recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Dougal's Response

Dougal had made a "lucky" saving throw against charm  (he rolled a natural 20) - but in retrospect, maybe it wasn't so lucky. He'd have done far better failing it and telling them everything without being tortured!

Anyway, just before getting the list of questions from Darrell, I had sent this:

*No idea what has been happening to Dougal all this time, or what sort of conditions he is being held in - but I hope that he would have taken any opportunity to loosen or at least test his bonds to see if he could escape at all.*

*Otherwise, as previously said, he will try to take in as much information about his captors and surroundings as possible - while avoiding thinking anything about the party or any prior events by singing nonsense songs in his head and incorporating his observations into them.*

That email crossed paths, as it were, with Darrell's list of interrogator questions, and Darrell replied:

*Your personal update has just arrived.........getting sticky for poor Dougal I am afraid.....*

To which my response was:

*I fear things are about to get even stickier...*

*Dougal will not answer any of the questions, and won't even think about them. He'll just start singing his silly songs out loud to stop him from saying anything else - and to mask his thoughts, and his pain.*

*Whether he can stand up to torture and having bits cut off him I don't know - but he will certainly try. (His Wis is 15, Con is 10).*

*Poor Dougal.*

Darrell then asked for Dougal's charisma (as a representation of Willpower) , to which my response was:

*Charisma 9.*

*If he can't stand up to torture and breaks, then there are just two questions that he will try really hard to lie about: He'll say that we have no idea where the White Tree is - why should we? (No Wyldwood clerics in the party, or anyone who has started the pilgrimage). And for the item brought from White Beach - don't know what it was exactly because it was in a box, but we were told is was an Elven Manifest. Don't know why we were told to bring it here rather than the Elves carrying it themselves, but they kept a close eye on us through Elven 'minders' on the ship. As for the other questions - well, I guess it depends on how far he has been 'broken'.*

which led to:

*Unfortunately Dave - these arent very nice people....*

*Dougal lasts for about 20 minutes, by which time every bone in his left hand and wrist has been reduced to splinters...and somehow you cannot pass out..*

*...you cant remember much about what you tell them... but you are babbling everything, anything you think they want to hear....would probably sell your Mother if she was there.....*

*...then you pass out....*
Elven Spearhead

A rusty Elven spearhead discovered and bought by Joshua in Northlake that has an engraved 'masterwork' symbol of/versus the Wild on it.

The spearhead does **not** show up as magical with a Detect Magic spell, but when Garaf cast an identify spell on it, it revealed apparently magical properties, and furthermore, some writing in the Primitive Language was revealed.

The spearhead is **+3/+3 vs Worshippers of the Wild**, but its parlous state means that it would only do D2 damage, and have an 80% chance to break if used.

What can still be read of the inscription says: **"a bane upon those who would de.."** [A good guess would be that **de..** is the start of the word 'defiles']

According to Q’Ran: *“Kind of recognise the spearhead though, its really similar to the ceremonial spears that each of the clan Knights have as their badge of office. Too fragile for any use in battle now of course.”*

The Centaur ceremonial spears do have the same Wild ‘brooch’ symbol on them as the Elven spearhead (but in much better condition!)

## Saratak's interest

The clans have lots of these, but many are trashed. Saratak is buying them up,though.

The party wonders if these are intended to be used with the ballistas he is constructing.

## Purchase details

On the fourth day of rummaging around the stalls, you come across a rusty spearpoint in a tinkers undercounter basket, what catches your eye is that there is a sigil on the spearblade that even obscured by rust reminds you of the brooch. The tinker notes your interest:

Tinker: “I see you are interested in that old Elven spearhead, a fine piece of metalwork under the rust. I keep on meaning to get it cleaned up but somehow never have the time.”

Joshua: “Well, I must admit to some interest in Elven pieces, but to be honest I am not convinced this is actually Elven.”

Joshua reaches in to pick up the spearpoint but is stopped by the tinker.

Tinker: “Sorry sir, but it is a valuable piece – but also fragile. You touch, you buy.”

Joshua (sighing): “What price are we talking?”

Tinker: “I couldn’t let it go for less than 2 gold”

……much haggling later…. Which Joshua did not unfortunately fare well at…. You settle on 1 gold, 15 silver.

Taking the piece carefully, you can now look at it more closely, and it is certainly a very old spearhead and was probably of very good quality. Scratched clearly into the blade is a sigil that matches the silverwork on the brooch you found a few weeks back.

When you pick up the Chainmail from the blacksmith the next day, you have an inspiration and ask the smith about have sigils inscribed into a blade. The smith explains that masterwork grade smiths are able to add extra potency to weapon blades by engraving the foes identifying sign, normally a piece of heraldry or similar sign. These weapons retain their potency for quite a long time and so the technique has been used for elite military unit

1. ↑ Zoom 2020-11-19 21:00
2. ↑ Email2020-11-25 19:48
3. ↑ Day 49-57 – Centaurs
4. ↑ Zoom 2020-12-03 21:00
5. ↑ Zoom 2020-12-17 21:00
6. ↑ Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
Hall of Rogues Part 1

See also: Hall of Rogues Part 2

## The Hall of Rogues (Willston)

Whilst officially this is the family headquarters of the Elven Lorraine family, it is no great secret that the complex is also a college for practitioners of Covert skills. As such the complex is known by all as “The Hall of Rogues”. The college provides Rasten with access to skilled scouts and investigators, and some say provides him with some protection versus the machinations of Eliezure – also a known patron of thieves and assassins.

