Almaric's Tale

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78

Almaric’s Tale - Back to the Travelling Man

Returning to the Travelling Man, Almaric tethers Osgar outside, off-loads all his loot and goes inside to look for Hugo, who he finds cleaning down the surface of the bar and sorting out flagons. The smell of cooked food is in the air. The innkeeper looks surprised to see the young lad back so soon.

“Greetings Hugo, I was wondering where I can stable my horse and off-load some ex-bandit possessions”, he says with a grin, putting all the stuff on a table. “Oh, and I’ll have lunch, an ale and one for yourself.”

Hugo raises an eyebrow. “Ah, I see. Successful hunting trip then?” Nodding to a corner table, he ducks into the kitchen and says something to Kel. Almaric takes a seat at the indicated table and Hugo returns a moment later with a plate of pork ribs and beans. Setting the dish in front of Almaric he tells him that Kell is seeing to his horse, who will be stabled out back. He then goes behind the bar and fetches up two flagons of ale, giving one to Almaric and setting the other down across from him where he eases himself into the chair.

Whilst stuffing his face, Almaric tells Hugo what occurred and that, when his wounds have healed, he’ll be going back to try and rescue the girl. Hugo is not very happy about Seb roaming free but Almaric assures him that he thinks it was the right thing to do, since everyone should be given at least one chance to redeem themselves and possibly put things right in their lives. This seems to strike a chord with Hugo, who glances at the kitchen before nodding his agreement.

“If I leave some items with you, can you sell them for me to any merchants that pass by?”, asks Almaric.

“Aye lad, that I can. Dunno how soon I’ll be able to sell them or that you’ll get the best prices but most folks are usually open for a spot of trade when passing through.”

After lunch, Almaric goes to his room and lays out the loot, cleans it up and puts together a bundle for sale. The bundle is comprised of: one split chainmail shirt, two light helm, one shield, two short bows, a short sword, one longsword and the magic scroll. He places the spare shield in the chest in case his gets broken, along with both Amethysts.

Once done, he takes the bundle of goods down to Hugo who inspects it all and says that Kel might be able to fix up the chain shirt, or at least give it a try.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he is down to 6 of his 9 HP. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

79

Almaric’s Tale - In Search of the Wizardn

Almaric rests for the remainder of the day and contemplates what he has uncovered so far and what he is likely to encounter when he sets off into the woods again, this time in search of the wizard and his associates.

[/OOC Gain 615 XP (including 10% bonus)]

The next morning during breakfast, Hugo informs him that the travelling healer arrived last night when Almaric was resting in his room and Hugo haggled on his behalf. He presents Almaric with two healing salves and two healing poultices that he bartered the emerald necklace for.

Almaric spends the remainder of the day resting up.

[/OOC Almaric spends another night at the Travelling Man while he tends to his wounds. He recovers, 2 HP (natural healing) + 3H HP (Healing Proficiency)= 5HP. This leaves him fully healed again.]

Almaric rises early the following morning and assembles his kit. After breakfast, and giving a Osgar a pat and a couple of apples, he fills his waterskin with fresh water, obtains four days worth of food from Hugo - telling him that if he doesn’t return, Osgar and the contents of the chest is his room are his and to use whatever he gets from the loot to keep his room.

Feeling confident, Almaric walks out of the inn and, with a merry whistle, sets off down the road. His destination, the cabin in the woods.

The brightening dawn light has chased away the last of the early dew and footmists as Almaric arrives back at the cabin where he encountered Seb and the other two bandits. Everything seems as it was except he notices that there is no sign of Tocca’s corpse and it looks as if something has had a tentative dig at Lew’s grave.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

80

Almaric’s Tale - The Wall of Fog

Having checked that nobody else has taken up residence in the cabin, Almaric heads out of the clearing and back north to the crossroads. From there he heads west, following the looping trail down to the wide lake in the south where Seb indicated that they found the water deep enough to swim under the fog. He briefly considers using the canoe but again recalls what Seb said about them sometimes being more trouble than they were worth and as he would be the only one trying to control it, he decides against using it.

Since he doesn’t know what he’ll encounter on the other side of the barrier of fog but knowing he’ll have to swim, Almaric takes off his pack and hides it in the forest edge. Planning on only taking his armour, shield, weapons, healing and strength potions at this time, Almaric wades into the water.

[/OOC His current encumbrance is 7, 2/6 (Armour [5] + Weapons [1, 5/6] + Pouch & Potions [3/6]), which puts his movement back up to 90’/30’]

He wades very close to the fog and the lake is still only a little more than four feet deep, the water mid-chest in height. This close to it he can smell a decidedly acidic smell coming from the wall of fog. Turning his head from the smell, Almaric takes a few deepening breaths until he fills his lungs with a final deep breath and dives beneath the surface, under the strange green fog and begins swimming towards what he hopes will be the shore.

