This is a rewrite of Turn 5plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 5: A Lone Scout
This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.
The night before, Ardith spoke to the party in the campsite. The camp had been chosen for its proximity to a large tree that grew up close to the town's unguarded wall, and had a few sturdy boughs that overhung it. She kept her friends awake with trivial talk, signing inconspicuously to the others to st…, Turn 6plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 6: Sneaking into Town
This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.
Ardith listened intently to Brinn's report.
“I'm so sorry to hear about your misadventure with the thief, my friend. I'm glad you recovered your possessions., Turn 7plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 7: Carrying Out the Plans
This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.
Ziedon looked at the two guards and noted which of them seemed to have the higher rank. As he opened his mouth to speak, he began an effective, although falsified, coughing fit. While bent over coughing, he mumbled the complex language of a magic spell, attempting to charm the superior guard. Finishing … and Turn 8plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 8: Conquering a Town
This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 4, Chapter 5 and Chapter 6. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.
Ziedon calmly allowed himself to be taken into custody. While being marched to his place of incarceration,.
With Brinn strapped securely to his back, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. climbed the rope.
Occasionally Brinn would startle the warrior by jerking his head
suddenly and mumbling, as if waking from a dream.
Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of pulled up the rope when Sahl reached the top. “No one saw you,”
she told him. “We'd better get back to camp and see what Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but can
do.” She started to coil the rope, but Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. stopped her. “I am not
to be climbing on a tree with this on my ride.”
“'On your back,'” corrected Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, but Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. made no sign that he
heard her. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of uncoiled the rope and lowered it down the other side.
Once Sahl had reached the bottom with Brinn, she wrapped the rope
around her hand and elbow, and rapidly made her way down the tree.
Halfway down, she heard a sound behind her, so she climbed back up onto
the wall and peeked over. Members of the town guard, in groups of five,
were approaching various points along the wall. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of quickly dropped
from their sight.
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. were waiting at the camp when they arrived. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.
looked up briefly from his book, and the flame from the dying fire
flickered powerful contrasts across his pale face. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but rose
immediately.
“What happened, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of? When you rushed away with Sahl I didn't know
what to think.”
“I'm sorry. Brinn was hurt, and he couldn't climb the rope. Then he fainted.”
“Put him down here. Let me take a look.”
Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of untied Brinn from Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s back, and carefully laid him on the
ground. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but examined Brinn, quickly noticing his foot. “Why, he's
been bleeding. I'll have this fixed up before morning.”
The next hour, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but spent cleaning and treating the wound.
Occasionally, Brinn woke, and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of reassured him that he was okay, and
made him drink water. By the time Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but had removed the shard of
pottery from his foot and healed him in the name of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of, Brinn was
fully awake, his eyes open wide with awe.
“You did that?”
“What?” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but asked.
“My foot –”
“You should be able to walk again now. You might be dizzy for a while from loss of blood.”
“But you used,” and he raised his eyes to the sky.
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but laughed. “And you were acting like it was nothing when
Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of healed the others. She would not have let me heal you if you
weren't worthy of it. Come,” she said, still with a smile on her
youthful face. “Tell us what happened in Grenzig.”
Brinn, a little nervously at first, told her the whole story. In the
middle of it, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but blurted out, “what courage and loyalty!”
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. mumbled, “If he's this loyal to people he just met, I would
dread to be one of his friends.”
When Brinn had told everything, up to the point where he'd seen the
rope dangling just out of his reach, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but again admired Brinn's
bravery, and commented on the usefulness of the information he'd
gathered. Now, even if they couldn't trust the townsman, at least there
was evidence that the people of Grenzig did.
“What interests me more,” said Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. from the fire, his book now
closed on his lap, “is that he managed to alert the town guard. They
will be watching for him.”
“Come on,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but replied. “No one saw him. They just heard him.”
“All the worse. They will be watching for everything.”
“No one can watch for everything.”
“But they think they can, and that is just as dangerous. They will suspect anyone they don't recognize.”
“There are thousands of people in Grenzig.”
“And only one armed band of such unlikely mercenaries as ourselves.”
