The Shard of Glorianna

[Necron 99]

I like it, good name.

[Ancalagon]

Now I gotta come up with a castle design to use with the game. I have something in mind but need to chat with the Cap'n....

[Captain_Blood]

A quick recap of the most recent adventure following Sir Aeron and Hugh.

Notable Locations:
The Next Best Tulip - An inn in the Castle town favored by merchants and well to do craftsmen.
Windham's Smithy - An armorer in the Castle town
The Tannery - A small leather production manufactory located away from the main castle town on an unnamed creek that drains into the Lotus River.
Reginald and Moore - A haberdashery; purveyor of fine clothes for the upstanding gentleman.
The Forest Road - The main route between the Penrose Barony and the Ingeri Barony; part of the main overland route between Olmutz and Klagenfurt.

Notable People
Lady Praxida Ingeri - Youngest Daughter of Count Ingeri, newly a ward of Count Tiberius
Sergeant Lanham - Senior surviving member of Lady Praxida's Party and her Bodyguard
Three Fingered Fairly - The owner of the tannery. His thumb and index finger and pinky and ringer finger on his left hand are fused together.
Reginald Colkins - Owner of Reginald and Moore, a master haberdasher and purveyor of only the finest fabrics.
Smith Windham - The armor smith who runs Windham's Smithy
Apprentice Braeden - An apprentice smith who works with Windham

Population of the Penrose Barony is 3000 in total. 2700 of them live in and around Castle Thornhaven (2 mile radius). The remainder live within a 5 mile radius that marks the de facto boundaries of the Barony. The population of the castle town is about 1000. The great road lies to the south of Thornhaven, and the Kleaves capital of Olmutz lies another 3 days journey eastward along the road. The closest Barony to Penrose is that of Baron Ingeri, a long time ally, it is 3 days travel by The Forest Road to the Northwest. The Forest Road is one of the major trade roads between Olmutz and Klagenfurt. It travels around the headwaters of the Tot River. The wilderness of Kleaves between the Baronies is dangerous, and while the knights patrol the roads none would ever claim them to be safe.


Saturday was a short session that allowed us to establish more of the world immediately surrounding Castle Thornhaven. Castle Thornhaven is busy with preparations to receive Lady Praxida as a ward of Baron Tiberius Penrose. Tradition requires a great feast be held, and that all people of status attend to receive and provide introductions. Concerned for the state of his equipment Sir Aeron enlists Hugh's services in tracking down appropriate craftsmen to create a new set of armor and a new cloak from the bearskin he obtained from the Temple of Glorianna. Hugh used the opportunity to make himself quite useful to Sir Aeron in an effort to help establish a place for himself in the Penrose household. Hugh's effort was well executed and he was able to obtain for himself better clothing more suitable to his station at the same time. As the sun began to set it was clear that a winter storm was gather over Castle Thornhaven and the town.
Everyone hunkered down for the evening, but no one was prepared for the Grindlwere that crashed down. The storm was like a living being that thrived on chaos and terror. Lighting seemed to seek out anyone not in shelter; it would follow terrified people as they ran as if the storm were trying to kill them. Trees were tossed like toys, and the winds howled at deafening volumes. In this maelstrom a horse messenger with an arrow in his back arrived at Thornhaven. Lady Praxida's carriage had been attacked on the road not more than a mile from the town! Quickly Baron Penrose ordered Sir Aeron to form up a squad for her rescue despite the Grindlwere. The loss of his new ward, especially inside his borders, would be a blow that would likely forever destroy his alliance with Count Ingeri.
Sir Aeron quickly saw to the treatment of the messenger, Sergeant Lanham, so he could lead them back to Lady Praxida. Runners were sent to fetch Hugh, Fizgix, and Astamail. Fizgix was unavailble indisposed in a trance like state studying an artifact, but Hugh and Astamail were able to answer the call. As the relief column was organized inside the stable Astamail used all of his power to protect each member from the worst elements of the Grindlewere. While he could not block the lightning he was able to keep off the rain, the cold, and the worst affects of the wind. At the same time Hugh's wagon was commandeered, as the Baron's wagons were already engaged and away, and hooked up to two towering draft horses. Finally Sir Aeron gave the order and the column burst forth from the stables into the heart of the Grindlwere.
A frantic ride through the storm ensued. At one point Sergeant Lanham was thrown from his horse into the mud from a lightning strike so close to him and Sir Aeron it was miracle neither was killed. His wound reopned Lanham persevered and remounted in an effort to bring relief to his charge. As the column thundered onward through the hail and wind the Grindlwere focused its attention on them. Lighting rained down ceaselessly, winds buffeted them, and hail and rain tried to blind them. Had it not been for Astamail's spells and the superior riding ability of the Baron's men only Glorianna knows what might have happened.
Finally the column arrived upon the scene of an overturned carriage, a wagon with broken axle, and several bodies. There was no sign of the Lady Praxida. Thanks to the lightning flashes a nearby cave was quickly spotted, and it appeared to have light coming from it. Quickly the column moved inside to escape the worst of the Grindlwere. All but two of the Baron's men had suffered from the Grindlwere, though Sir Aeron, Hugh, and an exhausted Astmail seemed okay. Ahead in the darkness flickering firelight could clearly be seen around a turn in the cave. The howling storm prevented anything below a bellowed roar from being heard. Hugh advised Sir Aeron that he could likely scout the turn to see what lied ahead if Astamail could watch the cart and he was quickly orderd to so. Hugh deftly darted through the dark cave and was able to spy a beautiful young lady and 3 guards huddled around a campfire. After return and informing Sir Aeron, Sergeant Lanham assured Sir Aeron that he could identify his fellow guards and that further more they had a challenge phrase for just such an occasion. Satisfied Sir Aeron allowed Lanham to make contact.
The relief and joy at the arrival of Sir Aeron's rescue was short lived. After a quick report of how Lady Praxida's group had come under attack it was clear that only the arrival of the Grindlwere saved them. However, Sir Aeron, seemed determined to have the combine group ride back through the storm to reach Thornhaven as fast as possible. After arguments from Lady Praxida and some gentle advice from Hugh, Sir Aeron relented and decided to wait out the passing of the Grindlwere. The night was passed in some merriment as Sir Aeron and Lady Praxida shared wine and traded stories of court and family. The soldiers, Hugh, and Astamail found comfortable spots to rest and eat.
The next morning Sir Aeron led the column back to Castle Thornhaven to the great relief of Baron Penrose. The Lady Praxida having had time and access to her baggage again had taken the opportunity to sketch a drawing of the attackers. The drawing seemed to almost give the Baron a fit of apoplexy! Regaining his composure the Baron quicly saw to the needs of his new ward and ordered Aeron to attend him in the War room in half an hour. There Sir Aeron was given strict orders regarding the creature Lady Praxida had drawn. It was to be killed immediately. Authorized to take whatever resources he needed the Baron expected them to depart immediately!

