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In God's Own Country

"Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. "
- Romans 12:21

The Story So Far

England, circa 1280AD 

The country is ruled by Edward 1st, otherwise known as Longshanks. There is much corruption among the Barons and Dukes that control the various counties and Edward is slowly bringing them under his tight reign - however, there are also rumblings in the Holyland - many of the King's best men are fighting in the Crusade and even the King and his Queen Eleanor have travelled there to fight on occaision. 

The following takes place some 8 years after the death of beloved Queen Eleanor. Having lost Gacony to the French and having dealt with a Welsh rebellion, Edward is facing problems in the north where his grip is lightest...

Chapter 1 
Autumn 1298
The King Under The Forest 

Arriving at the village of Axbridge, in Surrey, the characters have joined in the celebrations of the harvest. 

Bretwald, the village priest, has told the group of a treasure hidden in the tomb of an Ancient King. 
He tells of a previous expedition with a group of mercenaries, who attacked an Elf in the forest, forcing the wrath of a band of Elves upon them. 
The group were slaughtered except for Bretwald, who was offered freedom, the Elf Lord giving him a cloak, allowing him to hide from the Wolves. 

The priest unravelled the cloak on the way out, to find his way back. However, the thread was invisible when he returned. 
However, Bretwald has discovered that such thread can be seen in bright moonlight of a full moon. 

And so, Bretwald has invited the group for a return expedition, to find the King Under the Forest. 

Tomas and Solaris set out ahead of the rest to gain information on the area. When everyone meets up at Saxton, the village outside of the forest, Tomas
introduces the group to a little watering hole called the Forest's Edge, where the group rests before setting out in the moonlight. 

The thread does indeed show up, and the party follow it for a few hours before Hennessy points out that the party is surrounded by wolves. 

Readying for combat, they are stopped by Lenalas who seems to have some power over the animals. Communicating in growls and barks he seems to satisfy the head of the wolf pack who leads the others back into the forest. 

Continuing on, the party eventually find the tomb entrance by dawn. After eight hours of rest, the party set to excavating the entrance with tools that
Bretwald brought along. 


Within a few hours, an entrance is made, and the party head into the tomb. 

Entering a hall, with most of one wall covered with a tapestry, Tomas and Solaris scout ahead, examining the structure of the place. As they reach the
other end of the hall, a portcullis blocks the way ahead and the way behind. 

From the tapestry step five figures, warriors the colour of the tapestry. 

Andolin and Gareth take on the warriors hand to hand. Siridol, back to the portcullis, defends himself with his knife. Tomas and Hennessy take on one
of the warriors and the last one attacks Lenalas. 

After a brief fight, three of the warriors are killed and disappear. Following an idea from Lenalas, Tomas and Hennessy tear down the tapestry and the
remaining warriors vanish. 

Lenalas is injured, but is cured by the priest, Bretwald. After a quick check on the corridor, Lenalas blesses the party and Tomas leads the way into a
small room behind the tapestry. 

In the centre of the room is a wand, suspended in mid-air, rotating once per second. One end of the wand is red the other end is blue and the central
portion is black. 

After a quick search of the room, and a discussion, Lenalas evacuates the room and decides what to do in order to safely take the wand. 

Throwing a blanket over it, one end of the wand burns a hole in the blanket, the other end freezes where is touches the rough wool. He realises it is safe
to hold in the middle, and takes is. 

Tomas leads the way into another corridor to a plan room that appears to have many coloured patterns on the floor. After some examination, it turns
out the floor is in fact a map of Britain, with major cities and historical sites marked. A point in Surrey is marked with a crown, which appears to
symbolise this tomb. 

In the same room, the party discover a chest which Tomas opens and is hit by a jet of green vapour. It seems to have no effect aside from choking him
a little and once he is back on his feet, the chest is opened to reveal 200 gold coins. Andolin is assigned as protector of the treasure and once it is
bagged up, the party continue onwards.. 

After a short climb up a rough slope, Tomas does a recce and comes back looking terrified. It apears a dragon sleeps above on a pile of gold. Of
course, the party are stunned at this news - dragons are things of legend and do not exist in England or anywhere in Europe, to the knowledge of the
party, though Andolin insists that his great Uncle killed three in his youth! 

Deciding to leave the fearsome beast in peace, they all continue onwards and find a marble podium resembling a bulbous cheeked character, a silver
goblet resting upon it. As the party approaches, a fierce gale blows from the mouth of the carving. 

Tomas connects that the red hair on the statue matches the hair on a small bag he picked up earlier. Opening it, the wind is somehow sucked into the
bag. Tomas ties it up and wanders over to the podium, checking for traps. He takes the goblet and asks for Solaris's opinion on its evaluation. She is
noweher to be seen. 

The party head back, searching for her, and realising she has gone to see the dragon. The party climb the wall and see Solaris frozen with fear - the
dragon has awoken! 

After a brief riddling contest, Tomas comes away with four solid gold bars. Lenalas tehn offers to give one back for information. The dragon agrees and
tells what he knows of the Tomb. 

"This is the magnificent tomb of King Vallandar, he who shall return. The mightiest mortal that ever ruled Albion, Vallandar was struck down by his evil
half-brother, Morgrin. Many wonders are to be seen in the tomb beyond, and many dangers!" 

The party leave the dragon and continue onwards entering a room with a bronze hemet inside. As Andolin, Toams and Solaris enter, they become
trapped by sticky cobwebs and a giant spider descends from the ceiling. 

Tomas uses the wind in the bag and throws the spider against the far wall. Gareth then comes in and kills the spider with his guisarme. 

Once everyone is freed, Gareth is allowed to keep the helmet as a reward for killing the spider. The visor is a large flat mirror. 

Moving further onwards, a trap is set off and an axe swings across the corridor, wounding Solaris. Lenalas prays to God for mercy and he heals the
wound. Bretwald sees this as a sign that the quest is truly righteous. 

The party later encounter a barrier of violet light, flanked by two fountains, one with purple liquid, the other grey, chalky liquid. After testing them it is
found that the purple liquid is acid but when put inside the goblet, it becomes water. Drinking this water, the party step through the barrier, one at a
time. 

Moving on, the group discover an underground river, with abridge protected by an animated statue with knives for talons. After a scuffle, Tomas is
wounded and Lenalas fires a cold blast followed by a hot one at the statue and it shatters Within the rubble is a glistening short sword, which Andolin
keeps hold of. 

Over the bridge is a chapel, where the two priests pray before moving on to encounter what Tomas calls The Medusa. After a discussion, Gareth
charges at the creature, with his visor down, but she closes her eyes to prevent her reflection turning her to stone. Then the whole party lay into her with
everything and she is thrown to the floor. She opens her eyes eventually and seeing her own reflection, she is petrified. Gareth then decapitates her. 

Heading through the door that she was guarding, the party come into a large hall, where a staircase seeps down to the dead king, on horseback and
surrounded by twelve swords balanced on their tips. It is then that a spectral figure appears - Morgrin, the evil half brother of Vallandar. 

Andolin tries to communicate, then defends himself but his sword passes straight through the ghostly figure… 

There is a long fight - the party abseil off the balcony as Andolin holds the spectre off. Tomas, Gareth and Lenalas all take swords from the base of
Vallandar and use them to fight. During the fight, Gareth is sadly killed and Lenalas strikes the final blow on the spectre, who turned out to be Morgrin,
Evil half brother of Vallandar. 

Finding the treasure chest, there is nothing there but a silver crown, some grain, a ploughshare a cross and a law book - represntign the kingdom's
wealth- The King, the Land, the People, the Faith and the Law. Bretwald is beside himself with sadness. Realising that they cannot leave the swords,
those that took them, keep them. A voice tells them that they are vassals of Vallandar and will be called upon when Vallandar rises again. 

Returning to Axebridge, Gareth is put to rest and his money buys commissions a statue to be made in his memory. 

Tomas returns to London, where he has work to do. Cyd also leaves. The party enjoy the comforts the village has to offer, resting after the hard
adventure and reflecting on the things they saw. 
END OF FIRST ADVENTURE... 

CHAPTER 2 
Gallow's Wood 
After resting in Axbridge for a few days, the group are joined by Gauvain, a French Knight on an errand for the Archbishop of Canturbury. He tells of
his mission, to bring a certain Duke Darian to justice. The Duke, who resides north of a dense forest called Gallows Wood in Northumberland is totally
out of control. His men, known as Black Riders, slay anyone that approaches the forest and recently they massacred a group of nuns. With the King
out of the country, the Archbishop is taking matters into his own hands. 
Gauvain has been sent to find help, to bring the Duke to London, or kill him to end his tyranny. Lenalas, still trying to atone for his use of an edged
weapon in the tomb of Vallandar, sees this as an opportunity and he urges the group to join the quest. 
Solaris meets up with a homeless boy, called Wilhelm. The young German lad has agreed to follow, for he wants to see more of the country. 

Obtaining transport in the form of a hired coach, the party head off to York with the aim of getting further transport to Northumberland. Halfway
through the journey, the coach is stopped by people who appear to know the driver. They demand the party give up their belongings. Andolin drops
some coins out the window and as one of them approaches, he boots the door open, taking them by surprise. Andolin and Gauvain burst from the
coach, swords drawn, scaring the bandits to flee. The leader speaks "you\'ll be sorry.." and his accent is that of gentry. 
The coach driver tells the party it was Charles d'Arcy, a rich London Merchant's son, and another ws Abraham Johnson, a local "Robin Hood"
character. 
Upon reaching York the party head northeast into Northumberland - and the area known as The Vale of Shadows. Resting in a pub - The Horned
Satyr, the party meet the village chief - Eldron. He tells of Old Ned, a hobgoblin terrorising the area, blighting both the crops and the new born infants.
For a purse of 20 gold sovereigns, the group agree to put an end to his reign of terror. 
Resting overnight in the tavern, they are awakened early by a scream. Looking out, they see a spindly character in a tassled cap, rolling a barrel away
from the inn -in the barrel is Clothilda - daughter of the innkeeper, Gond! 
Gond offers a further 20 gold coins for the rescue of his daughter. 

The party set out into Gallows Wood. Soon they run into an old man, who appears to be leprous. Andolin steps forth and after a prayer to god, cures
him of the disease. In return, he gives Andolin a pebble sized gen and a parchment. His master, a powerful magicina, apparently, told him to get the
message deciphered should he fall on harsh times, and it would give him the power to wreak vengeance on his enemies. 
It Reads: 
FABIAN INVITES NOBLE 
DARING MEN: 

YESTERDAY THE OTHER 
WARRIORS EAGERLY RODE 
THEIR HORSES EVER NEARER 
THE HIDEOUS ENEMY: 
EXHAUSTED YET EXALTED, 
MEN OF UNDAUNTED TRUST, 
HALL HEROES AGAINST 
NAMELESS DARKNESS, 
SWORDS WIELDED OVER 
RISING DOOM 

Moving on, the group spot Clothilda's head poking out of a hollow tree. She is pulled down and there appears to be nothing there - they vanished into
thin air! 
Continuing the search of the forest, they findn a notice TRESPASSERS WILL ANSWER WITH THEIR LIVES signed by Duke Darian. 
Coming into a clearing, they find a wood cabin. Approaching, the party finds the woman of the house. She appears anxious that the party leave before
her husband returns. Lenalas tries to calm her, touching her arm when the man og the house, a large woodsman, returns with a big axe. After a brief
scuffle in which Andolin is badly injured in the hip, the woodsman is killed by Gauvain. The party uncover a stash of bodies - victims of this murderous
mad man, under a woodpile. 

Continuing through the forest, the party find a small stream with an island. Three mounds sit on the island and a boat lies on the bank before the party.
As they approach, an arm wound in samite, appears in the water, holding aloft a sparkling jewel on a gold chain. 
As Lenalas approaches the mounds, he is confronted by a spirit. The ghost claims to be the last Duke, murdered by the current Duke, Darian. Asking
the party to avenge his death, he instructs them to dig his grave and retrieve from there a gauntlet. Before disappearing, he puts some kind of curse on
Lenalas - what he called The Sword of Damocles - a spectral sword over his head that will strike if the duke is not killed. The spectral hand in the lake
vanished with the ghost. 

It is then that Talon joins the party, a large Scotsman he seeks to aid the party against the Duke in the hope that they will help him. 

Digging the grave, Andolin takes the gauntlet, and the fog then clears revealing a spear embedded in a tree with a pile of skeletons beneath. Using the
gloved hand, he grabs the spear and pulls it free. The spear crackles with a blue energy, which though he knows is not evil, is not natural. A sign from
God perhaps? 

Moving on, the party find a ruined Roman Villa, now choked with weeds. Solaris finds an entrance to the basement and wants to investigate. 
Using rope provided by Talon and Andolin's lantern Wilhelm and Solaris climb down to investigate, After a few moments, a 12' snake appears from a
nearby pit. Alerted by a scream from Solaris, Andolin abseils down the rope, firing his crossbow at the snake. 
Wilhelm and Andolin engage the snake but it is very fast. As Wilhelm backs away, the snak follows and is directly beneath the hole as Talon rapells
down, his longsword pinning the snake through the body to the ground. Andolin is quick to decapitate the thing. 
Lenalas and Gauvain join them in searching the underground, and Andolin leads the way through a door to a long pillar filled chamber. An altar stands
at the end with a mirror above it. Lenalas identifies the statues as the Roman War God, Mars. 
Solaris finds a secret door and stepping through it there is a loud voice that says "STOP!" There is a crash and Solaris is found crushed beneath a
granite block. She is dead. 
Wilhelm and Gauvain almost come to blows as Wil says he saw the knight about to attack him from behind, in the mirror. It is put down to something in
the temple playing tricks on the mind, and removing the rock, the party get the body of Solaris and bury her on the ground above. After a moving
funeral conducted by Lenalas, the party head west into an orchard of rotting apples, but a choking mist there prevents further investigation so they
backtrack and try the other path. This soon leads to a road where a carriage stands empty - doors open and is fronted by four horses. There appear to
be no footprints leading from the carriage, as if it got here without a driver, or at least without a driver that left the carriage on foot. After a little further
investigation, Lenalas finds the trail of Ned once more and they decide to leave the carriage for the time being and follow the hobgoblin. A little further
along the road is a small fragment of Clothilda\'s dress snagged on a bush. 

Soon the party crest a rise and see three gallows set on a mound. A man dressed in the woolen robe of a monk hangs from one. Headng towards him,
Andolin cuts him down and find him alive, but barely. As he chokes his thanks, the undergrowth rustles, and 6 men burst through the cover. They are
later identified as ghouls, risen from death by some unspeakable evil, they roam the countryside looking for human flesh. After a battle in which Talon is
paralysed, four of them are dispatched, the remaining two run away. 
The monk dies shortly after, but not before telling of a nearby monastary that has become corrupted by evil and is now haunted. It contains a chalice - a
holy relic with mystical powers. The party bury the monk and head of down the road and follow Ned\'s trail into the forest on the other side. The forest
opens beside a river where a boat sits in the reeds and a man in dark cloak waits. He is armed with a sword and smells of a sickly sweet odour. For
the gold coin from Andolin, he silently rows the party across the river to an island of ruined buildings. Searching the ruins, the group find a chapel and
within sits a chalice. There are no ghosts there, though Andolin senses evil. Lenalas takes the chalice and leaves quickly. 
Moving the other side of the island with the aim of crossing to the far bank, they find the boatman waiting there for them, and he continues the journey
to the other side. There is a wooden landing stage and as everyone climbs onto it, there is an ominous howling. Then four wolves break from the trees
ahead and charge toward the party at breakneck speed. 

Lenalas communicates with the wolves and they back off. Moving on the party find footprints leading to a well. The well has a rotting rope hanging from
the crossbar and looking into it there appears to be no exits from inside the well.

"Perhaps a short climb down will discover us further passage, and we can

continue following the footsteps," says Siridol, looking down the well. He gives the rope a tug and although wet, it is fairly sturdy.

Very well gentlemen, I take it we are going down to take a look around," says Andolin, "Before we start we should get into some kind of order so we don’t go down and get hammered or picked off one by one."

Holding his hands in prayer, Andolin looks into the darkness, whispering.

"The Lord tells me there is evil down this shaft," he says taking a fist sized stone and dropping it into the well. It hits the bottom with a thud after a second or so, "And it is not that deep."

Lenalas lights a torch and hands it to the knight. Andolin drops it down the shaft and it lands on the base. Though the light doesn’t fill the whole well, you gauge the shaft to be about 30ft deep.

"We should keep an eye open for the possible chance that there is an opening in the wall of the well, somewhere before you reach the bottom," says Siridol.

"I should probably go first as I can climb better than most but someone should be close behind in case there something dangerous down there," says Wilhelm, "Uhmm...who has some rope this one looks a little weak."

.

"Ok, Wilhelm you go down first and I will follow in case you run into any trouble," says Andolin, "BE sure to look like Siridol suggested for any hole in the wall of the well that our prey might have ventured into. Next Siridol and then Gauvain and then the rest as you all see fit.

"Aye, ya might be needin' me sword," says Talon, the Scot that recently joined your group "I swing the way my dad and his dad before him swung it.. deadly. and here is some rope.. but I'd like to be one the first down.. so that I can protect the priest.. I believe it's my duty."

"Well... Ok, if it's your duty then I can not argue. I would like to go next so I can check for traps and any other hazards," replies Wilhelm.

"If you wish, you can go first. However, should we all descend, the ability of you to climb better that I, only means you get to catch, should I fall," smiles Siridol, "And the rope was strong enough for the person we are following."

"Well then.. let's get about and do it.. we all have our roles in life.. yours, Wilhelm, is to be quiet and take care of traps.. mine is to take care of what’s behind the traps and ultimately to help my friend William... whom i wish to introduce you to soon."

"Right, Wilhelm, you take the lead, check the walls as Siridol said," says Andolin, taking the lead as usual, "I’ll follow then Talon can come after. The rest of you follow as you see fit."

Using Talon’s rope, Wilhelm forms a seat for himself and loops it around the crossbar so he can lower himself slowly. Lenalas offers a second rope, which Andolin ties to the bar and follows Wilhelm.

About ¾ of the way down, Wilhelm finds a panel and checking around it, he pushes it, allowing it to swing inwards. He lowers himself further and reaches for the torch. Andolin reaches the point of the opening, and motions for Talon to come down.

Wilhelm holds the torch and you see the panel has revealed a moss covered tunnel. He swings to the opening and climbs in, followed by Andolin, who draws his longsword and waits for the others, crouching as his head almost touches the ceiling. Talon climbs in and is followed by Lenalas the priest. Wilhelm’s torch casts a red glow all around and at the end of the passage some ten feet away is an iron door. Gauvain and Siridol climb in and look around. Siridol looks at his surroundings with disgust.

Wilhelm checks the ground for tracks but it takes Lenalas’ expert eye to see the trail of the hobgoblin leading to the door. Wilhelm checks for tracks and finds none. Andolin steps to the lead, sword ready and pushes the iron door open.

Beyond is a room hollowed out of the earth. Gnarled roots of trees protrude like ghastly monsters extending claws into the room. There are several mysterious holes lead away into pitch darkness from this room. The room is stuffed with all sorts of bric-a-brac – old rocking chairs, iron utensils, battered chests, and assortment of clothes, rotten bits of food and even a wooden table. There is a tattered cloth hanging from the ceiling on the far side of the room, presumably leading to another room.

A shrill scream from beyond the curtain, fills the air

Gauvain unsheathes his longsword and takes a step toward the curtain. Andolin draws his sword and crouches, taking a handful of dirt in his hand.

"I believe what we’re hunting is up there," says Talon, pointing to the curtain.

