Reports

## MXIII Budding XVIII

Forester Algernon Longshanks hired us to defeat the goat headed demon of Castor. We knew that to stop the demon from transporting here again from Sharda after it was defeated we would have to destroy the portal that had been created by Augustine Darkfire this time last year before. The portal was being powered by three amulets. We sought to find and destroy the amulets as a first goal. Then confront the goat headed demon.

In our party were Forester Algernon Longshanks, Archmage Denser Ranworth, Guild Protector Blacksmiths Godric Godricson, Devoted Brother of Rolbor Justin Silver, Demonologist Aurin, Master Demonologist Samuel Belt, Physician Katherine Amber and myself Guild Enforcer Mercenaries Lewin Fenwarden.

We left Norvic in the direction of Castor under the guidance of Algernon Longshanks. Not far from the gates we were set upon by two gangs of foulspawn. These were dispatched and we moved on.

We then passed through Snettham but there was nothing remarkable to note here. On the road to Deeping we were attacked by undead including a ghoul. We then encountered Brother Joseph of Vleybor collecting donations for the abbey at Wymondham. Many generous donations were passed to him to support the good work that the abbey does for the needy in the Duchy.

Then as we drew closer to Deeping we found it to have been attacked by a dark elf and a demon. The demon and the dark elf were swiftly killed. The dark elf held one of the amulets we were searching for so it was destroyed by the Archmage. The dark elf also possessed an unusual sword, identified by the demonologists as coming from the plane of Sharda. Guild Protector Godric took the sword but was immediately bound to it. Consequently the sword thirsted for blood and seriously hampered the effectiveness of the Guild Protector for the remainder of the mission, wounding him when he tried to resist its urges.

Unperturbed and knowing now that the demon must know of our approach we continued on to Castor. At Castor we fought more dark elves and demons. There was another minion of the demon, a human mage, who had another of the amulets. We manage to destroy the amulet but the mage through use of many magics escaped us.

Forging onward we reached the portal to Sharda. The demon and another mage with the third and last amulet were within a circle of protection. We fought a long battle to breach the circle to destroy both the demon and the amulet. I was unfortunately knocked unconscious for much of the battle but I know that in the end that the demon was defeated, the amulet destroyed and the portal closed.

After I had been brought back to consciousness we searched the area and found that the demon had imprisoned and caged many villagers and gathered great stores of food. The villagers were freed and given the food to take back to their villages. We then returned to Norvic in peace.

In Faith

Lewin Fenwarden

## MXVI Drawing IX

On IX Drawing I defender Bann gathered in the hiring square at Norvic along with Fae Foalstride of Longstor, doctor Uriah Creep, master distiller Venin, mastersmith Thalnaz Galdoon, guildsman necromancer Alumis Tuntree, order knight Albanus Freeman of the Black, alchemist Vladimir Featherfoot and head of the Griffin Order Gaspar Asturian. Our hirer brought tidings of ill from the mines at Massingham. Swarms of ratmen were causing havoc in the mines. Tales told of a tunnel that led into the dwelling of Mal Zeth and his army of dead. The tunnel had been sealed two years ago by a brave party of adventurers.

We set out on the road to Sparham. The guard at the gates was prepared for winter, wrapped in warm furs he had no warnings to tell of the road ahead. Once outside the walls of the city we were attacked by a horde of foulspawn, among them was a goblin shaman which I quickly dispatched. A hobgoblin was also among them. The foulspawn were defeated and we head onward to Sparham. Sparham was quiet, the guard reported no trouble. The peasants complained of being oppressed. With pressing concerns were travelled onwards to Massingham.

At Massingham we entered the mines. The foreman of the mines described how the ratmen had entered the mines and drew a map of the tunnels. I drew a copy of the map for our journey. We found the broken blockade. Not fearing anything that might lie on the other side we entered the Mal Zeth's domain. Immediately we were attacked by many zombies and ratmen. We pressed them back until we reached a great black pit. Alumis identified the pit had the taint of necromancy. Disturbed by the abominations of nature Fae was compelled to cleanse the pit. Her ritual was interrupted and abandoned as the light in the cave faded. As we retreated mastersmith Thalnaz was able to shore up the breach.

The threat stopped we returned to Norvic and were rewarded. The repair would not last long however and a more prepared party of adventurers must go into the lair of Mal Zeth and bring an end to the wraith's reign.

Praise unto the lady

Bann

## MXVI Midcold XVII

On XVII of Midcold MXVI the Earl DeMowbray gathered us at Lynn Regis. Head of the Griffin Order Sir Gaspar Asturian came from nearby Hawkwind Keep with Head of the Grey Order Sir Garviel Loken of Medehampstede, Sister Rose Eva and Brother Cragen Dewerstone of Spindlestone and Brisel. Other local adventurers Mother Fae Foalstride of Longstor, Alchemist Vladimir Featherfoot, Master Distiller Venin, Necromancer Alumis Tuntree, Runesmith Thalnaz Galdoon and myself Defender Bann of Crowa joined them.

The Earl proved his good guardianship of the Duchy and had us patrol the coastal road in preparation for delivery of needed supplies and rebuilding of communities ravaged by the Guidanese invasion.

We took the road north east out of Lynn Regis and headed to Rainham. Many foulspawn lurked on the road. Trolls, hobgoblins and orcs beset our party. Their attacks were futile, the beasts were cut down. A darker danger waited us, the corpses were riddled with disease. Any who came into contact with the bodies, even those covered with cloth or gloves became infected. We cleaned and cured ourselves before entering the village of Rainham. I went to speak with the village elder. The villagers had full stores of salted fish but complained of no bread, meat or potato. Later complaints of a lack of salt was also made, risking some stores of fresh fish that might not last the winter. There were signs of damage throughout the village from the recent war and also from a banshee that had been ravaging the nearby land.

Along the coast road to Newton Mother Fae reported of an ill feeling. A wrongness in the natural order and a corruption in the soil. More foulspawn roamed here, again they were defeated. Among them were more diseased bodies as well an Elderkin and other followers of the dark god Krygan. More careful this time none were inflicted with disease before we reached Newton. Newton had signs of being wartorn and ransacked. Its people were starved. Their stores empty and their fields bare. Food for winter and seeds for springtime were dangerously lacking. I tried to encourage those able of body to travel to Rainham were fresh fish was available for those that could offer their labour but many of the villagers were broken of spirit.

We came to the last of the villages along the road, DeRising. Close the DeRising Keep which had been made into a bastion of the enemy during the war the village was more wartorn than any we had seen. The people were stalwart of body and mind. They spoke bravely of how they could survive of the land and guile throughout the coming months of cold, I also recommended any strong body that labour could be traded for fresh fish at Rainham. A darker tale so lurked here too. Tales of meat stolen from stores and of a white elf which visited the inhabitants of the village in the dark of night. On examination those who had been visited by the white elf showed bite marks on their necks and an aversion to the light of Crowa. All the victims were rounded up and questioned. It was decided that the white elf was a vampire and most of the villagers were inflicted with vampirism. To avoid slaughtering the whole village to prevent them becoming thralls of the undead lord we sought out the creature of the night and found it's domain in a nearby graveyard. Necromancer Alumis was able to quickly dispatched the fiend. The graveyard had become tainted by the presence of the vampire and many corpses rose from the corrupted earth to molest us. Whilst we fought the walking dead Fae cast a cleansing over the graveyard. Her efforts and our own prayers returned the dead to their eternal slumber. We returned to the village to check our success. The people of DeRising were no longer at risk but would needs seeds for the ploughing if they were to return to good living their deserved.

The Earl's supplied followed us along the road and our mission was successful. The Earl offered extra pay of one crown each for those that chose it or else it would go to provide extra provision for the villages. After seeing and talking to the villagers, I recognised their spirit and bravery and I donated my crown to the them.

In faith

Bann

## MXVI Deepwinter XXI

Gathered at Caister were the adventurers Doctors Tehya Linn and Uriah Creep, Ranger Reuben, Percy Thrower, Mother Fae Foalstride of Longstor, Brother Mosh of the Templar Order, Mother Rose Eva and two supplicants to the Rose Order and myself Defender Bann of Crowa. We were in Caister to investigate and explore the situation at the mines. Whilst in Caister we spoke with a lady who reported her son Ben the hunter was missing. Others rumours told of missing Longstorians and some lost magic books by the school of Necromancy.

We began our investigation at the house of the foreman. Our arrival at the house was expected so when all was quiet our caution was aroused. Upon entering the house we found the foreman dead and hung from the rafters. The two doctors conducted an autopsy and concluded that the cause of death perhaps murder.

Forewarned that malign forces were at work against us we left Caister to explore the mines. On the road to the mines we were attacked by bandits. Among the bandits were heretic Fygolians. Further along the road Reuben and Fae perceived something amiss. The trees ahead were surrounded in spores, when any of our company came into contact with the spores they suffered great pain. Fae told us that the trees were Fey trees.

Past the trees we discovered a house. The house was empty. Exploration of the house discovered it was the house of Ben the hunter. The hunter had left tracks leading away from the house which led to a bush and suddenly disappeared.

Mercenaries greeted us as we came near to the mines. This militia had been brought recently to guard the mines. The miners had not seen the foreman for days. Fae spoke with the Dverge, they told tales of some of them trying to return to the cave but either being killed or badly hurt.

We reached the village of Ravenshall but found it surrounded by bushes. We passed through the bushes to find many agitated villagers. Also visiting the village was a trader with a Fygolian guard, the pair left when it was clear they were not welcome. The villagers talked of being attacked.

Following the directions given to us by the Dverge we found a cave not far from the village. Outside the cave Fae Foalstride beseeched Longstor to give her sight beyond sight. The lord of the hunt granted her a vision of three Skarahai that dwelt in the cave. She spoke of her vision and told that it would be a hard and bloody fight to defeat the three monsters as they clawed and leapt their way around the clearing outside the cave. Bloody was the battle when fought but we were victorious.

When we came out of the cave night had fallen. In the dusk light we saw dark elves on the road above. The dark elf numbers were great, a war band of many set to attack the village of Bungay. Quick were we to ambush them and forestall their plans. Their numbers alas were too many and we could not stop them. By the time we fought our way back to the village it had been assaulted. We joined in the defence; the dark elves focused their attacks on the mines and the elves which worked there. The attack was fought off. After the battle we sought rest at Asturian Manor. Lord Asturian paid us two crowns each for protecting the mines and his workers.

In the morning we returned to Caister. The lord of Caister paid us our social status for our good deeds. We reported to Ben’s mother that we could not find any trace of her son and assured her that she should keep any reward for herself.

In faith

Bann

## MXVII Thawing XVIII

On XVIII Thawing MXVII we gathered at the hiring square. Our party was Novice Spunds of Sparham, Templar Errant Mosh, High Father Dante Potocki, Ranger Isau, High Guildswoman scout Beff, Brother Francis Teach of Rolbor and myself Defender Bann of Crowa. We were hired to investigate a missing Longstorian. We were warned of Kryganites to the west of Caister and also a strange portal to the fey realm.

On the way out of the gate we hear tale of an old library on the coast at Crowsmere that had opened it doors to the adventuring community. Further along the door we met an unfortunate alchemist, the lady had been a lone traveller and reported that she had been knocked on the back of the head by an unseen assailant. All her potions had been taken and she had forgotten her name. With Kryganites nearby we suspected she was attacked by a corruption of the forest. We counselled the lady to accompany us to Keelinghall and to stay near the middle of the road away from the trees and bushes. At Keelinghall we asked the townsfolk of the Longstorian, they reported seeing them pass through with two guards. We also met Sleeping Jon, a traveller that was sleeping the road. Sleeping Jon said he had come to the town during the night and now rested he would head on to Norvic. We warned Sleeping Jon to watch out for attackers from the trees and to travel together with Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist. The two travellers set out for Norvic confident that together they could survive the journey. We wished them well and the blessings of the seven.

Not far from Keelinghall we discovered the body of a slain guard, a dagger stuck fast into his ribs. Scouts Isau and Beff searched the area and reported many men entering the area and they after a battle a fast exit. We later concluded that a band of Fygolians had attacked the Longstorian and their guards. Taking the Longstorian and remaining guard prisoner.

Isau and Beff followed the trail left by the Fygolians and we met them selling their prisoners to a group of Kryganites. We attacked them but at least on Fygolian escaped by fleeing into the woods and another simply vanished. After the battle we could not find the Longstorian but did discover a sleeping guard. The guard could not be roused so we buried them under a fall of leaves and planned to return later to take them to safety.

We saw ruins in the distance and when we approached them we found a familiar sight of strange trees with the air around them thick with spores and pollen. The spores caused everyone pain bar myself and Mosh were immune so aware of time I dragged everyone through regardless of any cries of pain or discomfort. After the trees we found a gate, dark elves Kryganites were gathered around it. We put them to the sword but some fled through the gate and disappeared. At the gate a strong fellow was repairing the stonework. I complimented him on his work and he told us of a tower that could be seen yonder.

Bracing ourselves we entered the gate and were suddenly attacked by many men and dark elves. These were the soldiers of the court of Wane. Striking them down we found a Longstorian Father Badger, he had been recently captured and brought here. Strange Fey creatures were torturing people, we saved the people and a skittish fey by the name of Pugh talked to us. He said he was a servant to the Lord of Wax. He had a game of riddles with Dante and reward us with a bag of potions. The potions were labelled in Rhonish but in such a strange and alien place we could not trust such writings so concluding that these must have been the potions Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist was robbed of we took them with the intention of returning them safely to her.

Ahead in the tree we saw many skinned people and more prisoners. To save any more suffering we attacked the torturers and assaulted the tower. Many defenders guarded the tower but we would not be stopped and won our battle. Many Longstorians were freed including the missing Longstorian we had been hired to find. Suddenly we were all transported back to the gate we had passed through. A voice sung in our head telling us of how we had aided the Lord of Wax.

We headed back to Norvic and collected the sleeping guard on our way home. At Norvic we gave our report and were rewarded handsomely. When we returned the pouch of potions to Lady Forgot-her-name Alchemist it was empty! We apologised and wished her and Sleeping Jon well.

In faith

Bann

## MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

A true account and report on the events that took place on day XVIII of Springsdawn, that transpired to the undoing of Prince Olan’s curse.

It was a humid morning and in Norvic, the carriage from Yurnemouth had been swift and my arrival had not been too late. As I stepped down from the large wooden step I saw that Norvic was indeed a great city, the marketplace a hive of commerce just as busy as the port back home, but what had most captured my attention was the large gathering of fighting men and women preparing weapons and armour it was an impressive sight to see, I reported to the Knight Commander Sir Gaspar along with the other Squires, Winston and Stove, and once we had attended to our Lords armour we were each provided with our holy symbols, bandages and then each presented a weapon. It was an event that filled me with pride, Sir Gaspar then handed to his squires potions to hold onto for the purposes of staying disease, he asked that I hold onto his until he called for them.

We assembled in the Square where the viscount, the Knight Commander and others exchanged pleasantries discussed the mission and Reuben was given the previously acquired fetishes for safe keeping, and we were sent to retrieve another artefact the Eye of Prince Olan in hopes that we may be able to perform the ritual. Everyone did a final check of their equipment and we left the cities safe walls. The present party were Sir Gaspar, Sam, Reuben, Teyha, Orka, Quintus of Karach, Kryhan, Ragnar the Dwarf, Hilda, Astrid, Winston, Stove and I.

On the road outside the city having just shown permits, Sir Gaspar named Sam as Chaplain of the Griffin order, it was a thing to behold I was asked to hold Sam’s sword however the blade was so heavy I was forced to put down my own hammer to lift it. I couldn’t help but think about how I may be knighted in such a fashion one day and wield such a sword, to be in the presence of heroes can be a humbling experience and I was already confident they would see this mission complete no matter who may oppose them. We were called to recite Sidhean and Crowan Sins as we walked the road toward Aylesham until we encountered a large force of the Reanimated dead, Sir Gaspar thought it odd that they would stop up ahead of us and form a shield wall as they did and I suggested it could be the powers of necromancy no matter however as we were called to hold our position whilst Sam completed his spell we were then called to charge the zombies. Sir Gaspar led the charge with Sam and Winston to his right and myself and Stove his left the remaining party brought up the rear everyone fought valiantly but I sustained an injury to my right arm and was in need of medical attention I looked around me as one by one the zombies fell and began to try and stand once more, however these abominations to the Seven were quickly cut back down and slain with holy water. Teyha Lin an Elven Healer bandaged my arm and I was able to assist with the remaining zombies.

We reached Aylesham to find an enormous pit in the ground, the townspeople who were clearly distraught told us of the pits appearance and more disturbingly how the people of the town had risen from the dead and began to walk, I fear they were the zombies we had encountered on the road the town almost deserted already was now unsafe and there would be no protection from the surrounding dangers that plague this land, I suggested to my Lord that we accompany them to safety but he was certain the road back to Norvic was cleared and their passage would be safe. We left them to travel south and continued on our way north.

North of Aylesham we encountered a small group of cadavers they were quickly dispatched with until the appearance of a vampire accompanied by two of its minions wielding disease ridden blades attacked, The Vampire goaded Reuben and told him of tragic tales of a personal nature that infuriated him, the vampire challenged him to a duel and so I stood back as I am forbidden to interfere with such things. However Reuben lacked an enchanted blade in which to slay this villain. He attempted to take the one that Sam was caring for and it was given to my fellow squire Stove for safekeeping unfortunately Reuben compelled stove to hand it to him with an obey spell and charged the vampire their swords clashed briefly before the vampire used a fear spell and drove him into the brush where he was followed and aided by Sir Gaspar and I assume it is there the enchanted sword was retrieved, people attempted to fight the vampire but were also quickly turned away with this dreadful magic, When Reuben returned he attempted to fight but was forced to banish the vampire with his holy symbol of Longstor. In his grief Reuben was screamed a loud and exclaimed his hatred for this creature, I told him he will have his vengeance one day but my mind was on this mission.

Up the path a little we cam across a small group of dwarves they were friendly and gave us some information that may have proven useful in our quest, before heading on as is tradition we all took a moment to initiate the new Griffin Chaplain and introduce ourselves to the people who were not from the order. Leaving the Dwarves we were able to follow tracks that led us directly to Prince Olan. I handed Sir Gaspar his potions and a battle quickly ensued led by the Griffin orders own Knight Commander and Chaplain myself and stove fanned out to the right of them and winston to the left, three of Olan’s warriors were able to pin myself and Stove and I sustained an injury to my hand, as did Stove. As I look at the wound so small I saw it bleed violently as I collapsed with a tremendous feeling of Nausia my entire body began to spasm and convulse as I could not contain the sickness. I looked up briefly before being forced back to the ground with my ailment and saw the battle had continued out of sight and a great many of us lay injured or dying. The next time I looked up from my sickness Teyha was there her medical supplies in hand she cured my disease and bandaged my arm and I stood whilst she did the same for Stove, at that moment I saw the party return with the Eye and Prince Olan Hot in Persuit of them people fought in vain and Reuben fired off his last few enchanted arrows but without a blessed weapon to defeat Olan all seemed lost, Suddenly Sir Gaspar appeared at my side and told us to brandish our holy symbols and chant the names of our gods, we formed a circle around the cursed one and drove him to the ground with its divine aura the fetishes were placed around him and Reuben read the stories and said the words, Quintus did also say his words and when all was said and done, Sir Gaspar took Olans body over his shoulder to return it to his shrine.

As we travelled back south there was but only one delay, a band of Dark Elves attacked us and I was mortally wounded, I collapsed on the ground my arm in tatters a gaping wound in my stomach I leaned against a tree as my vision focused in and out I could see many of my comrades dying in the brush, I was sure I would die when Sam appeared and pressed the wound on my chest stemming the bleeding if for only a moment he saved my life, I remember as I began to drift in and out of consciousness joking that though I may live I will surely lose my arm when he was able to heal it miraculously with his divine power. Teyha arrived shortly after and quickly healed my other wound completely and it was though my entire body had not been harmed. I attempted to help with the other injured and had seen Sam with an injured prisoner, so I went over to assist him, a Crowan worshipper, Astrid, was also present and the prisoner made threats and challenged her at first it seemed Astrid did not wish to fight the prisoner as she was injured but when the prisoner berated Astrid and spat at her, Astrid took her head with an axe. The prisoner died kneeling. I fear for the company I keep on this journey is not all as honourable as once hoped.

On our way to lay the Prince to rest we came across an unusual statue as we walked toward it a shocking wave of force blasted all back but Sir Gaspar as we all approached once more nervous now, Sam at the lead, we were once again repelled but Sam the Chaplain was unharmed. Sir Gaspar took the sword from the statues hands and in his own it became the fabled Sword of the Griffins I and the other Squires took a knee as our lord and chaplain both did and Sir Gaspar trembled as he held the blade in his hands. When he stood and raised the sword in the air the Griffin order screamed ‘death before dishonour’ before taking our leave. In that moment I was no longer unsure of the path I was taking, I would be a knight of this order and wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else in Ithron.

We arrived with Prince Olans body and lie him down in his tomb the ceremony was completed fetishes and all, Winston and I held the chains that once bound him as our Lord cut them asunder and his father blessed the burial and allowed us to take the fetishes to do with as we wished finally able to return to his sleep. Not all attended the ceremony but those who did said moving things.

We returned to Norvic unhindered and with somewhat good news that whilst we could not cure Olan we did succeed in destroying him. When we had arrived I looked around for the peasants of Aylesham but did not see them I can only hope they made it to Norvic safely and until I know for sure it will weigh heavily on my heart.

My honest and true accounting
Signed
Rhogar Squire of the Griffin Order and Thirdborn son of Khogar Abentor.

## MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

We were hired in Norvic to attack a Kryganite shrine which was near to a town. A band of dark elf Kryganites had captured the town and built a shrine.
Ranger Isau, High Father Dante, Father Francis Teach, Artemis the alchemist, alchemist Jayms Cobb, Templar Mosh, scouts Beff Triptwig and Arya Hjarta,Father Spunds, Corbin Du Bec Esquire, Pyrrha Esquire, Mother Fae Foalstride and myself Defender Bann gathered and left Norvic and headed to Gelded Stones.

On the way we passed a group of slaves being led by slavers. The slaves did not appear to ill treated so we carried onward. Further along the road a corpse was found. On the body was a bloodied note.

At Gelded Stone the villagers talked of how any beggars had been seized by slavers and illegally taken. They also said that the dwarves had locked their tunnels and nothing had been seen of them. After much knocking they answered Mosh’s calls as he spoke in the dwarven tongue. They told him that dog-people had invaded the tunnels. They knew nothing of the thieves tunnels. They said they would send Thalnaz to ask for help if they need any to deal with the dog-people.

We headed onto toward the town. On the road we met some militia who reported they would attack the town whilst we sneaked through the old thieves tunnels to lead our attack on the undefended shrine.

The thieves tunnels were full of traps. The traps set off alarms, the floors gave way and explosions injured many of the party. We struggle through but injuries halted our progress. When we came to leave the tunnels we were attacked by dark elves. We fought to escape and found ourselves in the town. Someone was in a building who called for help. Francis went to speak to them whilst we continued to be attacked from all sides by dark elves. We travelled through the town, fighting as we went until we came upon a shrine to Krygan. We defeated the guardians of the shrine but had no power to deconsecrate it. The influence of the shrine attempted to corrupt the hearts of those near to it so we retreated to Norvic and reported our victory against the dark elves.

In faith

Bann

## MXVII Springsdawn XVIII

It was with pride and excitement that I, Winston Clarence de Vere, answered the summons of my Lord Commander Sir Gaspar Asturian on that fateful morning. I and two
other squires of the Griffin Order had been determined ready to face the
ordeals required to become an adventuring knight. Commander Asturian had summoned
the new spiritual advisor and Chaplin to Norvic to swear him into his new role
but also so we squires could get to know the measure of the man. I must admit I
was disappointed to learn of this man’s rough edges and unsavoury past. He used
to be a mage. And had a foul mouth upon him. But his heart seemed true, and
beneath that rough exterior I sensed a noble (if not by birth) and passionate man.

Sir Gaspar told us of our mission. To lay low some creature
of Undeath that was commiting treason against our good King Robert by
proclaiming himself king. An abomination that must be destroyed. It seems this
Olan – for that was the creature’s name –had been the prince of some long
forgotten tribe in years gone by.

We set off with this task as our objective. With us were
some adventuring types claiming to various professions and a couple from the sub-human
races. I think they were all quietly impressed and bolstered to be travelling in
such presence as Sir Gaspar and the retinue we formed around him.

A few miles from the walls of Norvic we encountered our
first challenge. I say challenge, but really it was just a few poor souls that
had fallen to the curse of Undeath. I charged into battle with my brothers and
put many of these creatures down. In the thick of battle I must have been
struck from some unseen assailant as I was brought back to consciousness by the
elf in our party. A doctor from what I am told. Our party rallied around Sir
Gaspar and were thankful for his bravery and skill in arms for I am certain
that without him there commanding the peasant folk many of them would have
fallen that day.

Proceeding on to Maltask we were inundated with Dwarves.
Poor folk could hardly speak the common tongue. One of the peasants attempted
to translate for me but it seems that the plight they were suffering from was a
hole in the ground. Dwarves worrying about a hole in the ground seemed a
strange thing for them to be worrying about as it was probably they stunty oiks
that dug the blasted thing. I gave the matter no more of my attention. Whilst
we rested from our journey Sir Gaspar decided that now would be the time to
haze the new Chaplain in his role. Each of us was to take it in turns to fight
a duel against him. He fought with courage and some desperate skill. But I am
pleased to report that my superior training bested him. Some of the others may
need to tighten up their sword work but we all gave a good accounting of
ourselves. More so than the peasants when Chaplain Sam broke from tradition and
allowed the hoypoli to challenge his skill in arms.

With that important ceremony out of the way we concluded our
lunch and pressed on with the mission at hand. The marshes we travelled through
was home to all manner of creature but our enjoyment of the open air was
disrupted by the presence of yet more undead. We slew many until we came across
the pale white visage of a vampire. This creature was an insult to all that is
holy. The Longstorian Ranger the Black Sheep of Sparham was particular perturbed
by this. The vampire used its foul magics to befuddle the mind of even myself
but I am happy to say I delivered the killing blow whilst the Ranger chanted
his Gods name.

After this we came across the one named Olan. Battle was
met. With a cry of “Death before Dishonour” and “For the King” I was one of the
first to engage the enemy. I slew many undead creatures before once again
succumbing to my wounds. Once again the Elf was on hand to get me back into the
action. It is a shame the circumstances of her birth, for if it were not for
those ears she could almost be considered pretty in a peasant girl kind of way.
The battle had proceeded to the south whilst I had been unconscious but now it
was coming back to us. Olan was still standing but most of his minions had been
destroyed. Forming a circle around him we invoked the name of our respective
Gods and were able to lay him low. The Ranger recited the story of Olan, which seemed
to have some kind of effect. Chaplain Sam performed one of the Rites of Crowa
to purge the filth from the creature’s body. The de Lesanossa Priest performed the
Rite of the Dead and bound Olan’s soul to Kharach so he could never rise again.

We had been victorious. Gracious in victory our Commander,
Sir Gaspar wanted Olan re-interred in his tomb. The Gods must truly have been
watching that day for as we returned Olan a strange glint played off one of the
statues. A rush of energy knocked all but Sir Gaspar off their feet. The Gods
were amongst us and we were to kneel before them. Removing the Sword from the
statue Gaspar revealed to us only what he had seen. The Griffin Blade. Handed
down from generation of Knight since aeons past.

With the rest of our party we returned to Norvic to report
our success to our patron, the honourable Viscount Charrow.

(extract copied from *The Adventuring Journal of Winston Clarence de Vere*)

## MXVII Budding XX

Arer breaking my fast on a fine breakfast of pickled puddock wih fried eggs, spicy fried poatoes and boiled slugs I bid my booful wife Gerty farewell as I set out from Geldestones to Cropton to offer my humbles sarvices to the Lady Crop.

In the square at Cropton I saw the Knight Commander of Ithron hisself promote the noble squire Winston Clarence de Vere to be an Errant of the Griffin Order. I congratulated Errant de Vere an offered my services as chronicler an baggage carrier. Gathered around were many more witnesses to the occasion. Master brewer Jayms Cobb, Father Francis Teach of Rolbor, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Father Orka Fireflight of Sidhe, dwarf Ragnar, and elf scout Arya Hjarta had all come to answer the Lady's summons.

Lady Crop told a harrowing tale of a Shadow Council that bloighted her lands. This ere Shadow Council was ruled by the Alchemist, Blacksmith and Physician. A band of evil doers that had created a mighty beast known as the Terrorghast.

The Lady requested two tasks of the adventurers. She was concerned that the Shadow Council had been quiet of late and she feared a great battle. She asked that an army be prepared for battle and the blood of the Terrorghast be brought to her for study so the beasts weakness could be exposed. The Lady gave Father Teach a purse of twenty crowns to hire any mercenaries to join her cause.

Twas fortunate that two of the greatest and noblest Griffin knights came to lead the party of adventurers. Errant de Vere led the party from Cropton to travel to Stukey, Newhome, Bridgetown and the dwarf town of Where You Hang Your Boots. Along the way the plan was to recruit what manner of peoples were found to the Lady's cause. The militant orders of the Crimson Crusade and the Green Cross Knights were to be given the summons too.

I left Cropton and met four gentleman on the road who told me of a tale of woe. They sought work as mercenaries but did not possess the permits for such work. I offered them food and provisions. All were full of belly and declined my offer. Protestations from the adventurers warned me that the fellows might be dangerous but no harm came to me. The fellows talked to Errant de Vere and Father Teach gave the men two crowns from the purse for them to buy permits and report to the coast where the Lady Crop's army was gathering.

The road led onwards and it wasn't long before I saw corpses shambling towards me. Some were rotten and wrapped in filthy bandages, others worn white masks to cover their decayed faces. I fled from the road as the adventurers fought. Hidden in a bush I made my acquaintance of a necromancer by the name of George. I fed the wizard with bread and fish as he told me of the undead creatures the adventurers battled. I asked George if he'd help the Lady Cropton but he said he was already in her service. When I returned to the road I saw one of the masked undead, it looked like a corpse wih a white china mask on its face, the adventurers said the only way to destroy it was to soak it in two vials of holy water. At the ruins of Bastion more undead roamed and a company of dwarves were in battle. Whilst the adventurers rushed to aid them I saw the dwarves hungry bellies and thirsty mouths. I set up a feast of fish, wine, fruit and bread whilst the adventurers finished off the horde of undead. Before the dwarves could eat all my provisions I asked for their agreement that they would join Lady Crop and fight against her enemies. The dwarves were indeed hungry and thirsty and agreed. Father Francis Teach after my pleas paid me three pennies for my losses of supplies. As Father Teach then called upon Lord Rolbor to bless a weapon and I chatted with the dwarves. A fine fellow by the name of Mikden told me they were dwarves from where you hang up your boots. They said they had been mining wood but from what I saw they were gathering wood and cutting trees. Mikden told me of a half elf in Bridgetown that was giving lectures on Dagar Noss, some war or such between the elves.

