They were called heroes. The adventurers had set out from the Harken in hopes of gaining information on the orcs in P'Bapar pass. Unfortunately, with little time and no reinforcements, it was up to them to stave off the orc horde. They soon found there was an even bigger threat to the people of Cosdol, for within the bowels of the Legasa Peaks slept an ancient earth titan of unfathomable power.

Stonefang had been trapped by the dwarves long before Brandobia was formed. The orcs disturbed the binding ritual and stole the body parts that bound him. The heroes took on this charge, as well. And in the end, they were victorious--though at great cost.

Nolan Kapran, the sly cutpurse was killed in the halls of P'Bapar. The swordmage, Aldus Colden was also slain while battling the orcs at the citadel outside the pass.

The Archduke E'Dos Kalanasi II, of P'Bapar, personally thanked the warriors for their brave efforts, including a monetary reward of 500 gold pieces. They were royalty within the walls of P'Bapar. Armors were cleaned, weapons were sharpened, and the wine poured like the falls above the pass. Fame is fleeting, however, and the city soon went back to work, with the orcish horde having been disbanded. The heroes decided it was time to head back home.

They hitched a ride with a trade caravan headed for Cosolen and tried to enjoy a nice, quiet journey home. The dwarf, Duggin, decided to come along. With his first, Serka, now dead, he had no home to head toward. The ranger, Mord, was only heading along in hopes of securing some good work as a caravan guard. And so they headed out, all save for Kira, who elected to stay behind and seek study with the eladrin, Shifryn.

Back in Cosolen, life returned to normal. Curthain found that the ring he procured for Tiberio was, in fact, not the ring he was sent for, causing much undo stress in their relationship. Ryner found he had new troubles, as well. The Jacks were leaning heavily on him for payment, and were now expecting Ryner to pony up to Nolan's debt. Zandi, Nolan's uncle had been beaten severely and his shop burned down. Hurrel, for his part in helping Nolan, had lost an eye and was hobbled. Iola had taken them both in under her protection, making the Jacks even more angry. Adding Daggo, Ryner had many mouths to feed and a growing debt with the orphanage.

Meanwhile, Duggin struggled to find work, as his reputation for being a follower of the Overlord had impared his ability to find employment. Being a decent tactician only helps put food in one's belly during war. Mord suffered a similar fate. While he could pick up work on the docks, or doing other menial labor, few Brandobians trusted the half-orc.

Kira, on the other hand, fared quite well. Shifryn was, by all accounts, a savant with magic. Whether it be his swordplay, singing, or study of spells, the eladrin was a master. He helped Kira fine tune her voice, showing how the vibrations worked in harmony with her blade. While she was still a novice, her skills would greatly improve under his tutelage. Unfortunately, Shifryn was called to his home in Doulathanorian, ending their studies for the time.

And so continues our stories in these Simpler Times.