After the last of the fallen Crusaders had been interred, Tohmaz turned to the Cleric, “Let us attend to the living.”
BluddGrinn the Grim followed the Shaman over to the wounded Human Monk, then bowing to her as graciously as he could, the War Cleric called upon Steel the Dwarven God of War to assist him in casting a Cure Light Wounds spell upon Rhiannon to help give her the needed added strength to dance with the Shaman to restore her health and vitality to full strength.

"Steel Grant Me Favor To Help This Mighty Warrior Mend Her Body As We Journey To Fight Evil And Avenge Our Losses!"
BluddGrinn the Grim felt the power of his deity flow through him as he gripped his holy symbol with his left hand and laid his right hand on the wounded Monk. He was certain that enough restorative strength went into her body to enable the Monk to Dance with the Shaman.

The War Cleric studied how the Shaman approached the Monk and he nodded his approval as Tohmaz Goodwood, Shaman of the “Wimachtendienk” called upon the Earth Mother “Atira” and began ministering to their wounded Crimson Crusader comrade.

BluddGrinn noted the declaration by Tohmaz regarding the tears that must be shed by the mortals for the cleansing to take place in Rhiannon's body.

He also intently scrutinized how the Shaman checked the bandage and cut away a small bloody piece, then went to his pack and brought forth a small decorated bowl, placing the bandage inside and filling the bowl with water.

“Arise Warrior and follow me in the trail of Atira’s tears that falls from this bowl. But once we start you must finish or the healing will not be complete.”

“ Any may join in the dance and to give aide is a blessing.”
BluddGrinn began to tap his feet as Tohmaz started moving in a wide circle around the deck, moving with a rhythmic cadence, sprinkling the blooded water in behalf of the wounded Monk as if they were the very tears of his deity Atira.

This ceremony lasted 2 hours and BluddGrinn the Grim soon joined in the Dance, stomping his booted feet while clutching his dwarven axe holy symbol, not so much dancing to Atira as he was doing a personal war dance of his own unto Steel the Dwarven God of War.

The War Cleric mumbled oaths to his deity in behalf of Rhiannon, vowing to help her wreak vengeance on those responsible for wounding her and slaying their fallen Crimson Crusader comrades.

As he danced, BluddGrinn became aware of his growing respect for the Shaman Tohmaz Goodwood, silently thanking Steel the Dwarven God of War for directing the War Cleric into the company of such stout hearted warriors who were obviously committed to the call for crusaders that the Empress Pryzmira had sent forth in a decree to rid The Realm of New Aenochia of the taint of evil that the War Cleric could taste the closer the Ruby River Boat drew to Botkinburg, drawing ever nearer to the foreboding shadow of The Black Tooth Ridge.

Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords had done his best to approach each of the remaining humans, offering the service of his twin short swords should any of them need assistance, once the quest against the unknown evil threatening The Realm of New Aenochia took them beyond Botkinburg.

They were drawing ever nearer to The Black Tooth Ridge and Drogo Tulk was glad to at least have the opportunity of being able to introduce himself to the Bard, the Rogue, the Monk and the Shaman before Tohmaz began the ceremony to restore Rhiannon to health and vitality once more.

He especially made it known to Rhiannon that he would help her in any way possible to avenge her against those responsible for the cowardly attack from the unseen shadows with their bolts and arrows.

Then he respectfully bowed and excused himself as the Shaman and War Cleric approached the wounded Monk. He stayed in the background and watched intently as BluddGrinn seemed to awkwardly approach Rhiannon as he called upon his deity to help give her needed strength to Dance.

”Steel Grant Me Favor To Help This Mighty Warrior Mend Her Body As We Journey To Fight Evil And Avenge Our Losses!”
Drogo watched from his vantage point as he witnessed the flow of strength transfer from BluddGrinn to Rhiannon as the War Cleric called upon his Dwarven God of War to help the wounded Monk regain her complete strength and abilities to wreak vengeance upon those who had attacked the Ruby River Boat.

Then the Halfling Fighter curiously beheld the ceremony of Tohmaz the Shaman and how he approached the wounded Monk, applying his natural and supernatural abilities to restore Rhiannon's health and vitality to peak fighting strength, boldly declaring for all on board to hear:

“Arise Warrior and follow me in the trail of Atira’s tears that falls from this bowl. But once we start you must finish or the healing will not be complete.”

“Any may join in the dance and to give aide is a blessing.”
Drogo stayed in the background watching the scene unfold, questioning whether or not he join in the ceremony. Afterall, this was the ceremony of another deity foreign to Drogo, but as he prayed to Preston Tallfellow he beheld a most curious sight.

BluddGrinn was stomping his booted feet, clutching his dwarven axe holy symbol, not really dancing to Atira, but he was doing a personal war dance of his own unto Steel the Dwarven God of War.

Drogo heard him mumbling oaths to his deity in behalf of the Human Monk, vowing to help wreak vengeance on those responsible for wounding her and slaying their fallen Crimson Crusader comrades.

Drogo soon realized that his feet were also moving in time to the beat of the chant as he withdrew his twin short swords and began dancing a dance of worship unto Preston Tallfellow, waving and weaving his twin blades through the air, until the Halfling Fighter was drawn by his own sword dance of worship to his deity, into the growing circle of Crimson Crusaders with a cause for one of their own.

Botkinburg 11am
The Bent Hook or Ortolf's House of Sludge
Monday, May 7, 30awd (After Winter Dark)

[One Hour Ago]
Once inside The Bent Hook the adventurers were escorted to the main table in the center of the common room where the owner Ortolf Heimpel is entertaining a group of five Botkinburg dignitaries who are waiting to talk with the newly arrived Crimson Crusaders.

These dignitaries include: Wymon Whitefoot (Eva Whitefoot's father) representing the Halfling Community; Hermannus Tersteeg a plump, middle aged human cleric who oversees The Chancel temple where the many gods whom the locals (and other travellers) worship are paid homage; Aaron von Bedering the sheriff appointed by the Botkins;

The fourth dignitary is Baron Volkmar Botkin, a young man in the prime of his life who is more than willing to entertain visitors of some reknown, but he considers the tales of evil doings and evil creatures along the Black Tooth Ridge to be 'the fears of old wives and tales of peasants'; and the stunningly glamorous Lady Marchessa Fabressa.

The Lady Marchessa Fabressa was sent by the Empress Pryzmira as an envoy to reside in The Keep with the Botkins to assess any and all threats to the northern borders of The Realm of New Aenochia. Her consort Gideon also served as her eyes and ears to report any devious activity to the Empress.

"You should have enough time left today to walk over to The Chancel with my stewards to receive your gift from the temple priests to aid you in your upcoming quest 9 days from today. Then you will proceed to the House of D'Amter which is a house of healing to receive another gift to aid you.

Finally you will go to The Swilling Swan which is a small brew house and bar built into the side of Bafler Hill where the halflings of Botkinburg congregate to enjoy their fine wines. There are plenty of tables located outside to accommodate human patrons.

There you will be presented with yet another gift to aid you in your quest into The Black Tooth Ridge. This will give you the opportunity to decide if you would like to be housed in either The Halfling Community or here at The Bent Hook.

Now before you go to The Chancel, please help yourselves to the complimentary breakfast courtesy of the people of Botkinburg that has been prepared in your honor. This will give you the opportunity to get to know one another better, as you will soon be fighting side by side as Crimson Crusaders.

If you have any questions about what I have presented to you this morning, then please feel free to ask any of us here for any further explanation. We will gladly do so for the greater good of Botkinburg, The Realm of New Aenochia and the Empress Pryzmira."
A generous portion of breads, honey, meats, vegetables, eggs and other dairy products are soon placed before The Crimson Crusaders, along with some choice fruits and juices. Sludge or other ales are also available for the asking. Soon the barriers begin to break down between each of the 8 Crimson Crusaders as they dine together, making conversation and asking any questions that may come to their minds in this relaxed atmosphere.
Brenys Darkeyes was feeling a bit light headed as she sat at the table and began eating a generous portion of fruits and other delicacies that had been set before the 8 Crimson Crusaders.

Something strange was happening on the inside of her, something that she had not experienced in quite a long time! She was experiencing the beginning of an enhancement of her Rogue abilities; plus she was slowly undergoing a positive change in her ability to withstand the negative affects of damage inflicted upon her in any way, shape or form.

In 3 days Brenys Darkeyes would be totally transformed into a Level 3 Rogue!

