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It is Thursday. The day Farley told us to meet him at 8pm. The day he promised to show us Thornewood's "hidey-hole." The day we hope to learn more about Paws and it's ghosts.
A few minutes before eight, I proceed to the Wisp. The tavern is quite busy tonight. The lights inside are blazing and there are many people chatting. Grunwald is tending bar and greeting people as they walk in. The group continues to grow. Callisto and I, realizing the need for communication crystals, head to Trinsic to buy them. Once we return to the Wisp, the group sets off for Farley's shack.
Farley is there, waiting for us. He takes a few minutes to fuss at us about being late and gets his supplies together. We then follow him out of the swamp and head west into the woods. Farley stops after a bit and says, "I think this be the spot. This tree looks to be old enough." Farley digs for a few minutes behind a tree and then proclaims, "I was right, this be the spot." We back up to give him some room, and he continues digging. Soon, we see an old metal chest on the ground.
Before Farley opens the chest, we make preparations to heal him. "Aye, I will need mush healing when the ghosts arrive," he says. As Farley picks the lock on the chest, several monsters appear, trying to defend the contents. Their efforts are in vain, with so many mages and warriors in our group. A headless, a zombie, and a mongbat are quickly slain. Farley comments, "I knew there be spirits."
"This tis the chest that was buried so long ago," says Farley now that we can safely look inside. Christian collects the loot from the chest. After a few minutes, he puts on an orc mask and ringmail tunic, saying "I am wearing the suit of the accused - the false paladin." He also tells us that the chest contained two books, "a journal and a distress letter." We quickly surmise that this is the letter which the ghost of Sir Simon spoke of.
The group returns to the Wisp. Lady Nova locks down the two books so that each of us can read them. The first book is called "-Personal Journal-." The second book, much smaller than the first, has the heading "Send Aid!"
After reading the two documents, we begin to understand the whole story behind the demise of Paws and the moans of the ghosts. Lady Nova says, "Its all making sense now. Trinsic was too late because the letter never got to them!" Breti concludes that "Trinsic wasn't to blame. Looks like the messenger was killed." Hood Silverhand proclaims, "We must give rest to the spirits in Paws." This starts a discussion of the ghosts and how we can tell them the truth about the demise of Paws and Trinsic's delay in sending aid.
We decide to go to the cemetary and leave Thornewood's journal there. When we get there, we find the ghost of Polly talking to her son, Farley. A second ghost, named Belle, is also present. Polly says, "Farley I have missed you so!" She continues: "No, my son. Tis not your fault. The drink, it blinds thee. It is all part of the curse. Put down the bottles. Drink no more." "I'm sorry I didn't save ye," says Farley. To which Polly responds, "You were brave my son. I saw you, I was so proud. Must rest...soon my son. My time here ends. Yours just begins." The two ghosts disappear. We talk with Farely for a few minutes about the false paladin, the ghosts, and what we have learned. Farley says, "I must think. Good luck to thee and thank thee for helping me to see mama." Just then, three ghosts appear in the graveyard: Sir Simon, Belle, and Maryanne. This is what they said (These are messages from the comm crystal. Duplicate speech deleted):
Belle: Sir SimonA few minutes later, Sir Simon says, "Thank you farley and all that have helped. The curse is lifted. And the blessing is bestowed..."
Belle: You do not belong here!
Sir Simon: farley.
Farley: papa?
Sir Simon: we tried for many years to get you to listen.
Sir Simon: we are very grateful to all these people
Fizban: thank you
Lenknat: Your son be a good man Simon
Christian: i am honored
Sir Simon: that let you see through you drunken eyes
Sir Simon: we now can be free
Belle: How can we be free!?
Sir Simon: and all now know the truth that has been hidden for so many years,
Sir Simon: we will go and rest in peace thanks to ye all
Belle: What truth.. all I know is betrayal...
Lenknat: Simon, Is our task over?
