Adventure took place November 21, 1999

The crashed and beaten party starts to head out leaving the abandoned fishing village behind.

DMaster: You have been walking north for about 10 hours, you are all exhausted and hungry, You stop to eat, drink, rest and take a squirt.

Vulcuran: I think we will hunt, I’ll get Krinus so we can get going.

DMaster: Krinus is sitting down nibbling on some cold fish. He has a sour look on his face

Vulcuran: VUL: Why the face Krinus.

DMaster: KRI: This fish is horrible!

Vulcuran: VUL: We all have to deal with this, three star. Attention!

DMaster: KRI: Yes M’Lord.
He stands straight up sending his food to the ground.

Vulcuran: VUL: Clean up, join me afterwards
Turn and walk to the most dense part of the forest, trees, area.

DMaster: Plugr gives you a look. You turn to say something to him but he is already looking at you. Hands you a bow that has seen better days.
PLUG: These are the only two bows we have and we have limited arrows. I will watch over our group while you are hunting.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you. Wish us luck.

DMaster: PLUG: Wish’s are like…

Vulcuran: VUL: PLUGR!
Chuckle. Give him a playful eyebrow raise.

DMaster: He just smirks a bit. Turns and is looking to get people ready. You and Krinus set off into the scarce wooded area. A tree every 3-4 feet. There is barely any cover and the night will be coming on fairly soon, it is about 4:30-5:00 PM.

Vulcuran: Well we will search for food.

DMaster: Yeah you pass by a McDonalds…

Vulcuran: HA HA real funny. Ill stop for the 2 for $2 burger.

DMaster: KRI: M’lord I think we are making to much noise for any animals to approach
He looks around scouting the area.
KRI: Do you want to find a spot to squat?

Vulcuran: VUL: Squat???

DMaster: Looks at you with one eyebrow raised
KRI: Hide and wait, sire.

Vulcuran: VUL: Yes, you are right. It’s gonna get dark soon probably. I guess we don’t have much of a choice.

DMaster: KRI: I saw a spot farther back.
Thumbs in that direction.

Vulcuran: VUL: Lead on.

DMaster: You two squat behind decent brush and wait. One hour passes. Nothing. Another hour. Nothing.

Vulcuran: VUL: (Whispering) Maybe we should move on.

DMaster: KRI: Patience is a virtue, if we move it would of been all for naught (quietly)
It’s dark now after 7:30PM, and thankfully two moons are almost full, the third is hidden. There is plenty of light.

Vulcuran: I’ll wait, getting impatient.

DMaster: After another hour, movement is heard in the distance to the west of you.

Vulcuran: which way did we come in?

DMaster: You were moving east to west, the noise is coming from the west north west.

Vulcuran: Get my arrow ready.

DMaster: Krinus has already pulled his bow back and is ready to fire.
KRI: Fire at will sire? (quietly)

Vulcuran: VUL: let it get close enough, but yes, if you have a good shot at it, then fire.

DMaster: KRI: Ok, M’lord.

DMaster: After a few minutes the noise gets into the light. It’s a decent sized black bear.

Vulcuran: VUL: Oh, this is going to be interesting.
Say this softly with a smile.

DMaster: KRI: Its food, bear meat is meat (quietly)

Vulcuran: VUL: Agreed, we fire in 3,2,1
Pull back my bow and aim.

DMaster: You both send the arrows flying, Krinus hits the bear square in the skull through his left eyeball. Yours is off a bit pinning the poor bear’s paw to the tree.

Vulcuran: VUL: Damn!

DMaster: The bear starts thrashing around. It’s a good 50 feet away.

Vulcuran: keep real quiet and string up another arrow as fast as possible. Shoot.

DMaster: Krinus launches another one, whizzing over the bears head as it is frantically ripping it’s paw off the tree.
KRI: Bullocks!
Thud! You hit his shoulder. The bear flops on the ground and is writhing in pain. Krinus launches another one. It hits with a thud right on the top of the bear’s head. The bear suddenly stops moving.

Vulcuran: Creep out of the brush and watch the bear for breathing or movements.

DMaster: Krinus rolled a 20 over 20hp of damage. There is no breathing.

Vulcuran: Walk over there to keep an eye on his stomach for any rises and falls.

DMaster: Nope. none.
KRI: He’s dead.

