recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Legend 2: The Fate of the Blackeyed Gull

See also: Sallahan

The Blackeyed Gull was renowned as one of the fastest ships across all of
the Free Trader fleets. Cornack, its flamboyant captain would boast that
in a season he could make three circumnavigations of the North Island in a
year. The profits generated attracted the finest crewmembers but also engendered
a certain amount of envy amongst the other captains of the Free Traders.

Early one spring day the Blackeyed Gull cast off from the White Beach docks, bound
for Havenpoint, the skies were clear and the winds gentle. But by midday clouds
had covered the sky and a fierce wind from the North East was blowing down
the channel. The storm raged for nearly five full days, fisherfolk of the area were
unable to put to sea and merchant ships stayed away from the region.

As the storm was releasing its grip on the area a ships tender was driven onto
the shore just to the East of White Beach. Battered and waterlogged, the tenders
badges indicated that it had come from the Blackeyed Gull. Lying in the bottom
of the tender was the body of a crewman, dead for a number of days and with
a look of terror on his face that was awful to behold.

The herdsman who discovered the tender and its occupant buried the corpse and
thought little of it. It was weeks later when the first rumors of Sallahans
desecration began to spread that he mentioned his discovery to a neighbour.

The City authorities, seeking any concrete information on what had happened in
Sallahan sent a cleric to exhume the body and question the crewmans spirit. All
that could be gleaned is that Cornack had decided that the Blackeyed Gull
would not be able to safely ride out the storm in the channel and so had
made for Sallahan Bay. Putting down anchor in the bay itself seemed like the wisest
course and so the dead crewman and a companion had set out in the tender
with the fore anchor. Looking back they were horrified to see what appeared
to be glowing lights floating over the water from the shore towards the ship.

The crewmans account then degnerated into manic babbling, but it would appear
that he and his companion ditched the anchor and set out to escape the bay. There
was no indication as to what happened to the other crewman.

The cleric, unable to glean any more information, blessed the soul of the
crewman and reburied him. Making sure to consecrate the grave.

Since then, on a clear day it is said that you can still see the Blackeyed Gull
at anchor in Sallahan bay. Some would have it be said that when it sails again
the curse of Sallahan will visit the mainland.
A letter arrives

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**N.B. This letter is actualy from Saratak, *not* Soratan**

**A Letter From Soratan[Sic]**

Well we never did meet, which was probably for the best.

If you have left Willston then remember that pride comes before a fall and that ancient magic has a purpose. Find the heir….. find peace.

If you stayed to fight, good luck, the monk of fire will be a foe for a while but you will need to talk to him before the end. Find two hairs, one will bring peace, the other closure.

Not all facts are true, not all stories are false. Most prophecies are misleading or at least open to misinterpretation….

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Email2020-09-18 13:27

The graphic map I supplied early on was indicative and ancient...... the "Lake" onto which Northlake abuts is 60 miles N/S and 50 miles E/W approximately.

So about 3,000 square miles = pretty big.

It is freshwater and there are a number of minor rivers that flow into and out of it.

As a result of the physical and political geography, and as indicated in the flavour text it has become somewhat of a trading hub.

Trading hub brings piracy and smuggling....

So the "warships" are not large ships of the line (note there is no large shipyard etc.) more like sloops and cutters. Obviously with the siege, the lake supply line has grown in importance.

Cheers

Darrell

On Fri, 18 Sep 2020 at 13:01, David Gilmore <david.gilmore@virgin.net> wrote:

Hi Darrell,

As you can imagine, I'm preparing a long list of questions for you to

answer - I mean, what else have you got to do during lockdown?

However, there is one glaring inconsistency in the size of the lake at

Northlake as shown on the original map - which is very small and doesn't

even have any major rivers running into or out of it - with the

descriptions of the Royal Docks (complete with a few warships) and the

main City Docks (major trade hub).

Should we assume that this is just a meta-level glitch (such as Starport

missing off the map) and that the lake is commensurate in

size/importance with the descriptions given for the docks - or do we

need to read more into this (such as hidden/magical water-based portals

or travel mechanisms)?

Cheers - David
Email2020-09-10 22:18

Paul asks: The bit Umar got in the "Shanah Worshipper" doc doesn't really say any more:-

"Wyldwood: Very unsure here, a long time ago a First Sword declared a pogrom against the Wyldwood in Far Haven. The Wyldwood church there was wiped out and the city became a Shanah stronghold, however the cost was very high and since then Shanah has made no further move against the Wyldwood

Answer: Unfortunately as a very low level Shanah worshipper that is all you get though.
Email 2021-04-29 08:19

The Maratasen ommission was a typo.......apologies.

Eliezure and Elsiurs - could be the same person - but you cannot be certain.

Cheers

Darrell

On Wed, 28 Apr 2021 at 22:29, David Gilmore <[[1]]> wrote:

Hi Darrell,

I've been updating and cross-referencing the wiki, and noticed that the "Elven View of Timeline" document says:  *"Those few “monsters” left behind hide out and formed the precursors to what are now known as the Centaur, Giant, Ariel, Lizardman and Troll races – intelligence to survive became a pre-requisite."*

Did you forget to include the Maratasen on this list - or do we take this as cannon and therefore an "interesting" omission? (Or maybe they just evolved like Cat in Red Dwarf.)

