Footprints in the Sand

We continued our march after an uneasy night's sleep. Upon reaching the coast, Brennen noticed a wide swath of tracks in the trees. After discussion with Saigarn and further analysis, we concluded the tracks were from a raiding party of lizard folk. Not much was known about them; they lived in cities in the deeps, were fiercely territorial, and had a penchant for raiding the land.

This was a major concern for our plans. We could immediately sail in the ship we had, but it would be unpleasant. The ship's carpenter told us we could build a smaller, simpler ship appropriate for our numbers with about two weeks of work; that would be the ideal option. Alternatively in about 2 days we could build our 2 longboats into a catamaran that would be manageable, but possibly deadly in rough waters.

While we discussed this, Brennen examined the tracks further. He put the number in the raiding party at 12. That would be a solid fight, but nothing we couldn't handle. However, every time we lost a crewman, we added time to our voyage.

We could abandon the ship altogether; Oritan wasn't too far distant. We could march there if we really needed to. That put us in an odd position because of the dragon rider. We currently had tension between the Witch and the dragon rider. If we went to Oritan and let the Witch run amok killing the wizards, then we wouldn't have her as a potential ally. That would leave the dragon rider in a position to take the orb, since without the Witch's presence, there was no reason for the dragon rider to have us carry the orb.

In the end, we decided our best bet was to ambush the lizard folk raiding force, and then set sail as quickly as possible. Hopefully that would keep the lizard folk at bay until we left their waters. The tracks were from the previous night.

We built some basic fortifications - we built a U of untrimmed trees around our camp, with the open side facing the beach. That would focus the fight on us, and keep the non-combatants reasonably safe. We would rest the remainder of the day, keep a fire going at night, and sail the next day.

We set up a guard rotation. Shatain was on first watch, I was on second, and Brennen third. Early into my watch, I spotted quiet but distinct shapes sneaking in the night. One of the A'aloss spotted it too. It was roughly 10 - probably the same party. The A'aloss were immediately awake, and with their approval, I threw a pebble with light on it onto the beach.

They were approaching in a semi-circle, with varying sizes. They all had what looked like small octopi in their hands - they threw them at the camp. 6 landed in the bushes, but 4 landed in camp. They immediately started scampering towards the nearest living creature. In the case of the 4 that landed in camp, they actually landed on someone.

1 hit Shatain. She failed her save against the creature, and became disoriented, with a temporary loss of 4 Wisdom. The 2nd landed on Steven, our hunter/fisher, who also failed his save and took 6 points of Wisdom loss. The 3rd landed on an A'aloss; he made his save. The 4th landed on our town drunk, who made his save. It would take 2 successful saves to fight off the poison. The octopi latched on with their tentacles, and released an airborne toxin. They didn't seem to be particularly dangerous otherwise. The octopi that missed were crawling through the brush to get to us.

The A'aloss loosed a volley of arrows. The lizard folk's natural armor was tough; only Saigarn's arrow struck home, hitting L4 for 6. Philip struggled against the octopus, but couldn't get it off; the other fisherman chipped in & got it off. Shatain removed the octopus from herself, made 1 save against the poison, and stabbed it with her wounding dagger for 7. That octopus died.The lizard folk in the light scampered out of it; 4 of the lizard folk moved in and threw nets. Brennen got netted. 2 of the A'aloss and Philip got netted as well. Brennen got free of his net, and shot L3, but missed. I used a burst of holy energy to hurt and blind 4 of the lizard folk. L1, L2, and L4 failed their saves; they were blinded and took 20. L3 made his save, and so only took 10.

1 of the A'aloss was able to get out of his net; another was not able to. The 2 remaining A'aloss fired at the blinded lizard folk. They both hit, hitting L1 for 2 and L2 for 6. Saigarn drew his sword and attacked L3, missing with the first attack but hitting with the 2nd for 13. Brennen fired at the blinded lizard men, hitting L1 once for 14. L5-L10 got close enough to throw their nets over the brush. L11-L12 were in the background, calling orders. Sam, our carpenter, and Steve the fisherman got netted; the others missed, landing in the trees. Philip, Steve, and one of the A'aloss all failed their saves. L3 attacked Saigarn, hitting with its trident twice for 16 total. I delivered another holy burst of energy; L1-L3 failed their saves, took 19, and were blinded. L4 made his save, and so only took 9 and was not blinded. Yoric hit an octopus critically, cutting it directly in half; Philip managed to rip his octopus off and killed it; the rest of the villagers missed the remaining octopi. The 7 remaining octopi attacked. 2 got onto villagers; the tailor missed his save. Shatain attacked L3, with a sneak attack since it was blind, and hit for 28. L3 died.