Wilhelm starts looking through the bric-a-brac, opening the chest and looking for anything useful.

Siridol draws his dagger and quickly moves toward the curtain. With a leap upwards, he plunges the dagger into the cloth and uses his weight to pull down violently, splitting the cloth in two.

Beyond is a chamber the same size as the one you are in. Clothilda, the innkeeper’s daughter, is tied to the gnarled root of a tree – it is she who is crying for help. The only furniture here is a foul-smelling pallet. Large cobwebs hang from roots sticking through the ceiling and there is a stoup of wine on the floor. Many strange holes, similar to those in the other room disappear into the darkness.

Andolin, Talon and Gauvain all step into the room, looking for signs of the hobgoblin. Talon steps up and cuts Clothida’s bonds, though she is near hysterics.

"He, he disappeared into one of those, holes…." She splutters.

Next thing you hear is a cackle as Ned the hobgoblin appears behind you all at the entrance. He is the ugliest creature you have ever seen, a little over 5 feet tall with orange pockmarked skin and spindly limbs. A crooked nose and broken teeth add to the evil look that twinkles his eyes.

Before you can react, he throws some kind of ball at Wilhelm hits him and explodes in a shower of particles. The boy tries to scream as he breathes in the spores, dropping to his knees, clutching his throat.

Lenalas, who is closest to Ned, reacts quickly swinging his staff round at the creature. Ned ducks with great agility and the staff slams into the wall, jarring the priest’s arms.

Gauvain and Andolin cover the space in two bounds, Andolin throwing the dirt at Ned’s face. The hobgoblin clutches his eyes, blinded by the dirt, allowing Gauvain to run his sword into the hobgoblin’s gut. Gauvain withdraws his sword and as Ned drops to his knees, Andolin cleanly cuts off the creatures head.

Lenalas is holding Wilhelm, bending him over helping him to cough out the spores. It takes about ten minutes for him to recover but he seems ok after that time.

Searching Ned you find he has a bag with another 3 of these large ball-shaped fungi,a bloodstained shortsword and a man sized net. Siridol takes care of Clothilda, calming her as you search through the lair. There are two unmarked bottles containing creamy white liquid on a shelf.

Clothilda reveals to you that he has a secret stash in a hole under the pallet. Pulling it aside, you find some more things, a shiny suit of Ring Mail armour, 3 small sapphires wrapping in cloth and a number of gold and silver coins. As you bag up the coins, you find something very interesting – a large shard of crystal which glows with an orange light. It appears to be broken from a larger crystal.

You bag up everything and climb out of the well. Heading back to the village you have no trouble finding your way.

The innkeeper is overjoyed to have his daughter back and the citizens of the village are also delighted that the hobgoblin has been defeated. You collect your reward of 35 gold crowns and are given two riding horses equipped with saddles.

While resting in the inn, you are approached by a young Irish woman who introduces herself as Morgan. She looks about 19 and has long ebony coloured hair and light sapphire eyes with hints of silver. She tells you she is a traveller, looking for adventure and wonders if she might join you. As you sit talking, a couple of villagers come over and congratulate you on your work. It seems you are living legends in the village.

They sit with you and tell you the evil Duke Darian is oppressing the whole area and his riders are murdering randomly on his behalf.

"I am in fact and envoy from the Archbishop of Canterbury," says Gauvain, "I have to visit the Duke and bring him to London to answer for the murder of a group of nuns, among other crimes."

The villagers looks relieved.

"With all the excitement, I had almost forgotten your mission," says Andolin.

"You also forgot the curse upon me?" says Lenalas grimly, bringing your attention to the almost invisible sword that shimmers like a spectre above his head, "Only the Duke’s death will remove this. We will rest tonight and leave for the castle in the morning," he adds, "There may be danger, are you sure you wish to join us Morgan?"

"Most certainly," smiles the new comer flashing a white smile.

After a nights sleep, the party set off toward the Grey Hills and the castle beyond. You follow a winding road; it would seem by the lack of tracks on it that it isn’t used very much. After ten miles it enters some bleak, unvegetated foothills. The wind moans over the hills and you see a sudden rain squall heading your way. Soon you’re engulfed in it, rain coursing off your tunics; the rain turns in a moment to a blinding snow-blizzard and visibility becomes extremely bad. Suddenly you hear a different moaning of a semi-animal nature and blundering out of the storm in front of you, you see a huge, white- haired creature standing 3m tall. It moves in to attack you straight away.

Talon – Ring Mail, 1 sapphire (3 GC), 19 gold, 80 Silver

Andolin – Horse, 19 Gold, 81 Silver

Gauvain – Horse, 19 Gold, 81 Silver

Wilhelm – 3 Puffballs, 21 Gold, 86 Silver, Crystal Shard

Siridol – 22 Gold, 81 Silver, Potion (1)

Lenalas – 20 Gold, 81 Silver, Potion (2)

Wilhelm has bought a short bow and 10 arrows with his coins. The rest of you save your money. Talon carries the Ring Mail armour as he already wears Chain Mail.

And now, the turn…..

The sight of the fearsome creature and its icy blue eyes is more than most of you can bear. Many bowels are loosened and all but Lenalas are frozen to the spot.

"Lord protect us," shouts the priest as he holds his Staff before him.

A huge white claw swings out, striking Andolin in the left arm (-4hp) Lenalas swings his staff, hitting the creature’s side. The beast swings again, this time hitting Gauvain in the side of the head (-4hp)

Lenalas stops a moment in thought and takes a step out of the creature’s reach. Raising his head to the sky in prayer he calls upon the power of the Lord. "Lord, do not forsake us. Give your knight Andolin the strength to overcome this fear."

Within moments, the young Italian shakes free of his fear. He swings his blade at the beast with a roar, hitting the creature a slash across the belly. The creature responds, a huge claw hitting Andolin across the head (-4hp)

Lenalas jumps back into the fray, holding his Staff in both hands he spins 360 degrees smashing the monster in the hip. There is a loud crack of bones breaking and the creature crumples to the floor.

Andolin takes the advantage, stabbing his sword down into the creature’s thigh. A roar fills the air. The beast claws at the warrior in vain, unable to move from the spot where it fell.

Talon is first to shake off his fear. He takes an overhead swing and cleaves the creature’s skull. Brain matter and blood spray across the snow. The beast is dead.

Andolin drops to his knees in exhaustion clutching his wounded arm. Lenalas holds him steady and tries to examine the wound.

"We should get out of this squall," cries Andolin, over the rising wind.

Lenalas and Gauvain help the knight to his feet. Gauvain is also wounded, blood trickling down the side of his face.

The party limp through the storm, Talon taking the lead, the Northman used to such bitter cold. Soon enough the storm abates but you realise you have lost your path during a blizzard and all the features you might have recognised in the landscape have been completely obliterated by a thick covering of snow. It is now getting dark and the sun has just dipped below the line of hills. To your surprise you see a small campfire burning next to a cave mouth in a cliff up ahead of you. An old man dressed in white robes sits in front of it, staring into the flames. Without looking up he calls to you. You head towards him.

The old man invites you to sit with him by the fire. He tells you that he has travelled from Castle Ereworn to the North. He quarrelled with the Duke there, who set his hounds upon him. The old man gave to hounds the slip and found his way to this cave. He tells you that he will help you in your mission when you wake up. As you are listening to his words, they become an indistinct murmur and you feel very tired.

With your exhaustion of travelling and fighting and the comfort offered here you let yourselves drift off to sleep…

It is dawn before any of you wake up. The old man and the fire has not – not just burned out, but all evidence of it has vanished! Andolin and Talon venture into the cave, calling to the old man, but he is nowhere to be found. In the far end of the cave is a skeleton lying beside a small chest. The skeleton looks as if wild animals have savaged it. It is wrapped in a tattered white robe and a rusty key is clutched in one hand.

Carefully Talon retrieves the key, having to break the finger bones in the process.

Andolin calls for Wilhelm to check the chest for traps. He finds nothing and unlocks the chest with the key. Inside are four bottles of liquid all marked with labels

You take the bottles (Please stake your claims on the mailing list and if you are using any before you leave)

Before you leave the cave, Lenalas says a prayer and blesses your journey ahead. As you leave, you see that the road to the castle is now visible so you head off.

After six hours of travel you find yourselves amongst the towering peaks of the Pagan Mountains, a set of rocky hills to the north of the county. The road winds up and up through narrow passes and by the side of steep cliffs. Soon you see a bleak castle atop a black crag in the middle distance. A track leads to it, passing over an extremely narrow, arched stone bridge and up a steep incline. A gate stands in the crenellated wall facing you. There are four towers at each corner of the stone construction. The two immediately in front are only slightly taller than the surrounding walls and are crenallated at the top. The tower in the Northwest corner is slim and minaret like with a conical peak. The tower in the Northeast corner also has a peak at its top with attic windows set into it. There is a large iron-bonded, double gate set into the curtain wall immediately in front of you. The landscape is snow-covered and you can see the marks of carriage wheels and hoofprints leading towards the bridge.

_______ Turn 17...previous turns missing _________

The mist begins to clear and you see a path leading up toward the castle, on the other side of the chasm. You quickly trudge over before more of the hounds show up. Following the path, you eventually get to the castle gates. They swing open at your touch. A steep ramp leads up immediately to your left just inside the gate. It is surrounded by high walls. It is entirely covered with ice. A row of vicious metal spikes are set into the eastern wall just inside the gate. There are two skeletons still wearing leather armour, impaled upon them. At the top of the icy ramp you can see a stone ledge with three large stone balls resting on it. There is a stone bas relief above this ledge of a scowling, one-eyed cyclops. The ramp is about 20m long. There is a wooden door set into the right hand wall of the enclosed area about 10m up the ramp. You can see a gateway leading off to the north just next to the plinth.

“I need some help. I have two very deep bites,” grunts Wilhelm through the pain.
Andolin takes the healing liquor and helps him take a sip. Wilhelm feels the heat of the fluid running through his body and his wounds begin to miraculously knit. (+6hp)
Lenalas looks on, “I know not what Witchcraft and Alchemy created these potions, but they are not God’s work. I am not happy about their use.”

“Well, I can stand now, no matter how they work,” says Wilhelm, stretching his now healed leg.
Morgan looks up the ramp, “I say either Wilhelm or I should venture forth first before the rest of the party follows.”

After a moment thinking, Morgan says “I will go first to check out the ramp for traps, plus I’m the most expendable out of the group. Wilhelm, I want you to have this.” Morgan pulls out a small leather book that has tattered pages and it is evident that she has had it for quite some time. It is tied shut with a worn and faded blue ribbon. “If I die, read it. But let no one else.”

Morgan makes eye contact with Wilhelm.
Wilhelm is puzzled, but takes the book to look at later, but he insists on going first.

Wilhelm takes Siridol’s rope and starts to climb the slope, being careful not to slip.
“Be cautious young Wilhelm, it looks slippery,” calls Andolin.
Wil uses a couple of arrows as pitons, pulling himself up the surface. As he gets halfway up, there is a loud click and suddenly the stone balls at the top of the slope begin to roll down. The agile young thief rolls to his right, against the wall and gets a grip. The balls roll harmlessly by and the others step aside, allowing the balls to fly through the entrance and into the chasm.

Wil has lost about ten feet but soon makes it up again and finds a door in the wall. He listens intently as looks for something to secure the rope to.

“I hear noises the other side – like horses,” whispers Will to the rest waiting eagerly.
“Get to the top and secure the rope,” replies Andolin.

The thief continues towards the top, and stares at the cyclops. For a second he thought he saw an eye peering through, then it appears to be just a stone eye. To the right is an arched gateway through which a brick lined tunnel leads to an open courtyard. Behind each arch is a raised portcullis. A smell of burning oil fills the air. Swiftly, Wilhelm ties the rope to the now tilted plinth on which the balls rested. He waits as the others get to the top of the ramp.

Without stepping through the arch, Wilhelm checks for traps and notices six murder holes set in the ceiling of the stone corridor. He points up to them looking to the rest of the group for ideas.
With no other way through, Wilhelm decides it best to run through the arch one at a time. That way, no one can get trapped without having help from outside. He runs through first followed quickly Morgan.

Beyond the archway is a courtyard. Torches burn fiercely on brackets set into the walls, the flames bluster in the cold night wind. The courtyard is bounded by two storey buildings on all sides with towers in the four corners. Talon runs through next and as he does, humanoid figures start to move on the second floor behind open windows. A number of arrows rain down. Wilhelm is hit in the chest (-6hp), Talon in the right shoulder (-6hp) and Morgan in the left thigh (-1 hp)

“We’re under fire and in the open!” shouts Talon, looking for a place to hide, “Take cover!”

Lenalas followed by Andolin charge into the courtyard. There is a staircase up ahead, a grey statue sitting either side and off to the right is another statue. A well sits in the middle of the courtyard and two doors, one to the left and one behind, on the same wall as the archway.
Wilhelm heads for that one as Siridol runs through the archway. Talon stands covering Lenalas as the thief finds cover. Wilhelm opens the door and runs in, Morgan quickly following.

Andolin pushes Lenalas and the injured Talon toward the door as he aims his crossbow at one of the windows. Firing he hits a wall.

Gauvain runs through the arch and as he does another rain of arrows come down from the windows. A couple clatter off Gauvain’s shield and armour, but Andolin is hit in the back (-4hp) The two knights make a retreat through the door, covering Siridol, and shutting the door behind them.

You find yourselves in the centre of a long hall, which serves as the castle's armoury. Andolin’s normally gruff face brightens with a big grin as he takes in rack upon rack of weapons stacked against the wall. At the west end of the room are target butts with a number of arrows sticking out of them. At the East end of the hall is an alcove with a gleaming sword standing in it. The room is devoid of inhabitants apart from two black-clad corpses lying on the floor halfway to the alcove. The bodies have practically every weapon in the armoury sticking out of them, making them resemble human pin cushions.

“I don’t care much for the funeral arrangements here,” comments Siridol.
“What happened to them?” asks Morgan, holding onto Wilhelm’s arm for comfort.
“The hospitality here is not especially friendly,” says Talon, crouching and clutching his wound. Lenalas moves over the tend it, carefully pulling the arrow and wrapping the wound, asking God’s aid to heal the wound(+7hp)
“Did you see the things in the windows, they looked like corpses,” says Wilhelm.
“They were,” says Lenalas, “The undead. Zombies some call them, corpses brought to life by the black arts.”
Hearing this most of you look warily across the still inanimate corpses across the hall.

There are two windows in this room, looking our into the courtyard, and another door beyond the target butts.

Andolin turns to check the door, sliding bolt across to make sure it’s secure.

“I need some healing,” says Wilhelm, slumping against the wall by the door, clutching his wounds.
Lenalas kneels and tends to him (+3hp)
Andolin takes a quarterstaff from the wall and cautiously pokes one of the bodies. As nothing happens he rolls it over, “There is Evil here. I sense it.”
Morgan looks scared, “I’m better with sneaking around and doing indirect fighting, so I would prefer to not get in the middle of fights.”
“Fine with me,” says Andolin, “Come check this alcove for traps. I want a look at that sword.”
Talon sits, rubbing blue paints in stripes and swirls across his face as he calls to the Lord for aid in the forthcoming battle.
Morgan nods and moves across the room. Before she is within 10 feet there is a rattling of metal as swords begin to move of their own accord. She moves another couple of steps and nothing happens. She is almost at the alcove when a quiver falls off the wall, and a volley of arrows flies towards her. She ducks, holding her arms over her head and screams. The arrows thud into the door. Morgan gets up and in terror charges to the door on the other side.

“Morgan, No!” shouts Wilhelm trying stop her but she is too far gone. She flings the door open and runs through it.
“Gauvain, go get her,” calls Andolin, and the French knight jumps into action following her through the door and off through another door to the right.

After a few moments, Gauvain calls back, “Andolin, we need help!”

You all head through the door to a chamber with a door on either side. Gauvain stands at the one to the right and Andolin dashes over to look into the room. A web covers the floor of this large high ceilinged hall and Morgan was obviously caught up in it as she ran in lies on the floor. A black figure emerges from the shadows of the high ceiling. A Giant spider, clicking mandibles, is lowering itself on a thick strand of web.

The spider itself is about 6 feet in diameter, and you are distracted by Morgan’s panicked screams.
Talon draws his sword, “The Lord my God has given me permission to kill you… prepare to die, beast of hell!”
Wilhelm pulls one of Old Ned’s Puffballs and lobs it up at the spider. The puff ball hits the spider’s underbelly, exploding into a shower of spores that descend like snow flakes.
“Fool!” shouts Talon, covering his face with his left hand.
Wilhelm holds his breath as he cuts Morgan free but both Talon and Morgan breathe in the spores. Talon swings out as the spider comes into range of his sword. He slices through the creatures belly, spilling black ichor onto his own head. As the spider drops onto Talon, the Scotsman is knocked to the ground by the incredible force. The spider bites into his shoulder though his inability to breathe stops his scream (-3hp)
Wilhelm cuts Morgan free and drags her from the room, though she is wheezing, obviously unable to breathe.
Talon tries to roll the spider off his body but is unable to get his sword into a position to strike. Wilhelm runs back to his aid, plunging his shortsword into the creature’s head. More liquid covers Talon’s face, blocking his vision as he tries to roar and draw breath at the same time.
Wilhelm throws the corpse off the warrior and pulls him from the room to where Andolin is treating Morgan (Cure Disease)
Talon is on the verge of death as Gauvain repeats his comrade’s procedure, calling on the aid of God to remove the spores from his lungs. Within moments, Talon is coughing and retching huge lumps onto the flagstones, before collapsing wearily on his belly.
Lenalas looks at the warrior’s shoulder where the spider bit him.
“Poison,” says the priest, but no one has the ability to aid the warrior.

He is pulled upright and leaned against the wall. Lenalas cleans him up, removing both the spider’s blood and warpaint to reveal how pale his skin has become. After thirty minutes of resting, he comes round, considerably weaker, but still alive (-15hp)

“He has fought the poison and won. God has seen us through this – let us offer a prayer of thanks,” says Lenalas, and leads you in prayer. Meanwhile, Siridol investigates the spider’s lair.

After twenty minutes, Talon is helped to his feet and you follow Siridol into the room. The spider lies dead and there seems no further danger in the room. Siridol reveals a bottle he found with holds grey dust. Also the suit of rusty armour holds a skeleton with nothing more than 3 Gold Crowns in his belt pouches (which Siridol hands over for the group stash)

Other than two dust choked windows there are no other exits from this room. You trace your steps back and take the door opposite (to the left as you cam from the Armoury) Beyond is an empty chamber. A spiral staircase descends to the courtyard to the right and another ascends to the left. A large table stands against one wall and on it is a small jar. Siridol walks over to investigate, “Wolvesbane,” he declares taking one sniff, “This might be useful.”
He empties the contents into a belt pouch.

“There is a secret door over there,” says Wilhelm pointing to the opposite wall, “Or we could go upstairs, though those things that fired on us were on the first floor.”

After a short rest during which Lenalas wraps Talon’s wounds (+3hp) and gives him a dose of the healing potion (+8hp) you all get up and prepare to move on.

Morgan moves over to the secret door and checks it for traps and listens for any sound on the other side. She finds and hears nothing. The door is concealed by a portrait of a thin man in his early thirties. He is dressed in purple velvet and proudly stands with a blood-covered knife, one foot resting on the prone figure of a blood-soaked wolf.

“I presume that is our quarry,” says Talon.
“Indeed,” says Lenalas, “I saw a portrait of him at the abbey, though he is much older now.”

