It’s Escaped

414MoItEs

The party watched from the sidelines of the arena keen to see what the fuss was about. It had been a few days since they were last adventuring and they had been told that the arena was a great place to see experienced fighters facing off against exotic creatures.

As they sat down and ordered wine, mead, beer and various food they kept an eye out for the creatures and warriors that would be performing today. These competitions hired only the best hunters and healers so that no one ended up too injured and the creatures were spared wherever possible so they could fight another day. As they watched the warriors be led out to the field they heard the ringmaster announce them all, their strengths and fighting style loudly for all to hear.

The crowd cheered for their favourites, booed for their least favourite and soon the excitement and rowdiness was nearly thick enough to be cut with a dagger. Sitting near one of the doors that led to the bowels of the arena they heard the door click open. A gnome was talking hurriedly with two assistants. “What do you mean it’s escaped? It’s one bloody cage each and they are due out any moment.” he snapped at the assistants that hurried alongside him. “How can you even lose those creatures? They are impossible to not notice”

After scanning the crowd the gnome locked eyes with the party and a flash of recognition lit up his face. “You there. I am looking for some adventurers of some renown in getting something done urgently. I have been given the description of you and your party and I was hoping that I could borrow you for a little excursion.” the gnome continued as he reached inside his jacket. “I pay very well…” he said as he produced a solid gold trade bar that was worth hundreds if not thousands of gold in the market.

Hook, Line and Sinker

413MoHoLiSi

The crescendo of the bard’s song ended with a scattered cheer and applause as the party sat, fed and content at one of the booths that they had haunted for a few days. After many adventures they had come to Oscowl – a hub city where work was everywhere and so were places to spend hard earnt gold. For this band of adventurers the promise of a comfortable bed and a place to spend some of their hard earned gold was what brought them and the food and drink of the Mutter-butter tavern & Inn was what was keeping them here.

As they went over their plans for tomorrow they signalled one of the workers near the bar for another round of drinks. The friendly half-elf acknowledged their order before a booming “How dare you!” shot through the room. The party looked towards the source of the outrage and found that Ikob Thunderdash, a noble with a non-insignificant amount of magical prowess was pushing a man away from his table where not one, or two but three scantily clad ladies were sitting with him.

“I have warned you once to not encroach upon my business” Ikob called out as he stood menacingly upright. The man in front of him looked confused and terrified as he shuffled backwards, raising his hands and apologising.

“I am sorry. I didn’t know it was your table, I…” he began before being pushed backwards. The man looked left and right as he stumbled – his milky eyes scanned for where his table was as he stumbled backwards. The young half-elf barman appeared and caught the man. “Sorry about that. Easy now old friend, I’ll show you to your table.” he said.

“Fetch me another drink at this moment and I’ll forgive this establishment for its lack of respect for the nobles of this city!” Ikob called to the swoons of his companions and the mutterings of the other patrons. The barman nodded and agreed but focused on getting the old blind man back to his own table. Ikob muttered a few impolite comments to the delight of his companions.

A few moments later the barman was walking back to the parties table carrying a tray of drinks to them. However as the barman got near the table a few incantations saw the tray of drinks drift over to where Ikob sat. “Ah I knew you wouldn’t be getting drinks to someone other than me first” he said as he laughed and started drinking from one of the goblets. As the barman stomped away to get another tray of drinks to the party Ikob suddenly coughed, stood up holding his throat before writhing and screaming in pain. The table knocked over, the girls he was with screamed and within moments he lay on the floor, blood pooling from his eyes, ears and mouth.

The Tavern was quiet for a moment before the first screams and cries erupted. The party looked at the spilled drinks, the dead noble and the other people within the tavern. Something tells them that they won’t be having any more quiet days in this city any more.

Iron Harvest

412MoTDrPa

“Steady as we go boys.” The wagon driver said as they started to go down the hill into a valley. She had been talkative with the Party since they left Luistira and had been the source of many jokes and comments about the surrounding lands since leaving the city walls. “My father used to take me riding through these lands when I was younger. Said it was important to know the lands around where we live.” she continued as she looked fondly at a lake. “We caught many fish in that lake one year. I remember once he caught a pike so large that he was pulled into the lake. My Uncle called him Carp-head for many months after.”

