nevofthewilds

[nevofthewilds]

S70: Dawn of Possibilities

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The morning is cold and bleak, with a dry wind stirring up the thin layer of frost covering the grounds of Bofkasmaur- the first real sign that winter is upon the lands. Waking up in unfamiliar lodgings, the Mudwangs shift with groans and cracks, the vestiges of their battle last night under the grounds of Academy with Huon Hurrard and his infernal minions. As their memories return, they recall having escaped the mines with Rinna to her shop, though not all of the party made the return journey...

Over tea and biscuits, Rinna's caretakers thank you for returning the girl, though from where the men did not fully explain, glossing over the severity of the trouble she was in. Nevertheless, the couple understood she had once again found herself in trouble, a common reoccurence for the students amongst her classmates and her teachers. Though they'd hoped the academic setting would help the girl find discipline and control, Vax counseled that too much structure for a free spirit such as herself might be fighting who she really is. He offered to counsel and advise the girl, for which her Mum and Uncle were happy to accept.

---

The peeling of the morning bells a short while later reminded the men that the final judgement for Shakan Bake and Elder Gikandi remained to be uttered. Despite their frustration with losing Rucker of the Blacktails- yet again- the men swore to find a solution after seeing through the end of the trial.After enjoying a humble breakfast and some coffee, the morning bells toll, and the four men make their way back once more to the Conservatory of the Archives, where the final sentence will be uttered shortly. You realize you didn’t see Larrius in the pits last night, and wonder what state he'll might be this morning following his attempted abduction.

Taerus tarries a moment outside the Tower of the Archives as the others enter. Finding a familiar bench and tree where he'd counseled Shakan some days before, he summons his spiritual other, Ayeres. Using words and thoughts, they reconnect and rediscover their linkage. Ayeres had been locked away, within the soldier, perhaps by choice, perhaps as a defense, to help protect themselves from the dark magic of the Emcee's inferno. Like a scar, it had kept them sealed until Huon's cursed minion reopened the wound, and Ayeres was able to fully escape. Not much for sentimentality, both human and hylgee quietly relished their reuinifcation, and Taerus dismissed her form easily, knowing that he could summon her easily again.

Making their way through familiar halls, the warriors saw more friendly and supportive faces than they'd remember. Entering the domed Council room, the seats were filled with students, insturctor's, and townsfolk alike- the magnitude of this trial has spread across the land. Elder Gikandi is pleased to see the group return, however diminished. With Rat still recovering in the medical bay of ConsMyst, and Rucker lost in the destruction below, Taerus is dour despite Gikandi's assurances that everything happens for a reason, even if those answers are unbeknownst at the time.

The gavel bangs, the audience rises to their feet, and Vincardo Dalakas, Mid-Gothi Worowo, and a tussle-haired Larry Dennit walk out. Larry is wearing thick-set glasses, and his normally pristine robes are a bit tossled, but it seems to be him. Without much formality, the leader of the tribunal reads a preapred statement that excuses Gikandi of any culpability, and will be reinstated as acting Elder at his earliest desire.

After a brief celebration from the audience and the defense, Larry continues with the sentence that does find Shakan at least partially guilty for the aftermath of Goldsands, even though his actions were in self-defense. As punishment, the genasi's status as acolyte was terminated, and he was given a choice- to either accept complete exile from the Academy and it's resources and inhabitants, or to accept a 6 month term as temporary-instructor in residence at Bofkasmaur, under Gikandi's further guidance.

While the group celebrated at this blessing-as-punishment, Shakan nevertheless asked for a 24 hour window to decide on his fate. The Tribunal accepted, and with a final *Bang* the Trial was concluded. Amidst shoulder pats, hugs, and cries around, Shakan caught Larrius's tired eyes and the two men, former rivals, shared a brief, respectful head nod. Their previous enmities moved on, if not completely forgotten, the Mudwangs leave without much celebration to try and recover their lost ally.

However, the earthquake had not gone unnoticed, and by the time they'd returned to the mine shaft at the Conservatory of Innovation, an excavation team had already sealed off the entrance due to the instabilities of the mines. The dwarven excavation leader explained the mines were unstable and dangerous, and no one was allowed to enter. Despite their insistence, the group was denied access and they left to brainstorm how they might return to Rucker's crypt.

---

Rucker awakens in snow. Odd, considering his last memories were of a stony maw closing around him deep underground. But as he took in his surroundings, he found himself in a snow-covered vale, familiar to him as the remaining skulls around his neck- it was his tribe's ancestral home in the Blacktails. Everything was as it was before Balefroar's arrival: the village stood, the men were chopping down ironwood trees, the children were being tended to, and the Stag Mountain still watched in the distance.

Making his way towards his village, still clad in battered armor and wearing Yvram's bracelet along wit his other tokens gathered, Rucker was shocked to see his father and mother directing a logging crew in erecting a new communal yurt. Without questioning it, he quickly lent his mighty strength to the project, and for some time was lost to the chores and familiar goliath work-songs he'd grown up with.

Finally, he reunited with his parents, whom explained that he had done them and the tribe great honor by fighting for their spirits. And by dying bravely in defending others, he'd earned a spot in the goliath afterlife. However, as he considered this offer, he looked down and realized he still held the Dust of Resurrection Gikandi had gifted him the night before.

His parents offered him a set of choices- to finally rest and join them here in the mountains of the sky with his tribe, or to return to material realm. However, in returning he would make yet another decision- to return as he was with the liches curse still poisoning his soul or to return whole, albeit without the power his first death had granted him. Without a second thought, Rucker chose to return a free goliath, knowing that he would be reunited with his family someday unburdened by the curse of the lich.

---

As the sun set in the distance, silhouetting the Stag Mountain and the plains around Bofkasmaur, the Mudwangs considered their next steps- stay at the Academy to fill out Shakan's sentence? Leave as exiles and try to aid Marhsall Trest and the possible uprising at Fort Indominus? Root out the dark plots surrounding Pol and the Bloodwoods? Continue their apprenticeship as knights of the League of Terror Vigilant? Ensure the Queen of Sweets'' spores that had inhabited Rat hadn't somehow spread amongst the student body at the Academy?

All these questions rattled Vax, Shakan, and Taerus' thought-cages when suddenly a glowing portal appeared in front of them, and a man unrecognizable yet familiar passed through. Guided by a pack of flitting flower-fairies, Rucker Reborn rejoined the Mudwangs, yet again. With pristine armor and garb, the goliath took off his tortued helm to show a healthy, un-cursed face. With a great smile, he shared how he'd been able to survive the Demons jaws, and his faewild protectors had transported him to safety as his body healed.

Reunited, the darkening skies over Virpresque seemed not filled with fear and danger, but instead calm and dynamic as the faerie fire began to dance in the skies above. The Mudwangs recounted their adventures, laughter, pain, danger, and wonders shared up to this point, and that while nothing was guaranteed, their growing tribe and their allies across the land were stronger now for all the hardships and choices faced. What remained ahead the Stag would not reveal, but the storms lightly cracking atop the hallowed mountain would not yet dampen the joy of the Mudwangs celebrations that night.

[nevofthewilds]

S69: Night of Judgement, Part III

Landing heavily in a deep chasm, the battered Mudwangs took stock of their situation and began attempting to climb out. Vax skipped the climb and magically ascended into the air, where he was quickly assaulted by a growing horde of lavakin. Eventually, the four warriors scaled the rocky wall to find themselves on a set of narrow pathways over a river of molten lava, where more lavakin could be seen swimming towards the walls to climb and join the attack.Pressed on all sides, the Mudwangs fought against this greater host, driven forward as the screams of Rinna echoed through the chamber. 

Dodging fire bolts and flaming claws, Taerus and Shakan were the first to reach a set of stairs that granted them a greater view of the great underground cavern ahead. The room opened up further on into a larger, rocky cavity where at the opposite end rested a large temple, ancient and decrepit in its upkeep. Its front facade bore the visage of a massive, horned demon’s head, the main entrance passing through stalagmites shaped like vicious fangs. A sinister blue light emanated from the window-shaped eyes and the gaping maw. At the bottom of a staircase leading out from the mouth was a sacrificial altar, surrounded by enthralled slaves attending to Huon Hurrard as read from an archaic book glowing in a similar ethereal blue energy.

Completing his most recent lobotimization via abominations unknown, Huon welcomed the Mudwangs to the (supposed) true seat of knowledge and power in Bofkasmaur. On a stone pedestal high above, Rinna lay unconscious under another nothic, grinning greedly, as it began to carve her scalp with it’s yellow claws. Though Huon spoke of forgiveness and opportunities to expand their minds and wisdom, the Mudwangs were fed up with this charlatan’s taunts and engaged with his infernal subjects.

As Shakan, Vax, and Taerus rushed forward to settle accounts. Rucker bravely acted as a rearguard for his allies, using his oldest tool- the paladin’s shield of Tyr- and his newest gift- Yvram’s moonstone spear- to stand strong as a mountain in fending off waves off lavakin. Taerus made straight for HH, displayed hitherto unknown powers as his cloak shifted into a set of ghastly bat wings, flying up to avoid the Heart of the Ninth and blasting blue fireballs are the party below. 

Shakan and Vax engaged with the corrupted wizards by the altar and the intellect devourers haunting the shadows. Gouts of fire met counterspells; magical shields warded off blades as the two mages fought off the corrupted brains while Huon summoned flying gargoyles to harry the warriors from above. 

Vax quickly fought his way through the chaos to the column where Rinna was being tortured. The half-elf way able to loose a flurry of arrows to slay the nothic just in time to save Rinna from certain death. Covered in blood and dirt, the grateful girls quickly joined the fight and launched a flurry of devastating spells to shatter the minds and bodies of their enemies. 

Taerus was dive-bombed by a gargoyle, narrowly keeping his ground as the stony beast tried to fling the man into the lava below. As the beast closed his jaws over the fighter’s face, a flash of light flared in his vision, and he suddenly heard Ayeres voice. Listening to his soul, Taerus used the weight of the lunging gargoyle to drop into a backwards roll, kicking up into the creature and flinging it over the chasm towards the river below. The warrior was shocked to see his hylgee familiar, Ayeres, plunge forth and guide the gargoyle down into the flames before rising back up with a triumph screech.

