Sunday, November 18, 2018
CHAPTER W: GRIFTERS AT THE EEL FESTIVAL
At dawn, the Desperate Venture set sail, heading down the Fals River to its junction with the Velverdyva River, bound for Caronis. At sunset on the third day of the journey, as they reached the junction, they noticed large numbers net fishermen on the Velverdyva, lanterns ablaze.
By sunset of the fourth day of the journey, the adventurers reached the city of Caronis, amid hopeful fishermen by the hundred, all bringing in net after net of wriggling, splashing creatures. “Looks like we made it in time for the Growfest Eel Run!” Thurl informed the party. He explained that the festival was held every year in the Kingdom of Furyondy, primarily in Caronis, and celebrated the migration of huge numbers of young eels from Lake Quag down the Velverdyva River, by which they entered the Nyr Dyv to spawn.
“This is a great time to party!” Thurl explained further. “All this fishing is cause for a week-long celebration. And by “celebration”, I mean feasting, dancing, and quaffing heroic quantities of alcohol.” He laughed. “Or as they say here, “Bards, bars and barmaids!” The adventurers looked forward to docking in town, especially Balefire and Kronk.
Arya mentioned that she would like to try her hand at eel fishing. “There are some nets in the hold,” Elwood told her. “We can go out later tonight if you like.” She agreed, but wanted to stop at the local temple of Pelor first.
Thurl recommended The Real Eel Inn to the party as a good place to stay in town. “Later on, I’ll probably head to Tumbling Dice. Good place for games of chance.” Zelda planned to wander around the dock area, visit some local vendors, inns, and taverns, then head to Tumbling Dice herself. Kronk and Balefire had similar plans.
As they wandered about the vicinity of the docks, Kronk and Balefire suddenly heard a call for help. “Stop them! Please, help!” a man cried out from a nearby alley. The adventurers looked at each other, then ran toward the alley.
A man lay in the alley, apparently wounded. A humanoid male, seeing the approaching adventurers, dropped a pouch and fled. A halfling nearby picked up the pouch and approached the wounded man. Kronk and Balefire attempted to aid the man.
The injured man thanked them, as well as the halfling, for driving off the robber. But then he added, “That pouch–it’s got money I have to deliver. I’ve got to get this payment in by midnight, or I’m dead!”
“What do you have to do?” the halfling asked.
“I’ve got to get this payment to “The Big Mack”. He’s a bad man!” Balefire recognized the name: a local loanshark, very vicious, very well-guarded.
The halfling replied, apologetically, that he couldn’t do it, that he couldn’t get involved with The Big Mack. The injured man then turned to Kronk and Balefire. “What about you? Ten gold pieces for you if you’ll help me!”
Kronk tried to pick the man up. “No, no! Not that! He’ll get suspicious!” the man exclaimed.
“OK, we’ll do it,” Balefire assured the man. “What’s your name, by the way?” The man gave his name: Bardo.
The halfling advised Balefire and Kronk that The Big Mack would have them searched, and would likely confiscate any gold they might have on them for coming to his place uninvited. “Here,” the halfling said. “Put your gold in here. Then hide it like this.” The two adventurers did as he suggested, stashing several hundred of their own gold in the pouch. The halfling then showed where to hide the pouch to evade detection. “No muscle of the Mack would search you there,” he added, pointing to the front of his trousers, where he had stashed the pouch. He then retrieved it and gave it to Balefire.
“There’s five hundred gold in there for the Mack,” Bardo added. “That should be more than enough to keep him from killing me!” He then gave the adventurers directions to get to the Mack: head to the other side of the docks, take a right into the farthest alley, then take the stairway down on the left, to a door. “Knock three times, then twice. That’s the signal,” said Bardo. “And don’t bring any weapons. That’ll be trouble for sure.” He again thanked the adventurers, and they left to make the delivery.
As they approached their destination, the adventurers noted plenty of people milling about, having a festive time. None of the partiers paid any particular attention to them.
Balefire handed his weapons to Kronk to hold. “Stay quiet and listen for music,” he instructed Kronk. “If there’s any danger, I’ll summon my instrument and play! Then come to help!”
“Kronk help!” replied the half-orc.
Balefire found the alley, easily enough. On the right, then to the stairway on the left. Down, then three knocks, then two more. The door opened, and a burly, well-armed man in leather armor appeared.
“Waddya want?”
“Payment, sir!” Balefire answered, acting paranoid and scared. The guard looked him over, apparently satisfied with his attitude. He grabbed Balefire’s arm and dragged him inside, through a crowded room packed with various shady characters.
There was a door at the back of the room. The guard knocked: twice, once, then thrice. The door opened, and the man dragged Balefire inside. The office was plush and lined with expensive artworks and other luxury items.
Inside, behind a large, fancy desk, sat an incongruous character. A male human, squinty eyed, balding, on the skinny side. The Big Mack!
“Who’re you?” the Mack demanded.
“B-b-Balefire,” replied the adventurer, deliberately stuttering. “I’m, uh, coming to drop off a payment, sir.”
“Yeah? Who for?”
“For Bardo,” answered Balefire. “Someone tried to kill him, he was injured, he asked me to bring the money, sir.”
“Really? And what did this “Bardo” look like, eh?” Balefire described the wounded man. The Mack raised an eyebrow. “And you just decided to rescue this guy, eh?” Balefire nodded.
“Mr. Helper, eh?” sneered the Mack. “Well, hand it over, Mr. Helper!”
Balefire opened the pouch and pulled out the coins inside, all but ten. He handed them to the Mack. “I don’t know the amount, or why,” he added, sounding scared. The Mack remained suspicious, but took the coins and dropped them on the desk before him. There were over five hundred gold pieces’ worth of coins.
He examined one of the coins, then slammed it down on his desk..
“These are counterfeit!” he shouted. “Grab him!”
Immediately, the guard tried to grab Balefire, but he evaded the grapple. The way out of the office was blocked by two more of the Mack’s henchmen, but Balefire spotted a window in the main room. Defensively, he quickly cast summon instrument to retrieve his mandolin.
The first guard managed to grapple Balefire, but he was able to sing while grappled. But neither Kronk nor Zelda were near enough to hear him. The Mack’s henchmen began to pummel him. He tried to tumble past them, but there were too many in his way. One of them slugged him, hard. He fell down, unconscious!
But by now Zelda and Kronk had approached the hideout. Zelda was able to look through a basement window, and could see the Mack’s office doorway with his henchmen blocking it. She was Balefire fall.
“Kronk!” she cried. “We’ve got to get in there!”
At once, Kronk attacked the door. It broke easily under the impact of the furious half-orc. He rushed into the room.
“Time to PARTY!” bellowed Kronk.
The Big Mack, hearing the commotion in the main room, ordered the guard to see what was going on. At that instant, Zelda, following Kronk into thehideout, blasted away with burning hands! Three shady characters screamed as the flames hit them and their clothes caught fire. Several couches and chairs smoldered.
Balefire, in the grip of two of the Mack’s henchmen, remained unconscious. His summoned instrument lay on the floor. “Tie him to the chair!” the Mack ordered.
Kronk continued to rampage through the hideout, as more shady characters continued to fall before him and the burned ones cowered in the far end of the room. Zelda’s spells found targets. Still, more of the Mack’s minions joined in the melee. One of them managed to grab Zelda, despite her attempts to break free.
“Zelda!” cried Arya, suddenly at the doorway. She saw her friend being grappled and tried to dislodge the grappler with inflict minor wounds. Unsuccessfully.
Things began to turn against the adventurers. Three of the Mack’s thugs battered Kronk. “Arrrr!” he bellowed. A mighty blow landed, and one of the thugs fell dead.
Then things really got bad. . .
CHAPTER V: SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN
With that, the party headed for The Brave Axe. After checking into their rooms, Arya went to the common room for a drink.
That night, the group went to the common room at The Brave Axe. Arya and Zelda ordered the “Home Cookin’ special”. Strife ordered the same, and also a beer. “I’ve got it,” he said when the waitress presented the tab. He pulled out a few of the coins he had recovered from the dead halfling. “Thanks, old boy,” he remarked.
As they dined, Arya listened to talk in the common room, hoping to hear useful information. Nothing of much importance could be discerned. One man was complaining about his wife not giving it up. But afterwards, a different waitress approached the party. Forty-ish, frumpy, gray-streaked hair, but pleasant and friendly. She recognized Arya.
“You were here before? About two weeks back? There was a bit of a commotion?” she asked Arya.
“Who’s asking?” replied Arya, cautiously.
“I saw them hassling you,” answered the waitress. “I’m Della.” She looked around, then quietly added, “I can tell you about them, if you’re interested. More things too.”
“Go on,” said Arya. Della then told her about the young men. “There was Dawes Thellin. His father works at the court here in town. Thinks he’s special. He hangs around with a few other local ne’er-do-wells, all sons of respectable families. Black sheep, you might say.”
“Yes, we’ve heard about him,” said Arya.
According to Della, the punk who had grabbed her (“Arsie”) was named Arsenius Wark, the son of a wealthy merchant family. There was also Lomin Bello, from a family of respectable members of the Church of Rao, and Nuall Styre, of the Styre arms dealing family. “And by the way,” she whispered, “did you notice that older fellow who was nearby? I saw Dawes talking to him earlier, having dinner with him, before you got here.” She looked around, as if to ensure she wasn’t being observed, then added, “He had an accent. He sounded like he was from . . . Ket.”
"I see," Arya replied, nonchalantly.
"Yes he was," Della continued. "Now, nobody ever pays attention to an old frump like me, so I hear lots of things!" She sounded proud of herself. "And Dawes was telling this other man about his "connections", including his father, who's in the government!"
"He did?"
"He most certainly did," insisted Della. "Told him there was a meeting scheduled for a few days from now. Overheard his father talking about it. Said his father was going to be there, and they were going to talk about the situation with Ket. Also the "Thornward transition", he called it. Then the other man thanked Dawes, and gave him a pouch. Looked like a money pouch to me!"
“That’s quite a story,” said Arya. She pulled out a gold piece and gave it to Della. “Would you be interested in an . . . arrangement?” she asked. Della was open to the suggestion. Arya offered her a similar sum in return for regular reports, payable each time they met.
“Thank you, young lady!” said Della. “You won’t be sorry!”
Having had enough excitement for the day, the party then retired.
Next morning after breakfast, on Arya’s suggestion, the adventurers proceeded back to the office of Tovan Lirk, the Mitrik police prefect. “Ah, my friends from out of town,” he said, smiling. “Have you heard anything new now that you’re back?” he inquired politely.
Arya related the new information she had received form Della. “Dawes may still be passing on information to the Ketites. We understand his father is some kind of court official. But you know that already. And that he talks too much. About what he hears.”
The prefect was not pleased with the new information. “We warned him the last time. It seems that some people are incapable of taking good advice.” Lirk reached for a cord hanging near his desk, pulled it, and sat back down. Soon an officer entered the office. “Have a squad bring Dawes Thellin and his merry band in,” Lirk instructed the officer. The officer acknowledged Lirk’s orders and left to carry them out.
“What will happen to them?” Zelda inquired. “Since a warning didn’t work, maybe a few days of government accommodations will,” Lirk answered, wryly. Then he reached into his desk and pulled out a stack of cards. He gave one to each of the adventurers.
“You’ve been most helpful. If you even find yourselves in a . . . situation where we can help, don’t hesitate to call on us.” Arya and the rest of the party acknowledged the prefect, then took their leave. “Nice to have friends in high places,” said Stealth after they had left police headquarters.
The adventurers spent the rest of the day out and about in Mitrik. Zelda took the time to receive instruction in the enlarge person spell.
That night, the group went to the common room at The Brave Axe. Arya and Zelda ordered the “Home Cookin’ special”. Strife ordered the same, and also a beer. “I’ve got it,” he said when the waitress presented the tab. He pulled out a few of the coins he had recovered from the dead halfling. “Thanks, old boy,” he remarked.
As they dined, Arya listened to talk in the common room, hoping to hear useful information. Nothing of much importance could be discerned. One man was complaining about his wife not giving it up. But afterwards, a different waitress approached the party. Forty-ish, frumpy, gray-streaked hair, but pleasant and friendly. She recognized Arya.
“You were here before? About two weeks back? There was a bit of a commotion?” she asked Arya.
“Who’s asking?” replied Arya, cautiously.
“I saw them hassling you,” answered the waitress. “I’m Della.” She looked around, then quietly added, “I can tell you about them, if you’re interested. More things too.”
“Go on,” said Arya. Della then told her about the young men. “There was Dawes Thellin. His father works at the court here in town. Thinks he’s special. He hangs around with a few other local ne’er-do-wells, all sons of respectable families. Black sheep, you might say.”
“Yes, we’ve heard about him,” said Arya.
According to Della, the punk who had grabbed her (“Arsie”) was named Arsenius Wark, the son of a wealthy merchant family. There was also Lomin Bello, from a family of respectable members of the Church of Rao, and Nuall Styre, of the Styre arms dealing family. “And by the way,” she whispered, “did you notice that older fellow who was nearby? I saw Dawes talking to him earlier, having dinner with him, before you got here.” She looked around, as if to ensure she wasn’t being observed, then added, “He had an accent. He sounded like he was from . . . Ket.”
"I see," Arya replied, nonchalantly.
"Yes he was," Della continued. "Now, nobody ever pays attention to an old frump like me, so I hear lots of things!" She sounded proud of herself. "And Dawes was telling this other man about his "connections", including his father, who's in the government!"
"He did?"
"He most certainly did," insisted Della. "Told him there was a meeting scheduled for a few days from now. Overheard his father talking about it. Said his father was going to be there, and they were going to talk about the situation with Ket. Also the "Thornward transition", he called it. Then the other man thanked Dawes, and gave him a pouch. Looked like a money pouch to me!"
“That’s quite a story,” said Arya. She pulled out a gold piece and gave it to Della. “Would you be interested in an . . . arrangement?” she asked. Della was open to the suggestion. Arya offered her a similar sum in return for regular reports, payable each time they met.
“Thank you, young lady!” said Della. “You won’t be sorry!”
Having had enough excitement for the day, the party then retired.
Next morning after breakfast, on Arya’s suggestion, the adventurers proceeded back to the office of Tovan Lirk, the Mitrik police prefect. “Ah, my friends from out of town,” he said, smiling. “Have you heard anything new now that you’re back?” he inquired politely.
Arya related the new information she had received form Della. “Dawes may still be passing on information to the Ketites. We understand his father is some kind of court official. But you know that already. And that he talks too much. About what he hears.”
The prefect was not pleased with the new information. “We warned him the last time. It seems that some people are incapable of taking good advice.” Lirk reached for a cord hanging near his desk, pulled it, and sat back down. Soon an officer entered the office. “Have a squad bring Dawes Thellin and his merry band in,” Lirk instructed the officer. The officer acknowledged Lirk’s orders and left to carry them out.
“What will happen to them?” Zelda inquired. “Since a warning didn’t work, maybe a few days of government accommodations will,” Lirk answered, wryly. Then he reached into his desk and pulled out a stack of cards. He gave one to each of the adventurers.
“You’ve been most helpful. If you even find yourselves in a . . . situation where we can help, don’t hesitate to call on us.” Arya and the rest of the party acknowledged the prefect, then took their leave. “Nice to have friends in high places,” said Stealth after they had left police headquarters.
The adventurers spent the rest of the day out and about in Mitrik. Zelda took the time to receive instruction in the enlarge person spell.
CHAPTER U: NEW BACKERS, AND A NEW MISSION
The ship docked briefly in the town of Hadrian, picking up the two crewmen that had done time with the nixies, and at mid-day, docked in Mitrik. Thurl summoned the crew.
“Payday!” he announced. He distributed to each of the party 204 gold pieces and two silvers each: salary and share of the profits. “Don’t spend it all in one tavern,” Thurl advised the party. He gave them the afternoon off, and told them to meet with him that evening. He had something in mind.
The adventurers scattered into the city. Arya found a nearby chapel of Pelor. After a suitable tithe, for which the chapel’s cleric was suitably grateful, she asked if the temple could provide her with any helpful items. The cleric quickly located a potion of cure light wounds, as well as a useful scroll. Strife found a merchant selling sage and incense, relatively near the port. He inquired if there was a shrine of Ehlona in the city. “Alas, no,” the merchant replied.. “Mitrik is run by clergy of Rao, praise his name.”
Meanwhile, Balefire and Kronk came upon a shop called “The Golden Horn”. Balefire perused the merchandise and purchased a masterwork mandolin. Zelda looked for scrolls, and found a fine scroll of invisibility. “Wise choice!” said the shopkeeper.
At the end of the day, the adventurers returned to the ship. Thurl was waiting. “Come with me,” he said. “There’s someone I want you to meet.” He led the party to a small establishment on the other side of town from the docks: a taylor’s shop called, “The Silver Needle”.
Thurl greeted the proprietor, a man named Logan, who led him and the adventurers to a back room. A man was waiting.
“Kenrod,” Thurl greeted the man. “These are my crew: Aria, Balefire, Kronk, Strife and Zelda.
Kenrod nodded, “Well met,” he addressed the party.
Thurl continued. “These fine adventurers have some interesting incidents to talk about.” He turned to the party and indicated that they should say something about their activities. Arya told of their battles, especially against the river pirates from Ket, mentioning “Arpad” and “Zoltan”. Strife boasted of the haunted whore house, in Darksea. At the mention of “Darksea”, Kenrod gave a look toward Thurl, taking note of the name. Kronk added, “I’m Kronk!”
“Yes,” Thurl added, “they have all fought valiantly. I think they would make worthy probationary members of the organization.”
The party looked quizzically to each other at Thurl’s mention of “the organization”.
