After Osric and Zelik decided to pass on further investigation of the complex under the temple in Hewflore, Zephyros decided to focus on getting various other errands completed so he and his apprentices could relax in Taygle’s End and study in Garnier’s library. Before leaving town he stopped in at the Hewflore curiosity shop where he sold the Rod of Chains. As it turned out the patron was also interested in the Horn of Sea Summoning. The 5,000gp he sold it for would cover all the upcoming research; his mind was already working on the Summon Hero spell he hoped to master.

While in Hewflore he gathered his men, Ansger, Athelwine, Xenocrates, Henryk, Dudda, Wilburg and Cenwulf. “Men, please spend what remaining time we have here in Hewflore by preparing yourselves for the work we have before us. Go to the smiths and procure fine weapons and armor. Pick up supplies such that you are prepared to survive in the wilderness and in the darkest of caverns, for we know not where will be off to next, but you can be rest assured it will not be in the comfort of an inn. Xenocrates and Dudda, I appreciate your leadership in the ways of harvesting components from the creatures we encounter. Let’s please pass this knowledge onto Cenwulf and Wilburg while they also study the ways of healing, such that we can together we can pursue the craft of transmogrification and crossbreeds. In time we will develop our laboratory and library where we can perfect the craft. Additionally, I have collected a great list of spells for us to study together and expand our grimoires, so after we are done scribing we will agree on which spells we will retain in memory to benefit the Tarchoony Brotherhood. Once we have gathered everything we need, let us prepare the boats for departure to Taygle’s End.”

Once in Taygle’s End Zephyros caught back up with Garnier. “Ever heard of the ‘Horned Society?’ ‘Scarlet Brotherhood?’ No? Mmm. You don’t want to. You do? Well, I’m telling you that you don’t. Bad news, Zephyron, er, Zephrykos. Er? What’s your name again? Haha. Just joking.”

Zephyros replied, “Well Garnier, I have much to learn from you it seems. I’m afraid I’m not from these parts, remember what I told you about the portal, so you have me at a disadvantage with respect to the ‘Horned Society’ and the ‘Scarlet Brotherhood.’ Please enlighten me so I can be careful not to offend the wrong person during my travels.”

Garnier’s eyes narrowed and his face took a stern visage. “Zephyros, they seek mages like yourself; offer them power, greatness all in the name of chaos. It’s a dark path son, one you must avoid.”

“What do they do if you decline to join them?” asked Zephyros.

“You end up six feet under,” retorted Garnier.

“Ah I see, well I’m but a simple ship’s captain, I only dabble in the arts,” Zephyros said with a smile.

“I’m afraid you’ll need to do better than that Zephyros, word of your exploits has traveled farther then you think. Prepare yourself. And if a wise man may pass on some wisdom, stay on the path of law and order Zephyros.”

“Aye Garnier, I appreciate your wisdom. One more question, do you think these two groups are recruiting so heavily because of the threat of war? Another war of the wands if you will?”

“You’re a thoughtful man Zephyros, those are my thoughts as well,” answered Garnier.

Much was discussed over the weeks spent together researching in Garnier’s library. As it turned out Zephyros’s first research project was a failure. The only good news is that he knows the information that is needed for Summon Hero is not contained within Garnier’s library, so he will be keeping an eye out for some books on the subject of summoning. Aside from that, the scribing, learning and memorizing of the new spells went well for Zephyros, Xenocrates, Cenwulf and Wilburg. The spell signatures for his new spells are as follows:

Fireball – A trireme appears over the right shoulder of the caster and the catapult on its bow fires upon command a small pea-sized glowing orange ball. Upon reaching the target it bursts into a huge ball of fire, similar to that used in naval warfare.

Slow – This spell is very subtle, in that no visual component is noticed, safe that upon completion of the final word time stands still for an instant for all those around the caster. The next moment time returns to normal for all of those except those targeted and they see the world passing them much faster, although in reality they are acting slower, it’s just how our minds work.

Skinchange – Upon completion of the final word, having already decided which animal the caster wished to turn into, there is a slight whoosh sound along with a puff of black mist which immediately dissipates as the caster takes the new form. Should the caster change form again the whoosh and black mist occur again. There is no distinguishing the animal form from that of the real thing, in fact it is real, or is it?

Back in Hewflore, Osric finds some time to continue his journal
After we made it back to Taygles End with the good news I could already feel how the breaking of the curse of the Frog Cult improved the mood of the villagers. I have the feeling that with time and hard work the Makers parish could flourish here, serving as a beacon of light near these tainted wetlands.
I managed to have some long talks with Lady Astrid and while we certainly have our differences when it comes to punishment and rooting out cultists who still follow the cult despite being no longer possessed I think she is a good person. I will, given the Metropolitans blessing, become the spiritual advisor of her domain, teacher of the local study and will be granted the now empty monastery with the surrounding meadow. While we had to wait for some of our wounded companions the recover I took the chance to burn the wicked books of the monastery in a small celebration following a service before the study in Taygles End. We have to work hard to stamp out any remains of the cult!
When finally travelling back to Hewflore I really started to notice the change in Cowal, the fake teacher and our prisoner. He seems very sullen and probably ponders about his deeds while under the spell of the frog daemon but he can be thankful that its not my place to bring him to proper judgement as I will hand him over to the church in Hewflore. What concerned me also was an attack by river pirates, not just because we lost a former henchmen in the foray but also because brother Zelik noticed that some of them seem to be under the same spell as the villagers before. Do the local pirates work together with the cult? A very troubling thought…
Today I handed over Cowal but it seems he was deemed redeemable… The Maker truly works in mysterious ways. Though the good news is that I was asked by Yuric the Elder to take over the parish in Taygle’s End, a task that I gratefully accepted!
I will now visit Ralf d’Arcy again, he seemed troubled about riff-raff skulking around his church and strange noises in the night.

We’ll sing a song, a soldier’s song
With cheering rousing chorus
As round our blazing fires we throng
The starry heavens o’er us
Impatient for the coming fight
And as we await the morning’s light
Here in the silence of the night
We’ll chant a soldier’s song

Soldiers are we,
whose lives are pledged to Geatland,
Some have come
from a land beyond the wave,
Sworn to be free,
no more our ancient sire’s land,
Shall shelter the despot or the slave.
Tonight we man the gap of danger
In Maker’s cause, come woe or weal,
’Mid Beastman’s roar and church bell’s peal,
We’ll chant a soldier’s song

In valley green, on towering crag
Our fathers fought before us
And conquered ‘neath the same old flag
That’s proudly floating o’er us
We’re children of a fighting race
That never yet has known disgrace
And as we march, the foe to face
We’ll chant a soldier’s song

Soldiers are we (chorus)

Sons of the Maker! Men of Geatland!
The long-watched day is breaking
The serried ranks of steel
Shall set the beast a’quaking
Our camp fires now are burning low
See in the east a silv’ry glow
Out yonder waits the Reaving foe
So chant a soldier’s song

Soldiers are we (chorus)

(The song is an old Geatish melody. The words have changed slightly since the original was sung during the Dreaman conquest, to reflect its usage during the Reaving. However, it is still regarded as somewhat subversive, and is mostly confined to common folk and not well liked amongst Dreaman nobility)

“Yes, I too am looking forward to working with Thane Garnier and completing research together, updating our repertoires and giving Wilburg and Cenwulf the attention they need,” Zephyros said to Xenocrates. “I think we’ll head out maybe tomorrow, Osric and Zelik just had a little business with the church to deal with, apparently someone has disturbing one of the temples under the cover of darkness.”

“So we’re going to assist them this evening?” replied Xenocrates.

“Yes, that’s what I understand,” answered Zephyros. Later that evening the company gathered at a temple within the town. It had seen better days, certainly not receiving the full resources of the Makerites. While Osric spoke at length with the caretaker, Zephyros reminded his men what their role was here, “Now men, let’s be respectful while we are in the temple and remember, we don’t know who is interfering here, so let’s use our discretion. After all we are within Hewflore and are therefore subject to their laws and punishment. We’ll let Osric and Zelik sort this out and with some luck we’ll be on our way back to Taygle’s End soon.”

Later that evening a small group of men came into the temple and they were confronted by the Tarchoony Brotherhood. There was a brief altercation where one of the intruders was injured; fortunately aid was given right away. As it turns out the Hounds of Magos were the intruders, a division of the Makerites! Long and at times tense dialog ensued, but the company failed to establish any rapport with the Hounds, therefore the Hounds would not reveal what exactly their intentions were, although it was clear they had been excavating under the temple. The Hounds agreed to leave, but as they did they insisted that the Brotherhood not investigate their excavations. Needless to say as soon as they departed that was precisely what the Tarchoony Brotherhood did.

“What’s down there?” Zephyros asked, while peering over the shoulders of Osric and Zelic as they lowered a lantern on the end of a rope.

“There appears to be some water of what appears to be inside a green metallic tube, and what is that writhing mass?” Osric replied. The company’s curiosity took over and immediately plans were made to lower nearly everyone down, a few would stay behind to not only guard the entrance, but to provide advanced warning to the others should the Hounds of Magos return. Once the exploration team was lowered, the company made their way towards the sound of falling water. Soon they were at the end of the metallic pipe, which opened up into a deep chasm. On the opposite side of the chasm the other end of the pipe billowed out water. On the far side and just to the left of the flowing pipe there appeared to be a landing, with a few steps up to a doorway.

Burak spoke to one of his female companions, “Do you think you can make it over?”

She replied, “That’s what you pay me for, right?”

Burak answered, “Good answer, now we’ll put this rope around your waist and once you are on the other side spike it so we can assemble a rope bridge.”

“Got it!” she snorted as she scampered around the edge of the pipe clinging to the rock wall. After only a few moments she was safely to the other side and began connecting ropes to the stone wall. Osric was the first volunteer to go over, but after testing the ropes he decided to remove his armor first.

“I had better lighten the load, no sense pushing it.” Osric said as he removed his armor. The company tied a rope around his waist and to arrest a fall. After a brief prayer he inched across the chasm using the two-rope bridge. Once on the other side he investigated the door, its symbols and potential meanings. There was what appeared to be a fertility god dating back to the Tarchoony times, which would make this an ancient place. As more were preparing to make their way over suddenly Osric cried out, “Aaaaggggghhhhh! It has me!” A mass of sticky threads stuck to him and tried to pull him up into the darkness above, he narrowly escaped the attack by pulling off his shirt.

“Get archers into position!” Zelik yelled as he began tying a rope around his waist. Athelwine, Burak, and Dudda stepped up and began to fire at the contorted spiderlike mass, striking it several times. Moments later the female acrobat attempted to flee to the safety of the pipe with the rest of the companions by running across the single strand of rope.

A high pitched, “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww!” was the last the company heard of her as she fell to her death.

Zephryros completed his spell of magic missile; a small trireme jetted from above his shoulder to the creatures head, creating a small flash as it impacted it. Osric began to pray for sanctuary and was soon protected from further attacks, so the horror turned towards Athelwine, sending a single strand his way. He was hit, but it did not stick.

Another salvo of arrows and bolts erupted from the pipe, some of which made their mark onto the creature. But this time the creature’s web hit Athelwine and if were not for the quick actions of Burak he would have been pulled in. “I’ve got you!” Burak shouted as he pulled Athelwine around the edge of the pipe, which added tension to the web and reduced the spider’s leverage on the line. More companions piled on Athelwine to keep him from being pulled into the spider’s maw. Moments later another arrow pierced the creature end’s its miserable life.

“What the hell was that!” Zephyros yelled? “I’ve not seen anything quite like it.”

“A horror of the deep dark past, I’m afraid,” Replied Zelik. “Maybe the Hounds were right?”

“What do you think Xenocrates, will it have anything of use to us? Zephyros asked.

“Most certainly my liege, poison at the least, and I’m guessing more, but I have no way to access it I’m afraid,” Xenocrates replied.

“Nonsense, Dudda is an expert climber and is no stranger to gutting a deer,” Zephyros answered as he threw Dudda a wink.

“No problem at all boss,” Dudda snapped as he took off out of the pipe and up the wall towards the spider horror. As he neared it he could see the eyes and fangs of the creature, most terrifying really. As he was trying to remove the fangs and venom sac his foothold slipped and he nearly pricked himself. In the process of doing so he cut open the sac and ruined the contents. “Dammit!” he exclaimed.

The company all gathered back into the tunnel and collected their thoughts, “Osric what did you see?” inquired Zelik.

“There is a door with runes on it in what must be ancient Tarchoony script. There is a figure, like a fertility god with the top of a woman and the bottom of a man. They are holding a staff with what appears to be a pine cone on top. This must be an ancient religious place.”

“I thought the Hounds of Magos were Makerites,” snorted Zephyros in a sarcastic tone. “Why are they protecting this place?”

