CGS Coloring Contest

Here's the finished coloring of DC Comic's Countdown 36 cover, as part of the coloring contest over at the
Comic Geek Speak Forums.

Summer Actions

Harvest
The summer harvest was good and plentiful. The hunters in Leszek Forest cut down the finest trees. Again, both Grego and Brynnmor Farms had good crop production. Doino Plains were in full production of their Wined Spices. The miners in the Morywyn Mountains delivered the finest stones. The village turned over some fine spears for the Valru Guard. Kalisa introduced me to our Spy Master, Senka Yvarai. As I introduced her to Decebal Thorne, the former Headman of Leszek Forest as our new Master of the Roads. Both were given there yearly payment of food up front.

Planning
For the Autumn harvest I gave orders for Miners to collect more metals for the sword Duchess Mira will be crafting. Some of the finest woods from the harvest were given to Crina village to produce a fine walking staff. Grego farms were asked to grow crops and Brynnmor was asked to spine wool. Leszek Forests will be cutting down more trees for regional upgrade. Doino Plains will produce more of their famous Wined Spice.

Trouble
The headmen of two regions reported trouble. Crina Village and Doino Plains.

Actions
Kalisa was sent out to Quell the trouble in the Village. As Decebal was sent to quell the trouble in Doino Plains. Alvosis continued to train my wife and the Valru Guard. The Shades and Senka increased Security of the Veles. With my research done, I left for Morgana Castle to start process of crafting the sword. When I returned I started train Alvosis.

Some of the Wined Spices were given to Alvosis, the Shades for their loyal service. The spears were also given to Valru Guard.

Spring Actions

Harvest
The spring harvest was good and plentiful. The hunters in Leszek Forest trapped and/or hunted many animals. It will keep the food stores full for some time. Both Grego and Brynnmor Farms had good crop production. Doino Plains were in full production of their Wined Spices. The miners in the Morywyn Mountains filled their carts with metals.

Planning
For the next season I gave orders for Miners to change to cutting stone for upgrades to the region. The some of the metal was handed over to Crina village to produce spears for the Valru Guard. Both farms were asked to grow crops again. The men of Leszek Forests were ask to cut down and plant trees. Doino Plains were ask to produce more of their famous Wined Spice.

Trouble
The headmen of the regions were happy to report no trouble was reported.

Actions
Since I took control of the Veles Province, I have made many improvements and stabilized the region. But there is still many progresses that need to be made. I asked my wife, Kalisa, to hire a Master Spy. Alvosis, my senechal, was asked to train my wife and train my personal guard, the Valru Guard. The Shades, my spynetwork, increased Security of the Veles. I took to finding a Master of the Roads. Last year I performed that duty, my I was asked by Duchess Mira Yvarai to be her Master of the Roads. She is my Duchess, I am her vassal, so I could not turn down the privilege to be her Road Man.
In exchange for my service, she will craft me a sword. I have research I need to do before the sword can be created.

Food was paid to The Shades, Alvosis, and the Valru Guard.

Yet another

Image pulled from
Comic Geek Speak Forums.

More Works

Original
Line Art taken from a friend's RPG supplement from I.C.E. Rolemaster's Pirate's book.

Final Color

Signatures & Other Works

Baron Iver Thorne
Here is an image I've colored as an image to represent my Houses character. To give credit where credit is do, the line drawing was taken from Larry Elmore's website. It was taken from a couple of his drawing and I combined the two. The colors where then done in Photoshop as a practice of my coloring technique. The Forest was a Google image that I applied some effects too.



Houses Signature

7th Sea Signature
Both signatures where inspired by the AEG signatures available at the AEG Forums for L5R. I was jealous that they didn't have any 7th Sea Signature so I made my own.

Every Gamer must have one.

Make a Rubik's Cube Out of Dice

Spring Story II

Spring
In the morning the Duchess Mira Yvari (Played by Renee) joined us. We continued following the tracks. The tracks lead out of Gregor's Mountain and into one Count Kether's regions. The tracks lead to a village, Eriksburgor.
Things we know about the Village
Known for Silk
Direct trade route to Count Kether's Castle
Village is small

As we are on a bluff that over looks the village a carriage pulled by fine ponies exits the forest. They stop at the largest building of the village and a large man comes out to greet the carriage. Two people step out of the carriage a man and a woman. They enter the building.

