The Spirit Hunt

                          Displayed are the records of Corbin during the Spirit Hunts.

Interview: Nicodemus (Penguin Incident)

This interview was held outside of the Mayfield's. Nicodemus states that Yeto sent for him while he was with Mica to come to Brog's tavern. Tryn was called as well. There Yeto explained about the spirit restorations and that the penguin was left; he had a source that had the penguin skull; a drow. The meeting with the drow was to be at the Dreaming Tree where an exchange would take place. Nicodemus states that he usually has a good head on his shoulders but that the toying nature and attitude of this drow rubbed him the wrong way. Yeto tried to reason with the drow; Nicodemus staying out of the conversation. He stepped out briefly to check on Mica at the base of the tree, as she couldn't enter the Shrine, and when he returned, the drow was escalating things with Yeto. The drow was tauntingly elusive in sharing his plans for the penguin and promptly teleported away.

Hour 15, Day 10, Month 9, Year 138

Interview: Yeto (Penguin Incident)

This interview was conducted at sea. Yeto states that he speedied Nicodemus and Tyrn to the Brog Inn. With them arrived females Iri and Micaiah. He asked them for aid in a stealth mission to deliver the penguin skull to the Aurilite Temple and to speak with the drow that held the material; they aggreed to aid. The meeting was to be held at the Dreaming Tree. When they arrived, Kaylin the drow and Hommet were waiting (Hommet having summoned Kaylin to location). Names were exhanged them Kaylin demanded wine. Yeto explained his plan to Kalyin which he prompted rejected saying he had a better plan. When asked about it he stated he would take care of it and that Yeto should not concern himself with it. Yeto even offered to hear and help with the plan privately but Kalyin refused. Kalyin grew annoyed that the group didn't trust him or his abrupt change of plans. Kalyin said that it was a fortune that he was not sacrifced at the altar in the Underdark and that the group only trusted him to come on previous rituals because 'they had to'. Yeto's attempts to negociate were promptly cut off when Kaylin fled via teleportation. [It must be noted that this drow druid is known for his misrepresentations and, at times, outright lies.]

Hour 14, Day 10, Month 9, Year 138

Rituals: Stag and Penguin Spirits

[Stag]: After investigating Kalyin's statement that the stag hide was sent to Darrowdeep Castle, I came to find that this was also incorrect. The hunters had shipped the hide to a private buyer well before negociations even began. That said, the Spires Anchor point of this spirit would have made the ritual very risky even with the best possible sacrifice. The Stag spirit has been the most prominent on Arelith, even having rebirthed once before. It is my assessment that the Stag is best suited to complete this Journey alone compared to the other spirits that have very little outside aid. [Penguin] I have spoken with the Aurilites and have a tenative agreement with them to deliver the penguin sacrifice so that they may conduct the ritual. The penguin is the youngest out of the effected spirits which makes its connection to the Auriltes all the greater (the host vessel was their priestess) and them best suited to continue with the ritual. [Badger] Due to the unique situation of the Badger spirit, Bendir will be taking over all attempts and investigations.

Hour 16, Day 23, Month 8, Year 138

Ritual: Panther

After some research I located the panther's anchor point in the old swamps. I called to aid: Jasper, Saelys, Snow, Yeto, Buppi, Rasa and Kaylin. Buppi's connection with the panther had him in the role of Tribute or lure. Kalyin brought the sacrifice - the pelt of the panther's former physical form. Kalyin was instructed to mark the pelt with grounding sigils so that no others might be confused as the sacrifice. Snow led the group through a mental exercise to bring everyone to the same focus. We begun channeling energy to thin the barrier between the two spheres. Our attempts attracted panthers and soon after foes, Malarites, Talonites, Snake people and cultists and lizard people, were trying to halt us by attacking. The panther spirit was weakened through the loss of terriroty over the decades and the competition with the other, better supported, spirits of the swamps and jungles. Buppi vanished from the physical sphere and returned hours later in his panther form. The sacrifice was devoured in the Great One's restoration.

Hour 11, Day 10, Month 9, Year 138

Ritual: Wolf

Due to there historically being two hosts for the wolf spirit on the island, there was considerable difficulty in locating the correct anchor point. Ultimately, after testing, it was found to be in the Bramble Woods. The lands of Cordor have been blighted repeatedly for decades so we gathered additional defenders for this ritual, expecting far more difficulty. The ritual group were; Buppi, Yeto, Snow, Kaylin and Xellree. Unfortunately our sacrifice was blood; a difficult component for a calling restoration, however it was consumed without incident. Xellree was our Tribute, and after some couching, he past through to the other sphere. Once we started our channelling, the defenders were attacked by crazed wolves, hobgoblins, malarites, werewolves and spiders. Several hours in, Xellree returned and the Wolf Spirit past through, restored. The Spirit's only request was to reduce the hunting of wolves in the area so that it may regain its strength.

