Friday 13 July – Saturday 14 July 1280 (A busy day)

(OOC: I've "rewound" a bit to allow for the purchasing of items and for Gaven's conversation with Cosmo, so we start back in Cosmo's shop before you head back to the Tankard where you'll bump into Filbert)

Oloc wanders around Cosmo's place with huge eyes and an open mouth, eyeing all of the magical wares. Ultimately he ends on three items that he offers to buy: Ring of Spell Storing, the Returning Throwing Dagger, and the Potion of Cure Light Wounds.

Duran purchases one of Ruger's Perfect Arrows and one Losenge of Healing.

Gaven too looks over Cosmo's wares. Spotting Borland's Shield, the cleric says:  "This is a fine shield, I will take it."* Gaven also inquires: "When we spoke with Captain Belloc, he mentioned that Maggie the Moon Witch has been seen again. What do you know of her?"

Cosmo replies: "Mostly rumors. I've never met her. Some say she's a werewolf. Others say she's a witch. Many say she's both. I've never met her, so I can only speculate. But the latter assumption – that she is both werewolf and witch – is certainly a possibility. After all, any mage bitten by a werewolf can be transformed into one, and there is no reason to think that he or she would necessarily lose the ability to perform magic."

Cosmo then adds: "The last time you came in, I recall, you asked me about werewolves. So I divine your question may be connected to that ribbon I identified for you. If that ribbon was a gift, it may indeed be that Maggie is both a werewolf and a witch, and one who has managed to assert her human side over her wolfish aspect. Those with the strongest wills can. If she has seen fit to lend you aid for some reason – as a gift would suggest – she could be a powerful ally. Or a dangerous foe if crossed. It may also mean there is something she wants from you as well."

He lowers his voice, and looks around, as if even the walls in his secret back room might have ears.

"This may not mean anything," Cosmo whispers, "but I have sensed a tension in the night. It is difficult to explain, but it feels as if two primordial noctornal forces were about to clash. I have no idea what those forces might be, or if they're anything other than figments of an old mage's imagination. But if my senses aren't simply fooling me, a powerful lycanthrope – or a group of them – would certainly be a force to cause such an impression on my mind."

Then he shrugs. "Of course I cannot substantiate that feeling. And what do I know?" He smiles. "I've been sedentary too long, spent too many years avoiding adventures. So my senses may not be as sharp as they once were."

Finally you conclude your business for the evening with Cosmo, who sends you off with a cheerful farewell. "I assume you'll be in Fairbrook for a while refitting. If you have any more questions to ask me while you're here, feel free to stop by again," he adds as he sees you out the door to his shop.

*****

As darkness begins to fall, you return to the Red Tankard. When you enter the inn, the place seems a bit more crowded as travelers have arrived to spend the night, and the local townsfolk drink and talk. You barely get inside the door before you see a familiar face – it's Filbert.

The halfling jumps up and waves to you from across the room. "Hallo! Sadie and Sal told me you were back in town. Earlier than I expected too!"

Seeing Filbert's enthusiastic greeting, Oloc suggests quietly to the rest of you: "Blackwell Keep, anyone?"

Gaven smiles at the halfling, "Well met Filbert. I am glad to see you waited for us. Have you gathered any men?"

"No, no," Filbert says. "I've been waiting on you." He whispers to the group quite confidentially: After giving it some thought – and admittedly watching the fairly slim pickings around here in your absence – I've come to realize I should put my trust in you alone. I don't expect anyone would be more likely to help me get my wares back than you gents. And anyone else is just as likely to stab me in the back once I do recover my merchandise."

Greeting Filbert, Duran says, "Glad to see you did not set off without us. When were you planning to leave?

"Ah that," Filber replies. "I've passed my time well this past day. I went to the blacksmith who says he can have a fine new halfling-sized suit of armor done up for me in a week. So I wouldn't be ready to go before then. With that and..." he flings his cloak aside, "...this little beauty, I should be able to take what those bandits owe me right out of their hides if I can't actually retrieve my gems." Hanging from his belt is a finely made short sword.

The halfling has a determined look on his face. "I must admit, I was being a bit hasty wanting to run off half-cocked earlier. But Hazel, well, she's the voice of reason. Made me calm down, take a hard, realistic look at my situation, and convinced me that careful preparation and precautions were more important than fast action."

Gaven asks: "Have you heard any more rumors on the Grey Foxes?"

"Nothing in particular," Filbert says, "though I've been trying to keep my ears open. Just general rumors that there has been some activity up on the road past Blackwell. It's always been said that a man was safe walking the road past Blackwell as long as he did it in daylight. Apparently that's not entirely true any more. So I'm guessing they're up there alright, since I don't seem to be the only one they've robbed."

Duran says: "We may need some time to rest and refit. Our friend Varros here had a rough go these past few days."

