Nozbat

Offa was both grumpy and pleased. His Carls were used to the grumpiness and in fact his being grumpy was expected. They were unsure how to cope when he was pleased. But Offa was genuinely pleased to see the Brothers again. He told himself it was just because they praised his ale but he enjoyed their company and they had got on well in Mershford. He was even spotted by his more observant men to be smiling. To be sure, Offa hadn't put it like that. He had thought the brothers dead and now they had returned with another brother and a woman and this had caused him to smile. He did admit that the woman was somewhat unsettling in appearance, but she was trusted by them and that sufficed for now. Offa had known the brothers had left Mershford after Midsummer. He did not know what had happened in Danasted, other than death had stalked the Sted and had then placed all the dead in one building. He was unsure if the brothers had been among the dead, the bodies having decayed virtually beyond recognition by the time it was discovered. He had made enquiries at Grim's Dyke Burgh and they had not made it there. So, after thinking them dead, he found it surprisingly pleasant that they were standing before him. When they had first arrived, the Gate Guards had poked them with spears in case they were ghosts, a fact that the Brothers found to be initially unnecessary but conceded after a discussion that it was a practical measure to ensure the safety of all involved. The compromise with the Guards was that they would use their spear butts rather than spear points to poke the visitors. After a further but brief conference, the guards had decided that it was unusual for ghosts to be solid and try as they might, the spear butts would not go through the Brothers. One of the Guards took the visitors to the Thane’s Hall where they were presented to Offa. To amuse themselves further, the debate continued between the remaining guards long into the night when one of them recounted tales of unquiet and of very solid dead that had recently made a nuisance of themselves in the Fenlands. As had been noted previously, Offa was also grumpy. He now had five extra mouths to feed over the winter season. In particular, he had begun to worry if there would be enough Yule sausage for everyone. When he expressed his thoughts to the brothers, they replied that while they were used to having a whole Yule sausage each, they could make exceptions if Offa was short of sausages and would be willing to share a sausage with others. This seemed to put Offa's mind at rest and he then offered them some ale which they were only too glad to accept. The Brothers said that although without doubt sausages would be important in the coming days, they did presently have more important things on their minds. Offa realised that he was not being a good host and when they got washed and fed he asked them for their news. Equally, the brothers were keen to learn Offa's news. They were concerned they went into the forest in Midsummer to come out after a day and found themselves at Midwinter. Offa suggested that there might be wiććecræft involved and the Carls who had come into the Thane's hall to hear the account of the brothers, all looked meaningfully at Meire. They agreed that she was the most beautiful woman they had ever seen, but she surely was not of Miðgarðr and likely to be one of the Ælfar. Offa merely paid Meire courtesy and ignored both his men's discussions and the obvious greenish tinge of her hair and skin. He was concerned by Egfryd’s description of the small red-hatted, iron booted man with the large spear, who had successfully killed at least 30 warriors in a fortified Sted. He questioned Egfryd for as many details as he could remember. He made Egfryd repeat the story three times, each time seeking more information. He also asked Meire for her views on her Tormentor and Hrothgar's final battle with the small man. His men grew quiet during the tales and murmured together afterwards, frequently looking at Meire and making a sign against evil. The Brothers were keen to hear Offa's views about Hrothgar's death. It was their opinion that although the actual cause of Hrothgar's death was the small man, the fact that Beorthric and Wilfrith had left Hrothgar to fight alone, had caused Hrothgar's death. Offa agreed. He felt the two Carls were guilty of cowardice and that they should have to pay a blood price. He did acknowledge that he was not a Lawspeaker and also not the Brother’s Thane and it might be best to check with one rather than take matters into their own hands. The brothers thanked him for his advice and his fine ale and told him that they could think of no better way to spend Yule than with him, even if there was likely to be a shortage of Yule sausage. This reminded Offa that it was time to stop smiling and be grumpy again. Over the coming days, the Brothers sat with Offa and recounted their visions to try and understand them more. Some they felt they could interpret, other bits remained obscure. Offa could offer no real advice. He grumbled that he had never been good at interpreting dreams, even when he was a boy and had a more agile mind for new things. He thought that they would probably need a leæce. Dunstan and Uthric took turns in teaching their new brother, Egfryd, how to use a spear, axe and shield. Since he was now their brother, they felt that he shouldn't embarrass them should he need to be involved in a fight. Besides, if Wulfhere insisted that they seek the iron- booted man, it might be up to Egfryd to avenge them, if they were unable to overcome and received their death by the small man. All four brothers could however agree that both Beorthric and Wilfrith needed to die. So, this was how things stood with several days to go before Yule. Offa had doubled the gate guards and had made sure there were patrols on the fighting platform of the palisade. Early in the morning two days before Yule, the Sted was awoken but a loud thumping noise. The tremors could be felt through the ground and buildings. Running towards the sound of the noise, Dunstan wondered if the world wasn't ending. Wulfhere remarked that it was unlikely to be so. He had been told by some wise people that it was necessary for there to be a Fimbulvetr prior to the end of the world, and while it was cold and there was snow on the ground, it really wasn’t that Fimbulvetr cold as he had still his autumn cloak on and felt warm enough. Dunstan said that there might be other options for the world to end as Wulfhere had certainly not met many wise men, as far as he was aware, and there were bound to be others that held different views. They decided this was not the best time to discuss such events and a more pressing matter was why the palisade wall was making such a noise. Approaching the west side of the Sted, they could see Meire perched high on a large corner post of the palisade. She seemed to be directing whatever was happening just out of sight. As the brothers approached the palisade they saw two warriors jabbing their spears at something as yet unseen on the outside of the Sted. Something hit the palisade which the Brothers thought likely to be the cause of the end-of-the-world noise and cracked some of the stakes. Almost simultaneously one of the warriors fell over the palisade, screaming loudly. Climbing up the Brothers could see a small man bending over the stricken warrior. They watched him dip something in the gore of what used to be the man's neck and cackle with obvious mirth. All three brothers shifted their spears to throw hoping to make an end of the small man quickly. They paused momentarily to watch horrified as the man replaced a blood-soaked hat on his head, blood dripping down his face. The man looked up at Meire and shouted that he was Coming. Dunstan and Wulfhere threw the spears but they appeared to have little impact despite hitting the small man in the chest and arm. Uthric paused, waiting until the small man climbed the mound to the palisade, in the hope he could try and knock the hat off the man. The spear grazed the man's head and taking the hat off and transfixing it on the javelin as it continued on its flight. This was the first time that the Brothers had seen the small iron-booted man without his hat and it was a surprise that he was bald. Dunstan remarked loudly on his baldness and the small man growled in disapproval. The brothers felt that maybe they had overly annoyed him by showing up his previously hidden baldness and perhaps knocking off his hat was maybe not the best idea that Uthric had had recently. The small man however paused to retrieve his hat and to put it on again but just as he did, Uthric knocked it off again with another well-thrown Javelin. He was, Uthric remarked, after all known as Eagle-eye but perhaps in spear throwing contests he would also be henceforth known as Sure-shot. Wulfhere’s throw with his own javelin failed to hit the mark. He suggested Uthric was maybe being a little premature in his choice of occasion to boast about of his deeds. The proper and appropriate time for modestly retelling exploits was after the battle and after one had a surfeit of Yule sausage and Offa's special Yule-ale. It was important he felt that even in the moments of the heat of battle to always offer advice and guidance to younger brothers. Dunstan did not feel the need for any advice or guidance from either brother. He had thought he might jump off the palisade to fight the small man hand-to-hand but decided against it, instead joining the band of warriors that was running to the South