The Chronicles of Kulgar Hakonson

THE FEAST OF ST. AUGARYL (PART 1) THE FEAST OF ST. AUGARYL (PART 2) THE JOURNEY EASTWARD HAITE & KAKTULUM THE CLUSTERS T.R. 326 CHAPTER 13: THE FOURTH IS COME AMBUSH AT T.R. 071 A MURDER IN ROL THE LIBERATION OF STRYSTYNNE SWORDS, SCEPTERS, CROWNS & THRONES (PART 1) SWORDS, SCEPTERS, CROWNS & THRONES (PART 2)

Kulgar Tharrison Walc Circh Othello Strystynne

The Feast Of Saint Augaryl (Part 1) [Thursday 18 July 1991] [p408]

25 Feb 07 (CY 583): Kul and Thar, driving their wagon full of treasures acquired in the Vaults of Ard, arrive at Narcharhard, capital of the Kingdom of Olna. The town seems deserted as they pass through, yet as they approach the castle they find the townsfolk all gathered for some sort of festival. The crowd is much too thick for the party to continue in the wagon, so they stop to take a look around.

Queen Daleena, standing on the royal platform, is in the process of introducing a man to  the people of Olna. The man is none other than Daech Waechtan Walc of Lulea, himself (the title of "Sir" is "Daech" in Baklunish and "Darch" in Lulean.). The very man that Kul and Thar have come searching for!

Walc makes a speech. Apparently, the golden sword of St. Edric, which usually stands atop the Temple of St. Edric in Ashell has been stolen! Walc is a devoted follower of the Order of St. Edric and he vows to track down the missing sword and reclaim it for the good of all!

Kul and Thar watch all of this with interest, but they are much too far away to be noticed by Daleena and must strain to hear what is being said. Walc finishes his speech and the festivities continue. The people begin to dance and Walc descends from the royal box to dance with the commoners.

Kul decides to make his presence known. Thar guards the wagon, while Kul makes his way through the crowd on foot. The song ends as Kul reaches the steps to the royal platform. Walc socializes with the common folk, who are utterly in awe of his mere presence. Daleena sees Kulgar and calls to him. The guards let him pass as he climbs the steps and greets the Queen on one knee, while kissing her hand. Daleena hugs him and welcomes him warmly.

Guards are sent to relieve Thar of his guard duty. Kul talks a bit with the Queen. She did indeed marry Lord Fordric, but the new King of Olna is away right now. Daleena introduces Kul to Daech Waechtan Walc. Walc seems to know Kulgar's name and greets him with much honor, his right fist over his heart. They make small talk. Walc is preparing to journey eastward in search of the golden sword. He plans to leave after the feast. Kul mentions that they have much to talk about, but he does not want to ruin the festivities with his news of war in eastern Oerik. Tharrison is welcomed to the royal box where he also is introduced to Walc and given a seat next to Kulgar.

The Feast of Saint Augaryl (Part 2) [Monday 11 August 1991] [p409-410]

25 Feb 07 cont: Kulgar and Tharrison have arrived on the second day of the three day Feast of Saint Augaryl.

Thar suggests that Kul should go down and mingle with the common folk. Kul descends from the royal box and finds some food. Some curious folk gather around him. He is familiar to them, but they cannot quite remember his name. Kul introduces himself and a hush falls upon them as they step back from him in respect. Kul eats some new foods and then dances with the people. Later, Kul meets an old man at the wine keg. The man has much respect for Daech Walc, as do all the folk.

Meanwhile, Walc approaches Thar to bid him a goodnight. Thar surprises Walc, by saying "goodnight" in the elven tongue. Walc is intrigued. Soon, Daleena retires for the night also. Some nobles make small talk with Thar as the crowd below becomes thinner and thinner. Eventually, the crowd breaks into smaller groups who retreat to the local taverns for warmth and more brew. Thar follows Kul as he enters a nearby tavern. They stay here very late while Kul tells stories, sings songs, and drinks much ale. On his way out, he tosses an extra gold coin to the innkeeper for his trouble. Back at the castle, they take hot baths and finally turn in after a long day.

26 Feb 07: Early Morning: Kul & Thar find Walc in the stables looking after his beautiful heavy war-horse [Immelschtipp].  Two Lulean squires [Berlundtul & Dalfholt] are with him. Kul tells Walc that he must speak with him about a very important matter. They find a private chamber where they can speak undisturbed.

Kul explains to Walc all of the recent happenings. He describes the war in the east and the disturbing scene in Olk's mirror. As Kul describes the details of that horrible vision, Walc becomes visibly upset. Kul then attempts to explain what a Slayer is and mentions that Bargoa named Walc as a Slayer.

As Kul speaks of Slayers, his eyes meet those of Walc and he seems to gaze right through them. It is as if he suddenly knows the man as well as himself. In Walc's eyes he sees a soul at one with the earth; as tough as the rugged mountains. As Kul's mind returns to the real world, he realizes that he and Walc are somehow connected beyond this world. Maybe, being Slayers, they share the same destiny! It is too much for Kul to accept all at once, but looking at Walc's face, he sees that they have both shared this strange experience.

Walc explains to Kul that he would dearly like to help them in their cause, but he is first and foremost dedicated to the finding of the stolen sword. Kul understands this fully and suggests instead that he and Thar ride east with Walc as his guides. It is agreed upon and they all part ways to prepare for the journey.

Kul visits briefly with Daleena to explain that they will be leaving in the morning with Daech Walc. She is very disappointed. Kul feigns disappointment, but really can't wait to leave.

Kul joins Thar and together they sort out their treasure items (acquired from the Vaults of Ard), deciding on what to keep and what to sell. They first trade all of the copper and silver for gold coins, but they find that Narcharhard is not a very wealthy town. They are able to sell the silk jacket to the royal textiler for 2,400 sp. The rest, they must either carry with them or give away.

The gifts to Queen Daleena include: the tapestry and carpet (after they are cleaned), the mirror, the porcelain china, the pearl necklace, and the painting of St. Edric. Also, the three polearms are donated to the armory. The three now empty chests are left in the castle's storage chamber, and the trunk is thrown away.

Kul is interested in taking a dog on the journey with them. He and Thar choose a young rottweiler from the royal kennels. They plan to train the pooch during their travels.

That evening, the Feast of St. Augaryl continues. Kul and Thar present the Queen with her gifts, the painting being the most impressive, of course. Walc's eyes nearly pop from his head. They retire early.

The Journey Eastward [Sunday 08 September 1991 Supersession] [p411-416]

27 Feb 07: Morning: Kul and Thar take the pup, Gram, from the kennels and then meet Walc at the stables. The three leave Narcharhard and ride southward. Walc brings his two squires. Berlundtul has long black hair, while Dalfholt has brown hair worn in page-cut fashion.

28 Feb-20 Mar 07: As they travel, Kul & Thar discover that all of the Lords in this region have heard of Walc, so they stay as guests of honor at every manor that they come upon. When there is no settlement to visit, Walc's squires set up a huge canopy for the whole party to sleep under.

During the journey east, Kul trains Gram to be a warrior's companion. Gram learns the following commands: Stay, Heel, Quiet, Attack, and Kill. He also learns a silent alarm (no barking) and he learns to fetch either Kul or Thar if one or the other is in trouble.

21 Mar 07: Arrive at the lumber town of Frafwil. Continue southward.

22 Mar-01 Apr 07: Travel.

02 Apr 07: Night: After camp is set up, Kul decides to have a heart to heart talk with Walc. Kul explains that he is not very well liked in Ifunder and he proceeds to tell Walc of the incident in Ifunder four years ago [p.220]. Kul continues by explaining that even in the best of times, Eastern Oerik is less civilized than the western half (Baklune). Tunicians, the hated enemy, run rampant and Kul has many enemies. So he and Thar plan to wait for Walc outside of the city. Kul also speaks to Walc about gods. Walc worships Eiadion, the God of Guardianship and the sentry of the gods.

03 Apr 07: Walc enters Ifunder, while Thar and Kul circle around the city to meet him at the east gate. Walc learns nothing new in the city, however. He buys some supplies and then rejoins Kul and Thar at their camp that evening.

04-05 Apr 07: Travel northeast. A black haze is visible on the southeast horizon.

06-18 Apr 07: Travel northeast. The black haze fades from view as the party continues onward..

19 Apr 07: Arrive at Ulakand. The crafty traders are out in full force. Buy 85 days of food and grain. This costs a 965 sp. Walc chips in with 73 gp.

Kul buys a studded collar for Gram and a throwing axe. Thar trades their two riding horses for two war-horses. A light war-horse for himself, and a medium war-horse for Kul. Thar's (Shadow) is a very quick [24" move] black horse, while Kul's (Eamir) is an ordinary brown and white horse.

The party learns news of the war: The Kingdom of Furyondy has fallen to the armies of Iuz, as have Veluna, the Shield Lands, and the western half of the Bandit Kingdoms. The falling of Veluna is most unfortunate, as this may cause problems in the journey to Greyhawk. Kul and Thar consult Thar's map of Eastern Oerik to plot out alternate routes. Sleep outside of Ulakand that night.

20 Apr 07-05 May 08: Travel.

06 May 08: Arrive at Loppola and pay toll to enter. Kul and Thar buy drinks in a tavern. Thar inquires about a golden sword here, but finds out nothing. Spend 57 gp and 2 sp to resupply Kul, Thar, Gram and three horses. Ride southeast into the Bramblewood.

07-18 May 08: Travel.

19 May 08: Arrive at Thornward. The toll here is an outrageous 15 sp per person! Thar enters alone with the draft horse to resupply. Food is much more expensive here because of the war.

Ride east towards Veluna. Guards at the border stop progress and suggest that the party detour south around a mountain range. It is only a suggestion, though, so the party continues into Veluna as the guards watch in disbelief.