Hood Silverhand: It was an honor
Christian: i am honored to be here
Sir Simon: my brothers and sisters...
Hood Silverhand: Belle, what must we do to make it right?
Sir Simon: please let the once cursed village
Sir Simon: of paws rise again.
Lenknat: We rebuild it?
Nova: We rebuild it
ADAM: It can be done.
Sir Simon: we now have proof belle.
Nova: Or at least we have been
Sir Simon: please
Belle: orc man
Sir Simon: lie the journal on the ground.
Belle: move from me
Lenknat: Have we it?
Fizban: nova
Sir Simon: for all ghosts to view.
Nova: Behind you belle
Sir Simon: so that they too can see...
You see: -Personal Journal-
Belle: what have we done?
Belle: I am sorry
Maryanne: *sobs*
Belle: Tired...so tired...
Belle: Peace be with all of you..and all lands..
Fizban: sleep belle
Maryanne: we are freeeeeeee
Belle: Now I sleep...
ADAM: peace belle
Lenknat: We now have the task of Rebuilding Paws
Nova: Sleep in peace ghosts
Hood Silverhand: May your rest now be what you need...
Nova: Paws is being rebuilt
Hood Silverhand: ... the truth.
Nova: Under the name of Elysium
The ghosts disappear as suddenly as they arrived. Farley heads back to his shack. We are elated that the curse has been lifted from our town and return to the Wisp to celebrate. Josef Zantar, also known as the Mad Poet, is sitting at the bar. He proclaims, "The fun just begins!" After waiting a few minutes for everyone to arrive at the tavern, Josef begins to tell us a hauntingly familiar tale.
Sit ye down and hear me tale,-Gwendolyn
A tale so horrid it will turn ye pale.
This tale, it started long ago,
I'll tell ye now all I know.
Long ago there was a town,
Paws it was called, it be no longer around.
Betrayed, it seems, this town fell to ruin,
Now many years later, trouble's a'brewin.
In the darkest of hours they called for aid,
But as I've told ye, they were betrayed.
Their calls for aid reached not Trinsic's ears.
Now come the ghosts to cause our fears.
They cried out their warnings, they lay down their curse,
Trinsic, they said, would fall first.
The Paladins they blame for their ghostly fate,
Their help they claim came too late.
One ghost, he cries a different tune,
One ghost, he claims, knows the truth of their ruin.
Sir Simon, he said to seek the last child of Paws.
Farley the drunk, who had escaped death's claws.
Farley was found in a swampy mire,
Go forth, said the drunk, pass my test so dire.
A test, he said, to find a lost chest.
Return, he added, when ye've completed thy quest.
Their quest, it was a great success,
But alas the drunk was away from his nest.
The group returned the next day,
But the keeper of the treasure was away.
Liars! cried Farley, Ye've failed in thy quest!
Out drink me now, that's my new test!
Glass after glass, they drank the ale.
Til Farley fell drunk, dropping a book of his tale.
His journal it was, his story inside.
Farley awoke with wounded pride.
My book! he screamed, return it to me!
But we're friends good Farley, don't you see?
After a time, Farley realized.
These people were friends, they had not lied.
In two days he cried, I'll show you the orc chest.
The key it is, to ending this quest.
The group gathered at the appointed time and place.
Determination showing on every face.
Farley bravely led the way.
Drunk even now on this important day.
They followed the map from Farley's youth.
At last they all would know the truth.
They found the chest buried so long before.
They found the treasure, and so much more.
Inside was the proof of Thornewood's crime.
It still remained after all this time.
A mask of an orc, the letter for aid.
Proof that Paws had been betrayed.
After a time they moved to Farley's mom's grave.
Where the ghosts returned to greet the brave.
Farley's mother went to her son.
To tell him his life had just begun.
The curse was lifted, the ghosts put to rest.
Thus came the end of this glorious quest.
Click on a picture to see it full-size.