Hour 12, Day 10, Month 9, Year 138

Interview: Buppi (Panther Ritual)

This interview took place at Darrowdeep Castle. Buppi says he focused as though he was on a spirit Journey as the one he and I took months prior as practise. When the group had thinned the space between the two spheres, he slipped through to the spirit sphere. It was stable but he felt as though he was stepping into someone else's dream. He found himself in a jungle; he heard conflict in the distance and as he approached he recognized that it was between panthers and lizard people. The panthers stated that the lizards were invaders. Once the lizards were defeated, the panthers turned on Buppi claiming he was an invader too. He told them he was bound to the panther spirit so they asked him to prove it. With great effort and struggle, he managed to shift into a panther which swayed the other panthers enough to take him to the Great One when he requested. They took him to a large creek where the Great One sat weakly. Buppi was told by the other panthers that others were trying to take advantage of the weak domain by invading; more attacks followed. The Great One could only respond in small amounts and it was clear its state was not improving so Buppi used his own spirit energy to gift the panther strength.

Hour 7, Day 23, Month 8, Year 138

Interview: Buppi (Panther Ritual) II

This boost of strength allowed the Great One to use it to regain the rest of his power. Buppi then explained that its physical form was waiting for it in the physical sphere, albeit damaged. The Great One gathered its pack and they all stepped through, restored. Upon returning to the physical sphere, Buppi was given his gifted strength back and blessed with a white pelt, similar to the Great One, for his aid.

Hour 7, Day 23, Month 8, Year 138

Interview: Jasper Highfen (Pelts)

This interview was conducted to corroborate Kalyin's statement about the events surrounding the pelts mission. Jasper states that he never summoned Kalyin nor was it at a secret place, ever. Jasper states he spoke with Kaylin at the Grove after he was called there by reports of a drow in the area. Meriam of Bendir told him the drow was a druid and had ever right to be there. Kalyin asked about the spirit events, to which Jasper was minimally forthcoming due to suspicion. All following meetings were at the Grove and instigated by Kaylin via speedy, making Kalyin's statement utterly unconfirmed.

Hour 12, Day 23, Month 8, Year 138

Interview: Scarlett Highfen (Shadow Plane)

This interview was conducted in Darrowdeep Castle. Scarlett says that Jasper assumed that the hunters may be using the Shadow Plane to travel so he asked her and Saelys to scout it. They searched the Plane for about a day before coming upon a room of Xvarts summoning shadows for their 'master'. In the room they found a locked and trapped trap-door however it was beyond either of their skills. As they discussed this, a group of drow hunters appeared behind them. Clearly the hunters were experienced as they detected the pair while they were hidden. The drow were armed with bows. They said they only wanted the 'Highfen'; saying that they were going to take Scarlett prisoner and if she did not put up a fight then Saelys could go free if she could survive the trap. Scarlett told them that Saelys should be allowed to leave first. Saelys lensed as she stepped out of the room and Scarlett followed soon after. They both promptly returned to the Prime.

Hour 15, Day 19, Month 1, Year 138

Interview: Kalyin Xar'zith (Pelts)

This interview was conducted in the Dreaming Tree. Kalyin states that during a trip to the Malarite Temple with his fellow Underdarkers, they were attacked by a group of surfacers seeking retribution for a half orc that these Underdarkers attacked earlier. During his attempts to flee, he was transported to a secret location by Jasper. Jasper told him of the hunts, the hunters and the spirit animals. Some time later, Kalyin claims to have located the hunters through a man named Delano. During his meeting he was convinced that the hunters would stop hunting the spirits because it was not lucrative anymore. At this point, Kalyin becomes belligerent; refusing to state why he believes the hunters, how he acquired the pelts from them or where they can be found. He proceeds to go on a tirade about racial bias and that the surfacers are trying to brand the drow as the villians inspite of the overwhelming evidence to show that the main targets have been Baxter and Derlson. He becomes aggressive, demanding to know the particulars of the restoration rituals even though he clearly stated he does not know most druidic basics and sides with the drow hunter. He threatens to leave when he is refused however High Druid Delith steps in to quell his highly emotional state; he ultimately agrees to bring the panther pelt to the ritual.

Hour 8, Day 17, Month 3, Year 138

Interview: Glinda Glitterbrook (Bear Attack on Heartwood)

This interview was held in the Heartwood Grove. Notably, due to the emotional time that was had during this incident, Glinda had a hard time recalling. She says, after the moot to select the Archdruid, moot goers exited the caves and directly before them were slain bears. Someone may have come inside to call the others out to witness the bears. She spent a good deal of time tending to what bears she could then the group headed south. They left to save the bears. She learned that among the bears was her first companion; Oak. He was ripped apart in the giant/ogre caves. The bear Honey was there too. Her group saves some bears but others were beyond restoring. When they returned to the Vale, shifted and carrying the remains, she says she witnessed the most heart filling, gut-wrenching sympathy from the Heartwood Grovers for her an Oak. Oak is her current companion, Acron's father. She believes that Oak is now with Baervan Wildwander in the Golden Hills of Bytopia and wished this all on the record.