“We'll go in disguise,” Brinn suggested.
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. smirked, almost laughing out of one side of his mouth. He
stood up to his full height, towering over Brinn, and looked straight
into the man's eyes. “I'm sure no one will think anything amiss of
_you_. And him,” he continued, pointing at Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.. “No one will
suspect anything of someone who fits in as well as that. Did we bring
chalk, heifin, to smear over his face?” With that he sat back down,
lifting his book into his lap. Brinn was at a loss for words, and
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance., although he looked for a moment as if he would react to the
insult, calmed himself and sat down peacefully. There was wisdom behind
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.'s gruff nature.
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but responded in an even tone, although her agitation made itself
heard. “All right, then you think of something. You can't just throw
out the ideas of others and think you're being helpful.”
“Where did you get the notion I was trying to help?”
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. interrupted. “They were knowing spies before Brinn was their
spies. We are not going by the front gate, even with disguise. They
are knowing us yesterday, and they are knowing we are here.”
“Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s right,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but said, completely forgetting about her
argument with Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.. “They suspected spies before Brinn snuck in. Now
they're sure. We'll all have to enter by way of the tree.”
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. smiled at the girl. “Yes, by the tree… We are going in
two. Then we not being seen.” With some difficulty, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. got out an
entire plan for entry into Grenzig. Two by two, they would enter the
town, at different points along the wall if possible. Hopefully, they
would be harder to notice in small groups, and the detection of one
pair would not compromise any of the others. Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. volunteered to
escort the townsman personally. “I am using to deal with such peoples
in the desert. Amazing, it is, that peoples from different lands can be
so same.” It was left unclear as to just what sort of person Sahl
referred.
“This talk is beyond me,” said Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of. “I'm going to sleep while I
can.”
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but said, “There's only an hour until dawn, so we might as well
stay up. No, not you, Brinn. You should sleep.”
“If he's going to sleep, so am I. I've been up all night, and who knows how long it'll be before the townsman decides to do anything?”
Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of laid down to sleep on the ground, paying only half a mind to
what was being discussed around her. The next person to speak was
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but.
“In general, I agree with Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s plan. However, I don't want
Sahl to be alone with the townsman. If he is what he appears to be,
that's no problem. On the other hand, if there _is_ something more
insidious going on here, then I would be concerned for Sahl's safety. I
suggest, therefore, that we go in two groups of three. Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. and I
will go with the burgher. Brinn, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. will go in ahead of us
and scout the town. In half an hour, return to the wall by the tree.
Three low whistles means it's okay to go in. Two short whistles will
mean 'Get us out!' Brinn has been in the town, albeit in the dark, but
he has at least some idea of the layout. Brinn and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., do your best
to look like merchants, while Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of can pose as your hired protectress.”
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. was hesitant to contradict the girl, so assured of herself
as she was. Indeed, he considered her wise beyond her years. Although
her sense of strategy and leadership would be the death of her in the
desert, she was very clever for a girl of eighteen. He decided he would
wait it out and see what happened. If Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but's plan did not seem the
wisest when it was time to carry it out, he would speak up then.
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but continued. “So let's review what we've learned so far. The
commoners of Grenzig want our townsman, but commoners have been known
to pick poor leaders, so that's nothing in his favor. There are thieves
and brigands against him, though, so I would want to stay on his side
until we know better, but we can't trust him until we know his motives.
The thieves who attacked us and escaped know our strengths, and the
camp of thieves and probably the townsmen too are looking out for
magic, or at least something out of the ordinary.” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but laughed at
that. “Where I come from, the powers of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of are hardly unusual,
but out here… Anyway, the townsmen are worried, so they'll be on
their guard, but if we do the right thing, Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of will protect us.”
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. grunted quietly at that last, but did not look up from his
book. “Grenzig is not a stable place. The townsmen are uneasy, their
hired mercenaries will only help while there's money, and the people
are eager for revolt. Oh! If only I had something to write all this
down!”
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but squeaked with surprise when Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.'s arm shot out over her.
