_Up until now, Victory Badges (and the Hero Award) have been relegated to 'homemade only' status.  See the Make It page for a few examples.  Still, sometimes it's fun just to see what some of the more object-oriented components would look like if they could be printed out rather than hand made - by the way, 3D printing technology (if you haven't guessed) is on the cusp of changing the indie board game industry in fairly profound ways...but that's a topic for another day.

In the meantime, here's a 2D version of what we think the Victory Badges ought to look like.  They're in the usual PDF format; although, probably not as fun to use as thicker/heavier homemade versions.   Note: click on the images to download

_And for those who don't have access to a color printer, or would rather color their own, here's a grayscale version.

_Oh, one quick thing.  One of our Hauflin friends just mentioned that if you print out two copies on thick paper and then glue them back-to-back, they work pretty well.  Another friend added that gluing both sides to a piece of intermediate material, such as cardboard or foam board, would make them good and thick (and of course much more fun to pass around).  Enjoy!

Hello all.  Three days ago Lisa and I quietly pushed out an update, which was primarily intended to tighten down a few squiggles.  As with all incremental updates nothing fundamental to the core game or gameplay has changed...Probably the most noticeable adjustment in this release will be found in the subtle re-balancing of two character classes - Dwarves and Malornians.  One of the principal design goals has always been to have a fairly balanced set of playable classes, with the understanding that each possessed certain...inherent advantages.  Our feeling has been however that Dwarves and Malornians in particular didn't derive enough benefit from merely higher starting health; thus there was room for a slight modification.  Even with this change, I'd like to note that the same overall dynamic (between the various character classes) remains.  For example, it will always be true that Elves by nature may have a tendency to excel in larger group games, whereas, Hauflins (who haven't yet acquired a good permanent Mount) will find earning the Hero Award a tad greater challenge.  The disparity is so subtle most players probably wouldn't notice it.  None-the-less, we remain comfortable knowing that younger, less experienced players may benefit from starting with an Elf character, whereas experienced players will find a somewhat greater challenge in playing a Hauflin.  The adjustment to Dwarves and Malornians merely brings them in greater parity with the others ~especially as it relates to the Fighting Guild.

But enough with the design-talk gibberish.  Let's get on with the Release Notes.  Here they are, for the latest Ruleset 1.0.4:

- Upgraded Dwarf and Malornian character classes with fortitude hit counters
  See: Health Tracker and section of Game Manual on Health Trackers

- Items deck, Changed Protective Gear to single-use items

- Companions deck, Changed "Ned the Pirate" to "Charlotte de Pirate"
  Added four more Treasure Hunters

- Opponents deck,
  Downgraded 'Figly the Guard,' 'Group of Grunchies' and 'One-Legged Pete' to d6
  Downgraded 'Armlann the Metalsmith' and 'Arvatheryn the Ranger' to a d8
  Replaced 'Larn the Legendary Hero' (d12) with 'Perfidious Lurch' (d8)

- Adventure Cards, Fairies no longer send the group backwards

- Dungeon Cards, Trap Doors no longer send the group backwards

Hello everyone.  Just a quick note to say that I'm thinking about you, and hoping that your Christmas season is staying pleasant (and stress free).  Seems many of you have wandered over from YouTube, which is nice.  Welcome.  Are you new to board games?  RPGs?  Craft projects?  Heroes of Feonora is somewhat like an introduction to all three.  You spend some time putting the game together, and then the first time you play it the game will teach you how to play as you go along.  Just take it nice and slow, realize that the first play-through is more about getting familiar with things, and enjoy learning each of the various mini-games that comprise the greater whole.  Most of all, don't forget to roleplay those characters and really bring them to life for the other players.  For that is the secret ingredient that makes a game like this special...and memorable.

Who knows, maybe one day we'll get a chance to meet some of you.

When we started work on Heroes of Feonora back in 2007 the most immediate goal was putting something together that was functional and playable...a working prototype.  This meant that luxury ingredients such as eye-catching artwork was not a high priority (nor should it be at this stage as most game designers will tell you).  There eventually came a point where some degree of artwork became a necessity, such as with the main game board and the Story Maps.  At this point we turned to our own (less than spectacular) abilities and the open source artwork community.  With more essential elements of gameplay and mechanics ironed out this 'placeholder artwork' gave the game just enough polish to justify a public release.  If no further updates/improvements were ever implemented the game would still be fully playable, functional and (we hope) lots of fun.

But a project like this never seems quite satisfied with staying in one place and there is a desire to eventually expand the visual feature set, particularly in areas such as card art and character portraits.  Whether this plays out fully is another story, but in the meantime we've taken at least one small step toward that goal, a step that would not have been possible without the help of two people who I'd like to introduce today.