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| We meet Farley in front of his shack. | "I was right, this be the spot." | The contents of the fake- orc chest. | Fighting off the monsters that spawned as the chest contents were removed. |
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| Christian wearing the orc mask and ringmail tunic that was Thornewood's disguise. | Examining the evidence of Paws' fate. | Page one of the distress letter. | Page two of the distress letter. |
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| The ghost of Polly speaking to her son. | "And all now know the truth that has been hidden for so many years." | We set Thornewood's journal on the ground so the ghosts can see the truth. |
Last night (Tuesday), about 20 people assembled in front of Farley's humble shack. He eventually wandered up - drunk as a skunk - and asked for the proof that the level 5 map had been completed.
Unfortunately, we did not have the proof as Mayor Orchid was not available. However, we were able to get some vaulable information from the lout. He challenged Fizban to a drinking contest. The first to fall from the table was the loser. After about 5 drinks, Farley fell asleep.
The poor old man dropped his journal on the ground. Here is what was in his "Things to Not Forget" Book:
1/16 City dwellers. think they know about the gold. Only I know about the gold. How to find it. Gotta think like a pirate, if you're gonna find the pirates gold. Farley follows em. thats right. To their taverns, to their hidey-holes. (illegible) heres that damned ale ..course, there's that one map I made long ago...am I crazy?This is all. Farley says to meet him at his house with the proof from the hunt at 8 PM ET Thursday night. He will then lead us to Thornewood's "hidey-hole".
2/5 Cain't sleep again...if it ain't the mosquitos its the ghosts buzzing around my head.
2/10 smack 'em flies. Who's doin that? I may be drunk but I know when young'uns are doin' jokes. No ghost here. No sir.
3/28 Up all night again swattin' ghosts. Nothin' wrong with my head, no ma'am. I made my peace long ago. I was in the woods gettin sticks, like all the kids did...You come back to yer home, and what! --Its gone. Its-a burnin'-and orcs are laughin'...and you see your friends a-dyin'. Would set Any kid a-scared. All I was doin' was gatherin' wood. Like any kid would. Any kid.
4/13 Found the map from long ago ... followed the Shining Trinsic Paladin....how long has it been now. Thornewood. He's a bad paladin, if you ask me. My map is old and faded. Too many ghosts to count, on that one. No treasure is worth that map. Best keep to the newer maps. Treasure means gold... and where there's gold there's whiskey. And dwarven ale... hmm, where'd I put that bottle...
4/20 Git, ye! City folk. Its ghost-This and ghost-That. I need a drink. No ghosts around here. Mama and Papa, they lie near me, to the west.....I pray to them most every night now...
4/25 Found some more pretties. My treasure, I found it... I dug it. Then I killed all o' them critters. And now...look at this pretty sword. Silver, no less. (illegible)
5/9 What is it ye want? My gold? I give it to ye! Take the shinys too!! Get thee hence, ghost.....aww now you've ruined my day again.... best stay in bed... God's Damn it wheres my liquor.... oh yes, here we are.
5/18 Visited Mam and Pap. More footsteps around there than usual. Mamma Polly, she was so pretty. Thats enough writin for today... where's that ale now? Ale, you a-hidin from me?
6/5 What... do you want me to write a-somethin' now? What did I ever do to you Spook? I done told ya.... I done told ya... I told ya I don't know nothin. Please, I don't know nothin'!
6/10 Its daylight now... I'm still looking at it. I made it when I was just a kid, I followed the shining City Paladin to his hidey-hole. Oh and I know where it IS too... yes I STILL KNOW. But the ghosts, they hate the City. They Curse the city like they curse me. Like they curse me and my home. I didn't do nothing to 'em. All I was doing was gathering wood... I didn't abandon Paws, Paws abandoned Me! I'm not to blame... I was away... how would I know....Gods help me!! Gods! How! How would I know?!!
7/3 Help me... I'm Broken Now... Help me. No! I don't know what you'resaying. I want to die, Gods... I want to find the treasure and die. How do I stop the buzzing in mine ears? I can't stop the ghost. The treasure, No! I'll die by the ghosts.... is it dawn? Where's the lantern oil......no oil....my wine. Where's my wine.... STOP HAUNTING ME!