Using every second of air his lungs can hold, Almaric swims as hard as he can, but finally he has to surface for air. Coming up he realizes he has made it past the wall of fog. It now lies behind him. The lake’s shoreline is not far off and he can see a path leading from a gravel beach.

Crawling out of the cold water Almaric welcomes the dry land and warm sun. The forest on this side of the fog wall looks much like it did on the other side. There is a quiet that pervades the area. Few birds seem to be about and even the constant chatter of insects is diminished. A path leads away from the lake and into the woods to the south.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

81

Almaric’s Tale - The Landing Area

After emptying the water out his equipment, Almaric heads off south, following the path until he gets to the fork Seb told him about. After a brief pause, he decides to continue south - all the while listening for the sounds of voices or movement.

The smell of charred wood and fire drifts up the path. Just ahead of him, Almaric can see a very old stone tower. It is scorched in many places and smoke rises from its centre. Several corpses lie about the tower and all but one appear to be kobolds. The larger corpse is that of a man dressed in leather armour. A short sword lies near his outstretched arm and an arrow is embedded in his chest. Just to the south of the tower, within fifty yards, is a strange sight. A large hundred-feet wide circular area is inset with stones forming a platform that is no more than six inches above the forest floor. A twenty-feet wide road stretches away eastward from the platform. The road is cobbled with stone and is also set about six inches higher than the ground. No trees overhang the platform, but the road is covered by the long branches of nearby trees. The road follows the contour of the hilly ground and Almaric can only see about 100 yards beyond the platform.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. He still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

82

Almaric’s Tale - The Burned Tower

Moving into the site of the devastation, Almaric checks each of the bodies to make sure they are all dead. Glancing around the tower, he can see more signs of battle. Blood and broken arrows litter the area. There are a total of eight dead kobolds around the tower. Each kobold has a short sword and short bow. None have any arrows on their person.

Having left the armoured man until last, Almaric searches the body to see if he had anything useful on him.

[/OOC He doesn’t!]

Apart from his punctured armour and nearby short sword, the corpse has no possessions at all. When finished, Almaric moves over to the tower to see if there is anyone hurt within it.

A brief search reveals that if there had been anything of interest within the tower, it has since been incinerated. The remains of a staircase leads up to the burnt-out roof. The roof itself must have collapsed and burned where it lay. Here and there Almaric can see shards of glass. Someone may have used oil flasks to burn the tower. The embers and ash at his feet are still very hot and smoke drifts up the tower like a chimney. Other than what he has noted, there is nothing of interest in the tower. As Almaric exits, he is confronted by several kobolds that look extremely angry.

[/OOC Reaction roll from Kobolds. Rolled (4)+Kobold Reaction mod.(-2)+Almaric’s CHA mod.(0)=2. Hostile, attacks.]

With a screech, the kobolds leap to attack Almaric, they must blame him for all the carnage.

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 1: Almaric (14+1)=15, Kobold #1 (14), Kobold #2(4) and Kobold #3(14)]

Finding himself suddenly under attack from three diminutive, angry creatures, Almaric opts to attack first and sort things out later if he can. Bringing his shield up to a guard position, he slashes his longsword at one of the Kobolds, just as two of them close in on him.

[/OOC Almaric attacks Kobold #1 with his longsword. He needs a 7+ and rolls (3)-**(Kobold AC)=MISS]

Almaric is dismayed to see his flashing blade fail to connect with any part of the creature, especially when two of them make coordinated attacks back - their small short swords jabbing viciously at him…

[/OOC Kobold #1 and Kobold #3 attack simultaneously. Kobold #1 rolls, (9)-Almaric’s AC(7)=2. MISS
Kobold #3 rolls, (14)-Almaric’s AC(7)=7. MISS]

Luckily for Almaric their sword skill is as high as they are and he easily avoids their clumsy attacks. However, the remaining Kobold uses the distraction to jump in and try and hamstring the young warrior…

[/OOC Kobold #2 attacks Almaric, rolls (7)-Almaric’s AC(7)=0. MISS]

…but fails to connect as Almaric jumps over the slashing sword.

The three Kobolds slowly circle Almaric, all the while making yipping, whining noises.

[/OOC: Almaric is engaged in combat with 3 Kobolds. Everyone is uninjured. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

83

Almaric’s Tale - Fighting the Kobolds

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 2: Almaric rolls (3+1)=4, Kobold #1 (1), Kobold #2 (19) and Kobold #3(13)]

This time it is the hamstring-attempting Kobold who attacks first…

[/OOC Kobold #2 attacks Almaric, rolls (19)-Almaric’s AC(7)=12. HIT
Damage from short sword, (1)]

It makes a weak strike at Almaric’s flank and chops into his side. A very minor wound but still first blood to the Kobolds. This inspires another of the little fiends to lunge in and attempt to stab the human.

