to properly serve the needs of this garrison, I will need to immerse myself in your context to the greatest extent achievable.  It is vastly more than I would expect, but any written materials you might have that I would be able to study would also be appreciated."

Reentering the Shaman's hut Tamarkorda tells Sanuzi what he saw. "It was a trader arriving from Boldhome and some other traveller with him, he wants to set up shop here, she was keeping quiet, Danbal's taking them to the Durten House; snow's getting heavier.
There are more spirits around the house here than usual, maybe they have come at Sandien's request, but maybe not."
[Private to GM: Tamarkorda will spend most of the day at Sandein's the old lady and the spirits seem to indicate something out of the ordinary is happening. He will meet any fixed obligations at the Muval household though, feeding/ checking over horses etc. just put off discretionary tasks that can be done anytime.]

In reply to Saberak (msg # 20):

Oligur Jaffez speaks with Saberak in hushed tones, gesturing alternatively at the town and at the fort.

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 21):

Sanuzi recites the events of his day, as he has learned to do, to Tamarkorda:

Come, sit, have some tsai. It's a recipe one of the soldiers told me about once. It's not horrible. Tell me, Tamarkorda: what do you see in this image?

(OOC: please feel free to address Sanuzi, if you are familiar with him, with any nickname you feel comfortable with. I recommend "snoozy" or "zee".)

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 19):

Bingling is glad to peruse Garik's wares and show Garik his fine collection of tasty fungi. He is attentive to Garik's wares, and then shows him what Bingling has in his borrowed cart. "Some of these are an acquired taste, for human and Uz alike. But both the Garlins here and my home of Crabtown have such. And the poor harvest and Great Winter of 1621 to 1622 gave us a few more connoisseurs here."

Bingling purses his lips and gives a nigh-human frown; young adult humans might here the high pitched trill that serves him as a sigh as he adds in Darktongue "I don't even know how to say 'oenophile' or 'sommelier' in Tradetalk."

Switching back to Tradetalk he nods. "We might have several things. Also, I may be feeling both silly and inspired after traveling with warriors of prowess, but I am looking for cuirboilli greaves and vambraces and maybe a hauberk-sized leather gambeson. Have you any Uz-sized armor?  I am short, almost human-sized."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:16, Thu 15 Nov 2018.

Tamarkorda peers into the bottom of the tankard, "It's a horse, Snnozy" he says "...or a hole the shape of a horse - head on the left, tail on the, hold on, now the legs have gone - it looks more like a bat, two big wings"
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: He thinks you mean in the tea leaves, feel free to point out you mean some other image]

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 25):

Tea leaves are fine. Sanuzi leans over and whispers: I think you have something there... tell me a story of your people.

[ooc: Horses and bats... hmmm...]

Tamarkorda smiles, but quickly adopts a pensive look, "We do love our stories, but we have so many of them; perhaps it is best to start at the beginning of many stories - an empty belly. This is the story of the first elk hunt that my forefathers made. This was in that days when all the horse people were like us because there was only one clan who had got away from the ice. We were learning to live away from the dead city, and sometimes the gods came to help us and show us new ways to get things done. One of these was Dorstal, a god we had only just met. We had seen Dorstal turn up before, sometimes he had drunk all the kumis (that's what we drink instead of beer when we are on the trail), sometimes he had got up to antics with Raven, sometimes he had entranced all the girls with his funny stories. But once in a while he would jump to his feet looking sharper than Fox woman, hearing what no one else did. His spine would straighten and he would breathe deep catching the scents.
And he would ask "Who is coming with me?"
The Elders pushed some of their braver sons forward. Dorsal said he would take only four, and this caused trouble straight away because there were seven families even then and they were supposed to be equal so each family wanted their son to go along.
Dorstal shrugged. He took only four.
That was the First Hunting Lesson: Go mob-handed and you scare away the game.
One time in particular was the one we remember, he picked youths from four different families, first was golden eyed Zenangar of the Zervusa family, next was that member of the famous but doomed Shilevasa family who we call Nameforgot, next was the rough tough Stelfor of the Bayyasa family and finally he picked Basikan who was a Vashyasa and a grandson of Hyalor horsefriend.
The other families complained to Zerris who was Dorstal's favourite mortal, and he said 'They are ready to awake in Dorstal's world, it is already within them."
Dorstal took them to the Ice (which is North) he did not tell that what was their quarry, then as the four young friends crested a ridge they saw a great White Elk alone in the snowy lands plodding along on his great long legs and great fat feet.
Nameforgot was going to cry out, but Zenangar put his hand over his friend's mouth.
Dorsal nodded
That was the Second Hunting Lesson: When you sight your prey, shut up.
They all gained this understanding, but Zenangar most of all.
Stelfor was about to change towards the great elk, but Basikan stopped him. "He is stong now" he whispered "If we alarm him he will run too far and too fast for us to find him. We must wait for the right time and follow him."
Dorstal nodded.
That was the Third Hunting Lesson : Be willing to wander
They all gained this understanding but Basikan most of all.
They tracked the elk for days meeting many dangers, darkmen, ice demons, ghosts and bad spirits. Dorsal kept them out of trouble. When they saw the elk again Basikan said it was tired, and the time was right, but Nameforgot told him "This is not the same elk, he had four spots on his flank this one has three."
Dorstal dropped the creature with one arrow. It was a smokey apparition of the Sorcerer Yenfar
That was the Fourth Hunting Lesson: Remember every detail.
They all gained this understanding but Nameforgot most of all
The apparition left a trail, and Basikan wanted to track it back to Yenfar who had killed Basikan's mother, but Stelfor shook his head.
Dorstal nodded.
That was the Fifth Hunting Lesson: Do not switch your quarry when trails cross
They all gained this understanding, but Stelfor was anticipating a greater lesson and learned this only as much as the others
At last they found the elk. It had fallen into a great crack in the ice and sakkars were prowling around it. Under Dorstal's leadership the boys fought the sakkars, Stelfor most doughtily of all. Sakkars ate others and were not so good to eat.
Dorstal inclined his head
That was the Sixth Hunting Lesson: Know who hunts what.
They all gained this understanding, but the sakkars most of all
The youths surrounded the elk which cried out in fear "Why must you slaughter me now, when I am helpless? Be fair and seek game that has its freedom!"
Zenangar Basikan and Nameforgot stepped back. They were hungry but they felt pity for the elk which had hope now that the sakkars were dealt with.
Dorstal nodded. Stelfor cut the elk's throat. Blood stained the snow. The white world was made red.
That was the Seventh Hunting Lesson: Strike without qualm.
Dorstal was a god and the others little more than boys beside him so he carried the white elk back to the clan and our ancestors feasted..." Tamarkorda drinks his chai and looks at Sanuzi over the beaker. "When Dorstal had dunk a lot of kumis (He didn't quite drink all of it this time because he shared some with the four boys) Basikan asked him "You could have dropped that elk when Nameforgot first saw it couldn't you?" Dorsal tapped his nose and said "There are jush Sheven Hunting Leshons" But Basikan had learned something.
When you understand all the lessons, the time has come to teach"
He clears his throat and goes to the door to look out again. "Snow" he says.

To clean up the replies from yesterday:

---

Durten, Morning

Danbal son of Ovardul welcomes Garik Johnton, Henetha Hofaktsdottir, Katreka (initiate of Babester Gor), and Ankiarl (Orlanth Initiate).  The family prepares bed spaces for each of you.


[Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Some of the young women are curious about Katreka, and ask her about her service as a Defending Sister.  A few of the young boys are curious about the warrior Ankiarl, and begin to pester him for stories of his exploits.  It is painfully clear that neither Ankiarl or Katreka knows how to deal with children, but they both tell stories the best that they can.

Danbal and the elders of the family gather around Garik asking about the news from the South.  It becomes clear that they do not know about the significance of DragonRise, or even that a Temple to the Red Goddess was being built. At first, you think that they must be fooling with you, but as you talk, it becomes clear that they don't get news up here.

Some of the women talk with Henetha about her life, and what has brought her this far to the North.  As with Garik, it becomes clear that they know little of what has happened in the rest of Sartar.

You will get a chance to speak with these people in more detail as we continue.  For right now I want to make sure everyone gets a chance to meet the major NPCs.]

---

Lunar Fort, Afternoon

The troops at the Lunar Fort seem busier after the new troops have arrived.  About 30 minutes after their arrival, a hellish cackle echoes off the hills.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: The cackle was Gulk laughing at the fort's commander.]

[Private to Garik Johnton; Henetha Hofaktsdottir: When the cackle is heard, the elders go outside to see what is happening.  Danbal motions for two boys.  They run off up the hill.  Danbal says, "there is a place above the Lunar fort where we can watch what happens, but it is too small for grown men."  After some time, the boys return and move to the hearth to warm themselves.  The woman get blankets for the boys.  "Nothing seems to be happening, except there is this man dressed in red sitting in the snow with people watching him.  Didn't see any demons or critters that could have made that sound."]

---

Garlin compound, Early Evening
The arrival of the trolls has sent a shiver of excitement among the Garlin family, and a shiver of fear with everyone else.  Still, the Trolls have been good to their word since the migration.  Save for trollkin bandits, Jelmine has been safe from the Uz.

The Garlin family welcome anyone who comes down to their compound and shares a wonderful mushroom stew with bread.  Orvieldon, the brewmeister, opens a cask of their Mushroom Ale in celebration.

[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Garik Johnton: Bingling and Garik talk about trade, and are quickly joined by member of the Garlin family. Varinton and a few others come over to talk about trade.  Both Garik and Bingling discover that two members of the Garlin family act as traveling merchants, trading with the Uz, the Alone confederation, and Aldu-Chur. They are very interested in Garik's proposition of a stable trade route to the south but are skeptical as to whether a shop would prosper in Jelmine.  (You'll have to convince them).]

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: As you are talking with Lonrella, you start to realize something.  You have seen people from all of the families now, and you don't remember seeing anyone you would consider elderly.  There are elders, but no elderly individuals.]

The Garlin family talks freely with the Dark Trolls, save one.  One of the warriors stands away from the group watching.  The intensity of his stare is enough to make most people look away.

Members of the Garlin family tentatively talk with Magora until Inkarne comes down the hill.  Inkarne's welcome of Magora seems to put the Garlin family at ease.  Inkarne and Magora talk about their childhoon.  Inkarne inquires about Crabtown, and Magora inquires about Inkarne's marriage to Bartien.  For his part, Bartien nods and drinks ale (he does not seem the talkative sort).

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: While the commander is asking Saberak and Oligur Jaffez if they would like to come to dinner, a scout comes to report to the commander.  (Idovanus is still meditating outside.)  "Sir, a contingent of Trolls has come to town.  They were riding giant spiders," he says with a trembling voice, "the people of the town welcomed them in, and" he hesitates as if trying to decide how to say it, "they're having a party."  (Gulk is currently not outside to hear this report).  The commander does not seem eager to engage the trolls, and asks again if you would like to come to dinner.]
[Private to Oligur Jaffez: Over the years, the troops have learned how to spy on the town.  The ravine is actually a great place for troops to use to sneak into the village.  You still have to be extremely stealthy, but it can be done.  The commander believes that the Jelmine people have places where they can spy on the fort.]

---

Feel free to continue conversations here or in PMs.  Clean up anything you would want to do during the morning or evening.  On Sunday I will move us past this point.  It will still be the evening of everyone's arrival.

Saberak and Oligur continue to talk in low voices as they gesture to various parts of the Lunar garrison and the town of Jelmine.  Saberak looks closely toward the place where the troll delegation entered the town.

[Private to Garik Johnton: You have talked to various people today about trade. None of them seem very excited about your proposition, especially Danbal of the Durten.  You noticed that he kept trying to shift the conversation away from trade, and seemed irritated when you would bring it back up.  This changed when you meet with the Garlin family.  They seem curious and enthusiastic about your proposal.  They mention that there is a Tavern/Store in the Lunar Fort, something which they have found interesting.]

[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: Throughout the day you have met many of the women of the town.  As mentioned before, they ask about your background and are eager to hear your stories.  You realize that you must have been missing subtle cues. Arale, wife of Danbal, mistress of the Durten Hearth, pulls you aside saying in Earthtongue, "tradetalk is not woman's talk. Young women ask if you bed Orlanthi Ankiarl.  Others want know if you husband hunting.  They heard of forceful Esrolian women.  No offense, we women take charge of bed matters.  Men are fools." (as a note, the roll for your Insight-Human was a fumble, so Arale decided to be blunt about the subtle questions.)]

Garlin Compound, Evening
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Soon after Tamarkorda leaves, Sandein casts Axis Mundi.  The spiritual activity has become greater around the house.  Their voices are near cacophonous until the Axis Mundi is established.  This seems to calm them down.  "Apply the compress to Mother.  I need to journey, for there are things that have taken notice of Mother's fit."  Sandein pulls a rug and a blanket from a trunk.  You have seen these before, and both are filled with magic.  She lays out the rug, and sits on it, then wraps herself in the blanket.  She then begins to drum.  The rhythmic beat calls to you.  You know that Sandein has left her body, the fetch taking her place and keeping the rhythm of the drum.  Though she did not say it, you know your job is to make sure no one disturbs her.]

Coming down the hill, you see a young man who does not look native to Jelmine.  He appears to be a Grazelander.  As he approaches the gathering, he looks around and then approaches Inkarne.  [Private to Tamarkorda: You have found Inkarne at the Garlin compound.]  After a few moments, Inkarne follows the young Grazelander up the hill. [Private to Tamarkorda: Go on and publically say what you are going to tell Inkarne so that the other players know.  The reason I'm proceeding is that the second she hears someone is in trouble she will follow you.  As you leave the compound she will say, "let's stop by the smithy so I can collect a few things."]

Suddenly, the Troll woman who seems to be in charge of the Uz band points up the hill and says in Tarshite "what that cave?"  People around start to talk, "is she pointing at the Temple?  is she pointing to Sandein's?"

Varinton comes over and speaks to the Uz in Darktongue.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "Which building?"  After a few exchanges, Varinton says, "That is the home of Sandein, a spirit-speaker of Daka Fal."]

After a few exchanges, the Uz begins to move off in at a determined pace. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: She calls out, and the three lead clad warriors quickly follow after her. "Kaarg's Sons, follow, some fool has called to the Dehori."  The Death Lord does not come, neither does the nurse.]

Varinton translates for the others around, "there is something going on at Sandein's house."  This causes a commotion, but people begin to quickly react and follow the trolls up the hill.

As they move up, cries are heard.  The light of the celestial realm and the Red Moon show the shadow of something large that just jumped from the Lunar side of the ravine and land close to Sandein's house.

[Private to Tamarkorda: Inkarne had just grabbed a bag when you heard the commotion from down the hill.  Seeing the trolls moving up the hill, she says, "I can't hear what they are saying, but I think we need to get to Sandein's before anyone else."  As you appoach, something comes from the Lunar side of the Ravine; a winged trolled carrying two people.  Wait, it is a four-armed winged troll.  Inkarne says something in Darktongue, and something on the back of the troll responds.  About that time, the trolls from down the hill arrive.]

