Jaeden of Kilderken 

427TuJaKi

Watching the party step into the woods Jaeden, as she had called herself, watched with a mixture of apprehension and glee. It was not often that she sought out the assistance of adventurers, more often she spent her time trying to hide and cover her tracks when they entered the woods of stalked nearby. But today she was desperate and the thought of her kin being in danger overrode her normal caution.

They looked capable enough. Swords, axes, arrows and magic would be enough to protect them from the beasts of the woods but those men, those vile men that had captured her family may be more of a challenge. Especially if the adventurers let them talk. Stepping upon the grass she tried to quell the raging emotions she hid beneath the thin veil she had put up. As her feet sank into the damp vegetation Jaeden continued to watch the adventurers as they journeyed deeper into the forest.

She knew the woods better than all and if it wasn’t for those malicious men who had captured her kin she would’ve continued as she had for the last decade. But they had become more vigilant and ruthless and she knew that they were waiting for her to try and rescue the two women. She despised them, all of them. All these humans who came with thin veils of righteousness, these people who pretended to know what was best for the world.

She had heard the worlds song, she had seen the beauty in the wilds and these men knew nothing of it. Hopefully they would be dead soon, she reunited with her family and the deal she brokered honoured. However there was a sinking feeling in her bones as she watched the people, unlikely allies, as they trudged into the woods and out of sight. squatting down she drew out a small pouch.

A few small skulls of animals, feathers, bones with runes carved and stained into them and different stones and gems. She cast them upon the earth at the base of a tree where the grass was thinnest. As they landed she read the portents, flicking her eyes from bone to stone to feather to skull until she had the answers she sought. Her family were safe for now but a predator was stalking them, their cage of wood and rope and bands of iron held them fast but they waited and practiced what she had taught them years ago.

Don’t trust men, feed upon their conviction to save and to come to the rescue of others and finally, never, ever make a bargain that you can’t uphold.

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Borfook Hostletoof

426TuBoHo

The gnome checked his map as he stared at the map and folded out several bits of paper that he had added to the map since its construction. Looking up from the map the trees surrounding them looked very different from where you would find a dwarven stronghold, or a place that a dwarf would store a powerful artefact. But Borfook hurried forward through the trees as he seemed to be checking their height, girth and even type.

“You see Garthunk was a genius, a dwarf but a genius regardless. He knew that if he wanted to keep his artefact hidden he needed to hide it where people wouldn’t expect a dwarf to do so. So I have researched for such a place, poured through history books of the time and I found it. A lake near a forest ruled by the elves. For someone as powerful as him it would be easy for him to craft a spell to hide the eye while remaining hidden from all those who would search for him. However that was centuries ago!” the little gnome hopped over rather large roots before comparing his notes and staring at the tree.

Looking around he nearly hopped with excitement before hurrying towards a part of the woods with smaller trees. “From what I learnt he hid it far from the woods, near where there was a human settlement of no consequence. However you’d assume that humans being the greedy plague that they are for natural resources that the woods would shrink right?” he said as he touched a smaller, younger tree.

“Well you’re wrong! In fact the opposite has happened. The village that he hid the eye near was ransacked by raiders a few years after the eye was hidden and was raised to the ground. So what we are looking for is younger woods encroaching upon a lake near a ruined human village. Now we found the human village, we have found the old part of the woods now we just need to find a lake.” he said with a grin as he hurried off in a direction, his head buried in his map and notes more often than looking at where he was walking.

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Master of Dice

425TuMaDi

The man looked at the party as they entered the shop as he rolled several objects on the table and scribbled down some notes. “Be with you in a minute” he called as he continued to roll and hastily jot down information on scraps of paper.

Looking up the man smiled at them “Sorry about that, finishing up a job for another client. Now I assume you are here like all the others that you wish for me to divine something?” he asked as he placed the paper into a pouch and then into a drawer. “I can promise you that you won’t find another as accurate as me so the fee that I require is well worth it.”

The man smiled at them practically oozing with confidence. “I can see you hesitate, perhaps an example?” with dextrous hands he plucked out several items from the table, dice, and retrieved a small scrap of paper and a fine quill that was gilded with gold. As soon as the first of the dice hit the table he began scratching at the paper, drawing lines, scribbles and jotting down words. Grabbing a few of the dice he had just rolled off the table he rolled them once more and scribbled for another few seconds.

