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Episode 2.preludeLocation: MordaraDate: 20th of April, 206DE 6pm Weather: Overcast with Morning Fog and a Light Drizzle, Temp 4˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 100% 12

Bracer 100% 18 Warhorse IIDunkle 100% 17 Mule

Carn 100% 11Clive 100% 28 Riding Horse III

Draexil 100% 1240 Mana

Mist 100% 22 Riding Horse IIIIshtar 100% 12

Miu Miu 100% 17 MuleJace 100% 12

Flax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

The arrival back in town has been a bit of an anti-climax for Jace. After the excitement out in the wild plains he has had a taste for the life of an adventurer, even the terror of the Orchi attack has not dampened his enthusiasm. The past 2 days for him have been passed carousing in the Inn and sharing stories of his valour with any females who look remotely interested.He and Ishtar have also used the time to start a little side project which has seen Ishtar using her 2 days in the Tannery section of town (to the South, downwind from the main population) [You are EL41 in Tanner now]. The Horsewoman has kept to herself otherwise with only a few trips to the Merchants and a short journey out to the nearby woods to break the monotony of the village. One gets the impression she does not feel at home here and would rather be out on the Plains again.

Carn has not wasted his time either. Like all of you he has kept his past to himself, but what ever that past is it entailed hard work. He immediately signed on with a local craftsman to muck out his stables. This work has saved him from having to find and pay for accommodation and has given him a little Brass in pocket as well.He has also been seen talking with Jace and visiting Ardain’s Jewellery Shop.

Draexil has kept to himself; it is not known what his intentions are though he appears to be staying at the Temple to Inanna.

Besthan on the other hand has been seen all over the small town, checking out wares and enquiring as to the latest Market trends. He is also staying at the Silver Tusk and while he doesn’t drink as much as Jace what he misses in quantity he is certainly makes up for in quality.It is known that Besthan has had a meeting with Master Jimbio at some time.

The past 2 days have seen both Jace and Bethan use their eyes and ears to look for more work. Master Jimbio seems to be in no hurry to hire you and coin can be used too quickly in the town for most of you to feel comfortable staying unemployed for too long. It appears that 2 potential jobs have come up and you all sit down to discuss them over a plate of meats.

A poor merchant by the name of Fallex is heading to The Plains Gate from where he intends to trade Donaran wares in Caldo. He is seeking protection for this journey along the Great Road. It is a pretty basic job but he is obviously quite poor and can only afford to pay 2CC per person to get him to the Gates. This payment is for as long as it takes and once there you are on your own. If you go by horse/Mule then this journey will take a single day, otherwise it is likely to be 1.5 days travel.

The local Mord (the Lord of the County of Mordara) is looking for tax collectors. Besthan has an introduction to the Assistant Chamberlain through Master Jimbio and went, along with Jace, to the Castle at Noon. The meeting went well.Should the party decide to accept the work there will be a 1GC payment (total) to collect tax and it is expected to take 4-5 days. Payment will be upon the safe return of the tax and dependant upon full retrieval. The Assistant Chamberlain will provide a list of the outlying hamlets, farms, and homesteads which will need to be collected from, the tax will be in the form of coins, the value of which is set on the list. They are all to the North West, close to the Gap of Grace but ranging on both sides of the feature itself. When Jace asks why the Gap itself is uninhabited, considering the excellent water and land the Assistant Chamberlain laughs and talks about ill-informed farmers and their superstitions.As you turn to leave the Assistant Chamberlain coughs for a moment and then states. “I assume you are fully aware of the risk this job may entail. Should you succeed then the Chamberlain himself will hear of this, but beware, whilst the landowners might not be so pleased to see you they at least recognise the full force of Mordara is the Mord’s to command – they will pay. Your real danger is the increasingly bold and brutal bandits. They will be aware of your journey and try to hijack the rightful taxes of this land. As always you will receive a Silver for each bandit killed but you have to be alive to claim this bounty. Take a care.”With this sobering message you leave and gather up your compatriots.

It is now 6pm and you are eating your fill in the Silver Tusk, all of you are together, though Draexil seems to be making excuses to not go out on this journey as he has matters of import to attend to.

By considering the options available to you the conclusion is that you can take both of these tasks on. A journey to The Plains Gate should only take a day; you can escort Fallex for his measly coin. Then the next morning you can turn back towards the Gap of Grace which will only be a day’s ride away and start your tax collection duties.

This plan is agreed upon and you each endeavour to meet here at the inn first thing tomorrow morning with enough kit for a weeks travel. You realise that although the sun is down there is a chance you can make it to Jimbio’s or Bersan’s for some last minute supplies. Either Jace or Besthan must return to the castle to retrieve the sealed document from the Captain of the Guard.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Merchant (1PE)Carn Survival – City (2PE), Servant (2PE)Ishtar Tanner (5PE), Carrying (1PE)Jace Tanner (1PE), Carrying (1PE)

Episode 2.01Location: The Plains GateDate: 21st of April, 206DE 5:00pm Weather: Cloudy with Drizzle, Temp 6˚




Ishtar 100% 12Miu Miu 100% 17 Mule

Jace 100% 12Flax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

This morning was a little colder as the Overcast weather of the past days lifts and just brings heavy cloud and rain. Besthan sniffs the air, “I believe today will be a damp day, not ideal for a pony ride across country, but it could be worse.” Ishtar just lifts the hood on her cowl and quietly prepares her Mule; she could smell the rain last night and guessed what today would bring.

Carn and Jace are chatting as Jace shows him his new Mule, these 2 seemed to have bonded more than the rest of the party as they see in each other a kindred spirit trying to set the past to right with feats of arms.“I have called this creature Caboose”, Jace explains, “I have no experience riding these things and a fancy horse such as you own would throw me immediately. Me and little Caboose are going to take things slowly and carefully.” He laughs and Carn laughs with him.“Master Jace! I am sure you will no doubt find an opportunity to ride even a Mule into battle and still manage to look like a General atop a charger” chuckles Carn.

Last night each prepared themselves to be up this morning and ready to ride before dawn. Jace had accompanied Besthan to Castle Mord again and after a quick discussion with the Captain of the Gate were handed a scroll listing the locations to be taxed and a Metal Broach in the form of the Mord’s Heraldry to signify you act on his behalf.They returned with the Scroll and under candlelight in a corner of the Sliver Tusk showed it to the group. While Besthan and Ishtar argued about the meaning of some of the words, Jace was easily able to read the script and was in fact quite moved by the beauty of the words he read. [Jace is now EL 35 in Read & Write – Donaran]. Carn could make no meaning of the squiggles and so took lessons from each of the others in an attempt to learn how to Read.The requirement is to Collect Tax from the Headman of Two small Villages and a Mining Camp and from the Heads of 6 households. The first 3 collections are to the North of the Gap of Grace, the last 6 are to the South of the Gap:

1. The first day (coming down from The Plains Gate on the border with Caldo ~15 miles away) would be The Mining Camp (talk to the Foreman, 4GC) and the Vitlis Family Farm (9SC) not 2 Miles from the mines.

2. The second day would take you to the Hamlet of ‘Doss Peak’ (2GC) which is not far from the Vitlis Farm but appears to be in Hilly terrain. Leaving here you are to travel past the opening of the Gap to the Southern side.

3. The Third day is to have collections at the tiny Village of ‘Snows End’ (1GC) and the Orchard Farms of the Cordalis Family (9SC) and the Grostelli Family (1GC).

4. The last day is just farmsteads on Plains again: Thiand Family (4SC), Brand Family (7SC) and Brandrant Family (3GC).

If tax is unable to be collected due to the extermination of the payees then proof is to be returned of this disaster or payment will be forfeit. All taxes are expected to be paid in full or payment will be forfeit.

Fallex comes out from the Common Sleeping room at The Silver Tusk, begrudgingly hands over 3 Coppers to the Stable Guard as payment for the protection of his 2 Mules and his poor Riding Horse. He checks that his wares are still intact, grunts and mounts his Horse. “I appreciate your assistance for this part of the journey. If we have any interruptions by the foul things which rage down from the mountains I expect you to put your own lives before mine and my wares, it is for this I am paying you.”“Chickenfeed” mutters Carn under his breath which again sets Jace laughing.Fallex gestures you close and whispers “I have paid off the damnable Bandits which plague this town, so I expect no trouble from them. I ask you to be on your guard though, the Protection Money should be sufficient, but one cannot always be sure.” He straightens up again, mounts his Horse and waits for you each to do the same… In single file you leave in the slight but constant drizzle as night still holds Mordara in her hands.

The journey to The Plains Gate is estimated to be 16 Miles, you travel with no chance to rest or nourish your horses (FP consumed by all Humans, Flax can hunt and eat as you go, when you camp tonight you will need to find a place to feed and water your horses). The day passes with no incidents and even though you travel well on The Great Road (which leads from Caldo through to the City of Donara and thence on to the East) you meet few other travellers and see only scattered dwellings and a sole Inn just before noon. Fallex will not stop as he does not way to be out on the Plains at evening time.

As the afternoon reaches its midpoint you reach a curve in The Great Road, from here, no more than 3 miles away you can see the mighty Plains Gate. It reaches between two sheer mountain cliff faces and appears to be massive. The closer you get the more impressive this edifice appears and Ishtar tells each of you of the legend which says that the people of Caldo formed an Alliance with the Dwarves to defeat and cast out the Giants who had built their great city deep in the mountains. Even now it is said that the Caldans live in the houses and halls of the former occupants. The Plains Gate is said to be of Giant manufacture to stop the Humans of the Plains (long before the founding of Donara) from assailing their kingdom. The closer you get to this huge gate the more credible these stories appear.Closer you get and The Great Road leaves the plains and rises slightly upon bare rock. Carn and Besthan talk quietly with each other before announcing to the party that this part of the road is of Dwarven manufacture.

You finally take your leave of Fallex. He pays each of you 2CC and 5BB in grubby old coin and mutters his thanks before dismounting and leading his animals up to the Caldans guarding the gate.You look around.

The Plains Gate is indeed massive, probably 100feet high in the main with towers and ramps adding 20-30 feet more in height. It stretches for 400feet form cliff-face to cliff-face. There is no doubt it was made by non-humans but with a workmanship which is not Dwarven whilst still being impressive. It is faced with metal and looks a formidable barrier to the mountainous land of Caldo. It can now be seen why Donara, even at her military height, never tried to conquer Caldo, it would have been impossible to pass this first barrier.Surrounding the gate are inns and buildings mostly run by Donarans but with the occasional Caldan also running a Gambling Den or Marketplace. It is easy to spot the Caldans; they are slightly shorter than the Donarans with a darker colouration to their skin, indeed they share some of the features of Ishtar’s face and body. The soldiers are armed with large shields which cover the whole body and carry Pikes and Short Swords. Up on the ramparts of the gate can be seen Crossbowmen.It is hard for Besthan to ascertain the prices of the few wares which he has seen because their nature is foreign to the usual Donaran standards.

You have 1.5 hours of daylight left. The ride back to the plains will take you approximately 30min with another 30min of time taken to setup camp for the night. If you camp here you can feed your horses with the abundant grass. You might also decide to stay in one of the Inns here in front of the gate. There is no point asking to enter Caldo, even if it wasn’t for the recent war they are known to be unfriendly to visitors, especially if they are Donarans.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Read & Write - Donaran (1PE), Horsemanship (1PE)Carn Read & Write - Donaran (1PE)Ishtar xJace Read & Write - Donaran (10PE), Horsemanship (1PE)

Episode 2.02Location: South of the Plains GateDate: 22nd of April, 206DE 2:00pm Weather: Overcast with Sleet, Temp 6˚






Dropping Fallex off at the Gate and having a quick look around was enough, the huge metallic barrier with its hidden mechanisms might be formidable, but it suits the nature of people who liked to be cooped up in mountain homes. You are Donarans; it is the freedom of open Plains and fresh air which drives you.

You backtrack with no sense of urgency and soon the Dwarven cobbled road gives way to the less ornate but more horse-friendly packed clay which makes up the bulk of The Great Road. Travelling just far enough to the South and East to be away from the Road and any bandits and thieves it might carry you set up camp once the Caldan hills turn into Donaran grass.

The evening passes uneventfully. Ishtar takes first watch while your horses nourish themselves, Besthan takes the second and with midnight Carn takes over. The chill night air sends the temperature plummeting as clouds are pulled down South over the Elder Mountains and icy rain starts to pour down, it is unpleasant, but you have fared through worse. Last watch is Jace and he wakes each of you prior to the rise of the sun over what promises to be a gloomy day. Clouds skid from North to South and each cloud seems determined to make you more wet, cold and uncomfortable than the last.

A hurried discussion in the morning causes Besthan to draw the Tax Scroll out of his sleeve.

The first stop is an unnamed mining camp and then not far from it (in the same Hills) the Vitlis Farm. This is almost directly due East from where you are now and should be a simple ride across the plains until you reach the foothills. Once you reach the Vitlis Farm you should be able to camp close to there this evening before leaving for Doss Peak the next morning.

Through the freezing rain you ride, Ishtar and Jace at the front to the left and the right, then Carn and not too far behind him Besthan. The morning passes unpleasantly but quickly. Unfortunately the rain makes hunting and scavenging for food almost impossible and you are forced to tuck into your rations again. The Horses will be nourished enough to last till the evening without stopping but if you find no

Day 1:Mining Camp & Vitlis Farm

Day 2:Doss Peak Village

Day 3:Snows End Village andCordalis and Grostelli Farms

Day 4:Thiand, Brand and BrandrantFarms

Gap of Grace

provisions for them in the Hills then you will be forced to feed them grain. At least you can move faster now that you are not breaking your march to gather food.

At roughly 2pm you come to the base of the foothills. They had seemed to ‘ease’ out of the plains over the last 30min or so, though the lack of visibility during the long periods of rain would have contributed to their being less impressive than you might have expected. You have reached a location marked on your map as ‘dirt cross roads’ since you were able to find and follow the ‘Caldaran’ branch earlier this morning. This ‘road’ is little more than an occasionally used dirt track cut into the grassy plains to transport ore to buyers in Caldo. One branch of this dirt road leads across the face of the Gap of Grace and thence to Mordara. There are 2 other branches, one of them obviously much less used which appears to go pretty much straight towards where you assume the camp to be, the other also heading into the hills but heading more North-Eastern than Easterly.

You estimate (off of a poorly drawn map) that you have 60-90 min more to ride before you reach the camp by the more direct route.

Episode 2.03Location: Mining CampDate: 22nd of April, 206DE 5:00pm Weather: Overcast with Sleet, Temp 1˚





Jace 100% 12Flax 100% 17 Dog I

Caboose 100% 17 Mule

The Dirt Crossroads and the start of the Hills give you all a chance for reflection.

“I think we need to be smart about how we enter these hills”, states Jace. My suggestion is that I will take the front and Carn can look after the rear. His fighting abilities will ensure that we are not attacked from behind.”Ishtar speaks at this point “If we need a rear-guard why should it not be me? I have the strength to hold the rear and should we be attacked on the flanks or to the front my bow will deliver death even if I cannot stand by your sides. I have travelled many a time in the Hills near Mordara and beyond, I know the hidden signs of ambush”“All the more reason for you to be in the middle where your eyes can keep constant vigil and your bow can react with the speed your bloodline is famous for.” Replies Jace.

After a pause Besthan, who has been at the rear of the caravan to this point states his piece, “You all speak as though we are unguarded at the rear. While it is true that I am not carrying as much iron work as the rest of you and it is true that I do not charge headlong into battle to prove something to myself I humbly suggest you do not underrate my abilities in a fight. My spear has dispatched many an opponent and do not forget that I travelled far from the South to reach this town, at least 3 times the distance of any of you.” He looks each of you in the eyes and continues, “Also, I might add that whilst you have been travelling across the plains, telling your tales and singing the songs of your people, I have kept constant vigilance to our rear. Bandits are likely to be hunting for us, did you even notice my attention for their trackers? I think not…” Each of you thinks for a minute and must be honest enough to agree that at no time were you specifically watching for attack from the rear or for evidence of a Bandit trailing your party.

Besthan allows this point to sink in and then, “I might lastly add that I am well experienced in Hilly and Mountainous terrain and it appears that Jace and Carn are the ones who might need to allow myself and Ishtar to guide you through possible ambush. The Hills are unforgiving and the foes here numerous. So, by the leave of each and every one of you I shall continue to watch to the rear and continue to ensure that we complete this mission unmolested by Bandits… or worse.”

Carn has kept quiet till this point but he now turns to Besthan, “Well spoken and I am sure that Master Jace meant no offence. By all means keep to the rear and allow me to ride just a little ahead of you so that I might benefit from your vigilance and you might have a call upon my trusty sword should foes beset us.”Jace also bows slightly at Besthan, “My apologies Master Merchant, I meant no slight. It is true that I am unfamiliar with this terrain and can at times let my sword-arm do the thinking for me.”, Besthan bows in return.Jace turns to the Horsewoman, “Ishtar, how confident are you that you can read the ways of the Hills?”“Confident enough”“Then you take to the Lead, I shall follow, then Carn and finally Besthan.”Besthan cautions “If the road is narrow or winds in with little visibility stay close, otherwise keep 1-3 horse-lengths apart.”

This discussion out of the way the party continues on, strangely enough there was no discussion about which path to take. The lesser-used road, despite suggesting a more direct route also has a reason for being less used and by unspoken agreement you each head immediately for the other road.

Grass gradually gives way to packed dirt and rocks. It is tough going for Jace upon his Mule (-1HP) and his inexperience upon the animal starts to show with a sore rear-end and shoulders from trying to keep himself erect. “Relax into it” offers Ishtar, the encouragement all day has greatly assisted Jace in overcoming his fear of the animal upon which he rides.

The lower parts of these hills are of a light brownish rock which crumbles easily to the touch. There are occasional outcrops of larger types of stone and after the days spent on the plains with its endless greens and browns the variation in the colours of the rocks is a bit of a revelation to Jace and Carn, neither of whom has been exposed to this terrain before. Trees and shrubs as well as the ever-present grasses still remain and this location so close to the Elder Mountains receives much rain, as your drenched and cold bodies show. Unless things change dramatically it appears your horses will find enough to eat tonight upon making camp.

The road continues to the North-East for roughly 45 minutes and then goes almost due East for another half an hour before diving back to the South East. Riding is not too difficult and the terrain, climbing as it is up into the hills and thence the mountains, does not seem to be too challenging. Carn and Jace do not see what the fuss was all about but Ishtar and Besthan seem to be taking each undulation of the land under careful observation. The mining camp’s location can be guessed roughly 15minutes before you reach it. There is a plume of dust rising into the air and signs of smoke from wood fires. Coming closer still you can hear the sounds of voices and iron striking rock and as the road you are travelling upon turns a rocky spur about half way up the face of a small valley wall you can see the camp laid out before you.

Obviously there is rich ore here because an entire part of the hills has been eaten away by the work of many hands and a ‘ramp’ of rock and stone has been dug at a gently incline to allow the miners to dig deeper into the man-made cliff face. Above the work area a wooden ‘roof’ has been erected, perhaps to protect the workers from rock falls. Ranged around the work area are a number of buildings, some large, most small and around them are tents of varying sizes. Lastly the whole area is enclosed in a palisade fence with a single gate; this gate has been made into a structure upon which guards can stand. The fortifications are not overly substantial, certainly nothing like the ones which Jace saw in Swansbane but the few guards look to be well armed with a mix of equipment reminiscent of mercenaries all over the world.

You ride down towards the walls and a voice calls out from the gate.

“Halt Strangers! State your business.” The woman hailing you is dressed in Ring Mail and carrying a short Crossbow and Tower Shield.Besthan from the rear calls back “We represent the Mord and come bearing his seal. We are here to collect the taxes which are rightfully his due.”The woman spits over the gate, but not in your direction, and then replies “Hold your ground and I shall call the Mine Master.”

You are left standing outside for 10minutes or so before the gate is opened and the same voice calls you forward. You ride to the gate and are met by a Dwarf in grubby leathers. “Welcome Tax Collectors. Come in and be seated while my boy fetches the required sum… 4GC if my memory serves me well.” He gestures towards a covered platform with some rough tables and benches not 20 feet from the gate. A woman dressed in simple clothing is setting out mugs and has a water jug, a small ale keg and a plate of cheese and meats being brought by younger females in the same clothing.Besthan bows low to the Dwarf and says something in a strange tongue, the Dwarf laughs and claps him on the shoulder. “Ha ha ha! Well spoken youngling, well spoken. I see thee have had the pleasure of well-stocked Dwarven halls before!” [Besthan is now EL12 in Speak Dwarven Elder].Carn whispers to the rest of you “He was wishing him and his ancestors great wealth and honour, it is a traditional greeting. I am not sure if my Dwarven is up to the task for this right now” and flushes red.

The works are a hive of activity and you can see (~80feet away) a mass of men and perhaps some Dwarves working at the mine seam under the wooden cover. There are many others lying around in the sun or at rest under the tent’s shading. As far as you can see no one is paying any more interest to you than strangers to an isolated camp would expect.

The Dwarf turns to Besthan, “Sit and I shall eat with ye and thee can tell me the news of the flat boring grasslands ye humans love so much” He laughs uproariously, “but first tell me which road did ye come along. Ye made it to me gates, so assume it was the new road. Sit and we shall eat and speak.”

You walk towards the platform as more commonly dressed females some to hitch your horses and bring them hay to eat. Whatever greeting you were expecting, this was not it!

You are sitting down now. Jace looks over at the dwarf and is up front... "Sorry Sir but I don’t speak Dwarven or have the same sort of manners my friend here does, so I hope you would forgive me my rudeness. We are here to pick up your tax, now I take it as were sitting here all friendly like and having ale, there is something you want from us? Please don’t be offended by my blunt speech, as I said I don’t know the customs like my friend here does."Jace sips his ale and doesn’t quaff it; he doesn’t want to lose his head so to speak. Whilst talking he look around from where he is sitting but all he can see are men and women at work in a mining community or resting and doing what humans do in their leisure time. There are definitely one or two more Dwarves here too.

The Dwarf laughs at this and raises his goblet to you. "Ha ha, Ye be a good man for your type, none of this politicking and pretty words. Why would we not be happy to see ye! Taxes must be paid, whether it be to lords in glittering stone caverns or dank castles!” he takes a massive swig of his Ale and starts munching on some bread. "Ye see, my inquisitive friend. We happily pay these taxes because it allows us trade into Mordara and free Trade to Caldo. We defend ourselves so the taxes are low, the Mord wants a good relationship and a safe stopping place for his caravans to the Halls of my Fathers so he allows us to keep much of our profits. In turn he gets the best pick of our labour. Drink up and rest tax man! We are friends here, you take our gold and give us peace, and peace is more valuable than gold."

Seeing this but still not confident to trust his poor ability with the Dwarven tongue Carn speaks up"Master Dwarf", the Dwarf looks at you, wondering how a mere human could know this is the correct way to address another in his culture, "You say defend yourselves, might I ask, Sir, from what? And might I also ask, why do you not trust the other road in to this camp?"The Dwarf looks at Carn and says "Of the cursed road I will say nothing. There are ruins and structures there which predate even the Salaqi Empire and that was not a good time. It used to be a good road, but now it is unsafe and no Dwarf or Human travels it willingly. We occasionally see adventurers and explorers depart for that road, but whence they go from there no one knows. As for

attacks" and he brightens up a little at this, "well... it would not be any fun living in the Elder Mountains if it were not for Giants to slaughter and Kotothi to test one's Axe blade upon! They used to attack here often, but now we just get the stupid ones who rarely make it past our Archers... it is a pity really, a bit of blade work is good for the spirit!"

Carn and Ishtar are at full FP from their eating. Ishtar has stayed silent

After a good meal and idle chatter of the mines and their area, Besthan takes the initiative, looking to their Dwarven host. In Dwarven, he speaks slowly, cautious to pronounce his carefully chosen words as best he can."Master Dwarf, I must thank you on behalf of myself and my companions for your hospitality. But we are here on a matter of business. To that end, I'd bring your attentions to the amounts owed in taxes."Besthan waits patiently for a response, certain of himself and seemingly pleased with his perceived mastery of the rarely used language. He glances to Jace, comfortable in his assumption that Jace trusts him to handle the situation. After a brief pause, Besthan continues;"Although, if I may add, briefly, I do have a question... If your taxes are lower due to the settlement seeing to its own defences, I must ask: What might we run into on the return road, and have you provisions available that might aide us against these... hindrances?"

“Ah, Dwarf Friend,” replies your host in Donaran, “While ye have more to learn of the nuances of our beautiful language I understand ye clear enough. We have no supplies to offer ye apart from our food and drink, these we purchase from the Vitlis Family who ye are sure to have met already… ah, not been there yet? They will have food and wine in abundance for ye. For them the road leads to the South-East and ye should find it as safe as can be expected for it is fairly used. Be sure to set a guard for ye camp tonight though, I am sure yer minds are already set on this, but it never hurts to buttress the walls of the sturdiest mine, eh!”

The Dwarven Foreman beckons a boy over and from his hands takes a small pouch, he places the pouch on the table and opens it to reveal 4 newly minted GC. He wraps it up again and hands it to Besthan. Then he brings forth a slab of wax and asks that you imprint the Mord’s tax-seal upon it as proof of payment. There is no point denying this, it is not as though the camp has not seen you arrive!

Once the formalities are complete he looks to the sky and says, “It is only 2 miles, but the road turns a little. Still you should be there safely in 30min thanks to your strange mix of riding beasts - you have another hour or two of sunlight. Should you meet any sell-swords on your journeys then send them this way we are always hiring. But, mind ye, tell no Adventurers of the ruins – it breaks even this warrior’s heart to see what a lust for gold and treasure will cause a man or woman who fancies they can string a bow and carry a torch to attempt.” Again he lets rip a huge laugh, “Harr, can you believe that, me, a Dwarf saying be wary of gold and treasure!”If you have no further questions then it looks like this might be the perfect chance to make your excuses and leave.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Speak – Dwarven Elder (6PE)Carn Speak – Dwarven Elder (1PE)Ishtar xJace x

Episode 2.04Location: Vitlis Family Farm GateDate: 22nd of April, 206DE 6:00pm Weather: Overcast with Sleet, Temp 0˚


Bracer 100% 18 Warhorse II

Dunkle 100% 17 MuleCarn 100% 11

Clive 100% 28 Riding Horse IIIIshtar 100% 12

Miu Miu 100% 17 MuleJace 100% 12

Flax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

Your mounts are as you left them and a quick, but polite, scan of the contents of your various saddle-bags shows that all is as you remembered it. The mounts have been watered and fed as Flax the Dog. The Dwarf throws a quick wave in your direction then walks off in the direction of the mines.

You mount up inside the gates and then ride out. From the wall the female mercenary calls down at you, “It is the same road you were on if the Vitlis farm is what you seek. Follow it along but make no threatening moves to any of their employees, they will be watching you as you ride and will trust you not.”

The road ahead is part natural and part cut into the side of the valley. The valley itself is wooded and covered in small shrubs and only when the sleet lifts for a few minutes do you have the ability to see across to the other side of the natural formation. A small river snakes about 120 feet below you. It would not be easy to climb up or down, especially in this weather.

True to the Dwarfs words the road does wind back and forth before abruptly ending at a wooden gate stretched across the road between 2 rocky outcrops. The gate is roughly 10 feet high and seems to be braced in copper which is turning green from exposure to the elements. Directly above the gate is the word “Vitlis” carved into a wooden plank.

You have seen no one or nothing apart from a lonely hawk which has shadowed you, perhaps in anticipation of some game being disturbed. The gate swings open and mindful of the Guard’s words you ride inside with weapons subtly ready but not at hand.

Looking around you can see soldiers, all armed identically in leather armour with spear and mace, some are watching you warily, some are working the gate. The gate has no platform for guards to stand upon and you wonder how they keep watch over the road. A soldier with a yellow cloak but otherwise identically dressed to the others comes forward with his hands palm forward as if to show he bears no weapons in them. “Strangers, this is the land of the Vitlis Family and my Masters do not look kindly upon intruders. If you have reason to be here then speak to me, if you do not then you may leave the way you came or you may leave through the South gate.”

Looking as he points you see an almost identical structure nearly 100 feet to your South and facing in a similar direction, this must be the terminus of the road which leads up from the Southern entry point to the Hills.

You also take the chance to look around you and get better acquainted with your surrounds. You are in a roughly rectangular space between the outer gate and a much larger and more solid inner gate. The inner gate is about 30 feet from you and 15 or so feet high. There is a single braced gate in it which has 2 soldiers standing on either side as guards. This internal area ends at the Western Gate (where you entered) and also at the Southern Gate; it is obviously designed to hold and contain travellers with less than pure motives. For the most part the ‘outer wall’ is roughly shaped rock with no obvious climbing points or carved entrances. There are a few soldiers carrying Long Bows but no sign of horse. You also note baskets with various fruits which are obviously for the nourishment of the soldiers. The ground is well cut stone blocks edged together with skill.

The yellow-cloaked soldier is looking at you and wishing to know what your business is with the Vitlis Family.

Jace steps forward, "Thank you for greeting us, we are here by request of the Mord to collect taxes. We would appreciate meeting with your Master to expedite the transaction. We have the Mord’s seal and notice of collection here with us." He keeps his hands in plain sight and makes no fast movements. Obviously Jace doesn’t like the idea of being a target for arrows and spears.

The Soldier in Yellow asks to see the seal, Besthan produces it from one his pouches.He glances at it and then motions for you all to dismount and then calls out "Jark, Beritor, see that our guests have food and shelter"

2 soldiers come forward and motion for you to follow them to a hide covered seating area near the Outer wall. Once you are seated away from the freezing rain the soldiers hitch your animals to posts near bundles of hay. You have been given earthenware plates with dried and fresh fruits and mugs of fresh clear water.

The Soldier in Yellow whistles and is answered by a shriek as a Hawk dives from the sky and lands on his gauntleted wrist.

He whispers something in its ear and then releases it. He gives it no further attention as it flies towards the East.

The Soldier in Yellow approaches you. “The Master's representative will be here soon, eat at your leisure.” he walks off toward his men.

Episode 2.05Location: Campsite South West of the Vitlis Family Farm GateDate: 22nd of April, 206DE 7:00pm Weather: Overcast with Sleet, Temp -1˚





Jace starts to eat slowly and also talks in a voice which he hopes will not travel far. "Obviously the hawk flying above us on the way to the gate was a warning to the guards that someone was on this road. I dare say they have a lot more than one around the place. As it’s a winding and treacherous road they may also be trained to attack... with a drop like that would be a bad thing for invaders to try and storm the place. Also we need to consider our attitudes here," he glances at each of you in turn, "make sure no one loses their cool, we do not want to be stuck between the two walls or having to try and scale the outer walls, with the vision of a hawk we won’t get past being observed. Which brings into consideration night time; at night a hawk’s vision isn’t the best, they may have owls or other night birds as well."

Feeling uncomfortable in the surroundings and completely agreeing with Jace about the peril the party might find itself in Besthan looks about himself. He smooths his rumpled trail clothes and casts a quick eye over his documents then he waves over one of the guards assigned to look after them. With a slight glance at his companion the man comes over. "We'll speak with the master of the house, now, thank you. I hate to press an urgency, here, but we do not feel that we're welcome, and would sooner be out of your way." states Besthan with a commanding air.

“The Masters will come when they are ready and for now we ask that you sit at your leisure", the man replies, "I am sure that the Masters mean no disrespect to you, but you are only messengers of the Mord after all. In their lands the Masters decide how best to serve the Mord’s wishes." He gives a slight bow and turns to stand with him companion, they share a few words and then wait in silence as the icy rain continues to fall.

You have had enough time to eat and top up after the visit to the mines and the minutes seem to crawl by. None of you feel completely at ease in this situation.

There is a sudden cracking sound and a flash of silvery light and Ishtar, who is looking upon a circular platform jutting just a few inches above the paving stones, sees a white robed middle-aged man appear. This must be some sort of sorcery... The soldiers all turn and make full bows, immediately standing if they were sitting or lying down, and then return to the tasks before them.

Two soldiers rush forward to hoist a wood and cloth umbrella over the man’s head and then match his pace as he walks towards you.

The man is slightly balding and dressed in a rich robe which, now he is close, can be seen to be embroidered with metallic thread and strange unknown characters. At an age where most men would be feeling their years he seems vigorous and focussed. You know just by looking at him that he is not to be treated lightly. He holds in his right hand an ornate wooden staff which is beautifully carved and gilded with jewels and metals. There is a large translucent green gem at its tip which contains a swirling light. Standing two feet from Besthan and looking directly at him he simply states: "Show me the Mord's Letter of Command and the Signet as proof of your position."