Moving more swiftly, the people move up to see the Troll leader and her guards stand off against another Uz, one with wings, four arms, and that glows a subtle blue in the Red light of the Moon. Something from the winged trolls back is talking to the Troll Leader in Darktongue.  It looks as if the winged troll brought two people from the Lunar side.
[Private to Tamarkorda: Inkarne had just grabbed a back when you heard the commotion from down the hill.  Seeing the trolls moving up the hill, she says, "I can't hear what they are saying, but I think we need to get to Sandein's before anyone else."]
Standing between the two troll factions with her hands out is Inkarne.  She addresses the Uz in Darktongue, and then strides towards the door with the Grazelander and knocks.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: I will be posting something in the Lunar Fort message for you that leads up to this point.  I am going to assume that you will both come, but if you don't want to, tell me.  Gulk would grab other soldiers if you don't go with her.]
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Zelda in Darktongue says, "Children of the Blue Moon Plateu, I would know what you do here, but there is more pressing concerns, for these humans have awakened the Dehori."  There is an Enlo on the back of the winged troll, "I know what they are priestess of the Great Mother."  Zelda is shocked that an Enlo would speak to her in such a tone, and it continues, "There is more than Dehori moving this night."  Inkarne seems to be shocked on multiple fronts, but gulps and says in Darktongue, "any issues between you must wait until this threat is resolved."  She then goes to the door and knocks.]

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: There is a loud thud outside, then a commotion.  Finally, someone knocks at the door.  Assuming you open it, you see Inkarne, Tamarkorda, and then Trolls.
As you approach the door, you hear a spirit voice, an ancestral voice perhaps, but one you have never heard before, "the timeless' talon wounds time, weft falls from warp, the messenger attracts unwanted attention."]


[Private to Oligur Jaffez: Assuming you came with Gulk.  The hairs on the back of your neck rise, you look above the house and see six shapes flying low crest over the hill.  You've seen them before, Harpies.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Sun 25 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

Feeling all this, Bingling follows Zelda up to Sandein's. As they meet the new Uz and Inkarne knocks on Sandein's door he risks Zelda's displeasure by tilting his head and trilling "Greetings, guests of Mother!" in Darktongue.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:06, Tue 20 Nov 2018.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 31):

He'll make an appeasement gesture if Zelda rebukes him, but if anyone else gives Bingling "That Look" he'll whisper "I am a merchant son of Argan Argar, I trade with anyone not of chaos!"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Mon 19 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

Do I recognize anything anbout the 4 winged troll?  Any Lore or the like?

Since I am part of protection for  Magora (Xentha Priestess) I will stay close to her and arm myself with my mace and shield.  No spells as of yet.  Anything moving out in the dark (darksense)

Arriving in the Garlin longhouse at the jog Tamarkorda grimaces but approaches Inkarne at once.
"Sandien ask for your help Inkarne, something has happened to Mother. It looks bad to me" he says in a low but audible tone. Inkarne replies and the Grazelander heads back up the hill. He waits outside the forge while the healer collects some of her supplies, and then they continue up towards the Shaman's hut.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

Thank you for coming, Inkarne,Sanuzi says quietly. Sandien is traveling and should not be disturbed. Mother is over there. Tamarkorda, something is definitely going on.

Henetha stays close to her hosts, attentative of their choice of action. [Private to Narrator: She tries to study the warrior who stood apart, the one with the intense eyes.]

Hearing what sounds like someone - "Mother" - is ill, she makes it known that she has some healing magic and inquires if she can be of help.

Garik saunters over to the Lunar Fort. Asking the Guard to show him to the store. Looking around he looks for signs of quality of goods and pricing. "What would you offer me for an anphoral of Clear Wine." Singing songs of Issaries while preparing for bartering.

Hair slightly disheveled from the wind of the great leap, Saberak holds up her hands in a gesture that indicates that the Lunars mean no harm here.

As soon as the frenzy calms enough to ask a question, Saberak asks Gulk in New Pelorian, "What is going on here?  I'm afraid I speak neither Darktongue, Tarshite, nor Sartarite and I am at a loss."

Tamarkorda's lip twitches involuntarily at the sound of New Pelorian but he tries to answer Saberak in the same language drawing on his Firespeech background. "Many spirits run here" he says, "Our shaman - her mother very sick. Why you come here?"

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 39):

Oligur gasps in dismay and points over the nearby rooftops at dark shapes cresting the hill, and cries out in clear Pelorian and strongly accented Tradetalk:

Danger, friends! Harpies! 

He loosens his sling in preparation for the encounter...

11:15, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 17 using 1d100.  Listen for disturbance outside.

Garik hears a commotion outside and rushes to the door to see what is going on.

Scene 1 - Combat Round 1

It is evening, and since dusk the snowfall has become less than it was earlier in the day.  The sky is still cloudy, but the red glow of the Cresent-Go moon can still be seen through the clouds.

[Private to Garik Johnton: You will have heard the commotion outside.  If you ask, you will be told that the trolls are moving off up the hill, people are following, and ther is the suspicion that there will be trouble.  You can follow and ready.  You will start 6 movement units (18 meters) away from Sandein's house.]

---

Inkarne and Sandein arrived at Sandein's house.  As the door opened, a four-armed winged troll painted blue landed beside the house.  The troll was carrying two lunar soldiers.  Within seconds, a second band of trolls, this one ascending the hill from the Garlin compound, confronts the Lunar Troll.

Inkarne tells Sanuzi to close and bar the door, while indicating that she will stay out here.
[Private to Tamarkorda: Tamarkorda, you can also get into the house if you would like.][Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You can either stay in the house or exit.  Your choice.]

Inkarne stands between the two sides speaking Dark Tongue seeking to diffuse the tension.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: The Kyger Litor Shaman-Priestess accuses the four-armed troll of the disturbance, and then casts disparaging remarks about the Enlo riding on the trolls back.  The Enlo is acting above its station in life, as its pathetic form would make it no more worthy than food; and in fact that is what Zelda keeps calling the Enlo.  For her part, the Enlo keeps trying to tell Zelda that something is coming.]





The mask-wearing Enlo riding on the back of the four-armed troll replies pointing to the Troll Leader, "This cow slings accusation, but the fire child is right.  There is danger here, and distraction."  She then closes her eyes as if hearing something.

---

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: If you are in the house, you can hear Oligur call out.  Any level of Tradetalk will hear "Harpies".]

As you look over the house, you can see six shapes crest the top of the hill, the red moonlight now making them visible.  You hear the guard at the top of hill sound an alarm (the horn blast is brief and high, as if the guard was caught unaware).
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You realize that they are not making a sound.]

---

Armor

• If you arrived in Jelmine today, it is assumed that you are still dressed for travel. The assumption is that you have not gotten out of your armor yet.
• Lunar Soldiers, it is assumed that you have not changed since guard duty, so you are in armor.
• If you are a native to Jelmine, it is assumed you are unarmored (you rarely go around town in armor unless you are on guard duty).

Weapons
You normally don't run around town with weapons drawn, and Lunar troops would not barge in with weapons drawn. So, the assumption is that no weapons are currently readied.  The sole exception would be if you carry/use a spear.

The towns folk, suspecting trouble when the trolls started up the hill, stopped and grabbed the most available weapons, namely spears.

---

NPC Intent
Harpies: Swoop down from the top of the hill.
Danbal: Cast Rune Spell - Rally Family.
Bartien: Wielding a fine bronze spear and shield, move to Inkarne to protect her.
Inkarne: Moves behind Bartien, and casts Protection 3 on him.
Four-Armed Troll: readies a large blue kopis and shield.
Enlo riding Four-Armed Troll:  Seems to be concentrating on something.  Manifests a medium sized lune.
Troll Leader: Readies shield, casts Protection 3 on herself.
Townsfolk:  Ready spells and weapons (for the most part they are treated as back up forces).

PC Intent:
Use the following.

Basic Intent: Ready (Weapon, Shield, Spell), Attack closest enemy melee(name enemy), Attack closest enemy ranged (name enemy), Defend (name character you are defending), cast (spell).
Augement:  Tell me if you are trying for an augment.
SR:  Tell me the strike ranks you are going to move on.
Rolls:  If you want me to roll, just say so, otherwise use the dice roller and make your rolls.

Sanuzi obeys Sandien and bars the door. He will allow a small amount of time for Tamarkorda to come in, if he wants to.

Intent: arm self with shield and dagger, protect 'Mother'.

Tamarkorda enters Sandien's hut before Sanuzi bars the door [Private to GM: Not sure how far this is 3 to 6m ? would be 2 SR]
If he knows of any other access point (window, chicken hatch etc.) he will try to block it with something [Private to GM: probably extends into next round if there is a window etc. to block]
He redies his broadsword [Private to GM: 5 SR]
He mutters continuously in an unintelligible language [Private to GM: the Flame Jugglers use Ergeshite goat herd swear words rather than Lodrili ones. They are still Firespeech related but not very close to Dara Happan or New Pelorian]
Intent : impede access to hut - defend Sandien's body

Henetha readies her battleaxe and shield.

Garik readies his Battle Axe and Shield. Heading for the door to protect the mother.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 42):

(x-post from other thread)

Intent:
Defend Magora
(Interpose self and protect Magora; others too, if possible within a step or two.)

Augment:
B̶a̶t̶t̶l̶e̶m̶a̶g̶i̶c̶ ̶n̶o̶w̶ ̶r̶e̶q̶u̶i̶r̶e̶s̶ ̶a̶ ̶r̶o̶l̶l̶ ̶a̶n̶d̶ ̶M̶a̶g̶o̶r̶a̶ ̶r̶e̶p̶r̶e̶s̶e̶n̶t̶s̶ ̶X̶e̶n̶t̶h̶a̶;̶ ̶B̶i̶n̶g̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶c̶a̶l̶l̶s̶ ̶o̶n̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶t̶i̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶R̶u̶n̶e̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶D̶a̶r̶k̶n̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶a̶u̶g̶m̶e̶n̶t̶ ̶h̶i̶s̶ ̶a̶t̶t̶e̶m̶p̶t̶ ̶a̶t̶ ̶s̶p̶i̶r̶i̶t̶ ̶m̶a̶g̶i̶c̶.̶

Strike Ranks:
a. SR 5. Bingling will ready his mace, which also contains his spell matrix for Strength (SR +5).
b. SR 10. He casts Strength (+5 SR (Dex SR +3 and +2 SR, -2 MP for Strength)).
c. SR 11-12. After that he will move 2 units as needed.
d. NA. If attacked, once the mace is readied he will alternate Dodge (starts at 47%) and Mace Parry (starts at 50%).

Rolls:
Please roll for me.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Wed 28 Nov 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 42):

Oligur readies his broadsword and shield, and positions himself in the front line between the harpies and house, alongside Bartien, 4 armed troll, and whoever else is outside awaiting the onslaught (Saberak/Bingling/?)

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 47):

As a note, each rune has specific things that it can be used to augment.  Darkness augments stealth skill and Listening.  Spellcasting can only be augmented by meditation, ritual prep, and some skills like dancing, singing, play instrument.

Since the Moon influences magic skills, and sorcery spells are influenced by the Magic Skill modifier, the Moon Rune can be used to augment the casting of sorcery spells.

There is no rune that augments spirit magic, and Runes are used to cast, not augment, Rune Spells.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Magic is very personal in RQG.  Go on and describe your focus for spirit magics when you use them, and describe the manifestation of any spell you cast.

Remember, when you cast Rune Magic, you take on aspects of your diety.  What does that look like to the other characters?

Saberak adjusts her helm before drawing her shield and kopis, placing herself between the swooping harpies and the building.  She calls out toward the harpies in Tradetalk.

"There is still time to turn back.  There is no need to hurt anyone in this place!"

OOC: I've decided to represent Saberak's currently limited facility with Tradetalk by putting anything she says through the Up-Goer Five Text Editor, which only allows the thousand most common words in English to be used.  This was a surprisingly easy message to get across.

[Private to GM: Saberak will cast Befuddle as soon as a harpy enters range, then proceed to draw shield and kopis.  If one comes close enough to the entrance of the building with hostile intent, she will strike, but won't strike before a harpy has actually attacked someone.  Feel free to roll for me.  If possible, she will attempt to get the harpies to retreat rather than fight.  She'll augment any Communication rolls that might be needed with her Earth Rune and will attempt to use her Honor passion to help her Kopis skill if it does come to blows.]

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 44):

I am very glad you are here, Tamarkorda. There is much going on, I don't know what is wrong with 'Mother', I don't know what harpies are or why they're here, and I have been seeing things that I can't understand.

Sanuzi looks around the domicile, staring into dark corners, looking through the walls...

Tamarkorda stops muttering long enough the acknowledge Sanuzi. " That troll out there had WINGS Sanuzi. A winged ploughing troll! It's not normal, and it's not just chance it's the same day Mother's had trouble.
What do you see? Are you seeing spirit world things?
Harpies are devil birds with women's faces - more things that shouldn't have wings - when they turn up it means a fight"

Combat Round 1
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: I like your comment about language.  Thank you for telling us about the app you used.]

Strike Rank 1

• The Enlo slumps in her sling on the back of the winged troll.
  [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Zuzorek does not seem concerned that Gulk just slumped over.]
  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Zelda's eyes suddenly get wide, and she says in Darkspeech "By the Mother's Sacred Tits".  Your not sure if she is angry, startled, or scared.]
• At the same time, a Lune appears and surrounds the Enlo's body.
• The troll leader says something in Darktongue.
• Danbal cries out "Muster your courage! We are under attack!"
• The Winged Troll takes flight.
• Bingling Hyxloriz and Ullr Lightbane move to protect Magora (downslope of the house).
• Four Harpies move closer, one hangs back, and one moves to attack the guard tower at the top of the hill (the guard was caught unaware).

Strike Rank 2

• Bartien moves next to Inkarne
• Tamarkorda moves into Sandein's house, and Sanuzi closes the door.
• Garik, Henetha, Oligur, and Saberak move to stand between the harpies and the house (you stand with the people of Jelmine).
• Townsfolk (men and women) wielding spears begin to circle around the house, some move off to the Temple, and you hear some of them praying.
• Four Harpies move closer.

Strike Rank 3

• The harpy that hung back screeches and a sickly glow surrounds the creature, then focuses on a necklace the harpy is wearing.
• Harpies move closer.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein stops drumming and opens her eyes (NOTE: It takes an hour-long ritual to discorporate; she has not had time to leave her body.)  She looks around for a moment, then says, "By the hells, what is going on?"]

Strike Rank 4

1. The sickly glow around the necklace begins to pulsate; Harpy starts to move again.
   
2. The harpies have closed on the house and it's protectors.
   
3. Three of four town's folk downslope of the house successfully cast disruption.  (Harpy #3 takes 2 HP Abdomen, 2 HP Left Wing)

Strike Rank 5

• Inkarne casts Protection 3 on Bartien.
• One harpy attacks the guard tower.  Guard dodges the dung.
• Magora casts Darkwall around the people downslope from the house (it includes herself and the trolls).
• Lead clad trolls have slings ready.
• Harpy 1 continues to move.

Strike Rank 6

1. PCs ready: Bingling (mace) and Ullr (mace).
   
2. Townsfolk cast various buff/protection spells.
   
3. Harpy 1 continues to move.
   
4. The winged troll pulls out a large blue kopis (Uz sized).
   
5. Troll Leader casts protection on herself.

Strike Rank 7

• PCs ready: Garik (Battle Axe), Henetha (Battle Axe), Oligur (Sword), and Saberak (Sheild) - NOTE:  I picked the first thing you mentioned.
• Townsfolk cast various buff/protection spells.
• Harpy 1 has closed on the house.

Strike Rank 8

1. Harpy 3 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
2. Harpy 4 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
3. Harpy 5 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
4. Harpy 6 - 3M high - Drops stone on house cracking the slate roof.
   
5. The stones, while cracking the slate roof, have not broken through the roof.
   
6. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 3
   
7. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 4 - 6 to the left wing - Incapacitated, falls, 5 points to abdomen.  The harpy is not moving.
   
8. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 5 - 2 to the head
   
9. Two townfolk throw spears at harpy 6 - In the attempt to throw the spear, one of the townspeople has twisted an ankle.
   

Strike Rank 9

• Troll 1 releases a sling bullet - Hits Harpy 3 for 6 to the abdomen.  Harpy falls, taking 5 points to Left Wing.  The harpy stops moving.
• Troll 2 releases a sling bullet - but the harpy dodges.
• Troll 3 releases a sling bullet - but misses.

Strike Rank 10

1. Winged Troll Strikes at Harpy 1 - Hitting for 10 Hp to the Right Wing.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein has moved over to the hearth and said something.
 You can sense the presence of a spirit.]

Strike Ranke 11

1. Bingling and Ullr ready shields
   
2. Troll Leader readys her shield.

Strike Ranke 12

• PCs Ready:  Garik (Shield), Henetha (Shield), Oligur (Shield), and Saberak (Shield).
• Harpy 1 drops a stone on house cracking the slate roof; a hole is now open in the roof.
• A Disease spirit manifests next to Harpy 1.
• The Winged Troll says in New Peloria "Little Mistress says this distraction."
• There is a horn sounded from down the hill, and terrifying war cry.

Wrap-Up
Harpy #1 is wounded (heavy gash to right wing).
Harpy #2 is attacking guard tower.
Harpy #3 is unmoving on the ground.
Harpy #4 is unmoving on the ground.
Harpy #5 has a head wound.
Harpy #6 is unharmed.

One townsperson has twisted their ankle.

There is a hole in the roof of Sandein's house.

A disease spirit has manifested.

There has been a call that this is a distraction.

The PCs now have all weapons readied.

You can see a group of people protecting the temple.

You hear a guard horn downhill, as well as a war cry.
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You hear the war cry moving toward the ravine.  You suspect the war cry came from the brooding troll.  The horn sounds as if it comes from the guard tower closest to the ravine.]

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: You are inside the house; I assume you both are now armed.  Sandein is awake and seems to be releasing spirits to guard the house.  You suspect her fetch is also doing something.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: You can hear the heartfire speaking in flametongue.  Sandein seems to have a hearth spirit that you have not known about before.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 53):

Where is Umgar the Brooding Troll?  Also, approx where am I on the map?  I assume between the shaman hut (2) and Durten's longhouse (4).

Saberak looks to Zuzorek over her shoulder as she slides her kopis from its sheath.  She calls out in New Pelorian,

"Did Gulk happen to mention what these foul creatures are distracting us from noticing? These spirits of disease will certainly do the people of this town few favors."

[Private to GM: Saberak would love to do something to drive away or destroy the disease spirit, but I'm not sure on how I'd do that mechanically.  I know the rules dictate that only discorporate beings can initiate spirit combat.]

In reply to Ullr Lightbane (msg # 54):

Closer to Sandein's hut (Shaman).  Magora went up with everyone else and is about 12 M from the house.  The troll leader is closer.

You and Bingling wanted to stay close to Magora to protect her, so you each are within 1 M of Magora.

Statement of Intent: Move to Harpy #1, attack it with battle axe. Parry.

SR:
1-4 Move 12 M
11 Attack with Battle Axe (1+3+3)

Rolls:
22:31, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Attack Harpy #1. - Success
11:43, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 17 using 1d20.  hit location. - Left arm
22:33, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 12 using 1d8+1d4+2 with rolls of 6,4.  Damage.
22:34, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 72 using 1d100 with rolls of 72.  Parry. - Failure
This message was last edited by the player at 10:44, Sat 01 Dec 2018.

In reply to Ullr Lightbane (msg # 54):

Since the harpies seem to be handled move full down hill toward the warning horn.

Statement of Intent: defend 'Mother' from physical harm.

Sanuzi whispers to 'Blakaddar' (the spirit bound in snake): Help ward 'Mother' best you can.

He awaits to react to any invasion.

Saberak stalks forward, interposing herself between the disease spirit and the people of Jelmine.  She focuses on the bracelet hanging from her wrist with silver charms in the shape of runes dangling off it as she mutters a prayer to the spirits around her.

[Private to GM: Saberak is casting Glamour as she moves to interpose herself between the disease spirit and the others.  That should give her a bonus to Spirit Combat and Spirit Combat Damage. If she does engage in combat with the spirit, she'll try to use her Harmony rune to inspire her Spirit Combat skill as disease spirits attacking people is inimical to living in harmony.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 56):

Bingling will cast Strength if he has not yet (-2 MP), and otherwise bodyguard Magora.

Tamarkorda updates Sandien on developments and stands ready to dodge dropped projectiles or attack anything corporeal that enters the hut. "Bunch of trolls visited Garlin. Lunars have one with wings. Harpies are fighting everyone."
Intent: defend Sandien [Private to GM: I assume harpy 1 is also 3m above the hut so I'm awaiting developments. If the disease spirit attacks mother I'll cast distraction on it. Please roll for me as necessary]

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 58):

Oligur will join Garik and charge down the hill toward the commotion; if any harpie or other evil creature is within range he'll take a swing.

NOTE:  If you plan to cast a spell, especially Rune spells, give me an idea of how the spell manifests for you.

Combat Round 2
The winged troll calls out to Saberak in New Pelorian "she said to look at the ravine."

Strike Rank 1

• Saberak moves onto the roof of Sandein's house, directly under the disease spirit.
• NOTE:  Many of the houses are embedded in the hill, so the roofs are accessible from the upslope side).
• The four-armed troll then yells out in Darktongue.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: by the light of Annilla.]  His skin begins to glow a soft blue, and as it dims, so too does his body until there is nothing left.
• With a fanatic look in her eye, harpies #1, 5, and 6 descends to the roof.
• Henetha moves up to Harpy #1, and Oligur moves to harpy #5 [Secret to Oligur Jaffez: I am going to assume that Oligur also moves up to the Harpies.]
• Garik begins to move off down the hill toward the horn.  [Private to Garik Johnton; you will arrive on Strike Rank 9.  I am going to recommend that you cast Detect Enemies, and I'm going to work under the assumption that you do.]
• Farin, son of Korigon, leads a group of townspeople toward the horn.  His spear is now wreathed in flames (cast last round).

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Your snake moves off to where Mother is resting.]

Strike Rank 2

• Varinton of Garlin calls out in Tradetongue, "the winged troll said to look to the ravine."  [Secret to Garik Johnton: Garick hears this, and I am going to assume he will move off toward the ravine, but still going down toward the wall.]
• Danbal, son of Ovardul, upon hearing about the ravine, calls to five townsfolk to follow him, the implication is clear that everyone else should finish the harpies first.
• Three townsfolk move off up the hill to the guard tower.
• Bartien and Inkarne exchange a few words, but stay at Sandein's house.
• The Troll leader orders two of her Lead Clad warriors off to the ravine.  They come out of the darkness and move toward the ravine.
• Those on the roof can see a warm glow coming from inside Sandein's house.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein says in spiritspeech "Yes, go help her."]
• Magora maintains the darkness around those downhill from the house, and says something in darkspeech.  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "I can feel another presence moving in the darkness."  Neither of you sense anything, but the troll leader seems to take notice.]

Strike Ranke 3

• The harpies begin to tear at the roof, trying to open it up.  They are making the hole bigger.  [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: I am going to assume that you will attack on your strike ranks .]
• People continue to move down the hill, toward the ravine, and over to the main gate.
• Varinton leads four members of the Garlin family toward the ravine.  They are all armed with slings; as they move, it looks as if the darkness of the night begins to cloak them in her protective embrace.
• The troll leader says something in Darktongue. [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "That is unexpected.  Go and help."]
• Danbal beings to concentrate on something.

Strike Rank 4

• The harpies continue to fanatically tear at the roof.
• People continue to move down the hill, toward the ravine, and over to the main gate.
• The Lead Clad Troll that stayed with the Troll Leader slings a bullet at Harpy #6. It shift while frantically pawing at the roof, and the bullet missed.
• From inside of the house, Sandein points to Harpy #6.  It screeches as it takes 2 HP to the left wing.

Strike Rank 5

• Bingling finishes a spell, but it fails.
• Saberak finishes a spell (.  She glows a soft red, and her countenance changes and features soften.  She stands as a glowing sentinel of the Red Goddesses love and fury.
• Magora looks to Bingling Hyxloriz and Ullr Lightbane, and says in Darktongue, "I know you wish to protect me, but you will be more effective helping my birth father Varinton." Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: Unless you tell me otherwise, I will assume you will follow her directions.]
• Bingling and Ullr move toward the ravine.

Strike Rank 6

• Harpy #6 breaks through the roof, and lands in Sandein's house.
• Sanuzi and Tamarkorda strike at the creature, but miss.

Strike Rank 7

• Henetha strike Harpy #1 with her battle axe.  The Harpy is unmoving.
• Oligur strikes at Harpy #5 for 8 HP to the abdomen. It flays on the roof.
• Three towns people move in and stab Harpy #5, 1 HP to chest, 3 to abdomen, 3 to left leg.  The harpy stops moving.
• The troll leader moves off to the Earth Temple, but motions the troll warrior to stay here.

Strike Ranks 8-11

• There are sounds of battle coming from the guard house (sounds of victory there), at the temple, ravine and main gate.
• You can see troops moving out of the Lunar Fort toward the ravine.
• Oligur moves off to the ravine.

Strike Rank 12

• Those who have moved toward the ravine arrive, and Garik casts Detect Enemies.
• Garik immediately becomes aware of twenty-two enemies in the ravine.
• You see the Brooding Troll surrounded by twelve small creatures, but the Troll is concentrating his attacks on a bundle of twigs and debris.  He is wielding a two-handed mace that seems made of darkness.  By the light of the moon reflecting off the snow, it is clear that the troll has suffered some wounds at the hands of the small creatures (there is too much underbrush in the ravine to get a great look at them; they look like 1m tall humanoids).
• One of the small humanoid creatures is suddenly decapitated as the four armed troll momentarily appears.  Before he disappears, he begins to gain altitude.
• The disease spirit attacks Saberak, who defeats the spirit in the first round of combat, doing 7 points of damage. (Successful augment with the Harmony Rune).
• A Hearth Spirit (small Fire Elemental) manifests inside the house and moves to attack the Harpy (will be able to act next round).

Combat Round 2 Debrief

• Only Harpy #6 remains, and it is currently in the house.
• A small fire elemental, Sanuzi, and Tamarkorda are in the house defending Sandein.
• Henetha is on the room of Sandein's house.
• Garik is with the towns folk, Uz warriors, Bingling, Ullr, and Oligur looking down into the ravine.
• Lunar troops are moving toward the ravine.
• The Brooding troll is in a battle frenzy attacking something that looks like a pile of debris, and is being attacked by twenty diminutive figures.
• NOTE:  if you want to move down the ravine, it will take 6SR of movement to get to the melee.
• You hear fighting at the main gates and at the Earth Temple.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:17, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

In reply to Oligur Jaffez (msg # 63):

Sorry, just saw your message after writing out the round.  After you helped kill a harpy, I have you running off to the ravine.

NOTE:  Now that people have found where the fight is, it takes 6SR to move from Sandein's house to the edge of the ravine.

[Private to Garik Johnton: This is a note specific for you.  When you left, you started moving down the hill.  You heard a battle cry from the ravine, and you heard people mention the ravine.  Your Detect Enemy spell allowed you to hone in on where the fighting was taking place.  Without it, it would have taken an additional round to actually find and arrive at this battle.  With the Detect Enemy spell up, you have allowed the defenders to get to the fight this round.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:49, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

Garick makes it down the hill safely. He closes on the nearest dimminutive figure and attacks. Parrying with shield if necessary.


20:43, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 75 using 1d100 ((75)). dex roll
With 6 sr for running and 5 sr for battle axe SR 11

Battle Axe Attack
20:46, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 11 using 1d100 ((11)).

20:48, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 7 using 1d8+2 ((5)). axe

20:49, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 3 using 1d4 ((3))

Hit Location
20:49, Today: Garik Johnton rolled 11 using 1d20 ((11)).

If necessary Shield Parry.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

Intent:
Bingling follows the lead of Varinton. If they pause for several strike ranks he will try to cast Strength again, but otherwise attacks whomever or whatever Varinton indicates.

Mechanics question:
If subject to multiple attacks, can Bingling dodge the first, parry the second with his shield, then repeat the sequence?

Intent: muster courage in the face of horror to defend my mentor.

Use Passion-Loyalty(Sandien) to boost next attack.
Dagger attack (SR=8?)
Shield parry as necessary.


07:55, Today: Sanuzi Asar-Girru rolled 39 using 1d100.  Loyalty.

07:56, Today: Sanuzi Asar-Girru rolled 90 using 1d100.  Dagger attack.

Intent: Go down the ravine to attack the humanoids. Parry if needed.

SR 1-6 move down the ravine (tumbling and hurting herself)
SR 12 (?) successful attack


14:17, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49.  Parry.
14:09, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  hit location.
14:02, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 11 using 1d8+1d4+2 with rolls of 7,2.  damage.
14:01, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 25 using 1d100.  Batle Axe attack.
14:01, Today: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 94 using 1d100.  reroll (wrong "special dice") DEX * 5 (55).

I think the people at Chaosium need some editors.  They get a little flowery in their language when they need to be clear.  They also need someone who can help them with a logical flow.  I'm saying this because there are a number of times when they have added complications because they don't lay it out in precise language.

You bring up a good question.

In a combat round, I can see a character using both Dodge and Parry.
Parry for melee and Dodge for ranged.  I already had a rule for this using the basic rules from RQG.

For every defensive action after the first, there is a cumulative -20% modifier to the defense skill being used.

Example:  You parry a blow from opponent X, then dodge (-20%) a knife thrown by opponent Y, and then attempt to parry (-40%) a blow from opponent Z.

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 69):

It will take six SR to get to the ravine edge, and then 6 SR to move down into the ravine.

(as a note, it also takes six SR to move to the temple from where you are).

Did Henetha want to go to the Ravine immediately after killing Harpy #1?
If so, I will make that change to the write-up, and you will be there ready to descend with the rest of the defenders.


In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 68):

Yes, it will be SR 8 (2 for Dex, 2 for Size, 4 for dagger).  Originally was not sure which weapon Sanuzi would pull.

In reply to Garik Johnton (msg # 66):
Got it.  Thank you for calculating everything out!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:56, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

With the disease spirit's attention fully focused on her, Saberak shakes her head briefly, trying to focus on both this world and the spirit world simultaneously, before picking her way down the side of the ravine toward where the others are headed.

[Private to GM: Saberak needs to make an INTx5 check (under 85) to make any other skill rolls while engaged in spirit combat, which she intends to continue.  If she does end up engaged in physical combat this round, she'll have to make the INT roll.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 71):

Standing at the lip of the ravine, Oligur peers down the slope at the treacherous footing. Remembering the times he fell off a pony as a young child, the times he slipped in the mud in basic training, the time he tripped over his footlocker earlier today, he nevertheless barrels down the hill:
SR 1-6 Oligur charges/tumbles down the hill
Roll for maintaining balance down the ravine (if GM allows, augmented by earth rune):
18:10, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 8 using 1d100.  keep footing whilst trotting down the ravine.
OOC: special success! I was rather expecting:  https://giphy.com/gifs/quotes-...-bride-klv1G16VtTcAw

SR9 (SR 6 + size SR 1 + kopis SR 2 ) Oligur attacks nearest humanoid:
slashing attack on humanoid
18:11, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 69 using 1d100.  slashing attack with kopis on humanoid .success

Damage = 1d8+1 +1d4
18:12, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 6 using 1d8+1+1d4.

as needed will also attempt to parry:
18:11, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 6 using 1d100.  parry (just in case).

