Mission:
A timid tap wakened Stalker from his sleep. A messenger rat, very weak looking, handed the scroll he held tight in his hand to Stalker. Then, he simply fell back and died. Ignoring this, Stalker read the scroll.

Stalker, I have chosen you to find a mysterious
plague. But, it also looks to be the work of a
poisoner, so be cautious. Many vermin have died
because of this "sickness". You have three days
to find the source, or your axe will be strapped
to the jetty with your head atop of it.

~Ublaz~

Stalker decided to simply bring his long sword and dagger, thinking the axe would be to heavy for this mission. He decided the best place to begin would be the taverns.

Close to the taverns, he saw a mound of dead bodies. When he entered, the taverns were unusually quiet. There were very few vermin in the tavern and even less drinkers. The rumors that there might be a poisoner was obviously circulating. Stalker sat down across from a friend of his, Spike the Marl. Stalker figured that Spike would know about what happened the night the deaths started, since he usually frequents the taverns. "Spike, what happened the night the deaths began?" Stalker asked. "Well, it happened three days ago. We were celebrating a very successful raid. We were drinking grog and havin' an all around good time. While we was sportin' with each other, I saw some beast come in. Didn't think anythin' of it, bein' drunk and all. Few minutes later, I saw whoever it was leave. 'Twas then that we opened a new barrel a grog. Some of us was to full to have any more. I was one of 'em. About half an hour later, some beasts was complaining about sore stomachs. We didn't think anythin' of it, just sayin' they was gonna have a heck of a hangover. The rest of us just slept in the tavern. When we woke up, every single beast who was complaining about there stomachs was dead. A bunch of beasts from other taverns died as well. I ain't drinkin' no more 'til they catch this beast, I can tell yer that." Stalker considered this information, then thanked Spike,"Thanks for your help, matey"

Stalker then went to someone who knew everything about poisons. Dragonphoenix. Stalker found her in her ship, on the watch. "Dragonphoenix, I need your help with something." "OK," she replied,"My watch is almost over." Stalker glanced at the hourglass. Just a few more seconds. A vixen came by and turned the hourglass over and began her watch. "Now what was it you want my help with?"

After explaining his plan to her, they went to the taverns to check the grog. Taking an ant, she got a little drop of the expected poisoned grog and placed it in front of the ant. The ant drank a little and seemed fine. Then, it started twitching and died. "Well, Stalker, it's poisoned." They tried the test on all the other taverns, all with the same result. There was a poisoner!

Stalker took this information to Emperor Ublaz. Stalker suggested that they make new grog and set a trap for the poisoner. Ublaz agreed. Stalker went to the head chef and asked him to mix up some grog for all of Sampetra. He said it was impossible, but Stalker, drawing his long sword, convinced him. He started fixing some grog immediately.

Stalker went to the taverns to tell the good news of new grog. All the beasts were up on their feet yelling and screaming with joy.

When the grog was completed a day later Stalker and the chef's helpers were rolling the grog to the taverns much to the happiness of the corsairs. When all the sea beasts had fallen asleep, Stalker went to the store room and hid among the barrels and kegs. Two hours later, Stalker was beginning to think the beast would not come, when the room's door creaked open and a hooded figure entered the room. From the light coming through the main tavern, Stalker saw that it was a corsair Commander named Tranglur. Stalker had already drawn his dagger, and was bringing his arm up to throw, when Tranglur saw him and ran. Stalker stumbled out of the room and tore off after Tranglur. Stalker could barely see him in the moonlight, but he could still make a throw. Stalker momentarily stopped and sighted along the dagger's projected trajectory. He let fly the dagger with all his might. But in the time it took for Stalker to aim, Tranglur had gotten out of killing range. The dagger fell short and, instead of killing him, cut through the back of his right leg, which cut his tendon. He fell over and was unable to get up. Stalker walked over and slowly drew his long sword."Ublaz said that if I didn't figure out who was poisoning the corsairs, my head would decorate the jetty. Well, at least someone's head will welcome returning ships." Stalker swung down hard!

After getting a good night's sleep, he walked toward the palace, hearing the happiness of the corsairs in the taverns. He was escorted up to Ublaz' chamber and left there. He entered and gave his report. Later, on his way back to the jetty where his room on the Abyss was, he smiled. Tranglurs head was stuck on a trident at the end of the jetty.