Hour 5, Day 22, Month 5, Year 137

Interview: Yeto (Grove Moot Hunters)

This interview was done during the auction outside of Myon. Yeto says he heard wolves enter the Vale after the moot and warned the others. Elberos and two of his hunters showed up shortly after. He warded and hid, preparing to strike them. He says he was rather furious to see one of the hunters was kin and decided the best way to protect the spirits would be to get information. He sought the leader (Elberos') name. Many threats were thrown down and Archdruid Xellree was about to order them slain. I paused to give them an official exile from the forest, which worked well and paid off later during the Raven hunt when the sentinels slew more than a dozen hunters. Unfortunately, after the exile was issued, the hunters left and promptly disappeared. Astra attempted to scry them and disappeared for a time. People ran around looking for Elberos, his hunters and Astra. She apparently reappeared in the Vale later. Astra was injured and taken off to the Clinic. Yeto left after this. The people he recalls being involved or present were; Astra, Shea, Xellree, Amaera, Mouse, Tryn, Cael, Rhaeg and Jadoth. He stated he had not heard of any bear huting. Neither has anyone that was questioned suggesting that this hunt didn't actually occur; instead it may have been panic.

Hour 4, Day 9, Month 5, Year 137

Interview: Rasa Nsi (Wolf Spirit)

This interview was held in the Dark Heart Grove. Rasa says she was speedied by the hin Mouse who notified her that the Wolf was dead. Rasa arrived to find the Wolf desecrated around the Bramble Outpost and everyone that may have been involved was gone. She met up with Mouse and other naturewalkers in Cordor and went to interrogate Derlson; he told them that the Guild usually met at a warehouse or at the Bramble Outpost. He also said that he knew Baxter was dealing with the Underdark. Mouse said one of the hunters, Bonzo, was still in the Nomad so they went there. Together they went to the warehouse on the docks of the Cultural District that allegedly Baxter owns. A fight occured that resulted in all the hunters dying. Then Baxter arrived with a half a dozen men claiming to be Cordorian Guards. While the guards dealt with a few others that were present, Rasa and Mouse snooped around. They found documents in a locked chest that showed Baxter was working with drow, recruiting off the street due to his losses, and that Derlson knew. They gave the documents to the guards which were then revealed to be fake (apparently they tortured someone while Rasa was snooping). Baxter and the Guards left then the real guards were called.

Hour 20, Day 8, Month 5, Year 137

Interview: Meriam Fuzzypaw (Wolf Spirit)

This interview was held in Bendir Village. Meriam says she went to Cordor to pick up some writs when she spotted Shanna Waynolt, followed her into Furth's Trading and warned her about the events surrounding the spirit hunts. It was then that a hunter entered bragging that he had help slay the wolf spirit. Upon exiting Furth's, she saw a group of druids and their animal companions outside of the Nomad; they had returned from inspecting the aftermath of the hunt. Meriam told them of the hunter but he had vanished too quickly for them to find him. Instead, they went to the Derlson estate to question Harrod. She says they were out for blood and sorely lacking in diplomacy but she assisted by appealing to the hunter in Harrod; he wished to relive his glory days. He told them that the guild met at a warehouse or at the Bramble Outpost. Rasa, Meeriam, Bonzo and another hin waited in an alley to spring a trap on the warehouse. This is all she recalls.

Hour 18, Day 8, Month 5, Year 137

Interview: Nehala (Crime Scene)

Interviewed Nehala after the auction of exotic items outside of Myon. Nehala says she was called to the docks in the Cultural District by a speedy. She was greeted by Mouse and some nature-folk. They told her about the Derlson Hunters/imposters and their spirit hunts. She collected evidence to put together a warrent for Harrod Derlson. She shared with me the witness statements and the letter incriminating Baxter as working with drow. She hopes that Harrod will be publically executed when found because tampering with the King's crops is treason.

Hour 3, Day 5, Month 4, Year 137

Interview: Jasper Highfen (Raven Spirit)

Jasper was notified by Scarlett and Yeto that the Raven was being hunted in the Shadow Plane. As usual, he called others by speedy before departing. Upon arrival he followed the dead hunters to the woods. A number of scouting parties that were split up had to fall back due to powerful hunters, likely drow. They all regrouped at the Tower of Shar then headed toward a series of caves that lead to the entrance of Andunor. [He got seperated from the rest of the group] Jasper located them when they returend to the Prime. They had the Spirit with them, just north of Myon. The hunters had begun a fight with the Sentinels of Myon in hopes of preventing the Spirit from taking refuge in the city but they were driven back so the group was able to release the Raven in the gardens of Myon.

Hour 5, Day 8, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Jasper Highfen (Great Cat)

Jasper got word from Scarlett that hunters were going from Bendir Village to the jungles to the hunt the great cat. He stayed behind to send speedies to helpers before taking the Crow's Nest to the Darkheart Grove. [After the Grove Spirit was restored] Buppi had shifted into his totem; the panther and led a large group of hunters toward Wharftown. Jasper tracked the other group to the depths of the Yaun-ti mound. Alice, Scarlett and others had killed the hunters that slew the cat and the human mage (diviner) had escaped. Jasper went out while the group interrogated a surviving hunter and found the group, that had followed Buppi, outside of the Mound. They entered the mound and spoke with Rasa who later attacked them. He believes that the head hunter of that group is a Malarite. The head hunter talked about greater hunting the lesser and that if these creatures were spirits then this would only increase the thrill of the hunt; also talking about the pride of the kill.

