November 22

After spending a few days laying low and scribing a few scrolls, the party went out to meet this Klarven fellow by the big tree at dusk on the 24th of Flamerule. They laid a trap with a bit of an illusion. Klarven saw through the illusion when he tried to ask him what was in the large sack and the illusion could not respond. It turned out to be a dwarf, accompanied by a rogue in the tree. Once even the grass turned against him, he surrendered. A charm person spell made him reveal the location of the hideout, as well as the name of the fighter Facundo and the evil villain Hijraldibar.

The party returned to Caer Corwell with their prisoner. He was handed over, and then they rested for a bit. On the morning of the 26th they set out for Mt Finnisglen, spending most of the day walking until sunlight was nearly gone. They quickly subdued the lone lookout, and then four more guards inside the lookout. They found some sleeping quarters, and they took all their stuff. They left nothing behind. Then they found the kitchen and a sleeping cook. They took the high road and killed the cook.

They they realized that they hadn't found what they were looking for, and that may be related to the fact that the character who gets a free search for secret doors by passing close to them has an abysmal Search. They went hunting for doors, and quickly found one. Hoping for the element of surprise, they threw open the door. Having spent a good deal of time after killing everyone else in the place, there was little surprise to be had. The enemy, though not knowing when exactly they were coming, were somewhat expecting the attack.

Dauntless, the heroes pressed on. Luck, however, was not to be theirs. Just when they raised their weapons for a killing blow, gnats got into their eyes and they missed. A few may have tripped over cracks in the even floor. They faced a guard whose name they will never know, Facundo, a sorceress, and a doppleganger named Hijraldibar who looked very much like Colwyn Malone. The tiny fists of fury managed to resist a Charm Person spell, but from there they found the problems with Burning Hands from the sorceress. The lady with the chains made a wonderful start to the battle, tripping the mighty Facundo. This, sadly, made her a target. She stood as long as she could, but she was overwhelmed by the hammer and fire. The battle was long and brutal, and it looked like death loomed for the party. But then, the unknown guard stumbled and fell, and the gay little wizard overcame his innate desire for large men and threw himself at the very attractive sorceress, keeping her from casting any more spells. It was a struggle of small proportions. With a break from the flames, Colwyn slew his look alike, and the party quickly dispatched the sorceress.

The party searched the rest of the hideout and found the captives, Eirian and Cadi Malone. They found maps marking the Moonwells in the southern half of Gwynneth as well as a note ordering someone to investigate these Moonwells. This note was signed by "The Lady." They found paintings of various people, clearly for the doppleganger. The party rested and recovered from their battle, then packed up everything moveable, tied it to the horses, and headed back to Caer Corwell. The glorious heroes returned to the city, which their horses laden with their loot.

In the keep they found the High Queen Alicia and High King Keane. They also found a portly fellow named Padraig Staunton, who is the king of Snowdown. In the interest of an impartial judgement, the High Queen has asked Padraig to hear what happened and pass judgement. Colwyn Malone was convicted of treason, of course. Given his previous years of loyal service and the circumstances, he was only stripped of titles and banished from the Moonshaes.

The party was judged as well. Of course, their heroism was remarkable and they had done great service to a crown for which they owe no fealty. There was, however, the small matter of the lawful guards they had killed. They were each rewarded with 1000gp, and then fined 500gp for those guards.

They were also each rewarded by the High Queen with a Heart of the Moonshae. It is an emerald in a heart shape set into silver. It can be pinned on, and it keeps anyone from scrying on them as well as granting a +1 bonus to AC and saving throws. It is intended to allow them to feel the pulse of the Moonshaes regardless of where they are.

After leaving the keep, they set off to see the druids. They learned there are fires in the north, presumably set by the Northmen. The druids were preparing to leave to help fight the fires. They then went into the city and learned that the talk of the town is an old fisherman named Anwell Crothers who swears he saw a flying ship. They also learned that the escaped, insane Northmen were raiding around Falcarragh Hill.

The party prepared to head out to Falcarragh Hill, but they waited to train for three days. Their training will end on Midsummer Day, so they are looking forward to a bit of a party. They also left a big tub of cheesypoofs with me. Maybe they can ask Turtle to guard some sausages next time.