## Junior Membership

**Races:** Open to all races except Dwarves (for reasons unknown)

**Classes:** Thief, Assassin, Monk, Ranger, Illusionist

**Level:** None

**Fees:** 2gp per year, payable in advance

## Benefits

Junior members can purchase basic equipment of their trade at list price

There are some rooms available, costing 1sp per night including evening meal

## Guild Noticeboard

1. Two of our members (a dark Elf named Hilksan and a human named Illivas) went missing in the commercial district. Simple enquiries have provided no information as to what happened to them, information regarding their disappearance will be investigated and if valuable – rewarded
2. Dalzon is believed to have agents operating within the city, do not attempt to approach, but any information on such operatives, once validated will be rewarded
3. The college is actively seeking information about the Mageblade thief class, practitioners can claim a 2gp discount off their first year membership in exchange for providing a 1 hour demonstration of the skills to a senior teacher
4. One of the Pirate Lords named Callan escaped the invasion, originally a skilled wizard he is believed to still be in the area. Any information as to his whereabouts will be rewarded
Hahsandra

Sell also: Legend 28 - Thus Spake Hashandara, Dekatur

The Lady Hahsandra (and yes there appear to be multiple spellings - Wynagh referred to her as Hashandara,and the map as Hasandra ), is the Elven deity - not much is generally known about the religion, but as the "disappearing clerics" will happily tell you - it is under investigation.

It is also the Elven name for the North Island.

The map states that North Island was "in ancient times known as the isle of Hasandra (sic)"

Onwen wonders if Hashandara and Dekatur are the same deity in Legend 23 - Temple of the Dead

The glory of the Elves seeped into the very land of Hahsandra itself, and the seas that bounded them.

Legend 28 - Thus Spake Hashandara refers to her ' a sister whose name is not spoken and only written in the form of numbers and marks of great evil'. Onwen wonders if this might be Dekatur

According to Sparrowsight:

They [the Elves] claim to worship but one diety, Hahsandra. Yet in all of their writings you come across any number of different spellings of her name, even an occasional gender shift to male. There was a theory being explored that each of these variations was not a mistake but instead some form of polytheistic manifestation within a monotheistic religion.

Elf (in common tongue): “You are all free to proceed, but I would strongly advice the Wyldwood priests to restrict themselves from any attempts to proselytizing – the Lady will not look well upon such activities.”

Kinogel: “Apologies, by the Lady you mean….”

Elf (in common tongue): “Hahsandra.”

1. ↑ Road Reconnaissance – Day 6: The Bridge
2. ↑ Email2020-10-02 14:56
3. ↑ Background
4. ↑ Days 11 - 13
Elven Politics - Wilston

**ELVEN POLITICS (FROM THE STREETS OF WILSTON)**

The streets of Wilston are of course full of Elves and Dark Elves, with their human slave entourages as has been reported from every other city conquered by the Elves. However it is soon apparent that there is a slight difference in attitudes here, there are a significant number of Humans and other races that bear no signs of slavery. Whilst these free people do seem to ensure that they do not obstruct an Elf or Dark Elf, they do not appear to have to show obeisance, nor are the actively persecuted.

Visitors to the city should ensure that they adhere to the local legislations, in particular stay away from Elven only establishments. Also, whilst there are rules that deny an Elf or Dark Elf the right to punish any of the so called ‘lesser races’, it is not clear how strictly these rules would be enforced.

The gossip amongst the non Elven communities is that Rasten, the Elven governor of the city is trying to get his people to integrate into the North Island as oppose to subjugate it. Certainly of all the Elven controlled cities – Wilston is the most welcoming to non-Elves, even with the Elven-Alvera pact in force.

**Key pieces of ‘information’ that can be picked up:**

* The Elven authorities have decreed that whilst they are very much a lesser race, Humans are to be enslaved during conquest;
* The Elves believe there is a fundamental difference between themselves and the other so called civilised races, this somehow relates to how the people generate and manipulate mana;
* Necromancy is hated by the Elves, but the hatred seems to be along the lines of aggressively resisting temptation;
* Rasten is encouraging the Wyldwood to strengthen its presence within the city and has been making diplomatic overtures to nearby clans. Thus far these have been rebuffed;
* There is particular enmity between Rasten and Eliezure (the Elven overlord of Dalzon), although nobody understands the root cause.
* The ruins of Star Storm castle are attracting a lot of attention, particularly from the clans. Rumour has it that there is a great Elven artefact to be buried in the grounds, but Rasten has made no move to recover it for whatever reason.
* Apparently once of the reasons Rasten is looking to integrate the Elven Empire is that he fears a great threat, one from the Elven Empires past.
* The Orcs and Trolls have been remarkably quiet in the North East of the Island of late, cynics believe they are gathering strength for some great campaign of conquest.
Ageors

Cold, Invisible, Ageing entities or effects encountered in the Vale of Vendor.

They appear to be very Undead-like, but are probably not actually Undead as Undead cannot survive in the vale due to lingering effects of the Drumkit ritual.