“So did I,” answered Osric, “So did I.”

“Well let’s get back to the entrance of the tunnel and consider our path forward. Clearly if we are going to investigate further we need to ensure we have the proper supplies for such a journey and we should only leave with full prayers and repertoires; the Maker knows we may need it,” stated Zelik. So the company moved back towards the entrance less one companion and with more questions then answers.

Only a few candles illuminate the Abbots chamber of the former Tychite monastery as Osric writes into his journal.
“Exhausting days lie behind us but we finally stood victorious thanks to the Makers guiding hand! I have forgotten how often we have assaulted these cursed caverns down below but after long last we finally found the dark heart of the cults home: A small island guarded by the wretched remains of the cult, undead frogs, cultists, some priests of this croaking menace and the centerpiece of local problems: An unholy statue of the frog daemon.
It tried to gaze into my soul as we reached the beach and showed me the endlessness of its empty promises but with a prayer on my lips and the Makers vow of silence on my shield the trickery had no chance to ensnare me and so we crashed into them like a tidal wave.
Our might and magic were no match for their wicked frog shades and idol witchery and so one by one they fell. Sadly two managed to escape with trickery and we could not chase them them down effectively in these dark tunnels they call home and they even managed to murder our companion Orhan after ambushing us!
After that we decided to destroy the frog idol with a blessing from the Maker after stripping it of its magical protection with the help of Yrics scroll and just take whatever we can and leave this evil place for good. Before we departed we made sure that nobody else can go back in by collapsing the entrance with the help of Henryk and a good fire.
Once we arrived in Rishton we noticed an immediate effect of our deeds, the people there lynched some someone who apparently was part of the cult and set his house on fire. Maker be praised!

My dearest Sarah,

I have awoken. In truth, I know not how I came to be here, nor even where “here” might be. I wish I could say that the darkness has lifted; but perchance it has merely dimmed. Ha! How can a darkness dim? What does darkness do – Lift? Retreat? Abate? Flee? A candle is enough to drive back the night; I pray that I have found such a candle.

There are still good people in this world, and I have found a bright knot of such folk. They risked themselves against the stain of chaos and corruption to free me, a stranger, from that fetid prison beneath the earth. Hurling themselves against the daemons with bright, reckless, fierce abandon! Oh, to see such light! It warmed me. Gladly I stood beside them, took up arms again and stood against the dark. I MADE something of myself again, Sarah, and it felt good. We, and it brings a warmth within me to say that inclusive word, WE, fought in the mud and slime against nightmarish abominations of scale and flesh. We found good, innocent folk and brought them forth from despair. With the Maker’s might, we destroyed the pervasive miasma that lay over the reeve and kindled a fire of hope again within the Geatings on the Marish!

And now, what? The company accept me amongst them. They know the land, and even the earthly lord here. Osric follows the maker with a fervour I sometimes admire; and sometimes, truth be told, fear. I can see in his face that Zephyros has suffered so much, but he has a sense of purpose that cannot be denied, and a strength to take us there. Where does the Maker lead them? I know not, but I sense him guiding our path. I will gladly take his hand once more.

Never again, Sarah, should you doubt. I will always hold true

Yours in his arms,

Zelik.

The following morning the company left for Taygle’s End. Osric spent most of the journey discussing future possibilities in Taygle’s End with Lady Ostryd. The company agreed that they could utilize the Monastery as a stronghold for the forces of The Tarchoony Brotherhood. Furthermore, as a reward for freeing her from the Frog Cult Dungeon Osric, Zelik and Zephyros were each awarded a land grant that should each yield 25gp per month. Lady Ostryd also left open the possibility for Osric to administrate the church and study within the town of Taygle’s End. Many more details were left to work out and time will tell what will come of these opportunities. Soon the town was on the horizon and Zephyros stated, “Men!” addressing his retinue. “Please accompany me to Thane Garnier’s residence so we may return his wand and thank him for his assistance.” While his men waited in the courtyard Zephyros requested admission and greeted Thane Garnier with a smile, “We were successful thanks to your help.”

“Ah, found the items useful?” Thane Garnier replied.

“Indeed, the potion of heroism and the scroll of minor globe of invulnerability helped turn the final battle our way. The wand also helped decide a pitched battle with a well-timed lightning bolt,” replied Zephyros. With that he handed the wand back to Thane Garnier, who smiled back at Zephyros.

“I had a feeling you would be victorious. Tell me more about the Frog Cult,” Thane Garnier requested. The two went into details describing everything from the creatures encountered to the layout of the labyrinth.

“What do you make of these?” Zephyros asked as he pulled out the three frog-shaped electrum amulets with three eyes of blue spinels and translucent topaz.

“Hrmmmm,” Thane Garnier uttered as he eyed the amulets warily. “I would like to study these if you do not mind, could I have them for a week.”

Zephyros answered, “Sure, just be careful they radiate evil. Also, we came across some spells during our adventure and I was wondering if you would like to trade with each other so we may improve our repertoires.”

Thane Garnier replied, “On a two for one basis, I’ll agree. We can perform the exchange here in my library.”

Zephyros began reviewing Thane Garnier’s spell book, “A very nice collection sir!” He took mental note of the spells including:

First Level: Burning Hands, Unseen Servant, Detect Magic, Chameleon, Magic Mouth and Ventriloquism
Second Level: Alter Self, Hypnotic Pattern, Necromantic Potence, Knock, Web and Detect Invisible
Third Level: Dispel Magic, Enervate, Gaseous Form and Skinchange

“Please begin your study of the amulets. Our company will be departing for Hewflore in a week, I’ll check back with you before we depart. Upon our return we’ll complete our exchange. Thank you for the opportunity, I am in your service,” Zephyros stated. Later that week Zephyros would meet back up with Thane who explained to him that the amulets were evil and appeared to the souls of the fallen. These souls appeared to charge the amulets to what end he did not know. Certainly the amulets are evil and could be destroyed with a Dispel Magic spell, that way the precious materials that made up the amulets could be sold without harm to the recipient.

The remaining time the company spent in Taygle’s End was administrative in nature. Zephyros paid and released Fionnbharr having taken an interest in Cenwulf’s intellect and potential for the craft. Fionnbharr requested to accompany The Tarchoony Brotherhood back to Hewflore, a decision he would later regret. The remaining henchmen of Zephyros were squared up with and all were eager to make it back to Hewflore to spend some of their hard earned cash. Zephyros asked Dudda, “Would you mind keeping an eye on the lad?” referring to Wilmar the abused lad discovered on the upper level of the Cultist Dungeon.

“Sure thing boss!” Dudda replied.

Zephyros went on to explain, “I can tell he looks up to you and he seems to show some potential in your line of work. Perhaps he’ll want to depart once we reach Hewflore, but considering he doesn’t have any parents and where we found him, he may just decide to accompany us. I’m ok with that assuming you don’t mind keeping him out of trouble.”

Dudda answered, “I know what you mean boss. I’ll keep an eye on the lad. He’s had a rough go thus far, it’s a shame. I think we’re as close to family has he’s got, so I’d hate to abandon him unless that’s what he wants to do.”

Zephyros sighed, “Very well.”

Zephyros also met with Nore of the Master Boater’s guild. Apparently trade has been abysmal considering both the cultists and the pirate menace. Both men agreed to discuss ways to open trade further in the area upon the company’s return to Taygle’s End.

After spending a week in Taygle’s End The Tarchoony Brotherhood loaded up their flotilla of fishing boats and canoes and started making their way to Hewflore. They followed the shoreline as recommended by both Athelwine and Zephyros. Camp was made the first evening along the shoreline. After starting a fire and cooking supper the company turned in. During the third watch Dudda heard something that alerted him; the snapping of a twig followed by a muffled curse. He nudged Henryk and pointed to the shore as he yelled, “To Arms!” Henryk grabbed a burning log out of the fire and threw it as hard as he could towards the approaching brigands, but alas the fire did not carry with it.

“We’ve been made!” exclaimed one of the pirates as they charged towards the party. Within moments a mad melee ensued. Henryk, Ansger, Fionnbharr, Haakon, Osric, Zelik and Altan attempted to make a line. But it was apparent the brotherhood was severely outnumbered; the line would not prevent all of the pirates from breaking through. The next rank consisted of Athelwine, Emyr, Gizim, Zephyros, Xenocrates, Dudda and six crossbowmen. Cenwulf, Wilburg, Godric and Wilmar were in the rear attempting to stay out of the fight entirely.

Fionnbharr let loose with a Weallack battle cry and charged forth deep into their ranks, impaling two of the pirates before he was lost in the sea of bandits. “Hold the line!” yelled Zelik. The first wave of enemies washed upon the front line of the champions, no more fell but Henryk and Osric were both injured. The front line of the Tarchoony Brotherhood gave better then they received, but they were being overwhelmed and pirates were getting through.

Godric and Gizim finished their light spells which illuminated the battlefield. The grim news was now apparent; the company was outnumbered three to one. As the archers let loose their arrows, Xenocrates finished his Summon Berserkers spell; three of them were destroyed before they could swing an axe. Zephyros was slashed with a sword causing him to lose his concentration, “Kill this one!” Zephyros exclaimed pointing to the pirate who had just slashed his arm.

A moment later a sword erupted through the pirate’s chest as Dudda emerged from behind the pirate, “I got you covered boss, don’t you worry!”

“Thanks Dudda!” Zephyros chuckled as he began casting again. Clearly The Tarchoony Brotherhood was in peril of being overrun, had The Maker forsaken them? Not yet, as the momentum shifted as the initiative was seized by the brotherhood.

The front line and archers erupted in quick succession creating a wave of pirate death the likes of which the poor raiders had never seen before. They went from outnumbering the company threefold to being less than even in mere moments. To add to their exposure Zephyros put a few under a Sleep spell and Xenocrates finished summoning more berserkers. The call to retreat came from the pirate leader only to be met with Osric’s booming voice, “Charge!” The pirate leader and sergeant ran down the shoreline as the remainder dropped their weapons and surrendered. Full pursuit was given with the Berserkers leading the way.

After closing the gap the pirate Captain was met in melee with the Berserkers who hewed into him like cord wood. As the company neared the skirmish the Captain disappeared into a fog like mist that we have seen before, his belongings fell to the earth and in the darkness the mist could not be tracked.

“He’ll leave this world the way he came into it, naked and crying!” Athelwine snorted as Dudda went through his belongings.

“Grab his belongings and we’ll burn what we don’t want, he’ll not make it out of here alive naked as a jaybird,” Osric added.

Upon returning to the camp Godric was beside the body of Fionnbharr who had a massive wound that had damaged his heart and lungs. He was cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding. “He’s going to need some healing prayers from The Maker Osric,” stated Godric. “He’s very close to death and if he does pull through I’m afraid he’ll never be quite the same.”

“Aye, his fighting days are over from the looks of it,” Osric replied as he knelt down and started praying for Fionnbharr.

Zephyros yelled, “Gather up all the useful items, strip the bodies and burn what we don’t need. Tie up the prisoners they are going to Hewflore with us. How many boats did they have? Anyone know?”

Dudda replied, “Six boss, nice ones too! Not those leaky fishing boats we got.”

Zephyros smiled, “Excellent, a Captain needs a ship, or at least so they say. Let’s get them ready to sail, we’re sitting ducks out here.” Within an hour The Tarchoony Brotherhood was on the water bound for Hewflore.

It didn’t take long for the company to make their way back to the giant frog statue – the apparent source of the evil. Zephyros stated, “So, what’s your plan Osric?”

Osric replied, “I need some time to contemplate.”

Zephyros answered, “More time?”

“With our Maker,” he retorted.

“Ah, very well,” Zephyros responded impatiently; obviously anxious to leave the mire complex. “Let’s have another look at those scroll cases Dudda while we’re waiting for our Maker,” he commented with a slight grin.

“I’d love to boss!” Dudda replied, as he cleared a spot on the beach and put down his cloak so he could sit more comfortably. “Ansger, would you mind holding your lantern over here, I need some light.”

Ansger answered, “If you’re looking for a steady hand, I’m afraid I’m not up to the task. Xenocrates, please take my lantern.” He stated with beads of sweat on his brow and quivers of chills rippled through his body. Xenorates took the lantern and held it in position for Dudda who began tinkering with the lock mechanism on the first scroll case.

“I’m very worried about Ansger.” Zephyros whispered to Zelik, “What do you think we should do?”

Zelik replied, “Only a pray from the Maker can relieve his suffering and I’m afraid that prayer is beyond our abilities.”

“Precisely, which is the reason why we need to get back to town quickly.” Zephyros stated sharply as his eye’s pierced through the back of Osric. “I won’t lose another friend today,” he muttered under his breath as he walked over to Ansger’s side. “Ansger, here sit down and rest.” He pointed to a nearby box next to the wall, “And keep hydrated,” as he fished through Ansger’s pack looking for a water skin to hand him.