Also, can we check with the Interesting Time Gang if **Eliezure** (overlord of Dalzon) and **Elsiurs** (mentioned in the first Council Fragment, and apparently opposed by Renzel) could be transliterations of the same name (ie the same person), definitely different people, or not enough info.

Thanks - David
Email2020-11-25 19:48

Getting back to the bracelet and necklace - how old do we think they are, and can we tell if they are Elven, or what 'style' they belong to?

**DP: Pretty old, but none of you have the skill to be able to determine origin, Bazin has a suspicion they are Dwarven but is not sure;**

Also, the poem itself could actually be quite informative - so without asking you to actually write a love poem for us (please, *please*, spare us from that) - does the poem:

* Bare any resemblance to any poem that is currently known?

**DP: It's only a couple of lines, but it is recognisable as a well known love ballad (but with some archaic language)**

* Refer to any physical features of the beloved (cute pointy ears, elegant wings, full bushy beard etc)?

**DP: Not Full Bushy Ears, Cute Pointy Wings and Elegant Beard.......nope!**

* Refer to mortality - eg contrast immortal love with mortal lovers (in which case, probably not Elven!)?

**DP: Nope**

* Liken the beloved to celestial objects (eg stars), natural living things (eg roses, or oak trees etc), or bright shiny things (eg gold/gems) etc?

**DP: Well the version known nowadays obviously has a number of comparisons in it (typical soppy stuff)**

* Call onthe blessing of any deities for the beloved, or wish them protection from any nasty things (eg Saratan, The Wild etc)?

**DP: Nope**

* Say what great deeds the author would do to be near their beloved (eg I  would walk across the Cracks of Doom, or I would break through the Great Barrier for you etc)?

**DP: Nope**

As Matt suggested, even though I joked about it,  I would still like to know what the inscription on the spearhead said. And an identify on the spoon handle to detect any residual impression would be useful, even if the enchantment is now ineffective.

**DP: Spearhead inscription - what can still be read: "a bane upon those who would de.."**

**DP: Even with a very tasty carp, there is no residual impression off the spoon, but it did once have some enchantment**

**To the party:**

The fact that the inscriptions on the jewellery and the spearhead were not immediately apparent does imply to me that they are an essential part of the imbuing of the 'non-magical' effects into the item: You would expect them to be far more prominent if they were just stylistic flourishes that helped the master craftsman instil his intent into an 'imbued' item. However, it is possible that the primitive language used was chosen for its ease and appropriateness for engraving/carving into items, rather than for any particular potency of the language itself - we shall have to see if ever come across any of these 'non-magical magical' items which don't use that language.
Eliezure's Prophecy 2

**Eliezures’ Prophecy**

The paper is badly stained, and partly disintegrated. After drying out it can be closely examined.

There is a central block of writing, in common with handwritten notes in Elvish in the margins.

After significant work in trying to recover lost bits of text:

The main block of writing reads:

(obscured – looks to be about two lines of writing)

Your city will fall, your song diminished.

But you will know the three and the three needed for your path to be cleared

Your foe shall be friend and ally to bring you the tools

Your hearts warriors shall be your weapons

The sheep will be your armour

But beware, vengeance shall take priority over vengeance

Should the hand replace the lady then you may (obscured 1 word?))

Avoid the prison and its like, unless it will be your doom

Let love not blind you to warning

Leave the dead thorns of the sun to the sheep

Find the Giant with the visions of truth

Only then may you truly follow my path

Only then will there be a true Seer on the North Island

(torn off)

The notes you can read say:

“Partners in revenge – Thirson & Ghasn? Sarn?”

“Foe – Zorak? Brontox? Rasten?”

“Sheep – Humans? Solarans or Alverans?”

“Giant with visions – or that lunatic outside Torgan”

“Thorns of the sun” – The Solaran assassination squad?

“Prison and its like” – Extradimensional spaces?
Francis' ring

Ser Francis,

I feel I must apologise for my actions during our first meeting, hopefully you will appreciate that at the time I was under a significant amount of pressure to act quickly and perhaps unwisely I made the decision to rush in rather than seek to explain.

In any event, I did note that despite our early disagreement you took it upon yourself to assist in shielding me from the assassins and personally made sure that I was safely out of danger.

In recognition of this, I would like you to accept the gift enclosed, I will be returning to Larston at the first opportunity – but if you should find yourself in the city please present this ring at either my estate or at the church. Hopefully we can meet in more convivial circumstances.

Yours respectfully

Prelate Kilan of the house Areistan

Silver Ring (magical), inscribed with the crest of an Elven house

* +1 Protection
* +2 Protection vs. Undead
* +3 Protection vs. Wild
* +4 Protection vs. Undead Wild (whatever they are)
* If wearer forgoes all attacks during a round (they may parry or perform other actions) they gain +4 bonus to AC, and a nominated ally within 5’ also gains +4 bonus to AC (though they may attack or perform any other actions). Use of this power resets the attack routine, i.e. resumption of attacks counts as new fight.

 ***Nb, I have adjusted the ring spec to reflect various clarifications from DAP:***

"Undead Wild == Undead creatures that are Wild worshippers.... (you can look forward to them, if they exist!!)

"The ally you are protecting can carry on with spells/items/melee or missile attacks providing that at all time they remain mostly within 5' of you.....the effect wont really work if you are say defending a brontosaurus since 90% of its body is more than 5' away from you.