Besthan clears his throat with a quiet cough, and pauses for the barest of moments before reaching for the signet and documentation. Producing them, he introduces himself late, as though he'd simply forgotten to do so. "I am called Besthan. These, here, are my colleagues. Each of us are named in this documentation, as you can see." As he hands the required items across, Besthan pauses again, as if waiting for a response to his introduction, but steps in again at the very last second.

"I sense that the matter of taxation to Mord and Donara is a sensitive one, as always is with these kinds of dealings. As such, I appreciate your caution in our identity. But if we could simply get this moving as quickly as possible, myself and my colleagues would much sooner be elsewhere, as you'd have us be, no doubt." He smiles very slightly at this. "I'll be happy to pass on your regards to Mord, and praises of your expedient and proper responses and hospitalities?" The last is said with the barest, barest hint of a tone. The words, carefully chosen, are presumptive in assuming the issue closed, respectful and appropriate in their suggested conduct, and wrapped in the slightest barb at being kept waiting. Besthan smiles warmly.

"Hmm..." says the man, "Quite", he glances at the seal and the document and then draws from a pouch at his side a small but extremely fine quality velvet bag which he places on the table. He patiently waits for Jace to open the bag and reveal the 9SC inside. He places a waxed strip on the table and again waits for Besthan to imprint the seal upon it. Besthan is able to immediately see that the quality of the bag is almost equivalent to the 9SC it contains!

"All is as agreed with the Mord, 1SC for each of my Masters, the Vitlis Family." He turns as if to go, and then pauses. "I understand that you are at the start of your run. If we could prevail upon you for two errands we will pay you for your troubles. We have a message for the Mord to be handed in to the Assistant Chamberlain at the end of your task; it is in this sealed parchment." He draws from his pouch a new piece of parchment sealed with wax and inscribed with unknown runes. He places it on the table with Copper Coins atop it. "For this I shall give you 9CC in advance. The other errand is a small note for the Master of Doss Peak, the village which I understand is to be your next stop". Another sealed parchment (of obviously inferior quality) is also placed on the table with 3CC. "Please feel free to take these if you wish the extra employment. I strongly suggest you do not attempt to open the items." he chuckles and then turns to walk back to the circular platform.

Jace looks to Besthan, knowing that he is likely to have an idea of the next step and also reinforcing the impression that all 3 of you stand together against any potential treachery. Besthan is quiet though and studying the two envelopes. Despite Draexil’s arrogance it is at moment like this that his presence is missed.

The soldiers again stand leaving their current tasks to turn towards the Mage. He is waving his hand and staff about and muttering mystic words. Ishtar clutches at the little necklace fetish of Inanna which encircles her neck. She might be more Donaran than Kazi but she is not at peace with untrusted magics. Again there is a flash of silvery light and a sound like the rush of air: the man disappears and as one the soldiers all bow to the empty plinth before returning to their tasks.

The soldier in Yellow can be seen to be walking towards you.

“I do not like sorcery and the envelopes appear to be rank with it.” Says Ishtar,”But I do need the cash. I will guard the bearer of these messages to their end points. I will not bear them myself though unless there is dire need”

Jace also speaks up, “Of course we will carry them”.Besthan glances at the others, briefly, clearly the decision has been made. He gathers the

two envelopes and hands them to Jace, who slips them in to a safe wrapping in his Backpack. The coins are split so that you gain 4CC each. Besthan then nods towards the animals and as one you stand.

The Soldier has approached: “We appreciate your attention to the Mord’s wishes and thank you for allowing my Masters to show their due diligence. However, if you wish to make a safe camp tonight it would be best if you make haste.” He looks at the sky and you note the sun is starting to hang low. “If you make a good pace you will achieve a safe and easily defensible spot not 1 mile from here. The road is quite safe and free from too many dangers but the sides of the road are not enough to allow camp to be made. Our scouts have looked ahead and see no danger along this road or at the campsite. At the site you will find water and grass for your mounts.”

As a group you are walking towards your animals now, they are rested and ready to go. Again a quick check shows that they have not been tampered with.

The Soldier speaks once more, “The Masters do not allow anyone to camp outside the gates here, this is their land and they guard it in the Mord’s name. If your destination is Doss Peak then it will be well if you start out early in the morning. It is not far as the Hawk flies but the road is narrow and must pass much terrain. I caution you to not leave the road on the climb up Doss Peak, the reason will be apparent as you approach.”

Each of you mounts up; immediately poor Jace feels the pain in his rump as he once again tries to ride these infernal animals. The Southern Gate is opened and the Yellow-cloaked soldier gives a polite but shallow bow, “May the Light of Enki guide you in your tasks”. As soon as you pass the gates they swing shut.

Despite the claustrophobic feeling of the compound you cannot deny that your hosts were respectful and polite and once you pass earshot of the Vitlis Farm you take quick council. Although the concern of a trap or an ambush is at the foremost of your minds it cannot be denied that the road does not seem to allow any place for camp, and who knows how the Vitlis Guards might react to this anyway. You can hear, and occasionally see, a Hawk circling above you.

There is no choice. It must be the campsite tonight, especially since Jace is having trouble knowing which part of his Mule is the front. Also the air and continual sleet is freezing, so there is the hope of cover.

For 30 min you ride on and the night starts to fall. The road winds but not as much as it did on the way up to the Farm. The sides are not sheer

but they are inhospitable and Ishtar peers around intently to be sure there is not threat. You are in an area of many shrubs and the occasional tree; there are undulating hills with sharp small ridges of bare stone which the road weaves around. You get the occasional respite from the icy rain, but you can tell already that the weather tomorrow is likely to be terrible again.

Turning around a bluish stone rock outcropping you can see ahead a wide flat area of grasses. The area opens up as you gain more visibility past the rocks and you can see a roughly oval shaped flat area with a stream running along the Southern boundary (You are approaching from the North-Eastern side). There are a few wide-spread trees and to be honest the area almost looks as though it has been ‘made’ for camping. You can also see that you are not the only Humans to have discovered this location. A human male stands 15 feet away from you directly against the very ridge you turned around. He wears a Mace at his side and has a Bow in his hands with an arrow notched and tensioned but pointing at 45˚ towards the ground. Near a tree some 15-20 feet beyond him is a pitched tent and the beginnings of a campfire. A well looked after horse is grazing not for from the tent.

In perfect Donaran the man speaks “Who is it that approaches in the Wilds? State your name and destination so that I might know if we be friends or foes.”

Ishtar is not comfortable with such surprises. She doesn’t trust them but being a mountain woman, knows you are bound to run into a creep or two every now and again. She suspects that there is no need to be totally honest with this stranger. Although lying doesn't come easily to Ishtar, she clenches on to Miu Miu, puts on a smile and tries to look as vulnerable as she can.

Besthan, watching from the back of the party sees this act and nods slightly in agreement. There's no sense in making it easily known that the group are carrying coin and important scrolls. He drops from his warhorse and settles the animal with a hand. He waves, smiling, as he approaches the stranger. "Hoi, stranger. Lovely spot, here, no? We're just travellers, friend. Looking to clear out goblins and the like, y'know. What with that reward on each head, and such!" Moving directly up to the man, as though two friends meeting on the road, Besthan continues with a question. "What's got you out and about, then? Hey... Nice bow..."

After hearing the one man speak in a friendly manner and declaring himself to be hunting Goblins, the lone archer raises one eyebrow as if showing interest, but then just grunts. Still, he relaxes visibly and begins to handle the bow more casually.

"Aye, perhaps we can share the area. Feel free to gather up more wood for the fire. I'm sorry but I cannot offer you any food right now as my provisions are somewhat short, but a warm fire and good gossip are two things I can offer. My name is...um...Marcus." The man looks at each of you in turn. "Hmm… 'Goblin Hunting', eh? I wonder what that would have to do with the group of wanna-be highwaymen I met on the way up here? While inept, they were armed and the area they held was a good location for an ambush. Tried to extort from me 'passage', then asked me to forward you along to them...they described you in less than flattering terms..." the Archer gives a small laugh at that memory, "This was just past the crossroads to Doss Peak. I can't say that I liked the looks of them, especially their weaselly leader. I don't care for thieves much."

Jace is watching ‘Marcus’ closely. This man has a military bearing: young man, military posture and look about him... professional mercenary maybe? He definitely has a military background but is probably not old enough to have seen serious action. Moving off of and away from his mule Jace is carefully scanning the area for ambush locations and possible jump points. If anything this man says is close to true (which Jace doubts) then night will be best time for an Ambush. Maybe he is here to spread false rumours. He leans in towards Besthan, mentions "This looks like a good spot to rest and prepare for tomorrows travel" and whispers the word "Military" so only he can hear.

Whilst he this is going on Ishtar pays a bit of attention to the stranger's bow and horse... They are an exceptionally fine pair and she becomes some what jealous as well as home sick. Although he speaks fine Donaran, these skills were introduced to Donaran’s by Ishtar's parents... She feels melancholy and angry as to why a mere Donaran civilian should have access to these resources when she is riding a mule! She has also noticed that the arrows are hand crafted. So even though such fine horse and bow would normally belong to the military this guy is obviously at least partially amateur. Either that or it is a trap. Ishtar becomes even more suspicious but she tries her best not to show her raging emotions. "Fine horse you've got there stranger." she says. She's far too blunt to ask straight out about the supposed ambush. She continues "where have you managed to get your hands on such a fine animal? It's rare to see a mere Donaran with such a fine ride!" Realising how rude she probably came across, she stops her talking and does a bit of thinking while she waits for a response.

At the mention of his horse, Marcus seems distracted from the rudeness of the question and simply gets a small smile on his lips as he looks over at his obviously cherished horse. "Ah, Bangles? Yes, she is a fine nag." He gives a small chuckle at what is obviously an old but oft-repeated joke about his ride. "She's been with me since my time in the Xalanaran army. When I discharged, I was able to 'convince' my officers that I needed to take her with me. It was pretty easy because it was obvious that the horse had latched on to me." Marcus smiles large this time and says "It was especially obvious when my Captain tried to take her for himself from me one day and darn near got trampled to death for his efforts. Bangles has great taste and never did like him much anyway. Well, because of that she didn't cost me much more than any other horse would, and I would have happily paid more...but they didn't need to know that!"

Marcus keenly looks at the group and then finally seems to decide something. He pulls off his metal helm with his free right hand and shows the group that he has curly black hair and a fairly dark, weather-tanned complexion. The hair is shorter in front and to the neck in back. He is clean-shaven though a bit scruffy from being on the road for some time.

Besthan decides to also lower his guard and wanders over to the fire. Truly any warmth after a day in this freezing rain will be a blessing. He pulls some of his own rations out and offers them to Marcus as well as some of his water. It looks like Marcus is brewing a Travel Ration stew or something similar so he adds to the pot as a sign of sharing. Besthan leaves his animals free to graze trusting that h is Warhorse will not move too far away should an emergency arise.

The conversation is light and Besthan reinforces the message that the mission is just to hunt Goblins through the Hills on both sides of the Gap of Grace, apart from that he does not reveal any more details. The conversation is full of questions about why Marcus came along the only road to the Vitlis Family farm on this side of the compound; especially when there is no obvious way around the dead end back at the gates.

While Besthan talks about the goblin hunt again, Marcus gets noticeably wary and obviously uncomfortable as Ishtar has yet to dismount and neither her nor Jace have joined Besthan and Marcus at the fire. "Strangers, I introduced myself to you and invited you to join me in staying here. I find it...disturbing...that none of you have shown the grace to respond in kind with your names." It is obvious that he is somewhat insulted by your ill-manners, and his possible poor judgment at letting you get close to his campsite.

Ishtar dismounts and pulls stubborn Miu Miu along towards the stranger."My name is Ishtar and these are my travel mates Jace and Besthan. We've stated our

business, what's your excuse for being here with such a fine beast?" she says with a slight tone to her voice. At this moment in time, Ishtar can no longer hide her obvious jealousy over Marcus' horse. It's what she longs for the most... yet it belongs to a simple being like Marcus instead of the daughter of true horse-warriors like her... Regardless, she continues to pull Miu Miu along towards the campsite, eyeing Marcus, not trusting him one bit and but longer caring where the rest of her group is. Her somewhat impulsive nature is turning nasty thanks to being tired, hungry and from melancholy over her lack of a decent horse.

Jace also ties his Mule up and wanders over to the campfire drawing out some rations to throw in the pot. “So you were in the military, you seem a bit young, why did you leave if you don't mind me asking? Sorry about the blunt speech stranger but I am a blunt kind of fellow.”

Marcus looks at the female barbarian first with an expression of surprise mixed with offence, but then quickly changes to a broad smile as he guffaws. "Heh-heh...it's nice to meet you all. Well, woman, I have no need to make an excuse for me having Bangles, here. She simply decided that she didn't want to be left behind when I left the army. Darn near killed my captain. I paid a fair price for her."

Marcus looks at Jace, sizing him up, obviously impressed by the question and admiring the directness. He responds to him, "Well, Master Jace, my officers were beginning to wear on me. Silly little prigs. Anyway, when my Captain tried to take Bangles from me when his own mount went lame, that was the last straw. Glad to be rid of him and the hassles. Anyway, I'm just nosing around for some work; maybe find a mercenary company that needs a scout or light horse. Something… I'm just not sure what, right now. I thought there might be more work here in the North than out East....certainly I don't want to go West into the Cursed Forest! And can't go South, unless I want to give Bangles a bath in the Sea!" Marcus guffaws again at his own wit.

Jace ponders Marcus' response. It is an interesting story: a scout but also a possible forward scout for said bandits… or could be genuine. If so why didn’t he mention he was going to try the estate we just left for work? On the other hand he is annoyed at Ishtar for letting her emotions go. If this situation turns nasty they need her to have a clear head and they certainly don’t need her to start an unnecessary fight. Still, Jace is a simple type and while he will take care with his suspicions he will think the best of Marcus until proven otherwise.

Ishtar is still not letting the Stranger get off lightly. Letting the rage brew within she approaches the fire, looks down at Marcus and says "Looking for work aye? What are you doing up here instead of riding another hour to the farm down there? They seem to have loads of men working for their own private army. Or let me guess, a deserter like yourself didn't make the cut for a measly private army? What's your deal man? Who're you running from?"

Marcus looks at her with little humour in his face. Just looks for a bit... before deciding to ignore this irritable woman. Turning to Besthan he comments "Well, I suppose I should never expect manners from a barbarian." After that, he again turns to Ishtar and responds, "Yes, looking for work. I was told that they might have some for me up here at the Vitlis place. They didn't seem to want or need my services. I never did quite catch why. So, I was camping out here until I decided where to

go tomorrow." To Besthan he again turns, "I believe there is an estate run by the Cordialis Family, or something like that, just to the South of here. Have you heard of it? They are continually hiring Mercenaries though the pay is said to be rather poor. Oh, and I am no deserter. I spent almost 6 years in the Xalanara Army. Damned arrogant, awful officers. Hated being under them so I left. I think I have a better time looking for work as a mercenary and deciding for myself which officers I might follow instead of simply being told! If County Mordara is no good then was thinking of heading more northeast or toward La Ced. There's always border disputes in the East, and plenty of people wanting protection in the hills...or so I've been told."

Besthan is tired with the talk, exhausted from the long day and also wary of letting Ishtar start a fight. He decides that enough is enough and mentions to Marcus their purpose is really to collect Tax for the Mord. He also makes an offer for him to come on board, payment being an equal share in the remaining percentage on the run. He describes the position to Marcus as the group having need of a forward scout and outrider. Marcus will not be required to take watch this evening. Also, for the interim of this deal (which is anticipated to be of only 3 days service he is not to be entitled to loot.

Hearing this Marcus gets a look on his face as if he just ate something that tasted like a bug. "Tax collectors? That's what you people are?" He groans. "I'm afraid I'm not really interested in being a tax collector." He thinks about it for a moment and then says "I suppose for a few days I could be a hired merc for your 'protection'. 3 day's time? Two silver as payment. Half that if one of us gets killed...unless it's me, then the service is free." This dark-haired horseman laughs at his own joke... again. Then Marcus gets to looking closely at the merchant. Clearly they are not simply tax collectors or they would have no interest in 'loot'. Still, Marcus' curiosity is piqued. "Mercenaries are in it for the money", he says. "Well, your terms of payment for services for my help in the tax collecting are fine. I think this 'loot' about which you speak is rather interesting. Tell me more as to where this 'loot' might come from. For your tax collecting, I can agree to your payments...but for simply accompanying you into danger without me knowing why or what makes me rather wary. I'd probably just have to stand by were that the case. I should be entitled to loot that which I am responsible for killing; otherwise the combined ‘loot’ is yours”

Ishtar clears her throat, unapologetic about her behaviour and seemingly ignoring the criticism "Loot! We told you before, do you not listen? We hunt goblins and any other monsters in our way. And if you don't start getting some of YOUR facts straight, you might just get hunted too!" She looks at him once more in disgust and then announces “I will take 3rd watch.” She pulls out her bedroll and curls up under a lee in the rocks ringing the campsite to get some sleep.

Watching her storm off and shaking his head in frustration Jace also questions the new party Scout "Marcus please excuse our friend here, but I also have to express your presence brings more questions then answers, after all coming from the Vitlis on our way through they did not mention your presence here. As they informed us they had scouted the area before hand to be sure it’s a safe camp site. Having said that though I can recognize you have had military instruction, from the Xelanaran Army you say. I do know however military do not just "sell" military products (point towards his horse) regardless of how ill-tempered it is. Things like that can be trained out of an animal. As for the group of Bandits you apparently saw off on your way up here... one man did that? They must be rather useless bandits. Also one man on the way up here I am sure the bandits would not just let you pass with such a rich prize as your horse and bow amongst other things." He pauses and thinks for a second then, “I am more than willing to accept your word that these things happen; in the light of I have no proof otherwise. I want you however to be aware that your appearance here is rather co-incidental. I do however like to give people the doubt until they try to screw me over. Then there are no more chances, assuming I am still alive (laugh quietly). As for your services, I do agree that your skills would be an asset to this group for now, and would enjoy the time conversing with you on the location of the ambush and how best to overcome it. If you can accept that this is rather, strange moment in time for this encounter and accept we are not immediate friends then by all means join with us. As I say I am blunt. I wont lie to you and wont put on a facade, as a military man I am sure you would appreciate this."

Marcus smiles,"Aye, I do appreciate directness. And yours is most welcome. As to the Vitlis farm...well, I don't know what to tell you. Maybe they just didn't think I was important enough to talk about. I didn't make any arrangements with them for camping here...it just seemed like a great place to stop for the night. The highwaymen were another issue altogether. They seemed a lot more interested in you (indicating the three of them) than my horse...or even what coin I may be carrying. It seemed, well, personal." Poking the small fire with his stick he thinks for a second. "How do you avoid

the ambush? That's tough. They hold an area that is certainly defensible and gives them some cover. They also had somewhere between 2-4 archers. We could try scouting them out...there is a ridge between here and there that would allow you to approach without being seen. Heck, to foil the ambush all you really have to do is let them know that you know they are there. That usually kills their fun. A determined attack from us might be enough to scare them off... they didn't seem like the hero type, if you know what I mean. Or maybe a night attack on foot? Catch them off-guard? I doubt that attention to duty was something that had meaning for them." He stands up and stretches his legs and then sits down again "As for Bangles...well, I told you I did pay a premium for her. And maybe part of that premium ended up in the corral officer's pouch. They certainly aren't going to be short any horses. Besides, she and I simply belong together...like good friends. Anyway, as for joining you? Hmm…Well, I'd certainly appreciate the work as a guard over the group as you collect taxes, but unless there's some compensation for the goblin hunts, well, let's just say at that point we'd have to probably part ways. Mercenary, you know.” The man smiles at Jace: "Since we are being blunt and all."

Episode 2.06Location: Campsite South West of the Vitlis Family Farm GateDate: 23nd of April, 206DE 8:15am Weather: Overcast and Windy, Temp 1˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 100% 12 Ring Mail + Leather



Jace 100% 12 Ring Mail + LeatherFlax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

Marcus 100% 12 Ring Mail + LeatherMr. Bangles 100% 18 Warhorse II

Sleep is not as deep as you might have hoped. With an extra person in the camp and trust levels not being high the watch is still split between Besthan, then Jace and lastly Ishtar. Marcus stays up for a while after Ishtar turned in and then a while longer chatting with Besthan after Jace also went to sleep in the lee of the rocky outcrops but then he too crawled into his small tent and apparently slept the night through. Besthan used the quiet at the end of his watch to pitch his own tent so that he might get some undisturbed sleep away from the worsening weather. The chat with Marcus revealed nothing new and the party also did not say more than they have already.

During the night the sleet finally stopped, then there was a quiet patch of a couple of hours before a wind started to grow out of the South. By the time the party were all awake (~7am) the wind had swung around to the East and was blowing with quite some force. Both Ishtar and Marcus are aware that this sort of weather will not be of much use to them as their bows are their main weapons and unless they are shooting from downwind then it is going to be difficult to aim properly in this weather. It will be even worse for Besthan as his only ranged weapons are Javelins. Jace might not have much difficulty with the use of his Handle Sling, but he doesn’t much like to attack from a distance, he prefers to get in close and crack heads.

Besthan and Marcus pack their tents away whilst Ishtar and Jace gather together the animals.As the sun starts to climb in the sky the party make off down the road to the Doss Peak

Crossroads. Yesterday’s conversation at the Vitlis Estate, and the Taxation Map indicates, that Doss Peak is only an hour and a half or so from the Campsite. It is roughly 30min from the Crossroads turn-off. If Marcus can be trusted then the Bandits should be waiting just before the crossroads. A quick questions to Marcus as to why you were warned to keep to the road approaching Doss Peak itself is met with a shrug, maybe he has not been there before?

Assuming the Bandits can be dealt with, and that Doss Peak pays their 2GC without undue stress then the next part of the day’s journey is on past the Crossroads, down onto the Plains and thence past the Entrance to the Gap of Grace. Camp should be around nightfall this evening near the foothills to the South of the Gap.

Since the party is expecting trouble Besthan, Jace and Marcus have all put Ring Mail over their Leathers for extra protection. Ishtar has no option but trust her hand-made Leather armour. Cloaks and Cowls are also used, if these Bandits are real there is no point letting them know you are preparing to fight them.

As agreed last night Marcus rides in front, Ishtar is just a half-horse length behind him, then plods Jace with his Mule-sore arse and lastly Besthan who like Ishtar is familiar with the Hills and thus a good choice to guard the rear.

Riding towards the crossroads you have moments when the wind catches you full force, those are times when you are not shielded from it by rocks or hill slopes or when the Hills themselves channel it down straight onto you. Even Ishtar who is normally keen to show how little she cares about the weather has taken to wrapping herself in her Cowled robes with the hood over her face; though she is obviously still quite annoyed at Marcus and has not said a word to him all morning. The ride is almost entirely made in silence; the terrible weather of the last 2 days and concerns about Marcus has left you all slightly on edge.

The Hills cause the road to meander through and around ridgelines. Yesterday the journey was mostly along the side of Hill slopes; today the road seems to stick mostly to the top of the Hills. The slopes are less steep than yesterday (in the main) but the ground is also rockier and therefore still not well suited to off-road travel.

After ~45min of riding Marcus can be seen to raise his hand as if to announce it is time to stop. He brings his horse to a halt and then dismounts and waves for you to join him at a turn in the road. Jace dismounts and goes to look and after a few moments so too does Besthan. Ishtar still doesn’t trust him; she keeps on her Mule and has her hand on her Scimitar hilt.

“Look there” says Marcus to draw your attention to where his leather gloved hand is pointing. “That is the Ambush site.” You can see a place where a thin rocky ridge which had once jutted out of the Hill soil like a broken shard has been broken down to allow a road to pass through. The road itself extends in a gentle curve to the West from the tight bend you peer through and around the edge of a Hilly bowl to finally reach the ‘Ambush site’.

You look for a moment and try to take it all in. Going straight down the ‘bowl’ and thence to the ‘Ambush Site’ is going to give you no advantage and give them more time to recognise you and attack with a height advantage from the hill top. Travelling to the East and thence around the ridge is a bit of a gamble; it could be a long detour and will likewise mean that you can be spotted if they have Scouts who are not entirely watching the road, also you have no idea what the slope is like on the far Eastern side even if you do make it. Lastly there is little option to travel to the West as it would mean going back and then clambering over the ridges in the hope of finding a path to take you to their direct West – this will again take time with no certainty of success.

Stepping back to take council with each other Jace spots something and quietly hisses… Marcus and Besthan turn back to look… There is no denying it, just 250 meters away in the Gap where the road passes stands a man; metal from what appears to be a Spear in one hand and a Shield in the other flashes in the morning sunlight. He appears to be surveying the road and you duck back into cover, fairly confident that you have not been seen.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan -Ishtar -Jace Horsemanship (1PE), Survival – Hill (1PE)

Loot Gained: 4CC eachDeliver Message to Headman of Doss Peak - 1 CCDeliver Message to Assistant Chamberlain at Castle Mord – 3CC

Episode 2.07.01Location: On the Road just short of the Doss Peak CrossroadsDate: 23nd of April, 206DE 8:45am Weather: Overcast and Windy, Temp 2˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 100% 12 Ring Mail + Leather



Jace 100% 12 Ring Mail + LeatherFlax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

Marcus 100% 12 Ring Mail + LeatherMr. Bangles 100% 18 Warhorse II

Marcus hides against the hillside, trying not to move too much or too fast so as not to attract the guard's awareness. "Whoa! That was close. Looks like they weren't total losers after all. They do have guards out and they seem attentive.” He sneaks another glance around the corner, "What do you want to do now?" We can try to surprise just the one guard and hope we get him before he alerts the others. We can try to wait for dark, but it may be too dark to even see."

A rather spirited discussion then follows with Ishtar volunteering to climb the rocky ridges to the East of the road in the hope of out-flanking them. You agree this is a good idea but further examination of the terrain shows that the ridges might prove impassable and should Ishtar, even if she was joined by another of the party, be caught out then she would forced to fight the Bandits alone as the others would have no way of getting any message from her.

Also there is the worry that should she take too long to get into position then you might not have time to make it past the entrance to the rather dangerous Gap of Grace by tonight.

Marcus suggests trying to flush them out by drawing them to the location where the party currently hides. Unfortunately with the road from the Ambush site to the Party location being a fairly flat semi-circular path around a bowl-like valley in-between the 2 locations there is not much possibility that the Bandits would be easily drawn forth and even if they did it would again be a straight-up fight.

Finally Besthan speaks up with a plan: His idea is to casually ride up as though you were either being betrayed by Marcus or unaware of the Ambush. When the Bandits stop you then your position on horseback will give an advantage and with luck they will either want to talk or if you disguise yourself well enough then they might not even be sure you are the targets they seek until it is too late for them. Jace, who was initially strongly supportive of Ishtar’s flanking move, is all up for this as he wants to crack some heads. Eventually as a group you agree this is the best way forward.

Besthan also suggests letting one of the Bandits survive so that he can take a message back to their bosses that you are not to be trifled with.

Already prepared with your best armour you take time to ensure your weapons are fully ready. Again it is highly unlikely the wind will allow you much opportunity to use your ranged weapons, but it should also negate any advantage their archers might have. You mount up and go over the plan once more.

Among yourselves you agree that Jace is to dismount as soon as possible, he cannot fight from mule-back and will be at a distinct disadvantage. Once he attacks then the rest of you will each join in. Marcus will assist Jace and Ishtar will join Besthan in either protecting the other flank or diving into the battle. Besthan also whispers to Ishtar “Keep an eye on this Marcus fellow, if he is selling us out we need him dead first”

Marcus leads off and with no cowl to cover his face and head he instead wears his Metal Helmet openly.

Ishtar rides immediately afterwards making as much effort as possible to look casual and unaware of the impending encounter. She has her cowl over her face and has wrapped her robes around her body to cover her armour. Despite Miu Miu the mule being a foul-tempered beast she is confident in her abilities to control it and is riding with one hand resting on her Scimitar’s hilt.

Jace follows next and is as usual the complete opposite of Ishtar’s poise upon her mule. He is struggling with the obstinate creature and finding it hard to keep his cowl over his Metal Helm or his Ring Mail.

Lastly rides Besthan. He will act as the spokesman should the Bandits wish to have any last words and he rides his Warhorse well. Behind is his tethered Mule, there is enough rope to create slack for when the battle starts so he can use his Horse to fight if necessary. He has no robes so he must show his leather helm openly but over the Ring Mail he has placed a spare old tunic to try to cover it up somewhat.

You take your time to travel the 200 foot road as it curves around the valley rim. The ridges to either side of it are forbidding and haphazard and you can see why any place where there might be some cover and a bit of flat land can easily become Ambush terrain. Obviously you are trying to see what might be waiting for you ahead whilst still not being seen scouting the enemy location.

You make it about a third of the way before a small flurry of activity betrays the Bandit’s awareness of your approach. There is evidence of a flash of metal here or a rapidly moving figure there which makes it clear that you are seen and they are preparing for you. You continue to ease forward with no haste you are sure that if you were not aware of the potential for an Ambush here you would not have picked up these tell-tale signs

.By the time you are about 40 feet from the gap you are now able to see that Marcus told the

truth, the area beyond the gap in the ridge is indeed a grassed and a mostly flat area, at least on its Western side (you are travelling south). There is a single tree glimpsed beyond the gap and a few small scraggly shrubs. You see no sign of any humans though there is a tension in the air like often happens before violence is committed.

At 20 feet you are able to see deeper inside and again, like Marcus said, this area is fairly narrow and enclosed between 2 ridges which create a natural and perfect little ‘corral’ for anyone who wanders inside. The gap at the far end where the road leaves this little area appears to have a broken cart partially blocking the exit.

Marcus passes the entrance and enters the area, there is no sound. Ishtar is next to enter and she sees casually leaning against the Eastern side of the inner ridge wall a human male with his arms crossed and a grass stalk clamped in his lips. “Hello stranger” he says in a Mordaran accent “welcome to the Doss Peak toll booth, perhaps you would be kind enough to support the local militia with some coin.”

Marcus and Ishtar are fully within the area Jace is just passing through now.

On the Eastern (Left side) of the road you see the talking man who wears chainmail and a leather helm. He has a Target Shield slung over his shoulder in a quick draw position and a mace hangs at his belt right next to where his hand casually rests. Behind him stand 2 other men both with Spear, Heater Shields and brightly coloured orange Leather Armour with Short Swords at their belts. They are standing casually as if uninterested but again their tension is obvious. Those Spears will be of great danger to your horses.

On the Western (Right Side) is another identically equipped Spearman talking to 2 women who have their backs to you, they have long cloaks but uncovered heads so it is hard to see if they are armed or just here to provide some company. One of the women casts a cold glance at Jace as he passes through then looks back to the conversation.

A single tree is to your Right and surrounding it are some scraggly shrubs. There are also some rocky outcrops which are unlikely to be able to hide human sized figures with ease.

Jace has turned the corner in time to hear the man speak so he turns his Mule slightly towards the sound, stops the stupid beast and climbs off it (with some sense of relief for his aching butt). The man who stands before him still stands casually but when he sees Jace a flicker of interest shoots across his face before being submerged again in his carefully constructed arrogance.

"Well friend" says Jace as he lightly rests his hand on his sword pommel and casually prepares his shield for quick use, "it all depends... who is the militia for and who runs the outfit?" Sizing this man up Jace knows he can take him so he also risks a few glances at the other 2 to make sure they have no nasty surprises waiting.

Jace speaks again "You would have to speak to my comrade about any sort of charity... I am not the charitable type I’m afraid... ", all the time he is walking closer to the speaker.

Behind them is the sound of Ishtar spitting to the ground with a typically inflammatory comment about her phlegm being the total sum she is willing to pay for a shitty road like this

Jace turns and glares at her and then turns back to the man. "Ha ha, don’t worry about her, she hasn’t 2 coins to rub together so that is all she can afford. Wait for my friend; he’s at theback there. Give him a sec I am sure he may be kind hearted enough... shouldn’t the local populace be sponsoring you if you’re their militia?"

Jace stop just out of reach and watches the man as he straightens and places his hand on his Mace as though settling it at his belt. He is tense, if this man makes an aggressive move Jace will cut him down. One of the spearman is wondering over towards Jace and is now within charging range

Marcus has used this time to ride Bangles to the far Southern side near the perfectly positioned ‘broken’ cart. He has placed himself with the rocky ridge covering his back fairly well and his Shield is facing the spearman and the 2 girls to his Left (they are about 50 feet away) He is backing up Besthan and is about 40 feet from the 2 Spearmen in front of him. This should give him the time to tie up his horse or at least place bangles out of danger should he need to dismount, it also give him the space to charge if those Spears can be neutralised. Unfortunately it appears that one of the spearmen is taking particular care to watch him and he can see the man slowly grinding his spear base into the dirt in preparation to meet a charge.

