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STORY SO FAR...

Event 1

Report found in Town Libary:


'Our brave band were gathered to find Rose von Fanze, beloved daughter of Baron von Fanze.  Such was the Baron’s concern that he sent the Captain of his personal guard to accompany us.  Last seen leaving Tirasair to pick flowers we set off at pace to find her.  As we left town, we came upon a Celvestial, Uthur Tan’Greal, who was seeking protection for an errand into the woods.  As our paths crossed, and there was the promise of coin, we agreed that he could join us.  Before he would join us, he entreated us to join in a small ritual, where we met another Celvestial known as a Curator.  A scribe of sorts, he was said to watch us, but vanished soon after appearing.

We pressed on, following the path out of town, where we came upon a lounge of lizardmen.  Rather than sulking around ruins as they usually do, these creatures held the road like common bandits, and were armed with dragonscale shields and well crafted weapons of hardened green glass.  We attempted to scare them off, but were forced to use force as they refused to let us pass.  As we reached the crossroads, we met a simple herb trader with two guards, but he had not seen Rose.  Thanks to the efforts of Frollo the tracker, we picked up the trail, where it appeared the Baron’s daughter had met up with another.  As we followed this trail, we came upon a pack of beastmen, armed with viciously sharp blades that cut through even the strongest armour.  An alpha was at the rear, driving the others into battle, and we were forced to kill them all.

Keen to retrieve Rose quickly with so many dangers abroad, we followed the trail until we came across a fearsome sight.  A group of men, well armed, had been killed.  We found only one survivor, Robert, who had met with Rose.  Beastmen had ambushed them and snatched Rose von Fanze, leaving all others for dead.  With the danger increasing, we followed the trail of this warband.  The tracks indicated large numbers, and an alpha of ogre like size.  As we continued on, undaunted by the threat before us, we came across an old man, who had recovered several relics from the lizardman haunted ruins to the East.  Sensing that one of them may aid us in our search, our Celvestial suggested we purchase one of the items.  He also spoke of an invisible windstorm in the sky, but such are the ways of a Merlin.

As we continued on, we came across more Lizardmen, and again they attacked us with malevolence but through skill of arms and strength of heart we were able to overcome them and their fell magics.  We also came upon an injured beatsma, hiding in a hole.  Kester was able to coax the creature out, and after we treated it’s wounds, we learnt that it had been attacked by the warband.  It seems not all the beastmen were a threat, but that some unholy force had corrupted them, turning them to evil and violence.  If we could kill this devil, then perhaps we could cleanse the foul taint of its touch.  We tracked down the warband, and their monstrous leader, and engaged them in brutal battle, with no quarter given or asked.  We managed to slay the warband, but at a dear cost, for Kester was killed by their leader whilst engaged in valiant battle.  Her sacrifice was not in vain though, for we forced it to flee, transforming itself into a foul feathered bird.  We paused only to bury the dead, treat our wounds and repair our armour before again tracking Rose, this time using Uthur’s arcane sight as the bird left no trail for our trackers.

The strangeness continued as we came across a weird spirit that mimicked our words in a weird mockery of life.  When Frollo approached it, we learnt it was dangerous as it struck him down, but as it did not attack us, and we had pressing business elsewhere, we continued on.  We found the old pathfinder from earlier, but he had been killed, stabbed expertly and repeatedly.  He had not been robbed though, and there were no signs of a struggle, this had been murder plain and simple.  We pressed on in grim mood, and once again our path was blocked by lizardmen.  This time they targeted our Celvestial, and though we managed to defeat them, they nearly succeeded in killing him.  Clearly they sought to stop our tracking, but we were equipped with healing draughts that brought him back from the brink.  

        As we continued on, we came across a stranger, Stanislav, who appeared to have been transported from afar, for he had a strange accent.  We pointed him in the direction of Tirasir as more beastmen threatened us.  Three alphas harried us, but the fear of Frollo’s bow kept them back.  One by one, their fury overcame their patience, and they were defeated by strength of arms and superior numbers.  As we despatched the last of them, we came upon the villain’s camp.  Rose was there, still alive, but bound by her captors.  The massive beastman was there, with more of its minions, as well as a man.  We charged into battle, seeking to save the Baron’s daughter, heedless of the danger.  As we neared Rose, a man in a leather fox mask emerged, dragging Rose towards an ancient stone.  Fearing a potential sacrifice, several of our number, including Robert, Bedisle and Doran charged to rescue.  A blinding flash caused all within 10’ of the stone to disappear.  We despatched the rest of the creatures, save for two beastmen who, freed from the alpha’s aggression, we allowed to flee.