We make our way into the village and the large man too greets us. He is Grunholt the headman of the village. He welcomes us to stay and rest. As he talks he makes wild exaggerated jesters. We explain the nature of our visit and Timus was called over to see to our needs as Grunholt flabbgasterly runs to make inquires.

We enter the building we see the woman from the earlier carriage. She’s Lady Shara Yvari from the Far, Far East and cousin to Duchess Mira. As we talk with Lady Shara, Crav comes in to the common room.
Things we know about Crav
Lady Shara's Swordsman
Bald and Shaved
Big as a Bear
Mountain Man

We speak with Lady Shara until Grunholt returns. He asks if the tracks were strange. The tracks were strange. The men were on horseback. Grunholt, Lysandra, and Crav for the stables. As the go to the stable Grunholt explains they breed horse for Count Kether. Pievu, the stable keeper, was called for. Pievu is short, and has little blue eyes. Crav and Lysandra examine the stables. The last stable was missing a horse. After further questioning and examining, they discover the missing horse was a mare, a bay coloring with star marking on her forehead and was here two days ago. Pievu was discovered to be lying about the horse presence earlier today. Pievu was then taken back to main house for further questioning. It was revealed that Pievu was lying and that Grunholt has the horse. Lady Shara looks to the headman and plainly says "Your in trouble." Grunholt confesses to having the horse. He was going to tell Count Kether that the horse was stolen. The man that took the horse was wearing a mask and threatened to kill everyone in the village if Grunholt report this to Count Kether. After he left, all the cattle started to bleed. The Masked Man was tall, strong and had the regalness of the blooded. When asked, Count Kether was described as Dark, Tall and Handsome, you don't want him to ever touch sort of way. After some discussion we decided to leave for Count Kether's castle.

Count Kether's Castle
Because of our hasty departure, we arrived to Count Kether's place well after dark. Torches light the path as we ride. Count Kether's Castle was built on top of the remains of the ruins of the Sorcerer-Kings. The castle gate rises and we enter into the courtyard. Which was designed for killing. Ernst, Count Kether’s Seneschal, greeted us. Ernst speaks with a high voice and informs us we are early for the party that is to take place to tomorrow night, but will arrange rooms for us in the east wing of the castle. We are shown to our room and give time to eat and wash up before meeting with Count Kether. During this time there was a knock at our door. There’s a young lady at the door, after some stammering, the young lady manages to invite us to a meeting with Lady Niassa. As the young lady leaves, Lady Shara enters. The Duchess MIra and Lady Shara discuss fashion that is to be worn at the party when a loud BANG interrupts the meeting. Our impulsive nature urges us to go investigate the noise, but Count Kether’s guards stop us. We tried to talk our away past the guards or at best look past them, when Ernst finds us. He informs us that Count Kether was ready to see us and we were escorted to a sitting room. After some time passes, Count Kether enters. Pleasantries were exchanged, an explanation as to the nature of the meeting was given. A quill was called for and brought in.
Grunholt was then asked to write, “My name is Tomas” .

Grunholt writes, “My name is… Grunholt”

He was then asked to write, “I am not responsible for the horse’s theft.”

Grunholt writes, “I am… responsible for the horse’s theft.”

Kether then asks Grunholt to write, “I do not know who threatened the village.”

Grunholt writes, “I… know who threatened the village.”

Grunholt was then asked to write the name of the man.

Grunholt writes, “Duke Dannon.”

After Grunholt was finish writing, Count Kether draws his sword and kills Grunholt. Count Kether then picks up the quill, asks Gregor to pay close attention, and then writes, “I am not responsible for poisoning your lands.”

Gregor replies with, “We now know who our common enemy is.”

Count Kether then places the quill back into the box and the Seneschal departs. Count Kether then says that he has a guest has violated his hospitality but wishes to speak with us tomorrow about the letter sent to Gregor. Count Kether then stands and leaves. Ernst then sees us back to our rooms. Before Ernst leaves, Duchess Mira tells him that we were ready to see Lady Niassa. To which Ernst gives her a surprised look and says, “Lady Niassa is not here.”