"NOTE: You have to forego physical attacks, providing you can demonstrate an ability to parry (which this is effectively), there is nothing stopping you from carrying out other effects (e.g. say drinking a ready potion......)"
Barosa Spreading1

**Barosa Spreads The Net**

Small shrines and in some major cities even temples (although still minor) of Barosa have begun to appear across the North Island where none existed before. As is always the case with Barosa, there has been no attempt to proselytize although observers do note that these establishments soon seem to gain a reasonable following, implying that Barosan worship is more widespread than thought, even amongst the Clans of the Northern territories.

So far, there has been no opposition to this although one wonders if cities like Ur’rah will accept the presence of Barosa for long – given the secretive nature of Garm and his adherents.

In each of the new centres of worship, the head priest terms themselves a ‘Teacher’, but as one unconvinced citizen observed after attending a service “They seem to spend less time teaching and more time getting you to teach them”.

**Barosan Worshipper Attendance**

Attending one of the new churches as an existing member of the faithful (although unenlightened as yet) the formal worship is much as you expect.

However, at the end of the service, committed followers of Barosa are individually approached for a very brief discussion. The key points raised are:

* Events are now moving very rapidly across the North Island, we expect Winter to act as a break and given everyone time to recover. Indications are that this Winter will be very severe though and who knows what spring will bring with it;
* Nowhere is stable, early attempts at dominance have all been thwarted and those powers that we might think of as strong or recovering (in particular the Empire, Solara and Alvera) all have internal fracture points;
* This instability is not a good thing and hints as to an agency formenting it. The Wild was considered the primary culprit, but its total fragmentation has removed it from the calculations for the moment;
* Worshippers are exhorted to be observant and pass on any information to the church. If possible, seek enlightenment at the first opportunity (no they will not provide directions!)
Day 105 - Open up!

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**Open Up**

**Days 105 (28th May)**

**DM Note: You took over the lease on the house on the 17th May, it expires on the 31st. Bazin and Umar’s bless has reduced to +2/+2, you don’t know how long this will last (1st day).**

The party is just taking breakfast and taking stock of what it needs to do next when there is a loud knocking on both the front and back doors of the villa. A voice is heard on the other side of the front door, “Open up in the name of Baron Mosgrove”.

Taking up guard positions, the front door is opened, outside is an officer of the City Watch accompanied by two city patrolmen and the clerk from the Hall of Song.

Officer: “We need to speak to a female human by the name of Quercius, and a male human by the name of Joshua”

The small group is admitted into the villa.

Officer: “Suggest you let in my other patrolman at the back door.”

The back door is opened at another patrolman admitted to the villa. The party remains on their guard.

Clerk (pointing out Quercius and Joshua): “Those are the two people I was telling you about.”

Officer: “Right, well I need both of you to accompany me back to the Citadel to answer some questions. Your friends can accompany you if you wish.”

Caradoc: “Why?”

Officer: “The performer and bard known as Phinon has been murdered, and your two colleagues are both known to have recent contact with him, and had left him a message to come here yesterday.”

The party accompanies the city watch back to the citadel. Quercius and Joshua are taken to separate interview rooms, whilst the others are left in the waiting area.

**MATT/DAVE NO CONFERRING SEND ME YOUR ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:**

1. When did you last see Phinon?
2. Do you know of any reason why someone would seek to interrogate and kill Phinon?
3. Where were you yesterday afternoon/evening?

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Centaur Factsheet

**Centaurs**

A nomadic race, primarily to be found on the plains to the East of Far Haven. Centaurs are organised around a clan system with each clan led by a Khan, but unlike their Maratasen neighbours – inter clan conflict is very rare. Every 3 years the clans send representatives to a moot, at which an Ur-Khan (or over Khan) is elected. The Ur-Khan has very little actual direct power, but for his or her period of office is expected to act as an independent arbiter of any inter-clan disagreements.

Their geographical location has led to the Centaur clans being effectively in a constant state of war with the Trolls and Orcs, historically the clans would provide support to any Kingdom efforts against Ghoulagabba and Trollheim. With the collapse of the Kingdom, the Centaurs now lack any natural allies and so have adopted a more defensive attitude to their Eastern neighbours.

Other than the rare Centaur sage, the race relies on a verbal tradition with bards having a very high regards within the clans. Belief wise, the majority of Centaurs worship Wyldwood, although a significant number of Shanah worshippers can be found along with small congregations of Universal.

In general, any encounter with Centaurs is likely to be friendly, other than Orcs and Trolls they have no particular racial hatred, indeed it is said a long time ago, before the Trolls allied with the Orcs, the Centaur clans used to regards Trollheim as a friendly power.
Days 181-188: A midnight feast

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**Vale Of Vendor**

**Day 181 (12th August)**

Spent at the forge

**Day 182 (13th August)**

Travel back to North Shadow Clan Camp

**Day 183 (14th August)**

Travel back to South Shadow Clan Camp

**Day 184 (15th August)**

At South Shadow Clan Camp, replace Swanfeather symbol in cellar

**Day 185 (16th August)**

Travel South, heading for Wingsport

**Day 186 (17th August)**

Leave Vale of Vendor, heading towards Wingsport. Mana storm about midday.