[Upon reaching Level 3 Brenys will have 24 Hit Points instead of 16 Hit Points!]

Rogues cannot hide and move silently at the same time until they reach 3rd level.

At this level and beyond, a rogue can attempt both but must make a successful conceal and move silent check at-5. In this case, movement is reduced to one quarter the normal movement rate.

This ability is affected by wearing armor not on the rogue armor list.]


NOTE FROM THE CASTLE KEEPER
Please Remember that You Still Have a Couple More Days to do some Back Posting reflections on what transpired during the last hours on the river, throwing the dead human bodies into the river, your participation or reaction to the Rain Dance, plus your impressions of The Black Tooth Ridge, Botkinburg and what you have heard from the Lady Marchessa Fabressa.

In a few days I will be posting any required update from your posts along with your meeting at The Chancel to receive the first of your 3 gifts to help you defend Botkinburg as Crimson Crusaders!

You Do Gain Experience Points From Your Written Posts!

Brenys the Rogue has now attained Level 3 and will be able to utilize her new skills in 3 days! That will be on Thursday, May 10, 30awd (After Winter Dark)

After finishing binding and disposing of the bodies of their fallen comrades, Trossach watched as the Shaman began the dance. He felt awkward joining into someone else’s dance, but also felt drawn to it. His tribe was also tied to the land and the winds, as clearly seemed to be the case for this shaman. Indeed the rains and winds were very dear to Trossach himself. So as the dance began, the half orc found himself wanting to join. He watched the shaman for a bit, and then joined the dance for awhile, bringing his own deities spirit into the mix as well. Intending it as a compliment to the Shaman’s efforts, not in opposition, it remained the Shaman’s dance, but Trossach was also true to his heart.

For the rest of the voyage up river Trossach kept watch carefully on the woods – and on the dead bodies that occasionally floated by indicating a similar fate for the other non-cursed crusader ships. But despite his concerns, none of them appeared to be alive or animated in any way. Still, he felt more secure holding a position sheltered by the sides of the boat and standing guard. They had learned a painful lesson – it was not wise to turn your back on these woods.

Once they reached Botkinburg, the end of one journey and the start of another, the Barbarian found himself surprised by the smallness of the Hamlet. He hadn’t expected a large city, but a one bar town hadn’t quite been what he had in mind either. This was the northern outpost of the empire? It wasn’t much of an outpost. Still, the people were here and a stand must be made somewhere against the dark forces that had once been vanquished. It might as well be here.

The walk through the town didn’t teach him much, except that these were a people with an appreciation of the simple life. They had better like the simple life, for it was all they had. But he was surprised by the freedom with which these people moved throughout the surrounding countryside and woods. With all that he had heard about the dangers in the woods and Mountains, and enough firsthand experience in the boat as well, he had not expected woodsmen to go wandering off alone in the woods. In fact, when he heard about the furrier, a man who apparently travelled the woods alone, Trossach determined that he would use a portion of their time here to speak with that man. What sort of man would travel these parts alone? What did he know about the surrounding lands? Certainly he must know about which places were safe or best to avoid? Yes, the Furrier would be a good place to start.

When the meal was placed before them at the tavern, Trossach found a seat and claimed his share of the food. He understood that eventually they would be on trail rations, and thus he determined to enjoy what he could while he could. He wanted to get to know his fellow crusaders better. It was always good to know who would have your back. He had a feeling he would need these people and it would be important that they see him as more than just a half-orc.

While sitting to eat, he started with the Halfling who had recently been buried under a mountain of a man. “This is a good meal. It seems that later we will be hosted by some of your people, bladesman. But I guess I know little about the little people. Are they “your people?” Or perhaps another tribe? It seems we have a choice to stay with them. Would you have any advice for a stranger to these lands and your people?”

When the chance arose he also broached the subject of the surrounding woods to the town elders. “If the woods are so dangerous, how far into them do your people venture? Do the evils of the surrounding lands ever accost your fishermen upon the river as our boats were attacked?” As a former commander of men, he immediately began to assess the risks and strengths of the town as a whole.

A generous portion of breads, honey, meats, vegetables, eggs and other dairy products are soon placed before The Crimson Crusaders, along with some choice fruits and juices. Sludge or other ales are also available for the asking. Soon the barriers begin to break down between each of the 8 Crimson Crusaders as they dine together, making conversation and asking any questions that may come to their minds in this relaxed atmosphere.
BluddGrinn the Grim weighed the words of the Lady Marchessa Fabressa, his memories of fighting underneath the Aratock Mountains for close to 100 years flooded his mind as he began eating a portion of the fine foods set before the 8 Crimson Crusaders.

He did not converse well with his Crimson comrades, because his battle experience against orcs and other nasties was dominating his attention, reminding him of what necessary supplies may be needed to carry the battle into the unexplored regions of The Black Tooth Ridge against unknown opponents.

After sampling a mug full of Sludge, which seemed to the War Cleric to be a distant cousin of the Mountain Mud that he so thoroughly enjoyed drinking on any occasion, BluddGrinn pushed his chair back, rose to his feet, cleared his throat to get the attention of both his Crimson Crusader comrades as well as the 5 dignitaries, then boldly spoke the following:

"I Hate Orcs!

I Hate Orcs and I Have a Nose for Gold and Treasure!

I Hate Orcs!

Orcs killed my parents!

Orcs killed many of my kinsmen beneath the Aratock Mountains where we fought them for countless years with no knowledge of what was happening on the surface world above us!

I Sense Orcs and Orc Allies Lurking About The Black Tooth Ridge!

I Hate Orc Allies!

I Hate Goblins and All Other Orc Allies Scum!

Lady Marchessa Fabressa ... You are the Loveliest Human Woman ... I Have Ever Seen ... Since I Returned to the Surface World of Humans and Other Races!

I Will Gladly Rid The Realm of Nasty Goblin Raiders and Red Caps!

You Promised to Accommodate Our Requests for Needed Supplies!

My Experience Tells Me We As a Group Need the Following:

A 5-man tent for the men; a 3-man tent for the ladies; 10 small tents for the 8 Crimson Crusaders, the weapons wagon driver and the halfling couple driving the treasure wagon; 5 large animal traps, 5 medium animal traps and 5 small animal traps; plus a kettle and a bucket for cooking!

We will also need 10 large barrels, 10 small barrels, 10 large sacks and 10 small sacks for carrying the treasure we find and for dividing it into equal shares, with the Empress Pryzmira receiving 2 of each.

My Battle Experience Tells Me that I Personally Need the Following:

Trousers, vest, soft boots, a studded leather armor (no helm), 5 large steel shields, a steel breastplate armor (no helm), 5 pavis shields, 5 heavy cross bows, 60 quivers of heavy cross bow bolts (12 in each quiver), 30 throwing axes, 5 battle axes, 30 clubs, 50 bandages (2 wounds per bandage), 1 wedge,

10 water skins (1 gallon each), 20 torches, 1 miner's pickaxe, 10 coils of rope (50 feet of hemp), 1 pitons/spikes (5), 10 flasks of oil (1 pint each), 5 back packs, 1 chain (20 feet), 1 bedroll, 1 chisel,

1 hammer, 1 sledge hammer, 1 fishing gear, 1 crowbar/pry bar, 1 belt, 1 large belt pouch, 1 flint & steel, 1 shovel, 1 mug, 50 tinder boxes (10 fires each), 1 drum, 20 bars of soap, 1 block of cheese and

5 weeks of rations. In Addition to All Those Items for Myself, I Will Also Need a donkey and 5 weeks of feed for the donkey! I Will Ride in the Wagon with Tirten Shodfoot until I Need the donkey!

My Crimson Crusader Comrades Will Tell You What They Might Require for Battle!"
BluddGrinn the Grim bowed to the Lady Marchessa Fabressa, nodded to his Crimson Crusader companions with a satisfied smile, then returned to his bountiful plate and mug of Sludge, reflecting upon his impressions of what they might encounter upon entering The Black Tooth Ridge.

My Crimson Crusader Comrades Will Tell You What They Might Require for Battle!
Drogo Tulk dismissed his first impressions regarding the long list of weapons and personal items that BluddGrinn the War Cleric had pronounced as necessary for his own use.

Afterall, the War Cleric had much more experience in pitched battle against orcs and other vermin by virtue of his older age and long years underneath the Aratock Mountains.

