Leather Coats Avengers
Cast & Characters Rextugenous [played by Hammer] a level 5 (Human) Paladin, Wizard, Bard who worships Brigit
Danamar Maeleneill [played by Raven] a level 5 (Elf) Druid, Ranger who worships Oercus
Toraad Ovmek [played by Tuned_Out] a level 5 (Dwarf) Cleric, Monk who worships Steel
Sir Calmindon Jorralan [played by Ziklag] a level 5 (Half Elf) Knight, Illusionist who worships Araulin

Previously in Leather Coats Avengers As they made their way along the wagon trail, each LC Avenger recounted what had transpired earlier that morning, but the fate of the sword was not yet mentioned.

Toraad took up a position to the left of the front of the wagon, while Sir Cal chose to ride alongside the wagon to the right of Danamar, mustering up a plausible explanation as to what had happened to his prized sword during their brief battle against the Goblins.

If either Rex or Danamar had noticed the absence of his sword, neither said a word, much to the uncomfortable relief of Sir Cal; who was thankful that for all the teasing he had endured from Toraad, the Dwarf had not mentioned his embarrassment of the sword imbedded in the tree.

However, they were drawing near to where Sir Cal would have to mention the fact that he needed some help to retrieve his sword. In fact, it was just around the next bend in the wagon trail, that Sir Cal would have to speak up and swallow his pride, in favor of regaining his precious sword.

Time seemed to stand still for Sir Cal as they slowly rounded the bend, but before he was able to muster up the courage to admit that his sword was stuck in a tree, the adventurers were confronted by a roadblock that had not been in evidence earlier that morning.

There in their path stood what appeared to be an old gnarled tree, blocking the wagon trail, with no possible way around it.

Curiously, in its branches were not only the remains of Toraad's Javelins, but the precious sword of Sir Cal, that when last seen by the Dwarf and the Half Elf, had been deeply imbedded in a tree!

Rex pulled at the reins to stop the horses, as Danamar lightly touched the right shoulder of the Paladin/Wizard/Bard, before leaping from the wagon for a closer look.

Toraad and Sir Cal were completely befuddled at the odd sight of this out of place tree, clutching not only the remains of the Javelins, but the seemingly undamaged Sword that Sir Cal so desperately wanted to retrieve from the battle site.

Suddenly, the branches made a sweeping gesture, casting the weapons in the direction of the somewhat astonished LC Avengers!

"They be sticks he says!"
A Final Toast
City of Lasch
Dragon Claw Inn
Early Evening on Friday
March 30, 212awd (After Winter Dark)
There was standing room only at the Dragon Claw Inn as the patrons crowded together to get a final look at the former stranger who had become a 'family fixture' feature fan favorite, since fulfilling his employment with Fredrico and Lars Fortunato.

Rextugenous stood before the crowd with his hands upraised as they cheered his final appearance at the Dragon Claw Inn. A black handled Whip with a Raven insignia was clenched between his teeth as he worked the crowd into a cheering frenzy as he took center stage.

Rextugenous accomplished this by removing the handle from his mouth and rapidly cracking the length of the 15-foot range Whip in a circular motion over his head several times.

A Knife was sheathed on the outside of his left reddish tan colored boot and a Dagger was sheathed on the outside of his right boot.

A Throwing Axe hung from a loop on the left side of his tan leather coat and a Short Sword hung from another loop on the right side. No weapons were secreted inside his breeches or shirt underneath his leather coat, but a 12 inch Wooden Wand with a Raven insignia was secured in an inside pocket of his leather coat that rested over his heart.

Slung over his back was a quiver full of cross bow bolts, as was a Light Cross Bow. When necessary, there was room for his Whip to be secured in the quiver when he needed his hands to be free for whatever needed attending to.

