The Company 3rd Song ep06 : Dungeon World : Roll20

06/03/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Six
"Webs"

Zig notices the growing mist that crawls upon the ground, spreading while the others seem busy with their discussions.  He walks up to Chaeron to whisper a warning to his ears.  Chaeron turns to Zig throws him an annoyed expression.  Hollis proudly tells the gathered that they have the package as commanded.  Chaeron hushes Zig to be silent.  The Govenor turns to face the Iron Bride and asks her to inspect it.  Zig sees the spreading mist cover most of the room and decides to break protocol and yell at everyone that there's a trap!  Illyana walks up to Liadan and draws her sword.  "Where? A trap?" Govenor Duune, Lord of Onodol hisses in response.  Gaius moves close to Liadan as well, ready to defend her.  Hollis isn't certain what the mist is, so he calls out to the others to protect the package!  Zig quickly notices the possible ways out of the chamber.    Gaius peeks at Aeromys, checking if his pet has reacted in any way.  He finds it hiding under his armor.  "It would be prudent to take the package away," Illyanna snarls at the Duune.  Illyana tries to sense evil but senses none from Duune.  Zig clambers up a shelf to try to pry open the closest window.  Duune, of course, spits at them vile words.  He is angry at the presumption that his chosen meeting place would be subject to an attack!  Lady Cassandra wafts some of the smoke close, inhaling, and tells the gathered, "Fellows... this mist. This is incense. Rose mist, aromatic and expensive."

"Urgency... insanity.. we are at war.  Onodol might not show it, but as Lord of this place I surely am aware of it!  The Alliance claims to have a means to end the war and you were to bring it," Duune growls.  Zig tries to apologize, but Duune takes offense in the accusations.  He admits the mist was to spare him from the foul effluence the group carries with them.  Hollis tries to apologize once more for the party, admitting they had faced many dangers and are still on guard. Duune dismisses the meeting, telling them to rendezvous an hour from now.  As he leaves, the group sees past the door the women fanning mist from a glass globe suspended over fire.  The aroma of roses is stronger.

It was an abysmal first meeting.

Hollis and Zig decide to look around the city, with Chaeron opting to follow them.  Liadan and Gaius opt to speak with the Iron Bride.  

Gaius admits to Ilyanna that he does not know if he can trust her yet.  She merely tells him she has no need of his trust.  Both admit they are watching over the package.  Aegidius the Elf watches in silence, intimidated by them all.  Liadan, however, is now incensed.  She has finally realized the group sees her as this package, and Ilyanna admits she only knows she is destined for greater things.  She refuses to explain what is expected of her.  Ilyanna does, however, admit she does not feel Duune can be trusted.  She does not know either what the Red Child's role is in all this.  Gaius and Liadan are surprised to learn the Iron Bride is NOT here to protect the Red Child.

Elsewhere, Zig tries to apologize to Duune, who had stepped out and upon inhaling deeply, realizes there is still a stench in the air.  He sees Zig and scowls.  Hollis joins Zig and tries to give more apologies, but Chaeron comes up to the two and drags them away.  At an adjoining chamber, the two hear from Chaeron a reminder that not everyone is good at handling the intricacies of politics.  He admits it might be better that both stay outside in the next meeting.  Hollis sighs, sniffing himself and asking if he does smell that bad.  Chaeron admits maybe for a lord they do, given the catacombs they had plumbed.  He recommends they bathe.  Zig however has his own plans and he heads down the streets to search for information.

Hollis rejoins the others and they talk more about the package and its possible role in the war.  Hollis notes a symbol on the Iron Bride that marks her as a believer in the Old Gods.  The Iron Bridge warns them that, "The road to the Lich King is one fraught with dangers both known and unseen. One cannot tread this path lightly.  The Watch knows the value of life. But we also know that death is inevitable. And nothing waits for us beyond this world. Thus we must do our best to make the most of our time here."  Aegidius is just amused at Ilyanna being covered by so much metal.  Ilyanna shares the vision she saw when she read of the Lord through her given blessings.

"The Governor has retired to his chambers. His grotesque bulk struggles to move into his private chambers. I see a dark shadow swirling within him, bubbling from his mouth like oil. And I see his hands clawing at his chest, as if wanting to break the skin. The mist is thick. The coils are silken. Eight by eight. They come. They are near."

Gaius wonders if they are under attack and decides to bar the doors.  Liadan wonders if Zig was right.  Lady Cassandra feels they are confusing things.    The group starts to see a low hanging mist fill the room again.  This time however it does not smell of roses.

Ilyanna draws her sword once more, positioning her shield to defend Liadan.  Gaius signals Aegidius to protect Lady Cassandra, as before.  Hollis feels the mist cling to his face.  He draws a hand to pluck it away and realizes it is stick... threads... like a web.

At the Underworld District, where black market affairs happen in the city, Zig spots a thieves' guild hideout.  He casually asks for a person who can trade information, and he is directed towards a group of slavers.  There, he learns the Lord of Onodol does occasionally hire slaves for needs.  Zig admits he is fascinated with the rosy mist and learns its a very expensive air perfumer.  Zig then purchases some Tagit, five vials worth, for any emergencies they may need.  Before the man can reply, however, a thorny shard embeds into the man's throat!  He drops to the ground, blood oozing from the deep wound.  To Zig's horror, the thorn continues to dig into the man's flesh!

Zig sees the attackers, three strange men with some kind of wooden growth on their bodies.  A low mist hangs around them.  Another altered man stumbles towards Zig, sprouting gurgling words.  Zig kicks back, breaking into a run to leave.  The three chase after him!

Back at the Grand Archive, Gaius yells to ask Ilyanna if her visions were literal.  She admits seeing Duune clawing at his own chest.  Aegidius is engulfed by the mist.  Lady Cassandra screams and tries to pull him free, but he screams he cannot move.  Hollis ducks under the misshapen things that erupt from the ceiling, throwing the cloth at the things to distract them.  Giant spiders emerge, each one the size of a horse.  Ilyanna maneuvers to try to draw the larger one at her. The spider ignores the elf, moving towards the massive woman.  Gaius charges forward, swinging his flail wide to catch many of them in one strike.  The struck spiders burst like watermelons, splattering purple blood in all directions.  They shriek giving a sound like children stabbed with a hot iron poker.  Liadan begins to intone while Lady Cassandra watches her back.  Hollis stands between Liadan and the window and tries to find an escape through the window.   Instead, he sees more coming and shoves a bookshelf to barricade it closed.  Ilyana narrowly dodges the swipe from the spider as she lunges forward, thrusting her sword into the beast.  The blade rakes against the massive spider, but unlike the smaller ones, this one takes the strike and pulls back... still alive!

