Faring Party

Session 1

Author: Chathe Cú

The party met in the The Happy Calf, where they discussed business. Dreyfur appeared, and was talked away after he threatened Alfonso. After leaving the Inn, the party met with the merchant Maynard, who had been robbed a few days prior. He told them that he sells glassware, and that all his glassware has an M engraved at its base. Determining to investigate, the party first met with the Watchmen Captain Girebal, who told them that the novices Lendric and Zacharias had already been sent to investigate the site of the robbery. The party left for the markets to buy some supplies, including rations and pickling jars. Joan had met the merchant Frederic, who had unknowingly bought glassware from the bandits the day before. Thanks to Spot, the party was able to sniff out where the bandits had last been in The Happy Calf, on the third floor. They picked the lock thanks to Joan's magic and entered the room, investigating further. They found a journal belonging to a Shedomite by the name of Abel, a member of the Black Gloves bandit group. They also found a black handkerchief and a set of Blackguard's Partial Leather Armor, dyed black as part of a uniform. They brought the evidence back to Girebal, and offered to track the bandits down to Shore, an abandoned town far to the south of Faring. To end off the night the party hired on Dreyfur as a guard, and Joan left to the Tanner to remove the dye from the armor.

Session 2

Author: Lothar of Mayford

The party decided to take one last meal and take inventory before heading into the forest and bought some last minute supplies. Grappling hooks,caltrops and the dy removal of the robber's leather armor with secret pockets for Joan, even though the latter seems to have a now blunted nail sewn into it. In the woods they stayed on the correct path and managed to surprise a Deer. Even though it was spooked, it twisted its ankle and was butchered for meat and horn. This was partially witnessed by a passing Nobleman, who presented a good target for pickpockets, who decided against making a move on him. The party continued their track through the woods and happened onto the site of the ambush of merchant Maynard and heard ,even before they ventured into visible range, the pained cries of Lendric who was lying on the ground with an arrow in his stomach. He was quickly patched up, arrow and shards of glass removed and treated via one of his own healing potions. After discussing potential routes the Bandits might have took the group departed and left Lendric behind on his own wishes so he might be picked up by a patroll of Watchmen. While trailing the Bandits, the group happened upon a group of armed men and as the newcomers shouted "Danger!" it as deteremined they were Bandits and attacked. Through superior position and devastating missile fire the group was swiftly dispatched and mopped up in close combat. Sadly one Bandit managed to flee, but one was left wounded and ready to be interrogated.

Session 3

Author: Lothar of Mayford

After interrogating the Bandit, and sending him back up to the City with guards and the hurt Watchman. After that the group used the newfound information the Bandit divulged,namly that they were hired to prey on travellers in this area without having to hand off any of their booty and the location of their hideout at a nearby fjord, to try to track down the Bandit that got away and thus his companions. While they were trudging through the forest they came upon a man with a longbow who, due to bad phrasing by the party and worse manners of Dreyfur, nearly mistook them for Bandits and decided to not help them and probably will report them to the Watchmen.Soon after that the group decided to rest for a while and found a neat and safe place for a camp, sadly ,during  his night's watch Lothar was surprised by an approaching grizzly bear and just barely managed to rouse the others before the bear was on him. in the resulting Tussle the bear nearly ripped off his right arm after he managed to dodge it's attack and keep it at distance with his staff. In the end it was slain and Lothar was bandaged up by Joan in the aftermath, while Chathe was ruining a perfectly good grizzly pelt and Alfonso began venturing in what looked and smelled like the bear's cave to inspect it.

Session 4

Author: Alfonso the Untamed

After killing the grizzly bear we searched the nearby cave finding a weird ritual about the woodland god, salvaged the bear meat and ingredients and moved closer to the city/settlement of Faring. As we moved towards Faring. Lothar found some expensive ores which he mined, 4 hours later we reached 2 houses of farmers one of which asked if we saw any kid in the forest which lead to another side quest. After talking with the missing boy's mother Matilda, we went searching in the nearby forest only to find a corpse being eaten by Vultures/Scavengers which we manage to defeat without much effort only to find the missing boy's corpse. We delivered the body back to his mother which gave us an precious amulet and Chathe manage to skin the 3 Scavengers for a prize of 3 pelts and 45 days of rations. We attended the boy's burial on which we meditated on the nature of life and death.

Session 5

Author: Chathe Cú

We returned to the town of Faring after helping Matilda to bury her son. We passed off almost all the Scavenger Rations to Hagrid, who will now have a good few days of serving poultry. Lothar and Chathe both left for Throngar's smithy, where Lothar left a good deal of Sky Iron and Red Steel with the Norman, while Chathe bought a new fishing spear. Afterwards, we reported to Girebal and informed him of the location of The Black Gloves ' hideout. He paid us, and asked if we would like to help in rescuing Lendric from The Black Gloves. He also informed the party that some Brownies had been spotted in nearby fields, damaging crops and harassing farmers. The party decided to deal with the Brownies first, leaving for the outlying farm. Once there, a Farmer warned us of the Brownies before fleeing. Joan, once again proving her luck, killed a Brownie in a single shot. Once battle commenced, Dreyfur charged into the fray, and was almost immediately swarmed by the beasts. He was dealt a dozen sharp cuts, though it was not enough to fully down the giant of a man. Lothar went in and cracked a Brownie over the head, Alfonso skewered some with arrows, and Chathe tore the arm off of one. Spot tried to fight, but was greatly wounded. Dreyfur managed to smash the rest of the Brownies, and the party set about claiming loot from the ruined farm. The party returned to Faring and reported their success to Girebal, who paid them for their hard work. The party is now in a state of down time, with each of the members heading off to do their own independent activities for the next two days.

Session 7

Author: Joan

A few days passed. Joan made acquaintance with the local Shedomite alchemist, Reyas, while Alfonso took interest in a former enchanter, an old man, who has now disappeared. Investigating the enchanter, the party gained access to his house after speaking to his son. The house was empty, aside from the note, saying the following: "This is all coming together. Just a few more pieces to lay in place and then it'll all be good. No one will find me in the woods. Maybe Old Haggard, but he's as old as me, and he'll know!". Another curious thing is that from investigating the house, it seems that no one exited it.

Old Haggard is the legendary old bear roaming these woods. Maybe the old enchanter (Tomen) knew the druids of the old god Woodman, and could speak to the bear. Though his son seems to think the party is reading too much into it. Looks like they will eventually have to go into the woods.

Thinking what to do next, the group goes back to the Watchmen where they are told about a group of deserters, who ran away from a skirmish on the orogs. Before heading out next day to follow the trail of the bandits, the party decides to bring them to justice.

Luckily, they have been seen in the city and were hiding in the first abandoned house that was checked. The fight was difficult, a local guard going with us, has died, and Lothar was seriously injured once more. One of the deserters fell and it's at this time they implored the party to be let go. A brief argument occurred, Alfonso agreeing that dying for a country or for anything is stupid, while Joan was upset about their cowardice. In the end, her brother was more important and she agreed to let them go. Before going, the deserters gave a gift to Alonso, who later reported to the guard captain that they managed to escape.