Rextugenous began introducing each member of his 'Family' as the crowd roared their approval with each introduction:

"Baby is my Knife who is useful in many ways
Dinky is my Dagger who protects me and slays
Edge is my Throwing Axe who provides an edge when I have needs
Shorty is my Short Sword who cuts through evil deeds
Wanda is my Magic Wand who surprises enemies galore
Sweetie is my Light Cross Bow with her sweet surprise in store
Duke is my Whip who lashes quite a breeze
Family one and all who fight my enemies"
Rextugenous took a bow and demonstrated the prowess of each of his Family members without endangering any of the patrons who crowded inside the Dragon Claw Inn to witness the final drama of the beloved Bard.

He even took the time to allow the more inquisitive patrons to squeeze their way through the crowd for a closer look at his 'Family' and to actually respectfully touch one or more of them as Rextugenous cocked his head in such a way that his eye patch with the black Raven insignia seemed to stare right through the thoughts and intents of their souls.

His purpose was to survey the crowd and set most of the patrons at ease with his light hearted banter, because what he was about to do next would possibly unnerve even the bravest of men.

Rextugenous waved to the crowd as he took his place once more at center stage, gathering 4 familiar bags and laying them at his feet, before revealing the hidden contents for all to see.

They were the heads of the Leather Coats, now layered ceremoniously with Lime, that he had sworn to take into battle northward to Avenge the Leather Coats for their untimely demise!

Many in the crowd shuddered involuntarily as the Bard held each of the heads for all to see, then carefully laid them back to rest inside their individual bags of Lime.

"These be the heads of an unfortunate four
They who were friends are alive no more
Now they are Tathlum weapons as you can see
Projectiles to hurl at enemies they shall be
A Darkness stretches upon the land
Guided by some unseen hand
I made a promise and a decree
To help those in danger to remain free
Whatever evil and whatever dread
Will be confronted by each hurled head
I will carry them day and night
To join with me in one last fight
Against evil minions causing fear and fright
I will hurl them with all my might
They will journey with me to a northern land
Where forces for good must make a stand
To remove the taint of evil foes
To stand as lights where darkness grows
Those who heed this call may never return
To land and loved ones for whom they yearn
This journey may be hard and may be long
Filled with adventures one day set to song
You may stay or you may go
Armed for victory over dreadful foe
Choose this day to stay or ride
Who to fight with side by side
There are those who quake and fear
As evil draws closer and ever near
You must decide where to make a stand
Be it familiar ground or far away land
Where I go no one really knows
As I take the fight to unknown foes
Yet this one thing I know for sure
Good over evil must endure
So my 'Family' and I will do our part
As will others who are stout of heart"
A sobering hush fell across the crowd as the impact of his words drove home the seriousness of the situation that confronted the inhabitants of the City of Lasch.

For the past 3 weeks Rextugenous and his companions Danamar, Toraad and Sir Cal had recounted their adventures over countless tankards of ale to any and all who would dare gather to listen to their tales of adventure, for the price of a gold coin and free flowing Elven Ale.

The current 'crowd favorite' was the humorous recounting of their encounter with Treghnar the Treant, who had confronted the adventurers on their way back to the City of Lasch with the recovered wagon, filled with unknown treasure that the Halfling Dragons, Drog and Seg Kargar, had unsuccessfully tried to hijack a few weeks ago.

The reactions of Toraad and especially Sir Cal did not need much embellishment, as the Treant had thrown their weapons at their feet, with the now famous exclamation "They be sticks he says!"
Tense moments gave way to Danamar diplomatically explaining to the Treant the cause for the weapons, especially the sword stuck in the tree, before Treghnar hailed Rextugenous with the following message:

"There Be a Great Evil Spreading Like a Plague in the Region Once Protected by the Leather Coats Avengers!

I Hear the Wail of the Trees as Tormented Souls!

You Are Needed in the North Country ... Oh Leather Coat Avenger!"
Rextugenous let his words sink deep for a few moments more, then he lifted Duke out of his bolt quiver and cracked the Whip several times to break the somber mood of the crowd, lifting their spirits once more with a poem dedicated to his deity.