[Ancalagon]

I like the nearly blank slate we have with the Kleaves setting. This gives me some ideas...

[Ancalagon]

We should take a look at Kleaves and pick a good spot for the location of Neruun's temple.

[Ancalagon]

Nice bit of brutal intrigue you have going on now in the Kleaves campaign, Capt Blood.

[grodog]

Now I gotta come up with a castle design to use with the game. I have something in mind but need to chat with the Cap'n....

Plenty of good ones in Castles of Harn (as you well-know, James ).

The next morning Sir Aeron led the column back to Castle Thornhaven to the great relief of Baron Penrose. The Lady Praxida having had time and access to her baggage again had taken the opportunity to sketch a drawing of the attackers. The drawing seemed to almost give the Baron a fit of apoplexy! Regaining his composure the Baron quicly saw to the needs of his new ward and ordered Aeron to attend him in the War room in half an hour. There Sir Aeron was given strict orders regarding the creature Lady Praxida had drawn. It was to be killed immediately. Authorized to take whatever resources he needed the Baron expected them to depart immediately!

Not at all what I was expecting upon the PCs finding the ward and surviving guards in-cave, especially with the passphrase being mentioned: I expected them to be captured and bandits/brigands in disguise, dopplegangers, or worse!

Very curious about the sketched creature--was this the previously-mentioned barghest, or something worse?

Allan.

[Ancalagon]

Now I gotta come up with a castle design to use with the game. I have something in mind but need to chat with the Cap'n....

Plenty of good ones in Castles of Harn (as you well-know, James ).

Allan.

We decided to go with Harden Castle as the basis for Thornhaven, my knight character's familial seat of power. Its a cool design located on the bank of a river that can accept transport by land and by water.

P.S. Since the campaign deals heavily with knights, barons, a barony, etc., I started a thread about Medieval / Middle Ages stuff in the Daily Grind section of the 3Ps for general interest that could possibly be useful in the campaign: http://pipes-pints-and-polyhedrons.com/ ... ?f=2&t=324

[Captain_Blood]

I’ve been very bad about keeping this journal going. For that I apologize, but I’m going to try catching up with where we are in one post so please forgive some missing details or changed npc names. Also…
Warning Incoming Text Wall!