The Halfling Fighter began to suddenly realize that he needed to make his own personal proclamation in front of his Crimson Crusader companions to reinforce the necessity of being well equipped, if they were to truly succeed in penetrating the unknown and eliminating any immediate threats to Botkinburg.

Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords chose to stand on his chair so that everyone in the room would be able to see him as he addressed the dignitaries:

"I Am Who I Am and Nothing More!

I Am Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords!

I Am What I Am and Nothing More!

I Am a Halfling Fighter Trained in the Kellerwald Forest at the Sword Studio of My Deity Preston Tallfellow and Am Now on a Quest for the Perfect Sword to Worship Preston Tallfellow!

During My Journey Here I Have Encountered Many Halflings Who Ask Me If I Am the Halfling of Legend They Hope Will Free The Realm of the Evil Encroaching Its Borders?

I Am Who I Am and Nothing More!

Your Fellow Botkinburg Dignitary from the Halfling Community, Wymon Whitefoot, Knows Full Well the Halfling of Legend Will Ride a War Pony! Therefore I Require a War Pony and 5 Weeks Feed as My Seasoned Companion BluddGrinn Also Needs 5 Weeks Feed for His Donkey!

Wymon Whitefoot Also Knows the Halfling of Legend Must Be Betrothed Before He Goes to Battle!

Sir, Please Receive My 100 Gold Coins for Signing On as a Crimson Crusader as My Proposal Payment Pledge Promise to Betroth Your Daughter Eva Whitefoot, Who I Have Come to Realize During My Journey Here that I Love Her Deeply Beyond Speaking!

I Am Who I Am and Nothing More!

I Am What I Am and Nothing More!

If I Truly Be the Halfling of Legend and These My Crimson Crusader Companions Be the Odd Assortment of Unlikely Heroes Who Go to War with the Halfling of Legend, Then Please Grant Me the Following Items to Help Me Aid the Empress Pryzmira and The Realm of New Aenochia!

I Will Also Require 1 belt, trousers, a tunic, 1 small belt pouch, a Hide Armor (no helm), 2 quivers (20 each) of Silver Arrows, 10 quivers of arrows (20 each), 1 short bow, 20 bandages (2 wounds each),

1 light cross bow, 20 quivers of bolts (12 each), 10 tinder boxes (10 fires each), 1 torch, 10 water skins, 5 weeks rations, 20 bars of soap, 1 back pack, 1 tankard, 5 flasks of oil (1 pint each), 10 manacles,

1 small steel mirror and 1 bedroll. Thank You for Considering My Requests!"
Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords bowed to the Botkinburg Dignitaries, nodded to his fellow Crimson Crusaders, then sat himself down in his chair to resume his meal and await the verdict of his requests.

Botkinburg 12 noon
The Bent Hook or Ortolf's House of Sludge
Monday, May 7, 30awd (After Winter Dark)
The 5 dignitaries Wymon Whitefoot, Hermannus Tersteeg, Aaron von Bedering, Baron Volkmar Botkin and the stunningly glamorous Lady Marchessa Fabressa quickly conferred among themselves in the wake of the startling requests from the War Cleric and the Halfling Fighter.

In Mere Moments,The Lady Marchessa Fabressa rose from her seat at the head table to speak in behalf of her fellow dignitaries, "You have made it plain to us all master War Cleric that your countless years of experience battling orcs beneath the Aratock Mountains affords you greater insight into what may be necessary to properly equip you for battling the unknown beyond Botkinburg.

Your requests are hereby granted and I assure you master War Cleric that I will personally make sure every item you requested will be provided before you are ready to leave Botkinburg on your quest into the unknown along The Black Tooth Ridge.

My Thanks for Noticing and Complimenting Me on My Beauty! You are the First Dwarf to Say So to My Face!

As for the requests of the Halfling Fighter it would be more appropriate for Wymon Whitefoot to address your requests personally for all to bear witness!"
Lady Marchessa Fabressa motioned for Wymon Whitefoot to rise and stand on his chair to address Drogo Tulk and his Crimson Crusader companions.

"Young Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords, on behalf of the Halfling Community we welcome you and your Crimson Crusader companions to Botkinburg!

Thank You Young Sir for Answering the Plea from My Daughter to Come to Botkinburg to Aid Our People in Preparation for the Coming War Against an Evil Unknown!

The Items You Have Requested Will Be Gathered and Provided for You Before You and Your Companions Leave to Confront the Evil Emanating from The Black Tooth Ridge!

We Halflings Will Provide You the Finest War Pony to Ride Forth Into Battle!

My Daughter Eva is only 17. She Will Not Be 18 Until November 19. As You Well Know, a Halfling Maiden May Not Possibly Wed Until She Reaches Age 20.

The Greatest Wish of My Daughter Eva is to Wed Only Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords! It Matters Not If You Truly Be The Halfling of Legend Young Drogo!

Therefore It Is With Great Happiness and Honor that I Invite You, Your Crimson Crusader Companions and the Entire Population of Botkinburg to Attend the Betrothal Ceremony Between My Daughter Eva Whitefoot and Young Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords!

The Feast Celebration Begins at 5pm on Saturday, May 12 at The Swilling Swan!

Welcome to the Family My Boy!"

NOTE FROM THE CASTLE KEEPER
Please Continue Back Posting reflections on what transpired during the last hours on the river, throwing the dead human bodies into the river, your participation or reaction to the Rain Dance, plus your impressions of The Black Tooth Ridge, Botkinburg and what you have heard from the Lady Marchessa Fabressa regarding your quest into the unknown!

Plus you now have more information for role play regarding the granting of the requests of BluddGrinn and Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords!

Also Be Sure to Announce What Items Your Character Would Like to Have Provided for the Upcoming Journey Along The Black Tooth Ridge!

In a few days I will be posting any required update from your posts along with your meeting at The Chancel to receive the first of your 3 gifts to help you defend Botkinburg as Crimson Crusaders!

Remember: You Do Gain Experience Points From Your Written Posts!

While sitting to eat, he started with the Halfling who had recently been buried under a mountain of a man. “This is a good meal. It seems that later we will be hosted by some of your people, bladesman. But I guess I know little about the little people. Are they “your people?” Or perhaps another tribe? It seems we have a choice to stay with them. Would you have any advice for a stranger to these lands and your people?”
Drogo Tulk was glad that the Barbarian had struck up a conversation with him once they had sat down to eat, asking questions about the halfling tribes and to which tribe Drogo belonged, plus showing genuine interest in learning all he could about halflings.

Halflings all enjoyed good dinner conversation, no matter what meal they were eating. They all enjoyed good company, good food and good conversation that all added up to a good life.

Drogo put down his food long enough to take a long drink from his juice tankard, then turning to face Trossach, he began his explanation as best as he was able to do on such short notice:

"Trossach my friend, I have no idea who my true blood relatives are or to what halfling community, town, hamlet or isolated burrow I was born. I do not even know my true date of birth. A kind halfling lady named Mother Tulk found me abandoned in the Kellerwald Forest somewhere. She never told me if a wagon was ambushed or a home burned by orcs or goblins or some other menace lurking in the wilds of the Kellerwald Forest.

She adopted me as her own child and taught me the ways of the halflings, but because of a curious birth mark above my heart that resembles two crossed short swords, she named me Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords and when I turned 5 years old she took me to a secluded Sword Studio of Preston Tallfellow, the Halfling Deity of the Sword to follow my destiny.

I myself am a foot taller than the average halfling and I only knew the few halflings in the village of Mother Tulk and those halflings who were in the Sword Studio of Preston Tallfellow. So most of the halflings I truly know are all dedicated to their swords and are ready to fight in worship to our deity Preston Tallfellow.

Wymon Whitefoot and his daughter Eva came to the Sword Studio a couple of times to bring new blades that were forged for the halfling students. Eva has a cousin who is my best friend. He is still at the Sword Studio until he reaches his 20 th birthday. When we reach the age of 20 years, the students at the Sword Studio are sent forth with great feasting and celebration on a quest for the perfect sword.

A few weeks before I left the Sword Studio to begin my own personal quest for the perfect sword, a message arrived at the Sword Studio from Eva asking for help. She said that Botkinburg was in danger and the halflings needed help to combat the growing unknown evil threatening Botkinburg.

I met many halflings during my journey here to Botkinburg to add personal knowledge and experience to what I had been told about halflings during my years at the Sword Studio of Preston Tallfellow. Halflings are not so much members of tribes as they are of clans, settling in towns or hamlets.

