The captain belts out a deep laugh...

"You're looking at him, or the closest thing there is.  We've tried reaching the mayor but we have had no word from his lands is quite some time.  We are truly on our own out here.
 Even the merchants bring grave news from the lands."

"Please share them stories, from the merchants," Sharps prods.

"Well it would seem that the rest of the world has fallen under the same evil we have.  Some of you are new, of this I know, so you may not be aware that we cannot leave, at least by the sea.  Did you notice the lack of boats, only a handful, and all anchored?  That fog line returns whenever we attempt to set sail and those who've attempted to navigate the fog have not returned.  It seems the sea itself has turned against us as well given the nature of what the fisherman have found.  It seems our whole land is experiencing this, at least as the merchants tell it.  The roadways have become the most dangerous with attacks stopping only the most prepared or lucky.  We've even heard rumor of whole towns disappearing and strange monsters the likes of which no one has seen before.  Islands appearing overnight off the coasts and even talk of demon worship and summoning using the old sites."

Aye, Sir Hawkmoon and myself found ourselves in an abandoned village that seemed as though time had stopped in it. I walked into a fog in my own land and awoke here  I believe it was the same for Hawkmoon. Strange happenings these are. And talk fo demon worshipping sound right for these murders.

"Indeed it is so... demon worship, I suppose I am not surprised.  This land has a weight upon it."

"I woke up in th' sand, no idea how I'm here," Sharps added.

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 200):

"I was on a well-known path in the forest between two towns. Although those lands are safe I heard myself being followed, by thieves or worse. I picked up my pace. When I emerged from the forest I found myself here! Aye, this is an accursed place. Perhaps we are in Purgatory? Or Hell?"

He crossed himself.

"This Mayor of yours, his lands are nearby?"

"Indeed, you are not the first group of strangers to wander into this town seemingly from nowhere.  Many left as quickly as they arrived but I would venture to say that none have actually returned.  Although I will say this, as much as I try, it is simply impossible for me to know of each person and their respective movements.  If any have returned, other than yourselves, they are keeping quiet about it."

"The mayor?  No, he is much further north.  His lands lie in the northern most region of the island.  A weeks ride or longer, especially if you take the main road."

Walking over to a small cabinet filled with various scrolls and parchments, he pulls out a large piece of parchment and spreads it across the table.

(Main Game Map)

"We are down here, the southern most settlement on the island.  He resides past the Port of Angels, here in the north."

In reply to The Powers That Be (msg # 205):

Boris looked at the map. "Definitely in Purgatory, then.

"Well, my friends, we may be stuck here an eternity. Nevertheless, we've seen how the Saracens die, and other people die here, so we will not be Resurrected to die again, like the priests say happens here. I say we work to make this town a little more of a safer refuge. So some creatures are feeding on the townsfolk? And then there are more Saracens skulking around in the woods?"

"Let's start by takin' down them flyin' things," Sharps nudges.

In reply to Sharps (msg # 207):

Stoney has been quiet during this conversation,simply soaking it all in.

"I wonder.  You said some explorers, or adventurers possibly might have returned from the fog, or adventuring?   I know you say its hard for you to keep track and they are quiet, but maybe there is one, just one that can shine some light on this subject?"

Taking a quick drink.

"Or maybe its just a dream."

"I would like to think, given my line of work, that I am here for a reason and not just chance.  That a divine hand wishes us to help this land, or prove ourselves."

Sharps nods. "Flyin' critters will always be there. Help us figger how an' why our asses got sucked inta this mess," he says to the Captain.

"If I could figure that one out I would have already put men on it.  Do you have something in mind?"

In reply to Sharps (msg # 210):

Boris replied with a shrug to indicate the cause of the mists were beyond him. "We're here because we're sinners. God is punishing us. If we are righteous then we shall be given the keys to Heaven. But I agree with the Paladin. We have been sent here to do something. I suspect the mysteries of the mist will elude us until we have solved some other problem. Or problems.

"I think it's the other way 'round. The mists will remain. Perhaps for an eternity. It's the flying imps that we can do something about."

He addressed the Captain.

"Speaking of that, we just killed many of those Saracens that attacked lo some days ago. Like we were asked. Should we not be rewarded for our efforts? At least with some kind of room and board while we solve the other vexing difficulty we are talking about? The flying murderous beasts?"

In reply to Boris Underhill (msg # 212):

Drinking while the conversations continue.
Only piping in here or there.
"No disrespect to any or all.  I think the gods use us as they see fit, for their own fun and entertainment.  Pulling our strings like a puppet. So I also agree we are here for a reason.  Be it entertainment, as pawns of one god to another, or just because a god felt like it!

"That is certainly more than fair, as I believe our original bargains included as much."

"Alright, boys. What's next, eh?" Sharps prods.

In reply to Sharps (msg # 215):

"Off to wherever the Captain decides we should be quartered.

"Then we lay a trap for, I'm guessing, some flying imps?"

In reply to Boris Underhill (msg # 216):

Stoney tips one off his wine skins upside down, obviously empty.

"Agreed, lets get some rest, then set our trap!"

Rest?  We have only just awakened. We have much to do err we embark on this mission. Good Stoney, perhaps you have indulged too much too earlier today.

Frederick says this with the straightest face he can manage. Dinen Dal hides in his pack built to carry him.

In reply to Frederick (msg # 218):

"I interpret this as the gods are thanking us and rewarding us with some hospitality.  Who are we to question the gods motives.  When will we can get a break again?  Lets take advantage and  take another day or two.  Fill our bellies with good food, and drink.  Sleep in a soft bed."

opening another wine skin, and taking a drink.

"Of course if everyone wants to get moving right away, I will oblige, and go along.  Just dont blame me if the gods decide to punish us for not accepting their subtle gifts of luxury."

((ooc: time check, please))

"A meal, a nap, then a trap then, yes?"

OOC: By this point, it is only early/mid-afternoon.