Tamarkorda continues to attack the harpy(s) in Sandien's hut [Private to Narrator: I'd worked out my Broadsword SR as 5, but maybe I was moving into position last round - please continue to roll for me]

Combat Round 3
Since most people are going to have their own people to fight, I'm not going to describe all of the Town's folk unless it is something important.

I need to retcon one thing:  Henetha will also be at the ravine edge when this round begins.

---

Strike Rank 1
Ravine

• The heroes and townspeople begin their descent into the ravine.
• The pile of debris shift, attempting to engulf the brooding troll, but the troll steps aside as he lifts his mace to attack.[Private to Garik Johnton: You sense a new enemy, close to the pile of debris.  It just appeared.]

Sandein's House

• There is a knock on the door, Inkarne asks "Sandein, I'll return, but we need to get to the temple."
• Sandein responds "We are fine for now."
• One of Jelmine's defenders say, "there are some of us defending the house Sandein; we'll make sure nothing else gets in."
• The Hearth Spirit englufs the lower half of the Harpy (this will not be resolved on SR 12).

Strike Rank 2
The Harpy throws dung at Sanuzi, who deftly dodges out of the way.  The dung strike the kitchen table with a sickening sound.

Strike Rane 3-4

Strike Rank 5

• Tamarkorda engages the Harpy in Sandein's house, striking the harpy's left wing with a resounding blow (8 HP).
• Sandein points at the Harpy, which screams as a gash appears on it's left leg (2 HP).

Strike Rank 6

• Three of the townspeople tumbled down at least part of the hill.  They are scrapped and sore, but still able to fight.
• Both Lead Clad Trolls descend unscathed.
• Garik makes it down unscathed.
• Henetha tumbles down the hill, landing hard (3 HP to abdomen).
• Oligur descends in an amazing display of acrobatics.
• Bingling tumbles down the hill, his head striking a rock (2 HP to head).
• Ullr makes it down the hill unscathed.
• The Brooding Troll's mace finishings its upswing arc and quickly descends into the pile of debris.  The blow reverberates across the ravine, and all can feel the Earth tremble at the assault.  The broken debris pile explodes, spreading its corruption across the ravine.
• The debris strikes Oligur and two of the town folk.  Oligur takes 3 HP to his right leg, and his armor is damaged as if eaten away by acid.  [Private to Garik Johnton: Suddenly you feel the presence of six more enemies.]
• NOTE:  the humanoids look like they are composed of rotting debris https://pathfinderwiki.com/med...375px-Thornbeast.jpg

Strike Rank 7
The blue moon troll appears again, beheading two of the rotting vegetable people.

Strike Rank 8
Sanuzi lashes out with his dagger, but misses the Harpy.
Humanoid attacks Bingling, striking the abdomen for 2 HP.
Humanoid attacks Garik, striking the abdomen for 2 HP.
Humanoid attacks Henetha
Humanoid attacks Oligur
Humanoid attacks Ullr who parries the blow.
The humanoids land blows on three of the town's people.
Four humanoids are frantically flailing against the brooding troll.  They are joined by six more humanoids.

Strike Rank 9
The harpy flings dung at Tamarkorda, but throws wildly.  The dung smears across the floor, finally breaking apart on the wall.

Strike Rank 10

Strike Rank 11
Garik strikes at one of the diseased vegetable people, decapitating it.  The rest of the body falls to the ground, breaking apart into twigs, leaves, and dirt.

Strike Rank 12
Various townfolk strike at the humanoids.
Bingling attempts to bull rush one of the humanoids but fails to connect.  He stops himself, and turns around ready to fight.
Henetha strikes at one of the humanoids, hitting it in the chest for (9 HP damage).  The creature falls to the ground, writhing.  A sickly sap seems to spread over the Earth.
Oligur also tries to knock one of the humanoids down, but the creature dodges out of the way.
Ullr attempts a knockback.  The strike sends the creature flying back 3m into the water.  [Private to Ullr Lightbane: You notice that the water seems to dissolve whatever holds this creature together; you can see bits of debris breaking off and floating away.]
Saberak's will is stronger than that of the disease spirit, hitting it for 9 points of damage.  The spirit's manifested form begins to break apart, dispering back into the spirit world.  The Goddess smiles upon you tonight!
The Hearth Spirit consumes the lower part of the Harpy's body.  With a death screech, the wretched creature stops moving.


Just to speed this up, I am going to assume that everyone keeps on fighting these creatures.
Combat Round 4
Garik beheads another, and Ullr smashes one with his mace.
Oligur strikes at one, sending some of the debris flying (2 HP).
One of the humanoid creatures lashes out at Garik, who blocks the thorny talons with his shield.
The troll warriors seem to be plowing through these creatures.
In this round, the brooding troll, who is now laughing (a very disturbing sound), struck two with a single swing of his mace.
The Lunar forces descend into the ravine, and help with the clean-up.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: Sandein leaves it to you if you want to go fight.  She says that she has everything under control here, and it might be good to know what is going on outside.]

Combat Debrief
With the arrival of the Lunar Forces, the fight in the ravine is basically over.
The fighting at the main gate seems to be quieting down.
Six of the town's people have been struck by the humanoids, and one of the Lead Clad Trolls was struck, but it did not seem to penetrate his armor.  Two of the Lunar forces were also struck before they could take down their targets.  As a note, Garik and Bingling were also struck.

As you are looking over the battlefield, there is a cry of pain (~30 seconds after the last of the humanoids died).  Five of the town's people, one Lunar soldier, one of the lead-clad troll warriors, and Garik have collapsed.  When you check, there are greenish streaks radiating from the site of the wound.  [Private to Garik Johnton: You are 1 HP (total) at this time.]

---

This ends the first combat.  The fighting at the other locations are ending, and you will get there just as they end.

As a note:  This fight was designed to get you used to combat in a play-by-post format.  While there will be some fights that involve the whole community, most of the fights will involve only your band.  I also wanted you to get some experience checks.
Speaking of that, I'm going to break with the rules for this intro.  You can immediately make experience checks for things marked with a red X on your character sheets.  Just copy/paste the rolls into your character thread so that I can keep track of them.

Garik feeling sick Yells "Healer I need a Healer!" Then collapses back to the ground.

Henetha rushes over to her travel companion. She puts one hand on her Harmony-rune-tatoo and one on the wounded man and seem to channel energy.

[Private to GM: Cast Heal-2 on Garik]

She then does the same to her own abdomen.

[Private to GM: Cast Heal-2 on herself]

She then checks the general situation. If there are no more hostiles attacking the villagers she tries to help the wounded villagers.

[Private to GM: First Aid 35%+5% Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 18 using 1d100 with rolls of 18.  first aid.]

Saberak quickly looks about her to the floor of the ravine.  Seeing the Esrolian healing the herself and the Orlanthi, she quickly looks to find the worst-off of the wounded and rushes toward them, doing what she can to staunch their wounds.

"What were they hoping to achieve by attacking this place?"

[Private to GM: The enemies in the ravine were only ever described as humanoids.  Do I know what they were?]

People are calling for healers, and a few people have run off to look for some of the more experienced healers in the town.  Poison is something that needs a skilled hand, and not many know how to brew antidotes or have magic that affects Poison.

Some of the people are looking over the slain enemies, all of whom now look like piles of debris.

Varinton is talking to the Brooding troll [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: He asks about the thing Umgar was fighting.].  In Tharshite, everyone can hear him say in a frightened voice, "Gorp." (This is one of the few words that is common to nearly every language).

Saberak immediately pauses in her assessment as Varinton speaks.

"Gorp? Where?"

Tamarkorda agrees to Sandien's suggestion that he go and find out what is going on. Leaving the hut he hears the calls for healers and taking his healing kit, goes to investigate the nearest casualty without a 'healer' (e.g. Inkarne) already in attendance.[Private to Narrator: Probably another townsperson but your choice if it should happen to be a PC. If the progress of the poison looks rapid he will try to treat it with his (rather limited 5% +10% knowledge skill bonus) treat poison skill, otherwise he will diagnose it and call for a better qualified healer] If there are wounds that would benefit from healing Spirit-magic he will use it [Private to Narrator: (up to his healing 3 maximum) ]

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 81):

Sanuzi follows Tamarkorda outside, taking up his spear and sling to help ward him in his healing work. If necessary, Sanuzi will also lend his meager skills and magic at healing.

As he does this, he thinks about the last few days, pondering the meaning of truth and dodging feces.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 79):

I am going to wander down the ravine and try and determine where they entered and such.  More importantly, what was their goal/destination?  Seems to be a lot of effort for a stroll thru a ravine!

Henetha focuses on a ring located on her left hand [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: I didn't see where you had stated where your foci for spirit magic were located, so I'm going to use a ring for now.  If you have something specific, I'll come back and change the descriptor.], then places her right hand over her wound.  Motes of energy comes from the Earth encircling her before moving down her right arm and into the wound.  The flesh begins to rapidly knit bac together.  She completes the same procedure on Garik [Private to Garik Johnton: You have received 2HP and are awake.][Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: As you heal Garik, you realize that a poison is rapidly spreading through his system.]

Varinton, hearing Saberak's question says in Tharshite, "Umgar says that is what he was fighting, and I have no idea what they were after."

Lonrella and other women come into the ravine carrying bandages and herb bundles.  Upon hearing the conversation between Varinton and the trolls, Lonrella stops and pulls out a medallion, holds it and says a prayer.  She looks around then calls out "Someone get Inkarne NOW!"  There is panic in her voice.  One of the younger women runs back up the ravine, and you can see a person at the top of the ravine quickly move toward the Earth temple (you assume

She moves to the closest person that collapsed from the poison.  She rips a bandage to form a tourniquet and wraps it tightly around the wound.  Using a stick, she starts to twist the ends, adding pressure to the tourniquet.  Looking to one of the women, "quickly, we need clean water, small cups, and fire."

Varinton asks, "What's wrong Lonrella?"

Lonrella hands the stick holding the tourniquet to another woman.  She starts piling twigs together, then with a snap of her finger, the pile ignites into a small fire.  "There is a corruption spreading throughout out them.  It is more than just poison."

One of the poison victims begins to convulse, and the man tending him screams and jumps back.  The brooding troll that Varinton called Umgar points to Henetha saying "axe-woman, cut arm" in broken Tharshite.  He makes a motion of cutting at the shoulder.

---

[Private to Ullr Lightbane: Ullr, you walk down the ravine. There is a stream running through the ravine, and you suspect that these creatures came up through the stream. You see small dead fish in the water, and some of the plant life around the stream looks burned.]

Sanuzi and Tamarkorda see the confusion of people trying to help those wounded in the battle.  People are arriving at the ravine with torches, helping to light the area.  There are a number of people crying out, and you hear someone talking loudly about poison and to get Inkarne.

Tamarkorda, you get down and start helping the wounded.  The person you are working on is being affected by a fast-acting poison; green streaks are rapidly spreading out from the wound.  The skin around these streaks are starting to bubble and shift.  You pull out a stone cup, and handing it to Sanuzi instruct him to heat the cup with fire or torch.  While the cup is heating, Tamarkorda applies a tourniquet.  When the cup is hot, Tamarkorda pressing the opening against the wound.  The patient screams, then whimpers, but the green streaks start to recede.

Saberak rushes toward the convulsing victim.  She comments in her halting Tradetalk, "I can help. This is good for cutting too," as she indicates her kopis. "We can grow the arm back later."

Saberak looks around for a nearby rock flat enough to use as a proper surface to get a clean chop against and says to Umgar, "Help me pull them over there. Saberak whispers a quick prayer to Queen Deezola and raises her blade above her shoulder, the distant firelight glinting off the bronze of the kopis' edge.

Henetha approaches Umgar, unsheaths her belt knife and, placing the knife in her left hand, cuts a wound in her upper right arm.

Tamarkorda, you are a fine healer! I will go and relay your technique to the others, if you can spare me.

Sanuzi moves quickly among the other healers and helpers, telling them of Tamarkorda's process of fighting the poisons.

In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 87):

Umgar looks at Henetha with a look of admiration or confusion, you're not sure which one.  He then points to the man convulsing.

Saberak, as you look at the man, you can see that his forearm is splitting open in the middle between the bones, and his hand is likewise being split in two.  The skin rolls in an unnatural fashion to cover the new double appendage.  You hear a popping sound as you see the elbow joint crack under the pressure and begin to reform.  Talons appear on the ends of the fingers, then fall off, as if the body is not sure what should grow there.  The skin takes on a metallic sheen, that then fades into mottled green patches.  Ripping the shirt, it is clear that these transformations have not yet reached the shoulder, but sickly green streaks are starting to move closer to the shoulder.  Saberak and Henetha both realize that if the green streaks reach the shoulder, then the person will be lost.

Sanuziquickly moves between the people tending to the wounded.  You see that Lonrella is doing something very similar to Tamarkorda.[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: A great first aid roll.]  You realize that this is at best a stop-gap measure. It is not removing the poison but is stopping the progression. You realize that this is not a natural poison.

Garik, one of the men comes over and uses this cupping technique to help restrict the poison.  The pain is intense as the hot metal sears your skin, but you remain conscious. [Private to Garik Johnton: In this heightened state caused by the pain, you can feel something foreign in your body, and you can feel it being pulled out of your body. It seems to be fighting to stay inside of you.]

Tamarkorda, this poison seems to be fighting you.  Someone replaces Sanuzi, and starts to heat another cup for you.

The Troll nurse is the next on the scene. She immediately takes over the treatment of the poisoned troll.

Varinton starts ordering those standing around to go get rakes and pull all of the vegetable debris together.  He does not want anyone touching it in case it is still poisoned.  One of the trolls shouts at the trollkin who are now gathering, and they quickly grab sticks from the top of the ravine.  They descend and use the sticks as make-shift brooms to move the debris.  While not highly effective, it is helping.

Using spears, the Lunar troops also help push debris piles.  At Varinton's urging, one of the Lunar warriors ignites one of the pile.  It seems obvious that Varinton wants to burn whatever these things were.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:54, Tue 11 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 88):

Oligur attempts to sing, recalling the peaceful words of one of the melodies of Furthest, with the goal of bringing skill to the healers and encouragement to the suffering:
11:49, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 56 using 1d100.  attempt to sing, want less than 30.
...
His painful leg flares up and he forgets the words. No help there.

Henetha, realizing her mistake, wields her battle axe and with it amputates the man's arm.

[Private to GM: She then casts Heal on him if necessary to stop immediate bleeding. She then casts her Regrow Limb-runespell, failing on the first attempt but succeeding on the second.


18:57, Today: Secret Roll: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 52 using 1d100.  cast heal. - success

18:58, Today: Secret Roll: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 90 using 1d100.  cast regrow limb. - failure
19:11, Today: Secret Roll: Henetha Hofaktsdottir rolled 27 using 1d100.  regrow limb retry. - success]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 88):

Bingling glances at Varinton, and does whatever he indicates.

Garik cried out for the healer again about the pain in his abdomen.

Sanuzi will make his way toward the crying of Garik. Assessing the situation, he'll begin a calming and soothing chant (sing) to help enhance the magic of his healing (measly 1) spell.