The Duchess insists that she must be, because she had spoken to her lady. Ernst assures her that she isn't and then departs. As we prepare to bed down for the night. Alyss, Lady Niassa's lady was found hiding in the wardrobe. She asks for our help in hiding her. Alyss says, Count Kether has kidnapped her brother. He is being used as leverage so that Alyss will spy on Lady Niassa. Alyss plans on killing Count Kether before Lady Niassa arrives to the party. As we are discussing what to do with Alyss, there comes a knock at the door. It's Kether's guards and they are asking to search the rooms. When Alyss hears this she takes off running. Gregor's gives chase, but loses her. As Alyss was sneaking away, she runs into Lady Shara. Lady Shara exclaims "Alyss!" which causes the guards to run after Alyss. The guards catch her and beat her up and drag her away. Lady Shara was on her way to speak with us. Our conversation causes us to explore the castle further.

Secret Library
Lady Shara leads us to the library. Entering was a bit unnerving but we manage to summon up the courage to enter. As we explore the library Iver finds a book from the Sorcerer-King containing ritual that very few ven know about. Lysandra finds a hidden door and opens it. Hidden behind the door was a corridor, which has a slight decline and leads into a room. The room was filled with iron instruments. Each item was about 2 feet long and was used as a torturing devise. It's humming because it's been used recently. The item seems to be drawn towards the black table in the room. Just then Count Kether enters the room. He then locks us in the room as he leaves with Lady Shara. Lady Lysandra tries the door, its locked. Gregor looks for another hidden door. He finds one, the black table moves to reveal a ladder leading down and Count Kether doesn't know about it. We all climb down and Lady Lysandra covers the entrance. As she does, the table catches on something making it difficult to reopen. Then the humming instruments of torture fall silent. About midway down, the ladder stops. After some jumping down, some falling, we all make it too the bottom. Some better off then others. The room at the bottom was cooled and wet. A small stream of water flows down the path the leads up and out of here. Before heading up the path we tried healing ourselves as best as possible. The path twists and turns as we walk up the path. It leads to wrought iron spiral staircase that end at a landing. We are once again in Count Kether’s castles, standing in a corridor. As we walk down the corridor we see tiny pinholes. The pinholes look into a bedroom. We continue down the corridor peering through each new set of pinholes. As we move further we hear voices, the voices of Count Kether and Lady Shara. We peer into another pinhole and we see them in a bedroom.

”Do I please you my Lord?” Lady Shara asks

”More then that vacuous slutty whore.” Count Kether replies.

Lady Shara smiles, ”You are far too kind my Lord.”

”Put it away.”

Lady Shara flirts and teases him, ”Very well.”, she then pulls back a hood. Lady Shara appearance changes to that of Lady No.
3 Things we know about Lady No
Multiple Widow
Small, Petite, & Demure (So cute you just want hug her)
Houses of the Elk

Duchess Mira gasps then quickly covers her mouth. Count Kether and Lady No look towards the wall. Lady Lysandra takes the torch and quickly runs down the corridor leaving the rest of us in darkness.

”Did you hear that?” Count Kether asks Lady No.

”I did.”

Lady No then gets up and walks towards the wall. She then turns back to Count Kether. ”My Lord, is there a secret panel here?”

”There are many secrets panels in my castle. The Sorcerer-Kings have left me with a cache of secrets.”

Lady No asks how the secret panel works. As Count Kether explains how it works, Gregor and Drustan run away without being heard by Lady No. Iver uses his Greater Suaven ability to make him look like one of Kether’s guards. Lady Mira comes and stands next to him. As the panel opens Lady No stumbles. Iver goes to help but was quickly dismissed. Count Kether is called over. After some questioning he orders Iver to take the Duchess to the tower. As Iver escorts the Duchess to the tower, he rounds a corner, breaks off from the route, and backtracks towards where the others hopefully will be. As the others argued as too what their next move will be. Iver, still looking as a guard, rounds the corner. Lady Lysandra jumps on him. The disguise he was wearing fades to reveal Iver’s true appearance. Lady Lysandra stands in shock, then apologies and helps him up as the Duchess finishes rounding the corner.