The lizard men pressed their attack. L6, L9, L10 were clambering through the brush. L4 attacked Shatain, hitting for 13. An octopus got on Willy and one of the A'aloss. Willy, Steven, and both A'aloss made their saves; Nick, Cory, and Philip failed theirs. Steven & Philip killed their octopi, the A'aloss kids were still entangled. Seve & Yoric attacked the one unattached octopus, but missed. Shatain bluffed L4, and critically hit with the wounding dagger for 21. I placed a maximized spiritual hammer on the biggest of the Lizard men that I figured were the leaders; L11. It hit with its 2nd attack for 10. Brennen moved up to L4 and attacked with his axe, hitting for 14. L4 died. The 2 A'aloss with octopi on them tried to remove them again; 1 succeeded, and killed that octopus in the process. Saigarn went to L11, but missed his attack. The 2 free A'aloss fired at L12, hitting for 7 & 8.

My hammer fell again, hitting L11 for another 10. I blessed our group. L1 & L2 moved well away from the camp. It appeared that the remaining force was withdrawing; L12 threw a blob at an A'aloss, but missed. Brennen dropped his axe and fired his bow at L12, but missed. The 2 free A'aloss fired at L12 again, but missed. The netted A'aloss tried to get his octopus off, and finally succeded. He also killed it. The 2nd A'aloss that had been free helped the netted A'aloss out but wasn't quite successful. Saigarn attacked L11, but missed with both attacks. Shatain stuck with L11 & Saigarn, but missed her attack. Willy made his 2nd save, but couldn't get the octopus off. Nick & Cory failed their saves, and couldn't get their octopi off. Yoric & Seve tried to get the free octopus, but missed. Steve & Sam tried to get out of their nets, and were slowly making progress. The unattached octopus jumped on Seve, but Seve made his save and wasn't affected by the poison.

The lizard men retreated. Shatain tried to stab one of them, but missed. My hammer continued its work, but I didn't think it killed poor L11. Once they hit the water though, they were gone.

We got everyone out of the nets and killed the rest of the octopi. We also found out the toxin wore off quickly; the effects dissipated within about 10 minutes. Saigarn figured we had about 24-48 hours before the lizard men would decide to leave us alone or come back in greater numbers.

We went to the ship, and got underway immediately.

I've Got Ninety Nine Problems, But An Alchemist Ain't One

We decided Josh's death was best left without cause. We sent Shatain to tell Saigarn while Brennen & I prepared his body for burial at sea. This extended our supplies a little, but not by much. I was able to eat the first fish the A'aloss prepared for me; I'd have to keep experimenting a bit, but that would extend our supplies some as well.

Brennen & I went to Saigarn. He knew the supply situation well. We discussed port options - the Volu trading city would be safe enough in Saigarn's view, but I didn't think it was a good idea to straggle into that port. We decided to put in at the border between Doreav and Volu. There was a safe stretch of forest at the border (just outside the Demon Forest) where we would likely be able to do some hunting and rest for a few days before continuing on. It would take a day longer than putting into Volu directly. Our current supplies would barely sustain it.

We were at quarter rations by the time we put in at Doreav. We secured the ship as best we could, and all of us put ashore. We quickly fanned out into the forest. The crew all knew that if they encountered Doreav, they should be told we have problems and money.

The dragon & rider landed a ways away. They'd taken the first deer we captured; the rider apparently cooked and ate it. She left what she couldn't eat for us. Everything was fine with the meat, so Brennen portioned it out among the crew to get us ready for the next day's hunt.

The next day, Brennen came across some well-concealed tracks. They were made by a highly skilled Ranger. We looked out for signs of decent game along the way. We didn't find much. After following the tracks for a few hours, we came across a small camp, also well concealed. Brennen was hard pressed to get much detail, but he figured it was 2 people.

By the third day, we'd pretty much stripped the area of the game we'd been able to find. Saigarn proposed we move farther inland. I cast my view high into the air, to get a look at the lay of the land. I found a small lake farther upstream from our current camp, and we decided to make our way there.

During our march, Brennen thought he spotted a person in the forest; 300' out on our left flank, it was hard to tell. I peeked out magically, but didn't spot anything. I also went up in the air, but still couldn't find anything. Brennen & I made sure to keep our hands clear and moved towards where we'd seen movement. I called out our peaceful intentions, cycling through several languages as we moved.

About 200' into the forest, we barely spotted the scout. He rose out of a fully camouflaged position and complimented Brennen's eyes. He told us we brought a dark menace with us. We told him he sought the help of the Doreav with that if possible, but our primary concern was getting enough supplies to get us to A'aloss, or at least a little surplus beyond Volu.