Session 10

Author: Lothar

The group was, after having tracked and engaged the Blackgloves Bandits at their base in a ruined tower,  nearly overpowered by the bandits. The two Watchmen that had been seconded to them to support them in this task, were killed in the early stages of fighting and the group was pressured to surrender, after Lothar suffered yet again grievous wounds and nearly having his right arm chopped off. But as tensions mounted again, Alfonso resolved the stand off by stabbing the bandit leader repeatedly in the face. Fighting erupted once again and this time, with the timely arrival of Chathe who had been absent before the group was able to overpower the Bandits and kill them to the last man. Looting the bandit's hideout resulted in a lot of  being laden onto their ox-cart, including most importantly the bandit leader's journal and an ominous looking pendant he wore and referred to as influencing him in the aforementioned journal as well as a full suit of steel armour sans helmet and magical gloves of  ogroid strength.

Having buried their companions and more reluctantly the bandits, the group returned to Faring and reported back to Captain Girebal at the Red Tower. The group was rewarded with a hefty sum of money and praised for their actions and Lothar, being a Watchmen, was promoted to the rank of Regular. After all this, the group decided to take a well deserved rest and going after their personal interests while recuperating.

Session 11

Author: Chathe Cú

The group was weary, and after having dealt with the Blackglove Bandits, found themselves with a good deal of leisure time. During this time, Lothar went to the Watchmen to speak with Girebal and train to use heavier equipment. Due to the recent skirmishes, and almost facing his own demise against a group of bandits, he felt it prudent to seek training in gear that would keep him much safer in the future.

Meanwhile, Alfonso and Chathe had gone to the fields around Faring, where some farmers informed them of a ravenous group of Field Raiders, terrorizing the fields. Though not dangerous alone, the beasts were more than capable in groups. The farmers asked the two for help, and Chathe recommended returning to town to look for information on hunting tactics to see if the insects could be scared off. Hoping to find a solution to the farmers' problems, the duo entered The Muddy Mortar and met with Reyes, the local alchemist. Alfonso questioned the fellow Shedomite about a disturbing, cold amulet he had come across at the ruined tower that had previously been overrun with bandits. After Lothar entered the shop with the amulet and handed it to the alchemist, Reyes informed him that the object was indeed cursed and connected to The Dark God, the chief God of the Shedomites. During this time, Chathe asked Reyes if he could concoct something to deal with the bugs, and agreed to pay a hefty sum in exchange for a poison that would kill the insects upon being inhaled by them.

Alfonso couldn't quite shake the disturbing feeling the amulet had given him, and Reyes told him he ought to ask the Fire Lord or Water Lady for their aid, as the two are known to be more than happy to help those seeking their aid. With that, Chathe and Alfonso went to the Chapel of the Water Lady, where Alfonso asked to become part of the Ring of Water, the clergy of the Water Lady. Though not a member yet, he has been given a task to prove his commitment to joining the clerical order. Afterwards, Chathe and Alfonso went into the nearby woods to practice an ancient First Men ritual Chathe's Grandfather had taught him, a ritual meant to commune with the Water Lady and ask what guidance she has to offer. Though unsuccessful at producing anything more than a compass pointing to home, it could become more beneficial in the future.

Session 12

Author: Lothar

After collecting the poison meant for the Field Raiders from Reyes and Lothar having finished his own sky iron tower shield and training with it at the Red Tower, the group heads towards the fields and prepares to fight the Field Raiders.

After planting the poison in a way to create noxious fumes in the middle of the field, the group takes position and starts firing at the Field Raiders. They start rushing in, crossing through the poison fumes which start affecting them. Having fired their respective bolts the Venguards of the group realize their inner potential and start flinging flame bolts at the close bugs after they had been diverted by a daring maneuver by Alfonso, which gave the group more time to whittle them down before they clashed into them. Having already used their screams to debilitating degrees and significantly damaging the group, the power of these screams dwindled as the numbers of bugs fell. In the end the Farmers, that originally asked for their help rushed in as well with farming tools wielded as improvised weapons. In the end, the battle was already won and the last bugs were dealt with shortly. Chathe managed to harvest shells to potentially craft armour from, similar to  Joan looking for alchemical uses of some of their organs.

Session 13

Author: Chathe Cú

The party, currently in Faring, were approached once again by the merchant Lormar, this time accompanied by two miners, and offered the party a job to escort miners to an abandoned mine in the northern woods. The two miners seemed weary, unaware of their surroundings, and one didn't even seem to know he was a miner. When Chathe took notice of this and pointed it out, Lormar became nervous, slinking away from the party and acting as though something else had come up. Everyone decided that the situation seemed too suspect to leave alone, and decided it might be worth investigating. After informing Girebal about Lormar, the party split up for a time before meeting at the town's gate. It was during this time that Alfonso met the Fletcher Jalen, and inquired about creating a stronger bow. He was instructed to go to the north and search for Asheling Trees, as their wood is well known for creating high quality bows. Afterwards, the party met at the cart and set out.

Upon arriving at the mines, Chathe recommended setting up some traps. They had learned previously that the mines were overrun with Mine Crawlers, dangerous insects of massive size and sturdy chitin. Lothar set to work making a large pit in front of the mine entrance, Chathe set up a bear trap down the path before dropping caltrops down the hole and covering it with his large net, and the team got into position. Chathe, Lothar, and Alfonso all elected to hide behind bushes, while Joan hid in a tree with her crossbow. Hours passed before someone approached, a knight clad in full attire with a torch. Knowing he wasn't their quarry, the party halted him to warn him of the net trap. They learned his name was Sir Fredegar, a Knight of the Fire Lord on a quest to cleanse the mines and retrieve an ancient relic, The Fire Chalice. They party offered their help, and though a bit reluctant, Sir Fredegar agreed. Chathe and Alfonso used some dried meat to attract the beasts, luring them outside. One Mine Crawler fell down the pit, getting impaled on caltrops and crushed by the other Mine Crawlers, who climbed out of the pit. The battle had begun.

Session 14

Author: Chathe Cú

As the battle sprung to life, Lothar used his Racial Blessing to hurl a firebolt at one of the Mine Crawlers. The blow hit, and seemed to gain purchase, but it enraged the beasts. They charged as a group, with the members of the party all attacking in their own way. Lothar with his quarterstaff, using his tower shield to deflect blow after blow. Alfonso with his arrows, and even occasionally bolting in with his dagger when he saw that a beast was vulnerable. Joan with her crossbow, crushing bolts finding purchase against the beasts' shells. Chathe with his spear, finding ways to halt the insects' advances towards him. And finally Sir Fredegar, armed with a longsword that burned with holy flame. The battle dragged on for a good while, the Mine Crawlers proving to be as resilient as they were deadly. When it was over, both Chathe and Alfonso were exhausted, and requested a short rest. After recuperating some energy, the party delved into mines.

It was here that the situation seemed to become perilous. At the mine's crossroads, the party heard the screeching of Mine Crawlers. The beasts attacked first from the right hand path, Sir Fredegar and Lothar moving forward to halt their advance. The tight confines at first seemed useful, as the large size of Cave Crawlers meant they had difficulty fighting when bunched up in a passageway. However, it was then that another screech was heard from the left hand path. A third Mine Crawler arrived at the back, where Chathe and Alfonso were situated, and a fourth soon followed. The party found themselves split against two fronts, desperately trying to fend off the insects. The beasts fought with unmatched vigor and animosity, and dealt grievous wounds. Sir Fredegar fell in battle, a Mine Crawler claw finding its purchase against his torso armor. Though not dead, he was bleeding out. Chathe, trying to keep a beast away from Alfonso, found himself caught off guard from a strike to the face. He was lucky enough to escape without losing an eye or an ear, but the cut was deep, running from the outside of his right eye to his nose. He managed to hobble his way away from the creature, Alfonso providing protection. The group fought with all their might, and soon the beasts were dead. The mines were liberated.