gate. Safety in numbers, his mother had always said but he was unsure if she’d actually been referring to a Shield Wall rather than a flock of sheep she’d been observing at the time. Uthric and Wulfhere threw their last spears at the small man but their altercation about boasting seemed to have spoiled their aim as neither hit the mark. Both went in search of more weapons. Meire remained motionless, hands covering her eyes from the horror of the apparent slaughter. By the time Wulfhere and Uthric returned, the warriors who had gone outside had formed a shield wall, with Dunstan in their midst, and were advancing hoping to hem the small man against the palisade where they could kill him. The small man watched the advancing Shield wall with a large degree of indifference, jumping from one foot to another in a strange dance or jig. Before anyone could move, he stopped dancing, lunged forward and hit a man squarely on the shield with his broad bladed spear. The spear split the shield and slit open the man’s belly. The little man cackled in response and didn't seem to heed the spears that were thrust at him, scoring his skin. A further moment of capering and he kicked one of the shields, breaking it in two and shattering a man’s leg. The Shield wall closed up and again advanced. Dunstan remembered his father’s strategy and dropped his spear but kept the shield to protect his from the vicious spear or iron-boots. Again, the small man danced a jig and then lunged forward suddenly with the spear, catching Dustan's shield partner in the throat. He again ignored numerous hits on his body from spears and kicked another man and shield to the ground. Dunstan took the opportunity to try and grapple the small man but the small man elbowed him in the face and Dunstan failed to keep hold of him, falling back into the line of friendly shields. Again, the small man thrust and kicked and two more warriors fell and again Dunstan tried and failed to grab him, while spears failed to make any marks on him. Meanwhile, Uthric had returned to the fighting platform with an axe and two more spears. He launched one at the small man and although it hit him squarely in the middle of the shoulders, it did little damage. Wulfhere had also returned with a spear and some rope. The rope he threw at the small man, hoping it might entangle him. Wulfhere just did not have any luck today, and the rope landed harmlessly on the snow-covered ground. It was perhaps unfortunate that the small man did not have the foresight to think that any of these puny men could lift an anvil. Nor indeed, did he foresee that having lifted an anvil, that the man would have the strength to throw it. When people hear the story they have often discussed the question that if the small man had been aware of the anvil and known it’s potential, then could he have done anything to prevent his wyrd? For most the question is moot and most will come to the view that the Norns follow the path laid out at the birth of the world. At this moment, the small man was dancing a jig and cackling with laughter as the reduced and demoralised shield wall backed away, worried about more carnage. Offa also chose this moment to appear on the fighting platform with one of the Blacksmith's anvils. Uthric, seeing him struggle with the weight, helped him lift it above his head, supported him while he balanced it and then watched in awe as with an almighty heave, Offa threw it at the small man. The flying anvil caught the small man in the leg with a sickening crack. He howled in pain which was just as well for Offa, who unable to keep his balance after the throw, followed the anvil over the parapet and landed relatively unhurt close to the small man. Uthric later gave advice to Offa that he would recommend Offa gain further experience in balancing, if he was ever to try throwing anvils again. Wulfhere said afterwards that it would be totally unexpected for someone to be hit by a flying anvil for there not to be negative consequences. The small man's consequences were immediately apparent in that to move he had to hop and although all the warriors agreed that he had shown great skill at hopping, they knew that this was not likely to enhance survival in a fight. The small man, possibly recognising this too, was retreating slowly, hopping backwards towards the forest. Wulfhere and Uthric scrambled down the outside of the palisade, having thought it safer to lower themselves over the edge rather than use Offa’s method. Wulfhere was first to react, called Uthric and Dunstan to lock shields and advance on the small man. The small man had regained his feet after the surprise of a flying anvil, but he was obviously hurt. Being hurt, however, did not reduce his dangerousness but it did mean that he found it difficult to kick the Brothers with his iron boots with only one functioning leg. The brothers traded unequal blows with the small man, doing little damage. Wulfhere received a bang on the head in trying to parry a spear thrust, his shield was knocked back with such force, it made him momentarily dizzy. Uthric and Dunstan moved forward to cover for their brother while he regained his senses. Instead of re-joining the fight, Wulfhere calling to one of the Angle warriors, Paega, to take the other end of his previously thrown rope. They outpaced the Man small man. Wulfhere acknowledged later that it had been an unfair race and thought if the small man had had the use of two legs, Wulfhere and his companion might not have won. They held the rope taught and used it to trip the small man from behind as he continued backing up. While Wulfhere was collecting his wits, the rope and a companion, Uthric and Dunstan were bearing the brunt of the small man’s savagery. They had failed to significantly hurt the small man again but the small man had stabbed Uthric in the leg and chest and Dunstan had a wound in his abdomen. Both were suffering greatly from the small man’s skill with a spear. However, when Wulfhere tripped him, Uthric took advantage to throw away his shield and strike with his axe two handed, severing the small man’s leg below the knee. Uthric said that he had been worried for his brother's safety as he had witnessed the small man use his iron boots to good effect. By cutting off his leg, he prevented the small man from kicking out and hurting his brothers. Offa, who had carelessly left his weapons on the fighting parapet, had been collecting discarded ones, shouted for the Brothers to take advantage of their prone adversary. He pinned one shoulder while Uthric pinned the other and Dunstan tried unsuccessfully to hold a leg. Other warriors came forward and stabbed at the small prone man. A warrior named Garheard thrust his spear into the little man's throat and he ceased struggling. The warriors stood around the hacked and bloody body unsure if the small man was indeed dead. They were hardened veterans of many skirmishes and small fights but they were all shocked by the death, blood and most of all by the small man. Offa said later that it was no shame that some had voided their stomachs afterwards. He himself had been close but the fact that he was the Thane had stopped him. They discussed what they needed to do next. Offa sent some of the man to tend the wounded but such were the small man's blows no-one usually survived, and only one man, had lived after experiencing the small man’s iron boots. The man had a shattered leg however and even if he survived the inevitable resetting and fever, he would never walk again properly. Dunstan considered himself lucky, he had faced the small man in the Shield Wall when he was at the height of his powers and he had taken a blow to his abdomen that had only slightly bled. Wulfhere too had taken a blow and would have a scar on his left cheek to remind him in his old age. Uthric ignored his wounds, though in truth they caused him pain and he had been close to his death. He contented himself with telling anyone who would listen how his javelin shots had removed the small man’s hat which he believed to be the source of his power. He reminded everyone how the small man had dipped his hat in his victims’ blood and did not Meire say that his power increased when he killed. Meire hugged Uthric and told him he had acted like his father in wrestling her Tormentor to the ground and holding him there until other less brave men had come up and stabbed him to death. But everyone praised Offa. No one had ever thought before that a blacksmith’s anvil might make such a good weapon to kill small men. It could always be said of Offa that he was excellent at grumbling but what was less frequently said but equally evident was that he was a strong leader. But for now, Offa wanted to make sure the small man stayed dead. They were unsure if he was left alone he might not gather his parts and leave to come back another day. Offa called for a two-handed axe to cut off the small man’s head and they brought some of their precious dry wood to burn the body. Their companions they buried as they had no further wood to spare until the snows stopped. That night they had a feast. Offa’s men called for him to throw the anvil again, but he declined saying that his back was sore, his nose had been broken and he had too much ale to be able to stand. It was likely he thought that balancing after throwing the anvil would he even harder on level ground at present. He felt that it was better at present just to grumble a bit. Dunstan, who was ever practical, remarked that now the company had been significantly reduced, everyone left would have enough Yule sausages.