Most halflings are farmers or craftsmen who work hard, take pride in their work and enjoy feasts and celebrations for most any occasion. Some halflings become adventurers, but most enjoy the comforts of home and raising families. I desire to raise a family, but I also have a destiny to fulfill in my quest for the perfect sword. Raising a family is now overshadowed by the taint of evil creeping ever nearer to Botkinburg, so I will fight until the day it is truly confirmed in my heart that it is safe to raise a family.

I fell in love with Eva Whitefoot the moment I laid my eyes upon her a few years ago at the Sword Studio when she visited with her father Wymon, but I tried to deny my feelings for her and focused my attention and passions on learning to worship Preston Tallfellow with the blades of my swords!

We did learn how to accurately fire short bows and light cross bows, because it is better in warfare to cut down the number of your enemies, before you meet them blade to blade. Besides, most foes are armed with bolts and arrows as we so suddenly learned on the Ruby River Boat.

We also learned how to ride War Ponies, but most of our time was spent learning how to use our chosen swords in worship to Preston Tallfellow, the Halfling Deity of the Sword.

So I am much like you Trossach, in that I am still learning about halflings in the outside world from where I was raised in the Sword Studio of Preston Tallfellow. There are lazy halflings and there have been known to be evil halflings, but for the most part halflings are trustworthy and good companions.

My advice to you Trossach the Barbarian is that when we arrive at The Swilling Swan later this afternoon, you had best be prepared to receive a hero's welcome from the halflings there! Once word spreads among the halflings that I was pinned underneath that burly fighter and that you pulled that mountain of a man off me before I smothered to death in his bulk and his blood, you will be hailed as a hero and offered food, drink and be welcomed as a friend to all haflings.

They will insist that you quarter in The Halfling Community beyond the hedge of thorns and will invite you to tell your stories of your exploits and feast with them during your stay. They will want you to store your treasure in the halfling community and will adopt you as a hero who helps halflings!

But since most of the halflings in Botkinburg are convinced that Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords is the Halfling of Legend who will company with an odd assortment of unlikely heros to rid their land of the evil threatening the borders of The Realm of New Aenochia; you Trossach will be regarded with awe, treated with respect and honored by the halflings for making sure the Halfling of Legend did not drown in the blood of that burly human fighter!

Do Not Be Overly Concerned About Your Half Orc Heritage Trossach, Because Most Halflings Look Upon the Heart and Character of a Man or Woman, Rather Than Their Outward Appearance!"
Drogo grinned and slapped the Barbarian on his forearm, then set about feasting upon the delicacies upon his plate and quaffing the sweet juices from his tankard, not knowing what more to say to the Barbarian, but knowing that Trossach would find out soon enough about being a halfling hero!

Botkinburg 11:40am
The Bent Hook or Ortolf's House of Sludge
Monday, May 7, 30awd (After Winter Dark)

“If the woods are so dangerous, how far into them do your people venture? Do the evils of the surrounding lands ever accost your fishermen upon the river as our boats were attacked?”
The 5 dignitaries Wymon Whitefoot, Hermannus Tersteeg, Aaron von Bedering, Baron Volkmar Botkin and the stunningly glamorous Lady Marchessa Fabressa looked at one another as they weighed the words of Trossach the Half Orc Barbarian.

Baron Volkmar Botkin just shook his head and rose up to address the Barbarian's questions, "We have had many visitors in Botkinburg and many adventurers who weave tall tales and exaggerate about what goes on in The Barren Wood and along The Black Tooth Ridge.

These tales of evil creatures and evil doers are no more to me than 'the fears of old wives and tales of peasants'. Our people are free to roam the river and woods as far and as deep as they choose. Most of these tales are told to frighten the children so they do not get lost in the woods or fall in the river.

Those missing maidens have probably run off with some handsome adventurers because they are so bored with our simple way of life here in Botkinburg. There have been occasions of orcs and goblins raiding our farms. I have even heard a tale about an Ogre stealing pigs from the farms.

Like most fishermen our fishermen love telling tall tales about the dangers of their trade, but I suspect they are just trying to keep others away from their favorite secret fishing holes!

There have been a few fishermen disappear from our community over the years, but our guess is they either decided to go off treasure hunting, or had the misfortune of slipping and drowning in the river.

Lately there have been reports of black lightning bolt insignias found on bolts and arrows here and there in The Barren Wood, but I think it is just to scare away trade with our community so that the merchants in Ludensheim to the west of Botkinburg can increase their wealth and get fatter at the expense of our hard working community!"
Volkmar concluded his mild tirade with a slight gaze of defiance around the room, daring anyone to oppose his personal assessment of the situation faced by the towns people of Botkinburg.

After an awkward silence broken by a few hushed whispers, followed by a polite pause as Volkmar took his seat, the sheriff Aaron von Bedering stood up to further address the Barbarian's questions.

"Every community has their fair share of bandits and raiders from time to time.

Volkmar does not dispute this. But it is odd that we have had more than our share of misfortunes over the past year. Adventurers coming and going and this Curse of the Crimson Crusaders.

Emerald Crusaders being employed to roam The Barren Wood and patrol the wagon trail between Asperdi and Botkinburg.

Golden Crusaders disappearing to hunt for hidden treasure rather than to patrol the borders of our city is my guess. Volkmar would certainly agree with me.

These tales of orcs, goblins and who knows what all brings all sorts of classes and races into The Barren Wood and The Black Tooth Ridge to hunt for treasures. I think most of these tales are told to protect the secret location of hidden treasures so they can be transported away without our knowing about it and without any of the secretly discovered treasure or gold benefiting our fair city.

The people who settle here in Botkinburg are the type of people who choose to be free. People who do not like to be enslaved by government rules and regulations. Honest people. Hard working people. People who come here to start a new life. We are not nosy and people mind their own business.

My 2 helpers, Weslin and Erhardt, help me patrol the city and investigate reports of vandalism, stolen property and break up any fights when the Sludge overcomes the better of sensibilities.

You are welcome to ask about town and be entertained by the tales told, but you must be aware that most of the people here think you carry the Curse of the Crimson Crusaders. They will help you to get a blessing invoked upon them by their chosen deities, but they will be glad when you have disappeared into The Black Tooth Ridge.

Yes dead bodies of Crimson, Gold and Emerald Crusaders have been turning up more and more recently, but I think that is because they found where the hidden treasures were located and these free booting adventurers roaming about do not want to share the wealth with anyone!

The Barren Wood and The Black Tooth Ridge are out of my jurisdiction. That is why the Call for Crusaders was sent forth from the Empress Pryzmira. But quite frankly and with all due respect to the Empress Pryzmira and the Lady Marchessa Fabressa, I think the coffers of The Realm are being milked by all these adventurers roaming about and spreading tall tales and gossip wherever they go!

In regards to the missing maidens, I agree with Volkmar. Young passions and the lure of adventure and riches have enticed them to bed down and make babies with the first handsome face that beguiles them to leave their simple life in Botkinburg.

As for the fishermen, I live on the outskirts of town and I like to fish. I have a secret honey hole where I catch many fine fish. I have told a few tales myself to keep people from invading my fishing space!

In spite of our differences of opinion, we all agree that something is amiss more that usual in The Barren Wood and along The Black Tooth Ridge. So we welcome you Crimson Crusaders to ask about town and journey to The Black Tooth Ridge to dispel these rumors!

Perhaps you will get lucky and rid The Realm of any interlopers and bring back some treasure to send to the Empress Pryzmira to finance her personal war! It will be good for business!"
The sheriff sat down more abruptly than did the Baron Volkmar Botkin, but his demeanor also defied anyone to dispute what he had to say about the situation.

Hermannus Tersteeg merely bowed his head, pursed his lips together as a silent signal and folded his hands together and motioned towards The Chancel as his way of saying that he would speak further of this matter when the newly arrived Crimson Crusaders went to The Chancel for their gifts.

Wymon Whitefoot was not so subtle as he shook his head vigorously, pressed the forefinger of his right hand to his lips and rolled his eyes while nodding his head in the direction of The Halfling Community.

His shortness of stature was usually ignored by his taller human dignitaries, but each of the 8 Crimson Crusaders were alert enough while they dined to notice his obvious signal, especially Drogo Tulk who had up until that time, been staring in his direction, debating within himself as to how to approach Wymon Whitefoot regarding the subject of proposing a betrothal to his daughter Eva.