Filbert eyes poor Varros, who still looks a little the worse for wear. "Say no more. I reckoned you fellows would have your own business to attend to after your excursion to the south. So why don't you take a day or two to take care of your business, and then we can talk sometime in the next few days about how to proceed."

With that the halfling bids you good evening, leaving you to ponder your options.

*****

No sooner has Filbert left you than Karnak flies through the window to perch on Varros' shoulder. Sadie raises an eyebrow and opens her mouth to comment on the presence of what she must consider just some filthy animal. But seeing how much the weakened Varros perks up at Karnak's arrival, her expression softens, and she goes about her business, turning a blind eye to the presence of a raven in her common room.

*****

After you breakfast the next morning, Oloc locks himself in his room and begins copying out the spell from the scroll you picked up from the bandits. It will take him all day, and the rest of you realize you won't see him again until suppertime.

The hirelings, who have received quite a decent bonus, are pleased and go about the town on their own for a few hours to enjoy their new wealth.

Gaven prays for the healing of Varros' wounds, and the fighter rapidly feels better (OOC: Varros is back at full hp at the end of the day, so he can train if he wishes).

Gaven visits the temple to aid as he can and to pray for guidance on the group's next mission. He asks after Abbot Cuthbert, but is informed simply and politely that the abbot is "away on business near Ham's Fork." One brother says he believes that the abbot went to visit brother Abraham, but beyond that Gaven gets no further details out of anyone.

Gaven then visits with Elsie Miggins, Bob Barley and Dagwood.

Elsie welcomes him, and seems genuinely pleased to see the cleric. But she smiles sadly and distantly as they converse.

Bob Barley appears to be doing far better than Elsie, despite the recent loss of his son. They chat about this and that – mostly about Bob's memories of Bill – though Bob does seem eager to express his gratitude for the concern shown for his son by way of discounted prices should Gaven and his companions need mounts or beasts of burden.

Dagwood expresses thanks on the part of the Mayor for the Free Company's actions in stomping out the Red Serpent bandits. He also confirms Filbert's statement about Grey Fox bandit activity in the vicinity of Blackwell keep. Dagwood's theory is that with their competition out of the way, the Grey Fox bandits may be getting bolder, intent on expanding their nefarious activities.

Meanwhile Duran spends the day tracking down Sergeant Ragnar, and talks to him about training times and cost, and making plans to begin training the following day.

Varros, feeling better after Gaven's pious ministrations, spends most of the day convalescing, but by evening he feels in full form, and is up and about as if he had never been injured at all.

*****

Evening comes again with your respective activities for the day completed, you find yourselves seated once more around your usual table in the Red Tankard. Amid the buzz of others' conversations, you discuss your next job.**

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OOC: Actions?

*I took the liberty of just assuming that you had the cash with you. I think from now on, whenever you want to buy anything in Fairbrook (which is, at least for the time being, your home base), that I will just handwave the details of actually going to the bank and depositing/withdrawing moneys. Whenever you need the gold to buy something there, I'll just assume you snagged it before heading to the merchant's shop.

**The developing consensus seems to be heading up to Blackwell after the bandits with Filbert. Let me know if I'm wrong in this.

Also, let me know if there are other people you want to talk to before heading out to Blackwell (or elsewhere). Feel free to buy any remaining equipment.

Dienekes: if you decide to have Varros train with Ragnar, too, let me know.

There was discussion before about mules/horses/etc. If you decide to buy one or more, we'll say that Bob Barley is willing to sell you horse(s), mule(s), saddle(s), saddlebag(s) all for 5 gp below book cost each (prices are on p. 21). Was the mule a done deal? The horses seemed in question.

If you want to hire someone to handle the animal(s) (i.e. to stand watch over it outside Blackwell) we'll say that you can find someone (equivalent in cost to a porter). If you wanted to hire someone to actually guard the animal(s), that would just be a merc.

Lastly, if I overlooked anything anyone mentioned in the comments from the last post, let me know, and I'll work it into the next post. I think I got it all, but you never know.

Wednesday 11 July 1280, Evening (Information on Bandits and Werewolves)

Duran and Varros decide to gather the others before heading to meet the lieutenant. But they have the soldier let Alanna know the group is in town and plans to come see her either tonight or in the morning.

The soldier promises to convey the message and quickly disappears down the path to the east.

Duran and Varros return to the inn, to find Oloc listening to the end of the elf's story. When the opportunity presents itself Oloc approaches him: "A friend of ours had a similar experience, but further to the north. We are investigating if it is the same group or not. Can you tell me where I might find the guards who took this bandit captive?"