Some time ago I tapped a segment of the online art community...mostly to see what level of interest the project might generate.  The initial response wasn't overwhelming, but turned out to be more encouraging than first anticipated.  Eventually two artists emerged with a willingness to lend some of their time and talent to the project, a project mind you not backed by a big name or studio-sized budget.  Suffice it to say the resulting production drawings couldn't have been more pleasing to watch, as they slowly took shape - bringing a wonderful mixture of characters to life.  After several months of collaboration Heroes of Feonora now proudly features its debut collection of polished artwork in the form of Character Portraits, highlighting the outstanding talents of Ian Garnett and Reggie Cuvelier.

Both artists came through with a visual style that compliments the whimsical nature of Feonora, an imaginary world filled with creatures and characters ranging from serious to comical (and everything in-between).  Much of Feonora pays tongue-in-cheek homage to traditional roleplaying conventions, while the rest strives to achieve a unique sense of identity and inter-character cohesion within the overall genre.  Reggie and Ian's works, as you can see for yourself, go a long way in conveying both elements of the game world and the credit is deservedly theirs.  From a designer standpoint there's only so much you can convey to the artist...afterwards, it's up to them to take hold of your vision and then bring it to life.

Development of art assets for a game of this scale is no small matter.  This initial [test] phase of production proved a conceptual approach for making it happen and gave us an opportunity to work with two artists who were professional, accommodating and a pleasure to work with.  To learn more about each artist visit the Credits page; both their names link through to an online portfolio, along with a broader selection of works (including contact info).  And just in case you missed it the first time, their contributions to this project are featured in the game's:

Character Portraits
~also included in the main PDF Packs

P.S.  I know it's been a while since the last character background posted, but we haven't forgotten about the others.  The goal was never to push these out at regular intervals, although admittedly it would have been nice to produce these at a clip of about one per month.  But things don't seem to work that way when the project is still more a hobby than a living.  Rather than setting expectations on which character will be featured next and when, let me just say that so far we've explored four of them, which leaves eight more to go.

It's been a long time coming.  The first publicly available version of Heroes of Feonora went online May 10, 2010.  Since that time we've been plugging along quietly in the background, making small, incremental improvements to the website, exploring some of the game's Ready Made Characters, and talking to handfuls of potential artists on possible collaboration.  Along the way, a couple of those folks decided to come on board to contribute to this Free/Downloadable version of the project.  Lisa and I are very pleased to say that the PDF Packs now include a small set of beautifully illustrated Character Portraits to help players get started.  Previously, the Character Portraits sheet was a lonely canvas of empty frames.  Now players will find that some interesting characters have begun to arrive.

For those who already have an assembled Game Set here is a direct link to the latest version of shaded Character Portraits.  This is the version found in the Color PDF pack.

Players who prefer to hand color their characters may be interested in downloading the black & white Character Portraits, which is the version found in the Grayscale PDF Pack.

As time goes by we'll see if we can't expand this collection even further.

In other news Merrick the Stablekeep reports that new Mounts have arrived at the stables.  "They're a fine lot, fit for a good journey.  Reliable too...well, maybe not that shifty looking one off in the corner there.  Might want to take it easy with that one; they say the previous owner went missing a fortnight ago."

It's been a while since I've had an opportunity to chat with you all.  Thanks for hanging in there and...we hope you've had a chance to put a set together and get some quality game time.  Don't forget to invite a few younger players.

The reason for this quick post is to let you know that a minor (though in some ways significant) update is just on the horizon.  We don't want to set an exact date as the more important aim is getting things right (e.g. putting the PDF Packs properly together).  Let's just say that...before the month is out, Heroes of Feonora will have reached another milestone in its ongoing development.

Those with completed sets needn't worry as this should prove to be a very smooth update for everyone.

Talk to you again soon.

Continued from Part 1


Josh: Hello and welcome back.  We're here with our friend Wimbly the Hauflin...

Wimbly: Spooner! Get out of his coffee!  Where's your manners!?

Josh: ...and his faithful sidekick, Spooner.

Spooner: [Sploosh!] [Kerplunk] Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Sorry about that.  He he.  Forgot to mention Spooner usually has a bath after the noontime; I've tried to tell him to use the loo like a proper gent but he's got this thing for that exotic "coffee" brew and I don't know where he picked it up cause I don't even drink the stuff ever since that wise Elf said it "exasperated my condition" - whatever that means...

Josh: Exacerbated?

Wimbly: Yes! That was it. And Spooner says it's his favorite because it makes him feel all tingly and alert but I think he just likes the bubbles.

Josh: Coffee doesn't have...bubbles.

Wimbly:  He makes them.  Oh!  By the way, you might not want to drink that.  Shame on you Spooner!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh:  Thanks I...don't think I will.  Why don't we just set this down over here.