      We sought for some way to track Rose, but lacking means magical or physical, and having lost over half our number, Frollo, Uthur, Sascha, Cairn and Jhae returned to issue our report.  Rose von Fanze is alive, but we know not where, nor who holds her.  Something or someone is behind this evil, and we will not rest until we return the Baron’s daughter, avenge our fallen brethren and unmask this foul villain.

Event 2

Diary entry that found it's way into the Towers records:


'Waking in the Tower was not without some level of excitement; freedom once again beckoned waving it’s seductive hand bidding me follow, the voice in my head checking through the list of items needed this time: a sword, some of those beasts made it passed my spear last time, the imbued necklace I traded for, some bandages, a sturdy piece of leather armour and finally my spear, sharpened since the last outing. Finally I found myself talking to the Curator who requested that I and any I find travel to the strange stone and investigate it further and with this in mind another would join me; a more trusted fellow, so I am told called Naro. Naro of the Tower; Narrow of the Mind say I, for it saddened me that another of our race saw the ragnumdee as tools to be used and cast away. When will we learn? when we will stop seeing others as tools for our own gain?


Walking from the tower to the edge of the forest Naro in tow and full of eager anticipation; already I saw his eyes look down upon Frollo the ragnumdee who joined us in the walk to the forest. I for one was glad of his company; his tracking and archery skills would be essential in the forest – he is also a decent fellow. I felt sudden anger towards my brethren; it took a great deal of will power not to strike him, a wanted to remove that disrespectful look from his eyes. But as quickly as my anger boiled and seethed it receded as The Baron appeared, guards, mercenary and Stanislav - a Cossack whom we had met previously, in tow. Anger gave way to distrust and uncertainty; apparently he, The Baron, wished his paid mercenary to try and find his daughter - well why not journey together? We had planned to visit the stone anyway and we could take the mercenary with us. The Baron, looking down his nose at us in the much the same way Naro did, walked away; his new captain of the guard slow and lumbering something felt foul. I do not trust him and as the day progressed my initial misgivings were proven true.


The mercenary, named Elim, a spearman wearing golden chainmail seemed a pleasant but naïve warrior, stated, without humour, that The Baron’s tailored clothing marked him as a good and trustworthy man. I fear for him; walk into the Tower, see the cut of our cloth and he would see only good men but I know the truth, I know their secrets, I see their power games and politics.
Walking and talking we find ourselves accosted by several traders eager to sell and be gone. I have on my person all my own wealth, 2 moons. Not enough for anything but I see a plant, it would help me heal and keep these chaps alive but also there is a necklace, mundane, of some age. I barter – the flower is dying I could make 2 poultices from it if I am lucky, pointing this out I manage to purchase the necklace and flower for 2 moons. Broke again; another method of control – my loving father and my loving mother keep me tied to the Tower.


Naro and Elim barter for 2 potions; they looked like healing.
We move on towards the stone. The lizards who we fought previously appeared, much to our surprise, around the corner once again there were no ruins nearby. There were no words they simply struck; Elim proved to be a fighter of no small skill keeping several of these lizards at bay and rending bloody ruinous wounds to those that he struck with his glaive. Frollo sent arrow after arrow into the oncoming lizards wounding them before they eventually made it to Elim and I. Side by side we fought; Elim slashing and parrying whilst I tore holes in their leathery hide with my spear. Thrust, cut, parry, turn, dodge, slash, dodge, over reach, duck as a glass shard mace descends towards me; all the while arrows fly and Naro skilfully finds his way behind the foe but there is no need for him to engage as we finish them off. We were lucky and no one had been struck. I am glad that I managed to pick up one of this clubs this time as I would like to study the hardened glass.