First observed by us in Tarkeep in Zoom 2021-11-30 21:00, *party members with infravision do see patches of coolness moving about the village for about 15 minutes just after sunset, but before the 'halo' of the sun disappears. Similar observations are made for about 15 minutes in the false dawn before the sun rises.* We believe that they are directly related to the accelerated ageing effects that we observed.

We got this report from the Shadow Clan: Joshua chats to the younger lads, the warrior wannabees, and learns a story about a young lizardman who, for a dare, set out to spend the night in Connolas (198.028). His companions, watching from outside, saw him running, trying to escape something they could not see. Suddenly he seemed to turn to glass, not a lizardman skill apparently, then disappeared. The other youngsters had not seen what he did to seal his doom, and all the youngsters seemed as reluctant as their elders to speak of the cold areas and hyper-aging effects.

Zoom 2022-01-18 21:00: Wun is possessed/inhabited by what we describe as an Ageor outside Vendor: "*Wun says that he feels he was joined by a Universal worshipper who was a friend. Wun believes that ‘they’ (ie a group including his friend) are trying to stop ‘him’ from coming back. The ‘him’ is the man with a torn-out throat.*". The Aegor/Wun is able to despatch Wraiths with ease, and at night they appear to be fighting a battle within Vendor: "*Wun feels that he should be helping in this ongoing battle – but knows he is totally outclassed.*"

1. ↑ Zoom 2024-01-04 21:00
Email2020-07-08 17:59

**DP:**

**The silver is tarnished significantly in places, the willow is old but for some reason not at all rotten.**

**Back of brooch is nothing special, there is a silver pin for fastening to a cloak or** **similar.**

Fair enough - it makes sense to ask the thief to take care of the party's most important find in this topsy-turvy world. (Whatever happened to those dungeons where the monsters used to go round with signs on them saying "You can attack me - I'm guaranteed to be level-appropriate for your party"?)

However, it might be a good idea for Dougal to use his drawing skills to make an accurate sketch of the brooch (probably in the back of his spell book) in case we need to get rid of it or have it taken off us - I do wonder if it might be usable as a locator beacon which was how the 'trolls' tracked it down.

I also wonder how you might keep a piece of silverware clean and un-tarnished when entwined in centuries old wicker-work. Darrell - does the brooch look appropriately tarnished, unnaturally unsullied, could the wicker-work be much newer that the silver etc? Also, I do assume that we had a good look at the back as well as the front of the brooch.
Fairwinds Personnel Roster

**The ‘Fairwinds’ People On Board At White Beach**

## Crew:

### Gerono

(Male Human): Ships captain, not here to run a cruise ship and lets everyone know it. Held in high regard by the crew.

### Shola

(Female Human): First mate, efficient enough but doesn’t have the charisma to make it to captain – and knows it.

### Tullos

(Male Human): Quartermaster, brusque and efficient, gossip has him having at least 4 wives in different ports. (Which is surprising given that he looks like his face has met a large cudgel at high speed).

### Agarwaen

(Male Halfling): Ships cook and surgeon (i.e. Cleric), generally liked although is rumoured to have a weakness for drink.

### Tirson

(Female Ariel): Ships weather mage, extremely earnest and takes her duties extremely seriously.

### Ginver

(Male Dwarf): Ships battle mage, jovial and somewhat flamboyant, an inveterate gambler (and extremely good at it)

+18 general crew

## Passengers:

### Voxdei

(Male Human): Universal Cleric, bound for Far Haven (via Havenpoint), Slightly over zealous to be good company.

### Baruta

(Male Dwarf): Universal Cleric, junior to Voxdei, similar destination, cheerful and talkative.

### Meran Wolfforge

(Female Maratasen): Mercenary bodyguard, currently in the employ of Voxdei, somewhat arrogant and overbearing, very protective of Henede.

### Henede

(Female Maratasen): Meran’s daughter, spends most of her time reading.

### Catriiel

(Male Ariel): Unaffiliated Merchant, travelling down to the South. Has a number of barrels containing local spices in the cargo. Friendly and talkative, obviously thinks this trip will make his fortune.

### Shamrya

(Female Ariel): Taciturn, very watchful, acting as Catriiel’s bodyguard.

### Amwine

(Female Halfling): Representative of Lord Marnit’s Trading House, travelling to Willston on company business. Gregarious and gossipy.

### Saver

(Male Human): Amwine’s clerk, relatively quiet and bookish

### Oaktesiel

(Male Elf): Slightly foppish, generally approachable (for an Elf), bound for Willston…. ‘on business’

### Xanthgil

(Female Elf): Hahsandra Cleric, married to Oaktesiel, seems to be somewhat less than strictly devout, again moderately approachable.

### Greyel

(Male Dark Elf): Dour, sullen and obviously annoyed by Xanthgil’s cavalier attitude toward religious observance.
[No relation to Greyel - Admiral of the the fleet at Willston ]
Dekatur Judge

**Dekatur ‘The Judge’ Worshippers**

The only living creatures nearby were the birds that gathered around the temple, brought here by his generosity with scraps. The grasslands around the temple were pierced by a path leading to the main doors, a path made of small individual pebbles, upon which you could sometimes make out small writing or symbols. He knew the provenance of every one of the pebbles, each a note to remember someone who had passed to the other side of the veil to be judged.

He smiled. Everything was as it should be. A perfect place to dwell, and even now he sensed another supplicant approaching – it was time to find another pebble.