Wimbly:  Say, did I ever tell you about the time Spooner and I got captured by a band of Orcs, and they put us to work in the kitchen, only they didn't know it at the time but Spooner had just made friends with a Dragon who had the most dreadful case of the fire-sneezes and these Orcs you see were making this contraption and they were really excited about it, something called a 'powder keg' or the like and...

Josh: Stop!  I mean...um, we're sort of limited on time now and the listeners...you see they had some questions they're eager to ask you.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: You and Spooner I mean.

Wimbly: Oh well yes of course!  Why didn't you just say so.  Why if you catch me running off at the gibber lip why you just do what old Spooner here does and give me a good poke in the ear.  He he, it always tickles when he does that.  Of course, now that I think of it you might not want to do that what with you not being a frog and of course Spooner here has a terrible jealous streak and did I ever tell you about the time Spooner's fifth girlfriend lost her foot only it turns out...

Josh: (Groan)

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: [Digging through his knapsack] Spooner! Where'd you put my Fizzy tablets!?  I thought I told you I need these whenever I'm drinking Buttered Pickelprune juice.

Josh: You're drinking wha- Nevermind.  Ok. Here we go.  Our first question comes from Melissa.  She wants to know, 'What's the most exciting thing you ever saw in ALL your adventures?'

Wimbly: Oh that's an easy one.  Wait a minute.  Oh yeah.  This one time Spooner and I were invited to the Royal Court for a Suuuuper exclusive party (we had just spared the kingdom from a terrible fate worse than terrible) and they were having a Graaand Ball, you know the kind with all the dancing and prancing and bowing and all that with the dresses and gowns and funny little masks on sticks (he he, reminds me of me grammy when she used to show off her taxidermy collection) and Spooner and me well somehow we got lost and ended up deeeeep underneath the castle where no one had been for ages and there we met the Great Badger Underboss and he had this AMAZING contraption called a "Pinball Machine" and Spooner here why he set the high score that no one could beat, not even ol MacBadger's 3rd daughter Lilith (who was really hooked on that game and boy did she ever try to beat that score and she was pretty good too) and then when my turn came around said it was broken but I'll be a Yakabeast's dandruff if it wasn't just a clever ploy to kershuffle us back to the Royal Shindigery.  Of course, her being the daughter of an esteemed figure of the underground and all well you can understand how Spooner took a liking to her and well I told him he better watch out gettin involved with Underboss' daughters but you know how Spooner is and...where was I?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: Oh, right!  Thanks Spooner.  They had Cream-Cheese Truffles!

Josh: [Blinking]  Er...  Um.  Thank you for that, articulate response Wimbly.  I'm sure it was more than Melissa could have, hoped to hear.  [Reaches for his coffee and then remembers] Next question.  This one is from Todd and Jeremy.  They want to know, 'What is the grossest thing Spooner ever ate that he thought was something else?'

Wimbly:  Hmmm.  That's a tough one.  Spooner, what did you eat that one time that made you all purple and bloated and we had to give you a levitation potion and tow you behind the caravan and then the leader finally paid us to "Go our separate ways" and we ended up in the Northlands since that's where the wandering Viking fellow said his cousin was and we thought maybe they had a cure for purple bloated frogs with the icky-bloops?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Ah Yes! That's what it was.

Josh: [Waiting with a look of mild anticipation]

Wimbly:  Parmesan.  [Whispering to Josh] Spooner has a bit of a problem with the dairy mind.  That's why he's always sneaking my Fizzy tablets.  [Aloud] He thought it was a leftover bit o crumpet, like the ones the innkeeper used to give us for cleaning out the stables.

Josh: Well. You'll both be glad to know there's no Parmesan around here.  Come to think of it I'd better have a chat with Lisa; she was planning on cheese and crackers for a snack in a short while.  I don't suppose you know how he reacts to Cheddar?

Wimbly:  Better not.  [Whispering again] Reminds him of his stepmother.

Spooner:  Ribbit.

Josh:  Right.  Wait a minute.

Wimbly:  Have you got any Zucchini Mousse?  Spooner likes his with fermented Elderberries.

Josh: Fresh out.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Don't worry Spooner, we'll stop by the tavern and besides that nice Hildegard says she has a special treat for us if we do the dishes again only you can't bring that Fairy friend of yours cause Normund says it's been swiping the silverware and you know I told you...

Josh: Excuse me Wimbly but we have another question for you (and Spooner).

Wimbly: Ready!

Josh: Ok, let's see here.  "Aw3sumLiteSaber" wants to know [stares intently at the notepad], 'What shood I majorin cuz i'm don't hav a grlfrnd and i'm reely shy but also smart and reely g00d at Dance Dance Revolution? Also whut kinduv deoderant do u use?'

