Drannon, East of the Town of Vala’Lia
“Papa?” a tiny voice asked, “when are we going to be there?”

Tal Megarson looked down at the tiny face that looked up at him from his right on the bench seat of the wagon. He couldn’t help but smile, his daughter’s tiny angelic face never failed to elicit a happy response from deep within him.

“We should get there within the hour Tara,” he replied as he went back to looking out at the road ahead of his team of horses. The wagon rattled along the road seeming to find far to many of the ruts that had been caused by the heavy rains of late.

The little girl went back to sitting quietly on the bench seat and idly played with a cloth doll in her hands. Tal glanced again at his daughter and was amazed at how so much like her mother the girl was becoming. Strange since her mother had died when Tara was only 2 years of age; he sighed at the memory of his wife, gone now these last 5 years.

Tara was growing to look so much like Elisa; blond hair which grew in ringlets down to just past her shoulder, thin of build, her face was so beautiful that most people found it hard to believe she was the offspring of the harsh faced man sitting next to her. Tal thought it was a good thing she didn’t take after him, he had high hopes that she would be able to escape this simple life of a farmer and perhaps marry some nobleman; she deserved a better life than he could provide her.

He looked to the road as a particularly nasty pothole rocked the wagon, he cursed under his breath, he didn’t want to break a wheel and be stuck out here after dark. They should have been to Vala’Lia by now but Tara had wanted to stop awhile back to play in a field of wildflowers that she had exclaimed about how wild and beautiful they had looked. Tal could deny his daughter nothing; she was all that he had left in this miserable life.

He knew stopping might make them get to Vala’Lia about sundown but figured they would be close enough to the town that he could make it before it got too dark; he now hoped he hadn’t miscalculated. It was growing dark faster than he anticipated; worry began to grow upon his face.

Suddenly the horses began to grow nervous as if sensing their master’s trepidations; he slapped them on the back but instead of picking up the pace they pulled up and began to whinny as if afraid. Their eyes grew large as they glance about in fear; they sensed something out there, Tal thought.

Wolves? Or something worse?

He slapped the horses again with the reins but to no avail, they grew even more afraid and their movements became frantic. Tara looked up noticing that something wasn’t right now, she looked from the horses to her father with a concerned look upon her face.

“Papa? What is wrong with the horses?” She asked, a hint of fear creeping into her voice.

“Nothing dear,” He said as he tied off the loose reins and jumped down from the wagon, “The horses just got wind of something they don’t like and I am going to lead them on. You stay there and don’t worry.” He tried to keep his fear out of his voice but didn’t know if he was successful.

He walked up next to the horses and grabbed their bridles and tried to calm them, but whatever they had got wind of was not to be denied. He tugged at them to move forward and they inched forward a little bit but he wasn’t having much luck.

Suddenly a sound split the night air, a fierce cry, almost a roar; everything seemed to stand still for a second, then everything erupted into chaos. The horses reared in fear and a hoof lashed out and struck Tal alongside his head and he went flying backwards to fall hard upon the ground.

He heard Tara scream in fear; he looked up towards where she was and saw her for a moment standing up in the wagon looking towards him in fear. Then a large shadow rose up behind her; he tried to shout a warning but it was too late. The shadow reached out and Tara was gone, he didn’t quite see what it had been. Something large and bulky, taller than a man, he saw large muscular arms ending in clawed hands and he wasn’t sure but thought he saw a furry thin appendage … a tentacle of some kind?

“TARA” he cried and jumped up as the horses broke and ran; he had to jump out of the way of the speeding wagon lest he be run down. Throwing himself to the side he was struck again by the hub of one of the wheels as it narrowly missed running him over.

“TARA!” He yelled as he stumbled to his feet, and glanced around.

He wasn’t sure what had happened, something had grabbed her but what he couldn’t see clearly. He stumbled in the direction he thought it had gone; but he couldn’t be sure as the night was growing darker by the minute and he was disoriented and wasn’t sure of his bearings.

“TARRRRAAAAA!” He yelled one last time into the night before he collapsed to his knees and began to cry. The one good thing left in his life was gone; and there was nothing he could do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Vala’Lia, Drannon
Later that same Evening


The evening was cool and clear; the hot day had waned and the farmers and townsfolk had turned in for the night. Most had adjourned to their homes, but a few decided to relax and enjoy a few drinks at the local Inn, The Broken Rock.



There was a little over a dozen people milling about the common area of the Inn, most were simply dressed, looking like farmers and merchants, a lone Bartender (BT) and a single middle-aged barmaid (BM) tended to the customers which consisted mostly of Townies (T).

Scattered about the inn were five individuals who sat alone and wore the accoutrements of a profession outside that of simple townsfolk

(G) - At the bar sat a Khord dressed in chain mail; his one very noticeable trait was the black eye patch emblazoned with a yellow blazing sun over his left eye.

(L) - At a lone table by the front window was a young woman, who could almost passed for a townie, except for the gown and staff she carried made her seem more a scholar than a simple merchant‘s daughter.

(E) - Sitting alone at another table sat a young man who looked like a peasant yet he wore armor made from the hide of some beast, a short sword on his hip and a spear leaning against the wall behind his chair.

(R) - Looking more like a warrior, at a corner table near the front, sat a young man dressed in hide armor and carrying a large bastard sword.

(S) - At the last available table near the stairs sat a cloaked half-Sil female who did her best to meld into the shadows of the back of the room.

The evening was going well, the strangers about the Inn were known only as travelers who were passing through and staying the night breaking their journey to who knew where. They were the topic of quiet conversations at the other tables but as the evening went on the conversation turned to other more interesting topics.

The evening grew late and seemed to be winding to a close; two of the townies rose from their seats a little wobbly and waving their goodbyes stumbled towards the door. As they approached it it suddenly opened and a gust of wind blew dust into the room causing people to avert their eyes for a moment; in that moment they heard a scream, it was the barmaid as she stared towards the door.

People jumped from their seats, hands went to grip weapons not knowing the cause of the sudden apprehension in the place. But as they looked to the doorway they saw a man, his clothes tattered and dirty stumble into the room.

“Help me please!” he cried and collapsed to the floor.

The two men who had been leaving paused and then went to the man, the name Tal was mentioned by one of them as they helped him into a chair at the center table. It wasn’t clear if the man was a townsman or just someone who came to the town often, but he seemed known by several of the locals.

In a few minutes the Inn was abuzz with the strange tale from the man, at first he was frantic as he told his story. He had been a few miles outside of town on the East road with his wagon and his 7 year-old daughter Tara, when something attacked them and his daughter was taken. He was unable to give a good description of the thing that had taken her, but he had seen only something large with strong powerful arms ending in talons, and a strange tentacle-like appendage.

At this a few whispers could be heard about the Inn, a word overheard a couple of times was “Rokash”. A strange word unknown to all of the strangers here in the room but apparently it meant something to the townsfolk.

He had tried to follow it but was unable to see in the growing darkness, but he was sure it had gone North, towards the border with Sendria. He was sure that his daughter was alive as he had seen no signs of blood. So he had stumbled towards the town and barely managed to make it to the Inn here where he had seen lights.