On the road I met a queer fellow, Igor the hunchback. Igor was gathering a herb which he called Igor Herb, it was he told me that Igor Herb grows where the feyund go. Igor had trapped a feyund in a ring of Igor Herb. Igor theory that Igor Herb from Longstor. Reuben the ranger did not agree with this as he said he saw no aura of his Lord Longstor around the plant. Wherever the power came from it did hold back the undead. I took a sprig of the herb. I chatted with Igor and we talked of the Terrorghast, he said it was made from the parts of other undead creatures, some part of a nightmare, the teeth of a vampire, the bones of Templar death knight, the flesh of a zombie, the heart of an ex-communicant. Igor was a master of alchemy and his research had discerned that alchemy had been used in the Terrorghast's creation. Igor showed us a final demonstration of the power of Igor Herb when he mixed it with spit and destroyed the trapped feyund. Errant de Vere hired Igor for the price of two crowns and Jayms helped him move his laboratory to Cropton so that Igor could help the Lady Crop.

Stout of leg I carried on to where my feet would take me and came upon the town of Newhome. The town was full of rowdy Llamanusians that were hosting an ugly contest. Myself and the alchemist Jayms entered the contest and I Pobbin won. The chief of the town awarded me a blindfold to give to me wife. I told all the Llamanusians of the booty of me wife Gerty and of her great cooking. The Llamanusians needed no persuasion to fight in the looming battle and gathered a warband of eight men and went to meet the others we had sent to the Lady Crop.

The adventurers had Bridgetown and Stukey to visit so I carried on following them and recording their adventures. On the road I met a company of knight known as the Green Cross. There was two knights and a squire of the household of Woolworths. There was more undead which the knights defeated. Errant de Vere passed on the Lady Crops message and Sir Woolworths said he would assemble his men at arms and meet up wih Lady Crop and her army.

At Bridgeton there were refugees from Bastion. A half elf was reciting a poem. I roughly noted it as.

Five years or more ago half elf dark elf,
Stole from the darken kin,
Coloured ragged cloak,
Hides the item of Dagar Noss,
A great warrior walks among humans.

The adventurers spoke of a man called Dusty who worn a ragged cloak and spoke of the kinswar between the elves and the item of Dagar Noss.

In Bridgetown was not only half elves but it had men there too. There were three men who introduced themselves with the initial e, s and t. They said they were a company of mercenaries known as the fisty dicks. Errant de Vere enforced militia duty upon them and sent them to gather with the army of Lady Crop.

In the safety of Bridgetown the adventurers began talking of godstones, Pobbin listened. What the adventurers said was strange and at times contrary, this is what I heard. The godstones were made a year ago by the gods and followers in arda or elsewhere. The Seraldan stone is in the hands of the golden dwarf of Fygol. The godstones are protected from the eyes of the gods. After this chat the adventurers walked on to Stukey.

Before Stukey was a warband of orcs wih the Terrorghast. Whilst the adventurers prepared their strategies I set up a stall to offer food to the foulspawn. The Terrorghast was not delayed long before it charged at me and I fled. When I returned to salvage the remains of my stall and provision I found the elf scout Arya injured on the ground. Quick to think I used the blindfold I have been given earlier to bind her wounds. As I performed my kindness a big and ugly ogre stomped toward me, roaring and bellowing. Terrified I grabbed a handful of the scattered and strewn food from the floor and offered it to the ogre. Simple minded the ogre looked down at me in confusion. It was out of desperation that I then jumped at the ogre and stabbed it in the chest with my eating knife. I had to stab it many times before I struck it heart and it fell to the ground wih a thud. When I looked around another ogre loomed over me and knocked me to the ground. I awoke later with the battle over and the foulspawn defeated. My basket had been tipped over and many of my belongings trampled, crushed or lost.

A strange man dressed in a ragged and colourful cloak wandered across the battlefield saying naught but the word dirty. I recognised the man as out of the half elfs poem. I went to speak with Dusty and asked him of the item of dagar noss. He asked he what makes you think you are worthy? I told him that Pobbin had slain an ogre but that I was no hero. Dusty would not answer any other question and would say naught else to me.

Dusty went amongst the adventurers offering the same question them. Father Teach spoke of equals and was not accepted. Sir Gaspar spoke of heroics. Father Orka said he must learn more. Sir Gaspar continued to talk, he spoke of lineage, defence and honour. Dusty spoke of service, he said that he was chosen because he served. Dusty spoke again with Teach. He said that a storm was gathering and would come in three months time. That darkness would spread. He then chose Teach and gave him a magical cloak.

Master brewer Jayms took samples of blood from the defeated Terrorghast. To my eyes its blood looked like blood. Reuben devoted of Longstor described it as clear like water. The priest Father Teach and Father Orka could not see the blood at all.

The beast was not subdued for long and when it awoke I fled. As I ran through a bush I found my basket and recovered much of the food and trappings I had thought lost. The ogre which had stolen it had in its gluttony choked on a fish bone and lay dead. Glad of my good fortune I offered my thanks to Tralda and walked onward to Stukey. In Stulkey were a party of warriors clad in red. They named themselves the Crimson Crusade. The warriors agreed to join the battle against the Shadow Council. Sir Gaspar asked them of their beliefs and they answered that they were students of war not a religious order and that their leader was Nathaniel Blackmore.

When I returned to Cropton I reported to the Lady Crop that four crowns and three pennies had been spent gathering recruits for her Ladyships army and that I would send my report to her.

I was grateful at the end of the day to go home to me wife Gerty and a home cooked meal. Famished I reckon the next time I travel to chronicle the adventurers of Norvic I shall bring me missus with us to cook me meals and keep me fed during the journey lest I collapse from an empty stomach.

An eyewitness account of the adventurers of Norvic
Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVII Shoring XVII

It was a baking hot day and the young ones were paddling in the pond when Ma Gertie fried me a plate of eggs as I filled my pack. After breaking me fast on fried eggs and poached toads I set of a walking to Norvic. At the hiring square I met many adventurers I knew from reputation or from past journeys with them.

The greatest hero of Ithron the Knight Commander Sir Gaspar Asturian had around him many adventurers of renown. There was gathered Sir Bec de Corbin, Ragnar the Forgetful, master brewer Venin, Father Spunds of Crowa, doctor Tehya Linn, ranger Reuben. I mister Pobbin Toadhunter joined their company to record their adventure.

Guard sergeant Hartford the aide to Viscount Hawkwind greeted the adventurers. He asked them to deliver summons to three nobles. He listed them as Sir Rainier Von Hanterzin last seen at Deepham. Sir Jory Flarne a Griffin Knight who had left his post on the cordon around the region occupied by Mal Zeth. He was last seen south west from Wrentham. Sir Batholomew de Mutte Esquire. Vessel Trader and merchant adventurer who was last seen travelling to Bedon.
I was bestowed the responsibility to carry the lord’s summons. At the gates of Norvic the guard spoke of blue robed fellows searching for mages. They reported that foulspawn were few in numbers, with some even approaching the towns in search of refuge.

On the road I found a dead body surrounded by skeletons. When I got closer a man in dark blue robes ran away. I followed but I did not find were they had gone. The dead body had papers on them which named them the mage Archimedes. A search discovered a silver dagger as they only valuable belongings. We took their wizarding papers and the dagger.

I chatted with the dwarf Ragnar the Forgetful. We agreed to meet in a tavern in Norvic where he would teach me the dwarf tongue in exchange for coin and wine. After agreeing my business with Ragnar we met three men and an orc. The four companions were travelling to Yurnemouth so that they could leave Ithron. I sold a beer guide for one penny so they would have a map and knowledge to where to stop for beer. They were travelling east as a blue robed man had given them charity then preached that they should leave Ithron. The orc was a follower of the god Tralda. People said that they had heard that Deitologists were asking people to leave Ithron. I tried to explain to the orc that they should follow their faith and trust in the gods.

The road ahead was blocked as there were two bandits trying to get into the camp of a Griffin Knight. Two squires were refusing the men any refuge nor sparing them any food or water. A robed lady came out of the camp and addressed me by name then touched my arm and spoke words I did not understand but explained it was a gift from Lady Crop for the letter I had sent her. Sir Jon of the Griffin Order was resting in the camp after being wounded by an arrow. Sir Jon was leading a group of Griffin militia westward. I fetched water from the well the squires were guarding and gave it to the two bandits. The adventurers then carried on with their quest.

After leaving Sir Jon I met Tom, Dick and Harry. All the three men had blue tattoos over their left eye. Tom told me that he carried his father’s sword which had killed three goblins. I showed Tom my knife which had slain an ogre. Sir Gaspar said lots of words and his voice kept getting louder and louder. Tom then ran away, he ran faster than I had ever seen a man run, straight up the hill and away. Dick and Harry tried to follow Tom but Harry was shot in back by Venin. Harry’s injury was bandaged but when questioned he fled up the same hill as Tom and escaped. Sir Gaspar said the men were outlaws for running away.

In Snetham there was a market I sold fish and wine for five pennies and a map for four pennies. Sir Rainier was found accompanied by two women. The summons to see the King was given. Sir Bec De Corbin complained of rude peasants. I didn’t believe that peasants could be rude, the market seemed a fine place to me.

I packed away my market stall and in good spirits I headed along the road to Bedon. I saw a man in robes flee at the sight of me but could not follow as the path was filled with skeletons, zombies and deathknights. I came back to warn the adventurers what I had seen but one of the deathknights caught up with me and stabbed me in the arm, the sword blade was deflected by an unseen force and I was unharmed. Amazed I strode forward with my arm extended, the next blade to strike me cut into my flesh I was left bloodied and sore. Father Spunds came and prayed for me and the wound closed. I saw Sir Gaspar the Knight Commander fall to the attacks from the deathknights. I scampered and circled him to awaken him but to no avail. In fright I tried to grasp his mace and defend his body but even whilst injured his grip was too strong and I was struck sore wounds in both arms before I fled. I ran into a bush and met with master Venin. There he fought a deathknight and struck off its bony legs. In my pain and fear I wandered to close to the deathknight and it stabbed me in the belly. In agony I collapsed, sure to die. I was awoken by a tired looking Venin as he fed me a magical potion. The adventurers gathered together all sore and bloody but all standing.
No more skeletons harassed me as I walked on to Bedon. Around Bedon were many starving peasants who were begging the guards outside Sir Bartholomew’s house for food. Neither Sir Bartholomew nor his guards would offer any food to feed the peasants. Grateful that I was still alive I gave as charity some of my food to the hungry people. Sir Gaspar went to speak with Sir Bartholomew. He came out and reported that the lord’s bedchamber was in darkness and that the lord was only seen at night.

Sure that I could be of service I lit my lantern and went into room to serve the summons. As I opened the door a sickly and filthy Sir Bartholomew bit me. His skin was red and blotchy. After bandaging my wounds doctor Tehya forced me to drink a horrid mixture. She then brewed another and forced the sickly lord to drink it and he fell into a deathly sleep. Father Spunds gave the body a holy cleansing. When I returned to the courtyard I found my pack ransacked. The guards reported that the peasants who I have offered charity to had stolen my food whilst I was attempting to serve the royal summons to Sir Bartholomew.

I shouldered my lightened pack. I was disheartened by wretched thieves that had stolen my food as my belly rumbled angrily. My arm sore and the bitter taste of Tehya’s medicine reminded me I would seek compensation for my troubles from Sir Bartholomew when he recovered from his illness. At Wrentham the guards confirmed that Sir Jorge lived in town but he was only seen at night and had not been seen for two moons. A kind man led me to the house. The house was the property of the Griffin order so finding it locked Sir Gasper kicked down the door. The dark house smelt bad. A Griffin tabard had been left in bed chamber. The rest of the house held empty cupboards. Sir Jorge had abandoned his house and his post.

There was nothing else in Bedon so the adventurers returned to the road where a ghastly army of undead assaulted them. The nobles Sir Gaspar and Sir de Corbin talked with a lordly vampire knight dressed in the livery of a black tabard emblazoned with a red chalice. He was marked on his face as an excommunicate and it could only be the corpse of Sir Jorge risen again to become an undead. Whilst Sir Gaspar and Sir de Corbin were willing and able to battle army of the undead they would raise no weapon against the vampire. I feared the monsters but after much running and about and haranguing the adventurers I found a hero in the ranger Reuben who accepted the challenge of defeating the vampire lord. I distracted the vampire whilst Reuben snuck behind it and struck the monster down. Swiftly Reuben hammered a blessed stake into the corpse and the vampire turned to dust. The dust was taken to Sir Jorge could be laid to rest.

I returned to Norvic with only one of the summons served. Guard sergeant Hartford accepted the adventurers explanation for the failure to serve all three summons and paid everyone their social status. The silver dagger we had recovered proved to be blunted and was traded so we could all receive an bonus on one crown. I had in additional made sales of ten pennies during my travels.

A tale of the adventurers of Norvic
Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVII Highsummer XV

XV Highsummer - Mission report by Sproggs Icklesmith

It was a pretty hot day when me and Smudge (she’s my sister) left our forge to go on an adventure! We did it once but pa caught us chasing the fox into a chicken pen and told us off. Smudge wanted to see more but we weren’t allowed. Anyways after having a breakfast we headed out. I think, maybe it was second breakfast….. I can’t remember.

So we went to Caister, did you know they have a cheese shop there? Well by the time we ate the wheel it was hiring time! We saw a giant in metal armour (That’s the clanky kind) who was heading to the hiring square. So we went with him. He’s a bit forgetful, can’t remember our names.

So we get told that someone has stolen books, that’s a bit naughty but what can you do? (Get them back for sure!) so we said yeah we’ll do that. The party looked a bit annoyed at me and my sister cos we wanted to have a quick snack but then we decided that maybe we should just keep going. So we spoke to Father Bramble. He must have had his faith for a long time because who names their kid bramble? Anyways, he was confused because we’re halflings and he’s a human and they get confused. I wish that was a joke but they do. Maybe we’ll find out that one day.

Where was I, oh yes! While he was talking aload of undead showed up. So we got ready to fight them! But then Mr Spear showed up and said that skeletons can’t be hurt by axes, but while that was happening we all started screaming because it was really scary, like really scary. So we ran away. But then we decided to tunnel through the forest and fight them from behind! Well they must have been scared cos they ran away! Or died. We can’t remember but we had a celebratory biscuit.

So Mr Spear taught us about undead. They’re really not nice but they’re not at fault because necromancers do bad stuff. Anyways, there was a travelling group. One with gold robes and another guy who was like a knight but wasn’t. He spoke funny and was a good man to speak with, we said we’d sort some armour out with him and he was really nice to my sister. Then we carried on walking and took a break while Tomoe the mage did a spell. He said don’t say what i’m saying so I didn’t. But then the sword started glowing so I kinda wanted to. It was like, “BLEBEBLEBEBEBEBE” and then BOOM. anyways, We stopped for a break and I opened up my grape juice and had a cookie. It was delicious.

So we walked on, and saw this place called Gelded Stones. There was a sheriff looking man who was all intimidating, then he got hit by a bird and started crying. The bird nipped his skin and then flew away. Well while it was all going on we went looking for the bird but it disappeared. So we came back and then loads of shouting happened, so then we were talking with these people who had weapons and we were being responsible blacksmiths and asked for their permits. Noone had any permits so we took the weapons. Naughty naughty aye? Then gaspar came back and realised they all had weapons and stuff. So we took them away but before we could break them at Gaspars command we realised that we could give them to the guild house and get some nice new non permit weapons. So we did that! Then some wolves came in to attack us as we were setting down for Lunch.

Bit rude but we managed to evade them, then some orcs and goblins came up and killed the bad wolves for us. So we celebrated and gave them all hugs. But then the ogre got upset because we were little people. He then gave us hugs, which was nice. They were warriors. Pretty cool right?

So we followed them into their camp, Gaspar said about Bungay and i giggled, cos Bung. Then Smudge asked about it, and we started laughing saying BUUUUUNNNNGGGG. It went on for a bit cos we’re easily amused, then they revealed a yellow flower. It was all shiny and Mr Spear told us that it was a magical flower. Like really magical, we’re talking magical as magic can be! Turns out he’s an alchemist and knew that the flower does something amazing. If you pick it, everyone explodes.

Tomoe wanted to do it but we ran away put our goggles on and hid behind our shields. Then when it was clear we walked after everyone, making sure the mage didn’t eat the flower to restore his powers with elven sorcery. Oh and we traded a stick to some goblins.

So then we found some undead, but there was some more nasty undead. They were really nasty. Like REALLY nasty. The kind of undead you’d look at and say “That’s some nasty undead.” So after throwing spells around it disappeared. Bit weird but Gaspar was already back on his feet by then so we shrugged it off and continued with the undead smashing. Smudge killed loads at this point, I was a proud brother i’ll tell you that much.

Then we found a hill, well it was already there but we found it! And we kept going up the hill where we found more things, like these weird tree children things. They were called Elderkin. Apparently a type of holder. So they kept disappearing in the bushes but that’s fine, one cast a spell at me and i managed to block it with my natural halflingness and killed it. Then I saw another and I fell asleep, i dreamt about amazing cake and pie! But then woke up to see my sister and screamed. Then I saw another one and ran at it but it made me sleep again, then I woke up with Mr Venin looking at me and there was alot of blood, I may have been stabbed while asleep. I can’t remember…..

Then we saw some more undead! They were slow and shambling so we killed them. Then Continued on! We found a shrine, it was all boogie woogie so we moved out the way. Then Tomoe made a promise to Vleybor that he’d marry someone if she protected him. Then he walked towards the shrine. So me, mr venin and Smudge dived behind a shield each and we put our goggles on, safety first! Then there was a loud bang and Tomoe fell asleep. So people did stuff to Tomoe…. and then me and Smudge found the books!

So we told everyone about it but they said we already had the books, so it turned out we’d found the books they lost like five minutes ago. Win win!

Then these other undead turned up and it was rubbish. But it’s fine we got rid of them and went home. We took a really long path but it’s ok, halflings are good at long distance walks. But then there was some spooky ghost thing, so we left it to it’s own devices but everyone else wanted to destroy it. So we let them do that, then Gaspar came out acting all weird so Bryan (He’s a vleyborian) knocked him out and we saw the ghost. Well we healed up gaspar and then tied him up to move him because he’s a big man and we’re tiny tiny people. So we got him to the tree and then woke him up, then tomoe fell over. So all of this happens and Bryan goes “We need to steal the dagger.”

So I go to the dagger, i’m fast for a halfling after all, I’m used to catching pigs! So I start running, and I run fast! And I’m running, then I don’t remember but I woke up with a really bad headache. Apparently the dagger was somewhere else and Tomoe didn’t want it broken but smudge broke it and he shut up….Then we got paid and went home for pie and cake, and then loads of people asked us for weapons! Well we haven’t had business like this before so we opened shop!

The end.

## MXVII Highsummer XIV

The Tale of Sir Winston Clarence de Vere on the Dragonbone Isle
The brave and honourable errant Winston Clarence de Vere of the Griffin Order was summoned by the Ladies knitting circle of Tisa Valley to take a voyage to Dragonbone Island to defeat the cultits of the evil Dracoliche.
Adventurous and worthy Errant Clarence de Vere readied himself and took a swift horse north. Behind him I the humble mister Pobbin Toadhunter followed on a donkey to chronicle his feats of skill and daring.
At arrival on the docks in Hartness the noble Winston Clarence de Vere was invited on board the Damned Plum and introduced to captain Tregar. Winston Clarence de Vere was treated with due courtesy for his noble rank.
When the ship began to take on water and suffer various ill fortunes Winston fearless of the dangers led a party of adventurers to the island to gather supplies of wood and pipes. Arriving at the island Winston found a human slaves held in pens. Winston defeated the gaolers and set the prisoners free. The men and women had been greatly exposed to the mist of the island and were too weak to move. They would perish from as much exertion it would take to carry them to the boats. With regret Winston had to leave the people with the promise that he would slay the Dracolich and set them free forever.
Further into the island Winston found the warehouses. Boldly he entered a warehouse to find it empty apart from a mighty cyclop that had been left their to snare him as they tried to steal the supplies to repair the Damned Plum.
A fight ensued whereby Winston slew the cyclop in a contest of arms one on one. After the cyclop was defeated the warehouse was searched and six bags of gold were found. Winston took the gold back to the Damned Plum as spoils of war.
Victorious in battle Winston then joined the battle on the morrow to destroy the Dracoliche. Glorious in battle Winston was assaulted by many magic spells to prevent him destroying the Dracoliche’s entire undead army. When he had recovered his senses the brave Griffin Winston charged forth and slew the Dracoliche, bringing the foul creature’s reign over Dragonbone Island to an end.

## MXVII Highsummer XIV

Personal Journal of Mister Pobbin Toadhunter
It was a small breakfast I ate before I left Gelded Stones and went on my journey to serve Errant Winston Clarence de Vere, to carry his baggage and to chronicle his perilous adventures. It was too early to eat more and we had many leagues to travel before we reached our destination of the Dragonbone isle to confront the cultists of the Dracoliche
Ma Gertie had packed my basket full of food and plenty of provisions. We were met at the docks and were welcomed aboard the ship the ‘Damned Plum’. On board the ship Errant Winston Clarence de Vere was introduced to Captain Tregar, a formidable woman. The crew told me there was a galley and stocks of food but did warn me that the ship’s biscuits were infested with weevils. I spoke to some of the sailors and met Red Kent, a guardsman. The captain then announced that we would soon set sail toward the Dragonbone island. She told us that there was no way she would take the ship to the island but would put down anchor at some nearby crags so that we could explore the island ourselves.
Whilst the ship sailed I examined some maps of the island. It appeared that the island had formed from the bones of an enormous dragon. From the maps I estimated that Dragonbone island was at least ten ships in length. On the island was a fortification the Black Bone citadel, many lighthouses and it had sails made from the dragon’s wings. I made a rough copy of the map but before further study could be done the captain called us out on deck to be shown how to use the two boats we would be using to travel to and from the island. As we were shown the boats many skeletons, zombies and ghouls rose out of the sea and attacked the crew and everyone else.
After the invasion of the undead had been quelled it was decided that we needed to learn more of the island. We elected Tungil the Defender of the Faith of Tralda to lead our expeditions. On the maps we had and the knowledge of some of the others aboard the Damned Plum we knew that a library existed on the island. A small group of twelve of us travelled in the dark of night to explore the island and try to locate the library. A foul and disturbing mist lingered on the island. There we met people who had been living on the island, they spoke little and knew little. A great wall prevented them travelling further inland and they knew nothing of what lay on the other side of the wall. When he tried to advance toward the wall the islands inhabitants became aggressive. The warriors amongst us subdued them.
We found a magical barrier which prevented us travelling further. A riddle, odd coins and a small lighthouse we found. When the coins were put in the lighthouse the light came on and the riddle could be solved. However in the light of the lighthouse the people who had been subdued became ghostly pirates who attacked us. All the ghost pirates were defeated and the riddle was solved. We all passed through barrier and explored the island further and reached the library. We took many books and then returned to the ship.
Whilst we had been on the island a man was rescued from the sea and taken on board the Damned Plum. The man had come from the island, they were weak with disease and tainted with necromantic magic. Those of us who had raided the library also felt the drained by our exposure to the mists on the island.
We began to study the books. The books were nautical in nature. There were treatises on ships, knots and flags alongside stories of mythical creatures and ancient legends. Within the pages many hidden codes were discovered. It appeared that a servant of the Dracolich had suffered too much and wished to bring an end to their master’s reign. Those closest to the Dracolich had to drink a potion to fortify themselves against the island’s mist or they would lose their minds. Reader a servant of Rolbor, Bruna a dwarven alchemist and myself after much study deciphered the hidden codes and learned how to gather the ingredients and how to prepare them to brew the potion so that we could battle the Dracolich and the undead on the island without being overcome by the mist and gas. Guild Protector Seax and Master Distiller Admiral helped us gather the ingredients and mix them. Some of the ingredients required we to travel to the island to collect them. Our first attempt was unsuccessful as he headed to an alchemy laboratory on the island where the potion was brewed for the islands workers. We found the laboratory abandoned and stripped bare. We deduced that there were three ingredients which we would need to gather from the island. I have been told I should not include any reference to these ingredients in my report due to laws regarding alchemy and physicians drugs. I can tell that whilst foraging for these ingredients we faced many dangers. We met the Blood Queen a vampire who was to marry the Dracoliche, the queen was guarded by two blood golems. On another forage Defender Tungdil was bewitched by a dragon and tried to kill us all. It was the quick action of Seax that managed to save some of us but Defender Tungdil, Digger and Bruna were lost to us.
Whilst we studied the book other mysteries on the ship were revealed. The ship turned out to be an automaton of elven manufacture called the Waverider. The King of Sea came aboard and offered a truce. A voyage to a Siren was plotted and the Siren visited. All this I helped where I could. Then in the morning the ingredients for the potion were prepared and mixed. Again I can not say much of what I witnessed but the potion was a success which meant we would be able to assault the most tainted region of the island to attack the Dracoliche and also prevent their marriage to the Blood Queen.
The Blood Queen would come to the Dragonbone island by a magical portal. We had gathered the remains of some lost souls which we used to close the portal. The Wizardess Keyliegh and myself set out the skulls in a pattern as described on the portal stones and sealed the gate which the Blood Queen and her consorts were using to travel to Dragonbone isle.
Whilst we fought the Blood Queen others from the ship met the Dracoliche in battle and slew it.

## MXVII Shielding XIX

We met Elderman Joshua of Hethel in Norvic. He told us of troubles in Hethel. The little goats the village is renowned for were either going missing or through nervous disposition no longer producing milk. Tales of the goats claimed they were as small as dogs. Elderman Joshua complained that the swamp to the west Hethel was noisy at day and night. We were hired to stop the noises and any threat to the goats.

Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds led our party. The little ones Sproggs and Smudge, the elf wizard Tomo, Vleyborian priestess Serenity Daydream, my wife the beautiful Gertie Toadhunter and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

As soon as we were out of the gate foulspawn attacked us. The orcs and goblins were loud in their shouts that they wanted to eat goatflesh.

At Hethel we met Magget and Cecil, both farmers of goats. They were in argument about whose fault it was for the howling that was upsetting the goats. The howling sounded like a man roaring in swamp. The little ones Sproggs and Smudge had their second breakfast. In the village there was a guild senior mercenary Mundungan, a man down on his luck.

We entered swamp and found many men and dark elf corpses. Whilst we stood by in surprise the dark elves rose from the dead and attacked us. These zombies were destroyed by Daydream. All of the dark elf corpses had a tattoo of an eye on their forehead.

Further into the swamp we entered a tribal village. The village was in ruins except one house. The house was the home to an ogre and follower of Sidhe. Myers told of how his village was attacked every night by dark elves and bandits. Myers would howl, shout, yell and bellow to warn them away. The priestess Daydream Serenity became very ill, she was afflicted with zombie rot. We agreed with Myers that we would defeat the dark elves and bandits and stop them from harassing him. We would return for lunch and provided fish and onions for Myers to cook a chowder whilst we went in search of the bandits and dark elves.

Exploration of the swamp found the dark elves camp. Bravely Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds defeated all followers of one eye the Cyclops with a little help from Sproggs. The small folk then set about to repair the armour of the two fighting men, Sir Winston and Guardsman Spunds. Whilst we waited Gertie threw the runes to see our fortunes and looked into her crystal ball, an heirloom from her mother Gladys Stonethrower. When Tomo looked at crystal ball a monstrous apparition struck him and when he passed it back to Gertie in fright she saw it too. Both told of a beastly monstrosity full of anger and spite trapped inside the crystal ball.

The smith repairs completed we packed away our things and delved deeper into the swamp where we met a lizardman. As we spoke Sir Winston was overcome by voices, he began speaking tongues and then spoke of Krygan the mother of monsters. The voices were angered by Tomo desecrating a shrine of Krygan. A curse was put on him that would not be lifted until he learnt to show respect to gods. The lizardman told us of a golden dwarf offering rewards for both humans and dwarfs.

The bandit camp was found. The bandits were well defended and magic by Tomo helped us defeat them. Hungry we rushed back to Myers and lunch to find his house attacked and Myers locked inside.

A mob stood outside the house. They had their weapons drawn and were demanding the death of Myers. I rushed to the house but could find no way in as Myers in his fright had barred the doors. I went to the back of the house to discover a great warrior hacking the rear door apart with his massive axe. I called for them to stop but they only threatened violence. I defended myself against their two handed axe with my tiny dagger and defeated them. In a rush to defend Myers from being killed I ran out to attack the angry mob. I struck at them but many of my blows were deflected by their armour and they cut at my legs and caused me to fall.

The mob were momentarily quietened and they explained that they had been hired by the sour man Mundungan to slain the ogre. They agreed their cause was unjust and left Myers in peace but pressed charges of murder and assault against me. Guardsman Spunds did his duty and arrested me.

Myers was thankful for his rescue and offered fish chowder. We all enjoyed the repast, served from a horn. Tomo said the horn was magical. Myers explained it was the Horn of Council, a relic of Sidhe. In gratitude he offered it into the keeping of the party. Sir Winston took it and it was agreed that it would stay in his safekeeping.

When we had defeated the bandits were had found a gem and some lumps of silver, we sold these and shared the bounty of two crowns each. Elderman Joshua rewarded us with pay for settling the disturbance in Hethel.

## MXVII Harvesting XVI

The school of Necromancy had a problem so Richard a mage from Norvic hired the party of adventurers to bring in a rogue mage by the name of Flynt. Flynt had for many months been leading apprentices astray. He had been using the apprentices to power his spells and then killing them to create more undead. Flynt had last been seen in the ruins of Corby.

We gathered together. There was Gertie Toadhunter Journeyman Alchemist, Venin Journeyman mage, Tomo Kimber Enchanter, Beff Tripwing Ranger, Reuben Warden, Uriel of Sidhe, Liberace of Tralda, Arya the elf scout, Lowlife the half orc, and myself Pobbin Toadhunter Waylander.