Hour 2, Day 8, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Xellree (Grove Moot)

I spoke with Xellree in the Heartwood Grove caves. He stated that after the first spirit meeting of the Heartwood Grove that happened outside of the Cricket Caves a group of male hunters showed up; one elf and two humans. The elf did all the talking; his name was Elberos. The group had four strange dogs with them that were about as friendly as wolves. The elf wanted proof that the animals they were hunting were spirits. Xellree attempted to get them to halt their hunting and attempt to disprove that the animals were spirits instead. This failed. Xellree wished to kill the hunters however Yeto and others talked him into leaving one alive. However when Yeto was finished speaking with them, they left and vanished. Astra of the Tower tried to scry them but she was pulled to them instead. Xellree ordered the rangers to scour the forest for her as they couldn't have gotten far. They were found in the shadow wood and chased into the spider caves. Xellree's group divided as others returned to the Vale to aid the Bear Spirit that was being hunted. The hunters went to the lair of the spider Queen, exiting through a portal there. Astra was later summoned back to the group.

Hour 6, Day 9, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Shea Webber (Wolf Spirit)

I met Xellree and Shea at the Campsite. Shea stated went to the Derlson estate where Rasa and some druid-folk were questioning Derlson about the Hunter's Guild and his involvement. A message came from Bjorn to come to the Nomad. Rasa asked Shea to go. There she met two shady men; Jimbo and Bonzo. They said that their contract with the Hunter's Guild was nearly up and that with the right incentive, they could set a trap for the others. Shea paid them both 15k. The trap was meant to be in the warehouse in the cultural district. Mouse informed Rasa and the others. Somewhere in all the chaos of searching for the hunters, Shea got seperated from the group. She ended up watching the public forum for the Queen candidates when a speedy from Ranger Taelar arrived saying that Hunter Elberos was slain and Baxter escaped. She went to the warehouse (Meriam and Amaera were there too). Nehala of Cordor was called and she took statements from everyone. She also took Baxter's letter (which Amaera found) that said a drow named Ze'nor was calling all the hunts and that Derlson had been working with him.

Hour 22, Day 9, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Buppi (Great Cat)

Buppi was called by Jasper to the Jungles to aid against the hunt of the Great Cat. He arrived at the Darkheart Grove from the Crow's Nest; there the Grove spirit was already felled. Upon trying to exit, he and Amadeo were confronted by hunters on horseback. The pair formulated a plan in which Buppi would shift into the panthar; his totem and lead the hunters to Wharftown. Buppi slipped out, shifted and Amadeo directed the hunters after him. Buppi says he was surprised that the hunters were able to shoot so well from a gallop. He led them to Wharftown but no one was there to help him so he gave them the slip. He later returned to Darkheart Grove; upon finding the others had left he tracked them to the mound. They were travelling down the tunnels when sudden pain and weakness hit Buppi; the Great Cat was dead. When he saw the hunters standing over the Great Cat, he collapsed. Later he came to to see the desecrated remains of the spirit and one hunter alive, tied up and being interrogated. He was carried out to Winter's Rest in Cordor for treatment.

Hour 4, Day 10, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Peter Black (Great Whale)

I met with Peter Black, Formerly of Bane, at the Nomad. He states that he was called to hunt the Great Whale by Guillermo along with the Banites Vahrix and William Amolyn. They arrived at the docks in the Northern coast of Minmir where they met a hooded man; a hunter. The hunter told them that he would pay 50k for help hunting the Great Whale. They boarded what appeared to be a pirate ship and met a hooded male mage that was said to be their diviner - he located the animals. The pair said that the druids were exaggerating and that the spirits were nothing more than animals. Once it was made clear that the plan was to hunt the Great Whale spirit, the Banites attacked. They slew the hunter and badly wounded the mage before he lensed away. They went below deck and slew all the pirates and released two prisoners. The prisoners appear to have been there for a few long time so they did not seem to know anything about the hunt or spirits. The banites killed everyone before the ship could set sail and the location of the spirit wasn't specified.

Hour 6, Day 8, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Buppi (Raven Spirit)

Jasper sent for Buppi and Snow to aid against the Raven hunt in the Shadow Plane. He lensed there with Snow then met up with a large group (Jadoth, Astra). Some hunters were found by Yeto, a hin and others while Buppi ran around the confusing landscape; he joined them. They left the city and went north. Buppi felt a presence and wanted to go to the caves he was familiar with but the others ignored him. They went to the Tower of Shar and paid a hunter for information that told them to go North-east. Buppi led them to the caves that were roughly in that direction. Outside of the caves were dwarven hunters that said the spirit was inside. Behind Buppi's group, drow were lurking. The group entered the caves but due to people running ahead, many got lost and confused. Someone used a raven to scout; the raven told them they pasted the spirit. They doubled back and found a group of underdarkers; drow, humans and a gnoll surrounding the spirit that was wounded with a bolt in the wing. They said they wished to give the spirit gifts, trade or make deals or they may have been lying. They spoke with the Underdarkers long enough to get close to the spirit.

Hour 10, Day 10, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Buppi (Raven Spirit) II

Someone healed the raven's wing and the group decided to bolt. They used lenses and a temporary portal to land in the Bramble woods. Buppi led them toward Greyhammer then Old Stonehold to attempt to avoid scriers and the hunters on the main trade road. When they reached Arelith forest they noticed dead bears, hunters and Sentinels. Myon had sent out their guards to dispel the hunters from the forest in a large battle. The raven was led to Myon's gardens to rest.