FIRE
Back together again, we plotted about either going and rescuing Alyss or escaping. We decided to set fire to Count Kether’s bedroom as a distraction for our escape. On our way out, we enter the courtyard. Across from the courtyard are the stables. We tell the stable boy that Count Kether wants to release the horses so they will not be harmed but the fire. The stable boy releases the horses as Gregor raised the gate. Once outside the castle, Iver shot an arrow to close the gate as the others collected the horses. We then rode towards Lady Niassa’s lands to tell her that Count Kether has Alyss.

Spring Story I

Spring
Our story starts in the spring. Baron Gregor Steele (Played by Matt) received a letter from Count Kether stating it was a matter of great importance and we all should come. But Gregor was also having troubles in his lands. So we decided to go and investigate the trouble on our way to Count Kether's. We were also invited to Lady Peacocks Late Spring Social. Baron Iver Thorne (Played by Me) sent his wife with his Seneschal and Personal Guard in his place. Some of the others sent their spouse as well.
3 Things about Lady Peacock
Blooded of the Elk
Called Lady Peacock because of her Outrages Dress
Has the Aspect of "I know everyone"
Also has the Aspect of "Matchmaker"

Trouble in Astrel Farms
Baron Gregor was having trouble in multiple regions but we could only visit one. So we went to his farms. We meant with Jack Coffin, the Head Man of Astrel Farms.
3 Things about Jack Coffin
Not Blooded
Tall
Walks with a Limp
Bald
Has a dog

Jack showed us the fields. When he placed a spade into the ground blood come out of the soil like the earth was bleeding from a cut.
Things about know about the blooded earth
Soil was cursed with a Vendetta ritual
Bad sorcery (Illegal)
To undo the curse you must salt the earth
Someone in towns knows who is behind this curse
Conclusion: Someone is after Gregor's land

As the people were looking onward, one fellow, Levlin, was trying not to be seen. His suspicious actions caused us to question him. When we asked him to come forward he ran. Baroness, Lysandra chased him as Baron Iver shot Levlin in the leg with an arrow. Baroness Lysandra Burghe (Played by Quin) dragged Levlin back and presented him to Baron Gregor. When questioned he revealed these truths.
Things we know about Levlin
Man dressed in black wearing masks
Gave Levlin and his brother pretty things, (Glass Beads, Worthless, From Kether's Lands)
Gave them vials of Blood to pore onto the fields
Men spoke like the Blooded, "Regal countenance"
Levlin and his Brother could not refuse them (Not sorcery, but supernatural)
Brother was killed by Orks 2 weeks ago

Levlin then salted the fields, Baron Drustan Mwrr (Played by Pam) helped with the task. Baron Gregor should mercy to Levlin, which cause the loyalty in the region to go up. Jack was then order to keep an eye on Levlin.

Track to the North
Baron Gregor's Roadman, Brian and his men found tracks to the North. The tracks lead into the "Bad Lands" and then into Baron Gregor's Mountains. The tracks then double backed and turned to the east as they lead out of Gregor's land. Wyr, Drustan's Swordsman, found us a good place to camp.
3 Things about Wyr
Autumn
Blooded
In love with Baron Drustan's Wife

Houses of the Blooded

My gaming group and I have been part of the play testing for John Wick's new game "Houses of the Blooded". We've had 3 stories so far and it's been a blast. I will be recapping all the action here. You can learn more about Houses at , www.housesoftheblooded.com Or click on the above image.

Found this HI-Larious

Found this over at indexed Check it out.

End of a Journy. Start of a New...

Nearly 6 months ago a gaming campaign that was going on for years came to an end. I had been with the game for nearly 4 years, and the game had started a year or so before I started. We didn't know this, at the time. We all thought it was going to continue. You see our friend, the GM, who runs the game, missed another session. No call, no explanation, no nothing. You have 5 gamers all sitting around waiting for him to show up so that we can indulge in our addiction. Well after a couple of hours, we decided to call it a night.(And many unanswered phone calls to his cell phone) These stand-ups happen with some regularity, and if he didn't spin such a good story, we would have dropped the game years ago. Although lately it was happening with more regularity, and when he did show up, it seemed as if he was just calling it in. The excitement of running a game had left him. Call it burnout. I understand that, but all we'd ask is that he be honest with us. Then, he dropped off the face of the earth. We all know the game had come to an end. Although we didn't want to admit it, but the writing on the wall and was all plain to see. Another disappointing conclusion to yet another unfinished campaign. This one had potential, if there was a campaign that would reach it's finally, this was the one, but in the end it too finished unresolved.