Nightime combat with Blink Dogs

**Day 187 (18th August)**

Drive off/kill the Blink Dogs, continue South.

Cross river, head south shadowing the river bank.

Evening encounter with “teleported” Alveran scouting party….see below.

**Day 188 (19th August)**

It is early morning, just after midnight….

The human with the Pathfinder cloak introduces himself as Nawer and gleefully sets himself to having some proper food. He seems a bit more relaxed than when you first met him, although his companions are obviously still not comfortable and for the moment at least do not join him in sitting down and eating.

Nawer: “So did you folks feel the effect of the flying bricks colliding?” (munch munch)

Joshua: “Yes, general headaches and spells like continual light were dispelled”

Nawer: “Let me tell you, it was both terrifying and fascinating to watch. Two large lumps of stone grinding into each other, fragmenting and raining down boulders. Got any more of that stew?”

Joshua (passing over the last of the stew): “Here you go. So you said that the Ghoulagabban forces were destroyed?”

Nawer: “Well, from what I could see, Alvera had obviously prepared well for this battle. Ghoulagabba had it’s flying brick covered by some form of permanent cloud that blocked out the light and the skies above it were patrolled by hordes of giant bats – that I realise must have been vampires. On the ground that was a massive horde of zombies, mainly Kobolds and Goblins – so I guess Ghoulagabba had been planning too…….”…(chew chew)

Joshua: “So how was Alvera prepared for this….”

Nawer: “I would guess that he had most of the senior Universal priests up with him, because are the sky cities approached each other any bat that strayed too close seemed to simply disintegrate – and that takes a pretty mean cleric…. Particularly since I would suppose that Ghoulagabba had brought some Temple of Death firepower with them. I don’t support you have anything else to eat do you?” (munch, munch)

On hearing more about the battle, Umar starts muttering about people having to pay if his family home has been trashed and agitatedly stomps around fingering his axe.

Joshua (digging out some supplies): “Have some of this.” (noticing Umars obvious distress) “What of the Giant army that came out of Torgan”

Nawer: “Great thank!.... Well the Giant forces formed up but obviously had orders to stay away from the battle unless engaged. They were still a fair way away when the brick started doing the tango.”

…… more questions will be answered…..

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Inside The Underfloor Cubbyhole

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## The Compartment Under Onwen's Bed

Once you are past the traps, you pull back the trapdoor to reveal a 8” deep compartment, a foot square. In the compartment is a small 4” cubical metal container with it’s lid closed, it is resting on a folded piece of paper. After checking for further traps (there are none) you reach in to take the cube out, it is surprisingly heavy, as though made of solid metal. Once the cube is lifted you can also take the folded piece of paper.

## Note From Onwen

[In handwritten script]

To whoever reads this,

The brooch in the box was sent through the weakened veil very early on, by a Dark Elf who called herself Sorlor. They informed us that the item would assist in breaking down the veil so that Elves could come through. Looking back on that time I believe the brooch did that and more, I think it clouded the judgement of those of us present and in some way focussed what is termed the spell of forgetting.

After the first of the Elves had come through, my suspicions that they were not the paragons of balance that they claimed to be were raised, but nobody else seemed to have the same issue. Believing that the brooch was part of this clouding of judgement, I stole it – since by now it seemed to have been forgotten.

At this point the brooch worked its influence on me, as for the next few weeks I simply forgot I was carrying it about.

It was whilst Bez Drock and I were at Tobar that the note from Saratak arrived, along with the container the brooch is now stored in. The note advised me to put the brooch into the container, close it up and hide it. Apparently, if I do this the brooch will be found, but only after my death.

This compartment seemed a reasonably good place to hide the item, even through the box the brooch is exerting some influence as I keep forgetting about it – despite the weight of the box. Hopefully this will make it even harder for people to discover.

We will trap and ward the compartment, with spells of warning to Saratak and the First Sword of Shanah, the Oak will know anyway.

If you are an Elf or Dark Elf reading this then I curse your existence and the day I first got seduced by the idea of your return to the North Island. If you are not, then trust not the Elves, they are extremely honourable and true to their word, but their view is long and their plans are many…..but in their self-righteousness they fail to appreciate the impact of their actions.

Onwen

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Lammasu

When asked if all the returning Legendary creatures were 'evil' in Zoom 2020-10-29 21:00, DM replies, 'No, Lammasu have also been reported'.

As Matt pointed out, "Lammasu seem a really unlikely candidate for the ire of the elves – “It is the nature of these creatures to aid and protect lawful good persons and they are of generally kind and friendly disposition to all good creatures.”  They can also communicate via (limited) telepathy and are of genius level intelligence."

So they could be a very useful source of information if we able to meet one.
Bracelet and Necklace

Olg asked us to deliver some jewellery to Far Haven as the price for revealing information about Clearsight.

This turned out to be a bracelet and necklace worth around 3 or 4 gold. However, close examination showed runes from the Primitive Language etched into the links in the bracelet. The writing on the **Bracelet and Necklace** was inscribed (that’s the fancy word a master craftsman uses for ‘scratching’) and is contemporaneous with the jewellery’s manufacture.

Regarding their age and origin, they are pretty old, but none of us have the skill to be able to determine origin. Bazin has a suspicion they are Dwarven but is not sure. (It is worth remembering that the Primitive Language itself somewhat resembles Dwarven)

Neither item shows up as magical under Detect magic.

