The One True Game: According to Hoyle, and Others

[howandwhy99]

As Gwenna and Miklesh doused the fire, Dram and Dalin removed the weapon crates for the Front into the bed of the wagon. Rose was hoping the Keep’s commander would find a way to send them to the Front for her. Hanz was resituated on top of the crates. The team started off, but had trouble gathering speed. The wagon was much heavier now. Upwards they climbed cutting back and forth along the nearest mountain’s edge. The path narrowed and fell off sharply to one side.

Darius sat in a daze letting his horse follow Dram’s. His quest was near an end. His mount, which he had bonded with long ago back in Keep Margrave, was here. He could feel it. Thor’s gift was near enough, but it was unsure of how to approach. Darius scanned the high mountain peaks and noticed two horned birds perched below him on a lower crest staring back. They were large birds with antlered deer heads; one with six points the other eight. Darius suddenly realized he was looking through the eyes of his mount. Looking further down, he saw the ribboned road looping up the mountain pass. A wagon was approaching with several riders. Then he saw a dwarven figure on horseback… himself. Darius realized the deerbirds were positioned for an intercept course on the caravan.



Using his mount’s eyes he looked down at himself. He had a golden-feathered chest and long feathers on his legs leading to golden scales and claws. Large wings furled behind him with a feathered tail at end. Darius looked through his own eyes. Ahead two mountains closed in on either side of the path. To the right 1000’ upwards he saw his mount for the first time, a huge golden eagle perched high on a rocky crag. He looked to his left and saw the two predator deerbirds about 800’ above. Even from a distance they looked vicious and loathsome. He stopped the caravan and pointed out what he had discovered to his friends. Grog had never seen anything like the birds before, but the mercenaries had. “The first time I saw them both was a month or so ago,” said Gwenna.

Darius used the eagle’s eyes to scan the mountains again. The walls of Alderweg Keep were beyond the next few mountain ridges. The team was still some ways away. Rose cried out to the deerbirds in a shrill language. She sounded like a bird. “OY! You want food!? No fight.” The pair did not move, but Darius realized he could understand what Rose was saying though his eagle’s ears. Rose repeated herself, this time using the deer tongue. The larger deerbird called down in perfect Common,
“Give us one of the human.” It’s voice sounded like no animal sound at all. Dram leaned over to Darius and whispered, “Hanz?” Rose bartered with the creatures. She convinced the pair to accept three horses for passage. It was all they could spare.
“The Eagle?” screeched the deerbird again.
“I can control it,” said Darius quietly and Rose conveyed the message.

Three of the wagon’s draft horses were switched out for their own. Rose did not like what she had to do. Telling the three horses food was ahead; they sauntered forward to their deaths. As soon as they were separated from the caravan the deerbirds soared into the sky and dove down with the sun at their backs. Two horses died quickly. The third galloped away in terror when the others shrieked. The predators expertly mauled open the horses’ gullets. Each tore out a single organ from within and went off to chase the third horse around the bend. Neither predator nor prey returned. When the violence was over the wagon lurched forward again. Rose inspected the two horse carcasses in the road. The deerbirds had torn out the hearts of the beasts leaving the meat to rot. It was such a terrible waste in her mind. She suggested taking the meat with them, but no one else wanted to eat horse.

A few minutes later a massive 12’ tall eagle landed in the middle of the roadway. Its wingspan was easily twice its height. The horses spooked and their riders struggled to keep them under control. Darius dismounted and handed his reins to Rose to calm his horse. The eagle was ready for him and he eagerly climbed aboard. WHOOOSHHH!!!!! Darius was moving faster than he thought possible. His mount climbed high into the sky, so high it was hard to breathe. They were above the clouds. The rest of the team on the ground saw the bird’s form grow smaller and smaller. Then it reappeared in a dive. “YEEEEHAAAWW!!” shouted Darius, but he could hardly hear himself. As flew he was the eagle. Their hearts and minds were as one. He learned several things during that first flight soaring over the mountains. Their connection would always be felt, but within a mile’s distance of each other they could share each other’s thoughts and senses. He could understand and speak in ‘eagle’, as it could speak his languages. After what felt an interminable wait for those on the ground Darius finally landed again. He instructed his eagle to fly above the mountain pass and to watch for danger.



When it looked like they might finally get on the road again Kayla spoke up, “We need to warn the other caravans about the price of passage. If they try and ride through, they will be slaughtered.” It was wise council, but also another impediment to reaching the Keep. Father Ben gave his horse to Miklesh to ride back down and warn the others. As they waited for him, Ben went into the back of the wagon to escape the winds. Hanz was still passed out on the bed. Kayla and Diedre had pulled out and were inspecting Lavinia’s chest. Because of how Darius had called it, ‘Lavinia’s other son”, they believed someone might be trapped inside. Ben suddenly felt tingly all over. He heard a voice in his mind. A voice that was different than the others.

"OPEN THE CHEST."

"YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS DO NOT STAND A CHANCE OF SURVIVING THE HAZARDS OF CASTLE ALDERVEEG UNLESS YOU RELEASE ME FROM WHENCE I AM IMPRISONED. IT TOOK ALL I COULD TO HAVE THE BLUE MAN DROP HIS CLOAK.”

“YOU MUST LET ME OUT.”

Ben collapsed to the ground falling backwards out of the wagon. He began babbling.

"No.... no, no.... I will not listen to you. .. . No! We must not open the chest.. You are ... the cloak.... up to the heavens.. .. no.. not the chest... It cannot be so.... blue man dropped the?... we will survive the keep you are wrong.... uhh.."

He passed out.
.
.
.
.
And then began to float. About 3' off the ground.

[howandwhy99]

Rose looked at Kayla and Dierdre "See, I told you he could fly"

Kayla jumped up and rushed over to Ben. Seeing that he appeared unconscious she then called for Darius. "Darius I need your assistance." She then looked at Rose and asked, "Was he unconscious the last time he was flying?"

Rose: “No he was very angry actually and promising fire and vengeance on the gnoll...fire, vengeance, hell, eternal pain...something like that I can't remember exactly

Darius trotted over on his horse to the wagon and saw Ben. He looks him for a moment, then began to pray and see if Thor would give him insight as to why this was happening. He received no answer. He called Dram over to attempt to rouse the priest.

Ben awoke with a start his eyeballs spinning around at the others staring at him on what he believed was the wagon bed.

Ben: "Ahh.. yes, well. It seems like I've blacked out again. I heard more voices like the dreams we all had back in the water cave. Only these were not dreams. These spoke.... whoooaah!"

Ben noticed he was aloft and tried putting a foot on the ground only succeeding in spinning to the roadway below. Pushing himself up he hung his head sheepishly.

"Well, I was trying to keep this from you all. It seems though I cannot any longer. The truth is...I have been cursed. Cursed by what may be an evil god. Or perhaps it's a demon." he said looking frightful. "It is why my parents sent me to stay with the Fathers in Sylverton Abbey in the first place."

"Well, you don't need to know all that. What is important is that the curse has returned. I think it may have been in part to what we found in the caves below Quesquaton. What I called the Godnail. What I believe may be the missing piece from a God. Whether benevolent or malevolent I do not know. All I know is the time I spent studying with Father Hetrick did not lead to further revelation in the faith. Instead, my mind twitches more than ever. Like a muscle after a long day's travel."

"After returning to Outpost Xavier is when I first noticed another event. The floating. It started accompanied with a number of nightmares. I awoke in terror only to find myself 'above' the blanket. There were many nights with changed bedsheets after that."

"I am sorry now that I tried to hide this fact as long as I have. I fear I may be putting us all at risk. Undoubtedly the County is better off with me not as head of the temple in Keep Margrave. It is why I agreed to travel with you to the Dwarven Kingdoms in the first place and abandon Margrave to its own cruel fate."

Rose: "Why do you think that it's evil simply to have the ability to fly without a giant eagle?"

Ben: "Well the voice in the cave was very evil. It spoke to me in my head using a language I did not understand. It tried to climb inside me. I cannot see any positive side to that."

"Also it is similar to other such vices. I feel urgings that I must strive to control. They usually come in the night. I must be stern lest I am tempted to lift myself up and float to the heavens or... somewhere else. I am not ready to leave this place yet. So I fight and struggle against this ascension."

"Then there was the rat we believed was Elion and I spoke to it, but only later did I realize it was not aloud. It was verminous and we later learned not truly Elion, but might have been part of the attack."

"And just now I heard an evil voice telling me to release the sheets from the chest in our newfound cloak-hole. It said something like: 'you will surely die in the Castle Adlerweg if you do not release me immediately! I made the blue man drop me! I must be released!'"

"Only it sounded much worse. Surely this is an evil curse."

Darius: “Perhaps the head of my order can assist you somehow, my friend.”

Rose: “So if you knew about this then why did you deny what happened with the Gnoll some days ago?”

Dram: "Father Ben, you are my friend and have healed my wounds, and I thank you for that, so please do not take what I'm going to say the wrong way. Have you considered the worship of Thor? He would smite these demons from your head! A curse on a cleric of his? Not likely! Your God has left you, which is surely why you float. Thor's iron will is my anchor. Let him be yours! But, apart from the evil voices and the floating, is there any other harm that this curse may cause you or your comrades?”

Ben: "Well uh... um... er no. I guess not. But the wrath of these evil beings may be brought upon all near me, not just myself. It is a risk you need to know."

"And I do venerate the Goodly God Thor. His importance is made even more relevant in this time of war. But I still revere other Gods as well and strive to learn what is holy in all things. Given that this door was open before I ever became a Brother I do not think the curse of divine fault. Maybe I should sequester myself though? For the good of all?"

Darius: "I hardly find that needed, Father Ben. However, perhaps it would be best to remain unarmed until as such time as you need your weapon again?"

Dalin: Agreeing with Darius, "In fact, I think the opposite is true. Rather than being sequestered, one of us should be certain to watch over you at all times, to be sure you bring no harm to yourself or others and also to note anything you might say or do when overcome by one of these spells. The more information we have about them, the better."

Ben: Handing his flail over "A sound idea. I will keep the sling just in case. It is poor defensively in case of... By the by, I would like to be of some aid if we are attacked."

"I do think it is unwise to enter the Adlerweg Keep. Now Livinia and her sons lie within she may have called an alarm. The gnolls mentioned their troll leaders having taken over the keep and his having a friend 'we would not want to wake'. The deer-birds spoke clearly in the common tongue too. And I suspect they are wild creatures working with the trolls as lookouts. Our presence is already known."

Dalin: "While I do not doubt there are dangers within the Keep, can we truly take the chance of Dram's brother being in there?"

Reluctantly, Father Ben gave in. He would go with them into the Keep, but he asked for his flail to be returned to him if there was trouble within. Dram and Dalin had moved off to one side to talk. Kayla and Deidre were busily storing the chest back in the cloakhole. In truth, Father Ben’s revelation had set off a number of different conversations around the stalled wagon train. An hour after his departure Miklesh finally arrived back from the other caravan. The team was on its way again.

[howandwhy99]

[Session 15]

A little further up the road, Dram spotted a large nest in the rock face above. He guessed it was the deerbirds’. As the others looked up, Rose moved over to the cliff’s edge on the right side of the path. The vertigo did not seem to bother her. Far below in the ravine were the remains of the third horse. The thin line of a river ran along the bottom. It paralleled the road up and down the mountain. After a few more hours of travel Dram finally called out, “Halt the wagons! Around the next bend in the road they saw Keep Adlerweg. It was built right into the side of the mountain. As tall as it was, the Keep was still dwarfed by the surrounding cliffsides. It hugged the edge rising up over five stories in height. The road wound around its large base perched on an outcropping of rock. Warmachines that looked like giant crossbows could be seen on the lowest rooftops. Numerous windows were cut into the upper levels and arrowslits along the base. Adlerweg was a truly amazing sight to behold.