[lyrics in Spiritspeech]:

Farwalking visitor came to our aid
With heart-strong diligence our defense made
Cast down by vile poison and nothing is sure
Come good spirit help us now bring us the cure


Sanuzi's magic is tied deeply with earthy and dark powers. Garik should feel a softening and a dimming around him as the chant is sung, with a bit of warmth around his wound from Sanuzi's almost-hidden fire.

He looks around for Inkarne, hoping the healer is near. If spotted, he calls, This one should not wait for relief, great lady, for he is guest!

If all this fails, Sanuzi will retrieve one of his hereditary healing potions and use that on Garik.

In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 93):

It's Sanuzi, right? I think we need to get this one up the hill to Inkarne. She can help him, I'm sure of it

The Brooding Troll, Umgar, says something to Bingling in Darktongue [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: "Aid the healing if you can little merchant."  He has the common attitude of a Death Lord to your cult.]

Varinton is much more eager for the help.  They are quickly building fire lines so that they can burn everything in this area of the ravine.  One of the townsfolk hands you Bingling a shovel to help with the fire line.

Seeing that Henetha is intent on removing the arm, Saberak holds the man down while a townsperson holds his arm.  The arm writhes nearly a minute before it stops moving.  It is then thrown into one of the growing fires.  The man passes out from pain and shock.  Henetha calls upon her healing ability to cauterize the wound, then prays to the Earthmother to restore the man's arm.  It takes nearly a minute, but the smell of fresh loam fills the air as a template for the arm forms from the earth then disappears into the man's body.  It will take about 10 weeks, but the man's arm will return.

Sanuzi's calming tune seems to help, and it focuses his mind on healing.  It has a side effect of helping Garik concentrate on something else than the searing pain.

Oligur and Sanuzi lift Garik between them.  Others come to help get Garik up the side of the ravine.

At the top of the hill, you see Inkarne moving swiftly toward the ravine, Bartien by her side.  Seeing the wounded man you are carrying, she calls out, "Tell me of the wound."
(I will assume that multiple people start telling her what is happening).

She puts up her hands, indicating silence, and says, "Sanuzi, quickly, what is happening."

Down in the ravine, one of the poisoned men with a chest wound begins to writhe and mutate before your eyes; the body first bloating in an unnatural way.  Many of the townspeople are either unmoving due to shock, or screaming hysterically.  With a dispassionate look, Umgar lifts his gigantic mace and starts moving over toward the man.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Saberak: Looking at the man, you know that there is no hope for him.  A quick death may save his soul.]
[Private to Tamarkorda: You are concentrating on saving the person you are with, but you are sure that a skilled healer could still save that man.]

"Don't stop him. A quick death may let the man go to his gods."

Saberak sheathes her blade.  With immediate danger past, her limited skills in the healing arts make her more likely to be a liability than a boon to those treating the wounded. Pulling strands of sweat-sticky hair from her face, she calls to Oligur in New Pelorian as she begins climbing the ravine back towards the Lunar encampment.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Do you know why the trolls have brought a Zorak Zoran worshiper into the village?  I mislike these circumstances... there's something going on here and I lack the context to understand it. I intend to return to Idovanus.  If he is done with his meditation, perhaps he can offer some insight."]

Between applying cups to the poisoned casualty Tamarkorda chants something in his own language while touching the scar patterns just outside of his eye sockets. He moves his head scanning the patient's body and injured leg. His eyes look misty as if a grey smoke were moving across them[Private to GM: I'll cast Second Sight (the RQG rules say this shows the aura of living things but the quick-start also says of spirits. I don't have detect spirit or visualise.]

Sanuzi relays to Inkarne all that he is able to in as efficient a way as he can:

The wounded are unnaturally poisoned. It spreads quickly, but Tamarkorda has found a measure to slow it.

His voice trails off as the results of the poisoning become horribly apparent.

"It is both chaos-spirit and poison." Tamarkorda says loudly. "A spirit of law would save him, else the poison must be pulled out to give him a chance to fight off the spirit. Quick, who is good with poisons? They might do better than I" . He is pale and his eyes are still smokey, but people expect that sort of thing from would be shamans.

Umgar the brooding troll approaches the man who is mutating.  Saberak's call seems to sober Varinton, who motions the people back.  Umgar swings his mace striking the man's head, then with a backhanded swing strikes the side of the man's body sending it toward on the fires.  He moves over and with his mace pushes the fire onto the man's body.

---

Inkarne motions for you to put Garik on the ground.  She pulls a small bronze disk from her satchel, and kneels beside Garik.
"When Stormbull defeated his brother Ragnaglar, Chalana Arroy stayed his hand and learned how to win without making the other loose.  In this way, she learned to heal the wounds inflicted by chaos."  As she speaks, a gentle golden glow surrounds her.

Touching her belt, "Dear Jera, who carries Ernalda's healing bag, who mixes the medicine that cures animals, plants, men, and even the Earth, by Ernalda's grace, help to pull the poison from this man." A bright healthy green comes up from the Earth to encircle Inkarne, whose face has become serene. She touches Garik's wound.  The Gold and Green light of Harmony and Fertility rush into Garik's body. At first, it appears that the poison is fighting the divine radiance, but Inkarne pushes her hand against the wound more firmly.  As she does, the healer's light replaces the toxic green of the poison.  Garik is still wounded, but the poison appears to be gone.

Inkarne looks into Garik's eyes, "I will return to tend to your wounds, but I must see if I can help the others."  She then pushes off toward the ravine.

She hear's Tamarkorda's call.  Bartien helps her down the ravine as quickly as she can.

She moves toward Tamarkorda.  "Do not dismiss your skill.  You have kept this man alive where others would have floundered."  She again recites the prayer she used with Garik.  In the growing firelight, it is obvious that it is taking a toll on her to cast out the corrupting poison.

[Private to Tamarkorda: You can see that Inkarne is powerful and that her belt is also powerful, possibly an allied spirit.  You can see her magic erase the poison from the body.
 The man's spirit quickly reasserts its self and purges the body of the chaos.  This spirit of primal chaos is very weak; it was the poison that made it strong.  You have never heard or seen anything like it.  There are no stories that talk about anything like this.  The closest thing would be the corrupting magic of Thed.]

---

Ullr, you continue to trace the trail of these creatures.
You are certain that the creature came up through the water, and that the ground around looks tainted.  As you move further along the river, you see fewer and fewer footprints, as if the humanoid creatures only started moving after the chaos creature came up the stream.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:42, Wed 12 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 100):

While Bingling only knows Heal-1, he'll ask Varinton "Whom should I try to heal with my small magics?" in Tradetalk, and then attempt to cast it as directed.

His spirit magic for heal is a small two or three step dance, and when successful small 'flames' of soothing darkness spring up about the wound, mirroring Bingling's dance.

"Thank you Inkarne", Tamarkorda says, "we are lucky to have your magic. I can help heal the battle wounds, you should save your strength, who knows what has happened at the gate or at the Temple" He averts his eyes from the Redsmith and his wife until they have cleared again, quickly scanning what he can see of the ravine in the meantime.

Saberak continues to speak with Oligur as she heads back towards the Lunar garrison.  A pained look on her face shows that she wishes she was able to offer more assistance to the wounded.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I'll take the Uz over the Mostali or the Aldryami any day.  I feel I can at least understand most of what they are after, which is more than I can say for the others.  The enlo that arrived here with our detachment, Gulk, is certainly nothing like what I expected.  Perhaps she could teach you something?"]

Henetha again uses her magic to heal Garik.

Tamarkorda rubs his hands together and then places his left palm on the injured man's leg. Seemingly satisfied, he claps the Garlin on the shoulder "Lucky!" He says, getting up and clambering back up the ravine to collect his bow and shield from the Murval House before heading back to Sandien's hut.

In reply to Saberak (msg # 103):

[Private to Saberak: Perhaps... I admit there is much in the wide world that I have yet to learn. Like that Preceptor... he filled the commander with fear, that was plain enou... ARGH!]

ARGH! Oligur remembers his burning leg injury. Kicking off his right greave he attempts some healing magic.

OOC:  Well, since I am in the fourth hour of the plane being delayed, and now being moved to a different plane, I decided to progress the story.

---

Inkarne looks to Tamarkorda with a weary look, "thank you, but I think there are enough here to help once the poison is removed."

She calls up the hill to Henetha, "I am sorry Earth Daughter, but I do not remember your name.  You are new to our community, yet you have fought for us as if we are family.  Thank you.  I take it you know some of the healing arts?"

"Tamarakorda," Inkarne begins, "your skills, and the skills of our guest, may be put to better use at the gate.  I have heard that there is fighting there, but I have not gotten to them yet.  Desola is seeing to the people at the Temple."

---

Oligur, your armor looks eroded as if by acid.  The wound burns.  One of the Lunar soldiers will come and offer aid.[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Please feel free to continue the discussion.  It is good.]

---

Bingling, Varinton, upon hearing Inkarne talk of the gate indicates that you may be of help there.

[Private to Garik Johnton: Now that you are stable, a group of towns people with impromptu stretchers pick you up and move you to the Durten copound.  There is warm soup waiting for you.]

Garik thanked the peasants carrying him. He gratefully eats the offered soup. His stomach still aches from the poison. Then he slips blissfully off to sleep.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 107):

(OOP: Ack, just saw Umgar's direction, and the shovel for the fireline.)

Bingling pauses for three or four seconds, trilling in thought, ordering Umgar's advice, the shovel, and Varinton's direction about the gate in his mind, then attends to what he can that is nearest or most urgent.

He knows that he is less likely to fail at digging with a shovel than with magic...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 107):

Oligur thanks the soldier tending his leg and refastens his partially molten greaves, gesturing down the hill toward the town gate with his kopis.


[Private to Saberak: Saberak, I am not so certain we are finished with this fight. The town gate may still be unsecured. Shall we see what aid we can bring there?

OOC: Also would be good to keep the newly unified group together, if Henetha and Bingling are headed there! If you are game you can speak for us both when you post]

[Private to Saberak: What do you make of those creatures? The gorp is certainly a creature of Chaos... I hope these barbari- these residents of Jelmine- do not blame its presence on us. ]

Henetha walks up to Inkarne and presents herself.

"I am Henetha Hofaktsdottir of House Rharli. I am an initiate of Ernalda and have been assisting the temple at Boldhome. Can I be of service to your temple?"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 100):

Now let's see if we can determine their destination.....

"Ullr, you continue to trace the trail of these creatures.
You are certain that the creature came up through the water, and that the ground around looks tainted.  As you move further along the river, you see fewer and fewer footprints, as if the humanoid creatures only started moving after the chaos creature came up the stream."

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "We may be among the few who recognize that Chaos is as much a part of the world as any other, but that does not mean that it is incapable of leaving its proper place.  Our cognizance of this reality does not mean that we do not oppose Chaos when it threatens something whose time has not yet come.  The world moves in cycles, ebbing and flowing from one state to another before beginning the great circle again.  One does not blame the river's current for flowing toward the great whirlpool.  It would be best to think of what we do as building a dam to redirect Chaos towards its proper place.  We fight Chaos where it does not belong and welcome it where it does.  Those who don't understand this are free to cast blame at our feet in their ignorance.  It is our remit, our duty, to help them grow in the luminance of the Red Goddess."]

Saberak continues to speak to Oligur in New Pelorian, smiling wrily as she alters her path to move towards the gates that he has indicated with his weapon.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "It is a hard path to walk - each of us carries the weight of our entire religion on our shoulders.  To err is to prove in their minds that we are false, mere agents of their great Devil, hateful forces arrayed against their holy King of the Gods. We must remain indomitable and faultless, ready to assist at a moment's notice, providing a helping hand, a gentle correction, or a necessary punishment wherever it is called for."]

Inkarne calls back to Henetha as she descends the ravine, "yes daughter Henetha, you can be, but for now see to any wounded at the gates.  If any there are poisoned, send for me."

---

OOC:  I'm writing this next part with the assumption that the named characters went down the hill to the gate.

Heeding the words of Varinton and Inkarne, Bingling, Henetha, Oligur, Saerak, Sanuzi, and Tamarkorda start to move toward the gates.

As you approach, you see that the gates are closed, but it looks as if something has eroded away part of the gate.  There is still some fighting occurring. You suddenly see the blue troll appear an strike what looks to be a glistening deer.  The blow decapitates the abomination, and as it does, it begins to melt.  Some of the "liquid" of the beast hits three of the guards, who begin to scream.

As you approach, you can see that only one of the creatures remains.  It looks like a broo, but made out of some liquid.  Most weapons seem ineffective against the creature.  The flaming spears of Farin and the Murval weapon thanes have some effect, as does the blade of the blue troll.  Some of the townspeople who are holding back, seem to be casting disruption spells at the creature.  Others, obviously Murval, are shooting Fire Arrows at the creature.

With a final thrust, Farin's Flame Spear pierces the beast, which explodes.  Not all of those present are able to escape the caustic splash.

"Healers," cries Farin.

You can see that he has been burned by these caustic creatures, and his iron spear appears as if it had been dipped in acid.

The blue troll also appears, and it is obvious his lower left arm has been seriously burned.

---

Ullr, the path they seem to have made goes straight to the Shaman's house.

Sanuzi tries to get a closer look at the burns. Does the goo still appear to be on the skin/clothing/armor of those affected by the blast? He also looks around, kind of cross-eyed as he lets his third take over. Any sign of spirits?

Saberak cries out in Tradetalk, "Quickly, take off everything that it has touched, even your clothes!"  She mimes the action to go along with her less-than-perfectly clear speech.  "Does anyone have water? It may help clean the stuff off."

Saberak calls out to the winged troll in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: Come over here.  Is there anything I can do to help you with that arm?  The Orlanthi are like as not to leave you for last."]

Tamarkorda goes to heal the Muval casualties, first helping them out of their outer clothing and using any uncontaminated fabric to wipe down affected areas[Private to GM: using up to my Healing 3 with whatever MP I have left]

Henetha applies First Aid to the injured at the gate. She will use both her spirit magic heal and her divine Restore Health if there is any use for it.

In reply to Sanuzi Asar-Girru (msg # 115):

Bingling tries to Heal-1 anyone he can, continuing if effective.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 119):

Oligur visually scans the area for any ongoing dangers -
13:58, Today: Oligur Jaffez rolled 96 using 1d100.  scan--want 53 or less.
Perceiving absolutely nothing, he adds his meager healing skills to the skills of the rest of the gang, helping where it's needed
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Tue 18 Dec 2018.

Saberak asks the Orlanthi as they pass, "What can I do to help once I've helped my friend?"

"How long must I lie here before I can get back to work?" Asked of the nearby healers.

Bingling assists, if he can.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

Luckily snow is abundant, and people quickly use it to start washing away the acid.  People are helped out of clothing, and blankets are brought to keep people warm.

OOC:  I'm assuming that those with healing magic are using it to the fullest.  While the acid is bad, it is not as bad as the poison you witnessed earlier.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: As you look around with spirit sight, you can see the remains of the corruption that tried to enter the town.  Sandein will need to remove some of the spiritual residue that has been left behind.
You see standing guard outside the gate a rather large spirit of darkness.  It stands over 8 feet and has a demonic visage (for reference: http://pixologic.com/interview...-age/6/img/img04.jpg).  It notices you, nods, and then returns to watching.  The spirit is manifest, but is invisible to those standing around; it is part of the darkness.]

The four-armed troll says something to Saberak as she is tending to his arm.

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: "Check the little mother.  Take her out of the harness to make sure she is alright."  Saberak, you realize that this is the first time since this journey began that you have actually seen her out of the harness.  Zuzorek usually makes sure that none see her outside of the harness.  You now know why, she has no legs.
Examining her, you see that she was hit by the acid, but the wound is starting to heal.  Her breathing is slow but regular.  She must still be in the Spirit World.]