That's only because they had a whole lot of unemployed acrobats that needed something to jump over... And they were a bull totem cult in Knossos

That could also have been a ritual meal before execution

No zinc means a serious impact on Gloranthan physical health.. humans need a recommended 8-11mg intake a day (not sure what the Gloranthan World Health Organisation recommends for Elder Races) which helps with Immune Response, preventing and overcoming diarrhoea, helps with neuronal development in learning and memory, helps with wound healing among other things.. So are we actually taking into account that the Gloranthan human population spend excessive time on their toilets, become increasingly forgetful, take longer to learn new skills and tasks and get sick a lot and have slow healing of wounds (particularly nappy rash or areas where the armour chaffs a lot)? A bad bout of diarrhoea could incapacitate entire nations and economies

Travelling with a Warband was easier than travelling alone and after four days they all safely arrived at Mershford. They greeted Offa and told him their news. Offa was annoyed with his orders from Wiglaf and while he did not intend to disobey the Ealdorman, he delayed setting off by spending time with the Brothers, who he found to be agreeable company. Wulfhere was keen to know if Offa remembered Hrothgar and pressed him about what had happened in Mershford two years ago. Offa recalled that Hrothgar and Wiglaf spent a lot of time discussing matters. He also remembered both were over fond of his ale. Uthric remarked that as Offa was probably the best brewer of ale in the district and it was perfectly understandable why someone could get over fond of his ale. Indeed, both he and Dunstan thought that they might require a few more horns to come to the same judgment as their father. Offa took the hint and called for more ale. Thus several days went by while Dunstan and Uthric tried to decide if this was indeed the best ale they had tasted. Offa was content to host his guests, even if his ale hoard was dwindling fast. In truth, the Brothers were at a loss about what to do. They knew Hrothgar had left and gone south. They discussed the likelihood of Hrothgar taking another route home and found it unlikely. The only crossing of the Tamyse River was at Lundenwic so he must have crossed at the bridge. Wulfhere questioned Offa for many hours about other possible routes, but the Thane did not know if there were other fords or bridges upriver, that part of Mierce still being partly controlled by the Wealsc. Wulfhere had the impression that his head might fall off if he thought anymore and asked his younger brothers to refrain from their deliberations about Offa’s ale and help him plan what to do next. This was the first of many arguments. Offa did not help by providing more ale until Wulfhere reminded him of his duty to his Ealdorman which only made Offa grumble more than usual. The Brothers decided that they might find some inspiration if they travelled to Dunasted and asked further questions of the Thane, Duna. Equally, Offa had decided that it was now safe to go in search of the escaped slaves, knowing they would by now be beyond his reach. He, like all of Wiglaf’s Thanes, disliked the power Ydwina had over Wiglaf which, they felt, sapped his energy. The Brothers travelled warily, having been warned about possible Wealsc raiders. Approaching Dunasted at dusk, they found a body on the road with cuts to his head and a death wound in his chest. Uthric examined the body to try and determine what kind of weapon was used to kill the dead Angle warrior. He was unsure what had caused the head wounds, other than supposing it might have been a cutting weapon but felt confident that a broad bladed spear had caused the death wound. Wulfhere remarked that this did not help their plight, but the wounds were similar to ones suffered by Hrothgar in their vision. This discussion set their nerves on edge and they argued about what to do next. Initially, they agreed Dunstan would proceed alone to the open gate, while the others waited to see if anything of importance would occur. But Uthric pointed out that this was maybe not such a clever plan, for how would they face their mother if Dunstan were to suffer a death wound. So Uthric then agreed to go, but as he prepared himself, Wulfhere felt that if his younger brother, Uthric, was going to face uncertain danger and possible dismemberment, then it was also his duty to be there to offer him some guidance and direction. Dunstan objected to the plan. Whatever had killed the Angle was likely to be waiting for them to separate and he felt it was unfair to leave him alone on the road with a dead warrior in case he was needed to help his brothers. Despite being the youngest, he said that he was generally much more agile in a fight, if it actually came to that. After a further heated discussion, they agreed all three would go to the Sted and that out of respect for the dead warrior, he should come along too, so as not to feel left out. They rigged his cloak between two spears and dragged the body with them. Uthric went ahead moving silently through the gloom. For the first time they noticed there were no smoke from cooking fires and the gate was slightly ajar which they found unusual. Leaving the body at the bottom of the raised earthwork they moved up to the palisade and tried to see through a chink in the wood but to no avail. Moving quietly around the palisade to the Northgate, they attempted to see if there was anyone moving inside. It was then they noticed the smell of blood and death. Entering the gate all they found were bodies that were cut and dismembered. Some even looked as if they might have been tortured. There was no movement either of friend or enemy. They went carefully through the Sted to the Southgate which had been forced open and the wooden locking bar had been broken by an excessive force. The bodies of the two Gate Guards lay sprawled on the ground. Uthric examined their weapons and neither seemed to have any blood on them. It may have been possible they were surprised but that would not explain the broken gate as it would create a certain level of noise that even a sleeping guard might notice. They closed the gate and wedged it shut in the hope it would stop someone coming through. It was dark and they debated if they should light torches to search the compound thoroughly. A compromise was reached and they lit and used torches to complete a quick search but found nothing of merit and no living person. Even the dogs had been killed. They moved all the bodies they could find into one of the outbuildings until they could decide what to do with them in the morning. Next, they went to the Thane’s hall and agreed that if they lit the fire pit then they could heat food and have light to fight if they were attacked. They searched the Thane's sleeping quarters discovering that he was either very poor or someone had taken his strongbox. This caused further perplexment. They discussed what could possibly have happened. Uthric, who had some knowledge of British habits, did not believe that this was the kind of behaviour the Britons indulged themselves in. He did concede that he was basing his opinion on the British of Dumnonia, and after all, here in the north, they were called Wealsc and may be of different habits regarding killing people. But from what he had seen of them, he thought there was a similarity in looks with their more southern cousins. He could not however speak for their temperament without closer observation. Wulfhere wondered more realistically if Duna had enemies among the other Angle thanes and the deaths could be part of some blood feud but they had heard nothing of this kind of news in their travels. There were no solutions to their questions and they agreed that it would be futile to speculate more so they should turn to more practical issues and set watches. They would see what the morning brought. The night was quiet but the morning and light produced no immediate answers, just more questions. With the aid of the morning sun, they noticed strange, angular footprints both at the Southgate and throughout the Sted. They could not think what manner of shoe would make such tracks but Dunstan thought that it might be a giant. Wulfhere, although he admitted that he was not familiar with giants, thought it more likely a giant would step over the palisade instead of kicking the gate down. They did make a new discovery. Hiding underneath a threshing mat they found a young boy, Egfryd, who was frightened and scared and initially would not talk. He was eventually able to tell them that his father had hid him and told him to stay there until he came back to get him. Egfryd wanted to know where his father was. Wulfhere felt it was only right to show him and took him to the outhouse. The boy tried not to cry when he looked at his father’s mangled body. He was silent again and sat in the corner of the Thane's hut where everyone had repaired to try and think this through. Uthric asked him about his family but the boy just shook his head. With a bit of encouragement and gentleness, Uthric got him talking again. The boy's mother had died some years ago and he had come with his father to Dunasted in the hope they could get a farm, after they had defeated the Wealsc. Now his father was dead, he was alone in the world. Uthric was not known for being a particularly practical person but sometimes, by chance, he said the right things. He suggested that the boy should come home with the Brothers and Hildegard would be his new mother. The boy cheered up immensely. He did not remember his own mother and he felt this was a lucky day. He would have a new mother and asked Uthric questions about Hildegard. He also asked if this meant Uthric, Dunstan and Wulfhere would be his brothers. When Uthric confirmed that it would, Egfryd danced with joy. He had never had brothers before and it felt good to have a mother again. He also gave more information about the man who came to the Sted and killed everyone. Far from being a giant, in Egfryd’s opinion, the man was rather small, but had large feet and wore iron boots. He had laughed as he killed people with a big flashing spear. Uthric's face paled when he heard this and he knew that in some way this was connected to his father's death. He took Egfryd to meet his new brothers and tell them the news. Wulfhere and Dunstan were arguing about what they should do next, but quietened while Uthric introduced their new brother. Wulfhere was not best pleased. This new situation complicated matters. Wulfhere now had three younger brothers to look after. He was beginning to feel the weight of responsibility. Dunstan wanted to look at the gates again that the man had broken down to see if he could understand what had happened. Uthric noted the tracks left by the man with iron boots had come from and returned to the forest to the west. This started another argument that was to continue for some time. Uthric and Dunstan both felt that the iron-booted man was somehow responsible for their father's death and their priority was to their father and putting his ghost to rest. If this was true, the Brothers should definitely seek revenge against the iron-booted man. Wulfhere did not deny this. However, he felt the more urgent need was get help, deal with the bodies in the outhouse and explain to a Thane what had happened at Dunasted. He was not overly convinced that the Angles would believe that the Brothers were not somehow responsible for the deaths. They were, after all, strangers in this land. He believed the options were to either retrace their steps to Offa at Mershford or to go on to Grim's Dyke Burgh. They of course could not be sure that the iron-booted man had not attacked and destroyed either Burgh. Wulfhere's preference was to go back north to Offa as they knew him better and he had more warriors. He suggested that they could also send Egfryd at a run to Grim's Dyke to warn them. Uthric was angry at the suggestion and felt that Wulfhere was not looking after the best interests of their new brother. Dunstan, who was becoming confused about all the different proposals retorted that he was not the one who had adopted Egfryd and would not be responsible for him or his death. The boy looked crestfallen and began to cry. All three Brothers felt guilty and spent time reassuring the boy that he was now their brother and Hildegard would be delighted to have a new son who she could fuss over and make sweet cakes for him. They also told him that he would be a useful witness when it came to telling a Thane