This is a rewrite of Turn 3plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 3: Interrogating Thieves

This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.

The battle over, Ardith and Ziedon hurried to the burgher to see what could be done. The man was in bad shape. His left leg was sprained, two of his fingers broken, and he had a large gash in his back., Turn 4plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 4: The Walls of Grenzig

This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 3. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.

“Perhaps,” said Sahlman, “the time is now to find out what it is that goes on in Grenzig, neh? This burgher, he is apparently opposed by the leaders of the town, if it is that these road bandits can become the guards. and Turn 5plugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigTurn 5: A Lone Scout

This turn was rewritten as part of Chapter 3 and Chapter 4. The rewrite includes a lot of liberties taken by the DM, so if you want to see original dialogue by the players, read this turn first.

The night before, Ardith spoke to the party in the campsite. The camp had been chosen for its proximity to a large tree that grew up close to the town's unguarded wall, and had a few sturdy boughs that overhung it. She kept her friends awake with trivial talk, signing inconspicuously to the others to st….

Continuing was difficult at first. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… could only carry the townsman so far, and they had to stop every minute or so to rest. Brinn was not nearly tall enough to take a corner of the litter. Although Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… tried to help, it was obvious that his arm was causing him trouble, and after half an hour, he had to admit that he'd done all he could. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of gave up ten minutes before Sahl. Every few minutes, while Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… rested, the townsman would insist that he could walk, despite his broken leg. They surely had no hope of getting to Grenzig at that rate.

After an hour-long struggle, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. stopped and put the townsman down. She waved Sahl toward her and said, “Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… and I can't do this. We need your help.”

Sahl lifted his arm slowly, wincing in pain. “Arditta, I will try.” He turned toward the front of the litter, but Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. put a hand on his shoulder and sat him down on the ground. She sat down in front of him, closed her eyes, and held the Symbol of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of in both hands. She mumbled a few words, and put one of her hands on Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…'s injured shoulder. The warrior jumped at the unexpected sensation, but when Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. caught his shoulder again, he didn't resist. By the time Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. opened her eyes, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…'s wound looked like it had been healing for days. Sahl lifted his arm up, and dropped it down. He repeated the movement a dozen times more, amazed at what had happened. For the rest of the trip, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… was able to help.

From then on, the journey was nearly silent. No one knew what to say when there were two people nearby who could kill or heal with a word. Even the townsman became less adamant about the urgency of their mission. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… together carried the back of the litter, but although they had caused the silence, they made no effort to break it, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… because he didn't care, and Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. because she didn't know what to say.

The leaves were just beginning to change color, and the air was moist with a thin fog. The moisture carried all the smells of the forest to the travelers' noses; the sharp pine, the sweet berries, the bitter leaves and needles that rotted on the forest floor. Some put all their concentration into the smells, to avoid thinking of other matters.

At night, the group sat or lay quietly around a small fire, well off the path for fear of another attack. The townsman argued briefly that they press on, but then Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said it would be difficult to gather wood after dark, and the townsman submitted. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. cooked dinner, and then made more compresses for her companions' wounds, but other than an occasional 'thank you,' no one spoke but she. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… sat close to the fire, intently examining oddly-shaped symbols in his heavy, leather-bound book. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, sneaking an occasional glance, imagined he was reading about some ancient evil power that would fuel his magic in days to come. She wasn't sure why she thought him evil. He was cold, surely, but he had helped them in battle. Were he concerned only for himself, he might have run off; surely he had to have the power to survive alone; but he stayed and fought. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of just wasn't sure what to think. And if there were wizards, what of other legends? Were there werewolves, and elves and pixies? Were there burwings in every hill, and dwarvesplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigDwarves

Dwarves are short, stocky people, growing to a height of only two or three feet, who concern themselves primarily with hard, sober work, like mining and metalworking. They are said to be immortal, or at least to live for hundreds of years. The dwarves keep their distance from humans; they are suspicious of foreigners. They live in mountains and hills, always underground, where they carve tunnels and caves in which to live and work. Only rulers, miners and artisans are ever mentioned in … in every mountain? Maybe Brinn – Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of laughed out loud at the thought, but Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… stopped her with a quick look.