You see men and women climbing the guard towers to keep watch, while others are starting make-shift repairs to the gates.  Those grievously wounded are taken to the closest family compound for treatment and recovery.

The Lunar Commander Jalmon speaks with Chieftain Danbal, then orders troops to form up outside of the gate to offer protection.  Danbal seems grateful for whatever aid can be offered.  [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Those healing and helping the people of Jelmine are exempt from this guard duty.]

Garik: "You need rest, but if you feel the need to help further you can."

Inkarne and Bartein arrive and approach Danbal.  Inkarne, looking drained and tired says "by the grace of the Lady of Mercy and the Earthmother, those that could be saved have been."  Bartein leads Inkarne over to a group of women who wrap Inkarne in a blanket and giver her something warm. [Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Inkarne seems diminished from earlier.  She has expended a large amount of energy seeing to the wounded and fighting the poison.]

Bartein goes over to the gate and starts to help with the repairs.  His magic is enough to repair some of the damage, but it will take effort and work to make the gate strong again.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Since you have Spirit Sight up, you see a large figure approaching from the direction of the temple.  As it gets closer, you can make out more of the details.  The spirit is a female troll that stands at least twenty feet high.  It moves over toward the four-armed troll, and enters the body of the trollkin.  As it does, a spirit of darkness comes out of the body.]

Gulk opens her eyes.  She looks a little put off that she is not in the harness, but she is too tired to make a fuss. [Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: "Please, I do not want everyone to know of my..."  she trails off.  "Get me back in the harness."]

A few minutes later, coming down the path is an older woman dressed in the robes of a priestess of Ernalda.  As she approaches, a sense of calm descends on those moving around the gate.  She stops to talk with people as she moves toward the gate.  Katreka, the initiate of Babester Gor that arrived with Henetha and Garik, stands close by this woman.  It is clear that Katreka is deeply wounded, but still she stands as a bodyguard.  Coming behind her are a few others, including the troll leader.
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You saw her aura as she descended.  The strength of the earth is with Desola.]

She approaches Henetha, "you must be daughter Henetha," she starts, a beatific smile coming to her face.  "I have heard of a foreign woman who has fought bravely on our behalf and healed those in need.  For all of this, you have my thanks.  When you have finished tending to the wounded, come to me and we will talk."  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: You could feel her even before she spoke to you, but it was when you met her eyes that her power rolled over you, blanketing you in a warm embrace, akin to when you fell asleep in your mother's arms.  Her eyes are a deep green, the kind of green you see in wheat that is growing to ripeness. These eyes remind you of your own initiation, when you walked into Ernalda's loom house and was welcomed by the Goddess as one of her daughters.  Your connection to the Earth feels stronger as she speaks with you.  Even the eldest priestesses that you have known have not had such an effect on you before.]

As she moves to the next group of wounded, she looks to Oligur, Saberak, the four-armed troll, and trollkin.  "You had no reason to help, yet you did.  For this you have my thanks."  Looking to trollkin, "perhaps we may speak in the coming days."[Private to Saberak: A wave of calm passes over you as she speaks, and a sense of genuine pride as if your own mother had just congratulated you.]

"I do not see Sandein," she says to Sanuzi and Tamarkorda.  "I hope all is well with her, for I have heard that there was an attack on her home."  She pauses for a moment, "finish what you are doing here, then ask her to come speak with me."

She moves over to the trolls of Dagori Inkarth, "thank you for your aid this night, and be welcome to our town."  [Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You can feel the power of this woman roll over you, and as it does, you feel your connection to the Earth strengthen.  Her thanks is comforting and encouraging.]

Danbal approaches her, "Desola, all seems calm now, but this attack is nothing that I have seen before."

"Nor I Grandson.  Let us first see to the wounded and make sure our boarders are secure.  Then gather the elders in the Danbal Hall.  Ask those who visit to join us, for they may have answers we do not."

Desola then approaches Commander Jalmon.  "You have been true to your word Commander, you have come to our aid.  You have shown that you are a man of honor."  She turns to Danbal, "welcome Commander Jalmon to the discussion tonight."  Turning back to Jalmon, "you may bring two of your troops to be your guards and advisors."

[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: Commander Jalmon will approach you, "you two were here when this all began.  Come with me to this meeting."  Gulk nods, then says, "this may be your first step to deeper wisdom Commander."  She taps Zuzorek's shoulder, "as for us, we need rest."]

The four-armed troll stands, with the trollkin on his back.  He seems prepared to leave when the leader of the Dagori Inkarth trolls approaches and starts to speak.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz; Ullr Lightbane: "Not so fast spawn of Annilla, I would talk with that thing you carry."]

In trade tongue, the Enlo replies, "that is enough.  This night we have fought a devious foe with unknown motives.  With the aid of the Earth Wyrter, I drove off the demon that drew these creatures to this town. If that is not enough to put a civil tongue in your mouth, then nothing will."  The troll matron bristles at this.  The trolls form up around the matron. "Do you not think these people have seen enough fighting this night?  Do you really wish to match your spirit against mine, or the skill of one who can strike unseen?"

Desola clears her throat, and all turn.  "You are correct, there has been enough fighting this evening."  She looks at the trolls, "differences exist between you, but for now, there is a more pressing issue."  The troll matron stares at the enlo, then slowly nods her head.
[Private to Bingling Hyxloriz: You realize that Zelda, the troll leader, is afraid of the Enlo.  Desola gave Zelda a way out.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 124):

Bingling nods, trills in thought for a moment and cocks his head. In Darktongue he says "Peace is good for trade. [Private to GM: Question, spirit: you know that Argan Argar gave trollkin spears to better serve the Mothers. is your enlo host amenable to your presence? I am curious."]

If the enlo does not seem to understand Bingling will repeat himself in Tradetalk.

[Private to GM:(Bingling figures that a spirit that is genial to its enlo host would be a more trusty ally to the trolls and humans here than one who uses a trollkin heedless of the host's wishes, for all that no troll regards trollkin as an equal. After all, to a spirit, what difference does it matter between any who bear the Man rune?)]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:38, Tue 25 Dec 2018.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I'm happy to offer what assistance I may.  A wound to the part is a wound to the whole, after all."]

Saberak picks up the listless Gulk and helps situate her into the harness on the four-armed troll's back.



Saberak struggles to respond with her broken Tradetalk, a look of pained concentration on her face as she searches for the right words.

"Though I hope you will be my friend, I would help even my worst enemy. No one should die like this. I would very much like to talk soon."



Saberak turns to Jalmon and speaks quickly in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I will have to clean the mess of battle off myself.  I presume the necessities can be found in the fort?  After that, I will confer with the Preceptor, time willing."]

At the sound of the Uz arguing, she waits patiently until Desola is finished speaking before adding, "Tonight's fighting has been more than enough.  I'm sure there are better times and places for this to continue."

In reply to Saberak (msg # 126):



Oligur slips off his acid spattered white cloak and holds it up with both hands as a drape, providing some privacy for Gulk as Saberak lifts her off the ground and positions her in the harness.

[Private to Narrator; Saberak: To Jalmon: It will be an honor to accompany you, sir.
To Saberak as we head to the the Lunar camp: The barracks are not luxurious by any means, but I believe you will find them adequate and, indeed, a great improvement over many campaign sites. You shall be able to scrub off the dirt of the road and tend to any necessities there.
This Desola, she means well, and she cares for her people, but is not yet walking in the Lunar Way. I hope you will join us for the discussions, they may prove interesting]
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Tue 25 Dec 2018.

Having finished his healing duties, Tamarkorda stops at the Murval House [Private to GM: To pick up his shield and bow ]on his way back to the Shaman's hut to find Sandien and ask her to go and speak to Desola.

In reply to Tamarkorda (msg # 128):

Sanuzi helps where he can and keeps watch until late. He'll eventually follow Tamarkorda back to Sandien's house and start helping there.

Saberak claps Oligur on the back of his armor, a warmhearted smile on her face.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Too few walk that path, friend. Though a few short days ago I despaired for its future, I see now that my way is here, to help me understand that We Are All Us and to bring this realization to as many as possible."]

Oligur and Saberak

Zuzorek and Gulk return with you to the fort.  Gulk looks exhausted.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Saberak: As you enter the fort, you see Idovanus still sitting in meditation.  A soft red glow surrounds him, and he is floating two feet off the ground.]

As Oligur mentioned, the barracks are spartan, but they will do to clean the grim of battle off yourself.  You know that you have time to clean up before the meeting.

---

Sanuzi and Tamarkorda
You return to the hut.  A person is helping patch the roof of the house as you approach.  Outside is a fire.  It seems that Sadein has decided to burn the smaller furnishings that were contaminated by the Harpy's feces, as well as the harpy corpses (it appears she pulled one out on a rug that was in the main room).  Inside, you see Sandein scrubbing the remaining furniture with wine.

Sanuzi, you notice on the wall the "painting" that mother did.  In all the commotion, you did not get to fully cleaning it off the wall.  Again, you feel drawn toward and into the painting.  You realize you could snap yourself out of it if you want.[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: I am going to assume that your spirit sight is still up.  There is power in the image.  It is subtle and gets lost in the wards and enchantments layered over Sandein's home, but the image has a distinct aura that draws you in.]

When you mention to Sandein that Desola wants to speak with her, she bows her head and slumps a little; "this night will never end it seems."  She looks at the two of you, "there are two other spirit-speakers in Jelmine.  I could hear them, and I saw one of them".  [Private to Tamarkorda: There is a tremble of fear in her voice when she mentions the one she saw.]  "The spirits around Jelmine are disturbed, and it seems to have all started when mother went wild.  I am loathed to leave her until Inkarne has seen her."

OOC:  After any discussions with Sandein you want to have, she will give the following orders.

"Tamarkorda, would you find Desola and ask if she would speak to me here?  You can tell Desola what occurred, and why I am reluctant to leave right now.  She appreciates honesty."

"Sanuzi, stay and help me clean up this mess.  Remember though not to touch anything that carries the taint of the harpy."  She thinks for a moment, "it will create a muddy mess, but it might be best to mop the floor with wine.  Grab that bucket and broom."

---

Garik
While you are getting yourself ready, you hear some of the women saying that there is going to be a council meeting here tonight (in this longhouse).  It seems that the excitement is coming to you.

---

Ullr
After all of your wanderings, it is obvious that the target of the creatures was the hut of the Shaman Sandein.  You have heard of chaos creatures, including Gorp, but you have not heard of something like this.  Chaos is never fixed or constant, so it is possible that a Gorp could appear as a pile of rotting vegetation.  Umgar seemed convinced that this creature was a Gorp.  It also seems very likely that this Gorp was somehow giving "birth" to these vegetable creatures that carried such a potent and horrifying toxin.

Bingling
Magora comes over to you: [Secret to Bingling Hyxloriz: "I would not normally be concerned about Zelda's animosity toward the brazen Enlo, but her defensive demeanor is unusual.  The Enlo's speech and the deference of that Blue Moon Uz toward it is highly unusual.  I knew that the ways of the Blue Moon tribes was different than our own, but I did not expect something this radical.  The mask that the enlo wears is one of a god I know, and the red robes it wears may mark it as something from the Empire.  We need to learn more about it, and I think it would be best to keep Zelda and the Enlo separated for now. Though they hide it well, Zelda's guards are afraid of the Enlo's protector.  We need to keep them separated also, as our goal was not to bring strife to Jelmine."]

When Henetha has finished tended the wounded she asks the villagers where she can meet Desola, and goes there.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

In a rather human way, Bingling blinks at Magora.
"Yes! I'll be glad to help them stay apart. Though I assumed it wasn't an enlo speaking? I don't know Lunar ways, but it did not present itself to the garrison first. It didn't act like an enlo, but it didn't act like an enlo rebelling against the mothers either? So I assumed it was not something tied to the Man-rune? Does that make sense?"

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 133):

Bingling then bustles about, taking direction from Magora and Varinton as needed.

Modesty was rarely a priority during Saberak's childhood on the steppes of Prax. Little has changed for her in that respect since she left with the Lunar caravan all those years ago.  She quickly strips out of her travel-stained, ichor-spattered robes and scrubs to remove the filth of the both the road and the diseased creatures that just attacked the village.  Donning a spare dress from her packs which the soldiers stowed after taking Selan to the stable, she grasps her hair, pulling it from its full length to knot at the back of her head.  As she chooses new accoutrements to go with her changed vestments, she turns to Oligur.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "I will wait with Idovanus until the time comes for us to meet with the natives of this place. When Gulk recovers, perhaps I will speak with her.  However, I find it unlikely that will be tonight judging from her appearance. I imagine the commander would have informed me if there was anything else requiring my attention in the meantime.  Tell me Oligur, where do you hail from?"]

Tamarkorda looks at his sheathed sword with a thin lipped grimace, but nods and heads back where he came from after gripping Sanuzi's arm. His lips move silently as he walks down the hill in search of Desola

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

Sanuzi follows Sandien's instructions, but tends to find himself wandering closer to the image that seems to have started it all. Every once in a while he snaps himself out of it, but he is clearly drawn to the power of the drawing.

"I believe she has gone with Danbal to the Durten Longhouse Henetha," says Lonrella.  "In the days to come, please feel free to call on me.  I will happily show you the mushroom caves and talk with about their cultivation."

As you move up toward the Durten compound, you notice the fires down in the ravine.  You overhear one of the villagers telling a Grazelander that Desola is down in the ravine looking at the damage.

---

Tamarkorda, you walk down to the Durten compound and ask after Desola.  "You are Tamarkorda, Sandein's apprentice, are you not?" says one of the Durten women.  You have seen her before, her name is Senranda, an unmarried woman of maybe 18 years.  She smiles at you.  Asking after Desola, Seranda responds, "she has gone down into the ravine as she was very concerned about those who had been poisoned.  Would you like me to take you to her?"

---

Ullr, as you are walking back up the ravine, you notice that the villagers are still feeding the fires with the corruption that attacked the town.  Among them is a woman with the bearing of the Mothers, and it seems as if the villagers treat her with the same fear and deference that Uz treat the Mothers; no, not fear, something else.

They are speaking in a language that you do not understand, perhaps the language of the humans of this land.

---

OOC:  For any who go into or are already in the ravine.

As you approached, you heard a number of people telling accounts of what happened, when suddenly there is a growl from the brooding troll.  "Enough with your foolishness," he starts.  [Secret to Tamarkorda: Though she hides it extremely well, you can see that Desola is taken aback by this Uz.]  "A gorp bearing the stench of Chaos crept into this place.  It had powers to create men of plants, but I doubt they would taste as good as the Aldryami."  The smile on his face brings no joy; it is a predatory smile that obviously chills most of the gathered people.[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda: Neither Henetha or Tamarkorda are frightened by the smile.] "The chaos plant men carried a poison that corrupted the flesh and spirit of those too weak to fight it.  They were put out of their misery."

Desola looks at him, and steps forward. [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda; Ullr Lightbane: Henetha, Tamarkorda, and Ullr each feel the power of fertility wash over them.]
"Son of Zorak Zoran, you have turned the power of death against these abominations, and for this I thank you."
[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Ullr Lightbane: Henetha and Ullr both feel the power of Death radiate from the Uz.]
There appears to be a standoff between the Desola and the Troll.  The troll breaks eye contact.  Desola says, "I suggest that you return to the Garlin compound Death Lord.  I will speak with the leader of your party about a just reward for you."