The party had been hired by the Iron Harvest, a caravanning company that was the exclusive supplier of royal arms and guard recruits in the land. The caravan however had a special guest, which drew unwanted additional attention. The Princess of Luistira rode up ahead in her carriage as a final test to the new recruits. “What do you think of the new Guards?” Sal, the wagon driver asked the party as they watched the dozens of guards walk or ride around the princesses wagon. “They don’t look ready for the real thing yet. Hopefully they won’t have to see that for quite some time.” she added thoughtfully.

As they continued onwards the party thought they heard a distant shout to the east, but there was nothing that way except for a few farmers who stopped and waved at the caravan as it passed. A few of the other mercenaries and guards looked over and waved as they passed by and continued on the road. It would take another two days of travel, three if they stop to rest for the full nights before they reach their destination. Then the party would escort the empty caravan back to Luistira and the majority of the guards would stay with the princess in Kowal.

But there was a strangeness in the air, something that bode poorly and as they moved along the wooded road there were infrequent signs of other travellers, creatures and even beasts that littered the surrounding woods. Something that drew the attention of the party and some scouts but it was infrequent, disjointed and some of it purely bizarre which resulted in the men and women shrugging it off as coincidence.

The Dragon Parade

411MoTDrPa

The sound of the drums could be heard from streets away as the parade stormed down the main street in Yole. The Dragon parade was a way that the people of Yole celebrated their connection to the dragons as well as the diversity in their city. Much like the dragon race the city was made up of different races, different colours and different cultural backgrounds but this tapestry of life is what made Yole what it was.

As the party watched the parade, hoping to get a glimpse of the cities very own bronze dragon they were met with a disappointed hush as the start of the parade moved into view. “Where is Boraleius?” a copper scaled dragonborn asked from nearby, concern thickening her accent. The other dragonborn who were standing with her expressed similar concerns and soon the concern spread like a fire.

The parade moved on, representatives of all races walked lifting effigies of the different coloured dragons and dragonborn as they marched down the street. Soon the crowd recovered from their concern, mostly, and began cheering the parade onwards. The different actors, street performers and even the city guard who walked down the road all drew the attention of the crowd, so nearly no one other than the party noticed the group on top of the building until vials of alchemist fire rained down on the parade.

Several people started screaming instantly as the fire burnt through their clothing or oozed through the cracks in the armour of the guards. However several the Dragonborn walked through the fire, a testament to their heritage, and shot down several of the attackers with pin-point dragon breath or shots from crossbows.

As the panic in the crowd escalated a commanding voice boomed from the head of the guard, demanding calm. The crowd, largely, obeyed and soon the bodies of the attackers were lined up and the parade was quickly ushered through the street with the wounded taken to be healed.

“Did anyone see what happened? Please come and see me” the guard captain called out at those who still stood back as he began to investigate the bodies of the attackers. “Captain! We have one of them alive over here.” called one of the guards before several armoured figures walked towards the squirming prisoner.

The Swarm

410MoTSw

The sun set down behind the Crakenmoore mountains as evening spread its tendrils of restfulness across the valley beyond. As shadows from the mountain mingled with the shapes of trees, rocks and buildings the people of Crakenburg hurried to usher their animals within the large barns as oil lanterns were lit across the village’s streets in a mimicry of the sun’s warm embrace.

As Reeve O’leary finished locking up the barn with his pigs safely within he moved contently across his paddocks and watched as a distant flock of birds took flight from deep within the Ironwood forest as dusk began to fall. The vast fields of wheat lay before him, the result of a hard season of labour and good weather which he could only thank the druids for. The stalks swayed in the cool breeze that descended from the mountains and as he looked outwards at the village he could not help but sigh with contentment.

The distant watch tower already had people watching over the plains around the valley. Over the years orcs, gnolls and other roving raiders had caused trouble for the village. Last year though they had an earthquake that shook great chunks of mountain down, crushing houses and flattening crops and animals alike. However they had recovered and shown their durability. As the flock of birds weaved through the dusk sky the way they moved drew Reeve’s attention. Soon he was having to squint as the distant sound of thrumming wings could be heard. 