Outside of Norvic we met foulspawn who begged for food but when talked to they offered only violence in trade. Venin bought a crown of food from me but when offered to the foulspawn some ran away with it whilst others attacked. With some difficulty I burnt a troll with my tinderbox, Lowlife had to stab the troll many times whilst Tomo gathered wood and built a pyre around it.

Journeying toward the ruins of Corby we met some Kharchians who travelled with a foundling, a lost woman who could not remember where she was from or who she was. Venin said he could see not trace of magic on her and that she was not one of the lost apprentices. We wished them safe travels and carried on our way. We then passed Sparham and met the folk of the Ragged Banner. When we stopped to speak with them we were attacked. Scattered we fought but when I turned to look bodies lay everywhere. I saved Gertie, stabbed the last of the attackers and ran up a path to Uriel who had chased one of the enemy. I found the attacker who had an enchanted dagger slain beside Uriel. I did what I could to save Uriel and called for aid. Venin began to tie a bandage but it was not quick enough and Uriel's life slipped away. The man who had killed Uriel appeared to be a Traldan follower but it became clear that the band of folk had been Seraklanites. Reuben said that these folk were not from the Ragged Banner at all.

We travelled until we came across a Vleyborian chapel . A pair of goblins who had followed the Children of Truth had now abandoned the cult and had come to the chapel to have the scars of their service removed. They did not know who led the Children or what they wanted. A peaceful and tranquil place we left Uriel's body to rest within the chapel.

On the road we found a tied up and gagged man but when we went to help we were attacked by dark elves. We defeated the dark elves and saved the man Dario, a pilgrim and herald who had been on a recent journey to Hadsfield. We journeyed on toward Corby and fought many skeletons and undead. A necromancer Marc Kemp said he had raised his undead army to defend himself against Flynt. The necromancer's army was sent against us so we defeated and captured him. There were prisoners Jon of Norvic and Jesus of Norvic, both nobles. We took Marc to the forester Talas Copperthorne to be held for the crimes of magical assault against Lowlife, the kidnapping of nobles and of creating a skeleton army. Once the necromancer was safely behind bars we continued onwards. We reached Corby and found Flynt had an enormous army of feyund, ghouls, skeletons and death knights. Flynt claimed to have created the Order of the Bloody Chalice. We had to fight until after many hours we subdued Flynt and took him back to Norvic. Tomo who had been attacked by Feyund was slain.

In Norvic Richard was pleased with our success and we handed over the rogue mage that had been causing such mischief.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVII Summereve XXI

After regular correspondences with Lady Isabella De Vere of Caster myself and me wife were invited to attend her wedding to the Baron Richard Grenville of Lowstof. Myself and Mama Gertie travelled with some of the other guests, Head Griffin Winston Clarence De Vere, Guardsman Spunds, Warden Reuben and Brother Lowlife were all friends of ours, accompanying us also were Tanith the scout, Errant Marshall Whisper of the Templar Order and Doctor Morpheous of Medehampstede.

We travelled to Grenville Hall, the residency of Baron Richard Grenville, where the wedding service would be conducted. Many of Baron Grenville’s militia were zealous in their duties to keep the manor free of threat, even going as far as confiscating Mama Gertie’s pruning knife. We were put through examinations many times before we reached the manor house. At the entrance hall Reuben was approached by a retainer of House De Vere family, he warned that ill things were afoot. He suspected that the House of Grenville were responsible for the murder of House De Breck.

Politeness and manner had our party announce ourselves in the main hall. Many of the people in the main hall were flunkies of House Grenville. I recognised the crest of House De Vere and introduced myself to the uncle of Lady Isabella De Vere and enquired of her whereabouts. Lord De Vere said she would be along but did not know where she was at the time. The Lord was suffering from a nasty cough so I summoned Doctor Morpheous to give his diagnosis, the Doctor and I encouraged Lord De Vere to take a walk and I offered to accompany him for a stroll around the orangery. The Lord declined and remained steadfast he would stay in the hall. I had brought a gift of sugared toads for by liege Lady De Vere but not trusting the militia of House Grenville I did not leave them in the hall but kept them on my person.

Lowlife was rudely expelled from the hall due an unpleasant odour which lingered around him. Mama Gertie, fierce in her defence of her friend became obstinate and full of venom against House Grenville. Gertie was unmoved until we heard tell of a werewolf doppleganger of Baron Grenville which had its lair in a tunnel beneath the trophy room. Concerned for the safety of Lady Isabella I went to check on the guest rooms. The guest room we entered was dusty and unoccupied. Tanith cleverly spied a loose floorboard and we found underneath it a small sword. Gertie took the sword and hid it upon her person. The well being of Lady Isabella remained unknown but before we could search anyway else for her we were escorted back to the main hall by Lord’s guards. I requested to visit the library but the guards refused. In the main hall I congratulated Baron Grenville on his nuptial day. His lordship was rather dismissive of the subject and only became enlivened and cheerful when he spoke of taxes. The Baron proposed the levy of many new taxes including the catching of toads, all of this aide obsessively recorded. Rather perturbed I ventured out of the hall and found many of my companions were out of sorts and complaining roughly of the food and hospitality of the kitchen. Some said the food was poisoned so I went with Gertie to examine the food but she said she saw no poison. Our investigations were met with hostility and we were forced from the kitchen, battled ensued when a holy symbol of Fygol was let slip from under the chef’s tunic and the kitchen hand resisted Guardsman Spund's attempts to arrest them. The Fygolians were captured but refused to answer to any of Spund's questions so our captive was left tied up in the guest’s quarters.

News then came to us that the aide to Baron Grenville was a nefarious necromancer who had been stealing spell books, he had three spell books stored in the library. Before any further investigation of this could be made an undead army of skeletons led by the aide and a wraith came from library and began to attack the guests. We gave chase but could neither stop or catch either necromancer or wraith. When we returned to the manor Whisper and Spunds had barricaded the guests in the main hall to prevent harm coming to them.

After the danger had passed Baroness Isabella De Vere approached the hall. The Lady was ill disposed to the nature of her arrival. The signs of bloodshed and other disturbances on her wedding day made her disinclined for pleasantries and she had harsh words with her nephew Sir Winston Clarence De Vere when he reported the events and disappearance of her betrothed. Evidence that House Grenville had been responsible for the murders of House De Breck was found and passed on to the guardsman Spunds.

When her ladyship was in a kinder mood I offered by gift of sugared toads and shared them with her retainers The other guests had been kept safe but when questioned two heretics were discovered in their midst. A Seraklanite priest and a Mithimese follower of Fygol. The Mithimese guest said that they had come in search of the Golden Dwarf. Both were arrested and placed into the care of Lady De Vere. The Baron Grenville or his aide were nowhere to be found.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVII Drawing XVIII

At the end of Summereve tragedy fell on Geldestones as evil men ransacked the village. Forced to flee Mama Gertie rounded up the Toadhunters children and we took up residence on the common at Caster with the sheep and goats.

On XVIII Drawing gathered by the commons were Guardsman Spunds, Ranger Reuben, Brother Edmund, Ranger Percy, Foot-beardling Smudge, Mother Serenity, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston Clarence de Vere and Sir Harold. The brave knights and adventurers were organising a journey to Geldestones. A necromancer Elizabeth Lamb offered a bounty to recover the missing pages of some magical tomes which had been found in the House of Grenville. The book were said to be in Geldestones. The reward was ten crowns for the recovery of the pages. Another mage offered to sell his magic but was quick to flee when questions were raised over legitimacy.

Smudge had also received a request from Elder Hoarin of Steelhammer to find the missing Thane of Steelhammer and the Runesmith Thalnaz Steelhammer. Both were lost in mines beneath Geldedstones. Whilst I spoke with Smudge she gave gifts, a small drum to Edmund and croaking toad to me, a perfect lure to catch toads.

I left Gertie and the children behind as they frolicked and played with the goats on the common. Outside Caster we met Bequifisian cultists on road, there was a swift battle. As it ended we met a Kharachian by the name of Nova who accompanied to Geldestone then fled quickly into the woods when they saw the village was overrun with Fygolians. There Fygolians had the village walls secure and taunted us as we circled them. Often tossing pies at us when challenged. I build a fire at the gate and left it burning as we retreated.

Griffin Champion Winston said he would bring a siege tower, sappers and battering ram. Satisfied that this would see Geldestone reclaimed we went in search of the dwarven tunnels.

At the entrance of the tunnel I was frozen in midstride, a brief moment later I recovered and looked about myself. At the edge of the darkness below were two petrified barkers, dog-men. Inside I heard the sound of hissing. Warned of a medusa I entered with eyes closed and made lots of noise. It was frightening and the medusa preyed on our fear and both Reuben and Spunds were bitten, the medusa's poison leaving them frozen for a long time. Brave Ragnar did slay the medusa. A search of its lair revealed nothing but broken stone and rotten carrion.

The tunnel's guardian defeated we delved deeper and met the dwarf Gundar as he repaired a automaton. We then met Elder Hoarin who offered to pay us to enter the mines and bring out the Thane and Runesmith.

Eager to save the dwarves we entered the tunnels. A strange silvery ore made my head hurt, sickening by body and muddling my head. More of the dog-men were here, fighting what remained of the dwarves. The dog-men scampered about, barking as they battled. Wild and feral the barkers were relentless but with brave warriors as Ragnar, Winston, Spunds and Harold we broke their ranks. Sparks and lightning shot forth from the broken vein of ore in the cavern ceiling. I tried to scrape a sample to take for inspection but a violent surge of lightning broke my dagger asunder. A great tree roots had wrapped itself around the silvery ore. A miner explained that when they had tried to excavate the ore the Barkers had come and the root had stretched down to grasp it. The foot-beardling Smudge when she examined it said it was mithril.

Away from the mithril were more Barkers, deeper in the tunnels were strange creatures which made strange chittering noises, Clickers. The Clickers were fearsome and unharmed by any weapon. Percy made an astonishing leap to escape them until a blessed axe caused them to simply vanish.

We found Thalnaz Steelhammer the Runesmith but the Thane was dead. We fled the tunnels as more Barkers and Clickers attacked. Elder Hoarin was glad to see the return of the Runesmith and paid us our social status plus two crowns. With no more dwarves in the tunnels a rockfall sealed them.

We had failed to recover any of the missing pages for the necromancer and Geldestone remained taken by heretic.

## MXVII Midcold III

We met in Lowstof with Sir Gaspar Asturian, now baronet of the sea port. House Grenville had been disgraced and displaced. The greedy baron had hoarded a coffer of coins and gems in taxes from villages and townsfolk throughout his demesne. Baronet Gaspar asked that this wealth that was taken in unfair taxes be returned to the people. To complete this task we gathered a party heroes and do gooders, Mother Serenity Daydream of Vleybor, Sir Harold Briarthorn Esquire, Sproggs Icklesmith, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston De Vere and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Entrusted with coin and food supplies we did our best to protect them from bandits and thieves, distributing them among ourselves and regularly swapping loads. Not far out of Norvic we met on the road with a wraith. The dark shadowy creature spoke with Sir Winston and told the Griffin that it had been sent by Thomas Black, once aide to Sir Richard Grenville. It told Sir Winston that it's master was in bitter dispute with House Grenville and that the villian Richard was in Topcroft. Armed with the knowledge that Richard might try to hinder our passage through the lands he once controlled we journeyed onward.

We came shortly to the shrine to St Olave's and the surrounding community. Twenty crowns was given back to the people to see them through winter. A further fifty crowns was given to Father Wood of Rolbor to aid travellers, pilgrims and the needy. I prayed at the shrine for Rolbor to guide and protect us as we journeyed and spread aid to the people.

As we moved away from the shrine and closer to Geldedstones there was signs of suffering. Bungay had been pillaged by Fygolian raiders. All the survivors were given food supplies as well as thirty six crowns for them to stock their larders for winter and rebuild where needed.

At a camp off the road we met a band of mercenaries searching for work. I offered to hire them to retake Geldedstones but they refused as they thought it a folly for so few to assault the encamped Fygolians. I spotted a wizard that had fled Caster when Guardsman Spunds had tried to arrest them. Sir Winston would not see the law flouted so, offering five crowns from his own purse if the mercenaries would deliver the fugitive to the law offices in Norvic. The mercenaries were to be paid upon arrival in Norvic with the captive.

The road led on to Ravenshall, along the side of the road we found two empty hovels. We stopped to leave preserved and dry foods for any passing travellers or refugees. Ravenshall was overrun with undead. A Kharachian was busy sending many souls on to the Halls although he offered no prayers, his sword the only release for the damned. Once the undead were destroyed we shared food with the priest. Sproggs was wary of the man and when challenged the Kharachian fled. Sproggs said it was a demon as no-one saw it harmed during the battle and refused to prick its finger to prove it was human.

None of knew much of demons but the encounter gave us much to think about as we travelled to Lod. Our food was shared. None of the kings purse was shared as trade remained good and the people were affluent. This comfortable life held its own danger, one townsman took much pleasure in their own and others suffering, I suspected they might be a follower of Bequifis, nowhere is safe from the blight of the dark gods.

Warily we passed by Geldedstone. Sproggs used his small size to his advantage and crept up to the village to spy on the Fygolians. Sproggs reported that the Forge in Geldedstone had many workers coming in. We all heard loud chanting or singing but could not discern any meaning. Not prepared to do more we bypassed the village.

At Topcroft we met the dastardly Richard Grenville. The village was occupied by his most loyal retainers. It was noted that the people were all itchy with fleas or some malady. The disposed baron would not give themselves up so battle ensued. Richard was slain near to the shrine of Krygan then guarded by a wolfman until the corruption of the dark gods consumed him and he rose as an elderkin. The abomination fled down tunnel, we followed the pair into the wilderness but they escaped.

No people were left at Topcroft so we walked on to Ling. We gave food for the forty two people to feed them for two weeks and one hundred and twenty six crowns for stores and supplies. Jon the Younger gave thanks to King Robert for returning his taxes.

Our travels nearly complete we headed for Lowstof. Winston was withdrawn and when we met the wolfman again he was no longer with us. The creature snarled and spat then Sir Winston rushed forward a silver sword in his grasp. Sir Winston slayed the beast and the glimmer began to fade from the sword. Nothing more of note occurred and we reached Lowstof to returned any left over coins to the king's coffers.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Deepwinter XX

The heroes Errant Harold Briarthorn, Smudge Icklesmith, Guardsman Spunds, Ranger Reuben, Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston De Vere, Doctor Morpheous, wizard apprentice Ellenor, Father Liberace of Tralda, alchemist Cassius, squire of the Griffin Order Asher Charrow and the humble scribe Mister Pobbin Toadhunter gathered at Theodeforde. We met Tom Woodward, an aide to the Viscount who hired us to escort the new Baron from Croxton to Attleburc. Our hirer Tom also warned of the disease of the purple spots. Threats had been made against Baron by other nobles. As soon as we left the town we saw a woman hiding behind a tree who had purple spots on their skin. The guard as the gates said that all that possess the mark of the purple spot would be refused entry into the town. Some travellers approached and we left the guard to their duty.

Away from Theodeforde we met some pilgrims. Devoutly I praised them and pointed them north toward Hadsfield. Rudely they dismissed my suggestion and stated that they sought the wisdom of the dark gods. I stepped away from the pilgrims, a little surprised by their words then a follower of Abraxis stepped out from behind a tree and an attack was made against Sir Winston. Soon a battle raged through out the woods. By the time I had drawn my axe and struck one of the heretics down I felt a mighty knock to the back of my head and woke up dizzy after the battle was over. The woods were not safe so we gathered again on the road and I rushed to the safety of Brandon. I made it there before my companions and spoke with an old woman telling fortunes, a man selling wood and man selling cider. Quite a thirst had come over me so I took a taste of the cider and it was a fine brew so I bargained with the man and purchased a cask to be delivered to Caster upon my return home. A dwarf by the name of Tendrick asked a letter to be delivered to the elf maiden Pava. Smudge took the letter.

Once out of Brandon my spirits lifted by the cider I walk with a spring in step and Doctor Morpheous accompanied me. We walked until we met four beardless dwarves. The odd dwarves had been branded with a mark on their faces and said they were of clan Bloodfell. Their temperament matched the name of their clan and when they asked for the letter I denied them. Thinking me a fool they discussed they plans to steal the letter in front of me. I challenged them on this which seemed to infuriate them more. I chose that moment to hide amongst my companions but the dwarves were determined to cause me harm and chopped at my legs with their axes. Coward and fools the dwarves were put the sword for their discourtesy.

We walked on to Croxton, my wound had me limping and walked with the others. Guards stood at the entrance to Croxton Hall but a whispered word and then they let me pass. I went inside as a servant to Sir Harold Briarthorn but both of us were rudely silenced and then locked in the hall. Of a humble disposition I accepted the judgement of the master of the hall and remain where I was left and accepted the lord's generosity as I fed myself on the platters of meats and cheeses and sated my thirst on the lord's wine. When my hunger had gone I knocked upon the door and the guards released me. By this time Sir Winston had the good baron in an even temper and ready to begin his journey to his demesne.

Smudge delivered Tendrick's letter to elf maiden Pava and learnt that it was a proposal of betrothal. It gladden my spirits but as we travelled a severed hand on road soured my disposition. Nothing more unusual was seen so we left the hand where it lay and reached Brandon. Tendrick was joyful with our news as Pava would be his bride but from out of nowhere an assassin tried to kill him with a crossbow bolt. The assassin was jealous of the betrothal. The assassin another elf maiden was captured and questioned. It turned out that she was also in love with Tendrick and made maddeningly jealous by the coming nuptials. With no remorse for her actions she was arrested and her heinous attack.

Our charge the baron was eager to continue his journey and we had only the road between Brandon and Attleburc to travel. Our task seems almost done but our fortunes were poor. Many bandits and wizards and heretics did we meet. A Fygolian by the name of Robustus challenged us first. Then a large group of armed men led by a fellow of the name Bartholomew, the son of a rival Baron assaulted us.

Then of sudden a wizard charmed by mind and not of my own will I devised a plan to murder the baron. My scheming thankfully failed and the baron survived the attempt and my mind cleared of the witchery.

Last we met two travellers. One who announced themselves as a follower of Tralda, the another a common man. They too were villains and when the Traldan was apprehended we found little to identify them but I did find two prayers in writing I could not decipher. The other man fled and was not caught as they were unharmed by any weapon, our suspicions were that they were supernatural in nature.

After an arduous journey the Baron reached his new hall in one piece and was very busy as they had not time left to thank us.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Springsdawn XVII

It was a windy and icy dawn in Norvic. On the cold morning was gathered a mighty band of heroes. Defender Liberace, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Ranger Isau, High Father Dante Potocki, Levi of Crowa, Joe Jack Jacobsen of Tralda, Sineya the wild, Scout Spunds and Lowlife of Longstor. I Pobbin Toadhunter accompanied them to record their exploits.

Tom Woodward aide to the Viscount Longspear of Theodeforde and an elfmaiden Tehya Linn met with the adventurers. Tom spoke of diplomacy and peace, an effort led by the Viscount to bring together the dwarves and elves of Theodeforde forest. A holy relic of the Lord Longstor was being brought to Hockham for the old shrine to be consecrated once more. The elf Tehya had been one of the escorts for the relic, she had travelled with a man and a dwarf. The three of them had been attacked and the relic stolen by cloaked men.
The task for the adventurers was to recover the relic and safely transport it to Hockham so that Father Liefenwold would begin the ceremony to bring harmony to the disparate communities. Tehya told us that the relic was an ancient fox skull.
The way to Hockham was through the forest of Theodeforde. A road that proved perilous, once away from Norvic we met many foulspawn. The dark nights of winter I had not wasted, studying with Jak Foalan the black speech of the orcs. Crudely I called out to them but was met with curses and laughter as they threatened to eat me. There would be no diplomacy and led by Reuben the adventurers felled the foulspawn. A troll amongst them I burnt it, their troll fat gave off a great stench but the warmth of the fire was welcome. One orc captured spoke of a big green boss.
Our path was narrow and the woods beguiling but our scouts led us unerringly toward our journey's end. Strangers lurked in the bushes and traps were laid on the trail. I tried to speak with the strangers but rather than talk they enchanted my tongue so I could not speak.

Out of the trees came dark elves and Elderkin. Then we found a camp of dark elves. The dark elves did not attack and a parlay was made. Dante and the dark elflord talked and a challenge ensued. Tricky and malicious the dark elflord struck Dante down and the camp became a battlefield. The dark elves were not able to defend the camp and I found a dwarf who they had held prisoner. An Elderkin threatened to slay the prisoner if we approached, cowardly then the Elderkin stabbed at the helpless hostage before it fled into the forest. The dwarf of hardy constitution shrugged off the attack and when I cut them free of their bonds they said that they were ambushed when walking in the woods and would return home at once. I wished them a safe journey and they spoke of a green elf priest of Krygan that had come to the dark elves but the only words the dwarf had been able to comprehend was talk of the Golden Dwarf.

Nearing the village of Hockham I walked onward and I came upon a green and pleasant glade. In the glade was a lonely fellow, I spoke with him and asked if he was the gardener who kept so well a clearing. The man agreed that he was a gardener of sorts and was happy to speak with me. We chatted and he confessed of his loneliness and want of a companion, he said the woodsmen of the village always kept so far away from him. I was more than happy to keep company with the fellow and he was pleasing company. Then when the adventurers approached the gardener led me toward a great tree at the edge of the clearing, I went meekly with him and then I felt myself taken away and closeted. I was strangely calm and in a strange way dreaming until as sudden as I had arrived I returned to the clearing a faintness in my head and weakness in my limbs. I have felt the same ever since. I was told that Lowlife had spoken with the Gardener of Hockham Glade and made some pact to visit him in exchange for my release. I warned Lowlife to be wary as the glade was much more dangerous than it seemed.

We walked away then once the trees once again become wild and they boughs spread over our heads we encountered a band of goblins. The goblins were engaged in horseplay and when approached challenged Spunds to a contest of battle. Spunds was defeated and without warning Sineya the wild leapt into the fray and slew the goblin. Before any peace could be sued all the goblins were slain.

From here we then spotted a priest and his bodyguards. At the crest of the hill was a priest robed in green and furs, a fearsome sight. I warned that there was no cause for us to fight but when identified as a heretic the heroes did bay for his blood. Dante evoked the power of Tralda and the priest’s robes sprung to life and wrapped themselves around the priest. Quickly the others rushed up the hill and fought his bodyguards. I searched the priest and found the missing fox skull on the priest. I took it to Reuben and Lowlife who chose to guard it.

Whilst Lowlife reverently packed the relic away a dark elf came and warned that the Golden Dwarf and One eye were on the way then the dark elf fled. It was an odd message and one not to be trusted. Much suffering had the followers of Fygol caused my family and my ire was raised and I would have chosen to face the cause of the suffering had not the heroes swayed me otherwise and we ran to the safety of the nearby village of Hockham with the holy relic of Longstor.

At Hockham Father Liefenwold was presented the fox skull. Reverently he placed it upon the shrine, an open area between village and woods. Helped by Reuben and Lowlife the priest consecrated the shrine and many blessings were said. I thanked the lord of the hunter for the sustenance and trade he brought to my family. When all seem safe and good a heretic flung themselves at the shrine but for their folly the gods cursed them and they were left crawling on their belly in the mud and leaves. The Hockham militia proved their worth and soon had the miscreant in chains to face justice for their blasphemy and heresy.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Springsdawn XXIV

I broke my fast at Caster, I had a guest at my table so had taken lodgings in the tavern for the day. A relief from the biting cold of the wind in my tent. Venin and I were studying. He showed me the finer points of Nerese grammar and punctuation. I was able to show him the rudiments of the black speech of the orcs, their letters crudely carved on sticks.

As we talked and enjoyed each others company a noise and hubbub was heard outside. These sounds came closer and battle was heard alongside much knocking on doors and demands on the orders of Fygol. The god of greed a bane of my family had again struck to bring disharmony. With the children Gertie fled out of the back door. Venin and I went to investigate the streets. Ruffians were banging upon doors. With stealth we headed toward the sounds of trouble, which seemed to be near the town gates. Many doors were barred and the street empty except the armed men of Fygol it was with desperation that myself and Venin abandon our attempt to sneak away. I called out to the men and offered them the hospitality of some cider indoors away from the cold. Safe was I in the knowledge that Gertie and the children were safely on their way out of town, so the better that the villains were off the street and no chance to espy them.

As I offered cups of cider to the men and beguiled them, Venin was quick to act and knock them senseless. Swiftly we fled the scene and called out to any guards or men we passed that drunkards were causing troubles at the tavern. In such a manner we reached the gates and fought our way through those that stood before us to reach the road.

Weary I gave the town of Caster a final glance before we escaped to Norvic and the sanctuary of the Earl’s militia.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Planting XXI

It was a sunny day in Norvic. I left Gertie with her mother and the children played in the river to cool themselves. At the hiring square I met with Lowlife of Longstor, Bellpot Smith, Doctor Morpheous, Sir Briarthorne, Mother Serenity Daydream, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Defender Liberace, Holy Mother Rose Red Mercedes and Champion of the Griffin Order Sir Winston Clarence De Vere.

High Father Tiggle of Vleybor spoke of a haunting ghost in Wymondham. High Father Tiggle was on the way to Aylsham. Sir Briarthorne was very ill looking. He had been bitten by Lady De Vere and was suffering from increasingly unhealthy signs of vampirism.

I was shocked to hear that the good Lady De Vere was a vampire. When last met she was in fine health and had fled to Hawkwind castle when Caster was sieged by heretics. Defender Liberace said that she had joined the Order of the Bloody Chalice, a vampiric order of nobles and knights.

We travelled to Wymondham but were beset by a dark elf ambush. The ambushers were fought off and we journeyed onward. A gold cloaked man offered a wager for our champion to defeat an ogre, a Champion of Fygol. The Holy Mother Rose stepped up to the challenge but all was not fair as the gold cloaked man gave magical healing to the ogre to prevent its defeat at the blade of the Crowan. A melee erupted amongst the many watchers, human and foulspawn. A purse was found on the gold cloaked man who was identified as a Fygolian.

Nothing else was of note so we left the corpses to creatures of the forest and travelled closer to Wymondham. We found on the road an injured dark elf, their legs wounded and bleeding. Mother Serenity was able to aid the elf but when Doctor Morpheous tried to help them get back on their feet the dark elf dragged him into a pit trap. Both Doctor Morpheous and the dark elf were injured in the fall. Angered Doctor Morpheous slew the dark elf and had to be hauled from the pit by rope. Doctor Morpheous’s honour was questioned for killing a defenceless creature but nothing in law could be done.

Arriving at Wymondham a strange robed fellow went to speak with Mother Serenity whilst others went to the Green Dragon Inn. I stayed in the street to keep an eye on Serenity’s safe return and chatted with an amiable fellow by the name of Nomad Martin. Nomad was his nickname and Martin was his name. I made sure to introduce Martin correctly to all my companions. When Mother Serenity was safely returned to us I took Nomad Martin into the Green Dragon Inn. A hooded lady refused to speak with me and the innkeeper bought a copy of Pobbins Post, the latest despatches from the Duchy of Northwich from me.

Baron Crocton was in Wymondham so I paid him a visit and sold another copy of Pobbins Post. Baron Crocton was an elderly fellow but Ranger Reuben was suspicious that he might be an assassin. It did not seem likely and much of Baron Crocton’s talk was of Sir Edmund a good guy from Lindone. Any suspicion of wrong doing was easily dismissed.

We left Wymondham and saw a ghostly maid. The ghost was fearful and confused. She told a tale of how she was murdered by Lady De Vere who she had regarded as her mother. Mother Serenity talked with the apparition and eased the maid’s troubled mind and the spirit passed away to Kharach’s hall in peace.

Not every spirit was so tranquilly brought to rest as Reuben found tracks and led us to follow them. We were attacked by zombies and skeletons. Amongst them were fearsome and evil Deathknights, mockeries of Black Knights and Templar Knights.
These fallen knights guarded the Lady De Vere. Mother Serenity lay low the vampire and staked her corpse. The vampire slain Sir Briarthorne was given an opportunity for recovery at Wymondham Abbey.

Away from the battle I spotted an injured and unconscious man. I with Bellpot Smith’s aid was able to restore the man to good health. He wore the colours of House De Vere and named themself as Herald Geoffrey. Herald Geoffrey De Vere had been bitten by Lady De Vere but professed innocence of her vampirism. Mother Serenity took Herald Geoffrey to be tended at Wymondham Abbey and cured him of his affliction.

Dark elves hampered our return to Norvic but were naught from a pest and either fled or was slain.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Shoring III

The sky was misty as I gathered myself to depart from Caster and head to Norvic. The hiring square was quiet and I had to introduce myself to many new heroes. There was apprentice mage Nihao, deputy forester Chug and Novice Heinric of Kharach. Of the seasoned adventurers were the noble Sir Harold Briarthorne, the Warden Reuben Volfbrodir and Brother Jack Joe Jacobson.

As the sun burnt away the clouds Forester Jonson approached and the heroes gathered around. The Forester called for the brave or foolish to travel toward the heretics at Bure. Jonson’s orders were simple, to scout Bure and what the Abraxians were doing.
In Norvic at the Square of the Seven a big crowd had gathered. Rumour had that a sword in a stone had mysterious appeared. I could not get close enough to see this wonder myself and followed the adventurers to the East Gate.

The militia told tales of undead swarming Corby, probably due to the malevolent influence of Mal Zeth in the nearby Mines of Massingham. They also declared a bounty of VIII crowns for the capture or defeat of the villain Grimblade.
On the road we met a lone rabbit hunter who told us an account of Abraxians slaughtering their kin and companions, leaving them alive to tell the tale of the killing.
We found more evidence of the Abraxian raiding parties when we found many corpses strewn upon the road. A black robes priest attended the victims’ last rites and laid them to rest. When he had finished we spoke and they introduced themselves as Father Cuthbert of Kharach. The priest was alone and unarmed so Novice Heinric gifted them their dagger and we continued our journey to Bure.

At a clearing we met a party of orcs. I talked with them and offered them a feast of toads. The orcs had been slaves for Grimblade, made to forge weapons and armour for the Abraxians. After they had eaten I encouraged the orcs to hunt for more toads in the forest. In trade they offered a well made dagger in exchange for the toads. I gave this dagger to Novice Heinric. Warden Reuben offered the orcs some instruction in the ways of Longstor.