Standing tall, Rucker nevertheless began to give ground as the lavakin began to surround him. Sensing a magical presence calling for him, the goliath released the soul of his father from the skull round his neck. With a burst of energy, the spiritual tribe leader spoke volumes by proudly praising his son for his bravery and character. The massive spirit then summoned a glowing hammer that he used to pulverize the now fleeing lavakin. Enchanted by his father’s magical boon, Rucker hastily turned to join his allies behind him.

Shakan Bake, the draconic sorcerer-monk who’d been prepared to leave behind all of his past at Bofkasmaur, faced the individual who’d unknowingly caused him so much grief and strife over the past year. Flying overhead, Huon mocked Shakan once more for his lack of vision and forethought. Shakan refuted the claims, pointing out he’d never stooped to infernal magicks to further his status, instead relying on the gifts he’d always possessed. He demonstrated this by launching a fireball of his own, burning the apocryphal mage and causing him to drop his book.

Startled and furious, Huon made to fly through the temple’s entrance before finding it suddenly blocked by Rucker of the Blacktails. Glowing brightly with the blessing of his father and wielding the magical moonspear, the goliath bought the Mudwangs enough time to launch a final attack that brought the weasling academic to the ground in misery. However, before they could punish him further, the cave began to rock and shake, as the temple began to shift and roar, revealing it to be the head of an actual demon. Roaring at it’s defeated acolyte, the massive demon shook the cavern in a quake, raining down boulders that crushed Huon utterly. Amidst the earthquake, Rucker was caught in the leviathan’s jaws, and before he could leap to safety was crushed in the demon’s mouth.

Though Taerus fought bravely forward to save his ally, the cataclysm of the cave collapsing around the demon’s thrashing was too much. An exhausted Vax was knocked out cold by another fallen boulder. This time, Rinna was the one to return the favor, healing the warlock enough so that they all could escape. Grabbing at the dark book Huon had dropped, Shakan called for the Mudwangs to leave this pit of despair.

With Rinna saved but their tribe once again split, Vax, Shakan, Taurus and Rinna escaped the collapsing tunnel, leaving behind Rucker’s body in the final ruins of Huon Hurrard’s evil schemes and conspiracies. 

[nevofthewilds]

S67-68: Night of Judgement, I-II

The night was quiet and still. Eerily so. Yet the Mudwangs crossed campus quickly after Vax scried on Huon Hurrard seemingly ambushing Larry Dennit Jr. in his office. Prior to leaving, Elder Gikandi encouraged them to remember to work together, and gave them each a magical item of great power. Whilst on the way, the warlock used his magical goggles to investigate the area and caught on to a scrying orb following the party. With knowing glances, Vax alerted the group before flying into the air to throw off their observer. 

Arriving at Larry’s office, they observed guard posts seemingly abandoned with the doors left open to the wind. Inside, they found a heavily decorated messenger bag filled with doodles and schematics- the satchel of Rinna A’ran, who’d volunteered to keep an eye on Larry for her friends. Fearing for her safety, the Mudwangs proceeded cautiously forth and entered Larry’s office, where the (Acting) Elder was speaking with an aide in seeming peace.

While an office cat lounged lazily by the roaring fire, Rucker and Shakan approached Larry, trying to clarify whether Huon had attacked or threatened him. Larry seemed perturbed by their intrusion, considering this could be considered judicial harassment given the recent conclusion of the trial. When pressed, the Elder grew increasingly agitated, insulting the Mudwangs and calling out Shakan for his continued foolishness. Sensing things were amiss, the Mudwangs tried to assess the play when suddenly Larry and his aide attacked, transforming into hideous creatures of smoke and claws as they screamed and battered at the warriors.

The Mudwangs fought off the monsters, eventually felling them before the cat transformed into Huon, who gleefully taunted Shakan for trying to set things straight. Disappearing into the fire with a burst of flames, Shakan saw that his true adversary had opened a portal elsewhere. Not willing to let the writer of his assassination attempt free after coming so far, Shakan plunged into the fiery portal, with his tribesmen following close behind.

—

They thudded onto hard earth, somewhere without light and smelling of dank earth. As the casters illuminated their shields and weapons for better vision, they found themselves in a narrow, earthen hallway that eventually began doubling back and forth, evidently the start of some underground maze.

The men quickly found other, less fortunate maze runners who had either been torn apart by purple-scaled creatures or had their heads exploded outward by… something. The creatures- nothics, or mutated wizards who’d gone insane in their pursuit of knowledge- harried and psychically pried into the minds of the Mudwnags, who fought off the vile creatures lurking in the shadows. 

Amid the harrasment from the nothics, as well as the threatening rumblings of massive creatures moving through the earth nearby, the Mudwangs encountered some Academy students- some who seemed truly lost, others who had been corrupted by bulging creatures that resembled ambulatory brains. The Mudwangs heard whispers of power and secrets in their minds from these various adversaries, as well as misleading distractions meant to confuse and lure the men into the maddening maze. Yet they emerged relatively intact at the heart of the spiraling hallways, where another portal waited ahead.

Taerus, after being battered by a large, bladed booby trap, rallied Rucker, Vax, and Shakan forward to finish what they had started and went once more into the breach...

[nevofthewilds]

S63-66: The Trial of Elder Gikandi

With little fanfare, the Mudwangs made their way to the Tower of the Archives, where the men would help Elder Gikandi in mounting a defense for himself, and by proxy, Shakan Bake. A small crowd had gathered at the tall building, where they were welcomed and observed by several different groups, including some of their friends. Rinna encouraged them with homemade signs; Syster Odiminn offered a prayer; and Throfung gave Shakan a heart well wish. After passing through the magic detectors and given a space to leave their armor and weapons, the Mudwangs spent several minutes in quiet contemplation before being ushered into the Hall of Truth. 

Inside, they took in a circular, two-tiered courtroom with dappled light filtering through high, narrow windows. Opposite the lower public seating area (with accompanying balcony platforms above) stood a tall judges bench, not dissimilar from the shape of the Maur itself. With spots for 3 justices, the bench curved in a U-form, the horn-like ends pointing to a stone bench put between them. This is where much of the action of the next few days would take place. Several paces behind the witness stand were a pair of firm, heavy tables. Behind one of them, Inspector Mündur and his legal team were preparing their documents for the upcoming proceedings. Rat led the way to the other bench, where the Mudwangs made themselves comfortable and continued to mentally steady themselves.

Soon a blast of horns announced the entrance of the three justices: Elder Vinkardo Dallakas of Virtuosity, Elder Mid-Gothi Worowo of the Mystics, and finally Elder Larrius Dennith, the Younger of the Archives, and ultimate overseer of the trial. As their assistants prepared their Zone of Truth spells and the court attendants closed the doors to the outside world, Larry banged his gavel and began the proceedings with a short speech explaining the format and intent of the trial- to establish the damage and effect to Bøfkasmaur Academy from Shakan’s trip to Goldsands Harbour and the ensuing damage to it’s Library. Given Shakan’s prolonged absence following the fire, Elder Gikandi assumed responsibility and would be the one being held up for the final verdict. 

Larry opened the floor for opening statements, and Inspector Mündur approached the bench. The well-dressed half-orc began ith a straightforward indictment of Elder Gikandi’s well-intentioned but ultimately maligned judgement in sending a favorite pupil unprepared into the world at large. Shakan’s irresponsible actions while pursuing a project of questionable merit and import negatively affected Gikandi’s time and standing, as well as diverted funds and attention from other more promising students. All of these factors, in addition to Shakan’s dissapearance after the fire proved not only his culpability but also the lack of character that shown exceedingly poorly on Gikandi’s judgement as an Elder. Rat took to this unusual stage but performed with aplomb, painting a picture of a young man who had gone into the world and acted with honor and integrity, perhaps not wholly owing to the Academy but certainly as a model student from it. The defense would prove that any damages incurred were a result of self-defense, rather than folly, and he had repeatedly proven himself to be a reputable individual.

Soon after the defense and the prosecution began to call forth an alternating series of witnesses, professional testimony, and interpretive performances. Mündur began by welcoming Sgt. Eracik of the Goldsands Harbour Rectory, who took in Shakan that fateful day. The gnomish officer explained how Shaken seemed intent on staying in the library, wanting to stay after hours, and ultimately it was his quarters where the great fire began. Shakan addressed these accusations by pointing out that while he did start the fire, its as in self defense. The bodies of the attackers, whom the Mudwangs suspected were agents of the Open Hand hired to kill Shakan, were unknown individuals whose names were not in the Rectory ledgers, calling Eracik’s operational effectiveness into question.

For their first address Shakan brought in Mina Dett along with her company of Virtuosity performers. With darkened lights the troupe gave a dramatic and riveting dance performance of Shakan’s journey from childhood (The spark is lit, and yearns for air,) to the separation from his mother (The flame yearns for growth, it cannot sit still,) and his growth in the Academy and mission to learn about his past (As it is fed, the fire will take in aspects of the fuel which feeds it, changing it’s nature.) While some questioned the non-traditional performative aspect of the defense’s start, it nonetheless was a thrilling show.

The prosecution followed with a pair of character witnesses, Cpl. Reinke and Ms. Viora: the former a soldier at the Oxbow Spypost in the Blacktail mountains, the latter the personal assistant to Timber magnate Mordegall Tyldum. The soldier recounted how shortly after arriving at their outpost, at least one of Shakan’s traveling companions began to attack her and others there, and afterwards a large portion of the forest was burning. The secretary shared how on the night of the Fall Harvest Festival, Mr. Tyldum’s offices were attacked and burned to the ground, with her identifying Vax on the defense bench as being in the building at the time of the incident. As it became clear Inspector Mündur was trying to build a pattern of action, the Mudwangs sought to counter these accusations as circumstantial: Shakan (and the Mudwangs) were not party to the actions of Naliq and Srroka, nor could Shakan be pinned to the tower fire having been off at the Fair festivities. 

As the court proceedings continued, other events of import occurred:

- Taerus had set up a string of Alarms to track the movement of Instructor Pøl, but the difficulty of doing so while across campus bore little fruit. 

- Rat was struck ill in the courtroom, retching up thick black juice. Amidst a crowd of concerned onlookers outside, Rucker was able to stabilize the bard. However, the implications over what this festering infection (previously only seen on mission with  the League of Terror Vigilant) meant here at the Academy gave the goliath pause. 

- Thanks to Vax’s efforts, the Mudwangs began to suspect that recent Archives upstart, Huon Hurrard, may be the individual responsible for the attack in Goldsands. Watching him throughout the trial, the heroes were unable to detect any foul play but grew to despise the haughty student’s attitude and mockery of their friend.