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. was up in a second, weapon in hand, and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, waking suddenly,
raised herself on her elbows and reached for her knife. All Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. did,
however, was drop a sheet of parchment in Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but's lap. On it was
already written every point Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but had made in an experienced, legible
hand. “Next you'll forget to bring rations,” he said, not even
flinching at Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance.'s ghurka. “One would think you'd never traveled
before.” He was then immersed in his reading once more, as if nothing
had happened.
Brinn was the first to break the awkward silence, which had become all too common in their unusual party. “Someone in town plays a dangerous game with thieves. And if they're so nervous, why isn't the town guarded well at night? And where is our friend burgher's place in all this? I'd like to hear his side of the story before we get in.”
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but's eyes opened wide at the suggestion. “Speak no word of your
entry into town to the burgher, nor of our reason for going in groups
of three. Let him think we are merely doing our best to get him into
town safely. Brinn, if we wait to hear the burgher's story, he may
guess at our suspicions. We'd best talk to him as little as possible.”
At that moment, the burgher exited his tent and came to the group,
making no indication that he had heard anything. He was fully dressed,
and did not look the slightest bit disheveled from his night's sleep.
Fearing the worst, but admitting nothing in the tone of her voice,
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but briefly sketched out her plan to the burgher.
“A fine idea. However, I would offer a slight modification to the
plan. I believe it would be more prudent to enter in groups of two.”
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but glanced at Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance., who nodded at her. Still, she feared for
the warrior's safety, and felt she had to object.
“But surely if we go in –”
“We will enter in pairs. He,” he said, pointing to Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance., “will
act as my personal escort. Once I have reached my destination inside
Grenzig, I will consider your service to me complete.”
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but was unsure whether he had listened to their whole
conversation, or merely had thought up the same plan as Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance..
Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. himself, though, knew the answer. This townsman, trustworthy or
not, would have done well for himself in the desert.
They had a light breakfast and stamped out the remainder of the
fire, the townsman saying nothing, as usual, and the rest of the party
doing the same. They finished and sat around for a while, even the
townsman hesitant to be the first to rise. “We go now,” Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. said
to the townsman, and that got the party moving.
They spent a short time considering the gate, which now had six
soldiers posted, and decided the tree was still their best bet. It
looked larger in the day, as did the wall. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of and Brinn climbed the
tree as they had the night before, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. struggling behind them until
Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of climbed down and helped him find his footing. Then she descended
further to help Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but.
It was not obvious, from the inside, that the tree was an easy way
in. For accidents like that, the town would have done well to have an
occasional guard posted outside its walls. When all four adventurers
were safely on the ground, and Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir
Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. had pulled the rope back from
the other side, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but addressed the other three. “I don't care what
that townsman says. We're safer in threes. You go together into the
town, like we planned last night. I'll hide here, and trail Sahl when
he brings in the townsman.” No one was eager to defend the townsman's
strategy over Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but's, so Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., Brinn and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of went together.
The town, as could be expected, was far busier than it had been the night before. It was a market day; local and foreign merchants sold their wares on nearly every street, and a mixture of unwrapped breakfasts, lost and spoiled goods, and horse droppings lined the streets in incremental piles, pushed as far away from merchants' stalls as possible.
As Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. had predicted, his presence and that of his diminutive
companion, not to mention a well-armed woman, attracted far too much
attention. They walked like merchants, but were more often than not
mistaken for performers, and crowds would periodically gather around
them, suffer a disappointment and disperse.
Able to accomplish little, but foreseeing no trouble for their companions, they gradually made their way back to the wall, gave the signal to enter, and were out of sight before their presence could be made conspicuous.
Continuing to pose as merchants under Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of's guard, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. and Brinn
returned to the expanded market and walked deliberately from booth to
booth, examining some object or other, and discussing its quality in a
way that sounded reasonable to them, but was so unconvincing to the
tradesmen and merchants that they didn't even bother to attempt a sale.
Before long, a pair of town guards approached the group.
“Do you suppose you could explain yourselves,” one asked, “before my friend here fetches a constable?” His 'friend' seemed anxious to do just that, hopping from foot to foot and glaring suspiciously at the group of misfits.
