The Serpent Hills

Ponderings of Griffith Cragsmere

Mayhap Eva has it correct; we all patronize death in our own way. Even Wayne and I have more in common than just being men distracted by the females of our ka-tet. Although he worships Tempus and I venerate Mask, glorious battle is more often than not- wrought with death, sometimes violent; but in Wayne’s case it is moral and necessary. Every death by my hands is necessary let me assure you, but glorious? I think not. My weapon is not a bright, noble blade forged with the blessings of goodly clergy but an ugly, bludgeoning weapon encircled with nightmarish masks of death. Mask is the lord of shadows and it is from the shadows that I operate and while Wayne rages on in battle with holy trumpets sounding, we both ultimately serve death. Eden our lady-assassin, the bleak outlook of Briar even the Damian and Bordane, display a demeanor that suggests a silent killer, someone who recognizes the circle and order of life or brothers who believe violent death should be visited upon all transgressors. We... most of us,  dispense death in our own way.

The last moments of Dinadan of the Grall

To his credit Dinadan of the Grall, did not shy away from the severe physical punishment the mighty earth elementals were hammering out to him at this moment in his last moments. He did not know how many of them there were, only faced his situation with resignation and with little grimace.

Instead he thinks of how it had all gone wrong. He thinks; was it Smolder the Red? The creature of hate and malice, Smolder the pretender under the guise of the Dweller in Brass. Or was it the earthen-headed Chandos-Grumbar? It is Dinadan’s summation that Grumbar could render the simplest of palavers into threats of warfare. Or Colair-Akadi? He, or Dinadan things she, was the informant. Many good souls would be alive had Akadi not been so cooperative and enthusiastic in the creation of the elemental well and ultimately the real objective for the sorcerers; the Rings of Elemental Command.

Still the beatings came to him, like being continually buried alive. Dinadan surveyed what he could beyond his attackers and sees Athalantar is in ruin, swallowed by the earth and blasted by fire and storm. The distressing fallout from the many blood feuds and recent betrayals from Dinadan’s own kin or not even the great schism of the four churches bringing them out of alignment; none of that compared to this, none of it was significant now.

If Dinadan had a clear view of the south he would have seen a great noble-magical being, inspecting the product of its labor. Colair-Adadi pondered future possibilities for great strength and the assurance of ascension into god-hood, and how that time has come.

Winds from across the seven realms strengthen and with a thunder gather about; the ground begins to rumble in a great quake (that will continue for seven days) as the Noble Genie first slips on a white-gold ring that elemental essence is tied to the genie’s own and then a second ring, wrought of iron and heavy with earthen might.

Faerie Tales

Once upon a time, a magical giant lived in a castle that floated atop the clouds. This giant was named Theros Ironfeld, and he was a great friend with a trio of Bellabranta heroes (see the post “A Childhood Legend”, march 1^st). Theros was the most inquisitive giant that ever lived, and he befriended all manors of creatures, including a large number of magical fey, for this was when the world was young, and fey crossed freely into our realms. Well, his friendliness to others angered and frightened most other giants of Theros’ clan, and his greatest rival, a giant named Kor, constantly plotted to hurt Theros’ friends and make a fool of Theros. He was rarely successful, but the first time he caught Theros, he made him a lifelong enemy. In one of their many battles, Kor hit the sweet spot and knocked Theros out cold. When Theros awoke, he was lying on a stone table, chained and held helpless. Kor began taunting him, telling him he was going to show him finally that his human and fey allies were going to cost him an arm and a leg. Starting with the thumb, he began demanding that Theros renounce his friendships with lesser races. Every time Theros refused, and every time one digit was cut off. When he ran out of fingers, Kor cut at the wrist, then the elbow, and even at the shoulder Theros choked on tears of rage, but renewed his commitment to his friends.

Just as he was beginning to slice at a toe, both giants were startled to hear the loud thumps outside in the cloud courtyard. Before Kor could finish cursing, the doors to his sky castle were broken in, and a herd of magical pegataurs stampeded in. So great was their outrage they drove Kor from his own castle and rescued Theros. The Bellabrantas had implored the fey they knew to help the noble giant, and the Queen herself dispatched the majestic pegataurs to assist. So great was the good giants joy that he cried for three days, great tears of happiness causing a flood in the lands below his castle. Shortly after, the Fey Queen made another gift to the giant, and forged bonds of loyalty that would never be broken. She had crafted for him a mithril arm, and once she attached it moved as if it were living steel. He also swore to craft weapons and armor for any pegataur that ever requested it of him.