Morgan moves the portrait aside and opens the door to reveal an empty corridor leading further north. You follow and pass a window overlooking the courtyard. Further on the corridor turns west into a large hall. To the east is a metal-studded door set into a semi-circular wall, presumably leading to one of the towers on the corner of the castle. The floor of the hall is covered with dust and broken furniture. A foul animal odour hangs in the air. At the west end of the hall, another similar door is visible. Heavy dark curtains cover the windows and only a small amount of light filters through.

“This place looks deserted. It hasn’t been used as a banqueting hall in years, I’m guessing,” says Wilhelm.
“And what in God’s name is that smell,” says Andolin, covering his nose.
“Wolf,” says Talon simply, “He must let his hounds sleep here.”
“Wilhelm, get working on that lock,” says Andolin, “I suggest we search the towers if we are going to find this Duke.”
Wilhelm moves quickly to the door of the Northeast tower and checks it for traps before working on the lock. He struggles with it and Morgan comes to his aid, taking a hair clip for her hair and working it in the lock.

You hear a low growling coming from the west and Gauvain and Andolin drop to defensive positions, drawing swords.
“You might want to hurry it up Wil, I think we have company,” says Andolin, peering into the darkness.
Out of the shadows materialises a huge (2m tall) and shaggy haired wolf. It lopes toward you baring huge, yellow fangs.
“That is not natural,” whispers Siridol.
“Lord protect us,” prays Lenalas, crossing himself.
“Wil, Morgan?” shouts Andolin to the lock pickers.

The wolf picks up the pace, spittle dripping from its lolling tongue.

There is an audible click and the door is open, revealing a chamber. You pile in and the paladins bring up the rear, slamming the door shut as the wolf crashes into it

The chamber is totally bare except for some stone plaques bearing carved armorial designs which are set into the walls. There is a stone sarcophagus with a lid leaning against it opposite the door. A circular spiral staircase leads upwards in the northeast corner.

Wilhelm moves towards the coffin, looking for traps. Unfortunately he misses a trap door in the floor, which opens up beneath him. He drops some 7m landing in a bed of sand that cushions his fall. The rest of you rush over to look and see he has landing in a chamber in the middle of six sarchophagii! There is a crash as the lid flies off one and a naked man jumps out with amazing speed, pinning Wilhelm to the floor by the shoulders.

With a roar, Talon leaps into the pit, rolling to his feet as he lands. He charges the figure atop Wilhem and as the figure looks up in surprise, it hisses revealing two sharp front teeth. The scotsman bowls into him, the two of them flying into the side of a coffin.
“VAMPIRE!” shouts Wilhelm.
Andolin draws Vallandar’s sword and drops into the pit, rolling to Talon who has the creature pinned to the floor.
“He’s a strong one!” shouts the warrior, holding the vampires wrists as it tries to lift its head and snap at his neck.
As Andolin appears, Talon is thrown across the room as the vampire jumps to its feet.
“Lord protect me and destroy this foul evil,” yells the Italian as his sword swings. The vampire dodges backwards, grabbing the wall and scrabbling up like a spider.
"Incoming,” shouts Andolin to the others looking down.
Lenalas takes a swing with his sword, but misses the creature as it charges toward the door, disappearing into a cloud of smoke and hitting the door, leaving through the gaps.
Andolin helps Wilhelm to his feet.
“The Undead, you were lucky,” says Andolin, “Talon, you good?”
“Fine, where did it go? You all alreet up there?”
“It escaped through the door – turned to smoke,” says Lenalas.

As the warriors and Wilhelm emerge from the pit, Morgan shakes her head, “I thought they were just legend.”
“Sadly not,” pipes up Siridol, “They are common in my homeland. Only garlic can protect you and it is wise to carry a wooden stake.
“Well, I think we surprised him, he wasn’t ready for a big fight,” says Andolin.

You carry on up the spiral staircase and on the next level you find room covered by tapestries showing demonic creatures with wings and claws. There is an ornate throne with the Arms of Northumberland on it. Behind the throne is a high tubular hanging which reaches from ceiling to floor. As you step into the room, the tapestries flutter. From among the folds fly two of the creatures depicted, green demonic beats about three feet high.

“Oh Lord… here we go again,” grunts Talon, drawing his longsword and standing in front of Lenalas to protect him.
Wilhelm loads his bow, “Hit them with missiles if you have them,” he shouts, aiming at one of the demons.
Gauvain and Andolin draw swords and stand side by side, “This place is filled with evil, brother, we must cleanse the way.”
“In the name of the Lord,” replies Andolin.
One of Wilhelm’s arrows fly home, striking a demon in the wing.
The two paladins rush at one of the creatures, as Talon stands his ground to face the second.
Andolin strikes with his sword but the demon dodges Gauvain’s attack. The creature slashes out with both claws at Andolin , catching him in the shoulder (-2hp) and tries to bite Gauvain but misses.
Talon swings but misses and the demon launches a viscious attack, managing to claw across his belly (-3hp)
Lenalas comes round its flank, smacking it across the side of the head with his staff.
Morgan slips round the back of the Paladins’ foe, and attacks with a dagger in each hand, but failing to do any damage.
Wilhelm moves in to help Talon and Lenalas, stabbing with his shortsword, without success. Siridol stands at the back and observes the fight.
Andolin strikes twice, grazing the demon’s leg. Gauvain fails to hit. Morgan attacks again, but the demon is too fast. It slashes out in all directions, scratching Morgan’s left leg (-2hp) and hits Andolin across the face with its forklike tail (-1hp)
Talon gets in two solid strikes, one lopping of an arm, the second cleanly removing the beast’s head. It stands for a second, unmoving, before becoming dust and scattering to the floor.
Wilhelm takes to steps to his side, and stabs at the other creature, getting a clean hit in the arm.
The creature yelps and begins to panic as it is surrounded. It flaps its wings and tries to off but Gauvain stabs upwards, skewering the creature between its legs. It yelps and struggles for a moment before showering the French warrior in dust.
Gauvain coughs and spits, shaking off the dust that tastes of old cloth.
Siridol drags the tapestries down and sets them alight with his flint and steel.
Lenalas says a blessing as you all catch your breath.
Morgan and Wilhelm set about searching for secret passages, as there is no apparent exit. It is not long before they discover a door behind the throne, opened by lifting one of the handrests. Beyond is a spiral staircase continuing upwards.

You climb the stairs and it ends in a stone slab. Beyond you can hear ritual chanting.
“What evil is this?” asks Lenalas.
“Wil, push that slab aside, quietly!” says Andolin, who stands second in line behind the scout.
Wilhelm quietly pushes the light slab up and to the side revealing a hole behind what appears to be a stone offering table. Bits of rotten fruit lie on the floor and you see more on the table itself. A man dressed in purple and black robes and holding a silver dagger aloft in his right hand is standing in front of a stone altar. There is a lichen-covered skull resting in the middle of it. There is a stylised representation of a hideous leering face carved out of the wall above the altar. High up near the roof of the chamber are two deep recesses with windows. Looking up you can see the silhouette of batwinged creatures with humanoid arms and torsos. They have a leathery skin and their feet end in claws. As you watch, the chains holding the creatures to the bars covering the windows suddenly fly asunder. One of the glares in your direction.

You all scramble from beneath the altar and ready weapons. The priest is chanting in Latin and the room is getting colder. Wilhelm draws his bow and aims at one of the winged creatures screeching towards you. His arrow glances off the creature’s wing.
Andolin charges toward the priest while Talon and Gauvain square off against the creatures. As Andolin gets close, a pile of bones rise in front of him, stopping him in his tracks. It forms quickly into humanoid shape as others rise around the room, clattering like dice.
Andolin swings, snapping several ribs off the skeleton that seems to have intelligence burning in the dark sockets of its eyes. The creature clutches a curved sword, which it swings at him, but Andolin ducks.
Gauvain swings his sword at the winged beast facing him, but misses. The creature claws and bites at him but fails to draw blood. Talon swings his two handed sword and also fails to hit the other creature as it hovers above him, before striking down. Biting him in the shoulder (-4hp)
Lenalas steps to face the skeletons in the room, holding his cross aloft, “Begonia foul UnDead, your place is not in this world.”
The skeletons turn in terror and run to the far wall, leaving Andolin a clear run at the priest.
Wilhelm reloads, aiming at the priest, who is chanting again. The arrow flies wide.
Siridol, who is closest to Talon, helps the warrior, stabbing with his dagger. He misses. Morgan helps Gauvain in the same way, a dagger in each hand. One strikes home, drawing blood from the creature’s belly.
Andolin charges at the priest, who chants and points at the warrior. However, Andolin’s blade slices through the priest’s wrist, cleanly removing the left hand, preventing the evil magic.
Gauvain attacks his foe, swinging twice without effect. The creature bites his arm (-2hp). Morgan strikes with both daggers, slashing into the leathery creature.
Talon roars and swings, his massive blade cutting the creature in two! Black blood sprays both him and Siridol as the sage jumps back.
Lenalas draws his sword and moves toward Andolin to take on the priest. Wilhelm fires and fumbles the shot – the string of his bow snapping and slashing him across the cheek (-1hp + bow out of action until restrung by a bowyer)
The evil priest draws a knife from among his black robes and goes to strike Andolin, madness in his eyes. Andolin cuts into the priest’s leg, dodging the knife blow.
Gauvain swings, catching the creature with a glancing blow. Morgan’s knives cut into thin air. Gauvain dodges the creatures claw, then the beast turns and bites Morgan on the left arm (-4hp) she screams and collapses unconscious.
“MORGAN!” shouts Wilhelm, throwing his bow to the floor and drawing his sword.
Talon steps in before him, swings his sword and decapitates the beast.
Andolin still struggles with the priest, swinging as the priest dodges. Lenalas moves in, “Lord forgive me!” as he swings, slashing the priest across the chest.
Wilhelm crouches by Morgan, ripping a sleeve from his shirt to bind her wound and stop the bleeding.
The priest slashes out with his knife, slashing Andolin across the chest (-3hp) Andolin responds, stabbing forwards, piercing the priest’s belly. Pulling his blade back, the man falls to the ground, dead.
As he does, the skeletons that were desperately trying to climb the walls collapse into a pile of bones.
You slowly catch you breath and check your wounds. Lenalas indicates that the winged creatures appear to have some kind of venom and those of you bitten may have been infected but have resisted its effects. He prays and lays his hands on Morgan’s wound and slowly she comes round (healed 7hp)

Wilhelm does a search of the room and finds a hidden panel in the front of the altar. In it is a black and purple robe, a censer for dispersing incense. A small jewel case containing 6 black gems is also found there. The only thing of interest is the knife that belonged the priest, which is engraved with runic symbols. There is a spiral staircase leading up to the next floor.

Siridol takes the dagger and keeps it for later examination. Morgan privately thanks Lenalas as the rest of you rest and catch your breath.
“Is it the Duke?” Siridol asks to no-one in particular.
“It is not. I have seen a portrait of Duke Darian and he is an older man than that and that is even considering the way portraits make the subject younger,” says Lenalas.
Wilhelm examines the black gems with an expert eye and whistles quietly “They’d fetch about 20 crowns a piece, to the right buyer.”
He drops them back into the case and secretes it about his person.
“I could use some healing over here. Brother Lenalas, can you aid me?”
“I only have strength for one more miracle today, and Andolin appears in greater need,” says the priest, passing his hands over the Italian’s wounds (+7 hp)
“I suggest we press on. That battle was noisy and may have alerted anyone further up the tower,” comments Gauvain.
Andolin nods and draws his sword, “Wil, you fit to scout ahead. We don’t need anymore surprises.”
Wilhelm nods and walks slowly up the stairs and out of sight. Moments later he comes back down, “Two guards playing dice. They are having an argument, I’m surprised you can’t hear from down here. They don’t seem aware of us.”
“Gauvain, Talon, you’re with me. We rush them before they know what hits them. The rest of you, stay down here unless you hear our call for help.

As the warriors head off, the rest of you sit and relax, Wilhelm picks his nails with his knife, Siridol studies the runes of the knife he found, muttering quietly to himself. Lenalas takes the moment of peace to pray.

The three warriors creep single file up the stairs and halfway up hear raised voices. Reaching the top the door is found to be ajar revealing a circular room and six other doors. The small room holds a table, lit by a single candle, on which two bulky looking men in black chain mail, are gambling. The stairs continue up.
Andolin throws the door open and the three of you charge in, reaching the guards before they even draw their swords. They are agile and dodge the blows from Gauvain and Talon but Andolin slashes one of them across the chest.
The guards draw their longswords, one of them throwing the table aside to create more space, “Identify yourself!” shouts one, as he enters a combat stance.
“We are the Archbishop’s warriors,” shouts Andolin, as he runs the guard through the gut with a swift and well placed strike. Gauvain follows suits, slashing to distract then running his blade through the belly of the other guard.
As he does, one of the six doors bursts open and another, similarly dressed guard enters, sword raised. Talon is quicker though, crouching and slashing low across the knees, sending the guard flying across the floor, his head making a loud crunch into the opposite wall.
Andolin throws open the other doors, looking for other guards, but finding none. The level appears to be a kind of barracks, each room housing a bed except one, which is a privy.
Talon calls the rest of you and you do a quick search of the rooms, finding 12 gold crowns, 33 silver florins (on the floor from the gambling) a pack of marked cards, a bottle marked Healing and a bottle marked Strength. Wilhelm collects them up with the rest of the party stash.

You then head up the stairs; Wilhelm leading the way, realising you must be near the top of the tower by now. At the top of the stairs, a solid oak door opens into a bedroom and as expected, it is decorated with lush drapes and thick carpets. Four windows overlook the surrounding countryside. A cheerful fire burns in the grate. Against the south wall is a table with a number of bottles and an ornate looking sword upon it. There is a four poster bed against the west wall and a thin, splenetic man stares at you from under the sheets.

"This is the Baron I presume, and that is a nasty looking sword. Do you have any message for the Archbishop?" says Siridol, eyes moving from the bed to the sword.
Wilhelm walks to the table to look at the sword. Morgan follows him.
Andolin and Gauvain wait for Lenalas to speak, but both have swords drawn. Talon crouches, ready for action.
The old man screeches and leap out of bed, a long knife in his hands.
Talon leaps to block him, his longsword cutting through the old man’s neck like butter. The headless corpse drops to its knees, before falling forwards. The head rolls against the wall.
Lenalas nods his thanks to Talon and steps over to the head, lifting it by the hair. As he does, the features change. The skin becomes thick and grey, the ears pointed and the eyes white. The priest drops the head in shock.
“What manner of creature is that?” says Talon, rolling the corpse over with his foot, to see if it has changed.
“I suspect it is a doppelganger,” says Siridol, “They are well known in my homeland. They are able to take on any form and impersonate. I suspect this was placed here to dupe someone into thinking they had killed the baron.”
You look around for another exit.
“So where is the real Baron hiding?” says Andolin.
Wilhelm, who is helping the search, looks up the fireplace. Without a word, he points up it and you look to see a set of rungs going up the chimney. Putting a finger on his lips to ask for quiet, he puts a dagger between his teeth and climbs in to start climbing.

The rest of you wait below and time passes without any noise.

“This stinks of a trap,” sneers Siridol, “Let’s finish searching the room, block the door then go up there.”
“I’m heading up there now after Wilhelm, he wouldn’t take this long unless he got into trouble,” says Morgan, heading toward the fireplace.
“Andolin, Talon HEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLP!!!ITS THE BARON!!!!!!” comes Wilhelm’s scream from up the chimney.
Andolin sheathes his sword and throws himself into the fireplace, “Me first,” he grunts as he scrambles up.
“Better let me go up next Lassie. This feller could be dangerous,” says Talon, stepping up to climb next. Giving a smile to Morgan, he throws himself up the chimney and grabs the rungs.

As Andolin scramble through an open trapdoor, he finds himself in a small attic. Wilhelm is in front of him, standing but unmoving. An old man in ermine edged robes stands in front of a window. A waterfall of what looks like sand if falling between you and him and with the sand comes a snake-like creature, some 9 feet long. There is a thud as it hits the wood and the sand it lands on puffs into a cloud, obscuring the scene even more.
As Andolin redraws his sword, Talon scrambles through the trapdoor and as he does, the snake lashes out at him, but he launches himself up and tumbles aside.
“We’re here on behalf on Canterbury, Darian. We come for justice,” shouts Andolin as he slashes out at the snake but the thing darts back, rearing up till its head touches the ceiling.
“Morgan! Stay down there. Gauvain, get your sword up here,” shouts Talon, drawing his two handed sword, realising it is more effective against large targets like this.
Lurching forward, he swings at the creatures and as he hits, it feels like cutting into sand. The blow would have cut a man in two, but it does little but knock the creature to one side. The gash created by the sword fills, as sand falling into the base of a sand timer does.
“What does that meddling fool have to do with me,” shouts the Duke, “I answer only to the King and he is in the Holyland!”
The Duke starts to chant in a strange language, but he is barely visible through the clouds of sand. Gauvain appears and pulls himself through the hatch. As he does, a limblike thing made of sand slashes out from the snake, hitting him square in the face, knocking him back down the chimney.
“In the name of the Lord, die foul beast,” yells Andolin, swinging twice and missing both times.
Talon then takes a couple of slashes and fails to hit anything but sand. Appears and freezes as she sees the giant sand snake, but it doesn’t attack her. Instead it strikes at Andolin, headbutting him in belly. The warrior is thrown backwards, totally winded (-8hp stunned 2 rounds) Talon takes the opportunity to step in and attack, coming between the snake and the trapdoor.
The chanting beyond the sand is getting louder, and there are flames licking from the Duke’s Fingers. As Morgan climbs out of the trapdoor, she lets out a piercing whistle.
There is a “caw” of some bird and the Duke screams, his chanting interrupted.
The snake lashes out a sandy “arm” at Talon, catching him across the belly (-8hp)
Talon roars and swings left then right. The first blow cuts the creatures body through the middle, the second takes off its head.

As the whole thing collapse into the cloud of sand, Morgan leaps through the cloud, knife in each hand. As she sees the Duke, blinded by the large black birds plucking at his eyes, and flailing, she attacks crouching, slashing his exposed belly.

Andolin scrambles to his feet, Talon steps over the sand to aid Morgan. As the old man spins around, still flailing, she slashes the backs of his ankles, cutting through his tendons. The man drops to the floor as Morgan whistles, the bird, a black beaked Magpie, jumps onto the outstretched arm.
The Duke is curled up, screeching in agony, blood pouring from his ankles and face as he clutches his ruined eyes. The magpie opens its beak revealing an eyeball before it lifts its head and swallows letting out a satisfied CAW.

Talon steps up to the Duke with his sword, “Andolin, shall I finish it?”
“No, Gauvain said the Archbishop said dead or alive. He should stand trial not only for his crimes against the church, but for his witchcraft,” says the warrior, dusting himself off.
“Andolin, you should get down here,” calls Lenalas from below.
Andolin sheathes his sword, “Tie him up, patch up his ankles to stop the bleeding.”

As the warrior climbs down, “We’ve got the Duke alive,” he says and stops as he finds Lenalas and Siridol standing beside the bed, on which Gauvain lies, “The fall broke his neck, he died instantly,” says the priest.
“Bastard!” shouts Andolin, drawing his sword and turning back to the chimney.
Lenalas puts a hand on his shoulder, “Be calm, Brother Andolin, your wrath will bring no joy. If you have captured him alive, we shall take him to trial.”
The Italian sheathes his blade again, “You are right, as always, Padre.” He makes the sign of the cross.
“We will return our prisoner to London and there we will give Brother Gauvain a warriors burial,” says the Priest.