Seemingly satisfied he placed down the quill and turned the paper to face the party. A sketch that could’ve been a human with shoulder length hair was standing next to a tree along with “silver” and “Jasper” written clearly next to the image. “This will occur soon. Perhaps the next minute, the next hour or within the day but no more. What ever the dice reveal to me happens and it is rare when it is not something obvious.” he said.

As the party stared at the paper a small bell chimed signalling the door being opened. A hooded figure entered, “Excuse me, Master Varsuise, I can see you are already with clients but it’s urgent.” The young woman walked forward lowering her hood as she reached the desk. “The lords son has gone missing again, sadly on my watch this time. I was teaching him archery near the forest and I went to retrieve the arrow he shot wide. Upon my return he was gone and would not show himself despite my calling.” she paused looking at the party.

Master Varsuise smiled. “Jasper is missing again?” he asked.

“Yes, but the master must not know. I can pay you a silver piece today if you are able to help – but I can’t afford more. Please can you assist me?” The woman spoke quietly, shame evident in her voice. As she looked up at the party, her eyes pleading, the resemblance of the young woman and the sketch Master Varsuise had given them was immediately evident.

“One silver coin will be more than fine, we were expecting you – weren’t we?” he asked the party with a knowing smile. “A once off discount as you may have helped with business today.”

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Tolkar Embermane

424TuTOEm

As the party ran through the forest Tolkar watched them from above. He could see through the eyes of all of his minions, the pact-bound elementals as they rushed to do his bidding. The magical items on the adventurers down below were enough to offer to his elemental friends so that they would be able to grow and enhance his own magical prowess.

As his elementals rush forward, skittering from tree to tree and closing the net the could practically taste victory on the smoky wind. Yet as he watched the fires rage and spread he also noticed the adventures, his target, start moving towards him, a gap in the fire allowed them to escape his net and rush onwards.

Calling to the original elemental he had bound, Corltarlen, he watched as the lumbering beast of fire and smoke pushed his way across the rocks and shrubs. “What are they doing? They are letting them escape!” he roared at the elemental. He had forgotten when he had become so hot tempered and quick to anger but even as his outburst ended he could feel a pang of guilt. “Stop them.” he muttered as he turned around.

Corltarlen smiled wickedly, a being without physical form had no limitations of flesh to restrict how they formed. Yet Corltarlen watched as his minions, his elemental servants, did his bidding. Weaving through the trees to direct the adventurers towards Tolkar for they were the only one who could end the hold over Corltarlen the mage had. Directing a few of the creatures that had disappointed him the most to create a feeble barrier in between the adventurers and the mage he watched with glee as they were cut down and the kindling fire was avoided.

Sending a few more to look like the attempt was made to halter the advance he could feel the rage brewing within the mage. The powerful elemental could feel the mages hold on sanity slipping further away and the temptation to attempt the more powerful spells in the dark tome increased. This is the moment he waited for, the final binding where Corltarlen would finally be free of the idiotic mage.

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Temporary Party Members

423TuTePaMe

‘Scouts’ – Created in Nightcafe.

All parties know that there is only so long that you can work in isolation from experts of the land. The Order of Scouts manages to keep a tab on the best in the business when it comes to finding the right path, knowing the wilderness and the creatures that call them home.

At times when voyaging into unknown lands the Order of Scouts are called upon by adventurers to ensure that they party can make it to their destination on time, mostly safe. Not much for fighting these experts in the field will choose the paths less taken, avoid roads and prefer to avoid fighting if at all possible. However they are all trained with weapons so they can be safe and ensure their clients make it to where they need to go.

Although young in comparison to some of the other organisations across the continents the order of scouts is spreading across more and more lands and making a name for themselves as both attracting talent and completing their missions.

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Cassana and Keldard

422TuCaKe

The crowds waved to Cassana and Keldard and as she waved back and passed out gold pieces to the guardsmen around her she watched as the guard dispensed a gold piece to each and every citizen who came to celebrate. As the crowd thanked the royal siblings and accepted the gold pieces both Cassana and Keldard smiled and thanked their people for coming out.

