The Messenger
Crow, fatted on the remains of the werewolf's half-eaten kills, is ensnared by the messenger spell and sent to deliver a note. Due to (indirect) feeding of the crow by the priest, the spell is exceptionally strong. The note is lost in transit and the only word the crow speaks is "Vision, vision!" There is a small string dangling from the crow's left leg.
After being aided, the priest (Father Steef) was granted a vision. He knows that his saviors must travel to the small town of "Forest Hollow" which is located "across the river and before the swamp." There, they must gather four ingredients to kill the evil spirit inhabiting his soul - "baneberries enough to fill the stomach of a giant," "peat bog tar to cover the roof and nightshade sufficient to smother the floor," and "one, one mandrake root." With these four elemental plants, he will be able to not merely drive forth the evil but ruin it.
Father Steef knows nothing else. He is adamant on this and on being locked in now. He will fast until salvation returns or Death takes him.

Dear Noa,

It is my greatest wish that someday you will be able to read these letters, and laugh with me over their content. And yet, since leaving the mages' Akademy, I am beset by doubt and despair that I will ever find a way to make you again whole.

I believe the Blue Nixie holds the key - a ship that is sailed by the living heart of a dead Captain. But Javel, though accommodating in other ways, has little information to give me. I think she has begun to suspect my interest in her is purely for the secret of the heart. That is not precisely true - she is a clever woman, strong, fierce, and capable, and I quite like her. I wish I knew how to reassure her of my intentions, but people have ever misunderstood my remarks, and I've little patience for the sort of talk that soothing ruffled feelings requires. I know it causes those who travel with me to mistrust me, but I cannot care. You were always far better with words than I, even as children, and I left explanations to your clever tongue. I am now bereft of such glib excuses that always saved us from trouble.

I miss you, my brother. It seems ages since I first set out to find you, and while I have come tantalizingly close, I remain mired in confusion and endless menial tasks. The rest of this company looks only towards the momentary goal - although Lee Chou is beginning to forcefully question our continued bond to our employer. I appreciate his feelings on the matter, but I see her as a dependable source of income, and it was her missions that brought me closer to you, however briefly. Perhaps she or her many connections can track down those who stole you from our family so long ago, that I might have my revenge...

I'm sorry, Noa. You who were always gentle would hate to hear me speak of so easily spilling blood. I remember the bird you found one day, its wing bent oddly, and how you built splints of twigs and a nest out of mother's best linen napkins. (I remember, too, how you refused to cry when she swatted you for it.) Aseel'a would approve; she has a kindness about her that reminds me much of you. How it hurts that you've been twisted so, that kindness buried beneath layers of dark enchantments! I will free you; I swear this. And I will find a way to give you back what you've lost.

I apologize for how my hand shakes when I write those lines. I have tried to be cold, cynical, and uncaring of how others perceive me - I thought such a demeanor would serve me best. But since seeing you as a remnant, my facade cracks and emotion leaks through. You would smile to see me thus, and punch my arm, and dare me to a race through the orchard to snap me out of my black mood.

I must stop thinking of the past if I am to find you.

Unfortunately, the present doesn't allow for more pleasant thoughts. My companions (I have no better word for those in whose company I have travelled for most of a year, although I hesitate to grant them so much familiarity as to imply a bond greater than convenience) may have their own impetus for wandering, though in all this time we've shared little that is personal. This suits me, although at times I wonder if we each knew what the others were seeking, perhaps we could work more efficiently. Our personalities are so disparate, I think only habit keeps us together. Certainly I have little use for a monk whose sardonic remarks grow wearisome, a boy wizard so lacking in defense he has twice been burnt to cinders, a flighty elf who needs must consult with her owl before deciding to cross a bridge, and a foolish, impulsive, rock-headed dwarf who wouldn't understand stealth (or caution) if it bit him on the arse. Ullik, at least, is quietly competent, until he's blindly enraged or falling over drunk. These people are good enough, in their own ways, and surely they would have much ill to speak of me, for I make no effort to know them. I hear tavern tales of adventurers grown close through danger, toasting each others' prowess in all manner of ways, and I have no taste for it. Let others become as brothers on the road - mine is lost to me, and I seek no replacement.