After his tale, talk began about what to do, the townsfolk were simple people and not warriors or adventurers. The bartender turned from where they were tending to the man and glanced at the strangers in the Inn; walking over to them he addressed them all.

“Is there anything that you folks can do?” he asked them expectantly.

(Ok there it is, a simple beginning; I am sure you can recognize yourselves within the inn. It is now up to you all to decide if you are going on this adventure; of course being mostly good aligned characters and the fact that you are all here, you have already decided to partake. Please interact amongst yourselves as character here; any OOC discussions should take place within the Q&A thread. If you have questions for the townsfolk, I will try and answer them as posted and not necessarily wait for the weekly update. If you have any private questions for me; please PM me and I will get back to you as soon as I can. )

The Broken Rock Inn
Vala'Lia, Drannon
Evening
It had been a bittersweet reunion for Gamard the Grim when he had been summoned to Kharolis by the Khord Elders to be awarded the Emerald Braid for rescuing a kidnapped Khord child.

The Khord Elders had not realized that Gamard the Grim, or Brother Gamard as his fellow Knights of Holy Anger addressed the Khord, was in reality the same Gamard that had been banished by those same Khord Elders 39 years ago (at the young age of 20 years) for challenging their ruling against his disgraced parents.

All that the Khord Elders knew about him now, was that a fellow Khord, who had the rare distinction among Khords of being a member of the Knights of Holy Anger, had single handedly rescued a kidnapped Khord child from a band of Shroom Raiders rumored to have been sacrificing innocent children of various backgrounds to some dark god.

So the Khord Elders had sent messengers to a Temple of Solanis on the border of Sendria and Ertain, requesting that the Khord of the Fellowship of Solanis known as the Knights of Holy Anger, be summoned with their blessing, to Khoralis to receive the highest distinction among Khords for his brave deed.

Brother Gamard had humbly, but grimly, accompanied the messengers back to Khoralis, where he was lauded as a hero. The Khord Elders awarded him the Honor of The Emerald Braid, with much pomp and ceremony, attaching a sparkling Emerald of great value to a braid in his silver beard, as promised.

They had recognized the banished Khord midway through the ceremony, but made no mention of his banishment, nor did they restore him or his family name for his bravery in rescuing the Khord child.

His parents were dead, having died 10 years previously in a battle in one of the underground Shroom Fields at the hands of invading Goblins, so there was no point in Gamard's mind for insisting upon the restoration of his family name and position. Besides, he was now a hired mercenary in service to his god Inko-mengo (Sky-light) and he had a new path to walk upon the continent of Antaron.

The Knights of Aina'rutha or Knights of Holy Anger were known as powerful clerics who seek to end the tyranny and evil of the dark and undead. Gamard the Grim was known to hire his services as a mercenary or bounty hunter, but always answered the call without any charge as a Knight of Holy Anger, when dark evil or undead stalked the innocents of the land.

As soon as it was politely possible, Gamard the Grim excused himself from the festivities, hiring on to guard a Shroom wagon transporting a shipment of rare Shrooms along the far eastern border of Sendria, along the border of Ertain and on into Drannon, where Gamard the Grim parted company in Vala'Lia and secured a room at The Broken Rock Inn.

During the past 10 days, Gamard the Grim had kept to himself, choosing to spend a few days in consecration to his deity Inko-mengo, seeking direction to fulfill his call as a Knight of Holy Anger. Earlier that evening, Gamard had decided to journey into Sendria to root out any dark evil or undead that may prove to be a future threat to any unsuspecting Khord Shroom transporters.

About 3 hours earlier, Gamard had taken his now customary seat at the far end of the bar, ordering a hearty plate full of venison and vegetables, which he enjoyed in relative silence. He was politely, but nervously, interrupted every so often by the Bar Tender, who refilled his Tankard with Bitter Root Beer, or re-piled his plate with generous helpings of the venison and vegetables.

For the past 30 minutes, the Khord Cleric had been feasting upon several plate fulls of Blue Shrooms, which he affectionately described as Bar Stool Blues when ordering. They were just the right dessert to munch on as the Khord thoughtfully drained the contents of his Tankard of Bitter Root Beer.

Suddenly the door to The Broken Rock Inn burst open with a gust of wind, followed by a scream from the Bar Maid. Gamard the Grim slowly turned to see what the commotion was all about, before setting his Tankard aside and descending from his bar stool for a closer look.

Gamard listened intently to the tale told by the man named Tal and the abduction of his 7 year old daughter named Tara. The Knight of Holy Anger felt a tug at his battle tested heart, as the mysterious word 'Rokash' was repeated in terrified whispers by the local townsfolk.

"Is there anything you folks can do?" The Bar Tender was expectantly addressing the strangers in his establishment. The local townsfolk were simple people. There were no warriors or adventurers among them.

Gamard made his way towards the man named Tal. Leaning his 4 foot, 5 inch, 143 pound frame (clad in Chain Mail) closer so Tal could look into the purple hued right eye of the silver haired, silver bearded Khord with the yellow sun emblazoned upon his protective black eye patch covering his battle scarred left eye.

Gamard the Grim thrust his Emerald Braid towards the frightened face of the victim laying on the floor before him.

"I Be Gamard the Grim! Brother Gamard of the Knights of Holy Anger! This Emerald Braid is My Khord Badge of Honor for Rescuing a Kidnapped Khord Child a Few Months Ago! I Will Find Your Daughter!"
Then turning away from Tal, the Khord Cleric softened his countenance, as best as he could, mimicking the terrified townsfolk, asking in his own hushed whisper, "So tell me ... Who ... or What ... is a Rokash ... my friends?"

Chance and chance alone had brought Salene to The Broken Rock Inn. She had been wandering without purpose or passion since the fiasco at Calestra.

She sighed softly as her mind returned to her beloved, Zair. He had saved her from some trouble in her youth and then introduced her to a great deal more of it in later years. He had taught her the rudimentary skills of picking both locks and the pockets of the unwitting mostly to give her something to do and was shocked at how well she took to it.

The half-blood girl had used her new skills to seek thrills, never keeping the things she took for long and never doing anything too daring. She watched as Zair became ever more bold, targeting more important people and taking items of greater worth. Worriedly Salene had tried to warn him that he was going too far and his antics were coming into the notice of those with the power to do him real harm. It was not until some of his pack came to tell her of his arrest that she discovered just how foolish her love had become.

So months later she was nursing a tankard in this tavern, trying to disappear into the corner. She wasn't certain how kind the people of this town was to those of hybrid heritage but she didn't want to misjudge their friendliness and end up chased out before she had a hot meal in her belly and hopefully a few coins in her possession. Her hood was pulled up, obscuring her face as much as possible and hiding all but the most unruly tufts of honey hair.

Her mother had said she had gotten her father's coloring, and had said it fondly, but Salene couldn't imagine what the man could have possibly looked like. When questioned about his appearance she had usually given a vague answer along the lines of he was breathtakingly handsome but the more Salene pushed the more she began to suspect her mother couldn't remember anything about him, including his name.

