Malathrax , a young noble Menelothian sorcerer, surveys the brothel he has purchased. Twenty acres of land and a few outbuildings with only one survivor from the battle previously…her name Sureshar. The party are joined by a young and talented druid called Osmedrain Windsheer from the Jandraki Coast and they begin a detailed search of the brothel and its surroundings. Malathrax believes that all is not what it seems…his intuition tells him something is not right with the set up at the brothel.

Further questioning of the girl Sureshar (a former prostitute) reveals that a sorcerer called Caldron – a mysterious and reclusive character that resides in the forest to the north, owned the place. His sorcery was used to give the clients the illusion that they could have whatever pleasures they desired (including pigs if that’s your bag!) and whilst they indulged in these pleasures the girls would gather information and filter it back to Caldron.

The party decide that they should investigate this man. There are still many questions left unanswered. The journey north to the woods takes them a day (with a slight detour to Dros Goran for provisions) and when they reach the wood it takes them no time to find the reclusive sorcerer. Caldron is Rosen and both the sorcerer and Nyrond, a Malakar priest and the only elf in the party (Ygran),  sense a deep power within him. Caldron is surprisingly calm and greets them with a warm welcome – even the ten thooligans (theological/hooligans) that accompany the priest don’t faze him.

Malathrax lays claims to the brothel but Caldron merely smiles; "you can have the deeds if you do me a service," he says. The party ponder this, not wanting to take on such a sorcerer they decide to hear what he has to offer. Caldron tells them of a small village to the northwest (two leagues distant) called Karsus. It lies in Drenai territory but is only yards away from the border of Rosen – the realm of the god/king Malakar.

Caldron explains; "the village itself is unremarkable in many ways and has a population of fifty or so. In the centre of it is an oak tree from Elenoria, a gift from Queen Illyanth to the Drenai, the elves relocated it and it has a deep significance for them. Pilgrims come from miles around to see it and worship under the branches.

"To win the deeds and my gratitude I want you and your companions to destroy it…the whole village. Kill everyone in it and make sure the tree burns. Use only fire as axes will have no affect on the sturdy oak."

The party are stunned, with the exception of the priest Nyrond, who relishes the idea of taking the fight to Willowstar. Malathrax decides to go to the northwest to reconnoiter the village before they decide what they will do. The young sorcerer is taken with the mysterious Caldron – particularly with the easy manner and calm power he displays…perhaps, he thinks, I can learn from this man.

They head to Karsus which is situated on the edge of the towering mountains that make the border to Rosen. It is in a natural bowl with trees all around. Malathrax, the druid Osmedrain and the martial artist, a Kordian named Danat Perez, decide to spend a day in the village whilst the priest Nyrond and his ten thooligans remain hidden with the horses.

Karsus has five structures; a tavern, two farmsteads, a monastery and a shrine. The tree sits in the middle of a shallow river that runs through the middle of Karsus, a place where pilgrims come to contemplate. Malathrax heads into town. They take top floor rooms in the tavern where ten people are housed…it is run by a Drenai called Rogart. To their horror they see an elf in the corner polishing what can only be described as a Darkbow. All try to empty their minds as the Marraq’s eyes and mind are upon them.

They consider calling the whole thing off until Malathrax informs them that Marraqs have no love for Elenorian shrines. Next they head for the monastery where master Kelomar – an ageing martial artist with five young students – greets them and makes them welcome. He demonstrates his skill for them as well as a unique ability to use his mind to grab and pull things towards him.

The shrine is managed by a lowly Willowstar priest called Manjin and there are several pilgrims with him (he runs guided tours and history lessons about the tree). The two farmsteads are run by Mulusk and Bencher respectively, stout Drenai farmers with a handful of family and workers.

On their return that evening to Nyrond the decision is made…Karsus will be hit at first light. The decision was made easier by the Marraq’s mental communication with the party; I am with you! He says into their minds.

The tactics are as follows: Malathrax, the druid and the martial artist will make a defensive position on the roof of the tavern whilst priest Nyrond and the thooligans will rampage on the ground. Malathrax and the druid can offer archery support as the priest and his men move into each structure at dawn.

The tavern is the first building to be stormed. The thooligans butcher many before the alarm call is raised. From their vantage point above they see two students from the monastery emerge, swords in hand. Malathrax and the druid shoot them in the throat with their longbows as the bloodshed in the taproom flows. Nyrond strikes down the tavern keeper Rogart and orders his men out into the other structures as he heads for the shrine and the priest of Willowstar, his face grim and determined.

Master Kelomar emerges with his remaining students (one of which takes an arrow into his heart) and rushes to face the thooligans. Standing n the doorway of the tavern is Veldus (the Marraq) and on his face is a smile blacker than night itself. His hand is a blur and there is a clap of thunder that heralds his first shot. Kelomar lurches back…his hand tries to pull the dark arrow from his jugular but it is too late…he slumps to the ground. The students turn on the Marraq but they are woefully slow…he takes each on in the eye with deadly efficiency.

Nyrond is now at the shrine where the Willowstar priest raises a hand to defend himself…but soon his blood and the unholy water of Malakar desecrate the small shrine. The Malakarian gathers more holy water and kindling and heads for the tree itself…

Malathrax, the druid and the martial artist join the Marraq Veldus and the remaining six thooligans as the two farmsteads are suddenly roused by the noise. Farmer Mulusk stares over his gate, axe in hand, and dies at the hands of a deadly Marraq arrow.

Whilst the party move upon the two farmsteads Nyrond, the Malakar priest, stands at the roots of the tree and carefully places kindling all around the base. He uncorks a vial of unholy water and smiles with grim satisfaction…

Here ends the first chapter of the Massacre at Karsus…

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