“A little young, but not too shabby,” said Darius. He placed it at two centuries old give or take a decade. He was certain Dwarfs must have helped in its manufacture. Father Ben just felt fortunate there were no guards for the Keep in sight.
“Traveler on the road!” shouted Ormand the Redd. Further around the bend, about fifty yards away, a man was cowering behind some stones. Rose took out her club and approached. She could tell the man was human even with his dark skin and exotic features. He did not resemble any of the dark-skinned humans she had seen in Kera.

When Rose drew closer she heard him whimpering.
“Please don’t eat me. I am very sick and have been forced to eat rats.” The man’s accent was as just as unusual as his appearance. As he knelt in the road prostrate like a slave begging its master she looked at his dress carefully. He wore only a dirty robe and a cloth wrapped around his head in a knot.
“Get up. We’re not going to eat you.”
“Thank you, Thank you,” the man kept bowing low. “Praise the Gods you have found me here. Are you a spirit or a demon? Who do I thank for my rescue?” Rose could not help her amusement. She twirled her club playfully.
“It is…. complicated. Are you injured?”
“No. No. I am a lost traveler from far, far away.”
“In that we have a commonality. Do you seek our aid?”

The dark-skinned man bowed even deeper and lower if such a thing was possible. A greasy smile came over his windborne face. “Oh yes. I seek to go where you are going. I seek to follow you in your path.”
Rose was smiled again. “Okay… If you are prepared to enter the keep behind you, you may follow.” Rose began telling the stranger the team’s reasons for venturing all the way from their homelands to this mountain pass, and about the slaves in Kera City, and the search for Tankurd.
“NO!!” shouted Dram running forward. He and Darius had been approaching. Dram pulled Rose backwards. Looking at the kneeling foreigner he said, “What are you? Some kind of slave?”
The stranger sat up studying Dram and then callously regarded him. “No barbarian. I am not.” He turned his gaze back to Rose ignoring everything else. “I was a servant to a great merchant such as you have never seen.” Dram pulled out his sword, but the stranger did not break eye contact. “We had an accident. Or I did, at least. We were to travel to a distant land. I was to go first and prepare the way. The next thing I knew, I awoke here.”

“How long ago was that?” asked Rose sympathetically.
“About… a few days ago. Only this morning did I find this road.” Darius finally arrived next to Dram.
“What is the name of the land you come from?” asked Rose.
“The land I come from? It…it cannot be pronounced in this trade tongue we converse in.”
“That is to bad. Hmm… What other languages do you know?” The stranger listed off some strange tongues, none of which she had even heard of before. Then Rose remembered her manners. “My apologies. This is Darius our Dwarf Paladin. And this is Dram. He is… of Margrave. I am Rose from the Front. Who might you be?”
The stranger finally stood up and bowed formally. “My name is Houshang.”
”Come again?” said Dram. It was nearly impossible for him to understand the foreigner. He only knew this ‘Wu-Tang’ had the thickest accent of any man alive.

[howandwhy99]

Darius was willing to take on new followers, but only if they were fully aware of the dangers of entering the Keep. He wanted no one captured and sold into slavery without first knowing the risk beforehand. “I am far from home,” said Housang. “I need coin, money, cash, how do you say? Gold. If there is such inside, I will help cleanse it for you.” Darius was unsure of what he meant, but the team needed any help it could get. In his mind, the eagle had messaged him more disturbing news. Leaving the dwarf behind, Rose took Houshang back around the bend and made group introductions.
The others agreed on Houshang’s joining, but Father Ben had one question. “What Gods do you worship in the land you come from?”
Houshang bowed curtly. “We have many.” And he left it at that.

“More wagons!” shouted Miklesh. The second caravan was coming up behind them. The team had wasted far too much time.
“We need to stop them from entering,” said Darius. “My eagle has been watching the Keep for the last several days. Dozens of large green, hairy men have moved in and out during that time. These must be the trolls the gnoll warband warned us about.” Father Ben and Ormand the Redd moved to block the path with their horses. Rose jumped up next to Gwenna in the wagon’s driver’s seat.
“We need to talk,” she told the mercenary leader. “I need to get rid of the Earl’s spiralstone, so I can use both hands again. You must have used one before.” Gwenna explained there was a box just inside the first gate with many such stones inside.
“This is where the keeplord has always stored them.”
“Wait just a minute!” shouted Rose standing up. “That’s my sword! Those are for the Front!” She had just noticed the mercenaries were wielding some of the Earl’s contribution.

“It was part of the deal for hiring us. Take it up with your Dwarf.”
Rose was fit to be tied. “He had no right to give them to you! They are my responsibility, not his!”
“Tough luck for you.”
Rose regained control of herself. Politely, she agreed to talk about the matter later when appropriate. “Now. When were you last at Keep Adlerweg?”
”Gee…” Gwenna considered. “About two… maybe three weeks ago. There was no avalanche then. Everything was normal. The guards were out. You understand.” Behind Rose Gwenna saw the other caravan’s wagons pull up and stop. She quickly jumped down and ran over to go talk with their drivers. Rose watched her run off without a word.

Darius was concentrating on his eagle again. His new mount had seen a veritable army of red people, goblinoids Darius believed, fighting the tall green people near their stone nest. He knew by now, the eagle termed the Keep a people-nest. The Red Army was fighting the Green Army to get inside. I had been repelled every time so far. Darius asked if it had seen any humans and fixed Dalin’s face in his mind. It had. Six riders entered a day ago and had not left. “Heeere bird bird bird bird bird.” Rose was calling birds to her and he could understand the meaning of her chirping. Rose asked a sparrow to go inspect the Keep, but it kept calling out ”Seed? Seed?”

Dram and Dalin ducked back around the bend. Three figures had come out from the Keep and were walking towards them. Peeking around the stone again, they saw the grey figures reenter the Keep through the nearer gate. “We can’t just sit here,” whispered Dalin. Dram agreed. The two went back and interrupted Darius who was simply standing in the road with his eyes closed.
“Listen,” started Dram. “That keep is full of trolls. We both know it. I don’t think they are just going to let us stroll in there like slavers from Kera and buy my brother back. I think we’re DEAD, if we go inside – if you don’t mind me sayin’ so – or even if ya do! But I have better plan. If someone were to sneak inside, we could see where they have Tankurd tied up. Then we know he’s been sold to the trolls, right?”
Darius nodded solemnly. “It’s good of you to volunteer.”

“Oh no! I’m not so big a fool as to sneak in a keep o’ trolls!” said Dram. “That’s suicide!” Rose hopped down from the wagon and ran over. She had overheard the conversation, as did half the team.
“I’ll go. I need to get rid of this thing anyways,” Rose said holding up the spiralstone. Darius looked over at Dram who twice as tall as Rose and three times as heavy.
“Thor’s Hammer was never so heavy! Here! Take this.” Dram handed the Fey a potion in an unmarked vial. “It should make you harder to see.”
“Thanks!” said Rose gleefully.

“Just a moment,” Darius told her. He had been interrupted trying to learn as much information about the Keep from his eagle as possible. His mount knew of a much smaller structure farther up the road where more people stayed. Darius did not quite understand if more people meant goblins or the Keep’s original human occupants. The eagle then showed him a second path. A narrow trail wound back along the roadway some seventy above the team. It led to a door in the Keep at a much higher level. Darius believed the original occupants had fallen back using that exit. In his mind’s eye he saw it wind upwards to the mountain’s precipice. Unfortunately, the eagle had seen no human people during its stay here, only more red walking on the high narrow path.

Rose was tired of waiting. She swallowed all of Dram’s potion and unexpectedly disappeared. Dram and Dalin watched as her little footprints formed in the dust walking away. Suddenly a large hole appeared in the middle of the road. Dalin went over and picked up the cloakhole. “If the Gods are with us Dram, she’ll come back alive.”
“I sure hope so,” replied Dram. Behind them Ormand the Redd still watched sadly as the little tracks marched closer and closer to the Keep.
“Get a move on!” shouted Gwenna. Miklesh was already helping her maneuver the wagons around for a quick getaway.

[howandwhy99]

Rose could smell the sweat of gnolls before she even entered. The Keep’s bottom floor was by far its’ largest. Two arrowslits overlooked the road. Then a large gate loomed open to any who dared enter. Beyond more arrowslits followed the wall around a corner. As Rose walked she saw a furry shadow standing behind the second arrowslit. She stopped and inspected the first gate. Two gnolls guarded the entrance, one to either side. “They must have spotted us,” thought Rose. “They are waiting to ambush anyone who comes through.” She looked at the open gateway. Even some twenty feet below it, the raised metal portcullis tickled her skin. In front of the portcullis were three, curiously small, dark windows angled downwards. Rose wished she could climb up without being heard and stick her head inside to get a better view. But she did not dare try it. Still, the windows was perplexed her. “Maybe they’re slides for cats?” she guessed.



Very quietly Rose tiptoed past the two guards and into the Keep. The gateway walls funneled inwards and then opened into a single large space. Torches lit the room. Rose did not breathe as carefully moved deeper inside. Looking to her left, she spotted the gnoll behind the arrowslit. Two more guarded the second gateway across the room. The far wall held the only interior door, a wooden one with banded metal. In the room’s center several large piles of stone were jumbled. Each was carved, as if it were once a statue, but now crushed to pieces. She could not determine if they were dropped or simply piled in place. Then she saw it: a large wooden crate without a top. It was against the wall near the gnoll in the arrowslit. Quietly walking over, Rose saw three more spiralstones inside. She gently placed her own stone in the bottom and drew her hand back. The stone was still stuck! She tried touching it to other stones or to the crate, but nothing worked.



Rose knew the cursed stone would be nothing but trouble. After a few more experiments, she finally relented and walked around the room searching for secret passages. She found two. One was in the interior stone wall just to the left of the normal door. The second reminded her of a covered pit trap. It was built into the floor several feet across from the first secret door. Rose listened at both, but heard nothing. Moving to the normal door she immediately heard rough voices within. Light streamed out a large keyhole in the door tempting her to peek through. Rose obliged. Beyond was a smaller room. Four half-humans sat playing cards around a wooden table. There was so much gold on it her eye tickled just looking. “Let’s take stock,” she thought to her self. “Five gnolls, two with bows, three with axes, all in scale armor and shield. Add to that four half-somethings in leather armor – obviously weaker. I think we could take them. The key is getting inside without being seen beforehand.” Trying to think of what to do next, she decided to wait.

A full hour later, four more large gnolls marched inside through the far gateway. “They must have been patrolling the pass,” Rose thought. The five guarding the exits switched positions with them. Rose was amazed at how regimented they were. Every one marched in formation, whether they were paired, in a group, or alone. Rose followed the five gnolls as they left out the second gateway. They marched down the road and just as the soldiers reached the end of the Keep’s wall they stopped. One stepped over some fallen rocks where the wall abutted the stone. Somehow it opened yet another secret door. Rose could barely see a set of stairs inside before the gnolls entered and the door closed. Checking the wall for seams she found the sides to the secret entrance. “It’s very cleverly hidden, but once you know where to look…” she thought. Taking her time, she checked the rest of the Keep’s exterior wall, but found nothing.

Rose walked back around the mountain bend and towards Darius. She could see Father Ben walking like he had a full bladder again. “Rose?” Diedre searched around blindly with her hands out. Somehow the woman had sensed her return.
“I’m back,” said Rose. The rest of the team gathered around. Rose had to grab a hold of Darius to avoid being stepped on. She gave as full a report of everything she had seen. The team listened in dismay. A long discussion followed afterwards about whether or not to the Keep could be entered by force. In the end, they decided to head back towards Kera and make plans that night.

Rose tugged at Kayla’s robe. “How long do invisibility potions last?” she asked.
“I am unsure,” said Kayla. “We may need to find an antidote.”
”What!” cried Rose. She enjoyed walking around unseen, but with large slow-moving humans about it would be dangerous. She stared at the large feet moving around her sullenly.
“Did you bother to look for Tankurd?” asked Dram.
“I-I couldn’t. They would have seen me,” Rose whimpered.
“What about your stone?” asked Ormand. Rose pouted and wanted to cry. She shook her head, but no one saw.