Ishtar meanwhile has turned her back to the others and is watching the 2 girls (20 feet away) who still have their back to her. She has made a show as if she is struggling with her Mule but all the time she has turned to face them and firmed her grip on her Scimitar. The ground is broken and undulating here, it does not look like good ground to mount a charge on.

Besthan is delaying outside the entrance and has loosened the tether on his Mule. He is about to enter the area and as of yet can see no-one except Ishtar and Marcus (70 feet away to the SSW).

As Besthan understands it Marcus and Jace have moved to his Left and he can see Ishtar manoeuvring to his Right; since the plan was for him to support Ishtar’s side he knows there must be some enemies here. He rides his horse to cover the entrance so that no-one can escape and surveys the lay of the land. He has his Shield up and his Spear is held in his hand ready to charge and stab with. Seeing the 3 people on either side of him and also seeing the broken ground will probably not support a horse charge he hurriedly dismounts with the command “Stay” given to Bracer his Warhorse.

While all this is going on Jace is trying to keep the talker’s attention on him"So" Jace says, moving a little to the right in the hope of bringing his targets gaze with him

and away from the entrance, "What’s the deal? You run this militia? Why are the populace not supporting you then and quite honestly, what do you protect them against?"

To his surprise the man just laughs out loud “HA!… Jace, you are a bigger fool than I was led to believe. Surely you didn’t believe that crap about the tax did you? Something as stupid as you doesn’t deserve to live, but if I want the full reward then I shall have to put up with you for a while longer. KILL THE REST!” the leader cries out as he draws his Mace, “Leave the idiot for me”

Stunned by this stranger knowing his name and shocked at the implications of some contract being out on him Jace misses his chance to draw his blade to counter the Mace rising up towards his chest. Years of combat give Jace just enough time to swing his shield around deflecting the blow [Jace is now EL2 in the Target Shield].

With a roar the nearby spearman also thrusts forward to attack Jace whilst the other on this side hold his Shield up with his Spear set against Marcus should he attempt to charge or set his horse to attack him. Marcus could see that there was no point putting his horse in danger against a foe he can handle with ease and had already dismounted. He was in the process of throwing the bridle over the stout cart handle when the battle began. He draws his Mace and lifts his Target shield high.

On the other side of the road Ishtar and Besthan are likewise caught out by the sudden turn of events. Ishtar has time enough to draw her Scimitar and bring her Shield up. Besthan is standing on the ground already with his Shield and Spear prepared. The 2 women turn around and are revealed to be carrying drawn Maces with Bucklers strapped to their arms. The nearest lunges towards Ishtar along with the Spearman; one is heading to either side of her. The other Mace-girl charges Besthan. These girls are wearing leather armour and helmets.

With the initial shock over the party find themselves at only a slight disadvantage unfortunately Ishtar and Jace seem to be the main targets with Jace facing the leader and a Spearman and Ishtar facing a Mace-girl and Spearman.

Worryingly though, there is the sound of a pair of arrows whistling through the air. One of the arrows is a wild miss and seems to have come from within the tree. The other came from behind the tree somewhere and thudded decisively into Ishtar’s Shield. The Spearman lunged at Ishtar’s guarded side and again her Shield is able to protect her from damage. Since the Mace-girl is on her unprotected side Ishtar swings at her with her Scimitar using all her riding experience to make the most from this blow, with a wet sound it cleaves into the girls cheek and leaves a bleeding gash down to her shoulder. This battle is not all one-way through, the girl smashes upward with her Mace and strikes Ishtar in the small of the back right above the kidneys, luckily the forward momentum of the Mule absorbed some of the damage and what could have been a rather severe hit ended up causing very little pain (-2HP).

Two more arrows fly past uselessly, at least it is clear why Ishtar’s opponents split their attack like this, the bowmen are hidden to the West (South is top of the map). The spearman’s thrust is again barely covered by the horsewoman’s Shield but it is obvious that Mace-girl is getting worried, she focuses on blocking Ishtar’s blade but is unsuccessful and suffers a gouge in her arm for her effort; she is not in a good way and bleeding profusely.

Jace has overcome his surprise at being specifically targeted and is back into his element - the fight! He knows the Spearman is coming for him but also thinks that it is better to even the odds before worrying about the small fry. He draws his sword and pulls back to get the wall against his rear, this allows him to fully utilise his Shield to block the Leader’s Mace attack. An added bonus comes from the Spearman’s charge being so uncoordinated and overextended that he puts himself off-balance and gifts Jace with strike to his rear. Turning to swing his beloved Sword at the exposed Spearman’s back his is startled by the leader calling out “Dimina!” this puts Jace off of his stroke enough to save the Spearman but also gives him a moments view of Besthan and the focus of the Leader’s cry.

The Mace-girl rushing Besthan attempted to turn his Spear with her Buckler but her skills were not up to it and she only managed to end up fully impaled upon his Spear. She is spitted like a pig at a feast and her eyes go dull as she sinks into shock. Besthan takes time to twist the blade out of her in such a way as to finish off her miserable and criminal existence [Besthan is now EL2 in Fighting Spear]. He too turns at the call of the Leader and looks straight into his eye; she must have been precious to him indeed!

Marcus much prefers to have his bow in his hand; it is a far more dignified form of combat than hacking one’s foe limb from limb. He eases his way forward looking for an opening in his opponent’s defensive stance. Marcus’ Mace sits easily in his hand and his Shield feels good on his arm. His opponent makes a tentative lunge but doesn’t expose himself enough for a decent return stroke and the circling continues even through the howl of the leader. From his position Marcus can see exactly what happened.

Besthan releases his glare from the Leader’s eyes and decides that as satisfying as it would be to snuff this loser out it is Ishtar who faces the most danger. He braces his Spear and charges at the Spearman assaulting her.

Not seeing Besthan rushing in Ishtar has her mind on the Mace-girl. The girl is trying to back away and that just won’t do. Another Arrow thuds impotently into her Shield and the Spearman to her right is having a terrible time trying to hit her with his inexpert thrusts. Unfortunately Mace-girl is able to back off and is standing just out of range thanks to a missed slash with the Scimitar; Ishtar cannot attempt to follow her without exposing her back to the Spearman. Angrily she easily blocks another shot from him but also misses in the follow-up slash. In doing this though she also gets a glimpse of the second archer as his arrow misses her by miles. He is standing in some sort of pit behind the low scrub and shooting up at her from about 45 feet away.

To keep her Shield up to the 2 archers she is being severely hampered in her attack on the Spearman but that is resolved by Besthan taking the pesky little man by surprise and again skewering his target off of his first thrust. The man has no idea of what hit him as he stares at the spear shaft protruding from his chest. Besthan again twists the shaft head as he withdraws it killing the man in a rather bloody mess. One of the archers has targeted him now but his Shield defends him adequately.

Even before she saw the success of Besthan’s attack Ishtar was turning to follow the Mace-girl and this momentary lapse was enough for the tree archer to score a hit, the damage is again light as an arrow glances across her back (-2HP). Mace-girl attempts to defend and is able to put her Buckler up in time, but the blow is a mighty one and the Buckler is smashed apparently hurting her arm in the process. Fear lights up this poor girl’s face as Ishtar slices down into her chest, she collapses in a heap on ground with no hope of getting up again.

Meanwhile Marcus is engaged in a tight contest with his target. The man is a better fighter than he anticipated and despite his best efforts is able to actually sneak a thrust through his defences. Luckily it is deflected by the Ring Mail for no damage. It takes a number of back-and-forth attack-and-parry plays before Marcus’ years of experience with the Mace creates an opportunity where previously there was none. A cracking blow to the head of the man leaves him staggering, it is a blow that would have killed almost any other but this guy only drops to his knees letting go of his Spear in shock, pain and fear. It was a good fight but no mercy would be given were the tables turned so Marcus delivers the coup de grace with a solid hit to the centre of the face.

Jace has 2 opponents. To his left the leader is fighting with ferocity now that his lover has been slaughtered. To his right is the Spearman who has recovered enough from his stumble to be back in the fight. Since his Shield can protect him against the Leader Jace aims a backhand slice with his Sword which is annoyingly intercepted by the Spearman’s Shield. The Leader takes advantage of this to bring his Mace down over the Shield delivering a ringing blow (-5HP). Much more wary now Jace is able to dance around the next attack from each opponent and realises if he cannot deal with the leader soon this might turn out nastily for him. A Sword thrust from under his Shield, since this fighter seems to always attack down towards the head, is beautifully timed but is unable to penetrate the Chainmail. Taking advantage of Jace’s back being momentarily turned the Spearman also strikes but this attack also fails to penetrate. Jace pulls back and trades ineffective blows with the Maceman suffering a cut on his arm from the Spear in the process (-2HP, you are at 13HP now) until a stab with the Sword’s point draws a small amount of blood through the Chainmail – this fight is not going well for Jace.

Marcus is free now and he rushes over to Jace’s aid, his target is to be the Leader and the sudden movement out of the corner of his eye is enough to draw the Leader’s attention long enough for Jace to again cut that man, this time lightly on the thigh. The Leader backs up to give better cover against Marcus as the Spearman again is baffled by Jace’s foot work and stumbles in front of him. This time the opportunity is not wasted and the man suffers a nasty slashing cut across his back which leaves a rip in his Leather Armour

The fight is now more even, Jace brings the pommel of the sword crashing down on the Spearman’s head as he struggles to recover his footing. The man is severely shocked by this but is able to protect himself from the follow-up shot by imposing his Heater Shield in the path of the Sword blow, he thrusts back to connect but not penetrate the armour and Jace catches him with enough of a blow to leave him out cold and bleeding from a gut wound that is obviously mortal.

Marcus and the Leader focus exclusively on each other, two Donaran Mace-men in a test of Experience and Skill.

Immediately Marcus can see his opponent has more experience but he also knows that most of this is at the expense of poor farmers and Town Guards. The question is one of which counts for more: Experience or Skill? Almost immediately the question is answered as another brutal overhead swing is easily dodged by Marcus and followed up by an underhand blow which, if it were not for the slight deviation of the attack caused by his targets movement, might easily have settled the contest right there and then. As it is the Leader is caught almost square on the jaw and a sickening crunch heralds breaking bone, this talkative buffoon won’t be so glib now. Unfortunately this easy and clean shot also left Marcus slightly off balance and his opponent is quick to capitalise, much of the force of the return attack is absorbed by his Metal Helm but Marcus is still on the receiving end of what could have been a very nasty blow (-2HP). Unsettled by his own poor footwork Marcus takes another nice shot on the Shield and returns the favour.

Both of you can see Jace finish off the Spearman leaving the contest of 2 against the 1 Bandit. The question is whether he will fight to the death or beg for whatever mercy you can see fit in your heart to grant him. A normal man would realise that he has no chance and decide to take his chances, but this man has seen his girlfriend die in front of his eyes and who knows what fear he feels from his own bosses. He fights on, now completely ignoring Marcus and obviously set on taking Jace with him to the Hells. Marcus is taken unaware by this and overextends his own attack because his target has unexpectedly turned away from him, he stumbles forward which leaves him embarrassed but also directly behind his opponent. Jace on the other hand is not so unlucky and as the man swings at him he is caught in the throat with the cutting edge of Jace’s Sword. He momentarily struggles to let out some last words but can only manage a wheezy gasp from blood-filled lips.

Ishtar and Besthan have managed to defeat both their opponents but now there is still an archer up the tree and another on the ground.

Putting as much of his body as possible behind his Target Shield Besthan rushes the one on the ground. He covers the ground quickly, but not quick enough to avoid taking an arrow to the flank leaving a fairly minor wound (-4HP).

As he arrives near the location he sees that the ground here is broken to a series of rocky outcrops leaving natural hollows. It is as if long ago a sinkhole had formed and the dirt had washed away leaving only the bare bones of the earth. It is 4 feet deep where the archer stands and behind him is a further series of irregular rocks leading into the ridge face itself. Added to this is a human’s form, either captive or dead, huddled and curled in a foetal position right at the base near a ragged hole in the rock.

Besthan’s target has no option but to drop his Bow and draw his Short Sword, it looks as though his quiver is close to empty anyway. Standing above him Besthan jabs brutally down and for the 3rd time since the combat began he manages to kill his opponent with a single thrust. The man expires but the Spear is stuck in his ribs and it is only by putting pressure upon it that it can be released (-3 Fatigue for the entire battle).

As Besthan went running off to deal with his Archer Ishtar decides to have some fun with her man up in the tree. She pulls out her Longbow but lowering her Shield to its usual place on her saddle leaves more room for an arrow to strike and to her dismay she is cut on her calf (-4HP, you are now at 13HP). Rage, an emotion which comes easily to this woman, fills her as she sights the archer in the trees, she draws and loosens a number of arrows until one strikes deeply enough to elicit a cry of pain.

“Stop, Stop STOP! “The man cries, “I surrender!”Sighting his chest and heart carefully Ishtar thinks for a second and then calls out; “Come

down but first drop your weapons, if you so much as think of running or attacking I will kill you immediately, do you understand?”

“In the name of the Gods, spare my life and I will do all you ask, spare my life!” Calling out even louder “I SURRENDER, DON’T KILL ME, I SURRENDER!” He drops a Bow and a Short Sword and then lowers a rope ladder which he climbs down

Jace calls out "Marcus can you check the other guy and the wagon for any information or anything of import on them please? Ishtar can you watch over the prisoner please, you may get to have some fun with him soon if you like... Besthan can you check the bodies please, lets meet once we have pooled the loot and are sure there are no other survivors"

Marcus shouts out "On it!" Before he turns away, he leans forward and pulls off his helmet then says "Oh, wow...that last one rang my bell!" His comment is half complaint and half just playful

comment. He heads over to the bandit he dispatched and searches him quite thoroughly and gathers up a few items. It doesn't take long and then he heads over to the wagon and checks Bangles' tether before searching that wagon.

When Marcus returns to the group he drops what he found into the pile in front of them. "I found some coin both on this guy" he says hooking a thumb at the expired spearman, "and in the wagon. There's 3SC and at least 30CC. Chuckles also had this" Marcus holds up a copper circlet, "on his head. There's some food and water in the wagon with some crummy plates and cups." Marcus frowns at the next comment, looking grim "They also had some Town Guard uniforms. That cannot bode well." Marcus tosses into the weapon pile another Spear and Short Sword, with a Heater Shield from the Spearman. "I'm curious as to how they know your names when you know them not, and what they have against you." He looks around, "Strange, though...I thought there were more bowmen than that."

Jace looks back at him, “More bowmen? Shit... We may have a sneaky bastard still around... watching or already on his way back to report the failure. Keep your eyes open... personally don’t want to sprout arrows... Can you have a quick scout Marcus and see if you can find any track of someone running away?"

"Aye, that I can do with relish!" Despite his headache Marcus gets a grin on his face as if he looks forward to this. He turns back toward the wagon where Bangles was tied quickly moves to her. He approaches her on the left side, unties her, and then lifts himself to the saddle. He adjusts his equipment, checks his bow and arrows, but leaves his helmet and shield hanging off the saddle to improve his vision and keep his hands clear. "I won't be long." He whips Bangles around with skill and heads out the south entrance to look for signs.

The road from here is as you remember it. It snakes to the left alongside the hilly ridges with the same type of jagged rocks jutting out of grassy mounds littered with sparse shrubs and a few scraggly trees. The road is the same as much of what you have travelled as far as the Vitlis estate, in poor condition and rarely travelled.

You ride a good 10minutes out, enough time in your estimation to allow any survivors to stop being cautious and make a run for it. Dismounting form Bangles you check the ground, it takes 15 minutes to be sure but there are no signs of anyone passing today, and you doubt they could have made it overland, unless they know some hidden paths.

From where you stop you can see the crossroads not 15 minutes ride away. You are satisfied none have escaped; you mount your horse and return to report to the group.

By the time you have returned you can see Jace, Ishtar and Besthan watching a bedraggled man. The prisoner is lying in a foetal position and looks to be weeping.

Besthan carefully searches the bodies of the 3 he killed, for the time being he is not paying too much attention to the man he found in the hollow, he sat him up, covered him with a cloak he found and gave him a mouthful of water and some travel rations then went off to ensure the area is safe. Checking the bodies doesn’t take long and he adds yet more weapons and other objects to the pile of loot, this looks like a good haul!

He goes back to the man in the hollow. All the dead bodies thus far have had a wristband on the left hand made of red and orange leather twisted together; this man does not have one of them. Besthan offers him water which he hungrily gulps down as well as taking a few mouthfuls of dried fruit.

"What happened to my captors? I saw you cut one of them down in front of my eyes. Who are you?" He gulps down more water and his eyes close as he mumbles a prayer "Blessed be the Water of life which flows from the pure heart of Enki and blessed be the deliverer of this nectar." He looks up at you again. "You have killed these maggots haven't you?" Free me that I might see their corpses with my own eyes.

Besthan thinks for a second and realises this man is probably fairly safe. He cuts his bonds but keeps a watchful eye on him just in case.

"Do you have clothes? It is not fitting that a man who has lost everything should only be clothed in his Faith" Suddenly, as if by afterthought he turns with a look of fright on his face, "and do not enter that fissure in the rock. There is something in there which is not right. Get me away from its stench and let me see if those who have saved me are worthy of granting the Gift of Survival to me". The man stands, unsteadily at first and Besthan reaches across to steady him (with his Spear still ready just in case) but the stranger pulls away from his hand and says "Kashi Ashipu Dama will stand on his own two feet or crawl along the ground"

After a few tentative steps the man climbs out of the pit with effort and make his way across the grass until he sees Ishtar and the Bandit. "Quick man" he hisses to Besthan, "Fetch me clothes so this fair lady does not see me like this, and promise me that I can have that Bandit when you are finished with him, the good Lord Enki has a special place for such scum and I mean to deliver him unto it"

Besthan’s blood runs cold at this. It is a terrifying thing to have a Priest as an enemy; to lose your life is one thing, to lose your soul is another.

Ishtar is guarding her prisoner and with her wicked scimitar out she strips him down to a loincloth and gathers his possessions. While Jace guards him she also searches the Mace-girl she killed and adds to the pile of goods. “You know Jace”, she says, “With Besthan having a spare Mule we could hitch up that cart to it and use that to carry this pile of goods. I can drive the cart and if they got it up here then we must be able to get it down again. What’cha think?”

At this moment Besthan turns up with his man, the scrawny fellow is probably in his mid-20’s and has obviously been treated roughly, he has cuts and bruises on his body and face and there are signs of burns on his arms and legs. Even more surprising is the sudden look of fear on the Bandits face when he sees the man. “Good and merciful Gods!” he wails, “Oh sweet Gods, I am so sorry, so sorry.” He drops to his knees “Please forgive me!”

Marcus rides back to see his three companions, if not yet friends, with not one but two others. One he knows is a prisoner but the other seems not to be such. He also seems not to be wearing much! Marcus shakes his head and smiles, wondering where this poor fellow might have come from, and why here. Marcus dismounts and leads Bangles over to the group. "Well, I looked around and as best as I can tell nobody else was around or left here. I must have been mistaken earlier." Hooking his thumb at the newcomer he asks "So, who's Bare-shanks here?"

Besthan leans over to whisper "His name is Kashi, he says he is a Priest of Enki but by the sounds of the way he wants to tear this Bandit apart I am guessing he doesn't come from the 'nice' side of the Temple. He sounds loopy enough to be legit. Do you know much about 'Ashipu'? A big question is whether they know anything about healing"

He then speaks up "I should introduce you to Kashi, he says he is an Ashipu and I think his God is Enki", turn to the man, "Am I right?"

"I am Besthan, I am a Merchant. My Warrior friend here is Jace. The 'fair lady' is Ishtar, a Mulewoman of Kazi stock. Finally we have Marcus who has recently joined us as a Scout. We are travelling on the Mord's business, and this little divergence has put us way behind schedule. Now that we have introduced ourselves perhaps you would be kind enough to tell us how we might help a man of the cloth? Where do you come from and where are you going? Also, if we can press you for more information: What do you know of Doss Peak, will they buy much there from these goods? If they are isolated perhaps they would like the chance to pick up some spare weapons? Do you know anything about healing; can we give you something in trade for healing if you do?”

Kashi now speaks up, and not in the confident orators voice that one usually gets from Priests. You are aware that there are 2 types of Priests, those that stay in a temple, preach and study and those who serve on the front line fighting for their God’s cause. Perhaps he is one of the latter?

"As Besthan said, I am Kashi, Ashipu Dama of Enki and once Defender of the Faith for this area. Your actions have shown you deserve to hear my story.”

“I used to live near here until about 20 bandits captured me, did unspeakable things to my wife and burned her and my son along with our home." His tear filled eyes make the look of anguish and rage even more horrible as he continues. “I will not be returning there, so my work here will be given to another while I see about removing other Evils. I did not think mankind could be that Evil without being possessed, but I was wrong, so very, very wrong. Everything has changed and I am still trying to make some order out of it. Enki, God of the Waters, curse them! May they never quench their thirst again!"

Kashi shakes his head, "They kept me for an offering, but never said to who or what. I saw a messenger arrive and the bandits split up, 2 groups of 6 headed toward the plains or Mordara, the remaining 8 took me here.”

He turns his head to look straight at Jace, "It was you they wanted. They waited here 3 days for you to arrive! They wanted to steal some Tax money and kill or capture ‘some idiot named Jace’. Those bandits were from Mordara and knew you were coming here. They laughed about the Mord

and his armies, they did not even fear the Priesthood so they must be following something or someone they think is powerful."

"Letting me live was a mistake as I will do whatever it takes to make them fear the priesthood and the might of Enki. I should start with your prisoner. When you are done with him, I should use the Rite of Damnation upon him and send his soul to the deepest HELLS, where it belongs. No matter what foul thing he worships, it cannot save him from that doom! I am regretting being trained in spells that are best against single opponents but maybe that was so I would not accidentally kill innocents along with them. Who am I to second guess the Fate Enki has chosen for me."

After pausing to calm himself, Kashi continues "Doss Peak should be intact unless they had far more bandits or foul aid. There may be a market for your acquired goods there as this time of year brings many Kotothi down from the mountains. The tavern should be a good place to ask, but Doss Peak does not like visitors much. There are a few shops and you can get some good deals on Gems, rare Woods and Plants, as well as some furs."

Kashi looks at Besthan, "You know little of Priests, I see. An Ashipu is the Defender of the Faith from the many evils that plaque it. That includes healing as well as exorcism and battling foul creatures as needed. I will need to know who you worship before I can heal you as certain spells work better for those of my faith but could damage others. But I cannot accept payment as I owe all of you a debt of honour for my rescue. I must depend on you charity to give or loan me armour or weapons or whatever I will need to survive. Perhaps the people of Doss Peak will also help me in this manner so I can more quickly become ready to hunt this new threat."

"This entire area is full of tombs and ruins from a foul civilization that was here many thousands of years ago. That opening over there may lead into such a place as there is something quite evil I can sense from it. A couple Bandits went inside and returned telling others to not go in. They put me in front of it as part of their abuse of me and perhaps as bait for what is inside."

Hearing this Marcus' face gets a bit red after his rude comment about their new guest's condition. One shouldn't annoy the Gods too much by insulting their servants. Although he doesn't have much use for the psalm-singers, there is also no need to be confrontational either. He faces the Priest and gives a slight bow. "I apologise, good sir, for my rude manners. Hmmm... Kashi, did these robbers take much coin from you? We should at least return to you what has been lost." He thinks for a moment before saying "I won't need the ministrations of our new friend, here. I expect I will heal fine on my own."

Marcus then looks over the weapons and knows he has little use for them as he is already well armed. He doesn't even glance at the armours except for the chainmail, which most certainly holds his gaze for a noticeable moment. The young bowman just sighs briefly and moves on. "Nope, I don't have any objection to selling this stuff. I won't need any of the arrows either... my quiver's full. I don't know if it's a good idea to drop into that fissure. We seem to have some schedule I don't know about...?" he says hoping someone might enlighten him. "Also, I don't know what the shelf life is of the reward for these highwaymen. It seems like wherever this hole leads is isn't going anywhere."

Besthan leans over and quietly explains about the Tax run for the Mord and also about the need to try and make it past the Gap of Grace entrance before nightfall. Thanking him Marcus stows the new coin in his pouches, his mercenary traits are showing. "Whoo! That little love tap to the head was well worth it. That's almost a month's worth of pay!"

Jace is thoughtful after the story: "Interesting... very interesting... Priest if you could heal us that would be a great payment for saving you. I for one know I would be happy to pay you in coin or from our spoil. As for this bandit here, how are you with hot knives? I would like to know more of whom is looking for me if that’s possible. Is there anything more you can tell me of these bandits? As for the hole they placed you in"

Turning to the rest "Anyone interested in coming back to check it out once were done with the Mord’s work?” He adds, "I cannot honestly leave this Priest on his own to his fate even if we do arm him”, looking at Kashi, “Honoured sir, would you be willing to travel with us until we can get you to a safe location from which you may travel your own path?" Finally he addresses Ishtar who looks like she is ready to start work on the Prisoner "We could use the wagon for our travels. We could put the prisoner in and interrogate him on our way to the next location, that way we don’t waste much more time here, hows that sound?”

Ishtar smiles at Jace with the prettiest smile and says, “Run off and collect the other Bandit’s heads, this wont take long”. She turns back to look at the naked wounded bandit who is still grovelling

on the ground, then back at Jace, ”My way of dealing with this scum is a bit like death by small cuts. If he talks it is a quick end, if not”, she shrugs.

The Horsewoman grabs the man by the throat; his hands are bound behind his back "You! Speak now or I swear I'll strip you down, shove your rags in your mouth and drag you behind my mule all the way to Mordara!" She whips out her Scimitar and makes a shallow cut on his forehead; fingering the drops of blood she smears it all over his face. With a sudden move she rips her arrow out of him, cleans it on his clothes and put it back into her quiver. The man cries out in terrible pain and fear. "Your screams excite me!” She says calmly, “But what would please me is some information." waiting a few seconds for it to sink in then leans over and whispers to him "Look, I'll make a deal. You give me what I want and I won't let Kashi Damn you, I might even finish you off myself, quickly. If you don't speak, I'll just drag you behind my mule like I said. I'm a Kazi, don't annoy me."

The man is panicking and now in almost total shock, he can smell his own blood on his face and keeps looking over at the Priest; Ishtar knows she has him now.

"What I want to know is simple:“Who hired you?” - “No one that I know of, we do jobs for Nobles sometimes but I am just a

footman, I never get told the important stuff. I get paid to do what I am told:” “What are these matching gems?” - “The Sergeant was doing the girl your man killed. He

was all sweet and lovey dovey with her, pity the stupid girl didn’t know he was married to a higher up and she was going to do her in when we got back to town. I think it was a gift to show his Love for her. His wife is a right bitch, in a way you saved them both from a hellish end.”

“How many more of them are out there? Where are they?” - “Oh sweet Gods, there are hundreds, the plan is to destabilise the region, I don’t know why, no one knows why, we talk among ourselves sometimes. Originally when I joined we were told we were fighting for the common people and at first it started like that now we are told to do terrible things and we cannot escape”

“What weapons do you have?” – “As best I know we are still fighting a hit and run campaign, we don’t have the security to build a force to take out the Mord’s Horsemen and Heavy Infantry. The hope was to use the wars in the East to our advantage but we are still too weak. There have been stories of Spell Casters fighting for us in a recent attack on an outpost. If that is true then this is a completely new turn of events.”

“Who is your boss?” – “My boss is that bastard over there getting his head cut off, I saw no one else, no one else saw me. When we were on duty we wore the wristbands to avoid killing the wrong people.”

Why Jace? Why hasn't he heard of me, the great warrior princess but goes on and on about Jace the nobody!?" – “He blinks at this; he is kind of surprised and is obviously trying to work out if she really IS a great warrior Princess. In the end he just says, there is a large, very large, bounty out on his head. I don’t know who from or why, but the whole of the group is out to get him.”

With these questions answered Ishtar smiles at him, “You deserve a quick death, you have answered my questions well and I have no further need for you, this land has no further need for you, you are a blot on the landscape of Law and common decency” She turns, “Kashi, this man is yours, I promised him a quick ending and no Damnation, I hope you will not make a liar of me.”

Ishtar turns and wanders over to grab Besthan’s Mule in preparation of hooking it up to the Small Wagon. “Oh, and Kashi… make sure you don’t ruin his head, it is worth a SC to us! Weneed as much cash as possible...”

Kashi is not fazed by this treatment of the man at all. It is much better than he deserves and trial by torture is common and respected in Donara. He looks deeply into the Bandits eyes and uses the rage, pain and suffering this evil man has inflicted upon him, his lovely Wife and beautiful Son to draw the Mana out. Kashi calls forth a Purifying Lance to cleanse the air, land and nation of this scum. The Lance appears as a stabbing white light from the outstretched hand of Kashi, it penetrates the man’s stomach and ends his life from a sucking bleeding stomach wound.

Kashi then calls each of your forward and asks you to profess your faith so that he might offer Enki’s blessing and healing

“I am a follower of Enki” states Besthan “Because I grew up in his city of Pelara on the sea”Jace stands tall and states, “Beautiful Inanna is the Goddess I follow because she shows

each of us has the right to great joy and Love”

Ishtar also stands for Inanna “She is the Warrior Maiden who speaks to my soul and demands great things of me”

Marcus also speaks through he does not require healing “My Lord is Ashur because in the East we believe a horseman should ride across the Plains like the Lord of the Winds himself.

Satisfied Kashi touches each of you in need on the brow and casts a Spell of Healing.

Within 15 minutes 8 Bandit heads and the Spoils from the battle are loaded upon the wagon. Ishtar sits in the driver’s position and next to her is Kashi.

Kashi has taken from the loot a Bow and the 14 Arrows. He also takes a Leather Helmet and Heater Shield and asks that he might take one of the uncoloured suits of Leather Armour; he understands that Ishtar can work Leather; maybe she can fit it for him? A Mace and Spear round out his kit. He asks for and receives 20FP worth of Travel rations and has free access to the 10quart of Water in the Cart.

At the front of the party rides Marcus, now accepted enough by all and having proven his worth, there is no need to keep such a close eye on him. He has earlier approached the Priest in private with the glint of coin in his hand, but the Priest refused to accept whatever he was offering and while he was not mad he left no uncertainty in Marcus’ mind as to the rules he expected the party to follow in dealing with him.

Immediately following ‘rides’ Jace, the big man on his mule looking as comical as ever, until he needs to draw his mighty sword in battle. He is unusually quiet and his face is strern as he digests the events of the last hour or so.

At the end of the group is Besthan, silent again and watching the rear of the party as ever.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Fighting Spear (6PE)

84Exp (+2 Combat Characteristics)16HP from 24

Ishtar Executioner (.5PE), Horse Archery (4PE), Horsemanship (4PE), Teamster (1PE)Scimitar (4PE), Shield (4PE)

70Exp (+1 Combat Characteristic)13HP from 21

Jace Shield (6PE), Sword (6PE)Made a successful influence Check to delay the Ambush (+1 Eloquence)96Exp (+2 Combat Characteristics)15HP from 21

Kashi Purifying Lance (4PE), Healing (6PE)12 MEXP

Marcus Mace (6PE), Shield (6PE)84Exp (+1 Combat Characteristic)18HP from 20

Loot3x Mace, 3x Spear, 4x Short Sword, 2x Bow, 14 Arrows3x Heater Shield, Target Shield, Buckler2x Quilted Armour (SD), 3x Orange coloured Leather Armour, 2x Leather Armour (SD), 3x Leather Helmet (SD) and Chainmail (SD)2x small Green Cut stone threaded by a leather stringA small uncut transparent Orange StoneA Copper GorgetA Copper Circlet2x Mordara Town Guard uniforms

Episode 2.08Location: The Village of Doss PeakDate: 23nd of April, 206DE 10:15 am Weather: Overcast and Windy, Temp 2˚

Name Status Move Other NotesBesthan 100% 12 On Dunkle

Bracer 100% 18 Warhorse IIDunkle 100% 17 Mule - Pulling Wagon

Ishtar 18/21 HP 12 Driving WagonMiu Miu 100% 17 Mule – Tied to Wagon

Jace 19/21HP 12 On CabooseFlax 100% 17 Dog ICaboose 100% 17 Mule

Kashi 100% 12 Riding WagonEnLvl 96/106 Mana 39/48

Marcus 100% 12 On Mr. BanglesMr. Bangles 100% 18 Warhorse II

As Marcus discovered earlier, the ride to the Doss Peak crossroads is a simple one. The road is poorly kept and obviously rarely travelled but your keen eyes pick up some signs of carts and horse-travel. If this village is trading with the Vitlis Farm then that might be an explanation for this traffic. As you have come to expect the undulations of the Hills serve to stop much movement off of the path, but your horses, mules and now the Mule driven cart mean this is not much of an issue and you make a good pace. You are cautious, but also know that perhaps the greatest danger is going to be this evening if you do not make it past the Gap of Grace entrance in time, so you move as quickly as you can whilst still taking a care.

