Prymptown Courier v. 3 no. 8

[The attachment to this e-mail, mentioned in the editorial is lost.]

PRYMPTOWN COURIER

Vol. 3, No. 8 (January 2001)

EDITORIAL

Welcome to the first Courier of the 21st century!  

I'll try to keep this editorial shorter than normal, because this issue is extra special in two respects. One, the write-up for the 26th session is so long I had to include it as our 1st attachment! If anyone has trouble opening it, make sure to contact me and I'll try sending it in segments. Two, the 26th session never actually took place! Well, not like a regular session. It was an experiment, conducted over two months, to see how well the campaign would work as a pbem (Play By E-Mail) campaign. It was a lot of hard work, and moved even slower than monthly playing sessions, but it was fun.  Best of all, everyone gets to read selections from the pbem now, featuring many sections written by the players themselves!

Growfest 1, 580 CY.  Starday.

With the month of Coldeven over, it was time for the one-week festival of Growfest.  By this time, the plowing was done in the fields, and the farmers could begin planting - after much carousing of course.  This year, there would be more to celebrate, since the Herzog's forces had been denied the rich prize of Prymptown.

At first, when the army and navy of the Herzog had moved west to find easier pickings, the town remained silent, as if everyone was holding their breath. Was it truly over?  The answer that began to circulate through the defending army's encampment was "yes!"  People began leaving for their homes shortly after, without even being officially discharged.  Others milled about, complaining quietly that they should have been reimbursed for their efforts.  But this was an unusual concept which only the grizzled mercenaries caught in Prymp at this time of crisis adhered to.  Everyone else seemed genuinely glad to have done their part to defend their homes.  There was much back-slapping and laughing, and then there was much hard work - for businesses needed to be reopened, and boarded up homes needed to be reclaimed.  That was when a shadow of sadness eclipsed the general good mood of the populace, for there were homes and businesses which would not be reclaimed or reopened.  There were hundreds of people -- some friends, others neighbors - who had been killed and were now gone.

In all this activity, the Band of the Grinning Gargoyle, who had almost single-handedly saved Prymp, were largely forgotten.  This left them free to go about their own way. 

They were welcome to remain in the camp, which had yet to be disassembled.  There were still about 200 people milling about the camp, and talk was going around that it would

remain there to be the location of a Growfest celebration.

Those in the know, who understand just what the Band of the Grinning Gargoyle had accomplished, had sought them out to congratulate them and shake their hands.

****

Enlock realized the Herzog could be a greater threat if he took the rest of the coastline.  Hopefully, some of his smarter companions saw this too, but they all seemed

intent on going on a "vacation," as Alex put it.  Of course, most of them had been at this longer than he.  Perhaps they really did need some travel and rest.  And then there was

the matter of training.  Everyone seemed to be needing it. 

"I should be ready myself as well," Enlock thought.  Nemis Coraz would be a good choice for a tutor, but Alex seemed intent on heading east to Rel Deven, and no one

else in the party knew that city as well as he did.

On the other hand, it seemed as if the majority of the band would be heading south to Hexpools.  Vlad, Peri, and Barada were heading that way, at any rate.  Andel, and that new druid Maldrik, seem undecided.  At any rate, it seemed as if everyone who was leaving would do so within the next five days.  In two months time, everyone is to meet up in Hexpools.

****

Barada could not help but feel robbed of most of his chances for personal glory.  While exploring the caves

found under Prymp, the rust monster destroyed his new bandedmail armor -- his third suit of armor in two months! -- and forced him to return to the surface early and miss some glorious battles.  Then, while storming the Garrison, he was rendered unconscious by guardsmen who got in

some lucky blows, and he even missed his chance for revenge against the pirate master, Beregun Renspa, whom Peri killed instead!

Now everyone from the party was talking about training when they got to a city, and the thought had run through Barada's mind as well.  He felt he was ready to become a

true warrior.  There were plenty of people here in Prymp who would be able to train him, but then he might have to travel alone to Hexpools, where everyone has agreed

to meet up in two months.

****

Like a ghost, Perpegilliam Brown walked through the camp outside town -- though others claimed to have

spotted him within the city as well.  Those that did see

him did not see him for long, as he seemed to dissappear in an a blink of an eye.  Peri walked in the shadows, and he walked alone.  Pain and grief consumed Peri, and for

once Peri knew what the humans meant when they used the word "hate."

He had been watching Vladamir Kostitov on several occasions throughout the night and day.  The thought

of traveling with him made his stomach churn.  Peri even made his way up to Vlad's back once, but remained in the shadows. 

"What am I doing?"  Peri thought.  "These are my friends, aren't they?  How could they do this to me?" 

Peri slinked away from Vlad, wiping the tears from his eyes.  Vlad would be allowed to live, but the slate was now even.

It was not until late that evening that Peri came forth into the realm of those around him.  It was Philip Petrok that Peri went to see. 

"Excuse me, Mr. Petrok," he said, "I know you're a busy man, but I'd like to borrow a moment of your time."