"Let me tell you of a maiden fair
Not a mortal and oh so rare
She imparts inner strength when I might yield
To stronger forces on the battle field
She inspires me in the battle fire
Her voice speaks to me as an angel choir
When the battle rages for far too long
I am blest to hear her victory song
When I seem to be succumbing to an evil might
I take courage at her sight
For as I fight inspired with battle poem
In the distance I see her roam
As I fight on she draws ever near
Assuring me there is nothing to fear
Brigit is such a lovely sight to behold
In the midst of battle she never grows old
No matter what danger there is to beware
Brigit my Brigit will fight with me there
No matter how weary my flesh or my bone
I know that my Brigit will not leave me alone"
Rextugenous bowed to one knee with his arms outstretched, signifying that his final performance at the Dragon Claw Inn had come to an encouraging conclusion, offering the patrons hope that his deity would watch over him and quite possibly allow him to one day return to the City of Lasch.

Spontaneous applause erupted as the Bard rose to his feet and waved to the crowd, drinking in their appreciation. He would remember the faces of each one, vowing inwardly to take the battle against the evil taint far from this place, in hopes that they would be able to defend themselves during his absence.

It was an awkward moment for the Bard, but he raised his arms once more towards the adoring crowd, then bowed once more as they cheered and called his name, before addressing them with these final words, before rejoining his friends at a private table.

"Now is the time for me to begin my journey north ... I thank one and all for your patronage ... tomorrow is the beginning of a new month ... and my 'Family' and I are needed elsewhere ... as are my companions in battle!

Roving bandits are an increasing threat ... Unknown Evil lurks to the north ... Rumors of sinister activity ... a taint of evil ... spreading from somewhere ... beyond the city of Lasch ... threaten the safety of peace loving people ... everywhere!

My companions have a stout heart for adventure ... we will travel north beyond the City of Lasch to oppose these threats ... the Fortunato wagons are secure ... and our bonus has been paid ... Now we will Avenge the Leather Coats!"
Rextugenous nodded to his companions in battle, who now sported two curiously carved rings, one on each of their hands, as did the Bard, from the Fortunato treasure wagon as had been promised.

Their pouches were also filled with several gold coins; plus a few choice emeralds, rubies and pearls that the Fortunato brothers had insisted were well earned for their part in delivering each of the 3 wagons safely to the City of Lasch.

The Leather Coats Avengers huddled together at a private table at the back of the Dragon Claw Inn, toasting their good fortune, while preparing themselves for a new adventure on the morrow!

This Concludes the Journey to the City of Lasch, as Enjoyed by the Active Players and Lurkers at the Inn!

Leather Coats Avengers
Cast & Characters Rextugenous [played by Hammer] a level 5 (Human) Paladin, Wizard, Bard who worships Brigit
Danamar Maeleneill [played by Raven] a level 5 (Elf) Druid, Ranger who worships Oercus
Toraad Ovmek [played by Tuned_Out] a level 5 (Dwarf) Cleric, Monk who worships Steel
Sir Calmindon Jorralan [played by Ziklag] a level 5 (Half Elf) Knight, Illusionist who worships Araulin
Jym Enen [played by Odyson] a level 5 (Gnome) Fighter, Assassin who worships Maddi Gaddlroot
Godwin Bale [played by Jozan1] a level 5 (Human) Fighter, Rogue who worships Nalshee

Previously in Leather Coats Avengers Welcome Back to Both Old and New Lurkers!

As you may have noticed, we now have 2 New Players joining the Party!

Give it up for Ody and Jozan, as they add their talents to help make The Leather Coats Avengers an even Greater Legendary Tale!

Plus, offer up another Round of Applause for Raven, Ziklag, Tuned_Out and Hammer; as they help raise the bar higher for more awesome, unexpected, unforeseen surprises and excitement, thrills, chills and spills; to Astound and Astonish You Lurkers , over the course of this Epic Adventure!

I suggest reading the Previous Posts to get a pulse beat for the background, settings and origins of this adventure (including Heroes ... Villains ... etc) before heading back out on the trail towards the City of Chinon with The Leather Coats Avengers!