The scout told us we should continue on our path and camp at the lake; he would return with an answer. We returned to the party and continued the march. Fortune favored us; we found a good sized deer, and managed to bring it down. This was large enough to feed us and have some leftovers to make jerky.

Over the next week, hunting and fishing went well. Fresh food and water did a long way to rejuvenate us. The dragon and rider neither helped nor hindered us. Finally, the Doreav returned, in force. 30 emerged from camouflage at our camp.

They asked if there was a leader of the group. I stepped forward with Saigarn. They spoke in Selvesian. The Doreav with the darkest skin stepped forward. We noticed the elves fell distinctly into small, medium, and large categories. The one that stepped forward was pretty medium. He stepped forward until there was about 5' between us.

The leader asked us about the dragon & rider. I gave him the highlights of our journey with the orb. They were not interested in helping us kill the dragon & rider. We negotiated on price for a bit, but settled on 1000 gold for enough food to get us to A'aloss and beyond.

The Doreav returned in about 3 days, with all the food we needed. It was mostly salted meat, but more than we needed. They included some dried fruit and vegetables, enough to keep us healthy for 2 weeks along with the meat.

As we packed up camp, a small band of Doreav returned. We weren't sure if they were the same or different, but one of them was a woman. Her skin was slightly darkened, and the other 4 scouts appeared to be our escort. She was medium sized. She told us she was a spirit walker.

She was interested in the orb, and asked if she could see it. We retreated to a copse of trees. I showed her, and after she examined it for a bit she asked to hold it. I could tell she was trying to determine if the item was important enough for her to step in. I couldn't really get a connection to the orb, but I decided it was worth the risk.

As soon as she took hold of it, she connected well with it. I saw the fire shimmer around the orb. We heard the dragon land and start coming towards us. It took a bit of yelling, but I was able to get her out of her trance. She returned the orb and the dragon stopped its approach. She told me it was beyond her power. She told us the orb was an abomination of magic; destroying it would release the wide variety of creatures inside. It was too dangerous to destroy and too dangerous to exist. Her first thought was to drop it in the deepest ocean we could find, but of course something would eventually find it. She recommended we lock it up in the deepest darkest hole we could find and keep secure.

I took the opportunity to ask a bit about the Doreav. They didn't have their own language; they spoke a dialect of Selvesian. Also they weren't a distinct race as such. The size difference was due to the different races of elves that had joined to form the Doreav.

We returned to the camp, and told Saigarn why the dragon had become a bit agitated. We continued about our business, packing up the camp. We'd been assuming the rider was a lich, but it seemed she might simply be a powerful necromancer. We'd never got a good look at her.

Saigarn thought it might be time to talk to the dragon. I agreed, and removed my armor and weapons. I decided to first try to connect with the orb and seek the druid's advice or opinion.

I settled under the same copse of trees where we'd spoken with the Doreav spirit walker. With a little concentration, I was able to get the connection. The war was ongoing, but had calmed somewhat. It seemed the Witch was a major player; she was getting the fire elementals to merge with the shadow demons.

I asked to speak with her. She was busy, but she had time to talk. I caught her up on where we were and what we'd been doing; especially the dragon and the rider. She asked to see through my eyes. I allowed it; she immediately took possession of my body, and knew all my spells. She used my magical sensor to look at the dragon and rider.

She'd known this necromancer; she'd been a promising spirit walker.Her journey for greater power had taken her first to Emilgar, and then to Ku Rog where she became fascinated with blood magic. She was the most valuable necromancer the General had at his disposal. Her name was Zhanna, and she knew the witch was in the orb. That was why she wouldn't try to take it from us. We could be assured that Zhanna more than likely wanted to take the orb to the General.

I asked the witch about the food and the Volu on board. The Witch didn't know much about the Volu, but she could identify the culprit if given control of my body again. It would require physical contact. I wasn't sure how high a priority it was. When I asked about the food, the witch indicated this was similar to the corruption that tainted the Volu. The infiltrator likely intended to force us into port in Volu. She agreed I should warn Saigarn and re-arm myself.

I broke contact and returned to camp. I picked up my gear and returned to the trees with Saigarn and Brennen. While I put on my armor and hung my weapons, I told Saigarn what we'd learned. He wanted to be sure I trusted the Witch; I assured him that I did, though I will wasn't completely certain that it was safe. He agreed it was our best plan of action anyway. If we lost more people in the fight, then we could always build a smaller boat.