Vulcuran: VUL: and you haven’t been promoted more? Clever deduction.

DMaster: Krinus is speechless, giving you a wide eyed look.

Vulcuran: I’ll go over to the bear and see how heavy it is.

DMaster: The bear is the size of two husky men, so that’s pretty much the weight. It is about 350-400 pounds, to your estimates.

Vulcuran: VUL: Grab one of its arm. Luckily this is not full grown otherwise we would have issues. But we should not linger, I am sure he has friends that will come looking for him soon.
Grab an arm and start pulling.

DMaster: KRI: M’Lord.
He is pulling too. You and Krinus after a good hour of dragging it to the party, just outside the scarce forest area. Once they see you, a few people come over to help.

Vulcuran: VUL: Report.

DMaster: PLUG: SHHHH (in whisper) there are people up ahead, I’m not sure who or what they are. They have torches and are slowly walking along.

Vulcuran: VUL: Dammit (quiet) How long they been walking? Any idea where they are going?

DMaster: PLUG: Just happened about 5 minutes ago. They don’t look hostile from this distance.

Vulcuran: VUL: then we stay put, get the men in front of the women and have them on guard.

DMaster: The slow moving line of people or whoever, gets closer and closer. Do you do anything else before they get closer?

Vulcuran: Yes, I will draw my sword, in case of a quick melee attack, but keep it down so as not to be in a threatening manner. Stand in the front and wait.

DMaster: You stand in front of your men and women. The “caravan” I’ll call it, gets into view. There are two skinny men leading the group, every other person has a torch. The two men look extremely frightened seeing you. They seem to be frozen with fear.

Vulcuran: VUL: My apologies, bothering you on such a night. But the need is necessary.

DMaster: The two men continue to be frozen except for the exchange of looks between them.

Vulcuran: I will sheath my sword. Then I will approach them, slowly.

DMaster: They seem taken back by you and your royal -tattered- outfit. Plugr is right behind you and he is in his Knight armor. Your men are all geared up, so you are a bit intimidating.

Vulcuran: I will keep my hands were they can see them then say:
VUL: I am in need of some shelter and possibly some water. Can I bother you for some directions, or maybe we can follow you to your destination?

DMaster: The one man speaks.
MAN: Please don’t hurt us, take what you want, we will not resist.
He offers the bag he carries.

Vulcuran: VUL: Good man. I am only in need of shelter, and maybe water. That is all.

DMaster: They look at each other, most of the caravan is quietly talking.
PLUG: (whispers) I don’t think these are the sharpest swords in the Armory.

Vulcuran: VUL: Not the time, Knight.
Glancing back, then back to them.
VUL: Shelter. Water. Us.
Make some movements showing what we need, maybe in sign language of sorts.

DMaster: The two men exchange glances for the 5th time.
MAN: Alright then, we just want to pass without incident, I don’t think we will be able to help you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Really? Shelter? A hut? A house? Tent? Cave? Maybe a little squirt of water?
Get frustrated.
VUL: Water at least?

DMaster: Both the men give you a look that tells you they are doing this for a reason. They shake their head.
MAN: Let us pass, and you can be on your way.
He starts to walk pass, stops only a moment
MAN: Not a good idea to come with us, sorry. (quietly)
Plugr looks at you, eyes bulge a little, then shrugs his shoulders.

Vulcuran: VUL: Very well… be on your way.

DMaster: MAN: Best wishes.
They keep moving.

Vulcuran: Point at Plugr, eyes turn to slits.
VUL: Not a word about wishes!

DMaster: He gives you a look, chuckles.
PLUG: That was interesting, wonder what they were carrying? Why did he say that?

Vulcuran: VUL: (quietly) Not sure. I think we should follow them anyway.

DMaster: Plugr gets a shit eating grin on his face
PLUG: Agreed, they have to be heading somewhere, and there is a good amount of them too.

Vulcuran: VUL: We will wait for them to get out of sight, enough to watch the torches to be seen. Then we move out.

DMaster: You wait for 10 minutes and you head out following the dotted red marks of torches lit in the distance. You follow that South for another half and they take a sharp turn to the west.

Vulcuran: Keep following

DMaster: After another hour of walking, everyone is tired, the Bear is getting heavy. 3-4 men are carrying it, and everyone is hungry. They are grumbling about backtracking and everything else.