She had watched the other patrons in the inn with interest, still amazed by the variety of people in Drannon. She had grown up in a nearly all human section of Calestra where more merchants stayed than adventurers so until she had started traveling she hadn't seen many of the other races or the colorful diversity of occupations they may have.

When the man burst in at first she tried to draw back further into the shadows but as his tale poured from his mouth her heart went out to him. She had never had a child but she knew loss of a loved one.

"I Be Gamard the Grim! Brother Gamard of the Knights of Holy Anger! This Emerald Braid is My Khord Badge of Honor for Rescuing a Kidnapped Khord Child a Few Months Ago! I Will Find Your Daughter!"
When the Khord roared his name and his intent she slipped from the corner and approached the man.

“I have no fancy name or order to call my own, but I can assist in finding a child,” her voice was soft but her intent was strong enough to make it reach the man's ears. She wouldn't advertise her particular abilities, but a knowledgeable eye would be able to hazard a decent guess at the very least. “If Gamard the Grim will allow me to join him of course,” she added as a bit of an afterthought.

"If Gamard the Grim will allow me to join him of course,"
Gamard looked in the direction of the young woman with the soft voice, who had just promised Tal that she would assist in locating his abducted daughter, if the Khord had no objections to her company.

There would be time enough for introductions later, so Gamard merely nodded his assent to the young woman, after quickly determining that she would probably be useful, rather than a hindrance, in tracking Tara and this 'Rokash' as the townsfolk had whispered in hushed tones mere moments ago.

Then the Knight of Holy Anger looked intently upon the gathered crowd and asked once again, more forcefully this time: "Tell Me ... About These ... Rokash ... If You Truly Seek My Help!"

Then the Knight of Holy Anger looked intently upon the gathered crowd and asked once again, more forcefully this time: "Tell Me ... About These ... Rokash ... If You Truly Seek My Help!"
Seeing a couple of the strangers step forth to volunteer their aid in searching for the child, the bartender smiled slightly and nodded and raised a hand to forestall the Khord’s demands.

“I will tell you,” he said and looked about the room, “for I know probably as much of the legend as any here as most people have a tendency to talk to barkeeps while they drink.”

“The Rokash is a legend, a beast of demon origins they say, it is man shaped yet larger with long arms ending if huge sharp talons. It sounds like most beast stories, yet they also have a pair of furry tentacle like appendages protruding from beneath it’s arm pits.”

He shakes his head as he pauses a moment then continues, “Truly a hell spawned creature, they have been seen before in this area but not in almost a lifetime. In my father’s time they were rumored to be under the control of a cult of some kind that would make off with people of this area to be used in foul rights at their temples. I have never seen one before, the legend says that few people have and lived to tell of it. Mostly were witness to abductions such as those of…” he glanced at the man who sat distraught in one of his chairs being consoled by some of his acquaintances, “… loved ones like poor Tal.”

(OOC: I may update in situations like this with information you request, but this is not my weekly update.)

131-452 ER: Modern Times
The emperors rule now mostly consists of Drefast and are called "Lame Grouses" by the Warlords ("lame" in that they have no real power and "Grouses" because all they do is complain a lot). The imbalance of power causes many mini-civil wars as the fighting among marks and legionnaires gets out of hand regularly. Around 430 ER, Emperor Decimus takes the throne, and makes many treaties and accords to balance the power and smooth relationships. When that fails, he uses force and punitive strikes against the warlords, including Sendrian assassins and dark magic. In 445 ER, Decimus dies very suddenly, as do most of his sons (blamed on food poisoning). The youngest son survives to become the current emperor. Rogerius takes over, but is expected to be a puppet to the warlord's whims. Instead, he attempts to be progressive with dreams of a new golden age. The warlords try to control him, but find that Decimus was a better teacher than they had thought. While Rogerius is not as ruthless as Decimus, he does have a backbone and a excellent knowledge of politics. A stalemate now exists among the powers of Drannon.
: In the empire, relationships are a strange mix of unequal rules and uninformed taboos. For instance, it is very important that a woman be a virgin on her wedding night. However, it is equally important that a man not be a virgin. In fact, he should be well seasoned in the affairs of the bedroom. An interesting dichotomy, when you consider with whom it is they expect the men to educate themselves with? Ladies tend to marry young, as young as fourteen, and normally to men who are older by at least five years. Another case of this strange double standard is that Drannon has very harsh adultery laws for women, and almost none for men.
Roger had picked the table in the corner carefully. He had a solid wall to his back and full view of the room, the stairs, the door and the bar. No one could enter or leave without him seeing them and he would see them first.
The corner was just dark enough to obscure his features, but this far from Drefast the townsfolk would see him only as traveler, it was the Officers of the Mark that might make a connection. Why had he decided to use the name Roger? Every time he ventured into a city or large town there was risk, but that was where the information would found to lead him to what was needed to know about the countryside. A hot meal cooked by someone else and perhaps a little wine was a small reward for the risk.
The time he had had to spend on his own in the wild was proving its use. The furs he’d trapped were easily sold and provided enough Guians to provision him and a little left over for this treat. It would be nice to sleep in a bed again too.

As he reached for his goblet the signet ring on his right hand clinked slightly. The design was unique, only very few could recognize it for what it was. The circle of gold around a field of gray and on that field a swirled of the colors green, black silver blue and red spun into the center where rest a perfectly cut diamond. This was his key to safety and doom. The special coin of citizenship worn around his neck may help him with local magistrates but the ring would get him home. But he could not return yet, there was still much to learn, he could not fail, the future depended on the knowledge he would gain here with the people.

The silence of the his thoughts was abruptly disturbed when the barmaid screamed at the site of a tattered man stumbling through the front door. A great commotion ensues as the man’s tale of terror unfolded. Roger didn’t want to be where he may be seen, but the man’s troubles were the thing that could divide or unite the people. It appeared that the locals had no intent to get involved and it was this poor man’s misfortune and they didn’t want to make it their own.

From the bar a heavy drinking Dwarve ambled over to the misfortunate and with great bravado proclaimed his intent to right this injustice.

Why does it take outsiders to do what needs to be done?
Where has the honor gone?

If ever he was to succeed he must learn to rally that again, but this cannot be ignored.

The ranger sat quietly; listened and watched as other strangers addressed the Dwarve and offer their assistants.

Roger would not let this go to the hands of outsiders alone.

When the Dwarve was alone, Roger approached him. In a low whisper he said,” You will need a tracker, I will find you at the edge of town. If we must ride, then bring me a good horse.” With that Roger left the Inn.

“Well so much for sleeping in a soft bed.”

Seeing a couple of the strangers step forth to volunteer their aid in searching for the child, the bartender smiled slightly and nodded and raised a hand to forestall the Khord's demands.

"I will tell you," he said and looked about the room, "for I know probably as much of the legend as any here as most people have a tendency to talk to barkeeps while they drink."