20-29 May 08: Travel.

30 May 08: Night: Set up camp. No fire is lit and a watch is posted. Gram begins barking during Kul's watch. All rise and, with his infravision, Thar spies a company of orcs marching towards the campsite. It is too dark for Kul or Walc to see them, but Walc mounts up and charges forward into battle! After a brief melee in the thick of night, he returns to dismount and fight on foot.

Kul throws his axe into the darkness on Thar's directions and then they begin advancing slowly toward the enemy. The orcs come into full view and Kul, Thar and Walc all attack together! The orc's morale is quickly broken and they begin to retreat. However, Kul slips after an awkward swing and falls stunned. Thar and Walc finish the battle, making sure none escape to bring reinforcements.

Kul recovers and the party cleans up and bandages wounds. Kul retrieves his axe and finds coins on some of the orcs. They move the camp to a new location.

01-08 Jun 08: Travel.

09 Jun 08: Reach Verbobonc and the war-front. Things look nasty here, so Kul & Thar decide to skirt around the town.

10-16 Jun 08: Travel.

17 Jun 08: Arrive at Dyvers. Pay a toll of 7 sp per person to enter the city. Kul decides to investigate the site of the Cock and Ribbon tavern. It was almost a year ago that he and Thar met Bolkara and his tunician buddies there [p394]. "Wait a minute," thinks Kulgar. Bolkara had a golden sword...Walc is searching for a golden sword. A coincidence? No, it couldn't just be a coincidence! Kul explains his new realization to Thar and Walc. They know who has the sword; now they only must find him.

Thar decides to look for Circh at her home, while Kul and Walc proceed to the Cock and Ribbon. They soon arrive to find the newly rebuilt tavern on the same site. They enter and Kul finds the same tavernkeeper is still here. He is talking with someone in the back room, but quickly emerges to serve his new customers. He recognizes Kulgar, but reports that he has not seen the tunicians again, since that fateful day.

Kul turns to leave, but halts abruptly as he hears a familiar voice greet him. He looks up to see Circh emerging from the  back room. She offers to buy him an ale. Kul hesitates, but then agrees. He asks Walc to join them, but Walc senses that this is not a business discussion and excuses himself to wait outside.

Kul and Circh sit in the corner to talk. Kul notices that her face looks a bit older, a little more worn, perhaps. He learns that she is actually part owner of the tavern. They trade stories of the past year, but then the conversation takes a more personal turn. She is sorry about their parting words of a year ago [p392] and would like to remain friends.

Meanwhile, Tharrison is unable to find Circh, but he does find Nollin, who takes him down to the wharves to visit Frances [now played as an NPC]. Frances reports that Bolkara went south to Rol. Thar then meets a nargison guard contact named, Dotimic. The guard recognizes Thar's name and relays the message that Thar is being summoned to his new post, T.R. (Temporary Refuge) 326, which is apparently somewhere within the Clusters, a tightly packed cluster of islands located between the larger isles of Pitik and Pni far to the south. Thar and Nollin leave the wharves and make their way toward the Cock and Ribbon.

As Thar walks up the street, a robed figure holds out a white lily to him and asks, "Flowers for the dead?". Thar pushes the flower away and then quickly avoids a sudden attack. The robe falls away revealing a tunician warrior! Thar swiftly has Asterlain spinning! The guard and the tunician attempt to strike each other, but both miss and they end up face to face, eyeing one another.

"Who are you?", asks Thar.
The tunician replies simply, "I am Deth."

Thar strikes with Asterlain, but he notices that this tunician has a very different fighting style than most. In addition, Deth wears thick bracers with retractable blades on his arms. The tunician attacks twice with the awful blades, striking Thar once [for 20 points]. Thar hits twice and Deth spins and attacks twice again, but misses both times. Thar strikes Deth again, but the tunician retaliates with another hit [25]. The half-elf then misses and Deth fakes and then strikes again [for 40]! Thar manages to strike the tunician yet again, but the half-elf is clearly weakening!

Meanwhile, back at the tavern, Kul and Circh are suddenly interrupted by a frantic Nollin. He leads them to the scene of the battle, where they arrive just in time to see the gory conclusion of the deadly battle. Deth strikes Thar viciously across the throat and face and the guard falls to the ground, mortally wounded.

As blood oozes from Thar's mouth, the tunician makes a grand spectacle of his apparent victory. "Does he live or die?" the tunician asks. "Thumbs up or thumbs down?" The horrified crowd looks on as the tunician delivers the coup de grace to the half-elf. Then, as the tunician continues to gloat over his victory, the unbelievable happens! First, Thar's leg moves. Then, incredibly, as the blood continues to pour from his mouth,  he begins to rise from the ground, dangling like a broken puppet on strings and becoming enwrapped in his cloak. As his senses return, Thar slowly picks up Asterlain and faces Deth again.

The tunician cannot believe it. "I killed you!", he cries! "You're a demon!"

Thar attacks, but Deth forces him to drop his whip and then grabs him by the throat. They struggle for a bit, until Thar stabs the tunician in the head with his wrist dagger, Ieia. Deth finally falls. On his person is found 30 pp, 10 gp, 9 sp and the deadly bracers [bracers of defense (AC 4) with +2 daggers as blades].

Thar realizes that the blood-shawl that he was wearing under his chainmail armor is now gone. The shawl was found in the Vaults of Ard, and apparently restored the guard's life after Deth had murdered him. Thar doesn't bother to explain this to anyone, though. Everyone gathered is completely dumbfounded. Thar is fully healed, though he is covered from head to toe with blood and quite exhausted from the ordeal. Amazingly, he also seems to have no scars from the incident, despite the nasty wounds sustained at Deth's hands. Kul determines that Thar must have taken some kind of potion before the fight. Thar is lead back to Circh's apartment to rest.

Kul, Circh and Walc enjoy some wine together while Thar sleeps. Nollin fills them in on the details and then leaves. That night, Kul and Walc sleep in Circh's inn, the Thread and Spool.

18 Jun 08: Kul and Walc meet in the stables early and talk about horses. Thar awakens and Circh takes him to the Thread and Spool, where they all eat breakfast and discuss the journey southward. Kul and Thar invite Circh to join them and she prepares to depart. Thar has stashed his [+1] chainmail into his bag of holding and is now wearing the enchanted bracers of defense as his protection.
 

18 Jun 08 cont: Dyvers: Tharrison talks with Dotimic again. The ferryman is quite impressed to hear that Thar has defeated the infamous tunician assassin, Deth.
Later: Circh attempts to appraise some of Kul and Thar's treasures:

silver tray: 3,400 sp
headlace: 17,000 sp

19-21 Jun 08: Ride eastward toward Greyhawk.

22 Jun 08: The party halts outside Greyhawk. Kul & Thar decide not to enter the city with Circh & Walc as they may be recognized at the gate. They all agree to meet at the Silver Unicorn Inn and Circh and Walc enter the city with all the horses.

Kul and Thar circle around to the west side on foot.  They are planning to enter the city secretly through the sewer opening near the river [previously mentioned on p380 + 382], but they find that it has been bricked up.

They pay a fisherman 7 gp to be ferried to the wharves. Upon disembarking from the ferry, however, they are detained by two city guards. Kul and Thar claim to be visiting Guildmaster Kappa-tar on business. The guard, Grunchaer, charges them 34 sp for a one week writ. Circh and Walc are soon found at the Silver Unicorn and all proceed to the Perith Estate [located just outside of the east gate of the city]. Sad news is learned upon arrival, however. Tharrison's father has recently died.

23 Jun 08: Thar sends his [+1] chainmail out to be repaired. He and Kul then visit Kappa-tar. They discover that business is rather slow. Kappa-tar gives them a bottle of wine.

Next, they attempt to visit Cixa & Lirece, but are disappointed to discover that they are gone. They visit Ashito instead. Business is slow here too. Hozorotes, "the Dragon", makes things difficult, but apparently the new merchant guild that Kul, Thar and Circh created [during "King for a Day"] is a very good thing. Kul and Thar ask about Cixa & Lirece. Ashito informs them that Lirece returned home to Baklune almost a year ago, but he knows not where Cixa went to.

Kul shops for armor. He ends up buying a two piece suit of black studded leather for 210 sp, and a wooden shield with leather covering for 32 sp. The armor has a separate cowl.

24-26 Jun 08: Rest at the Perith estate in Greyhawk.

27 Jun 08: Thar's armor is finished.

28 Jun 08: The party departs on one of the Perith family's ships bound for Sulward.

29 Jun-12 Aug 08: Sail towards Sulward. (23 Jul 08: Thar's 58th birthday)

13 Aug 08: The party arrives at the Perith Estate outside of Sulward. Apparently, none of Thar's family are here.  His brother, Siserhel, is in Greyhawk, while his sister and elven mother are in the Silverwood. There are many new faces here among the servant staff. It has been two years since Thar and Kul were here last [p335]. Kul checks out their old, reliable boat, Harbinger. It is safely secured in dry-dock and appears to be in good condition, but it does need a good waxing.  Kul and Thar decide to venture into town and Walc joins them.

Once in Sulward, Thar visits the wharves first and meets a fellow nargison guard. They talk in code. He is crescent private Marsilia. Thar notices that Marsilia is wearing his nargison whip openly and seems quite green, so he gives the novice some advice: get a cloak and keep a low profile.

Loud laughter is heard from a nearby tavern, the Smiling Oyster. The party leaves the young guard and enters the tavern. It is quite crowded in here. A minstrel is entertaining the crowd and has apparently just finished a song. There is also a group of four tunicians in here and a bald, oriental man sweeping the floor.