Hour 11, Day 10, Month 1, Year 137

Anchor Points; Spirits

One confirmed anchor point is for the Great Penguin. It is beneath the ice statue, in the triangle of lights, in the caves near the Temple of Auril. It is said that the host for this Spirit was the old Aurilite priestess that resided in the Temple atop the Spires. Another possible anchor point is the White Elk (there is contention where the White Elk and the White Stag are one and the same) that can be found in the Spires in the runic triangle between the crypts. However it is also possible that the remains were distributed between the crypts and would have to be reunited. The host for the Great Cat is said to be a female Jungle druid. I am still looking for possible historical leads on this.

Hour 8, Day 8, Month 1, Year 137

Fallen Grove Spirit (Darkheart Grove)

When I arrived at the Darkheart Grove, the Spirit had been killed. Jasper, Rasa, Yeto, Glinda and myself stayed behind to commune with the land in order to call the spirit back. This required clear minds, a capable priest, the spirit's remains in tact and its chosen region. After a time to clear our minds, Yeto called on his divine abilities to restore the spirit. It is in good health again. Even so far as lounging at Archdruid Rasa's feet during the last moot.

Hour 23, Day 9, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Astra of the Tower (Arcane Tower)

Astra was question in the common room of the Arcane Tower. She states that she doesn't recall anything that she may have witnessed. She appeared frustrated, disorientated and mentally compromised.

Hour 0, Day 9, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Ranger Tryn (Grove Moot Incident)

I met with Tryn at the Campsite. He stated that the hunters arrived just as the moot was ending. They stood, blocking the exit. All the moot goers came to face the hunters. The hunters said they came to the moot to talk, like they said they would. There was a lot of anger and talk of killing the hunters, even from Tryn. However Yeto stepped in. He made every effort to get the name of the lead hunter; even making a deal that the name could be whispered and they would go unharmed. At this point, Tryn stepped away so not to let his anger get the better of him.

Hour 1, Day 10, Month 1, Year 137

Taelar's Witness Testimony

In the Cultural District in the Warehouse after an altercation with members of the Hunters Guild, Hunt Guildmaster Baxter showed up with what appeared to be Cordor Guards and detained myself, Amaera and a man named Bonzo. After letting Amaera leave, he questioned myself and Bonzo about what had happened. He then said that one of us had to be punished by 'justice' for what had happened, and implied he would torture me as his selected target. When Bonzo pointed out that was not what guards did, he gloated that the men he had brought with were mercenaries of his in disguise. At this point, realizing this was a set up of some sort, I defended myself as best I could but was cut down, Baxter appears to be a magic user of some sort, either a wizard or a cleric I am not sure, and a skilled fighter. He should be treated with caution.

Hour 1, Day 23, Month 10, Year 136 Taelar Stormwalker

Warehouse incident

When being let into warehouse by man with key, hunters attacked us, we defended ourselves. When come down stairs BAxter was there with a group of men dressed as cordor guards. While in warehouse letters were found showing Baxter working with drow from underdark city. That Noble Derlson was aware of this. Men claiming be guards took notes climing they look into it. Then they demand we leave, as they all took Taelar and others upstairs,

Hour 1, Day 23, Month 10, Year 136 Rasa Nsi

Witness Statement - Baxter

I came upon my mate, Taelar, in the warehouse at a friend's notice of where he was, to check on his wellbeing. The huntsmen who were with the Hunt Master, as he called himself, were all ead by that point. Baxter arrived with perhaps ten Elite guards in tow. I was arrested for Trespass, and Bonzo and Taelar for murder. They removed me from the room and locked Baxter in with the men, in the basement. When I heard my mate scream, I summoned an elemental and demanded entrance. I was allowed in, to find him half dead on the floor. On the way out I found Baxter's written notes on the floor. The notes were handed over to the real Cordor Guard as evidence.

Hour 1, Day 23, Month 10, Year 136 Amaera Elraiendel

Interview: Glinda Glitterbrook (Meeting Hunter's Guild)

This interview happened in the Heartwood Grove. Glinda says she was in Guldorand working on the restoration project when Hunters approached her and Priestess Anna of Sharess trapping them inside Soulhaven. She approached them as an independant researcher, suggesting that she would like to meet to present the case for the spirits. The hunters were humans and from Cordor; angry that their friends were being murdered by zealots. Sometime later, when they were freed, she was blindfolded and kidnapped. There is inconsistancy in this part of the story because in spite of being kidnapped, she had time to call Terto Tarquin as her back up. She met in the Underdark Hunter's Guildhouse and they wished her to pen a counter bounty against Buppi; the reward they would issue is an Astral bomb. The hunters want to be left alone to consider their resource managed strategies.

Hour 4, Day 1, Month 8, Year 137

Security analysis: Hunters Guild of Andunor.

Two doors, each separated by an access tunnel, feature five runed animal designs on them.