After the fight, Joan took her survival kit and got to work treating wounds. It was difficult to pull off, requiring the aid of healing potions to keep Sir Fredegar and Chathe from bleeding out. She managed to stitch up the wounds, and now it's a matter of rest and healing. Chathe, Lothar, and Joan explored the mines further. It was there that they discovered ore deposits, mushrooms, and Mine Crawler eggs. And locked away in  forgotten room was their prize; The Fire Chalice. The sight of it gave Sir Fredegar a surge of vigor. They also came across two curiosities. An ancient scroll written in First Tongue, and an enchanted Shield of Fortitude. With these bounties in tow, the party decided to rest in the cleared mine for a bit to recuperate as they decided where they ought to go.

Session 15

Author: Lothar of May Grove

The party decided to return quickly to Farind and the group broke camp after salvaging the rest of the available minecrawler-eggs,alchemical reagents and ore deposits that were readily available inside the mine.

After a fairly uneventual travel back they reported at the Red Outpost and restocked,resupplied, repaired and most importantly slepped. While Chathe was busy at his family estate and Sir Fredegar decided to leave a sizeable donationat the local Fire Shrine, Alfonso immediatly went to a reputable house of ill repute.

During that time while on his business, Lothar was targeted by a young pickpocket. After catching the thief, the boy realised he went for a Watchman and showing his allready mutilated hands (for thieving) begged for mercy. Instead of delivering him to the Red Outpost, he brought him to the local Fire Shrine after talking about this is issue with another Watchman that asked him for help with investigating regular vandalisation of the graveyard. They delivered the thief to one of the attending Priests at the shrine, that decided to help the boy due to Lothar`s intercession. Being surprised by the lack of knowledge about local laws, the priest promised to hand him a book regarding those later.

Returning in the evening with Joan, the group went out to catch the graveyard vandals with two Watchmen, being hidden someone soon arrived but in the frenzy to catch the culprit one of the Watchmen shot the suspect which turned out to be a young boy. After racing to gather a healing potion, it turned out that the boy was using his unrefined magical talents to "play" witth the the gravestones which he could mould or scour with his powers. Due to having trouble at home,specifically with violence on his father's part, they made another trip to the Fire Shrine and asked another, now attending, Priest for advice. He agreed to take a look at the boy's talent as well as solve the issue of familial discord.

Session 16

Author: Joan of May Grove

After the boy was left at the temple, Joan and Lothar went back to the inn, finding Alfonso still sleeping in the main hall. Snapping at Lothar, Joan got back to her room, hoping to go back to finishing some of her potions, this time undisturbed.

Next day Lothar dragged Chathe to the smithy, after failing to make a weapon himself, while Alfonso and Joan wandered the market. At the market, a man approached Alfonso, asking for help to get back his coin and in return gave the party a Scroll of Disintegrate Armor 2 and Feather 3. They both also noticed some kind of commotion in the market, apparently one merchant sold a bloodied dagger, prompting an angry response from the customer. Meanwhile, Lothar spoke to Girebal, who requested he looks into a missing tax collector, Egisel. After the party met up, Chathe tried to drag the party outside, to somewhere in the north-east, but Lothar and Alfonso chose to deal with the tax collector first, increasing Joan's irritation.

Egisel was described as a man with red beard and a sharp chin whi prefers wearing yellow however this yielded few results. Alfonso had the most luck with the brothel, where two girls on a break whispered that the man is actually sleeping in the brothel right now. Alfonso quickly grabbed the rest of the party and they waited outside, hidden.

After a few hours, Egisel finally left the place, looking around nervously. Thankfully, Joan and Alfonso were quiet enough to not alarm him and Chathe and Lothar followed a bit later. The tax collector went to the shadier part of the town, the slums. He looked around nervously and after making sure that no one was watching, he unlocked the door and went in.

Alfonso approached the door after 10 minutes and masterfully picked the lock in an instant. However the door was still locked from the inside, so another entrance was chosen: a window. Carefully opening it, Alfonso went in and unlocked the door - Egisel was sleeping soundly on the bed.

Joan had an idea and after a few failed attempts, was able to silently cast Burden on the man, to ensure he will find it more difficult to resist. Afterwards, the party stepped inside, woke the tax collector up and interrogated him. At first Egisel tried to bribe them but the party was not interested. Defeated, the man confessed to stealing the tax money, even more than what was originally thought. Alfonso found the money in one of the boards, 1000 total.

The party dragged the man to the Watchmen and handed hin to Girebal, who awarded them 100 crowns each.

Session 17

Author: Alfonso The Untamed Wily

As the group started the day, we stocked on supplies ranging from weapons to rations , while walking down the streets of Farring the group splits ways to efficientize their time in town.

While walking down the streets, Lothar finds new potential recruits for the city s watch, some teenagers were playing sports , seeing the potential in them , Lothar makes his way to offer the new potential guards the opportunity to join the watch bringing them a new goal in life , Lothar manages to talk some of the bigger boys on joining the watch feeling way better about himself and for the city s new acquired forces.

In the meantime, while Chathe and Joan are walking down the streets of Farring they encounter a misterious man telling them that they probably dropped a letter, which they inspect only to realise its an invitation to find Tretogor, a member of the Ring of Water, who offers to sponsor Joan and Alfonso if they manage to find him and bring Gillyweeds with them.

Alfonso meets with Challin, the handscraft man which was paid to make a new weapon for Alfonso , both of them sharing they re appreciation for each other and maybe make a bond of friendship and business between the group and Challin.

After all the time spend stockpilling on resources, the group decides to head towards Cyclopean Ruins , a place which appeared in Chathe's dream about a day or so , seeking the visions of his nightmare, while on the road towards the ruins , the group is stopped by 2 inquisitors , which were on duty to guard and inspect any trespasser in case they we re pagans which the inquisitors where set on eliminating.

Questioning the groups actions and reasons on why they re there, the inquisitors caught Chathe , Lothar and Joan lying , loosing the inquisitors trust, after which alfonso stepped in and told the inquisitors there s no reason to question us , after all we re good religious people and we wont do any harm on our way and that we were just traveling.

One of the inquisitors all of sudden started attacking Alfonso who was in front, visibly angered by the Shedomites words, a fight started which was dealt in matter of seconds by the groups tough hardened experience in battle , after immobilizing both the inquisitors

Alfonso approached the downed inquisitor which swung at him telling him to say he s sorry only to be mocked by the inquisitor which died in 2 more arrows to the body.

Chaos emerged between the group, Lothar charged at Alfonso to stop him from murdering the remaining inquisitor , but he failed and in the meantime Chathe and Spot slit the throat of the other enemy.

After the fight, Joan followed Lothar on his way to farring , separating from the group , after Lothar got both of the rings and letters form the killed inquisitors, taking his leave from this chaos.

