[MR] Metalsmiths gone to the dark side...

[Rorik smior]

I recently went on a trading journey that even led me into the lands of The Barony of Stierbach. The sweet peaceful lands of dear Sacred Stone were left behind as I attempted to find merchants now rich from selling a Cook Book of questionable taste. My wares of scrolls, wood working and making of jewelry were offered as were my wife’s talents in herbal lore and knowledge of healing animals. She was quite shocked and offered to help heal these smallish red animals which were in the fields that we passed looking somewhat like oxen but certainly were a distant relative to such fine creatures. We were moved upon our way as my wife confided to me that she believed these animals to be a red mud covered pigs that actually moo.

We traveled into the heart of these lands only to stumble upon what must have certainly been a special group of artisans. Nearing a village I heard a clamor of noise soon to be found as the beating of hammers on steel freshly pulled from the forges and placed on the anvils. I tried to get as close as possible to see what they were doing for it looked like they formed knives, swords and other instruments of war! I must have made too much noise for when I got close enough to truly see the work must have been quickly switched to show only trinkets made by beginning blacksmiths.

I wondered inside the hut nearby seeing yet more fires set around. Some were pouring the metal into molds and I am certain that these were items to be used in nefarious engines of war but alas I am an innocent peaceful man with little knowledge of such things. The heat of fires burned brightly as women worked steadily on glass ware designed to snare the focus of anyone that espied their wonder. Idols of foreign design formed to aid them in their activities on the field of battle, Cathulu and something called a spaghetti monster were called upon in their ritualistic meeting.

The locals attempted to seduce us into joining them by plying us with wonderful food and great stories but my heart belongs to Sacred Stone. Fortunately we made it safely home to tell the tale of our travels and give warning to my homeland of what lies in store in the next few weeks as I now see the War of the Wings from the great Phoenix rising to meet the challenge yet again at the Castle of Elchenburg.

Rorik smior