During the ride, Kashi calls Jace to him. “Your companions might have the emotional maturity of a Goblin but I can see you are troubled. Speak to me; tell me what is on your mind.”

Jace looks at him but despite being obviously troubled he will not open his heart to a complete stranger, even if he is a Priest. Also he witnessed the exchange with Marcus earlier and does not wish to accept help from one who cannot do the same.

After half an hour or so you reach the Crossroads and take the Eastern road which is signposted “Doss Peak – Keep to the Path”.

Kashi speaks up and says, “The locals are not joking, this is a dangerous place and often attacked by some of the more monstrous inhabitants of the Hills and even the Mountains. Keep to the Path. Anything else is likely to be trapped or just plain unsafe.”

It takes roughly quarter of an hour before you start to see why the sign demands you keep to the road, another 10 minutes or so past this and it is all quite clear indeed.

The village or Doss peak is built upon a plateau which looks as though it has been ripped from the steep and rugged hills surrounding it. The road is almost completely built along the very edge of a deep fissure which falls into the shadows below; this is on the left of you as you climb. On your right is a broken land which has pits and sharpened stakes deliberately placed along the open spaces against anything coming up the hill. Trees have been felled and it is clear that even rocks have been moved to allow a clear line of sight up to the village which sits just a mile ahead of you. Even from here you can see the Village is palisaded and upon those walls are Ballistae and Arbalest-armed guards.

The Hills have rapidly grown in stature and the road is designed to take you along the least difficult incline. This area is certainly not part of the Mountains proper but you feel that you stand at their feet now.

You look across the fissure and see a rugged landscape; you can even see larger than normal bones whitening under the harsh sky. “It is from the North and East that Doss Peak is most at danger.” explains Kashi, “I understand that when the inhabitants moved here hundreds of years ago they found the fissure in place and I know no Mage or Priest who could cast that kind of Spell or call upon that kind of favour from a God nowadays. They built their village right on the edge and when they have call to cross the fissure to hunt, gather and I suspect to loot tombs and forgotten places of ill-omen they drop drawbridges and move across in force.”

“To the South of the village”, he draws your attention with a pointed finger, “they have their fields and pastures upon a joined plateau. Obviously we approach from the West. This road is mostly safe and used for traders going to Mordara and for their trade with the Vitlis family.”

You ride closer and are challenged at 100 feet. “Strangers, if you mean no harm and have reason to be in our village then you are welcome. State your Business.”

Besthan rides up as if to speak but is cut off by Kashi: “Morgon you fool, I was not spared a fate worse than death to hear your empty posturing, open the gate and fetch me Fraestrand, I must speak with him at once; these people also have business with him, the Mord’s business. And Morgon, they have items for trade, weapons and armour, call Brent and maybe that idiot Keeloor too”

“You live, Honoured Father! This is great news!” Comes the reply, “Ride up, I shall fetch the rest at once.”

Kashi laughs to chuckles and confides to you all, “They are hardy but simple folk. They respect the Gods because they are told to, not because they feel Their movements in their hearts. Left alone long enough and they will be worshipping rocks like the Dwarves or Trees like the Fey Folk.” Suddenly realising what he said he goes red, it is not wise to admit to too much knowledge of the Elves and Faerries in Donara. Quickly changing the subject, “Morgon is a good man, he has eyes like a hawk, so I am surprised he did not see me earlier. Freastrand is the Headman; you shall collect your tax from him. Brent and Keeloor will probably be interested in your wares. Keeloor is the local ‘trader’, by which I mean the biggest looter of tombs and Brent runs the Town Guard.”

You continue to ride up to the stout gate. Jace, who has been to Swansgrace cannot help but remember that place with its massive palisaded walls and huge double gates with their well-designed defence. He speaks a little of it to you now. Like Swansgrace this wall is made purely for Defence, not appearance and there are signs that it has been tested.

The gate swings open and you gain your first view of the community. A single road runs through its centre, as you travel along it you see it pass roughly 25 dwellings on either side of the road. They are mostly made of thick stones, probably to deal with the cold which must be ferocious here in winter. They are thatched with hemp-like hill grasses and smoke curls from stone chimney stacks. As you have come from the West you can see to the left of you 2 great towering drawbridges, these must be the ones of which Kashi spoke. The streets are clean and while the town can hardly be called prosperous it is certainly well-looked after within their means.

The people watch you with sideways glances and no-one speak to you a word of welcome. Even passing through the Gate you see citizens of the town standing silently guard, some half-watching you but most keeping a clear watch on the terrain. Even the Priest is treated to silent stares, though women and men of all ages half bow as he passes by and one old woman comes up to press a twisted grass figure into his hand (“It is an offering to Enki”, Kashi explains, “They are released upon swift flowing waters as a gift to Him”).

At the end of the road a larger house than the others stands. It is of two stories and is made with an eye to defence, it backs up to a rock-outcrop; this is the Town Hall. Next to it is a long-house of the type Donaran’s have favoured since their nomadic days and its’ only use could be as the Communal Hall and Tavern.

Two men and a woman stand waiting for you. One is a fairly old man dressed in work-stained clothing and a Mountain Lion’s fur; he must be the mayor – Freastrand.

Next to him stands a woman dressed in hunter’s leathers and aged in her late 20s. She has a well-used Mace by her side and a Bow slung over her shoulder; she must be Keeloor.

Lastly a middle-aged man stands at ease. He is dressed in beautifully kept Scale Mail and also wears a Mace at his side. He holds firm a Spear which is most beautifully made; there is no doubt that he is Brent the Town Guard.

You pull up in front of them and as one they bow, though obviously this is meant for Kashi more than the rest of you. “Honoured Kashi Ashipu Dama” says Fraestrand. “To see you have survived somewhat eases the pain we suffered at your own personal loss. We will hear your story and help you re-build your life and your home. But first let us attend to these strangers. They have offered you aid and we thank them for that.” He half-bows, “What is it you require from Doss Peak?”

At the urging of Besthan that party does not plan to linger long in Doss Peak.

Marcus is freed to find some fodder for Bangles - the plan is to return to the Plains as of this afternoon and his horse will make him an excellent scout for the more open terrain.

He is directed to a man near some stables who offers him up to 2 weeks worth of hay for a fair price.

Kashi thinks for a moment after hearing Besthan’s plan to move on as quickly as possible: "It would be best if I could stay longer so I can tend to the people's needs, but I will try to speed things up as much as I can. Are you sure you need to leave so soon? The road will get much more hazardous at night due to Kotothi incursions if not more of the Bandits."

Besthan places his hand on the Priests shoulder "People will always have needs and there will never be enough healing to set the world right as long as the filth of Chaos and the madness of Kototh pollute men's souls and the Right Law of the land. Do what you can and make your peace with your people then join us if you wish to travel. The Mord is expecting this tax run to be complete in just two days. After that we can return if you wish to continue on with us. There is the matter of the thing in the rocks to be looked at anyway."

Kashi takes this in and then is called over by Freastrand whilst he speaks to Jace.

Jace had been saying to the Headman: "Greetings Sir, thank you for receiving us so graciously. We are here on the Mord’s Business, collecting taxes; I have here the Mord’s writ and seal requesting the taxes."

“Of course,” nods the Headman, “we have been wondering why the half-yearly collection has been delayed so long. Please take this bag and grant me the seal of acceptance.” He hands to Jace a muslin bag with a symbol stitched upon it which Jace guesses to be the town’s sign. A quick check shows 2GC inside as required. This only takes a few moments as he was obviously prepared. Again Jace wonders at the ready way which these people are paying their taxes.

Jace smiles, “I noticed also the walls you have emplaced around the town, very sturdy and strong, I saw similar in Swansbane recently and can see the similarities in the defensive structure."

“Thank you Sir, we obviously have much need for them, especially in late autumn and early spring when the hordes from the mountains come in search of easy prey. I have heard mention of this Swansbane of which you speak. I have not travelled there myself, to be honest I feel too much at home in the Hills and Mountains to go down to the Plains… a funny thing for a Donaran to say do you not agree? I travelled some in my youth but these old bones call out for fresh mountain air now”

Jace laughs, “I am not the sort to use fancy words, but it makes be proud to see a town such as this full of stout Donarans. Now, if it would please you Sir, we would appreciate knowing how you deal with the reward payment on Bandits, I have their heads right here for your keeping, or throw them out as you see fit." Jace with the help of Ishtar throws the heads in the dirt at the base of the cart.

The Chief looks at them, then at Kashi “Are these the scum who treated you so poorly?”, Kashi nods. The chief spits on the pile of heads and announces, “You have done well. These will be stuck on stakes on the main road to show the only true payment this filth will receive for their wickedness. It is bad enough to face creatures perverted by the foulest of Gods but to have men and women who willingly sell their birthright to steal honest folk’s coin and lives sickens me. If you will come with me Sir and you also Honoured Dama I shall sort this out.”

He leads you both into the Main Hall. This building is an imposing building of thick stone walls and obviously developed as a defensive position in the case of attack, there are numerous murder holes in the walls and the roof is dressed in iron and copper sheeting with holes in the floor for pouring liquids and firing arrows to the ground level. Once inside he walks you to a large and impressive desk. From this desk he pulls out a seal and wax strip. He imprints the seal on the wax and then carves the number ‘8’ into the fresh mark. This he hands to Jace. “Take this to Castle Mord and receive your 8SC there. Thank you citizen. Now Sir, if you will leave me alone with the Honoured Dama for a minute I wish to speak to him in private.”

Jace half-bows and walks out to assist Ishtar with the unloading of the cart.

Besthan has taken the chance to show both Brent and Keeloor the spoil from the Bandits. Ishtar assists him in unloading and the showing of the goods and they are obviously interested in picking up more weapons for their armoury. You can see these 3 have good weapons, well-used and well maintained weapons, but on the people you saw on the street there was not the kind of ironware in view which you would expect in a frontier town, nor are many people wearing anything but the most rudimentary armour.

They are not going to purchase the Gems, Jewels or worked Copper pieces, if you had time to approach individual citizens this might have been more successful, at the moment it seems they are much more interested in martial goods.

Lastly they cannot afford the Chainmail. They loved it; it is rare to see such a fine piece of armour outside of major centres. However they do not have anyone in the town who can work it enough to make it useful. This prompts Ishtar to sniff the wind and she whispers to Besthan “Smells like they don’t have a leather works here either, this might be a trading opportunity for us; my skills can meet their needs.” [Ishtar is now EL42 in Tanner].

The final price you agree upon is 90SC. A decent amount and fair (it seems) to you whether it is to be shared among 4 or 5 of you.

With the deal completed you wait for Marcus to return, a boy is sent to fetch him. Kashi is still speaking in private with the Headman. Also Ishtar questions Besthan and Jace (who has returned from the Headman’s house), “Which one of you message boys has that letter we were supposed to hand over?”

Episode 2.09Location: Campsite to the South of the Gap of Grace EntranceDate: 23nd of April, 206DE 6:45 pm Weather: Overcast, Temp 2˚







Marcus is the first to return, you can all see that Bangles has indeed been well taken care of. She's been cleaned and brushed and her tail not only brushed but tied into a loose knot so as to keep it from getting soiled. He and the runner boy carry some of Bangles' food in loose netting.

Marcus hails the others and asks, "Is the cart coming with us? If so we can keep this food in the cart it will take some weight off of my horse. Speed may be an asset to us both" He busies himself with making sure all is stowed away in the cart and that all are ready to depart. Looking at what remains of their loot he sheepishly asks "Hmmm... Since they don't seem to want the circlet, might I have it? It can certainly come out of my share of things, whatever it might be worth."

Kashi meanwhile has left the headman's office wearing a Red Cloak and carrying a backpack with some other supplies. As he approaches the other he motions to Jace, "May I speak with you?”

Walking a little way away he starts, “I know you are troubled and I suspect it is because you are hunted." Seeing the rejection begin on Jace's face, "Please hear me out, this is important.”

“My Lord Enki is fighting something at Swansbane and I have a gut feeling that it is related to why you are hunted. You may have stumbled onto something there and they do not want you to tell others about it. At the least it could explain why the bandits want you but it could expose why they are trying to destabilize this area. It may be they found something powerful, something ancient, that has corrupted them or driven them to do the evil's bidding." He waits for this to sink in "Please tell me about Swansbane and what you saw there. I hope you may recall anything odd that could be the clues needed, if not then more bandits need to be captured and questioned.”

Walking back to the group Kashi speaks loud enough for all to hear him, “Your being hunted may be a blessing in disguise as it will provide more bandits to question without need to search for them. There are risks associated with this work, but being aware of that helps reduce them, everyone needs to know that and keep alert."

Turning to all of you he says plainly, “I believe it is my best chance to unravel this mystery if I continue to travel with you. But if that is not to be, I will travel anyway as I would need to find more of the bandits myself. What say you, shall we aid each other?"

Unanimously the party accepts Kashi’s offer of company at least until Mordara

You say your goodbyes and mount your animals and the cart. Ishtar is driving the cart though Jace offered to relieve her of the duty so that he might learn how to (and save his aching butt from his Mule) but Ishtar would rather see the cart delivered in one piece through the Hill road. With Besthan urging speed you make your way past the solemn people in this closed town. Who knows what Kashi is feeling as he leaves the place which saw joy in family and a fulfilment of his vows to teach but also utter devastation and loss?

The wind from yesterday has eased which allows Marcus and Ishtar to care a little for their bows when time and action allows, otherwise the conversation as you ride is light until Jace clears his throat at the urging of Marcus: "What of this Swansbane town? I know it not."

Jace looks back at Kashi sitting next to Ishtar on the cart and thinks back to the earlier conversation. What started out as an innocent observation has deepened in meaning at a time when Jace already feels overwhelmed by the Bandit revelation “Ok well, if you think it’s pertinent... maybe there is something of worth in my poor memories"

As Jace rides he regales everyone with the Swansbane incident... "Swansbane.... seems so long ago, yet only a few weeks... so much has happened and so much has changed... my father he wa... ahh that’s another story... Swansbane... Hmmm…We were sent to Swansbane by a Merchant named Jimbio, sent to see what happened to one of his cargo deliveries or some such... on the way we found a burnt out wagon we assumed to be his and tracks of Trold Folk. Following the tracks we came to a cavern and dropped in for a surprise party if you know what I mean, “, the burley warrior smiles at the memory of the claustrophobic fight in the den, “Goods were retrieved and Trold Young taken captive and sold to Jimbio.”

“When we finally arrived at Swansbane we saw walls like Doss Peak but more impressive, solid and built solely for defence. The walls were hacked and hewn from many a battle, intense fighting kept the town on edge and always ready for action. Kinda had to wonder why they stayed personally, such a hard and dangerous location. I have a theory but that can wait a second. We delivered the goods Jimbio sent with us, well his personal Mage representative looked after them and we looked around the place. In the middle of the town was a ruin, it looked like an old temple or some such. Also looked like they traded with Dwarfs or Caldans as well, might explain the ruins I dunno I don’t dig holes for a living."

“There was a Mage with us, another mercenary called Draexil who might know or remember more, I kind of spent some time in the tavern... such nice girls...” His eyes glaze and then suddenly he looks to Ishtar, “Oh, no offence though! Anyway he was there and as I recall he was a bit of a stuck up prick, but if we can get past the bastard’s attitude he would be a good source of more info. Admittedly... I like the guy; at least he can get things done.” This is the first time he has spoken of Swansbane so he checks to see you all took it in, fixing his gaze on Kashi: “Does that help you some Holy One?”, Kashi frowns in thought. However as he remembers bits and pieces of the story Jace started to feel a sense of foreboding...

“I don’t recall any bandits in the area at the time of travelling to Swansbane, but I have to wonder, was the town protecting something or holding something from all those attacks? Maybe the

hordes of evil were trying to free someone or something... Maybe we need to check this out pretty soon... I don’t really know", he drifts off into his own thoughts.

It is Kashi’s turn to speak "Most of this seems unrelated to the bandits, but that ruin inside the city is ominous. They may be raiding it for valuables to support the city and that could draw bandits I suppose. But even then you saw little it seems, too little to justify being hunted. As I said the ruins in this area are from an ancient and quite evil civilization so they could easily have uncovered some bound fiend or worse. It is all guesswork with little more than a gut feeling to back it up but if they found something it could have corrupted or possessed the entire town or just a few in power."He goes silently into his thoughts as the road winds down through the Hills towards the Plains.

Jace breaks into the silence again; “But it was not Bandits who were attacking, it was Kotothic creature mainly, everything from suicidal Goblin charges to Giant attacks.”

Kashi responds "This nags at me but it will need to wait. You have business to attend to back in Mordara and there I need to see if they can send another priest to cover Doss Peak in my absence. I will need to warn the temple of coming troubles too. It is dedicated to Inanna but they will assist me.” Almost to himself he mutters on "I did indeed grow lazy, most my duties dealt with straight forward problems nothing this puzzling to solve. If it is organised attempt to control an area then it needs to be rooted out before they can achieve their goals and much worse comes forth. It is fortunate that the greater evils have many safeguards that make it difficult to bring them here or the world would have been overrun long ago. Anything like that should give us some time to find a way to foil it."

This road to the Plains is indeed far easier to travel than the previous ones. It is also clearly used more often. With the Bandits foremost on your mind you do not relax your guard and Marcus is resolute at the front in his duties. As you travel the question of what to do with the funds raised in Doss Peak arises.

Besthan proposes a fair split while Marcus believes that a smaller portion should be given to Kashi since he did not take part in the fighting. To everyone surprise Jace angrily bursts in to remind Marcus that he only joined the party, and with some caution and concern on everyone’s part a day ago. Sure he did his bit in the fight and his warning was what allowed the Bandits to be dealt with effectively but he is in the employ of the party until Mordara. Even his getting a Share was not in the original agreement. Realising what he said Jace flushes red as Besthan rides up.

Marcus is visibly somewhat shocked, but then he thinks about it some and a small, bright smile creeps across his weather-tanned face. He turns to Jace and bows slightly in the saddle and in a very serious tone says, "I have forgotten my place and compounded the problem by offending you, Good Sir. Please forgive me." There is no trace of a mocking tone in his voice.

Meanwhile Besthan joins in: "Peace friends, peace… I am not sure I like the way it is put but I have travelled with Jace for a while I have come to see he is a plain speaker and means no intentional offence."

"I agree that Marcus has earned our trust and respect and while I hear what he says I think that ultimately, at least until we finish 'employing' him upon our return to Mordara, he does not have an equal say in these matters. The same will go for Kashi, once we get to Mordara then we shall make a pact to work together as equals should we share paths. Our original agreement with Marcus was that he was employed to protect us without access to loot. Because he has shown himself to be an honourable man we have granted him equal rights to loot. But Jace is correct; this is our decision to make. So unless Ishtar has a strong opinion against Jace and myself then we share the spoils 5 ways as a sign of our intention to form strong mutual bonds of support. Marcus shall receive 17SC and the circlet which he has asked for, I have looked at it and consider its value to be roughly a Silver. The rest of us shall receive 18SC, 2CC and 3BB each."

By this stage you have all stopped on a bluff overlooking the final part of the ride down to the Plains. Besthan rides up to Marcus and places his hand on his shoulder "I would like to point out that I still wish for Marcus to speak his mind and give his council. When we return to Mordara no one will be happier then me to see that our trust in both Marcus and Kashi will be paid in full. But for essential decisions Jace's comments are harsh but fair."

Ishtar also speaks in favour of Jace but surprisingly supporting Marcus as well “I think it's only fair enough that he gets an equal share minus the shiny he took. He has proven himself to be a worthy fighter, he didn't lie to us about the bandits and let’s face it, 18SC is a lot more than we would have made from the stupid Tax run so we might as well indulge our friends! Like Jace and Besthan I accept sharing equally with Kashi because his skills are a unique asset and it is better that he stands on his own feet as soon as possible.”

The coin is shared and stashed, Marcus is gifted the Copper Circlet from the Bandit loot. As Besthan hands it to him he states “Our blunt friend here is a rare commodity...and I hope he does not change. He's right in that I am but an employee and have no claim to any loot. I agreed to the terms..." A short pause and Marcus continues, "...much as it pains me to admit it." The smile returns with a shrug.

The ride from Doss Peak took the best part of the morning and even at pace it is clear that Besthan wants this stop to be brief. Both he and Jace have talked about their recent encounter with some Goblins in the Gap of Grace and then with an Orchi afterwards, it is obvious that they feel this area is of ill omen. You are all thankful that the weather is clear enough to move at speed and resolve to not eat much more than a brief snack here at the last high vantage point before the Plains.

Moving out, Marcus ranges further ahead while Jace plods along next to the cart. Besthan has dropped back with his spear at the ready and as usual is keeping a close eye behind for any trackers.

The Hills, though slightly less steep than the previous tracks were still of the same quality; rocky ridges spearing out from undulating soil and littered with shrubs and the occasional tree. Back on the Plain the terrain quickly returns to the sea of grass which you all know so well.

It is just before nightfall when Marcus, riding ahead spots the semi-circular hollow ringed by boulders which designates the campsite on the map. He rides back to notify you of the find and then doubles back again to check it out whilst the light permits. It is clear of obvious enemies and with haste you pull out your various camping goods and settle down for the evening. As always on the Plains Jace takes the time to dig a pit for a fire, light travels far out here even with the protection of the boulders. Ishtar releases the hardworking Mule and you each let your animals graze. Kashi is looking at the boulders and wondering to himself (and any with the time or interest) just how these boulders came to be placed on the Plains about half a mile from the nearest hill and many miles from the nearest Mountain. He knows they are old and with his knowledge of history this is not necessarily a good thing.

A watch is set and shared and the night descends. With warm food in your bellies and fresh coin in your pocket you are ready to turn in, especially as Besthan promises an easier day tomorrow with 3 collections from the small and quiet community of Snows End, then the orchard farms of the Cordalis Family and lastly the Grostelli Family who maintain livestock in the Hills. The terrain here will be similar to the Hills you just left but should be much safer since creatures have rarely penetrated this far past the Gap of Grace and not continued through the more ‘prey-rich’ Plains.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Merchant (1PE)Ishtar Tanner (5PE), Teamster (1PE)Jace Hill Survival (1PE), Horsemanship (1PE)Kashi Teamster (1PE)Marcus Hill Survival (1PE)

Episode 2.10Location: Snows End VIllageDate: 24th of April, 206DE 10 pm Weather: Overcast with Morning Fog, Temp 2˚







The evening takes hold of the camp as you all eat your fill and tend to your animals.

Jace is of the opinion that 2 people per watch is the best tactic, this is based upon the dangerous location and the new awareness that the party is being targeted for some unknown reason. At first neither Marcus nor Besthan are too excited about the idea as the loss in sleep might not compensate much for the extra set of eyes, in the end they cede to Jace though.

The watches are set with Jace and Marcus up first, then Besthan and Kashi and finally Ishtar on her own. She has made the offer to ensure Jace gets a deep sleep; she knows how much his arse is hurting from the Mule he is attempting to ride. Relief floods his face at the offer and were it not for the fact that she might draw her wicked scimitar if he tried it looks like he wishes to give her a kiss of gratitude. She has also offered to share some of the techniques in running a Cart Team with him but not until he has mastered riding his Mule.

Meanwhile Kashi has stopped studying the stones and now wishes to speak to the assembled group.

"Thank you for the gift of coinage which you presented me this afternoon. I do need it to better prepare myself for the troubles I am likely to encounter, but I already owe you so much. Would you except My Lord Enki's Blessing in Aid of your Attacks or Defences in Battle as a means to offset some of that debt? It would last 3 days, enough time to complete your mission if I recall correctly."

Besthan thinks about this: "Thank you Priest, I for one will accept this Blessing if you wish to bestow it. Though I wonder if we might not be better of waiting until the final day when we return to Mordara. We have been met by Bandits every time we have entered or left the town and I don’t think this journey will be an exception." Then to the rest he also states: "Looking at the requirements for this Tax Run. This area we are to enter is supposed to be quiet and peaceful, so I guess we might be able to complete this quickly and with little fuss.”

Jace also responds eagerly with a desire to have a God’s eye upon him.Kashi nods and asks, "Does anyone know if there is a spring or other flowing water near

here? Some of my rites should be performed with water. It should also aid me in casting the Blesses."Apart from the river deeper in the Gap of Grace, perhaps 3 hours behind you, no one does.“Never mind” says Kashi, “if this area is as peaceful and as fertile as you say Besthan then

we should find a spring with ease. Let us keep our eyes open”

With Ishtar watching last she has time to make sure the Cart and Mule are squared away and you should not lose too much time in the morning rush to move. She also takes the chance to inspect Jace’s armour in the camp fire light and finds it needs some quick repairs, this she cannot do out in the field but will be able quite easily back in Mordara. [You are now EL43 in Tanner]

The winds continues to drop through the evening and the overcast sky heralds a morning of thick mist. The fog reminds Jace, Bethan and Ishtar of their encounter with the Orchi not even 2 weeks ago so they tighten their belts and tend to their weapons with especial care. There are things which do not use Human senses who would relish the chance to ambush the unwary upon the Plains or in the Hills.

Ishtar has the cart ready and with the exception of Jace the rest of you ready your mounts and animals with practiced care.

As before, on the Plains, Ishtar and Kashi ride the cart with Besthan covering the rear and Marcus up ahead scouting. Jace keeps pace with the Cart as he will dismount and fight to protect the spell casting Kashi and the archery skills of Ishtar should the need be there.

The map shows a path or road should be close by and sure enough it is found not 500 feet from the camp. Traces of it might have been seen last night if you had not made camp so late. It runs straight towards a steeply rising rock face with an ancient fissure in the rock providing entryway to the hills beyond. The place looks ideal for an ambush so Marcus races ahead to scout it carefully but finds no threat.

Passing through the silent and darkened walls the road rises rapidly in terrain similar to the previous hills through which you travelled. The landscape is littered with rocky ridges and steep slopes but the vegetation, even in the shadows, is far more verdant than the previous Hills. As you clear the immediate slopes which herald the start of the Hills you see that indeed this side of the Gap of Grace is much more heavily vegetated with a multitude of shrubs and trees. It is still terrain which is broken enough to be considered ‘hilly’ but you have the feeling that it would not be so arduous to leave the path here and venture deeper into the wilderness.

After a less than half a mile of travel you come to a fork in the road. One path leads straight ahead to the East whilst another leads to the North-East. It is signposted but the letters are faded. You can still make out the name of ‘Snow’s End’ on the Eastern Path. The North-Eastern option has ‘Grostelli Farm’ written and it is not to difficult to guess that your path to the 3 locations to be taxed today is a circuitous route.

Besthan points you forward. As the fog lifts out of the hollows and from between the trees at the side of the road you get the feeling that this truly is a peaceful part of the land.

You see no springs on your travel but you get the occasional glimpse of waterfalls cascading down hill slopes.

It is roughly 2 miles on from the crossroads that you see the land open up under the watchful wall of a large hilly ridge perhaps 200feet taller then the surrounding terrain. The Hills have widened into an expanding clearing which is planted by human hands with orchard trees and the harvested remains of grain crops. The clearing is narrow, perhaps less than a mile across at its widest but the grass and crops are luxurious and this looks like a perfect place to farm.

Moving further along the road you see the locals tending to their animals or working in the fields which are obviously a feature of this area. The land is beautiful in a rustic way and the unguarded peasant cottages seem remarkable when compared to the walled communities only a day’s ride away to the North.

Cottages start to become more numerous and suddenly your straight road leads you to the village of Snows End. Expecting to see walls and guards you did not really even notice the village proper until you saw a shop with general wares next to a communal tavern/hall. Sure enough, like most Donaran towns, next to these stands the Headman’s House. This too differs greatly from what you expected as it is a simple but beautiful house of carved wood and aged by years in the sun and rain.

You take a longer look around.The houses here are almost exclusively wood and many of them are quite old and worked

upon by skilled carvers.The people do not pay much attention to you; they get on with their morning activities

(generally carrying farm-produce to and from the store or individual houses.). They are dressed in simple tunics and carry little more in terms of weaponry than hunting bows and daggers. You have not seen any Town Guard as of yet.

Jace gets off his Mule as you all stop in the street to stare in semi-shock. "This makes me a little uneasy I have to admit, no guards, no defensive wall. Sure, there are some good ambush sites on the path here for them to stop any attackers before the reach the town but this is far too open."

He swings around to look some more whilst trying to rub some circulation into his butt cheeks “I am thankful for the chance to get off this saddle though!" Jace lowers himself to the ground, does some squats and stretches and gives Flax's ears a friendly rub. " OK… Well what to do at this time of day, tavern? Store? Or knock and hope the Headsman is home?"

Marcus also has a foreboding feeling about this place. This far into the hills these people should be protected by the same kind of walls as the previous town or as Swansbane was described by Jace. Marcus makes sure his shield is on his left arm and his mace 'casually' dangling by its wristband. Non-soldiers probably wouldn't think anything of it... “I am in agreeance with you Jace;

there are no guards and no walls. How do these people survive? Have any of you been before to this place?" Then, quieter, "Something's not right here."

Somewhat worried Kashi climbs off the Cart to join the discussion. He whispers "This close to the border, strangers should draw looks, especially armed strangers. What protects these people well enough that they are not concerned?"

Besthan is still upon his trusty steed, “Bah!” he states, “There is a limit to how many places we can concern ourselves with and the town of Mordara itself has no walls… though admittedly it does have a castle and a minor army nearby.”

He climbs off of Bracer and stands with the rest "Yes, this doesn't seem right but we are not here to investigate the Mord's town, we are here to tax it. If any of you want to use the General Store go in there as a group. I will go the Headman’s house but I would prefer it if someone would accompany me. I doubt we are to be attacked en masse if we split up and I don’t think we could defend against the whole town as a group anyway. So let’s do this quickly and get out."

He starts off towards the Headman’s House but then adds as an afterthought, "Ask about the Cordialis and Grostelli places too. Let’s see if we can find out something about them and make sure we are on the right track. Will we meet back here in 15 minutes? Who will come with me?"

“I will friend,” says Jace with a smile, “I am sure between Marcus, Ishtar and Kashi they will be more than capable to defend themselves.”

Besthan and Jace make their way to the Headman's House. The door is not latched or obviously locked from the outside but out of respect Besthan raps his leather-clad knuckles on the thick wood. He hears nothing. Jace is watching the townspeople around him, one or two have glanced over in interest; perhaps wondering what these heavily armed outsiders wish from their Headman, but he senses no hostility or suspicious activity.

Besthan knocks again, louder this time. "Coming, coming... By all Her Graces what can be so important to interrupt a morning's cup of

tea?" Calls out a ladies voice from within.Footsteps and then a creak herald the opening of the door. Before you stands a woman of

perhaps 30 years, quite beautiful and dressed like the other women you have seen in a tunic (white in this case) with ankle-length skirts. She has a bodice, as is the style of Donara, and her blonde hair is tressed up in a finely wrought net of silver.

"My, my... strapping soldiers and all for me..." She titters, "what is it that you wish from the Head of Snows End, how might I serve you?"

Beyond her you can see into a homely cottage, as unlike the one in Doss Peak as can be possible. This is no bolt-hole of last resort but a gentle home with comfort as its priority.

"Dear Lady,” begins Besthan, “we have come on the Mord's business. The time is due for Snows End to pay its taxes. Would you be kind enough to summon the headman so that we maycollect the due amount?" he shows her the Mord's seal and the writ with an expectant smile.

The woman giggles an almost girlish type of laugh and claps her hands as though Besthan had made the funniest joke in the world: "Oh you silly man, I am the Head of the village! Don’t be so shocked, what is wrong with a woman running Snows End? Surely even a village needs a woman's touch!" She laughs again. "Now let me see that writ. She studies the paper, "Yes, 1GC as expected. Render unto Suleiman, Suleiman's due..." She turns and walks off. "Back in a tic"

Besthan and Jace just stare at each other. Jace is sure she had been flirting with them like some young maid at the village fair.

Besthan cannot put meaning to what confused him about that conversation until he realises that she called The Mord by his first name, Suleiman!