After some small talks between the members of each party, Chathe and Alfonso decide to follow they re friends in case some more inquisitors or dangers appear on the road. Luckily for Lothar and Joan, Chathe and Alfonso catch up with them right before the 2 Brothers are ambushed by 6 Bloodsuckers which were surprisingly strong. Fight happens only the group to realize they can die at the hands of bloodsuckers.

Joan terrified by the situation runs in fear for her life at which point the group decides to retreat, in the chaos of battle Joan drops her weapon and backpack and runs for her life, the backpack filled with valuable ingredients and items had to be rescued, at which point Chathe comes with a plan on how to recover the backpack and weapons. Alfonso and Chathe take the bodies of the dead inquisitors and give them as food to the bloodsuckers creating enough time for the two of them to recover the lost items and escape the bloodsuckers.

Visibly tired the group decides to go back to Farring to resolve this problem that appeared between they re opinions. Will they manage to find a common ground?

Only time will tell...damn man i really need some alcohol

Session 18

Author: Chathe Cú

The fates of the party members have twisted like a leaf down the stream of fate. The day after returning to Faring, the members of the party reported to Girebal. The captain of the guard was distraught, due to the armory having recently been looted. Chathe bore more grim news for him, and told Girebal about the situation with the two dead Inquisitors. Knowing their pure hearts, but being unable to defend them, Girebal informed the party that they must leave Faring, possibly for good. Lothar had his rank officially stripped, though he may still act as a member of the Watchmen in an unofficial capacity. The group told their goodbyes to Girebal, as Chathe and Lothar left to Throngar's shop. Chathe, seeing Throngar for the last time, graciously accepted the special pike the old Norman had made for him. It was on their way back to the front of town that Lothar and Chathe ran into Thea, Chathe's older sister. She was upset about his leaving, but left Chathe with money to spend on the road. After that, the party made their way to return to the Cyclopean Stones.

Along the way, the party was stopped by a tax collector. Though it cannot be confirmed that he was truly a tax collector, he asked for little, only ten talents from each party member. After paying the man, Chathe set up a small camp within a ditch near the worn foot road. Some bears wandered the woods nearby, but never approached close enough to pose a threat. The next morning the party continued their way to the Cyclopean Stones, their ox Champion meandering as it pulled the cart. The oxen was certainly happy when they came across the verdant rolling hills that housed the stones, as he frequently stopped to graze. Joan elected to remain with Champion and the party's cart. Chathe, Alfonso, and Lothar all approached the stones, which were currently surrounded by strange Brownies. Contrary to others of their kin, these Brownies bore green skin, and didn't seem outwardly hostile. In fact, they began to back away as the party approached. Chathe, feeling inquisitive, motioned for his compatriots to remain a distance away. The huntsman made plenty of gestures, as if trying to communicate with the Brownies and present an air of calm. It certainly worked, as the Brownies began laughing before leaving the stones.

The three party members surmised that the Brownies must have been worshiping these Cyclopean Stones in some way. Chathe approached the stones, and saw a strange green light, though the only companion of his that could see the light was Alfonso, as Lothar saw nothing but stone. Chathe witnessed a snake appear from the light, coiled in the center hole of the the central Hub Stone. This stone was, in fact, the Serpent Standing Stone. The snake poured into Chathe, anointing him with the Serpent's Venom. Just as they turned, they could see someone approaching with an axe in the distance. It was none other than their ally, Dreyfur, who seemed to refuse the notion of the party leaving without him. He had followed after them, determined to travel with the group and go on adventures like them. With Dreyfur returned to the party, the group set to rest. Their lives are in a storm of uncertainty for now, and one can only hope they can soon find the eye of clarity.

Session 19 & 20

Author: Joan of May Grove

After waking up, it was time to figure out where to go next. The wilderness was extremely dangerous but also full of treasures and secrets. The thrill of travel was almost enough to make Joan forget something very important - May Grove. The small village she and Lothar called home until the curse forced them out, was now under the attack from the Ogres. She argued that this is where they should be going next and eventually, others agreed. It helped that the path they chose was going to bring them close to a large lake, hopefully full of Gillyweeds. Another choice was made - stay off the road. The Inquisitors might have started looking for them already, who knows.

After a few hours of traveling, the group saw a small hut with a man, sitting on a bench. The old man introduced himself as __, claiming he has spent the last few decades in self-isolation, mourning for his love. There was a grave nearby, with barely legible writing on the stone.

The man seemed frail, so each of the group shared some of their food with him. The man was also hungry for stories, so Joan and Chathe told him of their delve into the old mines, the fight with minecrawlers and the recovery of the Fire Chalice. The man, overwhelmed by the attention, gifted the group with a Potion of Levitate 3 and 2 Black Peones. Joan, recognising the rarity of the flowers, carefully packed both in her backpack. After telling the hermit of their travel, he did warn them about goblins - apparently the lake was full of them. Alfonso, suddenly moved, gave him Water Lady's blessing, causing the man to tear up.

Before leaving, Alfonso asked to take a look at the grave, hoping to find King's Sorrel, but no luck. After thanking the old man for the gifts and the advice, the group moved on.

Unfortunately, despite being warned, none of them were prepared when a small group of goblins ambushed them on their way to the lake.

The fight was tough, but not impossible - the worst casualty being Spot, who was close to dying when Joan fed her a few potions. Joan was probably the second most wounded person after the dog - darts that cause paralysis really ruined her day. She made note of finding a way to deal with that at some point... stupid goblins. All of their blood and ears were so damaged, she couldn't even take any.

Once they died, an small animal, a squirrel, showed itself from under one of the creatures' clothes. Joan didn't particularly care for the animal, though surely some of it could be used for potions. Chathe took a liking to the small thing and took it under his wing instead.

Somewhat battered, the group decided to stop and set up a camp, look for someplace safe, so that they can recover. Alfonso even found a Gillyweed while looking around.

...Or at least that was the plan.

A shriek, somewhere in the distance, and when all looked up, a flock of horrifying harpies approaching the camp sire. The group already set up the camp, so this took everyone completely by surprise. Torn between wanting to fight the creatures and just running, this delay ended up costing everyone dearly.

Alfonso tried to fight but as he got close, he was simply picked up by one of the harpies and then she dropped him from a terifying height. The sound of him hitting the ground was not pleasant and for a split second Joan thought he was done for. But somehow, the Shedomite got on his feet and abandoning all pretense of bravery yelled "Run to the lake!" as he ran past them. The group followed suit.

The harpies were gaining on them, especially Joan. While possessing average agility, she was wearing partial steel armor, which was weighing her down, bringing her closer to the angry bird creatures. Using up all her stamina reserves, Joan and the other continued running to the lake. Eventually, the harpies left them alone.

Everything seemed to have been fine, until Chathe spoke out. Feeling exhausted from the constant dangers and worried about Spot, he could no longer take it. The burden of having to worry about other people so much has also affected him. Having said this, Chathe took his share of items from the cart and disappeared into the woods. Dreyfour, surprised at the turn of the events, decided to stay for now, as he is seeking some excitement.

Somewhat somber after Chathe's departure, the group quietly returned to the abandoned campsire, quickly packed and started to think about what to do next. Alfonso, having barely survived the fall, now was categorically against staying off the paths and wanted to turn back. Unwilling, Joan relented in the end - they can reach May Grove through other means. They packed up and started going back to the hermit's place, but then realised it will be too far away for them to reach. Just their luck - heavy rain started as well.