Thar orders rum and fruit drinks for the party as the minstrel begins another tune. He sings a song called "The Ending", which is apparently based on the prophecy surrounding the legendary diamond-bladed sword, Gashintain, and the return of the King of the Southern Isles. After his song, the minstrel takes another break, so Kul approaches him and buys his drink for him. They talk. He is Gjerpertus of Rol and Kul learns that the song was based on a prophecy by the oracle, Ziana.

The prophecy claims that Gashintain will pass through 100 hands, and that the 101st owner will become the new King of all the Isles. But this will be a time of ending for the Isles, for the seas will be as blood and all will drown. The Isles will not turn to the King, but will pledge themselves to an unholy demon. The demon, in turn, will destroy everything.

Gjerpertus returns to his playing. The tunicians rise and leave, pushing aside the bald sweeper on their way out. Soon, a disturbance is heard from outside. Kul, Thar and Walc exit the tavern to investigate. They find that the four tunicians are just up the street harassing the young guard, Marsilia.

The four tunicians:
"Long": longsword
"Flail": long flail
"Gimja": gimja [gim-ya] (spiked sword)
"Mace": spiked mace

Marsilia is struck hard by "Flail", while Walc charges forward to meet "Long". Walc parries the longsword and strikes. Thar strikes "Mace" and Kul strikes "Gimja" twice, removing his left eye! "Gimja" falls. Marsilia strikes "Flail" with his whip. Walc strikes twice and "Long" goes down. Marsilia is struck in the chest by the flail and falls, but he is able to get back up!

Thar puts down "Mace". Kul decides to help Marsilia; he closes in on "Flail" and swiftly strikes him. Despite being apparently outnumbered, "Flail" has a strange look of confidence [because he can see three more fellow tunicians approaching behind Kulgar]. He attacks Kul, but misses. Thar joins in and strikes. Kul finishes him off.

Kul and Thar turn to see three more tunicians approaching from the direction of the tavern.

The three tunicians:
"Chrichter": chrichter (polearm)
"Falcon": falcon's claw
"Short": shortsword

"Falcon" tangles with the bald man. The tavern sweeper is very agile and avoids taking any damage. He grabs the tunician by the arm and holds him off balance. Kul strikes "Chrichter" again. "Chrichter" misses Kul and "Short" misses Thar. Thar breaks "Short's" neck with a single strike from Asterlain! Kul strikes "Chrichter" again and continues to avoid the dangerous polearm.

"Falcon" attempts to grab the bald man, but the agile tavern sweeper forces the tunician into a prone position and holds him there. Thar looks about and sees the one-eyed "Gimja" lying on the ground suffering. He kills the tunician swiftly and then checks on Marsilia. Kul kills "Chrichter" and the battle finally ends.

Kul approaches the bald man and realizes for the first time that it is their old friend, Othello! They greet each other warmly.

Kul takes the now unarmed "Falcon" to the edge of a nearby dock to interrogate him. He dunks the tunician's head beneath the water repeatedly, demanding to know where Bolkara is, but "Falcon" continues to deny knowing Bolkara at all.

The town guards soon arrive and Thar explains everything to them. They take the tunician into their custody. Walc expresses his disapproval of Kulgar's methods of extracting information. Kulgar attempts to defend is actions. He tries to explain to Walc that these tunicians are killers. They are the enemy, and he is willing to use any methods necessary to defeat them and find the stolen sword.

Thar, Kul and Walc return to the Smiling Oyster where Thar speaks briefly with the minstrel in order to learn more about the prophecy regarding Gashintain. Gjerpertus suggests that they visit Agrimus, a sage in Rol. Kul & Thar say farewell to Othello and the party returns to Thar's home.

That night, Kulgar dreams he is on a small boat out at sea. It is cloudy. As Kul looks aft, he sees Tharrison dressed in full armor and swimming after the boat.

Ard is in the bow, "He's catching up."
Nahr, at the rudder, replies, "He'll never get to where we're going. Kulgar, raise the sail."

Kul raises the sail. As he looks up, he sees Thar alone in the vast ocean.

Haite & Kaktulum [Thursday 12 September 1991] [p417-419]

14 Aug 08: Thar & Kul rise early to practice with weapons and eat breakfast. Circh goes into town, while Thar & Kul work on getting Harbinger ship-shape. Walc helps by coating the hull while Kul & Thar check the old equipment in storage. They decide that they can make use of all of it except for two unneeded shortswords which they remove.

Afternoon: Eat lunch.  Walc joins Kul & Thar for a walk into town where they sell the two shortswords for 110 sp. Kul also visits a lexicographer and buys a book of 20 blank pages, 3 quill pens and 1 vial of ink for 35 gp. He intends to keep a journal of their travels aboard Harbinger. Next, they stop at the Smiling Oyster. Gjerpertus is sitting outside, casually strumming his lute. Kul asks where he can find the local Harper's Guildhall and Gjerpertus gives him directions. Kul and Walc follow Thar into the tavern. Othello is here sweeping the floor. Kul introduces Walc and Othello [who for one reason or another had not met following the previous day's battle]. Thar and Walc buy drinks.

Meanwhile, outside, a strong wind has picked up and gradually becomes more and more powerful until the roof of the tavern is violently torn off! A small tornado forms in the room, throwing the furniture around. Walc grabs the tavernkeeper [Bolston] to protect him.

Kulgar is able to escape from the tavern through the front door. But as he emerges, Gjerpertus, apparently anxious to escape from something or someone, runs right in front of him. Kul notices a bald, robed man [Haite, Disciple of Polymorphing] not far to his right casting a spell. [The spellcaster's robes are remarkably similar in appearance to those of the Disciples of Desolation that Kul saw through Olk's mirror on 11 Mar 06!]  The spell, apparently meant for Kul, instead strikes Gjerpertus and immediately transforms the fleeing minstrel into ice! Momentum continues to carry the frozen minstrel forward and he slides helplessly out of control before finally falling over and shattering!

Kul looks about and sees to his immediate left an advancing company of bugbears and gnolls! He quickly pulls his throwing axe from his belt and turns to throw it... at the bald Disciple! The axe strikes it's target and Kul unsheathes Uthael as he charges forward toward the bald spellcaster.  He intends to quickly eliminate the Disciple first, hoping to break the morale of the oncoming humanoids early in the battle. Tharrison emerges from the tavern and immediately joins Kul in the attack on the Disciple. Othello, Walc, and Bolston also find their way out. Othello steps to one side to assess the situation, while Walc stands fast, ready to protect the innkeeper.

A look of surprise suddenly comes across Haite's face and he cries out, "There are three Slayers!"

Thar and Kul both strike the Disciple hard, knocking him down to the ground into a prone position. However, a powerful gust of wind suddenly lifts Thar from his feet, throwing him far down the street! Kul is somehow able to resist the gust. He lifts Uthael high and brings the sword down upon the prone Disciple's head, but the weapon bounces harmlessly off the sorcerer as if striking stone!

Meanwhile, a company of about seventy humanoids has begun marching into the intersection. Walc and Othello both stand their ground outside of the ruined tavern to defend themselves and Bolston. A company of the town garrison arrives and the battle begins!

Thar picks himself up and notices for the first time the apparent source of the winds; A bald black man in a black Disciple's robe [Kaktulum, Disciple of Air] standing some distance behind Kulgar. Kul apparently has not seen Kaktulum, so Thar tries to yell a warning, but the winds drown out his voice.

Haite rises slowly to his feet, grinning. His skin now has the appearance of stone. Kul, becoming quite angry, strikes him hard, this time hurting the Disciple. But Haite begins to expand and change shape. He transforms into a huge black dragon and spreads his wings wide, blotting out the sun! Undaunted, Kulgar stabs the dragon, sinking Uthael in to the hilt. Haite, Disciple of Polymorphing, falls backwards and dies!

Thar rejoins Kul and they turn to confront Kaktulum,  but a large group of humanoids have advanced to meet them and they find themselves cut off from their foe. The humanoids remain in formation as they close in, so Kul and Thar only have to face six at a time. Kaktulum, meanwhile, has floated high into the air, well out of reach...so Kul & Thar begin to give ground to the advancing bugbears and gnolls. They intend to back themselves into a narrow alleyway, where the humanoids will be limited to only two abreast. Their plan works! Kul fights very well, while Thar has a rough time, yet they eventually defeat the company and suffer minimal wounds.

Kul & Thar emerge back onto the street and search the skies for Kaktulum, but there is no sign of the Disciple. Thar climbs up onto the rooftops for a better look around. Kul, meanwhile, sees that Walc and Othello are still engaged at the intersection. He runs over to help them.

Above the streets, Thar begins leaping rooftops to gain a better vantage point, but he slips twice, injuring his shins. He finally reaches the building across from the ruined tavern where he has a good view of the ongoing battle. From this position he also spots Kaktulum not far up the street, floating just above the ground and overseeing it all. Thar quickly moves into position above the Disciple and with Ieia in hand he leaps from the rooftop and lands right on top of the Kaktulum, knocking him to the ground! With a brief verbal command, the enchanted dirk is resheathed and deftly Asterlain comes to the guard's hand.

Kul glimpses these events from his position and disengages from the battle to investigate. As he charges up the street he sees Thar sitting on top of the Disciple and hitting him repeatedly with the whip. Thar misses once, however, and Kaktulum manages to take advantage of this. The Disciple summons forth another gust of wind throwing Thar down the street past Kulgar. As Kaktulum rises to his feet, however, Kul looms up in front of him and deals a mighty death blow! So falls Kaktulum, Disciple of Air.

Meanwhile, Walc and Othello have finished off all of the remaining humanoids. Walc has suffered many wounds and he bends to one knee to rest and catch his breath. Othello's injuries seem only minor, he helps Thar to stand and regain his breath. Kul is worried about these Disciples somehow rising from the dead, so he chops off both of their heads. He then retrieves his axe from the battle-site.