As we returned to the road we saw a band of Abraxians destroying a caravan. We put an end to the Abraxians but it was a hard fought victory.

At a woodsman’s cottage we met the woodsman’s daughter who pleaded for our aid as her father was unwell. Brother Jack Joe Jacobson went into the cottage to aid the woodsman. There were signs of biting on the man and their skin was waxen. The daughter told of how the woodsman would often walk alone in the woods but had been gone longer than usual and returned three days ago before they fell ill.

Suspicions were that a vampire had corrupted the man. The man was a follower of the Lady Tralda so Brother Jacobson had them drink many vials of holy water and their health began to return. The man spoke with Jacobson before they vanished along with their daughter. We thought we had been fooled by the vampire but Jacobson said it was a holy miracle of Tralda. All was well for the woodsman but we knew a vampire was in the nearby woods.

The road led on to Bure. The town had been burnt to the ground. Big claw marks, wagon trails and boot prints were clear in the ashes. Warden Reuben spent considerable time examining the trail before he declared that many of the tracks were false and a ruse to lead any investigators awry. Reuben pointed westward and back toward Norvic. The Abraxians in many smaller bands had headed that way. Our journey so far was testament to this. The Abraxians were loose and spreading their creed of carnage with them.

We had discovered ill news and turned ourselves around to return to Norvic as swiftly as possible to warn all of the danger. On the road the vampire who must have been lurking before struck at us. Many undead attacked and then from the trees the vampire sent an onslaught of enchantments and beguilements. Quickly we were fighting amongst ourselves and squabbling. The vampire escaped. In a ditch was found an Abraxian who had become another victim of the vampire. When questioned they named themselves Timmuson and taunted Reuben until the warden struck off the heretic’s head.

As we headed west we met a large party of Abraxians. They blocked the road and made themselves ready for battle. We had to break through their ranks to reach the protection of Norvic. We knew it would be an almost impossible task but we had been left with no choice. Gathered in a group with Sir Harold Briarthorne at our head we tried to force an opening. Amongst the Abraxians were Bequifisian who unleashed foul magics at us and crippled we all staggered onwards. The heretics were nasty and malevolent. Chug the forester was slain by Grimblade and Jacobson fled into the woods. Those of us that remained limped away as the heretics laughed and heckled.
Returned to Norvic we made our way to the Square of the Seven and saw a plain sword driven into a stone. None were able to draw the sword from the stone until Sir Winston Clarence De Vere gripped the hilt and the sword was transformed at once into a glorious and magical sword. Sir Winston was unable to free the sword, it was clear that he must prove himself worthy for the sword to be released.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Highsummer I

Gathered in Norvic were warden Reuben, high father Dante, captain Ragnar the forgetful, icklesmith Smudge, defender Liberace, brother Levy of Crowa, Alicia of Tralda, father Edmund of Rolbor and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Sir Sigismund and master Benedict came to the hiring square on the orders of viscount Hawkwind. A vassal of viscount Hawkwind sir Sigismund came to call for aid in forming a treaty with the Flinthearts so that an attack on Corby against the Mal Zeth could be orchestrated.

Ragnar was eager to go to the tavern we however agreed to go to Fareham first to visit viscount Hawkwind and aid the lord with forming the alliance with the dwarfs Ragnar then told us that he had been born in the clanhold of the Flintheart dwarfs and that we would need to let them judge his past actions. On the road outside of Norvic. He asked for no interference in this. We met a band of militia that had been summoned by viscount Hawkwind to gather at Fareham, they declined to travel with us as they demand that they take a rest.

We were then attacked by foulspawn on way to Sparham. When we reached Sparham I headed to the shrine to offer my worship. As we all gathered by the shrine a storyteller by the name of Gordon told a tale of a hero of Tralda. The tale told of the need of light in these dark times. When the story had ended Reuben left to go speak with sir Neville. There was concern that the knight threatened Reuben and warned that the Sidheans were bad.

We left and headed onward to Fareham. Ghoul and ghasts were chasing another troop of militia. The undead were defeated and at Fareham we met the viscount Hawkwind who requested a muster of an army. I spoke with a talented flint knapper who I commissioned to carve a gemstone I possessed into a miniature toad sculpture. This I collected the next day and was impressed with their skill.

At the lords hall it was announced that high father Dante would be the baronet of Bexwell. Tales were told that youths had been taken by father teach to Artemis falls for reasons unknown.

Ranger Reuben found a trail to the dwarf tunnel that led into the clanhold of the Flintheart clan. We went into tunnels where we were met by many roden and feyunds. Fiercely Ragnar fought these creatures before he was taken by the council of dwarfs.

The dwarf council was made of dwarfs from the clans of Blacknail, Stonehammer, Bloodfell, Flintheart and Greybeard. Dwarf breads and cider were shared and our request was made for the aid of dwarfs against Mal Zeth. The dwarfs asked for food to be brought to the tunnels near Fareham and the need to make trade routes with the people above. There were warnings that something was in tunnels at Massingham. It might be a tomb. It was agreed that they would join the battle.

Next was the trial of Ragnar. Ragnar had over a year ago been sent out from the clanhold to seek aid. The dwarfs accused Ragnar of desertion but it was decided that he was just late. He was cleared of all charges and renamed Ragnar the late. It was difficult to judge the time but the dwarfs said that night had fallen so we accepted the offer of hospitality and stayed overnight in the clanhold.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Shielding

The summer blooms and hot sunshine accompanied me as I began my pilgrimage to Hadsfield. Ma wife Gertie stayed at home to care for the little uns, which was one more than last year after our worship at the Vleyborian shrine.

There was a bustle of activity at the town when I arrived there was much talk of a dragon or a wyvern. Three hags had come into to town and began to corrupt the shrines. These were the hags from Tholon, they were invulnerable. The only weakness was to find and defeat their familiars as this would weaken them enough to kill them. The hags and the dragon caused much distress.

This was not the end of the distress for me. I had duties which kept me out of the town during the rest of the afternoon and when I arrived back I was summoned before the archmage. I rushed to attend and was scolded when I presented myself to the guild for the state of my robes, where the girth of my belly had expanded the length of my robe had shrunk. Chastised I borrowed a robe from Marius the Axirian. This was not the end of my worries. As I wandered amongst the adventurers and pilgrimages a gathering of dwarfs apprehended me and challenged me with the question of if I knew anyone that understood the dwarf runes and words. The dwarfs were loud and boisterous so concerned I stammered and wondered at the dwarfs intentions. I talked to the elf known as V who reassured me that if I explained all the dwarfs would be content. I gave an account of myself which seemed to soothe the dwarfs but I could detect some discontent so I excused myself in search of better company.

The next day better dressed I conducted myself humbly as I took refreshments of grilled toads amongst the mages, guards and other pilgrims at Hadsfield. The refreshments were received well by many and I felt better. Later in the day I was requested to investigate the ley lines in the quarry where the foulspawn were crafting magical totems. I went with my master Bialar Crais, Enchantress Holly-Lynn Icechanter, Enchantress Giulia, Enchanter Janus and his pet dragon, Sorceress Erulisse Saerwen, Pathfinder Teddy Westside, Blacksmith Douglas, Junior Guildsman Theodore Meetshack, Holy Mother Rose Mercedes, a doctor, the dwarf Wisdom, the elf Fen with his fine tin hat and a few more I'm not sure I can recall their names.

We travelled out with the scouts ahead, Meetshack showing a great skill of stealth and woodcraft. Many foulspawn and wood golems blocked our path. The trolls we met I swiftly burnt. As we reached the quarry and the stone totems a fierce and giant spider spat poison as it scurried amongst us. Its venom caused paralysis and its bite petrification. Use of the beast’s venom was able to reverse the petrification.

Examination of the stone totem’s showed a delicate balance in the ley lines so that the totems needed to be slowly discharged or cause ruptures. Further into the quarry I saw a snake headed woman and I became petrified. We had met a medusa. The other adventurers defeated the beast and delved deeper into the quarry.

At the centre of the quarry lay a giant statue of a cyclop and three stone totems which channelled power into a circle of protection. Three ogre mages defended the statue but they could not withstand the assault of the adventurers. To deactivate the circle of protection the three stone totems had to be discharged. Once the statue was no longer protected the magic within the statue had to be dispelled, this took lots of spells before the cyclop automaton cracked and broke open to reveal a petrified battle mage which when moved revealed a soulfire sinkhole. The ley lines now freed of their leashes needed to be brought back together. The combined effort of the mages reconnected the ley lines and sealed the soulfire sink hole.

The following day we had to fight a battle against a dragon. To defeat the dragon we had to capture the Queen of the Dragonkin army and take her three sceptres of power. A potion crafted from the Queen’s lava belly was put on the heated sceptres which when ignited created a gas which weakened the dragon. A certain amount of planning and degree of cajoling had the sceptres in the right place the dragon trapped and stalwart warriors to defeat it. The King rewarded us each with a scale from the dragon's hide.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Summereve VII

The day was bright and warm as I entered the hiring square. I completed a round of introductions as there were many that I had not met, Sir William of Dareham, Larkin the mercenary, Venin the scout, Ragnar the Late, Liviania the Enchanter, Caliban the alchemist, Edmund of Rolbor and Master Armourer Smudge Icklesmith.

Warrant officer Stylax hired the adventurers to arrest the villain Sir Gyles of Massingham. He had been outlawed as a heretic so no arrest warrant was required. He was last seen at his manor near Massingham. Before the adventurers departed the square Tom Cauldron came out of his laboratory to talk to Caliban about some missing potions, he said that lots of venom had recently been stolen from his stores. The guard at the gate had an arrest warrant for Ranger Isau with the charge of murder. Along the road an assembly of merchants had set up a market, keen to take advantage of the opportunity I set up my stall. At the market I sold two maps of Norvic and a dwarf bought a mushroom. Edmund commissioned a map written in Dwarven which I agreed to prepare. Earlier in the day the market traders said that they had spoken to a man named Douglas who had taken the road west.

Further on we met bandits on the road. They had envenomed spears. They was defeated and empty potion bottles was found with Tom Cauldron’s maker mark.

I found Douglas in the next village before we reached the town of Dareham. He spoke of the blasphemy of nobles. He said he did not want anarchy. A trail of magic from his hand led northwest toward Dareham. I tried to follow the magic with my map in hand but it went into the ground and I was unable to track it. Douglas could read Rhonish but not Dwarven, Nurunese or Foulspawn. It appeared to me that Douglas was speaking through this volunteer much like a puppet. Douglas would not reveal his location or agree to meet in person. I invited him to visit for tea at any time for a chat. I wrote a formal invitation and handed it to him, perhaps the volunteer or another will come to see me.

Nearer to Dareham we met some Guidan refugees on the road. I told them to head to Lynn Regis to find a boat home. The adventurers escorted them along road but they fled when they saw some Llaminusian mercenaries. I saw a demon with the mercenaries so I bid the Guidanese a safe journey home. The demon was slain and its bodyguards defeated. I questioned Dagnar the Llaminusian who had been with the demon. He told me he had come off a ship at Lynn Regis and been offered a well paid job to escort man that they had not known was a demon. I advised the mercenary to be careful when they considered their next contract as taking jobs for demons was not a good choice.

We came to Sir Gyles Whitestaff’s manor. We found it empty, after a thorough search the only clue to Gyles whereabouts was found in a riddle.

Our agents will meet you at the place between dark and light that is a place of fallen glory on the seventh day.
We sail on the evening tide.
If you are not there you will be left behind.

Myself and Edmund studied a local map whilst we considered the riddle. We decided the only solution to the riddle would be the keep at De Rising. Sure of our destination we headed to De Rising. On the road we met many wounded people who said that they had been attacked by ogres and foulspawn, we suspected them to be followers of Sir Gyles. The carnage got worse as we then began to find bodies that had been clawed and ripped apart. Then out of the bushes came many foulspawn, amongst them was a harpy. The visage of the harpy was terrifyingly repulsive. All but the dwarf Ragnar were stricken with violent wretching. Whilst the foulspawn suffered equally Ragnar slaughtered them all and consumed the troll in flames.

We found the people of Rainham robbed when a glorious procession led by Sir Gyles Whitestaff passed through and distracted them. After I spoke with Jon the half elf he grabbed a sword and ran to get his revenge. The adventurers followed but not in time, mercenaries paid by Sir Gyles had attacked Jon. Jon was rescued but many more mercenaries and foulspawn were in the village of De Rising and had also entered the keep. Sir Gyles was ready to make his escape, he awaited his ship and cowardly hid in a circle of protection. Many followers of Githas lost their lives as the adventurers attacked again and again. When the sails of Sir Gyle's ship were seen on the horizon and Sir Gyles attempted to flee I entangled him in his robes and the adventurers rushed to capture him. Sir Gyle's forces were too many and the adventurers were pushed back. Sir Gyle's stood to gloat before he boarded his ship so by magic I froze him and the adventurers attacked again. This time he was captured. In the battle the brave dwarf Ragnar was slain. Sir Gyles was put in deathsleep by Edmund of Rolbor and taken to Stylax to await trial for heresy. Everyone was saddened by the death of Ragnar.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Drawing IV

After our earlier perilous excursions to visit the goat market in Hethel, to gather flowers in the hills of Half Whistle, to the wedding of Lady Isabelle de Vere and to holy ring bells in the fields of Hadsfield Mamma Gertie did not take lightly our journey to Norvic. She left Toadhunter Tower adorned in battle dress. Gloriously in golden shining attire she had the striking beauty of a Valcor.

At Norvic we met erstwhile friends and companions Smudge and Edmund. Gertie made her acquaintance of the enchantress miss Liviana, alchemist mister Caliban, warrior Larkin and the noble Sir Harold.

Mister Tom Cauldron came to the hiring square again with more reports of theft. The thieves had stolen oils of venom and were known to be camped north of Bexwell. Mister Cauldron tasked us to recover the stolen goods and to neutralise the thieves that were become a thorn in his side and a risk to his profitable business.

We left Norvic by the west gate and not far from the walls a marketplace had been set up. Hasty I set up a stall but travellers on the road were few, perhaps due to the increase in thefts and robbery so trade was not good so I moved on. Along the road we found a man and wife. The man looked dead, I began to examine him and saw many wounds. Edmund reassured us that the man was in deathsleep, investigation concluded that the man had come to this state by the will of the gods. His wife had felt the touch from a goddess and knew the magic word which would awaken her husband but if not healed before woken he would surely die. Livinia on a quest for Vleybor healed the man whilst we all prayed and shared our love. Then when the magic word was spoken the man recovered and was reunited with his loving wife.
It had been a wonderful morning of friendship and miracles. Gertie’s misgivings were unfounded. Then we heard the grunting, shouting and squealing of foulspawn. Orcs and goblins came out of the bushes and assaulted us. The foulspawn of the short tusk tribe showed a particular disliking to Larkin but the warrior and others slew them all.
No sooner had the orcs been battled when a noble highway man blocked the road. A duel with Larkin ensued but as the warrior was about to strike the vagabond down the man teleported away and then escaped into the trees. I was unsure whether Larkin had lost many crowns to a wager but the highway was assuredly now in his debt.

Unharmed we walked on to Bexwell. Off to the side of the road were two armed men and a witch, perhaps waiting to meet with somebody. They did not want to tell us who they were and did attempt some magic to lure us toward them. Sensing a trap we hurried onward and were followed. Not wanting to cause any trouble we stepped off the road to let them pass. Then the witch revealed herself as a harpy. Overcome with vomiting at the sight I did not witness much more. When I recovered the harpy had fled leaving her bodyguards, two Githasians to fight us.

When we caught up with the harpy she had joined other Githasians and freed the prisoner Whitestaff who was being escorted by two guards. In the battle Whitestaff was wounded and I ran to offer aid to the injured guards. I was too late both had bled and died. I took the tabards so that they didn’t fall into unscrupulous hands. When I returned to Whitestaff he too had died of his wounds.

Onward we reached a pitiable palisade, poorly made and defended by common folk. They announced themselves as NAF, Norvic Anarachy Freedom Fighters. They claimed that they and their family had given their blood to the nobles with nought in return. They had plenty of weapons and many were coated in poisons. Arguments and fighting began until we reached the leader of the camp. They would not name themselves but stated that their brother had died at the battle of Corby fields. I offered a truce but we were soon attacked. Nugget, as the mystery man was named, as wounded and captured. Larkin carried Nugget back to Norvic to stand trial. In the camp we found four boxes of alchemy, a few bottles of oil remained.

We returned the oils to mister Tom Cauldron. Upon examination the boxes were recognised as similar to those that had previously been used in an attempt to poison the local nobles. Mister Cauldron was glad that the threat of the thieves had been stopped and taking the venomous oils he offered an exchange for healing potions.
The prisoner Nugget and the guard tabards were passed to the law offices in Norvic along with the details of Whitestaff’s escaped and death. Miss Liviana and myself both offered our services to the city in the preparation and plans for the construction of a travelling gate.

In faith

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXVIII Midcold XVI

It was a cold day when I left Toadhunter Tower so Mama Gertie made sure I was wrapped up warm and had plenty of provision lest I starve and lose my good figure. It was short journey around the edge of Theoforde forest for me to reach the old town. Theoforde had once been the capital of the duchy until the Axirian invasion and the history around it was very interesting. The Viscount had need of adventurers to travel into the forest to discover why many werewolves were raiding the farms and their livestock. The adventurers were told to meet Forester Jon Marrowfoot in Wrentham to learn more.

The guard at the gates of Theoforde warned of many thieving dark elves in the forest who worshiped a cyclops. I later learnt that this was the cyclops known as Baragon.

At Theoforde was Enchanter Liviana Seldon, Journeyman mage Robert Wheelwright, High Father Lowlife of Longstor, Ranger Isau, Freesword Halful and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Along the road to Wrentham we found three dead bodies, one had had a fresh wound cut into their forehead in the shape of an eye. We guessed they had been killed by dark elves and kept a wary eye out for the enemy.
Fortunately we were not attacked and met Jon in Wrentham. Generously he handed out two weapons coated with oil of silver. He warned that if we meet any werewolves in the forest that we would need silver and magic to harm them. He said that the werewolves had been attacking many farms and devouring the livestock. He said this was unusual for werewolves.

Bravely the adventurers accompanied by Jon went into the forest. Almost as soon as we were beneath the boughs of the trees we were attacked by green elves and a very hairy man. Terrified we defended ourselves and defended them Lowlife said that the elves were elderkin, ancient creatures of corruption. He said that the hairy man looked like a wendigo, which he said was a hulda of Abraxis. We followed Jon further into the woods and through a beast’s lair which smelt of piss. As we came to a clearing we found a man being tortured by group of dark elves. We rescued the man and then he turned into a werewolf. The man beast was a follower of Longstor. In a growling speech it said that it had lost it hunting ground to dark elves and evil wolves. The man beast went deeper into the woods and when we followed it was attacked by more dark elves and another evil werewolf. I stabbed and killed the evil werewolf with an enchanted silver dagger which the man beast eyed up aggressively so I stepped out of his way. Lowlife explained to him that we wanted to offer our help. He agreed and he led us all to the wolf elder. The wolf elder explained that the woods and hunting grounds were not safe for him and his kind. That all creatures of the forest were being driven out including the cyclops Baragon. A creature of the forest, old, older than the gods was driving everything out.

We had learnt all we could so set on our returned journey to the old town of Theoforde. On way the scouts Isau and Halful found the lair of Baragon and his dark elves soldiers. We were few in number but as darkness came over the forest we planned an attack. Enchanter Livinia created a circle of protection as I confronted Baragon trying to cast pact on him but it had no effect on the great creature of magic. As the cyclops came to steal my magic I went to Livinia and the beast could not enter circle of protection to reach the huddled mages within. The bait was offered and the cyclops could not resist. Bravely Lowlife, Isau, Halful and Jon battled the dark elves and attacked the cyclops as it tried to invade the protective circle. With magic and cunning we kept the beast and its followers distracted until Lowlife laid the creature low. The cyclops Baragon that had causing much strife for the region had been slain. Victorious we went home.

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Deepwinter VI

Gathered in a cold hiring square in Norvic were Sir Harold Briarthorne, enchanter Robert Wheelwright, physick Bellpot Smith, Mithimise scout Karim Sunspear, Yan the freesword, Cassius Halfleg, Sir Podrick esquire of the Griffin Order and myself. We were hired by a man to meet his master. The servant pleaded for our discretion on a delicate matter, for this reason in the following report some of the names of people and places have been changed for their privacy.

The servant Blackberry said we would be hired to fetch something for his master Dandelion Pipkin who was in the town of Silverweed. We headed out to Silverweed, the gate guard as we left Norvic told us that the king was displeased with the adventurers of Ithron, I passed this message on to the adventurers I was with. Then an attack came from a green elf with goblins and a troll. Lowlife had told me that these green elves were Elderkin hulda of Krygan the mother of monsters. I was worried that a very hairy man would attack us like last time but none came.

At Silverweed myself and Cassius prayed at the shrine to Tralda and then went in search of Dandelion Pipkin. Dandelion was cursed, he said he had become cursed when he had taken a relic of Krygan and tried to destroy it. Dandelion was cursed to look like a wolf, his paws making life difficult with simple task such as scribing letters, dressing dressed and using door knobs. He said that with water collected from Gnarlfinger pond, a sacred pool holy to Krygan in Dareham woods, then a priest would be able to cleanse him of his curse. There was no priests to be found in Silverweed so we headed into Dareham forest. Karim Sunspear had been in Dareham last moon, he said we would be entering the land of the poison frog tribe and he always warned of demons. The poison frog tribe were known for their milking of frogs to make venom.

In the town of Dareham we met some mercenaries who had been influenced by Douglas and did not have permits. A guard was trying to deal with them. They was also a representative of the blacksmith guild protector dealing with miscreant blacksmiths. I encouraged the blacksmith to enlist the peasants into the blacksmith guild so that they would have work and be allowed to carry their weapons. Mister Wheelwright had been trying to diffuse the situation as well and I am not sure our separate efforts went well so we left the guard and blacksmith to sort it all out.
On the edge of the forest we found dead bodies with a lingering taint of demons, the people had been attacked and bodies had been laying their some time. There was a bitter whiff in the air and I knew that toads or frogs were close by, lots of them. By instinct I began to hunt them and in short order had one in my pot, Mama Gertie would be well fed and pleased. Frogs very territorial and vicious began to attack us. I fended them off as much as I was able and the adventurers of Norvic learnt how difficult a pursuit that toad hunting can be. Battling through the frogs we reached the pond water and I filled a tankard. Physick Bellpot bottled it and we began our journey out of Dareham forest. Whilst we did all of this Sir Briarthorne tried to eat my toes, I saw that he was the victim of some magical mishap so lifted the spell to free his wits.

On the path we saw many foulspawn some with demons and the others were Kryganites, foulspawn fought amongst themselves. We kept in the dark shadows of evening as mister Wheelwright enchanted a sword. When ready we came forward and finished off the foulspawn. At Silverweed we took the water to master Pipkin but could not find a priest. Wary of leaving all the cursed water with the cursed man physick Bellpot Smith and myself kept a vial each of cursed water for safe keeping. The remaining two vials we left with him so that when a priest was found he could be cured as soon as possible.

In service

Pobbin

## MXIX Thawing III

The sun shone on a cold Norvic as the adventurers gathered. To bravely lead us again was the noble Sir Harald Briarthorne and his hanger ons the feudal esquires Archibald, Lars and Isaih. The scout Karim Jahar of the Sunspear was there to find our path. Elsewise to guide and support us were Theo of Crowa, Brian of Vleybor, Dario of Rolbor, Meggy the alchemist, Jimney the dwarf and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Again the servant I shall refer to as Blackberry came to seek our aid and our discretion, as before some of the names in this report have been changed for the individual’s privacy. Blackberry said that their master Dandelion Pipkin had gone missing. He asked for us to seek him out to return him home alive and for his curse to be removed.
We travelled into the woods and met bandits and wood cutters. These bandits were fought off and we reached the town of Silverweed. The folk of Silverweed reported that they had heard howling for the past few nights in the woods and wilds around the town.

I checked Pipkin’s room and found it ransacked. Furniture was torn and the window shutters were broken open. Dog hairs and faeces were scattered about and it smelt like a dog had lived here. With Pipkin gone Sir Harald said he must go speak with Viscount Hawkwind in Dareham for guidance. We all accompanied Sir Harald and had a look around the market of Dareham. A Longstorian priest was celebrating the festival of Ploughing the Sod, he asked the adventurers to tell of their greatest achievements. Dario warned that he had suspicions that the man was a Seraklanite. I prepared and cast a magical spell which affirmed Dario’s suspicions. The man was quickly apprehended and the heretic stopped. Sir Harald returned from his visit with the Viscount and said that Pipkin must be returned alive. I cast another spell to find Pipkin and I located him in the direction of Gnarlfinger’s Pond in Dareham forest.

We had to travel through Dareham forest and we met a Longstorian werewolf who complained that her tribe had been slaughtered and forced out of Theoforde forest by the Vargr. There were offers of aid made by some of the adventurers to defeat the monster but no sure way to do this. Foulspawn then attacked and the werewolf helped us defeat them.

By smell alone I knew we were getting close to Gnarlfinger Pond and I warned all to be wary of toads. From all around them venomous toads leapt out to defend their territory. Mayhem ensued but the cursed pond was reached. I sensed something amiss so went closer to investigate. As I stared at the muddy pond I was startled by an eruption under the earth. The ground split and a giant toad emerged. I fled in terror and reached the adventurers where the beast was struck down and exploded in a mess of gore and filth. A life of hunting toads had not prepared me for such a monster which I am sure had been corrupted by the mother of monsters. On the other side of the pond he saw a feral and dirty dogman, he did not respond to any calling or any offer of food but we were sure that the unfortunate creature had once been the man Pipkin. At a loss of what to do and how to get the man to a priest I knock him senseless with my staff and forced a potion of sleep into his mouth. Soundly asleep it was possible to carry Pipkin to Walsham to be cleansed by Lowlife at the new shrine to Longstor.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Planting VII

Once again the rain fell heavy as the adventurers gathered in the hiring square in Norvic. Ready to lead the adventurers was Warden Reuben Volfsbrodir. Gathered together were Jimney of Clan Bloodfell, Brian the Blessed of Vleybor, Maera Stagstrider of Longstor, Sir Lars of House Canis, Dario of Rolbor, alchemist Meggy Pitchell, alchemist Caliban Rose, Ronan the scout and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

As I prepared myself for the day's outing I missed the introduction from our hirer although speaking with the adventurers at the hiring square they told me that they had been hired to investigate the marshes near Dareham. In Springsdawn there had been a previous journey into the marshes where many lizardkin and Kryganites had been met. Rumours of cloaked people coming near Norvic and being heard hissing was rift and rumours of monstrous beasts hatched from eggs in the marshes.

On the road toward the marshes was met a lone lizardkin. The creature was peaceful and when approached it was seen that they had been excommunicated from its church. It explained when asked that it had fled the marshes and its clan of the one eyed adder. It had fled because it no longer accepted the will of the clan and their purpose. The lizardkin was left to pursue its journey away from the dark and into the light.

At Sparham there was the strange sight of was Seraclanites worshippers with their holy symbols on display. Two of them were quickly set upon by the adventurers and killed. The appearance of the Seraclanites was blamed on the recent proclamation from the Emperor of Axir. No other heretics were found.

After leaving Sparham many Kryganite lizardkin attacked. They were very powerful, many had blessed weapons, many used poisons and many were casting spells and they had a Wendigo was with them. Later on the road was found dead and maimed foulspawn hung from a tree. Reuben and Ronan said that the Wendigo had been here but the foulspawn had not been eaten only mutilated and left as warning to the weak.

In Dareham a man was speaking of the trial of Dante the poet, this man was a puppet of Douglas. Dario spoke to the man and made sure that the people of Dareham were at peace and no trouble would be caused by the public display.

It was then that the edge of the marshes was reached. I spotted a giant toad in the marshes and proving my mettle I beat the beast down. Marshkin were also in the marsh but sensibly we left the creatures be. Further into the marsh however things were not so natural, the land was scorched and a magical storm was at its centre. The Longstorians amongst the adventurers were deeply upset by this and felt the marsh had to be cleansed. Near the disturbance was the corpse of a thaumaturge. Examination of the mage showed that they had tried to drain the land. Whilst the Longstorian cleansed the corruption I dispelled the magical power and the vortex dissipated to return the power to the land.

The corruption grew worse as the adventurers travelled further into the marshes. Again more lizardkin were met and the battles were as hard fought as before. The lizardkin were powerful with blessed weapons, poison and Kryganite magics. The trail of corruption was followed and led onwards until a dead end was reached. A mass of trees, roots and bushes impeded any further travelling. Here the corruption was at its strongest. Black ooze pooled and bubbled. There was shedded reptile skin floating in the ooze. Around the pool there were tracks that a monstrous creature had slithered away further into the marshes and it was impossible to follow them. At great risk to his own safety Caliban was able to collect some of the ooze and some of the shed skin. After I had cured him of the poisonous fumes he had inhaled I took the skin and I have stored this so that I can use it to locate the creature when it is needed. Reuben called upon his lord Longstor to remove this corruption and there was a lifting of the feeling of wrongness but the marsh remained a forsaken place.

There was naught else anyone could do so the journey home was begun. Many times the lizardkin attacked and I was beset with magical compulsions again and again so my mind if foggy to the details but everyone fought bravely and to Norvic we did return.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Budding V

When the Barone Phillipe Montrose of Amnor visited the hiring square in Norvic he brought the bright Amnorian sunshine with him. The Barone who was a vassal for the Counte Giovanni Salvarno requested an escort from Norvic to Lynn Regis. To lead the adventurers was High Father Edmund of Rolbor accompanied by Sir Hughes Esquire to de Mowbray, Smudge the footbeardling, Mystell the dwarf and meself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We were a small group and it was the first journey from her clanhold for Mystell so to keep her safe I lent her my club to defend herself from any dangers on the road. Later this was to prove a perilous choice as I left meself less protected.

The Barone Phillipe was an eager visitor to Ithron and keen to learn of our culture and to share his knowledge of his own lands and the Amnorian people. The Barone brought with him gifts for Viscount Hawkwind, the Flintheart dwarves and the Duke of Northwich. We would travel with the Barone to present these gifts and deliver the Barone safely to Lynn Regis.

