Coughing with a terrible rasp, the dwarf awoke, and found himself surrounded by strangers. Speaking caused a bitter pain in his chest, as though he'd swallowed nails. Imbellem encouraged him to stay still and lie down; he was in bad shape.

Heal Check ~ Torrick Axebearer is at 0 HP.

The silence that followed the beast lingered for what seemed an eternity, as though the world itself held its breath. But after a few minutes, the sound of nocturnal life slowly came back – the hooting of an owl, the scampering of a small creature – and though these sounds were small, they gave the adventurers a profoundly large sense of comfort.

Inside the tower, the walls were crumbling; heaps of eroded stone piled on the floor at several places. If there had been a second story to the tower, it had collapsed long ago. They suspected there might have been, for above one large pile of rubble was a partially blocked hole in the ceiling – perhaps once being a stair to another floor. Through this hole came a slight draft that chilled the room.

The cot and provisions, however, were new, likely carried here from the smashed wagons outside. Mikael leaned over the provisions and rifled through them:

Search Check ~ Among the supplies he found 127 Gold, a purple Iolite Gem, and a Composite Longbow (Str bonus +1); as well as food, water, and a bottle of Dwarven Firebrandy.

If they were going to spend the night here, they would at least have a few comforts.

Outside they heard another new sound, the sound of hooves. Imbellem brightened with a smile, "I don't believe it – Ruin! He followed me here all the way from the ship. I sure hope he brought a few things with him."


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:58, Mon 07 Mar 2016.

It was rather Jarring when the dwarf began to cough with imbellem holding his ear to his chest. He did his best not to shout in shocked horror, but a small pep slipped out...

"Hey you're concious!" He said, with a happy grin, "Dont worry, youre among friends, I am Imbellem, Cleric, Doctor, and all around swell guy. I would like to tend to your wounds if you would allow me." He said, awaiting a responce. Some certian people he had crossed in his past had refused his celestial help simply based on their beliefs. Sense then: he always made it a habbit to ask.

As he awaited a response he head a fimiliar neigh from outside and he jetted up off his knees to listen. "See Mikael," he began, looking at the elf, "I told you he liked me. Hes new, those were love bites." Ruin was Imbellems WarHorse he had purchased among other things before they took off to comoset. Though the horse was stubborn at times, he wised up after being alone for so long and followed them to the tower. "I hope hes okay out there..." he thought to himself. "Let me see that stone, Ill check if it is all it appears to be. Perhaps it has latent magical properties like the ones you found before.

"Now you, Lets fix those boo-boos eh?" The dwarf simply looked at him with a black stare and imbellem began to say his healing words...

Imbellem Tueri rolled 26 usingCure Serious wounds, Torrick.

Small crucifix dangling, he turned his attention to Mikael and the other three men. "We should sleep in shifts, just to be safe. I can take first watch and you all can take rest. Mikael, may I see that stone? I wish to check for magical properties."

Gem in hand, imbellem lowed walked near the door and sat, listening as well as meditating on the small object checking for magical properties...

quote:

"Abba father, I come to you again on a more personal matter, this object I hold is a gem, of course you know; but I ask that if this object holds any magical properties, they be shown to me though your power. I ask only so that we know, for if it were, it could help our cause tremdously. I thank you, as i know my request has been heard, as you knew I would ask of it. Thank you lord, for your safety and provision. In your name, Amen."

Imbellem casts Detect magic on the purple Iolite Gem as he takes his watch while the others rest.

Godric walked over toward Mikael as he gathered the loot to see if anything appeared useful to him. Godric paid particular attention to the bow"That bow looks like it could come in handy. Well that is if we have any arrows." He looked around at the others however it appeared they didn't have any either. After the dwarf was healed Godric went to talk to him. Greetings, I am Godric Lothar. I hail from Vaterland, on the isle of Kabyria. You say you come to see if any of your clan live here? Does that mean that you once lived here with these dwarves? Do you have any idea what is going on here? Why did the dwarves suddenly leave for their main keep? Do you know what that beast was? Sorry for all the questions, I just think it will help to know as much about what happened if we are to survive here with those beasts roaming the woods." After talking Torrick I turn back to the others. "Well I think we should stay here for the night. That... beast seems to have left us alone for now and this is probably the best shelter we could have. I'm guessing you will want your horse in here?he said to Imbellum, as he walked over to prepare to open the door. "Hmm, looks like were gonna have to force this door open if we want to let him in."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Sat 12 Mar 2016.

Mikael handed the gem to Imbellem for inspection while he aimlessly paced around the tower. "Yes, I'll take the second watch since it will likely be the dark part of the night."

He walks over to the door and looks at it. "Godric, want to have a hand at the door there? Looks pretty stuck. Just do your best not to leave it in splinters."

Chill air swept through the tower, occasionally whistling when the wind picked up. The stone bricks grew stringing cold to the touch. Already the adventurers could see their breath each time they exhaled, as though a fog swelled in their stomachs.

Imbellem crouched and turned the Iolite Gem over in his hand, studying it intently. It was roughly spherical and an intense, deep color of violet. He prayed to see if it had any powers he could not see, but nothing came to him. He concluded it was simply another bauble, to be sold or adorned with. Casually he placed it in the loot pile, where Godric was handling the bow with a look a longing, wishing he'd packed arrows.

Giving up, Godric stood and went to the newly awakened dwarf to ask some questions, which came out in a burst – he had seen many things in these past few hours he did not understand. But the dwarf gave no reply. Although he spoke to introduce himself, he afterward sank into a brooding, contemplative silence. Seeing as his brother had just died, Godric didn't press the matter.