It's funny; my most endearing recent companion has been a dazed, garrulous zombie whose head I carried in a sack (and you really do not want to know how disgusting that felt). I think because his constant chatter reminded me a bit of our cousins - remember how Saavel would never be quiet even in his sleep, and Canea blathered on about her dresses, and Unyl would talk the bark off a tree if you let her? And you and I were supposed to be attentive, and show good manners, or mother would be cross and not allow us an ice treat after supper. I rather miss those flavoured ices; mumma stopped making them after you were taken. Mayhap she'll make them again when we return, and we can reclaim at least one happy memory...although now that I think of how sick we made ourselves the night we got into the coldbox, perhaps we shouldn't repeat that episode. Unlike Culto, I learn from my mistakes.

It's been over two years since I last saw our parents - I know not how they fare. I cannot allow myself to worry overmuch; they have always been there, they must always be there, and they will be waiting for us to come home. Although who is to say how long my journey will take? It has been too long already. I grow weary of meandering aimlessly with this group from sea to mountain and across wretched lands, but the dangers of Kaala cannot be faced alone. And I will need help if I am to find a way to give you back your life. Will you wait for me? Or will you turn on me again, fueled this time by your own impatience and anger rather than an evil god's commands? I would not fight you, Noa. If you want my life in exchange for escaping the horror you must be enduring, then you have it.

I cannot shake this despair.

I cannot be patient with this lethargic pace.

I do not know what else I can do, but wait.

I remain, always, your loving twin,
--Gabraanth

Noble Family - Holdings - Baron

Wise and ironic priestess of Bricech. She is the author of The Faiths of Kaala.

Lavanel Ovrenfare, a friend of the priestesses, has supplied information regarding the location of a hideout of the pirates (The Jade Scimitars) plaguing Talmot. Lavanel is located on an island known as Outcast Archipelago, a former worker (prisoner/slave) colony which has prospered in recent decades.
Her younger brother, Vanthus, appears to have rifled through her notes and she fears he went to the Kraken’s Cove for his own ends.
Javell witnessed the “hands of god” crack open and the green mist pour forth.

Noble Family - Holdings - Count

Kaala - Throwing Shade: Sorcerer

Aleuden grew up in a small innocuous village by the border of the Cillan Forest. There, Aleuden’s family operated a humble and respected ranger school. Many of the rangers went on to serve prominent and powerful families, such as the Randthil family, which watched over the surrounding lands and villages. The Randthil family would often seek the council of Aleuden's father Aleuden. During these many consultations the head of the Randthil family, Jeugo, would often bring his daughter, Yona. Aleuden and Yona quickly became best of friends.
Over the years their friendship grew into something more, but the two knew that Jeugo would never approve of their courtship. Many nights Aleuden would put his ranger skills to the test, stealthily making his way to meet Yona in the dead of night at their secret meeting spot. One night Yona was followed by her jealous friend Finrod who discovered the secret love and informed her father. The following day Aleuden and his father were summoned to Yona's home by Jeugo. Upon arriving Aleuden was met by Jeugo, Finrod and Yona. Aleuden was puzzled and worried but seeing Yona's calm demeanor suggested that they had not been discovered and put Aleuden at ease.
"Hail fellow, well met!" belted Jeugo. “Thank you for coming Aleuden, it has become clear to me that your son has grown to become quite a capable young ranger. “Thank you. How may we help you today?” Aleuden responded. “I wish to put your son’s skill to use for the good of the land. I wish to make him an ambassador and send him to the world of men to bolster our relations with them”, he continued, “The threat of the Taelunteer is an ever growing one and some day we may need allies to face this threat. What say you?”
Aleuden was astonished, "We are honored by your request. I can assure you that Aleuden will rise to the task” said Aleuden. Jeugo continued as Aleuden's heart turned to stone and his chest tightened as he gazed over to Yona who did all she could to hold back her grief and shock. Stepping up from behind Yona came Finrod, whose smug look was all Aleuden needed to discover the truth to his sudden appointment. The next day Aleuden was sent out into the world of man, he never was able to see his love again.

Kaala - Throwing Shade: Ranger

Noble Family - Holdings - Viscount

This society is the long-time enemy of the Loara Isles, and more specifically, her Cloak Dancers.