You wait in confusion, and some amusement, for only a few short minutes before she returns with a single Gold Coin which you slip in with the others. The usual stamping of the wax strip is completed and you are ready to leave this place, thankful that your task is done but obviously confused as to what is going on in this town.

The Headwoman offers her hand to you and Besthan bows politely but ignores the invitation to kiss it. Jace though whips his helmet off theatrically and plants a gentle kiss upon her hand. She laughs, "Ah, the art of gentlemanly behaviour is not quite dead. Please be a dear and ask Rhastious at the Cordialis Farm to send through his latest batch of Potatoes, they are a week late and we will never get the Korn (A local alcoholic brew) made in time at this rate." She bids you good day and gently closes the door behind her.

You look at each other in amazement, laugh at how weird this all seems and plod back to the cart.

Once Jace and Besthan have left them to complete their official business Marcus speaks up immediately, "Um, I was thinking I should ride over to the local garrison and let them know what we know of the bandit problem...without mentioning your names, of course. They probably would like to have the information on the bandit numbers, at least." Hailing one of the passers-by Marcus asks: "My pardon, friend, but is there a constable or garrison for this town and could you direct me there?"

The resident, a young man of about 25 and dressed in simple peasant's tunic and pants looks at you, "Hello sir. Snows End has a citizen's militia for times of crisis, would that be of assistance to you? The best person to speak to would be Andesun the Bar-keep, he tends to organise these events, though we suspect it is more to get an enforced night of drinking for the eligible males and thus some income for him!" He laughs, "If you are a mercenary looking for work then this is not the town for you, we live in harmony with nature and are protected by Her. Nodding to the Priest he adds, "All under the auspices of our Priestess who guides the town in the worship of Our Lady Taritu." He bows his head in impromptu prayer. "Mercenaries often head for Cordialis Farm which is not 5 miles yonder ", he points straight down the road in the direction in which you have been travelling. ”They hire often and the road leads directly to them. I know aught else about them though, I am a simple man and I know my place is with the fruit trees I tend." He bows his head to you, "If you will excuse me sir, please enjoy your visit."

The man turns and wanders off, with no extra pace and no sign of suspicion that you might be following him.

Marcus' mouth drops open a bit as he is aghast at what the man told him. "Oh my Gods..." he curses. "Pacifists..." Repelled beyond his ability to express he does not follow the man. Instead he looks over at Kashi and Ishtar and smiles while he says "Looks like we stick together this day."

Kashi, overhearing this exchange just sighs, "I just do not get it, is their Priestess so powerful that she can enforce such peace here? The land is obviously quite blessed as is appropriate for their Goddess, but this goes much farther than that. Maybe I spent too much time in a more dangerous post that I am more paranoid but such a short distance should not make this much of a difference."

Ishtar grabs the green gems on the string from the back of the cart and bluntly states: "You can stay here and be stable boys if you want, I am going to check out the shop. I might grab some supplies and also I want to see if these people are as weird as they seem. Also, let’s see if they recognise these necklaces, I am willing to bet a copper that they are not just 'lover’s troths' as that idiot we finished off near Doss Peak claimed."

Marcus joins her, he is somewhat annoyed at the thought of this community living in such denial as to what is going on in the rest of the country and the fight that good Donarans are putting up with keep their borders safe but he might as well just grab some goods and get out.

"You know" states Kashi, “I am sure there are many things I need that they could sell me, so I should go as well. But if we have time, I would like to drink a beer or two before we leave town. Enki loves beer and so do I, though never to excess."

Ishtar and Marcus look at him dumbfounded until Ishtar laughs "Not to excess? Was that from one of your sermons?" She laughs again, "Don’t let Jace hear you say that, he will think you are going to burn him at a stake"

You wander into the Store and even if it was not signposted with the symbol for Store at its front you would have guessed where you were immediately because of the sheer volume of goods inside, mostly produce though you can see some minerals and woods sorted and stacked carefully in a corner as well. The room is fragrant and actually feels relaxed and pleasant.

"Good day citizens, good day!" A man in leather work pants and a leather jerkin is coming out of a doorway form the back of the structure "Welcome to the Snows End Store! It is rare we get visitors, rare indeed... what is it that I can provide for ye? Are ye looking for trade goods, produce or are ye some of those Adventuring types looking for boring old travel rations?”

You look over the goods and have little doubt that much of it, at least as far as the food stuffs and fine-wares are concerned is of excellent quality. They have a large quantity of wooden goods and kegs which are probably full of wines. As the shop keep shovels his hands through the travel rations you can see that they are exclusively fruit and nuts and look rich and succulent. This is apparently a land of plenty!

Ishtar lets the other two fumble around as she approaches the keep. “Sir,” she starts “I have here fine necklaces which I wish to be rid of for some coin. Who buys this sort of thing around these parts?”

His face is neutral as he looks at them. “Oh no ma’am” he replies “we have little need for such things here; I think you will be hard pressed to find anyone who would buy or sell such a thing. Perhaps you could try Mordara or even some of the communities deeper in the Hills?”

"Oh come on man!” she retorts, “Don't tell me you've never seen anyone wear one of these shinys before. Plus, you must have other visitors coming by regularly, no one seems to treat us much like strangers. Even if no locals like it I'm sure you'd find a dumb tourist to rip off with it. What do you say?"

The shopkeep looks confused. "We get traders and the occasional group moving through the Hills to go deeper into the Mountains, Lady knows why they would want to do that though! I sometimes see these stones and things around their necks or on their hands but I don’t think the fad ever really took on here. Most people come here because of our bountiful fields, not for rocks. Also, we don’t treat you as strangers because it is not at all strange to see humans travelling on a road between human villages!” he laughs at his awesome wit, "It is only natural that you would want to be close to your kin."

Ishtar is not impressed by the shopkeeper's response. "Close to your kin aye... So you guys consider all humans as kin? What about Bandits? You can hardly call that scum your kin..." She is asking this rather casually while looking around the shop for anything else that might take herfancy. "You guys don’t seem to get attacked here a lot but you're close to the border and everything. What's your secret?"

"Bandits...!" the man looks horrified at the thought... "We had some early trouble with them, but now we understand they are plaguing the flat and some of the other towns. We don’t really fear them now, they leave us alone. It shocks me to think that people can be so out of touch with the Natural Law and still survive. What wretched lives they must have."

This is pointless and the Horsewoman decides to drop the questioning here. She lets Kashi take the man’s attention as he needs to pick up a large quantity of gear.

After a few minutes of discussion the store keeper brings out most of the items Kashi asked for. "Holy one, I do have some clothing that may fit you but you are the best judge of that. I also have a couple tents for you to choose from, so if you will follow me back into storage, you can decide for yourself.", in the meantime Ishtar has purchased some Grain for her Mule and Marcus has been looking for bandages.

Kashi looks over the goods and is obviously impressed at the quality. "Thank you, your store has proven itself an excellent one and surpassed my expectations. Let’s see how lucky I am on some other items." A little later, Kashi returns with a fine tent and an armful of clothes. "I suppose I should add a large sack to my list or I will need to go fetch my backpack and start loading it."

The proprietor adds a large sack to the pile, "Anything else Holy One?" Kashi smiles, "No, that is enough; anything else would be more luxury than need." Using his abacus to verify the counts, he tells Kashi the totals and Kashi pulls a few Silvers

and Coppers from his pouch to seal the purchase.

As Kashi loads his equipment into a sack to take back out to the cart he enquires about the local Priesthood and how he might meet them.

The Store Owner man looks slightly confused and then chuckles: "The Priestess, why would you want to see her? She lives deeper in the forests around the town, I am not sure where you would find her and she comes and goes as she pleases."

He busies himself with serving Jace who has just walked in to pick up rations.Once Jace is settled only Marcus’ needs are unfulfilled for instead of good clean bandages for

wounds the locals use a concoction of river mud and tree parts. He is shocked; this is a civilised land, not some Barbarian Shaman’s domain!

Jace’s voice fills the room: “Our Lord and Master, Besthan the Time-Keeper, wishes you all to know that we have further appointments today and that we must be on our way.” He bows like a Herald and belches for dramatic effect. Since there are no more purchases you wish the Storeman a good day and carry your load out to the cart where, of course, Besthan is impatiently waiting.

Goods stowed and jokes shared you mount up and continue along the road through which you entered Snow’s End. Although this place is perplexing the initial shock of its bizarre nature has worn off and you no longer keep your weapon hands at the ready. The day is warming slightly now the fog has lifted; only the taller peaks are misted. The sky remains overcast though.

The town extends to the South East for a short distance before it again opens into open fields, this time showing evidence of harvested grains.

The most of you are quite chatty but it is not until about 10 minutes past the village-proper as you enter the outlying farmhouses that Besthan blurts out, “I got it… now I know what was so strange about that place… “, you all look expectantly, “Children “, he says, “There were no children in the village. Did any of you see any younglings at all?”

You look at each other and honestly you cannot say you did.The conversation dies instantly.

Episode 2.11Location: Cordialis FarmDate: 24th of April, 206DE 1:30 pm Weather: Overcast, Temp 5˚C outside

Name Status Other NotesBesthan 4/24HP Paralysed by Poison

Bracer 100% Warhorse IIDunkle 13/17HP Mule

Ishtar 12/21HPMiu Miu 100% Mule

Jace 16/21HP Paralysed by PoisonFlax 100% Dog ICaboose 100% Mule

Kashi 2/22HP UnconsciousEnLvl 96/116Mana 40/48

Marcus 11/20HPMr. Bangles 100% Warhorse II

The 5 miles to the Cordialis Farm gates is along a road running along the centre of a series of valleys. The trees are growing deeper and thicker but the forest still feels ‘wholesome’ if that is possible. Light filters through the leaf canopy and it is a beautiful scene.

The farm gate is sign-posted “Cordialis Farm” in orange paint and is open giving you a view inside of orchards on both sides of the road which leads up to a farmhouse about 200 yards distant. Your road has brought you around to a Southerly facing and this same road continues past the gate towards, you guess, the Grostelli Family Estate.

Marcus looks at the pleasant scene, the bright fields and the wooden gate highlighted in Green and Blue paint. The rest of you continue to move forward and but he sits still upon his horse.

“What is wrong Scout”, calls Ishtar when he blocks her path, “Worried that the Apple trees might drop a branch on you?”

Marcus gives wry smile back “When I was unsuccessful in finding work at the Vitlis Estate I was told to come to the Cordialis Farm because they hired mercenaries often and paid reasonably well. If that is the case, where are the Guards? Why is no one challenging us and why are the gates open?”

This does cause concern and wordlessly the party prepare for danger. Ishtar just sighs in exasperation.

10 minutes later, with Marcus sitting high on his trusty steed and casting an eye over the ground before you the party start to move out. Jace had taken the chance to hitch his Mule to the back of the cart and put on his Ring Mail. Ishtar equally took the chance to lounge and watch her concerned Party Members with a flicker of amusement "Come on guys, lets not get too worked up. If we were in deep trouble we would have been taken apart by now. Anyway, whoever is strong enough to take out a mercenary company and a household would only see us as a light desert"

"I agree Ishtar" said Jace, muffled by his Ring Mail as it slid over his head, "and with those potatoes being a week late whatever or whoever did this is probably long gone... but caution never hurts does it?"

"Whatever... " she replies and gives the Cart Mule a slap with the reins whilst casting a suspicious eye at Kashi as he meditates and harnesses his Energy and Mana in case his God's intervention is needed.

The Cart creaks forward, too loud for the silence which has fallen over the orchards and indeed you all as you try to work out what is going on.

Besthan rides slightly ahead of the cart, "I don’t like this... a whole farm, a whole fortified farm deserted and a village full of nature lovers with no children..." He has his Shield high and his hand holding the reins also holds his Spear.

"I will grant you one thing" voices Marcus from the rear, "No orchard should be this quiet".Everyone listens and hears what he is saying... there are no bird calls and no sign of the small animals abundant in these parts.

Besthan leads on and once the party has moved 50 feet in front of him Marcus follows with his Bow out to cover their rear. Still only the sound of the Cart and of hoofs on the compacted dirt can be heard.

You travel in growing concern and caution for 10 minutes; there is no point rushing into an Ambush after-all.

Getting close to the Farm House you can see it is of moderate size but exceptionally well made. It has glass panes and carved wooden beams and these all speak of wealth. Interestingly there is no sign of damage or of a fight of any kind. The garden, the building, even the road is in perfect condition.

The house is set upon a grassy area with trees kept away from it, except along its Left (Eastern) side. Here a hedge has been neatly trimmed to allow for a vegetation-crafted gate leading into a small pleasure garden of the type rich folk favour in the bigger cities and on country estates. The area looks shady and cool and seems to have a few trees and perhaps what might be a pavilion inside (You can see a wooden structure peeping over the hedge 'wall' that looks pavilion-like). The Hedge-gate passes to another and it apparently there is a deeper garden lying behind the house to the back.

The road curves to pass in front of the building and where it turns is where Besthan, at the front, hears the noise first. The rest of you hear it after seeing his urgently raised hand. The silence deepens as you listen... From behind the house, there is no doubt about it... laughter, laughter like that of common folk after a hard days' work. Snippets of speech can also be heard and it sounds for all the world like a pair of old men talking about their gardening duties over a mug of cheap ale. The accent is certainly rustic Donaran.

“OK, I am going to check this out”, states the impulsive Jace, “Will someone come with me?” He lifts his Shield and places his hand on his Swords resolutely and darts off towards the side gate. Bethan and Marcus (now that Marcus has caught up with the group in front of the house) exchange exasperated glances before Marcus slides fluidly off of his Horse, hitches his bow and draws forth his Shield and Mace – he races after Jace who now has a bit of a lead.

For some reason Ishtar, sitting on the Cart and obviously bored and disinterested in all this starts firing arrows into the trees almost at random... When the first one whistles off into the bark Besthan jerked his horse around in concern and seeing the cause of the sudden noise does not calm him down. "Ishtar!" cries out Besthan, "What in the Hells do you think you are doing?" Besthan is seriously concerned by all this. This place is hardly fitting his image of what the Hills should be like and now the Barbarian woman seems to have taken leave of what little sense she had, could she be possessed?

Kashi, watching this through his meditations can see that the Merchant has prepared his grip on his Spear for a quick throw; to the Priest it looks as though he doesn't trust the woman. Kashi was also surprised when she started wasting valuable arrows but to his Priestly awareness she seems normal, just immature.

"Oh relax book-keeper!" The young woman retorts, "What is there to worry about? So the place is empty? Who cares! We are hardly going to get swamped by hordes of Goblins here are we?" She looses another arrow into the trees. For a girl with no money she seems pretty relaxed about wasting good ammunition. "Anyway, soon Jace and Marcus will come back after a nice little jog."

Besthan watches her with amazement. She might not be magically controlled like he feared but she is in an even worse state than he imagined... she is complacent. He has travelled enough of these Perilous Lands to know that gets one killed fast.

Breaking the tension Kashi speaks up: "While something is terribly wrong here I cannot sense any overt magic or other-worldly influence. Let us hope that Jace and Marcus have some story to tell when they return because what grace has been given me by Lord Enki will not allow me to look any deeper than the surface."

Jace has had enough of this cloak and dagger stuff and settling his sword for quick draw and holding his Shield high he raced off through the Garden gate. The rest of them might want to wait around, maybe politely knock on the door but Jace knows that speaking to someone, even menials is a sure-fire way to get answers.

Being ahead of Marcus Jace can see that beyond the living gate crafted from the hedge is a lovely green area with grasses and late blooming flowers, there are wonderfully cut shrubs and indeed there is a pavilion here with a wooden roof and thatched walls. A small table and a single chair sits out here too. Over the sound of his Ring Mail and other metallic items he can hear snippets of voices are coming from the next gate which would place the people in and slightly behind the house.

Behind Jace strides Marcus. To his ear, when he stood still in the first garden to listen for a moment the voices sound like they are receding as the people are moving away. This is all he can tell though as he does not want to let Jace out of his sight and he immediately hurries after him through the next gate.

The back garden is deeper and shadier; it is filled with beautiful trees of many different types. The house's rear has a closed door shaded by a veranda which looks out upon the garden. Between the trees lie vegetable patches some of which are still bearing their crops.

The garden slopes down to a row of cut shrubs which probably line a creek - Marcus can hear gurgling water and can also see Jace standing, listening. Not wanting to put him off Marcus stops and listens too. He cannot see any people about but there is no doubt about it, the men they both heard are down there in that gulley and there is a small gap in the hedge through which they must have climbed.

Jace is still about 12 feet ahead of Marcus and from here the Archer can see Jace’s hand clasping his sword’s grip; is the big man coming to a rash decision?

"Jace! Stop! It's not right... It doesn't feel right. Something's very wrong here!" cries out Marcus, certain that Jace means to dive into the gap.

For his concern he is rewarded with a glare and a hiss which obviously means ‘Be Quiet!’“Great!” thinks Marcus. He prepares a defensive stance and starts to walk towards the

impetuous warrior who is again not waiting and edging towards the hedge trying to be as quiet as possible.

Before being so rudely… and loudly… interrupted by Marcus, Jace had been listening to what plainly were 3 Donaran men on the other side of the hedge. The closer he gets, the clearer the conversation gets. It is mostly about the way the crops have been good but slow this year. By the sound (now constant) they are only about 10 feet or so behind what appears to be quite a thick hedge. Two of the men are older; the third sounds younger and perhaps is an apprentice. Knowing that if he can get the jump on them he will have an advantage should he need to question them Jace starts creeping towards the gap – it is small enough to be cramped for the man but not so bad that he need drop his Shield or crawl through.

At the hole Jace pokes his head through and is immediately shown that there is indeed creek down here. The Area is darker than the garden and his eyes take their time to adjust. There are a number of trees which filter the light. He cannot see the people who were talking which is strange really as their voices were right behind here only a moment ago... Jace looks around. Hearing Marcus walking up behind him and annoyed at the noise he is making he goes to duck his head back and this action, by luck, lifts his vision upwards.

He didn’t see exactly what it is that attacked him, only a mass of legs and fur which plummets down from above. Looking up at the last moment probably saved his life as the creature dives down and takes a swipe at where his head was less than a second before.

In absolute shock Jace throws himself backwards barely managing to keep a grip on his shield in the fright. The creature was totally silent as it dropped... what WAS that thing?

Landing on the ground he starts to push back from the hedge, Jace needs to get space between himself and that thing, there is not time to stand up right now. Marcus has reacted to all this by stopping and watching, it is exactly as he feared… now he just needs to know what they face.

They both look up to the top of the hedge and see 10 or so sets of eyes watching them back... then the realisation dawns that the eyes belong to just 2 creatures and they are perched on the hedge ready to pounce. They are gigantic spiders-like beings with a fierce intelligence in their eyes and wicked fangs dripping with ichor.

"My dear fellow" says one of the Spiders in perfect High-class Donaran "It looks like Vassstek missed out on her lunch leaving us one each"

They leap in the air; one at Jace, one at Marcus

The Spiders fly through the air at their respective targets. Marcus at least had the time to pull up his Shield and be sure that his Mace was ready. The talking spider leapt at him with it’s front legs extended and even as it ‘flies’ through the air you can appreciate the sheer size of this monstrosity. It is a heavily-furred large-eyed Spider of that there can be no doubt, but neither of you have ever seen or even heard of such a thing before. It is nearly 10-feet in length and coloured black as the deepest night with hideous red and green markings upon its legs and back.

The massive weight of the first Spider fulls fully onto Marcus and even with his defence engaged he is not able to stop one of the legs piercing his side for a painful wound that could have been worse if his armour did not take most of the force. (2HP damage). Even against the weight of the creature Marcus is able to hold his ground and smash against the other leg coming in for an attack to land a solid blow which tells him that the spiders carapace is strong and provides some protection. The creature rears up on its back 6 legs to allow free use of its front legs which slice through the air like Humans use Polearms with a length to match. Another painful blow strikes Marcus, this time leaving a rip in his Leather Armour and a dent in his Metal Helm (7HP – you are down to 11 HP) he had been trying to manoeuvre into position for an attack upon its underside but instead of using its wickedly sharp legs to efficiently slice like a soldier would with a Polearm it seems to be trying to pin him to the ground with stabbing thrusts. Recognising this Marcus is able to dodge the next 2 thrusts and swing under them to smash into its under-body, which is unfortunately covered in a thick chitin like the rest of its body, but you dent it significantly and can see it is hurt.

Out of the corner of his eye he can see the other Spider is edging back from Jace who lies on the ground making a gagging noise; do these Spiders carry a venom? There have no time to watch too carefully because you are horrified to see yet another of these creatures climb to the top of the hedge and crouch for the attack and this one is even larger than the two creatures seen thus far.

Jace looks on in horror as the massive spider body blots out the sun when it lunges towards him whilst he lies scrambling on the ground. Barely able to twist in time he is luckily able to stop being hurt too badly (5HP) by the twin legs as they again aim to pin him down. The creature is above him now and he has just enough room to move his shield into position to give some protection but is horrified to learn that he does not have much freedom of movement with his sword.

The creature looks at him with multiple eyes that speaks of too much intelligence for such a foul beast. It speaks in the voice of a little girl with a Caldan accent “Oh this one looks so pretty I want to drink him all up!” The ‘mouth’ this voice emanates from then darts down with its wicked pincers but anticipating this Jace was able to lift the edge of his blade enough to intercept it with a glancing blow leaving a wicked cut along its face that drips ichor and whatever foulness passed for its blood. Pulling back from the blow the Spider’s fangs instead hit only Shield. It hisses at in rage and pain and again darts forward with its fangs only to miss completely as Jace’s Sword again cuts in deeply; this time a torrent of greenish liquid gushes forth. The smell of this stuff makes Jace gag which gives the creature time to spring back and edge away. The burly warrior scrambles to his feet as quickly as he is able. He is still gagging from the stench but better prepared to face the onslaught. Now he too can see the other spider as it prepares to attack… and its target is clearly going to be him.

Feeling that he is getting the mettle of his opponent now Marcus is able to dance through the next set of thrusts and is heartened to not only score a heavy blow up onto the main body of the spider but also manages to direct one of its legs into the ground where it penetrates the soil and appears to get stuck. The creature frantically flails with its other leg and this impacts hard against Marcus’ Shield disrupting the blow he was aiming for the maw of the spider enough to make it just a glancing hit on its eye.

The creature looks frantic now though and doesn’t seem to have much luck in freeing its leg, it swings its other leg around obviously trying to stop Marcus’ flurry of blows leaving the human with no option but to back away. Finally the Great Spider pulls its forearm free of the ground but in doing this opens a space through which the Archer is able to hit its main body. The punishment the spider is taking is ferocious and it has obviously had enough, it flails its legs wildly and backs away.

Not wanting to let it escape to join the one Jace so severely wounded Marcus throws himself forward and with a cracking sound collects it right on the ‘forehead’ area. It crumples to the ground and starts to shake in its death-throes.

Jace and the larger spider stare at each other for a second. Jace can hear Marcus fighting the other spider behind him, he can hear the sound of Mace on chitin and the wet sound and cries of pain as the spider hurts Marcus in return… he blocks it out, this creature is a terrible foe and he must be ready for the rush.

Suddenly, a leap!The legs come spearing at him, like he knew they would. Turning his body to the side he

allows one leg to slide past and the other to glance off of his Shield. Completing the turn brings his trusty Sword into contact with one of the armoured legs with enough force to cut into the softness beneath.

The Spider scuttles to one side but the leap left it off-guard allowing Jace another attack and this one bites deep along the underbelly sending a slop of its internals across the clean green grass. Like before this Spider now rears up on its back legs and sends two legs spearing down but they are both ineffective shots - though the sheer speed of them makes Jace too unbalanced to get a return strike. The next lunges strike past his Shield and allows Jace to duck underneath them for another vicious cut against one of the creatures supporting legs, the leg buckles and stops supporting weight and this is all that saves the Human from having those front legs pierce him as he complete his audacious move to climb underneath the bloated back parts of the Spider. Jace thrusts upwards with his sword just as Marcus finishes braining his own opponent and is rewarded by striking a spot weak enough to allow the sword to sink in to the hilt.

The Spider atop him shrieks in terrible agony and then drops down on top of Jace. Pinned there he feels a wicked pain as he is bitten on the calf, then a burning sensation starts to rip up his leg. Almost immediately he vomits and starts feeling clammy all over.

Jace is only dimly aware of Marcus smashing his Mace onto the Great Spider above him. His brain swims as bit by bit his body locks up and the poison in his bloodstream makes him dizzy and then everything goes dark.

Seeing Jace’s audacious move under the belly of the beast fills Marcus with admiration… and then horror as he watches the Spider lurch forward to bit him on the calf. His own opponent thrashing its life energies out on the ground allows him the freedom to strike at the larger Spider’s unguarded rear and Marcus is satisfied to see that even the thickened shell of this beast in not enough to block his Mace’s weight. It is sorely wounded, perhaps mortally so but the malice which drives it means it will not risk backing off and will try to take Marcus with it. It swings around, slowly enough to allow Marcus to avoid a weakly thrust forelimb and again bring down his Mace to cleave in its outer shell and have it expire on the spot.

“Jace” he cries… “JACE!!!” all the time keeping an eye out for the other spider which retreated. The trail of goo it left showed that it went back behind the hedge.

Jace is lying motionless and stiff on the ground.

Marcus is nearly frightened out of his wits by these huge creatures. “Ugh, giant frickin' spiders… and they talk.” But there's no time for that now as Jace lies on the ground. Marcus rips off his helmet and yells out "Besthan! Kashi! Get back here! Jace is hurt!”

So is Marcus, but not as badly as Jace and Jace needs attention fast.Marcus puts his helmet back on and stands over Jace, protecting him as best he can. He

wishes he could do more but his bandages are back with Bangles or the wagon. Still keeping a watchful eye out, Marcus will work to staunch at least the blood flow. Hopefully the venom isn't deadly, but Marcus knows that may be a bit too much to hope for. That done and with Mace and shield at the ready the archer stands over his companion’s prone form to protect him.

Completely unaware of the terrible danger Jace and Marcus find themselves in the other 3 are milling around the entrance to the Villa.

Kashi is at a loss to explain the odd feeling he has that something is wrong when his senses pick up no evidence of evil magic. However Chaos is not the only enemy of Man and the other factions are not so easy for him to detect. Could some of the Kotothi forces have gotten here without being seen by others? It is the season for such intrusions and they could scare the wildlife enough in some cases... But which ones could do this? "I do not sense any Chaos but be wary; there may be creatures of Kotothi here as easily as Bandits. They usually do not get this far without being spotted by someone and word spreading so if they are here they must be something more stealthy than the usual twisted brute." He draws his Bow and pulls his Arrows near just in case something attacks and he has not the time to use his most potent magic’s.

Besthan, atop Bracer and with his Spear and Shield looks around nervously “How long have the others been gone? We should give them another few minutes and then go look, I don’t like this splitting up. It is not a smart thing to do”.

Ishtar sitting on the cart next to Kashi doesn’t even pretend to be interested; she still has her Longbow handy but is watching Bangles with unconcealed interest now that Marcus has wandered off. She cannot get over how much everyone is overreacting to a big case of nothing.

When the attack comes it comes completely without warning.From the roof of the villa leaps an evil black shape straight at Besthan. The creatures aim is

true and knocks him off of his horse and to the ground with an almighty thump (4HP). Bracer is unharmed but with its rider gone it has the good sense to put space between herself and the Great Spider which is now scuttling off of the shocked and dazed Besthan. Even worse for Besthan is that he dropped his Spear in the attack and now only has his Shield.

Even though Ishtar has her Longbow out she is too shocked to react immediately and misses an opportunity to hit it cleanly. By the time she has lifted her bow and notched an arrow the spider has put most of its bulk behind Besthan meaning that she only gets a shot at it if her companion stays prone… and vulnerable. The Merchant decides to use his Shield to parry the creature’s attacks but is unsuccessful and gets pinned roughly to the ground by the front forelimbs of the Spider (9HP damage from 2 attacks – you are down to 11HP). Seeing her chance Ishtar shoots but the shot goes terribly wild. Kashi has managed to take stock of the situation and perceives that Besthan is in awful trouble if he doesn’t act fast. He momentarily considers quickly casting Killing Light (at EL0) but this will take too long, instead he fires his Bow; missing poorly and shattering an arrow on the nearby Villa wall.

The Spider moves over the top of Besthan keeping him pinned with the front legs and looks like it is going to try and bite the unfortunate Human trapped beneath. This last window of opportunity allows Ishtar to fire again and this time her aim is guided by all those years of training under her harsh father and stern mother. The arrow pierces one of the main eyes of the beast and with an immense shriek it leaps up in pain completely forgetting its badly wounded prey. Kashi looses another arrow which hits it in the main body and obviously leaves it terribly wounded and close to death, he turns to smile at Ishtar in congratulation… and freezes…

It had never occurred to these three that whilst they were stoutly defending Besthan against attack there were other Spiders creeping up on them. The horses were skitterish enough to cover for their fear at seeing more of these evil beings.

When Kashi turned to praise Ishtar’s chot he could see the immense Spider looming behind her ready to strike and then felt the chill of a shadow forming over his own shoulder.

The follow-through and then the excited yell which came from scoring such a lethal blow on a foe moved Ishtar just enough to be safe from the first of the piercing leg thrusts, the second ripped down her arms and left a cut in her skin of only minor concern (1HP). The sheer fright from being so completely surprised was more than enough to make Ishtar throw herself forward in shock and dismay; she landed roughly on the ground after hitting a rein on the way down (3HP damage). From the ground next to Besthan’s cart-pulling mule she could see the monster rearing for another strike so she dropped her bow and reached for her Scimitar. Her Shield remains on the cart – useless.

The legs whip down and Ishtar rolled successfully out of their way, like Marcus she immediately saw it in terms of a cavalry battle… these were frontal attacks not flanking moves and what you can see you can avoid. Using the chance to draw her Scimitar and stumble to her feet whilst the Spider pulled back for another attack she could hear Besthan scrambling behind her and hoped that he was coming to her aid, and quickly!

The next attack ripped down giving her another minor cut on the arm (2HP, you are now down to 12HP) but allowing her to be fully ready to parry and attack next time.

The split second that Kashi had in which to register the danger was not enough to give him time to react any more than a quick turn but that was enough to turn a kidney-spearing blow into a light cut (1HP). With no armour, a Shield slung behind his back and only a Bow in his hands he was in trouble. Like Ishtar he threw himself forward off of the Cart and to the ground. He managed this manoeuvre with no pain but still landing flat. He could see ahead of him the first Spider backing off slowly and Besthan scrambling for his Spear even as blood was flowing from the cuts in his midriff.

Continuing to move forward with the momentum of the dive from the Cart Kashi stumbled to his feet and into an agonising strike from the Spider behind him (5HP damage), at least he was mobile now and he used the force of the attack to twist around even as he scrambled at his belt for his Mace. The Shield will have to wait until there is a free moment.

The Spider lunged forward again, two more attacks sliding through Kashi’s defences (7HP in total, you are down to 9HP) and leaving him with no opening for either parry or attack. Finally a bit of luck gives him breathing space as Besthan’s poor Mule takes the brunt of the next attack (4HP damage to the Mule), Kashi is still not skilful enough to turn this into an attack chance but he does use the momentary gap to whip his Shield around for a much more comprehensive defence.

“I am coming!” cries Besthan from behind as Kashi feels a Spear whistle past him and into the body of the Spider (from where it falls weakly to the ground).

Ishtar, fighting for her life, can see what it takes to beat this opponent but to do it successfully she needs a Shield to deflect the blows. She has to make do though and after absorbing a nasty blow from the blunt of its leg (3HP damage) she dances in to slice with her Scimitar leaving a nice cut on its underside and giving her a good inside advantage - which she is unable to use as the spider drops its body down and forces her to jump back to avoid being crushed.

“Good idea, bad timing” she thinks grimly as they return to their face-to-face stand off. Time and time again they lunge back and forth at each other but to no avail, they are evenly

matched.

Kashi watches the spider rear up in front of him as Besthan sends a Javelin whistling wildly past the creature. The Priest knows this is not an even fight and unless Besthan helps him soon he is going to be in terrible trouble. Even as this thought fills his mind a terrible crushing pain fills him as the Spiders leg first collects him on the chest with one of its joints to force him to the ground and then pierces his belly muscles to pin him down - the agony is unbearable(7HP, you are down to 2HP).

Wanting to throw another Javelin Besthan sees this attack and knows he has no choice but to charge in with his last Spear and fight it to the death. The Spider has Pinned Kashi for a reason and so this same reason might hold that leg in place reducing his own danger by half. He charges with Shield and Spear up in true infantry fashion – the strike is true but hardly game-changing.