The elf replies: "I'm sorry for your friend, and I hope no harm came to him. I couldn't say much about the group that attacked me, other than the fact they were some pretty rough characters. But I wouldn't know one bandit group from another. From what I hear, though, the guards took the wounded bandit to some camp their lieutenant has east of town. I haven't seen many guards in town except the ones that brought me here, and one or two others who seem to bustle in from the camp and then hurry back out again. That's probably where you'll find them."

*****

In the chapel, Gaven asks Brother Abraham about the traps he sets and how to not set them off. Abraham shows Gaven into a nearby room and points to a large iron-jawed spring trap. "I have Raglin, our smith here in town, build these for me. I keep them far enough off the paths that travelers aren't likely to step in them, but still close enough that the wolves will smell the pig I use for bait. If you go into the woods, just stay right on the trails and you should have no problems."

Gaven also asks about how to best deal with werewolves.

"Your best bet is with a silvered or magical weapon," says Abraham. "Raglin makes silver weapons for me, too, and keeps a stock of them. If you need any, he'll probably have some. Wolfsbane would be a good idea as well. I grow it myself out back and, if you need some, I can give you as much as you like.* Hang it around your neck, and it should give you some measure of protection."

Finally, Gaven asks Brother Abraham what he knows of Maggie, the moon ribbon, Dagmar, and Blackwell. Brother Abraham knows quite a bit about them all, but has nothing to add that Gaven hasn't heard before. On the subject of the moon ribbon, Brother Abraham reacts much like Abbot Cuthbert, going almost into a rage, and urging Gaven to destroy the ribbon.

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OOC: Actions?  

*Prof P:  Gaven can take as much wolfsbane as he'd like from Brother Abraham (perhaps a handful-sized bunch for each member of the party including the hired help?), if he wants to.

Everyone: Time is about 9:00 p.m. you could certainly go talk to Lieutenant Alanna at her camp outside town, or wait until morning, as you wish.

Friday 6 July 1280, Evening (The Boys are Back in Town)

CONSIDERING THE RUINS

Oloc's eyes widen as he examines the piece of paper from Harlon. "Thank you sir," he says. "I definitely plan on paying him a visit!"

As the party makes their way down to Fairbrook, the young Mage addresses the rest of the group. "Am I the only one excited about exploring the old ruins? Just think what treasures lie therein, waiting for the adventurous to come and take it! And Filbert, I'm sure we will take care of those bandits in the process!"

"I too would like a look at those ruins Oloc. However, Belloc seems to think the danger is quite great. I think maybe a bit more experience would aid us greatly in making an attempt on them." Varros considers for a moment and looks to Stan and Ollie, perhaps you might have some associates who would be interested in employment?" Varros turns back to Oloc, "Gaven suggested hiring some extra help, I feel that with a few men as good as Stan and Ollie and a bit more seasoning we will be ready."

Duran and Gaven seem to agree that the company should gain a bit more experience and some more manpower before tackling a target with such a reputation.

*****

AT THE TEMPLE

As the group approaches the tavern, Gaven says, "I would like to visit Cosmo's, but before I do anything I must visit the temple."

The company waits for him while he takes care of his spiritual obligations.

At the temple, Gaven prays to the Light and gives thanks for the Company's success and health. He also prays for guidance on the bandits and the ruins.

As he does so, his mind clears and he sees the image of a hilltop, in the far distance. The hilltop moves closer in dreamlike fashion, as if Gaven is being carried toward it. Ever closer, he can soon recognize the ruins of the keep that Belloc pointed out. But instead of the dirty, gray, mildewed stone he saw on the march, Gaven sees in his mind's eye stone that appears white and pristine, and the brilliant blue and white banner of the Light fluttering in a gentle breeze above it on a sunlit morning.

The vision ends as footsteps behind him break his meditation. Turning, Gaven sees Abbot Cuthbert approach. "Forgive me for disturbing your prayer my son. I was told by one of the brothers who saw you enter that you were here, and meant only to look upon you to be sure you had come to no harm. There are rumors in town you and your comrades had some excitement."

Gaven tells the abbot of the adventure and of Maggie. When the young cleric mentions the moonwitch, the abbot's face appears troubled.

"I've not heard that name in some time. And I suggest you forget it. Though I've not seen her personally, I've heard the same stories the farmers told you, and I believe they are right. If she is a werewolf, who knows? I have heard some suggest that she is, and I'm not inclined to disbelieve them. But I have not heard of Maggie for many, many years – indeed, I believed she must have died long ago."

Gaven shows Cuthbert the ribbon and tells him what happens when he and Oloc touch it, then asks whats the Abbot feels or knows of the item. The abbot becomes quite agitated.

"No good can come of such a thing! You should destroy it! This ribbon reeks of danger! Now put it away my son, I cannot bear to look upon it!"