Trying to find someplace to hide, a morbid location made itself known - an old, derelict crypt. Fearful at first, the fatigue won and the group gingerly stepped inside. Quickly setting up the camp right at the entrance, everyone fell asleep, exhausted by the recent events.

Next day, while still feeling somewhat haggard, Joan and Alfonso decided to look around the crypt. Together, they deciphered what was written on one of the walls:

"Here are buried the children of this land. In these stone coffins they forever rest, Undisturbed by strife and famine, In eternal tranquility."

The language was hard to understand and the look of the crypt made it pretty obvious, this was the resting place of one of the First Men. Torn between not wanting to be crypt robbers and curiosity, Joan and Alfonso took a few steps inside, when Alfonso noticed a magical trap. It's at this point that the moldy smell was especially strong, and not used to this, the Shedomite threw up and ran outside to catch his breathe, not interested in going deeper. Joan, having used to the most horrible smells imaginable, just shrugged and decided to try her luck. Stepping into the trap, she spoke a few quick words and a faint barely visible bubble enveloped her, fully protecting her from magical poison.

Once Alfonso recovered, he followed after her. They found a bloodied tent, with no trace of its inhabitants and deeper in the crypt, something very unexpected - a Deed to a Tower, signed by King Rhobar III, the current King. This was odd, as someone wouldn't have parted with a deed so valuable. Not willing to stay any longer, the group quickly left.

By this point, the rain finally stopped and the group slowly moved towards the direction of the tower. Finally, after a few hours, the reached the described place. A tall tower silently greeted them. Perhaps, this could be a good place to call home... temporarily. Or at least, the deed can be sold. Their fortunes have started to turn around.

Session 21

Author: Alfonso The Untamed Wily

As the group Enter their new safe house, we meet a man in fancy robes by the name of Jorin who became our new companion which was looking for something in our tower , we explored the upper floors only to find a note and a dead corpse apparently a mage who was send to find one of the fire chalices

Alfonso wants to bury the corpse and the others help him completing the burial rites, after an hour of rest we explored and cleaned our tower , only to find a new secret door , locked, which Alfonso unlocks only to find a chest which Jorin opened to find An ring enchanted with the Fear spell.

In need of alchemical ingredients the party leaves on a small trip. At one point the group finds a group of 4 mercenaries from which Joan,Alfonso and Lothar hide, But Jorin greets them with a welcoming" what are you doing here" just to get approached by them. Jorin casts magic against them and the fight starts. In the midsts of battle 2 of the mercenaries run away and we re left against their captain who almost kills Jorin, but luckily THE untamed is right beside him to end the battle with 2 more arrows.

After healing Jorin, we continue on searching for alchemical ingredients, after awhile Joan finds the mushrooms near the entrance of a cave where a beast is sleeping , snoring really loudly and reeking of death , Jorin casts Levitate  and stealthly takes the mushrooms before the beast wake up and we run in fear towards our tower.

Session 22

Author: Jorin Landreth "The younger Jorin"

In the morning they begun to pack things together for the trip to Moor. Jorin did not feel well but thanks to Joan curing abilities he got better with some herbs and alchemy. Then they all gathered outside the tower. Leaving Dreyfus as a steward with some gold in his pocket, the tower will be repaired and in good shape on return and with a herb garden for Joan and her alchemy ingredients.

Jorin took the lead, he floated to the tree lines and plotted the course.

With the ox dragging the cart they began to walk through the woods. It was a sunny day, the sounds of scavengers echoed in the forest, the bird's song accompanied them while in steady pace moving forward. A pack of wolves was spotted by the keen eyes of Alfonso and they managed to stay out of the way. Jorin switched leading with Joan and Jorin instead begun to forage, finding some berries that tasted good. Jorin found it amusing that Joan was more or less disappointed, she expected alchemy ingredients, apparently, she has a whole backpack filled with ingredients. "Busy little bee" Jorin though and smiled.

They found an empty hovel but with fresh sign of a fire. Without further notice, still, early on the day, they kept on marching until an arrow flew above their heads and a figure appeared in the distance, barked them to halt and identify themselves. Alfonso stopped Jorin to walk towards them apparently cautious concerning yesterday's encounter with bandits.

A group of scouts suspecting the party for being brigands. They were paid by Ralf the alchemist to find the Kings Sorrel, apparently mostly to be found near graves in the wilderness. Jorin almost slipped his tongue saying "wait for a while and we can mark some of we left behind". After a short conversation exchanging information and news, they departed. To avoid the spirits in the woods north of as the scouts should avoid an abandoned town near the mountains north of Moor and they also gave advice on a good place to rest, "seek shelter under a cliff not far from here" they said. The party did as instructed.

The camping overnight went without any encounters than snoring from Alfonso. During the morning, Jorin assisted Lothar to gather some ore, which went better than last time. Lothar is seeking to gather enough materials to make a steel armour for Alfonso. Jorin has no profession, most of his youth he has been errand boy and carrier of his Uncle's goods. So again, before leaving, Jorin levitated to the tree lines, gained a good sight, a road to the south with the moor ahead.

Alfonso seems somewhat uneasy with the spirits, he wanted to leave, and Jorin who understood that under his boasting, that Alfonse was afraid. So Jorin teased and as result, Alfonso began to berate Jorin and while walking into the Moor. They were traveling on a road in a landscape of violet flower meadows and rocky but otherwise flat moor. However, they stumbled upon a flock of scavengers picking on a corpse.

The scavenges swarmed over them and almost killing Joan, but Lothar stood by her side while Alfonso nicked one after one from a safe distance behind and being annoyed by Jorins mockery "so you are running after all". Jorin, however, was fortunate to be able to levitate while the scavenger tried to jump up in the air to reach him. Although Lothar managed well with his staff, tripped and kept them at bay, it was apparent Jorin saved the day, by the crackling sound of the lighting and the fire engulfing filled the scavengers went down and Alfonso aimed and took out the last fleeing one with an arrow that struck right into the skull and went through. Joan was badly hurt. But Jorin healed her, he felt good to return the favour.

While the others were skinning and salvage the meat from the corpses of the scavengers. Jorin buried the poor soul that was killed. He found a journal, Zacharias was apparently his name, Jorin then understood that he was the brigand that fled. He also found 84 talents that in the journal was meant to be given to charity in the name of the Fire Lord. Jorin regarded this as a dying man's last wish so he told the others that he intends to use the talents for that purpose. Alfonso who still was upset about Jorins mockery looked at him with disbelieve.

At the outskirts of Moor, they gain direction by a shepherd looking for a lost sheep, to find Harding, a local shopkeeper, tanner and butcher. There they made trading, gained salt and paid Harding to prepare fresh ratios out of the salvaged fresh meat of the scavengers. They gained all two weeks worth of ratio, Jorin also gains knowledge about his father, Harding first eyed cautiously then he exclaimed: "By the looks of your, aren't you Jorins lad after all". Jorin took note of the direction, an abandoned tower in May Grove, as in consideration of his strange dreams, he begins to wonder if his father is guided as he is.

Session 23

Author: Joan

After arriving at Moor, the group barely had any time to look around, when they were ambushed by hired thugs. The men seem to have been hired by someone to settle a score with Joan, Lothar and Alfonso, however, one of the men has shown reluctance in attacking, despite being one of the hired men. He was one of the men who ran away from Men At Arms, sent to deal with Orogs. As thanks for letting him go, the man tried to stop the other from attacking them, repaying the debt of his life. However, his attempts were not very successful, the man in charge of not listening to him and arguing with him, eager to get paid.