"The Rokash is a legend, a beast of demon origins they say, it is man shaped yet larger with long arms ending if huge sharp talons. It sounds like most beast stories, yet they also have a pair of furry tentacle like appendages protruding from beneath it’s arm pits."
He shakes his head as he pauses a moment then continues, "Truly a hell spawned creature, they have been seen before in this area but not in almost a lifetime. In my father's time they were rumored to be under the control of a cult of some kind that would make off with people of this area to be used in foul rights at their temples. I have never seen one before, the legend says that few people have and lived to tell of it. Mostly were witness to abductions such as those of..." he glanced at the man who sat distraught in one of his chairs being consoled by some of his acquaintances, "... loved ones like poor Tal."
Gamard the Grim carefully weighed the words of the Bar Tender, thoughtfully stroking his Emerald Braid as he looked around the room, before once again walking over to the distraught Tal.

He laid his hand upon the head of Tal, then spoke a few reassuring words: "I am a Knight of Holy Anger! Those of our Order seek out the Minions of the Dark and UnDead and Destroy Them! I Promise to Find Your Daughter!"
After attending to the wounds of Tal as best he could, the Cleric of Inko-mengo stepped away to address a challenge to the remaining strangers who had not yet offered to help rescue young Tara.

"Be There Any Other Stout Hearts Among Us ... Or Will Ye' Leave It To This Young Lady To Be The Only Brave Heart To Join Me ... At The First Light Of Dawn?"
[Gamard waits a few minutes for any of the other Strangers to come forward to Pledge their Hearts and Weapons to follow the trail of the Rokash and help rescue the young child Tara]

Finally, the Knight of Holy Anger makes another bold declaration to the townsfolk: "We Be Needing Proper Transportation for Hunting the Rokash and Its Captive! We Also Be Needing Bandages and Healing Herbs! Have What Provisions You May Have to Offer Waiting for Us Here When We Awake Before Dawn!"

"Upon Our Successful Return! Be Prepared To Reward Us!"
Gamard looked each patron in the eye with his uncovered purple eye, before returning to his bar stool to have another round of Bitter Root Beer and another plate full of Bar Stool Blues

The ranger sat quietly; listened and watched as other strangers addressed the Dwarve and offer their assistants.

Roger would not let this go to the hands of outsiders alone.

When the Dwarve was alone, Roger approached him. In a low whisper he said," You will need a tracker, I will find you at the edge of town. If we must ride, then bring me a good horse." With that Roger left the Inn.
Gamard the Grim snorted his reply with an affirmative nod, thoughtfully chewing the remainder of his Bar Stool Blues, while slowly draining the contents of his Tankard.

He conferred with the Bar Tender to make sure the details of his request were fully understood, before going upstairs to his rented room to commune with his deity Inko-mengo, as he prepared his various belongings for the new quest.

Gamard the Grim slept quite soundly, before awakening 2 hours before dawn to spend time praying to his deity Inko-mengo. His prayers were for guidance, as well as the proper spells that may be needed during the course of the journey that day.

Satisfied that Inko-mengo was pleased with his prayers, the Knight of Holy Anger gathered up his belongings and went downstairs to meet with his new allies, curious to know what provisions the townsfolk had been willing to contribute for their journey ???

The warm stew and the days made bread of The Broken Rock Inn were all that Eadric could ask for upon entering Vala'Lia. In fact they were all he had truly desired in every town and hamlet he had passed through since his departure of Wilwarin some time before; a home-cooked meal. Indeed the young lad of eighteen summers missed home more than anything and still could not believe where he was, no matter how many times he thumbed the visitor's coin that hung around his neck or recalled the magnificent sight of the Standing Stones and the Winding Way; Drannon was a far trip from home.

Indeed this was the first time Eadric had left home, left the land of Ertain, and more specifically the small portion of it between Motley lake and the Moss River. He'd only ever seen farmland, vineyards and orchards before this journey; cites and castles had been nothing but fantasies, dreams brought by the tales of the passing merchant or the occasional vagabond bard. But now, by chance of his newly granted status, the world of his fantasies was being thrust upon him, and Eadric wasn't sure he'd be able to keep up.

His journey to this place in the Northern portion of Drannon had been a cascade of circumstances. It all began with a trade wagon bound for Targos with a bounty of fruits, wines, and wools. Unexpectedly the trip extended itself all the way to the captivating streets of Ethryn, and even more suddenly from the capital to the city of Dergeroth in preparation for a trading expedition into Drannon for a pair of wealthy merchant partners.

"A hero does these things Eadric. He answers the requests of the people, no matter how pompous."
Eadric let out a brief sigh as he sipped some of the wine he'd been served with his meal, then looked at it distastefully. Not but an hour before he had had to haul his best friend Kal up to the room they shared, the fool besotted with a stomach full of ale. It was Kal who had convinced him to agree to this portion of the journey. And the time before that. And before that when they left the Fenwin brothers to return to Wilwarin alone with the Targos wagon. It was almost overwhelming.

Sometimes Eadric wished he'd never been given the title of Hero of Wilwarin, but never did he regret the actions that had granted it to him. It was just the sudden emphasis on his abilities and responsibilities made his head spin. Eadric just hoped he could live up the expectations.

He had finished his bowl of stew and was about to request seconds from the barmaid when a scream resounded through the common-room. Instinctively Eadric stood, hand on sword hilt and alert for danger. He turned to see the barmaid, and then the ragged man who had stumbled in.

“Help me please!” he cried and collapsed to the floor.

Suddenly the townsfolk were at his aid finding out his distress, a missing daughter. Almost as sudden, the barkeep was turning to the travellers within the room to request for help, the strange word Rokash echoing among the mummers of the crowd. Was it a person? A place?

Eadric had little time to think before a one-eyed Khord - he knew few Khords in his brief travels, and fewer before - waltzed across the room and declared himself a Knight, AND a successful kidnapped child saviour who would rise to the challenge without thought. Eadric suddenly felt very small in the Knight's presence, the irony of which did nothing to comfort him. A young woman he hadn't noticed also stepped forward and volunteered to help, which was still more than Eadric's nerves would allow.

The Khord then requested an explanation of 'Rokash', which turned out to be some sort of aberration unheard of in the tales of Eadric's youth. There was a pause as the Knight seemed to mull over the barkeep's words, before approaching the raggad man, Tal and healing his wounds; more than just a Knight, but a Cleric too!

It was then the Gamard the Cleric-Knight, Saviour of Stolen Children had once again called for help.

"A hero does these things Eadric"
Kal's words rang through Eadric's head and he swallowed hard to attempt to dismiss his nerves. He looked at his armour and reached for his spear, both gifts from his mentor for his heroic deed. He hoped he was strong enough to answer this call, to prove himself deserving of his home's praises.

Beating the butt end of his spear upon the common-room floor, the occupants of the room turned to face him.

"I...." He swallowed hard again, and remembered the tales of his youth, his dreams and heroes. "I cannot stand idly by while a child is in danger. My spear is at your side."
Kal would be grinning ear to ear and laughing about this; he loved forcing Eadric into situations regarding his title, and Eadric had managed it on his own this time.

While Eadric may not have been certain that he was truly ready for this, he was certain that Kal was returning with the merchants in the morning, even if he had to knock the fool unconscious and pay them to take him as cargo.