As we left Norvic I asked the gate guard for news of the road and they warned of foulspawn to the north but reported that the road to Fareham was safe. Along the road we met pilgrims on their way to Norvic after their worship at the Traldan shrine in Sparham. The Barone told that it was also common in Amnor to encounter pilgrims travelling to holy places. There was writing on the road which the pilgrims stated that had nothing to do with them, it wrote that dwarfs are stupid and a drawing of a skull. Edmund was not pleased with this and wrote his own reply in the dwarvish script. It was a mystery who had left the original marks.

We left the pilgrims to finish their journey as we continued ours to Sparham. I made my own venerations to the shrine of Tralda before we travelled onward. On the road we met many undead. It was a difficult battle. As a ghast rushed in a nightmare assaulted us with magic, the few of us that day were scattered and injured I ran to safety. My one arm was injured and my club in the hands of Mystell I had no way to fight through the skeletons to reach my companions. Sir Hughes Esquire likewise hampered could not use his great sword but stood in the road to challenge the skeletons so that I could return to Smudge. The melee had dazed Smudge and I had to remind her to use her holy water to immobilise the ghast and called our band to regroup. We few gathered together then the undead were destroyed and we reached the town of Fareham.

It was market day at Fareham. I seized an opportunity to sell the latest copies of Pobbins Post. The milkmaid purchased one and Barone Phillipe requested to be sent copies and I agree to send him news for the next six months. I was ordered by the town to purchase a traders market licence which I dutifully did. Barone Phillipe visited Viscount Hawkwind to present his gift. We accompanied him and learnt that Viscount Hawkwind was related by blood to Conde Giovanni Salvarno of Amnor. To join the celebrations Sir Hughes Esquire was initiated into the church of Rolbor by High Father Edmund. Then we descended into the Flintheart mines under Massingham. The dwarfs accepted the gifts offered by Barone Phillipe. The Barone then went to meet the Duke. On the last leg of our journey Barone Phillipe explained that travellers to Amnor are expected to pay a fee or toll for travelling into Amnor and that this collection when travellers pass through the Amnor gate.

The Barone delivered we to returned to Norvic. It had been noted by meself during the day that Edmund was cursed. I had spoken with Smudge who said this was known to her but that Edmund denied it. To not raise Edmund’s ire I planned to investigate this curse whenever Edmund might be more receptive to an investigation. During the day no opportunity seemed to present itself until taking fate into her own brave Mystell knocked Edmund out. Whilst he was unconscious I was able to make use of magic to divine that Edmund had been cursed by Seraklan. There was little more I could gather as the divinations I performed became garbled. What to do to save Edmund could not be found and it could not be determined whether the shrine that Edmund consecrated in Rackheath was in fact a shrine to Rolbor or Seraklan.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Shoring II

The weather was warm and sunny in Norvic. In the hiring square the adventurers possessed an air of expectation and relaxation. After the Barone Phillipe Montrose had visited the Duke of Northwich in Budding there was a promise of travel to the realm of Amnor. None were disappointed when our patron for the day arrived. Pablo was a servant of the Conte Giovanni de Salvarno. Pablo invited those gathered to meet the Barone Montrose in his home, to share their knowledge with him and enjoy a feast which would be provided.

There was High Father Edmund of Rolbor, Sister Smudge of Rolbor and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter who had met with the Barone Montrose the month before. For the festivities we were accompanied by Baronetess Virginia of Rolbor, Baronet Dante of Tralda, Mother Maera of Longstor, Father Dario of Rolbor, Meggy Pitchel the alchemist, Ranger Reuben, Jimney the dwarf and Dagnay the mercenary.

We travelled with members of House Silvarno. Their heraldry was green and yellow. At the national gate were arrived in Kartuba it was dry and hot in Amnor. Many Amnorians and Mithimise were seen. Dario hired a speaker from Amnor, her name was Leanna. With our guide and speaker were travelled through another gate to arrive in Campus Stellae. There were many churches and spires in the city and a great building that was holy to the seven light gods. There was little time for sightseeing or reverence to the gods as it was heard that the house of the Barone Phillipe Montrose was under attack.

Without preparation we left the city and headed toward the hills. Outside the city the wilds were as dangerous as in Ithron as foulspawn orcs and ogres beset us. We were easy targets, ill prepared and without escort. Battle was fought and the foulspawn were defeated by grit and determination.

As we cooled our tempers and better prepared ourselves Baronet Dante’s blood was still hot and reckless words brought the wrath of Seraklan. He was struck down and cursed. For the remainder of the day his words were false and powers of his faith were diminished. Recognising the threat these foulspawn were to the Barone’s casa we travelled into the hills. In the hills were found a black and sickly tree. A black ichor dripped from the trees branches. The cursed black tree was cleansed by Maera who said that the tree had been cursed by Krygan.

The roads and lands were unknown to all of us apart from Leana. So unbeknown to us we had travelled into the lands of Barone Engo Vaskis. The Barone Vaskis challenged our trespass. We explained the threat to Barone Montrose but it seemed that the Barone was from a differing house and they held no allegiance with our patron. Leanna and others attempted to talk with the Barone and negotiate our passage. High Father Edmund tried to pass by the Barone and was attacked. A melee ensued and the Barone Vaskis was knocked unconscious and his men fled into the hills. The Barone was left on his lands to recover his senses whilst we travelled onwards.

Our journey took us through a ripe vineyard. Offers of wine and refreshments were made. The day’s heat and the road’s dust had given all dry and parched mouths so I slacked by thirst. I was most satisfied with the wine and bought a cask of wine to be delivered to the gate in Campus Stellae ready for my return to Ithron.

Leanna said we would reach the Barone Montrose casa soon but then before us we saw a group of horned and hairy men, a merging of man and bull. Latter when I spoke with Barone Montrose he told us that they were known was Toreros and common sight wild in the hills or chained in the fighting pits. These Toreros attacked us. They roared and stamped their feet but were slow in moving. They were resistant to magic but I had some success in slowing one down as it shook its head confused at the magic.

After the Toreros were defeated we were passing a travelling merchant, we warned them that the Barone’s hall was under attack and best to stay away and also warned them of black corrupted trees if they turned away. They decided to wait and see how the Barone repelled the siege. We rushed to the casa and discovered it surrounded by goblins and more Toreros.

The siege was fought off and the Barone Montrose welcomed us. As promised a feast was laid on, we talked of our customs and learnt of the ways of Amnor then the next day we visited the holy city of Campus Stellae.

In Service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Highsummer II

It was time again for Ithron's adventurers to travel to Amnor. At the hiring square came Pablo a servant of Conte Giovanni de Salvarno. Pablo asked that adventurers travel to Amnor to investigate the Toreros that were troubling the hills near the Conte's casa.

Gathered in the hiring square were sister Smudge of Rolbor, novice Alaine of Vleybor, Ranger Reuben Volfsbrodir, Dagnay the mercenary, Eladora the alchemist, myself Pobbin Toadhunter and my apprentice Jax. Arriving late but in time to accompany us was high father Edmund of Rolbor.

My apprentice Jax was worried about a Fae lord he had met the week before, I was unable to offer much knowledge myself but we talked of visiting the thaumaturgist Wez in Lowstof if we did need any questions answering.

The journey to Amnor was quick and we safely arrived in Campus Stellae. We were told of an upcoming tourney of sword duelling which it was clear the Amnorian greatly enjoyed and were fiercely proud of. It would not be all bloodthirsty there was talk of singing and other safer entertainments too.

We left the city and headed into the hills. Much as found in Ithron the wild places were filled with foulspawn, Amnor is the same and orcs attacked us. Not all we met was malevolent however but it was worrying, we came across a band of Axirian legionnaires from the legendary First legion. What concerned me was that they had thrown off their colours and were selling themselves as mercenaries. They claimed their legion had not been paid and that they would be searching for new employment. I offered them coin to defend the Amnorian city of Campus Stellae from the wild Toreros but my offered was scorned as too meagre.

No sight of Toreros had been seen so we travelled further into the hills. A dead dwarf was found and we stopped to investigate. From my examination and the alchemical knowledge of Eladora it was surmised that the dwarf had alchemically overdosed as it appeared many of the plants nearby could be harvested for alchemical ingredients. I aided Eladora as she harvested what she could safely, there were blue leaves, orange leaves, purple leaves and yellow leaves. Eladora took these for her studies and brewings.

Then we found a small human settlement, the town however had been abandoned. Two bodies had been ravaged and their grisly remained turned inside out. Reuben was able to follow their tracks, the folk had run further into the hills, swiftly and fast. It was not long before we caught up with the people, they had been attacked by the Toreros. Near to where the folk were hiding I detected a leyline. I showed this to my apprentices Jax and harnessed some of the magic to empower Gooseberry, a doll of mistress Smudge. Gooseberry lit up brightly and blind myself and Jax. Praise to the Light of the Seven my eyesight recovered and I quickly instructed Smudge to put Gooseberry safely away to keep her out of sight for she gave me sore eyes to behold her.

The band of Toreros responsible for the trouble were no far away and Reuben led us onward to their camp. In the camp was a bearded Cyclops. Fortunately I had read Schoolmaster Hulu's report and knew to avoid it, for its touch could paralyse and drain soulfire. The creature was knocked unconscious my Jax's staff and later slain by an enchanted sword. Upon examination the bearded Cyclops was Kryganite and had been feasting on the corpse of a dead Vleyborian Cyclops. There was also a strange wolf headed creature but this also was slain with a normal weapon. We had been close to this area on our last visit and I remembered seeing a cursed tree of Krygan. I fear that this is connected and the bearded Cyclops, the Krygan tree and the attacks of Toreros are connected in some way.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Shielding XXIV

The split of the Empire and the countless threats to the nations within it were a focus of the adventurers of Ithron. The Archduke had arranged journeys by portal to each nation. Gathered to travel to Rum were a mostly peaceful bunch, I was remiss in collecting all their names but I shall provide what I can. To lead us was guardsman Red Kent, there was a small scout, Lorrisa a supplicant of Vleybor, Kenneth of Vleybor, a Crowan warrior, Damon Sunspear, elementalist Ashley Pugh, fisherman Jac Everest, physician Rosie, four others and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

I chatted with Red Kent who explained the upset in Rum. The nation is led by four ruling families. The head of each family titled the Don, roughly speaking what may be called a Lord in Ithron. Don Salvarno is rumoured to be dealing with demons of House Secrets, the Don despite being over ninety years old has the appearance of a man much younger. I hoped we would not be travelling in Don Salvarno’s territory.

We travelled through the portal to Rum. At the gateway were a group of Axirian legionnaires. The legionnaires had been unpaid and unfed, this had led in much unrest and disturbance throughout Rum. The Dons had eventually paid the legion off and now the legionnaires were tasked with protecting Rum’s borders. This seemed to be working. Trades goods were available at a nearby trading post, I purchased Rumish food to sate my hunger as I was forced to leave my own Ithronian foodstuffs at the border.

To travel further into the country we were asked our business by an official of Don Basarvoy. We had not been briefed on any specifics by the Archduke so we declared that we were envoys of Ithron with an invitation to deliver to Don Lucarno Basarvoy. Were we given directions to Don Lucarno’s manor but warned he had not been seen in a while, another rumour was that his daughter was to marry a grey knight which he had been upset by.

On the road we met a band of foulspawn, much alike to the foulspawn in Ithron they were hungry. I offered food and the foulspawn were non aggressive. Further on the road a couple of locals questioned our intentions and reasons for travelling. We remained honest and they demanded a toll. I offered a finely crafted dwarven silver ring which they accepted and quickly moved aside.

We met farmers working in the sun then reached the manor. The manor had been raided and we found the housekeeper in hiding. They knew little of what had happened but they were too scared to leave the manor. Our scout took a look around. They found traces of salt water, the tracks of six pairs of clawed feet and signs of someone being dragged away. Some monsters had taken the Don. Red Kent told us of the fishfolk of Ustica.

Our scout led us in pursuit of the kidnappers. We met hooded people, mindless cultists of the fishfolk. They could not be reasoned with and attacked us. Close by we discover a pool of water. The sight of the pool had everyone yawning and a feeling of tiredness came upon me. Watching from nearby were the fishfolk, large fish-headed people, they did not speak but made glub glub glub sounds. These could not be talked to and would not let us passed. With the danger of the sleepy pool and the poisonous bites of the fishfolk we had to act fast. The blubbery and rubbery skin of the fishfolk prevented them from being knocked out, they had to be cut and sliced. Jac did attempt to fillet one but the creatures were monstrous and sickly.

More fishfolk, cultists and pools of sleepy water were found and eventually we came to a pool with the Don Basarvoy laid sleepily beside it. Cunningly Ashley used a scroll to teleport the Don out of danger and the fishfolk were safely dealt with. A laboratory was found were people were transformed into cultists. Within the laboratory was a potion of renew soulfire, a piece of stonewood, a piece of ironwood and a holy shield of Crowa. The Don was escorted home and invited to visit our camp for a party this evening, he graciously accepted. He granted us free passage through the portal and allowed us to take away the items we have recovered. We divided the items before returning to Ithron. Later that evening Don Basarvoy arrived at our camp and attended the Archduke’s meeting of nations as a representative of Rum.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Harvesting XXI

I talked with Sir Harold Briarthorne who had been investigating the Gnolls near to Ling. Since the destruction of my home in Geldedstones and then the burning of my home in Caster I had stayed away from the region. Sir Harold told tales of merchants were being attacked so with this news it was timely that I travelled homeward to help out.

Gathered in the hiring square was Sir Harold Briarthorne, Nero the mage, Apples the pitfighter, alchemist Meggy Pithell, High father Edmund McKrackin of Rolbor, my apprentice Jax and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We were hired by guardsman Rainworth to investigate some recently killed militia. A routine of the militia checking the merchants on the river had reduced the raids from the gnolls. Now it seemed that foulspawn were attacking the merchants and travellers. The militia had sent scouts to investigate but these scouts had been attacked and strung up by someone. The plan was for us to travel to Ling, Caster and Keelinghall to explore what was happening. We were warned that some folk in the villages were angry about the trial of Douglas of Attwater and the nature of his arrest.

On the road out of Norwich we met a lady, she said that she was a merchant but had been beaten and robbed. She was cautious and would not approach us. There was suspicion that she was not as she seemed but we had other business to investigate so we directed her onward to Norvic and safety. Nearby we found a strung up forester and a discarded axe beside a tree. A letter warning to keep away had been left on the forester. The area around the forester and the axe had been trapped. We discovered this when Edmund fell into a large pit and then a band of dark elves attacked. The dark elves were slain and we saved Edmund before travelling on to Keelinghall.

At Keelinghall there were many Rolborians and Vleyborians. They were celebrating the good trade. There was much singing and festivities. The Rolborians offered coin for songs and stories. The Vleyborians told tales of members of their company going missing.

We left Keelinghall and headed toward Ling. Foulspawn were in the wilds, parley was attempted but their only intent was violence. The foulspawn were fought and beaten. Despite the dangers of the wilds and the many foulspawn we met a lone peasant. The peasant talked of the trial of Douglas and their perceived injustice of how adventurers were acting as if they were not beholden to the King’s law. It was discussed and they were told to have no fear of challenging or reporting this whenever it was witnessed so that if it was true it could be stopped.

Close by we met more foulspawn, an ogre laying traps as a rite of approval with the tribe. The ogre was willing to talk and we spoke of Virginia who had helped them before. The foulspawn remembered the Purple Lady and agreed to help fight the gnolls, the tribe would eat the gnolls as they were tasty.

In the wilds we met another peasant by the name of Snuff. Snuff was upset as Blueberry Jon had been arrested by the guards for defacing Archmage's tower. Snuff said that Blueberry had done this was they was upset by Douglas’s illegal arrest by the Archmage. It was explained that Blueberry should expect a fair trial in Norvic and if he did not commit a crime he would be released.

We reached Ling. The walled town had been attacked by gnolls and it wasn’t long before it was attacked again. The gnolls attacking were accompanied by humans and some were followers of Abraxis. We fought them off and went to search for the gnoll hole they were coming from. We did not find the hole but instead what looked like a small copse of trees. The gnolls fired arrows from the copses whilst I set if alight. The trees caught fire and the gnolls were smoked out. As the trees burned it become clear that a fortified construction had been built in the woods that the gnolls had been using it to watch and raid Ling. The gnolls beaten we returned to Norvic to report to guardsman Rainworth.

In Norvic guardsman Rainworth had his hands full with an angry mob. The folk were upset by the imprisonment of Blueberry Jon. Calm words were spoken to the people. It was explained that Blueberry Jon would be held until trial later in the week. The best help they could offer would be to go fetch a Traldan to stand as counsel for the accused. The folk dispersed and we reported to guardsman Rainworth.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Summereve XIX

The hiring square had faces old and new. Sir Harold Briarthorn and Lady Brianne had mustered the adventurers to put an end to the gnolls and dark elves that were working together to harass Caster and the surrounding villages. The adventurers were the scout Caliban, Beorn the mercenary, physician Orlane, master smith Jimney. Vearay of Kharach, High Father Edmund of Rolbor, Mother Smudge of Rolbor and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Guardsman Rainworth reported that the dark elves were gathered in the south east. The Zugzug tribe of foulspawn had on agreement with Sir Harold stopped the spread of the gnolls. Scouts had discovered the location of the dark elf encampment. Rainworth warned against using similar strategy as near Ling when the gnolls were defeating using the Llamanusian tactic of house burning. The folk of Ling had complained of lost woodland and farmland. Offers were made to aid the folk of Ling in their recovery.

The plan was to attack the dark elf camp from the west whilst the militia attacked from Ling. We headed out and met the Hogshead mercenary company. The mercenaries were looking for work. Discussion was had and Sir Harold decided to hire the company to serve as forward troops, leading the way ahead of us. The mercenaries were satisfied with this and went ahead.

We were wary of traps near the dark elf lands so when we found a broken cage we stayed away from it but as Jimney circled it from the other direction he slipped and fell into a hidden pit. The Hogshead company then appeared out of the bushes and attempted to rob Jimney of his belongings. A parlay was struck and the mercenaries were paid to be on their way. It was agreed that reports would be filed with the guild of mercenaries.

Our journey resumed when I heard a strange noise away off the road. I went to explore. I found nothing and set off to return to the party. I met them at tree where as they passed the corpse of a forester fell from its boughs to hang there. A warning from the dark elves that we were entering their lands. The forester was cut down and Vearay offered a prayer to Kharach. I took the forester’s tabard so it could be returned to Norvic.

The gnoll hole was nearby. A dead dark elf marked the entrance, again cautious of traps we stayed clear of the corpse. Before entering the cave, we readied our spells and weapons. The tunnels were dark, opening into dimly lit caverns which had been built by the gnolls. The gnolls and dark elves were hard enemies to fight. The dark elves were experts at fighting in the dark tunnels, using the narrow spaces to strike with envenomed spears. We assaulted the tunnels many times and took many grievous wounds until Caliban was captured. A truce was called and we regathered outside the tunnels. No one was willing to leave without an attempt to rescue Caliban so we returned and fought our way to his captors. Amongst the captors was an ogre. Caliban was saved but not before a gnoll had eaten one of his legs.
We left the tunnels without meeting up with the militia as planned. Harold was disheartened but we were all much wiser about tunnel fighting and the ways of dark elves warriors.

On the road to Norvic we met Blueberry Jim. Blueberry Jim was travelling out of Norvic with a gang of common folk. All were celebrating his release from the Earl’s gaol. We spoke briefly and they said that they wanted to go somewhere far away from Norvic and find a place to drink. We put them on the road to Medehampstede and continued our journey. Not far along the road we found a guardsman, knocked out by a hit to the head. He awoke groggy and said that he had been escorting Blueberry Jim to Caster for trial. An attempt to chase the escaped prisoner was made but the trail was lost. The guardsman said that Blueberry Jim real name was Jim James and that a warrant would be written for his arrest.

At Norvic Harold reported our efforts and we were told that the militia had achieved some success at attacking the dark elves and had claimed a deadwood shield from the enemy’s armoury. The deadwood shield was labelled as loot and offered to the party. It was decided that we would share the shield by a lottery. I declined to take part as I had no use for a shield, so a roll of a die from myself decided that the shield was won by Caliban. Again it seemed that Caliban was the victim of mixed fortunes, having lost a leg and gained a shield this month and previous he’d lost an arm and gained a sand crystal.

In service

Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Drawing III

Tomlin Price, recently promoted Guardsman, had a problem. A horde of Abraxians had set out on a rampage from Lowstof and Bungay toward Swaffham.

In the hiring square was Sir Harold Briarthorne and his wife Lady Brianne. Adventurers gathered around them, Millwall the scout with his new crossbow and Nero the mage with his fine new hat. New things seemed to be style of things. Two new dwarf adventurers, Mennr of clan Bloodfell and Ulfcytel of clan Steelhammer joined us. Myself, mister Pobbin Toadhunter, I came dressed in my newly enchanted mystical menswear robes.

We were hired to deal with Tomlin’s problem. Our hiring was to track the Abraxian host and scout out its forces. We were not expected to challenge the host as Tomlin numbered them as two hundred and fifty foulspawn, last seen heading toward Bexwell and Swaffham. The leader of the host was Hravek Kharne, an ogre in a bloody tabard marked with a red hand. A generous bounty for the ogre was offered.

The west gate out of Norvic was quiet. We saw no sign of the Abraxian host until we came close to Sparham where a band of villagers were chasing an Abraxian. The village folk of Sparham were not able to challenge the warrior of slaughter. I disarmed the warrior with magic and they were overcome. I bandaged one of the village folk and they told off a travelling Crowan who had held a sermon of courage against the dark gods. The heretic had been putting up a poster threatening that the Abraxian horde would destroy the Griffin Keep at Lynn Regis and overtake Norvic. At Sparham we heard a similar story where the Abraxians had travelled through seven days ago preaching they creed of violence. They had taken foodstuffs and supplies then left toward Swaffham. Meggy's tavern had been locked up for weeks and Phil had not been seen.

On the road to Swaffham we met a mercenary company by the name Jon's mercs. They were looking for Meggy so that they could buy alchemy. They also said that they would work for Sir Lars. They were otherwise peaceful and caused us no worry. We later met a lone man who when questioned said he saw a small group of Abraxians pass by three days ago. We travelled on and met a small group of Abraxians, then even more Abraxians. They had religious powers and were tough to battle. The scouts Millwall and Mennr went ahead and spotted lots of patrols and bowmen ahead. We decided to cautiously enter the clearly guarded territory. Our progress was slow, closer to Swaffham we met a Rolborian who was trying to escape but couldn't get passed the patrols. We persuaded him to take us closer to Swaffham and then we would all escape together.

At Swaffham we saw the old walls rebuilt and many humans working and the smithy and the alchemy lab were busy. Nero and myself coerced a pair of the guards with beguiling magic to sabotage the supplies but we saw from far that they were hacked down. The ogre Hravek Kharne was heard boasting to the soldiers of his strength. No foulspawn were seen in the town.
Our time to watch was limited so we escaped via the path we had created and managed to return to Norvic with a bound prisoner. Before our safe return however we met an Ethorian fellow, he seemed to be known to Harold. He said he brought word from the Fairfolk of Lord Montegue. The word was to prepare for the great hunt. The fellow called that blood must be spilled and we were attacked. The men were beaten and the Ethorian said he was blameless and wandered off. When we reported this to guardsman Tomlin he said that the Ethorian fellow was an outlaw.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIX Midcold XXI

The last of the gnoll holes was to be destroyed. The gnolls had been an ongoing problem for the towns nearby for years but now was time to see the gnolls defeated.

As usual Sir Harold Briarthorne was at the hiring square rallying adventurers to his cause for his liege lord. Demonologist Nero who had been in the gnoll holes before was prepared for this final push. Other adventurers were mercenary Apples, alchemist Meggy Pitchell, Father Alaine of Vleybor, Digby Small halfling physick and Sir Lars Larentius of House Canis.

The gnoll was close to Ling. We headed out of Norvic. Talk amongst the guards was of folk seeing Kharach walking around Ithron. He was described a flayed man with a sword, the guards had not seen his weapon permit.

Not far from the city walls we met a couple having a disagreement. One fellow claimed to own all the daggers including the two he held, the woman disagreed saying that one of them was hers. I talked to the lady then heard a yell as the man and mister Small ran into the bushes. The man had taken Sir Lars's dagger. I settled the lady and followed into the bushes. The man was wounded and bleeding on the ground. With the help of Father Alaine the man was bandaged and led to Norvic and handed into custody with the guards. The man continued to state that all the knives were his!

We quickly caught up with the others and travelled onwards to Ling. There was a new shrine to Rolbor. I knelt and paid my respects. I was joined by other pilgrims who said that they had met Rolbor on the road. He was a man in a purple robes, he was giving sermons about nuggets of knowledge about Elysium. He talked that he could not return to Elysium. Sir Harold a faithful to Rolbor prayed at the shrine for knowledge of what this meant but did not detect any sign of a message or that Rolbor was in a distress or that he was close by. There was also a traveller selling tickets for the grand Ithronian raffle. I bought a ticket.

Ling's walls had been rebuilt and the town was prosperous. We had to leave to deal with the nearby gnoll hole. We went into the hole. In the hole was a pit trap and many foulspawn. The gnolls were strangely resistant to magic, this had happened before alchemy was the expected cause then. The reason for this magical resistance was perhaps revealed to be different as when we reached the deeper into the cave we discovered a Cyclops. The Cyclops was defeated and Miss Pitchell took its head for pickling.

The cave was emptied of foulspawn and then collapsed. It was past nightfall when we travelled back to Norvic. In the dark we were attacked by goblins. We also found dead goblins with scars on their flesh, the scars were a message 'the spider queen comes!'.

In Norvic we reported to the guards that the gnoll hole had been destroyed and the theft of Sir Lars knife was reported, it was confirmed that the man was held in custody and would be tried.

In Service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXX Springsdawn I

At the hiring square was Mother Maera of Longstor, Warden Reuben, Father Alaine of Vleybor, Ranger Millwall, Sir Elijah Landon Knight of the Griffin order, Brother Beorn of Kharach, Brother Caliban of Rolbor, Captain Apples of the Norvic VI Volunteers and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We was hired by an aide to the Earl Thomas de Mowbray. He reported that the keep at De Rising had been taken by evil forces. Our quest was to travel to the nearby town of Fareham to visit the Lord Hawkwind and beseech him to rally his militia to give battle to the undead which have overrun De Rising Keep.

On the road to Fareham we met fleeing folk, feyund and militia. The militia had come from a new hamlet called Letham, a gypsy camp. We visited Letham and the gypsies said that they were travelling and the fighting men were training in the fighting pits. There was ten fighting men and Richie the bookkeeper. Captain Gyles of the Letham militia had been gathering undead in cages to train his militia. This was unwholesome and unsavoury, captain Apples also felt this was a poor training strategy. We found in the cage a cadaver, a drowned and two zombies. Not inclined to let the unholy abominations exist and any souls remain in torment the undead were laid to rest by brother Beorn.

The road between Letham and Fareham was beset with undead, many feyund, zombies, nightmares, ghasts and death knights.

At Fareham a delegation led by warden Reuben spoke with the Viscount Hawkwind. The Viscount’s militia were occupied with the spread of the undead from Caste De Rising. It was agreed that we would clear a local lumberyard of undead so that the Hawkwind militia could travel to Castle De Rising and help Earl’s army reclaim the keep.

The lumberyard was to east. We found it full of undead. Mother Maera spoke to a nest of rats and learnt of where the undead were amassed. We found spectres, skeletons, feyunds, nightmares and death knights. A necromancer was amongst the many undead, the necromancer was defeated and slain. Their corpse was brought to Norvic for investigation.

Viscount Hawkwind rallied his troops at the news of the necromancer’s death and paid a reward of eighteen crowns. The Earl took charge of the necromancer’s corpse.

In Service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Shielding VII

At the hiring square in Theoforde was Eldred supplicant of Longstor, Blythe the farmer, Tobias Lerone apprentice at law, Barrett guildsman mercenary, Sister Verity of Tralda, Brother Caliban of Rolbor, Captain Apples, Highfather Billy Burrowright and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We was hired by Tom Woodward to investigate the poisoned well at Croxton. The Eldorman Graeme Church had reported many of the folk of Croxton becoming ill after drinking from the well.

Upon leaving Theoforde the guard at the gate spoke of a strange cult in the woods. Not worshippers of any gods but something else. It was odd news and the guard offered little in way of insight.

Not far along the road we found a dead man. The body was being robbed of any valuable possessions. A woman held a necklace taken from his pouch. The woman was arrested by apprentice of law Tobias. A love letter was found on the body of the noble man. It seemed he had been riding to meet with his betrothed Martha at Theoforde.

We reached Bedon without further trouble and the thief and possible murderer was taken in custody. The folk of Bedon complained of wolves stealing their sheep. We agreed to help where we could in tackling the wolves or providing some way the folk could prevent the loss of more sheep.

Further along the road we found the nobleman's horse, which must has roamed riderless. The horse was being savaged by orcs who were feasting on its flesh. The orcs remained hungry and could not be reasoned with. The orcs started a fight and were all killed. The remains of the horse was left for any other scavengers and the birds.

At Croxton the well had been covered after hunter Godfrey had drank from the well and become sick. The sick caused a pain in the belly. An underground aquifer had been opened by dwarf many years ago and a tunnel entrance to the bottom of the well was somewhere nearby. The key to the tunnels however had been broken into three parts and the folk at Croxton possessed but one part. Graeme Church also told of a riddle about the door.

When the cold star rises in the west,

The clouds in the east,

The door will yield,

But darkness has teeth.

One of the other pieces of the key had been stolen by a cult of Fygolians. We found the Fygolians and retrieved the missing piece as well as a note that bandits to the north had the last piece. On the road we met a band of scouts and mercenaries. They had permits signed by the Baron of Attleburc. They surprised us with an attack which nearly defeated us but by the skillful archery of Billy Burrowright. Their confiscated permits were later examined and proven to be fake. The final piece of key had been found in their possession.

With that final piece we solved the riddle and opened the door. Inside was a demon. Battle ensued and when the demon came out of the well it was destroyed by brave Barrett. The tunnel and well smelt strongly of toads, this grew worse as we reached the bottom of the well.

Billy did try to talk with the toads but they were very territorial and fought off any approach or attempt to parlay. Some of the giant toads were killed but myself and Billy managed to subdue two which Billy took elsewhere so that they could spawn in peace away from Croxton. Billy also cleansed the pool of corruption and filth whilst Caliban called upon the aid of Rolbor to make the water good to drink again.