Wimbly: Hmmm.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Yes, I think you're right Spooner.  Reminds us of my little nephew - fourth cousin twice removed on my mother's side - Fennie Hiccup.  Nice lad.  Means well, tries REAL hard.  Except, heh, we think he's not altogether together that one.

Josh: Sounds like someone we know.

Wimbly: Who said what?

Josh: Oh.  Nothing.  Sorry.

Wimbly:  Where was I? Oh yeah.  Little Fennie got imself a full scholarship yes sirree, over at RPG 'U' - playing Wiffleball that's right.  We recommend the same...and eating lots of Asparagus.

Josh:  Alright.  Thank you for that. [scribbles a note-to-self on the notepad, something about not letting Wimbly give advice to impressionable youngsters].

Spooner: Buuuurp!

Wimbly:  Spooner!  Excuse yourself!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh:  Next question.  Diana and her son Luke want to know, 'How old are you really?'

Wimbly:  Oh why that's an easy one.  Now let's see. Hrmmm.  My half-uncle Wilbow just celebrated his 85th birthday.  I know because Spooner accidentally swapped his present for that package we were supposed to deliver for those shady chaps that hang out behind the tavern and things really got ugly when the Royal Guard showed up looking for Spooner and of course you know he has sort of a reputation and they dragged us off just like they always do but of course the King, being the good-hearted king that he is, saved us from a dreadful interrogation where they dip our toes in cold cream o'the wheat until we can't stop giggling, and by the time we got back to Aunt Gelda's the youngins had ate all the cake, which is well and good given what we did to the first one (of course it was an honest mistake you understand), and anyway we weren't all that hungry cause Spooner here had swiped that bag of jerky from the guard and we got to snacking on it and you know what too much jerky does to poor Spooner's indigestion and pretty soon the youngins were begging us to tell the story of the time we came face to face with that eeeeevil wizard in the dungeon and how the Miniatures had to rescue us since they owed us that favor and...where was I?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Right!  Two gumdrops and a pinch of Season salt.

Josh:  But you...didn't even answer the...never mind.  Alright, looks like we're running short on time.  Just enough for one last question.  The Anderson's up in Walamazoo want to know, 'How did you and Spooner first meet?'

Wimbly: Ahhhhhh, why now that's a grand tale my boy if ever a tale there was.  We usually save this one for storytelling night at the tavern, with finger puppets and costumes and Spooner even does this little dance (it's so cute!) and they never tire of it.  Normund says it brings in the Copper Pieces every time and he even tips us as long as Spooner doesn't try to hit on the nobles or take a bath in the middle of the performance, which almost never happens except when he's heartbroken.  Let's see now.  How does it begin. [Long pause] It was a fuuuull moon that night, though you could never tell for the clouds were as thick as a Dwarven sandwich and a lone Hauflin (that's me) had just stowed away - I mean 'booked passage' - on a graaand sailing ship...

Josh: Hold on.  Wait.  Sorry Wimbly.  It doesn't look like we'll have enough time for that story today.  Perhaps you can share it with us next time.

Wimbly:  Can I at least tell the part about the drunken sailor who fell asleep in the peach barrel and then got traded to the Malornian pirates in exchange for safe passage?

Josh:  No.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Alrighty then.  Spooner and I must get along anyhow.  He has an audition with the Fighter's Guild for a new character they're promoting - they call him 'The Masked Avenger!!' and he has to wear this funny mustache only Spooner thinks it makes him look primly and actually so do the ladies; that's why I've got to negotiate his contract like a shrewd Human cause that Guild Boss is a real Copper pincher if you get my meaning...

Josh: And that concludes our interview with Wimbly the Hauflin and his ever-faithful companion Spooner.  It's been a...pleasure.  Thank you for joining us.  Until next time folks.  We'll see you back at Wayfarer's Rest. [Takes a big gulp of his coffee].

Josh: Hello Everyone.  Today we have a special guest.  We've been trying to get an interview with him for some time now, and believe me he isn't easy to track down.  Lisa and I have known him for years and now it is our great privilege to...

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  Be quiet Spooner!

Josh:  Heh heh; he's a cute little fella.

Wimbly: He has indigestion. Accidentally swallowed a Willow Wisp this morning.

Josh: Awe, poor little guy.  Is there something we can do for him?

Wimbly: Have you got any Ogre mead?

Josh:  Um, not at the moment.  Uh, we...used it all up yesterday.

Wimbly: Oh that's too bad.  He's going to be a bit burpy then.  Tried everything the first time this happened...Elvish peptate, Khajathi Sithle root, spam cheese hogey dogs...

Josh: Yikes.