The battle-hardend veteran and commander of the forces of Prymp was very busy talking to his staff on what actions the long range scouts had spotted.  Vicarus Philip Petrok did not see the hobniz at first, but he

recognized the voice instantly.  Looking over in a corner he saw the plump hobniz seated in a chair, whittling at a chunk of wood.  Petrok was amazed at how easily Peri got past his best guards and thought nothing of doing so.  "You have two minutes," Philip spoke in his deep, gruff voice.

"Yes sir,"  Peri replied.  The differences in the two men's voices was striking to the staff members present. 

"Yesterday night you said that you would supply Barada, Vlad, and myself with mounts.  I would at this

time also like to request provisions, and a pony to carry the provisions, and directions on how to get to Hexpools.

"But before you answer that request, I have a question, and a comment.  What are we to do if the army of the Herzog goes to Skull Keep?  We know for a fact that ships can dock at Skull Keep, so if the army stages itself there, it can do away with the restraining land support

that it has so far relied upon.  Of course, I'm sure you're about to tell me that I think too much."

****

While wandering the streets of Prymp, Vladamir was deep in thought making plans.

"I need to spend one day at home before heading south," he thought.  "I have much to do on this day.  I

have to meet with my companions to finalize all travel plans, goals, and arrangements.  As things stand now, I believe the arrangement is that I, Peri, and Barada will be

heading south while Alex, Enlock and Andel head east.  Andel, at least, plans to destroy some "cradle of filth" in that direction, and while I think this is a fine idea, far

more pressing matters await me in the south.

"Unless my companions object, I am going to give what remains of our town writ to my sister so that she may rebuild the shrine to Pelor.  If they object I'll remind them about Gabriel's beliefs and bring up something about doing it in his honor...

"As for family, I will heed all of the advice Demetrius is willing to give me for my journey at hand.  Marcus can wallow in his guilt and shame for now.  I have little to

say to him.  I will give the majority of the coinage I have on hand to my family.  I'm not sure how much that is off the top of my head, but I'd say approximately 30 gold or

so."

****

  

It had been another uneventful night for Gabriel Lanovastrom and Hristo.  This day, they began traveling

through tilled fields.  Several humans, presumedly farmers, could be seen in the distance.

Just at dusk, they at last came in sight of their goal -- the town of Prymp at last!  Its walls still stood. There were no plumes of smoke rising from the castle.  Nor were

there signs of a besieging army.  Could Prymp have really prevailed against such overwhelming odds?

Gabriel and Hristo both decided to move forward and

see more.  Much of the wooden pallisade surrounding

the New City was gone or broken down.  The New City

appeared to have survived intact.  Gaining entrance to

the Old City through the Eastern Gate -- at the expense

of 1 sp each -- they found the townspeople out in the

streets.  Some were repairing their homes.  Others were

laughing and drinking in small groups.  Of course, this

was the first day of the first festweek of the year -- and

if not for the siege the town would have been still more

festive.  But there was more to be learned.  The Dock

District was burned down in a deadly fire.  Hundreds

died in the battle against the Provincial Army.  The day

was won, not by force of arms alone, but by divine

intervention.  It was said that an angel of Pholtus

appeared on the battlefield and smote down their leader. 

The Provincial Army had retreated, but instead of going

back south they had headed west to try taking the

smaller town of Porton.

And then they ran into Andel.  Andel Mooriv, the

acolyte who joined the Band from the abbey near

Shargallen, just happened to be walking past.  He

stopped with a start, pointed at Hristo, and said, "Ah,

Hristo.  I've been looking for you.  I am leading an

assault on the vile citadel of evil held by the Hextorites

to the east.  Will you join me in this holy quest?"

****

Growfest 2, 580 CY.  Sunday.

The dawning of a new day breathed more life back into

the free town of Prymp.  Its people rose from their beds

to find a second day without a siege.  Many took this

opportunity to try to return to a normal routine.  The

New Market was opened for a few peddlers and

merchants with carts or stands.  They were soon

overrun by people desperate to replace goods stolen

from them or destroyed during the siege.  Loaves of

bread were being sold for up to a silver score and

finding ample bidders!

While some waited in line for food, others were busying

themselves by clearing debris from the streets of the

former Dock District.  Most everything of value had

already been scavenged from the homes and shops in

this area, but many people came back anyways, having

nowhere else to go.

The defenders camp had been half-converted into a

hospital, with priests of both Pholtus and Zilchus

coming out of the Old City to help.  Still, miraculous

healing is at a premium, and more good was being done

with cold compresses and warm blankets than the

laying on of hands.  Anyone with experience in blood-

letting was being asked to volunteer.

But the somber tone of the day was alleviated somewhat

when several of the inns and taverns about town re-

opened in the afternoon.  The brewery went back to

work immediately to replace what was confiscated to

provide for the defenders, and soon there seemed to be

no region of town where one could not get liquored up

and forget one's problems.  Much of this took place out

in the streets, as the people of Prymp had enough lately

of hiding indoors.