about events in Dunasted. Reassuring Egfryd had not resolved the matter at hand and when he was pacified and smiling again at the thought of honey coated cake, the central argument then continued. Wulfhere stated that their father had been dead for 2 years and a few more days would not matter. The priority was to their hosts, the Angles, who had shown them kindness and hospitality and this should be repaid with respect and honour, particularly in the funeral rites of the dead men in the outhouse. Dunstan and Uthric countered by reiterating that their goal was to put their father to rest, give their mother peace from her illness which, if it were to continue for much longer, was likely to bring her death and importantly, they should revenge their father if possible. Wulfhere thought Dunstan and Uthric were unfair in bringing their mother into the argument. She was only suffering nightmares and the worst that could happen was being grumpy from lack of sleep. The argument went on for several hours and was only ended by Egfryd who made the point that if his second mother died of her nightmares, he would never have the opportunity to taste her excellent honey cakes. As he had now set his heart on tasting these wonderful cakes, he felt that all the brothers should now take a vote on their future actions. Wulfhere lost the vote three to one and did a passable impression of Offa at his most grumpy. Uthric decided that he would follow the track of the iron-booted man into the forest and attempt to find out more about events. He was by far the best at tracking and moving stealthily through forests as he was quick to point out. Besides he said that they had now been arguing for hours with no-one giving any ground. At least if they had more information they might be able to make a better decision. Wulfhere pointed out that if he did not come back then at least he had found a new son for their mother to replace him and she wouldn't feel so bad about her loss. Dunstan thought Wulfhere had now surpassed Offa in grumpiness. Uthric followed the iron-boot tracks along a game trail until it led out into a clearing with a pool beside which sat a beautiful woman. Uthric, possibly for the first time in his life, felt unable to speak or move. It was the woman who broke the silence and asked him if he would not sit down and share his news with her. She told him that she did not get many visitors, or at least visitors that she liked and he was of pleasant appearance. Uthric was wary. He had been in many forests in his life but was yet to meet a beautiful woman alone and had not yet come to some kind of harm. He noted the faint greenish tinge in her blonde hair and overly long nails. He thought she might be a spirit of the forest or perhaps of the pool. He thought if she was going to kill him it was better to approach death fearlessly. Besides, it was unlikely that he would be able to escape now that he was so close to her. He wished that he had asked Wulfhere for Osberht’s gift before he had left. But it was too late now, this must be his Wyrd and if he were to die at her hand, it really was a beautiful hand. He might as well tell her why he was here and hope that she could help. When he told her that his name was Uthric Hrothgarson, she squealed in delight. She informed him that she had been friends with Hrothgar and he had been her friend, he had been kind and had offered to help her with her Tormentor. Uthric was lost for words for the second time in as many minutes. He had obviously not really known his father well if he had counted among his friends a Spirit of the Forest. This was news that perhaps his mother best not hear. The Forest Spirt told him she was known by many names but the one she liked best was the one his father used for her and that was Meire. Uthric told the Meire all about his vision and how he had travelled from the far south to find out what happened to his father and if possible to put him to rest. Meire said that she was more than willing to help and she could reveal where his father was and if he wanted he was welcome to talk to him. She motioned to two stone pillars at the far end of the pool which had a third pillar as a capstone. In the upright pillars there were niches in which were placed polished skulls. Uthric looked at the skulls, and in the topmost one something moved behind one of the eye sockets. A small snake crawled slowly around the inside of the skull. Meire informed Uthric that the snake was his father’s spirit and it was even possible to talk to him. She had valued his friendship and had done him a great honour by making him an Oracular Hero. Uthric asked a question and the snake moved in a rhythmic motion, gliding in and out of the eye sockets and mouth. He asked another question and the snake moved in another pattern. Meire told him that snakes were unable to speak lacking physical means to do so but that his father was answering Uthric’s questions. Uthric said he was unaware how to interpret the speech of moving snakes having had little opportunity to practice the skill. Meire conceded that she too had difficulty but was an expert in feeding the snake honey which it licked from her fingers. They sat in silence for a while. Uthric felt it best to explain the burial rites of the south Saxons which as far as he could remember did not include being an Oracular Hero and this was possibly the reason his father’s ghost was unhappy. Meire began to cry and said that she only thought she was being helpful to his father and wished now only to remedy the situation if that was within her power. Uthric found himself comforting Meire in her distress, putting her arm around her shoulder and stroking her hair. She asked that if she was able to help him, might it be possible that he could stay with her and keep her company. She conceded that she got very lonely on her own. Uthric felt that he might be able to live with that deal. Meire cheered up, she said hair stroking always had this effect on her and that he had been clever to know what she liked so early in their acquaintance. She also told him that she had his father’s war gear and the rest of his bones that she had polished when she had missed him over much. Uthric wondered if Meire was aware what had happened to his father and how he had come by his death and ended up as an Oracular Hero. Meire said that she would be delighted to tell him for though it still filled her with sadness that he had not succeeded it was also a source of pride that he had attempted it for her sake. Meire explained that she had a Tormentor, who, when he is bored comes to this place and washes his feet, sullying the purity of her pool. He also calls her names and tells her of all the people he killed, making her stop her ears and cry. He just laughs at her distress. Hrothgar was outraged by the Tormentor and offered to end his cruelty. He and his men hunted the Tormentor but the Tormentor is clever and also hunted his men. He struck unseen, killing five of them before they could strike back and escaping into the trees. He laughed and sang as he killed the men, stomping about in his heavy boots. Hrothgar was undeterred and eventually caught up with the Tormentor in a place where he could not turn and run. Hrothgar’s men formed a shield wall and advanced on the Tormentor. Two more men were killed and they found that their weapons were not hurting the Tormentor much. Hrothgar was undeterred and leapt on the Tormentor, pinning him down. He called on his two remaining men to help him give the Tormentor his death but instead of coming forward to help they ran off. I could not watch as Hrothgar was gradually overwhelmed by the Tormentor’s strength. No living man could have continued as long as Hrothgar did but at last he was overcome. I came back later and took Hrothgar’s body and brought it here. Uthric felt proud of his father. He said that he had one more question for Meire and asked what manner of creature she was. Meire looked surprised before saying that she was obviously a woman. Uthric found himself stroking her hair again. Some hours later he told Meire that he must go to his brothers and tell them the news but he would be back shortly. Uthric found all three of his brothers sitting discussing how long they should wait before assuming Uthric had met his death in the forest. Uthric said that obviously the Norns were having a day off and therefore contrary to his brothers’ pessimistic expectations he had returned and to improve on that news, he had also found his father. The three Brothers were impressed by Uthric’s news but still could not agree on what to do. Dunstan was worried about Uthric’s promise to stay with this woman, Meire, and suggested that maybe their newest brother, Egfryd, might improve his chances of living for a while longer if he were to stay with Meire, rather than Uthric. It was his opinion that they had yet to face more dangers and he felt it was important to protect their youngest brother from harm. The others were less convinced by his argument and said they were content to see what happened. Wulfhere reminded them that no one can escape their Wyrd. Eventually they persuaded Wulfhere that they should put their father to rest before, seeking help from Offa or at Grim’s Dyke Burgh. They gathered items from the Sted that they could put on their father’s pyre for his use in the afterlife. Uthric had told them that Meire had his war gear still so they only gathered food, clothes and some personal items they thought their father would like and would have good use for. Uthric retraced his steps to Meire’s pool without mishap and were greeted by the Forest Spirit warmly as all sons of the hero Hrothgar. Meire was particularly affectionate with Uthric and commented that she was glad to see him again, even if had only been a short space of time. Wulfhere thought Meire was very beautiful, even if she did have overly long nails and a faint greenish tinge to her skin. He felt that most men could overlook such faults. The Brothers constructed a pyre for their father’s bones and put the grave goods on it arranging them so that when he went to the afterlife he could reach them easily. Finally, Meire placed a golden torc and several armrings on Hrothgar so that he would not be embarrassed by his poverty in the Afterlife. The Brothers were impressed at her generosity of such a fine gift and commented that they were sure no warrior had gone to the afterlife with such riches. They watched solemnly long into the night as their father was consumed by the flames and finally went to Neorxanwang. In the morning they all scattered the ashes of the pyre and sat down to discuss what should happen next. Wulfhere explained to Meire that they had not yet decided on how to deal with Beorthric and Wilfrith and for that they needed to have their brother, Uthric present. He therefore would be unable to stay with her as he had a duty to perform. There was also, he continued, the Tormentor and the Brothers had yet to decide if they needed to seek revenge on him for their father’s death. Meire said that she was not surprised by Wulfhere’s comments. Men often made promises to woman for momentary gain and then broke them when it was convenient to do so. However, she said, she could forgive them in this instance for the matter of their father had, for the Brothers, outweighed other considerations. She had a compromise, however, which she felt could accommodate all views in this discussion. She would travel with the Brothers and leave her forest and pool behind. She may not be able to use a spear and might not be able to stand in a shield wall, but she had other skills that they may find useful from time to time. And so, it was agreed, by Uthric joyfully and Wulfhere reluctantly, that Meire would accompany them. Wulfhere was in a hurry to return to Dunasted for they had many other tasks to complete and time was passing. On reaching the edge of the forest, they noticed a number of things that were disconcerting. Firstly, there was snow on the ground which they thought was odd as it was just past Midsummer. Secondly, their hair and beards had grown longer and finally Egfryd’s clothes seemed to have shrunk. They could not make sense of this and suspected wiććecræft. They looked at Meire for answers but she merely said that she had often found that time passes and rather than suspecting wiććecræft, it was a normal thing for time to do. Wulfhere was not best pleased by her views. As they approached Dunasted they saw that the Sted was occupied and there were clearly cooking fires burning and armed men at the gates. They suspected that they were heading for trouble.