**Worshipper Notes**

Dekatur, as the Judge of the Dead, does not really seek worship as such although the faith does attract some followers. From these, a small number find their calling as Priests and seek to assist those that are dying find peace within themselves so as to face their final Judge in a state of harmony.

Offerings to the God are only made in ones will or on ones deathbed, and these offerings are purely for the maintenance of the Church itself, Death does not require sacrifice or homage – it will get that at the end anyway.

The corruption of the religion by Necromancy, generally laid at the feet of the Orcs of Ghoulagabba, is perhaps the one thing that can rouse a Dekatur worshippers ire. Refusing to submit to death, or preventing others from passing through the veil is seen as the only sin that can be committed by a living (or unliving) being.

All other religions are ephemeral and thus inconsequential.

(Note: Dekatur Judge does not frown on Raise Dead and the like, that is merely part of a souls journey. To Dekatur even immortality, such as possessed by the Elven races, is seen as temporary.)
Email2020-08-09 21:30

Q: Are Ogres fully paid-up, recognised, accredited 'non-weird' denizens  of the North Island,  or have they been 'forgotten' about as well as Kobalds? In which case, could our 'not-trolls' simply be Ogres?

DP: Your "non-trolls" could simply be Ogres

Q: To Gohde: What is the effective range of the Kobalds' darts, and what other weapons to they appear to carry?

DP: Standard dart range (apologies no players manual in front of me), the Kobolds also carry long knives - similarly filthy

Q: Can Gohde give us a password or token (eg a Pathfinder's brooch - that we promise we will return!) that will prove to Cagrun that the request for support has come directly from Gohde? (Might save us all a bit of time when we get to Braerk...)

DP: Not a problem, Gohde will arrange for you to carry a couple of tokens

Q: Should the militia come with any specific equipment - eg missile weapons or big shields? And will be able to give them our 'red shirts', or do we have to keep wearing them?

DP: Suggestion would be spear and shield

Q: "Then the lead pathfinder makes a series of animal sounds and leads the party down into a hollow." As Joshua also has the skill 'Animal Mimicy', what kind of animal sounds was the pathfinder making, and would Joshua be able distinguish in future between pathfinder calls and the genuine animal?

DP: Noises would be a mix of Owl/ Badger/ Nightjar. Reasonably authentic, but you think you have a 50% of distinguishing.

Q: While we're with the Pathfinders, do they smell the same as 'normal' soldiers - or is their scent suppressed/disguised in some way?

DP: They smell normal

Q: While we are with the two Pathfinders, Joshua would like to chat to them if they are at all talkative - find out what they have to say about the Pathfinders without obviously pressing them for info. Expressing admiration for them and asking 'what does it take to become a Pathfinder' is the sort of gambit I would use. I have one other question to ask them - do they know of people who fight with a main weapon and dagger in their off hand, and what sort of training does that take? (At the meta-level, this is just following up on your comment that dual-wielding is not possible 'at the moment' - I would like know if this will ever be allowed and if so how/when. By the way, I don't mean dual-wielding as in two main weapons, but with dagger and main weapon as on page 70 DMG).

DP: Effectively 90% of Pathfinders are druids, dual classed with a fighter type.

DP: Dual weapon training (Main weapon + Dagger/Main-Gauche) is something that can be developed at higher levels.
Day 227 (27th September – late morning)

**Day 227 (27th September – late morning)**

The party has just teleported into the outskirts of Jevenne, away from the town.

From a distance the town seems much busier than you remember, there is a lot more movement in the harbour plus the road North is extremely busy.

Pausing to collect their thoughts (and make sure that the box containing the Hand Of Garm is firmly closed) they quickly examine the sack that Eliezure threw over. It is opened and then hastily closed as the stink of decaying bodies emerges from it. As Brokev is the party member immune to disease, he is despatched downwind with the sack to investigate its contents.

The sack is obviously one of holding, since Brokev reports that there are 4, maybe 5 corpses inside. Bloated and putrefying, from his description of their state they have been there for at least 2 months. On top of the corpses there is a scrap of paper, soggy and stained. Brokev gingerly reaches in to extract this and though parts of it disintegrate he is able to retrieve the majority and lay it out on a flat surface in the autumn sun to dry out.

(The Note: Eliezure's Prophecy)
Interesting Times Gang

The 'other' party formed by Cagrun at Braerk. There timeline is detailed in The Other Party. We met up them again at the farmhouse near White Beach in Zoom 2021-04-15 21:00.

### Dolful

Dwarf Illusionist/Cleric 4th/4th Lvl (Owl Familiar/Avatar) - Perceval

### Moussemasser

Ariel Mage/Thief (Blackguard) 3rd/4th Lvl (Snake familiar)

### Towerian

Dwarf Cleric/Assassin 4th/4th Lvl - Universal

### Tarkdur

Human Fighter (Guardsman) 4th Lvl dualled to Mage 4th Lvl (Cockroach familiar)

### Sharu

Ariel Fighter (Bowmaster)/Thief ((Mageblade)

## Party members lost:

Human Druid/Cleric – Killed by a wyvern

Hobbit Fighter/Thief – Killed by a wyvern
GARM info

**GARM & The Lizardmen**

No-one is really certain as to when the worship of GARM came to dominate Lizardman society, certainly up to the rising of the Wild the majority of Lizardmen were nomadic in nature with their primary religions being Wyldwood and Shanah. At some point though, and most evidence would indicate that it was before the departure of Soratan, a number of prophets of GARM emerged and the religion began to dominate Lizardman beliefs.