“Thurl’s word carries a lot of weight,” said Kenrod. “Would you be interested?”
“What does your organization do?” asked Arya. “Reduce evil in the Flaeness,” replied Kenrod.
“Do we get a pay raise?” Balefire inquired. Expecting a different response, Kenrod replied, “There will be plenty of opportunities for gainful adventuring.”
“Sounds like lots of interesting adventures, and I’m always interested!” said Arya, enthusiastically. “Always interested in vanquishing evil,” added Strife. Kronk just smiled and looked at his sword. “If everyone else is in, so am I,” Zelda agreed.
Kenrod considered their responses. “Before entering probationary membership, leave no questions unasked. Once you become full members, we require total dedication.”
“I don’t want to be ordered around too much,” said Arya.
“We support our members in their various activities, as well as when they’re on assignment for the organization.”
When the adventurers had asked all their remaining questions, Kenrod nodded to Thurl. He then told them to raise their hands, and administered the probationary member’s oath.
Having sworn the adventurers into probationary status, Kenrod addressed them. “Welcome to our organization. You will be given the probationary member’s password, so other members will be able to identify you.”
After congratulating each of them, he then asked, “Is there anything you want to tell us about your intentions, future activities, in which we might assist you?” Strife mentioned the information the party had found in the ivory tube.
Kenrod’s eyes lit up. “Thurl, with me,” he said. They both left the room.
Time went by. The adventurers began to get antsy.
At last, after about two hours, Kenrod and Thurl returned. “Is it your intention to follow up on this information?” Kenrod inquired. “Yes!” replied Strife. “Seems to comport with mission of the organization, you know.”
“I agree,” said Kenrod. “Do you feel brave enough? It’s a long way to the Cold Marshes. Many dangers lie along the way. Especially creatures of Iuz.”
“Yes, I do,” Strife asserted. “Especially if the others come along.” Immediately, Kronk chimed in, “I’m going!”
“I had hoped you would,” said Thurl. He pulled out a map and showed it to the adventurers. He pointed out the location of the Cold Marshes, a goodly distance the north. “We can back you, provide you with supplies and information,” Kenrod offered.
He and Thurl proceeded to discuss the best route from Mitrik to the Cold Marshes. It would be a long journey-- 40 days at least, and likely more. Thurl could take the adventurers to Baranford, by way of Caronis. "Caronis should be fun by the time we get there," said Thurl, smiling. From Baranford, about a week along the Royal Highway would bring the adventurers to Chendl, capital of the Kingdom of Furyondy. "Better brush up on your etiquette," advised Kenrod. "They're a lot of sticklers for protocol in Chendl."
Another three days from Chendl to Crockport, at the south end of Whyestil Lake. "In Crockport you can hire a ship to take you to Izlen, at the north end. About a week's sailing," said Thurl. "Be careful," Kenrod added. "The area not far from Crockport is still in a dangerous area. Minions of Iuz are still active in the vicinity, even after his defeat. Other areas too.”
At the name of Iuz, the party looked fearful. Kenrod asked the adventurers if they were familiar with the Greyhawk War and its aftermath. When they indicated that they were not, he briefly described the events.
"The Greyhawk War ended back in 588 CY. Northern Furyondy, the eastern part of the Vesve Forest, the western shore of Whyestil Lake, all were controlled by Iuz," explained Kenrod. The Great Northern Crusade began a few years later--Iuz never intended to honor the peace. But unfortunately for the Old One, Furyondy was able to recover Crockport, and finally secured the city about 610 CY."
"What happened after that?" asked Arya.
"There was another "peace" agreement," answered Thurl. "Honored about as much as the first one. And when war broke out again, around 630 CY, Furyondy and most of the other good nations joined together again. This time, they had some very powerful -- and very mysterious -- allies."
"We know who some of them were," said Thurl. "Heroes out of the past. Mordenkainen. Others of the Circle of Eight," he continued. "Still unknown who some of the others were," Kenrod observed. "One was allegedly a very powerful, but unlikely-looking, wizard of somekind," he added. "Hadn't been reported anywhere before. Basically came out of nowhere. Didn't seem like the type to get involved in major regional wars. Some kind of strange-looking half-elf woman."
"Hey!" protested Arya. "I'm in the room, you know!"
"No offense intended," replied Kenrod. "But as I was saying, the war began again, and this time, not only did Furyondy regain more of its lost territory, like Grabford, Mursten and Batlet, but other allies also grabbed parts of the Horned Lands and other Iuz-aligned areas. And by 644 CY, those powerful allies apparently found a way to force Iuz out of his stronghold entirely, and out of the entire plane, if we hear rightly."
"Was he destroyed?" Balefire inquired.
"Not known," Kenrod answered. "At least, clerics of Iuz still survive, and apparently still get their spells. So, it's likely that the Old One is someplace from which he can grant spells."
Then Thurl resumed. "Once you reach Izlen, head up the Dulsi River to the Blackwater. You’ll eventually get to the city of Eru Tovar, in the land of the Wolf Nomads. About a twenty-day trip by keelboat. Once in Eru Tovar, you’ll be able to re-supply and make your way into the Cold Marshes.
"It'll have to be on foot most of the way,” said Kenrod. "And it's not called "the Cold Marshes" for nothing. So we'll provide appropriate cold-weather gear for you all." He eyed the adventurers. “Recover “Fiend’s Embrace”, if you can. Once you have it," he added, pulling a scroll out of a scroll case, "use this scroll. It's a special scroll of teleport. It will bring enable you to return to this very room."
He handed the scroll to Zelda. "Fix this room carefully in your mind. And remember: it's only for use to get back after you recover the artifact."
The adventurers discussed the proposed quest among themselves, with great enthusiasm. “When should we leave?” Arya asked. “Best rest up for a few days,” Thurl advised. “I’ll need time to secure cargo for the Caronis/Baranford run, and to arrange for your supplies and transport.” He told the party to head back to The Brave Axe, where he would put them up until the ship was ready to leave. They thanked him, and Kenrod, profusely, and got up to leave.
As they were leaving, one final question occurred to Strife. “We noticed a strange symbol while we were in Darksea. Some kind of depiction of a spider-eater. Do you know anything about that?”
“It’s Miae’s trade organization! Her brewery, her tavern customers.” Thurl burst, as if trying to change the subject.
CHAPTER T: A SHOCKING DISCOVERY
The next afternoon, Balefire, Zelda and Kronk heard what sounded like a cry for help! Thurl heard it as well, and alerted the rest of the crew. “Drop anchor,” Thurl suggested. “Maybe we can render aid to whoever’s in need.” Zelda recommended proceeding with caution.
Once ashore, the party heard another cry–choked off! As quickly as they could through the heavy undergrowth and vegetation, they headed toward where the sound came from. Then Balefire heard it: a low rumble, then a loud burp.
Then Arya recognized it. “It’s a fiendish dire toad!” she cried.
Without hesitation, the adventurers attacked. The toad hid behind shrubs, causing the initial volleys from the party to miss. Then, hopping through the shrubs, the toad spit out its long fiendish tongue, striking Kronk but failing to grapple. Only Elwood managed to land a blow, with his morning star. The damage, however, was much less than he expected!
While the other adventurers continued either to miss the toad or inflict far less than normal damage, Thurl began to advance stealthily toward the creature. The toad bit at Kronk, who fought to shake off a sudden feeling of weakness from the bite.
None of the adventurers seemed able to hit the toad with projectile weapons. Those who managed to strike the creature with melee weapons continued to be dismayed at its apparent resistance to their attacks. The toad bit Balefire, and this time its bite proved venemous, causing Balefire to weaken considerably. But at last, after Zelda summoned a celestial dog to their aid, the party finally managed to inflict lethal damage on the fiendish amphibian.
“I’ve never seen a toad like this before,” said Strife. “Haven’t heard one burp like this one either!” He took his longsword to the carcass of the creature. “Let’s have a look inside!” he cried. Proceeding to slice into the toad’s belly, Strife found inside . . . a dead, partly digested halfling!
The adventurers were shocked, and a bit revolted, by the discovery. They put that aside and examined the corpse, finding some minor potions, twenty gold pieces, and a sword. More interesting was what they found in the sealed ivory tube they found with the body.
Balefire determined that the tube wasn’t trapped. The tube also had no writing on it, nor did the wax seal on it contain any indication of what was inside. Strife then opened the tube.
There was a message, written in an obscure dialect. Thurl was able to read it.
“Hmmm,” muttered Thurl. “The message says: "Information found in desk of deceased wizard, named Zarlag." He looked up from the message. "Never heard of him.”
“I have!” said Zelda and Strife, simultaneously. “He was a wizard, pretty good one too. I heard a rumor that he died not too long ago. His estate was up for sale.”
“There’s more here,” said Thurl. “It goes on to say, "Indicate location of artifact referred to as "Fiend's Embrace". Also include notes pertaining to "Demonomicon", and map of Cold Marshes. Suggest investigating Cold Stones Keep.” He read on, then frowned in alarm. “It also says, "Avoid encounters with Iuz agents at all costs".
Several of the adventurers gasped. Iuz was a name rarely uttered, and a name associated with much evil in this part of the Flaeness.
“I think we should make for Mitrik without further delay,” said Thurl.
Once ashore, the party heard another cry–choked off! As quickly as they could through the heavy undergrowth and vegetation, they headed toward where the sound came from. Then Balefire heard it: a low rumble, then a loud burp.
Then Arya recognized it. “It’s a fiendish dire toad!” she cried.
Without hesitation, the adventurers attacked. The toad hid behind shrubs, causing the initial volleys from the party to miss. Then, hopping through the shrubs, the toad spit out its long fiendish tongue, striking Kronk but failing to grapple. Only Elwood managed to land a blow, with his morning star. The damage, however, was much less than he expected!
While the other adventurers continued either to miss the toad or inflict far less than normal damage, Thurl began to advance stealthily toward the creature. The toad bit at Kronk, who fought to shake off a sudden feeling of weakness from the bite.
None of the adventurers seemed able to hit the toad with projectile weapons. Those who managed to strike the creature with melee weapons continued to be dismayed at its apparent resistance to their attacks. The toad bit Balefire, and this time its bite proved venemous, causing Balefire to weaken considerably. But at last, after Zelda summoned a celestial dog to their aid, the party finally managed to inflict lethal damage on the fiendish amphibian.
“I’ve never seen a toad like this before,” said Strife. “Haven’t heard one burp like this one either!” He took his longsword to the carcass of the creature. “Let’s have a look inside!” he cried. Proceeding to slice into the toad’s belly, Strife found inside . . . a dead, partly digested halfling!
The adventurers were shocked, and a bit revolted, by the discovery. They put that aside and examined the corpse, finding some minor potions, twenty gold pieces, and a sword. More interesting was what they found in the sealed ivory tube they found with the body.
Balefire determined that the tube wasn’t trapped. The tube also had no writing on it, nor did the wax seal on it contain any indication of what was inside. Strife then opened the tube.
There was a message, written in an obscure dialect. Thurl was able to read it.
“Hmmm,” muttered Thurl. “The message says: "Information found in desk of deceased wizard, named Zarlag." He looked up from the message. "Never heard of him.”
“I have!” said Zelda and Strife, simultaneously. “He was a wizard, pretty good one too. I heard a rumor that he died not too long ago. His estate was up for sale.”
“There’s more here,” said Thurl. “It goes on to say, "Indicate location of artifact referred to as "Fiend's Embrace". Also include notes pertaining to "Demonomicon", and map of Cold Marshes. Suggest investigating Cold Stones Keep.” He read on, then frowned in alarm. “It also says, "Avoid encounters with Iuz agents at all costs".
Several of the adventurers gasped. Iuz was a name rarely uttered, and a name associated with much evil in this part of the Flaeness.
“I think we should make for Mitrik without further delay,” said Thurl.
CHAPTER S: . . . AND ANGRY DRUIDS
The battle against the plants continued. Elwood, Thurl and Kronk remained entangled. Zelda grabbed for the rope that Strife had thrown her way, but before she could get a good grip on it, the over-eager ranger yanked on it, and she almost dropped it. But now Balefire managed to escape from the entanglement.
Arya ran into the mist, looking to attack with her heavy mace. She swung at what seemed to be a foe before her, partly concealed by the mist. She hit! Arya could hear hissing and screeching coming from the area where she had connected with obscured foe.
At last, Elwood managed to break free of the clinging plants once again. He pushed his way about fifteen feet east, toward the nearest perimeter. Thurl also freed himself, and followed the ship’s captain.
Zelda now tried to pull herself out of the entangling plants, but again lost her grip on the rope. Fortunately, she didn’t drop the rope, so Strife was able to pull her loose. She almost reached the northern perimeter of the plants’ area.
Kronk was still entangled. As Strife had done with Zelda, now Balefire threw a rope to the hapless half-orc.
In the mist, the monitor lizard snapped at Arya. The mist obscured her as well, enough to cause the reptile to miss. Not so the humanoid before her. It struck her, but not with a sword. Rather, Arya felt a vicious claw slash her! She then could tell that her foe moved back further into the mist. Rather than pursue, the cleric withdrew west, to the edge of the mist! She then used her wand of cure light wounds to heal herself.
Elwood tried to continue his escape from the plants, but to his annoyance, they managed to re-entangle him. “Don’t these plants ever give up?” cried the captain in frustration. “I could ask the same thing,” said Thurl, and for the same reason. Zelda’s movement was also stymied, despite her best effort and Strife’s assistance. At the southern edge of the plants’ area, Kronk was also unable to make it the rest of the distance, despite Balefire’s attempt to pull him free.
Suddenly, out of the mist, the monitor lizard assaulted Arya, barely missing her with its snapping jaws. Another blow also came close to the cleric. A scimitar slash! Arya swung back at the reptile, but the mist caused her to miss.
At last, Zelda broke free, and escaped from the reach of the entangling vines. Thurl also managed to reach the northeast perimeter of the plants’ area. Elwood remained stuck. To the south, Kronk also broke loose and neared the southwest edge of the animated plants. Strife circled around the entangling plants, heading southeast, toward Arya’s position. Balefire was ahead of him, and reached the edge of the misty area.
In the mist, the monitor lizard missed Arya again. The hostile humanoid scratched Arya with its scimitar. Arya withdrew west to the edge of the mist, next to Balefire, and cried out, “There are two things trying to get me!”
With a final effort, Elwood broke free of the entangling plants, and escaped toward the east. Zelda circled clockwise around the vines, heading south. But Thurl exlaimed, “Not again!” as more grasses and weeds wrapped themselves around him. Strife, hearing his distress, rushed to him, but couldn’t free him from the entangling vegetation. Kronk likewise was re-entangled.
The humanoid advanced toward Arya. As he did, the mist re-centered itself on him, as if being re-cast somehow. But, instead of attacking Arya, the foe now assaulted Balefire! The mist did not offer sufficient concealment this time. The humanoid’s scimitar delivered a savage blow, and Balefire fell to the ground, dying!
Seeing her companion fall, Arya stepped back toward him, then used her wand to partially heal and stabilize the wounded rogue, though not enough for him to get back on his feet. She turned toward the humanoid, and called out, in common, “Who are you? What do you want from us?”
“You are intruders!” came a hissing, reptilian response. “You will feel nature’s wrath!”
Elwood heard the response, and realized that the party’s enemy might be an angry druid. He advised Thurl and Strife accordingly. Then he yelled out, “We are not intruders! We were just passing by! I am Elwood, captain of the Desperate Venture. We were just looking for food. We will leave it if you wish.”
The humanoid continued to hiss, apparently unmoved.
Arya attempted to sway the humanoid. “We don’t want any trouble, we just want to be on our way,” she assured the druid. His hissing seemed to change somewhat, as if he were calming down somewhat.
Thurl made the same kind of assertion. The humanoid stopped hissing altogether, and seemed to have settled down to a non-hostile state. The other adventurers apparently could not change the druid’s mind any further, despite Strife’s attempt to convince him that he was a servant of Ehlona, the woodland goddess.
Suddenly, the mist disappeared. Before the party there appeared a druid. A lizardman druid. With a monitor lizard by his side. The druid said, “I repeat: you are intruders. Zoltan obviously told truth!”
Arya, Elwood, and even Kronk, recalled hearing the name “Zoltan”. A Ketite name.
“What do you mean about Zoltan telling you the truth?” Arya questioned the druid. “Zoltan my friend,” replied the lizardman. “Humans north of river friendly. Zoltan told me how to deal with intruders.”
Thinking quickly, Thurl tried to bluff the lizardman. “We’re friends of Zoltan too!” he told the druid. Strife showed the druid a Ketite coin (one of the coins recovered from the dead pirates). The druid looked at the coin, then at the adventurers.
“You look like Velunese,” he said warily. “But maybe also friends of Zoltan. You may leave. Warn others to stay away.” The adventurers tried to continue bargaining with the druid, but to no avail. “I say no more. Leave now,” ordered the druid.
“But I’m still stuck!” whined Kronk, who was still entangled by a number of weeds, vines and small tree branches. The druid dismissed the entanglement spell, and instantly, the plants resumed their normal condition. Kronk was finally able to move freely.
Arya took Balefire’s potion of cure light wounds out of his pocket and gave it to him. The potion worked: the rogue was restored to good, if not vigorous, health, and was able to get back on his feet. He shook his head to clear it.
Without saying another word, the druid turned around and left with his lizard. The party had been dismissed. “Let’s get back to the ship,” Thurl urged. The rest of the group needed no further motivation. They returned to the riverbank, boarded ship, and resumed course for Mitrik.
Arya ran into the mist, looking to attack with her heavy mace. She swung at what seemed to be a foe before her, partly concealed by the mist. She hit! Arya could hear hissing and screeching coming from the area where she had connected with obscured foe.
