Reports

MXVI Drawing IX

On IX Drawing I defender Bann gathered in the hiring square at Norvic along with Fae Foalstride of Longstor, doctor Uriah Creep, master distiller Venin, mastersmith Thalnaz Galdoon, guildsman necromancer Alumis Tuntree, order knight Albanus Freeman of the Black, alchemist Vladimir Featherfoot and head of the Griffin Order Gaspar Asturian. Our hirer brought tidings of ill from the mines at Massingham. Swarms of ratmen were causing havoc in the mines. Tales told of a tunnel that led into the dwelling of Mal Zeth and his army of dead. The tunnel had been sealed two years ago by a brave party of adventurers.

We set out on the road to Sparham. The guard at the gates was prepared for winter, wrapped in warm furs he had no warnings to tell of the road ahead. Once outside the walls of the city we were attacked by a horde of foulspawn, among them was a goblin shaman which I quickly dispatched. A hobgoblin was also among them. The foulspawn were defeated and we head onward to Sparham. Sparham was quiet, the guard reported no trouble. The peasants complained of being oppressed. With pressing concerns were travelled onwards to Massingham.

At Massingham we entered the mines. The foreman of the mines described how the ratmen had entered the mines and drew a map of the tunnels. I drew a copy of the map for our journey. We found the broken blockade. Not fearing anything that might lie on the other side we entered the Mal Zeth's domain. Immediately we were attacked by many zombies and ratmen. We pressed them back until we reached a great black pit. Alumis identified the pit had the taint of necromancy. Disturbed by the abominations of nature Fae was compelled to cleanse the pit. Her ritual was interrupted and abandoned as the light in the cave faded. As we retreated mastersmith Thalnaz was able to shore up the breach.

The threat stopped we returned to Norvic and were rewarded. The repair would not last long however and a more prepared party of adventurers must go into the lair of Mal Zeth and bring an end to the wraith's reign.

Praise unto the lady

Bann

MXVI Midcold XVII

On XVII of Midcold MXVI the Earl DeMowbray gathered us at Lynn Regis. Head of the Griffin Order Sir Gaspar Asturian came from nearby Hawkwind Keep with Head of the Grey Order Sir Garviel Loken of Medehampstede, Sister Rose Eva and Brother Cragen Dewerstone of Spindlestone and Brisel. Other local adventurers Mother Fae Foalstride of Longstor, Alchemist Vladimir Featherfoot, Master Distiller Venin, Necromancer Alumis Tuntree, Runesmith Thalnaz Galdoon and myself Defender Bann of Crowa joined them.

The Earl proved his good guardianship of the Duchy and had us patrol the coastal road in preparation for delivery of needed supplies and rebuilding of communities ravaged by the Guidanese invasion.

We took the road north east out of Lynn Regis and headed to Rainham. Many foulspawn lurked on the road. Trolls, hobgoblins and orcs beset our party. Their attacks were futile, the beasts were cut down. A darker danger waited us, the corpses were riddled with disease. Any who came into contact with the bodies, even those covered with cloth or gloves became infected. We cleaned and cured ourselves before entering the village of Rainham. I went to speak with the village elder. The villagers had full stores of salted fish but complained of no bread, meat or potato. Later complaints of a lack of salt was also made, risking some stores of fresh fish that might not last the winter. There were signs of damage throughout the village from the recent war and also from a banshee that had been ravaging the nearby land.

Along the coast road to Newton Mother Fae reported of an ill feeling. A wrongness in the natural order and a corruption in the soil. More foulspawn roamed here, again they were defeated. Among them were more diseased bodies as well an Elderkin and other followers of the dark god Krygan. More careful this time none were inflicted with disease before we reached Newton. Newton had signs of being wartorn and ransacked. Its people were starved. Their stores empty and their fields bare. Food for winter and seeds for springtime were dangerously lacking. I tried to encourage those able of body to travel to Rainham were fresh fish was available for those that could offer their labour but many of the villagers were broken of spirit.

We came to the last of the villages along the road, DeRising. Close the DeRising Keep which had been made into a bastion of the enemy during the war the village was more wartorn than any we had seen. The people were stalwart of body and mind. They spoke bravely of how they could survive of the land and guile throughout the coming months of cold, I also recommended any strong body that labour could be traded for fresh fish at Rainham. A darker tale so lurked here too. Tales of meat stolen from stores and of a white elf which visited the inhabitants of the village in the dark of night. On examination those who had been visited by the white elf showed bite marks on their necks and an aversion to the light of Crowa. All the victims were rounded up and questioned. It was decided that the white elf was a vampire and most of the villagers were inflicted with vampirism. To avoid slaughtering the whole village to prevent them becoming thralls of the undead lord we sought out the creature of the night and found it's domain in a nearby graveyard. Necromancer Alumis was able to quickly dispatched the fiend. The graveyard had become tainted by the presence of the vampire and many corpses rose from the corrupted earth to molest us. Whilst we fought the walking dead Fae cast a cleansing over the graveyard. Her efforts and our own prayers returned the dead to their eternal slumber. We returned to the village to check our success. The people of DeRising were no longer at risk but would needs seeds for the ploughing if they were to return to good living their deserved.

The Earl's supplied followed us along the road and our mission was successful. The Earl offered extra pay of one crown each for those that chose it or else it would go to provide extra provision for the villages. After seeing and talking to the villagers, I recognised their spirit and bravery and I donated my crown to the them.

In faith

Bann

MXVI Deepwinter XXI

Gathered at Caister were the adventurers Doctors Tehya Linn and Uriah Creep, Ranger Reuben, Percy Thrower, Mother Fae Foalstride of Longstor, Brother Mosh of the Templar Order, Mother Rose Eva and two supplicants to the Rose Order and myself Defender Bann of Crowa. We were in Caister to investigate and explore the situation at the mines. Whilst in Caister we spoke with a lady who reported her son Ben the hunter was missing. Others rumours told of missing Longstorians and some lost magic books by the school of Necromancy.

We began our investigation at the house of the foreman. Our arrival at the house was expected so when all was quiet our caution was aroused. Upon entering the house we found the foreman dead and hung from the rafters. The two doctors conducted an autopsy and concluded that the cause of death perhaps murder.

Forewarned that malign forces were at work against us we left Caister to explore the mines. On the road to the mines we were attacked by bandits. Among the bandits were heretic Fygolians. Further along the road Reuben and Fae perceived something amiss. The trees ahead were surrounded in spores, when any of our company came into contact with the spores they suffered great pain. Fae told us that the trees were Fey trees.

Past the trees we discovered a house. The house was empty. Exploration of the house discovered it was the house of Ben the hunter. The hunter had left tracks leading away from the house which led to a bush and suddenly disappeared.

Mercenaries greeted us as we came near to the mines. This militia had been brought recently to guard the mines. The miners had not seen the foreman for days. Fae spoke with the Dverge, they told tales of some of them trying to return to the cave but either being killed or badly hurt.

We reached the village of Ravenshall but found it surrounded by bushes. We passed through the bushes to find many agitated villagers. Also visiting the village was a trader with a Fygolian guard, the pair left when it was clear they were not welcome. The villagers talked of being attacked.

Following the directions given to us by the Dverge we found a cave not far from the village. Outside the cave Fae Foalstride beseeched Longstor to give her sight beyond sight. The lord of the hunt granted her a vision of three Skarahai that dwelt in the cave. She spoke of her vision and told that it would be a hard and bloody fight to defeat the three monsters as they clawed and leapt their way around the clearing outside the cave. Bloody was the battle when fought but we were victorious.

When we came out of the cave night had fallen. In the dusk light we saw dark elves on the road above. The dark elf numbers were great, a war band of many set to attack the village of Bungay. Quick were we to ambush them and forestall their plans. Their numbers alas were too many and we could not stop them. By the time we fought our way back to the village it had been assaulted. We joined in the defence; the dark elves focused their attacks on the mines and the elves which worked there. The attack was fought off. After the battle we sought rest at Asturian Manor. Lord Asturian paid us two crowns each for protecting the mines and his workers.

In the morning we returned to Caister. The lord of Caister paid us our social status for our good deeds. We reported to Ben’s mother that we could not find any trace of her son and assured her that she should keep any reward for herself.

In faith

Bann

MXVII Thawing XVIII

On XVIII Thawing MXVII we gathered at the hiring square. Our party was Novice Spunds of Sparham, Templar Errant Mosh, High Father Dante Potocki, Ranger Isau, High Guildswoman scout Beff, Brother Francis Teach of Rolbor and myself Defender Bann of Crowa. We were hired to investigate a missing Longstorian. We were warned of Kryganites to the west of Caister and also a strange portal to the fey realm.

On the way out of the gate we hear tale of an old library on the coast at Crowsmere that had opened it doors to the adventuring community. Further along the door we met an unfortunate alchemist, the lady had been a lone traveller and reported that she had been knocked on the back of the head by an unseen assailant. All her potions had been taken and she had forgotten her name. With Kryganites nearby we suspected she was attacked by a corruption of the forest. We counselled the lady to accompany us to Keelinghall and to stay near the middle of the road away from the trees and bushes. At Keelinghall we asked the townsfolk of the Longstorian, they reported seeing them pass through with two guards. We also met Sleeping Jon, a traveller that was sleeping the road. Sleeping Jon said he had come to the town during the night and now rested he would head on to Norvic. We warned Sleeping Jon to watch out for attackers from the trees and to travel together with Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist. The two travellers set out for Norvic confident that together they could survive the journey. We wished them well and the blessings of the seven.

Not far from Keelinghall we discovered the body of a slain guard, a dagger stuck fast into his ribs. Scouts Isau and Beff searched the area and reported many men entering the area and they after a battle a fast exit. We later concluded that a band of Fygolians had attacked the Longstorian and their guards. Taking the Longstorian and remaining guard prisoner.

Isau and Beff followed the trail left by the Fygolians and we met them selling their prisoners to a group of Kryganites. We attacked them but at least on Fygolian escaped by fleeing into the woods and another simply vanished. After the battle we could not find the Longstorian but did discover a sleeping guard. The guard could not be roused so we buried them under a fall of leaves and planned to return later to take them to safety.

We saw ruins in the distance and when we approached them we found a familiar sight of strange trees with the air around them thick with spores and pollen. The spores caused everyone pain bar myself and Mosh were immune so aware of time I dragged everyone through regardless of any cries of pain or discomfort. After the trees we found a gate, dark elves Kryganites were gathered around it. We put them to the sword but some fled through the gate and disappeared. At the gate a strong fellow was repairing the stonework. I complimented him on his work and he told us of a tower that could be seen yonder.

Bracing ourselves we entered the gate and were suddenly attacked by many men and dark elves. These were the soldiers of the court of Wane. Striking them down we found a Longstorian Father Badger, he had been recently captured and brought here. Strange Fey creatures were torturing people, we saved the people and a skittish fey by the name of Pugh talked to us. He said he was a servant to the Lord of Wax. He had a game of riddles with Dante and reward us with a bag of potions. The potions were labelled in Rhonish but in such a strange and alien place we could not trust such writings so concluding that these must have been the potions Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist was robbed of we took them with the intention of returning them safely to her.

Ahead in the tree we saw many skinned people and more prisoners. To save any more suffering we attacked the torturers and assaulted the tower. Many defenders guarded the tower but we would not be stopped and won our battle. Many Longstorians were freed including the missing Longstorian we had been hired to find. Suddenly we were all transported back to the gate we had passed through. A voice sung in our head telling us of how we had aided the Lord of Wax.

We headed back to Norvic and collected the sleeping guard on our way home. At Norvic we gave our report and were rewarded handsomely. When we returned the pouch of potions to Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist it was empty! We apologised and wished her and Sleeping Jon well.

In faith

Bann

MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

A true account and report on the events that took place on day XVIII of Springsdawn, that transpired to the undoing of Prince Olan’s curse.