The Church only admits Lizardman worshippers and as such very little is known about the internal politics, motivations or structure of the faith. What is known can be summarised as:

**The Priesthood:** A basically the driving political power of the Lizardman race, whilst they do have a nominal King, the role would appear to be largely ceremonial

**The Holy Queens:** Are never seen in public, the Queens seem to be the only females allowed (possibly able) to lay eggs. Note that non GARM worshipping Lizardmen groups (particularly the few Nomad groups), continue to breed in a normal family structure

**Rebirth:** GARM promises that all who die in faith will be reborn, and this does certainly seem to be the case. The Lizardman race as a whole has a willingness to sacrifice themselves for the glory of their god, safe in the knowledge that they will be reborn. It is believed that there is a cost to this rebirth, but nothing has been determined.

**The Golem:** One the major holy quests that drive Lizardman behaviour is the recovery of objects that will allow them to rebuild a physical manifestation of their god. Over recent history the race has been pursuing this quest with growing intensity, but at least in a peaceful manner.

**Dedicants:** The majority of Lizardmen encountered are observed to wear elaborate tattoos, these apparently represent their dedication to the faith and provide a means for them to continue fighting for GARMs cause even after death.

(Added note: The tattoos activate after death and cause the Lizardman to return in an undead form, the undead form seems to naturally dissipate after a period. It has been noted that destruction of the undead by Clerical efforts destroys the Lizardman spirit, and breaks the rebirth cycle. Also, the tattoos can be washed off by holy water – particularly Wyldwood, Perceval and Universal).

**Religious Attitudes:** From what can be determined, GARM maintains a studied indifference to all other faiths with three exceptions. Hashandara and the Wild, both of whom are hated, the Lizardmen make no secret of this hatred, although for expedience are maintaining diplomatic relations with the Elven Empire at present. Dekatur ‘Death’, as exemplified by the Ghoulagabba cults is tolerated and it is this ‘friendship’ that we believe has led to the emergence of Dedicants.
Day 71 – On the road to Roubank

<< Previous
Next >>

**(Date: 25th April)**

It’s late at night, after a couple of bruising encounters, the party settles down to it’s interrupted sleep.

It is soon interrupted, a long way in the distance, probably to the Northwest, those on watch can hear more Goblin shouts, thankfully not coming any closer but it keeps you on edge.

Then, after about 3 hours there is the sound of galloping hooves coming from the North. Even as those on watch start waking people up (again). Three figures on horseback burst into the camp. It is the three characters you saw at the end of the fight with the bandits.

Hobbit: “PEACE, we come in peace.”

Human: “Fucking wake up all of you, if you stay here any longer you are gonna be dead meat. We have got hundreds of them bleedin’ gits following us and there are more to the North.”

Two of the horses have obviously been hit by darts recently, and the Ariel is also wounded in the arm although not badly.

………… One day you might get some sleep!!! …………….

 << Previous
Next >>
Gods of Saratan

Just ever mentioned once in the Wyldwood doctrine:

According to the Druids, the first of the Elves defied the Gods of Saratan and were tempted by the Dark Spirits' whisperings of power.

According to Golderod: *“I haven’t heard the **Gods of Saratan** mentioned for many many years, it’s another myth or legend about Elven history where they were involved in a great conflict against a chaotic horde led by Saratan and a pantheon of demigods. Since Elves are now known to be real, I would guess there is some element of truth in this myth, but who is to say how much?”*

This may be a reference to the Dragonrider Soratan/Sorantan.

**Note**: There seems to be a conflict here: The Druidic line implies to me that 'defying the Gods of Saratan and being tempted by the Dark Sprits' was a **bad** thing for the Elves to have done - yet the conflict with the dragonrider Soratan definitely paints the Gods of Saratan as the bad guys.

1. ↑ Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
Email2020-09-10 20:44

Q: Northlake: is this occupied by elves, or do we just have to pass through elf-occupied territory to get there?

A: Northlake repelled the Elven invasion (read the intro)

Q: Far Haven: Occupied by elves? Threatened by elves? I notice Gohde is rather vague as to how we'd actually get there.

A: Far Haven was not reached by the Elves, or at least not attacked.

Q: Don't think I was aware that humans weren't native to North Island. Where are they supposed to have come from - not South Island, presumably, and how long ago? Any chance that the senile old grans' stories refer to pre-North Island human experience?

Q: As a Shanah worshipper, Umar got a briefing - which I believe mentioned Far Haven.......

Humans have been on the Island for a looonggg time, but not as long as the Elves.

On Thu, 10 Sep 2020 at 19:37, Paul Gardiner <paul@tanelorn.ltd.uk> wrote:

Trying to catch up.

Northlake: is this occupied by elves, or do we just have to pass through elf-occupied territory to get there?

Far Haven: Occupied by elves? Threatened by elves? I notice Gohde is rather vague as to how we'd actually get there.

As a Shanah worshipper, does Umar have any knowledge/rumours about this pogrom against Wyldwood in Far Haven?

Don't think I was aware that humans weren't native to North Island. Where are they supposed to have come from - not South Island, presumably, and how long ago? Any chance that the senile old grans' stories refer to pre-North Island human experience?