With not much else to be done and the door still barred, most of them laid down to sleep, save for Imbellem who offered to take first watch. They unfurled their sleeping bags and crawled inside while the dwarf closed his eyes once more and lay still on the cot. For awhile there was silence. Imbellem sat on one of the provision crates, keeping his ears out, wondering what the hell that earlier beast was. His breath became increasingly visible in front of him as night fully fell and cast the world outside into blackness. Even beneath his winter clothes, he started to shiver from the cold. He noticed the others were shivering too. An hour passed. It was so cold, it hurt, and made sleeping difficult:

Godric Lothar takes 1 cold damage (non-lethal).
Torrick Axebearer takes 3 cold damage (non-lethal).
Imbellem Tueri takes 0 cold damage (non-lethal).
Mikael Vaeltaja takes 0 cold damage (non-lethal).

The wind began to howl.


This message was last edited by the GM at 13:24, Wed 16 Mar 2016.

Mikael Stirred from the cold and the sound of Imbellem returning to the group to pass off the watch. This was hardly the nights he was used to back on Galia or even Herrod, although he found himself able to manage the cold wrapped up in his cloak. Seeing his own breathe Mikael got up with Godric and Imbellem to join in on the complaining of the temperature. "This is a bit colder than I was thinking. What do you say we get a fire started to keep us warm the rest of the night? It doesn't look like Torrick is fairing too well without some warmth."

Mikael pulls out the flint and steel and a torch from his pack to get something started. Once the torch is lit he takes a quick look about the tower they are in to find something to burn. "We may want to go outside and grab some wood to get us through the night. It looked like that turned over cart would be a good place to start."

Imbellem welcomed the torchlight that now illuminated the small room. It quickly melted away thoughts of trolls in the room or outside. Perhaps it was the lack of sleep that created these intrusive images...

Imbellem took the small gem, not noticing any magical properties and put it safely away. He walked toward the light and his comrades, away from the door and wrapped up in his cloak. "Ill tell you all, I was not aware commoset would get this cold" he stated, breaking the cold silence, "I mostly traveled in warm, sometimes tropical locations. I do not like cold..."

When Mikael awoke and stated the idea for the fire, Imbellem was slightly embarrassed that he hadnt thought of that before. "Thats probably a good idea," He began, walking towards the fire weilding elf, "However, I think if we do need to go out to the wagon wreckage, a torch may be unwise... Im not sure about the hunting patterns or even if trolls are nocturnal. If we do, I suggest we go together Mikael, We can move faster and more safely that way- plus your kind can see in the dark, so we have that going for us" He added with a chuckle

Imbellem looked about the room for some material fitting for a fire, scanning while he spoke. Should they need to sneak to the broken wood that once resembled a cart, he secured his hammer and made ready his 'Plan B'

"Hopefully a warm nights sleep would be a matter of healing for the wounded dwarf... If not, ill tend to him more in the morning... I will however sleep next to him. If something starts to go wrong, ill be up quickly to his aid. Im a very light sleeper..."

Also its kind of ironic that you hold the fire, elf. You'd think after Alldyde youd be timid around flames. The smell of your burning hair disturbs me

At the mention of Mikael's past hotheadedness with Alldyde, Mikael winced and said, "I am a little afraid. But I suppose I forget that fear when I can't feel my damn fingers." He lit a torch, strapped on his cloak, and prepared to go outside. "All the same, make sure someone's watching that fire. . . like all the time."

Imbellem laughed, secretly contemplating what possible pranks he might pull, fastened his cloak, and followed Mikael to the door of the tower – where they were abruptly reminded that the door was barred shut.

"Damn," murmured Mikael as he tried to push it open, but realized it would take more strength than what he could offer right now.

Turning their sights to anything burnable in the tower, they noticed that there was indeed something they could burn: The crates which contained the provisions. Together, he and Imbellem dumped out the contents of the crates and smashed the wooden containers in whatever way was convenient. Imbellem enthusiastically broke them apart with his mace while Mikael tried to more delicately remove the nails with a little leverage. Needless to say, the racket they made woke everyone, but the others didn't mind for the cold kept them from a decent sleep anyway. Their only fear was that the sound would attract less pleasant company, and Godric, lying in his fur sleeping bag, kept a wary ear out for such a catastrophic danger. To his relief, he heard nothing but startled animals.

They threw some of the broken wood into a pile in the center and set it alight. It burned and grew into a modest blaze, sending thin trails of smoke toward the ceiling and out the hole by the collapsed stairs. Torrick's breathing eased; he had been having a hard time in his present condition.

The tower, being small, quickly became comfortably warm, and they soon felt like they could resume a cozy sleep. So they did. Mikael took the next watch, for the act of breaking boxes had roused him, rotating off to Godric later; and they passed the night like this.

Morning came; sunlight broke through the cracks in the stone, letting them know the dawn had come. The air was still brisk and cold, but they knew that the sun would soon warm it to something more manageable.

Godric went to the barred door and shoved it open after a few heavy bursts from his shoulder, dislodging the propped wood, which had been placed there for their own safety by the dwarf who aided them last night. While Imbellem attended Torrick the Axebearer, and Mikael set about something to do with breakfast, Godric stepped outside to look around.

He noticed the arrival of another horse, which was grazing in the field; it must have belonged to the priest Imbellem, he assumed, based on what he had heard from him. He saw that another one of the wagons had been smashed by the creature last night, probably when it burst from the trees to pursue them; he could see the torn up roots and trunks from where it came. But there was one intact wagon left which might be useful, Godric thought.