At last, Elwood managed to break free of the clinging plants once again. He pushed his way about fifteen feet east, toward the nearest perimeter. Thurl also freed himself, and followed the ship’s captain.
Zelda now tried to pull herself out of the entangling plants, but again lost her grip on the rope. Fortunately, she didn’t drop the rope, so Strife was able to pull her loose. She almost reached the northern perimeter of the plants’ area.
Kronk was still entangled. As Strife had done with Zelda, now Balefire threw a rope to the hapless half-orc.
In the mist, the monitor lizard snapped at Arya. The mist obscured her as well, enough to cause the reptile to miss. Not so the humanoid before her. It struck her, but not with a sword. Rather, Arya felt a vicious claw slash her! She then could tell that her foe moved back further into the mist. Rather than pursue, the cleric withdrew west, to the edge of the mist! She then used her wand of cure light wounds to heal herself.
Elwood tried to continue his escape from the plants, but to his annoyance, they managed to re-entangle him. “Don’t these plants ever give up?” cried the captain in frustration. “I could ask the same thing,” said Thurl, and for the same reason. Zelda’s movement was also stymied, despite her best effort and Strife’s assistance. At the southern edge of the plants’ area, Kronk was also unable to make it the rest of the distance, despite Balefire’s attempt to pull him free.
Suddenly, out of the mist, the monitor lizard assaulted Arya, barely missing her with its snapping jaws. Another blow also came close to the cleric. A scimitar slash! Arya swung back at the reptile, but the mist caused her to miss.
At last, Zelda broke free, and escaped from the reach of the entangling vines. Thurl also managed to reach the northeast perimeter of the plants’ area. Elwood remained stuck. To the south, Kronk also broke loose and neared the southwest edge of the animated plants. Strife circled around the entangling plants, heading southeast, toward Arya’s position. Balefire was ahead of him, and reached the edge of the misty area.
In the mist, the monitor lizard missed Arya again. The hostile humanoid scratched Arya with its scimitar. Arya withdrew west to the edge of the mist, next to Balefire, and cried out, “There are two things trying to get me!”
With a final effort, Elwood broke free of the entangling plants, and escaped toward the east. Zelda circled clockwise around the vines, heading south. But Thurl exlaimed, “Not again!” as more grasses and weeds wrapped themselves around him. Strife, hearing his distress, rushed to him, but couldn’t free him from the entangling vegetation. Kronk likewise was re-entangled.
The humanoid advanced toward Arya. As he did, the mist re-centered itself on him, as if being re-cast somehow. But, instead of attacking Arya, the foe now assaulted Balefire! The mist did not offer sufficient concealment this time. The humanoid’s scimitar delivered a savage blow, and Balefire fell to the ground, dying!
Seeing her companion fall, Arya stepped back toward him, then used her wand to partially heal and stabilize the wounded rogue, though not enough for him to get back on his feet. She turned toward the humanoid, and called out, in common, “Who are you? What do you want from us?”
“You are intruders!” came a hissing, reptilian response. “You will feel nature’s wrath!”
Elwood heard the response, and realized that the party’s enemy might be an angry druid. He advised Thurl and Strife accordingly. Then he yelled out, “We are not intruders! We were just passing by! I am Elwood, captain of the Desperate Venture. We were just looking for food. We will leave it if you wish.”
The humanoid continued to hiss, apparently unmoved.
Arya attempted to sway the humanoid. “We don’t want any trouble, we just want to be on our way,” she assured the druid. His hissing seemed to change somewhat, as if he were calming down somewhat.
Thurl made the same kind of assertion. The humanoid stopped hissing altogether, and seemed to have settled down to a non-hostile state. The other adventurers apparently could not change the druid’s mind any further, despite Strife’s attempt to convince him that he was a servant of Ehlona, the woodland goddess.
Suddenly, the mist disappeared. Before the party there appeared a druid. A lizardman druid. With a monitor lizard by his side. The druid said, “I repeat: you are intruders. Zoltan obviously told truth!”
Arya, Elwood, and even Kronk, recalled hearing the name “Zoltan”. A Ketite name.
“What do you mean about Zoltan telling you the truth?” Arya questioned the druid. “Zoltan my friend,” replied the lizardman. “Humans north of river friendly. Zoltan told me how to deal with intruders.”
Thinking quickly, Thurl tried to bluff the lizardman. “We’re friends of Zoltan too!” he told the druid. Strife showed the druid a Ketite coin (one of the coins recovered from the dead pirates). The druid looked at the coin, then at the adventurers.
“You look like Velunese,” he said warily. “But maybe also friends of Zoltan. You may leave. Warn others to stay away.” The adventurers tried to continue bargaining with the druid, but to no avail. “I say no more. Leave now,” ordered the druid.
“But I’m still stuck!” whined Kronk, who was still entangled by a number of weeds, vines and small tree branches. The druid dismissed the entanglement spell, and instantly, the plants resumed their normal condition. Kronk was finally able to move freely.
Arya took Balefire’s potion of cure light wounds out of his pocket and gave it to him. The potion worked: the rogue was restored to good, if not vigorous, health, and was able to get back on his feet. He shook his head to clear it.
Without saying another word, the druid turned around and left with his lizard. The party had been dismissed. “Let’s get back to the ship,” Thurl urged. The rest of the group needed no further motivation. They returned to the riverbank, boarded ship, and resumed course for Mitrik.
CHAPTER R: LEAPIN’ LIZARDS . . .
There was a noise from the surrounding forest.
Out of the woods, two fierce monitor lizards appeared, hissing, tongues sampling the air before them. They homed in on the hunting party!
Kronk was quickest, and advanced toward the second reptile. He swung hard with his greatsword. The lizard was severely wounded. Strife took up a position from which he could get a clear shot, then fired an arrow at the first lizard. The arrow pierced the creature’s scaly hide.
Now the lizards bit at the intruders into their forest. The first lizard bit Elwood. Kronk evaded the second. As the first lizard charged Elwood, Arya swung at the creature. Her heavy mace slammed into the flank of the lizard, seriously wounding it. Elwood finished off the creature.
Without further ado, Thurl and Kronk finished off the second lizard.
“Well, that was close,” observed Thurl.
But suddenly, another lizard appeared! It hissed, but then, unlike the other two reptiles, it took a defensive stance and eyed the adventurers.
Elwood didn’t hesitate. He swung at the reptile, but missed. As did Zelda’s arrow. Thurl managed to wound the creature slightly. The lizard bit at Elwood, inflicting a nasty wound, then stepped back.
Suddenly, the party heard rustling noises. Grasses, weeds, bushes, vines, even trees–all were moving, reaching toward the adventurers, and entangling them! For forty feet in any direction from the adventurers, the plants were now animated!
Kronk and Balefire could not break free of the animated vegetation. Strife managed to free himself, but the clinging plant life slowed him down dramatically. He shot at the lizard and wounded it. As did Arya, critically. None of the adventurers had any idea what was happening.
The aroused plants maintained their grip on the party. Only Arya managed to slip free. She made her way about fifteen feet toward the southern perimeter of the area in which the plants were active. She cast detect magic, hoping to determine if magic were at work. Immediately, she perceived a magical aura in the area of active plant life.
As Arya made her way toward the periphery of the plants’ activity, the monitor lizard also broke free. It raced toward the eastern edge of the active area, and again took a defensive stance.
Suddenly, behind the reptile, the area became misty. A cloud, forty feet in diameter, appeared.
With a tremendous effort, Elwood broke free of the entangling plants. He shot a crossbow bolt at the monitor lizard, drawing blood. Zelda also managed to break free, and headed toward the northern perimeter of plant activity, as did Strife. Balefire likewise escaped the plants and headed south, following Arya, who managed to reach the perimeter. Thurl and Kronk remained entangled. The lizard, meanwhile, backed up into the misty area, which, strangely, seemed to move, as if one cloud had been replaced with another.
Kronk and Thurl remained entangled. When Elwood and Zelda attempted to continue their escape from the plants’ grasp, they found themselves re-entangled!
The lizard continued moving back into the misty area, and disappeared to view. The cloud, again, seemed to move, as if a new cloud were replacing the old one. This time, the cloud re-appeared about thirty feet to the south of its earlier location.
Strife moved around to the north of the entangling vines, then tossed a rope to Zelda! “Grab this!” he called out to the young woman. “I’ll pull you out!”
Balefire was almost free of the plants, and had reached the south perimeter of the animated area. Arya, now out of the reach of the plants, headed toward the mist, then tried to identify the mist. She drew her breath in surprise. It was an area of obscuring mist, at the center of which was some kind of humanoid, bearing a magic aura, and accompanied by the fleeing monitor lizard, which also bore a magic aura!
Out of the woods, two fierce monitor lizards appeared, hissing, tongues sampling the air before them. They homed in on the hunting party!
Kronk was quickest, and advanced toward the second reptile. He swung hard with his greatsword. The lizard was severely wounded. Strife took up a position from which he could get a clear shot, then fired an arrow at the first lizard. The arrow pierced the creature’s scaly hide.
Now the lizards bit at the intruders into their forest. The first lizard bit Elwood. Kronk evaded the second. As the first lizard charged Elwood, Arya swung at the creature. Her heavy mace slammed into the flank of the lizard, seriously wounding it. Elwood finished off the creature.
Without further ado, Thurl and Kronk finished off the second lizard.
“Well, that was close,” observed Thurl.
But suddenly, another lizard appeared! It hissed, but then, unlike the other two reptiles, it took a defensive stance and eyed the adventurers.
Elwood didn’t hesitate. He swung at the reptile, but missed. As did Zelda’s arrow. Thurl managed to wound the creature slightly. The lizard bit at Elwood, inflicting a nasty wound, then stepped back.
Suddenly, the party heard rustling noises. Grasses, weeds, bushes, vines, even trees–all were moving, reaching toward the adventurers, and entangling them! For forty feet in any direction from the adventurers, the plants were now animated!
Kronk and Balefire could not break free of the animated vegetation. Strife managed to free himself, but the clinging plant life slowed him down dramatically. He shot at the lizard and wounded it. As did Arya, critically. None of the adventurers had any idea what was happening.
The aroused plants maintained their grip on the party. Only Arya managed to slip free. She made her way about fifteen feet toward the southern perimeter of the area in which the plants were active. She cast detect magic, hoping to determine if magic were at work. Immediately, she perceived a magical aura in the area of active plant life.
As Arya made her way toward the periphery of the plants’ activity, the monitor lizard also broke free. It raced toward the eastern edge of the active area, and again took a defensive stance.
Suddenly, behind the reptile, the area became misty. A cloud, forty feet in diameter, appeared.
With a tremendous effort, Elwood broke free of the entangling plants. He shot a crossbow bolt at the monitor lizard, drawing blood. Zelda also managed to break free, and headed toward the northern perimeter of plant activity, as did Strife. Balefire likewise escaped the plants and headed south, following Arya, who managed to reach the perimeter. Thurl and Kronk remained entangled. The lizard, meanwhile, backed up into the misty area, which, strangely, seemed to move, as if one cloud had been replaced with another.
Kronk and Thurl remained entangled. When Elwood and Zelda attempted to continue their escape from the plants’ grasp, they found themselves re-entangled!
The lizard continued moving back into the misty area, and disappeared to view. The cloud, again, seemed to move, as if a new cloud were replacing the old one. This time, the cloud re-appeared about thirty feet to the south of its earlier location.
Strife moved around to the north of the entangling vines, then tossed a rope to Zelda! “Grab this!” he called out to the young woman. “I’ll pull you out!”
Balefire was almost free of the plants, and had reached the south perimeter of the animated area. Arya, now out of the reach of the plants, headed toward the mist, then tried to identify the mist. She drew her breath in surprise. It was an area of obscuring mist, at the center of which was some kind of humanoid, bearing a magic aura, and accompanied by the fleeing monitor lizard, which also bore a magic aura!
CHAPTER Q: MAKIN’ BACON
At the Magic Academy, Zelda was ready to see if she had learned her new spell. Her study was rewarded with new knowledge, and by the end of the day she was ready to scribe the spell from the scroll into her spell book.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party looked around the city some more, and took advantage of various opportunities for entertainment and enlightment, at the city theater and other venues.
Thurl caught up with the adventurers at day’s end. “We leave in the morning,” said the merchant. “Full cargo!”
The party rose pre-dawn, and by 5 am had returned to the city docks, where the keelboat lay at anchor, fully loaded. The adventurers boarded, and together with the ship’s crew, rowed back to South Gate, where they re-acquired the mule team and hitched it to the ship for towing back to Eastgate. The return journey proceeded smoothly, and by 1 am the next morning the party reached their destination. They checked into the same inn as previously, for what remained of the night.
By 5am, all cargo had been transferred from Thurl’s keelboat to the Desperate Venture. “Shore leave for an hour or so, until I get clearance to depart,” Thurl told the adventurers.
Eastgate as yet lacked much of a commercial district. It did, however, have a bazaar on the outskirts of tow, which was just opening up for early-morning business. The adventurers proceeded to the bazaar to shop for bargains. At one of the stalls, Arya found a scroll with the zone of truth spell. After some hard negotiation, she managed to get the vendor to accept 100 gold pieces for the scroll–a major bargain.
Nothing of significance occurred during the leg of the journey back to Thornward. Thurl sold his cargo in town (which included tons of metals, weapons, armor, tools, magic potions from the Darksea Magic Academy, dried mushrooms, and twenty barrels of beer from Miae’s brewery) for a huge profit. He promptly paid the adventurers their cut: 1975 gold pieces! “Oh, and here’s six more gold for three days’ salary, too,” he added. The adventurers were thrilled to see how well the mission was paying off.
Thurl and Elwood spent the rest of the day tending to the next load of foodstuffs, manufactured goods and spirits, and to the ship, respectively. The adventurers spent a restful day in Thornward.
At dawn, the now-reloaded Desperate Venture departed, bound for Mitrik once again. Around noon, the ship dropped anchor on the south shore of river.
“I hear there are wild boars in this area,” said Captain Elwood. “We could get some fresh meat.”
“Yes,” agreed Thurl. “Let’s hunt some pork!” Thurl invited the adventurers to accompany him and Elwood, to which offer they readily agreed.
After about an hour of hunting, the party came upon some tracks that appeared to be those of a wild boar. “Quietly, quietly,” said Elwood, as the party began to stalk their prey.
Arya, however, was unusually clumsy. She tripped on a tree root and made a considerable racket.
Suddenly, out of the woods charged a huge wild boar! All of the party except Arya and Balefire were caught by surprise.
The boar charged into Strife, knocking him over. The beast’s vicious tusks gored the elven ranger, leaving him mortally wounded! Balefire rushed around the fallen elf and attacked the boar, but missed. Arya followed the rogue, and delivered a heavy two-handed blow to the beast with her heavy mace.
Now the rest of the party joined in. Kronk and Thurl both battered the boar. The boar tried to gore Kronk in turn, but the half-orc evaded the thrust. Zelda, well aware that she didn’t belong in melee, backed up about thirty feet, then shot an arrow at the boar. The shot missed high. Elwood ran around the others to flank the boar, then struck with his flail.
Strife, oblivious, lay dying and continued to bleed. Arya left the fighting to the others, and used her wand of cure light wounds to bring the wounded ranger back from the brink.
“Time for making bacon!” grunted Kronk. He swung his greatsword at the boar, slashing its head almost clean off. It fell dead.
“And ham, and pork chops, and ribs!” replied Strife, as he and Zelda spent the next half hour or so field-dressing the boar. “Plenty of meat!” said Elwood when the butchering was finished. “Let’s head back to the ship.” The party promptly began their return to the river bank.
Meanwhile, the rest of the party looked around the city some more, and took advantage of various opportunities for entertainment and enlightment, at the city theater and other venues.
Thurl caught up with the adventurers at day’s end. “We leave in the morning,” said the merchant. “Full cargo!”
The party rose pre-dawn, and by 5 am had returned to the city docks, where the keelboat lay at anchor, fully loaded. The adventurers boarded, and together with the ship’s crew, rowed back to South Gate, where they re-acquired the mule team and hitched it to the ship for towing back to Eastgate. The return journey proceeded smoothly, and by 1 am the next morning the party reached their destination. They checked into the same inn as previously, for what remained of the night.
By 5am, all cargo had been transferred from Thurl’s keelboat to the Desperate Venture. “Shore leave for an hour or so, until I get clearance to depart,” Thurl told the adventurers.
Eastgate as yet lacked much of a commercial district. It did, however, have a bazaar on the outskirts of tow, which was just opening up for early-morning business. The adventurers proceeded to the bazaar to shop for bargains. At one of the stalls, Arya found a scroll with the zone of truth spell. After some hard negotiation, she managed to get the vendor to accept 100 gold pieces for the scroll–a major bargain.
Nothing of significance occurred during the leg of the journey back to Thornward. Thurl sold his cargo in town (which included tons of metals, weapons, armor, tools, magic potions from the Darksea Magic Academy, dried mushrooms, and twenty barrels of beer from Miae’s brewery) for a huge profit. He promptly paid the adventurers their cut: 1975 gold pieces! “Oh, and here’s six more gold for three days’ salary, too,” he added. The adventurers were thrilled to see how well the mission was paying off.
Thurl and Elwood spent the rest of the day tending to the next load of foodstuffs, manufactured goods and spirits, and to the ship, respectively. The adventurers spent a restful day in Thornward.
At dawn, the now-reloaded Desperate Venture departed, bound for Mitrik once again. Around noon, the ship dropped anchor on the south shore of river.
“I hear there are wild boars in this area,” said Captain Elwood. “We could get some fresh meat.”