During Day 46-48 Journey to Far Haven - Wagons Roll, Twoo and Garaf identify the jewellery provided for delivery by Olg, unsurprisingly a small inscription can be found on the necklace as well.

**Bracelet**: +1 Charisma when worn

Inscription: Is a line from a love poem, pretty old as even with Comp Lang, the translation feels archaic;

**Necklace:** +1 Charisma when worn, +2 Charisma if worn with the bracelet as a set

Inscription: Is a different line from the same love poem as on the bracelet.

The charisma bonuses only works if the items can be seen. They are obviously designed for a lady, and so will look noticeably out of place on a man – though they will still work.

There is almost no useful information to be derived from the poem itself. We asked if the jewellery:

* Bare any resemblance to any poem that is currently known?

**DP: It's only a couple of lines, but it is recognisable as a well known love ballad (but with some archaic language)**

* Refer to any physical features of the beloved (cute pointy ears, elegant wings, full bushy beard etc)?

**DP: Not Full Bushy Ears, Cute Pointy Wings and Elegant Beard.......nope!**

* Refer to mortality - eg contrast immortal love with mortal lovers (in which case, probably not Elven!)?

**DP: Nope**

* Liken the beloved to celestial objects (eg stars), natural living things (eg roses, or oak trees etc), or bright shiny things (eg gold/gems) etc?

**DP: Well the version known nowadays obviously has a number of comparisons in it (typical soppy stuff)**

* Call on the blessing of any deities for the beloved, or wish them protection from any nasty things (eg Saratan, The Wild etc)?

**DP: Nope**

* Say what great deeds the author would do to be near their beloved (eg I  would walk across the Cracks of Doom, or I would break through the Great Barrier for you etc)?

**DP: Nope**

1. ↑ Day 28-34 – The third week in Northlake
2. ↑ Zoom 2020-11-19 21:00
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Zoom 2020-11-26 21:00
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Email2020-11-25 19:48
5. ↑ Zoom 2020-12-17 21:00
Email2021-10-19 22:19

## Skill: Healing

Advanced first aid skills and ability to both heal and improve the effectiveness of healing abilities/items.

A character with healing gains:

+10% on any healing that he/she administers (spell/item)

Once per 4 hours can heal D4+1 (10cp of materials)

* Once per hour/poisoned wound: Target gets another save at +1, requires a full round, attempt must be made within 10 minutes of poison being suffered (10cp of materials)

* Overnight recovery if treatment applied (3 rounds) and at least 6 hours sleep – 2D6 (10cp of materials)

* Can splint broken limbs etc. given suitable materials

**Enables the following skills to be learnt:**

To be determined

## Skill: Basic Potions

The skills and knowledge to prepare the basis of most magical potions, and concoct a variety of simple (non magical) brews and salves.

What can be made (other recipes can be learnt)

D4+1 Healing Salve: 6sp Materials, 2 days, makes D4+2 doses

Protection Potion (+1 saves, 1 turn) 8sp Materials, 5 days, makes D3 doses

Sensitivity Potion (+50% hearing/seeing/smelling etc., 5 rounds)

5sp Materials, 4 days, makes D4 doses

**Enables the following skills to be learnt:**

To be determined
Email 2021-02-05 16:19

**Roadside Encounter**

**Current Status:**

Party on road heading South-West

They attacked/were attacked (depending upon your point of view!) a group of six, 5 humans and 1 giant. All of these are now down (2 dead, 1 dying).

According to Kherak the large raptor is still in the sky, but is moving North slowly.

**Update:**

The final human falls, and just as the party is about to relax a lightning bolt hits Umar.

(Paul: 17 damage – you saved).

About 30’ behind Umar a small group of 3 humanoids comes into view, all are mounted.

* On the left, a human in leather armour, carrying a scimitar, from the gesturing is probably the source of the lighting bolt;
* Central, a halfling in chainmail, carrying a small bow with arrow nocked;
* One the right, an ariel in leather armour, with a staff across his back, appears to be concentrating on something;

The halfling quickly assesses the situation, shrugs and wheels his horse. His companions follow suit and the three of them are soon moving at pace away from the party.

(I am assuming that the party are not immediately attacking…..but happy to rewind)

**Character Status**

(Distance is from Halfling)

Francis: 330’ away, wounded and poisoned, Bow in hand

Caradoc: 350’ away, Sling in hand

Dougal: 340’ away, Melee weapon in hand

Hamish: 320’ away, Melee weapon in hand

Brokef: 300’ away, just about on his feet (4hp), picking up sling

Quercius: 300’ away, by Brokef

Joshua: 170’ away, melee weapon in hand

Garaf: 170’ away, on edge of entangle area, darts in hand (those he has left)

Bazin: 60’ away, melee weapon in hand

Wun: 40’ away, melee weapon in hand (can cure Umar if needed)

Twoo: 160’ away, Bow in hand

Umar: 30’ away, Axe in hand (unless he has fallen over!!)
Email2020-04-01 10:41

**Where are the Elves rumoured to be?**

Cagrun: We know that the Elves have established themselves in the cities of Stormhaven and Riverside, there is also rumoured to be an Elven encampment about a weeks march West of here halfway to Stormhaven. We are hearing tales that other Elven settlements are being founded which implies that they are bringing in civilians to provide infrastructure support - and that they are intending to stay.