He walked a little farther, mostly to see if the area was safe, and stumbled on something else that nearly unnerved him. He saw the dwarf from last night, or at least, he presumed it was him. It was impossible to be certain, for it was only his legs, having been torn at the waist; the upper body was missing. But Godric felt as though he knew.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Tue 19 Apr 2016.

Godric walked up to his horse and greeted it, while checking that it was OK. He remembered all the deer meat that he collected the previous day, and took the sack from his horses saddle bags. "I got breakfast if anyone needs some." He said as he walked back to the fire to prepare it. He looked at Torrick to see if he appeared to be better than the night befor."Is he going to be ok?" he asked the priest.

Mikael felt a wave of relief wash over him as he heard Godric speaking of meat and breakfast. He had almost gone 12 hours without some food, and that also meant there was nothing horrifying waiting for them outside.

He got up from where he was sleeping, which was the farthest spot away from the fire that he could get from it. Mikael made his way to Torrick and looked to Imbellem, "So how is he? Did he get better over the night? I can never tell, all the dwarves look just about the same to me."

"Thats incredibly racist." Imbellem said in a humor so dry it was easily mistaken for legitimate anger

Imbellem had been up for some time, being the jumpy fellow that he was, he simply couldnt sleep as heavily as the others with the thought of some enormous creature outside. He came into the tower just as Godrick was going out to check on his horse. He nodded to the man and gave a pleasant 'Good Morning' as they crossed. He had checked on his horse and sat with him for a short while helping him find some grass to snack on

Imbellem scanned the dwarf who had yet to waken, softly checking his pulse and feeling the temperature of his skin. "Its rather hard to get a good tell while someone is asleep" He began, "The body temperature drops so far, and the pulse is slowed to reserve energy and keep the body rested... I can tell you he is doing better - but that blunder of mine to forget making a fire was foolish of me. I hope dwarves have strong immune systems against runny noses."

[Private to DM Ryan: Heal check -7-]

"Once he awakens, if he has difficulty walking I'll place him on my horse. It is dangerous to make a weak man walk... especially with legs the size of an end table." Imbellem sat for a moment, listening to the birds and wind though the trees. Reminding himself that it was a new day and the creature was gone to remain calm. The cleric took a deep breath after his brief calming meditation and looked to the Elf and Man, "Lets follow the trail of the dwarves. If that troll is still out there, it could be on the trail of the mountain folk... I suggest also if we happen to notice the dwarf that helped us so valiantly, we should aid him if he requires it... or bury him..."

The priest lowered his head for a moment, and then began to softly awaken Torrick to speak to him and be able to get a better guess of how he was feeling and what required attention.

Should the dwarf be in mortal danger in HP, imbellem casts Cure Light Wounds

Once the situation of Torrick resolves, imbellem would aid him to ride on his horse, and begin following the trail from the other dwarves with his comrades

Godric re-kindled the fire and arranged a spit, and soon after, they continued their morning duties to the sound of sizzling deer meat. Nearby, Imbellem leaned over Torrick, checking his condition.

"How is he?" asked Godric as he adjusted a raw flank.

Imbellem gazed down at the dwarf with a solemn frown. "Not good," he answered. "He's recovered from his wounds a bit (29/? HP), but he's developed a serious fever, maybe an infection. I can't wake him". Indeed Torrick's eyes flickered in a kind of disturbed sleep, while sweat trickled down his forehead. Imbellem dabbed some snow above his bushy eyebrows in an attempt to cool him down.

After they had finished breakfast, it was again time to resume their journey, which had proven more dangerous than they had expected. They packed their things and exited the tower. Godric, together with Imbellem and Mikael, lifted Torrick, who still slumbered restlessly, and brought him to Ruin, Imbellem's horse who came in the night. They lifted the dwarf onto the rear of the horse, laying him on his stomach, and tied him to the saddle with rope for fear that he might fall. It was not the most comfortable position for him, but the alternative of leaving him behind was unthinkable. Godric and Imbellem then mounted their horses, Mikael remaining on foot, and they trotted to the road and into the forest. Thus they resumed their journey to Shelterpeak. Mikael walked at a leisurely pace beside them, for they could not go too fast due to their sick passenger.

In this valley, the pines trees grew in dense copses amidst brown, dried grass; snowy white mountain peaks encircled them on all sides, except behind, which lead back to the sea. They continued to the very end of the valley until the road lead to a narrow pass through the mountain ridge; the pass was like a deeply cut groove through a stone wall, promising to exit on the other side. They entered.

The pass turned out to be relatively short. After a few minutes, they exited onto other side on a high point, overlooking a new valley. The view surprised them greatly. Whereas the pines before grew short and dense, here they grew hundreds of feet tall, forming canopies high overhead; beneath the canopies, there seemed to be almost no underbrush at all – only massive trunks of trees as thick as the tower they slept in last night. It was as though they had become small, having entered a new and larger-sized world; a giant might have found himself feeling like a ordinary man among ordinary woods.

Across the new valley, they could see the white sheen of mountains ahead and rather close, nestling this grove of towering trees in an area no more than five miles across. It would be a short walk to the other side. The road descended down the side of the mountain to their left; they followed it until they reached the base and headed into the over-sized woods.

The party gazed at the staggeringly tall trees as they proceed down the path. It was about mid-afternoon; and from what they had learned, they could expect to reach Shelterpeak by that evening.

"Shelterpeak must be in the valley after this one," said Mikael conversationally.

"Good," said Imbellem, "Cause I'm getting worried about our dwarf friend." Imbellem cast Torrick a concerned glance, who had still not awoken.

"Don't worry, we're almost there," said Godric. "I know where we're going."

"Where are you going, if I may ask?" said a voice curiously.