Sir Aeron set out with his companions; Fizgix, Astamail, and Mr. Hugh immediately after a closed conference with the Baron. They had strict orders to kill the Red Cap featured in Lady Praxida’s drawing, to burn the body, and to take nothing from it. Such a creature of chaos could not be allowed to exist so near to Thornhaven. They were joined by two of the Baron’s most talented huntsmen, Elard and Severina as well as four other house guardsmen.
The party quickly set out to return to the site where Lady Praxida’s carriage had been attacked. Elard was quickly able to ascertain the attackers had fled away from Thornhaven via the road thanks to some scattered trash and other debris. The Grindlewere had already removed most of the tracks, but Elard and Severina led the party for several miles up the road until the scant trail broke off into the forest. By this point fatigue was beginning to set in and the Winter daylight was waning fast. The hunting party elected to set up camp in a small clearing. A fire was built to ward of the growing cold, but without a proper cook or baggage train it was cold water and hard tack for supper. There was some grumbling among the soldiers, but they were all seasoned campaigners, and the normal complaints were expected.
As the temperature plunged and the darkness grew a watch schedule was set. Since they were tracking hostile creatures, it was decided that no one would stand watch alone. Most of the night passed without incident and a deep slumber fell over the exhausted troops. Mr. Hugh was the first to awaken the following morning, well after sunrise. No one was on watch and all but Astamail were still sleeping deeply. Furthermore, there was no sign of Sir Aeron! Quickly Hugh and Astamail set about rousing the camp and raising the alarm. Losing the Baron’s grandson would not look good for all involved. As the group gathered a began discussing search plans Sir Aeron emerged from the woods and strolled into camp proclaiming that he knew exactly where their quarry was!
Suspicion was high, and many were not sure if the person in front of them was, in fact, Sir Aeron. As it is well known that those who wander into the woods alone overnight are often changed the following day. Many questions were asked that Sir Aeron answered while swallowing his noble pride. When asked how Sir Aeron knew where the Red Cap was, he staunchly refused to reveal how he knew. He simply claimed that his honor would not allow him to reveal how he had learned the Red Caps location. Eventually the majority of the party was mollified; though each person decided to keep a close eye on Sir Aeron. Some of the soldiers made signs against the evil eye as the party set forth into the woods following Sir Aeron’s directions. Though once Severina spotted signs that the war party they were tracking had indeed passed this way many doubts were put to rest.
It was not long before the party discovered a small camp centered around a shack in another clearing. Several men who had clearly turned to banditry relaxed about the camp. Sir Aeron quickly set about organizing a surprise attack on the brigands. The first strike was deadly and many men fell to the swords and spears of the party and the Baron’s Soldiers, but the bandits rallied once their Red Cap leader emerged from the small shack. Indeed, once the Red Cap took the field many of the bandits seemed to enter a blind rage. They attacked with an unreasoning ferocity that broke through the defenses all but the best fighters. Elard and several soldiers were killed as they fought a desperate defense. Once again it was Fizgix working in concert with Astmail that saved the day. Their magics tore through the maddened bandits and allowed several savage blows to be fall upon the Red Cap. It appeared the battle was all over when the Red Cap fell with Sir Aeron’s Shard of Glorianna buried in its chest, but a giant roar erupted across the battlefield along with the shack! As the debris fell to the ground despair set in among the surviving party members. An ogre had emerged from the wreckage appeared hell bent on destroying anything still living in the camp. Weakened from the savage battle and still fighting a few of the bandits Sir Aeron fell back on his leadership training. Inspiring all around him with a stirring battle cry he led the charge against the giant creature. Even Mr. Hugh was caught up in the excitement and joined the fray. The last of the Baron’s soldiers were killed in the attack but Astamail’s potent magics and Sir Aeron’s skill at arms carried the day. In the end only Severina, Sir Aeron, Astmail, Fizgix, and Sir Hugh survived, and all were wounded.
Quickly the party set about carrying about the Baron’s orders. Sir Aeron quickly set about building a large bonfire from the shattered remains of the bandit camp. Mr. Hugh set about collecting the bodies for burning while Astmail and Fizgix investigated the camp remains for signs of other threats. Once the Red Cap and other bodies were destroyed the battered party immediately set out to escape the evil presence that seemed to permeate the clearing. Thanks to Severina’s knowledge of the surroundings of the Barony the party was able to travel to village of Frostpebble where they spent a night resting and licking wounds before returning to Thornhaven the next day.

