Thursday, June 9, 2016

Frostgrave Campaign Between-Game Update: A New Apprentice is Hired

    For those who regularly read my blog, you will know that recently in game 4 of our Frostgrave Campaign, my Apprentice Cherowyn was hit by a Bone Dart, and left for dead in the Frozen City.
    I recently converted a figure to serve as the new apprentice, and painted it up this week.

    Since the last outing into Frostgrave, Kodak had been searching for a replacement Apprentice.  Despite a number of tedious interviews with candidates who proved to not satisfy the old Elven wizard's requirements; as luck would have it, Kodak found his new student by chance.
     On a routine trip to the nearest small town for supplies, Kodak stopped for a few moments to watch a young street wizard perform some tricks for a few passersby who had stopped to watch her perform.  There was something about the statuesque young woman with the flaming red hair and strange highland garb that caused the Illusionist to stand and watch a little longer than perhaps he would normally.  Despite her size, Kodak took note of her fair skin, long delicate fingers, and the hint of a pointed ear beneath her hair; "half-elf", he surmised to himself.  "That must be a story to hear", he though with a bemused smile.
    The crowd "Ooow'ed", and "Aaahhh'ed", as the highland half-elf made some living-flame dance in the air forming first a dragon, then  a mighty knight on his charger.  "She's got a bit of talent", Kodak thought to himself. Then, just as he was turning to go, he caught sight of a pair of shadowy figures lurking in the crowd behind the woman.  He stood a moment more to watch, as he saw one of the roguish pair eye the small brass dish that the performer had placed on the street for the spectators to toss coins in to.  She must have been really entertaining to this crowd, as he noticed a few Silvers in amongst the Copper.
   Just then the thieves made their move, and as one pushed the magic-user from behind, throwing her off her balance, the other dashed forward and grabbed the brass dish; and with one swift movement stuffed it and its contents into an old stained sack.  Both then took off in opposite directions.  The first, who had pushed the girl down, didn't get far, as the half-elf quickly rolled and popped back to her  feet with the agility of a cat.  With a mighty thrust she hurled her magic staff at the back of the thief's head, where it made contact with a resounding thunk. The poor fellow went sprawling in the street.
    Meanwhile, the other thief had the misfortune to run right in the direction that Kodak was standing.   In a wink the old Illusionist disappeared and stuck out his now-invisible leg into the path of the racing criminal.  In a second he made contact with the wizard's foot and went airborne in a spectacular spiral, tumbling into the side of a rain bucket and getting soaked.
     Kodak, visible again, walked up and grabbed the sack of coins from where it had landed.  He turned and walked back towards the red-headed girl. She had the other thief in an iron grip and was marching him towards the approaching guard captain; who was just coming up to see what all the ruckus had been.  Once free of her captive she turned, as Kodak caught up with her.
     "Here, I think this is yours", he said as he held out the sack.
    "Thank you" she said guardedly. "I was worried that one had got away."
    " No, luckily I was standing right there where he ran." he said tilting his head back towards his shoulder in the direction of the soaking wet thief who was being rounded up by the town guard.   He added, "I'm Kodak the Illusionist, by the way",  and he extended his hand.
    She took it hesitantly, and said, "I'm Leighlyndana"
    Kodak said, "I was impressed with your show... and with how you handled your staff back there." He eyed the girl with an appraising look."  If it's not too forward, would you be interested in discussing a matter of business with me.  I have need for someone with talents like yours."
    Leighlyndana stared at the old Elf wizard for a moment.  She was not use to a kindly tone from an older member of the magical community.  She had had some bad experiences with elder Elf wizards in her past, so she was almost ready to walk away. But there was something about the old Illusionist that seemed warm-hearted and trusting, so she nodded. Kodak pointed to a nearby pub, and the two headed there, Kodak leading the way, as the crowd on the street slowly dispersed and returned to their normal lives.
 

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