[howandwhy99]

Gwenna led the team’s large wagon down the mountain. As Houshang had no horse he walked beside it. The merchants of the second caravan followed the group a good distance behind. They were very afraid of the deerbirds for some untold reason. Darius concentrated on his eagle again. He learned the deerbirds were gone, probably out hunting. As the caravan descended dark clouds covered the sky and the wind picked up. Drops of rain began to fall slicking the road and slowing travel. At dusk the campsite from the previous night was at last reached. A fire was built for warmth and for the watch to see, but most slept in the covered wagon to stay out of the rain.

Hanz was fully awake and active after having slept the whole day on Rose’s feather mattress. Ben removed the man’s bandages as Darius tried to convince Hanz to join the worship of Thor. The mercenary only listened humoring Darius without asking questions. He did not even ask about his missing ring that had been taken from him as he slept. When Darius set the watch order Hanz suggested he could stay up all night and sleep in the next day. Wisely, Darius decided against it.

Lightning crashed amoung the mountains illuminating the night sky in flashes. Dram and Miklesh sat in the rain near the fire on first watch. Dram reflected on the prospect of finding his brother alive, if at all. He believed Keep Adlerweeg would be impossible to attack without an army. And if Darius was right, a goblin army already stood on the far side of the pass waiting to attack even if they were successful. None of it boded well for rescuing Tankurd. Miklesh silently pulled out a tarp for the two to share. Dram regarded the man. He said little and was surer of himself than Ormand was. “And he doesn’t complain like most people,” thought Dram. He was glad to have him on his side. Lightning flashed again. For a second Dram could swear he saw a shadow of a man coming up the roadway. The lightning flashed again and he was certain of it.

“Go wake the fighters, Grog first.” Miklesh followed orders and crawled under the team’s wagon to where Grog slept. Dram unsheathed his sword and regarded the thing approaching from below. From afar the figure looked like a huge giant, but distance was deceiving. “Thor’s hammer, he must be twice the size of Grog!” thought Dram. Darius joined him by his side, but said not a word. The whole team was awake now. Dram sent Grog out to talk with the Giant.
“Draw your sword first!” called out Rose over the wind. Grog grew to over twice his normal height, twenty feet tall. Then he strolled down to meet the Giant. Darius could tell it was moving much faster than the half-ogre. Father Ben saw Whoshang hiding under the wagons. “Who you!” called out Grog. The Giant man held up his hand in greeting. It was difficult to see his features in the rain. “Come close to light. Talk to Darius. He know more.” The figure climbed higher and higher. As it did so it seemed to slow down and grow shorter and shorter. The dimensions of the slope and the road readjusted themselves in Dram’s eyes. When the Giant finally reached the firelight, it was only a normal human.

“Hello my friends. It is one named Darius I seek.” The stranger grinned broadly. His misshapen body and horribly scarred face distorted the smile. Darius approached him and looked in the man’s eyes. Then the two moved down the path a little to talk in private about things like ‘Thor’, ‘Odin’, and the ‘Rainbow Bridge’. When Darius returned he introduced the team to Jakob the Monk. “He and I actually dreamt of each other,” explained Darius. “It happened shortly after Pax was killed. I don’t know the reason behind the dreams, but he wishes to follow me. And I have agreed to hire him on. Out of my own funds of course.” Grog blinked sleepily. The rest of the team gave their general assent. Ben asked Darius to watch over Jakob until he could be tested.

The second watch passed without incident. The wind and rain had lessened by the time Grog and Houshang sat alone on the third. “Grog! You are a mighty warrior!” said Houshang. Grog looked over at the foreigner he had been ignoring. The man’s mouth had not closed once since he sat down. “And you carry a mighty sword and shield! If only I had such weapons, then Houshang would be as great a warrior as Grog!”
“Grog sword not for sale man. Grog win sword. This sword of Krag, King of Giants! Grog steal this sword.” Houshang coaxed the whole story from Grog of how he killed many trolls in revenge of his brother’s death. It was during his battles with these trolls, and orcs, and other strange creatures that Grog had come upon the sword. “And now sword Grog’s,” he finished. “Grog carry and remember brother.”

“And a very compelling story it is, if I may say so,” said Houshang. “Grog,” the stranger sprang to his feet. “Grog, I must tell you a secret. Will you keep a secret between us two?”
”What secret?”
“A most powerful secret, my tall friend. You see, I can make you stronger!”
Grog slapped his knee. “Ha! Haaahaa… Grog already strong!”
Houshang was not deterred. “Please bend down so I might show you precisely how strong I mean.” Grog crouched and looked into the stranger’s eyes. Suddenly he realized the stranger was actually a great friend of his. “Here,” said Houshang, “take this gold this coin from my hand.” He held out a cheap lead coin to the half-ogre.
“Grog like. Grog feel stronger already!”
“Ah Yes! And as long as you keep that gold coin and… and show it to no one, then you shall remain strong.” Grog told his new best friend many secrets during their watch. In return Houshang was allowed to test Grog’s sword. The stranger grew to four times his height, swung the sword, and laughed merrily.

[howandwhy99]

[DAY 103 – Holyday, Sceptre 7th, CY 81]

“Yep, two of ‘em,” said the other caravan’s leader. “Run off in the night. I’d’ve suspected foul play, but nothin’ could’ve attacked us up here without someone seein’.” Gwenna listened closely. It was early morning. The clients she was currently working for were taking their sweet time in choosing what to do next: either go to the Keep, or go back to Kera. She was actually sad, however, to hear about the loss of two caravan guards. It could easily have been her and a mate. If the men were lucky, the caravan would find them on the road back to the City “If they decided to go off trail into the hills…” Gwynna did not want to finish the thought.

Rose had been on last watch. To her dismay she was still invisible. She overheard Gwenna and the other caravan leader talking and decided to search for the lost guards. Scouting the perimeter she found signs of a scuffle near the cliff’s edge. Three pairs of booted feet were involved, but only one pair led away. Over the edge she saw nothing but rocks and the river. A gust of air suddenly blew up and almost pushed Rose off the side. Darius’s giant eagle landed. The paladin had decided to ride on his mount for the rest of the trip to Kera. The team had not reached consensus and put off working on one yet again. When they reached Kera, they would see what resources were available and then make a decision. Rose secretly hoped the Earl would send an army to take back the Keep. Other members did not believe his rulership was so benign.

Under cover in the wagon Kayla and Diedre pulled out Lavinia’s chest to inspect it again. Rose took advantage of her situation and hid in back to watch them. Her own horse was harnessed to the wagon anyways. Kayla showed Diedre a new discovery. The cloakhole could be folded in on itself. She shrunk it down to the size of a handkerchief and left it on the floorboards next to the chest. Deviously, Rose stuck her hand in the little hole and whispered. “The servant that pushes the items out” Her fingertips tingled then a powerful shock coursed through her hand and up her arm. Instinctively Rose jerked backwards, but not before screaming out in the pain. “Who’s there!” shouted Diedre accusingly.
“Nobody, but us nobodies… Ohhhh, I think I need to lie down.” Rose’s form pressed into the featherbed.
“It is dangerous to test things you know nothing about,” said Kayla. Then she returned to attentions to the closed chest.

“LET ME OUT!” Ben heard in his mind. The voice had returned… the one that sounded just like his own voice. “LET ME OUT!” Ben reined his horse to a stop thinking he might pass out again and fall off. Dismounting, he sat down in the road and felt the gravel in his hands.
“Who are you?” asked Ben.
Dram rode up behind Ben and called out “Stop the wagons!”
“I AM THE GUARDIAN OF THE KEEP”
“The guardian? But what is your name?” The rest of the caravan halted. Darius rode over to Ben’s side and dismounted.
“THE SENTINEL”
Darius gave Ben a shake. “You’re talking to yourself again, Father.”
Kayla and Diedre hopped out from the back the wagon. “I think he can hear Lavinia’s son inside the chest!” called out Kayla. “If we can release him from the chest, maybe he can tell us how to sneak inside Adlerweg?”

“LET ME OUT!” Ben heard in his mind again. Kayla’s proposal sounded quite plausible to him at the moment. Grog was already pulling Lavinia’s chest out from the wagon.
“I think we should do it,” said Ben. “Either way, the ghosts must be destroyed.” The team arrayed themselves around the chest in the middle of the open road. Gwenna and Miklesh drove the horses and wagon a good distance away for safety. Darius was already formulating a plan. He would hide behind the chest, while Grog in Giant-form smashed the sheets with his sword.
“Be careful not to hit the chest,” Darius cautioned him. Father Ben was given a spear to pop open the chest. He was to look inside for Lavina’s son as soon as it opened.

“Ready?” shouted Darius. “One… Two… Three… Pull!” Ben flipped the lid open. The two green sheetghosts slowly drifted out left and right from the interior. Darius slammed the chest lid back down from behind. NOW!” he shouted. The two sheets hung one from either side. Jakob threw a curved blade about the size of a knife. It stuck into the side of the chest missing. Ben swung awkwardly with the spear and missed horribly. He had never used such a weapon before. Grog in Giant-form heaved his massive sword downward and struck the left sheet. It tore and turned white around the wound. A disembodied voice was heard speaking a strange language. Ben looked behind him, but could not find the source.

“Damn it all!” Both of Dram’s shots missed, ruining his the precious silver arrows he had chosen. Ormand the Redd hit the torn sheet twice with his own arrows. It turned completely white and then dissolved into ash.

The second sheetghost struggled to pull itself out of the chest. Dram fired a third silver arrow missing again. Ben called upon the power of the Gods, but the ghost resisted. Grog moved to over and swung his sword. The swing rent the other sheet in two. It turned white and then deteriorated on the ground like the other. “We won!” shouted out the disembodied voice.
“That was much easier this time,” said Dalin.
“Let’s open it up!” called out Kayla. “Father Ben, do you hear anything?” Jakob moved up to the chest and opened it. Ash from the dead sheetghosts covered the contents. Blowing it away, he saw silver and gold coins filled the chest to the brim. A gold statuette stuck out of the pile on one side. Lying on top in the center was one white glove.
Ben peeked over Jacob’s shoulder. “No one’s in there!” he said. Then in his head he thought to himself, “Are you the glove?”



“I AM THE SENTINEL”
Ben was confused. He remembered back to Kustler and Urkwin the thin man. “For Keep Adlerweg? You’re the Sentinel of what or who?” Ben stared off into space not speaking aloud this time.
“What is it?” asked Kayla. She moved forward and looked inside the chest. The stranger Jakob was curious as well. Seeing the glove inside, he reached for it. ZAP! He flew backwards ten feet and hit the ground hard. His body was still shaking and smoking from the blast when Darius reached his side.
“What was that?” the dwarf shouted. Darius searched for wounds on his new friend. There were none, but the monk was still gravely injured.
“It’s a blasted trap!” said Dram and he kicked over the chest with his boot. Coins spilled all over the roadway. The rest of the team ran forward to pick them up before they rolled over the edge. Grog shrank down to normal size and nearly squashed Rose who was trying to avoid the wave of rolling metal.

[howandwhy99]

Ignoring the scene around him, Ben casually reached down and picked up the glove that had fallen from the chest. When his hand touched it, the glove came alive and molded itself onto his right hand. Then it returned to normal as if Ben had put it on himself. It was made of smooth white goatskin and finely stitched. The glove was so soft and light it felt like wearing nothing at all. “Can you still hear me?” he thought to it.
”GIVE ME TO THE WOMAN” Ben looked around for Kayla and saw the rest of his team crouching down and picking up coins. They was mostly silver, but a good smattering of gold and even small white gems were strewn across the roadway.