- Near the end of the trial, unverified accounts began to be whispered about of an active revolt occurring at Virpresque’s capital, Fort Indominus. These rumors were impossible to verify, though rumors spread rapidly as to whether Duchess Üllans had perished, whether Duke Malcant had initiated the attack, or who was currently in control of the city. 

Finally, the Mudwang’s called their former foe Hallehaig to the stand. Though the Rattlesnake had agreed to assist Shakan and the Mudwangs in the testimony so long as he wasn’t embarrassed or made fun of in exchange for his Poisoned Dagger, animosity was immediately rekindled as Rucker and Taerus tried to frame Hallehaig’s true ambition as genocide. They spent much of their questions focussing on Hallehaig’s character as a murderous sociopath, which he in turn spun as indictments of the Kjollden governance and their part in it. While overall adversarial to these questions, the Rattlesnake did seem to strive to hold Shakan in a positive light. The genasi concluded the questioning, helping to recover a less than ideal witness testimony for the defense. 

The prosecution faced their own challenge when Elder Gikandi was able to genially deflect and reframe Inspector Mündur’s accusations into positives. The tortle likened Shakan’s odd curiosities and proclivities to an adventurer truly seeking the unknown, rather than simply tackling easy assignments or obviously gainful courses. Though he may have been an untraditional student, Gikandi recognized Shakan’s merit and sponsored him as such because he needed it, unlike others who were more easily able to pay or pave their way forward. Shakan spent a moment afterwards to thank his mentor in front of the court, and Elder Gikandi’s again shared how proud he was of his former pupil’s growth.

With the testimonies closed, both parties gave their final statements: Mündur again called into questions Gikandi’s judgement in sending a magically gifted, though unrefined, student into the world, with a history of infernos, accidents, and damages in his wake. All of which, the Inspector reiterated, led poorly to the look and reputation of not only the defendant, but also the Academy itself, which is what the trial was seeking to determine. Supported by the Mudwangs, Shakan’s defense pointed out that his actions over the past several months were in fact a boon to the Academy: producing an expert mage who was able to defend the helpless, defuse racial tensions between the Kjollden and Wevir, and demonstrate the lessons and wisdom he gained from Bøfkasmaur to great effect. If anything, he spread the name of the Academy as a result of his great valor and honor. Before concluding the trial, Larry called upon Shakan a final time, to see whether at this final moment, he would recant any of his testimonies and/or preemptively accept a plea deal for Gikandi in exchange for becoming excommunicated from the Archives and Bøfkasmaur. Shakan would agree only on the terms that Gikandi be fully reinstated.

With the ultimate bang of the gavel, the Trial of Elder Gikandi and Shakan Bake was ended, and the courtroom dispersed. Swarmed by friends and supporters, the Mudwangs took some time to recollect themselves. Rinna offered to surveil the Justices to ensure they weren’t swayed by outside forces and sped off. Odiminn offered supportive prayers and promised that Rat would be seen to by the healer Brother Bruelder. Shakan employed an automaton to return Hallehaig’s dagger to conclude their blood deal. After a time, the men returned to Elder Gikandi’s private quarters to rest, imbibe, and reflect over the past several days. 

On a hunch, Vax decided to cast the scry spell again with Gikandi’s guidance to check on Huon Hurrard. As he began to track the Archives Prefect, he saw him storming into Larry’s office, with an argument ensuing. The spell was suddenly and shockingly ended by Huon himself, who by snapping his fingers extinguished the fire in Larry’s office and severed the spell. Realizing that not only Shakan’s fate, but also the future of the Archives and the Academy itself hung in the balance, the Mudwangs hurriedly prepared to face that crepe-loving creep who'd messed with the wrong fire genasi.

[nevofthewilds]

S62: Final Statements

Putting aside their experiences the previous night with the League of Terror Vigilant, the Mudwangs went their own way in final preparations. A sweaty Rat locked himself away again, pouring over his research and prepared statements. While the others slept, Rucker ventured outside the borders of Bofkashome to the countryside where he set a fire and took to understanding his magical gift from Yvram, the Moonstone Dragon. Under an overcast night he began to unlock the power in the bracelet, which began emitting moonlight and detecting his skull necklaces enchantments. It then morphed a moonstone spear, light yet strong as ironwood. Finally, the spear opened up and welcomed a flower-headed fairy from it's core, who parted the sky to let the full beauty of the full moon on the countryside. Astounded at the present, The Goliath reaffirmed his intent to help make the world safer for others, and to help his friend however best he could.

---

On their final day before the trial, Taerus went to spent more time with Syster Odiminn in prayer, their whispers resounding like thunder in the skyclave above. After a time, the soldier confessed he couldn’t think of many ways someone like him could help in the proceedings. His halfling mentor encouraged him, pointing out that as an officer, he had to earn the trust of his men: someone of such integrity would be invaluable in a trial of honor. As she encouraged him to pray deeper, their hands clasped, amidst the growing windstorm in the chambers, Taerus could almost hear... a voice... his hylgee... his soul...

Remember… remember who we are.

Ayeres? Where are you?

---

Near midday, Vax finally got the chance to speak privately with Elder Gikandi, hoping to learn why the tortle was seemingly content to let his fate be decided without a fight. Gikandi explained how he’d spent centuries trying to positively influence the minds and priorities for the Academy’s magical adepts. While he was invested in the trials outcome, given his position and relationship to Shakan, it was not in his nature to fight destiny. His ability to see and influence the future was dangerous, and he'd seen what could occur from tampering too heavily. Instead, he admitted with a chuckle he liked his odds given the return of his favored pupil and his friends.

Vax then asked about Larrius and his seeming rise to power. Gikandi spoke well of the acting Elder, admitting that though he lacked a sense of humor he'd worked tirelessly for the Conservatory and it's advancement: Gikandi could think of few better to lead the Conservatory in his absence. His questions answered, if unsatisfyingly, Vax asked Gikandi go guide him in learning how to Scry. He chose to Scry on Marshal Trest, watching through a blurry lens as the general made his way through the sweeping halls of Fort Indominus. As the spell wore off, though, Vax was shocked to watch Trest calling for guards as a surging mob broke down a set of outer doors in the palace.

---

Finally, Shakan spent the morning alone before making his way to the offices of the ConsArc Elder. Entering, he pondered the many hours poring over books, maps, and scrolls with Gikandi. Instead, Larry Dennit, Jr. sat in the Elder’s place reading through the Journal of the Elders. After a cool welcome, where both admitted there was no love lost between them, Shakan cut straight to the matter and challenged Larry over why he had deposed Gikandi, if not for personal gain and advancement. 

The acting Elder redirected the accusation- By approving of Shakan’s “self-indulgent personal quest,” he had implicitly approved of his visit to the Rectory and everything that followed. Larry scoffed at Gikandi's preference for the genasi, when there were other students whose research would prove more useful to the Academy. With Shakan fled, the authorities could only turn to Gikandi for accountability. Larry explained that it brought him not joy to step in to manage the Conservatory in their masters suspension, but he was simply doing what was required of him. 

Shakan asked Larry to excuse Gikandi and accept the charges himself. Wishing they'd had this conversation sooner, Larry agreed to review the request once the gavel was struck on the morrow. Shakan agreed, seeming to understand that while Larry Dennit, Jr. may not like him as a person, his duties and intent seemed to be driven from a sense of law and order. 

It was then that Huon Hurrard, ConsArcs newest prefect, arrived to speak with Larry. Having met briefly upon arriving back at the Academy, Shakan vaguely recalled the well-manicured man had been a student below him when Gikandi selected Shakan for advanced studies. With predatory grins and cocked eyebrows, Huon made light of the genasi's former studies, and cursed his utter foolishness for returning. Ignoring the student's mockery, Shakan gave a final challenge to Larry to do right by their common master, and left.

---

Amidst these revelations, the Mudwangs were befuddled- if Shakan truly believed that Larry had not manipulated events for his own gain, then what was this all about? It appeared that their ultimate mission, then, would be to state the case for Shakan Bake as an asset to the Academy. Perhaps there was still a chance to establish that Shakan’s efforts were in self defense, hopefully connected to what Vax had learned at the Open Hand’s altar of prayer. They also knew that with the Prosecution bringing their own evidence, there would likely be revelations and surprises in store once the trial for Shakan Bake’s future commenced.

[nevofthewilds]

S61: Sweet Surrender

Squelching and squishing, groans and chuckles; such were the sounds of the Queen of Sweets’ decayed servants as they marched on the Mudwangs. The swamp around joined the welcome party, some of her fungal extensions belching forth poisonous spores and rendering parts of the battlefield uninhabitable. The Mudwangs, without any formal plan other than to take our the source of the infections, focused their main thrust attacks against the towering fiend. Taerus burst in a flash of light, followed shortly afterwards by Rucker. Shakan, Vax, and Rat attempted to cover the rear and began battling those corrupted by the Dark Scratch. 

The Queen had some surprises up her sleeves,- or rather, underground- as she extended her tentacles through the muck to attack from distance. It also became evident that her spores of influence had taken hold again not only in Rat, but in Vax. While Rat turned his Wave Cutter Blade against Shakan, Vax was overcome by visions of his former ally Agny, whose psychic attacks terrified the warlock. The two retreated against the swelling forces of the Queen, led by their corrupted ally.

With powerful smites Taerus and Rucker carved into the hulking flesh of the demon, but she merely laughed and released a noxious gas cloud into their faces. While the Captain was able to resist the spores and kept hacking away at her torso, the goliath felt compelled to follow her voice in his head and turned his hand axe on his ally. Taurus did his best to weather the assault both from the Queen’s tentacles and his charmed tribesmate.

The swamp continues to belch forward sweet clouds of gas and more enmoldened villagers. Compelled to avoid harming the Queen, Rucker tried to redirect his attacks at her subjects. However, a hulking human-fungus-beast ensnares the goliath and begins to reel him towards its gaping maw. Shakan launches a fireball at the main enemy before teleporting with Vax away from the main swarm. However, the forces of Sweets continue their relentless march forward, coughing out corrupted black gas and growing in number. 