**Why did the Caravan head East, rather than back where it came from?**

Cagrun: Because Braerk is not the only village with refugees that needs assistance.

**The Elven tactics of sending out warbands to harass refugees contradicts their discipline in battle. Are we talking multiple Elven factions?**

Cagrun: Whilst the warbands appeared to be disorganised, the truth was far different. Their ostensible purpose seemed to be capturing humans and slaughtering everyone else. However each warband was extremely mobile and obviously had some way of reporting back to a central command since on a couple of occasions when an Elven warband was attacked they were able to concentrate forces extremely quickly. What we dont understand yet is why the Warbands stopped being sent out just before the turn of the year. Indeed since then there have been no major Elven military operations that we are aware of.
Elven View of Timeline

**THE ELVEN TIMELINE (From an Elfs perspective)**

The Elves arrived on North Island and rapidly established an Empire, bringing order to the chaos that until then dominated. Controlling the sea and the skies, the Empire established strongholds across the continent and where necessary, subjugated the native races.

An evil demigod, Soratan, united many of the indigenous races along with the Intelligent and semi intelligent monsters and led a rebellion against the Elven Empire.

Humans arrive at Far Haven, initially small in numbers but they prove malleable and side with the Empire. Around this time, the more civilised of the indigenous races also begin to break away from Soratan – despairing of his vicous savagery. This gives the Empire the room to manoeuvre that it needs and it begins to prevail over the rebellion.

Circa -350 years: Unable to defeat the Elves, Soratan leads the remains of his rebellious horde through the veil, the victorious Elves noted the departure and started researching.

Those few “monsters” left behind hide out and formed the precursors to what are now known as the Centaur, Giant, Ariel, Lizardman and Troll [and Maratsen] races – intelligence to survive became a pre-requisite.

Circa- 300 years: The Empire researches a way to piece the veil, and believing it is their responsibility to deal with Soratan – leave the island en masse. In great sacrifice, they use the power of the Cloud Castles to fuel the spell of departure, leaving 1 catastrophically destroyed (Cracks of Doom), 3 Grounded (StarPort, StarStorm, DarkStar) and the only survivor (The Sky Fleet) travels through the veil with the Elves.

Sadly the Elven destination was a different plane to the one travelled to by Soratan, and so the Elves have been searching for a way to return and protect the North Island ever since. Thankfully a group of indigenous researchers who had been investigating the history of the island and realised the benefits of alliance with the Elves. With their assistance, the Elves have managed to reopen some gateways to return and are looking to return order to the Island. Unfortunately, in their clumsiness the researchers also appear to have provided a way for Soratan and his hordes to return.

1. ↑ Email 2021-04-29 08:19
Ilrania the First

In the First Age, according to the Elves, there was a Lesser Demigod who often played with the Elves. She seemed to have no malice or snobish ways as was the manner of her status. The Elves at first were suspicious as was their lot for they had been warned by the Mother of these powers and their arrogance. Yet, this one being won their confidence and admiration.

She had a love, not of a parent for a child, but of an equal and partner. The Lesser Demi-god, who took the name Ilrania, sang long and deep about her Elves and how she wish she too could be of them and not bound to the divine paths of power. This the Mother heard and sent to her a vision of a great pale tree on a simple forest field, and Ilrania knew her fate. There she would go, and give herself up, and she would become an Elf, her soul of divinity separated out forever, but for this she would achieve her transformation. The Elves upon hearing the sacrifice held a council and declared that the nobility of the act was beyond any that they had ever heard of, and pronounced her Empress Ilrania: First Empress of the Elves.

Many an Elf wandered in search of the quest for Illania's Soul, but none ever returned with other than a lapse of memory and a loss of time. Finally, at the end of the First Age, with the times of chaos blistering before them, two strangers came forward, where once there had only been Elves and Druids, and said "Seek no more that which can not be sought, but let it find you when the finding time finds itself and the rainbows last for a month and a day."

The departures from the North Island ended the quests...

## Speculation on connection to The White Tree

We have not yet established if there is any link yet.
*"I have never heard that story about Ilriana before, so don’t have any idea if there is a link, if you ever get a chance you might be better asking a Speaker or a Shaman.”*

1. ↑ Research (Week 2)
2. ↑ Day 49-57 – Centaurs
Council Record Fragment

See also: Elven Council, Council Record Fragment 2, Council Record Fragment 4

**Council Record Fragment**

(A torn page found bundled in with a rather boring musical composition)

…..that our successes have had other consequences. As it stands, we are able to act upon our recently unearthed knowledge, but this may not be possible within a few years. We should prepare for departure and …..

….am strongly opposed to the risks associated with Elsiurs’ report and proposed course of action. We can take samples with us to validate or disprove his hypothesis once we have secured safety for the Empire and Empress. Renzel is reasonably certain that…..

(Scribbled note on side of parchment in a different hand)

“May Ilrianas wisdom be praised, this amendment will guarantee our safety.”
Day 127 - Willston at night

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**Willston At Night**

**Days 127 (19th June – very late)**

Caradoc sets off through the streets, heading on the most direct route in the direction of the Blackeyed district, keeping a weather eye on the roofline. The only folks on the street are a few drunks meandering their way home and the night soil collectors.

