As happens every once in a while, stablemaster Phaedrus can be seen in the company of raincrow. Raincrow, an elf by nurture, something undescribable by nature, always seems a bit uneasy in the open street, as can be seen by his eyes as they search over every bit of terrain continually as he walks. Phaedrus, on the other hand, looks quite at ease, as if he knows just what everything is all about anyway. One day Phaedrus and raincrow were discussing one of the topics they sometimes discuss, mainly, the best way to make nets. Should one use plants, seaweed, or stewed goblin tongue tissue? Raincrow had the feeling that stewed tongue tissue would work best, while Pheadrus insisted it was plant parts. So, the two of them decided to test to make sure. Only one or two problems remained. One, the plants Phaedrus needed were in the swamp, and two, no one seemed to have any goblin tongues about. They decided that the test would have to go on, so they made ready for a quest out into the swamp. Luckily it is rumored that there is a goblin city to the west of the swamp, so they could basically make one trip and kill two birds. Or throw one stone into two trips. Anyway, they made preparations and left on a bright Edgekeep day, the sun shining brightly in a sky that had seen it's share of things that Phaedrus and raincrow would do to win a bet... So the day came and they went out, those in the Twisted dagger joking about what might happen. Would the swamp drain, or would the two come back running quickly into Edgekeep, explaining to the guards that closing the gates would be a jolly idea, and then watching as a goblin horde scrambles out of the swamp armed to the teeth? The two left in high spirits, both knowing that they couldn't lose. Raincrow with his bow and quiver, all gray as his apparel, and Phaedrus, in brown, carrying no apparent weapon save a medium sized sword at his waist. "Eh, Phaedrus, I don't see why you even go out on this bet!" exclaims raincrow. "I mean, everyone knows, except perhaps you, that goblin tongues make the best nets." Phaedrus looks at the sky in a way like, "Why can't you tell him anything??" and says to raincrow, "You know the problem with goblin tongues? They were once inside a goblin's mouth and they never practice oral hygiene." raincrow says, "But that's why they make the best nets!! Can't you see?" Phaedrus sighs and they continue on. After entering the swamp the going gets a bit more tricky. They have need to find any and all somewhat solid place to walk upon for one false step could put someone in up over their heads, literally. The day wears on and nothing of importance happens until raincrow says, "Uh, Phaedrus? I certainly know that thing is not one of my illusions... is it one of yours?" Phaedrus turns slowly to look at a grotesque swamp monster rising behind him. The thing seems to rise out of the murk like animated murk, and then huge eyes opened. Eyes more than two, though, and when the eyes are finished opening there stared no less than 14 pulsating eyeballs. Two close quickly as raincrow shoots them with his arrows, but the swamp thing is not injured in the least, or so it seems. Phaedrus backs away very quickly and moves his hand. Tendrils of more animated swamp rise about the thing and enclose it like a cage. The thing makes no noise, but seems to be quite disgruntled by the situation and begins gnawing at the cage with what can only be murky swamp like teeth. Phaedrus and raincrow take the moment of opportunity to escape the nasty thing. Stay Tuned For Part 2