“It is worthless,” Houshang was telling Darius. “It is trash that no one would ever buy.” The stranger held the gold statue in one hand and several coins in another. “I would be doing you a favor in getting rid of it for you. Please, let me sell it to someone for twice its price and we can split the profits, yes?”
Darius disagreed. He took the statuette away from Houshang. It was far too heavy to be anything but solid gold, hardly worthless. The figure resembled a human warrior with its hands thrust outward. “It resembles the jade statuette,” he thought to himself. “Perhaps it’s a twin?” To Houshang he said, “We’ll be keeping it until we know what it is for certain... until then, hand over the coin. We have yet to come to terms on how you will be paid or even what you’ll be doing.”
Houshang pocketed the silver coins defiantly. “They are mine. I found them on the road. They had no owner until they reached my palm.” Darius decided to let the incident pass for now.

Kayla looked at Ben who was standing in the pile of coins and whispering to himself. “What have you found? Ben! Are you still with us?” Bizarrely, a severed hand floated out from the back of the wagon.
“WE ARE THE GUARDIAN OF KEEP ALDERWEEG” Ben repeated back what he just heard to Kayla. ”GIVE ME TO THE WOMAN” Ben closed his mouth. He had known for months now Kayla was a witch, but one who used her sorcery for his benefit and the others. Still, he did not know how long her good intentions might continue. Unexpectedly he felt a rock in his right hand and he grasped it.
“Rose’s spiralstone? What’s this?” said Ben. Still invisible, Rose giggled from behind Kayla.
“Well at least she’s rid of it,” said Kayla. “The glove must have something to do with the Earl. What are you hearing? Can it answer questions?”
Ben nodded. “It’s been slow to speak. Quick! Get me some of your parchment and a quill and ink. Remember the skinny man? I just had an idea.”

Ben picked out the writing utensils he used for letters to Father Stauk-Flezr while Kayla retrieved her books. The rest of the team finished brushing the fallen coin into the cloakhole now placed in middle of the road. Out of the corners of their eyes they studied Ben and the glove he now wore. Gwenna and her two mercenaries directed the other caravan’s wagons past the congregation in the road. When all was ready Ben set his inked quill to the page and the glove began to write:

IT IS OUR DUTY TO FREE THE KEEP ALDERWEEG FROM THE OPPRESSORS THAT NOW HOLD THE PASS TO ALL FREE LANDS

“Which side are the free lands!” called out Diedre. She, Kayla, and Darius had gathered close to the book. They were the only others who could read. Houshang the stranger watched over Darius’s shoulder intent on watching anyways. Ben repeated the question in his mind.

NEITHER NOW UNTIL WE FREE THE KEEP OF ALDERWEEG.

“Well then, which side was free?” grumbled Darius. Ben tried to repeat the question his head, but the answer came before he began.

THIS SIDE WAS FREE

“What’s it saying? shouted Dalin. Kayla started reading the answers aloud.
“Ask it what it can do!” spoke Rose’s voice.

I CAN OPEN ANY DOOR WITHIN THE KEEP.
I CHASE THOSE WHO ARE EVIL AWAY.
I EMBOLDEN THE GUARDIAN AND THOSE WITH MAGIC I STRENGTHEN.
I ALSO COMMAND WITHIN THE KEEP AND I KNOW THE AURAS OF THOSE WHO ENTER WITHIN

Ben immediately tried to use the last power. Calling on the glove like he did the Gods’ power he scanned for auras. It did not work. “Perhaps it means the powers work only within the Keep?” he said aloud.
“Ask it how often it strengthens the guardian with magic,” said Kayla.
Ben was a little put off. He suddenly realized what the glove had written. Dropping the quill he asked in his mind, “Is it sorcerous magic you command?”
“YES”

Ben screeched. “I don’t want it! Get it off me! It’s sorcery! Likely a trapped demon!”
“GIVE ME TO THE WOMAN” it said in his mind again. Ben’s distrust was all that stopped him.
“Pray tell, what exactly are the gloves powers?” asked Houshang. “Perhaps it needs a magician to properly control the forces within?” The strange man with the funny hat held his hand forth as if to touch the glove. Ben hastily jerked it away.
”GIVE ME TO THE MAN” the voice said.
Ben was confused. He knew virtually nothing about the stranger Whoshang, but he suspected he may be some kind of wizard-in-training like Kayla. Closing his eyes he whispered a little prayer asking for guidance on what to do.
“GIVE ME TO THE MAN” The voice would not shut up.

[howandwhy99]

Deciding the best thing to do was to leave the choice up to the Gods Ben repeated his prayer. Divine energy filled him and the light in his eyes changed. He could see the auras of those around him again. Kayla’s was white, but so was Whoshang’s. “Well that doesn’t help,” thought Ben. The glove was strangely silent. Ben held it up to his face, but saw no aura other than his own. Looking around he noticed Dram’s green aura had turned whiter in nature. Ormand’s too. Ben pulled out the gold ring he had taken from Hanz. It gave no aura either, but that was normal for mundane objects. Looking across the roadway at Hanz he saw the mercenary still had no aura just as before. “Did this ring steal his soul?” thought Ben. He quickly pocketed it again.

“I have prayed for guidance, but received no revelation to help me choose,” Ben said aloud.
“Next time try Thor!” shouted Dram from in back of the crowd.
“Here! Let me take it!” said a voice. Ben felt something grab his gloved hand. Power jolted from the glove outward and he heard a voice in his mind scream in pain. Rose’s now visible smoking form appeared unconscious on the ground in front of him. Ben backed away as others rushed forward to help. Darius channeled healing power into Rose healing her wounds, but she did not wake. Dalin and Ormand carried her into the wagon’s bed. Dram and Darius laid Jakob comatose body next to her.

“I think the glove believed it was being stolen,” said Father Ben. “I probably have to give it up willfully.”
“I agree. That is the wise choice,” said Kayla. “But you must choose a user of magic to wear it.” Ben pondered the situation. There was a discussion on the nature of what the glove might be. During it Houshang admitted to dabbling in the mystical arts. In the end, Ben resolved to choose the lesser evil in his mind though it grieved him to do so.
“Perhaps if one of you agreed to give a donation to the church? Kera is in dire need of a temple.”
”What is this?” shouted Dram. “Some sore of bribe for your Gods?”
Ben looked away embarrassed. “No. But if the owner of the glove rules Keep Alderweg, maybe the new owner could promise to introduce religion in the nearby area?” Both Houshand and Kayla readily agreed to the stipulation.

Ben pondered again. “What Gods do each of you follow?” he asked.
“I grew up learning from Balorn,” said Kayla. “He didn’t really have time for Gods or religion. And I must admit I have learned nothing about them.”
”I’ll teach her!” called out Darius. “I will teach her about the ways of Thor. Will that suffice?” Ben still waffled on what to do which angered the dwarf.
“In my land we have many Gods,” said Houshang. “The wind and sand are venerated.”
“Wind and Sands?” mused Ben. “They are Gods?” The decision was getting more difficult, not easier.
“Listen. I will vouch for Kayla,” said Darius. “That should be enough!”
Grog moved forward and put his hand on the strangers shoulder. “Grog pouch for Whosang

Ben scratched his head trying to think clearly.
“Enough of this! Give it to Kayla!” yelled Darius. “She’s going to get it in the end anyways!” Ben took step back. The dwarf looked ready to fight.
“I-I don’t know…” Darius drew his hammer and moved to a fighting stance as if he were going to smite Ben. The priest cowered.
“Okay! Okay. I will give the glove to Kayla,” said Ben. Looking over to Whoshang he apologized. “I have known her much longer I have you. This is probably the best choice, okay?” The stranger said something in a tongue no one understood.

Ben reached forward with his gloved hand and touched Kayla’s. The glove melded over to her and reformed. The conflict was over.
“Wow!” exclaimed Kayla. “Ben, you were right about the voice in your head!”
“Oh yes! Though it’s not like the voices I normally hear. Or like the voice I heard when…” Ben rambled off looking embarrassed again. He moved away from the group to go bind Rose’s wounds in the wagon.

“FIND THE ENEMY” Kayla heard in her mind.
“Who?” she thought back
“THE OTHER IS THE ENEMY. FEED US THE ENEMY”
“Who is the Other? This Enemy you speak of?”
“THOSE NOT OF THE LIGHT IN THE KEEP”
Kayla conversed in her mind as most of the team watched. She learned the powers she now commanded, beyond those Ben had written of. “Darius,” she called the dwarf near. “It says I will have the ability to hurt flying creatures when in the Keep. I think this Enemy it speaks of might have the same power. You should tell your eagle not to get too close.” Darius nodded and relayed the message.

[howandwhy99]

“How long are we going to be?” asked Gwenna who had walked up the road. “The other caravan’s already left and has a good head start on us.” Another long discussion broke about what to do. Now Kayla had the glove taking back Keep Alderweg was near unavoidable. Gwenna wandered back to Miklesh, Hanz, and the wagons throwing her hands up in frustration.

Ben wanted to stay in Kera and spread the word of the Gods. Kayla felt compelled to conquer the Keep now she wore the glove. Darius wanted to go to the Dwarven Kingdoms. Rose had always said her mission was to go to the Front. Dram wanted to get his brother back. Houshang was mostly interested in counting the gold and finding a way to get more. Grog wanted to kill trolls. And Dalin just wanted to do “Something, please!” Fortunately, their hirelings stayed quiet throughout. In the end they decided to go to Kera to seek aid from the Earl. With any luck they could conquer the keep and save Tankurd.

“I cannot go with you then,” said Darius. “The Dwarven Thanes sent me to Margrave as an ambassador of the Hold. I must go back to give my report.” The rest of the team was stunned. The Dwarves were at least two weeks away. “I will fly south on my eagle and meet you back here. But I must return home,” said Darius. The group conceded to his decision. Plans were made to meet again at the campsite in the mountains in ten days time. The coin was counted out, over twenty pounds of it for each member, and divvied up. Darius mounted, said his goodbyes, and flew off into the sky. The rest of the team regrouped and finally headed back to Kera.
“Grog?” said Houshang. “Please carry me.” The strange foreigner had found his own special mount.


[DAY 104 – Sunday, Sceptre 8th, CY 81]
– [DAY 113 – Feastday, Sceptre 17th, CY 81]

For three days Darius flew south over the mountains on his eagle. He had heard many stories as a child of the dangers in the Hellfurnace peaks and like most Dwarves he had avoided going above ground whenever possible. It was his desire to meet new people and his habit of making quick decisions that ultimately convinced the Thanes to send him to the human lands. But now he was glad to be heading home. During the night Darius slept on the barren lands west of the mountains. He did not even dare to cross over east of the Hellfurnaces when he flew during the day. When he finally recognized the peaks of Thoria, those of his Hold, he thanked Thor for blessing him with a safe trip. As fast as his eagle flew most voyagers never returned from entering the mountains alone.

The Dwarven Kingdoms were the same as they had always been. The floor of the stone cut Hold echoed under his footsteps. Darius’s first appointment was with his family. He gave his sister a gift from the human lands and learned some surprising information. When he had left his Father was being considered to become a Thane. The decision process was still going on. It was all Darius needed to remember how different Dwarven culture was to the human’s. Everything took time to decide. The next day he was allowed to make his report to the Thanes. It took all day as they questioned him ensuring every detail was known about his journey. Darius formally requested they send a contingent to fight at the Front and save County Margrave. He also asked for weapons to be sent, if no soldiers could be. The petition was tabled for further discussion at a later time – which meant any decision would not be reached for many months.

The second day home Darius went to the smiths and showed the headsmith the sword he found in Quesquaton. To his surprise the smith said he did not recognize the mark, but that it looked dwarvenforged. Darius searched through the weapons and shops nearby, but remembered how costly everything was compared to the human lands. He could afford almost nothing. On Thunderday he went to the priests and paid due fealty. From the priests he learned of three holy weapons and of past quests of paladins for renowned weapons. Choosing one, the beginning of a bond was created and he felt its presence far northward. On the last day Darius trained with the Thanes. In the morning before leaving for his journey back north he spoke with his father. Darius was curious about dropping dwarven powder kegs from the back of his eagle. His father said he would look into it when he had more time. With a last wave goodbye he soared up into the air again. Three more treacherous days north and he could reunite with his friends.

