Campaign Logs

Session 20: A Home Away from Home. Members: Orithar Trisk Darvius Alandre Mamm Bealdaartsdotter Zentha Ianris Nimogene Thistlewit Hedrin  We arrived at the statehouse of Matha and were treated to a fine meal. I ate free pork. She explained how her family state home had been overrun with an unworldly spirit. Talk of ghosts. Something had turned her once family home into a nightmare. So far five people had been sent to investigate the goings-on but none of them returned. She was offering a substantial reward if we were able to remove what was now plaguing this manor.  The journey was short, only two hours walk away. The house looked ran down and il kept. The windows were still in one piece but neglect had taken its roots. As we entered the piano played by itself, beautiful music. A delight to all that could hear. The walls began bleeding, this did not add to the charm of the performance. No one was playing the piano and the strings were broken. How it was creating such a sound was beyond me. In the next room, a red ball rolled towards us. We found a small porcelain doll hidden in a fireplace. The doll was now holding the red ball that was once in my pocket. In the centre of the doll's chest a wooden stake. We removed the stake and on the side of the wood was engraved the name "Nadia".  As we searched through the house we found four more dolls. Hannah reading books, Maria holding sweets and sugar, Sasha holding music sheets and Esteria with homework and a small necklace of a silver pony. Each doll found a room matching their object of interest. Each with a stake through the heart and radiating in magic, with their name engraved upon the side  We were in the kitchen the sounds of crying echoed throughout the halls. Heavy loud footsteps could be heard walking down the corridor. I had read about such sounds it was the whaling, unmistakable. a creature formed by someone who had lost control when practising necromancy. Its breathing and whines scared my soul. We held our breath and waited. It stopped outside our door. The creature eventful walk passed without noticing us. It headed back into the basement. We continued searching the rest of the house. We found a painting from Samara Greyborn, the lost artist. We then found the five people sent before us. There broken bodies pieced and cramped into a fireplace dipping and rotting. We found more dolls. Anne holding paintbrushes, Sam holding a small telescope and Karen with a black knife. A religious symbol to a god. We also found a book written by a teacher. Outlining a teaching curriculum for each child. Matha's name appeared alongside the other students. 9 children each with a curriculum for their talents. Hannah, Anne, Nadia, Sasha, Maria, Sam, Esteria, Karen, Martha. Then we found one more doll, a second one for Esteria. The dolls began to cry.  Nim yelled at them to be quiet and soon after, banging and heavy footprint again. It was coming. It was a race out the window. As each member used the rope to lower themselves down it got closer until only I, Orithar was left and looking the monster in the eye. No time for rope. A quick jump. More sounds of breaking but we were safe. We looked outside around the house and found another doll. Another for Esteria. As the dolls meet each other the three for Esteria glowed and become one doll. The stakes all merged in one. The doll now felt warm and the skin felt more textured. We knew each doll had some magic to do with a soul. Esteria soul must have had to be spilt more than once.  With nothing left in the house, we travelled into the cellar again. The first time in the cellar we found a chair leg shaped into a stake with the word Matha written on it. The wood was the same but and at one point someone was going to stake Martha but decided against it. With no sign of the monster around we searched. We eventual found a fake bottle of wine hiding a secret door. After pulling the wine we saw it standing, the undead creature. It came forward. However the stakes we had collected ross up around poor Hendrin and as it came towards him, each one landed into its heart. Esteria landing the last. It was dead. The room was a mad mages toy filled with contraptions and books. I took as much as I could. We also found a document of a name change from Esteria to Matha... My theory:  As it so happened Younge Matha, born on the 1475hc was not called Matha. She was born under the name Esteria however with a complication. At some point in time, her mind was home to eight additional personalities each even more than just a personality. Was this from birth due to raw magic or developed over time? We don't know but we do know they each became so alive without a body they each developed their own soul or maybe young Esteria was just born with nine souls. Raw magic can do crazy things. Matha parents spend their time researching a way to help their daughter and the conversations inside her head would have been driving her insane. They found a way to splits and move the soul. They choose dolls, maybe the human shape made the process easier for the soul to adapt. I believe the parents removed each soul one by one until only Martha and Esteria remained. Esteria was the original host but the parents choose Martha. Esteria was an underperforming student by the study records and Martha was excelling in stately training. This is why a stake for Martha was made but never used. I believe the parents wanted Martha over Esteria and as she was the original soul it was more complicated and her soul had to be ripped into three. A strong magic number. Esteria was robbed of her life and Martha took everything. Her parent's obsession with magic eventfully turned them into the monster we saw today.  However, our story does not stop here for Little Nim. She made good use of the dolls and machine acting as a host for implantation. We were successful in transferring the souls of the dolls into Nim as a host. Her eye now reflects the different souls she is now a host too, however, if my theory is right Esteria is a complication. As the original soul, I worry she will fight Nim for control and if not careful Nim will become the same the smaller dolls souls. Tho if locked away they could be used a source of power using their essence to fuel great feats. I will try to work with Nim if she would let me. Maybe together we can keep her sanity and ensure these souls are put to good use. We returned and collected our reward. Recommendation : The Cohort should send out a team to collect all remaining literature, information and machinery left in the basement of her home. Martha should have no reason to keep any of this equipment and only risks endangering the lives of others around it. Once collected it should be studied. I also offer my services for this task.  

Session 19 (Mission 1L): Lights, Camera, Saxton! Expedition Members: Countess Prudence Duskhart (Lena C.) Lady Agatha Duskhart (Summer) Lady Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) Lord Robert Bossouri (Depraved Lunatic) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Locations Discovered: Dilapidated Tavern on the edge of Abbatour (Talmoere’s Ferry) Feeling like the attack on the consort of Baroness Marlae Roesone was personal to me, since I married them I decided I would definitely be returning to the Barony to investigate the attack. Agatha of course accompanied me, as well as two members of my own court; Lord Robert Bossouri and Lady Teresa Eirwen. The dwerren, Diesa Gemfire also accompanied us, wanting to help after we had helped her clear the goblin caves. We arrived at the Castle and the Baroness greeted us with her usual court on her throne. The party started talking business. We asked the Baroness and by extension her Consort of the attack and what exactly happened.  We have found out the following: No one except the guards and the Baroness really knew of Noeva’s exact whereabouts at the time of the attack. The guards reported 4 attackers, highly trained. They could only identify that one of the attackers was a young man with black hair. The attack happened by the tavern ‘The Alseid’s Prudence’ (Still can’t get used to that name) Someone has been going through and moving papers from the Baroness’ room without her permission or knowledge. (Later found that the papers missing were all dated the Ferlin 9th of Haelynir, someone was skimming gold from the Baroness without being noticed.) The party then asks for a private audience, after Teresa’s plan to dress one of us up as Noeva was heard by most of the court loses its validity. Away from potentially malicious ears we discuss in further detail what had happened and why it might have happened. We discuss possible suspects.  Firstly there was Noeva’s former husband, thought we ruled him out quickly when we found out that he was a simple farmer, and in no way earning enough to hire skilled mercenaries to kill his ex-wife. Next there was a religious group, who may disapprove of the marriage between the Marlae and Noeva, though they seemed to accept it when they heard that I, as an alseid performed the ceremony personally. Lastly there was Lord Saxton. Our prime suspect with actual motive. We imagine he was quite displeased by what happened and thus plotted to have the Baroness removed. Saxton believed the Baroness intended for him to marry me (No personal offence meant to Saxton, but he is a gross old man), since she didn’t clearly state that he was stripped of the title of Count when she named me the Countess.  Nevertheless we decided to investigate the scene of the attack, and in turn spend the night at the Alseid’s Prudence. We met up with the guard at its entrance, the same guard that told me and Agatha to wear collars when we first arrived here. Agatha told him he should wear one for his mistake. I watched as the man took one from his pack and put it on himself, averting his eyes. No, that didn’t feel right. I stepped up to take it off of him, telling him that his sincere apologies would be enough for me. We questioned him about the attack, and have found the following: There were 6 attackers, all well trained in the arts of combat. He says they could have easily killed Noeva Roesone if they wanted to. They jumped out of the street very sudden, good at hiding. He has also identified a man with dark black hair.  Possibly a cart in the way? Inside the inn we were tailed by the owner’s daughter. She is very taken with me, her poor mother couldn’t stop apologising for her disturbing us, even when I said it was alright. The party retires to a room to discuss what we had learned and what our plan of action should be. Teresa, on a side note brings up a note she has about Morrendeep, I believe, it’s a word that reads differently for everyone. For her it showed a name, Diesa’s name. I personally saw nothing but Agatha read it as Serpentine - a primordial entity. This troubled us greatly. Deciding we should probably focus on the mission ahead of us we retired for the night in the common sleeping room, deciding to keep watch in light of the recent attacks. Heavy footsteps came towards the door in the middle of the night, and a guard summoned us all to the castle. There was an attempt on Lord Saxton’s life. This raised more questions in us than anything else, why would the attackers whoever they were, move their target from Lady Noeva to Lord Saxton? It didn’t make sense. We came to the castle to find the would be assassin slain. And upon investigating the scene, Saxton’s bedroom, and the body of the black haired man we found the following: The attacker had a note on him found by Agatha saying “Saxton is your target” and a drawn picture of an eye. (Teresa and Diesa identified the mark to belong to Beauty a thieves guild working for The Beholder.) The man’s mythriel blade was coated in heavily diluted purple worm poison. The man had died of a poisonous stab, his wound was purple and black. Saxton claimed he did not turn the blade on him, instead used his own dagger, (it was also coated in purple worm poison though much more potent. This poison is not easy to come by, and we don’t believe it was mere coincidence the attacker and Saxton both had this poison.) Saxton did not sleep in his nightwear, he went to bed fully clothed and armed with his dagger. (As if he was waiting for an attacker to assault him.) The candle was not lit, and the room didn’t look like he was settling in for the night. Agatha found a letter in the drawer detailing how he was scared of the Baroness making arrangements to assassinate him. Tracking the movements of the assassin through the castle, Teresa determined that this person seemed to know exactly where to go to get to Lord Saxton’s room. (Like he may have been told where it is.) While we relayed our findings that Saxton most likely staged the attempt to the Baroness in the back room out in the hall people started to murmur and make noise. Something had clearly caused a ruckus, and Rob and Agatha went to see. A piece of paper was being passed around the nobles. Agatha snatched it and brought it back to us. It was saying the Baroness hired the assassin, dated Ferlin 9th of Haelynir, just like the missing papers from the Baroness’ room. The money that was missing, roughly 200 Gold Crowns was used to pay for this assassin. Lord Saxton publicly resigned his position in the Baroness Roesone’s court and walked out of the hall. An injured man, who was just the target of an assassination walks out of the protected hall, all alone. An alarm is raised as men attack the castle, at least ten of them. We come out to the courtyard to find they have tied Lord Saxton up and are dragging him away. We give chase, but the horn is sounded and the portcullis is shut, significantly slowing our escape. (The horn is something Lord Saxton would have access to, it’s an important horn in the defence of the castle.) Teresa tracks them to a small, run down looking inn on the edge of Abbatour. Seeing that now their numbers are doubled and we are grossly outnumbered, we don’t attempt an assault straight away. Though the question remains, why would these men kidnap Saxton alive, if someone wanted him dead? We return to Proudglaive to report the location of the bandits and Saxton to the Baroness.

Session 20: A Home Away from Home.   Members: Orithar Trisk Darvius Alandre Mamm Bealdaartsdotter Zentha Lanris Nimogene Thistlewit Hedrin    I am unsure why I keep getting sent on such strange missions, but there I was in the house of Martha Linwood, as she told us about her family’s estate which was now haunted. She had hired the Cohort to cleanse the estate, I was a bit confused in that we were sent without a priest, and with 4 brand new members. Perhaps, the Cohort wishes to test my leadership abilities. Soon we found ourselves outside the Linwood Estate, it looked a bit run down, but quite large. As we entered the estate, we noticed the organ playing in the music room. However, naturally there was no one there playing it. It also turned out to be broken down and totally not able to play music on its own. We decided to leave it alone for now and explore the house. Oh yes, predictably the front door closed on it’s own, and the walls started bleeding… Again, no priests with us. Zentha started playing with one of the ghosts as it rolled a red ball back and forth with her. While Nim poked her head up the Chimney, Orithar finds the first doll with a stake through its heart. He notes the effects of necromancy on the doll and the stake, when we remove the stake, we note it has the name “Nadia”, written on the stake. Orithar notes that such magic is used to rip the souls out of another person. As we continue to explore the house we find another doll in the Library with the name “Maria”. At this point we hear loud footsteps coming down the hall and crying, at peeking down the hall we see a large undead creature with a sharp pointed spear like hand. We close the door and try and stay quiet, it moves on through the house. We continue to explore the house and find more dolls, eventually we discover a room that we assume was the nursemaid’s room with several books all with the names of children under her care. “Hannah, Anne, Nadia, Sasha, Maria, Sam, Esteria, Karen, and Martha.” We did find a stake in the basement with the name Martha on it. We avoided the creature roaming around the house as best we could it was not adept at stealth, as it dragged it’s heavy feet and constantly was crying.  We did find the missing servants that Martha had sent here to clean the place up, they were all stuffed inside a chimney upstairs, quite dead. It almost had us trapped in an upstairs room but quickly thinking I took a rope and had someone tie it off in the room as I jumped off the building so they could climb down the rope, using my slow fall skill I was uninjured, and everyone made it down to safety. We continued to expore and eventually we found all the dolls, there were three Esteria dolls for some reason, but they all rose up in the air and combined into one. At this point we found ourselves once again in the basement. There we heard the creature crying behind a wine rack, figuring there was a secret door we found an off brand of wine, everyone but myself backed up and hid. I pulled the bottle of wine revealing a secret corridor with the creature in it. Though it seemed distracted. Zentha sent her familiar cat down the hallway, and the creature spun on it launching it’s harpoon like hand skewering the cat into pulp, before it vanished. As the creature came towards us, we backed up but Orithar blocked the stairs and our escape. Figuring I was going to have to fight this thing, I prepared myself. However, from out of our hands the stakes we had gathered began to glow and rise up around the small Hedrin, bravely he charged towards the creature and fainted… Just as the stakes all plunged directly into the creature slaying it. Within the secret room we found the chamber where the children’s parents had extracted their souls, it seems that their child was born with many different souls all inside one body. However, the necromancy they used had turned them into that creature. They had placed most of the souls inside of the dolls, except for Martha whom they had released into the world, after changing her legal name from Esteria to Martha. For some reason, Nim climbed onto one of the experiment tables and was suddenly strapped down to the table as the strange machines in the room came on. I leapt to cut her free but was not able to release her before the soul of the doll she was carrying was transferred into her body, as her eye turned to half brown half violet. An argument ensued as Orithar tried to convince her to take on the rest of the souls. I was firmly against the experiment, we agreed to search the rest of the house first. It took the better part of two days but we found nothing else. In that time the spirit in Nim was also working to convince her to reunite her with her sisters. Unwillingly, I found myself in the basement once again as Nim layed on the table and Orithar assisted her in placing all the souls into her body. Thankfully, I was able to convince Orithar it was a bad idea to put the parent’s undead body on the table and do experiments on it, sometimes I worry that Orithar’s curiosity for the Arcane will undo him… It probably will one day. However, today it was Nim who fell victim to her own curiosity as she now has many different souls in her head. I predict she will likely go mad; the Cohort will likely wish to interview all of the new souls if she is to remain with us, else she becomes a liability. We collected the reward from Martha, who naturally did not want to hear this crazy tale about her family… The mission is complete, and it is good to be home once again.   Darvius Alandre  

Session 20 (Mission Spooky): A Doll House Cohort Members: Zentha Ianris (As a note to fellow members. Learn how to spell) Orithar Trisk Nimogene Thistlewit Mamm Bealdaartsdotter Darvius Alandre Hedrin Strange. How my first mission from the arcanum sent me to play with dolls. I wonder. Martha Linwood. She’s a woman of little leniency in talk, or as I found out she had little patience for the truth. The promise of gold and coin blind any man or woman I suppose. I, and the party of others sent with me, arrived at the rundown house. It was full of memories. Of things forgotten and lost as time ate away at whatever remained. Music, filled the air as a spirit played the piano. Pleasant tune. Made the halls light up with a life that now only echoed through its walls and for a moment I could see it.  Now I would like to state, that while the Orog named Orithar is a skilled user of the arcane, it was I that detected necromantic magic coming from the dolls that we found, and I who recalled that this magic can be used to rip and transfer souls from bodies. I suppose to a simple man of action as the one named Darvius, we are completely indistinguishable. I walk the halls, but not alone. There is a creature. Large and twisted by the same necromancy. Its large lance like hand ready to pierce any heart. So many dolls, so many names. Sam the astrologer, Karen the priestess, Hannah the author, Nadia the child, Esteria the original, Martha the well-mannered, Anne the artist, Sasha the musician and Maria the student. Each so unique. And yet they somehow feel the same. In a bathful of black ichor I saw a face. A child’s face looked up at me, eyes pleading for help. Something reached out. Dark stained hands pulling her back down. The vision faded. This creature, these dolls. It’s torture. Bodies found. Stuffed up a chimney hearts pierced through. It is not their souls that linger, but their blood that flows down the walls. Back down into the cellar, where wine flows instead of blood. A fine Khinasi taste among Anuieran grape. A door opens. Inside this creature of necromancy. Bethsheba my familiar sweet, in a hot flash of pain. Those stakes, from the dolls. They slay the creature that was the inflictor of their pain. A laboratory. Whirring and humming from those arcane instruments encased the little one, Nimogene. Souls found a body once again. They reside in her now. I don’t envy the dreams she’ll have. The house is cleansed, and soulless once more. Only the silent dead air left behind and the evidence of good intentions turned wicked.

Session 19 (Mission 1L): Lights, camera, Saxton! Expedition Members Agatha (Summer) Prudence (Lena C.) Rob Boss (Depraved Lunatic) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Teresa (Sere) We were once again summoned to Roesone to help the Baroness. This time her new wife had been attacked on the streets and according to the guards, these men were more than regular thieves. They were well trained and knew what they were doing. We arrived at the castle and asked the Baroness, her wife and guards what exactly had happened. It had happened outside the tavern the owner had named after Prudence during our first visit. It was evening and the only thing the wife had seen was that one of them had black hair. The guards who escorted her confirmed that one of them had been a young man with short black hair. They said there were four attackers, all believed to be human but they were well hidden under their hoods so they couldn’t be completely sure. It was not well known that the wife would be there. She had only really told the Baroness. From the information we gathered we had a few suspects. It could be Saxton, as he had lost a lot due to this union where Prudence had become Countess, thus taking his title. It could be a religious group, someone who did not approve of the union. On top of this the Baroness told us that someone had been snooping in her room, but she hadn’t really found anything missing. We went there anyway and investigated. What we found, or rather what we found missing were reports on paid bills. There was a date missing on these report, more exactly Ferlin 9th of Haelynir . We also found footprints outside the room that seemed to lead out to the courtyard again. All of this we reported to the Baroness and while we were at it she summoned Saxton to inform him that he was not engaged to Prudence. We found out that here were copies of all the reports and ask Lady Terva, who keeps these papers, to bring us the ones from the missing date. Diesa looked them over and found out that someone had been taking a little, just enough not to be noticed. After talking to the Baroness we went to the tavern outside where it all had happened. The guard is there from the last time we were there, the ones who told me and Prudence to wear collars. I teased him until he put one on himself before Prudence decides it’s rude and takes it off him. He had seen the event. He said there were six men, rather than four like the guards from the castle had said. We decided to spend the night there and we met this little girl! Her mother offered us to take her with us to our castle as a servant, but I didn’t want to take her from her mother. However, I made sure she got a ride on Prudence before we went up to our room. It was a calm night. Diesa had a new familiar that she showed us. I think it’s name was Harry, a beautiful flying snake. Teresa shows us all a paper that reads differently for everyone and I could read the word “Serpentine” on the paper, one of the primordial gods. All of the words we could read together seemed to be clues to another mission for another day. In the middle of the night we were woken up by a guard sent from the Baroness, there had been an attempt on Lord Saxton’s life. When we got there the body was in the middle of the throne room and I go up to investigate. On the body I found 200 golden crowns, a shortsword coated in diluted purple worm poison and a note pointing Saxton out as the target. The note was signed with an eye, which Teresa and Diesa recognises as the sign of Beauty, a thieves guild that follow the Beholder. After examining the man closer I could see that he had short black hair and a purple wound. I asked to see Saxton’s wound, and it was the same purple as the one of the man. It seemed they had both been stabbed with weapon covered in that purple poison, however Saxton never claimed to have turned the sword against the attacker. I asked to see his dagger that he has used, and it was covered with the same poison, but a less diluted version than the one the shortsword had had.That’s how the attacker had died and Saxton was still alive. We got permission to investigate his room and found blood on the bed, but the candle had not been lit and his night clothes were still on the dresser. Teresa tracked footsteps and it seemed like the attacker knew just where to go. I also found a letter in a hidden compartment. In the letter Saxton wrote about his concerns of the Baroness wanting to get rid of him and how he feared for his life. We decided it had to be staged, which we went down to tell the Baroness. We reported all our findings and as we did there was a lot of commotion in the throne room. Someone was walking around with the missing report, showing that the Baroness had paid 200 golden crowns, the same amount found on the body, to an assassin. We take the note and Saxton decided to leave the court. We barely had time to enter the back room again until we heard more commotion. The people of the court were screaming as Saxton was being kidnapped and brought away by several men. We tried to chase them down but they managed to get outside the gates and the gates closed as the sound of a horn was heard. It seemed like an inside job. We decided to track them and ended up in Abbatuor at an inn. The group decided to return as it would have been to dangerous to fight them alone. To whoever tried to pick up this trail; there must be much more to this than we have found but it does point towards an inside job.

Session 20 (Mission Spooky) - The Eight Little Girls Cohort members Orithar Trisk Darvius Alandre Mamm Bealdaartsdotter Zentha Ianris Nimogene Thistlewit Hedrin My very first mission for the Cohort was very scary! We were sent to investigate a house they said was haunted by a poltergeist. The owner was Martha Linwood and she told us that she had already sent five servants there to investigate and they had all died! We got the keys and after we had finished eating we went over to the house. When we got to the house we heard a piano play. Orithar really liked the music, even when we saw that the piano was playing itself. When we walked inside and into the room with the piano we looked around for any clues. I decided to go underneath the piano and knocking. I said hello, and then a little girl’s voice said hello back, but no one else heard it. Then we walked across the hall into another room and when we looked through that room Orithar found a doll in the fireplace. It was tied with toys and had a stake through it. On the stake the name Nadia was written. Orithar took good care of her. Then we found the library. Darvius wanted to find a hidden door so I looked around until I instead found a doll. When I picked her up the books shot out of the shelves! It really hurt. This doll was wrapped with small books and on her stake was the name Hannah. Now Nadia had a friend. Orithar took good care of her too. Next stop was the kitchens. I looked in the fireplace to see if there was another doll. There was not. I just got dust in my face but Mamm wiped it off for me. Hedrin put all the knives in a pot because Darvius said maybe they would fly at us like the books! That would have hurt a lot more. There was another door in there that led to a pantry and it had sugar. I tasted it to make sure it was fresh and then I was going to put some in my pocket for Pim Pim, but a girl screamed at me that it was hers. Then she threw sugar all over me! Mamm helped me wipe it off. Me and Mamm looked behind the door. There was a doll wrapped in sweets and pie and it smelled soooo good. Her name was Maria and Orithar took good care of her too. Out in the hallway we saw a huge nasty monster and ran into another room. It was the dining room and we found nothing in there. As soon as the coast was clear we excited, only to see another monster. It was a naked cat and I was so scared it was going to eat my squirrel Pim Pim that was sleeping in my pocket. Mamm was kind and protected me and Pim Pim. A bit down the hallway there was a room with stairs going down. We found a workshop and in there was a stake with Martha’s name on it! Was she going to turn into a doll too? Then there was some wine and Darvius heard the monster so we ran out. We had found a doll in almost every room so Herdin said we should go back to the piano room. Together we opened the piano and inside was another doll, this one wrapped in music sheets with the name Sasha on the stake. Poor dolls, all stabbed. That’s when we went up the stairs and there we found a child’s bedroom. In the bed Orithar found another doll that was wrapped in a log of things like a sword, a flute and a pretty horse necklace. Her name was Esteria. She had a lot of lovely dresses in her dresser and I tried one on. I got stuck and Hedrin tried to yank it off but Mamm came and helped me instead. When the three of us returned out in the hallway Zentha, the lady with the naked cat, had found another Esteria doll in the bathroom. She also found books in another bedroom. On the spines were names written, some we already knew; Hannah, Anne, Nadia, Sasha, Maria, Sam, Esteria, Karen and Martha. They all had different things in their books. Hannah liked litterature, Anne liked drawing, Nadia must have been little because in her book there were basic colours instead of homework. Then we found out that Sasha liked music, Maria liked sweets and Sam’s studies were focused on astrology. In Esteria’s we just found homework, poor girl. Then in Karen’s book we found that she focused on religion and in Martha’s we found studies about etiquette and managing lands. Then we found the servants. In a room Orithar looked into the fireplace again and up in the chimney bodies were mushed together. I looked inside and got blood on my face. Mamm wiped it off. I really like Mamm. We found the doll for Anne, wrapped in painting supplies. Then the music from the piano started again and I thought it must be Sasha. I went over to the stairs and called for her, but then instead the monster answered. We ran into a little office and I tied a rope for Darvius to jump down with, then the rest of us slid down, just avoiding the monster. I apologised for getting us chased by the monster. In the gardens me and some others looked in the green house while the rest found a shed with another Esteria doll. They said all three Esteria dolls had started to glow and went together into one doll. It sang and when we all met up I could see and feel that her skin felt like real skin almost. She was warm. Back in the house I found this staircase I went down and I found a laundry room and in that room I found Karen. It said so on the stake and she had a little black knife in her hand. There was a door in that room and when I opened it I saw the others that had not followed me down the stairs. That’s when we heard the monster again. It was behind a shelf. When it opened the stakes Hedrin held all lit up and pierced the monster, killing it. Two little blue lights flew out of it and away. Behind the shelf that had opened was a new room. There were strange machines and metal tables with straps. I climbed up on one of them to have a better look and then the machine grabbed me! The others tried to save me but suddenly the Esteria doll started floating and when the machines were done I could feel something strange. Esteria’s soul was inside me. They said my left eye turned green. She wanted to to invite her sisters too, and I thought if I did I could bring them back to Martha because they had all been part of her before. Orithar was the only one who helped me back up on the table, the others thought it was too dangerous. The machine started again. This time when it was done it broke and my left eye had turned multicoloured. It was so loud in my head but I managed to make them shut up. I asked Esteria what to do, but she said they would be with me forever now. I was so scared. I still am. We returned and got the reward, leaving the house with more people than we had entered. Martha had no idea what we were talking about so I couldn’t give the souls to her. They are still with me, all these little girls I have to take care of.

Session 21: Moonlit Ashes of Urkenhame Party: Korak - Sloth Siegfred - Hats4Cats Roland - Physh Hunter - Link Written by Hunter Layton We begin with a simple boat ride to Urkenhame. As returning heroes, we were welcomed with open arms. We immediately went before Queen Fraya simply requesting a safe haven as we prepared to hunt gnolls. As well, we released the news of Drago's eventual trial and were able to acquire a letter to defend Drago's position. After a nice restful evening, we set out to the old gnoll camp to see if we could find which direction the gnolls went. As expected, we found the camp deserted and looted. As night was falling, we took the liberty of remaking the camp. In the night, a very strange man wearing elaborate clothing approached. His speech was extremely off-putting as if not only did he have trouble speaking but he didn't know his own language? Regardless, he offered some very interesting magical items. He simply wanted one thing: the key to Urkenhame. Thankfully, none of us were stupid enough to even offer it. However, he stole my name. My true name was C......damn it, I can't even write it. Anyways, my name is now Hunter. We were given a bag of sand/dirt that we could use to summon him. We never got his name, but we later found out he goes by many names. Urkenhame's name for him was the Moonlight King. The bag was entrusted to me as he stole my name..... The next day, we managed to find the tracks heading northeast. After two days, we stumbled upon an old fort the gnolls had managed to take over. We hid from them as a raiding force was being assembled just outside of it. Thankfully, they didn't spot us. We waited a little before checking their fort. As expected, nothing was left behind. So, we tracked their direction southeast...heading in almost a beeline for Urkenhame. By the time we got to the lake, they had already prepared a small fleet of boats and were gone. Not wasting anymore time, we hurried along the north coast as quick as we could. However, it became apparent that Siegfried, an old man, was slowing us down. We split the group there and I ventured as quick as I could to Urkenhame to warn them that a gnoll raid might be coming for them. I had arrived on the next night, and it was that night that the bag of sand vanished. We were planning on getting rid of it during the morning as not to accidentally summon him. The next day, the rest of the party caught up. They had failed in attempting to relocate the gnoll party without my help. As we were discussing heading out to scout, a horn blew in the distance....yep, they were here. We immediately went out to the guard towers and did our best to defend the city, with the help of Silver. The fight was lengthy and each of us did various heroic activities as it carried on. We managed to break their moral with only a few warg riders remaining. Before we could celebrate, fire erupted from a shadow in the sky annihilating the remaining gnolls. The largest red dragon I've ever seen landed on the other-side of the city. For those who have seen the wolf, the dragon was actually bigger. It's head alone was double the size of the wolf's head. It's wingspan was about half that of Urkenhame's total land. Not risking anything, Silver took the queen and escaped. We, on the otherhand, attempted to help direct as many people as we could to the old gnoll camp. We managed to get about 2/3 of the population out. Thankfully, a large number of them were already out of the city and scattered throughout the wood. After resting a week, we traveled back to the Cohort with the firelight in the distance still visible. Urkenhame will be rebuilt stronger. We spent some time visiting Drago and told him the story. For those reading this, I urge you to read the board of fate afterwards.