6 Weeks Later – The Winter Feast of Kamat

Having dealt with the immediate threat of the Red Cap and the Ogre so close to Thornhaven the party utilized the rest of the winter to recuperate and train their skills. Astamail continued to investigate rumors of elven ruins in the area while enhancing his magic. Many odd noises and strange smells would emerge from Fixgix’s room at all hours, and Mr. Hugh began setting up shop in the castle town of Thornhaven. Sir Aeron took advantage of the downtime to spend time with his immediate family. As the weeks rolled by several reports of odd happenings in the area arrived. The peasants were concerned about spoiled cheeses and wisp sightings in the dark. A few others were found wandering in a daze at the outskirts of their villages, but things were for the most part mostly normal and quiet.
As the Feast of Kamat approached small shrines of wood and reed began to appear along the roads and among the towns and villages. Meant to be filled with gifts of food and drink, sacrificed to sate the hunger of the wolf god, these shrines are used to ward off Kamat’s attention. The superstitious believe that an insufficient sacrifice will attract the predations of Kamat for a full year. Not that Kamat acknowledges the pitiful attentions of men. He will have his fill of the weak and infirm regardless. “Without mercy or malice”, the words of Kamat state his will to cull the herd of its old and sick.
It was during this time a messenger from the Barony’s most outlying village, Volgast arrived. The messenger begged the Baron for assistance. He claimed that over 20 men had perished during the winter and that soon the entire village would be lost. The Baron soon dispatched Sir Aeron and his trusted companions to Volgast to determine the truth of the reports. So it was just before the Feast of Kamat that Sir Aeron, Fizgix, Astamail, Mr. Hugh, the Baron’s Steward, Karl Rask, and Brother Stefan, a cleric of Glorianna arrive in Volgast to find a very large shrine to Kamat has been erected.
As the first order of business Sir Aeron approached the Village Headman to identify himself and demand a reckoning to determine the truth of stories that arrived at Thornhaven, but his intentions fell to the side when he discovered the mangled and nearly dead young man inside the Headman’s hut. Faste, the village Headman, was standing over his son and lamenting having attracted Kamat’s attention. Brother Stefan quickly offered aid, but it was clear that even if the boy recovered, he would remain a cripple.
The truth of the village’s woes were quickly revealed. Over 20 men had been killed since the prior Springs tax collection, all in a violent fashion near the borders of the forest surrounding the village. Karl the Steward confirmed the amounts in the ledgers matched what had been sent to the capital, but it was clear the village was incredibly short of food and resources. This was a situation the Baron specifically tried to avoid. The Headman was adamant that it was all Kamat’s Punishment, and that only a large sacrifice on His holy day would save the village.
Further investigation into the attacks revealed that all the victims were hale and hearty men, and that many of them died in agony from their wounds. The bodies were not eaten. Typically the wolves of Kamat only culled the weak and sick, and they always ate their kills. As suspicion grew among the party Mr. Hugh was the first to wonder if maybe the Village Headman was whipping up a cult and storing away extra resources for himself, despite the attack on his own son.
In an effort to gather more information Sir Aeron led a number of the party to visit the local witch woman. Glod, was a healer who lived alone beyond the border of the forest, she had lately been critical of Faste and no longer came close to village. She was distrustful of Sir Aeron and their arrogant, defer to the noble approach did not sit well with her. As a village outcast she didn’t consider herself to be a subject of the Baron. Regardless she did warn them that Faste was a fanatic idiot, that not all the deaths were from the beasts terrorizing the village, and that a local girl named Skuld could tell them more, but only if they got her away from her Brothers.
That night, simultaneously following the witch’s advice and ignoring it, Sir Aeron and Mr. Hugh used his authority to investigate and dispense low justice to publicly interrogate Skuld. Summoned to stand in front of her cottage in the middle of the night with her remaining family looking on from inside the clubfooted girl stared at the ground as she confirmed the story of how her father had been killed by wolves stalking the village. Hugh continued to ask several pointed questions while Sir Aeron, Fizgix, Astamail and Brother Stefan looked on, but she stuck to the original story. When the inquest was over Hugh was able to clearly hear the sounds of Skuld being beaten inside the cottage, presumably for attracting the attention of the nobility.
During the night Fizgix and Astamail noticed two villagers sneaking off into the forest in the direction of Glod’s hut, but they didn’t mention it to anyone else. The comings and goings of the peasants wasn’t their business it seemed. Of note during Hugh’s watch was the sound of howling wolves on the wind. Hugh was quite diligent and reported the presence of the wolves to the party.