As is typical, there are no city watch around when you might need them, but eventually you come across one just to the North of where the Blackeyed district ‘officially’ begins. Slowing a little, you realise that the watch are not actually on patrol but are actually set up as a watch point, they even have a small brazier going. You figure that your invisibility will expire very soon and this group look alert enough……

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Avatars, Totems & Familiars

Clerics, druids and arcanists all have access to a form of spirit that provides additional capabilities.

Avatars are an extension of the Gods support for their representatives and generally increase the priests abilities to demonstrate one aspect of the Gods power. Their existence stretches back into history for as long as the Gods themselves have existed.

All indications are that totems are animal spirits that are strengthened through being linked to their companion druid. It seems to be generally accepted that the totemic bond is strongest when it happens serendipitously as opposed to training the druid to search for an animal he or she wishes to bond with. The first known instances of totems are found in ancient native orc records where Druids of the Dekatur faith seemed to regard them as reincarnations of ancestral guides.

Familiars are different to Avatars and Totems in that the initial bonding is not a gift or a demonstration of friendship, it is an act of binding by the arcanist along with an imposition of the mages desires on the capabilities of the Familiar. Unsurprisingly, the first known examples of familiars are found amongst the Elves who seem to have been trying to emulate Totems. It is perhaps interesting to note that whilst all Elven arcanists are believed to bind a familiar, they are a lot more reticent about manifesting them.

During the war between the Wild and the Empire, both sides developed capabilities to neutralise and in some cases destroy Totems and Familiars, with Familiars seeming to be particularly targeted. In general most religions regard all three of these spirit companions as fundamentally sound, although both Barosa and Dekatur Judge are known to advise caution around becoming too dependent upon the familiar – no specific reasons cited.
Dougal's interrogation

Through the hood Dougal hears someone else arriving in the room in which he is kept - in a bit of a hurry.....

There is a muttered conversation, snatches picked up

Voice 1: (gruff, male) "....out of bloody spells...."

Voice 2: (fairly suave, female) "She is expecting answers, it starts tom..."

Voice 3: (gruff, slight accent that could be Far Haven) "OK, so the hard way then. Idiots......"

Then Dougal feels his arms being untied but held by two people, both of whom are much stronger than Dougal, one is probably a Giant. His hands and lower arms are then lashed to a board of wood.

Voice 2: "OK little hobbit, I am going to ask you fifteen questions. I already know the answer to some of them, some are unimportant and some are very important...to me at least. I want you to answer truthfully and without hesitation."

Voice 2: "If you answer truthfully then you will be left here unharmed for your friends to find you. But the more lies and evasions you attempt, the more punishment you will suffer..... and I will have to ask again."

Voice 3: "....and if you really piss us off, we will make sure that the damage cannot be healed by any means. You know that is possible. A monk with no hands is really a pitiful thing."

Voice 2: "So time is short.... my questions are...."

1. What is your name

2. Why did you come North

3. Were you at Far Haven when it was attacked by Ghoulagabba recently

4. What role did you play in the death of Onwen

5. Where is Bez Drock now

6. Is Bez Drock still the manifest of Shanah

7. Where is the White Tree

8. Why were the towers build at Far Haven

9. Who is Vinmira

10. Why did you kill Vinmira

11. What did you bring from White Beach and give to the Wyldwood priest

12. Where is that item now

13. Who is your contact in the Hall of Rogues

14. What clans are at Star Storm castle

15. Why did your group stay here when you could easily have left to go back home south
Email2020-10-16 15:05

**Q:** Are the two students that Sparrowsight mentioned still at the College and available? (Or they could be the same student).

**A:** Both students mentioned by Sparrowsight have gone (Sineas and the "promising one").

**Q:** Are there any students she could recommend as being 'discreet' - ie who we could trust to keep sensitive research secret for the next few months? (Probably won't matter after 6 months or so - they can probably publish their research without it mattering after then.) I am obviously thinking about the advisability of researching the brooch and Starport.

**A:** All the students can be relied upon to be discreet, however there is a mandate that any information uncovered relating to Elven military and arcane abilities is immediately conveyed to Duke Adamas - and that mandate will be adhered to.

**Q:** How long is a working week? (I have assumed 7 days for costing, but if it's just 6 or 5, then we should reduce costs accordingly)

**A:** A working week will be 7 days, there is enough desire for ready cash that any student will be wanting to work the full week. You could even offer overtime if you want!

**Q:** Elven names: Check with Bazin if 'Sor' or 'Sorl' as part of an Elven name have a meaning (like 'Son of' etc) - just wandering about the similarity of Sorleaf and Sorlor.

**A:** 'Sor' is a fairly common Elven name prefix (you will probably come across others), but unclear as to what it represents.
Email 2020-03-28 12:05

Couple of rulings:

1) Brokev can now be considered to have Longsword as a weapon proficiency

2) **Non magical arrows from a magical bow.... they are non magical**

Darrell

On Sat, 27 Mar 2021 at 23:53, Steve Dodd <[[1]]> wrote:

Rule clarification needed.

Does an arrow fired from a magic bow count as a magic weapon for hitting "magic weapon/silver weapon" opponents?