The group gathers in front of the Smiling Oyster. Walc is still hurting, so Othello heals him. Kul asks Othello if he will accompany them back to Thar's home, for they have much to discuss. Othello agrees. He informs Bolston that he is leaving and fetches his personal belongings from within the ruined tavern. These include a bag, a sword, and a bo-stick (short staff). Kul notices Gjerpertus' lute sitting unharmed outside of the tavern and decides to keep it for himself, since the unfortunate minstrel will no longer be needing it. The four men then leave the area and find a carriage to deliver them to Thar's front door.

Once back in the comfort of the house, Kul attempts to explain the events in town to Walc and Othello. Kul and Walc both become aware that Othello is a Slayer as they see into his soul and feel the vastness of the ocean. Kul realizes that Othello's element is Water, Walc's is Earth, and his own is Fire. He wonders briefly where they will find the Slayer who's element is Air.

Kul goes on to tell Othello of Walc's quest to find the golden sword of St. Edric. Othello reports that he has indeed seen the tunician with the golden sword on this island within the last year.

Next, Thar & Kul attempt to convince Walc that it would be best for the group to continue on without his squires, Berlundtul and Dalfholt. Not only is Rol an extremely dangerous city, but Harbinger is too small of a boat to carry everyone. Walc explains that he needs his squires to care for his war-horse [Immelschtipp], and then is quite shocked to learn that the horse must stay behind too! He is altogether unsure of this arrangement and adjourns to discuss it with his squires. Othello, meanwhile, agrees to accompany the group on their journey.

Circh returns rather late and comments on some strange happenings in the town. Apparently, she saw the activity from a distance and suspected that Kulgar and Tharrison were involved.

[Steve C. leaves for Seattle on Tuesday, 17 September 1991 and may move there permanently.  The campaign is put aside indefinitely]

The Clusters [Monday 28 October 1991] [p420] [Steve hasn't moved after all...life returns to normal.]

15 Aug 08: Harbinger is lowered into the water and equipped. The party, now consisting of Kul, Thar, Circh, Walc, Othello, and Gram, boards the boat and sets sail. Kul begins his log of Harbinger's travels. Kul intends to make a stop at Bis on the isle of Pitikto seek out the healer, Balane. He is hoping that she can treat his injured knee. The wound is actually fully healed now, but Kul is still suffering a permanent loss of mobility.

16 Aug-17 Oct  08: Sail uneventfully across the ocean towards Pitik. During the voyage, Kul discovers that Othello is a skilled sailor. Thar learns sailing from Kul and Othello while Walc deals with sea-sickness. Poor Gram has no room to play on the crowded boat.

18 Oct 08: Arrive at the isle of Pitik and locate Bis. Othello remains on the boat, while the rest of the party disembarks and walks to Balane's hut.

Talk with Balane and drink tea.. Gram likes her very much. Kul & Thar tell her of the war in the north and Thar asks about the tunician activity here. Kul tells Balane of his knee, but since it is completely healed now there is nothing more that she can do for it. The party returns the boat. Othello wades ashore and does a slow circular "dance"; apparently one of his martial arts exercises. Thar watches from the boat. Kul also watches while updating the log.

19 Oct 08: Early in the morning, Thar and Othello wade ashore separately to perform their exercises. Afterwards, they talk in detail about their teachings and combat styles. In the meantime, Kul makes small talk with Circh. In some ways, he feels as though he is just getting to know her again, after their harsh words of over a year ago. Thar and Othello soon climb aboard and the party sets sail for their next destination, the Clusters, where Thar must stop to report to his new outpost, T.R. 326.

20-24 Oct 08: Sail southward towards the Clusters. During the voyage, Othello teaches Thar some of his martial arts training. They begin with breathing lessons.

25 Oct 08: Harbinger arrives at the Clusters late in the day. The party decides to drop anchor on the outskirts and spend the night on the boat.

26 Oct 08: Enter the Clusters and dock at Port Poltique. Kul, Circh and Walc visit a tavern and drink ale. When they return to the boat later Kul and Circh are a bit drunk and singing songs.

27 Oct 08: Sail further into the Clusters and arrive at the capital, Crossport. Thar immediately heads off in search of a nargison contact. Othello stays with the boat while Kul, Circh and Walc run off to explore the town. Circh remarks that she loves the charm of Crossport.

Thar, meanwhile, finds his contact very quickly.  A star corporal ferryman. They talk in code and plan to leave in the morning for the isle of T.R. 326 which is somewhere within the Clusters.

T.R. 326 [Wednesday 06 November 1991] [p421-422]

28 Oct 08: Thar leaves with the ferryman for T.R. 326. Meanwhile, Kul, Circh and Walc visit another tavern. Kul drinks watered down ale while Circh and Walc enjoy some wildberry wine. The tavernkeeper, Chedanaros, tells Kul of the prophecy surrounding three legendary artifacts: a crown, a scepter, and the diamond-bladed sword, Gashintain. He explains that when these three missing artifacts are all united by one man, then that man is supposed to become King of all the Southern Isles. Ched has heard recently that a man in Rol claims to have possession of all the items and is proclaiming himself King. But the tavernkeeper himself is not impressed. He does not believe that a man can or should be named King because of an old prophecy, and further explains that he does not believe all of the isles should be under the rule of one man. The barmaid, Tivaya, also speaks her opinion and a mini debate begins. After learning all he can about the prophecy, Kul continues to talk with the locals about the isles. He finds out that there are about 700 "main isles" in the Clusters (and countless smaller ones).  There is no King or sole ruler of the Clusters, instead, each of the "main isles" is represented by a "house". These "houses" gather periodically in a council to establish and enforce the laws.

Evening: After sailing all day Thar and the ferryman finally arrive at T.R. 326 in the evening. Two guards escort Thar into a hidden fortress where he is instructed to wait in a foyer for Colonel Odearin. As he waits he realizes that, with his sensitive half-elven hearing, he can hear the Colonel's voice drifting through the nearby closed door. Odearin is apparently speaking to someone in Suloice, "It is important for you to be there before the full moon. Go to Somewhere. Take the ferry to Station One."

The door opens and Thar watches as a star lieutenant [Sansirum?] exits the Colonel's office and passes him by. Thar then enters the office and salutes the Colonel. Odearin discusses the news of Thar's encounter with the tunician assassin, Deth. Apparently, the incredible story of his falling and rising again from death to defeat the infamous tunician is already circulating through the nargison ranks. The guards now refer to Thar as "the Guardian Demon". However, the Colonel warns Thar that he must be even more cautious in the future, as the tunicians will now have more incentive to hunt him down.

Tboshe arrives at Thar's request and Thar begins his report. He first gives the book of tunician tactics to the Colonel (again!). Then he proceeds to tell them of his and Kulgar's journeys over the last three years. He tells them of the war in the north and of Kulgar's discovery of the bone archway being built by the Disciples of Desolation. He tells them that three Slayers are joined and that they are searching for a fourth. He and Kul are also currently on the trail of a tunician, Bolkara, to regain the golden sword for Waechtan Walc. Tboshe is knocked flat by most of this news, especially the part about the bone archway. Thar reveals to him some items from Ard's vaults; the crystal prism staff, the ivory dowel and the two flasks.

Odearin gives Thar an update. Thar's proposal of setting up a new nargison headquarters on the nearby continent of Hepmonaland has been rejected. When asked about the mole problem [p321] the Colonel reports that the mole was Foltware, a crescent private. Foltware has subsequently been tried and executed. Finally, the biggest news is that Thar is being transferred. He is to report to T.R. 071 where he will be serving under General Iinsor. Iinsor is actually a real blood-nargison. Odearin cannot tell him anymore about it. It is very secret. Thar must proceed immediately and alone.

29 Oct 08: Kul, Circh and Othello explore the island of Crossport. They climb some mountain trails and discover a beautiful view of the Clusters.

Evening on T.R. 326: Thar visits Tboshe. The wizard is looking ragged and bleary-eyed, apparently from lack of sleep. He reports that the ivory dowel is actually a wand of illumination with a limited (but apparently unknown) number of charges. The poem engraved upon it contains the command words:

Wisdom: sheds light
Temptation: confusing patterns of light
Ignorance: brilliant burst of light

Night in Crossport: The party splits up. Walc sleeps at a very nice inn. Circh sleeps in a more reasonably priced inn. Othello sleeps on the boat. Kulgar stays at a brothel.

30 Oct 08: Walc is very impatient to leave and continue his quest. When will Thar return?

Late Afternoon: Thar returns and finds Kul and Circh in Chedanaros' tavern. He signals them from the door and then heads for Harbinger. Kul fetches Walc and they all meet on the boat to discuss plans. Thar suggests that Kul follow him to the secret isle of Tboshe in case he is walking into a trap, but Kul decides against it. He knows that Walc is very eager to continue his quest for the golden sword. Thar and Kul plan to meet in Rol at the Mother of Pearl Inn.

Ambush at T.R. 071 [Wednesday 20 November 1991] [p423-424]

30 Oct 08 cont: Thar finds the star corporal ferryman and they leave for Tboshe, sailing southwest.

Evening in Crossport: Kul, Circh and Othello hang out in Chedanaros' tavern. Othello meditates as Circh makes small talk with Kulgar. Kul notices a nargison guard enter and seat himself in the corner. Soon, another guard enters and sits with the first. The second guard, a woman, looks strangely familiar to Kul, but he cannot quite place her. They converse in a language foreign to the barbarian.

Othello suddenly jolts "awake" and describes a vision that he has just experienced: A golden sword sinking in a lake of blood. Othello speculates that there are two possible meanings. The first being that the sword they seek can be gained, but at a cost of much bloodshed. The other being that the sword will be lost at the cost of much bloodshed.