Majestically breaking the silence, the Lady Marchessa Fabressa graciously addressed the 8 Crimson Crusaders thus, "Do Any of You Other Valiant Crimson Crusaders Have Any Questions or Comments?"

NOTE FROM THE CASTLE KEEPER
Please Continue Back Posting any reflections or responses before we move the story along to The Chancel, then to The House of D'Amter and then to The Swilling Swan.

You now have more information for role play regarding the granting of the requests of BluddGrinn and Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords, Drogo's response to Trossach about Halflings and the responses and reactions to Trossach's questions.

Also Be Sure to Announce What Items Your Character Would Like to Have Provided for the Upcoming Journey Along The Black Tooth Ridge!

I will be posting in a few days any required update from your posts if necessary, plus your meeting at The Chancel to receive the first of your 3 gifts to help you defend Botkinburg as Crimson Crusaders!

Remember: You Do Gain Experience Points From Your Written Posts!

Baron Volkmar Botkin just shook his head and rose up to address the Barbarian's questions, ”We have had many visitors in Botkinburg and many adventurers who weave tall tales and exaggerate about what goes on in The Barren Wood and along The Black Tooth Ridge.

These tales of evil creatures and evil doers are no more to me than 'the fears of old wives and tales of peasants'. Our people are free to roam the river and woods as far and as deep as they choose. Most of these tales are told to frighten the children so they do not get lost in the woods or fall in the river.
BluddGrinn the Grim had snorted in his mug of Sludge at the utter stupidity of the discourse by the ruling Botkin of Botkinburg. Although the War Cleric had only been journeying upon the surface world for a relatively short while, compared to his years spent underneath the Aratock Mountains, it was plain to him that Volkmar was more interested in the ceremonial pomp and circumstance of his position, than in truly making any wise decisions for the benefit of the people of Botkinburg.

It was no wonder to the dwarf that the Empress Pryzmira had dispatched the Lady Marchessa Fabressa to Botkinburg to ensure that the borders of The Realm of New Aenochia were not overrun by any type of foreign foes or evil creatures due to the incompetency of Baron Volkmar Botkinburg.

Aaron von Bedering stood up to further address the Barbarian's questions.

”Every community has their fair share of bandits and raiders from time to time.

Volkmar does not dispute this. But it is odd that we have had more than our share of misfortunes over the past year. Adventurers coming and going and this Curse of the Crimson Crusaders.

Emerald Crusaders being employed to roam The Barren Wood and patrol the wagon trail between Asperdi and Botkinburg.

Golden Crusaders disappearing to hunt for hidden treasure rather than to patrol the borders of our city is my guess. Volkmar would certainly agree with me.

These tales of orcs, goblins and who knows what all brings all sorts of classes and races into The Barren Wood and The Black Tooth Ridge to hunt for treasures. I think most of these tales are told to protect the secret location of hidden treasures so they can be transported away without our knowing about it and without any of the secretly discovered treasure or gold benefiting our fair city.
BluddGrinn was convinced that this sheriff was merely a stooge in the employ of Volkmar Botkin, but in spite of his obvious ties to the money purses of the Botkins, the sheriff was aware that there was more to the strange goings on than Volkmar would dare admit either publicly or privately.

Perhaps one of his helpers, either Weslin or Erhardt, would be more inclined to discuss the strange goings on in and around Botkinburg, if they were inclined to speak freely about the matter.

In spite of our differences of opinion, we all agree that something is amiss more that usual in The Barren Wood and along The Black Tooth Ridge. So we welcome you Crimson Crusaders to ask about town and journey to The Black Tooth Ridge to dispel these rumors!

Perhaps you will get lucky and rid The Realm of any interlopers and bring back some treasure to send to the Empress Pryzmira to finance her personal war! It will be good for business!”
Yes, this sheriff knew more about what was actually going on than he was willing to admit in front of Volkmar. Money talks loud and the sheriff seemed to be all about money. He obviously wanted any of the possible treasures to find their way to Botkinburg.

More money would flow to Botkinburg if it were broadcast throughout The Realm of New Aenochia that these 8 Crimson Crusaders defied the Curse of the Crimson Crusaders and routed out some of the evil that was rumored to be lurking about The Black Tooth Ridge.

BluddGrinn thought long and hard upon these things and the possibilities of what might really be going on here in the town of Botkinburg. Sometimes live humans were more diabolical than UnDead Humans, but the War Cleric was certain that the main dangers were lurking about in the unknown regions of The Black Tooth Ridge.

Perhaps there would come a time when the 8 Crimson Crusaders would be called upon to explore The Barren Wood for themselves, but BluddGrinn knew there was a foul taint of evil emanating from The Black Tooth Ridge and it had fallen to the lot of the 8 surviving Crimson Crusaders to investigate.

At least there were Emerald Crusaders on patrol in The Barren Wood and who knew how many free booting adventurers roaming around those woods, but a much smaller percentage were probably in the hidden catacombs, caves, ravines and secret lairs of The Black Tooth Ridge.

Most of those were probably either dead or dying, or worse they may be roaming around as UnDead servants of something much more dark and evil.

BluddGrinn remembered how beautiful the Aratock Mountains appeared to be from the valleys, plains and foothills below. But the War Cleric also remembered those dark years spent battling the evil corruptions roaming throughout the catacombs and tunnels underneath those same mountains.

The sight of The Black Tooth Ridge earlier this morning was nowhere near being a beautiful sight. Instead it was a dark and foreboding rocky outcrop dotted with innumerable fracture caverns and deep natural caves that were evident to a discerning dwarven miner's sight.

All across the top of the escarpment BluddGrinn had noted The Black Tooth Ridge was forested with scruboak and evergreens, hideously littered with huge boulders and broken rock formations.

The renegade elements of the most foul and ancient evils that could possibly haunt a world were probably hidden away in deep holes, waiting for the appropriate time to answer a summons to once again emerge from their lairs to stalk the lands of unsuspecting men, women and children.

BloodGrinn the Grim could taste the foul taint of evil on the wind every time a breeze wafted from the direction of The Black Tooth Ridge. Orcs, goblins and probably much worse according to his nose.

The Empress Pryzmira and the Lady Marchessa Fabressa would not regret having called upon the skills of this particular War Cleric to join with these Crimson Crusaders to investigate and help eliminate the foul evils emanating from the hidden depths of The Black Tooth Ridge.

BluddGrinn the Grim took another deep, long swallow, draining the last of the Sludge from his mug and was immediately rewarded with another refill.

A great smile of satisfaction spread across his grizzled face, as the War Cleric anticipated the future thrills of killing some more Orcs and Goblins and Other Evil Nasties lurking within the confines of The Black Tooth Ridge!

Those missing maidens have probably run off with some handsome adventurers because they are so bored with our simple way of life here in Botkinburg. There have been occasions of orcs and goblins raiding our farms. I have even heard a tale about an Ogre stealing pigs from the farms.

Like most fishermen our fishermen love telling tall tales about the dangers of their trade, but I suspect they are just trying to keep others away from their favorite secret fishing holes!

There have been a few fishermen disappear from our community over the years, but our guess is they either decided to go off treasure hunting, or had the misfortune of slipping and drowning in the river.

Lately there have been reports of black lightning bolt insignias found on bolts and arrows here and there in The Barren Wood, but I think it is just to scare away trade with our community so that the merchants in Ludensheim to the west of Botkinburg can increase their wealth and get fatter at the expense of our hard working community!”

Volkmar concluded his mild tirade with a slight gaze of defiance around the room, daring anyone to oppose his personal assessment of the situation faced by the towns people of Botkinburg.
Drogo Tulk was listening to what Volkmar Botkin was saying, but most of his thoughts were about his good fortune of receiving the blessing from Wymon Whitefoot to betroth his daughter.

But upon hearing Volkmar make the statement that the missing maidens had probably run off with some handsome adventurers, the Halfling Fighter was stirred on the inside because the woman he loved had sent a plea for help to the Sword Studio of Preston Tallfellow.

What if it was Eva who had gone missing? Volkmar's assessment of the situation around Botkinburg was unacceptable. How often did he get out of The Keep anyway? He certainly was ignorant of the hidden dangers along The Black Tooth Ridge and in The Barren Wood.

36 new recruits had died earlier that morning from the Black Lightning Bolts and Arrows that attacked the Gold, Emerald and Ruby River Boats. Volkmar did not even seem to acknowledge what had happened to them! No wonder the Lady Marchessa Fabressa had been sent by Empress Pryzmira!