Snake Men

The yuan-ti are humanoids with monstrous features descended from humans whose bloodlines have been mingled with those of serpents or dragons. Their evilness, cunning, and ruthlessness are legendary and constantly scheme to advance their own dark agendas. They are calculating and suave enough to form alliances with other evil creatures when necessary, but they always put their own interests first. All yuan-ti possess some snakelike features, and many have snake body parts and speak their own language. .

Yuan-ti are geniuses and fight as such. They plan elaborate traps and utilize their surroundings superbly in combat, preferring ambushes to direct confrontation. They also prefer ranged attacks and spells to melee confrontations. In a mixed group, the least valuable and powerful attack first; this likely means that the purebloods go before the halfbloods, which go before the abominations.

All yuan-ti can assume the form of any viper up to large snake, although it has not been determined that these are the extent of their shape changing abilities and have the ability to detect the presence of poisons of any kind.

Hey Everyone, listen to what Briar told me about

Cabbage Palm, Swamp Cabbage Palm

Quick ID: Tree up to 60 ft. tall, with long spreading leaves to 9 ft. long. Yellow-white flowers in many branched clusters; fragrant. Fruit 1/4" wide. Radical, improper pruning weakens the root system, promoting disease.  Prefers moist ground of marshes and swamps.

Human Uses: Leaves are used to make weave baskets and hats. Also used as for thatched roofs. Flowers are a source of honey. The "heart" has been used as a salad delicacy, however removing the heart causes the tree to die and is not encouraged unless the tree is part of a land clearing.

Recipes

Swamp Cabbage Salad: -- Strip the core to the ivory-white heart. Julian slice. Soak in ice water for one hour. Serve with your favorite salad dressing.

Swamp Cabbage: Strip the core to the ivory-white heart

Cross Creek Style: Julian slice. Add two tablespoons of butter and half a teaspoon of salt. Cook in very little water until dry and tender.. Add 1/2 cup of heated cream. Heat to simmering and serve.


Recipe from Wild Edibles

Swamp Cabbage: Cut hearts of palm fine or shred into fine pieces

Slaw: Mix with mayonnaise and 1 or 2 teaspoons pickle relish. Season to taste

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Hopwood, Horsewood -- Cocoloba Uvifera (Sea Grape)

Quick ID: Tree up to 40 ft., but generally small tree or large shrub. Leaves are thick and heart-shaped from 3 to 10 inches. New foliage is smooth and brown or bronze in color. Flowers grow in clusters. Fruit resembles grapes and are dark red or purple and ripen throughout summer.

Can be grown inland, where they may reach 50 ft.

Human Uses: Food. Wood can be used for carving

The most common way to eat seagrapes is as like all other grapes. Rinse and pop in your mouth.



Recipes from Wild Edibles
Seagrape Jelly: Wash fruit and remove stems and leaves. Pour through cloth jelly bag. Put 4 cups juice back in kettle. Add 4 cups sugar and keep stirring.. Boil rapidly. Pour into sterilized jelly jars and seal.

Vigor and Intention

You know, Sai Prince Torvil had always expressed his want to prove himself worthy of his status even as a young bondsman. He says himself with humility of how he will someday rule his family’s land. Aye, that one is eager to be proven a lord. He even carries Durindana! The Sword of the ancestors, it has been in the family for seven generations ye kin! Oh, but he has an ominous side to him say true. Sometimes during moments of stress or excitement- Torvil can see into the astral. Like ghosts, astral travelers haunt him from time to time; why he even admitted to me to have glimpsed into the eye of an astral dreadnought. But his tales of late have become increasing bold and astonishing.

At one time, only two others knew of his super-natural ability- The dwarf Shagg ‘Foultongue’, honest and true as the day is long I tell you but dense when it comes to higher thinking outside of his paladin-like morals. He’s a good dwarf aye but he, unfortunately for us all, suffers a curse that translates even the most common word of casual palaver into a vulgar expletive- sometimes even offensive, so don’t take it personal say thankya.