Wimbly:  Buuuut, for some reason the only thing that seemed to calm his belly down was a nice swig of Ogre mead (you know the homemade kind with the little sprinkles o' maggot fly garnish).

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: Also, he may act a little, uh, he he, peculiar here and there.  Just so you know.  But pay him no mind (he's also a little nervous, you know, being on teleo-vision and all).

Josh:  We're not on television.

Wimbly:  Oh.  Did you hear that Spooner?  No Feonora's Funniest Home Gladiators tonight after all. Tsk tsk.

Josh:  Well, ah hem.  Sorry we're all out of Ogre mead old boy.

Spooner: Buuuurp!

Wimbly: Point the other way Spooner! Your breath is killing me!

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: As I was saying, we've got a real treat for you today folks.  I'm joined by my good friend Wimbly Middletoe...and his faithful companion [checks notepad] Spooner Bartholomew Francisco Achoo the Third...Esquire.

Wimbly:  You can call him Spooner for short.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: Thank you.  And his faithful companion - Spooner.  As many of you already know, Wimbly is one of the most famousest Hauflins in all of Feonora, who has made quite a name for himself - especially around about the town of Villageton and, we hear, even in the halls of the Royal Court.

Wimbly:  Did I ever tell you about the time I had to rescue the Queen's favorite royal gown from the clutches of an eeeevil tailor, bent on the destruction of the entire world!?  You see, his devious plot involved a conspiracy to tie everyone's shoelaces together...

Josh: Yes.

Wimbly: Oh.

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly:  I love that story.  Especially the part where the tailor had captured and cruelly stitched me into the gown and I couldn't call for help or anything and Spooner was nowhere to be found because he had run off with that Froglet from the traveling show and then the Queen went to put on the gown and...

Josh: (Sigh)

Spooner: Buuurp!

Josh: Uh, Ok.  I'm sure we'd all love to hear that story again Wimbly, but our time is limited and we have some questions for you sent in by our listeners.  They want to know more about you (and Spooner).  You know, get to know you better and find out what sorts of things the two of you enjoy doing in your spare time...that sort of thing.

Wimbly: Ah well then my boy.  Let's not keep the the good people waiting.  Now, where shall I begin...Ah yes, I was a tadpole once.

Josh: Beg your pardon?

Wimbly: Sure and righty too.  It was after Spooner and I had infiltrated the lair of an eeeevil Human Wizard (who used to feed his prisoners big gooey flattened pies called "pizza" with little fishes and sour fruit on them and the smell was worse than old Spooner here when he's got the indigestion...)  Where was I?

Josh: Tadpole.

Wimbly:  Right!  Well, we had been sent there on a super seeeecret mission that only the King...and his Fifth General Sir Wellington...and a few of the lower Lieutenants...one or two scribes, three of the Queen's Ladies in Waiting...six (no seven) members of our Pinochle club...and my little niece Lucy (because she had a cold that day and we couldn't leave her home, what with the explosion in the bathtub)...

Josh: Wimbly!

Wimbly: As I was saying we had just finished (he he) procuring a sample of his secret experimental tooth-whitening potion, only it turns out we had swiped from the wrong container and then it got mixed up with Spooner's allergy curative and...

Josh: Ok. Thanks Wimbly; that's a great story.  But, I think the audience wanted me to ask some of their questions...so if you don't mind we'll start with some of those ok?

Wimbly: Why of course my good man.  What are you waiting for?  We haven't got all day you know.  Deadlines to meet, vegetables in the kettle don't boil without water that's what I always say.  Come on then.  Out with it already.  Say, where did I put that tobaccin pipe.  Spooner!  What did you do with Mr. Beldofire!?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Josh: Uh.  Why don't we take a little break.  When we come back, an interview with Wimbly the Hauflin, one of Feonora's most heroi...um, well known figures.

Spooner: Burp! [Sproink!]

Josh: Ow!  Why did he do that?  [rubs head]

Wimbly:  Spooner!  What's the matter with you!?

Spooner: Ribbit.

Wimbly: He thought you were that Goblin who stole his hair brush.

Josh: (Groan)


End of Part 1 - An Interview with Wimbly

Continued from Part 2

It had been a long walk back to the village, blindfolded and with her hands bound in front of her, Shila had fallen more than once in the thickened mud of this forsaken place.  Always she was picked up and pushed to continue ahead, as if they had some schedule to keep.  No one spoke.    Without the ability to see the sounds around her took on a new life.  Suddenly, it seemed, she could hear things she hadn't noticed before, like the subtle differences in the slurp and plop of footsteps (or the absence thereof) depending on the viscosity of the mud.  The sounds of the swamp, still mysterious and so alive, reminded her how far she was from home.  Thoughts drifted to home, familiar faces, and one beautiful face in particular...Her sole companion, and close friend, had been murdered by a traitor, and there's no telling what they might do to a prisoner...especially one who belonged to a great noble house.  She must not let them know her true identity.  Or maybe, that was the test that now lay before her, to face her fate with dignity, to triumph (in some small way) in spite of her failure.  Her mind turned to Gelden then, the traitor spy, and cold murderer who had, like these filthy tribals, not and ounce of honor running through his blood.  The rage in her heart boiled at the thought of him and her mind danced at the thought of bringing justice to Agan's betrayer.  Only she would not sneak up from behind, or deliver poison from the shadows.  She would face him.