The Spider lances at the Merchant and as expected leaves one leg down to pin Kashi. The thrust is poor and exposes a less armoured area where leg meets body. Capitalising on this quickly Besthan’s spear pierces this point quite deeply causing the Spider to put his full attention on this new threat.

Kashi does not even have the strength to sigh in relief as the corrupted leg is withdrawn from his flesh and instead attempts to crawl under the cart and away from immediate danger.

Facing 2 legs again Besthan dodges the first with ease but only too late sees that the second was aimed to anticipate his actions and to his horror Besthan again finds himself deeply wounded by the same move which toppled Kashi, a blow to the head stunning him and then the follow up piercing move to pin him down (7HP damage, your Leather Armour is in bad shape, you have 4HP left). There was no chance to use the Spear in return and it is again thrown from his hand from the force of the blow.

With nothing stopping it the Spider casually and slowly leans over. It almost gently places its pincers at the base of Besthan’s throat and bites. With a shudder running down the length of the Merchant’s body he turns grey and still.

Kashi, having made it to the cart and leaning in relative safety draws from the depth of his rage and calls forth a pure bright light containing the Wrath of Lord Enki. So focussed was the Spider on administering its attack on Besthan that the creature never had a chance. The Light bores a hole through the space where the creature stands and rips it apart spectacularly leaving a sodden mess to fall to the ground. The strain is too much for the Priest though and he fades into unconsciousness.

Battling back and forth trading blows for no effect is tiring work. Ishtar can hear just on the other side of the Mule a terrible battle taking place and then a cry from Kashi followed by an equally agonising scream from Besthan. “This is not going good”, she thinks as she dodges a poorly placed attack by her opponent and again dances in underneath the Spiders defences. The Spider was expecting this like the last time and intercepted her with a back leg but this exposed the other side of the monsters body and as she whipped through and back out from underneath it she was able to land her first deep cut along the base of its head causing a shriek of pain and two more wasted leg-thrusts. Again Ishtar is able to use this to her advantage and lopped off the end of one of the thrusting legs as it was being withdrawn.

Simultaneous with this a bright light and a great crack filled the air… Ishtar was shocked but the Spider she faced visibly quailed and shuddered. Not able to capitalise on this she watches as the Spider moves backwards with alarming speed – it looks like it is trying to escape. Spurred into action she rushes to pick up her Longbow from the ground and draws an arrow from her belt quiver. As the creature leaps to jump the hedge leading to the side garden she fires and strikes true for a non-lethal parting blow.

Her body is sore and bloody and she is feeling exhausted.

In the sudden silence it takes a moment or two of self-pity before she finally remembers: “Besthan! Kashi!” racing around the slightly wounded Mule she comes to a stand-still. There she sees the prone and at best terribly wounded Besthan; he is covered with the shattered and torn remains of the Spider. Under the cart slumps Kashi. Both have deep wounds but only Kashi’s are welling with blood.

She draws forth some of her bandages and starts to work on the Priest first.

It takes maybe 10minutes for Ishtar to inexpertly bandage her 2 compatriots. Once done she again draws her Scimitar and shoulders her Shield (the first thing she took from the Cart after realising she needed to care for Besthan and Kashi) and looks around her. One Spider escaped to the West, another to the Garden to the East of the house.

She knows of these creatures and remembers stories from her mother. They are called Great Spiders and are a creature of the loathsome foulness which is Kototh. They are known for their great intelligence and their ability to mimic sounds and languages. Lastly there is supposedly some great value in their furry outer hides if they can be expertly taken from their corpses. Lastly she knows that their poison is said to only be paralytic, she checks Besthan and sure enough he is breathing still but stiff as a board.

With her Shield and Scimitar up Ishtar recognises that the house is the only place they can look to for shelter. Even with the cart there is no chance of taking these two far from here safely and she has no idea how long it will take for the Spiders to heal and seek revenge. If she can get these wounded inside the house she can barricade the doors until Marcus and Jace return.

Moving up to the cottage door she looks in through the windows, the inside looks dark and none of the candles are burning nor is the hearth-fire lit as one would expect from an inhabited building. She tries the door… it is unlocked. Swinging the decoratively carved wooden door open she looks inside again and sees a richly appointed house, steps lead upwards to what would have to be a small landing, perhaps with beds and more private quarters. This level of the house has finely carved chairs and furniture. There are pieces of pottery and even an artistic piece or two. The owner of this house has money backing them, that is for sure.

She sees no immediate threat and with little to lose she ducks out to drag first Kashi and then Besthan in to the building. She leaves them lying on the cool tiles floor as she cautiously looks upstairs.

Sure enough the upper part of the building contains a large marital bed of ornate design; there are more pieces of furniture here too. There are signs of a sudden departure as shelves are half bare and an opened travel bag lies on the floor with some items of clothing spilling out of it. Taking the time to wonder through both levels now Ishtar can see more signs of the occupant’s flight as there are various items of food, clothing and sundries which have been dislodged or obviously taken in haste. It is whilst looking in the cooking area that Ishtar can see Marcus at the bottom of the back garden leaning over something.

She goes to the door here (it is barred) opens it and calls out to the man; “Marcus, we were attacked! Ambushed by Giant Spiders. We need your help… Where is Jace? Come quickly!”

Marcus, startled at first since he is still hyped up form the fright and fight calls back to Ishtar “Did you not hear me calling! I have Jace here; he is terribly wounded and poisoned too. We were also ambushed!”

Turning back inside to bar the front door and giving the place one last look over Ishtar feels comfortable enough to race out to Marcus and together drag Jace back inside. They bar the back door as well

“What about the animals?” asks Marcus, “I don’t want to leave Bangles outside with those spiders crawling around!”

“They might have more of a chance if they are free” replies Ishtar. “Besthan’s Mule was wounded and I will look at it when we are safe but if you bring your Bow and cover me I will unhitch it and set it on a long tether so it will have some freedom.”

After dragging their companions inside Marcus looks to Ishtar "Ishtar...one of us should scout out the house and make sure all of the windows are covered while the other takes care of the wounded. I think maybe fires should be started in all of the chimneys too, just to make sure those damn spiders stay outside. Also... the horses and mules are going to be targets...if those spiders are smart they'll kill the animals and make us walk. We'll be more vulnerable then." He is clearly worried about Bangles now, "But before we go anywhere, can we bandage each other up? Also, do you know anything about those creatures? I've never seen the like of them." Marcus shudders...

While each takes turns to Bandage the other Ishtar tells what she knows about the Great Spiders. Marcus shivers even more then the cold will allow for; to think of such an intelligence in a body of pure corruption. Her story told and with the bandages as set as they can be they then decide that the horses need to be seen to. Ishtar favours setting them free, feeling that their mobility will help them stay alive but Marcus is in favour of bringing them inside where they can be guarded through the afternoon and the night.

Finally it is decided that Ishtar will do her best for their 3 companions (which translates as her dragging them up the stairs and placing them into the oversized bed) before she light fires in the fire-places and checks that the windows and doors are barred.

Marcus meanwhile is able to collect most of the horses and the Mule but once Besthan’s mule is released from its harness even the skilled Marcus is unable to stop it form bolting away through the orchards and in the direction of Snow End. Frustrated and annoyed at this unfortunate turn of events he has no option but to bring the others inside and hitch them to the quite open leisure area.

Finally, with Ishtar’s bow as guard Marcus empties the Cart of the necessary items (Food, armour, water etc) and brings them inside just in case nothing remains of the owner’s provisions.

This has taken the better part of 2 hours and while the sun is up Ishtar starts to search for anything that could help them… and, as she likes to put it… ‘shinys’.

In short order she finds under the bed a few loose boards which are easily pulled open to reveal 37CC and 16SC mixed up in a pile. In a drawer on a small bench lie 2 small gems (1x light wine coloured and 1x transparent red coloured) and a quite lovely broach with a multicoloured spiral stone cut smooth to show off its glory. Right next to them sit a small wooden box with 4 SC inside and a bunch of tiny chisels and various tools of unknown use. There is also a huge glass mirror up here which is a sight to behold… it shows the real fortune of its owner as this is not the sort of thing any person could afford.

Marcus joins in the hunt and downstairs in an old and uninteresting vase he finds 3GC. Next to it sits a book but between he and Ishtar they are unable to work out what it says apart from guessing it is a travel journal of some form.

As the evening starts to bite in deeper and the sun drops a noise from upstairs sends both of the conscious party members up. There they find Kashi, looking pale and disorientated but at least conscious.

The Priest looks at Besthan and Jace and then the memories come rushing back, “Spiders! Great Spiders… children of Kothoth, no wonder I could not sense them!” He carefully crawls to the side of the bed and then sits for a moment, unsteady and ill. He stands and swoons before finally making it to his feet. “I need some water and food… if I can get my strength back then I can start to tend to all our wounds.” He looks down at the inexpert bandaging as done by Ishtar “Who bandaged me? I can tell that whoever it is makes a better warrior than nurse!” He laughs and then runs to the night bucket where he vomits bile”.

A few hours later Marcus and Ishtar have had a chance to cook some travel ration gruel to share with Kashi, they are both on Guard as Kashi stands uneasily and says, “I feel better now… it is time to help heal some of our pain.” He starts to walk upstairs. “Please come with me, I shall start with brave Besthan who nearly sacrificed his own life because I have neglected to work on the martial skills taught me by my Master.” You can see he is tried and you feel a combination of admiration at his loyalty and devotion mixed with pity at his own poor state. “I shall need you to support me, this is a draining process and I shall give up a little of my own life energy to achieve the Great Lord Enki’s work.

At the bed Kashi pulls forth a small water skin and pours water of his hands. He focuses his own life energy into the palm of his hands and places it gently on Besthan’s brow. In front of your eyes you see him visibly improve as minor cuts appear to fill with water and then heal immediately (+9HP). Kashi on the other hand unsteadily wavers on his feet at the strain of the casting.

Next he stands over Jace and smiles. “I only know about stout Jace from what Marcus has told me, as usual he has fought like a lion and I am proud to ride with him. I hope Enki shows him that all streams fill rivers which then become the great Sea of oneness with Peace and the Law. His wounds are only light so I think I can safely let him rest and trust in his own recovery.

You wander back downstairs and again the ritual is acted out as Kashi places a hand on his own brow and lets the cool water trickle down his face (+8HP). He looks immediately brighter and better than before and even the drained and grey look on his face is replaced with some colour and life.

Ishtar is not so lucky (+2HP) as she rebels against the Magic. She knows she should trust it and this Priest but her family always warned her about Mages and their pacts with Demons and other horrors.

Lastly Marcus who despite his protestations is still wounded enough for Kashi to insist upon blessing him with healing. The warm glow as the watery hand touches his face is like a shower of gold

down his back (+8HP), reminiscent of rising under a cool glacial waterfall in a high summer’s. Despite himself he beams from ear to ear not unlike a young boy on fair day. He bows his head in thanks and admiration.

Kashi smiles and eases himself down in one of the comfortable chairs. Although looking significantly better he is obviously still weak. “I think, for now… I will rest” With a smile on his face from the good works he was able to do he eases into a deep slumber. [You gain 2 more Magic Characteristic Points, Healing Hand 19PE]

With Kashi falling asleep and the other two party members apparently paralysed the guard duty falls to Ishtar and Marcus. Ishtar then compares the wounds she has suffered and the way that Marcus is in better shape and states that although she would be better off resting as much as possible she knows she must take responsibility for the watch.

The night passes with little incident despite Marcus falling asleep on his watch due to the sheer length of the day and the trials he faced. He woke in time to quickly rebuild the fires and scold himself for a laxity that could have caused the groups severe danger.

The morning breaks and it is obvious that Ishtar is feeling better (+4HP) though Jace and Besthan are still paralysed. Their breath is steady and apparently their bodies have relaxed enough to soil the bed and make their muscles less tense and tight.

With Besthan there is another part to this story. There is a cut on his upper arm which was bruised and inflamed right from the start. At some time during the evening it became quite hot and started to weep clear fluid. Miraculously through every time you look at the wound it seems as through clear water is flowing through the wound, cleaning and cooling it.

Kashi is shown this as soon as he wakes and he nods his head knowingly. “The Good Lord Enki sees fit to show Besthan special favour for his service. By all rights his wounds should be infected and a threat to his life. Through me Lord Enki has provided a cure before the disease even started.” He bows his head and prays a deep prayer of thanks for the wisdom of his God.

“I am rested enough to consider more healing but too much of even this good thing can be a danger. I cannot attempt to heal more than once every 24 hours – anything more is to tempt to breaking the compact of the Gods. Also I cannot use my own body as a conduit for too much longer, I shall have to use Magical means soon as this I can use without fear of being overly drained” (+6 Mana, you only have 73 of 116 Energy).

Once the morning has been settled into and the remaining party members are sure there are no Spiders about to cause an immediate threat the conversation moves to ‘what next’?

Ishtar is adamant that the group should stay in the security of the house until Jace and Besthan are able to stand and fight again. Marcus, with a sigh of frustration at all this sitting around disagrees. He and Kashi feel that the other 2 can be loaded on the Cart and taken to the Grostelli Family Estate where they might find better aid and more security.

Seeing the frustration on Marcus’ face causes Ishtar’s temper to rise and she wastes no words in dressing Marcus down and reminding him who is working for.

Kashi listens to this with alarm, "I have no say in your work arrangements, go or stay matters little to me other in how it affects others. I will treat the injured people in either case. But I do not know how long this poison will take to wear off; though I think I heard it was days. The longer it takes the more care they will need as they will have to get water and food somehow. Water is more important of course. If it takes longer than a few days they will be quite weak when they do finally awaken. They may be in no condition to defend themselves. I will of course do all I can to improve on that but I have never treated anyone for this before. So you can see go or stay is a tough call, if you go you could get to a place that can better treat them, or you could run into another ambush. If you stay you may be safe but incapable of proper care for them. I will say this, if those spiders are waiting for us, we are in for some major troubles. If everyone is ready to fight them we should make it, with the few of us right now that is quite a lot less certain.

“What we cannot afford is to fight amongst ourselves for any reason."

Marcus listens to the woman speak her piece."Hmf" he grunts, "I hear you. Truthfully I hadn't thought about them bringing reinforcements. And that's something intelligent creatures would do. All

right... we stay. Do we need to do anything else to make sure we are safe? Food and water, are they sufficient?"

Much of this doesn’t sink in to Ishtar and obviously Kashi and Marcus decide that it would be best to leave her be for the time being, Jace and Besthan seem to be able to control her moods much better. Kashi has a quick word with Marcus and hears about the Stream at the back of the house. Together they decide to secure the animals outside for a chance to give them some feed and to pick some fruits and vegetables from the garden.

Once they are able to show that the coast is clear they also venture into the dark hedges at the back of the garden with Bow and Mace out. They quickly ascertain that the Spiders are not in their previous ambush position so they use the chance to draw water from the cool fresh stream.

Morning turns to afternoon and when Kashi is checking upstairs on the wounded men, cleaning their dressings and giving them a wash he notices that Jace has opened his eyes! He can see that he is even able to wiggle his little finger a bit… this is great news and he shares it with the others. Within a few hours Besthan too is showing similar responses… it seems that the poison is starting to wear off!

The evening comes and Kashi is rested enough to be able to take his turn with the watch allowing Marcus and Ishtar have some more sleep than the previous night.

It is during Kashi’s watch that the poison, which has been slowly wearing off all evening, finally drains from first Jace’s then Besthan’s system enough for them to take some water and light gruel, they are able to talk for the first time and Kashi wakes Ishtar and Marcus to share the good news.

By morning they men are taking their first tentative steps and whilst they are weak and nauseous they are obviously going to survive the Spider bites. Even better news is that thanks to Kashi’s excellent care both Ishtar and Marcus have managed to fully recover from their wounds and they learn some of Kashi’s craft whilst he treats them.

Seeking to set things right as quickly as possible Kashi casts some of his Healing Magic doing wonders for Besthan (+7HP) and himself (+7HP) but not so much for Jace (+1HP)

By mid-morning both Jace and Besthan have eaten as much as they can stomach and you have come close to emptying the house of its stored provisions. Your water flasks and skins are full and with the exception of Besthan’s Mule the animals are taken care of.

However, you are 2 days behind schedule (it now being the 26th of April and an Overcast sky makes it a relatively warm 7˚C) and you have not collected the tax from this location. It is roughly noon.

The formerly unconscious members of the group have been informed of the items found by Ishtar and Marcus and it is time to make a decision as to your next step. Besthan confidently states that the next Taxable location is just an hour’s journey down the road you used to get here. He cannot predict with any confidence whether the Spiders have travelled this way also!

Expertise/ExperienceBesthan Horsemanship (1PE), Spear – Throwing (4PE)

20ExpIshtar Tanner (7PE), Healer (2PE), Teamster (1PE)

Scimitar (4PE)66Exp Gain 1 Combat Characteristic

Jace Horsemanship (1PE), Survival – Hill (1PE)Sword (6PE), Target Shield (6PE)76 Exp Gain 2 Combat Characteristics

Kashi Healer (6PE), Teamster (1PE)Bow (4PE)Killing Light (8PE), Healing Hand (19PE)8Exp, 57MExp Gain 1 Magic Characteristic

Marcus Healer (2PE), Survival – Hill (1PE)Mace (6PE), Target Shield (4PE)64 Exp Gain 1 Combat Characteristic

Episode 2.12Location: The Mordaran PlainsDate: 26th of April, 206DE 6:30 pm Weather: Overcast, Temp 3˚C

Name Status Other NotesBesthan 13/24HP

Bracer 100% Warhorse IIDunkle 13/17HP Mule

Ishtar 100%Miu Miu 100% Mule

Jace 18/22HPFlax 100% Dog ICaboose 100% Mule

Kashi 100%EnLvl 74/116Mana 43/48

Marcus 100%Mr. Bangles 100% Warhorse II

The party start to prepare to move out and Ishtar takes the lead with getting transport organised: “Jace, you’re in bad condition and you cannot sit on a mule for long I am sure. You wanted to learn how to drive a cart, so why don't you hook up your beast to it and drive a little while we're on the flat? I'll ride next to you on Miu Miu for assistance. There is no way either of our mules can pull both of us plus the cart and equipment. We'll be far too heavy. If you prefer to walk however, go on ahead.”

“Hmmm…” ruminates Jace, "Feeling a little woosey but if someone is willing to help me I think I can ride... or maybe try to control the wagon. Personally I would very much like to clean up and get out of here"

Marcus sniffs the air in an exaggerated manner and smiles broadly at Jace. "Yeah...cleaning up would be a good idea... However I'm glad you're all right." Marcus reaches out his hand for Jace to shake. "You too Besthan. You had a rough go of it out there.”

As he shakes his hand Jace responds with a typical laugh "Yeah a bit wiffy huh!" Let’s clean up together, there was a stream or creek nearby right? Mind if we all head that way so we can wash and clean our clothing? As much as modesty forbids I would suggest we all go, yes you to Ishtar, just to be safe. We can use it to also water the horses and such before getting the hell out of here and onto our next location".

He thinks for a second then speaks again, "I must also say sorry for my actions, running off like that had put the entire party in danger, I should not of done so. If you can forgive me my actions... and my smell I would like to head down to the creek to get this filth off of me"..

As a group you make your way down to the creek where the cool clean water is able to wash the bodies and clothes of especially Jace and Besthan. You all put on spare clothing to allow your other garments time to dry and to ensure the chill in the air does not lead to sickness.

Kashi remembers to set the Doss Peak lady's gift afloat on the stream and say a little prayer for her. It took longer to arrange than he thought due to all the troubles.

After the men are finished Ishtar also uses the creek to wash.Once all are finished, Kashi says a prayer asking for Enki's aid to protect his people from the

ravages of Kotothi. While Kotothi is not officially an Enemy of Law it is often an ally of Chaos and an Enemy of Man.

By the time you finish and return to the house the conversation has moved to Besthan’s Mule

“Look Best…” states Ishtar with a note of irritation in her voice “I understand you want us to look for your Mule but you are also always pushing us to move on. I suggest that we do this for no more than an hour as we are running behind time. After all, you still have your horse don't you?”

“Sure Ishtar” states the equally blunt Besthan, “I am happy to not search from my mule if you are happy to give me yours or 9 silver."

Ishtar throws her hands up in the air in frustration and Marcus decides to defuse the situation by taking her out to the Spider corpses to see if she can skin them for their pelts.

Besthan had already asked who would be best to find the missing beast but it seems that only Kashi has the level of skill needed. So skilful is he in fact that within 15 minutes of walking outside and starting to check the soft orchard ground he is able to pick up the Mules tracks. With Jace for support and as an assistant in the tracking they are able to find and return the poor scared beast within just 30 more minutes

Marcus and Ishtar are able to use the time to collect 1 full pelt and 2 partial pelts from the spiders. [Ishtar is now EL44 in Tanner]

Jace’s Mule is hitched to the wagon and Besthan’s is tended by Marcus to the best of his abilities and tethered to the back of the wagon.

Besthan is obviously feeling better enough to start issuing orders: "Everyone, let’s get moving. We are behind our schedule and we still have to go to 3 more places over the next 2 days to finish this horror of a tax run. Jace driving the cart is a good idea as long as there is no chance he will drive it over a cliff. The other good thing about this is that Ishtar is free to keep her bow handy. I am not feeling 100% but I will ride Bracer and keep watch from the back as usual."

As everyone mounts up Jace stands and then states: “What do we do about the gold and other goods we found? I refuse to be a party to theft, if you won’t be honest I will. I will turn and kill a man who is trying to kill me without quarrel but I will not steal from a family who may or may not be alive. And the Mord knows we’re here, I know were here, and surely you Priest would not condone such actions?"

"Jace is right…" sighs Ishtar "We may as well just take the tax money and move on. We're already running behind on the collection, we don't want to be accused of being any trouble either."

“Sweet blessed Gods!” says the exasperated Besthan, “Think about it.... who REALLY knows we were here? Who knows that we took the loot? If worse comes to worse we can say that we had to deal with the bandits who looted the place and the spiders as well. And don’t forget that tax is due here and while we have the Spider skins to prove that this place we attacked and ravaged; we might be paying this tax from out own pockets!” Kashi frowns over taking things from innocents, "Normally I would try to convince you that taking anything from the house is robbery and improper. But I gave it more thought and if we could have trapped those spiders in the house I would have burned it down. That would have taken far more from the people in the same cause of protecting others from the enemy. So while it is a little questionable, taking payment to rid the area of the spiders and to collect the tax must be considered as proper in this case. I do not think the amount you found was critical to the operation of the Farm so it will not cause undue hardships. But if we are called to task on it, I will pay it back personally as in my judgment it was not improper."

Marcus adds "We can ask around when get back to the Mord if anybody from the farm is known to still be alive. If they are, we can cough up the coins then saying we snagged them for safekeeping. If not, then we have for us to share."

"If we take it then we must be upfront and honest with the Mord about how we found it. This place is vacant and we were looking for something worth the tax they owe for him and present him with it. If we don’t and people come back to find this place looted we could end up being treated as bandits" Jace reflects for another moment: "Then again, maybe the Gold we found is their tax? Left it behind in case we show up, showing foresight in that regard if they did. The Mord will be able to clear that up for us. Let’s separate it from the collected tax but also keep it in a pouch separate from our spoils just in case."

Kashi sighs and looks a little guilty, "The act has already been committed and putting it back in no way insures it will go to the owners of this place. Collecting the Tax is justified, collecting a fee to pay for killing and driving away the Great Spiders is morally questionable because they have no say in the amount. I judged it acceptable under these conditions as we may need such monetary help quite soon. If my judgment is in error, I will stand for the complete amount as I said before. The amount is not overly large and would not damage operations of the farm. Had we avoided this place it is likely many people would have died, so we did provide a great service at considerable risk." "But you are also right in that it is a violation of Law. I am willing to take that 'stain' instead of fighting over it amongst ourselves in a place that already came close to killing us. Remember even entering this building to save our lives was in violation of Law. But that could be acceptable under the Laws of Hospitality in this case. We are responsible for any damages incurred due to our actions." "The best way for me to cover all the irregularities is to leave a notice that I take responsibility

for all of this. If the surviving family is of a greedy bent then it will cost me greatly. If they understand and wanted revenge then everything will be fine. Enki will be the final judge and I believe he will not find me so greatly wrong. You see that is a large part of why I serve away from the large towns. The Elders did not always agree with my findings. Some think Law is absolute when it must be tempered with the conditions. No Law can be written well enough that someone cannot apply it to wrongly abuse others. Many very rich people depend on such misreading of Law." "If you found a coin in the street, would you pick it up? That is theft under the Law because it does not belong to you. It should be returned to whomever lost it. Now if you spent that coin, should that make the merchant the thief? Actually it does because the coin is in his possession. I am sure you can see the Law becomes more ridiculous the further that coin travels. How many coins or other objects are tainted with crimes that can result in their bearer being punished even when they had nothing to do with the crime?" "So call the found things forfeit for the Spiders using the house as a means to assault us. Had the house not been there, the spiders could not have used it to hide nor to leap from its roof in ambush. Thus it greatly aided their criminal assault upon us." "I expect I will be punished more for saying that than anything else we have done here."

Marcus speaks up here, "If there are no owners and no heirs, then this belongs to whomever might find it. However..." he says holding up a hand to Jace before he can object "...we don't know if there are survivors or heirs. Perhaps we should take what coin and jewels we do find to the Mord and let him determine that. It's possible that someone survived this mess. They did, after all, have armed guards. Were we in enemy territory I wouldn't hesitate to take whatever was not nailed down" he says then Marcus smiles with a remembered thought. "That's why some soldiers always had a hammer or pry bar with them. But in our own territory...well, there are limits. So let's take it to the Mord. That and the pelts as evidence of the spiders. Perhaps it will gain us some favour with him."

Jace smiles: "that I can agree with, so many soldiers do things morally reprehensible in their own lands. I agree with you Marcus and your reasoning, as long as we let the Mord decide. Thank you all for hearing me out on this, it plays with my mind, I grew up with everything I needed and don’t feel proud at taking from those who cannot afford it. As you say we have no idea who is left of this family, best let the Mord decide."

By this point Ishtar has wandered away all very bored with the preceding… either take it or not… why all the words?

“Have we finished our soul-searching?” sneers Besthan, “You lot would not last 10minutes in Pelara, stick to the north where things are more… naïve… Anyway, enough talk.... lets move on!"

You have decided to take with you the coins and the Book as well as the Gems. Besthan knows that the Mirror would be worth some good coin but it is a large item and would be difficult to explain as anyone seeing it would assume you have looted this item from a fine house.

The overcast sky brings with it weather that is slightly warmer than the past week and it is a nice respite from the biting cold. Also clean clothes and the prospect of the other garments being washed is a pleasant one.

As your little caravan wends its way through the orchard then back out the gate and follows the road as it turns left to the West you fall back into your usual travelling style. Marcus is at the front and Besthan to the rear. Kashi sits next to Jace who is doing his best to keep the cart moving in the correct direction, Ishtar rides next to him on Miu Miu the Mule.

The road is as you remember it from just 3 days earlier. It is cool and shaded with trees and shrubs weaving their way between the steep-ish slopes and rocky outcrops of the Hills. The road runs fairly straight and seems well-enough travelled though you have not seen a single creature, either fair or foul since on this road since Snows End.

It takes just 1.5 hours to make it to the walls that mark the Grostelli Farm’s entrance. The wall is earthen and while it was obviously designed in the past to be of some defensive value it is no longer needed for this purpose apparently. There is a wooden gate but it is open like the Cordialis Farm’s was… however in this case there are 2 men armed with Shield and Spear sitting nearby talking and eating apples.

“Goo’day to ye kind Sirs and Madam” says one of the rustic soldiers as he stands with little regard to his defensive posture at all. “Ye look ta be carrying a fair bit of ironmongery there so me guess’ll be that ye be adventurers here for some of me Masters famous fruits. They are priced fairly and I can vouch that they are as succulent as can be!”

You look at each other… what is going on in these hills? A crazy village full of tree-worshippers, then a murderous Ambush by Kotothic monstrosities and a supposedly well-guarded estate empty of owners and soldiers and now… just a little way down the road… you are faced with amateur soldiers with nary a care in the world!

Aghast at the slovenly look of these ‘soldiers’ who are just an hour away form the place where you all came so close to death it takes some seconds before Besthan is able to blurt out "Kind fellows, we are representatives of the Mord's will and come bearing his seal. If you would be gentle enough to show us to your Master that we might collect what is due to our Lord and Master."

The soldier stands up quickly upon hearing of your mission and your intention to speak to his Master.

"Ah, kind Sirs and Madam, me deepest apologies. We get so many of them type that run off to the mountains and never return that we've come to think of all visitors as customers. If ye will be kind enough to wait I'll send Ja here off to fetch the Masters Chamberlain."

He makes what he assumes would be a polite bow and then clips the boy sitting next to him across the side of the head. "Ja you fool, are you even listening? Fetch Master Fou and don’t be slack about it."

The other soldier, young and dressed just as slovenly as the first jumps up and rushes off, then returns half a minute later with a sheepish look on his face "Forgot me Shield..." he says before grabbing his Shield and racing off again.

Climbing off of the Cart Kashi walks up to the remaining soldier (if he can be called that): "Excuse me, I am Kashi, Ashipu Dama of Enki, have you heard of any problems with the Cordialis Farm? Or anything else odd? While I am travelling, I need to check how well the people are doing and see to their spiritual needs."

The man, who is apparently overwhelmed now by the presence of representatives of the Mord and now a Holy Priest falls to his knees and bows his head low; “Honoured Father, blessed be the Great Lord Enki and those Gods and Goddesses who walk by ‘is side. Of Cordialis Farm I can say nought, our men ride past them to sell to Snows End and they ride past us to sell to Mordara and the Plains but we common folk have nothing to do with them. I know Master and Mistress Grostelli know the Master of Cordialis well, but that is not for one of my station in life to ask about. I know of no disturbances.”

Kashi returns to the Party and lifts his eyebrows at that; the Priest obviously cannot believe how poorly these men have prepared for danger.

This sets the stage for Besthan to enquire further: “Tell me of these adventurers. You say they come often for the supplies your master provides? What are those supplies? Where do these adventurers go? I can see those mountains just to the East of here, is that where they head? What is it that they seek there?"

"Well m'luds, the Adventurers usually split off two ways, the most common lot head back down to the Plains and thence to the Northern Mountains as yon Master pointed out. This is because me'Luds fruit and produce is uncommon good and last longer than the usual provisions you find in a muddy village like Mordara." Obviously his rustic mind quickly realises that some of you might call Mordara home, "No offence though... Anyways the second lot tend to head to the East from here where the Mountains we call 'The Knuckles' rise out of these very Hills" He points to the ESE at a small range of mountains which are capped in clouds.

The Peaks, while nothing of the magnitude of the huge range to your North have still caught your eyes numerous times as you travelled South of the Gap and do indeed look a little like knuckles of a hand rising from the jagged Hill ridges surrounding them. Their base appears to be 3-4 Miles away from here but you saw no turn off road that heads in their direction. To the Mountaineers among you it is obvious that these would be treacherous as their peaks are whipped by strong winds.

"Obviously we see naught of the ones who go North and return, I am sure that laden down with booty they head straight to Mordara and the rich merchants there" he cackles and then spits on the ground a big glob of phlegm, "Of the ones that explore the Knuckle we also usually see naught, though sometimes a party will return this way, usually with less than sets out and never have I seen them carting any great reward for their troubles. What they seek there, who knows? I am sure the Fey Folk try to warn them off but we Humans can be wilful and arrogant at the best of times."

This explanation satisfies the rest of you and in the gentle sunlight of the early afternoon you wait at peace. Ishtar, bored as usual with these dealings with ‘commoners’ is tending to her Mule whilst Marcus rests in his saddle and drinks deep of the good clean air. Kashi is a little less at ease and meditates as he watches the surrounds, these soldiers might be fools but he is not. Jace looks impatient to be gone, he likes these Hills not, a sentiment he shares with Besthan. Only Besthan stands near the gate, his posture is one of restful ease and he is not preparing himself for defence but rather wanting to convey confidence.

When the small gate to the side of the main gate opens you each turn to look at the man who walks out. He is certainly not what you expected. The man is of a race that none of you have seen before, he has what are described as ‘the Eastern Look’ with slightly almond eyes and an ochre cast to his skin, he is small than average, about the same height as Ishtar. He is dressed in fine pants and a shirt and when he speaks it is with a definite accent.

“Welcome collectors,” he bows deeply, “I understand you are here for the taxes? If you will show the Seal” he waits calmly but the trained warrior in you notices that he is extremely finely balanced upon the balls of his feet and yet appears totally relaxed.