Session 21:  HOLY SHIT, DRAGONS! Party: Korak - Sloth Siegfred - Hats4Cats Roland - Physh Hunter - Link Written by Roland Took a job to do a bit of gnoll hunting.  Track down some gnolls, get a few kills, earn a few coins.  Easy, right?  WRONG! We started off in Urkenhame, in the court of some Lady or Queen or something.  She was REALLY pretty...  They guys started talking to her about a bunch of boring stuff until we were finally able to sit down and feast.  Man, there was SO much food!  I've never seen so much in one place before!  It was a pretty good time, except for this really dull dirge music they kept playing. It was supposed to be a song about Korak and Hunter's previous exploits, but it sounded more like somebody's funeral.  We asked if they could spare a weapon for me, since I lost my sword to those stupid mimics, and they gave me an axe.  An AXE!  I don't know how to use an axe?  It was so big and unwieldy, how does anyone use those things?  Will have to trade it for some coin later.  Couldn't get out of there fast enough... Finally we started to make our way through the woods to track down the gnolls.  I stuck mostly with Siegfred.  I like him.  He's friendly, and he doesn't snap at me all the time like the others do.  Sometimes he'd have trouble walking, or he'd get tired, and I'd help him.  I don't mind helping him.  On our first night camping, some old coot came strolling into the camp.  He wanted to make a trade.  He showed me this REALLY COOL looking rapier!  It shined in the moonlight!  I wanted it, but he wouldn't trade it for the axe.  Then Hunter asked him about some stupid quiver or something and the rapier disappeared.  I tried to find out what he'd want for it later, and he told me that he'd take my soul for it, but that I didn't have one.  Why do people keep telling me that?  Instead, we ended up with a bag of sand...  great, that will come in handy. Eventually we arrived at an old fort.  It was in ruins, looks like it got burned by something really hot, not sure what it was.  There was a large group of gnolls there with really big wolves, WAY too many for us to take on our own.  They had packed up their entire camp and were moving out. We decided it would be best if we followed.  After a bit, we realized they were making their way back to Urkenhame.  There was no way we could keep pace with them on wolves and us dragging Siegfred along.  Hunter ran ahead to try to warn the pretty queen about the raiding party while we did our best to get there as soon as we could.  Luckily, we all managed to get there just before they launched the attack. We took positions in the platforms behind the walls, and they started charging.  Arrows and bolts were flying everywhere, it was really chaotic.  We managed to take a few out as they approached.  There was one guy below my who was getting surrounded, but I couldn't save him... without my rapier, there was no way I had a chance at holding off those gnolls...  they cut him down right in front of me.  Right after, a guy on our platform took a bolt and went down, along with the banner he was carrying.  Siegfred immediately picked it up.  He started getting targeted by the gnolls, but he didn't care!  He kept the banner high above his head while he continued defending the town. Then the Dwerren, Korak, he leapt down from the platform right into the middle of the oncoming gnolls and wolves!  The gnoll leader called him out, and they dueled right there in the middle of the fighting!  It was crazy, and Korak... he just took the gnoll down.  It happened so fast, I've never seen anything like it!  Then Hunter saw a gnoll spellcaster, and put an arrow right through his eye!  Dropped him like a sack of potatoes.  I felt like I had to do my part too...  that's when I saw the gnolls climb a platform across the path from me, a lone guard by himself trying to defend it.  I jumped down and rushed across the path behind the first wave of gnolls to try to help him... but I took a bolt to my shoulder and went down...  everything went black. I'm not sure what happened next...  I came to as the gnolls rushed past me. I got up and went to the platform and stood over the wounded guard to protect him.  I kept unleashing arrows taking down gnoll after gnoll, while the others fought as well and a dragon - A DRAGON - flew overhead and took out even more gnolls!  Eventually, the raiders lost their will and started to retreat.  Korak held them at the gate while the rest of us continued our assault.  Eventually, the day was won as the last of them ran away, and the dragon gave chase.  But then we saw fire coming from the other side of the town...  a GIGANTIC red dragon was laying waste to the entire town!  It was HUGE, it was bigger than the gnoll fort we had explored earlier!  I've never seen a living creature so large!  There was nothing we could do, so we started to help evacuate the town.  I managed to convince several people to follow us as we dashed off into the woods. We survived...  but the town was lost.  I don't know what happened to the pretty lady, I hope she is okay.  Not sure if we are going to end up getting any reward since the town is basically an ashpile.  Going to have to find another way to replace my sword...

Session 22:  The Sultana's Lovelorn Commander Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Party: Lolgon Shoulgen Drake Darkwood Shango Bayu Jannis the Red Tipper-Taint Rainbow-Paint Cordelia Woodwytch  We were sent by the Cohort Arcanum to perform a job for the Sultana of Binsada.  It appeared that one of her commanders, Gaered Vorduine, disappeared while trying to deal with brigands near their border with the Harrowmarsh.  A rewards of 1,500 golden stallions was too great to pass up.  Knowing the dangers of the Harrowmarsh first hand, I was glad we had a large party to tackle the issue.  Upon arrival at Ber Dairas, we wasted no time reporting to the palace, where the Sultana ushered us in to her private bedchambers in hushed tones.  After accessing a hidden latch, she opened a concealed door and took us into an underground chamber where a doppelganger of the Sultana lay on a lounge surrounded by handmaidens in white robes.  That is when we learned the truth:  The Sultana had been under the influence of some magic for months, in a trance like state similar to how the fey meditate.  The Sultana we had met was her sister, who had taken the Sultana’s place to avert suspicion and prevent panic within the realm. Unfortunately, Gaered had deduced something was wrong… he didn’t know the sister had taken the Sultana’s place, all he knew was that the Sultana was acting strange.  So he left to travel to a place he and the Sultana had been before, to retrieve something they left behind, in an effort to prove his loyalty.  Not exactly sure what he was thinking. It was hard to read what was going on.  Did Gaered cause the Sultana’s magical slumber?  Was it her sister in an effort to grab power?  Or was it the Red Witch, the Sultana’s magical advisor, who had perpetrated the act?  We didn’t have any clues, and other than finding some letters in the Sultana’s and Gaered’s quarters that hinted at a familiar relationship between them – and Gaered’s infatuation with the Sultanta – nothing gave us a clue as to where specifically Gaered had gone.  With little else to go off of, we headed out for the western banks of the Harrowmarsh.   Once we were on the road, Lolgon mentioned that the Red Witch had bribed him with 60 gold for information on what was going on.  Was she truly out of the loop and trying to get info, or was she nervous that her nefarious machinations might be discovered?   Again, we had no hints either way. On our first night in camp, our mounts were set upon by a giant scorpion.  It immediately killed one of the camels and started to drag it away for its dinner.  Not wanting to risk its return (and wanting to prove myself after my last disastrous run in with a giant scorpion, I charged in while my companions used missiles and spells to slow the beast down.  It managed to grab me, but having learned from my last encounter, I managed to avoid its deadly sting.  After scoring a solid blow myself, Shango dashed behind it and finished it off with a slash of his sword and a solid elbow to its head. After several days of travel, we made it to the southern edge of the Harrowmarsh border, at a ruin called Tower of Evening.  We had hoped that this may have been the place where Gaered and the Sultana first met, and thus the place he was returning to, but the Khinasi guards at the ruins stated that they had not seen anyone for weeks. Rather that wander aimlessly through the marsh hoping to stumble across him, I led my group back to the hidden serpent camp…  a small fort of female humanoid/snake awnshegh that I had encountered previously in my travels.  They had proven friendly enough before, and had put forth an offer for me to visit again in the future… I hoped they would be able to point us in the right direction. On the way, we encountered a group of four-armed bug looking humanoids.  We were unable to communicate, but they placed a wooden idol (resembling themselves) on the ground.  To complete the exchange, Cordelia put some rations along side it.  The creatures happily took the rations, and wandered off into the dark enjoying their new treats. Upon arrival at the awnshegh stronghold, and after making introductions and performing the ritual exchange of gifts, I mentioned the man we were looking for.  Matriarch Habivi immediately flew into a rage… apparently Gaered had bedded her and had slunk off before the sun came up.  Hell hath no fury like a female awnshegh scorned…  She told us he was headed to the Great Tree in the Harrowmarsh.  She was unable to pinpoint its location on the map, but she told us to “follow the sun to the Harrowmarsh, then it is a great swim to a school of carnivorous fish underwater.  Nearby will be a small cave, travel through the underwater tunnel for two hours until you arrive at the Great Tree.” We followed her directions until we came upon a shipwreck where we found the flesh-eating fish in question.  It was long before we discovered the cave.  We sent one member in briefly to determine the direction of the underground passage, and upon his return he reported It headed west.  After the first day of travel, our camp was attacked by a band of lizard folk.  I was able to hold the line against 4 of the 5 attackers while the rest of the party took them down one at a time.  Nursing my wounds, we continued traveling the next day until we came upon the Great Tree. Luckily for us, that is exactly where Gaered was, searching around the tree for lords know what.  We informed him of what was actually transpiring in Ber Dairas, and he immediately flew into a rage, ceasing his search of the tree.  Our gnome companion tried diligently to find what Gaered had been looking for while we kept him occupied in conversation, but his efforts bore no fruit. The return to Ber Dairas was relatively uneventful, aside from a group of three giant ticks which one of the mages took out with a single spell… and almost killing one of our other companions.  At the end of the day, we wrangled Gaered back to the Sultana’s sister and he got brought up to speed. Though there were many questions that remained, and the Sultana was still in a magically induced coma, we had completed the terms of the contract, and headed home to collect our hard fought reward.

Session 22: The Shortest Adventure Expedition Members Tipper-taint Rainbow-paint (Hats4Cats) Lolgon (SlothSlow) Cordelia Woodwytch (Serephen) Shango Bayu (Depraved Lunatic) Drake Darkwood (Link S.) Jannis the Red (Physh) (Log heavily redacted after a number of entirely made-up events, some totally nonsensical, were removed) My first trip with this group, The Cohort. Very strange party, some as short as me, but none of them have good hats so Cordie still reigns supreme. The trip was long, we arrived in a hot desert land. People seemed uncomfortable, I brought my own shade. I didn't understand the people here, but most of the others did, they shared with me what the people said. It wasn't very interesting. We met with the ruler of this land, Sultana Banira something something of Binsada. She lost a general and wanted us to go find him. Gaered. She took us to her room to tell us secrets. I like secrets. She showed us a secret basement room where she's keeping a dead  sleeping woman that looks like her and some priesty-looking women. She said that the sleeping woman was her sister, and the actual ruler. She fell asleep months ago and hasn't woken up so she took the ruler's place. Seems needlessly complicated if you ask me, pretending to be someone else and not just doing it for fun. The general left a note, something cryptic about going to a place to pick up a thing. Seems he noticed the Sultana acting different and got suspicious or something. He's totally into her. The others asked a bunch of questions but the Sultana didn't really know much. Her sister was under some kind of magic, the ley lines here are controlled by the Red Witch (I bet she doesn't even have a good hat, will need to check), Sister-Sultana doesn't really like the Red Witch, and Gaered and Real-Sultana met in the Harrowmarsh. We looked through the Sultana's bedroom and then Gaered's. They sent a lot of letters to each other. Maybe she's into him too? I found a scrumpled up parchment in Gaered's room - a half-finished love song to the Sultana. He is  into her! He's also a terrible songwriter. Maybe I'll give him some tips. Or write my own song to a Sultana. I think I could do better. Some of the others wanted to stay and ask more questions, but we know to go to the Harrowmarsh. A place that's important to the two of them would be around there for sure, and nobody here knows their secrets well enough to know where that would be, otherwise the paranoid general wouldn't have picked that as the place to tell her about. One of the other short people said the Red Witch snuck into his room and tried to ask him some stuff, gave him gold for it. He didn't tell her anything secret. She should have asked me, I know lots of secrets and I could have asked for her secrets. Some of the others think the Sultana might be lying to us, but they didn't look for signs of lying. How do they think to find something if they don't look for signs? This mission is all about finding something, I hope they get better at it soon. We travelled in the desert. Camels are strange. We set up camp, one of the other small ones wanted to keep watch at the same time as me. Is he into me? Probably not. He doesn't trust me on my own? Probably. A giant scorpion appeared during our watch. While people were getting up it grabbed one of the camels and murdered it in one hit, then it took it off to eat. Fair. The others didn't think it was fair and wanted to kill it, so we killed it. Someone asked about getting its poison, so I did. Took some for myself, could be useful. Scorpion leg tastes nice. Crunchy. We found a place where the fire burned very dim. The Tower of Evening. Two guards outside said that it was too dangerous to go in, they hadn't seen Gaered and we should leave. We left. They say nobody knows what's inside. I want to know what's inside. Not today though, too much to do. We were going to go into the swamp, but we found a boat and Hydra tracks. The boat owner is definitely dead, it's our boat now. But we didn't go into the swamp, we went back to the desert. We took the boat. I got to ride in it, it was more fun than riding on the camel. Jannis lead us to a camp he knew about full of snake women. On the way some insect people approached us in the night. Everyone got their weapons out and nobody spoke each others language. They put a wood carving on the ground like they were giving it to us, so I gave them some food. They seemed happy with the food and went away. People put their weapons away. Not everything tries to kill you, sometimes they just want to give you a little wooden carving of themselves that has some sort of magical properties. I should learn bug language, maybe they can teach me some day. The snake women apparently thought it was "disappointing" how small some of us were. I'm not sure why, do they get something out of seeing big people? Do they treat our appearance as some weird kind of offering? I'm disappointed when someone carefully steps around a pitfall trap, the size of random strangers who turn up at your door seems odd to get disappointed at. Their leader was very large, which was disappointing. She got angry until we gave her gifts, I gave her a spear I found and told her I used it to survive in the wilderness for years. She didn't look for signs that I was lying, and gave me a curved sword in exchange. I don't know how to use this, maybe I can find something else to do with it. The snake queen eventually told us that Gaered had passed through here. She was very angry with him. He pretended to be into her for some reason, then left. I don't think the Sultana would be happy about this if she was into him. The queen wanted us to stab him when we found him, the others said that he'd feel her wrath. I think they were lying. She also told us where he was going and how to get there. We just had to head West, find a nest of some flesh-eating fish, then swim through an underwater cave for 2 hours to arrive at the grove. Snake people can hold their breath a long time. I'm not sure how they ride horses though, that seems difficult to do without legs. We left the camels with the snake people and took the boat into the swamp. We found a wrecked ship, which is funny, the water is deep here but I don't think it's deep enough for a ship that big. Some of us wanted to investigate the ship, but others wanted to avoid it because we didn't have time. I pointed out that firstly we're not technically on a strict time schedule. I mean if he'd been out there for two weeks already and couldn't survive then he'd already be dead. Besides that, this might be the fish nest. We rowed closer to check and found a bunch of fish coming and going from the wreck. The snake queen said they wouldn't attack us, but maybe they only don't attack her because she's so big? I suggested throwing one of the gnomes into the ship to see what would happen. They got alarmed, but they didn't check for signs of me lying about wanting to do that. One of the taller people swam down to find the cave and check which way it went so we could follow it. He looked like a very bad swimmer. I'm surprised the fish didn't attack him as easy prey. He pointed us West and we rowed on that way. Some lizard people attacked us in the night. I don't speak their language either, but I think it'd be hard to ask them to teach me. They seem to like fighting more than talking. The armoured person stood in front of all of them and got hit a lot. He should probably not stand still when so many people are hitting him, I'm not sure how he's still alive. Nobody else really got hurt so maybe this is some kind of 'honour'? I'm not sure about it. The lizardfolk had spikes on their shields which seemed revolutionary to some people. If lizardpeople living in a swamp with only primitive tools and crafting methods can come up with it I'm not sure why they were so impressed. I should invent something, I bet the gnome with all the metal toys would help me make it. Eventually we found "The Great Tree" and found Gaered hanging around it. He was looking for something he left inside the tree, but it wasn't hollow, so I'm not sure how he did that. One of the tall people decided to tell him all the secrets. I asked him if it was a good idea, but he did it anyway. These people are terrible at secrets, I won't be telling them any of mine. Telling Gaered everything only made him really angry, and he threatened to kill us all and then kill the Sister-Sultana and then the Red Witch. This was surely the best plan. Eventually he decided to come back with us and THEN kill us, which I thought was a good step forward, but it meant I couldn't just flee on the boat while he was attacking if he attacked. The tinkery gnome tried to listen to the tree and it stole a part of his life force. I need one. There were no seeds or acorns to take though. Maybe later. We made it back to the Sultana after some strange bugs attacked us and the one wearing lots of black panicked and nearly killed one of the small people, even though the bugs were asleep and really, really easy to squish. Gaered kept saying he was going to kill everyone, even after the Sultana explained everything, and some of the party got defensive and started threatening him back. Eventually they stopped doing that, which was good, so he calmed down and nobody died. The sleeping Real-Sultana is still a thing though, they might be in touch about that because frankly I'm not sure they can figure it out themselves.

Session 19 (1L): Lights, Camera, Saxton! Present: Prudence Duskhart (Lena C.) Agatha Duskhart (Summer) Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) Robert Bossouri (Depraved Lunatic) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Baroness Marlae Roesone gives each partymember 600 golden crowns (tax already paid) as a reward for all their help. Monster XP 10XP per character in combat experience. Quest XP 300XP per character for discovering political machinations. RP XP 100XP per character for great RP! Exploration XP 25XP per character for discovering the hideout. Log XP 150XP to Prudence and Agatha for great logs! Total XP 435XP Rob Boss, Diesa, and Teresa 585XP Agatha, and Prudence Renown, Fame, and Infamy 1 Renown (Roesone) per character, 1 Infamy (Roesone) per character. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 20 (SPOOKY): The Eight Little Girls Present: Orithar Trisk (Hats4Cats) Darvius Alandre (Darvius) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter (Seraphina Leaf) Zentha Ianris (Lena C. Nimogene Thistlewit (Summer) Hedrin (SlothSlow) The party receive 1,800 cowards coins (100gp per character). The Cohort's tax was already paid. Every member of the party also receives a small doll that is an exact replica of themselves. This doll can be used as the components for a revivify spell (or any other spell that raises dead), but only when reviving the person it resembles. Monster XP 316XP per character for defeating the monstrosity in the basement Quest XP 400XP per character for completing the mission. RP XP 200XP per person for great RP! Exploration XP 100XP for discovering the old mansion! Log XP 150XP to Orithar, Darvius, Zentha,  and Nimogene Total XP 1,016XP to Hedrin, and Mamm 1,166XP to Orithar, Darvius, Zentha, and Nimogene Renown, Fame, and Infamy Each character receives 1 point of fame, and 5 points renown in Molochev. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 21 (1I): Moonlit Ashes of Urkenhame Present: Korak (SlothSlow) Siegfried (Hats4Cats) Roland (Physh) Hunter (Link S.) The party receive no rewards for the compleation of this mission. Drachenward sits in shambles. Monster XP 100XP for surviving the great battle of Urkenhame's last breath. Quest XP 100XP for completing the quest in that fashion. RP XP 100XP for good RP. Exploration XP 50XP for discovering the destroyed ruins. Log XP 150XP to Hunter, and Roland Total XP 350XP to Korak, and Siegfried 500XP to Hunter, and Roland Renown, Fame, and Infamy 3 fame to Korak, 2 fame to Hunter, 1 fame Siegfried, and 1 fame for Roland (this was already given in session just listed for record purposes). Addtionally every member of the party receives 10 points of infamy in Drachenward except for Hunter who receives 30 points of Infamy. Every member of the group receives -3 renown with The Cohort Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 22 (1K): The Shortest Adventure Present: Tipper-taint Rainbow-paint (Hats4Cats) Lolgon (SlothSlow) Cordelia Woodwytch (Serephen) Shango Bayu (Depraved Lunatic) Drake Darkwood (Link S.) Jannis the Red (Physh) Banira bint Hamilah el-Reshid, Sultana of Binsada pays her dues, and rewards the party with 1500 golden stallions (tax already paid by the Sultana). Monster XP 204XP per character for surviving the dangerous lands. Quest XP 500XP for completing the quest! RP XP 100XP per person for good RP! Exploration XP 50XP for discovering the ancient tree! 100XP for discovering The Tower of Evening! Log XP 150XP to Jannis, and Cordelia. Total XP 954XP to Drake, Shango, Lolgon, and Tipper. 1,104XP to Jannis and Cordelia Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every member of the expedition receives 10 points of renown, and 1 point of fame in Binsada. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not.

Session 23 (1N): The Rat Stomping Present: Zentha Nim Mamm Johnny Zambrano Cordie Zolis Heeding the call of King Varri Haraldsson, we set sail for Hollingholmen in Stojordvik to deal with a rat infestation plaguing the city. The party set sail through the open waters of Tael Firth when a massive creature appeared from the depths below the ship. The Kraken itself rose from the sea and the sailors began to say their prayers as we prepared for almost certain death. The Kraken telepathically communicated with us growling "you have entered my domain." It accused us of stealing its treasure, to which someone pointed out that it was not us but Berry Blacbkbeard. Luckily someone had that information handy because instead of drowning, we were rewarded with the blessing of the Kraken, a tattoo granting favor in interactions with the Kraken and favorable winds while in his domain. Cordie, despite having unreadable thoughts, received the blessing as well. Upon arriving in Hollingholmen, we made our way to Ravenroost Castle to treat with King Varri but were turned away at the gate as he was busy partying. The guard pointed us to a sewer entrance where we witnessed a swarm of rats. Nim attempted to speak with them and discovered there are no ordinary rats. The rats then attacked us with diseased bites which infected Codie, who became exhausted. The rat swarms did little damage but were capable of replicating themselves and turned to dust when they died. Mamm's heavy armor mastery kept her completely safe from the onslaught of bites but our single target damage was unable to efficiently deal with the swarms. I revealed my fraught history with rats, as a child a swarm literally took the food off my plate and even out of my mouth. I  admitted to the party with great shame that it was a rat stole my first kiss, resurfacing feelings of anger and confusion. We followed the tracks of larger bipedal rat creatures through the sewers to a room with music coming from the other side. A cat familiar was killed bu the humanoid rats actually invited us into the party in for a drink and toast the rat king them with fine dwerren ale. They greeted Cordie as one of their own being infected with the rat disease. Nim kept on poking her and looking for a tail but Cordie claimed her butt felt normal. Cordie was invited to treat with the rat king, a hulking mass of rat and human flesh and bone. He offered us a lifetime of cheese if we are willing to join him and serve. The offer was appealing despite his grotesque appearance, we considered it seriously. Fearful for Cordie's safety, we retreated to the entrance of the tunnel in search of a priest to heal he disease but were met at the entrance by king Varri Haraldsson himself. A brash but jovial fellow, he welcomed us at  his court anytime to party so whether we take care of the rats or not. It was at this point we took a short rest and prepare to assassinate the Rat King. Upon returning to the sewer, we found legal documents on a bookshelf that seemed high level and were signed by Kin Varri himself: a surprising clue but not one we fully understood. Back at the Rat King's court, we witnessed a human woman tossed into a fighting pit with a giant rat where she was eaten in one bite. The rat king and his attendants looked on, cheering.   Our half baked scheme to fire a poison arrow at the rat king unraveled immediately when he turned out to be immune to poison. We managed to escape the sewer by the skin of our teeth and reported the gravity of the situation directly to King Varri: at least 20 rat people in addition to the swarms, rat king, and giant rat.   The King basically didn't care and impugned the name of the cohort because of our failure (fair enough). We then met with the Queen and her baby, who gave us direction to several other sewer entrances around the city which we marked on the map with green dots. Sometimes you stomp the rats and other times the rat stomp you. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; min-height: 14.0px}

Session 24: In & Out O' Morrendeep Played on the seventh of November in the year 2019! Present: Darvius Alandre; Sidhelien Monk, lvl 4 (Darvius) Orithar Trisk; Half-Orog Wizard, lvl 4 (Hats4Cats) Diesa Gemfire; Dwerren Fighter, lvl 4 (Zil) Teresa Eirwen; Anuirean Ranger, lvl 3 (Serephen) Ant; Dwerren Barbarian, lvl 1 (Seraphina Leaf) Diesa and Teresa asked for a group to join them in trying to find the entrance of Morrendeep, and if we could, find Teresa's sister.  I briefly introduced myself as I had never met any of them before, but I think they'd worked  together a few times. After Diesa and Teresa explained our mission, Diesa said we should  follow Teresa's say-so as she was the one paying us. Making her captain in my eyes.  We sailed to Baruk-Azhik, reached the coast, and made our way on foot to The City of Stones Rejoicing. W e were greeted at the city gates by someone called Throlgred Graybeard. He told us of how Morrendeep used to be a wonderful place, but that the Dwerren, they dug too deep, and uncovered an entrance to the shadow realm. Now, he said, the taint of the Shadow Realm had taken Morrendeep, and advised us not to go there. We insisted we were going, and asked him to tell us how to get there. He relented, and told us the cave entrance to Morrendeep rested on the edge of the mountains next to Khurinlake, and we'd need a boat to get in. After we finished talking with him, Throlgred walk through the door to the city. I assumed it was some kind of fancy door, but it turns out he was probably a ghost, as we found out later that Throlgred Graybeard was dead! We went through the city doors. We came across Fovugar and Thorman Hillfeet. They offered to sell us very good weapons, that Diesa in particular was pretty much drooling over. When Teresa's name was mentioned, they mentioned that her sister had already put down 1000 gold on a project that hadn't been determined. I already have my weapon, so I weren't fussed. We went to go down into the main city. I and Diesa were asked for our clan identification, being Dwerren. I was compelled to admit I lost mine in a shipwreck. Diesa took responsibility for us while we're in the city as the only 'legit' Dwerren. Diesa and Teresa tried to gain information (I wasn't clued in regarding what) from the tavern keeper; Tharune Steelshield, but to no avail, both of them falling drunker than a skunk, particularly Teresa.  We moved out of the city towards the Khurinlake. We bought a rowboat from a someone at the lake, and rowed it across the lake. We managed to spot the entrance to a cave opening, only accessible by water. Orithar sent in his bat in as a scout, it saw no danger. We went further in, we found 'Morindeep' written on the wall, which was promising. We entered a lock, Diesa pulled a lever, the mechanical parts and water did their thing and we were lowered. The gate in front opened. Orithar's bat went forward but was killed from arrows to our right. We rowed out into open water to move towards the dock to our left while being fired at from arrow slits in the wall. In a panic we struggled to row the boat properly, frustrating me to no end. We docked, rushed to a set of double doors and opened them. Orithar was struck down, and near death's door we dragged him behind the doors and shut them. Someone grabbed a white feather that was in Orithar's hair, and stabbed it into Orithar's heart, healing him. We got our breath back, and set out to find a way to the room across the water where those archers were, and take care of them. We found a locked door. I unlocked it with my Maul. The door was locked by a chair jamming it shut. Inside this room were two skeletons with four packs. We found a stone tablet belonging to 'Kragmaw Stoneshatterer' written in Anuirean. Teresa read the tablet and summed it up for us. The tablet spoke of how someone or something had taken Kragmaw's companions, and that Kragmaw had a hard time remembering his companions. All they could remember was that they weren't here anymore. We moved along, trying to find a way to get to the other side of the water, to deal with the archers, so we could make our way out. We couldn't find a path the bridge. With no path forward from where we were, and our party spent, we decided to retreat out of Morrendeep, and come back later, more prepared. We crafted two tower shields out of two doors, and moved out and towards our rowboat. We were surprisingly not fired at, and made our way to the lock. We saw the archer come onto the bridge just as we were closing the lock. I could of swore they were walking skeletons. We made our way back to The City of Stones Rejoicing and drowned our sorrows in The City of Stones Rejoicing. Especially Teresa. I refused pay for the job. Felt too bad about not finding Teresa's sister to take her money. She can pay us next time we come.