All Mostali are perversions. They need to grow up and embrace the fact that the world changes.. Their insistence on serial monotony is an abomination ... we need change and movement

The Brothers were discouraged. They looked around at the busy, bustling fortified village. Warriors were talking, drinking and gambling. Where are we asked Wulfhere and where is Grim's Dyke? The man grinned and motioned them to look to the northwest. See that dyke stretching into the distance? That’s Grim's Dyke. Built by giants long ago. There was a great earthwork that stretched to the northwest into the dusk. This is Grim’s Dyke Burgh. The Brothers were beginning to find Angle humour hard to take and if they had not been so tired, they might have started an argument. Uthric asked if Ealdorman Wiglaf was here and if so would he see three travellers? I think he might, replied the man, but not at present. This turned out to be another bit of Angle humour and when they complained that they came from a place where people talked plainly and not with riddles or sarcasm the man grew grumpy and told them that if they insisted on asking stupid questions, they would get stupid answers. Southerners have no sense of humour. The Thane in Grim's Dyke Burgh was Wictred and he was more approachable than the guard at the gate. He was interested that the Brothers had seen five Wealsc, as the Angles called the Britons. Wealsc means foreigners, which is a bit ingenious thought Wulfhere as the Britons lived here before either Angles or Saxons came to this land. Still it serves a purpose and gets us fired up against the Britons. Wictred praised Uthric and suggested he might be known as Eagle-eye. Often Wealsc scouts move through the countryside unseen. The first thing that a person knows that there are Wealsc around is when a spear suddenly sprouts from your chest. Wictred laughed at his own joke and added that it is also usually the last thing you notice too. When he had calmed down somewhat, Wictred gave the brothers more ale and asked them for their news. Wulfhere, as eldest, explained they had travelled from Portus Caester to talk with Wiglaf. Wictred commented that he wasn't sure where Portus Caester was, but he considered that the Brothers must have important business with Wiglaf to come into Mierce. But that discussion would have to wait a while longer, for unfortunately, Wiglaf had left and gone to Mershford before last Midsummer. He was using Mershford as a base to attack the Wealsc. Mershford was only two days travel on the Old Road, however he did not expect the brothers would meet Wiglaf there as it was summer and he would have taken his Warband north in search of plunder. The next day the brothers travelled to Danasted. They met a Warband on the way in a temporary encampment. The Warband had come off worst in a fight with the Wealsc and were recovering before moving on. Towards evening they arrived at Danasted which was a fortified camp and were given lodging and food after they had chopped wood and carried water to the communal kitchens. They left early in the morning eager to get to Mershford. On the way, Eagle-eyed Uthric again saw some men watching them. This time they were Angles, who waved at them from a distance, after reaching the conclusion the Brothers were not enemy troops. At Mershford, they learnt from Thane Offa that Wiglaf had returned to Mershford a moon ago but had returned to a city in the north called Ratae. Wiglaf had stormed the city last harvest time and was fortifying it. Offa counselled against going. The Wealsc are thick around here and if it is not urgent business with Wiglaf they should stay. The Brothers disagreed saying that the business could not wait for Wiglaf to return. Offa gave them hospitality but remarked that the Wealsc were likely to kill them and their business would be unfulfilled. Dunstan thanked him and said that he, for one, had other plans than to die at the hands of the Wealsc. The Brothers thought Offa a gloomy man and wondered how a gloomy man could brew such good ale. Ratae was five days travel north and they got directions when they bid farewell to Offa. The days travel took them to Tondbertsburgh, a fortified village that straddled the road and even had market stalls. Some of the buildings had been built by the old people. Particularly impressive was a temple and a place where you could have a bath. The Thane, Tondbert, would not see them and eventually they left his hall to find food and shelter. Tondbertsburgh was a meeting point where the Old people’s road met with another road that seemed to be made from white stone. It shone faintly in the moonlight. A man who had watched them look at it told them had been made by Thunor driving his goat driven cart to get to the Western sea. Uthric did not think it was impressive as the old people's stone roads even if it glowed in the moon and suggested Thunor might be better employed killing giants. The man laughed and asked if all Saxons held similar views about the gods? Wulfhere said that the Brothers thought for themselves and did not listen to wet nurses’ stories. During the next day’s travel, they saw a large Warband moving across their path in the distance going westwards. The Warband had mounted scouts or perhaps even some of the feared British Horse warriors. The horsemen rode closer but did not interfere. Uthric said they were Britons and what was odd is that woman and children were in the warband. They discussed the fact that the Angles might have killed so many British warriors that they now had to use children to fight. If this was indeed the case said Dunstan, Briton would soon belong to the Saxons and Angles. Even the Jutes could have some more land if children were involved in warfare said Wulfhere. The Brothers watched as the Warband moved on. They arrived at Pendaburgh shortly after dark and were only admitted when they had been closely questioned. Pendaburgh was an impressive fortification which had both ramparts and ditches. There were ruins of old people's homes outside the fortification and one of their burial grounds on a hill opposite. It looked as if someone had dug up the graves, no doubt looking for gold. They thought the old people had been clever builders but they obviously did not understand military defence as they had built so many of their homes outside the walls of the Burgh. No wonder that their houses were now burnt and they were no longer here. They gave news to the Thane Penda and asked for directions to Ratae which they were told was two days at a fast pace. Travelling the next day was hard. They met a Thane called Aelfryth and ten of his Carls coming from Ratae. The Thane told them to be careful as there were lots of Wealsc in the area. The Brothers said they had made it this far and as their luck was excellent they expected to reach Ratae without much problem but to be on the safe side they asked Aelfryth for his advice. Aelfryth told them the directions and when they got to the crossroads they should leave this road and travel east. They should reach Ratae by tomorrow night if all went well. That evening they reached the place where two of the old people's roads crossed. It was marked by a building that had a roof but no walls. On the roof was an orb and a cross. Dunstan wondered if the old people didn't feel the cold or perhaps their water heaters kept them warm. The other two had no opinion on the matter and were more concerned about having somewhere safe to sleep. The next day they took the new road that went to the northeast and at sunset reached the city of Rate. They were directed to Wiglaf's fort known as Caer Leonis. The old people's city, though still grand, was mostly deserted. but Wiglaf's halls were bustling with warriors. The fortifications were still being repaired and there were pieces of wood seemingly abandoned by the woodworkers everywhere. Wiglaf invited them into his hall to hear the news and their business. He welcomed them warmly when they told him they were Hrothgar's sons and cleared some of his Carls from the top benches to give them a place of honour. Wiglaf was saddened by their mother's dream. He had been fond of Hrothgar and had invited him to stay and make his home here. But Hrothgar had wanted to go back to Hildegard. Your mother must be very special for Hrothgar to leave me for her he laughed. Dunstan was told by a man sitting beside him that it was the first time the Ealdorman had laughed in days and that the Brothers should come more often. There had been a slave revolt a few days ago and all had escaped with a Wealsc princess called Ydwina. The warriors were glad she had gone as she caused strife among them and Wiglaf had lost interest in doing anything except being with her. The opinion of the warriors was that Ydwina was a sceadugenga and it was well she had gone. Wulfhere and Uthric, on hearing the story, told Wiglaf of the Wealsc warband they had seen and they had commented on the woman and children in the group. Wiglaf became excited and pressed the Brothers for information, particularly if there was a blonde-haired woman amongst the Warband. Wulfhere said he could not say for certain if there had been as his attention had been more focused on the Horse warriors that had ridden close. Uthric told Wiglaf he was known as Eagle-eye and was certain he had seen a woman of outstanding beauty with golden hair leading the woman and children. Wiglaf got more excited and knocked over his horn of ale calling for one of his Thanes and spent time in private conversation with him. The warriors seated near to Uthric gave him hard stares but he ignored them and told an amusing story of hunting rabbits When Wiglaf returned he apologised for being a poor host. He asked the Brothers their intentions and how he could be of help. Wulfhere asked about the message that Hrothgar delivered and could that have been the cause of treachery. Wiglaf said he would not think that was important. Aelle had wanted to know if Wiglaf would join him in an expedition. Wiglaf had replied by asking the King for his terms in the deal which he said meant no as he did not want to form an alliance with a Saxon king. Uthric then asked what had been his opinion of Beorthric and Wilfrith but Wiglaf said he had no opinion on either as he recalled neither of them. He did ask his Carls if anyone had anything to add and one said that Wilfrith had a gambling debt still outstanding to him. To much laughter, he asked if when the brothers met Wilfrith could they remind him of his debt before they killed him. Wulfhere promised this would be the case. Wiglaf took the brothers aside and heard the details of the vision. He was as perplexed as the Brothers and could not read what they meant. He did offer to let them talk to Isen, a laece, who was in Ratae at present. He also offered gifts for the brothers in recompense for their father’s death. He upbraided them for travelling north without any helmets. He thought that being so young they had not thought of the danger and they were perhaps of the opinion if they get hit on the head that it would cause no ill effects as they had perhaps not developed brains yet? However, whatever their opinion on helmets, he would remedy that they had none and, in his opinion, needed them. He also gave them fine silver arm rings. He asked them if they wanted to stay and fight but they declined saying that although he was a generous Lord, they must find out what happened to their father before they thought about their own futures. In the morning they met Isen. They were much the worse for wear having tried stupidly to match Wiglaf cup for cup of ale. Isen was blind. It was said that he had plucked out his eye to gain knowledge like Woden and then had lost the other eye to disease. He also had a servant who constantly whispered in his ear and made the Brothers uneasy. However, Isen’s blindness did not seem to trouble him, he moved with the surety of a sighted man. Isen laughed when the brothers told him of the vision and declined to help. He disparaged Wiglaf for telling them he would help and for being a fool in general. The Brothers were disappointed with the outcome as they were no further on in finding out what happened to Hrothgar. One bit of information that they did find was that Wiglaf had met Hrothgar at Mershford. He had never come so far north as Ratae. He had left Mershford and travelled South. Wiglaf was sending one of his Thanes and 20 men to Offa at Mershford to go after the escaping slaves and the Brothers gratefully accepted the offer to travel with the men.

Sadly...I just haven’t had time.. but I will Alex...I promise.. and post my comments Too much reading about other things ..and writing AS campaign.. reading stuff to try and look vaguely competent in RQG.. oh and I also work sometimes