“Thank you, m’lord,” Ansger replied as he sat down wrapping his cloak tightly around his body.

“How are you coming along Dudda?” Zephyros inquired?

“One of these is beyond my skill, but the other seems more worn. I think I see the pattern from its use.” Dudda replied as he manipulated the scroll case in the flickering lantern light. “There!” a brief click was heard as Dudda opened the end of the case. “What do you make of this boss?”

Zephyros grasped the scroll and held it to the lantern light and studied the script. “This does not appear to be an arcane spell, but perhaps a prayer scroll.” With a few strides he was at Osric’s back. “What does this say?” Zephyros asked as he held the scroll in front of Osric’s nose.

Osric furrowed his brow at Zephyros as he grabbed the scroll out of Zephyro’s hands. “It’s appears to be three prayers.” The frown disappeared from Osric’s face. “By the Maker! Our prayers have been answered!” He stood up and positioned himself directly in front of Ansger and started reciting one of the prayers off the scroll. A faint halo of gold could be seen forming over Osric’s head as waves of energy pulsed to his hands. Upon completing the prayer Osric’s hands were brilliantly glowing with a soft yellow light. He touched Ansger where he was bit with one hand and the other he placed on his brow. Ansger gasped for air and collapsed. Xephyros and Dudda helped his body fall prone. The pulsing energy was transferred to Ansger’s body; it rippled about and then shot into the air, disappearing into the darkness. “He’s cured!” Osric exclaimed. “Let him rest while we purge the evil from this statue.”

Zephyros shook his head with a beaming grin and snorted, “Osric you never cease to amaze me! Thank you!” Without hesitation Osric stepped forward to face the frog statue and began reciting another prayer. Balls of blue energy began swirling around his head; the pattern slowly grew to a maelstrom as a buzz of energy could be heard. He finished the prayer with, “By our Father I command thee!” The balls flew to the frog stature and swirled about it in every direction emitting a buzzing energy and at once they all burst into a bright pulse. At that same moment a crack could be heard as the statute shifted. “Our Father has answered our prayer! The power of the cult has been banished!” Osric exclaimed. Zelik stepped forward and pulled the cloak off the head of the frog.

“Look, the central eye has melted! Proof the Maker has answered our calling and is the one and only!” Zelik cheered. The statue had also cracked in half no longer serving as a vessel for evil.

“There is but one more step; the blessing of the Maker.” Osric stated as he began chanting another prayer. The heaviness of evil departed as Osric finished. Everyone within the company breathed a sigh of relief.

Dudda couldn’t help but notice the topaz eyes of the frog were still intact. “Boss, do you mind if I try and pry out those stones?” He asked.

“Great idea.” Zephyros replied. Dudda took his dagger and easily popped both gems free.

Having awoke from unconsciousness; Zephyros asked Ansger, “How are you feeling?”

“I feel great, but I do long for fresh air.” Ansger replied.

“Aye, I think we all do.” Zephyros stated. “Let’s get out of here.” Zephyros announced to the company. Over the next few minutes the company gathered their belongings and treasures. They then formed up and set about making their way to the stairs to the level above. “Henryk, please guide us through any areas we have yet to explore,” Zephyros requested.

“We go to the left then Captain.” He replied as the company wound around the shafts of the complex. Soon they were back in front of one of the pools on the upper level, one that had not been fully explored. “Get one of the boats up here,” Henryk yelled.

“Get in position!” Osric yelled as he noticed movement in the water. Altan stepped forward with Osric as Ansger and Zelik formed up behind them. Giant frogs could be seen crawling slowly towards the company attracted to the light and motion. Zephyros cast a spell of Ogre Power on Osric in an effort ensure the fight was brief. Within a few moments the frogs were within striking distance.

“Yahhh!” Altan roared as he dodged the first frog’s attack. Zelik took the opportunity to skewer the frog’s soft underbelly from behind Altan. It fell lifeless from his attack.

“Watch it!” Ansger yelled to Osric as the next frog coiled for an attack against him. Osric easily dodged the attack and responded with one of his own.

“Take that toad!” He cried as his mace fell soundly on the crown the frog’s skull. Ansger quickly assisted Osric with his spear and finished the frog off. After the brief encounter the company quickly brought the boats into position and searched to the West and then North, circling around to the East side as guided by Henryk. With no more areas to search the company moved to the entrance of the dungeon to discover their mules had been stolen. With the help of Henryk the company collapsed the entrance of the dungeon. The company then moved to the nearby Hamlet to check on the townsfolk and rest. As they arrived in town they noticed one of the buildings was on fire and the apparent owner was on lying lifelessly on the ground.

Zephyros made his way to the front, “What’s the matter he asked the nearest town person?”

“Ah well, a few of us have had enough of this fella’s antics.” It was clear to Zephyros that the fear that was present upon their first visit days ago was gone.

“Very well, he had it coming then.” Zephyros replied, “We wanted to advise you that the source of evil that was causing your hamlet trouble has been cleansed, so you should not experience any more strange behaviors from your people. All we ask is that we are able to rest up here this evening and that you please keep an eye on the cave entrance that we collapsed. If you see any signs of the cult returning to the area or the entrance being disturbed please send message to Taygle’s End and ask for audience with The Tarchoony Brotherhood.

“Aye, we will and please make yourselves comfortable. We’re appreciative of your help. We’ve had a very rough year. We will all be glad to put this time behind us,” The villager replied. The company made themselves comfortable and started discussing their plans once they reached Taygle’s End.

As far as Zephyros was concerned the sooner we left this mud hole the the better. Osric and Zelik were having an intense discussion regarding the frog statue. “It is very evil,” Zelik stated. “I can barely stand to be near it. How are we going to destroy it?”

Osric replied,“I don’t know for sure. I suppose we can attempt to purify it like the last one we discovered under the inn at Taygle’s End.”

“Bah, they’ll just make another one. Let’s just prop a canoe over the head of it and write a warning to others. We’re going to cave this place in anyway before we leave.” Zephyros interrupted.

“No, we must complete our mission,” Osric retorted.

“Very well, let’s come back to it later. We have some more exploring to do. You two can figure it out while we finish exploring the rest of the dungeon.” Zephyros responded. “Henryk!”

“Yes, my liege?” Henryk answered.

“Let’s review the map and plot our course.” Zephyros stated, eager to press on. “There! We haven’t finished investigating the area near the stair to the upper level.” The company formed up, with Osric, Zelik, Ansger, Altan and Athelwine in the lead element. It wasn’t long before they were in new territory, but not much changed, the way was wet, muddy and cold. Osric stepped into a small room off the tunnel.

“See another empty room,” Osric mumbled before suddenly being assaulted by what appeared to be a giant spider frog abomination. He quickly reacted by raising his weapon, but those around him were not as quick on their feet. “Die creaton!” he yelled as the fiend hissed under the blow. Ansger and Zelik joined the fight, but the creature was evasive.

“Aaaarrrrraaahhhh, it got me!” Ansger yelled as the creature’s fangs bit into his arm. Luckily for him although the fangs did wound him, they only tore the flesh and failed to deliver venom. A few moments later the spider would be hanging limply from the end of Ansger’s spear.

“Where did it come from?” Zelik asked Osric.

“From the rafters.” Osric replied.

“Surely, this thing has been here a while. I wonder if it has a nest up there.” Zelik commented as Zephyros pushed his way forward.

“Yes, it must have a lair up there. Dudda, will you please investigate?”

“Are you sure there is only one?” Dudda asked.

“Yes, they are solitary creatures.” Zephyros replied confidently. At that Dudda scampered up a nearby post to gain access to the landing.

“Yep there is a lair up here. There are bodies, they are…well look for yourself.” Dudda pushed the corpses off the landing onto the floor below. The nearby members of the company searched for loot as Dudda made his way down. After a few moments Dudda muttered, “Here’s something, in the belt, a gem and a few coins. Better than nothing.”

“Great work, let’s press on.” Zephyros commanded and with that the column marched onward, through the area where Orhan met his fate and the cultist zealot escaped. A small tunnel bent off to the left and the lead element of the party moved down the corridor. They eventually came upon a room, the floor covered with mud, there was a platform with a chest upon it.

“Nothing is this easy.” Zelik commented.

“Yes, let’s investigate, no one touch the chest,” Osric shouted. “Get the rogues up here!” Dudda and Gizzim made their way up to the front and started to look around.

“I don’t see anything special about the chest, do you Gizzim?” Dudda muttered.

“No, nothing peculiar about the chest.” Gizzim responded.

“Now you hold your tongue and don’t move a muscle.” Henryk warned. “Up there, see that column? It is supporting something in the ceiling above and is bound in new metal cladding. It is out of place here.”

“Ah yeah, I see it now.” Dudda replied.

“Everyone out of here!” Henryk stated firmly.

“Not so fast” Osric said calmly. “Let’s lasso the chest and pull it from a safe distance down the hallway.”

Zelik shrugged, “That may work.” After several minutes of preparations the rope was ready.

“There got it!” Osric yelled. “On the count of three, everyone pull. One! Two! Three!” There was a loud popping sound from the platform, but nothing else.

Zephyros pushed up to Osric, “What the hell is going on? Henryk just told me this is a giant trap. We’re going to cave this whole dam place in on us. Listen, Xenocrates can summon some men to Bremmen to help us. Let’s evacuate to the main hall.” With that the party fell back.

Moments later Xenocrates finished his spell and four Bremmen warriors appeared in front of him. “You two, go down the tunnel, there is a chest. Open the chest and bring the treasures to me.”

“Yes master!” They replied as they ran off chanting a Bremmen war tune. It wasn’t but a minute later that the entire dungeon shook and rumbled.

“Good catch Henryk!” Cheered. “We won’t be seeing those two again. Let’s continue moving. There is only one are left now.”

After what felt like a mile in the labyrinth the company came upon a room with a pool. In the pool were creatures that were operating a rope like contraption with buckets. These buckets were going upward apparently to feed water to the upper portion. The creatures did not stir as the company approached. “Halt!” Osric ordered as he raised his hand. “Xenocrates, send the warriors up to investigate.”

“You heard him!” Xenocrates shouted.

“Aye!” Replied the Bremmen warriors as they sauntered near the edge of the water.

“Zombies!” Osric yelled, as he started a prayer of banishment.

“Attack!” Zelik cried as the party advanced. The zombies stopped what they were doing as the party advanced upon them. A Bremmen warrior collapsed under the undead assault as it leapt forward and smashed Zelik. Osric’s prayer was ineffective.

Arrows rained down from Athelwine, Altan and Gizzim, bringing a zombie down. Soon after the other Bremmen warrior smashed a zombie down. “Yaaaahhhhh!” Osric yelled as he relieved Zelik in the front. Smashing a zombie in the face.

Hot with a fever contracted from the vermin fought hours ago Ansger summoned his energy to deal a fatal blow to the last zombie. “Take this!” He yelled as the spear bit into the zombie releasing a brilliant energy which filled the room light a flash of lightening. “Help, I’m blinded!” Ansger cried as he began swinging the spear wildly.

“Calm yourself Ansger! Osric exlaimed. “They are all finished. What caused that flash of light. Was that the spear?”

“Aye, it must have been.” Ansger replied. Moments later his vision was restored. “An amazing weapon this is, I think I’ll be more prepared for it next time.”

Zephyros cleared his throat, “Well according to Henryk’s map we’ve investigated everything on this level. So, let’s search these creatures and make our way back to the frog statue. Hopefully you two have made up your mind by now,” Zephyros stated as he smiled at Osric and Zelik. “Let’s hurry, I’m concerned for Ansger, this climate is not good for his condition.” With that the company marched on, with a sense of haste as everyone was eager to leave this den of evil.

Dudda, Athelwine and Gizem took positions in the statue room to the South, which was the same direction the vanguard went in pursuit of the retreating cultists. Henryk would also support the line while Godric would shed light onto the front. With Dudda and Gizem in the shadows, Zephyros anticipated that the company would not be surprised by a counterattack from any remaining cultists.

With the front line secured Zephyros bellowed, “Quick, let’s search the corpses and surrounding areas for loot. There is no telling how much time we have.” He made way to the area where one of the cultist leaders transform into a mist like cloud while his equipment fell to the ground. “That must have been a potion of gaseous form,” he thought to himself. After what seemed like an hour of exhaustive searching the company gathered all the treasures into one pile. The spoils included several wondrous items, coin and gems worth thousands of gold. “This is our best haul so far!” Zephyros concluded as a large smile beamed across his scarred face. The wondrous items included a pair of boots, horn, satchel, two rings, two scroll cases and four potions. Zephyros asked Xenocrates, “What do you make of them?”