On the way home we met Martha and gave her news of her betrothed. We passed on the love letter and her gift. We reassured her that a suspect had been caught and there would be trial for his murder. We had also found a note about a book of traps in the library at Wymondham abbey. We passed this note onto the shepherd folk at Bedon so that they could protect their flocks.

Once we had returned to Theoforde we discovered the guard we had spoken to upon leaving was an imposter and not a guard at all. This was a perplexing mystery we had yet to solve.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Shielding XXIX

Again this month adventurers gathered at the hiring square in Theoforde. Many adventurers were from far afield. Visiting adventurers were Sir Sinjen Knight Commander of Ithron, General Kaelin Ring of the guild of mercenaries, Schoolmistress Luna Fairchild of the school of Necromancy, Highfather Billy Burrowright of Longstor, Mastersmith Darius, Master Enchanter Galadrel Manahold, and Demonologist Amisi Abdul-Jabbar. Local adventurers included many new recruitment to the adventuring community. There was Rural Forester Millwall, Necromancer Jax, Brother Caliban of Rolbor, Ulric Fae esquire and acolyte of Kharach, Tobias Lerone apprentice at law, Robin apprentice at law, Eldred supplicant of Longstor and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We was hired by Father Tobias of Rolbor. He spoke of the beginnings of a new community to the south of Theoforde. The woods folk, colliers and commoners were searching for somewhere safe away from the dangers that lurked in the woods plagued by werewolves. Mother militant Smudge was at the camp helping with the preparations. The camp was on the Lindon road south of Croxton.

As we left Theoforde we encountered a single militia woman who came running into town. They warned that the militia had been killed, we did not learn any more before we heard howling and were led into the forest by lone woman who feint the need for help. We was led into an ambush with well armoured bandits. One was caught alive and after making him swear an oath on Sidhe to hand himself in he was released to make his way to Theoforde.

On the road to Croxton we met some pilgrims who had been to visit the well that had been cleansed by High Father Billy Burrowright a few weeks past. We came off the road here to reach the Lindon road south. Here we found a site of carnage. An foul necromantic aura permeated the bodies. As we investigated the bodies which were identified as the militia of Earl de Mowbray they rose up as undead. Amongst them was a more powerful undead that was unharmed by weapons. It would only repeat the name 'Brutex'. It was supposed that the abomination was a revenant. It caused no harm to us and we went on our way unable to release it to Kharach's mercy.

Not far from here we met Smudge. She had the camp ready and scouts had mapped the lands around it. To make the area habitable they needed wood, stone and water. The trees for lumber were rumoured to be  infested with dark elves, an abandoned dwarvish quarry was unsafe due to dwarvish traps and a nearby pool of water was tainted red. Local legend told of a man striking the ground with axe which caused a spring to spurt with red water. A mighty warrior, we suspected an Abraxians cult.

In the forest we found elderkin. The elderkin attacked when we entered and were defeated. To enter the quarry we had to pass through a tunnel which Millwall warned was trapped. Millwall led a way through the traps and we entered the quarry. Inside the quarry were many automatons. The automatons of stone and metal were controlled by a magical matrices powered by a magical wand. Amisi Abdul-Jabbar and myself dispelled the magic stopping the automatons and making the quarry safer.

Lastly we found the pool of red water surrounded by Abraxians. Aggressive the Abraxian defended the pool in which they had built a statue which held an unholy axe. The Abraxians were defeated and the statue destroyed. The axe was taken to the abbey at Wymondham to be held in safe keeping by the Templars. The water was cleansed by Billy and made safe to drink.

Back at Smudge's camp whilst we reported our accomplishments we were attacked by Fygolians. A gremlin was killed and left behind a charged scroll of scarecrow form.

Once the battle was ended we returned to Theoforde in time to join the feast of the harvest festival. On the road we met two peasants who had been convinced to join a cult. It seemed that the threat of the beast of Theoforde forest had folk making rash and unwise choices. The peasants were persuaded to consider the church of Longstor instead. This was not the first time we had heard tales of this strange cult, however nothing is know of the aims of the cult or who is their leader. Also in the region were many folk with forged permits signed by Henry Beaumont of Attleburc, it is not known whether this is connected to the cult or not.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Harvesting XII

We was hired by Viscount Longspear to rescue fellow who had been missing for about two weeks. It was suspected that he had been taken by bandits but no ransom demand had been received. The fellow’s name was Hjoldir, a young noble esquire of Theoforde. A witness to his kidnapping was waiting at the Inn of Sparrows, which is near Hethel.

Sir Lars Laurentius of House Canis on his liege lords behest gathered his house and fellow adventurers in Theoforde. The party consisted of Knight Commander Sir Sinjen, Mercenary Barrett, Alchemist and Physician Digby, Herbalist Herbie, Jax the Necromancer, Junior Forester Tobias, Feudal esquire and devoted of Kharach Ulric, Mama Gertie, Scout Viori, Blythe the peasant and me Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

On the road we met half orcs and trolls. I did talk with them but they said that the boss wanted grain. We made offers of other foodstuffs but there was ignored and they battled us. We was not sure who their boss was.

At Mulbarton we found the villagers gathered around a heretic a worshipper of Fygol. She had brought food to win the very hungry peasants over with. There was two fellow one by the name of Jimmy of Mulbarton who were very protective of the heretic but most were reasoned with when told of the dark gods. When junior forester Tobias arrested the woman for heresy she refused to comply and began to shatter his swords,  warp my staff and walk away. Eventually she was apprehended to await trial. I used magic to mend Tobias sword before we left the village.

When we left Mulbarton a lone woman ran passed us. We had no reason to stop her so watched in surprise. Shortly behind her came the revenant we had seen before calling for ‘Brutex’ or ‘Butette’ accounts of what the phantom said was varied. With the revenant also came many more zombies. This were reasoned to be the troop of the earl’s militia who were slaughtered to the south of Theoforde a moon ago. We could not think of any crime the woman had committed but for her protection we do want to ask her some questions, we convey this to the Viscount later.

At Hethel we saw their famed tiny goats, they had only one breeding pair in stock and were not willing to sell it. So we walked on. Close by to the village the road was occupied by heavily armoured mercenaries in the search for silver. They showed permits signed by Baron Beaumont. Many of the permits we had previously seen signed by Baron Beaumont were fake so our suspicions were aroused. Knight Commander Sinjen gave the mercenaries an ultimatum and sent them to send word that Baron Beaumont was ordered to attend the Knight Commander and the Viscount at Theoforde this evening. The soldiers slunk away but mister Small who being small of size and name had been overlooked by the soldiers heard them planning to set up an ambush. A flanking manoeuvre was planned by the warriors amongst use and the planned ambush was foiled but the fighting was hard going nonetheless. The soldiers permits were confiscated by Tobias from their dead corpses, none were liveried nor carried any silver.

At the Inn of Sparrows we were pointed in the direction of where to find the bandits. On the road there we meet some peasant who had recently met the bandits and their companion Jon had been kidnapped. They said that amongst the bandits were lordly folk. Viori and Tobias followed the trail, they said that a party of twenty people had recently come this way and to watch out for venom.

It wasn’t long before we met the bandits. A group of armed folk they was, many of them of haughty and of noble bearing, many bore the mark and shame of excommunication, some wore fanged necklaces or sashes of some unknown house. Their leader who declared himself Sir Geoffrey wore a silver chain infused into his neck. It was upon later investigation learnt that the nobles were once vassals of Baron Beaumont. The baron himself was never seen, it appears he now never leaves the town of Attleburc.

Sir Geoffrey and the cultists were defeated, another sorely won victory. Sir Geoffrey was only harmed by enchanted or blessed weapons and regenerated even those. He was kept incapacitated until Jax could put him under a sleep of deathsleep. Hjoldir was rescued and taken to Viscount Longspear. Whilst Geoffrey was incapacitated it was possible to hew away the silver torc. It didn't appear to hold any magic but may control or prevent a werewolf from changing to its wolf form. Why this had been done to Sir Geoffrey was unknown.

Hjoldir was safely returned to his liege lord to deal with as he saw right and the deathslept Sir Geoffrey was left in the Viscount's safe hands as well.

In service

Pobbin Toadhunter

Sunday 12th Harvesting 1021, Junior Forester Tobias LeRone reporting.

Sir Lars of House Canis was leading the party which consisted of: Knight Commander Sir Sinjen, Jax the Necromancer, Barret the Mercencary, Viori the Scout, Alchemist and Physician Digby, Devotee of Kharach and Esquire Ulric Darkcloak, Blythe the peasant and the two herbalists Herbie and Mama Gertie.

The Viscount Uthred Longspear of Theoforde had gathered us to find information on the kidnapping and finding of the esquire Hjoldir. We had been advised that a witness was residing at the Inn of Sparrows.

After permits were checked and we were heading out of Theoforde we were encountered with a gang of half-orcs demanding we hand over any of our grain. After the party had offered them the various food assortments we had to offer they refused and said that they only wanted grain, therefore this resulted in a bloody battle, which put our party into focus.

Further down the road we came to Mulbarton. As we approached we were told of a huge feast with too much food to fill our bellies. This was actually the work of a Heretic priest of Fygol, who had given caravan loads of food to the hungry villagers and this had persuaded them to not see her criminality and heresy. However, The Knight Commander Sir Sinjen sternly and courageously reasoned with them until I attempted to arrest the priestess, upon the law and my command the priestess began to flee. Chasing her down resulted in both my swords being shattered by her heretic powers of the dark six. Ultimately after Sir Sinjen, Pobbin and I had her surrounded we captured her and she was sent to execution. Luckily Pobbin repaired by longsword so I could continuing fighting.

Then on the roads surrounding Mulbarton a women ran past us, we had no legal reason that meant we could stop her, therefore we just kept an eye on the road ahead of us and as we expected, a revenant came after her shouting 'Bruttete'. The revenant was assisted by a horde of the undead which we efficiently took care of. As the parties legal officers discussed that we needed the previous women for questioning but we had no legal reason to apprehend her we decided that we'd let the Viscount know of her encounter on our return.

Passing through the village of Hethel we were stopped by fellow foresters, we found that these were permitted by the Baron Beaumont, who is currently under investigation, so we were instantly suspicious when they asked us for our silver weapons for the war effort against the werewolves. Sir Sinjen gave them a direct order to let us pass and for their Baron to speak with him personally. As they left, Digby overhead that they were planning to ambush us along the road. We sneaky among us, which included me, sent up a counter ambush was did not go to plan as the foresters had also set up a secondary ambush, fighting in the bushes proved difficult but with courage we pushed them back. I collected the permits from the corpses and we moved on.

We entered the Inn of Sparrows were we spoke with the witness who stated that Jon had also been taken and they also said that Lordly folk were amongst the banditry which meant we were on the correct track. Down the path exiting the tavern, V and I found tracks heading West to East, around 20 or so human boots with the occasionally drip of venom.

We soon came across the group of bandits, some of which had brands of the excommunicate whereas others had silver necklaces and brands of a werewolf. After the defeat of the bandits we questioned the lordly ones and one of them claimed to be Sir Geoffrey and he was once a vassal to the Baron Beaumont. I have now heard that he has locked his town and never leaves Attleburc.

Hjoldir was rescued and taken to Viscount Longspear. Whilst Geoffrey was under captivity the party had taken the silver necklace off of his neck and placed in my care for the time being. Back at Theoforde, Hjoldir was safely returned to his liege and Sir Geoffrey was left to the Viscount's discretion. I sold the broken necklace of a single crown this meant everyone in the party received an extra penny plus our social pay + 1 for our efforts.

Tobias LeRone, protector of the law.

## MXXI Harvesting XXV

At the Norvic hiring square a notice had been posted by the Foresters Guild. We expected to be met by Forester Frederik but in his absence Junior Forester Tobias Le'Rone gathered us together and led us out of town to Bungay. There was six of us, our leader Tobias Le'Rone, Ranger Rollin, Errant Henry James Cavendish, Esquire Ulric Darkcloak of Kharach, mister Digby Small, and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

At the gates of Norvic we learnt that the Marvellous Monty was out recruiting for his special show. On the road we met a band of merchants collectively called Cuthbert and Co, a co-operative of traders. As a merchant councilor of Bexwell I invited them to bring their wares to market. Unknown to me at the time some magical influence had struck Errant Henry, this faded with time and we did not investigate further but reported this to authorities later so that the merchants of Cuthbert and Co could be kept an eye on by any guards in nearby towns.

Fortunately we then met Forester Frederick on the road, his band of foresters had been ambushed by some organised foulspawn. Two of his companions Jon and Bryan were both still in the marshes. We assured him that we would hurry that way to ensure their safety. Frederick returned to report and left us under the command of Tobias.

We found Keelinghall in celebration of their namesake Sir Samuel Keeling. A speaker told us of the once poor and impoverished village of Arminghall had been gifted a great purse by the generous and noble knight. After listening to the tale we headed to the marshes. We met the Marvellous Monty and his newly bought slave number LXIV. He was in the search of strong foulspawn for his arena. Monty wanted a fitting trial for his new purchase and a wager was agreed between Monty and Henry with Tobias duelling Number LXIV for his honour. Tobias proved his worth and was victorious. Monty agreed to meet with us in the evening in Norvic to pay his debt to Henry.

Before we reached the marshes we were beset by bandits. The bandits were troublesome, despite this Rollin and Henry saw them off with one last survivor sent to atone at Wymondham Abbey. Near to this battle site we met an unusual fellow, a Cyclops by the name of Muktar. Muktar was a friendly sort of fellow and said that he was of the Maren. Muktar was interested in stories, we told him the tale of Keelinghall and some of our adventures. We asked nothing of him and I agreed to visit again to share new tales another day.

Now closer to the marshes we met Forester Jon. He said that Bryan had gone missing whilst investigating the orcs dens. We ventured into the marshes and found the orc lair. Ranger Rollin, Tobias and Digby snuck in lair and killed many of the foulspawn. Two trolls were amongst them and I set them on fire.

Deeper in the marshes we overheard orcs planning on eating the unfortunate Bryan. We rushed to save him and fought a hard battle against the foulspawn. There was a goblin shaman and a hobgoblin amongst them. After making certain that Bryan was alive and well we explored the den and a found a note written in Ithronian. It declared that a foulspawn army led by the ogres Hakk and Zapp would destroy Bungay. It was clear that Zapp was an ogre magi and presumably the reason the orcs were so organised. With Bryan we fled the marshes and sent a warning to Bungay to prepare their defences.

Later than evening we met with Monty who was good to his word and paid Henry his dues which was generously given to Digby to help pay for his healing supplies used.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Summereve III

Karl Ulfcytel Bronzehorn of clan Steelhammer gathered adventurers in Norvic and we met with Gavis Greybeard who would lead us to meet Himiltrude Greybeard.  We gathered few were Mennr of clan Bloodfell, errant Ulric Darkcloak, forester Tobias Le’Rone, necromancer Jax, forester Millwall, Baronet Elise Sandford and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

On the way out of Norvic we encountered townsfolk from Sparham who were sick with disease. They petitioned the guard on duty to permit them to attend the shrine to Vleybor. Rather than risk the spread of the sickness Forester Millwall sent runners to the shrines and physicians to bring healers and supplies to the gate to offer aid to the townsfolk.

When the sick were clear of the gates we left Norvic and entered the dwarf tunnels. We met with Himiltrude Greybeard who tasked us to reach the hold of the Flintheart dwarfs. Ulfcytel and others had seen dragonkin, or as the dwarfs name them malicekin in the Flintheart hold. Amongst these malicekin were an army of dark elves, dwarfs and Jax reported the necromancer Charlie Nightwhisper and his apprentice Jon. We were permitted access to the deep ways however we were led by blindfold to the secret gates and sealed into the deep tunnels before we could remove our blindfolds.

Once in the tunnels we ventured slowly as masterfully Mennr and Millwall led us passed many unseen dangers. There were traps laid by the dwarfs as well as natural dangers of spiders and bats. I did spy some very tasty mushrooms, pure white of flesh. I saw an opportunity to forage for my tea and the dwarf Ulfcytel was rightly keen too. The gathering of the mushrooms was not a simple affair however as all who came close to them become drowsy and sleepy. After coming too  close I succumb to the lethargy and awoke when Jax dragged me away and shook me. Out of bitterness did Ulfcytel smite the mushrooms and stop all thought of mushroom stew.

The closer we came to the Flintheart hold the more signs of danger did we encounter. We found dwarfs slain by wicked poisons and many risen from their graves in unlife to assail us. Dark elves which had a plentiful array of alchemy struck at us from the shadows. Persistent we fought through them all and reached the gates of the dwarf hold. We were greeted by Duralgrim Stormbane of clan Flintheart who gave us news of hope. The hold still stood against the malicekin and their dark elf allies. In good spirits were talked but even then danger still lurked in the dark shadows of the deep tunnels. Yells and shouts of an unfamiliar tongue echoed in the halls as dwarfs and darkelves in league together charged down upon. Baronet Elise said that the tongue they spoke was Llaminusian. Amongst these invaders came an ancient malicekin, his scales of shiny black. Bravely we fought and defeated it but the onslaught did not end. When all enemies were defeated and we tended our wounds we were stricken with grief at the loss of Mennr. One foul dwarf, a kin slayer, had cut her down with enchanted blade and poison. In sorrow we were thanked for our service and took news to clan Greybeard that Flintheart hold still stood.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Drawing VII

Gathered for adventure were the Spoonsmith Mennr, Karl Ulfcytel, Wizard Jax, Ranger Roland, Forester Tobias, Mercenary Ruby, Brother Jarlys of Sidhe, Rural Forester Millwall, Brother Eldreth and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

There were two notices of hiring. One from Baronet Ranworth, requesting an investigation into missing folk from Tavham and lost supplies of grain and food. The other from Gavis Greybeard to investigate a fleet of ships seen on the coast off de Rising. This was perhaps the Llaminusians that were threatening Flintheart Hold with the Malicekin.

Our decision was to aid the missing villagers first as we feared for their safety. We travelled to Tavham on the road we met orcs and ogres hunting that were out hunting. At Sparham the gates were barred and disease was rife. We circled the town and met more foulspawn. They were hunting close to Sparham because their hunting grounds had been taken by dark elves. Many foulspawn were killed, some survivors were left on the promise that they were return to their traditional hunting grounds when the dark elves were slain. It seemed a wise choice to keep the wilds in balance with foulspawn against dark elves than let one tribe gain an upper hand.

Headed toward the dark elves we found a box. Jax reported that there was a soul in the box so he laid it to rest and found the box full of rubies and diamonds. After this we encountered many undead animates, these seemed to be foulspawn, humans and elves.

At Tavham we met the Baronet who was worried about his winter stores. The common folk reported the missing grain and also some of their friends and family. I heard from the people that one had lost their brother Jimmy. The foresters and Ranger Roland investigated the warehouse but could not track the missing goods or villagers. I used a magic spell to track the whereabouts of Jimmy of Tavham. We followed the trail of magic to the camp of many dark elves. Along the way we found many slain ogres which were shorn of their horns. We suspected that the dark elves would be making ogre horn spoons but the interrogation of the dark elf spoonsmith revealed that their king was forcing them to build a throne of ogre horns. At the dark elf village there was a demon. With some difficulty the demon was defeated. Held in the village were prisoners from Tavham. We rescued the prisoners and returned them to Tavham.

We then headed to Fareham and joined the market before travelling on to de Rising. The folk of de Rising complained of noisy longships at sea and a disturbing wailing coming from the nearby keep. At the cliffs we saw three longships full of dwarves. We were too far away to parlay with them but appeared to be Llaminusians.

At the keep the ghosts wailed and for a moment we glimpsed a ghostly banner. In reverence Brother Jarlys and Forester Millwall spoke to the ghost of the keeps last guardian. They then prayed in supplication to Sidhe to recover the banner and return it to the keep.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXI Drawing XX

Gathered at the hiring square in Norvic were the dwarves Ruby, Mennr, Ulfcytel and Jarlys. The Halflings Billy and Digby. The church fellows Amryc of Rolbor, Herbie of Tralda, Aleyne of Vleybor. Scout and forester respectively Roland and Tobias. Myself and my goodwife Gertie Toadhunter.

We were hired by Forester Fredericks to capture an orc captain from the ogre’s army in the marshes south east of Norvic. In haste we headed to Bungay. Along the way we met with Baronet Trunkleton of Lyng with his Halfling militia of Lyng. Both Digby and Billy were greeted warmly by their kinsfolk and they had a merry picnic. Invitations were offered by the baronet to willing and able Halflings to join his militia. Digby a member of House Canis declined although I expect his stomach complained at the mention of double pie breaks and extended meal times for all militia. Billy eagerly accepted the offer and took service with the Halfling Lyng Militia.

At Ravenshall were met with members of the travelling merchant Coop of Cuthbert’s. They displayed their wares; their permits were readily available and most notably nothing untoward occurred. Upon leaving the village an old man with an agitated demeanour passed by but again nothing untoward occurred so we headed toward Lod. Along the way we were confronted by undead skeletons led by sickly looking militia who claimed to serve Lord Dorian of Rackheath. Their lord and livery were false, the legally appointed lord of Rackheath being Baronet London de Vymont so battled ensued. After the skeletons were destroyed Father Aleyne examined the militia and declared that their souls were splintered and broken, these ill looking men were thralls of the vampire Dorian and were akin to the undead skeletons that had accompanied them.

Lod was busy with industry as Marvellous Monty employed a team of slaves to rebuild the town and a great fighting arena. Occupied with this industry Monty was gladdened when we left him and his slaves to his work.

We entered the Axirian ruins and met Muktar Cyclops. He was not alone but accompanied by a man. The man declared himself an attendant and companion to Muktar, there to willing serve the Cyclops. I offer myself as a herald to read the news from across the Duchy which Muktar enjoyed. I warned him however that not all passer-bys might be so pleasant and that he should be warned. Muktar was confident in his ability to protect himself and his charge, I however have my worries for him.

Muktar was able to show us a tunnel in the ruins which led into the marshes so we could sneak into the foulspawn camp of Hakk and Zapp. The tunnels were old, undead roamed in them and there were traps of both mundane and magical nature. We passed through these at a cost of much of my magics.

Into the camp we crept and defeated a band of orcs. Before we could claim our victory Hakk and Zapp appeared to challenge us. My attempt to use magic on Zapp’s robes was thwarted and I was struck low by the ogre. Upon defeat both Hakk and Zapp turned to stone. Father Aleyne tried to put Zapp into deathsleep but nature of the ogre being made of stone the spell failed. Whilst the ogres were of stone we had no way to harm or move them so fled with our captive orc. We did manage to steal away with Hakk’s axe which is being held in the law office in Norvic. A map was found on the orc which hinted at some ally of the ogre army to the south. This will require further investigation.

In service

## MXXI Midcold V

Dwarven thane Gavis Greybeard gathered together a small party of adventurers in Norvic. There was Forester Millwall, Ralnor of Tralda, Mennr spoonsmith, Karl Ulfcytel, Caliban of Rolbor, Ranger Viori and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Gavis warned of dangerous dark elf pests who had been poisoning dwarves with their foul alchemy. Our task was to slay the dark elves or destroy their laboratory. They were thought to be near Tavham. We had a moon ago found one of the dark elf camps and put them to the sword. They had been accompanied by demons and with Gavis’s news of deadly poisons we were very wary of the danger we would be travelling into.

On leaving Norvic the gate guard warned of undead and foulspawn on the road. As predicted we saw dark elves lurking in the trees as we headed toward Sparham. These dark elves struck out with vicious efficiency and it was a sobering victory as we healed those who had been poisoned so early on in our task.

Before we reached Sparham we met with some other travellers who professed to be physicians and aid workers for the disease ridden town of Sparham. At Sparham the gates were shut, which has been the case for many moons now with the state of the inner town unknown. In front of the gate were a Crowan and Vleyborian. They warned us to keep away least we become infected. Ralnor and Viori both offered their help and said that they would return to visit the Traldan shrine. Talk was that a priest had visited the shrine over a moon ago and Ralnor was concerned that the shrine not be abandoned.

Many foulspawn attacked us before we reached Tavham. Attempts were made to speak with the foulspawn as we knew they were also enemies of the dark elves. However whenever the orcs saw the elves Viori and Ralnor they would become uncontrollably aggressive. We had seen many ogres shorn of their horns in the region. Previously when questioned the dark elves had said it was to build a throne of horn for their king, whatever the reason we destroyed all the ogres horns and hobgoblins tusks to spite the dark elf king.

As Tavham the village folk were still concerned over missing relatives. We reassured them that we would do all we could to stop the dark elves. We followed the same trail we had before to reach the dark elf camp. We found the camp as we had left it, raided and destroyed. We entered the camp to search for clues to the whereabouts of any more dark elves, we did not need to look far as the dark elves and the demons had set a trap for us and ambushed us repeatedly.

After defeating the ambushers were followed their trail to another camp. When we approached the camp we saw a lone dark elf flee. We did not give chase when we stumbled upon an unconscious man. The man was laid within an alchemical laboratory. We were unable to enter the laboratory due to a circle of protection that was being powered by the soulfire of the unconscious man. I dispelled the magic and we found that the man was in an enchanted deathsleep. By fortune of the lady Tralda we were able to awaken the man; his man was Seb a Thaumaturgist of Norvic. Seb had no knowledge of his whereabouts or what the dark elves had been doing with him. In the laboratory we found a concoction half brewed. In the interests of our investigation we followed the instructions that we had found and bottled of the last drops of the alchemical solution before we destroyed the apparatus. Our mission completed we quickly returned to Norvic.

## MXXII Deepwinter II

Thane Gavis Greybeard hired a capable band of adventurers. Ranger Isau, Brother Jarlys of Sidhe, Ralnor of Tralda, mercenary Ruby, Ranger Viori, herbalist Herbie, High Father Billy and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Gavis sought the capture or death of the dark elf poisoner. We had in the previous month chased the poisoner but they had fled. We pledged that this time they would not escape.

We left Fareham and headed toward Tavham where we had a known trail to the dark elf camp. On the road we met Brother Clegis of Tralda. He was on the way to the shrine at Sparham. The many Traldans amongst our band offered him their well wishes and blessed him with protections against disease.

At Tavham we found the folk still troubled as some of their friends and family remained missing.

Many foulspawn still menaced the area, on the hunt for elves. We fought some and avoided others. There was also many undead, common amongst them were dead elves, dark elves and orcs.

The dark elf camp had been abandoned, amongst the remains we found a journal of the poisoner. We follow their tracks and found a large band of dark elves and dwarves. All were slain and the poisoner brought to Fareham for interrogation.

From the journal I was able to decipher that there was three tribes of dark elves. Dokkalfar, ruled by King Ganger, dwellers of the great depths. Svartalfar, ruled by King Andarvari of the Niovallir dark fields. Myrkalfar, ruled by the dread Jotunn Nott, the fell queen. There locations marked on the map.

In service

## MXXII Deepwinter XV

Forester Fredericks hired the party to complete two tasks. Gathered was Forester Tobias LeRone, Guardsman Robin Toombs, Errant Ulric Fea of Kharach, Karl Ulfcytel Bronzehorm of Clan Steelhammer, Spoonsmith Mennr of clan Bloodfell and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Our tasks were to arrest Rupert of Cuthberts and Co who was last seen on the road to Geldedstones and to visit an ogre elder in the wilds need Ling.

We left Norvic and encountered a noble dressed in dress. He announced himself as Sir Denis the Bold of Lowstof. He was an aged gentleman who declared he had no heir and was in search of a noble death. An agreement was struck with Errant Ulrich and they fight a duel to the death. The conditions of the duel was that Sir Denis would be lay to rest, his body buried with his possessions and his family’s heirloom sword be passed rightfully to the victor. Errant Ulrich offered Sir Denis a swift and merciful death. The duellist accepted the terms and a great battle ensued. Both combatants were fierce and many blows were struck before Ulrich vanquished Sir Denis entered his life. A shallow grave was dug as Ulrich laid Sir Denis to death and took possession of the great sword of the Bold. Ulrich yet to claim his own swear his oath and claim his own manor house set his sight upon upholding the honour and household of Sir Denis the Bold.

At Caster two fellows were in a dispute about some earlier altercation. Whilst trying to ascertain the prior events Ulfcytel spotted what he believed to be a heretical symbol of Fygol. The wearer was challenged by guardsman Toombs rather than be arrested he fled. The man was successfully captured and when questioned spoke of his employer Rupert of Cuthbert and Co. A fellow in yellow robes, presumably a priest of Fygol.

Before we could follow our new lead we took a side track to the ogre’s den near Ling. Upon entering the woods I detected a faintly aura of magic and when Tobias entered he was attacked by a skeleton caught in strangling vines. The trees and ivy were magical and we had to tread carefully to avoid being trapped in the woods forever. As we got closer to the deepest part of the woods the trees themselves were alive and attacked us. We fought our way through until we reached the lair of the ogre. Whilst in the woods Ulrich found his link to Kharach lost. We feared many possibilities however it later turned out to be that Ulrich had lost Kharach’s favour when he had spoken Sir Denis’s name as he proudly talked of his pledge to uphold the old’s knight honour.

A parlay was had with the ogre elder then an accord struck. The ogre sought to protect the orc tribes in the swamps and wilds nearby. In was in all our interests to curtail the ambitions of Hakk and Zapp. We were told that Hakk and Zapp were created by orcish shaman who infused the pair with the magic of a stone totem. Separating the pair or destroying the stone totem will end the magic and then it was hoped that the orcs would return to their lairs rather than invade the towns and cities of humanfolk.

Leaving the woods and heading to Geldedstones were fought off many foulspawn, most likely of Hakk and Zapp’s army but we did not see the ogres.

On the road we found the Fygolians and battled them. Amongst the Fygolians were metal automatons. Upon the automatons were golden coins and prayer ribbons. Any weapon striking the automaton were rusted! This caused a chaotic scene but the heretic Rupert was caught and brought to Norvic to face charges of heresy.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Thawing VI

Gathered were Rural Forester Millwall, Ranger Viori, Brother Caliban of Rolbor and Brother Eldorith of Longstor and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We were employed by Dwarven clan elder Gavis Greybeard to investigate the dark elves tribes near to De Rising. I had mapped the whereabouts of three tribes of dark elves and we planned to head toward the Svart Alfar to begin our investigation.

At Fareham market three Fygolians were spotted but they escaped before any could be caught or arrested. Our attempts to follow any trail was unsuccessful.

To reach the Svart Alfar we travelled first to Tavham. Along the road were many foulspawn. All were aggressive, ignoring any attempt at parlay. We made sure to destroy any horn or tusk of the defeated foulspawn. Not wanting the dark elf king to build a bigger throne for himself.