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. began to hum a tune that most of the group was familiar with from their various childhoods. She continued to stir a mixture that smelled strongly of mint, no doubt picked earlier in the day. Although the tune was soft and pleasant, it took on an eerie quality amidst the silence of the group. Six people were present, but the only sounds were the insects and night-creatures of the forest, and one woman's humming.

Finally, Brinn broke the silence. “Enough already! So _you_ can seal up a wound. So _you_ can kill a thief. Go ahead, turn me into a frog or a rat or something. It'd be better than this.” He looked at the rest of the group. “I've seen magicians before; they make things disappear; they make things float in the air. So these two can do a little more. So what? We're moving as a group, and it's not going to do us any good to hide our heads and be afraid that someone's going to cast a spell on us. We all help each other, and we're all going to have to trust each other for a while. We might not've made it out of that fight without them. And the townsman'd be as good as dead without _her_.”

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of chuckled, and then laughed again, and this time no amount of staring by Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… would stop her. Soon, everyone apart from Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… was laughing. To hear the dwarfed man, who had barely spoken even before the magic, come out with such a heartfelt and angry speech, was just too funny.

“Turn you into a frog!” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. laughed. “A priestess of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of!”

“He is being to say sense, this one.”

Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… looked up and muttered, “I'll turn you into far worse than that if you don't let me concentrate,” but only Brinn and Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… heard it, and, in the circumstances, it only made them laugh harder.

When everyone was more or less settled down, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said, “Well, we'd best be off to bed. If we rise early tomorrow, we'll be at Grenzig before sunset.” That thought completely sobered the townsman. “Tomorrow, I'll – well, we'll talk about tomorrow tomorrow.” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. thought better than to mention magic again that night, but everyone knew what she meant. There was no way they'd reach Grenzig the next day if they were still carrying the townsman. The thought disturbed some of the group, but they were much more comfortable with the situation than they'd been minutes before.

Hours before sunset the next day, the townsman was limping on his own, and the party was near enough to Grenzig to see its walls. The forest thinned near the town, and to the left and right, away from the main road, areas had been cleared out for farming. The walls were high around Grenzig, twenty feet at least, and nearly four miles around.

The townsman, who was now eagerly walking in the lead, stopped suddenly and put his arm out to block the others. “After this turn, we'll be able to see the gate.” He paused for a few thoughtful seconds, and everyone wondered whether that simple fact were meant to impress them. “I don't wish to be seen quite yet, at least not until I know who guards the gate. You go,” he said to Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of. “And leave your most visible weapons here.”

“Me? But – my bow –”

“Yes, you'll have to leave that here. You don't want people seing it, do you?”

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of stood tall and angry. She started to raise a fist, but thought better and lowered it. “Are you telling me there's something wrong with my bow?”

“Don't worry, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said softly. “I'll take care of it.”

“He can't just throw orders around like that,” Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of said, although she realized full well that he could.

“Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, he's right. We have to see whether it's safe. I'll make sure nothing happens to your bow, and you make sure nothing happens to you.”

“Fine, I'll go.” With a bitter look at the townsman, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of slid her bow off her shoulder and handed it to Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.. Then she headed towards the town.

“Hurry,” the townsman said, “and be quiet.”

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of looked back, and as visibly as possible, kicked a large rock loudly into the brush. The group watched her turn the corner and drop out of sight.

“Why the secrecy?” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. asked.

The townsman looked even more anxious than usual. “Just wait.”

“If there is being trouble for Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, I am watching her.” Before the townsman could stop him, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… slipped into the woods, and followed Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, out of sight of the path.

Minutes passed, while the townsman became increasingly anxious. He paced back and forth, and finally said, “Maybe we should stick to the woods, just in case,” and walked between the trees. The others followed.

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of and Sahl returned to find the rest of the group missing. There was a rustling of leaves, and the townsman jumped out of the woods. Instantly, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…'s kukri was in his hand. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of reached for her bow, and found it missing. “No, it's just me! What did you see? What took you so long?”

“It is being only few minutes when –”

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of interrupted, as the rest of the group returned to the path. “The thieves who stopped us on the path are guarding the gate. What kind of town would have them as gatekeepers?”

“How many?”

“Two that I recognized, and ten more besides.”

“Two is too many. If you recognized them, they'll recognize us. Did they see you?”

“Only from a distance.”

The townsman began to pace again. “And time keeps passing! Very well, we'll wait for the changing of the guard.”