Xenocrates spent some time looking over them and replied, “The satchel is connected to another dimension which allows the user to store more items within it then the apparent volume could contain in this dimension. The horn appears to be able to summon a water elemental. One of the rings is enchanted with protective powers. One of the potions will cause the imbiber to fall under the control of the next person they see, if that person is of the opposite sex the effect will be quite powerful. As for the boots, second ring and other three potions, I’m afraid I do not recognize them.” As Xenocrates was beginning to look over the two ivory scroll cases he was interrupted.

“Enemies are here!” Athelwine shouted from the South as he fired an arrow at the shadowy figures. The company would soon learn that the vanguard was pushing several rodent-frog scavengers into the rest of the company as they returned from their pursuit. Between the two forces the scavengers were destroyed, but not before Ansger would receive a nasty bite on his lower leg that would leave him with a potentially fatal disease.

“Osric what happened!” Zephyros cried as he sprinted to Orhan’s corpse.

“Orhan fearlessly led us in pursuit of the cultist leader, he tracked his every movement and right into an ambush. He was overwhelmed by the frog men and has perished,” he said as he bowed his head. “May the Maker have mercy upon him.”

“Did you kill their leader?” Zephyros asked.

Grinding his teeth Osric replied, “No, we were very close, but he fled into the darkness and without our tracker we were unable to pursue further.” Zephyros demeanor changed as his complexion flushed red.

“These spineless cowards deserve a fitting end, hopefully we will have an opportunity to finish them, but sadly I expect they are well on their way out of this place. I’m glad you and the others are safe Osric. What do you say about gathering the treasures we have thus far, quickly searching the areas we have not thoroughly investigated and not delaying our return to Taygle’s End any longer than necessary? I’d like to see if we can help our friend Orhan and Ansger is complaining of a fever since being bitten by one of the scavengers. I’m afraid if we spend much more time here the darkness may take more of us.”

A few feet away Xenocrates stated, “These scroll cases are most interesting. They appear to have some sort of protective lock on them. I’m not exactly sure what would happen if the combination wasn’t right and one tried to open it, but my guess is it would not be good. Dudda, you’re good with locks and traps, why don’t you have a look?”

“You just got done saying that opening it with the wrong combination would not be good.” He retorted.

“Just have a look is all, humor me.” Xenocrates replied as he handed him the scroll cases. Dudda fidgeted with the symbols that slid into different positions.

“I agree with your assessment and on one of them I see a pattern, that would be my guess at the combination.”
The case opened when and a scroll was revealed.

“Let me see that.” Xenocrates asked. Dudda hastily handed him both scroll cases. “These aren’t words of power in any language I know, they appear to be blessings. Osric take a look.”

Osric smiled as he looked over the blessings, “The Maker be praised! We have not only the means to cure disease and dispel magic, but also the power to restore life!” He immediately kneeled in prayer and was joined by the other acolytes within the company. A peace washed over the company.

The minor globe of invulnerability that Orhan cast was fading just as the last of the cultist strongmen including the cultist that took a gaseous form and the shadow being fled through a concealed wicker door to the South of the beachhead. Osric rallied the men on the beach to pursue them, this included Zelik, Ansger, Orhan, Altan, and several summoned Bremen. I stayed behind with a couple of the Bremen warriors I summoned to organize the remainder of the company that was on the other side of the lake, the first half of which were just boarding the two boats.

One of the men who aiding the cultists was in the process of recovering from the mind control he had been under. He introduced himself as Haakon, a Bremen warrior. He quickly gathered up his belongings, donned his armor and headed after the group in pursuit of the Cultists. The first of the boats landed on the shore including Xenocrates, Athelwine, Lady Ostrid and several others. As we sent the boats back empty for the remainder of the company, I directed the summoned Bremen warriors to pursue the vanguard and aid them. I began to doubt the wisdom of the decision to split up and I hoped my friends would not fall victim to one of the Frogmen’s Traps.

As the second half of the company boarded the boats and started making their way over. The rest of us secured our position on the beach, made flame for our lanterns and surveyed the battlefield. I thought to myself, “What should we do? Attempt to pursue and risk getting lost or separated in the labyrinth? Should we gather the loot, after all that was the reason many of us were here?”

My thoughts were broken by Henryk disembarking one of the boats, he exclaimed, “There were at least two of them buggers on the other side Zephyros. They threw a dam snakelike creature at me! The darn thing latched onto my leg! I hate snakes!”

I smiled at him and said, “That makes two of us, I’m glad you’re alright friend and thanks for keeping the rear guard. Now let’s form a line while the others gather the loot left behind by the cultists.” I muttered under my breath, “If we make it out of here we may as well have something to show for it.” I looked around, “Dudda, where are you?”

“Here I am boss!” he said with a smile as he emerged from the shadows, “what do you need?”

“I’ve got a little job for you,” I whispered as he drew closer.

I still don’t know why I agreed to help this horse-headed Monstrosity who calls itself “Agapetos”. So it and it’s village were lucky enough to hear the word of the Maker and he even ended up getting rescued by us from these snivelling Widdigmen: He should be eternally grateful but now he somehow expecting that we risk our lives and spend our meager resources to rescue the whole tribe as well! We all have seen what the four armed giants are capable of! We would need a small army and siege weapons to have any chance of annihilating a whole village full of them!
Why have I agreed to help? It was Zephyros idea of course… His ideas and proposals always sound great when he utters them, oh yes, but a day later and I often start to wonder. Luckily his ideas are usually good after all but sometimes I wonder. He sure has a way with words…

---

Upon reaching the town of Carlton the group quickly locates the local Maker’s House to get rid of the curses currently hanging over Osric and Urien in exchange for the destruction of some of the unholy jewelry the group has found.
After that Osric allows himself a short respite while sitting outside of a tavern, enjoying a refreshing watered down ale and watching the townsfolk pass by while writing into his diary.

“We discovered tracks near the tunnel exit leading away from the monastery but we had to rest and recover first. Besides this gives our men a chance to celebrate and me a chance to preach the Makers word. I have to admit that I was surprised about how many attended the mass and some even thanked me afterwards, maybe not all is lost for Taglyes End.

We followed the tracks from hidden tunnel northwards and ended up at Rish Hill with an somewhat hidden entrance into the depth. There we spotted some strange figures in the bushes. We boldly confronted them and they quickly retreated. We couldn’t follow their tracks in the thick underbrush of the hills so we went back to the gaping hole where the footprints of the cultist led us. Its not far from a thorpe called Rishton and I guess we will see if they were not aligned with these vile demon worshipers and on their way to get reinforcements. So far so good but be have to hurry.

The steps leading down into the hole looked treacherous so we tried to advance slowly but our torches gave us away and they were prepared. Vicious incantations assailed our senses while we had troubles getting footage on these slippery steps. Only after our own mages called in ancient warriors we could advance into the cavern where a bloody battle began. Even one of these four armed giant was fighting for the cult but we managed to put him down thanks to a spell and slay him before he could cause any serious damage. We did our best to keep up the pressure as even more emerged from below. I could barely hold the line with these visions visions but thanks to some well placed shots these mages could be kept in check and we barely managed to keep the upper hand after entangling some armored frog monstrosity. We managed to kill most of them in the end but some of them escaped and Boguslaw ended up badly hurt.

We took from from them what we could scavenge but didn’t dare to pursue them deeper into their tunnels. We went back to the Monastery to recover but I left Emyr back to spy on them for before heading back to the monastery as well. I trust that he will bring back vital information’s about the coming and going.

We decided to go to Carlton to get rid of the curses but before we could depart two messengers arrived at our gates. The owner of the large mansion on the other other side of the road apparently wanted to have a chat with us. We not only seemed to share a large amount of caution but also a common goal in the eradication of the cult. The thane Garnier seem to be a seasoned warrior who clashed blades with the cult before but injuries, age and dwindling resources seem to put a dampener on his efforts to oppose the cult. His report of the cults influence dampened my mood considerably though, apparently the Cult spread into other nearby villages already! The only hope now is to strike hard and try to scatter and weaken them by destroying their main sanctuary under the hills before rebuilding a strong presence of our faith in Taygles End to act as a beacon of hope. This should give us some time to hunt down the remnants and drive this perverse frog idolatry deep into the swamp again. This is not something that can be left for others to sort out though, that is something I have to do myself! I have to take over the parish of Taygles End and secure the support of Lady Ostrid for that. We will see if Garnier will show support for that as well but for now he generously gave us some old artifacts for the promise to remove the cult from Taygles End. With them we departed finally to Carlton.

Our next assault ended with more bloodshed then I hoped Urien was slain by the cultistsand poor XXX was crushed b, a huge snake when trying to rescue Emyr who got bitten as well. We foumd fake doors guarded by slime, a storage room, two underground lakes (one with huge but so far peaceful frogs that we could cross with a raft), more cultists, widdig converts and a boy from the next village who was a slave of a cultist mage who has treated him very badly. His name is XXX and he wanted to accompany us to point out the mage when we encounter him. We also found stairs that go further down but ultimately we had to withdraw. I pray that the captives are still alive and well but pressing on might be our doom so we went back to the monastery to recover.

Osric finds a moment to pen a few words into his journal while Zephyros still discusses matters with Lady Osthryds household guards. “The Lady seems to be missing for quite a while now too and where much friendlier this time, probably also more desperate as they seem to know about the cult. Still, its a bit suspicious that they didn’t allow us to inspect all of their remaining soldiers…
The study didn’t hold any clues to where we could find our missing brethren and the lady but we found another statue of this foul frog abomination hidden away like a cowardly thief in a small side room of Cowalls abode. No religious texts could be found anywhere but we found a book with weird scribbling in it that makes ones head hurt.
There still seem to be some of the possessed in the town but they keep still for now after we clobbered their leaders and fellow cultists. The rest of the residents don’t seem to be too friendly either but I think not all hope is lost for this place. With a strong guidance and hard work this community could very well become a beacon of hope in this vile swamp. We will visit the monastery next and by the Maker, lets hope we find some holy water there.”

After massaging his bruised shoulder Osric continues his entry:
“More cultists was all that awaited us in the monastery.
At first everything seemed abandoned just recently as we made our way through the outbuildings. We found more of these mad scribbling in the study and copy rooms, the cult must have been busy here for a while it seems. We then were forced to scale the walls to gain access to the main building as the remaining cultists dared to show their face. Despite our disadvantaged position we managed to drive them back and get onto the roof without any loss. Climbing down into the cultist held garden seemed unwise so we bashed a hole into the roof to enter.
This was where the remaining cultists decided to press an attack and it was some righteous slaughter as we had to stand on the fallen to fight the crazed followers of the frog daemon! Most of them were ill equipped so we only sustained some bloody bruises while they were vanquished and hunted down to the last man.
We have not seen any traces of the monks so we have to search this whole place thoroughly for any clues.”

“We finally cleansed the monastery but this place opens up more questions then it does solve.”
Osric takes a deep breath while gazing into a candle flame thinking about what happened in the hours prior.
The monastery turned up more of these vile books and statues but no hints to the missing wardens, rulers or monks. After a long search a secret tunnel was found that wasn’t very deep but very long with many dug out rooms to each side. Some reminded him of animal pens and others were like empty storage rooms but there also was a grizzly hall full of tables with corpses. It must have been some sort of laboratory as many corpses showed signs of experimentation and amputations. The dead also decided to rise to nobody’s surprise but the resulting battle was a bloody affair.
The undead surrounded the group quicker then holy symbols could drive them back forcing the whole group to retreat and spike the doors after Osric held them off as long as he could. A counter attack was prepared and many a berserkers were called back from the other side to aid. Again the undead proved to be more then a match and only the clever use of an old scroll and the Makers holy might saved the day from becoming an utter disaster. Only Eirik the Axiomar suffered a grievous wound as one of the zombies torn his hand to shreds.
“I slowly wonder if these monks are not the ones to blame for this whole mess. I suspect that these books were used to convert or at least influence the people studying here before they were shipped off to the caves. The escape tunnel coupled with the experimentation chamber also makes one think. Was it a route to get out of the monastery in case of an emergency or was it to secretly enter without anyone else noticing? Who or what else was living down there?”