The party brought their horses to a slow stop as they gandered to the right, where resting on a gray boulder was an old dwarf, not far from the trunk of a massive tree. He had sat at the very edge of the stone, his feet on the ground, looking as though he had stopped to rest his knees; laying beside him was a gnarled walking stick. If it were not for the pale green robes, he would have looked like a very ordinary old dwarf. He gazed at them with bright green eyes through his silvery beard.

He smiled wryly, "Stay thy course to indulge an old man?"


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:11, Fri 13 May 2016.

"Welp" Imbellem said in a quick, loud burst. The quiet began to wear upon his mind, and when he was nervous the cleric needed sounds to distract himself

"What an eccentric fellow" he began, not looking at his comrades quite yet, but looking intently at the trees, trying to see if he could catch a glimpse of the deceivingly powerful dwarf. He then turned his attention to the group, holding his box away from his body "From what I can gather, it seems this Torrick... Broke some sort of covenant with a deity? perhaps he learned something and made a promise that he couldnt keep?... Im not sure, but its clear that he needs help." Imbellem looked at the dwarf, he often shot glimpses to the wounded Mountian Son to make sure his chest continued to rise and lower with breath. "I suggest we pick up the pace to catch up to the moving dwarves, I expect they might give us some answers." The priest walked up to, though and passed his comrades, looking down at the small box

Once he got to a distance he deemed 'safe' He turned his head around, tilted slightly sideways. "No guts no glory eh?" He said, extending the box as far as he could having the opening facing away from him - just in case. He slowly began to open it in case of magical explosion closing one of his eyes, biting his tongue and arching back slightly.

"I just really hope my guts dont go to glory..."

This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sun 05 June 2016.

Mikael took a few steps as Imbellem stepped towards the strange box. He took as good of a look at it as he could. "Hey that looks like the same box that I hid back in that warehouse!" He looked at Imbellem with his eyes squinted, "If that's the same box then that's mine."

After Imbellem's nervous laugh trying to determine if Mikael is serious or not, Mikael draws both swords at the same time. Swinging them in wide circles as he does so and comes into a fighting stance. Everyone was staring at him and he just replied, "What? I haven't gotten to use these yet." When their gazes didn't shift away he continued, "Well if it isn't my box, who knows what might pop out of there!"

After the old dwarf disappeared, Godric looked around trying to see where he might have gone, but he soon realized that he was likely nowhere near the group, due to his magical abilities. At first Godrick was somewhat confused at Mikael's and Imbellum's banter and sarcasm but he was soon catching on to it. "Wait what box are you talking about? I must be missing something" he said after looking at the two a bit puzzled."Are you sure you don't want me to open it? I mean not that you don't look like you can do it, I do have a knack for avoiding surprise attacks". he said with a grin. Right before Imbellum started to open the chest, Godrick reached into his belt pouch and tossed out what appeared to be some odd looking colored bits of parchment. The others looked at him with an expression of confusion. He shrugged and said "What, these have been sitting in my pouch for a while, I just felt like now was a good time to throw them out"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Mon 06 June 2016.

Old Dwarf: *Cough

Godric Who are you? {To the old dwarf}

Old Dwarf: Falameezen is me. But you are who?

Imbellem: Imbellem they call me. *steps between Falameezen and the unconscious dwarf on his horse* Unusual robes.. might you dabble in magics?

Godric: The name is Godric. We are heading to the old dwarven keep to investigate what happened.

Old Dwarf: Never heard of such a thing! *His walking stick magically comes to his hand, which he uses to scratch his back*
Oh? Are there happenings now?

Imbellem: *Looks nervously to Godric* Uh yes sir, there was a troll attack down the road and we are searching for the mountain folk

Godric: It appears something made them flee their outpost on the shore quite quickly
I saw them head this way so we figured this would be the best way to see what happened

Old Dwarf: Shiny toy. *In the time it took Imbellem to look nervously away, the dwarf had suddenly appeared behind him, touching the cleric's mace curiously*
Troll attack? Well isn't that delightful!

Imbellem: *Jumps and holds his hammer secure*

*Godric quickly looks toward his new position, and puts a hand on his lance*

Imbellem: Now look here, I dont appreciate strangers handling my weapons, not to mention holding weapons of their own. How about you tell me a bit about yourself to easy my mind

Old Dwarf: Oh? But you would much rather hear about this woods! It's a sacred place you know. Trees as old as the world.

Godric: These trees do appear quite unique, however I agree with my comrade.


Old Dwarf: *He walks behind Imbellem's horse and magically comes out from behind Godric's instead*Oh? I'm just a priest. No one of consequence. Not when I'm awake anyway.

Imbellem: A priest eh? I fancy myself a priest myself. A pleasure

Old Dwarf: Pleasure! *He whispers loudly to Imbellem* You know, they say the trees are made of people. . .

Imbellem: ... uh come agian?

Godric: Tell us more about this forest...

Old Dwarf: Exactly! They always want you to come closer, but you never can do it again can you? Oh? I live here see. Can't leave though, not since they broke Bagna. Very improper of them, don't you think?

Imbellem: How rude indeed. However, you must realize we are strangers to you, and we don't know many of the things you speak of... What is this Bagna?

Old Dwarf: Bagna isn't a what. He's a who! . . Or maybe a where? I never was really sure. But I do know he was a god, the God of Dreams. Delightful isn't it?

Imbellem: I do love dreams. That is delightful indeed. How could beings destroy a god?

Godric: Who broke Bagna?

Imbellem: Destroy? Oh, no no no. Only broke, see. *He points at Torrick* He broke you know. All his fault.

Godric: His Fault? *points to Torrick* Could this be the reason he's not waking up?