It is not long before whatever witchery was cast as Wilhelm wears off and he is able to move again.
With the Duke in tow, nothing bothers you as you leave the tower in enter the courtyard of the castle where you find a cart and taking a horse from the stable you found earlier. You take everything from his tower including a number of books relating to witchcraft, which Siridol bags up as you all carry the mass of coins and gems you found in the loft. You also find a finely crafted suit of Spanish plate mail and the Duke’s only weapon, a well crafted, thin bladed knife. Also you find a crystal shard identical to the one you found in Gallow’s Wood. You decide to keep hold of it, and stash it with the other in Wil’s pack.
Wrapping the body of Gauvain in a bed sheet, you haul him onto the cart and set off. The Magpie, whom you are all amused with, sits on the front of the cart with Wilhelm, who drives.
“The magpie seems to respond to your call. That whistle you gave brought it in to attack the Duke. Is it yours?” asks Andolin of Morgan.
“Shadow is his name, and he belongs to nobody. We are old friends, that much is true. He will choose to stay with us until he gets bored, but he is always nearby if I need him,” smiles Morgan.
Talon, Andolin and Morgan take horses and saddles from the stable, though Talon is not especially comfortable. Lenalas rides on the cart, beside Wilhelm. Siridol sits on the back, keeping a close eye on the bound and gagged Duke, his eyes and ankles bandaged but still seeping blood.
You set off on the long road to London.

The journey is just under 5 days, stopping at various inns on the way. On reaching London, and reporting to the Archbishop, the Duke is imprisoned in the Tower of London and Gauvain’s body taken into the mortuary.
You are all thanked personally and awarded 50 gold crowns each. The coins and jewels are seized by the church along with the witchcraft paraphernalia. The suit of armour and knife you may keep, if you wish.
The Archbishop takes Andolin to one side to speak with him.

When he returns after half an hour, he does not look too happy, “I have a mission in York. You are not committed to joining me but will be paid well if you do.”
“What is the mission?” says Wilhelm.
“I can’t really discuss it here. Perhaps when we’re on the road,” replies the warrior, “We have two days rest and relaxation. Enjoy the city, my friends!”

So you have two days to kill in London and with the King’s coin to spend, the city is your oyster.
After a rest period of five days in London, doing very little, you head off towards York. The journey is long and tiresome and you will be arriving in the City shortly after midnight. As the sun sets, the oak trees seem to close in on the path and a chill wind blows through your bones.
“Remember last time we were on this road, Brother Andolin,” says Lenalas grimly.
“You are right, Brother. Friends, this road is watched by thieves. Be ready,” he hisses to all of you.

You all fear wary , watching the trees for signs of movement. Shadows shift and every dark corner feels like a threat.

Half an hour down the road, your fears become real. A horsebacked figure steps onto the road ahead, flanked by two men with crossbows. Two others appear on each side, similarly armed.

“Abraham Johnson and Charles D’Arcy,” smiles Andolin “We meet again.”
“I warned you that you’d regret your crossing me, D’Sforza. We’ve been watching your little band,” shouts the man on the horse.

Sword drawn, Andolin issues a battle cry and charges directly at Johnson and D'arcy. Talon follows with a roar.
Wilhelm dismounts and steps to the right side of the trail. He them aims his bow to take a shot at Johnson. The thief ducks and returns fire with his crossbow, hitting Wil in the shoulder (-4hp)

Siridol draws a dagger and rides at the man on the left, shouting "Run for your life, cowards!"
The boy, crouched in the bushes, looks worried at the tall robed figure, with a wild look in his eyes, but instead of running, he fires his crossbow, but it flies wide.
Dagger drawn, Morgan charges the boy to the right, who barely looking older than 17. He raises his crossbow to fire.
“Lord God, Heavenly King, bring the hammer of your might!” calls Lenalas.
With that something hits the boy aiming at Morgan, knocking the crossbow from his hands. <Morgan later swears she saw a golden hammer fly into the boy.>

The group scatter as Andolin reaches them and he lays about them with sword and God's righteous wrath. Pulling up at D’Arcy right, their swords clash. Andolin fails to strike home, but D’Arcy cuts into Andolin’s midriff (-6hp)
Talon takes on Johnson, who has dropped his bow and drawn a shining longsword. Unused to fighting on horseback, he leaps off, knocking Johnson to the ground, the two rolling through the dirt. The two rise, Talon quickly unsheathing his longsword and draws first blood, cutting the thief in the left arm. The Thief slashes Talon across the chest (-7hp)

Siridol leaps at the boy with the fervour of an Eastern European berseker, he slashes the boy across the cheek, almost hitting his throat. The boy draws a longsword but clumsily fails to hit Siridol.
On the other side of the path, Morgan reaches the other boy, dagger in each hand. She slashes, missing with the right, but stabbing the boy in the right shoulder with her left hand. Wilhelm then fires an arrow at the same boy, hitting him squarely in the neck – the boy collapses into the bushes.Morgan looks back at her saviour, who gives her a wink, before moving into position for the next shot.

The third bowman at the front fires at Lenalas but misses.

Andolin and D’Arcy continue to clash swords in horseback. Andolin fails to hit and D’Arcy thrusts his blade through Andolin’s right thigh, cutting into his mount. The horse rears up in pain, but Andolin manages to stay on. As the horse kicks out it’s front legs, it hits D’Arcy, though not causing serious damage.
Talon and Johnson tussle, with neither striking each other.

Siridol and his enemy attack each other, to no effect. Morgan runs to help Andolin and Talon. Lenalas turns to face the melee at the front, calling again for the aid of God. Morgan feels a gust of wind blow past her but beyond that, nothing. Wil fires two arrows into the third man at the front, who is aiming at Morgan. The shots both hit in the chest, throwing off his aim. Morgan leaps with her knives aiming at him. She gets one strike in his belly, and he falls to the floor.

Andolin swings at D’Arcy and fails to hit. D’Arcy hits Andolin with the flat of his blade, across the side of the head (-3hp), and the warrior collapses into his saddle.
Talon swings at Johnson but the thief dodges and stabs the scotsman in the left arm (-8hp)
Siridol slashes out but misses, and the boys gets a lucky strike at Siridols head, knocking him out cold (-5hp)

Morgan grabs the reigns of Andolin’s horse and pulls him back to stop D’Arcy finishing the job. As D’Arcy is about the strike her, a flash if golden light fills the clearing, knocking him almost out of his saddle. Wilhelm follows up with two arrows, one hitting in the chest, the other going wide.

Talon finally manages to strike Johnson again, slashing across his chest. Johnson fails to strike.

“Johnson, back up,” shouts D’Arcy, “Sawyer, hold your blow,” he shouts the man, about to finish Siridol.
“We have you at an empass, people. Your champion is almost dead at my hand. Your pet scotsman has taken a battering . Another of your men is down and at our mercy. Now I’m a fair man, I will give you your lives back. You may pass freely, this time. All I want is your money..all of it.”

"So you think I am their pet do you?" says Talon, trying to stay calm, "Do I look like a pet? How dare you insult me like that!" The Scotsman seems to glance at the trees. You are not sure if he’s looking for more enemies or for a way out. A smile crosses his lips.
"If one were going to be making an insult like that I would at least make sure that my men outnumbered the one I was insulting!" he shouts

He then shouts something in a strange language and raises his sword with a roar.

The rest seems a blur. The clearing suddenly fills with men, barechested and wearing kilts of tartan. Their faces and arms are painted blue; and they yell, as they charge your enemies, slicing and hacking. Within a few moments, D’Arcy and his men lie dead.

As the newcomers check that the enemies are dead, a bearded man walks over to Talon, wiping blood from his matted beard.

“Aye McCleary, I thought I’d find you hereabouts. In trouble as usual, I see,” he booms.
Talon jumps off his horse and grabs the man in a bear hug, “Dougal, you have my eternal gratitude. What brings you so far from the border?”

“Billy sent me to come find you. Are these the mighty warriors whose help we are seeking?” he glances at the unconscious Andolin, and Wilhelm and Morgan, “Hardly crazed berzerkers, ya ken?”

“They’ll do, Dougal. I’ve been in a scrape or two with them. They’ll pass muster after a rest. We were pretty beaten up before we ran into these bandits. One seemed to have a grudge against Andolin over there. Father, is alright?”

“He’ll live,” says Lenalas, examining the wound, “We’d better get him to somewhere safe to rest.”

Dougal nods, and gathering together the men, you follow them north. Siridol comes round fairly quickly, but Andolin’s wounds are more severe. He remains unconscious for the rest of the journey. Within four days, you arrive in the town of Melrose.

The town is little more than a village but seems to be heavily populated. People seem to be living in the streets, many appear to have all their belongings with them.

“Why are so many people here?” asks Lenalas.
Dougal looks at Talon, “Have you said nothing of this?”
“Not yet. I was waiting for the right time,” replies your comrade.
Dougal stands and stares, “The right time? What the hell, man? What if they don’t agree to help. That Andolin has the look of a King’s Man. He wears the crest, yet you bring them here, to our midsts, without making sure they’re sympathetic to our cause?”
Dougal seems angry, and turns and goes to storm off, when another man approaches. He is well muscled, with a mane of curly black hair. A huge claymore is strapped to his back.

“McCleary, you’ve returned. What news?” he shouts as he approaches.
“You’ve done it this time, Talon,” snears Dougal, and marches off.

The newcomer turns his head as he watches Dougal leave. The rest of his men follow.

“Father Lenalas, friends, this is William Wallace. Leader of men,” says Talon.
“Welcome to Scotland, gentlemen, and ma’am,” he smiles at the sight of Morgan, taking her hand and gently kissing it, “We have much to discuss. Talon, I assume you’ve explained our plight?”
“Well, not as such,” says Talon, slightly embarrassed, “Andolin, the injured one, is a King’s Man.”
“I see, well, let’s get him a bed,” he says and marches toward a large wooden building, that looks like a townhall.

As you trot through the town, you see more and more pityful people. Some weeping and looking at you hopefully. Others, injured and lying in the gutters.

“What happened Talon?” asks Lenalas as you follow Wallace.
“The King’s men happened. The King means to take Scotland. His armies have raided and burnt villages between here and York. Many of these people have escaped the sword and flame, to come here,” he replies grimly.

You are soon settled around a large table in the town hall. Andolin is settled on a bed beside the table by nurses and Wallace offers you food and drink. Soon enough, Andolin comes round though is still weak. The nurses reassure him that he is safe and he listens carefully to the conversation.

“We have heard much of your adventures, Father Lenalas. I understand you work for the Archbishop himself?”
“We all work for the Lord God, William, though God seems to have left this place.”
“Oh no, here is stronger than ever in these parts. We are god-fearing people, the Scottish. We are proud of our country, but our noblemen are weak and will allow your King to take our country. We are fighting to defend ourselves. We want your help.”
“What can we do? We are not warriors!” says Wilhelm.
“Indeed, only Andolin appears to have skill with a sword, so Talon tells me. However, it is another task I need you for that will aid me. I want you to go to Ireland and find men willing to help our cause. Will you help?”

“I want to stay in the England as I need to get back to London to pick up that book,” says Siridol, staring at the sky.
“I can't make your decision for you,” says Talon, “But I do not see how this book outweighs the plight my people are in. That bastard Longshanks is killing my people. For no reason but his own greed. All we want is to be left alone and live in peace on our lands.. the lands our fathers worked and their fathers before them. He will stop at nothing until we are all either dead or slaves to him and his false crown. I have helped you all numerous times.. risking my own life for just the chance to hope that you would do the same for me and my people.. What Longshanks is doing is not right.. by anyone’s laws.. I am not asking you to swing one sword against the English.. just help me get to Ireland and find some help... and then you can be on your way.. if you choose to.”
“I know little of the politics of these Isles, but in my own country such oppression exists, even with the help of those who should know better. If Longshanks was to die tomorrow such greed and violence would continue,” says Siridol, his attention now on the big Scotsman, “The book I need is about the crystals we have found, each time we have found one it has been in the hands of evil. Worse supernatural evil which casts a shadow against all and against god. These crystals are either a way to counter this evil or help it. Either way we must know so we can stop it. We need to know how many more of these shards are in evil hands and what price may all humanity pay if we do not stop them? This is for a greater good. You saw what was in that castle of the Baron's. You know what we face.”
Talon looks angered by this, but tries to stay calm, “This is not oppression Siridol.. this is annihilation.. Longshanks wants us dead.. all of us.. and for your statement about greed.. and how it will always be here.. that is true. but before this false king took over we were fine.. they left us alone.. Just because it goes on doesn’t mean we just shrug our shoulders and go on with our lives.. Come all of you.. let William and I show you just what this "simple oppression" looks like.. up close.”

Talon shakes his head and leads you deeper into the town to show you some of the destruction.

“Longshanks will stop at nothing to kill us…he has taken everything from us. His lords even have the option to bed our wives on our wedding night…and we can say nothing.”

“I know what oppression is, I was forced from my own land,” replies Siridol as you walk, “I have not seen my kin for more years than I remember; those which are alive. This is not just an oppression we face. This is something that wants the down fall of all mankind. We fight the very devil. What Edward wants is dominance of your lands. This evil wants the destruction of our very souls.”

As you get further to the edges of Melrose, you see burnt houses and haybails. As the very edge of town is a mass grave, with a large wooden cross denoting the dead on a carved down the middle. Lenalas crosses himself. Andolin kneels and kisses his rosary. Sierra covers her mouth and Wil just stares in shock.

“Fifty five dead in this town alone,” says Wallace, “Is this what you would stand by and let happen. Where will it end?”

“I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS ANY LONGER!!!” shouts Talon, “I do not hate the English…I hate Longshanks…this will stop! If I have to go about it by myself, I will. I have risked my life for all of you…not one of you can say different. The only thing I have ever asked for is that when given the chance you would help me! Now is that appointed time!”

“I will do as the party agrees but need that book, we all do. We must know the evil that is growing behind these wars before we are all lost,” says Siridol, visibly shaken by the sight of the mass grave.

“Siridol, we will try our hardest to get back here so that you might go to London and pick up your book. But there are no guarantees,” replies Talon.

“Talon, we will all join you. We have been through much together and we are all endebted to you,” says Lenalas.

Andolin nods his agreement, “Agreed, we will join you, Talon. We lost Gauvain on our quests and none of know who else would have died were you and your sword not with us.”

Siridol says nothing more. You return to the main camp in the town and Wallace hands a pack filled with dried rations.

“Head for Castle Douglas, in Dumfries. Laird William Douglas will assist you with a boat across the channel. Good luck, my friends,” says Wallace, grasping each of you by the hand.

Taking horses, you set out across the hills. The ride is set to be two days over beautiful countryside. You pass many lochs, where Andolin and Talon stop to catch fish and at the dusk of the first day, you set up camp, on the shores of a loch. As you set up a fire, and start to cook the fish, a figure approaches from the dying light. It is an old man, stooped with a gnarled staff holding him up. His tangled white hair and beard are matted with seaweed and his cloak covered with dried sand.

“Old Man, join us for some fruits of the loch,” says Talon, standing to greet the old man.

“I have no belly for fish, at least not cooked,” his voice is croaky and dry, “But some fresh water would be welcome.”
Talon hands him a flagon, “How would wine suit you?”
A smile breaks through the beard and he takes a deep swig and coughs. He hands it back and stares at the loch, leaning on the staff, “You have seen many dangers,” he says.
“Aye, that we have, and many more ahead, no doubt,” replies Talon.
“Tis true. More danger approaches; look to the southwest where the stormclouds build and gales lash the seas.”

Sure enough, looking southwest, you see dark storm clouds brewing and the moaning of wind begins to play through the trees, “A great treasure, lost for a hundred years, is even now being borne from the south on the wings of the gale. Hurry to the village of Gullet Hollow; there you will find a man that will lead you to this treasure.”
“We have an appointment elsewhere,” says Talon.
“This is not far from your current task and this is your destiny. You would do well to heed my advise.”

Although it was clear moments ago, yet now spots of rain splash the surface of the water in front of the old man. Dark clouds bear down on you from the southwest and the few remaining leaves are torn from the trees. Suddenly, there is a blinding flash of lightening over the loch. As your eyes adjust again to the darkness, the old man is gone, leaving only the gnarled staff buried in the mud by the loch.

Talon stares out across the Loch, and begins to sing quietly in his deep voice.

“Shades of the dead! have I not heard your voices
Rise on the night-rolling breath of the gale";
Surely the soul of the hero rejoices,
And rides on the wind, o'er his own Highland vale.
Round Loch Nagar while the stormy mist gathers,
Winter presides in his cold icy car:
Clouds there encircle the forms of my fathers;
They dwell in the tempests of dark Loch Nagar.”

“That was..chilling,”says Morgan, shivering, “What is it?”
“An old song about this place. We can’t get across in the weather..we’ll have to sit it out! I can’t ignore the old man….I know I’m asking a lot..but let’s go check out that village..something about the old man strikes me as familiar,” shouts Talon over the rising wind.
“I get the feeling another crystal awaits us, friend Talon,” replies Siridol, “We are trapped here by the weather and I fear we must go to the village before it lifts. I have a very odd feeling about this.”
“I agree. We should head to the village,” says Morgan, “Whatever is happening, we are meant to be there. May it be God’s will, or some other force, we are being told to go there. I shall follow where you go, but my vote is for the village.”
“Mine too,” says Wil, holding Morgan to keep her warm, “We should get out of this storm.”
“Siridol…have no fear, for that man was a far seer,” shouts Talon, looking at the staff buried in the mud, “Perhaps we should take that,” he points.

Siridol walks to the waters edge and pulls the gnarled staff from the mud. Using it to lean on, get climbs back up the muddy bank.

“It was the Old Man of Loch Nagar. I have heard tales of him, though I thought them legend. I am not afraid of him..though he serves no master neither good nor evil, like all far seers. They simply tell you what they see and if he saw me there…then we will go there…thank you my friends, for coming with me, but be prepared…for it might be friend or foe awaiting us.”
“I agree, we shall go, this is God’s will guiding us,” says Andolin, pulling his cloak tighter around him.

The howling gale continues with thunder and lightening as you trudge away from the loch and into a wooded area. After half an hour or so, the trees thin out and you emerge on the edge of a high cliff over looking the sea. Heavy waves are crashing on the rocks hundreds of feet below. You can see a huddled fishing village about a mile to your left, tucked underneath the cliffs. To the South you can see a rocky peninsula sticking into the sea with a cliff and reef fringed island at the end of it.

Soon enough, you enter the village, which a weather-beaten sign declares it as Gullet Hollow. The Village houses are one storey constructions with slate roofs. The only two storey building is a timbered, ramshackle inn. A sign rocks to and fro on rusty hinges outside its front door. It reads “The Silver Halyard”.

Pushing open the front door you enter a darkened room illuminated only by a flickering log fire on the grate, and a few candles. A huddled figure wrapped about in coarse blankets and with tousled wet hair sits on a stool in front of the fire. Andolin orders ale from the barman. The barman’s eyes have dark rings about them as if he hasn’t slept in a day or two. When you make conversational remarks about the terrible weather, he remains in a surly silence. He stumps out to the back of the inn after serving you.

Just as you’re about to sit down at a table, you see that the cloaked figure has turned around and is looking at you. You see a man with a black beard and angular face cast into harsh perspective by the firelight behind. A golden earing sparkles in the light from where it hangs in his ear. He shuffles over to your table and bangs his tankard down on it, his eyes ablaze with a curious anger.