“Yes,” agreed Thurl. “Let’s hunt some pork!” Thurl invited the adventurers to accompany him and Elwood, to which offer they readily agreed.
After about an hour of hunting, the party came upon some tracks that appeared to be those of a wild boar. “Quietly, quietly,” said Elwood, as the party began to stalk their prey.
Arya, however, was unusually clumsy. She tripped on a tree root and made a considerable racket.
Suddenly, out of the woods charged a huge wild boar! All of the party except Arya and Balefire were caught by surprise.
The boar charged into Strife, knocking him over. The beast’s vicious tusks gored the elven ranger, leaving him mortally wounded! Balefire rushed around the fallen elf and attacked the boar, but missed. Arya followed the rogue, and delivered a heavy two-handed blow to the beast with her heavy mace.
Now the rest of the party joined in. Kronk and Thurl both battered the boar. The boar tried to gore Kronk in turn, but the half-orc evaded the thrust. Zelda, well aware that she didn’t belong in melee, backed up about thirty feet, then shot an arrow at the boar. The shot missed high. Elwood ran around the others to flank the boar, then struck with his flail.
Strife, oblivious, lay dying and continued to bleed. Arya left the fighting to the others, and used her wand of cure light wounds to bring the wounded ranger back from the brink.
“Time for making bacon!” grunted Kronk. He swung his greatsword at the boar, slashing its head almost clean off. It fell dead.
“And ham, and pork chops, and ribs!” replied Strife, as he and Zelda spent the next half hour or so field-dressing the boar. “Plenty of meat!” said Elwood when the butchering was finished. “Let’s head back to the ship.” The party promptly began their return to the river bank.
CHAPTER P: THE HOUSE OF GOOD SPIRITS
Strife left the inn and wandered back toward the docks. He proceeded down the main street of the area, Central Ave, and approached the corner of 4th Street. He could hear singing, music and laughter in the distance. Upon investigation, Strife found that the mirth was emanating from an establishment on 4th street, next to a sailor’s inn, which bore the descriptive name of “The House of Good Spirits”. This was worth a further look, he thought.
Strife entered the establishment. Inside, a large parlor was extravagantly furnished with fancy furniture, a bar, wall hangings of velvet and plush carpeting. Everywhere he looked, he saw men of means. Wealthy men. Naval officers too, apparently. And girls.
He went to the bar, sat down on an empty barstool, and ordered a drink. The drinks here were very expensive. Darksea Ale, five gold pieces. And up.
While Strife sat, having ordered his drink, he looked to an empty seat next to him. Suddenly, a girl appeared. Literally.
Strife noticed that there was less there than he expected. In fact, the girl was practically transparent. “Welcome to the House of Good Spirits!” said the girl. “We hope you enjoy your stay here!” Then she disappeared.
Bartender delivered the ale Strife had ordered. He asked the bartender if anything was going on in town. “Why go into town,” replied the barkeep, “when you can have such fun here?”
“What are your prices here?” asked the rogue.
“Well, that depends on who you ask,” answered the barkeep.
Strife was wary. “So what is this place?”
“This is the place for gentlemen to have a good time,” replied the bartender.
“Is this place haunted?”
“If you mean, do evil spirits inhabit this place, then no,” the barkeep answered. “If you mean, do ghosts live here, then yes.”
“Can I meet one of them?” Strife inquired. “Of course!” replied the barkeep.
Strife was still puzzled. “Why is this place full of ghosts?” he asked.
The bartender sighed. “‘Tis a sad story,” he answered, “even though it ends happily. It’s best told by one of the ladies themselves.”
“Then I’d like to talk to one of them,” said the rogue. “As you wish,” said the barkeep. Then he lit a red lamp.
Suddenly, the same girl reappeared! “Can I do anything for you, sweetie?” she asked, leaning close to Strife.
“I was hoping to learn something of the history of this place. I heard you could tell me,” said the curious rogue. “I would gladly tell you my story,” the girl responded, pointing to a tip jar on the counter of the bar. Strife deposited fifteen gold pieces in the jar. The girl smiled gleefully. “You are most generous, Sir . . . .”
“Strife’s my name,” the rogue supplied. “What’s your name?”
“Suzanne,” said the ghostly girl. She then proceeded to tell her story.
“It was a hundred or more years ago,” she began. “The house was founded to entertain gentlemen of worth,” Suzanne explained.
“Alas, it was toward the end times of the city, and many enemies abounded. Finally came the day that the city was attacked, by an army of dark elves and their evil allies.” She paused, and wiped a ghostly tear from her eye, then continued. “Underdark dwellers all. They overran the city, killing all in their sight. We seven girls hid, but we fought at the end. To no effect. The drow–curse them!--slaughtered us cruelly.” Strife listened raptly to the girl’s tale of woe.
She continued. “We stayed on, even after the drow left, for we could not rest. Then, about eight or so years ago, the city was freed once again, cleared of all monsters, by the mighty paladin Edward and his companions. Once the city was cleared, three of us finally found rest. The other four chose to remain here, and watch over the house and the city.
“Most of our girls are as alive as you are,” Suzanne went on. “We four ghosts greet the guests. We also protect the house.”
Strife’s roguish heart was touched. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” he asked.
Suzanne smiled appreciatively. “If I were still solid, I’d say buy me a drink. But all I ask is that you enjoy your time here.” She blew a kiss at the rogue, and with that, disappeared again.
Strife left a tip for the bartender, then hurried from the establishment to return to the Meteor and Stars, where he woke Kronk and Balefire and told them about the House. “This I’ve got to see!” said Balefire.
All three went back to the House, where the merrymaking had continued unabated. Strife made discrete inquiries, and learned that the going rate for girls was 50 gold pieces an hour.
Balefire asked the bartender if anyone suspicious was in the House. “We let no riff-raff in, nor do our spiritual protectors,” he replied, somewhat offended. Pointing at Kronk, he added, “Your orkish friend is on the borderline!”
“Kronk not stay where he’s not wanted,” said the half-orc sadly. He turned around and left. “Can’t let him go back alone like that, now can we?” suggested Balefire. Strife reluctantly agreed, and the three adventurers all returned to the Meteor and Stars.
Strife entered the establishment. Inside, a large parlor was extravagantly furnished with fancy furniture, a bar, wall hangings of velvet and plush carpeting. Everywhere he looked, he saw men of means. Wealthy men. Naval officers too, apparently. And girls.
He went to the bar, sat down on an empty barstool, and ordered a drink. The drinks here were very expensive. Darksea Ale, five gold pieces. And up.
While Strife sat, having ordered his drink, he looked to an empty seat next to him. Suddenly, a girl appeared. Literally.
Strife noticed that there was less there than he expected. In fact, the girl was practically transparent. “Welcome to the House of Good Spirits!” said the girl. “We hope you enjoy your stay here!” Then she disappeared.
Bartender delivered the ale Strife had ordered. He asked the bartender if anything was going on in town. “Why go into town,” replied the barkeep, “when you can have such fun here?”
“What are your prices here?” asked the rogue.
“Well, that depends on who you ask,” answered the barkeep.
Strife was wary. “So what is this place?”
“This is the place for gentlemen to have a good time,” replied the bartender.
“Is this place haunted?”
“If you mean, do evil spirits inhabit this place, then no,” the barkeep answered. “If you mean, do ghosts live here, then yes.”
“Can I meet one of them?” Strife inquired. “Of course!” replied the barkeep.
Strife was still puzzled. “Why is this place full of ghosts?” he asked.
The bartender sighed. “‘Tis a sad story,” he answered, “even though it ends happily. It’s best told by one of the ladies themselves.”
“Then I’d like to talk to one of them,” said the rogue. “As you wish,” said the barkeep. Then he lit a red lamp.
Suddenly, the same girl reappeared! “Can I do anything for you, sweetie?” she asked, leaning close to Strife.
“I was hoping to learn something of the history of this place. I heard you could tell me,” said the curious rogue. “I would gladly tell you my story,” the girl responded, pointing to a tip jar on the counter of the bar. Strife deposited fifteen gold pieces in the jar. The girl smiled gleefully. “You are most generous, Sir . . . .”
“Strife’s my name,” the rogue supplied. “What’s your name?”
“Suzanne,” said the ghostly girl. She then proceeded to tell her story.
“It was a hundred or more years ago,” she began. “The house was founded to entertain gentlemen of worth,” Suzanne explained.
“Alas, it was toward the end times of the city, and many enemies abounded. Finally came the day that the city was attacked, by an army of dark elves and their evil allies.” She paused, and wiped a ghostly tear from her eye, then continued. “Underdark dwellers all. They overran the city, killing all in their sight. We seven girls hid, but we fought at the end. To no effect. The drow–curse them!--slaughtered us cruelly.” Strife listened raptly to the girl’s tale of woe.
She continued. “We stayed on, even after the drow left, for we could not rest. Then, about eight or so years ago, the city was freed once again, cleared of all monsters, by the mighty paladin Edward and his companions. Once the city was cleared, three of us finally found rest. The other four chose to remain here, and watch over the house and the city.
“Most of our girls are as alive as you are,” Suzanne went on. “We four ghosts greet the guests. We also protect the house.”
Strife’s roguish heart was touched. “Is there anything I can do to help you?” he asked.
Suzanne smiled appreciatively. “If I were still solid, I’d say buy me a drink. But all I ask is that you enjoy your time here.” She blew a kiss at the rogue, and with that, disappeared again.
Strife left a tip for the bartender, then hurried from the establishment to return to the Meteor and Stars, where he woke Kronk and Balefire and told them about the House. “This I’ve got to see!” said Balefire.
All three went back to the House, where the merrymaking had continued unabated. Strife made discrete inquiries, and learned that the going rate for girls was 50 gold pieces an hour.
Balefire asked the bartender if anyone suspicious was in the House. “We let no riff-raff in, nor do our spiritual protectors,” he replied, somewhat offended. Pointing at Kronk, he added, “Your orkish friend is on the borderline!”
“Kronk not stay where he’s not wanted,” said the half-orc sadly. He turned around and left. “Can’t let him go back alone like that, now can we?” suggested Balefire. Strife reluctantly agreed, and the three adventurers all returned to the Meteor and Stars.
CHAPTER O: A FRIEND OF EDWARD’S IS A FRIEND OF THEIRS
In the dining room were many guests. Arya overheard one of the guests, a young woman, apparently a fighter type, at a table across the room, mention the name “Edward”. She informed the rest of the party. Kronk exclaimed, “Edward! Where Edward!”
The young woman looked over at Kronk, then came over to the party’s table. “I couldn’t help but overhear you speaking of Edward. Do you know him?” she asked.
“We’re acquainted with his girlfriend,” Arya replied. “We know of him,” said Balefire. “We would like to meet him sometime.”
The woman asked, “May I join you?” Arya answered, “Of course.” The woman took a seat.
“How do you know Edward?” asked Balefire.
“I once was a follower of the mighty paladin,” answered the woman. “I joined him on many adventures, together with some of his other followers. Many a tale could be told of our deeds.”
“Do you know where he is now?” inquired Arya. “He was with his companion on a quest,” said the woman. “He’s been gone for many months. Went far to the west, as last I heard.”
“Not with Firiona?” Arya asked.
“Not that I know of.”
“Are you looking for him?” Balefire followed up.
“He is attending to his own business. It is not our place to look for him,” the woman answered.
Balefire wanted to hear more. “You mentioned tales,” he said to the woman. “Can you tell us more?”
“Of course! But to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
“I apologize. My name is Arya.” “Strife.” “Balefire. And Kronk,” added the rogue, while Kronk himself said nothing, but looked at his sword.
“Well met,” said the woman. “My name is Yvonne.” She then began to describe one of her missions with Edward.
“This world is full of incredible things,” said Yvonne. “I think the most incredible thing I’ve ever run into was the area in the Mistmarsh that was full of vampiric plants. There was a night twist that almost drew me into its grasp. And there were vines that hit me, and drained my life force. Thank Hieroneous I was with Edward Gallahand at the time. He took care of those unnatural things!”
While Yvonne spoke, Balefire looked around for the mysterious spider eater symbol. He didn’t see anything, but whispered to Strife.
“Have you seen the sign with the spider eater?” interjected Strife. “Do you know what it means?”
Yvonne paused, then answered, “I know not what you speak of.”
Balefire followed up. “Where is the Mistmarsh?”
“Are you familiar with the Flanaess, and with Greyhawk?” Yvonne replied.
“No, but a friend is,” said Balefire. “She’s at the magic academy.”
“Well,” said Yvonne, “it’s many miles from here, southeast of the city of Greyhawk.”
Something caught Yvonne’s eye. She looked over at her table, where she saw one of her friends waving her back. Kronk also saw the friend, and waved too! “I must return to my table,” said Yvonne. She got up from her chair. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we meet again.”
“Likewise,” agreed Arya.
After Yvonne left, Thurl spoke up. “Time to call it a night?” asked the merchant.
Strife wanted to keep looking around the city. The others decided to head to their accommodations.
The young woman looked over at Kronk, then came over to the party’s table. “I couldn’t help but overhear you speaking of Edward. Do you know him?” she asked.
“We’re acquainted with his girlfriend,” Arya replied. “We know of him,” said Balefire. “We would like to meet him sometime.”
The woman asked, “May I join you?” Arya answered, “Of course.” The woman took a seat.
“How do you know Edward?” asked Balefire.
“I once was a follower of the mighty paladin,” answered the woman. “I joined him on many adventures, together with some of his other followers. Many a tale could be told of our deeds.”
“Do you know where he is now?” inquired Arya. “He was with his companion on a quest,” said the woman. “He’s been gone for many months. Went far to the west, as last I heard.”
“Not with Firiona?” Arya asked.
“Not that I know of.”
“Are you looking for him?” Balefire followed up.
“He is attending to his own business. It is not our place to look for him,” the woman answered.
Balefire wanted to hear more. “You mentioned tales,” he said to the woman. “Can you tell us more?”
“Of course! But to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?”
“I apologize. My name is Arya.” “Strife.” “Balefire. And Kronk,” added the rogue, while Kronk himself said nothing, but looked at his sword.
“Well met,” said the woman. “My name is Yvonne.” She then began to describe one of her missions with Edward.
“This world is full of incredible things,” said Yvonne. “I think the most incredible thing I’ve ever run into was the area in the Mistmarsh that was full of vampiric plants. There was a night twist that almost drew me into its grasp. And there were vines that hit me, and drained my life force. Thank Hieroneous I was with Edward Gallahand at the time. He took care of those unnatural things!”
While Yvonne spoke, Balefire looked around for the mysterious spider eater symbol. He didn’t see anything, but whispered to Strife.
“Have you seen the sign with the spider eater?” interjected Strife. “Do you know what it means?”
Yvonne paused, then answered, “I know not what you speak of.”
Balefire followed up. “Where is the Mistmarsh?”
“Are you familiar with the Flanaess, and with Greyhawk?” Yvonne replied.
“No, but a friend is,” said Balefire. “She’s at the magic academy.”
“Well,” said Yvonne, “it’s many miles from here, southeast of the city of Greyhawk.”
Something caught Yvonne’s eye. She looked over at her table, where she saw one of her friends waving her back. Kronk also saw the friend, and waved too! “I must return to my table,” said Yvonne. She got up from her chair. “It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope we meet again.”
“Likewise,” agreed Arya.
After Yvonne left, Thurl spoke up. “Time to call it a night?” asked the merchant.
Strife wanted to keep looking around the city. The others decided to head to their accommodations.
CHAPTER N: MIAE REMEMBERS
From the magic academy, Thurl and the remaining adventurers proceeded to the Darksea Brewing Co. This establishment, unlike the academy, was graced with its owner’s presence. She was in her mid-forties (still fairly young for a half-elf), with long auburn hair and a smashing figure.
“Good day, Miae my dear!” Thurl greeted the comely half-elf brewer. “Hello, Thurl!” replied Miae. “Nice to see you again. Have anything for me today?”
“Oh yes indeed,” answered the merchant. “Lots of grain, just as you ordered.” He gestured toward the adventurers who had accompanied him and introduced them to her.
“We’ve heard so much about you!” said Arya, enthusiastically. “Oh, and Siren says hello!”
“Ah, my old friend Siren,” Miae replied happily. “How’s she doing?” She pointed to a bar that was set up nearby. “Why don’t you tell me over a beer? On the house!” Arya, Kronk and Balefire readily agreed. Strife just sat at the bar and stared awkwardly at his hostess, while she shared a few stories of her adventures.
“I first met Edward when he was with a few companions, exploring a cavern a good ways to the northwest of Darksea,” Miae began. “It wasn’t exactly a friendly meet–I was with a group of rascals, and we were giving Edward’s crew some healthy competition,” she reminisced. “But I have to admit, I was attracted to him from the start. And then, when he and his party actually rescued us from drow raiders here in Darksea, and later cleared out all the monsters that had infested this place in the years between its abandonment and its re-discovery, well, things developed in another direction.” She smiled at the memory of joining up with Edward.
“You must have had some amazing adventures, if what we’ve heard about Edward is even half-accurate,” Thurl prompted Miae.
“Oh my, yes,” agreed Miae. “Once Darksea was cleared out, all of us – Edward, Green Arrow, Firiona, and a few others who are no longer with us – claimed some choice property here in the city. After that, well, there was the time we went on a trading mission–something like what you’re doing with Thurl here–and ran into some river pirates. That’s how I met Siren, and eventually helped her turn her life around.”
“Siren’s quite a lady now,” remarked Thurl. “You did well, giving her a chance.”
“Thanks,” Miae replied. “Then later on, there was a terrible fight with a really, REALLY vile cult of Orcus,” she began, describing their defeat of Khadija’s organization. “Edward actually had to be rescued from that bunch,” she continued. “I had a little something to do with that,” she added proudly.