A couple months ago, I was talking with another player. We were talking about how annoyed we were about not knowing the ending. I confided in her that the only reason I was still playing was because I wanted to know what happened to her character, Izzie. Her character was the star after all. The character I was playing had left the game to do his own thing. So I was without a character, and not wanting to leave the group, I started playing another character. The new character that was fun to play, but one I wasn't emotionally attached to it. After thinking about it for a few days, I decided I could pick up where our GM left off and at least finish the last adventure. When I proposed this to my friend, she was excited about the possibility. Asked if I was serious, and I said I was. About a month ago I ran the conclusion to the last adventure. Things when really well and added a little taste of things to come. After the session, I asked if they wanted to continue. And the response was yes.

After months of nothing (our last gaming session was on 1/20), we have revived it, and the story continues on...

Legend of Zelda Medley

Fun Stuff

New Favorite Comedian

See why.

Off-Topic Post, but this never gets old

Gaming Session 1/20

Sextus 22, 1671
In our continual hunt for Highway men. We traveled to Luthon.

Info we know about the Highway men:
Attacks are random for the most part.
Pattern to there attacks has been days to weeks.
Area to their attack has been all around Percis' Region.
They tend to attack merchants.
Merchants that are not well protected.
No more then 2-4 people per cart.
Items stolen has been cash or other small, easy to carry valuables.
Merchandise is usually left untouched.

We filled a cart with barrels, trunks and a tarp. Under the tarp was Gretal, Jacqueline, and Nicoletta. I drove the cart as Izzie rode next to me. Diego acted as our guard. We left at dawn and our trip took most of the day. Upon arriving in Luthon Izzie check in at the townhouse. I went to the House of the Harping Monkey. The other later joined me at the pub. We entertained ourselves with stories of Owlbears. We plan to return to Norfolk the next morning.

1/20 Recap

Sextus 19, 1671
Our last adventure had us tracking down Brigands. We rode the country side, trying to look like juicy targets for such men. We came upon a farm house that was pillaged and burned. After investigating the site, we determine that this attack was not the highway men, but a much large group of men. The apparently attack the residence, took what they could and burned the rest. They traveled southwesterly towards Wessex county. Gretal and I followed the trail as Izzie, Jacqueline, and Diego traveled back to Norfolk for more accommodating clothes. After scouting ahead, Gretal and I returned to the house and met back up with Izzie and gang.

We rode through the night and the next morning came to a town that was just hint by the traveling army. The army stopped, met up with another army and then rode in and pillage the place. After a brief investigation we determined that this town was hit because of it's gold mine. Very little was stolen, but the mines were sabotaged. We continued to follow until Izzie, Jacqueline, Gretal, and Diego decide to give up chase. I continued to follow. The armies split up, one group traveled towards Carleon as the other rode south towards Canguine. I followed the group towards Canguine and during the night had caught up with them. I noted my findings and sent a report to Izzie via one of her porté boxes. I rode ahead to warn the villages, town and farmhouses.

Izzie and group sent message to Wessex. Personly met with Duke of Precis to warn him. Set up messenger box for Percis.

When Izzie and group returned to Norfolk they heard that the Brigands had attacked again.

Info from the army I followed:
35-45 Men in the army I followed.
6-10 in a unit. Number of superiors match this number.
Avalon mostly, some Inish, some Eisen. All Pikemen and mounted horseman.
20-30 extra mounts. Fought on horseback. Very well train and organized.

Other Army appeared to have similar numbers.

Assassins in the Dark

Jean Renault was fast asleep when suddenly there was a sharp pain in his chest. At first he thought it was another one of his nightmares, but this was no dream, the pain was real and in a flash he knew what had happened. Instantly he was awake. He grabs the stilettos he keeps at his side and pushes the assassin back, before he could get another strike. A river of blood ran down his naked chest. A new scar to be added the many that already covers his body, if only he survives the night. Jean and the assassin stare at one another as the dance of death begins.

* * *

Izzie was two rooms down the hall. She was in the middle of writing in her journal when she heard the sounds of a fight. She quickly goes to the side of her fiancé and gently wakes him. "Diego dear."

"What is it Bonita?" Diego murmurs as he slowly awakes.