The wind played across Liriel’s fingertips as she wove her hair into a tight bun. She gazed out across the fields of flowers. They were very pretty and while she appreciated their beauty that wasn’t what she found most fascinating about them. Perfect Liriel thought to herself. These fields will work nicely and the town just up ahead will be a wonderful place to use as my base of operations She smiled turning from the beautiful site. Speaking of which I think it’s about time I made my arrangements. Picking up her staff Liriel breathed deep feeling the air enter her lungs and feeling the flow of magic all about her. The Tides willing I think I’ll start experimenting tomorrow. Maybe in a few months I’ll figure out how to summon a saddle with my steed. The town was still about an hour’s walk from her current location which much as she considered the temptation and much as the High Tides of magic beckoned her to do so was too short a distance to summon said mount, so she merrily walked the rest of the way.

The day was a beautiful one. Few clouds in the sky and a nice warm breeze. Definitely pretty. The town of Vala’Lia which Liriel was journeying to was a small one as town’s went, with but a spattering of buildings, but Liriel had seen smaller and less friendly. Indeed if the town knew that Liriel was journeying in search of a place to experiment with her magic they too may have been less friendly, and if Liriel knew the mythology of this particular area she might have summoned her steed and moved on. But alas neither knew either and so it seemed a pleasant meeting of ways.

The town had but one inn: The Broken Rock, and it was to this inn that Liriel was destined. She gazed upon the inn as she approached taking its measure. While certainly not as high end or rich as the inns back at the academy it also wasn’t dinghy and therefore she figured it must be an average place to spend the last hours of a long day. She entered with a smile and a greeting for any that seemed friendly enough but little else. The inn was fairly busy at this time as it was still but an hour till sunset.

“What can I getcha?” The Bartender queried as Liriel approached.

“A room with a bath please.” Liriel answered producing a gold coin. She slid the coin to the tender as he slid a key he’d produced from beneath the counter her way.

“Up the stairs and the second room.” The barkeep directed returning to cleaning his mugs. Liriel turned and lightly skipped to the directed room.

The room itself was small and spartan, much as any would expect from a small town inn that functioned more as a tavern than a place to sleep. Liriel was sure that since the majority of users of these rooms were locals who’d had to much to drink to make it to their own bed she was lucky to find a decent bed rather than a cot. She prepared her bath, and rummaged through her backpack carefully laying out her clothes. She planned on wearing a plain yellow dress for the evening and made a mental note to clean her other dress just before going to sleep.

After her bath Liriel made her way down to the common room, hungry and in high spirits. Besides the dress she wore Liriel also had with her a small black purse and a brown book. The common room was much quieter with only a few late nighters and Liriel was certain in an hour or two even they would clear out. She made a note of the few other travelers and selected a table by the window. She ordered some food and an ale and unclasped her book. Now to summon a saddle I need to answer whether the summoned horse is transmuted energy or pulled from another location. This is so much easier if it is just transmuted energy. Liriel thought to herself as she began making notes in the margin of one of the pages in her book. She quickly lost herself to the study and consideration of the spell’s theory not looking up until a thought piercing scream burst through the air. Liriel quickly looked up bringing to mind a spell; a spell she quickly banished upon seeing the reason for the scream. A bedraggled and half-delirious man had stumbled into the inn.

“Help Me” The man pleaded as he collapsed. Liriel’s heart went out to the man. She hated seeing anyone suffer and this man was obviously suffering. Upon being helped to a seat and a drink the man spun a yarn about a creature stealing his daughter.

"I Be Gamard the Grim! Brother Gamard of the Knights of Holy Anger! This Emerald Braid is My Khord Badge of Honor for Rescuing a Kidnapped Khord Child a Few Months Ago! I Will Find Your Daughter!" A Khord first answered the bartender’s request for help, by bellowing into the poor delirious man’s face. Poor man, leave it to a Khord to not understand about volume and ear drums Liriel thought in sympathy as the man fought between a grateful smile and a grimace.


“I have no fancy name or order to call my own, but I can assist in finding a child.” A slip of a girl stepped from a back booth to join the grand crusade. “If Gamard the Grim will allow me to join him of course” Liriel was about to pledge help of her own when the dwarf nodded at the girl’s offer and bellowed to the room.

“Tell me …about these…Rokash…If You Truly Want My Help.” It was the bartender who answered telling of a demon and a demonic cult. Interesting, Thought Liriel Liriel watched the townsfolk as the barkeep talked trying to judge the potential danger from the fear in their eyes. The question was how much was superstition and how much was memory? And does it really even matter? I can’t leave a girl in the hands of cultists or a tentacle equipped demon
The Khord stepped forward again.
"I am a Knight of Holy Anger! Those of our Order seek out the Minions of the Dark and UnDead and Destroy Them! I Promise to Find Your Daughter!" After attending to the wounds of Tal as best he could, the Cleric of Inko-mengo stepped away to address a challenge to the remaining strangers who had not yet offered to help rescue young Tara. "Be There Any Other Stout Hearts Among Us ... Or Will Ye' Leave It To This Young Lady To Be The Only Brave Heart To Join Me ... At The First Light Of Dawn?" The Knight of Holy Anger made another bold declaration to the townsfolk: "We Be Needing Proper Transportation for Hunting the Rokash and Its Captive! We Also Be Needing Bandages and Healing Herbs! Have What Provisions You May Have to Offer Waiting for Us Here When We Awake Before Dawn! Upon Our Successful Return! Be Prepared To Reward Us!"

Some knight he is thinking of the reward as we set out Liriel thought with disdain.

“Why just before dawn?” Liriel’s voice sang out as a young man dedicated himself to the cause. “If demons we face you’ll be needing one of my talents, but why give them such a great advantage as to an entire night?” Liriel strode confidently into the room she flourished her arms at the poor victim of circumstance, “The attack on this man was clearly hours ago, and you propose to sit and eat while the attacker makes time with his daughter? As a crusader against dark things you know the creature will not stop and rest for the night. Every moment with this creature brings this girl closer to her doom, perhaps worse. It is likely taxing on her mind and driving her to insanity. I say we prepare our goods and make time now. Time is of the essence and it is not our ally.”

"Why just before dawn?" Liriel's voice sang out as a young man dedicated himself to the cause. "If demons we face you’ll be needing one of my talents, but why give them such a great advantage as to an entire night?" Liriel strode confidently into the room she flourished her arms at the poor victim of circumstance, "The attack on this man was clearly hours ago, and you propose to sit and eat while the attacker makes time with his daughter? As a crusader against dark things you know the creature will not stop and rest for the night. Every moment with this creature brings this girl closer to her doom, perhaps worse. It is likely taxing on her mind and driving her to insanity. I say we prepare our goods and make time now. Time is of the essence and it is not our ally."
Gamard the Grim set his jaw tight as the newcomer with the sing song voice boldly challenged his reasons for waiting until dawn to embark on a rescue. Unexpected memories of similar reasons and their dire consequences came flooding in upon him, tugging at his heart and assailing his emotions.

He looked around the room at the various reactions to her reasons, snorted with a bit of irritation that most of those assembled in the Inn had no earthly idea of what it was like to go charging off into the night to avenge a noble cause, nor did they realize the dangers of such impulsive actions!