After the cellar was secured and the cultists were littering the ground bleeding, Osric finds some time to write into his journal:
Cowal and his cronies suffered a righteous defeat at our hands today! If the Maker wills it he will survive the journey back to Hewflore for further questioning…
At first t didn’t look too good, The self appointed teacher played it smart and tried to paint himself a humble servant that took up things in his own hands when noticing an empty study here in Taygle’s End. The infirmary and church didnt present us with any obvious signs and while he wasn’t too firm with his prayers he at least was more hospitable then the last time, probably because due to the armed men that were with us this time. I couldn’t find any hints that would reveal his true colors but luckily his fellow cultists weren’t so clever. They attacked my comrades in the tavern after trying to poison them and therefore sealing their own fate. Once I joined up to take a closer look at the Inn we also found a captured merchant (Who turned out to be a member of the frog cult) and an Axiomar named Eirikir before were attacked by Cowal and his goons in full force. Many of the guards, the smith and some other shady looking guys were trying to corner in the cellar while some frog-men abominations tried to rush out of the cavernous parts below.
While I was holding back theses foul beasts with the Makers might my brothers-in-arms butchered the rest of the cultists.
Unfortunately brother Cuthbert lost his arm in the scuffle.
With that done we had some time to explore the hidden parts of the cellar more closely. The only resistance we found were some of these frog abominations that we could keep from attacking us with the Makers might and a giant snake. I still have the feeling that some of the frogs managed to escape but even our elven and dwarven companions couldn’t find any secret hiding places or doors. The most important and terrifying thing we found was the statue of this frog daemon these madmen call their master. It was difficult even looking at it and had a large gem in its head. We lacked any tools to destroy this unholy sanctum so we have to see if we can get any holy water from the monastery or Froxhall.
After all that we were lucky to also capture the wife of the innkeeper. Eirikir sensed none of the infernal hatred that was abundant on the other cultists on her so Zephyros convinced her to cooperate with us. Seems like the cult drags potential members and captives down to some watery cave near the river where the influence of the daemon is strong enough to either posses or kill the new recruits. Maybe it takes a while before the cult can be sure if the newest members loyalty, at least this would explain why the merchant was still bound in one of the rooms of the inn. I really doubt this charade was some sort of ruse to trust him as we would have no reason to find him before we defeated the cultists in the inn.
Or next plan is to get the troops into the town and search the Study for any clues. We have to hurry though, not just because Warden Gee & Deacon Tostig might still be in the cults clutches but also because Lady Osthryd seems to have been captured and brought down to the caverns.

After a long break Osric picks up his journal again, flips to a fresh page and starts writing down:
Yric mentioned that two brothers who were investigating Taygles End have vanished. I bet this fake teacher there is responsible. We will put an end to that!
I visited the local Magonine friary today. I am surprised how young elder Bede is and wonder what deeds he done in the Makers name to already lead a friary at his age. We talked briefly and he was rather reserved but one of his position probably ends up with many hidden adversaries so I won’t hold that against him. It seems the death cult Fraegr mentioned is worshipping the daemon called “Orcus”, this swamp truly is a hive of scum and devilry!
I paid the sculptor a visit as well to see how the statue for the Study of Saint Tibba is progressing and instructed them to work on a few features some more. Saint Magos needs to looks as impressive as his deeds.

Osric continues writes into his journal while crossing the lake:
We departed from Hewflore to find evidence of the frog cult in Taygle’s End. With my mercenaries I doubt we will encounter any problems with the local lord. I have to admit that I look forward to hunt cultists again and cleaning out this rotten village will be a great first step to bring the Makers judgement into this foul swamp.
I should not forget to also find a chance to get more information about that Orcus cult. Maybe Colbert knows something? Maybe we can Visit Froxhall without resting there for a night, the prices they charge there should be considered robbery! I will better check up on Fraegr once we are back in Hewflore too, I haven’t seen him since he was with Zephyros and Xenocrates when we came back from our last expedition. I think he might know more about the cult.

As it turns out it was a good thing we decided not to torch the inn. As we investigated the upstairs we came across a couple prisoners. Eirikr was drugged similar to us in the same inn. As an Axiomar of The Maker, he’s a welcome addition to the company. The other gentleman claimed to be a merchant, but after trying to make his escape and evading our questions, we believe he is associated with the cult. The eyes seem to give it away. We decided to tie him up for now, perhaps he’ll end up being useful later. Anyways, we liberated quite a bit of loot in a few chests scattered across the inn and during our search we uncovered a trap door leading to the basement of the inn. Poor Dudda may need to find another profession, his ability to sniff out traps is in question after tripping two separate traps. Fortunately he is still alive. As for the trap door, I would have hesitated to enter such a place, but considering Osric and his followers met us at the inn, we figured we were strong enough to face whatever might be down there.

We went down a set of stairs into the basement and Orhan noticed footprints leading to a secret door on the far wall. Henryk and Ansger made short work of the door which led us to what appears to be several freshly dug shafts going several directions. The corridors are quite narrow and winding making it difficult to see very far. Henryk led the way to the far left passage and it wasn’t long before we came across the first horror. Three Frogmen were in a small chamber, they behaved almost like zombies. They had human bodies with a frog head. Their fingers ended in sharpened bone points and on their head there were two metallic plugs on either side which writhed in energy. They mouths had hundreds of sharp teeth. They had a furious attack which at one point caught Henryk off guard and seemed to paralyze him. Fortunately Eirikr was able to drag him to safety allowing Ansger to step in front of Osric and dispatch the front Frogman. Osric managed to summon the power of The Maker to keep the two Frogmen from advancing. When in this state they clasped the metallic plugs on either side of their head and howled. Ansger and Eirikr used this opportunity to dispatch the remaining Frogmen. I thought to myself, “Who is responsible for these abominations? Whoever he is, he is far more powerful than us and therefore we must be very careful how much further we venture into this place.”

We decided to retreat back to the secret room before the tunnels and rethink our situation. Plans were made to secure our position by defending the entrance through the basement. Dudda and a few others hid near the stairway into the basement. Meanwhile me and my men would hold up within the secret room itself, while Osric and a few others explored the tunnels. This way we could bar up the tunnels and only have to defend ourselves from one direction at a time or so we thought. As soon as Osric opened the door to the tunnels the prisoner screamed out something to his master giving Orhan just the excuse he needed to fill him with arrows.. Moments later the hatch to the basement opened and men with torches appeared. We were quiet as several of the men descended the staircase and entered the room. I motioned for Henryk and Ansger to charge. They quickly dispatched a couple of the men, but more were filling in behind them. I prepared a spell while I noticed commotion where Osric was entering the tunnels, apparently he had company. I completed the Summon Berserkers spell which allowed us to fill in our ranks within the basement. Similarly, Orhan raised a zombie using the scroll that was discovered recently. It was soon after that we realized that we were facing Cowel and his men. Henryk, Ansger, Eirikr, Boguslaw, Dudda, Cuthbert, the Berserkers and the zombie were cutting the enemy down. However, just as the tide seemed to be going entirely in our favor, Cuthbert met with Cowel only to be blinded by his magic, he then twisted around and was cut down by one of his sergeants. Orhan finished a sleep spell soon after allowing us to finish what they started and prior to that whatever creatures were assaulting Osric retreated back into the tunnels.

Osric’s men treated Cuthbert to the best of their ability, but he would never be the same. We immediately after sent the zombie in pursuit of the creatures in the tunnels, it was the last we would see of him. Moments later we assembled the bersekers with torches and sent them into the tunnel system ahead of Orhan and Eirikr. They came across a large constrictor type snake, that devastated several of our berserkers. Luckily they were able to finish the creature off. As they traveled further down the tunnel system we found evidence of the zombie’s last stand along with a dead giant viper. However, we were unable to locate where the frogmen had retreated to. The only unique object we came across was a large frogman statue that has a precious gem embedded into the head of the creature. Considering Eirikr sensed that it was evil, we must be cautious with what we do with this discovery.

The people of Taygle’s End are not known for their hospitality. They were cold the last time we passed through and now that we are back, little has changed. As soon as our company departed from the riverboats we were not surprisingly greeted with shuttered windows, barking dogs, and distant stares. I couldn’t believe that we were in the same town that we visited a couple months back, so much more decay, boarded up doors, broken windows and burned down buildings…something is amiss, perhaps there is something to this cult rumor.

After making our way to the church with a huge entourage of mercenaries, perhaps we could have been more tactful, we came to the door of the church courtyard which was barred. Orhan of course still a student of human cultural norms, jumped the fence and opened the door just in time for us to hear, “Halt!” We were met by the town watch and shortly thereafter Cowal appeared from the rectory. Not surprisingly, Osric did not hide his reason for being here and so the game was on, so we would learn. Words were exchanged and Cowal eventually settled Osric down and we behaved according to their plan when our company decided to split up, with our mercenary troop and a few of our trusted followers setting up camp in the caravan yard to the North of town. Osric and the other Makerite clergy would enjoy dinner with Cowal, while Orhan and I would enjoy dinner at one of the inns. Did we fall for the bait, or did they?

The inn was nice enough, while I found it unusual that the innkeeper was as polite as he was, considering the welcome we had just received. It was also strange that there were so many locals present, with the town so run down and obviously on hard times how can these folk afford to eat at the inn? The pieces were fitting into the puzzle. I was part way into my fish dinner, which was lovely by the way, when my vision narrowed and I felt ill. I looked around the rest of the table and puzzled looks were on everyone, as Dudda plowed his face into the plate of quail. Poison was coursing through our veins…knowing the trap was sprung, I rose up and demanded to see the cook, who was observing us from the doorway into the kitchen. The innkeeper rushed towards us and insisted that the rest of the patrons help us, that was when I started muttering the incantations for a spell that would entice them all into slumber. Xenocrates and Orhan mirrored my actions while Henryk raised his axe and Anger drew his sword, what would fate decide?

All at the same time three townsfolk assaulted me, I avoided their blows as I finished the final syllable of my sleep spell. The room dimmed as a vaporous horn appeared in front of me, I blew into it as a cloud of smoke drifted into the crowd of commoners. Six collapsed into sleep, but not before one struck Xenocrates. He finished his incantation simaltaniously, a swirling opaque fog appeared just in front of him and a Brimman horn could be heard all around us, figures appeared in the fog, screaming battle cries as they charged forth. At the same moment Orhan was struck by the cook opening a light wound in his arm disrupting his spell. Ansger made a double swing removing the arm of a farmer that was assaulting me and followed through with a deep gash into the cook. Not to be outdone Henryk disemboweled the innkeeper and with a step forward removed the head off the cook. “Well that escalated quickly,” I thought to myself as Xenocretes ordered the berserkers to finish off the sleeping townsfolk.

I gave orders to bar the doors and prepare oil to burn down the inn. This would be the distraction we need to disrupt the town and save our friends at the church. Henryk barred the front door first and then moved through the kitchen to secure the rear door. Orhan checked the bodies of the fallen, noting the cook’s dagger appeared to be of fine make and was carrying a poison on the blade. Ansger attended to Dudda making sure he was going to be alright, he began to vomit, which was a good sign. I began to pull oil from my pack.

Orhan, the level headed one said, “Hold fast! We know not who is upstairs, the men we are looking for could be up there for all we know.”

“The doors are barred!” exclaimed Henryk.

“You’re right Orhan, let’s search the rest of the inn. Ansger and Henryk form up! Xenocrates get the berskerkers in formation. We’re sticking together.” I thought to myself, “I hope Osric and the others aren’t in peril, we have to get to them quickly.” The warriors formed up and we began pressing upstairs…

It was so relaxing to be able to take up residence in Hewflore for the last month. Xenocrates and I have spent most of the time studying new spells. I could have easily made it two months had I the resources. It would seem we are well prepared for our next adventure. I need to find another apprentice soon, as I have capacity to help another learn the craft. I will keep an eye out for someone that shows promise.

The idea of ridding the pirate menace in the area does appeal to Orhan and I, but that doesn’t appear to be the root cause of the economic decay in the area and perhaps it is best that we don’t help out too much, too fast. That is until we are able to capitalize on the opportunity ourselves. After all with the pirates gone, who has the most to gain? Not us. In order to capitalize on the opportunity we must have our own trade network established and now is a good time to do that with the pirates being in the way. Perhaps we can not only create new trade, but can also collect the bounties. What if these pirates are nothing more then retired traders gone rogue due to the economic decline. I wonder if they will go back to their old ways if given the opportunity to do so? Maybe some of them would be willing to do so for us?

Even though I said some strong words to him, I do feel some obligation to help Osric out on his mission in Taygle’s End. After all, he’s been such a fine and trusted companion and to have the church sweeten the deal by help identifying the purpose of the Rod of Chains, well that was most unexpected. There is something that is curious to me about this cultist phenomenon, how deep does it go? Are we meddling with the affairs of some very powerful people? We best be careful and that word is not in Osric’s vocabulary, it is a good thing I am accompanying him.

Although I am sad to see Guilbert go, it brings a smile to my face to know that he will have a secure future keeping our residence in Hewflore. Looking back on it a lot has changed since our beginnings. Tibalt left some time ago, I wonder what he is up to? Maurice met his fate in the Widdigmen Lair, such a brave lad. And now Oswald is leaving to pursue other interests. Some old friends have returned to seek riches with us including Ansger and Dudda. We also have some fresh faces including Cuthbert, Boguslaw, Fionnbharr and Wilburg, that have decided to join the company. So, all in all, I am excited about our prospects, but I feel we could use a commander for our warriors, with Maurice and Oswald now departed. Perhaps Henryk or Ansger will fill that role in time?