“And to think you insisted on wearing our mail.” Keldard murmured towards his sister as he smiled and personally handed a gold coin to a young boy. “Do you ever think that we are over cautious? Its been sixteen years and we have never never been attacked by our people.” he continued

“I don’t worry about our people, I worry about those who are not ours” Cassana replied and she continued to hand out gold pieces. It was a small gesture but for some of these people this gold went straight back into the city and its businesses. For others it meant much more.. “I know I should feel safe with the blessings you have been bestowed but there…” Cassana was interrupted as Keldard raised his hand and a glimmering wall of magic intercepted a large chunk of stone. The shield grasped the stone before placing it down on the ground away from any of the citizens, guards or themselves.

A heartbeat later and panic set upon the crowd as they fled for cover. A wyvern beat its massive wings as the effort of suspending it was enormous. The creature had dove into the city and launched the boulder hoping to surprise the siblings. But Keldard had been blessed to be not just safe but to be a bastion for the people.

“You were saying Cass?” Kel said as the effort of stopping the boulder hit him causing him to breath heavily. “It looks as though you are right once again.” he smiled at his big sister as he drew a long sword from his hip, the blade tingling in the air. But before him, or his sister could rush to intercept the Wyvern a group of adventurers, foreigners to the city rushed forward.

“Well this day got heaps more interesting!” Kel laughed as he gave chase to the adventurers, his magically enhanced reflexes and senses meant he overtook them in moments before he joined the fray.

“Kel wait!” Cassana called as she tried to catch up, but the guards rushed between her and the fight as they went to protect the heir to the throne. However as she was pulled back into the relative safety of an alleyway she watched with horror as a second wyvern swooped down, grabbed her brother and took flight with him. The first Wyvern lay in a bloodied patch of gore as the adventurers and her brother had dealt with it quickly but as she watched her brother be taken away she noticed that the second Wyvern had a rider and the colours of Korvak, a vicious warlord who had claimed a neighbouring territory to Thelmor.

She needed to save her brother and as she watched hope fly out of her city she noticed the adventurers were trying to save the prince even now. Perhaps there was a chance if she could enlist their help.

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The Urchin and the Innkeeper

421TUrIn

The rest of the village was just as quiet as when they entered. Some adults were moving about in the disturbingly slow gait that they saw earlier while the younger villagers and the poor were moving about, visibly distressed.

“I eard’ that there was a pack of gnolls spotted nearby. Better get leaving, we’ll grab what we can and make our escape before the gnolls get here. A feast they’ll find.” One of the rougher looking individuals, who obviously had been looting as Tyren had indicated some were doing earlier.

“It’s not sounding good for the village.” Tyren said as he walked next to the party. “We don’t have enough people who are functional to defend from any attacks.” As they walked down the streets Tyren pointed out shops that used to be open to the public – but not a store clerk stood near by and watched the party with pleading eyes. Soon the swinging sign of the Muckberry Inn appeared.

Taniya watched as the party walked into the Inn. She analysed them with hard eyes before spotting Tyren. “I told you Tyren, No coin, no drink”

“I am not here for your pity Taniya. And if you can’t tell – there is no way for me to make an honest coin these days any way” Tyren responded crossing his arms as he leant against the door frame. “I brought these folks to you though just in case they can work out what’s going on here. Strange that only the young, poor and you, which are neither, are not affected.”

Taniya scowled at Tyren. “A mystery indeed. I would blame magic as elves have some resistance to it, but that doesn’t explain children or the beggars like yourself.” she retorted before looking at the adventurers before her. “Well if you can help, we’d owe you a great deal. From what I can tell they are aware of what ever is going on around them but their movements don’t keep up with them. A bit of a pickle considering what lies beyond the villages gates and walls really.”

“Now I can offer you a room, the others are taken by visitors that can’t leave, they can’t get out of bed that is. I can also offer you food and drink at a reasonable price considering you are my only customers at the moment. I did have some famous wine imported – but that’s ran dry and I’m waiting on a new delivery any day now. But with the townsfolk afflicted as they are I doubt that anyone will visit for fear of being cursed, infected or what have you. Strange times indeed.” Taniya offered as she looked between them all.

“Oh and don’t even think about looting and scooting or you’ll have to answer to me.” she added flicking the rag she was cleaning mugs with over her shoulder and smirking.

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Ramez and the Rose

420TuRaATRo

The adventurers had just left Rose before he activated the ring he kept on his right hand. A string of glyphs appeared around the office he was sitting in which blocked scrying or eaves dropping of any kind. Taking out a small book from his draw he opened the first page and removed a polished black stone from a compartment in the lid.