“How is Edward?” asked Balefire. “And do you know where he is? I’d like to meet him.”
“Well,” Miae answered, “he’s off adventuring again, with Green Arrow and Lina.”
“Don’t you adventure with him anymore?” Arya inquired.
“Not so often lately,” Miae admitted. “I’m sort of semi-retired from adventuring. Lately I’ve been devoting my effort to improving operations here at the brewery.” She took a sip from her mug. “What do you think of my brew?”
“Top notch,” said Balefire, to which the others agreed enthusiastically.
“But don’t you miss Edward?” asked Arya. “Sure I do,” Miae replied. “But, well . . . besides being a brewmaster, I’m also a cleric of the Laughing Rogue.” She smiled knowingly. “So I, ah, know how to have a good time.” Arya was somewhat embarrassed by this admission. “Edward accepts this. He knows he’s the only one for me when all’s said and done.”
“You mentioned river pirates,” said Balefire, changing the direction of the conversation before anyone else got too embarrassed. “Have you ever met someone named Virág? A caster of some kind?”
“No, can’t say I have,” Miae answered. “The name sounds Ketite, though.”
“That would be consistent with what we know about her,” observed Thurl, describing briefly their recent battle on the Fals River.
“One last question,” Balefire continued hastily. “Did you bring back any extra shields from Arvid? Kronk here needs a shield,” he explained, glancing at the half-orc.
“Where did you hear about that?” asked Miae, surprised to hear mention of the named individual.
“From Mirodior, the owner of the Wyvern’s Armory in Thornward,” answered Balefire. “He asked about shields from Arvid’s hoard. We said we’d keep eye out.”
“I’ve heard of him,” said Miae. “But it wasn’t quite the way Mirodior described it. It was more of a “negotiated withdrawal”. Arvid actually helped us in the end against Khadija–she had previously gotten control of him, and he didn’t much care for it. We only kept a few items, none shields or armor. Interesting how legends take shape, isn’t it?” The party agreed.
With that, Miae got up from her seat at the bar. “Now, I must get back to work,” she said to the party. “It was a pleasure meeting you all. I hope we’ll meet again.” She then took her leave, after whispering a few words to Thurl.
On the way out of the brewery, Strife noticed another symbol, again located in an upper corner of a doorway. After the group had left the premises, he told the others that he had seen the spider eater symbol again.
“Take the rest of the afternoon off,” said Thurl. “I’ve got some business up in the mining district. I’ll be back around around 6pm. We’ll have dinner!” And with that, the merchant headed back to the main dock to reboard his ship.
Arya wanted to go to a tavern and gather information on interesting occurrences. It so happened that relatively nearby, there was a high quality establishment, The Emerald Inn. She proceeded to the inn and began to chat with the innkeeper. “Nothing much happening of late,” he told Arya. “Everyone’s just fat, happy and making money.”
From the Emerald Inn, Arya next headed toward the Darksea government center, where she located a temple of Pelor. She took a brief while to pray and meditate, then sought out a cleric to inquire about possibly obtaining useful items.
“My child,” said the cleric, “This is a fairly new temple. We’re still raising funds for operating and construction expenses. Could you please make a donation?” Somewhat taken aback by this unusual request from a fellow cleric, Arya nevertheless donated the grand total of six gold pieces and nine silvers. The cleric thanked Arya for her donation, then went to the temple sacristy. Soon he returned, carrying a scroll of shield of faith. “This will protect you in a time of need,” the cleric assured Arya.
Meanwhile, Balefire, Kronk and Strife headed toward the mining district (a distance of a little over a mile), looking for a weaponsmith. After a bit of searching the area, they located one. Kronk was interested in a good-quality mundane greatsword. The smith had several available, reasonably priced. Kronk bought one. “Kronk happy now!” he exclaimed.
Balefire and Strife looked around the shop for the sign of the spider eater. This time, nothing.
At the end of the day, the adventurers returned to the main city docks. The city lights were dimming. They met up with Thurl again, and he suggested the Meteor and Stars Inn. “Best in town,” he added.
Once at the inn, Thurl took out a moneybag. “Payday!” he exclaimed. He distributed a total of 56 gold pieces to each adventurer, including salary and their share of the profit from the latest trade. He then treated the adventurers to dinner one more time. The evening’s fare was more extravagant than their recent meals.
“Good day, Miae my dear!” Thurl greeted the comely half-elf brewer. “Hello, Thurl!” replied Miae. “Nice to see you again. Have anything for me today?”
“Oh yes indeed,” answered the merchant. “Lots of grain, just as you ordered.” He gestured toward the adventurers who had accompanied him and introduced them to her.
“We’ve heard so much about you!” said Arya, enthusiastically. “Oh, and Siren says hello!”
“Ah, my old friend Siren,” Miae replied happily. “How’s she doing?” She pointed to a bar that was set up nearby. “Why don’t you tell me over a beer? On the house!” Arya, Kronk and Balefire readily agreed. Strife just sat at the bar and stared awkwardly at his hostess, while she shared a few stories of her adventures.
“I first met Edward when he was with a few companions, exploring a cavern a good ways to the northwest of Darksea,” Miae began. “It wasn’t exactly a friendly meet–I was with a group of rascals, and we were giving Edward’s crew some healthy competition,” she reminisced. “But I have to admit, I was attracted to him from the start. And then, when he and his party actually rescued us from drow raiders here in Darksea, and later cleared out all the monsters that had infested this place in the years between its abandonment and its re-discovery, well, things developed in another direction.” She smiled at the memory of joining up with Edward.
“You must have had some amazing adventures, if what we’ve heard about Edward is even half-accurate,” Thurl prompted Miae.
“Oh my, yes,” agreed Miae. “Once Darksea was cleared out, all of us – Edward, Green Arrow, Firiona, and a few others who are no longer with us – claimed some choice property here in the city. After that, well, there was the time we went on a trading mission–something like what you’re doing with Thurl here–and ran into some river pirates. That’s how I met Siren, and eventually helped her turn her life around.”
“Siren’s quite a lady now,” remarked Thurl. “You did well, giving her a chance.”
“Thanks,” Miae replied. “Then later on, there was a terrible fight with a really, REALLY vile cult of Orcus,” she began, describing their defeat of Khadija’s organization. “Edward actually had to be rescued from that bunch,” she continued. “I had a little something to do with that,” she added proudly.
“How is Edward?” asked Balefire. “And do you know where he is? I’d like to meet him.”
“Well,” Miae answered, “he’s off adventuring again, with Green Arrow and Lina.”
“Don’t you adventure with him anymore?” Arya inquired.
“Not so often lately,” Miae admitted. “I’m sort of semi-retired from adventuring. Lately I’ve been devoting my effort to improving operations here at the brewery.” She took a sip from her mug. “What do you think of my brew?”
“Top notch,” said Balefire, to which the others agreed enthusiastically.
“But don’t you miss Edward?” asked Arya. “Sure I do,” Miae replied. “But, well . . . besides being a brewmaster, I’m also a cleric of the Laughing Rogue.” She smiled knowingly. “So I, ah, know how to have a good time.” Arya was somewhat embarrassed by this admission. “Edward accepts this. He knows he’s the only one for me when all’s said and done.”
“You mentioned river pirates,” said Balefire, changing the direction of the conversation before anyone else got too embarrassed. “Have you ever met someone named Virág? A caster of some kind?”
“No, can’t say I have,” Miae answered. “The name sounds Ketite, though.”
“That would be consistent with what we know about her,” observed Thurl, describing briefly their recent battle on the Fals River.
“One last question,” Balefire continued hastily. “Did you bring back any extra shields from Arvid? Kronk here needs a shield,” he explained, glancing at the half-orc.
“Where did you hear about that?” asked Miae, surprised to hear mention of the named individual.
“From Mirodior, the owner of the Wyvern’s Armory in Thornward,” answered Balefire. “He asked about shields from Arvid’s hoard. We said we’d keep eye out.”
“I’ve heard of him,” said Miae. “But it wasn’t quite the way Mirodior described it. It was more of a “negotiated withdrawal”. Arvid actually helped us in the end against Khadija–she had previously gotten control of him, and he didn’t much care for it. We only kept a few items, none shields or armor. Interesting how legends take shape, isn’t it?” The party agreed.
With that, Miae got up from her seat at the bar. “Now, I must get back to work,” she said to the party. “It was a pleasure meeting you all. I hope we’ll meet again.” She then took her leave, after whispering a few words to Thurl.
On the way out of the brewery, Strife noticed another symbol, again located in an upper corner of a doorway. After the group had left the premises, he told the others that he had seen the spider eater symbol again.
“Take the rest of the afternoon off,” said Thurl. “I’ve got some business up in the mining district. I’ll be back around around 6pm. We’ll have dinner!” And with that, the merchant headed back to the main dock to reboard his ship.
Arya wanted to go to a tavern and gather information on interesting occurrences. It so happened that relatively nearby, there was a high quality establishment, The Emerald Inn. She proceeded to the inn and began to chat with the innkeeper. “Nothing much happening of late,” he told Arya. “Everyone’s just fat, happy and making money.”
From the Emerald Inn, Arya next headed toward the Darksea government center, where she located a temple of Pelor. She took a brief while to pray and meditate, then sought out a cleric to inquire about possibly obtaining useful items.
“My child,” said the cleric, “This is a fairly new temple. We’re still raising funds for operating and construction expenses. Could you please make a donation?” Somewhat taken aback by this unusual request from a fellow cleric, Arya nevertheless donated the grand total of six gold pieces and nine silvers. The cleric thanked Arya for her donation, then went to the temple sacristy. Soon he returned, carrying a scroll of shield of faith. “This will protect you in a time of need,” the cleric assured Arya.
Meanwhile, Balefire, Kronk and Strife headed toward the mining district (a distance of a little over a mile), looking for a weaponsmith. After a bit of searching the area, they located one. Kronk was interested in a good-quality mundane greatsword. The smith had several available, reasonably priced. Kronk bought one. “Kronk happy now!” he exclaimed.
Balefire and Strife looked around the shop for the sign of the spider eater. This time, nothing.
At the end of the day, the adventurers returned to the main city docks. The city lights were dimming. They met up with Thurl again, and he suggested the Meteor and Stars Inn. “Best in town,” he added.
Once at the inn, Thurl took out a moneybag. “Payday!” he exclaimed. He distributed a total of 56 gold pieces to each adventurer, including salary and their share of the profit from the latest trade. He then treated the adventurers to dinner one more time. The evening’s fare was more extravagant than their recent meals.
CHAPTER M: THE UNDERGROUND CITY
It was early morning, about 5 am, when the Desperate Venture arrive at Darksea. At the end of the Darkbourne’s underground channel, the adventurers could see city lights in the darkness ahead. The lights of Darksea: magical lights that cycled between daylight and night time illumination levels.
Darksea was a remarkable city of about 6000 inhabitants. It had been founded centuries ago, prospered greatly, then fell into decay before being abandoned after repeated attacks by drow and other Underdark denizens in the early 600's CY. It had been relocated and re-occupied in the mid-660's CY, and had grown explosively over the next five to six years into a major mining, manufacturing and trading center once again.
Off to their right, beyond the opening of the tunnel, they spotted South Gate, the gateway to Darksea from Veluna, Bissel and points beyond. The district had grown along with the rest of the city, and now included residential areas, shops and other businesses. There was a good quality inn in the area. “The Sign of the Cloud,” Elwood pointed out to the adventurers. “If you ever need to spend a night in South Gate, that’s the place for it.” The party could see that there was a queue of ships in the vicinity of the docks at South Gate, readying to enter the Darkbourne and leave the underground environment.
Captain Elwood docked at South Gate. He had had the mule team unhitched prior to docking, and the team had been led across a bridge and through an access tunnel to the South Gate stables. Once unhitched, the captain had the crew row on to their destination: the main docks of the city, about a third of a mile along the lakeshore and to starboard.
About an hour later, the keelboat docked. Most of the ship’s cargo was off-loaded here and prepared for transportation to its final destinations. Then Thurl asked the adventurers to go with him to the Darksea Magic Academy. “Need to pick up a load of potions,” he explained. “You should get acquainted with the staff. Might come in handy sometime.”
When the party arrived at the academy, they found that the leader of the academy, the wizard Firiona Vie, was not present. “Oh, she’s out on a quest,” explained one of the academy staff to Thurl’s inquiry. “Hasn’t been around for a long time. We hear from her every few months or so, but that’s it.”
Thurl introduced the adventurers to the academy staffer. “These are some fearless souls who are assisting me with my latest ventures,” said Thurl. “A pleasure to meet you,” said the staffer.
The academy, among its other activities, manufactured potions and scrolls of all types and potencies. The staffer offered to sell the party any low-level magic items they might need (and could afford). Balefire purchased a potion of cure light wounds, as did Strife. Both potions had a similar appearance: green, with gold flecks.
Zelda bought a scroll of protection from evil. “I wish I could learn this spell and add it to my spellbook,” sighed the wizard. She looked hopefully at Thurl. “Well, I think that can be arranged,” offered the merchant. He advanced the young wizard the hefty sum of one hundred twenty-five gold pieces–enough for her to learn and write one first-level spell in her spellbook. “Looks like you’ll be busy for a while,” said Thurl. “Two days total,” the academy staffer pointed out. “Well, we’ll see you on the way back,” said the merchant. “Meanwhile, business calls.” He nodded to the staffer, then bade the other adventurers follow him.
Darksea was a remarkable city of about 6000 inhabitants. It had been founded centuries ago, prospered greatly, then fell into decay before being abandoned after repeated attacks by drow and other Underdark denizens in the early 600's CY. It had been relocated and re-occupied in the mid-660's CY, and had grown explosively over the next five to six years into a major mining, manufacturing and trading center once again.
Off to their right, beyond the opening of the tunnel, they spotted South Gate, the gateway to Darksea from Veluna, Bissel and points beyond. The district had grown along with the rest of the city, and now included residential areas, shops and other businesses. There was a good quality inn in the area. “The Sign of the Cloud,” Elwood pointed out to the adventurers. “If you ever need to spend a night in South Gate, that’s the place for it.” The party could see that there was a queue of ships in the vicinity of the docks at South Gate, readying to enter the Darkbourne and leave the underground environment.
Captain Elwood docked at South Gate. He had had the mule team unhitched prior to docking, and the team had been led across a bridge and through an access tunnel to the South Gate stables. Once unhitched, the captain had the crew row on to their destination: the main docks of the city, about a third of a mile along the lakeshore and to starboard.
About an hour later, the keelboat docked. Most of the ship’s cargo was off-loaded here and prepared for transportation to its final destinations. Then Thurl asked the adventurers to go with him to the Darksea Magic Academy. “Need to pick up a load of potions,” he explained. “You should get acquainted with the staff. Might come in handy sometime.”
When the party arrived at the academy, they found that the leader of the academy, the wizard Firiona Vie, was not present. “Oh, she’s out on a quest,” explained one of the academy staff to Thurl’s inquiry. “Hasn’t been around for a long time. We hear from her every few months or so, but that’s it.”
Thurl introduced the adventurers to the academy staffer. “These are some fearless souls who are assisting me with my latest ventures,” said Thurl. “A pleasure to meet you,” said the staffer.
The academy, among its other activities, manufactured potions and scrolls of all types and potencies. The staffer offered to sell the party any low-level magic items they might need (and could afford). Balefire purchased a potion of cure light wounds, as did Strife. Both potions had a similar appearance: green, with gold flecks.
Zelda bought a scroll of protection from evil. “I wish I could learn this spell and add it to my spellbook,” sighed the wizard. She looked hopefully at Thurl. “Well, I think that can be arranged,” offered the merchant. He advanced the young wizard the hefty sum of one hundred twenty-five gold pieces–enough for her to learn and write one first-level spell in her spellbook. “Looks like you’ll be busy for a while,” said Thurl. “Two days total,” the academy staffer pointed out. “Well, we’ll see you on the way back,” said the merchant. “Meanwhile, business calls.” He nodded to the staffer, then bade the other adventurers follow him.
CHAPTER L: UP THE DARKBOURNE
The following pre-dawn saw the addition of replacements for the crew members who had fallen in battle. Thurl also hired a young human woman named Zelda as a second caster, to assist Pelleas in his function as ship’s sorcerer.
The Desperate Venture departed early, continuing its journey up the Fals River and on to the town of Eastgate, about twenty-five miles from Thornward. The ship reached the confluence of the Darkbourne, which it followed in a generally southwest direction before bending to the northwest. Several of the adventurers noticed that river traffic seemed to be increasing. Some also noticed that farms and ranches become more frequent as the ship nears Eastgate.
“This area has grown quite a bit over the last thirty years or so, since the wars finally ended,” explained Thurl. “These farms and ranches you see supply foodstuffs to Eastgate and Darksea, as well as to surrounding villages.”
About mid-day, the ship approached the small town of Eastgate, population about 1200, which was located at the point where the Darkbourne emerged from under the nearby mountains (the far northeastern end of the Barrier Peaks). “This town wasn’t here ten years ago,” said Thurl. “Around CY 667-668 or so, it started out as a little settlement to guard the entrance into Darksea, which had just been re-founded. It’s grown like a weed since then. Shipping traffic’s way up even over the last couple of years,” the merchant went on. “So they’re expanding the docks here.”
The adventurers could see that the Eastgate port facilities were being expanded. Construction was underway in a number of areas. Moorings and docks had been built for cargo ships, as well as a small marina for keelboats and barges. Cargo bound for Darksea was transferred from ships to smaller craft, which were then typically hauled by mule teams up the Darkbourne and into the Darksea lake for transport throughout the city. Upon reaching the lake, some cargo was initially off-loaded at the entrance district of South Gate for distribution; other goods, aboard keelboats or other vessels capable of rowing or sailing under gust of wind spells, were sent to the main city docks or other docks at various districts in the city.