[/OOC Kobold #3 attacks Almaric, rolls (1)-Almaric’s AC(7)=-6. WILD MISS!]

The creature finds only empty space as Almaric moves to one side in an easy dodge and launches his own attack at the Kobold yet to menace him this round.

[/OOC Almaric attacks Kobold #1. He needs a 7+ and rolls, (18)-**(Kobold AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (4)+Sword mod.(1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=8. KILLSHOT!]

Taking the small dog-man by surprise, Almaric’s longsword lashes out and neatly removes its sword-arm along with a hunk of shoulder. The creature dies with a high-pitched yelp. Almaric continues the momentum of his attack around and directs it at the Kobold who attacked him first this round…

[/OOC Almaric attempts a CLEAVE attack on Kobold #2. He needs a 7+ and rolls, (10)-**(Kobold AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (4)+Sword mod.(1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=8. DOUBLE-KILLSHOT!]

The sharp blade ends its journey in the side of the Kobold, almost cutting it in half. It too expires with a pained yelp.

[/OOC The remaining Kobold must make a morale check after seeing it’s companions die and being the only one left. It rolls (10)+Kobold Morale mod.(-2)=8. Fight On.]

The remaining Kobold growls at Almaric, clearly not inclined to back down.

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 3: Almaric rolls (12+1)=13, Kobold #3 (3)]

Sensing that his foe is unlikely to give up the fight, Almaric feints to one side as he lunges forward with his sword…

[/OOC Almaric attacks with his longsword. He needs a 7+ and rolls, (14)-**(Kobold AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (4)+Sword mod.(1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)=8. KILLSHOT!]

…which completely fools his opponent who is left wide open to the attack. The sword tip lances into the Kobold’s chest and punches out of it’s back. Dropping it’s sword, the dying creature scrabbles feebly at the protruding blade, whimpering, before falling backwards, sliding off the sword and lying dead against the edge of the stone platform. The subdued sounds of the area return after the frantic noise of combat ends.

[/OOC: Almaric is lightly injured, having taken 1 HP of damage. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

84

Almaric’s Tale - Fighting the Kobolds (aftermath)

Almaric retreats back in to the tower and waits, keeping watch for more Kobolds. After a few minutes of nothing untoward happening, he exits the tower and searches the bodies of the freshly-killed kobolds. His search nets him three sets of child-sized leather armour and three similarly sized short swords - none of which look worthy of keeping nor of being usable by him.

When finished, Almaric moves over to the raised circle of stones but is careful to avoid stepping on to it and looks along the road heading east. Even from the edge of the road all that can really be seen is that the road follows the contours of the hilly ground and due to its elevated climb to the next bump, Almaric can only see about a hundred yards beyond the platform, although it would appear that the road travels straight for some considerable distance beyond that.

[/OOC: Almaric is lightly injured. He is on 8 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

85

Almaric’s Tale - Looking for the Base Camp

Stepping away from the stones, Almaric returns back along the path north until he gets to the junction just south of where he came ashore. Heading east, towards what Seb had told him was the Mage’s camp area, Almaric tries to keep to the treeline as much as possible, ready to move off the path into concealment as soon as he spots any approaching enemies.

The path, only a hundred or so yards from the split, is now barely visible. The only reason Almaric can even follow it, is that the ancient trees to either side give him nowhere else to go. It is a struggle to move forward, but he is quickly adapting to travel in the forest. With a start Almaric hears voices from ahead of him. Cautiously moving forward, he steps off the trail and moves among some trees until he finds the source of the sounds.

An encampment of three tents surrounds a small fire pit. Two of the tents can sleep at least six men and the third tent while larger, looks to be reserved for a singular person of importance. One six-man tent is to the north of the large tent, the other to the south. Three men sit by the fire talking. Each holds a large mug. Almaric can hear one of them clearly.

“Where are those idiots? All they had to do was get some wine from that tavern and get back here. That was days ago. I’m willing to bet they had their fill at the tavern, living it up while we sweated it out here. I’m telling you, they’ve spent all the coin and are now too scared to come back. The master will surely take it up with them… or more likely, take it out on us!” The other two men nod and grunt in agreement.

[/OOC: Almaric is lightly injured. He is on 8 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

86

Almaric’s Tale - The Base Camp

Without knowing if there is anyone in the tents, Almaric settles down into the undergrowth to keep watch and assess the camp.

Having studied the guards for a few minutes from his hiding place, Almaric determines that they have just recently finished a meal and are currently resting at ease. He thinks that he could attempt to sneak around the camp’s perimeter and possibly get closer to the three tents but it will by no means be an easy task given that stealth is not his strong suit.

[/GM Note: Yes there is a way Almaric could get up to any of the tents but it will require a set of opposed rolls for the guard’s Hear Noise vs. his Move Silently roll.]