*****

Barada had been visited from Vladamir earlier in the day,

carrying all his adventuring gear, and asked if Barada

was ready to go to Hexpools yet.  Barada was taken

aback, not expecting to have to leave so soon.  In fact,

he was hoping the opportunity would come up to trade

in the new chainmail armor he had acquired for

something a little better in town first.  Vlad left muttering

about how Peri was no better.

*****

Perpegilliam Brown raced after Vladamir Kostitov.  Peri

was normally able to keep up with his human

companions without a problem, but in the short time

since he had fallen in battle such trivial things seemed

difficult.  Peri huffed and puffed always keeping an eye

on Vladamir through the newly crowded streets of

Prymp.  Vlad was an easy target, not many of passer-bys

were dressed in full adventuring regalia, and in any

sense Peri already knew where Vlad was heading.

Barada sat in the Grinning Gargoyle tavern, drinking his

third beer and singing with the patrons who came to

rejoice in the apparent victory over the Herzogs'

imperial forces.  Peri entered the taproom winded and

tired of chasing after the impatient and hyper-active

Vlad.  The tavern was smokey with the scent of roast

pig wafting in the air, mixed with song and merriment

that could be heard down the street.  People from all

over the city had gathered here to celebrate at the one

place that seemed to galvanize the defenders of Prymp.

Peri made his way to a table and ordered a tankard of

Evelerry, his favorite spiced ale.  While waiting on the

tankard he spotted Vlad and Barada at the back corner

of the tavern in what appeared to be a heated

discussion.  Peri soon found himself alongside his two

companions with tankard in hand.  The corner they had

chosen was a bit quieter then the raucous center Peri

had left.  Vlad was attempting to coerce Barada into

leaving for Hexpools immediately when Peri interrupted. 

"Vlad will you please calm down; there's no reason to

rush off right now."  Peri's chirpy voice could barely be

discerned over the growing crowd.  Vlad did not appear

eager to hear what the hobniz had to say, but Peri was

determined to make him listen.  "My injuries will force

me to rest here in Prymp for the next few days.  I'm in no

condition to travel before that.  I only ask that you put

off our departure until then.  I know you don't want to

wait, but you have not been very forthcoming with your

interest or intentions for going to Hexpools, and that's

not making me anymore anxious to follow you there. 

Besides, there's still a simple matter that we need to look

into for Prymp."

Barada sat back down in the booth where he was before

Vlad's arrival.  His head fell into his hands, but chimed up

again when another beer was served.

"The Herzogs' army has moved off to the West.  It seems

to me, and to Phillip Petrok as well, that the army might

well try to put Skull Keep back into its use."

Peri rose a hand to stop Vlads' rebuttal.  "I'm not saying

that we need to organize the Band and go take on the

army there, no.  All we need to do is sneak over there and

confirm or deny for the Vicarus if that defeated army is

setting up there.  "Think about it for a second Vlad.  Skull

Keep would provide adequate barracks and defensive

positions.  It would give the army an accessible sea port

that lies within striking range of both Porton and Prymp! 

Can't you understand that, or are you too wrapped up in

your dreams to see the truth of it?

"I suppose it dosen't really even matter to you.  Your

family will survive whether or not Prymp remains free.  If

you go to before I can prepare, then you will go without

me.  Sure, I will eventually arrive in Hexpools, for you

know all too well that that is where my father now serves

your masters."  Peri sighs and shakes his head,

continuing, "Ya know, it's funny now that I think about

how the Band has never trusted me, when the whole time

you were the one keeping all the secrets and telling all

the lies.  Alex may be a misguided moron, but he was

right about one thing -- you should never be allowed to

lead.  If we all do go to Hexpools it will be by Barada's

command, NOT YOURS!"

The air between Peri and Vlad was electrified, their gazes

met in a virtual battle of iron wills that could be felt

throughout the room.  Neither had noticed that the bar

was now silent.  The patrons that had gatherd there were

struck with awe of the battle that seemed ready to erupt. 

"This was the Band of the Grinning Gargoyle," many in

the tavern thought, "what could be so powerful to bring

its members upon one another?" 

*****

With the siege over and the economy rebuilding, Enlock

believed that it might be a good opportunity to find a

more permanent residence in Prymp.  Renting daily at

the local tavern was becoming a little pricey. Perhaps

the siege had caused some of the townsfolk to flee

Prymp, he thought, and why not benefit from available

real estate and build a staging point for future

adventures?  Also, he needed to build a suitable library

and laboratory for future research.  As for money to buy

a home, he had his share of the party treasure, five

pieces of crystal to barter with...and his own

extraordinary charisma...

Later, he planned to ask Nemis Coraz if he had any

suggestions for possible homes.  Also, he planned to

mention to Nemis about the scroll that Serius gave him

to deliver to Telemond of Belegend.  Maybe Nemis

would have a little insight about the task.  And if he did

not have any ideas, Enlock might ask those friendly

halflings who had sold him his embroidered robes --

they might have a couple of leads.  Though if he did

visit them, he would make sure to have Alex tend to his

money pouch.