“Stone of Azriah, show me those responsible for the evil afoot in the city” he asked the stone. He hated using this thing and even as a swirl of black dust rose from the smooth surface he felt the familiar pangs of doubt in the magical item. Soon the dust revealed a face. A man with flowing hair, sharp cheekbones and an intelligent stare greeted him. He knew those eyes and that moustache anywhere and with a sigh he head held low. “You stupid stone. There is no way Ramez would have created this evil. Again, show me what caused this evil!”

After a moment the dust settled back into the stone before rising again, twice is all he could use it until it rested in moonlight and he was betting a lot on this use. As he watched he saw images of a group of people, the thieves, as they carried a crate but a blinding flash of light from the crate removed the dust-created figures and the crate late inert. After a moment another figure appeared, before reaching into the crate and retrieving an item from it. Upon contact the new arrival writhed in pain before both it and the item it retrieved withered and disappeared like the others before it.

After its latest attempt to answer the question the black dust then drifted lazily down to sit upon the stone. Rose stood up and walked to the window. “So the cursed item was stolen, the crate taken but something went wrong and who ever the late comer was has it and has disappeared.” he mused to himself. It wasn’t enough but he began to scrawl out a note while he still had the runes of warding up. Satisfied by the notes contents he called out his oldest friend, a small hawk who flew unbidden down to land on his shoulder.

“Celise, I need you to take this to Polson.” he said as he tied the message to the hawks leg. It wasn’t really a hawk as all familiars were something different entirely but he still marvelled at the creature as it took flight. Polson would get the message to the adventurers he just hired, or to the watch and they would be able to investigate. He could at least finish what Ramez started to remove the Amulet of Vek’lakah from this world.

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The Faces of Satanya

419TuFaOSa

The party left the store after following another clue of the rich noblemen and noblewomen who had come through the town of Corneth where the town holds a celebration along the edge of the river bank, the Corneth Bank Celebration. The merchant had told them that they had sold a few pairs of travelling clothes, a blue cloak and a pouch to a nobleman who paid several times the amount. It matched several other reports of the overspending from travelling nobles in the town.

However despite all these reports of mysterious nobles buying clothes, food, drink or other goods each person always gives a different description of what the noble looks like. However they all speak as though they come from far-far out of town, overpay by several times the standard price and all wear the colour blue in some form. But they were closing in and the flash of blue in a tavern drew them forward. Before them a young woman drank heavily from a pint of mead, danced enthusiastically and, more importantly, was acting as all the merchants, innkeepers and other witnesses had reported so far.

Approaching the woman wasn’t the hard part, trying to confirm who she was. But after the realisation that she had been found sank in, her face dropped. “I suppose my parents sent you to retrieve me. Well you can tell them that they won’t find me again. I don’t want it, none of it. I want to dance, I want to be free to do what I want. Not what they or some idiot wants me to.” she continued to dance, basically ignoring them. That was until she noticed that there were two extremely rough looking mercenaries staring at her.

“Friends of yours?” she asked nervously looking back at the party, but she could tell from their faces that they were not and from the way that they stared at her, they also knew exactly who she was.

Some of the Faces of Satanya

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Smuggling K

418TuSmK

The streets were dark as Kass slunk along the streets that were barely illuminated by her low burning lantern. The scarf around her head barely hid her features but she was counting on the darkness of the night and the part of the village that she was striding through to get the job done. It had been a while since she had been this nervous but this shipment to Manaeva was the largest she had attempted and it was the riskiest.

Despite this she was confident that the adventurers she had been recommended would get the job done. Outsiders with no ties to her, the city or the harpers had practically guaranteed them being untraceable. As the form of the wagon loomed in front of her she whistled once to let the guard watching know that she was here and once he had turned around she climbed into the back of the wagon.

It had been a while since her first job and the nerves and pang of remorse had long disappeared. She didn’t even regret lying about being a member of the harpers or about the contents of these cloth wrapped crates. Some of them, the ones that were open to inspection would pass as ‘viable cures’ but the ones hidden deeper and in false bottoms to the crates were definitely not. It was these vials that were the real product being sold, that and a few other surprises scattered through the deeper boxes. Hopefully the adventurers would be able to drop them off and head out without a problem. But there was always a chance for it to go wrong.

After checking the contents of several crates and satisfied that the real contents were hidden correctly she slipped back out and left a pouch of gold coins just inside the wagon. A bribe for the guard to keep his mouth shut and to not delve too deeply into where he wasn’t paid to.

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