Hour 11, Day 6, Month 7, Year 137 Anonymous

Interview: Mabel Highfen (Kidnapping)

This interview was held at the Heartwood Grove. Mabel, Maya, a dwarf and two tallies were heading toward the Forest of Despair to complete a contract. On the way, they were attacked by two displacer beasts that beat them badly, briefly felling Maya. Once they past the walls of the hills, they came up to the hill at the forest's alternate entrance when they were halted by a Malarite hunter with a Malar Beast as well as displacer beasts behind them. It was made clear that the displacers were working with the Malarites. The hunter said that Mabel's family had angered the Malarites. After her command, the rest of the group successfully fled to get help however Mabel was shot with an arrow while trying to lens. She was taken to the Underdark Outpost via the Old Stonehold Ruins. The hunter wished the bounty on Baxter removed. He traded Mabel to a female kobold caster with a longsword. The kobold collared Mabel before returning her to the Outpost, making use of Delano and Natasha's jail (they were accompanied by their orc bodyguard). The kobold took a lock of her hair. They waited till the Thane and company came to make a peaceful trade for her; dropping the bounty in trade for her.

Hour 4, Day 11, Month 1, Year 138

Interview: Andriana Dirtytoes (Crackles)

This interview was held in the inner Temple in Bendir Village. Andy says she doesn't believe that the Great Badger was killed because it was reported (not sourced) that he refused to give his life to save others, which is opposite to his usual behaviour. She believes it was an imposter used to trick Crackles. Crackles is an unseelie fey, very likely male. He was bound by his word to leave Bendir alone after the hunt and hasn't been seen since. Crackles has been known to convince others to hunt spirits for years (however no specific account was produced). He uses one's personal weaknesses or loved ones as leverage. He enjoys power so he may not be in his own employ and readily allies with others. He has an alliance or arrangement with the shadows of the Shadow Wood.

Hour 2, Day 28, Month 5, Year 137

Interview: Dazza Dirtytoes (Badger Spirit)

This interview was held in the inner Temple of Bendir Village. Dazza claims he does not recall seeing Droopi or the remains of the Badger spirit. He states his presence in the Shadow wood that day was on a personal matter between him and Crackles, the fey. He firmly disagrees with any notion that there was something secondary happening that prompted the fight between the Hawkin and the dark fey. Any mention of fey of any sort causes him to become unreasonably defensive and highly emotional. He does not appear to be of stable mind or good judgement so any further questioning was abandoned.

Hour 23, Day 27, Month 5, Year 137

Interview" Jasper Highfen (Derlson Talk)

After the Stag Hunt, Jasper returned to Cordor and met up with Astra of the Arcane Tower. They spoke with Lord Derlson who said he had pulled out from the last hunt when he heard of the danger that these might be spirits. However his head hunter Baxter continued. Astra had spoken with Derlson prior to the Stag hunt which is what prompted him to drop out.

Hour 8, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Xellree and Shea Webber (Bear Attack on Grove)

After the moot that saw Xellree promoted to Archdruid, a group of angered bears attacked the Heartwood Grove. The assault was quickly dispatched by the dryads and Clarissa. The exiting moot goers began to track the source of the bears (among them were Yeto and Glinda). They communicated with some of the bears they came across that said 'two-leggers' had harmed them, trapped them and killed some of their brethren. Notably, Glinda was close to some of the bears; Honey (found alive) and Oak (dead). The source of the problem was found to be the caves in Minmir. At the caves ogres and giants had taken bears as slaves to do labour (with no disernable purpose besides mining). Any bears that were unable to work anymore were slayed and more captured. Further down the cave, near the entrance to the Underdark, the body of an Ur-bear was found killed by drow in some ritual. The ritual is undetermined and all interrogations provided nothing solid. The group released 27 bears. The fallen bears and Ur-bear were buried in the Vale outside the Cricket caves to be guarded by the second Ur-bear (who is now missing, supposedly in hiding).

Hour 20, Day 15, Month 12, Year 136

Spirit Anchors

Rahemen spirits known as Telthor are documented as deriving their origine from both spheres; the physical and the spiritual. Their chosen region anchors them in one aspect and their physical form in the other. This would explain why a host was needed for the Malarite spirit. A spirit cannot be formed from only one sphere and, by that logic, it cannot be destroyed by only one sphere which is how druids aid in the rebirth of spirits when their time has come. These rebirths generally require the remains and the spirits region for the ritual However with the anchor point within the region (the point where the host transformed or remains were buried), Tribute can be used to prematurely birth the spirit anew. Spirits will always rebirth on their own accord in time but the wait can be damaging. The best tribute will have to ben aligned with the spirit, its region and the giver (the best givers will have a stable mind). A druidic calling circle must be modified depending on the spirit and at least four individuals used to preform the ritual.

Hour 21, Day 6, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Nicodemus (ShadowsVMyon)

In my search for past events that have involved Spirits, I have found that there was a hunt on the Great White Stag that took place in Arelith Forest. Nicodemus confirmed that this occured during one of his wanderings. He said that shadows from the Shadow wood attacked Myon and breached the Mythal. He mentioned that these shadows may have done so while looking for the Great Stag. He does not recall if the Stag was felled or how the shadows were ultimately repelled. He recalls a vague note about Shadovar being involved but it was unclear.