We’ll tomorrow we’ll be on a boat to Taygle’s End, what could possibly go wrong?

Urien writes in his diary:

“We made it out alive and packed with treasure, but Mauger is dead and many of our mercenaries were killed by a zombie attack. But, one after the other:

After we returned with Strongarm’s head to the big hall, Mauger told us that we owed him a full share of the treasure. This led to some discussion because Zephyros apparently promised that to him before we were nearly overrun in the mirror room. The discussion was heated but led to a compromise everybody could accept.

Then, they talked with Agapetos. The horse-headed beastman seems to hail from an enslaved village of his kind that is still under control of the green, four-armed giants. It certainly would be the Maker’s work to lead them out of bondage, but the giants are quite powerful as we have seen…

Osric and Oswald went into the water below the destroyed bridge to find more treasure, but they found a dangerous water snake first! It bit Osric and Mauger but Osric survived. Maybe the Maker is still holding His hand over him. I at least hope that is the reason… I never heard Osric recite the Makers words with such a lack of passion and concentration. Maybe it was the bite of the snake or this swan-winged devil. Who knows?

After that, we managed to open the big chest, nearly killing Oswald with acid. It looked worse than it actually was at the end, though, and the soap washed away most of the corrosive agent on his face. Inside, there were quite a few expensive things, some lead toy soldiers, and raunchy paintings on wood. The former lifted a mystery from the blue pool, but even after solving the child’s riddle, we were confronted by a vision of a weird aparatus: a long tube with a round middle part and a flat end. We finally gave up trying to understand it and decided to call it a day and go out of this Hellhole once and for all.

The remaining widdigmen were indeed waiting outside, but between the trophy of Strongarm’s head and the hailing of two new widdigman kings, Strongsmell and Splitclaw, we managed to slip away without further problems, taking the boats the captured caravan guards told us about."

Osric talks to Agapetos through a translator:
“I know that your people are suffering, and that you need all the help you can get. But we are only a few! We cannot wade into a village of these giants and slay them all to free your kin. We need more information and more men! We will return to Hewflore now but it may be that you cannot join us. We may have to meet again after we hire more mercenaries. Even then, we need a plan and good information on where we can strike best to free some more of you.”

In Hewflore, Urien continues his journal entries:
“I found a teacher — Ralf d’Arcy — who was willing to speak to Osric and examine the mace. When I brought Osric to him, he looked a bit odd, but he told me he wouldn’t ask any further questions. It might require some trickery to do this, but I am convinced I can find a way…

The curse is undone! The teacher was swift and Osric rather befuddled as he threw the mace from him like an iron pot too long on the fire. With great care, Brother Ralf took the mace to the Maker’s House of Hewflore where the canons there destroyed it on the altar. The power of the foul demoness Turana broken, they assured me that the metal would be used for alms.

Glory to the Maker!

Urien writes into his diary:

We pushed into the right-hand part of the lair after a short skirmish with the creatures who emerged from that side just when we finished our rest.

We found another statue of the swan lady and a trap that made us fall asleep when crossing the room. Luckily, no ambush followed, and we moved forward till we came to a chasm with a bridge guarded by a handful of the creatures.

We charged across the bridge as they tried to cut the rope. They were no match for our warriors, and the other side was secured quickly, but then they used a hidden entrance in a side room for a foray against our rear. Maurice and one of the giants drove them back quickly, but they were too eager and pushed too far resulting in both of them being separated from us when the door closed.

It took us too long to figure out how to twist the three pairs of statues to face their mates. When we finally stormed into the chamber beyond, our companions were already defeated, and we couldn’t do anything to save them. It must have been quite a shock for Osric. I saw the anger in his eyes: he was very proud of his strong friendship with Maurice. The Muscle will be missed.

We were chasing the creatures away when we were attacked by an animated drop-front desk and a candlestick holder! The rest of the room was just as strange. Two cauldrons were in the room’s center: one flaming brightly as it emitted an oppressive heat and another filled with a clear fluid in which floated sparkling motes of light. When we dropped something into the flaming cauldron, the whole room darkened in a strange way. When we did the same with the clear one, a strange chest appeared above the pool. We then rested a bit and found many destroyed books and a heavy chest under something that must have been Bigarm’s ragged throne. We decided to rest soon, but wished to first secure the next room.

It was a bad mistake! They were waiting for us. Guilbert and our only remaining giant fell in the resulting fight. We successfully withdrew and managed to hole up in the big room again.

Something about Osric concerns me. He was not healing our wounded in the morning and was rather evasive when I asked him about that. I wonder what happened? Is the Maker angry with him? But why?

We moved out again and destroyed the bridge, cutting the bridge on our side before returning to the weird chamber. We encountered no opposition in the next room where Guilbert fell. It must have been some magical laboratory with a weird glass bell or dome suspended under the ceiling, a mirror on rails (that we covered up just in case), and lots of strange runes on the wall. The remaining exit led us through a secret door into the former crypt of the temple complex, it seems. There still were many “traps” where people were put under strange spells, but we figured that out only later after the final fight agains the remaining warriors and Bigarm himself.

Bigarm and his last band of followers ambushed us in the tunnels, employing these “stored” magical effects to attack us while trying to place a wedge between the front of the party and the rear using small side passages. Xenocrates and Haakon fell in the ensuing battle, and horse-headed Agapetos nearly lost one of his eyes. In the end, we managed to kill them all though! Fraegr and Mauger even fought at the front this time, quite a surprise for otherwise rather shifty individuals.

We cleaned out much of the remaining complex now and certainly will continue tomorrow as well. We now have to think of how we can move all these goods over the treacherous swamp back to our camp on the island to the north. We will see if the Widdigmen who stayed outside will attempt anything, but maybe we can work out something with “Strongsmell” and “Splitclaw,” the two Widdigman warriors that we freed in the prison.

I am slowly beginning to suspect that something is wrong with Osric. He fights differently than before, much more recklessly! Might it be the sacrificial mace we found, and that he took from Maurice? I don’t think anything else has changed otherwise. Thinking of it, I heard no prayer or verse from Osric since we lost the last giant, but it was pretty chaotic so maybe I just missed it. I pray we go back to Hewflore soon.

“The rats indeed came back for more!” Osric adds to the journal with a little smile on lips before continuing to write down the events that followed.

“These rat-men really dared to disturb our rest but were spotted just in time. The fight was swift and brutal, and Maurice engaged half a dozen on his own before I joined him in the righteous punishment of these sniveling little beasts. The other front towards the large hall was dominated by our four-armed assistants and Zephyros, but it took a while to get them out of all the little hiding places before silence once again spread through these noisome halls. We decided to pull back a bit into the large room after we made sure there was nothing more valuable on the recently slain.

While we cleaned up the larger hall a bit to barricade us in, we got the chance to take a closer look at the large statue. It depicts a woman sitting with staff and pomegranate in hand. From her back, a set of swan wings are visible and there are also swans to her feet making her look rather regal for a heathen goddess. In front of her was a blackened altar, and behind that we found the remains of a woman. She might have died here fighting, but we cannot say for sure. It didn’t look like a sacrifice of some sort, at least, but closer inspection of her belongings netted us a small vial filled with a magical oil of some sort. After rummaging through the rest of the room, pushing the brazier over, closing all the large doors and removing the rather solid, staff from the statue, we eventually found a hidden stash and drainage under the altar. There we found three silver sacrificial weapons: two curvy daggers and a pomegranate mace that seems to be of wondrous make! Quite a find I have to say; I am sure Maurice will make good use of this weapon. "

And with that Osric put the journal away to prepare for another, hopefully undisturbed, rest.

More then an hour later Osric finds some time to write into the journal once more.:

“The rats came back just as we were preparing for another foray. Their ambush was short-lived as the group ran away after the first died by a well placed arrow in his ugly little face. They were even gracious enough to leave a hostage behind for us to interrogate!

The western door, where we encountered the giant ironback before, leads to a prison of sorts where the enemies of Bigarm are held. Apparently, some of these little cowards were holed up in there as well, so we stormed the narrow tunnels without aid of the large giants. It wasn’t much of a battle, but there was one enemy of note: the witch doctor. This nasty little creature had an aura of doubt and disgust about him with his sickly green glowing eyes, making it hard face him directly, but the Maker made me see right through his foul magic! The second hit with my mace broke his skull, and he ceased to whisper his sorcerous blasphemy immediately.

There was a range of prisoners: two caravan guards, a canon and his man-servant, a Dwergar soldier, a weird-looking beastman with a horse’s head, and two widdigmen who say they are enemies of Bigarm. Moreover, there was a plethora of females with their young who apparently tried to seek shelter in the cells.

We swiftly went back into the large hall and I had a brief talk with Godric the canon before we decided to tackle the eastern doors next."

While the company works on the guard detail, Osric sits down to write into a small journal:

After being told to wait for an audience with Big-arm, Maurice started gambling with some of the opossum-folk who guarded the main entrance. Word eventually arrived that the head honcho was willing to speak with us, but only one, our scarred captain, Zephyros, was to be allowed an audience with his rattishness.

After a quick discussion, we disregarded that idea and tried to convince some of the small ones to start a coup d’état. Sadly, the cowardice was stronger and some just decided to run away…

The group decided against idleness and instead chose to press forward, much to the chagrin of Longnose, whose knowledge of what would follow put tears of desperation into his beady little eyes. He proved to be prophetic: the bloodbath that followed will truly be remembered. The snot-nosed little beastmen fell by the dozens under our onslaught as we pressed deeper and deeper into their warren.

Mace, sword and arrow managed to dispatch these sniveling abominations with ease. Maurice especially gave them no quarter as he led the charge against the opossumen with righteousness and valor. Even when we found ourselves separated on different fronts after breaking their resistance in the second large room, he handled the situation remarkably well. These filthy little creatures unleashed a large armadillo in their efforts to turn the battle by brute strength and numbers.

But, they all perished, and we decided to barricade ourselves in to get some rest and treat our wounds, giving me the chance to pen these words. This place here seems to be an old temple of some heathen goddess of fertility. We certainly need to make sure to explore this place more thoroughly. Who knows what else might be buried under the refuse of these ignorant creatures?

Now I should also write about these four-armed giants that Zephyros “convinced” with his his mind tricks to join our cause.

There is no best way to describe these two brutes. For the casual observer,they would be nothing more than four-armed reptilian abominations clad like the barbarians of the mountains, wielding scavenged swords and axes. Yet, after sharing the company of these savage beasts for a few days, watching their behavior and fighting prowess, one is hard-pressed to not be impressed. Their lust for battle is remarkable and their kin seems to be well-known by the widdig-men. Their behavior is crude but proud, and they seem to put great stock in their combat ability.

Not without reason! While their strength is still no match for the likes of Maurice the Muscle, their four arms and size give them a huge advantage in hand-to-hand combat where they seem to enjoy singing what probably amounts to battle hymns while slaughtering the terrified vermin who live in these tunnels. This really makes me wonder if the Maker in all his glory decided to give these savages some resemblance of culture, or if they just mock what they might have seen of mankind in ages past.

Now its time to rest, not to ponder. I would be surprised if these sneaky rat creatures do not try something when they think our guard is down, so I better get some sleep while I can.

This session started where we left last time: At the entrance to the Possumen Caves. There was some debate how to approach the Possumen chieftain Strongarm, but he was not fooled: Only Zephyros alone would be allowed to enter. Longnose went in to bargain on our behalf, while we waited. Maurice played dice with some of the guards, the others just waited and counted the number of Possumen around (several score, at least).

Finally, Longnose returned and pleaded for Zephyros to enter. Zephyros suspected a trap and tried to convince some of the Possumen to ally against the Possum chieftain – but to no avail, Longnose had a bad reputation and his gang soon feld the scene.

On this point, we decided that a more forceful entry was in order. The group stormed the entry, slaying Possumen left and right. First through a tunnel to a larger cave, where we met first resistance which our four-armed giant lizard allies soon turned to flight. While the rest of the group pressed on, pursuing the fleeing Possumen before they could regroup, Demoleon tried a second door. It was locked, but he managed to open it, hoping for treasure behind. (That was the last the group heard of him so far).

The rest of the group stormed a second cave, from which a gong sounded an alarm. Despite the barricade, the Possumen defenders were put to flight once more. The group got split though, being attacked from several directions: Oswald and Osric mopping up some remaining Possumen, while Zephyros and Orhan got ambushed from a small passage and Maurice running into some kind of large, armoured beast.

Here we ended the session, hoping to somehow get out of this mess alive. (The hopes of returning rich are rather dimished right now.)