While the two were arguing and were looking to potentially back away, Jorin decided to taunt the man. Angered, he decided to move in for an attack, his men going after him. However, after it was evident that the group was stronger than it first seemed, the thugs decided to back away and run for it.

Before the group could start arguing with Jorin about his actions, the Men At Arms swarmed the place, attracted by the commotion. Trying to explain what happened, Lothar was cut off by Jorin who tried to use his ancestry to get out of trouble. Unfortunately, being in a small town, the guards didn't know who it was and did not particularly care, feeling insulted by Jorin's haughty attitude. To rectify this, Lothar hastily suggested his help as a smith to smooth out the situation, which the captain accepted.

While Lothar was busy working on that, Jorin went to the Fire Mage, showing him the letter of Zacharias and relaying his dying wishes. After a brief exchange, he followed the mage to tend the wounded.

Joan explored the city, before heading to the local alchemist shop and purchasing a retort, hoping it will replace her old one she melted. Unfortunately, that purchase lasted a day as the next few potions quickly ruined the tool once more.

Alfonso, meantime, visited the temple of the Water Lady in hopes of receiving guidance from a priest. He shared his dreams with him and the priest offered him some words of encouragement. Alfonso also showed him the letter from Tretogor, who the priest seemed to know but refused to disclose any more information.

After the group gathered together again on the next day, they started considering their next options. Ready to continue on their journey, they were approached by a man named Lares, who was on his initiation quest into the Ring of Water. The man needed some bodyguards to explore the ruins to the north of Moor. Alfonso, feeling inspired and wondering if this is the sign of the Water Lady, quickly convinced the others to assist the man.

On the way to the shrine, the group were attacked by a pack of goblins, however, they were not a big threat and the group quickly dealt with them.

Session 24

Author: Lothar

The group followed the directions that were given by Lares, who seemed rather oblivious of danger in some regards as he began approaching a group of scavengers as he claimed they would not be dangerous or at least easily warded away. This complicated the issue for Lothar, who had snuck down into the river-bed to take a look at what he believed to be Red Steel ore. As Lares had attracted the Birds with his noisiness, they began encircling Lothar. All the while the rest of the group was ready to pepper the now increasing number of potential enemies with arrows and bolts. In the end, Lares advice of challenging them by "looking big" succeeded and Lothar was able to intimidate them and he was thus able to complete the harvest of a substantial amount of Red Steel ore.

Continuing deeper into the woods, Lares began to behave a bit twitchy and when questioned seemed quite strained in holding back his annoyance. He also mentioned having seen something white in his peripheral vision, which fit the description of the forest as haunted and the stories the party read about it.

Eventually the party arrived at their goal, the remains of an old city of the first men that had saved the nearby city of Moor as a convenient source of building material for ages. To their surprise it was chock full of goblins.While the party had made camp and had left their now overburdened oxen champion there, they did not have the foresight to approach more stealthily and thus were quickly discovered by the goblinoid horde. A nail bitingly dangerous battle ensued which could only be salvaged by Jorin floating above and following the source of roars he had heard before, finding a huge eldritch monstrosity inside a pen. As the group was on the verge of being taken down by the goblins he started roasting the monstrosity with a spell of his it tore free and interrupted the battle.

In the end the group managed to flee into a cave, where Lares revealed under continued questioning his higher rank in the Circle of Water he had wished to keep secret to avoid silly questions. This was interrupted by a cave-quake and our heroes were nearly squashed by the falling stones but could gather each other up again.

Session 25

Author: Jorin

With the exit out of the cave blocked by the collapsed ceiling caused by the earthquake, the party made a resting while Lares wandered around impatiently. After the rest they searched for a way out, the rocks were too large to be moved without further risking the ceiling collapsing even further but they found a small hole leading into a larger cave. Lothar grabbed a pickaxe and swiftly begun to widen the hole enough for all getting through.

It was pitch black, Jorin gave to the party torches, Lares having an enchanted ring that aided him to see in the dark. With torches the cave becomes a room with particularly high ceilings, not even torches could make a clear sight to the ceiling. Alfonso found an urn, appraised by Lares to be of value for the right person, then Alfonso swiftly stuffed this large urn into his backpack.

They all heard distance sound of something, best described as a wailing sound of a child, and also as further they ventured into a corridor, a clattering sound, intensified by their movement. Alfonso that was moving ahead, caught a glimpse of a glimmering bluish stone on a pillar, he smiled and begun hastily moving forward, as result, not seeing the tripwire, a trap sprung loose and Alfonso was engulfed in the arch of lightning that hurt him badly.

While the party was gathering about the stone, Alfonso with an oozing smell of burned flesh, reached out for the gem on the pillar and got zapped that he slumped to the wall. Lares cackled "Ha, you are starting to smell like a roasted pig". Lothar was meanwhile peeking around the corner and he got attacked from the dark by something smelly, sticky and poisonous dark substance. Lothar screamed out. Out of sudden from the high ceilings, large man-sized spiders ambushed. The spiders moved agile around, webbed, spat venomous secrets and ferociously strikes with the jaws and the legs with sharp claws. All but Lares and Jorin were entangled and grappled down. Lothar and Alfonso even collapsed but by Jorins healing touch they stayed on foot and fought back courageously. In end, all spiders were killed.

Joan gathered alchemy ingredients, glared irritated at Jorin that was complaining about a splinter in his finger from his staff. Lares gave all potion of healing, Jorin gave his to Alfonso and he healed Lothar and Alfonso but told them that magic strength was draining too fast, and therefore they took a short rest. Jorin stumbled by accident upon a hidden compartment and a smaller treasure was found. Also to be found, writing on the walls with illustrative painting. All from the first men. Lares were excited when found a gem in the treasure that for a short moment shimmered with a bluish light.

As they were exploring the ruins, it appears to be a built-in the mountain living quarters, like a palace, although collapsed, once most surely inhabited by people with wealth, Jorin and Lares worked out the writing on the wall. A strange story of a beast haunting the lands was told by these writings.

A few things of interest that were found in the staff that Jorin took into possession, seemed to have a socket for a gem to be placed. It was found in a throne room with a large throne on which a dead body resided with the head slumped to the chest wearing an amulet that Alfonso grabbed. Alfonso gave his prayer to the deceased. Jorin also found a superior helmet of sky iron that he repaired with his magic touch. Joan, still angry at Jorin, found several plants that finally eased her soured mood and Lothar found rich veins with sky iron that Jorin helped him to carry. They also found a burial chamber where the dead body of a woman was found. And soul gem on a statue. All guarded by deadly traps of lightning, that Alfonso with deft hands disabled. Lothar grabbed on a nicely crafted shield of sky iron. Jorin was filled with joy, finding several tomes of spells. Other founds scrolls and other things of value.

Lares shocked his head muttering "I didn't take you for being peddlers".

A section of a corridor must have been split due to the earthquake and by climbing upon the cliff the party found a secluded room, most suitable for a longer rest.

Session 26

Author: Jorin

After a short rest, the group started to explore the area.