Separated, close to being overrun, the Mudwangs continue to fight desperately. As Rucker is pulled into the sawtoothed trap of the beast, one of the corpses suddenly turns to him, eyes verdant, and asks for his current whereabouts. Horror dawning over him, the goliath is helpless as the monster crunches it’s rows of arm-length teeth over his body… 

�� and awakens with a start back in Xulivoc’s grove, along with the others. Rat collapses, black ichor dripping from his eyes and mouth, and Qaleorda hurriedly begins helping the men to dress their wounds. The men are confused, startled, unsure why their mission to fight evil was aborted. Xulivoc the ancient mage seemed himself shaken, simply saying they couldn’t afford to “lose” the Mudwangs. No further lessons are shared, and the men take stock of themselves in silence.

[nevofthewilds]

S59-60: The Crucible of the Mare

Taking a brief respite from their tireless preparations for the Trial, the Mudwangs made their way back into the Bloodwoods to meet with Xulivoc and undergo their next test. Through the almost incomprehensible Scottish accent of the Druid, Rucker listened to the tenets of the League and agreed to undergo the test along with his fellows.

Led by Qaleorda, they again traveled through a portal and found themselves in a dark and dour encampment. Immediately, they all sensed an ominous sensation in the air they couldn’t place. Treated as mercenaries called to Maplegard, the men noted how many of the denizens were bundling up covering their skin to protect them from the Dark Scratch. The leader of the town, a masked hierophant known as the Proctor, spoke words of warning and inspiration to the townspeople and other soldiers as they prepared to head out into the woods to find and root out an evil Mare spirit, who was corrupting the minds of the townspeople.

Warned to not get scratched by any of the corrupted, the mob split up, with the Mudwangs headed towards the Mare’s supposed hideaway. Vax ascended to thre trees above, seeing terrible winged beasts floating in the distance. An increasingly jittery Rat welcomed some other soldiers who’d come to call on the group for support. Suspicious, the Mudwangs tried to gain more information, but instead found the villagers- and Rat- attempting to force them to follow along. A warning arrow from Vax knocked off one of the assailants tricorns, revealing a sickly ichor leaching from many open wounds on the man’s face.

As the assailants move in on the Mudwangs, they react accordingly, defending themselves from the seemingly corrupted villagers. While Vax continues to rain arrows form above, Taerus and Shakan struggle to deal with a fetid assailant whose body contorts and cracks in unnatural directions. Rucker wrestles with Rat, who seems overcome by a fever of aggression. Eventually the group is able to strike down the villagers and restrain the thrashing Rat. Finally, he recovers after Rucker lays his hands upon him and purge the evil that had infected him.

Rat takes a few minutest to recover, spitting up black ichor from his lungs and washing it back with ale. The Mudwangs put together that this mare’s curse may be more than mere enchantment, and the evil may be within the air itself. As they plan their next step, the sounds of battle and desperation echo in the woods around them, hearing cries for aid and terror. FVax summons a specter from one of the fallen visitors, but it only whispers confusion and warning in the warlock’s mind. 

Having been almost completely taken by this evil, Rat proposes they abandon this quest- pointing out that being thrust into deadly, otherworldly incursions is not the best way for them to help the world. Despite his points, the original Mudwangs urge their most recent ally to steel himself, for they all took the oath of the League of Terror Vigilant, that they will stand against whatever darkness arises. Though they briefly consider aiding the Proctor in rescuing the riders of the lost wagon, they resolve to continue on to the East, where the mare’s curse is said to have originated. 

Moving deeper into the moonless woods and leaving the clang of battle behind, the men continue on, vigilant and wary over the threats in the shadows. The party discovers a lost young woman crying and shaking over her father throwing her out after consorting with her schoolmate, Abigail. As they approach, the Mudwangs recoil in horror as they see her flesh beginning to sprout and expand in capheads, like a mushroom. 

Rucker again tries to save a soul from violation, though as the healing concludes another corrupted bursts out and tries to attack the Goliath. In the fracas, the young woman runs off and another villager appears with a spear lowered. After dispatching the threat, Taerus confronts the spearman, asking for his aid in destroying the mare. Hearing that the warriors are intending to meet whom he calls “The Queen of Sweets,” the guard runs off into the night screaming. Shakan incinerates a pulsing purple fungus, and as it cries they realize they are getting closer to whatever is affecting the countryside.

Following Vax’s directions from up high in the air, the Mudwangs are unaware the half-elf is distracted by the wingbeats of flying creatures in the sky. With Vax’s attention elsewhere, the group finds themselves in a moist bogland, possessing an off-putting sweet odor and more of the glowing purple growths. Looking closer, they see within the muck are the decomposing bodies of dozens of humanoids and beasts, who begin to awaken and reach out for the men. Rushing forward from these decaying horrors, the Mudwangs burst into a watery grove, in the middle of which is a large, serpentine growth of a creature encapsulated in spade-like flowers. With the sweet aroma of rot and putrid fungal abominations arising around them, the Mudwangs are welcomed by the Queen of Sweets to her garden.

[nevofthewilds]

S57: A Candle in the Night

The trio of Rucker, Shaken, and Tears stood in the cold midmorning air outside the Tower of the Archives, pondering their next steps in preparing for the trial in a few short days. Shakan considers a plea deal, wondering whether forsaking his former home would be worthy enough a punishment to absolve Master Gikandi. Rucker and Taerus weren’t convinced this was the best course, but didn’t reject it outright. 

 As they continued to discuss how to proceed, a tattered and rough-looking Vax slowly strolled up to them, his orbless eye socked flickering with pale purple light. Wearing minor cuts and with a recently torn cloak, the warlock shared with a beleaguered sigh what he’d been up to overnight.

He shared that covert though he’d tried to be in the Trollstop Tavern using Open Hand practices, he’d been observed. As they were leaving, he’d been slipped a note to visit Gerrady’s, where he might find answers. And so after the other Mudwangs began their descent into the realm of Ghelgish, Vax instead returned to the shadows of Horn’s End.

After some time, he eventually found Gerrady’s- a decrepit church that stood quiet in the night. Entering, he met a cassocked woman tending to votive candles in recession. She explained that the church was a home for the lost, those who either did not follow the gods who’d turned their backs on mortals, or those who had no way of their own. By offering prayers, or answering others requests, those souls could find purpose.

Gesturing to the candles, Vax saw that in front of the lit candles were letters with descriptors- a daughter, a relic, that which was lost. Understanding now that these notes were the methods by which the Open Hand communicated with it’s agents here in Bøfkasmaur, Vax wrote a note asking for someone to find out the identity of “they who sought the dragon,” offering a handful of jade gems in exchange. 

Reasoning that the height of the candle determined the urgency of the request, Vax cut his to three days time. As he did so, he noted a tall candle that had been replenished repeatedly. Picking up the note below it, marked for “A Thief,” he opened to the letter to find a hefty reward below his own name. Believing someone had been searching for him to accomplish a mission, he took the letter and left the Church of the Lost.

Outside in the darkness after midnight, he found himself surrounded by three strangers draped in cloaks. As they greeted Vax by name, the half-elf summoned his pact weapon before feeling a presence emerging, a force he’d felt before. As his sword hand rose slowly, the voice of the Hexblade, his otherworldly patron escaped his lips with sneering glee before darkness consumed Vax’s mind…

… The next thing he knew, Vax was walking up the Spine of the Elders as the sun crested the Maur. Shortly thereafter, he found his companions after meeting with Elder Gikandi. As his ally shared the tale, Shakan questioned whether Vax might not have misunderstood the meaning of the letter he took: someone had put out a call for someone to find Vax. And for all they knew, this was one of many bounties that had been put out. 

Unwililng to be distracted, Vax recommitted to supporting his sorcerous friend. The men reviewed some of their plans, including using their magical items to replay or reshare the true details about the night of Shakan’s assault. The idea of getting character witnesses was also floated, but time was growing very short to put out calls for assistance. 

The group then split up to gather intel, knowledge, and ideas in preparation for the fast approaching Trial of Shakan Bake.

[nevofthewilds]

The Strength of Thoder

(On a bench under the Copperleaf Tree in the ConsBio square, Rucker shares a story with Shakan.)

There is a story the Blacktails have told for generations, a story whose wisdom has escaped me for my entire life until now... There was a warrior of the Blacktails who is in many of the stories we tell. He is always portrayed as the hero, the most skilled of warriors and tacticians. If the gods were to make their way to the Blacktail mountains, they would have paid tribute to our Thoder. Or at least, that is the fervor my clan feels for him. But the story I tell is not of his many exploits, but of his end. Before any formal peace between goliath and men, the two races existed at odds. The mountain folk were pragmatic, slow to anger, and generally only reacted to the impulsive humans. One day, Thoder encountered a human hunting party and tried to calmly speak with their leader. He was not welcomed. Instead they attacked in fear, and they were killed swiftly and simply by Thoder.

(Some humans have spread rumors the tattoos of a goliath are tracing of their victims blood splatter, but this is untrue. Younger goliaths must wait until they are strong enough to defend themselves before earning their tattoos.)

News of this spread to the local justices of men and a bounty was placed on Thoder and the head of any goliath. Many years passed and more foolish human’s died encroaching our mountains. But eventually the human’s numbers outgrew the chalice of the valleys below. A trial was scheduled that would judge all Goliath in the eyes of men. An emissary was sent to inform the Goliaths. Thoder killed the emissaries' guards. The man knelt before the goliath and prostrated himself, arms outstretched, presenting his neck for Thoder to strike. Having seen no man do such a thing, he respected this small skinny man who would surrender so wisely and bade him speak.

They spoke for many days. Thoder never spoke of what was said, but it was obvious that Thoder trusted in the wisdom of this human. Thoder said his goodbyes and took the human back down the mountain. The human placed shackles on the massive goliath, and out of courtesy Thoder did not break them. He admitted himself to the trial- a prostration of his own, on the behalf of the Blacktails and all Goliaths. (This act is what enraged me throughout my life, up to only a few days ago.) The trial was held and its result was unsurprising. But something happened during the trial on that freezing rainy day. As the council read from wet scrolls, speaking of crimes for defending his homeland, the hills surrounding the human village were filled with song. Goliaths of many clans descended the mountains and sang funeral rites to Thoder, steeling his resolve as he stood naked.

Thoder was twice the size of the biggest human, and his strength was beyond doubt. He gave one last message to his people in the form of a cacophonous war scream, breaking the chains that bound his wrists. However, instead of escaping, he waited to hear the guilty sentence and was escorted away, never to see his clan again.