"There is no need for a human reward," he says with unhidden disdain, "the death brought here tonight is enough."  With that, he walks down the ravine.

As he goes, Desola looks around, "continue to burn anything that was corrupted.  We will have to see what damage these creatures have done to the land, but that can wait until morning."

OOC:  While there are people talking with her, it looks as if now is a time you can approach Desola.

---

Bingling, Magora replies, "yes, I understand.  We will have to find out more about the Enlo and her guardian.  As a devotee of Argan Argar, perhaps you would be the best of our company to speak with her."

You then help the Garlin family with repairs and carrying the wounded.

---

Sanuzi, as you continue to clean the floor, you come to the doorway into the room you placed mother.  Glancing inside you see that mother is still sleeping peacefully.

"I have no idea what happened here tonight," Sandein says, "and I don't know if mother sensed the attack, or ...," she lets the thought go unspoken.  "She has had episodes that revealed visions, but nothing like this."

After a few moments, "you keep looking at what she drew.  What do you see in it?"

---

Garik, the Durten women provide water for you to cleanse yourself, and a middle-aged lady uses magic to repair your clothing, saying, "we don't want a defender of the community looking shabby when there is a council." She smiles at you in a motherly fashion.  "Do you think you can eat some more soup?  Maybe with some bread this time?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:57, Sat 29 Dec 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 138):

Sanuzi allows himself to get lost in the drawing...

At the Durten compound Tamarkorda looks momentarily confused (everyone knows where the ravine is and what Desola looks like). "That would be good, thank you Senranda. I need to ask Mother Desola something. Be careful, poison was on plant things in ravine. They try to burn it all but maybe some is still there"

In the ravine Tamarkorda sniggers briefly at the big Digilem's joke about his people's unlikely appetite for the Talarg scourge. As Desola confronts him, Takarkorda rolls his head uncricking his neck and brushes elbows with Senranda.

Once there seems to be a chance to speak to Desola he approaches her and when the opportunity arrives says confidentially "Sandien fears the spirits are in a storm about something to do with her spirit-mother, Priestess. She dares not leave the hut in case worse comes down on us, and asks that you might stop by and speak with her, rather than have come to the Durten Hall as you first bade."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 138):

Once done helping carry the wounded and enacting repairs to the Garlin house, Bingling will do as bid. Otherwise he will stay near the group he saw fight so effectively, and amuse himself by trying to remember steps to troll and human folk dances.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:13, Wed 02 Jan 2019.

OOC:  Feel free to post discussions with Desola.

Desola looks concerned when she hears about Sandein's mother.  "Tamarkorda, please escort me to Sandein."  She indicates that Henetha and Bingling are welcome to join them on the walk.

---

Sanuzi, you stare into the drawing, but it is not like it was before.  You do not feel yourself being pulled into it.  Perhaps the excitement of the evening is blocking you, or perhaps it is that Sandein expects the house to be clean.  When you look away, you find yourself looking back at it.  Some ritual drumming or singing may clear your mind.

"Sanuzi," you feel a hand on your shoulder.  Sandein is there with a worried look.  "You saw something in that drawing didn't you?"  It suddenly strikes you that Sandein does not seem to see the shapes in the drawing.

---

As Tamarkorda escorts Desola, she turns to look at Henetha, "Danbal mentioned that a Daughter of Ernalda had arrived today, all the way from Boldhome.  Many seek to go to cities such as Boldhome.  What has led you from such a place to this small village on the outskirts of human lands?  I also hear that many of the young women of Durten are eager to get to know your traveling companion Ankiarl of the Colymar Tribe."

---

After speaking with Henetha, she turns her attention to Bingling.  "You traveled here with Magora, did you not?  How is she?  I have heard tell that her experiences have transformed her."

Saberak picks her way back down into the ravine toward the site of the earlier skirmish, calling out to Desola in choppy Tradetalk as she descends.

"Hello, mother.  How are the hurt doing?  If you need any more help, I would be happy to see what we might be able to offer."

Tamarkorda walks back up the hillside with Desola keeping an eye out for any remaining danger but also observing the newcomers as they appear.[Private to GM: He will wait outside if and when Desola gets to the Shaman's hut]

Henetha walks up the hillside with Tamarkorda and Desola.

[Private to Narrator; Tamarkorda: "I came to study how to grow mushrooms. But I had also heard that the temple of Ernalda had a powerful priestess. I would like to learn more about both.

I did not know Ankiarl before we journeyed here. I'm sure he would be happy to meet the young women of your village."]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 142):


Bingling accompanies Desola. When she asks about Magora, Bingling starts to smile, then nods vigorously instead.
"Like Arkat, she finds that her soul is dark troll, though born human, and so she asked to be reborn. She is wise and answered many of my questions about humans.  But I like her human family, too. They seem very friendly and I feel very comfortable with them."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 142):

Sanuzi speaks with Sandien: Sandien, earlier I thought I saw symbols of Truth and Darkness connected or intermingled with representations of people. Then, as I was meditating on this, making dolls, I felt an odd connection between things, like strands of Old Cob's web linking both the present and the non-present. Perhaps with your help, I can meditate on this further...

The song Sanuzi begins to compose lacks lyrics as he tries for a neutral bias for interpretation.

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 146):

Bingling shyly glances over at Desola. He then tilts his head and speaks in Tradetalk.

"Ernalda married Orlanth. Ernalda married Argan Argar, as they tell in Esrolia. Ernalda also married Stom Bull, Yelmalio, and others. She is the Earth goddess of families and communities, music and the spiritual earth which housed Wonderhome until the dead Sun came, or so my Argan Argar priest tells me."

He then tilts his head in the opposing direction while still blinking at Desola.

"You are a wise woman priest of Ernalda. You serve a human town that trades with Skyfall Lake and Dakori Inkarth. You have a family, the Garlins, that ties humans and Uz together and straddles the gulf between, as befits Argan Argari. You keep your own counsel, but you counsel many others."

He pauses.

"How would you counsel an Uz who wants peaceful trade with your town, and wide adventures in the deep world beyond?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:49, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

A few of the townspeople accompany you up the hill.  It seems that Danbal wants extra people around her in case there is another attack.  To make it easier, you traveled down the ravine a bit, and then up a more gentle slope.


[Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir; Tamarkorda; Bingling Hyxloriz: Desola listens to Henetha's introduction.  "The young women will be happy to hear that the young Orlanthi Ankiarl is available."  A sad smile crosses her face, then she looks to Henetha, "that is interesting.  Few seek to learn the secrets of mushrooms, though they are children of Earth.  Our village has a special relationship with these little gifts of Darkness and Earth; they have helped us stave off the worst of famine," again a sad smile crosses her face, "they do not prevent the loss from famine, but they help more to survive."

"Henetha, you will have heard that we will be elevating a new Priestess of Ernalda.  Many of the women of the village will come to the loom house on the day of the ordination to help prepare.  I invite you as a daughter of Ernalda to attend.  I will make it known to Inkarne to expect you."

After Bingling introduces himself, Desola looks at him in an appraising manner, "peaceful trade is always welcome disciple of Argan Argar, for we have valued our friendship with the Uz."  She then looks around herself, "and here are two," indicating Henetha and Tamarkorda, "who can help you learn more of the world outside Dakori Inkarth."  Her face then turns more serious.

"I had expected Magora to arrive this night, but I did not expect such an interesting escort.  Do you know why the Fire Witch sent a Death Lord to our town?  He is more restrained than those I have me, but does he pose a threat?"]

As you are clearing the rim of the ravine, you hear one of those from the Lunar Fort that had accompanied the Blue Troll come up.


"I had heard mention of a Praxian that had come with the Lunar forces," She begins with a quizzical look.  "No child, the wounded are being seen to as we speak.  I spoke with you briefly to offer thanks.  What is your name child?" She does not stop walking, implying that you should join them.  There are a few nervous looks from those guarding Desola.

After giving your name, "you seem to know the trollkin and her protector.  What can you tell me of her?"

---

You arrive at Sandein's house.  There is a fire outside of the house where objects tainted by the harpies is being burned.  One of the towns folk knocks on the door, which is promptly opened by Sandein. "Thank you for coming Mother Desola, I am sorry that I could not some to you."

"That is alright Sandein.  Your apprentice Tamarkorda has been kind enough to escort me back up.

OOC:  The room is not large, and Sandein and Sanuzi are inside.  Sanuzi is staring at a patch of dirt or filth on the wall, lightly singing a nonsensical song.  The door will remain open, so you can hear and see what is going on inside.

Sandein, a woman in her late thirties, looks a little flustered.  "I am sorry, but I have nothing to offer you.  Those abominable harpies befouled the this area and the food I had out."  She shows Desola to a recently cleaned chair.  The floor is a little muddy, and there is a heavy smell of wine in the air.  "We have not finished cleaning, and there are so many questions, ..."  Desola takes Sandein's hand, stroking it for a moment.  "There, there, too much has happened tonight.  Just breathe."

Sandein takes a seat by Desola, who gently pats her head.  "I heard that there was a problem with your mother."

Sandein looks up definitely, "that husk is not my mother," she starts, then breaks down, tears starting to come from her eyes.  "I have tried for so long to reach her," she says with a heavy sigh.  "today she had one of her fits, but it wouldn't stop.  I used the tinctures and teas you taught me, but it did not calm her.  It was as if something was pulling at her, and then the attacks...."  She trails off.

Still patting Sandein's head, "you have carried this burden for a long time."  Looking over at Sanuzi, Desola asks, "why is your apprentice staring at that drawing?"

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You try to slip into meditation, but the noise around you is too distracting.  As Sandein starts to break down, a sudden flash of insight pulls you to the drawing. You feel as if you are being drawn toward the drawing, but you feel that there are others also being drawn to it.  Not the chaos spawn that attacked, but other people.  In another flash of insight, you realize that the darkness rune is concealing something, and that the figures are there to uncover it.]

"Mother drew that during the height of her fit.  It was soon after that we were attacked.  I see nothing, but my apprentice Sanuzi seems drawn to it.  He sees figures in it."

"I know that this brings up painful memories for you, but perhaps it is time that you open up this wound to your apprentices.  Both of them have been drawn here, and to you in particular.  They may be able to help you find the answers that you seek."

Drying her eyes, Sandein looks up and nods her head.  "Sanuzi and Tamarkorda, come over here."

She seems about to ask for the door to be closed when Desola speaks up, "leave it open.  This secret must be brought out into the open tonight."

Sandein nods, focuses on Sanuzi and Tamarkorda, and begins.

"The woman in the other room is what remains of my mother.  She came from this town originally, but her calling was toward knowledge.  At the urging of a priest of Lhankor Mhy she journeyed to Jamestown where she was initiated.  After many years, she became a sage.  In keeping with the traditions of the sages, she married another sage and gave birth to myself and my brother.  I was preparing for my initiation when something happened on a Heroes Quest my mother participated in.  All my father would say was that she sought to learn something that the Knowing God had kept hidden.  She was beset upon by Jolsedaring, and her mind broken.  The cult was going to throw her out into the streets, but I protested.  I left the cult there and then, taking my mother to a place that might accept her, her old home.  I had heard stories of Jelmine from my mother, and felt certain that they would take us in."

She looks over at Desola with admiration and love, "they did."  Focusing again on Sanuzi and Tamarkorda she continues, "I turned my back on the sages, and apprenticed myself to Old Orlan, a devotee of Daka Fal.  I had hoped that the path of the spirits would help me reach my mother. It did, in part.  I know that she touched something; that knowledge or connection is still there, untouched by the Jolsedaring.  It is also untouchable by me.  She is not dead, or truly alive.  I have tried to following the thread to her spirit, but to no avail.  So I care for the body that was my mother's and quest for the spirit that once dwelt within."

"You're mother's fit seems to coincide with the attack.  Do you think they are related?" says Desola in a knowing tone of voice.

"Yes," says Sandein with a sigh.  "There was a build up of power and the spirits were very agitated.  The last time she had a fit this violent was when the Dragon shape appeared in the sky, but there was no attack then.  The spirits whisper to me that tonight's attack was related to Mother's fit, and originated from the Hollow," the last word she speaks with a note of dread.  "Something is after Mother."

"I know that you want to stay with your mother," Desola holds up her hand to stop any protest, "but you must be at the council meeting tonight.  I will send a few women to watch after your mother, and post guards around your house tonight.  Bring your apprentices as they may have insights."  Desola stand, putting a hand on Sandein's cheek.  "None foresaw this attack, and it was even concealed from our Wyters.  Luckily we had stalwart defenders and new friends," she stops for a moment then continues, "who arrived on the day of your mother's fit.  We must unravel how these are related."

Tamarkorda tries to stay a few steps away from Desola and a step ahead without going too fast on his long legs
[Private to Narrator; Henetha Hofaksdottir; Binglging Hyxloriz; GM:

Narrator:

After Bingling introduces himself, Desola looks at him in an appraising manner, "peaceful trade is always welcome disciple of Argan Argar, for we have valued our friendship with the Uz."  She then looks around herself, "and here are two," indicating Henetha and Tamarkorda, "who can help you learn more of the world outside Dakori Inkarth."  Her face then turns more serious.

Tamarkorda makes a formal looking gesture where the tips of the fingers of his right hand rest on the bridge of his nose, his lips and then the middle of his chest, before ending with a little flourish, he nods to Bingling and smiles.

Narrator:

As you are clearing the rim of the ravine, you hear one of those from the Lunar Fort that had accompanied the Blue Troll come up.

Tamarkorda rolls his eyes and frowns]
  Tamarkorda enters the hut and goes to Sandien, he hangs his head and fidgets with his sword belt. When Sandien talks of her mother's exile from Lhankor Mhy he looks her in the eye and by the time she has finished there is a tear on his cheek.

Tamarkorda's gaze strays to the remains of Mother's drawing, he nods slowly.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 149):

To Desola's question, Bingling gives a small shake of his head. "I am sorry, but I do not. I was told to keep Magora safe, but little more"

Later, after Sandein's tale, he adds "It is dangerous, but so is every dawn. I do not think the mothers would mind at all if I brought my mace and shield to help you if you strike back at Snakepipe Hollow."

He trills a second.

But maybe I should first learn a little more of the Heal battlemagics? I can almost stop bleeding, but not quite."

In reply to Bingling Hyxloriz (msg # 151):

In Darktongue Bingling continues.

"Priest Desola, Grandmother, do you speak Darktongue?

"I can think of three reasons the mothers would be glad to send me:

"First, it strikes at one of the oldest pits of crawling chaos on Dakori Inkarth's borders.

"Second, it indulges my curiosity of humankind and strengthens ties with human allies.

"Third, I am am male and thus more expendable, and yet would give nose and eyes and ears to such a strike.

"And of course it would make me laugh, as I am the least capable warrior compared to our Uz and human runelords of Argan Argar, or our brooding Death Lord.

"Let me know if I am may be of such a service."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 138):

I observe the human mother for a few seconds and then go and talk to Zelda in darktongue.  Confirming that the shaman's dwelling was the main target in the attack and also the strangeness of the gorp.

After that I ask one of the others about the village Mother in tradetalk.

Then I check on Inkfinger and then hover around the fringes around Magora.

Saberak speaks again in her faltering Tradetalk.

"My name is Saberak. I met Gulk and her friend just the other day on the way here. She says much that should be listened to, but I don't yet know enough to to tell you where she comes from or who she is."

Saberak pauses before she continues.

"I am sorry for my bad knowing of this tongue. Do you speak Praxian or New Pelorian? I could tell my ideas better in one of those tongues."


