The Plague In Norwick
When I was little there was an incident in our town involving a man’s cattle. They’d come down with disease and the town men all went to assist the farmer in the cure or kill process. Our area was rural and my family lived further out than most. My ma told my pa that he had plenty of chores to do around our own home rather than take a day’s ride to assist in something that didn’t affect us.
“It dinnae affect us t’present,” my pa said. “But t’will soon enough so may’s well work on it now fore it do.”
Though Peltarch has been hardest hit so far, the good citizens of Norwick know there is no safe boundary. Preparations and precautions are already being taken.
There is evil afoot and we will certainly need to keep our eyes open, our swords sharp and our bows taut.
Commander Devlin and Shannon D'Arneau began the discussion of the plague at the log fire. Shannon voiced the theory that the origin of the plague being with immigrants from the east, and that they’re travels had probably taken them to many places other than Peltarch.
Commander Devlin, ever the voice of reasoned wisdom, advised against placing too much emphasis on rumors. He said, “I'll reserve my judgement on the matter. No point in spreadin' needless panic. We've already taken the precautions needed.”
Commander Devlin also warned against spreading unfounded rumors, “The funny thing is, it isn't the plague at all that people are worried about. It's the people with their jumbled and various stories which instill fear. Sometimes, you can learn much more without speaking.”
Well said, Commander Devlin! But what precautions are those you spoke of? Well Commander Devlin and others recommend boiling your water as the river is most likely contaminated. But that is not the worse news!
“The plague is in the rivers of Norwick. I retrieved a sample of the water myself. I've given the sample to Myeil to investigate. I figured she would be the best candidate to figure out it's properties.”
Commander Devlin further surmised that, since the plague is being spread through the rain that it is most likely magical in nature.
Sir Foiler then surprised me by providing some concise directions for Lady Myeil in her study of the plague. He recommended exposing it to heat and cold and liquids as diverse as ale, tea and urine! Oh I should not enjoy that research. He also recommended, since it seems to be a parasite, to try lightning or electricity to shock it. Sir Foiler also proposed sharp noises and thunder may shock it. This chronicler was quite impressed with sir Foiler’s depth and versatility of fine ideas. It sounded like an excellent approach to understanding this viral enemy.
Sir Foiler further surmised, based on observation of those affected, that the parasite is symbiotic and, while attaining some control does not seem to gain full control over its host.
How Much Protection Is Worth Our Freedom?
This led to a discussion of telling behavior among the infected and the most unsettling idea of stopping all who acted strangely and interrogating them. I voiced some alarm at this and warned that interfering with the sense of peace and freedom the citizens of Norwick enjoyed may do more damage than the plague.
I watched an example soon thereafter as a mister Roland came to the fire, somewhat drunk. He is a friend of Vaen Swiftar, the sorcerer extraordinaire! Commander Devlin and sir Foiler, seeing Roland’s unsteady movements quickly pulled him aside and questioned him.
Ascertaining that Roland was indeed simply slightly inebriated, they allowed him to go about his business, but it was most disturbing, not only to me as an observer but to Mr. Roland as well. He was taken aback and significantly quieter after that. I shouldn’t think but such actions will have a chilling affect on the relaxed peace Norwick currently enjoys.
Ghosts and ghoulies, related to the plague?
Before the plague came up as a topic at the fire tonight, more foulness, possibly related, was discussed.
Cel, the Headmaster of the Spellweavers Academy was approached by Sir Alberon Obarskyr of the Divine Shield regarding an incident in Peltarch. It seems a circle was created on the grounds of the commons by a ritual sacrifice!
When asked about the nature of the sacrifice, Cel did not rule out that it was human!
It was formed of blood and seething with negative energy. Cel surmised a direct link to the feared Halls of Madness! The soon to come presence of allips pointed to this.
And what a battle ensued next! First an unnatural storm seized the commons area with lighting crashing all about! Next, Cel stated, they were assaulted by ghosts, specters and allips beyond count! Wave after wave attacked them! Could such an intense concentration of paranormal evil be related to the plague?
Cel reported that he and his comrades waged quite a pitched battle with the spirit army before they were able to dispel the magic and channel positive energy into the area.
Legionnaire Corporal Yngdír had joined the discussion by that time and had some incisive questions regarding the nature of the beasties. In fact, Yngdir even used the word ‘plague’. He said, “The Cerulean Knight Captain, Seth, has been plagued by spirits in Peltarch.”
Yngdir went on to say, and this is not for the faint of heart, “They speak of madness and murder. They possess wives to murder their families, children - husbands.” Cel listened to this and confirmed that the spirits did echo demonic laughter in their heads.
Mr. Mugwort reported that he saw many ghosts that day in Peltarch, including a small girl who would appear and disappear in the fog. Quite frightening!
Questions About The Legion
A fine proponent of the Legion, Yngdir rattled off the many threats facing us, “Undead are but one problem for the north. Orcs to the west, lizardman war-bands to the east. Bandits to the south, and now a plague of disease within. Pirates in their waters to the north.”
Sir Foiler, a dwarf considered by some to be of dubious merit, was not convinced. After a most confrontational conversation with Yngdir, though this chronicler has never seen sir Foiler with any other attitude, the dwarf concluded that all of these troubles were the fault of the Legion itself!
Well, even I was shocked at this bold accusation. Mayhaps a rash and irresponsible accusation as well, but I shall leave that for wiser minds to consider. For his part, Corporal Yngdir showed remarkable restraint in the face of such remarks. Foiler wasn’t finished though and saved his most sensational remark for last, “Groups that need trouble to exist, may play an active role in creating the trouble itself.”
Well, Corporal Yngdir politely excused himself at that point to solemnly go about the very duties that sir Foiler had just dismissed. Some further digging though revealed that sir Foiler’s distrust of the Legion may stem from past personal experiences. He hinted that the blame for Jiyyd and the lands east lays at the feet of the Legion.
I will definitely attempt to learn more from both Corporal Yngdir and sir Foiler.
A Welcome Return
In a bit of better news, the Lady Nura, formerly of the Emerald Circle mages guild, has returned after an apparent absence. She spoke with sir Cel regarding her re-entry into the Spellweaver’s and is considering speaking further with Cel or Lady Myeil.
Fine Weapons For Sale!
In this time of growing danger, where we face not only goblins and lizard men, but ghosts and plagues, you do well to arm yourself accordingly. Commander Devlin, in obvious understanding of our plight, was making some fine discount deals on his hand crafted weapons, including those of silver! Be sure to look him up to purchase yours.
Paprika Riverweed
Chronicler of the Realm of Norwick