Probably think Far Haven is more interesting.

Cheers

Paul

PS: Was that really Garaf's lizard's fireball? Cool!
Email2020-07-07 19:58

Q: So when you say an extremely old brooch – probably well over 300 years old? (I’m guessing dwarves have a feel for this sort of thing).

A: It could be over 300 years old, but difficult to say......

Q: How long ago were the elves originally around on the North Island?

DP: The general guess is around 300 years ago

Q: What was the period of the Age of Chaos?

DP: From the leaving of the Elves for about 100 years

Q: When did the Age of Man begin?

DP: About 150-200 years ago, the Kingdom was founded about 100 years ago.

DP: Elves first reported c20 years ago

DP: King William died c5 years ago

Q: Wyldwood likes to think of itself as the oldest religion but what stories do Quercuis/Joshua know about how it began?

DP: Very little, you would need to be a priest of reasonable level.....

Q: So the bag most likely taken from the Solaran’s (pulled off someone’s belt) – wonder whether they have a different flavour of druidism out west – but that probably wouldn’t be enough to make all the druids/clerics feel uneasy.  Some elven stuff might also look “druidic” or at least naturalistic but you would expect the workmanship to be noticeably better than human.  Can our dwarf tell if its really silver?

A: Yup, it is real silver - extremely old..... good workmanship but not masterwork quality.
Brandygeres and Legend Lores

## Legend Lores:

### The Desert Area

"A stream of verdant life, A summoning gone awry, Corruption spread, trees died, The wound was lanced, The growth halted, The land awaits rebirth"
More information available in Stormhaven

### Giant Scorpion

"Malia was her name, though not true. Dismissed though not properly. Her frustration grows"
More information available in either Bristol or Northlake

## Occupation of Brandygeres

The hamlet itself is made up of around 10 houses, generally long and low (single storey). The houses surround a central area containing a largish hall, plus another two buildings – one of which looks like a communal oven and the other a simple blacksmiths. You would guess the population to be around 100 people at most. Given the small size, it is noticeable that the houses are in very good condition and show no real sign of squalor or decay. Similarly the central hall is well made, much better than you would expect from a hamlet of this size.

Off on the North side of the hamlet is a cleared area of ground, fairly large and with a few livestock corals. It puts you in mind of a smaller version of the ‘Meeting Place’ found outside Far Haven. Now though, this area is occupied by 9 largish circular tents (think large teepee), not of clan origin from their style. Each tent obviously has a fire inside, generating much more smoke than the village itself. One of the corals holds a number of draught horses and there are 4 wagons parked nearby.

There is little movement in the village at the moment, the villagers you do see are quiet and purposeful. Nearly all of the occupants are Human, though a Dwarf is seen going over to the forge.

Around the tents there is more movement, people are patrolling the edges of the encampment although in a somewhat lackadaisical way. The people seen are Human, Maratasen and Native Orc, and whilst they are wearing random assortments of furs and cloaks to keep out the cold, it is obvious that they are wearing uniform gear. A military group of some kind, but not showing a huge deal of discipline.

There is little talk…. Nothing meaningful is picked up.
Legend 33 - The origins of Gemidiah

The Fable of Gemidiah

"...and God gave to man His image and form and set him about Paradise to

learn the glory of Him the Creator...

...with the fall from Heaven Man came into the anger of God who set him on

his own and turned away so that Man must earn the favor and glory of God...

...but God in his pity, looked down upon his people to see what they had

wrought in His Name and found that they were lacking in many ways for they

had brought into the House of the Lord those who had no souls and who were

not in the form of God but in the cast of evil distortions of Man the God

Child.  For evil and vile powers had come to tempt Man from Man's own

destiny to mirror the glory of the Creator...

And God, in his mercy and renewed love for his fallen, sent his Song of

Guidance down amongst the people so that man would once again return to the

Path and earn his entry into Paradise. But Man in his distraction with

worldly passions did not hear the Song, and God did shake the world and

raise the winds so that Man shall know his anger still.  The top of the

world was hot with his fury and many were laid to final oblivion for not

heading the Song.

...The Song was set in the Song Crystal for Man to learn again when one

was found that was worthy of carrying God's message...

...The simple child Gemidiah, who had never spoke, found the Crystal and

God's Song became one with his Being and Gemidiah became the God Child

preaching God's Song to man so that he may once again reach for the love of

the Creator and journey in Heaven's Paradise.

...and so Gemidiah cast out the Dwarves and the Souless Ones from the

Temple of God and called upon the heaven's to bring down stones upon the

sacrilegious which the people of the Temple did copy and obey..

...surrounded by his enemies with bands of Trolls, Halfling Scouts and

the Shadowed One moving down the Valley against his kneeling form, Gemidiah

looked to God for guidance and God said unto him...'you have sung well the

Song of God and let man now continue or fall forever in his own final

trial.  Now you shall come to me and sit by the Gate of Paradise and watch

and judge that which you have taught to come hither or shun forever...'

with that there was a great toss of a Purple Javelin at his position from the

Shadowlings and Gemidiah was gone in a flash of time."
Great Spell Onwen Notes 2

**The Great Spell of Voids 2**

(Notes found in Onwens cellar – most of which are tedious ramblings)

So it would appear that Soratan himself developed the ritual that would become known as the Great Spell of Voids, what set him upon this research path is unclear, but by analysing the weave that I am holding together I have found a number of components

Firstly, what I assume to be an original casting, quite crude in nature when compared to the later castings. It would also seem that whatever beings left North Island with this casting are still linked to the weave somehow, so that when this weave breaks those creatures will be forcibly returned to the North Island. Despite my best efforts this weave is breaking down and decaying the quickest of all of the patterns.