The three smaller ones close in on Gaius' flank.  One leaps into range and launches a spinning wad of web at him.  Rather than wait, Gaius charges at it like an ox, hoping to get closer to Ilyanna at the same time.  He ducks his head, shield leading, bursting his way through the spiders as he crashes through them like an avalanche of ridged, spiked steel.  The things scamper away in fear.

Outside, the three men with root-like arms take chase.  One swings a wooden arm at Zig, which unfurls like an opening flower!  Zig tumbles out its reach.  People in the streets watch in shock, uncertain what is going on.  Feeling the weight of the vials, Zig slips them out of his pack and considers dropping them away. But that is when, out of the blue, a familiar face drops from the sky in front of him.  The Snow Witch!  She intones, "Gala Mutkg Svanto!" and the three figures begin to shake as if they were having convulsions.  Zig stops, turns to watch, and sees the three scream as the wooden extensions crack and falls off with bloody spasms.  Dropping from each of them were writhing worms.  Zig goes back, blade ready, and asks her why she had helped him.

Malar, the Snow Witch, replied she is here to find the Heretic.  Zig assumes she means Liadan.  Zig demands Malar clarify if she's here as a friend, and Malar admits the Old Gods understand and demand for her now.  At the corner of his eye, a blue bolt zaps into view.  Zig instinctively dodges it and it hits Malar, who hits the ground in pain.  Zig turns to see Brother Fabio! He teases his "Knock of Knowledge has found its target," and offers to tie Malar up. Fabio informs Zig that a massive mist surrounds the Grand Archive.  Onodol is under siege and how there are things closing in on the City Walls.  Zig feels divided on where to go - he senses his friends are in trouble, but he knows he alone can inform them of what is happening at the wall.

The group back at the Archive fights against the Spiders.  Hollis stabs his palm with his dagger and the symbol of Soma appears in his eyes.  He sees the symbol mark the staircase across the room.  "Up!  We must go up!"  Ilyanna grits her teeth as one of the spiders gets a bite at her, injecting her with some greenish poison.  But Ilyanna slams the thing back in time for the poison to ooze out of the wound, rather than get deeper into her system.  Gaius challenges at the largest spider, declaring it Exterminatus, and charges to kill the beast!

The shower of blood and ichor explodes from the massive SpiderLord. Hollis reaches to Aegidius and begins pulling him from the webs. Liadan stays close, keeping her hand ready to cast a Blue Bolt of power at any creatures too near. But as Hollis pulls on Aegidius, he discovers something odd: the young elf is NOT held down by the webs. The webs slide easily from the elf's skin. Aegidius quickly apologizes, admitting he was never trapped.  Gaius sees Aegidius' eyes and sees the regret in them. The young boy has done something... wrong. Hollis looks up a the symbol, still above the stairs. He leads the group to it, knowing Soma has chosen a safe path...But then... the scream.

All turn to see Lady Cassandra wrapped in a massive cocoon by the spiders. The things carry her to the window, holding her hostage and lifting her outside. Liadan turns to Hollis, screaming at him that she thought HE was watching her.  Lady Cassandra yells at them to not surrender the package, even as the spider carries her away. 

Gaius charges to chase after Lady Cassandra, but Ilyanna grabs his arm to stop him.  She reminds him of their oath to watch over Liadan.  He tells the others to go, get Liadan to safety, and he hurries to chase after Lady Cassandra.  Aeigidius mumbles an apology but it falls on deaf ears. Gaius leaps for the window. Aegidius leaps after him.  Hollis, the Iron Bride, and Liadan hurry to the top of the stairs.

At the far wall, Zig climbs to the top with Brother Fabio. They find Chaeron there, already bloodied and armed. He too must have been attacked. The streets are now empty, and people have fled to their homes to hide. Chaeron tells Zig he was right and the enemy storms the walls.  "They are here for the Package.  I have no doubt about it."

At the top of the Grand Archive, Hollis and the Iron Bride shove open the massive door to reach the balcony above. Liadan closes the door behind them. The three can hear the war drums in the distance. They move to the edge to see what has come to Onodol. They stare at a sight that brings terror.

The forces of the Old Gods stand at the walls. The massive monstrosities of nature rise from the ground. The Old Elves have lied. They have not befriended them. They have come to claim the Package for themselves. 

And somewhere in the city, Gaius stands on the rooftop, sees the trails of web and blood. Lady Cassandra is somewhere out there. And he knows he will find her. Again.

Chaeron calmly speaks, "We cannot outrun Nature. We will fight."

The Company 3rd Song ep05 : Dungeon World : Roll20

05/20/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Five
"Onodol"

The morning breaks the darkness as a sign of hope.   Hollis has been awake for hours earlier. He had offered prayers to Sona and they were received well. Healing magic came.  And through it, Hollis helped his exhausted and battered Company back to good health.  Brother Fabio, like Hollis, was awake as well. His focus, on the other hand, were the women with them. Both Liadan and Lady Cassandra had their own set of secrets to hide, it seems.

Hollis walks around the perimeter of the camp, a small makeshift shelter by the edge of the mountain. Still hidden from the elements, the place was secure enough. He finds the young Elf sitting on the snow, staring at Onodol. "Will you be joining us inside the city?"  Alv turns, surprised to hear a voice behind him. The young elf smacks into the snow as he stumbles to pull his massive sword from the snow.  Hollis almost breaks into a laugh when the Elf plunges into the snow face first.  The elf throws Hollis a scowl. Hollis admits he didn't mean to startle him and apologizes as he helps the Elf up.  Alv spits at the ground in spite.  He clearly does not like Clerics.  They talk about Onodol being a city for humans... and clerics, and despite Alv's efforts to drag the huge sword, he seems more aware now of the Cleric gawking at him.  While Alv goes to wake the others, Hollis calls to his deity for guidance.  In response, the symbol of his faith appears.  It is hovering over Liadan.

Alv comes up to Gaius and begins shaking him awake. The young elf almost rubs his nose against Gaius'' cheek as he wakes him. Zig hears the skittering and opens his eyes. He sees the young elf almost on top of the fighter. Zig realizes the elf is merely waking the fighter up. Although perhaps its some kind of elven thing to.. sniff... the other? Zig rises, and sees Fabio with the women already cleaning up the camp and gathering things. He sees Hollis cutting himself, a small sacrifice offered, then returns to the camp. The offering is received as Hollis finds his eyes drawn to the snow; a white delicate spider clambers up his boot. but then the wind blew and it turned into mist.  Zig climbs a tree to scout the vicinity for any possible threats.