Almaric waits a short while but sees no indication that any of the men are sleepy - since it is late morning the chances are they are just lounging around off-duty. If they were going to sleep they would most likely retire to a tent out of the sun. Deciding that it’s now or never, he inches out of cover and begins to sneak around to the larger tent, bow at the ready in case he needs to fight, whilst trying to keep as much cover between himself and the guards.

[/OOC Almaric’s Move Silently Roll is (18), each guard will need to make a successful Hear Noise roll of 18+ to detect him. **Hidden rolls by the GM]

Managing to make it to the grand tent without any sounds of alarm being raised, Almaric offers up a silent prayer to Viltae, God of the Hunt for aiding his step. However, just as Almaric parts the flaps of the tent, he hears a small commotion from where the guards were. Cursing the fickleness of fate, he makes a snap decision and pushes through the material in the hopes that the tent is unoccupied and that he can remain undetected.

The tent is decorated like something out of a sultan’s palace. Tapestries hang in front of all the outer walls and plush rugs cover the floor. A pile of pillows and blankets form a bed of sorts in the centre of the room. Two small tables are pushed together to form a larger platform. There are two chairs at the table and a massive map is unrolled on the tabletop. A pair of small footlockers rest near the back of the tent. Almaric takes it all in but that is not the focus of his attention. A scantily clad woman, with a bandaged arm and numerous bruises, cowers behind the make-shift bed. She is tethered to the tent’s central pole by a thin chain. She is clearly watching him and waiting for his reaction. The tapestries and tent walls seem to be masking most sound from outside as Almaric has not heard anything else since the initial sounds from the guards. He is unsure as to what is happening outside.

[/OOC: Almaric is lightly injured. He is on 8 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

87

Almaric’s Tale - Inside the Large Tent

Holding up his hand towards the woman, Almaric whispers, “I’m not here to hurt you, I’m not one of them. Please don’t give me away and I’ll take you away from here as soon as I can.”

Her eyes are asking for help. Beyond the tangled hair and battered body, it is clear the woman is indeed beautiful. She notes Almaric’s hesitation and she attempts to straighten herself. She tells him that she is a slave to an evil wizard and that he has beaten her badly. The wizard and most of the men have left to steal treasure from a nearby dragon’s horde and they may be back at any time. The key to her tether is in one of the footlockers. She begins to sob and begs for his help.

“My name is Almaric m’lady, what is your name?” he asks in a hushed tone. She says she is called Tar-Gallin.

All the time he has been in the tent, Almaric has been listening for approaching voices and looking for a spot to hide behind a tapestry or some such cover if needed. Neither have presented themselves as of yet.

[/OOC Since the key to the chain is apparently in one of the footlockers, it makes sense to use that rather than risk a lot of noise trying to hack through the metal with ‘Goblin Cleaver’.]

“Give me a short while and I’ll see about freeing you from that chain”, he says before moving through the tent to examine the map on the table and the footlockers. As he passes the woman, she says that the key is in the one to the right. She warns that the footlocker on the left is trapped.

Moving to the tables and the map, Almaric can see that the thing is very old. It does not look like parchment, but some sort of animal skin. The writing is not like any he has seen before. Before Almaric has time to review it in detail, a shadow crosses his back.

In a flash Almaric sees the woman is untethered and holding a dagger. She calls him a fool and attacks…

[/OOC Not quite surprised, Almaric rolls for initiative, but with a -2 penalty: Almaric (14+1-2)=13, Tar-Gallin (20)]

She stabs at her startled, would-be rescuer…

[/OCC Almaric is currently holding his bow, not his shield. Tar-Gallin stabs at Almaric, she rolls (16)-Almaric’s AC without shield(5)=11. HIT
Damage from dagger, (2)… luckily Almaric caught wind of the attack just in time and so she is unable to backstab him. She is however, using a poisoned blade, so Almaric must save vs.Poison. He needs a 14+ and rolls (14)+CON mod.(1)=15. SUCCESS]

The blade pierces Almaric’s skin and even as the tip comes free of the wound, he is aware of a slight burning sensation that warns him of the presence of poison on the weapon!

Realising that this woman is obviously not who or what she at first appeared to be, Almaric has no choice but to fight for his life and to do so as quickly and quietly as he can lest he should attract the attention of the guards outside. He drops his bow and grabs up his sword and shield. He launches a swift slash towards her unarmoured midriff…

[/OOC Almaric attacks Tar-Gallin. He needs a 7+ and rolls (17)-**(Tar-Gallin’s AC)=HIT.
Damage from sword, (5)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+sword mod.(1)=9 HP]

A large gash opens up across her smooth stomach and she gasps in pain and clutches at the wound. “Enough!”, she says, “I yield!” She takes a step backwards. “In exchange for my freedom, I will tell all that I know. I swear I will be of no further trouble.” She is having a hard time standing upright, the wound to her abdomen clearly bleeding through her blood-stained fingers.