Stroking his Emerald Braid thoughtfully, waiting for the murmurs of the townsfolk to quiet down, the Khord Cleric suddenly jumped on a nearby chair, then swiftly jumped on top of a table, before addressing these newly voiced concerns.

"Tis True that Time is Not Our Ally! Neither is the Dark of Night and the Unknown! Only Daylight is Our Ally!"

"Yes ... Many Hours Have Passed and the Girl is Scared and in Danger! But I Know From My Own Experience ... of Being Captured When I was a Young Boy ... that Children Become Numb to the Danger! Children Find a Way to Escape the Insanity"

"There Comes a Time Every Child Becomes Numb to the Danger! From My Own Experience! From What I Have Seen and Heard from Other Children!"

"We Still Have Time! Missing Children are Usually the Bait for Adults to Rush into the Darkness of Night to be Butchered or Worse!"

"I Have Been in This Type of Situation Before! Rushing Out into the Dark of Night without a Plan! Charging Off on a Noble Cause with No Plan or Preparation!"
Gamard paused for a moment, then lifted the protective eye patch that covered his left eye, slowly turning in a circle for the gathered townsfolk to get a good view. Although his left eye was horribly scarred, it was apparent to those who looked closely that Gamard was able to see from that eye!

"I Wear This Patch as a Reminder! Years Ago I was in a Place Such as This! A Group of Adventurers were Stirred to Dash Off into the Dead of Night to Rescue a Poor Unfortunate! I was with Them! Rushing Out to Help in a Noble Cause!"

"No Plan! No Preparation! Most were Butchered or Not Seen Again! I Almost Lost My Eye! The Noble Cause Ended in Bitter Failure! That Night I Learned a Hard Lesson!"

"I Will Not Make That Mistake Again! I Will Leave at Dawn! You are Free to Rush Out into the Dark if You So Choose! If You Bring Tara Back in the Morning I Will Rejoice!"

"How Prepared are You to Follow Her Captor in the Darkness? How Prepared are You to Go and Not Use Light or Torches or Campfires that would Show Her Captor Our Location?"

"You Are Free to Go Now if You So Choose! I Will Not Stop You! Perhaps You are Better at Such Rescues than Me? Who Knows? Just Beware of Any Traps in the Darkness! You Are Free to Go Now!"

"But If I Find Your Dead Carcase on the Trail ... I Will Not Stop to Bury You! If I Find You on the Trail Bleeding or Dying ... I Will Not Stop to Waste a Healing Spell on You!"

"We are Not Talking About Just Rescuing Tara! My Experience as a Crusader Against Dark Things Tells Me There Are Probably More to Rescue!"

"Not to Mention Finding a Way to Destroy Whatever ... or Whoever ... Is Responsible!"

"Better to Get a Good Sleep! Leave at Dawn so We Know the Territory! We May Be Fleeing for Our Lives in the Dark of Night ... Trying to Bring Other Captives Back Alive!"

"I Choose to Sleep and Prepare! There Will Probably Be No Sleep for Us Tomorrow Night ... Nor No Sleep the Following Night ... Possibly! So It Is Best to Sleep While We Can! Unless You Choose to Go Now! My Choice is to Sleep and Prepare!"

"Let the Dark Forces Beware! There Be Time Enough to Find Tara ... Alive!"
Gamard looked each patron in the eye with his uncovered purple eye, before returning to his bar stool to have another round of Bitter Root Beer and another plate full of Bar Stool Blues.

When Gamard checked out Tal, he found only minor wounds that his least healing spell would completely heal. He was grateful and he told the Cleric that he didn’t have much but whatever he had he would give them if they brought his little girl back to him alive.

While the townsfolk were glad that more people were coming forward and offering their aid in searching for the missing girl, the boisterous actions and words of the Khord were scaring a few people who began to wonder if this person was right for this job; but having no one else to call upon they figured they had little choice in the matter.

“If you require mounts,” one man stepped forth and spoke, “I can supply you with horses and saddles, but I will need them back when you return.”

Other shopkeepers nodded and soon they had offers of aid of food and supplies that should carry them for weeks. (This will be general stores and supplies, nothing fancy, enough for your journey) When healing supplies were mentioned, one man spoke up, “Only one place in town for healing items, that would be Adriana’s place.” The way he said it sounded as if it might be a problem, “Ah… I doubt you will get anything from her for free.”

With Tal healed, he was still exhausted from his ordeal; a couple of the men helped him upstairs to a room to rest. The other townsfolk began to fade off into the night with promises of the supplies and mounts would be awaiting them in the morning at the stables next to the Inn.

The strangers were left alone with their plans and the rooms awaiting them upstairs; the bartender locked the front door once the last of the townsfolk had left, then with a good night to them and a thanks for helping out, he too retired for the night.

(OOC: Ok, this is a short update as everyone had not committed to what they were going to do tonight and what their plans were for leaving. Once that is done for all, I will update again to move the party on their way.)

“You assume the girl’s still alive or will be in the days it will take us to find her. Since days it will take as the beast seems to travel in both day and night as it took the child during day.” Liriel said softly once the Khord stopped talking himself in circles. “You assume I would go into danger without a plan. One may make plans while one travels, and gathers information which we have little of currently. You assume yourself to be the only one with experience with dark creatures, and you assume that one set of circumstances are much like another. That just because you traveled into a trap before there must be a trap after. Perhaps the kidnapping isn’t an invitation for us to chase. Perhaps it is simply selecting a sacrifice. Perhaps the beast isn’t bound to a cult but instead now hunts on its own since the defeat of the cult before. There is many questions and few answers beyond your assumptions.” Liriel eyed the would be leader of this party noting the set of stubborness in his jaw. “Answers I don’t think your mushrooms hold. Yet as a Khord and as a knight you believe yourself to be the only one right, and are to stubborn to listen to another. However a party will indeed be needed to succeed at this rescue, so despite my reserves as to your character I suppose I have no choice but to wait on the slowest steed in the caravan. I will see you before dawn.” With that Liriel stormed back to her table, gathered her book and went to her room without so much as looking at anyone. After closing the door Liriel slid to the floor. I hate confrontations. Why did I have to challenge him openly? She thought fighting back tears. That poor girl. Images fluttered through Liriel’s mind of what her instructors would show if a summoning went wrong. And she could very descriptively imagine what a demon worshipping cult would do to a young virgin girl. Poor thing.
As the tears finally worked their way down her cheek Liriel rose from the floor. I can’t afford to cry yet. She thought locking her door and concentrating on a spell. There’s preparations to make. Liriel reached out to the magic, allowing it to flow across her skin and soothe her mind.

“Locke” Liriel whispered as her hands worked the energy around the lock of the door insuring that non magical means would not open the door. The wave of energy glowed a soft blue before fading into the lock holding it fast. “Alargo” Liriel spelled as her hands wove more energy around the room granting her the added comfort that should anyone make it past her lock or through the window she would be alerted. She watched fondly as the blue energy settled into a web pattern and faded as the spell came into existence.