The Brothers made their way home from Portus Caester. They were both excited but yet despondent. They could not interpret their visions put persisted in trying to fit it into what little facts they knew. They were beginning to think treachery was involved, a fact reinforced by the discovery that both Beorthric and Wilfrith had left Caedering during the night. Osberht had no knowledge on the subject. Carls, in general, were free to stay or leave as they please but generally they would have stated their reasons for going. Caedering was awash with rumours. No-one other than Osberht was aware of the Brother's business, so the rumours tended to be wild and the Brothers discounted them focused as they were on treachery. They discussed their visit to Stithwulf with Osberht in private. l am glad I do not have to deal with the spirit world remarked Osberht, the world we can see is hard enough. He grumbled about increasing British raids and his annoyance that Ealdorman Coelfrith, who had again refused him any support. He was unsure now he could keep his people safe and the loss of two more Housecarls may be critical. He suggested that the Housecarls disappearance was maybe not as sinister as the Brothers thought, but was more about wanting silver with another, more warlike, Thane. However, he did admit the timing was suspicious but none other than him knew of the reason for the Brothers trip to Pontus Caester. The Brothers discounted Osberht's views as they were more than convinced the two Housecarls had been involved in their father’s death. Indeed, between themselves, they were now using the word murder, or possibly secret murder, a more heinous and unacceptable crime. Osberht asked the brothers what they thought they should do and how he could help. Wulfhere believed treachery was involved and that the Housecarls were either actively complicit, or passively involved, and thus guilty of some misdemeanour. Wulfhere wondered if the betrayal was to do with the message that Hrothgar had taken to Wiglaf and asked Osberht if he knew its contents. Osberht said that although he was considered wise amongst the Thanes, it was not the custom of Aelle, or his sons, to seek advice from him and he would therefore be unable to help them with this. However, he did know was that Aelle's son, Wlencig, was friendly with Wiglaf. Wiglaf is an Angle Ealdorman who is in Mierce. Hrothgar had fought with Aelle's other son, Cissa, and had been prominent in the battle when Cissa took Cissa Caester from the British about five midsummers ago. Osberht was also aware that Hrothgar had wanted to take the message to Wiglaf saying he had wanted to see the wider world. Wulfhere proposed that the Brothers should travel to Aelle's Court and ask him for news and the content of the message. Osbert counselled against the idea. Aelle is a king he replied. He is not like a Thane where you can approach him in his Hall and it would be likely that the Brothers would be frustrated in this venture. Uthric thought it might be useful to talk to Wiglaf but wondered if he was not also part of the treachery because he was an Angle. Osbert was unsure. He felt that the answer lay in the North but could say nothing beyond that. The brothers agreed that they needed to travel north and discuss the situation more fully with Wiglaf however no-one knew how to get there. I have not travelled so far since I was a young boy said Osberht and even then, I did not travel to Mierce. I think there is an old people’s road that goes north from Cissa Caester. My advice therefore would be to travel to Cissa Caester and ask merchants how to travel to Lundenwic. At Lundenwic there are likely to be people who know Wiglaf, Ealdorman. Osbert was embarrassed by his poverty but he gave the Brothers all the advice he could and small gifts, new travelling cloaks, a spear each, an arm ring and some hack silver and finally some way bread and hard cheese. The brothers thanked him for his generosity and went to bid farewell to their mother. Dunstan thought it might be useful to ask Eadgyd about her views of the vision. Eadgyd was appalled by his words and offered two bits of advice. The brothers could take her sovereign remedy against nightmares and that they should leave spirits to laeces who were generally competent in these matters. She did not have a high impression of Stithwulf for exposing the Brothers to such danger. Dunstan found this advice both disappointing and unhelpful and told Eadgyd as much. The unintended consequence of Dunstan's talk with Eadgyd was that soon all of Caedering knew the Brothers were travelling north to seek their father. As a result, a large crowd had gathered to watch the Brothers leave. As a final parting gift, Osberht gave Wulfhere his amulet of Thunor's hammer. He explained it had always brought him luck and kept him safe from harm. He had a feeling the Brothers might need luck on their travels north. The Brothers set off for Cissa Caester arriving safely before nightfall. The town was bigger than Portus Caester, having been built by the old people. Many of the old buildings were still being used. Others bore scars of the war and were patched by inferior work. Dunstan was able to negotiate a room in a Merchants way station for the night. Unfortunately, at least 20 other people and their animals also slept in the room. Wulfhere thought that they may have been over-charged for the room, being taken as simple peasants but he let it go and did not blame Dunstan for his lack of aptitude in bargaining. In the morning, they asked the merchants if they anyone knew Wiglaf, an Angle Ealdorman. No-one did. Some knew Wiglaf who was a ship’s captain and others said they knew a farmer called Wiglaf but none knew any Angles in the vicinity, this being south Saxon lands. The Brothers bought some more food for the journey being unsure how long they needed to travel. A merchant took pity on them and told them not to mind those others. The best thing they could do is to travel to Lundenwic and ask there for Wiglaf. It is likely if he was an Ealdorman, then his own people would know where to find him. The Brothers thought this was good advice. The best way to get to Lundenwic continued the Merchant was to follow Stanstret, a road built by the old people that goes all the way to Lundenwic. If they kept up a good pace every day there was somewhere they could sleep each night. The Brothers thanked him for his opinion and remarked that they had been lucky to meet such a wise and far travelled merchant. It was likely, they thought, that the luck was from Osberht’s gift. Before they left Cissa Caster, Wulfhere visited an armourer. He had been concerned for some time that they may face danger on their journey and thought they should at least have a helmet each. Dunstan tried to negotiate with one of the sellers but realised that it would use up most of the money they had, without much in return. Wulfhere spent the first five hours of the journey cursing armorers and how they preyed upon poor villagers with their city ways and high costs. That night they camped in one of the wayhouses the merchant had told them about. It was already occupied by another group of merchants who at first eyed them warily but eventually admitted them to their company, sharing the fire and some ale. The merchants told them the name of the place was Hardhama, but no-one now lived here. Dunstan explored the building and discovered two pools of water in the back rooms of building. He crawled along a small opening into another room that had a rusty iron barrel. He had an idea that the barrel heated water and wanted to try it out. Uthric and Wulfhere asked him not to light any fires and rest instead. After bidding goodbye to the Merchants, they continued along the road reaching a fortification in the evening that they were told was Alfodan. They got a meal and were allowed to sleep in the outhouses providing they chopped some wood, which they gladly did. The next day was again uneventful with few travellers on the road. The next wayhouse was abandoned and had only one serviceable room with a roof, but was damp and cold, despite the fire. Their meal of unleavened bread and cheese did little to cheer them. Unsure where they actually were, they set watches but no-one disturbed their sleep. The next day it rained and, in the evening, they came to another wrecked and burnt wayhouse. Uthric pointed out to Dunstan that this is what happened when someone tried to heat water in the Old people's houses. Fire is dangerous, Dunstan, said Uthric solemnly. Dunstan said nothing in reply. Such was the problem of being the youngest brother. In late afternoon of the next day they saw smoke rising on the horizon and thought perhaps there was a War Band abroad and travelled more warily. But soon they began to meet other travellers with packs of goods on their backs, or pushing handcarts or even with carts pulled by oxen. Asking for information, they were told that this was almost Lundenwic, a fact confirmed when they could smell the cooking fires and stink of a large place where a great many people lived together. Soon they could see the large river and a massive bridge that allowed people to cross. There did not seem to be a ford and they stood in a queue while armed warriors checked what people had in their packs. This was the first time the Brothers had met Angles. They spoke the same language but both their dialect and accent were strange and they had to concentrate to understand what was being said. The Angles also wore their hair braided to one side, a fact the Brothers found hilarious but tried not to smirk in case a warrior should take offence. Wulfhere was unsure if they would come off best in such a quarrel. The Warriors were charging a toll to cross the bridge in the name of king Guercha, the Angle king, who obviously ruled in these parts now. However, when the guards found they had no goods they were allowed to cross unhindered. Dunstan only smirked once. Crossing the bridge they could see that the old city of Lundenwic had been sacked and partially burnt in the recent past. The walls still stood but there were no gates in the openings that they could see. Some of the buildings were still smoking but some seemed to be undamaged. The docks area appeared to be still in use and there was a crowd of ships, coming and going, loading and unloading goods. The main dwelling place was a collection of familiarly built houses to the right of the new city. Most of the inhabitants appeared to be warriors and there were few women or children. Crossing the river bought the Brothers into Mierce and it really looked like a foreign and alien country. Dunstan again negotiated a common room to sleep and some food for travelling. The others asked if anyone knew Ealdorman Wiglaf and where he could be found. Eventually, one of the merchants told them Wiglaf had a burgh at Grim's Dyke only one day’s travel north west and showed them how to get to the stone road that led there. They passed an uneasy night in Lundenwic. No-one seemed to sleep and they could hear the sounds of drinking and gambling. They arose early in the morning and checked again with local merchants about helmets only to find they cost more hack silver than they had left. Dispirited they set out. Dunstan cut off some cheese and a bit of hack silver to give to a beggar by the gate. The beggar, delighted by his new riches, confirmed that the road was indeed the one that went to Grim’s Dyke. After several hours travel, Wulfhere noted a silhouette of a man on a hill watching them. When the others turned to look, the man threw himself flat and they were unable to see where he went. Warily, they increased their pace to avoid any trouble. After another few hours they noticed two men travelling parallel to their course and a short time later the two became five. The five increased their pace and looked like they wanted to meet the Brothers. None of them looked like they wanted to pass the time of day and share some news. Mierce was still a disputed territory despite the Angle Burghs along the road, so the Brothers began to run, particularly when they noted the five had oblong shields. A footrace developed. Uthric and Wulfhere easily outpaced the pursuit, but Dunstan lagged behind having hurt his knee. Dunstan's inability to run any faster forced the other two to slow down and allow him to catch up. He was after all their baby brother and they knew Hildegard would be annoyed if he had been killed in a fight. To slow the enemy down, Uthric who could speak some British shouted at the pursuing men that he only wanted to marry their sister. The five were somewhat confused by his argument and dropped off the pace allowing the Brothers to reach the safety of a fortified settlement. They enquired if they had reached Grim’s Dyke but the man said no.

I've drawn my own... or get some pictures from the internet that meet requirements and then use a Whiteboard app to show it to the players, drawing on positions etc I also will engage my daughter to do some art for me...leastways she says she will Happy to help you out

I'm still researching and writing it Hierophant.. and I've got rather side-tracked with Anglo-saxons .. but I will get back to it soonish I am continuing to gather materials and ideas and I have lots of notebooks full of stuff .. some of the Þáttr blogs relate to stuff I've been thinking about When I actually type it I'm happy to share it with you and perhaps we can play test it.. and even if you want you want to think about some collaboration? we use Zoom for the games