There were stables in Eastgate for mules used to haul barges and other shallow-draft vessels to and from Darksea. Mule teams were available for hired, as well as necessary small vessels. Other vessels and mule teams were privately owned. “I keep a keelboat and mules here myself,” noted Thurl. “Saves a lot on hire, and they’re always available when I need them.”
“What’s going on there?” asked one of the new crewmen, pointing toward an apparent excavation into the mountains to the northeast of the Darkbourne exit. “That’s a second tunnel,” Captain Elwood replied. “It’s being dug alongside the existing waterway. When it’s completed, one tunnel will be dedicated to inbound traffic, the other to outbound traffic. That should ease the traffic going in and out.” And that traffic had become even more apparent: several ships could be seen docked at the town port, waiting to off-load goods for transport to Darksea. Another had just emerged from the tunnel, heading out of the mountains.
The Desperate Venture docked at Eastgate when dock space opened up. “OK, mateys!” Captain Elwood called out. “Time to off-load this cargo!” All hands, including the adventurers, pitched in to transfer the goods from the hold of the Desperate Venture to Thurl’s waiting keelboat, when it arrived. Once the transfer was completed, the party were given shore leave while Thurl arranged for later cargo pick-ups on the return leg of journey. The adventurers stayed at the Blue Rain Inn, the best in town (and very high quality for a town of Eastgate’s small size).
“Dinner’s on me tonight,” said Thurl. The party gladly accepted Thurl’s offer, and indulged in gourmet fare: garlic and basil leg of lamb, chicken liver pate, smoked pork, oxtails, elven wine, and Darksea pale ale. Thurl and Elwood entertained the adventurers with tales of their many trading missions. After dinner, the party retired, tired out by the day’s activities.
At dawn the next day, Thurl’s keelboat was hauled by a mule team (also owned by Thurl) that walked along a dedicated path on the right bank of the Darkbourne. Shortly, the ship and its occupants proceeded into the underground portion of the river’s course. “It should take us about eighteen hours or so to reach the Darksea lake,” Captain Elwood advised the party. “Excluding stops along the way, of course,” he added.
“Stops along the way?” asked Kronk. “Oh yes,” said Thurl. “There are a number of rest stops between the entrance and South Gate, which is the entry district,” the merchant explained. “We’ll stop about half-way for dinner and a fresh mule team,” he added. “So just sit back and enjoy the ride,” said Elwood.
The ship proceeded into the underground river channel. They passed a number of ships being towed outward, and had to undo the tow lines and drop anchor to the right side of the channel to enable the ships to pass. The party also noted the mile markers along the tow path, starting with mile marker 1, which was located at a large plaza, almost a small thorp in its own right, with an inn, various travelers’ services, and a number of residences.
By dinner time, the ship reached mile marker 8. Captain Elwood ordered the mule team drivers to pull the ship alongside a small dock in front of a roadhouse: the Motley Bow Tavern. Once moored, the party and the rest of the crew debarked and entered the tavern for dinner. The tavern keeper, a human man of middle age, apparently a retired bard or other performer (from the various musical instruments that were displayed on the walls of the tavern’s common room), was friendly. “Hello, Thurl!” said the tavern keeper. “Hello, Elwood!”
“Good evening, Rastus old fellow!” replied Thurl. “I’ve got a few bags of supplies for you,” he informed the tavern keeper. He signaled to two crewmen who were waiting outside the tavern. They came in carrying the promised goods, for which Rastus promptly paid the merchant.
“Thank ye, my friend,” said the tavern keeper happily. “I’ve got a fresh mule team waiting for you over at the stables.”
On their way in, Arya and Strife had noticed something: on the top right of the entrance to the tavern, there was some kind of symbol. It appeared to be arms of some kind: per pale sable and white, a spider-eater proper. They pointed out the symbol to the other adventurers as they sat down at a table to order dinner.
As they dined, Balefire, Strife and Zelda all pricked up their ears, listening for anything interesting from the few other diners in the common room. One of the customers spoke to a companion in hushed tones. “It was like a nightmare!” said the frightened diner. He went on to mention “the Bramblewood”. Balefire remembered hearing similar rumors earlier on in their mission. He kept observing the customers, kept listening, and watched to see if they were drinking to excess. But they said nothing more of any interest.
The food at the Motley Bow was unexpectedly good. Which was fortunate for the adventurers, since they had to provide for themselves this mealtime. When they were finished, they paid up and got up to leave. On the way out of the common room, Balefire and Kronk walked by the frigtened diner. Balefire whispered to Kronk–loudly enough for the other diner to hear. “I’ve been having these weird dreams ever since we went through the Bramblewood. Something weird’s going on there.”
This perked up the diner. He got up from the table and approached Balefire. “Did you feel it too? The nightmares?” he inquired worriedly.
“Yes,” bluffed Balefire. “Haven’t slept in days. Drinking’s the only thing that seems to take the nightmares away. What happened to you?”
“You’re lucky,” said the nervous man. “Drinking hasn’t helped me.”
“Let’s see if this’ll help,” said Balefire. He ordered the frightened man a beer, which he gratefully accepted. As the man drank, the rogue asked when he experienced the nightmares. But the customer was reluctant to say more. “If I were you, I’d stay far away from that place!” he exclaimed fearfully.
Kronk, seeing the man’s agitation, tried to give him a hug. The man was unwilling, however, to be hugged by a hulking, but dim, half-orc. He pulled away. "We have to go!” he said, nodding to his table-mate. “Take my advice.”
The two customers quickly left the tavern, heading on foot for Eastgate. At the same time, Elwood entered the tavern. “Time to cast off!” he called to the adventurers and the remaining crew in the common room. The captain spoke briefly to the tavern keeper, then returned to the ship.
“I know where the Bramblewood Forest is,” said Zelda. As the adventurers left, she described it to the rest of the party. It was over a hundred miles northeast, well out of range for any kind of casual journey. It was also within the borders of Ket.
The Desperate Venture departed early, continuing its journey up the Fals River and on to the town of Eastgate, about twenty-five miles from Thornward. The ship reached the confluence of the Darkbourne, which it followed in a generally southwest direction before bending to the northwest. Several of the adventurers noticed that river traffic seemed to be increasing. Some also noticed that farms and ranches become more frequent as the ship nears Eastgate.
“This area has grown quite a bit over the last thirty years or so, since the wars finally ended,” explained Thurl. “These farms and ranches you see supply foodstuffs to Eastgate and Darksea, as well as to surrounding villages.”
About mid-day, the ship approached the small town of Eastgate, population about 1200, which was located at the point where the Darkbourne emerged from under the nearby mountains (the far northeastern end of the Barrier Peaks). “This town wasn’t here ten years ago,” said Thurl. “Around CY 667-668 or so, it started out as a little settlement to guard the entrance into Darksea, which had just been re-founded. It’s grown like a weed since then. Shipping traffic’s way up even over the last couple of years,” the merchant went on. “So they’re expanding the docks here.”
The adventurers could see that the Eastgate port facilities were being expanded. Construction was underway in a number of areas. Moorings and docks had been built for cargo ships, as well as a small marina for keelboats and barges. Cargo bound for Darksea was transferred from ships to smaller craft, which were then typically hauled by mule teams up the Darkbourne and into the Darksea lake for transport throughout the city. Upon reaching the lake, some cargo was initially off-loaded at the entrance district of South Gate for distribution; other goods, aboard keelboats or other vessels capable of rowing or sailing under gust of wind spells, were sent to the main city docks or other docks at various districts in the city.
There were stables in Eastgate for mules used to haul barges and other shallow-draft vessels to and from Darksea. Mule teams were available for hired, as well as necessary small vessels. Other vessels and mule teams were privately owned. “I keep a keelboat and mules here myself,” noted Thurl. “Saves a lot on hire, and they’re always available when I need them.”
“What’s going on there?” asked one of the new crewmen, pointing toward an apparent excavation into the mountains to the northeast of the Darkbourne exit. “That’s a second tunnel,” Captain Elwood replied. “It’s being dug alongside the existing waterway. When it’s completed, one tunnel will be dedicated to inbound traffic, the other to outbound traffic. That should ease the traffic going in and out.” And that traffic had become even more apparent: several ships could be seen docked at the town port, waiting to off-load goods for transport to Darksea. Another had just emerged from the tunnel, heading out of the mountains.
The Desperate Venture docked at Eastgate when dock space opened up. “OK, mateys!” Captain Elwood called out. “Time to off-load this cargo!” All hands, including the adventurers, pitched in to transfer the goods from the hold of the Desperate Venture to Thurl’s waiting keelboat, when it arrived. Once the transfer was completed, the party were given shore leave while Thurl arranged for later cargo pick-ups on the return leg of journey. The adventurers stayed at the Blue Rain Inn, the best in town (and very high quality for a town of Eastgate’s small size).
“Dinner’s on me tonight,” said Thurl. The party gladly accepted Thurl’s offer, and indulged in gourmet fare: garlic and basil leg of lamb, chicken liver pate, smoked pork, oxtails, elven wine, and Darksea pale ale. Thurl and Elwood entertained the adventurers with tales of their many trading missions. After dinner, the party retired, tired out by the day’s activities.
At dawn the next day, Thurl’s keelboat was hauled by a mule team (also owned by Thurl) that walked along a dedicated path on the right bank of the Darkbourne. Shortly, the ship and its occupants proceeded into the underground portion of the river’s course. “It should take us about eighteen hours or so to reach the Darksea lake,” Captain Elwood advised the party. “Excluding stops along the way, of course,” he added.
“Stops along the way?” asked Kronk. “Oh yes,” said Thurl. “There are a number of rest stops between the entrance and South Gate, which is the entry district,” the merchant explained. “We’ll stop about half-way for dinner and a fresh mule team,” he added. “So just sit back and enjoy the ride,” said Elwood.
The ship proceeded into the underground river channel. They passed a number of ships being towed outward, and had to undo the tow lines and drop anchor to the right side of the channel to enable the ships to pass. The party also noted the mile markers along the tow path, starting with mile marker 1, which was located at a large plaza, almost a small thorp in its own right, with an inn, various travelers’ services, and a number of residences.
By dinner time, the ship reached mile marker 8. Captain Elwood ordered the mule team drivers to pull the ship alongside a small dock in front of a roadhouse: the Motley Bow Tavern. Once moored, the party and the rest of the crew debarked and entered the tavern for dinner. The tavern keeper, a human man of middle age, apparently a retired bard or other performer (from the various musical instruments that were displayed on the walls of the tavern’s common room), was friendly. “Hello, Thurl!” said the tavern keeper. “Hello, Elwood!”
“Good evening, Rastus old fellow!” replied Thurl. “I’ve got a few bags of supplies for you,” he informed the tavern keeper. He signaled to two crewmen who were waiting outside the tavern. They came in carrying the promised goods, for which Rastus promptly paid the merchant.
“Thank ye, my friend,” said the tavern keeper happily. “I’ve got a fresh mule team waiting for you over at the stables.”
On their way in, Arya and Strife had noticed something: on the top right of the entrance to the tavern, there was some kind of symbol. It appeared to be arms of some kind: per pale sable and white, a spider-eater proper. They pointed out the symbol to the other adventurers as they sat down at a table to order dinner.
As they dined, Balefire, Strife and Zelda all pricked up their ears, listening for anything interesting from the few other diners in the common room. One of the customers spoke to a companion in hushed tones. “It was like a nightmare!” said the frightened diner. He went on to mention “the Bramblewood”. Balefire remembered hearing similar rumors earlier on in their mission. He kept observing the customers, kept listening, and watched to see if they were drinking to excess. But they said nothing more of any interest.
The food at the Motley Bow was unexpectedly good. Which was fortunate for the adventurers, since they had to provide for themselves this mealtime. When they were finished, they paid up and got up to leave. On the way out of the common room, Balefire and Kronk walked by the frigtened diner. Balefire whispered to Kronk–loudly enough for the other diner to hear. “I’ve been having these weird dreams ever since we went through the Bramblewood. Something weird’s going on there.”
This perked up the diner. He got up from the table and approached Balefire. “Did you feel it too? The nightmares?” he inquired worriedly.
“Yes,” bluffed Balefire. “Haven’t slept in days. Drinking’s the only thing that seems to take the nightmares away. What happened to you?”
“You’re lucky,” said the nervous man. “Drinking hasn’t helped me.”
“Let’s see if this’ll help,” said Balefire. He ordered the frightened man a beer, which he gratefully accepted. As the man drank, the rogue asked when he experienced the nightmares. But the customer was reluctant to say more. “If I were you, I’d stay far away from that place!” he exclaimed fearfully.
Kronk, seeing the man’s agitation, tried to give him a hug. The man was unwilling, however, to be hugged by a hulking, but dim, half-orc. He pulled away. "We have to go!” he said, nodding to his table-mate. “Take my advice.”
The two customers quickly left the tavern, heading on foot for Eastgate. At the same time, Elwood entered the tavern. “Time to cast off!” he called to the adventurers and the remaining crew in the common room. The captain spoke briefly to the tavern keeper, then returned to the ship.
“I know where the Bramblewood Forest is,” said Zelda. As the adventurers left, she described it to the rest of the party. It was over a hundred miles northeast, well out of range for any kind of casual journey. It was also within the borders of Ket.
CHAPTER K: AN ACQUAINTANCE RENEWED
Late that afternoon, the Desperate Venture resumed course for Thornward. By the light of the moon, the ship passed by the town of Shakara, before finally docking at Thornward in the wee hours of the next morning. Too late to look for accommodations on shore. A watch was set up, and the ship’s crew remained aboard to sleep.
In the morning, Thurl and Elwood went ashore to arrange for off-loading of goods intended for the Thornward market: twenty pounds each of cinnamon, cloves and black pepper from Mitrick. Thurl promptly provided the adventurers with their share of the profit, as well as their regular daily pay, totaling 23 gold pieces each. “Take the rest of the day off, you’ve earned it!” he told the adventurers and the rest of the crew. “We’ll be here until tomorrow. I’ll have to find some new crewmen before we can set off again.” One of the crewmen had contracted filth fever, apparently as a result of a rat bite during the fight against the rat swarm. The off-duty crew happily took their leave.
He signaled Arya and the other adventurers to remain. “Be back here at the dock around sunset. Dinner’s on me tonight at The Blissful Maiden!” The party needed no further encouragement.
While Thurl and Elwood went about searching for replacement deck hands, Arya sought out the local temple of Pelor to meditate, and if possible speak with the clergy. She hoped they might have some potions or other items available that would assist the party on their mission.
Once at the temple, Arya was able to meet with one of the clerics, a human man named Aidan. She told Aidan about the battle with the river pirates. “Their pockets were loaded with gold from Ket!” she reported.
The cleric nodded in appreciation. “Adds to what we know about tension with Ket,” he remarked. “Now, how can I help you, my child?” he asked Arya.
“Would you perhaps have any potions that could help on our journey?” she asked. “We’ve taken a beating on this trip!”
“I might have something better,” said Aidan. He went to the sacristy of the temple, and soon returned with a long thin case. “Wand of cure light wounds,” he informed Arya. “Has twenty charges remaining. Should help you at least for a while.” The cleric handed the case to Arya. “But please use it to help others on your way should you meet them,” Aidan requested.
“I will gladly do so,” promised Arya. “And thank you!”
Meanwhile, Kronk and Balefire looked for weapon merchants. A little inquiring revealed that the nearest weaponsmith’s shop was Adas and Celeser’s Arsenal, located in a part of Thornward that was favored by adventurers. They found the shop: a single storey building of polished marble, with a yellow tile roof and a tiled mosaic floor. The street outside the shop was lined with street vendors hawking potions and elixirs. Inside was a young female gnome shopkeeper.
“Hello, good sirs!” the cheery gnome woman greeted the adventurers. “I’m Adas. Can I help you?”
The two adventurers acknowledged the proprietor. Balefire asked, “Would you have any clearance items today? We’re rather on a budget.”
“Let me see what I might have on hand,” replied Adas. She went to the back room of the shop, then returned. A number of masterwork and mundane weapons were ready to move, including a quality mundane longbow for 75 gold pieces.
Balefire asked if Adas had any old inventory that she really wanted to get rid of. “You’re new in town, aren’t you?” she asked. “Yes, we are,” Balefire replied. “I’ll tell you what,” said Adas. “New customer discount: 10%. That makes 68 gold, plus four silver for the arrows.”
“Sounds fair,” said Kronk. The half-orc tendered the requested price, and received the weapon from Adas. “Thank you, good lady,” said Balefire. Kronk grunted his thanks as well. The rogue then asked if there were an armorer in the area.
“Try the Wyvern’s Armory,” suggested Adas. She gave the two adventurers directions to the establishment. It was relatively close, on an adjacent street among narrow alleys and noisy taverns.
Kronk and Balefire entered the establishment, a single storey timber framed building, with a reinforced wooden door. They looked around. They noticed a large collection of mundane armor hanging from the walls of the shop.
“See anything you like?” a voice from the back room of the shop called out. A short, middle-aged male half-elf armorer came out to greet the two adventurers. He introduced himself as Mirodior. Balefire replied that he was looking for affordable armor. “My prices are the best in town!” replied the armorer. “And I also take trades. Especially anything that came from the tomb of Arvid the vampire. Would you have any?”
“Sorry no,” replied Balefire. “I’m not familiar with that name. Can you tell me about him?”
“Used to inhabit a tomb in the Dim Forest, near the town of Hochoch,” Mirodior explained. “Rumor has it he was vanquished some time ago.”