Session 24: The Ghosts of Morrendeep 7/11/2019 Participants; Ant (Seraphina) Darvius Alarande (Darvius) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Orthiar Trisk (Hats4Cats) Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) Field Report on the Expedition to Baruk-Azhik & Morrendeep Submitted to Duty Sergeant, Grand Hall of the Cohort Arcanum Report prepared by Diesa Gemfire, Junior Associate of the Cohort A company of volunteers assembled at the halls of the Cohort under direction of myself and, also primarily, Teresa Eirwen. With the purpose being to follow up on rumours of a lost Dwerren city called 'Morrendeep' and potentially locate or find news of a number of missing persons that had previously attempted to find it. Chief among those of course being Eirwen's sister whose last known act was departing for it. Myself and Teresa had obtained information previous to the expedition while residing in Baruk-Azhik that Morrendeep was located on the periphery of the province known as 'the Promontory' and close to the Khurinlach. Therefore our companies objectives were thus; Travel to Baruk-Azhik and explore the lakeshore region of the Promontory. Locate an entrance to Morrendeep and assess the possibility of further exploration. Recover or determine the fate of the missing persons from previous searches. Our company travelled by ship to Fellport and made our way on foot to Baruk-Azhik, entering the Dwerren realm by the province of Rivenrock without incident. Teresa set our course towards Stone's Rejoicing, the realm's capital. There to reinterview a tavernkeeper called Tharune Steelshield who we believe to be last confirmed person to have seen her sister- in case any new information had arisen since we had been there last. We therefore proceeded south east into the province of Land's victory where one of the five main entrances to the underground city exist. The realm is very mountainous and has little infrastructure, at least on the surface, and so we did not make the best time on the march. Camp was made overnight before locating the Land's Victory Gate. During this night at camp each of our company received a strange dream, even Darvius, who as Sidhelien does not sleep. In the dream each of us saw ourselves in a graveyard, one that might be found in a prosperous part of Brecht or Anuirean lands; with rows of headstones. The land was dark and misty and when we looked up into the sky the stars shifted into millions of individual staring eyes. Certainly a very bizarre dream, all the more for being shared. Tharune has said something about Teresa's sister despairing of 'the eyes' while in her cups in that last sighting. The imagery also matches with that described by other associates encountering in Bleakholm and other places; The Beholder? If so that this creature is involved in events in Coullabhie, Zweilunds, Roesone and Baruk-Azhik should be a very concerning matter. Regardless however, the company was determined to continue with its mission. In the morning we proceeded to our destination and were soon ascending a mountainside in Land's Victory to find the gates of the Deep Road leading into Stone's Rejoicing. See map notes for locations. The mountain air was brisk even in summer and the gates were well above the snow line. On approach to the gates we encountered two guards and a third in extremely fine, mithril veined armor who asked our business. Recognsing Teresa's resemblence to her sister he took myself and Ant aside. Although I did not realise it at that moment; this man was dead, a ghost or spectre of some sort of Throlgred Graybeard - late 'Prince' of Baruk-Azhik. According to news he had been assassinated by agents of the Chimera but this was not the case. He, or it, guessed at our purpose in seeking Morrendeep and tried to strongly dissuade us from seeking it out. In doing so it revealed the truth of the city's fall to us to try and persuade us not to go there. Though it made us swear not to reveal it to non-Dwerren, not even fellows of the Cohort. However, not being able to dissuade us from our quest it did give us an approximate location and told us we would need a boat, as the city was accessed by hidden canals. At the first opportuntiy for privacy I violated that oath to inform Teresa of what it revealed. I am happy to risk being haunted by the Prince's vengeful spirit for her  cause but would otherwise prefer not to earn the spirit's ire if possible. I leave it to her or Ant, who was also present to speak plainly of what was said if they choose. Passing through the gates the company was immediately approached by an arms seller by the name of Thorman Hillfeet. He complained traffic had been light lately and insisted we peruse the wares. I agreed to get him to shut up, expecting the items to be cheap tat memorobilia for passing visitors. Instead what we found in the little forge ran by his sister Foguvar were the finest weapons I have ever seen. And sadly far beyond our price range, even if we pooled our fund. However should any members of the cohort have a thousand or more gold and be looking to upgrade their equipment, I recommend they should pay Hillfeet Forge at Land's Victory Gate a visit. Moving on the company gained access to the deep road to the city of Stone's Rejoicing. I had to vouch for the others on the honor of my clan before we were allowed however. Future visitors should take note if they want to make the same trip. Once below it was easy enough to find our way into the city and then to Steelshield Tavern. Unfortunately Tharune had no news about Teresa's sister since we had last met him. She wanted to know if he or anyone had experienced a dream as we had the previous day but he did not. She suspected he might know more than he was letting on and so we attempted to drink him under the table in the hope he would become less discrete. This did not work. The next day the company left Stone's Rejoicing. Taking a different deep road which brought us out on the surface in the Promontory and we headed south east towards the Khurinlach, reaching the lakeshore by that evening. Just before dark the company found a small boatyard, possibly servicing traffic between Baruk-Azhik and Rohrmarch across the water. We were able to purchase a rowboat there and having done so were able to shelter with the shipwright until morning when we began our search for the canal entrance. Even with the information from the Prince's ghost it was still a difficult find; the entrance was within a water level cave that was hard to spot in the overgrowth surrounding the lakeshore. A sad reminder of how long this ancient city had been lost to civilisation. Stonework within survived however and bore the name Morrendeep and greetings to visitors. At the back of the cave a set of doors lead into a twenty by twenty chamber. On the wall of which was a lever. This is the lock to the canal system. Pulling the lever closed the gates behind us and drained the waters. The ancient machinery was loud but worked smoothly, though it took several minutes for us to reach the lower level and a new set of gates to open. Beyond was a wide water filled chamber, two enormous Dwerren statues on the far side flanked a stone bridge beyond which the canal continued deeper in. Some lighting was provided by faint enchanted lanterns that driften on the waters in small buoys, but otherwise it was dark within. Trisk sent his familiar out ahead to scout and it was immediately shot down by an arrow from the east side of the chamber. I called out in Karamhul but received no response. Darvius wondered if we could swim under the water, having spotted a small dock on the west side of the chamber, but throwing a ration in the water we observed a large tentacled creature take the offering. So that did not seem wise. Company instead planned to face the east with our sheilds while Ant and Orithar rowed as hard as possible to the dock. The arrowfire however was more withering than we'd hoped. Despite putting out our lights the enemy was still able to target us with startling accuracy, the range of their dark vision must have been well beyond even Dwerren's as I was unable to see them at all. However Teresa managed to get a remarkable revenge shot back at one of them or atleast it sounded like a hit agaisnt some kind of armor. The company made it to the dock on the west said and managed to make it into cover, entering a short vestibule leading into a hallway beyond. There is also a secret door in the vestibule that leads to a ballista overlooking the entry chamber, though we did not find at the time. Orithar was shot down crossing the slabs and had to be helped inside. The arrow wasn't too deep, we were able to patch him up. Despite being safe from arrow fire there was little comfort in there however. The area was crowded with nightmarish statues of Dwerren wearing pained and frightened expression that seemed in the middle of action. We believe they used to be real Dwerren. Teresa had heard of a creature in Khinasi called the Basilisk that could turn a person to stone with its gaze but we were very far from there so what exactly could have caused it we do not know. In a room off the corridor that had been barricaded we found some bodies, skeletons, Orithar is convinved they were aged magically as well. We searched their packs that were much less decayed and found a clan insignia for Kragmaw Stoneshatterer and a strange letter written in Anuirean. A translation to Sidhelien written by Teresa is attached at the end of the report. Deeper in and to the north there was some sort of store room filled with crates, much of which were filled with somewhat fresh rations. Beyond the store room we found a kitchen of some sort and a corridor heading back east at the end of which some creature had made a nest in a buoy store. While there the strangest thing occured. There was the sound of something heavy moving across the floor and moving back we saw that from the kitchen there was strange kind of seat, made of a white porcelein, that now sat infront of the door, it certainly hadn't been so close when we passed the first time. A choking smell of sewage emerged from it, almost overpowering but made no more moves while observed. We closed the doors between it and us and hastened back to the first corridor. Seeing no way to progress Teresa regretfully called the retreat. The company improvised some tower shields by levering some of the doors off rushed back to the boat behind them. No arrow fire greeted us this time and we made it back to lock without being shot at. As we did however we observed a band of skeletons arraying themselves on the bridge and raising their bows. Were these skeletons clever enough to recognise they couldnt shoot past the improvised shield or had some entity ordered them to shift to a better position? That is assuming they are the same things that shot us from the east wall. Regardless we did not stick around to find out and pulled the lever, closing the gates and ascending out of the lost city. The company returned to Stone's Rejoicing and thence back to the Cohort. Attached; Translated copy of the recovered letter; We all sat resting in a small barricaded room of temporary respite. Aside from the flickering light of a small oil lamp there was nothing to illuminate the deep shadows that lurked in every corner around us. A gloominess overhung the mood, and a tension sat between us. Over all of that, a feeling of pure dread sat pressingly onto all of our souls.  Something  Everything wasn't right. The priest whose name I had been told, yet the words of which eluded me wouldn't let his eyes wander from my own. His face had a gentle look to it, but his eyes clearly carried some heavier burden. Something in me told me not to trust this man, and I found myself wanting to question him for the reasoning behind his unrelenting gaze. My lips began to nervously tremble just as sweat started to drop from my brow, but the words I was going to say were lost to it. It   It  It wasn't like anything I had ever felt before. It wasn't natural. It was like falling into a true darkness, a true sleep, a true sense of nothingness. Not just being blind of the eyes, or even the loss of all senses. It was like for a moment I lost my sense of self. For a moment I was no one. Then just as quickly as the feeling had overtaken me my eyes reopened. I instantly understood where I was, but not how I had gotten there. I knew we were in a watch tower located at the center of The Graveyard, I knew there was a thick fog, and most importantly I knew there was a much smaller building with warm light coming from its windows to our northeast. Something deep in my soul beckoned me to it, but it also warned me of her eyes. "Her eyes? Who is she?"  I thought to myself. Then almost as if prompted by my thought a quiet singing began. It was soft, welcoming, but also sad. The soothing voice of a woman reciting a quiet hymn for someone dear to them recently lost. Despite its somber tune the song called to me with a warm embrace that made me want to fold into its welcoming arms. Yet somewhere deep within me I knew it was the source of this overwhelmingly oppressive aura. Somehow I resolved myself to push passed the feelings in my heart, and follow the ones screaming from my gut. I slowly turned my head over to the short companion sitting by my side. His eyes were struggling in the darkness in a way that I had never seen a dwarf suffer before. So why did I see his expression as clearly as the day?  I knew  something was wrong  everything was wrong. Very, very, wrong. "Harreen light a torch, and throw it through the archway. Don't hold onto it for too long I don't want her to see us." I whispered into his old ear, and finally I saw the man break out of his stupor. He nodded to me resolutely, and I turned my gaze over to our priestly friend who watched me with a similar suspicion. His face told me nothing, but his eyes told me he could see as well as I. Uncomfortably I sat there eying him all the while listening to Harreen try, and fail to light a torch as quietly as possible. Finally the warm light filled the small room we were in, and as quickly the dwarf's elderly hands could manage he tossed it through the doorless entryway to our small watchtower. I watched as it flew over the fog covered tombstones, and despite not flying very far it immediately began flickering like a summer firefly looking for its mate. For a moment we all sat tensely watching it, wandering what it was. Then finally all our thoughts ceased when the quiet hymn came to an abrupt end. Even more quickly than that the darkness that we had all known once before overtook the land, and circled in around us. I'm not sure anyone else there saw it, but I did. I saw it with my own eyes. Yet I knew it was something that could not be seen. Then there I was lost in it again, only to find myself reopening my eyes back in the small room we had once barred ourselves in before. Harreen sat looking at me sheepishly. I had never seen the proud man so shaken.  The others  What others? I knew there had been more, but that's all I knew. The lost memory felt less like that, and more like a feeling. The same feeling one gets when you look back because you know someone is watching, and yet when you turn your head not a single person is there.  "She saw them." I whispered to myself quietly in the small room, but I could tell Harreen had heard me. Immediately I saw the dwarf's expression somehow turn even more pale, and it was obvious to me that my words brought some reality to the fleeting feeling of companions he had also been experiencing. Yet our priestly friend simply carried on with that same soft expression revealed only by the periodic flickering of the lamp light rubbing itself up against his face. Those same trembling lips I had began to demand an explanation from the man, but found themselves immediately cut off in the same calm and commanding tone a mother would use only with a small child. "Don't think about it. Don't ask. It's best not to." While my heart told me that while this man was not to be trusted I felt somewhere deep within me that his words were true. My mind on the other hand told me I had to find the answer. The same mind that quickly began to work against me as the memory of what had happened started to fade like a dream you can't remember. I had to write it down quickly so that it wouldn't leave me.  I had to know.  Yet with every stroke of my pen I felt the darkness that had taken my  friends  companions move one step closer to returning. Something deep in my soul told me that I would soon be returning to that place. When I inevitably did I would find the light that had eluded me once before.

Session 25: Mission 1M 9/11/2019 Participants; Eginoc (Sharrk) Takumir (Lunatic) Hedrin (Sloth) Seigfried (Hats4Cats) Arna (Sere) Field Report on the Hunt for Sharpclaw Submitted to Eginoc, the indebted After deciding to take on the bounty on the troll Sharpclaw, the crew hired a ship to Kopingdal. We arrived and requested an audience with the king for as much information as we could gain. Not much information was available past the posting, other than the most recent reports indicating he was hunting to the west. The team brainstormed strategies, deciding Hedrin would dig some holes and we would try some ranged attacks. I stayed quiet, counting my javelins and handaxes. We set out. After making camp for the first night we were joined by some mammoths. They seemed to want to share our fire and not much else so we started watches. As the night progressed, Seigfried and I started the final watch with a warning from Hedrin that we were under a blood moon. All seemed fine until one mammoth shifted into a man with an axe who seemed to only be interested in Seigfried. A few of us tried to slow him down and communicate, but he only had eyes for Seigfried and spoke a langue we did not know. Hedrin walked up to Seigfried and he vanished! The druid was pointed in a random direction and seemed to go off hunting the now invisible Seigfried. We headed off in the direction of the mammoth tracks. We see some smoke in the distance and move closer to investigate. The house was smoldering and had acid eating away at the boards inside. We searched a little and found nothing useful, except for some large tracks. Following those leads to a nice looking estate. The estate was not nice on the inside. Blood everywhere, and all the valuables removed, the real horrors were upstairs. Many bodies were dismembered or had single bites in them, but no sign of fire or acid. Confused, and anticipating an ambush, we took up in small adjacent building for the night. In the morning, we follow the tracks again, eventually finding some sort of den in the edge between the mountains and forest. There was a tent that appeared to be for goblins near the cave, however, after almost no time we start to hear a much larger presence. Someone smarter than me must have put it all together, but we decided we needed to retreat and scout out the area for more information. The party took up a remote position and I got closer to the cave, but just saw some goblins milling around an returned, Takumir taking the next turn.  Takumir did not have such luck. We heard him running for us, but the troll was too fast! I, not one to back down from a fight, started toward Takumir. The troll was so fast though, he grabbed Takumir with his mouth and hurled him at me. At this point I started dashing away from the situation, hoping to outrun the troll. This failed miserably and I was left to choose to attempt to hit the troll or die running. I felt a presence join my side, however, was nearly killed by some troll claws ripping my flesh.  I now had to hold dearly to my ragged breath and blurred vision. A near thing, I was picked up roughly by Sharpclaw, and noticed Takumir in the same trouble. Then we spent a few days in a horrific cave, in line for a  brutal sacrificial ritual that looked to allow the troll to absorb some of the essences of the sacrifice. Roughly handled, we are taken to the forest again, and toyed with when our crew arrived! Apparently, having been asked for 500 golds each, they have brought 1000 gold to ransom our freedom.  Surprisingly, the transaction goes smoothly and we are released to our teammates with (most) of our possessions. I learn I now owe the Cohort my share of the bounty, and the mammoth man speaks Rjuven. Takumir and I share what extra we have learned from our time in the creature's lair, and I hope it was worth the near cost of our lives, and the great debt we have taken on. Some light exploring of the area continues, with the party keeping an eye out for more mammoth tracks. Eventually, we spot a firey bird creature and are tempted by promises of youth and power. We follow this entity for a day to an ominous cave. The cave has a cohort symbol above and some party members discuss a trial from earlier in the day, and a feeling of unease and distrust seems to set in toward this bird creature. We decide against helping it with its quest, and finally decide to return to the Cohort and share our scouting information in hopes a future expedition may be more successful.

Session 23: Rats and Kings Expedition Members: Zentha Ianris (Lena C.)                         - Khinasi Wizard - Level 3 Cordelia Woodwytch (Serephen)         - Cellwair Warlock - Level 2 Nimogene Thistlewit (Summer)            - Sidhewair Rogue - Level 2 Zolis Ulmokina (Lordgenome)               - Khinasi Fighter - Level 2 Mamm Bealdaartsdotter (Seraphina)     - Rjurik Fighter - Level 2 Johnny Zambrano (Johnny Zambrano) - Anuirean Druid - Level 1 (Left early) (Entry has been heavily redacted to omit unverifiable and clearly false events) We got to travel on a boat to this mission. I haven't been on a boat before. Or have I? On the way a giant creature appeared beneath the ship. It waved its tentacles around for a bit while everyone else stood around looking scared, then it left. The others said that the creature was The Kraken, and it thought we stole its gold, but they told it someone else stole it, so it left us alone and gave us all its mark. Boat trips are strange.  When we made it to the city with all the rats attacking, we went to see the King to ask him things. That's the first thing you do on these missions. I'm learning. The guards said that he was busy partying and having fun and couldn't speak with us, which I thought was fair enough. If I could party all the time I might be too busy to talk to us. The guards told us about an entrance to the sewers near the castle, so we went in to go and fight rats. Inside the cave there were a few rats, then many, then lots. At least that's how Mamm described it. The other short one got bit a lot, so did Mamm's armour, I made some magic thorns for them to bite instead, but they ate them all and still had more to bite me with. The tall one with no hair cast a spell to blind me. Twice. I hope she thinks that was funny, I probably would have. I felt very tired and woozy after the fight. The bald one told me I had a disease from the rats and I might die in the worst case. I think the worst case of most things is that you die, so this was technically normal. The rats copied themselves and then died, maybe that will happen to me? Further into the sewers we found tracks like people, but rats. Rat-people? Or people-rats? The bald one summoned her cat into a room but the rats and/or people inside killed it, then they came out and spotted me. A person-rat called Ratsafaria greeted me like a fellow rat, probably because I had rat disease. We all got invited in to party. They had very nice ale. Ratsafaria said I needed a name with Rat in it, so I was Ratdelia. The other short one started poking around me to see if I had a tail. I did not. Not yet. We got to meet the Rat King. Looked like a lot of rats and people all mashed up together into a big blob. It seemed friendly and offered us jobs with it. We'd get a lot of cheese if we said yes. The others didn't seem to like the idea and said I should definitely get cured of rat plague. Ratsafaria got eaten by the King, apparently that's normal. He eats rats. I don't think I want to be eaten. I tried looking into the fire for signs to help me think, but couldn't see anything. One of the rats gave me some cheese and we left. On the way out we found a big man sat by the entrance. He said he was the king, but he acted very silly and like he didn't care about the rats. He did offer to cure the rat disease if I did a dance. I don't know what a jig is, but he wasn't ready for my moves. He poked at something sore on my back until I was dead on the floor. Everyone was horrified, I found it really funny. We spent a night resting and partying and then went back for the rats. I thought we could sneakily shoot the king dead and then leave and the rats wouldn't be organised anymore. We sneakily shot the king but he didn't die, then we got shot a lot and I'm not sure what happened after that, but I think we made it back to the city. The king didn't seem to listen to our reports, he was rude and made the others angry enough that they left. His wife said that he had already rallied some men to take it seriously after he first met us. I think he's not silly and rude, I think he just acts that way to mess with people. I like this king. We spent some time resting, and then returned. This was a strange mission, I don't think we did it right, but I got some cheese.

The Trail of Master Dragomir the Black The Kallano - Stephen Dragomir Black - Hats4Cats Diesa Gemfire - Zil This is the official record by Melvin Sciptkeeper for the Trail of Master Dragomir "Drago" Black. Master Dragomir was brought fouth in front of his peers and some of the members of the council for the Cohort Arcanum. Associate Members of the cohort were present as a witness to the events of the trial. In line with official duty, all letters of testimony in favour or against the accused were presented to The Kallanon. The Kallanon deemed it unnecessary to share this private information with the council, as it is his right.  The members of the council present were: The Kallano, Renae Isilviere - The Queen of the Morning Sun, Leana Stillborn - The Scarlet Devil, Ginmoc Mithrilcloak - The Giantslayer and Valthribra - The Redeemer. In addition: Mistress Presphine was also brought forth. The proceeding started with a spell of truth over the accused. Let the record show that Dragomir did not refuse the spell. A ring of flame ran around Dragomir, one that did not burn. Once in place, the Kallanon explained the charges against the one called Dragomir Black. An attempt at theft. Placing the Cohort and all its members in jeopardy and attempt of breaking into the sacred Achieves.  Mistress Presphine gave the recount of her personal request mission. Please refer to "Practical Herbalism and Applied Bibliothecography - by Diesa Gemfire" for the full account.  The accused claimed not to fully understand the events that had transpired at the Monastery. The accused then proceeded to question the Kallanon at his own trail, on the wisdom of the Kallanon decisions. The Kallanon showed great patience and temperament when dealing with what many considered Foolish questions. He explained the importance of balance in the world and how the Cohort Arcanum is a place where individuals deal with matters of weight and should not be subjected to mere acts of Wim.  The Kallanon asked for testimony from any who had adventured with Dragomir. Diesa Gemfire although reluctantly, gave testimony: "Reckless, unwilling or unable to consider consequences but has good intentions." The Kallanon expressed concern at from where Dragomir power came. Dragomir explained how he acquired these gifts from a woman who brought him into an alchemist guild. Dragomir claimed he powers came from drinking magic itself and that he was given these gifts via "potions" from his guild master. Liquid magic. The Kallanon asked for information on the guild that Drago was associated with. The Cohort held no record of this guild yet surprisingly it had become very well established in a short time, he then drew attention towards Dragomir Imp. The Imp was summoned through a potion made by Dragomir. The potion was mixed in the mouth and spat onto the floor creating the Imp. The Kallanon integrated the fiend. Lies it spoke claiming to be from Azrai himself. However after being placed into the circle no more did it speak. Its mouth twisted in pain.  The Kallanon seemed to know more than he was willing to say and snapped the creature into nothing more than pure essence, creating a Tattoo upon his hand. He was time for his Judgement.  Dragomir was to be scoured and any power removed on his body at any cost. Due to the nature of the source. For what he had brought into the Cohort is not just evil but Choas itself. It will be allowed to rejoin but only if the pact can be broken if it is possible. Dragomir is to placed under Leana Stillborn - The Scarlet Devil, until a time she deems it no longer necessary.  Ginmoc Mithrilcloak - The Giantslayer accursed The Kallanon of being soft, others believe his judgement was wise. Lastly, Leana Stillborn spoke once more suggesting a task be placed on the board, to investigate the one who granted Dragomir his powers to begin with. The Kallanon agreed and Dragomir was escorted out. Judgement has passed. 

Session 24: The Ghosts of Morrendeep Expedition Members: Ant (Seraphina) - Dwerren Barbarian - Level 1 Darvius Alarande (Darvius) - Sidhelien Monk - Level 4 Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) - Dwerren Fighter - Level 4 Orthiar Trisk (Hats4Cats) - Half-orog Wizard - Level 4 Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) - Anuirean Ranger - Level 3 I managed to convince a group to gather and help me locate Morrendeep by offering the coin I'd scraped together since joining the Cohort. It seemed like a competent, strong group. If only they'd had a competent, strong leader. We set off to Baruk-Azhik, aiming to begin our search from the Promontory. As we travelled through the mountainous road we all had a dream. Stood in a graveyard, a night sky full of countless, staring eyes overhead. I awoke feeling a bit unsettled, especially since everyone had had the same dream, including the sidhelien, Darvius. Diesa speculated that the Beholder may be involved but... I wasn't so certain. The dream did remind me of something Diesa and I had heard during our stay in Baruk-Azhik, so I reasoned that it was a sign we were on the right track. We decided to pass through the Dwerren city of Stone's Rejoicing to see if we could gather any additional information on our way. It would also save us travelling the mountain roads for the most part. The gates were blocked by a trio of guards. The leader, in fantastic looking armour, addressed us. He seemed to recognise me and, after a long chat with Diesa and Ant, permitted us entry to the city. He then phased straight through the stone door. We started to ask when the conversation had been about, but one of the other guards called at us to stop talking to ourselves and enter if we would enter. Inside we met the brother of a supposedly incredible smith known as Fovugar Hillfeet. The others seemed taken by his pitch and went to see her wares. They were somewhat less enthusiastic after hearing the cost. Gear that fine is well and good, but if you can't afford it you just have to make do. On our way out the smith seemed to recognise me, and explained that my sister had paid 1000 gold pieces for a commission from her. She hadn't said what it was, but if I paid the other 1000 she would allow me to place the commision in my sister's stead. If I ever have that much coin in my life I'll consider it, but at the time I could only thank her and move on. We spent some time at the Steelshield Tavern, where most of the party drank and relaxed. Diesa took me aside and shared with me that the 'guard' at the door had been a ghost. A Dwerren prince that had taken a thousand men to take back Morrendeep and died in the attempt. The prince had also shared the location of Morrendeep as well as the history behind it and its fall, but Diesa had promised not to reveal that secret to any non-Dwerren. That she would risk the wrath of this spirit for my sake was incredibly touching. If she ever has need of me, I will answer the call. I attempted to get some additional information out of the tavern keep by getting him drunk. It worked out about as well as anything else I try to do. We set off for the Kurinlach in the morning, exiting the city via the Promontory gates. By the time we reached the water's edge it was already evening. We were invited to stay the night in a small boatshed by the owner, after we purchased a rowboat to cross the lake. Diesa had explained that to enter Morrendeep we would need a boat, as the entrance used some sort of water lock. In the morning we set off. Even with Diesa and Ant's knowledge of the general location it took us some time to locate it. If we hadn't known where to look we almost certainly would not have found the entrance. Inside the entryway Diesa confirmed writings on the wall marking this as Morrendeep. We entered and pulled the lever, closing the doors behind us and lowering us down with the water into the depths. Eventually we hit another set of stone doors, which opened up to a larger room, dimly lit here and there by floating lanterns. Orithar sent his bat to see what was up ahead, but it was immediately shot out of the air. After some discussion, and the realisation that there were.... things in the water, we pushed forward to hit land and find cover before we could be shot too much. I got down and readied myself to fire back at our attackers, but as we rowed into the room, the entire wall the arrows came from was in shadow. Unable to see anything, and with the rowers struggling to turn us to a small dock opposite the archers, I took a shot back in frustration. I think I hit something, though it might have just been someone's armour. Even if I had injured them, one shot meant nothing as we were peppered by 7 or 8 archers. We managed to dock and take cover down a hallway, closing the doors behind us. Orithar had fallen, but I noticed a white feather in his hair. I thought it might have been the one he found after Little Dove had healed him before, and managed to use it to restore him to consciousness. The corridor we found ourselves in was spooky. Stone statues that looked like terrified Dwerren, scattered about in strange places. It reminded me of a story my sister told of a monster that could turn people into stone. I warned the others of this, and we proceeded cautiously.  The hallways were dark and quiet, nothing good to be found. I saw the way the others looked at me as we moved through. They pitied me, thought I must be naive, stupid or just crazy to believe anyone could survive this place for any length of time, but none of them said so. They're almost certainly right, part of me thinks so as well, but I couldn't, and still can't, listen to that part. Not now. So close to the answer I probably don't want to find, if I think on the possibilities I might go mad with despair. We found some supplies in one room. Four backpacks full of adventuring gear... but only two skeletons. There was a note among their things. From what I could gather, this group had barricaded themselves in here, but something was definitely affecting their minds, sowing mistrust, afflicting their memories. Something took two of them, the owners of the other two packs, but I have no idea what. We pressed on further, until we reasoned that the area we were exploring likely was not connected to the room we had been shot from, and thus we would have to brave the water again if we were to advance deeper. At this point my fear and desire to not see anyone die just for following me took over from my own selfish need to press deeper. I called our retreat. We fashioned a pair of doors into portable cover from the arrows, and advanced back to the boat. The archers did not fire however, and we were able to row back into the lock. Orithar sent another bat back to scout out the archer's room, but a group of skeletons appeared on a bridge across the room from us. Not wanting to get shot at any more, we pulled the lever, shutting the stone doors once more and raising us back to the exit. From there we returned to the Cohort. I was nothing more than a burden on this expedition, despite it being my own wants that put people into danger. What good am I in a place like that if I cannot even see in the darkness? As kind as my companions were, I would not be surprised if they refuse to go to such a place under my lead ever again. It's a miracle nobody was killed this time.

Session 26:  The Hunt Expedition Members: Jannis - Fighter Shango - Monk Ingung - Barbarian/Fighter Korak - Cleric Fenris - Barbarian(?) Aubrae - Paladin We met in a local tavern to discuss a proposition by one of the group members to return to a castle in the mountains of The Hag to defeat a fearsome evil creature they had encountered.  While we lacked any proper mages in the group, the composition made for a fine martial band and it was agreed we'd get underway immediately.  We did have one oddity in the bunch...  a fair red-haired barbarian maiden in the group who was blind, yet could somehow magically see through the assistance of her enchanted... sheep. In camp at the end of our first day on the road, I heard noises coming from the southwest. Spotting a bear, I had Shango wake the rest of the group as more bears began approaching camp.  As we engaged the animals, a giant creature with the head of an owl and body of a great brown bear  came into the campfire light.  It was a pitched battle, made more dangerous by some of the members of the group charging past me to take the creature head on instead of letting me draw its attention.  At the end of the battle we were victorious, though Aubrae took a beak to the chest that almost killed her.  I was told by our fourth watch that during their guard shift they witnessed three mammoths walking past our camp.  They left without any issue. The second day of travel went by uneventfully.  One of the watches reported hearing some noises, but nothing came of it.  By the third day we followed a narrow road into the Burning Forest, in search of a bridge to cross the river on our journey East.  We found a bridge, but it was guarded by a band of 11 brigands who demanded payment for crossing.  After a debate in the group about whether we should kill them outright or leave and come back later, the decision was made to turn around and come back at a more tactically advantageous time.  The bandits weren't having it, however, and attacked us as we turned to leave.  We made quick work of all the bandits except the leader, some pompous blowhard named Henry Fartbottom, or something like that.  He may have been a bit mouthy for his own good, but I must admit, I was impressed by his swordsmanship.  He managed to escape by dashing across the bridge and then scuttling it.  We took the gear from the dead bandits and made our way south out of the woods to a wooden fortification.  The lady of the keep gave us shelter, a place to trade the brigand's gear, as well as a reward for dealing with both the bandits and the owl-bear menace. After a week of resting up, and having the Lady's vassals repair the bridge, we resumed our journey East.  At camp that night, Shango and I were approached by a beautiful fey creature who appeared to be part of the woods itself.  She spoke nary a word, but offered us each a glittering leaf.  She made motions to indicate we should consume the leaf, which after much discussion and thought, we decided to try.  After all, this beautiful creature must be a force of good looking to grant us a boon.  I went first, and after suffering no ill effects, Shango tried his as well.  By the time we looked up to thank her, she was gone, and we could find no trace as to where she went. As we journeyed the next day, it was becoming clear to Shango and I that the others were appearing to be... taller.  In addition, we were both sweating noticeably more than the rest of the group.  Given that we had consumed the leaves the night before, the only logical conclusion was that they were shrinking us, though at a fairly slow rate.  We force marched the rest of the day to make it to the Wild Wolf Inn, near the border to The Hag, and realized we had both shrunk a few inches by the time we got there.  Luckily for us, Korak was able to perform a rite to restore us both to normal. We took another week to rest at the Inn, enjoying the food, drink and gambling.  Heading out, we entered the dangerous lands of The Hag, heading into the mountains in search of the castle where our quarry was to be found.  As we were making our way up the passes, one of our party motioned for us to take a side passage, and warned that on their last trip, they had encountered an ambush.  The plan consisted of us trying to sneak forward, and though I managed to pull off an amazing feat of dexterity by not making a sound in my chainmail armor, the rest of the group sounded like a drunken bard festival cavorting through the mountains.  We were immediately set upon by a group of skeletal archers posted on a cliff.  Despite their having the tactical advantage, we managed to win the day.  Their equipment, and aim, left a lot to be desired, and their most effective attack proved to be when they threw themselves onto the cliff to make themselves projectiles raining down upon us... which resulted in their own demise. Finally, we arrived at the keep.  It was surrounded by an unnatural and dark foreboding fog.  We made our way cautiously into the keep, hitting a stopping point when Fenris got cold feet upon seeing some shoddy goblin drawing of The Hag.  Complaining that the keep was clearly part of The Hags domain, Fenris stated that we should leave immediately.  Unphased, I pushed my way into the courtyard, with the rest of the group following behind.  Shortly after finding the body of a dead human near the door, we spotted movement to the southeast.  There we found several zombies, but they were walking around aimlessly, and refused to acknowledge us even when we were close enough for them to touch.  Aubrae then used her abilities and sensed a great evil coming from the northwest.  Moving in that directly, we encountered a moving mound of corpses, as if they had somehow become fused together into a single creature.  We immediately engaged and had some success in dealing damage to it, but it turned to me and launched a chain-spear of bone, ripping into my flesh and pinning me to the ground.  I was able to immediately fight it off before it could envelop my entire body, but it was clear we were outmatched.  To make matters worse, the corpses we saw earlier started gravitating to the mound and throwing themselves into it, healing what little damage we were able to inflict.  In the end, it was Korak that saved us.  Calling upon the power of his deity, he was able to force the mound to flee momentarily...  enough time for us to make a tactical retreat.  We returned immediately to the Cohort.  I would like to return, now that we have more intelligence on the creature and its capabilities... but we must make sure we have a strong group, and I believe that having at least a mage or two will be critical to our overall success.

Session 26:  The Hunt Expedition Members: Jannis - Fighter Shango - Monk Ingung - Barbarian/Fighter Korak - Cleric Fenris - Barbarian Aubrae - Paladin We all gathered around the table at the Cohort Arcanan. We have placed together group with the role of clearing out the monstery at the top of Mnt Acorn in the Heart of the Hags territory. This monstery is said to hold a mass corpse monster that roams the courtyard.  We lanched at the port of Alber, heading East along the main roads. Our first night of rest was broken by the sound of bears heading towards camp. The must have been attracted by the smell of food. Behind at the back of the pack was a beast, covered in bear fur with a huge beak and giant owl eyes. Ingung and Shango took out the weaker bears first why Korak and Jannis blocked the Bear-Owl like creature. Beawl. The fight went smooth with Aubrae cleaning up with the last hit.  We continued along the road, with next night being without interruption. We found ourselves approaching a bridge crossing in the Forest of Cooling Bay. The bridge was guarded by three bandits charging the "Kings Toll". Apparently the king needs to also have 8 more hiding around the bushes for good measure. We tried to lie our way out but the arrows started flying.  There were 11 bandits in total with 10 going down easily. The last however one who called himself, Henry Fasfathom. The most infuriating individual I have crossed blades with. He dodged every shot, the slippy of fish. He dashed across the bridge cutting the ties collapsing the bridge. A few more volleys of arrows and he disappeared into the woods.  We searched for a local town and found Von-Darre Fort. We turned in the prisoner we caught and was able to get a trader to take the goods we had acquired. We spend this time relaxing for a week to regain our strength.  A week passed and we headed into the cooling bay, toward the Wild Wolf Inn. The travel was uneventful but Jannis and Shango both had a visitor in the night. A dryad woman offering a leaf. Who knows why they were thinking with their pants instead of their heads but they ate the leaf. Along the road, they were appearing smaller if only by a little. We pushed towards and arrived at the Wild Wolf Inn as the sun began to rise.  Korak talked to the locals and learned that they are either magical changing or having a child with the creature. Korak seemed to know what to do, slapping them across the face seem to fix their hight loss and we didnt notice any more issues. We rested for another week at the Inn recharging before the last push up to the mountain.  We arrived at the base and Gnoll skeletons attacked from the cliffside. Using the strangest strategy of throwing themself off the cliff like boulders off the cliff. We pushed on and arrived at the entrance of the monastery.  The whole area had been covered in a curse, strange magic or a leyline use is involved. We found the monster roaming around the courtyard. However, it was too strong for what we had brought with us. Corpses from the courtyard was rising and throwing themselves into the pile to replenish the one we had cut down. The body emitted an aura of poison to anyone staying with 10 feet of the creature. It struck with a shard impaling attack trying to pin a member and then looking to merge them into itself. Any adventure should not get close to the monster and attack at range. It didnt appear to be a fast moving creature. Making sure to kill the zombies before they can merge. Korak sent the monster fleeing and we escaped the keep. We will be returning to finish what we started. 