Freiherr Johannes Pähler vor dem Holte stood and admired his ancestral lands. Beside him stood the taciturn young Franciscan, Brother Thomas, who had taken up residence in the Baronial home and was said to be planning to build a Franciscan Monastery. Vor dem Holte had recently returned from the Northern Crusade in Samerland following the death of his father, Freiherr Meinhard, at the hands of the Hanse. Freiherr Meinhard had been accused by the Hanse of banditry and murder of merchants. The Hanse armies had blockaded him in his castle and when he refused to surrender had stormed it and hung the old Baron like a common criminal. They had also requested his lands be forfeited to the dead merchants’ families. Fortunately, the Emperor had agreed with the younger Vor dem Holte and the lands were retained by the family. He now hated the Hanse with a passion and resolved to destroy those upstart merchants. Vor dem Holte had joined the Teutonic Order following the disastrous campaign of Komtur Heinrich Stango on the Vistula Lagoon which had left the pagan Sambians in control of the area once again. The new Grand Master, Poppo von Osterman, had petitioned Gregory IX and the subsequent Golden Bull of Rieti had legitimised the new Crusade. Across northern Germany, Denmark and Sweden, young nobles had heeded the call and among them was Juncker Johannes Pähler vor dem Holte. He made a name for himself joining with the Livonian Sword Brothers in pacifying the Curonian Lagoon area They had founded the new city of Memel on the ruins of the city the Sword Brothers had burnt and had then massacred the local population. This action stopped the Samogtians supporting their neighbours, the Sambians, and allowed the Order to pacify and convert any remaining living pagans. Vor dem Holte thought it was a good outcome. Vor dem Holte distinguished himself in the campaign, personally sending many pagan souls to hell just as he believed they deserved and making himself richer in the process. His reward, for his outstanding zeal, was to be sent on an embassy to Novgorod Veliky. It was there that Vor dem Holte first encountered the power of the Hanse and the insidious nature of their philosophy. He did not think it was proper or correct that these merchants were not ruled by nobles or princes. At the Kontor of Novgorod they had treated him as an equal and, unbelievably, they had even infected the people of Novgorod, who now had a Posadnik elected by the local assembly, the Veche. Thankfully the city was also jointly ruled by the Archbishop of Novgorod, who although of Orthodox persuasion, was a noble, and he could talk freely with him rather than the upstart commoners. Vor dem Holte failed in his mission to get military support from Novgorod but did not suffer any consequences from his superiors. It did not go equally well for the Posadnik and Veche of Novgorod. When Alexander Nevsky heard about the discussions, and in fear of Berke Kahn’s negative and possibly for him, fatal response, he punished the Posadnik and the leading members of the Veche by chopping off their noses and adding a third more ermine pelts to the tribute due to the Grand Duke of Vladimir. Berke Kahn was indeed pleased with the extra ermine furs. But all this was in the past and the Juncker had come back to be the Freiherr. His immediate plans were to revenge his father. He looked at the harvested fields with some satisfaction until he noticed at each corner of the field that stalks of rye had been tied together and left as some form of votary or shrine. He brought his discovery to the attention of the Franciscan who scowled in response and launched into a monologue about someone called Burchard of Worms who had warned all good Christians against witchcraft in his Canon Episcopi. And this, said Thomas, was Witchcraft. Vor dem Holte began to get a sore head and regretted his decision to involve the Friar. It was always this way when priests started going on about something or other. They could never be satisfied with how things are. They needed to find something to disagree with and then, to preach about it for longer than he cared to listen. He thought of maybe dismissing the Franciscan but he owed him a debt of gratitude for solving a problem that would certainly have led to a compromising situation both with his superiors and with a certain Posadnik. He had to act to stop this incessant noise in his head. Vor dem Holte shouted to one of his Sergeants, who were both keeping a safe distance from the noble and the friar and trying to amuse themselves by standing on homeless field mice, to bring him the local priest. Father Mathias was brought, have dragged, half stumbling in front of the Freiherr and the Friar. He was an older man, no doubt one of the peasants who had been ordained by his father to save money and keep the populace happy. It was unlikely that he could read Latin and probably mumbled the prayers thought Vor dem Holte. Vor dem Holte demanded to know the significance of the tied rye stalks and who had done it. The old priest tried to explain that it was a harmless country practice and was just a custom the villagers indulged in. As their priest, he ignored such minor sins, as he believed, did God. The Franciscan could take no more. He ranted and raved, spittle flying from his mouth as he screamed about pagans and witchcraft. The old priest flinched and whimpered as the two Sergeants held him upright. Vor dem Holte had had enough of the Priest, who was whimpering and the Friar who was raving. Beat him he said. He walked away as the sergeants beat the old man with their spear butts. The next day, Vor dem Holte sat bored in his hall drinking watered wine. His temper had not improved since yesterday. He had intended to go hunting but the sudden storm had put paid to that. He tried to engage one of the sergeants in a game of dice but the man, terrified of winning, had made sure he lost each game. Vor dem Holte was about to have the man beaten to toughen him up but decided it might not be good for morale in general. A better idea was that he would use the time to get his new set of clothes fitted properly, the shirt was not right and the hose was too loose. He called for his tailor but was interrupted by one of the guards saying that there was a man wishing to speak with him. Vor dem Holte looked at the man approaching him. He was small and oddly wrinkled. Remarkably, he was not wet from the increasingly heavy rain that was beating on the shutters. The wrinkled man swept his hat off and proceeded to advise Vor dem Holte that, for his own safety, he must replace the rye stalks at the corner of the fields. It was Vor dem Holte's turn to rage and rant about commoners coming to tell him what he should do and attempting to bully him. He demanded to know who the man was and threatened to have him evicted from his no-doubt festering hovel on the estate. The wrinkled man just smiled and said his name was Eckhart, sometimes called the faithful, and that he was a servant of someone he referred to as Frau Holda who sometimes was also known as Percht mit der eisen Nase. He therefore did not need evicting if the Freiherr should please, but he must with utmost haste replace the rye stalks. Vor dem Holte replied he knew no one called Frau Holda and even if he did he would not be menaced in his own home. He took a cudgel from the wall and began beating Eckhart. When he had vented his anger and was somewhat calmed, he ordered the sergeants to chain Eckhart in the cellar to await execution tomorrow. And if they found this Frau Holda, chain her up too. Later that night the storm intensified. The old Priest, Father Mathias stood in the door of his small house watching the clouds race across the sky, wincing slightly from the bruises on his body. He could hear the howl of hounds and knew the Hunt was abroad. Fearful that he would be caught up in their wake, he turned to go inside and bolt the door, as most of his sensible parishioners had done. The movement in the sky caught his eye and he could not help himself looking at the Hunt which was outlined against the full moon. To his horror he saw two figures followed the Hunt, one a tall man and another wearing the robes of a friar. He crossed himself and bolted the door. In the morning the sergeants were surprised that Eckhart had escaped his chains. Fearful, they went to tell their Lord but he could not be found either. His bed had not been slept in. Thankfully that dreadful Franciscan had disappeared too.

I was only interested in letting people know the etymology of Lust and the pre-15th Century meaning and how its used in modern German .. if some want to use the modern meaning, that's fine with me 🤪Particularly, since some people found the interpretation very narrow and limiting in terms of role-play I just don't have time for that with running a Saxon Campaign and CoC and none of my existing group would be that interested even if I was But I agree with Greg's quote... just have fun

That’s true, Ian... I had failed to remember cows don’t have hands... and I’ve noticed another flaw in Alex’s argument.. Do the cows have their tails extended? Or flat against their bottoms? And what about the floppy bit at the end of the tail? Is that counted too? I’ve just tried to balance my cow on it’s tail and it is now in a very mad mood so evidentially that doesn’t work either As for maths...we Irish have always been into creative accounting

Ach..this is how it works... I always stacked them, one on top of the other, but could never get over 5 high before they fell over

I don’t play KAP so feel free to ignore this comment but I did think it was useful to point out that the etymology of Lust. It was only from the 15th Century that lust has been associated with its current meaning of (sinful) sexual desire or as certain monks wrote ‘degrading animal passion’. And to be fair to the Christian church they usually did qualify lust with ‘Lust of the Flesh’. It is only since it acquired its modern meaning that we use a short-hand version of lust or lustful to signify sexual desire Old Germanic languages translate Lust as desire, appetite, pleasure and sensuousness, which has a wider meaning than just being randy all the time. Even modern German uses Lust as meaning delight, desire, zest, notion, appetite so when I say to my partner .. Ich habe Lust für Kaffee... does not mean I want to have a carnal relationship with coffee. (I’ve tried...it gets very messy and provokes strange looks.) In Middle English, Lust meant ‘any source of pleasure or delight’ or ‘an appetite’ or ‘liking of a person’ and ‘fertility of the soil’. So, in my view, lustful can be seen as passionate as opposed to holding any heightened emotions in check (including heightened sexual emotion). Being lustful in my opinion needs to be qualified as to the type of lust I would also refer you to St Iggy of Pop and his Castle, Lust for Life

How many cows wide and how many cows tall? (We Irish still work in cow measurement and never got into this new fangled metre system) But I agree absolutely with what you said and am reminded of the most spectacular building I have ever been in, The Pantheon, which even two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. If those skills had not been lost and there had been a continuous development and improvement of engineering and construction techniques allied with magical abilities there is no reason why the towers should not be taller than in the real world... I’ll now go back to more mundane things of planning how a small band of brothers walk from the Saxon Shore to Ratae without being murdered, plundered or discombobulated

That would be maybe on the tall side.. This is a picture I took in San Gimignano and I think I remember the towers being only just over 50m tall.. that said if you're standing below they look massive They have a very narrow base and I'm not sure that they could support a greater height. I did once see a document in Trinity Library, Dublin that gave instructions about how to build a Round Tower (the Monastic type ones to stop nasty northern peoples stealing illuminated manuscripts and using them to wipe their bottoms with). The height- width ratio was measured in cows. Therefore if your round tower was going to be 10 cows high it had to have a base of 3 cows wide. My rather fertile imagination still wonders how you balance cows on top of one another to ensure you only build 10 cows high rather than 11 cows and have it fall over.