At Tavham all was well with no further dark elf attacks but some of the villagers were still missing. Perhaps on this day we would find them.

The dark elf camp was as we had left it. The bodies of the dark elves that had risen once as zombies and then been destroyed lay strewn about. Caliban and Viori tidied the place up and moved the corpses out of the way.

Further into the wilds we discovered a valley. In the valley we identified the Niovellir dark fields, a dwarfish mausoleum and what looked like a small village of huts.

I saw magic in the field and after counsel with my companions we sought to solve this riddle first. At the field we were beset by many dark elves and a beastlike demon. The demon ensorcelled me and so charmed I went to parlay with it. The demon revealed some of the dark elves plan to destroy all the dwarves, starting with the Flintheart clan. The Niovellir dark fields were a great summoning circle in which the dark elves brought forth beasts from Sharda to do their bidding. The demon was quick to shatter any enchanted blade it saw and an impasse was reached where we left it to its own devices.

Next we travelled to dwarfish mausoleum. The building was aboveground and by appearance had no door; however Viori’s elvish eyes spotted a hidden door. Before this hidden door stood a statue of a dwarf with a carven holy symbol of Sidhe. On its plinth were the words,

“O Holy gods grant me your protection

Hopefully with you watching over me

I shall be your guardian”

The statue would utter these words to any that stepped close to it and would reach out with swords to any that got too close.

We made offerings and blessings from Rolbor, Longstor and Tralda to the statue and after much deliberation we left the mausoleum undisturbed. Better to keep its secret hidden whilst surrounded by dark elves.

At the small village we found many dark elves holding prisoners of humans and elves, perhaps as sacrifices to be taken to the Niovellir dark fields. We defeated the dark elves and sent the prisoners back to civilisation.

We reported our investigation and warning to Gavis Greybeard that there was a cabal of four dark elf wizards set upon the destruction of the dwarfish clan. We set our aim to capture a dark elf wizard for questioning or defeat their King Andarvari their most powerful of wizards.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Springsdawn XIX

It was a very fine day in Norvic, the spring sunshine had everyone at the hiring square early. Gathered was Mennr Spoonsmith of Clan Bloodfell, Karl Ulfcytel Bronzehorn of Clan Steelhammer, Rural Forester Tobias LeRone, Sir Ulrich Fea the Bold, alchemist and barber Digby Small and I Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Forester Fredericks was glad to see our eager faces as he had urgent news. The ogre Hakk had been seen leaving the foulspawn marshes and heading toward the enchanted forest with a warband of orcs.

Whilst the two ogre brothers were apart we had our chance to defeat one and thus weaken the other. Any damage to the enchanted forest worried us all so we hastily headed out of Norvic to head off Hakk before he reached the forest.

On the road we met a fellow named Bill Boss who levied a charge for using the highway. After some talk an arrest warrant was written and Bill arrested for the use of restricted weapons. Bill resisted arrest and in the fracas he was fatally wounded. In his death throes he called out to more bandits who laid waiting in the woods. An order for their surrender was issued but only one of the band accepted, the rest were met in battle which they lost. The last bandit swore an oath to give themselves up and was left to make their own way back to Norvic.

Further along the road we met three dwarves of Steelhammer. Alerted by Ulfcytel they sought to aid us. We relayed the urgency of our task and bid that they follow behind and secure the entrance to the enchanted forest so that none may enter.

Before we reached Ling we met a lone beggar. Digby and myself offered charity. The man was fear stricken and Ulfcytel was suspicious. I used magic to identify the man was a Seraclanite and Tobias arrested him. Hurriedly a court was set up and the charges put before the man. Charged with heresy the man was found guilty of the charges and ordered to lay aside any heretical items and forsake his faith with Seraclan. Upon refusal a sentence of death by sword was given. Any being in service to a dark god which wears a holy symbol of that god is an outlaw and thus then outside the law. There was no recourse for appeal or deferment of sentence, in an action of duty to King and Ithron Tobias beheaded the outlaw and Ulrich laid his soul to rest. Karl Ulfcytel commended the swift justice of the King’s law and its officers.

At Ling we were greeted warmly by the small folk of Baronet Trunkleton. A toasted repast of food was offered at the forge whilst Mennr spoke to the smith. For a brief moment thoughts of our task were forgotten but then refreshed we plunged into the enchanted forest. There were signs of damage, a path had been beaten through the forest and its guardians destroyed. Near to the middle of the forest we met Hakk in battle and the ogre was defeated. Separated from his brother he did not turn to stone. His axe a mighty weapon was given to the Steelhammer dwarf to aid them in their defence of the forest against any other intruders. Despite the rampage of the orc warband through the forest there was little damage that the forest would recover from. The ogre elder remained and would stay in the forest as a last guardian.

We had but one task remaining to meet the ogre magi Zapp in the foulspawn swamp. On our way to the swamp we met a Traldan pilgrim, again we offered alms and this man declared his eternal gratitude. He was an old man that spoke tales of the end time. He followed loyally until we reached the foulspawn camp. Their camp was well defended by many foulspawn and by magic. The pilgrim fled at the sight if it. In battle my own magic was wearing thin by this time I was laid low a couple of times and by the time I was revived Zapp was cornered and defeated. At his defeat as I shook Digby awake the ground rumbled and a loud cracking was heard from within a nearby cave. Inside the cave we found a broken stone totem. A splinter of rock remain charged with tribal magic which we took with us.

In service

## MXXII Planting III

Gathered in the hiring square of Fareham were Mennr Spoonsmith of Clan Bloodfell, Karl Ulfcytel Bronzehorn of Clan Steelhammer, Rural Forester Tobias LeRone, Sir Ulrich Fea the Bold and I Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We met again with the dwarvish clan elder Gavis Greybeard. I had petitioned the Thane for sponsorship in capturing a dark elf wizard for questioning, so we could learn more of the dark elf king Andarvari. King Andarvari the most powerful of dark elf wizards.

The Fareham town crier told of us a wanted murderer. Other folk sold their wares included were the sister to Tom Cauldron who had joined her brother in the trade of brewing and the sales of alchemy.

Outside of Fareham we met many foulspawn on the road. Amongst them was orcs, goblins, hobgoblins and trolls. There were many foulspawn, all were defeated.

At Tavham things were peaceful. The Lord Ranworth had ensured that victuals were always prepared for famished adventurers. We availed ourselves of the offered food and cider. We then prepared for our journey into the dark elf infested wilds.

Before met any dark elves we saw a strange sight. In a horrific transformation an orc became a wolf. Two elves chased the orc-wolf around in circles until after it made many huge leaps I froze it in place to be defeated. The elves were cordially in their thanks but did not tarry as we went to face our enemy as they had faced theirs.

We battled dark elves with two targets in mind the dwarven mausoleum and the Niovallir dark fields. Of a curious mind we headed to the dwarven mausoleum first. This led us into the dark elf caves where by cunning we capture one of King Andarvari’s cabal of wizards.

At the Niovallir fields I sensed the leylines were awry. I corrected the balance although my efforts appeared to only be temporary.

Our captive held we returned to Fareham and locked the dark elf villain in chains.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Budding XXI

Rural Forester Tobias LeRone reporting,

We met at Caster to meet with Guardsmen Hector who had previously warned as that livestock had been going missing alongside howling and roaring at night. Additionally, a letter had been sent in by 'Lucas' pleading for help just north of Ravenshall.

Ulric, my Shieldbrother, and I firstly bound together and gave his mace our tribal stones blessings before scouting ahead. The dawn of the summer months was very apparent amongst the density of the bushes, trees and the adventuring party which answered the call.

Outside of Caster we found a women tied to a tree, I suspected this to be trap in the form of an ambush with the women as bait for us to fall for, I seemed to be correct when we began to spot figures behind the nearby trees, the women claimed to be innocent whilst the fight began. During this combat I was drawn away into battle and somehow the women managed to escape. Innocent or not; she escaped our curiosity as further down the road we came across a bloody site -

A fey, thrall and stitched-up zombie with a Morotisian symbol lay ravaged: teeth marks in their necks and flesh torn apart. Scrambling around the bodies I found hastily tracks of a clawed beast, suspecting it to be the work of werewolves; I expressed by concerns to the Head Black, Sir Ignatieus. Having a scroll of Ensilver Weapon on me at the time may prove useful, however they are costly being XX crowns from Master Pobbin. Sir Ignatieus cautioned me on using the scroll too soon without properly knowing our enemy.

Following the clawed tracks away from the ambush site we were engaged with a large gathering of Thralls blocking the road. These were quickly dealt with without any heavy casualties.

We then came to the village of Ravenshall, the people cried out for help with whatever was snatching their livestock. One of the villagers said that were came face-to-face with one of the werewolves and it did not attack her. Sir Ignatieus and I spoke about the letter which Lucas had written. It said the he could not come into a settlement to talk and we assumed this meant Lucas was one of the werewolves and that he was the one who wanted help which cautioned us that negotiations should be our priority rather than removing them as they had not harmed any innocent Ithrons, only undead as seen before.

Leaving the village and continuing to follow the clawed tracks we came across a small crypt opening guarded by thralls. One of the thralls was wearing a Guards tabard and claimed to be the Guards Captain. To which I challenged as I knew that Huntsmaster Richard Black was the only person in Ithron who held that title. He further said the he did not have his Guards permit, to which I respond that carrying his permit should have been a priority of a lawmen of Ithron. City Guardsmen Tombes and I declared him arrested and after attempts we eventually killed the thralls.

Leaving the crypt opening for later and continuing to follow the tracks we came to a cave which homed Lucas and his 'pack' he told us that he would help us combat the undead if we cleared out his home which was the crypt of the undead and Vampire which now reside there. After reassuring the party that this was not going to be Dorian himself we made the deal with the werewolves and we would: Clear out their home for them if they brought back livestock for the villagers and would come to our aid if we called for them against the undead. Sir Henry of the Boar Knights said he would be the liaison between us and Lucas.

The crypt was swiftly cleared out and held a group of Morotisians and a vampire which was very quickly destroyed so we were left unknown of who he was.

We returned to Hector and told him that the werewolves should not be a problem to the villagers and instead bring them food. We receives social + I for our endeavour.

Rural Forester Tobias LeRone, protector of the law.

Investigating missing livestock

We were hired by Guardsman Hector in Caster. He gave us a note by a "Lucas" and we went off to investigate.

On the way we fell into a bandit trap, there was someone who'd been tied to a tree, as expected it was a trap so we scouted the area and took out the bandits, however somehow while we were fighting the restrained person escaped. Tobius, who I miss very much, and I gave chase but we lost them.

We then made it to pile of corpses, some of which I recognised as vampire thralls. Tobius, who I miss, noticed claw marks on the beasts. I suspected that the beast had battled The Rackheath Vampire.

We moved on to Ravenhall. In the village a peasant told the tail of how a werewolf vanquished undead, but the others protested that livestock were stolen.

Somehow the party got attacked by trees. Tobius, Sir Ignatius and I ran over to aid them following us staying to speak to the villager. After this our smaller discussed that this werewolf may be an ally in these uncertain times.

We moved on out of the village and encountered a cave entrance guarded by a guard and two mercenaries. We noticed they had symptoms of being thralls. When asked his rank the guard said he was guards captain, which isn't possible. The lawman declared him outlaw and they attacked us. We defeated them. Tobius followed tracks and lead us to another cave. This one had 3 longstorians inside.

One of them identified himself as Lucas. They admitted to being werewolves and stealing the livestock. However they told us about their conquest against the undead and how they hadn't harmed any people and were protecting the village. They also said they'd be kicked out of their home by a vampire and couldn't hunt. They said their hunting grounds were swarmed with undead and so were forced to feed of livestock. We made an agreement we'd help clear out their cave if they give meat to the village to reimburse the villagers.

We then returned to the other cave and continued inside. We traversed some traps and headed onto the main chamber. Here was a large congregation of undead lead by a vampire, who Jax destroyed instantly. We thought off the other undead, we met some odd ones. There were weird guys that ran around and we were unable to harm them and some ill looking zombies that spat at us.

After our victory we returned to the werewolf and they agreed to uphold their side of the deal so we returned to Caster and reported to the guard.

We were paid social + 1

Yours faithfully,

Sir Darkcloak "The Bold"

## MXXII Budding XXI

Gathered at the hiring square in Norvic were the church fellows Almryc of Rolbor, Herbie of Tralda, Aleyne of Vleybor, Beorn of Kharach, Ralnor of Tralda, and Eldorith of Longstor. Leading our way was Ranger Viori and the Pathfinder. Representing the mage’s guild was master necromancer Elise and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We were hired by Father Sturgeon of Longstor to go into the Elveden woods to learn of what it was that had troubled Father Liefenwold’s and made him lose his mind.

In the woods were met many elves which were of the comet tribe, these elves were very unwelcoming and on one occasion even attacked us. In the woods were also skullwolves and other undead. My account of the day is a little muddled as often during the day’s events I was knocked out, gagged, tied or afflicted with other such similar distresses.

On the road we met three dwarves led by Gambol. The two mercenaries escorted Gambol who reported to be a trader. An inspection of his permits and his wares resulted in my writing of a warrant for his arrest. At this event he fled and was captured. His wares were confiscated and when later examined were fakes and well as his permits.

The village of Holkham was peaceful but past this the swamp had become soured with undead and disease.

Once past the swamp we were confronted by werewolves, undead and a corrupted dryad. The werewolves were quickly defeated thanks to sorcery of my working earlier when I had transformed Almryc’s sword to silver. However the dryad bewitched myself and Beorn. Her enmity toward Eldorith was passed to me and I was compelled to harm the Longstorian. After this as I have said my memory becomes very hazy and I can recount little with any accuracy besides we fled from the dryad and my mind was not my own until after I awoke later in Norvic.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Shoring V

At Fareham market were gathered a small group of adventurers. We set our goal to weaken the growing forces of darkness around the town. The dwarf elder Gavis Greybeard met with us and we formulated a plan to once more enter the underground dwellings of the Svart Alfar. On our last outing we had successfully captured one of King Andarvari’s cabal and questioned him. We learnt that the cabal of wizard was now reduced to King Andarvari, Cimvere Chognil and Imron Azzabeal. The whereabouts of King Andarvari was unknown but it was suspected that he was in dragonhold with the Dragon. The Svart Alfar had an old debt to the Dragon and was honour bound to lend their aid to the Dragon. We had encountered few of the other elves tribes the Myrk Alfar and the Dokk Alfar, however we were reminded that the Myrk Alfar practises death magic and worked to bring back the Dragon and that the Dokk Alfar were from the deep caves and were great warriors.

Our small group was led by the scout Viori and forester Tobias, Ruby was our fighter and Jarlys our formidable brother of faith, I Pobbin Toadhunter lent my magics where I could to aid them all.

To reach the dark elves came we travelled to Tavham and met both foulspawn and dark elves along the road. Tavham was disturbed by fellow with a strange affliction, vampirism was suspected so we warned the village folk to watch the sickly man and promised that we would return before nightfall to seek a cure.

In wilds close to the dark caves I saw that the magic in the Niovellir fields had taken on a necromantic taint, we did not feel prepared to investigate this as a demon was spotted also on the fields. Our small band made use of the old dwarven mausoleum to sneak into the dark camp and seek our prey. Despite our efforts at stealth the dark elves were clearly prepared for us after our past successes at capturing a cabal member. We found Cimvere Chognil surrounded by demons and a dragonkin. The dragon wore an orange tabard with a black square. There was fetid gases and other traps laid around the caves to hamper our movements. The battles were fierce with Jarlys slaying dark elves, demons and the dragonkin alike. The darkness in the caves and the confusion of battle clouds my recall but the demons looked wolf headed and wore purple robes. After much battle the dark elf wizard Cimvere tried to flee but was put down by the swift footed Ruby.

Successful but weary and much tested we fled the caves and after returning to Tavham as promised to collect the sickly man we retired to Fareham. Our hopes now was that the Svart Alfar would be much weakened and that we would now be able to turn our eyes elsewhere. Considering our gathered intelligence I would counsel that if the fell queen Jotun Nott could be stopped that the Dragon would remain sleeping.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

Mission Objective: Locate the source of local disturbances, deal with them if possible.

Outcome: Source of disturbances located and dealt with.

**Mission Report:**

Shortly after departing, we met with the gate guard, who checked our permits as usual. We questioned him on possible leads for the situation before departing. While travelling to the affected town, we encountered Human Outlaws working for a local Vampire Count. After a brief skirmish with 2 packs of them, we continued on our way.

Passing through the plains, we encountered a band of Dark Elves. Questioning them, they appeared to be lost, so one of us gave them directions. As they departed, they remarked they had come to hunt Humans, heading towards a local village. I intended to give chase, but other members of our party did not wish to do so. The Dark Elves came back, attempting to ambush us, but they were dispatched. One attempted to circle around to flank us, but was dealt with.

Arriving at the Village, our permits were once again checked. We learnt that the local militia had been mostly eradicated, having gone searching for the source of the disturbance but never returning. After gathering what information we could from the tired townsfolk, we carried on our way.

On our way to another closer Village, we encountered a Scarecrow by a pile of lumber. Despite sensing no magical Aura, it animated alongside several wooden constructs, and attacked, although they were quickly dispatched, and the Gemstones in its eyes retrieved.

Entering the Village, 2 of our party were heavily wounded as falling masonry fell onto their heads. After dealing with their injuries, we spoke to some local Priests at a shrine, before continuing onwards.

As we pushed towards the source of the disturbance, we encountered a Death Knight of Pain and a large pack of Skeletons, numbering no less than 12. Imbuing his sword with Venom, the Death Knight wounded many of our party, while those with bludgeoning weapons dealt with the skeletons and healed the wounded. After a long fight, the Death Knight was slain and we pushed onwards.

Reaching the source of the Disturbance, we encountered Darkling Shades. Inflicting those they touched with Nausea, they were quickly dispatched, before we laid eyes on the source. A Death Knight tabard hung suspended in the air by chain, a still-beating heart lying below it in a pool of blood. A Devotee from the local village lay unmoving near the heart, presumed to be dead.

While investigating the heart, we were continuously beset by Darkling Shades, before we eventually laid the heart to rest, at which point the Devotee awoke, and bestowed some form of gift upon our father Militant.

Returning to the previous Village, we received our payment, as well as an additional Crown each for our work. In addition, the sale of the Gemstones resulted in each of us also earning an extra crown on top of it. After this one of our party communed with the shrine, being gifted the Silvered Axe that lay upon it. After this we returned to Norvic.

Yours Truthfully, Oreous Fenrir

**Mission Report**

Our task given had been to identify the source of local disturbances which had been ongoing, preventing them if able which we succeeded at with no casualties.

Upon having spoken to the guard, a point was raised that perhaps the lack of travelers reporting dangers on the road we were to travel was a sign that none had survived the journey rather than a simple lack of traffic or hazards. This theory was reinforced upon encountering multiple groups of Humans serving some foul vampire who were dispatched with minimal injuries, stopping at a small settlement shortly after.

From this encounter we moved into a patch of grassland and nettles where we found a band of Dark Elves who seemed to be lost, looking for the way north. After having been questioned they set off towards said prior settlement and a discussion was raised as to if the group should give chase, however, I noticed them attempting to double back and ambush us when inspecting some plantlife nearby so the group prepared for combat. They were devious foes and one attempted to flank us during the fight but was dealt with.

Shortly after the fight, I found a patch of lovely-looking flowers by the path - their hue had hints of purple and magenta and will make an excellent addition to liven up my garden back home nodoubt. Nearby was another village with but a single guard for its gate - who was exhausted beyond reason since there were no others to share the duty with. This was a result of their local militia having attempted to locate the source of the disturbances and not returning.

Not soon after we left the village several piles of wood and what seemed to be a scarecrow *lumbered* towards us and gave assault - my staff was unable to hurt them so I remained on the defensive. From the eyes of the scarecrow, two gemstones were retrieved. Shortly after this, another town was encountered with a badly made stone gate which broke apart as one of our numbers went under, downing him with a chunk of masonry to the skull. As I ran forwards to stabilize his condition another chunk hit me and I lost consciousness. Upon being tended I made a mental note to avoid shoddily constructed archways in the future as the others spoke with those at a local shrine.

Once we left the village the group encountered a swarm of Skeletons and a Death Knight of Pain, whose weapon left two of us writhing on the floor in pain, which I had to treat with my poultices whilst the battle raged around me. After this conflict we found what appeared to be our objective - some kind of heart laying in a pool whilst a tabard of the aforementioned knight hung by chain over it. Despite assaults from these weird shades, the heart was laid to rest and the body of a Devotee from the nearby village awoke to our surprise. We were awarded an additional crown for our work and the gemstones from earlier earnt us each another additional crown.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## XVIII Shoring

Rural Forester Tobias LeRone reporting.

Master Goldsmith hired an adventuring party at Norvic to investigate into some merchant transactions which may have involved forgery. The party consisted of a coalition between equal numbers of Humans and Dwarves and also the Elf Viori. Karl Ulfceytel and Sir Lars jointly led. As we were travelling to the South-east area of Norvic I was hoping to maybe see my Shieldbrother Sir Ulric Fae “The Bold” Darkcloak as he is currently absent from adventuring until he completes his studying with his liege lord, Baron Gaspar.

Firstly, we headed out to Ling in search of a Greybeard clan member who had traded with this false trader. However, on the road we encountered a new adventuring party. They claimed to have been returning from defeating some bandits and to claim the bounty. Some were permitted Scouts so we bothered them no further. Then around the corner was a site of the defeated bandits, as we approached these bodies began to reanimate and were easily dealt with.

We later found one of the Greybeard merchants. Jarlys Steelhammer, Karl Ulfceytel, Mennr Bloodfel and Elias Ruby translated that the merchant had been selling charcoal to someone with a green sash. This was then thought that anyone with a green sash would be a suspect for questioning.

On the road to Lod we found a group of foulspawn which were no match for our shieldwall. Closer to Lod was another dwarf hiding in a bush, as prior, the dwarves continued to translate information to the Humans among us. This dwarf was called Drarrg Bloodfel or something dwarfish, the rough translation was that he had sold timber to someone wearing a red helmet.

Continuing on to Gelded Stones we were stopped by a large band of foulspawn, however, again they were of no match for ‘the coalition’. Further on was a dwarf of Steelhammer who had sold C crowns worth of steel ingots to a man with a beard.

As a party we discussed that the suspect we’re looking for must have all three discovered traits, bearded, green sash and red hat or they could be each individual people. Although at this moment, we were attacked by Dorian’s army. After dealing with these thralls, Master Jax casted some spells on the dead thrall leader and we proceeded to ask them a few questions. I found that:

- The charcoal, timber and steel was for Dorian’s growing Dark Army.

- Dorian’s armies Commander was named Simon.

- He did not know who my Shieldbrother Sir Ulric Fae “The Bold” Darkcloak was.

There was a Merchant's Moot supposed to be held at Caster were all the merchants in the nearby area would come to trade their goods. We thought this was be a good place to make our final judgement on who I would be arresting. Arriving at Caster, absolutely all the traders seemed to be wearing red hats, few with green sashes and beards. However, one of the merchants fit all three descriptions and he also sold charcoal, timber and steel ingots, saying his name was Bob Deysnuts. Seeing that his V crown notes were fake, I declared him arrested and outlawed for Capital Theft. Following this he began to attempt to run away but Sir Lars and Elias Ruby chased after him.

Bringing him back to Master Goldsmith for trial we received Social + 1 for the definite accusation and I put Bob into a jail cell.

Tobias LeRone, protector of the law. Shield-brother to Sir Ulric Fae "The Bold"

## MXXII Shoring XVIII

Father Sturgeon summoned adventurers to find the Gardener and seek his wisdom on the cleansing of the corruption in the forest or to defeat the Arborist. What wisdom the Gardener offered were we expected to follow.

Gathered was Father Militant Beorn of Kharach, Ralnor of Tralda, Aleyne of Vleybor, the knights Henry and Trevor with their servant Jim, City guardsman Robin, herbalist Lorien, my apprentice Oreous and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We knew that the Gardener was near to Hockham. So we journeyed to the village. In the village I went first to the shrine to offer my devotion and prayers. However some of villagers who had been recently in the deep woods suddenly attacked the party. They declared as they did so that we would see the lady again soon. These folk were subdued and carried to the Longstorian shrine to be cleansed of their corruption. I then offered by prayers and we headed into the deep woods ourselves.

In the woods we met many undead including a skullwolf. This creature battled fiercely until dismissed by the combined faith of both Ralnor and Beorn. Further in the woods a trio of werewolves attacked us until one was slain and then howling was heard all around as the others fled.

At the Gardener’s glade was a knight of the Red Maw with its followers threatening the Gardener and demanding him to talk with them. The knight was defeated then the Gardener emerged to speak with us. He took Ralnor into his tree and offered them his wisdom. He spoke with Ralnor about Maegrim an Alshanti of the forest and how Vargr was in some way related to Maegrim, as one face of a coin is the other face. Of the siren he said she was corrupted and that we must find out how this happened before he would be able to determine a cure or solution.

To reach the siren’s source we crossed the marshes of the living dead. In the wood was entranced werewolves and elves, using his woodwise skills Jim led us passed them. Then we saw a great tree, at its roots were dead werewolves. This was the source Oreous, divined the nature of the curse. The tree had been bitten by Vargr and become infected with lycanthropy. Oreous took a sample of the sap that still was bleeding out of the unhealing wound.

On the way out of the woods Ralnor met the ghost of an elf. The elf had died long ago in a battle against a Griffin knight who had slain her family. In the battle both had died and the knight had now returned as a death knight. We found the death knight and after a fierce battle defeated it. On returning to the elf ghost she led us to her grave where she was laid to rest and rewarded us with an antique silver necklace.

When leaving the woods more skullwolves approached but they were ripped apart by a sudden appearance of Vargr. We all fled back to Hockham. The Gardener when told of what we had found at the Arborist’s source said he would begin concocting a special oil to cleanse the corruption of the Arborist which would kill her. To use the oil we would have to first learn what weapon would harm her.

There was a sword found on the knight of the Red Maw which was made of a strange reddish metal which Oreous determined had strange powers depending on the phases of the moon. It was agreed that it would be given to a blacksmith to examine.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

We were summoned to find the Mysterious Entity known as the Gardener. I had never met them before, but my master had, and he told me much about them on our travels. After having our permits checked, we departed into the woods and quickly arrived at Hockham without incident. At this point, half of our party split to go pray at the local shrine, however it was at this point the Townsfolk attacked us, wounding several of us. We bandaged the townsfolk and wounded partymembers, before tying the townsfolk up and leaving them by the shrine.

After passing through the woods for some time, we came upon waves of Undead, lead by Nightmares. Although the first few waves of undead were quickly dispatched, a Skullwolf began to fight us, wounding many of us, nearly to the point of death, before it was ultimately dismissed.

Shortly after that, we encountered a trio of werewolves. We tried to see if they belonged to the group we had made dealings with in the past, but instead they simply attacked. After dispatching them, we continued on our way.

Arriving at the Glade of the Gardener, we saw a Knight wielding a magical blade and his ruffians harrassing the gardeners domain. After a drawn out battle they were dealt with, although those wounded by the Knights blade found themselves unable to stop the flowing blood.

Speaking to the Gardener, we learnt that he would be able to help us, but first we would have to find out the nature of the Sirens corruption, and to do that we would need to reach her tree. Ralnor offered some of her life force for Information on Vargr and Maegrim, of which we still have to ponder.

Departing from the Gardeners Glade, we had to cross an Undead Marsh to reach the heart of the forest. Undead reaching out of the muck wounded multiple of us, and even more of us were inflicted with Zombie Rot, but we managed to prevail without casulties.

It is at this time we encountered the Ghost of an Ancient Elf, whos rest had been disturbed by the revival of the enemy she lost her life slaying - A corrupt Griffin Knight, who destroyed her village and has now returned as a Death Knight. Offering to show us to treasure if we helped her, we accepted her request and continued on our way.

We then encountered enchanted Elves and Werewolves, however due to the masterful skills of Jim we avoided conflict by using stealth to get around them.

Coming to the Sirens Tree, the corpses of Werewolves surrounded it. As I prepared to cast the ritual to divine the Nature of the Curse, they rose and began to attack us. Casting my ritual, I learnt the tree itself had been inflicted with Lycanthropy, and I found a large unhealing bite mark, equal in size to that of a Greater Lycanthrope such as Vargr, with red sap dripping from it. Having collected some of the Sap, we hasting departed on our way back to the Glade of the Gardener.

However, our return was not without issue, for we encountered the Death Knight we were told of by the Elven ghost. After a long battle where many of us were wounded, we prevailed and slew the Death Knight and his Minions. Being led to the treasure, we found an ancient silver necklace. However at this point another Skullwolf appeared.. but it was quickly ripped apart by none other than Vargr himself. After an.. Uncomplicated retreat, we had run all the way back to the Gardeners Glade, with many of us exhausted.

Giving the Sap I gathered to the Gardener, he told us he would attempt to make a Special Oil that would harm the Siren. However, it would require part of someone's life essence the next time we met him to grow it..

Returning back to Civilisation, I cast another ritual on the Enchanted Sword, discovering that it had various abilities based on the phases of the moon. Me and my Master agreed it would be best if it was examined by a blacksmith.

Yours Truthfully,

Oreous Fenrir, Apprentice to Master Pobbin

**Mission Report**

Our task given had been to find and speak with this being known as the Gardener and gain insight into pressing matters, this intrigued me as a Herbalist of course. After those with permits had theirs checked we made our way to Hockham where I went to look at a local shrine with several others, only to suddenly be surprised by an attack by several villagers seemingly under the thrall of the “Lady”.  After subduing one of them I helped tend to both their wounds and those of my allies before we moved onwards into the forest. We were soon beset by undead and I nearly met my end at the hands of a Skullwolf, with several others sustaining injuries in the conflict. As such we were all wary when encountering a trio of Werewolves further in, taking our time to prepare before advancing. The situation looked dire however when one was slain the rest fled, likely summoned by their master.

