Stew, Sanctuary, and a Skirmish
Amrynn
The air within the Inn at the End of the Road possessed a peculiar warmth and comfort, a stark contrast to the unsettling fogs that cling to this realm of Hither. While the interior appeared superficially normal, a keen observer could discern the undercurrent of unease amongst the few patrons. Tsue Harribachs, the innkeeper, a woman of apparent resilience, provided sustenance and lodging, a welcome respite from the uncertain paths we have traversed.
She elucidated upon the peculiar tenets governing Prismeer, the so-called rules of Reciprocity, Hospitality, and Ownership. These seem less like laws and more like fundamental principles woven into the very fabric of this place, enforced, it is said, by Zybilna. The inn, she explained, is presently ensnared within Hither’s mists, unable to depart since the Hourglass Coven usurped control and, as she claims, trapped Zybilna within her own palace.
Tsue Harribachs offered further insights into the current state of affairs. Hither, it seems, is under the dominion of Bavlorna Blightstraw, a hag whose cruelty has driven many inhabitants to seek refuge within the inn’s walls. These unfortunates are subjected to the persistent harassment of Agdon Longscarf and his harengon bandits, who plague the Brigand’s Tollway, and the less organized but equally troublesome bullywugs of Downfall.
A brief interruption occurred when a woman, clearly inebriated and cloaked in dark attire, summoned Tsue Harribachs. Her cryptic pronouncement about the “League of Malevolence” requiring service was noted. Tsue Harribachs later identified her as Skylla, suggesting the “League” is merely a facade for her own machinations, though she likely serves the Hourglass Coven.
Our understanding of Prismeer’s rules was further expanded by a goblin named Jingle Jangle, a creature adorned with an excess of keys and wielding a flail fashioned from locks. His primary concern, it seemed, was the theft of his truffles by the harengon bandits. Upon learning of our recent encounter with some of these brigands, he bestowed upon Barnabus Nightfeather an old iron key, claiming it would prove useful in our pursuit of Bavlorna Blightstraw. A curious exchange, indeed, and one that warrants further consideration regarding the significance of keys in this realm.
Tsue Harribachs confirmed the dominion of the other hags: Skabatha Nightshade in Thither and Endolyn Moongrave in Yon. She reiterated the necessity of confronting the Hourglass Coven to reclaim our lost possessions. The rising and falling waters, draining through the O-Wells, will present a logistical challenge, she suggested the acquisition of a boat for travel during high tide as a prudent measure. She also provided a map of Hither, a valuable tool for navigating this treacherous landscape.
Agdon Longscarf was a prisoner of Zybilna before the hags released him. While crossing the swamp via the Brigand’s Tollway seemed to be the only way, it would be good to keep our eyes open for alternatives if we wish to avoid confrontation.
A brief, perplexing observation involved a duergar huntsman, Spinnaker Driftwood, engaged in conversation with an apparently empty stool. The subsequent revelation of an invisible individual, discussing their predicament of invisibility and a potential entanglement within a mirror maze – perhaps the Hall of Illusions – adds another layer of the bizarre to this realm.
After a necessary period of rest, we resolved to proceed towards the Brigand’s Tollway. My raven, sent ahead to scout, reported a dense fog obscuring the central area around Agdon Longscarf’s stump, though several harengons were visible on the causeways.
We pressed forward. Melina, with her eye for tactics, moved ahead and dispatched the first harengon with commendable efficiency and silence. Pork-Bottle (PB) Van Der Fursen’s attempt at a more aquatic approach, while perhaps conceptually sound, lacked the necessary subtlety and resulted in his detection. Melina, in pursuit, unfortunately found herself immersed in the swamp’s murky waters. Despite this minor setback, we successfully dealt with the remaining harengons.
Our path forward lies deeper within the Brigand’s Tollway. The encounter with Jingle Jangle and the peculiar key, the information regarding the hags and their domains, and the logistical challenges posed by the environment all contribute to a growing understanding of the complexities of Prismeer. We must proceed with caution, analyzing each new piece of information as we navigate this unpredictable realm and seek to reclaim what was taken from us.