It was a humid morning and in Norvic, the carriage from Yurnemouth had been swift and my arrival had not been too late. As I stepped down from the large wooden step I saw that Norvic was indeed a great city, the marketplace a hive of commerce just as busy as the port back home, but what had most captured my attention was the large gathering of fighting men and women preparing weapons and armour it was an impressive sight to see, I reported to the Knight Commander Sir Gaspar along with the other Squires, Winston and Stove, and once we had attended to our Lords armour we were each provided with our holy symbols, bandages and then each presented a weapon. It was an event that filled me with pride, Sir Gaspar then handed to his squires potions to hold onto for the purposes of staying disease, he asked that I hold onto his until he called for them.

We assembled in the Square where the viscount, the Knight Commander and others exchanged pleasantries discussed the mission and Reuben was given the previously acquired fetishes for safe keeping, and we were sent to retrieve another artefact the Eye of Prince Olan in hopes that we may be able to perform the ritual. Everyone did a final check of their equipment and we left the cities safe walls. The present party were Sir Gaspar, Sam, Reuben, Teyha, Orka, Quintus of Karach, Kryhan, Ragnar the Dwarf, Hilda, Astrid, Winston, Stove and I.

On the road outside the city having just shown permits, Sir Gaspar named Sam as Chaplain of the Griffin order, it was a thing to behold I was asked to hold Sam’s sword however the blade was so heavy I was forced to put down my own hammer to lift it. I couldn’t help but think about how I may be knighted in such a fashion one day and wield such a sword, to be in the presence of heroes can be a humbling experience and I was already confident they would see this mission complete no matter who may oppose them. We were called to recite Sidhean and Crowan Sins as we walked the road toward Aylesham until we encountered a large force of the Reanimated dead, Sir Gaspar thought it odd that they would stop up ahead of us and form a shield wall as they did and I suggested it could be the powers of necromancy no matter however as we were called to hold our position whilst Sam completed his spell we were then called to charge the zombies. Sir Gaspar led the charge with Sam and Winston to his right and myself and Stove his left the remaining party brought up the rear everyone fought valiantly but I sustained an injury to my right arm and was in need of medical attention I looked around me as one by one the zombies fell and began to try and stand once more, however these abominations to the Seven were quickly cut back down and slain with holy water. Teyha Lin an Elven Healer bandaged my arm and I was able to assist with the remaining zombies.

We reached Aylesham to find an enormous pit in the ground, the townspeople who were clearly distraught told us of the pits appearance and more disturbingly how the people of the town had risen from the dead and began to walk, I fear they were the zombies we had encountered on the road the town almost deserted already was now unsafe and there would be no protection from the surrounding dangers that plague this land, I suggested to my Lord that we accompany them to safety but he was certain the road back to Norvic was cleared and their passage would be safe. We left them to travel south and continued on our way north.

North of Aylesham we encountered a small group of cadavers they were quickly dispatched with until the appearance of a vampire accompanied by two of its minions wielding disease ridden blades attacked, The Vampire goaded Reuben and told him of tragic tales of a personal nature that infuriated him, the vampire challenged him to a duel and so I stood back as I am forbidden to interfere with such things. However Reuben lacked an enchanted blade in which to slay this villain. He attempted to take the one that Sam was caring for and it was given to my fellow squire Stove for safekeeping unfortunately Reuben compelled stove to hand it to him with an obey spell and charged the vampire their swords clashed briefly before the vampire used a fear spell and drove him into the brush where he was followed and aided by Sir Gaspar and I assume it is there the enchanted sword was retrieved, people attempted to fight the vampire but were also quickly turned away with this dreadful magic, When Reuben returned he attempted to fight but was forced to banish the vampire with his holy symbol of Longstor. In his grief Reuben was screamed a loud and exclaimed his hatred for this creature, I told him he will have his vengeance one day but my mind was on this mission.

Up the path a little we cam across a small group of dwarves they were friendly and gave us some information that may have proven useful in our quest, before heading on as is tradition we all took a moment to initiate the new Griffin Chaplain and introduce ourselves to the people who were not from the order. Leaving the Dwarves we were able to follow tracks that led us directly to Prince Olan. I handed Sir Gaspar his potions and a battle quickly ensued led by the Griffin orders own Knight Commander and Chaplain myself and stove fanned out to the right of them and winston to the left, three of Olan’s warriors were able to pin myself and Stove and I sustained an injury to my hand, as did Stove. As I look at the wound so small I saw it bleed violently as I collapsed with a tremendous feeling of Nausia my entire body began to spasm and convulse as I could not contain the sickness. I looked up briefly before being forced back to the ground with my ailment and saw the battle had continued out of sight and a great many of us lay injured or dying. The next time I looked up from my sickness Teyha was there her medical supplies in hand she cured my disease and bandaged my arm and I stood whilst she did the same for Stove, at that moment I saw the party return with the Eye and Prince Olan Hot in Persuit of them people fought in vain and Reuben fired off his last few enchanted arrows but without a blessed weapon to defeat Olan all seemed lost, Suddenly Sir Gaspar appeared at my side and told us to brandish our holy symbols and chant the names of our gods, we formed a circle around the cursed one and drove him to the ground with its divine aura the fetishes were placed around him and Reuben read the stories and said the words, Quintus did also say his words and when all was said and done, Sir Gaspar took Olans body over his shoulder to return it to his shrine.

As we travelled back south there was but only one delay, a band of Dark Elves attacked us and I was mortally wounded, I collapsed on the ground my arm in tatters a gaping wound in my stomach I leaned against a tree as my vision focused in and out I could see many of my comrades dying in the brush, I was sure I would die when Sam appeared and pressed the wound on my chest stemming the bleeding if for only a moment he saved my life, I remember as I began to drift in and out of consciousness joking that though I may live I will surely lose my arm when he was able to heal it miraculously with his divine power. Teyha arrived shortly after and quickly healed my other wound completely and it was though my entire body had not been harmed. I attempted to help with the other injured and had seen Sam with an injured prisoner, so I went over to assist him, a Crowan worshipper, Astrid, was also present and the prisoner made threats and challenged her at first it seemed Astrid did not wish to fight the prisoner as she was injured but when the prisoner berated Astrid and spat at her, Astrid took her head with an axe. The prisoner died kneeling. I fear for the company I keep on this journey is not all as honourable as once hoped.

On our way to lay the Prince to rest we came across an unusual statue as we walked toward it a shocking wave of force blasted all back but Sir Gaspar as we all approached once more nervous now, Sam at the lead, we were once again repelled but Sam the Chaplain was unharmed. Sir Gaspar took the sword from the statues hands and in his own it became the fabled Sword of the Griffins I and the other Squires took a knee as our lord and chaplain both did and Sir Gaspar trembled as he held the blade in his hands. When he stood and raised the sword in the air the Griffin order screamed ‘death before dishonour’ before taking our leave. In that moment I was no longer unsure of the path I was taking, I would be a knight of this order and wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in Ithron.

We arrived with Prince Olans body and lie him down in his tomb the ceremony was completed fetishes and all, Winston and I held the chains that once bound him as our Lord cut them asunder and his father blessed the burial and allowed us to take the fetishes to do with as we wished finally able to return to his sleep. Not all attended the ceremony but those who did said moving things.

We returned to Norvic unhindered and with somewhat good news that whilst we could not cure Olan we did succeed in destroying him. When we had arrived I looked around for the peasants of Aylesham but did not see them I can only hope they made it to Norvic safely and until I know for sure it will weigh heavily on my heart.

My honest and true accounting Signed Rhogar Squire of the Griffin Order and Thirdborn son of Khogar Abentor.

MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

We were hired in Norvic to attack a Kryganite shrine which was near to a town. A band of dark elf Kryganites had captured the town and built a shrine. Ranger Isau, High Father Dante, Father Francis Teach, Artemis the alchemist, alchemist Jayms Cobb, Templar Mosh, scouts Beff Triptwig and Arya Hjarta,Father Spunds, Corbin Du Bec Esquire, Pyrrha Esquire, Mother Fae Foalstride and myself Defender Bann gathered and left Norvic and headed to Gelded Stones.

On the way we passed a group of slaves being led by slavers. The slaves did not appear to ill treated so we carried onward. Further along the road a corpse was found. On the body was a bloodied note.

At Gelded Stone the villagers talked of how any beggars had been seized by slavers and illegally taken. They also said that the dwarves had locked their tunnels and nothing had been seen of them. After much knocking they answered Mosh’s calls as he spoke in the dwarven tongue. They told him that dog-people had invaded the tunnels. They knew nothing of the thieves tunnels. They said they would send Thalnaz to ask for help if they need any to deal with the dog-people.

We headed onto toward the town. On the road we met some militia who reported they would attack the town whilst we sneaked through the old thieves tunnels to lead our attack on the undefended shrine.

The thieves tunnels were full of traps. The traps set off alarms, the floors gave way and explosions injured many of the party. We struggle through but injuries halted our progress. When we came to leave the tunnels we were attacked by dark elves. We fought to escape and found ourselves in the town. Someone was in a building who called for help. Francis went to speak to them whilst we continued to be attacked from all sides by dark elves. We travelled through the town, fighting as we went until we came upon a shrine to Krygan. We defeated the guardians of the shrine but had no power to deconsecrate it. The influence of the shrine attempted to corrupt the hearts of those near to it so we retreated to Norvic and reported our victory against the dark elves.

In faith

Bann

MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

It was with pride and excitement that I, Winston Clarence de Vere, answered the summons of my Lord Commander Sir Gaspar Asturian on that fateful morning. I and two other squires of the Griffin Order had been determined ready to face the ordeals required to become an adventuring knight. Commander Asturian had summoned the new spiritual advisor and Chaplin to Norvic to swear him into his new role but also so we squires could get to know the measure of the man. I must admit I was disappointed to learn of this man’s rough edges and unsavoury past. He used to be a mage. And had a foul mouth upon him. But his heart seemed true, and beneath that rough exterior I sensed a noble (if not by birth) and passionate man.

Sir Gaspar told us of our mission. To lay low some creature of Undeath that was commiting treason against our good King Robert by proclaiming himself king. An abomination that must be destroyed. It seems this Olan – for that was the creature’s name –had been the prince of some long forgotten tribe in years gone by.

We set off with this task as our objective. With us were some adventuring types claiming to various professions and a couple from the sub-human races. I think they were all quietly impressed and bolstered to be travelling in such presence as Sir Gaspar and the retinue we formed around him.

A few miles from the walls of Norvic we encountered our first challenge. I say challenge, but really it was just a few poor souls that had fallen to the curse of Undeath. I charged into battle with my brothers and put many of these creatures down. In the thick of battle I must have been struck from some unseen assailant as I was brought back to consciousness by the elf in our party. A doctor from what I am told. Our party rallied around Sir Gaspar and were thankful for his bravery and skill in arms for I am certain that without him there commanding the peasant folk many of them would have fallen that day.

Proceeding on to Maltask we were inundated with Dwarves. Poor folk could hardly speak the common tongue. One of the peasants attempted to translate for me but it seems that the plight they were suffering from was a hole in the ground. Dwarves worrying about a hole in the ground seemed a strange thing for them to be worrying about as it was probably they stunty oiks that dug the blasted thing. I gave the matter no more of my attention. Whilst we rested from our journey Sir Gaspar decided that now would be the time to haze the new Chaplain in his role. Each of us was to take it in turns to fight a duel against him. He fought with courage and some desperate skill. But I am pleased to report that my superior training bested him. Some of the others may need to tighten up their sword work but we all gave a good accounting of ourselves. More so than the peasants when Chaplain Sam broke from tradition and allowed the hoypoli to challenge his skill in arms.

With that important ceremony out of the way we concluded our lunch and pressed on with the mission at hand. The marshes we travelled through was home to all manner of creature but our enjoyment of the open air was disrupted by the presence of yet more undead. We slew many until we came across the pale white visage of a vampire. This creature was an insult to all that is holy. The Longstorian Ranger the Black Sheep of Sparham was particular perturbed by this. The vampire used its foul magics to befuddle the mind of even myself but I am happy to say I delivered the killing blow whilst the Ranger chanted his Gods name.

