It occurs to me that keeping copies of my scrolls in Drakesbridge as well as in Quentari would be beneficial. Not only would this allow us to reference information we have gleaned easily, it would add one more element of civilization to our little town. Now to find a local woodworker to build some shelves.
There were many newcomers who joined us in the Tavern in the afternoon. Most of these were from Baddira, including a barbarian named Blue, a Wild Elf named Roisin, the Human named Dog and two rabbit scavengers, Cotton and Crimson. The barbarian Blue declared himself King and "claimed" Drakesbridge, goaded on by Cotton. It quickly became apparent that this was some fleeting mental occupation. It might also have been some strange Barbarian show of strength. Since he gained no real power, I'm unsure of his ultimate goal. Jordan reappeared and asked more questions about joining the Healer's Guild. Although things like neutrality with respect to nobility and the prohibitions against undead appealed to him, he still seemed not to come to a decision. There was also a gentlewoman scholar by the name of Kathryn. She and Jordan Cross had been visiting the area before, but I had not met Kathryn previously. Bear seems to have traveled away. Masacha has gone off, I assume, to have her kittens. Moraiwe had also wandered off, which doesn't surprise me for a Mystic Wood Elf. Sorrin, her companion, I assume had followed her. Similarly, Jomar seemed to have followed the song of travel in his blood. Another recent addition to our group is Hiss, a snake scavenger who says he is usually mistrusted because of his appearance. He has become, however, a protective shadow, which I find rather comforting. Finally, I saw Jacob, the local Alchemist again and was able to give him his Healer's Guild medallion.
The travelers from Baddira seemed eager to find things to fight and to possibly meet with the local government, such as it is. The trials for Captain of the Town Guard apparently held no appeal, they seemed not to be interested in being a part of the real power structure in town. At my suggestion they were interested in visiting Lord Law's tower, but were interrupted by another visit from the Rat Scavenger Charles. He wanted our help with clearing out "vermin" from caves his people had found to inhabit. He was unclear on what constituted "vermin" but we found out that they were Humans. Fancy that, Rat Scavengers calling Humans "vermin". There was no negotiation here, the Humans quickly attacked us. Those from Baddira had gone a different way & we heard the sounds of their battle before finding our own. With me were Jacob, Ahmed, Hiss, (Anne), Xnyl and Nerrik. Our battle did not go so well, but fortunately the Baddirans found us and finished our foes.
Shortly after returning to the Tavern, Ahmed had a letter from House Rahab, telling him that the shipments of Royal Jelly were not getting through. He was requested to personally collect the next shipment and bring it to Mynea. Unfortunately, the negotiations with the giant bees went horribly awry. Cotton launched an attack, which he later claimed was because one of the bees was trying to rifle his pouches. Considering that we were within a hive full of hundreds of these bees, whose venom can paralyze, I'm not sure why he took the time to try to avenge the potential theft with violence. Ttrying to withdraw from the endless angry foes was made more difficult after they captured Nerrik. Fortunately, the bees were willing to have Hiss go in and retrieve Nerrik if the rest of us would withdraw. We were able to escape with everyone alive, and only a couple paralyzed. Through all this we did manage to retrieve some royal jelly, I assume Ahmed got it before things went sideways.
Next we had to bring the jelly to House Rahab in Mynea. A man with a cart going to the merchant city-state offered to let us travel with him with free passage in exchange for the protection of his cart. It was a little suspicious when the man kept losing his way, conviently into the path of brigands. With the combined might of the Baddirans, our regular group and the other travelers, we suffered no real injury fighting them off. We were highly suspicious, but had no proof of anything until the cart hauler joined the bandits who had taken one bridge just a few days from Mynea. Another surprise was awaiting us at the gates of Mynea, for it had been taken by bandits, including one of the Red Blades, carrying the signature poisoned dagger. It was a fierce fight, and I suffered a Death spell, but fortunately Xnyl was able to cast Life upon me. We defeated the bandits at the gate, and Ahmed met with a representative of his House. They were grateful for the delivery of the royal jelly and the freeing of the city gate, and so put us up for the night. This was a welcome relief to me after the nearly two week journey through the wild to get to Mynea. House Rahab expects Ahmed to re-establish the trade agreement with the giant bees, which I expect will be more successful if he goes with a smaller and less twitchy group.