Session 24: The Ghosts of Morrendeep Expedition Members: Ant (Seraphina) - Dwerren Barbarian - Level 1 Darvius Alandre (Darvius) - Sidhelien Monk - Level 4 Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) - Dwerren Fighter - Level 4 Orithar Trisk (Hats4Cats) - Half-orog Wizard - Level 4 Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) - Anuirean Ranger - Level 3 This expedition was expected to be a seek and find mission to aid Teresa in locating her missing sister, I will not go into great details as to the trip. In summary, we traveled to Fellport by ship then traveled overland to Baruk-Azhik. There we sought out the entrance to the Stone's Rejoicing. The only truly strange thing that happened on the trip was that we all had a shared dream of the stars in the sky turning into eyes and watching us. Was this once again the beholder observing me? It is hard to tell, but the creature does seem to have taken an interest in me especially since I have foiled several of it's plans. On the outside of the city, we encountered a well armored Dwerren man, who took Diesa aside. After speaking to her and Ant, he walked through the front doors as a spectre! It turns out he was the ghost of a Dwerren prince he had given Diesaa clue to where to find the ancient Dwerren city. After seeing a bit of what the city of Stone's Rejoicing held, they have a very fine smith for those of the cohort who have lots of coin, we set out the next to day in search of the lost city's entrance.  It turns out the specter of the Dwerren Prince had told Diesa that we would need a boat to reach it, after purchasing a boat on the nearest lake we set out in search. The entrance was well hidden, but with my knowledge of the land and the keen eyesight of Teresa we spotted the entrance much faster than other's might have. We set off inside after scouting it with a familiar. Inside, we found a lever that lowered the water level to be underground. Once inside we sent the bat familiar inside to scout and it was swiftly shot out of the air by an arrow. Some debate as to how to proceed, we discovered that there was some type of creature in the water with tentacles, so that too was unsafe. We decided to press on unfortunately, Ant and Orithar could not coordinate their rowing correctly and turned the boat to the wrong side and we were assailed by dozens of arrows, I was able to block a few but there were too many and Orithar went down, and the rest of them were seriously injured. Still we made it to land and took cover, closing ourselves off from the missile fire.  Once inside we found strangely life like Dwerren statues? Dwerren turned to stone by some magic? We never discovered, we did discover a room with a journal suggesting that some darkness had taken many of the Dwerren as they slept long ago. Diesa has the journal and saw it brought to the Cohort archives. We pressed on and found a foul smelling room with a strange porcelain chair that was filled with foul smelling excrement,  it also seemed to be animated, perhaps it was a roper? We did not find out as we closed it off in the room it was in. We also discovered the nest of a creature, though we did not find the creature. Perhaps, it is what changed the Dwerrens? Or perhaps that creature is long dead.... We decided to depart, we fashioned barricades for the boat out of the old fortress doors. As a note, the area we searched to the left of the entrance seems to be a guard house with no way into the main fortress. As we departed, we surprisingly did not take any missile fire. However, as we made it into the channel we saw skeletons on the far bridge over the water taking up positions preparing to fire on us. However, they did not? Perhaps they saw we where leaving, or perhaps they are controlled by some other force that realized firing at us at that range with our barricades would have been futile. Nevertheless, we escaped that Tomb. It is likely that this old Dwerren fortress has much untapped knowledge and wealth, but I seriously doubt it holds anything living any longer... I grieve for our sister Teresa, and I returned her payment to her we as members of the Cohort should not be mercenary with each other, if someone in the Cohort needs our aid we should willingly do so without payment, that is what family does. If she decides to return, I will join her better prepared for a proper siege this time. Darvius Alandre

Session 27:  Boulderdash! Expedition as Chronicled by Savas Al-Hadar and Ingram Alrikson Expedition Members: Savas Al-Hadar Laurius Lacrain Ingram Alrikson Vorsai Grim Lightwald Jasta Chapter 1:  As Told By Ingram "Don't get me wrong, I love being a smith. It's not that I wanted to be an adventurer, but something in my blood called to it and I knew joining up with the Cohort Arcanum would be one of the ways to jump in head first. I knew intellectually that death is a possible outcome, but to see it first hand - it's not something I could've prepared for. I was told that a group of Cohort members were meeting at a local tavern. That's where I met Vorsai, Savas Al-Hadar, Grim Lightwald, Laurius Lacrain and Jasta. We decided on taking a mission issued by the Great Baroness of Roesone, Marlae Roesone to keep her court safe - though the situation was made more complicated with the disappearance of one of her court, Lord Saxton. After arriving at her castle, we introduced ourselves. The baroness asked that we scout ahead and gather intelligence on a horde of Orogs to the North that were said to be preparing to encroach on the town of Gravesford. Vorsai, who spoke the local language, asked whether we should investigate the disappearance of Lord Saxton. The Baroness said that we were free to do so, but didn't show much concern - which is both curious and understandable with a horde at her doorstep. We retired to a nearby room to discuss our plans when Lady Tanya Angelwing, the future Countess of Eidlan, decided to speak with us. She had an otherworldly and divine presence. She even dropped ephemeral feathers as she walked - imagine that! Anyways, she informed us of a few things. The Orogs were being led by one named Bone-Breaker who was in search of a legendary weapons called "Wound". She also spoke of the events on the day of Lord Saxton's disappearance. A guard horn was blown and the gate was opened which gave the key opportunity for the Lord to be kidnapped. This politics stuff is outside of my expertise - but it was clear that, whether coerced or voluntary, this had aspects of an inside job. Lady Tanya also spoke of the Baroness' consort, Lady Neuwaiva, who apparently came from humble beginnings and had family in the town of Gravesford who she left behind to marry the Baroness. After our chat with Lady Tanya, the name of the weapon bugged me, like I had heard of something like it. All of a sudden, I remembered! One of the ghost stories that smith apprentices tell is of a wicked axe, which we called "Soul Reaper". It was made by Orogs from the bones of their enemies and fed on the souls of its victims, preventing them from returning to live via resurrection. This "Wound" matched the description in the stories perfectly. We decided to scout out the Orogs and investigate the town of Gravesford." As Told By Savas "Having finished my introductory training with the Cohort Arcanum, I met up with a group of colleagues to undertake my first venture.  To wit, an expedition to the city of Proudglaive in Caercas.  It was there that the Baroness of Roesone wished to engage our services in the location and retrieval of one Lord Saxton, who had apparently been kidnapped.. something she was being blamed for via rumors that were festering in her lands.  The trip to Proudglaive was largely uneventful, and we arrived without issue to the Baroness's court.  I was not privy to most of the conversation, as I do not speak Anuirean, but one of my companions was kind enough to translate that while the kidnapping of Lord Saxton was still a concern, a greater threat existed in the form of an Orog fighting force massing to the north and intending to strike into her lands.  We were granted use of a side room off the main chamber to discuss our plan of action.  While in discussion, an Ehrshegh woman named Tanya Angelwing sought an audience with us.  Once again, I encountered a communications barrier, though my allies translated the conversation for me as it progressed.  She mentioned that the land was in turmoil, with Lord Saxton having been stripped of his previous lands and titles, and the Baroness marrying a new consort, a much older and very married commoner.  She said that the Baroness had been acting out of character since the marriage.  She also mentioned that the Orogs were searching for some kind of legendary axe knows only as "Wound".  After a brief discussion among ourselves, we decided that the Orog threat was the larger concern, and offered our services as scouts ahead of the Baroness's war party.  As the town of Gravesford was en route to the Orog encampments, we decided a stopover there to get more information on the Baroness's consort and the axe "Wound" would be in order as well." Chapter 2: As Told By Ingram "That night, we slept in the Barracks hoping to get some insight on the events of Lord Saxton's disappearance. That night, while on watch, Grim was delivered a tray of food and drink by a little girl with blonde hair and pinkish robes. He took the tray graciously and inspected it out of reasonable caution. Grim discovered that all the food and drink was poisoned with Purple Wurm poison - a extremely lethal and expensive poison. He woke the rest of us up to talk about this discovery where Savas, Grim, and Vosrai chatted about how to deal with the assassination attempt. The options discussed were waking the baroness to discuss the issue or investigating the kitchen to see if there's any traces of the poison. We decided to investigate the kitchen where we found the Cook and her daughter who matched Grim's description. The Cook asked how she could help and we discovered a few things. Her daughter, Marie, was given 5 blood red gold coins by a mustachioed man dressed in a cloak and robe. He asked Marie to add some "special seasoning" to the food meant for our group. When the Cook scolded Marie for talking to strangers, she responded "he wasn't a stranger!". Marie pointed out where she met the man, by the firewood room, where we investigated. After taking a moment with the coins, I realized that the coins Gold Crowns were minted in the Baroness' realm of Roesone, but the blood red tint was done magically - though I'm not sure if it was during or after the minting process. Vorsai discovered tracks in the storage room that fit Marie's description, so we followed them. They led us through the dungeons underneath the castle and ended up spilling out into the city. The best we could determine was that they led to an area of the city known as "Fog Alley". After losing trace of the tracks, we decided to rest and prepare for our journey in the morning. Before departing, we bid farewell to the Baroness to see whether her or her Consort would be surprised at our survival. Either they weren't surprised or were great liars." As Told By Savas "After finalizing our plans, we took refuge in the guard's barracks.  Better accommodations had been offered, but we decided that being in close proximity to the guards may yield us additional insight, information, or at least a few rumors.  Naught was gained, so we assigned watches and went to bed.  Though we were 'safely' inside guarded walls, one can never trust the political intrigues of the Anuireans.  I was woken some time later during one of the watches and informed that a young girl had brought us poisoned food.  To demonstrate the lethality of the venom, a small amount was poured into one of the plants decorating the room.  The foliage immediately wilted and died.  It was suggested that the toxin was none other than purple worm venom, the same type used during a previous assassination attempt on Lord Saxton. Several ideas were thrown around about skulking around the castle in search of evidence of the Baroness's culpability in the attack, a foolhardy errand which would surely get us killed or at least thrown into the dungeon.  Thankfully, I was able to use reason and logic to bring the group around to simply checking the kitchens for any sign of the toxin used in the death laced food.  Upon arrival, we found a cook and a scullery girl, the cook's daughter, working.  A brief conversation revealed that the child had been approached by a mustached man in robes and a mask, with black hair, while fetching wood for the stove.  He offered her several blood red Roesone coins to add a "special seasoning" to some food and bring it to us.  Inspection of the coins revealed they were magical in nature, and we were able to obtain the original via which still had traces of the toxin contained within.  Vorsai made the decision to search for tracks in the storage room where the girl met the man.  Given the stonework and the amount of foot traffic in the area, I thought it was a foolhardy errand... but to my surprise, he picked up the trail!  We followed it down, deep into the castle's dungeon, taking the twists and turns past the cells of the damned and unfortunate until the passage finally gave way to the city.  Though we lost the trail once we hit the main streets, it appeared the passage had brought us to Fog Alley in the Raintown area of the city.  The trail having gone cold, we returned to the barracks to finish our rest. The next morning, we appeared in court to say our goodbyes... but more to see the reactions of those present to our still being alive and kicking.  The Baroness and Consort didn't bat an eye, as expected...  either they were unaware of the assassination attempt, or years of playing Anuirean politics allowed them to develop finely honed poker faces.  Either way, we did not get anything from them.  I did, however, notice a man whisper to a woman upon our arrivals, but had no way of knowing if the secret they shared had anything to do with us.  After some brief words with the Baroness, we departed the city." Chapter 3: As Told By Ingram "When we arrived at Gravesford, we encountered Sir Pelaton, a knight loyal to Lord Saxton. He instigated a conflict with us so we responded, but were knocked out save for Vorsai. After coming to and trying to unsuccessfully get information from the locals, including Nuewaiva's ex-husband Toriel, we made our way to the Ruins of Castle Rend where the Orogs were spotted. We did learn that Neuwaiva was thought to be missing, her necklace found among the goblins. Toriel, her husband, was told that she had died. Later, they find out that she is married to the Baroness." As Told By Savas "We arrived at Gravesford without incident, and immediately made way to the local tavern.  Immediately upon our arrival, we were verbally assaulted by a pig of a man claiming to be Sir Pellaton.  Though we ignored his group he continued to act crassly with the tavern workers while hurling unprovoked insults towards our group.  Though I did try to take the high road, his boorishness got the better of me and I traded some jabs with him, resulting in the pompous ass coming before me and putting his hands on my person.  I stood up and faced off against him, still not intending to strike him, but one of our more foolhardy companions started casting spells and the room exploded into a frenzied melee.  The knights make short work of us, clearly more skilled even if they were dull of intellect...  thankfully for us, they were not looking for blood that day.  After eliminating us as a threat, the porcine knight and his companions left the tavern while we licked our wounds. We discovered that the Baroness's consort not only had family in Gravesford, but that her husband and children were seated in the corner of the tavern.  An attempt was made to get information from him, but as soon as he heard we were from the Cohort Arcanum, he shut down and refused to talk other than how we had ruined his life.  With nothing else to be gained, we set out from the town for the ruins of Castle Rend, where we hoped to find "Wound". Chapter 4: As Told By Ingram "On the way to the castle, we encountered an Orog camp. It had at least 23 Orogs and was situated on a hill near the ruins of a temple of Anduiras. Atop a cliff overlooking the camp was a ballista armed by at least 3 Orogs. We found a stone staircase that led up to the ballista and tried to sneak up, but was fatally unsuccessful. After a warning horn from the Orogs in camp, boulders started raining down on us as the Orogs fired a ballista bolt. Half our party went down. As much as I wanted to just run, I couldn't leave them all behind so I grabbed Savas and ran as fast as I could. Jast grabbed Grim who was unfortunately killed in the retreat effort along with Vorsai and Laurius. We were able to make it back to Gravesford to report to the Baronness, but that's little comfort. I've been a student of war learning how to make the tools of war and the various tactics that my blood people, the Rjurik, employ - but it doesn't mean anything once you're out on the real world, just trying to survive. If I had accepted this power deep in my blood earlier rather than run from it, than maybe I could've done more. Retreat is a reasonable tactic, but weakness is not. I have to grow stronger to, hopefully, protect those that I care about." As Told By Savas "En route to the ruins, we stumbled upon an Orog encampment.  It was very well planned, and exceeded what I would expect Orogs to be typically capable of.  The main camp consisted of a wooden palisade and watch towers.  It was hard to tell due to the darkness of night, but from the camp's fires I counted no less than 23 Orogs, not including any hidden away in the watch towers.  To the southeast, 60' up on a cliff, were at least another 3 Orogs manning a ballista overlooking the camp.  Any attempt at a direct assault upon the camp was sheer folly, but I posited that if we could seize control of the ballista, we'd have a chance to take out the camp.  We walked for hours around the hill, looking for a way to come up behind the ballista position.  Finally, after circling all the way around to the other side of the camp, we found some stairs leading up to the shelf.  Extinguishing our lights, we made our way along the cliff wall towards the stairs. One of the group who could see in the dark motioned for us to stop, concerned that one of the guards may had heard us.  I heard a few small rocks tumble down the cliff above us as if someone was moving above, then everything went dark.  When I came to, we were hidden in the woods and it was morning.  My entire body ached, and I had issues moving my leg and arm.  It was only Ingram, Jasta and myself...  everyone else had been killed by the Orogs as they pushed boulders over the top of the cliff to rain death down upon us.  It was Ingram who dragged my limp body to safety.  I owe him my life. I used the power of Khindai to heal my injuries and we made haste back to Gravesford to warn the Baroness of the encampment.  I believe that the intelligence we were able to provide will ensure a successful assault and save many soldier's lives... I'm just not sure if it was worth the lives of Laurius, Grim and Vorsai.  They didn't even have the honor of dying fighting.  We never got a chance to draw our weapons or draw blood.  The Orogs clearly won the day."

Session 23 (1N): The Rat Stomping Present: Zentha (Lena C.) Nim (Summer) Mamm (Seraphina Leaf) Johnny Zambrano (Johnny Zambrano)(LEFT EARLY) Cordie (Serephen) Zolis (Lordgenome) King Varri Haraldsson awards the party with 100 golds each for their scouting. Monster XP 63XP each for defeating some of the rats. Quest XP 100XP each for discovering more information on the rats. RP XP 125XP each for great RP! Exploration XP 25XP each for discovering the location of the rats! Log XP 100XP to Zolis (please make sure to include player names in addition to character names in the future) 150XP to Cordelia Total XP 313XP to Zentha, Cordelia, Nimogene, and Mamm 413XP to Zolis 463XP to Cordelia 156XP to Johnny Zambrano if he provides a good explanation for why he left half way through the mission. Otherwise 0XP. Renown, Fame, and Infamy Each character receives 2 renown in Stjordvik Passes Each player except Jonny Zambrano receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 24 (Personal): The Ghosts of Morrendeep Present: Ant (Seraphina) Darvius Alarande (Darvius) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Orthiar Trisk (Hats4Cats) Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) The Kallanon rewards the party with 100gp each for bringing back valuable for The Cohort on their own initiative. Monster XP 100XP for surviving Morrendeep. Quest XP 350XP for discovering the location of Morrendeep, and finding a lead on what lurks there. +50XP to Teresa and Diesa RP XP 250XP for glorious RP! +50XP to Teresa and Diesa Exploration XP 300XP for discovering the location of Morrendeep, and the entrances to The City of Stone's Rejoicing (and marking them on the map). Log XP 200XP to Teresa, Darvius, Ant and Diesa for fantastic logs! Total XP 1,000XP to Orithar 1,200XP to Ant, Darvius 1,300XP to Teresa, and Diesa Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every character receives 1 point of renown with The Cohort. Teresa and Diesa receives an additional point for organizing the mission. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 25 (1M): Sharpclaw Present: Eginoc (Sharrk) Takumir (Lunatic) Hedrin (Sloth) Seigfried (Hats4Cats) Arna (Serephen) Every member of the expedition is rewarded with 100 golds for bringing back information pertaining to Sharpclaw. Takumir and Eginoc receive a 250gp debt to The Cohort to cover the ransoms paid. Monster XP 50XP for "surviving." Quest XP 75XP for discovering Sharpclaw's den. RP XP 100XP for great RP! Exploration XP 100XP for discovering Solaria's Resting Place Log XP 150XP to Eginoc for an excellent log! Total XP 325XP to Takumir, Hedrin, Seigfried, and Arna 475XP to Eginoc Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every member of the expedition gains 1 point of renown with The Cohort Arcanum for discovering Solaria's resting place (and not releasing her). Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 26 (Personal): The Hunt Present: Jannis (Physh) Shango (Depraved Lunatic) Ingund (Serephen) Korak (SlothSlow) Feris (Hats4Cats) Aubrae (Zilarrezko) The party receives a bounty totaling to 600 kraken's booties for dealing with the owlbear and the bandits! Monster XP 163XP per character Quest XP 0XP RP XP 125XP for great RP! +50XP to Korak for resuing his comrade from whatever the dryads did to them! Exploration XP 50XP for discovering the Von-Darre fort, and marking it on the map. 25XP for discovering the birdge, and marking it on the map. 25XP for disocvering the 600 golden kraken bounty of Henry Fasfathom, and posting it to the boards. Log XP 150XP to Jannis, and Fenris for a great logs! Total XP 388XP to Shango, Ingund, and Aubrae (Zil's next character) 438XP to Korak 538XP to Jannis, and Fenris Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every member of the party gains 3 points of renown with the Von-Darre household. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 27 (1L): Boulderdash! Present: Savas Al-Hadar (Physh) Laurius Lacrain (Gavin999) [Deceased] Ingram Alrikson (Streetwolf) Vorsai (Depraved Lunatic) [Deceased] Grim Lightwald (Link S.) [Deceased] Jasta (Ryan F.) The Baroness rewards the party with 900 golden crowns for their efforts in scouting the orogs. She has generously paid The Cohort's tax. The dead receive shares to pass onto to their loved ones (and the players shares to pass onto their new characters). Monster XP 0XP Quest XP 300XP for discovering new information about the political machinations taking place in Roesone. 50XP for discovering the location of the orog camp. RP XP 125XP for good RP! Exploration XP 50XP for discovering the location of the orog camp. Log XP 150XP to Savas for writing the log 75XP to Ingram for providing notes (this is the exception not the rule). Total XP 525XP to Laurius, Vorsai, and Grim (for their next characters). 525XP to Jasta 600XP to Ingram 675XP to Savas Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every character gains 2 points of renown in Roesone, 1 point of fame in Roesone, and 1 point of Infamy in Roesone. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Special Session: The Trial of Master Dragomir the Black Present: The Kallanon (DM Stephen) Dragomir Black (Hats4Cats) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Drago is tied to The Fate Weaver as his new patron. Monster XP 5000XP to The Kallanon for defeating Drago's imp. Quest XP 10,000XP for The Kallanon for making sure the trial was fair, and The Cohort safe. RP XP 50XP to Drago and Diesa for great RP! 5000XP to The Kallanon for being The Kallanon Exploration XP 10,000XP to The Kallanon for exploring the depths of Drago's mind. Log XP 100XP for a great log to Drago! Total XP 50XP to Diesa 150XP to Drago Over 9000XP to The Kallanon Renown, Fame, and Infamy Diesa receives +1 renown with The Cohort, but Drago receives -3 renown. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not.

Session 28 (Mission 1L): Battle of Traitor’s Demise Expedition Members Agatha (Summer) Prudence (Lena C.) Diesa (Zilarrezko) Teresa (Sere) Mamm (Seraphina Leaf) Tarkus (Thai) Once again we found ourselves heading to Roesone to assist the Baroness. This time it was a matter of war as the orogs were threatening the country. We made it to Bardenhold in Abbatuor where we met Tarkus who joined our party. Prudence called on her knights only to find out that they had left to find Lord Saxton, so we headed to Abbadiel to see who we could find there. The Mayor called his troops for us and Prudence gave a speech and managed to get us some more people. We had sent the knights that remained under Prudence to Talmoer Ferry but on the way we met a knight who had come to meet us to tell us that a five of our knights had been murdered in their sleep. When we grouped up for the mission Teresa showed us a replica of Wound, an axe belonging to the orog chieftain. When we were in the camp I got this feeling, that the axe was just east of us and we decide to find it as it could have aided us in the battle. Teresa tracked them to a tavern that was abandoned, except the barkeep who came to life. We killed him and searched the tavern, finding nothing more. As we kept following the tracks we came upon a town where a woman informed us that the ones we were tracking were in fact Lord Saxton and Lord Pelatin and 60 knights! They had the axe! We feared the worst and took the fastest route back to the Baroness and warned her. We spent a while trying to figure out what to do. We were facing the Orogs, Saxton and the knights that might not have had the best intents and also a personal meeting with the chieftain that the Baroness was supposed to attend. We decided to meet with the chieftain and rescue the woman she had taken. The chieftain wanted her axe back, Wound, and in the end we didn’t get much out of the conversation. Then came the war. We were placed on the Baroness’ left flank. At one point Teresa dueled the chieftain and gave her the replica axe in hopes of her backing off. It seemed to work. We held our ground, until we noticed Lord Saxton and his knights joining up with the orogs against us. He even had men among us that changed their colours to his purple in the middle of the battle! It didn’t look like we would survive that day. Lord Saxton sent a man with the axe to the chieftain, which turned out to be a great mistake. The orogs started to back off when they had their axe and Saxton was left facing us alone. We defeated and killed him, sadly the Baroness lost her consort in the battle but it was a victory. We still need to keep an eye on the orogs to see what they will do next. I would prefer not to have to face them on the battlefield again.

Session 29 (Mission 1O): An Evening in Binsada For the next group deciding to explore the tower. As recalled by Zentha Ianris and drawn by Nim. (Real artist is Elee :3)

Session 29 (1O): An Evening in Binsada Darvius (Darvius) Nim (Summer) Zentha (Casiope) Zolis (Lordgenome) Ant (seraphim leaf) A formidable gang of Cohort members joined up and traveled south to Ber Dairas in the province of Bin Sata to meet with Sultana Banira bint Hamilah el-Reshid. She has recently allowed entry to the Tower of Evening to any worthy adventurers willing to retrieve an object for her. This is clearly a dangerous undertaking as Gaerd Vorduinem, one of her commanders, has not returned from the same quest. Ber Dairas is a sandswept city of brick buildings full of colorfully dressed traders, eager to hawk their wares and engage in a playful haggling session. We were quickly approached by a Tabaxi women named Elisheva who greeted us in Basarji, mine and Zentha's native tongue. After hearing of our intentions to enter the tower, she requested that we bring back a small brass teapot or anything to do with the spirit of the dead. She offered to double whatever the Sultana was paying for any desired objects. Zentha then haggled with a merchant for a seemingly fake looking potion and kindly gifted it to me. After meeting with the palace guard and finding out the Sultanas location, Darvius generously purchased some extra waterskins and headscarves and we headed along the road east through el-Tasri to the salt mines of Andujar. We make camp in the desert and large creature shifted the sand to the north, it attacked with a petrifying gaze but we managed to kill it. A scorpion appeared in the night to feast on its carcass it but left us alone. The next day, we arrived at the caravan of the Sultana and in keeping with Khinasi tradition, I offered a gift of fine wine given to me by King Varri Haraldsson of Hollingholmen. The Sultana graciously returned the gesture by offering me a bottle of Avani’s Red. She requested we enter the Tower of the Evening located near the western port of Binsada in the province of Mermoune and return with a brass teapot... On our way back through Ber Dairas, a woman offered us traditional Khanasi Molojia that reminded me of the what my grandmother used to make. Delicous! Ant bought a large jar of dried and pickled fruit off her that will and Zentha stopped by a quality blacksmith for some throwing daggers. We made it across desert, passing over the el-Tasri river by bridge to the Tower of Evening without incident. Guards at the entrance barred our way until we showed them our cohort badges and then provided us with a key. Upon entering the Tower, we encountered a mazework of corridors and locked doors which the key luckily opened all of. Zentha's keen mind allowed her to memorize the labyrinth, keeping us from losing our way. First, we encountered the skeletal remains of a soldier with a Bin Sata crested shield, whom we surmised was Gaerd Vorduinem. We came upon a groaning and crying mostrosity of bladed limbs, bashing his head against a wall. We ambushed it and despite Ant falling to his hug attack, we prevailed. Darvius revived Ant with a healing potion and we pressed on. Nim peered through the lock of a few doors, allowing us to skip a room full of zombies. We then came across a bloody alter and room of goats awaiting sacrifice but Nim could tell they were no ordinary goats. Next, Nim spied A Dire Flail Snail using her Peeping Hole trick, which we avoided on Zentha's advisement. We came across a treasure chest which turned out to be a mimi, classic, bu.t were rewarded with a massive pile of 30,000 Silver Dirhem (valued at 1,500 gp). While transporting the treasure back to the entrance, the slowly pursued us and against Zentha's advice, we engaged it. The snail proved a challenging opponent, shrieking to attract other monsters, retreating into its shell to avoid damage, and knocking me out in one round with 5 flail attacks. Darvius and Ant came to my rescue but not before the snail ate my rations, wine, and fake potion—which turned out to work just fine. We escaped and the snail retreated and we went back for a little more silver. Bad move. The Tower began to quake and a booming Basarji voice emanated from the upper floors: "Who dare disturbs the tomb of Queen Ahmose-Henutemipet?!" With the help of the guards, we carried the treasure across the desert while being pursued by a whirlwind of sand with the face of a screaming woman. It stopped at el-Tasri river and exclaimed: "I will have my vengeance!" We managed to haul out 17,000 Silver Dirhem after giving 1,000 to the guards who helped and to the families of those who fell to the sandstorm. Back in Ber Dairas, we returned the shield and hammer of Gaerd Vorduinem to the Palace for an additional reward. Nim, with the help of her personality Anne and Zentha drew a map of the area and Tower of the Evening.

Session 28 (1L) 13/11/2019 Participants; Agatha Duskhart, Awnshegh Sorcerer/Warlock (Summer) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter, Human Fighter (Seraphina) Diesa Gemfire, Dwerren Fighter (Zilarrezko) Prudence Duskhart, Alseid Druid (Casipe) Teresa Eirwen, Human Ranger (Serephen) Tarkus Creed, Hannar-Sidhe Bard (Thai) Field Report on the Expedition to Roesone & the Battle of Traitor's Demise Submitted to Duty Sargeant, Grand Hall of the Cohort Arcanum Report Prepared by Diesa Gemfire, Assistant Investigator of the Cohort Our company formed at the halls, minus Tarkus who joined us later, under request of Associate Prudence Duskhart - also the Countess of Abbatour - to support the realm of Roesone in their fight against Orog incursion. At our initial briefing Teresa explain that she had learned from previous reports that the Orogs were looking for some sort of relic or artefact, a large masterwork enchancted axe made of bone that they called 'Wound' and also that an other associate of the Cohort had aquired this item on a previous expedition in the area. Although after seeking them out and having the weapon in question be identified it turned to be a replica rather than the actual artefact. However an accurate replica was still potentially a useful object and so we borrowed it for the mission. Otherwise, being that Prudence is a vassal of Marlae Roesone, the patron of this quest, the plan was this; Travel to Roesone and enter the county of Abbatour. Raise the banners and levies of the county. March to Gravesford with assembled host and join the army. Fight a decisive battle with the Orog horde and drive them off. The first two parts of our plan went mostly as desired. The company travelled by ship to Kiergard and then made our way overland at best speed into Anuire. Thankfully this portion of the trek went without any incident of note. We arrived on the north-east border of Roesone and stopped briefly at the settlement of Gheadon Forge. Evidence of the recent Orog raids were readily apparant but the perpetrators had long moved on by our arrival and so the company continued moving south to Castle Bellamie. Stayed at the hospitality of the young Lady Bellamie overnight. In the morning we were able to access the Black River and travel quickly downstream by barge to make Talamoere's Ferry before taking the road east to Abbatour's county seat at Bardenhold. There the company was joined by Associate Tarkus Creed, also a member of Prudence's court, who had recently returned from sabbatical though had already aided in our task by gathering a troop of levy spearmen. Less fortunate however was that only half of Abbatours knights had responded to their liege's call, the disloyal element lead by Ser Pellatin claimed to have gone to search for the missing Lord Saxton. It was decided the loyal knights, lead by Ser Charlotte, and the levy make their way back to Talmoere's Ferry and raise more men there while our company divert south to the port town of Abbadiel to do the same. There we met with the Burghmaster William Longtallow, an affable enough man though I highly suspect he has been funding his exhuberant lifestyle with the town's tax money. With his support and a stirring speach from the Countess in the town square we were able to add a full troop of archers to the host and marched back north the following morning to meet up with the others. On the outskirts of Talmoere's Ferry however Ser Charlotte rode out to meet us informing us that they had been attacked during the night. Assassins had stole into their camp and murdered five of the knights. Wounds were also consistant with the use of purple worm poison, a poison known to be used by the agents of Beauty and Henry Saxton. Thanks to Teresa's superior tracking skills she was able to determine that the assassins had come from and returned to the east and had left a trail we could follow. There was some debate within the company wether to persue or to reserve the matter for later and move along to Gravesford. During this debate associate Agatha became suddenly and ardently convinced that the true 'Wound' was also to our east and that it was imperative we aquire it. Her sister the Countess took her aside for a moment for a private discussion and then returned in agreement so that is what we did. The host we had gathered moved north without us while our company travelled eastwards on the trail of these assassins. By sunset the tracks had lead us to an inn that was unusally quiet, the doors were left open and approaching we spotted a man laying dead across the bar. A reconnoiter of the windows showed no others within and so we entered to investigate. When Teresa got close to inspect the dead man's wounds the corpse became animated and attempt to grab her. Quickly our company reacted, slashing and shooting at the body until its unlife was expended and thankfully it had not had time to harm Teresa. It's behaviour and fortitude was much like the walking corpses I had encountered at Mount Acorn, a zombie. An inspection of the upper floor showed three bedrooms, very recently occupied but no other clues available. Resuming her medical evaluation Teresa determined that the blow that had originally killed the man was made by a large axe slash across the chest. It was impossible not to assume this was the 'Wound' axe we were chasing and this would later be confirmed. The axe has the power to animate it's slain victims as undead. The company took the body out back, burnt it and then barricaded ourselves in the Inn to rest through the night. In the morning we hurried on following the trail again hoping to catch up with the assassins. Later in the day we had crossed into the county of Duerre. Passing through a village we were approached by one of the locals. During conversation the local was asked if she had seen any recent passers through and she replied that a large complement of mounted knights, sixty-strong, had arrived there along with Saxton and then moved on. She informed us that he had told the folk he was heading north to gather people to assemble with the Baroness at Gravesford. Given the past encounters with him and the known conspiracies he had already engaged in we were quite sure that he had no such intention, certainly not a noble one. Since our quarry was now mounted however, and outnumbered us by nearly ten to one, it was decided to abandon the chase and turn about, taking the quicker eastern route to Gravesford to try and get there before Saxton could pull anything. After another night on the road the company arrived at Baroness Marlae's warcamp and rendevoused with the troops we had sent north. There was then a briefing with the Baroness where she discussed the upcoming battle, strategy and debated what to do about Saxton. She decided that it was unwise to take any action at the time, it would be politically and practically impossible to refuse him and his men if they did turn up and until they did turn up and show their true intentions she was comitted to maintaining her current plan. On that topic the Orog had surprisingly sent an emmisary to request a one-to-one meeting between their Warchief and the Baroness, threatening to kill a hostage abducted from Gravesford in an earlier raid in it was not attended. The Baroness feared that it was a trap and could not risk herself attending but the company voted to go in her stead. The meeting took place at the ruins of a castle called Rend about an hour or so beyond Gravesford. We noted atleast 4 Orog guards, two on the door, two more inside as the enemy bid us enter. We were lead to a room with two long tables set with meat and mead. Sitting at the head of one of them was their leader, an imposing Orog woman with blueish skin wearing chainmail and bearing a steel great-axe. She introduced herself as Bonebreaker Dorokor. Behind her was one of their shaman spellcasters of a clave known as the Darksun I believe. Also present in the room was their prisoner, a young woman called Pinna. She had been severly beaten and mistreated and her leg was bent at an unnatural angle. She was chained to the wall in such as a way as to force her to stand on it. Tarkus attempted to negotiate with the enemy leader but the beast only bragged about how much fun she had had torturing Pinna and demanded that Baroness Roesone return 'Wound' or be crushed. She was adamant that it was in her possesion as it had been confirmed by her 'sources'. Speaking between ourselves the idea was floated to give up the replica we had but with the spellcaster being in such close proximity it was determined that the forgery would be quickly detected. Instead we were at an impasse and losing patience she demanded we leave. At least we were able to take Pinna back so the meeting was not a total wash. She was seen to when we got back to the warcamp while one of the Baroness' vassals, Countess Angelwing of Edlin took us asside to give us a warning. Saying that Prudence as Countess of Abbatour may have to be more 'pragmatic' as events unfolded. Her warnings were vague and when pressed for more information she became highly evasive. Look back now I am shocked at the Baroness' mercy. This woman knew of the coming treachery and could have done so much more against it than tell us that 'something' was up. That much we already knew, but lacked any specifics to plan from. Following another briefing with the Baroness recounting our meetings the company retired for the night to rest before the battle. On the morning our company and Prudence's host were assigned to the west side of the field guarding the Baroness' left flank. The Orog horde outnumbered our forces but the margin was not too unfavourable. The battle began with Roesone's knights charging the orog worg riders. The fight was not particularly decisive but the worgs were forced to pull back temporarily. Meanwhile the infantry, including Mamm, went forward forming the lines and Prudence and Agatha deployed a number of spells to deny the orogs enough room to use their full numbers. Myself, Teresa and Tarkus made our way around a rocky rise in the terrain to strike at the enemy's flank. I was briefly surrounded by an Orog troop holding them back but relieved as Mamm and her troop came forward. However Teresa ended up in a duel with the Dorokor it could have been deadly but she played it very smart from I could tell, keeping her distance when possible and using clever tricks finally throwing the replica of Wound to distract her and the ranks. At this point the lines were holding and we may have even managed to fold up the Orog right flank but it was then Saxton made his move. Emerging from woods at our forces right flank on the side of the Orog horde with his troops of knights and waving his banners. Several of the Baroness' troops then changed their colours, declaring for Saxton and then fell upon the fellows they had just fought alongside. The Orogs pulled back as fighting broke out in our ranks waiting for a rider dispatched from Saxton's honorguard carrying what could only be the real Wound towards Dorokor behind their lines. Our company and host quickly pulled in to reinforce the centre against the traitors. We overran a number of them but were unable to get there before the Baroness' honorguard was surrounded. They held, thanks to Mamm and the Baroness, but sadly the Consort was killed in the fighting before we could arrive to help. When we did we quickly set about trying to overwhelm the remaining traitors before the Orogs decided to rejoin the battle. However the traitors were betrayed in turn as, after receiving the Axe Dorokor slew the outrider who had brought it and then quit the field instead of fighting for Saxton. Allowing us to crush the bastard and his disgusting little rebellion on the field. There were some moments after the fighting had finally finished before the army gathered itself and we returned to Proudglaive and brought our expedition to a close.