"Alv...Where are we? Last I remember you and I were speaking at the exit from Athgnor. That fight must've taken more of me than I thought!" Alv grins at Gaius. "You have name. For me. Yes?"
Up on the tree, Zig looks around and sees no immediate threats.  The gates of Onodol are open. People are active in the area, moving to and fro. Gaius tells Alv that he needs not worry and that he has a name, "I name you “AEGIDIUS” (It means “young ram” in the tongue of Angerona). I pat my bull’s-head shield. The bull is fierce and strong, but the ram is quick, crafty and brave.  ” Alv smiles. He likes his new name.  Lady Cassandra comes up to you all. She hands the packed stuff to Fabio.  Lady Cassandra announces they are ready to leave and the soonest they get into civilized lands, the best.   Liadan growls about how some never have outgrown their need for wealth and buildings.  Gaius worries for his tiny pet and finds him nestled in his shirt, tired from the combat as well. Chaeron tells them that they should receive new orders once they arrive.  But all know that Onodol does mean the end, at last, of their quest.

Many buildings are in the state of construction. it isn't even repair. Its reconstruction.  People are beautifying their homes. Sellers hawk trinkets, food, and wares. Music can be heard playing from some homes. The sensation is surreal. After travelling through war-torn landscapes for weeks, and seeing burned down homes and death.....they all feel bothered at the sudden peaceful world around them. Hollis mutters how its like the war never got here. Merchants offer their wares as they pass.  Gaius keeps his senses alert, however, untrusting of cities and the deception they can hide.

Staying close to Liadan, Hollis notices she seems to stare at the children running around. She seems shocked to see them so carefree. Gaius feels angry. He doesn't sense any particular threats. But he feels angered knowing the struggle of others in towns like Donir.  And worse, there is a parade.  They learn that visitors from the faraway kingdom of Vizet are present: the Iron Bride and the Red Child. With their arrival, the group watches the Iron Bride as she leads the parade; a woman moving in what appears to be full plate armor.  A thick furred-shoulder coat keeps her warm. The red child is a short figure in red robes. Two smaller figures carry the Red Child's train from behind.In Vizet, all are permitted to challenge each other in ritual combat. The title of the Iron Bride has not changed ownership in years. Lady Cassandra shares that the Red Child is said to be an immortal, founder of Vizet.  They are only rumors, however. Hollis shares he has heard that the Red Child has an ageless body and it could be from some kind of dark magic.  These are all rumors, of course.  Chaeron guides the group away from the streets, making their way deeper into the city. They arrive at the Grand Archive and find Brother Fabio actually already there. He welcomes them all inside and shows them to a waiting chamber.  Chaeron whispers to the group to never tell anyone of the "Package" they have brought with them.  There, they discover their contact turns out to be the very ones at the parade.  

The Iron Bride removes her helmet, revealing a strong scarred face.  Named Ilyanna Svagth, the Iron Bride admits she did not expect a full Company.  As initial introductions are made,  the Red Child remains silent as he stares at them.  None can see past the white mask he wears.  The Lord of the City then arrives, shoving the doors aside as he walks in. His bulk is immense, perhaps around 300-400 pounds.  Govenor Duune, the Lord of Onodol, addresses them directly and claims that both are present because he requested for them.  Govenor asked for the Iron Bride to be present for the Package's protection.  And the Lords of the Alliance have agreed to the importance the Package holds.  "It is a means to end the War."

But it is then that Zig notices that the temperature in the room is dropping. There is a sudden coldness growing in the room. 

The Company 3rd Song ep04 : Dungeon World : Roll20

04/22/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Four
"Athgnor"

The Company stands before the massive entrance to the Dwarven ruin known as Athgnor.  The doors tower over 80 feet above them.  Some of them have received the gift of the Old Elves.  The others, especially the Clerics, have not been given such gifts due to the Clerics usurping the faith in the Old Gods.

At the Entrance, Zig realizes the fruit of the blessing: a green trail of light shows him the safe passage through the ruins.  He moves ahead of the Company, hoping to stay twenty feet ahead as the group's scout.    Hollis who takes the role of the group's Quartermaster as they undertake the perilous journey, ponders over the connection Gaius and Cassandra seem to share in their past.  Gaius, on the other hand, wonders about the truths behind the Old Elves, which he know understands to be more than myth.  He realizes he know understands there is fact behind the faith in the Old Gods, but he still has very many questions.  Zig, on the other hand, is deeply bothered that the Old Elves, especially those who are of the Water, can sense deception and lies.

As they move through the ruins, they marvel as the size of the place.  The corridors are wide and sadly in a terrible state of decrepitude.  There is no denying the beauty the chambers once had.  Hollis finds himself staring for a moment at the young Elf who seems to stand close to Gaius the whole time.  He feels bothered that a new companion has so easily joined the group, and in some ways would have preferred if the Elf was present to guide them.  But instead, he was with them in order to "Earn his name."  Surprisingly, Gaius seems to have learned to speak in Elven, which was something he didn't seem to know how to do before.  Liadan walks alongside Hollis, amused at how the Elves viewed the Clerics the way they viewed her - a Heretic.  Hollis defends his faith, despite Liadan's prodding about how the Clerics believe the Orders are corrupted versions of faith in the Old Gods.  Hollis stares back at her with some contempt.

Gaius notices Cassandra attempting to reach out and hold her hand a few times, making her affections clear.  But he gently removes her hand each time and walks ahead, focused more on the possible dangers ahead.  Cassandra says nothing of this, but there's no denying she feels hurt by his unwillingness to show intimacy.


Zig notes movement ahead, and he stops to wait for the Company to warn them.  The thing he caught sight of has rushed ahead and vanished into the darkness.   While there have not been any evident traps, Zig seems concerned that the thing he glimpsed might be the same threat that had decimated the dwarves outside the ruin.

The darkening tunnels continue to wind ahead of them, and soon, the new residents of the long abandoned chambers is revealed.  As they reach a deeper portion of the ruined deep, they find numerous hanging lairs and homes of what seem to be some goblinoid race.   At this point, the group ends up splitting up as the multiple passageways offer confusing turns.   Gaius even glimpses an old monstrosity, the shark-like thing which he had faced before in Angerona.  Hollis and Zig even notices that the polished stone floor suggests living things have been keeping the place tidy.