Saberak steps forward as those inside Sandein's hut prepare to leave, a look of concern etched onto her face.  She moves to Sandein and speaks.

"I know that you do not trust my people, but maybe I would be able to help your mother.  One of the gods I follow knows much of both truth and..."

A look of intense concentration comes over Saberak's face as she searches vainly for the Tradetalk word for madness. Not finding it, she uses the New Pelorian word and hopes that someone else can supply the understanding.

"Perhaps I might be able to put this knowing to use.  I have heard that our god talkers and yours share a building in the city of Pavis.  My learning has been cut short by these years of fighting, but I may know enough to help.  If you agree, I will come to you after this meeting."

OOC:  I'm going to respond to people's post, but this part of the scene is not over.  Please feel free to continue discussions with Desola or Sandein.

---

As your gaze strays to the picture, something catches your eye.
[Private to Tamarkorda: At first you just see swirls, palm prints, and meaningly squiggles, then you start to see figures in the image.  You could swear that there is a fire rune on one of them, then your focus is broken when the Lunar Soldier starts to speak to Sandein.]

---

Desola nods, and listens to your reasons, then replies in Darktongue. "I do not think we will send an expedition to the hollow in the next few days.  We have an important ritual soon, and we are still in Storm Season.  To even the most hardened, this is not the season to risk the hollow.  For now we need more understanding."  (Desola then states this again in Tradetongue.  If you have >40, you understand all of it; if you have >20, you understand that the hollow is dangerous in Storm Season and that they won't send anyone there now.)

---

Desola shakes her head.  She does not speak either tongue.



Sandein replies to Saberak in New Pelorian.
[Private to Tamarkorda: While you do not speak New Pelorian, it is related to Firespeech and Purehorse Tongue.  From Sandein's reply it is clear she is talking about mother.  You get three concepts: not crazy, knowing eaten, and spirit gone.]

"I am sorry, Mother.  Perhaps we can speak more later with someone who can help us understand."

Saberak listens to Sandein closely as she responds in New Pelorian. As Saberak listens, she begins to pace back and forth, her robes flaring as she spins on her heels at each end of her short march. When it comes time to respond, her speech is peppered with what are clearly interrogatives.

Henetha approaches Bingling and introduces herself in Tradetongue: "Greetings Bingling. I am Henetha Hofaktsdottir. I fought alongside Uz in the siege of Nochet two years ago. There are thousands of the followers of Argan Argar living among humans in that great city."

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 157):

Bingling bows in a very human way and greets Henetha in Tradetalk. "I am Bingling, of Dakori Inkarth. I have not visited your city! And I am glad to hear; we of Argan Argar accept human and dark troll, and even mostali and aldryami, so long as they claim his protection. As you see here in Jelmine, the Garlin family has both human and Uz runemasters and runepriests."

Bingling nods toward Garik Johnton. "I also welcome others who come in trade, as well."

OOC:  as a note, Garik is currently in the Durten longhouse.  We will be moving to that location shortly.

Sandein and the Lunar Sable Rider Saberak speak in the Lunar tongue.  Sandein looks toSanuzi and Tamarkorda, then says the following in Tharshite.  She then repeats it in Trade Tongue and New Pelorian.

"Saberak here has asked if any has followed the Hero's path that my mother took.  My mother's notes were confiscated before I realized they could be useful, and few would talk with to me about what path she was on, save that it was in relation to the Lightbringer's Quest."  Desola sighs when Sandein mentions the Lightbringer's Quest.  It is possible that she was looking for something in Lhankor Mhy's trial, or it could have been in relation to the Lunar Occupation."

"I have journeyed and spoken with many powerful spirits about her state.  Spirits are enigmatic at the best of times," she says as she shakes her head.  "Occasionally a path appears in the spirit world."  She stops for a moment, "it is hard to explain to those who have never journeyed into the far spirit realms.  Two places of similar power may connect in the spirit realms, making it easy to walk between them.  Related spirits may have a connection that can be followed, like a guideline during the blinding snows.  Many times these only appear at specific times, such as a season or a holy day.  Such a path appears connected to Mother.  It appeared for just a moment tonight when she drew the picture, then went out.  The spirits I have ready to follow it were not able to go far before it ended."

Henetha takes a look at the drawing Sandein mentioned.

Saberak speaks in Tradetalk drenched in the accents of the New Pelorian of Furthest and the Praxian of the far-off Animal Nomads.

"I am sorry for my knowing of this tongue does not go far enough to explain my questions.  Sandein can tell you what I say if it is important."

She turns back to Sandein, moon-red skirts flaring slightly, and continues in New Pelorian.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "Do you believe that this path, this connection, will recur at some point in the future? If we prepare, we may be able to follow it, but a heroquest to leave this world is not an endeavor to be undertaken lightly. I admit that I am unsure what may happen if this Orlanthi quest were attempted involving us Lunars.  My knowledge of the Lightbringer's Quest is only cursory, but I am sure that it does not involve the Red Moon. Still, I believe that whatever your mother may have found is worth the knowing, both for your sake and the sake of all those who may benefit."]

In reply to Saberak (msg # 161):

Bingling looks at Desola, and asks a question in Darktongue. "Uz on a Lightbringer's heroquest does sound like a very, very bad idea, doesn't it? Like, dumber than... whazzit, Lanbril or Eurmal?" Those who know trolls might realize that he is actually unsure and uncertain.

Henetha moves into the room to get a better view of the drawing.  [Private to Henetha Hofaktsdottir: It looks like it was drawn with mud. It is very crude, but as you look you begin to make out figures.  There is a sense of harmony emerging from discord.  Though crude, there is a regularity to the drawing.  There is something hidden.  It is just a sense, but something has been hidden from the light.  You also see a few figures surrounding a central image that looks like the Darkness Rune.  One of the figures especially catches your eye.  You feel connected to the crude figure.]

Sandein replies to Saberak (rotating between languages), "the path will return, but there is no way to predict when.  I have watched for ten years and have yet to find a pattern.  It never occurs on the same day or time, save that it will appear during Sacred Time.  I have followed it, but it weaves between worlds."  Sandein reaches out and puts her hand on top of Saberak's, "I would never ask any to follow this path unprepared.  My mother and her companions prepared for at least two seasons before they attempted their journey."

Desola adds after Bingling mentions the Lightbringer's quest, "and we do not ask that you try to follow the Lightbringer's quests."  She sighs heavily, "too many attempt that quest to solve their problems.  Most fail, bringing ruin back to their families and clan."  She shakes her head, "as Ernalda taught Orlanth, there is always another way.  After tonight's attack, we may need to be more vigilant in finding that way, but tonight is not the time to find it."

Looking over her shoulder, "It looks as if the people are gathering in the Durten's compound.  It is time to go and discuss what has occurred in council."

OOC:  I'm going to let you finish any last thoughts as we move to the council.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:50, Wed 09 Jan 2019.

Saberak sighs and comments in New Pelorian, confident that Sandein will convey her remarks to Desola.

[Private to Narrator; Oligur Jaffez: "If not now, then when? Planning is all well and good, but there must be an end or you will sit in council while your enemies break down your gates.  I hope there is more to be learned tonight."]

On the way to the Durten house Tamarkorda looks for a chance to talk to Henetha and Sanuzi   [Private to Sanuzi Asar Girru; Henetha Hofaktsdottir:  I saw you look at the drawing, Henetha Hoffaktsdottir. I am Tamarkorda, and this is Sanuzi Asar Girru, we are Sandien the shaman's helpers. Did you see anything in it?]

Henetha walks and talks with Tamarkorda and Sanuzi, not really knowing what is expected of her at the Durten house.

[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru; Tamarkorda: "I felt a sense of harmony emerging from discord.  Though crude, there is a regularity to the drawing.  There is something hidden.  It is just a sense I had, but something has been hidden from the light.  I saw a few figures surrounding a central image that looks like the Darkness Rune.  I somehow felt connected to one of the crude figures."]

People have started to congregate at the Durten compound, and a large fire has been set to light the area and provide warmth against the cold of Storm Season.  People pass out flagons of mulled wine to warm the body and spirit.  Many of the townsfolk are present, but you know that many will also man the watchtowers and gate tonight.

Desola and Sandein are the last of the elders to arrive, and once there Danbal begins.  "Beyond the obvious, what do we know of the attack tonight?"

The Troll Leader Zelda speaks up shouting, "It was that damn enlo witch!"  This is echoed with cries that 'the Lunars weren't attacked, it must be them."

Desola puts up her hands, and the townspeople become quiet, but it takes the Uz a moment to quiet down.  "Daughter of Darkness, I know you have issue with the Lunar enlo, but let this not cloud your judgement this night.  The Temple's Wyrter fought beside what I now know was the Enlo's spirit against a demon."  She pauses a moment to let that sink in, "unfortunately the Enlo is not here to explain what she saw."  Looking at Commander Jalmon and the two soldiers that accompany him, "do any of you know more?"

Oligur bows his head for a long moment, smooths his cloak, and says:
Thank you for inviting us to this council, great priestess. You have ever treated us with kindness and respect.
As you know, we of the Lunar Way seek only peace, for ourselves and for the whole world, and have indeed long risked our lives and very souls defending Jelmine against  untamed chaos. We do this not for any reward, but for the knowledge that we are helping to bring the world into balance.
Oligur looks about the room for a moment, and continues.
The coming of Gulk was a great blessing to Jelmine. I very much doubt that we would all be standing here, enjoying this delightful wine, if not for her timely arrival. While it may rub some the wrong way that a .. "lowly" creature like a Trollkin should possess great wisdom and great power, but the Goddess bestows to all without favoritism.
Reading the mood in the room and deciding this is probably not the ideal venue for proselytizing, he clears his throat and continues.

Gulk was warned, by the elementals that accompany her, and through the spiritual light of our great Goddess, that a powerful and terrible demon was approaching the town--and specifically, was targeting the... (lowering his voice a bit) the Shaman's house.
Gulk engaged the demon in spiritual battle. Bowing toward Desola, Gulk acknowledges and thanks the Earth Priestess for unleashing the temple guardian, and together they drove the demon off. But, my friends: Gulk noted that the demon has been gathering strength.  It is not alone and is not finished. Thank the Goddess that, working together, we kept the town safe for now. Let us be prepared for when it returns.

In reply to Henetha Hofaktsdottir (msg # 166):

Sanuzi looks at Henetha with arched eyebrow.

I am Sanuzi. That very closely describes what I sensed from the drawing as well. I'd hate to be too bold with interpretation, but it seems that some of us are being summoned or prophesied to take part in revealing some mystery.

Sanuzi smiles at Henetha and Tamarkorda and his stride seems to loosen into a more casual flow.

Thank you, Henetha, for your help today. Perhaps you can tell us more about yourself and your companions.

Sanuzi's gesture seems to include all of the strangers newly arrived in town.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:51, Thu 10 Jan 2019.

Saberak has little to add to Oligur's statement of events.  She is keenly attentive, but content to remain silent for the time being.

Garik rises finally recovered. "We need to find the source and eliminate the cause."

Danbal and the other family patriarchs listen to Oligur's speech.  The Lunar solider shows confidence without being overbearing, and the Elders acknowledge what he has said.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez: 17:25, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Oligur Jaffez, rolled 4 using 1d100. Orate.  You'll get an experience roll for this one.]

A few others speak of their encounters, and Inkarne speaks about the poison or acid that the creatures possessed.  She also reminds people how to clean the mess caused by Harpies.

"While there was a great attack on the temple," begins Desola, "it now seems clear that the Sandein's house was the target of the attack.  After speaking with Sandein, I believe that the attack was focused on her mother."  This causes a stir among the people, and soon there are a cacophony of conversations.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez: You hear someone ask "why didn't she give herself during the Great Winter?"]
[Private to Sanuzi Asar-Girru: You hear someone ask, "what does that mean?  Is she a threat?"]

Desola raises her hands, "yes, there is much to consider regarding this revelation, and I have asked Sandein to speak to the Elders about this."  She motions for Sandein to speak.

Sandein, who had been quiet and unobtrusive before, steps forward.  As she steps forward, her demeanor changes and she quickly transforms into a strong and forceful presence.  She looks over the room, and as she does, you notice that most of the people avert their gaze.
[Private to Oligur Jaffez; Sanuzi Asar-Girru: Sandein was very unobtrusive.  You don't think many people even notice her until she stepped forward.  You're not sure exactly how she did it, but you don't think it was magic.  Now that she stands there in her "power", her presence is very detectable.  You can tell that many in the crowd have a true fear of her.]

OOC:  Sandein relates what has been revealed before regarding her mother.

The crowd is at times sad, sympathetic, and even angry.  People start asking questions, while some cast accusations that Sandein knew that she had brought a curse to the town.

Desola raises her hands again, then a voice speaks up.


[Private to Garik Johnton: 18:02, Today: Narrator, on behalf of Garik Johnton, rolled 6 using 1d100.  This was for your Orate.  You will get an experience roll on this skill.]

Danbal addresses the crowd, "that is a good call to action Garik Johnton.  We can argue until we are all dead, or we can do something.  This demon will attack again unless we can find a way to protect ourselves from it or destroy it."

"Does this mean we postpone the elevation of my wife as a Priestess of Erlanda?" asks Anrin.

Danbal is about to answer when Desola gives him a withering gaze.  "Your wife's ordination will proceed as planned, but we must ensure that we are protected and that the people are cleansed."

Commander Jalmon speaks up at this point, "as your people will be busy preparing for your festival and shoring up the defenses, we will increase our patrols in the area.  Perhaps we will find clues as to this creature.  I will also send scouts out to follow all of the trails that the creatures used to attack your town."

Farin, the leader of the weapon Thanes, looks livid at this suggestion, but he is quieted by his brother Anrin.  "I am sure that your offer is of the best intentions, but you need not go to such burdensome measures.  Our Thanes can ensure the defense of the town and hunt for this creature."

Danbal looks at Anrin, "now you decide who has the biggest spear?"

"Have you not heard it said that the Lunars do not offer help for free?"

Jalmon says, "though the fort was not attacked, we are...."  His last words, 'at risk', were drowned out by Farin yelling, "AND WHY WERE YOU NOT ATTACKED?"

Danbal, who can shout with the best of them growls, "because they were not the target!"

Danbal and Farin stare at each other.  The tension mounts until the matronly voice of Desola says in a firm, calm, and very patronizing tone, "are you done boys?"

Farin looks angry and downcast but stops staring at Danbal.

"Danbal," Desola begins, "please make sure that the defenses are repaired and strengthened."

"Jalmon," she continues, "we thank you for your offer."

"Farin," she says in a calm, but commanding tone, "you will work with Commander Jalmon to make sure we have enough patrols and scouts.  This festival could well attract unwanted attention."

With a sigh, she adds "I feel we need to have the community participate in the ceremony of the scapegoat."  Looking around the room, "Varinton, send word to Jarulf to prepare."

Tamarkorda weighs in against Sandien's detractors "It's where Mother's from you turd-brains, she's your kin, you'd be happy enough to brag about her if her quest had worked, so suck it up. She had the nouse to leave, that may not sit well with you shit-kickers, but the world isn't going to ignore you forever. You should be on you knees thanking the spirits that they bring you some proper shamans since you can't face the job yourselves." But he is largely drowned out in the hubbub.


Tamarkorda again adds to the confusion of competing voices "The Moon Army's done worse to me than to most of you, I loath an invader as much as the next man, but these, " he waves toward Oligur and company " took their knocks today."

In reply to Narrator (msg # 172):

Bingling quietly trills as he watches in utter fascination.