What happened to him no Blacktail knows, doubtlessly starved to death in a cage or beheaded. But from his sacrifice came a truce between goliath and men. The growing number of humans in the valleys below the Stag Mountain now saw that goliath not as cave dwelling savages, but strong and formidable and proud. By recognizing men and their laws, he forced them to recognize the goliath's claims as well. The bounty on goliath heads was then seen as a disgrace. Trading began between the two and both human and goliath prospered for it.

What I see now is that the result of the trial did not matter. It was Thoder's strength of courage to submit himself to them in the first place that led to peace.

I see Thoder's strength in you. You never hesitated when you got the letter informing you of Elder Gikandi's trial, your trial. Keep your head high, there is an entire generation of people, students, who will always remember you as the man standing for what he believes.

But there is a difference between then and now. The Mudwangs will stop at nothing to show those elders the good you have done.

[nevofthewilds]

S56: On The Meaning of Power

Rucker awoke to find himself alone- all of his Mudwang allies had already vacated their beds. Only Rat, snoring and drooling over a book of law texts, remained. Vax left a note behind explaining he was following a hunch, while Taerus had business to attend to at ConsMyst. The goliath found the final member, Shakan, practicing his movements under the great Copperleaf Tree. Taking in the gifts from his journey to the Feywilds- his neon t-shirt, an engraved acorn, a glowing bracelet- he pondered how much he'd changed since he first met his new tribesmen.

Shakan finished his rituals and joined Rucker, still anxious despite his meditations. With the trial approaching and little progress made in gathering evidence or momentum, he was troubled. Rucker shared a story from his goliath tribe, a lesson in honor and strength of character. Shakan appreciated the tale, and the two friends waited for Taerus to rejoin them before heading up to meet with Elder Gikandi. As the men began walking in the chilly winter air, Captain Galva shares what he learnt from meeting with Syster Odimin, (older sibling to Biose student Odimar):

The two spoke of Thelandria, and how the goddess of storms found each of them. Sharing a recent dream of his featuring lost allies and a Stag Mountain besieged, Taerus listened to the cleric's theory how this vision supported her fear that the gods power in Virpresque was fading. She then tested his faith by blasting him with wind and lightning (and, in doing so, releasing him from the curse placed on him by the Delta hags coven.) Having proved his conviction, she challenged him to spread Thelandria’s word by acting the guide for souls lost in the tempest.

They are eventually seen up to Gikandi’s quarters in the Tower of the Archives, where Shakan is greeted coldly by a former classmate who blames him for their masters fall from grace. On edge again, the genasi introduces his allies to his former instructor. Speaking casually and warmly, the tortle wizard welcomes the group and provides drinks of choice. Gathering around his study table, piled high with books, journals, and missives, the four men begin to share their thoughts on the upcoming trial.

Having seen and studied much over his many years, Gikandi's concern was not about influence or legacy. Rather, he had agreed to stand in Shakan’s place on a matter of principle- allegations needed to be answered for. For that reason, he was pleased that Shakan had returned so that the matter may be truly settled. He further emphasized the trial is a reckoning for Shakan as a representative of the Academy itself: what damage has he done to not only the rectory, but Bøfkasmaur’s reputation?

Gikandi then offered to help the men with any personal challenges they were facing, reasoning that though it may not be related to the trial only calm minds could make sound decisions. Dictating the questions and answers to a glowing orb of magic over his shoulder, the master listened as Taerus shares his concerns regarding Thrembreglaxx and his followers. Gikandi too pondered what designs the followers of the god of entropy might have, and that normally such anarchists had historically had trouble organizing.

Rucker then took the chance to ask about the curse he carried, explaining his history with the lich that had left some vestigial powers within him. Rucker also shared he'd recently learned the name of his enemy- Balefroar. Speaking the name, the room instantly darkened as the studies candles' winked out and the sky outside began to cloud over.

The turtle’s affable tone ceased, and Gikandi very carefully chose his words as he warned the three men to never utter that particular name on the campus of Bofkasmaur again. The magic of Names was mysterious and powerful, and this name could be ruinous. Respectfully, the Mudwangs resolved to only refer to Rucker’s lich as… Tracy.

With personal queries satisfied, the group resolves to help defend Shakan and Gikandi. If the Academy placed such high value on the merits of its students and members, then how could they build a case to show Shakan an asset rather than a liability? Perhaps by finding who hired the Open Hand, though their leads in that department were slim. Maybe by demonstrating his good acts across the Stag Lands, with summoned witnesses to speak to his integrity? However they proceeded, they had only 7 days to bring it all together, and Gikandi gave them a pair of scrolls to aid them as they prepared to leave. 

It was at that moment that a knock at the door revealed Gikandi’s next meeting was with none other than Larry Dennit Jr. himself. Speaking brusquely to the men, he set down a tray of food for he and Gikandi to share, urging them to run off. Taerus and Rucker began to challenge the Acting ConsArc Elder, even threatening him with a Zone of Truth before Gikandi effortlessly quelled the spell and the fight, ordering them to cease squabbling in his quarters. 

Thus humbled, the Mudwangs left Larry and Gikandi to meet as they continued their search for the truth amidst the towering stone monolith of the Academy…

[nevofthewilds]

S54-55: Private Investigations

The Mudwangs split up to begin following up on a variety of threads, both personal and for the trial: 

- Taerus returned to the infirmary to get cleared by Brother Bruelder, and as they prayed together the soldier learned of his appointment the next day with Sister Odiminn. 

- Shakan ventured to the Conservatory of Virtuosity to ask for advice from his friend, Mina, who directed him to the master of costumes and performance, Kasper. First selling the genasi a theatrical disguise kit, he then instructed him in the ways of hiding his identity.

- Rat loaded up with wine and made his ways to the halls of the Archives. Consulting with an attendant, he began investigating the format of the upcoming trial and did his best to learn about precedents in these sorts of formalities. 

- Vax and Rucker make their way to the shopping center of Innovation, where they meet with Rinna, who shares she thinks her parents are being manipulated by a thief named Gator. The men didn’t have any insight into that, but encouraged the young girl to (carefully) look into the thefts around campus.

Making their way down the Spine of the Elders, they met up with a refreshed Taerus as they entered Bofkashome, the village surrounding the academy. However, Taerus quickly peeled off into the crowd without alerting his compatriots, making his way to Daisy’s Drink & Dance, where Bruelder suggested there might be gossip and news, being one of the largest footsteps and hangouts outside the Academy. However, the soldier was surprised to find it was more of a upscale tavern with tchotchkes and perky waitresses, and was ill at ease in the kitchy place.

In the meantime, Vax and Rucker found themselves in Horn’s Rest, where the warlock pointed out the hovels he suspected the Open Hand might be operating. After a conversation with Shakan over the sending stones accidentally broadcast their intentions to the neighborhood, the men made their way to the Trollstop Tavern. Finding a corner table in the rough and tumble bar, the two began people watching until an awkward individual dressed in a leather vest and ranchers' hat abruptly joined their table. In a thick, southern Kjolligoran accent, the man intimated he knew specific details about the group. Vax and Rucker were confused over the strangers knowledge, but soon Tiberius Crosshairs revealed he was actually Shaken in disguise!

Shakan’s impression was so good, it drew the attention of a well dressed, charming ruffian by the name of Mr. Melbern. Improving as well as he could, Shakan passed as a countryman and the two conversed as Vax and Rucker caught sight of shadowy persons upstairs seemingly casting enchantments as they moved about upstairs. Vax was nervous about possibly being recognized in an Open Hand hotspot, and so Rucker volunteered to head upstairs and investigate- where he walked right into a sentry gargoyle, who began screaming out once the Goliath couldn’t offer a passcode. 

The uproar caught the attention of the dwarves bartender, who ushered the Goliath back downstairs and told him to keep out of places he wasn’t invited. Mr. Melberne stayed to chat for a few more minutes before returning to his own private table as Taerus entered, drawn by the blaring of the gargoyle. Together again, the men set their minds to strategizing how best to proceed. Given their talents and experiences, they reasoned that it might be possible to create a distraction and sneak again upstairs. 

However, the more he considered it, the more Vax remembered that the Open Hand operated surreptitiously and quietly, and forcing the issue would likely drive the Hand further away. Using a clandestine Open Hand signal, the half-elf tried to parlay with the barkeep, who did not return the signals. Vax did learn however that upstairs were private rooms meant to allow for shadowy business to be conducted privately, with a high fee ensuring disturbances not occur. With that info, Vax returned and recommended they lay low for now.

Enjoying their drinks and further brainstorming about Shakan’s trial (“We could kidnap him?”) Mr. Melberne bid the group g’night, but was drawn into their discussions about sneaking and information gathering. To help a fellow Downundrian, he offered to gather some intel for them about the identity of the Academy’s high-profile thefts for the small fee of 20 gold pieces. Taerus paid the fee and shook hands with the rogue, who gave them a toothy grin and set off, offering to return with info in 3 days time.

Later in the evening, the Mudwangs stumbled home, where they shared some more libations with Rat, who informed them about his discoveries- the Trial would be led by a Tribunal of Three, headed by Larrius. A majority would determine the outcome after witnesses were questioned, evidence presented, and statements made regarding Shakan and Gikandi. This gave the Mudwangs some ideas on how to possibly proceed with Larrius and building a case, as well as speaking with Gnarlden regarding ConsBio’s high profile treasures, but the fermented drinks began to slur their thoughts, and the men retired.

[nevofthewilds]

S53: Reunited, Reborn, Resolute

Three weeks ago, the Mudwangs had been sundered: Taerus and Rucker departed to destinations unknown, Temloc lost at sea. Though allies and friends were gained in that time, the tribe forged in the foothills of the Blacktail mountains was scattered to the winds. Now, though, the Mudwangs found themselves together again as Rucker awakens from a deep slumber. Though it takes the Goliath several moments to ensure he isn’t being tricked, eventually his stomach convinces him. 

Whilst servant goblins and automatons bring sustenance, the men sat together again and took each other in. After several stuttering starts, the group collectively shared their regrets and apprehension over the events within the Delta Harbour swamps: Rucker over his singlemindness blinding him to a trap, and the others over the hags’ With knowing looks, the Mudwangs agreed to leave Yllness Grace and her coven behind them for the time being.

They also acknowledged Temloc’s loss in the journey across the Muunk Sound. Taerus shared of his quest, and some of what he learned in Buckwatch Outpost, though when it came to his encounter with his quarry, Winnowa, and her master, he let his healing wounds speak for themselves. As the only two to not get way-laid, Shakan and Vax shared the other details of their voyage across the sea, including making acquaintance with the fifth member of the group, Rat.

