Wraith Watching by Haxby

[Random_White_Guy]

[tface=callig][size=9]W[/tface][/size]raith [tface=callig]W[/tface]atching

[tface=callig]A comprehensive study of Ymph's Bandits

Featuring exclusive interview[/tface]

[tface=callig]Professor C . R Haxby[/tface][/font][/b]

[Random_White_Guy]

[tface=callig]F[/tface]leeing the situation of Old Port is no new phenomenon.

Since the brutal reign of the Count has begun refugees have in droves sought flight from his tyranny and in any shape and form seek refuge. To come to Ymph though facing an extinction level event as fueled by the artificial magics of a Lich is a unique phenomenon, and one I believe worth further investigating.

It is said that many opportunists and desperate men took to the Ymphian Forest in pursuit of survival paramount. Claimed by some to be Caermyn backed opportunists and by others to be the remnants of the Squire Reach's offensive practice of sending political refugees into the forest to die horrific and gruesome deaths, the fact of the matter is origins matter little upon Ymph.

The Mist Wraiths, a band of brigands and outlaws the likes of which have not been seen for some time insomuch as they have been able to persist time and again with their ranks growing and decreasing as to be expected of the hazardous career of professional banditry. While many have said they have died, I bring to you the truth of matters- They are very real. They exist. They dwell amongst the Forlorn Underwood. They are organized, they are persistant, and most of all they are particularly cunning.

To these ends I had the ill or good fortune, I have not yet decided, to come upon one of these figures within the Forlorn Underwood. What follows is Oghma's purest truth and firsthand interview with a man who has, as many have, traded morality for survival. While his name has not been given it shall not be passed on. His face is unknown. What was gleaned though from this encounter was a number of simple truths that many choose to overlook.[/b]

[Random_White_Guy]

[tface=callig]B[/tface]acked into a canyon I was rather forfeit of the high ground.

In predatory style I was slowly being encroached upon as the Bandit entered into telling me a story.

As the individual distracted me with his lamenting of his plight from Old Port, the pursuit of his life, fleeing from Squire's persecution,  and a curious encounter he had with a snake in the forest fleeing I was ambushed by a quartet of his peers. Or perhaps his rivals. As an arrow struck my armor I shattered a vial of invisibility upon my person and hid within the brush, watching the display as it unfolded.

He lamented that it was "His mark" as I fled his colleagues and I followed him for a short time thereafter in curiosity of this new specimen. As we traveled and I espied him from the bushes he came upon a lone traveler. The man looked as if he were to ask for directions before the subject stated something along the lines of "Taking out my frustration on you". In two quick stabs with his spear the traveler was knocked unconcious and his purse looted.

As his colleagues approached the subject grew territorial. He blatantly explained the mark was his, akin to a number of jungledwelling predators, before departing with his bounty. At this time I was heard and we entered into a second discussion, albeit shorter. He inquired if I was still present as he heard me, I commented on my observations and inquired if he was for hire, and he desired to continue where we left off away from his colleagues. A vial of blurring was shattered on his person and we found ourselves crossing blade as he swung his spear at my head.

As the Tiger Spirit I fear no combatant, so raising my exotic curved blade I swiftly parried his attack and we engaged in a series of blows and pursuits through out the woods of Ymph. While he was stronger than I, I had a variety of baubles to aid in my surviving his onslaught as we engaged in battle discussion.

After a short skirmish he fled and I gave chase, in an attempt he returned to his group in hopes of assistance. Instead it seemed they took upon him this time as target, encouraging him to use a bag of flash powder and a vial of invisibility before fleeing the herd. With the stray away from the heard though...the Tiger comes out to play. I pursued him further reveling in the skirmish as we engaged in three or four other endeavors before he eventually conceded the day to my victory and fled.

I followed him through out the underwood and into the mists themselves, where I found him hiding behind seven traps he had set, eyes upon the door. Using my own magics and skills I bypassed the traps and joined at his side, remarking on his day thus far as being a difficult one. The Mist Wraith was not amused, even at one point proclaiming I was now "Simply being mean", before we engaged in the interview.[/b]

[Random_White_Guy]

[tface=callig]A[/tface]nger was palpable within the cavern.

With my presence of inquiry and his recent secession from our skirmishes he had taken to this hole to hide and now he was confronted once more with his rival, and my witticisms were not taken in any delight. Though our interview to follow was to be brief he acknowledged he was rather cornered and we entered into a discussion upon his plight, the Mist Wraiths, and the future of Ymph.

In my further inquiry if the individual was for hire he proclaimed that he worked alone and "Did his own thing". I overlooked publicly musing on the fact that during our skirmish he sought to flee back to his cohorts in hopes of my slaying or capture. Instead I chose to address his lively hood.

As my time amongst the Aberdenn brought many rumors of the forests I had known of the existence of these Wraiths but I had never seen one in person. As he was cagey of the answers to each of my questions he was growing increasingly frustrated with our situation, refusing to even look in my direction while uttering threats under his breath and further displaying his annoyance at my company.

I had informed him that I had studied much of ymph, worn many uniform, served under many professions and that I was a man of knowledge and truth as Oghma teaches such brings us power and strength. I informed him I had never been a Bandit but I was curious of the experience and lifestyle, to which he responded derisively. I told him I would be interested in a further interview that we may speak at length, of which he grew increasingly hostile and stated he was departing. He had said if I were to follow him he would gut me.

In my final question I chose to be coy, as the Tiger is want. I asked of him if he would not answer me how I could join the Mist Wraiths that I learn more of the lifestyle and hazards and tribulations of Ymph's enigmatic organized and free spirited band of hunters.

"Lose the colors, Watcher, make a name for yourself, and find one of us. I'll not let anyone into the rank who isn't of Honest Trade".

He then departed the cavern and I was left to muse on the encounter, my mind quickly racing and formulating if I should give chase to this bandit or honor my word. On principle I chose to remain and reflect as is my path, and my path is not one I would sacrifice for survival as so many on Ymph have.[/b]

[Random_White_Guy]

[tface=callig]W[/tface]ith the conversation concluded I was in isolation.

Amongst his hidden hole surrounded by traps that he easily evaded, and I likewise could, I tried to envision myself in his pale white garb. As a Wyrm Watcher we are devoted to the ending of Tyranny at every turn. We are opposed to the harm of the free men, the machinations of the withered, and the undertakings of those who would harm Ymphian sentient beings.

I cannot help but wonder if at one time or another if we had been able to do more these men who have banded together sacrificing all for survival could have been swayed. If those who sought to drive them from the Hamlet could have found refuge amongst our camp and our hearth, utilizing their penchant for stealth and ambush against the Maiden's forces as Rover rather than the short and brutal life of the cut-throat.

A choice is ever made though- To live well and die with one's morals and principles safely secured away or to sacrifice them one by one in pursuit of a continued existence within this hellish landscape.

My only hope is if he ever reads this text he finds solace in knowing I meant him no harm, but at the same I could not allow him so freely to prey upon the innocent. That if he or any other Mist Wraith desire further interview I would welcome them to contact me for a meeting in honest spirit that we may discuss and share our experience.

And perhaps, just perhaps, if one would have interest in being hired away from the life of Ymph's most elusive bandits. Until such a time this text shall be place held herein awaiting with bated breath to see what new knowledge may be learned of these figures.[/b]