Gaius sends Alv to scout ahead and scan for what he can see.  Zig opts to accompany the elf.  The Alv admits he can see in the dark and when Zig admits he cannot, the elf ignites his glow stick for light.  Zig raises his concern that the light would make him noticed, but Alv admits the word "cautious" does not exist among his people.   "Fear we understand.  The word for fear is a word we best not say." Alv shuts the glowstick and the two continue foward.  But  Zig and Alv end up confronting a number of goblins in the darkness of the passageway, who use their ability to attack despite being in the darkness.  Zig tumbles backwards and catapults away to dodge the incoming spear.  He ends up bumping into even more goblins when he lands.  Alv rushes back to tell Hollis and Gaius that the thief has found some creatures.   Chaeron sends Gaius and Hollis to go ahead to help while he watches over the others.   Cassandra seems to impose more and more her needs of attention from Gaius.

The battle is short-lived, with the group quickly dispatching the goblins before they can raise an alarm.  Zig is nearly grappled down by the goblins, but he successfully slips away by twisting.  One grabs his bow, however, and as Zig somersaults out of the way, he ends up having to leave the bow to escape.  The goblins, chanting, "Juda" begin scattering.   Gaius and Hollis hear the chanting as they approach, and continue to approach as stealthily as possible.  Neither are able to see as much given the darkness.  Hollis asks if Alv knows what the chanting means, and Alv explains it means, "Prey."  Zig's leap however miscalculates and he ends up hanging over an edge.  Hollis and Gaius quickly make mincemeat of the goblins, unaware that Zig has slid down the edge to what he believes is safety.

Seeing the possible danger of the goblinoids detecting them, the other half of the group tries to sneak past the goblin warrens.  But the camp has already been alerted.  Among the goblins are some kind of larger figure.  The thing is tall by goblin standards, with huge arms and the ability to cast magic.  The thing begins casting, and so Hollis attempts to disrupt it with his own spells.  The battle they have is short-lived, as the group easily sees it would be wiser to try to run than fight against the whole horde.

The group soon gets deeper and deeper into the ruin, and Zig reunites with the others at a place where lots of hanging bridge ways and walkways have been extended.  Fire and death await deep below.  The group worried if they can find a way out, but the Blessing of the Elves remains true and guides them each step of the way.

The Company eventually finds themselves amidst what was once the center of the Dwarven City of Athgnor.  The splendor of the ruin is lost, though a chamber filled with treasures remains unsoiled.  Though Hollis opts not to give in to his urges, Gaius and Zig slip inside to find what treasure they can get.  Gaius finds an ancient shield, shinier than steel but not quite silver, with a bull's head on its face.  Zig is on the ground, making angels in the gold.  He finds an ancient dagger.  Both seem to resonate some level of magic.  The word "Vieta" comes to mind and when uttered, a bull formed by magical force emerges from the shield to ram at anything on the other side.

Beyond Athgnor, the Company now travels the deepest portion of the journey, with crystals and massive gems from the walls and ground.  They move past the arcs, hoping to reach an exit to this dark and dismal place.  But lo, a final threat emerges:  The dark thing that murdered the dwarves tears open a door to make its way to them!

Against the ancient horror, the Company pours out their strength.  Injuries come generously as the thing seems to strike without fear and unwavering strength.  The thing is like a dark oil that moves like an incoming bull.  Gaius strikes powerfully, but the things liquid boy seems to take the brutal punishment without any effort.  Zig sadly drops the gold he is carrying to focus on the battle and watches in horror as many members of the group are in various states of injury.  Hollis pours out all the healing he can muster to help those he can, but while the group forces the door to escape, all wonder how they can stop the thing from following them outside!

It is then when the true answer to Gaius and Cassandra's survival from the destruction of Athgnor is revealed.  Liadan rushes towards the thing, hoping to lure it into a vulnerable spot, and as the thing pours down upon her to engulf and devour her, the thing finds itself distracted long enough for the rest of the group to disperse it with their weapons.    Left where Liadan stood, a stone statue of the heretic remains!  With a touch, Gaius undoes the blessing and Liadan returns to skin and blood, just like he and Cassandra did in the past.  Was their stone transformations a blessing from one of the Old Gods once more?

The group finally flee the ruins of Athgnor, forcing a way through the last door and shutting it behind them for safety.    And now safe, the group finds a moment of respite.  Ahead, they can see the Port City of Onodol at last.  But for now, they have their wounds to heal and their lives intact.

Alv turns to Gaius, asking if he has finally earned his name.  Gaius nods and considers what name to give the elf.

The Company 3rd Song ep03 : Dungeon World : Roll20

04/15/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Three
"The Silent"

The Company feels bothered by the fact that Donir seemingly has been sacrificed in order for the Package to have a relatively safe place to be received.   The group feels torn by this but realizes they might as well do their part in the ongoing war against Sigurd.    They have to deliver it past the Dwarven city of Athgnor to the port city of Onodol.

The statue had come to life.   Gaius stares at the impossible woman in front of her, the Lady Cassandra herself - who once ruled over Angerona.  The group gathers at one of the chambers of the grand library.  Food is being cooked.  Lady Cassandra sits by the window, still distraught over what has happened.  She is still trying to make sense of what has happened.  Hollis is exhausted from all the healing he has been doing to the townsfolk.  He hates how, come morning, he will have to leave the town.  Zig heads off to search for possible supplies that the town might have which they can use.

It soon becomes a suspicion by others that Lady Cassandra is a believer of the Old Gods, more so because of a small stone pendant around her neck.  Gaius wonders how she survived... how they survived.. and she wonders if their being encased in stone was a miracle given to them by the Old Gods that fighting night at Angerona. Gaius' tiny flying squirrel, Aeromys, doesn't seem to like her though.  Fabio talks to Cassandra. learns she intoned to old gods. Does not know what happened.  They do learn that Cassandra has been trapped in stone for five years.  Gaius had been trapped in stone for two.    Gaius catches Aeromys from biting her again. He tries asking about the old gods but Cassandra refuses to say more.

Zig searches for supplies and finds a shop owned by an old man.  He tells the old man blacksmith his name is Kit. There, he learns of Athgnor and dwarven hamlet outside. Supposedly, the hamlet is there to protect the entrance from something that rose from the depths of the earth.

Hollis gives a sermon to the people in an attempt to raise their spirits. Using his Ritual dagger, he cuts his own hand and allows the blood to fall to ground. The people of the ruined town think they are here to help and stay. He does not have the heart to admit to them they are leaving come dawn.

Fabio convinces Chaeron to let Cassandra go with them, given she's royalty.   Hollis asks Chaeron for nearest town to tell the people to go there. Learns of western town: Yenda, which is closest to Donir. He offers that information to the townsfolk and highly recommends they consider going there instead.