After this we came across the one named Olan. Battle was met. With a cry of “Death before Dishonour” and “For the King” I was one of the first to engage the enemy. I slew many undead creatures before once again succumbing to my wounds. Once again the Elf was on hand to get me back into the action. It is a shame the circumstances of her birth, for if it were not for those ears she could almost be considered pretty in a peasant girl kind of way. The battle had proceeded to the south whilst I had been unconscious but now it was coming back to us. Olan was still standing but most of his minions had been destroyed. Forming a circle around him we invoked the name of our respective Gods and were able to lay him low. The Ranger recited the story of Olan, which seemed to have some kind of effect. Chaplain Sam performed one of the Rites of Crowa to purge the filth from the creature’s body. The de Lesanossa Priest performed the Rite of the Dead and bound Olan’s soul to Kharach so he could never rise again.

We had been victorious. Gracious in victory our Commander, Sir Gaspar wanted Olan re-interred in his tomb. The Gods must truly have been watching that day for as we returned Olan a strange glint played off one of the statues. A rush of energy knocked all but Sir Gaspar off their feet. The Gods were amongst us and we were to kneel before them. Removing the Sword from the statue Gaspar revealed to us only what he had seen. The Griffin Blade. Handed down from generation of Knight since aeons past.

With the rest of our party we returned to Norvic to report our success to our patron, the honourable Viscount Charrow.

(extract copied from The Adventuring Journal of Winston Clarence de Vere)

MXVII Budding XX

Arer breaking my fast on a fine breakfast of pickled puddock wih fried eggs, spicy fried poatoes and boiled slugs I bid my booful wife Gerty farewell as I set out from Geldestones to Cropton to offer my humbles sarvices to the Lady Crop.

In the square at Cropton I saw the Knight Commander of Ithron hisself promote the noble squire Winston Clarence de Vere to be an Errant of the Griffin Order. I congratulated Errant de Vere an offered my services as chronicler an baggage carrier. Gathered around were many more witnesses to the occasion. Master brewer Jayms Cobb, Father Francis Teach of Rolbor, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Father Orka Fireflight of Sidhe, dwarf Ragnar, and elf scout Arya Hjarta had all come to answer the Lady's summons.

Lady Crop told a harrowing tale of a Shadow Council that bloighted her lands. This ere Shadow Council was ruled by the Alchemist, Blacksmith and Physician. A band of evil doers that had created a mighty beast known as the Terrorghast.

The Lady requested two tasks of the adventurers. She was concerned that the Shadow Council had been quiet of late and she feared a great battle. She asked that an army be prepared for battle and the blood of the Terrorghast be brought to her for study so the beasts weakness could be exposed. The Lady gave Father Teach a purse of twenty crowns to hire any mercenaries to join her cause.

Twas fortunate that two of the greatest and noblest Griffin knights came to lead the party of adventurers. Errant de Vere led the party from Cropton to travel to Stukey, Newhome, Bridgetown and the dwarf town of Where You Hang Your Boots. Along the way the plan was to recruit what manner of peoples were found to the Lady's cause. The militant orders of the Crimson Crusade and the Green Cross Knights were to be given the summons too.

I left Cropton and met four gentleman on the road who told me of a tale of woe. They sought work as mercenaries but did not possess the permits for such work. I offered them food and provisions. All were full of belly and declined my offer. Protestations from the adventurers warned me that the fellows might be dangerous but no harm came to me. The fellows talked to Errant de Vere and Father Teach gave the men two crowns from the purse for them to buy permits and report to the coast where the Lady Crop's army was gathering.

The road led onwards and it wasn't long before I saw corpses shambling towards me. Some were rotten and wrapped in filthy bandages, others worn white masks to cover their decayed faces. I fled from the road as the adventurers fought. Hidden in a bush I made my acquaintance of a necromancer by the name of George. I fed the wizard with bread and fish as he told me of the undead creatures the adventurers battled. I asked George if he'd help the Lady Cropton but he said he was already in her service. When I returned to the road I saw one of the masked undead, it looked like a corpse wih a white china mask on its face, the adventurers said the only way to destroy it was to soak it in two vials of holy water. At the ruins of Bastion more undead roamed and a company of dwarves were in battle. Whilst the adventurers rushed to aid them I saw the dwarves hungry bellies and thirsty mouths. I set up a feast of fish, wine, fruit and bread whilst the adventurers finished off the horde of undead. Before the dwarves could eat all my provisions I asked for their agreement that they would join Lady Crop and fight against her enemies. The dwarves were indeed hungry and thirsty and agreed. Father Francis Teach after my pleas paid me three pennies for my losses of supplies. As Father Teach then called upon Lord Rolbor to bless a weapon and I chatted with the dwarves. A fine fellow by the name of Mikden told me they were dwarves from where you hang up your boots. They said they had been mining wood but from what I saw they were gathering wood and cutting trees. Mikden told me of a half elf in Bridgetown that was giving lectures on Dagar Noss, some war or such between the elves.

On the road I met a queer fellow, Igor the hunchback. Igor was gathering a herb which he called Igor Herb, it was he told me that Igor Herb grows where the feyund go. Igor had trapped a feyund in a ring of Igor Herb. Igor theory that Igor Herb from Longstor. Reuben the ranger did not agree with this as he said he saw no aura of his Lord Longstor around the plant. Wherever the power came from it did hold back the undead. I took a sprig of the herb. I chatted with Igor and we talked of the Terrorghast, he said it was made from the parts of other undead creatures, some part of a nightmare, the teeth of a vampire, the bones of Templar death knight, the flesh of a zombie, the heart of an ex-communicant. Igor was a master of alchemy and his research had discerned that alchemy had been used in the Terrorghast's creation. Igor showed us a final demonstration of the power of Igor Herb when he mixed it with spit and destroyed the trapped feyund. Errant de Vere hired Igor for the price of two crowns and Jayms helped him move his laboratory to Cropton so that Igor could help the Lady Crop.

Stout of leg I carried on to where my feet would take me and came upon the town of Newhome. The town was full of rowdy Llamanusians that were hosting an ugly contest. Myself and the alchemist Jayms entered the contest and I Pobbin won. The chief of the town awarded me a blindfold to give to me wife. I told all the Llamanusians of the booty of me wife Gerty and of her great cooking. The Llamanusians needed no persuasion to fight in the looming battle and gathered a warband of eight men and went to meet the others we had sent to the Lady Crop.

The adventurers had Bridgetown and Stukey to visit so I carried on following them and recording their adventures. On the road I met a company of knight known as the Green Cross. There was two knights and a squire of the household of Woolworths. There was more undead which the knights defeated. Errant de Vere passed on the Lady Crops message and Sir Woolworths said he would assemble his men at arms and meet up wih Lady Crop and her army.

At Bridgeton there were refugees from Bastion. A half elf was reciting a poem. I roughly noted it as.

Five years or more ago half elf dark elf, Stole from the darken kin, Coloured ragged cloak, Hides the item of Dagar Noss, A great warrior walks among humans.

The adventurers spoke of a man called Dusty who worn a ragged cloak and spoke of the kinswar between the elves and the item of Dagar Noss.

In Bridgetown was not only half elves but it had men there too. There were three men who introduced themselves with the initial e, s and t. They said they were a company of mercenaries known as the fisty dicks. Errant de Vere enforced militia duty upon them and sent them to gather with the army of Lady Crop.

In the safety of Bridgetown the adventurers began talking of godstones, Pobbin listened. What the adventurers said was strange and at times contrary, this is what I heard. The godstones were made a year ago by the gods and followers in arda or elsewhere. The Seraldan stone is in the hands of the golden dwarf of Fygol. The godstones are protected from the eyes of the gods. After this chat the adventurers walked on to Stukey.

Before Stukey was a warband of orcs wih the Terrorghast. Whilst the adventurers prepared their strategies I set up a stall to offer food to the foulspawn. The Terrorghast was not delayed long before it charged at me and I fled. When I returned to salvage the remains of my stall and provision I found the elf scout Arya injured on the ground. Quick to think I used the blindfold I have been given earlier to bind her wounds. As I performed my kindness a big and ugly ogre stomped toward me, roaring and bellowing. Terrified I grabbed a handful of the scattered and strewn food from the floor and offered it to the ogre. Simple minded the ogre looked down at me in confusion. It was out of desperation that I then jumped at the ogre and stabbed it in the chest with my eating knife. I had to stab it many times before I struck it heart and it fell to the ground wih a thud. When I looked around another ogre loomed over me and knocked me to the ground. I awoke later with the battle over and the foulspawn defeated. My basket had been tipped over and many of my belongings trampled, crushed or lost.

A strange man dressed in a ragged and colourful cloak wandered across the battlefield saying naught but the word dirty. I recognised the man as out of the half elfs poem. I went to speak with Dusty and asked him of the item of dagar noss. He asked he what makes you think you are worthy? I told him that Pobbin had slain an ogre but that I was no hero. Dusty would not answer any other question and would say naught else to me.

Dusty went amongst the adventurers offering the same question them. Father Teach spoke of equals and was not accepted. Sir Gaspar spoke of heroics. Father Orka said he must learn more. Sir Gaspar continued to talk, he spoke of lineage, defence and honour. Dusty spoke of service, he said that he was chosen because he served. Dusty spoke again with Teach. He said that a storm was gathering and would come in three months time. That darkness would spread. He then chose Teach and gave him a magical cloak.

Master brewer Jayms took samples of blood from the defeated Terrorghast. To my eyes its blood looked like blood. Reuben devoted of Longstor described it as clear like water. The priest Father Teach and Father Orka could not see the blood at all.

The beast was not subdued for long and when it awoke I fled. As I ran through a bush I found my basket and recovered much of the food and trappings I had thought lost. The ogre which had stolen it had in its gluttony choked on a fish bone and lay dead. Glad of my good fortune I offered my thanks to Tralda and walked onward to Stukey. In Stulkey were a party of warriors clad in red. They named themselves the Crimson Crusade. The warriors agreed to join the battle against the Shadow Council. Sir Gaspar asked them of their beliefs and they answered that they were students of war not a religious order and that their leader was Nathaniel Blackmore.

When I returned to Cropton I reported to the Lady Crop that four crowns and three pennies had been spent gathering recruits for her Ladyships army and that I would send my report to her.

I was grateful at the end of the day to go home to me wife Gerty and a home cooked meal. Famished I reckon the next time I travel to chronicle the adventurers of Norvic I shall bring me missus with us to cook me meals and keep me fed during the journey lest I collapse from an empty stomach.

An eyewitness account of the adventurers of Norvic Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVII Shoring XVII

It was a baking hot day and the young ones were paddling in the pond when Ma Gertie fried me a plate of eggs as I filled my pack. After breaking me fast on fried eggs and poached toads I set of a walking to Norvic. At the hiring square I met many adventurers I knew from reputation or from past journeys with them.

The greatest hero of Ithron the Knight Commander Sir Gaspar Asturian had around him many adventurers of renown. There was gathered Sir Bec de Corbin, Ragnar the Forgetful, master brewer Venin, Father Spunds of Crowa, doctor Tehya Linn, ranger Reuben. I mister Pobbin Toadhunter joined their company to record their adventure.

Guard sergeant Hartford the aide to Viscount Hawkwind greeted the adventurers. He asked them to deliver summons to three nobles. He listed them as Sir Rainier Von Hanterzin last seen at Deepham. Sir Jory Flarne a Griffin Knight who had left his post on the cordon around the region occupied by Mal Zeth. He was last seen south west from Wrentham. Sir Batholomew de Mutte Esquire. Vessel Trader and merchant adventurer who was last seen travelling to Bedon. I was bestowed the responsibility to carry the lord’s summons. At the gates of Norvic the guard spoke of blue robed fellows searching for mages. They reported that foulspawn were few in numbers, with some even approaching the towns in search of refuge.