“ I am Liriel Master Mage I call from the Ether a Servant.” Liriel intoned weaving another wave into the form of a person. The energy didn’t stay that way of course, but Liriel always found the spell easier if she formed it into a shape she was familiar with. “Servant please wash this dress.” Liriel instructed holding up the dress she was wearing before her bath. “And repack my bags and wake me 2 hours before dawn. And please start me a bath just before waking me.” The energy which the instructors said only the summoner could see bowed, took the dress and proceeded about it’s task. Liriel retired to her bed.

(OOC: Assuming nothing sets off my spells)

Liriel woke with a start as the cold hand of her Servant slid across her shoulder. She took a look around her room. Her pack was packed neatly and set nearby the door. The bath was prepped and her dress was laying out ready to be worn.

“Thank you Servant.” Liriel whispered into the dark of the room. She slid out of her current dress and into the bath water. “Please wash this dress as well in the sink.” The energy amoeba picked up her dress and proceeded along it’s task, as Liriel washed the night from her body. When she was done she took the dress from the servant and put it into her pack. She then dressed and dismissed all her spells. She grabbed her pack and went downstairs an hour and a half before dawn.

“Do you have any fruit?” Liriel asked the bartender, “Perhaps an apple or something?”

(OOC: If it’s a yes)

Liriel gratefully and with many thanks takes the apple and heads to the stables. She almost finishes it as she arrives looking at the selection of offered steeds. I could summon my own but I’ll probably need my energy for the road ahead.

When others stepped up to help out Salene did her best to melt back into the shadows. She hated being the center of attention and was very glad that it didn't stay on her for long. She watched the confrontation between the Khord and the woman with growing anxiety about their mission. She applied herself to finishing off her tankard, not wanting to draw attention to herself again by adding her opinion to the debate.

As she looked over her intended companions the half-elf couldn't help but wish she was cowardly enough to have remained silent. Throwing her lot in with total strangers was risky at best. She hadn't traveled with anyone since she left Coria and wasn't sure now was a good time to start doing so. Still to think of that poor child in the hands of the monster that took her... or the people who would send a monster to take a little girl. She shuddered and pulled her cloak closer around her.

Salene waited until the others had taken themselves to bed before she decided to go look around a bit. She slipped from the tavern to go prowl the town. Deciding that it would be in very bad taste to take anything from these people after they had offered so much to help, she simply went for a walk, careful to avoid anyone who may be wandering the streets this time of night.

The silence of the town bothered her, very much used to the constant hustle and bustle of Calestra, and out of old habit she takled to herself softly, her inward thoughts escaping her lips. “Horses... I've never ridden a horse before... Only really seen a handful.” Her eyes scanned the darkness at the edge of the town and she found a little corner to sit in, leaning against a wall as she peered into the darkness, wondering what madness waited for them out there. “Drannon is such a strange place... well I suppose anywhere is strange when you're used to one place. At least I'll get a chance to see more of the country.”

When she felt her eyelids beginning to droop she would make her way back to the inn and go to her room, locking the door before settling in to sleep for the rest of the night.


When morning came the half-elf dragged herself from the bed and gathered her pack, wondering how long she would be able to travel with these people without feeling the urge to run her own way. She shook her head. “I will see this through. That child needs us... and if not her than the others that monster might take.”

With that she made her way down to the common area. She retreated back to her corner to wait for the others to assemble.

After silently finishing his final plate of Bar Stool Blues, then thoughtfully draining the remainder of his Tankard full of Bitter Root Beer, the Knight of Holy Anger nodded to the Bar Tender, before retiring to his room upstairs, without saying another word to anyone.

He had made it a point not to argue with the young lady who had confronted him earlier. There was no place for strife in his heart with anyone, especially anyone who had volunteered to rescue Tara. Their own lives depended upon working together, without any animosity towards anyone!

Once inside his room, he began sorting through his belongings, taking inventory a second and a third time, all the while praying to his deity Inko-mengu (Sky-light) and searching his own soul. The words of the young woman played over and over in his mind, as he prayed to maintain a proper attitude in the light of her accusations and observations.

Gamard the Grim was not particularly interested in leading this group of adventurers, but he had been adamant about not rushing out into the dead of night to pick up the trail of the abducted girl.

It might have been a different matter had Gamard had the good fortune of knowing these strangers beforehand. He needed to know their abilities and be familiar with how they would react in battle, especially when confronted with an unexpected foe or trap.

He was not comfortable with the notion of trying to find and follow a trail in the darkness, especially if they became separated. Not knowing how everyone might react in such circumstances, it could be a situation where someone might mistake another of being an enemy, if they lost track of each other in the darkness. No sense in attacking somebody by mistake.

Better to get to know his companions during the light of day. Fortunately, there was a tracker in the group. This would allow the Cleric to follow at a distance, observing the land on either side of the trail, plus scrutinizing each of his companions.

Once darkness enveloped them, it would be necessary to know who he could trust to have his back; while more importantly, he needed to know who he would have to watch and protect, should the rescuers find themselves under attack.

So the Grim One sorted through his belongings, taking inventory one more time, before packing for the morning journey. He continued to pray for guidance and wisdom.

Gamard set his Chain Mail Armor against the wall by his bed, then set his boots next to his armor; along with his breeches, shirt and sleeveless hooded cloak that buttons down over his shirt.

He set his Quarterstaff and Club next to these items, before checking his Bed Roll and Back Pack. Then he fastened his Sling to his Belt Pouch with 40 Bullets placed strategically inside the pouch. The Belt Pouch also concealed 1 Trail Ration,1 Flask of Holy Water and 2 Flasks of Oil, plus his Flint and Steel for starting fires, before turning his attention to the remaining items to store inside or outside his pack.

Gamard chose to place his remaining 4 Trail Rations inside his pack, along with 2 Flasks of Holy Water and 8 Flasks of Oil. Also inside his Back Pack was a Sack, 8 Torches and 50 feet of Rope.

On the outside of his Back Pack, he fastened 2 more Torches on either side for balance. A Wine Skin filled with Wine hung from the left side of his pack and a Wine Skin filled with Water hung from the right side of his pack.

Finally, a Chain was comfortably draped over his Back Pack, easily accessible in case of a surprise attack when another weapon was not suitable for any particular foe.

Gamard the Grim finished his inventory packing, danced a jig around the room a few times in praise to Inko-mengu, then kneeled at the foot of his bed to give a final thanks, before going to sleep.

Before Dawn He awoke refreshed and ready to begin the hunt for the abductor of the girl Tara. After washing his face he began praying to his deity Inko-mengu:

"Oh, Inko-mengu, the Sky-light of my life! Hear my plea to shed your great light of goodness! Grant my heart strength with your light and life! Burn away the evil and unlife of this darkness we must face this day! May your radiance shine and prevail over the darkness!"

"Help me to be an example of your light and life this day! Grant me your power to cast your radiance upon the forces of darkness! Grant me the wisdom to know which spells to use this day to undo the works of darkness we may encounter!"

"Life is never a gift to be taken for granted, so help me to fulfill your will and live my life to the fullest this day! Guide me along the trail this day! Grant your life to Tara and any other captives this day! Protect them so we may rescue them and return Tara to her father!"

"Grant my companions your light and life this day! Help us to work together to banish the darkness and heal the injured this day! May this dark terror pass away in the light of your radiance!"