They leave, and after four days of safe travel. they soon soon see a cliffside with the same strange markings they had seen on the golem guardian.  Another mark of the Old gods. Even Cassandra recognizes them.

Hollis and Fabio camp with Cassandra and Liadan and Chareon.  Zig and Gaius to scout ahead to see Dwarven hamlet is safe.

They head to the location and find a ruined dwarven hamlet. Dead bodies are scattered all around the ground, frozen stiff. Even the wounded bodies lie frozen and dead. The two wonder if something must have broken out of the tunnels. They suspect that the dwarves fought it, and their wounded were brought home.  But perhaps the thing followed them back to the hamlet and finished them off. But it seems remaining Dwarves were able to force it back inside before the end.

Zig decides to further scout the area.  Gaius looks around as well and while lost in the snow, he sees a Smiling Child in mask staring back at him.  The child carried a torch in one hand and quickly kills the fire by plunging it into the snow.  Gaius traps him in his flail. Before the child can escape, an Old Elf emerges from the woods and speaks with them.    Zig sees the Old Elf and worries how powerful they really are.  The Elf addresses Gaius, recognizing his flail as a weapon that has been Chosen by the Black.  Zig and Gaius recall how the Black was the Old Gods of the Earth.  There is some discussion on what happened to the dwarves and how they remain rivals with the Elves of the Old World.  An offer is given to take the Secret Path through the mountain.

In exchange, they are to give sacrifices to the four Old Ones.  Zig heads back to the camp to tell the others about the encounter.  Lady Cassandra warns him, however, that the old elves would never agree to support any of the Clerics.  The Clerics, after all, stole the focus and faith in the Old Ones and shifted it towards the Orders. Cassandra returns with Zig and talks to the Old Elves. They try to find some kind of compromise possible.

The young elf, who turns out to be named Alv, asks to join Gaius after being trapped by his flail twice. They have the Ritual of Acceptance done and somehow, it allows Gaius to completely understand elven language.  "Travel with the Chosen," is Alv's request to the old elves, in order to earn "his name."   Negotiations, however, on whether or not the Old Elves will help them is debated on a lot.  There was one suggestion to even blind them, or to sacrifice one for the passage of all the rest.  Cassandra tries lying and but the Elves detect her lies.  To appease them, Zig agrees to become a follower of the Old Ways.  The Old Elf grants a select group of them a blessing, allowing them to see magically the safe route through the caverns.

In end, Old Elf gives The Blue gift to others, (Clerics and Chaeron and Liadan do not take blessing.) This to allow them to pathfind in the dwarven tunnels and lasts a night. They are told that this blessing can be refreshed in running water if they take longer than a single night in the depths.

They open the great doors and enter.

The Company 3rd Song ep02.5 : Dungeon World : Roll20

04/1/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Two.Five
"The Fighting Pits of Angerona"

The fighting pits of Angerona.   A world of battle, blood and betting.  Gaius is watching from the prison window as a match unfolds.  At the battleground, a long warrior stands.   The man has eager eyes, shorn hair, a tanned huge body that glistens with sweat and blood.  His name is Grunt, and in his hands a broken shard of bone is held like a weapon.  The crowds chants, excited to see more violence.  Grunt remembers the instructions given to him and he raises his arms to the crowd as he shouts at them. He tries to get them more excited. Three dead bodies lay scattered in the battlefield.

In the prison, Gaius and Saxa, another gladiator discuss the match.  Gaius easily picks up that Saxa and Grunt have something between them.  A horn bellows.  A new competitor arrives.

Grunt sees a warrior enter the battlefield.  Unlike the earlier goblins, this one is human.  Armed with a shield and a sword, the warrior clearly has an advantage over him. "Goblins.. bah. Let's see how you fare against a real warrior!"  Grunt yells back about how the tin man talks too much and charges into battle.  Grunt rushes forward, smashing himself at the warrior before he can brace himself.  Both crash into the ground with an incredible crash.  But while in the ground, the warrior swings the sword at Grunt, smacking the sword's pommel into his face. The warrior tries to stand up but Grunt easily pins him down. The smack barely hurts Grunt.

Gaius identifies the competitor as Flamma, a loudmouth among them in the gladiator pits. The crowd chants: FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! As Saxa worries over who will win, Gaius hears another voice from another nearby cell mutter, "Who will win, indeed?"  He realizes it came from Urbin, a gladiator who has been around longer than he has.  They discuss how Flamma is eager but young, unlike Grunt whose brute strength is undeniable.  Saxa however scowls, suspecting he had been poisoned because they had see him lying with her.  Defeating the young boy, Grunt takes his head into his arms, whispers an apology, then breaks his neck.  Grunt roars will all his might at the crowd to celebrate his victory.

There is no mistaking the cry of the end of a battle.
Just another day in Angerona.

*

Gaius is at the training hall, with the other slaves.  Saxa, Urbin and Grunt are nearby.  As are a host of other lesser notable slaves. Gaius is standing before the slave master, Oro.  Oro Dosi, the slave master, wears a makeshift armor - more decorative than functional - plated in gold.  A symbol of his status among slavers.  Grunt hears Saxa hissing about revenge and he tries to convince her to keep silent. Oro calls for everyone to pay attention.  Urbin taps Saxa and Grunt to stop hugging.  The golden slave master walks up to a nearby crate and stands on it. "The Grand City of Angerona shall have guests of high esteem to watch the fights in the nights to come.  And thus, I have been instructed by the Lady Cassandra herself to remind each and every one of you that you must fight your best... with your most exciting moves.. in the coming fights. The patrons want blood.  They want spectacle. They want to make the very GODS WEEP."

They all recall the Lady Cassandra, ruler of Angerona, the Lady Cassandra is beautiful and cold.  She is distant and rarely speaks.  But it is under her shadow that every fight in the fighting pits comes to pass.  The term "Kind Lady" is the honorific many use to refer to Cassandra Vitae.  A term born from how she would show a thumbs up to allow a slave to live.  Gaius remembers the many times she had asked him to accept freedom.  How he turned her offer down and chose to remain a gladiator.  Grunt recalls seeing the latest of such events. Gaius fought against three men, one armed with a net, two armed with spears.  The group applauds as Oro tells them the Lady is here to speak to them.   She walks in and apologizes to them given this week may be the last week for some of them.