Gaven puts the ribbon away, and the abbot rapidly calms down. "Apologies, my son. Forgive an old man who no longer has the strength to look upon evil, let alone lay a finger upon it. Indeed, I would not trust any of the brothers here with it. Suffice to say that I must trust you to do the right thing with that token of darkness."

With a sigh, Cuthbert returns to the broader subject of werewolves. "The only current werewolf activity I know of is down south in the Blackleaf forest, near Ham's fork. There is a brother of our order there, Brother Abraham. He has made somewhat of a study on werewolves, and is in the practice of hunting and trapping them in the forest – with some success I might add. If anyone can give you more detailed information on them he can."*

After thanking the abbot for his time and advice, Gaven donates one of his gems to the church, then returns to the inn.

*****

HELP WANTED

While waiting at the inn, the rest of the party considers the possibility of obtaining additional hirelings. Sadie happens to overhear the conversation. "If you boys want, you can leave some money with me and I'll be happy to get some placards printed up for you and start spreading the word around here. With the reputation you've gained yourselves in just three short days, finding help shouldn't be much of a problem for you!"**

*****

TOGETHER AT THE INN

Shortly, Gaven returns to the inn. Once everyone is settled in at the Red Tankard, Oloc asks if anyone is interested in heading over to Cosmo's.

"I'll tag along while we visit Cosmo's then perhaps Varros and I can see about finding a trainer in town."*** Duran downs a mug of Saddie's Crimson Ale.

Varros replies: "Yes, what say we take a look at this magic shop?"

Filbert and Hazel still somewhat shaken by their ordeal, decide to remain at the Tankard to relax and drink some ale while talking to the other customers.

*****

COSMO'S CURIOSITIES

You make the short walk north from the Tankard and soon arrive at the shop Harlon told you about. Above the front door hangs a gently swinging wooden sign board that reads COSMO'S CURIOSITIES in bright yellow letters. Beneath, in smaller print, you can see the words: Purveyor of Fine Antiquities.

Pushing the door open, you hear a small silver bell ring above the door. Looking around the room, you see shelves and display tables galore, stocked with ornate bronze lamps, finely crafted pewter goblets, statues of fat cherubs and mishievous satyrs, rows and rows of books with old, dusty cracked leather bindings, and all sorts of other odd knick knacks and bric-a-brac. On the counter stands a large, brass birdcage. On the bottom of the cage lies a blue parrot, flat on its back, with its feet in the air. You can't help thinking what a shame this is, given the bird's lovely plumage.

As Ollie brings up the rear and the door closes behind him, the bell gives a final jingle. Hearing the bell, the parrot suddenly cocks open an eye and jumps up on his perch, startling Stan.

"Oh, I see," says Stan, recovering. "He's not dead, he's resting."

"Of course," says Ollie, stepping up to the cage. "They prefer kipping on their backs."

"Grraaaawwwk!" says the parrot. "Cosmo! Customers! Graaaawwwwwk!"

Out of the back steps a bent and wizened old man with a hooked nose, wearing a robe and a rounded, close-fitting cap with flaps that come down over his ears.

"Yes, gentlemen? What can I do for you?"

Oloc shows Harlon's parchment to the old man, whose face splits in a smile of recognition. "Ah, friends of Harlon's! Wonderful! I take it you're not looking for antiques, then. Let's see what we can dig up shall we?"

He motions for you to come around the counter and follow, then leads the way through the door to a corridor to the back room. "Keep an eye on the shop, Morpheus!" he calls over his shoulder to the parrot.

"Okay, Cosmo! Grawwwwwk!"

The hallway is dark, and poorly lit by dim candles at regular intervals. You notice cobwebs near the ceiling, and dust near the sideboards along the floor.

The corridor is long, very long, too long in fact to possibly fit inside the building in which Cosmo's shop is located. You walk down the hallway for a full ten minutes. Looking behind, you can see only darkness. A few minutes more, and another door opens before you, and you find yourselves in what appears to be a stockroom with rough shelves lining the walls, and a large book on a pedestal – it appears to be some sort of inventory ledger.

"We don't have a large stock at the moment," says Cosmo, "but feel free to take a look around. All top quality merchandise, I assure you. It all comes with my personal guarantee. If any member of your party dies due to the defective functioning of any of my items, I will personally refund to your estate three times what you paid for it." He pauses, then adds, "It should reassure you that I've been in business fifty years, same location. And no one has ever requested a refund."

Two of the wooden shelving units are completely empty. The others contain a variety of items. Some are so strange you have no idea what they might be, and you can't imagine how they could possibly be of use to an adventuring party.  Mostly self-washing dishes, brooms that sweep on their own, and similar items.

On one shelf, Ollie spots several rolls of a thin, white, almost parchment like material labelled "never-ending toilet paper."

"I wonder what a toilet is..." mutters the porter.