Session 28: The Battle of Traitor’s Demise Mission Members: Countess Prudence Duskhart (Lena C.) Lady Agatha Duskhart (Summer) Lady Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) Lord Tarkus Creed (Thai) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter (Seraphina Leaf ) Locations: Talmoere’s Ferry Abbadiel Bardenholm Ruins of Castle Rend Orog War Camp (or hopefully by now only its remains) Castle Bellamie Ghaeden Forge Well, this mission for me and my sister at least started a long time ago. When I first became Countess, we noticed that one particular Lord Saxton was very displeased and all of us have had feelings that he was untrustworthy. Later missions revealed even more suspicious things happened around him and now that all that is done and he is dead, we know that our instincts were right.  I was called to arms by the Baroness as orogs were amassing in the north of Roesone, especially making their stand around the town of Gravesford. We learned that their Chieftess was looking for her stolen legendary axe called Wound blaming Roesone for its disappearance. As we sat in the guild halls the night before setting out Teresa showed us a replica of Wound that a man named Darvius had found and lent us. Our options lay in front of us. We could focus on getting the orog threat out of the way or focus on finding Saxton as none of us trusted what was happening was mere coincidence. We decided to focus on the orogs as we set off. Our first port of call would be Abbatour, more specifically Bardenhold. I was happy to see Tarkus, his diplomatic skills would come in handy. Most of the knights were missing, and I got a note from Sir Pellatin (A knight we know was loyal to Saxton.) saying that “I have taken most of the knights to search for Lord Saxton, I will meet you when I meet you.” which I found suspicious to say the least. The unit of knights and the unit of infantry seemed lacking so the party travelled to Abbadiel, in hopes of recruiting more while sending the knights on to Talmoere’s Ferry. The mayor of Abbadiel, William Longtallow (whom as Diesa informed me skims the tax money for himself, and is incompetently lazy.) was no real help to us however, thanks to Tarkus’s introduction of me to some of the townsfolk we managed to gather a unit of archers. I was so nervous to stand and give a speech, I’ve never really done anything like that before and was sure I was going to end up getting thrown rocks at. I don’t even remember what I said.. As we arrived and met with our knights again at Talmoere’s Ferry Ser Charlotte of the Erebbanien informed us that five of our knights have been stabbed and murdered. The perpetrator used purple worm poison. Something we knew Saxton had access to and has become a sort of signature of him. I made sure to note the names of the dead. Agatha had a hunch, she said she felt which way the axe, ‘Wound’ was. The same way the assassins went, which was east. I trust her. Teresa tracked them to a tavern, where we found the barkeep slaughtered by what appeared to be a slash from an axe across the chest.When approached he came back to life and attacked. The party killed it pretty quickly, and came to the conclusion that this was the work of ‘Wound’ and that the ones who killed the knights were the same ones that had the axe in their possession. We spent the night in the tavern and picked up the trail in the morning. It led us further east and through the town of Lake Duerre where we asked if the villagers have seen anything. When finally a woman informed us that Lord Saxton passed through, with Sir Pelliton and a retinue of about sixty knights. He was taking the northern route on horseback to meet with the Baroness at Gravesford. This left us with panic. We knew he had malicious intent, and that if he got there things would only get worse so we elected to take the faster route to Gravesford and arrive before him. The party made good time and arrived a day before the Baroness’ forces were to meet the Orogs on the battlefield. Our party went to discuss matters with the Baroness herself. Informed her on Saxton’s plans and standing, though unfortunately her hands were tied; until Lord Saxton made any blatantly traitorous moves she could do nothing, or risk losing her position. After some ideas of starting rumours or intercepting him on his way were thrown to the side we were informed that the Orogs have requested for a one-on-one meeting with the Baroness, at the ruins of Castle Rend. They said they had a hostage; a woman named Pinna versed in the arcane arts. The Baroness deemed the meeting too dangerous to attend and we offered to go in her stead.  We arrived at Castle Rend and were invited inside to share a meal with their Chieftess; Bonebreaker Dorokor. A large and imposing orog with blue skin and large tusks. She was sitting at the head of the table wearing chainmail and wielding a steel great axe. By her side was a priestess of Darksun? And chained to the wall on the other side was the woman, Pinna. She looked broken and blue the poor thing. This Orog did not go easy on her. Bonebreaker was convinced that the Baroness had the axe and demanded it back, threatening to crush us and take it if we didn’t. We told her the axe is in the possession of Lord Saxton, though this information did not sway her she sent us away, letting us take Pinna with us. We got her back safely and she was tended to.  A woman approached us just before we went to report back to the Baroness and invited us to talk to her on urgent business. She introduced herself as Lady Tanya Angelwing; she looked like she had small feathers falling from her. She warned us, and especially me that I should be very careful in the battle tomorrow and if it looked like the tides were turning that sometimes staying alive was more important than loyalty. When we pressed her for details she brushed us off. Being short on valuable time we decided to leave her be and continued to make plans with the Baroness for the coming battle. She had placed us on her left flank with our units, and then deal with Saxton if and when he shows up. I went to bed very nervous. I’ve never been in a battle of this scale and magnitude. I had no idea what was going to happen and what our chances of survival would be.  Then it was time to head out in the morning. As our armies faced each other I looked from the number of orogs to us, and then each of my fellow cohort members, the members of our party, the members of my court. My family. The majority of the battle is a blur to me. I remember bits and pieces. Teresa ended up duelling Bonebreaker Dorokor herself, holding her own against the formidable foe with range, and clever use of spells, she threw the replica axe she had to the side, distracting Dorokor and surviving the fight. Then Saxton showed himself, emerging from the bushes on the right flank. He sent out a rider towards the Orogs with the real axe and a white flag, it would appear he wanted to return it in hopes the orogs would aid him in crushing the Baroness’ forces. Some of the Roesone units changed their tabards to reveal their true loyalties lie with Saxton. The focus of the battle shifted to our units versus Saxton’s as to his disappointment the orogs once in possession of the axe retreated, wanting nothing to do with human politics I’m guessing. This left us to fight amongst our own. I charged into a unit hoping to break their formation and disperse them enough so we could overwhelm them. Saxton’s units surrounded the Baroness’ and we rushed to her aid, Mamm in the forefront. Everything happened so fast after that, Saxton was slain, but not before he slew the Baroness’ consort. Mamm executed Sir Pelliton as he begged for his life. The traitors were defeated, and the orog threat was pushed back. The day was ours. I embraced my sister tight breathing a little easier now that this political whirlwind that swooped in and picked us up was finally subsiding. Lord Saxton had been planning a coup against the Baroness Marlae Roesone for some time, possibly years. He wanted her dead and out of the way though I know not what his exact intentions were I cannot imagine anything pleasant. I believe his plan involved slandering the Baroness’ name by making it seem like she plotted to assassinate him, and then get ‘kidnapped’ on the night he formally announced he is stepping back from her court. He met with Sir Pelliton, somehow arranged to steal the legendary bone axe known as Wound from Dorokor Bonebreaker; Orog Chieftess letting her know it was the Baroness and resulting in battle between the two nations. I believe he wanted to use the chaos, find allies in the orogs when handing back the axe and destroy the Baroness and those loyal to her taking the Barony for himself. I am glad that we were able to thwart his plans before they came to fruition.

Session 30 - To Make Ammends  Cohort members Korak Flomhelm  Savas Al-Hadar Shango Bayu Dragomir the Black  Jasta Stanley Ingram Alrikson Ingram writes another letter to his mother and father that he doesn't intend to send. He keeps them in a journal, but has decided  to share these with the Cohort for the use and hopeful prosperity of others.  Dad, Ma - I hope this finds you well. It's been a few months since I left the Smith masters in Muden to join the Cohort. I know it's only a short boat ride to the Cohort Island, but it feels like an entire world away. After the previous mission where we lost 3 companions, it felt fitting that the next one I went on was focused on redemption. I met up with my companions at a tavern, as we did before, to talk about how we could repair relations to Drachenward after the Massacre of Urkenhame. Korak, a dwerren cleric, and Drago, a magic user of some sort, were there during that event. Korak in particular wanted to attone. You know, I really admire him. He's a priest of the forge, which is something I think I would want to be, but I lack the wisdom. No surprise there. He and Drago both seemed good intentioned and even from the start, I committed myself to this task when I had really no stake in it.  Perhaps, I know what it's like to know that you may never go home, so I can relate.  Since Urkenhame was destroyed, we had no easy port into Drachenward, so we made our way from the Cohort to Von Darre Fort. We were welcomed graciously and stayed the night. The next morning, we started our journey in earnest travelling through the forests east of there. The Kordan path through the mountains may have seemed expediant, but we all had an understanding of the dangerous that lurked amongst those peaks, so we decided to go south and around. This took us through Wolfgaard and The Hag's territory which was probably equally dangerous, but at least we were able to move from settlement to settlement. The first night in the forest, we were approached by Rjurik warriors. I had chatted with our people through trade and whatnot, but this was the first time I had seen our people out in our wilds. Memories from being a kid, running around the clan, bubbled up again. I hadn't thought about those days in earnest for so long - and here I was, smacked in the face with it. Drago, one of my companions, tried to use magic which immediately put him in danger. I know you two sent me away from home to protect me from our people's fear, but it didn't really sink in until I saw an axe swing by my companion. What I've seen and learned is that Mebhaighl, like any weapon, can be dangerous in the hands of cruel or ruthless people, but I really don't believe it's inherently dangerous. Why would Erik be married to Vani and be an ally to Lirorn if it were?  Anyway, thankfully I hadn't forgotten the manners you taught me, Ma. I spoke to them with humility and respect, taking responsibility for our rudeness. I even bowed with one arm crossed and my fist on my heart, like in the old ways. This, along with our Cohort badges, proved our peaceful intentions. To my surprise, a druid was among them! Archdruid Gunnar kindly eased the tensions and even offered us a feast. We ate the food and it was one of the best meals I've ever had in my life. I felt stronger and braver than I had before. The Father of the Forest truly is gracious when honoured and revered. We told the Archdruid our intentions of finding the remnants of the Urkenhame people and he pointed us towards Vasta-Hjorn.  The next day we continued our journey and found rest at the Wolf Wild Inn, on the border of Wolfgaard and The Hag's territory. We were welcomed by a bartendeer named Lysander who seemed to know Drago and Korak. After getting a few sips and bites of food, Savas heard something outside. It was hard to believe what I saw - a lowlife known as Henry Fasfathom was leading what looked to be an army of Kobolds. He demanded the tavern's money and had surrounded the tavern and the innocent people within. I think we were all on the edge, ready to jump into the fray, but there was too many unknowns and we had the innocents inside to protect. Drago was somehow able to speak with one of the Kobolds and tried to convince them to turn on Henry. Shango tried to bribe the Kobolds with what sounded like 11 gold pieces. None of these tactics were working and it felt like we were going to fight. Lysander, bless him, went and got the tavern's money and gave it freely and, to his credit, Henry took it and his army and left.  Korak later mentioned that he spotted 20 kobolds with more in the forests, so Lysander's gesture saved a lot of people that day.  Drago, who I figured had a good heart but was clearly impetuous, had his fey companion Aryella follow Henry and the Kobolds. He had to stay up all night to ensure that he could get the intel we and the Cohort needs. For someone so young, I was really impressed by his mettle. I started to realize that his eagerness had little room for fear which, when looked at the right angle, appeared like courage. I'd like to think it actually is courage.  Anyway, we travelled on. Drago kept an eye on the Kobolds, which was actually about 100, and saw that they travelled east through the mountains and Kordon towards Jarstold. That evening at camp, we were attacked by another band of Rjurik warriors. This time, they were hunting and seemed like they were from a clan aligned with The Wolf. I hadn't fought this many before, but as they slashed and fought, my companions stood their ground. At one point, Jasta and Korak were completely surrounded, but held their own.  Korak even used some sort of divine magic to burn these assailants down. It smelled like a forge that was being rapidly heated - it was really amazing. Savas also used a type of magic, along with his clearly trained sword, to slice down many of these bandits. We all did what we could and made our way through. After the fight, a group of women, elderly and children approached us. I think they were being taken by these bandit filth. We did and gave what we could to help this group of misplaced people who looked relieved that these bandits were dead. Some of the elderly women mentioned rumours that The Hag was aligning themselves with Ragnok the Red, the destroyer of Urkenhame. If this is true, this whole region is going to be in terrible danger.  Along with Savas, we helped them bury the dead. I couldn't stand the thought of our people doing such a horrendous act. I know we do what we need to, but this? Our people fight for our freedom - how could they take the freedom of others?  We travelled through through The Hag's territory safely, but the ones on watched felt like we were being watched. Eventually, we made our way to the forests Drachenward and began our search for the people of Urkenhame. After some searching, we found them! I think if I had continued to grow up with you two, I would've been more comfortable with the wilds, but I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't help much. And to find a group that didn't want to be found in such thick forest - I was amazed. The people of Urkenhame built a wooden palisade on the shores of Loch Shel. When we arrived at their gates, a large silver dragon stood atop the gate. Before I could process the situation, Drago walked forward and greeted the dragon. Turns out, Korak and him were friends. I realized at this point, many things will continue to amaze me and to brace for it rather than being shocked. Maybe that's part of what it means to be a member of the Cohort.  Korak discussed our intentions of making ammends and the dragon named Silver revealed something that Korak and Drago didn't know. Silver explained that Hunter was told by Queen Freya to take the dust given to him by the Moonlight King away from the city. Instead of doing that immediately, he did whatever else then went to bed. The next day, the the dragon attacked.  Korak and Drago were shocked. For those who read the logs, we were also stunned since the logs say that the dust disappeared the moment Hunter walked into the city. The whole conversation with Queen Freya was't captured. I recall in the logs that the Moonlight King took Hunter's original name. Could he have also taken his form? This is all conjecture of course. All we do know is that Hunter needs to explain what happened. Korak, on the other hand, was livid. If it wasn't against the Cohort Code, it looked like he would've hunted Hunter down at that exact moment. We all reminded him, and ourselves, that our intention was to mend the relationship with Drachenward and eventually made our way in to meet Queen Freya. This next part is written on a different paper and doesn't seem to be kept along with Ingram's other journal entries. It's written on a folded paper inside an envelope that states boldly that this is for Cohort members only. This information cannot and must not be shared with people outside of the Cohort.  After a short private conversation between Queen Freya and Korak, she laid out the path towards the Cohort's redemption. We were to find a being called The Fey and ask for their help to rebuild the barrier around the sacred city of Urkenheim. The Fey resides in a realm known as the feywild and apparently, in the center of her court, stands a tree that's connected to all the magic in Cerilia. She rules over other fey beings known as the Winter and Summer courts and sounded incredibly powerful.  The Fey's true name is FHIELE. We were told to convey this knowledge to gain some trust with them.  We were tasked to to seek out The Fey by first, going to Hjolvar, in the province of Tarlhass, where there is a cave. Within it, there's an old Drachen Tree that apparently will burst into flame and attack anyone near it.  To gain entry into the feywild, we needa single branch from the tree.  Next, we were to go down to Wierech in Province Wasser's Reach. This apparently is where The Fey and entry into the feywild resides. Again, tell no one of this. Getting into the fey realm is impossible without the branch. It's guarded and requires the permission. We are then to travel through the feywild and request for The Fey to restore the barrier. It's safe to assume that The Fey would ask us for another a favour.  Continuing on the previous journal entry.  It wasn't going to be an easy task to repair relations with Drachenward. Queen Freya asked us to go and find help to restore Drachenward and we were all committed in doing so. We stayed a week with her people, helping however we could. We had been travelling for some time now and it was nice to get back to repairing armours and maintaining weapons again. The others helped with building and general labour. Before we left, we talked with Queen Freya again who gave us two things. First, insight that Ragnok requires magic to flow freely - hence his desire for the destruction or cities, towns, and other pieces of civilization. Second, she gave Korak a Teine Glainne Dagger which we would require on our quest for redemption.  We could've headed back to the Cohort, but decided to press on and made our way to Kopingdal. We met with the King who asked whether we were there to assist him with his Troll problem. Once learning that we weren't, we were promptly shown the door. From Kopingdal, we went south to the mountains of Tarlhass. We couldn't seem to find the caves we were looking for. At one point, a large bird that was either on fire or made of fire descended from the skies. They offered us money, power, and fame if we would assist them in freeing their patron. After some conversation, we learned that her patron was someone named "Silaria" which sounded a lot like the being imprisoned by the Cohort just south of our location. We politely denied the request and kept unintentionally giving away clues on what we were doing in the area. Korak had to cast a Silence spell to shut Shango up. The fiery bird went on their way. We kept up our search and made our way to a cave with the Cohort's symbol above the entrance. We figured this must've been the prison and kept our distance from it. We wondered whether the thing we were looking for resided within. We committed to asking around the Cohort to see.  We had to return to the Cohort, so we left the area empty handed. Like I said before, I'm not responsible for the massacre of Urkenhame. I wasn't even part of the Cohort back then. But I am now. And the people I travelled with have good hearts. If I can help them find peace and help the Cohort rebuild trust with Drachenward - then I'm all in. Anyway, what good is a smith that can't help build things?  I love you, Dad and Ma. One day, maybe you'll read this and know that.  Signed,  Ingram Alrikson, member of the Smiths' Guild and Jr. Apprentice of the Cohort Arcanum. 

Session 30 - To Make Ammends Adventurers present: Korak Flomhelm ( SlothSlow ) Savas Al-Hadar ( Physh ) Dragomir the Black ( Hats4Cats ) Jasta Stanley ( Ryan F. ) Ingram Alrikson ( Streetwolf ) Shango Bayu ( Depraved Lunatic ) Brief Recap: -Planned shortest route to Drachenward -Landed and rest at Von-Darre Fort -Were approached by Rjurik People, managed to quell their anger -Bandit Henry Fasfathom surrounded Wild wolf Inn, Barkeep handed over gold. -A band of Rjurik Savage's attacked us, we managed to thwart their assault. They kept women and children, which we gave most of our spoils to. -Found people of Urkenhame in a small encampment close to Loch Shel. -Korak discussed procedures for his redemption. -We have to assist rebuilding Urkenhame's Barrier, essentially. Log: Our merry group started off at the tavern. Korak, who lead this expedition, explained what he wanted to do in Drachenward and why. To be honest, it saddens me to see him this distraught. Didn't think him the type. Anyhow, he wishes to repair the relations between Cohort and the people of Urkenhame, after the destruction of the city and I owe him one for saving me from that fey... curse? Prank?  We start off in Von-Darre Fort, as it was the closest port to Drachenward that was not destroyed by Aragnak the Red. The Lady of this fort was very welcoming for us members of the cohort and we were allowed to stay the night. As morning came, we ventured on towards our destination, Drachenward. I originally thought we would be going through the Kordan pass, as it is the shortest route, but I remembered that that pass is notoriously dangerous, so I'm glad that Korak decided to pass around it. We had to go through Wolfgaard and the Hag's territory, which is not necessarily safe, but better than that dang pass. I'm going to conquer that pass one day, that's for sure. Anyway, in our first night, we were approached by warriors. Rjurik, probably. They attacked us, presumably because Drago used some sort of magic, they looked very displeased after all. Ingram, who probably had similiar origins as these warriors, managed to quell their fury by a display of respect and apologized for our ( Drago's ) actions. We explained to them that we were of the Cohort and showed them our badges, which put the warriors more at ease. Their druid made an appearance and lectured us about the use of arcane, which we ( Drago ) probably deserved. They left us with a feast in honor of their God and I must say, it was incredibly delicious. So delicious in fact, that I felt very invigorated. Before the druid left, we managed to learn that the people were located towards Vasta-Hjorn! This information would have been very beneficial, if we had also asked where Vasta-Hjorn was. But atleast it seemed like we were on the right path. The next day went by uneventful, as we approached the Wilf-Wolf Inn by dusk. The Barkeeper Lysander seemed to be familiar with Drago and Korak, saying something along the lines of "oh, you brought him again?" Drago probably stirred some trouble up, can't remember, there were more important matters on the table. Savas calling out unusual sounds outside of the tavern had all of us standing outside, faced with a horde of kobolds led by the infamous lowlife Henry Fasfathom himself. He demanded money from the tavern. Well, knowing kobolds I attempted to bribe them for even more money than Henry would pay them, thanks to Drago we learned that they served Aragnak. And let's be honest, I probably don't have as much money as a red dragon, so I just begrudgingly handed over 11 Gold pieces I tried to bribe the Kobolds with. Lysander came and offered all the coin the tavern had recently earned. Henry took it and took off quickly. The barkeep just spared everyone a lot of trouble. Through a sudden surge of generosity and willingness to drink, I payed a 100 gold pieces to Lysander, which he gladly accepted. Pleasant sight, especially the booze I got to drink afterwards. Anyhow, we moved on at dawn, forward towards Drachenward. The day went by uneventfully as well. Drago kept an eye on the Kobolds, which were approximately 100 in numbers, through his presumably fey friend. We were attacked during the night, by some Rjurik Savages. While they played the strategy game well, they were ultimately outmatched by our combined effort. By the looks of it, they had taken some Women and children prisoner. After they were freed, they wished to bury the fallen men. We donated most of the spoils to them, in an effort to give them a jumpstart to their now free lives. We learned from them that The Hag was aligning itself with Aragnak, which would spell trouble for this place. I must ask everyone to keep an eye out for such bad news. After assisting in the burial of the men and resting, we managed to traverse The Hag's territory unscathed, but the watchmen felt like they were being watched. Once we reached the forests of Drachenward, we began searching for the remains of the Urkenhame population. It didn't take us too long to find them inside wooden palisades close to Loch Shel. A beautiful, large silver Dragon stood atop the gate. I couldn't take my eyes off themselves and it took me quite some effort to recollect myself. The dragon was a sight to behold, I can tell you. Korak and Drago seemed to be on relatively friendly terms. Well, as friendly as the situation allows, I'd assume. Korak discussed his intentions of redeeming himself and repairing the relationship between the Cohort and the people of Urkenhame. We got sent out during the discussion, so we had some time to discuss what we had just learned. Apparently, someone in the party responsible for Urkenhame's downfall neglected the order of Queen Freya to get the dust given from som Moonlight King out of the city, which caused Aragnak the Red to locate Urkenhame and bring with him it's destruction. Korak and Drago seemed very shocked, while I was simply confused. The logs read that the Dust simply disappeared after entering the city. Did Hunter lie about what happened to the Dust? There will be some explaining that needs to be done on his said. Korak looked extremely furious thought. Like, he was literally burning up. Probably angry enough to hunt Hunter down, but I think he'll be able to hold himself back. It's against the cohort's code after all. Eventually, we were reinvited inside of Queen Freya's room to discuss how the cohort will be able to make amends with the people of Urkenhame. Shango has folded the log at this point, with a passage reading "The below information must not be relayed to anyone that is not of the Cohort, at all costs." Once unfolded, the following passage is seen. Essentially, we would have to contact a being that is generally referred to as The Fey and aks her to rebuild the barrier that protected Urkenhame from Aragnak. She resides in the feywild, a realm not much unlike ours and apparently, at the center of her court, there stands a tree that is linked to all magic in Cerilia. She is the ruler of the fey beings referred to as the Winter and Summer courts. And one could assume that she is incredibly powerful, if the Silver Dragon und Queen Freya are putting so much hope into her powers. The Fey's true name is Fhiele. Refer to her as that, as that will allow us to gain trust with them. We are tasked to seek The Fey out. Our first destination is Hjolvar, in the province of Tarlhass. A cave housing an old Drachen Tree is located in that are. It will apparently burst into flame and attack anyone that gets too close. We need a signle branch from the tree to gain entry to the feywild.  After obtaining said branch, we are to go down to Wierich in Wasser's Reach. The entry to the feywild is supposed to be located here. It's guarded by Alseid, who require us to have permission to travel through the feywild. This is where the branch is needed, as it is a sighn of trust and friendship to these people. Once we have reached The Fey, we have to ask her to restore the barrier. She will probably ask for a favor in return. Another fold in the Log, and the passage is hidden behind the paper. It wasn't going to be a cakewalk at all. Far from it. We will probably continue on this venture in the coming month. Even if not, I hope the Cohort sends Adventurers fitted for the task at hand.  We stayed at their hideout for a week to replenish our stamina and resources. Helping with things that required a steady hand or heavy lifting was relaxing, but I had to restrict myself on the drinking part. Wouldn't want to further ruin our reputation. Before we left to scout the area of Hjolvar, Queen Freya Drachen provided us with two things for our journey: Aragnak needs the magic in the lands to flow freely, hence all the city destruction he's been responsible for. Also she gave us this Teine Glainne Dagger. She said it would be usefull for cutting off a branch from the tree. We then travelled to Kopingdal and requested an Audience with the King, who assumed that we were here to deal with the troll problem. After hearing that we weren't, we were kicked out. In a moderately friendly way. From Kopingdal, we travelled to Tarlhass, to locate the cave in which the Drachentree resides. Sadly, we weren't destined to find it this day. But apparently, we were destined to speak to this strange bird on fire. It speaked to us in Sidhelian, or "The Old Tongue", as it referred to it. I remember reading something about this bird in a log. I was very uninterested in assisting it in it's wishes, but was keen on finding out wether or not it knows about cave systems in the area. Apparently, Korak was not pleased with me talking and he silenced me with a spell.  After declining the birds request, we kept searching for the cave, found a cave of some description, but probably not the one we were looking for. It had the Cohort's emblem above the entrance thought. We steered away from it, wondering wether the tree is inside that cave. Oh well, maybe we can ask the Council about it. -Signed, Shango Bayu

Session 29 (1O): An Evening in Binsada Darvius Alandre (Darvius) Nimogene "Nim" Thistlewit (Summer) Zentha (Casiope) Zolis (Lordgenome) Ant (seraphim leaf) We set out from the Cohort for the povince of Ber Dairas, a desert kingdom ruled by a Sultana. As we traveled towards the city of the Sultana's court, we spent the night in a ravine. During the night while I was on watch I heard something large moving through the sands. Awakening my fellow party members, we tried to find some cover along a cliff side, but were unable to hide from the monstrosities attention. It swiftly rounded on us its blue skin and wicked fangs flashed before us. Nim caught it's gaze first as her body started to seize up, I quickly dashed around it to avoid it's gaze... It turned it's head, and I could feel magic coarse through my body as my limbs started to feel heavy and I could see the tips of my fingers turning to stone! The others tried to assail it but it's hide was too thick. Knowing that I had only precious few seconds to react, I struck at the creature with all of my training skill and wit. Thankfully, I was able to find a vital spot on the creature and stun it as well as knock it over onto it's back. This allowed us to finish it off, and I was able to focus and overcome the magical affliction that nearly took my life... I wonder what would happen if you made the creature look at itself in a mirror. I hope to never meet such a creature again, but if I do I will try this. Later in the night a Giant Scorpion came to feast on the creature we slayed, but it left us unmolested.  Soon we found ourselves in the city of merchants and hagglers, we were soon beset by all manner of people trying to sell us their wares. We did divert into a potion shop, where Zolis did purchase a rather questionable potion. At going to the Sultana's palace, we discovered her traveling Court was near the saltmines of Gorith. We purchase provisions and head out into the desert. A few days of travel found us before the Sultana, gifts were exchanged in wine between the Sultana and Zolis. She told us of her lost men within the Tower, and of a small brass tea pot she wished retrieved from the tower itself. We travel back through Ber Dairas, and re-provision then head towards the tower, three days travel found us at the entrance with a small guard camp outside. The guards permit us entry after some brief questions, and we take the key outside the door and open the tower. We enter the tower it is a veritable maze of corridors one of Nim's souls was able to draw a map after we left, and it is posted in other logs. The first thing we encounter was a strange undead creature with five arms, all ending in sharp sword like appendages.  The plan was to strike around the corner and slay it. Unfortunately, the creature was crying and Nim took pity on it and did not use the opportunity to strike it, Ant, Zolis, and I rushed out to attack it blows were struck but the creature was stalwart and resistant to our attacks. Suddenly it lashed out embracing Ant in a mockery of a hug, dropping him instantly as he lay bleeding on the ground I lashed out striking the creature in a vulnerable spot I had detected while fighting it right under it's chin. Thus, it was stunned and we quickly finished it off, as a note light from the light spell also seemed to weaken it. I gave Ant one of my potions of healing, reviving him and then admonished Nim for not following the plan as was laid out. She took it well, and I encouraged her to begin anew by inspecting the doors we were to open, she devised a plan where she used the door's key holes as peeping holes, quite clever in fact and it would save us much time and danger in our search of the tower. Exploring the tower with Nim's Peeping hole trick, we discovered that there were many flail snails sealed off in locked rooms about the first floor. Before one of these rooms we found a skeleton with a shield and hammer with the symbol of Ber Dairas, we collected them figuring that this was what was left from the Sultan's champion who entered the tower. In another section of the tower we found an altar with bones on it, and covered in blood. South of this room we found a room full of goats, but the group determined that they were not normal goats so we left them alone. As we explored further we discovered a room filled with thousands of Silver Dirhems, at close to 30 thousand. We determined to begin carrying the silver out of the tower. On one of the return trips a large flail snail started coming down the hallway, I called for the use of ranged weapons against it. However, for some reason Zolis and Ant charged forward towards it Zolis quickly got struck down, I used step of the wind to put a healing potion on him that was two on this party for those of you keeping track. Thankfully, they retreated and I continued to pepper it with arrows some gaining purchase on it's thick shell. We retreated out and waited half an hour, Nim and I used stealth to get back inside and to the treasure room. As we began carrying treasure back all of the sudden the tower shook saying "Who dares defile the tomb of Queen Ahmose-Henutemipet." We fled as quickly as possible from the tower. As the sands of the desert suddenly came alive, and swarming around us the guards quickly moved to help us as we fled the tower with all swiftness. We ran and ran, several times I had to turn back and aid the slower and less hardy members of the group, and we lost some of the guards unfortunately. However, once we crossed the river the sand stopped with a giant face forming in the sand shouting at us "I will have my vengeance!" Wonderful... We gave to the guards a thousand Dirams to also help some of the dead guard's families. We returned the shield and hammer to the Palace, and they paid us 100 gold. In the end we had 17,000 Dirams and the anger of an ancient undead Queen. However, we did partially complete the mission by discovering what happened to the Sultana's man.  