In regards to the missing maidens, I agree with Volkmar. Young passions and the lure of adventure and riches have enticed them to bed down and make babies with the first handsome face that beguiles them to leave their simple life in Botkinburg.

As for the fishermen, I live on the outskirts of town and I like to fish. I have a secret honey hole where I catch many fine fish. I have told a few tales myself to keep people from invading my fishing space!

In spite of our differences of opinion, we all agree that something is amiss more that usual in The Barren Wood and along The Black Tooth Ridge. So we welcome you Crimson Crusaders to ask about town and journey to The Black Tooth Ridge to dispel these rumors!

Perhaps you will get lucky and rid The Realm of any interlopers and bring back some treasure to send to the Empress Pryzmira to finance her personal war! It will be good for business!”

The sheriff sat down more abruptly than did the Baron Volkmar Botkin, but his demeanor also defied anyone to dispute what he had to say about the situation.
This sheriff is not much better than Volkmar thought Drogo to himself. He is obviously more concerned about the coin that he gets than in the safety of the people of Botkinburg!

Yet all the while the sheriff was speaking, it was apparent to Drogo that the sheriff was a bit more convinced that things were much more amiss than he indicated during his discourse. He had to side with Volkmar to keep his position as sheriff and get more paydays from the Botkins, but Drogo was able to read between the lines and hear the sheriff challenge the 8 Crimson Crusaders to venture out to The Black Tooth Ridge to eradicate any rumors and vermin and bring back some treasure!

Drogo was curious about The Barren Wood, but there seemed to be enough adventurers and the patrols of Emerald Crusaders throughout The Barren Wood, coupled with the Gold Crusaders patrolling the outskirts of Botkinburg, made it imperative for these Crimson Crusaders to follow the instructions of the Lady Marchessa Fabressa and journey into the unexplored depths of The Black Tooth Ridge!

The sight of The Black Tooth Ridge was eerie indeed earlier that morning as Drogo saw the crags and fissures and grotesque rock formations mocking and defying anyone to dare invade its recesses.

The atmosphere of The Black Tooth Ridge was beyond gloomy as far as the Halfling Fighter was concerned. He could sense something evil hidden beyond what he could see of the ridge. The Kellerwald Forest was bad enough, but there was something about The Black Tooth Ridge that left him with the feeling that he must always be on his guard for anything unexpected and unknown.

Even the Hruesen River was foreboding as it wound its way beneath the shadow of The Black Tooth Ridge. There was no telling what type of creatures may frequent those waters in search of something to devour or capture, never to be seen again.

Were the maidens still alive and held captive in the confines of The Black Tooth Ridge? Were the missing Gold Crusaders even now rescuing those maidens? Had the Gold Crusaders been duped and slain in some diabolical trap somewhere deep within The Black Tooth Ridge?

Drogo had 8 days to prepare for the unknown and he was certain that it would be important to gain as much knowledge from the locals as possible regarding The Black Tooth Ridge. He was hoping that the gifts they were receiving later today would prove to be useful in battle, because the Halfling Fighter was certain that the War Cleric knew something about The Black Tooth Ridge that Drogo did not.

Perhaps there would be some other useful bits of information or gifts that would help the 8 Crimson Crusaders penetrate the unknown, successfully discover what needed to be uncovered in The Black Tooth Ridge and hopefully make it back alive to Botkinburg in one piece with plenty of treasure to make their journey worth the effort that it would take to explore the unknown.

Drogo Tulk of the Short Swords was ready for adventure! He had the added incentive of doing his best to survive the unknown and eliminate any danger to the halflings in Botkinburg! Plus he hoped to return to his beloved Eva Whitefoot with enough treasure to begin a new life with her in the future!

Perhaps he would discover the Perfect Sword hidden somewhere in The Black Tooth Ridge?

The Trail of Tears ceremony wound to it’s conclusion. Rhiannon had followed the trail of sprinkled water that Tohmaz let drop on the boats deck as he had chanted to his Goddess.
Tohmaz was pleased that the Cleric had aided the Amazon to give the strength she needed to complete the “Rain Dance”.
Rhiannon now stood straight and strong, she was fully healed and Tohman felt the joy that he had been able to be a part of that healing.

Some of the Crusaders had joined in the dance and Tohmaz had felt the bond grow and knew now in his heart he had found his clan.

He had falsely assumed his clan had to be of the people of his tribes and now understood the words he had been taught as his Shamans pledge.

While the seven other Crusaders were still gathered Tohmas stretched out his arm and addressed them.

“ Thank you, for allowing me to aide you, I had come on the crusade to help restore the lands that have been defiled by the dark creatures that drove out my ancestors.
I believed I would never have a clan to serve and would only try to do the will of my Goddess to heal her lands and creatures.

As you have come together to help each other I now believe I see the truth of my Training.

When a member of my people chooses the way of the Shaman they are taught to lead, but not to command.

We are not battle commanders, but loyal followers that hold up those around us.
We are taught to help calm the chaos so that the way can be followed.
We are taught to advise, to heal, to comfort, to provide and to defend our clan.
We are taught to do this with the joy in our heart that comes from unselfish service.

So if you shall have me, I pledge myself to this clan of eight.

In the words of my people,

Wimachtendienk, Wingolauksik, Witahemui.
Brotherhood, Cheerfulness, Service.

Trossach couldn’t help but laugh at the Halflings comments. “And to think, all I needed to do to become a hero was to lift a corpse! A cheerful and welcoming people are always a pleasure!”

Before he could enjoy his fellow Crusader’s wit further Trossach’s attention was diverted by the local authorities. At first he was surprised to hear them both deny the dangers that had drawn the Crusaders here. Had the Crusaders not been attacked by some of these overblown dangers? But he realized that sometimes the authorities needed to maintain an image for the good of the local populace. Yet, when he looked around, there didn’t seem to be a local crowd that they were playing to . . . which left him wondering.

Trossach leaned down towards the Halfling and whispered, “I hope your kinsmen are either more honest or more intelligent, preferably both. Let us see what these others have to say when away from the Baron.”

Trossach had no further questions for the current leaders as they didn’t have much of use to say.

As they got up from their meal to move to the next stop on the local tour, Trossach moved over by Tohmaz the shaman. He was simply trying to get to know all of those in the group, and the Shaman had impressed him on the boat. “Shaman. I hope we can be the clan you spoke of. We will need each other in the days ahead, regardless of whatever these talking heads say. I admire how you honor the dead, and aid the living.”

While the seven other Crusaders were still gathered Tohmas stretched out his arm and addressed them.

“Thank you, for allowing me to aide you, I had come on the crusade to help restore the lands that have been defiled by the dark creatures that drove out my ancestors.

I believed I would never have a clan to serve and would only try to do the will of my Goddess to heal her lands and creatures.

As you have come together to help each other I now believe I see the truth of my Training.

When a member of my people chooses the way of the Shaman they are taught to lead, but not to command.

We are not battle commanders, but loyal followers that hold up those around us.
We are taught to help calm the chaos so that the way can be followed.
We are taught to advise, to heal, to comfort, to provide and to defend our clan.
We are taught to do this with the joy in our heart that comes from unselfish service.

So if you shall have me, I pledge myself to this clan of eight.
BluddGrinn was glad to hear the Shaman Tohmaz speak up about the 8 Crimson Crusaders bonding together as a clan. It was a good thing to belong to a group that was more than a group. Family is important, whether it be by blood or choice or unexpected circumstances.

The War Cleric had a history of his family being torn from him. First his parents, then his children and his wife. Over the years he grew close to his comrades while fighting the orcs and other minions of The Horned One underneath the Aratock Mountains.

Some of those comrades had died and others had gone their separate ways to either fight another foe, defend another people, or they had merely tired of the wars and battles and longed to find a place of solitude and peace where they could once again mine the earth for her precious treasures.

BluddGrinn the Grim had chosen to continue fighting and pressing deeper into the underground caverns beneath the Aratock Mountains. He had nothing or no one to live for, except the memories of what could have been, so he chose to fight on so that others could return to the foothills and resume their way of life as it had been long years before the great battles.