Vulcuran: VUL: Dammit. The middle of the fucking night, just wandering around, you’d think they would of had shelter close by.
Say that softly.

DMaster: PLUG: Hmmm, I think they reached their destination, sire.
They are heading for a village of sorts, some lights are apparent, but it’s hard to tell the size or anything, except it’s a dwelling at least. As you close in on the village, it appears to be a smaller village, a couple dozen huts scatter the outskirts while maybe 50 surround a large hill. On that hill a spooky looking castle or stronghold if you will be on top. It seems to overlook the area.

Vulcuran: VUL: Let’s stand pat for a short time. Then me and Plugr will head in and investigate.
Start barking out orders.

DMaster: PLUG: Man I need to eat, my stomach is getting so small I’m going to poop it out.

Vulcuran: VUL: Nice Plugr, thanks for that visual

DMaster: You wait for a while, then you and Plugr walk into the village, the outer huts and houses seem abandoned while only a few have lights on.

Vulcuran: Keep the party to the outskirts, tell all of them:
VUL: at the first sign of trouble, run away.
keep on the path.

DMaster: The closer you get in the more concentrated the huts are, a few people poke their head out. It’s about 9:30PM in now compared to your time. A few people stroll along the roads, a few stop and watch you pass, stunned that you are here. Fear in their eyes.
PLUG: Not sure what to think. all these people are pretty skinny and down right ugly.

Vulcuran: VUL: Alright. Lets stop.
Look around.
VUL: Thoughts?

DMaster: PLUG: It looked like some huts and houses on the outskirts are empty.
He thumbs back.

Vulcuran: VUL: I noticed too. I am really interested in that stronghold. Let’s move closer a bit. Keep your eyes peeled, this is weird, we need to keep on point.

DMaster: PLUG: Will do.
He moves with you. You two walk through the village, a lot of people look at you as you walk by, they all get out of your way. It’s like they have never seen someone before.

Vulcuran: Look around, point to the stronghold.
VUL: Fuck it, let’s go to the stronghold. I’m starving, the sooner we get a place to stay the sooner we can get this bear cooked.

DMaster: You are about 50 yards from it when the gate starts to slowly open. At first you thought it was the wind. But after a few seconds, you realize it is moving on its own.

Vulcuran: VUL: Plugr. Tell me you are seeing this. Couldn’t be the wind, right?

DMaster: PLUG: Yup. Kind of creeping me out.

Vulcuran: VUL: That is either really good or a really bad sign.
keep walking, slowly.

DMaster: The double doors open behind the gate. A figure appears, you’re about 25 yards away.

Vulcuran: I continue walking a bit slower keeping my hand on my sword.

DMaster: PLUG: I’m not liking this too much. I sense something is not right, we are being watched. Never thought this Knight training would pay off. but I feel eyes from all sides.

Vulcuran: Slow down considerably, keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

DMaster: The figure appears to be a old man with a nice outfit on. A typical butler if you will.

Vulcuran: Slowly walk up to him.
VUL: Greetings.

DMaster: The old man smiles
OLD MAN: Please, Please come in. He nods and opens his arms to show you can go in.

Vulcuran: VUL: May I ask who the host of this fine establishment is?

DMaster: PLUG: (perplexed) Yeah.
OLD MAN: I will allow our Mistress to introduce herself.
You too go in and stand in what seems to be an entrance to this castle. In front of you are giant stone stairs leading up to a 2nd level, that second level has a balcony. Below to the left is a double door as well as a double door to the right. There is a passageway leading to the left and that is where the old man went.

Vulcuran: I guess I’ll wait, but be on my toes.

DMaster: You are really hungry and tired, so is Plugr. A figure appears at the top of the stairs.

Vulcuran: Keep a close eye on it, be prepared.

DMaster: PLUG: Jeez, it’s a woman.

Vulcuran: VUL: It is?
Look up to the 2nd floor.

DMaster: yes…She walks down the stairs in a black colored dress. Her titties practically popped out. She glides down the staircase as if she didn’t need her feet to move. She is wearing a gold mask, but you can see her emerald green eyes and straight fire brown hair.

Vulcuran: VUL: uh… hehe. ummm….

DMaster: Plugr glances at you, rolls his eyes a bit.
LADY: I see you’re looking for shelter, for say… 30 people?