There was tragic news that came to us soon after we arrived back in Drakesbridge. One of the town guard brought in a pike that had been found in town with a skull atop. The skull was obviously that of Jacob, it still had his wild hair attached, but none of his skin. His Guild medallion was hanging below the skull, an obvious message to us. Examining the skull revealed that the poor man had been skinned, likely while still alive. His spirit did not appear in the Circle to resurrect, I hope it was only because he felt this area too hostile & went to another Circle. Surely, this had to be the foul work of Gloowood but I had no proof as of yet. The man had to be avenged, and my unnamed adversary be made aware that they could not arbitrarily kill my Guild members.
In a more positive turn of events, Nerrik spoke of his idea that Drakesbridge needs a civil leader to organize town resources for the common good. This is an idea with merit behind it and I told him I support him. We spoke for some time about his ideas and plans for making this happen. He wants to accomplish such things as an artesian well and ensure basic needs are met for all townsfolk. This can only help boost morale and increase the level of civilization here.
Ambassador Snorri arrived to find out if we had been successful with the Red Adders. I relayed that we had made peace as well as the misunderstanding that had caused the conflict between the Adders and Redmarch. The Ambassador had been unable to find any magical remedy for his chin, which still had weeping sores. He told me of an item of his that had been stolen from him home during his last trip away, an ornately engraved axe head. He believed that the axe head was being used to keep his chin from healing. He was certain this and proof of Jacob's murderer would both be found in the Gloomwood Embassy, and so went to scout it out.
While he was out scouting I spoke to some of the people in the Tavern. Roisin was very keen on killing undead, even to the point of taking on Gloomwood itself. The other Baddirans were, as always, eager to take the fight to the enemy. Nerrik and Hiss made the point that without proof of any foul deed, an attack on the rival Embassy would be assault. This I knew would run afoul of Lord Law and my good hearted companions. After a few more minutes, Ambassador Snorri sent a note to me at the Tavern. It said that he very much felt that both wanted things would be found within the Gloomwood Embassy but he was very vague. Another brief exchange of notes yeilded nothing further. The brutal attack on Jacob had made my blood rise, but of course my companions were right about needing proof. Frustrated with the lack of information, I asked Hiss to escort me to see Ambassador Snorri in person. He had no tangible hard proof and had not seen anything in his scouting. His chin, however, had bled profusely while he was outside the Gloomwood Embassy, soaking his tunic. He was willing to stake his reputation on us finding the axe head and proof of Jacob's murder in the Embassy. At that point, I agreed to investigate the Embassy and take whatever action was appropriate depending on what I found.
Off to the Gloomwood Embassy went the entire group of adventurers. The human guards at the front asked us to wait outside while they called the Ambassador. We took this to mean "while we call reinforcements". Some of our company were not happy with the wait and walked on in past the guards. The guards sought to attack us and so were subdued but not killed. When we arrived upstairs in the main Embassy room with their Healer's Circle, we saw many undead. Being in the back, I could not see who swung the first blow, but soon a deadly fight ensued. An old foe of Drakesbridge, the Greater Undead named Grungeous, appeared in the Circle and said he was now the Gloomwood Embassador. He demanded we leave as the battle raged. We confirmed that spells such as Harm Undead actually healed these foul Gloomwood undead. When I asked Grungeous if he knew anything about the head of my Guild member being on a pike, he said something like "I don't know, was he wearing that?" During a break in the fight, before Grungeous could summon yet more undead minions, I found a box which had the axe head we were seeking and Hiss retrieved Jacob's vest.
Having what we had come for, I called for a retreat. Some of those from Baddira stayed to fight their hated undead foes a bit longer, but in the end Grungeous refused to leave the protection of his Permanent Earth Circle. Together we all traveled back to the Tavern. I made a stop on the way at Snorri's residence to drop off his axe head. He was most grateful and will have audience with Lord Law as soon as he is able to address the matter of the Gloomwood Embassy attacking another Ambassador and murdering a lawful member of the Healer's Guild.
When I arrived back at the Tavern, I cast a Ward for the common protection. It seemed prudent, considering potential retaliation from Gloowood. Fortunately the rest of the evening was quiet and we were able to take our rest. The visitors from Baddira have traveled on. Now we wait for word from Lord Law. His decision could have great bearing on all of us. It should be noted that some have started to chafe at what they describe as the tyranny of one who they say doesn't belong here, and does not belong involved in mortal affairs. Given the nervousness I feel contemplating his possible actions, I can sympathize. It will be very interesting to learn what comes of Ambassador Snorri's meeting with the mysterious elemental.