Seconds, a much more powerful casting, which I assume to be Soratans rescue or exodus of the Wild. Again, some beings seem to be still connected with the weave somewhat. This weave remains strong although occasionally I feel that it is under assault although I cannot determine from where, this would imply that the Wild, or elements thereof are looking to return or something is trying to bring them back.

Thirdly, another powerful casting, although nowhere near the magnitude of the second. This casting is much more elegant in nature with significantly more efficient use of mana in it’s establishment. This was the Elven casting, I know that much, and this was the casting that we, in our ignorance, disrupted at Far Haven. What I now realise is that the Elves built in limited means of communicating with the North Island, but these embedded within the weave created points of weakness.

Fourthly, a related casting, but purely Elven in nature that winds between all of the other castings like a tapestry. This is the Spell of Forgetting, that the Elves in their arrogance decided to establish – possibly to prevent any further castings, possibly to simplify their eventual return – I cannot determine. As the voids castings slowly break up, the damage to the Spell of Forgetting is even greater, more and more people are becoming aware.
Email2020-11-02 20:45

Aw sheesh! Those Saratan's should be Saratak as in the giant head honcho of Far Haven....

Sorreeeeee!!

On Mon, 2 Nov 2020 at 20:18, David Gilmore <david.gilmore@virgin.net> wrote:

So who is the Soratan referred to in the Far haven info? Presumably he must be a well known person (giant?) for people to object to him:

Guardian Avengers: The name for the city watch and internal security force, outsiders claim that it is simply an assassins cult disguised as a peacekeeping organisation. Vocal opponents of Soratan have certainly been known to disappear or come to a messy end – so there may be a degree of truth in these claims.

Meeting Place: Every so often a number of the local nomadic tribes will meet up outside Far Haven, normally for trade but occasionally for other reasons such as inter tribe dispute resolution (for some reason Soratan is recognised by the tribes as a wise man – or giant).
Cheers - David

On 02/11/2020 19:34, Darrell Penning wrote:
> Hi David,
>

> Soratan is an Elven name that surfaced as an example of Elven names beginning with "Sor" - no details are known as to who he is (could be a junior street cleaner in Stormhaven).
>

> The First Sword who hit the Wyldwood shrine was not Ronshadow Warskull, you do not know the name yet (nobody has asked and it is not casually mentioned).
>

> The First Sword is the military leader of Shanah, the High Priest is the religious leader - they are effectively of the same rank and are expected to agree on policy. Occasionally one person manages both roles. They are the overall leaders.
>

> Each major temple with have a senior Priest (sometimes confusingly referred to as High Priest in the locality).
>

> Base cost of both Staff and Club for the purposes of working out enhancement costs will be 1gp.
>

> Cheers
>

> Darrell
>
>
>
> On Mon, 2 Nov 2020 at 19:25, David Gilmore <david.gilmore@virgin.net> wrote:
>

> Hi Darrell,
>

> Who is Soratan - is it the same giant as Warlord Saratak?
>

> Who was the First Sword of Shanah who led the attack against Wyldwood 26 years ago? Was it Ronshadow Warskull, or someone else entirely?
>

> Can you clarify the distinction between First Sword and High Priest of Shanah - presumably one is a military and the other an ecclesiastical role, but which is the higher 'rank'? Can one person take on both roles simultaneously? And does each major city/temple have their own - or is there an overall leader, or is one recognised as the most senior seat (as in the Archbishop of Canterbury?)
>

> Other questions to come - I'll give you notice in time for Thursday.
>

> Cheers - David
>

> P.S. prices of staves and clubs please - and if the latter are upgradeable.
Day 233 to 257: Northlake to WhiteBeach

**Day 233-235 (3rd – 5th October)**

Party executes on its plan with regards the fake box, carries out some research and then leaves Northlake heading North.

**Day 236-237 (6th – 7th October)**

Party crosses the lake, arrives back in Jevenne.

**Day 238-245 (8th – 15th October)**

Travelling North, arrives at Far Haven.

**Day 246 (16th October)**

Party lucks out on getting a location for the cursed bridge, spends the day reviewing the new political situation in Far Haven.

**Day 247 (17th October)**

Party leaves Northhaven, encounters Nomad patrols and is given guidance on what to do in the event of an incursion.

**Day 248 (18th October)**

Party heads to East of Roubank, looking for river/river bed

**Day 249 (19th October)**

Encounter at the gate with the Demon Centaurs, completion of the second pilgrimage task. Spends balance of day resting up.

Encounters the wandering mad Giant, apparently now calling itself Saratak

**Day 250 (20th October)**

Party heads back to road, encounters another Nomad camp – they have no reports of seeing the Giant.

**Day 251-255 (21st – 25th October)**

Party travels up to the bridge to White Beach and crosses over after a fairly perfunctory quizzing by the Nomad guards.