They had descended a small, twisting stairway and made a few turns; the surface beneath her feet was, to Shila's surprise, made of solid (smooth) wood and barely creaked under the weight of them.  They must have entered a room for the sounds gave a different echo now and she could feel the illumination of torches or candlelight.  They had come to a full stop; there was only the sound of footsteps and low murmurings and then, the blindfold fell loose, untied from behind.  Her eyes strained to adjust to the light and the blurry figure now standing in front of her, untying the binds to her wrists.  By the time her eyes had adjusted she could see that this room was not a prison cell or torture chamber, as she had half expected, but what appeared to be a Study of some kind, complete with an array of bookshelves, several comfortable looking chairs and an elegant desk of a most unusual design.  Her brief survey of the room revealed that she was also now completely alone and for a moment Shila wondered how she had not heard the tribals leave the room.  There were only two doors, the one behind her, from which they had entered and another in the opposite corner.  Inspection revealed both were bolted shut from the other side and, as she immediately noticed, also fashioned of solid wood...good Cheramu wood such as they had back home, which she was sure did not grow out here in the swamplands.  What is this place?  Shila looked over the room again, more carefully this time.  The top drawer of the desk revealed several sheets of paper, unused, and a small letter opener, also ornamentaly crafted...possibly Elvish, maybe Human.  What fools would leave her in this room to find such a useful weapon?  Unless it was a trap.  Shila brushed off the thought as she gently slipped it under her left bracer.

Something chirped from across the room and the sound of it breaking the dead silence startled Shila so that she knocked over the chair behind her (and very nearly had leapt across the desk).  What was that!?  There it is again...a single low pitch chirp, with a distinctive trill.  Though her nerves were on edge Shila quickly composed herself and strode cautiously to the source of the strange sound.  There, on a small stand (which had been obscured by a large overstuffed chair) was a metal cage, half covered by a decorated piece of thin cloth.  Again, the craftsmanship of this cage was an impressive sight, no doubt stolen or looted from a wealthy noble, or perhaps even from one of the Elvish clans.  Shila lifted the cloth to reveal the mysterious creature and instantly found herself gazing into the tiny round eyes of a curious, delicate looking thing.  The shape of it resembled that of a small bird, with a brilliant deep brown (almost orange) outer coat and a fuzzy belly of light blue.  The tiny beak was unlike any she had seen on a bird this size, except that instead of feathers its coat seemed almost unreal, as though it had been fashioned from the lightest, fluffiest cotton and then tinted with color.   It had no wings or appendages other than two little bird-like legs, and the thing was perched comfortably on a bar.  At first it didn't move, just watching, with its eyes as Shila studied her new discovery.  She tilted her head, trying to recall if she had ever encountered such a creature and in unison with her movement so too did the little wingless bird.  This was followed by a low purring, almost rolling rumble, though its mouth didn't move, and the thing just gazed adoringly into Shila's weary face.  “Another captive...” she spoke aloud, “...probably taken away from your mate.  And now trapped.”  Like me, she thought to herself.  Shila's thoughts returned to Agan, and like a flood her heart began to ache and she felt the tears welling up, blurring her vision of this poor and lonely creature.