On the road I found a dead body surrounded by skeletons. When I got closer a man in dark blue robes ran away. I followed but I did not find were they had gone. The dead body had papers on them which named them the mage Archimedes. A search discovered a silver dagger as they only valuable belongings. We took their wizarding papers and the dagger.

I chatted with the dwarf Ragnar the Forgetful. We agreed to meet in a tavern in Norvic where he would teach me the dwarf tongue in exchange for coin and wine. After agreeing my business with Ragnar we met three men and an orc. The four companions were travelling to Yurnemouth so that they could leave Ithron. I sold a beer guide for one penny so they would have a map and knowledge to where to stop for beer. They were travelling east as a blue robed man had given them charity then preached that they should leave Ithron. The orc was a follower of the god Tralda. People said that they had heard that Deitologists were asking people to leave Ithron. I tried to explain to the orc that they should follow their faith and trust in the gods.

The road ahead was blocked as there were two bandits trying to get into the camp of a Griffin Knight. Two squires were refusing the men any refuge nor sparing them any food or water. A robed lady came out of the camp and addressed me by name then touched my arm and spoke words I did not understand but explained it was a gift from Lady Crop for the letter I had sent her. Sir Jon of the Griffin Order was resting in the camp after being wounded by an arrow. Sir Jon was leading a group of Griffin militia westward. I fetched water from the well the squires were guarding and gave it to the two bandits. The adventurers then carried on with their quest.

After leaving Sir Jon I met Tom, Dick and Harry. All the three men had blue tattoos over their left eye. Tom told me that he carried his father’s sword which had killed three goblins. I showed Tom my knife which had slain an ogre. Sir Gaspar said lots of words and his voice kept getting louder and louder. Tom then ran away, he ran faster than I had ever seen a man run, straight up the hill and away. Dick and Harry tried to follow Tom but Harry was shot in back by Venin. Harry’s injury was bandaged but when questioned he fled up the same hill as Tom and escaped. Sir Gaspar said the men were outlaws for running away.

In Snetham there was a market I sold fish and wine for five pennies and a map for four pennies. Sir Rainier was found accompanied by two women. The summons to see the King was given. Sir Bec De Corbin complained of rude peasants. I didn’t believe that peasants could be rude, the market seemed a fine place to me.

I packed away my market stall and in good spirits I headed along the road to Bedon. I saw a man in robes flee at the sight of me but could not follow as the path was filled with skeletons, zombies and deathknights. I came back to warn the adventurers what I had seen but one of the deathknights caught up with me and stabbed me in the arm, the sword blade was deflected by an unseen force and I was unharmed. Amazed I strode forward with my arm extended, the next blade to strike me cut into my flesh I was left bloodied and sore. Father Spunds came and prayed for me and the wound closed. I saw Sir Gaspar the Knight Commander fall to the attacks from the deathknights. I scampered and circled him to awaken him but to no avail. In fright I tried to grasp his mace and defend his body but even whilst injured his grip was too strong and I was struck sore wounds in both arms before I fled. I ran into a bush and met with master Venin. There he fought a deathknight and struck off its bony legs. In my pain and fear I wandered to close to the deathknight and it stabbed me in the belly. In agony I collapsed, sure to die. I was awoken by a tired looking Venin as he fed me a magical potion. The adventurers gathered together all sore and bloody but all standing. No more skeletons harassed me as I walked on to Bedon. Around Bedon were many starving peasants who were begging the guards outside Sir Bartholomew’s house for food. Neither Sir Bartholomew nor his guards would offer any food to feed the peasants. Grateful that I was still alive I gave as charity some of my food to the hungry people. Sir Gaspar went to speak with Sir Bartholomew. He came out and reported that the lord’s bedchamber was in darkness and that the lord was only seen at night.

Sure that I could be of service I lit my lantern and went into room to serve the summons. As I opened the door a sickly and filthy Sir Bartholomew bit me. His skin was red and blotchy. After bandaging my wounds doctor Tehya forced me to drink a horrid mixture. She then brewed another and forced the sickly lord to drink it and he fell into a deathly sleep. Father Spunds gave the body a holy cleansing. When I returned to the courtyard I found my pack ransacked. The guards reported that the peasants who I have offered charity to had stolen my food whilst I was attempting to serve the royal summons to Sir Bartholomew.

I shouldered my lightened pack. I was disheartened by wretched thieves that had stolen my food as my belly rumbled angrily. My arm sore and the bitter taste of Tehya’s medicine reminded me I would seek compensation for my troubles from Sir Bartholomew when he recovered from his illness. At Wrentham the guards confirmed that Sir Jorge lived in town but he was only seen at night and had not been seen for two moons. A kind man led me to the house. The house was the property of the Griffin order so finding it locked Sir Gasper kicked down the door. The dark house smelt bad. A Griffin tabard had been left in bed chamber. The rest of the house held empty cupboards. Sir Jorge had abandoned his house and his post.

There was nothing else in Bedon so the adventurers returned to the road where a ghastly army of undead assaulted them. The nobles Sir Gaspar and Sir de Corbin talked with a lordly vampire knight dressed in the livery of a black tabard emblazoned with a red chalice. He was marked on his face as an excommunicate and it could only be the corpse of Sir Jorge risen again to become an undead. Whilst Sir Gaspar and Sir de Corbin were willing and able to battle army of the undead they would raise no weapon against the vampire. I feared the monsters but after much running and about and haranguing the adventurers I found a hero in the ranger Reuben who accepted the challenge of defeating the vampire lord. I distracted the vampire whilst Reuben snuck behind it and struck the monster down. Swiftly Reuben hammered a blessed stake into the corpse and the vampire turned to dust. The dust was taken to Sir Jorge could be laid to rest.

I returned to Norvic with only one of the summons served. Guard sergeant Hartford accepted the adventurers explanation for the failure to serve all three summons and paid everyone their social status. The silver dagger we had recovered proved to be blunted and was traded so we could all receive an bonus on one crown. I had in additional made sales of ten pennies during my travels.

A tale of the adventurers of Norvic Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVII Highsummer XV

XV Highsummer - Mission report by Sproggs Icklesmith

It was a pretty hot day when me and Smudge (she’s my sister) left our forge to go on an adventure! We did it once but pa caught us chasing the fox into a chicken pen and told us off. Smudge wanted to see more but we weren’t allowed. Anyways after having a breakfast we headed out. I think, maybe it was second breakfast….. I can’t remember.

So we went to Caister, did you know they have a cheese shop there? Well by the time we ate the wheel it was hiring time! We saw a giant in metal armour (That’s the clanky kind) who was heading to the hiring square. So we went with him. He’s a bit forgetful, can’t remember our names.

So we get told that someone has stolen books, that’s a bit naughty but what can you do? (Get them back for sure!) so we said yeah we’ll do that. The party looked a bit annoyed at me and my sister cos we wanted to have a quick snack but then we decided that maybe we should just keep going. So we spoke to Father Bramble. He must have had his faith for a long time because who names their kid bramble? Anyways, he was confused because we’re halflings and he’s a human and they get confused. I wish that was a joke but they do. Maybe we’ll find out that one day.

Where was I, oh yes! While he was talking aload of undead showed up. So we got ready to fight them! But then Mr Spear showed up and said that skeletons can’t be hurt by axes, but while that was happening we all started screaming because it was really scary, like really scary. So we ran away. But then we decided to tunnel through the forest and fight them from behind! Well they must have been scared cos they ran away! Or died. We can’t remember but we had a celebratory biscuit.

So Mr Spear taught us about undead. They’re really not nice but they’re not at fault because necromancers do bad stuff. Anyways, there was a travelling group. One with gold robes and another guy who was like a knight but wasn’t. He spoke funny and was a good man to speak with, we said we’d sort some armour out with him and he was really nice to my sister. Then we carried on walking and took a break while Tomoe the mage did a spell. He said don’t say what i’m saying so I didn’t. But then the sword started glowing so I kinda wanted to. It was like, “BLEBEBLEBEBEBEBE” and then BOOM. anyways, We stopped for a break and I opened up my grape juice and had a cookie. It was delicious.

So we walked on, and saw this place called Gelded Stones. There was a sheriff looking man who was all intimidating, then he got hit by a bird and started crying. The bird nipped his skin and then flew away. Well while it was all going on we went looking for the bird but it disappeared. So we came back and then loads of shouting happened, so then we were talking with these people who had weapons and we were being responsible blacksmiths and asked for their permits. Noone had any permits so we took the weapons. Naughty naughty aye? Then gaspar came back and realised they all had weapons and stuff. So we took them away but before we could break them at Gaspars command we realised that we could give them to the guild house and get some nice new non permit weapons. So we did that! Then some wolves came in to attack us as we were setting down for Lunch.

Bit rude but we managed to evade them, then some orcs and goblins came up and killed the bad wolves for us. So we celebrated and gave them all hugs. But then the ogre got upset because we were little people. He then gave us hugs, which was nice. They were warriors. Pretty cool right?

So we followed them into their camp, Gaspar said about Bungay and i giggled, cos Bung. Then Smudge asked about it, and we started laughing saying BUUUUUNNNNGGGG. It went on for a bit cos we’re easily amused, then they revealed a yellow flower. It was all shiny and Mr Spear told us that it was a magical flower. Like really magical, we’re talking magical as magic can be! Turns out he’s an alchemist and knew that the flower does something amazing. If you pick it, everyone explodes.

Tomoe wanted to do it but we ran away put our goggles on and hid behind our shields. Then when it was clear we walked after everyone, making sure the mage didn’t eat the flower to restore his powers with elven sorcery. Oh and we traded a stick to some goblins.

So then we found some undead, but there was some more nasty undead. They were really nasty. Like REALLY nasty. The kind of undead you’d look at and say “That’s some nasty undead.” So after throwing spells around it disappeared. Bit weird but Gaspar was already back on his feet by then so we shrugged it off and continued with the undead smashing. Smudge killed loads at this point, I was a proud brother i’ll tell you that much.

Then we found a hill, well it was already there but we found it! And we kept going up the hill where we found more things, like these weird tree children things. They were called Elderkin. Apparently a type of holder. So they kept disappearing in the bushes but that’s fine, one cast a spell at me and i managed to block it with my natural halflingness and killed it. Then I saw another and I fell asleep, i dreamt about amazing cake and pie! But then woke up to see my sister and screamed. Then I saw another one and ran at it but it made me sleep again, then I woke up with Mr Venin looking at me and there was alot of blood, I may have been stabbed while asleep. I can’t remember…..

Then we saw some more undead! They were slow and shambling so we killed them. Then Continued on! We found a shrine, it was all boogie woogie so we moved out the way. Then Tomoe made a promise to Vleybor that he’d marry someone if she protected him. Then he walked towards the shrine. So me, mr venin and Smudge dived behind a shield each and we put our goggles on, safety first! Then there was a loud bang and Tomoe fell asleep. So people did stuff to Tomoe…. and then me and Smudge found the books!

So we told everyone about it but they said we already had the books, so it turned out we’d found the books they lost like five minutes ago. Win win!

Then these other undead turned up and it was rubbish. But it’s fine we got rid of them and went home. We took a really long path but it’s ok, halflings are good at long distance walks. But then there was some spooky ghost thing, so we left it to it’s own devices but everyone else wanted to destroy it. So we let them do that, then Gaspar came out acting all weird so Bryan (He’s a vleyborian) knocked him out and we saw the ghost. Well we healed up gaspar and then tied him up to move him because he’s a big man and we’re tiny tiny people. So we got him to the tree and then woke him up, then tomoe fell over. So all of this happens and Bryan goes “We need to steal the dagger.”

So I go to the dagger, i’m fast for a halfling after all, I’m used to catching pigs! So I start running, and I run fast! And I’m running, then I don’t remember but I woke up with a really bad headache. Apparently the dagger was somewhere else and Tomoe didn’t want it broken but smudge broke it and he shut up….Then we got paid and went home for pie and cake, and then loads of people asked us for weapons! Well we haven’t had business like this before so we opened shop!