**Day 256 - 257 (26th – 27th October)**

Party continues up the road, arrives in White Beach later afternoon……
Email 2021-02-16 09:27

**The Hill Fort At Roubank**

Set on a hill to the SW of Roubank is a small semi derelict hill fort or watchtower. The locals have been using the main courtyard as a stockade for livestock.

The walls are in generally good order, although the main gate has been replaced by a rickety lath fence. The tower, whilst the main entrance hall is still solid and safe – the other two stories are less secure, certainly the staircase looks dangerous.

The fort is approximately 100’ in diameter, roughly circular with 8’ high walls, a 4’ high walkway runs around the inside of the walls. The main keep itself 40’ diameter and 60’ high, topped with partially crenelated walls.
Elven Council

See also: Elven Politics - Wilston, Elven Politics - A simple scout's view

The Elven hierarchy has three main branches – supposedly equal, but generally one is ‘ascendant’.

* Spiritual Arm – headed by ‘Sister’ Sorlor
* Administration/Governance Arm – headed by Oranzer. Currently pre-eminent.
* Military Arm – headed by Renzel.

The council presumably 'advises' Hahsandra (the Elven goddess), but appear to make the important decisions themselves rather than take direct orders from her.

The governors that we know about are:

* Eliezure is the govenor (though described as 'overlord') of Dalzon. He is rumoured to be the Spymaster.
* Oranzer is the governor of Stormhaven.
* Rasten is the govenor of Willston - a bit of a ‘black sheep’, but would still be supported by the others if needed.
* Sevella Shalon is the governor of Granger.
* Sorlor is the governor of Riverside
* Renzel is the Warlord as well as MageLord. He is in charge of Sky Fleet.

## Council Record Fragments

* Council Record Fragment
* Council Record Fragment 2
* Council Record Fragment 4

1. ↑ Zoom 2021-04-29 21:00
Dalzon

Dalzon is a Teleport Sink. Eliezure is the Elven overlord there

A city in the NorthWest of the island that fell to the Elves. Since the Elven force that took Dalzon was sent from Stormhaven which is some 300 miles away as the lizard flies, we have to assume that Dalzon was a key city for the Elves to take. We have speculated that it may have housed one of the five main Elven shrines, but have no evidence for this.

The Dark Temple/DarkStar - the Cloud castle of Earth is grounded nearby. (Vinmira implied that there are the ruins of a Flying City near there, and this has been confirmed by the Interesting Times Gang)

## Major Magic Guilds/Universities:

**Blue Crystal Spire**

Golderod claims that mages' familars were first discovered/invented/enslaved here: *" If I remember correctly, the secrets of their binding was first discovered up in the Blue Crystal Spire in Dalzon, you would have to ask someone who knows more but again from recollection, it took a lot of effort to prise the secrets out of that tower."*

1. ↑ Day 64 – The Vinmira Monologues
2. ↑ Email2020-12-10 13:43
3. ↑ Day 35-41 – The fourth week in Northlake
Day 99 - White Beach Tourism

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**Days 99 (22nd May)**

With Vinmira gone, the party spends a day in White Beach and investigating the burnt out cellar further….

## The Book Of Scrolls

Note: Each page can either be used as a scroll (for casting @12th level), or a single attempt to learn the spell. Either way will erase the relevant page.

* Remaining spells:
* Detect Invisibility
* ESP
* Fools Gold
* Invisibility
* Mirror Image
* Pyrotechnics
* Rope Trick
* Scare
* Stinking Cloud
* Web

## The Potion Boxes

Salvageable from the boxes are:

* 5 x Salve of Divination
* 2 x Potion of Spirits
* 3 x Asarum Salve
* 8 x Prepared White Nightshade Leaves
* 4 x Potion labelled “Black Ginger Ointment”
* 2 x Twists of powder labelled “Meldorian Dust”

(Brokev can volunteer that Black Ginger and Meldorian Tree are known to the clans. Black Ginger is used by Shamans as a mild analgesic, Meldorian has no known uses but does burn easily when dried so is often used for tinder)

## Quercius

**Total Spend: 6cp**

(Uses Pyrotechnics to quench any remaining fires in the cellar)

An inventory of the garden does indeed reveal patches of all of the plants mentioned in Onwens book of Herbalism, plus others that are mentioned in the preparation instructions. As you would expect all of the plants are in fine condition, although not all are ready for harvesting.

Locating a qualified and reputable Herbalist in White Beach proves quite easy, and yes the recipes you describe have significant value to him.

## Joshua

**Total Spend: 3sp**

The Broker has two more offers on the table for the +3 Spear and the Dagger of Venom:

Offer 1:

* Longsword +2
* 12 x +1 Arrows

Offer 2:

* Leather Armour +1
* Buckler +1

No Mithril weapons available at the moment.

He picks up the food shopping from the market, on investigation it turns out that the Drake Cliffs start about 5 miles along the coast from White Beach – so perhaps more organisation is required before taking a jaunt along that way. One of the traders in the market does remember the name Cynod Bird, but all she can really remember is that it was a slang/local name for some sea bird found along the coast.

There are Perceval lay priests to be found in and around the markets, and you spend some time chatting to them to get a better understanding of the religion.

## Dougal & Hamish

**Total Spend: 8cp**

Make an offering at the Shanah temple and investigate specialisation options open to Monks as they grow in experience.

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