Confident in our course of action, we discussed execution. We would tell the crew we were going to do quick physicals to make sure everyone was fully rested, and if everything checked out, we would be on the move.

I couldn't re-establish the connection in the orb. I could try again in an hour or so, which seemed about the right time to check out the food.

I returned to the trees, and tried again but failed. I told Saigarn we'd need to spend the night, and I could try again in the morning. He told everyone to settle in.

The morning was no better. We were about a day's march from the coast, so I told Saigarn we should get moving and I'd try again in the evening. The day passed uneventfully. I tried again once we stopped for the mid-day break. I still couldn't get it to work. Our march continued, until we stopped for the night.

Finally, I was able to establish the connection. The Witch asked if I was ready. I told her that she should establish a cue for Brennen & Shatain to know who the target was. The Witch told me that it would be very immediate and obvious, since the Volu would know as soon as she did. It might even know before she did if the Volu had any magical training.

We told the camp we were going to go through brief physicals to make sure everyone was ready for the next phase of our journey. We stepped just a little outside of camp, with the A'aloss kids nearby doing weapon maintenance. Shatain & Brennen were close at hand, doing minor tasks with their weapons close.

Things were a little different with the Witch in control. My walk and speech were slightly different, and the surge of her magic was very odd. We started with the elves, which of course were fine. Jayden said he was fine, but the Witch walked on over. She was fairly up front with him - she told him that the corruption of the demon forest was a subtle thing. She could cleanse it with my holy power, but if he had something to say, this was the time.

It caught Jayden off guard, and the camp paused. Jayden acquiesced, but warned me he had seen many things in his life. Through our connection, I sensed an incredible corruption. It was like there was a demon inside him; it was unfathomable that he'd kept this hidden. I saw a wicked smile & glimmer in his eyes. He didn't start a fight, so we let him be for now.

Brennen & Shatain checked out clean of course. We moved on to Robert. He tried to rebuff me as well, but the Witch told her that this was the will of the captain, and mutiny was punishable by death. Robert didn't move. He acquiesced, with a little encouragement from Saigarn. She touched him on the cheek and neck, as she had Jayden; it was a little creepy.

His soul was veined with corruption. The Witch told me he was very likely a Volu. He didn't start a fight, so we released him back to camp. He stood there and weighed his options. Eventually, he walked back to camp, grabbed a pack, and started to walk off.

The Witch nodded to the captain. The captain nodded at the kids. They drew their bows, along with Brennen. Robert turned back, and said he was going to leave; we didn't have to do this. The A'aloss and Brennen fired; he died with 6 arrows in him.

Willie came up next. He was shaking; he was also completely fine. So was Nick, Steve, Sam, Philip, Cory and Seve. Yoric had a bit of a taint, but completely normal for a native of Emilgar. She warned us he shouldn't even step into Volu; he'd be corrupted within a week.

The dragon was much closer than usual - about 200' away, and very curious. We left it unmolested.

I put away the orb, and turned to Saigarn. I told him that Jayden was very, very corrupt, and would likely kill us all given the chance know that I knew. He was definitely powerful enough to have corrupted the food. His corruption was almost mind numbing.

In Dwarven, I commanded the A'aloss to kill the first mate. He morphed into a giant best, and charged straight at me.

Shatain immediately tried to bluff Jayden, but failed. She attacked, but missed. Jayden bluffed me successfully and attacked, but in the process of shoving Shatain out of the way, he swung wide and intersected his wrist with the line of Shatain's failed attack. His hand with the dagger came off, and bounced off my shield just before he crashed into me face first, breaking a tooth off in the wood. The hit was for 24.

Saigarn hit as well, for 11. Brennen hit with his axe for 13. I struck critically for 11. Brennen attacked next, hitting twice for 19 and 16. I conjured my spiritual hammer (maximized), which hit for 10, but missed with its second attack. Saigarn hit critically with his sword for 19.

Saigarn struck again, hitting for 22. My spiritual hammer fell, but missed. I hit twice, for 11 and 9. Jayden fell. He started to recover, but Saigarn pinned Jayden into the ground with his longsword. Brennen stepped in with his axe, and removed his head with a clean coup de grace.

We turned to the crew, but they clearly knew what had happened. Shatain went into the bushes after Jayden's dagger. I went to Robert and took his ring. It was a ring that would let me charm someone 3 times per day.

The A'aloss looked a little upset that we'd hogged the glory, but Saigarn kept them calm. The dragon was still keeping an eye on things, but had backed up a little. There was no need to bury the bodies, but we took their provisions and split up their gold.

Honestly we were surprised Jayden's blood wasn't black.