“Listen to me, laddies,” he says, “My name is Rakehell, cap’n of a fair ship I waz, but yesterday morning. Where be that ship now you’ll be asking, I don’t wonder; a likely cap’n, I! Well, lads, it be driftwood in yonder bay and as fer me crew, they be food of the fish in the ocean swells. ‘Tis well named, that bay, for tis called Sulphur Bay and the fires of hell burn over the bodies of all the drowned sailors that go down in their ships there.”

“Natheless last night, sailing in a clear sky, with more than a mile to the lee, I and me crew, we waz happy men – then from North there came a gale and a lightening and a squall such like we never saw and many will never see again. Blown to the leeshore was we. We looked out yonder to where the warning light burns from Wrecker Point,” he gestures to the south, where you saw the promontory and the island, “We saw the light to the port, I’ll swear. We didn’t tack but drove straight on, our storm-gibb near splitting in that wind. Suddenly out of the rainsquall and the sea spume there be the sharp rock o’ the Teeth. We was on them before we could turn about. A wave swept the poop at that moment and I was taken overboard and swept away: I heard the cries o’ me men, even through the gale, they must have perished to a man for I waz the only one swept into the bay this morning.” He lowers his voice.

“Now laddies, that ship was carrying not only the usual cargo of corn and furs an’ such. Back at port of Bergen in Norway, a man came aboard dressed in a brown woollen robe with a long white beard. He said to carry the box to friends in the South, gives me this address in Southampton, whence we were bound and money for me pain. Well, I b’aint a nosey man see, but I were curious ‘bout this cargo so I took a look in the box before we set sail. You know what was inside? A beautiful glowing piece of rock – worth a king’s ransom, I guess and now it is for you and I to pick up. I’ll offer you half share in it. All we have to do is walk across the island. There’s a sandbar that connects to it at low tide and as it happens, there will be a low tide tonight, at midnight, that’s three hours from now. We should be across to the island and back by morning. No word o’ this to the villagers mind. They’re a scurvy lot an’ would cut out throats for this.”

“Give us a moment Rakehell, we’ll discuss this in private,” says Andolin.
“Fair enough, take your time – we have three hours to kill,” says the captain, heading to the bar for a refill.

Once he is out of earshot, you huddle round the table.
“I for one would like to see this wonder and I'm sure it will be worth our while in the end,” says Siridol.

“I too would like to see this wonder, but crossing a sandbar at midnight sounds treacherous,” says Andolin, “And how can we trust this man? For all we know the captain went down with his ship and this man is just one of the crew out to trap us or take the treasure for himself. We need to go to keep the thing from other hands, but we need to be extra vigilant.”

“I say, let's cross it, but let's wait until the morning to do so,” says Morgan, “That way we can be better prepared for any traps whereas during night most of us can't see well.”

“That’s not likely to be possible,” adds Lenalas, “If it’s a sandbar we’re crossing, we’ll only have a short period of time to get across and back.”

“Well, I say we do this,” says Talon, “We were guided here for a reason and we’ve taken on worse than him before if he decides to betray us.”

“You’re right, Talon,” says Andolin, “We leave in three hours.”

You relax back into your chairs and Rakehell returns with a large copper jug of ale. He fills each of your flagons.

“Do we have a deal then?” he asks.
“Indeed,” replies Andolin.
“To wealth and glory then,” he raises a toast. You all join him and drink.

After you have eaten, you rent a room for two silver florins each and get a couple of hours sleep before heading down to meet Rakehell. As you come down from your room, there is no sign of the silent landlord. You meet Rakehell outside the tavern. The storm has now abated and a moon shines in a cloudless sky. You notice that Rakehell has a sabre stuck in his belt. He is now wearing long sea faring boots and a leather jerkin.

You set out from Gullet Hollow, trying not to make much noise on the cobbled streets. The road you’re following leads down to the sandy beach where fishing nets are laid out to dry on the sand. You don’t see any lights on in the houses to either side of the street. The inhabitants seem to have retired early.

Soon you are at the bottom of the promontory to the North, that you saw earlier on in the day. A zig zag path leads up to a clifftop path that runs along the top of the promontory.

Just as you’re about to start climbing the path you see a number of white forms flitting towards you down the beach. They are wailing horribly.

“How can we tell if they are solid?” asks Morgan, slipping her knives from there sheathes.
Andolin draws his sword, grabs his cross and presents it forth, “In the name of our Lord, be gone foul creatures!” he shouts.
Talon draws his huge sword and lets out a roar, charging directly at the figures. As they approach, swords appear in suspiciously human-like hands.

Talon’s sword slices through flesh and bone as the first falls to the ground, the white turning blood red. Andolin, realising his challenge failed to turn them, charges, longsword slashing, but failing to hit anything. Wil backs them up with his shortsword, running one of them through the gut. A very audible grunt fills the air as it falls dead. Rakehell faces one, his sabre clashing with the metal of his assailant’s sword.

The remaining four attack. Talon and Andolin avoid the swords, but Wil is caught across the left shoulder (-4hp)

Talon’s sword rips through the air, beheading another before disembowelling and third. Andolin cleaning removes the right arm of another and Wil stabs the last one through the heart, killing it.

Six figures lie before you, dressed in white bloodstained sheets. Pulling them off you reveal men, some you saw in the inn. One of them is the innkeeper.

“Salty sea dogs, the lot of ‘em,” spits Rakehell.

You continue up the zigzag path to the top of the promontory. The floor is very wet an slippery and steep. As you get about halfway up there is a sudden rock-fall from above and a landslide of boulders and stones crashes down the slope towards you. You all manage to avoid being hit except Siridol, who is knocked off the edge of the path (-5hp) however, he manages to grab the rockface and pull himself up with the aid of Talon.

“Thank you Talon,” says Siridol, brushing himself off and wincing at the pain in his shoulder where the rock hit him.
Andolin prays and lays his hands on Siridol’s shoulder.(+6hp)

“More villagers trying to stop us, I’ll wager,” snarls Rakehell, squinting to see where the rockfall may have started.

Soon enough you reach the top of the cliff to find it totally deserted. There are some scuffmarks and a large hole at the edge of the cliff overlooking the path below, where it seems someone has pushed over a boulder to start the landslide.

You can now see the tower, a mile to the South. A narrow moonlit path leads off towards it. The promontory narrows to a few metres across with vertical cliffs on either side to the South.

You trudge down the path and soon reach the tower. At close quarters, you see the tower is an ancient, partially ruined structure, about 12m high. It is set right at the end of promontory. A series of ropes leads down to a line of sharp rocks many feet below you. These rocks jut up from a sandbank leading to the cliffbound island that you saw earlier on.

There is a single wooden door, which Wil listens at but hears nothing. Opening it carefully, you see beyond a circular room, stacked with driftwood. An axe leans against one of the piles of wood; the pile seems to have been made quite recently. You can see part of the name of a ship, painted gaily on one of the planks: it reads, “The Rogue Prin..”

Rakehell swears loudly and pulls the plank from the pile, “They’re using my ship for firewood. Somebody will pay for this!”

A narrow flight of stairs leads up to the next floor. Wil leads the way, checking for traps as he does. Reaching the top of the stairs, there is a high pitched shriek as something attacks Wilhelm (-11hp)
The rest of you mount the stairs and enter the second floor. Two winged creatures the colour of stone are flapping around at the ceiling. One of them holds Wilhelm and a single viscous claw, while the other bites and slashes at him. They are demonic looking beasts and remind you of the stone statues that rest on church walls – gargoyles.

“Brother Lenalas may be of help with his prayer. They are animated by magic or the dead!” shouts Siridol.

Upon seeing the demonic looking creatures, Lenalas pulls out his wooden cross and drops to his knees, “Mei Dei fulsi Tui luci! Luce! Fortuno nos nominatim Iesus Nazareth!”

A bright light fills the tower, glowing around the form of Lenalas as he clutches his staff aloft.

Talon stabs at the creature attacking Wilhelm, with his two handed sword, stabbing into the creature’s leg. Andolin swings upward with the flat of his sword but fails to hit. Wilhelm draws his own short sword and stabs at the creature holding him, his blade turning against the stone.

The second gargoyle claws and bites Wil and the one holding him bites his head clean off!

Morgan screams at blood cascades from the ruin of the neck and the gargoyles screech as they regale in the blood.

Talon swings twice, first removing a wing, the cutting the creature across the middle, killing it. The things turns to dust before it hits the floor. Andolin swings again at the creature holding Wil, as does Lenalas with his staff, neither of them hitting.

Dropping the lifeless corpse of Wil, the remaining creature attacks Lenalas, clawing and biting him in the face and chest(-13hp)
As the creature is in range, Morgan attacks with her knife in a rage, her knife chipping stone off the creature’s shoulder. Siridol begins to shout in Latin.

There is suddenly a burst of light coming from the creature’s eyes. It begins to flap around blindly as Talon, Andolin and Lenalas launch attacks. It is only when Rakehell’s sabre joins the fray, that the creature is destroyed.

Stumbling over to where Wil was felled, Lenalas sags to his knees. Gingerly, he moves Wil's head back against his body, arranging him as best as possible. With a shaky hand the priest reaches down to close Wil's eyes, mumbling to himself, "Yet another taken from us on our Holy mission... he was just a boy.... Father God, let his death be not in vain..."

As the tears trickle down his cheeks, Lenalas bows his head in prayer for his fallen comrade. "Pater, defendo hoc, tui parvulus, intus lacerti. Carpe veste animi. Vale, Vilhelm."

“This is my fault,” says Talon, head bowed, “He didn’t deserve this…he came to help me…now his blood is on my hands.”

Andolin puts a reassuring hand on the Scotsman’s shoulder, “No-one is to blame here, but the beasts we destroyed. We need to secure the remains and push on.”

“The remains?” snaps Morgan angrily, tears streaming down her pale cheeks, “This is Wil, our friend..not some..piece of meat!”

Andolin is taken aback by her venom but says nothing.

“We should seek his family and return his belongings,” says Talon.

“He had no family. I knew his father…he is…gone also. This is all so wrong. Why did he have to die?” Morgan drops to her knees weeping.

Talon kneels and holds her in his arms, “It’s ok lass…”

“No, it’ll never be ok. They’re both dead ..I never got to tell him…Wil…” she then begins to mutter some words of a language you don’t understand.

Talon holds her tighter as her body quakes with anguish.

Rakehell coughs to break the tension, “I feel for your loss lads, and miss, but we have all lost in this enterprise. The goal is ahead of us and there won’t be any better chance. We can return the body later. Tis but a shell, the spirit has gone to the ocean,” he says grimly.

“We have come this far, friends, we must continue,” agrees Lenalas, “Whomever empowered these demonic…. Things, must be brought to account.”

The priest removes his cloak and cover’s Wilhelm’s body with it. Morgan manages to compose herself and you move on.

Climbing the stairs to the top of the tower you see that most of the parapet has been pulled down. A blackened pile of burnt wood and ash lies in the middle of the circular area a small wisp of smoke emerging from it.

“I’ll wager this was the warning fire that lured my ship to its doom,” curses Rakehell, kicking at the ashes.

With nothing else to see, you leave the tower, looking down at The Teeth, a row of sharp rocks emerging from the sand, some distance below the cliff. On the side of the tower is an iron ring with a long rope attached disappearing over the edge of the cliff. You see a succession of ropes leading down to the sandbank which connects the promontory to the island. It is now low tide and the bank is completely exposed.

One at a time you make your way down the ropes until you are all on the sandbank. Once there, Lenalas points out freshly made footprints leading off towards the island. The massive sharp needles of rock lie ahead, towering above you and against the Teeth lie the black bulk of three shattered wrecks.

As you get closer, Rakehell is becoming anxious to find his ship. Soon enough you see the stumps of masts visible and the remnants of the decks are visible.

The first ship you come to is a medium sized merchant ship, named the Wind Flyer. The second is a fast looking ship called the Avatar and the third is a warship named The Storm Runner. The footprints in the sand lead straight into a large cave mouth at the foot of the cliff in front of you. The cliff is about 60ft high and there is a zig zag path up it to the top. You can see some ancient ruins on top of the cliff. The tide is now racing in and you can see that the water is now lapping over the middle of the sandbar behind you. Soon you will be completely cut off. There is no sign of Rakehell’s ship, The Rogue Princess. A curious, deep furrow in the sand leads into the darkness of the cavern.

Dusting the sand from his hands, Lenalas stands and says, “It is settled then. We shall go into the cave.” Thunking his staff into the beach, the priest shrugs out of his pack and opens it, “Before we do, do any need their wounds attended?

Andolin seems to have the worst injuries so Lenalas calls on the Lord for his aid (cure light wounds x2 heals 6hp) Andolin lays his own hands on the Priest’s wounds (+6hp)

Lenalas pulls a white shirt from his pack. Sighing, the priest begins to tear the shirt into strips and passes them to his comrades, “Tie a strip around your right arm, to allow us to keep track of one another.”

“Aye, then lets go to the cave,” says Talon, drawing his 2 handed sword.

Looking to each, Lenalas says, "Morgan and I will take lead, while Andolin follows close behind. Siridol, you and the Captain come next, with Talon protecting our backs. Stay alert and, though it pains me to say, keep your weapons ready, as we may be fighting all too soon. May the Lord Father protect us.”

Almost as if an afterthought, the young cleric looks to the others, “Does anyone have a torch?”

“I knew I forgot something,” says Siridol, “I have a tinder box if anyone needs a light.”

Andolin pulls a torch from his pack and hands it to Siridol to light. Once lit, Siridol carries it in his left hand and knife in the other. Lenalas carries his staff and sword and Morgan her two knives. The two take the lead, with Andolin not far behind. Siridol and Rakehell take the middle so the light benefits all and Talon takes the rear.

The large cave mouth is some 60 feet high. The footsteps you noticed on the sandbank lead into the cave along the with the single groove. The cavern leads in around 200 feet before you see a green luminous light up ahead. Moving closer you see that it is coming from a huge underground chamber, its rocks irradiated by brilliant green lichen hanging in swathes from the ceiling. The floor of the chamber is filled with water about 6-8 feet deep. To your amazement you see the battered hulk of a merchant ship floating on the water. All its masts have been broken off and hang down the side of the ship; the hull has been smashed in by rocks of the reef. Rakehell gasps then shouts to the ship.

“Ahoy mateys!” his voice echoes around the empty cavern.

Slowly people appear on the deck of the ship. Rakehell’s shouting dies in his throat as he sees what you all see – the figures are moving unnaturally slowly. Their eyes stare blankly at their former captain.

“Well Rakehell, I think your crew has been possessed. We may have to kill them in order to survive,” says Morgan, slipping her daggers from her belt.
“I hope they are not the dead brought back to life,” whispers Siridol, “After the things we have seen, I would not be surprised. Well captain, do you know what happened to your crew? Do you see anyone you know who died there?”
“They are all dead, as far as I know, I’m the only one who survived,” replies Rakehell.

“Hold on I will check,” says Lenalas.

Closing his eyes, he seems to mutter under his breath. Slowly he opens his eyes and peers intently at the ship. With a sharp intake of breath, the priest’s eyes go wide, “Heavenly Father, protect us! Those, those things live not!”

“How do we fight ghosts?!” hisses Morgan.
“The same way we fight everything else…with steel!” shouts Talon drawing his sword and charging along the sand bank alongside the ship, “Lord God Almighty protect us from this evil!”
“They are not ghosts, Morgan, they are Zombies – undead but creatures of flesh nontheless. Steel will be as good as anything.”

As if proving Lenalas true, Talon appears on the deck of the ship. The creatures turn to face the roaring warrior.
The stench of rotting flesh and seaweed hits Talon and he almost vomits. It is all he can do to swing the sword, hacking into one of the creatures. The zombies, armed with bill hooks and scimitars, hack at the warrior. Two of the weapons hit Talon with great force, ripping wounds in this left leg and right shoulder (-11hp)

Andolin holds his crucifix aloft, calling on the Lord to destroy the creatures. Nothing happens. As the rest of you stand ready to charge, Lenalas blesses you the calls for God’s aid to protect Andolin in the coming fight. Andolin nods to his priest and charges down the sandbank, sword drawn. Rakehell charges after him along with Morgan.

As Andolin launches himself from the sandbank and onto the ship, followed closely by Rakehell then Morgan.

Andolin attacks one of the creatures but it ducks, the sword slamming into the deck, the sword falling from his grasp and over the edge of the boat! Rakehell attacks another with his sabre, slashing the thing across the chest.

Talon roars, his sword cutting through rotten flesh; leaving one cut in half and another badly wounded. Morgan flashes in with her knives, but hits nothing. A billhook strikes Talon across the head (-10hp) knocking him unconcious. Andolin takes a glancing blow off his right arm (-1hp) The remaining two attack Rakehell, rusted weapons biting into his flesh.

Lenalas scrambles onto the deck, crucifix aloft, yelling at the undead, however, this has no effect.

Andolin reaches down and picks up Talon’s long sword, the two hander being too unwieldy for the smaller warrior. Stabbing quickly, he runs one through the gut. Pulling the sword out he swings again but misses. Rakehell hacks at the one attacking him, slicing through flesh.

Lenalas draws his sword and charges to the aid of Talon, attacking the creature about to rip into his throat. His attack misses but it distracts the zombie from finishing the celtic warrior. It slashes at Lenalas with sabre but the cleric parries the blow.
Siridol finally makes it onto the boat and lunges with a dagger alongside Lenalas, missing by far.

One zombie attacks Andolin, a billhook , ripping into his calf, pulling his feet from under him, slamming him to the deck, where he lies motionless (-9hp)

With the two warriors down, things are looking grim, “Siridol, drag Talon off. Rakehell, hold them off, we’re going to burn the boat!” yells Lenalas.

Siridol grabs Talon’s legs and pulls him to the ramp, and down to the sandbank. Lenalas grabs Andolin and pulls him back, leaving Rakehell facing four of the creatures with Morgan darting about, knives flashing.

With one slash, Rakehell decapitates one. Morgan stabs one twice in the back, dropping it to the floor. The remaining two attack. One hits Rakehell across the side of the head. The other attacks Morgan but she ducks aside.

Rakehell hacks again, blood pouring from his scalp and a number of wounds on his body. Morgan stabs with both knives, like a crazed dervish, hopping and spinning around the zombies. The creatures both swing but miss.

“Morgan, Rakehell, get out of there, we’re burning the boat!” shouts Lenalas, having got the warriors to the sand bank, tipping oil across the deck and onto a pile of ropes.

“Lass, get back, I’m right behind you,” growls the Captain, swinging at his former crewmen.

Morgan does as he says and runs to the ramp where Lenalas holds a lantern.

“Rakehell, let’s go!” shouts the priest.

Rakehell slashes out, wounding one of the enemies, then the other swings a sabre, slicing through the captain’s throat. His head flies through the air and lands on the deck with a thud.

“Damn you to hell!” shouts Lenalas, smashing the burning lantern onto the deck.

There is a wumph as the oil goes up. Lenalas charges down the ramp and leaps onto the sandbank, where Siridol is binding the wounds of the two unconcious warriors. The two remaining zombies try to get through the flames, but cannot. Slowly the Rogue Princess, with her Captain and crew burns.

Having stopped the bleeding of the two warriors, Lenalas starts to check their wounds. Meanwhile Morgan heads off into the cave to scout.

“I feel it is time to use the elixirs of healing. We are in dangerous territory and we need our warriors more than ever,” says Siridol.
Lenalas nods and takes the bottles, one dose that Wilhelm carried and two doses from Andolin. Using them and his healing skills and prayers he heals the two warriors
Andolin (+14hp) Talon (+12hp) (Lenalas used 2x cure light wounds)

As the two warriors come round, you watch the ship burn and Lenalas prays for the souls of Rakehell and his crew.