With our new four-armed allies, we returned to camp where Oswald and Maurice recovered from being mauled by the giant that saved against the charm. Early the next morning, we continued exploring the island, all being fully well again.

First, we returned to the menhir where we encountered the giants and explored the stone, but there was nothing special about it. Afterwards, we searched the nearby ruins, which were similar to the one we found further east – just that they were occupied by a flesh eating willow. Quickly, it was hacked to pieces and turned into a bonfire. When searching the vicinity, we found the remains of elder victims: among them a venturer who brought wine and plenty coins.

Still, our groups greed was not yet stilled so we pressed on. Further in the ruins, we found a house sealed by a large stone block. Being unable to open it, we finally used brute force. This caused the stone to fall, almost smashing Oswald and Maurice. Within the house, we found four tusks which we decided to bring along.

Shortly afterwards, we confirmed that we were on an island in the swamp, there was water all around us. We also found a ford to the southwest, leading to another island. Feeling invincible (or just getting jaunty) we decided to press on, stumbling into a swamp crocodile lair. Only a quick sleep spell prevented us from becoming dinner.

We spied some movement on the other island, with metal glinting. We shortly discussed whether or not to attack, but finally decided to retreat and watch. (For supper, we took some crocodile meat with us, also Zephyros took some crocodile leather for shoes). From our hiding point, we saw some rat man approaching, investigating the crocodile lair. Since they did not continued to our island, we retreated to camp, where we sampled the wine and called it a night.

The next morning, explored another ruin south of the island we had spotted the session before, but not investigated. We found an area with two giant frog skeletons, pink grass and some primitive (and abandoned) shelter. Inside, there were only a holy symbol and a prayer bead. Afterwards we we went east, to explore the new island with the rat-men.

Zephyros managed to convinced the rat-man gangleader Longnose that we were friends (without using magic). When talking with him, we learnt that rat-men do not like the four armed lizard-man giants, because those consider the rat-men food. Also, that the rat-man chieftain is rich. We asked for an audience with the rat-men chieftain, which Longnose promised. We needed to convince one further rat-man leader to be allowed into their stronghold. We learnt that the stronghold was prepared for the rat-mens prefered hit-and-run tactics, with many covers and covered paths.

We ended the session when arriving at the stronghold, as it was getting late.

Finally, we decided on a plan. We sold all loot and used the money to hire a group of mercenaries, rented a boat and bought plenty of supplies. This took a lot of time, mainly for two reasons: We were not familiar with the rules to hire mercenaries and weighted several options in regard to boats (buying one, commissioning canoes, renting one). Oswald also hired a henchman called Demoleon, an Ellasene thief (my back-up character).

Afterwards, we returned into the swamp, staying away from both Froxhall and Taygle’s End, resting on a wooded island in the swamp instead. Thanks to Aethelwine (rolling a 20 on his navigation roll), we even found a quicker path towards the menhir than we knew before. With the river current pushing us into the swamp, it took as only two days of journey instead of three.

Arriving on the island, we fortified our camp and rested for the night. The next morning, we reconnoitred the southern half of the island to make sure there are no hostile settlements and perhaps finding a better harbour. Instead, we found: a) centuries -old ruins made of marble and alabaster, b) a copse in which firs and cypresses grew, c) a second menhir on a low hill, similar to what we found on the northern half of the island. (In Froxhall, there are two standing stones as well – which raises the question whether such stones were usually built in pairs or if that is just a coincidence.)

Before we were able to investigate the menhir though, Orhan spotted several possum-men running from a second copse behind the menhir, followed by some giant beings. We quickly took cover, but to no avail: The giant beings spotted us and three of them moved into our direction. The fourth continued to hunt the possum-men that fled northward.

We retreated into the copse, with the fighters building a battle line and the mages preparing spells in the second line. When the beings came closer, we saw that they were as tall as two men, had two pair of arms and two pair of eyes each and looked somewhat reptilian. They immediately threw javelins at us, which luckily missed. In return, our mages were able to charm two of them, while Maurice and Oswald attacked the third. The reptile-man managed to smash Oswald’s chest before an opportunistic attack of Demoleon (who only closed in when the already badly wounded monster seemed temporarily distracted) finally killed (and looted) the monster.

Luckily, Osric’s henchman Uriel was a healer and knew curing spells. Thus, Oswald survived the ordeal with just a minor scar on his chest and in dire need of some rest.

Meanwhile, Zephyros found a language which he and the reptile-man both speak and started interviewing them. They told us that they were scouting the swamp, there was nothing dangerous in the swamp (except for us), that their tribe has more than two members and lives somewhere to the south of our actual position.

Since the reptile-men are too large to fit into the dungeon beneath the menhir, we are a bit at a loss what to do with them and how to proceed. We are unwilling to simply let them go as they could easily kill all our mercenaries. Since it was also already rather late, we stopped the session here to discuss how to proceed.

“… and there is barely a faithful soul to be found in these lands where uncaring lords reign while barely giving lip service to the one true church.”

Osric rose from his desk to take a short break, stretching and walking around to regain his focus and get his blood flowing. The Maker did not create him to read and write all day; that much was clear to him. Later in the day, Osric hoped to visit the collapsed study with Urien, but now he needed to return to the letter, even if he would rather do some exercises to get the frustration of the whole situation better under control.

Back at the desk, Osric continued to write about his travels: the strange well to which he was teleported, the undead-infested ruins where he met some of his current companions, and the horrible tree under the earth. He made a note to himself that he would return one day once strong enough to cleanse that place… He wrote also of the lord of Froxhall who cared more about his own research then his people and of Colbert the dutiful teacher of Froxhall’s study who struggles to keep the faith alive in a forsaken village on the edge of civilization.

He recorded Colbert’s stories about heathens and disgusting frog cults in the neighboring villages, adding his own observations from his visit to Taygle’s End: “…there we found to our surpise that the study wasn’t abandoned at all! Someone lived there, claiming to be a warden of the Maker. If he was speaking the truth was hard to say: he certainly wasn’t all too hospitable, but the same could be said about the rest of the town. Certain is only that this would not be my last visit there. If he turns out to be some heretic — or even a cultist in disguise — I will make sure that he gets his well-deserved punishment, protection from the local ruler or not.”

Looking at the parchment, Osric noted that his writing certainly did not rival that of a monastic scribe, but reflected that it was high time for a visit to the damaged study. So, he rose and fetched Urien, his new understudy who was making remarkable progress in studying the teachings of the Maker. Osric was certain he was no material for a warden — he predicted that a single, well-executed punch in the stomach would probably down him for a day or two — but he thought the young man would make a fine canon one day soon.

Deep in thought I spun the last bit of wine in my glass around before bringing it up to my lips. I set the glass down on the table and could not help but form a distorted smile across my face as I recounted the moments of my near-death experience and the days that followed.

I was so fixated by the peculiar face on the door jeering at us, along with all the gold, silver and bronze adorning it, that I didn’t even consider stepping back while Oswald was fiddling with the mouth. Time stopped as I heard the hiss of gas under pressure being released. I glanced over just in time to see a blast of brown gas billowing from the face’s maw. I only had time to close my eyes, as I felt the skin on my face burn. The pain was intense. Everything went dark. Then I heard screams followed by silence.

Suddenly, I awoke. Osric was hovering over me, calling to me, “Zephyros, wake up! You’re going to be alright. It’s not your time to meet the Maker!”

I was writhing, heaving due to the intense pain on my face. Darkness followed once again: the pain was too great to bear.

I woke up again to Osric completing a prayer over me. It was calm. We were outside now. I saw the grey sky beyond his head. His face could not hide his look of despair. “May the Maker have mercy on you, Zephyros,” he whispered. I reached up to feel my face only to be rewarded with the sensation of wax covering my skin. I felt a pit in my stomach like none that I had ever felt before.

“How bad?” I asked.

He replied, “My friend, you’re lucky to be alive. I’m sure the Maker has a purpose for this.”

I exclaimed, “What? A purpose for what?”

As I sat up, I saw Maurice staring at me, and he said, “We’ll find a way to remove the scars from your face, Zephyros. I promise we will.”

The reconfirmation of my greatest fear coming true was too great for me to take. “No! No! No! Stop it!” was all I could say as I scrambled to my feet, pushing Osric aside. I made it a few steps before crashing to my knees, holding my unfamiliar face in my hands as I sobbed.

Osric kneeled beside me, put his hand on my back, and whispered, “You have been through a lot today, my friend, and you will go through much more over the next few days. The Maker reveals Himself in mysterious ways, and I know you will discover His purpose in time.”

I went numb after that. I wanted to be alone. I pulled the hood of my cloak over my head and sat with my knees pulled close to my face.

My mind was a fog as the party insisted that I pilot them to Froxhall, as our navigator Taeting apparently had better things to do than follow us. Frankly, I’m surprised we even made it, as I was in no condition to lead us anywhere. My senses were dead; the only sensation to register was the empty pit in my stomach. I recall thinking, “This was all a bad dream that I would wake up from at any moment, right?” I don’t remember much else from that day aside from being led around by my companions and sitting in a boat on our way to Hewflore. It was mostly a blur save for one moment of clarity: when the pit in my stomach transformed to be replaced with rage.

I recall also that Maurice asked me to try to convince some guard into allowing us to meet with the local reeve in some dead-end town on our way to Hewflore. “Zephyros, try and talk some sense into this guy,” he whispered.

As soon as I made eye contact with this man I knew I had lost ‘it’, as normally folks were excited to see and talk with me.

Not this time. It was like he was looking at a corpse.

I don’t even remember what I said, but it didn’t matter as the conversation was over before it started. I’ll never forget the look of disdain on that man’s face. It made me angry, very angry. So angry, in fact, that I found myself starting to form the words of my spell of charming, but my conscience wouldn’t let me. My new purpose had not yet revealed itself to me. I cloaked my disfigured face, turned around, and walked back to the boat.

As we resumed our trip to Hewflore, I asked Osric, “Can you heal me completely when we reach Hewflore?”

Osric replied, “Zephyros, my friend, I have done all I can for you.”

I retorted back, “Surely there is a powerful cleric of the Maker that can make me look as I once did!”

And with that, Osric quietly said, “Zephyros, you know we do not have the resources for such a request, not to mention such prayers can take a great toll on you. I know you are in a dark place right now, my friend. We will get through this together, and I assure you that once you have come to terms with what has happened, you will go on to do great things, as the Maker intends for you. This is a blessing in disguise. You are close to solving His riddle, Zephyros. You will figure it out.”

I remember thinking, “This isn’t what I want to hear. Why was I so stupid to sit in front of such an obvious trap? Why didn’t I just die? Why is the Maker toying with me?” The questions soon ended and were replaced with depression, as I saw my new face in the reflection of the water as we arrived in Hewflore. “I’ve become a monster,” I thought to myself. I pulled my cloak close around my head to hide my gruesome visage as thoughts raced through my head. “Perfect! We’re in a town full of people ready to taunt and jeer at me. This is the last place I want to be. I don’t belong here. I need to be in some mage’s dungeon, luring poor adventurers to their deaths.”

The days passed as I elected to stay in the inn while the rest of the party attended to the business that brought us to Hewflore. I developed quite a taste for wine during that time. It gave me that sense of confidence that my charm once did, however temporal it that could be. Nevertheless, I was edging closer to accepting my fate. Perhaps the Maker knew this, or maybe it was my inner mind.

Anyway, that was how ‘it’ happened. I was sitting in the tavern, drinking my wine with my cloak pulled over my head and feeling sorry for myself when a burly local barged into the room. I glanced up to hear him yell at the barkeep, “The usual drink, at my usual table!” even as he strolled over to the table where I was sitting. “You’re in my spot,” he said.

I thought to myself, “The old Zephyros would have got up, apologized and moved on." But, the old Zephyros was nowhere to be found.

With a snort, the man continued, “Now, listen here, I don’t know who you think you are, but get the Hell out of my spot, or I’ll rearrange your face!”

I began to laugh, quietly at first and then louder as I stood up and pulled my hood out from around my face to reveal to him my ghastly countenance. I beamed, “It would appear that someone has already beaten you to it.” My gaze locked onto his, and I knew I had him: my terrible features combined with my gift of command was too much for his weak soul to withstand. “This is my table now. You will apologize to me, and you will buy everyone in this fine establishment a round.”

The man immediately prostrated himself on the floor, “Forgive me! Make yourself comfortable, my friend! I was only kidding! Barkeep, the next round is on me!” Making sure to keep facing me, he shuffled backwards to the bar and whimpered to the barkeep, “Get him whatever he wants! Put it on my tab!”