Kul ponders this for a moment until he notices the two guards rise and move towards the front door of the tavern. As they exit he hears the man mention the name "Bolkara". Kul quickly rises and follows them out. Circh tries to follow along, but is detained by Chedanaros, who would like someone to pay the tab.

Kul catches up to the guards on a nearby dock where they are talking to a nargison ferryman in code. Circh and Othello also arrive. Kul introduces himself as a friend of captain Tharrison and then goes on to explain that he and his companions are searching for both Bolkara and a stolen golden sword. He asks if they can provide him with any useful information. The man introduces himself as lieutenant Sansirum and the woman as corporal Deleshire. Sansirum seems very friendly and mentions that he's just recently seen captain Tharrison on a "guard's isle". Deleshire still looks familiar to Kul and she seems rather tense, so he asks her if they have ever met before. She replies that he probably met her on a "guard isle" during his travels with Tharrison. Kul accepts this answer and she seems to relax. Sansirum then tells Kulgar a little of Bolkara's background and then gives him a general warning about Rol. They say farewell and Kul, Circh and Othello return to the tavern. Kul watches from the window as the guards board the ferry and sail away. He finds it rather odd that they should be leaving at this time of the evening.

01 Nov 08: Thar and the ferryman sail southwest all day.

Crossport: Kulgar rises early in the morning to find Walc and Othello all ready to go. Circh, however, is still asleep in her room at the inn. Kul awakens her by pounding on the door. They board Harbinger and sail southward through the Clusters.

Night: As Kulgar sleeps he dreams of the two nargison guards in Crossport. In his dream he is finally able to identify the woman's face...she is their old hated tunician enemy, the Butcher! Kul jolts awake, swearing. He realizes now that Corporal "Deleshire" is really Velmerra, the Butcher! He gets to his feet and stomps around while angrily yelling, "It was her! It was her!" Everyone awakens and Kul explains it all while sitting with his head buried in his hands. Circh offers him some wine, but the barbarian is so upset at his failure to recognize the enemy that he actually refuses it.

02 Nov 08: Tharrison and the ferryman arrive at T.R. 071. They sail into a lagoon and Thar wades ashore. Thar, still suspecting a trap, has instructed the ferryman to wait for him as he may be returning and in need of a quick departure. He soon finds a path leading from the beach into the jungle vegetation and cautiously follows it. Suddenly, the sand in front of him begins to give way and he barely avoids being swallowed up by the sinking sand-pit. He succeeds in circling around the trap and decides to walk just off the path in the vegetation.

Thar advances as quietly as possible through the vegetation but suddenly comes across a half-naked man lying on the ground before him. The man's skin is painted in a camouflage pattern and he appears to be watching the path intently. He is quite surprised by Thar's approach and leaps to his feet with a shortsword at the ready.

Thar attempts to trip the painted man with Asterlain, but fails. As the man attacks, his moves and fighting style reveal him to be tunician. The attack misses, however, and Thar strikes him twice. The painted tunician lets out a howl of pain both times. Thar avoids another attack and kills the tunician with his next strike. He is already aware of another approaching tunician and suspects that there may be many more here, so he runs swiftly back toward the beach. As he reaches the beach, Thar sees that the ferry is leaving! The ferryman sees Thar, but instead of turning back to help, he sets his sail and proceeds to sail away.

Thar dives into the water and uses a butterfly stroke to chase after the departing ferry. As he closes in he sees the ferryman cast a harpoon. Thar quickly dives, but is hit in the leg. He surfaces alongside the boat with the harpoon still stuck in his leg. The ferryman, however,  is ready for him and swiftly wraps a coil of rope around his neck. Thar struggles desperately to gain an advantage. He is finally able to pull the ferryman overboard and then summons Ieia from it's wrist sheath. He quickly cuts the rope from about his neck and then attempts to pull himself into the boat. But the ferryman suddenly stabs Thar in the leg and then grabs onto him. Thar forcefully hauls himself on board, pulling the ferryman with him. The half-elf then lands a powerful kick on the man sending him back into the water.

Thar suddenly realizes, however, that he would prefer to bring this mole back to the proper authorities. He first removes the harpoon from his leg and then grabs the ferryman's net. He then turns the boat around and makes a pass casting the net at the man. He succeeds in catching his prey and begins to haul him in, but the ferryman manages to cut himself free! Thar refuses to give up though, and dives into the water with Ieia in hand. He strikes the ferryman once as they become locked in a deadly struggle and sink beneath the surface. Thar quickly gains the advantage by locking the man in a grip and then squeezes the air out of his lungs while continuing to hold him beneath the water. The ferryman soon passes out. Thar climbs back on board the boat and pulls aboard his unconscious captive. Looking back towards the beach, though,  he sees about twenty tunicians on the shore setting up a ballista! He quickly turns the boat around and sails from the lagoon as fast as the wind will take him. Once safely away from the isle, Thar attempts to revive his prisoner, but he is ultimately unsuccessful and the man dies.

Soon [within an hour], Thar has sailed into the midst of a fierce storm. He manages to spot an island through the maelstrom but as he approaches, the boat becomes stuck on some corals. Thar is forced to abandon ship! He leaps into the raging sea and attempts to swim to the nearby isle, but the fierce waves overcome him and he loses consciousness...

A Murder in Rol [Monday 02 December 1991] [p425-427]

02 Nov 08 cont: Harbinger continues on a southern course, bound for Rol.

03 Nov 08: After mulling over the discovery that the Butcher is now posing as a nargison guard, Kul has become more concerned about the extent of the mole problem within the guard's ranks. He also worries about Tharrison, thinking that the half-elf may have walked straight into a trap after all. Kul, desperate for a sign of Thar's condition or situation, asks Othello if he can "see" Thar in a vision. Othello closes his eyes and concentrates. He sees Thar scaling a wall of ice with only naked hands and feet. Othello interprets this vision as meaning that Thar has a perilous journey ahead of him.

Othello takes over for Kul at the tiller. Kul talks casually with Walc about the northern lands of Baklune. Walc has never heard of Kul's old friend Euromund, but he does know Euromund's friend, Wudamaer of Arrata. He's also met Wudamaer's advisor, Coinwynn, at least once. He remembers her as being very intelligent and having beautiful red hair. As they talk, Harbinger continues on with Othello at the tiller.

Meanwhile, Tharrison awakens in a bed within a small, unfamiliar room. He can see clear, blue skies through a nearby open window. He tries to sit up, but feels a stabbing pain in his back. He finds that he is wearing a white night-shirt and has bandages on his back, left arm and left knee. As he tries to stand a large middle-aged woman enters carrying a water basin. Thar attempts to speak with her, but discovers that she does not speak common or Suloice. Thar manages to move from the bed to a nearby chair and finds his bag of holding in the process. Examining it, he finds that it is filled with water. He also finds all of his weapons and armor next to the bed.

The woman calls to someone and Thar sees four curious boys, ranging in age from 15 to 25, peeking in through the doorway. They move aside as a large, burly man enters the room. The man's wife leaves. Thar finds that the man does not speak any familiar languages either, but they are able to trade names. He is Halone.

A girl of about sixteen years enters and Thar finds that she is able to translate common for Halone. However, it soon  becomes evident that she does not like to be made to do this. She reluctantly translates, but whenever she replies without translating for her  father, he becomes quite angry at her. Thar discovers that he is on the small isle of Mitiksuul in the Clusters. The girl is Halone's daughter, Strystynne. Thar notices a familiar trait in her facial features. Strystynne appears to be part tunician. He also notices that apparently only Strystynne exhibits these traits. The rest of the family appears normal.

Thar is invited to eat dinner with them later. First, though, he walks outside to take a look around. He sees his ferry-boat still stuck on the nearby coral-reefs. It will definitely require some repairs. He finds that his wounds are really not very serious and decides to stretch out a bit to loosen up.

That evening, Thar eats fish with Halone and his boys. During the meal, Strystynne stands nearby translating all of the family's questions and Thar's replies. Afterwards, Strystynne and her mother clear the table and only then are they able to sit down and eat their meal. Meanwhile, Thar steps outside into the night air to gaze at the stars.

04 Nov 08: Thar exercises and then turns his attention to cleaning out his bag of holding. Remarkably, his scroll of protection is not ruined! The scroll itself is very wet, but the ink has not run at all. Thar spots Strystynne watching him from the doorway of the house. He waves and she approaches to talk to him. She reveals that she is not actually Halone's daughter, but as he attempts to question her more she becomes reluctant to talk about herself. She changes the subject by asking Thar about his background. Is he elfin? She continues by reciting part of a common elfin poem.. Thar picks it up from the point at which she leaves it off, and she watches his mouth closely as he finishes the poem. They are suddenly interrupted by Halone calling her from the house. She leaves and Thar returns to his work.

Meanwhile, Kulgar and crew sail on southward aboard Harbinger.

05 Nov 08: Harbinger continues on it's course.

06 Nov 08: Harbinger arrives at Rol on the isle of Pni. Kul docks the boat and pays a 23 sp fee. Circh, Walc, Othello and Gram disembark and follow Kul along the maze of wharves. Kul heads for the Mother of the Pearl, an inn where he has run into trouble with tunicians in the past and hopes to find Bolkara now.

Upon arriving at the inn, Kul orders some ale for Circh and himself. A minstrel [Inirif] is performing here. He is singing Gjerpertus' song, "The Ending". Circh tries to discuss plans with Kul, but he hushes her. He wants to hear the song again. Kul finally talks with her after the song ends. They agree to set their base near the center of the city and then begin their search for Bolkara from there. They drink some more ale and then Kul talks with the minstrel. The minstrel confirms that one man apparently now has possession of Gashintain, the Crown, and the Scepter and is claiming to be the new King of the Isles. The man, Dirgrimm, is a native of Rol and is hiding in safety at a secret location. The minstrel has lowered his voice and he rolls his eyes towards some nearby tunicians. Kul informs the minstrel of the war of Eastern Oerik and then says farewell.