“We must get what Rakehall said was on that ship.. if it is evil.. then we must find it..” grunts Talon, “ We should rest till we explore the cavern.. we must rid this place of its evil.. it was once very peaceful and beautiful.”

After a few minutes Morgan comes jogging back along the sandbank holding a small casket.

“The cavern splits in two. I following one passage and found myself at the bottom of a well. There were a few corroded coins there and this.”
The casket is about 12 inches by six. Although the outside is corroded, you can tell it is set with precious gems and the inside is a velvet cushion, untouched by time or the elements. Otherwise the casket is empty.

“I never followed the other passage, as I thought I should show you this first,” says Morgan.

“Curious that the inside is untouched,” comments Talon.
“It held something of importance to warrant such a fine casket,” says Lenalas, “Come we have rested enough.”

You all get up and taking one last look at the now decimated Rogue Princess, you follow the sandbank through the cavern. Sure enough you reach a junction and Morgan points to where the well lies of to the left so you follow the other passage. The passage continues for another 100 feet or so and splits in two, the smaller passage being on the right. Deciding to head down the smaller passage first and you come into a small chamber that appears to be a pagan shrine. A flayed stingray skin is stretched above a barnacle encrusted altar on which are displayed various human bones. Offerings of rotten fish are laid out of the floor. To one side is a large vat of fish oil which stinks out the room and opposite is another corridor with steps leading up.
Lenalas attention is drawn to the vat of oil.
“There is something holy here despite the evil that is present,” says the Priest.

You are suddenly shocked by a feral yell as a man dressed in white robes appears at the bottom of the steps, holding a harpoon. Before you can react, he fires at Lenalas. The bolt flies over Lenalas head and clatters harmlessly against the wall. Morgan is first to react, two knives thud into the man, one through the neck and one to the heart. He falls dead.

“Good shot Morgan!” laughs Talon, impressed by the girls growing skills.
Smiles and retrieves the knives, “Are you ok Father?”
“He was not a good shot,” replies Lenalas seeming to be more concerned with the vat, “Everyone step back to the corridor. Talon, keep an eye on the other corridor, make sure we get no more surprises.”

He then tips over the vat of oil, spilling the whole lot over the floor. Giving it a moment to settle he steps across it and picks something up very gingerly, wiping off the oil, he places it in the casket. It appears to be a finger bone of some kind.

“It is very off a very holy aura. I suspect it is a relic, perhaps the bone of a saint,” he smiles, closing the box, “This belongs away from this unholy place.”
“Perhaps it should be returned to the well, Father,” suggests Andolin.
“You are right, out course, brother Andolin, we shall return it their straight away.”

Following the path back, Morgan leads you to the base of the well. Lenalas carefully places the casket back where Morgan indicates she found it.

Suddenly there is a bright white glow and water starts to bubble from the ground. It is clear as crystal and slowly starts to fill. You back out and block the entry hole with rocks, allowing the well to fill itself once more.

“When we return to the surface, we should find the well from above,” suggests Lenalas, “The water will be holy indeed.”

Returning to the main corridor, you follow the remaining passage. Soon the corridor is filled with some kind of ritual chanting from the chamber ahead. As you come to the end of the corridor, it opens into a vast chamber. A sand bank leads down to a large pool that fills three quarters of the cave. Before the waters edge is an altar and beside it a man in black robes holding a knife and chanting. A beam of light from a shaft about bathes him. Strapped to the altar in front of him is a man is sailors clothes, presumably one of Rakehells crew. In the priest’s other hand is a crystal, similar to the one’s that Siridol already has.

The Priest lays the crystal on the sailor’s chest and turns to head towards you though he does not appear to have noticed you yet.

Lenalas readies his staff and steps forward into view of the evil priest, “What, in the name of God, are you doing to that man?”

The priest stops, shocked at your appearance, but begins to chant and wave his arms.

“Andolin, hit him before he calls on his power!” shouts Lenalas.

Andolin draws his sword and charges with Talon not far behind. Before the warriors reach, the priest raises his arms aloft and the mud between the spray into the air. From the ground burst green bones that form into skeletons that lithely on the ground, weapons in hand. Before the warriors react, the skeletons attack – three on Andolin and two on Talon. One gets a strike in on the Scotsman, a rusting sword slashing across his belly (-3hp). Both warriors swing but neither hit the fast moving creatures.
Lenalas draws his crucifix from within his robes and shouts at the creatures, “In the name of all that is holy, evil spirits begone from this place!” he yells.

The skeletons drop their swords and run past the evil priest, toward the water.

Andolin smiles as he steps toward the chanting priest, “All alone now, eh?”

“STOP WHERE YOU ARE!” yells the priest.

Andolin, Talon and Lenalas are suddenly frozen in place, as if held by an unknown force. The priest strides past them, towards the Siridol, Morgan and the tunnel.

“Out of my way!” he yells, striding forwards with knife in hand.
Ignoring the danger, Morgan leaps at him with her daggers drawn. Slashing with both knives, Morgan attacks and the priest dodges, Morgan stumbling past. Only Siridol is left between them, and he knows better than to tangle with this one. He steps aside and lets the priest past.

Morgan and Siridol go to the warriors and Lenalas but they are still frozen to the spot. Morgan then heads down the beach to the man on the altar. His throat has been cut and is obviously dead. The crystal that sits on his chest looks familiar.

There is suddenly a quake and she falls to the ground. Siridol keeps his footing looks aghast as the water begins to rise. There is a gushing a something bursts through the surface, a giant creature resembling a snake, its jaws stretching well over six feet as it roars.

Andolin, Talon and Lenalas stagger forwards as the enchantment holding them wears off.

“I suggest we make a run for it,” says Morgan to Siridol.
“The Crystal!” shouts Siridol and grabs the stone from the chest of the human sacrifice.
With a speed beyond its size, the snake darts down toward Siridol. The huge fangs bite into the man’s shoulder, piercing through to the bone before releasing him to collapse (-6hp), dropping the crystal. Talon runs forward to help him, Morgan scrambles for the crystal and Lenalas strides forward, chanting in Latin, his hands weaving, eyes on the snake as its head weaves from side to side, looking for it’s next victim.
Whatever Lenalas is doing, it has no visible effect and the snake darts to attack Morgan. She is bitten in the left leg, causing her to collapse in pain (-2hp). Andolin runs forward and drags he back up the sandbank. Talon is doing the same with Siridol. Lenalas, realising his powers do not have the desired effect, back pedals away from the snake before he becomes its next victim, leaving the crystal embedded in the sand.
Once out of the snake’s reach, the creature turns its attention to the sacrifice and begins to devour the man, limb by limb.
Lenalas checks Siridol and Morgan and finds them both to be poisoned and going into shock. Praying over them he manages to pause the effects of the poison (Slow Poison x2 NB no further 2nd level spells available)
“That should hold them steady for around three hours, though they’ll remain unconscious. The toxin will kill them if we don’t help them though I have no idea how,” says Lenalas.
“And we didn’t get the crystal,” sighs Andolin, as the snake takes the crystal and its jaws and sinks back into the water, having sated its appetite.

Lenalas takes the grapple and rope from Talon and swings it up through the sink hole. It takes three attempts before it hooks.
Andolin takes a bottle from his pack and drinks quickly, and he seems to grow physically. Lifting Siridol he hefts him easily over his shoulder and grabbing the rope he hauls himself up the rope with ease. Talon lifts Morgan and carries her easily without the aid of a potion. Lenalas follows and soon you are all up the top.

“Let’s get to the well. The water should be of help,” says Lenalas, coiling the rope.
The warriors carry the sick comrades as Lenalas leads the way, holding his cross and praying for the Lord to guide him. Within minutes you find the location of the well. Lowering the bucket, Lenalas hauls up water and pours some onto the wounds of the fallen. The water fizzes and foams over the wound and as Lenalas washes them more, the wounds are gone. As Siridol and Morgan come round, he helps them drink from the water and soon the colour returns to their cheeks. Andolin and Talon drink also and their wounds heal as does Lenalas, before offering a prayer of thanks and lowering the bucket back into the well.

“Holy water. A true curative,” smiles Lenalas.
“What of the crystal?!” says Siridol, panic in his voice.
“The beast took it,” says Talon, “At least you are alive. We do not have the strength or equipment to take on such a beast. We should return to the village and head off on our journey.”

Reluctantly, Siridol nods agreement and you head off back over to the village before the water comes in covering the causeway.

Once back in the village, the place is uncannily empty, even the tavern is deserted. You take food supplies and head off for Dumfries.

Within two days you reach Castle Douglas and speak with Steward Kilnded, the right hand man of the Laird William Douglas. He shows you the hospitality of the Castle, offering you good food and wine. Talon tells of his mission for Wallace and asks for aid – men and a ship to reach Ireland. Kilnded tells you of the problems of Dumfries. Two years ago, on the night of the Spring Festival where people pray for the coming season of growth, the Laird came before them on his balcony as is his custom and announced from that night forward he would renounce affairs of state and become a hermit employed in prayer and fasting in the tower that stands in the north west corner of the castle. For the last two years, Kilnded tells you, he has been the only person to have contact with the Laird, carrying food to him and his proclamations to the people. For the past two years, the only two public appearances that Douglas has made were on the Spring Festival. The third such festival is now soon to come up, and the people of Dumfries gather anxiously awaiting the address of the Laird.

In order for him to help you, Kilnded asks your aid. He wants you to guard the tower during the feasting, as it is the custom to for strangers to carry out this task while the people of the fief celebrate the end of the winter. You will each be paid 100 silver florins for the task as well as the aid of Dumfries in your own plight. The Steward indicates that your task is not only to guard the Laird but also the sacred flame which, legend has it, was blown here from the smithy of Balor, a demon said once to have ruled the mountains in the far north, and which ensures the safety of the City as long as it remains locked in the tower. It is said that if the Hearth Fire, as it is known, is ever returned to the north, Balor will once more be released on the world and will come to terrorise men. Your task is simple, remain at the base of the tower; all the upstairs windows of it are traditionally barred apart from that leading to the balcony on the first floor where the Laird is due to make his appearance. There is only one key to the simple door at the base of the tower and that is carried by Kilnded.

You reach your post at moonrise, and the other guards immediately head towards the hall where the sounds on revelry are now to be heard. A while later you hear a click behind you as the door in the tower is swung open and Kilnded steps our: he is dressed in a white robe, with a dagger and two scroll cases stuck in his belt. He locks the gate and turns to you, pulling one of the scrolls from his belt.

He addresses you in a voice charged with emotion, telling you how it has been he and he alone who has served the Laird over the past years and how this very night the Laird, fearing some calamity was about to occur in the kingdom, has nominated him, Kilnded, as his heir in preference to his nephew Dororn, a notorious rake about the town.

Clutching the scroll, he strides across the square to announce the Laird’s decision to the assembled Elders who are feasting in the Mead Hall before the Laird’s speech. You see the Laird’s seal dangles from the parchment in Kilnded’s hand. Moments later there is a break in the music in the hall, and you hear Kilnded’s high, reedy voice declaiming the message on the scroll and a gasp of surprise from the Elders. Suddenly, the moonlight that has bathed the square since darkness fell is extinguished and, looking up, you see that the moon has been totally eclipsed. Looking back to the hall you see that all the lights there have gone off and that everything is in pitch darkness.

You sense movement in the sky and can just barely make out huge hawklike shapes whirling above the tower. Suddenly, two of these silhouettes detach themselves and swoop down on the the balcony of the tower while another two dive towards you.

The familiar sound of steel sliding out of leather scabbards fills the air around you over the screams of the locals.

“Hawks!” shouts Lenalas, “I’ll try to get up to the balcony through the door.”

As the things swoop, you see they are indeed giant black birds with a red glow in their eyes.

Andolin, Talon and Morgan stand ready, weapons drawn.

“Talon, are you trained in fighting blind?” asks Andolin.
“Aye, nae sweat!” replies the Scot.

Three of the birds swoop and the warriors swing as they get within range. Andolin swings but misses but Talon’s huge sword strikes home, slashing through feathers and flesh, blood spraying over all of you. Morgan stabs out at the third, one of her knifes cutting into flesh, causing the bird to shriek.

Morgan gets slashed in her left shoulder (-6hp) Talon is grabbed by both shoulders(-3hp) and the bird starts to lift him off his feet. Andolin is pecked on the head (-1hp) A dagger flies past Talon’s legs as Siridol lobs a dagger.

Lenalas reaches the door to the tower but finds it locked. Looking up he sees a dark shape fly into the balcony, “Morgan, up the wall of the tower, quickly.”

Morgan reacts quickly, rolling out of reach of the hawk and launching herself at the wall of the tower, quickly scaling the wall without rope.

Andolin takes two swings, one hitting home. Talon rams his sword upwards, ripping through the bird’s belly, causing him to drop 6 feet. As he falls he slams his sword down on the hawk that attacked Morgan, below him, cutting into its wing, before landing safely.

Andolin is attacked viciously, talons and beak slashing his flesh (-10hp) It then tries to lift him but he fights it off. Talon takes a slash across his chest (-6hp)

As Morgan gets halfway up the tower, and your eyes are getting accustomed to the darkness, you see hawks emerge from the balcony, one of them carrying a glowing brand in its beak and another carrying as limp human shape. The two remaining hawks on the ground start to fly upwards. Andolin takes a last swing and misses, his foes flying to meet the others. Talon swings and hacks the head off the last one, killing it.

The birds disappear into the darkness of the night in seconds. Morgan climbs back down. Suddenly the moon comes out of eclipse and you can see around yourself in the square once more.

At this moment the door opens and Kilnded and the populace pile out of the hall. Some of the servants attempt to light lamps, though none succeed much to their consternation. You notice that Kilnded is accompanied by two thick, heavyset Barbarians and ten tough-looking men-at-arms whom you have seen guarding his quarters during the day. Kilnded unlocks the door and rushes up the stone staircase to the tower. From the positions taken up by the guards, it is clear that you consider yourselves prisoners of Kilnded and in some way implemented in the attack on the tower. All the men-at-arms and the Barbarians have their weapons out and are pointing them in your general direction.

“We’re not in shape for another fight guys,” hisses Morgan as she puts her weapons away, “Let’s just go with things for now and we’ll figure something out after we’ve had a chance to see what they plan on doing with us.”

Siridol retrieves his dagger and sheathes it, “Does anyone know what those things were?”

“You are summoned to see the Council of Elders,” says Kilnded.

You agree and follow him under guard to the Mead Hall. Kilnded joins the group of old men at the table. To one side of the room is an angry looking young man, Doron, the Laird’s Nephew, being held by men-at-arms.

Kilnded doesn’t waste any time in condemning you for your negligence in guarding the Laird, who is presumed killed, swept up in the claws of one of the giant hawks, and on the loss of the Hearth Fire which has also disappeared. It has also been reported to him that Doron was lurking suspiciously around the tower at the time of the attack (though none of you remember seeing him)

With the agreement of the Council of Elders he has decided to exile all of you and Doron; he will only contemplate your return with the body of the Laird and the Hearth Fire. To help you towards this end, he is sending with you his two personal bodyguards, Phon and Mut. They are under strict instructions to assist you in every way.

You protest your innocence, but no-one cares to listen. It looks like you have little choice but to leave and find the Laird.

Doron owns a number of horses, and gives you each one for the journey. You ride out of Dumfries into the increasingly bitter wind that has begun to blow from the north. It is now ten o’clock, and you ride hard for two hours to the north. By this stage you are very cold and it comes as something of a relief when the two Barbarians suggest you turn off the road down a track to an inn. They swing their horses off the main road that you have been following and canter down the track.

You see a low building in fron of you, with stone walls and a thatch roof. Outside it creaks an inn sign and a beam of light falls from the front door on to the wooden verandah that completely surrounds the main building. In the beam of light stands an old man, his body stooped, holding his hands up to his eyes to view your approach.

This is the innkeeper. He steps forward, gesturing you to enter the inn. You do so as he takes your horses off to the stables. There is a vat of stew bubbling at the centre of the large common room you have entered. Next to it stand pitcherfuls of ale. The old man re-enters and the Barbarians introduce you to him as Chang the Innkeeper. He negotiates a fee of a 1 Florin for food and two florins for a room. There are four bedrooms upstairs and as it happens, all are unoccupied at present.

You sit and eat the chicken and bread laid out for you. Phon and Mutt do not eat, saying they are full from the banquet earlier. They head straight up to their room. Siridol is the only one not eating the hot food, preferring to eat his dry rations and water from his own supply.

Once the barbarians are gone, you discuss your next move. All agree that Phon and Mutt are not to be trusted and that the whole thing smells of a setup. You agree to take turns in guarding, Morgan volunteers for first watch.

After eating you retire upstairs. Leaving two of the rooms empty, you set up in one room together. Lenalas and Andolin take the beds, the rest making a space on the ground. Siridol settles to study his books, and Morgan sits playing with her knives as the others soon fall asleep.

Soon enough Morgan begins to gently snore, leaving Siridol awake….

You start to wake up as Siridol shakes each of you. The room is lit and you see there is no sign of Andolin. The space that held his bed is now a hole in the floor.

“The bed sank with Andolin on it. We have to get down there!” yells Siridol as you all start to find your senses. You feel unsteady on your feet and dizzy as if you’ve been drugged.

Lenalas lurches to the hole and looks down. Below is a study with the bed directly below some ten feet. Andolin is still asleep and a figure appears out of the shadows, a man in a black cloak, face covered. As he stops beside the bed, he looks up. It is Chang, the innkeeper but his eyes are red and he lets out a hiss, revealing sharp teeth. A Vampire!

With one hand, Lenalas snaps the leather thong holding his wooden crucifix, drawing his sword with the other. Grasping the crucifix against the hilt of his sword in a two handed grip, he looks at the rest of you and hisses “Vampyre!”. Turning to the hole, he screams as he leaps down to defend Andolin.

“In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, return to the pits of Hell that vomited thee, spawn of Satan!”

Chang backs away from the bed to the north wall, grabbing a huge two handed sword, hissing at Lenalas. You appear to be in a cellar. Rough wooden steps lead up the north corner. Ancient hams hang here from savage looking metal hooks. There is a line of wine barrels stacked to the ceiling against the east wall.

As Lenalas steps off the bed and begins to move towards Chang, Talon drops onto the bed, longsword drawn.

Lenalas attacks and despite the speed of the old vampire, manages to slash him in the left arm. Chang responds with a poorly timed swing, the huge two hander clanging against the priests blade. The shock of impact causes the vampire to lose grip on the sword and it scatters across the floor.

Talon leaps off the bed and charges but his first swing hits the wall.

“Maybe you should watch our backs from up here, if we need anything I’ll start yelling,” says Morgan to Siridol, before grabbing her stiletto dagger and jumping down the hole. Seeing Lenalas and Talon have Chang cornered, she tries to rouse Andolin, straddling
him and slapping his face.

Lenalas stabs out again and the vampire ducks and rising up to his full height, he stares Talon. The wound on Chang’s arm begins to heal before your eyes. Talon averts his eyes from the creatures stare and stabs directly at Chang’s chest. The blade stops, as if hitting a solid wall, not even scratching the skin.

“Talon, get Andolin’s blade! Yours is useless against him,” grunts Lenalas, as he stabs with his own enchanted blade, slashing air as Chang dodges. Talon backs away to the bed and Morgan hands him the sword, but as soon Talon moves, the way is clear to the staircase and Chang bolts, leaping the steps three at a time.

“Talon, make sure you have Andolin's blade and then guard the steps,” yells Lenalas, “Siridol, pass our gear down and then you need to get down here, Chang may come looking for revenge. I'll see to Andolin, Morgan, if you will, see if there is anything of use here...”