Stan on the other hand, finds a bright pink whip that hops into the air and lashes itself over and over again screaming "yes, yes, oh yes!" The mercenary stumbles over himself in a panic, backing away from the thing.

Cosmo laughs. "I do get some customers with...unusual tastes."

Examining the shelves, however, you also see some items that could be of use to you. From each dangles a tiny tag with a name and a price inscribed in crimson cursive:

Potion of Cure Light Wounds....400 gp (there are three of these)

Potion of Speed.....450 gp

Potion of Levitation.....400 gp

Scroll of Magic Missile.....300 gp

Scroll of Read Magic.....300 gp

Scroll of Protection from Lycanthropes.....3000 gp

Lesser Magic Arrow.....250 gp (there are five of these)

Lesser Magic Shield.....2,500 gp

Wand of Polymorphing.....25,000 gp

Ring of Spell Storing.....25,000 gp

As the rest of the party examines the shelves, Gaven shows Maggie's ribbon and asks Cosmo if he can shed any light on her or it. Cosmo can tell Gaven little more about Maggie than you already know. If she is a werewolf, as the abbot suggests, she'd likely be found near Ham's Fork, which is the only place Cosmo has heard of werewolf sightings. Looking at the ribbon, Cosmo states: "As a matter of fact I do offer the service of identifying objects. I charge 10 gold as a consultation fee; 50 gold if it turns out that the item in question has any magical qualities."

Turning back to the rest of the group Cosmo says: "Do let me know if there's anything you like. I have associates who collect these things for me, and others to whom I sell wholesale. So my inventory changes constantly."

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OOC: Actions?

*If Gaven has any additional questions for the abbot, I can retroactively work them into the next post in the form of a "report" of the conversation to the party.

**Seemed like an easy way to narratively get the ball rolling on this. So far, the consensus seems to be for one more laborer and two more mercs. Let me know if anyone objects. The cost and time for those searches would be:

1 Laborer: search cost 10 gp; guaranteed find (*), time 1 day.

2 Mercs: search cost 20 gp; guaranteed find(*), time 1 day for the first, 3 days for the second.

(*) guaranteed find in this case given the fact that your currently having 15 minutes of fame following the rescue of Elsie Miggins and thwarting the goblin horde back to back. All times are overlapping, so a grand total of 3 days to acquire all three hirelings.

If you opt to get a pack mule (now or later), it's very likely Barley will give you some degree of discount (compared to book value) for having brought him closure regarding his son.

***I'll work the trainer issue into the next post.

Friday 6 July 1280, Afternoon (Northstar Inn Conversation)

Gaven thanks both Harlon and Belloc for their generosity. Duran joins Gaven in thanking the captain and the dwarf. Oloc is also very appreciative of the payment from Belloc and Harlon. The amount of gold in front of the young mage is well beyond anything he had ever imagined and his mind quickly races, thinking of how the coin will help in his magical studies.

Gaven says to the company, "I would like to aid our friend Filbert and Captain Belloc and Fairbrook by investigating the bandit situation. Plus, I would hate to enter the area near the ruins during the full moon." As he says that last bit, he lifts Maggie's scarf, which he had been absently twirling with his hands. The scarf feels light to the touch, and Gaven notes that it has, somewhat surprisingly, what could best be described as a "wholesome" quality to it.

At mention of the bandits, Oloc lets out a sigh. "Aye, I suppose the ruins can wait."

Gaven asks Belloc and Filbert what they know of the bandits. Belloc says "The only bandit activity I knew of before hearing of Filbert's encounter was that of the bandits to the south of Fairbrook along the Ham's Fork road. I wasn't aware of any bandit activity this far north. Whether Filbert's bandits are connected with those to the south, I've no idea."

Filbert says: "There's not much to tell about them other than what you know already. We were set upon by those grey men that were here in the inn night before last and yesterday morning. And well, you know the rest. The only thing helpful I can think of is that I'm sure they said something about 'getting back to the keep.' If you plan to go after them, I'd like to come along for payback. I may be short in stature, but I have pride enough to equal that of any man."

"The only keep in the area I know of," offers Harlon, "at least, the only one where bandits might hole up, is the old ruin of Blackwell."

Belloc agrees with Harlon. "That's likely to be true. I cannot think offhand of any keep along the road between Fairbrook and Woodfield that could be used as a bandit hideout.

Gaven then asks Eric what else he knows of Maggie. "I hope I never see that fearful moonwitch again – once was enough! They say she was responsible for a number of gruesome deaths, back in the old days."

"Hmph! 'The old days' and 'they say'," interjects Harlon. "I shouldn't put too much stock in such rumors. When was the last time any such 'gruesome death' occurred? Probably not in twenty or more years. If she is so horrible, why don't we find bloodied victims lying around left and right and up and down the road?"

Belloc confirms: "I've not had any reports of unattributable violence either."