7/17 Is it dawn? I'm crazy. Kill me. I'm crazy. I need to die. my gold is heaped around me, but what is it worth....... its not worth a biscuit. My LIFE for a bottle of wine and a friend.... I want flesh and blood to drink my wine with me..
8/6 Morning breaks. Avoid Paws. I don't know about the world, but theghosts are everywhere. Haven't slept in days... I want a woman now. What do I want!? I want a sheep. I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! Who are you, ghost? Are you my father? My Father? My home is cursed... What about the bad paladin, the bad paladin Thornewood's hidey-hole... where did I put that old map?
Again, anyone interested is asked to be at the Wandering Wisp Tavern at 7:45 p.m. A great quest is upon us!
-Callisto Gabriel
Click on a picture to see it full-size.
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| Farley boasts about being a "great mage." | "Me best thee Fizbane in a test of drink." | The drinking contest comes to an end. | Farley comes to the Wisp, looking for his "thinkin book." |
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| "Things to Not Forget" |
As Fizban walked into the Wandering Wisp Tavern this evening, the house sign added one to the number of visitors that have come through the Wisp doors. Fizban was the 3000th customer! We celebrated by handing out free ale.
-Gwendolyn
On a sunny Sunday afternoon, I went to Trinsic to attend the Council Meeting. I had heard reports of strange ghosts haunting the lands of late and I hoped to learn more. These ghosts apparently were cursing people and someone even told me that the new town of Elysium was cursed. As my guild had put a lot of time and effort into creating Elysium, I wanted to help in any way I could to remove the curse.
I went to the Trinsic Meeting Hall and found a number of people already there. A few more came in after the meeting began. I counted thirty-one people in all. There was even a seer at the meeting, Seer Nikademus. I found this interesting because I have seen a green-robed seer only once before. The attendees included: Christian of R@V; Lenknat of KOP; Fizban; Magus Draco; Arturius of C^L; Zeromus; Alma Beoulve; several members of the Trinsic Council; some representatives of the Yew Militia; Gargish Dragon, the Mayor of Yew; Dyluck Blade of WYS; Aleph Aeirs of 2ST; and several members of my guild, the Knights of Sosaria.
Orchid, the Mayor of Trinsic, began by telling what she knew of the ghosts and their mysterious messages:
"It was brought to my attention that the strange events we have experienced began not last week, but actually some time before when an oracle of sorts visited Dalriada. He said of some forthcoming troubles he saw between Yew and Trinsic. Recently, as we all know ghosts started appearing - Sir Simon, Belle, etc - carrying messages speaking of curses upon Trinsic because they supposedly did not aid in their time of need. Who's time of need? Apparently The long since destroyed town of Paws. Paws was attacked and destroyed by Orcs long ago, and it is true that Trinsic apparently did not show up in time to prevent it. In fact, only one survivor remained when they finally came. You may recall Crawworth. He was the survivor. Now I know not the reason why it took Trinsic so long to get there. It was long since before my time and there is nothing I could have done to aid. Apparently though, now they want revenge. But why now? What have they waited so long to seek vengeance upon us?"
"It is the ghosts, of those I assume to be deceased citizens of Paws that want revenge. Last night, I am told they came with a message more frightening than any before."
At this point, several people told Orchid of the ghosts who appeared to them last night. Fizban said, "Last night every ghost along with a few new ones appeared before WYU." SunWolf was also a witness: "Ma'am Mayor, these ghost of some sorts had visited Abbey. Also Serpent Cross Tavern. They stated Trinsic Council will pay for their deeds at the meeting at next sun rise." "I fear we may be in grave danger, though I am still not sure from what," replied Orchid.
