Sequence of Events
The group left Oleg’s Trading Post after restocking supplies and began the journey south. During the trip, Gassi continued his treatment of Nym‘s hand with the mysterious blue ointment, which required Nym to reluctantly sit still. The mood was good, but it was abruptly broken when the group traveled through a narrow passage.
Suddenly, arrows rained down from a high ridge. The group found themselves in an ambush, orchestrated by bandits and their war-trained wild boars—creatures Gassi firmly claimed are called “Flange-Hips” (Flänshöfter). The terrain was difficult, but Gassi conjured magic stairs that allowed Maven and the others to storm the heights. Maven roared a battle cry that made the enemies tremble, while Zogg and Aurelio cut down the opposition with magic and steel. Amidst the chaos, Nym noticed a sound from the north. In a maneuver as tactical as it was painful, he threw himself down the cliff—which did not work wonders for his knees—to place himself as a living shield between the unknown source and the lone, injured Gassi.
Once the dust settled, it turned out to be a familiar face approaching from the north: The bard Linzi. She confirmed, to everyone’s surprise, that Gassi‘s term “Flange-Hips” is actually Old Azlanti for these battle-pigs that refuse to die. It was a fond reunion where Linzi noted down everything about your exploits for her book, including Maven‘s ability to cleave bandits.
The evening ended by the campfire where rumors were exchanged. Linzi spoke of internal strife among the Kobolds, that the Mites had retreated underground, and of the mysterious disappearance of Tartuccio‘s group from Pitax. The group, in return, shared their encounters with the Mönsteråsare (Monsteras) and the rumors of the purple kobold (about which Linzi remained skeptical).
Great Mysteries & Clues
- Tartuccio’s Fate: Linzi said that the rival adventurer group from Pitax has vanished without a trace. Rumors speak of treachery and ambush. What actually happened to them?
- Monsters in the Wilderness: New rumors place a Unicorn at the forest edge near the swamp, a Hill Giant in the southern Kamelands, and an enormous sea monster (called “Fläppedopposaurus” by Gassi) in Lake Silverstep.
- Stag Lord’s Stronghold: Linzi seems to have information confirming that the Stag Lord is located close to where you are now approaching.
- The Purple Kobold: Despite Linzi‘s skepticism, the question remains: Is the purple kobold real, or is it a mad myth?
Cliffhanger
After a long day of travel and battle, the group has made camp at a safe distance from what you suspect is the Stag Lord‘s stronghold. Darkness falls over the Greenbelt, and while Gassi contemplates how best to tenderize the meat of a Flange-Hip, you know that tomorrow may bring the biggest confrontation yet. The enemy is close.