Shaking his head, Eric insists: "That's as may be, but I have no reason to doubt the stories of our grandfathers, fathers and uncles." Looking at the party he says: "If I were you, I'd think twice about having any dealings with Maggie."

When Gaven asks what they know of werewolves and any other weird happenings during full moons, Belloc is the first to answer: "Well, we have crimes and such, both in Fairbrook and the outlying areas. But nothing out of the ordinary. The full moon is the best time for bandits and thieves to operate, of course. They can still hide in the shadows, while at the same time have enough light to take care of their enterprises. Nothing unusual at all in that. And we've had no reports of werewolves. There may be foul things about – you've seen the goblins and hobgoblins yourselves. But werewolves? Not that I'm aware."

Harlon, Filbert and Eric simply shrug their shoulders with nothing to add to Belloc's answer.

Turning to the others Duran says "I would have no problem investigating the bandit problem but I would first like to return to Fairbrook for a proper rest and resupply. Plus I could use a mug of Big Sadie's Crimson Ale."

Oloc agrees that a return to Fairbrook sounds good. "I am interested in securing this gold - or spending it!"

"Plus, with our new funds," the cleric adds, "I would like to try to hire some extra help to either fight the bandits or investigate the ruins."

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OOC: Actions?

Thursday 5 July 1280, Near Midnight (Smoldering Outbuilding)

Gaven notices the revulsion on Oloc's face and says, "What did you feel when you felt the ribbon. I felt a ... gentle caress... Do you think the ribbon is magical?"

Gaven stares at the moon a moment and then says, "From Eric's description of the murders and Maggie's staring at the moon, it would seem her being a werewolf is a possibility. I think we should be careful if we are out in these woods next week."

Gaven says to Oloc, "Since it seems the ribbon makes you sick, but not me, and Maggie left it at my feet, I will hold on to the ribbon for now. Perhaps Abbot Cuthbert will have some insight once we get back to Fairbrook."

Gaven places the ribbon in his backpack.

Oloc fights off the strange feeling of revulsion. " Yes, it is best that you keep the ribbon. I felt she knew me, but now I don't know what to think." he shakes off the last effects and the turns his attention to the scene in front of him.

"It is doubtful there are survivors here, but we should search the ruins."

For the most part it is impossible to get near the still burning structures. However, one or two small out-buildings to the east – evidently where the first fires were set, have burned down enough that you can come in closer. They don't reveal much, however, though you do manage to spot one corpse in the easternmost shed. Much of the body is burned away, and all gear has been stripped off or burned away, but enough of the body remains for you to recognize it as a goblin.

But even with a slightly closer of examination of the buildings you can approach, it is still impossible to say what happened to the farm's inhabitants. Karnak continues to circle above you, illuminated by the flames in the dark sky. But he gives you no indication of seeing anything out of the ordinary.

The tracks, upon closer examination, are quite clearly a single path, moving from the southeast – where you first spotted smoke earlier (and still see flames) – probably Timm's farm – here to the Bruce farm. There is quite a bit of chaotic "running about" in the tracks that you can see amidst the flaming buildings before a coherent path starts again, indicating a more "orderly" march to the northwest. The tracks show further a "mass" trampling of the ground. They were definitely not made by just a scout or two, but probably made by a host the size of the one Dirtbag mentioned.

After examining the farm and the tracks, Gaven says to the others, "Light, it seems Belloc was wrong about the goblins march and now he is completely out of position. Should we risk splitting the group to inform Belloc or perhaps go back to the farmers and have them inform Belloc?"

"It seems there is nothing we can do here until these flames die down" says Duran "We should follow the path NW until we can locate the main Goblin body."

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OOC:  Re-reading earlier posts, I realized I didn't make it clear that you do still have Karnak as a resource, should you need or want him to deliver a message (it was sort of half-suggested but not overtly stated -- my oversight).

Actions?

So far current proposals seem to be pursuing the goblin host or informing Belloc now that they (the goblins) are headed northwest.

Thursday 5 July 1280, Approaching Midnight (Asking Eric about Maggie and Marching North)

Once Maggie is gone and the wind has died, Varros says: "Odd, I don't feel that she means harm to any of us." Varros looks to Gaven, "Some things in this world reside beyond even beyond the reach of light or chaos."

Gaven is both surprised and confused by Maggie's comments and her 'gift'. He picks up the ribbon and examines it closely. It is a simple ribbon made of black silk, with no markings. Gaven notes, however, that it has a certain unattributable warmth to it, an almost pleasant feeling in his hand. Gaven then shows it to Oloc for examination.

"What do you think she meant by her speech and by leaving the ribbon?"

Oloc stares off in to the distance as he considers Maggie's words. He barely manages to fight back the tears at hearing her words. "How did she know," he asks in a whisper.