The discussion continued for some time, when, all of a sudden, I felt a chill behind me. I turned towards the door and saw a ghost walk into the room. His name was Sir Simon. The communication crystals that were set up for the meeting allowed us to understand all of Sir Simon's speech. I faithfully wrote down everything he said:
"In a chest hidden by the best of thieves...this letter shall rest an eternity"
"false paladin....stole...my letter"
"the others...do not know...the truth"
"they will not....listen"
"they must...have peace"
"Paws...destroyed"
"I failed"
"false paladin...stole...my letter"
"they blame...Trinsic"
"the spirits...will not...listen"
"and neither...will He"
"follow"
At this point, Sir Simon left the room. We all scrambled to follow before we lost sight of him.
Sir Simon led us out of Trinsic and north along the road. We hadn't gone far when he stopped and moaned something. Lenknat interpreted for us: "In Vain I died here." Sir Simon then continued north aways. He led us east through the woods and stopped at a graveyard near the swamps. He began reading the headstones to us. It quickly became apparent that the people buried here were killed by the orcs that destroyed Paws. This is what he said:
"Belle....daughter...of Samuel..."
"child of Paws..."
"Poor Tremain...guard of Paws"
"Marianne...baker...of Paws"
"Sir John...Mayor..."
"Polly...Paws tavernkeep"
"only survivor"
"Farley...foolish drunk"
"he will not listen"
"Farley knows...the way..."
"Farley will not listen"
"foolish drunk..."
"seek Farley...he lives near"
"only survivor..."
"Tessa.....my Lady Tessa"
"My lady Tessa...I miss her"
"our son...Crawworth...all dead"
"all gone now"
"the spirits...will not rest..."
"Farley will not listen..."
"foolish drunk..."
"seek him"
Sir Simon suddenly disappeared, leaving us to speculate who this Farley person was. Sir Simon said something about him living nearby, so we began to search all the houses in the area for any signs.
We split up into groups to search the area faster. I know not who first found it, but we soon gathered in front of a small wooden house. The sign read: "Farley's Hunting Shack - Go Away!"
After discussing what to do next, we decide to wait in front of the house in case the owner returned soon.
A strange looking fellow wearing the shiniest plate armor walked up and asked why we were gathered about the house. His name was Stratege. Lady Nova told him that we were waiting for a man called Farley. Stratege told us about someone he met a few weeks back in the woods who was trying to fight off a few ratmen near a chest. Stratege said that he helped kill the ratmen and that the man gave him part of the treasure, 500 gold pieces. He seemed to think that the man was named Farley, but he couldn't be certain. Stratege seemed to be amused by our explanation that we were waiting because a ghost told us to, and he left with the words, "back to smithing."
Remembering what Sir Simon said about Farley being a drunk, Orchid went to search the taverns for him. Some of the people in our group left to search other areas. I left for awhile as well.
When I returned to Farley's house, there was still a good-sized group waiting. A few minutes later, Orchid returned from her search of the taverns without having found anything. A discussion began regarding what we learned about the ghosts and Farley, speculation as to who the master thief is, and how all this relates to Trinsic. It was feared that all this was a ruse to get us away from the city and that Trinsic was under attack. Callisto Gabriel rode to Trinsic and returned to report that all was peaceful there.
A few of the people waiting had taken to summoning elementals and sparring with them to practice their skills and help pass the time. While all this was going on, it was almost easy not to notice a small, gray-bearded man walk up from the west. Lady Nova was the first to say, "There he is!" We all turned and were glad to finally see Farley, the Treasure Hunter.
Farley walked up to his house, mumbled under his breath angrily, and said, "Get ye away from me house." Lady Nova and Orchid tried to ask him some questions, but his reply was, "Ask ye questions to the swamp." After muttering, "Away from me doorstep," Farley went inside his house and locked the door behind him. We continued to wait outside his house in case he changed his mind about talking to us. We could hear him drinking.
