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-----As Jim brings the wagon to a halt, the rider stops and lifts his helm from his head. He then pulls his mail coif back revealing a handsome face framed with curly black hair. His crystal clear blue eyes scan their wagon as he looks at each of the passengers.
-----"Hail, good people," he says in a strong, but respectful voice, "forgive me for detaining you in thy journey, but a most unfortunate incident has occurred this very day." He turns and nods toward the other wagon up ahead.
-----Turning back to the trio, he continues with a slight bow, "I am Nylan Lotley, Paladin of the Temple of the Holy Guardian, at your service. We are, of course, most concerned with the well being and welfare of our citizens. So it is, that I must ask of you how fare you in thy travels? Are there any hurt or bereaved among thy number?" The paladin’s face reflects friendliness and concern.
-----Seth hails the Paladin from the wagon, "Greetings protector of the weak, Paramount Paladin of the Temple of the Holy Guardian. It is I, Nigel, an itinerant merchant, dealing in apples and other condiments. We are all hale and hardy as you can see."
-----Seth waves his hand indicating the other occupants of the wagon. "However our travels have not been without incident and soon enough we will relate to you our travails, but pray could you tell us first what has befallen this unfortunate wagon?"
-----Kazel smiles and waves at the paladin, then puts up an anxious look on her face as she clutches her collar with her hands. "Yes, noble sir, please tell us. When did this happen?" She leans forward to have a better look, but not before stealing a glance at the paladin's finely crafted sword.
-----Nylan Lotley then answers Seth, "It would appear that the unfortunate victims of yon wagon met with brigands of a most evil sort early this morn. The good and honest merchants that they were truly were not deserving of the untimely demise they received. The evil ones obviously had nothing more in their hearts but murder most wicked and most foul. I say this ‘fore it is evident that although the poor merchants’ goods were ransacked, none of it was taken."
-----The paladin looks toward Kazel and nods to her respectfully. "I am so sorry, MiLady," he says to her, "to relate such vile acts of evil in thy presence. It is with a sense of urgency that I realize as I tell of these events that I fear for the safety of all travelers in our fair kingdom."
-----He then looks at Seth again, "Pray tell me, you mentioned travails you have befallen?"
-----Gimplefwick looks at the paladin and grins, "Aye, sadly enough, our boon companion, Slappy, met with an unfortunate accident," Gimplefwick gestures at the bound orc. "Whilst we were traveling, a fearsome darkness rose up out of the earth and the ground itself shuddered and stirred. A stench of brimstone and sulfurous fumes permeated the air and we were nearly overcome by its noisome foulness. We cowered with fear in the bottom of our wagon as a monstrous figure rose in the darkness. The only one of us with the courage to challenge it was our goodly friend, Slappy. He stood up and brandished his mighty sword and said, 'Begone, foul one. Back to the pits of Hades with you. Tarry not, lest my sword be bathed in your foul blood.'
-----Gimplefwick gestures above his head, "The monstrous being loomed closer at Slappy's challenge. As it came closer we could see it more clearly. It was twenty feet tall, if it was an inch. Scales of red adorned its murky hide and black wings sprouted from its back. Its noxious breath was near overwhelming, reeking of carrion and noxious substances. Its claws were like a handful of razor sharp daggers. Still Slappy stood resolute, facing the dread creature, daring it to harm us."
-----Gimplefwick continues, his voice rising in pitch as he is carried away with his tale, "Suddenly the denizen from Hell lashed out, knocking Slappy from the wagon. Through the mist we could see them battling each other, Slappy darting about, his blade darting and thrusting. The demon lumbering about, trying to crush Slappy with his enormous talons. But Slappy was too quick and soon had the beast pinned to the ground, his foot on its chest as he raised his sword up in the air for the final blow. To our horror as he brought the blade down to behead the evil creature, it enacted a final magic, turning Slappy into the loathsome beast you see before you."
-----Gimplefwick rubs his eyes and looks and says sadly, "At first he seemed fairly normal, despite his changed appearance, but as time went on, he became more and more violent, nearly attacking us on several occasions. Finally, we had to subdue him and tie him up. Now he is barely rational at all. He foams at the mouth and seeks to harm us at every opportunity. He who was once our best and bravest companion is now lowered to this, a bestial, venomous monster. He who saved all our lives, now will never see his family again."
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