On the Horizon
Along the Trail to the City of Chinon
Mid Day on Monday
April 3, 212awd (After Winter Dark)
It was now the third day on the trail from the City of Lasch to the City of Chinon.

Ordinarily, by this time, Rextugenous and his Leather Coats Avengers would have been feasting and enjoying the rewards of another successful mission; however, they were now leading a small army along the winding trail between Lasch and Chinon.

These Plains between the City of Lasch and the City of Chinon are a bit rougher and much hillier than the Plains Terrain between the City of Sherrill and the City of Lasch.

There was evidence of strange tracks and animal remains here and there as the small army slowly made its way towards its destination. Evidence of broken wagon parts; evidence of orcs and goblin tracks mixed with decaying body parts; evidence of human remains, along with horses hoof prints criss crossing the trail from time to time, mixed with tell tale boot prints; plus broken bits of swords, arrows, bolts and discarded bows bore evidence to the blood soaked ground by which the small army passed.

It was also strange that there were no birds or animals seen roaming the Prairie as in times past. Not even any evidence of buzzards seeking the foul flesh of rotting corpses that may be hidden from the view of those passing along the trail to the City of Chinon.

Rextugenous reflected upon how he and his LC Avengers companions had come to be in the company of this small army, as they slowly made their way towards Chinon.

The last night that the Bard had stirred the patrons with his inspiring oratory, word had come that merciless bandits were now making it virtually impossible for wagon caravans to pass between Lasch and Chinon, without being violated or worse.

Chinon was in desperate need of reinforcements, so the Fortunato Brothers asked The Leather Coats Avengers to drive two wagons to the City of Chinon. One loaded with weapons; such as, bows, arrows, cross bows, bolts, swords, shields, spears etc to help defend the city.

The other wagon loaded with fine linens, trinkets and other assorted goods was to be delivered in behalf of the Fortunato Brothers to a fellow merchant in Chinon.

Reports of Bandit Raiders and Rumors of Vile Creatures seen roaming the Prairie between the two cities of commerce, was steadily choking the local population with a suffocating fear of the unknown.

A steady stream of mercenaries stopped by the table where Rextugenous and his LC Avengers were assembled, pledging to travel with them to the City of Chinon to rid the region of whatever evil was choking the life and dreams of the local citizens throughout the land.

Rextugenous, Danamar, Toraad and Sir Cal were soon joined at the table by a Gnome named Jym Enen and a Human named Godwin Bale. After several drinks, the newcomers were welcomed into the inner circle of The Leather Coats Avengers.

The Fortunato Brothers had rewarded the foursome with 50 gold coins, 5 pearls, 5 rubies and 5 emeralds. The gems were small enough for the adventurers to hold in one open hand, but not with a clenched fist.

These were their reward for restoring the stolen Treasure Wagon back to the possession of Fredrico and Lars Fortunato; plus they were each given 2 rings.

Rextugenous recognized the rings had magical properties and told his companions that one of them was a Ring of Sustenance, but he refrained from revealing the nature of the other rings in their possession.

He also noted aloud that Jym and Godwin each wore a Ring of Sustenance, but again refrained from revealing the natures of the other rings they wore.

By mutual consent, it was agreed upon that Godwin would drive the wagon laden with the linens and other commercial goods; while Rextugenous would drive the weapons wagon. Toraad agreed to ride shotgun with Rex, while Jym chose to accompany Godwin.

Danamar was content to walk ahead of the wagons, while Sir Cal was free to ride where he chose, keeping close watch for any signs of enemy activity, but mostly to determine if those who chose to travel with them to Chinon could be trusted.

On Saturday, April 1, the LC Avengers got off to a late start, because the unexpected arrival of 50+ mercenary men and a dozen or so more mercenary women made it virtually impossible to keep either a strict time schedule, or a strict travel pace.

What was determined by Sir Cal that first day, was that although there were more than a few unsavory types among the volunteers; no one seemed inclined to be a thief or intent to steal any of the precious cargo bound for the City of Chinon.