Brinn answered, and the guardsman had to hold back a chuckle. “We're just a pair of traveling merchants, inspecting the wares.”
The antsy guard blurted out “Who do you think you're fooling? Everyone here knows you don't know anything about no wares. You're just –”
The calmer guard put out a hand to hold his friend back. “We've been charged to keep an eye out for anything unusual, and you have to admit, you fit the mould. Now I suggest you tell me what you're really after.”
“They're after the town, that's what! These are the ones trying to take over!”
The conversation, by this time, had drawn a crowd, and merchants called out their wares all the more loudly to try and bring back their customers.
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. looked at the two guards, opened his mouth as if to answer,
and forced out a coughing fit. While doubled over, he chanted the
complex language of a spell which would convince the higher-ranking
guard that he was Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.'s closest friend. When he was finished, he
rose and apologized. “Pardon me, <cough> I must be allergic to the
spices in that merchant's tent. I am afraid that you have us at a loss.
We have no idea what you are talking about with this business of taking
over the town. We are merely here to <cough, cough> make purchases like
everyone else. Granted we look a bit strange, but that does not make us
traitors.” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. hoped the spell had worked. He did not want to visit
a prison cell.
The higher-ranking guard answered immediately. “Of course you're not traitors. We only ask because someone is on his way right now to try and start a popular uprising, and there were spies about last night. I'm sorry if we sounded like –”
The other guard raised his eyebrows and shifted his head back and forth, looking at the crowd around them. “Are you crazy? In front of all these people? What's wrong with you?”
“We're both crazy, to accuse a fine gentleman like this of treason. Perhaps we should give them a tour of Grenzig, to make up for it.”
“A tour? What's wrong with you? We have traitors to catch, and them's the ones!”
“Look, they're not traitors. They're just here to make purchases like everyone else.”
“You don't know nothing about em. They are, and I'll take em in for it.”
“I won't have you accuse this man of treason right in front of my face,” the ensorcelled guard said, and laid a hand on the hilt of his sword.
The other guard took two steps back. “You're crazy. You're… It was
him!” He pointed to Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.. “He's a witch! A warlock! A sorcerer, come
to use his evil magic against us and put Grenzig under his power,
starting with you! The black robes shoulda given him away! And there,
his impish companion and a woman temptress, distracting us while the
bewitching happens, just like all the stories!”
“Now look,” the ensorcelled guard said, drawing his sword and sending the crowd back several yards. “I said I won't stand for these kinds of false accusations, and I won't.”
The other guard looked rapidly back and forth, looking for other members of the town guard, while drawing his own sword. “Help!” he called, and a few of the town residents, as well as all the guards within range, turned their heads.
Brinn looked at Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., then at the guards. This was not going at
all as planned. He motioned to Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, who nodded an acknowledgment, and
waited for Brinn to act. This was one use of being small, Brinn
thought. You could always catch people by surprise. He yelled out, and
rushed at the legs of the angry guard, knocking him over. Until that
moment, many members of the crowd had not even noticed Brinn, so it
seemed from their vantage that the guard had simply toppled over on his
own. Brinn ran as fast as he could through the most populated road he
could find. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of gave a short, apologetic look at Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., and then ran
after Brinn.
There were seven guards in the area by now, and four of them chased
after Brinn and Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of. That would give Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. a chance to escape, they
thought. Soon, Brinn got far ahead of Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, able as he was to maneuver
between, around and sometimes even under other people in the crowded
marketplace. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit
Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of's slim and agile figure kept her from getting too far
behind.
Soon, they found themselves at a bathhouse, and they were able to
pause and catch their breath. Between loud pants, Brinn said, “It's not
safe for me and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. to stay in this town. After dark, find Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but
and tell her what happened. I'll wait here and hope that no one finds
me. Try to keep away from guards.”
“I'm Heralbid, by the way,” the friendly guard said to Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.. “I'm
sorry your introduction to Grenzig had to be like this.” At that point
Heralbid was standing in an attack stance in front of Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., watching
the seven… no, now eight members of the town guard who were rapidly
surrounding him. The crowd had expanded outward, allowing a wide berth
for the armed men.