They waited and waited, sending Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of periodically as a scout. The sun fell quickly, and still the guard did not change.

“We'd better set up camp,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said.

“No, we have to enter Grenzig.”

“These guards will never tire, but we will.”

“Very well, but no fire.”

“We'll freeze. And how can we cook without a fire? We have to cook. We can set up further from the town. Thieves or no thieves, they're not going to leave their watch to inspect a fire they can't see.”

“All right. But a low fire, and well into the forest.”

The group sat around the fire, the townsman twitching with anxiety.

“Perhaps,” said Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…, “the time is now to find out what it is that goes on in Grenzig, neh? This burgher, he is apparently opposed by the leaders of the town, if it is that these road bandits can become the guards.” He looked sharply at the townsman. “Perhaps he could be good to give us, for who danger is not hiding, more information?”

“When did we last check the guard?” the townsman asked. “Maybe they've changed. You'd better check.”

“Yes, Sahl.” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said, ignoring the townsman's request. She turned to speak to him. “Have you a name?” she asked. “It's not convenient to always call you 'townsman,' or 'client.'”

“'Townsman' is a title of respect, and it is by that name you can call me.”

“Respect?” Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of asked. “How can we respect someone who –”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. halted her with a raised hand. “Your real name would still allow for a friendlier relationship.”

“I didn't hire friends. I hired escorts.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was annoyed, but she did not let it show. “That is all well, but at least you might tell us what sort of business you are engaged in?”

“My business is of no relevance to you.” He sighed. “Why must I be subjected to questioning? As far as you are concerned, I am just an employer, whose business is personal, and thus private.”

Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of jumped in again. “Your business is important to us when our lives are at risk! And we saved yours, I'll add!”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. continued as if Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of had said nothing. “Alright, you're our employer, and that is all. But as your employees, we must be concerned for your safety, as well as our own. If you could tell us anything that would help protect us all – for example, why these ruffians want to prevent your entry into Grenzig…”

Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… was amazed at the amount of self-control Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was displaying. He was sure he would have resorted to other means of questioning by now.

“How should I know why a town would hire thieves to guard it? The townsmen of Grenzig are probably incompetent fools.”

“But surely you know something about why we were attacked.”

“I'm a townsman. I hold myself like a townsman, and I had horses and a wagon at my disposal, meaning I have money. I am a prime target for thieves.”

“And that's the only reason? Members of a town guard would move most of the way to Dmerzig on the off chance of finding a wealthy traveler, and then return to Grenzig to their regular posts?”

“That's what it looks like. If you want, you can see for yourself. In fact, I highly suggest it. The guard may have changed by now, and you're just wasting time with all this talk.”

Finally, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was fed up with her employer's attitude. “All I ask is information! I won't have us walk blindly into a dangerous situation about which we know nothing! If you aren't going to give us the slightest clue as to the dangers involved, you can consider our deal forfeit!”

“Very well!” The townsman stopped pacing, and looked intently at Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.. “My name is Frondar. I'm here to relieve the guild master of the cobblers. He's senile and incompetent, but the cobblers love their guild master, and are willing to defend him. They're the wealthiest guild in Grenzig, so they hire the guards.

“Now if you take a moment to think, you'll see that's a lie. There are six master cobblers in Grenzig, and their small guild is far from wealthy. It's all they can do to protect themselves and keep their taxes down. And my name is not Frondar. Frondar was the gardener of my grandfather. Now if you push me harder to tell the truth, I will just tell you a more elaborate and more believable lie, but I'd much rather not go through the trouble. The truth is my business and my business alone. You agreed to perform any services I require for a period of one day following arrival at Grenzig. I expect you to adhere to the agreement, or you will not be paid. The loss of money may not concern _you_, but I am sure that not everyone in your party shares your thoughts on the matter. The service I currently require is for you or some one of you to scout out the gate, and inform me whether the guard has changed, and I expect you to perform this service without hesitation and _without_ unnecessary questioning.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was taken aback, and had nothing to say. By the time she had recovered and thought out a response, the townsman was sitting by the fire and reading a book. He read with great speed, turning the page every few seconds, so that Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. wasn't sure he was reading at all. She discreetly walked up behind him to find out what the book was, but, aware of her actions, and equally discreetly, he turned so that Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. couldn't see the pages. Lacking further willpower for the moment, she gave up and asked Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of to check out the gate again.

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. sat away from the fire and thought. She saw that Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o…, on the other side of the fire, was doing the same. Brinn was whittling the bark off a narrow branch, and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… was reading the heavy book he seemed never to grow tired of. Perhaps it was the book of magic that so many wizards of legend were reputed to own. If so, that book had to be very important to Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…, for without it, he was powerless. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was grateful that her own power came from Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of, not from a fragile and transient object. She could see the pages at a sharp angle, and the current page was blank. Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… sighed a longing sigh, and then looked up and caught Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. watching him. Both lowered their heads, and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… turned back to a more complete page. Anyway, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. thought, there were more important matters to think of than Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…'s book.

Unfortunately, there was no time for thought before Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of returned with good news. “The guard's changed. I didn't recognize any of the new ones.”

The townsman jumped to his feet. “Then we go now.” He started to walk towards the path, but then stopped and turned back. “No. You go.” He pointed to Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.. “I'll watch from a distance, and if they allow you in, I'll follow.”

“Why wouldn't they allow me in?”

“You have yet to see that they won't.”

“I am a priestess of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of.”

“That is not always important in these matters.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. agreed to perform the task, being more curious than cautious at that point. She wanted to be the first to find out what was going on.

“You go with her.” The townsman pointed to Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh….

“Arditta, I will going with you too to this town,” Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… said.

“No,” the townsman said, “you're too conspicuous.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. assured Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… that she would be safe alone.

“I do not know what this is meaning, conspicuous, but I am letting you go because you are feeling safe. I am watching with this burgher to make sure.”

“Thank you, Sahl.”

The townsman and Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… cut through the forest, directly towards the gate, while Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… returned to the road. Near the gate, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. looked into the woods, and could not find her companions. They were well out of sight.

The walls looked even higher close up than they had looked from a distance, and they were smooth – there was barely a handhold anywhere, even though they were made from stone and wood. The only break in the wall was a rectangular space for the gate which, for now, was closed, barred and guarded by a dozen armed men.

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. made sure her Sign of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of was clearly visible, and said “I request entrance into Grenzig.”

“Grenzig is closed to visitors,” one guard answered.

“We are not visitors,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said. “We have business in Grenzig.”

“Grenzig is closed to merchants.”

“As a priestess of Andrithaplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigAndrithanism

Based on original ideas from Karl Schinke (Ardith). Symbols for aspects other than the Mother, along with the artwork, were contributed by Myron Wyles (Halaren).

Andrithanism and its variants are the dominant religion in Rang and the surrounding kingdoms. Within the boundaries of, I should not be barred from my own temple.”

Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… spoke up. “We have important business with an important townsman. If you intend to retain your jobs and your lives, I suggest you let us pass.”

The other guards laughed, and the speaking guard smiled. “Which townsman would that be?” After a few seconds' pause, he laughed again and said, “Grenzig is closed to _you_.”

As they left the gate, Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… caught Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.'s concerned glance, and whispered, “Idle threats. They would have our throats before I could fell one of them with any magic.”

“I'd have preferred a more peaceable conversation. It might have worked.”

“You will use your methods, and I will use mine.”

When they got back to the camp, they found Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… trying to explain what he had seen in such poor language that no one could possibly understand him. Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. interrupted and told the townsman what had happened.

The townsman sat down on a rock. “Then we must find another way into the town. Have you looked at the walls?”

“Not all of them, but from what I saw, they'd be impossible to scale without climbing equipment.”

“Ah,” he said, and walked into his tent. After a minute, he was heard cursing from inside the tent. The rest of the party walked closer to see what was wrong. When he heard them outside, he stopped and came out. “I had a grappling hook, but I left it by the roadside when we lost our wagon. There will be no entrance through the front gate, and I don't have four days to spend on the round trip to Dmerzig.” He sat down and faced the ground. “We might as well give up, unless one of you has a grappling hook.”

“Surely,” said Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden., “there's another way in.”

“There's a gate on the other side of town, but I can see no reason one gate would be open and the other closed.”

“Nevertheless, we will explore that possibility, and maybe we'll discover some other means of entrance on the way.”

Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… broke in. “First we are finding this, er, place of the bandits.”

“Oh Sahl. I completely forgot with all that's been going on. We should definitely look for the thieves' camp. Then we'll know what we're up against, and we might learn some information that's been lacking from other sources.” She looked at the townsman, but he seemed not to have heard the comment. He was deep in thought. “Sahl, you, Brinn and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… should search for the camp, while Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of and I check out the other gate.”

“No, I am being to go with you, for to protect.”

“Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of will be adequate protection for this simple task.”

“Still, I am wanting to be sure.”

“It's okay Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.,” said Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of. “I'll leave you two alone.” Although Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… had never heard that particular expression, he blushed at its obvious meaning and had to hide his face. “Our good friend the townsman might need some protection too.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. and Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… followed the wall around town, while Brinn and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… searched for the thieves' camp. Stringing his bow as he walked, and wincing at the pressure this caused his still injured shoulder, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… headed off with Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. around the right side of the wall, on the outward edge of medium range for his weapon. As they walked, Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… noted the absence of guards on the walls with a shaking head and rueful smile. He felt thankful that such fools were on the side of the opposition, and not on his. Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… was happy that Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. had accompanied him. She seemed as level-headed as any other person that he had met in the lands of the Infidel to that point, and so young too.

Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… noticed no openings in the wall other than a large gate on either side of the town. He did, however, see several places where large trees had grown up close to the wall. Apparently, the rulers of the town were either extremely foolish or they normally had no reason to suspect invasion. Perhaps the wall was some ancient defense for which they no longer had much need. Sahlmanplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigSahlman El Musafir

Sahlman's hair is blue-black and graying. His skin is dark and weathered. A huge handle-bar mustache sweeps down to cover much of his lower face, and Sahl is always careful to keep it properly groomed. He is generally very particular about his clothing, equipment and appearance. Sahlman wears the desert robes of his homeland, with headgear that blocks out the sun and hangs over his neck. He wears light trousers and high hard boots, and when his robes are wet, the hard links o… didn't know enough of the wetlanders' history to guess.

With Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…'s information from the battle in the woods, the thieves' camp was not hard to find.

There were at least thirty men, and a woman or two, coming in and out of tents and huts, talking amongst each other, or dragging around heavy bags and boxes. From their concealed position in the bushes, Brinn and Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… could see all of this without being seen. On the other side of the camp, two particularly well-dressed men were conversing. Brinn pointed them out to the others, and then snuck around the periphery to get a closer look.

“And now I hear word of magic? Magic! Now what do you think of that?”

“Disconcerting, to say the least. I'd say we should be watching for mutiny.”

“Yes, I thought the same. But the ruse is too pitiful. What do they expect to accomplish with such stories? Am I supposed to be frightened by a myth?”

“No. They're smarter than that. Maybe they just used it as an excuse. They did run away from a group half their number, after all.”

“They're smarter than that, too. I like to hope it was an excuse, but they've made up better than that before!”

“You can't be suggesting there was actually magic involved.”

“No, no. Of course not. I just wonder what it all means. If they're making it up, why? And if they're not –”

“What did they really see? Yeah, I'm as confused as you are. If they're not making it up, at least we don't have to worry about mutiny.”

“True. So true. We should keep an eye out for both possibilities. I'll have a few men on the look-out.”

“Men you trust.”

“Of course, and I'll keep an eye and an ear open myself. And so should you. So what do you make of the town's sudden change in character? Hiring us as official guards?”

“At double-pay, too. They're expecting something. Something big enough to want to double their forces.”

“It's like they're trying to raise an army, but what would a town do with an army? They already have the protection of the Baron.”

“And then they sent us out against half a dozen people, two of them women, and a heifin!”

“Pretty disorganized, too. They couldn't even be _part_ of an army, let alone the whole thing.”

A third man entered the conversation. “We'd better lie low for the night. We've had word that there may be spies about.”

“They won't find us here.”

“Those were the orders.”

The third man left.

“Agh. I'm tired of taking orders from townsmen.”

“As long as the pay's good –”

“Yeah, as long as the pay's good.”

Both men left for their tents, and the whole camp quieted down after that.

Everyone returned to the camp and related their news. The townsman had nothing to say about any of it, but he looked more nervous and anxious than ever. At one point, Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of thought she overheard him whisper, “There's not enough time.”

Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. kept her friends awake with trivial talk, signing inconspicuously to the others to stay with her. Soon, the burgher excused himself and went to his tent.

When Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. was sure the burgher was in a deep enough sleep that their talk would not wake him, she spoke.

“My friends,” she said in a quiet voice, “I do not know what to make of our client. Grenzig is raising an army against _something_, and I suspect it's our client, but he has no army to fight with. Perhaps he's just a messenger of things to come. That would explain his haste, but it would not explain why the bandits were sent out specifically against us. Why would they concern themselves with a simple messenger, when there were preparations for war at hand?”

“Yeah,” said Brinn, chewing on a scrap of dried meat. “He's more than a messenger all right.”

“But Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden.,” said Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of. “Towns don't just raise their own armies. If there's fear of attack, shouldn't the baron be here?”

“Maybe the baron doesn't know.”

“And maybe there is no army at all.” Everyone looked at Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh…. “So a town is hiring thieves. That just says it is corrupt and must be stopped. It says nothing about preparation for war.”

“A thief can be a seer,” Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. said. “I'd trust the guesses of those thieves more than I'd trust any of ours. Either way, we must be prepared for the worst. If the townsman is part of an army come to subjugate this town under the forces of evil, I want no part in it.”

“There are no forces of evil. You are far too melodramatic.”

“And I tend to agree that the townsman is part of no such force. I find his taciturn nature offensive, but we are, to him, merely hirelings, and he does not owe us explanations, merely our pay. I would think that a person of higher intent would explain, but it is possible after all, that he may not be free to explain – or that he not trust us sufficiently. The fact remains that the vandals who guard the city do not hold the citizens in high regard, and they oppose our client's return to the city. That is enough for me to give him the benefit of doubt.

“Nevertheless, we must be careful, and we should not act until we have more information. I believe that we need to send a spy into this town. Brinn, you will be the least noticed of any of us in the dark, so if you accept, I would ask you to be our spy.”

“After what I heard from those criminals back there, I'll do whatever I have to to get us in that town.”

“Good. Sahl and I spotted several trees growing close up to the wall of the town. About half-way between the two gates, on the western side of Grenzig, there is a tree with several low branches. Low as they are, they will be too high for you to reach, so Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, I would like you to go with him, and then watch from the top of the wall once he's over. Your presence will also allow you to lower a rope when he returns, rather than leave one hanging against the wall and possibly catching notice.”

“I'll gladly help in any way I can.”

“Once you're in the town, Brinn, use your ears and your wiles to gain information. If you must be seen, assume the role of a merchant looking to trade. Do not endanger yourself – at this point we need not heroics, but information. We'll find out what we can of matters, then make the choice for ourselves as to what is right, whatever that may be.

“In any case, we need to set a watch. Sahl, you are only recently healed of serious injuries. Please take the first watch. Wake Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… before the mid of night, then Ziedonplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigZiedon

Ziedon stands a little under six feet tall and is relatively thin. He has a neatly trimmed black beard and mustache which stand out considerably against his pale skin. His hazel eyes seem to see everything around him. Ziedon's white hair is cut short in the traditional townsman's style. Ziedon's garb is of a well-to-do townsman. He normally wears a thin, off-white shirt with eleven pairs of wooden knobs and strings in the front with a brown and green band of cloth was laid across his sh… wake me. At the first sign of trouble, the watchman must waken the rest of us quietly, but if there is a sudden attack, wake us loudly. We must be careful not to be taken by surprise.

“Oh, and I think you'll all agree that we should not tell the townsman of any of this, including our plans to send a spy.

Brinn dusted himself off. There was no use looking like he'd been sneaking around, even if that was exactly what he was doing. He looked at Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of, twenty feet up at the top of the wall, and prayed she'd be there when he returned; there was no way he could scale the wall alone. Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of was all but invisible as she drew up the rope, and when she finally lay flat on the wall, not even the most trained eye could see her from the ground. Brinn hoped she would manage to stay awake; it was a long drop.

A light breeze blew some dirt against a fallen branch, and Brinn shot around, fingering his weapon, and then relaxed when he realized what it was. He couldn't afford to be so nervous. The breeze continued to blow, making quiet noises against everything as it passed. Brinn breathed a deep breath. The town was dark, except for a guard post or inn here and there, and a few candle-lit windows.

Brinn left the wall and got onto the main road, which he followed for a few yards, hiding as best he could in shadows. No, he thought. It was no use looking like a thief. Gathering his courage, he stepped into the middle of the road and continued walking as if he had lived in Grenzig all his life.

Now the question was only how to find the information he wanted. As eager as he had been to help, Brinn really knew nothing about spying. He guessed a tavern might be a good place to start; bartenders were famous for their stores of information. Then again, going right up to a bartender and asking why a bunch of thieves were running the town might not be the best idea.

To think, it was only two days before when Brinn had been friendless, grumbling about the way people treated him for his height. Now, he had four companions he was sure would soon be his friends, and he was playing an important part and working for a cause (although to what end he worked, he still did not know).

There was a light up ahead, in a large house that could only be owned by a townsman. Further down the road, there was another light coming from an even larger house. In fact, many of the houses along that street were lit, at least dimly through shutters. So many townsmen up so late could only mean they were expecting something, but Brinn already knew that.

Brinn subtly swerved his walk to bring him close to an open window, but no sound came forth. At the next window, he heard something. He put down his pack and rummaged through it, as if looking for something he needed, and listened.

“Day after day passes, and nothing happens. The journeymen of my guild are afraid to go out at night. I know it's the same in the other guilds. This has got to end, one way or another.”

“Hopefully our way.”

The first voice came nearer and louder. “Anyone's way will do more harm than good if this goes on much longer.”

“Not so close to the window.”

“I know. I'm closing it.”

The shutters closed, and the sounds thereafter were muffled and indistinguishable, at least to Brinn's ears. “Well that was interesting,” Brinn said quietly to himself. “Useless, but interesting.”

The next several open windows yielded nothing, and neither did those beyond.

Brinn looked up at the moons. Dawn was only a few hours away, and he still had no useful information. He had walked up and down the streets countless times, to no avail. But the lights remained lit. As long as people were awake, there was a chance for information. Time and time again, Brinn had been ready to give up and try the local taverns, but each time, he feared that the moment he left, that key conversation would begin and he'd miss it. Besides, who but the hardiest of drunks would be in a tavern at this hour? A sharp breeze blew loudly between the houses, and Brinn pulled his robe tighter around his body.

”…townsman Ba…”

Brinn jumped. Even if that voice wasn't useful, at least it was something. He looked up at the window under which he was standing.

”…the townspe…”

No, the voice was coming from farther away.

”…who would suspect…“

Left, definitely left. Brinn ran to the next window to his left, barely remembering to mask his footsteps.

”…for every inane theory…“

No, right. He had to calm down. He ran to the right, and stumbled over a rock. Before he could feel the pain, he hurried into a shadow and pushed his back against a wall. If he was noticed–. No, no one was coming, and the talking continued. The talking!

Brinn tore his shoes off – he could no longer trust his own feet to keep quiet – and hurried to the window on the right.

“No, listen. The guards are clearly under our control, and as long as we pay them as much as we're paying them, he won't be able to buy them off.”

Perfect. Brinn stood on his traveling bag to hear better.

“So it won't be the guards. What about the townsmen?”

“Who? You? Me? Laran? Be realistic. Even if he had half the townsmen on his side, he wouldn't make it.”

“His own army, then.”

“And where is he keeping this army that we haven't noticed them? And how is he paying them?”

“So you think he's got the people.”

“Popular uprisings are the most successful kind.”

“It'll never work.”

“Don't be so sure. With a larger militia, there's less money, and common people suffer. With the kind of militia _we_ have, people suffer even more. And if people suffer in times like these, there will be trouble.”

“So basically, we've dug ourselves into a hole.”

“We can dig our way out, given enough time. I just hope it's not too late.”

The contents of the bag shifted, and at that moment, Brinn fell again.

“What was that?”

Brinn cursed his clumsiness, and his eagerness. But he had found out something useful, if only he could make it out of the town…

Someone was coming closer. Brinn leaned up as close to the house as he could manage. A massive townsman with a trimmed beard hung out the window, leaning his hands on the sill. “Damn! I think someone was listening. There are shoes out there.”

Brinn held his breath.

“I'm going to take a look. You keep an eye out the window.”

This was his chance. If the other townsman was watching, Brinn would have a hard time escaping. As soon as the first townsman's head vanished into the house, Brinn ran around the corner into an alley. His bare feet would definitely help him now, although the ground was strewn with sharp rocks and broken objects.

A series of hard footsteps was followed by the sound of a door thrown open. With the huge townsman right around the corner, Brinn could no longer afford to be subtle. He ran with all the speed he could manage through the alley. At its end, something sharp entered his foot, but he suppressed his yell, and kept running.

However little noise Brinn made, the townsman had heard. In no time, the townsman was out of the alley and following Brinn. Still, it was dark, and Brinn had the advantage of being short. Maybe he hadn't been seen. If he had, there was no way he could outrun those long legs, so he would have to bet on it. Brinn turned a sharp corner into another alley, and lay down against the wall of a house, covering his face with his darkly-clothed arms.

Seconds passed, and the pounding footsteps quieted with distance. For now, at least, Brinn was safe. The bulk of the danger gone, Brinn suddenly felt the searing pain in his foot, working its way quickly up his leg. He wasn't sure he could walk.

After what he'd just been through, this was no time to give up. Brinn crawled up along the stone wall, putting as much of his weight as possible on his good foot, and the pain multiplied. He sat down again, and felt along the bottom of his foot. There was something sharp, that was for sure, and it was stone, or hard plaster. If only he had more light, he could see what it was.

Brinn pulled himself up again, standing on his good foot. Whatever was lodged in his foot, it would probably be safer to keep it there. Maybe that priestess could help. He wasn't sure he trusted her magic, but it was better than losing his foot. He'd known people who had lost their feet to disease after an accident like this. They were useless after that.

Slowly, Brinn limped out of the alley, barely touching his injured foot to the ground. Then even more slowly, he limped down the street, past dark houses and closed shops, the pain increasing with every step. Eventually it was taking minutes to pass each house, and Brinn was no longer certain he could hide if the townsman came back. He repeated what he had heard over and over again in his head to avoid thinking about the pain. If only he could get out of the town, Ardithplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigArdith

Ardith's long hair is tied in a bun with cords dyed with berry juice, two each of red, blue and black. She wears an unbleached linen shift and bodice, a deerskin jerkin, and low brown boots. Ardith always wears the Sign of Andritha on a chain around her neck. The Sign is a three inch circle of copper with a large onyx in the center, obviously quite heavy, but Ardith wears it with the ease of one long accustomed to the burden. would help him.

Finally, Brinn approached the wall. Tired as he was, he could no longer remember exactly where Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of was hiding, so he hobbled up and down a length of the wall. He feared momentarily that someone might be watching, but pain soon overrode his fear. Brinn sat down to rest, and looked up at the sky. It was as clear as he'd ever seen. Halkakplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Five Moons

Five moons rise and set in the sky of Aerv, never crossing paths. At the end of the world, they will all wane together, and diminish to nothing for the Zioth.

Quite a lot of mythology centers around the moons. Zahirans' theology revolves around the Moon Children. The Moon Wanderers in the Shirahjat Cohilition migrate with the rising and setting of the moons in ways that only they fully understand. had set, and only the dimmest outline of Zabrigarplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigThe Five Moons

Five moons rise and set in the sky of Aerv, never crossing paths. At the end of the world, they will all wane together, and diminish to nothing for the Zioth.

Quite a lot of mythology centers around the moons. Zahirans' theology revolves around the Moon Children. The Moon Wanderers in the Shirahjat Cohilition migrate with the rising and setting of the moons in ways that only they fully understand. was visible. Against the wall hung a rope, that was at this point violently swinging to catch his attention. Brinn looked up at Kayplugin-autotooltip__default plugin-autotooltip_bigKay Wanderwit

Kay is an attractive, eighteen year old girl. She has dark brown hair, tanned skin and hazel eyes. The bow she carries is of a very fine quality. Kay wears brown calfskin breeches, and a green wool vest. When traveling, she wears brown deerskin breeches and a red linen vest. Her old cloak is black, and made of fine but worn wool. She has become a close friend of on top of the wall, and collapsed.

This story is copyright 2001 by the DM. It may not be reproduced in whole or in part, in printed or online form, without the written consent of the author. Any site may link to this story, at http://www.zioth.com/zioth/turn/index. Comments and questions may be directed to the author.

• Last modified: 2015-06-16 16:01 (external edit)