That evening around the campfire, it was agreed upon by the six adventurers, that there were no secret spies in cahoots with any Bandit Raiders, nor were any of the mercenaries secreting any threats.

All had volunteered to help aid and defend the City of Chinon in its apparent hour of need, stirred and bolstered by the inspiring oratory of Rextugenous the previous evening.

So this small army was seemingly in no hurry to traverse the 35 mile distance between the City of Lasch and the City of Chinon. They were intent and content to examine the Prairie on both sides of the trail; ready, willing and able to confront and eliminate any evil threats along the way.

Towards the end of Day 2 on the Open Plain, far to the west of the trail there appeared to be a gnarled old tree that reminded the LC Avengers of their encounter with Treghnar the Treant, inspiring the foursome to swap tales with their 2 new companions as they made camp for the night.

Soon the small army was abuzz with the sounds of merriment as each mercenary did his or her best to outdo the accounts of fearless adventuring that one or another of their compatriots boasted of round about the camp fires on either side of the trail.

Guards were stationed on Sentry Duty at strategic points round about the camp, but no one ventured far away from their mercenary brethren. Night Vision was sufficient to keep a secure watch, while members of the small army were content to gather around the fires and swap tales with meat and ales.

There was no evidence of wolves on the prowl. No strange red eyes could be seen afar off in the distance, no matter which direction one with keen perception chose to scrutinize.

All seemed to be calm ... too calm!

In the late hours of that second night, when most of the mercenaries had drifted off to sleep, an almost imperceptible sound of strange, agonized cries drifted upon the chill wind from an undetermined distance. Both to the east ... and to the west ... of their camp.

As the rays of daylight stretched its infant fingers, heralding the dawning of a new day, anyone who chose to notice would remark that the old gnarled tree that was seen from a distance to the west the previous evening, was no where to be seen, in any direction!

So as sleep was chased from their eyes, most thought it must have been an illusion from the previous evening, after a tedious march during the greater part of the day. It was as if the tree were never there on the plain in the first place.

After a hearty breakfast, the small army broke camp, resuming their relentless, yet vigilant, slow march towards the City of Chinon. At their present rate of progress, they might be fortunate to arrive at Chinon by perhaps the next day, or the day after.

By mid day, the small army had encountered the first of a series of tiresome hills, about 15 miles or so from Chinon.

Pacing themselves, ever vigilant to their surroundings, the small army set themselves to the task of traversing the series of hills that stretched before them, ever mindful and wary of possible ambush along the way.

As they made their way up yet another rough obstacle along the trail to the City of Chinon, an ominous plume of smoke could be seen rising up from beyond a distant hill.

Attention Players ... This is the Time to Post Your Character Reflections and Your Back History Where Applicable!

Attention Lurkers ... Gather Your Refreshments and Settle In for Another Wild Ride!

To watch the Gnome move about the fort you would never have known the time and effort required to get him to this point. A little over a year ago Jym Enen , that’s what he calls himself now, had been brought to fort by one the regular patrols. They had encountered an encamped band of renegade Gnolls. Most of the Gnolls successfully fled but a few unwisely attacked the patrol, believing they were the superior number. As the patrol was cleaning up the Gnoll camp they found a bundle containing what was surely to had been intended to be the Gnoll’s next meal.

The naked Gnome they found bound and gagged had been severely beaten. His skill was crushed, nearly all his limbs broken and several large gashes crudely covered so as to keep his juices in long enough to keep the meat fresh. The patrol was amazed too that this pulp was still live. The best the healer could do in the field was to closed the wounds and relieve as much of the pain as he could. The patrol carried the Gnome back to the fort where he was places in the infirmary. The fort log listed him as GMNN 49269, that being Gnome Male, No Name and the log number 49269.

The healers were able to keep him alive. They worked long to set his bones and close the seeping gashes. The disfigured creature didn’t regain consciousness for two weeks. When it came to it opened its eyes but there was little spark in the pale blue that stared out. Several more weeks passed before its jaw was healed enough to move. The healer asked him, “Gnome, it is a wonder you are still with us, could you tell me your name?”