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. wished he knew an invisibility spell. Things would be so
much easier if only he could find a new master to help fill up his book
of magic. Ah well. He would survive this trial and keep looking.
The situation was hopeless. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. was tempted to surrender right
away, but perhaps a short wait would be in order. If Heralbid made
enough of a scene, some of the focus might be taken off of Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. when
the time for judgment arrived.
One soldier charged at Heralbid, who easily fended him off with
skilled swordplay. When a second soldier joined the first, Heralbid had
more trouble. He took a step back, almost knocking into Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., and
lunged with his sword, killing one of the guards. Gasps were heard all
around from the crowd. “He killed another soldier?” “Who's the robed
one?” “How can these men protect us if they're fighting each other?”
“All right,” the captain of the guard called. “The game is over.” Two more guards arrived, laden with crossbows. They handed one to the captain, and distributed the others around. “Heralbid, you'll be hanged for this.”
“But what about the warlock?” asked Heralbid's original companion. “He started the whole thing. I saw it with my own eyes.”
“He'll go before the judge.”
The other soldiers smiled, and some laughed.
Heralbid called out, “I'll fight every one of you. No one's going to touch this man!”
The others armed their crossbows.
“No.” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. said, without any kind of emphasis. “We surrender. If
the justice in this town is fair, I know I shall go free.”
Heralbid, surprised by his new friend's surrender, was disarmed and
taken away by two of the strongest guards. He struggled to stay by
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.'s side, but to no effect. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. was taken by both arms, and led
away, several yards behind Heralbid. He calmly allowed himself to be
taken into custody.
The courthouse was large and kept in good repair. A pair of
gargoyles hung over the great doorway, each holding a sign of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism
Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).
Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of,
the Fighter on the left, the Lover on the right. The party of guards
and prisoners passed through a total of four doors, rooms and hallways
before coming to an old, pale and bitter-looking man who sat at a small
desk. The party waited for the man to speak for what must have been
hours. From time to time, a soldier would leave and a new one would
enter. None of them were allowed to sit, not that there were chairs to
sit on. Finally, the man spoke. “The judge will see you now,” he said,
and they passed through the fifth and final door without further delay.
The judge rapidly gave the impression of being bored, tired, and totally disinterested in fair justice. But perhaps all judges give such impressions to the accused.
“So,” the judge said, and gave a long pause, reading a scrap of
parchment on his enormous desk. “You've been accused of treason,
manipulation of the town guard, and…” he looked strangely at the
guards who held Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style., “witchcraft?”
“He bewitched Heralbid!” said a familiar voice. “I was there when it happened!”
“We'll have a calm demeanor in this court, and no one will speak without my leave.” The judge put no emotion in his words, seeming more interested in quoting the law that carrying it out. “The punishment for treason is life imprisonment and slow starvation, following the confession and naming of accomplices. For manipulation of the guard, a fine of two thousand silver aglars. For witchcraft, a fine of six thousand silver aglars and a public hanging.”
“If I may say a word in my defense?” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. asked. The judge glared
at him, and pointed to Heralbid's companion, who was anxious to speak.
Heralbid himself stood in a corner, still held by the two strongest
guards.
“I saw him bewitched! We were asking questions like we been told by the captain, and we saw these three –”
“Three?” interrupted the judge.
“The other two ran off, didn't want to face a fair trial.”
The judge looked to the back of the room, at the highest ranking officer present, who answered the judge's look with words. “We have men out looking for them.” The judge turned back to the soldier.
“He was there in his black robes, planning his witchcraft, and there was a woman dressed like a soldier, and a fiery imp waited for its commands.”
“Hardly an accurate description,” said Heralbid. “He was short, that's all.”
“Quiet!” the judge said, and looked back at Heralbid's companion.
“They was looking from cart to cart, pretending they wanted to buy, but then running off to the next, all the while planning their treason!”
Heralbid spoke up again. “There was no sign that they were treasonous.” The judge glared at Heralbid, and the soldier to his left jabbed a knee into his chest, forcing him to double over and stop talking.
“Then we stopped them for questioning, Heralbid too, and then he was bewitched.”