Imbellem: *Shenanigan sensors blinking captian*

Imbellem: Tell me. What ought you keep only after you give it away?

Imbellem: Hm... perhaps a promise?

Old Dwarf: . . . *Smiles* Exactly right.

Mikael: Hah I knew it

Imbellem: *grin* now, wonderful brain teaser my friend, but that doesn't exactly answer our question... Could you explain?

*As you high five each other, your look back to find the old dwarf gone, vanished. But where he stood sits a small chest no more than six inches high.*

Mikael: That was... odd

Imbellem: What in the blazes

Godric: Imbellum, perhaps you should try to detect magic in the area

Mikael: *Pointing to the chest* Imbellem go open it, we'll stand over here

Godric: Also, is there any way you could see what is wrong with the dwarf, maybe if its a disease you could cure it. I can open it if you think its dangerous

Imbellem: Coward. *Walks toward the chest to pick it up* I have a feeling however that there is latent magic all around due to what the man said about the trees.f I dont think it would help at all.. From what i can figure, it sounds like torrick broke some sort of covenant with this god?

Godric: Thats what i would guess based on the riddle
I wonder if it is related to his disease

Imbellem: Or divine punishment for his loose tongue

Mikael: Maybe it has something to do with that rather ornate axe he's carrying

Imbellem: *carefully picks up box and inspects it* Thats a good point... Perhaps we should take a closer look at that as well

Godric: I Noticed when he was introducing himself, he seemed to change his title to axebearer from something else

Imbellem: Ill try to discern if this axe has any latent magical properties

Mikael: Maybe he will know something about that dwarf

Godric: We need to get him to wake up, maybe he will know something about all this

Imbellem: Lets try. Maybe he will have some answers for us. I rather doubt we could brake a spell placed by a god itself, but that doesnt mean we shouldnt try. Our best option would be to either get the god to lift it itself, or to locate the gods foe and start a war of sorts

Godric: Well i think we should continue on to the dwarves.
If only he would have told us how to "fix" the god.

Imbellem: I agree. god-war will be plan B. Perhaps the dwarves will help us

Godric: If nothing else, they will shed some light on the situation. I would not be surprised if this was all somehow related
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Wed 15 June 2016.

"That was the weirdest thing to happen to us in awhile," said Imbellem, scratching his head after the mysterious, old dwarf didn't come back.

"Agreed," said Mikael, still looking around cautiously, even searching awkwardly behind Godric's horse. "I'm not sure what to make of it either. This Falameezen. . . Some broken god called Bagna, maybe? . . . Bizarre riddles? . . Sometimes I wish people would be more straightforward."

Godric, who was contemplating heavily, spoke something aloud he was thinking, more to himself than anyone else. "Maybe he couldn't be straightforward. . ."

Mikael turned to him, "Hmm? What's that supposed to mean?"

Godric, who hadn't noticed he'd spoken aloud, regained awareness. "What? Oh, nothing, I guess. Let's see what's in the box."

"Right," said Imbellem as he warily picked up the box. With good reason to be cautious, he held it away from him at arm's length, terrified that something ridiculous and magical would happen, like turn him into a badger or something. . . or explode.

Slowly, inch by inch, he undid the latch and creaked open the lid, the hinges squeaking lightly as it cracked open.

It exploded! Colors of every sort rained through the air in a flurry. Imbellem screamed, dropped the  box, and swatted the swirling colors away, hoping not to die. He was relieved to realize he wasn't dying, or hurt for that matter. After a few more moments, it finally occurred to him that the flying colors, now floating gently to the ground, were actually colorful strips of paper – bits of parchment that had been thrown by Godric at that exact moment. Imbellem clutched his heaving chest.

"What? . . What was that for!. . . Was that. . . Confetti!?" said Imbellem between heavy breaths.

"Yea," said Godric simply, as if that were obvious.

"What?. . How? . . Why!?" sputtered Imbellem.

"Oh, it's Ryan's Birthday," explained Godric, as if that made everything clear.

"Who!?" rasped Imbellem.

"Ah, well he's. . . er. . . nevermind," said Godric. "My bad."

Imbellem finished breathing heavily as though he were overcoming an asthma attack. After glaring at Godric intensely for a minute, keeping some choice words to himself (since Godric was bigger than he was), he regained his composure and said, "Let's open this damn box."

Imbellem reached down and picked up the fallen box; he brushed away some of the confetti clinging on top and opened it roughly, with much less ceremony than before.

Inside he found two things: A folded silk fabric at the base, and sitting atop that fabric, like some treasure, was a Golden Key. Gently, he removed the Golden Key, holding it lightly as though fearing it would break. Its handle was decoratively wrought, and at the end was an unusual shape, that of a triangle, for an unusually shaped lock. No longer than four inches, it felt small in Imbellem's hand. It was apparent this key was meant to open something specific.

"Curious. . . " murmured Mikael as Imbellem handed it to him for a closer look.

Imbellem then removed the silk fabric, which unfolded in numerous ripples as he pulled it, seemingly endlessly, from the box. It had been folded many times over. Of dark, forest green color, it spilled delicately over the forest floor, and it wasn't until he had fully removed it that they recognized what it was: It was a cloak. And more importantly, it was unidentified.

"This is an interesting hull, which seems to raise more questions than answers," said Godric.

Imbellem and Mikael stowed the new treasures. "Yes," said Mikael. "Now, let us hurry to Shelterpeak. Perhaps we'll find our answers there."

At once, they remounted their horses and resumed their journey through the woods, yet Godric now cast regularly a wary eye behind them; and more than once – though he was never certain – he felt a pair of bright green eyes staring back.