[/OOC: Although technically still in combat, Almaric is classed as un-engaged since Tar-Gallin has ceased to attack any more. Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Tar-Gallin looks badly injured. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

88

Almaric’s Tale - Inside the Large Tent (aftermath)

“Very well assassin, tell me all you know and you’ll be free to go. If you even look like you’re about to betray me, I’ll finish the job I’ve started and kill you”, warns Almaric, pointing his sword at her wound to emphasise the statement. “Now, throw the knife away and start talking.”

Dropping the dagger, Tar-Gallin begins to rip what little clothing she is wearing into bandages and attempts to stem the blood-flow on her wound. The woman explains that she is the wizard’s ‘partner’. His name is Har-Assad and he has discovered a special map. The wizard has deciphered the inscriptions on the map and learned that it depicts the location of a dead dragon’s lair or grave. It also speaks of a vast hoard and ‘magical green flame’. In some circles, the green flame is known as the legendary Eye of the East, a jewel of value beyond all others. It has been lost for centuries, but rumours that it was stolen by a dragon have persisted. After a battle with some kobolds near a tower to the south, she returned to the camp to kill the remaining brigands and meet the wizard to the east, along the road that runs away from the kobold tower. She has poisoned the brigands by the fire and they will be dead in minutes, unless they are dead already. She heard Almaric creeping about outside the tent so she pretended to be a helpless captive until she knew more about who was out there.

Almaric questions Tar-Gallin further about Har-Assad and she curses the wizard’s name. She explains he is from the east and he is barbaric and cruel. But he is also devilishly smart and he should not be underestimated or trusted. But for all his evil and intelligence, he is not very successful. From what she has gleaned, Har-Assad is not the most powerful of wizards, far from it. She has seen some displays of his magic, but he depends heavily upon his brigands to do all the heavy and dirty work.

When pressed for more information regarding this ‘dragon treasure’ that Har-Assad is looking for, the woman seems at a loss on this topic. The wizard has shared little with her and the only information she has overheard was when the wizard bargained with the brigands. She believes the wizard has stumbled upon the lair or grave of a dragon that died many years ago. He used the old map on the tables, but since she cannot read the script, it is of little concern to her. The wizard and six brigands left to loot the hoard only a few hours earlier. It cannot be far off as the wizard said he would be back before nightfall. She scornfully says that Har-Assad is not returning to the camp at all and expects him to be making his escape even as she is speaking, leaving her behind to fend for herself.

Finally, she admits that neither of the footlockers are locked or trapped. Her storytelling and bandaging finished, she regards Almaric with intent, clearly unsure as to what his reaction will be.

[/OOC: Combat has now ended. Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Tar-Gallin looks injured. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

89

Almaric’s Tale - Honouring his word

Pursing his lips as he ponders all the woman has told him, Almaric finally speaks.

"Alright Tar-Gallin, I’m a man of my word, you’re free to go. I don’t kill people without reason, so don’t give me a reason. I came here to rescue someone that I thought needed my help. I suggest you run from here and keep running.

“Take your dagger, you’ll need it, and a couple of those blankets. If you have any other clothes I suggest you change before you leave.”

The woman looks slightly startled at his decision but does not waste any time trying to second-guess the young warrior. Instead she snatches up her fallen dagger, which elicits a hiss of pain from her, and then almost as a second thought, snatches a cover from the bed and wraps it around her shoulders before heading to the tent flap. After a quick peep outside, she pushes through the flap.

Almaric was about to skirt around her towards the tent flap, but seeing the woman waste no time in her departure, he waits to see what transpires as she exits the tent, all the while his sword and shield are readied in case of treachery.

Since Tar-Gallin has left and there is no outcry from the guards, Almaric rushes to the exit and peers outside to see if the brigands are indeed dead. It would seem as though that at least was a truth, for the bodies of the guards lie in disarray around the area where they had not long been relaxing and eating. Almaric catches a brief flash of colour as the draped form of the thief vanishes into the shadowed pathway heading out of the camp.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

90

Almaric’s Tale - The Base Camp (aftermath)

Almaric wastes no time in returning to the footlockers and after a quick double-check, opens both with his shield up in case anything goes off - never trust a wizard or an assassin.

Upon opening the right footlocker, Almaric can see that it contains some clothing and personal items, nothing of any immediate value or note. He does, however, find a pouch containing thirty four platinum pieces and four bloodstone gems.

Inside the left footlocker Almaric finds clothing for a woman - Tar-Gallin obviously valued her freedom more than any of her possessions. A leather item he initially thought was a small book, are actually thieves’ pick tools. A pouch holds twenty four gold coins, a silver necklace and a silver ring inset with an opal. He notices some items dumped behind the footlocker including bloodied leather armour, a short sword, and a pouch that contains a small empty vial of some kind.