Kul and company leave the tavern and walk towards the center of the city where they find an inn called the Skinny Whale. They enter and discover that private rooms are a ghastly 26 sp per night! Ack! Ack! Kul, Circh and Othello decide to search for a more reasonably priced inn, but Walc is quite satisfied and pays for six days in advance! He continues to tag along with the group though as they head back towards the wharves in search of cheaper lodgings.

Suddenly, Kul sees a group of men running away from the nearby keep. The men are openly wearing nargison whips and are whooping and hollering, thereby attracting much attention! A garrison of mounted city guards are in close pursuit. Kul decides to investigate and hurries over. Circh and the others follow him. He sees a brief exchange as two of the mounted guards catch up to the nargisons. One of the city guards is unhorsed though, and the nargison guard quickly mounts and rides straight towards Kulgar. The second mounted city guard gives chase. Kul decides to help out the nargisons hoping to learn later what this all about. He leaps at the mounted city guard, but just misses him and they disappear around a corner. Kul realizes that the unhorsed city guard has witnessed his attempt and will have many questions, so he begins to leave quickly. Sure enough the guard calls to him, but Kul does not listen. Circh follows him as he ducks into a nearby alleyway. They can hear the guard questioning Othello and a very confused Walc as they leave.

Kul and Circh make their way quickly through the alleyways until they come to a main street. They stop and hide as they see two mounted guards ahead. They remain hidden and overhear the guards talking. Apparently, the fleeing nargison guards had just murdered the Warder of Rol (the Warder being the person who guards the throne in the absence of the King). Kul begins to realize that he's most likely made another blunder. The nargison guards were probably tunician moles and he unwittingly tried to help them escape when he probably should have attempted to stop them instead! Soon, the two guards split up to continue their search and Kul and Circh move on.

Kul and Circh make it to the waterfront and finally find a reasonably priced inn called the Three Fishermen. They rent two rooms for just one night (Kul plans to share a room with Othello). They then backtrack to the Skinny Whale, but Walc and Othello are nowhere to be found.

The Liberation of Strystynne [Sunday 15 December 1991] [p427-430]

04 Nov 08 cont: Halone and his oldest son, Racote join Thar on the beach. They all climb into a boat and row out to the nearby reefs. Thar's damaged boat is recovered and laboriously towed back to the beach. They spend most of the day repairing the boat.

Evening: Thar eats dinner with Halone and the boys again. After the meal, Thar relaxes and oils his whip. Halone takes notice of the weapon and orders Strystynne to translate for him during her meal. He asks if Thar is a nargison guard. Halone also asks if Thar came from a "guard's isle" located only a couple of miles away. Then he comments that if the nargison guards intend to survive in the isles then they should keep a lower profile. Finally, he says that his son, Solonez, can guide Thar through the channel and safely past the reefs. Thar plans to sail back to Crossport which is only about two days away. He decides to sleep outside for the night and excuses himself. Once outside, he can hear Halone arguing with Strystynne. The fighting ends abruptly as Halone seems to get in the last word.

05 Nov 08 cont: Thar rises early to partly cloudy skies. He eats breakfast with the family and notices that Strystynne is sporting a fresh bruise on her cheek. She seems very unhappy. Halone asks what Tharrison's plans are for the day. Thar replies to Strystynne in elfin, "I think we should be going." He intends it as a private invitation to her, but she does not seem to understand the language well enough. Thar repeats his message in common and she passes it on to Halone.

Breakfast is finished and Thar walks outside where he is able to briefly talk in private with Strystynne. He asks her if she would like to leave this place with him. She looks very surprised and wanders off without answering. Thar plans to leave at the next high tide which will arrive in the evening and begins his preparations.

Later: Strystynne approaches and kneels in the sand beside Thar. They talk for a bit and Thar explains to her that while her life here is miserable, there are many options open to her in the outside world. For example, she can go live with elves and learn more of their ways if she desires. Or she can travel the isles on her own...or even travel with Thar and learn how to defend herself. She decides then and there that she does want to leave with him. She can guide Thar through the channel and to Crossport herself, so they will not need Solonez. She wanders off to inform Halone that Thar intends to leave with the evening's high tide.

Dusk: As the family prepares for dinner, Thar's boat is in the water and ready to go. He hears Halone calling angrily for Strystynne and runs quickly to the boat. Suddenly, Strystynne appears and runs straight for the boat with a bundle of her belongings in her arms and Halone in close pursuit. Thar helps her into the boat as Halone splashes into the water after her. Once in the boat, Strystynne suddenly produces two swords from her bundle! A rusted shortsword and a broken longsword. She quickly turns and levels them at Halone, stopping him dead in his tracks. Strystynne speaks to him briefly in a bitter tone and then she and Thar sail away unmolested as Strystynne's mother cries. They sail all night. Strystynne steers while Thar gets some sleep.

06 Nov 08 cont: Strys sleeps while Thar holds them on an eastern course towards Crossport.

Afternoon: Thar and Strys arrive at Crossport. Before docking they talk. Thar suggests that she dump her old swords. He can train her, but only with properly balanced weapons. He also explains that his next destination will be Rol. Strys agrees to go, so they dock and proceed to buy supplies for the journey.

Thar buys food, a fishing net, a harpoon, and a shortsword for Strys. He then proceeds to search all of the scummy taverns for Kul. He learns that Kul left about five days ago. They return to the boat and set sail for Rol.

07-10 Nov 08: Thar shows Strys how to properly care for her weapons. They dump the broken longsword and he shows her how to clean up the rusted short sword. She explains the events on Mitiksuul. She mistakenly told her mother that she was leaving. Her mother betrayed her trust and told Halone. It seems that Strys is the offspring of a tunician and Halone's wife (a rape, perhaps?). Strys asks Thar how many tunicians he has killed. Thar answers, "Enough that they know my name". Strys replies in a prophetic tone, "They will know my name too, someday..."

06 Nov 08 cont: Meanwhile, back in Rol, Kul and Circh continue to search for Othello and Walc. They check many taverns, but find neither. At dusk they stop to eat at the Tavern of the Shaking Sailor. After eating they finally return to the boat and find Othello. It turns out that he and Walc split up after the guard questioned them. Walc went to search for Bolkara while Othello returned to the boat.

Later: Kul and Circh find Walc at the Skinny Whale. Walc is very upset with Kulgar. Kul attempts to explain why he tried to unhorse the city guard. He wanted the horse so he could catch up to the fleeing nargison guard and befriend him. Then he could determine for himself whether or not they were real guards or actually tunicians. Walc accepts this explanation, but scolds Kul for fleeing the scene and leaving  he and Othello to fend for themselves. Kul tries fruitlessly to explain his reasoning to Walc, but it falls on deaf ears. Walc asks Kulgar to prove himself not to be a coward by not repeating this mistake. Kulgar is a little peeved by all this talk of cowardice. The meeting comes to an end as Kulgar rises and leaves.

07-09 Nov 08 cont: Kul, Circh, Othello and Walc search in separate groups for Bolkara, but continue to come up empty handed. Kul and Circh continue to stay at the Three Fishermen Inn while Walc stays at the Skinny Whale. Othello decides to sleep on the boat.

10 Nov 08: More searching, but still no luck.
Night at the Three Fishermen Inn:  Kul is awakened by Othello. There is a thick cloud of smoke in his room! Kul throws open the window and grabs his sword. He is worried about Circh though and crosses the smoke-filled hallway to her door. He finds that it is locked and pounds upon the door! He can hear her stumbling around and forces his way in as she manages to unlatch the door. He grabs her up in his arms and carries her out through the window.

Kul circles around to the front of the burning inn, searching for Othello. He discovers that the front of the building is in flames and that the people here are fighting the fire with buckets of water. As Kul passes through the crowd he sees two familiar faces. Those of the Butcher and Sansirum! He finds Othello and is relieved to learn that the monk has managed to recover all of their possessions from within the smoke-filled inn. Apparently, the fire has so far been confined to just the front section, though the smoke has spread throughout the whole building.

Kul passes the still choking Circh over to Othello and then proceeds to locate his enemies. The Butcher is nowhere to be seen, but he does spot Sansirum walking alone up a deserted street. Kul quickly follows after him and Sansirum seems to slow his progress, allowing the barbarian to easily catch up. Kul, suspecting that the lieutenant is really a mole in league with the Butcher, decides to play dumb and test him. He approaches and warns the guard that his companion, corporal Deleshire is actually a tunician. Sansirum continues to walk and responds that Kul is being ridiculous. When Kul insists that she is really a mole, Sansirum finally stops and tells Kul that he is mistaken. He reiterates that Deleshire is not a mole and then admits that he is and swiftly uncoils his whip from his belt! Kul's instincts suddenly warn him of a back-attack and he quickly defends himself against the Butcher who attacks him from behind with her familiar barbed sword.

As the fight begins in earnest, Kul decides to concentrate all of his attacks on the Butcher. Soon, a powerful stroke of Uthael suddenly removes her weapon hand at the wrist and she falls to the ground in agony. Sansirum manages to disarm Kul, but the barbarian suddenly backflips away from his enemy and quickly regains his sword. As the fight continues, Velmerra creeps away into the shadows. Kul soon gains the advantage and, with no-one present to witness his victory, he finally ends the fight by splitting open the mole's chest!
 