Besthan walks towards him, the man does not react, with a flourish and a bow of his own he presents the Seal and Writ. It is studied by the small Chamberlain. From his shirt sleeves he draws forth a parchment bag and the customary wax strip. Inside the parchment rests the single Gold Coin which constitutes the tax required from the farm. The seal is imprinted upon the wax and then without a word and only a low bow again to indicate the conversation is over the man turns and walks straight through the gate which is closed gently behind him.

Besthan turns to you all with a nonplussed look upon his face and states: “Well, I guess that is that then…” Jace’s laugh booms out and he whips the Mule into action.

As the lone shabby soldier wishes “Ye’all a goo’day” you start out, thankful to be leaving these Hills and the bizarre inhabitants of them.

The ride down mirrors the ride up. The road is an easy one and perfect for Jace to try to learn how to manage a Team and Wagon. Marcus keeps close but stays at the Van with his eyes scanning the sides of the road for the danger you now know lurks out there. Even Ishtar is less cocksure than usual and can be seen to be keeping her lethal Longbow close to hand.

The Road wends back and forth but always drawing back around in a North-Westerly direction and it is only a few short hours before you come to the crossroads which leads to Snows End. Obviously no one wants to return there in a hurry so you take the Western path which leads down to the Plains. The consensus in the Party is to stop at the Stone Ring whence you rested prior to entering these Hills.

Marcus reminds you to be on the alert, the pass that leads from the Hills to the Plains is through a rocky defile which is perfect for ambushing those coming up from the Plains but is sure to be a good spot to cause harm to those leaving the Hills too. Ultimately his concerns, while valid, are unfounded and you pass through the rocky gloom of the valley in peace and safety. The Plains stretch out before you and Marcus, Ishtar and Besthan let their mounts run freely as they circle the cart in joy at being away from the confines of narrow forested paths and rocky hills.

In short order the Stone circle is found again, and like the first time it is unoccupied by any others and you stop to let your animals graze and set up camp.

Whilst Meals are cooked and tents are raised Kashi manages to Heal himself and offers the same to Jace and Besthan but they politely decline feeling that they would only be wasting the good graces of the Gods now that they can heal naturally.

Marcus takes a look at the wounded Mule and this time, with some of the fresh herbs of the Plains to aid him, is able to ease its wounds [Marcus is EL9 in Horse Husbandry].

Dinner is shared and conversation turns to tomorrow.“We have 3 more taxes to collect, “states Besthan with a satisfied belch, “they are all farms

clustered together on the Plains between this place and Mordara itself. We need only ride to the South West to find them. Collecting these taxes will see us at the end of this run and just a few short hours ride from returning to the Town and the Mord. And I for one will be glad to be done with this tedious task; we have seen plenty out there of interest and it rankles me to be locked into this mundane collection.”

“You forget one thing friend Besthan” interjects Jace, “What of the Bandits? We have seen naught of them since we left Doss Peak but our options are limited and they know where we must go. What danger must we face from them before we reach town, and indeed, will town be safe at all?”

Expertise/ExperienceBesthanIshtar Horsemanship (1PE), Tanner (6PE)Jace Teamster (1PE), Survival – Hill (1PE)Kashi Teamster (1PE), Healing (2PE)

4MExpMarcus Horse Husbandry (10PE), Tanner (1PE)

Episode 2.13Location: Thiand, Brand and Brandrant FarmsDate: 27th of April, 206DE 10:30 pm Weather: Cloudy, Temp 10˚C

Name Status Other NotesBesthan 100%

Bracer 100% Warhorse IIDunkle 100% Mule

Ishtar 100%Miu Miu 100% Mule

Jace 19/22HPFlax 100% Dog ICaboose 100% Mule

Kashi 100%EnLvl 75/116100%

Marcus 100%Mr. Bangles 100% Warhorse II

After pitching camp on the evening of the 26th the Party sits up for a few hours to discuss the possibility of another encounter with the Bandits tomorrow. The consensus is that attack or even ambush is likely and with that in mind everyone focuses on the task at hand. Those with better armour pull them out and tend to them to ensure they are in the best condition; Ishtar and Marcus oil their bows and smooth the flights of their arrows.

This is stuff that experienced warriors do every day as a matter of course but it would be foolish to deny that nervousness at the unknown fight ahead is playing a part in these preparations.

The night passes quietly and uneventfully for all but Kashi who is woken during his sleep by Marcus. “Kashi wake up!”

Kashi stirs and lunges for the Spear he keeps by his side in frantic panic“Honoured Father, you were thrashing about in your sleep and making all sorts of noise, there

is nothing to fear here but it looked like you were fighting something in your dreams. Are you OK?”Kashi looks up at him companion, stares into his eyes for a few moments, “Just a bad dream,

is all…” He places a hand on the Archers arm, “You did the right thing man, thank you. There is nothing to be alarmed about though.” He nods his head in thanks and then rolls over to go back to sleep.

Morning rises on the beautiful flat wide Plains of Mordara, all of you feel the fresh air and it feels good. Even Ishtar seems to be in a playful and friendly mood as she looks forward to riding Besthan’s War Mount, Bracer, into glorious battle. She has already prepared the Cart for Jace to guide and has packed much of the goods away so that you can make an early start.

Besthan himself is feeling much better and is happily aware that the last of the physical damage he suffered from the Great Spiders and their poison has passed. He feels like he is back to full physical health.

There is little to be done and even less to be said as Besthan points you down the faint worn path which leads to the SW and back towards Mordara. Jace is quiet though and each of you watch him with concern.

Riding on the Plains is no chore and though the Cart slows you down it allows for a pleasant mornings journey. You are even able to catch some small Hares and Rabbits (14FP) which will make a nice addition to a final celebratory meal tonight in The Silver Tusk. The barkeep there should be able to roast them up for you at minimal cost.

By 10am the horizon starts to be cluttered with small dwelling for the outlying peasant farmers who run Sheep and Cattle on the open plains. They live a precarious existence this far out from protection but land is plentiful, free and rich with grass for their herds.

Soon after you come to a series of fences and pens which leads through to crops and further fenced areas with fine looking Horses, Cattle and Sheep. This is surely the location of the 3 Farms that you have come to make your final tax call at.

Riding past the fences you come, after a time, to an inner palisade. It is not high, only slightly higher than a man but each wooden post tapers to a sharpened point and lies at a slight outwards angle. There are workers and the occasional soldier; these farms appear to be guarded but nowhere near as intensely as you have seen in the Hill Villages and Estates.

You hail one of the workers and ask the location of the main entrance. The woman bows slightly and then points further around to the SW. Sure enough only a few minutes away a sturdy gate stands. It is open but watched over by 4 Guards; 2 armed with Spear and Shield in the manner of the Donaran foot infantry and 2 with Bow and Dagger – a very conventional force despite wearing only Leather Armour.

Besthan rides forward and presents the Writ and Seal. “We are representatives of the Mord’s will and come bearing a Writ for the Taxes due to him and the Land. Please alert your Masters to our presence.”

One of the soldiers glances at the paper and to Besthan’s eye it is apparent that he can actually read the written word. He nods, “If you will wait I will alert the Masters of your arrival. You have been expected.” He turns and walks off without a word to his companions. The 3 remaining soldiers stand at ease but with a far more diligent air than the poor excuses you saw at the Grostelli Farm, they do not talk, to yourselves or each other.

Within 10minutes the first soldier returns. He holds a leather pouch which he opens to reveal 3GC and 11SC as is the required amount. He also carries 3 wax strips to receive the imprint.

The transaction completed he nods and returns to the gate where he passes the Wax Strips to a young boy who is obviously waiting for them. The boy runs off and the Soldier goes back to stand with his companions.

Besthan, not satisfied that all his questions have been answered walks to the soldier and asks him "You said we were expected, who was expecting us and why? If we were expected then why were we not greeted by your Masters?"

The Soldier replies "A rider came up just the other day bearing the Chamberlain’s Shield to ask about tax collection. It seems they were expecting you back. I was asked by the Masters if any of my troops had seen you on our shift." He pauses to turn and smile at his fellow soldiers and then looks back to you, "As for the Masters not coming to greet you, well, I am sure they are far too busy running the farms and enforcing the Mord’s will in this area. Next time I could beseech them to make sure they line the paths with troopers in full ceremonial armour and greet you personally with flower petals." This gets a hearty laugh from Jace.

Marcus hastens over at this report “That rider. Do you or any of your men know who that was? Have you seen him before? We believe there are bandits trying to rob the Mord's tax money. We've fought some of them already and know there to be more... and possibly, probably, waiting for us at Mordara. It's possible that he is one of their number. We have been delayed in our return because of attacks."

The Soldier at first looks disinterested in the continuing questions but at the mention of the word 'Bandits' he shows more attention. "We have had to fight off those predators on numerous occasions; they never go for a pitch fight but rather hit and run. For one of them to steal the Seal of the Chamberlain and come here in search of information as to your whereabouts would be impossible

at the least. Still, if you are carrying the Mord's Taxes then I can understand why you would be a target for this scum. And you say you have been attacked by them previously? Well, take a care, the roads leading into Mordara will not be safe to you then. You should be safer inside the village; I have yet to hear of them taking on anyone where they might have to pay in blood for their thieving ways and my guess is that those whose business relies on the town would not have some upstarts mess with their turf."

Marcus thinks for a moment as Jace is chuckling still over the ‘flower petals’ jibe. "If they ambushed and murdered the real messenger bearing such a Seal, not an unthinkable act for them, then we might very well have the situation I am concerned about. Still, thanks you for your suggestion about the roads. I had already come to that conclusion. I was thinking we should try to find a way to approach the town from the far side of it, instead of walking directly into their greedy maws. Keep alert and safe." Marcus nods his appreciation and respect, as a fellow soldier.

Kashi meanwhile, hearing a smug tone in the soldiers voice chastises him with a stern look, "Do not take your duties lightly, there are large groups of Bandits as well as worse things loose.

The soldier quickly turns from answering Marcus and looks affronted that you would even suggest he is lax in his duties, "I can assure you Honoured Father that I do take my duties VERY seriously" they are obviously a better class of soldiers than the last lot you saw at Grostelli Farm.

The Priest continues “There were a few surviving Great Spiders from a near-fatal battle we had who may decide this farm is easy food for them once they have recovered. We do not have the time to hunt them down like I would desire, so I hope you and your men are skilled or you may face the fate of your neighbours. If you are fortunate, they will return to the mountains due to nearly dying and not return to human lands. I will report our findings to the temples and the Mord and request a troop be sent to sweep this area. But until then it would be best if you watch for things on the roofs or in trees or other high places when you make your rounds as they love to jump upon their food. Be sure to tell all that to your Masters since they are too busy to have the courtesy to greet Official visitors or Priests.”

Kashi makes to leave, offended at the snub by the owners of the farm “My duty here is done; I have inquired about those needing my services and warned you of new dangers...” He stops and turns once more “No I will be generous and do more for you. Face the spiders with Archers as much as you can. Few in reach of them will survive such fierce attacks even in heavy armour. Carry spears point up if you walk near anything they can jump from as that may make them reluctant to risk landing on it. If you are fortunate and drive them off, those bitten are simply paralysed by the poison and can recover in a few days if properly treated."

The soldier is respectful now and obviously appreciative of your tale "We are often faced with trials sent by Kototh" You can see one of the female soldiers behind him make a warding sign at the mention of that name - this is a common superstition among the lesser classes to ward off His influence. "I have not faced creatures such as these before, usually we are tested by a few Goblins and on occasion something larger and more aggressive. As for gigantic spiders I have never even heard of such a thing. I shall certainly mention this to my superiors so that we might keep look out for them and I appreciate your sage advice Father. Indeed we are blessed with excellent archers here and I shall make sure they know what to expect should these creatures come our way."

“Bah!” calls out the ever impetuous Ishtar "Kashi you are wasting your time. These Plains folk are soft and they have forgotten how to be polite to strangers even. Let’s move on and leave them to be spider food."

The more polite members wish the Soldier good luck and fortune and then as a group you ride a short way off to a patch of grass near a gurgling stream

Besthan, as ever the main driving force to see this mission completed speaks first even before you all come to a stop, "Good thinking Marcus. I like the idea of swinging around Mordara. It has just 2 roads leading into it: one leading to the north and the border to Caldo and the other leading south to Donara City. Also the village is not walled; if we can find it then we can enter it from any place with ease. Anyway, I am sorry to have to say this again; hopefully it is for the last time. We should get a move on. If we are agreed to enter the town from the east or the south then once Kashi has given us his blessing we should make a move. I do not relish the thought of fighting these bandits in the dark. My vote is for the east, to go to the south will add too much time to our journey and means we are on a main road again. We can guess that the bandits have the main road blocked."

Ishtar is amazed that mere Bandits seem to fill her compatriots with fear: "Come on, stop worrying about these bandits. We smeared the last lot and with me on a real horse we can take any

others we meet apart with ease. The last time we fought them we wanted to leave them with the clear message that we are not to be messed with, why are we running from them now? Anyway if we don’t fight them then we miss out on their shineys and stuffs!"

After listening to his friend’s comments, Kashi says, "Since Mordara has limited choices as to entrances then a smart leader of the Bandits would station people at all of them. But the shortest path would be assumed to be the one you would use and more likely to have more people. This would also depend on the local guard as they should be wary about any groups lounging around choke-points. So unless there are few guards or they are controlled by the bandits, I would expect an ambush outside of Mordara – then again I know little of this town having only passed through it once. Archers would be the worst risk to everyone, especially if they are willing to kill the horses and other mounts. In that case avoiding the roads altogether could be the best choice. Thence only Mordara itself becomes an ambush point and thus easier to plan for. However, I would like to capture some Bandits so they could answer questions, so I would prefer not to avoid them all."

Finally it is Jace who stands behind the rest in avoiding the likely ambush. His blood craves vengeance on this scum but he cannot put his friend’s lives in danger for his own hurt.

Now that all this is settled and the path is decided Kashi solemnly calls for the group to move to a nearby stream, the water is fresh and clean and perfect for the ceremony which he wishes to perform. He knows that spending longer here in preparation for the Blessing will give him a better chance of channelling the Mana correctly.

Jace and Besthan step forward and drawing a cupful of water from the stream he pours it over his own head and then that of Besthan and Jace. As he pours the freezing water he chants "May the Great Lord of the Waters aid you in flowing like a stream around its obstacles so that your enemies cannot touch you."

Kashi and Jace immediately feel the water soak into their skin, it seems to fill them with a vitality and the ability to see the world slow down a little so that they might react to it quicker. It is a wondrous feeling and Jace, despite his darkness, has his first hearty laugh in days. Besthan’s sensation is more subdued at first but then he too finally feels it once he relaxes enough to let it move through him [Spell succeeded by 1%]

Kashi calls Marcus to him as the other 2 wander away to relish the sensations and to jibe Ishtar for her ignorance and superstitious fear of magic.

Again he scoops up some fresh clear water and pours it over the respectful head of Marcus as he kneels before him. “Marcus; may the Great Lord of the Waters aid you in striking like the waves to wear down your enemies."

For Marcus the sensation is like a thunderbolt, the water feels hot and scolding upon his skin but instinctively he knows not to fight it, he lets it wash through him and instead of laughing he settles into a calm space, a space where he can feel the blood of the creatures around him and that blood is showing him how to intercept them and cut them down. [Pity there are no Criticals, this was a <0% DR].

Kashi calls the 3 of you over, Ishtar wanders closer to listen too. “You have shown yourself worthy of these blessings and the fact that the Great Lord Enki has allowed me to achieve this with each of us shows that His mighty hand is with us in this fight. I feel closer to my Lord now that I have done this [You are now MEL 5] and this makes me sure we are Correct in this matter. I do not know what motivates these bandits to fight against the Just Gods as manifest through our Donaran laws, but they must be exterminated. Guard yourselves from Chaos and the sickness of Kototh. Protect your minds from the false promises and laziness of those who worship nature. Lord Enki watches and judges each of us.”

With this you each bow your heads in prayer to Enki and your own Gods and then it is time to mount up. Marcus on Bangles at the front, Ishtar on Bracer to the rear, Jace guiding the cart with Kashi by his side and next to him Besthan on Miu Miu the Mule. Your path lies due East for now and the plan is to turn in towards Mordara half-way through the afternoon.

Expertise/ExperienceBesthanIshtarJace Kashi Bless (16PE)

80MExp40/60Mana75/116 Energy

Marcus

Episode 2.14Location: Heading West towards MordaraDate: 27th of April, 206DE 3:30 pm Weather: Cloudy, Temp 10˚C

Name Status Other NotesBesthan 100% On Mi Miu


Ishtar 100% On BracerMiu Miu 100% Mule

Jace 19/22HP Driving CartFlax 100% Dog ICaboose 100% Mule

Kashi 100% Cart PassengerEnLvl 75/116100%

Marcus 100% On Mr. BanglesMr. Bangles 100% Warhorse II

Riding is easy on the Plains but it does not take long for the simple plains to be cut up by animal fences and farming plots. By the time noon has passed you by there can be no doubt that you are rising towards a town, the quantity of people has increased as has the signs of habitation and agriculture. People become more numerous, you have not met many passers-by on the roads over the past week so it is a bit of a shock to you at first when you come upon your first sets of travellers. You are nervous, expecting and ambush and everyone appears to be a threat.

As the afternoon deepens you turn from a South Easterly course to a more Western one. You estimate you are going to be travelling for 2 more hours before you reach Mordara-proper and that will allow you an hour or so of light before evening sets in.

The riding is dictated to you by the farms and land. You avoid copses of trees and orchards; Jace has mentioned previously that every time you have encountered Bandits close to Mordara they have used wooded areas as cover. Unfortunately this keeps you out in the open more than you would have liked but to the sharp eyes of Ishtar and Marcus there appears to be no threat that they can see.

Buildings are still few and far between; this side of the town appears to be given over to herding mostly. You can see the foothills only a few miles away to your East and South and guess that farmers would rather their livelihood be able to move quickly and escape the predators who are drawn down from the hills rather then risk crops. Ishtar tells you of her Uncle who lives up in those Hills on a farm near Pela.

By chance you come across a fairly well-armed set of travellers who are heading towards the town also. Ishtar rides past them but Marcus wheels Bangles around to quickly confirm with them the distance to Mordara. A very brief conversation ensues with the one who appears to be their leader, he is with a pair of hunters (Male and Female); guessing by their clothing. A man at arms with Shield and Spear walks by his side as does a small man with a face like the Chamberlain at the Grostelli Farm; another person with the ‘Eastern Look’.

Thanking them for the confirmation that Mordara is just 45 minutes away as the Cart rolls Marcus calls out to Jace, Kashi and Besthan “Not long now, let’s keep up the pace”. The ‘leader’ turns to look back at the Cart and has he does so his robes draw back off of his arms to reveal a twist of red and orange leather which Marcus immediately recognises from the Bandits at the Doss Peak ambush site.

Meanwhile the leader is staring backwards as his companions slow their pace by his side… right at the uncovered face of Jace.

From the Cart the others can see one in the group Marcus has been talking to look back. The man locks eyes with Jace for just a moment but this is enough for Jace to know that he recognises him. Before there is any chance to react though Marcus lets out a loud cry as he charges Bangles forward through the group of people. He has no weapons in his hand but a charging Warhorse is nothing to trifle with, the travellers scatter and reach for their weaponry.

You are not sure what is going on but there is no doubt that whatever the reason the strangers are preparing for combat.

The male and female at the rear are notching arrows to their bows and looking towards the Cart. They are dressed in Leather jerkins with Daggers at their belt.

The man who locked eyes with Jace is striding forward at a decent pace fitting a Metal Helm to his head with one hand and reaching for his Banded Shield with the other. At his belt is a Mace and he wears Ring Mail. Guarding him is the Spearman who’s Banded Tower Shield and suit of Leather is going to be proof against any further horseback charges.

The last man, thrown to the side by Marcus’s charge is revealed to the rest as an Easterner. He does not reach for the Metal Helm at his side but instead raises what appears to be a small but chunky crossbow in two hands. He is trying to take a shot at Marcus’ back as he ride out (crying “Bandit Armour!” at the top of his voice as he puts distance between himself and them) but is too off-balance and instead rights himself and takes aim.

This sudden turn of events is unexpected but you are all keyed up enough to be able to react. The Group is roughly 25feet from the Cart (to the East of them) and Ishtar, who has heard the call of Marcus, is roughly 20 feet from them to the West.

Ishtar pulls tight on the reins of Bracer and is heartened to see the well-trained steed respond immediately to her touch, it wheels around as she draws her Bow in a fluid gesture and notches an arrow. The 5 targets have not noticed her and she can fire on them with impunity.

Her choice is to take down one of the ‘hunters’. The small man with the crossbow will only get a single shot off before he is essentially unarmed so she can take him later; anyway his attention is focussed on Marcus (whom she slyly notes is showing his tail to the man as he rides off reaching for his Bow). Also if she hurts the male then no-one else will notice unless he draws their attention so she can keep herself in their rear.

She draws an arrow and lets fly at the male Hunter who grunts and pitches forward in shock and surprise as the arrow slices through the flesh of his upper arm. He spins around, his own shot at the Cart ruined and fires at Ishtar now he knows he is under attack from behind, he opens his mouth to shout a warning as he fires but has his call cut short by an another arrow slicing into his abdomen, he crumples to the ground in obvious and excruciating pain, dropping his bow as he falls. Whilst he struggles to his feet Ishtar is able to carefully aim and let fly with a further final arrow that finishes off his miserable existence. She casts her eye around for the next target, but it is hard to know what to do in the confusion.

She saw the Spearman and the Leader advance on the Cart with the female archer supporting them but her attention is also taken by the small man who is engaging Marcus.

After launching his attack Marcus rode out at great speed and hunched down to make himself as small a target as possible. Once he had gone some 25 feet out he sat himself up in the saddle, aware that this will make him a bigger target, but also now able to draw his Bow and notch an arrow.

Before he is completely finished preparing a crossbow bolt comes whistling past, though at a safe distance and this is his cue to halt the horse and take aim with his own Bow. He knows reloading the crossbow will take some time and fully intends to finish of this strange man in the interim.

Marcus’s shot is true and it hits him on the flank but is deviated with a metallic ring, the man is wearing metallic armour under those robes! Even more worrying is another crossbow bolt whistling towards Marcus… from the same man! How could this be? Having stopped Marcus has no time to move and is struck by a glancing blow which does not penetrate his Ring and Leather armour. This is not at all what he expected at all.

Meanwhile, over at the Cart, Jace and Besthan have formed as much of a shield-wall around Kashi as they can. Kashi is speaking in that tone of voice which Besthan is starting to recognise is a request for his God to grant him power. The air thickens with Mana and to Jace and Besthan it appears that a light is growing beside them.

The enemy, the Leader with Mace and Banded Shield and the Spearman with his mighty Tower Shield and Spear, continue their measured advance and are nearly within range. The female

archer has taken three shots at Besthan, the first caught him unawares as he was preparing his defence (2 HP damage) whilst the other shots miss by miles. You can see that Ishtar has engaged the archer behind her and this archer is none-the-wiser as her compatriot is punished by Ishtar’s fury.

Finally, when it seems the atmosphere cannot take any more energy Kashi cries out "Deep in the troubled waters of my Soul Shines the Light of Enki, May his Radiance burn the Evil from you!" A pure bolt of crystal clear light erupts from Kashi and flies straight towards the female archer. Whatever this poor girl was expecting it was not something like this and she is caught flat-footed. The light strikes her in the chest and without even a cry she crumples to the ground, obviously dead.

For a moment there is absolute shock and silence, even Marcus and the Easterner are affected by this surprise – who would have expected this Priest could cause such devastation!

All at once the balance has shifted to be very much in the parties favour.

Not one to be held up for long Jace charges forward, ignoring the Spearman, confident that Besthan and Kashi can handle him. It looks like the Spearman is charging Besthan anyway. He pushes himself to close the ground to the Leader even as the man is calling out “Che’kundia! Run, you must warn the others!” and is fumbling at his belt for what appears to be a bottle.

Besthan would dearly love to cast his Spear into the face of the miscreant rushing at him but there is no time. There is not even enough time to charge the man in return so he holds his Shield firm and prepares to meet the rush. He would have liked to make some space and time for Kashi but he had not the chance.

Kashi seeing all this draws his Bow and takes aim at the Easterner some 20 feet away. He knows Marcus does not need his ‘assistance’ but he is out classed in this melee, especially with no armour, so the Bow is an intelligent option. Even as he prepares his Bow he sees Marcus spur Bangles forward using his legs to guide the animal and his hands to prepare his Bow for another shot.

Besthan and the Spearman meet spear tip to spear tip, the hot-headed Bandit easily avoids the waiting Besthan but his own blow is wayward and poor for the attack though it helps him mightily on the defence. There are a few probing thrusts before Besthan spots a weakness in the man’s technique that allows him to effectively guide his opponent onto a vicious thrust. The Spear penetrates so deeply into the Bandits chest that it rips through vital organs and skips across bone to appear out his back. There is no time for the fool to even register what has happened to him as shock kills the light in his evil eyes. Besthan’s Spear, already weakened from previous combats is firmly wedged inside this Bandit and it will take time for the mild-mannered, but lethal Merchant to tug it from his prey. [Besthan is now EL3 in Spear – Fighting].

The Leader is so pre-occupied with drawing forth an exquisite bottle and putting it to his lips to drink some of its contents that he does not see Jace until the last minute. He is able to finish his drink and re-stopper the container but this does not allow him time to do anything other than raise his Shield in defence. It is lucky that he did so because the Shield is able to save him from a vicious charging thrust. Although Jace, especially with the Blessing of Enki upon him, can see that he is much more agile than this man he can also see from the way that his enemy handles his Mace that he is experienced and skilful enough to give him a good fight. “You want me so bad, come and get me filth” spits Jace into his face; constantly staring into his eyes while life’s light is still in them.

They dance around each other for an eternity before Jace is able to score first blood [You are now EL4 in the Sword]. Jace is so light on his feet that his opponent cannot even meet his Shield, whilst Jace for all his years of combat finds his own thrusts and cuts effectively blocked every time by his opponent’s Banded Heater.

Meanwhile the Crossbow bearing Easterner carefully aims at Marcus before he shoots. With a thrill of excitement Marcus realises this man must have fought horse-archery before. The foreigner shoots another Quarrel just as Marcus himself shoots, both shots are unsuccessful. However his focussing on Marcus is to his detriment as an Arrow from Ishtar penetrates his armour from the left and Kashi’s shot, though a miss, slices across his vision from the Right. A look of horror washes across his feature as he realises he is stuck in a 3-way crossfire.

Ishtar puts her bow away and draws her wicked-looking Scimitar from its scabbard; this moment of inactivity gives the Easterner all the time he needs to loose off another Bolt from what you can only assume to be some magically reloading weapon. This time the target is Ishtar, with no Shield

out to protect her; the Bolt grazes her skin but causes no major damage [1HP damage]. Likewise Kashi and Besthan aim poorly.

With her blade finally drawn and not bothering with her Shield Ishtar spurs Bracer forward as the coward levels his Crossbow at the horse itself. His wickedness is rewarded by yet another miss and then a devastating blow to the head as Marcus’ latest shot punches through his Metal Helm and deep into his head, even as he falls another arrow from Kashi strikes him on the upper body and leaves you with no doubt that he is dead [Kashi is now EL1 in the Bow].

Only Jace has an opponent left and Ishtar, impudently, decides to correct her charge to swing along past them both and smite the Leader from the rear. Besthan has pulled his spear from the bloody ruin of his opponent and moves over to also add to the sole remaining Bandit’s pain.

Kashi stands tall in the Cart and cries out “Remember, we need him alive! We can question him!”

“Right…” thinks Jace, “yeah, lets take him alive” as he swings with an attempt for a decapitation only to have his mark duck under the blow.

More blows are traded, neither can get the upper hand and Jace is desperate to finish him off on his own.

Besthan arrives and immediately slips his Spear under the man’s guard… the Leader is obviously panicked now, this was not meant to happen and despite not having the space to look around him he must be aware his companions are finished. Besthan’s strike opens him up for Jace to land a solid blow – even more importantly Jace can catch his eye and hiss “You are food for the dogs, swine”. Meanwhile, Kashi still stands and calls out “DO NOT kill him! Surrender you fool or your life is forfeit!”

It is the blow from Ishtar which ends the matter, she rides past like a lightning bolt and her scimitar flashes down across his unprotected back [Ishtar is now EL2 in the Scimitar]. The damage is light but the meaning is clear… this fight is fruitless and will only end in his certain death.

“Stop! STOP!” he screams, “STOP!” He throws down his weapon and raises his hands… “I surrender!”

Marcus quickly rides up to the fallen Easterner clearly elated at this opportunity to show the others what he and Bangles can do in the right situation. As Marcus gets closer, a bit of his elation is muted as he realizes he won't be getting that arrow back! Even so, it's a shot worth bragging about...in some town far from here, and at a later time.

Marcus puts his bow in its case, reins up to a stop and kicks off his stirrups. He then pulls his right leg over the front of his saddle and dismounts sliding down the left side of Bangles, grabbing his mace and shield. One never knows, after all, if a little fakery is going on. Besides, a coup de grace may need to be inflicted.

He begins his investigation of the bodies starting with that Easterner. No need to nudge this one. He's clearly dead with at least two arrows in him, one of which is Marcus' own. That one he took to the head must have hurt, but probably not for long. Marcus doesn't care for this part but he kneels down and swiftly breaks off the arrow protruding from the head of the dead Easterner. He looks at the broken end for a second then reaches down to place his boot over it, and breaks it again. Marcus gathers up both pieces. He'll save the fletching and nock, more for a remembrance than for re-use, and tosses the smaller broken piece some distance away from here after they leave. He then salvages two of Ishtar's arrows which he returns to her later. Checking the two hunters he is certain they are dead which allows Marcus to carefully examine of the cowled Easterner. His guess is that this is the one called Che'kundia.

The Crossbow he finds is of unusual manufacture, when he shows it to the party later on Jace is (coyly) able to confirm it is not of Sidh make and Besthan looks for only a few seconds before declaring that the Dwarves would not produce something so light in hitting power (and more to the point it would be intricately carved with Runes); it must be of Human design, if it is not something infernal. Kashi cannot feel any mana emanating from it. The more Marcus looks at it he can see that it appears to have a hopper which can hold 5 Bolts and a mechanism which feeds the Bolts onto the loaded crossbow. It will need some experimentation to discover exactly how it works but it is the strangest thing.

The foreigner also carries a few Coppers and a Statue carved in light brown wood. Later, when Besthan looks at the wood he declares that it comes from the Mountains in Caldo and is from a tree sacred to the Dwarves. The statue is of a Lion Headed man standing with arms by his side but

palms outward facing; Kashi takes a long look at it, he doesn’t like what he sees but he can think of no reason to condemn it.

Meanwhile Besthan places his Spear tip into the back of the sole surviving Bandit whilst he is stripped down by Jace and Kashi. The Ring Mail he wears and his Leathers are removed and thrown into the Cart and in his pouch can be found the mysterious bottle he was drinking from. The bottle is very fine Crystal and Besthan is unable to guess at its value “Not my speciality” he says with a shrug.

The liquid it contains is orange but has an oily sheen to it. Jace opens the bottle and sniffs it; he notices nothing unusual, just a scent of cheap incense. Kashi though can feel a small amount of Mana from it so he takes a closer look. It is not until he takes a sniff of it that he gets a feeling that this is not the best thing for him. The smell of the liquid creates in him a sense of loathing and even nausea. He knows this fluid is a foul creation of the Enemy. Jace snatches it from his hands and storms off, “You wanted this piece of dirt; he is yours.”

Jace is seriously on the edge right now, and Kashi, having realised that this Bandit carried something in violation of his Faith decides he will have to deal with his party-mate later – for now he will get this pathetic excuse for a human to speak.

Once the Leader is naked and ready to be interrogated by the now furious Kashi Besthan makes his way to the Spearman he killed. The items he bears are stripped so his body can be left to the dogs. In a leather sling around his neck and shoulder he finds a small Wooden Chest with a latch. Looking inside he finds a large sum of Copper coinage.

All this time Ishtar has been riding around the group looking out for further signs of trouble (and, knowing her, keeping an eye out on the distribution of loot!).

Jace stands some 10 feet apart and can be seen to be talking to himself.

The naked Bandit is kneeling on the ground, hands bound behind his back. Kashi approaches the prisoner radiating a palatable aura on menace; this person may have been involved in the murder of his family and much more... "Do you know what an Ashipu is? An Ashipu is a priest chosen to defend the faith from its enemies whether they be flesh or spirit. They are given the means to destroy those enemies or if they are judged deserving, to Damn them for eternity!" Kashi lets that sink in for a moment. "The people you are working with are involved in acts that could merit the direst punishments, but some could be spared. Some could repent and help rid our country of those enemies of Mankind. Are you one of those?"