The end.

MXVII Highsummer XIV

The Tale of Sir Winston Clarence de Vere on the Dragonbone Isle The brave and honourable errant Winston Clarence de Vere of the Griffin Order was summoned by the Ladies knitting circle of Tisa Valley to take a voyage to Dragonbone Island to defeat the cultits of the evil Dracoliche. Adventurous and worthy Errant Clarence de Vere readied himself and took a swift horse north. Behind him I the humble mister Pobbin Toadhunter followed on a donkey to chronicle his feats of skill and daring. At arrival on the docks in Hartness the noble Winston Clarence de Vere was invited on board the Damned Plum and introduced to captain Tregar. Winston Clarence de Vere was treated with due courtesy for his noble rank. When the ship began to take on water and suffer various ill fortunes Winston fearless of the dangers led a party of adventurers to the island to gather supplies of wood and pipes. Arriving at the island Winston found a human slaves held in pens. Winston defeated the gaolers and set the prisoners free. The men and women had been greatly exposed to the mist of the island and were too weak to move. They would perish from as much exertion it would take to carry them to the boats. With regret Winston had to leave the people with the promise that he would slay the Dracolich and set them free forever. Further into the island Winston found the warehouses. Boldly he entered a warehouse to find it empty apart from a mighty cyclop that had been left their to snare him as they tried to steal the supplies to repair the Damned Plum. A fight ensued whereby Winston slew the cyclop in a contest of arms one on one. After the cyclop was defeated the warehouse was searched and six bags of gold were found. Winston took the gold back to the Damned Plum as spoils of war. Victorious in battle Winston then joined the battle on the morrow to destroy the Dracoliche. Glorious in battle Winston was assaulted by many magic spells to prevent him destroying the Dracoliche’s entire undead army. When he had recovered his senses the brave Griffin Winston charged forth and slew the Dracoliche, bringing the foul creature’s reign over Dragonbone Island to an end.

MXVII Highsummer XIV

Personal Journal of Mister Pobbin Toadhunter It was a small breakfast I ate before I left Gelded Stones and went on my journey to serve Errant Winston Clarence de Vere, to carry his baggage and to chronicle his perilous adventures. It was too early to eat more and we had many leagues to travel before we reached our destination of the Dragonbone isle to confront the cultists of the Dracoliche Ma Gertie had packed my basket full of food and plenty of provisions. We were met at the docks and were welcomed aboard the ship the ‘Damned Plum’. On board the ship Errant Winston Clarence de Vere was introduced to Captain Tregar, a formidable woman. The crew told me there was a galley and stocks of food but did warn me that the ship’s biscuits were infested with weevils. I spoke to some of the sailors and met Red Kent, a guardsman. The captain then announced that we would soon set sail toward the Dragonbone island. She told us that there was no way she would take the ship to the island but would put down anchor at some nearby crags so that we could explore the island ourselves. Whilst the ship sailed I examined some maps of the island. It appeared that the island had formed from the bones of an enormous dragon. From the maps I estimated that Dragonbone island was at least ten ships in length. On the island was a fortification the Black Bone citadel, many lighthouses and it had sails made from the dragon’s wings. I made a rough copy of the map but before further study could be done the captain called us out on deck to be shown how to use the two boats we would be using to travel to and from the island. As we were shown the boats many skeletons, zombies and ghouls rose out of the sea and attacked the crew and everyone else. After the invasion of the undead had been quelled it was decided that we needed to learn more of the island. We elected Tungil the Defender of the Faith of Tralda to lead our expeditions. On the maps we had and the knowledge of some of the others aboard the Damned Plum we knew that a library existed on the island. A small group of twelve of us travelled in the dark of night to explore the island and try to locate the library. A foul and disturbing mist lingered on the island. There we met people who had been living on the island, they spoke little and knew little. A great wall prevented them travelling further inland and they knew nothing of what lay on the other side of the wall. When he tried to advance toward the wall the islands inhabitants became aggressive. The warriors amongst us subdued them. We found a magical barrier which prevented us travelling further. A riddle, odd coins and a small lighthouse we found. When the coins were put in the lighthouse the light came on and the riddle could be solved. However in the light of the lighthouse the people who had been subdued became ghostly pirates who attacked us. All the ghost pirates were defeated and the riddle was solved. We all passed through barrier and explored the island further and reached the library. We took many books and then returned to the ship. Whilst we had been on the island a man was rescued from the sea and taken on board the Damned Plum. The man had come from the island, they were weak with disease and tainted with necromantic magic. Those of us who had raided the library also felt the drained by our exposure to the mists on the island. We began to study the books. The books were nautical in nature. There were treatises on ships, knots and flags alongside stories of mythical creatures and ancient legends. Within the pages many hidden codes were discovered. It appeared that a servant of the Dracolich had suffered too much and wished to bring an end to their master’s reign. Those closest to the Dracolich had to drink a potion to fortify themselves against the island’s mist or they would lose their minds. Reader a servant of Rolbor, Bruna a dwarven alchemist and myself after much study deciphered the hidden codes and learned how to gather the ingredients and how to prepare them to brew the potion so that we could battle the Dracolich and the undead on the island without being overcome by the mist and gas. Guild Protector Seax and Master Distiller Admiral helped us gather the ingredients and mix them. Some of the ingredients required we to travel to the island to collect them. Our first attempt was unsuccessful as he headed to an alchemy laboratory on the island where the potion was brewed for the islands workers. We found the laboratory abandoned and stripped bare. We deduced that there were three ingredients which we would need to gather from the island. I have been told I should not include any reference to these ingredients in my report due to laws regarding alchemy and physicians drugs. I can tell that whilst foraging for these ingredients we faced many dangers. We met the Blood Queen a vampire who was to marry the Dracoliche, the queen was guarded by two blood golems. On another forage Defender Tungdil was bewitched by a dragon and tried to kill us all. It was the quick action of Seax that managed to save some of us but Defender Tungdil, Digger and Bruna were lost to us. Whilst we studied the book other mysteries on the ship were revealed. The ship turned out to be an automaton of elven manufacture called the Waverider. The King of Sea came aboard and offered a truce. A voyage to a Siren was plotted and the Siren visited. All this I helped where I could. Then in the morning the ingredients for the potion were prepared and mixed. Again I can not say much of what I witnessed but the potion was a success which meant we would be able to assault the most tainted region of the island to attack the Dracoliche and also prevent their marriage to the Blood Queen. The Blood Queen would come to the Dragonbone island by a magical portal. We had gathered the remains of some lost souls which we used to close the portal. The Wizardess Keyliegh and myself set out the skulls in a pattern as described on the portal stones and sealed the gate which the Blood Queen and her consorts were using to travel to Dragonbone isle. Whilst we fought the Blood Queen others from the ship met the Dracoliche in battle and slew it.

MXVII Shielding XIX

We met Elderman Joshua of Hethel in Norvic. He told us of troubles in Hethel. The little goats the village is renowned for were either going missing or through nervous disposition no longer producing milk. Tales of the goats claimed they were as small as dogs. Elderman Joshua complained that the swamp to the west Hethel was noisy at day and night. We were hired to stop the noises and any threat to the goats.

Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds led our party. The little ones Sproggs and Smudge, the elf wizard Tomo, Vleyborian priestess Serenity Daydream, my wife the beautiful Gertie Toadhunter and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

As soon as we were out of the gate foulspawn attacked us. The orcs and goblins were loud in their shouts that they wanted to eat goatflesh.

At Hethel we met Magget and Cecil, both farmers of goats. They were in argument about whose fault it was for the howling that was upsetting the goats. The howling sounded like a man roaring in swamp. The little ones Sproggs and Smudge had their second breakfast. In the village there was a guild senior mercenary Mundungan, a man down on his luck.

We entered swamp and found many men and dark elf corpses. Whilst we stood by in surprise the dark elves rose from the dead and attacked us. These zombies were destroyed by Daydream. All of the dark elf corpses had a tattoo of an eye on their forehead.

Further into the swamp we entered a tribal village. The village was in ruins except one house. The house was the home to an ogre and follower of Sidhe. Myers told of how his village was attacked every night by dark elves and bandits. Myers would howl, shout, yell and bellow to warn them away. The priestess Daydream Serenity became very ill, she was afflicted with zombie rot. We agreed with Myers that we would defeat the dark elves and bandits and stop them from harassing him. We would return for lunch and provided fish and onions for Myers to cook a chowder whilst we went in search of the bandits and dark elves.

Exploration of the swamp found the dark elves camp. Bravely Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds defeated all followers of one eye the Cyclops with a little help from Sproggs. The small folk then set about to repair the armour of the two fighting men, Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds. Whilst we waited Gertie threw the runes to see our fortunes and looked into her crystal ball, an heirloom from her mother Gladys Stonethrower. When Tomo looked at crystal ball a monstrous apparition struck him and when he passed it back to Gertie in fright she saw it too. Both told of a beastly monstrosity full of anger and spite trapped inside the crystal ball.

The smith repairs completed we packed away our things and delved deeper into the swamp where we met a lizardman. As we spoke Sir Winston was overcome by voices, he began speaking tongues and then spoke of Krygan the mother of monsters. The voices were angered by Tomo desecrating a shrine of Krygan. A curse was put on him that would not be lifted until he learnt to show respect to gods. The lizardman told us of a golden dwarf offering rewards for both humans and dwarfs.

The bandit camp was found. The bandits were well defended and magic by Tomo helped us defeat them. Hungry we rushed back to Myers and lunch to find his house attacked and Myers locked inside.

A mob stood outside the house. They had their weapons drawn and were demanding the death of Myers. I rushed to the house but could find no way in as Myers in his fright had barred the doors. I went to the back of the house to discover a great warrior hacking the rear door apart with his massive axe. I called for them to stop but they only threatened violence. I defended myself against their two handed axe with my tiny dagger and defeated them. In a rush to defend Myers from being killed I ran out to attack the angry mob. I struck at them but many of my blows were deflected by their armour and they cut at my legs and caused me to fall.

The mob were momentarily quietened and they explained that they had been hired by the sour man Mundungan to slain the ogre. They agreed their cause was unjust and left Myers in peace but pressed charges of murder and assault against me. Guardsman Spunds did his duty and arrested me.

Myers was thankful for his rescue and offered fish chowder. We all enjoyed the repast, served from a horn. Tomo said the horn was magical. Myers explained it was the Horn of Council, a relic of Sidhe. In gratitude he offered it into the keeping of the party. Sir Winston took it and it was agreed that it would stay in his safekeeping.

When we had defeated the bandits were had found a gem and some lumps of silver, we sold these and shared the bounty of two crowns each. Elderman Joshua rewarded us with pay for settling the disturbance in Hethel.

MXVII Harvesting XVI

The school of Necromancy had a problem so Richard a mage from Norvic hired the party of adventurers to bring in a rogue mage by the name of Flynt. Flynt had for many months been leading apprentices astray. He had been using the apprentices to power his spells and then killing them to create more undead. Flynt had last been seen in the ruins of Corby.

We gathered together. There was Gertie Toadhunter Journeyman Alchemist, Venin Journeyman mage, Tomo Kimber Enchanter, Beff Tripwing Ranger, Reuben Warden, Uriel of Sidhe, Liberace of Tralda, Arya the elf scout, Lowlife the half orc, and myself Pobbin Toadhunter Waylander.

Outside of Norvic we met foulspawn who begged for food but when talked to they offered only violence in trade. Venin bought a crown of food from me but when offered to the foulspawn some ran away with it whilst others attacked. With some difficulty I burnt a troll with my tinderbox, Lowlife had to stab the troll many times whilst Tomo gathered wood and built a pyre around it.