As the sun drifted low in the afternoon sky, they reached the end of the valley and followed an inclined road out from its depths. The forest of giant trees had been magnificent to travel through, each one an imposing tower, making them feel like the world was much grander than they originally thought.

Once they had reached the summit of the road, they glanced back from on high, gazing over the forest canopy. From here, they could see the breadth of the forested valley, and how it was contained by a ring of mountains, almost in a perfect circle, as though it had been deliberately planted in ages past. Knowing they would not forget it anytime soon, they continued forward, following the road through another mountain pass and leaving the valley behind.

Normal-sized trees returned, growing in clusters over the mountain side, and almost unexpectedly, after the road brought them around a crop of rock, an entirely new valley emerged. At once, they knew they had arrived, for nestled in this valley was none other than the castle city of Shelterpeak.


Terraced and made of light gray stone, the castle was built on the side of a mountain, with a wide river flowing at its base, winding through the range.

From their height on the road they gazed down at the gates of Shelterpeak, and saw a crowd of wagons and dwarfs entering the castle city. They were finally here.

"Well, what are we waiting for!" exclaimed Imbellem. Rearing his horse Ruin, he set off at a fast trot down the road. Godric followed swiftly behind. Mikael, who was on foot, shook his head but smirked all the same, then followed after them in a graceful run.

They were going to sleep warm tonight.


After crossing a wide, stone bridge over the river, the adventurers entered the gates, which had been propped open welcomingly for the constant stream of travelers.

Buildings of wood and stone filled the interior of the walls, advertising shops, inns, temples, and other services. The city, being terraced like a set of steps, offered three levels, each one a blend of residences and stores. And knowing the dwarves, the city likely extended further into the mountain itself.

Walking through the streets were numerous dwarves of all shapes and sizes: A young, blonde-bearded dwarf with his kid; A woman with black, short hair who was more muscular than Imbellem (though that wasn't saying much); Or an elderly dwarf with pure white hair and a beard that he tucked into his waist.

Shelterpeak looked busy. In fact, it looked too busy. The wagons and people seemed to overflow and cause a great deal of traffic. Swiftly it occured to the adventurers that, perhaps, the castle city did not usually have this many people.

"What next?" asked Imbellem as he dismounted and led his horse through the throngs, Godric doing the same.

"Well," began Mikael, "We need to find someone in charge, like the King or something." They followed a stepped street to a higher level and entered a public park. Stone patios, archways and flowering bushes adorned the landscape.

"Sure, but how are we going to gain an audience with the King?" pondered Godric. "I'm sure we can't just walk into the castle and say, 'Hey, we'd like to talk', right? We aren't exactly anyone of consequence in Comoset."

"True," agreed Imbellem. "I guess we'll have to try something else. . . Maybe we can- Ooof!" puffed Imbellem as he walked into a dwarf. Imbellem fell straight backward. Known for their sure-footedness, the dwarf didn't even budge, and stared at the fallen Imbellem intently.

Suddenly, two armored dwarves stepped between them, holding axes threateningly at Imbellem.

One spoke, "What commoner dares run into the King of Shelterpeak?"

Imbellem stared, dumbfounded.

Mikael stood in shocked silence.

Godric threw some confetti.

Mikael looked over to Godric, "Well that was a bit easier to him than we thought."

He then addressed the man asking them questions. Mikael stood up straight and replied, "I am Mikael. My clumsy friend Imbellem and I sailed from Herrod to find the dwarven ruler here. Perhaps you have heard of the end of the pirate's rule of the isle. On behalf of the new council we have come start negotiations. If the king could find time to sit down with us that would be much-" "Pardon!" A dwarf nudges himself between them. "...Appreciated. Although it looks as though things are quite chaotic around here."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Wed 15 June 2016.

Torrick hadn't taken a hit that hard in two decades.  He woke to a dry mouth and a dull ache over his whole body.  Suddenly the memories came back of the tower, the beast and his brother.....

Trying to roll only makes it apparent to Torrick that he was slung over a horses, and he took a moment to slide down.  A quick look around sees that the fellows from the tower, and a hazy recollection of going in and out of consciousness and hearing voices comes to mind.  He would go and reintroduce himself in a second, first he must find....Ah-ha the Axe!  Within a quick second Torrick had searched and adorned most of his effects.

Finally feeling more at ease, Torrick steps away from the horses and towards his would be companions before notices whom with they were conversing.  With a widening of his eyes and a quickening of his step, Torrick walks over to make sure no one embarrasses themselves or upsets the king!

Godric looked somewhat nervous after hearing that it was the dwarven king who Imbellum had ran into-literally. Being a warrior and somewhat of a nomad, sometimes Godric feels more comfortable in the wilderness or with a sword being swung at him than in a big city dealing with many strangers. Suddenly, he heard something behind them near the horses; He immediately turned around to see their new dwarven friend had awoken, and slid of the horse. Godric figured they should probably let him do some talking. He might know better how to deal with the situation.

Lying flat on the stone ground with the dust and piercing gazes of the dwarven folk, hands still raised above his head. He shot a quick dart of frustation toward Mikael and then to Godrick "Im not that clumsy... And the confetti effect was completly unnessicary..."

Upon seeing Torrick's suddden approach to the front of the party, closer to the two with blades ready to cleave the clerics head from his shoulders, Imbellem, decided to let Torrick do the talking...

Almsost

"Oh hey buddy, wonderful timing" he said, with the slightest tinge of sarcasm, "Im not sure what all you were able to see, but could you vouch for me and be sure to tell our kind friends here that I meant to offence? I was merely distracted is all." His eyebrows began to furl slightly, and he whispered something through his teeth... "Trying to help you out as a matter of fact..."