Lares urged the group to push on forward, the group entered a larger room with a pile of collapsed earth and stones from the ceiling on the ground, two dead bodies of goblins and at the ceiling, they found a hole.

This was caused by the recent earthquake. Jorin hushed the others, he could hear a faint sound of a battled. Alfonso took a peek out of the hole, the beast was fighting with the goblins lead by a menacing goblin with a large crude axe.

The party decided to wait until the battle ended. When no more sound from the battle was heard, Joan got curious and took a look, and the group argued about the course of action, it ended with Jorin getting scolded by Alfonso. By either the sound or the peek of the group into the scenery of the battle, the remaining group of goblins swarmed over and again swarmed over Lothar, but Jorin roared the group to stay aside and from his staff, a frosty cone of ice froze all the attackers to death.

They found Lares disappeared.

They set up a camp. Joan asked Jorin to make a drawing of the beast

After a search for Lares, they found the chart, with lost gods, an old man was sleeping on the ground. They woke him up, he introduced himself as Tretogore, priest of the Water Lady, the person Alfonso and Joan have been looking for, a quest of being the initiation of Ring of Water.

Unfortunately, Jorin caused Alfonso not being accepted as initiated, but Joan passed the test. Apparently, Alfonso was cursed due to the defiling the corpses and his bad temper caused Jorin to leave a while to find his calmness by meditation.

They asked Tretogore about Lares but he said "no such man is within the order as you described, "You must have known that he was not a member of the Ring of Water".

Jorin described to the old man the writing on the walls in the ruin and paintings as well the crystal that Lares snatched out of a crate that Jorin stumbled upon in the ruin. Tretogore shook his head and said this was a bad omen and gave the group a warrant to hunt Lares down and bring him, an impostor of being

Jorin looked for tracks and found a trail leading to Moor. They hurried with the chart, leaving the old man on his own doings. While reaching Moor, they left the chart at Tavern Champion, in return for looking out for the chart, the innkeeper got a potion made by Joan to soothe his temper and get calmness caused by an angry wife and his noisy children.

Jorin asked around, found hearsay about Lares leaving to the east. He was on foot only for a few hours ago.

Thereafter, Lohar went to the stables and using the warrant he finally came to an agreement to lend horses, using the influence of the Captain and they hurried to east. After a few hours ride, they almost lost

the hope of tracking Lares but a couple of farmers points towards the north and as they passed a cottage, a sour knight, they finally arrived at the cave, a foreboding pole with a strange skull was placed onto the ground to the entrance to the cave.

Session 27

Author: Joan

Alfonso was the first person to delve into the caves, while the others stayed inside, unwilling to compromise the potential ambush.

While exploring the cavern, he discovered a group of men, dressed in ceremonial garbs and very heavily armed. Sneaking closer, he heard them discussing summoning their master for a final ritual of sorts. A droning chanting was heard from the deep...

On his way back, Alfonso silently executed one of the men watching over the entrance before going back to others and reporting what he saw.

The speech of these men and the unsettling lair lead Joan to believe these are the worshippers of the Dark God, meaning they need to be extremely careful. The group decides to try and ambush the men to delve deeper and find Lares.

The ambush has failed immediately, however, as Alfonso stumbled across a rock in the darkness, drawing the attention of the cultists. The group tried to hide but Lothar's frame was too noticeable to overlook and the first cultist charged ahead, followed by others.

The fight was going reasonably well until one of them, close to his death, broke some kind of dark crystal. His body fell to the floor, with black tentacles crawling out of him. The sight of something so unholy had an immediate effect on Joan, who froze in place, eyes locked to the terrifying shadows.

Meanwhile, Jorin was attacked and almost killed by a mage while Lothar once again succumbed to his injuries; thankfully, he was saved by Jorin while Joan was still frozen in fear, not noticing much of what's going on around her. Alfonso succumbed to a more horrible terror and rather than freeze in place, he started raving like a madman and crying hysterically. The most horrifying event was one of the men raising his dead accomplice, as an undead servant.

Having survived the fight and cutting down all of them, the group had a tough choice. The fear won in the end, as the chanting was approaching and half of the group were heavily wounded and mentally drained as well. The group retreated and travelled back to Moor as fast as possible, to warn the guard captain and request help.

The captain was sceptical at first but after being shown items worn by the cultists he realised the situation and offered his help. The group had three young recruits and even received some healing potions and a blessing of the fire mage.

Inside was completely deserted. After carefully exploring the whole cave, the group found no one there, as we were too late. However, items left were disturbing in what they represented: a magical circle that none could understand and near it - broken shards of the blue crystal Lares took. Whatever he wanted to do with it, he succeeded...

Session 29

Author: Lothar

After the party was nearly killed by adherents of the Dark One in their cave hideout, the party had returned with a gaggle of watchmen recruits in

tow to lay siege to the caves. Sadly it turned out that they were to late and a ritual of horrible power had been unleashed on the unsuspecting surrounding,

which had been indicated by the ominous chanting and overheard conversations witnessed during their first, failed attack on the cave.

They found enough beds and supplies for a sizeabel amount of people and a ritual cave with ecthings, deciphered by JORIN as being destruction runes.

In the middle of the rune circle they found the shards of THE CRYSTAL, a relic of the Water Lady.

On their way back, they were informed by the boys that there was a sizeable bounty on dragon snappers, specifically one with exotic striping

that had maimed the poster of the bounty. Trying to hunt them down in full gallop didn't go well for two of the party, one boy broke his leg and was

calmed down by lothar who did not want to risk this harsh gallop in full armour and no knowledge of riding and Alfonso who also fell of his horse and

had the wind knocked out of him.

During that time the fight with the Dragon Snappers had allready begun and Jorin and the boys gave them a stiff thrashing even though one of the recruits was

bit in the leg. The party retreated towards Alfonso and Lothar and they began firing missilies at the charging snappers and managedt o finish them off even ast hey turned to

flee. In the end, all wounds were mended by Jorin and one of Alfonso's potions and the group returned to Moor were they turned in the Bounty for the Snappers.

Session 28

Author: Joan

After coming back from a stressed exploration of the cultist's cave, not finding anyone was somewhat of a relief.

To the point where the group deicided it is time to rest and let off some steam. The first one to take off immediately was Alonso, who headed towards the one place full of women: a brother. Considering not hours before he was crying and screaming in a cave thanks to the cultist's dark powers, he cannot be blamed.

The rest of the party were about to head their separate ways, when a couries approached them. In his hand were two letters: one for Jorin and one for the rest of the party. The letter addressed to Jorin seems to have distressed him. The man mentioned something about family issues and how he needs to resolsve them here in Moor.

The letter addressed to Lothar, Joan and Alfonso was much more pleasant: Sir Fredegar together with Captain Geribald actually spoke on their behalf and cleared their name after what happened to the inquisitors. This was wonderful news and Joan made a mental note to write back to Sir Fredegar. The man was somewhat arrogant but he had a good heart. And he will need all the blessings he can get for his own personal quest. May the Lord and the Lady bless him.

After this, Lothar dragged Joan into the smithy where he seems to have established a connection with the master smith. Lothar set out to make a full sky iron cuirass for his sister as well as see if he can modify the old helmet they found in the ruins. Master smith was sceptical about this but said that this is something he can try (Lothar's idea was to attach a face cover made out of metal to add extra protection)

After Joan was able to escape the smithy, she was stopped by a guard who gave her a commission from the captain, a few healing potions. That was easy enough and Joan didn't anticipate any issues... until one of the potions exploded, filling one of the taverns with an unbearable smell. Sadly, this was the sign for the things to come....