Session 30:  To Mend A Broken Home Expedition Members: Dragomir the Black Ingram Alrikson Jasta Stanley Korak Flowhelm Savas Al-Hadar Shango Bayu Savas sat down in his sparse quarters at the Cohort Arcanum, in the hall where the other junior associates resided.  The room was not much, but it met his needs when he was not traveling.  He set his cup of chai down upon the desk as he took up quill and parchment to record his latest venture.  He adjusted the drape of his silk robe to avoid staining and set upon putting ink to paper. "We were commissioned by the Cohort Arcanum to engage in political discourse with the Drachenward.  It appeared that an ill-fated venture by another group of cohorts somehow resulted in the city of Urkenhame being burned to ash, its denizens scattered among the forest, running for their lives.  This resulted in a sharp decline in the relations between the Drachenward and the Arcanum.  Our expectation was to engage and repair the relationship with the ruler of the land.  I met our companions briefly on the island before setting out.  Dragomir was a mere whelp, barely out of puberty, with a brash and unthinking mentality.  Jasta was a quiet fellow, and Shango presented himself as quite the opposite, though being much more wise than the boy.  Korak was a Dwerren priest, and looked like he could handle himself well in battle.  Our final companion was Ingram, the only one I had previously traveled with...  the warrior who saved my life at the Orog encampment.  I was glad for his company, as well as an opportunity to repay my debt. The expedition to Fort Von-Darre was uneventful, and upon our arrival, we immediately sought an audience with the Baronetta.  After exchanging the pleasantries required for a person of her station, we made inquiries as to the location of Urkenhame's citizens or the bandit known as Henry Fasfathom.  Alas, the Baronetta had no intelligence on either count.  We accepted her gracious offer of shelter for the night and headed out on the road at first light. We managed a good pace, making 24 miles on the first day's march.  We set up camp and I pulled guard duty with Ingram on the second shift.  During first watch, Jasta and Dragomir were approached by a group of Rjuriks.  I was informed later that Dragonmir, the impetuous youth, started using magic which sent the barbarians into a panic and they started to attack.  Luckily for us, Ingram awoke and spoke to his kin, defusing the situation.  As he spoke, a large figure stepped out from the shadows... a man with the head of a stag.  This man, who we came to know as Archdruid Gunnar, stayed the hand of his people, and in the end, offered us a glorious feast that he manifested out of the very ground itself.  Ingram seemed to fully trust this man and sat down to eat...  I being more cautious made Ingram pause as I tasted the food first.  Having not noted any ill effects, I nodded my head for him to enjoy his meal.  Within an hour, the entire table and all the foodstuffs simply vanished into thin air.  All of us felt enriched and enlivened by the meal, it was surly a boon from whatever god the archdruid worshipped... I believe Ingram said his name was Erik By the next day, we managed to make it to a place called the Wild Wolf Inn, a rather pleasant establishment out in the middle of nowhere near the border of The Hag.  The group entered, and Ingram and I sat down for a meal.  We had barely started eating when I heard a noise coming from outside.  Excusing myself from the table, I stood up and walked to the door to peer outside.  There I found a human leading a company of kobolds.  The man, Henry Fasfathom, demanded that the inn turn over all its coins else they would take it by force.  Though I was ready to send the vile creatures to their maker, I noticed Ingram displaying restraint... and not wanting to put him in unnecessary danger, I followed his lead.  Ultimately, the innkeeper brought out a chest with his wealth.  This slaked the thief's thirst for treasure, and he withdrew with his minions.  Dragomir had his sprite companion follow them, in hopes of unearthing the villain's lair.  After sending word of the bandit's presence to Baronet Austin Ironfet, we got some rest and headed out the next day.  Traversing the border between The Hag and The Wolfgaard, we made camp just inside The Hag's lands.  That night during first watch, we were set upon by another band of Rjurik barbarians... this lot was more feral than the last and had no interest in parley.  A fierce battle ensued.  Though they worked well together as a group, their arms and combat experience was no match for our group.  Korak and Ingram held the line against the attackers, as Jasta and Shango pressed the attack.  Dragomir retreated from the battle, hurling eldritch energy at the wildlings as he went.  I performed The Whirlwind, striking down two of them in short order before moving in to assist Ingram.  As one of them started to run, I dashed after him, deflecting a spear from a nearby Rjurik with my kilij.  I caught up to the cowardly barbarian and removed his head from his body with a single vicious slash. With the battle won, more figures came forth from the night.  As they approached, we saw unarmed women and children, causing us to lower our weapons.  They were the widows and orphans of the brigands we had just slain.  Some of them looked to have been war brides, forced into marriage after their people were defeated in battle.  None of them seemed to be upset at the loss of their men... if anything, they shed tears of joy at their newfound freedom.  Though we had found some coin and gear on the Rjuriks, we as a group returned almost everything to the families as their need was greater than our own.  We buried the dead and gave them last rites, which was more than they deserved.  Though they fought bravely and fiercely, there was no honor in them.  In the morning, the women brought us a meal, which we gladly accepted before heading on our way.  Dragomir's sprite returned, bearing news that Henry Fasfathom had met with a man in red scales.  It was clear that he was in league with Ragnok the Red, the terrible dragon who had laid waste to Urkenhame.  We traveled for 24 miles into The Hag's domain, and after an uneventful night, another 20 miles reaching the forest of the Drachenward.  We found no sign of the people of Urkenhame, though we did not expect to, being that far from the city and that close to The Hag's border.  We had a restful night at camp, and early the next day, managed to pick up some tracks heading north by northeast towards Loch Shel.  We traveled along the western edge of the lake until we found more tracks that eventually led our party to a wooden palisade.  There, we were confronted by a large silver dragon...  the sun gleaming off its scales, and ancient intelligence in its eyes.  Of course, Dargomir immediately started babbling like some love struck girl...  would not shut up.  Upon realizing who Korak was, the dragon flew into a rage over what transpired.  The dragon relayed to us information previously unknown to us:  that a member of the Cohort, a ranger named Hunter, had taken a magical artifact into the city that had been given to him by a strange man in the woods.  He informed the Queen of this and she ordered him to immediately remove it from the city and destroy it.  Instead, he stayed in the city and went to sleep... allowing the vile artifact to lift their defenses, which ultimately resulted in the city's demise.  Korak had been part of that group, and his face was burning red... partly in rage... partly in shame.  I do not know if he knew of Hunter's actions prior to his conversation, but he was clearly not someone who would have been party to that intentionally.  Eventually, we were granted an audience with Queen Freya.  She initially spoke to Korak privately before addressing us as a group.  We informed her that it was our desire to repair the rift between her people and the Arcanum and begged her to task us to prove our sincerity.  She said that in order to rebuild Urkenhame, that its magical defenses needed to be restored.  This was no small task to be taken lightly.  In order to do so, we needed to seek the aid of a powerful fey known as Fhiele.  Her court held on of the oldest trees in all of Cerilia.  In order for us to travel to the lands of the fey, we first had to travel to the lands of Hjolvar, to find a cave that lies in the province of Tarlhass.  In that cave, we would find a Drachentree, one that attacks men and leaves their bodies incinerated.  From that tree we must obtain a twig or branch, as that is the key to enter the fey.  Once the key is obtained, we must travel to Wierech in the province of Wasser's Reach.  We must present the twig to the feykind guardians known as Alsaids, as it is a sign of  trust and friendship.  Once we enter, we have to traverse the feywilds to find Fhiele.  The Queen warned that Fhiele may request a service from us before she will assist, and that the task must be completed prior to the winter solstice.  We informed the queen about Henry Fasfathom as well as the man in red scales that he met with.  Before we departed, she gave Korak a Teine Glainne dagger made of fireglass in order to prune a twig from the Drachentree. We traveled back to the coast and took a ship to Kopingal in hopes of finding more information on the cave.  We met with King Ulrik Waginson, but he immediately changed the subject to a particularly vicious troll named Sharpclaw.  When it became apparent to him that we were bound to our mission and had no interest in deviating from our plan, he promptly told our group to "Fuck Off". We spent several days in Tarlhass, traversing the mountains and searching for the Drachentree.  We found several small caves, but none of them contained what we were looking for.  Eventually, on the third day, we came to a bend in the stream when a large bird, made entirely of fire, soared down from the sky to land on the ground before us.  It asked us to assist it in finding its partner, who was sleeping in a cave and needed to be freed.  We repeatedly informed the creature that we were on a time sensitive mission and could not assist, but it would not take no for an answer.  Eventually, Korak cast a spell of silence, muting both our party and the fiery avian.  Flustered, the bird finally took flight and left us to our own devices. On the last day we found an entrance to a temple, the mark of the Cohort Arcanum inside.  The group decided that this was not our goal, and that it would be prudent to leave it lie.  We searched for one more day without success, before having to return to civilization due to running low on rations. The group plans to attempt the search for the cave again... and if Ingram is going, I plan on being by his side."

Session 31 - How to feed a griffin Orithar Trisk (Hats4Cats Mentor) Lolgan (SlothSlow Mentor) Hunter (Link) Asher (Kaboom) Eirena (Lunatic) We arrived at the city of Boame, with the aim of heading towards Woodstill village, north of the Hill Haunt. A place where the dead rise, regardless of how many times you put them down. As we docked into the city we had trouble getting lodging for our friends Griffin, Gara. A mighty white bird with an appetite to match its size. In the tavern, the barkeep told us stories of an old member of the Cohort, one Kashika Forsli. She apparently had snake-like features and once convinced an entire army to retreat from the battlefield or as the bartender put it "to fuck off". She is quite famous around these lands. The drink was getting to my head at this point, Dwerren milk, a white liquid that smelled as sweet as home. Good for keeping your nerve bad for remembering.  We noticed that Lolgon griffin had made a friend. We didn't get a good look at what it was, but something in the water was talking to Gara. By the time we got out there, the creature had disappeared back into the water but we did hear rumors that Sirens still might exist, in some form. All we do know is that the creature had a tail and was a very fast swimmer. We took some free time getting our friend Eirena as a new Bastard sword. She overpaid but I didn't want to tell her that. I hope she can use it her arms look like weak things. We traveled north towards our goal. However, the task of keeping Lolgon griffin feed was a problem. We purchased a sheep from a young farm girl, she was the dumbest creature we meet along our journey, thinking I was a big goblin wanting to go "home". I would imagine even the zombies would have more sense in them than her. Asher spent his time talking to a sheepdog which defeats my previous point. On the farm and we watched as the griffin picked up the sheep. Taking it high into the air before dropping it to the ground. It pounced after it, breaking its neck and back. Lolgon may not be good with gold but the small child knows how to train a beast. Hunter has been seemingly unfocused during the travel, which is very unlike him.  Moving past the farm and the incessant bahhing of sheep, we saw a small Goblin farm. The words Goblin and farm are not ones I am used to. Golbin cave, fort or pit but not farm. Hunter to all of our surprise was fluent in the goblin's tongue. After a lengthy chat, he came back to explain that a Goblin by the name of Hilde was looking to join the Cohort. Not only did the goblins have a settlement and wasn't attacking or being attacked by the locals but now were wanting to push themselves out into the world. Recruiting competent members for the Cohort is always a boon and these ones are cute. It was our fortune that the goblins had provided the best direction we had been given since landing back at the docks. It wasn't long until we reached the Temple of the Celestia Spells. Ran by a woman named Archpriestess Suris Enlien. She wore two crescent moon shaped earrings and a necklace to match. To our surprise, she was the one to greet us at the door and wash our feet. However, it wasn't long until she showed her true prejudice against individuals like my self. She boosted and showed off her simplistic magic as she guided us around the temple, this amazed the simple-minded members of our group. The conversation turned sour, she would not listen to reason that burning the dead is the only solution to Hill Haunt. This area has had a problem with zombies and the undead but she refused to burn them once they are defeated. I believe this is what causes the cycle that plagues her lands. After this argument and not wanting to be the subject of more abuse, I took my leave. That one has a bitter tongue but a weak arm.  Upon the morning we head back out to find the creatures we were stalking. As we continued north we ran into a group of more than 20 kobolds . One was a giant of a creature, Ogre in size. Before we had time to get battle lines and prepare spells, a shot was fired from Hunter. I am not sure what has gone into him. All the reports I had read up until now spoke of a man that was quiet, not quick to act. Patience and someone who could hold their nerve. He has seemed off, throughout the journey and to lose your nerve at a critical moment. I had heard he has been seen frequently socializing with that foolish child, Dragomir. Maybe he is to blame for this poor influence should have just beheaded him as per my request. The results of him losing his nerve meant we were unable to set up protective magic and control areas. What followed was a messy skirmish fight. I was able to gain height with the help of Gara, Lolgan griffin. together we spend most of the fight flying around, taking shots at an enemy we could see. These were not normal kobolds, every attack found a weak spot in someone's armor and did more damage than we could ever antipate. These little green shits have been getting training from something.  Eirena and Asher both held their own but we're taken out. With some quick magic, I was able to swap Asher onto the griffin to save his life quick-stepping back into the griffin after the fight. The giant Kobalt was able to get a hold of Hunter. There was a moment where it looked like we could win. But due to a lack of focus fire and inability to kite the enemy, it was not so. Two members were taken by the leader and big one, in return after a long skirmish we we're able to take out all but four. Two shield bearers, Kolbolt leader and the big one. Eirena was able to get away during the confusion of the fighting. Technically the mission was a success. The goal was to cull the Kobalt's and that we did with great effect. If it came at the cost of two members so be it. However, the sneaky things kept them alive and upon returning back to the Cohort a member had already left to pay their demands. From my point of view, no deaths and the Kobalt's numbers being reduced to four is a good result. I hope to see hunter regain his nerve in the face of the enemy.

Session 31 - How to feed a griffin Orithar Trisk (Hats4Cats Mentor) Lolgan (SlothSlow Mentor) Hunter (Link) Asher (Kaboom) Eirena (Lunatic) Kobolds reek! So, I joined the Cohort. I thought, you know, guard a caravan, or two, then sit around for a few weeks getting paid until time to guard another caravan. Easy work, right? Nope. We got sent to deal with kobolds, small green, lizard-people. They'd been raiding some towns near the Spider-Fell. The people I was with all seemed really tough, and experienced, so confident. I was terrified. We took a boat down a river, ended up at a small town. One guy rode this giant bird-thing. Nobody in the town seemed happy about it but they let it go because we were with the Cohort. We went to a bar. First time I'd ever been in one without being immediately thrown out. I had some weird milk. Then we left and walked, WALKED, for miles and miles. Ugh, I hate walking. Except the guy with the bird. He got to sit and fly. I wanted to go to the river and find another boat, but everybody else wanted to walk more. So, we walked. We camped out near some sheep farmers and met a girl who sold us a sheep for the Griffin (that's the bird thing) to eat. They let it hunt the sheep, which did not take long! So AMAZING to watch! Remind me not to wear sweaters around that thing. I was hoping we were close, so I asked the girl's dog about kobolds. Nope, never seen any. So, next day we walked more. We found this wild and beautiful temple. The inside was the most relaxing place I'd ever seen. Trees and greenery everywhere. And this beautiful lady in charge, the priestess. Nothing like the old bastard that forced me to be his servant. She was kind and really pretty. She and Orithar didn't like each other, though. Orithar! He's AMAZING! He REALLY knows magic, and does things I've never even HEARD of! I'm gonna ask him to teach me! If I can get the courage. He's a little scary. OK, so, we kept going and found the kobolds, then one guy attacked them immediately. Suddenly they turned and charged us. I ran into a dark area to try to hide, but it didn't do any good. I also kind of froze. I didn't really know what to do. All the others moved away, but I couldn't. I hope I looked brave, but I'm pretty sure that guy Hunter knows I pissed myself. Why wouldn't I? A bunch of little lizards on two legs running at me and hissing, all with weapons, and one giant one with them! At least I fought. I missed with my sacred flame a couple of times, then they were on me. I kept wanting to cast Shield of Faith, but they were right there, like, 4 of them! I eventually killed 2 of them, I think. One with my staff, and one with the Glory of Airic (It's what we call Sacred Flame). But they knocked me out. Twice. The others got away, but I woke up in a cave somewhere. With kobolds. When I cast light, they got all mad and beat me until I turned it off. I was so scared. I don't even know how long I was there. But, the Cohort ransomed me. Which, thanks, and all. I thought I was going to be eaten. So, that's my first mission, Hopefully, I'll get better. I'll really try. I like these people. Nobody ever looked out for me except for Garlyn. I wonder where I can find more of that weird milk.

Session 29: (1O) An Evening in Binsada Played on the fourteenth of November in the year 2019! Present: Darvius Alandre; Sidhelien Monk, lvl 5 (Darvius) Nimogene 'Nim' Thistlewit; Sidhewair Rogue, lvl 3 (Summer) Zentha Ianris; Khinasi Wizard, lvl 3 (Lena C.) Zolis Ulmokina; Khinasi Fighter, lvl 3 (Lordgenome) Ant; Dwerren Barbarian, lvl 2 (Seraphina Leaf) Our task was to retrieve an item from 'The Tower of Evening' for   Banira bint Hamilah el-Reshid; Sultana of Binsada. Gaerd Vorduine; a commander of hers, had already made an attempt on the tower, but hadn't returned, his fate, unknown. Our reward being whatever we could salvage from the tower, after taxes of course. We stopped in the city of Ber Dairas to visit Reshidia Palace to find out the Sultana's location. While in Ber Dairas, we were approached by a cat-lady who talked to Zentha and Zolis in a language I couldn't understand. I was told they haggled for a potion that wasn't really a potion, at least that's what the experts of our group told me. Darius, feeling generous, bought us some extra waterskins and some headgear suitable for the desert. After we'd found out the Sultana was near the saltmines of Gorinth, we motioned forward through the desert lands. It took a few days to reach the Sultana's whereabouts, and had to camp in the open desert. On one of our nights in the desert, during Darius' watch, our campsite was approached by a strange blue-skinned creature. It attacked us, its eyes able to paralyze those who looked into them, though some of us were able to avoid this affliction, and were able to slay the beast. I dragged the carcass away from the camp, but not too far in case we wanted to salvage something from it in the morning. In between then and waking time, a giant Scorpion came and devoured much of the body. We left it be, presuming it wouldn't bother with us on a full stomach, which turned out to be the case. Morning came and we continued our journey, occasionally arguing if the creatures' fangs were poisonous or venomous. We found and met with the Sultana. After some pleasantries where Zolis traded some wine, for some wine, we were told a that the item in question that we'd been tasked to retrieve, was a small brass teapot. The Sultana was tight-lipped about the significance of this teapot, but I'm presuming it must be a treasured family heirloom or something. The journey to the tower from there led us through Ber Dairas again, so we decided to stay the night there to recover a little. While there, I, feeling generous, replenished all of our rations, buying a large jar of pickled and dried fruits. I believe Zentha also bought herself some daggers from a local blacksmith. Nowt much else happened while there other than us resting the night. I can't drink while working anymore so I didn't cause a ruckus or anything. After three more days moving through the desert, we arrived outside The Tower of Evening. Outside the tower there were guards, well, guarding the tower. They talked to Zentha and Zolis in their language. The guards then gave us a key, and let us in. Once in, we found ourselves in a maze, relying on Zentha big brain not to get lost. Nim was our trusted curious scout, using our new new key to open the many, many locked doors, using the keyholes as peeping holes before opening them. We came across many things in the tower; such as the skeletal remains of who we presumed to be Gaerd Vorduine, given his Binsada shield. We took the hammer and shield on the body to give to the Sultana. Then we stumbled into a mutilated, crying, blades-for-arms-and-legs creature bashing its head against a wall. That, despite us ambushing, managed to hug me to near-death. I haven't felt the same since. I should also mention that Nim was not ignoring the laid out plan as Darvius suggested, she was moving out of the way so I could get a better strike at the thing. It's not her fault I can't take a hit. While I was unconcious, my comrades dealt with the weird thing. Afterwards, Darvius, feeling generous, got me back up (just) with a healing potion. We moved on, avoiding a room full of zombies, as well as avoiding another room, with an alter and a couple of abnormal non-beastlike goats, using Nim's peeping hole trick. We also avoided a room with what Zentha called a 'Dire Flail Snail'. It was Zentha in particular who recommended we avoid that one (this was a very good idea), describing it in great detail for us. We then came across what looked like a treasure chest, but wasn't a treasure chest. There was certainly no treasure inside; just massive teeth, and a bunch of sticky stuff. The sticky stuff made it hard to attack, as our weapons would stick to it, taking great effort to retrieve the weapon. But we managed to muller the thing regardless, and were pleased to find in the next room thousands of Silver Dirhem coins. 30,000 of them in fact, which I was told was worth about 1500 gold back home. Needless to say, we began hauling the silver out of the tower. On our second trip out, we were chased by a Dire flail snail, which some of us, foolishly decided to engage. Zolis went down, but I managed to drag him out of danger so he could be revived before he died from his wounds. The snail went after Zolis' backpack, and ate a bunch of his stuff. After eating a bunch of food, it curled up into its shell. We used this opportunity to get out of the corridor, shutting the door behind us. We waited to see if the snail would follow, but it didn't. We went back in to grab Zolis' stuff that the snail didn't eat. Nim and Darvius sneaked back in to see if they could find the silver. Unfortunately we must have hung around too long as we were found out by some spirit of some kind. The tower began to shake, and a loud booming woman's voice shouted in a language I couldn't understand: "Who dares steal from Queen Ahmose-Henutemipet" We shat and fled, along with the guards that were standing outside the tower, who helped us carry the treasure. The desert sands chased us, with the face of a woman screaming formed in the sand. After we got past a river, the sands stopped chasing us. We heard the voice again scream "I will get my vengence!" Well, the ones who understood it did. We paid the guards for helping us carry the treasure, leaving us with 17,000 Silver Dirhem, but no teapot. I really hope that  'going in and having to run back out' doesn't become a thing for me. [OOC gold talk just in case: 17,000 Silver Dirhem left over after paying the guards, (900GP before taxes) 810 (after taxes) to split 5 ways in the party. 162GP each]

Session 31 - How to feed a griffin Attending Adventurers: -Orithar Trisk ( Hats4Cats - Mentor ) -Lolgon ( SlothSlow - Mentor ) -Hunter Layton ( Link S. ) -Asher ( Kaboom ) -Eirena Lightshadow ( Lunatic ) After brief introductions and planning, we departed from the Island of Fabrica towards the city of Boame, our destination being Woodstill Village, a small location north of Hill Haunt. Apparently undead plague that hill, even if they are slain. Could be cursed. Well, upon docking fellow Cohort Member Lolgon had some trouble finding a suitable resting place for his Gryphon called Gara. It looked pretty adorable, all white and fluffy. Probably gives great cuddles. In a tavern namen after Kashika Forsli, a Cohort Member of legends, we were told of her exploits. The one where he told us how she made an entire army "fuck off" really stuck to me. Sounds like a sympathetic woman. We left once we noticed that something in the water was talking to Gara, to check if everythings all right. The lifeform had vanished without a trace and Gara was fine. According to rumours it could've been a Siren of some description, all I really noticed was that it probably swam pretty fast. Let's hope that wasn't an ill omen. We went to a local arms store. I tried to get a new weapon, in hopes of it severing some unpleasant  ties. The storelady asked for a pretty overpriced sum, but I was not in the mood for haggling, so I put up a nice act and bought the bastard sword off her.  That was not the end of our financial problems, as Lolgon seems to not have had enough gold to buy enough rations for himself and Gara. We purchased a sheep of a sweet young girl, who was a bit on the naive side. Asher spent his time during the transactions by barking at a dog. I did not question it openly, as I've heard of some magic allowing one to speak to animals, but still... it was a rather bewildering sight. After we got the sheep and donating a little gold to the farm, we watched the Gryphon eat it's meal. I will not go into detail, but it was... not that wonderful a sight. Atleast Orithar and Lolgon seemed happy, so I'm not going to complain. Moving past the farm and sheep, as Orithar seemed very displeased by their baahing. We happened upon a small Goblin farm. Surprisingly, they were actually civilised and not aggressive. Hunter probably spent quite some time studying their manner of living, as he was able converse with the goblins. After a long talk, he explained to us that one of their members called Hilde was preparing to join the cohort at some point! Would you look at that. They seemed nice enough, so I'll take a shot and vouch for them, if given the chance! They were even nice enough to point us into a concrete direction to our destination, unlike our previous encounters. We reached the Temple where the Archpriestess Suris Enlien resides shortly after. To my surprise, she prompted us to take off our footwear and washed our feet. I didn't really understand why, but sure, I guess. We entered the temple and found ourselves inside a beautiful garden. If only the Archpriestess's tongue was as sweet as the fruits it bore, as she took quite open and hostile jabs at our companion Orithar. Who is she to blame him for what other Orog's do? Anyway, regarding Hill Haunt, he suggested they burn the corpses to stop them from rising, which is a logical endeavour. But she refused, referring to burning their dead as "barbaric". Sure, I guess different cultures, different customs. Orithar left shortly after, not wishing to endure any more abuse. Can't really blame him. Atleast the Archpriestess was kind enough to offer us lodging. I went into a room inside the temple, Lolgon and Asher stayed in the garden's, Hunter and Orithar went into a local inn. Upon daybreak we went back out to start locating our targets, the Kobolds terrorizing the local villagery. We found them quickly enough, their number where close to 20, or more. Before we were able to properly prepare and ambush to quicken their demise, Hunter shot an arrow into their midst. I might have triggered him to act hastily by mentioning the danger one of the villages was in if we didn't act as quickly as possible. I didn't know that it would have this big an impact on him, but the shot was fired and we had to work with what we had. A messy battle ensued. I prepared to focus most of my fire on their magic user, so they wouldn't harm us at long range. I fired blasts that made short work of him, but their leader quickly had me surrounded by a hoard of Kobolds. I became quite nervous and disengaged, instead of using one of the powers granted to me by Kirken. Now that I reminiscence, I could have dealt a devastating blow to them, but I panicked. I need to get that in check. What followed was something not for my eyes, as the kobolds surrounding me surrounded me again and knocked me out cold.  It was not my time yet it seems, however, as I managed to wake up from my daze. I quickly got up and started making my ways towards "Safe Ground", atleast as safe as I was able to get in this situation. I healed Asher on my run, so that he was able to make a run for it too. I can't remember if he did, I was more focused on annoying the Goblin leader and creating some sort of disruption while making my escape. What followed was a very tiring, very desperate run through the woods. I knew I was being chased by the Chieftain, the big Swobold and some shieldbearers and I could barely see where I was going. I solved this by casting Light as far in front of me as I could and snuffing it out at the same time. It was tiring, but I would have run into a tree and been captured, had I not done so. It's sideeffects were showing quickly though, as the Chieftain and his men ran after me. I think I saw Asher and Hunter captured on top of the Swobold's shoulders and I can say for certain that I wouldn't want to end like that. I didn't. The Kobold's were getting tired after the fight and after an arrow from their chieftain cut my cheek, I bolted away faster than I ever had imagined. I was able to rendezvous with Lolgon and Orithar later on, after taking a breather and making sure that I was no longer being followed. The mission went by successfully, with us sufficiently culling the kobolds number. We had to ransom Asher and Hunter from the Kobolds, which will indebt them slightly considering the reward of this mission is nothing to scoff at. The kobolds even gave them their gear back, which was strangely nice. I was just glad that they were alive. That is all. -Signed, Eirena Lightshadow

Session 30:  To Mend A Broken Home Expedition Members: Dragomir the Black (Hats4Cats Mentor) Ingram Alrikson (Ross) Jasta Stanley (Ryan. f) Korak Flowhelm (SlothSlow Mentor) Savas Al-Hadar (Physh) Shango Bayu (Lunatic) Note: During the time Aryella - Drago Pixie, trailed Henry Fasfathom, Drago would have been listening and scouting the best he could. This took place over a couple of days and wasn't really touched on in-game due to the time, and keeping the game moving. Any information from this period of scouting: conversations, items of worthy note that we're seen (anything with  symbolism),  social interactions between the Kolbolt group and command, how they did watches during the day, and layout from the mountains path they used, any secret tunnels or signals given to ensure safe crossing, any barriers or checkpoints/watches they had in place and of course mentioning of key. Drago would have told all this to Silver and the queen.  Aye, We gathered at the request of  Korak to complete a personal mission. The dwarf had run into some bad luck of late and due to events, mostly outside of his control, he had ended up damaging his once good relationship with the people in Drachenward. This was partly due to the Red Dragon burning their city into ash. We never went back to that location, tho doubt any good would come of it. We made our way to Fort Von-Darre where we took lodging. Our first time on the road left me on watch with Jasta. Guy is too quiet for my liking. He just grunts and is really focused on his job.  During our watch, a group of tribal looking people came up to our camp. I couldn't speak a word what they said, so I told em I was going to cast something to fix the issue but Nah, they just wanted a fight. To go from approaching us, to fighting that quick, isn't my fault! Lucky we got Ingram up and he spoke with his people. After they all calmed down after awhile. It was all over nothing. We saw a man called Archdruid Gunnar. He created up a whole feast out of nowhere. We all filled our boots on the food when ya stuck eating trail rations ya don't pass up on a good meal, especially when it's free. I'm not sure what gods they worship but it cant be as good as the thing I'm bonded too. I mean if the Kallonan likes it so much and its part of his Cohort thing, It gotta be strong like.  Next night we made it to the Wild Wolf Inn. That was peaceful until Henry Fasfathom turned up with a small army of red Kolbolt running a shakedown on the place. He a stupid one. He's signed up with the Red one, the dragon that is. So he kinda lost big time. After the Inn gave up their coin I sent Aryella out to follow em. I had Aryella listen in on their conversations, I was casting comprehend language but for everyone one hour I could listen I had to spend another ten minutes casting. I got some good information out of it. I was up all night and was super tired the next morning. It took a few days but in the end, we saw where the army was going. The army of Kolbolt met up with a man wearing different color scale armor and a red helmet that covered his face. At this point, I got Aryella out of there, no point getting her killed for nothing. Im not sure who he is but he is in league with the red one. Apart from that, the journey back to Drachenward wasn't too bad. We did fight some barbarians along the way. I'm not sure why they wanted to fight us but Korak seemed to like getting hit by em and resting in Hag dominion did kinda feel like we were being watched all night. We did hear that the Hag had sided with Red. O and we found a book about a women who connected to the Wolf. I read the whole thing and I don't think the wolf is an evil creature ya know. I reckon we can make a good ally of him in the future. We walked around  Drachenward abit and eventfully found where Silver and her people were living. Silver is sooo cool! She has grown tho, three times as big as she was. I showed her my necklace with her silver wing on it that I wear. I think she's warming up to me like. Korak was just sad... and then really really angry. Like he was burning the ground just from standing on it angrily. Never seen him get that mad before. Silver told us about Hunter. She really doesn't have a reason to lie about this so I believe her.  We headed in and spoke with Queen Freya. First I told her all about the movement of the Kolbolt forces. I think I told everyone about that. The mountain paths they took, that there was over one hundred of them. What I overheard during their camping. Any items I saw them carrying. The person they met up with and the direction they were appearing to go toward. I mean I was watching them for 3 days in total, but it only felt like 1 minute. Strange how time passes.  She said if we can restore the barrier that once was in place Korak would be forgiven. She also explained how Silver got so big. Like I know silver is "the kind," but first, she raising the dead with magic and now she is having people sacrifice themselves to her, to help her grow. She even offered me to do the same, I'm not doing that but I do want to learn how she can do all this! I want loads of hearts and to grow huge! Queen Freya gave Korak a bunch of stuff he needs to do to rebuild the barrier around the city. Once done they will be able to start fully rebuilding the city and it will damage the red dragons' power in the area. She said that Red is so big he needs the magic to flow freely around any area he is in. So a thing like a city stop the free flow of magic from happening. I don't know how it works but if we get the city up and protected its a good for many reasons.  After all that we were ready to head out of start looking. We really didn't find anything but a red firebird. I read about that thing in the logs and doubt its friendly thing. It burned Aryella, so we know it can see invisible creatures. On the last day before returning with found the temple that was spoken to in the logs. We really need to ask someone about that place. 