"I Swear My Allegiance to You as a Knight of Holy Anger ... this day ... and always!"
Gamard spent a long while in silence, listening for any directions or last minute instructions whispered to his heart by his deity. Satisfied that he was now as spiritually prepared as possible, for whatever he and his companions might encounter, Gamard the Grim dressed quickly and carried his belongings downstairs, where he waved cheerfully to his gathered companions.

He ordered a bowl of fruit and some juice, then took a seat at a vacant table, eating his breakfast and engaging in a conversation with the Bar Tender, taking note of what supplies had been donated for their journey and who was carrying the donated provisions.

After thanking the Bar Tender and his wife for their hearty hospitality, Gamard settled any remaining bill, before heading to the adjacent stable.

Gamard was pleased with the mount that was selected for him to ride. He praised the owner of the stable for supplying him and his companions with such fine mounts. He even took some extra time to assure the owner that his donation of horses and saddles was important to their finding Tara alive!

Then he remembered what one of the men had mentioned the previous evening: "Only one place in town for healing items, that would be Adriana’s place." The way he said it sounded as if it might be a problem, "Ah... I doubt you will get anything from her for free."
Gamard checked his coin purse, then asked the owner for directions to Adriana's place. Informing his companions that it was important for the Cleric to secure whatever bandages and healing herbs were available, before he set out on the trail.

Gamard assured them that he would catch up with them, if they decided to leave before the Cleric was finished with his business: "If any of you think it is a waste of time, then go on ahead of me! I will catch up with you before long! Besides, if anything is following you, then I can attack it ... before it attacks you!"
Gamard let out a hearty laugh, observed the reactions of his companions, then walked his horse over to Adriana's place, humming a tune of praise to his deity, as he held the reins in his left hand, walking with his Quarterstaff in his right hand, his Club secured in a loop on the back of the saddle.

Upon entering Adriana's place, he introduced himself and explained to Adriana what his purpose was that morning, emptying the contents of his coin purse on a nearby counter top, asking her to provide whatever bandages and healing herbs she could spare for their journey to rescue Tara.

Then he opened his Back Pack to make room for anything that would not fit in his Belt Pouch, all the while keeping his eye on the proprietor of the store.

After a few moments, the Cleric leaned forward and asked, "What can you tell me about the Rokash ... and do you have anything in your store ... or any suggestions ... that would help us to defeat these dark creatures?"

Gamard the Grim snorted his reply with an affirmative nod, thoughtfully chewing the remainder of his Bar Stool Blues, while slowly draining the contents of his Tankard.
Roger slipped past the gathered town folk and out door. Making his way around the corner a female voice seemed to penetrate the walls.

“Why just before dawn? If demons we face you’ll be needing one of my talents, but why give them such a great advantage as to an entire night?”
Pausing the ranger listen to the challenge. The Krord had been brash, but confident; now there was another that wanted their heroics to be noticed. It wasn’t unusual for the men of Drannon to boast and challenge, but a female?

“Another outsider”, the young man breathed.
The party was still not complete and the gaming for leadership was a foot. Roger watched the contest from window as the Khord step up on a table.

"Tis True that Time is Not Our Ally! Neither is the Dark of Night and the Unknown! Only Daylight is Our Ally!"
Grimm was attracting the attention back to him. “Well like most Khords he could anthrall a room."

"I Wear This Patch as a Reminder! Years Ago I was in a Place Such as This! A Group of Adventurers were Stirred to Dash Off into the Dead of Night to Rescue a Poor Unfortunate! I was with Them! Rushing Out to Help in a Noble Cause!"

"No Plan! No Preparation! Most were Butchered or Not Seen Again! I Almost Lost My Eye! The Noble Cause Ended in Bitter Failure! That Night I Learned a Hard Lesson!"

"I Will Not Make That Mistake Again! I Will Leave at Dawn! You are Free to Rush Out into the Dark if You So Choose! If You Bring Tara Back in the Morning I Will Rejoice!"

"How Prepared are You to Follow Her Captor in the Darkness? How Prepared are You to Go and Not Use Light or Torches or Campfires that would Show Her Captor Our Location?"

"You Are Free to Go Now if You So Choose! I Will Not Stop You! Perhaps You are Better at Such Rescues than Me? Who Knows? Just Beware of Any Traps in the Darkness! You Are Free to Go Now!"

"But If I Find Your Dead Carcase on the Trail ... I Will Not Stop to Bury You! If I Find You on the Trail Bleeding or Dying ... I Will Not Stop to Waste a Healing Spell on You!"

"We are Not Talking About Just Rescuing Tara! My Experience as a Crusader Against Dark Things Tells Me There Are Probably More to Rescue!"

"Not to Mention Finding a Way to Destroy Whatever ... or Whoever ... Is Responsible!"

"Better to Get a Good Sleep! Leave at Dawn so We Know the Territory! We May Be Fleeing for Our Lives in the Dark of Night ... Trying to Bring Other Captives Back Alive!"

"I Choose to Sleep and Prepare! There Will Probably Be No Sleep for Us Tomorrow Night ... Nor No Sleep the Following Night ... Possibly! So It Is Best to Sleep While We Can! Unless You Choose to Go Now! My Choice is to Sleep and Prepare!"

"Let the Dark Forces Beware! There Be Time Enough to Find Tara ... Alive!"
”Well the little guy sure could talk, hope he fought as well” Roger mused. As he started to turn from window the female once again spoke out.

“You assume the girl’s still alive or will be in the days it will take us to find her. Since days it will take as the beast seems to travel in both day and night as it took the child during day. You assume I would go into danger without a plan. One may make plans while one travels, and gathers information which we have little of currently. You assume yourself to be the only one with experience with dark creatures, and you assume that one set of circumstances are much like another. That just because you traveled into a trap before there must be a trap after. Perhaps the kidnapping isn’t an invitation for us to chase. Perhaps it is simply selecting a sacrifice. Perhaps the beast isn’t bound to a cult but instead now hunts on its own since the defeat of the cult before. There is many questions and few answers beyond your assumptions. Answers I don’t think your mushrooms hold. Yet as a Khord and as a knight you believe yourself to be the only one right, and are to stubborn to listen to another. However a party will indeed be needed to succeed at this rescue, so despite my reserves as to your character I suppose I have no choice but to wait on the slowest steed in the caravan. I will see you before dawn.”
Again watching through the window Roger saw the female then defiantly storm from the room. “Oh this is going to go swimmingly.”

With no more outbursts from the Inn Roger thought better of leaving and waiting at the edge of town, way things were going no one may show up. Making his way back the stable stowed his gear in the loft and found a comfortable pile of hay to sleep to night.

As morning broke Roger gathered his things and waited for the Khord. When Grimm appeared the ranger said, "I heard you debate with the female last night and thought it best to see you all were still going to show up.”

As the Cleric completed his assurances to the owner Roger chose his mount and secured his gear. When Grimm indicated he was going shopping before they left Roger decided to go back into the inn for some breakfast. This group would not be hard to find and even they could follow the road to where the Rokask had appeared and stolen the girl.

“I’ll wait for the Cleric inside, we’ll want to be sure the healer finds his way.”