The other folken is none other than the Celebrated Cleric of the Wonder-Bringer Stribling the Gnome- who loves adventures in old castles and exploring ancient ruins. He’s as good as they come I wager, but a little creepy to be around. I mean gnomes are fey, are they not? I herd a few things about him too; that he hates caves and realms below, the underdark and keeps his own secret- Stribling has a super natural ability of his own (something rumored to involve water elementals). Aye the young Sai Prince Torvil, along with Foultongue and Stribling the Cleric, happily take on any adventure that is important to his… well, soon to be his… lands with much vigor and intention.

I was here in the tavern at this very table aye, when the trio set upon their latest. It was in elaborate say true, with the aligning of the two (Are they stars?) Karpri, Coliar and the constellation Maerilzoun the Serpent, it was quite a to-do. Prince Torvil would not say for certain what awaited them beyond the road, but it involved a set of cursed Bracers of Defenselessness and a dragon hoard.

Aye you say true, I say thankya.

The Nameless Wizard

“Brann Ansikt Skapningen”


The wizard spoke the ancient words he had learned in a library very far from here, the chamber began shaking with magical energies. The book on the pedestal flew open and the mage knew at long last, what he had sought for so many years was his. The Libram Silver Magicka was rumored to hold everything from proper magical curses such as Lycanthropy to the True Names of various planar and elemental creatures, along with ancient magical methodologies. Its greatest value came in the magic that ensorcelled the book; if you knew the correct magic phrase, the entire book’s recordings would be cast into your mind, allowing you to learn in moments what would take a year or even years to learn on your own. As the pages turned quickly the wizard’s mind was flooded with information, instantly understood and incorporated into his already considerable talents. While the sensation was not unpleasant, against the wizard’s better judgment, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to be immersed in this ancient yet new magic.



The mage was unsure how much time had passed but as the final pages turned he realized that he was uncomfortably warm. Opening his eyes, he was very startled to see the flames that enveloped the chamber, he was protected of course but he had not even noticed till just this moment. He quickly reviewed some of the new knowledge he had gained to see if there was anything there to explain the room of fire. A new spell leapt to mind, and anxious to cast if for the first time, he raised his arms to begin the incantation, only to scream in horror; instead of hands or arms, streaks of flame leapt out, looking down at himself, he only saw more flame. His eyes came to rest on a reflective tile surface, fully revealing the true horror the wizard now faced; gone was the body he had known, standing where he expected to see himself was a very large fire elemental. Fear gripped the wizard and he went over in his mind all his steps, wondering where he had erred. The wizard feared that he will wonder for eternity, or until the next seeker enters the chamber. The mage now knew the book’s final curse, where before an earth elemental had stood guard, he would now take its place, forever in flame. He can only hope that the next to enter the chamber is not so foolish as to destroy the book’s guardian. As the wizards mind fell into insanity’s grasp, his form filled the chamber, the flames touching all but the book and pedestal.

The woman behind the mask.

Larissa Neathal was, in most people’s estimations, the most well-known courtesan in the Villas and Wards of Waterdeep nobility. She is often sought out as an escort for the various visiting envoys and foreign diplomats. As recently observed to be in the service to the nation of Thay and Ambassador Homen Odesserion Abarbrent; the Father of the Bride. She is also said, and it is presumed to be true, that she provides council and comfort to more than one Lord of Waterdeep or Noble- as recently observed in the company of Myrna Cassalanter.

As a warrior-priest of Sune her stunning physical charms and talents expand to include proficient martial and defensive combat abilities as well as practical divine favor and aid. Indeed, a sexy, flirtatious, combat ready woman to have at your side in either cloak and dagger sword-play or the arena of social combat. Her capacity for court parties is the story of legend, being able to hold many different conversations as once but in different languages all the while remembering the names of everyone who introduced themselves. She has been observed on many occasions to dance all day and all night if necessary, without any apparent known ill effects. Undoubtedly she is either immune to most poisons, drafts or sleep drugs, or has some sort of magical protection against these; because she shrugs off any worry of such dangers.