Session 32 - A Can of Worms Expedition Members Cordelia (Serephen) - Warlock Level 3 Hedrin (SlothSlow - Mentor) - Sorcerer Level 3 Galena (Zilarrezko - Mentor) - Rogue Level 2 Silas (LinkShadow) - Warlock Level 2 Rob Boss (Depraved Lunatic) - Cleric Level 4 Key Items Stone key to Temple of Moradin - Last held by Hedrin(?), unless handed in to Cohort. Spooky book of necromancy - In Cohort posession, see Presephine. A Dwerren lady in the Cohort sent out a call for a mission. The mission sounded good. She said that a group had cleared out an old temple to Moradin a while ago but didn't take any of the treasure, so there was lots of treasure and no danger. I'm pretty sure there's no such thing as lots of treasure and no danger, but just in case there is I had to see it for myself. We took a boat all the way to a place called Trie. It wasn't the farthest boat trip I've been on. The others wanted to ask around in case someone had already gone in and taken the treasure. They didn't want to go to the fighting pit to ask, they wanted somewhere more friendly because it was less chance of being stabbed. As though how friendly you act is related to your chances of stabbing someone at all. The people that spoke the language asked some questions and the Dwerren lady said that some guy called Thorin Ironfoot was trying to raise money to hire people to find his sister Namora. She thought the sister went to the same place we were trying to go and maybe this Thorin guy would give us more gold if we got his sister back. She's probably dead, hopefully he'll still pay for a dead sister. We headed off for the temple and the trip was calm, so we ended up at a big spooky cave entrance. The priest on the horse didn't know whether to tie the horse up, bring it with us or just leave it and hope it didn't walk off. I asked the horse and it said it had a bad feeling about the cave, which was fair. I asked it to wait for us but honestly I figured the horse would just do whatever it felt like anyway. We went in the cave and I found some footprints from  a dragon  some sort of scaly, claw-footed creature that might have been humanoid and might have been a miniature dragon. We followed the trail in and the Dwerren boy opened up a big stone door. Down in the temple it was real boring. There was nothing around, it was dark and quiet and there was literally no treasure. Someone touched a poisoned candle which was funny, I didn't know poison candles were a thing. There were a whole bunch of doors we never looked in, but we found a big room with two statues that had emeralds on them. The Dwerren lady found a chest that said something about only being for "Moradin's chosen". How do you know he didn't choose you if you don't ask? She didn't want to find out what would happen so she left it be. We found some blood marks that looked like they were from the past few months, so we followed them to find something interesting.  Then we ran into a library which looks like it's where most of the blood went/came from. All the books were drenched in blood so nobody could ever read them again. There was one book though. It was big and covered in gold and silver with a big skull face looking at people. The sick boy and the priest said not to open it, but the other human opened it. He started bleeding out of his nose and then collapsed like he died, but the priest fixed him. I grabbed the book, because it seemed interesting. Everyone was yelling about putting it in a sack and selling it and "Don't open it Cordie, don't you dare!" so I opened it to see what it said. My head hurt. I learned a whole, whole bunch of stuff but forgot almost all of it, like my brain couldn't catch it. When my head calmed down people were still yelling, but I knew something new, magic I didn't know before. I think I like this book, but I agreed to put it in a sack to take back. It started laughing at us, and I can't really blame it cause it was pretty funny. There was another room talking about Moradin's chosen, a big hall with pools of water in it, where it was written by some stairs saying only the chosen could go further down. I mean is Moradin just watching this place all the time, ready to smack someone if they disobey the sign? If so he needs a hobby. Further down the corridor it looked like the ground was disturbed, like there were little holes and loose dirt about. The two humans ran off to the next door and I felt the ground shake. They didn't have time to run. A whole load of weird creatures came up from the ground, one really big one, some smaller ones and a bunch of tiny ones. The priest got surrounded and the other human got stabbed and collapsed. The other two ran into the room with the pools, but that seemed a bit silly cause we didn't know if we could get out from that way and it's not like closing the door would stop monsters that can burrow. The priest couldn't get out on his own, so I took the book out of the sack, pointed it down the hall, told him to cover his eyes and then opened it. All the monsters died, the book tore out their life force which is a bit different to what it did to me when I read it. All of them started spinning around in a weird way, but the priest had time to revive the other human and start running. Huge green hands of arcane stuff appeared and puppeted the monster corpses, then pulled them all to the end of the corridor beyond the light. It made some interesting noises but I didn't think it was a good idea to stay and watch. Out of the darkness a gigantic worm monster made of chitin and rotted flesh and all sorts came smashing through the hall, basically took up the whole thing and then some. The other human couldn't catch up to us but it caught up to him. We're pretty sure he died. The rest of us ran away and made it back to the surface. The priest's horse was still there, along with someone else that can talk to animals. We made our way back after we found no treasure and lots of danger. We took the book to Presephine. She explained that it was full of necromancy magic and to be very careful with it, in the wrong hands it could do really bad things. I told her I learned from it and she checked to confirm what I said, somehow she can read from my book! It must be the hat, she does have a nice hat (mine's better though). She said I was talented for being able to manage that. She hid the book away in a secret room before it could be put away properly. If we get permission we can try to learn from it again, and she said she'd pay us gold for bringing it in, so that's something.

Session 32 (SPECIAL) - Can of Worms 17/11/2019 Participants; Galena Abanâthu, Dwerren Rogue (Zilarrezkko) Cordelia Woodwytch, Cellwair Warlock (Serephen) Hedrin Sicklykid, Dwerren Sorcerer (SlothSloth) Robert Bossouri, Human Cleric (Depraved Lunatic) Silas Durant, Human Warlock (Link S.) Days of reading reports and now I get to make my own, part of the team now. Im in the history books. Literally! So this report is on the trip we took over to grevesmuhl to have a look in on that old moradin temple. Apparantly the last cohort team had cleared out the the upper level. All goblins dead and gone. So I figured easy job right? We go back, poke around some more and bring home the treasure, relics, artefacts and what have you that they left behind. It sort of kind of a little bit maybe went something like that. Except for Silas died. That was sad. Also theres now a giant undead 60 foot worm monstrosity there. Anyway, first we took a ship from fabrica to grevesmuhl and we landed in the city of trie. Since that was the closest port to our goal we had a poke around one of the dockside taverns to stir up some gossip and see if anyone beat us to the punch in the last couple months. This one was called the olde trout and it was nice. Even had pretty little potted plants on the tables. The barkeep what served us drinks told us they were a brew out of daikar-zhigun. Some dwerren realm nearby. Sold cheap by a man called Thorin Ironfoot who was raising cash to fund an expedition. Want to know where? The temple we were going to! Said his sister, Numora, had gone in there with another bunch sicne the cohort squad had been in, but this lot didnt come back. I asked a couple of friendly locals if they might know where to find him, but they said he'd left to head back to the mountainrealm few days past. Didn't seem like we could have caught up to him on the road with that lead so we decided just to head off. Took like nearly three days walking overland to get into the valley where this temple was. Rob had brought his horse daisy too, but it was the rest of us hoofing it. Was a pretty quiet trek though, no ambushes, wandering monsters or what so bonus there. Cordie and Rob have a look over the ground infront of the main cave entrance for tracks. He didnt find aught but she spied tracks of some scaled creatures and said there was a dragon, a little one, that had passed through most recent. So of course we follow them tracks and they go right up to this big stone door that you need a stone anvil key to open. The dragon must have had one too since we used ours ti get through and found on the other side it had tracked dirt across the flag stones. We goes in though and take the stairs down into the temple proper. We get into the corridor that the last lot chewed up the goblins in. Only there isnt any bone or blood stain in sight. Now either they was making shit up or someone worked really damn hard to clean the place up. We headed along the east side then and found a dining hall and kitchen area. Kind of spooky. There was a table there with a candle still lit, cards was all over it and on the floor, along with a skeleton. It was a human skeleton, not dwerren so this was probably the visitors tavern. Also the skeleton had a full house, so probably died from cheating. Silas said the candle was enchanted with a spell called continual flame. Hedrin picked it up but it was also covered in some clear goo that brought his hand up in blue welts and hurt him awfully. Weird. I wiped some of my crossbow bolts on the stuff. After that we went south and smashed up some wooden barricade that lead into a worship hall. Big big old hammer statue in there. There was wings off to either side. Just a bunch of pots in the east but the west one had some statues of dwerren that looked like priests. With enchanted emeralds on them. Shiny. There was also a heavy iron chest with some strong enchantment inside, according to silas anyway. It said for moradin's chosen only on it. Put my hand on it and I did't didnt get filled with a sense of serenity or something so I didnt want to chance opening it and being blown up for impeity. We kept going south and in the back of that area cordie spotted a trail of blood leading off down another adjoining corridor. That was weird since all the blood we should have seen before had been cleaned up but this wasn't. I wanted to double back and check out the doors and rooms we hadnt looked in so far but only Hedrin was up for that too. They say never seperate the group so we all followed the blood. This is when things started to get fucked up. There was a library and it was full of blood. Blood everywhere. Especially on and in every single book. Like it wasn't that a nasty fight had happened here. Someone had on purpose spilled hundreds of pints of blood to mess up all these books. All the books but one. A massive beast of a book. You know like there are wolfs and dire wolfs? This was a dire book. It had a cover of silver, bindings of gold, gilt edges and a grinning skull on the front. It weighed like a third of a Cordie! Silas tried to flip through it. He started babbling nonsense and then bled from his eyes, ears and nose and fell over. This isnt the point where he died though. Rob stuffed some herbs in his face til he woke up and then Cordie tried to read it. She got a nosebleed but didn't fall over. Hedrin said the book sounded like another one he'd read about in some other logs and then get this. The book started laughing! So we shoved it in a sack and it shut up. There was another worship hall near the library, praise the forge father, partake of the sacred pools etc. Dont touch the eastern one by the way. and in there another stairway leading down, only it says on the floor only the chosen can pass. But the blood trail kept to the corridor rather than enter there so rob and silas rounded a corner following it when a whole bunch of these massive horrible purple insect thingies burst up out of the wall. Presphine called them kruthiks I think. When we talked to her later. She wasnt there. So these kruthik things are huge, the smallest little baby ones where like dog sized and they swarmed around the two tall guys. Really tearing into them. While their hides is so hard we can hardly scratch them. Couldn't see any other option. They were certain dead if we did anything else. Showed the bugs the book. It worked though. The thing screeches and flailed and died. Only some weird magic thing took hold of their corpses. Got us enough time to run at least, and for rob to get silas up and give him a chance. That's when silas died by the way. As we pegged it all the kruthik bodies sort of squelched together into this big rotted worm corpse thing. Silas was at the back of the group and got ate when it chased us. It sounded really gruesome but atleast he probably went quickly. The rest of us got out. I made sure to shut the temple door behind us as well so at least its shut in there. I guess that probably means Numora, that guy's sister, has gone from maybe dead to almost certainly dead but I didn't know what else to do. Not like we had time to look for her while running. We did find some woman outside. She said she wasn't Thorin's sister but she was some weird hermit lady who lived in the woods. She'd see rob's horse left outside and didn't steal it. So wow. Honest girl there, wanted to join the cohort so offered to take her home with us. And then that's pretty much it, went back to Trie got on a ship and came home. The End. - Galena

Session 28 (1L): The Battle of Traitor's Demise Present: Agatha (Summer) Prudence (Lean C.) Diesa (Zilarrezko) [Mentor] Teresa (Serephen) Mamm (Seraphina Leaf) Tarkus (Thai) The Baroness of Roesone digs into her personal treasury, and rewards each member of the party with 600 golden crowns, tax free. Mamm also receives a suit of Full Plate Armour (in exchange for her renown, see below). Monster XP 400XP per person for fighting in the battle. Quest XP 650XP for finally putting an end to Lord Saxton's scheming. RP XP 300XP per person for wonderful RP! Great job everyone! Exploration XP 50XP for finding the hideout. Log XP 150 XP to Agatha 200XP to Diesa, and Prudence Total XP 1,400XP to Teresa, Mamm, and Tarkus 1,550XP  to Agatha 1,600XP to Diesa, and Prudence Renown, Fame, and Infamy 20 Renown (Roesone) to everyone except for Mamm (who traded it for the title of Knight of Roesone, as well as a set of Full Plate Armour). 4 Fame (Anuire) for Prudence and Diesa, 5 Fame (Anuire) for Mamm, 3 Fame (Anuire) for Agatha, 2 Fame (Anuire) for Tarkus, and 3 fame (Anuire) for Teresa. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 29 (1O): An Evening in Binsada Present: Darvius (Darvius) Nim (Summer) Zentha (Casiope) Zolis (Lordgenome) Ant (Seraphina Leaf) Loot was given out in session. 165gp per person if my notes are correct. Monster XP 502XP per person Quest XP 50XP for exploring the tower. RP XP 150XP for good RP. Exploration XP 50XP for providing a (poor quality) map. Log XP 150XP to Zolis, and Darvius 175XP to Ant Total XP 752XP to Nim, and Zentha 902XP to Zolis, and Darvius 927XP to Ant Renown, Fame, and Infamy Each character receives 1 point of fame in Binsada, as well as a single point of renown. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 30 (1U): To Mend a Broken Home Present: Dragomir the Black (Hats4Cats) [Mentor] Ingram Alrikson (Ross/Streetwolf) Jasta Stanley (Ryan F.) Korak Flowhelm (SlothSlow) [Mentor] Savas Al-Hadar (Physh) Shang Bayo (Depraved Lunatic) The Kallanon rewards each member of the expedition with 75gp, with the exception of Korak. Monster XP 75XP per person for combat Quest XP 300XP for making a deal with Drachenward. RP XP 150XP for great RP! Exploration XP 50XP for tracking Henry, and the Kobolds 50XP for light exploration. Log XP 150XP to Drago 200XP to Savas, Ingram, Shango, Savas Total XP 625XP to Jasta 775XP to Drago 825XP to Savas, Ingram, Shango, and Savas Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every member of the expedition gains 1 renown with The Cohort, except for Korak who regains 2 points. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 31 (1P): How to feed a griffon Present: Orithar Trisk (Hats4Cats) [Mentor] Lolgan (SlothSlow) [Mentor] Hunter (Link S.) Asher (Kaboom) Eirena (Lunatic) The party are awarded with 1,500 golden crowns, split 5 ways for 300 golden crowns per person. Hunter, and Ashen end the mission with a debt of 10gp to The Cohort. They should both have 10gp on their character sheet's in the Census (The Cohort lent them this amount so they could continue adventuring). Their reward was lost to pay their ransoms after being captured. Any coins, gemstones, rings, or other easy to nick valuables they had before the mission were nicked by the kobolds while they were in captivity. Their standard adventuring gear was returned to them however. Monster XP 115XP for bringing the kobolds to a draw. Quest XP 500XP for successfully completing the quest. RP XP 100XP for good RP. Exploration XP 100XP for exploring the area, and unlocking goblins as a race. Log XP 100XP to Asher 150XP to Orithar 175XP to Eirena Total XP 815XP to Lolgan, and Hunter 915XP to Asher 965XP to Orithar 990XP to Eirena Renown, Fame, and Infamy Every character gains 5 Renown in Medoere (this amount was halved due to the circumstances), and 1 Fame (Anuire). Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not. Session 32 (SPECIAL): A Can of Worms Present: Cordelia (Serephen) Hedrin (SlothSlow) [Mentor] Galena (Zilarrezko) [Mentor] Silas (Link S.) [Deceased] Rob Boss (Depraved Lunatic) The party take only with them what they took out of the old Dwerren temple. Cordelia has 2 more arrows with the poison on her (5d6+5 poison damage, DC13 con save for half). They will dry out if not used by the end of Fall I. Presphine rewards each member with 100gp for bringing back the book. Monster XP 96XP for "defeating" monsters Quest XP 25XP for exploring the dungeon 100XP for bringing the book back to The Cohort RP XP 75XP for RP Exploration XP 4XP for pity Log XP 100XP to Cordelia, and Galena (reduced because of low mission XP) Total XP 300XP for Hedrin, Silas [Deceased], and Rob Boss 400XP to Cordelia, and Galena Renown, Fame, and Infamy Each character receives 1 renown with The Cohort Arcanum. Passes Each player receives 0.1 Bronze Passes (When you get to 1 you receive 1 full Bronze Pass). Other Notes Congrats to those of you gaining a level up! You can find full information on leveling up here . Remember it takes 24 days (or more if multiclassing) to level up! This is one week in real world time. Also keep in mind players are free to play in more than one session each real world week, but their characters are not.

Session Festival (SPECIAL): Darvius' Personal Log This is the first human festival I have ever attended.  It is a week long event with games, prizes, food, and celebration. As we approached the location of the festival them members of the Cohort were already discussing among themselves the teams they would be building for the coming tournaments. The women in our group decided to make an all female group to try and defy tradition.  I joined with Tarkus and Fenris in searching for someone to sponsor us for the tournament, we decided to request that Lady Tanya Angelwing sponsor us and she agreed adding to our roster two of her own men. I would be competing the grand melee tournament for my party. She did gift me a Golden Ribbon lined with silver embroidery with the symbol of a feather and a Lion on a shield.  Fenris asked me to help him find some snakes, evidently he has some kind of affinity for them. I suspected he might be trying something deceptive, but he assured me he was not. I swiftly tracked down a snake nest for him and he was able to charm the snake out of it's hole, and he did indeed have some power over the creature. It was a good distraction to get away from the loud and chaotic festival. I do feel much more at home in the wilderness than in such festivities. I left Fenris and spent some time exploring the local wilderness. When I returned the tournaments were well underway. I arrived just in time to See Agatha defeat Fenris in an arcane duel. Later in the day, Mamm and I agreed to a friendly duel and wagered 3 points each on the duel. It was a swift engagement, and I struck out at Mamm with fist and staff, her armor though absorbed almost all my hits. I did manage to stun her for a moment. However, I was not able to capitalize on the moment, and when she recovered she lashed out with a fierce attack that I could not block and she struck me unconscious.  "The greatest lessons in life are learned in our defeats and failures." So my masters would often tell me, I will endeavor to meditate on this. Still Mamm is a fierce fighter, and to be well respected for her battle prowess. Should I duel her again I will certainly use different techniques, and it was a valuable experience in fighting a foe in full plate armor. The tournament continued and Mamm did quite well, for myself I did defeat a few opponents but I misjudged my last opponent a fierce Brecht Knight who I lost all my points too. Still a valuable experience. Unfortunately, all of the rest of my team fared about as well and the only one who gained any points was our Archer. Next year I will be better prepared for this tournament, if I decide to enter again. The festival concluded with a Grand Feast, I later learned the food to be magical I feel myself already invigorated from it. I am quite looking forward to my mission this Moon, I believe I will be traveling with Cohort members I have not traveled with in some time. 

Festival Session: The Gathering of the Hunt Played on the Twenty-First of November in the year 2019! Present: Darvius Alandre; Sidhelien Monk, lvl 5 (Darvius) Agatha Duskhart; Awnshegh Sorcerer/Warlock, lvl 4 (Summer) Diesa Gemfire; Dwerren Fighter, lvl 4 (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter; Rjurik Fighter, lvl 4 (Seraphina Leaf) Prudence Duskhart; Alseid Druid, lvl 4 (Lena C) Tarkus Creed; Hanner Sidhe Bard, lvl 4 (Thai) Teresa Eirwen; Anuirean Ranger, lvl 4 (Serephen) Fenris Nathair; Sidhelien Barbarian, lvl 1 (Hats4Cats) A group of people from the Cohort Arcanum, including myself, went to take part in the Gathering of the Hunt.  Five of us; Agatha, Diesa, Prudence, Teresa and I, wished to try and be the first all-woman team to win the Gathering, breaking the tradition once and for all. We approached Baroness Marlae Roesone to be our Lady in Waiting. The other members we came with; Darvius, Tarkus, Fenris, and  Korak Flomhelm [not actually in session]  decided to approach Tanya Angelwing to be their Lady in Waiting. We decided what competitions we were going into. Agatha and Tarkus decided to enter The Mage's Tourney, receiving an Owl ribbon from their respective Lady in Waiting. Prudence and Korak entered the The Hunt, receiving Stag ribbons. Darvius entered The Tourney, receiving a Lion ribbon. Teresa entered The Archery Contest, receiving a Falcon ribbon. Fenris entered The Joust, receiving a Horse ribbon. I and Diesa however, were both wanting to enter the Tourney, but both wanted to stay in our group. We decided to use a best-of-three arm-wrestling contest to decide who got to go into The Tourney. The loser would enter the Joust. Diesa won, which I was upset about, having been really looking forward to test myself in the Tourney. Also, the small matter of me not being able to ride a horse, and also, being really, really scared of riding a horse. Probably should have mentioned that before. Teresa did her best to help me, but it was hopeless. I was still going to enter the Joust however, and while the other's partied, me and Diesa had a little heart to heart. Before any of the tournaments started the next day, I was getting more and more nervous about trying to Joust for the first time. In a conversation with Diesa however, I discovered that she knew how to ride a Oxen. Somewhat desperate to get out of entering the Joust, I asked Diesa to try out riding the Horse, just in case she was a lot better than me. Oh, she was, she rode Berenike (the name of our horse) with ease. Diesa very kindly agreed to let me enter the Tourney instead, and enter the Joust herself.  I promised her I'd learn to ride a horse, so that next time the festival happens, she could go in the Tourney, and I'll go into the Joust. Teresa Eirwen did really well in The Archery Contest, scoring 86 points out of a possible 100 with her ten arrows. A fine performance from her, we were very happy. Prudence Duskhart competed in The Hunt. She managed to Hunt down a Black Bear. When she brought it back, it seemed to have teeth-marks from some sort of beast, and scored 53 points out of a possible 100. In The Mage's Tourney, Agatha and Tarkus immediately challenge each other, wanting a rematch after their previous bout that I was not privvy to. They each bet 5 of their points on the outcome of the match. Their duel started off with Tarkus increasing his muscle mass and charging at Agatha to push her out of the ring, which would make him victorious. Agatha, just before he reached her, responded by engulfing the ring in darkness. I wasn't able to see the rest of the fight take place. The darkness dissipated, revealing that Agatha was victorious. Agatha then won her next match, against Alliene Tilgentor 4 to 3, winning another 10 points. Tarkus won his next match as well, beating Lasica Diem 5-2, after betting 5 points. It was a close match right until the very end where Tarkus got a hard hit in. Over the course of the rest of the Mage's tourney, Tarkus lost all of his points, and was eliminated from the tournament. Fortunately, Agatha was able to get 100pts by the tournement's end, coming 32nd in the Mage's Tourney, getting 69 points. In the Tourney, I and Darvius started out with a friendly fight to warm up, betting 3 points each. I started off focusing on defense, waiting for opportune moments. Darvius still got in a few really meaty blows, but despite his quick attacks, I was able to lean my Plate metal into him, preventing most of his attacks from affecting me. I managed to finish him with a couple of really hard hits. Once the healers had helped him, I helped Darvius up, and hugged him in thanks for a fine competition. I would definitely like to face him again in the future. I rejoined my team practically beaming. Darvius is a really experienced warrior, and I beat him. Yay! Unfortunately, Darvius then went on to lose the rest of his points, and was eliminated from the tournement, which shocked me considering his experience. I, however, did really well. I got the 29th most amount of points in the Tourney, for which I received 72 points to give to our Lady in Waiting. In the Joust Tourney, Diesa Gemfire and Fenris Nathair challenged each other first. In the first round of their Joust, they both missed each other. In the second round, Diesa got a light strike on Fenris. In the third and final round, they both landed massive blows on each other, but both managed to stay on their horses. Afterwards, Diesa was proclaimed the winner by the judges. Sadly for the guys, Fenris went on to lose all his points, and was eliminated from the tournement. Diesa however, managed to go on to come 41st in The Joust, earning 60pts. I was so proud of her, and very glad she entered the Joust. I would have definitely gotten 0 points, but this way, we all got points. We got 340 points altogether, which I thought was great. Unlike those poor boys, where the only points their Lady in Waiting got was from the one non-Cohort member on their team. After all the competitions were over, on the day of the feast; the queen stood on the stage, and congratulated everybody for their efforts. Announcing the overall winners were the Ballroom family, who got 485 points out of a possible 500. So next time we only need 145 more points and we'll probably win. The queen invited everyone at their tables to begin feasting, the feast before us being the quarry from the hunt. Well, that was a lot of fun, Now it's time for me to go and deal with those rats in Hollinǥholmen. Hope it all goes well. Lady In Waiting - Marlae Roesone - Total - 340pts Stag ribbon/Huntsman (The Hunt) - Prudence Duskhart - 53pts Lion ribbon/Champion of the Hunt (The Tourney) - Mamm Bealdaartsdotter - 72pts Falcon ribbon/Marksman of the Hunt (The Archery Contest) - Teresa Eirwen - 86pts Owl ribbon/Mage of the Hunt (The Mage's Tourney) - Agatha Duskhart - 69pts Horse ribbon/Knight of the Hunt (The Joust) - Diesa Gemfire - 60pts Lady in Waiting - Tanya Angelwing - Total - 55pts Stag ribbon/Huntsman (The Hunt) - Korak Flomhelm - 0pts Lion ribbon/Champion of the Hunt (The Tourney) - Darvius Alandre - 0pts Falcon ribbon/Marksman of the Hunt (The Archery Contest) - Taelen Alam (NPC) - 55pts Owl ribbon/Mage of the Hunt (The Mage's Tourney) - Tarkus Creed - 0pts Horse ribbon/Knight of the Hunt (The Joust) - Fenris Nathair - 0pts

Festival Session - The Gathering of the Hunt Expedition Members Darvius Alandre (Darvius) Agatha Duskhart (Summer) Diesa Gemfire (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter (Seraphina Leaf) Prudence Duskhart (Lena C) Tarkus Creed (Thai) Teresa Eirwen (Serephen) Fenris Nathair (Hats4Cats) This log is not about a mission, but an event some of us Cohort members attended to blow off some steam. It was a nice change and a great joy after the war. I brought Emily with me of course! The Gathering of the Hunt is a festival with competitions. You compete in teams of five to gather points for the Lady In Waiting, a lady of standing who sponsors the team. Every year there is an all women’s team that tried to break the traditional gender rules. This year I was in that team with my sister, Mamm Bealdaartsdotter, Teresa Eirwen and Diesa Gemfire. Our Lady in Waiting was the Baroness of Roesone and she gave us ribbons, as is tradition, that represents which of the competitions we entered. The festival lasted for a whole week. There are five competitions; The Hunt, The Tourney, The Archery, The Mage’s Tourney and The Jourst. Prudence was going to represent out team in The Hunt and was given a ribbon in the form of a stag. Both Diesa and Mamm wanted to enter the tourney and it was decided through an arm wrestling competition that Diesa would represent us in the hunt, she was given a lion ribbon. Teresa entered the archery contest and got a falcon ribbon. I myself entered the mage’s tourney and received an owl ribbon. Lastly Mamm entered the jousting and got the ribbon of a horse. First of was the Archery Contest. Teresa was sponsored with a very fine longbow and she really used it in the best way she could. She shot 10 arrows and landed them very well, gaining our team 86 points. Then it was the Hunt and Prudence went into the forest. It was a rather boring competition as we didn’t really see anything, but Prudence later told me that she took on the form of a wolf and hunted down a black bear. She earned 53 points for our Lady in Waiting. After the hunt Mamm and Diesa talked over their decision on who would enter which competition and decided to switch as Mamm had no experience and was rather frightened on a horse, Next up was the Mage’s Tourney, my competition. We received 10 mage points to bet in the competition and through that betting gain more points in the competition. The points were counted and the one with the most points placed the highest and gained a certain amount of points for their Lady in Waiting. There were others from the Cohort participating in the hunt but in a different team. Tarkus was one of them and we both wanted a rematch and ended up facing each other. Long story short, I won and am already looking forward to our next duel. We dueled some other contestants and in the end I had 100 points which landed me a 32nd placement and that gave my Lady in Waiting 69 points towards the whole hunt. Tarkus did sadly not do as well. Next was the Tourney, that also worked with points, placements and then points towards the hunt. Mamm and Darvius started off with a fight. Mamm took a few nasty hits but in the end her skillful defending and work with the longsword won her the duel. Mamm earned point that placed her 29th in the tourney and gave our Lady in Waiting 72 points. Darvius ended up losing the rest of his duels and with that all his points. Lastly we hade the Joust. The Baroness provided us with a very fine horse, very big and fancied apples a lot according to Prudence. She talked with the horse and offered it apples as a reward if it performed well. As before the two Cohort members in the competition started off, Diesa and Fenris. It started of shakey for both of them but they both performed well towards the end and Diesa was proclaimed the winner. After the other rounds Diesa placed 41st and earned the team 60 points. Fenris however did not do so well. The Gathering of the Hunt ended with a feast and the winners were announced. Sadly we did not end up winning. The Boeruines family did with their 485 out of 500 points. We did better than expected of people with our experience and totally our Lady in Waiting had 340 points. I heard that the other team with Cohort members had around 50 points… In the end the feast was lovely, oh, and this is where Korak showed up. I made sure to buy Emily a lot of toys; like a stick horse, a wooden sword and such things. I hope she likes them.