In the morning, Sir Aeron chose to investigate Faste’s version of events, and he led the party into the woods past the large sacrificial shrine that had been built. Lacking a tracker, the party was hard pressed to determine where the wolves were. Having only Hugh’s vague directions go on the spent the majority of the day trapsing through the woods to no avail. After setting up a small camp around midday to rest and eat they were attacked by a monstrous beat that burst forth from the undergrowth. As large as a brown bear but with the head of an owl and wing-like webbing on the forelimbs, the madden beast attacked without regard to its own wellbeing. It seemed determine to kill and eat whatever it could get hold of. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of the party and Brother Stefan’s healing powers they were able to walk away from the encounter relatively unscathed but ready to return to the relative safety of the village.
Sir Aeron took the time to take the head of the beast as trophy. He had suspicions that the ‘wolves’ had in fact been this fearsome creature. During the trek back to the village the party stumbled upon an unexpected seen. The stench of blood on the wind guided them to the pack of wolves Hugh had undoubtedly heard the night before. Parts of the animals were scattered all around. They seemed to have been ripped apart and left to rot. What wounds that could be identified appeared to be claw like. The parts of at least six different wolves could be identified.
Convinced that whatever was terrorizing the village was much worse than any wolfpack or owl-bear the party hastened back to the village. As the sun began to descend towards the horizon the smell of smoke was detected ahead of them. Emerging from the woods about 200 yards from the sacrificial shrine the party looked upon Faste’s plan in horror. His great sacrifice to Kamat was not just the traditional food and drink. Tied to the four poles of the shrine were four villagers and a great bonfire had been lit at its base!
Quickly the party ran towards the shrine and the mass of villagers listening in rapt attention to Faste as he proclaimed his dedication to Kamat. It was quickly ascertained that the 4 human sacrifices were Glod, Skuld, the Headman’s Son, and a small girl no more than a handful of years old. Immediately the part set about attempting to break through the villagers and find some way to save the four being burned alive. Sir Aeron loudly proclaimed his authority and denounced Faste as a traitor who had violated the Baron’s Peace. Continuing he demanded that the villagers assist in bringing him to justice or they would face the same fate as he would. Quickly the scene devolved into a brawl as Faste’s fanatic hardliners jumped to his defense, but many of the villagers sided with Sir Aeron.
As Fizgix and Sir Aeron were mobbed into the giant brawl, Astamail focused on taking down Faste quickly with his magic. Hugh set about organizing a few of the village women to move a large tree trunk into the fire to create a path to one of the sacrifices. Brother Stefan immediately called upon the power of Glorianna to Create Water to douse the roaring flames of the bonfire. The fall of Faste only seemed to embolden his hardliners who continue to fight the heavily armored Sir Aeron with naught but sticks and fists.
Eventually the loyal villagers and Sir Aeron managed to subdue the fanatics. Brother Stefan’s efforts had opened a path that allowed for the small girl to be rescued from the flames. Hugh was still working with the women to move the giant log into place, but Sir Aeron heedless of the danger, rushed into the flames and cut Skuld free. Burned but determined Sir Aeron was able to carry her to safety, but the toll of calling on Glorianna had exhausted Brother Stefan and the flames were returning. As a measure of mercy Glod and Headman’s son were dispatched with arrows.
Exhausted Sir Aeron turned to the remaining fanatics and started executing them only stopping with Faste’s wife who he remanded into custody, pending transport to Thornhaven. A quick toll of the devastation combined with half a year of predation made clear the village could no longer survive without an influx of population. Not having the authority to force relocate families from other villages Sir Aeron determined that he would lead all the remaining villagers of Volgast back to Thornhaven.
The following day was spent organizing and packing up what few positions the villagers had to form a column. Desiring nothing more than a quick and quiet trip home the party was leaving behind them a destroyed village and an unknown beast that could now threaten even more villages closer to Thornhaven. Alas the roads are dangerous even in the best of times. As the train of people wound through the forest between villages they were attacked by some kind of carnivorous plant. Vine like appendages shot out from the undergrowth snatching up several villagers and even Sir Aeron! Despite the surprise the party reacted quickly. Astamail was quickly able to discern the main body of the plant and turned his magics toward destroying it. Meanwhile Sir Aeron, Brother Stefan, Fizgix, and Hugh focused on the vines attempting to save as many people as possible. In the end only 4 more villagers were lost, and Traveller, Sir Aeron’s horse, took a minor wound.
The beleaguered column finally staggered into Thornhaven with barley more than their wits intact. The news of the village’s destruction was not welcomed by Baron. It would mean a shortage of Ironwood for the Barony, but the Baron agreed that it was the correct decision. A concerted effort would have to be made to re-establish the village in the future. For now the survivors of Volgast would be settled in Thornhaven. With Sir Aeron’s permission, Skuld was given into Mr. Hugh’s care.