Vulcuran: VUL: Yes M’lady, we are
Raise an eyebrow.

DMaster: LADY: Oh, very Polite too

Vulcuran: VUL: My name is…

DMaster: LADY: Duke of Camerondale I presume, and this spark plug is a Knight of the 1st Order. He can wait outside.

Vulcuran: VUL: pardon me for asking M’lady but how would you know that. Why does my Knight have to wait outside?

DMaster: She smiles softly, swaggering sexily over to you.
WOMAN: Because I asked.
Everything seems effortless except she glances at Plugr, her eyes flair a bit, grit her teeth.

Vulcuran: stay where I am
VUL: Plugr, outside.

DMaster: PLUG: M’Lord?
Gives you a strange look, eyes wide.
LADY: You heard your duke, outside.
She points to the door. The older man, opens the door looking at the Knight.
PLUG: Yell if you need help.
He slowly walks out the door. Then she approaches you.
LADY: I know a lot of things, surprised you survived the wreck. I sense a healer among you. One of the best kind, from the heart of nature and her soul.

Vulcuran: VUL: I can’t say I am not a bit concerned that you know of our recent history. But you have me, or I should say you have us, at a disadvantage. We are in need of help.

DMaster: LADY: M’lord
She goes to say something, turns to you with a warm smile.
LADY: Humble and willing to lay it on the line for your people. That is so rare now a days. But I do see you are in distress. I can offer water and shelter for the night. Let my Conscripts take you to a nice place in town, but I do recommend leaving at first light.
She smiles and winks.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank You. That is most kind. might I ask what your name is before I leave?
Look at her in her eyes.

DMaster: LADY: You’re quite welcome Duke. As far as my name? You may get to hear it. For now, I am just the Mistress of this land, to you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Fair enough. G’Night Mistress.
Give her a nod of respect.

DMaster: Two women come out and escort you out of the castle. Through the gates and down a pathway. Plugr joins in and the conscripts avoid him. Giving him the stink eye.

Vulcuran: VUL: Boy, you are not very popular, are you?
Give him a look.

DMaster: The mysterious woman smiles and give you a smirk. Plugr seems confused, but keeps walking with you.

Vulcuran: keep my mind focused on my party

DMaster: PLUG: I am getting a bad feeling about all this.
Says quietly leaning into you.

Vulcuran: Nod my head
VUL: (quietly) I know, something just doesn’t feel right about this. For now lets just play along.

DMaster: A whisper on your ear as you leave the Stronghold.

“come to me tonight, Vulcuran”

Vulcuran: Look at Plugr.
VUL: Plugr, did you say something?

DMaster: PLUG: (looks at you funny) No, M’Lord. Why, did you hear something?
He looks around, hand on sword. The two conscripts giggle a little and continue walking.

Vulcuran: Shake head.
VUL: Probably nothing.

DMaster: Plugr: Ok.
Shrugs his shoulders and smirks knowing how the Duke gets around good looking women.

Vulcuran: VUL: Let’s get to our people

DMaster: The two women are walking in front of you, and they seem to know the way to your party

Vulcuran: VUL: How do they know where to go?

DMaster: PLUG: Not liking this…

Vulcuran: VUL: I wonder if our mysterious lady is a sorceress?

DMaster: PLUG: Highly doubt it. Magic is banned for a reason, a sorceress would of blew herself up by now.
Another whisper on your ear
“hahahhaa, no my dear, not a sorceress. I am not that mad to cast magic willingly.”

Vulcuran: Stop. Look around.

DMaster: PLUG: (leans over) What is going on Vulc? You are acting a bit weird.

Vulcuran: Sigh and make it to my group.

DMaster: You end up in front of the party. They are tired, dirty and spent

Vulcuran: VUL: We have shelter for the night.
follow them to wherever they lead us

DMaster: they all express thanks to the strangely clad conscripts. They smile, the one gives Plugr a bad look.
Plugr: (leans over to you) I am guessing because I am a knight, they don’t like me. That means…

Vulcuran: VUL: They are evil, yeah I am getting that vibe too.
Leaning into him, quietly.