[howandwhy99]

The Dwarven Kingdom

Dwarves have a high resistance to magic. They note slopes, slants, new stone work, and depth. They can see in the dark as if in the day. They are a proud race of stout warriors. They wear beards.

Dwarves are on friendly terms with Elves, Humans, Halflings, and Gnomes. They are slightly cooler towards Half-Elves and Hobbits. They hate Orcs, Goblins, and Giants.

The average dwarf stands four feet tall, stocky of build, weigh 150 lbs, shoulders very broad, their skin is ruddy tan, brown, or gray. hair ranges from brown, red, and gray to stark white. and are of various types (hill the most common, mountain the next most, and burrowers aka gnomes). Gnomes are slightly smaller, thinner, and more gray in skin tone and hair color.

Dwarves work well with their hands in making things to help them reshape or reform their homes.

The Kingdom of Thoria is the ancestral home to most dwarves the party will encounter in Margrave. The Kingdom has a standard array of 16 city blocks. It has been said that if you've seen one dwarven city, you've seen them all. Nothing could be more true. Once a dwarf finds something he likes, he stick with it. Dwarves leave architectural fantasies to other races, who enjoy that sort of thing. Dwarves like utility. The 16 City blocks roughly described are
1) Gatehouse
2) Great Hall
3) Kings Wall Corner I
4) Kings Wall Gate
5) Kings Wall I
6) Kings Wall II
7) Kings Wall Corner II
8) Court of Thanes
9) Residence
10) Transport Shaft
11) Wharf
12) Great Temple
13) Dungeons
14) Smithy
15) Transport Machinery
16) Gardens

The Government/ Ruling Council: The Overthane rules the city. Darius Great, great Uncle is the current Overthane. The 6 other thanes handle the day to day events and report to the Overthane. These thanes are Hornfel of Clan Hylar, Realgar of Clan Theiwar, Rance of Clan Daergar, Gneiss of Clan Daewar, Tufa of Clan Klar, and Bluph of the Gnomes.

What Darius knows:

Darius's GgUncle is getting on in years. Soon (within the next 20 or so years) he will have to consider stepping aside. Traditionally the next member in line would be his choosing. Darius's Father has his Great Uncle's favor. But most if not all but 1 Overthane have come from the ranks of true War chieftains ... previous thanes. Darius's father is thane of the clan. But still most decision fall on the Great Uncle by default of his position as Overthane. (you can read more in background about how this Clan is a working clan. One with many smiths.)

Hornfel is the father of another great dwarven Hero, Arman Kharas Hylar. He is a cautious leader and a veteran of wars.

Realgar believes himself destined to become Overthane and pursues his goal with all available means. He wants the dwarves to become a power to be feared by the Humanoids in the mountains.

Rance is an angry war chieftain and vicious fighter who plays dirty at every opportunity. He is a dangerous man, but his temper and lack of control keep him from being the leader he dreams of being.

Gneiss is a war chieftain who administers his realm with a professional hand. He is calm and steady, but not an inspiring leader. His Clan admire and respect him, but do not love him.

Tufa is a modest, though respected man. His Clan is at the bottom of the chain. They perform most of the menial tasks. He works to improve their lot. He is allied with Hornfel.

Bluph has great dignity and feels himself destined to be the first Gnome Overthane. He is considered to be a genius. He is much beloved and a great Hero himself.

Holy Weapons of the Dwarvish Faith

There is a legend of an Axe of the Dwarvish Lords. There is also another one concerning Moradin's Hammer, a replica of which the Lord Thane holds. And yet another involving Splinterstrike... a blade used to kill multitudes of Orcs.

The stories told in his youth about the Axe include tales of great battles fought. The axe wielded by some great warrior or other. And with the death of the warrior. Usually also in the battle. It vanished. Only to be found or used again in another tale.

The Hammer made the dwarven race. By Moradin's hand. It was used also to chisel a place in the mountains and hills for the people. When hurled it causes a loud boom/thunder and boosts morale of all dwarves while causing fear in their enemies. Every parent has told the tale of Moradin's Hammer to his/her offspring at one time or other. And it is partially mentioned at the opening of every prayer and council session.

Splinterstrike killed the last Hordeking Orc Garnash. It was also stolen by the Orcs after the battle. And is one of the reasons dwarves hate orcs so.

[howandwhy99]

The team spent the rest of the day and all day Sunday returning to Kera City. By the time they had purchased rooms at The Wyvern Rose was up and walking again. However, Darius’s friend ‘the monk’ was still unconscious and healing slowly. He was put in a bed to sleep as soon as they arrived. Rose collected everyone else into the second bedroom, for a surprise.
“I believe my powers are growing,” she said. “It’s something unusual. I feel like they are coming in bits and spurts. I’m… I am not quite sure what will happen if I train and try to control them. It could be dangerous.” Ben wondered if this meant she was going through puberty.
“Are you growing taller?” he asked.
“No. It’s not that. The problem is, if I don’t try and control these changes… Well, the forces within me may explode out chaotically.”
“Perhaps they could be controlled through magic?” suggested Kayla.
Rose’s eyes sparkled. “Oh yes! It may be possible for you to use this in your magic. You could release the force and substitute it in your magic rituals.”

Ben was stunned. “I’m not so sure,” said Kayla.
“It would be like tapping the magics of the queen of the wild!” Rose was getting more excited by the idea. “It would be dangerous though. There would be an effective backwash into the user giving you some of the power as well. But the effects could be truly wonderful! I can’t say what, but the power created would…”
“No, Rose” said Kayla cutting her off.
“It is true Fey Magic is highly addictive to humans,” Rose continued on. “So we might want to start with small amounts. I would want to be able to heal the flesh taken anyways.”
“Absolutely not!” said Ben. “I will not allow this to happen!”
“But? What about in a last ditch effort? If there was no other way?” Rose pleaded.
“Give up our faith in truth and purity? To give side with chaos when things are at their darkest?”
That ended the conversation. Ben did not hear Rose talk about her proposal after that and he could only hope she would forget it.

For the next week the team studied and trained. Father Ben made a makeshift shrine in the bedroom next to Jakob’s body, so he could watch over him while praying. In the evenings he continued his preaching in the streets. Kayla and Diedre who spent their time reading watched Jakob when Ben was out. Gwenna, Miklezh and Hanz were still being paid and took residence at a cheaper inn across town. Grog simply lazed around the common room the entire week eating and carousing with Dalin and Dram in the evenings. Sermonizing in front of The Wyvern, Ben took notice of the comings and goings of the rest of the team as the week progressed. Dram, Dalin, and Rose explored the city and the stranger Houshang had all but disappeared. A bargain had been made with the foreigner shortly after Darius left. He would join the team and fight with them against Adlerweg. What his reasons for allying were Ben could not say.

Dram found a moneylender for reasonable rates and helped the rest of the team switch over from heavy coin to lighter gems to ease traveling with the treasure. Then he purchased an extra strong bow for himself and another for his Ormand the Redd He ordered Ormand to continue watching the horses in the stables. Oddly his hireling was more than willing to go back. When not training with Dalin in swordsmanship, Dram spent a lot of his time at the Dead Horse tavern alone. He had some plans in mind and was looking to purchase a little assistance. Unfortunately, the bard never did return, but Dram he did meet other patrons and heard several different rumors.

“An orc ‘nd gobbo army are up in the pass. They’re commander is a giant and they’re attacking the keep the trolls took over.”
“There is a new businessman in town. The word is, he has purchased one of the inns and is looking for help to run it. Ten to one the Earl will seize the property soon.”
“The Earl? Oh, he’s a shrewd one that one. Spends all day in ‘is palace and all night in the city below. Keeps tight control on everything ‘round ‘ere if ya know what I mean.”

One evening Houshang showed up inside The Wyvern with a stunningly beautiful woman on his arm. Father Ben was outside preaching, but he saw him through the bay window approach some of his teammates individually. When Ben went inside for dinner he found himself propositioned by the stranger. “Ah Father Benedict. Just the man I was looking for. How would you like to double your treasure? I have a hot new business deal and am looking for investors.”
Ben noticed Houshang was carrying a newly made spear. “What exactly is your business?” he asked.
“Just a little something on the side. I’ve have a few things I’m planned, but first let me introduce you to Kepala.” Houshang gestured to the dusky woman Ormand the Redd was clearly drooling over. “She will be overseeing the female services.”
“I see,” said Ben. “I would advise against this. There are laws and customs in our land prohibiting such activities. Perhaps your culture handles this differently where you’re from?”
“We’re not all followers of Ben’s beliefs,” said Dram cutting in.
“Are you serious Father?” Houshang looked truly surprised. “Grog has been quite successful in Kusnir. And Kera looks ripe for the plucking.”
To one side Ormand was shyly talking to Kepala’s. “You’re not married, are you””
“HEY!” shouted Houshang. “She is my woman. Get your own.” Ben used the opportunity to sneak upstairs and finish his meal in peace.

[howandwhy99]

Ormand went back to the stables for another long night alone. Living in the stables had grown on him ever since he learned of the adjoining inn, however. Near the rear door he discovered some of the stablehands. Talking to them, he learned they had overseen Pax’s death. “Yeah,” said one, “me and my friends watched as the straw haired woman and her sons entered. Then reeeal slowly the blue man came afterwards. You could tell he was up to no good. They went over to their horse and the big man came down the ladder. Then he made his move, ran over to the door, and outside. A bunch of the woman’s sons chased after.”
“Did you hear anything? Any names?” asked Ormand.
“Well, the two chaps the big man was with? They scuffled up top. One yelled out ‘YOU TRAITOR!’ and the other fell to the floor dead.”
“Wait. You’re saying the traitor was slain?” asked
”Oh yeah! Stabbed him deep too. There was lots and lots of blood. Then the sons came back in and beat up the other one. It was rough stuff, but no weapons. I think they did it for fun and just left him for dead. As soon as they took off we ran and told the guards. You should know I was the one who reported ‘em.” The boy held out his hand awaiting his reward. Ormand ran back to The Wyvern to tell Dram.

When he heard the news Dram was furious. Father Ben watched as he and Dalin stormed out to the street. Ben chased after them to find out what happened. Dram and Dalin went to the small inn where the mercenaries stayed. Inside they questioned the three remaining mercenaries. Ben quietly observed to make sure they did not hurt any of the hirelings. Mishek and Gwenna knew nothing of the rumor or the events of the night in question. When Hanz was brought forward, however, Dram could barely contain his anger. Dalin began relating the story of Ormand had heard from the stableboys. “What we want to know,” he finished, “is did you kill Ensler?”
”DID YOU MURDER HIM IN COLD BLOOD!” shouted Dram. “WAS IT ALL A SETUP? YOU’RE WORKING WITH HER, AREN’T YOU!?”
Hanz crumpled in on himself and started bawling. Ben studied his reaction. Hanz looked honestly ashamed to him. “Maybe I did?” said Hanz. “Maybe I did it all?” He howled and sobbed uncontrollably. It was difficult to learn anything else him, but the mercenary did claim not to know of working for Lavinia. In the end Hanz was left under Gwenna’s supervision. The questioning had led to fewer answers than hoped.

During her time in Kera Rose explored the city looking at the strange creatures within. The variety of humans and other mixed races behaved quite differently than they did in Margrave. Feeling sorry for the short-lived folk, she decided to use her bits of metal to help them. Entering the slavepits alone, Rose felt strangely at home among the bound slaves. As she looked them over she recognized a commonality within herself. It was still difficult for her to relate to a world where beating was wrong. Then she remembered Tankurd and Rose called over a slave driver. “Do you have any smiths available?” she asked.
“No, but lemme know if ya find one. They’re gettin’ more popular.”
“Trained guards perhaps?” There were three on hand. “What about exotics?”
The grubby man looked Rose over. “Ya like Elf?”
“That will do,” said Rose. “But what about children?”
”Oh plenty. And cheap.” Rose politely thanked the man and walked over to watch the auction.