Journeying toward the ruins of Corby we met some Kharchians who travelled with a foundling, a lost woman who could not remember where she was from or who she was. Venin said he could see not trace of magic on her and that she was not one of the lost apprentices. We wished them safe travels and carried on our way. We then passed Sparham and met the folk of the Ragged Banner. When we stopped to speak with them we were attacked. Scattered we fought but when I turned to look bodies lay everywhere. I saved Gertie, stabbed the last of the attackers and ran up a path to Uriel who had chased one of the enemy. I found the attacker who had an enchanted dagger slain beside Uriel. I did what I could to save Uriel and called for aid. Venin began to tie a bandage but it was not quick enough and Uriel's life slipped away. The man who had killed Uriel appeared to be a Traldan follower but it became clear that the band of folk had been Seraklanites. Reuben said that these folk were not from the Ragged Banner at all.

We travelled until we came across a Vleyborian chapel . A pair of goblins who had followed the Children of Truth had now abandoned the cult and had come to the chapel to have the scars of their service removed. They did not know who led the Children or what they wanted. A peaceful and tranquil place we left Uriel's body to rest within the chapel.

On the road we found a tied up and gagged man but when we went to help we were attacked by dark elves. We defeated the dark elves and saved the man Dario, a pilgrim and herald who had been on a recent journey to Hadsfield. We journeyed on toward Corby and fought many skeletons and undead. A necromancer Marc Kemp said he had raised his undead army to defend himself against Flynt. The necromancer's army was sent against us so we defeated and captured him. There were prisoners Jon of Norvic and Jesus of Norvic, both nobles. We took Marc to the forester Talas Copperthorne to be held for the crimes of magical assault against Lowlife, the kidnapping of nobles and of creating a skeleton army. Once the necromancer was safely behind bars we continued onwards. We reached Corby and found Flynt had an enormous army of feyund, ghouls, skeletons and death knights. Flynt claimed to have created the Order of the Bloody Chalice. We had to fight until after many hours we subdued Flynt and took him back to Norvic. Tomo who had been attacked by Feyund was slain.

In Norvic Richard was pleased with our success and we handed over the rogue mage that had been causing such mischief.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVII Summereve XXI

After regular correspondences with Lady Isabella De Vere of Caster myself and me wife were invited to attend her wedding to the Baron Richard Grenville of Lowstof. Myself and Mama Gertie travelled with some of the other guests, Head Griffin Winston Clarence De Vere, Guardsman Spunds, Warden Reuben and Brother Lowlife were all friends of ours, accompanying us also were Tanith the scout, Errant Marshall Whisper of the Templar Order and Doctor Morpheous of Medehampstede.

We travelled to Grenville Hall, the residency of Baron Richard Grenville, where the wedding service would be conducted. Many of Baron Grenville’s militia were zealous in their duties to keep the manor free of threat, even going as far as confiscating Mama Gertie’s pruning knife. We were put through examinations many times before we reached the manor house. At the entrance hall Reuben was approached by a retainer of House De Vere family, he warned that ill things were afoot. He suspected that the House of Grenville were responsible for the murder of House De Breck.

Politeness and manner had our party announce ourselves in the main hall. Many of the people in the main hall were flunkies of House Grenville. I recognised the crest of House De Vere and introduced myself to the uncle of Lady Isabella De Vere and enquired of her whereabouts. Lord De Vere said she would be along but did not know where she was at the time. The Lord was suffering from a nasty cough so I summoned Doctor Morpheous to give his diagnosis, the Doctor and I encouraged Lord De Vere to take a walk and I offered to accompany him for a stroll around the orangery. The Lord declined and remained steadfast he would stay in the hall. I had brought a gift of sugared toads for by liege Lady De Vere but not trusting the militia of House Grenville I did not leave them in the hall but kept them on my person.

Lowlife was rudely expelled from the hall due an unpleasant odour which lingered around him. Mama Gertie, fierce in her defence of her friend became obstinate and full of venom against House Grenville. Gertie was unmoved until we heard tell of a werewolf doppleganger of Baron Grenville which had its lair in a tunnel beneath the trophy room. Concerned for the safety of Lady Isabella I went to check on the guest rooms. The guest room we entered was dusty and unoccupied. Tanith cleverly spied a loose floorboard and we found underneath it a small sword. Gertie took the sword and hid it upon her person. The well being of Lady Isabella remained unknown but before we could search anyway else for her we were escorted back to the main hall by Lord’s guards. I requested to visit the library but the guards refused. In the main hall I congratulated Baron Grenville on his nuptial day. His lordship was rather dismissive of the subject and only became enlivened and cheerful when he spoke of taxes. The Baron proposed the levy of many new taxes including the catching of toads, all of this aide obsessively recorded. Rather perturbed I ventured out of the hall and found many of my companions were out of sorts and complaining roughly of the food and hospitality of the kitchen. Some said the food was poisoned so I went with Gertie to examine the food but she said she saw no poison. Our investigations were met with hostility and we were forced from the kitchen, battled ensued when a holy symbol of Fygol was let slip from under the chef’s tunic and the kitchen hand resisted Guardsman Spund's attempts to arrest them. The Fygolians were captured but refused to answer to any of Spund's questions so our captive was left tied up in the guest’s quarters.

News then came to us that the aide to Baron Grenville was a nefarious necromancer who had been stealing spell books, he had three spell books stored in the library. Before any further investigation of this could be made an undead army of skeletons led by the aide and a wraith came from library and began to attack the guests. We gave chase but could neither stop or catch either necromancer or wraith. When we returned to the manor Whisper and Spunds had barricaded the guests in the main hall to prevent harm coming to them.

After the danger had passed Baroness Isabella De Vere approached the hall. The Lady was ill disposed to the nature of her arrival. The signs of bloodshed and other disturbances on her wedding day made her disinclined for pleasantries and she had harsh words with her nephew Sir Winston Clarence De Vere when he reported the events and disappearance of her betrothed. Evidence that House Grenville had been responsible for the murders of House De Breck was found and passed on to the guardsman Spunds.

When her ladyship was in a kinder mood I offered by gift of sugared toads and shared them with her retainers The other guests had been kept safe but when questioned two heretics were discovered in their midst. A Seraklanite priest and a Mithimese follower of Fygol. The Mithimese guest said that they had come in search of the Golden Dwarf. Both were arrested and placed into the care of Lady De Vere. The Baron Grenville or his aide were nowhere to be found.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVII Drawing XVIII

At the end of Summereve tragedy fell on Geldestones as evil men ransacked the village. Forced to flee Mama Gertie rounded up the Toadhunters children and we took up residence on the common at Caster with the sheep and goats.

On XVIII Drawing gathered by the commons were Guardsman Spunds, Ranger Reuben, Brother Edmund, Ranger Percy, Foot-beardling Smudge, Mother Serenity, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston Clarence de Vere and Sir Harold. The brave knights and adventurers were organising a journey to Geldestones. A necromancer Elizabeth Lamb offered a bounty to recover the missing pages of some magical tomes which had been found in the House of Grenville. The book were said to be in Geldestones. The reward was ten crowns for the recovery of the pages. Another mage offered to sell his magic but was quick to flee when questions were raised over legitimacy.

Smudge had also received a request from Elder Hoarin of Steelhammer to find the missing Thane of Steelhammer and the Runesmith Thalnaz Steelhammer. Both were lost in mines beneath Geldedstones. Whilst I spoke with Smudge she gave gifts, a small drum to Edmund and croaking toad to me, a perfect lure to catch toads.

I left Gertie and the children behind as they frolicked and played with the goats on the common. Outside Caster we met Bequifisian cultists on road, there was a swift battle. As it ended we met a Kharachian by the name of Nova who accompanied to Geldestone then fled quickly into the woods when they saw the village was overrun with Fygolians. There Fygolians had the village walls secure and taunted us as we circled them. Often tossing pies at us when challenged. I build a fire at the gate and left it burning as we retreated.

Griffin Champion Winston said he would bring a siege tower, sappers and battering ram. Satisfied that this would see Geldestone reclaimed we went in search of the dwarven tunnels.

At the entrance of the tunnel I was frozen in midstride, a brief moment later I recovered and looked about myself. At the edge of the darkness below were two petrified barkers, dog-men. Inside I heard the sound of hissing. Warned of a medusa I entered with eyes closed and made lots of noise. It was frightening and the medusa preyed on our fear and both Reuben and Spunds were bitten, the medusa's poison leaving them frozen for a long time. Brave Ragnar did slay the medusa. A search of its lair revealed nothing but broken stone and rotten carrion.

The tunnel's guardian defeated we delved deeper and met the dwarf Gundar as he repaired a automaton. We then met Elder Hoarin who offered to pay us to enter the mines and bring out the Thane and Runesmith.

Eager to save the dwarves we entered the tunnels. A strange silvery ore made my head hurt, sickening by body and muddling my head. More of the dog-men were here, fighting what remained of the dwarves. The dog-men scampered about, barking as they battled. Wild and feral the barkers were relentless but with brave warriors as Ragnar, Winston, Spunds and Harold we broke their ranks. Sparks and lightning shot forth from the broken vein of ore in the cavern ceiling. I tried to scrape a sample to take for inspection but a violent surge of lightning broke my dagger asunder. A great tree roots had wrapped itself around the silvery ore. A miner explained that when they had tried to excavate the ore the Barkers had come and the root had stretched down to grasp it. The foot-beardling Smudge when she examined it said it was mithril.

Away from the mithril were more Barkers, deeper in the tunnels were strange creatures which made strange chittering noises, Clickers. The Clickers were fearsome and unharmed by any weapon. Percy made an astonishing leap to escape them until a blessed axe caused them to simply vanish.

We found Thalnaz Steelhammer the Runesmith but the Thane was dead. We fled the tunnels as more Barkers and Clickers attacked. Elder Hoarin was glad to see the return of the Runesmith and paid us our social status plus two crowns. With no more dwarves in the tunnels a rockfall sealed them.

We had failed to recover any of the missing pages for the necromancer and Geldestone remained taken by heretic.

MXVII Midcold III

We met in Lowstof with Sir Gaspar Asturian, now baronet of the sea port. House Grenville had been disgraced and displaced. The greedy baron had hoarded a coffer of coins and gems in taxes from villages and townsfolk throughout his demesne. Baronet Gaspar asked that this wealth that was taken in unfair taxes be returned to the people. To complete this task we gathered a party heroes and do gooders, Mother Serenity Daydream of Vleybor, Sir Harold Briarthorn Esquire, Sproggs Icklesmith, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston De Vere and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Entrusted with coin and food supplies we did our best to protect them from bandits and thieves, distributing them among ourselves and regularly swapping loads. Not far out of Norvic we met on the road with a wraith. The dark shadowy creature spoke with Sir Winston and told the Griffin that it had been sent by Thomas Black, once aide to Sir Richard Grenville. It told Sir Winston that it's master was in bitter dispute with House Grenville and that the villian Richard was in Topcroft. Armed with the knowledge that Richard might try to hinder our passage through the lands he once controlled we journeyed onward.

We came shortly to the shrine to St Olave's and the surrounding community. Twenty crowns was given back to the people to see them through winter. A further fifty crowns was given to Father Wood of Rolbor to aid travellers, pilgrims and the needy. I prayed at the shrine for Rolbor to guide and protect us as we journeyed and spread aid to the people.

As we moved away from the shrine and closer to Geldedstones there was signs of suffering. Bungay had been pillaged by Fygolian raiders. All the survivors were given food supplies as well as thirty six crowns for them to stock their larders for winter and rebuild where needed.

At a camp off the road we met a band of mercenaries searching for work. I offered to hire them to retake Geldedstones but they refused as they thought it a folly for so few to assault the encamped Fygolians. I spotted a wizard that had fled Caster when Guardsman Spunds had tried to arrest them. Sir Winston would not see the law flouted so, offering five crowns from his own purse if the mercenaries would deliver the fugitive to the law offices in Norvic. The mercenaries were to be paid upon arrival in Norvic with the captive.

