Arson

[Kangleton]

After much time has passed, the same large form of steam can be seen returning from the mountain pass that it had earlier relocated towards. The evaporated elemental presses itself against a nearby tree, clinging to the bark as it begins to condensate. Drop by drop, water hits the floor until the creature returns to its almost humanoid form, at which point it calls for Cadmus, once more, relaying the following information in its empty, gutteral tone of voice.

"It is possible that the beings you speak of are Quasi-Elementals, with Ash being the likely variety you encountered.

Through magically corrupted elemental material, a Grue can be created as well - 'Harginn' is the term given to a corrupted Fire Grue.

One more possibility is that you have come before a group of Necromentals, which are known to be elementals that have been bound to their native plane, as well as the plane of negative energies."

After reciting the listed information, the elemental behaves much as it and the others always had, by remaining silently neutral, awaiting direction.

[joker]

Last night an elf by the name of Marrs came to the Exigo Trading Post and stated that the source of the fires (arson) was in the Sharahan Hills. Isaniel and I (Calowyn Tir'ent) went to check it out. Upon entering the Exigo Expedition Camp, at the base of the hills, we found two burning demon-like creatures setting everything on fire. Other adventures join in and we vanquished these creatures. Then a hooded figure cast some kind of spell that bombarded the camp with burning spheres that fell from the sky. Then this person vanished.

All of the adventurers then went into the Hills to track down the source of these creatures. We encountered two more of these burning demo-like creatures. After killing these creatures we again saw the hooded figure. He vanished again. Then several of us spotted the elf, Marrs. This is not a coincidence. He was laying in wait and taking shots at us with his bow. Several of us shot arrows back at him. However, he vanished into the shadows and has not been seen since!

Beware, if you encounter this elf named Marrs.

[Cadmus Runesmith]

Hearing Calowyn's Tale, Cadmus adresses those standing around the Exigo camp fire, his words cutting through the low rumble of rumors circulating through the crowd.

"The source of the recent arsons that have plagued Sundren is a monk named Hojin, former member of an order of monks known as the Mey Savak, or Order of the Minds Eye." "The members of this order pose no threat to the general populace. Their members merely serve as watchers and collectors of knowledge."

The one called Hojin was once a trusted member of this order, but his mind has been shattered and he no longer has control of his actions." "I have discovered that before Hojin joined the order he was once a practicing wizard of great repute."

"The elemental beings that have been seen at the recent fires seem to be somehow connected to Hojin, as traces of teleportation magics have been divined at the scene of their locations."

"I would ask those of you standing here to practice extreme caution in your attempts to further investigate these arsons." "If possible I would appeal to you to attempt to subdue and capture this Hojin if feasible." "The members of his former order feel they can undue the harm that has corrupted his psyche if they can reach him before his demise."

"Do not risk your own lives in attempting to subdue the monk, if he cannot be saved, then his threat must be ended even if it be at the cost of his life."

Finishing his words Cadmus steps away from the fire and leans against his staff.

[Leaving Hope]

* The Mey Savak cannot be seen outside their order for many weeks. No word comes from them, save one cryptic statement from one of their representatives: *

He does not remember, but we will remember for him.

* The fires that plagued Sundren cease, and all seems to return to normal--for now... *


(( Thanks to everyone who participated, and especially those who were patient with the server issues at the end. ))