Game 2: Folly and Obligation – 7/12/2023
A shiver ran down Kolbus’ spine as he reflected the events of the last couple of days. A public execution,
nearly becoming an adventurer, and facing off with an unknown group of street toughs, all things he
would rather not be a part of.
Public executions always were an odd mix of stoic righteousness quoting some law or rule of state or
religion paired with an unusual voyeuristic need of the mob to see something they would never wish to
be a part of. This time there was less choice as the town seemed encouraged to gather by the local
constabulary in order to witness the event. Fire, green fire, didn’t seem any better way to go than a
simple noose or an executioner’s axe. Seemed slower and more drawn out in fact. Kolbus hoped never
to find out.
The person recruiting for ‘help’ to explore some old ruins in the woods seemed a bit out of sorts in these
parts. Good coin and glory were the rewards. Not bad rewards, but that all sounded like adventuring.
And adventuring stacked up bodies faster than the plague. Kolbus couldn’t even imagine the stories he’d
heard of adventurers being in a place like this. Magic, or the King’s Folly as they called it here, was nearly
unheard of and he hadn’t seen much in the way of the faith healing either. While somewhat rare in the
circles he had traveled outside the country, he knew it existed. Many adventurers relied on some bit of
spell casting to help them sort out the truly unusual creatures the found in dark forests and forgotten
ruins. Perhaps without magic in the lands, such creatures were also as rare. But, a bear or a venomous
snake could end your life just as easily as some man sized bat looking to drink your blood. Nature did not
suffer fools.
And now, the Grinners. Another day and another faction coming to light. At least there was now a lead
that might lead them to the Clippers, but it was likely to require some subterfuge if not some downright
violence. It seemed that the small band he had joined was stacking up obligation after obligation. They’d
have to be careful not to have to many of their debts called in at once. The last one had ended him jailed
and enslaved. Some of these obligations might have a grimmer fate than that if not upheld. Kolbus owed
a man named Henry a conversation. Maybe he’d do that first and see if it helped connect any of the
threads they’d found so far.
: A Letter Home :
My dearest love,
It has been an exciting few days and it looks like there may be some more excitement ahead. Silverbrook
continues to reveal more of her particulars to me. There is a fine noble quarter here within the city,
where the local lord, Edmund Harrington, makes his home. Stonehaven Castle it is called. While quite a
pretty sight, I have yet to make my way across the Silverstream to see it up close.
I did venture into the local plaza to see a bit of the land’s justice being upheld. A proclaimed practitioner
of the arts was sentenced to capital punishment. The mayor, Aldric Hawthorne, said a few words to the
crowd to start off the trial, but it was clergyman of the Six Pillars, Brother Isaac, that delivered the
sentence calling on his divine powers. After the event, the townsfolk celebrated the justice being carried
out with no little revelry. Food and drink were shared about as relief flooded the crowd.
And speaking of revelry, another event is scheduled for just under a week’s time. A ceremony of
cleansing light and fire to drive off filth and ward off vermin is to be held. I think I shall take the event in
as a rest from my labors. It sounds like many from the quaint district I inhabit will be there. It should be
a lively time. I shall tell you all about it in letters to come.
Fair thee well, my love.
Yours truly,
Kolbus