Jorin meanwhile wandered the town, trying to find out if anything else is going on. He learned a number of things, the most distressing one being some kind of curse of the Dark God: cows in the town were giving blood rather than milk and chickens stopped laying eggs. This, together with earthquakes made a lot of people uneasy. Hopefulyl the prisests know what to do and will use the Fire Lord's blessings to heal the land.

Other items discovered by Jorin were:

- a missing daugther of a wool merchant Garic; this was in fact, the member of his family who was causing trouble

- a ransacked caravan of a merchant Renfield

- merchant Salandril was looking for some lurler claws

- man named Harding had his bow stolen by someone

Finally, Joan by accident discovered that Ralf the alchemist was looking for his son who was accompanying a few travellers looking for King's Sorrel. He has left a while ago and the father has not heard back from him.

While Lothar was toiling away in the smithy, Joan decided to make full use of this welcomed break. After making the commissioned potions, she asked the captain if anything else was needed and he added that something to increase the courage of new recruits would be welcome. Joan went back to the tavern and made a few Willpower +5 potions, after which she decided to finally get some rest.

Just at that time Jorin was trying to have a drinking contest with a tavern regular, who seemed to be always drunk, yet very rich. After Jorin tried to twist the wording and add water to the ale, the man stopped paying attention to him. Joan, thinking she would test her endurance, agreed to a wager and started drinking. While doing well at first, she was quickly overwhelmed as the man had a much better alcohol tolerance than her. Despite losing, she didn't feel bad about it (maybe it was the alcohol?) and the man seemed to like her a bit as well. After bringing the Willpower potions, all Joan could do was stumble back to the tavern and sleep.

On the next day, her potion making continued. Though the end results.... too many potions to count, 1 instance of explosion in a full tavern and the wraith of the tavern owner, 2 melted retorts and 1 ruined alembic... At least this has given her some valuable alchemy experience, one would think...

Lothat has finished with the armor when he was approached by Jorin who told him about some of the quests he was investigating. As Joan was too busy (she just discovered a band of adventurers and was showing off her potions in the hopes of making money), the two men went to the salt factory to check it out. The place was closed so Jorin cast Levitate and floated up, trying to look through one of the small windows. This was spotted by a guard who quickly demanded the mage come down. Resistant at first, Jorin obliged when the guard took out a crossbow and aimed it at him. The guard then took him and Lothat to the door of the salt factory and knocked. It was opened by a man Jorin saw before who complained about him. Enraged, the guard took Jorin to be fined, leaving Lothar somewhat lost on the street.

Session 29

Author: Jorin

At the Captain's office, Jorin explains the situation and Captain Torholm said that he normally would fine for 100 talents but instead Jorin could help him with a matter of great concern for the Captain. A man, Jonar was inspecting the conditions of the militia and it haven't gone well. Large cost of different things has to lead to an armoury with inferior quality and the performance of duties has not gone well lately. Jorin went to the barracks, found Jonar, tried to convince him by telling the Captains diligence with hunting down the cultist and beasts in the Moor, but since Jorin also could not let his misfortune go aside, he also told his own experience. That didn't go well. Jorin went back to the Captain's office and encouraged the Captain to bring some bad criminals behind the bar, and asked Lothar for mending and placing new stuff in the armoury. Jorin doesn't like the Captain, but as Jorin's uncle usual said "Better the devil we know than we don't", so he went to the inn, then set his plan in motion. All went fine, at the salt workshop they found the missing cloths from the caravan, then at Greta's house, the rest of the missing goods with the culprit named Harold was found. Alfonso step toed behind him and knocked out and Jorin healed him. Lothar has stayed all day with smithing and working out Captains dilemma but also made to his sister a masterpiece of a helmet, shining sky iron using the helmet Jorin found at the ruins. Meanwhile, the sky becomes even darker, day become dark as evening. At the inn they saw Salandril, look sad, he told he has been robbed. Jorin promised to look into this and he found evidence pointing towards a weed-smoking light-footed woman, most certainly interested in fire magic and probably highly skilled mage or a thief with a contract on grabbing specific things.

Session 30

Author: Jorin

After helping Captain Thorholm with the inspector and his investigation, the group returned to the Triumphant Hero. There, Jorin continued his studies of the books. Alfonso court the innkeeper's daughter in secret. Lothar worked hard at the smith and finished the rework of the sky iron helmet that Jorin found at the ruin and a masterpiece of full helmet. Joan made and sold a few healing potions to Salandir. When all were gathered, the Captain appeared in the inn and asked for help of an urgent matter. A victim was found in an alley and due to the nature of its murder, the Captain didn't wanna give more details so they all followed him to the crime scene. It was a gruesome sight, the man was torn apart, blood everywhere, some even vomited on the sight. Joan begins to investigate but found no leads. Jorin found it strange that not even a blood trail was to be found away from the scenery, so he climbed to the rooftop and found a trail leading to the outskirts of the town. They followed it but it ended abruptly. Joan and Lothar then went around and asked, they finally found a shopkeeper, saying that he heard a strange noise from Greta 's house, more than usual as she was a promiscuous woman. So they went over to her house, found it locked, but Alfonso unlocked and as they entered the woman's home, they found another gruesome sight of several torn apart bodies, somewhere chewed on like being eaten as food and other tortured. As they investigated the room, a Hunger demon attacked and Alfonso cut it deep but the demon took no apparent damage, so even unaffected by Jorin spells but the red steel of Lothar ripped the demon apart. A fitting end. Lothar left the room and went for a guard and a Fire mage. As they entered, the mage exclaimed, "By the Fire Lord, such a beast being amidst us, its a hunger. My children, it is a good deed that you have killed this foul thing". As they discussed with the mage it was apparent only magical weapons could kill it. All return to the inn. Jorin asks on the way Lothar for making a weapon for him, red steel as Lothars was using to kill the demon. Lothar said, "we will see, I must talk to Alfonso first". But Jorin was impatient so he grabbed his gears and went to Hagen, the smith, and sold his old staff and asked for someone that could enchant his other staff. Hagen said, " well ask the priest at the water temple". At the Temple, he met the priest Saturon. There, Jorin traded his bow and the talents from the deal with the smith and the pries dipped the staff into the water and Jorin could see how runes appeared on the staff.

Session 31

Author: Lothar

The group continued to support the Watchmen by promising to help with recent missing persons and quickly descended into the area of the city that had been affeected. In addition to reports of bad dreams, they came about information of a local lady of some popularity with menfolk had been not seen for some time. After following their suspicion of some smells wafting around the house, they entered and found themselves in a slaughterhouse. Rotten human remains of several people were strewn around the ground flour and claw marks were found on the bodies. As the group tried to not vomit and determine what caused  this they were ambushed by a creature of the Dark One. After intense struggle in which they realised their mundane weapon did not faze it and it's magic hit them harshly. Luckily red-steel seemed to work out and the group managed to put the thing down. Calling in the Captain of the Watchmen and the local Firemage, they were told the creature was called a "Hunger" and truly a servant of the Dark One. One might wonder if this had to fo with thr successfull ritual of the Cultists the group failed to interrupt.