Ariss

And as it breaks the stars fade in the sky once the sun begins to rise. Dew sparkles as the first rays of light are broken in the tiny drops, lasting but moments before it fades and disappears from sight. Tiresome was such a night; be it around the gypsies’ fire, in the vaulting halls of the citadel, the inns at Mistas or the studies of the Temple. One by one the settlers grumble and mumble as they creep out of their beds, their tents, wagons or the shrubbery that they had slept in.

Those with strong will and discipline ready themselves and before the sun rises high above the mountains the soldiers of Karnaugh stand ready for the way home, waiting only for the gypsies to assemble their carvan. For both head towards the pass on this day: one group to report home, the other following for the welcome protection on the dangerous path. Wagons loaded with food and goods creak and groan in protest once the horses begin to pull, then rumble westwards over the bridges and into the forests.

To the south, near Lakeshire, the camp wakes slower. Only some children laugh and run about, trying to shake the elders out of their blankets. Late at night the decision had been made to rest another day to try and trade for food. And once the sun is high in the sky the merchants and foragers move out to make trades with the farmers and fishers settled here.

At the gate of Mistas citizens hail the small groups of soldiers that ride out, heading east for Lakeshire as well. Patrols on the road have been ordered after reports of travellers gone missing have arrived and the few straying wanderers cheer for those that seek to offer safety.

High in the north though, black wings bear even darker words towards the castle. The expedition heading west into the woods had been attacked in the depth of the night. Hasty scribblings with a shaking hand tell of giants, tall as trees and wielding such for clubs. Among them one-eyes monsters wielding terrible magic. Soldiers crushed before even awake, one fourth of the group fallen or expected to die before the sun rises again. More than 15 others wounded. The remainders seek shelter in a valley to the south, tending to the wounded till they can move again, not before at least two more mornings have gone by.

Long nights are followed by hard mornings. And while some pray for the sun to rise and free them from the terrors of the night, others curl up under comfortable blankets to doze for just a little longer…


New player to be added later. Join in all. Meeting to discuss the game tonight at Ye Olde Spiritwood Tavern. Tomorrow Trinsic Rose. Saturday to be decided yet. Feel free to write with proposals.