A short time later a male Elf was brought out and strapped to the auction board. He looked different than the ones Rose had trained with in the forest. He had blue tinted skin just like Rose’s, but with green hair. She bid on him and the price went up and up, from five gold to fifty. “One hundred gold pieces!” she shouted. Rose won. The Elf was released and brought to her side in chains. Using the Elven tongue Rose learned he was something called a ‘River Elf’ and had amphibious gills for breathing underwater. She wanted to ask more questions, but the auction had begun again. Over the next few hours, Rose purchased the three trained guards and then six human children between the ages of ten and twelve. When she took them up above to the streets, Rose questioned each of the adults in turn. All the slaves were silent and very compliant to her commands, all but one that is. One adult male was particularly rude. Rose thought she recognized goblin features in his face and manner. Splitting up her remaining coin, only about fifty gold pieces, Rose let the half-goblin go free with a quarter portion. When he had left, she divided up the six children: two to each of the remaining adults. “In return for your freedom and this metal, this gold, you are each ordered to watch over your new children. You will raise them into adults as if they were your own. Do you understand?” The slaves could not quite believe her at first. But then they gladly agreed. When she left the new families in the street Rose wondered how the river Elf might raise his two new human children. “What a fun and interesting childhood that will be!”

The day before the team was to leave Kera, Rose went back to the Earl’s castle. Inside she found him sitting alone on his throne. Pleased to see the Fey again, the Earl asked Rose several questions who in return answered each fully and without discretion. She reported on the Keep, the spiralstone, the weapon crates, the glove, how the glove was found, and who and where the new wearer was. When she was done four sinister looking men moved out from behind the room’s pillars. All were short and had similar pointy features like the Earl’s. Rose was congratulated and sent to see the quartermaster again. There she was given fifty gold. Instead of spending it on more slaves she decided to purchase nonmetal weapons for herself instead: a long whip, three nets, and some unusual balls that had struck her fancy called bolas.

The next morning Ben realized Jakob was still unfit for travel. Deciding to stay one more day in Kera, the whole heard gossip spreading like wildfire though the streets. “Rumor ‘as it, the Earl ‘as left for the Keep with ‘is esteemed army.” Some in the crowd laughed. “While the mouse is away the cats will play!” Ben had been preaching in the streets every day and had seen no army leave or even gather. In fact, the streets still looked full of able-bodied people to him. In the evening Dalin came back to The Wyvern with a stranger in tow. “I’ve been doing pretty well in the gambling arena, so I thought I’d hire a specialist to help us break into the Keep.” Dalin pointed down at a chubby little man with hairy feet and big grin. He was even shorter than Rose, barely three feet tall. “Say hello to my little friend!” said Dalin. Later they learned his name was Farnid and came from a community of littlefolk just outside the city.

[howandwhy99]

During the night Jakob finally recuperated from his injuries. Early in the morning the team gathered up all its members, followers, mercenaries, horses, and the wagon and left the city for Adlerweg. Using the shortcut again it took them two days to return to the campsite in the mountains. Darius was there waiting. Camp was made and they settled in around the fire. “Thor has given me another quest,” said Darius. “It is for a great weapon. One that belongs to the Dwarves.” His soul was now tied to the weapon and he could feel its distance. Conferring with Rose, she placed it near the Front close to where she had left. “There is something else,” said Darius. “After speaking with the Thanes I believe the Earl is not the original guardian of Keep Alderweg.” This was good news. The team believed they might be able to claim the Keep as their own, if they conquered it. Kayla related the rumor about the Earl’s army having left Kera. Rose called down a little bird to check on the castle. Fortunately, she remembered to bring seeds for the bird this time. It flew back and confirmed the presence of men. Then Rose told the rest of the team about her meeting with the Earl and about the strange men behind the pillars. Some were angered by her reporting on the team. She was told not to be as open with information in the future. The group resolved to approach Adlerweg carefully in the morning. Watch was set.

Shortly after falling asleep the first watch spotted four torches coming down from the mountain pass. The whole team was quickly woken and armored. Darius counted six horses with riders. “Hail!” he called out.
“Hail on the road. There is trouble ahead. The keep is taken!” shouted a voice.
“Who are you?”
“We are the Earl’s men!”
Darius saw the figures stop and take swords in hand. “Sheath your weapons,” he called back.
“No. You sheath yours! Who addresses us?”
“We are here to help the Earl,” shouted Dalin over by the fire.
“Good! Send some men forward.”

Darius walked forward and Rose followed him with a torch. The two stopped when they could see all six riders in the torchlight. Each carried a thin sword and wore leather armor. Rose recognized one from the Earl’s throne room. All six had similar pointed features like the Earl’s. “We’ve run into some trouble ahead,” said the lead rider. “Perytons.”
“You mean the deerbirds?” asked Rose.
“We’ve dispatched them. It should be safe for now. But the Keep holds many gnolls. And a giant troll. It is larger than any I have ever seen.”
“Uh oh” said Darius.
“We’re going back to Kera for more reinforcements.”
”Your eighteen are not enough?” exclaimed Rose.
“How did you know our number?” accused the man.
“I counted your hoofprints.”
”What about the secret entrance?” asked Darius.
“Guarded. No entrance lies unguarded. The gates are down. We attacked, but have lost many men.”
“We need the glove,” said another rider.

Rose looked around innocently. “We have brought the glove,” called out Darius. “We are the reinforcements.”
“Uh… Okay,” said the leader. “Perhaps… Let us go ahead and send for the Earl’s reply.” He called on a lieutenant to ride back to the Keep. The other five stayed.
“What’s your heritage?” asked Rose bluntly.
“Our family crest is Lycanthra,” said the leader. “We have a large family. The Lycanthra are widely known in Kera. Even the Earl belongs to Lycanthra. Tell me. How did you know about the gnolls?”
“We have encountered them before,” said Darius. “They over took Orlain. We learned they were paid to come down from this Keep and enslave the townsfolk there.” Darius pulled out the shield with the gnoll’s tankard emblem on it and showed it to the riders.
“This mercenary band will be added to the list.”
”Where are my manners? I am Rose and this is Darius the Dwarf. What are your names?”
“I am Sargath Lycanthra,” said the leader. “My lieutenant is Nupa.” The other four riders were left unnamed.

Darius and Rose invited the men to stay with them at the campsite until morning. Back at the fire, the rest of the team had overheard the conversation. There was little wind that evening. Going back to sleep the double watch was reset. This time they kept an eye on the soldiers more than anything the surrounding mountainside. The five riders sat around the fire and sharpened their swords. Not one rider slept the entire evening.

[howandwhy99]

[DAY 114 – Weddingday, Sceptre 18th, CY 81]

In the morning, after prayers and study were completed, the caravan moved higher into the mountains. After an hour two peryton carcasses were passed on the road. Both bodies were peppered with arrows. Darius called upon his eagle to check the nest above. Three eggs lay inside. “Should I collect them for food?” asked the eagle. Darius told it not to. Traveling farther, the team was about fifteen minutes from the Keep when more riders were spotted on the road ahead. It was the Earl and Lieutenant Nupa. Fifteen more men followed them on horseback. All had the same Lycanthra features. The Earl stopped the withdrawal and addressed the team.

“The resistance is tough. We cannot get inside the Keep. But Nupo here says you have the glove.”
”Yes, we do,” answered Ben.
“Did you see the troll?” shouted Dalin from in back.
“Yes. It threw large stones at us from up on the Keep.”
”What exactly was your plan when you left to invade?” asked Darius.
The Earl squinted. “We came to the Keep to enter it by force. And to use this.” He held up one hand. On it was a white glove similar to the one Kayla wore.
“Another glove?” said Dalin.
“Yes, the Sentinel and the Enemy. There are three gloves.” Ben asked what his glove was named. “It has no name. It is the Earl’s glove. The enemies have the Enemy inside… which is very bad. The Sentinel was designed to destroy the Enemy. But you will need to get close to do so.” The Earl spotted the Sentinel on Kayla’s hand.

“Grog!” called out Houshang. “You should fight the troll for us. With your sword.”
”Grog here for that reason specifically.”
“Well… good,” said Houshang. “I have a plan. We can call out the troll to have an honor duel in front of the Keep. Grog, you can fight it in Giant-form and if you are doing poorly, we’ll jump in and finish him off!”
“How would that be honorable?” asked Darius.
“What does this have to do with honor? We want to win back the Keep!” said Houshang. The two began arguing about honor and the heights and strengths of those who wielded Grog’s sword.
“Wouldn’t Grog need to wear the glove, if he fought the Giant troll?” asked Darius. The argument turned to tactics.
“Maybe we should storm the Keep with the doors open this time?” said Kayla holding up her glove.
“I could attack the troll with my eagle from above to stop the boulder tossing,” said Darius.
“What about the army on the other side of the pass?” pointed out Dram. The Earl’s ears perked up at this last. Ben had a few questions of his own.

Father Ben: “Who created the Gloves if you know that the Sentinel was designed to destroy this "enemy" glove? Was the enemy glove held by the previous Keep Castellan? Who was that person? Perhaps you could describe their features for us. Tall? Thin?”

Earl: "A man of the cloth.(smiles.. not a very nice smile) Father or is it Vicar? No matter. The Sentinel and this glove (shows the one on his hand again) were created many years ago by a crazy old fool. He said it was needed to stem the forces of evil. What could my family do, but fund such an endeavor? Supposedly, a similar crazy old coot did the same for the Lord of the land on the other side of Mount Spira. A very good ploy and one which cost the old man his life for swindling us of our riches. However, one is never to disregard the insane. So we placed one glove in the Keep and one with my ancestor. Turns out the one in the Keep had powers dissimilar to this one. Those of magic could call on these powers. One by one the seneschal of Keep Alderweg seemed to always be replaced by another of similar powers. Eventually the attack never came from The Enemy. So the position of seneschal was deemed too expensive and unnecessary. The guild took over the commerce and toll at the Keep. The seneschal retired to a manor to the West. I guess the Old Fool was right."

Father Ben: “Do you know of a merchant woman named Livinia? We have reason to believe she and her sons are inside and working against Kera and with the Trolls and Gnolls.”

Earl: "Lavinia, I know well. She and I have traded on several occasions. It does not surprise me to hear she gained access. She has a way with magic herself. She has no love of gnolls or their leaders. But she would also not be afraid to trade with them either. My guess is she has probably come down from the Mountains already. Perhaps even returned to Harling."

Rose asked the Earl how he knew she was of the Fae since they have little contact with these lands and few had even heard of one let alone recognize one on sight.

Those of the Earl's men not already armed drew their weapons.

Sargath: "Be careful little lady how you address the Earl." As if the light was playing with your eye, some of the men who were injured seem to grow longer hairier features and then return to normal. Their wounds almost gone.

Must be the light. Or else the blood wasn't theirs.

"Sargath, Sargath, Sargath.....” Dram muttered under his breath. The name was driving him crazy. Dram whispered to Kayla while keeping a watchful eye on the weapon brandishing and posturing, “Sister Kayla, the Earl and his men are of an odd appearance. They strike me as almost ratlike. I find it a strange coincidence that the imposter we mistook for Elian assumed the shape of a rat. Any thoughts?" The fact that the Earl had even had business dealings with Livinia placed further suspicions in Dram's mind.

Kayla whispered back to Dram as quietly as she could, "No matter my feelings on it, I think we need him as much as he needs us right now."

[howandwhy99]

Darius stepped forward to the Earl and Rose. His hands were out and palms open, no weapons raised. "She meant no harm, I assure you my friends. She was simply curious as to how the Earl was familiar with a being so unusual as herself. I am sure she intended no slight towards His Majesty“. Darius bowed before the Earl. "Darius Kord, Diplomat of the Dwarven Kingdoms of Thoria, and Liaison to the Council of Thanes."