"There's, something going on… out in the hall," Izzie nervously whispers, "perhaps we should..."

"Aye Bonita, I will check on it for you."

Diego gets up, rubs his eyes, grabs his daggers and walks towards the door. Diego and Izzie venture into the hallway but everything is still. The sounds can still be heard from a room down the hall. Izzie huddles close to Diego as they creep down the hall towards the sounds. Izzie face turns pale when she realizes that the sounds are calling from Jean's room. Diego tries the door, it was still locked. Diego runs back to their room to get his lockpicks. Izzie returns with Diego as fear turns into horror. As Diego runs back to Jean’s room, Izzie starts to light every candle and lantern she can scrounge up.

* * *

Jean patiently worked at the assassin’s defenses. Waiting for an opening and striking then. After what seems like hours but in reality has only been a few seconds, Jean has tipped the scale towards his favor. But it had cost him a great deal of his own blood. The two were about even when Jean changed his strategy. He went on the offensive and instinctively the assassin went on the defense. Jean dropped one of his stilettos and the assassin mirrored the action. A blade of darkness formed from the palm of Jean's hand. A similar blade formed from the assassin’s hand and the dance continued. Jean and assassin launch into a flurry of stabs and parries and counter stabs with lightning like speed. Some of the stabs hit as other are parried or riposted. Except for the shadow daggers, they always seem to hit, but when they do, they spill no blood. Jean keeps up with assault as the assassin switches styles but stays very defensive. Jean believes he has the assassin almost finished. He watches and waits for the assassin to drop his guard one last time. So he can deliver the finishing blow. The assassin hears the door unlock, he glances over and sees a pair of feet on the other side of the door. Jean sees the assassin’s attention had been diverted and quickly stabs twice at the assassin. The first strike hits, and the assassin realize that he is about to lose this battle. The second one is about to do the same, when the assassin touches the shadow he is casting on the wall and instantly sinks into the wall. The shadow blade passes harmlessly through what should have been the assassin’s head. He won't get away that easy, Jean thinks to himself as he stretches out his own hand and touches the shadow he was casting and disappears into the wall.

* * *

By the time Izzie was done lighting all the lanterns and returns into the hallway, Diego has finished unlocking the door. The sounds of fighting suddenly stop. Diego throws the door open draws his dagger and enters into an empty room. Izzie runs to Diego's side. The lantern light spills into the room illuminating the small pools blood covering the floor and bed. Izzie swallows and audible gulp as she stares stunned at the carnage left behind. Both Diego and Izzie stood motionless for a few moments, not knowing what to do next. Then Izzie starts to light all the lanterns and candles in Jean's room.

* * *

Jean was left disoriented for a moment. The ground below him was soft and spongy. The sky was the strange violet hue that made him uncomfortable and all sounds were muffled like they where very far away and heard through earmuffs. The assassin was running away. He looked back to see if Jean had followed and started running harder when he saw him. Jean ran to catch up with him. His body was pumped with adrenaline which made catching up with the assassin easy. The voice of rage demanded satisfaction for what he had done. Jean was eager to obey.He raised the stiletto he held. The killing blow only moments away when a vision flashed in his minds eye. It was the vision of a shadow knight, a creature that lurks in the dark paths, a reminder of what happens to those that have died here. This vision caused Jean to suddenly stop, the killing strike frozen in place. Jean decided to let the assassin escape. The adrenaline drained from his body allowing the cold ice water like chill to fill the void. Jean recognized this feeling and knew he needed to get out of the dark path. He saw a shadow cast from the real world and stepped out.

* * *

Diego and Izzie had finished searching Jean's room for clues when they exited. Diego started to head back to their room when he saw Jean start to walk into the hallway from an adjacent hallway and darted back. Jean saw he was spotted so turned around the corner and placed his fingers to his lips and whispered "shhh..." then motioned for Diego to follow before slipping down the hallway. Diego nodded and started to follow. Izzie still nervous about the nights events, noticed Diego walking down the hall. His hands sliding down to the daggers at his side as he turns the corner. Curious as to where her love is going she runs to catch up. Jean is slumped against the wall and has his hand to his side trying, unsuccessfully, to keep the blood from spilling out when Diego sees him.