Another acquaintance that might have information for

him would be the apothecarist.  Perhaps a visit to him

was in order.  He might even have some goods that he

needed purchased at Rel Deven -- an opportunity to do

a favor for a possible ally.

As for the good people of Prymp, Enlock's main concern

was for the wounded.  All of his time not used house

hunting, he would attempt to assist any of the town

healers with his herbalist skills.  While visiting the

apothecary, maybe Enlock would purchase some items

to create a balm to aid the hurt soldiers and townsfolk.

He wanted to spend only a couple of days in Prymp, and

had a lot to do in that time, but he needed to get home to

warn his former tutor, Asheron, and Enlock's family

about the danger that the Herzog presented.  He wanted

to leave as soon as Alex was ready, so he needed to try

to locate his riding horse to make the trip faster.

*****

"Are you quite finished?" Vlad calmly responded,

staring down at the hobniz. "Good, now sit down and

stop creating a scene. It's my turn to say a few things."

Vlad slid into his seat across from Barada and waited for

Peri to climb up next to the big man before continuing,

"First of all, never speak to me in such a manner again.

You impertinent little bastard.  How dare you throw

such accusations and sentiment at me?  I am the *only*

member of this band to have always had nothing in

mind at all times but the best interests of Prymp and the

thousands that live here.  I have saved everyone's lives

on multiple occasions -- including yours -- and you will

show me the respect that I deserve.

"Now..." Vlad's voice had begun to raise, once again

attracting stares from the crowd.  He waited until the

patrons resumed their business and then went on in a

level tone.  "Now, I have never lied to you.  I had to

keep some things from you and I regretted it then, just

as I do now.  But I had no choice.  Not because I have

'Masters,' but because I am a soldier.  And soldiers

have to follow their orders, even if it's not always what

they want.  I'm sure you don't understand this and

probably never will.  Though, it seems your father did

or he would have told you himself where he was going."

This sparked Peri into a tiff, as Vlad knew it would, but

he quickly silenced him.  "Quiet.  You had your chance

to speak and now this is mine."

"Yes, you are treated with distrust at times.  I find it

humorous that this seems odd to you.  You are a thief.

That is your occupation.  You have probably spent the

greater portion of your life stealing.  Do you have any

idea how hard it is for me to have befriended a thief?  I

am a soldier.  My brothers are soldiers.  My father

before me was a soldier.  My entire family has spent

their lives dedicated to upholding the law and protecting

innocents from those who would break it.  Protecting

innocents from people like you.  But I like you Peri. 

You're smart, tough, brave and at times surprisingly self-

sacrificing.  I can sense that there is something more to

you than a common thief.  You have a good soul and I'd

like to think that by joining up with us you can, and

have, change your ways.  Use your talents for good.  I

think you are afforded a great amount of trust,

considering your vocation.  And this trust will only

grow as we continue to journey together.

"As for me not caring about whether or not Prymp

remains free..." Vlad paused for a moment, trying to find

the right words to express the disdain this notion left

with him, "I have spent my entire adult life in service of

Prymp.  I was born here and one day I will raise a family

of my own here. I will die here, an old man, having lived

my whole life for this town.  I love this place more then

you could possibly imagine and would do anything to

protect it.  For you to insinuate that I don't care about

its freedom is not only insulting, but it makes me wonder

if you know even the first thing about me."

Vlad stared icily at Peri for a short time before resuming,

"Hexpools is not our destination.  It will merely be a stop

on our way further south, to the Sud Graufult.  There is

an evil gathering there that must be stopped.  I have told

you all this much, and it is all I know.  Hopefully more

will be revealed to me once we have set forth on our

journey.

 "Checking to see if the Herzog's troops went to Skull

Keep is a good idea, but one that does not require our

attention.  Petrok can send some of his men to scout

out the area just as well as we could.  Besides, you need

your rest, remember?"

At this point Vlad stood and began tying his cloak

around his neck as he extolled, "I agree that we should

wait a few days before leaving.  You are right about

letting your wounds heal a bit before we begin traveling.

We shall leave on the third morn from today."  Vlad

dropped a few coins on the table for his meal.  "If you

wish to speak to me again before we leave you know

where to find me, but I am through with you for the

evening."

Vlad quickly spun and set off for the door, but stopped

after a few feet.  "One more thing.  And I mean no

offense to you by this Barada, you are the greatest

warrior I've ever seen.  But I will be leading this

excursion."  With those final words he left the Grinning

Gargoyle, not even noticing that he strode right past

Alex and Andel, who had just entered.  They called after

him, but he was too infuriated to notice.  Vlad strode

briskly towards his home.  Though angry as he was, a

small smile crept across his face and his pace eased a bit

as he walked.  He finished the remainder of the short trip

in a peacefully serene stroll.

****

The morning had came with an unexpected anticipation

for Alexander.  His life had just begun on a path he

chose in service to Zilchus with his blessing.  The Lord

of Honest Trade, Master of Mercantilism had carved out

a place for Alex in his grand piece of Oerth.  Now Alex

had to live up to its challenges.  A knot had formed in

his stomach the night before, as he knew that things

were going to change drastically.