Earl: "Well met, Sir Darius. As you are most assuredly well aware duties at court have at times drawn me to mingle with those of many races. Yours included. (He smiles broadly) And when this deed is done I will most likely have to attend to court dealings again to report the cost of this expedition. All help you may offer to defer the expenditures will surely be appreciated."

Darius: "That is why we are here, my lord, to assist you in the reclaiming of your keep and to allow free passage for the merchants that bring wealth and prosperity to your lands. I find it imperative to make sure that you and your people are not restrained because of this incursion by the gnolls. When the gates open, what is your plan of attack, so that we may best assist you, my lord?"

Earl "My thanks. To best assault the Keep I propose a two pronged attack. Using the glove, open the gates, then the doors inside the gates. My men and I shall attack the barracks. While you and your troop, secure the dungeons. The dungeons are around the side your lady scout mentioned. It will be a hard fought battle I'm sure for both our forces. Once an area is secured, send what troops to aid the other."

Houshang spoke up: "Humbly, milords - if these creatures are active in the night, they must place watches during the day, and a mid-morning attack would be most likely to catch those not on watch in deep slumber."

He mutters under his breath, gesturing to Grog. "Although I still feel we should engage their captain singly, and thereby shatter their morale before entering this deathtrap.

Darius: "Do you know what we might be expected to find in the dungeons? My other concern is this troll you spoke of. His appearance in any side of the battle with our forces split would make a difficult battle impossible... that is a concern we'd best prepare ourselves for. Do you know anything about this creature specifically?"

Earl: "Cells, many, many cells. Places to store resources in case of siege. The well. I'm sure they also have guards there too.

I've hoped that by taking out the troll's army we would have a better chance to assault the area above. I don't know much about him. He is a large brute. Bigger than any trolls I've yet seen or heard about. Also with us inside it will make it harder for him to throw stones at us."

Darius: "I cannot fault your logic, my lord. I just worry about splitting our forces, without knowing just how many creatures we can expect. However, it is possible that we can expect the bulk of their forces to be at the main gates, as they have already endured an attack and will likely bolster those locations. The dungeons might actually be lacking some of the gnolls they would normally have."

Houshang grumbled some more and turned to Rose. "Do you think there might be an entrance through the well?" Turning to Kayla, gesturing at her gloved hand - "Perhaps the Sentinel knows of a surprise access point? Anything to avoid a direct assault, I pray."

Darius to the Earl: "Another option might be to enlist the aid of the orcs and such on the other side, depending on whom they swear allegiance to. Or perhaps get their assistance in exchange for allowing them to leave Kera alive."

Darius turned quiet. He got the impression the Earl's logic was flawed. The other fighting men in the party felt the same. The Earl sounded like he was making his plans up on the spot, more fantasy than reality. “Especially when you consider what Houshang mentioned about approaching in the open,” pondered Darius to himself.

Darius: "Perhaps, my lord, either a stealth attack, or a direct challenge between champions would be better for this. If I may grant you my advice and council in the arts of war, I would be glad to assist you in the plan of attack."

Houshang arched an eyebrow while the diplomat stole his plan and proposed it to the Earl. While Darius and the Earl talked things over, Houshang quietly tapped Dram on the shoulder and attempted to take him aside, to whisper the following: "Barbarian, it seems plain to me that anyone with eyes in his head may see the Earl wishes to bridge the moat with our bodies, if you take my meaning. He may not hate us, but I doubt he would mourn our loss. I for one do not wish to throw my life away, and remember barbarian that your brother might still be held captive within, so do not risk your life needlessly, I beg. I believe we should keep a close watch on our backsides, and if you shall guard mine, I shall guard yours, and my friend Grog shall watch over us both. We must avoid any plan that calls for our charging through open doors in front of the Earl and his men."

In response to Houshang's quiet pleadings Dram assured him that a full frontal assault against a well defended stone keep was never in his plans. "I have fought side-by-side with Grog, broken bread, shared ale and wenches. He has trusted me enough to let me wield his mighty sword. The bond of our friendship has been forged in the heat of battle. We've already got each other’s backs. I reckon he fancies you, stranger from &%$#^%%^, and a friend of Grog's is a friend of mine. My brother may or may not be inside. I am not wholly convinced one way or the other. But I do not plan on dying in this place."

Rose: “Your accent is horrible. I believe it's pronounced $@)&$*!$@%”

Grog: “Grog already hungry. Grog not think we last too long ourselves up here in mountains without food and water. Grog not understand waiting for trolls to starve when Grog starving already.”

“Grog also wonder if Earl happy destroying own Keep. Grog know he not want his place burned down.”

The Earl’s ears pricked up listening to the side conversation. When Grog’s voice boomed he looked back at Darius and answered the paladin’s question: “Yes, your plan does have merit. Perhaps we should fallback to a more secure area and discuss this more. I'll leave a couple men here to observe the Keep and fetch us if something amiss occurs."

Darius agreed with the Earl to fall back and discuss the attack further. "I think we should include some of my compatriots on this plan. All of them have seen more than their fair share of combat, save Jacob, and possibly Houlsfang. However, it was Houlsfang's ideas for a challenge or a sneak attack. Let me introduce you to the rest of the group."

Darius gave the first name of each of the other members gathered around in the road carefully watching the Earl’s reaction to each.

Dram winked at the paladin and said, "Ormand and I will stay back with the Earl's sentries. We will help keep an eye on things." Dram did not want any of the Earl's men out of sight of the party at any time. He whispered to Dalin, "I do not favor a frontal assault. I trust your judgment in the planning." He secretly drew his dagger but kept it hidden under his cloak.

[howandwhy99]

Sargath assigned two men to stay behind and watch the Keep. Dram and Ormand the Redd stayed as well. Gwenna and Mishek turned the wagon around. And then they, the rest of the team, the Earl, Sargath, Nupo, and the remaining fourteen soldiers descended down the mountain pass. The ride took about an hour and a half before reaching the campsite just after midday. As they traveled conversation continued.

Darius rode on his horse next to the Earl. “What type of relations do you have with County Margrave?” he asked.

Earl: "Oh, pardon my manners. I guess I did forget to inform you of how we owe (sarcasm) so much to County Margrave. We trade with them routinely and relie on them for all our agriculture needs. The Count and my sire go way back. Well that is until my sire's unfortunate death.”

“But be that as it may we still protect the Mountain borders for the southern parts of County Margrave."

Darius: "My lord, would you be opposed to the idea of the Keep being manned by the dwarves, if I could arrange a... profitable situation for all parties involved? I cannot promise anything, but I might have a plan that would work..."

Earl: "I would not be adverse to that at all. In fact, it would be most appreciated. Do you have an idea about when the dwarves will be here?"

Darius: "None. I would have to travel there, make the proposal, and see how quickly they wish to act on this. Depending on various matters, it could take as little as a month... and as long as a year. That's why I am only offering it as a suggestion. If I were to leave now, I could be at the Dwarven kingdom in 4 days. Any force would take two weeks to arrive, minimum."

Back near the Keep Dram examined the two rat-faced men he had elected to stay behind with.

They were both mounted, wearing studded leather, cloak, carrying short swords, several daggers, and a short bow with a dozen arrows. Both horses were light warhorses better trained and outfitted than either Dram’s or Ormand's.

Positioning himself and Ormand behind the Earl’s two men, Dram struck up a conversation, "So, it was pretty rough last night, eh? What time did you make your assault? What was the plan of attack? Surely the Earl knows of ways to enter his own Keep besides the front door? What should we be looking out for here?"

They looked at each other and then one turned to Dram while the other turned back to the Keep.

"We struck about 2 hours ago. Before the light crested over the mountain. The Earl thought to open the gate with his glove and then we would dispatch the gnolls in their sleep. But some reason they were ready. And we fought touch and go. The men on the roof got pressed in by the Troll.”

“We don't go to the Keep much. And the Earl even less. We believe the gnolls took advantage of that fact.”

“Keep your eyes for a reprisal attack. When it comes ride like the wind."

Back on the road Kayla looked as though she was thinking very carefully about something. In a moment she looked up and said, "There are numerous ways into the Keep. The three on this level. One more on a sidetrail going partway up. And two in the Depths of the Earth. One is wet and the other more treacherous. Also access on the roof by way of flight. And I must warn you the Enemy is within."

Darius noted what Kayla just said. "A subterranean route... it sounds as if one must go through the well... I wonder where the other one comes up at... can you tell us more Kayla?"

Houshang nodded his head once, slowly. "The treacherous way - what more can you tell about it? It might be a wise plan to have a feint at the gates of the keep with the Earl's men, while we seek access from below, and take them from behind, by surprise."

Kayla shook her head. “This is all have garnered so far. Give me some more time and I will tell you what I learn. I think at least one entrance should be promising for us.”

The Earl had a few words with Houshang on the way to safety. The Earl's men made sure the conversation was private.

At the camp the Earl's men seemed rather pleased with themselves. None showed any signs of injury now. After a head count, Sargath reported having lost 4 men so far to the first assaults on the Keep not counting the 2 men still with Dram and Ormand.

The Earl told them of his glove’s failure to open the gates. Of the ambush by the gnolls. And a pitched battle of arrows and boulders. Some of his men did scale the walls. Those were the ones now missing. Nupo reported having seen them fall to the Troll as he led that foray.

Rations wise the Earl's men had enough for themselves for another 5 days. Water was another matter. With the horses water wouldn't last 2 days.

[howandwhy99]

At the campsite, Darius spoke with the party off to the side. He asked the Earl to excuse them for just a moment, stating that they had personal business to discuss that they would not want to bore the lord with.

After they sat down, he seemed to peer closely at Houshang and Jacob, then breathed a sigh a moment before going forward.

"Basically, what we know is this... All the information we have on the keep is over a week old. We know what happened before, and we know that at some point Lavinia was here, but aside from that, we know only what the Earl has told us, and he was unable to penetrate into the keep. So our knowledge of what is inside from a personnel perspective is unreliable at best."

Darius looked around at the rest of the party.

"What we do know is that there are factions within the dwarven kingdom that would be very willing to remove the gnolls and troll from the keep. They have the means to cut off all supplies going in and out of the keep. We would need to be present when it comes time to invade the keep because of the glove, but aside from that, we have little chance of taking a well fortified keep with our current forces, sneak attack or not. The gnolls have already shown themselves familiar with the secret passages of the keep... I do not think that we can assume that they will be ignorant of the underground passages as well. To do so would invite death."

Darius pulled out his sword and looked at the balance, and checked the sharpness of the blade. He also checked his armor and made sure no immediate repairs were needed.

"I am no longer your commander, only your friend. I would trust most of you with my life. Whatever you choose, I will abide by. My first thoughts were of glorious battle, calling Thor's name as I smote gnoll and troll with sword and hammer. As I think of it more, however, I feel that such a mission might to the death of one of my friends. We have already seen death enough on this journey, and I have already had to bury a trustworthy squire. I do not wish to bury any more of my friends, if I can help it."

Darius turned to each person in the circle.

"If anyone else can recall pertinent information that would assist us, please share it now."

Houshang nodded solemnly, pulling back the hood to reveal a shaven and completely tattooed (in a strange spider-like script) head. His eyes, a light green, rested on Darius as he spoke with lowered voice. "We know more, Chosen of your Gods. The witch has told us "the enemy" - the counterpart glove - is within. Do you believe that this Livinia controls this glove? If so, then she is surely within."

He looked around at the fighters, and continued. "We also know the Earl and his men have been repulsed by the fortified enemy, and that another enemy lies on the other side of the keep. We believe that the barbarian's brother may be held captive within, for which I am willing to endure a small amount of risk to gain entry. It would seem with the glove - " he gestured at Kayla, "that we have an advantage. The sentinel knows of secret ways, she has told us. Whether these ways are secret to those inside the keep or not, their attention is fixed on us here, outside, at the gate, with the Earl's men. A diversion with the Earl's men can easily continue, though they must obtain supplies in order to continue their farce, while we employ the spider-ways below and obtain the Keep in secrecy. And even if we cannot obtain the keep in secrecy, the sentinel can open the gates and allow the Earl's men entry should those within turn their attention to us below. And, above all, narrow ways are to our advantage, being smaller in number AND size - remember that. Our advantages we must be able to perceive and capitalize on. It is the Way."