The road led on to Ravenshall, along the side of the road we found two empty hovels. We stopped to leave preserved and dry foods for any passing travellers or refugees. Ravenshall was overrun with undead. A Kharachian was busy sending many souls on to the Halls although he offered no prayers, his sword the only release for the damned. Once the undead were destroyed we shared food with the priest. Sproggs was wary of the man and when challenged the Kharachian fled. Sproggs said it was a demon as no-one saw it harmed during the battle and refused to prick its finger to prove it was human.

None of knew much of demons but the encounter gave us much to think about as we travelled to Lod. Our food was shared. None of the kings purse was shared as trade remained good and the people were affluent. This comfortable life held its own danger, one townsman took much pleasure in their own and others suffering, I suspected they might be a follower of Bequifis, nowhere is safe from the blight of the dark gods.

Warily we passed by Geldedstone. Sproggs used his small size to his advantage and crept up to the village to spy on the Fygolians. Sproggs reported that the Forge in Geldedstone had many workers coming in. We all heard loud chanting or singing but could not discern any meaning. Not prepared to do more we bypassed the village.

At Topcroft we met the dastardly Richard Grenville. The village was occupied by his most loyal retainers. It was noted that the people were all itchy with fleas or some malady. The disposed baron would not give themselves up so battle ensued. Richard was slain near to the shrine of Krygan then guarded by a wolfman until the corruption of the dark gods consumed him and he rose as an elderkin. The abomination fled down tunnel, we followed the pair into the wilderness but they escaped.

No people were left at Topcroft so we walked on to Ling. We gave food for the forty two people to feed them for two weeks and one hundred and twenty six crowns for stores and supplies. Jon the Younger gave thanks to King Robert for returning his taxes.

Our travels nearly complete we headed for Lowstof. Winston was withdrawn and when we met the wolfman again he was no longer with us. The creature snarled and spat then Sir Winston rushed forward a silver sword in his grasp. Sir Winston slayed the beast and the glimmer began to fade from the sword. Nothing more of note occurred and we reached Lowstof to returned any left over coins to the king's coffers.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVIII Deepwinter XX

The heroes Errant Harold Briarthorn, Smudge Icklesmith, Guardsman Spunds, Ranger Reuben, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston De Vere, Doctor Morpheous, wizard apprentice Ellenor, Father Liberace of Tralda, alchemist Cassius, squire of the Griffin Order Asher Charrow and the humble scribe Mister Pobbin Toadhunter gathered at Theodeforde. We met Tom Woodward, an aide to the Viscount who hired us to escort the new Baron from Croxton to Attleburc. Our hirer Tom also warned of the disease of the purple spots. Threats had been made against Baron by other nobles. As soon as we left the town we saw a woman hiding behind a tree who had purple spots on their skin. The guard as the gates said that all that possess the mark of the purple spot would be refused entry into the town. Some travellers approached and we left the guard to their duty.

Away from Theodeforde we met some pilgrims. Devoutly I praised them and pointed them north toward Hadsfield. Rudely they dismissed my suggestion and stated that they sought the wisdom of the dark gods. I stepped away from the pilgrims, a little surprised by their words then a follower of Abraxis stepped out from behind a tree and an attack was made against Sir Winston. Soon a battle raged through out the woods. By the time I had drawn my axe and struck one of the heretics down I felt a mighty knock to the back of my head and woke up dizzy after the battle was over. The woods were not safe so we gathered again on the road and I rushed to the safety of Brandon. I made it there before my companions and spoke with an old woman telling fortunes, a man selling wood and man selling cider. Quite a thirst had come over me so I took a taste of the cider and it was a fine brew so I bargained with the man and purchased a cask to be delivered to Caster upon my return home. A dwarf by the name of Tendrick asked a letter to be delivered to the elf maiden Pava. Smudge took the letter.

Once out of Brandon my spirits lifted by the cider I walk with a spring in step and Doctor Morpheous accompanied me. We walked until we met four beardless dwarves. The odd dwarves had been branded with a mark on their faces and said they were of clan Bloodfell. Their temperament matched the name of their clan and when they asked for the letter I denied them. Thinking me a fool they discussed they plans to steal the letter in front of me. I challenged them on this which seemed to infuriate them more. I chose that moment to hide amongst my companions but the dwarves were determined to cause me harm and chopped at my legs with their axes. Coward and fools the dwarves were put the sword for their discourtesy.

We walked on to Croxton, my wound had me limping and walked with the others. Guards stood at the entrance to Croxton Hall but a whispered word and then they let me pass. I went inside as a servant to Sir Harold Briarthorn but both of us were rudely silenced and then locked in the hall. Of a humble disposition I accepted the judgement of the master of the hall and remain where I was left and accepted the lord's generosity as I fed myself on the platters of meats and cheeses and sated my thirst on the lord's wine. When my hunger had gone I knocked upon the door and the guards released me. By this time Sir Winston had the good baron in an even temper and ready to begin his journey to his demesne.

Smudge delivered Tendrick's letter to elf maiden Pava and learnt that it was a proposal of betrothal. It gladden my spirits but as we travelled a severed hand on road soured my disposition. Nothing more unusual was seen so we left the hand where it lay and reached Brandon. Tendrick was joyful with our news as Pava would be his bride but from out of nowhere an assassin tried to kill him with a crossbow bolt. The assassin was jealous of the betrothal. The assassin another elf maiden was captured and questioned. It turned out that she was also in love with Tendrick and made maddeningly jealous by the coming nuptials. With no remorse for her actions she was arrested and her heinous attack.

Our charge the baron was eager to continue his journey and we had only the road between Brandon and Attleburc to travel. Our task seems almost done but our fortunes were poor. Many bandits and wizards and heretics did we meet. A Fygolian by the name of Robustus challenged us first. Then a large group of armed men led by a fellow of the name Bartholomew, the son of a rival Baron assaulted us.

Then of sudden a wizard charmed by mind and not of my own will I devised a plan to murder the baron. My scheming thankfully failed and the baron survived the attempt and my mind cleared of the witchery.

Last we met two travellers. One who announced themselves as a follower of Tralda, the another a common man. They too were villains and when the Traldan was apprehended we found little to identify them but I did find two prayers in writing I could not decipher. The other man fled and was not caught as they were unharmed by any weapon, our suspicions were that they were supernatural in nature.

After an arduous journey the Baron reached his new hall in one piece and was very busy as they had not time left to thank us.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVIII Springsdawn XVII

It was a windy and icy dawn in Norvic. On the cold morning was gathered a mighty band of heroes. Defender Liberace, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Ranger Isau, High Father Dante Potocki, Levi of Crowa, Joe Jack Jacobsen of Tralda, Sineya the wild, Scout Spunds and Lowlife of Longstor. I Pobbin Toadhunter accompanied them to record their exploits.

Tom Woodward aide to the Viscount Longspear of Theodeforde and an elfmaiden Tehya Linn met with the adventurers. Tom spoke of diplomacy and peace, an effort led by the Viscount to bring together the dwarves and elves of Theodeforde forest. A holy relic of the Lord Longstor was being brought to Hockham for the old shrine to be consecrated once more. The elf Tehya had been one of the escorts for the relic, she had travelled with a man and a dwarf. The three of them had been attacked and the relic stolen by cloaked men. The task for the adventurers was to recover the relic and safely transport it to Hockham so that Father Liefenwold would begin the ceremony to bring harmony to the disparate communities. Tehya told us that the relic was an ancient fox skull. The way to Hockham was through the forest of Theodeforde. A road that proved perilous, once away from Norvic we met many foulspawn. The dark nights of winter I had not wasted, studying with Jak Foalan the black speech of the orcs. Crudely I called out to them but was met with curses and laughter as they threatened to eat me. There would be no diplomacy and led by Reuben the adventurers felled the foulspawn. A troll amongst them I burnt it, their troll fat gave off a great stench but the warmth of the fire was welcome. One orc captured spoke of a big green boss. Our path was narrow and the woods beguiling but our scouts led us unerringly toward our journey's end. Strangers lurked in the bushes and traps were laid on the trail. I tried to speak with the strangers but rather than talk they enchanted my tongue so I could not speak.

Out of the trees came dark elves and Elderkin. Then we found a camp of dark elves. The dark elves did not attack and a parlay was made. Dante and the dark elflord talked and a challenge ensued. Tricky and malicious the dark elflord struck Dante down and the camp became a battlefield. The dark elves were not able to defend the camp and I found a dwarf who they had held prisoner. An Elderkin threatened to slay the prisoner if we approached, cowardly then the Elderkin stabbed at the helpless hostage before it fled into the forest. The dwarf of hardy constitution shrugged off the attack and when I cut them free of their bonds they said that they were ambushed when walking in the woods and would return home at once. I wished them a safe journey and they spoke of a green elf priest of Krygan that had come to the dark elves but the only words the dwarf had been able to comprehend was talk of the Golden Dwarf.

Nearing the village of Hockham I walked onward and I came upon a green and pleasant glade. In the glade was a lonely fellow, I spoke with him and asked if he was the gardener who kept so well a clearing. The man agreed that he was a gardener of sorts and was happy to speak with me. We chatted and he confessed of his loneliness and want of a companion, he said the woodsmen of the village always kept so far away from him. I was more than happy to keep company with the fellow and he was pleasing company. Then when the adventurers approached the gardener led me toward a great tree at the edge of the clearing, I went meekly with him and then I felt myself taken away and closeted. I was strangely calm and in a strange way dreaming until as sudden as I had arrived I returned to the clearing a faintness in my head and weakness in my limbs. I have felt the same ever since. I was told that Lowlife had spoken with the Gardener of Hockham Glade and made some pact to visit him in exchange for my release. I warned Lowlife to be wary as the glade was much more dangerous than it seemed.

We walked away then once the trees once again become wild and they boughs spread over our heads we encountered a band of goblins. The goblins were engaged in horseplay and when approached challenged Spunds to a contest of battle. Spunds was defeated and without warning Sineya the wild leapt into the fray and slew the goblin. Before any peace could be sued all the goblins were slain.

From here we then spotted a priest and his bodyguards. At the crest of the hill was a priest robed in green and furs, a fearsome sight. I warned that there was no cause for us to fight but when identified as a heretic the heroes did bay for his blood. Dante evoked the power of Tralda and the priest’s robes sprung to life and wrapped themselves around the priest. Quickly the others rushed up the hill and fought his bodyguards. I searched the priest and found the missing fox skull on the priest. I took it to Reuben and Lowlife who chose to guard it.

Whilst Lowlife reverently packed the relic away a dark elf came and warned that the Golden Dwarf and One eye were on the way then the dark elf fled. It was an odd message and one not to be trusted. Much suffering had the followers of Fygol caused my family and my ire was raised and I would have chosen to face the cause of the suffering had not the heroes swayed me otherwise and we ran to the safety of the nearby village of Hockham with the holy relic of Longstor.

At Hockham Father Liefenwold was presented the fox skull. Reverently he placed it upon the shrine, an open area between village and woods. Helped by Reuben and Lowlife the priest consecrated the shrine and many blessings were said. I thanked the lord of the hunter for the sustenance and trade he brought to my family. When all seem safe and good a heretic flung themselves at the shrine but for their folly the gods cursed them and they were left crawling on their belly in the mud and leaves. The Hockham militia proved their worth and soon had the miscreant in chains to face justice for their blasphemy and heresy.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVIII Springsdawn XXIV

I broke my fast at Caster, I had a guest at my table so had taken lodgings in the tavern for the day. A relief from the biting cold of the wind in my tent. Venin and I were studying. He showed me the finer points of Nerese grammar and punctuation. I was able to show him the rudiments of the black speech of the orcs, their letters crudely carved on sticks.

