Leaping To Action

Responding to a cry to help, Richter posted a notice to assist a talking frog who had taken up residence at the Last Stand Tavern. Upon his arrival, he was reunited with a few other familiar adventurers he had traveled with, Gwen and Vareth, who greeted him in kind regards. Together, they approached the bartender who produced a small frog. The frog stood on his back legs, took a bow and introduced himself as Madmus the Magnificent. He explained to the party that he had wrapped up his event, The Tower of Combat and was heading south, when, in a heated argument with one of his pupils, insulted him for being a sorcerer and not a wizard. During the next morning in his spell preparations, his apprentice ambushed him, polymorphing him into a frog. He tried to seek help in Xiomara, but no one would listen to him, and he made his way to Fjordhaven via the portal network where he was able to find someone who'd listen. He tasked the party with bringing his apprentice to justice, look out for any other apprentices that may have caught his ire, and most importantly, the retrieval of his spellbook.

Taking up the quest, the party traveled to Xiomara, where they left the frog at the Intelligencia, hoping to keep him safe while they travel. After a few frog related puns from Madmus, the party moved on south to the location the frog had pointed out as the location the apprentice made camp last. The party camped following a long day's journey, deciding they needed food, they quickly came across a boar sitting on a bridge. They party leapt into action, attacking the boar, ready for their next meal. In mere seconds it was slain, however, its form took its true shape: a stoutly human. He had been polymorphed, and was likely one of the missing apprentices that Madmus had told them about. Gwen was struck by the awful abuse of magic, and while Richter attempted to console him, Gwen decided to honor the fallen man in best he could, praying to Mystra and giving final rites best he could. Sleeping for the night, the party woke up rested, though unease was still in the hearts of the party.

A few hours later, the party came upon an opening in front of a cave, where various books, desks, shelves and chairs in a makeshift camp had been set up. The party attempted to approach the camp, where some of the candlesticks animated, and attacked. Fending off the candlesticks (but not without a bruise or two), Richter attempted to smoke out the cave, hoping the mage would come out, however, more furniture animated, and attempted to attack. Fed up with it, Richter sliced an animated chair in half, before turning to the camp fire once again. Once the fire was lit, a bear was seen burying the fire before returning to the cave. Richter called out to Gwen and Vareth, who were hoping to hide in ambush, followed into the cave.

Upon entering the cave, the apprentice spoke to them as pawns of Madmus, stated he was neglected and not appreciated. Gwen demanded his surrender, which he refused. So they took aggressive stance. The bear companion of the apprentice immediately jumped on Richter, biting and clawing him, before grappling Richter to the ground. Gwen and Vareth became wrapped in vines conjured by the apprentice. With the battlefield locked down, the mage did a good job at keeping Gwen at a distance, before he pulled a wand and began healing himself. Shortly after, the tides turned as Richter breaks the pin, knocking the bear unconscious as he joins Gwen and Vareth in the fight against the mage. The roots make it difficult to move, but Richter invoked the name of an unknown entity known as 'Koe-B' as he threw a knife, embedding itself in the chest of the mage. With a scream of rage, he unleashed a few magical spells, easily overcome by Gwen's magical wand. With a last loading of his crossbow, he pins the mage to the wall, who falls unconscious.

The party takes him into the custody of the guard of Xiomara, who place him on trial for various crimes against sentience in Arbour. After turning the mage in, and giving the spellbook back to Madmus, he gives thanks to the party, telling them if they have any need of a powerful spellcaster, he owes them officially one favor. He provides a bag of gold, before restoring his form.

Gwen, seeking signatures for citizenship, asked for help as he has turned in an enemy of the state. The guards, not able to sign themselves, state that the Warden who's ruling of the outside of the cities hold authority, will sign should he testify directly against the rogue mage. After doing so, he witness the brutal execution of the apprentice. Afterwards, Xuxgor gave thanks to Gwen for his testimony and signed for his citizenship, stating that more people should be on the lookout for justice and he would be honored to count him amongst the citizenry. Gwen thanked him for his justice, and the party all went on their ways, awaiting their next adventure.