Hour 13, Day 22, Month 10, Year 136

Interview: Pestilance (Darkheart Grove)

During my search for past events about Spirits, I was approached by a female druid, supposedly of Talona judging by her appearance. She told me of an event that happened decades ago involving both Groves. A youth druid of the Heartwood known as a Spiritwalker was cursed by Malarite priests during his trip to the Malarite Temple in the Forest of Despair. A Spiritwalker is a druid that communes with many spirits for wisdom and knowledge; this connection offers him a variety of shapes. The curse was fed through hunting or slaughter which, over time, corrupted the druid's vessel and mind making him hostile to others and almost feral. The corruption was the foundation by which to 'grow' a spirit (this would result in the druid's death) that was expected to be the guardian of the Forest of Despair, and by extention Malar, as it is alleged that the Forest of Despair has no Spirit due to the wild and dark magic influencing the area. A ritual was done at the triangle of runic stone at the Ruins of Old Stonehold however the specifics of this are vague; it involved a handful of powerful Jungle Druids.

Hour 14, Day 22, Month 10, Year 136

Interview: Amadeo (White Elk Spirit)

I called Amadeo Pnuema to Soulhaven to discuss his knowledge of past spirit events. He stated that during Roland Asen's Dominion, Roland and his companion Gil'thilak created a necrotic blight which they unleashed in the glaciermelt of the Spires so that all water down stream would be effected. Their seat of power was Guldorand, at the time, and it would be the only location with useable water. During his investigation of the blight, Amadeo became infected and ultimately collapsed from the strain. While unconscious, a White Elk came to him, rested a hoof on his chest and took the blight unto itself, curing Amadeo. Whether this is a different spirit to the White Stag, is unclear however it does demonstrate that Spirits can cure corruption.

Hour 15, Day 22, Month 10, Year 136

Interview: Amadeo (Mist Rider)

According to Amadeo Pneuma, who was present for much of the incident, he states that the Great Horse Spirit (known for being the fastest steed on the island) is called Mist Rider. The creature was thought to roam the Minmir region where horses were first introduced by the elves of Evermeet. A bounty was placed on Mist Rider by Harrod Derlson, hunter, of 110k. At this time, there was no obvious involvement of the Hunter's Guild. Instead it appeared to be Derlson's bodyguards and unaffiliated individuals looking to cash in the bounty. Mist Rider was noticed by ogres while in the forest of Minmir and cornered. Josys, Knight of Myon, came upon the ogres (with Amadeo) and slew them. During this exchange, Josys was allowed to ride Mist Rider to safety. He has yet to be seen again.

Hour 18, Day 15, Month 12, Year 136

Interview: Guillermo (Great Whale)

I met with Guillermo at the Arcane Tower and moved to the Mayfields to talk. He said that he was met by a hunter outside of the Tower that promised gold for hunting the Great Whale. He speedied William of the Banite church to meet them. The Hunter and he went to the north coast of Minmir. They stole an amnish ship and met with a diviner that was supposed to tell them the location of the Whale however when the Banites arrived, they murdered everyone. The group then returned to the Tower lobby where Guillermo was paid for his troubles by Peter. He states that the Banites met up with a half-orc banite and left to the Banite Church to 'plan something'. Due to being exluded from his discussion, he did not know if it was about the spirits or not.

Hour 17, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Jasper Highfen (Great Stag)

Allegedly Snow of Cordor heard that Derlson was to hold a hunt on the Stag so she contacted Jasper. He gathered his company (Buppi, Scarlett, Yeto, Rasa, Gorudan, Lacroix) and made their way to Arelith Forest where they expected the home of the Stag to be. They came across hunters outside of Bendir Village; one human and horseback and two earthkin. While trying to question the hunters, a member of his group slapped one and violence ensued resulting in both earthkin dead (later raised). The hunter told them to go North-west toward Stonehold. They found nothing prompting them to split up and when someone found a trail they regrouped in the forests of Minmir. When they arrived, the hunters had already killed the Stag and were found at the streams on the hills. Failing to persaude the hunters to leave the remains, Buppi asked for proof and was thrown a piece of meat. He determined it to be the Stag spirit and ordered the group to kill the hunters. The diviner they had with them (mage) escaped. The remains were ruined and some may have been taken by the mage.

Hour 8, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Ranger Saelys (Raven Spirit) II

They led the raven from the Dale portal around to Old Stonehold to enter the forest from the other side. In the forest they found dead elder bears, hunters and guards of Myon. They found more dead by the dreaming tree - a place they thought to take the Raven. She says the hunters used mages to scry the group and get to Myon before them which is why the battle broke out. The Raven was released in the gardens of Myon.

Hour 22, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Ranger Saelys (Raven Spirit)

Saelys was speedied by Scarlett to say that the Raven was being hunted in the Shadow Plane (Scarlett said the information came from Yeto and a hin named Terra). With company, she wandered around the Shadow version of Cordor and found hunters; human, drow, dwarves. Some were fighting and some were dead, likely fighting over the 110k bounty. Scarlett's group was already there (Snow, Jasper, Buppi, Astra and Jadoth). They searched the city, the hills and the forests. Yeto sent his raven companion to scout. They found a hunter at the Shadow tower. They paid him for information and he told the to go North-east to find the spirit. They found caves with a long tunnel; inside were drow, a human woman, a gnoll and a vampire. The group had the spirit cornered and Yeto struck down one that attemped to lung at the spirit. The underdarkers said they only wished to talk to the spirit but didn't say about what. The spirit was injured with a bolt to the wing which Yeto tended to and convinced the Raven to escape with them via portal. The raven told them that the hunters could find it wherever it could go.

