Adventurers: Borin Drake - Paws Kristopher Khan - Paws Jackson Trawl - Paws David the Woodsman - Stormhold and introducing Morley (maybe Morlock) of WoH There had been more crows of late around the Spiritwood. Jupiter had at first rationalized that it was perhaps a migratory pattern, but then he gave in to common sense and determined that the increased population could only be due to them being used as spies. Thus this evening's adventures started out with a determination to cull the crows. ------------------------------------------------- "Borin, we have to find the source of these crows! Rally the Trawl brothers and lets be on our way!", Jupiter often wondered how Kristopher Khan and Jackson Trawl were brothers even though they didn't share the same surname, but he had long since abandoned trying to receive any kind of clear answer from the two on the matter. "Yes we're the Trawl brothers" was the only answer he would get from them. Borin returned with a report that the crows had been seen flying in from the east and had originated in Occlo. Fearing the spies would be privy to their movements, Jupiter devised a plan. "Borin! I have a plan!," Jupiter pronounced, "it is a flawless plan. And no, I do not expect that this plan will require anybody to lose their pants. This time." Borin rolled his eyes. "We must find a clever ruse to disguise our true purpose for heading to Occlo. Therefore I propose we find a Woodsman from Stormhold, feign that we are escorting him to Skara to ship some lumber, and then, BAM we sneak in to Occlo and attack the evil mages in their tower." The group looked at Jupiter with a bit of confusion, to which Jupiter answered, "Why do you look confused?" Borin was the first to question, "Well, I mean it's a rather impeccable plan, but. Well. We were wondering what about you know, everything between Skara and Occlo? You do realize that Skara is in the opposite direction right?" "Well yes," Jupiter responded, "but that kind of logical thinking has never really suited me. Plus, I'm certain adventure is to west. I can sense it!" So the group set out on Jupiter's plan. Fearing the spies were still following, Jupiter convinced the group that heading into the hedge maze would be their best option to hide their trail. This time it was Jackson who raised a concern, "But Jupiter, aren't there, you know.. spiders in the maze?" "Nonsense man! there's no such thing. And even if there were, you know I'd think of a handy way to trap the spider, right?" "Right. right, of course. Sorry for the unnecessary worry." Jackson's worries were actually warranted as they did in fact run into a dread spider. Jupiter began preparing an intricate trap to lure the spider with a summoned wolf, but was interrupted by a man from the shadows. "Nah, that'll never work man," Morlock advised unsolicited, "them spiders know what they like to eat, and it won't be fooled by that there fake fox." "It's not a fox, its a wolf, and it'll do just fine thank you!" Jupiter retorted, but he knew the man was right. The moment the spider saw the fake hound, it vanished. "Well, I don't suppose you have any ideas do you stranger?" Jupiter asked "The names Morlock, and yes, I recommend we get out of this maze before dark! I came to collect harvest some web and I don't mean to be here any longer than I have to." "Very well Morley!" Jupiter accepted, "We'll accept your company and you can help carry our heavy sacks of gold!" Morlock could perceive that protests would be futile in this case. The wizard was clearly to crazy to be reasoned with, and it seems he was now recruited to a quest that he had no clue he was stepping into. With Morlock's help, the group cleared the maze just before the darkness of night covered the land completely. As they began to set up camp, Morlock offered the hospitality of his family's mannor which was literally just two steps away from the maze. As the group spent the night laughing and hearing tales from Morlock's family, some of them began to wonder if Jupiter had not planned this encounter. After all he had been rather vague on the details about their quest between Skara and Occlo. Jupiter set down his glass, and looked Morlock square in the eyes, "You've come a long way with us friend, and you've given us help and hospitality where none was required of you. I thank you for it." Morlock raised his hand in protest, "It is no worry at all, I'm glad our paths crossed." Jupiter nodded and continued, "On the morrow we ride to Occlo, to invade the tower of Mages that they've built up on that island. You may continue on with us, or we will part ways when the dawn wakes. Either way, I'm glad our paths crossed as well." As the dawn broke, the group saw Morlock saddling his horse with them. He nodded and advised, "Well I can't let you silly folk get lost in the woods on your way to Yew. You might end up in another maze."
I believe you may have seen some of House Ravencroft's spies. The master of the house seems curious regarding the VoP and keeps a close eye on the daily activities therein as he does many other areas of interest. I don't know his true intentions as of yet, he is a bit tight lipped on the subject, but I'm sure he has his reasons. Shadows of the past may have receded into the places from which they had arisen, but I'm sure they are not gone for good. It would be wise to stay alert to any strange tidings, one never knows when evil will rise to stake it's claim upon the lands of Sosaria, or in what form it will manifest itself. For as you well know, Grey Wizard, it is in the cold season of death that the darkness reaches out for those it desires and that time soon approaches.