The door crept open and through stepped Gelden.  His attire was different now.  Shila stood slowly, turning to face the traitor, full of questions – but mostly rage – and casually her hand moved toward the bracer on her left forearm.  Gelden's face was different somehow, his expression difficult to read for it almost resembled...concern.  He was still several paces away from her and she would have to be swift and fierce, choosing her moment carefully.  “We have very little time,” Gelden spoke without a hint of urgency.  “Yes, we do” said Shila as she stared into him.  To that Gelden reacted, slightly, and then, as if her meaning had suddenly clicked into place his expression changed again.  “Ah, yes...Well, before you avenge your friend – at the expense of your own life – there is something you should know about him...”  Shila froze.  And a sense of dread enveloped her.  “He's alive, and well...and as we speak on his way home.”  Shila began breathing again (not realizing she had been holding her breath).  “How...”  Shila struggled for words.  “How is that...possible?”  “The poison you mean?”  At that Gelden pulled the tiny device out and held it up.  “That dart did carry a poison, yes.  A special mixture that saved your friend...by giving the appearance of having killed him.  In fact, it probably saved both your lives, because if the two of you had stood and fought you would both be dead now.”  Shila scoffed at the thought, but Gelden paid her no mind.  “You are confident and skilled young one; but you underestimate these people.”  He was making his way to one of the bookshelves.  “You can never rely too much on the stories of others...Some things can only be learned, and understood, firsthand.  But there's no time for this.  If I had not administered the antidote in time he may never have recovered.  It was good that you did not fight back there, a brave and sound judgment.”  Shila's eyes narrowed, “How can I know you're telling the truth?”  “You can't.  Not now.”  Gelden had taken a small book from the shelf.  “As I said, some things you will have to figure out for yourself.”  Shila's emotions wavered between joy and suspicion, hope and confusion.  “When you are ready, when the time is right, you can give me a message.  I will see that he gets it.  You may also write your parents.”  Gelden emphasized his next point, “But keep the messages brief.  They will already know your fate.”  “So I'm not to be executed then,” Shila replied.  “That is up to them.”  Gelden's tone was serious and he looked deeply into her eyes.  “I cannot rescue you.  The risk is too great, and there is too much at stake...things I cannot reveal.  You can search for a way to escape, but don't count on my presence or aid.”  Gelden paused and then continued as if he had just thought of something.  “You should know they have trackers, competent as the best Elvish scouts.  You would never know you were being followed.”  Gelden had placed something in the book and, glancing over at her, replaced the book back on the shelf.  He then pulled something out of a pocket, glanced at it quickly before putting it away and then, without another word, left the same way he had come in.

Shila was alone again.  Well, not completely alone.  Her little bird was still there, quietly perched and watching her contentedly.  Shila began moving toward the bookshelf when the other door opened for the first time.  Two figures stepped into the room.  The first was a horribly disfigured Malornian, older in years, and looked as though he had been trampled in some terrible way or attacked by Orcs and left for dead many years ago and only barely survived.  And yet, he walked mostly upright with an unnerving degree of confidence.  The second was a woman, similar in years and possibly the most beautiful Malornian Shila had ever seen.  For the longest time they stood there and watched her, studying her, and she couldn't understand what they were looking for.  A feeling of defiance welled up inside her and Shila said nothing for she would give them nothing they sought.  Perhaps sensing her discomfort the man spoke at last, “I am Argyle.”  Gesturing, “This is my life-mate Ilthune.”  “May we have the pleasure of knowing your name?”  Shila steeled herself, knowing that whatever courtesy or emotion she displayed must not betray the survival of her companion, or tip them off that she knew of his return journey home.  Agan is safe now, she thought, and this path is mine to walk alone.  Shila lifted her head and spoke, “My name is Shila, firstborn and daughter of house Methazar, to whom you owe your allegiance.”  The two of them looked at each other as if they had heard the words they had hoped for.  No doubt she would make for a prized captive, though Shila also knew that her people were not predisposed to paying out ransom.  Perhaps in defiance at whatever plot they had in mind, or in a desperate attempt at seizing the momentum Shila spoke again, more defiant as before, “You would make a great mistake keeping me a prisoner.  It would be better for you and your people if you let me go...or kill me.”  Argyle responded visibly to the suggestion, “Kill you?  Is that what you think we do?”  Then he seemed to consider for a moment.  “Although, you have been caught a spy.  Do you deny it?”  Shila mustered up her courage.  “I do not deny it.”  “But you admit you know very little about us,” interrupted Ilthune.  Thinking back to Gelden Shila wasn't sure how to answer the question.  She hesitated.  “I know what I know.”  Her confidence was quickly betraying her.  The disfigured one moved forward and spoke again, with a much different tone.  “Though you have committed a grave crime, you won't be executed.  We could never kill our own daughter.”
                                     ______________________________

The tale of Shila Methazar is a sad one; although, she doesn't realize it yet, there is also great hope (and a few more mysteries to unlock).   We may return to her story some time in the future.  But for now, other characters are waiting to be introduced.  Here is the Character Sheet for our noble Malornian, a capable female warrior, whose identity has just been thrown to the wind.

Continued from Part 1

It was late in the evening when they reached the village, deep in Bogwood Swamp.  As usual the misty haze that permeated this marshy lowland, gave poor visibility to the surrounding vicinity, blurring the shapes of structures and inhabitants alike.  "Are you sure this is the place?" whispered Shila without turning around.  "Yes" came the reply, "I've been here before, and remember it well."  Shila turned to look at Agan, whose eyes were fixed on the buildings below with a look as though he were recalling a very specific memory.  This he had never mentioned before.  What would Agan, someone of his social status have been doing in a place like this?  Had he been sent here on a prior (secret) mission...or was it something more personal?  Why hadn't he mentioned it until now?  The tribal Malornians who occupied this village went about their daily business, unaware that they had visitors...unwelcome visitors.  "Can you see him?"  Shila said, half in an attempt to avoid the topic of Agan's connection to this place.  "No.  And I don't think we will.  At least, not until after nightfall.  We'll scout the perimeter, and then wait."  Agan reached over and took her hand, and slowly they faded back into the tall reeds.