Frollo tracking we slowly walked towards the stone where upon we met one of these strange mimics; for each set of words spoken it retorted in monotonal reply mimicking what was said. With caution we moved around this mimic creature; previously we saw the lethal incision upon an innocent trader body and had no wish to fall foul of such action. It followed us for a short while and became quite agitated but did not attack; it started to mention a beast, approaching and, I think because of Elim, Orange. The mimic disappeared as we got closer to the stone. I saw a brown wolf ahead on the path; it disappeared into the undergrowth and Naro admitted to seeing them too. With caution we moved into the glade where the stone is set; I saw yet another wolf – we were being stalked but there was nothing we could do but wait for them to strike and be ready.


Frollo touched the stone and suddenly the wolves, 2 of them, struck. I was hit in the back and the blade passed through my armour and torn my skin to the bone. I writhed around on the floor in great pain until Naro, concerned by his own safety I believe, poured a foul tasting healing potion down my throat. I got up and thrust my spear into the belly of a creature tearing its fur and spilling its entrails upon the floor. I turned and hobbled towards Elim to help him with the wolf he fought when it disappeared, I spied it turn into a small fox like creature an run. Elim was looking for it when it appeared behind him – it struck him once and then lost hold of his spear; Elim tore into the creature tearing chunks into its flesh until it fell to the floor dead.


We brushed ourselves down; repositioned armour and started to look at the stone. I could see beetles walking on the stone so I picked one up, it trailed an aura of beast magic and when I place it upon a tree it seemed rather happy but began to fade. I think that these creatures are physical manifestations of beastial magic.


Naro had spent time looking at the very essence of the stone and told us that it was possible to invoke it; to send us through the portal but it required trust on my part; now that is something I do not give freely nor to one of my own and for good reason. This made the mercenary a little disgruntled but what did he know of the portals effects; where he would end up, would all his limbs be in one piece or embedded in a tree or wall? Feeling pressured I looked at the stone; I could see now the lines of magic that Naro pointed out. I could see the string back to elsewhere but I could not see the need for my trust; then I saw it and I could not help but laugh. Naro had missed it, I must admit it was easy to miss but the risk was to the one invoking the stone I was required to help pull him back should he fall to fast or if he was pulled in another direction. I agreed.


We invoked the stone; rising up and up we followed the bestial magic flow – rapidly descending we fell into the midst of Cossacks; not friendly Cossacks either. They attacked unleashing magical energy into our ranks; knocking me on my feet where upon my new necklace became warm and slowly repaired the wounds I had suffered. They kept coming; we fought – I refused to strike a mortal blow and used the flat of my blade. I brought one down and stood over him; it made the others think for a while until they simply struck us again. Whilst I disagree the rest of the party drew blood and to survive we have to fight together and question our actions after not during the event. We fought our way out; they let us collect ourselves and walk out of their land where we stumbled upon Dorian who had disappeared 3 days ago with Rose. He was not alone.


Stood with Dorian was a beast like creature we referred to as betas but later on found to be spirit kin; a name I now use and from here on in alphas will be called spit kin. He told us we could lead us to a safe place; but first we had to find a sword for Dorian – apparently the Cossack had thrown the large heavy sword away thinking it impractical, I have to agree with them.
As we followed this spirit kin we met a Cossack trader who was happy to explain a little more about this world; soldiers are told to kill anything that comes to or from the stone hence their immediate violent act because they have been at war with the braywere, the collective term for the spirit and spit kin, for beyond remembering. He had some items to trade; I traded the flower I had bought, showing him the 4 flowers and how he could turn it into 4 potions if need be and in return I requested the leather armour and a healing potion. He agreed and I am now looking at the piece of armour which I think can throw some sort of magical bolt – I wonder if I can change it to cast protection from those accursed magics?


We continued on; turning the corner and finding in front of us a spit kin and spirit kin. He had an offer for us; he knew we wanted Rose and was prepared to return her if we replaced her. This was repellent to me and I did not agree; we took his whistle, thinking we could set a trap. Discussion within the small group of would be rescuers certainly erred against finding a replacement but what else could we do? Moving onwards towards the safe place rather serendipitously we found our answer. A female Cossack had a spirit kin prisoner and was torturing him; a cut here, crushing his limbs – it was horrible to witness and I gripped my spear tightly but would these others join me in the violence I wanted to unleash? Frollo nodded; he would – well that would have to be enough. I plunged my spear into her stomach; not aiming for a killing blow but to drop her and take her prisoner – we had our trade for Rose and I did not feel bad about it. The concept of Karma is lost on many but here it was in action.