After searching the footlockers, Almaric moves to the tables and the map, he can see that the thing is very old. It does not look like parchment, but some sort of animal skin. The writing is not like any he has seen before. Most of the map displays the forest, but it somehow seems different. However, the main landmarks are there including the stream and two lakes. The strange writing appears in many places, but one passage appears to point to a location, close to his current position, along a roadway just to the south-east. Almaric knows the map has some value and a sage will surely pay gold for it.

Rolling up the large skin, he looks for something that he can store it in and quickly slips the cover off one of the cushions to fashion a makeshift sack. He quickly places all of his looted items inside.

Now that the large tent has been searched, Almaric goes outside and sets about the other two tents and the pockets of the three brigands.

Inside the north tent Almaric finds six bedrolls and some other personal camp items. After a thorough inspection, he does not find anything of interest.

Within the south tent are another six bedrolls and some more personal items. At first glance a single bandit appears to be sleeping but on closer inspection, Almaric realises that he is dead. He obviously died in his sleep, his short sword lies untouched in its scabbard by his side.

A search of all the dead bandits uncovers a total of forty-four gold coins on their bodies. Aside from their armour and weapons, they have nothing else of interest. Thinking of weapons, a cunning thought goes through Almaric’s mind and a sly grin appears on his face.

Leaving the camp, he returns to the fork to the west and hides all his loot. Running back to the burned-out tower, he grabs a dead Kobold and carries it back to the tents - making sure the camp is still deserted before entering. He dumps the Kobold near to the brigands bodies and puts a brigand sword in its corpse.

Going over to a tent, he cuts a piece of material big enough to wrap the map in, hoping that it will protect it from the swim he’ll soon have to make.

As soon a he’s ready, he takes a burning brand from the fire and sets fire to all three tents, making sure the flames are well established before he leaves.

Almaric then runs back to the water, collecting his loot on the way and wrapping the map up in the tent material before plunging into the water and swimming back under the fog to, what he hopes is, safety.

Once again the slight moment of panic as his lungs feel like bursting but then he breaks the surface beyond the fog and into clear air.

Wading ashore, he recovers his backpack and drops onto the ground with his pack and makeshift swag bags in his lap. Glancing back across the water he can just make out the faintest of wisps of black smoke rising above the fog wall from the vicinity of the wizard’s base camp.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

91

Almaric’s Tale - Homeward Bound

After catching his breath, Almaric sorts through his equipment and checks over the other items he acquired from the campsite. After noting that nothing appears missing or damaged, he repacks his kit and sets off back for the Travelling Man, mindful that Tar-Gallin could still be hiding somewhere close by.

Not long after passing through the first crossroads and on the way to the next, Almaric is suddenly confronted with a burst of activity from the bushy undergrowth he is just passing.

[/OOC Surprise rolls: Almaric (3), Boar (6). Neither is surprised. Reaction roll for Boar (11), Indifferent/Uncertain]

He finds himself in the presence of a boar that is clearly a little unsure as to what to make of Almaric, but showing no signs of immediate violence. The animal snuffles at him and then at the ground around it. The beast is big, although not overly so, and would make some excellent eating if he were inclined to try his luck. However, he is currently not in any danger so he may want to just leave things alone for now…

[/OOC: You are not currently engaged in combat. You have gained: Thieves Tools, 34pp, 68gp, Silver Necklace, Silver Ring with Opal inset, 4 bloodstones and a ‘Skin Map’. Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

92

Almaric’s Tale - The Bored Boar

Slowly backing away from the boar, Almaric considers taking the creature on. However, since he is injured, he will have to be careful.

Setting his pack down, Almaric looks for a tree to climb, that will allow him to shoot the boar without it being able to get to him. However, as he is scanning for a suitable tree, the boar takes the decision out of his hands and with a snorting grunt, moves off across the path and into the thick undergrowth, quickly vanishing from sight.

Not quite sure if he is disappointed or relieved, Almaric picks up his pack and resumes his journey back to the Travelling Man. This time nothing interrupts his travels and he is back in the inn before the afternoon is done.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured. He is on 6 of 9 Hit Points. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

93

Almaric’s Tale - Back at the Travelling Man

Once back at the inn, Almaric unloads his loot into the chest and puts the skin map out to dry.

Going down for an evening meal, Almaric talks to Hugo and asks about Sages in the area and does he have any parchments he could have. Hugo informs him that they get an occasional Sage travelling through once in a while but that there are none living anywhere in the near vicinity. Since Sages tend to have speciality areas of interest, the chances of one such travelling scholar having an interest in maps would be very slim indeed. Hugo suggests that the capital city, Dolmvay, might be his only real chance to find such a person since it has a renowned mapmaker named Dyson and the famous Houses of Learning. The city lies almost a week in the wrong direction. Hugo is however, able to provide Almaric with an inkpot, quill and sheet of parchment.