The king of Shelterpeak stood five feet tall and half as wide. His solid black beard had been woven into three thick braids, and his black eyebrows were so thick and bushy that they made it seem like two live animals were sleeping on his brow. Beneath these stared out deep, dark eyes with violently purple irises. For a king, his dress was relatively plain – a silver and brown tunic and breastplate – but it still distinguished him above the rest by its design.

"Representatives of Herrod, you say? Do you have the papers to prove it?" said the king.

"Uhh. . ." stalled Mikael.

"I do!" exclaimed Imbellem, raising his hand while still lying on his back.

Mikael gave him a curious glance, but then remembered he was telling the truth. As Mikael helped Imbellem on his feet, Imbellem rifled through his pockets until he pulled out a letter, the very letter they came to Comoset to deliver. He handed it to the king.

The king opened and read it. "Hmm. . . Everything seems in order. No sign of forgery," he muttered.

His guards stood at ease.

He continued, "This letter could have been delivered to the port office at Old Falahar, but I imagine Old Falahar has been abandoned, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it has," stated Mikael grimly.

"Yes, I thought so. Very well. Why don't you come back to the castle with me then? While you're here, you might as well be treated as diplomats. Come, follow me."

***

"My name is King Odiff Hockhorn," said the king as they entered the castle.

The castle where the royal family lived was at the very top of the city. Imbellem's legs felt sore from all the stairs they had to climb. He wished he were able to continue riding Ruin in here, but his steed had deserved its rest in the stables with Godric's.

"As you may have noticed things are busy around here, so we'll need to keep our engagement brief," said King Odiff while they followed him down a lavish hall. "Our internal problems must be fixed before we can think about trading."

"You're back!" cried a female voice. A dwarven woman came and ran up to the king. She had almost solid black hair, marred by a white strip on one side; in age, she was comparable to a human of twenty years. "Did you visit the temple like I asked?"

"I did," answered King Odiff who seemed happier in the woman's presence, "And you were right. I think it did lift the priestess' spirits. They'd been overworked between tending the wounded and those trapped in the death sleep."

"Have they managed to wake any?" asked the woman worriedly.

"None yet," said King Odiff with equal sympathy.

"Hmm, I think I'll visit them later too. Wait, you don't look like you've been sleeping well either." Frowning, she lightly touched beneath the king's eyes. The adventurers then thought that, perhaps, the king's eyes weren't normally deep or dark after all.

"I'm fine," assured the king. "You go on now. I have some business to attend to."

The dwarven woman curtsied to him, then to the adventurers (which reminded them they were diplomats), and walked away.

"My daughter Ranna," explained the king. "A kind heart. Dearest of my children; but I shouldn't pick favorites. Anyway, come. Let us discuss."


Godric felt uncomfortable sitting on the soft ornate chair. He felt more uncomfortable still when he sipped from a small round glass of brandy that he knew he wasn't drinking from properly. He wondered how long he go on like this without smashing something.

The adventurers sat in an office. The king was positioned behind an immense wooden desk and was scrawling a few brief letters addressed to certain Councilors of Herrod. Torick sat stiffly remembering he was in the presence of a king. But Imbellem, to pass the time, let his eyes wander along the shelves of tomes trying to read the titles – which were mostly in dwarven runic.

"Here you are," said the king a few minutes later and handing them several envelopes. The adventurers noticed he seemed especially tired now. "You may return these to your councilors. Though I'm afraid it won't mean much if our situation doesn't change. Is there anything else you'd like to discuss before you leave?"


[Private to Imbellem Tueri: In their wandering, your eyes linger on something interesting in the shelves behind the king - a small jewelry box on a shelf, nestled in a row of tomes. Its lock was triangle shaped.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:46, Sun 19 June 2016.

King Odiff: *Cough

Mikael: Well Sir, as you said this agreement will be meaningless if you're people
people's situation does not improve. I can't speak for the other 2, but Imbellem and I are not ones to just walk away from someone in need of assistance like this. We've also had a good rest since our last en devour and we are not meant to meet the rest of our companions for a while. Perhaps we can be of any help.

King Odiff: That's a gentlemanly offer. But unfortunately, we don't entirely know the cause of our misfortune. Wolves attacked villagers in Brumbeer in mid-day. Bears assault travelers on sight. And worst of all, a Whitetroll has been rampaging south, an unstoppable beinging of destruction. Travel has become impossible, and the towns unsafe; so they flock to the protective walls of Shelterpeak. It would seem we are simply cursed.

Mikael: Quite mysterious. I believe we ran into the Whitetroll that you speak of. Nearly had us for supper if we hadn't found refuge in an abandoned tower. Imbellem, do you know of any magics that might cause something like this?

King Odiff: Consider yourselves lucky to be here. Though it's unlucky for one to encounter a whitetroll at all. Not only are they very rare, but they are supposed to be hibernating this time of year.

Godric: That truly is strange. It is not only luck that has brought us here, this mans brother helped us escape the whitetroll by providing shelter and distracting it. He did not make it himself however... His death was an honorable one. We did learn something that may be related to these events. When we were traveling through the forest on the way here we met a very odd dwarf. He appeared to be a priest named Falameezen. He spoke strangely, and mentioned something about the massive trees being somehow sacred. He also said that the god of dreams- Bagna- was broken. Perhaps you could shed some light on what he was talking about?

King Odiff: {His face flushed pale} Falameezen, you say? No, no, I afraid that's impossible. Falameezen is dead.

Godric: What happened to him. The man we saw had the power to instantly vanish and reapear so maybe he was a ghost or something

Mikael: Perhaps he is the cause of this?