Meanwhile, in Rol, as Sansirum falls to the ground, his body begins to convulse. A short demon, about two feet in height, emerges from his open chest cavity. Kul swiftly destroys it, but there are already more emerging! Kul begins to fight them, but they are too small and quick for him to keep up with. One leaps onto his shoulder, biting him, and he staggers towards the burning inn with the demon still clutching onto him. He calls to Othello for help and flings the demon into the flames, destroying it. Othello joins him and they quickly return to Sansirum's body. Kul chops off the mole's head in hopes that the horror will end, but still another demon emerges. Othello suggests burning the body and Kulgar agrees. He drags the body to the burning inn and heaves it into the flames! They then destroy the eight remaining demons.

Kul returns again to the scene of the fight and retrieves the weapons and the Butcher's dismembered hand. He then attempts to follow the Butcher's trail of blood, but he is too weak. Instead, he returns to the burning inn with Othello. Circh has recovered and watched most of these events with horror. She joins them as they make their way to the Skinny Whale.

They find Walc immediately upon reaching the inn and Kul is brought upstairs to Walc's room. Kul lies down, insisting that he'll be fine. Walc lays his hands upon Kul's wounds and the barbarian is partially healed. Kul is not quite sure if he approves of this "sorcery". Othello then does the same, although with a more soothing effect. Walc insists that Kul sleep here in his room for the night. Kul refuses, claiming that it is too expensive, but he really is too exhausted to refuse. Walc leaves the room, so Kul argues the point with Circh instead. Othello tries some kind of soothing-hand technique on the barbarian, but Kul pushes the monk's hand away. If he is going to rest, he decides, he would rather do it his way, dammit!

Swords, Scepters, Crowns & Thrones (Part 1) [Wednesday 04 March 1992] [p431-434]

11 Nov 08: Thar and Strys sail onward towards Rol.

Meanwhile in Rol, Kul rises late and visits the Mother of the Pearl. The common room is empty except for the innkeeper and the minstrel, Inirif. Kul talks to the minstrel about the war in the north and then about more local matters. Kul mentions the song, "The Ending" and Inirif, taking note of Kul's lute, offers to teach him the song for the price of a drink. Kul buys him two.

After leaving the Mother of the Pearl, Kul and Gram wander around Rol for a while before returning to Harbinger. Othello is meditating on the bow of the boat, but as Kul approaches the monk states that a storm is coming. Kul ponders this briefly and then prepares to practice "The Ending", but he overhears a discussion from a nearby dock. Apparently, some tunicians recently killed a barsholh outside of the city. The townsfolk are not happy about this, as the barsholh are an ancient and well respected race of the isle of Pni.

Midnight: Kul is awakened by creaking sounds in the cabin. He opens his eyes to find a tall, blonde woman wearing chainmail standing over him. Her sword is held high and ready to strike! "Coward!", she cries, as she brings the sword down. Kul is just able to roll off the cot and onto the floor, barely avoiding the blow. As he regains his feet he lunges at the woman, but she suddenly disappears! Othello, awakened, watches as Kul picks himself up and looks about in confusion. The apparent apparition is gone and Kul realizes that she could not have been real, for the cabin is too small for anyone to wield a sword in such a manner. Shaken, he returns to the cot and tries to sleep.

12 Nov 08: Rain arrives in the region, producing a rather dismal day.

Thar and Strys continue on course for Rol. They talk about personal stuff. Strys is sixteen years old and speaks more than a few languages, however, she is somewhat uncertain about being on her own. Thar spots the isle of Pni in the distance. Soon, the rain and winds worsen, but he and Strys arrive at Rol and are able to put into port safely.

Strys has never been to a place as large as Rol and looks about in wonder as she follows Thar through the wharves. Thar is wearing his cloak with his hood drawn up to conceal his identity. He carries a staff in his hand. He also instructs Strys to call him "grandfather" in elven. Thar proceeds to search for Kulgar in the taverns, but fails to come across the barbarian. They eventually end up at the Center Square of Rol and find a man making a speech before a large gathering of townsfolk.

Meanwhile, Kulgar rises and ventures into the rainy city. He soon finds Circh and they each buy a cloak for protection from the rain. A herald passes by announcing that the new Warder, Craigstan, will be making a speech at noon in the Center Square. Kul leads the way to the square where he and Circh find a huge crowd.

Craigstan announces that he will be reducing most taxes and eliminating some others altogether. He explains that the military budget will be cut drastically to make this new plan possible and that the people of Rol will be responsible for policing themselves. He further explains that this new tax-cutting plan will encourage trading and make Rol the focal point for traders from around the world.

Kul cannot believe his ears! The isles are swimming with tunicians and this man wants to cut the military budget? Something is quite fishy...could the new Warder be a mole, helping the tunicians take over by reducing Rol's military? Kul decides to stir things up a little and yells, "Don't cut the military!". A few people cheer in support. Tharrison notices that the source of this discontent is Kulgar. He also spies Circh next to Kul in her bright yellow cloak.

Craigstan is suddenly interrupted by a man entering the square surrounded by his own supporters. The man informs Craigstan that he is now relieved from his duties as Warder and claims to be the King! He wears a crown upon his head while holding a scepter in one hand and the diamond-bladed sword, Gashintain, in the other. Kul, Thar and Circh all recognize these items as the very same treasures that they removed from the isle of Posoe five years earlier on 02 Jul 03 [p97]. As for the self-proclaimed "King", he is indeed the mysterious Dirgrimm, but what is most surprising to Kul, Thar and Circh is that they recognize him as their old nemesis, "Uglio"! [p174]

Dirgrimm accuses Craigstan of being a tunician sympathizer and a heated debate begins. Thar and Kul both notice that cloaked figures are moving in both directions through the crowd. Some from Dirgrimm's side of the square and some from Craigstan's. As they move forward through the crowd, Craigstan's soldiers discard their cloaks, revealing themselves to be tunicians!

Thar decides to circle around behind Dirgrimm. Strys tries her best to keep up as the half-elf runs effortlessly through the side streets surrounding the square. Kul, meanwhile has the same idea and circles around the edge of the square with the intention of meeting Dirgrimm face to face. Circh follows closely behind.

As Kul and Thar converge on Dirgrimm's position, Dirgrimm's men and Craigstan's tunician warriors meet in the center of the square and the battle begins, creating much chaos. Kul actually gets to within forty yards of his enemy, when Dirgrimm suddenly leaps into battle with Gashintain in hand! Kul is still suffering from some unhealed wounds, so he positions himself in the mouth of the main street and decides to watch the events unfold. He expects that the two opposing sides will pummel each other silly, thereby making it easy for a third party (himself!) to step in and clean up!

Thar emerges onto the main street and approaches Kulgar from behind, tapping him on the shoulder. Kul turns dispassionately and greets the half-elf with a "hello" as if they had planned to meet here in this very spot. They both turn to watch the ongoing battle and notice that the Butcher is there in the midst of the fray. Velmerra calls out to someone named "Giblone" and Kul and Thar realize that Giblone is actually a large tunician that they call "the Giant" [p92]. They also notice a golden-bladed sword rising and falling in the melee, though they cannot see who wields it.

Thar draws Kul's attention to a nearby street where they see Walc preparing to enter the battle. Walc, kneeling, says a prayer and then charges into the fray unarmored! Thar decides that it is time to act. He tells Strys to stay here and asks Kul and Circh to look out for her. Kul states that he is not a baby-sitter and Strys replies that she is not a baby. Circh begins arguing, but since she is not going to enter the battle she reluctantly agrees.

Thar moves through the melee towards the Butcher, but another tunician confronts him. Thar strikes swiftly three times with Asterlain and the tunician falls. The half-elf continues to push on through the chaos until he finally confronts the Butcher. As they begin to fight, Thar notices that she is using just an ordinary longsword instead of her usual barbed-sword, and that she has but one hand! The Butcher strikes Thar in the leg and Thar falls down into the mud. He tries to regain his footing, but cannot.

From Kulgar's position it appears as though his blood-brother may be seriously injured, so he finally decides to enter the battle. He hands his cloak to Circh and drawing Uthael, he begins to move towards the Butcher's position. Strys is already ahead of him though, as she is smaller and quicker. An armed man suddenly blocks Kul's path and demands to know for whom he fights. Kulgar replies simply, "Death to all tunicians." The man accepts this and lets him pass.

Tharrison, meanwhile regains his feet just as Strys arrives wielding her two swords. Velmerra is briefly distracted and Thar knocks her down with a blow from Asterlain. He strikes her again just to make sure she is dead. Kul arrives to find Thar treating his leg with a healing salve.

Suddenly, Kul is confronted by a tunician wielding a slaff (a staff with eight retractable blades that protrude lengthwise near  each end). It is Filimus, a tunician previously encountered here in Rol[p179]. It would seem that all of their old enemies are here. All of the surviving ones anyway! As Kul deals with Filimus, Thar moves towards Dirgrimm. His path is blocked by another tunician, though.

Meanwhile, Giblone engages in battle with Dirgrimm. Giblone quickly gains the advantage, knocking Dirgrimm to the ground. Dirgrimm drops Gashintain and the sword is quickly kicked away and lost in the sea of chaos. Thar witnesses these events, but cannot intervene or even follow the path of the sword, as he is engaged in mortal combat.

Kul defeats Filimus rather easily, despite almost breaking Uthael during the brief fight. As he advances towards Giblone
and Dirgrimm, he spies a familiar looking old, hooded man placing a piece of parchment over a sewer grate. The parchment  appears to have a strange glyph inscribed on it and the old man looks just like Olk, a wizard encountered in Greyhawk. Remarkably, Olk then lifts the sewer grate with only one hand and then drops into the hole, swiftly and effortlessly replacing the grate above him afterward.