Festival Session - The Gathering of the Hunt Members of the Cohort that attended the festival: Darvius Alandre; (Darvius) Agatha Duskhart; (Summer) Diesa Gemfire; (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter; (Seraphina Leaf) Prudence Duskhart; (Lena C) Tarkus Creed; (Thai) Teresa Eirwen; (Serephen) Fenris Nathair; (Hats4Cats) The Gathering of the Hunt. This was the first time it was held since I became the Countess of Abbatour and I have to admit I was very nervous and all since it was being held in my domain. Me and the Baroness spent a great amount of time getting everything ready. By the time the festival actually arrived I couldn’t wait to get stuck into the festivities. I think we all needed to relax a little after the Battle of Traitor’s Demise. I know I did. Then after everyone from the cohort that would be attending showed up we decided that maybe this year we should assemble an all women team and take our chance at winning and breaking tradition. Mamm, Teresa, Diesa, Agatha and me Prudence. We asked for favour from the Baroness herself which she gladly accepted granting us the privilege of having her be our Lady in Waiting.  We all signed up for one of the five competitions. Teresa went for the archery contest, getting the falcon ribbon. Agatha signed up for the mage’s tourney; she got the owl ribbon. I decided my skills would be best used in hunting so I signed up and got the stag ribbon. Mamm and Diesa had a bit of a discussion as they both wanted to be in the tourney. But after a while they agreed on their roles and it was settled that Diesa was attending the tourney, while Mamm would compete in the joust. Darling Mamm seemed so nervous about riding a horse. The Giant Downs destrier that the Baroness lent us was huge! We named her Berenike. She was a good horse who loves apples. I got to talk to her for a bit. Explained to her that if she does well she can have a lot of apples. Then it was time for a drink and some dance. Tarkus taught me a few steps, and I pulled Agatha in to dance as well. It was so much fun! The games began with the archery contest. Teresa was up, with a shiny bow. She did very well, the arrows she shot flew straight and true. She scored 86 points out of 100. A strong start to our points. Then I had to go out and hunt. I found some pawed tracks, and started following them, unsure at first what animal they were. I thought back to what the old druid that raised us taught me and turned into a wolf to track it by scent. It was tough, but the hunt was a success, I had caught a black bear. Not my best hunt, but certainly not my worst. I scored 53 points. Then I saw Mamm and Diesa talk in the tent and after a while approach the Baroness. I saw them switch ribbons. It turned out that Diesa had just a bit more experience riding an animal and so they decided to change places. Mamm would fight in the tourney and Diesa would joust. It was coming up on the mage’s tourney and Agatha and Tarkus were the first to jump in for a rematch! I am so glad I didn’t have to judge this one. Tarkus grew some muscles and advanced on Agatha, but she called forth her darkness. Me and Emily cheered for Agatha as we heard loud thunderous booms and cries of pain. When it was clear to see again Tarkus lay on the floor, slightly singed. They both went on to fight others and at the end of the day Agatha scored us 69 points. Poor Tarkus was eliminated with 0 points. Mamm’s time to shine came about as the tourney began, and she had a friendly fight to warm up against Darvius. It was close, Darvius can punch so fast, but Mamm’s defence is strong and she ended up taking him down. Our team was doing really well, I was so proud of everyone! Mamm ended up scoring us 72 points. It was an unlucky day for the boys as Darvius also got eliminated.  Finally the Joust. I talked to Berenike again and let her know that it was Diesa riding her, and that if she’s a good horse she can have some of apples. Her first opponent was Fenris Nathair. The student I had taken on to teach the art of druidry. He’s...unusual to say the least but respectful. Diesa scored a small hit, and then they both slammed each other, though Diesa was declared the victor. By the end of the day Diesa had gotten us 60 points. It was such a fun festival. Our team ended up scoring 340 points out of a total 500. Sadly the Boeruines won with over 400 points. We vowed to break tradition next time. The feast was delicious, there was the bear I hunted, as well as stews and vegetables and other lovely foods. I can’t wait to attend the next one.

Festival Session - The Gathering of the Hunt "Expedition" members: Darvius Alandre; Sidhelien Monk, lvl 5 (Darvius) Agatha Duskhart; Awnshegh Sorcerer/Warlock, lvl 4 (Summer) Diesa Gemfire; Dwerren Fighter, lvl 4 (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter; Rjurik Fighter, lvl 4 (Seraphina Leaf) Prudence Duskhart; Alseid Druid, lvl 4 (Lena C) Tarkus Creed; Hanner Sidhe Bard, lvl 4 (Thai) Teresa Eirwen; Anuirean Ranger, lvl 4 (Serephen) Fenris Nathair; Sidhelien Barbarian, lvl 1 (Hats4Cats) The Gathering of the Hunt. I'd always wanted to go as a child, but of course we weren't rich or important enough to warrant the journey. My sister went a couple of times and told me all about it, so I had an idea of what to expect, but the real thing was so much busier and more tense than I'd pictured. Still, I was thrilled to finally get the chance to attend. A number of other Cohort members were in attendance, most of whom I'd met and adventured with before. A few of us fancied the idea of taking a shot at breaking the old tradition of referring to the Gathering's roles as Men of the Hunt and Ladies in Waiting. This required forming a team consisting solely of women and gaining the most points across all the events. Prudence, Agatha, Mamm, Diesa and I formed a team with the Baroness Marlae Roseone as our Lady in Waiting. Prudence pledged as our Huntress, Agatha as our Mage and me as our Markswoman. Diesa and Mamm had a contest of strength for the right to pledge as our Champion, with the loser as our Knight. Seems neither of them care much for horses. Diesa won the bout so that was that decided. The Baroness was able to provide our team with a fantastic horse for the joust, and I was allowed to borrow a superb bow for the archery contest which was good as I definitely needed it to compare to some of the other archers around. The other members of the Cohort that arrived pledged themselves to Tanya Angelwing. Mamm was somewhat anxious about jousting, which was reasonable considering she had no experience working with animals. I did my best to teach her how to ride, and Prudence seemed to be able to talk directly to the horse which would hopefully make her easier to control during the event. Eventually though Mamm and Diesa agreed to switch roles, as Diesa had some experience with oxen. After watching her ride for a bit it was clear that the experience helped her understanding so she only needed a few pointers to be better suited to the task than Mamm.  Everyone seemed to have a good time drinking and dancing and having fun. I couldn't really bring myself to let go completely and found myself looking after Emily, the child that Agatha and Prudence took in. She was still heartbroken after losing her mother to the war, so she had trouble enjoying the festival as well. It was actually helpful to focus my energy on trying to cheer her up and distract her from her sadness to in turn distract me from mine. I took her around some of the stalls and bought each of us a "Mystical Good Luck Bracelet", so that the people we missed would be able to be with us, even when we couldn't see them around. I do hope I helped her, even just a little. Across the week each of us did our best in our own events. Thanks to the bow I'd borrowed from the Baroness I put in a surprisingly good showing at the archery contest, actually managing to pull off a somewhat entertaining display by scoring an initial bullseye and splitting that arrow with my final shot. Prudence had some decent success with her hunt and brought back a black bear all by herself. Agatha went up against Tarkus as each of them had strong feelings left over from the duel they'd had before. Once again the match was covered by darkness, but this time when the darkness receded it was Agatha still standing. Across the week she managed to defeat a number of opponents, cleverly picking off many of the less-skilled ones and finishing with a very respectable standing overall. Poor Tarkus was hit by a string of bad luck in his later matches and was unfortunately eliminated. The Tourney went by with many exciting matches, including an early friendly match between Mamm and Darvius. Both took a few swings just to test the others defences, when Darvius lunged out with an incredible flurry of attacks, leaving Mamm stunned and injured. She just managed to repel the follow-up assault and fought back with a pair of strong attacks of her own, knocking Darvius out and securing the win. They were both phenomenal. Through the week Mamm fought some incredible matches and scored very well overall. Darvius tried his hand against some very strong opponents later in the week but fell just short of winning, and ended up being knocked out of the Tourney. The Joust was interesting. I don't think I would have been too bad at it myself, but our team didn't have another potential Marksman. Diesa and Fenris had a bout to start off the week, as with the other tournaments where we had multiple Cohort members participating. He was definitely a more experienced rider, but the difference in the horses made up for it and Diesa took the match. She then went on to do very well for her first time riding a horse, while Fenris was struck by the same luck as his team-mates and was eliminated. The festival rounded out with an exceptionally large feast, the biggest I'd ever seen. In the end our team performed well considering our overall level of experience, but the tradition wasn't broken this year. Maybe by next year we'll be skilled enough to pull it off. I hope my sister can be there then.  

Festival Session: The Gathering of the Hunt Played on Thursday the 21st of November, 2019 Participants; Team Roesone Agatha Duskhart, Awnshegh Sorcerer/Warlock, lvl 4 (Summer) Diesa Gemfire, Dwerren Fighter, lvl 4 (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter, Human Fighter, lvl 4 (Seraphina Leaf) Produce Descartes, Alseid Druid, lvl 4 (Lean C) Teresa Eirwen, Human Ranger, lvl 4 (Serephen) Team Angelwing Darvius Alandre, Sidhelien Monk, lvl 5 (Darvius) Fenris Nathair, Sidhelien Barbarian, lvl 1 (Hats4Cats) Tarkus Creed, Hanner Sidhe Bard, lvl 4 (Thai) Turned up for the Feast Korak Flomhelm, Dwerren Cleric, lvl 4 (SlothSlow) Cohort Arcanum Department of the Archives. Document #11B956 The Journal of Diesa Gemfire, recovered 1623 HC - Declassified 1683 HC An extract; Hello 'Dig. The Gathering of the Hunt has been a strange week. Given some of the other weeks I have had since joining the cohort that is also strange to say but there we go. The festival was strange. It is an old tradition, for humans, though. Going back to their empire at least. They did not allow women to participate in much of their society then, not even in their games. The tournaments. They had to wait while the men competed, and there was some sort of courtship aspect too. It is reflected in the titles given to the sponsors, ladies-in-waiting, and competitors, men-of-the-hunt. And those titles still hold now even though their last emperor allowed all to compete and be sponsors of teams. The titles are supposed to change if an all women team manages to win the games though. There's always at least one team that tries it and this year it was us. The twins Prudence and Agatha wanted to try and so I joined their team with Teresa and Mamm. We'd all fought in the battle and been on other expeditions together so it was fitting. I was also eager to see Teresa again after all the weeks since Traitor's Demise. Even though it wasn't a proper adventure it was good to work together again. I still didn't get an answer. We've got so much work to do for another attempt on Morrendeep though. It weighs on her so much and we've both been poking into spells and magic to prepare. Or is that an answer in itself? She acts the same as before I said anything but now I keep examining and re-examining everything. Looking for clues as if this is a puzzle I can just work out. I should stop, I know. But you always said that was my problem 'Dig. One of my problems at least. I've also started second guessing myself too much again. Got the chance to speak to Baroness Marlae personally and there's so many questions I've wanted to ask some else like me. I froze up though. Told myself she was too busy(even after she made time), too important(even after she put off the Sidhe Queen), too grieving(even though she'd wished me luck). I suppose I just didn't want to put it out in the open again. It was hard enough to admit to myself after trying to hide it for so long. I at least managed to ask how she'd known about what happened after the battle though. So now I know I need to be careful around any cats in Roesone since she hears whatever they hear. The Baroness also very kindly sponsored our team in the competitions as our Lady-in-Waiting and named us an honorary part of her family. For the week of the festival at least. She also opened her armoury up to us for the competition. Teresa served as our markswoman in the archery contest and was given the Baroness' personal bow to use. She scored among the highest in the whole contest, gaining 86 points out of a possible 100 doing us and the whole cohort proud. She told me later it was more the bow than her but it wasn't. It helped I'm sure but even the best tool is useless without a skilled hand to use it. As an Alseid and Druid it was Prudence that took on the actual hunt event. She was gone for most of the day but returned with a black bear as her prize. I thought it was good. I enjoyed the idea of the placid herbivore such as a deer hunting down a deadly carnivorous predator like the bear too. She only got 53 points for it but thats still top half placement, not counting the dozens and dozens of others who didn't even place in the competition. Agatha of course took on the mages tourney, meeting and defeating Tarkus in the bouts. She went on to get a respectable score of 69 which she seemed to find very amusing for some reason. Mamm entered the melee. Though originally that was supposed to be me. Both of us are pretty good fighters but neither of us had any confidence in our ability to play cavalry so we had a little best of three strength contest of our own, which I won. The evening of Prudence's hunt though as we were talking about our pasts Mamm wondered if my time on the caravans with the oxen would have helped there and persuaded me to try riding. After Teresa agreed that I was the better suited I could hardly say no. Besides, Mamm went on to score very respectably at 72 points. I think I might have struggled to match that. That left me in the joust though. By the Stone that was terrifying. Baroness Marlae had loaned us her latest prize destrier, a Giantsdown mare that she even let us name. I suggested Berenike after one of the Cohort's founders and that seemed to stick, Prudence and Teresa also used their skill and magic to help me bond with her which helped immensely I think. Since while I did manage to score 60 through the competition it was more the horse than me. She was so strong and fast and eager all I really needed to do was hold on and half the time my opponents would just tip themselves over trying to reach me atop the giant horse. They could have put anyone on Berenike and they'd have likely done just as well. That horse is probably worth more money than some whole countries. In the end we didn't win the gathering of course. I don't think Baroness Marlae had expected us to win though. Either the Avan or Boeruines teams have won almost every year in generations she said and the Boeruines took it again this time with 485 points total to our 340. Still, I get the impression that our placement was somewhat respectable enough to please her, especially for first time competitors. Entitling us to prestigious place in the closing feast. So thats nothing to be ashamed of, as Ma says, "The only shame to failing is failing to try." right? If only my contribution had been, well, actually mine. My solace is that I didn't get eliminated as all the other cohort did, or at least the ones I knew by name. I'm sure there were a couple of other high scorers in the games that I might have passed once or twice in the corridors back at the Halls. I know you'd have loved the Cohort 'Dig. Well, except for the discpipline. And all the boat rides. But other than that, there are so many diverse peoples here. You could almost explore the whole continent just by talking people up in the pub, like a greater version of the Silver Inn. Not as many brawls or high stakes card games though. I think that's about it for this adventure. I'll write again after the next one. Unless I die but hopefully I'll get to see you at Moradin's table then. Though after what I did to you I'm sure I'll be getting recast instead. I'm so sorry, Brother. ~Rhonika

Session 34:  A Mage's Nightmare Expedition Members: Jannis the Red (Brecht Fighter) Rob Boss (Brecht Cleric) Brognir Bronzehelm (Dwerren Fighter) Orithar Trisk (Half-Orog Wizard) Jannis took his usual table by the window in the Arcanum's common room.  It was raining, spoiling the view, but he liked the soothing sound of the rainfall upon the glass.  Moving his mug of ale to the side, be produced a quill, ink pot and parchment to document his latest expedition for the Arcanum's records.  His arm was still a bit stiff from the beating he took within the tower, but he simply grimaced and began to pen his tale. "I organized an expedition to the Tower of Evening in response to the Sultana's request.  There were a shortage of available members, but I still managed to find some stout hearted cohorts to undertake the task.  A priest named Rob of Brecht heritage, a courageous Dwerren named Brognir, and a rather odd Half-Orog named Orithar offered to accompany me to the desert lands of Binsada.  The Sultana wanted an object retrieved from the tower, and Gaerd - her commander - had once again run off and gone missing.  The trip to Binsada was uneventful, and we made our way immediately to the palace to speak to the Sultana further about the errand.  Unfortunately, she was not present, her nomadic court having migrated to Harpy's Watch to the south.  After some deliberation, we decided to get straight to work rather than take the extra days of travel to Harpy's Watch.  The first day of the expedition was uneventful, though at camp on the second day one of the party spied movement under the sand.  After taking appropriate cover, Orithar sent his bat familiar to investigate, revealing a giant scorpion.  Having had multiple run ins with these foul creatures, I wasn't about to let it lay in wait for other unsuspecting travelers, so we rushed to engage it.  It disappeared back into the sands before we got there, however, and we were not able to locate it.  We moved our camp further out and experienced no other disturbances throughout the night. On the third day we reached the borders near the Harrowmarsh and the ruins of the Tower of Evening.  As per my last visit, female guards stood watch outside its doors to ward off unsuspecting looters...  not so much as to protect the treasures within, but the lives of those who would be foolish enough to enter...  my company included.  However, we had the blessing of the Sultana, and the guards reluctantly gave us passage. The interior of the tower was completely shrouded in darkness, our only light provided by the priest's magic.  There were some signs of movement inside, disturbed dust and sand, but it was hard to tell what or when the trails were left.  A map from a previous expedition proved to be somewhat inaccurate, so we set about exploring the tomb methodically.  We spied a cat wandering the halls, but it would routinely disappear into the walls.  Many of the room stood completely empty, barren of creature, remains or objects.  Early in our exploration, however, we found a room with a pile of silver derhams lying on the floor.  We approached cautiously, and after determining there were no traps or monsters lying in wait, we decided to leave it and retrieve it on our way out. After much wandering we finally came to a room which held a pile of bones in the middle of the room.  We could see glittering objects within the pile, but could not make out if they were coins, jewels, or some other form of valuables.  I entered the room, while the party waited ready to come to my aid in the hall.  As soon as I got within spear reach of the pile, some sort of undead skeletal golem rose up and struck me down with a single viscous blow.  Not even my expertise in armor nor my parry of the creature's attack prevented me from losing consciousness.  The bravery of Orinthar, who used his eldritch magic to swap places with me after which he fled the room, was the only thing that prevented me from adding to the pile of corpses.  The party immediately shut and locked the door, trapping the creature within, while the priest tended to my wounds.  After I was able to walk on my own again, we continued our exploration.  We encountered the cat again, and I was even able to pick it up and pet it briefly, before it jumped down and disappeared again, with some sort of spectral key carried in its mouth.  After searching several more empty rooms and dead ends, we came to a large room containing an odd two-headed creature.  It paid us no attention, not even acknowledging our presence, as it clutched a corpse in crushed platemail and sobbed continuously.  Deciding we needed to rest before confronting the creature, we entered a small 10'x10' chamber to the west.  Locking the door behind us, we began to set up camp, and Orinthar began the ritual of placing an alarm on the room. As soon as he finished casting, a door to the north flew open and a large 9' tall creature with long arms and claws appeared, eating the magic that Orinthar had cast.  The magic appeared to buff the creature, granting it strength.  We attacked it, but neither my spear or my companion's axes seemed to make any significant marks on the creature.  Again, we quickly shut the door and locked it, fleeing back to the east.  After exiting the tower, we decided to make camp outside next to one of the braziers before going back inside.  As Orinthar once again began his rituals to alarm the camp, the magic eating aberration exit the tomb, striking down one guard, and devouring the other whole.  We kept our distance, retreating slowly while firing our crossbows into the creature.  It gave chase for 100', but then gave up and made its way back into the tomb. I picked up the body of the slain guard that had not been consumed, and we marched 20 minutes to a guard outpost away from the tower.  We buried the guard, and the priest gave last rites.  The three remaining guards at the tower, after hearing our tale, immediately abandoned their post.  We used the site to camp for the night and then returned to the darkened halls of the Tower of Evening. We entered the tomb for the second time, following a previously unexplored hallway which led us to a large chamber.  A skeleton was on the floor to the west, and assuming it may be animated, we approached cautiously.  It was inert however, and instead we opened a door on the southern wall.  We were immediately confronted by a large snail creature with five flail-like appendages.  We engaged briefly, but after several successful hits on the beast, it let out an unholy wail that was sure to bring other creatures in the tower running to our area.  After Brognir was felled by the snail, we decided to make a tactical retreat. Swarms of beetles that had been summoned by the part kept the beast busy while we made our escape.  I grabbed the Dwerren and drug him to the door, only to hand him off to the priest who pulled him into the corridor while I closed and sealed the door.  We beat a hasty retreat outside and once again camped at the guard tower. We discussed several plans of how to deal with the magic eating horror inside the tomb.  One idea was to have the mage cast spells in the room with the wailing two headed beast, in hopes of luring the eldritch sucking humanoid into a fight with it.  Another was for us to return to Ber Dairas and get supplies to dig a large pit to contain the creature while we doused it with flaming oil.  Orinthar was not comfortable with the first plan, and the second plan was considered impractical considering the size of the creature, and the bedrock under the sand which would have made excavation laborious and time consuming.  In the end, we opted to go back in, load up all the silver we had initially found, and leave the tomb behind.  To our surprise, we encountered no resistance as we exited the tomb. We returned to Ber Dairas, 12,000 silver derhams richer.  I met Eleshava in the market place, who mentioned that if we were to return to the tower, she wished for us to locate and return a small lamp/pot located within.  She said we'd know it when we saw it.  After making some purchases in the market, we headed to the Red Stallion for drink and gambling, to seek respite and enjoy the fruits of our labor.  After playing a game of stones with one of the master gamblers, Eleshava invited us below to the Cat's Cradle to witness a gladiator match, which both Orinthar and Rob made money on betting on the favorite. After our revelry was complete, we headed to one of the guard stations.  There, outside drinking, we found the guards who had previously abandoned their post near the tower.  I offered them our deepest condolences and presented them with 60 Gold Stallions from my share of the treasure for the fallen guards families. The next day we left the desert behind us, heading back to the Arcanum.  The Tower was full of dangerous and powerful creatures.  I wonder... will I get the chance to return and face them when I'm stronger and wiser, or will some other brave soul unlock the tower's secrets before I can return?"

Festival Session - The Gathering of the Hunt "Expedition" members: Darvius Alandre; Sidhelien Monk, lvl 5 (Darvius) Agatha Duskhart; Awnshegh Sorcerer/Warlock, lvl 4 (Summer) Diesa Gemfire; Dwerren Fighter, lvl 4 (Zilarrezko) Mamm Bealdaartsdotter; Rjurik Fighter, lvl 4 (Seraphina Leaf) Prudence Duskhart; Alseid Druid, lvl 4 (Lena C) Tarkus Creed; Hanner Sidhe Bard, lvl 4 (Thai) Teresa Eirwen; Anuirean Ranger, lvl 4 (Serephen) Fenris Nathair; Sidhelien Barbarian, lvl 1 (Hats4Cats The Hunt is a concept that has confused me upon hearing it. Why a Sidhelien Queen would allow this event, let alone aid it in its occurrence is beyond me. Yet she has more wisdom than I, being one so young, so there must be a reason. This is an event where humans showboat and grandstand in front of other nobles, mostly human, to win "honor" in front of their lords and ladies. Don't they know the only honor would be serving the Sidhelien Queen who oversees the event and returning land they hold back to its rightful people? They even had a foolish tradition where the women must sit and the men must hunt. No self-respecting Sidhelien would have agreed to this concept to begin with, even if the times have somewhat changed the nature of this agreement. Now anyone can hunt or sit. The Awnshegh & Alseid I followed and train with, took it upon themselves to remove this transition by forming a group consisting of all female members, I can see why, but to do so removed the aid of other members in their service, such as myself. I respect their choice given one has been gifted by a true god but removing a human tradition seems pointless. Although... as they have removed many of our transition through war, it is our time to return the favor. A form of justice? I broke bread with the Sidhelien Darvius and Hanner Sidhe Tarkus. Their heritage is rich and detailed and comes from strong blood ties even if Tarkus had been diluted, we decided not to take the competition as one to aid our "lady in waiting" but to push ourself to see the limits we can reach. Don't be fooled, many strong warriors attended. The honorable Awnshegh, Alseid, and female humans among us pledged under one Baroness Marlae Roseone, they have had a previous relationship with her so were granted boons towards their service. A bow made from fine wood and a string that looked Sidhelien in make. A horse that was fit for Giants rather than Sidh elien. We moved, looking for any Sidhelien elder but none attended the competition outside of the queen overseeing the events, not to my surprise. We went under the banner of 1st Born of the count of Edlin - Tanya angelwing.  The lady excluded us from socialization due to being "the other team". These are what human events do, focuses the mind towards the ties of hierarchy over  ancestry . Myself and Darius took our leave from the event and headed into the forest. The forest didn't feel right, it was clear this human event was causing a disturbance to the flow & beat of its heart. I found a small snake lying in wait for prey and offer my help towards its cause in exchange for its humble service. Like most good creatures it now serves around my neck, in exchange for a rat every now and then.  The tournament spoke for its self. The Awnshegh beat the Hanner Sidhe and went on to do quite well in the mages contest, not to my surprise. I do not agree the use of magic should be used for petty contests and should be treated with respect and necessity but Her use of the darkness to confuse her opponent was impressive. What many missed that my eyes did not was before the fight even began. She convenience the Hanner Sidhe to fight without the use of one of his spells. To get your opponent to not only fight with a handicap but then show no mercy during combat was impressive. I do not know how much of a silver tongue she has or if any other mages feel victim but it wouldn't surprise me. A move truly worthy of the mark she holds, my choice to follow them was not ill-placed.  Darvius fought with respect and honor but when one covers themselves head to toe in iron and you are forced into a small circle how can you take advantage of traits like mobility and speed. For myself, I was pitted against the giant horse that sounded like thunder down the arena. My stead was fine but as a horse raised by a human wasn't going to impress, I will take pride in knowing that the Dwerren didn't dismount me. No shame in losing to one such as her.   Our group on the first defeat decided to find the strongest member in each of our competitions. Only by fighting the best there was could we improve, no point in trying to win points in such a competition we were not invested in. Fighting the strongest lead to quick defeats but important lessons were learned and names become known. The other group was impressive, the Cohort trains strong members and each placed high in their respective fields. We all left on good terms, drank and enjoyed the evening after the events. The females want to come back next year to break their transition maybe next year I can help but more indirectly. Removing a human transition would leave such a sweet taste.  

Session 34:  A Mage's Nightmare Expedition Members: Jannis the Red (Brecht Fighter) Rob Boss (Brecht Cleric) Brognir Bronzehelm (Dwerren Fighter) Orithar Trisk (Half-Orog Wizard) Hate this place, this area. To much sand, to much heat. Heat not from fire nor forge but Sun. Burns skin, drys eyes, wind carries sand everywhere. People give bad looks, too noisy, too crowded. We travel to Tower of Evening. Looking for an item and man called Gaerd. Man that talks too much if logs are to be believed. Someone called  Sultana wants him and item. What it is, not sure. Went to find Sultana but she not home. She moves around area. Had moved to Harpy watch. Servicing her people. Like cattle, going from field to field. Enjoyed travel with Brognir, has good mindset, Jannis, commands authority, good leadership. Rob looks strong, happy with party.  Found scorpion in sands, ran away during travel. Scared of metal, Brognir wants to eat it. Agree, but unable to find it. Not good. Enjoy night, cool air. Arrived at Tower of Even, during day. Guards give warning about going in but moved aside. They seem ill-equipped. Bad omen. Tower confusing but Cohort members give us map. I will try and copy as we move. Just saw cat? Went into wall, maybe follow? Maybe demon? Not sure.  First room, silver, huge piles easy reward. Others should have taken it. Wont complain. No traps in floor. We check, Jani checks all doors. Dont like it in here. We leave silver, returning later. Keeping track of rooms hard work. Familiar good scout, protects the rear. Room full of bones. Gold objects inside the pile. Bones look old. Bones grew, create the monster. Monster takes out Jani. Mhmm. Pulled his body out of danger, mine is stronger can take the pain. Added a new scar. Lesson leart. Monster wanted to follow, but cat had key. Did something to door? Cat scariest thing in here. Wasn't scared by bone monster. Walked towards it.. Bone creature stopped. Mhmm. Note: Used more powerfull spell than zone allowed according to Cohort. Marked 1/5 area but in temple used 2nd skill level of magic. Not sure why important for mages to know.    Found crying creature, two head over dead body. Plate armour on ground. Dented. Creature sad. Didn't disturb.  Need to replenish magic ward, Looked for safe room. Found spot to spin magic. Not good.  Creature opened door, Inhale my magic as It spins. Can see its face. Hit with axe, hard. Didn't flinch. Out of ideas. Orog word for these creatures. Vot Dork Ari, rough translation "Demon birthed solely to remove your strengths and attack on your weakness". To kill your Vot Dork Ari is a sign of great strength. Any Orog that kill their Vot Dork Ari is act of strength. Proof of no weakness. Had to run, close door. Escaped. Rested outside next to firelight. Cast Ritual to heal ward. It came again. Hunting me. I will burn it like sun to sand. It killed guards outside, swallowed one whole, disturbing. I see its face. Its tall, strong and large. I will know its name. Creature wanted wards of magic. Removed them. It slowed. Looked weaker.  Wait for sunrise, Took bodies to guard tower. We rest, guard not happy. Blame us as rat catchers not demon. They leave not wanting death. Good choice, we return come morning. We searched room, found magic circle and cat... Cat didn't care, circle hurt Brognir. He tried attacking circle, didnt work. Almost died. Dwalf axe hungry. Left circle alone.  Last room, found snail, its shell did something to my magic. I hate this place. Another snail, bigger went to protect smaller one. Mhmm interesting shell, Will need to collect it. Collected silver and left temple. Hate this temple.  Back in town, found bar, others did shopping. Brognir got beer. Rob got mat for floor. Jannis got metal for neck. Ran into cat, this one bigger called Eleshava said lamp inside temple she wants. She nice, showed place to gamble. Current place had man wanting to take money but not gamble. Found fighting den, human fight as we place bet. Rob placed bet and won. He seems happier.  Jannis returned to guard tower in city, gave his coin to help them. He seems happy by this. Brognir got drunk from kegs of beer. He happy. Others finished mission happy. I have my Vot Dork Ari. Im happy.   ORITHAR 

Session 34:  A Mage's Nightmare Expedition Members: Brognir Bronzehelm (Dwerren Fighter) Jannis the Red (Brecht Fighter) Rob Boss (Brecht Cleric) Orithar Trisk (Half-Orog Wizard) I write this to inform the higher ups and to keep a record of the start of my great journey to become known throughout the realms. This is my first mission of the Cohort and I was very eager to get a move out. I meet up with my fellow members and formed a party. I meet Rob, a cleric of sorts. Jannis a fighter who took charge of the party. Then we had Orithar a half Orog of all people and a spell caster at that. He was not too bad and I did sort of enjoyed his company.  We left to find a Commander that was in the Tower of Evening. To be honest in my report, I did not understand much of the mission. I was informed that others have come before us and did not complete the mission. We had a map that they made the last time we came here and we were able to add to the map. When we arrived in Binsada to meet with the Sultana we found that she left with her court to a place called Harpies Watch. We were not able to meet with her and so decided to head to the Tower instead. The travel was uneventful. I assume that the locals have probably heard some tales of me before I joined the Cohort. We were not attacked the whole way to the tower. We found a giant scorpion but it fled and we did not feast that night. We got to the towers and the guard let us in without any issues telling us how the last group had caused some problems with spirits in the tomb. Inside the place was like a maze but we had the map to guide us. We found some new rooms and passageways. We rediscovered the remaining loot of coins the last party found and decided we should leave the tombs with it on our way out.  Inside the tomb we kept seeing a spirit of a cat. It had a key one time we saw it but we were not able to get it from it. I was able to touch it at one point. The cat kept leaving us to go through walls. I was not able to follow it because the walls were solid. I am sure the cat is important in some way. The mission did have some success. We found useful information for the next group to know if they dare brave the tower. One of the rooms which we marked on the map had a pile of bones I was told. The pile animated and attacked Jannis. Jannis is a man that looks like a capable fighter and he went down in one blow. Luckily Orithar thought fast and changed spots with Jannis and I was able to get the key and close the door sealing the undead horror in the room. Rob was able to get Jannis back on his feet and we decided then to explore deeper in the tomb. That is when we heard crying and when we discovered the source it was coming from some undead beast that was very large. Underneath it was a man in plate armor. He died by being crushed to death by I can only assume the undead foe. I do not know why the thing was crying but I assume it is upset it killed the man. We decided to rest in the room next to it and come up with a plan to get the dead man away from the monster so we can find out if it is the person we are looking for. Orithar casted a spell to alert us of danger but while he was doing so the door opened and another undead monster showed up. This monster is very dangerous. It ate magic casted on it and around it. It grew stronger in doing so and all of our attacks seem to not affect it. We fled out of the tomb to get away from it and to regroup for a plan. When we got outside it was night and we decided to rest and to explore it again rested in the morning. Orithar again casted his magics and the undead monster came out of the tomb. Killing the two guards and eating Orithar magics he cast. We kept our distance from it and it went back to the tomb. We returned one of the bodies back to the guards camp and they were not to pleased. They decided it was to dangerous being there with us exploring the tomb and left their posts. The next day we went back into the tombs again and headed straight this time and not the side passage. We found a dead end with a magic trap that will hurt you and possibly kill you with necrotic magics. We then went back to the side passage and engaged a giant snail trapped in a room. It was too much for us so we took our spoils with the silver and left the tomb to report what we scouted. That is all I have to report. We spent some time to rest back in the city but we did not complete the mission. I am upset that I failed my first mission but I learned alot from it and will do better next time. Brognir Bronzehelm