Cassandra tells them, "We are to have guests. And I have been reminded to ensure they are properly   entertained.  And so, I am to choose two five warriors to take part in a grand battle.  The five shall all stand in the battlefield and the threats shall come upon them.  Things that the guest have brought with  them.   Of the five, only one shall be granted freedom.  Only one shall be expected to survive."  When Oro Dosi argues about the waste good gladiators, she silences him by reminding him he works for her.  Grunt tries to keep Saxa from volunteering.  Cassandra asks Gaius if he will finally accept the freedom she offers him.  He responds by accepting the role to fight for her in the pits. She has him pick the four others. "Urbis. Tetraites. Grunt."  But he hesitates on the fourth.   Hoping to push Saxa back, Grunt steps forward and grabs whoever was beside him to volunteer.  It turns out to be another Gladiator, Adera, whom was never kind to him. Grunt realizes Saxa is about to act. He remembers they were practicing with wooden swords. Even such can be deadly in a warrior's hands. Sadly, he is now standing separate from her - as he stands with the others chosen.  Saxa begins to speak up demanding something from the gathered.   But Grunt's warnings fall on deaf ears. S axa doesn't quite grasp the message.  As the Lady Cassandra moves to exit, and Oro Dosi calls for the rest to return to training, the four personal guard motion for the chosen to follow them.  Saxa, suddenly runs forward and swings the wooden sword at the closest personal guard!  Oro turns to see the wood splinter as it shatters on the guard's helmet, delivered with enough force to knock him to the ground. Giaus, Grunt and the rest, turn to see Saxa grab the sword of the guard and in a swift motion, strike at the second closest guard. The guard loses an arm, and screams as he hits the ground! Grunt grabs the closest training dummy, hoisting it off the ground. Gaius and Urbin and the others watch as the wooden thing hurls across the room and into Saxa!  The wood crashes Saxa to the ground.  Cassandra walks away, not once paying her any attention.

"Whore!  Bastards!  Sigurdians!" Saxa hisses insults at them.   Cassandra's guards close in, and while Oro Dosi tries to ask them to stop, he remembers at the end of the day he is merely the head among the slaves.  And an insult to the throne cannot be ignored.    When she confronts Dosi for Flamma's death, he admits poisoning him so he could have a kinder death than a living memory of killing a friend.    Gaius tries to talk the guards out of it, but they are not strayed from their role.  They kill Saxa with a knife through her back - unceremonial and without honor.

*

The five stand in the center of the battle field  The stadium, however, is not filled with people. Instead, there are only a few guests present.  The Lady Cassandra stands at the main box, with the best view of the battle field. And close beside her, is her guest. Vittor, a Representative of Sigurd.  Cassandra welcome them, " Warriors. You stand before us to show the finest that Angerona has to offer.  Vittor, representative of the Eastern Continent of Sigurd, we welcome to you Angerona with a display of battle and blood."  Grunt doesn't know much about Sigurd, other than it is one of the bigger kingdoms across the Easter Sea which the Sea Edge borders. Most know Sigurd to be a land of heresy, with practitioners of eldritch arts. There have been rumors of war between Sigurd and some of the smaller kingdoms. Gaius recalls that Sigurd has no faith in any of the old gods. They believe that an eldritch force exists within those born with the capacity to use it. Magic, they call it. Some even, in Throndur, have attempted to learn codify its learning, The Blue Arch and the Emerald Arch are but two examples.  Most of those faithful to the old gods, however, scoff at such people. The guards bring in two weapon racks, and place them in each corner of the battlefield. The lack of a crowd is unnerving. The lack of the blood thirsty screaming. Gaius tells the others: "Death comes for all. For some, today is the day.  I  promise to make it quick."

A horn blasts.  A servant comes forward and brings to the five a tray.  The tray contains five golden goblets.  They are all filled with wine.  Cassandra instructs the Gladiators to join them in a toast.    Vittor is asked to lead it:

To the Shadows that Rise,

To the Widows that weep,

To Smoke Filled Skies,

To the Watcher of the Deep.

To the 3rd Song Forgotten 

And the Undying King. 

To the Magic of Sigurd.

May the Azure Gate sing.

The toast is an odd one.
But seems to herald greater things to come.
All drink of the wine and feel it warm their bellies. Bring courage to their hearts.  Gaius however only pretends to spit the wine, and instead sprays it at Tetriates' face. The great gate opens.
And the first combatant arrives.  The massive weight of the thing shakes the ground as it emerges. With four legs, two arms, and horns, the thing looks like a merging of man and bull. Vittor proudly announces it: The Minotaurean! One of Sigurd's greatest creations.  Created through the combination of arcane magicks and the secrets of the living form. Each the strength of twenty men.

As Grunt charges forward, the thing sees his approach and uses its massive reach to its advantage.  Even before Grunt could get close enough, the thing attempts to charge into him! Grunt miscalculates the approach. The Minotaurean charges into him and its massive bulk crashes into Grunt, sending him to the ground. As he hits the ground, however, the thing does not stop. Its terrible bulk threatens to crush it as it tramples past him towards Urbin. Rolling to the far side, Grunt evades breaking bones.


The massive monster tramples forward, both at Urbin and Gaius. Gaius launches a flail. The weapon flies. But the Minotaurean seems to anticipate it. The flail swings, but the Minotaurean suddenly grabs it before it hits. To Gaius' surprise, the monster then yanks it upwards to pull him towards the Minotaurean. It uses its other hand to smack Gaius to the ground. Urbin sees an opening, thankfully, and rolls foward, swinging the sword at the Minotaurean's leg. The blade draws blood, but the wound seems shallow. Urbin feels the Minotaurean's powerful rear legs connect as it kicks him across the field. Adera rushes in to strike.