They finished with their arrival at the Academy, including their run in with the asshat Weylin Enright, their time spent upcoming trial of their fire genasi, as well as a seemingly mundane camping trip to the Bloodwood Forest and their subsequent encounter with and initiation into an ancient league of guardians. Terror filled it was, Rucker was amazed at their brief description of their first encounter with the Terror and it's cackling minions. They promised to invite him along to their meeting, as they were to undergo further testing in a weeks time.

It was then that Shakan finally asked Rucker about where he’d been for so long, and the Goliath shared his tale- first lost in a land of shadow and storm, where he encountered another hag who offered him two doorways to pass through. After choosing, he found himself in a vibrant and chaotic plane called the Feywilds. Never one to speak at length, Rucker glossed over many of the smaller details of his adventure, but took pride in sharing his part in freeing an enslaved tribe, and the lessons he learned from his strange companions and a moon dragon who gifted him knowledge of his past.

Thus reunited, the men all took stock of their current situation- all agreed that while their second trial with the League was sooner, the Trial of Shakan and his former master was the larger task. The sorcerer reexplained the stakes of the trial- whilst on a sabbatical, he was attacked in the halls of Goldsands Harbour Rectory, and may have burned the building down. Since much of Bofkasmaur’s respect came from Meritocracy, the blame levied on Gikandi proved unacceptable and so he was set to stand trial in Shakan’s stead. The trial, therefore, would be to weigh the costs of keeping Gikandi (and Shakan) on versus the damage done. 

Rat offered to pour himself into the Stacks of ConsArc, learning about the trial’s format, methods, and previous trials of this nature. Taerus had some personal matters to attend to before committing to help, but expressed his confidence they would be successful. Shakan hoped to gain some more confidence in public speaking at ConsVirt before pursuing their greatest lead as of yet, the fact that someone had hired members of the Open Hand to attack him. Rucker and Vax were willing to pursue those leads in the outskirts of the village surrounding the academy. 

With all the Mudwangs reunited and committed, they prepared to begin their individual tasks as Vax received a Sending message from one of their new allies at the Academy, ConsInn minors student Rinna A’ran. She shared with the warlock that she’d found something seemingly important, and wanted to share it with him as soon as possible. Add it to the list, Vax thought, as the warriors ventured off in Bofksamaur Academy, a mere 10 days before the Trial of Shakan Bake. 

[nevofthewilds]

A Bofkasmaur (re)Primer

The Mudwangs will have much to catch Rucker up on. Indeed, it’s been several months since we’ve had time for y’all to spend time in game advancing your own goals. Here is a brief (not exhaustive) primer of some of the developments and events you’ve experienced since arriving at Bofkasmaur Academy:

- Conservatory of the Archives (ConsArc,) books, history, and knowledge 

- Conservatory of Biose (ConsBio), natural sciences and magicks; 

- Conservatory of Virtuosity (ConsVirt); performers, artists, and creators

- Conservatory of Innovation (ConsInn); artisans, craftsmen and industry

- Conservatory of the Mystics (ConsMyst); religious studies and the cosmos

- Met with Elder Gikandi, Shakan’s former mentor, who advised them there were many threads that were intertwined with this trial. He will be standing in for Shakan as the defendant, since he is the one who sent Shakan into the world. A very powerful mage

- The prosecution would be led by Larrius Dennith, the Younger, aka Larry Dennit Jr, aaka Lyin Larry. Formerly a prefect of the ConsArc, he is now the acting Elder of the Conservatory in Gikandi’s suspension.

- The trial will be in ten days. The exact methods and format of the trial have yet to be discerned, though you expect there to be some level of questioning from witnesses both for and against the Elder.

- Around campus, a series of thefts at each Conservatory has led to the Academy to invite a traveling band of knights known as the Order of the Tines to investigate. You had them aid you in the apprehension of Weylin Enright, and received the thanks of the knights Commander, Captain Geier Sturlos.

- Whilst battling Weylin, Taerus Galva returned mysteriously after his own adventures in Buckwatch Outpost. He is still processing some of the events that transpired there.

- You agreed to assist your friend Gnarlden Whelk, a ConsBio masters student, in chaperoning an undergraduate trip to the Bloodwood Forest. Amongst the many events that occurred over the 3 days trip, a student was killed by mysterious creatures in the trees, you began to suspect that Gnarlden’s peer Pøl was hoarding Bloodwood sap, and you stumbled upon an ancient order of guardians known as the League of Terror Vigilant, whom invited you to join as initiates.

-You were told to return to the Bloodwoods Waystones for your next test by Xulivoc, since your first test ended rather horrifically in reliving Xulivoc’s apprentice Qaleorda’s introduction to the Terror (an expansive term referring to extra natural forces of evil and destruction)

- Finally, some other persons of note and interest around campus:

> Mina Dett, a free-spirited human girl from ConsVirt, a friend of Shakan and spurned crush of Rat

> Throfung Diamondgaze, a dwarves concierge who runs the Tower of ConsArc, friend to Shakan

> Rinna A’ran, a precocious human girl who is apprenticing at a shop in ConsInn who has a talent for magic crafts

> Prefect Sovvangu Roseblood, the head student of ConstMyst, who Gikandi suggested may be an ally

> Brother Brüelder, a ConsMyst cleric who helped rehab Taerus

> Hon Huarrard, the new prefect of ConsArc, and favored pupil of Larry Dennit, “The Future of the Archives”

> Yolonon, Bekah, Odimar, Nidrith- student of ConsBio the Mudwangs met while camping in the Bloodwoods

As I said, this list is not necessarily exhaustive, and there may be tidbits or things you recall from other conversations that may be relevant or intriguing, so feel free to bring those ideas of knowledge on Thursday.

[nevofthewilds]

A Feywild Interlude, Part III: "Giants and Fairies and Dragons, Oh My!"

The caws and cackles of the harpies grew to an excited pitch as the battle was joined between Molagog’s slaver army and the neon Dust Dellevin-sponsored King Killers. Rucker struggled to weather the devastating onslaught of King Mologo’s split sword and his mocking words. Using the kings’ arrogance to get within touching range, the goliathized Tsab sapped him of his strength and vigor, giving Rucker a chance to level the fight.

After ensuring Weezle was safely hidden, Crawlly invoked the magic of the wilds to protect himself and his allies from the deep gnome guards. Ormp and his boggle servants did their best to help from the shadows, but a harvest of recaps- murderous creature born of blood and hate- arose from the soil and started attacking indiscrimenantly. The goblin hunter retreated and took shelter in the rocky cliffs over the water, doing his best to resist the voice from the depths below inviting him to join…

The tide began to turn as the myconid spear bearers, emboldened by Ruckers secret message and Tsab freeing their sovereign, turned their weapons on Molagog’s forces. As chaos rang out throughout the cavern, Rucker girded his loins. With green flame burning within his mask, the Goliath leveled his gaze at the king and bade him to kneel. Helpless to resist, all the fomorian tyrant could do was stutter as Rucker of the Blacktails, the Homeless, channeled his dark energies into the blade of his axe and ended Molagog’s reign.

With their leaders rule (and wrath) gone, the forces of evil were quickly routed. The myconids shared their thanks via peaceful spores and dancing. Before the circling harpies could begin their feast with the fallen giantkin, Rucker and Crawlly quickly settled the business of harvesting the parts requested by Queen Niysanyver. As they finished, the small, flowerful fairy they’d encountered earlier bade them meet her grateful master outside. As Rucker, Tsab, and Crawlly discussed the matter, Ormp the Hidden seized an opportunity to flee with Molagog’s head, the ultimate prize of his realm’s Wild Hunt. The others heard but a passing farewell from the goblin and his underlings as they bamfed out of the cavern.

Somewhat troubled by this treachery, the remaining three were nonetheless dumbfounded as they emerged back into the Fetid Quags to find resting before them the ancient dragon they’d previously seen flying overhead. After a tense moment, the dragon wished them well, and inquired about their journey. Rucker cautiously told them of their success, and their intent to return to the Canopy Kingdom with their prize. The sea-glass green dragon introduced himself as Yvrameztygur, the Lunar Regent. The dragon offered to ferry them back, saving them a long trip, and eventually they accepted.

Before returning to the Seelie Court, Yvram brought them to his personal seat: a moon blessed glade filled with fluttering fairy kin of various shapes laughing in the twilight. The Regents subjects helped to clean and welcome the visitors, bringing food, drink, and oils to help them relax. As they relaxed, Yvram joined them in the form of a young human woman, her hair and eyes retaining the glass-green glow of the dragon. The lady explained how they were not a belligerent, and Molagog had seized upon and tainted her lands and myconid subjects while she was traveling. 

Wondering over the strange appearance of a mortal in the Feywilds, she offered Rucker thanks in the form of aid. Ever focused, Rucker asked the prodigious fey creature for help in learning more about the lich, the creature he had single-mindedly been questing after. Bidding he close his eyes, Yvram took a look into Rucker’s dreams and showed him something new:

... In the wintery chill of the Blacktail Mountains, Rucker watched as the lich, named by Yvram as BALEFROAR, marched forward on a litter borne by their undead servants. Following the snowy trail left by the paladin, the lich wielded a twisted scepter holding a shuddering gemstone barely held in place by three metal claws (the fourth being absent.) Yvram explained that this incredibly powerful gemstone was originally a gift, given to Balefroar by the Delta Harbour Hags, who Yvram themself had banished from the Feywilds for their crimes. However, Balefroar took that gift further and twisted it to their own designs, becoming a being even the hags avoided. Before the slaughter of his tribe was relived, Yvram ended the vision...

Back in the glade, Yvram and his subjects had gathered round, humming softly to soothe the shaken Goliath. As a final word, Yvram urged Rucker consider loosing the weight he bore: not just the weight of guilt he felt in being the sole survivor of his tribe, but also the growing, horrible weight of the magical darkness the lich left within his soul. They warned Rucker that his quest for vengeance was actually feeding the darkness, and without practicing wisdom and grace, could lead him to falling to the darkness instead of righting it. Thus advised and nourished, Rucker and his allies again took the skies atop Yvram’s  wings and in no time at all found themselves back in the Canopy Kingdom.