Some minutes passed before Farley stumbled out onto his doorstep. He muttered, "Ye best be off, fore I get angry." But we were not so easily shooed. Lenknat asked, "Can you help us?" To which Farley replied, "No one can help ye as no one can help me." Orchid said, "We need help obtaining a letter sealed in a chest hidden by the best of thieves." We tried to explain briefly why we were there and asked Farley many questions which he did not answer. Someone mentioned a test, and to this Farley responded: "A test I give thee. No one can best me in the hunt. I shall devise a test. Only I am able to find the treasures that others hide." He then tried to scare us away with a feeble attempt at magic by muttering, "Corpus Por," "Corpal Por," and "Corpy Pory." This, of course, did not work.
We asked Farley again about the test. He said, "A test I give thee. Ye shant pass test, give up now." Someone mentioned the ghosts, and Farley muttered, "Evil spirits. The spirits haunt me dreams. I shant have thee cluttering me mind with these lies." Orchid told him, "We can stop the spirits, but only with your help." Farley said, "This map I give thee, ye not find treasure," and then asked who was the leader among us. We told him that it was Mayor Orchid. Farley continued: "Ye not find this treasure, even me unable. If thee finds this treasure, me give what ye ask. Bring to me the completed map along with all gems and drink. If thee do this, me take to fake orc chest." Orchid replied, "Its a deal." Farley gave Orchid a tattered treasure map, muttered "Now begone from me hut," and went back inside to resume his drinking.
We discussed what to do next and how we were going to find a treasure hunter. Lenknat's father, a master cartographer named Maximun, came to see if he could help. Maximun tried to read the map and then announced, "Tis too difficult." He told us that only a grandmaster cartographer could read the map. From this we knew that it was one of the most difficult types of treasure maps in the lands and that getting the treasure would involve fighting several of the toughest monsters in Britannia.
Several people sent messages via pigeon to friends to help locate a grandmaster cartographer, without any success. It quickly became clear that finding one could take awhile. Several of us went to the Wandering Wisp tavern to discuss the situation further over a good drink. Orchid decided that we should continue our search for a cartographer and return to the Wisp in two hours.
I went home get supplies for the hunt. When I returned to the Wisp, no qualified cartographer had yet been located. Callisto Gabriel soon had a lead and gave the information to Orchid. The Mayor contacted this cartographer, and he agreed to help us. Orchid brought the cartographer, named Cotton Picka of LoT, to the Wisp.
Cotton read the map and told us that the treasure was buried on a small island between Britain and Trinsic. We located two boats and then went to Leiah's Rune Library. A rune was found to a nearby island so that our sailing time would be shorter. We gated to the island and then boarded the boats. Most of the people got on the first boat. I boarded the second boat with a few of my guildmates. We tried to keep up with the first boat, but managed to get lost. I was able to get the coordinates of the first boat via pigeon and then we were on our way again.
When we caught up with the first boat, they were already at the island and the treasure hunt was in progress. The corpses of several monsters lay on the shore. I witnessed the deaths of a lich lord and two elder gazers before the treasure hunt was over. All the loot was gathered, and we then gated back to the Wisp.
Mayor Orchid let each person chose one of the magic items from the loot as a reward for helping with the quest. She then asked us all to meet back at the Wisp tomorrow night at 8 o'clock to see if we can locate Farley again and show that we have passed his test.
This Sunday proved to be a very long day for me. I was glad to go home and get some rest, though it was an adventure not to forget!
-Gwendolyn
Click on a picture to see it full-size.
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| Mayor Orchid tells us what she knows of the ghosts so far. | The ghost of Sir Simon enters the meeting room. | Following Sir Simon north on the road from Trinsic. | "Farley...foolish drunk " |
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| "My lady Tessa...I miss her" | Sir Simon disappears. | Farley's Huntin Shack - Go Away! | Farley isn't pleased to see us in front of his house. |
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| "If thee finds this treasure, me give what ye ask" | Boarding the boats. | The treasure hunt. | Back at the Wandering Wisp Tavern. |
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| Loot from the treasure hunt. |
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