He silently examines the ribbon but can offer no clue as to its meaning or purpose. "I would offer to hold on to it," he says to Gaven. "If you don't mind."

As he says this, Oloc has a sudden feeling of revulsion, mounting almost to nausea, toward the ribbon in his hand.

Once he and Oloc are back with the others, Gaven discusses Maggie and the ribbon with Eric - "What do you know of her? Why do you fear her and feel she deals with evil magic?"

Eric wipes the cold sweat from his brow. "Long ago, before I was even born, there was a tiny hamlet north of the ruins of Blackwell Keep. A merchant went there one day and found everyone dead – horribly mangled and torn, some half-eaten, as if slaughtered by some horde of savage beasts. When the locals examined the remains, everyone was accounted for except for one young woman – an elf-woman named Maggie."

"At first they thought she was a victim, abducted, carried off. So they sent out search parties. One party did not come back. Eventually the search party was found, just as mangled and torn as the folk of the hamlet. But there was no sign of Maggie."

"Everyone assumed she was dead, and that the beasts were still out there. From time to time, dead bodies showed up, in the same state as the others. Eventually people noticed that the appearance of the bodies coincided with the full moon."

"After some years, the killings became less frequent. Folks found the courage to travel at night once again. And that's when some came back saying they had seen Maggie. Some had lived near the destroyed hamlet and knew her. Others had been members of the search parties and recognized her by her description. All of them said she filled them with an uncontrollable fear. As if death itself hung about her like a cloak."

The locals – many of our fathers and uncles – decided that Maggie must be a witch, or possessed by a demon. They tried to exorcise the hamlet where it all occurred, burning it to the ground. But I doubt if that accomplished anything. Those who traveled at night still saw her on occasion, staring at the moon. That's why we call her the "moon-witch."

"There hasn't been a body discovered in years now, and Maggie is seen so infrequently that we sometimes almost forget she's out there. But when we do come across her, she fills us with terror, as you can see."

"Is there any meaning to the ribbon?" Gaven asks. He nods for Oloc to hand the ribbon to Eric. "Perhaps the gesture is elfish?"

"I couldn't say," states Eric. "It doesn't bring to mind any gesture or symbolism of my people. It could have just blown off in the wind and landed at your feet. Or perhaps she wanted you to have it for some reason. Who can say with a mad witch?" He hands the ribbon back.*

With the feeling of uneasiness leaving Duran speaks to the others. "We should get our friends here into a good defensive position and move along quickly to scout for the goblins."

The group of farmers has clearly settled down a bit now, and though they still peer uneasily into the night, they seem none the worse for wear. Duran has little trouble getting them up and ready to march.

*****

A half-hour's uneventful march brings the group roughly to the stopping point suggested by Belloc's plan. After another quarter-hour's march you find a low hillock with the ruined foundations of a house at it's top. This seems like the most defensible possition you are likely to find in the open ground that dominates the area. From the hilltop, the fires to the north and northeast appear much brighter.

*****

Leaving the farmers to hold their fortified hilltop position, another hour's march north brings you to what must be the Bruce farm.

The farm is, as you suspected, burning, its buildings completely engulfed in flame, along with a field of grain to the east of the buildings. The heat, light and smoke are all extremely intense. Though it is impossible to get close enough to the buildings to examine them, you notice a definite trampling of the earth all around. In the area of the farm proper, the trampling is thoroughly chaotic. But farther away from the burning buildings, there is a definite pattern to the trampling that runs from the light in the southeast, which you guess to be Timm's farm, off northwestward into the dark, silhouetted distance.

Looking around, you see no living thing. However, neither do you see corpses. If there are any, they must be nearer the buildings, or even in them. But the heat and smoke prevent you from getting close enough to check. So it is quite impossible to tell what happened to the inhabitants of the farm.

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OOC: Actions?

*Please let me know whether Gaven or Oloc takes the ribbon back from Eric.

Time update: it is roughly 11:30 pm

Thursday 5 July 1280, Night (Maggie)

Gaven's ears prick up at the mention of 'evil magic', but he pauses, reflects, and sighs to himself, "An investigation must wait until the current threat is over, but..."

Gaven slowly approaches Maggie and removes his helm so that he has his shield in one hand and helm in the other.

"Dear moon maiden, surely you know of the goblins' destruction of the forest. These farmers of the land wish to drive them away. If these are your lands as well, surely you do too. Do you have any insight into their plans?"

Oloc, also, is very curious about Maggie, perhaps a kindred spirit in the magical arts. Thoughts immediately go to his former mentor, and the persecution she endured. He greets the elf warmly, introduces himself, and listens as she responds to Gaven's query.

The farmers look on in stunned horror, cringing and huddling together as the cleric and mage approach the speak to the "Moon-Witch." None of the locals manages to utter a word, but Eric looks pleadingly at Duran and Varros as if to say please don't let them do this!