4 Weeks Later – The Spring Feast of Hroth

In preparation for the Spring Feast Sir Aeron and his brother Dayne have departed with several retainers on an extended hunting trip. Intending to focus on their own endeavors Astamail, Fizgix, and Hugh have remained behind, while Brother Stefan has returned to the local temple to Glorianna, The Order of Tranquility. It is the ringing of the bells of The Order of Tranquility that alert the residents of Thornhaven to tragedy.
Before the Baron can send a runner to the Temple to discover what has happened a wagon escorted by Brother Stefan and another cleric from the temple approaches the main gate. It is clear from the walls that two bodies lie covered in the wagon. The gates are quickly opened to receive Brother Stefan where he informs the Baron that bodies are the Lady Marguerite Yvonne Penrose, Sir Aeron’s Wife, and her bodyguard!
Their bodies had been discovered on the circle road near the old hill fort. Lady Marguerite had a red fletched arrow through her throat and the bodyguard had been found dead next to her. He also had arrow wounds, but no other arrows were found. Quickly Sir Aeron’s companions were summoned from their pursuits to assist in tracking down whoever had committed this atrocity. An attack on the Penrose family could not be allowed to stand unanswered! Especially one that effectively occurred inside town borders.
Quickly Astamail, Fizgix, Brother Stefan, and Hugh set about tracking down what information they could. Visiting the site where the bodies had been found they discovered both Lady Marguerite and her bodyguard’s horses nearby. They identified several places that could have hidden an ambush but were unsuccessful in finding any evidence of such. Brother Stefan at this point broached the topic of using necromancy to speak with the victims. Such methods are taboo and only done in the last resort. Still the lack of physical evidence was pressing. Eventually the friends decided to approach the Baron about using such magic on the bodyguard if he approved, but they would first investigate all the events that led up to the Lady’s fateful presence on the loop road.
Brother Stefan returned to The Order of Tranquility to discuss the preparations for casting necromantic spells with the head of the Temple. Fizgix, Astamail, and Hugh returned to the castle to investigate Lady Marguerite’s activities over the previous few days. After returning the horses to the stable they were quickly learned that Lady Marguerite was very fond of riding, and that she had come and saddled her horse herself that morning. It was her first ride in quite sometime as the Baron had severely restricted movement around Thornhaven after the Red Cap incident.
When asked why the Lady had saddled the horse herself the stable replied that she often did that when she was upset. That she had said she found caring for her horse calming and a joy. The recent disappearance of her longtime maid so suddenly probably had upset her quite a lot. This news quickly raised eyebrows, and they quickly sought out Karl Rask for more information.
An easy man to find Karl was organizing and seeing to the day-to-day business of Thornhaven and the Barony as normal from his office. The idea of asking for a tracker to assist in finding the ambush site had occurred to Fizgix, and while Karl was upset to note that all Baron’s huntsmen were with Sir Aeron and Sir Dayne, there was a man named Rodian in the dungeons who might could help. Hugh persuaded Karl to speak to the Baron on Rodian’s behalf if Rodian agreed to help with the search. When asked about Lady Marguerite’s maid Karl revealed that, Antonella, had disappeared two weeks ago rather suddenly. That apparently, she had run off with some travelling merchant. It was rather scandalous and out of character for the woman, but stranger things had and have been happening. Karl revealed that, Imogen, Lady Praxida’s maid, had taken over many of the duties that Antonella had been performing. Hugh arranged with Karl to have a meeting with Imogen later that day before the party descended into the Thornhaven dungeons.
Rodian turned out to be a man of relatively middling height and forgettable features. Knowing the penalty for poaching is death he was rather interested in getting out of his current residence even though a guilty verdict was not a certainty. According to him he was caught on the wrong side of an invisible line with a bow. He had no game on him when he was arrested, but “You never know what a noble is going to do.” Rodian quickly deduced that the intervention on the Steward his behalf would pretty much guarantee he would walk free, so he quickly agreed to help locate the ambush site.
Rodian turned out to be worth his weight in gold. He was quickly able to determine where the ambush had originated from. It turned out Hugh, Fizgix, and Astamail had assumed Lady Marguerite had been riding in the opposite direction. Towards the Cidery away from town, instead of towards town when she was attacked. He was able to lead the party to the spot where the fatal arrow had been fired from. Alas there wasn’t much to find. Just some depressions in the undergrowth and a few boot prints that quickly disappeared.
They now knew where and how, but there were still few clues regarding the who and the why. Astamail and Fizgix returned to the castle with Rodian. After returning him to the dungeons with a promise to intervene on his behalf they went to search Antonella’s old quarters in the hopes of finding something left behind. Hugh on the other hand went into town to see if he could gather more information on the travelling merchant Antonella ran off with. Fizgix and Astamail came up empty, but Hugh was able to confirm that Antonella had been seen in town with a merchant named Efim. Efim typically ran the Olmutz-Klagenfurt route. He is a blonde, bulky gentlemen with a mustache. The innkeeper of The Next Best Tulip confirmed that Antonella had retired with him to his room several times during his stay at Thornhaven.
Finally, Hugh met up with Imogen, Lady Praixida’s maid, on his return to the castle. Imogen confirmed that she had taken over duties after Antonella had disappeared, that she hadn’t known that Lady Marguerite had been planning to go for a ride this morning, and that she was unaware of anyone else who would have reported on the Lady’s plans. Hugh thanked her for her time and spent a little extra time watching the young woman walk away before going to inform Fizgix and Astmail what he had discovered while they waited on Brother Stefan to return.
Without much else to go on they reunited with Brother Stefan and readied themselves to ask the Baron’s permission to perform a necromantic rite on the bodyguard in hopes of gaining some solid information on who had performed the attack. After updating the baron with everything they had found out he reluctantly agreed that the necromantic rite should go forward. Brother Stefan passed on the warning he received from his Superior that any answers received would likely be vague and that they would not have long to communicate.
Together the group came up with several questions they could ask and went through scenarios of what to ask, when, and how. Eventually with all the pieces in place Brother Stefan invoked the favor of Glorianna and breached the veil of death to speak with the bodyguard. The answers were cryptic, brief, and not very helpful. The bodyguard witnessed Lady Marguerite’s fall from her horse as she raced ahead of him, and then he was apparently killed the moment he caught up with her. He didn’t see who fired the fatal shots.