Almaric then spends the rest of the evening copying the map onto parchment. Although he has basic map-making skills, Almaric cannot read any of the annotations that are on the map so the topography may be more or less accurate but the writing is going to be problematic since it is not made up of regular letters but rather a strange mixture of symbols, shapes and stylised letters. He does his best and produces something that he thinks he could follow, given his understanding of the woodlands he has been exploring.

Knowing that whatever else he decides to do, he will need to be healthy. To that end, he elects to spend a full day resting and tending his wounds.

[/OOC Almaric heals for (2+1)=3 HP]

Over the course of his resting at the inn, Almaric goes over what he has learned and experienced so far. He knows that Har-Assad is searching for some kind of dragon treasure containing a famous green gem. He also knows that according to what Tar-Gallin told him, backed up by what he learned from Seb and could decipher from the map, the mage was on the verge of finding it, assuming he has not already done so in the time that Almaric has had to recuperate. Even without being able to read the writing on the map, Almaric thinks he could probably follow the wizard’s progress.

[/OOC Almaric earns 844XP (including bonus, but NOT using the Automatic Success bonus card) - this gives him a total of 2,673XP and he is now a 2nd level Fighter. His Saves and Attack Throw have changed and he has gained more Hit Points (+1d8)]

Two days after arriving back at the inn, Almaric awakes feeling fully healed and filled with a new-found vigour. The thought of further adventure adding a slight spring to his step.

[/OOC: Give me a HP roll for your new level (1d8). Almaric is uninjured and has gained a level of experience. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

94

Almaric’s Tale - In search of the Wizard, again

[/OOC A HP gain roll of (1)… OUCH! At least it gets doubled by his CON bonus!]

Feeling confident, Almaric packs his gear and decides to go back to see if he can find the Dragon’s treasure, or at least take care of some more brigands and possibly a brutal Wizard.

After bidding Hugo and Osgar farewell, the latter with a couple of apples, Almaric walks back to the forest.

Before going to the lake, he decides to travel a path he missed on the last two occasions. This time he continues on southwards at the second set of crossroads.

The path takes a big loop east before continuing south again. Almaric hears the gurgling sounds of the stream not far up the path. But of more interest is the collapsed form of a cottage that comes into view. The ruins are clearly very old and weather-worn. The roof has collapsed and what little stonework remains upright looks very unsteady. This pitiful collection of rubble gave up all pretence of being a building long ago. It’s stone husk has been picked clean by whatever passes for intelligent scavengers in these parts.

Moving around the cottage and making sure to stay concealed in the forest, Almaric can see the stream runs directly behind the building. The cottage appears in total ruin and no movement is evident inside its walls. On the south side of the stream, the heavy green fog forms the same familiar twenty feet high wall running east and west as far as he can see. The fog does not seem to move at all, it’s almost as if it has been there for ages. Almaric notices birds avoid entering the fog as they flutter from tree to tree.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

95

Almaric’s Tale - The Collapsed Cottage

Almaric readies his sword and shield, not trusting that the ruins are empty. Picking up a stone, he throws it in amongst the ruins to see if it will gain a response.

With the exception of dislodging a little more unsafe stonework, the missile has little effect. Moving forward, Almaric examines the ruins for anything that scavengers may have missed, including perhaps a trapdoor to a cellar.

A brief search of the collapsed interior confirms that the building is a total ruin, although by the looks of it, the last of the damage was caused only a day or so ago. Whilst scanning the dirt floor for any signs of a trapdoor or hidden cache, Almaric discovers a few boot prints. Some appear human-sized but one set in particular gets his attention - they are almost fifteen inches long and seem to have been made by boots that have had the front cut off to accommodate the big, gnarly toes that clearly poke out the end. Even though he is not a tracker, Almaric thinks it a safe bet that these belong to that Ogre he saw a while back. Other than the tracks, the ruins are bare and empty.

[/OOC: Almaric is uninjured. Almaric still has MIGHT, LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

96

Almaric’s Tale - Once more unto the beach…

Leaving the ruins, Almaric heads back up to the crossroads and then west to the final crossway where he continues on west and south down to the abandoned canoe by the lake.

This time, making sure his pack is well fastened, he wades into the water and dives down just before getting to the fog wall.

Upon surfacing, he takes a look around to see if there are any signs of the Wizard or his hirelings before wading ashore. Seeing none, he emerges from the lake and begins tipping the water out of his belongings on the shoreline. Once done, he heads off south to the burned-out tower near the cobbled path and platform. All of the bodies, kobold and human, are absent. There is no sign of any graves but there is evidence that the tower has been re-ransacked. Not wishing to waste any more time on the ruins, Almaric steps on to the road and strikes out east.