The man looks up into Kashi’s face and stutters “Ashipu? Ashipu… are you the one they hunted in the North? Then it is true…” he shakes his head and goes silent.

“And what is that supposed to mean?” fires back Kashi“I cannot say… even though I wish to speak I cannot…” he falls silent again but his face

shows fear, true fear.

Jace, listening from a distance away has had enough of this crap. He draws a dagger from his boot and storms over “This waste of life will speak even if I have to carve him apart leaving just heart, lungs and voice box.”

The man looks up at Jace “This will not help you, there is nothing I can do for you… nothing more I can say” A tear falls from his eye and then another… amazingly he starts to weep in front of you.

Kashi continues, "Yes I am the one they hunted and caught because I was too complacent. I failed in my duties as a result. But their act brought Enki's Eyes upon them and opened mine as well. They failed their mission at the last and died for their sins, one was sent to Enki for judgment. Your actions suggest I did him a favour by doing so. What fiend holds your tongue or perhaps your soul? Speak and I may be able to break its hold on you?"

The Priest looks to Jace who kneels at the man’s feet ready to start cutting with his sharp dagger. Jace doesn’t like this soft approach and wants to hurt this fool, to cause him pain and make HIM feel hunted.

"Why do they hunt Jace? I suspect I was hunted due to prophesy, one now turning toward their doom!"

At this the man gasps… “Do not speak of such things! They are not to be trifled with. Escape while you can… you cannot fight them…” Even as he speaks a look of pain rips across his face. From the ground surrounding him rises a black pool of corrosive liquid which immediately burns the man

and starts him screaming in terrible pain. The foul mess slowly climbs over his skin and being bound he cannot move. Jace and Kashi need jump back to avoid the expanding area of acidic corruption. The smell is horrible and the pool expands rapidly quickly leaving the Bandit as a wasted lump of spoiled red meat at its centre and the rest of you retching at the smell or scrambling to pull back from it. After nearly a minute of this horror the ground swallows the evil emanation back up and leaves little behind.

The Cart and animals are safe but spooked.

Ishtar looks at all this with horror "Foul magics!" She rides some distance off and draws her bow looking at each of her companions in turn. After a while she releases the grip on her bow but doesn’t come any closer. "I want nothing to do with this sort of evil"

"By the Gods!" exclaims Marcus. His face is a mask of horror. "Foul magicks abound!" He backs up from the gory display and heads for Bangles. His first impulse is to also ride hard and away from these two, Kashi and Jace, both of whom have obviously stirred against them forces best left undisturbed. But duty, and some feelings for their welfare, keeps him from fleeing. He settles himself, with his hand resting gently on his belt (near his Mace) "By the Nine Hells, what have you two gotten us into? I think the time for full disclosure is now."

Jace looks at Marcus with exasperation written all over his face: "If I knew that I would hunt it down and kill it; wouldn’t be wasting my time standing here torturing idiots. This must come from the old temple; those ruins in Swansbane. That’s the only thing I can think of that may have awoken or done something. Priest what’s your council on this, shall we give ourselves to the will of the gods and hunt it down praying for success? Or hope to the gods they tire of us killing their men eventually?

Besthan also overcomes his shock and horror enough to speak: "Swansbane again, why do I keep hearing the name of this place? Is it really that bad?"

He walks over to Marcus, no weapons in hand and palms open. "Friend, I have known you for only a few days but I hope I can call you friend, we have fought and bled together." He puts his hand on the Archer’s shoulder, "We have no dealings with foul sorcerers and I can think of nothing I have done to attract their attention. I have travelled with Jace and Ishtar for long weeks and never once have I seen anything that makes me suspect them. We must stick together and trust one another. We must speak openly and honestly. I appreciate your concern and I can tell you before the Gods themselves that I have no reason to be drawing these fools ire."

Besthan turns to the rest of the party; he has become their de facto leader in some ways constantly drawing them to the task at hand "Whatever is behind this is bigger than mere bandits. Kashi speaks of prophesy, and maybe this is the reason we are persecuted by these fools and their puppet masters. Jace speaks of Swansbane; could his previous visit there have drawn the wrong sort of attention? I would point out to you all the fissure in the rock back at Doss Peak... the same place the Bandits camped and the place that Kashi feared to enter. Also was there not also an abandoned road leading to some ruins in this area?"

With a sigh he looks towards Mordara, still too far out to be seen "I must return to Mordara and we must return to complete this tax run. We must resupply. I counsel that we do not linger long in town but get what we need and leave as soon as possible. Let us meet at midnight in the The Silver Tusk Inn and discuss our next steps. Let us use the rest of this afternoon to get to town, report to the Mord and if possible replenish our kit. I have an important person I must meet; he might be able to shed some light on these affairs."

A religious man, Besthan turns last to Kashi, “Honoured Father, what say you?”

Kashi sighs, "The Great Enemy of all is definitely involved as I suspected... But in what manner?”

He turns to Jace: "Be careful of that bottle, it reeks of Chaos, but it may be our best clue as to what is happening. Maybe a cheap magic to aid something while corrupting the user. Could it bind the soul to some contract? Or do they knowingly sign themselves away thinking it a joke? I am fairly sure some sort of infernal contract is needed for a death like we witnessed. At least it would appear only some have such contracts, likely those more in power over the others. If so we may learn something from other prisoners.

“In any case, stealing the Tax money is only an excuse to lure more 'free' bandits. Jace is wanted for something he saw or knows or even for something he may do in the future! Frankly that could be the case for any of us. Prophesy seems to be involved and it can be quite wide ranging in its

involvements. Of course trying to prevent it can just as easily be what causes it to be fulfilled. It all depends on what 'quality' it was. Some are warnings of what can be avoided, while others leave little that can be changed. That little may still be all that is needed to stave off the worst. Some are conflicting Prophesy driven by the desires of various Gods and they can both be right to some extent. It is the latter that I suspect we are trapped in. If so it is our actions which will determine the path taken for good or ill and it may not be obvious which path we have taken."

"We can but do our best and pray we choose the right path. But then, that has always been how one should live their lives is it not?”

Kashi looks at his friends, "Not everyone is ready to face the horrors of Chaos but we may have little choice but to do so. But first you have the Taxes to deliver and I need to talk to the temple here. I do hope there is some way I can better prepare for the upcoming battles, as a soldier I am practically naked! A Weapon and a proper Shield would do wonders, Armour even more so but we are not likely to have time to fit it... But splitting up is not recommended when people are being hunted. We can not be sure it is just Jace they seek."

Jace also adds to this: “I agree, splitting up in town may be folly, best to stick in pairs if not more. I would like to get this tax run finished as soon as, then head back to Swansbane, While here I will see if I can contact my old friends so we can gather their remembrance of the Swansbane ruins as well.”

Besthan agrees that research is needed “Jace, let me catch up with Master Jimbio when we get back to Mordara, he will know more about Swansbane and the bandits."

“Hold it for a second” says Marcus “What is this Prophecy of which you spoke previously, Kashi?”

"Marcus, I am no prophet but I have always gotten little warnings about our enemies." Kashi says. "But lately instead of sensing something is wrong I have been getting much more powerful dreams of things that are occurring or will be. Maybe some of both. Enki is fighting something in the Waters of Swansbane. This may have already begun or could simply mean I will do so as his representative. Visions of this nature are Prophesy that give warnings and are the most easily gotten wrong when interpreting. I have gotten different ones, including warnings that imply damages far beyond Swansbane if it is done wrong. I have kept silent simply because there is so much to interpret and try to fit into what we are facing... But there is no doubt that Swansbane is involved. I am fairly sure Swansbane is where we need to face this horror, but it may not need to be immediately or by the most direct path. Anything we can learn here may tell us how we need to proceed."

“Wai… all of you” states Besthan bluntly “Why Swansbane? Everything I have heard says that this is the focus of Kotothi, not Chaos? You say this foul magic was Chaos and yet you wish us to search in an area overrun by Kotothi? The Ruins of a Chaotic civilisation such as we saw near Doss Peak seems to call out to me as a more likely focus for our enemies!" Remembering the Merchants talk with the Tomb Robbers in Doss Peak reminds you that Besthan’s trade is in lost artefacts. While what he says about Swansbane strikes you as true it might also be for other reasons that he wishes to return North. However this does cause you all to pause and think over his words; which also raises the question of why do Jace and Kashi want to visit Swansbane so badly?

"Well" says Marcus, "we should probably move on. I suggest that all of us have our weapons drawn and ready, and as we move forward I can inform people to make way. Also, one mounted in front of the wagon and one behind it. And if one of the wagon riders could watch the back too, it would help. It might be best if they had a shield in hand too to protect the driver and themselves. Besthan, you should probably stay with the wagon and watch forward above our heads...If I am leading I'll be looking lower."

Marcus thinks about for a second then interjects "But that's just a suggestion" while looking at Ishtar.

“I don’t care what the plan is… I will guard the rear.” shoots back Ishtar, “Just lets get out of here this place is disgusting and it gives me the creeps. I will NOT be a party to any sorceries like that!” She quickly rides around and cuts off the 4 heads left available (“Hey, it is a SC each head!”) and also slips the bracelets off of their arms

Episode 2.15Location: At the entry point to Mordara’s Castle AvenueDate: 27th of April, 206DE 5:00 pm Weather: Cloudy, Temp 9˚C





Kashi 100% Cart PassengerEnLvl 75/116Mana 33/60


Within 60 minutes of leaving the combat site the irregularly placed farms and fences that denote owned land (both peasant and noble) start to become more frequent. The pastoral lands also give way to orchards (avoided because of their ambush potential) and open fields with grains and vegetables.

People are more prevalent and occasionally Marcus at the front helps your passage by declaring to the unknowing and mostly uncaring peasant farmers that they must make way for the Mord’s Will. Mostly the roads are clear enough for horse and cart to travel with ease but at times there are knots of farmers walking and gossipping like old washer-women.

The folk are the simple types who tend the land dressed in course cloth of cheap linen, flax and wool. Their tools are mostly hand-made from the trees which surround the plains to the South and East. The richer among them have tools of metal and clothes dyed in blues and greens. None carry weapons but for daggers and the tiny bows favoured by bird and game hunters. This area is under the Mord’s protection, the people have no need for their own arms.

Mind you, you have seen no soldiers on the ride in but this is probably because the Mord’s focus is on the Iron Mines along the Great Road to the North and on the Great Road itself

The huts are mostly wooden framed with wattling to fill out the walls. Out here on the Plains water, sunshine and dirt are in abundance so mud is the preferred building material for the lesser homes. Nobles and the richer merchants, craftsmen and soldiers also have homes out here and they are more impressive; made of finely carved and cut wood, of stone or expensive fired bricks. The richer homes are surrounded by land with herds and crops, the poorer farms are usually just crops and the closer you get to town the smaller they become.

For the last 20 minutes you have been riding with Mordara and the great Castle Mord clearly in sight. You are approaching from the East and you will ride into town with the Castle to your left.

The Castle is an imposing structure carved from the rock of the Hill upon which it stands. Naked rock gives way to carved stone and you know that in the recent war with Caldo, it and Fortress Mordara (home of the famous iron mines) stood against the futile aggressors for many months sheltering the populace inside – fed and watered by the huge stores said to reside beneath the structures and dug into the bedrock. The Castle is a single Keep of many levels surrounded by a thick crenulated wall. Besthan and Jace have only got as far as the Main Gatehouse when they visited the Chamberlain to receive the tax Writ.

As for Mordara itself? It is the smell which gives it away at first. Like all cities it has the stench of too many people and businesses crammed into too small a place. You can see small carts like your own laden with wood and ores for the workshops the town contains and the sickly scent of tanning leather fills the air. Farmers carry or cart in what crops they have for sale and herders take in individual animals or even small herds for the markets.

The roads have become busier, but still not enough to need much work to keep away from the people (for safeties sake) this is only a small town (“of about 800 souls” Besthan informs you).

Your journey had been uneventful until the dirt road you have been following started to be paved with worn stones; the mark of entering the town-proper. A hut opens onto the road, one like the many which exist around to provide a cheap meal, drink or whore to passers by. Inside sits a portly man at a poorly made and maintained table and to his left and right he is flanked by another 7 men with 2 more on the opposite side of the road. Most of the men are armed with clubs and poor quality quilted jerkins a few have javelins

As Marcus approaches one of the men stands in the middle of the road with arms out-spread but unarmed: “Halt! Mr Fancy-horse, these are the lands of Mordara and there is a fee for those whose horses shit upon its fair roads.” A few of the idiots he surrounds himself with giggle at his ‘bravery’. “Is this cart behind you with you as well? Then it will have to pay the entry tax too, wont it?”

Despite your iron-wear and the well-used Bow at your saddle the man obviously thinks there is safety in numbers, this could be the only excuse he has for speaking so brazenly to you. You have glanced at his wrist and you see no Orange/red twist.

The noise outside has drawn the fatter man from the desk, he wanders over and walks straight past Marcus, he is unarmed and unarmoured. He peers into the Cart and the assorted goods you have inside (the recently taken heads have been drained and placed in Hessian bags). He looks at Jace and Kashi sitting at the front of the cart and demands “What are you carrying? Where do you take these goods?” He points to the front of the small building, take your Cart over there so we can assess your tax.” As he points you see the twist of leather at his wrist. He IS a Bandit! But why didn’t he recognise Jace or Kashi when the last Bandits you encountered certainly did?

The leader of these thugs turns to walk behind his desk, “As if that flimsy piece of wood will save him” thinks Jace

“Listen Pond Scum, we are tax collectors for the Mord, so either get out of our way and stop your posturing or we will remove you ourselves.”

The man freezes in the street, he whips around “Tax Collectors? Shit! GET THEM!” he screams at the top of his voice.

There is a moment’s silence, that moment just before an unexpected battle where time seems to stand still and a heavenly quiet descends before the fury erupts. Luckily the party were expecting trouble more than these highway robbers which might be enough of a head-start against their enemy’s numbers.

Some distance behind the party Ishtar was watching all this with a sense of discomfort. The city is a different environment to the plains and while it is an area hardly built-up enough to be true city she knows Marcus is going to have trouble with his Bow; though it appears he has readied his Mace and was in the process of ‘casually’ reaching for his Shield when the fight started.

Luckily she has no such problem and as she watches the attention of the thugs on the Cart she feels that they are not aware, or as aware of her. She had eased her bow out and notched an arrow which she let fly at the Leaders call.

Marcus had indeed used the lull as the Cart was inspected to loosen his Mace from his belt. He could not release his Shield without drawing attention to himself; there was still the man in front of him with his silly cudgel.

Hearing the leader’s shout was all he needed to spur Bangles forward straight into the man standing there. Marcus knows that he needs to create space so he can choose his targets properly, and also have the time to draw his Shield. He can trust Besthan and especially the combat-loving Jace to hold these men off for the time.

The horse pushes the man back but with nowhere near enough force to do any damage. The following Mace blow is another story however and with the Blessing of Enki still stirring his blood his aim is true. The man grunts as the blow cracks down on his shoulder and Marcus flies off on Bangles.

Kashi had been sitting quietly in the Cart. Whilst he had not noticed the wrist-band denoting the Bandits he is smart enough to be aware of a potential flash-point when he sees one. He was feeling the space around him, searching for signs of Mana, but until Jace’s ill-conceived remark he had sensed nothing. Once the Leader called out Kashi stopped his meditations and hefted the Bow he

was resting on the Cart seat and prepared to administer some earthly judgement on these Chaos-following sheep.

Besthan was not as surprised as Kashi. Once Jace was singled out for communication it was not hard to see what was going to happen. The man was as willing to stab you with words as his Sword and Besthan wondered, not for the first time, if it was his mouth that gained his the enmity of the person(s) who want him captured or dead. It was no matter now.

Besthan has used his time to take a firm hold of one of the Javelins at his saddle and once the fight started he was quick to jump off his Mule and look for a target. Thankfully there was no sign of any of these thugs on his side of the Cart but the Merchant Warrior raised his Shield and looked behind him and to the left anyway – just in case.

He didn’t know why this fight was necessary; since they didn’t recognise them the party could have slipped by and into town unknown. Now questions were going to be asked even if the entire outpost here was wiped out.

Jace was at boiling point. This whole Tax Run had been an episode in frustration for him and instead of carving his name into History’s pages against foes worthy of him he had to deal with puppets and foot-sloggers not even worthy of being in the lowest echelons of an army. Instead of defeating horrors guarding huge treasures in ruins he was being the administrative lackey of the ruler of a nowhere county.

He might think about this battle later and ask why he started a fight when there was no need… but for now these questions are pure philosophy. These Bandits were becoming as much a stress-relief for him and his sword-arm as they were a thorn in his side.

His interest was no longer in standing by the Cart to guard Kashi; it was in bloody revenge for wasting his time and causing him to lose sleep. With a huge roar Jace leapt down from the Cart and reached for his Sword, the only thing he could trust to do things right. He also swung his Shield while the Bandits were waking up the situation.

With the leader backing away the other thugs ran forward once they understood this was not about picking on stupid farmers anymore.

The leader turned and ran back towards his little building whilst all but 2 of the rest made for the Cart. The other 2 thugs [both with Clubs, including the injured one] were standing on the road waiting for Marcus to turn and come back at them.

A Javelin Thrower threw his weapon at Jace even as an arrow from Ishtar took him by surprise [Ishtar is now EL4 in Horse Archery]. The damage was light and he was not phased enough to look around for the source as he pulled out his own club and rushed to support his friend in swinging at Jace.

The Leader made it to the shack and standing behind the pathetic ‘protection’ of the table he called out “Vo and Bri, get out of here! Tell the others!” He then reached into the shack and pulled out an Axe.

The first club-blow came at Jace as he was avoiding the Javelin cast and also reaching for his Shield. It was a pathetic attempt but instead of dispatching the now off-balance opponent the big man readied his Shield. The numbers were not good and even a superior fighter can be swamped by enough ants. An arrow from Kashi, standing just behind him whistled dangerously close to his ear and into the upper arm of his assailant. “Great” he thinks “My own friends are more dangerous than this rabble.”

Moments later another Javelin went flying up to where Kashi stood and Jace could hear the priest stumble as he (hopefully) avoided the cast. The reassuring twang of a Bow-string convinced him Kashi was not only OK but also intelligently choosing opponents far enough from Jace to save him from getting an arrow in the back!

The man who just cast his Javelin at the Priest was, like the others, reaching for his club as the return arrow from Kashi cut into his leg, he was not badly hurt so he joined another clubman in running for the far side of the cart. This now left 2 attacking Jace’s side and 3 charging Besthan.

The first coming at Besthan who was now steadied with Shield and sure that his back was safe, was moving to cross in front of the Cart’s Mule when Ishtar again shot from afar – the arrow slammed into his throat and he stumbled to the ground making a pathetic gurgling noise. The next made it past the body and then dodged past Besthan’s first Javelin cast but right into the path of the

second as he was coming forward to engage him. The wound was not deep but combined with his inexperience it was enough to mean a wasted return attack.

Fully prepared now Jace faced 2 of these bandit-pawns and they were about to learn a short and rather final lesson about pain.

The first to swing at him was the one who missed last time, again his swing was almost comical and the next blow (from the Javelin thrower) was not much better; lacking any technique at all. Jace decided to finish off the wounded one first, it shouldn’t take long anyway.

His first slice was an arrogantly delayed cut across the biceps of his weapon arm… a blow designed to cripple his attacks and cause shocking pain. It did not connect as sweetly as he would have liked, but the message was clear ‘you ARE going to die here’. The message was not wasted on the thug and as Flax the hunting dog jumped out of the Cart to join the fray the wounded highwayman showed the first signs of flight. His next half-hearted blow missed again as did his companions but from behind them came the cry of “Hold them men, Hold them!” as the Leader came to bolster their attack, this seemed to boost his resolve especially since Jace’s next cut on him was only minor.

Marcus did not ride out far; just a quick leap for Bangles was enough to put breathing room between him and any following him. As it turned out none did and when he wheeled his magnificent beast around and saw the 2 thugs standing in the road with their sad little sticks as weapons Marcus almost felt sorry for them. It was not a noble thing to cut down those too-stupid to know when they were out-classed.

This thought lasted just long enough for the memory of the Bandit Leader screaming in a hell-spawned pool of slime to jolt him to reality. These ‘men’ serve an enemy which was older than time itself, even if they don’t know it. They deserved payment in only a single coin… death.

Spurring Bangles forward Marcus decided to ride down the one he wounded previously. He could see Ishtar 100 feet away loose another of her lethal arrows on some unsuspecting foe. He could see Besthan holding off 2 of them and Jace facing 2 more as his lazy War Dog Flax snapped at them as well. He could also see the Leader of these thugs rushing towards Jace with a wicked looking Axe in his hands and smiled as he realised that his trajectory would take him through his first target and onto this one next.

He would not have smiled if he could see what Ishtar saw.

“Bows are useless now” thought Ishtar as she put her weapon away. She drew her Scimitar and Shield and prepared to charge those attacking Jace… then she saw them, out of the corner of her eye, and it was enough to save her. An arrow whistled past her helm; its shooter was another thug, this one some 40 feet away to her left front. He was coming out of a small building’s side-door. With him was a man carrying a nasty looking Pike who rushed as quickly as possible towards the Cart and the unsuspecting Besthan. A third man had turned his back to the fight and was running due South as though Enki Himself was at his tail.

“Damn them!” she thought, “I have to stop him”. She started her horse to chase the man down as another arrow whistled past, missing by a long shot. The archer then turned and also ran, this time to the West, towards Mordara.

Kashi had been content to stand atop the Cart and fire his Bow. He had wounded one coming at Jace and felt good about that. Then he had avoided a nasty Javelin and that made him feel that his days of soft preaching and book-learning were gone and he was back in the midst of it all again. He saw the men waiting for Marcus and decided that they would make an excellent target but his unfamiliarity with the Cart caused him to trip and fall backward, he was not hurt but he was off-balanced for a few seconds.

Regaining his feet his next shot was a beauty, catching his opponent completely unawares and leaving an arrow deeply embedded in his back even as Marcus rode past the man to his side and caught him cleanly in the face with his Mace. Falling to the ground the highwayman’s face was a bloody ruin.

Grimly Kashi acknowledged that this was a massacre in the making and the thugs seem to think so too. The Priest might not be as experienced in combat as the others but to his eyes it seemed that with the exception of the leader the others were only swinging to keep up appearances.

This sort of defensive fighting was not enough to stop Jace from ripping into his chosen target with a vicious blow that left the poor man holding part of his own guts in with his hands as he dropped his weapon and stumbled backwards. Flax immediately threw himself on him and started to bite.

Besthan noticed this slackening of effort as his two opponents were obviously trying to create an opening so they could safely turn and run. It comes, for one of them, as yet again the Merchant runs his target through with his Spear, skewering him like a stuck pig and leaving him screaming as his life departed.

The other opponent ran and sensing someone to his rear Besthan looked around to see a man with a nasty Pike also throwing his weapon to the ground and running away as fast as possible.

As the others scatter, only their leader remained. His eyes are fixed on Jace as he rushed forward, Axe held high in a do-or-die attack. Rather than take down the one running away from him, or finishing off the pathetic man whimpering at the tear in his guts while Flax worries at his leg, Jace calmly sets himself behind his Shield. The axe glints in the dim light from the overcast sky as it hurtles down towards the Shield. Behind this man Marcus rides on with his Mace raised ready to finish the leader off if Jace doesn’t get him first.

The Axe falls – Jace with his Enki-enhanced senses doesn’t even need to moveJace’s Sword swings – and catches the bandit with a glancing blow which draws a red gash

through his Leather Armour. Marcus thunders by and misses thanks to Jace placing enough weight in his blow to draw him

off balance. “This one is mine Friend Marcus” he laughs and proclaims.

Marcus, annoyed at the loss of a dramatic finish to the Leader continues on but sees no one in front of him, he wheels Bangles around. He sees Kashi firing at one of men who stood up against his charge. His first shot misses but the second thuds deeply into his thigh leaving him to limp of into the cover of the more built up area to the West. Suddenly aware to the danger of their prey escaping Marcus does a quick count.

1 lies on the road, face smashed in my Mace – alive but only barely1 is dead and being mauled by Flax at Jace’s feetIshtar and Besthan accounted for 1 eachThe Leader was fighting Jace until, as Marcus watched, Jace drew a strike into his Shield and

then closed off with a devastating blow to the sternum of the Leader killing him almost instantaneously.

Of the 8 they saw at the post there are only 5 accounted for and a 6th had escaped deeper into Mordara to the West.

“Oh dear” thinks Marcus “We have a problem”

Within 10 minutes everyone returns: Besthan chased one more but after a time decided it was better to not be pulled too far from

the group.Ishtar managed to finish off another in the huts but also reported the 3 others she saw. That means of 11 Thugs/Bandits only 6 were taken care of.Jace and Kashi pulled the barely conscious one off of the road and placed him up against the

cart, they attempted to stabilise him for the time. Marcus also wanted to chase down the witnesses to their re-entry to Mordara but decided he

would be too easy a target should there be more of them in the buildings and it was pointless with so many scattering. He searched the hut and found a small keg containing 2CC and 9BB.

Stripping the bodies reveals:1x Axe4x Clubs2x Javelins5x Poor Quality Quilted Armour (all Damaged)Copper GorgetHand Mirror

Episode 2.16Location: At the entry point to Mordara’s Castle AvenueDate: 27th of April, 206DE 6:15 pm Weather: Cloudy, Temp 7˚C





Kashi 100% Cart PassengerEnLvl 75/116Mana 33/60


With the return of Ishtar and the quick stripping of the bodies there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that it is time to move on; and fast. The wounded Bandit is left behind, with his face mostly gone it would serve as a fearful reminder as to the kind of ‘mark’ they are messing with. Honestly… in the rush to get moving he really just got left behind.

A hurried conversation on the march confirms that Besthan and Ishtar are to take the Wagon to Master Jimbio’s. From there Ishtar will ride back on Miu Miu the Mule to meet up with Kashi, Jace and Marcus.

Marcus will ride but Jace and Kashi will walk to the Castle. Jace and Ishtar know the town well and point out that from where you are entering the village (near Ardain’s Jewellery Shop on Castle Avenue) the walk to the Castle should not take more than 45 minutes even uphill.

Despite the words of the Guard (at the last farm you visited) about the town itself being mostly Bandit free this is not something you wish to bet your lives upon so you will stick together and Jace will trust to his footwork rather than his Mule-riding ability.

Castle Avenue is one of the better parts of town and has the small villas of well-off middle class merchants lining the Plains side of the road. On the side of the road where Lake Mord is situated is the famous Ardain’s; the most note-worthy Jeweller in the County. Next to his shop and along the shores of the small lake are the rich villas of the well-to-do.

Even since a Shiben Noble came to visit over 60 years ago the idea of dumping waste in the street has been replaced by “Night Soil Collection”. Refuse, human and otherwise, is dumped in sand-filled barrels and bins and collected every night by the lowest class of peasants. This ‘soil’ provides cheap fertiliser for the farms dotting the Plains and has kept the Lake very clean; clean enough for Festivals and Celebrations of Lord Enki to be held on the waters.

Waving off Ishtar and Besthan the remaining three start their walk to the Castle which looms on the hill before them. By the time you reach the expensive ‘Bersan Avenue’ area evening is starting to darken the already cloudy sky and you pick up your pace. You have seen no evidence of being followed, nor has anyone paid undue attention to you. At the site of the highwaymen the peasants were watching and no doubt some will have loose lips, but news has not travelled fast it seems.

Even Marcus and Kashi are a bit taken aback by the grandeur of Villa Bersan right at the end of the Avenue. It is a huge building of dressed white stone and well tended gardens. It is also patrolled by private troops almost identical in kit to the standing Mordaran Army.

Ishtar meets you just past the turnoff to the Castle, right where the climb of the Hill begins. She rode down Light Street to meet with you. The road is paved in ancient stones worn smooth and makes for good riding for Marcus on what could potentially be a treacherous type of path for his horse.

There are no buildings along the way. There is the occasional statue of some hero or warrior you know nothing about but otherwise the climb is through scattered trees and fields which most likely belong to the Castle itself.

Coming closer to the Castle you can see why it held out so stoutly against the Caldan during

the last war.

Its walls are thick and of well-fitted stone. No Dwarves have worked this wall that much is obvious, yet it is still an excellent piece of stone-craft. The wall is topped by protective barriers for Archers, Crossbowmen and even Siege Engine Crews. The single gate entering the Wall is of wood shod with wonderfully worked Mordaran Iron.

Having been here before Jace bids you to stop a respectful distance from the Gate and then with his hands away from weapon and Shield he walks forward with the Writ in hand. He meets with a guard who views the Writ and then after a brief conversation (Jace introducing his 3 companions) you are invited into a small stone building which is joined to the outer wall.

Inside it is a rough stone building lit by torches on each of the 4 walls. There are no windows but it is furnished with benches and a round wooden table as well as a well-made and appointed chair – you are all directed to the benches. There is a single corridor passing through the wall to the inner wall and Ishtar looks long and hard at this entry way whilst you wait to be attended to. She eventually declares that it is a “collapsing wall” of the type often used to create a quick impenetrable barrier in times of crisis and also sometimes employed as a trap in Mines and Shafts. It therefore stands that this building is sacrificial in the event of attack.

A serf of some type brings fresh water in an earthen pitcher and some bread and dried fruits. The man does not speak to you.

You are only waiting 10 minutes before the man Jace recognises as the Assistant Chamberlain appears. Jace motions you to stand and the man sits in the chair. He lifts the Writ which Jace places on the table and drops it on a beautiful wooden tray. He gestures to the tray in a way that makes you sure he expects the tax money to be placed here as well.

He then speaks “Welcome back. You are late and there were concerns. It is good to see you are a man of your word Jace, Merchant’s Son. The one known as Besthan, he who was introduced to me by Master Jimbio is not here. Why is that?”

No matter what the reply once the coin is placed on the tray a Scribe comes forward to tally it while the Assistant Chamberlain asks “What news of the run? Of the Mord’s loyal subjects and the land?”

Kashi waits for Jace and Marcus to tell the story of the run before adding too it, "My Lord, our land is in a crisis and its people at dire risk. Once more those who follow the enemy of all are conspiring and committing evil deeds. They do so for power and wealth not realizing the eventual cost to themselves as well as others. The Bandits that plague our land have joined with some fell power dire enough to punish its followers for their failures and to prevent them speaking of it. I suspect they managed to wake an ancient Evil in some ruin near Swansbane and made a pact with it. In addition more Kotothi forces than the usual are moving, whether in alliance or simply sensing trouble they can take advantage of I know not. The Kotothi forces are a serious enough threat that will need troops to counter, but at least they do not tend to draw followers from mankind. Chaos has always been able to corrupt Man, to trick the weak minded into thinking they can become powerful with little risk or effort. That is much more serious of a threat and one harder to eliminate when you cannot trust anyone."

"But do not fear as our Gods will aid us to identify the fallen. Now that we know some of what we are facing, the Priests can determine the Truth."

The Assistant Chamberlain fixes you in his gaze. "Tell me Priest, when has it ever been otherwise? We are assailed from the accursed Elder Mountains by the monstrosities of both Chaos and Kototh and even from the sea we must constantly be on guard against Civilisations and Raiders who have turned from the Law of Truth to perversion. In our forests still reside the moon-loving races and to our West lies the greatest kingdom of the Sidh and Donara’s greatest shame. Do not presume to lecture me on the dangers we face. These Bandits are known to his Lordship and criticism of those who have access to the greatest minds in our fair land will not be appreciated.” He seemed genuinely annoyed and you get the feeling that it is a topic best left alone for the time.

He appears to quieten himself down and then in a more conciliatory tone speaks to Kashi again “As always we listen and learn from the Priests and their more independent Brothers who follow the paths of Magehood. Do not forget the Mord’s own daughter, blessed be her every footstep, is at the highest levels of the Church of Inanna the Most Fair. The best way for you to serve the Mord is to assist him in pulling out the weeds, and as such you will be rewarded with a Silver for each Bandit’s head you bring. Should you have definite proof of the Bandits whereabouts or Leadership then do not hesitate to contact the Mord or that scoundrel Bersan.”

With a moments pause, obviously for dramatic effect he states “Mind you, there is a greater service you could give… This tax run has given you challenges which show you are Donarans of great skill”. He nods towards the Kazi Ishtar as he says this (the Kaz have always suffered from a ‘second-citizen’ treatment in Donara). ”Why not join the Mord’s armies and fight to eradicate the Bandits?”

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