Gaius throws all tactics to the wind and swings the flail at it. The flail crashes down at the Minotaurean's back, striking it with a powerful blow. Urbin and Grunt watch as Gaius smashes the flail into the thing's back.  A lesser man would have died that moment. From behind the Minotaurean, Grunt stands up, jumps to grab its neck and tries to choke it. The thing begins to thrash, clearly not liking the "rider" on its back.  It charges forward, hoping to shake Grunt off.. in Gaius' direction! The Minotaurean tumbles forward, heading straight for the far wall. The thing stumbles, and Grunt uses this to try and choke it further. The thing struggles. Grunt holds on tight, having used the momentum to wrap his arm around the thing's neck. But as he charges, Grunt fears the warrior Tetriates's stab might not strike true and instead find his spear stabbing Grunt! Grunt drops to the ground, dodging the spear that Tetraites aims too high. Though it embeds into the monster's chest, it forces Grunt to let go. As Grunt hits the ground, the Minotaureans powerful feet once again nearly trample him. Grunt grabs a leg, hoping to still hurt the thing. Grunt twists, and the Minotaurean's leg bends in a bad way. The thing howls, thankfully moving away from him and no longer placing him in danger of being crushes. Gaius yells, "We've got to knock it off its feet!" He goes into a twisting dive. His weapon sweeps under, parallel to the ground, like a scythe aimed just above the knee. Gaius and Urbin charge forward, planning to strike low. The beast feels the steel strike from both sides. In retailation, however, it suddenly twists and uses its back legs to kick at Gaius. Gaius spins in time to catch the kick with the shield. It throws him backwards, but thankfully, unharmed.  Grunt sees the Minotaurean then turn, its horns trained to swat at Urbin. Adera closes in, but Grunt sees her STOP, perhaps because she thinks if Urbin is out of commission... Vittor at the stands applauds the battle.  Cassandra remains unmoving.  But then Grunt kicks the monster in its testicles, stunning it long enough for Adera to use her double swords to slice its head off.   The celebrations are short-lived however, as Vittor brings forth the next creation.  Half shark, half walking beast, he calls it the Siakar and it looks hungry.

Like a terrible amalgam of shark and beast, the thing comes into view.  The beast is terrifyingly huge, almost forty feet long with a maw large enough to swallow any of them whole. Its four legs end with talons, and its great body shows musculature suggesting massive strength.  Gaius calls for the team to take out its eyes, but Grunt realizes it has none. Vittor proudly explains to Cassandra how, "The Siakari is a wonderful creation, sensing the world through the very air. It hungers for blood and can "see" blood around it as waiting prey." As Gaius closes in, moving into range to strike...

The thing suddenly LEAPS forward at him, covering the gap faster than he anticipated! Grunt roars hoping to distract the beast, but the thing does not seem to pay any attention to him. It is like it did not hear him. As Gaius drops to the ground to slide underneath the thing, he braces the shield in between them to take the brunt of any impact.  To his horror, the shield does strike the thing and SPARKS fly from the contact, as the Siakari's skin happens to have some kind of sharp steel like surface that nearly tears away any flesh it touches. But thankfully, the shield takes the brunt, leaving the defensive object heavily scratches from the contact. Vittor proudly declares, "A grand creation of Sigurd that shows our mastery over the Green!"

The first punch makes Grunt realize his error. The impact tears away skin. His skin. Thankfully, the wound is superficial enough for Grunt to ignore, but striking wtihout a weapon is NOT going to work. The thing turns towards Grunt, snapping at him with its massive jaws!  Grunt feels the things
massive jaws slam shut around one hand!  The teeth tear into his skin for terrible terrible pain. And even his own splatter of blood... it strikes the.. air before reaching the body of the monstrosity. Grunt realizes there is some kind of barrier around the thing! Gaius tries to recall anything about this which Urbin may have mentioned. A moment of wisdom despite the pain. As Gaius yells at Urbin, that is when he discovers the terrible truth.Urbin is flat on the ground, unconscious. Asleep? Poisoned? Dead? In the hysterics of it all, Gaius cannot seem to recall any stories his friend may have shared that moment. All he could think of is... was he poisoned as well?

Tetraites coughs again and falls to the ground. The massive thing turns, now facing Adera. Or perhaps, smelling something she is close to. Adera mutters weakly.. "No. not like this..." Grunt wraps his powerful arms around one of the creature's legs. Gaius hears Grunt give out a terribly loud bellow as he hugs one leg and... SNAP! The thing feels the immense pain and in retailation, snaps to bite at whatever had hurt it! Gaius tries to distract it with another strike from his flair. The Siakari smashes its maw at Grunt before he could let go of its leg. Grunt feels the maw close in on his shoulder, and the massive teeth tear into his flesh and stab into his bones. Adera coughs, "Sigur...dia...n bastards..." and she begins to call out to Sona. Warm light erupts from Adera's falling body. It strikes Grunt and slightly heals him. "The least I could do," she gasps before dying.

The talons rake at the thing from the inside. It seems to cut something for the monster does opens its maw in agony....but then it moves to slam them shut over Grunt's head! Vittor once more proclaims, "BEHOLD, the power of SIGURDIAN MAGIC!" Gaius swings the flail at its head repeatedly, hoping to distract it. The Flail strikes the monster. The monster abruptly spins in response, throwing Grunt and Gaius away as it swats them with its massive form. The thing then takes that opportunity to feast. It chomps down on Urbin's upper torso and cleanly chomps it away in a single bite. Gaius charges forward... But as he attacks... Gaius's flail swings, striking at the thing's head once... twice... and with each strike, sparks fly. It attempts another bite, but Gaius dodges. And another, and Gaius once again moves out of the way.

Vittor hisses, "And so the martial superiority of Sigurd is demonstrated." Grunt feels it. The heaviness. The weight. He drops to one knee. The flail smashes into it, but the thing finds an opening and charges forward to chomp at Gaius and perhaps bite off his head in one go. Using the last of his reserve, Grunt rushes towards the thing and bashes his undamged shoulder to prevent it from chomping Gaius. Lady Cassandra screams out Gaius' name as it closes in. Gaius watches as Grunt's body is lifted up but the creature, its maw locked in place.

The Siakari spits out Grunt to the ground, now lifeless and unmoving. It closes in on Gaius. Lady Cassandra howls at Vittor, "TELL YOUR MASTER THAT YOUR ARMIES WILL NOT WIN THE WAR!" Vittor hisses back, " I BELIEVE WE HAVE SEEN THAT THEY WILL, KIND LADY. YOUR CITY IS OURS, KIND LADY. You have lost the bet you have made with my Master." Cassandra calls out to Gaius, however, asking him one last time if he will accept his Freedom?

Gaius runs forward and grabs Tetraites' spear. He flings it across the distance and it embeds into Vittor's shoulder. The Siakara closes in from behind Gaius. Lady Cassandra realizes there is no more time to choose. Lady Cassandra closes her eyes. Lady Cassandra intones.

"Zanathar, let your knowledge educate them."

The spear hits Vittor on the shoulder. He howls in pain, but alas it seems he will survive the blow.
The Siakari strikes!    But then all goes white.

* * *

Gaius opens his eyes to find he is somewhere else.  Somewhere far away.  And on the ground, the bodies of his friends.  The Flail in his hands glows with a strange light. Markings upon the metal, markings he cannot read. Far from Angerona. Somehow, Gaius and the bodies of his fellow companions had been.. transported away from Angerona And now, the flail he holds is marked by strange etchings that are glowing. The glow begins to fade.