The strumming of crickets and burps of Burple bugs joined the chorus of unseen swamp life filling the night air, and continued even as a light rain began to fall.  The trees were thick here and the cloudy sky and dense canopy colluded to form a darkness that only the swamps could manage, the kind of darkness that even a strong torch would struggle to overcome.  The sounds of swampy night and the murky blackness would serve them well.  The two intruders made their way slowly toward one of the larger structures, sturdy looking, but pieced together with all manner of materials, some clearly not native to the swamplands.  A few well-placed torches managed to cast a dim glow over the center of the village, which was already forming mud puddles illuminated by the firelight.  Voices could be heard, faintly through the ambient noise and steady rain, but no audible words as the inhabitants went about their nightly business.  The occasional sound of laughter emanated from the largest structure, which seemed to be serving as a public house or meeting place.  There weren't but two guards on patrol, each positioned on opposite sides of the village and Shila thought it strange that there should be so little security.  Very few of the Malornians she had observed, aside from their unusual attire & adornments, carried weapons.  And yet they seemed calm and confident in the safety of their village.

Shila's thoughts were interrupted when a lone Malornian stepped outside, pausing to survey the surrounding landscape, casually emptied the contents of his smoking device into the mud, and then faded into the fog.  "That's him" said Agan, with noticeable excitement in his voice.  Checking carefully to see that no others were lurking about they bolted from their hiding spot toward the fog that had enveloped their target.  The tracks were easy to follow but they had moved quite a distance into the surrounding swamp, at a quicker pace than it seems they should have.  The two found, at last, that the footprints ended abruptly at the base of a giant fallen tree.  Shila half expected to see a cadre of warriors standing atop the half sunken tree trunk, waiting for their arrival...but instead there was only the pitter-patter of a lone Goblin fleeing frightfully into the distance.  The sack of mushrooms spilling over the ground indicated they had probably startled him away from his foraging duties.  With the swiftness of a Khajathi Agan leapt up onto the tree and slowly began surveying their surroundings.  "What are you doing!?" Shila exclaimed in a whispered shout.  "You'll see in a moment," came the reply, and already Agan was looking across at something.  Shila glanced over to see the Malornian, the same who had led them here, to this strange place, and her senses shouted the word “trap” in her mind.  Instinctively she whipped out her crossbow and aimed at the target, who stood calmly, first taking the time to assess Agan (who hadn't moved a muscle), and then looking down at Shila.  The fog was still thick, but when he looked at her she was almost sure that he had somehow recognized her, though she had never seen this Malornian in all her life.  Surely she would have remembered the scar that ran diagonally across his neck.  No one spoke.  Shila could feel and hear her heart beating.  "Put it away!" Agan whispered sternly.  "This is Gelden; he's one of us!"  Shila's eyes narrowed as she assessed the information.  "Do you have it?" Gelden spoke for the first time, calm and collected.  Agan nodded respectfully and then, approaching the stranger, pulled out a folded leather cloth.  So this was our real mission...to deliver a message to this...spy?

Shila allowed herself to relax as the pieces slowly fell into place.  She looked on inquisitively as Gelden took the cloth, unfolded it, looked it over but for a brief moment, and then handed the cloth back to Agan.  As Agan placed the message back into his satchel Gelden was again looking down at Shila, and that's when everything took a deadly turn.  A band of warriors burst forth from the surrounding trees.  Agan leapt down to stand beside her and in no time at all they were surrounded by a contingent of fierce-looking 'tribals.'  She looked at Agan as if to question what they should do (to fight or flee) but just as their eyes met Agan reeled in pain, grasping the back of his neck.  Within seconds he had fallen, a tiny dart had found its mark and as Shila turned to look up at the Malornian traitor she caught a glimpse of the small device being calmly tucked away.  There was no chance for a fight.  Only now she held the limp body of her companion and knew that all was lost.  In her rage and fear she turned her crossbow to Gelden, who didn't flinch.  His eyes were locked on hers and she found that, somehow she couldn't bring herself to pull the trigger.  Perhaps it was her survival instinct, knowing that she would be cut down by the warriors the moment she loosed the bolt.  Then Gelden spoke, addressing the men, "He's finished.  Take her to Argyle; I'll deal with the body."

End of Part 2