Hour 22, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Ranger Saelys (Great Cat)

Saelys was called to the Darkheart Grove. She saw the fallen Grove spirit which turned out to be the wrong spirit so she (and a group) tracked hunters to the ancient mound. The Great Cat was killed before they arrived. The group killed all the hunters but one. The captured hunter said that an elf was organizing the hunts so that he could kill/have hunts with his company/group. The interrogated hunter was killed by Rasa. When they left the mound, they found a large party of hunters. They stated that they would hunt the Rat next. They also asked for proof that these creatures were spirits. The hunters were killed by Rasa and a gnome. The remains of the Cat were just bones and were left where it fell.

Hour 21, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Jasper Highfen (Badger Spirit)

Earthkin Droopi Grins aka Tom, a field warlock, came to the Arcane Tower because he couldn't find any Dale officials and told Jasper that he made a deal with the Winter Court to protect Bendir. The deal was that he would kill the Great Badger and deliver it to the shadow wood to keep the children from being kidnapped. The location was divined by the Winter Court which led Tom to the elven burial grounds. Jasper tracked him there, witnessing the end of the battle between Tom and the Badger. He followed Tom, with the Badger's remains, to the shadow wood. There Hawkin' Tana and Dazza were fighting powerful grigs. The leader of the grigs took the corpse and swore to leave Bendir alone. The grigs and the remains promptly vanished.

Hour 6, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Knight Josys of Myon (Bendir)

I met with Josys in Bendir to discuss her account in the hunt against Mist Rider. She was in the battlefield in Minmir when she rode into ogres. She slew them and found a few others surrounding a horse. One ogre was bigger than the others and he said that the horse would be a good kill. She slew him and mounted the horse, riding off with it. Then she came upon a noble that demanded the horse. She told him that he would have to fight her for it which repealled him; he left back to Cordor cursing her. She sais there was a human monk present and a few others. They didn't allow her to kill the noble and they mentioned the hunters to her. She rode the horse away before releasing it.

Hour 4, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Ranger Saelys (Great Penguin)

I met with Ranger Saelys in the treehouse of the Heartwood Grove. She stated that when travelling to the Ruins of Kholigen with elf Arn'thar they found dead penguins that were killed by arrows. They followed the trail of penguins that led to a large pile of penguin remains and drow hunters. They killed all these hunters. A few tendays later they found drow in the Spires, past the dwarf stronghold, that were chasing penguins. Again the elf Arn'thar was with her along with a human, Jodie. The drow took Jodie hostage and would only release her if the pair killed the penguins. The drow claimed to want the penguin pelts. Ranger Saelys killed a large penguin, unknowing that it was the spirit. The penguin was taken by the drow and Jodie released.

Hour 18, Day 7, Month 1, Year 137

Interview: Terto Tarquin (Meeting Hunter's Guild)

This interview was conducted at the Arcane Tower lobby. Please note that Terto was uncooperative and generally disinclined to provide specifics of the event. He stated that Glinda is a careful gnome with a good head on her shoulders which is what prompted her to ask for backup when entering the lair of armed killers.

He did not give specifics of the location of the Guild as he believes that will bring more fighting to his home; the Underdark. He refused to give details of what was said at the meeting, suggesting that Glinda surely stated all that needed to be said.

He did state that Hunter Baxter was held back, conservative and scared while the other, the drow, was progressive, solution seeking and confident. In Terto's opinion, the drow hunter is more dangerous which would make raiding his territory foolish. He sympathizes with the Hunters suggesting that this situation may be a matter of opinion; like his situation with the Dwarves.

Hour 7, Day 1, Month 8, Year 137

Research Notes: Spirit Rituals

The spirit sphere is intertwined with our sphere however most individuals are not taught to pass between the two due to their narrow and 'normal' grasp of reality. Those such as myself that train to walk the spirit sphere do so through altering our understanding of ourselves; physically, mentally and spiritually.

The two selected naturewalkers as tribute were; Buppi of the panther and Xellree of the wolf. The choice for this was that their spiritual connection would require little train as they already held a strong bond to their respective creature. To aid the transition, the two anchor points were located at which the connection between the two spheres is thinner and easier to pass through.

Due to Buppi's overt relationship with the physical sphere, additional training was needed in the form of an assisted spirit walk held at the Dreaming Tree. To further aid their passage, ritual participants were asked to saturate the anchor point with their chosen energy in an effort to draw a bridge between the two connected spheres so that even the untrained can pass through, and hopefully back. (Meditation was also used to help all minds assisting).

This may be best explained by suggesting that the ritual was rain with which we aimed to wet the Tribute so that he may more easily and with less mental disturbance enter cold water.

Hour 16, Day 10, Month 9, Year 138