“Are you looking for any particular items?” Balefire asked. “Shields,” Mirodior answered. “Arvid reputedly had quiet a collection of them. But probably that’s too big a challenge for young adventurers like yourselves. It took a mighty paladin, Edward Gallahand, and his crew to drive him away. I know him personally!” Balefire and Kronk listened attentively as Mirodior described how Edward and allies triumphed over the vampire. “I’d pay premium for a shield from his crypt. But now, what else can I help you with?”
Balefire pulled out his money pouch. “Half-empty, alas. Do you have any items on sale?”
“Hope a future adventure changes the condition of your finances,” said Mirodior. “I do have some mundane armors you might like.” He went to poke around in the back-room inventory, then returned. “Got a nice light steel shield, a heavy steel shield, and a fine suit of medium scale mail,” the armorer informed Balefire.
The rogue considered for a moment, then replied, “Thanks, maybe next time. But I’ll look out for your shields!” And with that, the two adventurers headed back into the district to continue looking around.
Strife, in the meantime, simply headed for the nearest sailor’s tavern to eat, drink and be merry.
By late afternoon, the four adventurers had concluded their window shopping in the nearby districts, and had returned to the ship to prepare for dinner. When they were ready, they headed to the Blissful Maiden Inn.
“Welcome back!” exclaimed Thurl upon seeing the party enter the common room. “Come over and have a seat.” The four adventurers quickly made their way to Thurl’s table. Thurl signaled to a waitress, who brought a menu for the newcomers. “Order what you like,” said Thurl. “The fare here is top quality!”
The adventurers happily took Thurl up on his offer. “Roast beef for me,” said Kronk. Arya ordered cheese rolls with honey and vegetable filling. “I’ll take the smoked fresh trout,” added Strife. “And make mine the roast duck with apples,” said Balefire. Thurl himself ordered clam chowder and a smoked salmon salad.
The five diners made small talk while waiting for dinner to arrive. Thurl described his trading business, and described some of the trade expeditions he had been involved in. “Any good stories?” Arya inquired.
“Oh, plenty my dear,” Thurl answered. “But the owner of the Maiden has some even better ones. Just wait until the show begins.”
After about half an hour of fine dining, a light was directed to the center of the common room. A slender human woman took her place in the light, holding a lute. Mid-thirties. Very attractive, even with a small scar on her right cheek. Provocatively dressed.
“That’s Siren,” Thurl informed the four adventurers. “She owns this place. Puts on a great show, as you’ll see.”
And a great show it proved to be. Siren began with a rowdy sailors’ chanty that got the patrons singing along lustily. She followed up with ballads, popular songs and instrumental solos, with epic tales of adventure thrown into the mix. By the end of the performance, the crowd was on its feet and showering the stage with gold coins!
Afterwards, Siren spotted Thurl and came over to his table. And promptly sat in his lap and planted a lip-lock on the lucky merchant that made the male adventurers envious and left Arya somewhat embarrassed.
Leaving Thurl’s lap, she greeted his dinner companions with more restraint. “Pleased to meet you all,” she said. “What’d you think of the performance?”
“We liked it,” replied Arya politely. “Great!” exclaimed Kronk with great enthusiasm. Strife and Balefire heartily agreed.
“I see you and Thurl are . . . acquainted,” continued Arya. “Oh my, yes!” replied Siren. “We’re good friends.” She looked at Thurl and winked. “Very good friends.”
“How did you meet?” asked Strife. And Siren related a remarkable story.
“I was a young bard, I was, traveling the lands, seeking adventure, looking for new songs and learning new things. But life didn’t turn out like I thought it would. I was still a young lass when I was captured by a tribe of bugbears. Ughh! The memory still haunts me.”
“How horrible!” exclaimed Arya.
“Truly,” agreed Siren. “It must have been a good year or more that I was the prisoner of those foul creatures. Then one day, a ship anchored on the bank of the Velverdyva River, and a party put ashore, looking for supplies and booty. They found the camp of the bugbears where I was being held.
“I can still hear it now. “Take ‘em, mates! And free that girl!” the leader of the party ordered. And so they did. Slaughtered the bugbears, down to the last. Unchained me, cleaned me up, and took me with him, he did. Yes, he did. His name was Jonas Grumley, and he saved me from a life of misery, and likely a short one at that.
“Happy I was to join his crew, though I knew little about them. As it was, he was actually a river pirate. But what did I care? At least, I had a place to live, a job to do, and new songs to sing. I didn’t think well of his more bloodthirsty ways, and I let him know it. Nor of some of his crew, that Roy Inkley and Willis in particular. But Jonas was always good to me, and I miss him.”
“What happened to him?” asked Balefire.
“One day,” said Siren sadly, “Jonas attacked the wrong ship, and he was bested by them, with heavy losses to his crew. He managed to escape, to parts unknown. I wasn’t so lucky. Turned to stone I was, by a fierce wizard who did most of the damage. Yet that very same wizard also tried to revive me. She failed, and I died as a result.
“The gods weren’t quite finished with me, though. For that same ship also bore a young half-elf woman, and one of the Laughing Rogue’s clerics at that. She brought me back to life. Convinced the rest of the ship’s crew that I was worth trying to salvage. She took me into her service, and put me under her protection. Until I was able to change my life, which change finally brought me here.”
“Did she help you start this business?” Arya asked.
“She did, along with Thurl,” replied Siren. “We’ve remained friends, we have. Her name is Miae. She lives in Darksea, and when she’s not out adventuring, she brews as fine an ale as you’ll find anywhere. It’s what we serve here.”
“Ale good!” Kronk opined heartily.
“By the way,” added Siren, “Miae’s lover is none other than the renowned paladin of Hieroneous, Edward Gallahand. You may have heard of him.”
Balefire looked at Kronk, then nodded. “We have,” said the rogue.
“Well, if you ever meet Miae, give her my best for me,” requested Siren. “Now, I must get back to business.” She blew a kiss at Thurl. “Come back soon,” she said invitingly. “You know it,” he replied. With that, Siren took her leave, looking back over her shoulder as she left.
“Quite a girl,” observed Balefire.
Thurl had arranged for the adventurers to stay at the inn overnight, for which they were duly grateful.
CHAPTER J: SWASH ME BUCKLER!
At dawn, the ship weighed anchor, and continued its voyage west, through Misty Lake, a short stretch of river, another small lake, then the main channel of the river again. They passed by the village of Padstow, and continued sailing.
Late that afternoon, a crewman spotted a ship following them! “Captain!” the crewman called out. “Ship astern, 400 yards and closing!”
Captain Elwood, a very skilled sailor, decided to find out who was on the approaching ship. “Aye, and if they’re looking for a fight, maybe they’ll find one,” he added.
Gusty east winds drove the other ship rapidly toward the Desperate Venture, which was holding its position. At 1100 feet distance, the captain ordered all crew to battle stations. Arya climbed up into the crow’s nest for a better view. As it approached, she could see that it was a square-rigged longship, with many oarsmen and many warriors.
The other ship continued to close. At 120 feet, it made its intentions clear: a ballista shot barely missed the Desperate Venture! “Return fire!” Elwood ordered. His artillerist was more accurate, and damaged the opposing ship’s rigging.
Kronk and Strife moved up to the sterncastle of the Desperate Venture, but were forced to duck to avoid an incoming barrage of longbow fire that did heavy damage to the ship’s rigging. From the crow’s nest, Arya shot at the nearest crewman of the raiding ship, but missed. Nine of Elwood’s crewmen launched a return barrage. They did enough damage to take down the raiders’ rigging!
Undeterred, the raiders deployed oars and continued to approach. More arrows from the raiders flew, but missed their targets. But then, Kronk cried out as two magic missiles struck him! He staggered down the stair from the sterncastle, severely wounded!
“Fire at will!” Captain Elwood ordered. Ten shots from the crew killed two of the enemy oarsmen.
The pirates continued to close, and were now within a shiplength of the Desperate Venture.
Two crewmen were seriously wounded by arrows. Balefire and Arya returned fire, striking two enemy rowers.
Magic missiles flew from the fingers of Pelleas, the Desperate Venture’s ship’s sorcerer. They struck and seriously wounded one of the pirates–apparently, the pirate captain!
The wounded pirates quaffed potions, apparently for healing. Two of the pirate crew grab hold of sheets, prepare to swing over to board the adventurers’ vessel. Two others loaded grapple-firing crossbows.
A ray of flame from the pirate vessel struck the Desperate Venture’s rigging! Ropes were set afire. Shrieks of laughter from the pirate vessel could be heard coming from . . . a woman! The raiders’ ship’s wizard appeared to be young, female–and very beautiful!
Balefire and Strife shot at the raiders with the grappling crossbows. Both pirates fell to the adventurers’ shots. Arya, seeing Kronk in distress, climbed down from the crow’s nest and attended to his wounds.
But taking out the grappling crossbows wasn’t enough–other raiders swung grappling hooks and hooked the Desperate Venture. The pirates swarmed onto and over the ship’s rails. Hand-to-hand combat was on!
Pirates and crewmen engaged each other. Captain Elwood battered one of the pirates with his morningstar. The pirate swung back, wounding the captain slightly.
Strife fired an arrow at the pirate’s wizard. “Woman or not, she’s got to be taken out,” he thought. The arrow struck the beautiful caster and drew copious amounts of blood. She shrieked in pain, then blasted back at Strife with more magic missiles. The range was seriously wounded. “Get that one!” she shouted, then took cover behind the raiding vessel’s port side astern.
Kronk swung at another pirate, slashing him with his longsword. Arya was less successful, and missed her target with a two-handed mace swing.
The injured pirate captain called out orders in a strange language, then tried to bull-rush one of the crewmen over the side. The crewman stoutly resisted the captain’s attempt.
Captain Elwood, however, recognized the language as Ancient Baklunish (more particularly, the Ket dialect thereof), and cried out, “Watch out! They’re trying to flank us!”
As the battle raged, another pirate jumped from the longship onto the adjacent rail of the freight vessel, preparing to enter the melee.
Another pirate bull-rushed Arya. She was forced back and over the side! Heroically, she swam all the way back to the boat.
The pirate captain took another blow from Elwood’s crew. Balefire flanked a pirate and struck an effective blow. Pelleas tried to flank another pirate, but missed badly even so. “Sorcerers shouldn’t be in melee,” he thought to himself. Even Thurl joined in the battle. His crossbow shot wounded another pirate.
One of the longship’s officers–the adventurers heard him referred to as “Ban”–jumped into the melee. The crewman he swung at managed to duck.
On the longship, one of the remaining pirates grabbed a sheet and prepared to swing over onto the Desperate Venture. The remaining officer on the longship repositioned aft of the mainmast, to get a better line of sight to the pirates’ targets, and to improve his position when he chose to cross over and join the melee.
Captain Elwood dropped one of the pirates, then fended off a new foe: the pirate who swung over from the longship, swinging a scimitar. Elwood ducked just in time. Another pirate fell to a crewman’s attack. Strife jumped down to the main deck from the sterncastle, looking for a way out of the battle to try to heal his injuries.
Meanwhile, on the longship, the ship’s wizard quaffed a potion of cure light wounds, while she remained behind cover.
In the river, Arya tried climbing back up onto the ship, failed. She was soon joined by another crewman, as the pirate captain bullrushed another crewman over the side! The crewman was quickly able to swim back to the port side of the ship, near Arya.
A pirate tried to bullrush Balefire back. The rogue resisted, but to no avail. He was pushed back toward the sterncastle. He thrust at the pirate with his rapier, but missed. But Pelleas moved up to flank the pirate. This time, his attack found its mark, and the pirate took a slight wound.
Still another crewman went over the side, as Ban bullrushed him into the river. Thurl reacted with a crossbow shot at Ban, but the bolt missed its target.
One of the pirates called out, “Heya, Lipot!” as the second officer swung into battle. Lipot’s critical rapier thrust pierced the heart of another crewman, who fell dead to the deck. Across the deck, Kronk’s delayed attack wounded another pirate.
Meanwhile, a crewman found a thirty-foot section of rope among the wreckage of the ship’s rigging, and threw it over the port side so that Arya could reach it.
The pirates and the ship’s crew continued to battle each other.
Having ducked the swinging pirate’s scimitar, Captain Elwood brought his morning star down on the pirate’s head. The pirate collapsed to the deck with crushed skull. As the dead pirate fell, another rushed up to Elwood and drew blood with a slash of his scimitar. Ban ran up as well. The officer’s blow missed. Suddenly, he cried out, as Thurl’s crossbow bolt wounded him severely.
Strife, still wounded, retreated to the ship’s hold.
Back in the drink, Arya tried to grab the rope, but again failed to climb back up onto the ship. The crewman in the river nearby had the same difficulty.
Suddenly, a crewman was hurled over the starboard side of the Desperate Venture and landed on his back on the deck of the longship. The pirate captain had thrown another sailor off the ship! The crewman appeared to be dead.
The raider wounded by Pelleas turned around and tried to bullrush Pelleas toward the bow of ship, but the sorcerer managed to hold his ground. Pelleas swung back, wounding the raider. Balefire’s rapier wounded his opponent again. The pirate was gravely wounded now.
Above the melee, there was a sudden shout. “All aboard the longship!” cried Kronk. He grabbed a loose sheet, as did another other crewman. Both successfully swung across to land on the deck of the pirate vessel. Another crewman jumped across. One crewman tried but failed.
Seeing this reverse assault, one of the pirates also jumped back to his ship, landing next to the supine crewman. Meanwhile, Lipot and another pirate flanked a crewman. Lipot’s rapier thrust wounded the crewman.
Captain Elwood rushed to engage the leader of the pirates that had assailed his ship. His mace battered the pirate captain. Undeterred, the pirate captain warned Elwood. “I suggest you surrender now, before more of you die,” advised the pirate leader. “It will only cost you 3/4 of your cargo!”
Then, before Elwood could reply, the pirate captain bullrushed him overboard! Ban got in an opportunistic blow as Elwood was driven over the side. The nearby raiders cheered. “Way to get him wet, Arpad!” “That’s showin’ the bloke!” they roared.
While the two captains battled, and pirates and crewman meleed wildly, Arya tried once more to climb up the rope and back onto the ship. Finally, she succeeded! She regained the deck and looked for Strife, who still needed healing. Other crewmen continued to tread water, while another on deck threw an additional line to them.
As the battle raged, Balefire moved to the port side of the Desperate Venture, preparing to board the longship. Another crewman jumped down to the deck from the sterncastle.
A pirate attacked Pelleas, but missed. “Ban! Help me out here!” he called out to the officer. Ban was busy, however. He thrust his rapier at Thurl and pierced the merchant, drawing blood. Thurl swung back with his mace, battering the pirate’s sword arm.
A crewman ran up to support Thurl. Pelleas had a better idea. He cast scare on the pirates attacking Thurl. Ban was not easily daunted, but the other pirate promptly fled, and jumped back onto the deck of the longship. As he landed, one of the crewman greeted him with a sword thrust. The pirate was able to dodge the attack, despite his fear.
On the longship, a crewman flanked and slew one of the pirates. Lipot, in turn, swung at the crewman, but missed.
Kronk and another crewman assaulted a pirate, both inflicting minor wounds. The pirate did more damage in return to the crewman. Another raider joined the fight in support of his embattled companion.
Aboard the longship, Kronk’s companion dispatched the pirate they had both been fighting. The half-orc then turned to the second pirate and smote him a powerful blow.
Meanwhile, Strife still kept his place in the hold. Arya approached him. “Need help, I see,” she said. Strife nodded. The cleric converted one of her prepared spells to cure light wounds, and returned Strife almost back to normal. “Thanks, I needed that,” said the elven ranger.
As the battle raged, Captain Elwood and another crewman swam to the rope that had been thrown their way. Another crewman continued treading water.
Arpad could see that the raid was not going his way. He gave the order to withdraw. “Back to the longship, boys!” he shouted. He then jumped back to his ship, followed by Ban and other surviving pirates.
Balefire and another crewman followed them!
The wounded crewman who had been lying on the deck of the longship, feigning death, now tried to rise from his prone position. Unfortunately, he didn’t see the pirates nearby, who spotted him attempting to rejoin the melee and promptly killed him.
From the Desperate Venture, Thurl took position on the starboard aft rail, and shot Ban with his crossbow, wounding him. “I can beat that!” said Strife, finally emerging from the hold. He drew his bow and shot the pirate officer in the back. “Die, pirate dog!” cried the ranger as Ban fell dead to the deck of the longship.,
On the longship, a pirate slashed Kronk with a two-handed scimitar blow that staggered the adventurer. Lipot rushed Kronk’s crewman companion and ran him through with his rapier. As the crewman fell, Lipot turned toward Kronk. “You’re next, orc!” cried the pirate.
“That’s half-orc to you!” replied Kronk.
At the stern of the longship, the pirates’ woman wizard still tried to keep out of the melee. But a crewman swung on her anyway. She managed to avoid the blow, but her anger was kindled like a fireball!
Now a crewman shot at one of the pirates menacing Balefire. His shot scratched the raider. Not enough. The pirate stepped to Balefire and swung his scimitar. The blow connected. Balefire shrieked. Blood spurted from a huge gash. The rogue fell dying to the deck!
A hand reached over the port rail of the Desperate Venture. Captain Elwood had finally managed to climb the rope and get back on board ship! The other crewmen remained in the river, still trying to follow him.
Arya rushed to the dying Balefire. She administered a healing potion to the rogue. He opened his eyes. “Don’t move!” Arya ordered. “If you insist,” replied Balefire weakly.