Slowly like a cloud, the once-birds-now-creatures descended towards the crop of wheat next to his and landed amongst the stalks. The sound of chirping, flapping-skittering wings and thrumming could be heard as the creatures feasted on the crops. A few of the creatures flew into his paddock and he crossed the wooden fence to go and investigate. Pitchfork in hand he approached the buzzing creatures but it would do little for him as a large locust the size of his hand jumped out and landed on his pants. Crawling up his leg and chirping soon more were jumping towards him and he turned and fled. 

The creatures hung onto him for a few strides before sharp and aggressive swats dislodged them. As he ran towards the Tavern, the Lonely Goat, he looked down at his hand where he had grabbed one of the creatures. The still twitching corpse of the locust lay in his outstretched fingers as the other farmers, merchants and guards fell in to gaze upon its rigid ugliness. 

“The paddocks are filled with them…” Reeve got out as the others looked between it and him. “Hundreds of them. Chewing on the wheat…” Soon several farms were taking large sticks, swatters, to go and investigate the fields. The locusts were gone but a large portion of the wheat field they landed in was also missing. They would need a miracle, or a brave group of adventurers to travel into the Ironwood forest to request aid from the Druids of the woods.

Sunken Treasure

409MoSuTr

Not that the party didn’t have enough work in the land that they had come from but it was becoming evident that their skills were being wasted. Greater adventure, tests and treasure lay across the sea and the Skipping Sailfish was just the vessel to take them to where they need to go. The captain and crew were recommended heavily from the guilds and dock master alike as no finer sea farers could be found.

The journey was promised to be long, tiring journey with a stop half way for supplies of fresh fruit and water. The White Gull islands got their names from the large birds that called the islands home and provided food those that called the white beaches home. As the ship moored out to sea near the calmer bays of the islands the party first caught glimpse of the sunken tower out to sea.

“Ah, that be Mellandra’s keep.” the captain said as he followed their gaze. “Many people have lost their lives in seeking the so called treasure held in its vault over the years.” He continued as he waved to the locals who came to greet them. After calling out to the locals on the beach he looked back to the party. “We will be here two or three days, explore and relax a bit. Its another week or so on the waves after this so take your time.”

Desert of the Lost

408MoDeOLo

Norturi looked across the endless dunes and watched the sun as it started to set down across the dunes. Looking at the scraps of parchment, books and scraps of cloth in front of her. These were the merchant logs of several caravans that had gone missing in the desert as they were heading off to fulfil a big contact and she was just the Tabaxi to find the cache.

The desert itself was broad and harsh. Very few rocky outcrops, nearly no oasis’s and enough man eating creatures that even the experienced hunters would avoid it. But Norturi had a suspicion that all the merchants that had disappeared had followed the same path, and that somewhere beneath the sand the collective hoard of all their wealth and goods was located. She just didn’t know why, which made her hesitate to go alone. 

Dusting off the articles she folded them into her backpack before jumping onto the back of her camel. She thought she knew where they were, but didn’t know why. So she had to get herself some mercs to get her there and more importantly back safely with the loot.

Larger Than a Griffon

407MoLaThGr

“Not having seen something doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Rumours of the mad mage, Albazahr’s, creations have spread far and wide and none are as weird as the very creature that lives in the Toll Mountains. The Tritnol is a savage creature, larger than a griffon but twice as mean. With teeth that rip like daggers, talons like swords and the ability to breathe out fire hot enough to melt a golem. These creatures are feared and hate…” the man stopped as someone started clapping from the doorway.

The hunter was boasting about taking down one of the creatures for the fourth night in a row, having slain it with a perfect shot from his mighty black-wood bow. But it seems that someone wasn’t as excited about the story as he had hoped. 

“A great story Callum, but that is all that it is. A story. The Tritnol’s are a passive creature driven by hunger primarily. Instead of sharp teeth they have a beak, not overly sharp as it’s used on vegetation primarily. They don’t even have talons but more like. Stubby toenails at best. Oh my the Tritnol is a marvellous creature but it sounds like you have slain something entirely different. Do go on.” the elven hunter, El’thirnol, mocked as he strode through the door. 

“I’m telling you the truth. The nest lays empty but a day’s climb into the mountains. Three eggs lay there. If I could have gold to buy some gear that I lost in the daring fight I will climb back up and show you.” Callum hastily replied back, his face a mask of sweat.

“A wager then!” called El’thirnol. “One of these eggs weight in gold if you can bring it back to me. If you bring back all three then that’s three times the coin. If you can do that Callum, or anyone else in this room, then my gold and respect is yours.”