My old inclination was to say yes, but I can see reasons to say no. Ruling please
Doppelganger

See also: Legend 49: The Bodychangers, Legend 3: Vendor

Doppleganger corpses were found on Day 94 with 'fake' Vinmira's body near White Beach around the pyre that destroyed Onwen's Holy Symbol, and several more in Onwen's villa

'Fake' Vinmira appears to have beeen an 'enhanced' form of Doppelganger - it did not revert to form immediately after being killed, and in fact it was regenerating and had to be killed again on Day 99 . The fake Vinmira was able to duplicate the real Vinmira's scent sufficiently to fool Kirsten - and even Vinmira does not know how to distinguish between real people and doppleganger impersonators.

We believe that several party members had been impersonated by 'nomral' doppelgangers.

DM stated that Dopplegangers are 'legendary creatures' [Reference required]

Doppleganagers also attacked the party around day 97  in conjunction with some Owlbears. These dopplegangers had spell casting ability - described as 'a mage and possibly two druids', they appeared to mimic the spells of the party - including a 'mini fireball'. However, they also cast a 3-missile MM, implying a level 5 mage.

1. ↑ Days 87-94 (10-17 May)
2. ↑ Zoom 2020-04-22 21:00
3. ↑ Vinmiras Departure
4. ↑ Zoom 2021-04-08 21:00
Day 225 - Hunted

*Day 225 (25th September – midday)*

The party has just driven off the large Blink dog pack and has a few rounds to catch their breath…..

From her vantage point Quercius can see that the valley the party is travelling up gets deeper and deeper until the river itself goes into the mountain. Already the sides of the valley are 30’ high and vertical or even overhanging in many places. The lake coming up does possibly offer some easier routes back to the surface or so it would seem to her.

The cloud level is very low, which makes it impossible to carry out any high altitude observations, but the wooded hills and mountain slopes all “feel” unsettled – as if there is lots of activity.

Down in the valley, Laeromir now appears unharmed and to be sleeping soundly. The gemstone on his sword that flared at his death is now opaque and cracked.

It is wet, a nice steady drizzle that soaks everything…….

## Further info:

Backtracking would be about 2 hours at most.....

By unsettled I mean, birds being disturbed, obvious signs of movement in the woods (that to an eagle do not feel like prey!)......

Laeromir, looks healthy but a bit gaunt..... Wun would say he is simply sleeping and could be woken with a shake (or being thrown onto Umars back).
Day 103: Legends and Lore

**Investigations & Explorations**

**Days 103 (26th May)**

**DM Note: You took over the lease on the house on the 17th May, it expires on the 31st. The 10 day uber bless on Bazin and Umar expires on the 27th (evening)**

After the discussions with the tree, Phinon goes over to Quercius.

Phinon: “Lets find somewhere to sit, we have been looking at that symbol you gave us…..very interesting”

Moving to one of the side rooms, the two of you make yourselves comfortable at a table and Phinon brings out a scroll case. He opens the scroll case and shakes out two objects and a scroll.

Phinon: “Right, the scroll is a record of our findings, but I thought it best to talk them through with you, after all I wasn’t sure if you could actually read….. no offence intended.”

Phinon: “Firstly these.”, and he hands over the two objects, one is the original twisted piece of mithril, the second is a finely carved wooden symbol, Quercius recognises it as a Wyldwood holy symbol but somehow different.

Phinon: “The wooded replica is what we believe the mithril symbol looked like before it got damaged. The key things we are certain of is that this was a Wyldwood symbol, but there are differences, which you might have noticed but been unable to put your finger on.”

Quercius nods

Phinon: “In the normally encountered Wyldwood holy symbols the central tree is entwined with Ivy that then extents out into a circle around the symbol. Forming the familiar brooch shape. Now if you look closely, in this symbol the ivy has been replaced with a wild or climbing rose, and the forming of the symbol has gone so far as to simulate the thorns on the rose with little nicks that make the entwining vegetation quite rough to the touch, you might say prickly!”

Phinon: “We thought originally that it was just a consequence of damage taken, but no – the nicks are just too regularly placed.”

Phinon: “Right, now for the next fun thing…… I tell you this has had some people really tearing their hair out……”

Phinon: “This symbol is, as best we can gauge, around 20-30 years old, and from the little we can find, including a part damaged makers mark…..was made by a silversmith in Far Haven. Said silversmith has retired we believe, but anyway never had the equipment or skill to work in mithril. Also, despite the recent manufacture this Wildwood symbology has not been used for at least 300 years.”

Phinon: “So, long and short of it is, you have a brooch that uses symbology that no-one would nowadays recognise, made by somebody who would not be able to make it.”

Phinon: “I have included another snippet of lore that may be applicable here.”
Email2020-07-10 20:18

Two things for the morning before we break camp:

1) Once it was realised that the brooch was degrading fast, Dougal would have made sure that he had a separate sketch of the intentionally missing bit from the first sketch of the brooch - before the wicker perishes completely. It would be worth checking that the sketches themselves don't make the clerics/druids feels uncomfortable.

**DP: No problem with the sketches - and your sketching does not make the Clerics/Druids uncomfortable**

2) I had expected that you would have asked for our new spell lists before setting off: Should we assume that we have our standard 'party marching' spells from when we first set off from Braerk (except for stated changes such as the Det Evil spell)?

**DP: I was assuming standard marching spells, other than the specific Det Evil (which will be replaced with a Bless on next rest**).