"Well," he thought, "maybe I can relax and get the

family to go out into the city to relax.  I am sure they will

all want to get some fresh air after being cooped up in

the manor all week.  I can't wait to see and talk to them

all!"

Then his thoughts turned to other matters.  "Maybe the

Laird will be taking visitors today.  I have to talk to him

today about the band becoming a city guild.  And I

have to speak with Nemis Coraz about Vlad.  I need his

support in this matter.  I know he will understand. 

Coraz counsels the Laird as I need Vlad to counsel me.

Maybe he can give Vlad some direction in this

necessity."

And then his thoughts turned to still other matters.  "I

wonder if Castellan Kelsey will walk the street with me

today and celebrate the victory and Growfest. I'll go

ask her.  And after that, I have to talk to the innkeeper at

the Grinning Gargoyle.  Maybe he will want to add on to

the inn and make it a guildhall for adventurers...if I get

the Laird to bite on the idea.

"Whatever happened to the Ahlissan Fist?" he

wondered next.  "I have to ask around about them. 

Maybe Nemis or the Laird knows.  And that Gregorus

of Medegia -- I need to know more about his land.  I

need to know more about his role here in the Province. 

Maybe an interrogation is in order.  

"The priests will need the new font soon.  I need to find

out when they want me to leave for Rel Deven.  I think

four days in town should take care of all this.  I will

have to tell Enlock that.  I'll leave a message with Hershel

at the Grinning Gargoyle for him."

Finally, in exasperated relief, Alex walked up the steps to

his life-long home -- Petrok Manor.  He entered quietly,

carrying his armor in a burlap sack over his shoulder,

only to be swiftly greeted by his father's manservant.

"May I take that, sir?"

"Yes, please place it in my room," Alex responded.  "I

trust the family is eating their morning meal?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good.  I shall join them.  Thank you."

With each step, the anxiety which had hounded Alex

all day seeped away like water off a shallow cliff.  His

body began to relax, and his aching muscles began to

quiver.  He stopped for a moment in the gallery to

admire his family's portraits.  His father's portrait hung

proudly at the end of the hall, with another smaller

portrait of his father and mother hanging below it.  His

married older sister had a portrait hanging on the wall,

but Alex and his equally unmarried sister, Dalinda, did

not yet.

Ten years earlier, in the same hall, a young Alex walked

at his father's right side through the gallery, gazing at the

same pictures.

"Father," Alex asked, "when can I get my picture on the

wall?"

"When you become a man, you will have your portrait

painted by the finest artist in the Province and it will

hang upon this wall next to mine."

"When will that be father?"

Philip Petrok smiled slyly, "When heroic deeds are

accomplished.  Do you think you can accomplish heroic

things?"

Alex attempted to stand tall.  "I know so Father.  I know

so."

"Oh really? And who will you do these deeds for?"

"For him," and Alex pointed to a rendering of the Father

of Mercantilsm, Zilchus, which hung on the wall.

"Well, how come you won't do them for your family? 

How come you won't do then for me?"

"Because I see you pray to him everyday.  If he answers

your prayers, then he will answer mine and I will make

the family proud, not just you!"

"How'd you get so smart, boy?  Who taught you these

things?  Is your mother having you butter me up for

something?"

"No, Father.  I will make the family proud.  I promise."

Phillip had a curious, but fatherly look on his face. 

"You just do your best son. That'll make me plenty

proud."

"Well Father," Alex said aloud as he mulled over these

memories, "I did my best.  I just hope it's enough."

Alex turned away from the portraits and entered the

dining room.

****

Maldrik planned to return to Estophon, his druid cell

leader, and report the events that had transpired at

Prymp.  After that, he would take the suggestions from

the cell and base his decision on them.  He hoped to

remain in contact with the Band of the Grinning Gargoyle,

for they might be of use in future endeavors.

****

Alex had not realized how isolated the rest of the family

was during the siege.  Naturally, he and father were

too busy to make trips home and keep people abreast

of the latest news.  Father had still not been back yet.

Apparently the role of Vicarus was demanding even

after a siege has been lifted.

The womenfolk grew more and more awestruck as the

tale became centered around their raid on the Garrison.

Remembering Coraz's warning, Alex did not tell them

about the monster-filled tunnels beneath the town.  He

also found it unpleasant to mention the role of the

divine intervention of Pholtus - not out of any spite

towards the Pholtine Church, but rather because of the

heresy of Andel Mooriv.

Dalinda did not give him awestruck looks.  His youngest

sister, whom he had once forced to share her secret

desire to become a cleric of Pelor, only glared at him with

anger.  Naturally, this only overwhelmed him with

curiousity, but when she excused herself from breakfast

early, his mother insisted he remain - preventing him

from following Dalinda.

The telling and re-telling of facts as he knew them

took most of the morning, but when Franco Katerinov

and his sister that he married showed up and reported

that the defenders had left camp for town and that the

fest was on, it was an easy matter to talk the family into

an outing.