The Tinker had become the closest to family that BluddGrinn could call his own, providing him a much needed father figure and someone to teach him the ways of war in worship to Steel the Dwarven God of War. BluddGrinn knew in his heart of hearts that if The Tinker had not come into his life when he did, then he would not have survived much longer as he had become more reckless in his pursuit of the minions of The Horned One deep beneath the Aratock Mountains.

Now he was without The Tinker, knowing that his mentor had chosen to live out the rest of his days in peace and solitude, to find his final resting place in some secluded cavern deep beneath the Aratock Mountains. His mentor did not want BluddGrinn to spend his time taking care of an old dwarf who was slowly dying, but rather would have the young War Cleric find a group of people on the surface world to fight alongside and rid the surface world of the taint of The Horned One that was slowly but surely stretching its influence towards The Realm of New Aenochia.

The Tinker had spent considerable time teaching and instructing BluddGrinn by various examples from his own life the merits of fighting alongside others not of his own race and origins. The young War Cleric would have to find his own way upon the surface world, because his experiences deep underground would prove to be invaluable to those who Steel would lead him to join with.

Forming a new clan was now a welcome thought to BluddGrinn. The Halfling Fighter Drogo Tulk was good company and obvious to the War Cleric that his twin short swords would prove to be a valuable asset when carrying the battle against the minions of The Horned One into the crags and crevices of The Black Tooth Ridge and wherever else this company of 8 Crimson Crusaders would be led to go.

The Elf Ranger, Karvilo the Unseen, would also be a valuable ally as would the Half Orc Barbarian Trossach. BluddGrinn was certain that the Monk would prove to be a warrior of great merit and he would make sure that she was protected from further harm if at all possible.

The Rogue Brenys would also prove to be a valuable asset with the passage of time. The adversities of war would see to that and BluddGrinn had already witnessed first hand that she had a knack for being able to survive the unexpected bolts and arrows fired from unseen assailants.

The Bard Shayleigh had a charisma about her that could prove to be an invaluable leadership quality. The young War Cleric was still not certain about how much experience she had in battle, but he was a good judge of potential talent and she possessed talents that could inspire this new clan of Crimson Crusaders to rise above the circumstances and defeat any foe they could possibly face along The Black Tooth Ridge or anywhere else they were to journey to rid the evil taint from the borders of The Realm.

BluddGrinn was not eager to assert himself as a battle leader of this clan, but he would do his part to lead by example and confront any foe the 8 Crimson Crusaders would possibly face in battle, no matter where the conflict against the evil taint would take them.

This Shaman Tohmaz had asserted his leadership qualities, then quite unexpectedly announced that he too was but a follower in matters of war and battle. Support troops of Quality were a Necessity against the type of opposition the 8 Crimson Crusaders were certain to confront in and around The Black Tooth Ridge, but BluddGrinn had also considered himself to be a support warrior.

BluddGrinn the Grim was hoping that his assessment of Shayleigh Bran was true, according to what he had heard of her songs and orations during the journey up river. He was almost counting on his own instincts that she would prove to be a true Battle Bard once the 8 Crimson Crusaders were swallowed up in the shadows of The Black Tooth Ridge.

The important thing was not so much as who would lead this new clan of Crimson Crusaders, but how they would guard each other and fight for each other, no matter what impossible odds they may face or what type of foes challenged these Crimson Crusaders as they explored the lands beyond Botkinburg.

"Well Spoken Shaman!

I Am Honored You Would Have Me In Your Clan!

BluddGrinn Will Serve This Clan In Any Capacity!

I Will Gladly Fight For This Clan!

You Crimson Crusaders Are My Family Now!"
BluddGrinn the Grim felt a bit awkward trying to express himself, but he was certain that in the days ahead he would have ample opportunity to show each Crimson Crusader exactly how he felt on the inside, by his outward actions in battle and discovering gold treasure that was sure to be hidden in the dark and foreboding recesses of The Black Tooth Ridge!

Botkinburg 1pm
The Chancel
Monday, May 7, 30awd (After Winter Dark)
After excusing themselves to go attend to other daily business, each of the dignitaries went their separate ways, leaving Hermannus Tersteeg to escort the 8 Crimson Crusaders to The Chancel.

It was a short walk to The Chancel, not very conducive to the type of conversation that the adventurers were wont to engage the plump, bearded, middle aged priest to ply him further with the questions that had arisen while they dined at the House of Sludge.

Hermannus waved to the Kellers as the family of 10 were milking the dozens of dairy cows that helped supply Botkinburg with dairy products and fine cheeses. Hermannus explained that the family had cut back on their exporting to other cities, due to the dark rumors and strange circumstances that had befallen the inhabitants of Botkinburg, but he would explain no further until they were safely inside The Chancel and away from anyone who might overhear his unpopular remarks.

As the large wooden structure came into view, complete with several floors and 2 tall thin towers, the senior priest explained that all the townsfolk had helped to construct the temple, so it was a place of worship for any and all deities the individual towns people chose to worship.

Once inside, Hermannus apologized for not having a whole lot of time to spend entertaining the 8 Crimson Crusaders, mainly because they were also expected to go to The House of D'Amter and to The Swilling Swan after receiving their special gift from The Chancel priests to help defend Botkinburg.

However, he did take the time to address the questions raised at The House of Sludge. He explained that the townspeople were indeed free to roam about The Barren Wood as well as The Hruesen River. They were also free to explore The Black Tooth Ridge and hunt for treasure if they chose to do so.

But the further assessment of Volkmar Botkin was brought under severe criticism by the veteran priest. He was quick to point out that most of the towns folk would come to The Chancel to pray and petition their deities for protection. Some of the farmers even left offerings for The Fey who were known to live in The Barren Wood.

"We priests have seen roving bands of goblins wearing Red Skull Caps lurking across The Hruesen River. We have also seen glimpses of other more ominous creatures lurking about the river bank.

Farmers have definitely been plagued with the mysterious loss of their cattle and that Ogre named Kruggle has been sighted numerous times stealing pigs and fighting with those Red Caps.

I am also convinced that those missing maidens were abducted against their will. They did not run off with any handsome treasure seekers! They were kidnapped by some unknown menace and carried off into the dark confines of The Black Tooth Ridge! Fishermen have also vanished from time to time.

The Curse of the Crimson Crusaders has been perpetuated so that other adventurers will sign on with the Gold Crusaders to help protect the borders of Botkinburg, or sign on with the Emerald Crusaders to protect Botkinburg from the mysterious evils emanating from the depths of The Barren Wood.

Both the Gold and Emerald Crusaders have been killed on both sides of the river. Gideon, the amorous consort of the Lady Marchessa Fabressa, decided that the Emerald Crusaders were to patrol The Barren Wood and the Gold Crusaders were to protect Botkinburg to the north, south, east and west.

I think most of those Gold Crusaders have lost their lives fighting some unknown evil across the river in the hidden recesses of The Black Tooth Ridge, rather than disappearing to seek hidden treasures for themselves. Volkmar and the sheriff keep saying they have abandoned their posts to seek treasures.

It has also been said that the Emerald Crusaders are encountering some unknown assailants deep in The Barren Wood. Emerald Crusaders have also been disappearing and some of the survivors have reported that bolts and arrows bearing the Black Lightning insignias on their shafts have been found numerous times with evidence of a surprise attack here and there in The Barren Wood.

Again it is Volkmar and the sheriff who spread the news that the Emerald Crusaders are deserting their posts to hunt hidden treasure in The Barren Wood and the regions beyond the borders of The Realm of New Aenochia.

It must be obvious to the 8 of you Crimson Crusaders that Volkmar and the sheriff have completely ignored what happened to you and the other river boats last night when all 3 river boats were suddenly attacked by the bolts and arrows sporting the Black Lightning insignias.

But the Lady Marchessa Fabressa, Wymon Whitefoot and myself chose to refrain from arguing this point with Volkmar and the sheriff, because we understand that the unknown threats are most real, rather than imagined.

Years ago, I fought some hideous creatures roaming around The Barren Wood and The Black Tooth Ridge, but nowadays I must leave such things to younger and better equipped adventurers, such as you 8 Crimson Crusaders.

The Halfling Community has been expecting a group of unlikely heroes in the company of what they call The Halfling of Legend, but I will let you find that out for yourselves when you meet some of them over at The Swilling Swan later today.

This much I will say, we are also convinced that you 8 Crimson Crusaders are far different from those previous ranks of Crimson Crusaders, so we temple priests have a particular gift for each of you that I have been guarding until such an unlikely group of heroes would ever venture to Botkinburg."
Hermannus declared all these things to the 8 Crimson Crusaders in a large worship hall filled with benches and mats. There were no decorations to speak of other than the semi elaborate candles and candle holders spread around the perimeter of the room. Simple trappings for simple folk.