King Odiff: No, no, Falameezen is certainly dead. He was a priest of Bagna who had a shrine in the Sentinal Forest for a. . . short time. I haven't heard a soul mention Bagna in awhile. 'God of Dreams' is an. . . overly "kind" translation into the common tongue. His title, as most would translate it these days, is the God of Nightmares. During his stay here, over a decade ago now, good dwarven folk would sometimes go to Bagna's shrine and make an offering, so that they would have good dreams. But they weren't always good. And some of those who made offerings even went mad. Finally we put an end it. The shrine was removed, and the priest was killed by guardsmen - in his sleep if I recall right.

Godric: Hmmm the old dwarf we met seemed like he was one step away from being mad himself. He claimed to be a priest and that he was trapped there because somebody broke Bagna. Certainly an ironic way for him to go...

Mikael: I think his manner of death might have been more than ironic. It might be worth investigating the shrine. it could be the source of all of this. Has anyone been there since it was destroyed?

Godric: Good idea, I'd guess that there would be more clues near the shrine considering he said he was Falameezen.

King Odiff: As far as I know, none pilgrimage there anymore, but I'll mark it on your map (New Location Added; Travel time - 2 hours). You might be wasting your time on this nonsense, but if you want to know more, ask the priestesses at the temple (New Location Added; Travel time - 20 minutes). The sisters could tell you more of Bagna than I.

Imbellem: *after his deep scan of the room and trying to decipher dwarvin to no avail* Tell me Lord Odiff, This rather eccentric man who 'passed', was he a fan of riddles?

King Odiff: I couldn't tell you, young priest. I knew him not.
Now, er, it's time I leave. I'm very busy, as you know. Come.
{King stands. He and guards escort you from the room. You stop in the main hall of the castle} I wish you well on your journey home, representatives of Herrod. May the gods give you safe passage. {He leaves. You are left standing alone in the main hall of the castle. The doors back to town are in front of you.}

Imbellem: What a nice fellow.

Godric: Looks like the only thing to do is go to the shrine and try and find out what is going on around here

Mikael: Yes, and we should probably stop by the priestesses he mentioned. Might have some insight about that dwarf.

Godric: Yes of course

Imbellem: I agree. I must say though, while looking at his books and decor of his room, i did notice a small box... much like the one I got from the strange man

Godric: I wonder what's inside

Imbellem: I wonder more how he got it if he says he never met the guy

Godric: That's true, maybe he knew more than he let on. He was quite adamant that he was killed and that the man we met wasn't who he said.

Imbellem: Thats true. Or this 'god' has a bit more going on. It could be he was telling the truth and didnt know the eccentric.. It could have been the god itself
im not sure, so many small pieces for such a big puzzle

Godric: I guess with magic almost anything is possible

Imbellem: We simply need more information

Mikael: Very true
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Tue 21 June 2016.

The group converses shortly with themselves and Mikael tried to take everything in they had learned. He thought back on everything the king said and after Imbellem had pointed out that box he couldn't help but think the king might have other intentions.

{21:55, Today: Mikael Vaeltaja rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Sense Motive. Nat 1:(}

Having spent so little time around dwarves, Mikael realized he couldn't determine the king's intentions at all. If he had to guess it seemed like he was trying to get more peanut butter? That couldn't be right. "Dwarves make no sense." He said under his breath. He then looked to the others, "So what do you all make of the king? Seems trustworthy enough."

As they're conversation came to a close Mikael turned down the hallway, "I think we can agree our next stop is the temple." He then spoke to Godric and Torrick, "I know this isn't what either of you came here for, but Imbellem and I could use all the help we can get. Are you with us?"

Unless anyone objected he started on his way to the temple with anyone else coming along.

All the while the king spoke, Imbellem scanned the room, trying to take in as much information as possible

Sense motive, -6- NAT 1

Perhaps it was too much information for the attention deficit priest to attempt tackling at once, all the dwarven runes on the books behind the king were so very enticing.

"I agree, he seemed like a very open and trustworthy man" he responded in tandem with Mikael, "However..." He added, throwing water on the theoretical 'happy-time' fire, "I cant shake this feeling he was not all he appeared to be." Reaching into his pack, he rummaged for a moment, creating a cacophony of clanks and clatters, only to pull out the box given to them by the 'dead' man from earlier. "I noticed a box, much like this one on the shelf with his books. Now, thats an odd item to have for someone who never met the one who gives these out eh?" He posed to the men, raising a suspicious eyebrow. "I could be wrong however, it could simply be a gift passed from man to man... but I dont know, its strange."

Not looking for the facial reactions of his comrades, Imbellem opened the small box again, wincing ever so slightly, expecting more confetti to look at the cloak he had received from his riddle-war from the eccentric fellow. "Yes, yes I agree about the priestess. She is a very high priority..." His words didnt have his usual authoritative, solid sound when it came to his decision making. "I uh... There is a temple in this city. I would very much like to have the local church tell me more about this if possible. Also to attempt to learn more from their religion so I may understand more about our situation. You can go again and I will meet you there. I feel like this could either be a large help, or a massive inconvenience. Either way, I must know if I should keep it, or burn it at a stake." The cleric slowly turned, scanning the area for locals who had the know-how to get him to the temple all while keeping his friends in the line of sight.

Upon noticing a very well groomed dwarf with a more docile face as opposed to the usual, 'if you talk to me there's a 60% chance i will punch you in the face' look of other dwarves. Imbellem turned to his companions and stated, "Unless we have more planning to do, I believe i've found my guide. Unless Torrik would be willing? Either way, I have my destination."