Two Days Later
(Note: I’m skipping over some fantastic roleplaying interactions from Fizgix, Hugh, and Sir Aeron in this session. I just can’t do them justice in text, sorry guys.)

Sir Aeron and Sir Dayne are returning from a successful hunt discussing the family and the betrothal of Dayne’s son to Lady Praxida. Dayne is clearly uncomfortable with the age difference, but he acknowledges that it’s the correct decision for the family. The alliance with House Ingeri must stand if they are to continue to keep the route to the Klagenfurt open for trade. Just as Dayne was making a note about his son’s good fortunes in the assets of his future bride the two brothers note Severina returning from the direction of Thornhaven where she was scouting ahead of the party.
Reigning up quickly Severina informs both brothers that she has ill news from Thornhaven and that, begging their pardon, they should accompany her to the top of the hill posthaste. Sir Dayne quickly motions for Severina to lead the way, and Sir Aeron fell in quickly. As the reached the top of the rise they were able to look downward upon Thornhaven and the banners of mourning that adorned her walls. Knowing that tragedy had struck Sir Dayne ordered Severina to lead the hunting party back to the castle while he and Sir Aeron rode ahead.
A horn call from the walls announced the return of the Penrose Brothers. Upon entering the gates Sir Aeron quickly spotted Mr. Hugh and asked for news. Hugh looking quite ill stated that the news should come from the Baron himself. Sir Aeron and Sir Dayne quickly rushed into the formal audience chamber where they were met by their families. Sir Aeron quickly deduced that the mourning banners were for his wife, and he quickly went to comfort his son.
After learning the details of what had transpired in his absence Sir Aeron gathered his friends to discover what they had learned and to make funeral preparations for his wife. Resorting to heavy drinking and a paranoid protection of his son, Sir Aeron spent the next day interrogating everyone in the castle that could have had anything to do with the attack.
Working with his family and friends he issued wanted posters and rewards for the capture of the Merchant Efim and the Maid Antonella. He dispatched warrants for the same to all the Lords from Olmutz to Klagenfurt, but it wasn’t until Astamail and Brother Stefan emerged from the castle chapel where they had been preparing Lady Marguerite’s body that Sir Aeron discovered a mistake in the investigation so far. Lady Marguerite had been found with a red fletched arrow in her neck, but Sir Aeron’s was a seasoned veteran, and he knew a crossbow bolt wound when he saw one. The damage was simply too great for an arrow. The entry wound was too big.
This discovery only hardened Sir Aeron’s resolve that the same necromantic rite that had been performed on the bodyguard also be performed on Marguerite. Brother Stefan ensured Sir Aeron that he could perform the rite again if he were certain, but that it would take him time to make the preparations. Sir Aeron demanded that Brother Stefan make all haste. In the meantime, he sought out his former trainer, Drago, the Arms Master of Thornhaven. Drago agreed with Sir Aeron that a heavy crossbow was the most likely cause of the wound. Such a weapon is expensive and not often found outside of an armory. Together they immediately took an inventory of the castle’s weapons but found all the heavy crossbows in place. Sir Aeron demanded to know who been trained on the crossbows and that their quarters be searched now. Drago agreed to the search but reminded Sir Aeron that the funeral was due to start in little more than an hour and that they both had duties to attend to.
Quickly Sir Aeron returned to Brother Stefan so the necromantic rite could be performed on Marguerite before she was removed to her boat grave. Brother Stefan dutifully performed the ritual and asked Marguerite Sir Aeron’s questions in full. The ritual ended with Brother Stefan informing Sir Aeron that he had her forgiveness.
Lady Marguerite’s funeral was performed on the beach of the castle island by Priestess Valentina of The Order of Tranquility. All family members presented a parting gift to ease travel to the next world, including Sir Aeron’s son Reynald who placed the music box so recently given to her by Sir Aeron himself in the grave boat. Genly Sir Aeron, Sir Dayne, and Sir Brynden pushed the grave boat into the current and watched as it slowly sailed into center of the Pistil River. A piece of a bonfire from the opposite bank seeme to break off and launch itself through the air. The fire fell directly onto the grave boat and spread rapidly; Lady Marguerite’s remains were quickly consumed as was the grave boat. The heat of the flames could be felt on the beach.
With the funeral complete Sir Aeron quickly saw to the needs of Reynald and entrusted his care to his Sister Claire. After which he quickly met Drago as he returned from the far shore of the Pistil and the entire party proceeded with search of the guard’s quarters for any clues to who killed Marguerite. Nothing substantive was found. Sir Aeron demanded to see the site of the ambush and that they take Severina along with them to confirm the findings of Rodian. From the site of where the bodies were found Severina was able to spot the likely ambush point much as Rodian had. Furthermore, once they reached the site where the attack came from; she was able to clearly mark out the spot Rodian had found, and she discovered two more sites. No trash or waste had been left behind, but she was able to spot a few separate boot prints, though they quickly disappeared not far away.
Searching through the area even more thoroughly with Severina, Sir Aeron was able to recover a heavy crossbow bolt from the field. Feeling his deduction that Marguerite had been killed by a crossbow and not an arrow had been confirmed he demanded that everyone redouble their efforts and search the whole area.
Finally, near the old hill fort a matching boot print was discovered near a pile stones. Working quickly the PCs moved the stones to reveal a small hole in which had been stashed a heavy crossbow a several bolts. Knowing with certainty that he had found the murder weapon Sir Aeron was confused and maddened that he was no closer the actual assailants.
With the light failing the party returned to the castle and some badly needed rest. Brother Stefan broke off to return to the Temple and his own quarters. Sir Aeron offered to share food and drink with his friends, but it was clear he wasn’t interested in eating. Fizgix and Astmail demurred and sought their own quarters, but Hugh opted to stay and drink with Sir Aeron. As the night deepened and the companionable silence over alcohol became a burden Hugh excused himself a returned to his home while Sir Aeron sought solitude along the ramparts.
Finally settling in on the bridge between the castle proper and the tower on Pool Rock, Sir Aeron took stock of his situation. Meditating for quite some time in the cold wind and dark it was with surprise that he noticed odd markings on the railing across from him near the base of the bridge. Investigating closer he saw that the railing had been weakened. The supports had been sawed through in a way to hide what had been done yet ensure any serious weight would result in the whole section collapsing into the Pistil below! Immediately Sir Aeron sought out his father to inform him of his findings. Between the hidden crossbow and this it was clear that whatever nefarious forces were at work they were far from done.
Sir Brynden took Sir Aeron’s revelation in stride, but with great concern. He cautioned Sir Aeron to be extra careful and to guard himself and his friends well. In the meantime he would ensure that no Penrose would ever be unescorted. Sir Brynden promised to inform the Baron of everything in the morning. In the interim measures would be taken. Satisfied Sir Aeron returned to his own chambers and his wine glass.