A great look of concern flashed across the Gnome’s face. Barely able to form words the Gnome mumbled back, “No.” It became clear to the healer through the rest of his questions that the Gnome seemed to have no memory of his life before he had opened his eyes in the infirmary.


The next week they worked to help the Gnome use his hands again. Bringing him a knife and small chunks of wood he grasped and moved them in tortured hands and fingers that had been broken in an attempt to remove a plain silver ring and an old worn indistinguishable signet ring. The craving provided enough effort to build his dexterity and control. The healers were also delighted by the skill and craftsmanship as the wood became beautiful items.

Then they brought stones and tools; he needed to build more strength touch to split and shape the stone into anything other than a pile of rubble. But little by little raw stone turn to fine gem. There were many skills buried in that body with the locked mind.

It was decided to get him up and move him about. The legs that had been bent and broken were now straight but had no strength to hold even a Gnome. Daily he hobbled to the blacksmith’s barn; there he was given small tasks to force him to lift, walk, swing and do other thing to build the muscles that had been bruised and torn. When the smith started to teach him how to shape and form metal with heat and hammer, the Gnome quickly proved as skilled here as he was with the knife and wood or chisel and stone.

Many months passed and the Gnome worked for smithy. His skill at repairing and making tools brought many to the smith, because what the Gnome wrought seldom broke, retained its shape and was always a finer tool than what been brought in for repair. The smith was pleased as he grew wealthier.

As the Gnomes renown spread, soldiers soon started to bring their blades to him for repair. What he couldn’t repair he forged anew. His skill with wood lead to him to repair and fashion bows, crossbows, bolts and arrows. Before long even the Dwarves and Elves in the fort were impressed with what the Gnome could do with iron and wood. The soldier taught the Gnome how to use the weapons he was to repair and his skill with sword and bow were soon equal to his skill with hammer and tong.

Now over a year later that broken mass of flash and bone was strong, deft, agile and skilled. He stood straight; he was tall for Gnome, reaching nearly four foot. His neatly trimmed brown bread covered the scars on the face, his pale blue eyes were clear and sharp. The jaunty brown leather hat he had become known for wearing was tilted down some on the right to cover his dented skull. He dressed plainly, the simple shirt, waist coat and breeches fit him well. Perfectly balanced throwing knives he had crafted were well concealed. An unassuming short sword hung from his hip, another amazing example of the craft he had developed as an arms man. He always appeared neat. He was an amiable fellow, always asking questions.

He had come back from a near horrific death. But he also had said how miserable it is not knowing who he was, what he was and where he had come from. He looked for a chance to venture and discover who was Jym Enen.

After packing his few belongings Jym made his rounds to tell his friends he leaving to find his answers. The garrison’s commander told him of a small group of adventures that had taken up a cause as the Leather Coat Avengers. They might be in need of person with Jym’s skills and that they might be able to help find his answers. He told Jym they could be found in the City of Lasch and that there was a patrol heading there today and that he could travel with them.

Arriving in Lasch Jym found it easy to locate the adventurers, people couldn’t stop talking about their achievements. Making his way to the Dragon Claw Inn he found the four seated at what may have been their usual table.

Approaching the table he nodded to the group, “I have been told that I might find the ones known as the Leather Coat Advenger here at the Dragons Claw and you fit their description. The commander of the garrison told me that might you be in need of one with fighting skills support your cause. I am Jym Enen, I would ask to join your group. I am man with no past. I have no memory of my life before the past year. So you would have to take me as I am. I hope that as we travel I might discover more of who I am. But I would pledge to you now that I, Jym Enen, will serve your cause. So if you let sit with I will buy you a round and you ask me all you can and I will tell you all I know.”

Setting his pack on the floor Jym waved to serving girl to fetch a round. As the ale flowed Jym told them the story of his attack and recovery.