“I tell you, I was not bewitched,” Heralbid managed to croak.
“See? If you wasn't bewitched, you wouldn't have to tell me you wasn't.”
“That makes no sense. There's no evidence that this man's a warlock.” Heralbid was shut up again in a similar fashion as before.
“He took the sorcerer's side, and pretty soon he was fighting me, and all the others who came to help! And then the imp attacked me, and ran off with the woman.”
“Very well,” the judge said. “The prisoner will be –”
“Sir,” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. interrupted.
The judge looked Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. up and down, in a none to friendly fashion.
“Make it fast. It's going to be starvation or hanging, so I suggest you
admit you're a witch and stick with the more merciful sentence.”
“Honorable Sir,” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. replied, preparing himself for an eloquence
that was rarely heard from his lips. “I frankly do not know why I am
here in this court of law. I came to this town as a well-intentioned
visitor. I arrived here with a few other travelers, with whom I had
been traveling for security and defense. Once in your great city,
myself and two others walked your streets to marvel at the wonders that
your city has to offer. I do not know why I was accosted by your city
guard and I do not know why my two traveling companions ran from the
guard. I could have easily run as well. It is a testament to my
innocence that I did not run.”
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. paused to clear his parched throat and to let his words sink
in. He signified that he wanted some type of refreshment to aid in his
speaking, but no one seemed to notice. The judge yawned and raised his
eyes to the ceiling.
“I am by profession an Herbalist,” Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. continued. “I carry on my
person various herbs and roots and concoctions. My intent was to visit
the merchants of this fair town and see if I could purchase herbs that
are difficult to find. Little did I know that being a foreigner in your
town was a crime. You may wonder why I am robed in black. The answer is
that Herbalists of Rhongil wear black to indicate their profession. I
am by no means a sorcerer who is here to corrupt your people, but an
innocent pawn in some local dispute that is still unclear to me.
“I have placed myself in your custody because I know that the law is fair and just and because I have no reason to fear the law. I do not know what further I can say on this matter.”
“I would call the torturer to extract your confession,” the judge said, “but I'm tired and you annoy me. There is no evidence for treason, so that charge is dropped. You will pay two thousand silver aglars for manipulation of the guard, and four thousand for witchcraft. You will be imprisoned for a period of up to two years while you arrange for the payment. When you have paid your fine, you will be hanged.”
Despite the outrage he had just been subjected to, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. maintained
his respect for the law. He was willing to accept the judgment, but he
hoped there was a way to atone for his crime other than lengthy
imprisonment, a public hanging and a fine that was at least twenty
times what he could hope to receive from the townsman. There had to be
some process for appeal, or some other judge who would view his case
more objectively. Though, to be honest, he had bewitched the soldier,
and he was guilty of both crimes, probably the first man accused of
such things with any degree of accuracy.
Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. was roughly pulled aside and led to the far door, behind the
judge's desk. Heralbid was put in his place. “You are accused,” the
judge began, “of conspiracy with a traitor, of threatening members of
the town guard, and of murdering a Grenzig soldier. For the first
crime, the punishment is beheading. For the second –”
The main door burst open, bringing silence to the room. A pair of
high-ranking soldiers rushed to the judge, ignoring everyone else. They
spoke with him in anxious but quiet tones, and the judge stood,
straightened his robe, beckoned to his aides, and headed towards the
back door. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. was pushed aside by a soldier so the judge would not
collide with him.
“What about the prisoners?” an aide asked the judge.
The judge stopped for a moment, and then continued on, walking rapidly out the door. “I don't care. Get rid of them!”
At that, the courtroom cleared. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. was forcibly taken out the
main door, through the four remaining doors, hallways and rooms, and
thrown out onto the dusty gravel that made up the main road.
Relieved, but at a total loss as to what had just happened, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon
Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style.
stood and dusted himself off. It was nearly evening, high time to find
Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith
Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but and the rest, and see how things were moving.
This story is copyright 2003 by the DM. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in printed or online form, without the written consent of the author. Any site may link to this story, at http://www.zioth.com/zioth/turn/index. Comments and questions may be directed to the author.