After this we made our way to the Gardener’s glade where there were several assailants alongside a Knight of an order unknown to me who were trying to harass the Gardener to prompt an audience. He emerged once the conflict was over and spoke of the corruption and the Arborist, additionally speaking with Ralnor about the being known as Maegrim. To reach the source of the corruption we traversed across an area of swampland infested with foul waters and equally vile undead who we dispatched. Shortly after the swamp we encountered the spirit of an Elven Warrior, whose rest had been disturbed by the resurrection of the assailant she died to slay – a corrupted Griffin Knight. With an eye out for such a creature, we evaded a large group of seemingly entranced or otherwise distracted Elves and Werewolves through the skilled work of Jim. We then headed to the source where Oreous used his magic to divine the nature of the curse, which seemed to be some form of Lycanthropy given by none other than Vargr. With a sample of its sap collected we moved onwards. In a clearing nearby we encountered the Undead Knight and a swarm of other dead. It was a long and fierce battle with many wounds – myself and multiple others helped to use our Holy Symbols to protect others, bandaging the wounded mid-conflict even when the situation demanded it. However eventually the Undead Griffin Knight was slain and we once again met with the Elven Spirit, who led us to their grave and granted us a reward of her jewellery. However we could not linger for long as a Skullwolf appeared before promptly being torn asunder by Vargr who we fled from.

Upon returning to the Gardener he said it would be possible for him to create an oil capable of effecting the Arborist, however first we would need to figure out a way to wound her to inflict it. An enchanted sword was also retrieved which is being examined.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXII Highsummer III

We gathered at Fareham market a large group of adventurers. Gavis Greybeard met us outside the tavern. The Svart Alfar were now sorely wounded by our efforts so we sought to learn more about the Myrk Alfar and their death magic. Gavis Greybeard set us the task of locating the lair of their leader the Fell Queen Jotunn Nott.

Our impressive band of adventurers was led by Forester Tobias and Ranger Viori. Orion of Vleybor accompanied us as a caravan guard with Guardsman Robin and Sir Ulric as our defenders. The dwarves Aggy, Elwood, Mennr, Ulfkytel and Jarlys were all determined to aid their cousins. Mindful of demons the Demonologist Amelia brought their expertise alongside my own magic and my apprentice Oreous.

From our previous reconnaissance we knew the Myrk Alfar were close to Newtown and Raynham. We set out on the road led by Viori and Tobias; soon we met the dispossessed foulspawn common in the area after the emergences of the dark elves from their caves and halls.

At Newton the common folk were quiet but worried about rumours of Kryganites in the wilds. Their worries were soon found to be real as we met Kryganite dark elves, elderkin and marshkin. The heretics were defeated and for a moment we seemed lost as signs of dark elves were scant. However Viori and Tobias managed to spy a group of dark elves and set up an attack. We managed to capture one of the dark elves and Oreous enthralled one to reveal the location of the Fell Queens stronghold. Set on our course we were determined to get closer and verified the location. There were plenty more dark elves and the entrance of the stronghold was confirmed where scores of undead were spotted.

To confirm if the queen was in the stronghold Amelia scryed through their crystal ball on Jotunn Nott. Amelia reported to a pale faced elf laid asleep in a sarcophagus surrounded by her guardians. Clearly sensing that she was spied upon the elf rose from her daysleep to cackle evilly and reveal her pointed teeth. The Fell Queen was revealed to be a vampire. Our closeness to the lair of the vampire and her now awoken we made a fast retreat back to Fareham to report our findings.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

III Highsummer MXXII, Rural Forester Tobias LeRone reporting.

The Return of Sir Ulric "The Bold", son of the great Bann Fea!

Previously due to our efforts in the Dark Elf tunnels and caves; The Svart Alfar had been infiltrated. The Dokk Alfar alongside the Laminusian raiders and the Myrk Alfar remained. As a party we decided to go after the Myrk Alfar, dark magic necromancers under the false "Foul Queen". On this adventure was:

Sir Ulric Fea Darkcloak son of Bann Fea, Ranger Viori, Master Enchanter Pobbin Toadhunter and his Apprentice Orious, City Guardsmen Robin Tombes, Amelia the Demonologist, Mercenary Orion of Vleybor and the Dwarves: Karl Ulfceytel, Mennr Bloodfel, Jarlys Steelhammer of Sidhe, Aggy and Elwood. Represented by myself Rural Forester Tobias LeRone and Journeymen Physician

Leaving Gavis Greybeard at Fareham we headed towards Newton as we had knowledge that the Myrk Alfar were in the location somewhere between Newton and Raynham.

Amongst Dark Elves and various Foulspawn on the road, we encountered an escort by a Guard transporting a Witch to which I suggested to Pobbin, as a judge, that he outlaw the Witch's covern entirely. However, as trial began, the witch attempted to flee. Elwood chased after the witch, eventually Sir Ulric used our bonded mace to strike her down. Unfortunately the witch did not have a spellbook nor spell cards for Amelia to analysis.

Moving onwards to Newton, word was quiet. Apart from rumours of Kryganites in bushes, the roads to Lynn Regis were mentioned here also. Later on we did encounter Kryganites and Dark Elves.

Tracking these Myrk Alfar Dark Elves proved to be a challenge as their tracks would crisscross in all directions, as we came to a crossroads. Viori and I decided that it would be best if we split up in search of any encampments. Sir Ulric, my Shieldbrother, of course accompanied me on our search. Viori spotted a few Dark Elf guards through the bushes and so we faced them head on in a heated combat.

We managed to capture one of them alive and were pointed in the right direction to the Stronghold where the false "Foul Queen" was said to be. Its easy to say that the spells cast by the Dark Elves were becoming an annoyance, sometimes with Viori and I both leading the party unable to communicate orders to the party.

Scouting the entrance to the Stronghold, Viori and I spotted an entrance which leads into a dungeon of some sort, however guarded by around L to C - Undead, humans and Nightmares allied together. Amelia used their demonology to magically infiltrate the dungeon and confirm that the false Queen was indeed present. Now knowing we were somewhere close, we hurriedly left back to Fareham to receive our social +1.

Rural Forester Tobias LeRone, protector of the law. Shield-brother to Sir Ulric Fae "The Bold"

## MXXII Highsummer XVI

We had already planned with the Gardener of Hockham glade to once again journey into the deep woods. We gathered at Theoforde where Thomas Woodward represented Viscount Longspear.

I had received recent reports from the nearby Forester Bingley of Wymondham so had issued Forester Lerone and Guardsman Toombs with an arrest warrant for Sir Lars Laurentius of Household Canis. Sir Lars was arrested peacefully and was tried for the crimes of assault, impeding the King’s highway and petty theft.

Sir Lars declared himself innocent and that none of his household were involved nor had they been ordered to commit such crimes. The trial was decided by truthtell and Sir Lars found not guilty.

More disturbing news was heard from Wymondham, there had been a theft at the abbey of Saint Elspeth’s jewels.

Thomas Woodward offered us pay in accordance with our social status and for us to continue our hunt of the siren Arborist. On this quest we had High Father Aleyne of Vleybor, Father Militant Beorn of Kharach, Rural Forester Tobias LeRone, City Guardsman Robin Toombs, Ranger Viori, Sir Lars Laurentius, Little Blue Jim, Little Red Tim of Crowa, Herbalist Herbie, and I Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Not far from Theoforde we were confronted by Ne’er-do-wells in the colours of House Canis. These ruffians turned out to be werewolves masquerading as adventurers.

Our hunt then led to Hockham which we found had been invaded by undead. The folk of village hid in their homes whilst Brother Graham defended the shrine to Longstor.

Amongst the undead foes in the woods were ghouls and a skullwolf. We also met with a group of roden, when defeated we found upon them a reliquary box filled with tiny jewels. These jewels Aleyne pronounced as the relics of Saint Elspeth. The roden it was surmised had been seeking a holy relic and when they found the reliquary had snatched it and fled. Their master or purpose for the holy relics are as yet unknown.

We did not escape more undead as we had to pass through the marshes of the living dead before we reached the deep woods.

The deep woods were infested with dark elves. Many of these were enthralled into service for the syren. I found one who had pierced the insides of his own ears to stop from hearing her songs. The dark elf was injured but alive and after a moments communication to ascertain that he was truly free of the syren’s enthralment him let free to return to his home.

When we met the syren she was younger and appeared free of her affliction. It became apparent that this was because she had been feeding on the life energies of the dark elves and the stronger she was the more she resisted the lycanthropy that was consuming her.

Angered by our invasion of her forest she quickly aged and let loose her werewolf guardians.

A fierce battle was had where she was beaten back with an enchanted silver hatchet. Other weapons including an enchanted mace seemed unable to harm her. Once she was forced to retreat into her source we left the deep woods and went to meet with the Gardener. The Gardener explained that the syren would to be forced to retreat to their source and then beaten with the poison he was growing to cure her of the lycanthropy.

Our quest completed we returned to Theoforde, except for Aleyne, Beorn and Tobias who headed onward to Wymondham Abbey. They returned Saint Elspeth’s jewels. Tobias also sought out Forester Bingley and the pair discussed the crimes, arrest and trial of Sir Lars.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Shielding VII

At Newtown a host of dwarves had gathered to bring an end to the dark elves that had plagued their clanhold of Flintheart since Summereve MXXI. Gathered in Fareham were Karl Ulfcytel, Sir Lars, Spoonsmith Mennr, Ranger Viori, Forester Tobias, mercenary Nunin, peasant Lorien, my first apprentice Jax, my second apprentice Oreous and myself Pobbin Toadhunter.

We journeyed on Newtown to meet with the dwarves but many foulspawn, elderkin and marshkin blocked our paths. All were swept aside until we reached the dwarves. Many, many dwarves were present, representing many of the clan of dwarves that dwelt around Northwich. Our goal we declared was to force the Fell Queen Jotunn Nott from her lair and then to destroy her. The dwarvish armies began their siege as we awaited their signal.

Dwarven runners came to and from the camp until we heard the call of demons. Quick to act we joined the fray to eliminate the Sharden threat. I came armed with magic and although I was unsuccessful in harming one of the demons as it blocked my magic the other fell to my magics and was returned to Sharda. The summoner of the demons King Andarvari of Svart Alfar was slain in the melee. The dragonkin then entered the fray against us. Prepared for demons I unleashed by magic against the dragonkin and after many attempts my magic reduced one of the once noble beast to crawling on the floor. Many Llaminusian kinslayer dwarves surrounded the fallen beast until it was put to the sword.

Our victory over the demons and dragonkin brought forth the Fell Queen herself as she sought to destroy us. She was eventually struck down by Sir Lars and after a certain amount of hopping about I reached her corpse to stake her and end her unlife.

At our victory the remaining dark elves and kinslayer dwarves fled the field of battle. Our allies of the dwarvish clans praised our efforts. Elder Gavis Greybeard paying us an extra five crowns each for our success. The defeat of King Andarvari gained us the twenty crowns bounty that the courts had set for his capture or death. We agreed to split this evenly amongst all. A charged scroll was also found but it was not decided who would keep this, however it was agreed that it would be decided by a lottery amongst the successful adventurers.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

To provide understanding of previous events mentioned in this report:

We have previously discovered that a Dark Elf calling herself a Queen was in fact a Vampire, and was occupying the Clanhold of Flintheart with her forces of Undead and Demons. An army of Dwarves had gathered at Newton to prepare to strike and take back the hold.

On our way to meet with the Dwarves, we encountered Foulspawn, Elderkin and Marshkin, although they were taken out without much harm. This is not of much note to the Mission Report, but under the new laws a Villager was branded a Blasphemer for cutting down a tree with not enough rings.

Arriving at the Dwarvern Camp after hours had passed, we were gathered into a war council to discuss the plans to force the Fell Queen Jotunn Nott from her sanctum when we would then slay her. We became aware of the possibility that too many situations would arrise for us to handle them all, and we would have to decide which to respond to.

We heard of 3 main threats we needed to respond to before we could strike at the Fell Queen - however we would only have time to respond to 2.

Threat One: A Demonologist was summoning Demons to kill Dwarves who were unable to harm it.

Threat Two: A horde of Llaminusian kinslayer dwarves were crossing to enter the battle and if we did not intercept them, they would flank the main forces. We later learnt they also had Dragonkin amongst them.

Threat Three: One of the Dwarvern Commanders was surrounded and without our support would likely perish.

Determining that Threats one and two were the highest priority, we went for those, after I performed the Dragonscales ritual on no less then 3 of the most vunerable people, on top of one I had already cast previously on another.

Masters Pobbin and Jax quickly dealt with the Wolf Headed Demon, making it explode while the Knights and Scouts with us mopped up the forces and slew the Demonologist. He was found to have a Charged Scroll of Circle of Protection on him, which I later identified to be "2 Thaum".

Moving in to deal with the Dragonkin, Master Pobbin Wounded its leg no less then four times with his magic before it was reduced to crawling. Becoming enraged as we simply avoided it to fight the Kinslayers, it became enraged, discarding its weapons and its claws glowing, before beginning to rapidly crawl towards people before put down.

The second wave of Kinslayers contained a second Dragonkin, but it was dealt with by our Knights and Scouts.

Finally, we had forced the Fell Queen out of hiding. With her undead legions in toe, we prepared to face her. Enchanting our Rural Foresters blade, he coated it in Swiftdeath. It was decided I would be on hand with a lift prepared for if he came under an Obey, although luckily he never did.

In the final fight, I was stuck down by a Dark Elf while tending to Sir Lars of House Cannis, and thus my memory of the fight is hazy. However the Fell Queen was slain, and her forces fled.

We were each payed Social +5 for the Mission, and the Demonologist had a 20 Crown bounty on his head, raising it to Social +7 each. We randomly decided who would claim the Charged Scroll of Circle of Protection, and I was the winner.

Yours Sincerly,

Oreous Fenrir

Gathered in Newton a large force of Dwarves were determined to reclaim the hold of Flintheart from its Dark Elf occupants. Setting out from Fareham we were to meet with these Dwarves prior to their assault. Along the way considerable numbers of hostiles were met including foulspawn, Elderkin and even one creature resembling a moving bush. Eventually however we met the Dwarves albeit not entirely uninjured.

After passing by the guards at the entrance of their camp we met with representatives from many of the clans that lived around Northwich where we discussed the upcoming conflict. The main goals of this were to force their leader the Fell Queen whose name I shall not speak out of respect for Karach (See below as to the reasoning) and destroy her. As the Dwarves began their siege we remained behind awaiting runners, with our arms repaired.

The first one came informing us of Demons present in the battlefield. Joining the fray Master Pobbin was of great use dealing with the two demons present and their summoner was slaughtered quickly after, slain in the conflict. Shortly after this Dragonkin emerged and once again Pobbin showed his worth, crippling it’s leg with repeated magic. However this did not restrict it forever as shortly after the beast began dragging its body around with great speed trying to strike at our forces. However this was only a small setback as by this point many present forces were free to surround and slaughter it. In this fight my leg was struck with a cruel blow however due to a casting of ‘Dragonscales’ I was unharmed.

These victories forced the hand of the Fell Queen and she emerged from hiding alongside numerous undead. With our Forester wielding a truly nasty weapon which was both enchanted and coated in a cruel poison we headed to fight. I spent much of the fight healing those who fell or unconscious after being stabbed by a dagger, I was back to my efforts for the conclusion. Once our foe was slain we needed to lay her to rest and to do this we wished to make use of an item in our possession. However few could still be bound to it and I was among those numbers – having denied it in the past on account of being a Vleyborian. However since leaving this matter unresolved would bring rise to issues I bound to it and temporarily accepted to follow the sins of Karach as I laid the Fell Queen to rest (Which was a challenging situation as I could not be allowed to touch my own clothing or body in any fashion during this). Even though I no longer follow these sins out of respect for Karach I continue to not name the one I laid to rest.

There was much profit from this endeavour and the circle of protection scroll found was distributed through a lottery which Oreous Fenrir won.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXII Harvesting VI

At Norvic we were hired by Kent Rowley. Kent warned that folks and crops had gone missing from Raynham and Tavham. We were hired to investigate these disappearances. Gathered were Defender of the Faith of Kharach Beorn, Sir Lars, Forester Millwall, Ranger Viori, Spoonsmith Mennr, Karl Ulfcytel, Father Eldorith, Little Jim, Little Tim, Herbie and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

We journeyed through Tavham, Newtown and Raynham. On the road we met members of the Iron Lances, a mercenary company that reported that they had been heavy fighting with bandits and undead. They were all sorely wounded. We sent them onto Norvic for a much needed rest and we headed to where they reported trouble.

In the wilds were fought undead. In the towns and villages were had reported that crops and folk had vanished. At Newtown we were told that after their crops had vanished some members of the Iron Lances had arrived carrying sacks of grain which they sold for ten crowns. I ascertained by the use of magic that the grain had been gained by theft, presumably from one of the other villages. When we checked on the other villages we found similar tales of trouble and theft.

When we next met the Iron Lances were discovered that many of them were heretics. We learnt that they had been stealing from grain stores and raiding caravans. We tracked the criminals to their den and found captured villagers. The villagers were set free and the criminal Iron Lances defeated. As we travelled back to the villagers to escort the freed villagers and redistribute the coin the thieves had taken we were attacked by more heretics. More villains are surely out there and we recovered a letter from a scoundrel named Beck. The letter also mentioned a mysterious Astoro, nothing of known of this person and what their role amongst the heretics is.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

We were hired by an envoy of Lady Madeline to find a Vleyborian Priest and ten Templars who had gone missing whilst transporting a relic in order to help found a shrine to Vleybor. This was deeply worrying news as we feared the Priest and his relic might be endangered so we set off with due haste.  After some encounters with servents of the lamp and mercenaries we arrived at Worsted before finding more of the situation and heading onwards. along the way we found a group of dead Templars laying in an open area which upon being disturbed began to reanimate. After laying those poor souls to rest we moved onwards where we were attacked by several undead and some sort of ‘Stitched Abomination’. Eventually we found the remaining undead Templars and defeated them, claiming a corrupted Vleyborian Staff and the Swaddling Cloth of a Saint. Before we could head back one of our own stole the staff and was chased down and apprehended and tried once safely back to town. Elwood agreed to take the corrupted spear in the aim to cleanse it for Vleybor. The accused decided to take the white.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXII Harvesting XVII

At Theodeforde we were hired by Tom Woodward, who represented the Viscount Longspear. He had received reported that a large group of foulspawn and beasts had been gathered in the woods close to the Syren. We were tasked to break up these forces before the Syren could somehow use them to wreck devastation and ruin throughout the forest. We were told to meet with an elf Ancarno who had reported sightings of the foulspawn, beasts and dark elves that had flocked to the Syren’s call to arms.

The Griffin Knight Sir Arvak Du Casse led the party of adventurers. Gathered were the mages Elise, Jax and Oreous. The elves Eldorith, Viori, Herbie, Ralnor, Malakos and Lorien. Alongside them came Sir Lars, High Father Aleyne, Sir Henry, Guardsman Robin and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

No far from the town we met a trio of men travelling to Canishold to pay their respects. Once introductions were done chaos erupted. I had been busying myself with reading and heard many strange noises, calls of surprise and vomiting. Malakos who had been guarding the rear was as surprised as I so we both retreated to try and determine what was going on. A moment later battle began with the three men being in fact werewolves. They were put down by Robin with his enchanted mace and slain by Sir Lars silver sword. It appeared that any enmity that Sir Lars had for the werewolves was shared equally in their hatred for him and Canishold.

We went into the woods and fought foulspawn. They claimed to have been troubled by a shadow with red eyes. The foulspawn were killed and no shadow seen. However I did hear a shout of alarm from the rear and Jax informed me that a wraith had been seen and destroyed.

Now in the woods we met with the elf Ancarno. He was an amiable fellow and warned us of the enemies we would face. Foulspawn to our east, dark elves to the west, deeper in the woods were many strange beasts. The beasts and the unknown worried me so set about devising a plan. With the aid of Father Eldorith, who spoke with a chatty mistle thrush named Dawnwing, we planned to get closer and spy upon the beasts.

Our warriors prepared themselves and we attacked the dark elves training ground. This was a fierce fight and our large group of adventurers were broken into many smaller groups which the wily dark elves took great gain from. However we were victorious in the end and now closer to the lairs of the beast Father Eldorith once more called to his friends of the forest and chatted with a wren. The bird that was named Summersong. Summersong agreed to fly over the forest to spy upon the beasts whilst Oreous made use of his magic lamp to scry upon the tiny bird. Oreous saw a vast collection of beasts, although some we did not identify he confirmed seeing dverge, wendigo and roden.

Bravely Father Eldorith sought to free these beasts from the corruption of the Syren and went ahead with the aid of Viori. His efforts and calls to Longstor were not enough to free them of the Syren’s call and we met them all in battle. Before I saw them I smelt the foul stench of bog toad and we also encountered a banshee and lizardfolk. We were prepared for at least some of the beasts were fought, with Oreous killing the banshee. One of the toads I knocked senseless with my staff and Father Eldorith lifted the enthrallment with the blessings of Longstor and after another communion with nature between the elf and toad the toad hopped peacefully away.

Resolved to defeat all of the allies of the Syren we turned around and headed toward the foulspawn warband. The foulspawn were led an orge magi. It orge magi was threatening and menacing, unleashing powerful magic’s however he and his orcs were put down although by now my own powers were spent and many of the party were wounded.

Our quest completed we headed back to Theodeforde. On the road three Knights of Red Maw and their entourage blocked the road and had the elf Ancarno as prisoner. Much shouting and threats were made. The outcome however was clear once I whispered in Sir Lars ear and pointed out the three werewolves who wore collars of silver. His battle cry a roar Sir Lars charged in and split the enemy whilst everyone else swept behind to finish off the outlawed villains. Upon one of the knights was an evil sword, forged of wargsteel. The freed Ancarno was gratefully and walked a while with me before heading into the forest and home to his treetop nest.

As well as the sword, we had also recovered a potion of tanglefree and scroll of entangle. All were granted to the party as loot and split by fair means.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

Having been hired by a Viscount’s representative known as Tom Woodward, we were tasked to break up three groups of forces gathered together by the Syren of varying composition.

Upon setting out we came across three travelling men who claimed to be wishing to pay their respects to house Cannis – however this was soon revealed to be false as they transformed into Werewolves before our eyes and assaulted us. Recovered nearby was a letter and package addressed to Sir Lars, which it was decided would be opened at a later date. Continuing onwards we fought some foulspawn and our resident Necromancer Jax speedily destroyed a wraith before my very eyes the moment it appeared, leaving no time for reaction from anything present and preventing any harm.

We then met with Ancano the elf, who told us more about the other camps we needed to destroy whilst the mages convened with a priest of Longstor about a plan. The raid upon the Dark Elf camp was a brutal affair with great numbers of us being left temporarily mute and with liberal use of poisons from our foes it was not an easy victory. I can attest to the fact it was not a pleasant feeling. It was in the respite after this that with the aid of a small bird and Oreous’s lamp they were able to view the camp of the beasts from above which provided valuable information – however unfortunately the poisonous frogs present were misidentified as goblins due to the distance.

Before we engaged the beasts Father Eldorith wished to try and free the beasts from corruption in a grand ritual but was instead wounded despite his best efforts. However after most of the fighting was done he was able to cleanse one of the remaining beasts, a poisonous frog. Despite having already been poisoned by it’s skin he was still able to free it from corruption and prevent the needless loss of a life.

The final camp we sought out was comprised of Foulspawn led by a powerful Ogre Magi who struck down our commander with its magics, leading to immediate medical attention being required. However aside from a few hat thefts the other forces and then their leader fell after, leaving us to return back. Shortly after a rather interesting discussion about elves we came to find that Ancano had been captured by knights of the Red Maw and was their hostage – however we engaged their forces and freed him.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXII Summereve II

At Norvic we hired Brother Wilfred of Tralda. He was in desperate need of help, he told a tale that Taran Andershawk, the leader of the Iron Lances at Fareham, had fell to madness. We also spied a notice left by Sir Rainhart Bell requesting adventurers and mercenaries to go to Fareham to support the Iron Lances in their defence of Fareham. It was understood that Sir Rainhart Bell and Astoros, the leader of the Iron Lances, were in Lynn Regis and far away from the threat of fighting.

Gathered were Forester Millwall, High Father Aleyne of Vleybor, little Tim of Crowa, Ranger Viori, peasant Fix’r, Defender of the faith of Kharach Bjorn, Sirona of Crowa, Mage Gwendolyne and myself mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

At the gate we found the guard missing. It didn’t take much searching to discover his corpse, killed by a wraith. The wraith, a follower of Morotis was destroyed.

At Tavham we met a man who had been taught a mercenary skill by Taran. After questioning the man I wrote an arrest warrant for Taran for the crime of practising guild secrets. The warrant was passed to Forester Millwall to serve.

At Fareham we the Iron Lances on gate, they threatened to impede kings highway. I ignored their threats as idle and gave them strict instructions to stop any suspected illegal activities lest they be charged with breaking the law. Inside the town was chaos. Undead had broken in either by breaches in the walls or lacks of guards on the gates. We found a man sleeping rough, thrown out of his home when it was invaded by undead. To help the man we found his house and made sure it was empty of all undead. Inside the house we found a box, precious to the man. Millwall opened the box to find a collection of family heirlooms which we returned to the man when we found him again in the streets.

The Iron Lances were found defending the town and the arrest warrant was served on Taran. At this time the town was attacked by many ghouls and stitched abominations. We were forced to put up a hasty defence until the town was safe again. With the threat ended Taran honourably gave himself up and agreed to attend trial.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXIII Summereve VIII

A museum proprietor by the name of Reginald Ronald the second put out a notice for adventurers.

‘My name is Reginald Ronald the Second and I am looking for a group of strong and gallant adventurers to assist me in recovering a lost artefact to display in my museum!
Long has the item been lost through time but I have managed to track it down to a specific location in the Northeast region of Norvic province.
The only issue is my knees aren't what they used to be, and I hear the location is somewhat... precarious.
Anyhow I will be happy to pay handsomely for its return!
- Reginald Ronald the Second.’

We Reginald at Lowstof and he told us more of the tomb of Radaveer. We gathered, the five dwarves Ulfcytel, Mennr, Ruby, Jarlys and Remloc, and peasants Fix’r and Lorien, and Sir Arvak, little Tim, physician Herbie and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

On the road were folk of varied religions they had been attacked and were missing their tongues. We tried to find out what had happened by without words it was difficult, before paper and writing could be used one of them attacked us. Then Arvak attacked me. The rest of them were peaceful and we sent them on to Lowstof.

Before we reached the tomb, which we were told was before Geldedstones we met foulspawn. The foulspawn were aggressive and defeated.

On the road we met other travellers, a servant of the Marvellous Monty and his workers. We questioned the servant and the workers, to ensure that all was well and the workers were well cared for. No wrong doing was reported or spotted so we moved on to the location of the tomb.

In the tomb were many undead, traps and puzzles. The undead were numerous and included ghouls, shadows, zombies and a death knight.

After all the puzzles and traps were overcome we found the hourglass Reginald had been hunting for. I quickly teleported it to me and fled the tomb, we were chased out by a vengeful mummy. The tomb entrance was collapsed by Ulfcytel.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Summereve XV

We gathered at Norvic a small group of adventurers, Guardsman Robin, Ranger Viori, Father Eldorith of Longstor, physician Herbie and me Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Forester Butcher had gone missing at the Dolby farm and led by Guardsman Robin we went to discover why. We farm was near Newtown and there were suspicions of Krygan corruption in the area.

We set off to Newtown and passed by Sparham. I was wary of entering with plague being so rift in the area; I covered my face and kept by distance. After seeing the plague pits filled with corpses I was quick to exit the town. Although I saw no signs of recent disease despite hearing the odd cough.

The wilds lands between Sparham and Newton were corrupted lands. Eldorith felt uneasy and calling on his faith of Longstor he drew out the corruption with elderkin suddenly appearing in our midst as well as a walking bush. The corruption was cleansed and when we reached Newton all was peaceful.

At the Dolby farm we found devastation. The barns and farm house were all destroyed. There were many dead corpses, poltergeists harassed us and zombies attacked us. We found the body of forester Butcher and laid his soul to rest with many of the farmers as we took. In the fields were met the Marrowight. A much decayed and putrid smelling walking abomination. Prepared Robin hacked the creature down.

In service

Mister Pobbin Toadhunter

## MXXII Summereve XV

Below I have enclosed a copy of the mapping and notations taken during our recent expedition into the Fey Realm. I hope they will be of use.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXII Drawing XIX

Below I have enclosed the more recent notations taken concerning our reoccurring expeditions into the Fey Realm. I hope they will be of use. Additionally progress is being made on a newer and more detailed map of the Fey Realm, however I have decided to wait until after our upcoming expeditions to publish it to ensure every needed area is detailed.

Yours Faithfully,

Lorien

## MXXIII Deepwinter VIII

Sir Clark Tidewater hired a group of adventurers to investigate the whereabouts and activities of his son Theo Tidewater and his gameskeeper Agon. An odd assignment and one that clearly one involving some secrets.

To begin our investigation we gathered at Fareham Market. After browsing the wares on sale we prepared to travel to Corby where Theo was last seen. Leading our party was Sir Ulrich the Bold and his esquire Hector. Gathered together to aid Sir Ulrich were Forester Millwall, Father Eldorith, Herbalist Lorien, Spoonsmith Mennr, Brewer Digby, peasant Fix’r and myself Mister Pobbin Toadhunter.

Near to Corby we found a fey portal. Oreous was quick to explore this and it was proven to be safe for travel into a fey realm. In the wilds of the fey we met many hunters. We were able to parley peacefully with them and found a campsite and a letter written by Sir Theo. The letter wrote of how Agon was saddened by the upcoming marriage of Sir Theo and Dame Jeanette which would result in less hunting trips and less time spent together. Were Agon and Sir Theo lovers?

Knowing we were close to Sir Theo the spell scry was employed by Oreous. He told us that the pair were close by at a new campsite celebrating over a hunted boar.

On our journey to the new campsite we met more fey some which forced us to fight and also passed by poisonous vines and enchanted traps. We also met two dwarfish looking fey argument whether to build a stronghold for the court of Blood and Wine or a pavilion for the court of Time and Tide. We choose to endorse the pavilion and the representative of the court of Blood and Wine stormed off.

When we found Sir Theo and Agon neither were inclined to depart the fey realm. Father Eldorith told us that Agon the gameskeeper was a fey. It seemed that Agon was in love with Sir Theo and wanted to keep the noble in the fey realm. Negotiation and some argument was had about how to deal with this quandary. Eventually Sir Theo and Agon agreed to return through the portal and to House Tidewater.

The two returned home safely and Sir Clark Tidewater was told of all that had occurred, including that his gameskeeper was not a human but a fairy. Sir Clark said that he would deal with this.

In service

Pobbin Toadhunter