Sure enough, their neighbors in the Wealthy District

had similar ideas, as there was a large picnic going on.

The Laird himself, Seron Tapinov, was there.  The

people around him in ringmail armor Alex guessed

were his personal guards, but the unarmored people

around him included his -- rarely seen in public - wife

and daughter.  Seron, apparently aware of Alex's

involvement in recent events, was all too happy to

speak with him.  In fact, he seemed a little crestfallen

when the conversation turned to business.  He

listened carefully to Alex's explanation of how the

Band of the Grinning Gargoyle should become the

foundation of a regional adventuring guild. He nodded

frequently but remained silent until Alex was done.  He

put his hand on Alex's shoulder and leaned closer to

say, "I understand your proposal, and I thank you for

bringing this to my attention.  Prymp has always been

receptive of new guilds and the new kind of commerce

they bring, but these are tough times as you well know,

and I have been under pressure for months now to

reduce competition and consolidate the guilds. While I

personally agree that an Adventuring Guild would be a

good thing, perhaps you can give some thought to

whether you could exist as a branch of an already

established guild.  The Laborers' Guild, perhaps?  I

understand your own brother-in-law is in good standing

with them…"

And that was the last he was willing to say on the topic

for the day.  He did tell Alex that Nemis Coraz was either

at his private tower, or at Town Hall.  It was at the former

that Alex found him, and Nemis greeted him at the door

with a book in his hands.  He looked to be not in as good

a mood as the Laird had been.

"Ah, Alexander Petrok.  Tell me, have you any idea how

much iron that monster you left in my cellar eats?  No?

Well, neither do I.  It's eaten 20 lbs. of metal already, and

it always seems to be hungry.  Yet it was able to live

down in those caves where I assume it had very little

metal to eat for years.  I wish I had a more comprehensive

bestiary, as I can find no information on the creature.

Most vexing."

And with that, Nemis stopped and let Alex tell him why

he came.  Nemis started to listen to his problems with

Vladamir, but then just shrugged and waved for him to

stop.  "Magic-users command mysterious and mighty

powers, as you well know.  It might be best if you just

gave him what he wants."  He seemed to think that had

settled the matter, and Nemis said nothing more.

The remainder of the afternoon was wasted at Coraz's

tower with no further results.  That meant Alex's stomach

was grumbling for supper when he made his way to

Prymp Keep to inquire about Castellan Kelsey.  He was

escorted to her office, but ran into her on his way

there.  What luck that he had caught her about to go off

duty!

Kelsey listened as he, essentially, asked her out on a

date.  She seemed to think it over for a minute, and then

agreed to let him accompany her.

****

Peri had ignored Vlad's calls to be silent, for he was far

from finished.  Vlad had begun by asking for respect, a

request that only brought laughter from Peri.  "Give you

respect!  For what?  Using your powers and casting

spells.  I hate to break it to you, but that's all your good

for.  The idea that you saved a life is insignificant; any

of us would do it for another.  Only you have no

selfless thoughts about it."  Vlad completely ignored

Peri while he retorted, only continuing on.

Peri became angy when Vlad brought up the subject of

his father, but thought it best to listen when Vlad

continued.  What Vlad next said suprised Peri, to say

the least.  He had said that he liked him, and then began

spewing forward compliments at Peri.  Peri was very

quiet then.  Each word of praise was like adding fuel to

an already growing fire.  That fire was Peri's growing

megalomania.  Vlad then began rattling on about

serving Prymp and someday wanting to die, and blah,

blah, blah.  Peri wasn't really listening at that point,

having noticed a very fine looking female patron. 

The kind that could steal a man's heart away with a

casual glance and a smile.  She had short red hair.  Her

smooth skin was tanned and her lips were as red as a

rose.  Her breasts were...ahhhhhh. 

Vlad stood up from the table and blocked Peri's view. 

The hobniz lost sight of the evening's entertainment,

and resigned himself to listening to Vlad once again.

When Vlad was done, he threw some coins on the

table for his supper.  Before leaving, he turned to tell

Peri how he planned to lead the mission to Hexpools.

Peri breathed a sigh of relief that Vlad hadn't noticed

his coins were already missing from the table.  But

then, it was Vlad who insisted that Peri was and is a

thief, so he'd better get used to it.

Peri looked over to Barada, unconscious on the table

with six empty glasses before him.  Peri leaned over to

Barada and whispered to him, "you are my only friend."

Straightening back up, Peri began his visual search for

the beautiful woman who so casually graced his eyes

only a few moments ago.  But all hope was dashed

when Alexander Petrok came into view.  The strong,

noble templar was being followed by the priest of

Pholtus, Andel.  And Alex had an armored woman on

his arm!  The lucky devil...maybe he would have to see

if his natural hobniz charm could win her away from him

for the night...