Looking around, Kul suddenly notices one of Dirgrimm's henchmen picking up Gashintain. Kul advances, intending to take the sword by force, but two of the man's friends quickly come to his defense and Kul is forced to face all three at once. Giblone, meanwhile, kills Dirgrimm mercilessly with his awful halberd. Kul manages to defeat the man with Gashintain, but the diamond-bladed sword is knocked high into the air and disappears somewhere into the thick, crowded melee. Kul attempts to disengage from his two remaining opponents so that he can locate and reclaim the sword, but they assume him to be a tunician sympathizer and press their attack.

Meanwhile, Strys, lost somewhere in the midst of the chaotic melee with her two swords drawn in defense, sees a glass sword fly high into the air! Suddenly, though, she is confronted by a tunician warrior wielding a guard's bane [p318]. The tunician quickly disarms Strys of one of her weapons and then presses forward. Strys backs off and just manages to avoid the attack. The tunician suddenly stabs one of Dirgrimm's men instead and Strys quickly retreats as the fighting continues all around her.

Suddenly, in the midst of all the chaos, Strys comes upon the glass sword. She finds it hanging in a sewer grate by it's crossguard, twisting and jiggling as if alive! Peering into the sewer, she sees an old, hooded man. Strangely enough, he has wrapped a parchment around the blade of the sword and is tugging and twisting the weapon, attempting to pull it through the grate. The crossguard is caught, however, preventing the old man from gaining the weapon.

Strys reaches for the sword's hilt and the old man attempts to shoo her away. He quickly produces a crumpled parchment and throws it through the grating. The parchment immediately turns into an asp! Strys reacts swiftly, killing the snake with her sword, but she breaks the tip of the weapon on the metal grate. She peers down again at the old man and clearly sees more of his features this time. She is shocked to see that there are only vacant, black sockets where his eyes should be! Grabbing the hilt of the glass sword, she yanks it upward and then drives the sword downward again, straight into the old man's throat! He falls back and disappears into the darkness of the sewers. Strys then pulls the sword free...

Meanwhile, Thar has finished off his tunician opponent and advances to face off against the towering 6' 11" giant, Giblone. After a tough fight, Giblone falls. Kul kills both of his opponents also and then rejoins Thar. They both notice that, despite their efforts, the tunicians appear to be winning the battle and Dirgrimm's men seem to be retreating! Walc, meanwhile, has engaged and defeated Bolkara and now finally has recovered the golden sword of St. Edric. He holds the sword high in the air, howling! He is surrounded by about twenty tunicians, however, so the battle is most definitely not ended!

Thar and Kul suddenly spot Strys leaning over a sewer grate. They watch as she suddenly pulls a sword from the grate and raises it high above her head. It is then that the clouds part and a beam of sunlight falls only upon her. She is holding Gashintain. The sunlight reflects off of and through the diamond blade, flashing across the crowd as she lowers the sword.

Craigstan, still standing high upon his podium also witnesses all of this and orders some tunicians to advance upon her position. Apparently not seeing Strys as very much of a threat, only five tunicians respond. Thar and Kul run over to help her as the tunicians advance.

Swords, Scepters, Crowns & Thrones (Part 2) [Wednesday 11 March 1992] [p435-437]

12 Nov 08 cont: Kul continues moving towards Strys' position, while Thar pauses to recruit two nargison guard corporals. A tunician spots the guards and a cry goes up. Five tunicians quickly close in on Thar and the two guards. Thar kills the first tunician with one swift strike of Asterlain and then strikes two more while the corporals struggle with their opponents. Thar kills another tunician and sees more approaching. One tunician misses him and he swiftly kills two more as the corporals continue to struggle.

Meanwhile, Strys sees Craigstan pointing at her. The result is a rush of men all charging in her direction. She thinks of escape, but seems to be cut off in all directions. She backs up against a wall as Kul, Walc and Othello come charging at her from three different directions. As Kul closes in, she panics and throws Gashintain down at his feet. Walc and Othello suddenly turn on their heels and prepare to defend against the oncoming tunicians.

Kul quickly switches Uthael to his left hand and picks up Gashintain with his right. He tells Strys to stay where she is and promises that no-one will hurt her. He then joins Walc and Othello in forming a half-circle around the girl.

Thar lets out nargison war-cry and hears other guards reply. He finds himself confronted by a tunician with blue bandanas tied to his arms. The half-elf takes a hit before killing "Blueband".

Kul holds Gashintain in one hand and Uthael in the other. He is forced to fight with both swords as he is confronted by a tunician wielding a yarell. Kul strikes his opponent with both weapons. Walc and Othello also begin fighting off the attackers. Walc wields the holy blade of St. Edric. Thar, meanwhile, kills his tenth tunician.

Kul kills his opponent and then hacks at a tunician wielding a gimja. The tunician falls to his knees, defeated.

Another tunician engages Thar, holding his sword up and ready to strike. Thar swiftly strikes the weapon with Asterlain and the man falls with his own sword embedded in his face. As the battle continues a tunician strikes Thar with a shortsword. The sword fails to penetrate the half-elf's skin, however, and Thar just pushes it aside. A company of nargison guards has formed behind Thar and they all surge forward to meet the tunicians.

Meanwhile, Kul, Walc and Othello continue to defend Strys. A tunician with a buckler on his arm charges straight at Kul. Kul simply steps aside and the reckless tunician crashes into the wall behind him, dangerously close to the girl. Kul strikes swiftly with Gashintain, slicing the man neatly in half and taking a chunk out of the stone wall too. Another shield-man charges at Kul. This time, Kul defends himself and then stabs the man straight through his shield with Gashintain.

Tharrison is unstoppable! He downs eight more tunicians! One tunician recognizes him as the "Guardian Demon".
 

Meanwhile, the battle in Rol continues. Thar and Kul both defeat two more tunicians. Thar's second opponent wields a gimja. Thar's cloak is torn off by the spiked sword, but the gimja is now entangled in the cloak, thus reducing it's effectiveness. Thar strikes twice killing his enemy with a strike to the head.

Suddenly, there is a flash of lightning and a swirling patch of darkness appears in the air over the battleground. A huge demon drops from the strange, black portal. Everyone, including all of the tunicians and nargison guards immediately flees. The demon advances slowly upon the Slayers. Thar grabs two swords and runs to Stry's side. She appears to be paralyzed with fear.

Walc stands fast before the demon and produces his holy symbol of Eiadion. The demon pauses for a moment and then knocks Walc aside with a mighty blow. Kul rushes forward and attacks twice. Thar strikes with Asterlain. Othello, meanwhile, seems to enter a trance (healing himself perhaps?).

Walc charges and drives his golden blade into the demon up to the hilt. He then avoids an attack. Kul attacks and strikes twice [critical (93) with Gashintain]. He strikes the demon in the throat with Gashintain. Thar takes out the Phoenix Staff and attacks twice after activating its flame. Othello grabs his bo-stick and attacks. He breaks the stick on the demon's thick hide though.

Walc attacks twice, but the demon kicks Walc with its hind leg and sends Walc flying about twenty feet! Kul stabs underneath with both swords, searching for a weakness in the demon's tough hide. Thar misses with his attack. He then pulls out another staff and tosses it to Othello. Othello strikes swiftly with the weapon with great effect.

Walc has regained his feet and strikes, but once again is thrown violently aside. Kul and Thar both strike the demon. The flame on Thar's staff is suddenly extinguished, though, and he is forced to light it again. Curiously, he notes to himself, this has never happened before.

Walc rises yet again and charges at the beast. He strikes it hard twice. The demon is becoming quite enraged now! Strys finally conquers her fear, takes out a sling, and lets a rock fly at the demon's head, but it misses. The demon turns its attention on Thar this time. The half-elf is thrown twenty feet, but he rolls and quickly jumps to his feet. Kul misses, but Thar and Othello both strike the monster. Walc, appearing to weaken, also misses.

Strys fires another rock. This one strikes the demon square in the forehead. To everyone's surprise the demon suddenly turns into a tar-like substance and collapses. The battle is finally over!

Kul immediately searches the battleground for Dirgrimm's body. He finds the unfortunate would-be-king and recovers the Scepter and Gashintain's scabbard, but the Crown is missing!

Kul and Thar quickly draw up a plan: Walc and Kul shall go to the Skinny Whale to retrieve Walc's equipment and will then meet the others back at Harbinger.

As Othello leads Thar and Strys to the boat he comments, "A day of change. Beginning of long struggle for those wishing to live." They arrive at the boat where Strys immediately strips off her wet and blood-stained clothing without seeking any privacy. She certainly is not shy.

Kul finds Circh and Gram in an alleyway. Circh is wounded badly. She tried to block some tunicians from passing and apparently paid the price. Kul applies the last of his healing salves and carries her to the Skinny Whale. At the inn, Walc retrieves his equipment and they walk back to the wharves, stopping often to rest.

They eventually make it back to the boat where Othello heals Circh. Everyone sits quietly in the cabin. Kul looks at Strys and suddenly realizes that she is a Slayer. He proceeds to inform Thar of this in Baklunish, but is surprised to find that the girl speaks the language fluently! Oops. Thar is forced to explain "Slayer-stuff" to her. Othello meditates as Kul and Thar trade their stories of everything that has happened. They then briefly discuss future plans. During this talk, Strys rises and leaves the cabin. Thar follows and they talk outside in the rain. 

THE FEAST OF ST. AUGARYL (PART 1) THE FEAST OF ST. AUGARYL (PART 2) THE JOURNEY EASTWARD HAITE & KAKTULUM THE CLUSTERS T.R. 326

AMBUSH AT T.R. 071 A MURDER IN ROL THE LIBERATION OF STRYSTYNNE SWORDS, SCEPTERS, CROWNS & THRONES (PART 1) SWORDS, SCEPTERS, CROWNS & THRONES (PART 2)