Knights of Antiquity 3: A Brother's Grief

Genos Hawkwinter strode into the Helmite chamber with purpose. He had provided a small fortune to the church in hopes that Helm’s best diviners could determine what exactly had gone on at that guard post. All that his investigators could come up with was that several packs of wild dogs/wolves heralded the arrival of the fey creatures that had swarmed the stone structure. Genos didn’t need an investigator to figure out that none of the prisoner’s remains being found was highly suspicious. In fact the only things found at the site of the slaughter were the followers of Helm who had arrived to transport a prisoner to the castle prison. Exactly which prisoner was unclear. Due to an unfortunate circumstance, the paperwork involved in the transfer had either been lost or stolen. Nothing had been found on the bodies, which Genos had learned had been left in a horrible state, without any of their belongings, their skin apparently stripped by the fey.


The high priest of his brother’s order, a dwarf named Dackar Roaringstone, entered the chamber followed by a half dozen clergy. The high priest motioned for everyone to sit at the large conference table. Genos unlatched his sword belt and sat down, anxious to hear what had been discovered. Dackar wasted little time beyond introductions. The other six priests present had each worked on several divinations and all agreed they were quite confused by what they discovered. They explained that their initial questions went unanswered, for they had assumed facts that were not so. It was not until Dackar considered that Gerald could have been killed by something else that they started to get any answers. The high priest further explained the nature of divinations, that answers are rarely simple. The priests through ceremony are able to gain more than a simple casting but even so, some of the information gained is very confusing. He then slid across a scroll, explaining that they wrote down ever question and answer, once the priests began to receive information. They all hope the information they gleaned will mean more to Genos than it does to them.

Genos opened the scroll and began to read:

1st Question: Was Gerald’s death a result of the fey’s swarming of the guard keep? Answer: A swarm eats all, alive or dead, the living escaped the fey’s grasp.

2nd Question: Was Gerald killed by dogs or wolves? No

3rd Question: Did Gerald know his killer? Yes

4th Question: Was Gerald the target of the guard post attack? He was a victim of opportunity

5th Question: Did a prisoner kill Gerald? No

6th Question: Was Gerald’s death painful or quick? It was a violent death.

7th Question: Was Helm the only faith represented at the guard’s keep? Several faiths were present

8th Question: Did all the prisoners live? The real prisoners survive.

9th Question: Was the murderer alone? His company present, though not all, brothers in arms.

10th Question: Does the murderer of Gerald have a title? Champion or Mage-killer

As Genos finished looking at the scroll, Dackar removed another scroll from his vest pocket and handed it over to Genos explaining, “At the end of our Divinations, we received additional information. This type of occurrence is very rare and seems to indicate this matter is of much greater importance than originally thought.” Genos’ hands greedily snatched up the second scroll and quickly unfurled it. At the top of the scroll was a strange symbol that Genos did not recognize. Dackar noted Genos’ look of confusion and interjected that they were looking into the symbol but as yet had not discovered its origin or meaning. Beneath the symbol were these words:

Death, not by what he saw, but saw through

More than one plan or motivation, or even family

A successful venture on both ends of the candle

An opportunity for revenge, a perceived wrong, violent death

The highest corruption, polluting process, innocent criminal guilty anew.

A new start, escaping justice, a family saving face

Different rules for different castes, a belief in blood

Their birth a station, many faiths and many homes

Antiquities path crosses , royalty in uprising, enemies previously known

Genos sat back staring at the words. It was not until the last line he was sure it was meant for him. The priests of course would not know of his affiliation to the Knights of Antiquity, but it was clear that their god did. Genos shook off his thoughts and thanked Dackar and his men. While he still did not have the answer he sought, he knew he was much closer to the truth than the official investigation. Genos knew several resources that could help him with what he had uncovered so far. For some reason he couldn’t quite put a finger on, he was as yet , not ready to present his findings to the other Knights. Genos handed Dackar a bag of coin, thanking him for doing so well and left the chamber. Dackar turned to the other priests and thanked them for their silence. “Genos has a lot to worry about right now, we didn’t need to worry him regarding brother Carmichael’s condition.” The remaining priests, devout, did not question Dackar but their worry was obvious. “I assume he is still not eating” Dackar continued, to which they all nodded. A priest named Decarlo responded, “Since the divinations began he has not stopped writing, physically he is beginning to deteriorate.” Dackar responded, “Carmichael’s faith is true, he will not stop, even should it cost him his life.”