On the longship, the pirate’s wizard pointed her finger at the crewman who had so cravenly attacked her. “My name is Virág! Remember it!” she shouted. Her flaming sphere struck the crewman, and he burst into flame. “Oh, that’s right,” said the furious wizard. “You won’t remember it. You’ll be DEAD!” And dead he was. He fell to the deck, clothes ablaze.
The flames spooked Kronk, who promptly jumped ship, into the river! “Kronk scared of fire!” the half-orc sailor exclaimed.
As flames spread from the dead crewman’s burning body, Arpad assaulted another crewman. “Grab the oars, boys!” he ordered. He slashed the crewman with his scimitar. The severely wounded man swung back, wounding Arpad in return. An arrow grazed Arpad’s hat, as a shot from a crewman aboard the Desperate Venture went amiss.
One of the surviving pirates drew his scimitar and slashed at a line grappling the two ships together, His blow severed the rope. A crewman’s arrow wounded him in the process. Strife’s shot did further damage, but the pirate remained on his feet.
From his ship, Pelleas directed an electric jolt at Arpad, shocking him. The pirate captain was now barely able to remain standing.
A second pirate managed to cast off the second grappling line. The crippled longship was freed! It began to drift downstream from the Desperate Venture. Other pirates took to their oars.
Lipot wasn’t satisfied merely to escape. He assailed the crewman who had wounded Arpad. “Arrr!” he cried as he pierced his foe with his rapier. The crewman gasped and slowly dropped to the deck. Dead!
“Captain! Drink this!” urged another of the pirates as he rushed to Arpad’s side. The pirate leader took the offered healing potion and quaffed it, then steadied himself and issued further orders. “You’re a good man,” he told his underling.
Captain Elwood, seeing the longship beginning to put disance between it and the Desperate Venture, ordered his ship to come about and pursue the pirates. But then he spotted Kronk, as well as several other crewmen, still in the river. “Belay that order!” he cried, reconsidering his course of action. “Retrieve those men!” he ordered.
From the fleeing longship, the flaming sphere that had destroyed one of the crewmen now sped toward the Desperate Venture! Virág screamed wildly as she directed the sphere. But Pelleas answered with a gust of wind that blew the sphere away. And as a side effect, sped the longship further away down river.
“Here’s a good-bye present!’ exclaimed Arya. She loosed an arrow at the longship, striking the pirate who had slashed the first grappling line. He went down! Fortunately for him, one of his fellow pirates quickly provided him with a healing potion, and he was able to return to his oar.
A soaked Kronk climbed back aboard, followed by the remaining crewmen who had gone overboard. “Uhh . . . did we win?” he asked.
“We’re still alive, and they’re running away,” said Captain Elwood. “So, I’d say yes.”
It was a costly victory. Five of the ship’s crew had been killed; two of the fallen remained on the longship and could not be retrieved for proper burial. The pirates had suffered even higher casualties, with five dead aboard the Desperate Venture, and several more on the longship. A search of the bodies turned up numerous healing potions and elixirs of swimming, as well as weapons and armor. And over four hundred gold coins. Ketite greatshields.
“I knew it,” said Captain Elwood. “And they were speaking Ancient Baklunish, which I know.”
“They had Ketite names as well,” added Thurl.
The captain ordered the ship to drop anchor at the nearest safe location, so that repairs to the rigging could be made. It took the rest of the night and most of the next day to make the vessel seaworthy again.
Late that afternoon, a crewman spotted a ship following them! “Captain!” the crewman called out. “Ship astern, 400 yards and closing!”
Captain Elwood, a very skilled sailor, decided to find out who was on the approaching ship. “Aye, and if they’re looking for a fight, maybe they’ll find one,” he added.
Gusty east winds drove the other ship rapidly toward the Desperate Venture, which was holding its position. At 1100 feet distance, the captain ordered all crew to battle stations. Arya climbed up into the crow’s nest for a better view. As it approached, she could see that it was a square-rigged longship, with many oarsmen and many warriors.
The other ship continued to close. At 120 feet, it made its intentions clear: a ballista shot barely missed the Desperate Venture! “Return fire!” Elwood ordered. His artillerist was more accurate, and damaged the opposing ship’s rigging.
Kronk and Strife moved up to the sterncastle of the Desperate Venture, but were forced to duck to avoid an incoming barrage of longbow fire that did heavy damage to the ship’s rigging. From the crow’s nest, Arya shot at the nearest crewman of the raiding ship, but missed. Nine of Elwood’s crewmen launched a return barrage. They did enough damage to take down the raiders’ rigging!
Undeterred, the raiders deployed oars and continued to approach. More arrows from the raiders flew, but missed their targets. But then, Kronk cried out as two magic missiles struck him! He staggered down the stair from the sterncastle, severely wounded!
“Fire at will!” Captain Elwood ordered. Ten shots from the crew killed two of the enemy oarsmen.
The pirates continued to close, and were now within a shiplength of the Desperate Venture.
Two crewmen were seriously wounded by arrows. Balefire and Arya returned fire, striking two enemy rowers.
Magic missiles flew from the fingers of Pelleas, the Desperate Venture’s ship’s sorcerer. They struck and seriously wounded one of the pirates–apparently, the pirate captain!
The wounded pirates quaffed potions, apparently for healing. Two of the pirate crew grab hold of sheets, prepare to swing over to board the adventurers’ vessel. Two others loaded grapple-firing crossbows.
A ray of flame from the pirate vessel struck the Desperate Venture’s rigging! Ropes were set afire. Shrieks of laughter from the pirate vessel could be heard coming from . . . a woman! The raiders’ ship’s wizard appeared to be young, female–and very beautiful!
Balefire and Strife shot at the raiders with the grappling crossbows. Both pirates fell to the adventurers’ shots. Arya, seeing Kronk in distress, climbed down from the crow’s nest and attended to his wounds.
But taking out the grappling crossbows wasn’t enough–other raiders swung grappling hooks and hooked the Desperate Venture. The pirates swarmed onto and over the ship’s rails. Hand-to-hand combat was on!
Pirates and crewmen engaged each other. Captain Elwood battered one of the pirates with his morningstar. The pirate swung back, wounding the captain slightly.
Strife fired an arrow at the pirate’s wizard. “Woman or not, she’s got to be taken out,” he thought. The arrow struck the beautiful caster and drew copious amounts of blood. She shrieked in pain, then blasted back at Strife with more magic missiles. The range was seriously wounded. “Get that one!” she shouted, then took cover behind the raiding vessel’s port side astern.
Kronk swung at another pirate, slashing him with his longsword. Arya was less successful, and missed her target with a two-handed mace swing.
The injured pirate captain called out orders in a strange language, then tried to bull-rush one of the crewmen over the side. The crewman stoutly resisted the captain’s attempt.
Captain Elwood, however, recognized the language as Ancient Baklunish (more particularly, the Ket dialect thereof), and cried out, “Watch out! They’re trying to flank us!”
As the battle raged, another pirate jumped from the longship onto the adjacent rail of the freight vessel, preparing to enter the melee.
Another pirate bull-rushed Arya. She was forced back and over the side! Heroically, she swam all the way back to the boat.
The pirate captain took another blow from Elwood’s crew. Balefire flanked a pirate and struck an effective blow. Pelleas tried to flank another pirate, but missed badly even so. “Sorcerers shouldn’t be in melee,” he thought to himself. Even Thurl joined in the battle. His crossbow shot wounded another pirate.
One of the longship’s officers–the adventurers heard him referred to as “Ban”–jumped into the melee. The crewman he swung at managed to duck.
On the longship, one of the remaining pirates grabbed a sheet and prepared to swing over onto the Desperate Venture. The remaining officer on the longship repositioned aft of the mainmast, to get a better line of sight to the pirates’ targets, and to improve his position when he chose to cross over and join the melee.
Captain Elwood dropped one of the pirates, then fended off a new foe: the pirate who swung over from the longship, swinging a scimitar. Elwood ducked just in time. Another pirate fell to a crewman’s attack. Strife jumped down to the main deck from the sterncastle, looking for a way out of the battle to try to heal his injuries.
Meanwhile, on the longship, the ship’s wizard quaffed a potion of cure light wounds, while she remained behind cover.
In the river, Arya tried climbing back up onto the ship, failed. She was soon joined by another crewman, as the pirate captain bullrushed another crewman over the side! The crewman was quickly able to swim back to the port side of the ship, near Arya.
A pirate tried to bullrush Balefire back. The rogue resisted, but to no avail. He was pushed back toward the sterncastle. He thrust at the pirate with his rapier, but missed. But Pelleas moved up to flank the pirate. This time, his attack found its mark, and the pirate took a slight wound.
Still another crewman went over the side, as Ban bullrushed him into the river. Thurl reacted with a crossbow shot at Ban, but the bolt missed its target.
One of the pirates called out, “Heya, Lipot!” as the second officer swung into battle. Lipot’s critical rapier thrust pierced the heart of another crewman, who fell dead to the deck. Across the deck, Kronk’s delayed attack wounded another pirate.
Meanwhile, a crewman found a thirty-foot section of rope among the wreckage of the ship’s rigging, and threw it over the port side so that Arya could reach it.
The pirates and the ship’s crew continued to battle each other.
Having ducked the swinging pirate’s scimitar, Captain Elwood brought his morning star down on the pirate’s head. The pirate collapsed to the deck with crushed skull. As the dead pirate fell, another rushed up to Elwood and drew blood with a slash of his scimitar. Ban ran up as well. The officer’s blow missed. Suddenly, he cried out, as Thurl’s crossbow bolt wounded him severely.
Strife, still wounded, retreated to the ship’s hold.
Back in the drink, Arya tried to grab the rope, but again failed to climb back up onto the ship. The crewman in the river nearby had the same difficulty.
Suddenly, a crewman was hurled over the starboard side of the Desperate Venture and landed on his back on the deck of the longship. The pirate captain had thrown another sailor off the ship! The crewman appeared to be dead.
The raider wounded by Pelleas turned around and tried to bullrush Pelleas toward the bow of ship, but the sorcerer managed to hold his ground. Pelleas swung back, wounding the raider. Balefire’s rapier wounded his opponent again. The pirate was gravely wounded now.
Above the melee, there was a sudden shout. “All aboard the longship!” cried Kronk. He grabbed a loose sheet, as did another other crewman. Both successfully swung across to land on the deck of the pirate vessel. Another crewman jumped across. One crewman tried but failed.
Seeing this reverse assault, one of the pirates also jumped back to his ship, landing next to the supine crewman. Meanwhile, Lipot and another pirate flanked a crewman. Lipot’s rapier thrust wounded the crewman.
Captain Elwood rushed to engage the leader of the pirates that had assailed his ship. His mace battered the pirate captain. Undeterred, the pirate captain warned Elwood. “I suggest you surrender now, before more of you die,” advised the pirate leader. “It will only cost you 3/4 of your cargo!”
Then, before Elwood could reply, the pirate captain bullrushed him overboard! Ban got in an opportunistic blow as Elwood was driven over the side. The nearby raiders cheered. “Way to get him wet, Arpad!” “That’s showin’ the bloke!” they roared.
While the two captains battled, and pirates and crewman meleed wildly, Arya tried once more to climb up the rope and back onto the ship. Finally, she succeeded! She regained the deck and looked for Strife, who still needed healing. Other crewmen continued to tread water, while another on deck threw an additional line to them.
As the battle raged, Balefire moved to the port side of the Desperate Venture, preparing to board the longship. Another crewman jumped down to the deck from the sterncastle.
A pirate attacked Pelleas, but missed. “Ban! Help me out here!” he called out to the officer. Ban was busy, however. He thrust his rapier at Thurl and pierced the merchant, drawing blood. Thurl swung back with his mace, battering the pirate’s sword arm.
A crewman ran up to support Thurl. Pelleas had a better idea. He cast scare on the pirates attacking Thurl. Ban was not easily daunted, but the other pirate promptly fled, and jumped back onto the deck of the longship. As he landed, one of the crewman greeted him with a sword thrust. The pirate was able to dodge the attack, despite his fear.
On the longship, a crewman flanked and slew one of the pirates. Lipot, in turn, swung at the crewman, but missed.
Kronk and another crewman assaulted a pirate, both inflicting minor wounds. The pirate did more damage in return to the crewman. Another raider joined the fight in support of his embattled companion.
Aboard the longship, Kronk’s companion dispatched the pirate they had both been fighting. The half-orc then turned to the second pirate and smote him a powerful blow.
Meanwhile, Strife still kept his place in the hold. Arya approached him. “Need help, I see,” she said. Strife nodded. The cleric converted one of her prepared spells to cure light wounds, and returned Strife almost back to normal. “Thanks, I needed that,” said the elven ranger.
As the battle raged, Captain Elwood and another crewman swam to the rope that had been thrown their way. Another crewman continued treading water.
Arpad could see that the raid was not going his way. He gave the order to withdraw. “Back to the longship, boys!” he shouted. He then jumped back to his ship, followed by Ban and other surviving pirates.
Balefire and another crewman followed them!
The wounded crewman who had been lying on the deck of the longship, feigning death, now tried to rise from his prone position. Unfortunately, he didn’t see the pirates nearby, who spotted him attempting to rejoin the melee and promptly killed him.
From the Desperate Venture, Thurl took position on the starboard aft rail, and shot Ban with his crossbow, wounding him. “I can beat that!” said Strife, finally emerging from the hold. He drew his bow and shot the pirate officer in the back. “Die, pirate dog!” cried the ranger as Ban fell dead to the deck of the longship.,
On the longship, a pirate slashed Kronk with a two-handed scimitar blow that staggered the adventurer. Lipot rushed Kronk’s crewman companion and ran him through with his rapier. As the crewman fell, Lipot turned toward Kronk. “You’re next, orc!” cried the pirate.
“That’s half-orc to you!” replied Kronk.
At the stern of the longship, the pirates’ woman wizard still tried to keep out of the melee. But a crewman swung on her anyway. She managed to avoid the blow, but her anger was kindled like a fireball!
Now a crewman shot at one of the pirates menacing Balefire. His shot scratched the raider. Not enough. The pirate stepped to Balefire and swung his scimitar. The blow connected. Balefire shrieked. Blood spurted from a huge gash. The rogue fell dying to the deck!
A hand reached over the port rail of the Desperate Venture. Captain Elwood had finally managed to climb the rope and get back on board ship! The other crewmen remained in the river, still trying to follow him.
Arya rushed to the dying Balefire. She administered a healing potion to the rogue. He opened his eyes. “Don’t move!” Arya ordered. “If you insist,” replied Balefire weakly.
On the longship, the pirate’s wizard pointed her finger at the crewman who had so cravenly attacked her. “My name is Virág! Remember it!” she shouted. Her flaming sphere struck the crewman, and he burst into flame. “Oh, that’s right,” said the furious wizard. “You won’t remember it. You’ll be DEAD!” And dead he was. He fell to the deck, clothes ablaze.
The flames spooked Kronk, who promptly jumped ship, into the river! “Kronk scared of fire!” the half-orc sailor exclaimed.
As flames spread from the dead crewman’s burning body, Arpad assaulted another crewman. “Grab the oars, boys!” he ordered. He slashed the crewman with his scimitar. The severely wounded man swung back, wounding Arpad in return. An arrow grazed Arpad’s hat, as a shot from a crewman aboard the Desperate Venture went amiss.
One of the surviving pirates drew his scimitar and slashed at a line grappling the two ships together, His blow severed the rope. A crewman’s arrow wounded him in the process. Strife’s shot did further damage, but the pirate remained on his feet.
From his ship, Pelleas directed an electric jolt at Arpad, shocking him. The pirate captain was now barely able to remain standing.
A second pirate managed to cast off the second grappling line. The crippled longship was freed! It began to drift downstream from the Desperate Venture. Other pirates took to their oars.
Lipot wasn’t satisfied merely to escape. He assailed the crewman who had wounded Arpad. “Arrr!” he cried as he pierced his foe with his rapier. The crewman gasped and slowly dropped to the deck. Dead!
“Captain! Drink this!” urged another of the pirates as he rushed to Arpad’s side. The pirate leader took the offered healing potion and quaffed it, then steadied himself and issued further orders. “You’re a good man,” he told his underling.
Captain Elwood, seeing the longship beginning to put disance between it and the Desperate Venture, ordered his ship to come about and pursue the pirates. But then he spotted Kronk, as well as several other crewmen, still in the river. “Belay that order!” he cried, reconsidering his course of action. “Retrieve those men!” he ordered.
From the fleeing longship, the flaming sphere that had destroyed one of the crewmen now sped toward the Desperate Venture! Virág screamed wildly as she directed the sphere. But Pelleas answered with a gust of wind that blew the sphere away. And as a side effect, sped the longship further away down river.
“Here’s a good-bye present!’ exclaimed Arya. She loosed an arrow at the longship, striking the pirate who had slashed the first grappling line. He went down! Fortunately for him, one of his fellow pirates quickly provided him with a healing potion, and he was able to return to his oar.
A soaked Kronk climbed back aboard, followed by the remaining crewmen who had gone overboard. “Uhh . . . did we win?” he asked.
“We’re still alive, and they’re running away,” said Captain Elwood. “So, I’d say yes.”
It was a costly victory. Five of the ship’s crew had been killed; two of the fallen remained on the longship and could not be retrieved for proper burial. The pirates had suffered even higher casualties, with five dead aboard the Desperate Venture, and several more on the longship. A search of the bodies turned up numerous healing potions and elixirs of swimming, as well as weapons and armor. And over four hundred gold coins. Ketite greatshields.
“I knew it,” said Captain Elwood. “And they were speaking Ancient Baklunish, which I know.”
“They had Ketite names as well,” added Thurl.
The captain ordered the ship to drop anchor at the nearest safe location, so that repairs to the rigging could be made. It took the rest of the night and most of the next day to make the vessel seaworthy again.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)