Andolin starts to come round and Morgan lithely hops off the bed and starts searching the cellar. Siridol throws his gear down and drops down to the bed. Talon watches the stairs but stays at the bottom to avoid an ambush.

Within moments, there is a creak, as Morgan discovers a false door disguised as a wine barrel. Opening it a small hideaway is revealed with a coffin inside, open and filled with dark earth.

“Burn it!” says Siridol, “The creature with no bed will have to flee.”
“Is that the wisest course, Siridol,” asks Andolin, “If the beast sleeps by day, can we not wait until it rests and slay it then.”
“That would mean surviving the night,” whispers Morgan, “I agree with Siridol, burn the whole place down. If it attacks us on the way out, we deal with it.”

Nodding, Lenalas agrees and sets about blessing the cellar. Siridol and Andolin take bottle of spirits from a dusty crate and smash them first over the coffin, then throughout the wine cellar and the bed that now lies in the centre. Moving to the stairs, everyone gets weapons ready to charge and Lenalas lights a torch. As everyone ascends, following Talon, Andolin lobs the torch into the secret chamber and is hit from a blast of heat as the spirits ignite.

The stairs come out to a hall and turning left brings you the main entrance of the Inn. With Chang nowhere to be seen, you head for the door.

“What of Phon and Mutt?” asks Morgan.
“They would let us have our doom, good luck to them and may God take their souls,” Andolin crosses himself.

As the fire rages below, you charge out of the wooden inn and to the stables, which you find empty. Your horses are gone and fresh hoofprints back towards the Castle suggests Phon and Mutt made their escape some time ago, leaving you, as Andolin put it, to your doom.

Getting as far as you can from the inn, you watch as the building catches fire throughout. You fancy you hear the screams of Chang, but you cannot be sure.

“So what now?” says Talon, handing Andolin his sword.
“Well, if we return to Castle Douglas, I suspect we’ll be driven out,” says Andolin.
“Very true. Well, our option seems to be going after the Laird. It’ll take time on foot, but what choice do we have,” says Siridol.
“Very well, we continue as planned,” says Lenalas, “I suggest we put as much distance between us and this inn while the sun is down.”

You head north. Talon tells you stories of Elves this far north, that supposedly inhabit the woods in these parts, “Utter nonsense of course, everyone knows Elves don’t exist!” he balks.

You rejoin the main road leading north at dawn, discovering the marks of a set of horse’s hooves in the mud.

“If my Scottish history serves me well, the mountain we are headed for is Beinn Ghlas, north of Loch Tay. We could follow the roads through Dumfries, Glasgow and Stirling but a low profile would be a wiser option. There are woods between here and the mountain. With a couple of rangers among us we should not have any problems. Are we all in agreement?” asks Talon.

You all agree. You travel throughout the next day, covering some 25 miles on foot and enter a village as it grows dark. Over a small river you can see a vast beech forest, newly in leaf and spreading away in the distance.

The landlord of the inn greets you courteously and looking around “The Silver Stag” you see that it is filled with cheery folk who offer no threat to you or your party. The landlord is jovial and talkative as he serves you mead. He seems surprised at your intention to travel north to the mountains.

“But this noon a rider passed that way clad in black, astride a foaming mount. He stopped not for food or drink, but rode straight on over yonder ford, the fires of hell behind him it would seem. Weez called to him, warnin’ him’gainst the woods for ‘tis a place of the devil’s enchantment where the elf folk make mockery with the souls o’men.”

Talon looks and Lenalas and tries to hide a smile.

“Yet we shouted at a cloud o’ dust for horse and rider were gone, deep into the forest. Now since you have stopped for counsel here, hear me, for none that set foot into that forest are seen alive again. If it be honest work you seek, there be plenty in the fields hereabouts. If you should have to travel in the woods, don’t leave the path, however faint it becomes, for no mortal danger will befall you if you stay on it.”

After a refreshing nights sleep, you acquire provisions noticing that none of the villagers offer to accompany you as a guide. Horses are not available for sale, so you have to continue on foot.

About a mile into the forest you see a shimmering white tower to your right through the trees. A path leads off towards it. There is no one visible around it. You can see an arched entrance at it’s base.

“I think we should go and investigate the tower, the inn keeper said stick to the path, and there's a path there!” says Andolin.

“I don't think we should leave the main path. A hidden tower in a forest smells like a trap, if we go we should be prepared for ambush or some other devilment. But if that is what the majority decide I will go,” says Siridol, staring at the tower.

Lenalas quietly prays and then stares at the tower. After a moment, he speaks.

“I sense no evil here but I suggest we move on,” says Lenalas.

“I agree, we should stick to the main path,” says Talon nervously.

“Morgan? What say you?” says Andolin.

Looking at Lenalas she shakes her head, “No, we should stick to the path.”

Andolin, outnumbered, shrugs and you continue on the main path.

A few miles further down the path, there is a sudden hissing sound in the air and a volley of darts fly over your heads, narrowly missing you. You see a group of lithe, tall folk dressed in green, moving away through the trees: evidently they are the ones who have just fired at you.

Lenalas turns and yells at the fleeing folk, in a language you do not understand. The figures do not turn back and disappear into the undergrowth.

“Andolin,” he hisses under his breath, “Keep and eye on our backs, this may just be a diversion.”

Andolin is already scanning the path behind, sword at the ready.

“If they wanted to hit us, I think their shots might have been closer. I think they are trying to get us to leave the path,” says Siridol, looking nervous.

“I agree. We should heed the advise we’ve been given and stick the path,” says Talon.

“That is my feeling also,” says Andolin, “We should continue along the path but keep an eye out for more of them. If it’s a fight they want, they can bring it to us.”

“It is my hope there shall be no bloodshed,” says Lenalas, “Perhaps these people are just defending their territory. Let us continue on the path. Talon, bring up the rear, Andolin, take the lead. Keep your eyes either side of you, everyone.”

You continue on the path. Five miles further down the track you enter a green dell, its grassy sward dotted with coloured flowers. Birds sing from the trees and a feeling of intense peace comes over you. In the centre of the dell you see a pool just off the track. It is separated from you by a bower of honeysuckle and climbing roses. Cavorting in the pool you see a number of scantiliy clad women and men, all of them beautiful and in the prime of their health. They call out merrily to you and point to a tree at the centre of the pool. It bears a number of golden apples along its boughs. They throw you the golden apples and invite you to come and pick some more.

“It looks like a trap,” whispers Morgan, “We should stay on the path and away from this distraction.”
“We are in Albion, not Heaven,” says Siridol, “I fear sorcery. This is a time of war and we need to finish what we set out to do.”
“Agreed, we should continue on,” replies Lenalas, “Tis nothing but the dark one tempting us to turn from our task, for we all know that true Paradise was lost to this world when Adam and Eve disobeyed the Lord so long ago and were forced to flee Eden.”

Lenalas pulls his wooden cross from beneath his tabard and holds it high, calling on the power of Christ to reveal the true nature of what is before him.

The figures in the water hiss like snakes and their features melt before your eyes, revealing their true nature, six ghoulish men and women, with rotten flesh hanging from their bones. They move slowly through the pool, towards you, a devilish look in their eyes.

“Stay on the path!” shouts Lenalas. Grasping his crucifix in one hand he begins to pray, slowly drawing his sword with the other.
“Remember if you use missiles you won’t be able to get them back,” yells Siridol.

As the creatures get within 10 feet of Lenalas they stop and shriek, cowering as if hit by some unseen light. All six of them turn as one, and run through the stinking mire that was once a pond and out of sight. Lenalas lowers the cross and thanks God for His aid.

“That was incredible,” says Siridol.
“Faith is a powerful tool, Siridol,” says Andolin, “You should consider joining the church for the powers granted the faithful are beyond measure.”

A couple of miles further north you see a low burial mound to your left in the shrubs and bushes.

“Anyone for a spot of tomb raiding?” says Morgan, peering at the mound.

“We are sticking to the path. This is all unnecessary distractions,” says Lenalas.

You continue heading north. You can now see the snow covered mountains rising in front of you through the trees. The sides of the mountains seem extremely steep and no pass is visible. You also notice a wisp of smoke rising up from a settlement of wattle and thatch houses at the end of the path you are following. Coming closer you see a village-size settlement with a large Moot Hall set next to a well at its centre. A black warhorse grazes off to one side of the village. Apart from the horse there is not one living being in sight. The wisp of smoke is coming from the chimney of the Moot Hall.

Suddenly the horse begins to let out a loud snort as it spots you.

Moments later a crossbow bolt flies from the entry to the moot hall, hitting Andolin in the chest (-5hp)

From the shadows steps a man in jet black plate mail armour. He throws his crossbow to the ground with a clatter and draws a huge two handed sword.

As Lenalas goes to remove the bolt from Andolin, the warrior pushes him aside and draws his blade, marching toward your attacker.
“Explain yourself!” he yells, anger coursing through him. Talon moves in a short distance behind Andolin.
The masked warrior stands motionless, waiting silently for Andolin to make a move. Lenalas rushes alongside Andolin, sweeping aside his cloak to reveal the cross around his neck.
“I forgive your errant shot, as my Father above forgives all sins within thine heart,” calls the Priest.
“Forgive?” spits Andolin, “This cur is beyond forgiveness.”
“We are seeking a group of giant hawks and a person they spirited away. Perhaps you have seen such a sight?” asks Lenalas, stepping between the warrior and Andolin.
“You will not leave this place alive,” comes the deep voice from within the black helmet. He strides forwards, sword ready.
You hear Siridol shout from behind is a language you do not understand. Talon moves fastest, darting low towards the warrior, launching himself with two handed sword swinging high. The blade hits home, striking the warrior in shoulder. The warrior fights back, his sword just flying over Talon’s head.
Andolin dashes the last few feet, his sword striking harmlessly against the warrior’s armour. Lenalas draws his sword and moves to join the fight. Some of you notice a lithe figure dart out of the Moot Hall and across toward a small wooden building.
Morgan, stiletto dagger at the ready, skirts around the fight, looking for a way behind the warrior. Siridol stays where he is, keeping an eye on the building the girl ran into, dagger ready in case of trouble.
Talon, Andolin and the warrior clash swords in the three way battle. Talon takes a cut across the belly (-7hp) and Andolin gives the warrior a wound in the left calf. Lenalas gets close for a strike but fails to hit. Morgan attacks from behind but her blade turns against the heavy armour.
Talon is hit again, the vicious warrior hitting the Scotsman in the left arm (-9hp). Talon and Andolin fail to hit, but Lenalas stabs the warrior in the side with his Sword of Vallandar. Morgan again fails to do any damage.
Siridol sees a figure appear in the upper storey of the small building, it is the woman, with bow aimed at the skirmish. Before he can act, an arrow flies, hitting the warrior in the right arm. She appears to be on your side!
The warrior blocks Talon’s blows but Andolin hits home once again. The warrior turns his attentions to Andolin, running his sword right through his right shoulder(-11hp). Andolin yells, dropping his sword and as the warrior withdraws the blade, Andolin collapses, blood pumping from the wound. Siridol runs in to drag the warrior to safety and attempts to stop the bleeding.
Lenalas slashes out but misses. Morgan stabs again, getting her knife into the warrior’s ribs. Another arrow flies from above, thudding into the dirt.
Talon finally manages to get a blow to hit, albeit a weak one. The warrior strikes back, the sword glancing off Talon’s chain armour. Lenalas swings and misses and Morgan misses again. Another arrow hits the dirt.
Talon hits again, this time in the right leg. The warrior is starting to look unsteady on his feet but shows no sign of giving up. He swings at Talon, the sword failing cut through the chain. Lenalas and Morgan fail to cause further damage and another arrow harmlessly bounces of the warriors plate armour.
Swords continue to clash and more arrows fly. Siridol manages to keep Andolin alive.
Talon slashes the warrior’s chest, opening a gaping wound. Moments later and arrow flies into the wound, piercing the heart. Morgan jumps aside as the warrior staggers backwards, slamming into the wall on the Moot hall.
“Who are you?” yells Lenalas, blood still up from the battle, “Who are you?”
The warrior slumps down and as the dust settles, his helmeted head drops.
Moments later, a number of fay, blonde-haired people start to appear form the Moot hall and begin clapping and cheering. Lenalas ignores them for the moment and lays hands on Andolin, praying for aid. Slowly the wound closes and Andolin comes round (Andolin now on +7hp)
Talon searches the dead warrior for evidence of who he is. Other than the ornate two handed sword, he carries a scroll which Talon hands to Siridol to read.
The Elder approaches you as you tend to Andolin, “Myself and my villagers are grateful for having saved us.”
“Saved you? He was not of this village?” says Morgan.
“He arrived here hours ago, demanding to know the location of a secret passage through the mountains. He tortured me and my fellow councillors. Only by the grace of Mimir we stood up to the pain.”
The girl appears from the house, bow over her shoulder. She slender and her skin is deeply tanned. Her dark red hair is tied back and what strikes you most is her piercing silver eyes.
Talon gets up and smiles at her approach, “That was a fine shot, Lassie. One more hit from him and I was a goner!”
“My pleasure,” she smiles back, her lilting Welsh accent like soft silk, “I thought you could with a little help. I am Eirian.”
“Talon,” grins Talon, taking the ladies smooth hand and kissing it. She winces as his rough whiskers scratch the back of her hand, “Heh, sorry lassie, could do with a shave.”
“Lenalas, listen to this,” says Siridol, reading from the scroll, “To Fengil, Prince of Darkness, ruler of the city of Nem. I have fulfilled my part of the bargain; now fulfil yours and leave me to reign in Douglas’ stead.
Signed: Kilnded.”

Lenalas bows to the Elder, “Through the strength and grace granted by the true God of Jehovah we were able to rid your village of the evil man and to heal my companions.”
Siridol offers his hand to Eirian, “I’m Siridol. We can use all the help we can get, but I warn you, we are on a road full of peril.”
“This message,” Eirian addresses Lenalas, “Does it have meaning to you?”
“Indeed it does,” replies the priest, searching the body for other clues, “ Kilnded is the steward of Douglas, a Laird we were ordered to guard. The Laird was spirited away and Kilnded sent us north to find the kidnappers only to have his men turn on us. I suspect Kilnded is not all he seems, if he is in league with one known as Prince of Darkness.”
“It appears this man was a messenger if he was trying to find a way further north, though I’ve not heard of a City called Nem,” says Talon, looking at the Elders for guidance.
“I can tell you of that, but first come inside, have some broth and a moments rest before your journey onwards,” says the head Elder.
Entering the moot hall, you are made to feel welcome and comfortable, given food and drink. Eirian stays outside, gently approaching the huge stallion that the messenger rode on.
“This is the village of Mimir’s Well, named after the God of Knowledge,” begins the Elder.
“Then you are pagans?” asks Lenalas.
“Of sorts. Mimir is said to have lived here before time began. The ruins of a temple of Mimir still lie in the woods close by the village and it was said that before the reign of Balor, Prince of Darkness, the townsfolk of Mimir had been a mighty people and had close dealings with the people of Nem who reigned over the mountains. It is said that in those far-off days, men grew wings and flew across the mountains. Nothing more than doubtful legend, of course, for everyone knows that the power of flight is reserved for birds.
“Many years before the Bronze-Chested Legionaries came to the village and dwelt there in their tents, preparing to set off across the mountains to the Lost City of Nem. The Bronze Chests set great store by a sorcerer magician they had with them: legend dictates that this man’s name was Fabius. The day before the expedition was due to leave, this Fabius and a boon companion of his and a learned scribe set off to search the ruins of the temple. They never returned. The leader of the Bronze Chests was most disturbed and set out himself to search the ruins; there they found but a dropped scroll case that the scribe had been carrying to map the buildings. It was soaked in blood, and on the parchment there was a map and a strange riddle that he had copied from a stone monument that even now stands in the ruins. It had been said that they had disappeared for many afternoons during the previous days and had seemed very excited about something, as if they had made a discovery which they were reluctant to share with anyone. The grey ghost of Fabius is still seen flitting about the woods at night.”
He hands Lenalas the parchment. The map shows a central square where, next to the bloodstain, you can see a crude drawing of a stone pillar.
“I am happy to show you the way through the mountains but you might want to investigate the City of Mimir first. If our people were indeed powerful, you may find some weapons there that will be of use.”

“Very well, if we are agreed we will set out to this Mimir in the morning,” says Lenalas.
Everyone nods in agreement and the Eldar agrees to have beds made for you to take rest. As the Eldar leaves you to eat, you notice Eirian is sat crosslegged in a corner. The rises, bows as the elder leaves and joins you to eat.
Looking at Lenalas, she speaks quietly, “This talk of Giant Birds and one who calls himself the Prince of Darkness sounds like a tail spun by bards, but a priest would not lie.”
“I has no reason to lie, young Eirian, these events occurred as we told them, though we have seen many strange things on our travels that you may think as Bard’s tales,” smiles Lenalas, “It is only by the Grace of God that we are hear to speak at all.”
“I would be honoured to travel with you,” Eirian says, her soft voice almost a whisper.
“There’s great peril where we tread, lassie,” grunts Talon.
She smiles and shrugs, “There are very few places without peril of any sort in these three countries anymore.”
“You would be welcome in our group, Eirian. We’ve seen you know how to use that bow and an extra pair of hands is always useful,” says Andolin.
“Especially when it comes to cooking!” laughs Talon, fending off a playful punch from Morgan.

After eating you are shown to your rooms and you settle for the night.
Next morning, you rise to find Eirian tending the horse. She seems to have tamed it very quickly and it’s already allowing her to ride it, though her small frame looks dwarfed by the huge warhorse. You break fast and soon enough the Elder is ready to lead you to the ruins. You all travel on foot, though Eirian chooses to ride the horse.
You follow the old man down a winding forest track to the east. Soon the rough dirt path underfoot turns to a stone pediment and you can see the ruins of ancient pillars sticking up from out of the thicket on either side of you.
“It is here I leave you,” says the Elder, “Be cautious and return safely to Mimir’s Well when you are ready.”
Soon the ruins of ancient buildings can be seen scattered about the leafy forest floor; here and there you see a ruined wall and scattered stones. You come to an open square area where no trees are growing. Ruins of large, ancient edifices stand at each corner of the square, and there is a crumbling pit at the centre. It is about 10m deep and a circular stone staircase leads down to its bottom. In front of it stands a giant stone idol which you presume to be an effigy of the ancient God, Mimir: its facial features are now completely eroded away, leaving only a shapeless trunk. Clearly etched into the pediment of the stone statue is a script that you recognise as an ancient form of English and a numerical system. It reads:
FIND THE FOURTEEN UPRIGHT OF THE TWENTY-SIX

Link: http://www.craiglockley.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Mimirentrance.jpg

“We need to explore this place and find out more information. I’ll scout around,” says Andolin, approaching the top of the pit.
Eirian glances around nervously, slipping of the horse and stringing her bow. She follows Andolin, scanning the area.
“26 Letters?” mutters Siridol, studying the markings.
“14 upright of the 26...that’s it! 14 letters of the alphabet have an ‘upright’ portion to them, B, D, E, F, H, I...” say Lenalas.
He is silent for a moment staring at the numbers.
“M I M I R E N T E R....Mimir Enter...T H E P I T K N E E L T H E R E...Mimir enter the pit kneel there...B I D M E E N T E R ...bid me enter. Everyone, into the pit,” says Lenalas, moving toward the pit.
Kneeling, he prays in a hushed voice, asking God to forgive him for kneeling before a Pagan shrine.
Eirian ties her horse and murmers a few words before entering the pit.
“Everyone, ask Mimir for entrance.”
“Mimir, allow us to enter,” says Siridol first.
Immediately, a stone slab in the base of the pit slides open, revealing a low moss covered doorway leading down into the darkness. There is only room for one to enter at a time and Siridol allows Andolin to take the lead.
Making your way down a flight of slippery, moss-covered steps with Andolin’s torch providing light to lead the way. The stairs lead down about 10m to a rusted iron gate that is slightly ajar. Beyond it you can see a rectangular vestibule.
Entering the room, the torchlight flickers. Lenalas lights another to provide better light and you see that the room is 4m deep and 16m across. There is a stone plinth with two shallow depressions etched into its top, standing right in front of the grille by which you have entered. There are two rusted iron pans on either side of the plinth, supported by iron stands. A number of corroded copper coins lie on top of these. You can dimly make out the remains of some powder in the shallow depressions of the plinth. Suddenly, stone panels in the east and west walls of the vestibule swing up, revealing corridors. Down them, you see marching towards you with curiously mechanical steps, two grey, shambling figures. In one hand they hold a dish, in the other a shortsword. They wear corroded copper armour covered with verdigris.