DMaster: The two lead you to a huge deserted hut. They enter it and turn on some lanterns. It seems like it is octagonal and the main room is at least 30×20, dirty wood flooring and the walls are a dingy yellow. Two doors and an open doorway along the walls. Further investigation; one door leads to a bathing room with a tub and a basin roughly 10×10, the other to a bedroom that has nothing in it (20×10) and the open doorway leads into a kitchen area. The two conscripts open up a closet of blankets and sheets.
CON: We will return with more blankets for you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you

DMaster: they turn and walk off into the darkness. Plugr shrugs his shoulders.

Vulcuran: VUL: Let’s cut open that bear, cook it, eat and get cleaned up.

DMaster: KRI: We already started, hopefully we will get some of this bear cooked in an hour so we can finally eat, M’Lord.
PLUG: While we wait for food, we can all bathe a bit. 4 at a time in the room.

Vulcuran: VUL: Ladies first. Then guards.

DMaster: KRI: There is a small creek a few minutes from here. I can take the two basins with a few guards.
Stop what he is saying, looks at you.

Vulcuran: VUL: Make it so. Krinus, good work.
Pat him on the back.

DMaster: Three men go get water, a few men and a woman are cutting up the bear. Blood everywhere, as they cut it into fillets and shanks.
PLUG: I don’t know if this, mistress has anything planned, but I hope it’s not right away. We might be able to get this bear all cut up, we can get cleaned up and maybe, just maybe, catch a few winks.

Vulcuran: VUL: Agreed. I will be outside to keep an eye on things.
I will go stand outside and look around.

DMaster: PLUG: Sounds good M’Lord
A little later the two women show back up. They stand outside the hut, each holding a good 7-8 blankets each. One is looking you over

Vulcuran: Walk over to them
VUL: we have visitors! Back so soon? I almost started missing you. Ill take them from you.
Take the blankets from them.

DMaster: They hand them to you. They stand there, just looking around. It’s awkward.

Vulcuran: VUL: Thank you. Did you need a tip or something?

DMaster: The one conscript, looks at you, taps the others arm and walks away. Plugr comes out and sees them leaving.
PLUG: I don’t have a clue as what the hell is going on here

Vulcuran: VUL: Could not agree with you more.

DMaster: PLUG: The second batch of women are in there now.
Krinus walks up from around the corner of the hut

Vulcuran: VUL: Three star. Report.
Giving him a look.

DMaster: KRI: Reporting.
He seems all flustered.

Vulcuran: Give him a look.
VUL: Krinus were you spying on the women?
Saying it somewhat quietly.

DMaster: Plugr gets this big ol grin on his face, eyes a bit wide.
KRI: I did not know that the window was right there, M’lord, and… I made it a point to make sure they were safe.
Nodding his head.

Vulcuran: Give him a stern look. I know I would do the same, but I am the Duke.

DMaster: Plugr just couldn’t hold in his giggles.
KRI: They are safe, M’Lord. Perfectly safe and round. I mean sound…
Plugr laughs even louder, covers his mouth.

Vulcuran: Give Plugr a stern look. Trying not to crack.
VUL: Knight!

DMaster: Plugr understanding the dynamics, stands straight, removes the smile from his face.
PLUG: M’Lord.

Vulcuran: VUL: Krinus, you will go help with the tubs of water, understand? Now!

DMaster: He nods his head, wide eyes. Runs off.

Vulcuran: Turn to Plugr.
VUL: That didn’t help Plugr.
Give him a slow playful smile.

DMaster: PLUG: I know, I know. I just couldn’t stop myself.
He smiles and gives you a playful nudge. Then a voice again, in your ear.

“Vulcuran come to me tonight.”

Vulcuran: Straighten up.
VUL: Dammit. OK.

DMaster: Plugr is giving you a weird look. Finally you, Plugr and Krinus get cleaned up the best you can. You have nothing to shave with, all you can do is water yourself thoroughly.

Vulcuran: I will get dressed
VUL: Plugr, you are in charge. I need to make a return visit.

DMaster: PLUG: M’Lord? What?
Giving you a concerned look.

Vulcuran: VUL: I have questions that need answers, and if we can get a little more help, then I have to take the risk. If I don’t comeback within a few hours, come for me at the stronghold.

DMaster: He raises his eyebrow. Walks to you. Leaning into you, quietly.
PLUG: Ok, Vulc, I know how you can get around beautiful women, just don’t do anything stupid, ok?

Vulcuran: VUL: Who me?