Gaius begin to dig graves for his friends. Carefully, he brings each one to a grave he has prepared for them. But when he reaches for Grunt... the man coughs. Barely alive, the warrior shares one last message before death takes him: "War is Coming and Death is not happy. He doesn't like people in doing things his realm." He expires.

A man in armor comes into view, a horse behind him. He wears the sigil of one of the kingdoms. The man is named Kristoff and he calls out to Gaius who still holds Grunt's lifeless body. Kristoff stops upon seeing the dead bodies all around Gaius. And the flail. "My name is Kristoff. I am a SwornSword of the Kingdom.  I've been tasked to gather men.  The Kingdom of Sigurd has declared war."   Gaius asks, "Angerona. Which direction?"   When told the King is calling for me, Gaius tells him he bows to no King and demands once more directions to Angerona.   If the war is against Sigurd, however, he admits they have a common enemy.  He learns from Kristoff that the City of Angerona has been burned down three summers ago. And there has been no sign of the Kind Lady. Kristoff asks him about the bandit, however. "There was a bandit. Encountered him in the path. Was rambling about the statues come to life. Alive but dead, he said.  Worried me for a bit. Thought more of Sigurd's monstrosities had appeared.  When confronted, he admitted he had stolen a few statues from the ruins of Angerona some years back.  Was hoping to fetch them a good price in Sigurd, to sell them as souvenirs of its fall. You wouldn't happen to see any statues, did you?"

Gaius wonders what had happened and how. But he knows War has come, and if anything, it is a chance to get back at Sigurd for what happened. What kind of magic was unleashed in that final fight? What did the Lady Cassandra do? How did she save Gaius?

And most of all, what was Grunt's message from Death itself.

Kristoff muttered, " I guess, some things we will never know. But war is coming. And we will need you in the Company."

The Company 3rd Song ep02 : Dungeon World : Roll20

4/01/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode Two
"The Package"

The Company continue their journey to Donir, and after a few days of safe travel, find the town within sight.  To their horror, the city shows signs of having been attacked.  Much of its walls and homes are in states of devastation.    People all over show various states of injury.  Smoke still bellows from many of the structures.  Bothered by the amount of suffering visible, Hollis and Liadan heads off to see whom he can help.  Gaius, Zig, and Brother Fabio focus on finding the contact person they were assigned to look for, Chaeron.  They find him in the sole standing fortified structure in the town, the same place where the Grand Library of the city would be found.  

Brother Fabio separates from the others to search for the tomes, hungry for any lost lore.  Zig and Gaius ask to speak with Chaeron and the guard on duty guides them to where he can be found. Chaeron's discussion with the two reveals an unexpected story: the town of Donir was actually allowed to fall during the battle.  The sole reason for such a sacrifice turns out to make Donir slip past the enemies' attentions while Chaeron awaited the delivery of what he only knew to be called The Package.  Neither Zig nor Gaius, however, recall being given any such package to deliver.  

As Hollis holds a small ceremony dedicated to Sona, the God of Healing, he is approached by many of the people who attend and thanked for his help.  Some speak excitedly of how their lives are to get better now that there is a Cleric in the town.  Others, however, are insightful enough to realize Hollis does not plan to stay long.  And simply thank him for at least bringing the people hope.

In the Library, however, Brother Fabio finds most of the tomes to be destroyed.  He walks around the destroyed library and laments the lost knowledge within.  Without warning, the temperature suddenly drops and through an open window, the Snow Witch arrives!  The two exchange blows, as they both question each other's presence in the chamber.

Chaeron and Gaius discuss the need to deliver the Package to the port city of Odonol, past the tunnels of Athgnor.  Gaius reveals the missive Liadan had been tasked to carry and upon opening it, they find it empty.  By heating it, however, the true message within is revealed.

The group realizes, Liadan herself is the Package.  The sounds of battle at the library soon reach the ears of the others, and they hurry to see what is going on.  Fabio forces the witch away, however, and as he stumbles back to meet with the others, another secret is revealed.  A statue he had walked past and leaned against suddenly moves as human tears drop from its eyes!

The group gathers to see the now living statue, a woman, who seems to be completely bewildered with what is happening all around her.  But the moment she turns to Gaius, however, she mutters, "You."  Somehow the statue-turned-woman recognizes him.  And somehow, he admits in time, he knows her too.

The Company 3rd Song ep01 : Dungeon World : Roll20

3/24/2015
The Company, 3rd Song

Episode One
"The Mission"

In an attempt to get used to Roll20 more, I've started a campaign with Dungeon World as the game system.  As the third incarnation of my "Company" games, here the players are a company of men who are part of the war against the Nation of Sigurd.  

The cast is composed of:
Brother Fabio, a Lawful Cleric of Zanathar, the God of Knowledge, who was one of the youngest clerics of the order.  He was the childhood friend of Zig and desperately desires to unearth more secrets of the world's lost history.  Brother Fabio is played by Fabs.

Hollis is a Lawful Cleric of Sona, the God of Nature and Equality.  He sees the anguish and pain brought about by the war and hopes to find a way to resolve it sooner than later.  Hollis is played by Charles.

Gaius is the Neutral Fighter of the group, who was once a Gladiator Slave of the city of Angerona.  His signature weapon is Gardo, a bloody flail (Messy, Forceful, Spikes and Hooks).  He is played by JB.

Zig is the Neutral Thief with a mastery of using Serpent's Tear poison.  He grew up as a friend of Fabio and had stolen the tiny gem from Hollis' hat.  He is played by Jonas.

Liadan, Mage of the Blue Arch

The story begins with the four standing at the shores of the Sea Edge.  The war contingent of the Alliance had boarded the ships and were crossing the Inner Sea to take the battle to the shores of Sigurd.  The group, on the other hand, was tasked to escort a woman named Liadan to the City of Donir and ensure her safe arrival to the commanding officer, a man named Chaeron.  The group learns eventually that Liadan is a Mage of the Blue Arch, one of the Orders of Magic and that she does not know why the company has been tasked to watch over her.

Enroute, the group stumbles upon an ancient standing stone which brims with power.  While scouting ahead, Zig uncovers a Snow Witch laying in wait to ambush them!  The group fights against the shapeshifter, but the battle takes a deadly turn when the standing stone turns out to be the head of an animated golem that rises from the ground to attack the party.

It takes the group's combined efforts to force the golem down and though no one is grievously injured, the group is now absolutely certain that they're on their own.    The only sole happy moment is when Gaius finds an injured Flying Squirrel and take its under his care.   Zig, however, suspects the Squirrel might actually be the Witch in disguise.