--- Adventure 1 ---

Thorn, who had strayed somewhat ahead, suddenly turned around and gave a sharp whistle to catch the others' attention. He was somewhat off the road. All around the place, there snow had been heavily threaded and here and there bloodstained.

He was standing close to a purple mound which the snow had begun to cover. On close inspection, one could see that it was the slashed body of a human, lying in an odd twisted position on the ground, face downwards. The by now familiar stench of the ra'azac was around him. One of the hideous creature's wings was sticking out from under the tattered purple cloak.

Thorn made a grimace of disgust at the renewed encounter with the stench and waited for the others to catch up.

He felt that awful stench again. Was his mind playing tricks? He realised it wasn't when he heard Thorn whistle. In seconds he was standing near him.

"Is that..err..that Ronin guy? it seems some people are not as handy as you with their blades. Ok, we'd better find something to dig with and give this poor fellow a proper burial"

Drogo came near staggering. He was feeling more secure in the company of the others. At least the elf knew his business and the Barbarian's massive bulk reassured him. He pulled a handkerchief with delicate flower broderies out of his pouch and held it over his nose with his left hand. Then he cautiously circled around the mound.

"Ye-yes... It is Ronin. Poor guy. There were more than one who attacked him, I think. Look, he took one down", he said, pointing at the wing showing from underneath the body.

Thorn shook his head slowly.

"It wasn't a ra'azac who got him. He handled the stinker all right. But ra'azacs don't leave such traces". He motioned with his head vaguely all around them at the treaded snow and large, half snowcovered tracks leading away. "Besides... ra'azcs don't slash a body like this, even though he seems poisoned by them alright. This was a much larger creature, one that walks on the ground. What it was though... I have no idea."

He fell silent and seemed lost in thought.

She felt sorry for Ronin. But this is how it goes....some survive..some die....

Ronin died. Angy knew from that moment that their trip is going to be difficult and full of dangers.

Rissa started sniffing around and though the smell was awfull she could still distinguish another scent. "I may stand a chance to find whatever is after us" she said.

Ias was left aside and for a moment he had this strange impuls to do something astonishing while the others weren't looking. But then... maybe it's best to stay stick with the group. Maybe he shouldn't hurry and learn how to bear the others. He stood close to the ra'azac body and while a dead animal could vaguely help him, the new corpse lit a flicker in his eyes.

"The dead shall serve their purpose" his thoughts mumbled quietly, so quietly, but still loud enough to make use of his voice...

Drogo shyly turned to the wolf lady. He was still scared in her presence. "Do... do... do you know what it m-m-m-ight be?"

The thought that all his magic was useless against a ra'azac was unnerving.

Thorn gave him a mocking glance. "I'd rather ask if you can still catch the smell in the morning. We should find a place that's half-way safe for a night camp."

"I'm not too sure" said Rissa "The snow is fresh and it might snow again. But I agree with the camp. Besides, if it killed Ronin it is sure it will return for us..."

Ias also came forward and joined the group.

Thorn shrugged.

"Open fields or rather a grove?"

"I'd rather a grove...." said Angy.

*I am able to help with the camp bether than with tracking down this evening* Rissa said smiling.