In the third year of King Aelle's reign, on the first day of Solmonath, three brothers woke early to help their mother prepare the cakes that marked the end of winter. The three brothers known as Hrothgarsons and were well liked and thought of in the village of Caedering. Their mother Hildegard had told often them that they were descended from Thunor but Uthric, the middle brother, scoffed at this idea. How can I be descended from Thunor? I don't have red hair or carry a hammer. I don't like goats except for the excellent goat stew you make and I certainly would not hitch them to a cart. They all laughed but Dunstan, the younger brother, thought it might be unlucky to make fun of the gods. They were good natured, likeable boys and the neighbours said they would make fine young men like their father. Their father, Hrothgar, had led a force north to deliver a message to Ealdorman Wiglaf of Mierce but never returned. Only two housecarls came back, Beorthric and Wilfrith. They had said that Hrothgar had stayed behind to fight a pursing enemy to allow the others to escape. Caedering was an inconspicuous settlement on the borders of Aelle's land and ruled over by a Thane, Osberht. Osberht was mostly unremarkable and had no outstanding talents, but was good at most things. He brought peace and prosperity to the people who owed him allegiance. He was not too proud to help with the harvest or go looking for the farmer’s lost cow. His Carls grumbled about a lack of glory but the women were glad that they could bring up their children in peace. And so, this was how matters stood. The brothers made their living by hunting, bartering what they did not need for goods their mother needed. It was on one such trip that the younger brother Dunstan asked his brothers if they thought their mother was ill. We have not noticed said the others, but now you have mentioned it we will pay greater attention. Returning home after the days hunting they asked their mother if she was ill but she denied it and ruffled their hair and told them it was a pity their father could not see them now. And so, the days passed and Hildegard seem to grow older and more tired before their eyes. Wulfhere, the eldest, again confronted Hildegard asking what was wrong. With a great sigh she told them that after Yule she had been having dreams of their father. He comes to me at night, He has wounds in his head and on his body and a large death wound in his chest. He speaks but l cannot hear. The brothers were perturbed but tried to console their mother. Uthric brewed a sleep potion by boiling herbs that he gathered. When that didn’t work they tried to keep guard on her at night but the dream always came. Why is it our father has not gone to Neorxanwang, the Fields of Contentment, they asked each other. Eventually they agreed they would seek guidance from Osberht. The Thane was dismayed at their news and asked for Beorthric and Wilfrith to recount what they knew of Hrothgar's death. It was the first time the brothers had heard from the Carls and what they heard perturbed them. They had a sense of unease about the story and felt that both men might be holding back information. Wulfhere challenged the men but they added little to the story of Hrothgar's death or their part in it. Osberht took them aside afterwards and offered to pay the price of the fee for a laece to enquire of the spirits what the truth of the matter was. My advice said 0sbehrt is to ask Aelfwith with when he comes to the Eostre festival. The brothers were content with Osberht's words and counsel but were concerned at their mother’s plight. Uthric bartered a wild pig head for a potion of Nightshade from Eadgyd who was expert in making potions. The potion brought relief to Hildegard but it turned her nails black. She thought it was a small price to pay. At dusk before the Full moon, the village lit bonfires to celebrate the goddess’ return and in the morning Aelfwith came. There were lots of travelling merchants and peddlers who brought news from the South or further away in the East. Chief among the news was that Cerdic, Ealdorman was gathering an army to attack the British. Eadgyd told everyone she was disgusted by kings and nobles. They were forever declaring wars and disturbing the peace. However no-one paid attention to Eadgyd unless they needed a potion for toothache or help with the berthing of babies. The brothers approach Aelfwith with their bargain. I see no benefit in this for you replied Aelfwith. The risk for you is that the spirits might keep your souls and your body would be vacant until it withered. But for me the risk is greater and I fear that not only would my soul remain sundered from my body but it would be tortured by the unfriendly spirits Aelfwith would not be convinced by the brothers speeches, not even when they offered him the silver arm ring. Osberht’s arm ring is poor recompense if I cannot spend it. The brothers were discouraged by Aelfwith’s words but he told them of another laece, Stithwulf who was presently in Portus Caester. The brothers resolved to ask Osberht for leave to travel and seek out Stithwulf. He gave them a second silver arm ring as he thought they might require extra money. The journey to Portus Caester was uneventful and they followed the level road made by people long ago. They found Portus Caester a marvellous place seeing for the first-time houses that had upper floors and steps that went upwards without the need for ladders. Most exciting of all was the harbour with boats which came from faraway places. They found Stithwulf in a tavern drinking ale and told him of the bargain they wanted to make. Stithwulf made the brothers nervous. He had a habit of not replying directly to questions but often waited. He eventually agreed that he would take the brothers hunting tonight and they would see what became of it. Confident that if this was a trial, they could easily pass it, being accomplished hunters. When Stithwulf told them they would be hunting dangerous plants at midnight, they were perplexed but did not question what they were asked to do. Hunting plants is dangerous said Stith wolf and you must sneak up on the plant, overcome its willpower and then gently remove it from the ground, taking care not to damage the root. The brothers did find that hunting plants is much more dangerous than wild boars and Wulfhere suffered greatly before he had got the required Monkshood and Wormwood. They were tired following the hunt but got no rest as Stithwulf needed their help to build a spirit tent. Dunstan was most helpful as he had been formerly an advisor to Osberht in building withies to keep the sheep paddocked for sheering, Uthric gave up as no matter what he built fell down. Stithwulf at Uthric to build a fire pit instead. A task he accomplished with some style. The brothers were then set tasks to prepare their plants for the coming travel to the land of spirits. The spirit tent was hot and stuffy and they found breathing difficult. Stithwulf gave them each a horn of drink made from the harvested plants. To their horror they began to see spirits gather in the corners of the tent. Spider spirits came first, then bird spirits and finally larger animals. Stithwulf warned them not to move and to not pay attention to the spirits who would not harm them if they were ignored. The spirits had come to watch the laece. Then the visions started .. You are standing in a forest at night. The wind rises suddenly and in a short time it roars through the trees tearing off leaves and branches. You hear howls of dogs or wolves getting closer. The sound of horse’s hooves beat the ground. Horsemen and hounds sweep past you and you are dragged after them in their wake. You travel fast over hills and down into valleys, through forests in what you think is a northerly direction and slowly you are left behind as the riders increase their speed and disappear... In a valley there are two armies fighting. The Shield Walls clash, men shout, heave and die, screaming and shouting. You see the ghosts of the dead looking bemused and you are carried through the air by a violent storm. Thunder crashes close, deafening you and lightning blinds your eyes with its brilliance… ..to be set down in a dark forest. A huge wolf with red eyes comes into the glade where you stand and asks you what you want. Before you can answer you are flying through the air again.. You look down at your arms and they have turned into wings. When you look around you are in the middle of a flock of geese. Suddenly an arrow hits your chest and you fall, tumbling over and over, hitting the ground with a loud sickening smack.. You land by a forest pool and a woman asks you if she can take the arrow from your chest. Before you can answer she pulls the shaft and you feel a searing pain. From the wound maggots and insects flow out and start eating your legs and arms reducing them to bones You collapse and sink into the earth, falling and tumbling a great distance that seems like hours.. ..landing on a shore covered in bones. It is dark and the waves crash onto the shore of bones. In the distance you hear a noise as if something monstrous is moving. it seems to be getting closer and the sound of screaming gets louder. A vast shape moves towards you with gleaming eyes and sharp long teeth. Unable to move as the creature lunges at you, swallowing you. It is dark and the stench is unbearable.. it is death… and you move forward, feeling a rocky ground. Water trickles from somewhere and there is a faint light ahead. Slowly you make your way in the darkness towards the light. As you turn a bend the light floods in blinding you momentarily… ..focus returns and you see a red hat in front of you. You put it on and feel that it is wet. When you look at your hands they run red with blood. Two men walk towards you and laugh. They seem familiar but you cannot recall their names or focus on their faces when you try. They seem to be telling you something but you don't hear words. They spit at you and make a sign against evil. You pick up a piece of wood and there are runes carved on it. You look at the runes and as you stare the runes enlarge and glow. You can only see the runes and you fall or are absorbed by them. You awake in a forest, there is a pool. A woman looks at you and you feel movement. A snake comes out of your mouth and talks to the woman. She nods and gives the snake some bread dipped in honey. The snake crawls back into your mouth and you feel it move against your skull… You are moving again, flying through the air. flying south past forests and a settlement on a hill, past a forest, past your village and into your hut… You open your eyes. Your body is weak and sore. It’s difficult to move. You have bruises and cuts over your body.. a healed arrow wound in your chest Panting and exhausted they looked to Stithwulf to understand what they had seen but he just shook his head and said he had no power to interpret what had happened. What you have seen may be from the past, the present or the future. If it is the future you will know what it means when it happens. He took the largest of Osberht's silver arm rings as payment.

We used to do that in Ireland...never works out..

Seems more than started... thats already a major work.. and will be very detailed If you want to flesh it out a bit more I'm sure we can get a collaboration to help

Three coffees later, a few sidetracks and reading the news ...I've come up with this as a first draft of Random Encounters I intend to roll the encounters before hand as they might take a large part up of play tonight.. This is for my Anglo-Saxon Chronicle but hopefully others will find it useful to adapt to whatever they need. I think peoples views were that it would be good to have a Glorantha region specific so will need lots more work Hope that's helpful Random Encounters ASC.docx

Looking forward to that.. Mein Deutsch ist ausreichend aber meine Grammatik ist schrecklich...

I'm just writing Random Encounters for my upcoming Anglo-Saxon Chronicle campaign and got to the point of 'Small Game'.. and while musing on what small game might be ...I thought...rabbits!!... which brings more thoughts ..'Is this all I can come up with in the category small game?.. and..What about the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog?' (Probably the connection is that I just perused The Adventures of the Great Hunt). My players will need to employ the services of a Læce to solve the mystery of their dead father and suffer a rather unsettling discorporation induced by being in a chemically altered state ... do you think I should also include a Quest for the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch in the Discorporation scene? It might be useful if the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog turns up as a Random Encounter. Of course, finding the Holy Hand Grenade will be the easy part, getting the instructions is another matter. "First shalt thou take out the Holy Pin. Then shalt thou count to three, no more, no less. Three shall be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, neither count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out. Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it." This is a long rambling discourse is to point out the actual difficulties of actually formulating Encounter Charts and the ease one has of being distracted by erroneous (but sometimes humorous) thoughts from the tedious task of Encounters.. I think we should all help Manimati with the task.. or else he might suffer distraction by inconsequential thoughts

For more difficult manoeuvres, you could balance D20s and for near impossible manoeuvres balance D4s. There's a double jeopardy..you might fail your roll (having been very high and used all your D20s to replicate it and be unable to roll, thus failing) or the dice might collapse triggering an automatic failure... seems a good solution to me I have a pirate copy brought in by some dodgy Lunar merchants