****

Andel chose a table where he could sit alone and weigh

his options. There were many reasons to leave the Band

of the Grinning Gargoyle, but with every reason he

could find against the group, another issue beckoned

him to stay.  The Band had done much to avert the

danger to Prymp and its residents.  As much as it

panged him to be near the pig-headed blasphemous

heretic scum (and not to mention Ziltchusite) Alexander

Petrok, the party did not seem like a lost cause.  The

"true" leader, Vladamir Kostitov, worshipped Pholtus

and the One True Path (amen). 

"Could I really be doing anything wrong?  Pholtus' angel

swayed the fight in our favor!"  After that encounter, and

the slaying of the three-armed Hextorite, it came to Andel

to think of the citadel of filth where Gregorous had

practiced his unholy rituals to his false god.  Such a place

should be cleared of all evil, and then blessed to prevent

the rising of another such evil. 

"My training can wait, if the party can be swayed to this

quest."  He had to speak to Vlad at once to ascertain the

possibility of this and, if not, at least request a portion of

the party's funds to continue his training.  Oh, and

Zilchus would pay for "healing" Andel....As Andel had

plans for glory and the rising of the One True Path

beyond any mortal dreams.  And if these goals were

completed, Zilchus would be less than a footnote in the

great book of history in the years to come...

*****

Andel came to Vladamir and asked him to come with and

crush the Hextorites.  Vlad simply reminded him that the

plan was to meet in Hexpools in five weeks time.  Vlad's

uncle, Boris, lived there.  Boris was an illusionist as well,

and Vlad planned to stay with him. 

"Well, actually I'll be further south than Hexpools," Vlad

amended, "but I will return there when the five weeks

have passed."

*****

Later, Andel strode into the clearing where the druid had

said to meet.  Maldrik was there already, grasping his oak

shod staff-sling with confidence.  The two had discussed

before in the Grinning Gargoyle the possiblity of

traveling together.  But many details needed to be

addressed.  Andel was worried (and expressed it openly)

that he would not have enough gold to train properly

through the church.  But he felt also that the evil citadel

was of a higher priority than his training.  Time was of

the essence, as more evil may soon flock to this location. 

Andel explained to Maldrik that this foul building was a

cancer -- nay a pox -- upon the very land it rested upon. 

Maldrik was expressedly concerned with the balance of

the rest of the party and did not want to loose sight of

other key members.  Andel then explained with an oath

to Pholtus that he would seek out the rest of his

comrades after the citadel and training.  Maldrik was

worried that this would take too long, but after much

discussion it was agreed that he would at least stay until

the citadel was cleared, since this was the best way for

him to effectively judge the party's morality.  Both came

to agreement that traveling the roads alone at this

chaotic time was a definite mistake and with that they

made plans to leave in the near future.

*****

Barada, weary after his less than heroic but not quite

unglorious undertaking in the recent battle for Prymp,

was longing for a little stability and routine in his life. 

While he felts he had learned a great deal about

swordsmanship and the way of the warrior, he also knew

he lacked discipline and poise in battle.  Barada set out

to find a worthy master to help hone his raw skills into

finely honed talent.  And what better place than his

current home base of Prymp....

Certainly he could find work as a merc on a train to

Hexpools to meet his companions, and the time apart

might do him some good.  The constant bickering of the

rest of the party wore heavy on the stoic Barada -- man

of few words and subtle action.  The chance to get his

thoughts and skills in order might be just what the gods

had been hoping he would do, that he become a better

man....

"Now, to find a worthy teacher," he thought.  "Best not

to look in the bars and brothels the party so favors!"

****

In the aftermath of the siege, it was a great relief for

Enlock to see the Herzog move to the west, away from

his boy-hood home of Rel Deven.  Still, he felt the need

to warn the powers that be at Rel Deven about the

threat that the Herzog presented.  Also, he was now

sure that Alex would need a guide to keep him out of

trouble during his journey to Rel Deven.  Without Vlad

to counteract Alex's over-inflated ego, Enlock doubted

that Alex would make it back for the reunion in Hexpools. 

Meanwhile, Enlock intended to spend a few days helping

the people recover from their losses before starting his

return journey.  After the battle, there were a lot of

wounds to mend and bodies to bury.

The message he sent to his mentor, Asheron, was sent

via the band's recently hired errand boy.  However, there

was no sure way to know that the message was received

unless Enlock returned home.  With Asheron's influence

in Rel Deven, he should be able to rally support for the

city's defense.  Also, Asheron would be proud to see

how much Enlock's arcane skills had improved since

leaving his apprenticeship.  Asheron thought that Enlock

was not ready to live the life of the adventurer.  Of course,

Asheron had always been over protective of all of his

students.

If Asheron did receive the message, he probably informed

Enlock's family of his situation in Prymp.  "The last thing

they needed was to worry," Enlock thought.  "Since my

father's death, they have had a difficult time with the shop.

My older brother, Kerick, barely started his training for the

career as a metal worker.  Had has a great teacher.  My

father could turn a block of steel into a fine sword faster

than anyone in Rel Deven.  However, Kerick is far from

skilled enough to produce enough to maintain a family. I

opted for the academic life.  Being the runt of the family, I

found it nearly impossible to swing that hammer day in

and day out.  Mom resents me for deserting the family,

as she puts it.  She never understood why I rejected the

family business.  Maybe she will resent me less after

she sees how the profits of adventuring will feed the

Nightshade family.  At least until Kerick can catch up to

the skill our father had...if he ever will.  Perhaps I could

convince my brother to give up the mundane life of the

shop and take up adventuring with me..."