Moments later Hermannus called for his assistant priests to bring their gifts to the 8 Crimson Crusaders. There was a sound of footsteps from upstairs and Hermannus disappeared for a few minutes to bring what he too had to offer as assistance to the selected Crimson Crusaders.

Introductions with the 3 young priests were swift, but courteous, as Dionijs (wearing a scale shirt, shield, mace and spear); Bertis (wearing padded armor, shield and mace) and Maik Felder (wearing ringmail, large shield and footman's flail) presented a gift to each of 2 of the Crimson Crusaders.

Dionijs presented Karvilo and Trossach each with a Manual of Quickness of Action; Bertis presented Tohmaz and Rhiannon with a Tome of Leadership and Influence and a Manual of Gainful Exercise respectively.

Maik Felder presented Drogo Tulk and BluddGrinn a Manual of Bodily Health and a Tome of Leadership and Influence respectively; while Hermannus presented Brenys and Shayleigh a Tome of Leadership and Influence and a Manual of Quickness of Action respectively.

The 4 priests explain that each of the Tomes or Manuals will enhance a particular ability after the book has been read over a total period of 48 hours during a minimum of 6 days. Each of the priests advises the particular recipients to spend the first 8 hours of their day for the next 6 days beginning on Tuesday, May 8 reading their particular book to enhance themselves, giving them 2 days to adjust to their new enhancements before leaving Botkinburg to investigate the unknown in The Black Tooth Ridge.

The 3 young priests also verify to each of their 2 charges that the things Hermannus has spoken to them about the mysterious goings on across the river in the shadows of The Black Tooth Ridge and deep within the recesses of The Barren Wood are more real than they are imagined in spite of what others in Botkinburg would claim.

"Before you leave to receive your gift at the House of D'Amter, there are a couple of parchments that you may find of interest before embarking upon your quest. They have been in my possession for a number of years, but they obviously date back to the early years of the Winter Dark.

I have been searching scrolls and parchments in my private study to determine the fate of Botkinburg and the surrounding borders of The Realm of New Aenochia; however, no satisfactory insight or answers have been forthcoming from my efforts. Perhaps you 8 Crimson Crusaders will be able to discover something in your investigation of The Black Tooth Ridge that may shed further light upon my seeking?"
Hermannus hands a small parchment to Brenys for her to decipher the script and another comparable parchment to Shayleigh for her to do the same. First the Rogue and then the Bard decipher the scripts for all to hear:

Brenys Yan the Ruling Priest of Light soon discovered the minions of The Horned One were tunneling underneath the Aratock Mountain range to carry their destruction to the southern lands.

Orcs, goblins and other despicable vermin threatened to overrun the lands that were once fertile with vitality. Only Yan the Ruling Priest of Light was powerful enough to raise an army to confront them.

This same Yan who discovered that a full year followed a 360 degree circle consisting of 360 days, equating to 30 days each month for 12 full months or a complete 360 degree circle.

Janrulla-Yan, Februlla-Yan, Marchulla-Yan, Apprulla-Yan, Mayulla-Yan, Junulla-Yan, Jululla-Yan, Augulla-Yan, Septembrulla-Yan, Octobrulla-Yan, Novembrulla-Yan and Decembrulla-Yan were the 30 days of each month of Yan during the 360 degree cycle of a year.

Yan also determined the cycles of the moon fell upon the same days of each month as follows: Full Moon days 5-9; 3 Quarter Moon days 10-14; Half Moon days 15-19; 1 Quarter Moon days 20-24; Half Moon days 25-29 and 3 Quarter Moon days 30-4 by his royal decree.

Because the influence of Yan was so far reaching, an army was raised to prevent the minions of The Horned One from pushing further into the territories ruled by Yan It was Yan himself who led the army against the minions of The Horned One, but they were never seen or heard from again.

Fortunately the free lands of Yan remained free from the minions of The Horned One. A small price to pay for the disappearance of our ruler Yan and his followers!
This was the earliest account that any of the 8 Crimson Crusaders had ever heard for explaining the 30 days of the 12 months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December as they were now known in The Realm of New Aenochia.

BluddGrinn the Grim found this account of a tunnel underneath the Aratock Mountains especially noteworthy, for he had spent much of his young life battling those minions of The Horned One in the catacombs beneath those very mountains.

Shayleigh stepped forward and made the comment that her parchment would be of especial interest to the War Cleric and quite possibly all 8 Crimson Crusaders as she began to decipher the second script:

Shayleigh During the long years of The Winter Dark Wars one lone secret shrine to Steel the Dwarven God of War stood in opposition to the minions of The Horned One where none else existed.

For close to 500 years the Steel Shrine of the Dwarven God of War stood in hidden opposition to The Horned One from somewhere within the seclusion of The Black Tooth Ridge.

Waging a relentless war against the minions of The Horned One, this secluded Steel Shrine was a haven for War Clerics to lead the various Dwarf Clans into battle against orcs, goblins and a variety of other vermin serving The Horned One.

The spies of The Horned One finally located the secluded secret Steel Shrine and waged their own war against the War Clerics and their Dwarf Clan followers. For a period of 10 years the Dwarf Shrine was under seige by the macabre minions of The Horned One, until the ranks of the War Clerics were slowly decimated without reinforcements, cut off from other Dwarf Clans, who must also be under seige.

After the last War Cleric led a group of followers to counter attack the minions of The Horned One, an ancient holy artifact appeared in our sacred temple. Steel's Axe mysteriously appeared on one of the altars of Steel's Shrine, but no one here is able to lift it.

This plea is being sent forth by one of our most trusted miner couriers, in hopes that another War Cleric may be found who will heed our summons and locate the remnants of our sacred temple, to help rid this land of the taint of evil brought upon us by the vile minions of The Horned One.
Shayleigh turned to face BluddGrinn with her own grim visage, informing the War Cleric that as best as she could determine from the parchment, that the plea may have been sent out long before the War Cleric had been born.

She also informed BluddGrinn that she could find no clues as to the whereabouts of the secret location of the Steel Shrine that had been under seige.

But the Bard was almost certain in her own heart that the secluded Steel Shrine was hidden somewhere in the confines of The Black Tooth Ridge, not far from Botkinburg in relation to the Aratock Mountains much further away, at a strategic location where the now dead War Clerics had an advantage to wage war against the minions of The Horned One, in an effort to siphon away their forces that threatened to tunnel their way underneath the Aratock Mountains for a secret invasion into the lands to the south.

These ancient parchments were proof enough to the 8 Crimson Crusaders that a very real menace was still stalking both the surface above and the hidden crevices and fissures beneath The Black Tooth Ridge.

NOTE FROM THE CASTLE KEEPER
The Tomes and Manuals will affect the PC Players as follows: Cleric (Charisma); Fighter (Constitution); Barbarian (Dexterity); Ranger (Dexterity); Bard (Dexterity); Shaman (Charisma); Rogue (Charisma) and Monk (Strength).

Tome of Leadership and Influence This ponderous book details suggestions for persuading and inspiring others, but entwined within the words is a powerful magical effect.

If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of 6 days, they gain a permanent bonus of from +1 to +5 (depending upon the power of the tome) to his Charisma score.

Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.

Manual of Bodily Health This thick tome contains tips on health and fitness, but entwined within the words is a powerful magical effect.

If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of 6 days, they gain a permanent Constitution attribute bonus of from +1 to +5 (depending on the power of the manual).

Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.

Manual of Gainful Exercise This thick tome contains exercise descriptions and diet suggestions, but entwined within the words is a powerful magical effect.

If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of 6 days, they gain a permanent attribute bonus of from +1 to +5 (depending on the power of the manual) to their Strength score.

Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.

Manual of Quickness of Action This thick tome contains tips on coordination exercises and balance, but entwined within the words is a powerful magical effect.

If anyone reads this book, which takes a total of 48 hours over a minimum of 6 days, they gain a permanent attribute bonus of from +1 to +5 (depending on the power of the manual) to their Dexterity score.

Once the book is read, the magic disappears from the pages and it becomes a normal book.

Please Remember that You Still Have Time to do some Back Posting reflections on what has transpired thus far in our adventure.

In a couple of days I will post what transpires at The House D'Amter.