Houshang sighed and pulled his hood back over his bald head, leaning once more on his large pike. "I shall not perish here, my new friends, and I hope that you shall not choose to, either. Their is, however, the other alternative: a direct combat. I believe the Sentinel is protected fairly well, yes? From archers too? If so, it would be a simple task for her to draw them out of the keep into an ambush of our choosing. Or there is the idea of a challenge combat between the Troll and Grog, although with the presence of this Livinia you speak of, it is in doubt if the Troll leads them still. Especially if the Enemy glove is present within the keep."

Grog (softly): "Grog like this whisper game. Grog know Grog hungry. Grog not have food for much longer if we don't do sumpin. Grog know even Grog not big enough to open gate without help."

Dalin: "My training and experience does not cover seige of a keep. Instead I am most suited for personal combat or small skirmishes. I wish I had more to offer in the way of suggestions, but it seems to me if we are to engage the enemy we will be doing so on their terms. Anything we can do to shift that in our favor, such as surprise attacks, seems like the best idea, if picking this fight is the best idea at all."

Houshang grunted. "I am no leader - but someone must decide, and soon. The Earl grows impatient . . . so what shall it be? Do we search for Livinia and Tankurd, and this halfling's relatives, within Adlerweg keep? Or do we pursue a different course of action? Clearly, to leave, will highlight each of us poorly in the Earl's eyes. But I am unknown in these lands, and the Earl's opinions of my battle prowess do not concern me overmuch. Though I have pledged my aid and friendship to both Grog and Dram personally, and I would see their quests fulfilled if I am able."

Father Benedict Selzkin peered around at the others. He was nervous and unsure of himself, but stage whispered among the group nonetheless. "Whooshang is right. He voices the heart of the matter. What shall we do and how shall we do it? The Dwarves have received our call for aid. County Margrave is in dire trouble. The battle at the front is by all signs going poorly for our Lord. Friends in the towns to the South are unruly and in this Earldom two-faced indeed. Many men in this city, slave or not, should be fighting the good fight in the North.”

“If I am right, the forces of the enemy have reached the far side of Keep Adlerweg. Joining with them to overthrow it would be contradictory to our aim. Right now the fortress appears impregnable; held by both troll, gnoll, and Giant-kin. It stops what evil lies to the East from invading the Earl's land. The Earl and his men alone will not overcome it without time and aid. Evil fights Evil fights Evil.”

“As with Hamfest supplying weapons to the Lord's soldiers, we see the weakness of such chaotic allegiances. It seems these are times when those of pure heart must choose between opponents. Though the forces of darkness surround us they remain at odds with each other. The greatest strength of the just is in unity. Our belief in goodness grants us this gift: of friendship, of courage. Let us choose our course and choose wisely.”

“I have seen the faces of the people of Kera and my heart goes out to them. I wish they had freedom, and justice, and faith. If I had but the time and conviction I would plant the seeds of my life here to build such a lasting treasure. But my desires must learn to adhere to a greater good. I believe the welfare of our friends and family may need lie in jeopardy for some time longer. For if we do not defeat the forces of the enemy looming across the Eastern Mountains neither saint nor sinner will be left to save.”

“Let us take upon ourselves the mantle of truth and honor. Let us pledge ourselves to overcoming such ferocities gathering against us. Let us choose with wisdom as good watchherders who seek to save their flock, if not every lamb. Truly, it is with trepidation I make my choice. To call out for the people of Kera to be lead through this mountain pass and against those forces threatening all the West. To set aside differences and other obligations. To win victory and protection for all Margravians!”

Ben realized he was shouting at the end of this and hunched his shoulders back down.

Houshang appeared dubious, raising the hand not gripping his pike in a supplicating gesture. "You seek to lead the populace of tradesmen and townsfolk against Trolls and half-orcs? Aren't you the one they say hears voices? I hope your sanity has not given way, Brother Ben."

Father Ben: "Well...uh, yes, I guess. Who else will fight with us? Could it be believed that we might work our enemies into fighting each other towards our own ends? That would be a difficult task. Maybe I am wrong about stirring the populace. So far they seem to ignore my urgings for a higher faith. But I stand by my word. We represent the hope of Margrave. Our Lord protects our families back home. I believe it is up to us to help him. If we let these beasts through the pass, I suspect they will lead a greater army behind them. You may not like my plan, but I still think the weight of our choices are heavy indeed."

[howandwhy99]

Houshang nodded. "Brother Ben, your sentiment is shared. As I have my own interests within the City of Kera to protect, I'll not stand and watch it be overrun by lawless brigands. (Kera's own populace aside, chuckle.) But surely you must understand, these people are not warriors. The mere sight of a giant troll, or massed archers, or the magic of the Sentinel," he gestures to Kayla, "is likely to send them fleeing. Then what you have counted on for strength of numbers is erased. No, I must say, I believe whatever plan we have to take the Keep must be undertaken on our own, for the good of the County."

His eyes narrowed slightly, mere slits of greenish light within his shadowed hood. "Surely within the Keep there is treasure enough to satisfy our needs, and the good deed done for the County will likely also be rewarded, as you suspect. But for myself, I seek only to help Dram and Grog, and to protect my business interests."

Grog: "Grog like Father Ben. Grog like Houshang. Grog fight. Grog also like Lord Margrave. He good guy. Grog not know what come of it. But Grog promise Lord Margrave to keep South safe. Grog not like Trolls. Grog getting too old."

Father Ben's ears perked up and he eyed Grog intently. "You spoke with Lord Margrave? When was this? I urge you, please, what he told you might be of grave importance. Perhaps he left a clue on how the South might be protected?"

Grog: "Grog speak with Lord Margrave last time, oh, (scratches his head) over year ago. He ask Grog to join army to fight evil. Grog tell Lord Margrave he protect South for him. This make Lord Margrave happy. Grog not be told how to protect. Just Grog use his head to know when and what to do."

Father Ben: "Yes, well uh, you are doing an excellent job Grog. Keep up the good work." He turned back to the others. "Houshang. You may be right about the Kerans. But my suspicions have not been confirmed yet either. In the name of gaining help to overthow the current Keep's occupants, perhaps we could send someone over to speak with the orc/goblin army? It would have to be someone quick on their feet and with their tongue. I think it is important to learn why this force desires the keep. If it truly is an invading army. The trolls may actually be benefitting us. I can only hope the Earl would agree. Perhaps one of his men should accompany one of ours on such an escapade?"

Houshang considered for a moment, cleared his throat and spoke in a low tone. "Consider this option. Ride forward to the Keep with the Earl's men, but keep the majority of our forces to the rear and out of sight of those within the Keep. Fly a banner of truce - is it also a white banner in this country? - and request to speak with their master. Inform them that an army lies to their east and will drive them from the Keep. We will allow them safe passage to flee the Keep through our gate, although of course they may not go on to Kera, but must disperse to the surrounding mountains. I recommend that we, of course, renege on such a bargain and engage and destroy them, once the majority of the weaker-willed have fled the safety of the Keep, but that is up to you," he says, with a quick glance at the Paladin. Houshang shrugs. "I still prefer to enter the Keep by a secret way, and catch them unaware."

The rest of the team considered the options carefully. Near the unlit campfire ring, the Earl and his men sat quietly swords in hand. Back up near Adlerweg, Dram was still dubious about the Earl’s intentions. Taking the initiative he struck up another conversation as he and Ormand watched Adlerweg Keep.

Dram: “What is the Earl's name? How about his men, besides Sargath?” Dram asked the two sentries. “What about the Earl's clan history. Are all his men part of the same clan?”

Sentry: “He is called the Fifth Earl of Kera by those from Margrave and the Eighth Earl of Kera by those native to Kera. His family name is Lycanthra.”

The other sentry clucked his tongue at Dram. "If needs be you may call me Suttar and he Tarr. We are of the Earl's line. Only family can handle such missions as these."

Dram: "Yes, I understand the importance of family and having people you can trust whilst on important missions. Tell me though, why is the Earl only the fifth in line to Margravians whereas Kerans claim he is the eighth? Is there some dispute over the legitimacy of the bloodlines?"

Suttar: "Nyah, the Fourth Earl swore allegiance to the Viscount of Margrave, Rogahn Bearclaw, to help stem the flood of humanoids. The Orcs of the Skullcrusher Clan. He was slain shortly thereafter and the Fifth Earl started calling himself the Second Earl and spending much time in
Margrave.”

“There has been a rapid succession of Earls since. The Eighth Earl has only held his office for a little under 10 years.”

“The first 4 Earls had each held the office for over 50 and up to 80 years apiece."

[howandwhy99]

Posted on behalf of Beermotor:

Houshang’s Background

Houshang is a merchant from a far away land of sand dunes and spice caravans, camels and caliphs. Apprenticed to a capricious mystic and trader of antiquities, drugs, potions, cures, ointments, minerals, hides, water, camels, donkeys, and just about anything he could get his greasy paws on, Houshang's lot in life was scribe, accountant, and servant (occasionally cook). As part of his servitude, usually a byproduct of simply being underfoot or on-call at all hours of the day or night, he gained surreptitious knowledge a small amount of mystic secrets, which he honed and practiced in secrecy. Longing to strike out on his own, and thereby amass wealth of his own, Houshang toiled in dejection. Until one day, traversing a dangerous region through a blasted canyon, their caravan was attacked by a lone figure dressed in tattered black robes, hurling bolts of fire and screaming obscenities against Houshang's master. Startled (well, afraid for his life and mortal soul might be more appropriate), Houshang sought cover beneath a wagon ... filled to the top with rare miscellanea from a far Eastern region. A purple-blue bolt of energy struck the wagon during the fray, and a terrible explosion threw the breath from his body and darkened his consciousness. He awoke in a different place, bruised but not otherwise hurt, with only the gear he was carrying at the time of the ambush and an incredible, gods-cursed headache. Standing up, brushing the dust of a far-away land off his clothes, he understood he would be collecting a different dust on his sandals in the very near future. Well, at least there was no more master to worry about.

Tall and dark skinned, Houshang wears grubby sand-colored robes (well, they were white, once), which hide his heavily-tattooed skin. Black ink forms mystic spider-like writing all over him, including his shaven head, and while it marked him as a servant and apprentice to his master in his homeland, here it probably just looks exotic, weird, and possibly evil. He will take great pains to hide the markings at all times, keeping his head hooded and covered with the assistance of (whatever once of those rope cord dealies are called - a la Yasser Arafat), feeling they are marks of shame and his humble past which will cloud his newfound freedom. Houshang's love is for gold and women, in that order, and only for them. He isn't mean-spirited or evil and finds (unjust or unwarranted) cruelty reprehensible, but is honest (to the point of being blunt) and trustworthy as befitting his mercantilist nature, a firm believer in capitalism and survival of the fittest. And while he hated his master, his secret desire is to become that man - master of the caravan, seeker of rare treasures and hidden knowledge, possessor of a sizable harem and herd of camels, and of course, servants to do his bidding. (Thus the Neutrality alignment.)

Current Dress
Dressed in loose, flowing beige (once they were white) robes with a leather cord to affix the hood, Houshang stands at an average height for a human. His well-travelled robes and wrappings (not tattered, ahem) conceal a lean but hardy frame, covered in a strange inked script. Hoisted over his shoulders is a large backpack which clanks loudly of pots, pans, and all the gear necessary for the life of a merchant's servant, which he claims once was his ... before he ended up here. He now stands leaning on a wicked 8-foot pike, looking around from the depths of his shadowed hood, quietly assessing his surroundings and their inherent potential for profit. The backs of his hands are carefully wrapped in cloth to the forearm to hide his tattooed skin from suspicious eyes. His sandal-clad feet and lower legs are wrapped in a similar manner.