“I somewhat get the feeling they may not be friendly creatures. However, I do not think we should be the first ones to strike,” whispers Morgan.
“I think we should each take coins from the pans and place them in the dishes,” says Lenalas.
“I’m happy to take the first,” says Morgan, darting across the room to grab one of the coins.
The creatures are moving closer, Talon and Andolin are both poised to attack. Eirian stalks around them, to look in the alcove where one of them came from.

Bringing one coin, Morgan drops it into the dish of one of the creatures, sending the black dust in the dish to puff up in a small cloud. They continue to march toward each other not moving. When they meet, they stop, one foot from each other, dishes held out.

“There’s a huge pile of that black dust here,” calls Eirian.
Meanwhile, Siridol investigates the other side, “White dust on this side. Large pile of it.”

The creatures are motionless, staring at each other. Lenalas takes a coin and drops it into the bowl of white powder. Nothing happens.

Lenalas examines the plinth, looking at the colours of dust in each one. Meanwhile, Andolin takes more dust from the side corridors and adds them to the pans carried by the creatures, in equal measure, but nothing happens.
“I think we need to put some of the dust in these depressions on the plinth. Black..white..opposites?” muses Lenalas.
Returning to the eerily motionless creatures, he takes a handful of each powder and returning to plinth, pours them into the depressions at the same time. Both ignite into an ethereal wisp of smoke.
There is a grinding of stone and a panel in the north wall slowly opens. Whispering thanks, the priest discards the rest of the dust and you head through the panel.
A long hallway stretches to the north. Just in the range of torchlight, you can see a large bronze-plated door at the north end. Talon, who has taken the lead, stumbles on a pile of what looks like discarded clothing as he steps through the threshold. On closer inspection, this proves to be a cloak wrapped skeletal figure of an ancient scribe. The skeleton is unremarkable except that the top of the skull has been neatly removed.
As Siridol, who brings up the rear, steps through the panel, it slams down behind him. He turns and tries to open it manually, but to no avail.
The hallway is ominously silent. You notice that there are deep scratch marks in the stone of the panel on this side, as if the skeleton had been madly scrambling to get out when he perished. You also notice streaks of dark colour across the lighter stone of the floor. Looking closer you see this is blood. The hall is otherwise empty apart from a discarded sword you find halfway along it. The cutting edges of the sword are practically blunt as if it had been used for cutting something incredibly hard. The bronze door in the north wall is slightly ajar.
Weapon drawn, Talon slowly pushes the door open and steps through into an open hallway. Suddenly he is grabbed by something and dragged upwards out of view. His weapon drops from his grip and clatters to the ground. Stepping into the room, you see a huge creature that resembles a Praying Mantis, some 5m long, with huge forelegs and razor-sharp mandibles. Raising the struggling Talon to its mouth, it cuts off the top of the Scotsman’s head with one slice and a long proboscis appears to dip into the open skull.

Lenalas and Andolin draw their swords and charge towards the creature. Siridol and Morgan hold back, Morgan drawing her stiletto dagger and staring at the creature in shock. Eirian has her bow drawn and loaded, aiming at the head of the insect.
The insect takes two swipes at Lenalas, who dodges the blows.
Eirian takes another shot and it bounces harmlessly off the creature. Lenalas and Andolin both swing, their blades clattering off the rock-like hide. Morgan skips out of nowhere, stabbing a hind leg with her stiletto, causing the beast to shriek in pain.
Behind you, you hear Siridol yell something in his language, “Neprijatelj oslijepiti”
Suddenly the creature raises its forelegs to its eyes, screeching and shaking its head.
Eirian fires again and hits. Lenalas stabs into the underbelly, cutting deep. Andolin slashes twice and fails the pierce the armour. Morgan stabs again and misses.
Obviously blinded, the creature flails its forelegs and hits Andolin with a glancing blow the head (-3hp)
Eirian fires and misses. Lenalas and Andolin both get in solid strikes on the beast, Andolin cleanly slicing off one of the forelegs. Morgan takes another stab but misses.
Enraged, the creature swings with its remaining leg, again hitting Andolin, this time grabbing him and raising him off the ground. Andolin tries to break free as the creature raises him to its huge maw, and tries to bite him, taking a small chunk of armour out of his left leg, and grazing the flesh (-1hp)
Being still conscious, and having his arms free, Andolin raises his sword two handed and stabs it downward into the creatures head. The sword hits home and cuts straight through the carapace and into the brain.
As the thing collapses into a heap, Andolin leaps clear, and lithely lands on his feet.
The place is quiet but for your heavy breathing. Lenalas moves over to attend to Andolin’s wounds (+3 hp)
“What the hell was that?” asks Andolin to no-one in particular.
“More to the point, what blinded it?” asks Lenalas, looking at Siridol.
“Little....trick...I picked up in my homeland,” says Siridol quietly, “I felt the occasion called for it.”
“Whatever it was, it saved our necks,” says Andolin, “Thank you, Brother Siridol.”
Siridol feels, in some small way, he is becoming accepted by the hulking warrior.
Eirian moves round the hall, finding one arrow unbroken.
Looking at the hall you are in for the first time, you see the chamber’s ceiling is supported by eight stone pillars, fashioned into the shape of women. Each seems to represent some branch of the arts. One clutches a harp, representing music; another’s arm rests on its chin, as if lost in thought, representing Philosophy. The other six represent Poetry, Navigation, Dancing, Rhetoric, Painting and Animal Training.
Siridol touches the one representing Philosophy and a voice begins to echo around the chamber. It is in a language none of you understand.
“What magic is this?” says Lenalas.

“Our Brother deserves a proper Christian burial,” says Lenalas, “If only we could return him to his homelands...Andolin, start gathering rocks to form a cairn.”
“We should say some words over our fallen friend, and if we are not able to take him with us at least we can arrange his body in a state of rest more fitting,” replies Siridol, “Meantime, I would like to study my books before we examine the statues further.”
“I think we would be better returning the body to Mimir’s Well. I wouldn’t want to leave him in this accursed place,” replies Andolin.
Lenalas concedes and agrees, before tending to wounds. Morgan walks around the chamber, looking at the statues, finally stopping to examine the one representing Animal Training. Siridol sits, head buried in his books, muttering to himself. Andolin and Lenalas moves Talon to the edge of the room, covering him with his own blanket.
“What are you looking for, Siridol?” asks Lenalas.
“I think I might have found a way to understand this language.”
Still reading from the book, he mutters, and then looks up at the Poet statue before gently touching it. The statue starts to babble, going on for some five minutes.
“Incredible. It’s an ancient language. It’s...how to describe, Blessing me?” the voice goes quiet and Siridol shudders.
Touching the music statue, it begins to babble. Siridol shakes his head, “Meaningless. Perhaps the blessing can only happen once. We should move on. Perhaps we can return here later. ”
You all agree, happy to get away from the stench of death that pervades the room.
“Before we move on, I should mention the Crystals. Talon held one and we should keep it with us. We already lost one to the snake and our fallen comrade there. I think when we can we should aim to retrieve it. Once we return to London and I can get the book I ordered, I will hopefully know what they are for, but since we have pulled them from the hands of evil, I fear they are dangerous and important.”
The far side of the room holds a single door made of black varnished wood. Andolin opens it revealing a corridor beyond. The short corridor leads to a wide set of double doors in the north wall while another corridor runs off from here to the east. Two depressions in the floor seem to run the length of the corridor. Looking closely the runnels, which are a few inches across and shallow, appear to be filled with a stream of deep red liquid, and the liquid flows toward you and into two holes in the ground.

“Hm. Any one have any suggestions as to what the red liquid is?” says Morgan, “Also, which way do we want to go? My guess is that this is another puzzle type thing and that there should be some reasoning behind which door we choose to go through. But I really don't have any, so feel free to speak up.”
“I don't like the look of this either,” whispers Andolin, sword drawn and ready, “And I don't have a clue as to what's going on. I think we need to explore further before we find out, but we'd best be on guard at all times. I vote we follow the rule of lefts but as there is no left, right seems the likely option.”
“Right it is then,” says Lenalas, “But hold a moment.”
Lifting his crucifix , the priest begins to pray, “Ego queso vos O Deus, fulsi Vestri sanctus lux lucis super nos. Neatus nos quod dat nos vires quod sapient nos postulo pergo. Quin etiam, sentential ego ingredior through the valleys of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Amen.”
“it looks like a trap,” adds Siridol, peering into the shadows along the corridor, “I suggest we drop something into the liquid to see what happens. A bit of wood from one of the torches maybe.”
Taking one of her knives, Morgan shaves off a sliver of wood from a torch and drops in carefully into one of the channels. Nothing untoward happens, it just goes with the flow.
Leading the way, Andolin walks carefully down the corridor, following the runnels without touching them. As you get about 20 metres in, your light shows the end of the corridor and the source of the liquid. A large bronze head is set into the wall at the end of the corridor. The red liquid runs down its chin, into a bowl, from whence it drips into the runnels in the centre of the corridor.
Lenalas begins to chant, in an attempt toe Detect Evil.

Andolin stops a moment and stares, “My Lord, My God,” and begins to quicken his pace moving toward the bronze head.

"There is a very strong evil presence, Andolin, do not move forward," calls Lenalas.

Andolin seems to ignore his calls, moving forward.

As you follow, the head shimmers, and the face becomes that of God. The beauty is breathtaking and you are drawn towards it, following Andolin.
As Andolin gets close to the head, there is a shriek and what look like two naked women lurch from alcoves in the walls, grabbing the warrior by his hair. He doesn’t resist and you watch as he is dragged toward the head. The head changes and animates now to a demonic face with large metallic eyes and chisel like bronze teeth. The creatures holding Andolin transform into pink skinned creatures with four arms, a tail and monkeylike face.

Pulling his two clubs from his belt, Lenalas rushes at the pink-skinned creatures. Eirian loads her bow, trying to get a clear shot. Morgan draws her knives and follows, launching an attack at the second of the two creatures dragging Andolin.

As Lenalas swings, one pink hand grabs it, snatching it from the priest’s grasp with a snarl. Releasing Andolin, the creature transforms, growing in height, huge batlike wings sprout from its back and the face and body of a beautiful woman.

“SUCCUBUS” hisses Siridol from behind.

Taking his chance, Andolin uses his free hand and draws his Sword of Vallandar. As it comes from his scabbard, it suddenly glows with a holy light and he feels a surge of power (The Swords are now +2 weapons)
Swinging at the creature holding him, he misses by inches. At the same time, Morgan attacks. Her blades bounce of the creature’s skin but the double attack is enough to make the creature release Andolin and begin the same transformation as the first.

Andolin drops his remaining club and draws his Sword of Vallandar, which glows the same as Andolin’s. The first Succubus stretches a clawed hand to touch the priest but he dodges to one side, stabbing out with the sword, missing by inches.

An arrow flies from Eirian’s bow, bouncing harmlessly off the second creature’s skin.

The second Succubus tries to punch Andolin, hitting him in the gut (-3hp) Andolin strikes back, slashing the creature across the belly, opening a huge wound and swinging again but missing. Morgan tries to strike again with her knives, but misses.

The first creature punches Lenalas in the jaw (-3hp) and the priest swings the sword, the creature ducking beneath the blade.

Andolin takes and punch, this time in the kidney (-3hp). He is starting to black out, but he stabs out, the sword cutting through the left shoulder in ripping down into the wing. The creature lets out a hideous shriek and begins to transform back into the pink skinned creature. Morgan’s knives flash but the creature still manages to dodge.

Lenalas dodges blows against him and slashes the Succubus across the chest.

With Andolin almost down, the creature turns its attentions to Morgan, punching her in the side of the head (-3hp). Andolin takes his chance and runs his sword through the creatures side. It shrieks and begins to smoke, before exploding in a cloud of black dust.

The first Succubus is not distracted however, and continues to rain blows on Lenalas. The priest swings back and misses. Andolin moves in to aid him, attacking from the side, his blade ripping into one of the creatures wings. Another arrow flies from behind, hitting and bouncing off the creatures shoulder.

“Save your arrows. They can’t harm this demon!” yells Lenalas, struggling to fend off the ferocious attacks. Another fist strikes him, breaking his nose (-3 hp)

Lenalas attacks again but misses. Andolin gets in two slashes, the second hacking right through the already mangled left wing.

Hissing, the creature turns on Andolin and instead of punching, reaches out to touch him. He ducks, before ramming his sword upwards, into the creatures groin up through the lower back. The shriek of agony is almost deafening, as smoke begins to pour off the creatures skin. There is an explosion of smokes, which is quickly sucked into the mouth of the giant head at the end of the corridor, which then becomes inanimate again. The jaw drops open revealing a brown burlap sack.

Approaching cautiously, Morgan pulls the bag out letting it drop open on the floor. Lenalas clutches at his bleeding nose, and Andolin gently sinks to his knees from exhausting.

From inside the sack fall a number of items – a jewel encrusted necklace, a silver chalice, a solid gold statue of a bull, a silver plate and a bejeweled bracelet. In addition, a small pouch containing 2 pieces of blue Quartz and huge Topaz. In all the haul would probably fetch in excess of 8000 gold crowns. Morgan collects the pieces together and stashes them in her bag.
Lenalas prays and lays his hands on himself (+6hp) and Andolin (+2hp)
Meanwhile, Eirian discovers a secret door on the south wall, revealing a corridor.

“Brother Lenalas, I need to rest. If you cannot heal me further this day, perhaps you should rest to recover your strength,” says Andolin.

“I have the power for three more such blessings before resting. I will repair your ills now and but it’s barely a couple of hours since we arrived.”

Lenalas uses the last of his power to heal Andolin’s wounds (+14hp) leaving the warrior almost at full strength. Ready to move on, the warrior takes the lead, entering the secret corridor. A short walk brings you to a stone door which easily swings open revealing a round chamber. A sealed vase stands on a plinth. Not far away is a jar with a lid leaning against it.
Cautiously, Morgan approaches, looking for traps but finding none. Gently she eases the lid off the vase. Immediately smoke begins to rise out of it.

As the smoke begins to pour out of the vase, everyone backs off, retreating to a defensive position. Morgan covers her mouth and nose and watches as the smoke shimmers into a form. Andolin, also having backed off, stands with his sword ready.
Slowly the form begins to materialise into a black figure. Two arms and a torso form along with ahead and glowing red eyes. You sense nothing good can come from this creature.
“Wraith!” yells Lenalas.

“Almighty Father, protect us!” says Andolin, holding his Sword aloft. A shimmering, almost imperceptible aura surrounds him.

Lenalas holds up his crucifix and yells for the creature to stay back.

Miraculously, it works. The creature screams in terror and flies back into the vase, whisps of smoke following it. Out of the vase flies and an amulet, which lands on the floor at Lenalas’ feet.

Morgan bends to touch it, but Andolin stops her, “We cannot be sure it is safe. Father?”

Andolin crouches and looks at the Amulet, “I sense not evil in it.”

“Then we can assume it is safe. Take it,” says Siridol.

“I will not touch it,” says the warrior, standing up again.

Siridol bends and picks up the amulet and examines it. It is comprised of a leather loop with an ancient coin attached. It appears to be Roman in origin. Cuts have been made into the edge of the coin at certain points. “I recognise it. In my language it is called Amulet nad Zaštita. It is like a lucky charm. It offers protection.”

“Then carry it Siridol,” says Lenalas, “If you trust in such things, keep it.”

Siridol nods, and slips the leather cord over his head, tucking the coin into his clothes. A warm glow spreads through his body.

Two more doors lead from this chamber, one to the left of you and one straight ahead. Andolin makes for the left hand door when you hear footsteps behind you. Standing in the entrance you came through is a woman, just over 5’ with long dark hair in matted dreadlocks adorned in all manner of charms and silver jewellery. Her contrasting pale skin of her arms and thighs are covered with the Blue celtic tattoos you saw on some of the women in Wallace’s camp and a mark in the shape of a crescent moon adorns her forehead. She is dressed in a leather kilt and moccasins, overlaid by a long leather coat . A short bow is set on her back and she carries a long hardwood staff. She appears to be in her mid forties. Looking at her, you can’t help thinking she is familiar somehow.

“Madame Stoirmeil!” shouts Eirian, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to find you, child,” her voice is distinctly Scottish, gravelly and sounds older than she appears, “The Elder’s told me you were walking into the Mountain’s of Brack. It is a fool’s errand!”

“But...you know me?” say Eirian.

“Aye, I’ve seen you in the woods. The Elder’s let me know of the coming’s and goings – everything effects the balance of Nature. You are a part of that. Child, come back with me. This errand is not yours. It is not safe.”

“Father Lenalas, this is Stoirmeil. She is a Druid, local to Mimir’s Well. We have not met, but it seems we know each other’s reputation. Madame, I cannot come back with you. I agreed to aid these people, my...friends,” she looks at Morgan, giving her a smile.

The Druid studies each of you closely, her piercing green eyes, boring into you, “There is fey blood among you.” Her eyes then stray to Siridol and she squints, “Ach, then it looks like I’ll be coming with you. You’re a stubborn as your Mother, and no mistake.”

“You knew my...” but she is cut off as Stoirmeil steps to Lenalas.

“You are the leader of this fool expedition? I am no fighter but I have powers at my disposal. I have no doubt they won’t fit in with your religious ideals, but I am here and will remain as long as Eirian is following you.”

Lenalas slowly nods, taken aback by the forcefulness of this woman.

Breaking eye contact, he turns to Andolin, “Next room?”

Andolin nods, with a smile, and turns back to the door on the left. Listening, he hears nothing, and slowly opens the door. Beyond is a high vaulted room, the ceiling lost in shadows. Stepping in, he finds himself begin to rise into the air! As he rises, he manages the grab the top of the door frame. Morgan is next in, and before she realises, she is dragged upwards as well but she is not as quick and unable to grab anything and flies up through air at speed, before banging with a thud against the ceiling.

Lenalas stops himself from entering, and reaches out to help Andolin. Grabbing his arm, he pulls him down, his legs still floating above him. Letting go of the door frame, thinking Lenalas has got him, Andolin is suddenly pulled back into the room, dragging Lenalas with him. The two accelerate, and crash against the ceiling.

“Stay away from the door while we find a way to get down,” yells Andolin.

Looking around, the ceiling is covered with bones and skulls, presumably of victims of this room. Looking down, the floor of the room appears to have a pit in the centre and in the middle of the ceiling are seven open chests. Peering into one of them, it appears to be empty aside from a single silver ring. Dragging herself across the ceiling to another chest, she peers inside, again seeing just a plain silver ring, suspended against the base of the chest.