Dorian joined Frollo and I; we fought the Cossack woman. She cast bolt after bolt knocking us all down even having enough left to cast upon Elim but he shrugged it off and landed a last blow on her already rent body. Dorian had struck her hard, Frollo and I had cut her but all three of us lay bleeding upon the floor. I managed to get a potion and threw it to Frollo; if she ran he could catch her – with my leg I could not. Naro who I know not if he joined in but he had nothing but a cutlass, an odd choice of weapon I thought as my blood flowed from the holes torn in my body, he got to me in time and poured that vile healing potion down my throat once again. We held the rotten Cossack down; whilst I got no joy in handing her over to the equally vile spit kin I did feel that there was a balance in what we were doing however I am under no illusion that our action will have consequences. We blew the whistle whilst the spirit kin kept pushing for us to move on. We waited and waited until the spit kin showed; taking the Cossack he promised to return Rose shortly and we should keep the whistle with us.


The spirit kin said nothing during this time; I have some concerns about him now that I think upon the events of that disastrous day.


We followed the spirit kin; walking in circles which I am told was to hide our tracks and not, as I suspected, because we were lost. I understand the need to remain hidden however once we found the safe place it became apparent the place was hidden by powerful magic. The creature called Thanquol, looking almost rat like, spoke of an old war between Cossacks, spirit kin and spit kin. There is a war between spirit kin and spit kin too; one we walked into blindly carrying a spit kin magical item that once shown caused the spirit kin to flee – why did our guide not alert us or tell us of our error?


There was also a silent prisoner a Cossack sat tied to a tree; he told her was Prince Stanin and he would speak to the king on our behalf but we would have to wait 4 days. Not that long in the grand scheme of things. I gave him a sword and he agreed to talk to his father on our behalf; there was little else we could do having offended the spirit kin.
We returned the way we came after Frollo told us to leave so that we could get Rose. Bestial magic flowed from his pouches; where I believe he kept the whistle. It was not far and Rose was there on the path. The spit kin told us to leave immediately; later the reason was apparent, at least to my mind.


We moved towards the stone; I was concerned as I did not want to see further death for no reason and I did not want to see Rose returned to her father – my instinct tells me not to trust him. Cossasks guard the stone, 2 – we can overcome them easily but do we need to. I implore the party to think – we only have to wait for 4 days but no all want to return except Rose. Unfortunately Naro now believes he can return without my assistance as I would not have granted it. I agreed a compromise that may save some lives; for Rose to follow us through and seek sanctuary with the Tower – today my father and my mother would prove their worth for once! It was with great reluctance that we moved to fight the Cossack guards; I stood with Naro and sought only to defend him with the flat of the blade once again. At least when I stand before the king I can say I did my utmost to prevent needless deaths.
This time on the return trip to the blue stone I felt disorientated but not thrown around; shaking the cobwebs from my head I was surprised to see the Baron and his guards before us. Too may for us to fight; certainly when Elim could not be trusted here as he would most likely join with The Baron. Whispering to Rose I told her to run; Elim would give chase and trip up as would I. It was down to Rose now – could she outrun the guards; sadly she could not and was captured.


How did he know to be there? Frollo looked at the ground; he had only just arrived and the stance of his guards was strange. Looking at the ground I saw bestial magic residue upon The Barons boots too. I knew he was not trust worthy; I knew we should have waited – why could they not listen to me! The frustration and annoyance at myself for not pushing my idea stronger; frustration at the naiveté of Elim; frustration at our numbers and our inability to fight The Baron. Naro: you and I have some wrongs to right – and so do our ragnumdee friends if they remain honourable and true to their word.


And so ends my diary entry; should you be looking at my aura now you will see anger for the first time. Rose will not be left a prisoner of her father; her choice to run away with a common bandit is her own to make and one she may regret but it is her life choice.


Addendum: these adventurers these brave men and women whom I have had the pleasure of fighting along side rush through life, they live life in their short existence - more so than we locked up in Towers reading tomes and living life through mouldy pages. I would trust Frollo more than any scout sent by the Tower; Dorian more than one of my fathers guards or Elim more than the captain of the guard.'

 

Event 1
Event 2
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