The arrival of the Lunar Regent brought quite the hubbub, and the feyfolk and creaturekin of the Seelie Court watched in wonder as from the moon dragon’s back returned the King Killer’s with the queen’s trophies, minus a head. Queen Niysanyver’s major domo, the satyr Ganver, was convinced by the dragon that they had in fact fulfilled their oaths. As thanks, Crawlly was given a never-ending bag of Weasel snacks and there was much rejoicing (yay.) Tsab was given the chance to brew a special batch of elderberry wine, pending Ganver’s approval (though the satyr’s tail did waggle a bit as he took a quick sip of the make.) And finally, Rucker watched as the horned attendant began to prepare a spell to send the mortal back to his own realm.

As the spell began to coalesce, Rucker took a moment to thank his new friends for their assistance. Crawlly pressed a final handful of weasel snacks into the Goliaths hands and urged him to keep wandering, and in return Rucker gave the firbolg a flower he’d received from the forest spirits. Tsab thanked him for helping to find his reshi and gave the Goliath a hug. And as Yvram gentled tied a lock of her glowing green hair around Rucker’s wrist, she urged the Goliath to “share the light within you, not be drowned in the dark.” Thankful and appreciative of the wisdom and experiences of the Feywilds, Rucker watched as the twilight of the realm overtook him…

…and blinking, found himself again in a nighttime forest, though he recognized the flagrant and widespread magic of the Feywilds was no longer present. Instead, he found himself sitting in front of a bonfire amidst a circle of Waystones. Groggy and exhausted, he sat up and was greeted by a horned elder sitting atop a stone throne. Being told he was a bit early for the others, the elder advised Rucker return to the school and wait. Finding this a wonderful suggestion, the Goliath left the woods and though he heard what sounded like a camp nearby, continued on through the night to the base of a large stone monolith resplendent with towers and buildings. Following his feet, Rucker entered a dormitory, and after simply uttering “Mudwangs,” was directed to a block of rooms where he collapsed into a bed, but not before leaving his shield in the hallway as a mark of his return. 

[nevofthewilds]

A Feywild Interlude, Part II: "We're not in Virpresque, anymore."

Following a yellow-dirt path away from the Canopy Kingdom in the Emerald Forest, a merry band of misfits makes tracks southwards. The group, consisting of Rucker, Tsab, Crawlly and Weezle,  and lastly Ormp accompanied by his servants Norg, Dorg, and yeth hound mount Glormf, still travel as strangers, each pondering their own goals. 

Rucker attempts to engage in conversation with the group to try and build some camaraderie, and though he still doesn’t fully understand them all, he trusts them well enough to continue on. At some point the Goliath’s strength is restored after Tsab’s “borrowing.”

While the fertile trees begin to transform into dryer scrublands, the King Killers come upon a decrepit farmhand, that of Delllivin the Dust Farmer. Warning the men of King Mologog’S strength, size, and ferocity after having moved in several months ago, Dellivin informs them that the evil spread by the new ruler has wrought havoc on his dust farm. 

Rucker and the others try to buoy his confidence, praising his dust. Grateful, the halfling gives an intriguing offer- for a price, he will teach them how to perform a backflip. Confused but willing to entertain the idea, the men agree, and after an hour or so, Rucker is the last of the group to master the backflip. In exchange for the lesson, Dellivin sends them off with garish t-shirts featuring his farms logo. (Dellivin’s Dust- None Finer!)

Eventually, the scrublands begin to morph underfoot into soggier and wetter terrain: they have entered the Fetid Quag, where even sunlight seems dim and the stench of rot and decay permeates the air. The normally cheerful Crawlly finds himself despondent over the Quag's lack of chillness and his own lack of weasel snacks, while Tsab wonders whether they might not be wise to abandon the quest, Queen’s promises be damned. 

They are briefly interrogated by a pleasant flower faerie, who reveals her “master” wishes to know their intent for the King. Though Tsab tries to deceive her, Rucker sees no point to lie and informs the scout of their goal. She thanks them and flies off, leaving the group uncertain whether they may now be walking into a trap.

After a time, they arrive King Mologog’s palace- a large hill made up of rotted logs, boulders, and oversized fungi. As they took in the view, a band of animated fungi, known as myconids, marched by carrying a severed foot. Startled though they were, the men did not get the sense the myconids themselves were a threat. After watching their behavior, Rucker led his allies in doing a shimmy fun-guy dance past the myconid sentries and they entered the mound, though Ormp left a fearful Gromf behind.

Guided through narrow tunnels by the  phosphorescent purple glow of the walls, they observed the myconids digging and toiling under the watch of cruel and brutish gnomish guards. The myconids did not speak or talk, but were seen to shudder and suffer as one when they were whipped or pushed around. Rucker was incensed at this cruel treatment and approached the guards, but Tsab stepped in and was able to trick them with a cover story involving owl exterminations. The dim-witted guards allowed them through and pointed them towards Mologog’s chamber.

Entering a large cavern with a river cutting through it, the men took in a throne room where guards stood watch over gardens of sickly looking red plants being fed body parts by smaller myconids. Confused and disgusted, they saw a network of bridges and watch posts around the cavern before hearing the ghastly calls of skull-faced harpies watching from high overhead. Rucker had a flashback to the swamps outside Delta Harbour, where he and- (oh, my friends! How long has it been?)- the Mudwangs encountered similar horrors outside the hags hovel.

Before they could do much else, they were greeted by the booming and cranky voice of a huge creature of hideous proportions- pimpled and rotted flesh joined with thickly coiled muscles, the Tyrant of the Fetid Quags sat before the adventurers across the flowing river atop a throne of rocks, bones, and fleshy material. King Mologog, huge and terrible, ushered the group in.

With Tsab whispering worriedly and Crawlly gripping his rodent companion close, Rucker took the lead and stepped forward to address the fomorian ruler. 

Mologog was uninterested in offers of owl elimination, though he was intrigued by the cut of Rucker’s jib, offering him a chance to lead the armies of vengeance. When asked to explain, Mologog shared his hatred for the Hyldrown Queen Niysanyver and their hoity-toity nature of the Courts. Tear them down and let chaos rule, as the universe intended. 

While the giant spoke ill of the Hyldrown courts, Rucker caught sight of a huge myconid, nearly as big as Mologog, pinned under the kings chair. Guided by his vows, Rucker sent a sympathetic  telepathic message to the myconid scouts guarding the bridge as he stood tall and rejected the kings entreaties. Smiling ferociously and narrowing his hideous, terrible eye, the mighty King Mologog stood up and declared this entertainment over.

Preparing a burst of magic, Rucker looked behind him and took in his companions- would they stand with him? Were they prepared to help him take down this tyrant? Was he destined to die in this strange land, far from his home and Mudwang friends? The only answer was Mologog’s roar as the guards lowered their spears and the harpies cried their awful bellows above…

[nevofthewilds]

A Feywild Interlude, Part 1: "Oooh- We're Off to See the Queen..."

Flashback to 3 weeks ago, within a decrepit hut in the swamps outside of Delta Harbour…

... The Mudwangs sit in the presence of Miss Yllness Grace, having just watched Rucker charge deeper into her hovel. While they are concerned for their goliath friend, the crone distracts them with gifts of knowledge and power. Assured their ally is not in immediate danger, Vax, Temloc, Shakan, and Taerus begin to palaver with the old, grinning woman sitting by the fire...

... In a realm of shadows and wind, Rucker realizes he has crossed a barrier. A flame appears in the distance, and soon reveals another old crone, this one known as Ol' Ester Gristlelips. As he recites his vows, she offers him a chance to escape, to use his disdain for authority to help free those in bondage. Though he dislikes it, they seem to find some alignment on the idea of freedom, and she offers Rucker of the Blacktails passage through a door promising to SAVE him...

… at which point where he awakens in a lush, glowing forest. For several moment, Rucker attempts to gain his bearings. The sky above suggests twilight, but the radiance of a sunset mixes oddly with the twinkling of stars above, and even the wind itself seems to shimmer with magic. It is then he takes in the Stag Mountain, collapsed and imploded into a shattered crater. Not understanding where (or when?) he was, Rucker begins to investigate his surroundings when he notices a mysterious shaking from a nearby bush. As he moves closer to investigate, he comes face to face with a tribe of minuscule gardeners.

Clad in twigs, leaf stems, and wood bark, the goliath can only sit in silent wonder as the tiny creatures begin to crawl upon him, investigating his armor and muscles. Moving slowly so as not to startle them, Rucker helps them to prune a dying branch in their bush. Chirping happily in a strange language they rewarded him with a flower and an etched acorn. Before he could learn any more of these tiny gift-givers, the blast of a horn startles them into invisibility.

Rucker moved in front of the grove-tenders bush are forest creatures began to run past away from the sound of the horn. One of the last creatures, a mustachioed weasel, warned him to "Run, hurry away!" as it fled. Not wanting to leave his tiny friends alone, Rucker stood tall as a hairy, stinking beast rode into view. As it bellowed forlornly, a bone-armored goblin appeared from within it's hackles. The tiny warrior began drooling over the goliath, excited over such a prize for "the Wild Hunt," and called for his skin.

Supported by a pair of seemingly inept boggles- oil-covered imps- Ormp the Hidden lived up to his name as his assistants slimed the goliath in place before launching his own (inept) attack. Though briefly befuddled by the tiny creatures, Rucker shook off his confusion and quickly overpowered the goblin. As it begged for mercy and fair play in the name of the Unseelie Court's great Hunt, an affable voice from the woods encouraged the goliath to let the sad creature go. Rucker did so, warning the tiny hunter to treat his mount and servants kinder as they all departed.

The goliath found himself joined by a fur-clad firbolg, a peaceful and good-natured wanderer. Offering to share his weasel snacks, Crawlly Weasel and his brother from another mother Weezul offered to take their new friend wandering, as it was clear he wasn't from this area. When Rucker asked for clarification as to where this area was, Crawlly revealed that they were in the Feywilds. With the mind-rocking revelation that he was on another plane of existence, Rucker could only nod and follow his guide through this new and strange world...

Over the next few few... hours? Day? (Rucker couldn't say) the two wanderers see many peculiar sights: races have drag-races up reverse waterfalls; dogs made of shadows wrestling over leftovers in a rock quarry; massive boulders floating in the sky; fields of fluorescent pollen painting him like the rainbow. Rucker looks on in wonder and finds himself strangely delighted at this wondrous landscape as he chows down on Crawlly's weasel snacks.