****

Growfest, Day 3. Moonday.

By this day, both markets were open again, and almost

all the remaining shops and taverns opened on time.  It

was almost like a normal day in Prymp from a month

ago, save for the permanent damage and the long list of

the dead.  Still, alcohol has a powerful way of making

people forget their worries, and half the people of Prymp,

it seemed, were drunk off their gourds today.

Criers patrolled the town streets throughout the morning,

proclaiming that an amazing event was going to occur

that afternoon in the Dock District.  Since everyone knew

the Dock District was no more, this naturally inspired

much curiosity.

****

Alex had been in search of the Laird or Coraz all

morning, but only caught  up with them in the

afternoon.  Apparently, they were both involved in the

"big event" being heralded all over town.  Alex found

both of them surrounded by two dozen watchmen in

New Market.  The watchmen were unarmored and

armed with wooden sticks.  Between the lot of them

was the captured rust monster.  There was a curious

crowd of citizens all around, trying to get a look at this

strange creature.

Seron Tapinov made a short speech about how this

creature has been brought into town to clean up the

debris of the Dock District so that the rebuilding could

start.  The watchmen lured the beast out into the

rubble and let it loose.  It ran about, plowing wooden

debris out of its way as it looked for metal to rust.  It

stopped to inhale the small mounds of rust it made.

"We have the area blocked off, and we doubt it will

wander far as long as there might be food here,"

Tapinov explained to Alex shortly.  "Now, what else

were you saying about this guild?"

****

Since Alex was still unready to head east, and was talking

about establishing an adventuring guild, that gave Enlock

time to pursue his new plans.  Besides, while helping the

wounded and ill at the hospital camp may be a good thing

to do, it's awfully depressing.

After a hearty thank you from some healers at the

hospital, Enlock left to tour the New City for a potential

home.  North of the New Market, there was no end of

room for new building, once the wreckage of the Dock

District had been cleared away.  South of the New

Market was the Tannery District.  Enlock could see

several one-story wooden homes which appeared

abandoned, but the distinctive odor of the district

reduced their appeal.  On the other side of town was the

Warehouse District, not known for its housing potential. 

Still, a converted warehouse offered potential…

With his tour of the New City over, it was time to study

the Old.  Thank the gods that the Old City was no longer

closed off!  The Wealthy District was the most appealing

area, with its two-story brick buildings and spacious

lawns, but that might be beyond even the treasure hoard

of the Grinning Gargoyle Band.  Moving south towards

the eponymous inn, there were some choice possibilities.

The buildings were still one-story and wooden, but larger.

He managed to find something by suppertime in the far

southwest corner of the Old City, which looked both

comfortable and vacant.  He considered asking the

neighbors about it, but decided to go to Town Hall first.

He could just demand it from them.  The town certainly

owed him that much.  Perhaps he should mention that to

Nemis after supper...

Supper anywhere but the Grinning Gargoyle Inn just

wouldn't feel right, and so he wound up briefly in the

company of about half his teammates.  This was a good

chance to catch up with their plans, and maybe to find

out why no one had left yet.

After supper, he headed to Nemis' tower to talk to him,

but found it unoccupied.  Trying Town Hall, he found

out that Nemis Coraz was there speaking with Philip

Petrok and couldn't be disturbed -- though he was free

to wait.  Later that evening, in the almost deserted hall,

Coraz did speak with Enlock at some length…

****

The previous evening, despite the itch from some

healing wounds, Peri returned to the Green Grove

Hostel where he had began staying, and gave three

ladies of the street employment to satisfy a different

itch.  After the women had earned their fees, they

begged not to be sent away!  As it turned out, the

house of ill repute they had all called home had been

burnt down with the rest of the Dock District, and they

needed a place to stay.

"With the happiness that you provide I do not see

how I could kick you out into the street," Peri replied. 

"But in two days I leave the city, so by then you need

to find room and board elsewhere."  Peri gave each of

the girls an electrum noble, remarking that the money

needed to last until the fifth, and if they were smart,

even later.  Peri then sent the girls on their way,

informing the hostelkeeper that they could return to

the room that night but none other.  Peri felt that the

girls would be well taken care of.  After all, they each

had an electrum noble of their own and a mithiril

throne to split between them!

Peri gathered up all his belongings and made a short

trip to his sister's house, which was on his way to the

chapel of Fharlanghn.  He was able to enter the vacant

home with a spare key he had made several months ago.

Once he was confident the house had not been looted

or occupied during his or his sister's absence, he hid his

excess belongings in a secret cubby hole that Peri had

discovered long ago as a child.  It took some time for

Peri to remember where exactly the cubby hole was, but

in a short time all was set and Peri was again on his way

to the chapel of Fharlanghn.

****