Duran stays with the farmers and lets Gaven and Oloc speak with Maggie. He keeps his bow at the ready for any sign of trouble. Varros follows Duran's lead.

"We plan to thwart their efforts," continues Gaven, "and any aid to limit death and destruction would be greatly appreciated." Gaven bows in deference.

Maggie continues to look above your heads at the moon.

A moment passes.

A soft gust of wind blows from the west.

The grass rustles softly around your feet.

Another moment passes.

The night insects are still.

Duran's bow creaks softly.

Yet a moment more.

Another soft gust of wind.

On the ground before you, you see the shadow of a cloud passing across the moon.

As the moon's light briefly dims, Maggie wakes as from an open-eyed dream. She shifts her gaze, finally noticing you. "The land?" she says. "I am not of the land." The elf-woman's face is fair, slender, and emotionless. "No goblin will trouble me. They know me too well." Her regard drifts over the farmers. "As do others."

The farmers tremble, some avert their eyes, a few fall to the ground. Stan and Ollie take a step backward. Ollie drops to his knees and clings to Stan's leg.

Maggie's eyes return to Gaven and Oloc. An unanticipated softness enters her voice. "But you are bold. Few dare look upon me, and fewer dare approach."

Staring hard at Oloc, she seems to read his thoughts. "Young Argrim, do not feel ashamed. The one who raised you also holds you blameless. She would not have you feel such guilt."

Then turning to Gaven her voice softens further, straddling the razor's edge between affection and menace. "Fair-spoken cleric, should you survive this crisis, you shall face still greater tests in darkness, the like of which you cannot yet imagine. You and I will no doubt meet again."

Maggie sighs, and before anyone can respond, another gust of wind, this time quite fierce, blows in your faces from the west, forcing you to bow your heads and brace yourselves to remain standing. Several of the farmers cry out, as does Ollie.

A second later, the air is calm once more. When you raise your heads, Maggie is gone. A black ribbon, such as a woman might use to tie back her hair, lies at Gaven's feet.

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OOC: Actions?

Don't forget that I'll be delayed in my next post, as I mentioned in my email.

Thursday 5 July 1280, Just after Nightfall (Starting North)

Gaven says to the group alone: "I would like to see this through, but I understand if the rest of you do not. I say we put it to a vote. I vote we take on the scouting mission."

"Agreed, Gaven," replies Varros. "I also will second Belloc's plan."

"I will go along with Belloc's plan as well," says Oloc. "But I do not wish to venture too far ahead. The goblin host would make quick work of us, I fear. And we are getting closer to the ruins, slowly but surely," he adds with a wink.

Duran then addresses Belloc:  "The plan is fine with us Captain. We should move out with the farmers and make sure they find a good defensive position. From there we can quickly find the Goblin raiding party."

Before moving out, Varros discusses the matter of the halflings, the bandits and the keep with Belloc. The captain listens attentively, and says "This is grave news as well. When this goblin business is done I shall have to increase the number of patrols on the road. As for the keep, well...that is another matter. Even my men won't go in there. But that is something for us to worry about tomorrow." And with that Belloc climbs on his horse again and prepares his men for their next march.

Soon you have checked your gear and gotten the farmers ready to move as well. You anticipate a march of about two hours to reach the midway point where Belloc suggested you post the farmers, and about three to four hours before your scouting party reaches the burning farms.

Before leaving the inn, Gaven turns one last time to Filbert: "Rest well and heal up and once this is done, we can hunt some bandits."

The wounded halfling nods in appreciation.

As you are ready to move out, Harlon, who has been serving food to the farmers throughout this discussion, hands you each a small bundle of bread and dried fruits and cheese, so that you might take your evening meal on the march. "May the Light go with you," he says.

It is 8 pm as you set out. But the waxing three-quarter moon which has risen provides you with plenty of light to see.

About an hour north of the inn, you come to a low rise overlooking, from the west, your line of march. On the crest of the rise is a shadowy figure – so immobile that at first you think it might be a statue. But as you march nearer, you see that the figure is clearly alive, humanoid, elvish. She stands on the rise staring over your heads. As best you can tell, her attention is focused on the moon which is now somewhat higher than when you had left.

About twenty to thirty yards off now, the female elf seems to pay no attention to you and your band of fifteen farmers, intent instead on the moon, or whatever she is looking at, up in the eastern sky.

The farmers seem to recognize her, and an uncomfortable hush falls on them. "Maggie, the Moon-Witch," says Eric. "Do not look at her. She is in league with evil magic. But if we do not disturb her, perhaps she will leave us well enough alone."

Ahead on the horizon, you still see the orange glow of fires set by the goblins.

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OOC: Actions?