Hugh arrives home

Mr. Hugh is heard by the town screaming in absolute hysteria. The watchmen break the door open and discover him covered in blood, the body of Skuld in the bed next to him, her throat slit. Quickly taking stock of the scene the watchmen arrest Mr. Hugh and transport him to the dungeons of Thornhaven.

The next morning

Sir Aeron awakens to a summons from his Grandfather. His companion Mr. Hugh was arrested last night for the grisly murder of his ward. Disbelieving such a thing to be possible Sir Aeron demands to visit Hugh in the dungeon. With the Baron’s permission granted Sir Aeron finds a distraught and barely understandable Hugh naked and on the opposite side of his cell from a mound of bloody clothes. Demanding an explanation Hugh states that “They killed her. She was dead when I arrived home. I knew something was wrong and rushed over to the bed. I picked her up and it was just nothing but blood. Blood was everywhere. Why would someone kill Skuld? She never harmed anyone.”
Accepting his friend’s story and clearly seeing how upset he his Sir Aeron vouches for Hugh and demands fresh clothes be brought for him. Sir Brynden must be informed of this latest attack. Quickly the two seek out Sir Aeron’s father and encounter Fizgix, Astamail, and Brother Stefan along the way. Sir Brynden listens to Hugh’s story and agrees with Sir Aeron that he and his friends are likely being targeted. He reiterates that the need to be careful and on close guard, but without some indication of who is doing the targeting they can only play defense.
Determined to discover who might be behind all of the party takes their leave to discuss what they know…



Okay I lost a bunch of notes and I’ve forgotten how the rest of this played out. I do remember that Hugh leaned on the railing and fell into the Pistil. Someone threw Fizgix as a life preserver to rescue him, and eventually they decided to head North to a place that Brother Stefan had been having dreams about. Once I find my notes or someone reminds me what happened I’ll update this.

[Ancalagon]

And one TPK later, its time to roll up new PCs. Half-Elf or Half-Orc... decisions, decisions...