As we talked and enjoyed each others company a noise and hubbub was heard outside. These sounds came closer and battle was heard alongside much knocking on doors and demands on the orders of Fygol. The god of greed a bane of my family had again struck to bring disharmony. With the children Gertie fled out of the back door. Venin and I went to investigate the streets. Ruffians were banging upon doors. With stealth we headed toward the sounds of trouble, which seemed to be near the town gates. Many doors were barred and the street empty except the armed men of Fygol it was with desperation that myself and Venin abandon our attempt to sneak away. I called out to the men and offered them the hospitality of some cider indoors away from the cold. Safe was I in the knowledge that Gertie and the children were safely on their way out of town, so the better that the villains were off the street and no chance to espy them.

As I offered cups of cider to the men and beguiled them, Venin was quick to act and knock them senseless. Swiftly we fled the scene and called out to any guards or men we passed that drunkards were causing troubles at the tavern. In such a manner we reached the gates and fought our way through those that stood before us to reach the road.

Weary I gave the town of Caster a final glance before we escaped to Norvic and the sanctuary of the Earl’s militia.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVIII Planting XXI

It was a sunny day in Norvic. I left Gertie with her mother and the children played in the river to cool themselves. At the hiring square I met with Lowlife of Longstor, Bellpot Smith, Doctor Morpheous, Sir Briarthorne, Mother Serenity Daydream, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Defender Liberace, Holy Mother Rose Red Mercedes and Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston Clarence De Vere.

High Father Tiggle of Vleybor spoke of a haunting ghost in Wymondham. High Father Tiggle was on the way to Aylsham. Sir Briarthorne was very ill looking. He had been bitten by Lady De Vere and was suffering from increasingly unhealthy signs of vampirism.

I was shocked to hear that the good Lady De Vere was a vampire. When last met she was in fine health and had fled to Hawkwind castle when Caster was sieged by heretics. Defender Liberace said that she had joined the Order of the Bloody Chalice, a vampiric order of nobles and knights.

We travelled to Wymondham but were beset by a dark elf ambush. The ambushers were fought off and we journeyed onward. A gold cloaked man offered a wager for our champion to defeat an ogre, a Champion of Fygol. The Holy Mother Rose stepped up to the challenge but all was not fair as the gold cloaked man gave magical healing to the ogre to prevent its defeat at the blade of the Crowan. A melee erupted amongst the many watchers, human and foulspawn. A purse was found on the gold cloaked man who was identified as a Fygolian.

Nothing else was of note so we left the corpses to creatures of the forest and travelled closer to Wymondham. We found on the road an injured dark elf, their legs wounded and bleeding. Mother Serenity was able to aid the elf but when Doctor Morpheous tried to help them get back on their feet the dark elf dragged him into a pit trap. Both Doctor Morpheous and the dark elf were injured in the fall. Angered Doctor Morpheous slew the dark elf and had to be hauled from the pit by rope. Doctor Morpheous’s honour was questioned for killing a defenceless creature but nothing in law could be done.

Arriving at Wymondham a strange robed fellow went to speak with Mother Serenity whilst others went to the Green Dragon Inn. I stayed in the street to keep an eye on Serenity’s safe return and chatted with an amiable fellow by the name of Nomad Martin. Nomad was his nickname and Martin was his name. I made sure to introduce Martin correctly to all my companions. When Mother Serenity was safely returned to us I took Nomad Martin into the Green Dragon Inn. A hooded lady refused to speak with me and the innkeeper bought a copy of Pobbins Post, the latest despatches from the Duchy of Northwich from me.

Baron Crocton was in Wymondham so I paid him a visit and sold another copy of Pobbins Post. Baron Crocton was an elderly fellow but Ranger Reuben was suspicious that he might be an assassin. It did not seem likely and much of Baron Crocton’s talk was of Sir Edmund a good guy from Lindone. Any suspicion of wrong doing was easily dismissed.

We left Wymondham and saw a ghostly maid. The ghost was fearful and confused. She told a tale of how she was murdered by Lady De Vere who she had regarded as her mother. Mother Serenity talked with the apparition and eased the maid’s troubled mind and the spirit passed away to Kharach’s hall in peace.

Not every spirit was so tranquilly brought to rest as Reuben found tracks and led us to follow them. We were attacked by zombies and skeletons. Amongst them were fearsome and evil Deathknights, mockeries of Black Knights and Templar Knights. These fallen knights guarded the Lady De Vere. Mother Serenity lay low the vampire and staked her corpse. The vampire slain Sir Briarthorne was given an opportunity for recovery at Wymondham Abbey.

Away from the battle I spotted an injured and unconscious man. I with Bellpot Smith’s aid was able to restore the man to good health. He wore the colours of House De Vere and named themself as Herald Geoffrey. Herald Geoffrey De Vere had been bitten by Lady De Vere but professed innocence of her vampirism. Mother Serenity took Herald Geoffrey to be tended at Wymondham Abbey and cured him of his affliction.

Dark elves hampered our return to Norvic but were naught from a pest and either fled or was slain.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVII Shoring III

The sky was misty as I gathered myself to depart from Caster and head to Norvic. The hiring square was quiet and I had to introduce myself to many new heroes. There was apprentice mage Nihao, deputy forester Chug and Novice Heinric of Kharach. Of the seasoned adventurers were the noble Sir Harold Briarthorne, the Warden Reuben Volfbrodir and Brother Jack Joe Jacobson.

As the sun burnt away the clouds Forester Jonson approached and the heroes gathered around. The Forester called for the brave or foolish to travel toward the heretics at Bure. Jonson’s orders were simple, to scout Bure and what the Abraxians were doing. In Norvic at the Square of the Seven a big crowd had gathered. Rumour had that a sword in a stone had mysterious appeared. I could not get close enough to see this wonder myself and followed the adventurers to the East Gate.

The militia told tales of undead swarming Corby, probably due to the malevolent influence of Mal Zeth in the nearby Mines of Massingham. They also declared a bounty of VIII crowns for the capture or defeat of the villain Grimblade. On the road we met a lone rabbit hunter who told us an account of Abraxians slaughtering their kin and companions, leaving them alive to tell the tale of the killing. We found more evidence of the Abraxian raiding parties when we found many corpses strewn upon the road. A black robes priest attended the victims’ last rites and laid them to rest. When he had finished we spoke and they introduced themselves as Father Cuthbert of Kharach. The priest was alone and unarmed so Novice Heinric gifted them their dagger and we continued our journey to Bure.

At a clearing we met a party of orcs. I talked with them and offered them a feast of toads. The orcs had been slaves for Grimblade, made to forge weapons and armour for the Abraxians. After they had eaten I encouraged the orcs to hunt for more toads in the forest. In trade they offered a well made dagger in exchange for the toads. I gave this dagger to Novice Heinric. Warden Reuben offered the orcs some instruction in the ways of Longstor.

As we returned to the road we saw a band of Abraxians destroying a caravan. We put an end to the Abraxians but it was a hard fought victory.

At a woodsman’s cottage we met the woodsman’s daughter who pleaded for our aid as her father was unwell. Brother Jack Joe Jacobson went into the cottage to aid the woodsman. There were signs of biting on the man and their skin was waxen. The daughter told of how the woodsman would often walk alone in the woods but had been gone longer than usual and returned three days ago before they fell ill.

Suspicions were that a vampire had corrupted the man. The man was a follower of the Lady Tralda so Brother Jacobson had them drink many vials of holy water and their health began to return. The man spoke with Jacobson before they vanished along with their daughter. We thought we had been fooled by the vampire but Jacobson said it was a holy miracle of Tralda. All was well for the woodsman but we knew a vampire was in the nearby woods.

The road led on to Bure. The town had been burnt to the ground. Big claw marks, wagon trails and boot prints were clear in the ashes. Warden Reuben spent considerable time examining the trail before he declared that many of the tracks were false and a ruse to lead any investigators awry. Reuben pointed westward and back toward Norvic. The Abraxians in many smaller bands had headed that way. Our journey so far was testament to this. The Abraxians were loose and spreading their creed of carnage with them.

We had discovered ill news and turned ourselves around to return to Norvic as swiftly as possible to warn all of the danger. On the road the vampire who must have been lurking before struck at us. Many undead attacked and then from the trees the vampire sent an onslaught of enchantments and beguilements. Quickly we were fighting amongst ourselves and squabbling. The vampire escaped. In a ditch was found an Abraxian who had become another victim of the vampire. When questioned they named themselves Timmuson and taunted Reuben until the warden struck off the heretic’s head.

As we headed west we met a large party of Abraxians. They blocked the road and made themselves ready for battle. We had to break through their ranks to reach the protection of Norvic. We knew it would be an almost impossible task but we had been left with no choice. Gathered in a group with Sir Harold Briarthorne at our head we tried to force an opening. Amongst the Abraxians were Bequifisian who unleashed foul magics at us and crippled we all staggered onwards. The heretics were nasty and malevolent. Chug the forester was slain by Grimblade and Jacobson fled into the woods. Those of us that remained limped away as the heretics laughed and heckled. Returned to Norvic we made our way to the Square of the Seven and saw a plain sword driven into a stone. None were able to draw the sword from the stone until Sir Winston Clarence De Vere gripped the hilt and the sword was transformed at once into a glorious and magical sword. Sir Winston was unable to free the sword, it was clear that he must prove himself worthy for the sword to be released.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

MXVIII Highsummer I

Gathered in Norvic were warden Reuben, high father Dante, captain Ragnar the forgetful, icklesmith Smudge, defender Liberace, brother Levy of Crowa, Alicia of Tralda, father Edmund of Rolbor and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Sir Sigismund and master Benedict came to the hiring square on the orders of viscount Hawkwind. A vassal of viscount Hawkwind sir Sigismund came to call for aid in forming a treaty with the Flinthearts so that an attack on Corby against the Mal Zeth could be orchestrated.

Ragnar was eager to go to the tavern we however agreed to go to Fareham first to visit viscount Hawkwind and aid the lord with forming the alliance with the dwarfs Ragnar then told us that he had been born in the clanhold of the Flintheart dwarfs and that we would need to let them judge his past actions. On the road outside of Norvic. He asked for no interference in this. We met a band of militia that had been summoned by viscount Hawkwind to gather at Fareham, they declined to travel with us as they demand that they take a rest.

We were then attacked by foulspawn on way to Sparham. When we reached Sparham I headed to the shrine to offer my worship. As we all gathered by the shrine a storyteller by the name of Gordon told a tale of a hero of Tralda. The tale told of the need of light in these dark times. When the story had ended Reuben left to go speak with sir Neville. There was concern that the knight threatened Reuben and warned that the Sidheans were bad.

We left and headed onward to Fareham. Ghoul and ghasts were chasing another troop of militia. The undead were defeated and at Fareham we met the viscount Hawkwind who requested a muster of an army. I spoke with a talented flint knapper who I commissioned to carve a gemstone I possessed into a miniature toad sculpture. This I collected the next day and was impressed with their skill.

At the lords hall it was announced that high father Dante would be the baronet of Bexwell. Tales were told that youths had been taken by father teach to Artemis falls for reasons unknown.

Ranger Reuben found a trail to the dwarf tunnel that led into the clanhold of the Flintheart clan. We went into tunnels where we were met by many roden and feyunds. Fiercely Ragnar fought these creatures before he was taken by the council of dwarfs.

The dwarf council was made of dwarfs from the clans of Blacknail, Stonehammer, Bloodfell, Flintheart and Greybeard. Dwarf breads and cider were shared and our request was made for the aid of dwarfs against Mal Zeth. The dwarfs asked for food to be brought to the tunnels near Fareham and the need to make trade routes with the people above. There were warnings that something was in tunnels at Massingham. It might be a tomb. It was agreed that they would join the battle.

Next was the trial of Ragnar. Ragnar had over a year ago been sent out from the clanhold to seek aid. The dwarfs accused Ragnar of desertion but it was decided that he was just late. He was cleared of all charges and renamed Ragnar the late. It was difficult to judge the time but the dwarfs said that night had fallen so we accepted the offer of hospitality and stayed overnight in the clanhold.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter