Undignified but Unsullied

Karbäth mountains, somewhere north of Komiro, 12th Dyarr YT330.

Something was odd about the privy. Aside from the horrendous odour - something was odd about the privy. They hadn't noticed on their first visit to the village. Perhaps the vile stench had acted as an olfactory camouflage, preventing them from seeing clearly. Something was odd about the privy. Their captive had said that one of his friends had remarked that something was odd and he had died the same day. Others too had disappeared with foul play suspected.

Which was why Voltarr, Father Nicolai, Olorin, Gorran and the others were gathered around examining the outbuilding and holding their noses.

The rest of the bayar band had been gone more than an hour by the time they had reached the village. They had left behind some of the female servitors. None were alive. The bayars had clearly been in a hurry to go. Most of the buildings were ablaze but the stable, the apothecary, the small stone-built house and the two-story headman's house were standing.

The privy was too large. And the lower half was brick built. Clearly too much for a simple village privy in a very seedy looking village. But something else was odd about the Privy.

Which was why, his dignity in shreds, Father Nicolai ended up up-ended in the privy. His feet wedged in two small indentations in the wall and his buttocks on the smooth plank he was reaching backwards at full stretch when his hand found the lever. Eschewing all modesty and at risk of vomiting from the noxious vapour, Nicolai pulled the lever. Water poured into the pit below his head from pipes in the wall facing him and drained away through vents in the opposite wall.

Soon the pungent stink had abated and enough night-soil effused for a secret door to be just visible. Perhaps this was a back-door to the hidden Manor.

The contents were of the remaining buildings were disordered and looted. But by careful searching, Olorin uncovered two very interesting pieces of parchment upstairs in the headman's house. Voltarr collected some intact 'potions' and in doing so came upon the remains of the real physicker.

Travels with the World Wise

Törpek Ötödek like Tolarr are far-travellers and often have information about places and customs of men that others do not. Indeed their viewpoint on the lives and cities of men is often clearer than those of men.

Tolarr was greatly impressed by the physicians of Lazargorod and the feats of manna demonstrated in Vedetimova as he wandered through the world. These cities were founded as noochracies and still retained many laws and priviledges from the days of the founders not found elsewhere. Further from home he passed through the great city of Kirlyovsk with it's royal palaces and strange domed churches. Even a stone-dweller törpek could not fail to admire the great walls and gates and the fine art of Kirlyovsk.

Many years later he had a chance to compare the splendour of Kirlyovsk with industry and wealth of Heimbrechtstadt many leagues to the west and the dignity of Hrabenberg on the great river and was able to understand as few are the breadth of humankind's achievement.

Other places such as Kasmirova, Czernebogsk or Gogol Merski painted an altogether less favourable picture of the works of man: deceit, corruption and the exploitation of the weak and poor. Tolarr, though not given to introspection, observed all of this and learned from it. Above all other races, men and their deeds could face in two directions.

Trumpet and Drum

'Fass es Spitze' (tr. Drum and Horn, alt. Trumpet and Drum) is an old street in an old city. It's the place where those who espouse the second oldest profession meet. And also where they gain mastery of the skills they need to survive. Why did it get a name in the northern tongue which sounds like an inn?

Scholars say that the name became associated with Festök and Szinesze. Festök is the term for dyes and in this street it was principally indigo and purple. The making of dyes was the trade carried out in that area before the street became what it is now. Indeed, the dyestuff was mixed in a wooden vat or drum so the link is double. Szinesze is the term for a female player and in some circles specifically an Aeyep female player. Unlike dye-making this occupation still thrives in the vicinity, notably at the establishment of Madame Rygara. Why did these two trades share the same small part of Korzow? It is likely that wandering players were good customers for those selling dyed cloth, particularly cloth in unusual and dramatic colours. Acting was then regarded as for those of low birth, perhaps even outcasts. So a street with dye-works may have been the only place that would accept them. Now the entertainers share the street with armorers and mercenaries rather than fullers and such. Both players and soldiers are greatly in demand in Korzow. Merchants need security for goods shipped across the dangerous Karbath Mountains. They also have the money to hire entertainment. And the dramatic arts are seldom as well accomplished as in the house of she who in her youth belonged to one of the greatest traveling troupes in the land.

Fragments of the History of the Törpek

Earth-kin in the Realm consider that they all come from the same father. One of the seven progenitors, Azaghâl is mostly mentioned in the tale about the legendary axe. But Azaghäl was the second of the seven and he and his kin made there home in an area to the west of where the Realm now stands. His city was Gabilgathol and it was carved high in the peak of a very great mountain. The tragic tale of that once great city is said to still cause one of the Törpek Másodek to cover his face with his hands in grief. Several hundred years ago a great number of Törpek Másodek migrated east where they took over the city and holy-mountain of Azigilmahâl. Another legend suggests that once, ages before story, this was the city of the seventh father but whether the Törpek Hetedek also migrated is not mentioned. Of the other Törpek, the line of Iaurgond has most dealings with the line of Azaghâl. Far-traveled adventurers such as Tolarr and prospectors from the north do reach the Realm occasionally but they seem strange to the folk of Azaghâl these days. It is said many of the Ötödek take man-names and pay less heed to old ways.

Written on a Scrap of Parchment

Karbäth mountains, somewhere north of Komiro, 11th Dyarr YT330

A single piece of parchment is left un-burnt and discovered in a strange village by Olorin. From the location, the nights struggle and the note found with it, it is clearly unholy and probably significant. The choice before them is this - seek out the meaning or return to Giliwics with a cryptic puzzle? It seems that whichever they choose, the sands in the glass are almost done.

Felled or Snared

Karbäth mountains, somewhere north of Komiro, 11th Dyarr YT330

Our comrades having blundered through the village of the damned were high on a coll and preparing to camp just below the treeline. The moon being just a day short of full in the winter sky, was already risen and shone on the group as they made camp. Brimstone was busy making snares and Wojeslaw was enhancing them using his talents. Now anything wandering into the camp would not do so silently. As an afterthought he applied Argentum to a few so that Voltarr could cast enchantment upon them.

The camp settled down but not for long. Within an hour of setting the traps and before watches were set, a heated argument broke out between the two guides. It soon became clear that the bad feeling between the two men was an old score and that a woman was at the root. The shouting soon descended into ugly threats and daggers were already out when Olorin tried to intervene. His authority was not enough to calm things but when Father Nicolai spoke up the two men backed down.

Olorin took charge of the first watch. It was well that one of the two guides was also on watch because he spotted the intruders before they reached the camp. Perhaps he was especially vigilant because of the fight with Antal Komiro. Or maybe St Kosz blessed the lad born in Astergow.

The raiders were many. Iwan Fodor spotted at leas two dozen men armed with bows spears and swords traversing the slopes towards them. They were following the treeline from the eastern escarpment. Vojeslaw shouted a challenge but Iwan had already loosed an arrow which hit the leading archer.

Olorin and Ihkz started waking the camp and within a few seconds all were awake. Some sprang up immediately alert and had there weapons to hand but all were quickly roused. In places like this, the slow to rise may never get the chance. Ihkz shouted something when he saw the attackers but he had no time to explain.

Olorin barked orders and a defensive line began to form. The first bayar to rush forward tripped in front of Iwan and Vojeslaw. The mechanician took more than a a minute to club him insensible.

The rest of our group were more effective, for in spite of being outnumbered the raid was over almost before it began. With a screamed command the Bayars rushed the camp in a frenzy. Had they time to consider this the friends might have marked this as extreme behavior for common Bayars.

The deadly greataxe of Olorin dealt the most damage .One bayar received a mortal blow to his head. Another two were left dazed and shaken by a massive sweeping attack. Even when a Bayar blundering through one of the traps caused Voltarr's enchantment to fire, hitting Olorin with a massive blast of raw energy, Olorin ignored the blast and continued to cut down raider after raider. Finally a blow from his axe hit one of the spruce trees. The tree fell with a crack and landed in the melee, trapping Anastasz, Nicolai and several of the bayars.

Seeing so many of their men felled or snared, the leader shouted on them to run. More than half their number were left dead or captured. A close look at the captives confirmed that they were indeed the 'villagers' of the strange village in the ravine.

Regions of the Realm

The realm of St. Kosz of Astergow in TY330 was divided into two crown administered regions and seven controlled by the chief lords or Borsonin.

The crown lands were Borsod and Zsabolcs at that time. Later regions in the west were added to the crown lands but at that time Korzow and Nagyolaszi were the principal cities in these areas.

The Borsonin lands of Thàthoûr, Thurracsūr, Fuzynūr, Karroûr, Vozsethoûr, Vakynūr, Thucvuzoûr were of course named after their lord and therefore changed name from time to time. Fuzyn for example was Vocsynfy Fuzyn and so that region had been for a time Vocsynūr. Most of the Borsonin inherited the given name from their sire and so the region retained the name. The chief town or city in each of the borsonin lands in YT330 (and the location of that lord's court) were Racivow, Byrno, Olzstyn, Szicsäcyn, Gyor, Moson-tylar and Gylwics. Anyone with a petition could by law seek a judgement at one of these courts on any quarter day.

A Trap Sprung

Viscta Vikony, 4 Tyan, YT330

All knew the danger of this pursuit in unfamiliar territory. But they had given their word to the villagers to do what they could. Their growing reputation had raised the hopes of the captives friends and families and as they accepted hurried hospitality in the village each wondered what trials they had in store.

By the time the companions reached the locale where the captives were supposed to be, darkness had already descended in the steep sided ravine. Olorin, Tolarr, and Brimstone chose to move from cover to cover down one side, using their gimlet-eyed abilities to pierce the gloom. Gorran, Voweslaw, Hamec and Ikz followed the stream with Voltarr and Nicolai a short distance behind. When they had gone some distance down the gorge, Tolarr detected movement from higher up the slopes around them but it was not until Brimstone saw the trio of figures around the sarcen stone that the trap closed around them.

The trio were clearly cultists and the stone was already dark-stained. One appeared to be involved in ritual preparation and might be a priest. Guarding him was an enormous armoured warrior and a robed figure with a mage's staff. All were wearing deep violet and flame-orange though none in the group were aware of what this signified.

From the rocks on the far side of the gully the yruk fighters attacked with swords while others fired arrows down from the edges of the escarpment. Gorran tried to return fire on the archers but was forced to defend himself as the massive warrior bore down on him. Massive blow after massive blow hammered Gorran. The serious injuries he sustained forced him to withdraw.

Olorin and Tolarr attacked the cultists and the assault seemed to distract the mage for he seemed unable to concentrate. He and the cult-priest were no match in combat for the two Khazad.

Meanwhile a much darker creature was rushing towards Father Nicolai. None of his supplications seemed to be answered this night. He prepared his boar spear to fend off the creature. It seemed to move swiftly but it was larger than a mastiff. It's tail was hideous and murine. Nicolai thrust the spear at the beast but it was too quick. It dodged past the point and Nicolai found himself scrabbling on the ground as chisel-like teeth snapped at his face. One bite did make contact but without drawing blood. Nicolai began to understand the true evil of the creature he faced. Then suddenly the creature was gone, slipping away with the same speed and stealth as before.

The huge anti-paladin brushed past the other fighters and rushed straight towards Voltarr. In his haste to cast, Voltarr failed twice before a massive surge of bright energy checked his opponent.

As he and the the remaining yruk warriors moved off to regroup the companions noticed that one of there number lay still in the sand. An yruk arrow had struck the already wounded Gorran. He was dead!

What's in a Name

All of the peoples of the mugyrr use given names and the spelling of these is adaptable depending on the speaker's language and level of learning. Of course everyone has a byname preceding this to distinguish the many Ishtvans, Ferencs, Nicolais, etc. This may be a descriptive byname or an occupation or a patronymic. Foreigners are usually given a byname derived from their province or town. Some get their bynames as a result of thier deeds or accomplishments. Those who travel are usually known by different bynames in different places. This does not mean that they are of dubious character, just that is how they are known in those places

The ten most popular Tylar names are Ianosc, Petr, Ishtván, Gyergy, Balásc, Lázslow, Mikhály, Mátyás, Ferencs, Bálynt.

Patronymics are formed from the fathers given name with fÿ added.

Petrfÿ Gorran (also called in some places Gorran Petrowec) is now known in most parts of the realm as Anasztáz Gorran because of the amazing events in Golgow. Anasztáz is usually a given name but here it is used for the meaning of that given name, a form of the old Anastasius, meaning "resurrection."

Nocturne in Three Voices

Vadlat Manor, YT330

As the group left the rundown village and made their way towards Vadlat Manor the deep shadows of evening started to grow. Like a sonata of lies growing darker with each minor chord, the gloom became deeper with each step.

The bright glow from the many glazed windows of the manor and the lively music which could be heard in the warm summer air were pleasant enough to distract the travellers from any disquiet about the blighted village and the complete absence of farms in the vicinity.

While Nicolai, Voweslaw, Gorran and Voltarr were welcomed by the many liveried servants and shown through the hallway to nearby apartments, Tolarr, Hamec and the others were directed to the pantry at the back of the house.

Later the new guests were directed up the grand stairs to a equally impressive ballroom where numerous other guests seemed to be trying to out-do each other in social display and hauteur. Each guest was dressed in fine clothes and the dancing was in the old courtly style. However the gaiety of the other guests rang like a cracked bell.

Voltarr made careful note of the beautiful tapestries and paintings. All were old with animal and musical themes recurring. One painting reminded him of the old painting of the Iron Fuzoy which they had glimpsed in the cultists rooms in Nagyolaszi

Gorran was taken with the music from an orchestra on a dais at the far end of the hall and it occurred to him that the leader seemed familiar. This person was clearly someone of significance and breeding. Most likely this person was their host! When he stopped playing and started to circulate, Gorran took the opportunity to speak to him about his own studies of the music of the bard Olvyr Hnufa. The gentleman seemed pleased with this subject and had servants bring manuscripts which he claimed were the work of the same bard. Oddly much of the manuscript seemed too new for any work penned by Olvyr Hnufa. Then Gorran suddenly recalled the encounter with the Upiar in the inn at Golgowa and realised that the he was speaking to the human form of the very same. Could this Upiar and Olvyr Hnufa also be one and the same. The notes began to shift into an ugly theme.

When the rest were made aware of their host's identity they began to make their way back down the grand stairs toward the door. Suddenly the tall window shutters slammed shut. Some devices contrived by an artificer long dead closed` and bolted each one in a staccato cadenza.

Rushing into a downstairs room the friends guarded both entrances. Outside in the corridors the sound of wild beasts attacking some other guests could be heard mixed with cruel mocking laughter from some others. Since the sounds were feline, Voweslaw was reduced to a gibbering wreck and ran to hide in a cupboard. They all soon realised that they must make an attempt to escape before they were cut off. Fighting off some of the manor's eponomous beasts which attacked wrapped in an un-natural darkness the group made for the front door with no clear idea if they could force a way through the heavy locked doors.

As they approached the front door the group heard crashing and the door was forced inwards. In rushed an angry Sgurd Hafnersson and his cultist followers. Clearly, though he spoke in his own northern tongue, Sgurd was raging with anger at Olvyr Hnufa! Facing them on the stair was Olyvr Hnufa and several guards. Though they wore courtly clothes they were armed and seemed experienced fighters.

The guards did not prevent the friends reaching the door and they might have rushed past Sgurd and his men but the voice of their host stilled everyone in a few syllables. It was as if the most harmonious music had contained the most reasonable and sensible commands. Lord Hnufa was the most suited to lead and all from pa-mosz to royal palace should listen and obey. Yes he had once associated with Hring but now that he was gone why strive to bring him back. Much better to serve Lord Hnufa. One by one, with huge mental efforts the group managed to break free of the hold Lord Hnufa had on them and the group were permitted to go. All of the friends felt relieved and eager to be anywhere else but it did not stop them wondering why they had been released so easily or what horrors awaited the manor's other guests. Did Olvyrr Hnufa want to toy with his prey or did he also want to prevent the return of Hring for his own reasons. It seemed possible that their enemy Sgurd might not escape unscathed. At the very least they would be long gone before Sgurd could come after them.

Intervention in Midnight Collisz

Collisz, 24 Fafad, YT330

The full moon having risen, shone in a cloudless star-lit summer sky. The fallen walls of Collisz covered in the mosses and lichens of near two hundred years looked ominous covered by deep shadows. Like dark mis-shapen beasts huddled together. Did the walls remember the night when their ruler destroyed them and their occupants. Even were they to remember what happened, none but Hring knows why.

The group slipped quietly through the moonlit ruins towards the central square and the shell of Collisz Gora. The grim faced figures of Bregunds company were close by the town awaiting the signal to attack

Half visible bayars in the ruined buildings around the square were occasionally silhouetted by stray moonlight or a lit pipe. Groups of robed figures were eagerly engaged in rituals in various locations across the open area. An empty plinth stood in the midst of the square with the name Skald Grimm engraved on it.

The stocky figure of Tolarr dressed in leather adorned in symbols of death aspect approached the nearest trio of cult acolytes. After a murmered conversation they stopped their ritual preparations and followed Tolarr into the alleys of Collisz. Minutes later similar figures returned with Tolarr and begin their own rituals. If one set of robes was bloodied none around noticed in the darkness.

Hours later as midnight approached a small group of sinister figures moved into the square from the Collisz Gora. The acolytes stopped as the priest began the ritual proper.

A few minutes later Bregunds Company attacked the town with weapons clashing and horns sounding. The commotion was clear in the night air and soon most of the cultist fighters began heading towards the fighting.

Moments passed and then missile fire from the rest of our friends in buildings to the west of the square started and appeared to damage the chanting cowled figure. Our heroes moved out into the square to prevent the unholy rite. The blessing of the ground done earlier by Nicolai while disguised clearly aided them now and baulked their enemy.

Brother Nicolai stepped forward and prayed earnestly. Immediately, the heavens began to fill with thunderclouds, blotting out the full moon.

The band of cultist cut-throats look up in terror as first four, then six more, were consumed by lightening blast. So terrified were the few survivors that one fell to his knees in penitence. The last cult minion backed away cursing defiantly leaving only the cowled one, Sgurd and one other northland warrior.

As these backed away towards the darkness of the ruined tower a beam of moonlight reveals the undead gaze of Sgurd! Then Voltarr unleashed spells which ripped through the warrior Sgurd. Already the priest seemed to have several silvered quarrels through him. Somehow the wounded trio of cultists managed to help each other away.

Words in the Dark Streets

Nagyolaszi, 25 and 26 Byad, YT330

Meanwhile, Nicolai, Olorin, Gorran and Voweslaw made there way towards the craft-working district.

Voweslaw spent several minutes discussing matters with a few Eol who they met in Castlegate. They were tracking a group of Bayars which consisted of Seahkzen warriors and Wallachs which they had recently followed from Nurt Tzingi to Nagyolaszi. Their attitude changed when Amathariel was mentioned, becoming much less voluble.

Near Hanveyd's Workshop they me a party of Earth-kin who had formed an impromptu militia to guard the Craft-working Quarter when the alarm was first raised that evening.

At the Forrester Inn, the building was swiftly surrounded and after loud knocking, a figure came crashing from a window and tried to make his escape. Quickly restrained by Nicolai, the tapsman of the Forrester (for that was who it turned out to be) started to divulge any and all information he knew (and possibly some he didn't) in an effort to avoid a death sentence for conspiracy with the cult. He named Gometch of the Vintners Guild as the figure in scarlet and purple. He also told them that Sgurd and a small band of Sekely and Wallachs had left the town early in the afternoon with traveling-gear and on horse.

On return to the Dark Tower Inn, the whole party agreed set out in the morning to track Hanyeyd leaving the wagons in the town. This gave Leradhir time to replace his clothes and bathe thoroughly.

Where There's Muck There's Money

Nagyolaszi, 25 and 26 Byad, YT330

Once the commotion had subsided, the group decided that they should split up in order to search Ivarsson's building and also the Forrester before the evidence could be removed or trampled on by unperceptive city guards.

Tolarr, Leradhir and Voltarr searched Ivarsson's building starting with the chamber where the summoning took place while the others went through the streets towards the goldsmith's shop and the cultists drinking den.

Tolarr used his innate treasure seeking abilities to unearth a cache of monies amounting to 12 Poltura, 37 Crajczar 7 Half-Thalers, 6 Thalers and an Opal/Gold Cloak-pin of local make. Leradhir after studying the tapestry, made a couple of more significant finds. Firstly, he found a black-bound book which gave off a strong sense Dark Magic. ( This was passed to the Council of Tzutsavanica by Voltarr next day). Secondly he discovered papers with am astrological diagram. Amathariel was able to confirm that this document specified a place and time which might be of significance to the cultists. The place was located in the forests of Nurt Tzingi. The time was mid-summer!

Leradhir while climbing into the solar to look for Hanveyd fell into the mire. When he was finally pulled out the night-soil collectors were the only ones not to remark on the stench. But he did spot a trail of muck and footprints leading towards the South Gate.

The Game Yacta

The game of Yacta is played throughout the Realm of St Khuz. It arrived at least a century ago from Wallachia where the inhabitants claim it developed from earlier games played by the legionaries of the Old Empire. The name Jacta may indeed derived from a word in the Old Imperial language.

The game is played with dice which have the numbers and pictures on each side. Each player seeks to make the dice fall into five distinct 'hands' and the winner is the first person to make all five 'hands' Usually five coins are wagered by each player and these are placed in the midst of the table. For Bors and Pa-mosz the coins will be Denar or perhaps Poltura. For craftsmen, shopkeepers, etc. crajczar are used. Rich merhants of course play for Thalers. As is hand is achieved a coin is placed to signify this and the first player to complete all five take all of the coins wagered. Inns often have tables with the hands marked on each edge with symbols which may be covered by a coin to denote the hand has been scored.

The dice are cast, but not disclosed to the other players and each player in turn states which 'hand' he has. He may dissemble (called 'bluff') but unless challenged the call is accepted. The most difficult 'hand' bid is the only one which scores. If a player challenges another's call then bidding stops and the challenged dice are revealed. If the hand is valid then the challenger revokes his highest hand already scored and the challenged hand also scores. If not the challenged player must revoke his highest hand scored.

In some places players are allowed to select some dice already rolled in secret and re-roll these in sight of the other players. This has often lead to alledged cheating, unseemly brawls and sometimes fatalities and so is banned entirely in Crown Lands

Death and Worse

Nagyolaszi, 25 Byad, YT330

On being shown into the under-croft of the Merchant's hall Olorin and Tolarr were confronted with the disfigured and recently deceased body of an innocent townsman of Nagyolaszi. Their guide cursed loudly and informed them that their ceremonies will have to be rushed forward as a result. They were them shown into the hall above and thence by gallery steps up to Ivarssons chamber. This looked much as described by Voltarr with two additions. Namely, a pentacle was now visible on the floor and on a chair against one wall sat the goldsmith Hanveyd, clearly drugged or in a trance.

The figure in scarlet and purple robed arreared wearing the Torc and racked with pain and terror summoned what at first seemed to be small ass to appear in the room before them. Then, using the beings hideous name he forced it to assume human-like appearance. The demon uttered foul curses and imprecations but was compelled to begin to a horrible and unholy ritual on the person of Hanyeyd. Ivarsson began to whisper nervously to Olorin. He informed Olorin that part of the reason for their presence is that they had knowledge of the infiltration of the Faction by the Death Rune cult. Ivarsson told them that this ritual is but a trial and the coven plan to repeat the process to revive the power of the Liche Hring. He believed that if Hanveyd survived he could be revived but if not he could still be of use to Hring. After considerable time had passed the two Khazad realised that the end of the ritual was approaching. They were compelled to watch as the demon drew all of the life from the goldsmith, leaving in his place an undead monster. The demon was then released and vanished from the chamber.

A clash of weapons and shouting came from the Hall below. Seconds later one of the ill-favored ruffians seen earlier burst in, looking severely battered. With the demon gone Olorin and Tolarr set about the cult mage, Ivarsson and the new arrival. The undead Hanveyd escaped via a trapdoor and the Merchants privy,. Even the town guard and Michaeline Knights fail to find undead-Hanveyd

In the fighting in the under-croft a fire had been started, and as the captives, bodies and other evidence were taken from the building, townsmen and guards fought to extinguish it. The smoke and flames, shouting, bleating, squawking and some looting, fistfights and even cheering, seemed just as described by Brother Dyarran at St Thygra two days earlier

Flies like a Winged Chariot

Nagyolaszi, 25 Byad, YT330

As night approaches Olorin and Tolarr were shown to Ivarsson's premises. But their streetwise guide seemed to smell trouble and let them there by sundry alleys and side-streets. When they arrived in Sheepgate it was from the end which they had believed to be blocked.

The others had watched them leave the Dark Tower and slipped out quietly a few moments later. They reached Sheepgate quickly but not sighted Olorin and Tolarr. For some reason the paladins and town guard do not arrive as soon as anticipated. An hour or more passed before help arrived in Low Street and they could finally take action

The false Hue and Cry started with Gorann acting as the miscreant. Perhaps because it was late or perhaps because of wary townsfolk, no-one else seemed remotely interested. Gorran however ran into the courtyard within the Merchant's building. The guard in the courtyard feigned nonchalance as Vowselaw demanded help in apprehending the 'criminal' Until a lightning blow from Voweslaw's sword severed his right hand and a few more battered him to the ground. Another cultist appeared to investigate but Nicolai's mace smashed his hip and he too fell to the ground without even having time to prepare a weapon. Arriving behind the rest Voltarr staunched the first guard's bleeding allowing him to be captured alive by the authorities a few moments later.

The companions burst into the hall and quickly set about subduing (in several cases permanently) a crowd of cult worshipers who few seconds before had been waiting in rapt anticipation of some immanent event. Gorran, Nicolai and Voweslaw all deal heavy blows to the stunned cultists. In less than a minute one has fled, three are badly injured and the remaining seven are dead.

As the fighting in the hall began to subside, the rear entrance of the Hall opened and a figure in armour with white and gold livery appeared and began assist the companions. At one point his sword shattered but he swiftly prepared a battleaxe and laid into the last visible cultist. Outside in the alleys and beneath their feet they could still hear fighting going on.

Moves at Leisure

Nagyolaszi, 25 Byad, YT330

On the morning of the fore-ordained day, Olorin and Tolarr were invited to the Forrester to meet again with Sgurd and there consume various potable beverages. Sgurd offered the pair cups in proportion to their stature but Tolarr drained Sgurd's larger beaker with a huff. Sgurd seemed genuinely surprised by their capacity to imbibe without any apparent effects. After a while the pair became restless and asked to be shown to the ceremonial site. After considering matters Sgurd sent them off with the Merchant Ivarsson who offered to kill time with some games of dice at whatever Inn they chose.

Olorin and Tolarr went with the Merchant to their familiar Dark Tower Inn. Ivarsson introduced them to a dice game which was new to them called Yacta. It was not new to Ivarsson, he being in his own estimation adept at it. Unfortunately for him he found it difficult to read the impassive faces of the Khazad and lost 60 Thalers to them.

Holy Orders

The Holy Orders of the Church of St Khuz were formed for two purposes. The militant clerics of the Order of the Archangel Michael and the Order of the Archangel Raphael were founded to combat the dark magic and the cults which came into existence in the time of Tzar Vozin. The monastic clerics of the Brotherhood of Gabriel and the Brotherhood of Ariel were founded to look after the well-being of the bors and pa-mosz. The militant orders are typified by the fearsome paladins in their white and gold or blue and silver liveries. There are however only three hundred of these and the order has many more clerics and lay bretheren. The Brotherhoods in their plain brown and grey habits are more numerous and perform many important roles in addition to their spiritual offices: healers, alms-givers, teachers, advocates, etc.

Drained to the Dregs

Carpenters in Nagyolaszi who drank their way to the bottom of a huge barrel of aqua vitae while renovating a storeroom ran from the building in terror when a pickled corpse tumbled out of the empty barrel.

According to Borrec the herbalist, workers in a vintner in Oldgate Lane tipped it over after they had drained it. Two of the workers required potions to recover from their agitated state. None showed any sign of intoxication.

The authorities believe that the body of the man may have been put there years ago by his wife in order to avoid the cost of a proper burial. The workers told Borrec that the liquid in the hogshead had a "unusual savor" and so they had decanted a few bottles.

Earrings

What do bargees on the great rivers of the realm, all Aeyep males and Wallach bayars have in common? A raffish air and a rebellious view of the forces of the crown - certainly. A level of distrust and suspicion by bors and nobility alike - often. A gold adornment piercing one earlobe - also true. But the fashion of wearing these and the detail of the item can distinguish one group from another and also one clan or band from another of the same race. Rivermen have the least ostentatious rings, with only enough gold to placate ancient river beliefs. Aeyep give and receive rings as part of their own complex family rituals and the age and quality are significant to them. Why Wallach outlaws wear them is less clear. Perhaps in their own land it causes some of their victims to panic. Who knows? But Wallach rings usually have the mark of their band of cut-throats incised on the gold.