The road rises and falls with the topography and twists and turns just enough that Almaric can never see more than a hundred yards to his front. Massive trees, gnarled by hundreds of years of growth flank the road and restrict his vision. The forest seems more ancient here and something dark and sinister claws at his mind. He feels as though he does not belong here, but his curiosity is winning the battle over fear. Coming around a particularly sharp turn, Almaric sees six men in what appears to be a heated argument. The men notice his approach and weapons are drawn in a flash. Five of the men carry swords and armour. The sixth man, clearly from the east, wears colourful red and purple robes. The largest of the bandits slashes at the wizard, but his strike only cuts the wizard’s robes. The wizard runs eastward, while the brigands turn their attention to Almaric. They charge.

[/OOC No surprise as both sides saw each other at roughly the same time. Initiatives for Round 1: Almaric (17+1)=18, Bandit #1 (8), Bandit #2 (16), Bandit #3 (7), Bandit #4 (13) and Bandit #5 (6)]

Almaric thinks about shooting at the fleeing Wizard but that would leave him without his shield and amongst five thugs. Instead he opts to move up and engage the bandits using his sword and shield.

[/OOC Almaric attempts to hit Bandit #2 (the closest). He needs a 6+ and rolls, (16)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (4)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+Sword mod.(1)=8 HP. KILLSHOT]

Moving quickly up to the lead villain, Almaric’s head to hip slash leaves the man sprawling on the road as he deftly spins around and into the man behind…

[/OOC Almaric attempts a CLEAVE attack on the next bandit (#4). Again, he needs a 6+ and rolls, (17)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (4)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+Sword mod.(1)=8 HP. DOUBLE-KILLSHOT!!]

…who falls under a ferocious follow-through blow. Almaric takes one final step forward and lunges at a chain-clad bandit…

[/OOC Since Almaric has gained a level, he can make up to two CLEAVE attack attempts each round. This one is directed at Bandit #1. Yet again, he needs a 6+ and rolls, (12)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (1)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+Sword mod.(1)+MIGHT bonus card(1)=6 HP. TRIPLE-KILLSHOT!!!]

…who runs himself fully on to the extended blade, eyes wide with shock. The dead bandit slips to the ground just as the remnants of his crew gather their wits.

[/OOC Having seen over half of their number die in a single round, the bandits must make a morale check at -2. They roll (8)-2=6… Fight on!]

The leather armoured Bandit stabs at Almaric with his shortsword…

[/OOC Bandit #3 attacks Almaric. He rolls, (19)-Almaric’s AC(7)=12. HIT
Damage from short sword, (4+1)=5 HP]

Caught momentarily off-guard, Almaric takes a deep cut to his right shoulder. The mailed Bandit sees this as a possible chance to rid themselves of this dangerous foe and slashes his longsword at Almaric…

[/OOC Bandit #5 attacks Almaric. He rolls, (13)-Almaric’s AC(7)=6. MISS]

…but this time the young warrior is ready and easily blocks the blow.

Almaric and the two remaining bandits square off against each other. The Wizard vanishes over a rise along the road.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he has lost 5 of his 11 HP. Almaric has used his MIGHT bonus, but still has LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]

97

Almaric’s Tale - Fighting the Road Brigands (round 2)

Fighting on, Almaric ignores the pain from his wound and throws everything into his attacks against the last two brigands.

[/OOC Initiatives for Round 2: Almaric (11+1)=12, Bandit #3 (10), and Bandit #5 (10)]

The two bandits act almost as one, but our hero’s blade is the fastest off the mark.

[/OOC Almaric attempts to hit Bandit #3. He needs a 6+ and rolls, (9)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (5)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+Sword mod.(1)=9 HP. KILLSHOT]

Almaric’s sword-tip leaves a crimson spurting gash across the neck of the leather-clad bandit as he grabs in futility at his ruined throat. With a quick roll of his wrist, Almaric send the reverse stroke whistling at his remaining enemy…

[/OOC Almaric attempts a CLEAVE attack on the last bandit (#5). Again, he needs a 6+ and rolls, (14)-**(Bandit AC)=HIT
Damage from longsword, (8)+STR mod.(2)+Fighter mod.(1)+Sword mod.(1)=12 HP. MAX-DAMAGE DOUBLE-KILLSHOT!!]

…who foolishly weaved when he should have bobbed. The razor sharp edge of Almaric’s longsword removes the upper third of his head and ends his pitiful existence.

As the final body falls to the ground, Almaric finally takes a breath and is rewarded with a deep stabbing pain from his wound.

[/OOC: Almaric is injured, he has lost 5 of his 11 HP. Almaric has used his MIGHT bonus, but still has LUCK, FINESSE and AUTOMATIC SUCCESS bonuses available for use at any time.]