8/24/13 – A recap by Minie Mo

After the visit to the Shire of Lorenia the citizens of the Shire of Harbour of Rhye were filled with good humor. It was decided that a celebration should be had!

 The beauteous Regent Luna announced
an Arts & Sciences tournament to be held
so craftsmen could display their ingenuity. 

  

Champion Nocturnus proclaimed
a War Tournament so the warriors
may display their prowess. 

People from all corners of the shire came forth to celebrate. Hearing that Aldfalric would be serving his famous Short Mead, representatives from neighboring Helstroms Hollow trekked across the lands to join in the festivities.

Orrochi won the Arts & Sciences tournament for his skillful chain & scale maille craftsmanship. 

Dragon Puncher won the War Tournament, even besting the mighty Rath (a rarity for sure). 

Aldfalric and the Giant Deraxel traded battle stories . . .

 A drunken Dragon Puncher joined Cow Kicker and Orrochi in song . . .

... before passing out.

 
Unbeknownst to the good people of the Shire, the Smurfy Gnome heard of the festivities. His rotted heart began plotting an evil scheme. He tried enticing Ratholos, the Bar Bar, “Honestly, I can get you a good deal on travel arrangements to the Shire and a decent Inn.”

 When that did not work the Smurfy Gnome convinced a tribe of goblins to attack the Shire. They summoned the dark Specter to distract the people while they surrounded the village. The dark Specter slowly glided across the cloudless sky sneaking up on the unsuspecting populace.





Once spotted the Specter randomly shot blue black lighting from its tentacles. The people ran for cover. Buildings burned from the strikes and the ground exploded. The goblins burst from their hiding places and attacked. Everywhere they turned the villagers were besieged.

The valiant warriors battled the goblins while the casters focused on the Specter. A handful of warriors, including Champion Nocturnus and Sheriff Garret Thornwood, guided the women and children away from the village. It was paramount for Nocturnus to keep Regent Luna safe as she was pregnant with his child. But where could they all be safe? Sheriff Thornwood new exactly where but that in itself would be a tricky thing as well.
With some coaxing and motivational speaking, Regent Luna kept the small group moving until they reached their destination. With trepidation Sheriff Thornwood and Champion Nocturnus approached the lair of Ursunid the Bear. Although he owed them nothing they would ask him to protect the women and children while they dealt with this latest threat.
Ratholos explained that he believed the Smurfy Gnome was behind it all. With warriors doing battle in the village, this small group would hunt down the elusive Smurfy Gnome and put an end to this once and for all. But the bear would not relent. He was no baby sitter; he was meant for battle.


Across the clearing Ursunid the Bear spotted the very pregnant Regent Luna place a hand on her back as she leaned over to comfort a crying child, the barest hint of discomfort on her face. Behind her, knowing glances were exchanged between Uni, Lady Pheonix, and Minie Mo. They were running out of time. Ursunid the Bear’s heart softened. “Go and hunt down this vile Smurfy Gnome and put an end to his machinations. I will protect those dearest to you. None shall pass.”
The small group hurried back to the village. The Smurfy Gnome had to be nearby. At the village the battle continued to rage but was turning in their favor. The Smurfy Gnome could see his plans falling apart. Satisfied with the current state of calamity he decided to retreat. The small group spotted him and gave chase.
Through the woods to the shore line did they chase the Smurfy Gnome until he was finally surrounded by the group. “Would you rather dispatch me or save that which you hold most dear,” proclaimed the gnome. From within his robes the gnome pulls out a black orb. Its smoky interior churned until the image of Regent Luna’s pained face came into focus. With the women huddled around her she wailed in agony.
The Smurfy Gnome hurled the orb into the air where it was enveloped by the dark Specter. The group stood stunned as the Specter turned inland and flew away. As one the entire group turned and raced through the woods. The Specter was flying towards the lair of Ursunid the Bear. “None shall pass,” was what the bear had said but could he defeat the Specter? Shiyotso Twilight Bakku used his vampire/werewolf speed to try and reach the lair and warn the bear.
Panic stricken, the group reached the lair to find Shiyotso’s broken body smashed against a bolder. Ursunid the Bear was grappling with the dark Specter at the entrance. “NONE SHALL PASS!”  Regent Luna’s agonizing screams could be heard from within.
Frantically, Nocturnus uses his druid spells to contain the Specter now that some of its tentacles were touching the earth. Sheriff Thornwood and the other warriors battled with the other tentacles. Minie Mo races from within the lair with one of the Bear’s bejeweled clubs. With two hands she raises the club to strike at the Specter. Her battle cry is cut short as the Specter's blue black lightning strikes her. She’s thrown back several feet and about to hit the rock wall when Shiyotso miraculously catches her.
The spell's complete, the Specter is encased in the trunk of an oak tree which grew around it as the battle took place.

The group gathers around Shiyotso as he places Minie Mo on the ground. “We thought you were dead,” inquires Sheriff Thornwood.
“I’m part vampire. I was already dead. Just needed some time for my bones to mend is all,” replies Shiyotso with a sheepish grin.
“I’m going to go hunt down that Smurfy Gnome. I’ll be away for a while. He has lots of hiding places.” And with that he was gone.

A moan escapes Mine Mo. “Foolish old woman,” declares Ursunid the Bear. “What were you thinking? Battle is a man’s job.”
“Our kingdom has women as fierce as any man in battle. Though my battlefield days are far behind me, I still hold an amazon’s heart. And who are you calling old woman?” Minie Mo’s response brings forth a chuckle of relief from those gathered until she opens her eyes. Her eyes have turned the blue black of the Specter's lightning. “I cannot see,” she proclaims.
A noise at the lair’s entrance causes everyone to jump. With the aid of her ladies, Regent Luna staggers forward. “Champion Nocturnus, you are late. I hope you do not teach your offspring such ill manners. Allow me to present to you your daughter.” Lady Pheonix steps forward with a baby swaddled in her arms. Flanked by Sheriff Thornwood, Nocturnus gazes at the precious newborn. “And your other daughter,” declares Regent Luna.” Dumbstruck, jaw open, Nocturnus looks up to behold Uni stepping forward also with a baby swaddled in her arms.
Sheriff Thornwood starts to laugh and smacks Nocturnus on the back. They look at each other and everyone starts laughing. They each take a baby from the ladies and walk off making little baby noises to the girls. The ladies look at the men and then at each other and declare, “Men, how simple they are.”

And that night, the citizens of the Harbour of Rhye gathered to drink a toast to Champion Nocturnus and Regent Luna on the birth of their twin girls.

A bottle of Aldfalric’s Short Mead was set aside for Shiyotso’s impending return.

Long life and safe travels.