I nodded to him and winked at the barkeep. Needless to say, the burly gentleman didn’t stick around too long after that, but as I reflected back on the moment, I realized the wisdom of Osric’s words to me, “I’m sure the Maker has a purpose for this.” I thought to myself, “The purpose was clear now. The Mornlands’ oppressors aren’t going to succumb to diplomacy. No, as they do not value life or law, they must be coerced. This is why the Maker spared me and gave me a scar to remind me, as well as my enemies.”

After staring at my empty wine glass for some time, my recounting of my last few days was interrupted as Oswald walked through the door of the inn. I waved to greet him, “Oswald, I’m glad to see that you are well. Where are the others? We need to gather and make plans for returning to the Sunken City. We have much to accomplish there!”

Returning from the chair back to the front door, the group prepares to descend the trap door. After some discussion, the group lowered some ropes and a lantern, before Oswald climbed down. At the bottom, he found a water pool filled with algae, and stairs leading upwards. He managed to swing over to the stairs and went up, meeting some kind of crocodile man.

The crocodile man considered poor Oswald (who carried just a dagger and no armour) a tasty snack and attacked immediately. When Maurice heard Oswalds cries for help, and hurried to help, he almost drowned. Luckily, the monster was already wounded and thus died after two lucky stabs with the dagger.

Afterwards, the rest of the group descended the shaft as well, searching the chamber carefully. We found a decomposed warden’s corpse with some treasure (divine magic scrolls, coins, holy symbols). Osric blessed the corpse before looting it.

There was a second stair in the room, leading deeper into the earth. We followed it down, finding a room full of giant glowing mushrooms. The floor was rather wobbly (probably fungus and mold) and stank horribly. We could also see a giant door with a metal face on it, Maurice also found a second exit.

We decided to check the second exit first. It led to the elevator shaft we already knew from our last visit. Next, metal door. Before we could check it, we were attacked by some giant vines which we finally shredded without any losses (Osric was hurt, though).

The door was about 7 m (22 ft) tall and 3 m (9 ft) wide and at least the top consists of gold, while the face is made from brass. Nobody opened when we knocked, pulling and pushing proved pointless – we could not move the door.

When investigating the face more closely, Osric found some nubs within the mouth that were labelled with unknown glyphs – not even Zephyros could read them. Oswald simply tried pushing some of the nubs, resulting in an explosion of toxic spores which almost killed him and Zephyros. Luckily, both survived, even though Oswald suffered permanent infection of his joints and Zephyros was horribly scarred.

Frustrated and quite bruised, we decided to leave the dungeon, taking a part of the vine, the crocodile and the frog man with us. On our way back, we find Orhan stabbed and Taeting (as well as our boat) gone.

We can prevent some possum-kin from fleeing with the second river boat we had found before on the other side of the island. Orhan put them to sleep with a spell, afterwards we smashed most of them before taking their boat and leaving the island.

Due to our complete lack of navigators, the return to Froxhall was delayed by two days (mainly because we got completely lost and accidently drove further into the swamp instead of out). Finally, we reach Froxhall, where we sell the monster parts, grab the stored stuff and sail towards Hewflore.

We stop in Taygle’s End but find it an unwelcoming backwater, where nobody is willing to let us stay for the night. The local teacher is rather strange and Osric finds him suspicious. The local lord is not willing to speak with us. We decide to paddle a bit further and sleep a little outside the village in the wilderness.

The next morning, we reach Hewflore around mid-afternoon. We sell our remaining loot, including the new boat. Osric tries to be received in audience by Warren of Speers, but learns that the metropolitan is indisposed since a study almost collapsing on him a couple days ago.

After some asking, Osric manages to speak an experienced cleric (whose name I forgot), who liked him enough to tell him a lot about what worries the Makerite church in Dwimor. Heresy was spreading, as two few well educated priests were available, the local lord did not cooperate with the metropolitan, instead investing local priests himself and tithing exclusively to a monastery that was independent from the metropolitan.

When hanging out with the local soldiers, Maurice and Osric learnt that there were plenty mundane problems too: Bandits ravaging the countryside and marsh pirates are massing for another raid, whereas the local lord Drogo is busy wooing the Lady of Orellfor. Also, the Deadlhaws are growing.

Shocked that so many things are amiss, with so few ways to earn quick money, the company retreats for this session to plan what to do next.

Oswald hired Taeting as guide through the swamp, offering him standard pay and a share in the treasure if he enters dungeons. Taeting agrees on the condition that he may chose whether to enter dungeons or not.

Afterwards, the group returns to the dungeon under the menhir. Before entering, the group takes time to reconnoitre the island. We find a trail that leads us to a hidden swamp boat, where we discuss what to do with this news. During this discussion, a giant mutant frog (with a human arm on its back) attacks us, but is quickly gutted. While harvesting monster parts, Maurice gets poisoned and suffers nausea, diarrhoea and vertigo. Luckily, the symptoms subside after a short while and, while relieving himself, he also finds some submerged buildings in the water (which we do not further inspect).

The group returns to the camp site from our last expedition and sets up camp. During Zephyros’ and Oswald’s watch, some scouts try to sneak into the camp but are noticed and then flee towards the dungeon. The group remains in place and the rest of the night remains calm.

Next morning, we enter the dungeon anew. The traps (and skeletons) in the first room have been reset, we destroy the first skeleton by bowling a large stone down the stairs, afterwards Maurice and Oswald take care of the remaining. The skeletons look different from last time, mutated humans instead of normal humans. We stash their weapons outside and continue through the secret door.

In the former cauldron room (this time without a cauldron) we are again ambushed: This time by a frog man and a mutant human. There is also one of the small, grey coloured begins (I’ll call them morlocks from now) we fought the last time, but this time it flees and shouts “prepare the defence” in beastmanish. (To our luck, Zephyros understands the language and warns us). Even though Maurice gets wounded, the group manages to cuts down the attackers. We also mercilessly cut down the frog man that tried to escape into the machine room.

We find the door forward jammed, but Maurice easily bashes it open. When we press forward, we figure out that the morlocks did not try to ambush us—they wanted to prevent us from going to the stairs.

After taking a look into the machine room and shortly trying to figure out the origin of a strange jabbering sound at a turn toward the machine room, we descend the stairs. They end in a long shaft with a large metal chain running up and down. Oswald manages to get across, but can only find some very small holes on the other side and nothing else. Neither a stone nor a torch thrown down the shaft reveal any further clues, except for the torch flashing briefly before vanishing in the darkness.

We return upstairs and give the machine room a closer look. We find and pull a lever, which starts some kind of machine. The group splits, half remaining in the machine, the other half checking out the chain. They find something changed, there are not levers where the holes were. Maurice binds himself to the chain and tries pushing them. When he manages to do that, he suddenly vanishes down the shaft. With some luck, he manages to keep his wits and somehow lights a torch, finding himself shortly above two white tunnels.

The rest of the group gathers near the shaft, looking for a way to return Maurice. After some discussion (and yelling up and down the shaft) we learn which lever Maurice pressed and, by pressing the opposite one, return him to our level. This takes some testing. Afterwards, Oswald is bound to the chain and lowered and lifted through the whole shaft. We find that there is no level above us, but just the ceiling with a small hole for the chain, and that there two levels beneath us: The one with two white tunnels about 20 m beneath us and a second one with a lake and a grey tunnel about 40 m beneath us.

After some discussion about how to cut as large a piece from the chain as possible, to sell somewhere else, the group decides trying to enter the lower tunnels through the trap door near the dungeon entrance next time, instead of braving the chain. Thus ends the session.

After our victory over the pirates, the group handed over their prisoners to two rather dubious looking sergeants. Maurice and Taeting (former pirate, now living treasure map) waited outside town, while the others interacted with the locals.

Folkhart the blacksmith is curious about the alloy used to forge the chains I salvaged from the dungeon, but is too superstitious (and insufficiently knowledgeable) to analyze it further. He recommends that someone in a city might be willing to buy it and also expresses his interest in learning more about similar alloys.

Athelthrith (headwoman of another adventurer company): The local reeve is a magician of some renown who is mainly interested in his research and his taxes. He might be interested in buying monster parts.

There is a bigger town called Carlton about one day’s march to the east of Froxhall.

The Sunken City is a collection of ruins. One can use the menhirs near Froxhall to teleport into random parts of the city, but it is dangerous: several parts are submerged and sealed. Few groups enter several times.

Colbert the priest tells us about a Frog Cult in Taygle’s End, a village to the southwest. The canon in Taygle’s End died some time ago, but for unknown reasons, the Metropolitan of Hewflore has not yet sent a replacement. Hewflore is the capital of the local kingdom.

Helmward the local reeve: The group asks for an audience with the local reeve, which is granted. The reeve hardly bothers to prepare and continues his studies till the group stands directly in front of him. He considers helping his village against the pirates barely a start and tells us that people who try to evade the adventurer safety tax by sleeping outside the village will be treated like bandits, but he is very interested in buying monster parts from the group if we behave (and pay taxes). He also hints that adventuring wizards who titillate him might have a chance to study with him.

We hire two mercenaries, Urien and Athelwine, to accompany us on our adventurers. Osric uses this time to plea for a prophecy and gets the vision of a strange menhir hidden in the mists. Soon, we set sail toward the promised treasure, luckily without running into any trouble.

After about half a day we reach an island with the menhir from Osric’s dream on top. Taeting leads us to the treasure and explains we have to dig close to it. Despite considerable digging, we find no treasure and settle for the night. The next morning, Tating tries to escape but is stopped by Zephyros sleep spell. After being bound, he confesses there would be no treasure: He wanted to use the menhir to teleport back to Froxhall, as most of the menhirs lead there. There is an underground ruin beneath the menhir, though, which could be opened by knocking on the menhir.

After binding Taeting, Oswald knocks on the menhir, and, indeed, a secret door opens, allowing access to stairs leading down. Taeting mentions that several pirates tried exploring the dungeon, but none returned. Fearing a trap, the group rolls a heavy boulder down the stairs, but without any specific results (except for a lot of noise).

Oswald, Osric and Maurice descend the stairs, reaching a chamber with cobwebs on the north, a crate to the southeast and a further tunnel to the south, ending in a metal door. When poking the crate, several skeletons burst from the ceiling, attacking the group. They are quickly turned by Osric’s invocation of the Maker and are easily dispatched afterwards.

When trying to open the door to the south, Maurice triggers a trap and almost falls into a pit directly in front of the door. Athelwine only just drags him back in time. A torch thrown into the pit reveals a natural cave with a pool at the bottom. We consider investigating the lower level but decide instead to return to the entrance to allow our magician to better prepare himself. We also learn that the secret door closes on its own after about one hour.

The next day, we first sent one team in to check whether one can open the door from the inside or not. That proves to be rather easy, so the whole group descends. We also find some strange dust on the walls that glows when squeezed; we fill a bottle of it for further study or sale. The metal door to the south proves to be false, but we find a strange rune on the eastern walls during a more thorough search. Maurice finds a strange skull (with a ruby for its left eye) in the crate on some kind of push-button. When pressing the button, a secret door opens in the wall section with the rune.

In a small chamber beyond the secret door, we are ambushed by small, white-skinned humanoids with sharpened teeth and hooked swords currently in the middle of cooking meat stew in a large cauldron. Walking in the lead, I kill the first attacker quickly, but I am then badly injured by the remaining attackers. Luckily, Osric and Maurice turn the tide before I fall.

Now seriously injured, I take a more passive approach. We push through another room, past a stairs leading further down, and finally into a room with filled with gears and mechanisms. While entering the room, the whirring machines hit both Maurice and Osric, and Osric is badly wounded. They quickly leave the room through another door and find themselves back in the room with the large cauldron. Using the cauldron and dropped swords of the gray-skinned humanoids, Maurice finally jams the gears of the machines and halts their movement.

Afterwards, we grabbed the corpses of the slain monsters and returned to Froxhall to heal. The reeve was very happy with the monsters and bought them and the skull for a great deal of money. Oswald gave the monster’s weapons to Folkart the blacksmith on the condition that he will turn them into tools and sell them for a low price to needy families; Folkhart was rather touched by this gesture. Osric donated a lot of money to the local church, pleasantly surprising Colbert. Maurice tried to buy better armor but discovered that only leather was available.

We discussed what to do afterwards, visiting the ruin once again (to gain more treasure and experience) or going to Hewflore (to sell our loot). We also learned that the Scaleless Snake, the local inn, offers a free safe deposit for adventurers on the condition that everything not reclaimed within a year and a day passes to the Inn keeper. With that, we rested in Froxhall.

- Froxhall: Colbert, Old Scaly, and the other company
- Ambush

- Crossing and the giant carp
- Room of flasks
- The room of the harem
- The room of the tree
- Escape
- The marsh pirates

- The pool
- Battle with the chain-wielding skeletons
- Fall of Kenric
- The baths and jakes; the cracking of Tibalt

- The island
- Alliance with Sliptail and his merry band of Man-Possums
- The arena
- Fall into darkness