"Who all is out there?" Jean whispers

"Just the Captain and me." Diego replies as the Izzie rounds the corner. She emits a gasp at the condition she sees Jean in.

"Hello Captain" Jeans says as he forms a weary smile. "Can we speak in private?"

"Yes, I'll get Christopher." Izzie says as the blood drains from her face.

Diego helps Jean back his and captains room and lays him down. Izzie returns shortly with Christopher. Christopher starts to clean and stitch up Jean when Izzie asks, "Do you know who did this?"

"No, but I'm sure its safe to say that the people I use to work for know I'm still alive and want to change that."

A mental image of the midnight visitor she encounter so long ago flashes in her mind as her face changes to yet another pale shade of white. She starts to leave but only makes it to the door when Jean asks. "Captain? Can we keep this quiet?"

"Why?" Izzie nervously asks.

"If THEY learn that the others know, when they are finished with me, they'll be next."

Izzie blinks rapidly as she utters "Oh"

"If anyone asks, I was up late last night and had a disagreement with someone."

"Gambling?"

"Aye."

"I suggest you stay away from the tables then."

"Aye, aye Captain."

Christopher cast a curious look towards Izzie after hearing their conversation. She sees his look and tries to give a reassuring smile. Once Christopher is finished, he stands up and packs his things and leaves.

Jean slowly stands, still weak from all the blood loss. "If there is nothing more Captain, I'm off to bed."

Izzie just shakes her head and sits down on her bed next to Diego who was trying to sleep.

"I'll see you in the morning." Jean says as he exits the room.

"Good night Renault." She manages to squeak out before he leaves. Still in shock from Jean's subtle hint that perhaps she may receive another midnight visitor.

Heinizal-whatsit

So, Once upon a time there lived a Sea Captain and her ship the Sea Fox smashed into a much smaller boat operated by slavers from the Crescent Empire. Her ship got badly damaged when it hit the other boat. So the Captain had her crew fix the Sea Fox as she had one of her crewman torture the Crescents slavers. When they were done torturing the Crescent infidels slavers the Captain had them hanged, their bodies weighted down with shot and thrown into the sea as they sailed to Freiburg.

On the way to Freiburg we bump into a Vesten Raider by the name of Ragnar. Izzie talked to him, and she convinced him that we had nothing of Value, which was mostly true.

Once in Freiburg Izzie checked in at Drachenheim Manor and then we started our travel to Tannen. A few weeks of travel, we arrived in Seeufer, around dusk. As we entered the city gate we saw a fishing boat in trouble on the lake. We rescued the crew and boat from spending the night out on the lake, which would have been bad for them, Lake Sirens and all.

Took lodgings at one of the towns Inns. Woke up the next morning with a visitor wanting to meet with us. The visitor was messenger girl that took us to manor house, the house belonged to someone important, related to Fischler or something. They have a chapel in the back with an important crown to some saint. If it were fall into the wrong hands the War of the Cross could start up again.

We investigated some, Izzie talked to some old lady about small people "Heinizalmanchen" or something like that. There like gnomes. The old woman sent Izzie on some quest for a blue flower in the die Schwartzen Walder Forest. Izzie hired a boy to get the flower for us, but he never returned.

We went in after him, fought some Kobolds met with an Axe wielding Woodsman. Got paranoid around the Woodsman refused any help from him many times over until finally we excepted his help. He told us to go to his house and wait for him. We met the Woodsman's daughter had lunch, waited a few hours he never showed up. We took the blue flower the girl gave us and walked towards the path when we came upon the Woodsman. He saw the flower and said "oh you found them." We said "yes your daughter gave them to us". He said "I have no daughter." "Oh" we said. So the Woodsman lead us to the path back to town. Turns out the girl in the house is linked to the legend about the crown.

We walk back to town found the old lady. We gave her the flowers, she gives us the secret password and location to find a Heinizal-whatsit. Went to the place said the magic words and talked to one of the gnomes about the missing crown. He leads us to a hill and we enter the hill. Some ceremony was taking place. Turns out some new group small guys have moved in and were using the crown as a candelabra for their ceremony. After the ceremony, they invited us in for the party we ask for the crown back they give it and our small guy guide leads us back to Seeufer. Before our guide departs he give Izzie a small pouch that we are to give to Fischler and Fischler is to give to his wife.