Eventually, they encounter a sallow faced youth who asks for their assistance to regain some stolen property. Trusting the lanky individual who called himself Tsab, Rucker agreed to lend his muscles should the man need it. And lend he did, as Tsab sapped the strength from the goliath's body, leaving him feeling drained, if not a little loopy.

Assured by Crawlly all would be well, the large wanderers watched as the newly muscled Tsab utters a rhyming poems as he entered a large cave and, after several minutes of wrassling, reemerges bruised and battered by Terrence Twohops, a small rabbitfolk. They were quarreling over a large flask of elderberry wine that Terrence claimed was a gift, while Tsab demanded had been stolen. Annoyed by the incursion, and Tsab's apparent lack of breasts, the rabbitkin returns the wine and expels them from his lands.

As Tsab reveals his dreams of having his wine become famous across the Feywilds, Crawlly theorizes that the ruler of the Feywilds, Queen Niysanyver of the Seelie Court might be able to help them all. Though Rucker did not fully trust Tsab after catching him seemingly transform into a goliath, the trio agree to embark to the Mi'th'ywi Sg'kai'ha, or the Canopy Kingdom, where the Queen resides in hopes she might help them.

The three men continue on, sharing wine and weasel snacks, until they make it to the edge of a great forest, with massive trees held aloft by trunks many feet around. Entering this understory, they begin to see many more feyfolk of various shapes and sizes. While Tsab and Crawlly move uninhibited, the Feyfolk stare in shock at Rucker, a mortal being, moving about in the Feywilds.

As flying faeries of lights flitter and fleet about in the limbs above them, Rucker, Crawlly, and Tsab reach a large magical portcullis of wood just as Ormp the Hidden emerges with a royal advisor in the shape of a large antlered satyr. The goblin had been begging the Queen for an extension fo the Wild Hunt so that he may appease his Lady Vulrais. While he cannot help the goblin alone, nor let the mortal Rucker into the Kingdom proper, the massive satyr gives them all an offer- if they will fulfill a task for the Hyldrown Queen, she will give them that which they ask:

For Crawlly and Weezul, a lifetime supply of weasel snacks

For Tsab, the chance to share his elderberry wine in the Seelie Court and gain the fame he so desires

For Ormp, the chance to extend his hunting license and gain glory in the Unseelie Court

After some thinking and consideration, Rucker asks for the chance to return to his friends, realizing that he is far lost and unsure of how to return.

Though he is still concerned about the lost girl and the treachery of Yllness Grace and her coven, Rucker's focus is to get back to his fellow Mudwangs. Agreeing to the terms, the satyr advisor informs the party that they are to kill King Mologog, who has insulted Queen Niysanyver's honor, and return his head, genitals, and big toes to the Canopy Kingdom.

With a curious glance, Rucker takes in his new allies- a hippie firbolg, a shifty skinchanger, and a cowardly goblin knight- and together they leave the Canopy Kingdom towards the Fetid Plains where King Mologog resides. However, the group halts briefly as in the twilight sky above, they take in the great and glittering form a dragon soaring across the moon, headed in the same direction they are...

[nevofthewilds]

S52: Darkness Lifts, Revealing Much

Faced once again with oblivion, Taerus did as he always had and would- fight until his last breath. Hearing the door to the lodging open behind him, the Captain rushed forward to avoid another ambush and charged towards his fallen allies. Dodging the attacks of the cackling creepers as best he could, time seemed to slow down as he knelt besides Shakan with a healing potion in hand. As the massive archdemon turned and preapred to snuff out the soliders life, Taerus watched as his potion of healing turned to dust above his friend's lips.

It was then that Taerus heard over the tumult a calm woman's voice. Looking back where he'd run from, he saw Qaleorda standing in the doorway. With a sigh she looked about the scene, with creepers frozen in gleeful destruction and the towering monster spreading it's spines. She recalled how they had tried their best that night, and that no one is ever truly ready for what horrors lurk in the dark. With her voice echoing in his ears, Taerus saw the massacred village fade away into night... until the moonlight cut through the clouds to reveal the group back in the Way Stone clearing.

Slowly the fallen Mudwangs found their bearing again, checking themselves for mortal wounds no longer there, important bodily parts still anchored, and shuddered as they recalled the violence they were just witness too. Xulivoc and his hylgee still rested on the stone tower, giving the men time to catch their breath. Vax, having been through a similar type of experience when dealing with his Patron, inquired whether what had happened was real or just a test. Qaleorda allowed the magical radiance from her eyes to fade, revealing a healed but jagged scar crossing her face and eyes as she told them that was indeed a real event she had shared with them. Shakan realized the girl who he'd protected and tried to help was the very same warrior who stood now before them.

That night many moons ago had been her introduction to the Terro Darkness, when she was but a young girl named Galea. She was the only survivor of the summoning ritual for Whvullthzkaz, the Corpse Demon, and swore to do right by her parents sacrifice. As her owl familiar gently rubbed the tears awar, Xulivoc chimed in to explain how such threats were what the League of Terror Vigilant stood against, dangers beyond "mere" matters as brigands and armies.

With a flourish, Vax summoned his spectral blade with his patron's magic, and asked whether his agreement with the Hexblade was a mistake, whether he was doomed to serve a being of Darkness? The mystic assured the young half-elf that such a gift was just that- a gift. How and when he decided to use it was ultimately his choice, though his patron may choose to rescind the gift, as was its prerogative. Rat followed up, asking whether his encounter with a dragon turtle might be related to the Terrible Darkness? Xulivoc acknowledged it very well may have been, as both he and Qaleorda had both noted each man bore scars, both visible and not, from encounters with Darkness.

Xulivoc took a moment then to offer praise to the Mudwangs and congratulated the men for acting valiantly in the exercise. He added the caveat that some of their tactics and approach could use a bit of refinement. Some of the Mudwangs contended they'd entered this battle without understanding the intent of it, and that they'd already engaged in battle earlier in the Bloodwoods and thus were not fully prepared. In a measured tone without criticism, Xulivoc asked whether danger always presented itself at a convenient time: whether the tornado waited for daylight, whether the assassin's blade would spare the sleeping heart, whether said monstrous sea-reptiles would wait for a lost ship to find safe harbor.

Understanding that this being and the threat he spoke of were so much grander in scale and time then any of them had conceived of, the Mudwangs wondered at this great precipice of knowledge and danger. Before they became lost in it, Xuli and Qale conjured a mighty feast for the Mudwangs, each with a platter of their favorite delights, (INSERT FAVORITE DELIGHTS HERE. COMMENT IN DISCORD) giving them the chance to recover their strength.

After a time, the antlered mage stepped forward as the clouds begin to part above the Way Stones. The night sky is clear, cold, and still. Using his "deep and serious voice," (so says Qale in a whisper to Shakan) Xulivoc calls on the Mudwangs to answer the call issued earlier:

“To Stand Tall over those who’ve fallen;

“To Remain steadfast for those who quaver with fear;

“To Be the Light that shines against that which lurks in the dark;

“With sword and lantern and heart will I Stand Vigilant against the Terror”

As each of the Mudwangs agrees, he invites them to place a hand on his staff, lifted high in the air. With each of them sharing the weight (and Rat quickly adding a second hand to the top) the mystical hum of divine energy fills the clearing, and with a burst of wind and pomp there appears above the group a great sigil of light- a greatsword cutting through a flaring crescent moon.

As the ceremony ends, Xulivoc confirms their probationary membership in the League, pending further training and advisement. He invites the men back in a weeks time to further test their mettle. With that, the Mudwangs again take a moment to appreciate the door that has been opened for them, and then spend the night talking and commiserating with their newfound allies...

... When exactly they returned to camp, Taerus, Vax, Shakan, and Rat couldn't say. All they knew was they awakened back in their tents unharmed (and unharried, in Taerus' case.) The chill morning rain casts a somber pall over the trip, and came is quickly struck and the expedition plans it's return to the Academy.

Gnarlden thanks the Mudwangs for their service, and promises he holds no ill-will or malice over the events of the weekend. Though they press him on the circumstances of Wobar's death and their suspicions that Pøl was acting against the trips interest, Gnarlden's grief was still too fresh, and he promised to find them again once he was finished reporting to his directors... if he were to remain in the Conservatory.

Frustrated though they were, they honored their friends wishes and took up their positions in the caravan to fulfill their duties as guardian chaperones. On the trip, nothing out of the ordinary occured. Vax considered stealing some of the gathered Bloodwood Sap from Pøl's stashes, but did not want to risk further aggravation.

In short spurts the Mudwangs were able to discuss their pending plans- with Xulivoc's next test in 7 days time, and Elder Gikandi's trial in 10, their time would be precious:

Vax had several potential leads in the Horn's End section of Bofkashome (the settlement surrounding the base of the Maur) that he hoped might lead to Open Hand contacts, as well as awaiting a response to a letter delivered to Shakan's tortle master

Taerus was hoping to continue his clerical studies by meeting with a follower of Thelandria in the Conservatory of the Mystics, and possibly connect with Elder Mid-Gothi Worowo, or his advisor Prefect Sovvangu Roseblood, both of whom were thought to be allies of Gikandi

Rat vowed to study up on trials and academic hearings in the Libraries of Cons.Arc., for though he wasn't necessarily a traditional scholar his skill in pourparler and confabulation could prove useful.

Finally, Shakan would search his own memories and past to find any evidence or recollections that could contribute to his and his master's accusors. He wondered about Larry Dennit's plans, and whether him or his new star pupil might reveal anything before the trial.

There was also the matter of the series of thefts across the campus, which had struck 3 of the 5 Conservatories over the past several weeks. Their would-be ally, Rynna Aran, had promised in a letter to Vax that she would follow up on a lead she'd gained in her parent's shop.

Could these be related to the Open Hand?

Were Pöl's machinations somehow related to Larry's efforts to take over the Conservatory of the Archives?

Would the Mudwang's get themselves an alto and a beatboxer to enter the Virtuosity Winter Talent Show?

Time would tell as the Mudwangs returned to their quarters in the Biose quad, their bodies sore and tired after a long weekend camping...

... but before they could relieve the weights from their backs, they sensed a disturbance in the dormitories. The halls were clear and unusally quiet. A whispered voice from a cracked doorway cautioned them, as someone was waiting for them. Turning the final bend in the hallway leading to their rented rooms, Rat could only wonder as looks of shock, surprise, and confusion spread across his friends face as they took in a mighty and broken shield resting at the end of the hallway...