The Hawks Creeks Finest

406MoTHaCrFi

The party had spent several weeks travelling the roads and wilderness on various odd-jobs and quests. Sleeping under the stars is something many in the profession cherish and actively seek out but after a week of unseasonably wet and rough weather the city of Hawks Creek is a welcome sight to behold. Sitting next to a creek, well river, that is fed from a melting glacier the water is crisp, clean and delicious with many people using its fine waters to craft beer and other alcohol.

The now extinct volcano has resulted in fields that are fertile, lush and provide many riches within its lava tubes for those who dare to seek riches deeper in the mountain. However the true riches lie in the produce and animals that call this land home, or are cultivated by the agricultural people of the city. And whatever they can’t grow or catch themselves is also sources from this river.

Hawks river connects with the sea and is deep enough to allow barges to bring produce not normally found in these lands up to the city. This has resulted in a paradise of mercantile and food which attracts people from all across the land to visit and stay a few days. Due to this popularity the Inns and eating and drinking establishments of the city are so numerous that the city nearly survives alone by the tourism that their food, alcohol and trade brings them.

However, while the party was greeted warmly; like old friends really, and recommended they stay at the Gilded Lily they are met with a blackened husk of a building. The city is littered with gawkers and people confused and shocked at the state of the finest inn in the city. The party overheard that only a single life was lost, an old gnome who passed out from drinking too much lily-wine, but the cause was yet to be found. With no cause, no witnesses (who weren’t drunk on the fine libations of the establishment) and no suspect the guards were left to investigate the fire and draw up nothing.

After finding another inn, the Hopping Hawk, they quickly found a room and were greeted by some of the best food and drink that they had yet to taste. Yet the patrons of the tavern still spoke of the Gilded Lily. Some say that it was a disgruntled employee who had finally had enough and set the kitchen ablaze. Others pondered that there was a rival Inn or Tavern who wanted to clip the wings of the tavern and watch it fall into the flames. And others wondered if it was the rumoured City Drunk, a dwarf so vile and ill-mannered that he had set the blaze himself after being denied entry.

All stories were compelling but none were favoured above others and many hushed arguments and bets were made about the cause of the blaze, and if they would see it happen again.

The Avermeet

405MoTAv

The party looked at their map as they stood by the largest lake in the Avermeet. Reaching Calewan to find out how they could help the custodians of this forest was going to take some time but the most direct road and approach would be through the Avermeet itself. As they confirmed on the map that they were heading in the right direction they noticed something odd on the banks of the river.

Large drag marks dug into the river with imprints that looked to be clawed fingerprints dragging away from the water as if something was hauled out involuntarily. Looking deeper into the water the wind created waves on the surface of the lake which was otherwise still. As they watched the waves they noticed that just below the waterline was a large structure. From this distance they couldn’t see it too well but after investigating it appeared to be a large trap for catching animals.

Knowing that the hunting and killing of animals in the Avermeet was a crime they had an idea of what they would be doing. As they moved along the forest trail the image of the vibrant and bustling forest abundant in life seemed far from what they were walking through. The forest itself was quiet as if the animals did not want to be found. Birds were the most predominant creature and even they flew off at the sight of the party. Moving away from the lake they heard a baleful cry coming from a clearing nearby a rocky formation.

Approaching carefully they saw that there was a large elk that was captured by several snares in the clearing. The creature was obviously tired and had long given up trying to fight the ropes and wire that bound it in place but it watched nervously into the brushes towards the rocks. As the party approached the creature they followed its gaze towards the bush as they began to investigate the bindings.

A trick of the light caused glowing eyes to appear amongst the bushes which, when looking a second time turned out to be pale yellow flowers. However the feeling of being watched could not be shaken. “Halt, do not try and flee as you are surrounded.” a voice called out from behind them as guards dressed in a green coat and mail stepped forwards. “We have caught you in the act so we suggest you drop your weapons, foci or the like and kneel. Comply and we will show you mercy, do not and you will be riddled with far more arrows and bolts than you would be able to count.” the guard said as she stepped forward.

The party heard a rustling in the bushes where they were just looking before the guards brandished blades and spears at them. The sounds of several bows being drawn made the threat of a barrage of shafts to be a very real risk indeed.